Bliss

Holiday Exposè

Months Later

Bible study with Yvonne has been amazing, I've grown in ways I never thought possible, these past few months we've delved deeper into redemption, forgiveness, walking in love, living the kingdom life from the mountain top. I've learnt more about Yvonne and she about me and something beautiful is brewing between she and Roland. They are now friends and might I say even closer than before. Today is a holiday and thankfully I have no appointments scheduled. Yvonne is hosting us for a fun day at her place, I got there early with a puzzle game, drinks and some cookies.

"Hey bestie...hey girl, you didn't have to bring all these things, I told you I have them covered...I know but I can't come empty handed, besides the more the merrier...okay you can put the drinks in the fridge and help me out here...great, what are we making?...jollof rice with turkey...mmm I can't wait to taste it...me too, you think the guys would like it?...oh they would love it...Roland didn't come with you?...he left the house before I did, I'm guessing he had something to take care of...right, so what are we doing first madam organizer?...we could start off with games, pick and act, the puzzle I brought, then eat and watch movies later...that sounds like fun_that reminds me, what's up with you and Greg?...I don't get you?...Vivian, you and I both know that there's more to this friendship you guys are pretending to have...pretending, wow we're actually friends...I know but I also know you want more and for how long would you two remain as 'just friends'...for as long as we want, honestly, I feel like he's distant with me lately. I thought we were making headway till Tracey's father showed up and everything changed...why is that?...he's not ready to commit and I won't also rush him, he has to want this as much as I do for it to work, otherwise I'd feel like my love is unrequited...have you spoken to him about your concerns?...not once, not twice, he's skeptical about a step-mother for his son but I've tried to clear the air on that in hopes of putting his mind at ease. I guess he just doesn't trust me enough to be a good mother to Jayden and to love him as if he were mine...I'm so sorry dear, I would have spoken some sense into him but this is something he has to figure out on his own with guidance from the Holy Spirit...don't be sorry, how about you, is my cousin living up to expectations?...I think in this case I'm the one holding back...why Yvie, he adores you; I'm not saying this because he's my family but I know he's genuinely interested in you and he's a good person...I know all that but I don't think I'm good enough for him...it's funny how he said the same thing to me months ago...about not being good enough for me?...yes...how? he's perfection, every woman's dream...so what's holding you back?...Vee he's not going to feel the same way if he learns about my past...the same one I know or is there another?...same one...Yvie, God forgave you, brought you into a glorious inheritance, made you one with him, declared you not guilty, made you justified, blameless and unreproveable in His sight. If God, the creator of the universe has accepted you as you are and even now has made you a new man in Christ, a new creation without a past, how much more man?...Vee you know God is not man and Roland may be a Christian but I don't want to have to be rejected by him...you know what, talk to him about the old you, it will amaze you that he would just trash it off like you told him tales under the moonlight...you think so?...nothing you do could ever be wrong in his eyes, to him, you're perfect...I'd try to tell him...okay just be courageous, everything will turn out okay...thanks Vee...it's my pleasure...I can't believe we've been talking for that long... yeah we both needed that...you're right"

There was a knock at the door and I went to check, it was Roland, he was holding a package which I thought was for everyone but apparently it was for Yvonne only.

"Yvonne is the only one here right...don't be jealous couz, she's the host so she deserves a gift...I see, let me go ahead and call the owner of the gift". I went to call her and she was already cleaning her hands with a napkin to go meet Roland. I just pray it goes well with them, at least one of us should be happy, not that I'm not but you get it.

Yvonne's POV

I heard Roland's voice from the kitchen so hurriedly washed my hands and went out to meet him

"hi...hey, you look good...in an apron?...you look good in everything" time to turn pink from too much blushing "thank you, you look good too...thanks, I got this for you...you did? thank you so much. I didn't know we were supposed to bring gifts ...no no no, look I just saw it and thought it would fit you so I got it...it's beautiful, thank you. Can you help me put it on?...of course" I flipped my hair to the other side while he placed the necklace on. It was so beautiful, however the excitement was short-lived when I remembered what I had to tell him, he must have noticed my demeanor changed because he asked if I'm okay.

"Is everything okay...yes but we need to talk...okay, like now?...no, maybe later, when we're alone...okay, you're sure it can wait?...yes please...is that what is making you look sad all of a sudden? we could step out and talk to put your mind at ease...no Roland, I want to be present in this moment and enjoy it, what I have to tell you can wait...if you say so...yes...then please show me that beautiful smile of yours" I couldn't help but smile and it touched my eyes, let me relish this moment at least before it has to be taken away with my confession.

Vivian's POV

I excused the lovebirds while I put finishing touches to the food, I heard someone at the door again and it was Greg, I stayed in the kitchen because I didn't want things to be awkward any further. We invited more people for the get-together but they all cancelled today so I guess it's just the four of us. I heard Yvonne call my name and I came out to meet them

"Let's begin the fireworks, it's just the four of us today...okay so what do we start with?...pick and act...alright". She got a pen and a paper, wrote down what each group would act then told us to choose partners. Roland chose her of course, this brother of mine was smitten, I was left with Greg and we had not spoken a word to each other since he came in

"hi partner...hi...you good?...yes I am, you?...I'm doing well...good and how's J.J?...he's doing great, at my parent's place right now...okay"

Yvonne acted in her group and Greg did in mine, after some rounds, Greg and I won "Any prize for the winning team?" Greg asked "You get bragging rights for a week" Yvonne answered. We played the puzzle, it was a word puzzle and after that the guys said we should eat. I was silent throughout and Roland blurted out if I was okay "Vivy are you okay?...mmhm, I'm good...you've barely touched your food...not really hungry, I think I'd just eat later...okay"

Greg's POV

Vivian was not happy with me and I could see it though she was being civil and courteous. At lunch she barely touched her food, Roland pointed it out and she said she wasn't hungry. I guess my presence isn't making her act like her usual self. After her ex-husband came back, I kinda distanced myself a bit not because I wanted to hurt her but I felt it was the right thing to do, now I see the strain my actions have caused. I sort guidance from the Lord and I knew what to do, I wasn't going to push her away any further, I had to speak to her and tell her exactly how I felt and I really hoped she still had a soft spot for me, I prayed that she had not moved on. She left for the kitchen and I also told them at the table that I was done so I'd put my plate away. This was my chance to right my wrong

"Viv, can we talk?...right now?...yes please...

Can Greg really undo the way he treated Vivian?

It's been fun writing this chapter and I sure hope you have a fun time reading as well