OUR LOVE GLOWS

CHAPTER 1 I may not make it this time, I'll be helping grandma in the Garden. Okay, take it easy. I'll make up something to see that she accepts. See you then. Zara! Come here my girl, I am not seeing my blue scarf. I am coming, granny. I've searched everywhere but all in vain. You brought the clothes, where did you put it? Here, I got it. There's something I want to tell you. What is it dear? Go on and tell me. We have a practical test this Saturday. It's okay Zara, I also want to see the doctor on Saturday since I've felt a little ill this week. Thanks grandma. Where would I find a loving person like you in this world? I'll talk to Adam so he helps us finish the uncultivated piece. Wait, will you come back early? I am not sure granny because we have a discussion after the test. As soon as she entered her room, she made a phone call while she peeped through the half open door. Of course Julie and you know me well. I managed to convince her so you should come in the morning. Guys, attention please. It's time the party starts so let's clap for the birthday girl as she walks to the front. I want to welcome and thank everyone that is here today. I am too overjoyed that I don't have much to say, please enjoy the party. (Music) "There he comes, l'll leave you two." Julie smiled and hastened away. Don't leave Julie. You can't bear seeing me around, right! Why do you always push me away? "Stop it Herbert. Let's talk from outside." She said while she pulled his left hand. I have the bike, can we talk in some place away from here? "I spent the night here! Grand ma must be worried, what do I do Herbert?" She trembled while she dressed up. It's not like you've spent a whole week. Worry less, I am taking you home. Not today, what will granny think when she sees us together? The two hugged and he looked at her till she was out of sight. (Knocking) "I wonder where she is now. Is she in the Garden!" Zara talked to herself. Where did you sleep in the night? "I got nervous when the place was so quiet but thank God you are here beloved granny." Zara said while they hugged. I didn't meet the doctor. She had travelled. What should I do? You need that medication. Don't get stressed my girl, I got some from the community clinic. That's nice to hear. I'll go and make breakfast now. Come back Zara. Where were you last night? Don't worry grandma, I'll tell you after I make something to eat. (Two months later) What do I do Julie? I've tried his phone but he's not answering. What kind of joke is this! What do you do with the pregnancy if he ran away? I don't know what to do. I never thought things would happen this way. Crying like a child won't help, keep calm and think for a way out. Grandma has hypertension, what will happen if she gets to know? I heard from Herbert's friend that he left with his uncle. How about we go to his mother? (Knocking) "You are welcome. Come in please." The grown lady smilingly spoke while she walked the visitors to the sitting room. Feel at home, I'll bring something to drink. No mum, we came to see Herbert. Is he home? It's a month since he left to town. Tell me, I'll give him your message. I am scared to say this but... "Zara, please don't start the drama. Well auntie, my friend is pregnant and it's Herbert but he doesn't pick our calls." Julie stated. Mrs. Lora felt uneasy, the young ladies kept quiet at the moment. She promised to discuss the issue with her son when they met again. Why did you take such a long journey to this place? I have something important to discuss with you. We would have talked on phone. No Herbert, I had to come in person. Where's your uncle? The news didn't sound good in his ears. Mum, please don't tell uncle about this. You are welcome sister. I am back, what shouldn't you tell me? "I have taken long without seeing my son. Time has passed but I have to buy some goods for the shop." She replied with a fading smile. "I can drive you to the trading centre." The tall bodied man said then walked to the garage. Mum, tell Zara that I'll meet her on Sunday. Goodbye! You should be strong my dear. Please drive faster, my grand daughter is in a lot of pain. At the community clinic, the midwife brought a wheelchair and took the expecting mother to the labour suite. Granny was left at the waiting area praying for her grand daughter. "9:28am, she has given birth to twins but she did not survive." The midwife reported. The old lady burst into tears. A week had passed, Mrs. Lora went to give her condolences. I am becoming weaker and ill ever since she passed on, I request you keep the money to help you take care of the children. When Mrs. Lora returned home, she found her brother's vehicle in the compound. She heard him from the door shouting at the top of his voice. It was a bad evening for Herbert. After the lesson, his uncle walked out and drove away. "Look at how you are bruised. Why did he do this to you?" Mrs. Lora cried. No mum. I accept it's my fault since I didn't do things in the right way. What did he tell you? Did he agree about your continuation to a higher institute? (A week later) You are cruel. You keep staring at them even when they cry. What should I do, mum? May be they are also angry with me. Look at my little angels. Have you thought about their names? He was lost in thoughts not till his mother pushed his right shoulder. Why did you have to father earlier than you were ready? They are hungry, put the milk in the bottles. He held the little boy in his arms and kept looking at him. "He doesn't look like me." Herbert remarked. You don't know about children. The girl resembles me so I'll name her Lora, and which name should we give the boy? I got no idea, you can give him any name. You are a bad father. I'll name them, my little Lora and Lawrence. I am going back to town next week. I have to look for a job. How will I run the shop with the kids? I need someone to help me. Things will be better if I get a job to pay a maid but meanwhile I can't afford that. Are you going to stay at your uncle's house? No mum, it's not that I don't like it there but he's too harsh with me. Why are you here? You came to punish my son again, isn't it? Don't say that dear sister. Am I not welcome here anymore? He's not around, you can leave now. The problem you have is taking every issue lightly, how do you think he'll take responsibility when he acts immature? Stop it Abel. You can't talk about my son in such a manner. I'll leave like you said but if he doesn't agree to join the army then I can't help him. I am leaving the country tomorrow. Mrs. Lora had nothing to say but see his brother walk out. (Five months later) Stop runnig around the house. Come on, it's time for bathing. Jane, please come and open for me. "I am coming mum." The plump dark skinned lady said while she walked to the door. Here is your money. Sorry I couldn't make it for the past month, how are my grand children? Thank you mum, the twins just slept. By the way mum, when is Herbert coming over? I am not sure, I heard he's having trainings over and over. I knew that Abel wished my son no good but to suffer. When did she leave mum and how are you keeping up with the kids? "Your uncle said he'll come to sort it over the weekend." Mrs Lora hopelessly spoke on phone. (Car hooting) While she cooked food in the kitchen, Benjamin came running to her though she didn't pay attention to him. Thanks for the meal Lora. I'll go direct to the point. Go ahead Abel, I am listening. Did Jane tell you when she's coming back? She left a letter and her son behind. What can I do now poor as I am! Since you have no plan, I suggest we take them to the orphanage then you can do your work and take care of yourself. Do you think I can do that? What if Jane comes back demanding for her son! "You are worried about the maid's kid, why didn't she take him along?" Abel asked furiously. I need to talk to Herbert before taking his children to the orphanage. It's not necessary. He can't even buy food for a day so tell me, how will he keep them around? It's raining heavily, what do I do now? "Benjamin! We have to stay at the shop a little while. My phone is ringing, bring it to me." She said while she looked up the sky. Yes son, when are you coming so I prepare your best dish? I am hungry, granny. Mum, who's that talking in the background? It's Benjamin. You'll see him when you come home. (Knocking) It's now a year but you didn't mind to take a day off to visit your children. No mum, it's not that I didn't want. I only feared that I wouldn't show a good image as a father. I can't believe you are like your uncle. Are you really my son? Please don't say that mum. Let me hope you'll not behave like him because you are also in the army. Who's this boy, mum? It's that maid who left him here. He seems older than the twins. Atleast you know that about your children. Benjamin is five years. I didn't expect her to forsake her son. She has never called and I was scared taking him to the orphanage with the twins.