She had given up hope of ever giving birth to a child again.

At the first, she was excited, ecstatic, elated....overcome with joy at the thought. But the moment she felt the pain in the lower abdomen, the cramping and saw outpour of blood, that was it, she then realized it was too late. She had lost what would have been hers.

Amar: Marry me!

[Pulls out ring. Gently places it on the table of their window seat]

Annie: What...but that's so sudden! We haven't even held hands yet!

Annie: Wait! Hold on a second...this is our first date. Don't you think you're getting ahead of yourself...a little bit?

Amar: You know how I fell hard for you the same day I laid eyes on you. Love at first sight...so to speak.

Amar: Ah! I thought it'd be kinda cool but that was probably totally cringey. Sorry!

[Annie chuckles nervously]

Amar: Anyway...before this, I had asked you out seven times and though it ended in rejection each time, seeing that I've landed a date with you, I can say my persistence has served me well and I don't wanna stop here. Not at dating! To be frank, I want to spend the rest of my life with you...even if you don't accept my proposal today but I still hope that some day soon in the future you will.

Annie: You seem like a sincere guy but I don't want to be hasty, rushing into a serious thing like marriage. That's why, I'd like to get to know you better and you, me. So, while I can't accept your proposal today, and I appreciate your honesty, I promise I won't take it lightly.

I’ve always been an avid fan of Christmas time when everyone seems happiest. People smile more, laugh more, they embrace others more. They even seem to be even more neighbourly as well than they would usually be throughout the year prior to Christmas time. Whatever quarrel there was between neighbours would come to an abrupt end. In everyone’s mind, seemed present and living the notion that ’Since it’s Christmas time, we shouldn’t have bad blood so let’s parang together, have fun celebrating Christmas and be good to each other. Let’s forget the bad things, at least for now. This is just one of the allures of Christmas time.

Everyone decorates their houses with colourful lights, other outdoor decorations too. As for the indoors, they paint the walls, clean the floors, including every other space that needs to be cleaned, letting not one dust bunny go free. Some people decorate their Christmas treesl that we get excited to decorate with pretty ornaments, and the gifts that we are glad to receive with bright smiles while we give some away too.

Something about Christmas just brings family together. Members of the family who have immigrated to other countries and those too, who are still within the country but have not been seen by their other family members in what feels like ages make a sudden visit in which they stay for some weeks or days to spend some quality time before they return to their separate residences. Families enjoy eating scrumptious food and a variety of snacks as well as drinking tasty beverages and hanging out with friends to laugh.

At Christmas time, we go to church and though that’s not different from any other Sunday in the year, during the service someone may more than likely sing a Christmas song accompanied by a few words said at testimony time that reflects the reason for the season, Jesus Christ and our happiness at his coming but most of all, the dying he did on the cross for ours sins. After the service too, we may treat everyone to a meal or some sandwiches, cakes and drink, either handmade or bought in preparation for the day.

It really is a lovely time if I do say so myself, and I’m not being biased just because I’m speaking of the country in which I live. It’s just that I appreciate it at Christmas time and the sprinkles of it that are seen throughout the year. I like that this is my country and while the culture is not perfect, it’s still beautiful and I just know that I’m proud to be a citizen of the country in which I live.

‘Single since Birth’ that’s a phrase Rukia Simmons always uses to describe herself as she’s never had a boyfriend. Even though she's an adult now that has not changed. She’s still single - a single person who has never mingled. All through secondary school, she would joke her way through teenage girls’ conversations about Boys, Love, Make-up and Shopping. All of the things about these four very popular topics she told the other girls were lies. The facts were that she knew nothing much about boys, love, make-up and shopping. The only boys she knew of were those from her favourite boy bands as well as the ones in anime and those in her favourite Korean Dramas. Make no mistake, she loved them all and that’s the only thing she knows about the topic ‘Love’ where ‘Boys’ are concerned. She’d never want them to know that though, and that it’s not only her but her parents and siblings, one older brother and one older sister, as well, who are avid anime aficionados. As for make-up, that world was one she’d never understand or fit in because every time in previous attempts when she would try to put on make-up, she’d end up mentally and physically exhausted. Fed up of trying to get that eyebrow make-up and lipstick to go on just right without smudging on the side of her mouth or teeth was a test in patience. That older brother of hers also made it worse when he laughed scandalously like a hyena when she walked out of her bedroom and into the living room by spitting the milk from the carton he was drinking from all over her face. Upon remembering this, the left side of her mouth would twitch with anger whenever the word ‘make-up’ was mentioned in secondary school, which was a lot, and that did nothing good for her social reputation. In terms of shopping, she had nothing to do with that as her mom would be the one who buys clothes for her and she was never bothered by that as it gave her a chance to get some catnaps as a result of her binge watching funny videos or behind the scene clips of her favourite boy bands or multiple episodes of an anime, or a movie-long episode of her favourite Korean Dramas. This was her life then and sadly, as she was told by her best friend, is still her life now. Trevyn Emmanuel, the best friend, despite being the one giving the advice had no luck yet in the romance department due to her name and quirky personality but being a hopeless romantic she was going to keep pushing on until she was successful. Christmas time as it is now would be no different as she was resolved to find love and she’d encourage her best friend too so that she can finally have a love life.

However, Rukia always found a way to dodge any attempts of Trevyn’s to set her up on a blind date with anyone, even if that person was one with a high paying job like a doctor or not. If avoiding romance like the plague was a year-round contest she’d be the undisputed champion. It was like a talent, she was that good. Until, she was caught off-guard by Trevyn who had schemed prior to the Christmas season to get Rukia to go on a blind date by, like her manly name, thinking like a man. Whereas she always nagged and plotted to get Rukia to go on a date, a month prior to the Christmas season she stopped doing that until Rukia grew accustomed to and completely unsuspicious of her actions that had changed overnight. It was a foolproof plan as Trevyn knew Rukia’s habits and as strange as it was, Rukia has a habit of being keenly observant when it comes to watching videos related to her favourite boy bands, animes or her favourite Korean Dramas, but watching on-screen and in real life, the former appeared much more interesting than the latter.

One day they were having lunch together while chatting and reminiscing about the day that they became best friends, which was a funny story altogether as they met in the washroom of their workplace where Trevyn, upon coming into the washroom to use one of the stalls to relieve herself of a call of nature, found Rukia dozing off and snoring on top of a toilet seat in one of the stalls positioned awkwardly with her mouth open wide and a phone in her hand that was playing an anime. Soon after, they became quick friends as Rukia was nervous about Trevyn discovering her secret but she subsequently learned that Trevyn didn’t care about that much, she was okay with it. As Rukia grew more comfortable with Trevyn and their new-found friendship, she spilled the beans about herself, her habits, her life inside and outside of the office.

During their conversation, Trevyn mentioned that she wanted to go see a new movie that was coming out in cinema with Rukia on the weekend, a Saturday. That Saturday, Rukia arrived and so did Trevyn a while later. They bought the tickets, their huge box of buttered popcorn along with two large hotdogs topped with ketchup and mustard and two cold beverages, and they watched the movie which was a Romantic-Comedy.

After leaving the cinema, Trevyn suggested that they go have dinner at the dine-in restaurant opposite the cinema. When they get there and are seated at a table in the restaurant, she tells Rukia, “Hey..uh, I set you up for a blind date today. Well, actually…it’s a double date. You’re always duping me when I tell you or try to get you to go on a date so I figured this would be better since I’m positive we’d both be too nervous to try this alone. This is important. Really important for you to find love! Me too! You’re 29 years old already, I’m 30 and we’re not getting any younger! I can’t let you spend your life like this ’cause you cannot wind up an old lady with a house full of cats and dirty litter boxes but no husband and beautiful kids, and I don’t want to wind up like that either. You need to experience life outside of boy bands and anime and Korean dramas. Also.you’ve confided in me about so many of your insecurities and as your best friend I want to help you through them. Believe me when I say that! Just trust me! Please…okay?! Do this, hmm?! The guys will be here in a few minutes. Prepare yourself!”

Shaking her head, after what she thought was a convincing argument by Trevyn, Rukia agreed to go through with the date.

A few minutes later, two tall handsome men walked through the front door of the restaurant approaching the table where Trevyn and Rukia were sitting. Just then, Trevyn grabbed Rukia’s hand and said, “Don’t even think about it! Put those legs of yours back under the table! You’re not running away at the last minute! Don’t get nervous! This is happening! Tonight, we’re getting boyfriends, my friend!” Rukia, though slightly embarrassed and silently pouting, obediently put her legs back under the table and took a deep breath with her hand on the right side of her chest saying, “Ohh! Be still my heart! You can do this! Everything will be fine! Gwaenchanha! Gwaenchanha!” This word, Gwaenchanha meaning “It’s alright’ among several other words like Wae meaning “Why” even though they were Korean were some words that Rukia had integrated into her daily vocabulary that she sometimes would switch from speaking English to Korean, or in some cases Japanese, in the middle of saying a sentence or conversation - she’d say something she heard while watching her Korean dramas. The men arrived at the table and sat down. Though Rukia and Trevyn were nervous, it seemed that their dates, Alex Carsonn and Nathaniel Bryant, were equally nervous so that after greeting Rukia and Trevyn and introducing themselves, Nathaniel blurted out, “So, um…Rukia, I hear that you like Korean dramas and anime?” Nathaniel upon realizing what he impulsively said immediately facepalmed himself out of embarrassment but the look of shock that came across Rukia’s face when she heard him say this resembled those scenes in anime where a character discovers some shocking revelation with lightning striking above their head. Nani?! (meaning What?! In Japanese) How did he know that?! Eotteonhge (meaning How?! In Korean). Turning to Trevyn with a fake smile, she pinched her arm under the table and bending towards her whispered in her ear though audible enough so that the guys overheard her saying, “Hmm! Trevyn! How could you?! I can’t believe you told him that!” To this, Trevyn opened her eyes wide while slowly turning her head towards Rukia and simultaneously but forcibly removing Rukia’s hand from pinching her arm and grinding her teeth she said, “That hurts, Rukia! Look! I told them honest things about us according to the questions on the Best Friends Date App when I was setting up our double date on the app, okay?! And it worked! Just think, these guys came here even after knowing these incredibly embarrassing things about us and still they decided to come on this date today! You should be pleased! Honestly, it’s nothing less than a miracle! It may have been awkward just now with him asking you that question when you weren’t expecting it but I’m glad he brought it up so that we can get it out of the way. So just answer him please?!”

Trevyn was scary whenever she got annoyed or angry which was a lesson Rukia learned one time during the early years of their friendship when she was suffering from hunger pains at work and she sneakily went off to the staff kitchen area and opened the refrigerator door looking for something to eat. She then saw a box of KFC in a clear plastic bag tagged with Trevyn’s name in bold letters but decided to open it up and swipe a piece of chicken and some fries anyway. Trevyn, who saw her leave her desk and wondered why she snuck into the kitchen at working hours, caught her red-handed and all hell broke loose. In the end, there was a commotion and they both were suspended for a week from work.Remembering this incident, Rukia turned back towards her date and said shyly, “Well, uh…yes! I’m afraid that is true. I do watch anime and Korean dramas.” To which he quickly replied, “It’s okay, you know! You like what you like! Your hobbies are your hobbies and besides that I think they’re kinda cool. So don’t worry about it! As a matter of fact, I’m kind of introverted so…I hope we’ll get along and you’ll be able to accept me too…as I am. ”

With that, a comfortable atmosphere started to settle into their dining area, and all four began to relax and talk comfortably with each other and their dates respectively.

At the evening’s end, cellphone numbers were exchanged between both parties and it marked the beginning of new romantic relationships for both Trevyn and Rukia as the double date was a success and though it had an awkward start, the evening went smoothly and all involved had fun and laughed as they got to know each other and their partner better as they ate and engaged in conversation. As Trevyn and Rukia were leaving the site of the date, they linked arms and talked with each other saying, “Well, Trevyn! I’ve got to admit, you were right! This double date…I don’t regret it and it was fun and not as awkward and awful as I initially thought it would be. Thanks, friend! I got a boyfriend now!”

Trevyn responded, “Yes, that’s the spirit! I told you it would be worth it! You should stop doubting me about these things, my friend! Now, we’ve both got great boyfriends who accept us and even better, this Christmas season, when we’re each visiting our parents’ places, we won’t have to dodge the subject of Love because we’ve got that now. And, finally, we can show it off to our families. Isn’t that great?!”

“Yeah! I agree with you. For the first time in a long time, I’m excited to celebrate a Christmas where I won’t be at the center of attention for teasing by my family, especially by my older brother. I can just do the Christmas caroling that I love, going house to house, with my family. And go to church on Christmas day with my family as well, sing choruses and celebrate the reason for the season, Jesus.”

Rukia continued, “Also, it feels a little weird telling you this but thanks for always thinking about me in everything that you do. I know I’m not easy to put up with but you do it anyway. And..I never told you this but Trevyn…I’m really happy that we met and I hope we can really stay friends, best friends for a long time. You accepted me so easily and before anyone outside of my family did so I’m really thankful for you.”

“Oh! You’re giving me such great praise, bff! You may continue…but just know you’re not getting away from giving me a Christmas present! Keep that in mind, okay?! ” said Trevyn.

“Ah! So close yet so far! I thought that would have worked. I mean I meant every word but the price of goods these days is just so high and the economy. I just…Okay, you’re not buying it! No worries, I’ll buy you your gift, your royal highness! Don’t get mad! Also, you know I love you but you are way too good at scheming. As your bff, I’m telling you this because I care…I think you should work on that for your new year's resolution. I’m just saying!” replied Rukia.

“Trevyn, don’t get mad! I’m joking, I’m joking! Come on, you know me! Hey! Wait up! Stop walking away so fast. I’m just kidding! Are you mad, hmm?”

“Gosh! You are so…I’m not mad, alright?! Why would I be?! Let’s just go home, okay?!” Trevyn responded.

They both laughed jokingly with each other, and soon after, they took a taxi to ride home together, and indeed when Christmas Day came, they both had nothing else but a Merry Christmas.

When you're so close to some person you consider special

that you can simply be yourself no hypocrisy, no pretentious behaviour, no acting.

A close someone who's a confidant and will guard your secrets from the eaves-dropping ears of a third someone.

This person knows how and at times what you think though you've not said single thing about it and does so because he or she cares for you genuinely...this is an example of an intimate relationship.

After suffering the aches of a broken heart, he thought he'd never find love again. But he immediately became a believer again from the moment that their eyes first met.

He never thought that nature could play the role of matchmaker by

leading him to the lady who could be his other half.

On this night, it showered its blessings on their potential union with the most gorgeous spectacle of brightly lit stars, like gems and a handsome full moon's glow.

No sooner had he thanked the Lord for this natural beauty of a lady who could be his future wife, had a watch of nightingales appeared to make precious melody with their voices

Ugh! What a drag! What are these people's problems anyway? I mean, who do they think they are?! They pick me up, buy me and worst yet, they bring me to their home. Oh and don’t even get me started on where they want me to sleep!

Seriously, I mean, the nerve of some people - how dare they!

Objectifying me like that! VIOLATING MY PRIVACY… LIKE THAT! No,No, No!

I’m not kidding! My privacy has been violated and invaded more times in the last

24 hours more than it has been in my entire life…and I was only born yesterday. Oh man! I miss d’ old shop... the old man. I wish I could go back.

Oh no, here they come. Why me Lord?! Why me?! NOOOOOOOOOOO!

What is this thing riding up inside of me?

Is this for real? I don’t like this at all!

It feels all-consuming, all-possessive

as though it wants to consume my soul.

What name should I give unto you,

demonic thing.

Ye gift of Satan that causes men’s heart

to fail; fear is your name demonic thing

and I won’t allow myself to give place to

you at all.

So go back to Hell from whence you came.

You awful, faith restraining thing.

For I do not wish to see your face again.

I only want to live my life - liberated and

Free of the chains of sin.

It is a man’s world?

No, that’s not quite the truth.

Then how about girls rule the world?

No, that’s false too.

Each person that was ever

born in the history of the world,

and each person that will be

born if there is any future to come…

comes by a sperm fertilizing an egg

Based off the love between

a man and woman.

The woman didn’t do the deed alone.

Neither did the man.

It took them both as a unit, per God’s plan.

Men, though usually more muscular,

and physically strong while us, women,

are more soft, and in our own ways strong.

We should appreciate the value of

each other…that’s how we ought to get along.

There’s disparity between us,

a whole gulf of disconnect, but that’s not the

way we should stay, is it?

Divided, as humans, we will not stand.

The prejudice, hurt and hatred between us

needs to come to an end.

Men…they may not always do

the things they’re supposed to do, but just

because they have a different genitalia, doesn’t

mean they’re not human too.

They can fail. We women too.

But that’s what all we humans do.

There are certain mistakes we make,

and certain sins we commit, time and time again.

But we get off the ground, after gathering strength

from Jesus to fix those faulty things we’ve done.

No man is an island so we join hands,

both man and woman.

The thing is there’s just something so beautiful

about a man who is with his woman.

Nothing’s wrong with that.

In fact, they complement each other.

Like a well crafted vase holding its pretty

flowers - a man holding his woman in his arms

while they, both with good intentions and actions,

care for and look out for the other.

Here’s my acknowledgement:

Times have indeed changed.

Things are certainly not like the olden days.

Just because we are tired, fed up and frustrated

at the unfair treatment, however long it’s been,

Let’s not forget, there’s a right way to go after things

instead of berating, belittling or making the other

sex feel lame or ashamed.

We do need to fight against injustice but let’s

do it, the better, more right, humane and more

Important moral way.

I've often heard it said

how mysterious God is

the way he moves, the way He works

Is comparable to the wind

I could often never fathom

how great His power is

Magnanimous, stupendous and unfailing

but that's what awesomeness is

I've often had many low points

throughout my life thus far,

Experienced the weeping, the wallowing

then asking, "God, why? Why?"

One of the lowest points in my life

has to be when I was a youngling

going to university still

Asking God, "Why, God?"

"Why am I so different from everyone else here?"

Shy, timid, relentlessly lacking a strong voice

Thought of as simple minded and socially awkward

Could never quite fully escape that tag

If it wasn't for that phrase,

"But God", I'd never be where I am

so that's why this is so said:

I've often heard it said

"What a mystery God is!"

The way He moves, the way He works

is not easy to comprehend

But even though, I understand not

I thank God for the "But Gods"

so that I can without a doubt say

"I am shy but because there's God

he'll help me and make a way."