** 1998 **

“Are you sure you don’t want to come back to Australia with me?” Bobby asked Jessica.

“I’m sure. I will be joining Joe in his research project.” Jessica saw the doubts in Bobby’s eyes and reassured him, “I really like the project that I would be doing and it’s in my alma mater university. I’ll be closer to home too. Mum and Dad are getting on in age; one of us should be near home.”

With the list of reasons that Jessica had given, Bobby saw no point in telling her otherwise. “Thanks for looking after the folks for me. Remember to visit me during your holidays then.” He gave her one more hug before going through the departure gate.

As he walked towards his boarding gate, Bobby didn’t know whether to be proud of Jessica or to feel pity for her and Louis. He was tempted many times to tell Jessica what Louis had said to him during last Christmas. It was obvious that Louis still carried a torch for Jessica. While she had not mentioned anything before, Bobby was certain that Jessica did have feelings for Louis. But what good would it bring them for him to tell Jessica about his conversation with Louis. It would make it more painful for Jessica and Louis and simply hurt an innocent party – Lydia.

*

Swinging from her hand was a silver chain and its smiling little cat of a pendant. She had occasionally wondered if Louis had given her this pendant because he still felt bad about losing the kitten which she had entrusted him years ago. Casting one last look at it, she placed it gently into her musical jewellery box.

Staring at the row of diamonds around her wrist, she didn’t know what to make out from his gesture and gift. Even though as an attorney, he might be able to afford this gift but it was still a very expensive one. Especially when he had a new family to support, why did he give her something so high-priced? Was he trying to tell her something through the diamonds and their circle? Shaking her head to remove her thoughts, she took off the bracelet and put it into the jewellery box.

She then reached for the stalk of dried red rose. She carefully pulled a petal from it and set it in the jewellery box. Despite the aching in her heart, she had fulfilled her duties as his buddy and she was his best man. She was tickled with her passing contemplation of having him as her bridesmaid during her wedding, but her wistful smiles faded quickly. Sometimes it would help if she could dislike Lydia, but she didn't.

Through the wedding preparations, Jessica had gotten to know Lydia better. Lydia was a thoughtful and kind person. Lydia always ensured that her helpers were properly fed and she would even make it point to serve or order their favourite drinks for them. But what had touched Jessica most was when Lydia had ironed the shirts and pants for both her and Louis. While it was reasonable for Lydia to iron for Louis, it caught Jessica by surprise when she did it for her.

Lydia’s caring little ways had endeared her to Jessica and Jessica was confident that she would be a caring and gentle wife to Louis. Yet she was a little concerned about her buddy. He could behave like a wild horse at times and she was worried that Lydia may not be able to rein him. However, this was something the couple had to work out on their own.

Taking a deep breath, Jessica closed the lid of her jewellery box and placed it into her drawer. She threw the remaining of the rose into her wastepaper basket. Picking up her luggage bags, she headed for the university and her new job.

*

While Jessica was unable to take leave to visit Louis and Lydia when Lydia gave birth, she had sent a bouquet of carnations to Lydia, a set of new-born clothes to Daniel and a personalised mug printed with the words “Louis is Dad” to Louis.

*

During the Christmas later that year, Jessica finally met the five months old Daniel. Worried that he might be allergic to dust mites, she had given him an organic towel teddy bear which was washable. She was glad that she had washed the toy beforehand because chubby little Daniel had stuffed it into his mouth the moment Jessica handed it to him.

Louis and his family was a picture of blissfulness to Jessica and she was grateful for God’s graciousness. Louis surprised her by bottle feeding and changing diapers for Daniel. She never knew that he would be such a hands-on dad and it warmed her heart.

That night, while Jessica was holding Daniel in her arms, the little angel smiled in his sleep showing his dimples. Jessica remarked, “Little fellow, you looked just like your dad.” Lydia smiled at Jessica’s words and she asked, “Would you like to be Daniel’s god-mother, Jessica?”

Jessica looked up at Lydia in surprise. Lydia blushed. “I mean I thought you might wish to be his god-mother since you are Louis’ buddy. It is okay that you feel otherwise.”

Jessica quickly clarified, “I’m delighted to be his god-mother. I’m just surprised that you have not already chosen his god-mother.”

Lydia shook her head smiling and replied shyly, “You are my first choice. I just want to ask you personally rather than over the phone. Louis would want you to be part of Daniel’s life.” Jessica was overwhelmed by Lydia’s sincerity. Lydia didn’t just love Louis, she had loved his loved ones too and this included his dearest friends.

Jessica gently placed Daniel into his portable cot. She then turned to give Lydia a hug. From Louis’ marriage, she had not only gained a nephew but also a sister whom she never had.

(09.03.2014)