My Boss

Chapter 18

Alex was involved in a lot of conversations. Everyone wanted to know more about him. I almost believed they would scare him away. My family house was pretty huge so many of my relatives were there. They finally gave Alex some break so he could rest. The next day, my brother and I took him sight seeing. He had never been to Africa even though he always wanted to so we went from one place to another, building to building and I made him try a lot of things. Of course, we couldn't explore the city just in one day so once we got tired, we drove back home to have dinner with the family. Our stay was great. Alex fell in love with the food unexpectedly. I thought he wouldn't like anything because my family was a bit traditional when it came to food and obviously, Alex's culture was totally different from mine. Soon enough, Alex was no longer treated like a guest or acted like a guest. He blended well with my family and we all did things together, just enjoying each other's company. I was so sad that we would be leaving soon.

After celebrating Christmas and the new year, we had to say our goodbyes to the family. It had been two weeks and a few days since we arrived South Africa. I couldn't comprehend how time went by so fast. Alex told me how much he enjoyed the company of my family and South Africa in general. He couldn't wait to go back again. Anyway, we left South Africa and found ourselves back in England and back to work.

One day, I was called at work by a company I had been longing to work with. It was a company totally different from the one I was working in (Alex's). I had been given an offer after they said my resumé and background were reviewed. I was so happy to hear the news but sad that I would have to leave Alex's company. I immediately called Alex when I got off the call and told him about the offer and the next thing he said was;

"Siphiwe! Go for it! This has always been your dream job. Don't act like you don't want this. This is the next big thing for you, babe."

His words gave me some assurance and got me thinking like I should so I accepted the offer and transferred to the new company. I was very happy with my new job, not that I wasn't with the old one but because I was now doing something I always wanted to do.

In mid February, I got to finally meet Alex's parents in Nottingham. They were so nice to me, gave me gifts and welcomed me with opened arms. We spent a few days with his parents before going back to work. With everything that was happening to and around me like my healthy family, friends, great relationship with Alex and his family, new job......I couldn't help but thank God for it all. I watched as Alex grew into a better man and a God lover. He went from sleeping around with almost everything in a skirt to being a gentleman with a heart of gold. He wasn't perfect, that of course is certain but he was working his way up from the negative side. We spent so much time with each other going to church together, travelling and just having each around including with his family. Mine weren't in the same country but they visited once in a while. I was at a place in my life where I could say I was very happy and thankful.

One Saturday afternoon, I had been talking to my mother on the phone with Alex beside me when she told me to put her on speaker for a minute. Of course, I did as she said but as soon as she realized she was on speaker, she called out Alex's name and asked the most shocking question. She asked Alex when he would propose to me. In shock, I called out my mother's name before we all burst into laughter. I shook my head and watched as Alex replied her. I did feel embarrassed but none of us was surprised by her question. It was just something we were all used to so we laughed about it. Exactly a year later, on the same day my mother asked Alex about him proposing, Alex proposed to me when we were out having dinner. That was not the only thing he did as he surprised me with my mother and siblings who were all around to witness his proposal. I didn't even know when or where they came from. I was just filled with happiness. I told Alex to stand from kneeling and screamed 'yes' before he placed the ring on my finger. I leaned forward and planted a kiss on lips before hugging him and thinking about the future I was yet to have with him. My boss turned fiancé......didn't in many years see that coming.

THE END