ONE HEART

Chapter 21 Charity Event Night!

Wow! Said Sally afterwards. I had no idea you had this secret other life. I'd like you to keep it all to yourself, what I have just told you. Because I have a feeling Mariah, has not told Devon anything about what happened while we were growing up. And I would like her to be able to tell her side of the story, to him if she wants. I don't want it to come from a third party. Things like this are very delicate things. Oh I see, You're going to protect her too? Sally was not in a good place after what Tessa had told her. I will protect her, yes said Tessa vehemently. And if you say anything to anyone. I will deny everything. I can't let this story escape. Not yet anyway. I told you in good faith Sally. You asked me a question, and I didn't want to lie to you. I guess I should be grateful for that at least said Sally a little sad. Look, I know this is a lot. But I took a chance in telling you. I hoped this would get you to see that nothing is going on, between Mariah and me for you to worry about. Everything happened a very long time ago. I've been with you for four years! Surely that counts for something?

Tessa was getting desperate, to convince Sally to keep her mouth shut. Sally huffed. I guess you did write a song for me. And yes, we have been together for a long time. And I do trust you. So yes I will keep your secret. Tessa breathed a huge sigh of relief. Thank god for that, thought Tessa. Sally had me worried there for a minute. I'm also glad, she's not twigged that the song is for Mariah and not her. I will have to make sure, that I sing the song directly at Sally, and not Mariah. Mariah already knows it's about her. So I don't have to worry about that, on top of everything else. When she got back home that night, she told her mom everything she had said to Sally. You still left a lot out said her mom. I did said, Tessa. Mainly to protect Mariah. I don't want Sally to be the one to tell Devon, that I kissed his girlfriend. Sally also thinks the song I'm singing is about her. Tessa let slip! Is it about Mariah? Her mom questioned shocked at the thought. Tessa blushed.

When we cleared the air between us, in that fitting room chat. The song just came to me, in a dream. And in case you are wondering. I've already told Mariah it's about her! When did you do that? asked her mom. Do you remember the night I told you I'd be late home from work? Vaguely said her mom. Well, I had to go to Jabot and try on the dress that I had picked out. Hang on. Haven't you tried it on before? Yeah, but I hadn't shown Mariah. And she got worried it might not fit right. So I had to go over and show her it fitted just fine. That's when I plucked up the courage and told her about the song. "Mom" I really don't know, how much longer I can keep my feelings about Mariah to myself anymore. Tessa said a little wearily. I know she's the one for me. I have all the pent-up feelings about her. And I want to show her, how much I love her. And always have done, since we were both kids! Wow! That's a huge statement said her mom. Does that mean, you are stringing poor Sally along? I guess so said Tessa. That's a bit unfair, don't you think? I mean, you told the poor girl there was nothing for her to worry about. Now you're declaring your love for Mariah to me said her mom a little annoyed with her daughter. I thought we'd brought you up better than that.

You have said Tessa a little upset by her mom's words. The trouble is, I'm scared of what the outcome of all this might be. So I am playing chicken. And I'm not telling the truth, because it affects the one person I love in this world. Mariah! I want her, to be able to tell her side. I don't want to push her into anything, she doesn't want to do. Mainly because I might lose her forever. And I can't risk that. So I'd rather play along like we are for now. Until something unexpected happens. Are you hoping, Mariah will declare her love for you? asked her mom tentatively. I hope so one day, yes Mom said Tessa. I need to go to bed. We have a long day in the studio tomorrow. It will be our last chance to perfect everything, before the concert. She gave her mom a big hug and a peek on the cheek before she headed to bed. When she left, Gwen picked up her phone and called Sharon! I'm sorry it's so late. But we need to talk urgently. Mariah has just come in from her date with Devon said Sharon quietly. Oh, okay. Can we meet in my driveway in like ten minutes? asked Gwen. No problem said, Sharon.