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Chapter 4

It was moments like these that reminded Stephanie of the bitter truth - she had no friends to rely on, no one to confide in except her brother. As soon as her career took off, everyone around her expected something in return, and she couldn't keep up.

She sought comfort in a bucket of ice cream and a pile of tissues. ‘I'll let him cool off for a day or two, that's it. Troy will listen,’ she convinced herself through sobs, wrapped in Troy's favorite shirt.

On her working day, she put on makeup and faked a smile throughout.

For the few days left, she chose to stay with her parents. Her mother had a rule of praying hand in hand whenever a hurdle lay ahead. Although Stephanie didn’t see this interview as a hurdle, she went along anyway. At least she didn’t have to sit through hours of church prayer. African mothers took religion and spirituality seriously. Coming from a liberal white community, Mr. Door had done a lot of adjusting to please Mrs. Door.

“It’s all for love,” Stephanie’s old man always said.

Darius went mute after hearing what had happened between his sister and Troy. “Damn, is he that serious about this?” he asked. His sister had gained and lost a fiancé in one night, and that ought to put her in a bad spot. “Stephanie, remember what I always say - no one should stop you from doing what you want. If he doesn’t understand, then he’s not worth it.”

‘What if he is worth it?’ Stephanie stared hard at the wall during a briefing at work.

“Stephanie... Miss Door?” Her colleague had been calling for almost a minute.

“Huh... Yes?” Stephanie flinched back to reality.

“Is everything alright?” Everyone else in the meeting room was staring at her.

“Yeah, carry on.” She brushed a strand of hair aside and got her head back in the game.

*****

Troy was just about to head to lunch when Joan approached. “Campton, you’re wanted on the third floor. One of your patients left their room,” she said urgently.

“It’s got to be that old man again.” There was a particular patient who believed his house was on the balcony of the third floor. What terrible things dementia can do to a person. Troy went up as fast as he could, but to his dismay, there was no patient - just his ex.

“What are you doing here?” He massaged his temple.

“Can we talk?” Stephanie took four paces forward.

“Not unless you’re dropping that stupid interview.”

Stephanie pursed her lips, dragging her steps as she got closer. “I understand why you’re mad at me. You should be mad at me.” She was a ball of nerves, picturing all the things that could go wrong here. “It’s too late to back out of the interview. I leave in three days... But I promise this will be the last time you’ll ever feel left out.”

“Of course this will be the last time, because I’m not going to spend the rest of my life with a woman who believes her work is more important than me. I want someone willing to settle down and keep it real and simple, Steph. I’m not going to look forward to a future where I’m never part of your decisions... so forget it.” Troy did not go easy on her.

“Troy...” Just as Stephanie opened her mouth, a phone call cut in. “I have to take this,” she turned.

“Unbelievable.” Troy’s hands perched on his waist. He shook his head, displeased that his supposed girlfriend couldn’t miss one bloody phone call for him. “...Bye.” He turned and marched into the building without looking back.

“No, wait!” The phone nearly slipped out of Stephanie’s hand as she ran after him. When she caught up, he jerked his hand away and let her down harshly with a, “You’ll never change!” That struck her heart like a blow. She stood outside for a long time, hoping he would come back, but he never did.

Stephanie returned to her apartment that day to make final arrangements before heading back to her parents. She didn’t feel strong enough, and an hour more in that apartment would surely break her down.

*******

Days later...

Saying goodbye to her parents early in the morning brought back memories of her younger days. It was a three-hour drive to the airport, and her brother volunteered to take her. Most of the people she was traveling with had already arrived when she entered the terminal.

“Over here, Steph!” Caleb waved. He was the genius behind the camera.

Darius guessed why his sister had her eyes everywhere. Time was fleeting, yet there was no sign of Troy. Not a phone call or a text to wish her well on her trip. As the news team settled in, waiting for their flight, Stephanie’s anxiety became visible. Maybe she did need that man on her side after all. When the team went ahead to board, it became clear that Troy meant his words.

“I guess that’s it. Thanks for driving me here.” Stephanie picked up her handbag and her journal.

“You don’t have to thank me for anything, baby sis.” Darius smothered her in a bear hug.

“Haha, you should stop treating me like a baby.”

“You know that’s not possible. Be careful out there.” Darius cupped her cheek.

For a moment, Stephanie heard the concern in his tone. Her brother might act tough, but he sometimes gave away how protective he was of her. It was Darius’s confidence in her that made Stephanie who she was now - a go-getter.

“I will.” She gave him one last peck on the cheek before parting ways.

Walking down the bridge alone, Stephanie cleared her throat and brushed a strand of hair aside. She clutched her bag firmly, holding back the tears threatening to spill. ‘You’re a big girl, Steph, you don’t cry.’ That thought ended with a stubborn tear breaking free and sliding down her powdered cheek...