Healing and Homecoming: A tale of betrayal, and forgiveness

The hospital room was warm yet I was feeling cold, dragging the hand of my sweater to wipe my face as the tears continued to spill down. I sniffled hard and coughed.

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It’s been three months since their wedding and six months since we broke up.

Right under my nose, I was being cheated on and I had no idea about it. The most painful part of it was that it was with my best friend.

We had gone to high school together and to college, yet, she looked me in the eyes and stabbed me in the back. I thought I had a sister in a friend.

I rolled on my side and curled up in a fetal position as I continued to cry. I didn’t know when my family entered the room until I felt my mother’s hand on my shoulder.

I sat up and hugged her as I cried on her chest and she rubbed my back.

“It’s okay, Brenda. It’s okay.” My mother says, caressing my back.

“Do you remember everything now?” My sister, Sarah asked, sitting beside me on the bed and holding my hand.

“Yes,” I sniffled. “I remember everything. I remember how I caught them on the bed together and the pregnancy test I saw on the table in the living room. I waited for them to get themself together because I demanded to know the truth. Jolene was already two months pregnant and they were in love with each other and there was no remorse in their eyes!” I explained, almost feeling agitated all over again.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” Sarah said. “It’s over now. All that matters is you being alive and going on with your life.”

My father comes forward, holding a bunch of flowers. “I know how much you love the purple hibiscus and I got a bunch for you.”

“Thank you, Dad,” I grimaced as I looked at the centre and saw two chocolates. “I love you so much, daddy.”

“I love you too, my Angel. You’re ready to go home now?” My dad asked with a smile perched on his face.

“Definitely!” I squealed in excitement. I couldn’t wait to leave the hospital. It has been six months since the accident and I have mostly been in and out of the hospital.

I waited, God knows I waited for those days that I wished Jude would come in through the door and beg for my forgiveness, that everything would go right but if only wishes were horses.

I wobbled on my knees and almost fell but my father steadied me and slowly I began to walk.

I told the doctor and the nurse that I would walk on my own as my legs were healed from the accident, except for the scar on my left leg that was viable from my knees and stopped before my ankle.

“Where is Mark?”

“He’s home, waiting for his big sister.” My mom replied with a smile. I looked at my father and my sister and they were smiling too.

It wasn’t until we got home and everyone yelled “Surprise” as I stepped into the house that I understood the reason for the wide smile on their faces.

There were decorated with balloons floating almost everywhere. I cannot start to dwell on how much I have missed home.

Though my smile was frail, my heart felt strong happiness toward how much I felt loved.

“Thank you so much, guys!” I said with a frail but intense smile as I walked slowly forward.

“Take it easy. Take all your time,” my dad said and I smiled with a little nod.

I finally got to where the cake was sitting pretty. I bent a bit to blow the candles and as the candles went off, they all shouted hurray.

“I’m so glad that we’re all complete to witness this day. The day we could finally have our girl back home. It’s been a rough 6-months but at the end of the day, we all have to put back the bad memories behind us and forge ahead without looking back. Brenda, dear…” he said, looking directly at me.

“You have to focus on what is ahead while you desist from dwelling on the past. It was an experience and to the Glory of God, it wasn’t one that took your life,” He implored and I nodded, seeing the pure sense in what he had just said.

I knew I had to forget the past and dwell more on the present and future. I mean, being involved in an accident after my boyfriend and best friend cheated on me without remorse should be enough to stay in the past.

I still had sadness in my heart as I looked at my family who were laughing heartily. I then knew, this was what matters. This were the only people to help me out of my pickled situation.