LOVE LOST LOVE FOUND

Early in the morning, the bus whizzed past the enormous sign welcoming us to the vibrant chaos of Newyork, a city alive with its usual symphony of sounds. In contrast, countryside was a serene retreat, far quieter and more peaceful. A sigh "We’re almost there," the driver called out, his voice breaking through my reverie. My mother stirred, her eyes fluttering open; I could tell she hadn't slept either, her mind racing just like mine. At least I wasn’t alone—my brothers, Darwin and Anthony, were with me. Darwin, my elder brother, now had the weight of our family on his shoulders after daddy's death, and though he's been struggling, he's undeniably the sweetest brother I could ask for. A week has passed since Darwin ventured away leaving in us the behind for a meeting, and there I was, in the bus with little Anthony sprawled across my mum’s lap. What a darling he is! I never envisioned having a younger brother who was fifteen years my junior. As Mum often said, God intended for Anthony to brighten this world, and I felt such joy in giving him his name. I called out to Mum, and when she turned to me, a warm smile lit up her face. “Are you okay?” she asked, leaning closer. I simply nodded, lost in the moment. It was then that the bus came to a halt—finally, we had arrived at the park and were back in NYC. The sun shone brightly, casting a golden look upon the sky , we couldn't afford a plane so we took the bus but we arrived safe. Just a few minutes later, we pulled up to our cozy home. The driver kindly helped us with some of our luggage, and my mom gave him a tip as I expressed my gratitude and headed inside with the bags, with Anthony lending a hand. Upon entering, I noticed the house was quite dusty, and I realized I needed to tidy up quickly—guests would surely be arriving soon to offer their condolences. I sprang into action, and with Anthony’s little bits of assistance, I managed to clean up in no time. After a short break, the guests began to arrive. The day flew by as a steady stream of people came to pay their respects—I was surprised and a little irritated by the number of visitors so soon after our arrival. However, I noticed that my best friend Stacy hadn't come to see me, nor had her mom, who is friends with my mom. So there I was, sprawled on the bed with Anthony, who was engrossed in his games, while my mom had already dozed off in her room. Finally, I decided to check my phone for the first time that day and sent a quick message to my brother about our arrival. To my surprise, I found a whole bunch of messages waiting for me—my friends and family had all sent their sympathies, filled with heartfelt apologies.i didn't return any messages I closed my eyes knowing that in month's to come we might be finical wrecked.my online clothing business couldn't fetch me up to 100dollars a week. Stacey's message wasn't there no welcome back message no ........ just nothing from her , she didn't come today and I need her the most in my life now, I whispered her name.Aunty lisa , Anthony called, are you crying again? he asked looking at me , I smiled my baby ,why would I cry when I have my superman here with me? I said teasing him. he didn't fall for it , aunty lisa I know you are crying because of daddy he said and gave me a hug. aunty lisa don't worry I'll take care of you mummy and uncle Darwin he said and hugged me again I smiled. ISABELLA'S POV. she settles into the grey sofa near her bed, the sound of laughter reaching her ears. It's a comforting reminder that her children are finding joy, a welcome relief that eases the tension hanging over their home. Her focus now shifts entirely to their needs. Charles, you left me—you departed from this world when I needed you most. We spent so much on your burial; how will I manage Lisa's school fees? I know Darwin is here to help, but he can't shoulder the entire family’s burden; he has his own life to live." Tears stream down isabella's face as these thoughts swirl in her mind. It's been two weeks since they returned from the country side, and still, there's been no word from Stacy or her mother. i have resolved to refrain from reaching out, since Stacy hasn’t contacted her either. Despite considering her a sister, I've even tried to pass by their street, hoping for a glimpse of her, but the search has been fruitless. Under the relentless sun following my lectures, disappointment weighs heavy on me. "Stacy," she mutters to herself, dragging her weary feet, reflecting on their faded connection.lisa , lisa, wait that was mark my course mate , I cannot stand under the sun waiting for you , catch up with me I said still walking towards the school gate.lisa!!! he called called again after catching up with me and held my hand, I hissed playfully and said ; mark please I'm tired , I just want to go home and sleep I said clutching my bag.let me take you out for a treat then drive you home her royal highness mark said , I laughed, princess treatment for me ? isn't that inconvenient for you I asked knowing fully well that I wanted that treatment. you're my babe and I'll do anything for you mark said and his eyes lit up showing still showing his gap tooth,He has always been handsome like the tall handsome guy with nice body features and to crown it all up he came from a wealthy family, yh his father is a minister in the embassy. I still wonder why he's not in those high class universities.mark I called I'm not your babe and if its about this babe or girlfriend talk just forget about it it'sstill a no i said now walking faster. but Lisa wait you're the only girl rejecting me, I'm handsome, I'm rich I can change your life I.......... before he could finish insulting himself not me I interrupted, did ever tell you I want to change my life? ...mark don't just cross your limits, watch what you say to me so you don't get in my black book, and there's beauty in silence I said and hasten my pace.sorry her Majesty? ok can I atleast drop you home? he asked still following me .I haulted giving him a stern warning not to follow me again mark go and do something else I said and walked out of the school gate, I turned to see if he still lingered around but he was out of sight I hissed in frustration waiting for the bus,"he just wants to ruin my day". lisa someone called my name from behind , I turned it was a customer, jenny it's been long you patronised me i said with a smile,lisa that's why I called you.Theres this blue gown you posted today I want it peace said, the strapless? I asked going through my phone and showed her a picture of the dress which she confirmed to. lisa I've been calling and sending messages you didn't reply peace said. I was in class but don't worry I got you, I'll deliver tomorrow just make payment, you know the price na I said winking at her . No discount jenny retorted, add extra 5 dollars for me I said playfully and winked at her again lisa no problem I'll call you later I have afternoon class let me go now before I run late she said and waved at me . God I thank you I said but is it only award night these high school girls will buy clothes , I chuckled please lord let everyday be an award night i said happily and boarded the bus that finally came home, praying my mum cooked something. Entering into the house a fine looking benze was parked outside I silently eyed the car until Anthony opened the door all beaming with smiles. I heard my mum from the door way talking and laughing with a familiar voice, Aunty lisa you'll be so happy today Anthony said leading me into the living room it was Stacy and her mum and one other good looking male visitor who must have come to sympathise with us . I screamed immediately I saw Stacy I hugged her she was looking so amazing "this girl where did you go I said almost tearing up" Babes see I'm so sorry I lost my phone but I have alot of gist for you and I bought apology gifts for you they are in your room Stacy said clutching me tightly. i hugged her mum with excitement, it's been weeks mummy where did you take Stacy to I asked her mum still happy and exited, lisa my mum called so now you want to tell me that you are too big to say hello to Maxton? She said pointing to the young man who was now smiling, I quickly looked closely and it was him it was Maxton? "My crush from childhood ooh my God I said under my breath".Maxton I called smiling from ear to ear I was visibly blushing we exchanged a warm hug which seemed too long, he broke the hug , holding my hand I just smiled while he talked with everyone on how I've changed and talked about school. lisa he called again , very soon we'll start having potential suitors, he said and everyone laughed . My heart twitched a bit what did he mean by that? She already has a potential suitor Stacy said very sharp boy she added , both our mothers just laughed and left the sitting room to my mother's room.