38

"I cannot begin to thank you enough for what you've done for my family. I really don't know anyone who would have done that for me."

Rosa said after pushing me to the last floor for a drink. Her sweet but timid voice made it difficult for my eyes not to water. I could not imagine what she was even going through. And the media wasn't helping.

After asking our friends to leave politely well, partly because I wanted to be alone with Darien. I wanted to savor this moment with him, to actually know that I was not dreaming but that was short lived when his mother came in and requested that I joined her for coffee.

I took a long sip from my cup since I honestly did not know how to respond to that. Truth is, it was difficult, very difficult for me to look at Darien's mom- his family in the face after the incident.

As much as I wanted to, I couldn't because I was scared they'd blame it on me. Who wouldn't blame this on me after showing up in their nice and comfortable undistracted life?

And to think of Darien's dad; Mr. Walls. The man had still not said a word to me when we popped up in their hallway.

That's because you saw him once.

It didn't matter. I feel like I owe them an apology; a serious and lengthy one for ruining their lives.

"Jacob and I are indebted to you. And I want you to know that you can count on us anytime. For anything. Ne-

"Oh Rosa no." I interrupted her immediately after finding the courage to look at her in the eyes. What were they thinking? It was the Lord who did that. He saved them. He was the one they should be indebted to not me.

"You don't owe me anything. I know Darien would have done same for me if I were to be in his position. Please don't say that." She slowly nodded as she tried to choke down her sob.

"You know when I first met my boy. I never thought I'd have him treat me as his own mother. I was terrified that he'd pushed me or Jacob away because I was seeing his father.

After suffering from an abusive marriage which ended with me losing my three babies. I was devastated, so depressed that I thought my life was over.

After seven years of marriage. I lost everything. I had no choice but to start from zero; over again.

I remember back then, I had to take petty jobs to support myself and then a colleague at this cleaning agency I was working with, told me about this recovery club she was in.

She started talking me into it, telling me to come and visit at least one session and see for myself. So I decided to visit so that she would stop pestering me about it. And there I saw my Jacob."

Rosa sniffed amid her slight giggle as she reminisced on her past. I wanted to let her know that I was fine without hearing any of this but she dismissed me softly taking my hands in hers.

"That day, was the worst and best day of my life. I sat faced to this nice, beautiful man. And there I was, all greasy with my worn out clothes. I was so ashamed.

You know the funny thing was that, I didn't see him when the session started. I was just desperate to get out of there to my crappy apartment.

Right when I was asked to introduce myself was when I saw him. Right in front of me. And some way somehow, I knew he'd change my life.

Oh dear, all I'm trying to say is if I'd lost Darien and Jacob in that fire, I wouldn't have forgiven myself.

I know what I did back there didn't help. I was a coward, too afraid to do anything but you. You came in and rescued them and for that I'm so grateful. You say I don't owe you anything but I do. I owe you my life for saving my family.

Yes I know my boy would have done the same for you. He's deeply in love with you. He has always been for over a decade. Oh no, I shouldn't have said that."

But I shook my head and gave her a half smile thinking about all those years. If I had met him that time, I was pretty sure things would have been different.

"I'm in love with him too Rosa." I said feeling somewhat proud for letting his mom know.

"I do. With all my heart and I promise you that nothing is ever going to stop that.

I'm gonna do everything in my power to protect him always." She broke down into tears and nodded tapping the back of my hands.

"He should be here saying that because you my child, are a rare gem. I thank God for bringing you into our lives." She chuckled and stood up pulling me into her warm arms.

"I remember a month ago, when he came to ask me if I could help him go shopping. He was literally the cutest, rambling on and on about the things he needed to buy.

I wanted to ask if it had anything to do with impressing a certain young lady we know but he already beat me to it. Told me you both had started going out." I was glad he didn't keep it from his mom.

"I'm glad he has you and not that agent of his, that lady is all over him."

Ha! So I wasn't crazy after all.

"I was thinking the same but didn't want Darien to think I was nagging or being jealous."

Rosa laughed shaking her head. "Oh you two are so cute and perfect for each other. I can't wait to meet my grandchildren."

My eyes almost popped out at her statement. We had a lot in front of us to even think about that.

"What? You two are old enough for one." I shook my head and threw my cup in the bin after I was done.

"We have a paper tomorrow. I want to go and prepare with D for it.

"Okay let me get a cup to go for him and please, call me mom. You're already family."