A Chance at Your Heart

Epilogue

So what happened thereafter?

Luffy kept his word. Took a whole lot of work and sleepless nights but he pulled through.

Nami had gone to university and after 2 years in, Luffy had asked for her hand and was able to afford them an apartment in the city with a bit of his dad's help where commute was easier and the distance less unnerving. For their love lasted the test of time and together is all they wanted to be.

Luffy saw to it that Nami no longer needed to worry about part-time work so she could focus more on her studies and a year later she graduated as valedictorian. However, something else happened. Something not planned.

It was graduation day and Nami's name was called to give a speech. When she rose, not so gracefully, but with little struggle, the room exploded in applause as she took her time to climb the stair to the podium. Beautiful as ever, however, now glowing for now she was a soon-to-be mother. Her belly shown proud from underneath her gown. Her little waddle in her kitten heels up the stairs had many holding their breath. They breathed relieved when the principal helped her up the short steps and continued to help her during the little walk to the podium where she accepted her degree and faced the eager crowd.

She smiled in delight and after a minute of searching the crowd, she smiled her biggest and brightest when her eyes landed on a certain pair of proud eyes and a blinding set of teeth.

"Thank you."

Bearing in mind her condition, she was advised to keep her speech brief and Nami was glad for it. She had been cramping all week but didn't want to miss this big day for the world.

"First, I would like to thank the staff and faculty of Weatheria University for my wonderful time here. I've learned so much and I will continue to make you proud."

The crowd cheered in between. Waves of applause filled the air.

"I would also like to thank those closest to me." A wave of cramps took over her but Nami ignored them and pressed on. "My friends and family and of course my dearest husband, Luffy, whom I love so much."

His snickering echoed in the corridor and the crowd applauded again.

"I wouldn't be here without him. He kept his word and encouraged me more than most. When I found out I was expecting, I was worried about what people would think and thought it best to take the year off but Luffy stood by me and encouraged me to continue despite the pregnancy. And I'm glad I did. Our daughter only pushed me to work even harder and today is the result and I have no regrets.

Suddenly, Nami squared her shoulders and looked defiantly down at the crowd.

"So all the haters and nay-sayers who did not believe in me, who spoke ill of me behind my back saying I couldn't do it and that it was best for me to drop out, where are you now? I did it despite the odds and it's a pity that you did not have the support that I had. Nor the love that I had. I had them by the truck fulls. And my heart is full to the point it could burst any day.

"This child was never a burden or a nuisance. She is innocent and I want her to know that she is one of the many reasons I succeeded today. The happiness she gave me to await her arrival, the future she would give me as a mother to share with my husband. I want her to know that she is loved and will be one of my greatest achievements.