WE DESERVED A HAPPY ENDING (UPDATED)

Education and Romance

The moment of decision hung in the air, pregnant with the weight of destiny. As the choice between paths lingered, the gravity of my decision loomed large. With resolute determination, I embraced the realm of Accountancy, setting the course for an uncharted journey into numbers, ledgers, and financial intricacies. This marked the threshold of a new chapter in my life, where the corridors of academia met the practicality of real-world finance.

February 10th, 2020, marked a significant milestone as I commenced my university education. This time, I transitioned to the Soweto campus for a three-year qualification, armed with purchased textbooks and a thorough review of lecture slides, prepared for the challenges ahead. My first class, focused on cost management, set the tone for the academic journey.

Post-lecture, a chance encounter with Kevine provided a welcome reunion. Though our schedules limited our interactions compared to the English program, we made the most of the time, cherishing the bond forged during our language studies.

A midweek encounter introduced me to Sarah and Eva, who I had observed in the library conversing in French. Formal introductions followed, marking the initiation of our on-campus acquaintanceship. Subsequent interactions saw us exchanging greetings whenever our paths crossed.

During the first week, a computer class awaited me. Given my familiarity with computers and their operations from prior studies in computer science during high school, I excelled.
Notably, the tutor observed my completion of tasks before explanations and inquired about my background. Sharing my high school experience sparked interest, drawing attention from someone seeking assistance with their device.

In need of aid for his malfunctioning computer and non-functioning apps, approached me after class. Advising him to seek assistance from the university IT staff, who provided complimentary support, I suggested accompanying him since the next bus home wasn't due for an hour. Our interaction led to a brief exchange of personal information. Eventually, I departed for the bus station while he awaited his sister's arrival on campus.

Our newfound camaraderie expanded when Prince introduced me to his circle on campus. Although our academic groups were organized by surnames, our interactions outside the classroom fostered a sense of unity among us. Seizing the chance to enhance my language skills, I engaged with my peers, overcoming language barriers that occasionally surfaced due to the informal use of slang and native languages, I found myself occasionally challenged by their use of colloquialisms and native languages. Undeterred, I persistently sought clarification, acknowledging my origin from a French-speaking country, emphasizing my commitment to learning.

Engaging extensively with this new social group, I didn't allow language barriers to impede the enjoyable moments we shared. While occasionally teased, I remained resolute, focused on my ultimate goal: fluency and seamless communication with individuals of varied backgrounds. Embracing embarrassment as a step toward mastery, A member of the group, Itumeleng, offered to teach me basics of her mother tongue, Tswana, during breaks. As I spent more time with them, we evolved into a cohesive study team, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories.

Our camaraderie grew as we studied together, forming a cohesive team amidst moments of amusement and occasional hilarity, notably with a game of dares and challenges during breaks. However, fate had a different plan. A deadly virus, arriving in March 2020, abruptly disrupted life on Earth.

Enter March 2020, a month that heralded the arrival of a deadly virus, disrupting life as we knew it. The pandemic swiftly halted all activities within the republic, leading to the suspension of classes and tests. Initially, the enforced break seemed idyllic, but as the virus spread, fear set in. The once bustling streets became desolate, and the simple act of a sneeze became intolerable.

Confined indoors, beset by fear and concern for loved ones' safety, prayers became our solace amidst the pandemic's grip, usurping our freedom and joy, ushering in a period of stress and apprehension. Financial crises compounded our distress, exacerbated by suspended operations of businesses and companies we relied upon. Basic necessities became scarce, with limited supplies available per customer due to disruptions in the supply chain.

Amidst these trials, the university, renowned across the continent, innovated by transitioning seamlessly to online learning to salvage the academic year. Adjusting to this new educational paradigm posed substantial challenges, compounded by poignant personal stories shared by lecturers, including one lecturer's heartrending loss of her grandmother to the virus.

Navigating financial courses amidst such adversity underscored life's essence: adapting despite lacking preparedness.

During the initial weeks of online learning, a group video call led by Sarah introduced me to Lucia. Our conversations remained professional, centered on academic matters. Over time, a mutual chemistry developed, and despite a significant age difference. Our professional discussions sparked a connection, leading to a request for occasional text communication, fostering a bond centered on academic collaboration. Yet, despite several attempts, my romantic advances faced rejection multiple times. Eventually, she relented, suggesting a meeting at her residence.

Two days later, I visited her residence, a student apartment situated just a few blocks away from one of our campuses. Upon meeting her, I was struck by her striking presence—her stature, attire, everything exuded perfection. As it was approaching midday, she graciously offered me a homemade lunch, which, to my delight, turned out to be quite delectable. Following our meal, we engaged in our usual discourse, focusing primarily on academic subjects. I deliberately steered our conversation towards academia to establish a sense of ease between us, considering our interaction was confined to screens. Engaging her with humor and genuine conversation, I aimed to create an atmosphere of comfort. She reciprocated the discussion on school-related topics, conveying a notable sense of ease and openness. Sensing an opportune moment, I took a seat on her bed while she occupied her study chair.

Can you come closer? I'd like to discuss our connection," I requested. She gracefully rose, approached, and settled onto my lap, creating an intimate moment as our gazes met. As I hesitantly confessed my feelings, she responded with a subtle smile and interrupted my words with a kiss. Our tactile exchange deepened, exploring each other's contours and eliciting a burgeoning romantic bond. It marked the beginning of a relationship in a foreign land. No, we didn't engage in intimacy at that time.

After a few days, she invited me over once more, expressing her desire to share another kiss. On a chilly day in June, I arrived at her place. She started a movie on her laptop and left me on her bed to watch. She then excused herself to the bathroom for a shower, requesting if she could leave the door ajar. Naive and unaware of her intentions, I remained innocently seated on the bed. The movie started getting a bit too explicit after a few minutes, which made me uneasy. Honey, may I just switch to a different movie? "Wait, I'm almost done. The bathroom door wasn't locked," she said. I had no notion that her plan was for me to join her. The sexual content of the movie sequences increased, so she exited the shower, stood at the door in just a towel, and questioned, "What's wrong?" as she gazed longingly at me. Come on, change the movie. I told her that as she approached me, we kissed and she dropped her towel, sending me a message that stated, "How about you get to know me better? "It was the first time I had ever made love to someone.

Despite our deep commitment to education, our intimate relationship didn't hinder our academic partnership. We persisted in studying together, and I adapted my study approach to align with hers, spending increased time at her place. I showcased my culinary skills, leading to unexpected revelations and a closer bond. Throughout my undergraduate studies, she provided invaluable support, contributing significantly to our shared happiness.

The beauty of life often lies in its fleeting moments, those cherished times that bloom and fade like the passing seasons. Just as the sun must yield to the moon and the stars, so too did our love journey encounter its twilight. What once felt as solid as the ground beneath our feet now appeared transient, shifting with the tides of circumstance.