Lost & Found Christian Romance

Chapter 3-"The Secret Revealed"

I woke up the next the day very tired, I had stayed up past 1 am. I had a 7am class on biology and it was so very boring. After class, I called my sister and told her everything that happened last night. She was happy that I went out but a little annoyed that, I was not more open with Axel.

"Toya you can't be afraid to date again". "I know your last boyfriend Juan was a jerk, but not everyone is like him", Maria said with concern. "Its been a year now, you can not continue to live your life in bubble all to yourself Toy". 

"Ria it's not that simple, Juan raped me remember, he was my first, someone I trusted". "I loved him" I said in a small voice. "After all the counseling I cannot be afraid anymore, I can go out of the house now. I am not paranoid anymore". 

"But the emotional pain is still there", I said to her firmly without crying. "I made a huge step last night and that's a start, at least give me that Ria". 

"Yes, I guess you're right Toy, but don't stop living keep trying". "I am here for you, remember Mama, she always said God would see us through". "We have our faith," Ria said with empathy.

I listened to Maria talk about Mama, our mother. She passed away just when I started dating Juan last year. We both missed her so much. But we had our memories, and we had each other. Most of all we had faith in God. May seem old fashion, or not relevant today. God is real to us; we may not live every word in the bible. We had our faith, it grounded us, we had Jesus and that brought me peace. 

I hung up the phone, with my sister and I was finally at peace. I needed that little pep talk. Ria always knew what to say to help me refocus, and not bury myself in depression. I was grateful for such a loving and caring and understanding sister.

I took some time to pray, and then I texted Cynthia. I asked her for my login information. I ran out of the club so fast; I never got my login information. 

She texted me right back, with the information, but she asked something I did not expect. "So, Toya what do you think of my brother Axel?" she texted.

 I bit my lip and answered honestly, "He is really sexy, but he totally seems like a playboy. No offense Cynthia", I texted back.

 Cynthia texted me in response, "I'm glad you see through his charm. He is a playboy. Please just stick with the matchmaking system?" 

Wow, I could not believe Cynthia was warning me about her own brother. I reassured her I would stick with the program. And we left things at that, but I was curious. Cynthia and Axel are like celebrities, so I googled him. Sure, enough it was some very juicy gossip. As I scrolled through all the articles, there was one that caught my eye. Axel was engaged to his high school sweetheart, she died in a car accident, the day before they were to get married. Soon after that their mom and dad were robbed and murdered. 

I could not believe my eyes. Cynthia never told me how her parents died, but as I read the article it was a brutal murder. I felt sad for Axel, I could see he was using women and sex to fill the loss of his parents. I said a quick prayer for Axel and Cynthia. Logged into my account, on the Moonstruck website. I finished setting everything up and even messaged a couple of guys. Then I was off to my next class Ethics, yet another boring lecture.

Around 3pm I finished all my classes for today, checking my email. I seen that Moonstruck was having a meet and greet at one of the highest end restaurants in the city. I could never afford to eat there, even with my pretty fair salary. I was off work, so I dedicated to go to the meet and greet. I didn't even change clothes, I was wearing a white T-shirt, with a pair of black sweatpants. My hair was down, and straight, and I had my favorite sneaks on. I walked into the brunch, and I stood out like a sore thumb, everyone had on there little sundress's or dressed business casual. While I was underdressed. I did not really care though, I heard the restaurant had the best food, and I wanted to eat. I was starving, all the stress of earlier I never had breakfast. The food was free so why not?

I was really amazed by the décor, marble floors, custom cherry wood French style tables. Tuscany colors, gold silverware, beautiful crystal light fixtures, it was luxurious. There was a special brunch menu, finger sandwiches, bacon and eggs, French toast, stir fry, spring rolls, and chicken parmesan. I ordered the spring rolls and the chicken parmesan with a club soda and lime. I sat down at a table for two tucked away behind a wall, out of sight. I was enjoying my plate when the playboy himself comes and sits next to me.

 He orders French toast and eggs and bacon. I continue to eat to try and ignore him. But then he touches my hand, I look up at him and say, "Never touch me, I don't like to be touched ok". 

"I'm sorry Toya, I was just trying to get your attention". "I don't enjoy being ignored", Axel said with a straight face. I swallowed my chicken parmesan, and cut straight to the point,

 "Axel I am not interested in you, you're nothing but a player. So please just stay away from me.", man, he doesn't give up, I am so annoyed I thought.

I stared him right in the eyes as I spoke, he looked really surprised by what I said. I started to get up and leave, 

"Toya don't run away again." Yes, I do play the field; I won't deny that", Axel said looking me in the eye as if it was a challenge. "The truth is the truth, but I am just interested in getting to know you".

" Can't we just be friends Toya"? Axel looked very convincing, but how could I trust him. Cynthia even warned me about him.

 "No, I am here to be apart of the Moonstruck matchmaking service, not to date you". "Just stop harassing me, Axel". I finally got up and walked away. My heart was pounding out of my chest. Axel was wearing what I would call a muscle shirt, and some basketball shorts. His hair was done, and he had on the same brand of sneaks as me. Even in casual wear he looked gorgeous. Looking in his eyes he seemed sincere, and I think I really offended him this time. I don't get him at all, why is he so persistent? Hopefully this time he gets it, that I am not interested. At least I keep trying to tell myself that.