Chapter 4: Karone's Memories
Karone had dropped her kids off at school and decided to go back home to finish unpacking. As she came back to her house, she opened the door and looked around the empty house. She was about to go to her room when she tripped over one of Kamilah's toys. She picked it up to find that it was the stuffed wildcat Zhane bought Kamilah for her third birthday. Karone sat down with the stuffed toy in her arms with tears in her eyes. "Zhane," she whispered. She closed her eyes and the memories of the past came in.
(Flashback)
(Seven Years Ago)
Karone and the rest of the group were celebrating her eighteenth birthday, Andros, Karone, and Zhane had decided celebrate birthdays along with their friends. She was having the time of her life; not knowing what Zhane had planning. She was talking to Cassie and Ashley when Zhane tapped her on the shoulder. "Karone, uh...can I talk to you for a second?" He asked.
"Sure," she replied.
Zhane took her hand and led her towards the lake. "Zhane, what's going on? You've been acting weird all day," she commented.
"Well, that's because today is a special day for two reasons. One because its your birthday and two because of this," he stated.
Karone watched as Zhane knelt down onto one knee, grasp her hand in his, and he looked up into her eyes with a smile. "Karone, will you marry me?" He asked. He moved his hand up and the ring sat in front of her. Karone smiled with grateful tears and looked at Zhane.
"Yes, Zhane, of course I'll marry you," she replied.
Zhane placed the ring onto her finger and hugged her tight. Everyone was clapping and cheering for the newly engaged couple. Andros walked over and embraced Karone. He shook Zhane's hand and gave him a small glare. "You better take great care of my sister," he instructed. Zhane got into attention pose and saluted.
"Yes, sir," he mocked.
Everyone laughed and then they continued on with the celebration.
(Six Years Ago)
Karone was sitting in the living room waiting for Zhane to come home from work. She was a little nervous, but she was also very excited. Today she had found out something that would change everything. She looked up when she heard the door close and the keys dropped onto the table in he hall. "Karone, are you home?" Zhane asked.
"I'm in here," she replied.
Zhane came in with a smile. "Hey," he greeted. He gave her a kiss and held her hand.
"Hey," she greeted back once the kiss was broken.
He was about to walk into the kitchen when she grabbed his hand. "Zhane, I have something to tell you," she stated. He shrugged and sat down.
"What's going on?" He asked.
"I went to see Dr. Daniels today and she told me something that's wonderful."
"What is it?"
"I'm pregnant."
Zhane's eyes widened and he was silent. Karone was getting nervous, but then she laughed when he scooped her up and spun her around. "Now I can't wait to tell Andros," he laughed.
"So, you want the baby?" She asked.
"Are you kidding? Of course I want the baby. This is great, Karone. We get to raise something we created together."
He wrapped his arms around her waist and smiled at her. "I love you Karone and I love this baby," he assured her. He then gave her a kiss. When they pulled from the kiss, she placed her head on his shoulder with a smile.
"I love you too," she whispered.
He held her close and tucked her head under his chin. They stayed like that for a long time before calling everyone over to tell them about the baby.
(Nine Months Later)
"Congratulations, it's a boy," Dr. Daniels announced. Karone sat up with Zhane's help and watched as he walked over to the nurses once their son was cleaned and wrapped up in a blue blanket. He held the boy and smiled at Karone.
"Here, he is," he murmured.
Karone took the boy into her arms with tears in her eyes. "Oh my goodness," she whispered. She touched his soft cheek with a smile. "Hello, my sweet baby boy," she whispered. Zhane wrapped an arm around her shoulders and kissed the side of her head as he looked at their son. Their first child and he was a strong boy. They knew he was going to be just like his dad. They looked up to see their friends come in. Andros and Ashley looked at the boy with smiles on their faces.
"Here's your nephew," Zhane announced quietly.
Karone placed the baby into Ashley's arms and smiled as she watched her sister-in-law cradle the baby in her arms. "Andros, look at him," she murmured. Andros smiled and looked at his sister and brother-in-law.
"I'm proud of both of you," he stated.
Karone smiled and then she sat back with a sigh. "After long hours of labor, he better be a great boy," she quipped. Everyone chuckled softly before Ashley placed the boy back into Zhane's arms.
"What do you plan to name him?" Dr. Daniels asked.
Karone looked at Zhane before answering her. "We were going to name him Zavier," she replied.
"That's a strong name, for a strong boy," Andros commented.
When everyone passed the nursery window, they commented about the beautiful baby in his crib that sat in the front row.
(Two Years Later)
Karone and Zhane were sitting in the living room talking when Zavier came running downstairs. "Mommy, daddy," he called.
"We're in here, son," Zhane informed.
Zavier came in and sat down in front of his parents. "What's going on?" He asked.
"Well, son, mommy and I have something to tell you," Zhane replied.
"Sweet heart, we're going to have a baby," Karone announced.
"YEAH!" Zavier exclaimed.
They laughed and embraced their son.
(Nine Months Later)
"It's a beautiful baby girl," Dr. Daniels announced. Karone smiled at Zhane and then she gladly took her baby girl into her arms. As soon as she entered her arms, the baby stopped crying. Zhane sat next to her like he had when Zavier was born. He touched his daughter's tiny hand with a smile.
"Hey, sweet heart, I'm your daddy," he whispered.
"And I'm your mommy," Karone whispered.
Zavier then entered the room and Zhane had him up on the bed. "Zavier, we want you to meet your new baby sister, Kamilah," Karone stated. Zavier looked at the sleeping baby with a smile.
"I like her," he stated.
"So does that mean we can take her home?" Zhane teased.
"Yeah."
Karone smiled and looked at Kamilah.
(Three Years Later)
"Happy birthday dear Kamilah, happy birthday to you," everyone chanted. Kamilah smiled as she blew out her candles. Everyone clapped and then Kamilah started giggling in her seat. Karone placed a kiss on the side of her daughter's head.
"Happy birthday, sweet heart," she murmured.
"And daddy has a special present for his big girl," Zhane announced.
He placed a box in front of her and she ripped open the wrapping paper. As everyone else was eating, they were also watching the little girl pull out a wildcat. "Kitty," she giggled. Zhane smiled and kissed the side of Kamilah's head.
"That's right, sweet heart, kitty," Zhane stated.
"Thank you daddy," she giggled.
She kissed Zhane on the cheek and Karone smiled at her husband and daughter. "You're welcome, sweetie," he murmured.
(End Flashbacks)
Karone was in full-blown tears now as she looked at the wildcat in her arms. "Oh, Zhane, why did you have to go so soon? Why did you have to leave me? We were supposed to grow old together. We were supposed to live the rest of our lives together," she sobbed. She clutched the wildcat to her chest and cried.
Maya was walking towards the house and was about to knock on the door when she heard crying. She opened the door to find Karone sobbing with her daughter's wildcat clutched to her chest. Maya came over and kneeled in front of her. "Karone, look at me," she insisted. Karone looked at her with tears falling down her face.
"It's not fair, Maya. It's just not fair. I miss him so much," she babbled.
Maya sat next to Karone and pulled her in her arms. She allowed her to cry against him and sighed sadly. She knew what it was like to the ones you love. She had experienced it when her people were turned into stone. Now that she looked at Karone, she was a young woman that was already a widow. She had lost her husband and there was nothing she could do, but comfort her and help her get over Zhane's death and move on with her life.
