What happened?

Part 20: The End

We entered 2020 and it all started in 2014. Time was way too long. Time for us to finally get back together.

Amy

Okay, since we got the letter from Phyllis we tried our best to leave Cape Town as soon as possible, but it was not that easy. I was a sponsored employee and I could not just leave because of Bakari. It took us a few weeks until we actually booked a flight. For us and Bakari. He didn't want to leave. It was a real struggle to convince him to come with us. He turned 13, which made it even more complicated. He never saw a plan from close-up, neither he left Africa or wanted to lose his friends or leave the school. We waited for the next holidays to arrive to make it less stressful for me and Bakari. He wasn't happy at all when I told him I'd take him with me, but he was underage and I didn't know for how long I'd stay in the US.

So, it was one day before our official departure to Nashville, Tennessee. Christina and I were really nervous because we didn't have any clue where to find our sisters. We were about to get there blindly. Christina and I barely talked that day, because we both tried to get ready emotionally. I thought about my years in Africa, even though it was not the last time there for me. Suddenly, Tuma popped up in my head. He was the only piece of the puzzle I haven't fitted into my Africa 'adventure' or 'destiny', that's why I decided to call him.

'Hi, it's Amy. The girl from the train.' I said when I accepted the call.

'Amy? Oh yes, of course! How are you?'

'Good... or not that good. I don't know. My sister and I are leaving Africa tomorrow.' I said without thinking. Grrr.

'Oh, for vacation? You don't sound like you're excited.' he replied.

'No, not really for vacation. But it's okay. Sorry for calling like that.' I said and was right about to hang up.

'Hey, Amy, wait. Don't worry. Would you like to meet up? I feel like you need some pickup.' he asked. I didn't expect that. We never actually met before.

'Where are you?' I answered.

'I live in Green Point and you live in Gardens as far as I can remember, right? Do you know the Company's Garden at the South African National Gallery? I could be there in about 30 minutes.' he offered. My heart started beating really fast.

'Sure. If that's fine for you, then I'm coming. Happy to see you again.' I said and hung up. I couldn't help but smile. Did I like him?

So, about 30 minutes later we met at the South African National Gallery. Such a handsome guy. I felt great next to him. We walked through the park for a while until we came to sit on a bench. He got us ice cream. I forgot about all my worries until he asked what I'm actually nervous about. I started talking about the tsunami, not detailed though. I told him about the letter we got from the US and that we'd try to find them there. But also that I'd come back when the holidays end. Instead of answering, he suddenly pulled me into a caring hug. I felt surprisingly safe and comfortable in his arms. When we let go, we started staring into each other's eyes. Would he kiss me? I actually wanted to go for it, but then I got a text message. Great timing. When I saw that it was Christina, I checked the time. It got really late and I didn't even notice.

'Amy, where are you? I'm currently helping Bakari pack his suitcase. You should be here.'

Damn, I totally forgot that I wanted to pack Bakari's suitcase with him. He never owned a suitcase before and never packed for vacation, that's why.

'Sorry, I really have to leave now. It was a great time today.' I said and got up.

'Yes, it really was. Can I bring you home?' he gently asked. I nodded, so he brought me home. It was hard to say goodbye to be honest, but we had to. I didn't know if we'd see each other again. He offered me to call him when we arrived in Nashville. When we got back, it got dark already and before he left, we actually went for a kiss. It felt amazing. I could barely sleep that night.