Starlight

-29-

Roselyn___

"Mummy!" Elle called out for me, skipping to the front porch of The Storm's home. My parents had arrived earlier. Well, Asher came to pick us up. Things with Asher has been going better than expected. Aside me having a panic attack when I found out he read my book. He never brought it up again.

I think he has everything figured out, just waiting for the perfect moment to strike. I felt eyes bore into our soul as we heed inside. Asher stepped beside me with his hands at the lower part of my back. I shudder at the feel of his hands on my body.

"I can feel them staring at us," Asher pointed out, I giggled in response. We haven't informed our parents about us being back together. I can already predict their reactions. We walked into the living room, all eyes on us. Elle ran over to where Michael was at.

"Good God, this is true?" Asher's mum gesticulated between us, her eyes brimming with tears. Asher looked tenderly at his mum, "mum, I'm sorry about not mentioning this earlier. I wanted it to be a surprise. Yes, we have been together for a week plus. And Michelle..."
Michelle walked over to us at the mention of her name.
"Is our daughter." He added.

"I---I have a granddaughter? George, look, we have a granddaughter! Come here, sweet girl." Mrs. Storm's reaction was beyond what I expected. I expected her to yell at me or give me an earful for breaking her son. But....she shed tears of joy. Her reaction is priceless.

I look to my mama, she was staring at our interlocked hands. Asher held my hand in a firm grip, reassuring me, everything was going to okay. So far, I think it's going remarkably well.
"Asher, you are not going to run away this time, right?" My dad stepped forward, pulled Asher into a bear crushing hug.

"I'm so proud of who you have become. I'm glad you found your way back to God and He did wonders in your life. That's a testimony. Glad you found her." Asher raised a brow at me.
Really?
Is it weird to say I know what that brow meant? The message it passed?
Well, I do.

I looked at my feet, I'm sorry but my dad's my best friend, so...

"Son, you're glowing." I heard my mum whisper under her breath. She had her arms spread for a hug, one that Asher stepped into immediately. Naomi smiled at me from behind our parents.
We usually have dinner at The Storm's on thanksgiving, our whole family, not until few years back.
We lost contact with each other, I doubt the parents did.

Initially, I was scared of The Storm's behaviour towards me if I was to be present at the dinner. Then, I hadn't spoken to Asher and we aren't together. I was scared of facing Charlotte and Asher. Apparently, God had His plans for us. I'm glad it all turned out this way.

I glance at my daughter being in the company of George and Grace. Grace's eyes sparkled with love and genuine happiness at the sight of my daughter.

Our daughter....

At the mention of that, my chest swelled up with joy. She is our daughter.
Our girl.

"Charlotte is going to be so excited!" George's words interrupted my thoughts. Speaking of Charlotte, I haven't--

"Mum, I'm so sorry--Rose!!"
--seen her since her wedding. She crashed into me, peppering my face with kisses.
"I saw you at my wedding. I wasn't opportune to thank you personally for being in attendance. I missed you. Is Asher here?" I nodded. Her eyes softened in pity after that.
Oh dear, you're in the dark.

"Charlotte, step away from my girl. You're killing her." Her eyes went wide at that.
"G--girl, you both are--" she kept pointing from Asher to me and back. The whole run rang with hearty laughter at her priceless reaction.