> * Always remember, God loves you. He doesn't love anybody else, one grain of sand more than he loves you. * **** ------ Joseph ------ Her reaction stunned me to the core and all of a sudden, I was unable to recognize the girl in front of me. It was then I realized how wrong it was to judge a book by its cover. If I had any doubts, then it was cleared up the moment she opened her mouth. “ You idiot. ” She hissed. “ How dare you get back together with that traitor you call a best friend? Who gave you the effrontery to do something as big as this behind my back, fool? ” “ Tsk, my guess is right after all. You are nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing. ” “ You were deceived by my act, weren't you? I had actually thought you were intelligent and smart, who would have thought that you'll fall for appearances alone. ” “ It's a pity, Vera. How easy it was for me to compel you to reveal your true nature. This makes me wonder what will happen if you lose that so-called bet
> * I am hoping that you can trust the one who keeps the time clock, with all your heart. * **** ------ Miranda. ------ I received a call from Evelyn minutes after Jose stepped out of my room. She really kept her promise of calling me everyday. I don't make promises, as I am not good at keeping them. So I'm super amused at how she'd been able to keep hers. “ Hey, girl. ” “ Hi, Mira. How are you? ” Her voice was filled with enthusiasm as always. “ I'm doing great. What about you? ” “ I’m okay. How was your day? ” “ It was alright. Yours? ” “ Same here. ” “ Uh-huh. ” “ So tell me, did you go out with Joseph today? ” “ I did. How did you know about it? ” “ It’s not a secret as everyone at school knows about your little get away. ” “ How's that even possible? We didn't inform anyone about it, okay? ” “ Well, log into the school online platform to see. ” “ Okay. I will do that. ” “ By the way, are you sure you and Joseph aren't dating? Because you two act more like
> * God has not forgotten about you and he knows exactly what's going on in your life. * ***** ------ Author's POV ----- The next day, The trio's appearance caused a stir, as expected. Some of the students who weren't used to seeing the three of them together gossiped while some wondered what caused the sudden change. They ignored the gazes they got as they headed to their classes. At the assembly, the disciplinary team apologized to both Miranda and Joseph for punishing them unfairly. Nevertheless, the fact that they've been once suspended and sent to detention will forever remain a stain on their school record. They couldn't care less though, since their final exams are in just a few weeks time and they are super focused on that. Vera Lynn on the other hand, had been taken flown out of the country overnight. Miranda heard from her sister that she'll be homeschooled till she finally writes her final exams and gains admission into Harvard. *** —Miranda— One wee
> * Are you willing to trust God's timing before you make a decision? * **** * Happy 60 chapters, readers! * Saturday, The trio were all seated on the couch in Evie's music room. As Evie's parents were music progenies. They've got diverse kinds of musical instruments ranging from the simple flute, the guitar to the piano and saxophone. The instruments were all in different shapes, colors and sizes, giving the trio a variety to choose from. Being a lover of the violin. Mira chose a medium sized golden colored one. Evelyn chose the guitar while Joseph went for the piano. “ Are you guys ready? ” “ Of course! ” Evie and Joseph replied in unison. “ Great, so the song we are going to be singing together is — ” Evie interrupted her words. “ You say by Lauren Daigle. ” “ Perfect. So to all the readers and listeners we hope that this song will remind you that you are enough and help you realize that your self worth isn’t in what people think of you but — ” Evie interr
> * Dare to trust God's timing because it'll give you peace and rest. * **** Birthdays come once in 365 days. It's a day when we move from one age to another. A day we are supposed to feel so loved and cherished. In a nutshell, it's a special day that should be celebrated with loved ones. The question is, does everyone feel this way on their birthdays? **** ------ Author's POV ------ “ Hey Mira, wake up! ” Evielyn attempted to wake the sleepy head who was still cuddling her pillow tightly at eight o'clock in the morning. “ No. I want to sleep more. ” Mira whined subconsciously, pulling the blankets closer. “ That's not happening. You have to wake up now! ” Evie made her point as she pulled off the blanket. “ What is the problem with you, Evelyn? Miranda was filled with rage at having her sleep interrupted. “ It's not even morning yet! ” “ It is. ” Evie walked towards the curtains and lifted them, allowing bright light to come into the room. “ See? ” The la
> * If you trust God's timing then you will realize that it's for your own good. * **** ------- Author's Pov ----- “ Joseph is madly in love with your Best friend. ” This words kept ringing in Evie's head several minutes after the call had ended and she still found the information overwhelming and too good to be true. Her sister Lyra Raymond is a well known fashion designer and researcher, who resided in Paris with her fiance. Given how up to date she was about everything regarding fashion, lifestyle and social media, Evielyn never hesitated to go to her when she had questions regarding those. Looking at it closely, she realized that it was so far-fetched given how Joseph pays lots of attention to Mira's every need and want. He'd always been there for her, Education wisely, Health wisely and financially wisely even though the latter had complained a number of times about him spending his money on her. He just wouldn't listen. She could recall how pale he looked whe
> * The real reason God doesn't announce his timetable to you, is for you to trust his timing. * **** ------ Miranda. ------ I've been filled with curiosity and wonder from the moment I woke up. But come to think of it, the suspense had actually started yesterday when Jose asked that I stay over for the night. Though it'd been a normal thing, yet it was so sudden. Evielyn had also decided to stay over which had never happened before. Not only that, they'd also asked me to take a day off from work, which I have rarely ever done. “ What's going on actually? ” I thought to myself for the umpteenth time. I stared at Evelyn beside me, who I still haven't forgiven for interrupting my beauty. She'd been acting weird all day, asking me to freshen up, style my hair and dress up beautifully for an occasion I know nothing about. And now? She'd blindfolded me and was slowly leading me down the stairs. Can I know what's happening already? The suspension is killing me. It was then
> * Your name is engraved on the very palms of God's hands so he can't forget you. * **** ------ Mira. ----- “ Good morning, Na! ” I moved towards her. I didn't miss the smile that bloomed on her face on seeing me. “ Hey, Birthday girl. I hope you liked our surprise. ” “ I was stunned by it, Nanny. Thanks a whole lot. ” “ You are welcome. ” She beamed. “ You are looking absolutely stunning today, Miranda. ” Her comment made me blush. “ Thanks, Na. ” “ You know, Babe. Watching you grow daily into becoming a beautiful lady makes me emotional. It makes me think of the preteen who walked into Jose's life six years ago. It now feels like ages ago, doesn't it? ” “ Awn, Na. ” I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around her. Her words made me emotional as I thought about how much time had passed. I've changed from being a depressed and broken preteen into becoming a lady who's so matured and confident of the future. Oftentimes, I wonder where I would have be
Epilogue.“ The end of a thing is better than its beginning. ”****—- Miranda —-It's said that friendship is the backbone of every relationship, I can't help but agree more at this point. I stared into the ever beautiful eyes of my groom and the love and adoration in it couldn't be denied. It's been fifty years of friendship and thirty eight years of marriage, yet it feels like a lifetime.Is this really how beautiful love is?I've always heard about love being beautiful from my parents and now? I couldn't help agreeing more. Years ago, I had questioned why some things happened to me which weren't meant to. I know better now that God has been in my story all along. Slowly crafting and editing out unimportant details, to create a wonderful masterpiece. And now? After so many years and me being surrounded by my friends, family, kids and grandchildren, I can only say. God is good and his timings are always perfect. “ Didn't I say we'll celebrate fifty years of friendship? ” I s
“ Smile because your world brightens up when you do. ” *** —- Miranda —-“ Mom… ” It felt like my heart got caught in my throat at the sight of my daughter in white.I couldn't form a word as emotions rushed through me, I could see flashes of our moments together. The first time I'd held her, the first time she'd said Mom. Her first day at school, the day she'd finally opened up to me about her crush. I would never forget how long the conversation was that day on a small picnic by the lake. The blush on her cheeks and the glow in her eyes made me realize just how smitten my daughter was. “ I love him, Mom. ” I would never forget so soon how beautiful the words sounded when they echoed in the blue sky. And now? The same girl I had held as a baby and vowed to love and protect was now getting married to the love of her life. “ Babe. ” I couldn't control the tears that fell out of my eyes, as I stared at my daughter in the most beautiful dress I've seen. I've always admired supe
“ Having a guy best friend who truly loves and cares about you is indeed super priceless. ” *** “ Dad. ” “ Yes, Baby girl? ” He stared his little sweet sixteen who was looking more and more like her mom on a daily basis. “ Do you know I have a crush on someone? ” Her words made him pause from swinging the swing they were currently on. He'd made it a routine to spend quality time with both his children every weekend so he could get to know them and their personalities better. Though lately, he'd been spending more time with his daughter as it seemed the latter needs his time and attention most.“ Oh, really? Who's the lucky guy? ” He grinned, on seeing the red blush on her cheeks.“ He's Noel. ” She replied in a chicken-like manner. “ And he is? ” “ My Best Friend. ” “ Oh wow. ” Joseph instantly felt history about to repeat itself as he stared at his daughter.“ Does he know about it? ” He inquired softly, taking her hands in his. “ No… I don't think he sees me that way thoug
“ Pain is temporary. ”***“ I wish we can always choose the one we fall in love with. Perhaps it wouldn't be a big deal now that I'm in this case. I am Ava Smith and this is my story. A year ago, I fell in love with a young man who was 20 at the time of our meeting. He wasn't the most beautiful man I've ever come across but in my heart, he'll always be the best definition of beauty. Black beauty is what I'll call him. His smile was ever beautiful and never ceased to warm my heart. His voice was like the sound of many waters and the sound of his laughter was like a waterfall. I fell for this innocence, his honesty and thoughtfulness.I was attracted to him by his love for dancing and acting. I've never met someone as talented as him. Matthew was his name and I must say, his name did great justice to his personality, but I would have preferred for him to be named Daniel. I loved him in a way, I've never loved anyone before. When asked what I love about him, I get confused a
“ Be with someone who is afraid to lose you. ”*** “ How do you feel, Jose. ” Joseph turned to face his beautiful wife, who looked ever stunning at thirty. Perhaps it's true that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, cos even after so many years he still found her as stunning as she'd always been. “ You've asked that question three times already. ” He smiled seeing her pout. “ But it's okay, I get it. ” He turned to face her. “ It's Vera's wedding, I know. ” He pulled her to a seat on the bed beside him as he cupped her face. “ I'd once been infatuated with her, and couldn't imagine a life without her once. ” He paused to search her eyes. “ But that's in the post now, you know. I love you and you are my forever so you don't have to worry about me, Kay? ” “ Um… ” “ Besides, you look unusually beautiful today. ” He tucked her hair behind her face, as she blushed. “ Should we roll on the sheets for a few minutes before we leave? ” “ In your dreams. ” She stood up in an attemp
“ I cry when you cry. ”*** Five years later,Miranda opened the door to her daughter's room and sighed helplessly when she didn't find her there. She matched towards her son's and there she met them spooned together on the bed. “ Gosh, how many times do I have to tell them not to sleep together. ” She muttered under her breath. She'd thought the doctor had been over exaggerating when she said they'll be literally inseparable. Now? She figured Angelina was more than right. They couldn't even stay a moment without each other. “ Nuel, Nuella. ” She patted them lovingly and slowly but steadily she was welcomed by two deep blue eyes. Ones she'd come to fall in love with. “ Mom… ” Nuella was the first to react as she detached herself from her brother's embrace and went into her mother's arms. “ Good morning, Hon. ” She pecked her cheeks and straightened her short hair which was tied in two messy buns. “ Morning, Mom. ” She rubbed her head on Miranda's chest as she'd always done
“ Forgiveness sets you free. ”*** “ Can I take a seat? ” The duo stared at each other before nodding. “ I know you guys have a million and one questions to ask me. ” She smiled, “ That's not unexpected, right? Since I disappeared months ago and suddenly reappeared. ” The duo nodded. “ Well, I was imprisoned for three months due to my involvement in a crime relating to Miranda. ” “ What crime? ” Evie inquired, staring at the two.“ I planned to have her miscarry, but my plan failed as always. ” Her tone was solemn. “ Um… ” Evelyn sighed, realizing her Bestie had forgiven her already. So what right does she have to overreact?“ I heard God for the very first time in the police’s van. ”“ God? ” They were left completely stunned by her words.“ As you both know, I've always been an atheist. But for the first time, I heard the deity which you and Joseph had always spoken about. Prior to that, I've always believed he was nothing but a figment of your imaginations. But the single enc
“ Hard Work sets the difference between great and average. ”***“ You are pregnant, Bestie? ” The latter blushed heavily at the question directed to her.“ Yeah. ” She replied shyly.“ But why didn't you tell me? ” Miranda felt happy, yet a little disappointed at that. Best friends are meant to tell each other everything, right?So why hide that important detail from her?“ I just found out, okay? ” Evie replied defensively, not totally comfortable under her accusing gaze.“ Okay. ” Miranda nodded with a tight smile. ***Later in their car. “ You've been silent, Honey. ” He mused, pulling her into his arms. He'd never totally understand how quickly her mood changes. Thankfully he'd read a lot on post childbirth depression and understood that her feelings and reactions are absolutely normal. Though not totally normal to him as he craves for his wife to be completely alright. “ I feel Evie should have told me about her pregnancy earlier. ” Joseph sighed hearing her words.He'd nev
“ God never comes too late, he comes right on time. ”*** The day seemed to go slowly until the middle aged bride was handed a mirror. “ Oh my. ” Hannah couldn't stop the gasp that escaped her lips at her reflection in the mirror. For some reason, she'd always believed she'd never be as beautiful as she was at her previous wedding ceremony. But who knew. Her short almond colored hair was beautifully styled on her head, her makeup and mascara was perfect further adding to her stunning look. “ You make a beautiful bride, Nanny. ” She turned to hear the exact words she'd said at the latter’s wedding. “ Thank you. ”“ I'm super glad I got to witness your happy day, Mom. ” Those simple words made her emotional. She'd always believed she would never experience the joy and gladness this day brings. After her husband left her. She'd literally lost all hope in finding love again. She believed she can never be happy again as she'll never find a man better than Joshua.But who knew.“ Th