Never in all my years of living have I been up this early on a Sunday. I was up because Dr. Arnold's church was having his last service before the trip to Africa Tuesday. I couldn't remember the last time I even been to church. I feared that I may burn once I stepped foot inside. Wade and Marco were experiencing the same feelings I was. The things I do for Genie.

When we arrived to the church, I seen Dr. Arnold outside greeting everyone coming inside. There was woman in particular that seemed very familiar. I squinted my eyes to see if I could get a better view. The woman had blonde streaks in her hair which complimented her deep brown skin. She had on a rose colored dress with a short jean jacket on top. I kept my eyes on the woman when I stepped out of the car. I could hear Wade and Marco talking wondering what was wrong with me.

"What's going on with her?" Marco asked Wade.

"I have no idea. She hasn't taken her eyes off that woman since we pulled up."Wade and Marco were beside themselves as to what was wrong with me. I then heard a familiar voice call out for me.

"Hey Mendes!" I heard someone called. They took me out of my stupor. I looked to my left to see it was Beth. She was with Santino who was holding one-year-old Allison.

"Glamazon. You made it" I hugged her.

"You know, I haven't been in a church in ages. I hope we all don't burn when we step inside."
I laughed, "Yeah we all were thinking the same thing this morning. I turned my attention to Santino and the baby. "Hi Santino. How are you?" I kissed him on the cheek. I noticed that Wade took over the duties of staring at the woman. He looked at me then back at her. He had the most curious look on his face.
"Juss fine Rosa. I can't believe the time has come for you to leave us. We cannot begin to tell you how proud we are of you. Isn't that right mini Glamorella?" Santino kissed Allison.

"Oh thank you! You guys being here means so much to me. I love you all so much," I tickled Allison who began to giggle. I hugged the small family.

"Alright enough with the mushy stuff. We have to get inside." Beth took Allison from Santino and carried her inside. Santino, Beth, Allison, and Marco were headed toward the door. Before I started to go, Wade grabbed my arm and asked to talk to me. They were greeted by Dr. Arnold. The woman I had been staring at also greeted them. As they walked up the stairs, Beth seemed like she was explaining to Santino was the woman was. It wasn't until she hugged Marco when I realized who she was.

"I put two and two together, and if I am not mistaken, that woman is your mother." He said.

I sighed, "Yep, correct you are. That is my mother, Evelyn." I noticed that Santino and Beth were inside and that Marco and my mother were now looking in our direction.

"What is she doing here?" I asked out loud.

"Well, let's go find out," Wade held out his arm as I took it. He led me to my brother and mother.

"Rosa, sweetie," she said extending her arms.

"Hi Mami. How are you."
"I'm fine. I've missed you so much. You look so beautiful," she held me tight. I think this may have been the first time my mother has ever held me like this. I release myself.

"Thank you. So what brings you here?" I wondered. I was not expecting my mother at all. In fact, I never told her about the trip. Marco barely speaks to my mother and felt that it didn't matter if she knew what went on in our lives since she never took an interest. One day she called me to tell me that she found out about the trip through my father who felt that despite all our relationship, she was still my mother as she should not be kept out of the loop. Macro's father felt the same way. Needless to say, the conversation ended up with me hanging up on her. It was the last time I spoke with her. That was four months ago.

"Your father told me about the service today. I wanted to see you before you left," she smiled. I could see Marco slowly but surely stepping inside the church. He knew that this could not end well. I gave Marco a reassuring look that nothing would happen. He sighed of relief and went inside the church with Wade right behind him.

"He did. I figured that," I pressed my lips and looked down at the ground. I could tell my mother was struggling on what to say next. Finally, she figured out something.

"Listen, I know you probably don't want me here. I'm sure you never want to see me again as long as you live but I can't do this anymore. My heart feels empty without you and Marco. I can't tell you how many times I have broke down crying because my babies want nothing to do with me. It hurts and it's destroying my marriage, it's destroying my life. I know I cannot make up for what I did in the past. I won't try to either. All I can do is hope that you will forgive me someday for us to move forward. I love you Rosa. And even if you don't love me, I will never stop loving you. I'm sorry." Tears began to fall down her face.

I looked up at the top of the stairs to see Dr. Arnold. I would assume that he had been there the whole time and heard everything. He ushered in the remaining of the people who were coming up then closed the door behind him.

"Forgive her Rosa. Let the past be the past and forgive your mother." He said.

I nodded my head then turned to my mother. I took a piece of tissue out of my purse and began wiping her face.

"I walked around with so much anger and resentment in my heart because of you. Over the years, I directed that same anger and resentment to myself, taking the blame for it all when it should have been aimed at you. One day I woke up and realized that it was not my fault you were such a piece of shit mother and that it was time to move on. I could not change someone who didn't want to be changed. I found the love you never gave me not only in Genie but also in myself. Seems like I didn't need you after all. Hell, I may not even need you now. But today I will forgive you. And I swear, if you hurt me again, you are out of my life for good. You got that." I pointed my finger in her face.

I could feel my face getting hot. The only person that could ignite this anger out of me was my mother. Whenever I talked to her, my temper would flare and sometimes I couldn't control. Though today was different. For the first time in my life, I felt that my mother actually meant what she said.

"Got it. Thank you so much baby," she hugged me.

"Ladies, the service is about to start," Dr. Arnold held the door open.

"Ok." I said. I took my mother's hand and lead her inside. As we went up the stairs, we began to compose ourselves to erase the traces of tears that were shared. When we came in, we joined Wade, Marco, and my father Andres who were sitting in the third row. I looked to my right to see Leonard and Vera together laughing with Jennifer, David and DJ sitting next to them. Beth, Santino, and Allison were sitting behind us. Many of the workers from U of C were there with their family and friends. Dr. Arnold began the service.

When Dr. Arnold spoke, I took my hand and enclosed it with hers. I turned to her to see her smiling. She whispered 'I love you' and kissed my hand. I returned the smile and kissed her on her cheek. I whispered 'I love you too' and rested my head on her shoulder. I could hear Santino slapping lighting in the back and sniffing. I then heard Beth slap what seem to be his thigh and saying "Pay attention." A moment later, I felt Beth hand rub my shoulder as I patted her hand. I must say, this had to be the most memorable day of my life. I couldn't ask for anything better than this moment.

After the service, we all attended the farewell dinner that followed. I was able to meet a lot of the church members that were going on the trip as well as many of my co-workers family members and spouses. We were having a great time. Every one made sure to cherish the time we had left in Cornerstall.

Marco and I made our way off the dance floor. We crashed on the first chairs we seen.

"Oh my god that was so fun!" I said trying to catch my breath.

"Yeah! I didn't know you had those moves sis. I may need to take you to strip club and make some money off of you," Marco handed me one of the five water bottles he grabbed before sitting down.

"Shut up!" I hit his on his arm. "What you know about strip clubs any way mister?"

"Trust me, you don't want to know. The fellas took me to this titty bar for my twenty-first birthday on the west side. All I can say is that I sure as hell became a man that night. All those tig-ol-bitties and ass shaking in my face. What those women wouldn't do for a couple of crimpled up dollars. I was in heaven!"

"Eewwww! That is so disgusting! Well you're grown and if you like it, I love it. Just remember not to fall for the "you're my favorite customer line" that stripper probably tells to everyone who comes in."

"Oh don't worry. I'm only taking a roll of quarters from now on."

We laughed. We continued to talking for a while. Our attention then turned to our mother and Wade dancing.

"Would you look at her? Thinking she's slick. I see her flirting with my man." Wade and my mother seemed like they were having a good time. I couldn't help but to smile. It was the happiest I ever seen the both of them been.

"You know Mami. She always has to leave an impression. You better do something or Wade will be her next husband." Marco joked. Wade and Mami began to make their way off the dance floor.

"Wooo! I haven't danced like that in a long time. Rosa, I think I may have to keep Wade for tonight." Mami said as she took the seat next to Marco as she hugged and kissed him. He handed her a water bottle that he had gotten earlier.

"It's a fee to keep him. I accept cash." I said. Wade put his arms around me.

"So how much am I going for babe?" Wade asked me.

"Ummm since she's family, I would have to say . . . $20." I giggled.

"Really? With these stunning good looks and an accent that drives women crazy, I figured I'd be worth more." Wade pouted.

"I'll take the deal!" Mami squealed throwing her arms in the air.

"Sold!" We all laughed.

Mami, Marco, Wade, and I made the most of what was left of the night. We all had a great time. I danced a bit more with Marco and also with Wade and my father. My parents dancing together was unexpected. You can see how much they missed being with each other. I could tell that it took a lot of them to control their attraction to one another. It became a bit emotional at the end when myself and some of the others that were going on the trip made farewell speeches. After the dinner, Marco went out with his friends while my father drove Mami home. Wade and I went back to his apartment.

As soon as I entered, I sat down on the couch. I immediately took off my shoes. To say my feet were killing me was an understatement.

"Ahhh! That feels soooo good! The things I do for fashion," I sighed.

"I have to commend you women for all that you to make yourself look nice. I understand that being beautiful is no easy task," Wade said. He turned on the lamp that was on the stand next to the couch.

"It isn't. And thank you for being so appreciative. Did I ever tell you that you're my favoritest person in the world?"

"Hmmm no, I don't think so," Wade stood behind the couch. I reached up for his head and ran my fingers through his head. I kissed him.

"Ok. I just did." We began kissing. I felt Wade's hand caressing my breast. I started to moan.

"How about we take this to the bedroom?" he asked.

"Lead the way." Wade helped me take off my coat and threw it on the couch. He then took my hand as we made our way to his room.

Kinky sex was not Wade's style but that night it was. He was so willing to do everything I wanted. It wasn't like he never did before but this time was different. Wade and I were not going to see each other for a while so every moment counted. When we were done, we stayed up and talked.

"So how do you feel about me leaving for a year?" I asked him. I was laying on his chest.

Wade took a deep breath, "Well I don't exactly like to be honest but it's for a great cause."

"I know. I wish you could come with me."

"Yeah that would be nice. It really would," Wade held me tighter to his chest. I could tell that Wade didn't want to talk about the trip. Every time we did he would change the subject just like he did now.

"So you're dying you hair black. And here I thought blondes had more fun."
"They do, as you have seen tonight. But I figured that it would best since I would not be able to keep up with the blonde over there." No matter what we talked about, the conversation would always shift back to the trip.

"Right," Wade agreed while he played with my hair.

"Plus there would be more important matters than my vanity. I don't want to make it seem like I care more about my hair than helping the patients," I sat up and pressed my back against the headboard. I wrapped the comforter around my naked body.

"I know you would never do that. You're a great nurse Rosa and I'm glad you're going." Wade said. He always kept his replies to short. Wade would do anything not to talk about me leaving.

Instead of making Wade feel more uncomfortable than he already ways, I blurted out something that I had wanted to say for a while but was too afraid because of the response I may receive.

"Marry me Wade" I looked at Wade.

"What?" he jumped back a little.

"Marry me," I said again. Wade pushed the covers off him to sit up. He scratched his head then buried his face in his hands.

"Rosa," he sighed, "Please tell me you're joking. I don't have time for any games."

I took his hands from his face and held them. I gazed into his eyes to let him know I was serious. I had expected Wade to react like this so I prepared myself. If he said no, I would be fine with it since I was not expecting him to say yes.

"Wade. I'm not saying this because I'm leaving. I would never do that to you. I am saying this because I love you and I wanted to be with you," I paused, "So I'm going to ask you again, Wade Barrett will you marry me?"

I felt Wade grip my hands tighter. His face was extremely red. He was breathing hard and started to sweat. I realized that I was shaking as tears were coming down. We did not take our eyes off one another. Wade expressionless face had me worried until he finally gave me answer.

"Yes Rosa Mendes, I will marry you," He smiled.

"Yes!" I squealed. I jumped on Wade. We almost fell out of the bed. He was able to pull us both back up.

"Only under one condition" Wade was now serious. I began to worry about what the condition was.

"What is it?" I wondered.

"When we announce our engagement, could you say that I proposed to you?"

"Sounds good to me"

"Great. I'm still recovering from the time you painted my nails hot pink. Telling the guys you propose to me would not be doing me any favors."

I jumped on Wade again and kissed him. We went to bed around six o'clock in the morning. When I woke up, I noticed Wade was missing. When I stretched, I felt a strong light blinding me. I figured it was the afternoon sun but I was wrong. I looked on my left hand to find an emerald cut diamond on my ring finger.

"Oh shit!" I gasped. "What the . . ." I examined the ring a bit closely. It was so beautiful.

"I hope this will make you remember our deal." I looked to the door way to see Wade with a tray of food with the biggest smile on his face.

I smiled, "What deal?" I joked.

Wade sat the tray on the bed as he leaned over to kiss me, "I love you."
"I love you too"

Wade and I spent the rest of the day together enjoying what little time we had left. Tomorrow I was leaving for Ghana and wouldn't be able to see him until Christmas. I couldn't wait to call Beth and everyone else to tell them the good news that I was going to be Mrs. Wade Barrett.