REUNION
Seven years later...
Leah, wearing a form-fitting dress and dark shades, walked out of the airport. She held the hands of two of the most handsome seven-year-old boys one could imagine.
As she stood letting the breeze brush against her, she reflected on how she had long since forgiven her past and moved on. She had returned, blessed beyond words.
The city had changed slightly, but those changes couldn't erase her memories of it.
It remained as beautiful and vibrant as when she had left seven years ago.
As she observed the surroundings, she mused, "The city has changed a little, but I wonder if the people have too. Have they evolved as I have, or are they still as treacherous as they were back then? Let's find out." She took a confident step forward into the city.
The boys, her source of unconditional love, were a joy no one had shown her except her late mother. She had endeavored to be the mother they would wish for in this life and the next.
Her boys were so striking that she often wondered if a Greek god had fathered them. "Who is the man that got me pregnant?" she pondered, scanning crowds for faces that could match her boys.
People turned their heads as she passed, looking at the boys as if they were celebrities. Even a brief glimpse left people staring, wishing they could see them again.
From asking their names to playing with them, blowing kisses, smiling, and taking photos, everyone was charmed. Leah felt proud, and part of her yearned to find their father soon.
Leah dressed them identically, making it difficult for people to tell them apart. They shared the same height, face, build, steps, and voice. They captivated everyone.
Their fair, flawless skin convinced people she took excellent care of them.
Someone asked, "How do you tell them apart, Bambi?"
Smiling, she replied, "I'm their mother, I should know."
"Mum, why is everyone looking at us like that?" Jayden, the younger twin, asked.
"Because you both look very handsome, can't you see that?" Leah replied.
"Hello, handsome boys," someone waved as they passed by.
"Did you see that?" Leah asked.
"Yes, Mum," Jayden replied, smiling.
"Isn't it obvious, are you dense, Jayden?" Jayson, the older twin, teased.
"Hey, don't be rude to your brother. Apologize," Leah scolded.
"Sorry, Jayden."
"Good," Leah affirmed.
"Mum, this city is a lot different from Paris," Jayson observed.
"Yes, welcome to my city. We'll be home soon," Leah said, hailing a taxi and loading their luggage.
She gave the driver the address to Mariam's house, as her own home wasn't ready yet due to unresolved family issues.
She wanted to surprise Mariam and finally explain the real reason behind her departure. "I bet they'll be surprised to see you two," she thought, ruffling their hair.
"Are you guys happy?"
"Yes, mummy. Very happy."
"Let's visit Aunt Mariam, then we can find our own place after spending some time with them. Is that alright?"
"Yes, mummy," they chorused in unison.
The ride grew silent as the twins fell asleep, lulled by the cool weather.
About thirty minutes later, the taxi stopped.
Leah woke the boys. From the window, Mariam saw a car at the gate. She peered out and recognized Leah. She couldn't help but shout Leah's name.
Her mother, Mrs. Adams, looked at her as if she were hallucinating. "Why are you shouting like that? You'll bring down the house!" Mrs. Adams chided.
"Mum, it's Leah. She's here!"
Without more words, Mariam rushed outside, with her mum following to the window.
"Leah!" Mrs. Adams echoed.
Mariam hugged Leah tightly, laughing with joy.
Leah paid the taxi driver while Mariam stared at the boys, silently asking who they were.
Leah smiled, "Let's get inside first, I'll explain."
"Probably her nephews, but I don't recall Leah having twin nephews. Well, it's been a long time," Mariam thought.
She held the boys' hands while Leah brought in the bags.
Inside, Mrs. Adams hugged Leah tightly, tears in her eyes. "Leah!"
"I missed you so much, Mrs. Adams."
Grandma stood up from her armchair and hugged her too. "It's been a long time. We've been waiting for you."
"Are you my mom's friend?" Jayden asked.
"Yes, I am. What's your name?" Mariam replied.
"I'm Jayden and this is my brother Jayson."
"Okay, boys, have a seat. I'll get you some juice," Mariam said, helping Leah with the bags.
Everyone was thrilled to reunite….
Mrs Adams held the two boys in a warm embrace. Her happiness was genuine as she knows that Leah must have had a good reason why she wanted to move out from the city.
She is a mother and she knew Leah was pregnant but she didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.
She let her decide how she wants to live her life, still she didn't want to disclose she knew all along.
"Why haven't you called in since to aleast check on us, Leah. That's very bad of you, you know that right?"...
"I am sorry and the reason was because I lost contacts with Mariam, I didn't know how to get her contacts. I was online either. And the only person I could have gotten it from, relocated"... Leah apologized.
"Apology accepted, at least you are here now. I hope you got all the space you were looking for because you are not going anywhere again. It's been six, sorry seven years, Leah.. "
" Yes, I did. I am here to stay, I am here finally to settle down permanently. I am sorry for leaving like that. You know I had personal reasons for that and it turned out to be the best decision I have taken so far"....
" It brought me peace and as you can see, I have turned to be a stronger woman not the naive girl of those days"... she said smiling.
They tried to talk in a way the boys wouldn't understand, they applied caution, so the questions asked didn't link her to the past anymore"...
With that they allowed the boys get some rest, had dinner together and waited for them to sleep to continue the chit-chat.
Mariam just looked at the way she took care of the boys and finally understood that Leah is the mother of the twins.
The way she looked at them, cared for them was a beauty to watch.
"They are really handsome and the luckiest little beings to have you as their mother".... Mariam said.
"They have your bright twinkling eyes and straight legs that I have always admired. How would you think I wouldn't know," she added.
Leah looked up at her and answered..
"Yes, they are mine, I am their mother!".
"But how did this happen, found a new lover and I didn't know? Or was it"... she asked.
"Yes, it was".. Leah affirmed.
Leah stood up and covered them with a duvet and kissed their foreheads.
"Goodnight babies, I love you"... then she switched off the light.
While she went to the sitting room with Mariam.
"Time to give the fill gist that had lingered for the past seven years"... Leah said.