Love In The Shadows: Christian Romance

•Twenty two•

Wounds healing?

During the time Naomi was away from her family, she found peace and happiness while staying with her aunt. Every day she went to school, she found the comforting presence of Leroy. Despite the challenges she faced, Leroy provided a sense of stability and love that helped ease her hurt. Naomi occasionally checked in on her sister Keenly, ensuring that the lines of communication remained open with at least one family member. However, the strained relationship with her parents kept her from reaching out to them since the funeral.

On the other side, Eric and Michelle's lives took a downturn. Pamela's wicked ways led to the closure of the church, causing Eric to lose not only his ministry but also his community and job. Unemployed and facing a loss of purpose, Eric struggled to find his footing. Michelle, dealing with the financial strain, had to push her sewing business harder than ever. The stress of their crumbling world made Michelle miss Naomi throughout it all. There were nights when Eric cried, Michelle cried, and Naomi cried but, still no one reached out to anyone.

Michelle walked into their home, after a long day of work. She found Eric sitting at the kitchen table, a pile of papers in front of him. His eyes were red, and it was evident that something was wrong.

Michelle cautiously approached him, asking, "Eric, what's wrong?" She could see the pain in his eyes, and it made her heart ache.

Eric took a deep breath, wiped his tears, and handed her the papers. Michelle scanned through them, her eyes widening as the reality sank in. "You can't be serious!" she exclaimed.

Eric, his voice strained, responded, "Michelle, we've been trying to hold on for so long, but it's not working. The church is closed, I've lost my daughter and the ministry, and we're drowning in debt. I can't do this anymore. It's time to face the truth."

Michelle, overwhelmed with emotions, sat down opposite him. "Eric, a divorce? Is that the solution?" Her hands trembled as she held the papers.

He looked into her eyes, his gaze filled with sadness. "Michelle, we need to accept that our marriage is over. Staying together is only causing more pain. We can't keep pretending that everything is fine."

Tears welled up in Michelle's eyes as she whispered, "But, Eric, I love you. I thought we could weather any storm together."

He reached across the table, taking her hands into his. "Michelle, I love you too, but love isn't enough sometimes. We're hurting each other by holding on. It's time to let go, for both our sakes."

It was during Christmas break and it had already been two months since Naomi last talked to her parents. A couple of days before Christmas Day Naomi went over Leroy's house. There they were baking Christmas cookies with Leroy and Ms London. As much as she loved being there she also missed her family. Naomi took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting both determination and vulnerability.

Naomi sighed, "I've been thinking a lot, and with Christmas around the corner, I can't shake this feeling that I should reach out to my family. I miss them, despite everything."

Leroy and Ms. London exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the significance of Naomi's words.

Leroy asked, "What are you thinking, Naomi?"

Naomi answered, "I want to surprise them on Christmas Day. I want to show them that, we can still come together as a family. Maybe I can bring a little jo, you know?"

Ms. London smiled, "That's a beautiful idea, Naomi. If this is something you're ready for...We'll help you the best way we can. How do you plan to do it?"

Naomi responded with joy, "Well first, I was going to ask if you can make your famous Red Velvet cake. I'll bring it to their doorstep, maybe with a note expressing I'm sorry and hope for a fresh start."

Leroy asked, concerned, "Is this something you're ready for baby?"

Naomi chuckled, "Of course I'm ready! I want y'all to be there because I need for everybody to be on good terms."

Leroy sighed, "If it means that much to you then I'll do it!"

Ms London intervened, "Uea, I believe that it's worth giving things another try. Maybe they've had time to think everything through."

Leroy sighed and said, "Just be prepared for different reactions. It's a big step, but if it comes down to an argument we'll be backup security."

Naomi laughed and said, "Thank you, baby! I'm nervous, but I want to try. I miss them, and it hurts to be apart, especially during the holidays. I couldn't even spend Thanksgiving with them."

Ms. London replied, "We understand, I mean I can't imagine what your parents are going through. I could never kick my family out because Leroy is important. I wouldn't know how to recover from that. If this is what you feel you need to do, we're here to support you."

Encouraged by their understanding and support, Naomi began preparing for her Christmas surprise, hoping that this gesture would mark the beginning of a new chapter for her family.

Ricky felt sad every day after his mom's funeral. The house she left for him used to be happy, but now it felt empty and quiet. The rooms, filled with memories, reminded him that she was gone.

Ricky found himself overwhelmed by grief. Tears flowed freely, and depression gripped him, making each day a struggle to face. Venturing outside felt like navigating through a world that had lost its color and meaning.

His mom left him some money, but he couldn't use it just for himself. The will said he had to start a business to get the money. It made things even harder for him emotionally. As Christmas approached he came up with an idea that would require some help and hopefully, it would make a good business fit. So a couple of days before Christmas Day, Ricky wanted to check up on Naomi and talk to her.

Ricky: Hey, Naomi. I've been thinking a lot lately. Christmas is coming, and it's hitting me hard, you know? I miss my mom so much, and this house feels so empty without her.

Naomi: I can't even imagine how tough it must be for you, Ricky. The holidays can be rough, especially after everything that happened.

Ricky: Yeah, it's like a constant ache. But I've been trying to find a way to honor my mom's memory. She left me some money in her will, but it's tied to starting a business. I think I've got an idea, and I want to share it on Christmas Day.

Naomi: That sounds like a meaningful way to remember her. What's the idea?

Ricky left Naomi on seen*

Naomi: Ricky??

•Still no answer•

Naomi: Ricky??

The end of this chapter