> * If you want to enjoy life, learn to live in balance, work, worship, pray and rest. All work, with nothing else produces a person who lives a complicated, complex and joyless life. * **** Joseph and Miranda sat by side on a wooden bench with metal art forging, in the busy children amusement park. The environment was hustling and bustling with children running around happily and their parents making sure they were alright. Despite the less serene environment, the latter still felt comfortable and nostalgic as they thought about their own childhood, which they could tag as the good old days. Things were ever so simple and peaceful then. Being so young and less knowledgeable about the real world, they always had reasons to be happy and smile as they weren't burdened with so many responsibilities and knowledge. It's no wonder it's been said that childhood is one of the best times of a child's life. That's absolutely true as kids don't have much to worry about, unlike th
> * We can be changed as we worship and behold God, and not as we look at ourselves, adding up our many flaws. * **** — Author's Pov — Joseph had always tried to keep the incidents of their childhood and the past to himself, as they made them feel nostalgic. But now that they were already dwelling on it. He felt it was pointless of him trying to hide the truth. “ Mira. ” “ Yeah. ” She replied without raising her head from his shoulders. “ Do you remember, Breakthrough amusement park? ” The name of that particular amusement park caught her attention and she became ever curious about it. “ I do. What's up with it? ” “ Do you remember going there as a child? ” Joseph treaded carefully. “ Of course I do. My parents and I made it a Saturday ritual to go to the amusement park so it became a habit. ” “ Okay. Do you recall the day pandemonium broke out and all the kids were told to hide? ” “ Yeah. The day is one I will never forget given how scared and frightened I was.
> * Some things should just be left in the past because it's already history. * **** ------ Mira. ----- The revelation left me stunned and full with wonder. I still found it difficult to comprehend that my childhood friend and my best friend are the same person. Like how much of a coincidence it really is. Or maybe it isn't really, because growing up I'd always preferred having make friends than females, partly because as an only child, I'd always craved having a male elder sibling, but never got. I'd never desired a female sibling, as I heard from those who have how tasking and tiring it can be. As petty fights and arguments become the order of the day. Secondly, I'd always noticed my difference and uniqueness from a very young age and realized that I'd never truly been able to blend properly with fellow females, this was until I met Evelyn who changed the narrative. Perhaps this is why I'm less affected hearing them gossip behind me. I was different, so of course being
> * Some people can brighten up your day without having to do anything at all. * **** — Author's Pov — “ What are you thinking so deeply about, Miranda? ” Joseph inquired, interrupting her thoughts. “ I wonder how things would have turned out if you never left when we were younger. ” “ Well, I can't say for sure. Perhaps, we would have been able to grow up together and possibly become more closer than this. And maybe, Mom and Dad wouldn't have gotten divorced and our education wouldn't have been delayed. ” “ Hm. In Spite of all that has happened, I deeply believe that everything that happened to us happened for a good reason. It’s probably part of the greater picture. ” “ Maybe. ” “ Though I still wish, we didn't have to go through all we did. ” “ Same here. ” “ Life can be really unpredictable and we find ourselves asking why. But life wouldn't be so fun if we got everything we wanted every time. It would have been less adventurous if we didn't have to go through s
> * When you find your identity in the one who created you. It changes your whole perspective. * **** They made up their minds to try out the rides after snacking. They sat side by side, as they worked on strapping the belts securely around them. “ It's really amusing to know that you haven't been on a ferry ride before. ” Joseph commented, seeing how nervous Mira was. “ You don't know anything so just shut up! ” She said sharply, still holding a grudge. “ Ah. ” Miranda started shivering in fear as soon as the ride started moving. Joseph stifled a laughter watching her. “ You don't have to feel so scared, Miranda. You won’t fall. I never thought you were a scaredy cat. ” “ Jerk! ” She muttered under her breath. Despite her action, he still held her close while assuring her that she was okay and safe. The wheel stopped and the passengers began alighting one at a time from it. A girl around Mira's age stopped at their seats. “ Girl, you are so lucky to have a loving
> * The most difficult place to be in life is God's waiting room ( when you are in a hurry for something to happen but God isn't. ) * **** ------- Joseph ------- I was on my way back to my room to take a shower when my phone rang. I knew who it was without having to double check, who could it be if not Vera? Swiping up the answer button, I picked up the call. “ Wassup, Vera? ” I didn't know how cold my heart had become until I addressed her by her first name like anyone else. She didn't seem to detect that though. “ Hi, Joe. I'm calling to inform you that I'm almost at your place. ” “ Oh. I'll be expecting you. ” “ Sure. See you in fifteen minutes. ” “ Okay. ” The call disconnected soon after. “ Was that Vera? ” I turned to face Nanny who was staring inquisitively at me. “ Yeah, she's on her way. ” “ Okay. We'll have to start preparing for a good show. ” Her smile reminded me that despite it all, she was with me and it meant a lot, really. “ Don't be too aggressive
> * 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
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