Sweet Destiny

By Bernadette Watkins

Sarina awakens her destiny and lives her dreams in mysterious ways. She doesn't understand what lies ahead, but knows true love does exist. Sarina will move your heart and shine light for those in the dark. She explores love and courage in many ways. Life seemed very well for Sarina until she discovers that her father has passed away. Then, things begin to change. Her life moves in a direction that could never be imagined. This story is filled with love and hope. It will give your joy, tears, and laughter. Once you begin to understand the story, you will not want to put the book down. Sweet Destiny is guaranteed to keep you on your toes and stimulate your mind. There is so much to explore in Sarina's world. Just open the book and read from page one until the end. Never underestimate the power of a smile or warm embrace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312303331

Book preview

Sweet Destiny

About Sweet Destiny

www.LuLu.com

First Printing February 2008

Copyright ©2014 by Bernadette Watkins

All rights reserved.

Cover Design

Original and modified cover art by Vinoth Chandar, D Sharon Pruitt and CoverDesignStudio.com

ISBN 978-1-312-30333-1

Author’s Notes:

All characters in this book are fictitious and not related to any real people or person.

No parts of this book may be reproduced without the author's written consent.

Www.BernadetteWatkins.Com

Sweet Destiny

It's been nine years since the death of her father and Arianna wants to

make sure that her mother is well. Catherine Waters has two children,

Sarina and Arianna, both are as different as night and day. Arianna, a

newspaper editor, is never satisfied. Sarina, a dance teacher, cares for

the happiness of others. Catherine raised both of her children to be

upright citizens and taught them right from wrong. She is the

successful owner of Sweet Things Bakery.

Sarina has been in the coma for a very long time, but

Catherine and Arianna will not give up on her. Nine years and she still

lies there looking so peaceful and content. The doctor asked Catherine

before to let him know what she wanted to do, but never would she let

go. She always believed that Sarina would return home to this world

as if nothing had ever happened.

Arianna and Catherine face many challenges with their loved

one lying comatose for such a period of time. Nevertheless, giving up

was not an option. They pray everyday for Sarina to awaken. No one

knows what the future holds and no one knows what tomorrow brings.

Sarina's family will move your heart and shine light for those in the

dark. There will be times when you'll want to laugh and cry, but most

of all this story will make you appreciate the gift of life. This is a

remarkable story and a great adventure for those who love to read

fiction novels. Catherine and Arianna remember to never let the

waters run dry.

"Thanks to everyone reading this amazing story of faith

and love."

~Bernadette Watkins

Sweet Destiny

Bernadette Watkins

"I dedicate Sweet Destiny to

my children Derek, Tierra, Kevin, and Zara who inspire me to live my

dreams."

Sweet Destiny

A Novel of Faith and Love

Contents

In The Beginning

Friendship Matters

It's About Time

Moment of Joy

Deep In Thought

Mysterious Happenings

Are You For Real

The Beautiful Gathering

It's About Time

Perpetual Moments

Fairy Tale In Paradise

The Journey Begins

Where's The Doctor

Home At Last

In The Beginning

Sarina stared into the beautiful green forest. The trees were so tall and the sky was filled with fluffy white clouds. The gentle breeze from the wind blew over her skin as she daydreamed on the hill near the lake. Sarina is a twenty one year old young woman who has the power to do anything that she desires. Well, not magically, but with the will power that God has given to her. There were times when she would be with friends and not feel as though she was happy. She always felt left out and mistreated as a child growing up in poverty. Her single mom, Catherine, is a very hard working, but a gentle lady. Catherine had given birth to Sarina and Arianna at a decent age, but the doctor advised her not to have anymore children due to complications. Sarina is the youngest by five years of her sister, Arianna who is twenty six years old. Sarina remembers the day she had to walk to school, but Arianna rode with some of her friends who passed her along the way.

On rainy days she was allowed to ride. Even as a small child Sarina noticed things that other children didn’t seem to understand. Catherine raised both of her children equally and she didn’t spare the rod on either of them.

The differences occurred outside of the household. Sometimes, she would take them to the park, movies, dinner, and other outdoor events. Nevertheless, Sarina always believed that she was someone special whom God had created and that by faith anything was possible. Despite all the situations she had encountered in life, Sarina had to continue to reach for that highest mountain. She always enjoyed the company of her special friend, William. Never once did he criticize her or make her feel worthless in any way. He was the perfect gentleman, but Sarina didn’t have any romantic feelings for him. William and Sarina were the same age, but he moved to the Carolinas from Missouri. Immediately, Sarina knew

he was a good person. At the age of sixteen, Sarina and William went to the beach with his family. Sarina pushed William into the water, but his mouth was open and his tongue was sore for days with blisters from the salt water. They laughed about that incident for many years. Quite often the close friends would watch movies and have  a good time, but the poetry sessions were the most fun. Whenever they heard the lyrics and rhymes they always had a wonderful time. Unlike most opposite sex relationships, William and Sarina had a special understanding. The sky is fading into gray and Sarina realizes that its getting late and she has to go home for dinner. So, she quietly stands and inhales the sea breeze to help clear her thoughts. Sarina gathers her belongings and quickly leaves for home. Tonight, her mom had cooked chicken cordon bleu with rice and vegetables. They were not always able to eat this type of food because her family couldn’t afford it.

Before the graduations from college and her mom’s successful bakery, they lived below minimum wage. Back then, Catherine had to work hard, but now that everyone has a thriving career their lives are much better. The smell from the kitchen was so aromatic and sensational. Catherine cooks very well and she knows it because the plates are always empty. It’s dark outside and the sky is filled with twinkling stars. Sarina gazed out the window while sipping on sweet herbal tea. So, Sarina, how was your day?asked Catherine. Mom, today was wonderful, but tomorrow will be even better. answered Sarina. Catherine asked. Why is that? Cause tomorrow, I’ll go to the poetry session with William. You know how we love those lyrics. Catherine smiled. Well, I hope you have fun darling. They continued to eat the delicious meal that she had prepared for them. Arianna sat down at the table. Mom, this food looks delicious.

She sniffed the chicken and asked, Why did you put the cheese in here? Because that’s the way you make it. Catherine replied. Arianna got a knife and scraped the cheese out of the chicken. Mom you know I like mine without the cheese. You could have at least made one like that for me. Catherine smiled and looked at Arianna. She whispered, Sweetheart, let’s not be that way okay. Yes, Ma’am. Arianna proceeded to enjoy dinner. In fact, the ladies talked and laughed for the rest of the night. Catherine didn’t have to worry about the dishes because they had the dishwasher which was one of the appliances they were very thankful to have in the home. Everyone prepared for bed. Tomorrow will be very demanding for the ladies at their jobs. As the editor of the local newspaper, Arianna does a wonderful job. Once, she did such a great job that the original work was totally revised and she ended up in court for altering too much information.

She takes her job seriously and works very hard to satisfy the company. Arianna works from nine am until five pm everyday except on Saturdayand Sunday. On the other hand, Sarina is a dance teacher who inspires the young and old to become dancers. Classes are Monday thru Friday from ten am til six pm. Sometimes, William comes over to watch Sarina teach and embarrasses her by applauding. Sarina’s memorable experience occurred when an older couple came back from vacation in the Bahamas and thanked her for keeping their marriage together. They said that the dance classes helped them to understand each other. Well, girls , I’m going to bed. Have a pleasant night. Catherine acknowledged the time. Arianna, do you feel sleepy? asked Sarina. No replied Arianna. Do you ever wonder what it would be like if dad was still in our lives? asked Sarina. Yes, I do Sarina, all the time. "Sometimes, I think everything would be so much better.

Yet, it could still be the same. Arianna replied. You know mom never talks about it much. Do you think she hasn’t quite accepted the fact that he is gone? asked Sarina. Yes, mom knows very well that dad is no longer with us. She doesn’t want to talk about him because the memories are too much and sometimes depress her. Trust me, she’s fine. Thanks Arianna. I just want mom to be happy and that’s all. Arianna gave Sarina a hug to let her know that she loved her very much. Arianna whispered, Everything’s good . Now, let’s go to sleep."

The Journey Begins...

Breakfast, breakfast! yelled Catherine from the kitchen. Sarina and Arianna enjoyed her home cooked meals because Catherine put lots of love in her food. The waffles were stacked high with omelets on the side and small bowls of fresh fruit.

Breakfast was always a rush for the ladies because everyone had to prepare for the busy day.

Catherine is forty four years old and she has been working for the bakery for several years. She became the owner after putting in five years of dedicated time and after five years took over the company which gave her more responsibility. Mom this is good. Arianna rushed towards the front door. I have to leave early for work today. See you later, bye. She blew Catherine a kiss and left for work. So, are you ready for your big day, Sarina? asked Catherine. Of course, mom. I’m ready. As soon as I get away from the studio, William is taking me to the Lyric Café. So, I won’t be home for dinner tonight. Sarina, that’s fine. You know William is a very nice and polite, young gentleman. I hope that both of you have a terrific time. They continued to talk about William and the poetry session.

Finally, Sarina went upstairs to change for work.

Tango people. Come on. Let’s go...tango. Yes, that’s it!

Sarina had been working on the tango for quite some time. The couples always loved this dance. The inspiration was from modern day music and a bit of old school. Also, the music for the routines were sometimes classical. Sarina taught a variety of different classes which included yoga (mostly stretching and relaxing), hip-hop dance(for those interested in a more up beat tempo), and a combination of jazz and folk dancing including the tango. William entered the hall and cheered, Looking good! Sarina smiled and motioned for him to come inside. "Come in

William. I’m so glad to see you! she exclaimed almost breathless from rehearsal. Not as happy as I am to see you! William smiled. You know tonight we must go to the poetry session." He continued to smile.

Yes, give me another thirty minutes and I’ll be done. Okay. Sarina acknowledged him and finished teaching dance class as William sat down and enjoyed the view. A half hour later, class was over. Sarina grabbed her jacket, showered, changed clothes and locked the building. William was waiting near the car and he opened the door for her. He couldn’t resist giving Sarina a hug before she entered the fabulous two seat convertible.

During the drive to the theater, William and Sarina laughed and talked about the good times in South Carolina. She always loved to listen to

his stories about family and friends. No matter how serious he tried to sound, William always made her laugh out loud. They decided to listen to some music and enjoy the ride. Sarina sang along with the music, "It’s

so hard to say goodbye to yesterday." The song continued to play until they turned the corner and reached their destination.

Once they arrived at the theater, there was live music, food, and drinks. Scented candles were already lit and placed on each and every table to set the mood. They were served wine as the music played softly in the background. The room was filled with sounds of love. Everyone was having a wonderful time. The artist known as Tiffany grabbed the microphone and spoke. Ladies and Gentlemen. That’s right! Ladies and Gentlemen. Thanks for your support here at the Lyric Café. We have some fantastic guests tonight who will share with us some amazing poetry and rhymes so open your ears and open your heart. Please enjoy the show! Everyone applauded. Tonight, we have a very special guest. Ms. Elise Richards! Will everyone please stand and give her a hand.

Elise took the mic and began to recite a poem she wrote entitled, Forever Love.

"I saw you once in a dream

A long time ago

You already knew me, but

How did you know

That we’d be in love

Sharing our hopes and fears

Just as pure as