Perpetual

The days go by really fast. I desperately want to see Pearl again but work has been crazy and she is at her cousin’s place so it has been hard to see her. Today I decide that come what may I will make an effort to go and see her. I don’t like how our last conversation ended on Monday night and the past days we have been talking as if we are walking on egg shells.

‘Where are you going?’ James asks.

I have just arrived from work, taken a bath and now dressed up to go and see Pearl. Today being a Friday it wasn’t so busy so I decided to leave a few hours earlier than usual.

‘I am going to see Pearl.’

‘Pearl? The same Pearl from the restaurant.’

‘Yes.’ I respond getting a glass with my smoothie from the refrigerator.

‘What’s going on between you and this lady? I thought whatever infatuation you had died that same day.’

‘She intrigues me.’

‘And so you want to know her?’

‘Yes James, I want to know her. Maybe create a friendship with her. There is something about her that tells me that just maybe she might be going through something and I need to save her.’

‘No.’

‘What?’

‘I said no.’

‘What are you talking about?’

‘You can’t go about wanting to save people Leo. She will drain you and whatever little you have. There is no way that your attention will be focused on saving her when you have a life to live. You can’t start playing care taker or bob the builder.’

I sigh deeply.

‘I like her James and maybe I am wrong about her needing saving but I am not about to walk out now. I want her and I want to be in her life.’

‘You are stubborn .’

I smile widely finishing off the smoothie.

‘I will see you later, let me go and see the future Mrs. Mweemba.’

He lifts an eyebrow.

‘I am going to marry Pearl. I know we just met but I have this strong conviction that she is the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.’

‘Just go, I think you are high on something.’

‘Bye.’ I say shaking my head as I walk out of the house.

I get into my car and open the location that she sent me earlier. I know the area I am just hoping that the place is not so far from the main road. I text her and let her know I am on my way. According to the map I should be there in the next twenty minutes.

The drive Is slow, I didn’t realise that congestion was building up. I am listening to music on the stereo as I drive and I am praying inwardly that I don’t get there very late because that will mean seeing her only for a few minutes. I don’t want her cousin thinking that she being taken advantage of.

After a long forty minutes drive, I finally arrive. I text her and tell that I have arrived so she can open the gate for me. Her cousin is home so she doesn’t want to make it look like she is leaving the house to see men. Once it opens I drive in and park in the free space.

‘Hey you.’ She says with a smile on her face though she looks exhausted.

She is clad in a political party chitenge and plain black t shirt with house slippers.

‘These are for you.’ I say giving her the bouquet of flowers and box of chocolate that I have come with.

‘Thank you, they smell nice.’ She says after smelling them.

‘I hope you like them.’

‘I do and it’s white chocolate, you pay attention to details don’t you.’

I shrug my shoulders happy that she is recognising the effort.

‘Pardon me, please come through.’ She says opening the door for me.

‘Thank you.’

I walk into the house and notice instantly that it’s feminine but I appreciate that everything is in place. There are two pieces of emerald green furniture in the living room and a third single piece which is a three seater that is mustard. The coffee table has décor books and a vanity tray that holds a vase of plastic flowers. All this is seated on a white Persian carpet. The TV is nicely mounted on the wall and the floating TV stand has very little exquisite décor. There are a few paintings on the wall and a single photo of two ladies who I believe one of them is Pearl’s cousin.

‘We can sit in the kitchen, I was just getting dinner started.’

‘Sure.’

She leads the way and offers me a seat. The kitchen smells divine a part of me wants to taste whatever she is cooking.

‘I missed you.’ I tell her honestly.

‘I missed you too Leo.’

I want to respond when someone walks into the kitchen. She is dressed in a white shirt robe and looks like she is just from bathing.

‘Good evening.’ She greets looking me over.

‘Good evening.’

‘Sasha this is my friend Leo, Leo my cousin Sasha.’

‘Nice to meet you.’ I say extending a hand.

‘You too.’ She responds not even bothering to shake my hand.

‘What time will dinner be ready?’

‘I should be done in the next couple of minutes.’

‘I hope so, Lona will be here shortly I don’t want us to start waiting for food.’

‘It will be ready soon.’

I notice that Pearl seems a little intimidated by Sasha and I instantly have a disliking for her.

‘Are you staying for dinner?’ She asks looking at me.

‘I actually came to take Pearl home.’

‘Excuse me? The party is tomorrow there is no where you are going.’ Sasha angrily says looking at Pearl.

‘I got a job offer and I need to attend an interview tomorrow sorry.’

‘Sorry? That’s all you can say?’

‘How about asking your help to come through.’

‘You know what, just stop cooking and leave. I will have dinner out with Lona.’

‘Okay.’ Pearl responds and Sasha stomps out of the kitchen.

‘Thank you.’ Pearl mutters.

‘You are welcome.’ I respond with a kind smile.

..

Kwenje’s Girl

Winnie

🙇🏾‍♀️