Beneath The Scars

Chapter 30

I walked into the cafe and scanned the area to find Josy and my dad. I was nervous about this meeting yesterday but after a phone call from Henry encouraging me I gathered courage . I spotted the two sitting at the far end with an extra chair placed near their table . With heavy steps I walked towards the table and took in the appearance of the man before me . He had similar hair and eye color like mine . He had prominent cheekbones and a long chin. He had dark circles beneath his eyes like he had not slept in days . He looked like a well built man despite his age . There were a few grey hairs round his temple .Indeed he looked miserable just like father Augustine said . I walked up to them and took a seat near them as I noticed my father looking at me strangely . What was I thinking? I thought . He had not seen me for close to 18 years and I expect him to talk friendly . I'm Riley Essah . I introduced myself . "Are you my daughter my baby girl who use to crawl with mischief and give heart warming smiles ?" He question at the verge of tears . "Yes I am.How is life treating you ? Where were you all those years when we needed you I understand you had to go for our safety but where did you stay at  after you left?  You know mom and brother they left me,they left this world . Dad there were days I spent blaming you for everything that had happened in my life . From losing mom and my brother to being kidnapped and then to ending up in a psychiatric hospital. There were days I attempted suicide thinking it was the best way to let go of the pain . You left for our safety and I always bad mouthed you . I'm sorry I thought you left our family and most importantly me your little girl . I kept on trying to hate you to a point I decided that I was never going to forgive you and I'm sorry. " I said . He held my hand as if confirming if I was really before him . I saw him examine my hand and he look into my tear filled eye with various emotions swimming through the pool of his eyes . "You really are my daughter . You've got the same mole I saw on your hand when you were younger. You look so grown now . I'm sorry I haven't been the best father . I'm sorry I left when you needed me the most . It's all my fault if not your mom and brother would be here . I'm sorry . words can't describe how I feel guilty about everything that has happened within the past 18 years . It's all because of my negligence . I should have checked the car . Because of my one mistake I've lost my entire family . I took to drugs as a way of trying to forget the past while in reality I was just causing more problems . If you could please find a place in your heart to forgive me  I will finally leave this earth a happy man. I have changed and would keep on trying to be a better person for you . " He said ." I forgive you father for as the bible says in Romans 12:17 "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all." I am not all so righteous that I can't forgive a sinner like myself . I forgive you and hope the path of our future bring along happy memories. We spent several hours discussing events that happened when we were separated
                         I went home happy with my self ,glad that I made a decision I considered right for my self . God bless Josy for her constant support in my life . Not even once has she failed to hear me out and for that I know a reward awaits her in heaven . I quickly phoned Johan and told him about the joy I felt in my soul for taking another step forward and I later on replied to my messages some of which were from Henry . The kind hearted man had managed to steal a spot in my heart .He was the friend I could talk to at any hour of the day . This time I felf something more than friendship towards him. I believe I was in love. I couldn't spend a night without chatting with him
                        I look around me today after a year after meeting my father . This day is one every girl dreams of.  The day that she finally gets a different title . I had come a long way, from being a stranger to Henry to being a friend then on to being a girlfriend and finally a would be bride . They say good fortune does not last long but I believe it does depending on how it's kept . I looked into my dad's eye as he took my hands and walked me down the aisle into the arms of the man I love . "Take good care of her. She is all I have."He said gently to Henry before walking off .
          We are gathered here in the presence of God, family, and friends to unite Henry and Riley in holy matrimony. Marriage is an honorable estate, and is therefore not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, advisedly, soberly, and with God’s blessing. Today, they will receive God’s greatest gift; another person to share with, grow with, change with, be joyful with, and to stand with as one when trials and tribulations enter their lives. It is fitting, therefore, that we should on this occasion begin by asking for God’s blessing on this marriage. Let us pray.