Night Before the Swing

The End

CHAPTER 36

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The cold days were losing their chilliness, the sun was rising almost as soon as it had fallen and the Mason saga was slowly becoming stale news. Graduation day was coming closer for Nandi and Nala was starting to feel the real effects of not being able to write her final exams. She fell into a mini depression but tried hard to keep it a secret. The Forest family had requested to see Narrel and she knew denying them would be wrong and unfair on her child. Warren and his family seemed to have learned their lesson and were actively video calling Nala every day to keep Narrel happy and cooperating during her visit. The ten minute chats with her daughter became a source of joy for only a small part of the day, after which she would retreat back to her somber mood.

She had no idea what she wanted to do with her life after her father got caught and died so even if she made the decision to complete her education, she'd still be in limbo. Tony got busier at work but kept constant communication. Picking up a sad vibe from their conversations, Tony asked Nala out on a date. Nala had no reason to not want go out on a Saturday night but she didn't feel like spending time with many stranger around her. Tony refused to let her wallow in sorrow and changed the arrangement to a picnic date. Nala had never been to one but it sounded easier than an evening in a sexy dress and heels.

Tony arrived at noon to pick Nala up and it just so happened to be the same time Warren was arriving to drop Narrel off. His timing was especially tragic because Warren had just handed Nala a bouquet of flowers. Nala looked fresh and fetching in her pink-way above the knee shorts, a white t-shirt and white converse sneakers. She had her hair tied in a small pony tail and had on a little make-up.

Nala: Thank you for the flowers. What are they for?

Warren: To thank you for letting Narrel visit.

Nala: You didn't have to but thanks.

Warren: I wanted to. Do you have a moment to talk?

She turned and looked at Tony approaching them before responding.

Nala: Uhmm...Tony's here for me, can't we do it over the phone?

Warren's demeanor changed and his look tensed up as he watched Tony find his place next to Nala.

Tony: How are you Warren?

He then turned to Nala and said "hi baby"

Warren: Baby? You're seeing this boy?

Tony laughed mirthlessly in a nuance tone. He took a deep breath and told Nala he's going to greet the elders in the house before they leave.

Nala waited till Tony was almost at the door before looking up at Warren and asking him what his problem was.

Warren: How could you be seeing anyone with all that's happened in your life?

Nala: Excuse me?

Warren: Nala, you should be thinking about returning to university to finish your studies so you can graduate. My mother and I have been talking to the board to let you write as soon as you're ready so you can graduate with everyone.

Nala: What? How?

Warren: Special and difficult circumstances prevented you from writing so it was only fair that special circumstances be created to let you finish in time.

Nala: I'm never coming back to Ref-town university, Warren. Too much has happened and I can't forgive the protests they had against me. The lies your students told about me to the media. I don't want to graduate with those vultures.