Chapter 3 Threads of connection

It was few days to Richard's birthday and Viola had an idea of throwing him a simple birthday  bash. She invited a few friends and prepared a few dishes. His birthday fell on a weekday and he obviously had to go to work. He left home quite early as usual. Viola began baking the cake and  all necessary pastries. Everyone who was invited came along with gifts. Few hours to Richard's close time, everyone was present except for Collins, his best friend. Richard got home stressed as usual but was hit with such a heart melting surprise. He joined in and celebrated happily. He held Viola's hands with purpose, while appreciating her for her efforts in making the celebration possible. Romance bloomed effortlessly between both lovebirds.

"Thank you all so much. I really I'm grateful to everyone of you who have took out time to celebrate with me. Even though birthday's are an addition of years and a reduction in lifespan, my prayer is that we all live to fulfill our destinies and that our lives will never be cut short like Juans." He sighed facing downwards  holding back his tears. A little silence was felt after Richard had completed his speech. Viola consoled him.

Collins showed up few minutes to the close of the party with lots of gifts for his old time friend. Richard who never expected to see his childhood friend, out of excitement, Richard embraced Collins so tight and patted him so hard. The birthday celebration was fun.

Collins a charming architect with an infectious passion for life have been a good and adventurous friend to Richard from childhood.   Collins helped Richard stay wrong after losing his mom and supported financially. Both friends were inseparable until life happened. They were both intelligent, honest, ambitious, hardworking and loyal to their women. Everyday was a day of anticipation on the next kind of adventure they would unfold.  They both encouraged and cheered each other up even in the most difficult situations. Collins decided to stay a few days with Richard to catch up with old times. They anchored each other with laughter, late nights conversations and stated out their dreams that stretched far beyond the horizon.

Richard's rent was already due and he was not able to afford he had no other choice than to leave. Unknown to him, getting him a new apartment was a part of the birthday gift Viola had set for him. He was given two weeks to pay up or else he  would have no other option than to leave. Viola issued him documents of an apartment real close to his workplace in his name saying it was her wealthy best friend who considered it a birthday gift for him. Of cause Richard bought the story. He moved into his new apartment after a week. The apartment saved him transportation fare as it was real close to where he worked and it was far better than his old place.

"Babe I really don't know what to say. You've proved to me beyond unreasonable doubt that you really do love me. I never knew your friend would do such a thing for me, I never knew you would celebrate my birthday in such a massive way, I love you to the moon and back Vee, you  truly are an Angel." Richard appreciated Viola.

"You know I love you and I am willing to make you happy in every way I can. I honestly didn't know your rent was due, you never told me a thing about it. I had already spoken with Janet about getting you an apartment as a birthday gift. That was when she told me she had a place here and was willing to give it out the place considering how tight our friendship has been over the years." Viola replied.

"I'm sorry I kept it a secret I didn't want you to get worried babe." Richard apologized for hiding the rent issue.

"It is fine. I am glad the issue has been sorted out already but please do not keep anything from me ok. We are in this together." Viola said convincingly.

"Thank you so much for loving me this way. I have been this strong and bold because of you. Truly your love is real. I know I am not financially stable but I promise never to hurt you. I feel hurt not being able to afford the best for you. You have been a mother, sister, a girlfriend and a best friend to me. I love you babe I really do. You have been a blessing to me." Richard said placing a kiss on her forehead.

"I appreciate all your efforts babe. You alone are my peace. I love you to boo." Viola replied and returned the kiss on his lips.

Richard felt he needed to do more for Viola. He decided to take her out to have fun. Though he didn't have much, he was willing to spend all on her. He felt she deserved more. He heard about events that he could afford. A crisp autumn evening, Richard surprised Viola by taking her to an event for lovebirds. They danced like stars colliding in a brilliant night sky. When their eyes met, a current of energy coursed between them. Viola's heart raced as she felt an inexplicable pull toward him. Their conversations were like they only met for the first time sparking an undeniable chemistry that would linger for a long while. She felt a thrill of excitement the kind that would linger for quite a long time, she felt like the luckiest woman in the world. Her smiles reminded him so much of the beautiful swan.

With Viola, Richard felt so much peace, her words of encouragement, smiles and beauty made him feel at home. Her tender skin, doll eyes and hour glass shape got him going crazy for her. He tried his best providing for her and she shew gratitude in the kindest way possible which made him eager to do more. He admired her dazzling caramel skin, her perfectly arranged set of dentition, her flowery set. She completely swept him off his feet. As they shared tender whispers and envisioned a future together, their love for each other grew.