Sydney Mdlalose's Ever After

Chapter Five.

When we get back to the house, Andre doesn't even talk to me. Nthabi and I already shared our goodnights and she went straight to bed.

I close the door to Andre's room. He exits the bathroom with a towel in his hand. We continue to not speak to each other.

I change into comfortable deep purple silk pjs. I turn around and Andre is seated on the bed, still in his clothes and on his phone. I know he's mad about the whole Elizabeth and Nthabi thing but it wasnt my fault. Anyway, if there's anyone he should be mad at, it's Elizabeth. She's the one who emptied a glass of wine onto my friend.

As I get under the covers, sitting up, Andre stands up. He grabs his car keys and walks to the door. Where are you going? He doesn't answer me, he just leaves. I get out of the bed and follow after him.

Andre. Where are you going? He stops by the staircase. I'm going to get some air Sydney, okay? I lift my arms and place them back down. Why was that so hard? Andre begins to walk down the stairs.

I follow behind him. Are you mad at me? Seriously? He swings the front door open. No, I just regret inviting you to the outing with Elizabeth. He says.

That stung.

Why? Because your wife got mad and emptied her glass of wine onto my best friend? I ask. He shakes his head, moving away from the door. You could've prevented that from happening.

Me? You were just as capable as I was from preventing it. She's your wife. And she's your friend! He yells. I shift back in shock. He has never raised his voice at me. Ever. It was embarrassing Sydney. He says, descending his voice.

His phone rings. I nod my head. I bet that's her. Andre doesn't reach for his phone. And she's your fresh air. I add. Andre doesn't say anything back. He just leaves the house.

I stand still, hurt. The sound of footsteps come running downstairs. Nthabi comes and stands in front of me, worry on her face. She hugs me. Oh, friend. I'm so sorry. I cry onto her shoulder.

He yelled at me. Nthabi cups my face, wiping my tears. Ngyaxolisa(I'm sorry) Sydney. I cry even more. Nthabi cups my face as she attempts to dry my tears. Why don't you sleep with me tonight? I smile and nod.

Andre's P.O.V.
I shouldn't have yelled at Sydney, I know. It just happened. It wasn't my intention. It's not something I would ever do. I just wasn't thinking straight.

When I answered the phone call after leaving the house, Elizabeth was asking to switch the location to her place. I could hear that she'd been crying. She feels bad, she told me over text.

I start the car and sigh. This is not why I married Elizabeth. To be her loving, caring husband. It was only for business. But it doesn't change our past. I do care about her, regardless of any reason.

<><>

When I finally make it to her place, she buzzes me in and I park next to her Mercedes. I knock. She opens the door. She hasn't changed her outfit. Well, neither have I. Hey. She sadly smiles and steps aside to let me in.

I walk in. Her house hasn't changed one bit from the last time I was here. She leads the way to her living room. The TV is on, The River on pause. She sits down first. I sit next to her.

I'm sorry Elizabeth. I lightly say. No, I'm sorry. I sigh and look down at my hands. Thank you for coming, Andre. I nod. She shakes her head. I really let her get into my head. I was so childish. She throws her face into her hands.

Hey, don't be hard on yourself. Things happen to the best of us. She sighs. Did you tell her where you're going? I said I needed air.  Elizabeth nods. Okay. She sighs again, removing her hands from her face. This is wrong.

I furrow my eyebrows. What's wrong? That you're here, with me, when you should be with her for the last time before your wedding. I bite on the inside of my mouth.

Elizabeth plays with her fingers as she slouches forward. Ever since we got married and spent a lot of time together at the company, helping me out or helping you establish your neurology centre, a lot of old feelings have resurfaced. I look at her. I swear it wasn't intentional. It just happened. And I'm not saying I intend on doing anything about it, I was just sharing.

I take her hand. Feelings are allowed Elizabeth. As long as these feelings don't affect my marriage with Sydney. She nods with a smile.

<><>

I get back to the house and all the lights are off. I've only been gone for probably an hour. When I enter my bedroom, it's empty. I sigh.

I knock on Nthabis door. It's the last time I get to be with her before our wedding. I need to make sure we're okay first. I knock again. The door opens, revealing a sleepy Nthabi.

Mxm. She tries to close the door but I block it with my foot. Please, I just want to be with her. Nthabi opens the door and closes it behind her.

You probably should've thought about that before you took off to see Elizabeth. She says. How does she know I went there? Sydney suspected it, but I never said she was right.

You're getting married Andre. Married. To the woman in this room. My best friend. And yelling at her? Who gave you the balls to do that? The bedroom door opens. Sydney looks at the both of us. Nthabi looks to her friend. Sydney nods.

Nthabi turns to me. Yell at her again and you will, meet your maker. She places a hand on Sydney's shoulder and walks back into the room, closing the door.

I'm sorry I yelled at you baby. I didn't mean to. She nods and walks past me, entering my bedroom. She opens a drawer, taking out a few clothes. Yeah, well I'm sorry that Elizabeth is more important to you than I am.

I sigh. I just went on a drive Sydney. I wasn't with Elizabeth. I lie. Andre, please, don't lie to me. It's too close to our wedding for that. She takes the clothes and leaves the room.

I follow behind her. Sydney, I don't want to go to bed knowing you're upset with me. Sydney closes the space between us, kissing me lightly on the cheek. Goodnight. She enters Nthabis room, leaving me standing alone in the passage.