She Who Stole His Heart

31

"Augie!" Kholwa was smiling, as she always did when she visited August in his flat. She jumped into his arms and they kissed, gaining playful remarks from his roommates. Rob, as always, was the one to say how cute they were, and gush about how strong their relationship had grown over the past few months. Sonke had to pull him away to prevent him from making the moment less special for the couple.

"Kholwa," August said, looking at the woman that he loved. He also smiled, grateful that she still by his side, "when did you get here?"

"Just now." She took his hand and they walked to August's bedroom, where they would get a bit of privacy. "Mzamo wanted me to help him at the bar. Things have been busy since he got promoted to manager."

"Why aren't they finding someone to fill his previous position?"

She shrugged. "I don't mind. It's always fun to help out. Also, the chef is always teaching me different ways to make my favourite food."

August nodded, allowing her to continue talking. He loved hearing her voice. Even though he was tired from the restless nights he had while planning for the next showcase, he would still stay up all night just to listen to her melodic voice.

They stopped in front of his door. She smiled, letting go of his hand.

"Go change, I'll wait for you in the lounge, then we'll go have dinner."

"Come help me change," August pouted, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Don't be silly. Everyone is home." She chuckled, pushing him away.

"I'll tell them to leave."

She opened the door and, with the little strength she had, pushed him in. "You're so weird. If you're that desperate to see me, don't take too long." She closed the door on August's smiling face and then walked back to the lounge, a big smile on her face.

She was more than willing to help him change his clothes, but not where anyone could walk in on them, especially with August with his two nosy roommates still in the house.

She giggled just thinking about it.

She stared at the TV as she plopped down onto the sofa. She watched as leaves fell off the trees on the screen. It was a new broadcast in one of the parks in the city. Winter was coming. Soon, August would be releasing his latest clothing line and he'd be even busier. She'd have to find something to keep her busy in the meanwhile. She closed her eyes, imagining August's embrace. No matter how much clothing she was wearing, he always made her feel warmer. She smiled.

So cheesy.

She felt the sofa dip beside her as familiar arms wrapped themselves around her.

"I wish we could stay like this forever," she whispered.

August hummed, also liking her in his arms. "Let's move in together. I don't think I can be far away from you for so long."

She giggled. "How did you survive last year?"

"Even I don't know. All I know is that I want you by my side for as long as I can have you."

"I also want that. I really do." She put her hands on his arms.

If only the moment could last forever. August could even risk his fame for her.

"I'm sorry, August. I truly am."

~*~

August opened his red-rimmed eyes.

It had only been a day since Kholwa passed away.

When August arrived at the hospital, it was already too late. Her mother was a crying mess on the floor, and Mzamo might as well have been dead. He was just sitting down and staring at the space in front of him.

A doctor walked out of her room. Her mother got off the ground and rushed to him. She held onto his hand.

"Doctor, please tell me that you saved Kholwa. Please tell me that she's okay now."

The doctor sadly looked at her. "I'm sorry. We tried our best."

"Kholwa!" She pushed the doctor out of the way and went into her room.

August fell onto one of the chairs, unbelieving tears also rolling down his cheeks.

He did not even get the chance to tell her how much he loved her.

He did not get a chance to tell her that he would have loved her, with or without her condition. He had already accepted her, even after reading her letter.

He did not regret dating her.

He did not regret meeting her.

He only regretted not being there with her during her last breath.

That was just the previous day.

He closed his eyes again. What was the use of waking up when he could never see Kholwa's smile again? At least in his dreams, she was always smiling at him.