AMBER was passing her exams with ease and Anil not knowing her before that life-changing day saw a glimpse of a brilliant young woman. She could have today been studying for her bachelor degree at the University of Guyana had life not deviated her down a different path.

Young and infatuated by what she had thought was love but the fresh roses in her mind wilted when he walked away, the petals dropping as her heart ached.
“Dear Lord,” she had prayed in tears, “A life for me is precious but because of my belief, I’ve been left alone. Please help me find a way through this.”

And without a doubt she felt her prayers had been answered as she looked at Anil reading through her exam results.
“You’re remarkable,” he told her.

She smiled relieved that one step at a time, she was finding her way to greater comforts, a better life but she was still carrying a few burdens and he saw that flicker of regret in her eyes again.
“What’s wrong?”

She sighed deeply and said, “I disappointed my parents who had high expectations of me.”
“Well, it’s not too late,” he encouraged her, “You have a second chance in life to show your worth.”
“Do you think they will forgive me?”

“I’m sure they will,” he assured her.
“And Annalisa? Would they accept her when she wasn’t supposed to even be in my picture now?”
“Your belief dat life created by God is precious brought her into yuh picture.”
“And I pulled you into it too.”

“Well,” he said looking at her with a soft intensity, “I have no regrets over dat.”
And as his eyes held hers for that brief moment, he saw more than appreciation and gratitude. He saw a soft and gentle look, then she looked away. He knew she was still fighting inner battles, all not yet won.
And when she got up and walked to the window, looking out into the night, he asked quietly, “Should I leave?”

She shook her head slightly but did not turn around and walking to where she was standing, he put his arms gently around her waist and said, “You’ll be fine.”
He could feel her body heaving as she inhaled deeply and turning around she said, “I’m so-sorry–,” but he put a finger to her lips saying in a low tone, “Don’t say anything, jus relax.”
She leaned her head on his shoulder and standing there in his arms, the tension within her dissipated, letting that moment be hers.

Amber lay in bed that night, sleepless for a long time, her senses still enthralled by his invigorating masculine scent. A new and unique feeling had been rising in her heart but the fear to love again still held her mind in a vice and she questioned silently, “What do I do to be free?”

Anil stood by his new car, a new-model Axela that had been shipped in that morning, feeling accomplished for it was something he had worked hard to achieve. But deep in his thoughts was something more incredible, that moment when he had held her in his arms, her warm touch and subtle sweet scent.

He decided at that moment to take their relationship to a more open and higher level that could possibly free her of her burdens. On Saturday he invited her out for dinner and she accepted after Grandma said she would be able to take care of Annalisa. He picked her up at 7 o’clock so she could be back home early because of the baby, and as she came out to meet him, he looked at her stunned. She looked exquisite in a short, simple off-shoulder blue dress, her curly hair falling to her shoulders and light makeup that highlighted her natural ebony beauty.

That new outlook took his breath away and he said, taking her hand, “I love this.”
As they left, she noticed the car was a new vehicle and asked, “New ride?”
“Yeah, got dis a few days ago and driving it now for the first time.”

“Impressive,” she responded and added after a short moment, “I’m happy for you, you do work hard.”
“Thanks, I have been working since a young boy and set goals along de way to reach.”
“And you’re doing great, along with your selfless nature.”

He looked at her and smiled, because it was through that selflessness he had met her. No more need for words.
Dinner was at the Caribbean Cuisine Restaurant at No. 2 Village, an attractive place with a fusion of colourful lights, smooth flowing fountain and exotic plants that add elegance to the ambience of the outdoor setting.
“It’s a beautiful place,” Amber exuded, “I love it.”

Dinner was wonderful with a touch of intimacy as they shared a beautiful close connection, but still with a hurdle to cross.
At home she thanked him for a wonderful evening, said ‘Good night’ and turned to go but paused uncertainly and turned back.
“I –umm, I..” she wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words and in her eyes he could see that soft, gentle glow of love shadowed by a flicker of helplessness. That was when he kissed her, a soft, lingering kiss. Her hands had clutched his shirt then slowly loosened to embrace him as he held her closer. A long moment after when she looked at him, there was nothing to disguise that precious look of love in her eyes for the hurdle had been thrown down.

Fate had brought them together in a most unexpected way and the overwhelming joy and relief of falling in love was an answer to her prayers.
But along the way, there would be new hurdles to cross as they bring family into the picture but nothing would come between that blessed love because fate had already framed them in a portrait since they were two strangers and an unborn baby now, two young people in love and an adorable baby.