THREE

When I got back home, I was so happy to see my mum doing her usual knitting and singing.

"Hey mum "I kissed her on the cheeks dropping my bag on the kitchen counter. "How are you feeling today? "

"Rosie I'm fine. You fuss a lot. I'm just trying to be busy. My boss gave me the week off. So how was your day? "

"It was fine although I'm very hungry. "

"You were in a restaurant all day and yet you're hungry? " She asked in astonishment. I smiled knowing fully well that I wasn't in the restaurant all day. But I couldn't tell her that.

"Well, no food like Lisa Harrison's food, right? So what did you prepare? "

As I was still talking, I made my way to the kitchen and scooped a large quantity of food.

"You eat like a whale Roseline. "My mum said in displeasure. I just shrugged. Luckily for me, I could eat as much as I wanted without bothering about weight gain. I really loved my body. I looked at my mum and she was still knitting.

"What are you knitting mum? "

"Some sweaters and clothes for your future children "She answered sharply and I smiled.

Just then, my phone beeped indicating that I had a message. I read it and it showed that I had been accepted into NYU on full scholarship to study my dream course. I screamed and ran out of the house to Julia's place which was just a few steps from ours.

"Hey Rosie, what is it? "Julia asked me.

"Where is Jerry? "I asked impatiently.

"I don't.... "She tried to talk but I interrupted her and ran out to Bree's beach hoping to find him there. I found him kneeling on the floor with a Bible in his hand praying. I heard him say: "Dear God, I'm beginning to like Rosie. Help her do this one thing because I want our relationship to work perfectly well and be filled with happy memories. Lord Jesus, grant her a full scholarship "

If not for the seriousness of the circumstance, I'd have laughed because I never imagined that Jerry was religious .

His eyes were closed so he didn't see me. I knelt beside him and touched his hand.

"Dear God, thank you for answering his prayers and making my dream come true and thank you for the beginning of a new Friendship with happy memories. " He looked at me questionably.

I showed him my phone with tears of joy in my eyes and I hugged him.

"You see, I told you that you'd get it. "He said with pride in his voice.

***

"What?!! Oh my God Rosie!!! I'm proud of you baby. I love you so much. You've brought me nothing but Joy. Dear God, thank you so much for the day I gave birth to my precious darling ."My mum kept shouting in happiness as soon as I told her.

Julia also got admission, although not on scholarship. Her parents threw a party to celebrate us both.

Jerry and I became close and inseparable .

Two months later, Julia and I parted ways . She went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology studying Forensic science, while I went to New York University studying Medicine.

I spent every available free time with Jerry. I even fell in love with him during our long distance relationship, although we do talk every day and even do Skype or Facetime with each other.

I graduated with First Class honors six years later and my mum threw a big party to celebrate me. Many of my high school and even college friends were present. Jerry came too, although he was very late. He made a Grand Opening much to my chagrin ; it was to be expected since he was a lawyer in one of the prestigious law firms in New York.

He told Julia and me that he had gifts for us. I was scared because I wondered what he was planning to give us, me especially.

He gave Julia the key to a Porsche Carrera GT. She was stunned beyond words.

I was so eager to see my own gift. He held my hands tight and led me forward. Everywhere became hushed. I wondered what he wanted to give me that made everywhere silent.

But then, he got down on one knee.

"Awwn!!! "

About a dozen persons exclaimed in delight.

I guess I knew what was going to happen but the problem was that I don't even know if I was ready to get married. I'm 27, yeah and ripe for marriage. But I also just got out of college. I needed a chance to pit my knowledge and skills into practice.

Jerry's parents were traditional people and they would want us to get married quickly, so I can give them grandchildren.

I made a mental note to talk to Jerry about it.

"Rosie...? Jerry called out still looking at me. His voice sounded like one in distress.

"Isn't my answer pretty obvious already? "I threw my hands round his neck and kissed him.

"I'll marry you Jeremy Winters. "

He placed the ring on my finger and it fit perfectly. I lifted him up and everyone broke into a loud frenzy of applause. He then begged to be excused for a moment while he talked to his mum about something. I hoped he wasn't going to start making wedding preparations .

I thought about my siblings again . I wished they were here to celebrate and rejoice with me. I've recently started wondering the real reason why they left. There really must be something behind it.

I felt soft hands on my back and from the smell of Creed Aventus perfume, I knew it was Julia. She was frowning at me.

"Hey, I know that look. " She sighed "How else do I convince you to forget about them forever? "

"They are my family, Jules "I told her squarely.

"I know all about the blood is thicker than water whatever but I hope you know that Families don't just desert each other for over ten years. Besides this is a day of joy for us. I don't know about you bit I wanna take my new car out on a fast ride. Wanna join me? "

It won't be nice to leave the party but I believed they would do well without Julia and me for a while I winked at my best friend. "Sure thing babes "

We ran out and got into her new car racing faster than the normal speed limits.

"If we get arrested, Jerry would come get us out, wouldn't he? " Julia shouted above the music box.

"Of course he would " I replied.