CHAPTER TWO:SPREADING SEEDS S E V E N Y E A R S A G O

Hine Parrish, a quaint little town located along the Mississippi river, southeastern region of louisiana state.

The town has been described as unique, owing in part to its cross cultural and multilingual heritage.

Partial to a humid climate, mild winters, sometimes heavy rainfalls, damaging winds and tornadoes.

It consists of a few swamplands called bayous, and a marshland in the area.

Hine parrish is famously known for its self sufficiency for a town of its size, it houses a distillery which caters to other neighbouring parrishes, restaurants which offer intercontinental cuisines, two super marts, a farm, few chemical companies, a refinery if you will, few schools, two banks, law firm, and a few hospitals.

With a population of over four thousand, It is home to the five percent, the cream of the crop, decided by generations wrought out of the landlords that founded the Parrish.

They owned lands in the state, Louisiana.

They sat down to a meeting over territories, coming to an agreement on how their newly acquired lands would benefit them.

If only they knew how the conclusion to their little meeting fully blossomed into a pedestal for some, an aspiration for others.

Five years after the purchase, four wealthy families realizing that they were neighbouring land owners once they settled, Decided to create a community where they could have control over how they saw fit to control their community and their lands in whatever way they saw fit.

A plan to contribute to the growth of the state in turn for favours from the state.

A symbiotic relationship of some sorts.

They formed an alliance with the Government, signing an agreement to let the Parrish be autonomous, separate from the state, an alliance in the sense that without the lands they owned in the state, Important structures beneficial to the cause of the state would not be heard of, standing tall today.

The terms of the alliance/agreement were

1. The parrish shall fall in line with the States' rules & regulations as long as It has autonomy in how it can control its administrative affairs and in turn share its essential resources through commercial hubs mentioned below .

a. Healthcare

b. Cuisine

c.Banking

2.There shall be no external form of control over the aforementioned hubs in the parrish, in return for the assistance of these organisations during a crisis of the State.

Each founding family had a stake in each hub, creating conglomerates, organizations in the process.

The founding families were Aguilar, Dupont, Harbour, and Hernandez.

Landlords with the minds of industrialists who left behind their legacy for generations to come.

Louis Dupont founded an hospital, Merciers, in the state after the purchase, it was now a global brand known for its teaching hospitals, cutting edge research, and introduction into modern surgery.

They had 5 branches and counting all over western Europe.

Pillar Aguilar inherited the banks from her Father, named after her, being an only child, Pillar Banking, they had a whole franchise all over the country with future plans to expand.

James Harbour kept his Grandmother Sally's recipe of creole cuisine which was used to start a restaurant, Scrumlicious.

He went ahead to add european cuisines to his portfolio which he used to create an empire, 7 restaurants spread across three countries and counting.

Esmeralda Hernandez came upon lands, Vineyards for her agave plants and grapes, used to make tequila and wine.

She had plans to pass them on to her daughter as a wedding gift.

The gift spurned into a global franchise of alcoholic beverages manufactured and distributed all over the world.

Some of these families made alliances through marriages which strengthened them further.

A certain cap was given to any who lived in Hine or had family in Hine Family.

Not everyone who entered the Parrish got to stay when darkness claimed the day.

The town had a metropolitan rhythm with an old money feel to it, giving it an elevated status.

Ginger, Saffron, Clover , Sage, Thyme, Dill, all strategically built in order of importance.

The founding families wanted to make sure there was a clear demarcation of the important people, but like always, even the powerful need people to tend to them. hence the lower class allowed to live in Hine. That in itself was a privilege allowed to a few.

It became a cultural blend of families trying to coexist peacefully in a little parrish, which led to a community of diverse occupants.

Industrialists at the top of the chain, the upper class, the founding families always trying to upstage the former, settled in the middle class, which sometimes made for rocky bedfellows, and a power struggle occasionally between the two classes.

They were some founding families who managed to contend with the upper class.

The workers, who worked manual jobs, office jobs, domestic jobs all consisted of the lower class, which was where most of the immigrants, blacks, colored, and every other person looking to fend for themselves were placed.

In the grand scheme of things, they were all cogs in the wheel of the social class known in Hine parrish.

The parrish was divided into the Spices which was where the cream of the crop resided and Herbs which was where the working class resided, a clear demarcation, starkly reminding everyone of their place in the community.

A social reminder of those in actual power, who ruled or had a hand in ruling the society at large.

There was a begrudging recognition and respect for the Founding families in the community especially Ma'am Esmeralda, considering she was the only original still alive.

Esmeralda was excited when her Granddaughter, decided to settle with her family in the town.

She had been living quietly in the town in her sprawling mansion with her best friend, Maria Salazar, but now there was going to be a new addition to the family also,

She never thought she would get to see her Great Grandchild, just the thought made her happy.

She had been a guardian of the lands that housed the agave and grapes and the distillery that produced their family's wines and tequilas, standing in place for her daughter until her Granddaughter had come of age.

She continued to oversee production of the distillery in Hine, until she became too old, Amelia swooping in, that way visiting them often when she came for business.

She taught her Granddaughter all she knew of the process of planting, harvesting the fruits gotten for the distillation, Faustian handled the distillation process.

She always spent time with Amelia whenever she came visiting with her mother but this was the first time with her husband since she got married two years ago.

She would always take her to the distillery and the farms with Talia before her death and before you knew it regularly became often.

She and Amelia had a very close connection so she made sure to have a waning presence in her life as the years went by.

She liked what she saw from Amelia's choice of a husband from her investigations and few meetings, but now he was going to be in her playground.

She threw her support behind her Granddaughter and her Husband when they planned to settle in Hine, It sent a clear message about the importance of the incoming new residents.

It helped a lot that he was already a well accomplished Man.

She was proud of who Amelia chose, also noticed that Faustian gave his blessings which wasn't so easy for him,

They had become closer after Talia's death so he only wanted the best for his daughter.

If only Natalia was alive to see how well her daughter was striving

She was excited for what was to come when they would arrive.

The people of Hine were excited about the new residents settling in town.

They piqued a lot of curiosities, it didnt help that the Hernandez Matriarch also gave her backing so everyone knew to back off.

A wealthy man who exuded so much charisma with his aloofness and his European wife.

On the day of their arrival, they were whispers of Ma'am Esmeralda's Granddaughter that was to come with her family, and an excited curiosity about what they would be like.

Everyone knew Ma'am Esmeralda was Spanish, but she always said her Granddaughter was also French from her Father's side so, who knew what she would look like, and what kind of man her husband was.

Everyone stared as a black sleek looking BMW 6 series came rolling down the paved road, followed by a large Van behind.

Its elongated silhouette offering the utmost in comfort and efficiency.

heading towards the connected roads that lead to Ginger Estate.

Which housed the one percent.

The residing structure of the town was created by the Founding families and stayed that way over the years, Ginger Estate being the most affluent of all the Spices .

Only the Founding families and a select few from the upper echelon resided there.

It was a fact the Founding families lorded over the Upper class.

It was an agreement set in stone from the beginning of the alliance.

Loophole of the Administrative affairs.

The day was rife with embellished stories, exaggerated truths, about the new residents in town.

"I heard she got pregnant out of wedlock so Ma'am Esmeralda decided to take them in"

"I heard she is very beautiful but cold like glaciers of ice just like those blue eyes of hers"

"Her husband didn't acknowledge anyone, so quiet and not even a smile, I mean you should at least smile in a new environment, amongst new people" murmurs took flight at gatherings , hushed words spoken at the workplace.

They moved into a sprawling spanish colonial home which boasted of five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a garage, a pool area and a large honey colored Oak door at the entrance leading into an arched hallway painted yellow, which lead to a spacious courtyard with red roof tiles into the house.

The door had an engraved emblem of his company's logo, a Phoenix being reborn from its ashes.

Their home was spacious so it had a lot of room for Amelia's plants.

Paintings to be artfully hung on the walls, Potted plants to be placed strategically all over the house would breathe life into the house, making it a home.

Jonathan and Amelia watched as a truck unloaded their belongings in their new home, which would also be a home for their baby.

He laid his hands, rubbing her burgeoning belly, a new habit he had picked since the news of the baby.

"How do you feel Melia?"he asked as they doled out instructions to the movers. "any discomfort, pain?,

I set out a chair for you under the shade, I see your love for nature has made sure that we have trees around" he teased,

An important feature of the house was the availability of nature around and space for her plants.

she led him to the chair, took her seat with a smile.

"So I was thinking we could share a room for our offices since the rooms are quite large"

"Okay, I don't mind, just dont tell me I am being loud when I get my calls" she said with sass and a nonchalant air.

"You have been sassy all day, I see someone is itching for a punishment" he traced her plump watermelon colored lips with a chuckle.

"Hey Mister Jonny, my eyes are up here, maaaaybe i am, just a little bit"she singsonged causing a twinkle in his eyes

"You know I never take up a chance to be around you as much as I can, your presence fills me with the will to go on, now I have more reason to keep going on" he finished with a solemnity never expected in that moment.

She sighed , radiating so much love in her smile, she had always known that she had a deep emotional connection with Jonathan, feeling his intensity sometimes, He had his scars but managed to bloom just beautifully to her.

The scene was privately watched by some of the movers , the brief yet sweet reprieve giving them a spark of renewed energy in their activities.

The unpacking ended hours later, the workers thanked and offered lemonade, drove their vans away after collecting payment.

"C'mon let's go and check our new home" Amelia was already heading into the house with Jonathan at her heels

"Let's check out the bedroom first?"

"Nice try Mister Jonny, Grandma Esme and Maria have requested our presence in her home, the bedroom can wait"

" Perfect, I will have all night to tend to you, we can cancel our meeting if you are feeling tired Melia, I am sure your Grandmas would understand " She smiled as she held his face, tenderly giving him a deep kiss, hoping it conveyed her feelings about him in that moment for caring enough to ask.

"I am fine baby, I haven't seen them in two years , that's a long time, besides I would like to know I am done for the day then we can soak in the tub" she replied with a hint of a promise of what was to come later that night"

"Okay Melia, let's go. I have missed her Empanadas, Does Grandma Maria still make them?"

"Of course she does "

" They have a unique friendship, those two" Jonathan made an observation.

" Those two are just peas in a pod, I have learned not to question their telepathic relationship, probably going to the afterlife together" their voices faded away , making jokes, as they inspected the efforts of the workers before leaving to make their appointment with Grandma Esme and Maria.

Lucky for them, She also lived in Ginger estate, A quaint three bedroom cottage, on a stretch of land filled with planted fruits, herbs, vegetables. They practiced miniature farming, little animals , pigs, goats, chickens roamed all over the large expanse of land that surrounded the cottage.

She passed on her love for farming to her Granddaughter with the latter picking a deep love and interest in horticulture not agriculture like the former.

They got to her house, patiently waiting for a reply once they had made their presence known at the entrance.

The door into the house was opened by a maid who greeted them after ushering them in.

Two women sit in the living room slowly discussing a topic, looking up once they realised they had guests.

"Grandma Esme, oh my God I didnt realize how much I missed you till I just saw you again" Amelia stooped a bit, to give an aged woman with a striking resemblance to her a big hug which was returned before repeating the action on the next woman. "Grandma Maria, I see you haven't aged a bit, still looking so good after all this time" her eyes teased the latter woman, twirling her gently to soft chuckles in the house.

Grandma Maria loved to take good care of her appearance.

"Mi ojos de angel(my angel eyes) , come here let me feel the bambina(baby)" she rubbed her hands slowly over Amelia's bump in reverence, speaking to no one in particular "I never believed that I would still be alive to witness him being born, mark my words, he is a boy, I can feel it in my bones" she said with certainty causing everyone to chuckle.

The air was filled with warmth only these grannies could exude just by being around you.

Grandma Esme was once a lover, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, teacher, cook, and a bread winner of a family. All in all, She was an enterprise by herself and a woman with wisdom.

Every wrinkle told a story of her struggles and survival, decades of history hidden in her memory, a lovable person but fiery as ever even in old age, Maria was the soothing balm to all that fire, sage, firm yet motherly to Esme's strong personality.

They both had a hand in raising her after her mother's death, instilling a strong independence but kindness in her.

"Jonathan had a certain fire to him, maybe it was because of his struggles, something she could understand, maybe that was the energy that she was looking for, to change things up in the parrish". She had told Maria when asked her reason for supporting his introduction to the community, knowing full well it could raise certain issues.

"Maria, I know he can handle the chaos that will erupt, I see it in him"

She had a innate way of sense of things, reading auras, being in tune with her spiritual side, or maybe they were the ramblings of a very old woman.

She could already tell her time was almost up, her most important reason was to spend her last days however numbered, with her family close by.

They all spent the next hour at dinner reminiscing about the old days, catching up on things missed while she watched Jonathan, making her observations about him.

It was time for her guests to go home, they said their goodbyes as she and maria escorted them to their car.

As they hugged a final time, she whispered to Amelia " remember mija(my child) to always stand your ground with your husband, he has a very strong aura but it lightens whenever he is around you, so you have tremendous power that you probably may never understand" she sometimes said things that seemed off, spoke often in riddles but Amelia had spent too much time around her Grandmother to learn that she had a sense about things and there was always a truth to what she said.

She watched with Maria as they drove out of the compound "i guess we will see what unfolds after his presence in this parish, they are going to make a few waves, is it a surge or a tidal wave? only time will tell"

"Esmeralda, I can only hope we are around to witness the waves"

"Of course we will , i don't know how much of it , Our time is drawing near".

Maria always handled her impending words spelling their demise quite well, she wasn't a stranger to her ramblings, just accepted it as a gift Esme had to deal with.

During the early days, they always called her the seer of doom, no one willing to stay close enough to be friends until Maria, the daughter of a Spanish immigrant, who came to work as a maid for her family during the War.

Seventy years later, they were ride or die till the end.

A Few Weeks Later

After the Francis moved in, trying to settle in, it was chaotic for a while, rumours flying about how an African got to be so wealthy, with the aid of his French wife of course.

A lot of curious stares, whispered words behind their backs, the man in question didn't help matters by being aloof but he made a large contribution to the parrish, building a branch of his business in town, placing the way for employment, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, all form of labourers and also corporate employment. someone had to take care of the desk work also.

Jonathan Francis brought with him a certain perception of what attainability looked like, One where a man of colour who wasn't a Founding member like the Harbours, set a standard for what others like him aspired to be.

Sure, people gossiped about his marriage giving him the stamp of approval in his social standing but it was mostly background noise.

He opened a branch of his company Jollin Construction in town, providing employment for workers from even neighbouring parishes.

The growing influence he had over a substantial majority of the community raised some curious eyebrows among the Upper echelon but a fearsome vigilance among the Founding families, And an adulation among the Lower class.

Suddenly his skin colour became an issue regardless of the glaring fact that different races had always existed within the parish.

But none so brazenly among the Upper Echelon

No black man had deigned to set himself so comfortably among the Alphas, doing it with such finesse and an air of intense power he exuded to those around , that it greatly troubled those at the top of the food chain.

Who was this new stranger who just barged into their city and had a lot of influence over the people?

Jonathan became the symbol of hope and prosperity for others so his family became one of the wealthy respected families in the Parrish.

The knowledge that someone from his background achieved something so great never failed to motivate a lot of the other families like his.

They lived right next to the Harbours, which made Jonathan feel more comfortable, He never showed his unease of being one of the wealthiest black men in a town where people like him were so down the food chain, It was unspoken, but he felt it everytime in their stares and whispers, everyone wondering how he got so wealthy.

It made him wonder if his child would go through all these, causing him a little worry but he knew he would take care of his family, no matter what.

He had worked very hard to achieve all that he had, so he wouldn't let anyone, much less people who knew nothing of what he had been through affect his choices or actions,

He always held his head high, giving an illusion of indifference.

Jean Pierre,

Harbour wasn't too happy about the new inclusion to the parrish, it was hard enough he stood on shaky legs to be accorded the respect his family worked hard to gain in the Parrish, despite being from a Founding family, Now there was one more wealthy black man to contend with, who wasn't a founding family albeit married to a member of one though.

It didnt help that his wife was so kind and cared about the growth of the town making it hard not to like her, but the husband was another issue.

He never smiled at all, only rare smiles directed at his wife, So he heard...

Stories were that, he was a fair boss who cared about the welfare of his employees giving him a newfound respect in the town.

Jean Pierre liked to think he was a nice boss, A bit temperamental, but he gave his employees enough wages, especially ones like him.

Maybe not nice like Jonathan Francis, he had been putting up with being given the cut by other Founding families even though his family owned a lot of restaurants.

He just couldn't get the respect he desperately craved from his peers.

Maybe that was why he disliked his neighbour, He didn't even acknowledge the order of power in town and people looked up to him, even the other founding families and upper class had a begrudging respect for him, they would never admit it but he saw it in how they talked about him any chance they got.

A Few Months Later

Amelia Chaumont Francis was a very kind woman who welcomed anyone into her home, always having a smile for any and everyone she came across.

She always went out of her way to render help to anyone in need, attended the town meetings with her Grandmother, giving her opinions based on her expertise on issues concerning the Parish, She was well travelled after all.

The council considered welcoming her into the fold but it was being opposed by some founding families on the council.

She had suggested that the parish could be a tourist's center with all the attractions it had to offer,

It was no New Orleans but it would do.

She made a suggestion to build a cultural centre as a way to keep alive the different cultures of the people, It could also be ground zero for tourists, bring more employment to the community and also others from neighbouring towns in need of jobs.

The council had a huge debate over it, Some in favour, believing it would be a positive change to the parish, others in disagreement, refusing to allow new people entry into the Parrish.

They didn't want any new presence in the town, preferring to keep things as they were.

After some weeks of back and forth, they finally put it to a vote, the centre finally being approved.

She was given the reins to take charge of the centre as she had sent in the proposal.

If she executed the task given to her, she would be invited to sit on the council.

She hired Jollin constructions for the Job at hand, knowing it would allow for a large influx of new employees, that was her goal all along.

She wanted to make sure there were enough opportunities for the low income people in the community.

Jonathan loved her more for her kindness towards the less privileged, it always felt like she was helping him in a way.

She always left the house early with Jonathan, he decided to be in charge of the operation directly, giving them the opportunity to spend time together as they discussed the plans for the centre.

This was also where she met her dearest friend, Salome Alli.

Salome Alli, a widow for two years now, had always heard nice things about the blue eyed French woman with a heart of gold, she hoped her kind heart would extend to her today.

She was in need of a job badly, she had been laid off at work at the bank for almost three months now.

She had a mouth to feed, if she told her story, she believed she would get understanding as the French woman was to become a mother soon.

it was chilly that fateful morning, after bundling her daughter off to school, She dressed carefully, a little intimidated about about her meeting.

Mrs Francis was a very beautiful woman with eyes so blue, You somehow felt the chill of the sea when you stared into them.

She hoped her plan worked because she was running out of funds, her daughter already showed her leaflet last night, allowing her only a few days of grace before she was stopped from attending school.

"School was important but right now providing nourishment and having a roof over their heads was the task at hand, She had just enough to spare for them till tomorrow morning this was her last resort so she had to succeed no matter what" Salome thought as she tried to pick a suitable outfit.

A cream coloured combination later, she left her house with her last flick of hope still alive in her heart.

It was so cold that morning, Jonathan made sure she was fully covered before they left for the site, they had argued that morning about her safety at the site that was still in construction.

She argued that as the Director of the centre, she had to make sure they were following her plans and executed it the way she wanted it to be.

"You have to think about the baby also, There are sharp objects everywhere, It's basically a danger zone. please just stay home"

"Jonathan, you know I took up this project because I couldn't stand being idle after I took a break from work, so you know how important this is to me"

"You are heavily pregnant, You could go into labour at any time" Agitation visible in his hands went through his hair, some ends sticking in the air.

"C'mon, please don't exaggerate, I am almost seven months along, It's your child's fault for being so big that i look like i am ready to pop" She took his hands, placed them on her belly which seemed to calm him a bit

"I promise you that I will stop once I am at eight months and from now on, I will just sit far away from the site so I am not close to the danger"

"Okay Melia, i can work with that. You are so stubborn, i would have reported you to Grandma Esme and Maria if you didn't come up with this deal" he agreed with a relieved sigh, kissing her before he led her out of the house so they could start their day together.

He handled the job directly so he could monitor her closely , her safety and that of his child very important to him, his time spent with her was also an added bonus.

Amelia believed her meeting with Salome was fated whenever she thought of that day, if she hadn't argued with Jonathan about going to work that day, she would have never gotten the chance to meet Salome.

There was a bit of commotion when they arrived at the site, a woman pleading her case to the workers at the site, Amelia got out the car and marched towards to the commotion as Jonathan watched her with a shake of his head and a brief smile.

"Good morning ma'am" they greeted in unision.

"Good morning, I have told you all countless times, just Mrs Amelia is fine, no need for the ma'am, makes me feel old" she scolded with a grin knowing her husband was scowling at them as she corrected them again, he wanted the greeting to stay the same,

" What seems to be the problem Miss?" she added facing a slender lady with ebony colored skin and striking green eyes.

"Good morning ma'am, I am Salome Alli, I came looking for you but was denied an audience with you, I didn't mean to cause a commotion" came a barely audible reply from the lady who refused to look Amelia in the face, She kept her head slightly bowed.

"it's okay, I am sorry on my workers' behalf, they shouldn't have treated you that way, they know better now" A glare accompanied the last remark.

"So how may I be of help to you? C'mon let's go sit somewhere far from all this noise" Salome was led away from the ruckus already going on, the workers having resumed their work, they were on a tight schedule.

Salome watched as she was assisted gently into her seat by her grim faced husband, He also gave a kiss on her forehead, giving her curt nod as he left them alone.

The loving scene made her feel like an intruder in that tender moment yet it pulled at her sad heart, She missed him so much at times like this. Her Timothy.

"I am sorry about my husband, He can be a grouch sometimes, Don't mind him"

"it's okay, I have no issues there"

" Ok, So what can i do for you?"

"Uhmm, I was hoping I could interview for a job here, maybe help out the workers with odd errands, I kind of need the money" Salome rushed out nervously, trying very hard not to wring her fingers, she placed her folded hands in front of her awkwardly.

"Of course not, no way would I let you work here" Salome was visibly deflated, desperation visible in her eyes "Oh no, please don't be sad, it doesnt mean I won't give you a job, I just can't in good conscience allow you work here now, It's too dangerous for you to be around this daily-" Her sentence was cut short with a quick hug

"I am so sorry, I forgot for a moment that you are very pregnant, I hope I didnt squeeze you too hard. thank you, thank you, thank you so much. You have no idea what you have just done for me" She held Amelia's hands hoping she could feel the sincerity in her gratitude.

"You don't even know what job I want to give you" Amelia laughed softly

"I don't care but something tells me you will give me what you feel is best suited for me. I trust you" Honesty coated Salome's words

" Wow, your trust means a lot to me.i just have a feeling we will get along just fine, Miss uhh, Where are my manners, What is your name Please?"

"Mrs Salome Alli, My husband passed away two years ago"

"Oh, I am so sorry about that" a sober expression quickly passed Amelia's face.

"it's alright, I have finally moved on, choosing to focus on our little girl, Sylvia, She is my reason for living"

"I understand what you mean, well let's go have breakfast so we can discuss your job description " Amelia signalled to Jonathan about leaving the site, getting a nod from him.

Amelia didn't need breakfast but it looked like Salome was in need of some food, she was all skin and bones but not for long, definitely not on her watch.

They left holding hands, courtesy of Amelia who made sure their hands were linked, locked in a heavy conversation about the perfect restaurant for breakfast, Salome offering to show her the best places to eat.

That day sealed their fates together, The genesis of a beautiful friendship that blossomed between them.

Salome became an Assistant of sorts, trainee, Standing in for her once it became difficult for her to visit the site, giving detailed reports about the ongoings at the site, she had stopped going to the site the next month as agreed with Jonathan.

She was getting bigger, waddling at this point, Grandma Esme and Maria came to visit often with home cooked meals, They would sit with her under the nook in the garden, Sometimes rubbing her belly to feel the baby kick.

The baby came on a sunny day, She was in the garden as usual watering her plants when she felt a heavy gush of water just ran down her legs underneath her sundress, causing her to drop her can in shock.

"Jonny, Jonny, I think the baby is ready to come" She shouted at him as he ran towards her.

He had limited his On-site visitation now that Amelia was almost due deciding to work from home instead.

"Ok, let's get into the car first, then I will pick up the baby's bag in his room before calling Grandmas to let them know the baby is coming and Salome will coming to pick them" he rattled off nervously as he carried her bridal style into the car. " Obviously after letting Salome know she has to go pick your Grandmas " he muttered to himself, rushing back into the house to pick their bags after which he drove to Merciers Hospital.

He informed Salome on the way to the hospital, after telling Grandma Esme and Maria.

They were attended to immediately they arrived, he followed her closely behind as they took point, later barring him from going any further once they had reached the theatre.

"Melia baby, I am just out here ok?, I love you, please be strong for me. I will be waiting for you here" He held her face showing signs of perspiration from her laboured breaths due to her contractions.

" I love you -ahhh" She suddenly screamed

" I am sorry sir but we have to go now, her contractions are getting closer, She is going to need to push soon" The nurse informed him as she led his wife inside the operating theatre.

He wish he could just be there with her right now to let her know he was right beside through all these. He began pacing the hall.

"You will wear a hole in the ground if you keep pacing like that, Jonathan" Grandma Esme said slowly, Salome had dropped them off, promising to be back later once she had found a way to drop Sylvia at a friend's place.

" I can't believe our Amelia is going to be a mother in a matter of hours" Grandma Maria chuckled, her eyes twinkling as she offered him his favourite snack, her signature Empanadas. "Jonny, you have an obligation to always protect and provide for your family now, Don't ever forget your responsibilities as a Father" She ended with a warning.

"Yes Ma'am, they are now my main priority"

"Of course he knows, He won't fail my Amelia and Arturito, Will you?" Grandma Esme asked

"No, I won't " He slowly shook his head in response.

A cry rang out from the theatre ward making everyone cry out in Joy, the Grandmas hugging each other and Jonathan.

" Congratulations, Your wife delivered a baby boy safely" A doctor came out to deliver the news to the happy audience outside. " We have her moved into the nursing ward, You can go see her now. Nurse Jacklyn will lead the way" Gesturing to the nurse standing right beside him who had been waiting for his instructions patiently.

" Thank you so much for taking care of her, Doctor .."

"Jeremiah Dupont, It's alright. it's my job to take care of my patients. You should go, she kept on saying your name, she really wants to see you"

They quickly followed the nurse leading them into the ward.

Mother and Child were already bonded as she cradled him so reverently, locked in a soft conversation with him, a picture that brought every witness to a smile.

Amelia couldn't describe the immense feeling she felt whenever she stared into her baby's eyes, brown eyes that reminded her so much of her loving husband.

"I can't wait to see what you inherited from me, I see you favor your Dad ryt now" she whispered lovingly to him, cooing to him to sleep but he just stared her in the face.

"He can't get his eyes off you, neither can I, You look so beautiful holding our son in your arms.

My Love, You are so strong, Thank you for bringing our child into this world" Jonathan responds as they all walk into the room.

"Mija(my child), let me see the baby" Grandma Maria held out her hands to carry the baby.

The women both looked at the baby with something akin to awe, passing him to his father once they had their fill of him.

"You are now a mother, You will finally understand the true meaning of unconditional love. There is none greater than that of a Mother, I wish my Talia was here to see you all grown up now" Grandma Esme sniffed, always nostalgic whenever she spoke of her late daughter.

"I wish that also, I think of her lately, maybe it's because i am now a Mother" She took her grandmother's withered hands in hers "You were a great Mother to me, You did your best and more, with Grandma Maria always there for me also" She took her hands also, hoping her gratitude for all they had done for her over the years was shown in her earnest eyes.

She felt a lot of emotions right now after having birthing a whole human.

Jonathan watched the heartfelt moment with his child in his arms, he couldn't believe he was now a Father. He stared at the quiet baby staring at him with so much calm for a baby, saw it as a sign of how his child would be in the face of adversities he would face in the future.

Calm as a cucumber.

"Am I the only one who finds it interesting that he is quietly staring at us with no fuss"

"I thought the same also, It means we have a well behaved child"

" It could also mean he is biding his time for when to make a fuss, he is still a baby after all." Amelia said as she put out her hands to hold her child, passing him to Grandma Esme

" He is a patient child, he will tested in ways he doesn't know yet. His patience may well be strength" She said looking into her great grandson's eyes. She could sense that he had a chaotic aura, never fully revealing it's full energy, but he has a great aura around him. "He will become successful and known in ways we may never know". Her words ringing out loud in the room.

"So what name have you both picked out for him?" They had both agreed to give him his Spanish name.

" We have decided to name him Arturo, It means courageous, valiant. i can see it already" Grandma Esme continued rocking the child in her arms ever so gently. He just stared at her, yawning a bit . " I can see nothing is strong enough to bother yet" she chuckled at him before passing him to his Mother.

" What name have you decided for him?"

"Jonathan wants to name him Joshua and I will give him Damien" Amelia replied while breastfeeding her son.

"Hmmm Joshua Damien Arturo Francis, What strong names" Grandma Maria quipped

"Yes, he is a very strong boy, Welcome to the world Joshua Damien Arturo Francis" Her eyes were full of pure love as she fed her child, playing with his curly hair.

Jonathan watched his wife talk to his child and felt immense satisfaction from the scene. He silently vowed to always make sure the Joy never left her eyes, no matter what.

They chatted quietly about the impending arrival of her Father who was told about his Grandson's arrival into the world. He had taken the first flight out.

Grandma Esme looked at her Granddaughter as she instinctively nurtured her child. She was so happy after all the losses she had to endure.

She passed a look with Maria who silently shook her head. Maria was right, She couldn't break any news to her. Her Angel eyes was finally happy, blissfully so.

Her time was up, all she wanted for her finally accomplished. She looked at the child wistfully, sad that she wouldn't get to watch him grow, Wondering what kind of man he would grow up to be.

She got to meet him, that was a blessing she never saw coming.