CROSSROADS 2

Say yes, say yes, say yes. Where the cheers that brought her back to reality from her thoughts and tears, she didn't even realize they had company until those words brought her back to reality, and this kind of made things even more difficult for her as, regarding deciding what her response should be to Afred's marriage proposal, again she went back to thought, but this time around she has to be quick with her decision.

She thought about the possibility of saying no to his proposal in the face of everyone present and then decided against it because she knew it'd be more hurtful and embarrassing for Afred to bear, given the fact that he had made a big plan for this occasion and even invited both of their friends to witness this moment of their lives. She'll also be queried by her friends invited by Afred; in order to avoid those, she waved it off.

Unsure of what to do and before raising any form of suspicion, she put on a fake smile and stretched her hands towards him as a sign of acceptance of the proposal, and then she said yes, which ignited a loud cheer among those present. Afred was filled with joy, and you can literally feel his excitement at her response, so he put the ring through her fingers and led her to the living room, where drinks and foods have been placed to celebrate the moment after her acceptance. That alone makes her feel down again because she can't help but scold herself for letting her ignorance ruin what would have been her happiest day alive.

She was born into a toxic family and grew up seeing her mom and dad trade words every single day, and this led to her dad brutally beating her mom on a steady basis. This was the case throughout childhood, and she was even present the day it all ended. Yes, you read that right. The last time she ever laid her eyes on her parents was the last time they had such a misunderstanding. It was just like every other time, except for the fact that after her mom got punched in the face, she fell down and never stood up again. She didn't even understand what happened, but the neighbors who noticed the sudden silence rushed to the room, where they discovered her mother was dead.

Her dad, on the other hand, was sentenced to life in prison for the offenses of domestic violence and murder. She doesn't even care about him, and neither has she ever thought about paying him a visit once in prison. Why would she? He ruins her life, leaving her and her siblings at the mercy of their relatives, who careless if they're okay or not. Their lives would have been better had they grew up under the wings of her mother, and had she not met Afred, who's currently sponsoring her to the university, she would have just been in the same place since she graduated from high school six years ago.

All thanks to Afred; her life was gradually having meaning once again, and fortune seems to be working in her way once again until she uses her own hands and overtrusts to jeopardize it all. To hell with you, Allen, she curses within her thought. Drawn aback by reality, she smiles, raising her glass towards Afred, and sips a glass of wine.

As much as she prays for the day to end quickly, it seems like time is moving like a snail. Well, luckily, evening came, and all the guests left, and here she's left alone with Afred once again. She thought about all he has done for her and her siblings; he's sponsoring both her and her younger brother's university education and is also responsible for most of their needs and necessities. She thought about telling him and was like, What if I told him and he broke up with me and as well stopped sponsoring us? Where will I begin? Would I ever meet anyone who is as loving and caring as Afred is?

But then she thought about living as a liar and shading the truth, so he'd never know what happened between her and Allen, although she was concerned about what If Allen spoke about it one day and that ruined it all once again, well, in the end, she resorted to telling him the truth, not just because she's afraid of losing him but also because he's a good man who doesn't deserve to be played or lied to.

So Afred was like, You've made me the happiest man alive, and in return, I'll take you to the mall, and you can pick whatever it's you want. She cut him and said she had something important to say; he was like, That can wait, but she insisted, and then she went down on her knees. Has she narrated all that plays out being her and Allen hours ago?

His expression suddenly changes from excitement to sadness. His eyes were soaked with tears; he tightened his wrist, and she drew back a little, afraid he might pound on her. She waited for him to say something or make a move, but nothing happened. She called his name, and instead of speaking angrily towards her, he was more concerned about her well-being. If she's hurt and if Allen by any chance injured her, she was surprised by his reaction to what she just said, because that wasn't what she expected or foreseen.

He wanted to angrily pay Allen a visit and teach him the lesson of his life, but changed his mind and told Amanda that although he's hurt about what happened and the fact that he has tried to make her see Allen's true intentions, which she fails to take heed to, he said he forgives her, since it's a case of rape and the fact that he loved and trusted her, then there is no problem, and that was how they put that incident behind them, got married, gave birth to three beautiful children, and they've lived happily ever after.

This is part 2 of Crossroad, which I write has an entry to the Neoxian City prompt. I hope you enjoyed the read. Do share your thoughts and opinions about how the story ended in the comment section.

_{Thumbnail and other image was designed and gotten on canva}

Thanks for your time. Have a blessed new week ahead.