Black Rose (completed)

epilogue

Sarah's POV

One cool nice Friday afternoon on the first week of the second term holiday I went to my favorite eatery mega D, Wama had invited me there the previous day. I was surprised because during the second term she was mostly by herself and sometimes it was as if she was not in school, she kept to herself and didn't even hang out with her friends anymore. She moved quickly from been the queen bee and most popular girl to the quiet loner.  I wished I could get to her but then she only talks to me occasionally and won't say anything other than the conventional greeting. Michael on the other hand was something else, but it was good that things between us are getting back to normal. Annie broke up with him few weeks back saying she could see he has lost interest in the relationship. He made no effort to win her back and has been flirting with other girls instead. The term was just so full of surprises cos even Micah now has a serious girlfriend.

" how are things with you and Steven? Wama asked smiling.

" mmmmhnmn well really good, I never thought I will find someone to make me this happy anytime soon. " I replied honestly.

" wow I see my girl is really in love "

" Yea you can say that again, and Steven is been so sweet "

" I am happy for you two " she said patting my shoulder gently. " you deserve to be happy dear "

" you do too " I said and took a deep breath
" Wama you deserve to be happy too. Tell me how are you really?

She looked away. " I'm okay....... I will be okay " she said slowly.

" I wish I could say the same thing about Michael but..........he's not in a good shape. "

" I know. I had said some things that are hurtful, but then I had to make him stay away "

" Wama he's miserable " I said remembering how sore Michael looks lately,  he is always moody.
" he's in love with you "

" I know Sarah......." She said and got up from where she was sitting and went to stand near the iron fence
" everything is so complicated. I noticed his feelings first when he started getting jealous, he'd always get angry when I would meet my old male friends. Then one day he said it. "

" so what now?

" everything will be fine Sarah, I don't want to cause problems. That's why I invited you here today "

" what are you planning to do?

" I am leaving Sarah...........my family and I are moving to south Africa. "

" What! Really! Why!

" there's nothing for us here. When my Mum brought the idea I agreed to it because there's nothing here to hold on to. It's a good thing, leaving will give Michael and Annie space to mend their relationship. "

" are you leaving because of Michael? You don't have to, there should be another way to handle this "

" No Sarah,  I am not doing this for Michael. I'm doing this for my family, we have to get away before my Mum die of depression. She has had enough, we have had enough. we need to breath fresh air, we need a new start "

" oh no.....  I just wish things didn't have to be this way." I was speechless, I felt sorry for her
.  " So when are you leaving?

" tomorrow "

" you got to be kidding me! Tomorrow?
I scuffed and shook my head. " and you're telling me today?

" I didn't know how to tell you, actually I never planned on telling you "

" Wait. So you were going to just leave and then we won't even know? Why Wama? How do you think we would feel. Michael?
Oh I get it, you didn't want to tell me because you didn't want Mike to know?

She nodded slowly. " Sarah this is hard for me too, but then I don't have a choice "

I took a deep breath and hummed silently, I was so speechless. How did this happen, I felt sorry for Wama and her family and I couldn't help but think I might be doing the same thing too if I were in her shoes. How was she going to tell Michael she was leaving, now that they've not been talking for a while.
" how about school? I asked.
" Final year isn't over yet "

" I'll sort out everything when I get there. " she came back and sat down. " my Mum has arrange for my transfer letters "

" are you coming back?

" No. I don't think so, we sold the house. My father's relatives aren't even aware, we're afraid they might try to stop us. My Mum has a friend over there whose going to help us settle, all arrangements are made. Our flight is booked for tomorrow "

" do you want me to tell Michael?

" not until am gone "

" won't you at least say goodbye?

" it's not necessary. I am not good at saying goodbye "  she turned to look at me at I saw a tear run down her cheek.
" how do I say goodbye Sarah "

" he'll be hurt, you know that right " I knew Michael is not going to take this well.

" Yes. But I'm sorry Sarah, I didn't mean for any of this to happen. Please make him understand. "

" well I'll try, I wish your family find happiness and peace over there in South Africa. but you know Michael is gonna be mad at me for keeping this from him. "

" he'll get over it " she said and laughed.
I wonder how she could laugh at a time like this.

" how do you do this?

" Do what?

" laugh? Act so cool all the time? Even in times like this.

She shrugged. " I just try to be positive. But to be honest, how I act on the outside is different from how I feel inside."

" you're a bitch " I said and laugh too.

" woooh that's harsh "

I giggled " yes bitch, that's harsh "

" Sarah I think we could have been good friends "

" well maybe hanging out with a bitch wouldn't be that bad "

She laughed and nudged me on the shoulder. " stop saying the B word "

I raised my hands. " okay bitch "