In the room, Christa cried hearing that Paul was angry. "Lord I could just imagine how angry and distraught he must be.
We had so much plan for his small farm, hearing his ideas and how he was going to build and rear those special breeds he was saving his money to buy.
It was exciting listening to him, now all is lost. Also, the news of Dad not being well when he gets the news of my marriage was a bit worrying.
I know Errol was not telling me everything. What was shocking was, to hear him saying that this marriage is better than marrying Paul.
How could I explain to him how much I love Paul. I can't bear to hear he is hurting." Lying down feeling hurt from what Errol said.
"Now Louise, Shamil, and Laura continue to ask for me. I was trying to fix one family seeing my friend's desperation.
Now my own family is grieving and hurting for me. But Lord, what choice was I left with? I could not return home. I felt so unclean and defiled because of what had occurred to me."
Christa continues to pray, "Lord you know my heart and how I feel. You know the same person who took my virginity asked me to marry him.
I just thank you, someone, else might have walked away. You know I could not return home to Paul's blemish and soil.
I have too much respect for Paul to do such an unfaithful thing. He was expecting me to be the virgin I promise him I am."
Worn out from all the crying Christa lie right on the bed hugging the pillow.
****
Driving into the garage at half seven, Thomas thought the afternoon with Annette was amazing.
From what she was saying, she is now a certified marriage counselor. Returning home because her parents were unwell.
However did the conversation about marriage come up, I can't say. It was good hearing she said that marriage was never in her mind.
She said her main objective right now is to focus on her career. But what I want to know is, 'Why did she keep stressing about her not wanting marriage?
Did something happen in Europe that cause her to return home? I was so busy trying to save the family name, and my foolish action that night.
That it pushes me to fix everything, but the person who visited her did not delay? I can't give him wrong though.
If it was me in love with someone, and getting that kind of news, I will want to see that person.
I am sure he wants to find out the reason why? After she has stolen his heart and love and left him for another. I wonder if he left already or waiting to confront me?"
The garage light was on, as he alight the vehicle, encouraging his heart. "She is my wife and I don't have to answer to anyone."
Entering the hall area, the place was silent. Thinking, 'If we had guests, mom and dad would be entertaining.'
Going to his room, Christa was across the bed asleep. With the light on I stood looking at her sleep.
Seeing the tears stain on her face and her eyes were swollen.
Thomas bend down looking at her more closely tempted to kiss her lips and stroke her face.
Looking at the way she hugs the pillow. Thomas reaches out to touch her face but he held back. Closing his eyes wondering, 'Why do I get this urge and desire to be with her?'
Discarding his clothes then hurry to the bathroom. Hoping the cold water will dowse out the fire that had stirred up inside.
"Why is it since that night, every time I get close to her, I feel my body comes alive. I was with Annette the entire afternoon and I never felt anything, although the afternoon was refreshing and exciting."
Standing now under the shower allowing the cold water to flow slowly over his body. Twenty minutes later Thomas was satisfied that the water had done justice.
Drying himself then changes into a boxer and vest. Afraid to lie down next to her, Thomas went and stood by the window, which was wide open.
The room was cool enough so he sits on the chair she sits on each night. Right before she lies on the corner and sleeps.
Since we got married she stays in the room, but never slept on the bed. Turning to look at her, "She looks so comfortable.
If I lie down next to her she might wake up and leave the bed. Maybe if I try to distract her attention from this Paul feller. Who knows, she might not be so adamant and pig-headed.
One thing I know is, I can't lose you though matter what. Meeting with Annette today brought back so many memories of being in college. Annette was very pompous, never thinking about how she treated others.
So why the sudden change now? Was she lying when she said her parents were unwell?' Recalling that she said her dad was waiting for her at the airport.
'What has happened to her to cause her attitude to change? She was always flaunting her money thinking it could buy everything.'
Answering his question. "Well Thomas, it's been eight years, things can change in a person's life. Just supposed she return home because of a broken relationship. I only hope you know that your Dad was right."
Responding to himself, "I know, and I am now a married man, and I also know one of the reasons I married Christa, was to save the family name and to redeem myself from the foolish act I committed.
Also, I should shun away from anything that can be an obstacle in my marriage. I know Christa and I have our problems now, but I want her. I will just have to be patient with her.
Eventually, she will settle down and accept this marriage. I know very soon things will change, I am certain about that."