That night was filled with romance. Mina stood up from where she was seated, walked over to him, and kissed him, her feelings unmeasurable as she adored his face. She pulled him up and hugged him to her chest, enveloping him with her heart, soul, and mind in love.
Love breathes air, and air elevates love, allowing it to survive. She turned to him, looking into his eyes. "Oh, I shall love you and obey you, and never be unworthy of you, my soul's armor," she sighed with relief.
They played, touching each other tenderly, lost in a dreamy state of love. It felt as if they were sharing a moment of blissful reality with each other.
*Where is it that has no flaws?
Who's that who has no laws?
When did we fail that course?
What is me without my loss?
I can't go home without my nurse,
Sucking me, feelings got cursed…
No!
I love you so; your soul is my peaceful home…
Go, go, go, you are my soul…
I can't go alone without your hold…
Forever in me, I owe you my love…
Find me peace, and I will give you a home.
Hold me close, and I will give you hope…
Don't fight me, don't fight my soul…
I'm your friend and the only love you want to know.*
The lyrics of the song played in the background as they made love.
They embraced each other as if it were their first time, but their hearts held memories that weathered storms. Joy mixed with pain flowed as they created a love that conquered adversity.
"Don't judge me, Lord; my second chance was all about the second child. I will name him 'Chosen' whether it's a boy or girl; that name suits either," she thought.
"Let me love them both and let them support each other in this dark world full of different faces, shapes, and sizes, often without knowing anyone from afar, like apes alike. If they look out for each other as family, they can see through one another with the power of unity, and their future children shall inherit a good legacy."
"This is from me, Mina. So, dear sweet Adams, my love, you may have your dreams and ride on them like horses; this is what I want."
Adams replied, "If I could have Eve, then it surely would be you. You may be Mina, but I'm still your devoted servant."
"This love won't fade with different titles; it survives with its beautiful names. Don't tempt me with false fruits or the apple. I still prefer us in this Heaven, though it may not be ours at the moment; I still feel its presence."
"Soon we shall move to Paradise with hope and faith to guide us," he continued. "Your mother called last night about moving into her apartment at Fuchsia Estate because the tenant moved out, and she wants the best for us—happiness and peace of mind. I told her I'd think about it. So, what do you think?"
Mina answered, "Yes, she mentioned it, and I was about to ask you. I love the idea; it allows us to escape from these evil-doers."
Adams countered, "But don't forget that they are still my family. They were here with me before you, my couches and pews. Even when the storm raged, I knew who they were better than you do. I believe there's just a misunderstanding. They are my family, and you should respect that if you love me."
Mina replied, "But clearly, they don't love you. Your stubbornness blinds you to that. You think they are good people, full of lies and hypocrisy. I don't hate anyone, but I can't live with my torment. We should move away."
Adams raised his voice, "Enough! You wouldn't understand, so let's just move to the next apartment."
"Better!" Mina shot back, starting to pack her belongings into boxes for the move.
Trisha, their daughter, walked in. "Hey, Mama," she said.
"Hi, Trisha, how are you?"
"I'm fine, Mama. What are you packing for?"
Mina responded, "We're moving to our new apartment."
"Where?" Trisha asked excitedly.
"Along the subway. I'll take you there later."
"Okay, Mama," Trisha said happily.
Mina sighed, "It's awkward living in subzero weather with someone careless and self-absorbed, thinking they are a free thinker but ending up in pain and anguish. Your dad is a mess sometimes; he doesn't listen to my advice until it's too late."
Trisha, not understanding her mother's frustration, asked, "Mama, are you talking to me?"
Mina replied, "Never mind, dear. I've got this."
Adams entered the room, "Hey, guys, what's up? Are you done packing?"
Mina rolled her eyes, giving him an awkward look, refusing to reply. She sighed and continued her work, unwilling to speak until he nudged her.
"Cutie pie, at least smile so I can see the pretty face I fell in love with. Stop giving me that look; it doesn't suit the lovely lady I fell for, the one who gave birth to our little angel."
Mina retorted, "You better leave me alone because you left me here all alone with…
Mina: "You better leave me alone because you left me here all alone, forgetting about the same lady you fell in love with. I was the only one packing all of these things since you left, and you expected me to get through it by now."
Adams: "You know I'll never leave you alone. Wherever I go and however it may be, I will always return to you, wrapped in more of your love. I went out to get a van to help with our move, so don't be offended; I still thought of you while I was away."
He moved closer to her, resting his hands on her shoulders, and gave her a gentle peck on her cheek. However, something still weighed on her mind.
Mina: "A skink looks like a snake but isn't one. They can belong to the same family of reptiles, but don't judge yet until you see if it has legs or not. It may still be crawling, but make sure you can identify fangs, whether pleurodont or acrodont, with a clear definition."
"I know you must be thinking about something concerning me, and your thoughts seem divided, but don't let negativity consume you. You should think straight and stay positive."
Adams: "Wow! What makes you think that?"
Mina: "I don't know!"
Adams: "Trouble maker. The van is here; let's get serious so we can start moving things in."
Mina: "What's it to me whether the van is here or not? You better start moving everything by yourself; I'm tired and I don't have the strength anymore."
Adams: "Okay, ma."
So, Adams continued moving their belongings into the van. After everything was loaded, he heard a scream from inside. It was Mina, going into labor and about to welcome their second child.
He rushed inside with the van driver, quickly took Mina and their daughter Trisha into the van, and drove to the hospital.
At the hospital, the nurses hurriedly took Mina to the labor room. Adams asked the van driver to take their belongings to the new house and drop them off while he took care of his family.
The driver left, and Adams stayed with Trisha, who was with one of the nurses, before going into the labor room to support Mina.
They were alone in the labor room, waiting for the doctor to prepare for the delivery. Mina had to move around the labor room for exercise, as she couldn't stay in one place.
During this time, the baby's head began to crown, and Adams quickly ran out to call the doctor. By the time the doctor arrived, the baby had been delivered, and the doctor tended to the rest.
It was a beautiful baby boy, and they were overjoyed.
Once the doctor and nurses had taken care of Mina, she was moved to a ward to rest before being discharged. However, she became ill and felt cold. Adams alerted the doctor, who explained, "It's a common symptom during the postnatal adjustment period, caused by hormonal changes in the body."
"Don't worry, she will be fine. Just make sure she eats and takes her prescribed medications. Cover her with blankets and allow her to rest."
Adams followed the doctor's advice, and afterward, Mina started to feel better. He paid the hospital bills, picked up the necessary medications, signed the birth certificate, and took his family home to their new apartment.
He informed no one about the move from the family house to the new apartment."
And the conversation drifted into silence, as they prepared for their next chapter.