CHAPTER 400: I FORGIVE YOU

"You broke my heart, Joanna..." Amelia’s voice echoed with regret. "From the moment you stop believing in me and addressing me as a vile person, you ruined a relationship so precious. I don’t want to even mention all the pains you made me go through or all the nights I lay in bed crying wishing I could join my mother."

"I’m s...sorry..." Joanna choked on her words, her whole body trembling with grief.

"But you know what, I forgave you a long time ago."

Amelia exhaled as she said those words.

"I forgave you because I realised none of us is perfect–not even me. We all make mistakes. We are all guilty of something if we search deep down in our hearts.".She paused her gaze roving around the guilty faces of her friends. "But at the end of the day, it’s our ability to retrace our steps that counts."

Silence filled the room for a few seconds before Amelia’s gentle voice echoed with maternal love.

"The first step to redemption is acknowledging that you are wrong and trying to make amends. You took that bold step coming down here, Joanna and for that, I salute your courage. I’m happy to see that you are doing well. I’m even happier to see that you are with a child." Tears of joy slipped down Amelia’s flushed face. "You are my sister, Jay and I love you so much. I forgive you and now it is time for you to forgive yourself."

Joanna lowered her head and wept bitterly, her whole body trembling with grief, guilt and pain too heavy to bear.

Amelia gestures to her other silently crying friends.

"Please go to her. She is our sister."

Kayla was the first to stand up and walk over to Joanna, hugging her, as they both went into each other’s arms.

"I’m so sorry." Joanna kept apologising as the remaining friends gathered around her, each one expressing how she had hurt them in the past before finally forgiving her.

"Can I get a hug, too?" Amelia said, smiling amid tears.

"Of course."

All the sisters gathered around Amelia, taking turns as they hugged her while gushing over her sleeping child.

-

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As the evening slowly arrived, the beach estate was alive with more celebration.

A huge welcome party was thrown in honour of baby Noel-Blaze, who slept all through the loud music, cradled protectively in his grandmother’s arms.

Amelia and Blaze, dressed in matching outfits, welcomed more arriving guests and gifts, their hearts brimming with joy and happiness.

Amid the celebration ritual, the sleeping baby was blessed by an island priest and his name was declared to everyone in attendance.

"To baby Neol-Blaze Harto Anderson." The eldest man in their midst and the proudest great-grandfather raised his wine glass in the air. "May your days be filled with wisdom, bravery and love. You will dominate your world and soar higher than eagles. Cheers."

"Cheers!" Everyone gathered echoed, raising their glasses in the air.

The clinking of glass and the sound of joyous laughter drowned the air as the celebration continued into the night.

-

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Later that night, as the festivities simmered down with guests mingling over wine and barbecue treats, Sarah and Henry slipped away to the edge of the back garden.

The ocean was quiet with the moonlight glistening over its soft waves.

Stars hung lazily in the sky like diamonds scattered by hand, a sight so captivating to behold.

"The peace out here is bewitching," Sarah whispered as they sat down on a cushioned bench, wrapped in a shared wool blanket. "I could stay on this island forever." She leaned into him, her hands wrapped around a cup of warm cocoa.

"Me too." Henry exhaled as he gently rested his chin on her hair. "If you like, we could always build a home here or I could buy an island of your choice."

"Seriously!" Sarah met his gaze, chuckling.

"I’ve never been more serious about anything." Henry leaned over and kissed her lips tenderly.

They both smiled, staring into each other’s eyes as they parted lips, their love for one another all-consuming.

"You know, it’s strange..." Sarah murmured, gazing up at the stars. "...one minute you’re just living your life full of adventure and excitement and then the next minute, a tiny cry changes everything."

Henry chuckled smiling as his hands brushed over hers. "Yeah... it does change everything. You see that little face and suddenly life feels bigger, louder and softer. It’s magical."

"Do you ever think about it?" Sarah glanced up at him, her eyes glimmering.

"About what?" Henry asked slightly confused.

"Us...having kids someday?"

Henry chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek. "All the time."

That answer lingered between them like a secret echo, their hearts pounding with love and affection.

Then he continued, voice low and filled with certainty.

"I think about what our mornings would look like when we finally become a couple and have our own bundle of joy. You, chasing little curly-haired feet down the hallway to get her to go to bed, and me waiting by the end of the hallway, hiding, and them jumping out to scare the little fireball, while tripping out one of her toy traps."

Both of them burst out laughing at Henry’s funny fantasy.

"So you want a girl for your first child?" Sarah asked after a few seconds of silence.

"Who wouldn’t?" Henry plucked her nose playfully, causing her to giggle. "Imagine having the miniature version of you, with those captivating blue ethereal eyes, your hypnotic smile and your magical laughter. It will be like living in a fairy tale world."

"Aww..." Sarah smiled, her cheeks turning rosy. "I would also like to have a girl for my first child. Someone who has got to play make-believe stories with, brush her long, silky hair and read bedtime stories to."

"Only if you read them in silly voices," Henry added and they both laughed.

Sarah leaned her head on his shoulder and said softly, almost to herself:

"I hope she gets your heart and your eyes. I want to always see your face whenever I look into her eyes."

Henry kissed the top of her head. "...and your fire. That’s non-negotiable. But until that time comes, I just want to enjoy every second alone with you in my arms."

They stayed there for a while, wrapped in silence and future dreams, the sounds of celebration behind them like a soft lullaby.