Scarlett Ngcobo

Chapter 32

“Hello?”
“Happy birthday you slut!” Kele screamed through the phone. I removed it from my ear until she calmed down.
“Really Keletso?”
“You should be over the moon it's your birthday today.”
“I should be happy that I'm getting old? Are you high on drugs?”
“Stop with the drama babe. You're turning 26 not 56.”
“Whatever. Let me go and get ready for work.”
“This weekend we moving into our own apartment. Can you believe it!”
I laughed. She's more exited than me. “Yes I can believe it. I'm sure you have packed your suitcases already chommie.”
“If it were up to me, I would be moving in already.”
After cutting the call instead of going to bath I just sat on the bed. For some weird reason I was sad.

*Flashback*
A few years ago...

As I was about to leave my room, I heard my phone ringing. I went back inside to answer it. It was from Zayn. I smiled and answered. “My lief.”
“If you were nearby, you would see how I blush everytime you call me that. How's my birthday girl doing?”
“I'm okay but I really miss you babe. I wish I could see you.”
“I know and trust me when I say I miss you too. I could do anything to just spend a few minutes with you. See that gorgeous smile of yours.”
I smiled as if he could see that I am smiling. “Just a few more papers and I'll be all yours.”
“I know my love. These holidays are going to be so special. Just me and you. I love you Scarlett.”
“I love you too Zayn. I love you so much sometimes I get so scared. I don't want to lose you.”
“You will never lose me. Only death can separate me from you. Don't fear the unknown. I have to go now okay. Remember that I love you.”
“I know you love me...”
*End of Flashback*

You just had to break the promises that you had made, didn't you Zayn. I got off the bed and went to take out a box that had everything I had once received from Zayn and Keabetswe. I locked my bedroom first and sat on the mat, emptied the box. I opened the photo album that had our pictures. I laughed looking at me and Kea. Our first day at high school. My heart was so heavy going through the pictures. I found the one picture I was looking for. A picture of me and Zayn on our first date. I saw a tear dropping on the photo. Why am I even crying for these two? I should've burned these a long time ago. Everytime I tried to burn them, I didn't. I looked at our BFF bracelets and necklaces. More tears flowed. I picked up a few rose petals from the roses I once received from Zayn. I also picked up the green scarf, Kea once bought me. I laughed through the tears remembering how I used to hate this scarf, but because I loved her I wore it. So many memories of the love we had for each other but also that reminds me of their betrayal as well.
I checked my phone and I had a message from an unsaved number.
Happy birthday Scarlett.
It can only be Zayn.

A letter caught my attention when I started packing everything back into the box. I never read this letter. I didn't have the guts back then. The letter was from Kea. I opened it...
I don't even know where to begin. I know saying I'm sorry will never be enough. But I truly am. I ruined our friendship. Years of sisterhood and the trust. I know I'm asking the impossible right now. If you had done what I did to you, I'm not certain I would forgive you.
You have always been a true friend. I always knew that my secrets were safe with you. You were never judgemental. You loved all of me when I thought I was not deserving of the love that you gave me. Your parents saw me as their daughter. When things were tough at home, you were always there, you and Mr snuggle. I would like to blame the devil but I was the devil. I let greed live rent free in my heart. I listened to people who were jealous of what we had. I should've known better. I should've done better, instead I stabbed you in the back.
Real friends don't do what I did to you. I want you to know that you did nothing wrong. I hope and pray that one day, you forgive me. I'm so sorry chommie.
Love
Keabetswe Tau

I read that letter twice and that pain I felt years ago. It returned, it was like I was reliving that pain all over again. I returned the letter in the box. Returned it where it was. I went and bathed. When I returned to get dressed I found two missed calls. One from Indigo and the other from Jas.
Just as I put my phone on the dressing table, my phone rang.
“Hey Indi.”
“Birthday girl you don't sound jolly.”
I took in a deep breath. “I'm not really happy. For some weird reason I thought about Zayn and Keabetswe.”
I heard her exhaling on the other end. “Look babe those two were part of your life for the longest time. It's no surprise that on such days, you would think about them. I just hope you won't let them ruin your day. It's your day today.”
I know she's right but my heart is saying otherwise. “I'll try and not let them ruin my day.”
“Now that's my strong girl. Did you get the pictures I sent you? I look big right?”
This is a trap. I'm not giving in. “You looked so stunning. Where were you going, a date?”
She laughed. “Not really a date but yeah. So you don't think I'm too big?”
You see, I knew it was a trap. “No babe. You looked absolutely gorgeous. A sexy mum.”

After my birthday breakfast I drove to work. I spoke to Jas and I was feeling much better than I did a while ago. Maybe during my lunch break I could go and buy a few jeans since my jeans don't fit anymore. As I approached my cubicle, I saw a bouquet of pink and white roses on my desk. I picked up the flowers and there was a card inside. Beautiful flowers for a beautiful lady. Happy birthday Ms Ngcobo.
I smiled alone reading the card. I didn't want to jump the gun and assume that they're from Lutendo. Why would he send me flowers. The flowers were also accompanied by a goodie basket, full of snacks. My phone vibrated on the desk. A WhatsApp text from Lutendo.
I hope you love the flowers and the goodie basket. I would take you out for dinner but.. that would be overstepping.
Instead of replying I went to his office. I knocked and hoped he does not have any clients. Or a Skype client. “Enter!”
I made my way in. “Good morning Lutendo.”
He had his back facing me, but as soon as he heard my voice he turned around. That smile will be the death of me.
“Ms Ngcobo what a nice surprise.”
“I wanted to thank you in person for the flowers and the snacks.”
He nodded his head while his focus was on me. “You look very beautiful in that dress. The mustard colour complements your skin tone beautifully.”
“Thank you.. uhm I should get back to work. I just wanted to say thank you.” I left his office.

I couldn't buy the jeans during my lunch break because the crew decided to take me out for lunch. We had lunch at a new restaurant, “Amara’s”.
I thank God for blessing me with them. “I hope there won't be another girl's weekend away ladies.” Kieran said looking at us.
“You can be such a bore babe. If we decide to go on a girls weekend away, we will go.”
“Jas can be romantic I see.” Kele said wiggling her brows.
“What are you talking about?”
“The roses and that basket.”
“They were not from Jas.”
“Then who are they from?” They all asked at once.
I just shrugged my shoulders and continued to eat.

As I drove home I realised how stupid it was of me to not pack an overnight bag. Now I had to drive home then drive back to Jasmin’s place. I found Zodwa sitting at the garden. “MaZet.”
“Yah MaKhanyis, what would you like for dinner birthday girl?”
“Yoh ntombi mina ngiyahamba.”
“Uhamba uyaphi?”
I looked at her and laughed. I went to my room and packed what I would wear tomorrow to work. “MaZet ngiyahamba!” I shouted as I went out through the door that led to the garage.
Arriving at Jasmin's place, I was welcomed by candles, soft music in the background and rose petals. “Baby? Jas!”
“I'm this side.” I dropped my bag on the couch and joined her at the balcony. The aroma.
I gave her a hug and kissed her. “It smells nice in here. Did you really cook?”
“Give me some credit baby. I cooked. Some wine?”

After our dinner we sat in peace looking at the full moon and how bright it looked because of the lights from other apartments. I could feel eyes on me, I turned and looked at Jas. “What's up?”
“Did I tell you how gorgeous you look? Especially when the moon shines on your beautiful face like that.” she walked to me and I could not help but to look at Jas and how sexy she looked.

She kissed me slowly and squeezed my butt. I let out a soft moan, when she tenderly bit my neck. She turned me around. Stood behind me, lifted my dress up. Thank God no one was passing here. I don't want to imagine someone passing by and seeing my tits. She traced her finger up and down my spine...