👁️❤️ WHEN EYES FIRST SPOKE 👁️✨
{💫 A Love Written in Silence, Spoken by Destiny 💫}
---
Genre: Romance / Drama
Copyright ©️ 2025 by Honey Tales (Oyinkansola).
All rights reserved.
No part of this story may be copied, reposted, or distributed without the author's permission.
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
---
➽CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT — FINALE➽
Four Months Later — The Airport
The airport was crowded.
Families saying goodbye, lovers embracing, children running through the terminals with excited shouts. The fluorescent lights felt too bright, the announcement over the loudspeaker too loud, the weight of the moment too heavy.
But Raymond wasn't alone.
His parents stood nearby, his mother dabbing at her eyes with a tissue while his father kept an arm around her shoulders. He looked healthy now—strong, the color back in his cheeks, the sparkle returned to his eyes.
The recovery had been long, but complete.
Jason and Darren stood together, trying to act casual but failing miserably. Jason kept checking his phone to avoid showing emotion. Darren had his hands shoved deep in his pockets.
Adrian stood with Maya, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist. They'd been officially dating for two months now, and seeing them together made everything feel more complete somehow.
Maya was already crying, and Adrian was gently wiping her tears with his thumb.
And Shayla stood right beside Raymond, her hand gripped tightly in his, neither of them quite ready to let go.
Four months had passed in what felt like both forever and no time at all.
Four months of dates and late-night conversations and stolen kisses.
Four months of double dates with Maya and Adrian.
Four months of making memories and taking pictures and holding onto each moment like it was made of glass.
Four months of pretending that September wouldn't come, even though they both knew it would.
And now it was here.
"Flight 447 to London Heathrow, now boarding at Gate 23," the voice announced overhead.
Raymond's mother let out a soft sob.
"Mom," Raymond said gently, turning to
her. "I'll be okay."
"I know, sweetheart. I know." She pulled him into a tight hug. "I'm just so proud of you. And I'm going to miss you terribly."
"I'll call every week. More if you want."
"Every day would be better," she said with
a watery laugh, finally releasing him.
Raymond's father stepped forward, pulling his son into a firm embrace.
"You've made us so proud, son. Go show them what you're made of."
"Thanks, Dad." Raymond's voice was thick. "And thank you for... for being here. For being healthy."
His father's eyes glistened. "Wouldn't miss this for the world. Now go on, before your mother floods this airport."
Raymond turned to his friends next.
Jason stepped forward first, trying to keep it casual with a fist bump that turned into a quick hug. "Don't forget about us when you're some fancy Cambridge graduate, alright?"
"Never," Raymond said. "You guys are stuck with me."
Darren clapped him on the shoulder. "We're gonna miss you, man. It won't be the same without you."
"You'll survive. Just try not to burn down the apartment while I'm gone."
"No promises," Darren grinned, but his eyes were sad.
Adrian stepped forward next, and the two friends embraced tightly. "Take care of yourself over there, man. And video call us. We want to see that fancy British campus."
"I will. Every week." Raymond pulled back and looked at both Adrian and Maya.
"And you two take care of each other."
"We will," Adrian promised, pulling Maya
closer.
Maya was openly crying now, and when Raymond turned to her, she threw her arms around him.
"You better take care of my best friend's heart," she said fiercely, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "Or I'm flying to London to kick your ass."
Raymond laughed despite the emotion clogging his throat. "I will. I promise."
"Good." She pulled back, wiping her eyes. "And call her every single day. Not every other day. Every. Single. Day."
"Yes, ma'am."
Adrian handed Maya his handkerchief, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Babe, you're soaking my shirt."
"I don't care," Maya sobbed. "This is emotional."
"I know," Adrian said softly, holding her close.
Finally, there was just Shayla.
Everyone else seemed to sense they needed space and took a few steps back, giving them their moment.
"I don't know how to do this," Shayla whispered, her voice breaking.
"Me neither." Raymond pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her. "But we're going to figure it out. Just like we always do."
She buried her face in his chest, breathing him in—his cologne, the fabric softener his mom used on his clothes, the scent that was just him. She wanted to memorize everything about this moment so she could hold onto it during the lonely nights ahead.
"Three years," she whispered.
"Three years," he confirmed. "And then I'm coming back. To you. Always to you."
She pulled back just enough to look at him, tears streaming down her face.
"Promise me something."
"Anything."
"Promise me you'll live your life there. Really live it. Make friends, explore, learn everything you can. Don't spend three years just waiting to come back."
Raymond cupped her face, wiping her tears with his thumbs. "Only if you promise me the same thing. Keep creating art, keep growing, keep being the amazing person you are. Don't put your life on hold for me."
"I promise."
"I promise too."
He kissed her then—deep and desperate and full of everything they couldn't say.
People walked past them, but neither of
them cared. This moment was theirs.
Behind them, Maya sobbed louder into Adrian's chest. He held her tightly, his own eyes suspiciously bright. Raymond's mother was crying into her husband's shoulder now.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them were crying.
"I love you," Raymond said, his voice thick with emotion. "So much. More than I ever thought I could love anyone."
"I love you too." Shayla's hands gripped his shirt like she could keep him there if she just held on tight enough. "Call me when you land?"
"The second I land. And every day after that."
"Every day," she repeated, trying to smile through her tears.
"Final boarding call for Flight 447 to London Heathrow."
Jason cleared his throat. "Ray, man. You gotta go."
Raymond closed his eyes briefly, then opened them and looked at Shayla one more time. "I have to go."
"I know."
But neither of them moved.
"Raymond," his father called gently.
"Son."
"Go," Shayla whispered. "Before I change my mind and drag you back home."
He laughed, a broken sound. "I'd let you."
"I know. That's why I won't." She stood on her toes and kissed him one last time—soft, gentle, full of love. "Go chase your dreams. I'll be right here when you get back."
"You better be."
"I will be. I promise."
With one last look at everyone—his parents, his friends, Maya and Adrian holding each other, his girl—Raymond finally stepped back. He picked up his carry-on, gave them all one more smile—sad but hopeful—and walked toward security.
The entire group watched him go.
He turned back once, twice, three times, each time finding them all still standing there, still watching. Shayla blew him a kiss. His mother waved. His friends gave him thumbs up. Maya was still crying in Adrian's arms.
And then he was through security, and they couldn't see him anymore.
For a moment, no one moved.
Then Shayla's knees buckled slightly, and Maya was there immediately, pulling away from Adrian to catch her friend, holding her up.
"I've got you," Maya whispered. "We've all got you."
Adrian wrapped his arms around both of them, creating a protective circle.
Raymond's mother came over and wrapped Shayla in a warm embrace.
"He'll be back before you know it, dear. And we'll all get through this together."
"Together," Shayla repeated, her voice small.
"That's right," Raymond's father said, his voice steady and reassuring. "You're part of this family now, Shayla. Which means you don't go through this alone."
Jason stepped forward, his usual playfulness replaced with genuine emotion. "And we've got group chats to maintain. Video calls to schedule. Care packages to send. We're going to annoy him so much he'll want to come back early."
That got a small laugh from Shayla.
"Come on," Darren said gently. "Let's get out of here before we all start ugly crying in public."
"Too late," Maya said, gesturing to her tear-streaked face. Adrian pulled her close again, kissing the top of her head.
They all walked out of the airport together—a strange little family bound by love for the person who'd just left.
In the parking lot, before they separated to their cars, Raymond's mother pulled
Shayla aside.
"I meant what I said in there," she said softly. "You're family. Which means Sunday dinners are mandatory. And if you need anything—anything at all—you call us."
"Thank you," Shayla whispered, hugging her tightly. "That means everything."
"And," Raymond's father added with a kind smile, "I expect you to come over and tell us all about your conversations with Raymond. Someone has to make sure he's eating properly and not just surviving on tea and biscuits."
Shayla laughed through her tears. "I'll
keep him in line."
"Good girl."
Maya walked over, Adrian's hand in hers. "You're staying at our place tonight, right?
I'm not letting you be alone."
"Neither am I," Adrian added. "We're having a movie marathon. Ice cream. The works."
"You guys don't have to—"
"We want to," Maya said firmly. "Right, babe?"
"Absolutely," Adrian confirmed. "You're family. That's what we do."
As they drove home later—Shayla in the backseat while Maya sat up front with Adrian—her phone buzzed.
Raymond: Boarding now. I can still see you all in my mind. Thank you for coming. I love you all. Especially you, Shayla. Always you. ❤️
She typed back with shaking fingers.
Shayla: We love you too. Fly safe. Call me the second you land. Miss you already. ❤️
Maya turned around from the front seat. "He texted?"
Shayla nodded, unable to speak.
"He's going to be fine," Adrian said, glancing at her in the rearview mirror.
"And so are you. We'll make sure of it."
That night, curled up on the couch between Maya and Adrian, watching a movie she couldn't focus on, Shayla felt the support of the people around her.
She had Maya, who'd been her rock through everything.
She had Adrian, who'd become like a brother.
She had Raymond's parents, who'd
welcomed her like a daughter.
She had Jason and Darren, who'd already started a group chat called "Surviving Raymond's Absence Support Group."
And she had Raymond—thousands of miles away but never really gone, connected to her through every message, every call, every beat of her heart.
It wasn't going to be easy.
But she wasn't alone.
None of them were.
---
Three Years Later — London, Cambridge
Graduation💞
The graduation ceremony at Cambridge was beautiful.
Rows of students in their black gowns and caps, families cheering, cameras flashing, the historic buildings standing proud in the background.
Raymond sat among his classmates, but his eyes kept scanning the crowd, searching.
And then he saw them.
Not just Shayla—though she stood front and center, wearing a soft blue dress that made her look like something out of a dream, her hair longer than he remembered, her smile brighter than the sun.
But everyone.
His parents, his father looking strong and healthy, his mother beaming with pride.
Jason and Darren, all dressed up and grinning like idiots.
Maya and Adrian, holding hands and looking absolutely radiant together.
Adrian whispered something in Maya's ear that made her laugh, and Raymond's heart swelled seeing his best friend so happy.
And at the back, standing tall and proud—Shayla's uncle, who caught Raymond's eye and gave him a firm nod of approval.
Raymond's heart stopped, then started again, beating so hard he thought everyone around him could hear it.
They all came.
His entire family—by blood and by choice—had flown across the ocean to be here for this moment.
The ceremony continued, but Raymond barely heard any of it. All he could focus on was them—the way Shayla watched him with such pride, the way his mother dabbed at her eyes, the way his friends cheered obnoxiously when his name was called, the way Maya jumped up and down while Adrian steadied her, the way Shayla's uncle stood with his arms crossed and a huge smile on his face.
When Raymond walked across the stage to receive his diploma, the entire group erupted.
"THAT'S OUR BOY!" Jason shouted.
"WOOO!" Darren whistled loudly.
"GO RAYMOND!" Maya screamed, and Adrian laughed, clapping loudly beside her.
His mother was crying openly. His father was clapping so hard his hands had to hurt.
And Shayla—Shayla was glowing, tears streaming down her face, her hands pressed to her heart.
When it was finally over, Raymond didn't even bother with the traditional photos and congratulations. He just ran.
Ran through the crowd of people, dodging families and professors and fellow graduates, his gown flying behind him.
And then he was there, and Shayla was there, and he was pulling her into his arms, lifting her off the ground, spinning her around while she laughed and cried at the same time.
"You came," he said against her hair. "You all came."
"Of course we came." She pulled back to look at him, her hands cupping his face.
"Did you really think we'd miss this?"
"I told you not to—"
"And since when do I listen to you?" She kissed him, cutting off his protests.
When they finally broke apart, his friends were there, pulling him into a group hug that nearly knocked him over.
"Three years, man!" Jason said, his voice thick. "You actually did it!"
"We're so proud of you," Darren added, thumping him on the back.
"Couldn't have done it without you guys keeping me sane," Raymond said, his throat tight.
Maya threw herself at him next, nearly tackling him. "I missed you so much!"
"Careful, babe," Adrian laughed, steadying them both. "You're going to knock him over."
"I don't care!" Maya squeezed Raymond tight. "Three years is too long!"
When she finally released him, Adrian stepped forward, and the two best friends embraced tightly.
"Proud of you, man," Adrian said quietly. "You did it."
"Thanks for taking care of everyone while I was gone," Raymond said. "Especially Maya and Shayla."
"Always," Adrian promised. "That's what brothers do."
Then his parents were there, his mother pulling him into a fierce embrace.
"My brilliant boy," she whispered. "I'm so, so proud of you."
"Thanks, Mom." He held her tight, then turned to his father, who pulled him into a strong hug.
"You did good, son. Real good."
"Thanks, Dad. And thank you for being here. For being healthy and strong and—"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," his father said firmly. "Now, where's that lovely girlfriend of yours? I want a picture with my future daughter-in-law."
Raymond's eyes widened. "Future—?"
Shayla bit her lip, smiling. "Surprise?"
"When did you—?"
"Last month," his mother said, beaming. "She called to ask for our blessing. As if she needed it—we've been waiting for you to propose since."
Raymond looked at Maya and Adrian.
"Did you two know about this?"
"Of course we did," Maya grinned. "We helped her plan the call."
"Traitors," Raymond said, but he was smiling.
Adrian shrugged, pulling Maya close. "What can I say? We're suckers for romance."
"Speaking of which," Jason said with a mischievous grin, "when are you proposing to this one, Adrian?"
Maya's eyes went wide. Adrian blushed. "Jason—"
"What? We're all thinking of it!"
"Actually," Adrian said, his voice suddenly nervous, "I was going to wait, but..." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
Maya's hands flew to her mouth. "Adrian—"
"I know this is Raymond's moment," Adrian said quickly, looking at his best friend. "But you're all here, and I can't think of a better time, and—"
"Do it, man," Raymond said, grinning. "Absolutely do it."
Adrian turned to Maya, who was already crying. "Maya, we've been together for three years now. Three years of supporting each other, of growing together, of becoming better people because of each other. You're my best friend, my partner, my home. So—" He dropped to one knee right there on the Cambridge lawn, and Maya let out a sob.
"Maya, will you marry me?"
"Yes!" Maya screamed, not even letting him finish. "Yes, yes, yes!"
Adrian slipped the ring on her finger and stood, and Maya jumped into his arms, kissing him while everyone around them cheered.
Shayla was crying happy tears, hugging Raymond tightly. "Did you know he was going to do that?"
"No idea," Raymond laughed. "But it's perfect."
Jason and Darren were wolf-whistling and clapping.
Raymond's parents were hugging each other, thrilled.
Shayla's uncle was smiling broadly, shaking his head at the beautiful chaos.
When Maya and Adrian finally came up for air, she turned to Shayla, showing off her ring. "We're both getting married!"
"I know!" Shayla squealed, and the two best friends hugged, jumping up and down.
Raymond looked at Adrian. "So much for this being my day."
"Sorry, man," Adrian grinned, not looking sorry at all. "Couldn't help myself."
"It's perfect," Raymond said, pulling his best friend into a hug. "Congratulations, brother."
"You too. Now, about that proposal you were planning..."
Raymond glanced at Shayla, who was still celebrating with Maya, and smiled.
"Actually, I had something planned for later. But seeing as we're all here..."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his own small velvet box.
Shayla's uncle, standing nearby, chuckled. "Looks like it's that kind of day."
Raymond walked over to Shayla, and when she turned and saw the box in his hand, she froze.
"Raymond—"
"I know Adrian just stole my thunder," he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "but I've been carrying this ring around for months, and I can't wait another second."
The group around them went quiet again, forming a circle.
Raymond took Shayla's hand. "Three years ago, I left you at an airport, and it was the hardest thing I'd ever done. But you were right there, every single day. Every phone call, every text, every video chat at ungodly hours because of time zones—you were there. You kept me going when things got hard. You celebrated my wins and comforted me through my losses. You never wavered, never doubted us, never gave up."
Shayla was crying now, happy tears that she didn't bother to hide.
"And now I'm standing here, diploma in hand, dreams achieved, surrounded by everyone we love, and all I can think is that none of it means anything if I don't get to share it with you." He dropped to one knee, opening the box to reveal a beautiful ring that caught the sunlight.
"Shayla, will you marry me? Will you let me spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you've made me?"
"Yes," Shayla said, nodding frantically through her tears. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes."
Raymond slipped the ring onto her finger—a perfect fit—and then he was standing, and she was in his arms, and he was kissing her while everyone around them cheered louder than they had for either graduation or Adrian's proposal.
When they finally pulled apart, both laughing through their tears, Shayla whispered, "I love you so much."
"I love you too. Always."
"Always," she repeated.
And in that moment, everything was perfect.
EPILOGUE — Five Years Later
The house was filled with chaos—the good kind.
Toys scattered across the living room floor, the sound of children's laughter echoing through the halls, the smell of something delicious baking in the oven.
Shayla stood in the kitchen, one hand resting on her slightly rounded belly—baby number two was due in four months—while she watched her three-year-old daughter, Hope, toddle around the living room, chasing after her toy bunny.
"Mama, look!" Hope called out, her eyes—the same warm brown as Raymond's—sparkling with joy.
"I see you, baby," Shayla called back, smiling.
The doorbell rang, and Hope squealed. "Auntie Maya! Uncle Adrian!"
Shayla opened the door to find Maya and Adrian standing there, Maya cradling a tiny bundle in her arms—their newborn son, Marcus, named after Shayla's uncle.
"Come in, come in," Shayla said, hugging Maya carefully. "How's my godson?"
"Perfect," Maya beamed. "He slept the whole way here."
Adrian carried in a diaper bag that looked heavier than the baby. "We brought reinforcements. Just in case."
Raymond appeared from upstairs, having just put away laundry, and his face lit up when he saw their friends. "There they are!"
The two men embraced, and Raymond peered down at baby Marcus. "He's gotten so big already."
"Two weeks old and already stealing hearts," Adrian said proudly.
Hope tugged on Maya's dress. "Baby! I see baby!"
"Come here, sweetie," Maya said, sitting down carefully on the couch. "You can look at baby Marcus. But gentle, okay?"
Hope nodded seriously, peering at the tiny infant with wide, curious eyes. "He's tiny."
"You were that tiny once," Shayla said, settling down beside Maya.
"And now look at you," Raymond added, scooping Hope up and making her giggle. "Getting so big."
The doorbell rang again, and this time it was Jason and Darren, carrying bags of takeout.
"We brought food!" Jason announced. "Because we know you new parents never have time to cook."
"You're a lifesaver," Maya said gratefully.
Soon after, Raymond's parents arrived, his mother immediately going to coo over baby Marcus while his father swept Hope up into his arms for their traditional "airplane ride" around the room.
Shayla's uncle was the last to arrive, bringing a homemade pie and immediately gravitating toward his namesake, baby Marcus.
"He's beautiful," he said softly to Maya and Adrian. "Thank you for the honor of sharing my name with him."
"Thank you for being family," Maya said, her eyes misty. "For all of us."
As the evening wore on, the house filled with warmth and love.
Raymond's parents told stories about when Raymond was young, making everyone laugh.
Jason and Darren played with Hope, building an elaborate tower of blocks that she delighted in knocking down.
Shayla's uncle held baby Marcus, humming softly, a peaceful smile on his face.
And Shayla and Maya sat together on the couch, watching their families blend and overlap, their children being loved by so many people.
"Can you believe this is our life?" Maya whispered.
"Sometimes I have to pinch myself," Shayla admitted. "After everything we went through—the distance, the fear, the uncertainty—and now look at us."
"Two happily married women with beautiful families," Maya said, smiling. "Living five minutes apart so our kids can grow up together."
"Just like we planned," Shayla laughed.
Raymond came over and sat beside Shayla, pulling her close and resting his hand on her belly. "How's baby number two doing?"
"Active," Shayla said. "I think we're having another girl."
"Another princess?" Raymond grinned. "I'm going to be so outnumbered."
"You love it," Shayla teased.
"I really do," he said seriously, kissing her temple.
Adrian joined them, bouncing a now-awake Marcus gently. "You know what's crazy? Five years ago, we were all at that graduation in Cambridge, just starting our lives. And now..."
"Now we have everything we ever dreamed of," Raymond finished.
Later that night, after everyone had gone home and Hope was tucked into bed, Raymond and Shayla stood in their daughter's doorway, watching her sleep.
"She has your eyes," Shayla whispered.
"And your smile," Raymond added. "And your kindness."
They moved to their own bedroom, Shayla settling into Raymond's arms the way she had a thousand times before.
"Do you remember the first time we saw each other?" Raymond asked softly.
"At the campus hallway," Shayla said. "You were with the guys, and I couldn't stop staring."
"I couldn't stop staring either." He pressed a kiss to her hair. "My eyes spoke before I ever found the words."
"Mine too," Shayla said, turning to look up at him. "And you know what they said?"
"What?"
"They said, 'There he is. The one I'm going to love for the rest of my life."
Raymond's eyes glistened. "That's exactly what mine said too."
They kissed, soft and slow, and in that moment, surrounded by the home they'd built together, the family they'd created, the love that had survived distance and time and every obstacle thrown their way, they knew—
This was what happiness looked like.
Not a perfect life without challenges.
But a life where, no matter what came, they faced it together.
Where love wasn't just a feeling, but a choice they made every single day.
Where home wasn't a place, but the people who filled it with laughter and love.
And it all started with a glance—when eyes first spoke, and hearts listened.
When eyes first spoke, they said hello.
When hearts answered, they said forever.
And forever was exactly what they got.
THE END.
---
✨ Thank you for following Shayla and Raymond's journey, and for witnessing Maya and Adrian's love story unfold alongside it. May you all find a love worth fighting for, worth waiting for, and worth believing in. And may you be surrounded by people who lift you up and hold you together when things get hard.✨
💫 With love💞
✍️Honey Tales (Oyinkansola) 💫
{💫 A Love Written in Silence, Spoken by Destiny 💫}
---
Genre: Romance / Drama
Copyright ©️ 2025 by Honey Tales (Oyinkansola).
All rights reserved.
No part of this story may be copied, reposted, or distributed without the author's permission.
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
---
➽CHAPTER THIRTY EIGHT — FINALE➽
Four Months Later — The Airport
The airport was crowded.
Families saying goodbye, lovers embracing, children running through the terminals with excited shouts. The fluorescent lights felt too bright, the announcement over the loudspeaker too loud, the weight of the moment too heavy.
But Raymond wasn't alone.
His parents stood nearby, his mother dabbing at her eyes with a tissue while his father kept an arm around her shoulders. He looked healthy now—strong, the color back in his cheeks, the sparkle returned to his eyes.
The recovery had been long, but complete.
Jason and Darren stood together, trying to act casual but failing miserably. Jason kept checking his phone to avoid showing emotion. Darren had his hands shoved deep in his pockets.
Adrian stood with Maya, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist. They'd been officially dating for two months now, and seeing them together made everything feel more complete somehow.
Maya was already crying, and Adrian was gently wiping her tears with his thumb.
And Shayla stood right beside Raymond, her hand gripped tightly in his, neither of them quite ready to let go.
Four months had passed in what felt like both forever and no time at all.
Four months of dates and late-night conversations and stolen kisses.
Four months of double dates with Maya and Adrian.
Four months of making memories and taking pictures and holding onto each moment like it was made of glass.
Four months of pretending that September wouldn't come, even though they both knew it would.
And now it was here.
"Flight 447 to London Heathrow, now boarding at Gate 23," the voice announced overhead.
Raymond's mother let out a soft sob.
"Mom," Raymond said gently, turning to
her. "I'll be okay."
"I know, sweetheart. I know." She pulled him into a tight hug. "I'm just so proud of you. And I'm going to miss you terribly."
"I'll call every week. More if you want."
"Every day would be better," she said with
a watery laugh, finally releasing him.
Raymond's father stepped forward, pulling his son into a firm embrace.
"You've made us so proud, son. Go show them what you're made of."
"Thanks, Dad." Raymond's voice was thick. "And thank you for... for being here. For being healthy."
His father's eyes glistened. "Wouldn't miss this for the world. Now go on, before your mother floods this airport."
Raymond turned to his friends next.
Jason stepped forward first, trying to keep it casual with a fist bump that turned into a quick hug. "Don't forget about us when you're some fancy Cambridge graduate, alright?"
"Never," Raymond said. "You guys are stuck with me."
Darren clapped him on the shoulder. "We're gonna miss you, man. It won't be the same without you."
"You'll survive. Just try not to burn down the apartment while I'm gone."
"No promises," Darren grinned, but his eyes were sad.
Adrian stepped forward next, and the two friends embraced tightly. "Take care of yourself over there, man. And video call us. We want to see that fancy British campus."
"I will. Every week." Raymond pulled back and looked at both Adrian and Maya.
"And you two take care of each other."
"We will," Adrian promised, pulling Maya
closer.
Maya was openly crying now, and when Raymond turned to her, she threw her arms around him.
"You better take care of my best friend's heart," she said fiercely, her voice muffled against his shoulder. "Or I'm flying to London to kick your ass."
Raymond laughed despite the emotion clogging his throat. "I will. I promise."
"Good." She pulled back, wiping her eyes. "And call her every single day. Not every other day. Every. Single. Day."
"Yes, ma'am."
Adrian handed Maya his handkerchief, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Babe, you're soaking my shirt."
"I don't care," Maya sobbed. "This is emotional."
"I know," Adrian said softly, holding her close.
Finally, there was just Shayla.
Everyone else seemed to sense they needed space and took a few steps back, giving them their moment.
"I don't know how to do this," Shayla whispered, her voice breaking.
"Me neither." Raymond pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her. "But we're going to figure it out. Just like we always do."
She buried her face in his chest, breathing him in—his cologne, the fabric softener his mom used on his clothes, the scent that was just him. She wanted to memorize everything about this moment so she could hold onto it during the lonely nights ahead.
"Three years," she whispered.
"Three years," he confirmed. "And then I'm coming back. To you. Always to you."
She pulled back just enough to look at him, tears streaming down her face.
"Promise me something."
"Anything."
"Promise me you'll live your life there. Really live it. Make friends, explore, learn everything you can. Don't spend three years just waiting to come back."
Raymond cupped her face, wiping her tears with his thumbs. "Only if you promise me the same thing. Keep creating art, keep growing, keep being the amazing person you are. Don't put your life on hold for me."
"I promise."
"I promise too."
He kissed her then—deep and desperate and full of everything they couldn't say.
People walked past them, but neither of
them cared. This moment was theirs.
Behind them, Maya sobbed louder into Adrian's chest. He held her tightly, his own eyes suspiciously bright. Raymond's mother was crying into her husband's shoulder now.
When they finally pulled apart, both of them were crying.
"I love you," Raymond said, his voice thick with emotion. "So much. More than I ever thought I could love anyone."
"I love you too." Shayla's hands gripped his shirt like she could keep him there if she just held on tight enough. "Call me when you land?"
"The second I land. And every day after that."
"Every day," she repeated, trying to smile through her tears.
"Final boarding call for Flight 447 to London Heathrow."
Jason cleared his throat. "Ray, man. You gotta go."
Raymond closed his eyes briefly, then opened them and looked at Shayla one more time. "I have to go."
"I know."
But neither of them moved.
"Raymond," his father called gently.
"Son."
"Go," Shayla whispered. "Before I change my mind and drag you back home."
He laughed, a broken sound. "I'd let you."
"I know. That's why I won't." She stood on her toes and kissed him one last time—soft, gentle, full of love. "Go chase your dreams. I'll be right here when you get back."
"You better be."
"I will be. I promise."
With one last look at everyone—his parents, his friends, Maya and Adrian holding each other, his girl—Raymond finally stepped back. He picked up his carry-on, gave them all one more smile—sad but hopeful—and walked toward security.
The entire group watched him go.
He turned back once, twice, three times, each time finding them all still standing there, still watching. Shayla blew him a kiss. His mother waved. His friends gave him thumbs up. Maya was still crying in Adrian's arms.
And then he was through security, and they couldn't see him anymore.
For a moment, no one moved.
Then Shayla's knees buckled slightly, and Maya was there immediately, pulling away from Adrian to catch her friend, holding her up.
"I've got you," Maya whispered. "We've all got you."
Adrian wrapped his arms around both of them, creating a protective circle.
Raymond's mother came over and wrapped Shayla in a warm embrace.
"He'll be back before you know it, dear. And we'll all get through this together."
"Together," Shayla repeated, her voice small.
"That's right," Raymond's father said, his voice steady and reassuring. "You're part of this family now, Shayla. Which means you don't go through this alone."
Jason stepped forward, his usual playfulness replaced with genuine emotion. "And we've got group chats to maintain. Video calls to schedule. Care packages to send. We're going to annoy him so much he'll want to come back early."
That got a small laugh from Shayla.
"Come on," Darren said gently. "Let's get out of here before we all start ugly crying in public."
"Too late," Maya said, gesturing to her tear-streaked face. Adrian pulled her close again, kissing the top of her head.
They all walked out of the airport together—a strange little family bound by love for the person who'd just left.
In the parking lot, before they separated to their cars, Raymond's mother pulled
Shayla aside.
"I meant what I said in there," she said softly. "You're family. Which means Sunday dinners are mandatory. And if you need anything—anything at all—you call us."
"Thank you," Shayla whispered, hugging her tightly. "That means everything."
"And," Raymond's father added with a kind smile, "I expect you to come over and tell us all about your conversations with Raymond. Someone has to make sure he's eating properly and not just surviving on tea and biscuits."
Shayla laughed through her tears. "I'll
keep him in line."
"Good girl."
Maya walked over, Adrian's hand in hers. "You're staying at our place tonight, right?
I'm not letting you be alone."
"Neither am I," Adrian added. "We're having a movie marathon. Ice cream. The works."
"You guys don't have to—"
"We want to," Maya said firmly. "Right, babe?"
"Absolutely," Adrian confirmed. "You're family. That's what we do."
As they drove home later—Shayla in the backseat while Maya sat up front with Adrian—her phone buzzed.
Raymond: Boarding now. I can still see you all in my mind. Thank you for coming. I love you all. Especially you, Shayla. Always you. ❤️
She typed back with shaking fingers.
Shayla: We love you too. Fly safe. Call me the second you land. Miss you already. ❤️
Maya turned around from the front seat. "He texted?"
Shayla nodded, unable to speak.
"He's going to be fine," Adrian said, glancing at her in the rearview mirror.
"And so are you. We'll make sure of it."
That night, curled up on the couch between Maya and Adrian, watching a movie she couldn't focus on, Shayla felt the support of the people around her.
She had Maya, who'd been her rock through everything.
She had Adrian, who'd become like a brother.
She had Raymond's parents, who'd
welcomed her like a daughter.
She had Jason and Darren, who'd already started a group chat called "Surviving Raymond's Absence Support Group."
And she had Raymond—thousands of miles away but never really gone, connected to her through every message, every call, every beat of her heart.
It wasn't going to be easy.
But she wasn't alone.
None of them were.
---
Three Years Later — London, Cambridge
Graduation💞
The graduation ceremony at Cambridge was beautiful.
Rows of students in their black gowns and caps, families cheering, cameras flashing, the historic buildings standing proud in the background.
Raymond sat among his classmates, but his eyes kept scanning the crowd, searching.
And then he saw them.
Not just Shayla—though she stood front and center, wearing a soft blue dress that made her look like something out of a dream, her hair longer than he remembered, her smile brighter than the sun.
But everyone.
His parents, his father looking strong and healthy, his mother beaming with pride.
Jason and Darren, all dressed up and grinning like idiots.
Maya and Adrian, holding hands and looking absolutely radiant together.
Adrian whispered something in Maya's ear that made her laugh, and Raymond's heart swelled seeing his best friend so happy.
And at the back, standing tall and proud—Shayla's uncle, who caught Raymond's eye and gave him a firm nod of approval.
Raymond's heart stopped, then started again, beating so hard he thought everyone around him could hear it.
They all came.
His entire family—by blood and by choice—had flown across the ocean to be here for this moment.
The ceremony continued, but Raymond barely heard any of it. All he could focus on was them—the way Shayla watched him with such pride, the way his mother dabbed at her eyes, the way his friends cheered obnoxiously when his name was called, the way Maya jumped up and down while Adrian steadied her, the way Shayla's uncle stood with his arms crossed and a huge smile on his face.
When Raymond walked across the stage to receive his diploma, the entire group erupted.
"THAT'S OUR BOY!" Jason shouted.
"WOOO!" Darren whistled loudly.
"GO RAYMOND!" Maya screamed, and Adrian laughed, clapping loudly beside her.
His mother was crying openly. His father was clapping so hard his hands had to hurt.
And Shayla—Shayla was glowing, tears streaming down her face, her hands pressed to her heart.
When it was finally over, Raymond didn't even bother with the traditional photos and congratulations. He just ran.
Ran through the crowd of people, dodging families and professors and fellow graduates, his gown flying behind him.
And then he was there, and Shayla was there, and he was pulling her into his arms, lifting her off the ground, spinning her around while she laughed and cried at the same time.
"You came," he said against her hair. "You all came."
"Of course we came." She pulled back to look at him, her hands cupping his face.
"Did you really think we'd miss this?"
"I told you not to—"
"And since when do I listen to you?" She kissed him, cutting off his protests.
When they finally broke apart, his friends were there, pulling him into a group hug that nearly knocked him over.
"Three years, man!" Jason said, his voice thick. "You actually did it!"
"We're so proud of you," Darren added, thumping him on the back.
"Couldn't have done it without you guys keeping me sane," Raymond said, his throat tight.
Maya threw herself at him next, nearly tackling him. "I missed you so much!"
"Careful, babe," Adrian laughed, steadying them both. "You're going to knock him over."
"I don't care!" Maya squeezed Raymond tight. "Three years is too long!"
When she finally released him, Adrian stepped forward, and the two best friends embraced tightly.
"Proud of you, man," Adrian said quietly. "You did it."
"Thanks for taking care of everyone while I was gone," Raymond said. "Especially Maya and Shayla."
"Always," Adrian promised. "That's what brothers do."
Then his parents were there, his mother pulling him into a fierce embrace.
"My brilliant boy," she whispered. "I'm so, so proud of you."
"Thanks, Mom." He held her tight, then turned to his father, who pulled him into a strong hug.
"You did good, son. Real good."
"Thanks, Dad. And thank you for being here. For being healthy and strong and—"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," his father said firmly. "Now, where's that lovely girlfriend of yours? I want a picture with my future daughter-in-law."
Raymond's eyes widened. "Future—?"
Shayla bit her lip, smiling. "Surprise?"
"When did you—?"
"Last month," his mother said, beaming. "She called to ask for our blessing. As if she needed it—we've been waiting for you to propose since."
Raymond looked at Maya and Adrian.
"Did you two know about this?"
"Of course we did," Maya grinned. "We helped her plan the call."
"Traitors," Raymond said, but he was smiling.
Adrian shrugged, pulling Maya close. "What can I say? We're suckers for romance."
"Speaking of which," Jason said with a mischievous grin, "when are you proposing to this one, Adrian?"
Maya's eyes went wide. Adrian blushed. "Jason—"
"What? We're all thinking of it!"
"Actually," Adrian said, his voice suddenly nervous, "I was going to wait, but..." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
Maya's hands flew to her mouth. "Adrian—"
"I know this is Raymond's moment," Adrian said quickly, looking at his best friend. "But you're all here, and I can't think of a better time, and—"
"Do it, man," Raymond said, grinning. "Absolutely do it."
Adrian turned to Maya, who was already crying. "Maya, we've been together for three years now. Three years of supporting each other, of growing together, of becoming better people because of each other. You're my best friend, my partner, my home. So—" He dropped to one knee right there on the Cambridge lawn, and Maya let out a sob.
"Maya, will you marry me?"
"Yes!" Maya screamed, not even letting him finish. "Yes, yes, yes!"
Adrian slipped the ring on her finger and stood, and Maya jumped into his arms, kissing him while everyone around them cheered.
Shayla was crying happy tears, hugging Raymond tightly. "Did you know he was going to do that?"
"No idea," Raymond laughed. "But it's perfect."
Jason and Darren were wolf-whistling and clapping.
Raymond's parents were hugging each other, thrilled.
Shayla's uncle was smiling broadly, shaking his head at the beautiful chaos.
When Maya and Adrian finally came up for air, she turned to Shayla, showing off her ring. "We're both getting married!"
"I know!" Shayla squealed, and the two best friends hugged, jumping up and down.
Raymond looked at Adrian. "So much for this being my day."
"Sorry, man," Adrian grinned, not looking sorry at all. "Couldn't help myself."
"It's perfect," Raymond said, pulling his best friend into a hug. "Congratulations, brother."
"You too. Now, about that proposal you were planning..."
Raymond glanced at Shayla, who was still celebrating with Maya, and smiled.
"Actually, I had something planned for later. But seeing as we're all here..."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his own small velvet box.
Shayla's uncle, standing nearby, chuckled. "Looks like it's that kind of day."
Raymond walked over to Shayla, and when she turned and saw the box in his hand, she froze.
"Raymond—"
"I know Adrian just stole my thunder," he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "but I've been carrying this ring around for months, and I can't wait another second."
The group around them went quiet again, forming a circle.
Raymond took Shayla's hand. "Three years ago, I left you at an airport, and it was the hardest thing I'd ever done. But you were right there, every single day. Every phone call, every text, every video chat at ungodly hours because of time zones—you were there. You kept me going when things got hard. You celebrated my wins and comforted me through my losses. You never wavered, never doubted us, never gave up."
Shayla was crying now, happy tears that she didn't bother to hide.
"And now I'm standing here, diploma in hand, dreams achieved, surrounded by everyone we love, and all I can think is that none of it means anything if I don't get to share it with you." He dropped to one knee, opening the box to reveal a beautiful ring that caught the sunlight.
"Shayla, will you marry me? Will you let me spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you've made me?"
"Yes," Shayla said, nodding frantically through her tears. "Yes, yes, a thousand times yes."
Raymond slipped the ring onto her finger—a perfect fit—and then he was standing, and she was in his arms, and he was kissing her while everyone around them cheered louder than they had for either graduation or Adrian's proposal.
When they finally pulled apart, both laughing through their tears, Shayla whispered, "I love you so much."
"I love you too. Always."
"Always," she repeated.
And in that moment, everything was perfect.
EPILOGUE — Five Years Later
The house was filled with chaos—the good kind.
Toys scattered across the living room floor, the sound of children's laughter echoing through the halls, the smell of something delicious baking in the oven.
Shayla stood in the kitchen, one hand resting on her slightly rounded belly—baby number two was due in four months—while she watched her three-year-old daughter, Hope, toddle around the living room, chasing after her toy bunny.
"Mama, look!" Hope called out, her eyes—the same warm brown as Raymond's—sparkling with joy.
"I see you, baby," Shayla called back, smiling.
The doorbell rang, and Hope squealed. "Auntie Maya! Uncle Adrian!"
Shayla opened the door to find Maya and Adrian standing there, Maya cradling a tiny bundle in her arms—their newborn son, Marcus, named after Shayla's uncle.
"Come in, come in," Shayla said, hugging Maya carefully. "How's my godson?"
"Perfect," Maya beamed. "He slept the whole way here."
Adrian carried in a diaper bag that looked heavier than the baby. "We brought reinforcements. Just in case."
Raymond appeared from upstairs, having just put away laundry, and his face lit up when he saw their friends. "There they are!"
The two men embraced, and Raymond peered down at baby Marcus. "He's gotten so big already."
"Two weeks old and already stealing hearts," Adrian said proudly.
Hope tugged on Maya's dress. "Baby! I see baby!"
"Come here, sweetie," Maya said, sitting down carefully on the couch. "You can look at baby Marcus. But gentle, okay?"
Hope nodded seriously, peering at the tiny infant with wide, curious eyes. "He's tiny."
"You were that tiny once," Shayla said, settling down beside Maya.
"And now look at you," Raymond added, scooping Hope up and making her giggle. "Getting so big."
The doorbell rang again, and this time it was Jason and Darren, carrying bags of takeout.
"We brought food!" Jason announced. "Because we know you new parents never have time to cook."
"You're a lifesaver," Maya said gratefully.
Soon after, Raymond's parents arrived, his mother immediately going to coo over baby Marcus while his father swept Hope up into his arms for their traditional "airplane ride" around the room.
Shayla's uncle was the last to arrive, bringing a homemade pie and immediately gravitating toward his namesake, baby Marcus.
"He's beautiful," he said softly to Maya and Adrian. "Thank you for the honor of sharing my name with him."
"Thank you for being family," Maya said, her eyes misty. "For all of us."
As the evening wore on, the house filled with warmth and love.
Raymond's parents told stories about when Raymond was young, making everyone laugh.
Jason and Darren played with Hope, building an elaborate tower of blocks that she delighted in knocking down.
Shayla's uncle held baby Marcus, humming softly, a peaceful smile on his face.
And Shayla and Maya sat together on the couch, watching their families blend and overlap, their children being loved by so many people.
"Can you believe this is our life?" Maya whispered.
"Sometimes I have to pinch myself," Shayla admitted. "After everything we went through—the distance, the fear, the uncertainty—and now look at us."
"Two happily married women with beautiful families," Maya said, smiling. "Living five minutes apart so our kids can grow up together."
"Just like we planned," Shayla laughed.
Raymond came over and sat beside Shayla, pulling her close and resting his hand on her belly. "How's baby number two doing?"
"Active," Shayla said. "I think we're having another girl."
"Another princess?" Raymond grinned. "I'm going to be so outnumbered."
"You love it," Shayla teased.
"I really do," he said seriously, kissing her temple.
Adrian joined them, bouncing a now-awake Marcus gently. "You know what's crazy? Five years ago, we were all at that graduation in Cambridge, just starting our lives. And now..."
"Now we have everything we ever dreamed of," Raymond finished.
Later that night, after everyone had gone home and Hope was tucked into bed, Raymond and Shayla stood in their daughter's doorway, watching her sleep.
"She has your eyes," Shayla whispered.
"And your smile," Raymond added. "And your kindness."
They moved to their own bedroom, Shayla settling into Raymond's arms the way she had a thousand times before.
"Do you remember the first time we saw each other?" Raymond asked softly.
"At the campus hallway," Shayla said. "You were with the guys, and I couldn't stop staring."
"I couldn't stop staring either." He pressed a kiss to her hair. "My eyes spoke before I ever found the words."
"Mine too," Shayla said, turning to look up at him. "And you know what they said?"
"What?"
"They said, 'There he is. The one I'm going to love for the rest of my life."
Raymond's eyes glistened. "That's exactly what mine said too."
They kissed, soft and slow, and in that moment, surrounded by the home they'd built together, the family they'd created, the love that had survived distance and time and every obstacle thrown their way, they knew—
This was what happiness looked like.
Not a perfect life without challenges.
But a life where, no matter what came, they faced it together.
Where love wasn't just a feeling, but a choice they made every single day.
Where home wasn't a place, but the people who filled it with laughter and love.
And it all started with a glance—when eyes first spoke, and hearts listened.
When eyes first spoke, they said hello.
When hearts answered, they said forever.
And forever was exactly what they got.
THE END.
---
✨ Thank you for following Shayla and Raymond's journey, and for witnessing Maya and Adrian's love story unfold alongside it. May you all find a love worth fighting for, worth waiting for, and worth believing in. And may you be surrounded by people who lift you up and hold you together when things get hard.✨
💫 With love💞
✍️Honey Tales (Oyinkansola) 💫
