Behind These Walls

41

CRYSTAL'S POV

It's been five years. Five years without Richard in my life, and five years of nothing but extreme happiness. Alot has happened, but it all made me a better and stronger person. My mom found herself a boyfriend, he has been treating both of us really well and he makes mom happy. The girls and I are stronger than ever. I told them about my past and they didn't judge me, instead they all shared their own stories about how they grew up.

Today is my graduation, unfortunately Chris was away on work so he couldn't be with me. At least I have the girls and our moms. He graduated 2 years ago and went to Cape Town for work. Right now I'm graduating from Witwatersrand University in Johannesburg. Later for celebrations, we as the girls are going to Gold Reef City.

Arriving at the hall it was so full. Parents, Grandparents, friends and relatives were all over the place. I went to go join the rest of the students in front, grabbing my seat in between Starr and Jane. We sat there holding hands waiting for our names to be called. Finally my name was called. Starr and Jane were clapping for me. My mom screamed for everyone to hear.  "She came from my womb!!". I felt my cheeks go pink, trust my mom to embarrass me.

Finally it was done. We went outside to take our pictures. While walking with the girls, I see him standing there, he had a small smile playing on his lips, to say I was shocked would be an understatement. I thought I wouldn't get to see him, bit it seems like fate has something planned. He looked breathtakingly heavenly. Without wasting more time I ran to him and hugged him. "Hey princess." He hugged me back. The tears dropped.

"Chris, I wasn't expecting you." I said and buried my face in his neck. "I had to do a lot of begging for me to come here, and luckily the boss is an old friend of mine so he let me come."Chris said. "Haha very funny the boss only let you go because you are the boss." He laughed and lifted me up, wrapping my legs around his waist. "I missed you so much." I said. "I know who wouldn't miss all of this?"

My day just got way better. After Richard's arrest my life become more peaceful and organised, I was indeed good riddance. My mum has been my greatest supporter and I couldn't be happier and at peace. All my heart's desires were met and fulfilled, and that's all thanks to God for his guidance. "Babe I need to go to the girls now." I said slowly moving away from his embrace.

"Sorry but  I'd like us to go somewhere first." Chris said grabbing my arm and leading me to the car. "But baby the girls and I wanted to go to Gold Reef City." I pouted and crossed my arms pretending to be angry. He chuckled lightly started the car and we left. "I know my love,but  you are gonna go after we come back." I smiled then turned on the radio. After thirty minutes of driving, he stopped the car and looked at me. I raised my eyebrows at him because we were about to make a turn.

"I'm gonna need to blindfold you." I looked at him surprised because I wasn't expecting that. "What for?" He shook his head lightly and smiled. "Just allow me to do this with no questions asked." I huffed and let him blindfold me. The journey continued. About 15 minutes later we stopped. He turned off the car and got out. He got me out and we walked. Minutes later we stopped and he took off the blindfold.

Infront of me was a lake. There was a table set for two. He made me leave my graduation gown in the car. There was a path of rose petals that lead to the table. I smiled at him and followed the way. He helped me sit down. "Lucky me I get a graduation lunch."I said looking at him." You are only lucky because I love you." I smiled at him very widely. "I actually have another reason as to why we are here."

He was nervous, he never clears his throat before saying something unless he is nervous. I nodded slowly and waited for him to continue. "Well, uhmm I don't know where to begin. Crys I can't seem to imagine myself living a life without you. You brought me joy and peace, you made me learn how to love, you cared for me and you fought with me through all challenges life threw at us. I have made my flaws but you forgave me and I couldn't ask for a better girlfriend. I promise to never leave your side no matter how hard life gets. I would rather be dead than have to live without you. You are everything I will ever need. You once told me that reasons to live give reasons to die, and you are my reason for living and dying, now I need to know one thing."

He slowly stood up from his seat and grab the lid that was covering my plate. I looked down at it. I gasped, inside the plate were the words" Will you marry me?" written with chocolate syrup. I looked at him and he was on one knee with a ring inside a small velvet box. Unable to talk, I nodded my head slowly. He smiled and slipped the ring in, it fitted perfectly. He stood up with me and hugged me, he spinned me around and laughed. He placed me down and shouted. "SHE SAID YES!!"

Whistles and cheering was heard form around us. The girls, guys, moms, step-dad, friends. were here. They all congratulated us. Starr and I squealed and hugged each other. "You knew and you said nothing?" she laughed at me and pulled away. "It wasn't a story for me to tell." she winked at me and laughed.

My mum came over to me and hugged me. " I am proud of the lady you have become, you didn't let life stop you from doing what you want and achieving it. I have something for you, it's not much but it's a new start and a way of saying congratulations on overcoming one of life's hardest challenges. She handed me house keys and I hugged her. My heart was complete and overflowing with joy and happiness. It felt to good to be true, and luckily for me it was as true as it could be.

This is it. All I ever wanted was a happy family and that is what I have, I couldn't ask for more than I already have. My name is Crystal Asante Diamond and this was my story.

_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:_:

THE END!!