* The proof of love is being there when no one is. ***** “ My love. ” The sight of my love opening her eyes was just beautiful, despite the reddish part of her face which still pisses me off just looking at it. Her beauty couldn't be hidden.“ Hey… ” Her voice was low, filled with so much emotion. “ How are you? ” Despite the fact the doctor had assured me that everything was fine, both the mother and the baby. I was still worried, how could I not worry? Really, how could I not worry? “ I'm — ” The words died in her throat when a memory flashed before her eyes, and she began trembling. “ Hey… ” Joseph moved in Swift action and sat on the bed with his arms around her. “ It's okay, Babe. You are safe. ” “ Hm… ” She murmured inchorrent words whilst trembling. Joseph kept patting her, hoping she'll get better soon. And she did when she eventually fell back asleep. He tucked her in lovingly, laying a peck on her lips, he said. “ I love you, Babe. ” He paused. “ You'll be
* Love never fails. ***** Mira was having a good night's rest when all of a sudden, she was brought out of her dream-like state when she felt a kick from within her. She sat up immediately, and felt it again. Almost immediately, overwhelming joy overshadowed and she found herself unable to control herself. “ Jose, the baby is kicking. ” At her words, Joseph woke up from his dream-like state, rubbing his eyes, he stared at her confusingly until he saw her pointing at his stomach and so stood up immediately. “ The baby is kicking. ” Mira repeated herself merringly. “ Really? ” He placed his palms on her bare stomach and at that moment, the babies kicked and he felt it. “ Wow. ” He was overwhelmed with emotions he couldn't explain.He met Mira's eyes and he understood. They were both experiencing the joy of first time Parenthood. “ Who do you think is making the kicks? ” Mira stared at him.“ Both of them probably. ” she nodded in agreement, recalling the last tim
* God is love. *****“ I was wrong, Joseph. ” Beatrice was seated across from the duo in the not so crowded canteen that morning, they were able to secure a spot in a more secluded area, which provided enough privacy for them. “ I had always thought I knew what was best for you, Joseph. How wrong I was. ” Miranda stared bemusedly at Joseph, watching Beatrice lose her cool in public. It was completely unlike her. So what changed? “ What made you arrive at this conclusion? ” He definitely wasn't convinced by her words, he knew his mother so well to believe her without thorough evidence or proof. “ After what happened to Mira, which was partly orchestrated by me. ” Beatrice took a deep nervous breath, sensing the change in the atmosphere of the room. Noticing this, Mira discreetly took Joseph's hand and placed it on her baby bump, as a means of reassuring him that she and the babies are perfectly okay. And just as she had expected, it worked as Joseph's complexion changed. B
* Forgive, just as you've been forgiven. ***** “ Joseph. ” Beatrice sounded desperate, she didn't know what to expect. It's been ten minutes since he got back from the restroom and hasn't spoken a word. Though he was present, it was obvious that his mind was elsewhere. ‘ What is he thinking? ’ She wondered. “ You hurt me, Mom. ” His words were slow and piercing, “ But I forgive you. ” Even after several minutes, Beatrice still didn't know how to react. Should she scream, cry or jump? Still, she started still waiting for him to continue, as she felt he still had a lot to say. “ I forgive you, not because you didn't hurt me, but because I realized that God had a plan and knew all about it from the start. That's why he brought Nanny Ann into my life at a very crucial time. ” Beatrice felt a tightening in her chest as his words descended.“ I was raised in an amazing way and as a result, I met the love of my life, Miranda. I know I wouldn't have if you and Dad hadn't abandoned m
* I will send out an army to find you in the middle of the darkness. ***** The drive to the old house took about sixty minutes as it was located on the outskirts of the city. Mira was silent throughout the journey, and Joseph understood why. He'd known Mira a lot to know how she'll react in different situations, especially now that she was heavily pregnant and the pregnancy hormones are all over the place. ‘ The house is looking old and unkempt. ’ Was the first thing, Mira thought of as she stared at the house she had grown up in.It housed a big part of her and her childhood. She said her first word here, her first step was taken here and all of that. In this same house, she moved to know more about the outside world.How much more of herself is housed in this same house? How much more?“ Careful. ” She heard Joseph say as she stumbled on a stone, only then did she recall that she wasn't alone after all. “ Thank you. ” Together, they entered the house after openin
* God always has a plan. *****Mira was busy knitting some stockings as she sang along to a christian song that played on her Spotify.The way you love me, no one can ever love me that way.Help me to see me from the lens of your eyes. Lover of my soul, look what you've done for me. Mira thought of her unborn children as she sang along.She felt so lucky and blessed to get more than she could ever ask for, even though unlike most women she was skeptical about getting pregnant and having kids.Yet, God didn't look at that, but blessed her nevertheless. Your love is amazing, your love is amazing.Just then, the doorbell rang and she stood up slowly and walked towards the door. From the CCTV footage she was able to see who it was and she let out a gasp, realizing who it was.“ Nanny! ” she almost screamed, opening the door to the latter. “ Baby. ” Nanny laughed as the latter flew into her arms, almost forgetting that she's now seven months pregnant.“ I miss you, Nanny! ” Mira beca
*....Behold a child is born, a king is born and the government shall be on his shoulders….***** “ Good morning, Wifey. ” Joseph laid a peck on his sleeping wife's forehead. “ Hey. ” She squirmed a bit, not opening his eyes. Staring at how big she was, he felt pain wondering how painful it is for her. “ You okay? ” “ Um. ” Though she nodded, he wasn't convinced. He knew his wife enough to know that much. Yet, he didn't force her and simply went back to the mirror where he combed his hair and adjusted his tie while watching Mira's movement from the mirror. Minutes passed by without any sound from her, but just when he finished buttoning his sleeve's button. He heard her. This time, it was a painful cry, more gruesome than what he's heard before. “ Mira, are you okay? ” He ran to the bed and helped her to a sitting position. “ I don't know. ” Her face was pale as a sheet. “ I'd love to use the toilet. ” Her voice was hoarse, helping her to a standing position, he
* Love keeps no record of evil. ****Meanwhile, at the reception Joseph kept pacing about until he felt a pat at his back. “ Hey, little man. ” It was Aiden Evans, his mentor, hearing his voice he turned around and embraced him tightly. “ Hey... ” The older man held him like a child, clearly understanding what the latter was going through. “ Thanks for coming. ” Joseph gave an appreciating smile, after detaching himself from his embrace. “ You are welcome. ” Malissa answered for both of them as she walked towards him and gave him a brotherly hug. “ Mira will be fine, Kay? ” He nodded, feeling more at ease. From the corner of his eyes, he saw his parents walking into the reception. “ Joseph. ” He didn't know how to react at first, seeing the concerned gaze in his Dad's eye. Yes, he had forgiven them, but it still felt weird. The connection that took years to build, had been lost a long while ago and it hadn't been returned yet. Joseph knew that will only happen if both parties p
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