The Forbidden

Part 10

The two men were true gentlemen and never did anything to us. Alex took us to several campuses where I delivered my applications. KCA agreed to enroll me mid-semester. We were all ecstatic and head to town for a quick sightseeing before going back to Mombasa that night.

Belinda called another one of her friends who studied at UON, Ben. He did not have classes that day so he showed up. Belinda said hello and hugged him. I followed suit and did the same. We ended up in a restaurant for a quick snack and drinks. I later learnt that Ben did IT at the university and lived in Buruburu with his family.

"I can show you around the city when you come. Just give me a call", Ben said to me and we soon exchange numbers. I was grateful that I knew at least two people already who were more than willing to show me around the city. We hang out a little bit more before Belinda announced that she wanted to leave.

"Ok, we need to go back to Kasarani and get ready to leave anyway", I said.

"I will come with you", Ben volunteered.

On our way back, Belinda sat with Alex while Ben sat with me. They were all quiet while we were talking and laughing out loudly. We got to Alex's place where we packed out bags and got ready to leave for Mombasa. We said goodbye to Alex at the door and I personally thank him for hosting us by slipping in hand one thousand shilling note without anyone noticing. Ben took us to the bus station.

I noticed that all this time Belinda was quiet and spoke only when spoken to. She was not her usual chatty self.

"Are you ok?" I asked her

"Yeah, am fine" she replied.

"Is it Ben? Are you annoyed that he has taken a liking to me? Do you like him?" I asked Belinda.

"No, you can marry him for all I care".

I keep quiet and pretend I didn't hear the last comment. We say our goodbye to Ben and board the bus to Mombasa. In the bus, Belinda removed her shawl, tilted her seat, covered herself and slept straight away. She woke up when we arrive in Mombasa eight hours later.

"I am waiting for someone to pick me, you go right ahead" she informed me as we were collecting our bags. She then heads the opposite direction. I look at her walking away and realize that I had just lost my best friend. I took my bag and went home alone.