Life

Episode 19

When Scarlett woke up the next morning, she was hungry and stood up from the bed stretching while looking around.
Her room was still looking like a princess’s castle just the way her parents had adorned it before she went to college and finally moved out and she suddenly missed her childhood.
Not wanting to bask in the past, she pulled on her fluffy slipper and hurried downstairs just to see her Father in the kitchen serving himself a cup of coffee while looking at the morning paper. She hadn’t seen him before going to bed yesterday and now that she saw him, he suddenly looked older to her. the wrinkles on his face and his grey hair that displayed themselves gloriously on his temples and on some other areas of his hair.
Even in Jeans and T shirt, he still looked good and handsome and at that moment, she knew she wanted to have what her parents had. 26years of marriage and they were still together. she was their only child and he was content. All his years, she had never heard her mother complain that he cheated on her, he treated her well and respected her. if she ever heard them quarrel or disagree, it was in the solace of their bedroom and soon they were together, smooching and acting like they couldn’t do without each other.
But she didn’t think she had started well and she hoped she still had the chance to right her wrongs.
Even if she was a single mother, she hoped she would find a man that was godly and just like her father.
“Goodmorning Dad.’’

He turned to look at her and smiled. ‘’hey kiddo.’’

That smile made her come closer and embrace him. ‘’I miss you.’’
‘’I miss you too pumpkin.’’
“I’m sorry.’’
“hey, it’s okay.’’ He kissed her hair and bent to plant another one close to her lips. Same old Dad. He never stopped doing that. It was like a special bond between them and that was like ‘a welcome greeting’ that she could stay.
She knew her mother would have talked to him and inwardly she was grateful.
‘’coffee?’’
She grimaced.
‘’oh, I’m sorry. I almost forgot.’’ He dropped his paper and coffee mug and went over to pour her a glass of milk.
‘’thanks.’’ She gulped down the glass and helped herself to the cookie jar. ‘’I’m pretty hungry.’’ She laughed when her father’s eyebrows shot up at the way she gulped down the whole glass of milk.
“let me make you breakfast then.’’
She settled down and kept munching her cookies. ‘’where’s mum?’’
“early morning personal devotion and jogging.’’
She nodded silently remembering her mother’s habit and knew she would have to develop that habit soon herself.

“that big guy of yours is amazing. He acts like he’s known us years before now.’’
“you mean Bernie?’’
“yep. How long have you had him?’’
“just two years.’’
“you sure know how to pick animals.’’Her father passed her a plate of waffles and poured her another glass of milk.
“thanks.’’
She dug into her waffles and ate to satisfaction before her father settled down before her.
“I wouldn’t be doing my duty as your father if I pretend like everything’s okay when it isn’t.’’ he began looking into her eyes. ‘’but I wont judge you. I know you made a poor decision in life but and you’ve realized your mistakes, but I want to ask you is what next?’’
Scarlett bit her lip. She knew that was why her mother had left earlier than usual, So that they can have a heart to heart chat.

“well, I came back home because I needed to find God. I’ve gone so far away from God like David did and I need to know what he’s saying to me. what he wants me to do and I need to rededicate my life to him afresh.’’
‘’okay.’’
She shrugged. ‘’I guess that’s the major aspect of me coming home.’’
“and Josh?’’
She looked away. ‘’he’s in my past.’’
“he’s the father of your baby. Are you ready to be a single mother?’’
“he proposed but I refused. I did wrong in the first place. Getting married to him would make things worse. I told him he needed to find God.’’
“and if he comes here looking for you?’’
“he wont. I told him not to.’’
“how far gone are you?’’
‘’two months.’’
‘’what about your job?’’
Scarlett grew sad. ‘’God will work something out for me. I blew the first one. I’m thinking of sending out my CV once more but how many schools would want to employ an unwed pregnant woman?’’
“you don’t look it…’’
“well for now I don’t but just wait till my fifth or sixth month and I’ll be looking like an elephant.’’

“well, I talked to Mr. Becker this morning if you could work for him again for the main time and he was more than willing to let you back. He even insisted he would pay you double of what he was paying you before you left. I guess he was scared you left because he couldn’t afford you.’’
Scarlett’s eyes widened. ‘’you did that for me?’’
“just the little I could do.’’
“oh Dad, you don’t know how much this means to me.’’ she knew the baby was responsible for her getting all mushy and she stood up to hug her father. ‘’ I love you so much.’’
‘’I love you too sweetheart.’’ He rubbed her back fondly.
She settled on his leg gently and looked into his eyes. ‘’you know the kind of man I always dreamed getting married to?’’
He smiled. ‘’I think I do.’’
They laughed together and she embraced him again. ‘’it’s someone who’s just like you Daddy. Exactly like you. who loves God and loves his family and receives me like the prodigal daughter that I am.’’ She wept into his neck.

“shhh..its okay sweetie. If Jesus can receive you, who am I to reject you?’’
She released him and wiped her face with her hands. ‘’will you help me get back on track with God? I think I lost my way a long time ago…’’
‘’I’m the best coach you could ever have kiddo!’’ he lifted her on her feet feigning a strict voice ‘’now go upstairs and clean up. Bible study starts now.’’
She giggled and rushed upstairs thanking God once more.
‘’I must say we make an amazing team in the courtroom.’’ Jamie Green greeted Josh with a shy smile that looked sexy and enticing at the same time. Josh knew the kind of invites that smile sent and as usual, he’d have encouraged it but presently he just wasn’t in the mood.
Four months had gone and he hadn’t been in the mood for s-x with any woman ever since Scarlett left.

Something was most definitely happening to him and He knew it had little to do with Scarlett Ruby but much more to do with what she had told him the about two and a half months ago.
“I wronged you, I wronged Gavin, I wronged myself and I wronged God…, I was having s-x with you. I would have gone to Hell. We would have both gone to hell.
It’s about having a personal relationship with God..
You need to find God…
I let my feelings get in the way…, I worked my way into your bed instead.’’
“Josh?’’
He stared blankly into the brown eyes of the young olive skinned woman that stood before him just outside the courtroom and suddenly realized she was already close to him so that his eyes could settle on her cleavage that revealed a perfect set of b—–s and white bra beneath that did a good job of pushing it upwards. The chain she wore dangled just between her boobs and he wondered if she had pulled off a button already since he hadn’t noticed that initially.
He knew he could take her down now. He could kiss her senseless and just drive to her place and they would have s-x and that would be the end like the cases they both handled but he just couldn’t.
He couldn’t bring himself to.
“I have a son.’’
‘’we can drive to my place and celebrate our victory.’’ She didn’t give up and pushed closer but he moved away. In fact he didn’t have just one son. He was gonna have another one soon!

That was what he told himself when he spoke again. ‘’I have to go. I’m sorry. You were great Jamie but let our relationship remain strictly official.’’
She looked obviously disappointed.
“okay.’’ Was all she could say before she hurried into her car and sped off.
Josh raked his hands through his hair. What in the world was happening to him? The way he overcame that temptation that just dangled right in his eyes he couldn’t say. But one side of him was glad.
He wasn’t an animal after all
When Josh got home, he saw his son sitting at the piano and smiled as he watched Demi sit close to him teaching him slowly and making sure he understood what she said.
“hey…’’
Gavin turned and ran to greet his father. They were beginning to bond slowly and Josh was grateful once more to Scarlett for this. Gavin on the other hand was happy his father returned home early these days and they spent more time with each other in whatever it is Josh suggested they do.

Next year, he was going to start playing cricket and he grew more excited that he would start mixing with other kids in their games.
‘’how’s his piano lessons? Improving?’’
“a little. I think he has his mind set on drawing instead.’’ Demi smiled. ‘’but you need to hear him read. I wont be surprised if this boy grows up to write his own encyclopedia.’’
‘really?’’ Josh looked at Gavin with a grin and nudged him playfully. The boy giggled and wiggled out of his father’s arms.

“let me show you what I drew today Dad.’’ He pulled his father’s hands and dragged him to his room. ‘’and I’m going to read those big words Aunt Demi thought I couldn’t pronounce.’’

Josh followed him into his room and stared with wide eyes as Gavin showed him so many images of what he had drawn while he was away.
“wow, this is awesome.’’
“I know right?’’ Demi laughed.
Josh couldn’t be more pleased.

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‘hey’’
Josh looked up from his ipad and saw Demi staring at him from the door of his study. “may I come in?’’
“sure.’’ He relaxed into his chair and stretched looking at the time.
11pm.
“you look tired.’’
“yea, I guess I am.’’
She came to settle on the leather cushion that faced him. ‘’I called Scarlett today.’’
Josh’s head jerked up and his heart beat wildly in his chest. ’’is she okay? Is the baby okay? Did something go wrong?’’
Demi smiled. ‘’she’s fine. Infact she’s doing better than I expected and she told me to extend her greetings to you.’’
Josh relaxed once more.
“you miss her don’t you?’’
‘’now that’s an understatement.’’ He breathed. ‘’you don’t know how hard it is to know where she is and yet, I can’t even go to her. I can’t even feel her or feel my baby inside her moving against my palms. It’s complete torture.’’
“it took Gavin a while to get over it all but he still brings it up once in a while.’’ She sighed sadly
“you know why she left don’t you?’’
“she gave me her bullet points.’’ He scoffed.
“you mentioned she wants you to find God.’’ She continued. ‘’then why don’t you find God and stop making your journey so hard and difficult. You want to turn a 4odays journey into 4o years like the isrealites.’’
‘’I don’t even know where to start from.’’
‘Start by realizing you need him and don’t try proving anything because you’re nothing. And be humble. He loves a humble heart and a humble appearance too.’’
‘’you say it like it’s one easy task.’’
“you’re not the first who would seek God Josh darling neither will you be last. So start now.’’
And she was gone leaving him to ponder on what she had said

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The few months Scarlett spent working for Mr. Becker proved stressful initially but after a while, she got used to it and took her time undergoing the same procedures as before. She put his files in order, answered his calls and other calls coming in for the company and kept note of his appointments that came up almost every day.

Though sometimes, she would feel sleepy, she tried not to act lazy at work and when she got home, she would slump on the couch and doze off till the next morning hungry and in a hurry
She was seven months gone, and she was even looking it and she could tell the baby was really weighing her down. Her feet felt swollen, her back ached and she suddenly wished she could get a good massage from a loving hand. Her mind flashed to Josh and she shut out the thoughts immediately before she started fantasizing.

But the days when the hormones took over her, she couldn’t help but wish he was with her, holding her and loving her the way he used to.
It felt so long and it took her extra grace not to dial his number cos she knew he would be beside her in a jiffy if she showed any sign of weakness and so she would remain calm and keep praying for him.

Keep praying that God would find him and pull him out of the dark pit where he was currently.

Absentmindedly, she rubbed her blip and felt the baby kick against her reminding her she had to go for her prenatal appointment today with her mother.

She was ready for everything except the s-x of the child.

She wanted it to be a surprise for herself and Josh.
Most especially Josh.

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It was a beautiful day no doubt. The blue sky giving credence to the sun that shone brightly in the sky and the day promising to be a fruitful and unforgettable one as people moved about mumbling about one thing or the other, while others were involved in organizing the ceremony.

Rea grew nervous and kept fidgeting
“I cant believe this is happening.’’ She told Sue who had her younger sister Eleanor carry her baby for her.

“you’ll be fine Rea…, just relax. Look into my eyes and take a deep breath.’’

“it’s easier said than done.’’

‘’well, I did it, and here I am now. So its your turn. You better get that into your brain walk out of this room and into the church and tell that goodlooking man that you’re sticking by him for better for worse till death parts you both.’’
Rea breathed. ‘’till death parts us.’’
“good.’’ Sue smiled Inhale it, think about it and do it! Now that’s the spirit.’’ Sue smiled
Rea nodded and looked around. ‘’ I need to see Scarlett.’’

“she’ll be here soon. You just get ready in five minutes to step out.’’
Rick’s head popped in. ’’you girls through?’’
Rea turned to look at her stepfather and beamed. He came close and she embraced him ‘’thank you. I couldn’t wish for another man to be my father.’’
“Neither could I wish for a better daughter.’’ He kissed her cheeks while releasing her.
Rea teased. ‘’don’t let the twins hear you.’’
“hmmmn, that’s a good idea.’’ He smiled down at her and traced the dark curl that found way to her face beneath her wedding veil. She looked like a princess. His princess and he was handing her over to another man. He had never seen Rea so beautiful and innocent at the same time.

It was like she was more of God’s bride than Ryan and he marveled in the way she had grown to be so lovely years afterwards.
“I love you sweetheart and I want you to know that the fact that you’re getting married to Ryan doesn’t mean I’ll stop caring for you. you’re still welcome home anytime.’’
“thank you.’’

He extended his hand to her. ‘’I guess this is it then.’’
Rea grew emotional and tried not to cry. ‘’I guess so.’’
“Ready to be Mrs Andrea Riverstone?’’
“I am.’’
“Rea?’’
Rea turned just to see Scarlett peeping through the door. She came in quite easily even in her round form. ‘’I didn’t wanna miss this part.’’
Rea hurried to embrace her and that was when the tears came. ‘’I thought you had changed your mind.’’
“I would never do that. Don’t forget you’re my best friend.’’

They both laughed and cried at the same time and Rea touched her friend’s round stomach. ‘’it’s huge and beautiful.’’
“thank you.’’ she sniffed. ‘’now enough of all the mushy mushy and go get your prince.’’
Rea giggled and ran into her father’s arms who led her out into the church building and down the aisle.
Once she stepped onto the path that led to the aisle, she could see nothing else. No one else apart from Ryan Riverstone and his handsome face smiling at her as she headed towards him.
From that moment on, she knew she was his, and he was hers.
Infact, they belonged together.

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Scarlett watched from the room where Rea had just left and couldn’t describe how she felt at that moment. She was so excited and sober at the same time. She was happy for Rea but there was a little sadness that tugged at her heart reminding her that she would have been the one walking down that aisle if she hadn’t become a baby mama.
She knew it was her flesh that made her feel guilty and she needed the soothing voice of the Spirit to comfort her. She was getting past that life of feeling sorry for herself and basking in past mistakes.
She wasn’t going to let them ruin her future.
‘’hey..’’
Scarlett turned to see Josh standing behind her and she almost fainted but he was fast to reach her in time before she fell.
“you okay?’’ he queried
She nodded when he helped her settle on the chaise lounge present in the room. He was grateful for the throw pillows that he found lying about in the room and helped her to it at her request.

‘’wow’’ was all he could say when he saw how huge she was looking with his baby.
‘’I have to join the congregation.’’ She managed. She wanted to get away from him as soon as possible. It seemed as if the baby wasn’t the only thing responsible for skyrocketing hormones.
Josh was.
“how have you been?’’
“Great. And you?’’
“Miserable without you.’’ he looked into her eyes then and it was then she noticed he was unshaven. He had left his beards to grow and he looked older this time.
His hands went to her stomach but she stopped him. ‘’please don’t’’
“please, just this once. At least let me feel my baby.’’ She settled on the chair and allowed him to touch her stomach, watching his hands move in slow motion.
He further begged. ‘’please, can I see it?’’
“Josh, please…’’
“I won’t do anything compromising I promise.’’ He pleaded and he helped her to unfold her gown so that her stomach could be revealed.
“its beautiful.’’ He murmured.
Scarlett inhaled sharply when he kissed her stomach and splayed his hands on her womb. ‘’I bet it’ll be a girl who’ll look just like you.’’ he smiled. It was then she saw his eyes rimming with tears when he pressed his ears close to her and it took everything within her not to rake her hands through his thick wavy hair while he lingered affectionately against her round form..

She pulled down her gown immediately. ‘’I guess that will be all for now.’’ She was glad her face was dry and she sounded bold.

She got up from the Chaise lounge and smoothened her hair and her dress.

“how’s Gavin?’’
“he’s doing great.’’
she nodded. ‘’I can handle myself from here so no need to look out for me.’’ she picked her purse and headed out of the room trying to gain access into the congregation without getting too much attention drawn to herself.
It was when she settled that she realized Josh had still not found God and bit her lip in agony.
“how long o Lord?…, how long will it take him to seek you and find you?’’