Becoming

Chapter 6

I'm such an idiot. I have never locked myself outside before. I pace around my door before finding myself walking towards Kevin's apartment. Those few steps I'm taking are basically me creating a speech of what I will say.

Okay...

I lightly knock and wait. Nothing

I knock louder. Maybe he's sleeping.

As I'm turning back to walk towards my place I hear the door open. "Can I help you?" Kevin's husky voice asks. "Yeah, do you mind giving me that spare key I sort of locked my self out" I say nervously while trying to not look at his chest. "Now how did that happen?" he laughs. I roll my eyes and I'm guessing he saw my reaction because he doesn't further say anything and walks back in. I wait with crossed arms.

"Here Mam" he gives them to me. "Thanks" I take them and walk back, but as I look behind Kevin is staring at me. "Is there something wrong?" I ask. He shakes his head before speaking. "Nah, I'm checking to see you don't lock yourself out again" he laughs before closing his door. Anyways I manage to get myself in and when I look at the time it's nearly midnight time really does fly when you're having fun I sarcastically say in my head.

My phone vibrates and it's a goodnight text from Thando also adding that she arrived safely.I choose to text her back:

*Good, I locked myself out early but I opened with a spare*

I put my phone done and it instantly rings. "oh my Gosh are you okay?" Thando asks. "Yeah, luckily my neighbour had my spare key" I tell her."Why does your neighbour have your key?" she speaks but I choose not to tell her over the phone. "its a long story" I laugh. We exchange goodbyes after that.

Before switching off the lights I make a mental note that I need to change these locks.

********

"Those sandals are to die for" Thando says putting her hand over her chest. We decided to do a bit of shopping before grabbing some lunch. The mall is awfully packed today and it comes to my mind that it's month end and most people just got paid.

"I think that's just about it" She looks at her basket with about four items. I took one blouse and besides I'm trying to save money so I can't be having unnecessary shopping sprees. After paying, we find a small restaurant to do more catching up.

"So, are you eyeing anyone?" she smiles behind her coffee mug. "No, Im just focusing on my career" I simply state while shoving my chicken salad into my mouth. "I know I know, but come on" she continues. "Thando, please. The last thing I want is a relationship" I feel a slight ping in my chest. I don't want to ever date or feel anything for anyone, because the truth is I don't think anyone can ever compare to Mark.  "Look, I'm your friend and I know you can't forget about him, he was a big part of your life. I just want you to live life for you" she says looking deeply in my eyes.

I think back to when Seun said the similar thing a few days ago. I want to forget or rather move on, but it's not easy to just move on and find another person when they were your first love. I guess maybe one day I can find someone else, but for now I just want to focus on getting my life together. The rest can follow.

"I know" I finally say to her.

******
I asked Thando to stay the night because she is returning home tomorrow and I just want to spend some more time with her. "I can sleep on the floor you know" she argues. I insisted she takes the couch while I sleep on the sponge. I really can't wait for my bedroom to get back in order.

Morning time comes quicker than expected and I can't believe my friend is flying back home. "I made us some toast and scrambled eggs. I hope you don't mind me helping myself to your kitchen" she laughs looking at me as I enter the kitchen.

"I could get used to waking up to breakfast already prepared" I smile and prepare a cup of black coffee. I drink way too much black coffee I say in my head. "Well you're lucky I am a good friend who loves you" Thando smiles as she hands me my plate.

I am happy with how my weekend turned out, because I had no idea I would be seeing my friend who I must say is more like a sister. I use to scold my parents growing up for not giving me siblings, but they had their reasons for having one child which I came to admire. Children are very expensive, I wonder how people with four or more children cope.

"Someone is deep in thought" I jump at a voice behind me. I hadn't realised I was standing infront of my door this whole time. "hi Kevin" I smile and finally put the key in the key hole. "I have been calling your name for a while. I came by earlier but you weren't in" he looks into my eyes.

"I was out. I had to drop a friend at the airport" I tell him opening my door. He let's himself in without being invited. Oh. "hmm Friend" he smirks. I laugh while looking at the clock on the wall. 17:22. Why is time going so fast of lately, but going back to Kevin's comment I finally say "My friend. She surprised me with a visit Friday night" why am I telling him all this?

"Oh that sounds lovely" he smiles and stands awkwardly infront of me. "So what did you want earlier while I was out? " I finally say breaking eye contact with him. "I wanted to invite you to my church" he hands out a pamphlet. I look at it and back to his face and he must see the confusion written all over my face.