THE CHANGING TIDES

hmmm I can't wait to read this story

Changing tides

hmmmmm, seated

Right on time

go on

Challenges of life

The_Changing_Tides_2 Days and weeks past with Maria experiencing the same things each day. Every day that came and went by, she lost hope of ever leaving the streets. She was doing her work of collecting cabage one day when she met her friend Doro who was looking all washed up. "hey! How are you doing my friend you have changed so much in months.." Maria exclaimed looking at her friend from head to toes. Her short dress going on top of her knees and some flat sleepers that she could tell she got from Kamwala, Since had seen similar slippers and the dress on the streets. unfortunately for Maria, that was beyond her reach. " if my friend could afford buying a dress for K40 and shoes for K25 it meant she is doing better by far." She thought to herself. What Maria could afford if there was to make a change in her clothings were salaula clothes which were selling at K2 or K5. "Yeah, am okey Maria and am doing great too. I got myself a one roomed house for rent in Kanyama. I told you lets leave the streets and find ourselves business with men but you refused. Just look at how you are still struggling here," Doro expressed herself proudly. "You are even more beautiful than I am if only you can dress up a little, am sure you can make yourself good money with some guys out there" she added raising her hands. Maria looked at Doro, her statement seemed convincing but selling her body wasn't going to be an option. "There must be another way out Doro, am not going to do prostitution in order to survive, no thank you" she shrugged sadly. "Well my friend suit yourself, as for me I found my way out and am not coming back to sleeping in the streets. Never!" Doro insisted and walked away leaving Maria watching amazed. She looked at how Doro was shaking her tight behind and lifting her chest as she walked passed some men and she shook her head. "Am not going to sell my Body mmmmmh no, " she murmured and grabbed up the cabbage bag she had put down. walking away to go and damp it. The following day, the owner of a shop in freedom way where she usually stood for resting as she awaited for someone to give her things to lift during the day, walked out and looked at Maria for a while. "Maria, come here" she called her to her car. She opened the door and sat down in the driver's seat as Maria waited to hear why the lady had called her. "Yes mam" she said, her hands held behind her back in anticipation. "Maria, how old are you?" The woman asked her finally. "Am turning 15 next week" Maria answered with grinn which revealed her dirty teeth. "Maria I have been watching you walk around my shop. Do you have a home or something. ? Where are your parents? " Maria raised her eyes to look at the lady who spoke to her calmly, wondered why that lady was being concerned about her life. Most people never even bothered to know anything about her. It was like she didn't exist and she had gotten used to that. Now being asked some questions which herself never got to think or ignored cause everytime she did, the pain in her heart raised. She instead of answereing, sobbed silently in front of the lady.. "Maria, stop crying and answer my question" the gentle woman told her extending her hand from the car and holding hers. Maria in her tears looked at the clean hand holding her and went up to the face of the lady shocked that someone had truly touched her dirty hands. "No mam.. i dont have a home neither do i have parents. In fact, I have no family " she said sniffing. Madam Margret, the shop owner looked at her and felt compassion. All this while she had thought the girl she saw outside had atleast some place to stay and probably her parents where poor so they sent her begging and working in the streets. The new revelation got to her and her heart sank in sadness as she heard the story that Maria narrated to her. At the end she sighed and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Maria, I have no maid at home, if you can please come and work for me and I will pay you every month. we have a spare room in my house and am sure you will be more comfortable there" she added with a smile to cheer Maria up. "Seriously? " Maria asked her mouth open. She couldn't believe her ears, her day to go out of the harsh streets had come and she hoped things would change forever. That afternoon Maria was taken to madam Margret's home and was introduced to the family. Margaret was a widow with 4 children. The oldest son was in the university studying Law and her second born was also in the university studying some business course that Maria couldn't remember so well, the third born a girl was doing her grade 12 and the last born another boy in grade 10. After the introduction that evening, Maria was shown her room. "Am sure you will be okey here. Here, take these clothes go in the bathroom and take a bath and change." Madam Margaret said handing some clean clothes. "thank you Madam" Maria smiled holding the clean clothes she was handed. She presumed she must have gotten them from her daughter she was calling Muma. She remained standing when Margaret left and looked around the room. A single bed in the corner made with clean sheets and a bed cover. She walked slowly towards the bed and sat on it. It's softness making her body feel relaxed even before she could lay in it. Not that it was so much of a fancy bed. But as compared to the card boards under the bridge, that was so much better. She went to bath and took her time scrubbing her dirty as the warmth of the water made her feel so good. She had not had a good bath in a long time. Only the ones she would do from the public bathrooms at intercity whenever she could find some extra money to pay. Maria walked in front of the mirrow in the bathroom and looked at her self. Her rough skin looking much better. She touched her kink hair which was still dripping water and run her hand down to her face. She sighed, she had never felt so much clean in a long time and even though the Tooth brush she was given to use for her mouth left some cuts in her guns, she could feel her fresh breath. "Maria! Come out now we are going to have supper" madam Margrett called her out bringing Maria to her activeness. "Yes mam! " she answered and quickly grabbed her dirty dress after she wearing a clean one she was given. "Throw that one in the bin outside will you? " Margret asked when she saw Maria come out holding her old dress. "Hey guys I have introduced you all to Maria. I want each one of you to be kind to her and help her to cope as she will be helping us with house work." Margaret informed her children and the person who just walked in that evening who she told Maria he was her young brother Paul. "You are welcome" Muma answered first smiling at Maria and went back to typing something on her phone. They all welcomed her and none said much except the youngest child Joshua who asked Maria where she came from and what grade she was doing. "Josh, come on eat your food and stop asking so many questions " Margret scolded her son. Maria ate her food shly. She was really hungry but all the faces glancing at her made her uncomfortable she ended up stopping. Later on Margret, gave her an extra plate in the kitchen and told her to eat. After which Maria started her work right away. She went to her room that night feeling postive . "There's a God out there after all" Maria whispered looking up the ceiling. she had at least shelter and food that night and it was more than she had wished for that day. she knelt down to pray and thanked God for her new home and blessed Margret for her kindness. A different tide had just passed her life and she was greatful it was a good one. Hoping that tommorow would turn out even better, Maria fall asleep.

Josh i, can see u on the mirrow as a troubler

God!! may he bless madam Margret more for helping u

Ride on

new epic

The_Changing_Tides_3 Maria's life had changed in days. The family for Margret treated her well and they all seemed so supportive. She worked so hard to keep the house clean. Washing their clothes, cooking and doing all the house chores without hesitation. She had been well treated by everyone, the good part was everyone was busy and she usually remained home alone during the week. She could do all the chores and sit to rest afterwards. .her condition had trully changed and she was happy. Her newly found family was great. Even when sometimes they gave her a lot of work especially when Ben and Jake, the first and second born to Margret were home. They liked having parties with their friends. However, this never got to her as she got to experience the lives of excited girls and boys who gathered to party. . Jake was the Jovial one who always made Maria laugh. he would tell her stories of school and his girlfriend. "Maria, when you save up enough you can as well take yourself to school" he would advice her. " It's not too late for you to start over. " "I know Jake, but I have to work here at home and you know how busy it is sometimes. Besides your mother has not told me anything about me starting school I don't want to overstep my boundaries by demanding more than what I can have." she explained to him as they sat on the steps outside watching people dancing and drinking at the back yard. "You deserve better my dear Maria and I will talk to mom to help you out. Just look at how you have helped us out here. The house is always in order and you have learnt how to cook so well in just a year." He looked at her face. " Just leave it to me and you will see", he smiled patting her back. She watched him join the friends on the centre and danced gracefully to the music making her smile. He was good to her and Maria knew she had a brother she had never had in him. Muma was very good though she had little time to chat with Maria. She was the type who kept to herself most of the times and Maria knew better than to disturb her when she was locked up in her room. It was either she was studying or browsing through the phone. Maria never usually bothered Muma except when she really had to for instance when Margret was asking for her daughter. Muma was preparing to go into the university after she completed her grade 12 at only 16. They were age mates with Maria but by far different in every respect. She even had a boyfriend already and Maria never got to tell Margret about her daugters affairs. In fact, Maria kept all the secrets of the house. The girls she used to see come home for the boys whenever Margret wasn't around, the little lies they would make to get money from their mother and many other things. It was like everyone felt comfortable to confide in her and that made her popular with everyone. Even the youngest , Josh had his secret issues too like selling off his elder brothers gadgets and use the money to buy talktime for his bundles and gifts for his little girlfriends. All in all, Maria was greatful and came to love everyone. One person who puzzled Maria was Uncle Paul. The man never talked much. Most of the times when he was gone he would just ask whether his sister was home and when he was told she wasn't he would leave and come back later. However, he would come home sometimes during the day when Maria was alone and sit in the Kitchen to watch her cook or work. Without saying much to her. Over time Maria started feeling uncomfortable and would leave the kitchen and do something else in the bedrooms. "Can I help you with something?" Maria had asked Paul one day when he had come back to the house one morning and stood by the door watching her. "How old are you Maria? " He asked her instead. Maria turned to look at him. She looked at his face which had a little moustache that was not as neat as it usually was, he wasn't very tall but his wide chest made him look more manly. Maria could guess Paul was in his middle 20s around 25 or 26. She recalled Jake telling her Paul was a year older than Ben who was 24. His navy blue t-shirt falling down to his Black soft jeans making him look great made Maria wonder why Paul was asking about her age. "Am 16" she said with a weak smile. "Anything the matter Uncle? " She asked him. "No nothing my dear I was just wondering." He responded. "Have you talked to my sister about your school? " He asked. Maria looked at him wondering how he knew she wanted to go back to school she recalled the only person she had discussed that with was Jake . "How do you know I thought of doing that?" She asked. "Well, I over heard you and Jake talk the other week" he shrugged. Maria placed down the tea towel she had in her hands and looked at Paul again. "I don't know if that's a good idea. I don't want to make more demands after all this you people have done for me" she told him honestly. "So you want to be a maid for the rest of your life huh?" Paul asked her seriously. " I don't mean to offend you Maria but I think it's right you think good about your future and try to do something for yourself too .just look at how hard you work to please everyone in this house. But for a moment think about your future. What is it you really want? Is it being a house worker for life? Or maybe finding another way out for your life?" Paul added and turned to leave. Maria watched him grab the car keys and walked outside to his car, she sighed and held her hands akimbo. "He is right," she thought to herself. She had to think about her future and somehow she wasn't going to have a better one if she didn't consider going to school. That day she planned to talk to Margret and ask her if she could allow her to start night school. Since she stopped in grade 8 she thought she could begin from there. "Maria, you are so hard working and am proud of what you do here. I cant deny you what you are asking. Besides, by 17 hours there will be someone here so you can join classes at woodlands school across the road. Jake told me about this last week and i intended to talk to about it too." Margret told her that evening after Maria declared her intentions. "So go ahead and start and please work hard there too" she added with a smile. "Thank you so much mam" Maria answered as she was still kneeling down besides the couch her boss was seated on. She had lived with respect for her and always avoided walking around or sitting in the room whenever Margret was there. She ran to her room and jumped up with joy. "Oh God thank you," she shouted holding her mouth to avoid anyone hear her shout. She got her small phone which they had given her for communication in case of anything at home and called Jake. "Jake!" She shouted excited. "Am starting school, your mother told me I can register at Woodlands Secondary. Am so happy" "Wow, that's Great to hear Maria go for it and do well at school" Jake responded. " Am so proud of you Maria" he added before cutting the line. The following week every one was back home the boys came for a weekend and Paul was home the whole day. Margret called everyone and told them about the new development. "Guys you know I like you all up to date with affairs in the house. We all have seen how well Maria is working here and we know she has been good. Am proud of all of you for making her life easy. At least Maria has not told me any negative thing about any of you and am so happy you are all turning up just like your father wanted you to be. So now I want you to know that Maria decided to go to school and so we have to help her by at least coming home early so as to allow her go for night classes." She explained as everyone listened attentively . "Congrats girl." Muma smiled at Maria. "Please don't make those guys out there go crazy with your beauty" she teased her and went out as everyone laughed. Maria smiled back at her, "thank you Muma" she said wondering if she even heard her as Muma always seemed busy. She had already gone out of the other room. "Am happy for you Maria" Jake and Ben told her too and Jake patted her back. Maria looked at Paul as though to expect a word from him too but he said nothing, he just smiled and walked out. She excused herself leaving Margret and Josh in the sitting room. Going to her room she sat down and thanked God things were working in her favour. She was lost in thoughts when she heard a soft knock on the door. "Come in !" she called out, "it's open." Paul walked in his hands in the pockets. "you still awake? " He asked her. Maria looked up at him and stood up. "Yes i am I was just thinking of getting into bed" she said wondering why Paul was there. . "Can I do something for you? " She asked him. "Not really i just came to say well done on that bald decision you made. Am proud of you too" "Thank you" she smiled shly not comfortable with Paul standing in her room. Only Jake usually bugged in her room of all the boys and she was used to that. But seeing Paul there was quite uncomfortable. "Here" Paul said handing her some money. Maria looked at his hands and looked up at him. "It's for your school books " he said when he saw she was looking at him questioningly. "Am sorry, uncle Paul but I have some money saved up from my pay. I can buy books for myself but thank you for your kind gesture, but i wont take that" she added with a chuckle. "Please get it. It's just my way of encouraging you to work hard and also say thank you for what you have done here. " "Please..." he added holding her hand and placing the money in them. "Thank you so much" she answered and stood watching him leave. He turned to look at her and smiled, "good night" "Good night" she responded. "Wow, he is so strange" she whispered to herself shrugging.

Paul love on the air

I hope this uncle Paul is not fall in love with you?

Uncle paul is falling in love

The_Changing_Tides_4 "Maria, am going to the university " Muma announced excitedly to Maria while she stood near the stove as Maria prepared dinner. "Wow!, am so happy for you my dear', Maria smiled. " I know how much you studied for this your course am sure you will make a good engineer." she added. "I know right. you and mom are the only ones who support me. These guys think it's a job for men and I always tell them, what a man can do, a woman can do better." she said proudly as she peeped in the pot Maria was preparing. "You can do it, You have always inspired me Muma, really you are so dertermined and I admire your courage," Maria complimented as she watched Muma grab a piece from the beef stew she was preparing. "I wish to go high as well" she added as she cut the tomatoes to use in the vegetables on the other plate. Muma smiled... " you know God is fair, he didn't make me as cute as you are but he gave me brains." she teased, patting Maria on the back. "What? Oh no you are beautiful Muma, just look at your structure and smooth face " Maria said with a laugh. "Well i have to put in a lot of work and dress in order to maintain my figure and face. But for you my dear friend its natural. You are simply cute and I wonder how you cope at this your new school with guys, " she laughed. "Come on am only 17 now and I cant be thinking of boys and school at the same time." Maria argued. "Maria my dear, I know sometimes you can be so naive but just a hint," Muma said with a whisper. "I know of a guy in this house who is crazy about you. " "You are not serious" Maria sighed looking at Muma. "Everyone here treats me like their sister how can you even think of that? " "Oh well, like I said you are naive my friend open your eyes and see!" Muma let a laugh and left the kitchen waving at Maria who remained standing wondering what she meant. "Maybe it's Jake" she thought to herself as she finished her cooking. He was the one who always joked around with her but she had not seen any signs that he was into her. . She raised her shoulders and decided to ignore Muma's comments. Just then Paul walked in.. "Hey! " He called her out. " Food is ready? " He asked her with a smile. Maria had noticed how Since she started school Paul had been helping her especially with preparing supper. Sometimes he would come early from work where he told her was working with ZESCO as an electric engineer . He would help her with some maths problems and science when ever she had home work. Over time Maria grew fond of him and she found herself easing up when he was around as compared to the way she used to be some time before. "Yeah am done now uncle Paul I just need to save up." She told him placing the food on the dinning table. He got the other dishes and helped her serve. "Any home work today? " He asked her. "Mmmh nothing" she shrugged. "I hope you are studying hard Maria the exams are around the corner." Paul told her bamping his hand into her as they both went for the plates. He looked at her and she did too for a second and saw how tendery Paul's eyes looked at her. She quickly withdrew and Muma's voice echoed in her mind. 'Someone in this house is crazy about you' "Sorry I will get that " she said and got the plates faster than normal. Paul looked at her and smiled. He was so crazy about her but he could not allow himself to be carried away. He had eyed the girl before her since he first he saw her seated with the family at the table as they were about to have supper. She looked so innocent and fragile his heart beat with compassion and a feeling of attachement. Paul had watched how committed to work Maria was and he could sometimes miss watching her so he would go home during lunch just to observe her work from afar.. He was glad she had gone back to school. Hoping with everything in him things went well for her. She was going to write her exams and he couldn't help feel nervous for her. "What's your intentions towards her? " He recalled his friend asking him.. "I don't know my friend. She just gives me this strange feeling everytime she's around and I can't help it. I know Tasha is my girlfriend but surprisingly I don't feel so much at peace with her as I feel around that girl. she's only 17 but she does things like she's way older. Her beauty compels me towards her and I can't just ignore that, i dont know, theres jusy something about her that is hard to ignore,." Paul had explained to his friend who shook his head. "You are going to have a rough one Paul, either you leave that house or that girl will be your down fall" his friend teased. "The food is served" he heard Maria infom him as his eyes were focused at nothing in particular. Maria had noticed Paul going quite for some minutes and she had to bring him to the present as she finished preparing the table. "Oh yeah it is," Paul smiled and went to sit waiting for everyone else to join him at the table. At the end of the year Maria had written her grade 9 exams. She had written all the paper's with confidence as she had studied hard. With Paul and Muma always helping her with her studies. Margret called Maria over one evening, "how were the exams?" she asked. . "They were okay Mam atleast I managed to answer well in all the subjects," Maria responded. "That's good Maria, I called you to let you know that we will be travelling out to see my mother in Kitwe with Muma and the boys. You will remain here with Paul as he can't go with us because of his work" , she explained. "make sure you take care of the house okay? " "I will mam," she responded. The following day she helped the family pack their things in the vehicle and saw them off. It was Saturday so Paul was home that day. After the vehicle left Maria went back inside to go clean up the mess that was caused by the packing and moving of the bags. She later on prepared lunch and went to call on Paul who was in his room. I will be out in a minute, Paul responded. He came out to eat and found Maria wasn't by the table. "Maria! Won't you come eat with me? " He asked shouting as he faced Maria's room. "I am not yet hungry uncle Paul" she answered back. "Please go right ahead and enjoy the meal. " The family had been gone for days and Maria and Paul stayed together, since there was less to do Maria would usually finish her chores quickly and sit to watch some movies. She wished she had some books to study but being that she already wrote exams she found herself more free than she desired to be. One evening she went to her room early and locked the door when she noticed Paul wasn't yet back. She was just falling asleep when she heard a loud knock by the door. Moving in her night dress covering it with a chitenge, Maria staggered with her sleepy face to go and open. She was shocked to see a very drunk Paul at the door he couldn't stand straight. "Uncle Paul, " she shouted holding his hand when he staggered out of balance. "What happened to you?" she asked helping him inside. Paul raised his drunk eyes and looked at Maria pushing her towards the wall in the passage. "Maria " he whispered her name. "You are so drunk Uncle I need to get you to sleep" she told him trying to get him to stand up straight . She struggled to take him to his room and he made her stop by the door. Pushing her to the wall again. "Maria you know why I got so drunk? " He asked with a laugh. . Maria shook her head. "I dont know but you have to get to bed now it's late and you can't even get yourself to stand. " "Oh no I don't want to sleep Maria, my friend drove me here and I left my car somewhere. This is all your fault" he added his drunk voice hoarse. "I want you Maria, you have driven me crazy over the years and I cant control the feelings I have for you . I got drunk to forget about you. But seeing you this close is so had" he added. Maria was shocked at the new revelation she was hearing. She looked at Paul and had no words for him. She wondered if it was the beer making Paul talk or it was the confirmation of her suspicions. "I love you Maria and I can't even be with my girlfriend anymore. I can't stop thinking about you and I don't know what to do.you are only 17 for God's sake, why do you drive me so crazy ? " He smiled holding her face. "Uncle it's time to sleep now" she cut him short and tried to push him away, but Paul was firmlyholding her . She pushed him towards his bed and as he fall down in the bed grabbing on to her chitenge. Instead of withdrawing, Maria stayed put and didn't get herself to move, allowing Paul to turn her around and touch her breasts. Maria was still a virgin but now she was experiencing strange tickles that she wasn't familiar with. "I love you Maria and I want you to be mine someday." He whispered his hands in her night dress. "Stop it now" Maria whispered not really convincing Paul who had lifted himself on top of her body. Maria could feel the strong scent of beer from his mouth and body but for whatever reason she didn't want him to stop touching her. He manged to get her out of her dress and the time she realised what was going on, was when she felt pain as Pual pushed his way into her. She tried to push him away when the pain increased but unfortunately it was too late. He was so up he couldn't control himself. The effect of the beer making it so hard for him to notice he was hurting her. . Maria cried as Paul continued thrusting inside her until he was done and fall back down instantly snoring. She lifted her self painfully her legs could not stay together as she walked to her room. With every step Maria felt the regret in her heart. She had the strange feeling something was gonna change and she shivered at the thought of having pain in her life again after almost three years of living happily. She touched herself and looked at the blood on her fingers. Maria knew that her life had changed. Not so sure whether tommorow would be the same. Another tide was flowing her way and all she could do as she lay down to sleep was wish that it could be a good one.

This paticular is thesame with my blood sister

Hope am not late Pls adjust let me sleep Maria why?

sorry

The_Changing_Tides_5 "My dreams are shattered and my hopes of being happy ever again have been haunted with so much pain I can hardly see beyond my nose. God has abandoned me to the evil one, how is it that I have to go through one pain after the other, I am just Human and I too make mistakes. How is it that mine always have the harshest consequences? I have prayed and asked God to forgive me for my mistakes and my sins, I have pleaded with him to at least forgive even the sins of my parents so that I can be set free from these toils of life and find joy and peace again. But look at me now, just when I got to find something for my life, here I am back to square one, now with this child on the way how am I going to survive this, my friend?" Maria cried, her face wet with tears as Doro watched her silently. 2 months after she was with Paul she Had discovered she missed her periods and she knew definately even from the changes she was feeling in her body that she was not the same. She recalled the day after she allowed Paul to be with her that she woke up early and cleaned the house. It was the day the family was returning From Kitwe and she had to make sure things were in order. "Good morning Maria", Paul had greeted her that morning as she just finished cleaning. "Good morning" she answered without looking at him. She was so embarrassed she felt like going down the ground below her. . "Maria am sorry for last night " Paul started stopping her from walking away as she avoided his gaze. "I was so drunk but that's no excuse. The last thing I ever wanted was to hurt you Maria no wonder I kept to myself. I care so much for you and I swear I always want what's best for you. I know you are still young and got a long road ahead of you in this life. Please forgive me" he begged making her to face him. Maria's face was covered in tears as Paul talked. Her pain wasn't the fact that Paul was wrong but that she had allowed him to do whatever he did to her and now she felt guilty. First of all she felt she had betrayed the trust of Margaret and her family who had done nothing but care for her. She knew Paul had a girlfriend cause she saw her come visiting sometimes. And most of all, Maria couldn't help the feeling that something was terrribly wrong. That strong feeling something different was coming was so much in her mind that she couldn't help feel sad. She looked at Paul's eyes and for some reason she could feel he was being honesty. "Please stop crying Maria, am so so sorry please forgive me." He continued.. "It's okey uncle Paul, it's not entirely your fault, I was very much sobber and if I wanted to I could have stopped you. I was stronger than you." She's said tears running down her face. "Am here for you Maria, I promise I won't do anything to hurt you again. I want you to stay focused and go through your secondary school" Paul told her. That day when everyone was back home Maria wasn't herself. Guilty and shame was all over her and she felt like everyone could see through her. Days passed and Maria become more depressed, she couldn't get rid of the strange feelings in her body and she had realised she missed her pees in two months. She went to the clinic secretly and got tasted for pregnancy . When the test came out postive Maria was devasted. She cried all her way back to the house and even when she met Jake who was excited and told her she had made it to grade 10, all Maria could do was cry . "Maria, you have passed and instead of being happy you are crying?" Jake asked concerned. " Tell me, are you really okey? " "I am," Maria sniffed wipping her tears. "Am just so excited I made it " she lied with a fake smile. To congratulate her Margret offered to buy her school items for her new grade. Maria sat in her room feeling exhausted and depressed. She saw how happy everyone was including Paul. She was lost in thoughts when Paul walked in her room. "Maria, I came to talk to you. I know we were wrong to do what we did but the way you have taken this matter is worrying me. Why won't you forget what happened and be happy. I can't stand seeing you so sad lately. Tell me what I can do to help you please" Paul begged trying to hold her hand and she shoved him away. "Leave me alone Paul," she responded her head bent down. He insisted he wouldn't leave until she told him what was wrong. Maria was almost opening up to him when Josh called Paul, " uncle Paul, your madam is here!" he shouted. Paul figited, He knew someday he had to let his old girlfriend go but he had not yet figured out a way to tell her. Even when he avoided calling or seeing her, Tasha always came to their house to see him. Somehow he noticed how it was hurting Maria but how was he going to solve the issue when he couldn't get to tell his sister he was in love with Maria. Everyone knew Tasha was his girlfriend. "Go on!" Maria cut her sentence short when she had almost revealed she was preganant. "No she can wait, tell me what is wrong first" Paul insisted. Maria looked at him. How was she going to break a relationship that everyone was aware of. She was just a maid and she knew revealing the fact of her pregancy would change everything. "Please just go I will tell you later" Maria insisted and Paul stood to go his heart reaching out to her. He walked to the sitting room where his girlfriend greeted him cheerfully but his mind was with Maria. Something is wrong and he had to find out and help her. Maria looked at the room for the last time. It had been her comfort room for the last 3 years and now she had to go. Her courage to face the family with the issue of her pregancy and later on revealing who the father was was completely gone. She packed all her things and the money she had saved up. When every one was talking and laughing from the sitting room, Maria sneaked out using the kitchen door and left. After she had dropped a piece of paper in Margret and Paul's bedroom. Doro was silent as Maria narrated her odeal. Maria had called her and asked to stay with her for that one night as she could not find any other place to go to. "Maria I still think you should have told him the truth. The family am sure could have come to terms with your condition, they sound like good people to me and am sure they could have helped you out." Doro remarked "I can't do that Doro. I can't just betray them after everything they did for me. Paul has a girl for crying out loud. How do I just break them apart because of my stupidity? No I cannot" "Okay, tell me one thing Maria, do you love Paul?" Doro asked her. Maria raised her eyes and looked at her friend. "i dont know my dear, i like being around him. I felt good when he touched me. When he talks I feel like I can listen to him forever, I don't know what love is but all I know is I miss him when he goes for work, I feel jealousy when I see that Tasha his girlfriend. But I cant say i love him because that I don't even know what it means." Maria lamented with a laugh. "He's the only man I have ever known even though it hurts me so much, I know he cannot be mine. I dont belong to his class and he's in love with someone else. " she wiped a tear falling from her eye. "Oh Maria, you are something my friend. If I were you I wouldn't sacrifice my life and that of my child for anyone. Just look at you. You look pale and depressed that money you have won't take you and the baby anywhere, how are you even going to work with a pregnancy? " Doro pointed out.. "I don't know Doro.I don't know, I have to find a way otherwise am never going back to that house. I just can't my dear. I just hope this time around God will help me so that this baby here will not have to go through what I have gone through in this cruel life," she cried. "Wipe your tears Maria and be strong, there's tomorrow, just rest over there," Doro said pointing at her small bed. "Am going for my business now am late," she added standing up. She had dressed up in her short skirt and sleeveless top that exposed part of her breasts. "I have to find at least some good customers since this is month end " she added. Maria Lay down and watched her friend leave. She shook her head. " My God, I hope I won't have to end up like her" she cried. "Somehow I have to find a way for my baby."

next

The_Changing_Tides_6 Paul saw Tasha off after some time of chatting with her. He quickly rushed to Maria's room to finish up their conversation. He stood in the door way shocked at what he was seeing. Maria's room was empty. He walked to check in the small closet and found there was nothing, all her clothes were gone. "Maria, what have you done?" Paul sighed, as he sat slowly on her bed. He knew that it was his fault Maria decided to leave. Walking out to his room, Paul found a note placed on his bed and when he rushed to open it he noticed it was Maria's handwriting. Sitting down he read the note which explained that she was gone and won't be back. She didn't really give a reason for her leave but just said she hoped he would have a life he deserved with Tasha. From the note, Paul could tell there was more to the words he was reading. "How can she do this to me?" He asked himself pacing around the room. " I love her and I wanted her to be here. How do I cope without seeing her every day?" He thought to himself. Shaking his head, Paul walked out to his car and decided to go and look for Maria. Hoping he could catch up with her before she went any farther. "If I have to tell everyone the truth about how I feel about this girl so be it", he whispered to himself as he started the car engine. "Am going to find her and am bringing her back home." He drove around for some hours, even looking out in the streets in town but there was no sign of Maria. He was so worried that by the time he got home passed midnight he felt so exhausted. He was locking the door silently when he heard someone clear their throat behind him. Turning to see who it was, Paul saw his sister Margret in her night gown. . "Paul come over here" she told him as she walked towards the sitting room. "Where are you coming from?" She asked him when they both sat opposite to each other. "Am am um, what is it sister?" He stammered "You look sad" he answered instead of responding to her question. "Answer my question Paul. I know something is going on in this house and I want to find out what it is. I found this in my room" she said to him handing him a note. Paul looked at his sister and got the note. "Mam, Am so sorry I have to leave this here for you. I can't just get myself to face you. I know you have been so good to me but I can't just stay anymore. Please forgive me mam. It's not anyone's fault that I left I just wanted to make that clear and I can't say why too. May God continue blessing you for you kind heart. Maria." "So now Paul, tell me what's going on. I noticed Maria was different from the day we returned from seeing mom. And you are the one who was with her here" Margaret sighed. Paul raised his head to look at his sister. "Am sorry sis, I have to tell you the truth now even when it's too late. I love Maria and I have done so since the first day I saw her. I tried to control myself but one day I lost it and I slept with her. I know I was wrong and I tried to apologise to her hoping she would get past the pain I had caused her. She was not the same since then and today I went to talk to her, she almost told me something but we were interrupted by Tasha's visit. So by the time i went back i found shes gone. I went to look for her to bring her back but I couldn't find her .." he outlined slowly.. "Forgive me my sister I really feel bad all this happened . Believe me I wanted what is best for her. I love her and that I don't regret. " Margret looked at her brother, she had seen him grow as she got him when he was still a small boy. She had raised him like her own son and she knew Paul was a good boy. He had not given her any problems. "Paul, am not doubting that you love her because you have never lied to me and I know if you say you do then it's true. I don't like the fact that you got so wasted and failed to hold yourself and broke that innocent girls virginity. Remember where she came from, she's so delicate. She's been through a lot in her young life and you could have known better than do that to her. If she ran away it's because something is not okey with her. I urge you to go find her and bring her here. I suspect Maria is pregnant and she's scared of saying it." Margret added. "Pregnant? " Paul asked looking at his sister's face. " Maybe thats what she wanted to tell me this evening. Oh my God, now I won't forgive myself if anything happens to her and my child. What am I going to do sis?, I can't just let her run away with my child" he cried. "You have to find her and make her know how you feel. You are working Paul, you can't fail to raise that child and Maria. Work on it and find her, " Margret added and left for her bedroom. Paul leaned back on the sofa. He was convinced Maria was pregnant there was no other reason she could have left. The following weeks Paul moved around looking for Maria but there was no sign of her. Maria was now almost due. Her pregnancy was not an easy one as she had issues with her BP. She was always up and down and Doro had asked her to leave her house as she was using it for her business. .Maria found herself another room but since her healthy wasn't so good she failed to maintain her small business she had started. One day she was in her one roomed house wondering how she was going to cope with the issue of rentals and food . She closed her eyes feeling her baby movements. She thought of Paul and wondered how he would feel if he came to know she was carrying his child. As tears rolled down her face Maria said a little prayer for her baby. . As though things were not hard enough, Maria's landlord came by and evicted her from the house. "You have not paid me for 3 months now, I can't let you stay here for free Maria" the owner of the house told her. . Maria tried to beg so that the man could give her some time so that she could find the money but he just didn't listen. . She got her small bag and walked away with her heavy preganacy. Maria's hope and vigour to live was diminishing with every step she took, how cruel the world was to her. She found Herself back to the streets after trying to find refuge at her only friends place where she found Doro had moved away and she had no idea where she had gone. With no home and money that night Maria found herself sleeping in the corridors of the streets. She went back to doing small works for people. She had tried finding a job as a maid but no one was willing to employ her with her heavy pregnancy. Weeks later Maria gave birth from Kamwala clinic where some street boys had helped her to when her labour started. After she was discharged she went back under the fly over bridge where she had found a hiding place. Maria looked at her baby in her hands. Tears running down her face. He was the exact copy of Paul and she loved him so much. His small hands holding her as she looked at his face. He was the most delicate thing that maria had ever seen and she knew she would give anything for that boy to live and survive the harshness of the streets. . "I will have to find your father, my baby", she whispered to him one day. " I can't let you suffer here when your father is out there. He will have to take responsibility of you my son." She talked to her baby as though he could hear and understand her. . Unfortunately the following day, Maria went to Margret's house, she found strange people there. She was told the family had moved away and the new owners didn't know where they had gone to. Maria recalled Margret telling her she had built a new house but she didnt get to know where it was. She knew that was where they had gone. "Thank you," she told the lady who was looking at her and her baby in her back. She walked along the streets her strenght gone . Realising that she had taken too long to make the decision of going back to Paul. "Your child is 5 Months now. I think it's high time you accepted your fate and joined prostitution Maria. Am sure you have noticed there is no one way out here. Your son needs to eat and you have to find a better shelter for him. Don't tell me you intend to make that boy grow on the streets my dear," Doro told Maria. .She had found her walking around the streets that afternoon. "But who is going to look after my son when am gone to do your so-called work.?" Maria shook her head not really wanting to join prostitution. "Well, find someone to help you. Since it's just in the night, some girl can be remaining with your child and you can pay her from your earnings" Doro tried convincing her. That day Maria made a decision and joined her friends. Even when she did it with so much pain in her heart Maria had to endure the feel of dirty and sweat from the bodies of the men she had to sleep with. From her first client Maria knew whatever happens she wasn't going to enjoy any bit from what she had started. Her only hope was to see her son grow up healthy and with all the basic things he needed.

See what u caused ur self now, if u had been patient enough to explain everything to Paul, u guys would have bn married by now.

na u put ursef for that one o so make I nor hear say na person fault

Hmmm

Chai

The_changing_Tides_7 "So what's your real name beautiful. I have been your client for more than 4 times now I gues its time we got to know each other well," the man who was with Maria on a particular night asked her. She stood up redoing her make up the heels on her feet making her feel more tired than she already was. The man laying in the bed had called for her for more than thrice and she was begining to hate his insistence on getting to know each other It was easy for Maria to fit in the prostitute business as her natural beauty and great body mophology got her the guys with money. She looked at him laying down satisfied, the feeling of disgust in her heart. She was holding it with everything she had. "Mmmh sorry, I don't get personal with my clients man, just give me the money and I will be off to see my baby. " She snapped lifting her purse and extending her hands towards him. "Well, you are stubborn lady, your friends would kill to get closer to me but you are so proud it's as if you have everything." Maria chuckled, and shook her head. "Sorry Mr, it's not everyone of us who does this because we want to. I wish you knew how much I have developed hatred for night times. Cause it is a constant reminder of the demon I have become" she added and grabbed the money. "By the way, grow up and learn to take care of your wife and family. I bet it's safer for you" she shouted from the door way and walked away, leaving the man shocked . She went back to the night club entering the crowded area. She went to sit in the corner of the bar. The loud music hitting her ears. Maria watched as people danced on the floor. It was one of the days she had thought Paul so much. She recalled one day when she went to stand opposit the gate of Zesco watching people during lunch time, she knew the moment she chose to do prostitution instead of finding another way out that her life was doomed. "He would never accept me now" she whispered to herself as she saw him walk towards his car. He looked so handsome she smiled to herself. She was carried away watching him when she saw an unfamiliar face of a woman walk to him and hugged him. Paul smiled widely and they started talking and later entered the vehicle together. Maria sighed, she felt a grip of jealousy building up but she comforted herself. "I don't derseve him" she thought to herself and turned to walk away tears in her eyes. That day she had spent time with her son who was now a year and months old. He was walking and had started saying his first words. Maria's only pride was in her son. Everytime she looked at him her pain easied and it was like some light shown in her dark self. She had thought of Paul so much that she hardly slept. He was gone and she thought her chance of ever being with an honesty man were over. "this is my fate" she told herself. Maria found herself drawing farther away from God every day that passed. She felt the inner guilty of her sins and her shame greater. Even when she walked in the day Maria could not help feel the whole world was screaming at her.. "prostitute! Prostitute! " Strangely sometimes she could hold her eyes and cover her face like people were really screaming. This caused Maria to move less during the day. She stayed home and mostly inside with her son. The fear to face the world was so great it was eating her up. "Hey! Can I get you a beer?" Maria heard a man shout above the loud music bringing her to the present. She wiped a tear in her eyes and turned to look at him. "No thank you, am with someone and he's making an order right now" she lied with a fake smile. "Your loss, " the man shrugged and bounced away. Maria watched the man leave and as she was staring she saw two guys entering the bar. Her heart skipped when she realised who one of the guys were. "Paul! " She whispered. When Paul looked her direction, Maria turned away and pretended to be looking somewhere else. Unfortunately Paul and his friend came to sit behind her and she shivered not knowing what to do. She had never anticipated seeing him there at least not that close. She had been watching him from his work place and most of the time would see the same lady either talking to him or they would be together in his car. Maria had concluded Paul had another girfriend and she thought it wise never to confront him over the issue of her son. " I won't cause him some budden which is all as a result of my faults" she had decided. Paul looked at the woman seated alone in front of them. He had gone to have some drinks with his friend that Friday and he didn't understand why he kept on looking at her. The dim night lights making it hard for him to clearly see the face of the woman and her fringed hair style distracted him even more. "What is it Paul ? ,you have given up on looking for that girl now you want to hook up a prostitute?" His friend asked with a laugh. "I don't know boi, that girl, she's just, I can't say it but for some reason I can't stop staring at her" Paul responded. "Well, I told you breaking up with Tasha wasn't a good idea after all." Bwalya told him as he sipped in his glass of wine. "There's little chance you will ever find that girl man." Paul sighed. " I really wish she could have come back by now, I can't help feel she needs me where ever she is boi. That girl has been through a lot already i just hope she's not suffering and if she was trully pregnant I hope my son could be okey " he added. They were still talking when Paul noticed the girl he had been watching was standing up to leave. He quickly stood up without warning his friend and walked towards Maria. . "Hey lady!" He called her out. Maria froze, she didn't expect Paul to approach her and now she knew he had discovered her. . "Hey! " Maria responded her voice adjusted, her head down. "Am sorry I have to leave now" she added trying to walk away. "just a moment please " Paul smiled touching her hand. Maria felt blood rush through her veins from the point Paul had touched her. He was the only man that she recalled making her skin jump like that. . "Please I just want us to talk I won't take long". Paul whispered close to her ears making Maria frinch a bit. "What about?" she asked carelessly hoping Paul wouldn't insist on her staying less he realises who she was. She looked at him from behind the shades she had drawn to her eyes and realised Paul had no idea who she was. Thank God she had decided to wear shades even though they made her look funny since it was night time. "Okay, if you insist, " she said and followed Paul back to the table she was seated initially. Paul's friend looked at him and gave him a no sign but he smiled at him and indicated he would be alright. "So am Paul, " he started looking at Maria. "Jessy," she nodded. "Well, nice name. I like it Jessy," he repeated with a smile. "I just noticed you when I entered and I was like wow that woman is a catch. You are so different from all these other girls I see in night clubs. " "Mmmmh prostitutes you mean? " Maria asked offended. "Oh am so sorry I didnt mean it to come out that way. But I don't know of a better term to use" Paul sighed. "Well thats it mr Paul am a prostitute alright. Can you now tell me why you called me here?" She said avoiding his eyes. "I don't know dear, there's just something about you that had drawn me towards you and I can't put a finger on it," Paul explained honestly. "Well if you have money let's get to it already i want to go" she said sarcastically. "Am here to make money and not have chit chats with strangers" she added. "I will pay you for your time Jessy but I don't think I want to do with you what you are thinking.." "Don't lie to me Paul, all men want the same thing from women and when they get their way they even forget that woman even exists. So give me the money and let's do it already" she added seriously. Paul looked at her face, he knew behind that hidden face there was more than he was seeing. He felt compelled to help her with what she needed and so instead of letting her go decided to play along with her idea . Well let's go then, he sighed standing up. Maria was shocked Paul was accepting to go and sleep with her and fear of him knowing who she was got to her. She had an idea of how she was going to play him, so she cleared her throat and told him, "Well one condition. No lights in the room. I don't work with lights on" she added looking at Paul. Paul smiled, "we don't need to cause I promise you I just want to talk am not going to touch you. " Maria looked at him shocked, Paul had surprised her. She had even thought he was like anyone else who paid for sex but when he metioned the issue of just talking she was so surprised. In the room Paul had started talking about so many things, he's job and his family. All this time Maria listened quitely and sometimes when Paul would mention his nephew's and sister Maria could smile knowing how every one she left was fairing. She learnt that Margret had decided to stop going to the shop and that she decided to start international business and left workers at the shops. Which explained why Maria never found her the last time she went to stalk her from the shop. Paul told her he had moved out of his sisters house and was now staying alone, but she didn't bother to ask where. For some time she just stayed put and took in his stories and she couldn't help feel Paul sounded sort of sad. "Well you have a great life Paul , you are a lucky man" she told him finally. "Am not so lucky my dear I just can't find love but that's a story for another day" he smiled in the dark and Maria could feel his body relax as they both lay on their backs on the bed facing the roof. "I have to go now, she told him and walked out of the room after Paul paid her her bill. She went home and the feel of Paul close to her stuck with her. . She walked back feeling indifferent. "Why didn't he talk about that girl he's always with" Maria wondered to herself . She wished she had asked more about his family but that was going to sell her out. She smiled at the thought of Jake and his cheerful nature. Wishing somehow she got to where Jake had told her she could reach. "The sky is a limit for you my dear," she recalled him telling her. "Well, am sorry Jake," she whispered to herself as she held her son close in bed, "the sky is too high for me now. Am not so light to fly that high. My life has been tinted with so much darkness even the atmosphere can't contain it. Am grounded and maybe this is my fate."

Open to paul

The_Changing_Tides_8 Paul thought about the lady he just paid to have a talk with. He was surprised how easily he was able to express himself with her. She was so quite that he wondered if that's how she was. He noticed how most of the times her voice didn't sound so normal, it was like she wasn't really who she was. But he couldn't figure out why she spoke in a funny way. "Helo sister," he answered his phone the following morning , it was a Saturday and he knew he had to go and pay them a visit. "What time are you coming Paul?" He heard his sister ask. "I will be there by 10 sister, let me just prepare myself," he added. "Paul this is almost 30 minutes to 10 hours, so you over slept" Margret scolded. "I know sister I had a few drinks last night. I will get there in time don't worry yourself. " That morning the family had gathered to prepare a small party for Ben who had graduated from the university and Paul knew he had to go on time to help with the preparations. Aware that the sister won't tolerate him going late, Paul quickly cleaned his teeth and had a quick shower before rushing out. After going round collecting drinks for the party, Margret called Paul as she did her final preparations of food with the maid she had hired after Maria. "Paul how is it going with you? We have not talked in months. Tell me how you are and if you have any lucky finding Maria. one of my workers at the shop told me he saw her some months ago on the streets selling some fruits or something. But when I told him to help me find her he said he couldn't find her. It seems she had disppeared from the streets. A woman who saw her last said Maria was pregnant. She probably has a child by now." "What? You mean someone saw her and you are telling me this now, sister? Oh God no!," Paul shouted angry. "Am sorry Paul but I didn't want to raise your hopes. After all they said she stoped going into town. no one has seen her for months now. They all have no idea where she is" Margret explained to Paul. "This is getting out of hand, how can Maria be so irresponsible and subject my child to that kind of life. I swear if anything happens to my baby I won't forgive" her Paul snapped angrily. "I know I was wrong with what I did and that she has no idea how I feel about her but that's no reason to deny me the rights to know my own blood. Its not fair sister, no it's not. " he shook his head. "Paul, you have to calm down. You and Maria are not the same. You grew up in a home and with someone to guide you through life. You reason out of what you have experienced. But put yourself in her shoes. She was only 17, a teenager who grew up in the streets. And you made her pregant without even giving her assurance of a better future she always dreamed of. You can't judge her so harshly come on," Margret scolded him. "The only way here is to make sure we find her before that child is subjected to more pain." She added. Paul sighed sadly, "it's almost 2 years and I still long to see her, I really hope she's okey this is really eating me up I cant even look at another woman now, it's like all I need is her and my baby. I don't know how am going to work through this my sister. " Paul lamented sadly. "I know it's hard but try harder, maybe try going through the compounds, just maybe you can bump into her one day. I don't think she has gone that far." Madgret suggested. "Well, it's almost impossible because I have no idea which compound she must have gone to but I will try. A journey of thousands miles right?" He said nodding his head as his eyes were set at his sister. "Uncle Paul. The fire is ready," Josh called him from outside. "Am coming my boy! " He shouted back.. " Let me see that fire," paul indicated to his sister. "Go right ahead" Margret smiled at him. She shook her head as she watched him walk out. She had noticed how Maria had affected her brother's life and she wished there was something she could do to help her brother. Later that day Paul was rather quite as he watched the people dance and chat cheerfully congratulating Ben for his graduation. He tried to keep himself with everyone but he couldn't just stop thinking about what his sister told him. Maria was seen pregnant . He was right to assume that was the reason she ran away. And now that he was sure she had a child he had more reasons to keep looking for her. "Mom told us what happened uncle, am sorry," Jake stood next to Paul. "I just hope you find them soon" he added. "Thanks Jake, I hope so too." Paul responded. "So you love her huh?" Jake asked with a laugh. "I do my boy, very much that most of the time she's all I think of." He answered honestly. "He's crazy about a girl who ran away" Grace, his cousin answered from behind. She had joined the family and was helped to find a job at ZESCO where she was working with Paul. They were first cousins and they both where kept by Margret since they where kids until Grace left for copperbelt after completing secondary school. She was the woman Maria always saw with Paul and assumed she was his girlfriend. Am tired of your stories Paul. Imagine she's all we discuss even over lunch. My friend that girl is torturing you. You better man up and start living like a normal man, find a life man" She added with a frown. Paul was quite as he listened to them talk. His mind could only imagine seeing his child and Maria again. The following Friday, a week later Paul went back to the bar in the hope of seeing Jessy (maria) again. He watched as the ladies walked in the bar. Sipping on his drink. Then he saw her walk in with a tight Jeans and see through top. Still with shades on. He watched her sit and talk to her friend and walked towards them. . "Hey ladies!" He called out his eyes on Maria. "Hey handsome," Doro answered instead. Maria bow down her head quite. "I wanted to see you again Jessy," he said looking at Maria and Doro opened her eyes wide at his friend like, who is he? Maria winked at his friend to keep her from saying any more. Maria cleared her throat and brought in her fake voice. "Hey I remember you" she said pretending. " Paul? Right?" She asked with a grinn. "Yeah it's me. Can I have some moments with you again?" He asked her with a grin. Maria shrugged and followed Paul. Avoiding his gaze all the way and Paul noticed how nervious she was. He had suggested they talked again and Maria as usual just listened and didn't say a thing. In their 3rd meeting, Paul had taken Maria to the room and as they sat in the dark again he asked her some personal questions. "So tell me about yourself since you have almost heard a lot about me." He started. "You have not told me the story about the woman you said you loved" Maria responded avoiding to tell him about herself. . She had fought so hard to maintain her fake voice and her covered forehead. Even though Paul could sense some familiarity with her he couldn't imagine it was the love of his life he was feeling so comfortable talking to lately. He was almost thinking he was falling for her but he convived himself that was crazy cause he had never imagined being with a woman like her, a prostitute. "So will you tell me? " Maria reminded Paul when he stayed quite for some minutes. "Well, there's this girl I fall in love with. I never got the chance to tell her how I really feel. I loved her since the first time I set my eyes on her even when I kept it to myself, all I could think of was her. She's bit younger than me and I regret making her suffer by making love to her when she was not ready. She displayed a sad face from that day. I remember it even though i was drunk. How much pain I put her through but I was an idiot who couldn't control myself. Now she's gone and I know she has my baby, she ran away after getting pregnant and I think she was just scared to tell me. " he sighed.. "You know what though?, I really wish she told me cause I swear to God I wouldn't have left her alone. Now I have looked everywhere and I don't just know how to find her. I miss her a lot," Paul said and Maria listened tears running down her face. . She now understood what Paul was going through and she couldn't help it. The sharp pain of regret and compassion for the man who had no idea he was telling his deep feelings to the one who he loved. "But don't you have an idea apart From the fact that she was scared and that is why she decided to leave?. Maybe she thought she didn't derseve you and you had someone else in your life that she never wanted to be the cause of your break up." Maria spoke up as she fought hard to keep tears from falling any more. "I know right" , Paul sighed. " I don't know if Maria loves me or not, but I can just imagine her seeing my girlfriend coming home yet I slept with her. She obviously thinks I just used her and I wish i could see her and tell her that isn't the case. I broke up with Tasha some months ago and all I want is to find my girl. My innocent poor Maria amd tell her all is well" He added sadly. Maria listened as Paul expressed himself further with every word chocking her. She couldn't control her crying and when she burst out . Paul sat up worried. "Why are you crying Jessy? Did I say anything to hurt your feelings?" He asked holding her hand. Maria stood up, ".am sorry Paul but I have to go. I can't listen to this anymore I have to go. " "But? Why? " Paul asked worried. "I cant just be here Paul you deserve better and I can't stand seeing you suffering " Maria said her voice was normal and Paul realised it was her, he quickly rushed to turn on the lights and when he saw the tears in Marias face he grabbed the shades off her face "Maria? " He asked shocked. "Is it you? " Maria stopped crying and her shocked eyes widened. She had not realised her crying had given her away. Seeing the shock on Paul's face. Maria grabbed her small bag and ran out without warning. "Maria ! Maria! Please come back please,!" Paul tried to ran after her but she was too fast as she had removed her shoes and ran away. By the time he got outside the lodge. she stopped a taxi and got in and it drove off immediately. He screamed her name but it was too late, she was gone. By the time Paul got to his car to follow her up he couldn't even tell the direction where the taxi had gone.

Oh u lost her again

The_Changing_Tides_9 Paul, Parked the car aside the road. He was in shock, "how could I be so blind,?" he whispered to himself confused. He couldn't get passed the fact that Maria has turned out to be a prostitute. he now understood why he had felt so drawn to her. His heart felt just right being close the the woman he thought to be Jessy up until he heard her speak in her voice. Her eyes so deep with a combination of shame and pain.Paul couldn't stop the images of Maria from his mind. "Oh my God, what has Maria got herself into? And where is my child? I can't go to sleep tonight until I find her" Paul sighed starting the car engine. he drove back to the bar in the hope to find the friend he had seen Maria with but all to no avail. She was not there and he felt so powerless. Paul made a mental note to continue going to the place and other night clubs too knowing he would one day see Maria again or her friend. He wished he had got her number since Maria never left with her phone the time she ran away. He had no idea whether she had a phone or not since he had not seen her with any. "Maria, tell me why you ran away girl, you are too much my friend it's like you have cursed yourself to suffering. Accept it already. That guy loves you even when he had not recognised you he still was attracted to you. What more do you want? " Doro scolded her as Maria sat on her bed crying. She had not gone out for days in fear she would meet Paul again. She had to feed on the little money she had left. "You won't understand Doro, you have no idea how much I felt hearing Paul say all that to me. He's suffering but just look at me am a prostitute, I threw away my life. It's not fair that I be with him. He doesn't derseve me my friend. He's probably going to forget me now that he knows who I have become. I can't face him now. No I can't look at his eyes am so ashamed of who I have become. I saw that look of disappointment in his eyes. There's no way he's going to look at me the same way Doro. All I have done is cause him pain , you should have heard his voice that night. He sounded so much like he was hurting and I cant do that to him any more." Maria lamented crying. . "How do you know he looks at you that way, take courage Maria and for the first time in your life face your fears, running away at this point will make life difficult for your child. Go out their find that man and make things right" Doro advised her. "Besides he's so good looking" she added with a smile and stood to walk out. "I don't think I can face him" she thought to herself. " I love him so much and it hurts to see him suffering. I have to find another way for my son maybe some time in future he will get to meet his father but for now I can't" she shrugged convincing herself even when her heart was longing to see Paul. She had been looking forward to Friday's the past weeks as she got to be with him . Now a week had passed and she had barely moved out of her house. Paul was driving through kanyama as he had gotten some days off from work. He had been going round kanyama and the compounds near the bar he had meet Maria. Every day he hoped to see her, sometimes he would find himself dozing in the bar as he got tired of waiting to see her. He was lost in thoughts when he saw Doro walk by the road side in some decent clothes than when he last saw her . She looked quite different and if it wasn't for the crazy weave on her head he wouldn't have identified her. he stopped the car and went out running towards Doro. "Excuse me lady " he spoke to her. "I don't know if you remember me but I last saw you at the club with a lady. Maria or Jessy I don't really know what name you know." He paused breathing heavily. Doro looked at Paul, and sighed. "Oh yeah I remeber you. You are the famous Paul. Am glad you have asked me, Maria needs you but she doesn't want to acknowledge that. " "I want to see her please, no, I need to see her" he rephrased his words. " do you know where she is?" He asked relieved that at least he found someone who gave him hope. "I will show you where she stays but don't tell her I told you. She forbid me to ever reveal that to you if you ever saw me anywhere, but I just want you to help her. You see, Maria is not like some of us. She's so delicate and she cares so much about hurting other people. She's willing to suffer just to make sure she doesn't hurt you. Please if you love her for sure, don't be harsh on that girl. She won't survive that especially from you. She was desperate especially when she realised you where with another woman when she wanted to approach you ." Paul looked at Doro , "am with someone?" He asked in a whisper his eyes narrowed in surprise. But instead he ignored it and went on to ask the direction. He drove deep in the compound following the given directions. He parked when he saw the house he was directed to and since the road was smaller ahead, he walked on foot. Coming to the full view of a one roomed house in front of him, Paul stopped and looked around. He was still looking around when he saw a small boy walking out of the house. His heart beat fast as he saw how much the boy resembled him. The baby looked up at Paul and he smiled at him instantly connecting with him. The boy walked towards him and before Paul could bend down to pick him up, Maria came out in a rush wanting to stop her son from walking far away. She stood frozen when she noticed where the baby was going. "Paul," she said, almost in a whisper. "What are you doing here?" She asked him surprised. . instead of answering Paul picked up the boy who smiled at him. he held him so close tears in his eyes. The feel of the small heart of his son beating on his making him want to scream with joy. The touch from the boys small hands to his face just felt so right, Paul cried. Maria watched in tears as Paul remained quite trying to bond with his son. "Am your father little man," he sniffed his eyes red from the tears. "Dad is here for you and you will be alright now" he whispered kissing him. He turned to look at Maria whose head was bow down as tears rushed out from her eyes. "Can I come in ?" He asked her. Maria wipped her tears and nodded. Leading the way in. Paul walked in and looked around the room. There was no seat only a bed. the room was cut in half with some curtains and on one side were a small vegetable rack with some foods and a small table with plates and pots, two buckets of water. He looked in the other corner where there was a baby dish and a small soap tray. The dish was still wet and that explained the scent of baby powder on the baby, she was obviously from bathing him. He was still holding the baby as he checked out the room and Maria watched him still silence. "You didn't have to go through all this Maria, you should have told me you were carrying my child before you ran away. Do you have any idea what I had to go through to find you here? You punished yourself all these months when all you could have done is tell the truth and easy things for yourself." He spoke lifting his face to her. "Am sorry you had to go through all that but it's too late now, you can have your son and take care of him since you can do a better job than I have done. I love him so much he's my life. But I want what's best for him. You can take him with you and give him a better life Paul. Just promise I will have to see him every week please" she pleaded crying. Paul looked at her, "Maria you want me to go with our son? I raise him because am capable? " He asked as he went to sit down still holding the baby. "Yes he's your son and I know you will love him too. I can't give him a better life than you would. So yes, it's painful for me to let him go but it's what's best to do," she responded seriously. "And why do you want to remain here? You are his mother and this baby is still young to be left without a mother. " he asked "I can't go with you Paul am sorry. My life is here and I have to stay where I belong. " she shrugged looking down. "Maria look at me, you want to remain because you are ashamed?, you don't want to let go of the things that you do just because you're too scared to face new challenges. You want to continue torturing yourself because you are afraid to be loved, you know that I love you and you think I can even think of letting you in this kind of life? Don't you ever sit and think of how much you are not only punishing you and me but this child too? Is it fair that our child should grow up with a single parent beacuse we are too proud to sort out our issues? Or are you so proud of what you have become you think it's what is right for you? " He asked his eyes on her head since she had her face down. Maria sniffed trying to control her crying but she could not stop. She felt so ashamed Paul was right, she was so scared that someone could genuinely love her even after what she had done. "I have become a prostitute Paul, i sleep with men for money. Life is simple, you make a choice and you don't look back. I made my wrong choices and I have to live by this now. Am not the same girl you fall in love with Paul, I now know you loved me and honestly I wish you said something earlier. But I can't go with you because I don't feel worthy of you. Am so ashamed. You go on and live your life. Be happy and am sure in a few days you will get over the love you feel for me. My place is here and since I made this choice am going to pay for the consequences, " Maria outlined. Paul was quite for a while, then he finally spoke up. " You know, I thought that maybe you loved me. That you would be willing to take my hand and leave this life that you have subjected yourself to. You know I was wrong, I thought you are strong that you had a heart to fight, that you were this woman I could get to live with. It's unfortunate you have hardened your heart and you have chosen your path. You are right, " Paul added with a sigh, "life is easy, you get to chose what you want. How I wish you had used that on yourself and used it to chose better. Continue running away Maria, punish yourself if that's what makes you feel like you are atoning for your sins. But you are right about this boy. He's my son too and am not going to let him be subjected to this kind of life," he said looking around Maria's room. "He won't pay for your mistakes. So am going with him and am gonna give him a life he deserves ." Maria couldn't get to say a thing, she just looked down on the floor without saying a word. All she did was cry. "What's his name?" Paul asked before standing to go. . "He's Chisomo," she replied, meaning,.. "Grace..." Paul finished her sentence. "Yeah," Maria nodded and for the first time since Paul got in the house raised her head to look at him. "Chisomo Paul Silungwe" she added including Paul's surname. "Well am going with him, since that's what you want " he told her lifting the boy who was comfortable in his father's arms. . Paul looked at Maria one last time and walked out with his son. Maria placed her head on the pillow and scremed out. She broke down crying her body feeeling so weak she couldn't stand. She had just given away her only source of hope even though she knew somehow Paul could have have still claimed his son sooner or later. She cried so much the feel of her chest made it feel it would burst out. "I deserve this my God" she cried. "Purnish me for all my sins cause am just not worthy of him or my baby. Let me die God. I cant do this anymore. It's painful to pass through pain over and over again. Why will you let me go further away without you using your power to bring me back home to yourself ? Am tired now, am so tired I want to rest God please.stop letting me suffer and take me already" Maria lamented her face all covered in tears and her heart breaking apart. " My sins are heavily pushing me down I can't fight anymore. " She heard the sound of the engine outside and she walked to the small window and peeped just as paul' s car drove away.

hmmmmm what made you to leave that house sef

there is still time,tell Paul the truth an go start ur life with him an ur child

this Maria sef, after explaining everything to u,u still run way

Paul better come back an go with her I'm telling u, b4 I will deal with u

Can u see that Paul loves u

Maria, u keep making wrong decisions all d way

Next pls

The_Changing_Tides_10 "Paul, who is that baby ? Where are you coming from? You look so exhausted, " Margret asked walking towards her brother who was just coming out of the vehicle. Paul sighed and gave a weak smile, "sister meet my son Paul," he answered looking at the boy who was sleeping in his arms. Margret looked at him surprised, "what? You finally found them? Come on bring him here" she remarked getting the sleeping boy from Paul's hands. "Yeah I found them sister," Paul told her as they both walked into the house. "I finally found them after all these months of searching. You won't believe the rest of the story though" added when Margret was done putting baby Paul in her bedroom making sure the boy was comfortable. "What happened? Tell me the whole story. Where is Maria? " Paul went on to explain the story to his sister and she was listening in silence shaking her head in surprise all along. "I understand you brother, you must be upset with what happened back there. It's sad that Maria has chosen that wrong path. I won't say a lot to judge her, I know she's probably just too ashamed to face you. Maybe if she had not taken herself into that kind of life you could have easily convinced her to follow you. But you have to understand . A woman is not like a man. We may say this and that about her but the fact that she's afraid doesn't mean she doesn't love you. She's probably hurting right now and if we are not careful with her baby taken she might end up doing something wrong. Just try and stay calm, give her time to reflect on all this and try hard to bring her back to her senses. If you love her Paul, you will have to fight to win her over, I promise you if you give up on that girl she will not last a year, its either she will get sick or she will commit suicide. A mother whose child has been taken and has no hope for tomorrow can do anything crazy." Margret told him. "She knows I love her, I went looking for her and I thought she would accept change for me. I didn't judge her but it's like she's wishing a death senstence on herself sister, I don't know what do anymore . How do i convince her to change when she's acting so stubborn. She thinks she doest derseve me. She's not the same girl I fall in love with, she's crowded herself in too much pain building a wall around herself which I am not sure I can break ." Paul complained. "Listen to me my dear brother, if anything happens to that girl you will never forgive yourself. Remember it's partly your fault she's out there. She almost started a life here, she was happy untilyou got to her. Man up Paul, and make things right. Am not going to sit here and let you give up on a soul whose life you have contributed towards that change you are talking about. That baby there needs a mother or are you intending to live with him and go for work at the same time?" "Now think about all this and do what's right. That girl must be taken out of the streets and bring her home, make her what you want her to be and if she's not going to accept marrying you, atleast help her complete what she started, her education. make sure she's well kept and support her all way through. Take responsibility and God help you," Margret spoke firmly her eyes on Paul who held his face looking at his sister. . Margret stood up and went to watch the baby as he slept. She sighed and wiped a tear that fall from her eyes as Paul walked behind her and stood by the door watching them. "I was pregnant with Ben when I was only in grade 12. I was so devasted our parents almost threw Me out to the streets. " She told him rubbing the hands of baby Paul., "I cried day and night at how my life was going to turn out. Your brother in law had left for studies in the USA and I was all alone. I remember having no apetite at all, until the time my late husband communicated to us and sent his people to come to my place to settle the issue. When i gave birth to Ben, he was the most precious thing I ever saw and I knew my life wasnt going to be the same. I lived for him and everything I did afterwards I did it for my baby. My husband had come back after 2 years and married me. He helped me through school and you know the rest, I had these other kids and I was happy. I never saw it coming, the goodness and the happiness that My husband gave me. Believe me, it's not easy to get pregnant as a teenager, later on to have people talk about you like you are the worst kind of child in the world. Maria might not know it , what kept her going the past 2 years is this baby here, and now that you got him from her, you have just finished her off. She won't survive without the only source of her hope Paul. This child is all she's got. " she sniffed her tears in turning to look at Paul who was stationed in one place in deep silence. Paul wipped a tear from his eyes at the words of his sister. She was right, he recalled the look on Maria's face when he had walked out with the baby and he knew she wasn't doing fine. He thought of how he was going to try make things right for her and help her through it all. "He looks like you," Margret smiled bending her head to look at the sleeping baby. " He's so beautiful, a strong boy. She tried to raise him healthy he doesn't look like those vulnerable kids I see in the compounds. Maria is still in their, someone needs to bring her back." She added. Paul nodded his head and went to sit on the bed too as they both watched the baby. "So you got the baby and left Maria just because she's become a prostitute? " Jake asked Paul one evening days after Paul got the baby. He had come back and was told about what happened. "It's not liked I left her just like that Jake, she refused to come with me. I tried to talk her into coming but she won't listen," Paul answered. They both sat in the sitting room talking as the baby played around with a toy Paul had got for him. "I still think she derseves a better life, maybe I should go have a talk with her too. So what did she say when you went back to see her.? " he inquired. "Nothing," Paul responded. She practically pushed me away and didn't even give me the chance to see her. She has locked hersef in that room she won't come out. Her friend told me Maria has not moved out for the past 3 days. She would only come out to the bathroom. " Paul recalled the day he had driven back to go and see Maria, he knocked on the door for minutes but no one answered. He waited that maybe someone would come so he would ask about Maria but nothing. The following day he went back and still there was no answer. He later on met Doro who told him Maria was in the house. . "She won't come out especially for you Paul.i don't know what's with her but am the only person she sees these past days . Even then she won't allow me to talk about you or the baby. It's like she has a death wish or something ." "Okay then when she opens for you, tell her that her son needs her and she has to put herslef together for him. She can't just shut herself from everyone. " he had told Doro.. "Am not sure she will talk to you Jake," he told his nephew after sighing from the memory. "Let me just try uncle. Maria was my good friend I can give it a try just maybe she can listen to me." Jake insisted. "Well if you say so, I will drive you there tomorrow," responded Paul with a frown. "Hey, not that!" He shouted as baby Paul pulled the cables from the socket. "That's dangerous sonny" he said lifting him away. Paul was glad the baby was not so much of a trouble. He didn't give him any problems and he was always at his sisters place whenever he came back from work to see him. Paul had practically shifted from his house since he had to take care of the baby after work, during the day the maid would look after him as the family was out. "Well, am not seeing him, at least not today" Maria told Doro, after she told her about Paul's visits. " I always see him outside when he comes but I don't think am ready to face him again. " "So now you want to lock yoursef out from the world and live like this huh? What's with you? I don't understand you my friend and if you have a death wish that's your problem. You should have made things right for yourself and that child but no, you are too stubborn. Am out of here, " Doro shouted leaving Maria's house. Maria walked to the door wearing a short and a sleevless top. She locked the door and removed the key, standing her head on the door. She closed her eyes and sighed. Days had passed and Maria was feeling more empty each day. She had cried and screamed in her pillow until now she could not cry any more. She just looked around her and her mind was tired. She knew what she was supposed to do but the fear of facing reality out there was so great. She hoped as time went by she would forget about Paul but she was wrong. All she could think of was he's disapointed face. Her boy was gone too and she felt so deeply empty it was hard to even explain. She had no idea where Paul had taken the baby but She knew deep down her heart wherever it was, the child was safe. Maria walked to the bed and sat down the key still in her hands. She recalled the time she had gone for labour. The pains were so emmernse she thought she would never survive it. She remembered how a male nurse comforted her and assured her things would be okey. When the baby was finally born, Maria was handed her baby and the very moment she set her eyes on him she felt the deep connection, the feeling she would do anything for the small thing in her hands. She was later told she had lost a lot of blood and for 2 days they kept her in the clinic. When she was discharged Maria had gone back to the streets and slept under the bridge. She had cried all this night on how her baby was being exposed to the streets. She decided to find work the following day but it was hard to get a job with a baby, all the money she had saved up was used up on the baby things she bought and what she had been eating since she stopped selling fruits her business had collapsed when she started having high BP during pregnanc . Maria remembered how much she went round begging for Any kind of work but it was like everyone had shut their ears. For 4 whole months Maria had struggled to stay on the streets with a new baby until one day she bumped into Doro. She shook her head recalling how Doro convinced her to start prostitution. Now that it was too late, Maria thought. How was she going to get away from the dark path she was deep into.? She felt that Paul's offer to help her was too good to be true. "How will a man trust me after knowing I used my body to get money," she thought of the stories she heard of men mistreating their wives. " How am I going to convince him to stop misbehaving if at all he would start betraying me, when the shame and guilty of what I have done will haunt me for life?" Maria thought of how she was going to face Margret and her family, "no way" she sighed. "Am not going to face the eyes of the people that so much trusted me. By now every one knows what I have done and maybe they won't even allow Paul to be with me anymore. "Well God, since you have turned a deaf ear on me. Am not going to sit here and cry anymore. I give up on crying, am going out there and am going to do whatever I can to make money and survive. You left me to the hands of the evil one and so am going out, sleep with men, get their money and live like there's no tomorrow. Watch me destroy my life and when you decide to redeem me then do it or finish me off " she said wipping her tears and grabbing her night clothes. She did her make up and put on her head the long weave with a fringe. She got in her heels and stormed out like a mad person, by the time it was dark outside. For the first time Maria accepted a beer from the first man that offered her and she went to dance on the dance floor while everyone watched her well contoured body. She was so drunk she wouldn't stop dancing and smilling. "Yeah! " She screamed on top of her voice. "This is my life!" She smiled grabbing a glass of wine from a table some men sat watching. "Can I?" She staggared as she lifted the wine. "sure beautiful," the man near her smiled touching her exposed thighs. Maria went in front of him and danced seductively as the man struggled to keep his pants down.

The_Changing_Tides_11 Paul, had been going to Maria's place to check on her but to his surprise Maria was never home. He tried to ask the neighbours who told him Maria was barely home those days.She would go for a few hours, clean up and change then disappear again. Unfortunately Paul was not lucky enough to find her home. One night, Paul decided to go round the night clubs in Kabwata where he was told were Maria's new places. He was looking around when he saw her on the dance floor dancing wildly. Not understanding what was happening Paul pushed himself through the crowds of people and went to grab Maria by the hand. Maria stopped dancing and looked at Paul. "What do you want?" She spat drunk. " I thought I was clear that you leave me alone," she said pulling her hand from his. Paul didn't answer he just pulled her away to the back and shoved her towards the wall. "You are drunk, since when do you drink Maria?" , Paul scolded angrily. "Is this what you want? You want to disgrace your life like this huh? Are you nuts? What the hell Is wrong with you.? You used to have dreams, you were determined. Now I can't even understand this person you have turned yourself into. Look at you, you can't even think of your own son . You have no idea where he is and who is taking care of him. And you are here dancing with those good for nothing men." He yelled in top of the loud music clearly upset. Maria looked at Paul, her drunk eyes half closed. "Well, I wonder what you are doing here then, let me be already." she shouted in his face. "You got what you wanted from me now just leave me already. I gave you a son and am sure you are happy now. Stop following me around Paul." she added with a laugh. "Excuse me" she pushed him aside walking away. "Stop being stupid Maria and let's go out of this place already !" he screamed pulling her back. Maria looked at Paul and smiled widely. "No!" She retorted and pulled her hand to leave. Just to come back and shout in his face, " get out!" And walked back her hands lifted up high as the sound of the songs played high from the steroes.. Paul folded his hands and shook his head in disbelief. It was like each day that was passing Maria was becoming worse. He felt guilty that he somehow contributed to that but she was frustrating all his efforts to help her. He went back to his sisters house so upset. "She won't change sister, she's become this horrible person I can't cope with anymore. " Margret shook her head. "I don't know what to say anymore. I guess if you have tried and she won't listen then it's up to her to make her choice, I just hope she won't get sick at the end of the day" Margret sighed sadly. Paul stopped going to follow Maria the weeks that came forth. He had decided to give her time to decide on her own and concetrated on looking after his son. He decided to hire his own baby sitter and had started staying with his son at his house. Every day Paul would find time to be with his son and take him to play parks over the weekends. One weekend, he had gone with baby Paul to East Park mall and as he went round buying things for his child, Paul met with his ex girlfriend Tasha who was surprised seeing Paul with a child. "Hey Paul, never knew you are married, " she said looking at the boy he was pushing in trolley. "I have a son yes but am not yet married Tasha" Paul told her after they greeted each other. "What happened to the girl you dumped me for ?" She asked with a catching smile. "Well, it's a long story" Paul responded. "But I am staying with my son now" he smiled. Tasha looked at him and couldn't help admire the man that was once close to her. They sat at Debonairs and had ordered pizza that day as they did some catch up. "So how are you fairing? Are you married yourself?" Paul asked her. She looked at him shrugging, "Well not yet. I guess I too have not been as lucky." "am sure it's time and soon you would find that special someone," he told her. She extended her hand and touched his, "you are a good man Paul and I miss the times we had together. At least you were honesty even when we broke up you told me the truth and I respect you for that. " Paul stared at her hand in his and smiled. "Thanks for those words, I wish someone else would say the same." he sighed sadly. . Tasha looked at him and she knew if she could play her cards right, Paul could be hers again. She knew from the look in his face that Paul was heart broken and she felt she could use that to her advantage. She didn't really love Paul much but if she could settle down with him, that would be good since all the men she had dated after Paul where not as good as he was. She walked him to the car holding baby Paul by the hand and talking to him like trying to win the baby's attention. Maria who was coming out of the boutiques from levy park too where a sugar dad had taken her out for shopping saw them as they walked towards the Jeep for the man she was with. She noticed Paul and Tasha holding her son as they walked. Her heart beat faster and she felt the urge to go grab Tasha and give her a beating of her life. "Hey it's this way," the man told her bringing her back to her senses. Maria looked at the direction Paul and Tasha walked to and turned away following the man she was with not wanting to create a scene. "Is there a problem sweety?, you look sad" the man asked her as they got in the vehicle. Maria had become quite her temper up. She struggled to push the thoughts of jealousy out. "I can't believe he has the guts to let that Tasha hold my son like she gave birth to him," Maria shouted telling Doro . "Well my friend, remember you are the one that pushed that man away, stop your jealousy and live with it" Doro scold her firmly. "Am not jealousy they can do whatever they want I just don't like him handing my son to another woman. No way am going to allow that.'" "Maria, come on listen to yourself, what do you expect huh ? He won't wait for you for life girlfriend, he's a man and he has what it takes too. He will find a woman who he derseves and whether you like it or not that woman will raise your son for you." Maria was quite for a while her head bowed down to the ground. She patted her feet on the ground the sound of the slippers hitting down echoing in her ears. She stood up and walked around Doro's room. She was so jealousy the images of Paul, Tasha and her son walking like family haunting her conscious she felt like kicking something, bitting her manicured nails, Maria could not get to sit down and this made Doro laugh . "Mmmmh wonder show never end, the might Maria is jealousy. Leave that innocent girl alone. You gave away your man and now this is just the beginning. Soon you will hear of their wedding and that's when you will feel the real jealousy, a walk by the park is nothing " Doro teased clapping her hands in Maria's frown face. Paul was home playing with his son a week later, he heard a knock on his door and called the maid to open the door. He was busy talking to baby Paul when he heard Tasha's voice greeting him. "Oh Tasha what a surprise I didn't know you will be coming here. Come on in and sit please" he welcomed her, putting the boy in the couch. "I was just helping the little man with his toys" he smiled pointing at Paul. Tasha smiled as she went to sit down letting her short dress expose her thighs delibearately . "So what do I offer you? " Paul asked her with a smile. "Water is fine" she smiled back . "Hey Chanda bring a glass of water will you?" He shouted for the maid. "I was just passing to see some friend around here and I remembered you told me you stay here so thought I could pay you a visit too and see How you are doing with the little man there", Tasha smiled widely . "We are doing fine imagine Paul will be turning 2 next month" he smiled. "Wow, he's a big boy already, am happy for you" Tasha let a laugh. "So what about the mother, won't you bring her to stay with you or something, I mean Paul needs a mother," she added with a chuckle... Paul frowned and sat back. "It's a long story Tasha but I don't want to discuss Maria now. Things are not so good you won't understand so lets just leave that topic.." Paul told her and changed the subject . Paul's eyes where sat on the TV as Tasha talked. He was not even there to listen to her. He could see her gestures and movement of her mouth but he could not hear any words she was uttering. His mind wild to the day he went back to the bar to watch Maria weeks passed. He recalled sitting in the corner and watch as Maria sat on the other side of the bar drinking with an elderly man. He watched her sit and smile as the man talked. He wished she could smile like that at him. Painfully Paul had seen Maria being lifted by the waist and saw them walk out to the door. From that day Paul had decided to stop following Maria around and he was trying to forget about her. It was not easy though. "Hey! Did you even hear a word I said?" Tasha waved her hand at Paul, he startled. "Am sorry Tasha, what did you say? I was just.. never mind. Please tell me what you were saying" he looked at her. "Well I was asking if you are planning anything for the boy for his birthday.? I know of some people who do organise baby's parties. They are great." She told him excitedly. "I don't think thats a good idea Tasha. I mean am a man I don't even know some kids to invite for the party. I will let it pass. Some other years May be." He frowned sitting back. Tasha smiled. "Leave it to me Paul, I can help, I mean for old times sake. I know of some friends who have kids and you can invite some relatives too. We both can make this happen Paul. " she held his hand gently assuring him. Paul looked at her, "You would do that for my son?" He asked. "Yeah why not," Tasha smiled. " Just let me know when you are ready and I can organise the rest." "thank you so much Tasha, my son will be excited seeing so many kids around. I feel he's lonely sometimes and that he misses his mom. The party can really give him some break" Paul acknowledged with a smile looking at baby Paul who was playing near him.

foolish girl,it ur life do whatever you want to do

The_Changing_Tides_12 Maria looked around and when she could not see them following her she ran faster and disappeared in the small market and later went home. . A guy she had met in the night club was after her. She got his money but was refusing to sleep with him. When Maria went back to the night club after giving away her baby to Paul, she decided to go against the rules of the business. She would get money from men and sneak away without sleeping with them. .one of the reasons Maria had given herself was to purnish men, like somehow letting them pay for the pain she was feeling. Some of them just ignored her afterwards but unfortunately the K500 she had swindled this particular business man got her into trouble. Maria had made it a mission to get money from men but she promised herself she won't give her body for sex anymore. If the guy was lucky enough Maria could use her hand to make them feel good and left untouched. Over the months it was working. She got herself free beers and money without a scratch on her body. Her other reason was the fact that Maria since the day Paul knew who she was and she talked to him, she felt her body belonged to Paul only. Somehow even when she had convinced herself going back to the bar was a solution, her inner self longed for the man she loved. She hoped that one day she could learn to forgive herself and learn to live past her shame. "I won't use my body any more my friend" she had told Doro, "I have given enough and am not getting either pregnant again or sick." "Well my dear, that's hard to do cause this particular man will not leave you alone. Look at how he's sending his men to chase you whenever they see you Maria and where are you going to get the K500 to pay him back? You chose prostitution and prostitutes are expected to give themselves for sex remember that," Doro scoffed looking at Maria who was still panting from the ran she just had. "I thought over time this guy will get over his money but he's so stubborn " she shook her head. "I gues I have to work hard and find that stingy guy's money, " Maria added. Doro smiled and giggled, "you are the most strange woman I have met my dear friend, you become more interesting each day, now you have become a dancer and seducer of men and won't use your body to give them what they want. I can't seem to understand you my dear. I can't figure you out" She said as they both laughed. "Well what can i tell you, I love Paul even though it's too late now. And somehow I keep myself for him only even if it's just a dream that am so sure now that he's stopped coming after me and he's with that Tasha girl, it will never come true. I like the fact that he's moved on somehow. He deserves better my friend. Even when it hurts, am glad he made the right choice. And when am ready, I will start seeing my son. Last time I saw him in town with the baby I followed them and watched them from a distance at a park. My baby has grown and he looks so good," Maria smiled tears in her eyes. As she narrated to Doro. "This weekend it will be his 2nd birthday and am so proud of him. You know what? whatever you people say, I still believe those two derseves better Doro, am damaged, I feel like a lost cause and to be honesty I fear if I were to be part of their lives I might end up spoiling things for them. " Doro smiled at Maria, " you know what your problem is? You have this theory that you are not worthy anything just because of what you have gone through. You have just been unfortunate like most of us but don't think you are a curse or something Maria, you used to be prayerful and I used to admire your faith.where is that girl I knew who used to make even me check myself sometimes?" She asked her. Maria sighed, "well what can i say? that girl is gone my friend. A new one was born and this one can't even say grace when eating. I don't know but I lost my faith somehow and now God won't listen to me , in fact I don't know how to tell him things anymore." Maria added sadly. "Enough of this sad talk, I told you I don't intend to spend my whole life crying . Am now saving up from my new adenveture business and when I have enough, am moving out of Lusaka, find some new life probably on the copperbelt and when the time is right I will come for my son. " she smiled hopefully. Doro nodded, "yeah and where is Paul in all this your plan ? " "Well he's probably married to Tasha and happy, he will learn to live without me you will see, I even think he's done that already," Maria added with a scoff. "I love him so much that I would do anything to make sure he's happy and not mesirable, he has to be..." she nodded her head. "Oh lets eat already" Doro sighed, "am so hungry those men from last night drained me. They were like hungry beasts" she laughed. "And for what? A K100 , oh God this life is something mwandi" she added grabbing the plate of the fish she had and sitting up to start eating. "Well, they won't get mine, all they will get is my hand if they are lucky" Maria added laughing as she went for the plate of nshima. At Paul's house the party was organised and some kids and their parents gathered to celebrate. Paul looked at his son jumping excited with his little friends and he smiled to himself, the boy looked so excited. He stood there for a long time still aching for Maria to be around. He was lost in thoughts when someone called from behind. "Paul it's time for the cake and you have to stand next to your son," his cousin called him. Tasha was in the fore front organising the kids and she stood next to Paul as he lifted his son and held his hand to cut the cake. "Thank you for this," he smiled at Tasha. "Don't mention it Paul it was my pleasure. " They cheered and sung happy birthday for the baby. unbeknownst to Paul, Maria stood at a distance with dark shades on her face and watched the party. She smiled as Baby Paul struggled to blow the candles and his father helped him. Tears ran down her face and she wiped them with a small hank. As the party went on, she watched Tasha smilling and laughing as she called out the presents and opened them. She shook her heard. "Playing mother with my son huh.." She whispered to herself. She heard Tasha calling out. . "the owner of this present there's no name, please come over so we thank you for this gift." Maria looked at the package she had bought for her son. A remote control car and some T shirts written 'mom loves you forever', she shook her heard and smiled, "Well gues who sent it dear Tasha" she whispered to herself. As Tasha opened the present. Paul walked to Tasha and looked that the present. He turned to look around and knew who sent the present. "Maria" he whispered to himself and started looking around to see if Maria was around. He knew she must have gone to drop it. Maria had used a kid she found by the gate the time she went to drop the present. "Take it where they have put those presents" she instructed the boy before she hid and watched from a distance. Paul walked towards the gate to look for any signs of Maria. He had the strongest instincts to believe she was there. But Maria was gone already and he found nothing. "I know it was her" , he told Jake as they cleaned up the mess after the party was over. "I don't know how, but I felt it strong that she came over and was probably watching from a distance. No one can send such a present with two T-shirts printed with " mom loves you foever" it's her Jake I know it." "Well, that's a good sign right?" Jake smiled. "If she can remember her son like that then its a good sign uncle. ." He added. "I hope so boy, despite everything my heart can't just stop longing for her. I seem not to move on even months of not seeing her" Paul shook his head lifting the chairs and placing them in one place. 2 weeks later, Paul was in his bedroom after work on a Friday and was just changing from his work clothes when he heard Tasha's voice. She had become a regular visitor and Paul knew she was intrested in him. He didn't make any advanced to make her his again but Tasha still insisted and came to see him regularly. "Paul can i come in?" She asked from the door. The maid had allowed her in. "Am done, yes you can come in," Paul responded. She walked in with a short jean skirt and pamps that made her look so great. "How was your day? "She asked with a smile as she gave Paul a hug. "Good" Paul answered. "Hey you should have called you are coming or something, one day you will find am not around. " he shrugged not really interested in being with her. "Well since there's another Paul, that wouldn't be a problem I would just sit and chat with him right?" She laughed. "Well" Paul shrugged. "Can we go to the sitting room now?" He asked standing by the door. Tasha looked at him for some minute and walked towards him holding him by the neck. "Paul, you know I still love you, why won't you give us a second chance?" She asked pushing him towards the wall. "Am sorry I just need more time" Paul responded as Tasha pressed herself on him making Paul feel her so close and making it hard to ignore. "More time or you still waiting for that girl you have no idea where she is. Don't lie to me anymore Paul, someone in the family told me the whole story about that prostitute. " she spat with contempt. Paul looked at her surprised. "Grace?" He asked knowing only his cousin would do such a thing. "Forget about her already Paul, she's a lost cause . You and me can start our lives together and I promise I will help you raise your son. I love the boy you know that" she spoke holding Paul's face. She went on to kiss him and Paul stood there motionless. He was trying to control himself but his body could not. . He held Tasha by the waist and led her to the bed. As he just begun to kiss her, his phone rung from the pocket. " Am sorry I have to pick this" , he paused withdrawing. "Come on Paul you can answer that later" Tasha insisted trying to grab the phone away. "No!" Paul pulled himself up and grabbed the phone placing the phone on his ear as he remained laying on top of Tasha. "What?" He spoke on the phone and quickly stood up. "what happened to Maria? Is she okay? " He asked the person calling him. "Paul you have to come here now, am sorry you are the only one i could think of to help Maria, she's being beaten and if no one rescues her she might die. I saved up your number the last time you gave me to call you for anything about Maria and I thought I could tell you. Please help her" Doro spoke on the other side. "am coming right away, just make sure she's alright do whatever you can!" Paul shouted grabbing his car keys. "Paul, stop! Where are you going? " Tasha asked angrly, "Am sorry Tasha, Maria is in trouble and she needs me now. I got to go." He panted whilst moving... "Oh now you are running to that prostitute after all she's done to you? " She screamed following him as he walked outside. "Tasha stop it now! Maria is in trouble, Just let it go okey?" He shouted back and ran to the car leaving Tasha so upset. She watched him as he speed off to the road. "Oh God! he's mad" she whispered to herself and went in to get her handbag before leaving.

maybe now u we accept to come back with him

The_Changing_Tides_13 Paul was just joining the road from his house when he saw Jake going to his house. . "Hey Jake!" He called him out slowing down. "Am going to check on Maria she's in some kind of trouble i will find you home!" he shouted. "Well, let's go together then" Jake answered removing the head sets from his ears and running to his uncle's car. Funny how much Jake had grown, it was more fun when he called Paul uncle, cause they looked the same. . As they speed to Maria's place Paul filled Jake in on what Doro had told him. "I just hope am not too late" he added panicking. added "This girl will kill me boy. She's gonna finish me off one day with BP." He sighed whilst shaking his head, focusing on the road ahead. Jake smiled, "well she sure Will, you so much into her my big man and I feel for you. I just hope Maria could realise how much you have suffered for her." he responded as they approached Kanyama. As they reached her house they saw a group of people around Maria's house and two men bending down on Maria who was bleeding from her nose and mouth. They ran towards the scene Jake got there first and pulled away the Guy who was almost blowing off Maria's face and he staggered to the ground. . Paul went for the other guy holding Maria and before the guys could realise they had opposition some punches followed them up. Maria was laying down her body so weak from the beatings she couldn't get her head up. The people were shouting "hule! hule!" "How dare you beat a woman you idiot " Paul spat pushing the guy who stood up to face him. "Stay out of it man, this girl is a slut and she derseves what she's getting. The boss was clear, if she does not produce the money she got from him she's going down to the grave and you or anyone else will do nothing about it" the guy shouted lifting his hands towards Paul. "sorry man, you have to tell your boss there are people who won't let you do that" he answered and bend down to grab Maria. From no where other guys gathered and surrounded Paul, Jake and Maria. . Jake stood up as Paul remained down trying to hold Maria who was deeply hurt her face swallon. "Paul what are you doing here?" She whispered blood coming out of her mouth. "You have to go now please" she cried weakly " you are not supposed to get involved go now before you get hurt" she said trying to lift her hand to touch him. "Am not going anywhere without you Maria. These guys are serious and they are going to kill you ." He sighed looking up as the guys gathered menacingly around them. "Hey ! Easy Every one" Jake raised his hands at the guys who were now advancing to them. "Let's settle this as men. How much is your boss's money?" He asked them as their serious eyes set on them. One of them stepped forward. Looked at Jake from head to toe and smiled his yellow teeth exposed. "It was 500 now that she decided to outsmart us, we settle for a thousand" he scoffed charging forward wipping his face where Jake had given him an expected punch. Paul stood and responded, scoffed "we will give you the money but we dont have it here. I promise to settle whatever she owes you just leave her alone" "No way we are letting you guys take her away without the money. It's either you give us now or forget about her leaving this place. You will watch her die right here if you won't produce the money." The guy shrugged Jake went close to Paul and whispered in his ears, "Uncle, I have something but it's not what they are asking for" Paul looked at Maria and back at Jake "she needs to see a doctor urgently or she will bleed to death, she's hurt she can't even stand. If we don't give them that money she's gone Jake, I can't let her die. We have to give them the money" he added panicking. "How much do you have there. ? " he whispered at Jake. "I got 600 when I was coming to your place for buying Mumas book in town. " responded Jake. "Good" Paul sighed "get a couple of K100 notes from the car I think I left something let's see If they can agree to get K800." As Jake walked towards the car Paul faced the guys who had folded their hands watching them discuss. "We only have 800 which is more than what she owes you . Take the money and leave or else I will just have to call my officers from the police to lock you all up and you won't see even a coin from your money, " he threatened getting the money from Jake and handing them. The guy who seemed to be in charge walked forward looked at Paul and laughed. "And who do you think you are handsome boy.? This is my getto and you won't threaten me." "Okey, so be it , am a police officer and I wanted to be so lenient but you won't appreciate my kindness. Wait here and see" he said made a face threatening to walk away seriously. "Hey! bring the money," he quickly uttered believing Paul, Paul extended his hand to hand him the cash and when he touched it he held on. "Get this money and never come near Maria again or else I will hunt you and your boss down and when I find you May God save your arrogant soul," he snapped his gaze stern. Jake smiled inside at the sight of his uncle playing cop. As soon as they left, Paul lifted the wounded Maria to the vehicle and Jake went over to the driver's seat to drive. People walked towards the vehicle watching as it moved away . Some shaking their heads and others talking amongst themselves. Paul placed Maria's head on his laps and her eyes met his. "You will be okey now, am here." he whispered. Maria's eyes were filled with tears and they rolled down her side face. "You shouldn't have come Paul" she whispered painfully. "Stop talking, let's get you to the hospital," he answered instead rubbing his hand in her hair. Jake looked at the mirrow and saw the two behind and breathed heavily as he increased the speed of the vehicle heading to the hospital. "We can't have the police asking for some reports let's take her to a private hospital." Paul told Jake. The following day, Jake went to the hospital to check on Maria. Paul had stayed by her side the whole night. He found Doro standing outside. She had followed them the day they took her to the hospital. "How is she?" Jake asked Paul who was looking so tired and sleepy. "She's sleeping now the Doctors managed to stop the bleeding and stitched the cut on her neck which was deeper. She's still in pain but she will be okey." He answered looking at the now sleeping Maria. "I have not talked to her since last night It's like they have given her strong sedatives to allow her sleep so the pain won't be felt so much" He explained. . "Good, she's in good hands now." Jake nodded proudly looking at his uncle. Doro stepped forward too, "I think you should go home and take some rest too Paul," she told him. "I will stay with her during the the day and you can come back later." "I won't leave her side Doro, I have to be here for her" he responded stronged. "She knows you are here, Paul just go already. I will stay here and you will see her later" she insisted. . "She's right uncle Paul, just take some rest and come back later, besides you can check on baby Paul as well." Jake chipped in.. Paul stood and touched Maria's forehead before walking out reluctantly. "She's in the hospital now sister, I left her still weak but the Doctors said she will be fine." Paul informed Margret over the phone. "Am not coming back till after 2 weeks Paul, am still buying some things here. I just hope she gets well soon and make sure she doesn't go back to that her old life. " Margret warned. "I will do that sister, am glad she's okay I was so worried yersterday you should have seen her bleed, my God those men are savages" he added before hunging up. He went to clean up and spent some time with his son before deciding to go back to the hospital. As he walked out to go back to the hospital that afternoon, Paul met with Tasha outside his yard. "Tasha what are you doing here? Sorry am leaving now you have to come some other time." He told her. "Oh, so what happened to that slut? That you won't even look at me?" She asked with a face. "Stop calling her that Tasha and please if you don't mind I have to go now. " he passed her leaving her watch him her mouth open. Tasha went inside making a mental note to wait for Paul that day. "He will find me and hear me out" she shrugged sitting down. "He's gonna be here soon am sure he is on his way Maria, that man is one in a million." Doro was talking to Maria. "I don't know what to tell him my friend. He's damn too good for me, I can't look him in the eye. How cam i? After everything o have done to him?" Maria wined looking up the ceiling. Just then Paul walked in, "Well, tell me you gonna be alright and that you will be out of here soon Maria", Paul smiled walking closer to Maria's bed. She turned to look at him, "Paul am sorry you had to get involved yeresterday, I don't know how you knew I was in trouble it's the least I wanted to put you through " Maria cried. "Excuse me, I will be heading out now, " Doro told them both looking at Paul. "Thank you" Paul rubbed her hand. "Don't mention it Paul this stubborn girl here is more like a sisiter to me I have known her half my life" she answered with a laugh. Paul nodded. "Thanks all the same you are a good friend." "So if Doro didn't call me you could have not told me you were in trouble? " Paul started, sitting on top of the bed next to Maria. "Maria am glad you are alright, I want you to know that whatever happens to you affects me so much. You have no idea how much I wished you would change for the sake of your son since it's clear you don't love me as much as I do. You know how I feel about you and it's not my own to decide how you feel about me, so please my dear, promise me you will try to adjust your life for the sake of your son and your own self." Paul spoke calmly "Paul , am sorry. Honestly, no matter how absurd it sounds, I did not want to go with you because I felt and still feel I don't derseve a man like you. You are a good man Paul and I on the other hand is always making one mistake after the other. Am sorry for causing you pain, Paul, am sorry. " She cried tears running down her half swollen face. Paul touched her face gently. "We will talk when you recover, but for now get well okey?" He told her smiling. Maria looked at paul as he sat on the chair leaning his head that night. She had fallen asleep and by the time she woke up she saw him sleeping in the chair his hands folded. . Maria looked at his head and recalled the first time she had seen him. He was quite and she could notice him steal gazes at her. Back then she had thought Paul was just staring at her because of her condition. But now she understood the man besides her had loved her from way back. She wondered what Paul had seen in that poor street girl. The smile she saw him wear that evening when he talked to her was the one she recalled him having the time before they got together intimately. She had not seen that since he knew about her issues and she rejected him. "I really wish i was the same girl as before" Maria thought to herself. "He looks so delicate and pure and I am scared I might stain him" she cried her eyes still on him. "I love him so much I feel I won't be enough for him. But this has to be my turning point, If not for myself then I will fight for him. God I know I have been so far away, please if you still there help me to bring sanity in this man's life. He derseves better please let him be happy. " she sniffed. Her sniffing as she cried got louder waking Paul up. He moved in his seat and opened his eyes. "Maria! Are you okey? What is paining?" He asked rushing towards her side. Maria wipped her tear with the hand where they had connected a drip of water. "Am sorry I woke you up, it's just that you are so handsome I couldn't stop admiring you" she let a laugh. "What?" Paul shook his head. "Listen I know you are not crying becuase of that . I told you no more crying please. Promise from now on you won't cry," Paul sighed leaning his head on her hand which he held towards himself. Maria rubbed her fingers on his face and smiled. "What do I do with you Paul, you are .. "Shshshshsh, get back to sleep the doctor said you need enough rest," Paul whispered placing his hand on her face to remove the tears falling. "Tommorow is another day..." he smiled.

wow!! so lovely

The_Changing_Tides_14 She stood by the window watching outside as Paul and her son played with a ball. They looked so good together and she was amazed at how much Paul and the baby had bonded so much that she couldn't help feel jealousy as her son would want to be with his father most of the times. She smiled as tears of joy fall from her eyes. " Indeed he's a God of second Chances," Maria thought to herself as she continued watching It had been 2 weeks since she was discharged from the hospital and Paul had insisted she went with him to his house. He did not said anything about their relationship or what had happened in the past. Everytime Maria would try to ask about him forgiving her, Paul would change the subject and tell her it was not time to say anything. Over the days this started bothering Maria as she felt uneasy with his silence. He however wasn't showing he was upset or anything. He was always smiling, he would bring out stories and laugh through them but without mentioning anything about the past and Maria got even more guilty. One day Jake who was usually the main visitor to the house came over and Maria asked him. "Tell me Jake , since I came to this house Your uncle will not allow me to say anything about what happened. He's quite and he's acting like nothing happened. What is going on here? " Jake sighed and looked at Maria, "you know what I think? Uncle Paul has not said anything because he doesn't want to push you into anything, at least thats my thought. He wants you to decide things on your own, he knows you are sorry Maria and you have apologised several times, don't you think he wants you to live passed your shame? " he shrugged "Maybe he wants you to forgive yourself first, the fact that you are always apologising just means you are not really seeking his forgiveness but your own. Forgive yourself and move on, be free." Jake added. Maria looked at him, shaking her head "I don't know Jake, you have always been my friend and I honestly don't even know how you manage to cope with me after all this I did to your family. You know sometimes it's funny how the good in other people just brings out the dark in yourself. You see the good people around you and all you see are your own stains and wonder why every One is so Good" Maria smiled with tears. "You know all this time I was feeling like I was in the dark, everything around me until my son came, was not making sense." She wiped her tears.. Jake held her hand, "I have always told you Maria, you should never let your circumstances define you. Don't let God take something away from you for you to realise how precious it was." Jake nodded at her. Maria smiled , "since when are you so wise dear Jake , " she teased him. "I love you so much my friend and I know I have a brother I never had in you." She leaned her head on him and they both sighed with smiles. Jake let a laugh, "am glad to have you back too. Too bad we won't be playing and chatting as we used to now that you are almost my auntie" Jake laughed and Maria joined him. "Hey mama!" Maria heard Paul mimicking Baby Paul as he called her out from outside. She had not realised how long she had been standing watching them while her mind was lost in memories. "Hey guys !" she smiled raising her hand. She held the long dress she had on that morning and walked to the door to go and join them outside. "What's up? " Paul asked her holding the baby's hand. "I noticed you have been absent minded for some time." "Am okey Paul, I was just enjoying the game you guys are playing" she faked a smile. They sat down together watching baby Paul as he continued playing with the ball. Tasha had stopped coming since she heard Maria was at Paul's place. But that day she walked into the yard on her heels her dressing as catchy as always. "Good afternoon guys !" she greeted Paul and Maria and Maria looked at her then back at Paul wondering what she was doing there.? "Afternoon" Maria responded watching as Tasha gave Paul a hug and a pack. "I came to check on you it's been a while" she smiled her eyes on Paul. Maria felt the tension building up as Tasha pulled a chair nearby and sat next to Paul. "Excuse me" Maria told them and went inside. She couldn't help feel jealousy of Tasha and the look in her eyes showed how much Tasha was displaying the fact that she was not there for anything good. Paul and Maria had not been sleeping in the same room since she came back. They slept in separate rooms and since Paul never told her anything Maria had decided to give him time and space thinking that maybe he was strugggling to make a decision about her. . She grabbed her small phone and dialled Doro's number and started chatting avoiding thinking about Paul and Tasha outside. She was busy on the phone when she heard a soft knock on the door. "Hey girlfriend, let me get back to you" she told Doro and cut the line as she walked towards the door. shocked to see Tasha by the door, Maria held on to the handle. "Tasha," she sighed. "What can i do for you?" she asked her. Tasha smiled, "mmmmh I see you playing wife with Paul huh? I wonder how you manage to sleep under the same roof with the man that you left for prostitution. I want to unsderstand that maybe you were desperate and needed help when you were beaten up by those mafia you used to sleep with, but now that you are okey, what the hell are you doing here?" She asked with a wicked smile. Maria looked her leggings, she took her eyes up to the pink see through top that Tasha had on. For someone else maybe Tasha was beautiful but Maria knew that even in her poverty she was far more beautiful than her. Ignoring the the urge to tell her that fact, Maria smiled, "Oh I see, so that's why you came huh? Am so sorry you are looking for entertainment in a wrong place and person. I don't do commedy and am not ready to talk to you. If you have issues with why am here please you know the owner of the house. Talk to him and am sure you will get your answers. Now if you will excuse me I need some fresh air" Maria smiled walking out. Tasha was lost of words she watched her walk outside her anger growing. Maria found Paul holding the baby outside. He looked so calm she wondered what was going on. Tasha followed her behind and before Maria could say a thing? She smiled at Paul. "So we are done am glad to know Maria is doing okay now, after the accident and I think am heading out now guys " she added looking at Maria with a face. "That was nice of you Tasha you know you can always come to this home we are practically family" Paul told her and shook her hand . Maria watched in silent as Tasha walked away knowing she was playing nice with Paul and she understood her intentions. Shaking her head, she walked back inside and went staright to her room. "Just when I was starting to think I can live past my mistake now there is someone I know will be the one to constantly remind me of it. How ironic" Maria sighed. . "She's right though, the question is what am I doing here if Paul won't even tell me about anything at all?" she asked herself as she lay down in the bed her eyes up. She recalled Jake's words. "Don't let God take something away for you to know how precious it is" " oh God I need your help" she whispered covering her face. Paul walked to the dinning table after the maid called him and Maria to the table. He had decided to give Maria her space to sort herself out and even when he so much desired to be with her he knew if he pushed her so much Maria wouldn't make a decision freely. He wanted her to choose him this time around. "Am not with her intimately cuz," he had told his cousin Grace. "I don't want to push her so much. She's been through a lot and I want her to figure things out on her own so that when I finally make her mine again she's going to be there with me. I love her so much but she needs to learn to forgive herself in order for her to allow others to forgive her too." He had explained. "Well, if you ask me Paul I would tell you that girl is no good for you. A woman who has already exposed herself to that kind of life, how sure are you she won't be sneaking out to go to the clubs again? Open your eyes Paul, You have a good and decent woman like Tasha who is willing to live with you and support your son. You don't need that Prostitute for a wife or anything... " Grace suggested. "What? I didn't know you are like that Grace, come on. Everyone knows how Maria ended where she did I got her preganant remember? she was only 17. I am partly to blame for her mistakes and am not going to abandon her now that she needs me the most. And I have told you time and again I don't love Tasha. It's that woman you are calling names I love and whether you or anyone else like it am going to see to it that I make her mine again." He responded looking at her firmly. Unknown to Paul , Grace would tell every discussion they would have with her to Tasha and now Tasha was using that against Maria. He sat opposit Maria at the table and saw how much she had been quite since Tasha's visit that afternoon. "Maria are you feeling alright?" He asked her. She raised her face and looked at him. "Am okey thank you. Maybe just tired or something I have been doing nothing the whole day and you know that can be boring sometimes" she faked a smile. Paul looked at her and back at her plate. "Is that why you won't eat your food too?" He asked. "I don't like beef so much but don't worry I can have a cup of tea later" she responded. Paul knew something was up. "Could it be Tasha?" He asked himself. He recalled Tasha told him she wanted to talk to Maria and help comfort her and maybe encourage her to get back on her tracks for the sake of her son. Paul had smiled at that thought, "well Tasha am glad you are a good friend." " Yeah sure Paul, we are friends from way back and what affects you affects us all" Tasha had said and walked to Maria's room. "So you had a nice chat with Tasha?" He asked Maria and she almost dropped the glass of water she was holding in her hand at the unexpected question. "Oh yeah!" She faked a smile. "She's a good friend I bet" Maria lied. " I have noticed you have been close lately huh? I saw her at the party for Paul's birthday too" Maria said not realising she sold herself cause she had not intended to tell Paul she Had come for the party. "Mmmmh I knew it, so you came for the party, the t-shirts and the toy car?" He asked looking at her. "Yeah sorry I couldn't come straight up you know the..... " "It's alright," Paul cut her short. " I understand. Am glad you came though i knew you cared for Paul despite whatever happened" he added . "Yeah," Paul coughed before continuing "Tasha came then, she helped organise the function and you know us men are not so much into such things so it's like she was spear heading everything" Paul smiled his heart pumping fast at the thought of how he almost slept with Tasha, feeling guitly he betrayed Maria. "But we are just friends don't worry yourself" he added. Maria put down the cup. "Excuse me I have to check on Paul he's sleeping on the couch I want to take him to the bedroom now." She spoke standing up. "Sure," Paul responded watching her as she held her dress and walked away. He shook his head and wondered what was wrong now. He had seen how relaxed Maria had seemed to be as days had gone by. But that day he saw that deep sad look back on. The time he walked to her room so he talks to her and maybe clarify something about his feelings for her he found Maria in bed holding Paul so close her eyes shut. Slowly he closed back to the door and walked to his room. Maria heard the door close and she sat back up. She had heard footsteps and prentended to be sleeping as Paul walked in. She held her knees close to herself and gazed to the wall her. "I can't blame them" she whispered to herself. " It's all my fault, I don't seem to hold anything in place my whole life, I had family but now am alone, I was in school and things didn't just work out., a man loved me and now I can't seem to have him as I thought I could. The only thing that is so tangible in my life is my son." she told herself holding baby Paul's sleepy face. "God give my life meaning again" she sighed wipping the tears that where filing her eyes again. Convincing herself she had to find a better way out of everything in her life. "If only i could go to school" she thought to herself as she lay back down to sleep. "At least that would give me something else to hold on to in my life and maybe a proper meaning in society." But how was she going to go back to school since she had not saved up enough to even get uniforms and books. Plus everything she had she asumed by now since she never went back to her old house was stollen together with her belongings. Doro told her the time she was coming out of the hospital some people had broken into her house and took everything she had. Maria wiped some tears and closed her eyes hopping some day she could experience better tides flowing in her life.

please remove this

The_Changing_Tides_15 Margret smiled as she saw Maria entering the house. She could see how much she had grown. She was now a woman and she noticed somehow Maria had changed. She looked well cleaned and the pencil skirt she had on with a loose top outlined her body morphology well. "You are welcome Maria" she called out pulling her in a hug. "Wow, I almost didn't recognise you, Paul didn't tell me you have grown so much in this 2 years I have not seen you. " Margaret smile. Maria smiled shly the welcome that Margaret gave her made things easy for her as she was so nervous. She had not seen Margret eye to eye since the last time she left. She had talked to her when she was still in the hospital on the phone and her wise words really built her up. "Tell me how you are my dear child, I missed you so much" Margret sstrted looking at Maria after they sat down in the back yard where she had some chairs for them to sit on. "I came back last week and I was longing to see you. Just that I have been busy lately. You did well to call me and asked to come. It was good of you to do" she added her smile still vivid. "Well, I just had to see you mam, I mean I owe you an apology and I was honestly not expecting a warm welcome after all you did for me. Am sorry I ran away and am sorry for everything else I have done that disappointed you and hurt your family in any way. I made a lot of mistakes and I hope am not too late to mend my life and get your forgiveness" she explained her sight blurred with tears. Margret stood up and hugged her close. "Maria you are like a child to me. I don't hold anything against you and believe me am so glad you came to your senses. Prostitution was not a great decision you made. But thank God you realised it before things got out of hand. Paul told me that you had insisted on taking the HIV test whilst in the hospital?" She asked her after letting her go and went back to her seat. "yeah I did and am glad God saved my life. He protected me from that infection." Maria chuckled. "Well, thats good news Maria, there's hope for you my dear Maria all you need to do is open your eyes and heart to the goodness God has placed before your life. You are still young and it's time you set dreams for yourself" Margret told her. "That's what I was thinking mam, I want to go back to school but I have failed to talk to Paul, he's done a lot for me, I don't want to bother him any more so I want to ask you for a favour." Maria stared at her seriously. "Well my dear if you ask me, my brother would love to help you in that area but I dont know what you people are up to so I won't ask." Margaret shrugged. Maria sighed... "I know he's the father to my child and has been so good to me. But he has not said anything about me and him. Honestly I don't want to bother him or ask him a lot of questions. So if you can help me find a job I will really be grateful. I want to do night school again but I can work during the day." Margret looked at Maria, she noticed how serious she was and even though she knew Paul loved her so much, she felt it was not in her place to tell her about his feelings. "Well if you don't mind you can help at the cash till at the shop in town. The guy who is there is not doing a good job and I was thinking of replacing him." Margaret giggled. "You will do that for me?" Maria asked with a wide smile. "Yes Maria, I want you to get on track so you can start working at the shop next week" Margret answered. They talked for some time and when Maria said her good byes it was almost getting dark. As she walked out she was surprised to see Paul's Harrier parked outside waiting for her. . "Paul," she said surprised. "What are you doing here?" "Get in,!" Paul shouted, " I was told you came here and I decided to come pick you up" he smiled when she had settled down in the seat. Maria looked at him and he kept his eyes on her longer than usual. Maria looked down at her hands. "Shall we go now?" she asked him without turning to face his eyes. Paul started the car and instead of heading to his house Paul took a turn and joined kafue road. Surprised, Maria looked at him. "Mmmmmh we going somewhere?" She asked him. He turned to look at her. "Yeah I have realised I have not taken my girlfriend out" he responded looking at her. . Maria opened her mouth to say something but closed it right back before the words would come out. Wondering in her mind what Paul just called her. "Girfriend" she thought. "Well thats something," she sighed looking ahead as Paul increased the speed after traffic cleared out. Paul drove in Sandy's creation and looked at Maria who was seemingly quite. He couldn't stop smilling to himself at the look of surprise on her face. . "Well" Paul, thought.. "Am going to take a step and make her realise how much I feel for her." He was certain Maria wasn't going to open up to him but the jealousy that he noticed everytime Tasha went to visit them and at times that he mentioned her name gave Paul the impression Maria loved him. He walked to her side and opened the door for her to come out. . Maria got down and held on to her phone as she walked aside allowing Paul to close the door and lead the way. They sat near the pool, the sky was now dark and the light around the garden area lit the environment making Maria feel so relaxed. She had not been to any luxury place especially on some kind of a date. She recalled the only time she had admired the outside of some lodge was when the sugar daddy she had found herself took her out to some place in town. She pushed aside the thoughts of how she hard worked with her hands to please the old big man. She sighed and looked at Paul who's eyes where set on her making her feel so uncomfortable. "Anything the matter? " She asked him finally when he opened his mouth to smile. Paul drew his chair next to her and sighed. "Well my dear, you have no idea how much I longed to look at you and not turn away." Maria laughed, " am not getting you Paul, it's not like I just came. You have been looking at me for over 3 weeks now why would you say that.?" She asked her eyes calm. "Maybe I have not been looking close enough" he let a laugh and held her hand. . "Maria, oh my Maria, you are one hell of a woman. You are a puzzle that I fail to solve no matter how much I try. How is it possible that I can love you so much and you sometimes do the craziest things?" Paul asked turning her head to look at her eyes. Maria kept her glance on him too and she smiled. "If am a puzzle then what does that make you? Cause you are so insistent and you don't back down. Is it just me or you are the most tolerant person alive?" She let a laugh. "You scare me Paul, I look at you and all I want is to hold you and never let go. But I come to think of how much of a great person you are and I feel am never gonna be the woman you deserve. Am so scared to open my heart cause I fear I won't be able to make you happy" Maria added a tear falling from her eye. Paul smiled and held her face, "well it's easier than you think, your words just made me so happy right now. All you need to do is accept me and let me love you. That's it " he mentioned almost in a whisper. Just then, the waitress came with some trays of food they had ordered and served them. Paul looked at the waitress and thanked her. "Well, I guess this talk will have to wait " he sighed sitting up, "am so hungry" he let a laugh as he pulled his plate. "He's too much," Maria thought to herself. She noticed how excited Paul looked, it was like he was waiting to hear her say something to him and he looked relaxed and happy. She got her own plate and took a bite while admiring the man before her. Paul pulled out a phone from his pockets and called the maid from home. "Make sure the boy sleeps in a net and give him his juice before bed," he instructed whilst Maria looked at him . Paul just told the maid they weren't going back that night. Even though he didn't plan to spend a night out. He decided that very moment he and Maria could use some time out. Maria looked at him, "what you just told the maid to do, What's the plan Paul?" She asked wipping her mouth with a napkin. Paul smile and instead of answering her walked to the reception and he came back holding a key. "We have a challet now, today we are off being parents" he teased standing behind Maria's chair. She bend her head upwards without turning and looked at him. "We are sleeping here?" She asked him. "You don't like the place? We go somewhere else?" Paul teased knowing so well what she meant. Maria shook her head, "You are unbelievable Paul." After sitting by the pool for some hour as Paul talked most of the times, he stood up and held Maria's hand. "Shall we?" He lifted her up. Maria felt a grip of fear in her throat as Paul led her to the booked Challet. She had been with men after Paul of course but in a way that wasn't so intimate as she did everything with some stranger she wouldn't even recognise a day after. Now that the only person she had ever desired as a woman was taking her into a room where the two would be together without anyone else around, Maria felt so nervuous her hands were almost sweating. She went to sit down on the bed not knowing what to do. Paul went and sat on the head board of the bed. "Come here!" he ordered Maria. She turned to look at him. "Paul, I don't think it's a good idea to be here like this ,you should have warned me about all this plan of yours" she complained avoiding looking at him. Paul went close to her and removed her shoes and pulled her on top till his back reached the board again . "Listen to me now. I was quite all this time wanting you to figure out things on your own. Tell me now Maria seriously, how do you look at me? I mean what are your feelings towards me?" He asked. Maria stayed put her hands holding Paul's hands which were wrapped around her. She closed her eyes and sighed as she felt Paul's body and heart beat in her back. "I love you Paul, if that's what you are asking. I have never felt so scared of loosing something in my life than I fear loosing you. Even though you blame yourself for getting me pregnant ,it's not entirely your fault cause I felt the connection towards you even then." She smiled relaxing her body. Paul listened as she explained her feelings his head on the board and his hands still wrapped around her. "Now tell me the truth Paul, will you live with me knowing that I have been with other men too? People I can't even remember. Will you still love me and never be reminded of my wrong doings? Will i be the one yo make you happy?" She asked in a low tone. Paul with his eyes still closed, sighed. "Well I know you might have such questions. But if I was to open my heart for you to see, you would know that what I feel for you is beyond your mistakes. I loved you when I saw you first, I loved you when I saw you with another man, I loved you even when you rejected me and I still love you now. The heart doesn't lie Maria, It choses beyond reason and I can assure you I can't tell it to feel otherwise about you. It has chosen and my being just follows what it wants. My body and my mind just obey" he added putting his hands on top of hers now and rubbing them gently. "You see, you are too much for me Paul, way too much you will drive me crazy " she addded giggling.. After some moment of silence, it was like the two were connecting with each other but not with words. Paul feeling her heart beat steadly from his chest and Maria feeling his from her back as they both enjoyed the moment without moving, their eyes closed. After almost 10 minutes Paul turned her shoulders to make her face him, "Maria" he whispered. "I want to make you mine," he said. " But I want to do it right and with your permission, do you feel like doing it with me?" He asked his now weak eyes looking straight at her. She smiled shly, " am scared Paul" she said honestly. Paul let a laugh.. "scared of me or getting pregnant again? " he teased Maria smiled back at him, " well pregant no, cause the family planning I got for 3 years is still working. I just don't know how to do that, I mean make love to the man I love" she added. "Well, let's imagine it's your first time and let me do everything okey? " He paused as she nodded her head. After minutes of pleasure and that deep reconnection, Maria breathed out heavily and turned to look at Paul who fall back on the bed his eyes still closed. She bent to kiss his tender lips and he smiled pulling her closer. "How was it?" He asked her. "Wow, I must confess it felt like the first time ever, without pain both in my body and my heart . I wonder how you manage to be so damn good at everything." She laughed. Paul let a laugh without opening his eyes. "I just made the right choice my love, and when you choose right you enjoy the benefits." He rubbed her bare back so gently sighing deeply. She wrapped her hands around his neck and he held her waist close and pulled her to him going for another adventure. Back at home Tasha had waited for Paul and Maria to come back. She had planned on spending a night. She had sneaked into Paul's room intending to come seduce him when he got there. She had planned the period she knew she could get pregnant knowing if she succeded she would end up winning over Paul with a child. . She looked at the watch and when she saw it was almost 21 hours without a sign of Paul or Maria she grabbed her phone and called Grace. "Is Paul still there?" She asked her "No he left a while ago, he didn't even enter the house he told me he just came to pick up that Maria" Grace responded. "What? Where are they then? They are both not here yet I came like we planned but am tired of waiting" Tasha complained. . "Am sorry girl, maybe that bitch got to him and he's probably with her in bed now and will come later." "Oh no, I can't bare this anymore, he has no idea how much I planned this and How hot I got for him" she said looking at her sexy undies she had on. Grace sighed, " I don't know my dear. Lets hope we are wrong and he's coming back tonight otherwise it will be all a share waste of timea" she added sadly. "I wonder what that man sees in that street slut . He's turned of his sense of reason. " she added. Grace got her phone and called Paul, he answered when the call was almost cutting. "Yes cuz" he answered in a whisper as he watched the now sleeping Maria. answered "Why are you calling me this time?" He asked surprised his cousin was calling him after 22 hours. "Well I wanted to hear how you guys moved" she lied trying to know where her cousin was really. Paul smiled on the phone... "oh we are okey, never felt so amazing " he added with a laugh. "You won't believe Maria is mine again " he boasted proudly. "She's so amazing I can't stop thinking about her even when she's with me." Grace cut the line without hearing the rest. She stood so furious and called Tasha to find her way out telling her what she just heard. "He's crazy!" they both shouted as they hung up the call.

Ride on

u don't want to go an look for u man, allowed grace to be turning u around

The_Changing_Tides_16 She woke up that morning to the sight of Paul, he's hands still wrapped around her. Maria, smiled to herself recalling every moment they had the previous day. Paul was crazy, he had made love to her almost the whole night and she felt so tired. She placed her head on his torsos and closed her eyes taking in the scent of perfume on Paul's body. She wondered what kind of perfume was that strong that would still be on him from the previous day. Maria and Paul spent half the day together. They had a great time and as they left hand in hand towards the vehicle Maria couldn't help feel proud of her man. "Aren't you going for work today?" She had asked Paul earlier. "No, this day is off for me. I can't just get enough of you and am sure work will always be there," he told her with a laugh. .. "So tell me what you and my sister where talking about yersterday" Paul asked as they joined the main road heading back home. "Well, I went to ask her to give me a job" she responded. " I thought of starting school and I had to find some income so I can pay for my clases." "What? Why would you want to ask my sister for that, like I can't do that for you ?" Paul asked somehow shocked. Maria looked at him, " that's the thing Paul, I don't want to spend my whole life depending on you entirely, I have to learn to work for myself as well. Selling in a shop is not bad at all. I can do this Paul, you have already done enough for me and I don't want to put more pressure on you. Please let me do this" she pleaded holding his shoulder. . Paul looked at her and sighed, " I don't like this, Maria, honestly. It's not a bother to help you to do what you want come on." "Please honey, let me do this for me. I have to. Understand me and just support me on this. It's not that bad. Please I know you can do it but know me to do this for me" Paul sighed, " Well I guess I have to let you do what you want. Just make sure you do the right thing and work hard to pass your exams." "Thanks" she smiled looking at him but he shook his head looking ahead. They got home. After the maid told them Paul was taking a nap, Maria went in to have a change of clothes and prepared to go and register for grade 10 at the nearby school. She walked to Paul's room to go and tell him she was done as they had agreed to go together. To her shock, she found Tasha in her panties holding and kissing Paul on the bed. She for a second thought she was imagining things but when she stood there numb she noticed how Paul was fighting to get out of the hands of Tasha. She felt the urge to run so that She can avoid seeing what was happening but her inner instincts told her to be there and support her man. Knowing so well the intentions of Tasha, even though she didn't understand how she got inside since the maid never told them anything about her coming the time they got home. She cleared her throat, Paul, pushed Tasha aside and opened his mouth to talk as Tasha smiled wickedly. "What's going on here?" Maria asked calmly. "What do you think you slut ?" Tasha shouted walking closer to paul. Paul went to Maria's side instead. "My love its not what you think" Paul figited. Maria smiled at him. "Yes honey, it's exactly what am thinking." Paul looked at her desperately... "please don't.. " Maria raised her hand, "yes I know what is going on here, Tasha," she started looking at her. " You want Paul so much that You would do any stupid thing to be with him. And you Paul, you are so blind you have not seen how a snake this girl is. But I want you to say this in both our presence so that from now on this issue will be settled. Tell us both who you want and stop this craziness once ans for all" she added looking at Paul. Paul looked at Maria and felt proud. Her maturity in handing the issue amazed him and he was glad. "Wow, I would confess i didn't expect that my love" he smiled holding her shoulder as Tasha watched, her face furious. "You are just a prostitute who wants his money, a good for nothing slut" Tasha spat. " You thought you could just get my man without shame? You are so mistaken" Paul shook his head, "Tasha call her that again and you will be out of my house without clothes on. Grow up, I told you I love Maria and no matter what, I will always choose her. You are a good woman dear, go on and find love somewhere else. Maria is mine and that is not changing any time soon" he added firmly. " I choose her and will choose her over and over again." He smiled kissing Maria on the forehead. Maria walked towards Tasha smiling, "well that's your problem Tasha, you think you have it all, at least I accept who I am and have learnt to live my life through it all. What about you? Tell me what good is about hiding behind a mask and Chase after a man that doesnt love you.? Huh?" Maria walked to the closet and got Tasha's clothes and threw them on her. "Get dressed and leave already," she spat. "Honey let's go we will be late" she said holding Paul's waist as they walked out to the door. "By the way" she turned back, "your body isn't that attractive learn to cover it up" she shouted and went on. Paul stoped in the way to the kitchen and hugged Maria tightly. "Am proud of you love, thanks for that " he kissed her. Maria smiled, " well someone had to do something and I won't let you go after last night " she laughed. Tasha walked around the room still naked. The rage in her heart. She couldn't believe what just happened and the embarrassment she just had. Her plan was to make Maria see her and Paul together and probably run away or have a fight with Paul. The response Maria gave her left her powerless she couldn't Get herself together. Grabbing her dress which Maria had thrown on the bed, she quickly dressed up and walked out without turning back. Days and weeks went by and Maria and Paul got closer, she had started school and was now working at Margrets shop. One day, She walked out and waited for the other worker to lock the doors up that afternoon so she could go with the keys. Grabbing the phone from the hand bag, Maria called Paul. "Am done honey, you still working I go right ahead?" She asked him. " I have a class at exactly 17." "I am a few minutes away, just wait I drop you at school," Paul had responded. Maria stood by the raod side waiting for Paul when she saw a guy she couldn't recognise walking towards her, she stepped aside to give him passage but to her surprise the man stopped in front of her. "The person you are waiting for is calling for you" the guy told her, Maria looked at him. Thinking it was Paul that had come. She looked at where she stood. "Maybe he found a parking slot on the other side" she thought as she followed the man. She looked around for any signs of Paul across the road and when she couldn't see his car, she turned to look at the man next to her who pushed her into another vehicle and immediately she was inside her nose was covered with a cloth and she went dark. Paul drove to the shop a few minutes later and he was surprised Maria wasn't there but the shop was closed. He tried to call her to ask maybe she stepped away a bit but her phone went unanswered. Getting out of the car, Paul walked to the shop and asked the guys who were seated outside the door chatting. "Have you seen that lady who is the cashier for this shop?" He asked pointing at his sisters shop. One of them told him they saw her follow a man she was seen talking to and that they crossed to the other side. Paul crossed the road but there was no sign of Maria. He tried to call her again and nothing, the phone was off. Paul felt a grip of worry as he sat back in the vehicle waiting, in the hope that maria could have left to get something and would be back soon. He looked at his watch and it was almost 18. "Maria knows she is late for class" he whispered to himself. "Where could she be? with her phone off.?" After waiting for another 30 minutes Paul drove away hoping to find Maria at her school but to his shock her She wasnt there. He waited for her at home pacing around the house his phone in his hands but hours went by and there was nothing. Paul refused to think the worst so he decided to calm himself and wait some more falling asleep in the couch.

Grace, u better take ur time o

this Tasha is so desperate what nonsense,I pray Marie is fine

The_Changing_Tides_17 Maria tried to wake up but her body felt so heavy and her eyes weak to open. She struggled wanting to move but she couldn't. In her struggle she raised her eyes a bit and saw two men standing next to her. Their images blurred she couldn't recognise them. "Please let me go!" she screamed but only a whisper came out. Maria was so confused her mind couldn't think clearly. She couldn't remember getting in the room she was being held. She felt a chill on her body and when she tried to move again she realised she was completely nude. Realising someone was doing something to harm her Maria panicked inside. All she could see was some flashes from the camera pointing at her. She tried to move but she couldn't progress. Whatever they had given her was so strong. The other guy removed his clothes and went on top of Maria' s naked body, Maria tried to scream and lift her hands to push him away but the hands just fall back down on the man's back. As the other one worked with his camera getting a video. When they were satisfied, the guys threw some cover on Maria and walked out leaving her laying there hopelessly. They didn't rape her but got a caption of exactly what they planned. Later the following day Maria felt a bit of strength and she tried to stand staggering in the process. She was about to look around through the window of the room she was being held trying to get a glimpse of where she was but immediately she heard voices hearding her way. Standing frozen, she saw the man she saw in town with another one she couldn't identify walk in with some clothes in their hands. . "Why are you doing this?" Maria cried as they grabbed her forcing her in the tight clothes. They helped each other to dress her as she tried to fight her way out. Placing a wig on her hair, they beat her up and threatened to kill her if she didn't do as told. Maria was grabbed to some crowded night club and was made to sit. She was still feeling the weakness from the drugs they had injected in her so she sat put and looked around wondering what was really going on. Paul watched as two men held Maria each by the hand into the place he was told he would find her. he had received a video of Maria indicating Maria was having sex with another man. Paul had panicked not believing what he was seeing. He ignored the clip in his phone and threw the phone on the bed furious. "No this can't be real," he told himself rubbing his eyes. "Maria can't do this to me again. She told me she loves me and we were happy the past months how can she go back to that Kind of life?" He whispered to himself. Grabbing the phone again Paul watched the whole video clip when he saw Maria wrapping her hands around the man, he's strength finished. He tried to call the number that the video came from and a man's voice spoke up. "Who are you and what are you doing with Maria?" he asked his voice so deep with fury. He heard the other person laughing.. "oh now this is funny huh? I know you are playing games with me and i can assure you it wont work. Just bring back Maria wherever you holding her before I call the police on you." He snapped The guy laughed again making Paul more upset. "Well it seems you have no brains to reason. Let me help you man, that girl is a prostitute,it's what she does. Get it through you head," the voice told Paul. "If you think someone is forcing her to do things go to the address I will text you and you will see for yourself." Paul almost said something but the line was cut and when he tried to call back it was off. "No this can't be" Paul cried. "She can't do this to me again, my God what is going on? Please let me wake up from this dream" he whispered. Jumping into the vehicle Paul looked at the text showing a name of Some night club and drove there his mind wondering as he drove. He went to sit in a chair and waited to see any signs of Maria. He had been seated for more than 30 minutes and when he was almost starting off he saw her walk in with some guys Holding her both sides. "What?" Paul shook his head not believing what he was seeing. "Maria? No way" he thought walking towards the table she sat on just to confirm he was not right. . Getting closer, Paul stood near the table Maria sat on and called her name. "Paul" Maria answered looking surprised. " Honey what is going on? What are you doing here and what are these men doing to me ?" she asked honestly. Paul shook his head his eyes tearly. " No Maria, you won't do this to me again. Tell me this is not happening" Paul shed tears. " I won't take this anymore Maria I won't." He shouted stepping back. Maria tried to stand to follow him but she staggered as the effect of the drugs ran her down again. "Please honey I didn't do anything, take me out of this place I love you Paul and I can't go back to my old life I promised us to stop and believe me I have no idea how I got here.these men just forced me to come, he........." She couldn't finish her sentence and Paul stepped forward giving her a big slap. "You have just killed what I ever felt for you Maria. I want you this time out of my life and my son's life too . Just go and never come back!" Paul added and stormed out leaving Maria slowly falling back to the chair realizing what just happened. "Oh no Not again!" Maria whispered tears falling her face. "Please not again" she cried looking around. "Oh no !" she screamed holding her mouth as she saw the men who had her leave the club laughing. She quickly stood up to follow Paul outside and she saw his car just leaving the parking lot and she fall down crying like a baby. "Why this again when I was just beginning to be happy?" Maria cried She almost crawled to the taxi and asked the driver to take her to Paul's house. He was seated by the step at the entrance taking a bottle of beer when Maria walked out of the vehicle and asked the driver to wait for his money. She walked to Paul and knelt down to beg him to listen. " Paul you have to believe me. I have no idea how those men got me and how they took me to that place. Am innocent please believe me Paul." She wept her tears falling on his feet. Paul stood up leaving her fall to the ground. "I thought you trully changed and that our lives will be better now. I thought for the sake of the love you claimed to have for me could make you do the right thing, how wrong I was. You know Tasha and Grace were right about you. You have never changed and you won't. It's like you are cursed for sure like you said yourself. After eveything I did for you? Here I was thinking I was to blame for what you did in the past. But now I know street life got to your head and you will never make any sense out of your poor life. Leave my house right this moment and never think of ever coming back. It's over, we are done and you will never see your son again " Paul added walking inside. Maria felt the deep cut in her heart, Paul's words pricked her very soul. "Am sorry mama but I have to get going now, please give me my fare" the taxi driver spoke to her calmly feeling compassion on her. He could see how broken she was. Maria looked at him and tried to stand but fall back down. "Am sorry please call for me the maid. I can't stand" she told him sitting down. Chanda came and knelt before Maria, "aunty what happened to you?" she asked her. "You don't look so well what is wrong?" Maria sighed sadly, "I don't know Chanda, please get my hand bag from the bed I used to sleep in before and put in any dress that you will find and some slippers." She sniffed crying as she spoke "But aunty where are you going? it seems you can't move. Why won't you get inside.?" Maria looked at her tears falling, "I can't chanda please just do as I have told you" she whispered. Chanda brought her the bag where all her documents and the money she had was. She got the dress on the other hand changed into some slippers and slowly walked towards the taxi as the driver walked behind her. "Take care of my son will you? I cant ask to see him because I won't bare looking in his face." She looked at Chanda who remained behind watching her. "I will, " Chanda answered crying at the sight of the woman she had come to love. Maria was always good to her and treated her like a sister. She would get her clothes and the two always told stories and laughed together. Chanda had no idea what was going on but she knew from the look she saw earlier from Paul's face that something was terribly wrong. Maria wept all the way as she was being taken to the only person she could talk to, Doro. "Let's talk to my new boyfriend, the guy is a mafia and he can help you get those guys and maybe make them tell who sent them," Doro spoke up after Maria was done explaining to her what happened. "No my friend, it's okey, there's no need for the trouble. There are only two people that can do that and I won't try to prove myself. You know what hurt the most?" She asked crying her voice almost in a whisper. "The words that Paul told me today. It was like i was looking at a whole different Paul, that calm man, the one i have been with the last month's wasn't the one i just saw today. He called me "cursed" she cried her voice out. Imagine Paul thinks I am a curse and don't derseve him or my child now. Him that always stood by me today he won't believe every word I say. When I went wild I didn't do it in hiding Doro, he knew what was going on. If he didn't think I have changed, why did he stay with me and promised me a life that I always dream of? I can't do this anymore my friend, am finished and i don't think there's ever a coming back for us. You shoud have seen his face when he asked me never to return. He scared me so much I had shivers. I love him I swear to God I wouldn't have given him any reason to doubt me again. I gave myself for him and I was working to better my life not just for myself but for him and my son too. I wanted to complete secondary school Doro," she paused wiping the tears that fall from her eyes uncontrollably. " I wanted to do a teaching course," she smiled amid tears. "I wanted to make a difference in society and maybe build an ophanage to help the street kids out of the streets. Look at me now, though it hurts so much, Paul is right. There's no good that will come out of me my friend. It's like for sure am cursed. Maybe this is my karma, paying me back for my mistakes." Maria lamented as her friend cried with her too. "Please that's enough Maria," Doro sniffed her tears in. "Please don't say that about yourself. It's just unfortunate Paul didnt believe you but I promise you I do understand you and I know you changed for sure. Get yourself together and I will try talk to Paul tommorow. He will have to hear me out. This is not fair that you are judged for things you didn't even do." Paul spent almost the night drinking in his bedroom. He had not even gone out to see his son and when Jake came over to talk to him he had to knock several times on his door before he could open up. "What is going on Uncle Paul ?" Jake asked. "The maid just told me Maria left last night. And you are locked up in here the whole day." Paul looked at Jake. "Well, am done loving her Jake , I gave her everything, my whole being and I was willing to spend my whole life with her but what does she do, she goes back to prostitution." Paul explained "What? No way uncle, that's not possible you have been with Maria almost all the time. You pick her from the shop and take her to school and then home, when did she start doing that again? It's not true whoever told you " Jake scolded angrily. "Come on don't tell me you are giving up on her just because someone lied to you uncle." "Jake ,I thought so as well but when I saw that, he said handing him the video clip. And later on I saw it with my own eyes. Maria was so drunk she couldn't stand straight. I was left speechless . That girl has got the last of me and I am tired of all this. Just how far can a man be pushed to the wall?" Paul asked shaking his head. "No way Jake I can't go on anymore am done." Jake shook his head after seeing the video. "If it was only the video I wouldn't have believe this but the fact that you saw her too that's something uncle and am sorry you have to go through this again" Jake added sitting down. "Well its the last thing am gonna go through for her, when am up from here am not looking back and she will never come near my son again. Let her kill herself for all I care, this time she's all alone. " he scoffed angrily. Doro's visit was fruitless as Paul didnt even give her the chance to talk to him. He threw it in her face that she was the one that introduced Maria into prostitution and she had no right to defend her. Without a word Doro left. "Am sorry Maria, Paul wouldn't even listen to me. You were right it's like he's a different man all together I didn't understand. You know what though,? just take it easy and am sure one day he will come to realise how wrong he is " she ecouraged her as Maria lay down in the bed tears falling like water from her eyes. . "Well atleast you tried and there's nothing else we can do. Let him be my friend. I just hope he will allow me to see my son one day. He can't deny me that right I gave birth to that boy. " "Yeah sure thing my friend. So what now?" Doro asked. "Well, I don't want to go down the wrong path again. Only this time am not staying in Lusaka. Am going to the copperbelt and start afresh there. Thankfully I still have some money saved up from my salary and I can pick it up from there. Maybe start school again and if am lucky do some small business during the day. I promise You I will make it and all this pain will one day be history. God saved my life for a reason and that I will live and strive to achieve" Maria said wiping the tears from her face. Doro smiled tears in her eyes too. " Do that girlfriend and make me proud I love you.." "I love you too Doro ,you are my only family. I will never forget you and I wish you went with me too" . She answered with a weak smile. Doro shook her head. "No. I have a boyfriend even though he's a mafia he helps me and now am not going out anymore. I can do just fine. Go and find yourself friend and when you are okey come back and show me what God can do." She smiled rubbing Maria's hand. "You know my life is like a river, it has these tides that keep on changing and most of them have been so painful leaving me broken. But you know what? Am taking charge of my boat now and the changing tides will not change my course at all, am getting hold of my life and God help me through" she smiled tearly putting her head down on the pillow.

all the best Marie, Paul u are a fool when it was u,she believe u, now that's is her turn u ,u turn ur back on her fool a very big fool nonsense

The_Changing_Tides_18 Maria arrived in Kitwe the following day, she had used the first bus from intercity and by the time she was getting off the bus it was a few minutes passed 12 hours. She grabbed her small bag where she had packed a few clothes she had and walked slowly to the bus station right in Kitwe town. She watched as the bus guys called out customers for power tools bus which was heading to Lusaka. one of them came to her and asked if she was going and she shook her head. "no am coming from Lusaka" she tried to smile at him. She looked around the strange town that she was hoping would be lenient on her. Quietly Maria sat wondering where she could begin from. Everything and every person she was looking at was new and she had no where to start from. She thought about how she even choose to go to kitwe of all places. "Maybe I could have stayed back in Lusaka" she thought to herself. "It's the only place I have known my whole life. How do I even begin here" she thought to herself. "Well Maria, there's no turning back now" , she heard her inner voice tell her. "You just have to find a way out here. Be strong and courageous you can't fail again this time around you are standing strong." She later on decided to move around town just to take in the environmenet and familiarise herself with it. . She saw an advert where they had written. "Shop keeper urgently needed." She quickly grabbed the number and saved it in her phone, went to get some air time and called the line. "Helo! I called to ask for the shop keeper job I saw being advertised is it still vacant?" She asked when the person in the other side responded. " am sorry we just hired someone a few minutes ago" the man responded. "Okay thank you" Maria sighed. . She walked to some eating place and sat down after making an order, as she waited Maria watched some photos on the phone of her son. Paul had bought her an android Samsung phone, tears almost rolled down her face as she watched the pics of Paul and her son. They looked so happy with smlies on their faces. Maria looked at the one they had got together. The 3 of them looking beautiful as a family. She recalled the time they took the photo. they had gone out to a shopping mall and took baby Paul to a jumping castle. Paul held her waist as they watched their son jump up and down excited. "How many more prescious kids are you going to give me?" Paul asked her. She smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder. "How many do you want? " She let a laugh. . "well my love, if I can have as many as I can from you I would go for 100" he teased. Maria had laughed, "a 100? Am sure by the time I will be having 10 I will be long gone my body would have given up" she told him. I want you to grow old with me love, so I won't let that happen. 3 will be okey then" he smiled rubbing her back. "I love you" she remembered him whisper. Maria wiped the tears from her eyes and cleared her throat as the waiter walked towards her with a tray of the food she had ordered. "It's going to be hard to forget you Paul, " she sighed, " but I have to do this I pray all this goes well for me in this strange land." That evening, Maria found herself a cheap lodge and paid for 5 days hoping within the days she would find something tangible and find a house for rent. She woke up early the following morning and as she was finishing taking a bath her phone rung. . She thought it was Doro and wondered why she was calling her back when she was just from calling her. She quickly wiped her face with a towel and grabbed her phone.. "Helo, you called yersterday for the shop keeper Job. So you have any experience?" The man on the phone asked her.She noticed he had an Indian accent. Maria's heart beat fast at the mention of a Job. "give me this one God" she whispered holding the phone away from her mouth and placing it right back. "Helo are you there?" The voice asked her. "Yes sorry, am here sir, I have some experience yes I worked in a shop as a cashier for 6 Months in Lusaka." "Oh good then, if you are ready you can come over to my shop in town and and start right away. The person we hired yersterday has not reported for work so you can start today if you are ready." He added. "Oh yes am more than ready sir" Maria exclaimed. "I will surely be there" she added before hanging the call. She jumped in excitment and called Doro to tell her the good news as she walked to the shop in town. After asking her a few questions, Maria was told to start working in a wholesale shop as a sales person. Her new boss was an Indian man in his late 20s he spoke calmly and seemed to be on the quite side. The first day at work Maria was learning some things about the shop. She had put her mind to work trying by all means to forget about Paul. Back in Lusaka, Paul was still hurt with Maria gone. He could walk in his room and look at the clothes Maria had left. Grabbing one of the dresses he loved, he held it close to himself and cried. . "I miss you so much even when I don't want to," he whispered. "How am I going to forget you " he asked himself. He was lost in thoughts when baby Paul was brought in from school and he ran to his father's bedroom. Paul had enrolled his son in pre school. "Dad! " Baby Paul shouted hugging his father who lifted him up."How was school sonny" Paul asked kissing his forehead. "Fine" the boy responded with one word. "I want mommy," he told his father. "Where is mommy gone to?" He asked making a face. Paul sighed, the baby had been asking about his mother since she left and he was running out explanations. "She will be coming soon okey?" he assured the boy . "Mommy will be back soon" he said again echoing his own lying voice in his head.Realising how much the child was being affected. Days went by and Tasha had made herself a regular visitor to Paul's house claiming to be visiting Grace who had moved in to stay with Paul. As Paul walked out taking his son outside he found Grace and Tasha seated chatting and laughing. . "Hi!" He greeted Tasha and walked on. "Paul!" She called him back. "Yes Tasha," he responded looking at baby Paul who was already running to the door. "Paul am sorry for what happened to Maria, I really learnt to respect you guys you were doing great together" she said holding Paul's hands. "Yeah, I guess you two are happy now right? What are you going to say now? That you were right and I was a fool huh?" He asked looking at both Grace and Tasha. "Come on cuz.. we women we understand better a woman than you do. That girl lost it the moment she joined prostitution you don't just pull out from such, it was bound to happen sooner or later." Grace smiled. "Well good for you I guess" he spat and walked out leaving Tasha still standing. "Oh that girl is a witch" Tasha spat going back to her seat. "It's like she put a spell on him or something, it's been over 3 months now but he's still tied to her." "Well patience my friend. What matters is that she's out of his life. It's just a matter of time he will come to realise the good in you and will forget about that girl," Grace responded. . "I told you the plan will work, trust me dear. Paul is all yours and soon you will be the woman of this house" she added. Tasha smiled, " I really appreciate what you did for me Grace, I don't know how to thank you." Grace smiled, "well I wouldn't let my good cousin get married to a street slut my dear. You deserve him and I will help see to it that you guys end up together" she added.

u are very stupid to think u we decide for him Grace,u an Tasha we soon have problem an things we be open,I pity Paul who is blind

The_Changing_Tides_19 Months had past and Maria was settled, she had managed to get herself a self contained room for rent in the township near town and she had enrolled to continue her night school in grade 10. Every day that past Maria worked hard both at work and school. She at least had that opportunity to talk to her son everyday during the week. She always called Chanda during the day and she would talk to baby Paul. "Aunty, this house is not the same since you left" Chanda would complain.. "this cousin to the boss has come to stay with us and she's so mean I fail to understand her. " "Well" Maria sighed, "what do you expect? People can't be the same. I only hope she's not mistreating my son Chanda, otherwise I won't take that. Even if am struggling here I will have to come get him." Maria told her. "Of course not, she barely has time for him and you know how the boss is he wouldn't tolerate that and I promise you if she does even a small thing to hurt him, I will ran to tell the boss don't worry yourself." Chanda promised making Maria Smile "Am glad to hear that Chanda thank you so much for being there for my son. I really appreciate it." After cutting the line, Maria sighed pushing away the shoes from her feet. She had knocked off early that weekend and she decided to spend the whole day resting and studying. She was just starting to doze off when she heard a knock on the door. Standing up, Maria wiped her eyes as she walked to the door. "Hey!" Musonda the neighbour, who was staying in the main house, as Maria was renting a quarter in the same yard.. called her out with a wide smile. He was the one that had tried befriending Maria apart from the work mates from the shop. "Hey Musonda," she responded. "I noticed the door was a bit open and I assumed you are home now. How was work today? " he asked folding his hands. . "Well I love the fact that it was half day today and I have to rest and do some studying" she responded with a laugh. "That's good Maria remember last week you promised you would go with me to the games I told you about, well it's today and am ready." He added looking at Maria who was clearly not ready at all. He knew she had forgotten as he had tried to get her out for some time but she always gave him an excuse. "Oh my God, am so sorry I forgot that " she said pressing her hand in her head. "Well, we still have about 30 minutes before the game starts you can just change from that chitenge and and put on something appropriate" Musonda insisted. Maria looked at him and sighed, the guy was so persistent and she knew he wouldn't take no for an answer. He was a good looking guy working with Sabol Ltd a company that supplied mines with heavy equipment and machinery. From the look of things, Musonda was doing great. He drove a big vehicle and his looks showed that he had good earnings. Despite all that, Maria never paid attention to him and only took him as a friend. He was always jovial and made her laugh most of the times. "Even if I know nothing about rugby, I will go with you because I promised , " she smiled at him walking back inside. "Please come in and have a sit" she called him out. Musonda sat in one of the two and only seats that Maria had in the room. She had divided the room with two big and thick curtains. Maria quickly changed into a jean trousers and a t-shirt. She patted her face with some fresh powder and used some coloured lip gross before moving out. . "I think we can now leave" she smiled at Musonda who was busy scrolling something on his phone. He raised his eyes and looked at her, "wow that was quick" he smiled, " I expected more minutes from a lady " he teased standing up. "Well, consider me a new version of a lady" she laughed walking him out. Musonda looked at her figure and smiled to himself, the lady before him was definately beautiful and he wished she was more open with him and maybe he would ask her to be his girlfriend but her straightness made it so hard for him to take a step in that direction. Maria sat down and watched as Musonda and his team ran into the field, the game was to begin and she sighed anticipating how the game was even played as she had never seen rugby before. As time went by and some people cheered Maria found herself feeling relaxed and was enjoying watching the game . She smiled at Musonda who waved at her his hand lifting his muscline hand. She waved back at him and smiled clapping her hands for him. When the game was over, Maria was busy looking at a text from Doro where she was telling her how her boyfriend was in some kind of problems with the police. . "Hi! So?" Musonda asked bringing Maria to with a start. . "Well not bad" she nodded her head. "I think you played well" she smiled at him as he sat next to her. "it's a nice game if only I can learn the rules and know when you make a mistake instead of thinking you were perfect" she teased him. Musonda laughed so hard he held his mouth. "That's something" he smiled chuckling. "Yes" Maria told him, "I want to know if you are good or not but it's hard to tell if I know nothing about the game " she added laughing. "Mmmh I gues I will have to teach you then," he smiled letting his hand loose on hers and withdrawing it quickly when Maria's smile faded and she looked at his hand on her. "Was that all? we can go now?" Maria cleared her throat avoiding the glance from Musonda's eyes. "Oh not yet, there's another team coming up soon, look!" He shouted facing the field, "they are almost starting now" he added. Maria leaned back in the seat. "Okay, lets watch then.." she smiled at him and looked back to the field. "So your family is back in Lusaka? " Musonda asked her as she kept her eyes on the game going on. "Sort of..." she responded without turning to look at him. "Sort of?" Musonda asked. "Maria, I have come to know you for almost 6 months now and it's like everytime I ask something a bit personal you turn it down. Why is that? " "Oh Musonda, some things are better left unsaid" she responded sadly. "I came this far away from the people i know for a reason dear and that's not something I really like to discuss. Maybe some day but for now please let it go.." she added turning her head to look at him. "Well Maria, you know am your friend and you can count on me, I hope one day you will trust me enough and open up to me" Maria smiled at him and patted his hand, "thank you Musonda. You are a great guy and I know you have a big heart too" she sighed taking back her hand. Weeks went by and Maria was always keeping herself busy and had updates from Chanda on her son. The year was over and new years day past. Maria spend most of the festive season days at church and even when Musonda tried to persuade her to go out in the night with him, she refused. She however invited him for a service at her church and when they were seated with him in the benches waiting for the priest to arrive, Maria looked at an elderly man walking into the church who so much resembled her father. "Musonda" she whispered to him as the man walked to sit at one of the benches in the front. Musonda bend his heard to listen to her, " I think that man's face looks familiar" she whispered to him. "Who? He resembled who?" He asked. "My father, if he was younger I would think that man was my father." "Well, maybe he is family" Musonda whispered back. "Where is your father now? May be you can call him and ask if he has any relations here, you might not be all alone in Kitwe after all" Musonda added with a shrug. Maria looked at Musonda and her heart beat fast, "you may be right Musonda, though i can't call my father cause both my parents died years back" she said sadly. Musonda looked at her surprised, "oh no, sorry Maria" he said holding her hand. " You never told me anything so I had no idea." "Yeah," Maria smiled sadly, "it's not your fault dear but I will tell you the story when we get home. But before we leave church today i have to talk to that man, something tells me his not just a stranger. It's like I know who is and the instinct is so strong," she added as the bell to indicate the priest was entering church rung and everyone stood up. Musonda looked at her anxious face and wondered the tale behind Maria's mystery was. He knew if she trusted him enough to want to tell him something about herself then it was a good sign. He followed suit and sat down as everyone sat back in the benches. He was not Catholic but was familiar with the Catholic way of worship. After mass was over, Maria saw the man she was waiting for greeting some other men of his age and she stood by Musonda's vehicle waiting to go to him when he was alone. "Here he comes," Musonda announced from the car window. " Do you want me to go with you?" He asked her. She looked at him and back at the man, "no, I think I will be fine dear, thanx. Wish Me lucky thought she smiled nervously. "Am actually having sweaty hands" she told him. Musonda shook his head. "Go now Maria, that man is almost walking out the gate " he told her giving her a small push on the shoulder. Maria gained courage and her mouth went open when she was close to the strange man. "Excuse me sir" she started standing opposite him as he stood to look at who called him. "How are you young lady?" The man smiled gently and Maria froze. Her voice couldn't come out, she felt so numb in her legs. " The voice" , she shouted in her head speechless. "Hey , are you okey my child? " The man asked her when Maria stayed quite for some time. Maria came back to her senses and looked at the man before her. "Am so sorry sir, I thought you looked like someone I know but I was wrong " she told him and ran back to Musonda's vehicle as the man looked at her surprised. "What?" Musonda asked her when she sat down panting in the passenger seat. . Maria stayed quite and Musonda got concerned, "Maria!" he shook her. "Are you okey?" he asked seeing tears running down her face. Maria looked at him tears falling. "That man sounds just like dad. His voice, seeing him so close felt like I was talking to my father and I couldn't get myself to ask him anything cause I was almost breaking down in front of him " she explained crying. "Musonda my family died in a road accident when I was only about 11 years old. I was left all alone without any relatives. My parents married without the concert of their parents and they were somehow disowned. I never knew anyone else from their family's Musonda." She explained to the Musonda who was watching her shocked at what he was hearing . "But Maria, who did you live with after the fatal accident?" he asked her.. "Well I stayed on the streets for 5 years but its a long story how I got out. I got pregnant and now the father to my child got my baby we are no longer together so I moved here to have some kind of start over " she explained... "Wow! That story is so touching Maria and am sorry for what you have gone through . You have had it the hard way and I promise you I can't even understand what you have been through but I can say for sure that you are a strong woman . You are dertermined to complete your secondary school and I know you will make it through life. " Musonda said Looking at Maria as she closed her eyes and leaned on the seat tears falling. "It's been so hard I never want to remember the pain I have been through Musonda. My only hope is my son and now I met this man who has just reminded me of my parents. I don't know what to do. " "Well ," Musonda held her. held "You will have to ask that man one of these days and just know for sure. It wouldn't hurt to try right?" He asked her as she removed tears from her eyes with a piece of tissue he handed her. "I will help you to find that man and am sure since we saw him here he will probably be at church again" he added. Maria looked at him and sighed. "Thank you for being here " she whispered honestly . " You remind me of my friend Jake" she smiled. "Well I hope to be more than him" he teased starting the ignition. "We can go now, are you feeling okey?" he asked, as the car started moving. "Yeah, thank you" Maria sighed putting the seat belt on.

hmm what if he ur father,may God help u find the man again,next please

CRYING BLOOD,BLEEDING TEARS * 21 STANLEY These people do not know me. They just cannot be taking me for granted. I am a joke to them. It's nice. I drove to Venda and went to Mashudu first. She was staying in some B&B there. When ii got there she was home. Great. I picked the door and entered. Money makes the world go round so it was easy for me. Everyone is probably wondering how I know all that is happening well...I have been keeping tabs on Ethan and Mashudu. I used to be a gang leader and left that life when I wanted to be legitimate in all that I do. Well until now when I found out these two were taking me for a rollercoaster ride. I got there and picked her up and walked with her to my car and put her in the backseat. She was sleeping so peacefully. I walked back and closed her door then drove home. I came out of the car and locked it then walked inside the house. Ethan was shocked to see me standing there. He looked like he had seen a ghost. Who knows...i might just be his worst nightmare! Ethan: What are you doing here? Me: No hello cousin? Nothing? Okay Ethan: I asked you a question. Me: Well I came to fetch my woman.I sometimes wonder why you just don't learn..Should I fuck you up so that you get the message loud and clear or should I just shoot your balls? Ethan: Like you would dare... LESLEY I was only able to come home when they allowed to put Rudzani in the same ward with Ipfi.Stan's car was in the yard Me: Oh great.Now I have to deal with two immature old men. When I got inside they were arguing. Me: Why do you both like following me around.Akere I left you guys to enjoy life.What is it that you want from me? Stan: Chill bro what would I want from a broke ass nigga like you.Besides I'm not gay..I came here to take my woman home. I laughed really loud. Me: Which woman? You refer to that lose thing a woman.On a serious note you both should really stop eating my leftovers though.The very same 'woman' who has been fucking Ethan and then even have guts to come begging me for love back.Aowa Stan learn to differentiate between a woman and an immature girl.I really do wish that you both could leave this place so that I can be in peace.I was really living in peace before you came with your drama.. Stan: I do not wish to stay in such filth thank you..And you (pointing at Ethan) Stay away from Mashudu or else I won't hesitate to do exactly what I said I will do.Im not bluffing. He walked out. Me: Its about time you also leave Ethan.Sharon must be waiting for you. I walked out to my room to sleep..Its been a long day and all I want is for the night to pass so that I can go see my women at the hospital. The following day I woke up and I found Ethan smartly dressed. Me: Good morning. Ethan: Hey bro.Can we talk? Me: Sure.I still have time before going to the hospital. We sat down. Ethan: I know I screwed up.I know all I did when we maturely grew up was to take away every girl you had.I have learnt my lesson now..I want us to be brothers again.I want you to trust me.. Me: actions will have to speak louder this time. Ethan: Oh Me: Yeah. Ethan: I'm leaving..can I have my car keys? Me: Yeah sure. ' I gave him the keys.He stood up then left. I have ran out of money.How will I get to the hospital now? I went to search in my room but nothing.I went to search in the room Ethan was occupying and I found a suitcase on the bed. I ran outside to go tell Ethan that he left his luggage but he was long gone. I went back into the house with so many questions. Was Ethan coming back? Why would he leave his luggage behind? I went back to the room and opened the suitcase. I got the shock of my life. I was not expecting to see so much money. There was a letter on top of the money. I opened and it read... ' Dear Lesley I know that you have a lot of questions but I'm not there to answer them. I am sorry for neglecting you at your lowest and I am sorry for not being the ideal brother. With this money take care of yourself and Rudzani. Not forgetting the little one. I am sorry for what I said about her. She's the one for you. Love her. Brother Ethan Ethan What Lesley said made sense and frankly he was telling the truth. I had been jealous of him most of the time and I think it's about time that I talk to my parents about Lesley. If they do not change their mind then they will lose another son. I left Les a lot of money and the way I know my brother, I trust that he will put it to good use. I organised for people to extend the house he's living in now and I have already paid in full and bought the material. We cant be living and enjoying the luxurious life while one of us suffers. I'm not one to pour my heart out but honestly what I saw broke my heart. It hit home. It cut deep. I just can't. I drove into the garage to buy snacks and refill my tank. While waiting I called Les. Les: Brother thank you so much. I wanted to call you so I could thank you but I don't even have airtime. Me: Calm down Les. I've got your back. Always know that. Les: Thank you Ethan. This means a lot. But why the sudden change of heart? Me: Story for another day man. Listen there are people coming in tomorrow to extend the house so please move into the back room and also there's a little something I got to show you how sorry I am for the chaos and havoc I caused whilst there. It's nothing much but it's something. Les: This house is fine and what is this gift that you're talking about. Tell your brother man Me: No let it be a surprise. Anyway check your bank balance. I also transferred some money there and hopefully that will keep you going for some time. The builders have been paid. We will talk soon Les. I love you man Les: You sound gay man. But I love you too brother. I then dropped the call. It felt like the old times when we were still very close. Damn I loved my brother. I still do. I mean...he is my blood. I paid, got into my car and joined the road back... Mashudu Stanley. This man will be the end of me I tell you.I dont even know how I got back here.I was shocked to wake up next to him,its was even creepy because he was looking at me while i was sleeping.He is not the Same guy that I met. He is not the person I pretended to 'fall in love with'. I hate him.I wish he was dead. He walked in with a bunch of red, pink and white roses, Fererro Roche chocolates and a bottle of moet. He stood there until I decide to lie down. I felt him lying down next to me. No one said a word as we drifted off to deep sleep.

The_Changing_Tides_20 "Maria come with me we go and deposit the money in the bank" her Indian boss told Maria on a Friday afternoon. "Of course boss," she responded stepping down from the long stool she sat on. Because of her experience with handling cash, Maria was put in charge of the cash till and would also go to make deposits after sales. She quickly removed the apron she wore on top of her body top which prevented her clothes from getting dirty. She sat in the front seat with her boss as he drove to the bank. So how have you settled down?" He asked her? "Well, am doing okey thanks for asking. I was really in trouble coping that first week" she laughed remembering how she had struggled to find a house for rent and her boss had to help find her the bedsitter she was renting now. "I told you you will get used here" he told her with a smile. "Thank you for helping boss" she smiled back. "I was talking to my fiance and she told me she will be coming back next week. She was asking about you," he added looking at Maria. Maria had met her boss's fiance who had gone back to their country to prepare for the wedding ceremony, she was told it would take place in Zambia. "Well thats good, am grateful she remembers me . Say hi to her for me" she smiled as they drove to park by the bank. As Maria was waiting for her boss to come out she felt her phone vibrate and quickly grabbed the phone to answer it . "Helo, Maria what was the name of your father? I mean the fulll names" Musonda asked on the other line. . "Musonda," Maria wondered. "Why are you asking about my father? what happened? " She asked as she stood aside letting her boss pass. "Well I told you I will help you and that's what am doing, I found the house where that man lives and I want to go and talk to him" he responded calmly. . "What?" Maria asked suprised. "Just give me a moment" she told him and walked to her boss who stood waiting for her. "am sorry boss can you give me just a few minutes I take this call it's urgent. I will be right behind you" she added. "Okay find me inside" he answered and walked in grabbing the money bag from her hands. "Musonda what are you talking about? What do you mean you know where the man stays? Have you been following him?" She asked on the phone. . "Easy my dear Maria, I didn't follow him per say. I kind of ran into him two days ago and I just had to see who he was. I didn't want to tell you this until I was sure." "Sure?" Maria asked. "Yeah sure that the man could be some kind of a relation with you." Maria sighed " well what did you find out ?" "To start with I know the man is an Ex miner he retired last year and he stays with his family in our neighbourhood. I think two roads from my house. I thought of going to ask him if he knew about your father but I realised I don't know your dads name" he added. Maria scratched her hair anxious, her heart beating faster. . "I have to go with you Musonda but am still working. Can you wait for me I only have to finish depositing the money and then we are going back to close the shop" she told him. "Good then, let me pick you up, am off work already. Say in an hour?" He asked her. . "That will be okey" Maria agreed cutting the call. She stood for a couple of seconds taking in what Paul told her and she shook her head walking inside the bank to finish up what she and her boss went to do. "So how are you doing with this news?" Musonda asked when Maria sat in the car and he started the car engine. "I don't know Musonda, you know sometimes I feel like I do a lot of running from staff in my life and this time around am not gonna do that, I need this I think. Knowing the truth about my parents and probably finding my roots will be a good thing for my life... " she told him honestly. Musonda looked at her.. "am glad to hear that my dear Maria, that's growing up learning to face the fears of your life head on makes you grow stronger. Sometimes you have to go through harsh patches in your life for you to discover yourself and become brave and better." Maria shrughed, " well, I feel that too. Maybe If i didn't move out of Lusaka after I was dumped I could have not realiaed that" she said sadly.. "You loved him, right ?" Musonda asked her. She looked at him and back at the road. . "He is the perfect man I know , he has the biggest heart, he loved me even when I couldn't love myself. He's done things for me more than anybody has ever done before." She smiled, " he's so good I wonder how he even does what he does." She added. Musonda looked at the lit face of Maria, and knew she had so much love for this guy. He couldn' help feel jealousy but pushed the thoughts away. "Wow, the man is lucky, to have someone who loves him so much. I wonder why someone decided to break you people apart, and why he didnt stand by you" he added his hands on the steering and his face ahead. She smiled slightly, " well I gues we were not meant to be" she sighed. " It's over now and when am done with school next year I plan on going to get my son. I can't just let him have my son to himself he's part of me too" she added. . Musonda frowned, "I think we almost there" he announced as he turned on the road ahead of them. "So do you think it's possible you can love someone again?" He asked after some seconds of silence in the car. She smiled without looking at him. "Well I hope so... I really hope so. " she shrugged honestly. "We are here" Musonda told her cutting the story as they parked in front of a black gate. Maria looked around the house, looking at the wire fence surrounding it. "Am ready" she looked back at Musonda and they both walked out of the car. "Good afternoon madam," Musonda greeted the woman who came to open the gate for them. "Afternoon," she responded looking at both Maria and Musonda. "We are looking for the owner of the house, the man," Musonda spoke up. "Oh well, come on in he's my elder brother" she smiled letting them inside the gate as she opened the it wide open for them to drive in. "They were ushered in and shown some seats in the wide sitting room, Maria sat down nervously looking around the room which felt calm and peaceful. There was some familiarity with the scent in the room. That scent of a home. One with some sort of serenity. She looked at the cross of Jesus hanging on the wall near the window and a portrait of Mary knowing that was an indication it was a catholic home . Maria's mind wild as she remembered years back when her father asked her to start catechism lessons. Her father never really went to church but Maria and her siblings were made to go to Catholic church while her mother continued with pentcoast. . She recalled how her father always told them he was from a home with strong Catholic faith. She was lost in thoughts thinking about her parents when the man she had seen before entred the room and cleared his throat before greeting them. Maria turned her head and her eyes met the man's. "Am fine thank you" she tried to smile. The man recognise her, " have we met before?" He asked her with a wrinkle on the face like he was struggling to remember where from. Maria smiled again, " yes sir, I stopped you at church a week ago. " "Oh yeah! " The man exclaimed relaxing in his seat. "I remember you. How are you my child " he smiled his facial expressions reminding Maria of her father again. "Well sir, we came here because this lady here has some few questions to ask you," Musonda started looking at Maria. "Go on dear" he nodded to her to encourage her. Knowing how nervous she was. Maria sat up and cleared her throat. "Um am, I came to ask if you know of someone from Lusaka" she's started stammering.... "From Lusaka ?" the man asked, "Yes Maria sighed rubbing her fingers as sweet built up and her heart beat so loud she thought everyone could hear it beating. "The thing sir is that, am a daughter to Mr Kenny Ngowani and Beatrice Mambo, am the only surviving relative as my father and mother together with two of my siblings died in a traffic accident about 10 years ago" she explained as the man listened to her. At the mention of Kenny Ngowani the man lifted his face and looked at Maria his mouth open. "What? Did you say Kenny? " He asked her his eyes wide open. "Yes that's my father" she nodded. . Instead of responded the man stood and walked to the other room and came back holding a photo In his hands. . "Is that the man?" He asked giving Maria the photo. "Yes," Maria agreed at the first instance she looked at it. Her father and the man took the photo together, though he looked a bit younger, Maria identified his father. "So you mean you know my father?" She asked him surprised. . "My name young lady is Kenny Ngowani. Am speechless right now because that man in that photo is my son. The son I lost years ago because of some misunderstandings. I named him after myself" he continued. Maria looked at the man before her and stood to walk to the window like the air in the room wasn't enough any more. "So all these years you were here and here I was thinking am all alone in this world. " Maria spoke as tears started forming in her eyes. "My child you are my blood, if you are kenny's child, you are definately my grand daughter and this is shocking news" he added. Maria looked at him. "Well, this is really something and honestly I didn't expect this. I just saw you resembled my father and now that I know you are my grandfather I really don't know what to tell you sir " she shook her head. . The man smiled sadly.. "oh my child you won't understand it's a long story. believe me if I had known you existed I could have looked for you a long time ago. Look at how you ended up paying for your parent's sins. Being all alone in this world at the age you were left I can imagine is never easy" Maria walked to sit back when the man narrated how it all happened, after she told him her parents where gone and that she had struggled to reach were she was. "My son was a good boy, a dreamer of something big.. he wanted to become a Doctor. When he completed secondary school he was admitted to study with the University of Zambia. After coming back from his A levels studies, Kenny came to tell me a story about him wanting to marry this girl he met. As a father I told him he had to wait until he completed his education and later on he could go on and marry the girl. Your father thought I was being so hard on him and told me to my face that he could do jobs and take care of his wife. My late wife may her soul rest in peace and myself tried all we could to make him reason but he was so bound to do things his way even after I threatened to stop paying his tuition fees. We didn't know that he had made your mother pregnant back then, and according to them your mother was a strong Pentecostal member and she never wanted people to know she got pregnant before marriage. She had also just completed secondary school. Later, Kenny disappeared and we looked for him everywhere. I even paid tuition fees for his second year in school hoping he would return but he never came back. As a father I was so disappointed with this behaviour. The time I met him in chingola he was looking so poor and worked as some casual worker in the mine and when I went to him to try bring him back home, your father made it clear that he wouldn't come back to people who didn't respect his decisions. To cut the long story short, the last time I saw your father we had exchanged a lot of words which am not proud of now. I actually somehow cursed him in my words and the time I heard rumours he was dead I felt bad that we never had time to renconcile. In fact I came to know of his death 2 years later and had no idea he relocated to Lusaka. " the man narrate. Maria was quite listening to her grand father, the news she just heard making her realise that somehow her misfortunes where engineered by her parent's past mistakes. "I had no idea you even existed my child thank God you found your way home. I never got to meet your mother or her parents too. Am so happy you came by" added seriously. "You are my child and I promise to help you in whatever way I can to better your life. God has just given me a chance to make amends with what happened with your father." He smiled holding Maria in an embrace they both cried. He let her go and sat back down looking at Musonda. "And you young man, who are you ?" He asked turning his attention to Musonda who was quite all this time. "Am Musonda sir, a friend to Maria we stay in the same compound within this township" he explained. "Well thank you for helping bring my child home. Am really happy right now I don't know how to express this." Mr Ngowani called his sister and the other people in the house and introduced Maria, as Everyone smiled and greeted her, asking her one question after the other. Maria gave some of the details of her past life and by the time they finished catching up they realised it was late and Maria told her newly found grand father she would visit them the next day. he insisted she went over to stay with them. And Maria promised to think over it. A feel of relief clouded Maria as Musonda drove her back home. " Thank God you brought me here" she thought to herself.

wow! God always protect his people an direct them to the right part,I'm so so happy for you

The_Changing_Tides_21 "I have to go and see my son, Musonda, I can't stay at peace knowing his not okey." Maria panicked pacing around Musonda's living room. She had just been informed that baby Paul was seriously ill and he was taken to the hospital. "Have you talked to the maid to find out which hospital?" Musonda asked her holding her hand to comfort her. The two had become so close with Musonda starting to think Maria would any time give him a chance. he had told her one day how he felt for her. "Maria, I know you somehow still love the father to your child. But am asking if you can give me a chance to love you. You are a great person and over the time I can't continue pretending am okey with just being friends. " he poured out. Maria, looked at him with a sigh, "You are a good man and am glad you have stayed by my side and helped me cope especially with my new family, but I can't promise you anything at the moment. Am not ready Musonda and I don't want to hurt you nor our friendship. " she responded. "I understand, I just wanted you to know and I want you to take your time and when you are ready I will be here waiting," he had smiled. Now seeing her so worked out, made Musonda feel for her. He was in agreement with Maria's grand father who had suggested Maria goes back to get her son and came over to stay with him. Maria was reluctant knowing going to Paul wouldn't just mean re-living her past but that it wasn't going to be easy to convince Paul to let the baby go. Picking some fight with Paul was the last thing she wanted.. "Well if you want to go then, I will take you myself tommorow Maria," Musonda told her. She had moved out of the quarter and was now staying with her grand father after writting her final grade 12 exams.She however didn't stop her work. "Are you sure? " She asked him. " I wanted to get with the morning bus tomorrow I think it's best you stay back Musonda I really don't want to bother you" she told him. "We are friends my dear, if I can't be there for you when you need support then what kind of friend am I? Just prepare yourself and I will come pick you up tomorrow" he told her. "If you insist my dear," she shrugged. "Let me head back home then I tell my grand father, you know how he is with such issues I hope he won't start his preaching of me going to grab back my son. " "Well what do you expect Maria, he's just trying to take the place of dad in your life and am sure he wants you not to make the same mistakes he made with his own son, your father" "Yeah , you are right my dear. I will have to do that but for now I will let it be. It's the health of my son am worried about for now" she sighed as Musonda handed her a glass of pure juice drink. In the evening before Maria went to bed she called Chanda's phone to find out how the baby was. . She wondered what was keeping her from answering her calls as the phone rung until it cut. Trying again, Maria heard Paul's voice on the other side. "Helo!" He responded. Maria was quite for a while, she had not yet heard from Paul since the last time she saw him over 3 years past. According to her, Paul never knew she always called and sometimes talked to her son. "Helo," She answered finally. "How are you?" she asked just to find a starting point. "Am okey" Paul sighed. "Is Chanda around, am just wondering why you have picked her phone instead" she asked him. "She went by the road side to get something." "Okay then, I just called to ask about the baby she told me he's not well and am so worried. Is he out of the hospital?" She asked without giving Paul a chance to say another word. "We came back this evening he's better now. He had a fever but he's doing fine after the injection" Paul told her. "Okay thank you" Maria sighed quickly hanging up. She went to sit down on her bed holding her mouth, the sound of his voice echoing in her mind. " Oh my God!" She whispered. "That man really got me, how can talking to him after all these months feel so good and scaring?" She wondered Paul looked at the phone in his hands, the voice of the woman he had fought to forget over the years leaving his body feeling weak. He had come to know that Maria used to call Chanda his maid. He had come home one day, and found Chanda talking on the phone. What drew his attention was the voice of baby Paul who he heard answering the phone when Chanda gave him the phone. "Am fine mommy, when are you coming" The boy asked as Paul listened. "Yes, a cake, okey!" The boy went on and Paul had called him afterwards. "Paul, who did you talk to on the phone,?" He asked the boy who was busy smiling. "Mommy!" The boy jumped excited.. Paul later on confirmed the issue with Chanda and she was made to tell him that Maria had been calling since she went away. . "What does she say when she calls and where is she?" He asked "Sir she only asks about the baby and nothing else I promise," Chanda answered scared her boss would be upset with her. "It's alright Chanda, go back to your work" he told her and sat back wondering where Maria was. . After she left Paul had taken some time to go round the clubs hoping he would see her even at a distance , even when he knew it would hurt him. he thought seeing her drunk or with another man would get him to have the more reason to move on and forget her. However Paul was surprised she was no where to be seen, it's like she had disappeared from Lusaka. He felt the urge to go and ask her friend Doro but later on changed his mind. Unfortunately even Chanda had no idea where Maria was as she told Paul, that she only talked about the baby and Chanda had never bothered to ask where Maria was . Chanda followed Maria's plea to not tell Paul anything if he ever asked and so she denied knowing her whereabouts. Paul was faced with the past after talking to Maria, recalling every detail about the happy moments they had in the past. Over time, he had torelated Tasha into his home and whenever she came in the name of seeing Grace, Tasha always rubbed herself around him .some times they ended up having sex and Paul took it casually without attaching any seriousness to it. But of course that was a big issue with Tasha who thought the game was hers now. He recalled the words of his sister Margret who told him if he had to move on in his life, he was to decide to start his life anew with another woman. "It's unfortunate you guys couldn't work things out but I can't Judge Maria so much cause I don't know the side of her story. " "Welll sister," Paul responded " the side of her story is simple. She choose to go back to her old life over my love for her and her child." "I don't know Paul" Margret had told her, "all this doesn't really add up for me. It's just crazy that after some time being happy together and Maria deciding to do school and work that she would just turn back and go back to prostitution? It doesn't make sense at all. And the fact that the day you claim she had disppeared on you, you were on the way to pick her up. I don't really know my dear brother, but this whole thing is just too, I don't know" she shook her head, "unreal'" she said looking at Paul. That day when Paul went home he too gave it a thought and somehow reaslised that maybe he had acted so much out of anger and if maybe he had given Maria the chance to clear things out things could have been better. But everytime Paul looked at the video and photos of Maria Naked with another man and the drunken state she was in last time he saw her, Paul convinced himself there was no way Maria could just be innocent, it didn't make sense. The day after, Paul had gone out to see if he could maybe talk to Doro and find out what she knew since he didn't give her the chance to say a thing the last time he saw her. . Doro was at her house washing when Paul drove in her yard. She wiped her hands with a dry cloth and clapped in awe. "well, well, look who the morning wind has blown to my home" she smiled teasing Paul. Paul sighed, "how are you Doro? " he asked instead . "Just spit it out already" Doro snapped angrily " I thought you don't mingle with prostitutes anymore, what the hell are you doing here?" she asked him. "Oh I see you are bound to live by that huh?" Paul asked her getting down from the car. "I just came to see how pathetic you and your friend are doing with the kind of life you choose but I see it already you are not ashamed at all." He added. Doro looked at Paul in silence. She smiled at last. "You know what Paul, i respcted you so much as a man. I even thought you are one of the kind but now I see you are just like any other man. You have the audacity to stand there and judge us? Especially Maria when you have no slight idea of what happened to her. you of all people should know how you had a hand in destroying her life. Well, am sorry if you came here to look for Maria so that you can remind her of the pain you caused her and tell her she's cursed like you told her before. am sorry to disappoint you. Maria is not here and you will never see her again. Just know one thing for sure. You and that evil girlfriend of yours will never bring her down again. She's standing up for her life and right now she's in good hands." She added as Paul looked at her, her words getting to him. Without another word Paul went back to the vehicle and as he reversed to drive away, Doro went close to his window. "One more thing Mr, next time you decide to choose a girl learn to choose them for who they are and not what they show off in your face, I guess you aren't that dump to choose unwisely" she spat and went back to continue her washing. Paul shook his heard and drove off echoing her words. Somehow wondering where Maria was if he would never get to see her again. After going through all these memories, Paul went to check on his sick son who had fallen asleep. He's fever had dropped a bit and he sighed in relief. The doctors had told him baby Paul had some kind of infection and that caused some sores in his mouth. Which induced the fever. He quickly rubbed the medicine he was given into his mouth and went in to join the baby in the bed to sleep. His mind echoing the events of his memories. "Take care of yourself my child and please when you reach there to see your son, talk to the father so that you can get your son back. You have a family now and there's a home for him here. It's not you alone anymore tell him that," Maria's grand father told her as she stood outside ready to leave. Musonda had gone to pick her up and she had already put her big hand bag where she had put a few of her things in the car already. "By the way, that man there is one hell of a good person." Her grand father added, with a laugh. " I like him as a man and a person. Besides he told me about how he feels. So I don't know what you are waiting for" he smiled. Maria shook her head. . "Grand pa, will see you when I come we have to leave now" she smiled at him ignoring his last comment. " And I will talk to Paul as you have said " she assured him and left leaving him watching. "We can go now" she told Musonda who was waving at Maria's grand father.. "now I know where you get some of your good traits from" he told Maria as the car drove out of the yard. "That man is a good man and over the months I have known him I know he loves you so much. You are blessed to have found him" Maria looked at him and let a laugh.... "What?" He asked surprised.. "Well guess what? He just told me exactly the same about you" she smiled looking at him. "I guess am a lucky girl then, am always finding good men in my life." She smiled. Musonda looked at her smile, she looked beautiful that morning even though he knew she was sad deep down. He wondered how he was going to help her live past her past as it seemed Maria wasn't as happy as he wished she could be. . "He is going to be okey?" Musonda extended his hand to her shoulder when they stopped at the traffic lights and he saw how quite she had been.. "Yeah," Maria sighed sadly. "I really hope so, am so worried. He has never gotten that sick to end up in the hospital. My son needs me Musonda I can feel it. This is the second time am abandoning him after the time I did that pathetic thing of ...." She couldn't finish her sentence, and he cut her short. "I don't want to hear about how you made wrong decisions and started whatever, please Maria, it's all gone and for me it really doesn't matter, the Maria I know today matters more to me " he told her. "Am content being a friend to this person am seeing now and I can't bear seeing you all sad about your past. It's gone and let it be forgotten. So lets change the subject alright?" He smiled. Maria looked at him and smiled.... "thank you for being my good friend Musonda. I really appreciate it." They talked and laughed the whole way as Musonda told stories to help Maria forget her worry and be at easy. easy She sat up as they drove in Paul's yard. Being a weekend, she knew he was probably home. She had initially thought of asking Chanda to take the baby to her somewhere else but the thought of her moving a sick child didn't seem so good. She knew it would be uncomfortable for her to face Paul again but Musonda assured to stay by her side. "I know this is hard for you Maria but am here for you and I promise you I won't let anyone say or do anything to hurt you. You are my best friend and I wlll do anything for you." He held her hand Maria smiled, " well I really hope all goes well dear am not ready to face your bad side" she teased as she got down from the vehicle. "Lets go now" she sighed walking to the door as Musonda walked besides her.

what a story you have heard Maria

what will be the outcome of this meeting, how much will the heart ♥ ache this time

I wish ur meeting with thm to be good one

Hope Paul won't conclude dat Musonda is one of ur numerous lovers?

The_Changing_Tides_22 Paul was in his bedroom when he heard a vehicle enter his yard. He didn't bother to see who it was assuming it was probably a friend to his cousin Grace who had come to visit her it being a weekend. He was startled by Chanda's shouting and excited voice from the front door. . "Oh my God! I can't believe am seeing you right now !" she shouted hugging Maria. Maria smiled hugging her back. " How are you my dear, you have grown so much I wouldn't recognise you on the road" Maria exclaimed at her. Paul heard Maria's voice and he stood almost running to the front door. He stood numb by his bedroom door, realising what has happened between them wouldn't let him get so excited, he sighed heavily and opened the door to go to the sitting room where he could hear the voices coming from. Standing before his eyes, was a fine looking Maria, the long weave on her head falling on her body top and the leggins down making her look more beautiful that he last saw her. The wide smile she wore on her face making Paul realise and remember how much of the beauty she was. Maria' smile faded when she turned to look at Paul who had stood quite watching her as She talked to Chanda. "Hi... " she greeted him casually. Musonda moved closer to Maria at the sight of Paul, like trying to mark his territory. Paul walked towards them his face expressionless and he extended his hand to greet Musonda who held it and shook it gently. "How are you ? " Paul managed to say to him. "Am okey thanks," Musonda smiled widely. Maria looked at the two guys exchanging greetings and her heart beat faster. The look on Paul's face showed her he seemed to have moved on as the presence of another man besides her didn't seem to affect him. "Well Musonda, this is Paul, the father to the baby, and Paul, this is Musonda" she introduced them. "Sorry we just burged in.. I had to come see the baby I was so worried," she tried to smile. "I hope you don't mind Paul, and if it's so much of a bother, we can take him and I can see him from somewhere else, stay with him for some hours and I will surely bring him back later" she explained looking straight at Paul. "Oh I see, i cannot say this was not a surprise but since you are here already, you can see him. You don't have to take him out after all he's not well as you know," Paul responded. He was still talking when Grace walked from her room and joined them in the sitting room. "Well!, look who decided to show up" she teased. "Now you care about your son all of a sudden?" she shouted raising her hand at Maria. " You surely have no shame Maria, after going awol sleeping with a wagon of men you have the courage to walk into this house to throw your rubbish in this house? What the hell, Paul please can you tell this clown and her whatever to leave this house" she added sarcastically. Musonda charged forward as she finished her sentence, " call her names again woman and you will have me to face" he spat angrily. Maria stepped forward and held Musonda pulling him back. "Come on Musonda, don't give in to her sacarsm, some people are just not worthy it. " "Enough now! " Paul shouted looking at Grace.. " cuz, go back to your room and please stay out of this" he scolded her. "Well" Grace made a face, "don't say i didn't warn you Paul, this girl has always caused more harm than good" she said walking away. "Chanda Please take me to my son now, I came here for him and not to satisfy people's ego" Maria said looking at Chanda who stood quite watching everyone. "Yes aunty he's this way he's sleeping" she told Maria and directed her to the room. Maria held Musonda by the hand and they walked to the bedroom where The boy was. She lifted him from his sleep placing him on her laps as she sat. "Oh my baby, I missed you so much" she whispered hugging and kissing him. . "Mommy" Paul open his weak eyes looking at his mother.. "yes sonny, am here now it's alright you will be fine" she whispered to him tears in her eyes. The feel of a high temperature on Paul's body getting to her skin. "Hey, say hi, to uncle Musonda" she smiled at him pointing at Musonda who stood a step away from them.. "How are you big man?" Musonda smiled holding Paul's hands. . "fine," he responded in a low tone. "Get well soon okey?" Musonda told him still holding his hand as Maria's eyes were on her child. "Let me leave you two alone, I will be outside in the car, call me me if anything" Musonda told Maria after some minutes of watching her with her kid. "That's okay, and thanks for standing up for me there" she smiled at him. "I won't let them get to you" he nodded She removed the things she had bought for baby Paul and handed him some fruits. "Let's go we wash them clean sonny" she smiled putting him down and held his hand as they walked to the kitchen. "Just look at how his face has lightened up after seeing you," chanda told Maria as they went to sit on the couch and baby Paul sat on his mother's laps. "So what did the doctor's say is wrong with him?" She asked Chanda. "Well you should ask me that as am the one that went to the hospital with him" , she heard Paul who just walked in the room respond. . She turned to look at him and sighed. "Sorry I thought you weren't nearby " she told him casually. "What did they say?" She asked him. He went on explaining the condition of the child. Maria lifted Paul's head and opened his mouth to check the sores. "It's a good thing they are drying out now" , Paul told her as he sat opposit them. "Yeah I can see just a few down his throat, " Maria responded. Paul went quite just watching Maria, wondering in his mind who the good looking guy outside in a big vehicle was. Maria looked so good he felt a grip of a mixture of jealousy and hurt in his throat . "Excuse me" Maria sighed holding the now playing baby. it seemed like that's all the boy needed to get well as he had started moving up and down in the room looking stronger. "Am going outside to see Musonda" she told Paul who nodded silently. She walked out without turning back and walked to Musonda who stood talking on the phone. Unknown to her, Paul was watching from the window as she stood next to Musonda leaning on the vehicle. "Hey! " Musonda put the phone back in his pockets and placed his hand on the car facing Maria who's hands where folded. And since his back was on Paul.. this made Paul imagine things and his rage increased. "I don't understand you Paul, " he heard Grace talk from his back. "What's with that girl? So much that even after a long period you still droll over her like a mad person.? " Paul looked at her and shook his head. "Just leave me alone already. I don't want to discuss this with you or anyone else please" he snapped angrily. "Mnmh that guy is surely hot and from the look of things he's so much into her, it's sad how you men are so blind to fall for her" she said with so much jealousy. Chanda who was listening in to the conversation in the kitchen smiled to her self proud of Maria. Knowing so well that Grace and Tasha where responsible for what happened to Maria and the day she over head them talking, Grace had warned her not to say anything to Paul as she would be fired. This made her keep to herself and never brought the issue up to Paul. Outside, Maria and Musonda where talking. "So how was it being so close to him again?" Musonda asked her as she sighed in relief like she was held up when she was inside. "Honestly Musonda it wasn't easy at all. I couldnt get myself to look at him and I have never felt so much at unease in my life. I just had to come out here" she added with a laugh. "You did great I think" Musonda smiled at her holding her shoulder as he mostly did. "I don't know what I could have done if you didn't come with me, honestly you saved me a whole lot of insults and shame here. That Grace has a big mouth and she has never liked me for some reason. " Musonda looked at her... "I wonder why you care so much about him when he makes you suffer so much my dear.i don't like seeing you this sad. I like it when we chat and laugh back home without feeling confined . Get your son already and lets go back where you are free to be yourself and where no one judges you and reminds you of your past... you deserve better Maria honestly, look at yourself, you have it all, the heart, the beauty to capture the attention of any man you want, the brains, you are more worthy than you actually think of yourself " Musonda added still holding her hand. She raised her eyes to look at him and smiled almost shedding tears. "You always say the most catchy things Musonda, it's not really fair that you are stuck with me right now when you are supposed to spend this weekend with the woman who loves you. I really wish it was that easy for me. " "I love you but just as a close friend. Am sorry I can't give you more than that Musonda, I really am, I wish you knew how much I wish day and night that you where the one that my heart beats for..." Maria said touching the top of his hand which was on her. He smiled, " it's easy if you make your heart believe what your mind is saying but not today, it's your baby's day and you need to be with him now and make him have the love of a mother that he missed all this time" he added smilling at her. "I told you am gonna wait, I surely will wait for that day to come when your heart even in one pulse would beat for me." He smiled "So now what next? Are we staying here the whole day with all this tension or you will get the boy we go around town and bring him back later on?" He asked her. "Yeah I think thats the best thing to do, " Maria smiled. "Let me get him then, I will be be back soon" she said walking away as Musonda remained folding his hands his eyes on her. "Paul, we want to take baby Paul out for some time, will bring him back. I just want to be with him, you know after some time apart." She told Paul inside the house. "Mmmh I see," Paul responded standing up facing Maria. "And whose fault was it that he has to live without his mother?" He asked his voice sounding angry. "Am sorry?" Maria frowned. "Yeah you are sorry for what?" Paul answered back. "You choose a life that isn't appropriate for Paul and you think it's whose fault? " he spat. Maria sighed, "oh I see, you have so much anger in you Paul and am sorry I can't do this with you right now, am here for my son and I won't let you insult me or call me names again. There's a man outside waiting, who came all the way with me. And am not going to play this drama with you so if you will, excuse me," she said walking to get the baby changed into the clothes she had got for him. Paul followed her and stood by the door as Maria changed the boy. "Mmmh so you brought that guy here to do what? Make me feel jealousy? " He asked upset. Maria looked at him and shook her head. "And why would you feel jealous for a simple prostitute?" She asked with a laugh. "I told you I came for my son, whatever reasons you have believed that's your problem." She shrugged "Maria" Paul pulled her hand as she walked past him following Paul who was running now excited that he was going out with his mother. Maria looked at his hand that was holding her, "what is it?" She asked without looking at his face. Paul sighed, "am um... where do you stay? " He asked clearly changing the words he really wanted to say. She smiled shaking her head. "Let me go Paul and to answer your question that is not important to you I assume you think I sleep in the night clubs huh ?" She asked with a grin.. Without a word Paul let her hand go and she walked out calling out to Chanda and telling her she would be back with the baby later. "Are you okey?" Musonda asked looking at Maria as they moved out of Paul's yard. "Yeah am fine guardian angel" she teased smiling at him. " So where do we go now?" She looked at him and Paul who was leaning on the window looking outside. " Let's grab some food and then we can probably have some shopping I know women love that a lot" he shrugged. Back at home, Paul walked around from one place to another. The scent of Maria in his nose he couldnt get himself to forget her closeness. What hurt him the most was how relaxed maria was around Musonda and how she easily smiled at him. He recalled being the one doing that to her but he saw that wasn't the case anymore. "Well Paul," he whispered to himself, "what do you expect when all you do is judge her." He tried looking at the video of the naked Maria with another man but this time.. it's effect wasn't as compared to how much he wanted her. He grabbed the keys to the car following them just to see what they were doing together, following them at a distance as he saw them 3 vehicles ahead of him. Paul imagined them may be holding hands or that Musonda planting a kiss on her lips while she smiled. "Focus!" He screamed to himself as the car swayed away from the road a bit.

u no get work

Paul nor go get accident o

The_Changing_Tides_23 Maria and Musonda met Doro at East Park shopping mall, Maria had called her friend that she went to meet them. "We can do some shopping Doro" she told her on the phone excited. "well girlfriend I would love that plus I cannot wait to see this new guy who is wrapped around you" Doro shouted laughing. When they finally met and Maria introduced Musonda and Doro to each other, Doro went closer to Maria as they walked.. "Well, my friend you surely know how to pick them. How dare you play around with such a hottie? " She teased her. "Please forget that Paul already and give yourself to this humble gentleman" she added as both laughed. . "Listen guys, let's eat first cause am starving and you two can go do your shopping whilst the boy and i will be in that toy shop and play around as you do your thing," Musonda turned to look at Maria and Doro who where a few steps back. Sounds good to me Musonda, we can do some Catching up" Maria smiled as they walked on. After eating their meal, Maria and Doro walked on leaving Musonda with the baby. He held his hand and walked to the play shop whilst Paul watched from a distance. Jealousy filling him up. "She said she wanted to spend time with the baby and there she goes leaving him with that clown" Paul whispered to himself angrily. He walked towards them wanting to be close enough and watch Musonda. "So tell me how Paul's face looked so dump when he saw you walk in with Musonda" Doro spoke up whilst they walked into a boutique. . Maria laughed, "well I didn't think he was jealousy at first cause it was hard to tell the expression on his face, but then he came on me asking if I went to make him feel jealousy with Musonda. . I don't understand him my dear. Paul is acting like he's so mad with me at the same time his eyes are saying something else." She added shrugging as they touched the clothes on some hangers. "Yeah he came looking for you some weeks ago, but I don't really know what for my friend. you know me I had to give him a peace of my mind and I told him you were now in better hands. I bet when he saw Musonda he concluded he was the one I was referring to. It's crazy. So now tell me Maria, what are you going to do with these guys? It's clear to me they both love you, are you going to choose the one that had brought some new light in your life or you going back to your first love?" Doro asked placing a dress on her body as she looked at herself in the mirrow. "Well, Musonda is a good man, trust me. He's so good it hurts me that i cant give him what he derseves. But you know if it was that simple I would choose him. But then I come to realise that despite everything, I still love Paul so much that seeing him today was so painful cause I couldn't ran to his arms and kiss him telling him how much I missed him. I don't want to say i would choose Paul again, because it's clear with what you told me about him and Tasha being together again. And the fact that he still believes I went back to my old life. He will never forgive me and so even though that hurts so much am not going to go down begging him and asking for forgiveness for things that I didn't do. Let him find out on his own what really happened back then and I hope he will realise how much pain he had put me through. " Maria explained. "You are right my friend, it's not good you start following him around explaining yourself like you are so desperate. if that man has moved on, do the same too. You have a family now and you have completed your secondary school, with the news of going to a teaching course next year I think you will be better off without this drama around you. Take a fresh start you deserve It" smiled Doro. "Think about it Maria and give Musonda if he trully loves you a chance to make you happy. After all these years of tears , you derseve that alright?" Doro said as the two walked to the counter to pay up for the clothes they had selected. "Here," Maria presented Musonda's credit card which he gave her to use for shopping. "Wow, now that's what I call a gentle man," Doro exclaimed smilling. " Here I am thinking you are spending" , she laughed as Maria put in the pin for the card. . "No way I would buy all that for you" she let a laugh. " Musonda is the one who suggested us shopping so he had to spend" she said as they both laughed out. Musonda was watching the boy as he was riding on a big toy car. He's eye caught the face of Paul at a distance and he smiled to himself. "He's so crazy " he whispered to himself ignoring him. He sat down on the chair looking at baby Paul and waved his hand at him making sure Paul saw all that. Paul wondered where Maria was for almost 30 minutes and he stood there watching his son ride happily in the car. He felt a tap on his shoulder and when he turned to look at who it was he saw Musonda standing straight looking at him. "Wow, you couldn't resist it could you? " He asked him. . "Resist what?" Paul asked shrugging like he didn't know what he was asking about. "Mmmh why are you following us? " Musonda asked with a fake smile. " Go back home and take it easy man, we will bring your son back we are not stealing him away from you. Besides I don't think Maria need stalking her around she's happy right now and anything that reminds her of the past pains of her life is not good being close. " He added seriously. Paul looked at him and his anger raised. . "who do you think you are to say that about me. I made her happy and she knows that, I was the man for her and she is the one that choose a path leaving us out so don't judge me based on whatever you think you know." Musonda smiled, looking back at the boy and noticed he was busy playing.. "Am glad you said 'you used to make her happy' . That's the past man, live on and let her be. She's with me now and am not intending to leave her any time soon. You thought low of that precious woman. I on the other hand look past her mistakes, I don't care about what she did in the past all I want is to make her happy and show her how valuable she is. to me she's a blessing I don't know how you couldn't see that. Well, please if you may, get going now" Musonda added. " I don't want my woman to come back and see you stalking around, you know that's not so much of a good thing to do" he added. Paul shook his head, in his heart he knew Musonda was right, he didn't fight enough to see past Maria's mistakes now that he saw her, he was now wondering how possible it was that, if Maria had gone back to prostitution, how come she looked so good and nothing like she was sleeping around. she was looking far much better than he had imagined and now the coming of the new guy on the scene even made things more complicated. "What? You still here man? " Musonda spoke on bringing Paul to his senses. Paul looked at him and sighed. " I wasn't stalking and am leaving to get what I came for. Just bring my son home in time okey" he said walking away to Pick and Pay pretending he had intended to go there before. Lifting a basket, Paul picked some few things from the shop and headed out to his vehicle going back home. They all met up after another 30 minutes and sat to just talk. Around 17 they took Doro back to her home and Maria showed Musonda where she had stayed before. "That was my home" she said pointing in the direction of her old small house. Musonda smiled, "it isn't bad given the circumstances. Glad you moved out of here, and left the prostitution and every bitter life back here. Otherwise I couldnt have met you" he laughed as they drove back. "So you are supposed to sleep at that house?" Musonda asked Maria. "I don't think so dear. I think the idea of lodging is okay. We can get some rooms at some lodge like we agreed. But you have to give me time to talk to Paul about the baby" she said looking at Paul who had fallen asleep on her laps. "Do you need me to be there with you? " He asked her. "I don't think that's necessary Musonda, let me handle this I can do it alone. Let's say you drop us and look for some rooms as I talk to Paul then I will call you to pick me up when we are done." "Sounds good to me" Musonda sighed. "I will actually go and check on a friend after I book the rooms." Paul was seated as Maria and the boy walked in, he looked at them and hugged the boy who ran to him.. shouting. "Hey sonny, welcome back " he shouted back lifting him. "How are you feeling now?" he asked him placing him on his lap. "I gave him his afternoon medicine, and the whole day he's temperature was normal" Maria told him as she sat down. She saw Tasha and Grace come in to join them and Tasha went on to sit next to Paul, placing her hand around him as Paul figited uncomfortably. "How are you Tasha? " Maria greeted her even when she noticed how she was trying so hard to show off in her face that she was now with Paul. "Never been better," Tasha answered with a wide smile clinging to Paul. Maria smiled back. "Well I brought Paul back, I will come back to see him tomorrow before I leave, I don't know if you can spare some time I really have to talk to you Paul, about the baby," she spoke looking at the unease Paul. "What about?" Grace and Tasha asked in unison. "You can say it right here," Tasha added. "After all we are family right?" She asked Paul. "Am sorry it's between the three of us and has nothing to do with your relations" Maria answered her frankly. "Like I said am not here to stay, I will leave you guys alone I just need this moment with you Paul it's important " she added standing up. Paul sighed, " thats okey you guys don't need to speak for me like am not here," Paul responded looking at Grace and Tasha. . "Come to the bedroom if you don't mind" he told Maria who noded in agreement. "Who does that girl think she is to come here like that?" Tasha snapped angrily.. "You should have seen that man she came with," Grace answered. "Well as long as she's out of my way with Paul,I don't care who she ends up with," Tasha shrugged . "So are you going to sit down on this bed or not?" Paul asked as Maria stood close to the door. him went to sit down. "I can sit here " she said, moving the chair in front of her. "I wanted to talk to you Paul, I moved to Kitwe a day after you kicked me out." She started Paul looked down not sure how to face that fact as things had started pointing to the fact that he was somehow rush in making that decision. "Honestly I don't want to talk about us and what happened but the thing is that I moved out of this town and God was gracious to me. He opened the way for me that side. I started working in a shop again and took myself back to school. The most important thing about all this is that I found my family" she explained. . "What? You did? " Paul asked surprised, "how? " Maria smiled, "well he's an amazing God. It's a long story, in short I was made to meet my grand father, the father to my late dad. He stays in Kitwe and I moved in with them some months ago. The main issue i called you for is to ask that I get Paul, he's only 4 years old and he needs me as well.." she paused "I don't know if that's a great idea Maria, this boy is used here and I can't loose him. He's all I have left. No am sorry but no, I won't allow you to take him away, remember it was your idea in the first place that I stayed with him because I will take care of him." "I know what I did Paul, that time things where different and I wasn't in my right senses. I have changed now and the fact that I have a place to call home and a family, I can take care of our son too. You are a man and you aren't home all the time like I would be .just think of it, are we going to let the maid raise our kid? Who knows what will happen to him when the woman you are going to marry won't treat him well while you are away. Please understand, let me have the kid and he came be coming to visit you once in a while" Maria added calmly. "I can do this am ready for him and am sorry if you don't trust me anymore. But I wouldn't do anything to put my son's life in harm's way. " she added Paul stood up and went to stand next to the window without a word for some minutes, then he cleared his throat. "Tell me Maria, you want to take away our son so that you can raise him with Musonda? Are you seriously saying he's better off with your lover than with me his father?" He asked making a face whilst looking at her. "Oh no, this is not time to play jealousy Paul, I have not said am going to let Musonda raise my son. He's a good friend who has helped me a lot but that doesn't mean am with him. Am talking about myself here and not another person. " she responded "Well how do you expect me to think when you came here together moving around like this happy couple? " he scoffed Maria let a laugh. "Please don't make me laugh. There's nothing between you and me Paul, you dumped me remember? You told me never to come back in your life. well I kept your word Paul and I can see you also did move on. So I don't think any of us should be feeling jealousy. You believed the lies and the plots that people set against me over the love that I had for you Paul, you called me cursed and some things I don't want to mention. So please don't talk about being jealous here, let's just reason about my son" she nodded "Well I saw you drunk Maria, I saw a video where you were with a man in bed naked, what did you expect me to do? " Paul asked still standing. Maria shook her head. "So now what, all of a sudden you believe otherwise?" She asked him. "Well I don't know.... I never took time to think over things and since you said you went to Kitwe maybe you never..... . He didn't finish his sentence and she cut in.. "Oh oh... so because I have told you I started school and work you are convinced otherwise, this is insane" she giggled "Ask yourself this Paul, how did I end up in bed with a man, you say i was drunk, and clearly with some men in a night club. What makes you think that it was all a lie today? That was the same me Paul, the same body. Maybe you are just confused and don't want to see the truth about me Paul, or maybe you are shocked by the fact that another man was actually able to get close to me. Don't worry yourself though. Am not and I will never apologise to you for anything Paul, because right now I don't even care what you think about me. Think am a prostitute or whatever you want all I need is for you to think over this tonight and when I come back tomorrow you can consider my request to get the baby. You saw how he was when he saw me. He needs me and I need him. You say he's all you have got that's not true. You were fine until he came into your life. You have your family and a woman too. Let me have this chance to raise my son full time as I have never got the chance to do so since he was born. Please" she sighed standing up to go. "Maria," Paul stopped her before she left ". Do you love him?" He asked reffering to Musonda. Maria frowned, "he's a great guy Paul," she responded and left without looking back. Paul walked to follow her wanting her to explain more on her statement. But she walked to car which was just getting to the gate. Leaving him standing by the door his hands in the pockets.

The_Changing_Tides_24 The following morning, Paul sat up in his bed. He couldn't really get to sleep as his mind couldn't stop thinking about Maria. Her words ringing in his head. Now he came to understand his sister was right. Despite what he saw he now thought somebody wanted him to see it and from the look of things Maria was innocent after all. "How do I get to her now that she saw me with Tasha and she won't clearly give me a chance to talk about our issues" he thought to . "Oh God I really wish i had realised this earlier on" he thought shaking his head. The thought of Maria being in musonda's arms that morning hurting him. He could see the mahimselfn loved her. He woke up and took a quick bath and dressed up in a casual attire glancing at himself in a mirrow before walking out to the sitting room to wait for her since she told him she would go that morning. He waited and when he noticed it was past 8 hours Paul, went to check on his Cousin, he had not see her that morning and he wondered whether she had gone to church it being a Sunday He heard her talking on the phone and before he opened the door to go inside, Paul over heard Grace as she talked about her plot to make Maria seem she was into prostitution again. "Listen Tasha," she went on. "Paul will never know we planned to kidnap and drag that Maria, as long as it stays that way, be sure that man is yours my dear. Trust me it won't be easy for him to trust her again and that's a plus for you. " Paul pushed the door open startling Grace who didn't expect him. "What? What was that?" He asked walking towards her. "What?" Grace asked throwing down the phone without cutting the connection. Paul picked the phone from the bed and saw she was talking to Tasha. throwing down the phone as it landed on the floor with a crash, Paul grabbed his Cousin by her gown. "Grace" , he said almost in a whisper, "tell me what I heard is not true? Tell me you didn't drug Maria and stagged that plot against her, speak up now!" He screamed making Grace jump with fear. "I know you are talkative and all that, but for you to play me like that is unforgivable" Paul scolded still holding her. . "Am so sorry Paul but I did it for you, that girl is not good for you and all she did was put you through a lot of pain. You derseve better" she added. . "Oh my God! Grace, what the hell, I trusted you as my own sister, we grew up together and yet you didn't want me to be happy? How many times did I tell you I love Maria, she made me happy, we have a son together and we were building our lives so well. My God what kind of evil is this ? What did you people do?" Paul sighed tears in his eyes. "I lost the woman I love because you wanted to satisfy your ego Grace . You judged her even before you knew her. What has Maria ever done to you Grace, what?'" Paul cried sitting back down as he let go of Grace's gown. " She was vulnerable, am the one who destroyed her life and made her pregnant I was to blame for the decisions she ended up making because she had no one to stand by her and advice her in a good way, how could you choose to hurt an innocent person who did nothing to you Grace.? Everyone in the family understood her and accepted us together, what was so hard for you to do the same for me, am your brother Grace you could have atleast thought of my happiness before you destroyed my relationship with the only person I have ever loved" Paul cried. Grace looked at her cousin in tears as he cried like a baby. Realising how much he was hurting. The feel of regret filling her she too started crying. "Am so sorry cuz, I promise I didn't want to hurt you. I love you so much and I wanted what is best for you. I didn't know this will turn out this way" she whispered. "What is good for me huh? So you choose that Tasha as the woman for me Grace. I was with Tasha for years and I never fall in love with her, she knows that, I cant love her because it's not just there. Now listen Grace, Please pack your things, I want you out of my house today. And don't even bother to go to my sister's place because am not going to allow you there. Who know what else you are capable of? You are out of this place and for your own information am the boss of the department at work so you are fired!" He shouted. "Leave my life for good and never show your face here, I really can't stand you" "Please am sorry !" Grace screamed as she followed Paul outside. "Forgive me and please let me keep my job, don't do this Paul, we are family please!... " she cried loudly trying to get hold of his hand but he pushed her away.. "Well, you could have thought about being family when you decided to make my life miserable." Paul responded angrily. "go and stay with your Angel Tasha and tell her if she ever comes near me again she will see the worst of me. Get out! " He scremed pushing her out as Chanda held her chin watching. She shook her head, "well time indeed has caught up with your lies," Chanda thought. She walked to the bedroom to finish changing baby Paul she was just from bathing. Paul went to his room and sat down his strength gone, recalling every word that he uttered to Maria, he could remember her stagger and now he realised it was the effect of the drug. He recalled every moment of that day and how Maria had gonne missing for the day before he received the video and nude photos. Every memory haunting his mind leaving his heart so pricked with much pain and regret. "how am I going to ever face Maria and say I was wrong? How am I going to stand before her and tell her my own cousin ploted against her and I fall for it. Oh God this is so much for me" he sighed wiping his face. Maria and Musonda had delayed going to the house as Maria had gone to visit Margret and her family . She had told Margret her part of the story and she was surprised Margret told her she believed her because things happened in an akward way. After telling her her story about her grand father and the other people of the family she had found, Margret smiled. "Maybe all this was done to bring you close to your family, God has his way of working things for us My dear' she had told her. "Am really happy that you turned out well and you found your family. At least now am at ease knowing you were doing something good for yourself despite what happened with my brother. It's up to you to choose what you what now and am sure Paul still loves you even though i can't ask you to go back to him." Margret spoke calmly. "Find happiness in whatever you do my dear Maria, God has changed your name from shame to blessed. Look at you, even without all of us here he gave you other people to help you and guide you through life. Am so happy for you and I wish you all the best as you go to college." Margaret smiled as genuine as always. "Thank you so much Mam, you are my inspiration. You have managed to put your family together even after the death of your husband and I know God will continue blessing you for the good things you have done for me and other people as well. I lost my mother but God surely gave me you in her place," Maria smiled with tears in her eyes. She had left afterwards and joined Musonda who waited In the car for her. "That one seems so good" Musonda commented as they left. "She is a great woman you have no idea how she helped me out" Maria sighed. "Lets go and see if Paul has made up his mind to give the boy to me. We need to go cause tommorow we are both working." She said looking at Musonda. "Well we just have to ensure we are on the road before 14 hours so we get home in time," he responded. They were getting into Paul's yard when they saw a taxi leaving with Grace in the back. Maria watched as the car passed them wondering about the bags that she saw in the car, unlike other days, Grace looked rather different and Maria wondered what was going on. "What's that?" She asked Musonda as she got out of the car. Musonda shrugged, "well something seems off about her" he agreed. "Am not going in Maria, just sort your issues and we will get going" , he told her as she stood waiting for him to get down. Upon entering the house Maria greeted her son and Chanda. "Where is Paul?" She asked Chanda. Chanda walked closer to Maria and whispered, "aunty, uncle just chased Grace and fired her. He knows about what they did to you. It seems he overhead her on the phone with that Tasha." "What?" Maria asked surprised. "No wonder she looked like that" she sighed sitting down. " Oh my God thank you for vindicating me" she looked up the roof, roof "I knew they had done that to me but I had no way of defending myself. This God is not blind he may take time to answer our cries,but he doesn't forget his own. he has showed me so many times in my life that he is my director and the one who turns my life in the way he wishes and even though it hurts sometimes, all things works good for those that love him." She uttered mostly yo herself. "Sure aunty," Chanda nodded. "I am happy for you. The truth has come to light finally" After minutes of sitting in silence Maria decided to see Paul in his room. He looked up at her as she stood by the door. "Can I come in?" She asked Paul nodded silently. "I just saw Grace leave and Chanda was telling me about the story of her plan ." She started without moving further inside. Paul stood up and went to her standing an inch before her. "Will you ever forgive me?" He asked. " I really am sorry I threw you away and never gave you a benefit of doubt Maria, I hurt you so much hurting myself in return. Please am so sorry my love," he cried kneeling down. "I missed you and it hurt a lot. I can't seem to live without you after those times we had together." He went on Maria's face was wet with tears as Paul held her skirt. She felt all the pain she had felt before coming back afresh and leaving the sharp pain in her heart. "You know what Paul?" She asked him sniffing in the tears . "What hurts the most is not the fact that i was betrayed by your cousin and Tasha. What hurt the most is the fact that you didn't trust me enough to give me a chance to defend myself. the fact that you told me in my face I was a curse and I had brought shame and disgust in your life. You have no idea how much I had to go through your rejection.how long i had to battle everynight with the images of your angry face spitting words on me, that look like I was some kind of waste that you couldn't bear to look at. Well am sorry too. But am not going that path of pain again. I can't just do it now it was too much for me and I fought so so hard to be where I am today and thank God he gave me people like Musonda who looked beyond my damaged self to help me be who I am today" she added as Paul's head remained bowed to the floor. "Please let me help you heal and start over again. I still love you so much and I don't want to loose you" he told her standing and holding her tearly face. " I love you Maria please come back home" he begged. Maria looked at his sad eyes, shaking her head, " am sorry Paul it's not that easy" she cried. "Am sorry but I have to go now." She turned to leave. Paul pulled her back and held her by the waist holding her so close to him. He bend his head and kissed her lips his hands wrapped around her. " I love you Maria.. I really do and I never stopped loving you. Please stay. " He whispered wanting to kiss her again but she slipped off his hands and walked out without a word. She stopped to look at him as he cried standing by the door. " I will come some other time to talk about Paul, today does not seem like a good day for that" she said wiping her tears and running outside. Musonda looked at her surprised, "Maria? What happened did they hurt you?" he asked upset. " Tell me he didn't touch you before I break his face" he snapped opening the door to go inside the house. "No stop ! Musonda please. No one hurt me. Am okey please" she said holding his hand. "Get me out of here, please take me away" she held him and spoke in a low tone. "Are you sure? You look terrible, " Musonda answered furious seeing her so much hurt and in tears. He drove the vehicle in silence as Maria sobbed. Her eyes out the window the blowing winds touching her wet face as she let the tears fall freely. Musonda tried to talk to her but she indicated for him to move forward. He looked at her and wondered what had transpired back there. He had never seen her so sad and he knew it was not the right time to talk about whatever it was. For hours they drove in silence and with every mile they covered, Maria felt more torn apart like the distance was taking away part of her.

nice show ,I like what u did

oh mine,is good he knew now that u didn't do it

The_Changing_Tides_25 Paul was devastated after Maria left. He lay on his bed contemplating what to do next. He could see from Maria's face and reaction that she was trully hurt. "Who could blame her? " He questioned himself. "I was so harsh on her and I hit her so hard leaving her powerless and with nothing." The following day Paul went for work and as he got to the office he found Grace standing outside waiting for him. . "What are you doing here Grace? I thought I was clear when I told you not to come here again. Just go back home and let me talk to the manager so that we can process your benefits and since you only worked for a couple of years don't expect a lot," Paul told her without looking at her begging face. . "I said am sorry Paul you can't just throw me out like that please, Margret told me to leave as well when I got there she said you told her not to welcome me. Please don't do this" , she begged trying to touch Paul's hand but he pushed her hand away. "Leave me alone you traitor, I don't want to see you again!" he scolded as he entered the office. Grace decided to go to Tasha and talk about what happened.. "I hate that girl with passion," Tasha spoke up after Grace finished narrating her odeal. "She's like a bug, she keeps popping up in my man's life like hell. Anyway I won't let Paul go without a fight. He's my man and I was with him first," she shouted angrily. "What are you going to do Tasha? Paul was so clear when he said you stay away from him. I don't think its a good idea to try get to him now he's so upset he will do something crazy" Grace warned Tasha. "Well, who said am going to deal with Paul. No dear, your plan failed, I told you to get rid of that girl permanently but you refused. Now it's time for plan B and this time around am editing the plan to make sure it's effect will be felt, " Tasha smiled wickedly. Maria and Musonda reached home and after dropping her, Musonda had told her he would see her the following day. "calm down and then we will talk tomorrow okey,'" he told her holding her hand. . "Thanks for being with me and for going to Lusaka with me Musonda." Maria whispered to him and hugged him before going into the house. Her grand father comforted her after she told him what happened. "My child, cry no more, am glad you came back here and you were brave enough to face your past with courage. I don't know who that man is or what he does but am certain you are going to make the decision that will make you happy in terms of choosing a man. Musonda as I always say is a good man and if it were up to me I would choose him for you. It seems there's been too much pain and hurt with the father to your child and sometimes that kills the bond of love between people whilst at the same time it strengthens it for ohers. I am not sure which one is your case but all I want is for you not to loose hope. Continue trusting God to guide you to your destiny my child" he told her as Maria sat in the sofa her arms wrapped around herself. She sat looking at the wall when her grand father had left, thinking about everything that had happened. "Grand father is right" she thought to herself, "there's been so much pain between me and Paul. I still love him though but I am not sure I want to get back with him for now, we are both weak in some way and trying to build up from where we stopped from wouldn't be an easy job. Right now I need to concetrate on school and see how I can do something tangible with my life so that I won't have to rely on a man again." she thought nodding her head to herself. Weeks later... Musonda had decided to take some time away from Maria and one day he had gone to play his rugby game. They were practicing and as they walked out of the field, he saw someone waving at him. "What?" He whispered suprised to see Maria standing a distance across the field. He had not expected to see her . "Hey!" He called her out as he walked closer to her. "Hey player" she smiled at him. "You look sweaty" she teased pointing at his bulged and sweaty muscles. "Well I had to burn myself up there" he smiled wiping his face with a cloth. "I didn't know you were coming" he said indicating for her to sit down on the bench. "Yeah I knew you were training today remember I came with you twice. "Yeah!" Musonda nodded. "Am glad you came. I wanted to give you some time to yourself these last weeks to give you the chance to work through your issues. "I know" Maria responded looking down. "You always a gentle man right ?" She smiled as his eyes kept on her beautiful face. "So what's up?" He asked sighing as his face remained facing her. "I have good news" she whispered. "Really?" He asked making a face of excitment. "Yes," she smiled. "I was accepted to study teaching at Nkrumah University and am going in a month's time." "Oh God!" He exclaimed. "Am so excited for you!" he screamed lifting her up and turning as she laughed holding on to him.Putting her down Musonda looked at the laughing Maria. " Wow! Am so happy Maria this is good news" he said smiling widely. "Am going to college! " she shouted lifting her hands happily. "I will study hard, become a teacher and one day help the street kids. I want to build an ophanage for them I want to do something that I will be proud of" she said smiling with her eyes closed. Musonda looked at her closed eyes and smiled pulling her in a hug and kissing her without warning. Maria was caught unaware and as Musonda's grip on her waist tightened she found herself holding on to his sweaty body and responding to his kiss, the taste of his sweaty lips making her feel good which was what she didn't expect . After some moments of a passionate kiss, Musonda held her and looked at her face. Smiling widely." Am not sorry for that" , he exclaimed. " Thank you," he sighed holding her face so that his eyes were set on her. She looked at the dept of his calm eyes his well outline face moustache and his nose which was not so big but big enough to seem to review his inside with a few hairs she could see as he stood taller than her. Her head lifted up to match with his bend face. He felt good and his smile so captivating They were interrupted by someone clearing his throat as they stayed in the position admiring each other. "Sorry for disturbing you," Emmanuel, the friend to Musonda smiled at them. "But your phone has been making some noise for a while back in the dressing room where you left it." "Oh, yeah thanks man" he smiled letting go of Maria. She covered her face laughing when Emmanuel had left. "Am so ashamed" she laughed. "Oh God that was crazy he saw us." Musonda giggled, "yeah am not" he smiled. "He actually disturbed me, that idiot could have waited" he shrugged. Maria shook her head "what are we doing Musonda?" She asked him. "What do you mean Maria, we are doing what we should have done a long time ago but you didn't allow me to." he answered holding her hand. "But I can't do this Musonda am not supposed to be kissing you when... " She couldn't finish her sentence and he cut in, "why not? Don't you feel anything for me?" He asked looking at her. "Let's do this," he continues without giving her a chance to respond. "Lets take each day as it comes. I love you and i told you I will wait. So lets not rush into any final decisions but allow me to be with you. Call it a futureless relationship I don't care as long as you are with me. Hoping by the end of the day you will fall in love with me" he smiled. . "One day at a time Huh?" , Maria sighed. "Yeah one day at a time, " Musonda smiled at her. "Shall we go now?" She asked avoiding his eyes which looked at her with so much passion they made her unease. "Give me a few minutes I get rid of the sweat, probably then I could earn some points " he teased running to the back rooms. Maria shook her head and smiled. He is mad" she whispered. And to her surprise the image of Paul's face came to her mind. She recalled the first time he had kissed her in a drunken state his stern look on her sending shivers in her body. Even with the strong scent of beer Maria recalled how much she had felt good being in Paul's hands. His gentleness as he touched her. She even remembered the pain she felt when he tried to push his way into her and tears rolled down her face. Her heart still screaming. " you still love him Maria! " She was lost in thoughts when she heard Musonda saying bye to his friends behind her and she quickly rubbed off the tears and turned with a smile at Musonda who held her hand with his left arm and the other hand holding the back pack he put on the right. "To my place?" He smiled as they approached his car. Maria looked at him. "Not today" she said quickly avoiding the situation of being so close to him and just being in some room toghether. "Let's go somewhere else to celebrate my admission" she let a laugh as she stepped into the car, Musonda still holding the door open for her. Back in lusaka.. Tasha designed her plot against Maria. she decided to go to Kitwe and face her. "Let me call my uncle and tell him am going to visit him so that I can look for Maria since we now know she works in a shop within town" Tasha told Grace as she grabbed her phone from the hand bag. "Yes uncle, I know and the good news is that I decided to come visit you for some days so will start off tomorrow" she spoke on the phone while Grace watched her hands folded. "You are so welcome Tasha I am glad. I even wanted to ask you to come cause there's something important I had to tell you. It's about your cousin, Kenny," the man on the other side responded. "What? I thought Kenny was dead uncle, what happened now?" "Well just come over I will explain. Kenny's daughter survived and She's here with me now." "Well uncle I can't wait to see her" Tasha sighed. "Will see you tommorow uncle" she said before hanging up. "What was that?" Grace asked her when Tasha sat back down. "Well it's some niece of mine that showed up. My cousin ran off with some woman years back i was still very young but my mother told me about him. Uncle just told me the girl is now there I am not sure how," she added. "Anyway am not going for such issues I have my mission with that Maria and I will be back before you know it" she smiled looking at Grace. "Just feel at home here and soon Paul will take you back to your job Grace be sure of that. " Maria's grand father, called her that evening. "Maria your aunty even though she's just about 3 years older than you is coming tomorrow. She's the first daughter of your aunty Sara here. Her father died two years ago that's when I asked my sister to come stay with me here. " "Oh that's great grand pa. I can't wait to meet her" Maria responded. "Am glad am beginning to know a lot of my family now," she added. "God is faithful. " "sure you will know almost everyone soon enough" her grand father smiled at her. "Yes sure that" she smiled before leaving him as she went back to her room.

Hmm... So, Tasha nd Maria are related? Let's see how it goes.

The_Changing_Tides_26 "So is your young aunty home already? " Musonda asked as Maria lay on his laps. They sat on the couch in the sitting room as Maria had not accepted to do anything more intimate than kissing. Even though everytime Musonda had fought so hard his desires to be with her, he had no option but to respect that. Musonda knew that deep down Maria still loved Paul, he could see how much she avoided the topic of Paul and over the weeks decided to enjoy every moment he got with her. "I hear she's coming this afternoon probably when I get back home I will find her" she told him as she played with his fingers. "So you going to school in a week's time ?" Asked Musonda. "Yeah a week to go" she smiled. "I wanted to go and get my son before I left but then I thought of the fact that he will find people who are complete strangers to him here so I thought it wise to get him when we close," She added. "Well, that's true, maybe you can let him be with his father since he's used to that Nanny there. Then get him when you complete your school. You can be inviting him over for holidays, " Musonda adviced. "See, no wonder I was telling you people i had to think this over, imagine if Paul had allowed me to get him already with the coming of my school the baby could have struggled to settle here" Maria frowned. "I have never asked you this Maria, but this Paul, has he been communicating with you since we came back?" He asked her. Maria sat up, "yes he's been texting and calling apologising but since I don't respond, he has reduced on that" she responded looking at him. "Don't you think telling him we are together now can be one of the things to stop him from doing that? " Musonda asked again. Maria sighed.. "listen Paul, I told you am not even sure with this but you insisted, I can't just tell people about us when even ourselves are not sure of what is there between us." "Well, to start with you just called me Paul" Musonda looked at her seriously.. " and secondary, Paul is not just people he's your ex and so it matters that you tell him the truth and not act like you still waiting for him. I love you Maria and you know that's true. I don't know why you won't give me chance to make you mine already" Maria stood up. " I can't believe we are even discussing this Musonda, am sorry I called you Paul but the fact that Paul is my son's father he will always appear in my life at one point or the other. Let's say we work things out and settle down together, are you telling me Paul's name will just disappear with our son connecting us?" she asked her face serious. Musonda stood to hold her hand. " I didn't mean it that way, am just not happy that despite what that man did to you you seem to choose him over me " he complained. "No man would be happy being shut out by the woman he loves, please understand ." "Well, am sorry Musonda it seems our so called one day at a time thing won't work for us. You know am not ready to give you what you want I can't promise anything for now sorry" she said grabbing her phone and bag to leave. "Come on Maria, please, don't go away am sorry," Musonda pulled her back. "Come here" he said holding her close to himself. "Give me that smile" he said lifting her head. "I can't afford to have you mad at me Maria I can't. " He kissed her gently.. "forgive me beautiful" he whispered. "It's okey," Maria sighed. "Take me home now maybe the visitor is in" she told him trying to move away from him. But Musonda held her back. "Well give me a kiss first" he smiled at her. She shook her head holding him close as she kissed him, withdrawing as the tension between them started growing. Minutes later Musonda dropped Maria outside her grand father's house. She walked to the door humming to a song. Maria stopped frozen when she came face to face with Tasha. "Tasha?" She asked shocked seeing her biggest rival sitting next to her grand mother, the sister to her grand father, ".what are you doing here? " She asked. Her grand father who sat opposite Tasha and her mother, looked at both Maria and Tasha surprised. "Maria, what the hell, what is she doing here?" Tasha asked looking at her uncle. Everyone in the room was surprised at the two ladies. "Do you two know each other?" Maria's grand father asked them. "Um um um. ... " Tasha stammered as she grasped what was happening realising that Maria was the niece her uncle had told her about. "Yes," Maria answered still looking at the shocked Tasha. "She's the one that staged my kidnap and drugged me to paint a picture that I was doing prostitution to the father to my son grand father" Maria explained. even though Tasha's expression Clearly showed her she was screaming for her to stop talking. "This woman can't be my aunty grand father, she hates me with passion and she will do anything to separate me from the man I love so that she can have him to her self, knowing so well he doesn't love her." She added as everyone looked at Tasha. "How dare you say that in front of my mother and uncle. He was mine first and you snatched him away from me. You have always been a slut Maria face it " Tasha said sacarstically. "Well if you are an angel tell me why he dumped you for a poor slut huh?" Maria shouted back raising her voice too. "Stop it you two!" Maria's grand father stood and raised his hands between them. "Sit down now you are not in the streets. " Maria sat down near her grand father and Tasha went back to sit close to her mother her eyes fixed at Maria furious. "I didn't even get to introduce you and you go wild fighting like mad women. What is wrong with both of you? Now listen to me, you two now are family and I don't care what happened in the past, get yourselves together and sort your issues. I will not let you destroy this family over a man. You Tasha is the eldest here so put your mind in one place and let that man go. He and your niece here have a child together and now you are done you hear me?" He asked Tasha. Tasha was quite for a while. "I asked is it clear?" Maria's grand father shouted. "Yes uncle , " Tasha answered in a low tone. "And you Maria, make up your mind already, choose what you want and stop running from your own self. Decide either to get back with that man or stay with Msuonda, you cannot stay in between the two men. Choose already and put an end to this drama" he added seriously as Maria now bow head down. Maria's inner self told her her grand father was right. She knew her being with Musonda whilst her heart was yearning for another man was not a good thing to do but somehow she felt good with the comfort that came with being around Musonda . Not knowing it was somehow her need to fulfil her deepest need for Paul's love that she was looking for in Musonda. The bad part was the fact that, the more she was with him, the more she felt the desire to be with Paul increase. The following morning when everyone was calm. The family sat again and they talked calmly resolving the issue. They decided Tasha would leave Paul and forget about him as it was not possible to marry him when Paul had a child with her niece. Maria was left with a decision to follow her heart and decide for herself whether to go back to Paul after Tasha apologised to her. Maria was not sure whether the apology was genuine but for the sake of peace she accepted it. "I have to do this for myself as well, " Maria thought through the words of her grand father. "If I have to live freely and peacefully I don't need to carry the hatred and hurt from other people in my life." Maria had just finished packing her luggage preparing to go to school two days before she could leave, When she was called that Musonda had come to see her. She walked to go see him and they sat outside at a wide varander chatting. She was busy laughing at what Musonda had said when she saw Paul's car drive in after someone opened the gate for him. "Paul? What are you doing here?" she asked as her laugh faded and her face now displayed total surprise seeing him. Paul walked towards her and knelt down tears in his eyes. "Am so sorry Maria, I can't do this anymore. I miss you a lot I had to come here for you. Forgive me please I was a fool and I acted out of anger saying all that bad staff to you. Please come back to me my love, I can't do it without you .I have tried, God knows I tried and I have failed. Please give my life meaning again," he cried as she watched him in silence feeling his every pain. She turned back to look at Musonda who had stood too watching them. Maria ran back inside the house crying. She couldn't stand the faces of both men before her, the one she loved so much and the one she cared for. She went to her room and stood by the window crying. Musonda followed her inside and stood watching her cry. "Maria," he called her out. She turned to face him tears on her face. "Why won't you talk to him? He's come all the way for you. you can't just run away from him like that. Tell him what you feel" he whispered getting to her and holding her hand. "I can't," Maria cried, "I can't do that Musonda am with you now and I can't tell him what I feel beacuse I cannot lie to his face. I love him so much it hurts to see him like that," she said shaking her head. "He was my first love, everytime i think of anything good about my life it's him that I think of first he stood by me when I was hopeless and rescued me from the hands of death. Am sorry you are a good man Musonda, I care about you so much. You make me feel so good and special but I still love him. Am so sorry I cannot hurt him by lying i don't feel anything for him, you too have been here for me and I hate to make you suffer, I can't" Musonda sighed looking at her. "Come here," he said pulling her close. "I know " he whispered, "I know. You love him and I don't think that will change anytime soon. Don't worry youself My sweet Maria, I won't hold you anymore. Go to him" he said seriously. "Your man is outside go and be happy." He smiled "What ? " Maria asked shocked. "Yeah" Musonda smiled, "I know you love him and even when you are with me it's him you think of. You have called me his name more than once and I can't tell your heart to stop loving him. So now I set you free. Go and be with the one your heart beats for.." he added with a smile. Maria smiled with tears in her eyes, " I don't know what to say to you Musonda I swear you are the most amazing man I know. Thank you so much, " she sighed with relief. sighed "Thank you and may God give you a woman of your dreams" she said hugging him. He grabbed her head and kissed her gently. "Farewell my Maria, go now before I change my mind" he teased pushing her to the door. Maria smiled and ran back to hug him once more and walked to the door. She stood by the door and he shouted.. "go on.. your man is waiting !" Maria ran outside and found Paul almost getting out of the gate. "Paul!" she shouted to him and he turned to look at her. . "Maria?" He asked surprise at the change in her facial expression. She ran towards him and Paul smiled extending his arms as she landed in them crying with tears of joy. " I love you!" She whispered to him and he held her so close squeezing her tightly. "I love you more my love, I missed you so much. So, so much" he said kissing her as Musonda stood by the door watching them at a distance. He waited until the two embraced and kissed before walking towards them. "I hear you made her cry again, even one tear of pain, I will personally come to Lusaka and chop your head off, you feel me?" he looked at Paul. "Thank you man," Paul smiled hugging him close. "Thank you so much for being there for her and for leading her back to me" he added. "Yeah you are welcome, take care you both" Musonda patted Maria on the back and walked out. Paul looked at Tasha who stood next to Maria's grand father and mother who stood watching them. "Thank you" he said with his lips and he held Maria in a hug. She was the one who called him and gave him directions to the place. "You have to come over before you lose her for good" she had told him in the phone. She smiled at him and spoke back.. "you are welcome!. He held her by the waist as they walked to the door. His heart shouting and screaming with joy. It just felt so right having the one he loved in his arms. He couldn't stop looking at her. She lifted her head to see his face and he smiled widely as their eyes met.

hmmmmm Tasha now that Maria is ur sister what would you do ?

wow! I like the connection between thm now

The_Changing_Tides_ 27 Finale. "I need to get my woman back home grand Father, I am not giving away this opportunity again. My family knows her and now you have known me. Later on we can make some arrangements for an official wedding but please I ask that I take her and she will be coming from my place and go to school," Paul explained to Maria's grand father a day after their reconciliation. "Well my son, am glad you settled your things out and I also appreciate the fact that you were there for my grand daughter when she needed it the most. I just want to make this clear though. This woman you are seeing here is my own blood and never think she's alone. I want you to live a happy life I know challenges will be there but learn to sort them as they come together. You are her strenght and so she is yours too. Whatever you do think of the consequences of your actions towards one another, people might want to come between you two but everytime that happens remember where you have come from. Remember to pray all the time so that God will help you overcome." the grand father adviced. "Well, am grateful and so happy I met you grand father with people like you we can never luck wise advice" Paul smiled holding Maria's hand as they sat in the sofa. She looked at him and smiled. Her heart glad he was there with her. She thought of how much they had fought to get back to that moment and she thanked God all things were getting in place. Grace was forgiven by the family and she was too made to apologise to Maria. Who later on begged Paul to help her get her job back at ZESCO. Unfortunately over the years Grace never really found a man to trully love her, she had two kids from different men and none was willing to marry her. Tasha too was lucky she's found a man and they got married a year later. According to some rumors she married the guy she was dating at the same time she went back to Paul. 4 years later... "Well my love, am glad the graduation went on well and now our wedding is days away. You have no idea how happy I have been these past 4 years Maria, I discover so many wonderful things about you and I can't stop thanking God on how lucky I am." Paul said holding his wife as she was still in her graduation gown. "You honey, are a blessing. am the one who is so happy because I have forgotten how painful my past was. Because the joy and happiness I feel covers it all. By the way did I tell you Musonda called me last week? . "he did?" Paul asked. "Yeah he was telling me his wedding was set for next week. Am so happy that man found love honey, he told me he met the girl he dated years back in high school. According to him she was his first love and that she had gone away for studies. Their relationship was cut short over the period but two years ago they somehow hooked up and you know, they decided to pick it up. " "Oh that's great news my love, I really wished that great man to find love and be happy too. He's become a very good friend to us. And now that you have mentioned his wedding am gonna call him so that we do a dual wedding. What do you think?" Paul asked excited. . "What!" Maria asked. " You mean like two weddings in one day?" "Yeah my love, not only in one day but same venue and Church too since you said he joined Catholic we can arrange something" he smiled. "Oh God am so excited' Maria exclaimed "we are getting married and Musonda is too. What a wonderful God. Call him now and let's get this done. I can't wait to be your wife my love" she smiled kissing him. "What's with the shouting!" the 8 year old Paul came to his parents. "You guys are acting like kids" he teased. "Paul, watch your mouth" , his father scolded. "This woman here is mine and the house too I can do what I want at any time of the day shout or scream with her and you my friend won't stop that" . "Well dad, I just came for my promise remember you told me when mum graduates. So please give it already" he shrugged. Paul shook his head. "Spoiled boy it's your mother's graduation and not yours. Anyway since you made me proud by passing number one I am keep my promise. Here, go and open the garrage you will find your new bicycle there" Paul told his son, as Maria watched in silence shaking her head. The boy stormed outside. "Now where were we?" Paul sighed looking at Maria. She shook her head smiling, " I don't like where this is going, shall we take it to the bedroom" she laughed pulling him. "Well I didn't think of that, now that you have mentioned it, I think it's a good idea that we continue this celebration in style" he smiled holding Maria's shoulders as she lead him to their bedroom. A week later, Musonda and his fiance, Paul and Maria had a joint wedding. It was a colourful event and every one wore smiles on their faces. A sign of happiness surrounding them as they danced. The soft coctail music played as the couples danceed holding each other. . "can I have her last dance?" Musonda asked Paul smiling giving his own wife to dance with Paul.. "Well you deserve it my friend. Careful am watching though," he teased as he moved to hold Musonda's beautiful wife. "You are a lucky woman" he whispered to her. "I know Musonda is the greatest of all men I have come to know. Keep him happy will you?" He smiled at her. Maria looked at Musonda for a minute without a word as they danced. "I love your perfume" she whispered. "I always did. You smell so good" she laughed. "What? You are crazy?" Musonda chuckled. "Admit it already am a charmer" he teased as they danced. "Well, what can i say. Am very happy that my guardian angel found love again and I pray that woman there will fill every gap that I couldn't fill in your life Musonda. You amongst these other great people here, Margret and her family, my grand father, that crazy woman Doro who I think God has changed and she's now full time house wife," Maria added with a laugh. "You made my life worthy while. Thank you so much" she smiled. Musonda sighed, " you know what? I still love you and now I love you more that you have accomplished part of your dreams. Be happy Maria, live to the fullest and do the things that matters the most in your life. You have a good man for a husband and am sure from now onwards you two will fly higher together because you have passed through the harsh realities and that made you who you are today, a degree holder and a wonderful wife and mother as well as friend" he smiled. "I want you to know that whatever you do I will support you till the end. And don't tell my wife this, " he teased leaning close to whisper in her ears, " you are a better kisser than she is." "What?" Maria let a laugh. "Go on to your wife you jerk!" she teased letting go of his hand as she went back to her husband. The celebrations ended well and the two couples flew out for some honeymoon. 4 years later. Maria and Paul had 2 more children after her graduation. She was teaching at one of the high schools in Lusaka and she and her husband put up a project together and built an ophanage. With the help of some donars Maria was able to capture a lot of street kids and helped them with shelter and education facilities. She one day stood to give a speech at one of the fundraising ventures for the ophanage. Her husband Paul seated in the front row with their three children smiling. She cleared her throat as she begun. "You know, I really don't know where to begin from. You people gathered here today have no idea how over joyed I am to see this dream come true. I was once like you," she said looking at the direction of the street kids. Who somehow looked at her appearances and from the way they saw her coming to the ophanage driving a very expensive vehicle, wondered how possible a woman like her would say she was once like them. "Oh yeah" Maria smiled at them, " I also once slept under the bridge and in the street corridors of Lusaka, I spent 5 years of my life on the streets, hungry, without proper clothing, feeling the harsh winter winds on my skin till my body could not shake anymore. My hope lost. I as once insulted and spat at because some people thought I was not worthy of anything." Maria spoke wiping a tear from her face. "I want you today to know that everything is possible with God, no man can define who you decide to become in life. God has seen me through the CHANGING TIDES of my life and he took me through them all so that he can perfect what I have become today. I believe he can do the same for you all. I thank God he directed my life towards some great people," she said looking at Margret and Jake seated and smiling at her. "Great friends" she looked at Musonda and Doro, "Great family" she said looking at her grand father, Tasha and other members of the family that were present. "And above all my very own great husband who I call my superman" she smiled tears falling her face. "My children who are a blessing I would never cease to thank God for. Thank you all for being there for me in the most strong and fierce tides and for making me see the light at the end of the tunnel. I love you all so very much God knows I always pray for you to prosper and see his glory." "I wish to add special thanks to my husband Paul, honey, I would have not been here without you. You are my inspiration and thank you for giving so much to help me realise this dream. I love you so much you are my whole, I don't know where I could be without you picking me out of all the women in this world" maria cried as people stood to cheer her up. "Thank you so much" she whispered.. Paul walked and held his crying wife. "I love you more my love. That was great" he whispered kissing and wiping her tears of joy "Thank you all for coming and may those that are giving towards helping these children give generously and only God will reward you for having a heart for them..." Paul spoke in the Mic to conclude the speech. "Come on now my love, from now on let's pray God will make us ready to enjoy the coming tides for I can feel it and I know they are indeed packed with so many wonderful things to come ..." Paul told his wife. "Yeah, I feel them too" Maria smiled at her husband and indicated her kids to go to them as the family hugged smiling. Maria looked up the sky and smiled widely "thank you Jesus!" she whispered. ......... The end...........

thanks for reading

Lovely piece

Nice story. Thanks

nice story

It ended in joy ?