Split Mind

A Sandstorm.

We are all huddled up in a hug behind a wall and some how the stranger is in it too which somehow makes me feel safe especially because i haven't been in the embrace of a mans arms since Maggie's dad. For the first time since our journey began i notice how he smells because of the close proximity and he smells heavenly like spring and my lips twitch as i breath him in.

We are crouched down and i have to maintain focus on covering the children and keeping the trolley from rolling away and it is very hard because of the weather being freaky.

The stranger has one hand going under mine thats holding on to the trolley pulling me in from my back and his other goes around the children to reach my shoulder with Sashas back against the wall and Maggie in between my legs.

Im shocked and confused not sure how exactly this is possible. A SANDSTORM thats right. you read that right. A sandstorm in a surburb and the province we are in is no where near a dessert i couldn't believe my eyes i thought sand had gotten in them from the wind before or i was dreaming ,i did rub them pretty hard to clear my vision but what i saw didnt change.

Thinking about the events that just unfolded i can't help but smile. The stranger just saved my kids he blindly ran to them with his 'hurt' leg and saved my kids. I dont know why but a sudden wave of affection for him just floated through me and i have slightly mixed feelings about it.

The storm went on for what felt like forever and i think i dozed off a little.

"Hey hey the storm over lets go." i hear the stranger speak . i open my eyes and see that im lying on the strangers jersey on the ground. "I put the kids in the car packed everything in the boot. Come on lets go"

"Where are we going?" I ask with my voice sounding hoarse and i immediately feel embarrassed and every ounce of sleep i was feeling instantly goes away and i sit up straight.

"Come on." he says offering me a hand so i can get up and i take it.

"We cant stay here its not safe. Most of the people here lost their loot because of the storm. Come on we gotta hurry the kids are alone." At the mention of my kids i instantly start walking faster and only slowed down when they came into view.

i look at the stranger and see that he is still limping so i got the drivers seat and get in.

The moment my kids notice me they both get up and cheer.

"Lolo where were you?" Sasha asks. i take Maggie and sit her on my lap while Sasha is looking from the side of my seat. "You guys left me alone.." i fake being sad and a few sniffles to sell it at the sight of these Maggie hugs me. "Sasha.. you!" Maggie says pointing a finger at sasha disapprovingly. "Its not meeee!" Sasha says defending herself and i continue to fake it. " Lolo sollly" Maggie says bringing me close by putting her arm at the back of my neck and uses her other hand to wipe tears that aren't there.

"It wasnt meeee! it was him" Sasha says pointing to the stranger who has yet to come in.

" Lolo im sorry to leave you.." she says as she looks at her fingers.

"Aww honey its okay. I forgive you" i say bringing her head closer so i can kiss her forehead.

"You forgive me, you dont forgive Maggie?" she says now excited.

"I forgive..." i pause knowing Sasha is probably looking for me to say there is only one winner and that winner is her i smile. "BOTH OF YOU!!" i say loudly startling Maggie a little bit but she quickly recovers.

I then frantically kiss both of them everywhere and giggle erupt in the car.

After a while things calm down and i look at the stranger still outside and i dont know why but he looks like he is having a battle with himself

"Okay guys! sit down put on seatbelts and we'll go" i say still looking at the stranger who has his back turned to us now.

I start the car to signal the stranger we are leaving. I hear Maggie at the back struggling with her seatbelt and turn back to help her and notice some water bottles and snack at the foot of their seats and i smile . That was nice of him.

i turn just as he is getting in the car. i look at him but he is looking straight ahead i don't bother to ask what took him so long because he clearly looks embarrassed and put my seatbelt on. "You ready?" i ask to which he nods and i back up out of the parking lot.

On the road to somewhere it was so tense in the car only the kids were chirpy in the back. I have an idea to make him comfortable.

"Hey... this should have popped up sooner but...What's your name?" i say chuckling hoping he finds the situation funny too. A bright smile that warms my heart appears on his face and reaches out his hand. " Im Cory. Cory Smith." he says

"Im Lorraine Themba nice to meet you Cory." i take his hand and shake it flashing him my best smile.