> * 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
> * God never delays without a purpose. * **** ------ Mira. ------ I wasn't expecting much, so was completely blown away when being showered with multiple gifts. Evielyn gifted me a diamond necklace with a red love shaped pendant. It was simple, yet priceless. Nanny gifted me a pack of hair clips and a set of pajamas. I received several miscellaneous items from my classmates and schoolmates which was very sweet. It was only after the gifting ceremony did I notice Jose's absence. Where could he have gone? I wondered looking around desperately. **** I went to my room to change my outfit, when the small party was over. There, I changed into a white jumper, blue jeans and some flip-flops. I was about to exit the room when my eyes caught sight of a spiral binded document on the bed. I advanced towards the bed and picked up the documents curiously, I was stunned at the opening title. ‘ Share Acquisition of Edison Corps. ’ Edison Corps? If I'm not wrong, that's my
> * You are not a mistake, you are not an accident. You are here for a reason. * **** “ So? You haven't given me a reply yet, have you? ” His words interrupted me from my thoughts. “ I haven't. ” “ When do you plan to? ” “ Soon. ” “ Okay. ” He advanced towards his wardrobe and got a t-shirt and pants from there. I stood there, watching him as he got dressed. “ Seems like you've acquired a new hobby now, isn’t it? ” His words brought me out of my stupor. “ What do you mean? ” “ Never mind. Anyways, I am taking my car out for a drive. Would you go with me? ” His offer was so sudden that I didn't know how to react. “ No. Yes. ” His lips curled up in a smile at my indefinite answer, “ Is it a no or a yes? ” “ What do you think? ” “ Are you flirting with me, Miranda? ” “ Me? Flirt with you? ” “ Are you asking me? ” “ Anyways. I gotta go now. ” He grabbed his wristwatch from his study desk and put it on. It was only then I remembered my reason for coming. “ Just a mi
> * Make no mistake. Your gifts will make room for you. * **** Two weeks later. After a lot of preparations, practicing and studying, the final examination finally arrived. The first day of the examination had a kind of different vibe to it. Perhaps it's because a lot of students were very nervous about the exam. Well, who wouldn't be anyways, since it's the final exams? Though there were two people who weren't and those two people are none other than our main characters, Mira and Joseph. As the first subject was English language which was a general subject all the students were seated around the school compound while they did some final preparations. Though there were others who didn't. The trio were seated together on a mat under a large mango tree which served as a shed. While Evie read some English comprehension, Mira and Joseph sat next to each other as they shared an earpiece whilst listening to some relaxing music. Mira rested on Joseph's shoulders in
> * When the world says you are not good enough. Remember the Lord Jesus Christ died for you when you were still a sinner. * **** Soon it was time for the examination. All the students went in orderly into the school's examination hall. Despite the school being a big one, the total number of students who were to sit for the final year exams were 200. While 70 of them were science students, 80 were art while the remaining 50 were commercial students. Despite the population of the students, the large hall didn't look crowded at all. Rather it was spacy. The students were all arranged according to the first letter of their surnames. Due to this, The trio didn't get to sit together. Not like it mattered anyways. They had made a promise not to participate in examination malpractice no matter what. Joseph ended up at the back seat. Mira was in the front seat while Evie was in the middle. The exam commenced just five minutes after they had all settled down. It was to last
> * God will take you just as you are. therefore you don't need to be perfect. * **** Wednesday, ------ Miranda ------ I had just finished my revisions and was about to head to bed when I recalled that Evielyn had an important paper tomorrow morning. Grabbing my phone from the bedside table, I made a call to her, she picked up on the second ring. It was almost like she'd been waiting for my call. “ Hello, Mira. ” I noted that her voice was less enthusiastic. “ Hey, girl. How are you? ” “ I am fine. What about you? ” From the tone of her voice, I could sense she was far from being fine. What could be the matter? I thought to myself. Exam pressure? I wondered. “ I am doing well, girl. Your voice sounds a bit dull. What's wrong baby girl? ” “ It's nothing really. ” “ I can tell from the tone of your voice that something is wrong. Please tell me dearie, what's wrong? ” “ Miranda, do you think I am good enough? ” Good enough? I was stunned by her question. “ Of cour
> * Reaping is reserved for the planters and the reason they reap is because they deserve it. * **** “ Evie dear, The fact that you still recall your name and our names means you aren't suffering from amnesia. ” “ I never said I was suffering from it. ” She replied with an eye roll. “ Um. You didn't. But your reaction made me think that way. ” “ Oh. I'm not. ” “ That's good. off to the next thing. ” “ Evie, did you recall details of what happened in the novel, Depressed ( love yourself )? ” “ Of course I do. ” “ That's great. Why did female lead, Sushie Williams attempt to take her own life? ” “ She was depressed by everything that was going on around her, especially her low grades and the fact that her best friend was more intelligent than her. ” “ Okay. But was she really not enough as she thought she was? ” “ She was enough. Sadly she didn't realize it early on. ” “ Good. How can you explain Sushie's promotion from being an average student to being th
> * If you can get yourself to do things you hate to do but have to do. On the other side is greatness. * **** ----- Mira. ----- “ Thanks a lot, guys for your advice. ” She said in a less solemn voice. “ You are welcome. ” “ It's our duty as your friends. ” “ Still, I feel like I owe you both a big thank you. ” “ If you say so. Do you feel better now? ” Jose inquired. “ Yes. ” “ Great. How about we do some revisions together before we all go to bed? ” “ That's a good idea! ” “ But guys, how can we do revisions together when you two don't take accounting? ” “ It's possible. Jose and I took bookkeeping classes in junior high. ” “ I know, but. ” “ Stop giving excuses and let's get started already! ” Jose interrupted. “ Okay. If you say so. ” She said, finally relenting. **** “ Define Depreciation. ” The first question was by Jose. “ Depreciation is defined as a gradual loss in the value of an asset as a result of wear, tear, passage of time, obsolescence and
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