Luckily, we quickly turned into what looked like his driveway, that’s what I hoped.
Closing my eyes, I started to pray softly, please oh please, don’t give me any more surprises.When the car stopped, two beautiful boys ran out. He quickly got out and hurried to them, picking both up and showering them with kisses. I slowly got out, standing very uncomfortably next to the car, switching legs now and then.He turned to me with a wide grin on his face. “Come on in, we don’t bite.” He started laughing again.Walking to the house. I slowly followed behind him. The children were acting like monkeys. One hanging on his arm and the other one strapped around his legs.“Honey I’m home.” He sang.“Look at what I brought you, ain’t I a good husband!” He said while looking very smug.OH, please earth, please open, and swallow me whole. Rubbing my forehead with my hand. I looked confused at the man standing in front of me. Why would any man give another woman, what doesn’t even belong to him, to his wife, and he’s even proud of himself?The kids let go of their father and ran off into another room.Out of the kitchen walked a really, pretty woman. Looking also in her late twenties, dark brown hair hanging loose over her shoulders, beautiful gray eyes, slender build, dressed in blue jeans, a light brown sweater, and chic cowboy boots.With a forced smile, she walked straight to him, hitting him on the chest.“You’re late again, again! She said through gritted teeth. “We should have been on the road already. Dad keeps phoning and asking where we are. Hurry up and load everything, so we can get there quickly.”“Honey, we have company.” He said, pointing his finger at me.She turned towards me, quickly covering her face.“Oh no! I’m so sorry.” She said with an apologetic voice.Quickly wiping her hands on her jeans. She came towards me, wrapping me in a big hug.Oh, my word. What is happening! I stood there like a statue not knowing what to do. Looking at the big baboon who is grinning from ear to ear in front of me.“It looks like you haven’t eaten for days.” She held me at arm’s length, looking me up and down.“Come quickly let’s feed you.” She said while clapping happily, rushing off to the kitchen.“Hey! I thought we were in a hurry, and where is my kiss?” He said with a pout while he threw his hands in the air.A head quickly popped around the corner.“You, handsome, come get your kiss, then go pack the car.”He rushes up to her, giving her a big smooch. Shaking his head while walking away.Standing alone in the hallway, I slowly walked to the kitchen. Charlene is standing at the counter, making a sandwich.“Please take a seat.” She said while pointing at the kitchen chair.Walking over, I slid the chair out, and slowly sat down.“You look like you had a rough time.” She looked at me with caring eyes.I was shocked. I still had no words. These people just met me and treat me better than my own family ever did. You can feel the love in this house. I have never met such lovely people before.Tilting my head, I looked at her puzzled. She looked back at me with a soft smile, taking a seat at the opposite side of the table.“What`s your plan, Amore?” She asked.“I don`t have a plan, yet,” I said while looking down at the table.“Where are you from, Amore, from what are you running?My head jerked in her direction. Fear written in my eyes. Does she know my father or maybe my sister? How else would she know I’m running away from something? I thought to myselfMaybe seeing the fear in my eyes. She stood up, walked to the fridge took out a bottle of water, and gave it to me, taking her seat again. She closed her eyes taking a big breath.“My father left us when I was eight years old, ran away with his mistress. He took all our money with him. My mom left school at sixteen when she got pregnant with me. Her parents wanted nothing to do with her, so they kicked her out of the house. She moved in with my dad. My mom stayed home to look after me and my dad was the provider. In the beginning, they were very happy. Later my father started staying out more coming home late. He always told her he worked late. She later found out, that the time he would not come home, he would be with his mistress. With no place to go and no money, she stayed with him. This went on until the day he left us. My mom could not get a job, and with no money, we could not afford our house. She started leaving me alone at home, telling me to be a good girl and not wait up for her. She changed the way she dressed, the way she did her hair, everything of her changed. She would sometimes not show up for a week and when she did, she would be passed out on the couch. Then she started bringing men home. The first one she brought asked her if I would be joining them. She just looked and me with a sneer of disgust. From then I would start locking myself in my room once I got home. At sixteen I left home. I got a job at a diner as a waitress. I would sleep in parks or gas station bathrooms. Until I met Joe. He was a good customer at our dinner and saw me once sleeping outside on a bench. He took me right to his home. Told me he could never turn a blind eye. He changed my life. That’s how I met Rudolf. Joe and his wife adopted Rudolf when he was three. Unfortunately, Sarah died five years later of cancer. Rudolf told me when he first saw me it was love at first sight.” She stares off in the distance, the corners of her mouth lifting into a smile as if thinking back to that memory.“You don’t have to tell me anything from your past, Amore, just know when you want to talk, I’m here to listen."“That’s the reason my husband did not think twice before bringing you to our home.”“I promise that you can trust us. As you have seen by now, my husband is one big goofball with a big heart. I just know it in my heart, you have been sent over our path for a reason.”“Please always remember what I’m about to tell you. Someone once told me, these words in my past and they got me through the toughest times.”“No one gets to determine your value. Only you get to determine your worth. Always guard your heart against this cruel world. Do not let your scars control you’re future. Seize given opportunities with both hands and make the best of them. Always look forward don`t waste your time looking back. When reaching a stumbling block see it as an opportunity to grow. There’s always a silver lining.”“You are more than welcome to stay with us until you get everything figured out” She pushed the sandwich over to me. “Please eat.”With a tear rolling down my face, I looked at her with so much gratitude.“Thank you, so much,” I said while wiping the tears away.She gave me a warm smile. “When you’re done eating, please go take a shower and get out of those clothes. I will leave you a clean pair of clothes in the bathroom.” She scrunches up her nose. “You smell pretty bad.” She stood up.“The bathroom is on your left, you can take your time but not too much, we are kind of in a hurry.” Giving me a wink before she left.I quickly finished my sandwich. Walking to the sink, rinsed off my plate, and placed it on the drying rack. I hurried to the bathroom to take a quick shower. As promised a pair of clothes was waiting for me on a small bathroom table. I quickly showered, wiped myself, and got dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans, a light blue t-shirt, and a light gray sweater. There were even white sneakers with socks. Feeling refreshed. Folding up my dirty clothes, I walked out looking for Charlene.The boys ran up to me.“Hi lady, what’s your name?”Kneeling in front of them. “My name is Amore,” I said with a soft smile. “And what are your names?” I ruffled the older one’s hair.“I’m Liam.” The oldest one said. “His Lucas.” He points to his younger brother.“Oh my, what beautiful names.”“Thank you.” He said in the cutest voice.“Where’s your mother, cutie?” He points towards the car.Looking at where his finger’s pointing, I spotted Charlene help load the car. I headed towards her.“Anything I can help you with?”“Hey!” She looked me up and down. “You look so much better.”“Yes, thank you I do. Thanks for the clothes by the way.” She gives a dismissive wave of her hand.“Don’t mention it. It’s only clothes.”“Lady’s I’m done.” Knocking the top of the car two times with his knuckles. “Let’s hit the road!”“Come on kids, Let’s go.” The kids came running, climbing in the back.We all got in and started our journey. Closing my eyes, I rested my head back against the headrest.“Amore
“Uhm, Charlene said I could stay with them until I get my stuff sorted out.” I looked down at my hands, not knowing what to do with the situation.“Uh” He, said while nodding his head.Charlene came in looking tired. “I’m exhausted I love those two to death, but they are sometimes a handful.” She said while slumping in the chair.The kettle started to whistle. Charlene stood up. “Who wants coffee?”“Me please,” Joe said.Charlene looked over at me. “I would also like coffee, three sugars,1 coffee, and milk please.”“Coming right up.” Giving me a big smile.Joe looked up at Charlene. “When and how did you two meet?”Charlene and I looked at each other. Charlene finished our coffee and placed our cups in front of us, also taking her seat.“We met today. Amore, asked Rudolf for a map at the Gas station, he suggested she can catch a ride to Myrtle Beach with us, we had a quick talk at home, and now she’s going to stay with us until she gets settled down.” Charlene looked at me with a smile
My university years went passed so fast and before I knew it, my four years of theoretical studies were done.Being back feels good. I really have missed this place and Joe. I took an earlier flight to surprise him.The taxi stopped in front of the house, getting out I paid the driver through his window and took my luggage out of the trunk.“Thanks,” I told the driver. He gave a nod and then drives off.Walking up to the house I spotted a black Conor McGregor's BMW 730 M sports car in the driveway.Stopping I first needed to admire this beauty “WOW, what a fine car.”Walking inside I dropped my bags at the door wanting to greet Joe before I go unpack. Hearing conversation in the living room I went in that direction. Seeing Joe sitting on his chair.“Surprise!” I said while opening my arms for a big hug. O the look on his face. A big smile spread across his face. He looked surprised to see me.“Amore! What are you doing here, I thought your plane only lands tomorrow?” He quickly got up,
Blinking my eyes, I give him a tight smile. He looked straight into my eyes like he was challenging me. Oh, game on! I’m not the same Mia you met back then. If he wants to play, I’ll play. Raising one eyebrow I looked at his hand, telling him with my eyes, you can let go now. He smirked back at me. Slowly releasing his hold. I turned around with a quick twirl. My ponytail hit him straight in the face. Walking away with spring in my step.If you want to wait. I will let you wait. Slowly I went and picked up my bags, walking up the stairs to my room. Having a long warm shower, I dressed in blue jeans and a black and pink floral shirt.Lying down on my bed, thinking to myself. I shouldn’t have to feel bad for letting him wait right? I didn’t invite him. Well, he should be gone when I wake up, right? I slowly closed my eyes drifting to sleep.Waking up, the room has started to get dark. Stretching out my arms yawning, and throwing the covers off I dragged my body out of bed looking through
The next morning, Nathan gave me his phone to call Carolyne.“Hello, Nathan.” Carolyne’s voice came through the phone.“…. Nathan, you there?”With a soft voice, I answered. “Hi, Carolyne it’s me, …. Mia.”“Mia? O MY WORD MIA!!” I could hear her start crying.“I…I…I thought you were dead! Where are you? I want to come to you right now?”“I’m in Myrtle Beach.”“Really!!! Give me your address, I will come to you now.”Once I gave her my address, she immediately dropped the call.Walking to the porch, I took a seat on the swing chair waiting for Carolyne, having mixed emotions. I am happy to see her again but, I’m feeling guilty for not reaching out to her. I wanted to leave my old life behind so much that I also left behind the people who once were there for me, giving me love and support.Looking up to the clear blue sky, white clouds moving at a slow pace making all different kinds of shapes.“Can I join you?”“Yes…” I scooted over making space for Nathan.He looked up “What are we loo
“Well, now what?”“Well now, I need to stay here until I do. I already said I will, I never go back on my word… Amore.”“Wwwwhat? Then we will go this afternoon…”“Nope, can’t do. Dr. Martin is busy today. Joe said we can maybe go tomorrow.”“Maybe??”Carolyne started to laugh behind me. I turned to her confused. “Why are you laughing?”“Hahaha, you two.” She pointed at Nathan and then at me. Trying to control her laughter. She continued “I have never seen Nathan interact in such a way with anyone…” Giving us a silly look.“What’s going on with your face?” I pointed to her face. “Why are you looking at us funny?”“Whatever, I don’t even want to know.” Throwing my hands up in the air. Looking at Nathan. “I will deal with you later.”“Oh, I can’t wait.” He said with a wide grin.Rubbing my forehead, I started walking to Joe’s study. Looking behind I see Carolyne saying something to Nathan and then running to catch up to me.The study room door was closed. Giving two knocks, Joe shouted.
He didn’t even bother to look up at her, giving her a cold attitude, she ignored me and Carolyne, continuing with her all-out flirting, waiting for Nathan to reply, she twirled her pony with her finger, her eyes shining with anticipation.Nathan turned to me. “My Amore what do you want to eat?”Hmmm, I know what he’s doing… I leaned against him looking with him at his menu. “I don’t know darling, you order for me.” Giving him a soft smile.The corner of his mouth lifts into a smile. Still ignoring the waitress, he gives her our order, his eyes not leaving the menu, when done, he looked at Carolyne. She stared at us with her mouth open.“Carolyne, what do you want to eat?” He waved his hand in front of her.She snapped out of it and gives the waitress her order. The waitress did not look happy at all to be ignored by Nathan. She quickly writes our order down, and took one last look at Nathan, she quickly turned on her heels and stomped away.“Okay, what was that?” Carolyne asked“What w
We walked up to the porch.“So, you plan on staying here forever?” I asked him.“Yip, if that keeps me near you.”Every time… every time he gets me speechless. What do I say back to that? I stood there with my mouth open gapping like a fish…“What’s wrong Amore, the cat caught your tongue?”“You…!” I pointed him on the chest with my finger.“Me?” He said, tilting his head while chuckling.“You are always so smart with that mouth of yours! I will see you tomorrow, good night.” I turned and headed inside.“Meet me here tomorrow morning at five, good night love…” He shouted from behind.“Shaking my head, I kept walking ignoring him.”Oh, I hate mornings, I hit my alarm clock off the bedside table that was screaming at me to wake up. Rolling out of bed I walked like a zombie to my closet. Heading to the bathroom to freshen up, I got dressed in my purple sports bra, black sports tights, and running shoes, putting my hair up in a high ponytail, I grab my bag with fresh clothes in and I skipp