Chapter 3

Aisha

Toni was to come over today for a visit.  I was excited about seeing her again since we separated after college.  Jules had proposed to her the following year, next they were married, next she was expecting.  Unfortunately, I wasn't present for all of those but thankfully, I can be present now.

"Baby. You ready? They'll be here any minute from now." I called up the stairs from the hallway.

"Almost." He replied.

Chris was helping me fix some stuffs upstairs before our guest arrived. Thankfully his family went out of state to visit his sister in Wisconsin. We were all lodged in this huge duplex with many rooms. Personally, I would have preferred us living in an apartment just us two for more privacy. We were not married yet but we did decide on sharing a room. To have some privacy to ourselves because his mother doesn't seem to understand that. We are not really fond of each other and failed in creating any mother to daughter bond from day 1. She always finds the least opportunity she gets to degrade me or look down on me. She always felt the need to always remind me that I was lucky her son choose me. It was very obvious she didn't see me as being good enough for her son and I understand her reason. Christian leaving his ex Larissa who was from a wealthy family and with the prospect of been a  magistrate for me who  barely just started working and doing interior decor and designig. You could easily guess who the better choice is. I once use to wonder about his choice too. Not that i wasn't good enough or i wasn't happy he choose me over her but, you know ... that question had linger at the back of your mind too from time to time.

     In case you were wondering, Christian or Chris as we call him sometimes is my fiance. Yes, the Christian; the first man I ever had feelings for - my ex before coming here for college, before ever meeting Michael. I know this feels odd but trust me fate works in very strange ways, and I am a testament to that.

After my horrid reunion with Michael last month, I had to admit I was still a little rattled by that untimely meeting. Of course I had not told Chris about it and thankfully, that day he never had the chance to see him. I know keeping it from him was wrong but I didn't need him worrying over such a misely issue. Meeting my ex by accident wasn't that big a deal after all. It's not like it was intended.  I had no idea why that feeling kept scrapping at my heart. I thought I was over that feeling but I guess seeing him again made realize I may have just swept my problems under the rug instead of disposing of it.

The sound of the bell pulled me out of my train of thoughts.

"Sweetheart,  can you get the door." Chris called from the hallway.

"On it." I replied walking to the door in quick strides with a grin plastered on my face. I opened the door and was immediately greeted with her familiar fragrance then her glowing figure.

"Hey." She said as I held her in a tight embrace. "Wow! You missed me that bad huh?" She chuckled.

I released her to smile at her ." Of course I did." I replied wiping away the wetness from my eyes at the joy of been reunited with her once again. "You talk like you didn't."

"Ofcourse I did." She replied, her eyes getting wet too and her checks flushed due to her lighter completion. "Oh my." She chuckled waving her hands to prevent any more tears. "Pregnancy is really something. I can barely hold my emotions in." She said with a grin.

"I suppose it's for the best." I replied returning a warm smile. "It looks good on you though."

"I know people say it to avoid saying I'm as big as a whale but I will take as many complements as I can during this period as people are so nice to me now."she said cheekily.

"I can see that." I laughed as she moved in. "Hey Jules." I said greeting him with a brief hug.

"Hey. Was wondering when you had notice me. You seemed so engrossed in your discussion with your friend." He said playfully,smiling at me.

"Sorry. It's been long since we talked. Have a lot to catch up on." I replied

"I can see that. She's really missed you though she's too pig-headed to admit it." He said with a smile

"I heard that." Toni said from somewhere in the house.

"Better get in before you sleep on the sofa tonight. " I replied with a laugh as he got in. I walked in, closing the door after me. "Honey they're here." I called to Chris and I heard him walk down the stairs.

"Coming."he replied as he took a turn on the stairs and I saw him. He immediately smiled which caused me to smile too. "Hey." He whispered against my lips before kissing me.

"You don't always have to say hey before kissing me you know. " I said with a smile on my lips as I gazed at his comely face.

He breathe in, his large hands grabbing onto my waist. "I guess it's just my way of telling you I am going to kiss you now." He replied.  "Plus, I know a certain woman who hates surprises. " he said carressing my cheek.

"Yea, well can we attend to our guests now before they start complaining of us ignoring them." I said with an arched brow

"Ofcourse." He replied with a smile.

"Great because they've been dying to meet you." I said pulling him into the living room.

"Hey." Jules and Toni both stood up to greet him

"Hey. Welcome to our home." He said, his arms open.

"Thank you."  They both replied as they greeted with a hug and a hand shake.

"Please sit. We can't keep a pregnant lady standing. " he joked and we all laughed as we sat down.

"I'm Christian by the way." He introduced

"Glad to finally put a face to the name. Aisha has been reeving about." Toni said sending a teasing grin my way and I just rolled my eyes at her.

"Glad to hear that. She usually acts so stone cold at times. I can't gauge if I'm the only one crazy about the other." He joked and I playfully scowled at him. "You must be Toni and Jules." He said.

"Nailed it." Toni replied cheerily.

"I'm flattered she does make mention of me to her friends because I tend to feel the affection is one-sided at times." He teased but somehow I felt guilty. I know he didn't mean it in a hurtful way. But however, at that point in time it was Michael's name that came to mind then I regretted it. My mind seemed to stray a lot towards thoughts of him since the day we met. I cussed my mind at these moments. How could I be in another man's arms and think of him. That was shameful.

"Yea we all get used to it after some time. But despite that, she's really committed, loyal and dedicated to her loved ones. And with a big heart." Toni complimented.

"Yep. I wouldn't have her any other way." He said placing his hand on mine which was on my thigh and I smiled at him appreciatively. Right now, he was all I need and the one I love. Or was I just saying it to convince myself?