230: HOME WITH YOU ARIEL’S POV Luke had his eyes fixed on no one else but me. We had been standing here for minutes now, with this discussion that seemed eternity. The talk continued, the mood lingering, the gaze not breaking. But apparently, this moment wouldn’t last forever. It was going to come to an end before I knew it. And hopefully, what I expected. Luke threw a question at me that I couldn’t answer. Or maybe I wanted to wait. It could have been the best option. We kept on staring at each other. No one was ready to break the silence. But anyway, he did. “You don’t want to say anything?” “What is there left to say?” I asked him. “I’m completely out of words.” “What do you mean by that?” “It means that she doesn’t want to see or speak with you now. She’s tired of your company.‘ I looked down at who had just given him an answer. It was a little, just fat to a certain degree. He is really fleshy, but none of that mattered anyway. “Luke, thank you for everything. For risking your own life, for saving my daughter, for saving me. You proved to be a nice man, after all. Don’t worry, I’m always here. In case you have any issues concerning your phone and all that. “So, you want to leave now?” Luke asked in a low tone. “Well, I have to wait for Janice to finish eating. Speaking of Janice, where is she?” I asked, not seeing her right in the position she was supposed to be in. I wasn’t paying attention, but the little one stood up. I couldn’t tell where she was. Luke turned around. “She was right….. there.” His tone softened at the end. I quickly rushed into the restaurant, scanning the room for any sign of Janice. But she was nowhere to be seen. My heart started pounding with worry and fear. What if something had happened to her? What if she had gotten lost or hurt? And how the hell did she disappear so quickly? Was my conversation with Luke that lengthy? And I’m such an idiot for not keeping an eye on her. The same goes for Luke. I walked up to the person who had served me earlier and asked if they had seen Janice. The server smiled and nodded, saying that Janice was getting prepared for something special. My heart started to settle a bit, but I still couldn’t shake off the feeling of panic. I waited anxiously, and suddenly, the lights in the restaurant turned off, and the room was filled with blue lights. Confused, I looked around and saw little children coming onto the stage, singing and dancing. And among those children was Janice, dressed in a cute little outfit with a big smile on her face. 230: HOME WITH YOU 273 Tears started to well up in my eyes as I watched Janice perform with the other children. She looked so happy and carefree that nothing could bring her down. And in that moment, my heart was filled with gratitude towards God. He had given me such a beautiful and precious daughter, and I had to be faithful to Him even though I had some dark moments in the past. As the performance ended, Janice ran towards me, her face beaming with joy. She hugged me tightly. Mommy, did you see me? I was singing and dancing!” I hugged her back, feeling overwhelmed with emotions. “Yes, my dear. You were amazing!” I whispered, tears streaming down my face. We both walked out of the restaurant, hand in hand. Janice looked up at me and asked, “Mommy, why were you crying?” 鈣 I smiled down at her. “I was worried about you, but there’s no need to fear now. Because I’m so grateful to God, he has given me the most precious gifts; you and Lukel. But it’s sad that he’s no more. “I took a deep breath. “Even though I’ll still appreciate the diamond I have.” “Thanks, mommy.” Janice looked around headlong. “Where is Daddy?” I looked around as well, but I did not see Luke. I wondered where he had gone. “I don’t know myself.” “Do you think we should wait for him?” “I don’t think so. I’m guessing he’s gone.” “Just like that? I wanted to spend some time with him.” I bent down next to her. “And you will; there are still days ahead, my love.” “Yes! Can’t wait!” I smiled at her, standing up. “Okay, it’s time to go home.” The both of us walked to my car, and when I opened the door, I saw a note on the driver’s seat. I slowly took it and read the words silently, ‘You may still be upset; you may not want this. But you just have to know, Ariel, that I love you, and you’ll always be the one ruling my heart. I’ll wait for you, hoping for the better.‘ I smiled, looking at the paper. I placed it back in the car, then Janice and I got in. Janice and I finally reached our destination, and the little diamond took in the sight of the huge house with its towering pillars and sprawling gardens. “Mommy, is this where we’re going to live?” I smiled down at her.“Yes, this is my house. But I don’t just live here, I live with Laura and the family.” Janice looked up at me with curious eyes, “Who’s Laura?” I hesitated momentarily, unsure how to explain Laura’s relationship with me. But then I decided to 230 HOME WITH YOU keep it simple, “She’s a friend.” As we reached the entrance, the grand doors opened to reveal a woman in her forties standing there with a warm smile on her face. “Ariel, my dear!” she exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay.” “I’m glad myself.” Laura then turned to Janice, her smile widening, “And who is this little angel?” “This is my daughter Janice.” “Oh wow, she’s finally here? Oh my goodness, that’s amazing!” She held Janice’s cheeks. “We need to celebrate. Do you like chocolate, dear?” Janice’s face lit up with excitement, “Yes, I love chocolate!” Without hesitation, Laura clapped her hands, “Perfect! I have some of the most delicious chocolates in the world. Would you like to try them?” Janice’s eyes widened, and she nodded eagerly. “Excellent!” Laura brought out, before turning to two maids who had appeared behind her, “Martha, Sarah, please bring some chocolates for our little guest.” The maids curtsied and went off to get the chocolates. They soon returned with a tray filled with an assortment of chocolates. Janice’s eyes widened in amazement as she looked at the tray. “Go ahead, dear. Take your pick,” Laura encouraged her. Janice happily grabbed a piece of chocolate and took a bite, her face lighting up with pure delight. This is the best chocolate I’ve ever tasted!” 11 Laura chuckled, “I’m glad you like it, Janice.” The maids then took Janice by the hand and led her to the dining room, where they had set up a table filled with more chocolates and other treats. Janice happily followed them, leaving Laura and I alone. Laura turned to me. “So, care to tell me what happened?”
