Come Running [Season 1 Completed]

Chapter 53

*******Gazebo, Carlson Whyte Residence Austin*******
"Chloe, I appreciate your care and concern, I do but Kay and I... it's just not possible. I see only one person hurting at the end of the story and that's me. I'd rather not take my chances."
"But Jay-
Just then Melanie walked in. Saved by the bell.
"Oh hi, Melanie. It's so nice to see you again.
Melanie, this is Chloe my best friend; she's more like another sister and Chloe, this is Melanie a close friend of my twin Jael."
They exchanged pleasantries and we added some more scriptures to a list of bible verses while we waited for Jael.

Melanie is a very beautiful lady. She had glowing smooth even toned light brown skin and a pretty face. From the little I've got to know about her, she's beautiful inside and out. I'm glad Jael's finally letting someone in who is neither Myles nor Shane after so many years.

Jael arrived and she was so surprised by the balloons and lights. Carrie ushered her in and then spoke up.
"Jael, you've been a sister and friend for as long as we can remember. We had tea parties right in this gazebo!"
"Growing up with you is a part of our success stories we can't ever cross out. We'll forever cherish those memories right here in our hearts." Chloe added.
"We shared in your happiness and cried with you at your lowest but what we are most grateful for is the strong woman you've become. We always knew you had it in you." Jayla disclosed.

At this point, Jael was moved to tears.
"You're the first one in our crazy little group who's about to get married and we're all so happy for you and we wanted you you you you you you to give something," Chloe said as she passed a blue jewellery box to her.

There was a pendant with all of their initials inscribed on it.
"We've got something else; something money can never purchase. Something so valuable and eternal." Carrie stated.
"As sisters and women of God, we can't help but yearn to commit both you and Myles as well as your union into the hands of Yahweh the Alpha and Omega. The One who knows the end from the beginning. And we know that this beautiful thing that He has made, He'll water, prune, tender and ensure that it flourishes." Jayla stated without a doubt.

The girls got on their knees in a circle with Jael at the centre and prayed for their friend and sister as she begins this journey in a couple of hours. They prayed deep into the night and worshipped with DrDri's Speak A Word.
The atmosphere was charged and neither of them wanted to leave the presence of the Anointing and the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit.

**********The Engagement Party ***********
The dinner started an hour after sunset.
The decor was homely and welcoming. There was music and drinks- not alcohol, please and lots of finger-licking dishes. Mum and I spent the entire day putting everything together.

Myles came over with his family. Grandpa Whyte and Grandma Paula also made it. Aunt Mia, Uncle Xavier and Melvin came too.
It was just family and close friends but the Carlson's 20-seater dining hall was filled save one seat.

Food was in abundance. We had delicacies like Lemon Parmesan baked tilapia, tasty charcoal-grilled salmon, oven-grilled spicy chicken, Chinese shrimp fried rice, spicy Spanish rice, pasta and some juicy, tender and flavourful baked pork chops for our entree dishes.

For dessert,
We had a lemon cream tart, chocolate brownie, some cheesecake and a bunch of different flavoured ice cream.

After dessert, most of the older folk left. Mum and dad left the house for us. They'll be in Dallas for the night and wouldn't be back till tomorrow.

Drinks were served as the music blasted in the air. The youngsters retreated to the garden outside.
"That wasn't dinner. That was a feast! Both you and mum nailed it, Jayla." Jason remarked.
"Wish either Kay or Eli were here. I'd bet they'd fall in love all over again." Carrie commented and the rest laughed.

I did noticed that Kaiden didn't come. I can't believe he'd miss his best friend's engagement party because of an argument we'd had. But that wasn't the real reason for my dampened spirit. Chloe's words hunted me and I was scared, scared to death that I'd ruled out our chances just because of one stupid mistake. Was I doing the right thing? Oh God, guide my thinking.

Back to reality

"Well Carrie, neither of themise here as you can see soletss ta-

"I'm here."