HOPE

CHAPTER 3

LUCY’S POV

I don’t know if I just heard it in my head, but Hope just slammed the door too hard. “Hope!” I opened her door, and there she was lying on her bed with her face deeply buried on her pillow. “What is it?”, “can you give me space, please?” she said as she faced the other side. “Something happened on your way back from the store?”, “No. Nothing happened. I just need space. Do you mind?” looking at me like I was actually invading her little kingdom that is clearly on fire. “Alright. I will be doing the dishes if you will want to talk about It.” and she didn’t answer back. I left her room and went on to clean the house, like usual. Well, until Sarah came by.

“So how are you girl? You good?” as she settled right on the sofa, “Yeah I’m good. You clearly look good and still hyped,” as I sat on the opposite direction towards her. “Well, the party never ends early for some of us. So how was your date?” looking at me in a kinda naughty way, “What date?” confused as hell because I am literally not a fan of “dating”. “Come on Lucy, the sexy guy you were talking with at the bar in the club, remember?” I swear this b***h is tripping. “You crazy. That wasn’t a date. We were actually just not talking. He was just offering to buy me a drink,” I got up to get us juice from the kitchen, “He liked you. And he is fire,” I am trying to avoid her as she follows me all the way to the kitchen and back, “Uh ah, I didn’t like him sis. And I’m not available,” handed her a glass of juice and took mine and sat down on the sofa.

“You are basically approaching your thirties and still a virgin. Are you serious?” looking at me as if my decision to stay single bothers the earth from rotating 24/7. “I am good Sarah, okay? Why does it bother you so much that I am single?” because wow, sis can’t actually breathe because I am single, “because I am your friend and I love you. I just want you to be happy. I even went far as hooking you up with a guy I thought you wouldn’t be able to resist. I mean, what do you really want to be in a relationship?” sounded so caring but what the f**k I heard her say, “Sarah what?! You hooked me up?” she can’t be serious right now. “My bad, I wasn’t…” clearly she confessed unintentionally, “Sarah you hooked me up for what? Is the guy Maxwell?” clearly that motherfucker got my number from her. “Yeah…” she said under her breath, “Wow. You even went as far-far to giving him my number? Wow,” I got up to open the door for her so she can leave, “Lucy come on, I was trying to help,” she said pitifully but f**k. “I didn’t ask for your help Sarah, you can leave now. Thank you for the visit,” I said as she took her handbag and left. I slammed the door behind her.

Decided to leave the cleaning for another day and just go chill in my room or just take a shower. And I am not a virgin. Had my first when I was 17. Mom and dad were still around by then. I remember sneaking out and told Hope that I am going to a friend to study, and this boyfriend of mine took me to his house and his parents were not around. He told me it will be nice and he won’t hurt me. I closed my eyes and before I knew it, it was already happening. I remember his soft kisses on my neck that made me bear the pain as he went inside me. He whispered sweet words that I will always be his girl and he won’t leave me. After that, I sneaked back home and was not caught. I kept it to myself. A couple of weeks later, I saw the guy with another girl holding hands as they went towards his house. I couldn’t act right there and fight him. I went back home from the store devastated and texted him. He then replied that it was fun and that’s all. I was heartbroken.

Then 8 months later after my 18th birthday, my parents died. I was heartbroken again. I told myself I will focus on my studies, get a job and take care of my sister. I did not want to fall in love and be heartbroken again than I already was. My heart was too broken to be broken yet again. I eventually got used to being single and independent. I was happy. I am happy.

SIHLE’S POV

I have been going out the house for 2 days now and haven’t seen the girl next door. Or maybe she left or was visiting a friend, I don’t know. And I don’t really understand why I badly want to see her. “Hey aunty,” going to her as she was preparing lunch. Mom went out to get groceries. “Food is still preparing baby, be patient,” as she did her thing of course, “Nah, I just want to ask about someone I think you may know,” damn I was so nervous. “Okay, who you want to ask about?” “Do you know the girl next door, who is just a little bit short and dark skinned, she got like cute big eyes and long hair or was it a weave? She is actually uhm, cute and slim and has a nice voice,” boy I was talking s**t, doubt she understood that crap, “You talking about Hope?” so she does live next door. “Yeah, I think. So uhm, who is she living with?” I’ve got to know so that I do not get her into trouble folks, “with her sister,” as she took out plates from the cabinet, “Oh okay. That’s good,” at least she is not married, “Okay, so you like her?” as she giggled a bit, “No aunty, I was just asking for a friend I made here. I have to go,” rushing my ass outside, “Food is already ready!” my aunt shouting as I went out. “Later!” I went next door. Yes, crazy move.

HOPE’S POV

I was watching notebook before the knock on the door ruined the perfect moment as Allie remembered Noah. “Coming!” honestly dragging my feet and pissed. I opened the door and it was that guy. Jesus. “Hi,” I said as I questioned myself million questions as to why he came to my house. “Hey. I’m Sihle,” smiling sheepishly and going in for a handshake, “I am Hope,” handshaking him. I just wanted to die right there and be buried and be forgotten. “Uhm… I just came by to say hi and… yeah,” he is nervous I can tell but I want to die. “Okay. Thank you,” I smiled and he smiled back and waved goodbye, I waved goodbye and he left. And I still wanted to die.

What the hell was he doing here? I am there and sitting like a person that just saw a ghost. I definitely hate all this drama. I am not about to have boy issues. No. Not me. I have to tell my sister that I am going back to res early to do my assignments when she comes back from work, because I cannot do this. I have to study, graduate, get into court and be like my sister, independent and happy without a boyfriend. Besides, I have no love to offer. My parents died with a half of my heart, and the other half is my sister’s and I cannot disappoint her.