BROKEN

CHAPTER 42

Kristen's p.o.v

"I love this piece, Ms. Smith. Is it possible for you to do about 2 more, just the same? I'd like to purchase them so I can ship them to Greece. Maybe we can talk more about that" the middle-aged man kindly said to me. He was about the 20th person for the day who wanted a replica of the piece. This opening was going better than expected and I constantly had to remind myself that if anyone was to be praised for this, it was the creator himself, God. Not only had he kept me safe and spared my life, but he was now blessing me financially. "Yes definitely. I'll be sure to keep in contact with you about this" I informed him and handed him a card with my phone number. Caleb had even prepared these contact cards for the event. He went all out. "Thank you miss smith, I look forward to hearing from you" he smiled at me and then walked off. I felt a strong pair of arms wrapped around my waist from behind. Caleb. "How's my favorite girl doing?" He drew me closer to him and rested his head on mine. I leaned back and rested my back against his chest. "I am tired " I laughed speaking honestly. He released his hold on me and spun me around to face him. "Is your head feeling ok?" He asked concerned and touched the wrapped bandage on my hand ad. Could it be because of the injury I received?. "Ah, I'm not sure. Maybe I just need to rest a little. I hardly got any sleep in that-, place. " I finished my sentence. "I'll take you home," he said and took my hand in his. I nodded at him. When we were on our way out Caleb's parents approached us. Oh, dear. "Kristen" they greeted me and I smiled at them. Deep down in my heart, I already forgave them for what they did last time. For someone to pretend that they like me, was too much. It would be really hard to get along with them this time. "Hello. Thank you for coming" I said to both of them. "We've been hesitating to approach you. We're glad you're back safe and sound Kristen" Caleb's dad said and in his voice, I could sense honesty. "And you did a great job with these pieces. They're really beautiful. I'd like to purchase a replica of the one I believe I connected with, is that ok?." His mom spoke up. " Of course. And thank you" I said to them. "We also wanted to apologize for for" his mom continued but I stopped her. "I don't think I quite remember..what happened," I said indicating to them that we should just put it behind us. They looked at each other and smiled. "Let's start over, shall we?" I asked them and stretched my hand towards them. "I'm Kristen, Caleb's girlfriend," I told them and I heard Caleb coughing as soon as I said the word. I kept in my laughter and they each shook my hand. We spoke for about 10 more minutes before Caleb led me to the limousine. For the entire ride home, I rested my head on Caleb's shoulder.

"Caleb, you want to have kids one day right?" I asked and he responded. "Definitely. What about you?" He asked and took my hands in his. I think it's time I tell him. For a while, I remained quiet. "You ok?" He asked concerned. "I was pregnant one year ago," I said and he looked down at me. "It was for Santiago. The guy you saw in the picture." I continued. I told him the entire story without leaving out any details. "It must have been really hard for you to get past that Kristen, " Caleb said. "It was. And yes, I do want to have kids one day." I added. "What will we name them?" He asked and I laughed. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves here," I said and he laughed too.

...

In the next days, I spent a week at Caleb's parent's house and they got to know me better. I've noticed that I've grown to love reading the word of God more and more. I'd sit with Caleb's parents sometimes and we'd have deep spiritual conversations. The art gallery has become one of my safe-havens. I enjoy touring the different groups of people who come there every day. The most famous piece was the first one I painted. The one with the angels surrounding me on the hospital bed. It became a best seller.

End of p.o.v

...

3 years later

Caleb's p.o.v

I pulled up to Kristen's art gallery with Kacy in the back seat. "Are you ready to see mommy?" I looked around at her and reached to tickle her. She giggled at me and I chuckled. Kacy was our baby girl. She was a darling, the sweetest. I got out of the car and picked her up in my arms.

"Dada" she pointed at me and I smiled, kissing her on the cheeks. She giggled again.

When I reached inside the building I spotted Kristen hanging up a new piece. Three years ago, I proposed to her in Paris and she said yes. We were now married with a new addition to our little family. Today is our anniversary and I decided to surprise her with an amazing gift I believe she will love. "Kristen!" I called her and she turned to me. "Hey." She called to me smiling.

I was so proud of the strong and independent woman she had become. She was a wonderful wife to me and an amazing mother to Kacy. She approached us happily. "Hey sweetheart" she moved to tickle our daughter. I chuckled and handed her to Kristen. She gave her a bunch of kisses before looking over at me. "Hey love" she greeted me again and leaned forward kissing me on my lips. "I have something for you," I told her and took out a small box out of my pocket. She stared at it. "Caleb, you've already given me tons of gifts this morning. What am I gonna do with you?" She laughed and took the box from me. "This is the best part, come on, open it" I pleaded and she did. "Oh my goodness. You didn't" she beamed with joy looking down at the plane tickets. She's been longing for a break from work, so I surprised her with a summer vacation in Denmark. "Thank you, Caleb. This is just what I needed" she kissed my forehead and pulled me into one of the warmest hugs. "Anything for you love" I responded and smiled.

....

End of story