Chapter5
1178 Words
The Homecoming
Nothing had changed much since he left the country. He walked slowly down the plane, his small bag on his back. The prison walls had stolen a lot. His face was leaner, his eyes darker. He had left as a dreamer, full of fire and promises. He was returning a man broken by regret.
Jennifer was waiting for her husband at the airport, and she was so happy to see him after the storm. She said to herself, “Finally, the storm is over.”
By the time Jennifer saw Terry. For a moment, she was speechless, and she saw the man who had promised her forever.
“Jennifer,” he said softly. She froze, emotions rushed through her. Joy, anger, relief, hurt. “You are back," she whispered.
Terry dropped his bag and moved closer. She let out a bitter laugh, tears rolling down her cheek. “Do you know how many times I cried myself to sleep? How many times have I defended you when people called me a fool?”
“I know, and I am sorry. I lost everything, and I failed you. But I am here now, and I will make it up to you.”
Finally, Jennifer stepped closer as she touched his face. His skin was rougher, but he was still Terry.
The sound of the trumpet welcomed Terry home. Jennifer had organized a surprise welcome back party for him at home. He was so excited, he felt loved and special. She bought a lot of gift items, made a cake, and did many other things.
That evening, after everyone had gone home. Terry had his bath. Jennifer did the same. They both sat down on the bed and started discussing.
“I thought of you every day. In that place, you were all I had. Your love kept me going. His voice was low. “I made choices, I wanted to succeed. But I lost myself.
She wanted to stay angry, but the love she had for him was too strong. “I don't know how to hate you, Terry,” she said. “Even when I tried”
He reached for her hand, “I don't deserve you, Jennifer. But if you still have room for me in your heart, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make it right.”
As she lay in his arms, Jennifer whispered, “Don't ever hurt me again.”
Terry kissed her forehead, his voice breaking. “Never."
But promises, as both of them knew too well, are fragile things.
The Gatekeeper
“So my son came back, and you are stopping him from coming home. I will arrest you,” Terry’s mum spoke to Jennifer over the phone. “You have done enough. My son needs a new life.”
“With all due respect, Mum, I was his hope. I waited when no one else did.” Jennifer replied to Terry's mum.
“Waited? For what? He owes you nothing. Go and find another. Shame on you. Is it because no suitor is coming as you are getting older? Terry will not waste his future on you.”
Terry collected the phone. “Mummy, I am sorry. I made mistakes. But I will start again and make things right.”
“Start again? She snorted. “With what? You returned with nothing but shame. And already, that girl is controlling you.
“Jennifer is not ‘that girl’. She is my wife. She waited for me when everyone else was not there. She was mocked. She believed in me when I had nothing.”
“And you think I will let you tie yourself to her now? You need a fresh start. You need a woman from a proper family. Jennifer will draw you down”. His mum said to him.
Jennifer froze. Tears filled her eyes.
There was tension between mother and son.
“She is the one that kept me going. I don't care what anyone says, I will not turn her away,” Terry ended the call and turned to Jennifer. “I am sorry.”
Jennifer shook her head, her tears flowing freely. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.
Living together
For a short while, they tasted happiness again. Jennifer took care of Terry and made him comfortable. They were all loved up, went on dates sponsored by Jennifer, and did a little shopping here and there. Until it was time for Terry to visit his parents after so many years.
Terry informed his parents that he was going to come home, but he would not be staying there anymore, but in the state where Jennifer moved to.
At the time he wanted to visit, they were in the village. So Terry arranged to go join his family in the village.
Back Home
It was a cool evening, and Terry went to his family compound in the village.
“Bro Terry is back,” his younger sister shouted on seeing him and ran to him.
“Welcome home, my son. How was the journey?” his mum asked while hugging him.
He was welcomed well, he had his bath, and ate. Later, he went to the living room where his parents were sitting.
“So you said you want to reside in that state. What are your plans? What do you intend to do?” his father asked him.
“Daddy, you know I have been through a lot, and I am sorry for all the stress I put you through. I would love to start a cab business and earn some money to take care of myself and my family.”
“What family?” Terry’s mother interrupted him, "I have told you that girl can never be your wife, not when I am alive.” There was absolute silence everywhere.
“Well, since you said you want to start a cab, I will help you get a car,” Terry’s father broke the silence. Terry knelt and thanked his father and retired to his home.
He stayed with his family for some weeks and headed back to Jennifer.
The Night that changed everything
“Welcome back, dear,” Jennifer ran to Terry. “I planned a short vacation for us. I just want us to have time alone,” she said to her man. He smiled.
They both packed their bags and left for their vacation.
It was a cold night, and in the quiet room, they came together. It was not reckless youth anymore, but something deeper. For Jennifer, it was surrender. For Terry, it was redemption.
But outside that small room, Terry’s mum had not given up. And her will would soon tear them apart again. Will she succeed?
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