CHAPTER 41

MARCUS'S POV

Juliana and I continue to talk to Aunt Rose who makes her feel welcome. I can see that Juliana is genuinely enjoying the conversation we are having with my aunt.

"Marcus, are my eyes playing tricks with me or is that your cousin coming towards us with a woman?" I look at where my auntie is pointing and see my cousin Kennedy or Kenny as we like calling him holding a woman's hand as they walk towards us. That must be Racheal, the woman he was talking about a week ago when we met with the guys for drinks. 

"I think you are not dreaming, Auntie, that is Kenny," I tell her.

"Good evening everyone," Kenny greets us when he reaches our table.

"Evening son, how are you? And who is this beautiful woman with you? " Auntie greets.

"I am good thanks Mom, this is Racheal, Racheal this is Mother, my cousin Marcus, and his girlfriend Juliana." Kenny and Juliana met two weeks ago and they hit it off immediately. They have been talking like they have known each other for years. It surprised me how Kenny talked and even joked with Juliana. The last time I saw him talk to a woman or even joke with one was before his accident. Kenny used to be the funniest person before the accident that almost took his life.

"Nice to meet you, Racheal," Juliana says to Racheal. Rachael looks like a nice woman and by the way, Kenny has described her, I have a feeling she will get along with Juliana.

"Thank you so much," Racheal replies shyly.

"Do not be shy my dear, I am glad to meet you and you are so pretty." Auntie Rose says. If there is a person who says what in their heart it's Auntie Rose and that is why I love her. When she doesn't like something she will say it straight up.

I can see Auntie Rose's happiness at seeing how Kenny was looking at Rachael, anyone who knows Kenny knows that he does not let people come close to him unless he wants them to. After his accident three years ago his behavior toward people became even worse. And when he discovered that he could not perform sexually he made sure not to get close to any woman. He has been like this until recently when Racheal walked into his life. From the way he described the feeling he felt when he met her, I could tell he had already fallen in love with her. I am so glad he has met someone who seems nice. I hope it works out between them.

I have been worrying about Kenny for so long, watching him shut himself off from the world and isolate himself. But now, seeing him light up and open himself up to Rachael, I know that this is something special. I can see the impact that Rachael has on him. He seems happier, more alive, and more at peace than I have seen him in years. It is as if Rachael has breathed new life into him, giving him a reason to smile and a reason to hope. I can see a glimpse of the old jovial Kenny.

 I know she is good for Kenny, And as I watch them together, I can't help but feel grateful that Rachael has come into our lives and brought my cousin back to life. She has brought back the spark in his eyes. I am glad that he has more reason to live. 

A few minutes later my other three friends James, Paul, and Gabriel come gaining the attention of the ladies in the room. I have been friends with these guys since secondary school and I have loved every moment they have been in my life. We are always there for each other in good and bad times. We are like family to each other. The guys greet Auntie and she makes fun of them, grabbing the attention of the women. It has always been like this since our secondary school, women tend to be drawn to us every time.

After some time we excuse ourselves from the ladies after Auntie promises to take good care of Racheal and Juliana. Auntie Rose sits between Racheal and Juliana and starts talking to them. I am sure she is telling them about how amazing Kenny and I are. She always does that, she is always bragging about us.

"Have you told Juliana about your past relationship with her best friend yet?" James asks, making all the guys look at me with questioning eyes.

When I told my friends last week that Juliana is best friends with the woman I used to hook up with two years ago, they were surprised and told me to tell Juliana before someone else does."I have not, but I will tell her soon." I finally say.

"What are you waiting for Man? If that woman finds out about this from some other person she will feel betrayed." Gabby says as the other guys nod their heads.

"Look, man. I like Juliana for you and I have grown to like her over the past few days, I have gotten to her. I have realized how much she cares about you. You need to tell her the truth before someone else does." Kenny says with a serious face.

"I know guys and I am going to talk to her. I just don't want to lose her when she finds out about the past."

"The only way you are going to lose Juliana is when she finds out the truth about you from someone else," Paul says.

I know they are right but I just don't want to tell her the truth just yet. I will certainly tell her about the past when the time is right. I look at Juliana as she laughs at something Aunt Rose is saying. I want to hear her laughter for the rest of my life. I decide to tell her the truth tomorrow no matter what happens. She has the right to know everything about me. I just hope she won't leave me when I tell her.