Redemption

Chapter 19

-Author's Note: Hello! Sorry for such a late update; I just wrapped up my final year in uni. So glory be to God for that. Hopefully, I can devote more time here before I get too caught up with working.

Also, I changed the summary of this book; I think it's more fitting.

For those of you who are still reading, thank you and sorry for the wait. Here you go:

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Austin

"What?" I ask, not expecting this at all.

"You're expected at our wedding," Pops says as Aunty busies herself with putting food in the fridge.

"Austin, the fridge is empty, my dear," she clicks her tongue, unsatisfied with the sight. It's been one week shy of two months since Rose and I slept together and Aunty and Pops have been visiting regularly to check up on me and spend time with me. Nova and Ty come by at times to hang out as well.

I'll never be able to truly voice how much their love means to me. I asked for their forgiveness after they found out that Rose and I slept together, wanting them to know that I was sorry about how I made things so difficult and ruined what we had. I put a wedge between myself and them and in return...they forgave me. I don't understand this sort of love. It's a radical thing that is also genuine. Pops explained it by saying it's only a fraction of the undeserved love that God has for us.

They're mimicking Christ, not just by name, but also by behavior. It makes me want to turn to Christ once more.

"Oh boy, how do you feed yourself, son?" Pops asks easily, going over to Aunty and slipping his arms around her. She settles in comfortably before swatting at an arm, giving him a look before glancing at me. He chuckles in response, but doesn't let her go. He's more open to showing his affection than Aunty. I can only feel happiness knowing that things worked out between them. We've only ever wanted the best for them. I've only ever wanted the best for them, two people who stepped in to take care of me even though no one asked for them to do so.

"Joe, watch yourself o,"

"I'm watching myself, and you, Gracie. Someone's got to keep you out of trouble." he sneaks in a kiss on her cheek before pulling away before she can swat at him again. Aunty's eyes dance with happiness.

"Now don't go distracting me, Gracie-"

"Who is distracting who, ehn?" she asks, scoffing and he laughs.

"As I was saying though, you're expected at our wedding, Austin,"

Originally, we all thought it would be best if I didn't attend, but maybe saw a live video of the ceremony. I wanted that because Rose will be there and I just-

I shake my head, not able to stomach the thought of the sight of me unsettling her. I don't want to do anymore damage. I can't imagine seeing her after what happened. I don't deserve that.

"Pops, I can't. I really can't." I take a step back unconsciously, as if stepping back from their invitation for me. They both watch me carefully and I have to look away from their knowing eyes. We all know this wouldn't be the best idea. Rose-

"You can sit in the back, Austin, away from Rose." Aunty says. "We want you there, and we are not here to negotiate that." She moves towards me and takes hold of a hand, tipping my chin up so that my eyes meet hers. For a brief moment, I recall the first time we met and it's almost crazy how she doesn't look like she's aged at all since then. Aunty was beautiful then, but I see now that beauty has increased as she's gotten more gracious, and somehow more loving as the years have gone by. Aunty has always imitated Christ well to me, even with her imperfections. Somehow, she's always getting better and better in doing so.