FORBIDDEN(SIX)

          Stella was shocked. Seeing him again brought back so many memories. As she turned to leave, Rob followed till he caught up with her in the hall and held her hand. Tears began to roll from his eyes and he knelt down. She turned to look at him. ’Can you ever forgive me?’ he asked sobbing. Stella took in a deep breath. She thought about how harboring the guilt and pain made her feel.

      She was still very hurt because looking at him made her think about the fact that she may never be able to make babies but then again felt the need to forgive him so she moved closer and helped him up on his feet then hugged him.

     ‘I forgive you’ she told him. After holding on tight for a while she then whispered to his ears ‘Did you ever feel anything for me? ‘He was astonished that she was asking that question after so many years. The truth however was that during his stay in London, he always thought about her but though his feelings for her never changed so was the circumstance.

     Instead  He in turn whispered back’  I had always loved you Stella ,from the moment I  laid my eyes on you but… he paused then continued’ you should know that our love is impossible…if only your parents would agree to our relationship I wouldn’t mind being with you’. Just then Mrs. Quartey walked in on them and exclaimed ‘Praise be to God…My two lovely children are talking again’

      Mr. Quartey who heard his wife also joined them in the kitchen beaming with smiles, also made a remark ‘I am happy you both remained as brother and sister…I must confess that I was a little dubious about whether or not to trust him when he first came to live with us…Rob you have proved yourself to be of good character and I’m glad that I can call you son ‘he said and tapped on his shoulder.

     Rob cleared his throat as if to say something but he couldn’t find the right words so forced a smile. Rob shot a glance at Stella and looked away almost immediately. It was so obvious that her parents wouldn’t accept their love. They were use to him as their son and bringing up things like that would only bring up questions like when and how it started and though they were not related by blood, they didn’t want to hurt their parents since Rob was part of the family.

     Stella however felt at ease around him because she had been able to forgive him. They sat together to eat breakfast, and Mrs. Quartey asked that they should hold hands in order for her to pray over the meal. Stella stretched her hand towards rob and her father held the other.

He quivered when he felt her soft palm then closed his eyes.rob opened his eyes again to peek at Stella but when he did, she was already looking at him. He swallowed his saliva and she smiled. He was happy that she smiled at him and he closed his eyes. The day marked a new beginning for them.

  

     They both lived their lives separately and Stella got married to a man she worked with after they had dated for a year. Rob also got married a year later. Mr. and Mrs. Quartey was happy for them and they on the other hand kept the secret and tried so hard to forget the love they once felt for each other because it was love that was forbidden.

THE END.