It Ain't Black And White

epilogue

Three years later.

Cora.

It's been an amazing road. Three years of fun, laughs, stress, tough hours, juggling work and spending time with mandla.
Yes we are still together and every day our love gets stronger. Still never being able to leave each other alone.
We haven't been partying as much but that's what happens when life gets in the way.
Mom and dad, they are still together and still living in the same house. They kicked Amelia out two years ago to teach her a lesson of looking after herself and living with responsibilities. I have heard she has learnt but we still don't talk.
Corey, I'm so proud of him. He has stuck to his guns and become a pilot. We talk a lot but hardly get to see each other.
Jake, well he did his time in jail and seems like a changed person but we don't speak, I've just heard it through the grape vine.
Palesa, she is a guidance counselor. It really suits her. We have attended the same school but still we never got to see each other. Speaking of schools, Shania finally saved enough to start her hairdressing and I'm so proud of her. Anele is proud of the person she has become too. Dalmar and her are dating but Shania is still living at home for now.
Emmanuel and junior, those two completed their three years of apprenticeship to become builders. They work for the same company and I am really happy for them. Both of them have partners now and are still close.
Mandla is still working as a junior school sports teacher, he is great at it and loves his job.
We are still friends with everyone and we are happy to have those people's as friends and family.
Kaikura, he hasn't had one single seizure in three years, he has finished his schooling and now wants to become a stripper...not really, he wants to be a lawyer and I'm fucking ecstatic. That boy has been through so much and deserves the world. He still has some cheek to him, making mandla and I laugh.
Today I'm standing here with mandla as my guest and support for my graduation And I couldn't be prouder of myself for getting this far.
You wouldn't believe the luck I have had, just working as a nurse. It has all been positive and everyone has made me feel welcome. There's been some tough situations but I have learnt quickly. The hours are definitely long but it meant I had less days in the hospital. There's also someone else who stands here today and I couldn't help but grin.
"Miss cora Phillips" walking up to the stage. I was handed my scroll and my stethoscope. "Congratulations miss Phillips, you have been a very bright student and we wish you all the luck in the world. In saying that, I have someone here that would like to speak with you" I internally grinned as I seen Kaya walk up on stage in her doctors uniform. "Cora from the moment we met, I have wanted to see you as a nurse and here you stand before me with a completion of nursing. Not only that, you are a damn good nurse. In saying that.." kaya grinned "I want you as my head nurse at the mercy hospital. Will you accept?" "Yes and thank you" "girl give me a hug" hearing a lot of people laugh, I gave kaya a hug. "I'm really proud of you cora, I will be in touch. Stay safe and I will see you soon" "thanks kaya".
Walking off stage, I kept my eyes on mandla. To see a massive grin on his handsome face, I couldn't help but smile. Mandla instantly picked me up, his smile never faulting "I am so damn proud of you cora" "thank you, for everything. For being here, supporting me and just loving me" mandla grinned as he pressed his lips on mine and lowered me to the ground.
"Congratulations to all of you wonderful nurses. We wish you all the luck in the world. Take care".
Exiting the venue, mandla held my hand tight. "so my sexy nurse when do you get to start?" "Kaya will be in touch" mandla grinned "so it's Friday.." "you want to go to the club?" "Yep, with you. We haven't been able to go in ages" "you could've.." "nope, not with out you" I internally grinned.
"Well I think we can do that but.." "what?" "We need to get changed" "yeah I don't think this will fit in well at the club" "don't feel like wearing a suit on the floor?" "Oh no and you definitely can't wear that dress, so I'm thinking we help each other out of them" I grinned "it's only fair right?" "Definitely".
"That needs to go on the wall" "that's not.." "yep right at the front door" he is so bloody caring and cute.

Arriving at the club, both of us showed our IDs and walked in. Grabbing a drink from the bar, we headed straight up the top.
"Mandla and cappuccino" I internally grinned. "that nickname still hasn't gone huh?" "Give us a damn hug" hugging the girls, they all had grins. "Shit girl how has everything been going?" "Well today I graduated" "WHAT?" all the girls jumped at me making me laugh "my girls a damn nurse" "fuck we be proud of you" "hell yeah we be, fucking ecstatic" "got to see this girl in action" "oh no, you don't, you all be staying fit and healthy".

Mandla.

"Hey man" "been a while" "where the fuck ya been?" "Flat out. Cora graduated today" "what?" "Ya serious?" "Yep so fucking proud of her. I need to be asking a favor from all of ya" "ya come in here after god knows how long..." "Six weeks" "and ask a favor?" I nodded "yep. I'm going to ask her to marry me" "fuck yes" I chuckled "right on that floor" "what?" "Seems fitting, it's where we met" "and she kicked ya damn ass" I laughed "yeah... That she did" "so what favor ya asking?" "Let's hit the floor but shadow.." nakia laughed "you need to be convincing her to kick my ass for all time sake" nakia smirked "alright I will get her here" "and you boys need to stay off the damn floor when she comes" "got it" "fuck man this is exciting" "yeah we be ecstatic for you both" "she needs to say yes first" the guys laughed "I don't doubt that she will. You guys been together for like three years" "yep".

Cora.

"Damn I have missed this" "girl we been missing ya ass" "as I have yours" "girl we ain't seen ya in fucking ages. Get ya damn ass on the floor" looking at shadow, I shook my head "nah come on, ya been with these girls all damn night" "fine. Girls I be back" "yeah ya be". Walking to the floor, I watched what the boys were putting down. Good to see some things never change. as soon as nakia got on the floor, I found an opening and took it. Flipping in, I did a few hand moves before mandla challanged me. Internally grinning, we both moved on the floor. Damn boy is still delicious as ever. Watching him in his last round, I was shocked to see him drop to one knee in front of me. To see an irresistible grin on his face he spoke. "Nearly four years ago, you came here beating my ass on this exact floor and damn was I impressed. You Impress me every damn day" hearing the girls excitement, I internally grinned. "From that moment, I have wanted you and now I have you, I ain't letting you go. I think it's only fitting that since we met here, I ask you to marry me. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" "Yes" hearing hoots and hollers from all of the guys and girls. Mandla grabbed my hand, placing a gorgeous diamond ring on it before he stood up and pulled me close, pressing his lips on mine. "I'm a damn lucky girl" mandla grinned "we both win this round" hearing all the guys laugh, I grinned "no privacy huh" "Nuh, none at all" getting picked up mandla laughed "damn shadow" "good to know ya nickname stuck".
"Boy put my girl down" "argh I was planning to throw her over the railing" "you wouldn't want too" nakia and I laughed "still as protective as always" "no he's not" looking at mandla, I grinned "he's more" mandla grabbed my hand pulling me away from nakia "damn boy, ya have had her for ages" "oi you lot get ya damn ass on the floor, we have a celebration to be had" I couldn't help but grin as mandla pulled me close, dancing with me. All of us moving on the floor, I couldn't be more happy. With Our friends and I get to marry the best man I have ever known.