L_O_V_E...

02

Kenneth lay on the spa bed as they attended to his face. He had monthly facials since he could remember. His ex wife got him into taking care of his skin and has been hooked since. Just like any African man, he believed it was not manly to take care of himself before but now knew different.

' Hope to see you again sir.'

The cashier thanked him as she swiped his card.

' You know I'll be back.'

Slowly he drove his top of the range car towards his home which was an hour away. He did not look forward to going home. It was a huge empty house and was only better when his kids were around. His bed was forever cold. Since separating from his wife twenty-two months ago. His cellphone rang just as he got into his uphill driveway.

' Not today.'

He said silencing his phone. His girlfriend was calling and with their constant arguing, he did not feel like having to explain about accusations he considered unimportant and silly.

' Hello - '

His estranged wife cut him off by telling him to hold when he called her phone. It had been a longtime since he heard her voice and for the first time in a while, he wanted to talk to her some more. Ever since the separation she bought their children phones as so not to have the need to talk to him but for some reason they rarely answered. He spoke to his sons for about an hour before hanging up and starting on dinner. There was a knock on his front door just as he finished cooking.

' Jessica.'

' Don't Jessica me! I've been calling your phone the whole day. What have you been doing that is so important you can not answer my calls. Kenny are you cheating on me!'

' Jess please not this again. I'm tired and would like to have my supper in peace.'

' You'll have your supper as soon as you tell me who you're with.'

Kenneth grabbed her by her wrist and pulled her towards his kitchen. He dished up for both of them while she went on a rant.

' This food is not going to distract me from the reason I came over.'

He did not reply but sat down with his plate and ate. She joined him after. Kenneth's phone rang just as he pulled it out of his pocket. It was his daughter calling. He stood to answer the call and as soon as he returned she threw her accusations at him.

' Let me see your phone then if you say it's your daughter.'

He shook his head but handed her the phone anyway. He noticed her face flush as soon as she saw his recent calls.

' Why do you have to go answer your call in another room though.'

' Jess that's my daughter and I will talk to her in private if I need to.'

' Why though. You know if she's going through stuff, you can share those with me too. After all I'm going to be her step mother soon.'

He did not reply to that but instead continued putting his dishes in the dishwasher.

' Why do you always ignore when I want to talk marriage. I won't be a girlfriend forever Kenny!'