I contacted my friend, Ntando, and asked if we could meet this weekend. She told me about this chilled out event that is called THE MIND UNWIND. I have seen posters and videos about it but I have never been to it before. Entry is R800 and there are a lot of activities that are done there. She told me that I was going to enjoy it so much. I can’t wait.
The week has been great for me. Firstly, Melisizwe is checking all the boxes. The man is so patient, considerate and just downright kind-hearted. He is a 10. I remember on Tuesday, he told me that he was going to have a very busy day but he informed that when he gets time, he will check in with me. And he did check in with me. The man is slowly warming his way into my heart. I am open minded about the prospect of dating him because he has shown what type of person he is. His personality just makes him the perfect man.
On Wednesday, we were having our normal checking in phone call and at the end, he asked that we meet in Salt Rock for lunch on Sunday and I am looking forward to it. I have even bought an outfit for the occasion. Our date ended with a hug but I am just looking forward in kissing him and getting lost in his touch. I wonder how he feels like. I wonder if he can move like his son or better than him since he has more experience. Look at me being awkward and bringing Mbulelo into this. Hlengiwe, you are hopeless.
Yesterday, we held interviews for the Administrator job and we found our person among the first five people that we interviewed. A young man by the name of Zwelo Nkonyane who stays in eNseleni. He was very confident and he had quite an impressive CV to back him up. What I liked about him was that he didn’t give off those arrogant tendencies but you never know. We gave him a response before the day ended and asked that he comes in on Monday so that we can talk about his contract and his probation period. He was more than happy, his voices even quivered. I think he cried after I ended the call. I just hope we work well together because since there is only one office, he will be working with me every day.
Today is the day of THE MIND UNWIND. I am very excited about it. You should spoil a body that works hard. Or else, all that hard work won’t pay off. I was going to drop my brother off at Healthy Eats but he said he wants to get to know his neighbours, so he is going to watch soccer at the sports ground that is in our section. He said he will go eat with meat with whoever he finds there then he will come back home later. I am not a mother or a hoarder, so I don’t mind him making friends. I just don’t want anyone to take advantage of my brother. But I trust that he knows better since he has been in the streets of Durban.
For my outing, I chose a chic shirred crop top set. The outfit is very chilled and comfortable. It’s been so long since I wore shorts, so I am feeling pretty confident. I have paired them with normal sandals that I bought at Foschini. After bugging my brother to take pictures of me, I drive to Richards and then drive to the location that Ntando sends me. It is being held at Imvubu Lodge, one of the most beautiful lodges around here. The whole thing is outdoors and the set up is very lovely. I meet Ntando where the cars are parked and she rushes to hug me when she sees me.
“Look at you looking so effortlessly beautiful with no make-up. Some of us would kill for your skin kodwa Hle.” I laugh. She is exaggerating.
“Look who is talking. I would kill for that chocolate and caramel skin of yours.” She rolls her eyes and laugh. Then she holds my head and we walk closer to the set up. We are welcomed by the hosts and they give us a breakdown on the activities we can indulge in. I am beaming like a kid in an adventure park. This is heaven. I urge any adult to come to this place. You will find real inner peace.
The first thing we do is partake in the yoga session by Fit Kitten. I explain my ankle situation early, so I don’t do any poses that might cause strain to it. As relaxing as it may be, it is a workout on its own and it makes us sweat. Next, we get some appetizers before getting some cocktails on the Mixed by Schweppes stand and then going to get Glammed by Bernini. The ladies doing our make-up are very quick but the end results are flawless. We take a lot of pictures.
“Enjoying yourself so far, ladies?” a guy comes up to us and asks. Ntando told me that his name is DJ MO and he is one of the organizers of the event. He is also known for his 1MONYT events that he usually hosts here in Richards Bay. I have never been to one but my crew did attend it last year and they couldn’t shut up about it.
“Yes. This is amazing, Ntuthuko. I think this is my new favourite thing.” Ntando responds and DJ MO laughs.
“You always say that, Ntando.” He turns to me. “Glad you could join us, Chef Hle. And before you ask how I know you; Richards Bay is very small and we do take note of business people. Maybe you might like to get a stall in our next 1MONYT event where you can show my audience what you’re made of.”
I smile. “Thank you for the warm welcome and I will definitely consider your offer. I don’t know how you guys came up with this unwind concept but it’s one of the best events I have ever attended. Something all adults need, because wow, we are all going through a lot.” They both laugh.
“The day is still young ladies, see you at the painting table.” He smiles once again before walking away. We head to the Elite Wellness gazebo where they are doing detox and massages. They hand us some gowns and towels and we quickly change before they start massaging us.
“So, tell me about your predicament.” Ntando starts off and I take a deep breath.
“I have a new man in my life. Well, sort of. He is a kind person. He has a big heart. He is very understanding and never rushes me. Ntando, that man ticks so many boxes. He is so mature and just perfect in his own way. His love language corresponds with my soul. He has a way of making me feel loved, seen, heard. And I think I am falling for him really bad.”
She squeals. “This sounds like the perfect man. Your perfect man. The kind of man most women would kill for. How is this a problem? Hlengiwe, you have nice life problems, I swear.”
How I wish I can laugh at that. “The man is my ex’s father. The recent immature ex. His father is the one that is pursuing me.” I turn so that I can see her reaction. She looks frozen in time. I snap my fingers and she seems to come back to earth.
“Hhayi, Hlengiwe. Tell me you are lying.” I shake my head and she gasps. “What the hell? You really took the teachings of Brooke Logan seriously neh?” I huff and she laughs. “Forgive me, my friend. But how did you end in this situation? This is not something that just happens. And judging by how you explained him, it seems like you are already taken by this old man. So, how did it happen?”
“I don’t know how. He is very attractive and very young. He looks like he is in his late thirties but I know he is a bit older than that. There is just something about him, Ntando. Something that makes me want to go into the deep end with him. He has a way of putting me at ease. I know it’s bad. But this is no revenge plan. I didn’t think he was going to approach me or worse, I would develop feelings for him. Mbulelo didn’t hurt me that much for me to turn and become his stepmother. That’s not what is happening here.”
She gives me a sympathetic smile. “My friend, no one will understand how you feel inside. Not even this man. Your mind seems to be made up. You want to explore this connection and I don’t judge. From the little you have told; I can tell that he is a good guy. But getting together with him means you will have to develop thick skin. Everyone is going to come for you. Your ex, his kids, his wife, wait, is he still married?” I shake my head.
“He divorced his wife years ago.”
“But I am sure she never recovered. Losing a great man is never easy. You still have to fight her off. His family will also come with judgements. Also, his friends. If he is financially well off, people will think you are with him for his money and revenge, forgetting that you are a business woman. What I can say is that take your time and work on cementing your relationship. Work on that strong foundation so that you guys can deal with whatever trial and tribulations you might face, because trust me, they are coming.”
I look down and allow the person massaging me to do her job. Ntando is correct in every way. All the things she said, I have thought about them. I know that accepting Melisizwe’s request and getting into a relationship with him will cause a lot of problems for both us. Am I ready for something like that? Only time will tell.
After our massages, we get more cocktails on the Sipping with Tanqueray stall and after that, we head to the painting session with Kapito. Overall, my day goes very well and I am glad I had a talk with my friend. She has really helped me put some things into perspective in my mind. I now know what to do. Question is, am I really ready for this?
YOU ARE READING
Unhinged Love
Romance"I have never felt love like this before. So wrong yet feels so damn good. I must be going insane. That's the only explanation." Hlengiwe is a cool calm and collected lady but her world is about to be turned upside down when a man crushes into her l...
