Together With You

By Gabriele Taylor

Girl

     It was the morning of my sister's wedding. I was so excited to see her happy again. She lost her last husband 3 years ago and has been so sad but then Abner stepped in her life. “Brielle, are you gonna be able to make it to the wedding after the appointment with Ms. Smith?” My sister always worried whether I would make it to anything. With my recent health I understand why. Even though I always seem to make it she worries. “Of course I'll make it, Danielle. I wouldn't miss it.” I began to consider the fact that now that I have discovered what makes me live in a loop I might as well try to live in the moment. 

Guy 

     I quietly sipped my coffee while painting a picture of the sunrise on the beach. It was the morning of the day I would meet with my dream girl  from elementary through college. She doesn’t know I'll be there but I'm hoping she remembers me. It has been a long time and she didn’t seem to care for me much. I was madly in love with this girl but she never knew. I hid behind bookshelves and computers when I saw her. Today I would be right next to her. She will be in my arms and I will never let go. 

Girl

    I have been taking medicine for the memory loss, fatigue, and head aches because of my mother.  It hurts to think that maybe I'll forget something important or life changing and I won't remember because of this stupid head injury. The doctors think  I injured my head and never got proper treatment to stop the symptoms. They think I have been dealing with it for years. I think that one day I will forget the most important thing in my life. I had to get ready to hop on my flight to Judah. 

Guy 

     I was at the wedding dressed to perfection and super nervous. I was worried she would not know who I was. She always seemed to see past me until one day I walked by her locker and I saw the most beautiful thing. She held on to every note, card, and flower I have given her. Would she know it was me? I mean she knows me but I have always thought that she didn't see me as boyfriend material. She saved me once and has managed to be with me in little ways. Never intimate but they made me love her more than anything in the world. She only saw me as the kid she tutored and would always forget my name. 

Girl 

      When I got off the flight, I only had 3 hours to get ready and check in at my hotel. I wanted everything to be perfect. My heart raced as I got dressed. This was the biggest day of my sister's life and it had to be perfect. I don't know if I could ever be as perfect as they expect me to be but I will try for my family. Everyone was beginning to take their place. I had to be perfect. 

Guy 

     There she was looking absolutely beautiful. She took my arm and her touch sent warmth through my whole body. Everything about her glowed. The way she moved gave radiated power. She was as elegant as a flower and gave me more joy than anything ever could. There was just something about her. I could feel a spirit on her. It felt alive. It gave me hope. The same kind of hope my parents had. Hope. What could it be? 

     She walked with me and each step made my heart skip a beat. Each step made me happy with this wedding. I wanted to sweep her into my arms and say my vows right here right now. How could a person ever make you feel this way?

     This tradition was perfect. It put her in my arms now all I want is to shout out to the world that I loved Brielle Charming and nothing would ever change that. I couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same. It was almost time for her to be in my arms again but I wished it would happen sooner. There was nothing like the love I felt for her but could she love me the same? 

Girl

       I walked down the aisle toward the altar. I separated from my partner and looked up to see my sister walk down the aisle. She looked stunning and I was honestly kind of jealous. She always was the smart one, the pretty one, the selfless one. She was my family's pride and joy. I was always the afterthought. I was happy for her, but I couldn't help but feel so lost. After they said their vows, the bride and groom would switch places to give the groomsmen and bridesmaids to their partners and we would line up behind them. I took his hand, looked into his eyes, smiled, then looked down at our hands as tradition. We turned toward the bride and groom and did as they did.

       We walked to the gardens for pictures which I had to take. I was a photographer, writer, and wedding planner, so kind of my job. I planned everything out of obligation. My sister felt she had to make me a bridesmaid because of this. It only seemed fair. I planned the whole wedding by myself. I paid for her dress, even the bridesmaids' jewelry. I paid for each dress, suit, and tie. I did that all by myself. 

Guy 

     Her love seemed to be pouring out of her. Not a normal love though. It was almost like I had to do this but I'm happy I did or like I feel like I deserve better but I want the best for you. I knew the feeling all too well. I let her go and I wasn't going to do that again. 

Girl

     I've always been mistreated by my family but I have gotten used to it. Danielle only pretended to worry about me, but I liked to think she wanted what was best for me. What I felt was best was a break from always being needed. I wanted to rest. I wanted to be alone and happy. I paid for the business she runs. I pay for all her supplies. She benefits but I lose so much. She wants me to hire a nurse for her when she gets pregnant and if she can't have babies she wants me to pop them out for her. This had to stop eventually. I just didn't know when.

Guy

    She seemed to be thinking about something. What was it? Her eyes lit up when her sister said her vows then she fell into deep thought again. I studied her face and followed her eyes. I couldn't see what was bothering her but I wanted to do whatever it took to make her happy.

Girl  

      I took the bridesmaids and groomsmen photos and the bride took pictures of me and my partner. I have been trying to ignore the way he looked at me, the way he touched me, the way I fit in his arms. I thought that it was just weird how perfectly we fit together. This must be a prank from my sister. I can't fall in love with this man. He was perfect though. We went back to the venue for the rest of the wedding. 

Guy 

    The warmth of her touch again felt like lava. Her eyes shined like rubies and her smile was more beautiful than a sunrise. Her beauty was unmatched by those around her and though the bride was the big star Brielle was shining the brightest. 

Girl

     We ate, drank, and danced. The first dance was just Danielle and Abner. Then we did a choreographed number. We were doing a classic Salsa with an edge and lots of spice. I wasn't quite comfortable with the dance but did it to make my sister happy. I really didn't want to be back in his arms. Once I was in them I never wanted to leave. It wasn't right. I looked at him again. Where did I know him from? I talked to my sister and she said we went to school together our whole lives. That would explain why I felt like I knew him. 

     The Salsa began. I danced with this Ezra and we talked about our days at school. He explained that he knew who I was and hoped I remembered. I told him about my condition and explained how I felt.

Guy 

     Each step we did in sync. Her body moved with mine as we danced to the beat. I talked with her and she poured out her heart. I wondered why she would trust me with her heart. Her memory loss hurt her. I can see it in her eyes. She is trying to memorize me. She hoped she would never forget me. At least that's what I think. I could never forget her. If she ever forgot me I would remind her. 

Girl

      I sat down later to eat and my sister made me try this new wine she got at a wine occasion in Italy. I drank a glass or two then it was time to go home. My partner, Ezra, took me to my hotel. We talked till I was so tired. I don't really remember what happened. He came in and helped me out of that dress, jewelry, and makeup. I got in the shower and that's all I remember. I woke up the next morning. I had to go to work the next day so I got a ticket and hopped in a cab. I got into an accident and got rushed to the hospital. I woke up in a hospital bed and struggled to get up. I was so dizzy I had to lay back down. I got put asleep again and I woke up feeling much better but I still couldn't remember what happened that night with Ezra.

Guy 

     What have I done? I took advantage of her. She needed help with the zipper of that dress and I wanted to see more. I can't believe this. My family would hate me if they find out what I have done but I want to be with her. I needed to be with her.  She trusted me and I betrayed her. My phone starts ringing. I picked up the phone, “Brielle is in the hospital. She got in an accident.” I rushed as fast as I could to the hospital but she had already left. I need to find her. 

Girl

     I went to catch a plane and I made it back home to New York. As I got off the plane, I ran to the bathroom. I was throwing up again. I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I popped a mint in my mouth and opened the door and saw a familiar face. 

     I couldn't remember Ezra’s face. I had no idea it was him. I didn't know where I saw him before but I felt like I knew him. He looked at me and I saw something in his eyes. Did he know me too? He walked up to me and put his hand on my lower back and looked in my eyes. Where had I seen those eyes? It finally clicked that night in Judah. This felt wrong. What happened that night? It all felt a blur. But since then I have been having motion sickness, nauseous, really tired, hungry, and craving really weird food. It's only been 4 weeks and I was looking, really bloated had I eaten something? All I remember is drinking some wine. It was my sister's wedding. She got married to a Jewish man. I was so happy for her and she wanted me to try this wine and I think I drank some. I woke up in an apartment all alone. 

Guy 

     She didn't remember a thing and thank goodness. She asked me things with her eyes that I didn't want to answer and I couldn't help but want to hold her. I grabbed her waist and shivers went down my spine. She didn't seem comfortable with the touch but she didn't move. Her voice quivered when she spoke and as I explained what happened that night. She didn't seem mad at me but at herself. Why? 

Girl

        I looked into his eyes again. He seemed conflicted. What really happened that night?  Did I do something?  His touch has been a trigger. Every touch has me falling deeper. Why do I feel tied to him?

 Guy

     She studied my face. What was she thinking? I hope she didn't notice the truth in my eyes or the way my heart raced or how heavy I was breathing. I studied her face and she seemed confused but at peace. I think she was searching deeper than me. My heart, her heart.  She was looking for the good in me and the reason her heart stayed with mine when she couldn't remember who i was to her. 

Girl

    I told him how my body was feeling and he took me to get a pregnancy test. He said he needed me to pack and to take the test with me. I felt so sick at the idea of going to Israel. I should be happy but I felt so sick. He saw how I was feeling and put his hand around my waist. I seemed to fit in his arms so well. It was like two puzzle pieces being put together. I wanted to love him better but I didn't know how to handle this. I was meeting his family today. This couldn't be love, could it? It felt too fast. Love was perfect and this was a magic that made my heart leap. I couldn't do this. He was so amazing. I was probably ruining his life. He didn't seem to mind. We got on the plane. The whole time I felt so sick. He held me through it all and I slept. It just felt right. I realized I loved him. It was official. 

     His family greeted us. They asked me lots of questions.  Did I believe in Jesus? Why did I love their son? I answered all their questions and they answered all of mine. He was mine. He held his head high and an arm around me. He never let go. I felt him rubbing his thumb on my belly at one point and I sank into him deeper than I knew I could. He was amazing. The warmth of his touch enveloped me. 

Guy

     She seemed stunned. Every touch she seemed to be lost in. Her eyes shined as she felt the love of my family and our family growing. I got her pregnant and I know I did. I need her to take the test to be sure but from what she's said it's impossible to deny. I am hurting her. Every kiss has been poisonous. Every touch has been keeping her close when I should be letting her go. 

Girl 

    I got a shower after dinner. Ezra was just outside the door waiting for me to get out of the shower to see the results. I was wearing my most addictive skin care set. It made my skin soft and it smelled amazing. 

    I wanted nothing more than to be back in his arms. He looked at me longingly when I stepped out the door. When I came out of the bathroom he put his hand on my belly and looked in my eyes asking me questions without words. I took the test into my hand and counted 3,2,1. I looked at the test and my jaw dropped. I was pregnant. Everything made sense. I was so happy. He hugged me so tight. I started crying. How could this happen to me? My parents would never forgive me, but I was so happy and in love that the only thing that mattered was him and our baby. 

Guy 

     It's true I got her pregnant. I took advantage of the girl I love. I felt her crying. Not just tears of joy but sadness too. My parents are going to kill me. I couldn't stop myself. I would find my hand tracing her curves or my lips only inches from hers. My hand would find places to rest without being tired but they didn't rest where I thought they would. They stopped at our growing baby. I messed up but I feel the Lord comforting me.”I know you messed up but now you have this child. Brielle hasn’t known me for long so she isn't angry. She doesn't know what happened was wrong but I need you to show her how a man should truly love her.

Girl 

     The next day I woke up to him looking at me. His hand was on my belly. His eyes were shining. He seemed as in love as I was. He kissed my head and helped me out of bed and into a dress he bought me the night before. He got dressed in the most beautiful fabric. It was just shorts and a shirt, but it looked like something from a fashion magazine. He wrapped me in his arms and read me the Bible as I did my hair and makeup. 

       Ezra wanted to go on a lunch date so we headed out at 11:30 AM to get lunch at a fancy restaurant. There he proposed to me and I said yes. That night, we told his parents about our engagement and the baby. They were all excited.

Guy 

      My parents were furious. I told them I got her pregnant after Brie fell asleep. “How could you do such a thing?” My father whispered angrily. 

“Dad, how could I not?” 

“Easy walk away,” he pauses. “Why didn't you tell her the truth?” 

This question has been eating at me. I could never tell her. She was my light and I didn't want her fire to be put out. She was finally in love with me. I couldn't bare losing her again. “I will eventually but can you please be happy for her? She doesn’t know I am telling you.”  

Girl

     We scheduled a doctor's appointment for the next day. His family gathered around me that day and prayed. I looked over the pictures from that day and realized how blessed I was. Though my family didn't love me the way I hoped for, I had a family who did. And soon I would be part of this family. 

     He came out of the shower and helped me.  He took off my makeup and jewelry. He gave me my space and let me shower in peace. My head was hurting and I was so sore I felt like I couldn't breathe. Pain was hitting me all around. I got a pain that shot right through my belly. I'll have to bring this up at tomorrow's appointment. 

     Once I got out of the shower, Ezra massaged my shoulder. I began to sing a song in Spanish that my mother would sing to me when I was a little girl. He put his hands on my belly as I sang. When I finished singing he clapped his hands and kissed my head. He helped me lay down. After I asked him, “What do you see when you look in my eyes?”

Guy

     I looked into her eyes. Those big brown eyes contained nothing but beauty. Should I tell her how she saved me? How she filled my life in ways she could never know? How she helped me through the darkest season of my life? I didn't just almost drown. I was trying to commit suicide. Only she knew that. She probably didn't remember but I told her everything that day.  She knew of all the pain I had been walking with and she led me to Jesus.  She gave me the greatest hope. Jesus. 

Girl 

     He looked at me with a smile on his face. “I think of a girl who saved me when I was 7 from almost drowning, a girl who when I was 13 tutored me, a girl who never lost hope in me when I was far from God. I have so much more but you don't remember do you?”

      I looked down sadly. He kissed my head. “It's okay, my love.” I looked into his eyes and saw his sadness. Then I remembered after that night in Judah I got in a cab. The cab drove off to take me to the airport and I got in a crash. After everything healed, I went home and Ezra found me. 

   I woke up. He was still asleep with his hands still shielding the baby inside me. I kissed him and got out of bed. I put my slippers on and went to the bakery to see my sister. It was 30 minutes before opening time, so I knew she was awake. I got some pastries and told her everything. She was happy and sad. She encouraged me to talk to mom and dad, but I was too afraid. I began to feel pain surge through my belly again, so she had to drive me back to his house. 

Guy

     I woke up and she wasn't by my side. I  got out of bed searching the house to see if she was there. I could find her anywhere. I must be going crazy. Where could she be? I look out the window and see her sister's car pull in the driveway. I ran down the stairs and ran outside. 

3,2,1

     Ezra hugged me as soon as he saw me. “I thought I lost you again” I looked up and he looked afraid and relieved at the same time. He helped me to the couch and called the doctor. Ezra and his mom gave me a heating pack to rest on my growing belly. The doctor soon came. Once the doctor got there he gave me a healing and distressing tea.

     Ezra l held me in his arms. He made me the tea and laid me in bed. He rubbed the healing ointment the doctor gave me on my belly, everyone seemed to look scared. But they wouldn't tell me why.  Was something wrong with me? 

Guy 

     The baby was in trouble. The doctor said not to worry her and to let her rest. I wanted to hold her tight and keep her in my arms. This is all my fault. The baby is supposed to be at a different stage and is a little behind. They say the baby may be born prematurely. I can't do this. It's my baby. It's my fault. I should have never gotten her pregnant. There is a chance that giving birth to this baby could cause Brie to never have any more children. The pregnancy and causing her reproductive organs to get swollen and inflamed. 

Girl

     I was upstairs all day. They bought me food and the women would check on me but I didn't get told anything. Finally, my mother and father came into my room. They looked at me disappointed and discussed. They hated that I was pregnant. They hated that I was engaged. They hated that I was their kid.    

     My mother and father told me. I wasn't their real daughter. They adopted me and they told me that they gave up all their rights as my parents. I was no longer theirs. That night, I slept alone, scared, and heartbroken. 

      I began thinking about something I never had before. I remembered saving Ezra. I remember everything he told me. I remember the way he looked. He was so scared and broken and alone. I remembered tutoring him. I loved the jokes he told when he didn't know the answer or the way his eyes sparkled when I told him he was right. I remember every glance, card, flower, smile he had ever given me and I wept. 

Guy 

     I heard her crying. I left her alone in a place she hasn't known long and her parents just abandoned her and now I have too. I can see her in the morning. I have to give her space. She needs space if I want her to love me after this is over. At least that's what her parents said. 

Girl

      Ezra came into the room and gave me a bath. He put me in a silk dress and took me downstairs. I was so sad, depressed, angry, and lost.  I just kept eating ice cream and watching TV. “Ezra?” he turned and looked at me so quickly it almost startled me. “Yes?” he said. I remember saving you. I remember tutoring you. I remember every card, flower, glance, smile you have ever given me. I also remember being in love with you. I just thought you'd like to know.” 

Guy 

     My jaw dropped. I looked at her then my watch. I ran to where she sat and kissed her lips like she was the only thing that mattered. I was not expecting her to remember all of that. If her memories are coming back I need to be far away. I pull back and become distant. I'm trying to protect her. 

Girl

     They left to find a place for me and Ezra to have our wedding.  They took pictures and asked questions. But I was not allowed to go and cried for so long. When they came home, my love took me to my room again and scheduled me for another appointment. I was so sad. How could this happen to me? He pulled away from me this morning and it hurt. Was he still in love with me? Did I do something wrong? 

Guy 

     She looked so broken when we left. She wasn't invited because we were planning a surprise baby shower.    She didn't know that though. We all have been very distant and secretive. I think we are hurting her but once this is all over or she will be thrilled.  

Girl

       They went out for dinner, so I snuck out and hopped on a flight to Spain. I was able to leave because they were no longer there. I was so in pain that it was hard to get away but I was determined. I used my account so they wouldn't know where I went. He can't find me and I will have this baby alone. I had the tea and the ointment along with the heating pad. I have a private nurse and an apartment. I was away from my love. I will come back when it's time for a wedding and I left a note, a message, and called. He didn't answer though. Why was I so unlovable now? I felt abandoned and lost. Finally, he called and I answered him.  

“Baby, where did you go? I can't find you.” 

“I don't want to see you right now. I will come back when we get married. I just want time alone.” 

“I'm sorry if you felt neglected. I just wanted to give you space. I thought I was smothering you and that you might want time alone.” 

“I wanted nothing more than to be in your arms but I was in pain and I wanted to see my sister. I wanted to go through this with you. Everyone I had in my life seemed to abandon me. I wanted you to be with me.”  I cried. I was in pain physically and emotionally. This baby was my fault, my lack of memory. “Are you sure you're OK?” He asked. 

      “I’m in so much pain. I'm so sad. They left me and this baby is hurt. And I thought you stopped loving me.” 

“ I could never stop loving you. Do you want me to come to you?” 

“ Yes, please. It hurts so much.” He left and I told him where I was hiding. “Do you have a Doctor or a nurse around you?” 

“Yes.” 

“Okay I need you to pack your stuff and I need you to ask them to transfer you to a wheelchair so I can take you home.” 

“Alright” 

Guy 

     She ran out and went to Spain. I can't say I blame her. Her memory on how she got pregnant seems to be nonexistent. I'm glad though because she would hate me if she remembered.  “God, what is the plan here?” 

“Can I not have the love of a woman without the guilt?” God responded but in a way I truly didn't understand. “She believes it's her fault.” I can't believe it. Why would it be her fault? I did this. If I recall correctly, she hit me and screamed.  Then she got shot in the arm with a drug to make her stay still. I did this, not her. 

Girl 

     The pain was increasing. I rubbed my belly and screamed in pain. The nurse made me tea while the doctor checked on the baby. The baby was fine but I may never have children again. The doctor gave me a message to calm the swollen and inflamed organs. “I can't do this” 

“The baby…….” screaming continues, “is fine right?”  The doctor and nurse look at each other and nod. “I need you to promise to kill me after the baby is born. “We can't do that.”

“Why? I'm in so much pain and I don't know if I am not able to have more children.” 

Guy 

     I get out of my car and hear Brielle screaming. I walk in to hear her asking the doctor to kill her once the baby is born. I fall to my knees and begin to weep. She once told me to believe in Jesus and I can overcome any obstacle but here she was giving up. I would let her though. I will be by her side no matter what. 

Girl 

     Ezra walked in and took me to the car. He held my hand the whole drive. He would wipe my tears when he saw them falling and hold my hand when I screamed in pain. Kiss my head when I was depressed. 

   The week after his birthday, a week before our baby's due date, he bought me a beautiful light blue dress. He gave me a bath and helped me get dressed. He read me the Bible as he always did. I felt better but still in pain. He told me it was his fault. Not mine and I remembered the moment but I still feel like I could have done more. Because I love him I wasn't angry with him. I only blame myself. He didn't want me to be angry with him or myself. I couldn't help it though. I love him dearly so the fault was mine. I told him to forgive himself but he said he was just waiting for me to heal. 

Guy 

       I wanted this baby shower to go perfect but she still was hurting. All the pain she's carrying doesn't have to be carried. I want to carry some for a while. I can try my best but ultimately she will have to give it to Jesus. I want to carry it all. Ease her burdens carry her shame. But it would overwhelm me as much as it overwhelms her. “Give the pain to God my love.” 

Girl 

     As he says those words I begin to weep. I hold his hand and cry. Sitting on our bed in my new blue dress holding my husband and crying out to Jesus. Together we prayed “Dear Lord, we are sorry. We broke your law and lusted after each other before marriage. We lay down our hurt and sin. We lay down our guilt and shame at your feet. We are sorry for trying to carry this on our own. Help us lord to walk in your will. Help is to have wisdom when raising this baby and wisdom in our marriage. We commit our lives to you. In Jesus name amen.”  I feel a wait be lifted off me and a peace begins to overwhelm my heart. 

I haven't felt like this in so long.  After my parents made me pay for my sister's wedding I turned away from God. 

Guy 

I felt a weight fall off of her.  She was being transformed by God. Thank you, Lord! I let her process the moment and then we finished getting ready and went to the park for the baby shower. We pulled up to the park and  she saw our family gathered and the balloons and banners and began crying.  We decorated the whole baby shower blue because everyone knew the gender except Brielle. With tear filled eyes she asked “we're having a boy?” I nodded and she kissed me like never before.  Our baby boy was blessed to have such an amazing mom. 

Girl 

       He had been planning this all along. When I thought he was neglecting me and hated me he was doing this for our baby. I am just so in awe of my future husband. I put a hand on my belly and looked adoringly into Ezra's eyes. I pray this love will last forever. Thank you Lord for Ezra and our baby boy. 

Guy 

      She looked as beautiful as ever. Her happiness radiated and overflowed out to those around her. I couldn't help but love her more. I pray this love lasts forever. I've always wanted her but having her makes my heart burn more than when I didn't have her. I want nothing more than to hold her in my arms. Soon she will be all mine. Just 3 more weeks. 

Girl 

     I wanted to be by Ezra the whole shower. His hand was on my belly when he started to notice my pain. I had a feeling this baby may be coming really soon. Sooner than the due date. The doctor said I might have a premature birth so he moved the due date to a sooner day but I have a feeling our little boy may be coming really soon. His new due date isn't for seven more days. 

Guy 

     She looked excited and worried. I was sure it was the baby. She only put a hand on her belly if she was worried about our baby. The new due date has caused her stress but this looked new. “Soon?” I whispered. She gave me a little nod. I kissed her head “God's got our boy. Don't worry.” She gave me a weak smile. I turned to look in her eyes. “I promise.”

Girl 

      His promises meant the world to me. I knew he was right but I still was worried. I don't think I'm ready. My reproductive organs are still swollen and inflamed. They said they can treat it better once our little man was born but they could still be damaged in birth. I was worried not only for me but for my baby and Ezra. I love them both and I don't want to not be there for them. 

Guy

      I took her hand and drew her in for a dance. It always distracted her when she was stressed. We danced till I saw her smile. Genuinely smiled. The kind of smile that made those around her smile. She had that effect on people. She looked better. She opened the gifts and man our baby will be spoiled. It's the first grandkid and nephew of the family. Our son will be loved. 

Girl 

    The baby is shifting so much. I didn't want to worry Ezra. He just got me to calm down. I smiled through the pain so I didn't worry Ezra. I don't know how much longer I can mask the pain. I can at least make it till we get home. 

Guy

    I packed the gifts in the car. We are going to head to the spa to get a massage before the baby comes. I was told it would be good for the baby. I'm hoping it would ease some of the pain I saw on her face before dancing. I want her to have an easy birth. 

Girl 

     We headed to the spa and the pain didn't go away but it wasn't as bad. I wish I could say it stayed that way. I got home and a wave of pain hit then my water broke. I couldn't believe how early the baby was coming. I walked up the stairs into my room and locked the door. I called my doctor and Ezra’s mom. Both rushed to my room and I let them in. The doctor said the baby should be an easy delivery considering my condition. 

Guy

     I'm pacing outside of the door of our bedroom. She didn't say anything a couple minutes ago. I guess she did say soon but I didn't know she meant this soon. I have to stay calm. I get down on my knees and pray for Brie. “Lord please” that's all I could say. I was so worried I'd lose her. I could lose her. I could lose our little boy. I tried to shake the thought. I won't lose them. “God's got this. ”  I told Brielle that and now I needed to believe that. I wondered what our boy would look like. The thought of holding him helped me push away my worry.

Girl

     Birth was pure pain and agony but I made it. Our little man was so tiny. He was 3 pounds and 2 ounces. It took 8 hours of pushing and screaming but it was totally worth it. He had hazel eyes and light brown hair. He looked perfect. I held him close and looked upon him lovingly and in awe. They took him from me and began surgery as soon as possible. I began to get foggy vision and my heart rate dropped. God help. 

Guy

       I was handed the baby by the nurse and informed what was happening in the room. Why won't she let me in? She sounded like she was in great pain for a long time. My mother came out of the room to comfort me and informed me of what Brie had said. She wasn't mad. She didn't need space. She just didn't want me to see her pain. She was trying not to worry me but failed greatly. I was worried because she didn't let me be there for her. I pray everything goes well. 

Girl 

       My heart rate steadily and gradually is back to normal. The surgery was completed and the pain was great. I wish Ezra was here. I pushed him away but now I regret it. I need him. I want him. I love him. I wish he knew. 

Guy

     Our baby boy was perfect. I wish his mama was here with us. The doctor came out of the room and told us to let her rest. I walked into the room with our baby boy and at the sight of us her face lit up and she tried to sit up. As she sat up you could see all the stitches left behind from the surgery. “Babe I am so sorry” 

She looked at me lovingly. “What for?” 

I was shaking and breathing heavily.  “For taking advantage of you and flipping your world and not being there for you.” 

She grabbed my hand. “I wouldn't change a thing. 

Girl 

     I remembered everything. I remember meeting him. I remember the night alone with him. I remember every glance, card, flower, and smile. We have always been in love with each other. The other didn't know. Our love had been growing. It was too deep to not share and now we have our little boy, Judah. 

Guy 

     We slept in each other's arms. Dreaming about tomorrow's wedding. We were in the hospital for five days and now we are finally home. Everything is ready for tomorrow. I'm finally gonna marry the love of my life. Nothing will be more perfect. 

Girl 

       I got wheeled down stares so I could make breakfast for my bridesmaids and groomsmen. After breakfast I had a hair and nails appointment. Everything needed to be perfect. We chose an outdoor wedding with a cover. We didn't want rain to stop our wedding. 

      “Would you do my makeup?  I have to get dressed and do my hair,” I asked Ezra's sister. We got to work after breakfast. I wore a silk, flower dress with a pearl color. I wore Ezra's mother's pearls. Every piece of my look was put on with care.

         The hair was in a bun with curls and I had a pearl crown. The makeup I wore made me glow. I had a beautiful bouquet of lilies, white roses, lilac, and lavender. 

As I walked down the aisle, they played “Ordinary”. Ezra wore a creamy colored suit with a yellow tie. I looked up at him and my heart skipped a beat. 

Guy

     The world seemed to stand still as we said our vows. My heart skipped a beat as we kissed. The world seems so simple after. This was all I've dreamed of. Simply being with her was all I've wanted. The world was perfect. She was perfect.

By Gabriele Taylor