His Helper

19

Time passed swiftly, and as November unfolded, students immersed themselves in exams, yet parents flocked to the shop for chocolate treats, claiming it fueled their children's focus. Despite being just a year since the revamp, the shop thrived. During a busy period, I called Anele, finding him in a meeting, his personal assistant handling calls as usual.

"Mr. Makinana's phone," she crisply replied. However, her tone shifted abruptly, and she muttered, "Oh, it's you." Bewildered, I questioned her, unprepared for the conflict brewing. In no mood for niceties due to my monthly disposition, I pressed her on what she meant.

"Nothing, just that you always call, ask for Anele, then drop the call," she retorted. My patience waned, and I snapped back, demanding to know why it was a problem. She stammered an apology, but I cut her off, accusing her of not focusing on her job and playing the jealous type.

Surprised by my own outburst, I abruptly ended the call, feigning normalcy with customers while Aunt Aubrey saw through my facade. "The sun is beautiful out there. Take a walk to the docks, maybe have a picnic with a book," she gently suggested, sensing the conflict lingering beneath my smile.

Basking in the warmth of the early summer sun, I spent my day seated on the lush grass. The air was alive with the sweet melodies of chirping birds, drawn to the scene as I captured moments with my camera. The vibrant hues of blossoming flowers painted a picturesque landscape around me.

As I sat, the gentle flow of the river provided a soothing soundtrack, its waters reflecting the brilliance of the cloudless sky. The sun, at its zenith, cast a warm glow, creating a serene ambiance. With each click of the camera, I documented the essence of this beautiful day.

Feeding the birds became a delightful interaction, as they fluttered around, their wings catching the golden sunlight. The air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, making the whole experience a symphony of nature's beauty on a perfect, sunny summer day.

Unable to focus on the book, my mind found no solace despite the tranquil surroundings. A heavy heart weighed me down, intensifying the already challenging time of the month. Period pains added physical discomfort to the emotional turmoil.

The paradox of being deeply in love with Anele yet unable to express it created a silent ache. The unspoken words hung in the air, a shared secret between us. I grappled with the frustration of wanting to convey my feelings while being held back by the unspoken understanding that he, too, couldn't reveal his emotions. The internal conflict only deepened the melancholy, leaving me to navigate the intricate dance of love and restraint in silence.

Maintaining a robust connection with my siblings, we even planned to reunite for the holidays. Anticipating my return home, I summoned the courage to call Sandra. During our conversation, she mostly apologized for past grievances. Despite everything seemingly falling into place, an inexplicable sadness lingered in my mood, casting a shadow on the otherwise positive interactions. The discrepancy between the current harmony and the persistent emotional heaviness left me puzzled and introspective.

As Anele called later that day, detecting a hint of something amiss, Anele inquired about my well-being. Lying in bed, comforted by the effects of the pills, I was immersed in a romcom, indulging in a tub of ice cream. Not quite in the mood to talk, I hesitated before finally responding, "Hi."

Despite my attempt to assure him, he probed further, "Hello. Everything's fine?" The distance in my tone might have given away that everything wasn't quite as okay as I claimed.

Detecting the undertone of my emotions, he inquired about my well-being. "I'm fine," I reassured him, though the tears from the movie and my own struggles lingered. Chuckling, he mentioned being busy over the weekend, with plans involving his children and work.