98 Bitterswee

As a kid, I read many novels and always thought if only my life could be like one of those. Now that it had become such, I feel I would have been better off having a simple normal life. However, unlike all those novel which had a beautiful and grand ending with everything tied up in a bow, I didn't get to have that. My ending could best be described as 'Bittersweet'

I am 25 and about to turn 26 but in this small period of two decades I saw a life time of struggles, betrayal, abandonment, hatred, isolation, harassment, attempted r*pe, kidnapping, humiliation, pain, begging on the streets and sufferings but I also saw happiness, friendship, love, hope, trust and belongingness. In short, I saw various aspects of life.

After Robbie's talk with Mr. Walker, mom and Mr. Walker divorced out of court. Turns out mum didn't want to make a show of their family's hard time. Robbie officially changed his surname from Walker to Preston (his mother's maiden name). Mr. Walker and Amanda got off the kidnapping charges after a bail of almost $45000. Mr. Olsen accepted the kidnapping charges. Because he admitted to his crime and the fact that there was no other charge against him, he only received five years behind bar. As Omegas have no protection from law from being assaulted or r*ped by Alpha, so no charges were pressed. Fred and Robbie found it extremely unfair so they both hired a private detective to dig out all of Mr. Olsen's dirty secret.

Tanya left Exquisite hotel and started working in another International hotel chain, Mariana Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd, as a Bakery chef, this time without hiding her second gender. The HR department, though skeptical at first, were impressed during her trade test interview and hence, landing her at the post of Sous Chef. The best news that we received came after a month of all this incident. That was Samuel becoming father. Jenny gave birth to a baby girl. Samuel was so happy that he threw a huge party and made all the dishes himself.

Jenny named her 'Amare' meaning love in latin. Twen was extremely happy at the birth of Amare as finally there was someone younger than him. But Twen also became very protective of her, saying he was her big brother and no one shall hurt her. Jenny, Sam, I, mom and Robbie laughed at this declaration of his.

I, Fred and Robbie started planning about the cafe, I wanted to open. Since, cafe, restaurant and Qsr were more of Fred's forte than Robbie, Fred was bound to give several useful advices much to Robbie's chagrin. He, therefore, settled with helping in digital marketing of Mum's jewelry business, Coruscent, and helping her with brand promotion and marketing of her jewelry. Though, from time to time he would throw angry envious look towards me and Fred as now, almost everyday, I would be spending time planning and buying things with him. The initial investment was a huge issue to me as I didn't have enough saving and was thinking of taking a loan. Robbie and mum forbade me, saying they can pay for it. I didn't like burdening them, but mum said, what's the shame in borrowing from family, silly!! I couldn't say no to her esp when she looks at me in such a motherly manner.

Robbie was furious with Grey Mount school faculty and lax in security there, hence, he put Twen in a different school and for the first time, with both his mother and father's name. Fred had to return to La Costa after two months for mending few things in his beach restaurant. He told us that he would soon return. Because of this our plans towards the cafe came to halt for a while. Twen was extremely upset at Fred's leaving and spent most of his time after school with Jenny and Amare grumbling about 'Uncle Fred's betrayal'. Robbie, however, seemed delighted by his leaving and took this opportunity to ask me to Guyan City (the place of my birth and schooling).

I had loads of bad memories associated with that place but there were several good ones too. So, I decided to once visit there and this time it might be different as I will be going with Robbie and Twen. Due to one thing or another, the plan kept getting postponed But finally on the 2nd week of February we got a chance to go. It was a little odd that the timing was so perfect as my birthday was on 14th of February.

I wanted to take Twen with me. I guess after the kidnapping incident, I always feel extremely anxious if he was not with me. But mum refused, saying I and Robbie need to spend sometime together. I turned so red that I might have resembled a tomato.

GUYAN CITY

Never in my dreams did I thought, that returning to this place would make me so nostalgic. Robbie and I went to many places. First, we went to my Welfare centre and met with all the staff who took care of me. Some of them had retired, so there were some new staff. While aunty Priya, who I was closest to during my stay here, playfully nudged me pointing to Robbie and winking at me. I smiled and told her he is my partner.

Next, we went to our school. The school principal was same so he welcomed us as school Alumini. We loitered around the school pointing at our class and clubs. It was filled with students so we didn't made noise. This place have some awful memories of mine. But some great memories with Robbie too. We were walking through the corridor looking at different classes, store rooms and clubrooms, when suddenly Robbie's eyes twinkled. He poked me and pointed towards the sports equipment room. I stared at it blankly and then with a jolt I remembered that it was the place where we made love. I blushed furiously but Robbie just chuckled, held my hand and walked away.

After school we went to the church where I used to visit regularly. The pastor who knew me came out with a wide smile and hugged me. He commented about how thin I have gotten and asked me about Twen. I was glad to meet him and we spoke for several minutes till he had to go for some work. Robbie was standing far off, allowing us to catch up. I got up to him and smiled broadly,

"Thank you"

Robbie smiled back, "Are you happy?"

I nodded, "Yeah. So nostalgic. It's like visiting your childhood again. So many variety of memories"

"Yeah. I feel attached too as I would often visit along with you here and the welfare centre. Haaaah! I never thought I'll say this but it is good to be back" Robbie reminisced

I agreed. Robbie gently held my hand (he had been very careful to not be rough, as I still had sometime to get over those terrible memories but thanks Robbie, mum and my friends, I have been much better off) and said lovingly, "Many many happy returns of the day Tony! This trip is my gift to you"

I placed my hand on his, "Thank you so much! This was a wonderful gift!"

"I have one more to give you" Robbie said, pulling me towards the alter. He let go of my hand and slipped his hand into his pocket, taking out a cute small box. He opened it and my eyes widen on seeing a platinum ring jaded with white sparkling diamond. He said very seriously, looking deep into my eyes,

"Tony, will you take me as your husband?"

I knew he was going to propose, setting such a perfect environment (my birthday and Valentine's day together) but I still felt overwhelmed. I looked at him and then at the ring, my eyes getting misty. Robbie was looking at me with anticipation. I smiled,

"NO"

"Wha-" Robbie looked flabbergasted.

I laughed, "That's your punishment for rejecting me all those years back"

"Oh come onnnn" Robbie groaned

"But I ll take the ring. Mum's designs are the best" I said putting my hand forward for him to put the ring.

Robbie shook his head, and put the ring on my finger. Before I took my hand back he held it, and said mischievously, "Yes or No, you are still mine. Am too selfish to let you go"

I laughed. I didn't even want him to let me go either. We walked out of the church together, hand in hand and saw the sun setting throwing it's dying rays over us. Once Robbie said I would be glad that we met again and I could say happily today, that I am! I don't know what the future holds for me. I don't know what will happen in the next ten or twenty years, but as long as Twen, my friends and Robbie is with me....I guess everything will be fine!