Rita's Unseen Destiny.

The next morning, Rita woke up early, feeling refreshed and rejuvented. She looked over at Carlson, who was still sleeping peacefully. She smiled, her heart full of love and affection. 

 "Good morning," she whispered, her lips brushing against his ears. Carlson stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Good morning," he replied, his voice husky. Rita smiled and leaned in closer, her lips meeting his in a soft, gentle kiss. "I love you." She whispered. 

 "I love you too." Carlson replied, his arms wrapping around her waist. As they embraced, Rita knew that their love would conquer all, no matter what challenges lay a head.

 As soon as the sun started rising, Rita quietly got up and got dressed. She didn't want to disturb Carlson, who was finally resting peacefully. She left his house and headed home to change into her work clothes.

 As she arrived at the café, her co-workers noticed she looked a bit disheveled. "Rough night?" One of them asked, raising an eyebrow. Rita just laughed and shock her head. "You have no idea," she said with a smile. But inside, she was worried about Carlson and hoping he would feel better soon.

 As Rita settled into her routine at the café, she found herself missing Carlson's warm smile and gentle banter. But she was determined to stay focused and caught up on her work. Just as she was getting into a rhythm, she heard a familiar laugh and turned to see her old college school friend Emily walking towards her, a bright smile on her face. 

 "Emily! Oh my goodness, what are you doing here? "Rita exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. She hadn't seen Emily in three months, and the sudden reappearance of her old friend left her feeling both delighted. 

I could ask you the same thing!" Emily replied, her eyes sparking with mischief. "I had no idea you worked here, what is it like being a barista?" Rita laughed, feeling a rush of nostalgia wash over her. It's been an adventure, that's for sure. But I love it. How about you? What brings you here today? 

 As they chatted, Rita couldn't help but notice the curious glances from her co-workers, who were no doubt wondering about the sudden interruption. But she didn't mind, happy to reconnect with her old friend and share some laughs. Little did she know Emily's visit would be the start of a new chapter in their lives, one that would bring surprises, challenges, and unexpected joy. 

 Actually, "I am just visiting my boyfriend Raymond," Emily said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "His working in this city for a trendy tech start up in the city where he spent most of his days coding and designing new apps." Raymond was a brilliant mind, always fascinated by technology and innovations. He was also a bit of a prankster, always up for a good time and never afraid to make a joke. 

 I am heading back to kampala city, but I wanted to stop by, and I see you too at your aunt's house. Your mother gave me the address. That very day you left, I paid a visit, but I didn't find you home. I found that you had changed the location in Gulu city, so I knew we would meet one day here. But what I didn't know is that you are working in this vintage-themed café.

 Rita's eyes widened in surprise. That's amazing! I had no idea you were dating someone here. How is that going to work? "Emily shrugged," it's a bit complicated, but we are making it work. We are actually meeting up in this café later today, so I was hoping we could catch up before he arrived. 

 Rita nodded enthusiastically. Of course, that sounds great! I would love to hear more about what's been going on in your life. And I will be happy to meet your boyfriend too!

 As they chatted, Rita couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over her. She and Emily had been inseparable in high school, sharing secrets, laughter, and dreams. It was amazing to see how life had taken them on different paths, yet their friendship remained strong. "Let's grab a table in the corner," Rita suggested, gesturing to a cozy spot by the window. "We can catch up some more before Raymond arrives." 

 Emily nodded, and they settled in for a lovely afternoon of reminiscing, giggling, and making new memories together. Rita's expression turned serious as she asked Emily, "So, tell me about Alex. What is he like? Does he ever talk about me?"

Emily hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Rita, Alex is complicated, but he is also reckless and irresponsible." Rita said "When I told him I was pregnant, he freaked out and said he wasn't ready for the responsibility. He left me to deal with it on my own, and I ended up dropping out of school." 

 Rita's eyes narrowed, her anger simmering just below the face. " And does he over talk about me? "She pressed on." 

 Emily sighed. "Honestly, Rita, I don't think he thinks about you at all. He moved on to another girl from what I hear, his already dating someone new." 

 Rita's face fell, the pain and hurt still raw. "That's what I was afraid of," She whispered. "He never cared about me or the baby. He just used me for his own pleasure." 

 Emily reacted and took Rita's hand, her eyes filled with compassion. You deserve so much better than that, Rita. You are strong and capable, and you will get through this. We shall get through it together.

 Rita nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over her. "You are right, Emily. I deserve better. And I am going to make sure I get it." 

 Just then, the door to the café opened, and a young man walked in, looking tall, with messy brown hair and bright blue eyes that sparked with mischief. He had a lean build and a relaxed demeanor. He was dressed in thick hoodies, jeans, and sneakers. He scanned the room, his eyes locking onto Emily's face. "Hey," he said, smiling, and Emily's face hit up with a radiant smile.

 "That's Raymond," Emily whispered to Rita, her voice barely audible. Rita's eyes narrowed as she watched Raymond approach their table. He was handsome, but there was something about him that didn't quite add up. Maybe it was the way he seemed to gleam with self-satisfaction, or the way he barely acknowledged Rita's presence.

Hey babe," Raymond said, leaning down to kiss Emily's cheek. "I missed you." Emily's face glowed with happiness, but Rita just raised an eyebrow. She wasn't impressed.

 "Raymond, this is Rita,"Emily said, gesturing to her friend. We are just catching up. Raymond's eyes flickered at Rita's face and, for a moment, he thought he saw a glimmer of recognition. But then, his expression smoothed out into a bland smile. "Nice to meet you," he said, his voice dripping with insincerity.

 As Raymond's eyes met Rita's, a look of recognition flashed across his face once again. Wait a minute, "he said, his voice filled with surprise. " You are Rita, aren't you? Carlson Rita?

 Rita's heart skipped abeat as she nodded, her mind racing with connections. "How do you know Carlson? " She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

 Raymond grinned,"We are best friends, man. We have known each other since college and the other day he told me about you. Rita's eyes widened in shock. " He did?" Raymond nodded. " Yeah, he said you are the love of his life, but you are also the most stubborn person he has ever met."

 Rita's face flushed with embarrassment. Could it be true? Did Carlson really feel that way about her?

 Just then, Emily spoke up, her voice filled with confusion. "Wait, what's going on here?" 

 Raymond turned to her and explained, "Rita is the girl Carlson has been pinning for. And I am the one who has been trying to convince him to make a move."

 Emily's eyes widened in surprise, and then she turned to Rita with a sly grin. "Well, well, well. Looks like we have a love triangle on our hands." 

 Rita excused herself from Emily and Raymond, her mind whirling with thoughts of Carlson. " Hey guys, I am going to head out,"Rita said, grabbing her purse. " Thanks for the catch-up, Emily. And nice meeting you, Raymond."

 Emily waved goodbye, and Raymond nodded in her direction. " Yeah no problem, see you around, Rita."

 Rita left the café and headed home. Her heart was racing with excitement. She couldn't wait to get home and process everything she had just learned.

 Immediately she reached home, he called Carlson, finding out how he was, since he was sick. After checking on him, he found that he had improved and so there was no need to worry about him.

 She then prepared her dinner and decided to have some rest after a long evening of laughter and fun with her old friend Emily.