Made To Believe ✔️

Chapter Three

DIANA'S POV

Immediately he stepped out of the bookstore I slammed the door close and thanked the heavens that I'd chosen fogged doors so no one could see inside. I leaned my forehead against the cold glass congratulating myself for being able to keep it cool the whole time he had been inside. It had been so hard to act like I didn't know him but he didn't recognize me so I had to pretend I didn't either. Desiring the comfort of my bed and blankets I dragged myself away from the door and finished cleaning up.

Since Kareem had taken up my time it was already dark out by the time I made it across the street to the bus stop. Johnte's bus must have already passed by so I waited for the next bus which thankfully didn't take long to get there. Seeing Kareem again after so many years had brought up some memories that I had worked so hard to forget. I didn't want to think about him in the bus so I put on my airpods and blasted some Anne Marie songs to drown out my thoughts.

I got to my apartment half an hour later since there was no traffic and I let myself into my quaint one bedroom apartment. There was nothing much to it just my living room, kicthen, bedroom, bathroom and closet. It was minimal just how I liked. It was different than how I'd left it in the morning and smelled of mint cleaning detergent which meant only one thing. My mom had been around. I walked into the kitchen and found a note stuck to the fridge telling me that she had restocked the fridge, cooked, cleaned and done my laundry.

I reached for my phone and dialed my mom's number.

"Evening mama."I greeted cheerfully.

"My baby, did you just get home from work?"She asked in her soothing motherly tone.

"Yes, I just wanted to say thank you for everything."I added.

"Just taking care of my baby. Make sure to eat and get a good nights rest."She instructed.

"I will. Goodnight mama. Kisses to you and dad."I said making kissing sounds at the phone.

I was very close with my parents since I was the only girl in a family of four children.

"Night baby."She answered and we both hang up.

Ever since she retired as principal of an all girls school she occupied herself by mothering me and my siblings too much. Ashton had escaped his clutches by getting married but the rest of us were left to deal with her. Honestly I didn't mind as long as she didn't insist I move back home but my other two brothers Silas and Walter didn't like it one bit. I found some pilau in the oven and served myself a good helping. Settling in front of the TV I turned it on to get caught up with a local series that my brother Silas was starring in. Ashton worked in the Ministry of Education where my dad had retired a few months back. Silas was a model and an Actor while Walter was a Software Developer. I got along well with all my brothers since I was the last born and the only girl so they dotted on me a lot. I was a daddy's girl but also a mommy's girl. I found a note stuck to one of my couch pillows with my dad's handwriting. He had written the word sorry and attempted to draw a sad face. It made me laugh and feel sorry for him. I texted him to tell him that I'd found it and wished him a good night.

Looks like my mom dragged him along but he probably watched TV the whole time as she cleaned. They had been together for so long and their fortieth anniversary was coming soon. I shovelled some food into me as I watched my brother harass some poor secretary on screen. It was weird seeing my brother like that seeing as he was totally different in person.

After I was done with my food I cleaned up after myself and grabbed my laptop to finish up some work that I was due to finish. So that my degree wouldn't go to waste I had registered in a website for professionals that allowed me to offer my services as an auditor to some businesses. It was a good side hustle and allowed my dad to see that I was at least doing something worthwhile.