CHAPTER 2
1377 Words
Liya***
“Mother, come on, not that again,” I said, my grin starting to fade.
“What is wrong with what I have said?” she shrugged her shoulders.
“You know very well that I am not ready for any relationship right now,” a slight drooping of the corners of my mouth betrayed the smile that was once on my face.
“I know my baby girl; I was just kidding with you,” she said, looking me in the eyes.
I moved towards them and sat down on their feet.
I looked up at my mother and said, “I know, mother, it is just that I miss him a lot. If he were with me right now, he would have been jubilant with me. But what can I do? The past is in the past.”
My mother's comment had brought back memories, and for a moment, I forgot about my excitement when her words hit a sore spot.
“I know, but you cannot keep holding onto the past,” comfort wrapped my heart with her words.
My father chimed in, his voice calm and soothing. “Your mother is right, Liya. Just forget about Jerome and move on. Yes, he broke your heart when he married Linda, but you have to move on.”
A lump began to form in my throat as flashbacks of Jerome came rushing into my mind.
Jerome and I loved each other; we were inseparable, at least I thought so, not until I went to school to pursue a degree in management for four years.
During my first year, Jerome and I were on good terms, but then in my second year, I got swamped with school and we got icy. Little that I know that it would cost my heart. Towards the end of my studies, shocking news struck me- Jerome got married.
As thoughts raced inside my mind, I did not realize how worried my parents were. I knew they were just joking, but memories came flooding back to my mind.
I refused to let that moment be spoiled; I chose to celebrate my success instead of letting a broken relationship break me.
I needed to move on, for a new and fresh beginning was ahead of me.
...............
I walked into the kitchen, determined to lift everyone's spirits.
"You know what? I'll make your favorite today," I announced, already knowing the answer, because mushrooms and nshima are were their favorite.
My father's face lit up. "Do you know how long I have waited for that?" he asked, his eyes twinkling in excitement.
My mother chuckled and playfully hit him with her elbow. "Hahaha, Ben, it's only been two days since we had it."
My father grinned, "I want it every day."
My mother teased, "You should be preparing it then."
He shrugged. "Of course, that is not a big deal. It is just that if I prepare it, you will make me a chef."
We all burst into laughter, our ribs aching at his joke. I love moments like these.
As we chatted, I could not help but feel a pang of sadness. I would be leaving them soon, and the thought of being apart was difficult to bear.
My father noticed my somber expression. "We are going to miss you," he said, his voice tinged with emotion.
My mother shot him a warning glance. "Do not say that."
My father looked taken aback. "Why not? Will we not miss her?"
My mother smirked. "Why speak on my behalf? How do you know that perhaps I will not miss her?"
We all erupted into laughter again.
I asked, "Are you not going to miss me, Mother?"
She smiled slyly. "I did not say that. Your father just was not supposed to speak on my behalf."
My father teased, "I am going to miss you, my baby girl. Your mother will not."
My mother rolled her eyes and placed a kiss on my father's cheek, making him blush.
As we continued chatting, the atmosphere remained lighthearted and playful.
Eventually, I excused myself to go to the market to get the necessities. It was quite a distance from the market. My place was in a remote place; a small town populated by harmonious people. We all lived like one family.
As I reached the market, a wave of exhilaration swept through me. No sooner had I spotted a woman selling fresh mushrooms. I excitedly matched my way towards her.
As I walked, my gaze drifted to the side of the road, and my heart skipped a beat, making my eyes widen, but only for a short time.
A tall, imposing figure stood there, clad in a crisp blue suit. His curled black hair fell across his forehead, and he absently pushed it back with one hand, the other tucked into his pocket. The sunlight danced across his fair skin, illuminating his features.
His side view, revealing his sharp nose, curve of his ears, and the slope of his strong jawline, calling for my touch.
I wondered how it would feel to run my tiny hands across his face.
I found myself transfixed, staring at him with unbridled admiration. Our eyes met, and I felt a rush of embarrassment. My eyes widened, and I gulped, my saliva catching in my throat. I looked away and concentrated on crossing the road, which I did immediately.
I reached the spot of the fresh mushrooms, “how much is it here?” I said, pointing at the mushroom.
“It is k30 dear,” she lovingly responded.
“Oh okay, I thought it was less than that,” I sadly said.
“No dear, the order price has increased. You can get the mushroom, and you can
bring the money later,” she offered.
I was not sure of what to respond,“uhm, actually---“
“You can pack for K100,” a voice from behind interrupted. I turned around to see who it was; my eyes locked with his blue eyes. It was the man in the suit, the stranger.
“Thank you, ma’am, I will come later,” I said, pulling my gaze away from the stranger who stood behind me.
“That is for you,” the stranger interrupted before the seller could respond.
“Uhm sir, I…” I stammered, unsure of what to answer. “You mean that’s for me?” I
asked.
“Sure,” his voice was calm and melodious; his words were falling right into my ears
because he was still standing behind me. His scent was provoking my nerves; It wrapped around my nose like a warm embrace.
I liked it.
“I do not have that kind of money, sir,” I stammered, looking back at him.
He was so handsome. His eyes were captivating my soul.
“I will pay,” he said, his expression unreadable. It was when he spoke that I came
back to my senses. I abruptly threw my gaze away.
“Thank you, sir,” I forced a smile as I collected the mushroom from the seller.
“It’s nothing. Enjoy your meal,” he said, throwing his concentration on his cell
phone.
It was as if I was invincible to him. Anyway, he did not have to notice
me.
………
With every step I took towards home, his indecipherable calm face haunted me. It was
as if he was standing right in front of me.
“Hey,watch your step!” shouted one man who I almost bumped into.
“Oh, I am so sorry,” I apologized, trying to put more concentration on the way ahead of me.
“Why are you smiling Liya,” someone ahead of me spoke. I lifted my eyes to see who it was.
It was Jennifer, my friend.
My face flushed hot in embarrassment. I had no idea I was smiling.
“I am not smiling,” I said, making a poker face.
“Of course you are. Did you meet someone? Huh, tell me?” she began pestering me.
I felt my face heat again.
I gained my composure and said, “what if I actually did?” a grin formed on my
face.
- Writer
