Chapter forty-two
1077 Words
When Moha arrived at the house, he was surprised to find that all the lights were off. It was as if there was no one in the house.
No way! he thought.
After all, Ndeye, who found, in her delusions, that everyone was pointing at her, had not set foot outside since the beginning of her depression. Moreover, since then, the lights in the house had been left on day and night because she claimed that the slightest trace of darkness would bring out ghosts. Was this the first time she had slept for several days?
Perhaps!
That would explain the strange feeling he had had before he had to go and meet the members of the Council of Elders. At the thought that this might be the case, he felt two contradictory feelings invade his heart. On the one hand, he was relieved and happy that Ndeye was getting her act together, and on the other hand, he was already feeling guilty because he knew that he would not be able to tell her to her face the reason for Ma'Khady's return. And this feeling of guilt became stronger to the point where he was hesitant about whether or not to go and meet Ndeye. He didn't have to think much about it though, because when he least expected it, he felt his foot touch something. Immediately the living room was lit up with a dim red light and he could see the whole floor covered with rose petals and balloons. In the middle of it all, he could see arrows that seemed to point him in the right direction.
What is all this?
Moha was lost because this romantic setting in front of him was the last one he had expected. And although he didn't know why this vision was enough to completely calm him down. Now it remained who and why the person had this, for he doubted that it could be Ndeye. Perhaps it was Fa'Bintou who had done this, taking advantage of Ndeye's improved condition in the hope that everything would return to normal. At this thought, he smiled before starting to follow the arrows that seemed to lead to their room. As he climbed the stairs, he noticed that someone was standing there waiting for him, it seemed. Curious, he joined the person who was none other than Ndeye whose appearance, dress, and attitude left him dumbfounded.
_ Wow! Tell me I'm not hallucinating! He couldn't help saying.
_ It is indeed not a hallucination, Moha, Ndeye confirmed in a whisper, putting her hands around his neck.
Impossible!
Still not believing it, Moha stepped back to look at Ndeye, completely transformed. Her hair cut and colored half grey, she wore a red sleeveless dress that came to just below her knee and showed off her feminine assets. She looked so different in this outfit and so devilishly sexy that he could only pull himself together and take his eyes off her when Ndeye's voice called out to him.
_ Do you like it? she asked.
_ I... I don't have the words...., Moha replied.
We'll see if you still do a little later (As she walked past him to get off).
_ I... Where are you going?
_ To wait for you in the dining room. You'll have to keep your strength up for the rest of the night.
Left alone, he hesitated to take the slightest step for fear that it was all a wonderful dream he might then wake up.
Maybe it wasn't even a dream but a hallucination!
Or a mirage!
Who cares after all!
He could not have hoped for such a scenario even in his wildest and most optimistic dreams. So, whether what was happening was a figment of his imagination or reality, he decided to live it to the full. With this resolution, he finally went for a good bath and made himself beautiful before joining Ndeye who was waiting for him in the dining room where she was indeed waiting for him.
As he sat down to eat, she brought up the subject that had been bothering him for a long time, despite himself.
_ You must surely be thinking that you are hallucinating or dreaming. Isn't that so? She said.
_ I... Yes, he answered honestly.
_ It's normal, but you should know that this is all a figment of your imagination. After three weeks of moping around and being selfish, I finally decided to get my act together and come back stronger. To mark the change, I had a complete makeover. And the reason I've organized this lovers' evening for us is so that I can apologize to you properly, even though I know it won't be enough to make you forget the last few days. I also want us to go back to the way we were before and more.
_ .... You know, whatever you do, I can't blame you because you are everything to me. So you don't have to apologize, my love.
_ But.... (With teary eyes)
_ Believe me (Going around the table to kiss her on the forehead).
Relieved, at last, Ndeye was able to sit down with him, who had moved closer so that they could dine side by side with peace of mind. When they had finished and she had cleared the table, Ndeye, who had not finished, came to get him.
_ Come, said Ndeye, taking his hand.
He did not resist and let her drag him to their room where, as soon as they passed the door, which she closed behind them, she pressed him against the wall to kiss him. Surprised to see her take the initiative, Moha let her, and soon, without knowing how, he found himself on the bed, with Ndeye on top of him. When she nevertheless took the initiative to unbutton his shirt, he stopped her by grabbing her hand before straightening up, having remembered his earlier argument with the council of elders.
_ Please, I don't want to, he said reluctantly.
_ How can you say you don't want to when your lower body speaks for you? She asked, making him aware of his situation.
_ I..... I don't want to, he said as he left the bed.
He went to take a cold shower so he could calm down before coming to bed, never glancing in Ndeye's direction to avoid breaking down, his heart heavy.
- Writer
