Chapter 6: Catching up.

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I lay wide awake in bed staring at the ceiling with Ben's voice echoing in my mind of him telling me of his parent's death.

I'm sure I've been lying here for a good thirty minutes. I keep wondering why l asked that question and l can't help but feel bad that l brought back such a painful memory.

That's why he seemed different.

I had always known him to be a person who likes to joke around.

I guess that's what happens when you've been separated from a person you were close to for nine years.

You'd expect to pick up where you left off but you barely recognise who they've become.

Despite the fact that he was open with me last night, it still seemed as if there was something bothering him, even after he told me about his parents.

He didn't say anything else and reiterated that he was fine.

I don't know what to do. I'm not sure if I should call him or go check up on him. I've never been so conflicted.

My phone rings and speak of the devil.

'Hey' he sounds cheerful and it seems like he is in a good mood.

'Hey how are you?'

'I'm great, thanks.'

'About what you told me last night, are you okay, if you need anything or anyone to talk to I'm here'

'I'm good I just felt like I needed to tell you, I'm sorry for just springing that information on you. Anyway I'm calling to tell you that my friends are throwing a party tomorrow and I wanted to find out if you were free to come. I'd love to catch up some more.'

'Sure, I'd love to just send me the time and address.'

'Alright cool.'

Well that went better than expected. I thought talking about his parents had opened up old wounds. Or maybe he's just good at hiding his feelings.

*

'Girl I'm so over these books it feels like I've been studying the same thing for hours. All I need right now is a drink and time to unwind because wow.' Palesa bursts laughter as she says this.

'Speaking of unwinding, Ben's friend is throwing a party tonight and Ben invited us to come.'

'You had me at party, what time does it start?'

'At 9 but I think it's better to go at 10 when it's lit, we wouldn't want to go there when it's quiet and people are still arriving.'

'Good point. So what are you wea-'

'Oh yeah, sorry I almost forgot. Ben said he's coming to pick us up because he feels that its not safe for us to travel at night alone.'

'Really? That's sweet of him.'
'Yeah'

We arrive at Ben's friend's house, the house was abuzz with people dancing, playing games and some people were outside by the pool area.

Everything is happening so fast, there's different coloured lights, people offering me drinks all whilst the music is blasting.

Trap music has never been my cup of tea.

I look around the room and Palesa is nowhere to be found. How did we even get separated? l keep looking for her, I check the kitchen, the bedrooms and finally find her in the study talking to the guy she has a crush on.

I decide to give them space, close the door and go outside for some fresh air.

I bump into the host of the party, Thato. He has a bubbly personality and we talk about his hometown. East London seems like a great place to go and visit some day.

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