Perpetual

I can tell that Pearl is nervous as I pull into Sasha’s yard. It’s a shocker that we have found parking space because there are a lot of cars and some are even outside the yard.

‘You know you only have to say the word and we will get out of here right?’

‘I didn’t look this good just to chicken out at the last minute.’

I smile widely because she does look really nice. She is wearing a sleeveless satin dress that is showing her perfect cleavage. The dress has a slit from the thigh going all the way down. On her feet are silver strappy stiletto heel sandals that match her clutch. Even though I would have loved for her hair to be worn in it’s natural curly form I still love the box braids that is she wearing. Her make up is a perfect subtle look. I have never seen anyone look this perfect.

‘You are staring.’

‘You look perfect Pearl.’

‘Thank you and stop saying it.’

I laugh.

I get out of the car and walk over to the other side to open the door for her.

‘Chivalry is not dead is it?’

‘You are welcome my lady.’

‘And I got you something.’ I quickly add removing a small jewelry box from my pocket.

‘What is this?’

I open it and show her the little necklace that has an infinity symbol.

‘This is beautiful Leo.’

‘You are beautiful, now turn around so I put it on you.’

She does just that and lifts her hair. We are so close, I can smell the perfume on her neck. I swallow hard as I have this urge to kiss her neck. How can someone be this perfect? How is it even legal for her to be striding the earth in her glory?

‘There we go.’ I say.

She clears her throat.

‘Thank you once again.

‘Are you ready?’

‘Yes.’

I take her hand and we walk into the house together. The lady who is giving a speech pauses when we enter and everyone turns around to look at us but quickly picks up from where she left and the attention is drawn back at her but I notice how Sasha doesn’t stop looking at us so I go ahead and wrap my hand around Pearl’s waist who is standing in front of me. She freezes at first but eventually relaxes.

‘That is Lona, Sasha’s best friend.’ Pearl whispers.

‘I see.’ I respond.

The speech goes on for the next five minutes and when she is done, everyone applauds her. Sasha walks on the stage and I notice how elegantly she is dressed. I guess she does something right to make up for her stinking attitude.

‘I am very grateful that all of you are here, you know what they say about a child being raised by the entire community, I wouldn’t have been here without all of you. While I am still here, I would like to say a special thank you to my bestfriend Lona who has seen me through all the dark days, the one that has been the greatest pillar in my life. Friend I don’t think I would have survived UNI without you, so thank you.’

She pauses as she and Lona blow each other kisses.

‘And a bigger thank you to my cousin Pearl.’

She looks in our direction.

‘You always made sure my room was swept, you cooked my meals and washed my clothes. I was so sure you would be my help for ever but look at you glowing in that satin dress and fake diamond around your neck.’

Everyone in the room laughs except us, my blood is boiling. How in God’s name does Pearl still put up with all this? Sasha will not stop at embarrassing her and she keeps taking it in.

‘I hope all of you enjoy this evening as much as I will.’

People in the room clap and the DJ starts playing some music as Sasha walks out from the stage. She mingles with a few people then walks in our direction, I suddenly have this urge to protect Pearl at all costs.

‘Look who decided to show up.’

‘Congratulations Sasha, you deserve this.’

‘Of course I do, I worked my ass off. What I studied is not some interior designing nonsense, I will count in society.’

‘And I am guessing I won’t right?’

‘Of course you will, but not like me.’

‘You want people to do fine but not better than you right?’ I ask letting go of Pearl’s waist because all this is pissing me off.

‘And who are you?’

‘Sasha you met Leo last time.’

‘Another fling that you want to milk money from?’

‘We just came to congratulate you, we were on our way to dinner.’

Sasha lifts an eyebrow.

‘Is that true?’

‘Yes Sasha, I was never going to come. Leo thought it was only right to pass through.’

‘I see. You might as well leave.’

Pearl walks over and kisses her right cheek.

‘You did it cuz, now to enjoy the fruits of your labor.’

This action takes me by surprise, what is it about Pearl that makes her this calm? I am not sure if I should be scared or go with the flow. But something is definitely not right.

…

Kwenje’s Girl

Winnie

🙇🏾‍♀️