FALLI

NGFORAGANGLEADER
Shor
tInt
roduct
ion

Hel
l
o

Thankyouf
ordecidi
ngt
oreadmyst
ory,
Ihope
youguy
swillenj
oyit

Mai
nchar
act
er:
AlonaNgema

Thest
oryr
evol
vesar
oundher.

17year
sofage,
tur
ning18i
nacoupl
eof
months
Shehasbl
ackhai
rthatr
eachesbel
owherback

Pi
nkpl
umpl
i
psal
ongwi
thbi
gmi
dni
ghtbl
ack
ey
es

l
i
ghtski
n
Abi
tontheskinnysi
deandhershor
tfr
amei
sn'
t
hel
pingei
ther.

Li
veswit
hhermom only,her20yearoldbrot
her
(Ozamokuhl
e)appear
slateroni
nt hestor
y.

Romeoi
shergayguybestf
ri
end.

Enzoi
sAl
ona'
sboy
fri
end

Andthenther
e'sReece,
you'
l
lfi
ndoutabouthi
m
andtherel
ati
onshi
pbetweenhi
m andAlona
l
ateron.
You'
l
lmeetsomechar
act
ersast
hest
orygoes

Nev
erbeengoodwi
thI
ntr
oduct
ions,
for
giv
eme.

I
ftheSt
oryI
sorI
snotf
ict
ion
You'
l
lfi
ndoutl
ater

Andifthest
oryi
swr
it
tenbyt
heaut
horofDOB
ornot.
You'
l
lal
sof
indoutl
ater

Anyquest
ions?
[
11/
08,
08:
03]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t1

Ihaveaccept
edt hefactt
hathecamei nt
omy
l
ifethatni
ght
.ThatIwasn'tsupposedt
obe
ther
ebutIguessI twasfate.
I
fonl
yFat
ehadpassedmeby

Fri
dayni
ghtar
ound9andIcoul
dn'
tsl
eepasI
keptt
ossi
ngandtur
ning.
Ideci
dedt
ogof
orar
un.
Iusual
lyrunearl
yinthemor ningonweekdays
befor
eIgot oschool,
butnowIj ustcrav
edfora
runbesidethef
actthaticouldn'tsl
eep.
Cal
lmecrazyandbl
ahblahblah,
Iwasal
ready
hal
fwayoutt
hedoorany
way .

Thenei
ghbor
hoodIwasl
i
vingi
nwaspr
ett
y
saf
eorsoIthought
Turni
ngacor ner,
stoppingtocat chabr eat
hand
taki
ngalookatmysur roundings,Ihavenev er
beenont hi
ssideoft hestreetandItwas
awfull
yquiet
,Icoul
dher ether apidbreathi
ngof
myhear t
Deci
dingt
ojustt
urnar
oundandheadback
home.
Str
aightaheadIcoul
dseet
wohooded
fi
gures,
headingmyway.

Okaydon'
tfr
eakout

Theyar
ejustpassi
ngby

St
aycal
m

Br
eat
hin

Br
eat
hout

Start
ingt
ojogback,
stayi
ngoutofthei
rlane,
theyaret
heonestoblockmyway .Bumping
i
ntoahardchestIqui
ckl
ymumble'sor
ry'
bef
ore
l
ooki
nguptowhoIbumpedi nt
o,i
twasat al
l
muscul
arguy.
Hi
m:Nowor
ri
esBabygi
rl
Hesmi
rks,
thewayhesai
ditsentshi
ver
sdown
myspi
ne.
Si
desteppi
nghi
mtol
eav
ebuthi
sot
herf
ri
end
bl
ocksmyway
Gr
abbi
ngmyar
mti
ght
lyhepul
l
smeback.
Inowbegi
ntopani
c
Guy1:
Andwher
edoy
out
hinky
ougoi
ng?
Me:
I..
i-
im headi
nghome
Guy1:
Howaboutusi
khaphesi
yeeKhi
sti
nyet
hu
andwecanhav
eagoodtime

Heaskedinawaythatsay
sIdar eyoutosay
no.
Myey est
rai
l
edtohisfi
ngerthatwasrest
ed
ontopofsomethi
ng,
fi
nger
slightl
ytouchi
ngi
t.
Agun
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkso.
I-
Ihav
eaboy
fri
endandI
..
Cut
ti
ngmeshor
t
Guy2:Hedi
dn'
tasky
oui
fyouhadaboy
fri
end
ornot.
Guy1:
Iaskedifyouwantt
ohav
eagoodt
ime
wit
hmyfriendandI.

Goodt
imeonlymeantonethingatt
his
moment,
Iknowwhatthei
rint
enti
onswere
Me:
Ple-
pleaseIj
ustwantt
ogethome

Looki
ngar
oundfr
ant
ical
l
yforatl
eastt
ospot
someonet
ohelpmebutthewasnooneinsi
ght
.
Hepushedmeback,
maki
ngmef
all
downas
t
heyhover
edoverme
Me:
Pleasedon'
t,
youcan'
tdot
his
Istar
tedscr
eamingandtr
iedget
ti
ngupbutt
he
otherguyki
ckedmyside.
Guy1:Theisnousef
ight
ing,
I.
.Wegetwhatwe
wantandatthi
smomentit'
syouwewant!Zol
a.
That'
sallittookforhi
sfri
endwhoIj ustf
ound
outhisnamei sZolat
ost ar
tforci
ngmylegs
apart,
putt
inghiskneeonmyst omachtogetme
tostayinplaceashest r
uggledtotakeoffmy
vest
.
Thisisnothappening,
thiswasnothowIwas
pl
anningt olosemyv i
rgini
ty,
thi
sisnotactuall
y
happening,i
t'
sjustadream.ohhowIwi shthat
i
twasdr eam abaddr eam thanforitt
obe
actual
lyhappening

Iwasforcedbacktoreali
tyashebackslapped
me,i
thur tbuti
tdi
dn'
tstopmef r
om scr
eami ng
andtwist
ingmybodytogetoutofhisgri
p
Me:
Pleasedo-
don'
t.
Icont
inuedt
obegwi
tht
ear
scl
oudi
ngmyv
isi
on
asIstart
edt
ocry
.
Zol
a:Shhbabygi
rl
,si
zokwenzauzi
vemnandi
(wegoi
ngtomakey oufeel
good)
Me:
STOP!
Iscreamedoutlouderpray
ingthatmaybe
someonecanhearme, forgoodnesssakethi
sis
atownship,
whathappenedt othenosy
neighbor
sallofasudden?
Hewast
ryi
ngt
ofeel
onmybr
east
s
Me:
GETYOURHANDSOFFME!
ImanagedtoKneehim onhi
sst
omachcausi
ng
hi
mt orol
loverandl
etgoofme
Zola:
youar
egoi
ngt
opayf
ort
haty
oust
upi
d
bi
tch.
Iwasreal
lyst
upid,
ImeanwhatwasIdoi
ng
out
sideatthi
sti
meoftheni
ght.
OhIwasgoi
ngf
orar
unbecauseIcoul
dn'
t
sl
eepandIt
houghtI
twassaf
enot
hingcoul
d
happen.
Iwasslappedagai
n,
makingmyli
pspli
tandI
coul
dfeelitnumbsasbl
oodst
artedcomingout
Guy1:
Wewon'
tgoeasyony
ou.
Hesai
dashehel
pedhi
sfr
iend,
hol
dingbot
hmy
ar
msabovemyhead
Guy1:
Stopmov
ingy
oul
i
ttl
ebi
tch!
Shaki
ngmyhead,focusi
ngonf
ight
ingf
or
mysel
ftonotgetr
aped.
IcouldswearIcoul
dhearacarappr
oacht
hen
screechi
ngti
res
Thensomeonescr
eami
ng
"
Whatt
hef
uckdoy
out
hinky
oudoi
ng?
"
Thestrangevoi
ceaskedbutIdon'
treal
lyknow
whatelsetheywer
esayingsi
nceIfeltl
i
ght
headed.
Thewei
ghtont
opofmybodywassuddenl
y
l
iftedoffmeandIcouldhearthetwoguys
groaningi
npainasthestr
angerfought
them,punchi
ngthem r
epeatedl
y
If
eltdi
zzyandsl
eepy
.

"Hey,
I
t'
salr
ight.
.y
ousaf
enow"thestranger
tel
lsmeinadeep,sl
owvoi
cehol
dingmet ohi
s
chest
.

Af
terst
ruggl
ingt
olookupforafewsecondsas
myeyesfel
theavy,
Ifi
nal
l
ylookathi
m.
Icoul
dn'
treal
l
yseehim butIcoul
dn'
thelp
not
ici
ngt
hesmallnoseri
ngonhi snose.

Iwhi
sper
edaThanky
oubef
oreIbl
ackedout.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Iwokeup,t
ryi
ngtojumpoutoft
hebed
regr
ett
ingi
tasIstart
edhav
ingaheadache.
"Youawake"
Tur
ningqui
ckl
ytof
indt
hesour
ceofv
oice.
ATallguyleani
ngonadoorf rameInapairof
t
rackpants,hi
sarmscrossedonhisbare
muscularchestt
hat
'scoveredwit
htatt
oos.
I
'
venev
erseenal
otoft
att
oosbef
ore.
Hewasi
nhi
sear
ly20'
s

Hehadsilv
erwhitehair,
deepcur
ls,
haircuton
thesi
des.Midni
ghtblackeyeswithlongthi
ck
eyel
ashes
Thickey
ebrowst
ri
mmedwitht
wol
inesonthe
endswhil
etheot
herey
ebr
owhadapier
cingi
n.
Anot
herpi
erci
ngonhi
slowerli
p,pi
nkl
i
pshe
hadt
hatIcoul
dn'
thel
pnot
ici
ng
AndAnot
herpi
erci
ngont
henose,
theoneI'
ve
seenbef
oreIbl
ackedout
.
Icoul
dgoonandonabouthishandsome
feat
ures,
butIneedt
ogetbackt
othestor
y.

Somet
hingabouthi
m scr
eameddanger.

Hesmir
kedatmerev
eal
inghi
sdeepdi
mpl
es,
a
10ccoi
ncoul
dact
ual
lyf
iti
nthem
Hecaughtmecheckinghim out
,wel
lyou
coul
dn'tbl
ameme.TheguywasHot ,
Li
ght
ski
nnedwi t
habi
tofat anandastrongjawt
hat
Iwa..
.her
eIgoagai
n,forgi
veme.

FocusAl
ona,
Focus.

Youj
ustwokeupi
naunf
ami
l
iarr
oom.
I
nsomeoneel
se'
sbed.

Andnowt hatsomeonewaswat
chi
ngy
oul
i
kea
pr
edatorwatchingi
t'
spr
ey.

Hi
m:Ar
eyoual
ri
ght?
Heaskedi
nHi
slowdeepv
oice.
Me:
Ihav
eaheadacheandIf
eel
li
keI
-I
..
Itr
ail
edof
f,
Stopt
hechitchatAl
onayouhav
eto
gethome!Saidnyi
nnervoicesai
d
Me:Wher
eam I?
,Howdi
dIgether
e,whatdi
d
youdot
ome?
Iaskedinonebreathtaki
ngthebl
anketsof
fme
asIinspect
edmy sel
f ,
IwasOkexceptf
ormy
soreri
bs,fr
om t
heki cksIt
ooktheprevi
ous
night
Him:
Youdon'
tknowmey
ety
out
hinkt
hatl
ow
ofme?
Hi
slowal
mosti
naudi
bledeepv
oiceasked.
Heshookhi
sheadashi
sjawt
wit
ched.
Iwaspi
ssi
nghi
m of
f
Me:I-
I'
m sorr
y,Ididn'
tmeani ti
t'
sjustaft
erwhat
happenedyesterday,Theysexual
lyassault
ed
meTheywer ecloset or..
Icoul
dn'
tsayt
hewor
d
Istoppedt
alki
nglet
tingoutashakybr
eath,
tearsal
mostcloudi
ngmyv isi
ononceagain
Me:Idon'
treal
l
yrememberwhathappenedand
nowIwakeupi nanunf
amil
i
arroom.
HejustI
gnor
edmypi
typar
ty,
Poi
nti
ngatagl
ass
door
Him:Ever
ythingyouneedisint
hat
bathr
oom,Freshenup,I
'
lldr
ivey
ouhome.
Wi
tht
hathet
urnsar
oundandl
eav
esme.
Thatwascol
d
Igotupandwenti
nthebat
hroom ,
Sobi
gmy
bedr
oom wasnot
hingcompar
edt
oit
.
I
twasbeautif
ul,
l
ikeoneoft
hose5st
arhot
el
bat
hroomsIusuall
yseeonTv.
Thi
sguywassur
elyl
oaded.
IgotinanddidmybusinessandwhenIwas
doneIwor esomeclothesthatwer eneatl
y
fol
dedont opofthebathr
oomst able,some
ti
ghtsandashirtwhi
chIfoundmy sel
f
comfortabl
ein.
Makingsur
eev
ery
thi
ngwasasIf
oundi
tbef
ore
goi
ngout.
Get
ti
ngintheroom,t
hebedwasmadeandhe
wasstandi
nginthemiddl
eoft
her
oom t
ypi
ng
awayonhisphone.
Icl
earmyt
hroatast
ogethi
sat
tent
ion,
he
i
gnoresme
Me:
I'
m done.
Hi
m:Fol
l
owme
Weleavet
heroom wi
thmefoll
owi
ngbehind
hi
m,gawki
ngatthi
shugehouseBeaut
if
ulit
was.

Af
terafewminutesofdr
ivi
ngandmegivi
ng
hi
mt hedi
rect
ionst
omyhouse,Iaskhi
mtopar
k
2housesaway
Iwasaboutt
othankhi
m whenhej
ustt
oldme
togetout
.
Notsay
ingany
thi
ngIjustnodandgetout
mumbli
ngaquiett
hanky ouany
way.
Iwal
khomeandIcoul dfeel
eyesonmebutI
di
dn'
tpaynomi ndasmy6r oom housecame
i
ntovi
ew,Il
etoutabreat
hasasmal lsmil
e
pl
aysonmyf ace
Iwassaf
e.

Knowi
ngmymom waspr
obabl
yasl
eep.
Sheal
waysworkedl
ateni
ghthoursandshe'
d
comebackear
li
erinmorni
ngaround5am
Shegetsbacktir
edsoshesl
eepswhi
l
eIgetup
t
ogetreadyforschool
.
Iretr
iev
emykeyundert
hepl
antpotandgeti
n
quiet
lyaspossi
ble.
It
iptoet
omyr oom butgettheshockofmyl
i
fe
whenIseemom sit
tingbythesit
ti
ngroom
dr
inki
ngahotcupofcoffee
Her
:Usukaphi
?(Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom )
Shet
akesi
nmyappear
ance.
Iwaswear
ingaguy
st-
shi
rtaf
teral
l
.
Soi
magi
net
hel
ookonherf
ace
Shelooksatmyf
ace,
concer
nmasksheronce
angr
yf ace.
shel
ooksatmybustedli
p,3bl
ackf
ingermar
ks
onmyli
ghtski
nfacefr
om thet
woslapsIgot
.
Puf
fyr
edey
esandabandai
dont
hesi
deofmy
neck,
i
thidascr
atchmar
kasIwasal
so
str
angl
ed.
Il
ookedli
keacompletemessr i
ghtnowt hati
s
whatIknowasIhav
ehadal readychecked
mysel
foutint
hemirrorbackinhisHouse.

Ibegi
ntel
l
inghermyst
ory
..
.
[
11/
08,
09:
07]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t2

ISpentmostoft
heweekendl
ockedupi
nmy
room.
Mymom waswor r
iedaboutme,
shewant
edto
takeatwodaysoffjustt
obewithmebutIt
old
herthatI
'
m okayandIwantedtobeal
one
Sheoffer
edt obookmei
nfort
herapybutI
ref
usedtell
i
ngherIwant
edtofor
getthati
tev
en
happened.
Shel
etmebeandt
oldmet
onotbeaf
rai
dto
openupt
oheri
fIneededsomeonet
otal
kto.

Iwantedtobealonesomyphonehasbeen
swi
tchedoffal
lweekendnotwant
ingtot
alkt
o
anyone,i
ncl
udi
ngmygayguybestfri
endnormy
boyfr
iend.

WokeupMondaymor
ningget
ti
ngr
eadyf
or
school
.
Thebr ui
sesonmyfaceweresl
owlyfading,
I
didn'
twearmakeupsotheywerevisibl
efor
every
onet oseeandIwasn'
tgoi
ngt ocover
them up.
Ij
usthadt
ocomeupwi
thabel
i
evabl
est
ory
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Maki
ngmywayt omyclassIgr
eetsomeofmy
f
ri
endsasIpassthem.
I
'
m abi
tqui
etandshyanddon'
tconsi
der
myselfpopul
areventhoughIwaspret
tyand
hot-Iseeyourol
l
ingy oureyes- andthatI
wasdatingoneofthepopularguy
sinschool
.
Iwasj
ustchi
l
led.

Iwassuddenl
ypushedagai
nstawallandt
he
per
sonpinsmewiththei
rbodyagai
nstawall
.
"
Damny
ou'
rehotIcan'
twai
ttogety
oual
one"
Av oicewhisper
sinmyearandIst
art
panicking
Me:
PleasePl
e-.
.don'
t
Ibegi
ntobeg.
Theyf
oundme.
"
Alona.
.i
t'
smeEnz
o,y
ouokay?Pl
easel
ookat
me"
Me:
E-Enzo
Icl
earmyt
hroat
Enzo:
Yeahndi
m,whodi
dyout
hinki
twas?
Hechuckl
esashebr
ingsmetohi
schest
hol
dingmeti
ght
,Imi
ssedhi
m
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngj
usthel
dhi
m cl
ose
Hepul
l
edaway
,l
ooki
ngatme
Enzo:
Whatt
hehel
lhappenedt
oyourcheek?
Me:Nothi
ng.I
-Igoti
na.
.uhm ar
gumentwi
th
mom ,
itwasreall
ybadt
hatsheendedup
sl
appi
ngme
Il
i
ed,
Icoul
dn'
ttel
lhi
mthet
rut
h.
Helookedatmer
aisi
nghi
sey
ebr
owl
i
kehe
di
dn'tbel
i
eveme
Hi
m:Yousur
eyounotl
yi
ngt
ome?
Ishookmyhead
Me: IswearI
'm not,Ihadani ght
mar elastni
ght
andit'
sstuckonmymi nd.Youjusttookmeby
surpri
sethat
'sall
,actuall
ythoughtitwastheguy
fr
om myni ghtmare
Ichuckl
ed.
.cont
inui
ngt
oli
e
Hesmi
l
esal
i
ttl
e
Hi
m:You'
veal
way
sbeencr
azy
.

Thebel
lri
ngsi
ndi
cat
ingf
ir
stper
iod.
Hepecksmyl
i
ps
Hi
m:Comeonl
etsgety
out
ocl
ass.
Inter
twini
ngourhandst
ogetherhewal
ksmet
o
classreadyt
ostartmyday.

Thedaywentbypret
tyfast
,wi
tht
hefeel
i
ngthat
someonewaswatchingmebutIpai
dnomind

I
twasaf
terschool
andIwaswal
ki
ngwi
thmy
f
ri
end
RomeowhoIhav ebeent
ryi
ngt
oavoidal
l
day
,hecaughtupwit
hmeon6thperi
odandhe
wasaskingmequest
ionsaboutwhathappened
tomet hi
sweekendt
hatIwasavoi
dinghim and
Icamebacklooki
ngl
ikeshi
t,
yeahhewasbl unt
l
ikethat
hesay swhat
ever'
sonhi
smindandhedidn'
t
carehowyouweregoi
ngtot
akeit
,Iwasusedto
him bynow
Hi
m:Ar
eyoui
naabusi
ver
elat
ionshi
p?

I
gnor
ehi
m

Hi
m: Ohmygod,
I
sitEnzot
hatgav
eyout
hose
br
uises?

JustI
gnor
ehi
m

Him:I
'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lthatsonofa-
a,Ican'
t
swear
Ichuckl
e
Me:
Younev
erf
ail
toamuseme
Him:YeahIknow,
stopt
ryi
ngt
ochanget
he
subj
ect
Me:
Enzowoul
dnev
erhur
tme
Hi
m:Thenw-
Ri
ghtwhenhewasgoingtotal
k,
webothturned
ar
oundatthesoundofacarpul
li
ngbyatthe
ot
hersi
deoftheroad.
Ever
yonewasgawki
ngatt
hecarast
woguy
s
gotout
Romeo:
Whoar
ethey?
Me:
Hav
enoi
dea
Ir
espondedmesmer
izedbyt
hecar
Theseguysgott
hewholest
udent
s
at
tenti
on,
whowouldbl
amethem
Theywer
epr
ett
yhot
Al
ona!Youhaveaboy
fri
endf
orgodsake,
my
i
nnervoi
cescol
dsme.

Inoti
cedthever
ytal
lguyi
naleatherj
acket
,dar
k
j
eansandcombatbootssear
chingthecrowd
befor
ehiseyesmetmine
Igasped.
.hewastheguywhosavedmefr
om
myat t
acker
sFri
daynight
,whyi
sheher
e?

Ist
arebackathi
mthent
urnt
oleav
ewhenI
sawhim wi
nkhisey
eatmewithasmi
rk.

25mi
nut
esl
ater

Romeoandmear enowsi
tt
ingatMcDonal
d'
s
wai
ti
ngforouror
der.
Weusual
l
yboughtl
unchher
esomet
imeswhen
wemanagedtododgeoutoft
heschool
pr
emi
ses,I
twasn'
tfar
.
Af
tert
enmi
nut
esofwai
ti
ng,
ouror
derar
ri
ves
Bur
gerandf
ri
eswepayandpar
tway
s.

Iwasonmywaytothetaxir
ankwhenInot
iced
thet
woguy
sthatwereatschool
fewminut
es
ago.
Itr
iedtol
ookanywher
ebutthem butcur
iosi
ty
gotthebestofmeandri
ghtthen
Ihear
dtheot
heroneask
"
Ist
hather?
,she'
sfi
neasf
uck"
Theonewhosav
edmet
woday
sbackl
ooked
myway.

Ourgazeslockmakingmenervous,
Icoul
dn't
hel
pbutlookathisRareLi
ghtbrowneyes,
they
hel
dsomuchmy stery
Hestar
edbackatmeandsmir
kedthenonce
agai
nwinkedatme,
I
ttookmebysurpr
ise.

Idon'
tknowwhathi
sdeal
wasbecausethel
ast
ti
meIwaswithhim,
hewasact
ual
lycol
d
towar
dsme.

Icont
inuedwi
thmyway ,
Notpayi
ngat
tent
ionto
whereIwasgoingIbumpint
osomeone,
only
thi
ngIseem t
obedoinglat
ely
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry
Lookingupatt
heper
sonIbumpedi
nto,
Hewas
l
ookingdownatme
Hi
m:Sowemeetagai
n
Il
ookupattheguywhosav
ed,
bearwi
thmeI
don'
tknowhisname.
Ij
ustst
areathi
m
Hi
m:Al
readyf
orgotmepr
incess?
Me:
Pri
ncess?
Hel
etsoutadeept
hroat
ychuckl
e
Him:I
'
mr eadytocol
lectwhaty
ouowemef
or
savi
ngyourli
fepri
ncess.
Wit
hthathet
racesmycheekwi
tht
hebackof
hi
shand
Me:
W-Whatdoy
oumeanIowey
ou?
Him:Iwastheonewhostoppedthosef
ucker
s
fr
om forci
ngthemsel
vesonyousoIthi
nkI
deser
veapaymentdon'ty
outhi
nk?
Me:
What?
TosayIwasshockedwasanunder
stat
ement
,I
movedawayfr
om him.
Him:Youowemefr
om hel
pingy
ougett
hose
bast
ardst
obackof
f
Me:I'
m notstupi
dIgotwhatyousai
dIjust
don'
tunderst
andwhyIowey ouforhel
pingme.
ExcusemeIr
eal
l
yneedt
oleav
e
Hegr
absmebymyar
m asIat
temptt
opass
hi
m
Hi
m: Don'
tyoudar
ewalkawayf
rom me,
Noone
wal
ksawayf r
om meokay?
Iqui
ckl
ynod
Hi
m:l
i
keIwassay
ing,
mypay
ment?

Shaki
ngmyheadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef,
Idon'
tsay
anyt
hing

Looki
ngupathi
m wi
thwat
eryey
es.
Me:Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom a17y
earol
d?I
-I
don'
thav
emoney
,I
..
Hi
m:DoIl
ookl
i
keI
'
minneedofmoney?
Ishookmyhead,
tr
yingsohar
dnott
ocr
y.
Thi
sguywasscar
ingme
Hi
m:Letsdi
scusst
hissomeotherday
,youneed
t
ogethomeandIneedtogetsomewher e
It
ryt
osi
dest
ephi
m,hegr
absmywr
ist
Him:Thi
sisnotov
erpr
incess,
l
etmegi
vey
oua
r
idehome
Me:NothanksI
'
llbef
ine,
Idon'
twantt
oOwe
youagai
n
Hi
m:Iwasn'
taski
ngy
ou
Hetakesmywr i
standwalksmetohis
car
,Taki
ngmybackpackandt heMcDonal
dbox
heopensthedoor,
Irel
uct
antl
ygeti
n.
Heget
sint
hef
rontwi
thhi
sfr
iend
Hi
m:Dr
ive.

15mi
nut
esl
aterofawkwar
dness,
Iwashome
Parki
ngthecart
wohousesawayIgetof
f
wit
houtsayi
ngasingl
eword
Hi
m:I
'
llseey
ousoonpr
incess.
Ii
gnor
ehim andstartwal
ki
ngawaywhenIwas
gr
abbedbymyar m onceagai
n,
tur
ningmet
o
l
ookathi
m
Hi
sjawt
wit
chi
ng
Hisl
ipscl
oset
omyear
,hewhi
sper
sinhi
slow,
deepvoi
ce
"WhenItal
kt oyou,Iexpectyoutoanswer,
the
soonery
oul ear
nt hatthebetter
.Nooneignor
es
me,youi
ncluded.Isthatclear?"
Me:
Mymi
ddl
efi
ngersal
utesy
ou
Imumbl
ed

Youbr
aveAlona.
.Ver
ybr
avei
fyouaskme-
My
i
nnerv
oicemocksme

Hi
m:Whatwast
hat?
Me:
Isai
dit
'scr
yst
alcl
ear
Hel
ooksatmeAmused,
Ihadaf
eel
i
nghehear
d
whatIsai
dthef
ir
stt
ime.
Hel
etsgoofmeandgoesbackt
ohi
scar
.
Ibr
eat
hout
Whathav
eIgotmy
sel
fint
o?
[
11/
08,
09:
08]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t3

Restoft
heweekIwenttoschool
,
Ihav
en'tmet
upwiththeguywhot
oldmeIowehim andI
wasgladforthat
.
Itwasn'tt
hebestweekbutatl eastIwasn'
t
depressedasIthoughtI'
dbe.Iguessbeing
aroundmyf r
iendshelpedtakethingsof
fmy
mind.
I
twasSat ur
daymorningandIwaslazytoget
up,notl
i
keIhadany t
hingpl
annedwellatl
east
notnowmay bel
aterontheday.
If
inal
l
ydr
aggedmy
sel
fup.
Cl
eany
ourr
oom

Cl
eanar
oundt
hehouse

Washt
hel
aundr
y

Takeabat
h

Pr
epar
elunch

Theny
oudonef
ort
heday

Iwaspr
ett
ymuchdonewi t
hev
eryt
hingandI
wasint
hemiddl
eofdressi
ngt
ogomeetup
wit
hEnzowhenIhear
daknockatthedoor
Ij
ustputonarobeandwenttoopen t
ofi
nda
boyhol
dingapieceofpaperf
ormetot
ake
Itookitandt
heboywentoutt
hegat
ebef
oreI
couldevenaskwhosenthi
m.

Readi
ngi
toutl
oud
-
Meetmeatt
hepar
k,now-
Thi
nkingitwasenzobutIaskmysel
fwhydi
dn'
t
hejustt
extme,ohhewasplayi
ngoneofhi
s
games.

Maki
ngmywayt omyroom,
Ifi
nishget
ti
ng
dr
essedt
henheadout

10mi
nut
eswal
ktot
hepar
k,Il
ookar
oundf
or
hi
m.
Hewasn'
ther
eyetsoIsi
tonabenchwat
chi
ng
t
hefewki
dsplay
ingontheswi
ngs

Isuddenl
yfeel
twoar
mswr
apar
oundmywai
st
t
ight
lyf
rom behi
nd
Me:
Enzoy
oual
mostscar
edme
Il
etoutasi
gh,
pressi
ngmy
sel
fonhi
swar
m
chest
Hekeptqui
et
Ifel
thi
ml eandownt
omyneck,
hi
sli
pski
ssi
ng
thespot
Myey
escl
osed,
enj
oyi
ngt
hemoment
Me:
Enzo
Si
l
ent
Icomebackt
omysenses
Me:
Enzowei
npubl
i
c
Hest
opsandchuckl
es
Iwhipmyheadqui
ckl
y,
-wai
t!.
.t
hatdeept
hroat
y
chuckl
e
Hi
m:SogladIcanmakeyoumoan,butnext
t
imeyoumoany ouwi
l
lbecal
li
ngoutReece
noty
oursocal
l
edboy
fri
endEnzoi
tis?
Hewhi
sper
edi
nmyear
.Whatt
hef
uck?
Me:
Wena(
You)
Hi
m:HeyPr
incess,
Missme?
Shocked
Me:
W-whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e,wher
e'sEnzo?
Iaskedl
ooki
ngar
ound
Hesatnextt
ome
Hi
m:Idon'
tknowwher
ethatboyi
sbutI
'
m her
e
Me:
Y-Yout
ri
ckedmei
ntocomi
ngher
e,Why?
Hi
m:It
hinky
ouknowwhypr
incess
Me:Topayyouforsavi
ngme?LookIt
oldy
ouI
don'
thaveanyt
hing,
Idon'
thav
eM..
Cut
ti
ngmeshor
t
Hi
m:It
oldy
out
hat
'snotwhatIwant
Touchi
ngt
hesi
deofmyf
ace
Helooksdownatmyshortsummerdr
ess,
I
qui
cklyt
rytopul
li
tdown
Hi
m:Iwan-
Me:
YouwantMet
ohav
es-
sexwi
thy
ou?
Iask,
suddenl
yscar
ed.
Hi
m:No,
atl
eastnoty
et.
Me:
Thenwhatdoy
ouwant
.
Hi
m:Youpr
incess,
al
lIwanti
syou

Momentofsi
l
ence

Ist
areathi
minshock

Hesmi
rksatme.
Wipet
hatsmi
rkofwi
thasl
apAl
ona,
say
smy
i
nnerv
oice

Whati
fhekil
lsmeme?,
he'
sscar
yasf
uckand
l
ookscapabl
eofdoi
ngi
t.

You'
l
lcr
osst
hatbr
idgewheny
ougett
her
e

No!

MyJawdr
opsasIl
ookathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef
Hi
m:I
fyoudon'
tcl
oseyourmout
h,Imi
ghtbe
t
empt
edtoputmydic-
Icuthi
m shor
t
Me:
Eww.
.What?
Hechuckl
ed
Hi
m:Isai
dify
oudon'
tcl
osey
ourmout
hImi
ght
bet
empt
edt
oputmyd-
Icuthi
m shor
tagai
n
Me:
Woul
dyoust
opsay
ingt
hatt
ome.
Isai
dal
mostr
aisi
ngmyv
oice
Him:
Why?, Chancesofi
thappeni
ngar
ehi
gh
nowthaty
ouaregoingtobemine
Heshr
uggedl
i
kei
twasaf
act
.
Me:
I'
mleav
ing.
Igetupt
oleav
eandheal
soget
sup
Hi
m:I
'
m notdonewi
thy
ou
Withqui
ckr
efl
exes,
hel
if
tsmeoverhi
sbr
oad
shoul
der
sli
keasackofpot
atoes
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng!
,
Putmedownnow!
Iscr
eam athi
m,beat
inghi
sbackwi
thmyf
ist
Him:Isuggesty
oust
opbef
orey
ouhur
t
your
self
Hesai
d,t
henhedoest
hewor
st
Hesmacksmybut
t

Me:
Didy
ouj
ustsmacksmybut
t?
Iaski
ndi
sbel
i
ef
Hi
m:Idi
d
Hesmacksi
tagai
n
Hi
m: AndIj
ustdi
ditagai
n,Gav
emeanexcuse
t
otauchyourass
Me:
Don'
t!
,Putmedown!Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ng
me?
Ist
artt
ofr
eakout
Hi
m:Don'
twor
rypr
incess
Hesai
dandj
ustcont
inuedwal
ki
ng.
Aft
eraf
ewmi
nut
esofsi
l
ence,
heappr
oachhi
s
car
Openi
ngt
hedoor
,heput
smei
nthebackseat
Hewaski
dnappi
ngme?

Me:Youcan'
tdothis,
I
t'
sagai
nstt
hel
awt
otake
someoneagai
nstthei
rownwil
l
Him:Don'
tgiveafuckaboutthel
aw,Ihaven'
t
beencaughtyetandIhavebeenbreaki
ngitfor
aslongasIcanremember .
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Hi
m:Justshutup
Hecl
osedt
hedoorandwentt
othedr
iver
sseat
.
Itr
yopeni
ngt
hedoorhandl
ebuti
twoul
dn'
t
budge
Me:
Opent
hedoor
!
Iscr
eam y
anki
ngt
hehandl
e
Hi
m:I
fyoubr
eakmydoorhandl
e,
you'
regoi
ng
t
ohav
etopaymedoubl
ewhatyouoweme
Igl
areathi
m
Me:
Arey
ouser
ious?
Hi
m:Deadser
ious
Me:Canyoujustpleaseletmeout,
I'
m meeti
ng
upwit
hmyboy fri
end,I'
veneverst
oodhim up
bef
ore..
he'
l
lbewor ri
edifIdon'
tshowup.
Hi
m:Hewon'
t
Thent
urnedar
oundandst
art
eddr
ivi
ng
Me:Whatdoy
oumeanhewon'
t?Whatdi
dyou
dot
ohim?
Ibegant
opani
cashest
aresaheadi
gnor
ingme
Hi
m:Whatdi
dyoudot
ohi
myouassh-
Him:Isuggestyoustopi
nsult
ingme,
Imayhave
topuni
shthatfi
neassofy our
sandIfyout
hink
smackingithur
ts.
.Imagi
newhatIcando
Me:I
'
m noti
nsul
ti
ngy
ouI
'
mjustdescr
ibi
ngy
ou
a-
Ishutmymout
hbefor
eIpi
sshi
m of
fand
deci
denott
oevert
akemehome,
tr
yingt
ost
ay
cal
m
Me:Pl
easel
etmego,Ipromi
seIwon'
tcal
lthe
pol
i
ceandIwon'
ttel
lany
one.

Iwasscar
edf
ormyl
i
fe,
whati
fhehur
tsme

Me:
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odot
ome?
Him:Don'
twor
ryy
ourpr
ett
yhead,
you'
l
lknow
soon

Lat
eronhepul
l
supatt
hishugehouse
TheHouseIhav
ebeeni
ntobef
ore,
I
'm guessi
ng
i
tshi
s
Me:
Whyar
eweher
e,whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo
t
ome?
Myhear
tbeati
ncr
eases.
Het
akesmebymywr
istoutoft
hecar
,It
ugmy
sel
fback
Me:
Letgoofme!
It
ryki
cki
nghi
m asIcont
inuet
oscr
eam athi
m
hepicksmeupbymywai
standcar
ri
esme
i
nsi
det hehouse.
Heheadst
owar
dsThest
air
s
Ipl
eadathi
mtol
etgoofme.
Nowinf
rontofdoubl
edoors,
heopenst
hem
get
ti
ngi
nhelocksthedoorbehi
ndhim.
I
t'
sthebedr
oom Iwokeupi
n,
Sat
urdaymor
ning
Wal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hebed,
het
hrowsmeoni
t.
Fl
ashbacksf
rom af
ewni
ght
sagor
ant
hrough
mymi nd
Me:
W-whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Get
ti
ngont opofme,
grabbi
ngmyhandspul
l
ing
t
hem abov
emyhead
Me:
P-pl
eased-
don'
thur
tme.
Hest
aresatme
Him:Doy outhinkIwouldhurtwhat'
smine,
That
Icoul
dhur tt
hisbeauti
fulface?ThatIcoul
d
hurtt
hisbody,t
hatwil
lbelongtomesoon?
Hi
sfreehandt
ouchedt
hesi
deofmywai
st,
His
t
ouchwasgentl
e
Ihel
dinbackt
ear
s
Me:
StopP-
please
Ist
utt
ered
Me:I'
l
l dowhatev
ery
ouwantmet
o,butpl
ease
don'
ttouchme
Him:Br
eakupwi
tht
hatt
hingy
oucal
lyour
boyf
ri
end.
[
11/
08,
09:
11]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t4

Idon'
tknowwhohewasandIdi dn'
twantt
o
know,Al
lIknewwasthathewasbadnewsandI
wantedtostayawayf
rom hi
m andnow he
want
smet obreakupwit
ht heguyIhavebeen
i
nlov
ewithforalmostayearsothatIcanbe
wi
thhim.

Hel
l
.No.
Reece:Breakupwi
tht
hatt
hingy
oucal
lyour
boyfr
iend.
Me:Breakupw-,
N-noIwon'
tdothatIl
ovehim
andI'
m notbr
eaki
ngupwithhi
mf oryou.
Idon'
t
wantanassh-
Hi
m: Don'tsaysomet
hingy
oumi
ghtr
egr
et
pr
incess
Hesaysashepl
acesaki
ssont
het
ipofmy
nose.
Hecont
inuest
oplaceki
ssesandmybody
r
eact
edinawayitshoul
dn't

Snapoutofi
tAl
ona!
Me:
Stop,
Iwanty
out
ogetof
fme.
Ibr
eat
heoutshut
ti
ngmyey
est
ight
ly
Him:Idon'
tthi
nky
ouwantmet o,
IthinkI
'
m
enj
oyingmysel
fwereIam andsoar eyou
Li
ft
inghi
sheadup,
hel
ooksmest
rai
ghti
nthe
ey
es
Mast
eri
ngaser
iousf
ace,
hi
sey
esv
oidof
emot
ion
Him:Iwanty
outobr
eakupwi
thhi
m and
becomemine.
Me:
Andi
fIdon'
t?
Ichal
l
enge.
Heki
ssesmycheek
Hi
m:Somet
hingbadwi
l
lhappent
ohi
m
Me:
Whatd-
doy
oumean?
Hi
m:I
'
llki
l
lhi
m.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

I
twas7pm.
Ij
ustgotof
fthepot
s
Iwouldhavedi
shedupformy
sel
fbutIdi
dn'
t
haveanyappet
it
eforf
ood
Iwasl
ayi
ngdownonmybed,
cry
ingmyhear
t
out

I
tal
lst
art
edwi
thaj
og,
Ithoughtt
omy
sel
f

I
fIdi
dn'tgooutt
hatni
ght
,Iwoul
dn'
tbei
nthi
s
messI'
mi n.

10pm andIcoul
dn'
tsl
eep,
Howcoul
dIaf
ter
thedayIhad?
Bei
ngLi
ter
all
yki
dnapped,
thenf
orcedt
obr
eak
upwi
thmyboy
fri
end.
HowcanIbr
eakupwi
thSomeoneIl
ove?

HowcanIbreakupwi
thsomeoneI
'
vel
ovedf
or
al
mostayear

HowcanIbr
eakupwi
thsomeonewhol
oves
me

howcanIbr
eakhi
shear
t?

Ij
ustl
ett
het
ear
sfal
ldownmycheek.
Mycel
l
phonebuzzwi
thai
ncomi
ngt
ext
Gr
abbi
ngmyphoneIseeat
extf
rom Enzo
-Heybabe,
Wantedtomakesureyouar
efeel
ing
bett
er.
Imissedyouther
estoft
heday,
can'
twait
toseeyou.Goodni
ghtxx-
Whenhecal l
edmetomeetupwi t
hhim att
he
park,
Ihadl
iedtohi
m say
ingIcoul
dn'
tcomeout
becauseIwascomingwit
hfever.

Heboughti
t.

-
Feeli
ngbet
tert
hanksforchecki
nguponmeí
½í̧� Mi
ssedyoutoobabe.
Goodni
ght�-
Ir
epl
i
ed

Put
ti
ngmyphoneundermypi
l
low,
get
ti
ngr
eady
tof
all
asl
eep.
Beforemyheadhi
tst
hepi
l
lowMyphone
buzzesagai
n
Smi
l
ingt
hinki
ngi
twasEnzo
-heypr
incessmissme? ,
hopeyouaret hi
nkingof
awaytodumpy ourl
itt
leboyf
ri
end,I
'
m giving
you2day stogeti
tdone,i
fyoufailthenyourso
call
edboyfri
endsuff
erstheconsequences
Reecex-

ThatAsshol
e,Imut
tert
omy
sel
f.

Pushi
ngmyphoneawayf
rom me

IHATEHI
M

IHATEHI
M

IHATEHI
M

IH-
Okyoupr
obabl
yti
redofr
eadi
ngt
hoseIhat
e
hi
m.

Igotupandwenttothebathr
oom,
openi
ngt
he
cabi
netItookouttwosleepi
ngpi
l
ls.
Poppi
ngt hem i
nmymouthdowni
ngthem wi
th
water
,Igotobedandwai
tfort
hepi
ll
stoki
cki
n.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
WokeupSundaymor
ningandGotr
eadyt
ogo
t
ochurchwi
thmymom
Iwasn'
tthet
ypeofgi
rlt
ogot
ochur
chev
ery
Sunday
Iwentsomet
imes-
don'
tyoudar
elookatme
l
ikethat-
Butt
odayIj
usthadt
ogo

Ineedt
opr
ay
askGodt
opr
otectmef
rom t
hatAsswi
pe

Oopsí
½í¹
�

35+andIwasdone
Mymom waswai
ti
ngf
ormeI
nhercar

Mom: Hurr
yupAlonaorwegonnabelate
,Uyat
handaubeuhlel
iespi
li
niuzi
l
ungi
sa.
We
goi
ngtochurchforgodsakenoteMall,
You
cangowithyourpyj
amasonnoonewi l
lcar
e.
Me:
Yeah..
Right
..
Pyjamastochurch.
.ver
ysmar
t
mom..
ver
ysmar t.
.pret
tycool
ify
ouaskme.
Isayt
oherchuckl
i
ng
Her
:Uhh.
.Let
sjustgo
Igoti
nthecar
,l
aughi
ngmyassof
fathersl
i
pup
Ir
ememberhergoi
ngtoworkonedaywi
th
pyj
amas,
shewasinahur
ry
Andtheycal
ledherinthemiddl
eoft
henightt
o
gohelpoutbecausetheywerei
nashor
tageif
st
aff
Irememberever
ydayoftheweekIteasedher
withi
tunti
lshegoti
rr
itat
edandthr
eatenedto
takemyphoneawayfrom meforamont hi
fI
didn'
tst
op
Inev
erbr
oughti
tupagai
n,unt
ilnow

Wel
lshebr
oughti
tup.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Af
ter2hour
sofchur
chser
vice.

Ihadtowal
kbackhomebecausemom st
ayed
behi
ndfor.
.well
Ithi
nki
twasoneoft
hose
chur
chmeetings.
Itwasn'
talongwalk,
Ineededtocl
earmymi
nd
anywaysoIdidn'
tmindwalki
ngback.

Onmywayhome, Imeetupwi
thEnzowhowas
wi
thhi
sfr
iends.

Hedeci
dest
owal
kmebacktel
li
nghisf
ri
ends
t
hathe'
l
lcat
chupwi
tht
hem l
ater.
Nowwalki
nghandi
nhandaf
terhet
ookmybag
f
rom myhand,
hewassweet
Oneoft hereasonsIl
ovehi
m,nowhowwasI
expectedtobreakupwit
hhim whenhet
reat
ed
mel i
kethis?
Hi
m:So,
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Isnapoutofmyt
hought
s
Me:Bet
tert
hant
heot
herday
Hi
m:Good,
Ihat
eitwheny
ousi
ck
Me:
Becauset
hatmeansy
ouwon'
tbeseei
ng
me
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m:Yeahandt
hatIwon'
tbeabl
etodot
his
Hel
eansi
ntoKi
ssme,
deepeni
ngt
heki
ssbef
or
[
11/
08,
09:
13]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t5
Pr
evi
ous

Onmywayhome, Imeetupwi
thEnzowhowas
wi
thhi
sfr
iends.

Hedeci
dest
owal
kmebacktel
li
nghisf
ri
ends
t
hathe'
l
lcat
chupwi
tht
hem l
ater.
Nowwalki
nghandi
nhandaf
terhet
ookmybag
f
rom myhand,
hewassweet
Oneoft hereasonsIl
ovehi
m,nowhowwasI
expectedtobreakupwit
hhim whenhet
reat
ed
mel i
kethis?
Hi
m:So,
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Isnapoutofmyt
hought
s
Me:Bet
tert
hant
heot
herday
Hi
m:Good,
Ihat
eitwheny
ousi
ck
Me:Becauset
hatmeansy
ouwon'
tbeseei
ng
me
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m:Yeahandt
hatIwon'
tbeabl
etodot
his
Heleansi
ntoKissme,
deepeni
ngt
heki
ss
bef
oreIpul
lawayandl
ookupathi
m
Me:
Wei
npubl
i
c
Igi
ggl
e
Hi
m:So?
,Iwannal
ett
hem knowy
oumygi
rl
Me:IknowIam andy
oudon'
thav
etowor
ry
aboutt
hat.

Onl
yify
ouknewt
hatIwasf
orcedt
obr
-.
.
don'
tstar
t,
justenj
oythemomentwhi
l
eitl
ast
s.
Myinnervoicescol
dsme.

Hewal
ksmet
her
estoft
hewayhome

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Gothomeaf
ewmi
nut
esl
aterandIst
art
ed
cooki
ng

Monday

Iwasonmy4t hper
iodi
ncl
asswhent
he
i
nter
com beeped
Aski
ngf
orev
ery
one'
sat
tent
ion

Momentofsi
l
encebef
oret
het
heCl
arks'
voi
ce
washear
d

"Al
ona"

-
What?

"
AlonaNgema"

-
The

"
AlonaNgemapl
easeComet
otheof
fi
ce"

-
Fuck?

ever
yone'
seyeswereonmeasI
fIj
ustbl
urt
ed
outt
hatIki
l
ledsomeone
Thei
rey
essecr
etl
yaski
ngwhathav
eIdone

hadnoi
dea

Iqui
etl
ygotup,
excusedf
rom cl
ass.

Imademywayoutandof fIwentt
othe
pri
nci
palsof
fi
cewitht
rembl
ingf
eetandmy
pumpinghear
treadyt
ojumpoutofmychest
.

Iknocked
"
comei
n"sai
dthev
oiceont
heot
hersi
de.
Mademywayi nsi
de,
myeyesmeeti
ngt
he
pri
ncipal
'
sgazebefor
eitf
all
stot
heper
son
seatedonthedesk
TosayIwasshockedwasj
ustan
under
stat
ement

It
ookadeepbr
eat
htr
yingt
ocal
m my
sel
f.

I
twasHi
m,Reece
Whatwashedoi
ngher
e?
Headmaster
:Yourbrot
herisheretot
akey ou
home,hesaysit
'saf
amilyr
elat
edmattersoI
didn'
tbot
hertoaskanyfur
ther
.Youar
eallowed
togohomeMsNgema
Me:
SirIt
h-
Ibegant
osaybutIwasqui
ckl
yCutshor
t
Reece:GetyourbagI
'
llbewai
ti
ngf
ory
oui
nthe
parki
nglot
.
Hesai
dst
ari
ngatme,
dar
ingmet
oref
use
Ij
ustcowerawayandquickl
ygotoutoft
he
of
fi
cetogot akemythi
ngsfrom i
nmyclass.
MeetingRomeo'scur
iousgazein,Iqui
etl
ytel
l
himI'
llcal
ll
aterandt
ellhi
m whateverhewants
toknow.

15mi
nut
esl
ater

Iwassi
tt
ingi
nfr
ontofReeceatMcDonal
d'
s
Hav
ingast
ari
ngcont
est
Icoul
dn'
ttakehishar
dgazeanylongersoI
l
ookedaway ,
onceagai
ncoweri
ng
Il
ookedathim agai
ntofi
ndhim
smir
king,
sat
isf
iedwithhi
spowerov
erme

"Wi
pethatsmi
rkoffthatasswi
pe'
sfacewi
tha
sl
ap"I
nnervoi
cesaid
No!
Hechuckl
esi
namusement
.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
hist
ime
Iaskedt
hroughgr
it
tedt
eet
h
Hi
m:Wat
chy
ourt
onePr
incess
Cal
m downAl
ona,
Cal
m down
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantReece?
It
ryaski
ngpol
i
tel
y.
Hi
m:Awwy
ousee
Hecoosatmepi
nchi
ngatmycheeks
Hi
m:Thatwasn'
tsohar
dnowwasi
t?
Isl
aphi
shandawayandgl
areathi
m
Me:
Gety
ourf
il
thyhandsof
fme!
Isayal
oud,
get
ti
ngnear
byt
abl
esat
tent
ion
Him:I'
veal
readyaskedy
out
owat
chy ourt
one
ofvoi
cewhent al
ki
ngtome,
mypat
ienceis
runni
ngout
.
"
Takeadeepbr
eat
h,Al
ona"

Nowl eti
tout
,i
t'
llhel
pyoufr
om st
rangl
i
ngt
his
asshole"Myinnervoi
cetr
y'
stohelpme

Hi
m: Nowenjoyyourl
unchandIwill
tal
ktoy
ou
l
ater
,wheny
ou'vecool
edyourti
ts.
Ist
areathi
m wi
thwi
deey
es,
hesmi
rksatme.

Per
ver
t!
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
8pm
Ihav
ejustgot
tenofft
hephonewit
hRomeoand
nowIwasputti
ngmybooksinmyschool
bag
asIwasdonedoingmyschoolwork
Iwasheadi
ngt
otheki
tchent
odi
shf
ormy
sel
f.
Mom wasn'
thomeyetandshewasn'
tcomi
ng
backanyminut
eorhoursoIwashome
al
one,
nothi
ngnew
Iwaspr
ett
yusedtobeingal
oneasmymom
wasaworkahol
icandshemostl
yworkedni
ght
shi
ft
scomingearl
yint
hemor ni
ngs

OhI
'
veal
readyt
oldy
out
hat
-
Sighsdr
amat
ical
l
y-
Iwaswat
chi
ngsomemov i
ewhi l
eIwaseat
ing
whenmyphones'
ringt
onedist
urbedme.
Pi
cki
ngupwi
thoutchecki
ngt
hecal
l
er
Me:
Hel
l
o
Cal
l
er:
Heypr
incess

OhGod
Me: Doyouannoypeopl
easahobbyori
sitj
ust
yourper
sonali
ty?
Hechuckl
es
Idon'
twai
tforhi
mtor
epl
y
Me:
OhI
t'
sAl
ona
Hi
m:IknowbutIpr
efercal
l
ingy
oupr
incess
Asshol
e,Imumbl
e
Hi
m:Whatwast
hat
Ihadafeeli
nghehear
dme,
hewantedme
repeati
tknowi
ngdamnwel
lIwoul
dn'
t
Me:
Not
hing
Hi
m:Thoughtso
Isi
gh
Hi
m:Comeout
Me:
What?
Hi
m:Come.
Out
Hesai
dinhi
slowdeepv
oicet
hatcoul
dscar
e
t
heshi
toutofsomeone'
sAssho-

St
opswear
ingAl
ona!

Me:
I'
m notsl
ow,
Igotwhaty
ousai
dIj
ustwant
t
oknowwhy
Hi
m:Iwantt
oseey
ou.
Me:
No
Isai
dwi
thoutst
utt
eri
ng,
standi
ngmygr
ound.
Hi
m:No?
Me:
No
Hi
m:Okt
henI
'
m comi
ngt
her
-

Andri
skbei
ngst
rangl
edt
odeat
hbyy
oui
nmy
home.
Me:
OkI
'
m comi
ng
Hehangsup
Igotupandwentt
oputmynowempt
ypl
atei
n
t
hesink

Imademywayout
,l
ocki
ngt
hedoorbehi
nd.

Hi
scarwaspar
kedacoupleofhousesaway
f
rom mi
ne,
atl
easthehadsometypeofrespect
Inot
icedthathewasn'ti
nthesamecarIhav
e
seenhim dr
ivi
ngthesepastf
ewdays.
He'sleani
ngonitsmoki
ngaci
gar
ett
e,t
hrows
awayt hehal
fsmokedci
gar
ett
eawaybefor
e
tur
ningtolookatme
Ist
op,
standi
ngf
ewf
eetawayf
rom hi
m
Hi
m: Uci
mbauzothet
hanabaniumeapho?
(
Whodoy out
hinkyougoi
ngt otal
ktost
andi
ng
t
here?)
Hetakesaf
ewstepst
owardsmebef
orehe
gr
absmebyarm andbr
ingsmet
ostandi
n-
bet
weenhi
slegswhi
l
ehe'
sleani
ngont
hecar

I
fonl
yEnzowoul
dseemenow

Hi
m:Haveyoudecidedonwhatit
sgon'be?I
f
Hediesorl
iv
es,I
'
m sureyoudon'
twanthi
s
bl
oodonyourhandsthoughs-
Deci
dingIdon'
twannahearmor
e
Me:
NoIhav
en'
t

Don'
tpushhi
sbut
tonsAl
ona

Hi
m:Test
ingmypat
ienceIsee
Hechuckl
essl
owl
yshaki
nghi
shead.
Het
urnsar
oundopeni
ngt
hedoor
Hi
m:Geti
n
Me:
Wher
ear
eyout
-
Hi
m:Isai
dgett
hef
ucki
n
Heal
mostshoutatme.
Justi
magi
net
hatdeepv
oice,
scar
y It
ell
you
Igeti
nthepassengersi
de,hecl
osest
hedoor
befor
emakinghiswaytothedri
ver
sseat
.

35minuteslat
er,
hest
oppedt
hecarandt
oldme
togetout.
Notwant
ingt
opushhi
sbut
tonsanyf
urt
her,
I
obey
ed
If
oll
owhi
minsomedodgyl
ooki
ngl
i
kehouse.
Openi
ngt
hedoor
,wef
indsomeguy
ssi
tt
ingata
t
able
Pl
ayi
ngcardsanddri
nkingwhatl
ookedl
i
ke
al
cohol
,
beerstobespecif
ic.

If
oll
owedthr
oughal
ongcor
ri
dorwher
ewe
st
oppedatadoor
.
Openi
ngi
t,
hepushesmei
n
Me:W-
whatam Idoi
ngher
e?,
whatar
eyou
goi
ngt
od-
Iwasbl
indedbyt
heli
ghtt
hatwasswi
tchedon
i
ntheoncedarkr
oom.
Taki
ngi
nmysur
roundi
ngs.
Il
ookedar
oundnerv
ous,
wonder
ingwhyhe
br
oughtmehere.
Myquesti
onwasanswer edwhenmyeyes
l
andedont woguy schai
nedtothechai
rst
hey
weresi
tt
ingin,
thei
rfacesalmost
unr
ecognisabl
e
Swol
l
en,
Brui
sesandBl
ood
Theywer
etheoneswhoal
mostr
apedmet
hat
Fri
day
Reece:Seey
ouhaver
oughedt
hem up,
Goodj
ob
..you'
dmakeagoodmakeupart
ist
Het
urnst
olookatt
heguywhowasst
andi
ngi
n
f
rontoft
hetwoguy
s,shi
rtr
oll
ed,
Fi
stswi
th
t
racesofbl
ood
Theychuckl
e
Hi
m:I'
l
lfi
nisht
hem ,
bri
ngmemygunf
ir
st
dr
aweri
nmyof fi
ce
Theguygoesout
Me:
Whatar
eyoug-
goi
ngt
od-
do?
Iaski
naTr
embl
i
ngv
oice
Hi
m:WhatIshouldhav edoneFri
dayni
ght,
I
'm
maki
ngthem payforwhattheydi
dtoyou.
They
ar
egoingtor
egrettr
yingtomesswithyouthat
ni
ght
Me:What?Nopl ease.
.don'
tdothis,
j
usttake
them t
othepoli
ceI-
I'
ll
presschargesbutplease
don'
tkil
lthem.
It
ri
edt
obeg.
Thedooropened,
Theguygoti
n
Reecedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngashet
ookt
hegun
f
rom t
heguy
Him:Takeheroutofher
e,don'
tmanhandl
ed
her
Hesay
swi
thast
ernv
oice.
Theguynodsasheshowsmeoutoft
he
room,
cl
osingt
hedoorbehi
nd
Ihear
dtwol
oudgunshot
s
Scr
eami
ngandcov
eri
ngmyear
s

I
twassi
l
ent
Scar
edoutofmyski
n
Me:
Whatj
usthappened?
Hi
m:Yourmanhappened.

Iwasstandi
ngoutsi
desobbi
ngqui
etl
ywhenI
suddenl
yfel
ttwostr
ongarmswraparoundmy
body.
.Reece
Hi
m:Shhpr
incessy
ougoi
ngt
obeal
ri
ght
.
Hesai
dinmyear

Him:Nowy ouknowIdon'
tbluf
f,t
hisistoshow
youthati
fyoudon'
tbr
eakupwi thloverboy,
he
wil
lgetabull
eti
nhisf
oreheadjustli
kethose
t
wof ucker
s.
Me:
H-howdoy
ouS-
sleepatni
ght
.?
Heshr
ugged
Hi
m:Justl
i
keever
yone,
Iputmyheadona
pi
l
lowandcl
osemyeyesandwaitf
orsl
eept
o
ov
ert
akeme.
Hesmi
rks
Suddenl
yIf
eltdi
zzy
,bal
anci
ngwit
hthewalland
cl
osingmyeyes,
nowstruggl
ingt
obreat
h..
Hi
m: Idon'
tl
ikeseei
ngy
ouli
ket
hispr
incessbut
Ij
usthadtomakemypoint
.
Hepi
cksmeupbr
idal
sty
le,
nothav
ingany
st
rengt
htof
ighthi
m Il
ethi
m
Hegent
lyput
smeinthebackseat
,put
ti
nga
seat
bel
tonandki
ssi
ngmyf or
ehead
Bef
oremaki
nghi
swayt
othedr
iver
sseat
..
[
11/
08,
09:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t6

Pr
evi
ous
35minuteslat
er,
hest
oppedt
hecarandt
oldme
togetout.
Notwant
ingt
opushhi
sbut
tonsanyf
urt
her,
I
obey
ed
If
oll
owhi
minsomedodgyl
ooki
ngl
i
kehouse.
Openi
ngt
hedoor
,wef
indsomeguy
ssi
tt
ingata
t
able
Pl
ayi
ngcardsanddri
nkingwhatl
ookedl
i
ke
al
cohol
,
beerstobespecif
ic.
If
oll
owedthr
oughal
ongcor
ri
dorwher
ewe
st
oppedatadoor
.
Openi
ngi
t,
hepushesmei
n
Me:W-
whatam Idoi
ngher
e?,
whatar
eyou
goi
ngt
od-
Iwasbl
indedbyt
heli
ghtt
hatwasswi
tchedon
i
ntheoncedarkr
oom.
Taki
ngi
nmysur
roundi
ngs.
Il
ookedar
oundnerv
ous,
wonder
ingwhyhe
br
oughtmehere.
Myquesti
onwasanswer edwhenmyeyes
l
andedont woguy schai
nedtothechai
rst
hey
weresi
tt
ingin,
thei
rfacesalmost
unr
ecognisabl
e
Swol
l
en,
Brui
sesandBl
ood
Theywer
etheoneswhoal
mostr
apedmet
hat
Fri
day
Reece:
Seey
ouhav
eroughedt
hem up,
Goodj
ob
.
.you'
dmakeagoodmakeupar
ti
st
Heturnstolookatt
heguywhowasstandi
ngi
n
f
rontofthetwoguys,
shi
rtr
oll
ed,
Fi
stswi
th
t
racesofblood
Theychuckl
e
Hi
m:I'
l
lfi
nisht
hem ,
bri
ngmemygunf
ir
st
dr
aweri
nmyof fi
ce
Theguygoesout
Me:
Whatar
eyoug-
goi
ngt
od-
do?
Iaski
naTr
embl
i
ngv
oice
Hi
m:WhatIshouldhav edoneFri
dayni
ght,
I
'm
maki
ngthem payforwhattheydi
dtoyou.
They
ar
egoingtor
egrettr
yingtomesswithyouthat
ni
ght
Me:What?Nopl ease.
.don'
tdothis,
j
usttake
them t
othepoli
ceI-
I'
ll
presschargesbutplease
don'
tkil
lthem.
It
ri
edt
obeg.
Thedooropened,
Theguygoti
n
Reecedidn'
tsayany
thi
ngashet
ookt
hegun
fr
om theguy
Him:Takeheroutofher
e,don'
tmanhandl
ed
her
Hesay
swi
thast
ernv
oice.
Theguynodsasheshowsmeoutoft
he
room,
cl
osingt
hedoorbehi
nd
Ihear
dtwol
oudgunshot
s
Scr
eami
ngandcov
eri
ngmyear
s

I
twassi
l
ent
Scar
edoutofmyski
n
Me:
Whatj
usthappened?
Hi
m:Yourmanhappened.

Iwasst
andi
ngout
sidesobbi
ngqui
etl
ywhenI
suddenl
yfel
ttwost
rongar
mswr
apar
oundmy
body.
.Reece
Hi
m:Shhpr
incessy
ougoi
ngt
obeal
ri
ght
.
Hesai
dinmyear

Him:Nowy ouknowIdon'
tbluf
f,t
hisistoshow
youthati
fyoudon'
tbr
eakupwi thloverboy,
he
wil
lgetabull
eti
nhisf
oreheadjustli
kethose
t
wof ucker
s.
Me:
H-howdoy
ouS-
sleepatni
ght
.?
Heshr
ugged
Hi
m:Justl
i
keever
yone,
Iputmyheadona
pi
l
lowandcl
osemyeyesandwaitf
orsl
eept
o
ov
ert
akeme.
Hesmi
rks
Suddenl
yIf
eltdi
zzy
,bal
anci
ngwit
hthewalland
cl
osingmyeyes,
nowstruggl
ingt
obreat
h..
Hi
m:Idon'
tl
ikeseei
ngy
oul
i
ket
hispr
incessbut
Ij
usthadt
omakemypoi
nt.
Hepicksmeupbri
dalst
yle,
nothav
ingany
st
rengtht
ofi
ghthi
m Il
ethim
Hegent
lyput
smeinthebackseat
,put
ti
nga
seat
bel
tonandki
ssi
ngmyf or
ehead
Bef
oremaki
nghi
swayt
othedr
iver
sseat
..

Hedr
ovemehome
AndIwasnowi nmybedshaki
ngandsti
l
lin
shockf
rom whathappenedaf
ewhour
sago

Icoul
dn'tsl
eepbecauseeveryt
imeIclosedmy
eyesIcouldseet
heirbat
teredandbruisedf
ace
Icoul
dst
il
lheart
hegunshot
s
Icoul
dst
il
lseehi
sdev
il
ishsmi
rkmocki
ngme

NowIwashav
ingni
ght
mar
es
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
I
nthemor
ning

Waki
ngupinapoolofmyownsweat,
Il
ayon
mybedst
il
l,
Afr
aidofmovi
ngandhav
ingto
wakeupt
owhatwi l
lbemyreal
i
ty

If
inal
l
ydecidetogetupandmakemywayt o
mybathroom t
otakeabath,
Aft
erIgetoutIl
ook
mysel
finthemirr
or

Redpuf
fyey
es

Bagsunderthem r
emi
ndi
ngmeIdi
dn'
tsl
eepa
bl
inkl
astnight

Il
ookedbadandIf
eltbad
KnowingIhadtobr
eakupwit
hEnzobefore
Reecetookhi
m awayfr
om meforgood.

Iworeagown,deci
dingthatIwasn'
tgoingto
school
todayImademywayt othekit
chent o
makecerealf
ormy sel
ftaki
ngittot
hesi t
ti
ng
room
Makingmyselfcomf
ort
abl
e,
wat
chi
ngsome
car
toonsIbegi
ntodugi
n
Minut
eslat
ermymom appear
swear
ingher
workuni
for
m
Her
:Goodmor
ningmybabygi
rl
Sheki
ssesmycheek,
engulf
ingmei
nherwar
m
armsmakingmefeel
better
Me:
Mor
ningMom
Isayf
orci
ngasmi
l
e
Her
:Youar
enotgoi
ngt
oschool
today
,why?
Me:
Notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
Shei
mmediatel
ysi
tsnextt
ome,
put
ti
ngahand
tomyfor
ehead
Awor
ri
edl
ookonherf
ace

Youcouldt
ell
herev
ery
thi
ng-myi
nnerv
oice
suggest
s

No,Ican'
tri
skherget
tingi
nvol
vedinthi
smess
? WhoknowswhatReececoulddot ohernow
thathe'
sshownmehecoul dhurtanyonewho
standsinhi
swayt ogetme?

Isi
gh
Me:
Don'
twor
ryy
our
sel
fmom I
tsj
ustaf
ever
Ili
e,f
orci
ngasmil
eagai
ntr
yingt
oreassur
eher
thatI'
l
lbeokay
Her
:Icoul
dal
socal
li
nsi
ckandwecanst
ay
toget
her,
we'l
lwat
chamov i
eandwarmyouup
abit
,I
'
llmakeyouchi
ckensoupandm-
Me:
Mom ,
youcan'
tkeeponbaby
ingme
Her
:Wel
lyouar
est
il
lmyl
i
ttl
ebabygi
rl
Me:
Mom -
Isi
gh-got
owor
k,I
'
llbeokay
.
Shekeepsqui
tef
oramoment
Her:OkayI
'l
lcal
linl
atet
henjustt
omakey ou
thesoupandgiveyoupi
ll
stomakeyoufeel
bett
er
Befor
eIcoul
dpr
otest
,shewasal
readyi
nthe
ki
tchen.

Lat
eron
Iwasdoneeat i
ngthebowlofhotsoupand
downingacoupleofpil
l
sthatwereputonthe
tabl
ewithaglassofwaterf
ormet otakebef
ore
shewentforwork.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
If
ellasl
eeponthecouchandIwaswokenup
byaknockonthedoor
Gr
umbl
i
ngandget
ti
ngupt
oopen
IwasmetbyRomeo,
handi
ngmesomeDonut
s
i
napaperbag.
Hehadt ext
edmemeear li
eraski
ngwhyIwas
absentfr
om school
,
Itol
dhim Iwasn'
tfeel
i
ng
wellandherehewas.
Awesomef
ri
endIhav
e
Me:
Youbunkedschool
Ist
atedmat
teroff
act
ly
Him: Ihadtomakesur ey ouwereokay,
beside
beingpressur
izedbyEnzot ocomecheckupon
youbecausehecoul dn't
,goi
ngforsoccer
practi
ceatsecondbr eakhecouldn'
tmissit
becausehiscouchwoul dbeonhi sthr
oatlater
on
Me:
Yeahhet
ext
edmesay
inghe'
l
lseemel
ater
Imov
eoutoft
hewayf
orhi
mtogeti
n
Hi
m:Oh,
youl
ookl
i
keshi
t
Me:
Thanks
Hi
m:I
twasn'
tacompl
i
ment
Me:
Justl
eav
emeal
one
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m:Ser
iousl
ythough,
what
'sgoi
ngon
Me:
Fev
er
Him: Imeanwhat '
sgoingonwit
hyoulat
ely
?,don'tt
hinkaboutlyi
ngtomeI'
vehadenough
ofthatfrom y
out hesepastf
ewdays

Youcangeti
toffy
ourchestAl
onaoryoucoul
d
l
etiteaty
oual
iv
etil
lyoubecomeaskelet
on-
Notappeal
i
ng.

Ist
artt
ell
i
ngRomeohal
foft
hest
oryl
eav
ing
somet hi
ngsbehind,
Likethepar
twhereI
l
iter
all
ywitnessedamurderandReece'
sthr
eat
s
Iwat
chhi
m asheconnect
sthedot
s
Him:He'
shott
hough,
hecanqual
i
fyonbei
ng
Calv
inKl
einmodel
Il
ookathi
m wi
thmyj
awhangi
ng.
Tr
usthi
m goi
ngof
fsi
de
Me:Ij
usttol
dyouthatI
'mforcedi
ntobreaki
ng
upwit
hmy9+mont hboyf
ri
endwhom y ouknow
I
'm madl
yinlov
ewithandallyout
hinkaboutis
howhotandhandsomethatAsshol
eis?
Hesmi
rksandl
ooksatmewi
thagr
in
Hi
m: Idi
dn'tsayhewashandsomet hough,
not
t
hatndiy
a'phiki
sabuti
tjustcameoutofyour
mouth
Ohmygod

Di
dIsayhewashandsome?
Bl
ushingandfur
iousatmysl
i
pup,
Itr
y
masteri
ngaseri
ousface
Me:
Getout
I
'
m sur
emyf
acewasr
edasat
omat
ori
ghtnow.
Heburstoutlaughi
ngt
il
lhehadt
ear
scomi
ng
f
rom hi
sey es
Iwaitforhi
mtofi
nish,
looki
ngatmewi
thagr
in
hetakesadeepbreath
Hi
m:Onaseri
ousnot
ethoughmyf
ri
end,
what
ar
eyougoi
ngtodo?
Isi
gh,
onl
ythi
ngI
'
vebeendoi
ngl
atel
y.
Ishr
ug
Me:I'l
lbr
eakupwithhi
m,I
t'
sforhi
ssaf
etyaf
ter
al
l.
It
'l
lhurthi
m asmuchasit
'l
lhur
tmebut.
.I
don'
thaveachoice
Him:Yougoi
ngtot
ell
himt
her
eal
reason
behi
ndthebr
eakup?
Ishookmyheadno
Me:Ican'
t,
I
'l
ll
ethi
m hav ehisway Iknowhe
i
sgoingtothi
nkI'
m breakingupwi t
hhimfor
anot
herguywhoIappar entlyfi
ndbett
ert
han
hi
m andsoonbutit'
sbet terthanw
Weconti
nuetot
alkunt
ili
tgotl
ateandIhadt
o
wal
khim out
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
6pm

Iwassit
ti
ngatthepar
kal oneonabench
wait
ingf
orEnzoaft
eritextedhi
mtomeetup
wit
hme.
Iwasthinki
ngofawayt
oappr
oacht
he
si
tuat
ion.
Huggedf
rom behi
nd,
smell
ingt
hef
ami
l
iar
col
ognet
hatIgrewtoli
ke
Hewasher
e
Pl
aci
ngakissonmycheek,
hesi
tsdownhi
s
ar
m notl
eavi
ngmywaist
Hi
m:Hey
It
urnt
olookathi
sev
ersmi
l
ingf
ace.

Idon'
tthi
nkIcoul
ddot
his

Hi
m:What
'st
hemat
terbabe?
,ar
eyouokay?
Maski
ngmywor
ri
edf
acewi
thasmi
l
e,Iqui
ckl
y
nod
Me:
I'
m alr
ight
,Ij
ustwant
edt
oseey
oubecause
Im-
missedyou
Isai
d,mor
eofaquest
iont
hanast
atement
Him: Youwoul
dtell
mei
fsomet
hingwas
botheri
ngyouri
ght?

Thi
sisy
ourchanceAl
ona
No!

HowcanIt
ell
him?
Me:I
'
llt
ell
yousomeot
hert
-t
ime,
Ij
ustwantt
o
bewi
thyounow
Henodsandhol
dsmet
ohi
schest

Wesiti
nacomf
ort
abl
esi
l
encet
il
lIaskhi
mto
wal
kmehome.

Yousuchacowar
d-say
smyi
nnerv
oice.
[
11/
08,
09:
16]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t7

Fol
l
owi
ngday
.

Ist
ret
choutmyar
m'sandl
etoutagr
oanof
sor
ts
Myeyestrai
ltomyphonethat'
sbl
ari
ngouti
t'
s
usual
alar
m andIquickl
ysil
encei
t.
Maki
ngmywayi ntot
hebathr
oom,
Ifi
rstl
ookat
myref
lect
iononthemir
ror

Myhai
ral
lov
ermyf
ace

Nobagsundermyey
es
BecauseIactual
lyf el
lasl
eepl
astni
ghtafterI
tooksleepi
ngpil
ls,sononight
mareshaunted
mydr eamslastnightandIwasgratef
ul.
ButsoonerorlaterIhadtofi
ndawayt odeal
wit
hthem Ican'tactual
lybedependanton
sl
eepingpi
ll
s,Iheardtheycanbepretty
addi
ctiv
e
Isi
gh.
Cont
inui
ngt
ost
areatmyr
efl
ect
ion

Yol
ookli
kedeat
h-myi
nnerv
oiceonceagai
n
mocksme

Act
ual
l
yyoul
ookl
i
ke-
St
op!

Iopenthet
apandwaitfori
ttof
il
li
nbefor
e
str
ippi
ngoutofmycl
othesandstar
ttobat
h.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Iwassi
tt
ingwit
hRomeoatsecondbreak
bef
oremy5t hper
iod,
munchi
ngonsome
bi
scui
tshismom baked.
Ev
ery
thi
ngwasgoodsof
ar

Iav
oidedEnzot
hewhol
edayandi
twaseasy
becausewehadnocl
assest
oget
her
If
eltbadthoughbutIdidn'
tthi
nkIcoul
dface
hi
m againwithoutbr
eakingdown.
Ihear
dmycel l
phonevibr
atei
nmypocket.I
takei
toutandnot
iceIhadafewt
extmessages

Babewher
ear
eyou?
-
Enzo

Youbet
terhadbr
okenupwi
thf
uckboy
!
-
Reece

Iscr
oll
down

I
'm pi
cki
ngy
ouupaf
terschool
andy
oubet
ter
bether
e
-Reece
Asshol
e

Pr
incess?
-
Reece

f
ucki
ngr
etur
nmyt
ext
sbef
oreIl
osei
t
-
Reece

Wher
ethef
uckar
eyou?
-Reece

Idel
eteall
hisMessagesandr epl
yto
Enzo'
s,
putti
ngmyphonebacki nmypocketI
getupandwalktoclassasthebellf
or5t
h
peri
odrang5minutesagobutIwasbusywit
h
myphonesoIdidn'theari
t
Romeohasal
readyl
eft
,somuchf
orbei
nga
bestf
ri
end

5mi nutesbeforethebellr
ingssignal
ingendof
school butIwasalreadyoutoftheschool
gates,notwantingtofi
ndReecewai ti
ngforme
outsideschool pr
emisesorEnzowai ti
ng
outsidemycl ass

Imademywayoutt
hegat
e,wi
thnoi
nsi
ght
Iwaswalki
ngalonetothetaxir
ankwhenacar
suddenl
ypul
lsuprightnextt
ome..ohShi
t
ThepassengerdooropensandReececomes
outl
ookingpissed
It
ri
edtorunbuthewastooqui
ckasgr
abbed
myarm wit
hadeathgr
ip
Me:
Youhur
ti
ngmel
etgo!
Iscr
eam athi
m buthej
ustt
hrowsmei
nthe
backseatandal
soget
sin
Hi
m:Dr
ive
Hecommands,Ifol
l
owhi
sgazeandseesome
guyi
nthedr
iver
sseat
Hedoeswhathe'
stol
d
It
urnt
olookatReece
Me:Whatt
hehel
li
swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
..
Letme
out
!
Icont
inuet
oscream,hecat
chesmeoffguard
whenhishandgoesaroundmyneckandslams
mebackont heseathar
dMakingmyheadhurt
Itr
iedgett
inghi
shandof
fmebuti
twasno
use,hewasstr
ong
Tearsstar
ttofal
ldownmycheek,
Ilookathi
m
pl
eadingsi
lent
lyf
orhimt
oletgoofme
Looseni
nghi
sgr
ipabi
t,hel
ooksatme
Inhi
slowdeepvoi
ceheasks"Di
dIordi
dInot
,
sayIwaspi
cki
ngyouup"
Ikeepqui
et
"
Answerme!
"Hey
ell
satme
Noddi
ngmyheadaqui
cky
es
Hi
m:Doy
oul
i
kepi
ssi
ngmeof
f?
Ishookmyheadno,
pray
inghewon'
thur
tme
anyfur
ther
.
Hi
sgr
ipt
ight
enagai
nonmyneck
Me:
Reece.
.p-
please,
l
etgoIdi
dn'
tmeant
oI-
Iw.
.
Hi
m:Yesyoudi
d!,
UyenzengamabomuAl
ona
!(
Youdi
ditonpur
poseAlona)
Me:
I-I
'
m sor
ryReece,
pleasel
-
Hi
m:Di
dyoubr
eakupwi
thhi
m?

Shi
t!
Hi
m:Di
dyouf
ucki
n'br
eakupwi
thhi
m!?

Hecont
inuest
oyel
landIf
li
nchonmyseat
..
Damnhi
sdeepv
oice
Me:
I-
Hi
m:Di
dyou?
,Yesorno
Me:
N-no.
.b-
butIw
Hi
m:Tur
nthecarar
ound
Me:Reece,
p-pl
easenoI
'
lldoi
tjustpl
easedon'
t
hur
thim
Ibegged
Hel
ooksatt
hedri
verandbar
ksathi
mtost
op
t
hecarandl
eav
eusf oramoment

Thewassil
ence,
buthi
sgl
arewhichwas
di
rect
edatmeputmeont heedge
Him:Di
dInotprov
etoy out
hatandi
xhomi
,
thatI
don'
tgi
vesecondchances?
Icoul
dn'
thel
pbutsob,
Iwassoscar
ed
Qui
ckl
ynoddi
ng.
.
Me:Youd-didb-butI-
Idi
dn'
tgett
hech-,I
'
lldoi
t
butp-pl
easedon'thur
thi
m.I'
l
ldoanyt
hingyou
wantmet -t
odo
Isai
dnotevenunder
standi
ngwhatIsai
d,
Iwas
stut
ter
ingal
ot
Hi
m:Any
thi
ng?
Ij
ustnod
Hesmi
rkedashel
ookedatme
Hi
m:Ki
ssme
Igul
ped
Hi
sli
psbrushedonmine,
Itr
iedtomov
emy
f
acebutheheldmyneckinplace
Hi
m:Donotmov
e
Wi
thaqui
cknod
Hefor
ceshisl
ipsonmi
ne,
ki
ssi
nghi
m backwi
th
t
rembl
ingl
ips
Hepull
sbackandglar
esatmewarningl
y,
He
ki
ssesmeagainandItrysohar
dtostopmysel
f
f
rom t
rembl
i
ng.
withonehandst
il
lonmyneck,
hi
sotherhand
wentdownmysidegoi
ngundermyskir
t
br
ushingmythi
gh
Me:
Reecepl
eased-
Hi
m:Shhpr
incess,
I
'm notgoi
ngt
ohur
tyou
Hesai
dremov
inghi
sli
psf
rom mi
neandki
ssi
ng
myneck
Me:
Stop,
p-pl
Hi
m:Don'
tFucki
n't
ell
met
ost
op,
under
stood?
Iqui
ckl
ynod
Hi
m:Answerme!
Me:
Y-y
esIunder
stand
Isayasmor
etear
scomeout
Hi
m: Iwantyoubuti
fyouconti
nuet
opi
ssme
of
f,
I'
m notgoingt
otol
erat
eitb-
Hewasdi
stur
bedbyhi
sri
ngi
ngphone
Het
akesi
t,
wit
haf
ewMmm'
sandnods
Hesayshe'
scomingt
othepersononthe
phonet
henhehangsupandturnst
olookatme
Hi
m:Wear
enotdonePr
incess

Wit
hthathecal
l
st heguywhowasdr i
vi
ngusto
comeback,
Hegiveshim di
rect
ionst
omyhouse.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
8pm andIwasst andi
ngoutsidethenight
ai
r,
fewhousesawayf rom mineandf ewfeet
awayfrom Reecewhowasi nhi scarwait
ingf
or
met oruni
ntohisarmswhenI '
m donewith
whathewant edmet odo.
Iwaswai
ti
ngf
orEnzo
I
ndeept
hought
sofwhatIwasgoi
ngt
odo.
Igotfr
ight
enedj
ustbythepersonwhohugged
mef r
om behi
ndTurni
ngtolook,If
indEnzo.
Leani
ngdownhet
ri
est
oki
ssmebutIback
away,
helooksatmewit
hhurtwr
it
tenal
lover
hi
sfacebefor
eitwasmaskedwi
thafaceof
conf
usion
Hi
m:Yint
oniingxaki
Alona?(
what
'
sthe
pr
obl
em Alona)
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
St
art
ingt
ocr
yonceagai
n
Him: Sor
ryf
orwhat?,
whateveri
tisthatis
botheri
ngyouyoucantel
lme,we'
llgetthr
ough
i
ttogether.
.l
etmehelpyou
Ishakemyhead
Me:
Youcan'
t
Hi
m:whatdoy
oumeanIcan'
t?,
asl
-
Me:
Ican'
tbewi
thy
ouany
mor
e
Ibl
urtout
Momentofsi
l
enceasIwat
chhi
m pr
ocesswhat
Ij
ustsai
d
Hi
m:What?
Me:I
-I'
m br
eaki
ngupwi
thy
ou,
i
t'
sov
erbet
ween
usEnzo

Moretear
scomeout,AsmuchasIwashur
ti
ng
hi
m Iwasalsohur
ti
ng
Notwai
tingf
orhi
mtosayanyt
hing,
Itur
ned
awayfr
om hi
m andr
anbackhome

Iwasful
loncr
yingwhenIgothome,Ignor
ing
mySupperint
heov enIj
ustwentt
ol ockmy
sel
finmyroom andgotundert
heblanket
s
whenmyphonest ar
tedr
ingi
ng
ThenameReeceappearsonthescreen,
Ipi
ck
upnotwai
ti
ngforhi
mt osayanyt
hing
Me:
Arey
ouhappynowy
ousel
fi
shbast
ard!
?
Iscr
eam athi
m
Hi
m:Ver
yhappy
,t
hanksf
oraski
ng.
Ibethewassmi
rki
ng
Thr
owingthephoneontheothersideofmybed
makingi
tfal
loverbuti
don'
tpickitupanyway
.
Ibur
ymyheadundermypi
l
lowandpr
ayf
or
sl
eeptoov
ert
akeme
[
11/
08,
09:
17]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t8

AMont
hpassedsi
nceIhav
etal
kedt
oEnzo.
Irememberthel astt
imeItalkedt
ohi
m,Iwas
Comi ngbackfrom school
alonewhenhe
decidedtoaccompanymebecausehewant ed
totalk
Hewant
edanswersonwayIsuddenl
ybr
okeup
wi
thhi
m,Icoul
dn'
tanswerhi
m
Hewasdet
erminedt
ogett
hem unt
ilacar
pul
l
edupnextt
ous
Wat
chi
ngReecegetoutal
readygl
ari
ngatEnzo
Reece:
AlonaMasambe.
Hesai
dinhi
slowdeepv
oice,
tr
yingt
omai
ntai
n
hi
sanger
.
LookingatEnzowi t
hwater
yeyes,
Iopent
he
passengerseatandgeti
nandReececl
osethe
doorbehindme
Iwatchhimleani
nt owhisperinEnzo'
sear"I
f
youeverseeyounexttoheragain,
i
'l
lmakesur
e
youneverki
ckanotherfootbal
li
nyouli
fe"
t
henhemakeshi
swayi
nthecar
dr
ivi
ngi
nful
lspeedl
eav
ingEnzobehi
nd
Iwatchhi
sfacewr
it
tenhur
t,
bet
ray
alandmy
hear
tshat
ters.
Thiswasgoodby eandhewil
lnev
erknowthe
realr
easonforleavi
nghi
m,Al
lhewasgoingt
o
knowwast hatIbrokehi
shear
ttobewit
h
anotherguy.

Amont hwit
houtr
eecethoughdef
init
elywhatI
needed,
Int
hatmonthimanagedtoat t
endafew
ther
apysessi
onsandtheyreal
l
yhelpedwit
hall
I'
vebeengoi
ngthr
oughev
ersi
nce'
he'
(Reece)
cameintomyli
fe
Inal
lthat,
Romeowasal
way sbymysi
de
support
ingmeinwhat
everIwasdoi
ng.
Iwasget
ti
ngmyl
i
feback
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Fr
idayni
ght

Iwasawait
ingt
hearri
valofmyoneandonl
y
brot
her
,Ozshor
tfor(Ozamokuhl
e)

Hewascomi ngbackt
oli
vewi
thusbecausehe
supposedl
ymissedus
Hardtobeli
evebecauseattheageof18he
deci
dedtomov eoutbecausemom wasdr i
vi
ng
hi
m crazyaboutget
ti
ngajob,hewastir
edofthe
const
antnaggingsoassoonasher eachedhi
s
l
egalagehemov edout
Heappar entl
yfoundajob,
whi
chhedoesn'ttal
k
aboutoften..
Eit
herwayhemakesalotofmoney
andheal readyhashi
sownhouseandhei sn't
i
njailordeadsoIguessi t
sareasonabl
ejob.

Butnowhewascomi
ngback
IknowIdon'
tsoundhappyr
ightnow,
youknow
why?
I
t'
sbecauseheisaPai
nint
heass.Don'
ttel
l
hi
mthatthoughhe'
l
lki
llme

Hewasov er-
protecti
veofme,Anytimeanyguy
tr
iedtotal
ktomeheusual lyscaredthem away
andtheyneverstooduptohim becausethey
weresupposedly'Scar
ed'provi
ngtomet hey
werenotworthit
Inevermindedthoughwhenhewasl i
kethat,
It
hel
pedwi tht
henev erendi
ngf
earofbeingtaken
advantageof.
I
twasunti
lheleftt
hatIwasabl
etomeetup
wi
thacoupleofguysinmyschool
butnoneof
t
hem It
ookserious
Unt
ilImetEnzoIf
-don'
tgot
her
e,myi
nner
voi
cestopsme
Isi
gh

Nev
ert
hel
ess,
Il
ovedmybr
othert
hough.
Asi
fonCue,
ther
ewasaknockatt
hedoor
Abigsmil
egracesmylipswhenIknowwhoi
t
i
s,
rushi
ngtoopenthedoor
Hel
i
ter
all
yki
ckedi
topen
Igl
areathi
m
Him:Yint
o?(what
),I
'
vegotthese(showi
ngme
asportsbagandaduff
lebagonhisshoul
der)
andtheyheavy
.
Shaki
ngmyheadindisapprovalbutcoul
dn'
t
hel
pthesmi
lethatt
hreatenedtoshow
Itookinhi
sappear
ance,
hewasal
most
unrecogni
zabl
ewit
hhisnewl
ook
Hi
sar
mscov
eredi
ntat
toos,
remi
ndi
ngmeofR-

Don'
t!

Theysui
tedhi
mthough,
Inot
icedanot
hert
att
oo
onthebackofhi
sear
..
Nice.
Me:What'
swit
hthewholecool
badboylook?,
I
knowyou'
veal
waysbeenbadbutIt
hinknow
youworse
Hi
m:I
sthatacompl
i
ment?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
y
Hi
m:Thanksany
way ,
nowy
ougonnahel
p
meorwhat?
Itookalookathim again,
he'
schangedthatI
couldt
ellbutIdi
dn'
tknowwhet heri
twasa
goodorabadchange, forbet
terorworse
Somet
hingwasdef
ini
tel
yupwi
thhi
m.
Ihughi
m befor
ehet el
lsmet obackof
f,
hewas
al
waysli
kethatthoughbutIknewhesecret
ly
l
ovedmyhugs.
Hegoesuptohi
sr oom t
hatIcl
eanedear
li
er
on,
hetol
dusonlastminutest
hathewas
comingher
eaf
terallsohecan'
tbl
amemei fi
t'
s
not100%
Notthati
tev
erwas,
evenwhenhewasl
i
ving
her
e
Me:
Dinneri
sready
Iy
ell
forhi
mtohear
Hi
m:Comi
ng
Her
epl
i
es
It
akeoutplat
esandst
artdi
shingf
orthet
hree
ofusandthenput
ti
ngmom'sfoodint
heoven
Ozcomesi
namomentl
atersmel
l
ingt
heai
r
Hi
m:Imi
ssedhome
Me:
Youcanwasht
hedi
sheswhenwedone
Hi
m:It
aket
hatback
Il
oughathi
m whi
l
ehepout
s
Wedugi
ncat
chi
ngup.
Hedeci
dest
oleav
elat
eronsay
ing'
Shay
'I
r
oundtoamaj
it
a'
Locki
ngt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m,Igot
obedear
ly.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Waki
ngupi
nthemor
ningt
ogot
oschool
.
.

Mylegsswingovert
hesi
deofmybedandIget
upwithadeepyawn.
Maki
ngmywayt
othebat
hroom l
azi
l
y
Iturnonthewater
,wai
ti
ngforitt
obewarm
beforestr
ippi
ngoutofmypyjamasandget
ti
ng
i
nt obath.
Il
ookmyselfi
nthemi
rr
or,
Asmi
l
etakesmyl
i
ps
asil
ookatmysel
f.
Ileavemyroom t
ochecki
fOzcameback
yester
dayni
ghtornot

Pushingthedooropentohi
sr oom andRoll
i
ng
myey esatthetwonakedbodiesIseeinhis
bed,hewasi nt
hemi ddl
eofthetwowearing
nothi
ngbuthisboxers
Myeyestr
ail
edt
othet
wogir
lst
hatf
ound
t
hemselv
esinhi
sbedl
astni
ght
.
Icloset
hedoormakingmywayt othe
kit
chen,
Decidi
ngtogomakemy sel
fsomethi
ng
toeattopassti
me,si
nceIwokeupearly
Fi
xi
ngmy
sel
facer
eal

Isi
tdownandwai
tfori
t
Thr
ee

Two

On-

Anger
edf
oot
stepsbef
ore
equal
l
yanger
edv
oicesar
ehear
d
Gi
rl1:
Ihat
eyou
Gi
rl2:
Del
etemynumbery
ouAsshol
e!
Thent
hef
rontdoorsl
amsshut
.
Il
aughmyassof
fti
l
lIal
mostchockedt
odeat
h
Qui
ckl
ygett
ingupandrunni
ngforagl
assof
wat
er,
downi
ngit..
feel
i
ngbett
er
Iwi
pet
racesoft
ear
sfr
om myf
ace
Putt
ingmybowl
int
hesi
nkandt
aki
ngmy
schoolbag
Imakemywayoutsat
isf
iedatwat
chingmy
morni
ngshowt
hatIwasusedtooverthepast
fewyear
s

Yougot
tal
ovemybr
othert
hough

"I
'
m absol
utel
yscr
ewedforthi
sMat
hst
est!
,
I
di
dn'
tgetachancetopr
acti
ce"

Romeowhi
nesaswewal
ktoour3r
dper
iod
Mat
hs
Me:Youwer
ebusyget
ti
ngdr
unk,
ser
vesy
ou
r
ight
Ismi
rk
Hi
m:Somuchf
orbei
ngmybestf
ri
end.
Ichuckl
ewhil
eheshovesmeawayf
rom
him,bumpi
ngint
osomeone
Qui cklyt
urningt
oapologi
se,butt
hewordswere
coughti nmyt hr
oatasIseewhoIbumped
i
nt o..
Enzo,hewasinthemiddleofamakeout
sessi onwithoneofmyclassmatesandIj
ust
disturbedhim

Myhear
twasi
np-don'
tst
art
Ist
opmy
sel
ffr
om f
all
i
ngi
ntodepr
essi
on
Gi
rl
:Whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngat?
Shesay
sgl
ari
ngatme
Iwasgoi
ngt
oapol
ogi
sebuty
ouknowwhat.
.
Me:
Idon'
tknow,
somet
hingugl
y?
Gi
rl
:Oh,I
'
m shamewasImeanttobe
of
fended?,
theonl
ythi
ngOf
fendedmei
syour
Ugl
yfaci
al
Me:
You'
rel
i
ter
all
ytost
upi
dtoi
nsul
t.
Enzowasabouttol
aughwhenhisgir
lgl
aresat
hi
m,hecover
sitwit
hacoughbeati
nghischest
i
nthepr
ocess
Romeodoesn'thi
dei
tthough,
hel
oughswi
tht
he
restoft
hecr
owd
Headmast
er:
All
offy
oui
ncl
ass,
now!
Hisboomi
ngvoi
cemakesusrunt
ocl
ass
befor
eheevenf
ini
shhi
ssent
ence
Hewasscar
yli
ket
hat
.

15mi
nut
esi
nthecl
ass
Wri
ti
ngthetesti
neasewhil
eIwatchedRomeo
gl
ari
ngatthecei
li
ngasi
fitwasgoingtogi
ve
hi
m answers
Suddenl
yheabr
upt
lyget
sup,
get
ti
ngev
ery
one'
s
att
enti
on
Hegoest
oourMat
h'st
eacher
,Mr
s.Pi
l
lay
.
Hi
m:CanIgot
othebat
hroom ?
Her
:Todowhat?
Hi
m:Tol
ookf
ordr
agons,
Whatel
se?
Heasksi
naduht
one,
Maki
ngev
ery
onel
augh
Her
:I'
m gi
vi
ngy
ou5mi
nut
es
Suchapoli
tet
eacherwe'
venev
err
eal
l
yseen
herpi
ssed
Him:WhatifIwantt
otakeadump ,
Ican'
t
possi
blydothati
n5minutes
Hecont
inuest
opushherbut
tons
Her
:Romeo!
Shesay
sinawar
ningl
yvoi
ce
Hi
m:Jul
i
et
Maki
ngusLaughagai
n
Her:
Ify
oudon'
treal
l
ywantt
ogot
het
oil
et,
si
t
down.
Deci
dingt
ogoout,
Openi
ngt
hedoorandnot
cl
osi
ngit
Her
:Doy
ouhav
eabackt
ail
that
'
sgoi
ngt
o
magi
cal
l
ycl
oset
hedoorf
ory
ou?
Hi
m:Unfort
unat
elyorf
ort
unat
elyi
t'
sint
hef
ront
Mam andIdon'
tthi
nki
tcan

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Af
terschool

Passi
ngt
imeattheMal
l,
windowshoppi
ng
Whenadresscat
chesmyeyes
Igoi
nsi
deandcheckitout,
decidi
ngIli
keitI
'l
l
comebacktoLayby
ei tonSaturdaymorni
ngif
i
t'
sst
il
lgoi
ngtobehere
Getti
ngsomepi esatchecker
sbef
oreweleav
e
forthet
axi
s,Isaymyby estoRomeoandwe
partways.

Get
ti
nghome,
Iopenwi
thmykeyandgeti
n
Ozwasoutwi
thhi
sfr
iendsIguess,
atl
easthe
mademesomet
hingt
oeat
Goi
ngupt omyr oom t
otakeof
fmyschool
uni
for
m,Ichangeint
osomedenim bum shot
s
andawhitebaggyvest
Imakemywayi ntotheki
tchenandt
akemy
foodandgoeatinthesi
tt
ingroom.

Ihadnothingpl
annedandIhadnoschoolwor
k
thatneededtobedonesoIdeci
dedtotakea
nap.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Wokenupbymyphonesr
ingt
one
Il
azi
l
ypi
cki
tup
Me:
Hel
l
o
Call
er:Soisthishowyoursl
eepyv
oice
sounds,pr
incess?Cut
e.

Fuck!
[
11/
08,
09:
17]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t9
I
t'
sReece
Hi
m:I
'
m out
side
Thenhehangsup
Icl
osemyeyesforamoment
,bef
oreIgetupt
o
swi
tchont
helight
s
Checki
ngt
het
ime
6:
43pm
Imakemywayt omyroom t
ofreshen
up,makingsuretotakemyti
mej usttopi
sshim
offcauseIfeltl
i
kehewasinagoodmood, why
notrui
ni twhenhewasabouttor ui
nmine?
Imakemywayout
side,
seei
nghi
minadi
ff
erent
caronceagai
n
Leani
ngoni
thewasscr
oll
i
ngt
hroughhi
s
phone
Itakebabysteps,
fi
nal
lyst
andi
ngacoupl
eof
feetaway..
Ilookuptohim
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant?
Him:TskTskPri
ncess,
that
'snowayt
ogr
eet
yourManf
riend(
Boyfr
iend)
Me:MyManfr
iend?I
'mtr
yingsohardr
ightnow
nott
orol
lmyeyes,
l
iker
eallyhar
d.
Imockl
augh
Hi
m:Youdone?
Inod
Hi
m:Yougotdr
ool
ont
hesi
deofy
ourl
i
ps
Hesmi
rksatme
Qui
cklyl
ookingatt
hecarmi
rr
or,
al
mostt
err
if
ied
ofwhatI
'm aboutt
osee
Not
hing

Asshol
e

"
Sowi
sht
hesepastt
hreeweeksy
ouwentMI
A
y
ouwer
ott
ingi
nhel
l
."

Hel
ooksatmeAmused

Oops,
di
dIsayt
hatoutl
oud?guessIdi
d

Hi
m:Imi
ssedy
ou
Me:
WishIcoul
dsayt
hesame.
Hi
m:Youwoundmyhear
tsomet
imes,
Pri
ncess
Me:
Youhav
eone?
Hi
m:Y-
Me:LookIneedtogetbackhomeI
t'
sal
ready
l
ateandIhavetocookformyfami
l
y
Him:Youmeanyourmother,
whoisst
il
latwor
k
andonlycomesbackear
li
eri
nthemorning?
Hesay
ssmugl
y
Me:
Idon'
treal
l
yremembert
ell
i
ngy
oual
lthat
i
nfor
mat
ion?
Hi
m:WhatcanIsay
,I
'v
egotey
esandear
s
ev
ery
wher
e
Me:Thoseeyesandearsofyour
sforgott
o
menti
onthatnowIalsohaveabrot
herwhose
goi
ngtobearoundforawhile
Ismi
rk
Hi
m:Youdi
dn'
ttel
lme
Me:OhIdidn'
ttel
lyou?,
Well
itmust
'v
ebeen
noneofy
ourbusinesst
hen
Him:Icouldactuall
yputthatsmartmouthof
your
si nt
ouse,eit
herthanyouusingi
tforsni
de
r
emar ksdir
ectedatme
Hewi
nks
Cat
chi
ngon
Me:
Per
ver
t
Me:
Yourdi
cki
sthesi
zeofat
ic-
tac.
Ichal
l
enge
Hi
m:That
'swhyy
ourmomsmout
hissof
resh.
Myj
awal
mostdr
opst
othegr
ound
Me:
I'
mleav
ing
Ist
ompoffandmakemywaytomyhouse
l
eavi
nghi
ml aughi
nghi
sassof
f.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Fol
l
owi
ngday

Gett
ingoutofmyr
oom,Itookmyschoolbag
andmademywayt othekit
chenwhereIfound
mom andOzeati
ngpancakesforbr
eakfast
Me:
Mor
ningmom
Isayki
ssi
nghercheek
Mom:
Mor
ningbaby
Oz:
I'
m al
soher
eyouknow
Me:
Mor
ningOz
Isayki
ssi
nghi
scheekal
so
Me:
Happy?
Hi
m:Ver
y
Hesay
smessi
ngmyhai
r
Isl
aphi
shandawayandhesmi
rksatme
Isi
tdownandtakemyplat
eandstar
tdi
ggi
ngin
befor
eIqui
ckl
yrushoutr
eali
zi
ngIwasr
unni
ng
l
ate.

Iwal
ktomyf
ir
stcl
ass,
readyt
ost
artt
heday

Int
hemiddl
eoft
heday,
Igotat
extfrom Reece
say
inghewaspi
cki
ngmeupafterschool.

Hej
ustr
uinedmymood

Focusi
ngonmyschool
wor
kfort
heday
,Idi
dn'
t
wantt
othi
nkaboutabouthi
m

Wal ki
ngoutthegateReecewasleani
ngonhi
s
car,
surroundedbyacoupleofgi
rl
shewas
tr
yingsohar dtogett
obackoff,
hewasir
ri
tat
ed
Iwatchedwi
thasat
isf
iedgr
inbef
orehesenta
har
dgl ar
emyway
Imakemywayt
ohi
m wi
thasl
owpace,
j
ust
ki
ll
i
ngti
me
Iappr
oachhi
m..
Gi
rl
:Canweat
leastgety
ournumber?
Him:Idon'
tthi
nkmygi
rl
fr
iendov
erher
ewoul
d
appr
eciat
eit
Hesay
smaki
ngt
hem al
ltur
nar
oundt
ogl
areat
me.
.
Woahshem .
.
Me:
Act
ual
l
yIdon'
tmi
nd
Gi
rl2:
Real
l
y?
Me:
Yeahsur
e,Imeanwhynot
Isaytaki
ngoutmyphoneandchecki
ngReece'
s
numberwhichwassavedasAsshol
e,
Cal
li
ngout
thenumbertothegi
rl
s
Theyt
hankmeandswayt
hei
rhi
psgoi
ngt
hei
r
waysqueal
i
ng.
Il
ookatReeceandmeethi
sbor
edexpr
essi
on
Hi
m:Younev
erf
ail
toamuse.
Me:
Glad
Igeti
nthecarandsl
am t
hedoorshutwi
th
for
ce
I
nmyper
ipher
alv
isi
on,
Iseehi
m st
ari
ngatme
Hest
art
sthecaranddr
ive'
sof
f
Hi
m:Youwantmet
ogety
ousomet
hingt
oeat?
Me:
No
Hi
m:I
stheany
thi
ngy
ouwant?
Ir
epl
yagai
n,
al
mosti
rr
it
ated
Me:
No
Hi
m:Sui
tyour
sel
f
Idon'
trepl
yIj
uststar
eout
sidet
hewi
ndow
watchi
ngever
ythi
nginabl
ur.
Fewminut
esl
aterInot
icehe'
snott
aki
ngmy
r
out
ehome
Me:
Younott
aki
ngmehome?
Hi
m:No
Me:
Wher
eyout
aki
ngme?
Hi
m:No
Me:
Wher
e'st
hat?
Hi
m:No
Hewasj
ustmessingwi t
hme,
Ideci
det
oshut
mymout
handlethim be.

Parki
nghi
scarinfr
ontofhi
shugehouse,
he
tel
l
smet ogetout
Di
dn'
tfeel
li
kear
gui
ngwi
thhi
mtoday
Makingmywayout,If
oll
owhiminsidethe
housewherewefoundacoupleofguys
watchi
ngthebi
gscreenplasmaTVdr i
nki
ng
beers
Ishyl
ygreett
hem ,
standi
ngawkwardl
ybythe
doorbef
oreReecetell
smetofol
lowhimtohis
room

Whatwashepl
anni
ngondoi
ngt
ome?
Me:It
hinkI
'
llst
ayher
e,godowhat
every
ou
goi
ngtodothenmaybeyoucandr
ivemehome
Ir
ant
Hi
m:I
twasn'
taquest
ion
Hesay
s

Theroom suddenl
ybecomessi
lent
.Deci
ding
nott
ocouseasceneIf ol
lowhi
m
Gett
ingi
nhi
sr oom,hel
ockst
hedoorbehi
nd
andimmedi
atelyt
akesmebymywai st
Pushi
ngmehar
dont
hewal
l
Hi
m: Don'
t.
you.
ever
.di
srespect
.mein
f
ront
.of.
my.f
ri
ends.
ever.
again.
.Okay?
Hewhisper
sinmyeari
nasl
owt
hreat
eni
ng
voi
ce
Iqui
ckl
ynod
Hi
m:Okay?
Hey
ell
satmemaki
ngmef
li
nch
Me:
O-okay
Him:
Good,
I
'mt
aki
ngashowert
henI
'
lldr
ivey
ou
home
Notwait
ingf
ormyr
epl
y,
hemakeshi
swayt
o
hi
sbathr
oom
Si
ghi
ng
Isiti
nacoucht
hatwaswaymor ecomfort
abl
e
thanmyownbedthatIendedupfal
l
ingasl
eep
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Idon'
tknowhowl
ongIwasoutf
orbutany
wayI
waswokenupbyt
woangryvoi
ces
Peeki
ngoutf
rom t
hebl
anket
s
"Soy ounotgoi ngbecausey ouwantt obaby si
t
yournewpi eceofass?Shedoesn' tev enwant
youf orgodsake! ,Idon'tt
hinksheev erwi l
laft
er
youbl ackmailedheri nt
obeingwi thyou.She
Sti
llhatesy ouafteryousav edherf r
om being
for
cedi ntobecomi ngawoman! ,she'sjustan
ungratefulbit
ch"
Someguysai
d

Okay
,i
t'
sobv
ioust
hatt
heywer
etal
ki
ngabout
me
Isuddenlyhearajawbr eaki
ngpunch,
making
mef l
inchasifIwast heonewhogotthe
punch..
whoev eri
tissureneedsadoctort
o
checki
tout
IheardReece'sboomingvoi
cey el
lattheguy."
IfyouevercallAl
onaabit
ch,oranyothername
.Iwon'thesi
tatetobl
owyourbr ai
ns
out!,
brot
herornot..
Under
stood? "
Hesay
shol
dingagunt
otheguy
shead

I
t'
shi
sBr
other?
NowIseet
her
esembl
ance
Pr
essingt
hegunf
urt
heri
ntheguy
shead,
he
hi
ssedinpai
n
Guy
:Okay
,If
-f
uckenunder
stand
Reece:
AndDon'
tyouev
err
aisey
ourv
oiceat
meeh?
Theguynods,
l
ooki
ngov
erReece'
sshoul
der
Heglar
esatme,makingmecowerbacki
nthe
cov
ersthatst
rongl
ysmell
edofReece
Iwasi
nhi
sbed

Reecet
urnst
olookatme,
not
ici
ngnowt
hatI
wasawake
Hel
ooksatt
heguyagai
nandt
ell
shi
mtol
eav
e.
Maki
nghi
swayt
ome
Hi
m:Howl
ongwer
eyouup?
Me:Longenought
oheary
out
hreat
ent
oki
l
l
someone
Itakemyphoneont
hesi
deoft
het
abl
e
checki
ngthet
ime
6:
35
Icoul
dsayIwasatt
hel
i
brar
yifOzasksori
fI
fi
ndmymom home
Me:
C-cany
oupl
easedr
ivemehome?
Him:Fi
rstgetsomet
hingt
oeatt
henI
'
lldr
ive
youback
Me:
I'
m n-
noth-
Him:I'
l
lfor
cefeedyouifIhavet
o,y
ouhaven't
gott
enanythi
nginthatf
latst
omachofyoursin
l
ikewhat?,4hours.
Hewasal
readypi
ssed,
andIwaspi
ssi
nghi
m
mor
e
Noddi
ngmyhead
Me:
Okayt
henI
'
llt
akeabi
te.
Gett
ingup,
Icheckmy
sel
fforanysuspi
cious
t
hing
If
indnot
hing,
I
'mr
eli
eved
Igotohi
sbathroom topee,
brushmyt
eet
hand
whenIgetbackintheroom
Thewasal
readyapl
ateoff
ood
Aski
nghi
mtotakeafewbi
tesj
ustt
omake
sur
ehewasn'
tpoi
soni
ngme
Het
akest
hem andgi
vesmet
hepl
ate
Ieataf
ewspoons,
whoev
ercookedt
his
qual
i
fiest
obeachef
.
WhenI
'
m doneeat
ing,
Hedr
ivesmehome

.
..
[
11/
08,
09:
17]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t10
•
Not
e:Notedi
ted.

Fr
idayni
ght
Iwaswi
thRomeoi
nmyr
oom.
Hi
m:Al
onacomeonI
t'
sgoi
ngt
obef
un
Me:
No
Hi
m:Pl
ease
Hecont
inuest
obeg.
Hewantedmet
ogot
oapar
tywi
thhi
m andI
wasr
efusi
ng
Me:
Whatifsomethi
nghappens.?,
Whati
fwe
t
ogeti
ntotr
oubl
e? ,
sot
hibesiyaphi?
Her
oll
shi
sey
es
Him:Stopbeingacoward.
Nothi
ngisgoi
ngt
o
happen..
exceptmaybegett
ingdr
unkand
meetingnewpeople
Ishookmyhead
Him: Youneedtoliveali
ttl
e,beinglockedupin
yourroom readi
ng'books'orwat chingmov i
es
whileever
y oneyourageisouthav ingfunisnot
nice,
Onedayy ougoingtohav ekidsandt hey
willwanttoknowaboutt heirmom' steenage
l
ife.Whatareyougoingtot el
lthem ?t hatyouw
-
Me:
OkayOkayJeezIgeti
t
Isayst
oopi
nghi
srant
Me: Wecango, Onlyt
hisoncethoughandonlyi
f
yourpromisethatyouwon'tgetdrunkandl
eave
meal onewit
hdr unkpeopl
eIdon'tknow
Hi
m:Ipr
omi
se.
Hesay
sashej
umpsupf
rom mybedanddoes
hisv
ict
orydance,
ki
ssi
ngmycheekandr
unni
ng
tomywardrobe
Het
akesoutaf
ewcl
othes
Me:
Whatdoy
out
hinky
oudoi
ng?
Hi
m:Pi
cki
ngoutsomet
hingf
ory
out
owear
Hesay
sinaduht
one
Me:
HeyIcandot
hatmy
sel
f!
Him:Yeahsure,
Iknowyou'
vegotagreat
fashi
onsensebutyou'
veneverbeent
oapart
y
befor
esoIdon'tthi
nkyouknowwhattowear
Me:
Ihav
ebeent
oapar
tybef
ore.
Hi
m:Yeah?Wheny
ouwer
eli
kewhat.
.Si
xyear
s
ol
d?
Igl
areathi
m ashei
nsul
tsmysoci
alst
atus.
Hi
m:Nowgof
reshenup,
wel
eav
ingi
nanhour
Heshooedmeaway
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
1hour+lat
er,
Wewer
est
andi
ngout
sidet
he
par
tyhause
Musi
cbl
ari
ngi
nsi
de

St
enchofweed,
al
cohol
int
heai
r

Somemaki
ngout.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkweshoul
dbeher
e
Isayt
oRomeo
Hei
gnor
esme,
draggi
ngmei
nsi
de.
It
hinkev
ery
oneher
ewashav
ingagoodt
ime

Gr
indi
ngoneachot
her
Someal
readypassedoutont
hecouches
Letmenotbor eyouwi
ththedetai
l
sMostof
youpr obabl
yknowwhatgoesdowninpar
ty
places.
2hour
slat
er

6shot
s
Coupl
eofci
der
s
Fewpuffsfr
om t
hehookaht
hatwasmi
xedwi
th
weed,
Ithi
nk.
Iwaswast
ed
Icouldn'
tseeRomeoany whereandIdi
dn'tcare
becausewel l
Iwassti
ll
havingfununt
ilIstar
ted
feeli
ngdizzyandIst
umbledmywayupt othe
toi
letsaf
terIgott
hedir
ecti
onsf r
om..
Idon't
remember .
IwasgladwhenIf
oundnoonei
nsi
de,
Il
ockt
he
doorandmakemywaytothesi
nk
Spl
ashi
ngmyfacewitht
hecol
dwater,
Isi
t
downonthef
loort
ryi
ngtogat
hermysel
f.
Looki
ngf
ormyphonei
nmypocket
,I
'
mrel
i
eved
whenIf
indi
t
HowIst
il
lhadi
twi
thme?I
tbeat
sme.
Swit
chingiton,
cl
osingmyey
esast
hel
i
ght
fr
om ital
mostblindsme
Scr
oll
i
ngdown
16mi
ssedcal
l
s
2v
oicemessages
4messages
Andani
ncomi
ngcal
lri
ghtnow.
Put
ti
ngthephoneinmyearasIanswer'hel
lo'
l
aughi
ngatmyst upi
dit
ybecauseIf
orgott
o
pr
esstheanswerbutt
on.
Looki
ngf
ort
hebut
tonont
hescr
een,
Ifi
ndi
t
Iwasabouttosayhel
l
oont
heot
hersi
dewhen
Iwascutoff
Hi
m:WHYDI
DYOUFUCKENSWI
TCHYOUR
PHONE?
Heshout
s
Reece
Hi
m:WHERETHEFUCKAREYOU?
Ishrug,
Remember
ingt
hathecan'
tseemeI
giggl
e
Me:I
-Id-
on'
tkn-(bur
p)knowwher
ethe(
bur
p)
f
uckIam.
Igi
ggl
eonceagai
n
Hi
m:Ar
eyoudr
unk?
Heasksf
lat
ly
Me:
I-don'
tknowa-
am I?
Hi
m:Whoar
eyouwi
thAl
ona?
Heasksal
most
..
wor
ri
ed?Orwasi
tmeandmy
dr
unkstat
e
Me:
Alonai
sAl
one.
Il
aughatmyl
ameness.
Hi
m:Wher
e'sRomeot
hen?
Me:I-
Idon'
tknow,
probabl
ysomewher
eget
ti
ng
l
aid
Him:Howcanheleavey oualonei
napl aceyou
don'
tknow?(shout
s)justgetoutofthereand
tr
ytofi
ndsomeonetogi veyouaddressand
don'
thang.
Umamel e?
Get
tingupsuppor
ti
ngmy sel
fwi
tht
hewal
l
,I
unl
ockthedoorandgetout.
St
umbl
ingacr
osssomefewpeopl
ewhower
e
dr
unkl
i
kemeormor e.
Iwasl
ooki
ngforanyoneSomeonewhowas
maybeali
tt
lebi
tsober,
whi
chwasal
most
i
mpossi
ble
Ibumpedi
ntosomeoneonmyst
umbl
i
ng.
Enzo
Hi
m:Wowy
oul
ookh-
hot
Hesl
urs'
outashecor
ner
smeonawal
l
Hi
m:I
t'
say
out
-t
urnedoutt
obeawhor
ethat
ratherfuckapossessiv
e,psychoti
cobsessed
guyov erme.H- howquickl
yy ouopenyourlegs
forhim whenI'vebeenwi t
hyouforaboutay ear
pretendingtoloveyouj
ustsoy oucouldlose
yourv i
rgini
tyt
ome?
Hesay
spl
aci
ngaki
ssont
hesi
deofmyneck
"Alona!
,Isweari
fthatf
uckert
ouchesy
ouI
'
ll
kickhisass"
IhearReecet
hreat
enont
hephonebef
orei
t
fal
lsdown
Me:
Ge-
etawayf
rom me.
Enzo:
Let
sjustf
indsomer
oom soIcanmake
youmoanoutmyname
Hi
shandgr
ipsmybut
t
Me:
No!
Iy
ell
athi
mt r
yingt
oremov
ehi
shandbuthe
woul
dn'
tl
etgo
Hi
m:You'
veal
way
sbeenast
uckupbi
tch,
One
oft
hereasonsIdeci
dedt
ocheatonyou.
You
di
dn'
treal
tythi
nkIwaswai
ti
ngforyoual
lyear
l
ongdidyou?
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m: Surel
ythat'
swhatyouthought,
thewayyou
weresocloudedbydesperat
ionformylovey
ou
pr
obablydidn'
tseeanyt
hing.Pathet
ic.
Hesaysasheki
ssesthecor
nerofmy
mouth,
bri
ngi
ngmylef
tkneeuphigh
Iwatchashef
all
stot
hegr
oundcl
utchi
nghi
s
groi
n.
Ipi
ckupmyphoneandkickhi
sside,
sat
isf
ied
whenIhearhi
m gr
oanouti
npain
Irunout
,Thanki
nggodasImetupwi
thsome
guysonmywayoutwhol ookedt
obejust
arri
vi
ng
Askingf
ortheaddr
ess,
Ithankt
hem bef
ore
cal
li
ngitoutt
oReecewhohadn'thangupall
thi
swhile.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
10+mi
nut
esl
ater
Iwasalmostfr
eezi
ngcol
dasIwai
tedf
orReece
out
sidesi
tt
ingonapavement
.
Myey esf
lutt
eri
ngopen,
thencl
osi
ngagainst
myownwi l
l..
Imanagedtoseeapissedof
Reececomingmyway

Rel
i
evedt
oseehi
m

NeverthoughtI'
dbeabl
etofeelt
hat
emotion,Maybeitwast
het
racesofal
cohol
in
mysy stem.

Rushi
ngtome,
het
akesofhi
sleat
herj
acketand
putsi
tonme
Feel
i
nggrat
efulf
ort
hewar
mth,
hepicksmeup
andqui
ckl
ybuckl
esmeint
hefr
ontseatand
i
mmedi
atel
ydr
ive'
sof
f

Ir
ememberhi
m put
ti
ngmei
nhi
sbed

Iwasguessi
ngIwasi nhi
shouseaf
terIsmel
t
thef
amil
iarscentofhi
scologne

Get
tinginbehi
ndme,
hehol
dsmear
oundmy
wai
st..
cuddl
i
ngme
Ilethi
m havehismomentbecauseIKnowfora
factIfIwassoberandthinki
ngst
rai
ght
,I
wouldn'tev
enlett
hishappen

Myeyesshutcl
oseasmyheadhi
tthepi
l
low,
I
wast
ired.
[
11/
08,
10:
42]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t11
Iwokeupt ryi
ngt
ogetupwhenIputmyhand
onmyf oreheadf
eeli
ngheadachecomeon,
I
t
fel
tli
keitwasgoingtoexpl
ode
Idon'
tknowwhet
herIhadabigheadoritwasa
thi
ngofthemomentbutI
ntl
okoyam I
bindi
sinda.
Ihi
ssinpai
nasaquickpai
ncomesi
nsi
demy
head,
i
tleav
esasi
tcomesthough
Me:
Uhhi
thur
ts
Isayal
mostwant
ingt
ocr
y
"Ser
vesyouri
ghtf
oruhambauyozint
yint
ya
ngotywal
a(goi
ngandget
ti
ngyoursel
fdrunk)
"
Reecesaysashecomesi
nthedoorwi
thatr
ay
i
nhand,Cereal
andagl
assofwat
erwit
hsome
tabl
etsontheside
Heputsthem bymysi
deandt
ell
smet
ogo
f
reshenup
Igotupgoingtothebat
hroom,
get
ti
ngundert
he
hotshowerItookmytime
Taki
ngashowerwaski
ndofrefr
eshingf
orme
buti
tdi
dn'
thel
pwitht
hehangoverandI
coul
dn'
ter
asethememori
esfrom l
astni
ght

Yeap,
Isomehowr emembersomeoft
heev
ent
s
thatt
ookpl
acelastni
ght

Getti
ngoutofthebat
hroom wit
harobeI
found,
Noti
cingt
hebedwasalreadymade
andhewasl ay
ingdownoni
tonhi
sback
star
ingi
ntot
hinai
r
Cl
ear
ingmyt
hroatbef
oreIspeak
Me:Cany
oup-pleasetakemehome,
Mymom
andmybrot
herareprobabl
ywor
ri
ed.
Myvoi
cewastrembl
i
ngandI
twasweak,
Iwas
f
eel
i
ngnauseous
Hi
m:Theyar
en'
t
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeant
heyar
en'
t,
w-whatdi
d
y
oudot
othem ?
Het
urnst
ogl
areatme
Him:Youtextedthem sayi
ngy ouwerespending
theWeekendatRomeo' shouse,
theywerecool
withi
t.
thenyoutextedRomeoaski nghi
mt o
coverforyoubecausey ouspendingthe
weekendatmyhouse, Remember?
Igaspathi
m
Me:
Idi
dnosucht
hing
Hi
m:Wel
lIdi
d
Me:
Iwantt
ogoh-
Him:
Justsi
tdownandst
arteat
ingsot
haty
ou
cant
akethepi
ll
s
Me:
I'
m nothungr
y
Him:Doy ouwantmet
ofuckenshov
eitdown
yourt
hroat?
Ij
ustkeepqui
et
I
nqui
ckr
efl
exeshegr
absmebymyar
m and
t
hrowsmet
othebed
Taki
ngt
hebowl
inhi
shands,
hef
il
lst
hespoon
wit
hcer
eal
Bri
ngingi
ttomymout
h,dar
ingmet
odenyhi
m
access
Isl
owlyopenmymouth,t
aki
ngi
t.
.ThemomentI
swall
owed,i
tcamebackup
Icouldn'
tst
omachi
t.
.r
ushi
ngt
othebat
hroom I
quickl
yvomit.
Gett
ingupsl
owl
y,
Iri
nsemymout
handdr
ink
somewater

Me:Ir
eal
l
ydon'
twantt
oeat,
pleased-
don'
t
f
orceme
Isayqui
etl
ybeggi
ng
Hi
m:Eatat
least3spoons
Me:
Pleasen-
Hi
m:I
'
llbr
ingy
ouf
rui
tsal
adt
hen.
Hesay
sget
ti
ngupandl
eav
ingt
her
oom.
Isi
tont
hebed
Hecomesbackwi
thi
t,f
orci
ngmet
oeat
Ieatandthi
sti
meI
'
m abl
etost
omacht
he
content
s
Him:Nowdr inkt
hese(
givi
ngmepill
s)and
sl
eep,you'
ll
wakeupfeel
ingbet
tert
henyouand
Iaregoingtotal
k
Hewat
chesmet
aket
hepi
l
ls,
maki
ngsur
eI
downt
hem
Il
ayonthebedandhecoversmewithawar
m
fl
eecebl
anket
sandIl
etdarknesst
akeov
er.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Wokeupear
li
erthatdayf
eel
i
ngal
otbet
tert
han
Iwasi
nthemorning.
Wit
hthesuddenur
get
opee,Imademywayto
t
hebat
hroom t
odomybusinessbef
oregoi
ng
backt
obedlayi
ngdownonceagai
nwi
thno
meansofsl
eep

Hi
m:I
twasFool
i
shofy
out
ogot
hatpar
ty.
Hest
art
stosay
.
ohGod(
rol
l
ingey
es)
Me:
PleaseDon'
tst
art,
I'
m noti
nthemood
Hi
m:Younoti
nthemood?
Hel
aughsi
ndi
sbel
i
ef
Hi
m:Uy
andi
qhel
ane?
Hewasqui
cktogetont
opofme,
wit
haf
ir
m
gr
iponmyneck
Him:Goingtoapl
aceyouareunfami
li
arwi
thto
getdr
unkandhigh..
Noplansf
oryoutocome
back!andlet
ti
ngthatf
uckert
ouchyou
Me: Ev
erythi
ngyousayi
ngisr-
real
l
ynoneof
yourbusi
ness,
w-whatIdeci
detodowi
thw-who
i
snoneofy ourbusi
ness
Ti
ght
eni
nghi
sgr
ip
Hi
m:Noneofmybusi
ness?
Me:
Youhur
ti
ngmey
ouAssh-
Hi
m: Iwoul
dn'
tfi
nisht
hatsent
enceAl
onaifI
wereyouunl
essyouwanttoseemereal
l
y
pi
ssedoff!
Him:Youwi l
ldoasIsayf r
om nowonAl ona..
IfI
tel
lyouyou'r
espendi
ngt heni
ghtwithme,then
youare!Justli
kei
fItel
lyoutostayyourass
homeandnotbeoutwher eyoushouldn'
t
be,
thenyoustayyourasshome. .
Gotit?
Ist
ayedqui
etnotwant
ingtosayany
thi
ngt
hat
mightl
eadmetomydeat h
Hi
m: Ihatei
twhenyoumakemer epeat
myself
,(
gett
ingl
oud)
Iaskedi
fyougotit
!
Me:
Y-Yes
Smi
rki
ngatme
Hi
m:That
'smygi
rl
Gett
ingof
fmeandl
ayi
ngdownont
heot
her
si
deofthebed
Me:
I'
m noty
ourgi
rl
Ibl
urtout
Hi
m:Youbet
tershuty
ourmout
h
Me: No!.Iam notyourgir
landIdon'
tthi
nkI '
ll
everbebecausey ouknowwhy? ,
Ihatey
ou, how
cany outhinkI
'l
leveracceptyouaft
eral
l y
ou've
donei scausemepai nandgrief,
youForcedme
tobreakupwi ths-
someoneIl ove
Him:Andy ouj
ustdiscoveredyesterdayni
ght
t
hat,
thatsameper sonneverlovedyouhej ust
want
edt ogeti
ntoy ourpants..
let
sjustsayby
f
orci
ngy outobreakupwi t
hhi m Ial
sosav ed
youf
rom aheartbreak
Me:Hedi
dn'
tmeant
hoset
hings,
hewasj
ust
dr
unk
Idef
endhi
m.
IcouldcarelessWhathet houghtaboutEnzo,
OnlywhatIt houghtabouthim mat t
ered.
.I
chosenott obel i
eveal
lthethingshesaidabout
him neverl
ov ingmeinthef ir
st..
Hewasdr unk
aft
erallhedi dn'
tknowwhathewassay i
ng
Maybehesai
dallt
hoset
hingst
ohurtmej
ust
l
ikeIhur
thi
m,hedi
dn'
tmeanthem.

Hi
m:Dr
unkwor
dsar
esobert
hought
sPr
incess

Choosi
ngt
oignor
ethi
sAsshol
e'
swor
ds,
Icont
inuet
ogi
vehi
m api
eceofmymi
nd

Me: I
'mt hegir
lyousavedfrom twosi ck
bastardst hattr
iedtorapeme, youdi dn'
thave
tobuty oudi d..
Sowhydoy oufeel l
ikeyouhav e
tomi streatandcontrolme?,don'tyouthinkit
's
unfairthaty ouhadtoforcemet obewi t
hy ou?
Idon'tfeel anyt
hingbuthatr
ed,feartowar dsyou
nowhowcany oubuildarel
ationshi
pwith
someonewhof eelsl
i
kethattowardsyou?
Threatenmeall y
ouwantbuty oucouldnever
forcemet olov
ey ouunl
essmyhear tsays
otherwise.
Itakeadeepbr
eat
h,f
eel
ingl
ikeaweighthas
beenremovedf
rom myshoulder
saf
terIsai
d
that.
Heneededt
oknowhowIf
elt
,t
houghheal
ready
knew.

Hestay
edsil
entl
i
kei
fhewer
etaki
ngi
nwhatI
j
ustsai
dtohi
m
Him:Youlooksofuckingcut
et hinki
ngthatyou
hadasayi nal
lofthi
s,DoyouthinkIgiv
eaf uck
thatyouhateme? ,t
here'
sathinl i
nebetween
l
ov eandhatePri
ncess..
.
Gr
abbi
ngmychi
n,
for
cingmet
olookathi
m
Hi
m:IGetwhatIwantandwhenIwantandy
ou
pr
incessi
snoexcept
ion.
Thecor
nerofhi
smout
hbegant
ocur
lupi
na
smir
k
Him:Nowthati
sall
set
tl
ed,
l
etsgoandgety
ou
somethi
ngtoeat
Leani
ngi
n,
heki
ssedmeont
hel
i
pst
henpul
l
ed
away

Myey
esbegi
ntowat
er-
ButIdon'
tl
etmy
sel
f
cr
y
Hegrabsmywaistt
henl
i
ftsmeup.
Idi
dn'
twant
hi
m carr
yingme
Me:
Icanwal
k!
Hej
ustgl
aredatme,
Wal
ki
ngoutoft
her
oom
Downthest
air
sandi
ntowhatIassumewasa
ki
tchen
Set
ti
ngmedownont
hebar
Myey
esr
oam ar
ound,
taki
ngi
nal
lthebeaut
yin
f
rontofme
Every
thingi
nherewasbey
ondt
hewor
d
beauty,
soel
eganta-
Hi
m:Whatdoy
ouwantmet
omakef
ory
ou?
Tur
ningt
ogl
areathi
m,Ishr
ug
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
Ispentt
herestoft
hedaywithhi
m,ar
gui
ngand
makingsni
deremarksdi
rect
edtoeachot
her
.

Het
ookmehomet
hef
oll
owi
ngdayt
hough
[
11/
08,
10:
42]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t12

Goi
ngtoschoolMondaymorni
ngwi
tht
he
meanstoavoi
dRomeoallday
Iwasst
il
langr
yathi
mforl
eav
ingmei
nthat
pl
ace
MyplanwasruinedthoughasIwascomingout
ofmy3rdperi
odclassheadingtomyownto
eatl
unchandIheardhimrunningaf
terme
cal
li
ngoutmyname
Hi
m:Al
ona

I
gnor
ehi
m

Hi
m:Al
ona!

Hecal
l
soutpl
eadi
ngl
y

Don'tgi
vein,
I
gnor
ehi
m-Myi
nnerv
oice
encouragesme

Hefinal
lycat
chesupwi
thmer
ightwhenI
'
m
abouttogeti
nmyclass
Hi
m Bl
ocki
ngmyway
Igl
areathi
m,Don'
tknowwhat
'swi
thmeand
gl
ari
ngthough
Hel
ookedwor
ri
ed.
Br
ingi
ngmei
ntoat
ighthug
Him:I'
m sosorryAlona,
Ididn'
tmeantoleav
e
youalonewithnowayf oryoutogetback
home..i
t'
sjustt
hatImett hisr
eal
l
ycute
guy,
whichIdon'tevenrememberhisnamenow
causeIwaswast edandI-
Ipul
l
edawayf
rom hi
m andshookmy
Me:
Iknewy
oul
eftmef
orsomeguy
Hi
m:Pl
easef
orgi
veme
Hepl
eaded
Me:Youlef
tmeal
oneinapl
aceIdon'
tknow
af
teryoupr
omi
sedyouwoul
dn'
t.
Idi
dn'
tev
enwantt
ogot
othatdamnpar
ty,
Now
I
'm st
andi
ngherewi
thaachi
nghear
tbecauseI
metupwithEnzow-
Romeo:
Ify
oucoul
dfor
giv
eme.?
Looki
ngathi
m,Icoul
dn'
tst
aymadathi
mfor
l
ong
Me:
Fine
Hesi
ghsi
nrel
i
ef
Hi
m:Nowt
ell
,
whatdi
dEnzodo
Wegetincl
ass,
fi
ndi
nganempt
ydeskatt
he
cor
ner
Wesitdownandtakeoutlunches,
exchangi
nga
fewthi
ngsbef
oreItel
lhi
m whathappenedt hat
Fri
day

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
Thedaypr
ett
ymuchendedquickl
yandIwason
mywayhomeasschoolhasended
Get
ti
ngoutt
het
axi
Iwal
khome

AsIgetnear,Iseet
wocarspar
kedatthe
dri
veway..
Onecarbelongst
omybrotherand
theotherone..

Ohshi
t!
Whatt
hef
ucki
shedoi
ngher
e?

Wi
thaqui
ckpace,
Igeti
nsi
det
hehouse

Ifi
ndbot
hoft
hem (
ReeceandOz)andsome
guy
I
nt hemiddleofsomethi
ng,
Chatt
ingli
kesome
ol
df r
iends,eachoneoft
hem hol
dingaglass
fi
l
ledwi thbrownli
qui
dwhatIassumedwas
whiskey
Theykeepqui
ett
houghast
heynot
icet
hatI
'
m
i
nther
oom

Myhear
tbeati
ncr
easeswhenImeethi
ssmi
rk

Asshol
e

Oz:Heyli
tt
lesi
syou'r
eback,
Imadey
ou
somethi
ngtoeat.
.I
t'
sint
heoven
Noddi
ng
Me:
T-t
hanks
Isayal
mostst
utt
eri
ng.
Goi
ngtotheki
tchen,
Itakemypl
ateandheadt
o
myroom .
.
Taki
ngmyphone,
Iqui
ckl
ytextReece

-
Whatt
heheckar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
2mi
nut
esl
atermyphonebeeps

Camet
oseeanol
dfr
iend
-
Reece

What?

Seemsli
keyougoi
ngt
oseemyhandsomef
ace
al
ot,
Pri
ncess
-
Reece

Iscr
eam outi
nfr
ustrat
ion,
Lit
eral
l
yBur
yingmy
phoneundermypil
l
ow

Taki
ngof
fmyunifor
m bef
oresi
tt
ingont
opof
mybedandst
arteat
ing
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Iwascooki
ngdi
nnerwi
thOz,
Himf
ool
i
ng
ar
ound.

Sl
appi
nghi
sfi
ngerawayf
rom t
hepotIwas
st
ir
ri
ng
Hi
m:Ouch
Hesay
spout
ing
Me:
Don'
tdot
hat
Hi
m:I
tsmel
l
sgr
eat
Me:Iknowbutthatdoesn'
tgiveyout
heri
ghtt
o
di
pyourfingeri
nit
,Thatfi
ngerhasbeeni
n
manydiff
erentpotss-
Hebur
stsoutl
aughi
ng,
cl
utchi
nghi
sst
omach
hest
opst
ocat
chabr
eat
h
Hi
m:Di
dyouj
ustmakeasexj
oke?
Me:
Idon'
tknow,
didI?
Isayl
ooki
ngupathi
m smi
rki
ng
Her
uff
lesmyhai
r
Hewi
pesf
aket
ear
sonhi
sey
es
Him:Aww( cooes)yougett
ingsmart
.(pul
li
nga
seri
ousfaceon)IfIeverhearsucht
hings
comingoutofyourmout hagai
nIswearI'
llcut
yourhai
roffwhenyousleeping
Il
ookathi
minnocent
ly
Me:
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngbad,
I
t'
syouwhosai
dI-
Iwascutshor
tbyaknockatt
hedoor
Hi
m:Gogeti
t
Me:
Whycan'tyougo?
,don'
tyoudar
epul
lthe'
I
'mtheel
dest
'car
donme
Hi
m:Wel
lthat
'sbecauseIam
Hesmi
rksatme
Ist
ompmyf eetli
kea6y
earol
d,pout
ingl
i
ke
nobody
'sbusi
ness
Him: Ni
cel
ydone,
andher
eIwast
hinki
ngy
ou'
re
gett
ingmatur
e
Ihearhi
m say
Me:
Shutup
Him:OhIwill
,
I'
ll
justst
uffmymout
hwi
tht
his
del
ici
ousst
ew

Openi
ngt
hedoor
,I
'
m metwi
thReece'
sface
Hi
m:Heypr
incess
Me:
Justcomei
nandshutup
Imumbl
e
Hechuckl
es,
shaki
nghi
shead
Hi
m:Damn,
Youl
ookcut
e
Hesay
slooki
ngdownatme,
fol
l
owi
nghi
sgaze
Myeyesopeni
nshockatwhatwasPeeki
ng
under
neat
hmygown
Myhotpi
nkbr
aandi
t'
smat
chi
ngpent
Iwasn'
twearinganyt
hingbesi
dethosebecause
Ij
ustgotoffbathi
ngandIwaslazytolookfor
cl
othestowear.
Me:
Per
ver
t!
Hi
sdeepl
aught
ermocksme.
Irunint
omyroom f
acered,
taki
ngthegownof
f
andthrowi
ngonapairofgr
eygutt
ertr
ack
pantsandmywhit
ebaggyvest.
Weari
ngmyf
luf
fyy
ell
owSpongeBobsl
eepi
ng
shoes
Iwasaboutt
ogetoutt
oeatdi
nner
WhenMyphonebeepswi
thani
ncomi
ng
message

Can'
tgett
hatI
mageoutofmyhead
-
Reece

Youknowwhat
,It
hinkI
'
m nothungr
yany
mor
e.
Cl
osi
ngmydoor
,Ij
ustgeti
nbedandl
etsl
eep
ov
ert
akeme
[
11/
08,
10:
42]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t13

Waki
ngupat5am Wednesdaymor
ningtogo
f
orarunwi
thOz,
I
fhewasst il
lupf
orit
Irememberhim goingoutl
astni
ghtwi
thReece
fora"Coupl
eofdrinks"asheput
sit

Wear
ingasport
sbr
aandmyrunni
ngt
ight
s,Igo
t
ohisroom t
oseei
fhewasawake
Openi
ngt
hedoor,
Iseehim sprawl
edont
hebed
wit
hsomerandom gi
rlhal
fnaked
Déj
àvumuch?
Shaki
ngmyhead,
Icl
oset
hedoor
Taki
ngmyspr
aygunf
rom myr
oom,
OffIwent
..
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***

Comi
ngbackanhourl
ater
It
akeaqui
ckshowert
henwearmyuni
for
m
Taki
ngmyschool
bagIHeadoutt
oeatcer
eal
Fi
ndingOzstandi
ngwithhisey
escl
osed
gul
pingmil
kfrom i
tscart
oon
Me:
That
'sdi
sgust
ing
Mom getsinafterme,smackingOzontheback
ofhisheadforputt
ingthemilkbacki
nthe
fr
idgeaft
erhejustdrankitf
rom i
tscont
ainer
Hi
m:Ouch
Hesay
srubbi
nghi
sheadf
rom t
hei
mpact
.
Mom takesanappl
efr
om t
hebasket
,ki
ssi
ngmy
cheek
Shel
eav
esf
orwor
k,shewor
kst
oohar
dthough.
Hi
m:It
houghty
ousai
dwegoi
ngf
orar
unt
oday
.
?
Me:Iwentonmyown,
didn'
twantt
owakeyou
upy
ouhadsomechickanyway..
wher
edidyou
gol
astnight?
Hi
m: ReeceTookmet osomecl
ub,wegot
wast
edandt henIcamehomewiththatchi
ck
whi
leReecetookherfr
iend
Hesay
smunchi
ngonaappl
e
Me:Sowhat'
shername,
thegir
lwhof
ound
her
sel
finy
ourbedthi
smor ni
ng?
Wai
ti
ngf
oramoment
,t
ryi
ngt
oremember.
Wai
tfori
t-
Hi
m:I
t'
sNi-
,
Natal
i
anoNat al
i
eorwasi
tNat
as-
?,
I
tst
art
swithaNthough
Ishookmyheadathi
m
Me:
Cany
oupl
easedr
ivemet
oschool
Hi
m:Sur
eletmegetmykey
s
Runni
ngt
ohi
sroom
hecomesbackwit
hthekeysinhand,
het
akes
mybagandIfol
l
owhimt ohiscar

10mi
nut
esl
ater
Hest
opshiscarbyt
hegat
e,hi
sey
esear
chi
ng
t
hecrowd
Hi
m: Canyougetmehernumber
,shel
ooksl
i
ke
agoodfuc-
Me: No,
gett
hatthoughtoutofy
ourmi
ndcause
I
'm notdoi
ngit
Hechuckl
es
Qui
ckl
ygetti
ngoutoft
hecarmumbl
ing"
Womanizer
"walki
ngawaybefor
ehesays
somet
hing

Af
terschool
Iwassi
tt
ingwi
thRomeoatMcDonal
d
Si
ppi
ngonmyst
rawber
rysmoot
hiewhi
l
ehe
hadchocol
ate
I
t'
sbeenawhi
l
esi
ncewe'
vebeenher
e
Wewechat t
ingaboutr
andom stuf
fwhen
suddenl
ythewasclear
ingoft
hroat,
tur
ning
around
IseeEnzoInot
iceafadi
ngbl
ackey
eonhi
s
faceandabust
edli
p
Hi
m:CanIt
alkt
oyouf
oramoment
Ikeepqui
et
Romeo:
Ithi
nkt
hat
'smycuet
oleav
e.
Get
ti
ngupandt
aki
nghi
sst
uff
,ki
ssesmycheek
Romeo:
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
row
Hesay
sleav
ingmewi
thEnzo
"
Trai
tor
",
Imumbl
e
Hesit
swer
eRomeowassi
tt
ingaf
ewmoment
s
ago
Hi
m:H-
hey
Me:
Hi

Awkwar
dsi
l
ence

I
t'
shasnev
erbeenl
i
ket
hisbet
weenus.

Him:Icamet osaysorr
y.Thegui
l
tiseat
ingme
ali
veforthethi
ngsIsai
dtoyouFri
dayni
ghtat
thepart
ya- andImissyou
Hesay
s
Deci
dingt
oignor
ethel
astpar
t
Me:Whatyousaidandwhatyoudidthat
ni
ght,
It
sunli
keyou..
Idi
dn'
texpecti
tfrom y
ou.
JustgoawayIdon'
twantt
otalktoyou
Hi
m:Ican'
tl
eav
eagai
n..
Me:Yousomehowsai
dthatyoucheatedon
me,wer
eyoubei
ngser
iousoryoujustsai
ditt
o
hur
tme?
Scr
atchi
ngt
hebackofhi
shead
Looki
nganywher
ebutme,
Ij
ustknewhewas
bei
ngseri
ous
Him:Yesb-butItwasanaccident,
Iwasreal
ly
drunkandhappenedtowantt ohavesex.You
neverwant
edt odoanythi
ngwi t
hme,You
al
way smadeexcuses..
soIthoughtwhynot
sati
sfymyneedsonsomeonewhowaswi ll
ing
Me:
Say
ingIwasn'
treadywasn'
tanexcuse
Isai
dtohi
m,l
ooki
ngathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef
Hi
m:Wel
lIwasr
eady
Me:Youwer
einarel
ati
onshi
pwherewewer
e
bot
hmeanttobel
oyalt
oeachother
Him: Youdon'tgettotal
kaboutloy
altywhen
you'
v ejustdumpedmef ort
hatguy,
howlong
hasitbeengoi ngfor?..
whereyoualsofucki
ng
him behindmybackt henwhenitcamet ome
youwer enotreadyallofasudden?
Ibacksl
aphi
m,hej
usti
ndi
rect
lycal
l
edmea
bi
tch!
Notcar
ingaboutt
heey
est
hatwer
enowonus
Me:Whathappenedt
oyou,
i
t'
sli
keIdon'
tknow
youany
more
Hi
m:Younev
erknewmef
rom t
hest
art
.

Hesaysget
ti
ngupandl
eav
ingmet
her
e
st
unned

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
IwaswithOzesit
ti
ngr
oom whi
l
emom was
cooki
ngdinner
.
Iwastr
yingt
ogetmybr
otherof
fmybackwhi
l
e
hepi
nnedmedown
Akneeonmybackandmyhandshel
dti
ght
abov
emyhead
Hewast r
yingtogetmet
ospitthel
astblockof
chocol
atewhichwashal
fwaydownmyt hroat
Mom broughtitanditwasourf
ir
stt
imeseei
ng
andeati
ngit,
I
twasr eall
ygoodt
hat'
swhywe
werecurr
entl
yf i
ght
ing
Hi
m:Takei
tout
Me:
No!
,
Igoti
tfi
rst
Isayt
ryi
ngt
ogetoutofhi
sgr
ip
Heputhi
sfi
ngeri
nmymout
h,sear
chi
ngf
ori
t

Eww!Thatf
inger
Ibi
thi
m hardcausinghi
mtohi
ssi
npai
nand
i
mmediatel
ytakeitout
Me:
Mom,
Ozi
str
yingt
oki
l
lme
Iscr
eam out
Mom:
Ozamokuhl
e!Letgoofy
oursi
sternow
Shesaysi
nastrai
nedv
oice,
shewashol
dingi
n
alaught
ryi
ngt
obeseri
ous
Hei
gnor
esher
Mom:Fir
stonetot
hedi
ningt
abl
eget
stheext
ra
pi
eceofchi
cken
Shet
ri
esagai
n.
Hequickl
yget
soffmeandr unst
othe
ki
tchen,
Mom t
ri
pshim andhefal
l
sdown
Givi
ngmeachancetoQui
ckl
ypasshi
m andget
seatedf
ir
statt
het
able
Hi
m:Mom,
youbei
ngunf
air
Hegr
umbl
escomi
ngt
oseatnextt
ome

Mom set
sourplat
esi
nfr
ontofus,
thanki
ngher
befor
eweduginhavi
ngasmall
chatwhich
endedwi
thmeandmom gangi
nguponOz.

It
'sbeenawhi
l
esi
ncewesatl
i
ket
his,
Iwas
enjoy
ingt
hemoment.

Af
terwehaddi
nnerweal
lwentt
obed.
Anot
herI
nser
tlat
er
[
11/
08,
10:
42]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t14

Fol
l
owi
ngday

Ozj
umpsupf
rom hi
sbeanbag
Hi
m:Ha!
,Iwononceagai
n
Me:
Wel
ly-
Him:Don'tev
enthinkabouttr
yingtodef
end
your
self
,Iwonfai
randsquaremeani ngyou
havetowashmyl aundryandcleanmyroom
tomorr
ow.
Hesay
swi
thahugesmi
rkonhi
sface.
Mybrot
herandIar
eplay
ingsomegameIdon'
t
r
eal
lyknowonhispl
ayst
ati
oninhi
sroom.
Ipunchhi
sar
m,angr
yatwhathej
ustr
emi
nded
met
odo
Hesl
amsapi
l
lowi
ntomyf
ace
Hi
m:Someone'
sasor
eloser
Me:Eww,
howmanyheadshav
ebeensl
eepi
ng
ont
hatpi
l
low?
Hi
m: Toomanyt oocount makesureyouuse
bl
eachwheny ouwashit,
NowGetthehel
loutof
myroom Ineedtobathandgogetmom's
Gr
ocery
Me:
Youusi
ngy
ourownmoney
Hi
m:Yeahandnow youowemehal
fthemoney
wespenty
est
erday
Me:
What?
,No!
Him:Yes,j
ustgetoutwel
ldi
scusst
hiswhenI
getback.
Me:There'
snot
hingt
odi
scuss,
Iowey
ou
not
hing
Isayget
ti
ngupandgoi
ngt
otheki
tchent
o
washt
hedi
sheswej
ustmade.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Ozlef
tfort
ownl
ateronandIwasj
ustdone
cl
eani
ngup.

Ir
anupt
othebat
hroom t
otakeabat
h
Put
tingmyhairupinamessybun,Iwentt
o
wearmyoversizedj
ersey
,t
ight
sandmyf l
uff
y
cot
tonwoolsocks.
I
twasrai
ningandcol
doutsi
de,
besi
desIwasn'
t
pl
anni
ngongoinganywher
e.

Iwentdownstair
swi t
hmyf l
eece
bl
anket,
grabbedalr
eadymadepopcor nsand
wentwit
ht hem t
ot hesi
tt
ingroom wereImade
mysel
fcomf ort
ableonthecouch.
Iwasaboutt
oTaket
heremotefrom t
hecof
fee
tabl
ewhenIhear
daknockonthedoor
Get
ti
ngupput
ti
ngt
hepopcor
nbagasi
de
Iopen

Meet
ingReece'
ssmi
rk
Me:
Ozi
snother
e
Hi
m:Hel
l
otoy
out
oopr
incess.
Hesaysl
eani
ngi
ntoki
ssmycheekbutIback
away
Hi
m:Wel
lI'
l
lwai
tforhi
m
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkhe'
l
lcomebackanymoment
f
rom now
Him:Moret
imef
ory
ouandIt
ohav
eamakeout
sessi
on
Hesay
spassi
ngmeandget
ti
ngi
n
Me:
Iny
ourdr
eams
Isaycl
osi
ngt
hedoor
Taki
ngmyf
leeceIheadt
owar
dsmyr
oom.
Maki
ngmy sel
fcomf
ort
abl
eonmybed,
Iswi
tch
onmytvandwatchmyfav
ori
te.
.
SpongeBob,t
urni
ngt
hev
olumeupali
ttl
ebi
t
causetherai
nwasmaki
ngabitofanoi
se
outsi
de.

Reecej
ustbudgesi
nmyr
oom
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantnow ?
Iaskal
mosti
rr
it
ated
Hel
ay'
sdownbesi
deme
Hi
m:Iwantt
obenextt
oyou.
Me:Youti
redofy
ourwhor
esnowy
ouwantt
o
messwit
hme?
Hel
ooksatme
Hi
m:I
ngenaphi
leuyi
thethay
o?,
whatar
eyou
ev
ent
alki
ngaboutr
ightnow?
Me:You.
.Oz,
thatni
ghty
ouwentout.
.Bot
hof
yougott
ocomehomewi thsomechi
cksnow
whydon'
tyougot
oherandl
eav
emeal
one?
Hi
m:Ar
eyouj
eal
ous?

WasI?
..
No

Me:Whatno!Ijustmeantt
hatyougotsome
chi
ck,
shewaswi l
li
ngtobewit
hy ousoI-
Idon'
t
under
standwhatyousti
l
lwantfr
om mewhen
youcouldhav
ehadher.
WasIev
enmaki
ngsense?
Hi
m:Wel
lIwanty
ou
Hesay
staki
ngmyhandi
nhi
s
Hel
ooksmest
rai
ghti
ntheey
es

Snapoutofi
tAl
ona.
Isnat
chmyhandf
rom hi
s
Me:
Getout
,Ozmi
ghtbeonhi
swaybackandI
don'
twanthi
mfi
ndi
ngy
oui
nmyr
oom andi
n
mybed
Hi
m:Soyoudon'
twantmetogetout
,i
t'
sjust
t
haty
ou'
reaf
rai
dofyourbr
other?
Heaskssmi
rki
ngatme
Me:W-What?Nost
optwist
ingmywords,
In-
(
stoppi
ngmidsent
ence)j
ustpl
easel
eave
Hi
m:Fi
rstgi
vemeaki
ss
Me:
No!
Him:Ohtheny ou'
rebr
otherwi
l
lfi
ndmeher
eon
yourbed.
.i
nfact
Heget
supandget
sundert
hebl
anket
sthi
s
t
ime
Hi
m:Undery
oursweetsmel
l
ingbl
anket
s
Me:
Idon'
tcar
e,I
'
m st
il
ln-
Cut
ti
ngmeshor
t
Hi
m:Doy
ouknowt
hef
ir
stt
hingt
hathe'
l
lthi
nk?
Il
ookathi
m,wi
ggl
i
nghi
sey
ebr
ows
Me:
Eww,
what?No!Hel
lno
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m:Thenhe'
l
ltel
lyourmom
Igl
areathi
m
Hi
m:T-
Me:
Okst
op,
I
'l
ldoi
t
Hi
m:You'
l
ldowhat?
Hesay
slooki
ngatmesmi
l
ing
Me:
It
Hi
m:Sayi
t
Me:
I'
ll
kissy
ou
Hi
m:Put'
want
'i
nthatsent
ence
It
akeadeepbr
eat
htr
yingt
ohol
dinmyanger
Me:
Iwantt
oki
ssy
ou
Isayi
nonebr
eat
h,IswearI
'
veal
readyt
urneda
dar
kshader
ed
Him:Wow,IknowI '
veal
way
shadgirl
sthrowing
themsel
vesatmebutInevert
houghtyou'dbe
oneofthem pr
incess
Me:
Canwegett
hisdonesoy
oucangetoutof
myroom ?
Him:Iknowy oucan'
twai
ttotast
emyl i
ps
agai
nPr i
ncessasmuchasIcan'twaitt
osuck
onyours,
butlet
ssaveitf
ortoni
ght.
Me:
Huh?
Hi
m:Yousl
eepi
ngatmyhouset
oni
ght
Me:
What?
,NoI
'
m not
!
Iscr
eech
Him:Yesy ouare,
orI'
l
lsneakint
oyourroom
toni
ghtandsleepwit
hy our
.IswearI
'
llsnor
eso
l
oudt hatyourmom wil
lwakeupandcome
checkitout
Me:
Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e
Him:Dareme, I
'
llmakesuretoonlyhav
emy
boxer
sonhol di
ngyoufrom behi
nd..
NcNc,
your
motherwil
lhaveaheartat
tackwhenshesees
herd-
Me:
Enough!I
-I
'
llsl
eepov
er,
j
ustst
op
Hi
m:Sur
e
"Manipul
ati
veAsshol
e"Imumbl
eundermy
breat
h
Hi
m:Whatwast
hat?
Me:
Not
hing
Hi
m:Thoughtsot
oo
Hesayski
ssingmycheekbef
oreget
ti
ngupand
l
eavi
ngmyr oom.

Iwi
pemycheekwi
tht
hebackofmyhand.
Asshol
e
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Ozarr
ivedl
ateronandIwentt ohelphi
m sort
outt
hegroceri
es,ImeanIsortedt
hem outby
mysel
fbecausehedeci dedtogowithReece
'
somewhere'Ishouldn'
tknow.
Deci
dingt
ocookear
ly
Macar
oni
andcheesef
orsupper
Iwasdoneanhourl
aterandIdi
shedout
,put
ti
ng
Ozandmom'sfoodintheovenwhil
eIwentto
eatmi
neinmyroom .

Itext
edMom t
ell
i
nghert
hatI
'
m sl
eepi
ngov
er
atRomeohouse.
Sheneverhadapr obl
em wi
thmyf ri
endship
wit
hRomeobecausesheknewt hathewasgay
sochancesofmeandhi m doi
ngsomet hing
whenwesl eptov
erateachother'
shouseswere
zer
o.

Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
esl
atersher
epl
i
ed
-
OkI
'
llseey
out
omor
row .

Ial
sot
ext
edOzamokuhl
e

ThenIt
ext
edRomeot
ocov
erf
orme
Hi
m: Don'
thavet
oomuchfun,Useprotect
ion
..
wedon'twantyout
ogetpregnantyet
Al
thoughyoutwowouldmakecutebabies

Me:What
,EwwNo!Wenotdoi
ngany
thi
ng
t
oget
her
Romeo:
Yeah.
.sur
e
Het
ext
edback
Me:
Bel
i
evewhatev
er
It
exthi
m
Fi
nishi
ngmyf
ood,
Igor
insemypl
ate
Asi
foncue,
myphoner
ings
Wipi
ngmyhandsonanapki
nIcheckt
hecal
l
er
i
d
Reece
Idon'
tanswer
Het
ri
est
ocal
laf
ewt
imest
il
lhegi
vesup
Well
Ithoughtsount
ilIhear
daknockatt
he
door
,hel
etshimsel
fin
Heappear
swi
thhi
sphonei
nhandglari
ngat
me,
hecall
smewhi
leI
'minf
rontofhi
m
andMyphoner
ings

Shi
t!
Hi
m:Uy
andi
nyel
akodwawena.
Hesay
sput
ti
nghi
sphonei
nhi
spocket
Reece:
MasambeAl
ona
Me:
Ireal
l
yd-
Reece:
Alona
Hesay
swar
ningl
y

Walki
ngoutt
omyr
oom t
otakesomeofmy
st
uff.
Headi
ngout,
Il
ockthedoorbehi
ndmeandget
i
nhiscarsl
ammingthedoor.
[
11/
08,
10:
42]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t15

Sundaymor
ningReecedr
ovemehome

Iwasn'tpl
anningongoi
ngt
ochur
ch,
Idi
dsayI
di
dn'tgooftenaft
eral
l.
Mom l
eftf
orchur
cht
hough

SohereIwaseati
ngcereal
causeIr
efusedt
o
eatatReece'
shouse.
"
Rememberourdeal
?"
It
urnt
olookatOz
Me:
Whatdeal
?
Iknewwhathewasr
efer
ri
ngt
o
Hi
m:Doy
our
eal
l
ywantmet
oremi
ndy
ou?
Heaskswi
thasmugl
ook
Him:Youhav
etocl
eanmyr oom,
changemy
beddi
ngandwashmylaundry
Me:
I'
ll
doi
tsomeot
herday
Hi
m:Ah-
Ahweagr
eedony
oudoi
ngi
ttoday
Isi
gh
Me:
Fine
Isayget
ti
ngupandput
ti
ngmybowl
int
hesi
nk

Goi
ngtohisr
oom Iopent
hedoor
,t
her
e's
not
hingmuchtodo.
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
ef
Me:Ithi
nkIneedsomegl
ovest
ochangey
our
beddi
ng
Iy
ell
forhi
mtohear
Him:
Idon'
thaveanyIguessy
ougonnahav
eto
usey
ourhands
Hesay
slaughi
ng.
Hewasenj
oyi
ngt
his
Ishakemyheadi
ndisappr
oval
butIst
art
changi
nghi
sbeddi
ng.
RemovingtheBl
anket
sIcomeacr
ossan
al
readyusedcondom.
Yeses
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**
Af
terIwasdonewi
thhi
sbeddi
ng

Ipickedupsomefew cl
othesandwentt
oput
them int
hewashi
ngmachi ne.
Aboutanhourl
aterItwasdoneandIwas
goi
ngouttohangitupinthewashi
ng,
passi
ng
ReeceandOzatthesit
ti
ngroom.

WhenIgetbackfr
om hangi
ngt
hewashing,
Igo
upt
ohisroom tosor
touthi
scl
othesi
nthe
war
drobe

Iwasal
mostdonewhenat
houghtcr
ossedmy
mi
nd

Taki
ngoutafewofhi
sclot
hesandheadwi
th
them t
othewashi
ngmachi
ne
Iputt
hem i
nandpourhal
fabot
tl
eofbl
each.
Iwat
chedthewat
erchangei
ntosomecol
ouras
hi
sclot
heswerer
uined.
Smi
l
ingi
nsat
isf
act
ion,
Ical
loutf
orhi
m.
Hecomesi
nseei
ngt
heal
mostempt
ybot
tl
eof
bl
each
Hi
sey
esal
mostpopout
Hi
m:Di
dyo-
Hedoesn'
tfi
nishasher
ushest
owar
dsmet
o
seet
hedamage
Hi
m:MyFav
our
it
eje-
,
Youdi
ditonpur
pose!
Heal
mostscr
eamedatme
Me: Yeah,
youwokemeupwi
thicecol
dwater
Fr
idayRemember..y
oudi
dn'
tthi
nkIwasgonna
l
etitgodidyou?
Hi
m:Iapol
ogi
zedandy
ouf
orgav
eme!
Me:
Wel
lIdi
dbutnow,
Iwasbor
ed
Isaidusi
ngthel
ineheusedonmeFriday
morningwhenhedeci
dedtoshowermewith
i
cecubes
Me:
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry,
for
giv
eme?
IsayasIr
unoutl
aughi
ng,
hewasr
eadyt
o
pounceonme
Iranint
omyr
oom andqui
ckl
ylockedt
hedoor
behindme

"Shej
ustbl
eachedmycl
othes"
Ihearhi
m sayt
oReece.
Reecechuckl
esbef
oresay
ingsomet
hing

Itunet
hem outandgetonmybedt
otakeanap
causeIwasti
red.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
**

Wokenupbyaknockonmybedr
oom door
Igetof
fandt
hebedandwentt
oopen.
"
Yourmom say
syouhav
ebeenl
ockedi
nyour
r
oom si
nceshegotbackf
rom chur
ch"
Romeosay
sget
ti
ngi
nandt
hrowi
nghi
msel
fon
mybed
Me:
Yeah,
Ozwant
stoki
l
lme
Hi
m:Whatdi
dyoudot
hist
ime?
Ist
artt
ell
i
nghi
m..

RomeoandIwer
ecur
rent
lychi
l
li
ngatt
hepar
k
Peopl
ewatchi
ng,
whensomechi
ckpassedby
gl
ari
ngatme
Inot
iceditwasEnzo'
sgir
lfr
iend,
theoneI'
ve
onceexchangedafewinsul
tswithatschool
Me:Yint
oni
?Wandi
'
jongaI
ngat
hindi
nguK
wakho.
Her
:Andi
naKonj
engawe.
Me:Damnr
ightawunay
e,ndi
mhl
egqi
thf
oruba
nguy
e
Romeoburstsoutl
aughi
ngandthechi
ck
cont
inuewit
hherwayleavi
ngusinf
it
sof
l
aughter.
Cat
chingourbr
eathsandcont
inuet
osi
tina
comfort
abl
esil
ence.
Unt
ilRomeodeci
det
obr
eaki
t

Romeo: Heey
azIwasabouttoaskwhat
happenedwhenyou'
Slept
'ov
eratReecehouse
Heaskedmaki
ngt
hewor
dsl
eptmor
ecl
ear
er
Il
ookedathi
sgr
inni
ngf
ace
Me:
Not
hing
Ishr
ugged
Romeo:Sur
e,youspendtheni
ghtatahotguy
's
houseandyoudo' Not
hing'
.
Heusedt
hatt
onet
hatsai
dIknowy
ouar
ely
ing
Me:Youdon'
tbel
iev
eme?IswearI'
mt ell
i
ng
yout
hetrut
h,wej
ustsatt
her
eandbi
ckered
backandf
ort
hwhi
l
ewehadsomest
ari
ng
cont
est
Isai
dli
kei
twasanor
mal
thi
ngt
odo
Romeo:
Youdi
dn'
tev
enki
ss?
Me:Whywouldwe?It'
snotl
i
kewear
eina
r
elat
ionshi
porsomet
hing
Romeo:
Yout
woar
ejustpl
ainwei
rdt
hen
Me:
Ihat
ehi
m
Romeo:
Ther
e'sat
hinl
i
nebet
weenl
oveand
hat
e
Me:
That
'swhathesai
d
It
urnt
olookathi
m att
hesamet
imehedi
dand
webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Lat
eronIaccompaniedhi
mt ocatchat
axi
homebecauseitwasgett
ingdar
k
Iknowi
tski
ndashor
t.
Bor
ing
Sor
ry
[
11/
08,
10:
42]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t16

Icamehomef r
om school
Mondaylat
ert
han
usualbecauseIhadtogotot
heli
brar
ytofi
nish
offsomeassignment.
Taki
ngmykeyfr
om myschoolbagIopenand
geti
ncl
osi
ngthedoorbehi
nd
Igostr
aightt
omyr
oom becauseIdi
dn'
tfeel
l
ikeeat
ing
Takingmyuni
for
m offQuickl
ythenchangi
ng
i
ntoabaggyshirtonl
ybef or
ethrowi
ngmy sel
f
onmybedt aki
nganapt hattur
nedoutwit
hme
fal
l
ingasl
eep.

Waki
nguplat
erwhenIf
eltsomeoneShaki
ng
metowakeup
Groani
ngandbur
yingmyheadundert
hepi
l
low
"
Goaway "IMumbledt
owhoever
.

"
I'
m cur
rent
lyenj
oyi
ngt
hev
iewr
ightnowso
whywouldI?"
Adeepv
oiceanswer
smeback
Shi
t!
Sl
owlypeeki
ngmyheadout
,IseeReece
smir
kingatmebef
oremyeyestrai
l
edtomy
body.
Iscreechbef
orej
umpi
ngoutofbedandQui
ckl
y
pull
myshi r
tdown
Whil
eIwassleepingitsomehowmanagedt o
ri
deupexposingthesideofmythighandupper
bodyendi
ngjustbelowmybr al
ine,
howthat
happened?Itbeatsme.
Ihear
dhi
m chuckl
e.
Icov
ermy
sel
fupwi
thaf
leece
Him:I'
l
lseewhat
'sunder
neat
ht her
esomeday
anyway,
whyareyouevenhi
dingit?
Ii
gnorehisremarkandlookforsomethingt
o
wear,
fi
ndi
ngsomet rackpantsandmanaget o
wearthem whil
eIhadthefleecewrapped
ar
oundme
Li
ft
ingmyey
estogl
areathi
m,Hewat
chedme
i
namusement.
Hecametowar
dsme,
snat
chi
ngt
hebl
anketof
f
mehethr
ewitonmybed.
Snaki
nghi
shandunder
neat
hmyshi
rt
,her
est
ed
i
tontopofmybra.
Mov
ingi
tundersohecoul
dtouchmybr
east
Iwasuncomf
ort
abl
e
Iputmyhandonhi
sar
mtopul
lhi
m away
Him:Gety
ourhandoffme!
,
Icantouchy
oui
n
anywayIwantwhenIwant
.goti
t?
Hesai
dinhi
slowdeept
hreat
eni
ngv
oice
Imov
edmyhandawayf
rom hi
m
Hi
m:That
'smygi
rl
Hesay
staki
nghi
shandsof
fme.
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
ef
St
eppi
ngawayf
rom hi
m
Me: Idon'tknowhowmanyt i
mesi hav
etold
yout hatIam notyourgir
l,youcouldhaveany
gir
lyouwantbuty etyouwantt heonewho
doesn'twanty ou,
whydidy ouchoosemet o
torment? .
Yousav edmeonl ytothrowiti
nmy
faceandusei tagainstme, why?
Him:Youmayf
eel
li
keI
'
m cr
uel
andy
oumay
hatemeb-
Me:
Idohat
eyou
Hi
m: Soyou'
vet
oldt
oldmeandI'v
etol
dy ou
t
hatIdon'
tgi
vearat
sassbecauseIwantyou
Me:
AndIdon'
t
Hi
m:AndIdon'
tcar
e
Me:Youar
eapsy
chot
icobsessedAsshol
eand
I-
Idi
dn'tgettof
ini
shmysentencebecausethe
nextthi
ngIknowI'm bei
ngsl
ammedi ntot
he
wall
,makingmybackhurt
Iwi
ncei
npai
n
Him:What.
did.
I.fucken.Say
.to.
you.
about
.i
nsulti
ng.me?
Hesayssol
owIal
mostdi
dn'thearhi
mthati
s
howIknowi
twasal
lj
okesaside
Tear
srol
ldownmycheeks
Me:
I-I
'
m sor
ry
Br
ingi
nghishandup,
Ifl
inched.
Looki
ngupat
hi
m Icoul
dalmostseehurtmaskhisfeat
ures
Hi
sthumbwentundermyey
est
owi
peaway
t
hetear
s.
Him:Idon'
twanttohurty
oubuti
fyoukeep
pushi
ngmet henIwil
l
Taki
ngadeepbr
eat
h
Me:
Ozmi
ghtc-
Hi
m:He'
snotcomi
ngbackunt
ilt
omor
row.
Me:I
'm goi
ngt
oschool
tomor
rowsoIneedt
o
gett
obed
Isai
dtr
yingt
ogethi
mtol
eav
e
Hi
m:Ubauf
unandi
hambeAl
ona,
yi
tsho.
Iswal
l
owt
hel
umpt
hatwasf
ormi
ngi
nmy
thr
oat
.
Hegoest
omakehi
msel
fcomf
ort
abl
eonmy
bed
Hi
m:I
'
m st
ayi
ngher
eforabi
tthen
Me:
Sui
tyour
sel
f
Isaybef
oremaki
ngmywayoutt
ogost
artwi
th
cooki
ng
Hi
m:Wher
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
Idon'
thav
etoanswert
oyou
Hi
m: Ohyesy
oudo,
pret
tymuchev
ery
thi
ngy
ou
doconcer
nsme
Me:
Youmustbemyi
magi
nar
yfat
hert
hen
Him:Nobutonethi
ngI'
m sur
eabouti
sthatI
'
m
yourmanfr
iend(
par
tner
)
Me:Noy ounotr
emember
?,Idon'
twanty
ouand
Icer
tai
nlyd-
Him:YoumaynotwantmeandIdon'
tcare,
butI
wil
lal
waystakecar
eofyouunl
i
keyourl
yi
ng
cheat
ingEnzo
Me:
Enzol
ovedmeh-
Cut
ti
ngmeshor
tonceagai
n
Hi
m:Hedi
d?
Laughi
ngi
ndi
sbel
i
ef
Hi
m:Hewasf
uckingsomeotherwhor
esont
he
si
dewhi
l
ehecl
aimedtolov
ey ou.
Swall
owi
ngthel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
,Idi
dn'
twanna
hearnomor
e
Him:trut
hhurts,
butatl
eastyouknownowhe
neverdidlov
ey ouandyoujustgot
taexcepti
t.
Cuppi
ngnyf
acei
nhi
shands,
heki
ssesmy
for
ehead
Him:Iknowy oudon'
twantmebutI '
dnever
pret
endt obesomethi
ngthatI
'm not
,I
'
ma
heart
lesscol
d'Asshol
e'asyoul
iketocal
lme
andI'
m notgoingtohi
deit.

Reecewassomehowri
ght,
heishe'
dalways
showedmehistr
uecol
orsfr
om thebegi
nni
ng
whil
eEnzowasawolfi
nasheepsclothi
ng.
WasIthatbl
indedbylov
ethatIdidn'
tsee
i
t?,
courseIwasbecauseIthoughthewoul dbe
t
helastper
sont ot
hinkwoul
dev ercheatonme
Howst
upi
dcanal
sobet
othi
nkhewasper
fect?
Thatthecoul
dbeat hi
ngasaPerfect
guy,
Reeceprovesi
twithhi
sact
ionsthatt
her
e
i
snosuch
Imayhat ehim andmayhavetodeal wi
thhis
possessivenessandthr
eat
sbutAtleastIknow
he'
llneverpretendt
obesomeonehi snot,
hisa
assholestrai
ghttomyfacenotbehindmyback.

Me:
Ineedy
out
oleav
e
Hi
m:Nowi
l
ldopr
incess
Me:
Please
It
ryt
obegast
ear
sst
artt
orol
loutofmyey
es.
Hi
m:Wipet
hoset
ear
sawayf
rom y
our
ey
es,
now
Hesay
sst
ernl
y
ButIdon'
tdowhathewant
smet
odo
Hi
m:I
m notgoi
ngt
orepeatmy
sel
fAl
ona.
Gr
abbi
ngmebymyar
m,hest
aresdownatme
Hi
m:Now!
Hey
ell
sashi
sgr
iponmyar
mti
ght
ens
Quickl
ywipi
ngt
hem away
,Ican'
thel
pitast
hey
pouredoutmor
e
Him:I'
m notgoi ngtosaysorryabouthur ti
ng
yourfeeli
ngs,I
twaseitherIgetitthr
oughy our
headorIl etyoubeindenial.Youcan' tavoid
betr
ayal becauseyoudon'twantt oget'hurt'
,y
ou
needtot akewhateverli
fethrowsaty ou
somet i
mesandbeabl etofaceit.Now
Wipe.them.off.
Wi
pingev
eryt
raceoft
ear
s
Heputhi
sfi
ngerundermychi
n,
maki
ngmel
ook
upathi
m whi
lehestar
eddownatme
Hi
m:AwusePi
nk(
i)nj
e
Het
easesme
I
gnor
ehi
m
Hi
m:You'
reshor
t
I
gnor
ehi
m
Hi
m:Iwantt
omakey
oumywi
feonedaySoI
'
d
fuckyousensel
essal
ldayl
ongandcomeback
tohiti
tlat
eronknowi
ngyouwait
ingf
ormein
bed.
Hecont
inues
Me:
Eww!WHAT?
Iscr
eechathi
m scr
unchi
ngmynosei
ndi
sgust
Hel
aughsatme
Ididn'
twanttohearanyt
hingnastycoming
from hi
smout hnomore,turni
ngaroundtogo
thebathroom t
owashmyf ace
Hef
oll
owsme
Me:
Whyar
eyouf
oll
owi
ngme.?
Him:I
t'
shar
dnott
o,Youhav
eahugesexyass
andIenj
oyt
hevi
ewsowhywouldn'
tI?
Tur
ningt
ogl
areathi
m
Me:
Whyar
eyoul
i
ket
his?
HeshrugsandIj
ustshookmyheadi
n
annoy
ance
St
andinginfr
ontofthesi
nk,
Iopent
het
apand
wai
tforthehotwater
Spl
ashi
ngmyf
acewi
thi
taf
ter
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
[
11/
08,
10:
42]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t17

Iwasnowinthekit
chencooki
ngsomet
hing
si
mpleandquick.
Reecewasst
il
lher
eandwoul
dn'
tqui
tbuggi
ng
me.
Hi
m:Whyar
eyouqui
et?
Me:Thi
nki
ngofway
stoki
l
lyouandmakesur
e
noonefi
ndsout
Hi
m:May
bey
oushoul
daskmef
orsomei
deas
Me:
Ohy
ouranex
per
t,
HowcanIf
orget
Il
ookathi
m ashe'
sst
ari
ngatme.
.
Hi
m:Masi
ngaqhel
ani
Alona.
Hesay
shi
sfacenowal
lser
ious.
Me:
Xol
o.
Isay
Hedoesn'
tsayany
thi
ng
Hi
sphonesuddenl
yri
ngs,
breaki
ngt
hesi
l
ence
Answer
ingi
t
Hi
m:Ya,
Ndi
hlel
inal
omnt
ana.
Hehe,
Nal
oMnt
ana?
Him:Xelel
alonjabaayi
ndini
kilewei,
i
zodi bana
nam andandizuthet
hakani
ntsi
ndizayidubula
i
nye.Xo
Hangi
ngup,
Hel
ooksatme
Il
ookathi
m andShakemyhead,
hehasno
shame.
Hi
m:Yi
nto?
(What
)
Me:
Ayont
o.
Idi
dn'
twantt
osaysomet
hingt
hatmi
ghtpi
ss
hi
m of
f,nott
hat'l
lhel
pthoughbecausewi
thhi
m
Ev
eryt
hingpisseshim of
f
Him: I
khonai nt
oofunauy
ithetha
Alona,
thetha.(t
her
eissomet hingy
ouwantt
o
sayAl ona,sayi
t)
Hesay
smat
teroff
act
Me:Hav
eyougotnor
emor
se?
,thet
hingsy
ou
dot
opeo-
Him:Idon'tbul
lshi
twheni tcomest
omydeal s
orrunningmycr ew. AnyonewhoBul
lshi
tswit
h
mewi ll
payf orit,
that'
sthewayIam Pri
ncess
getusedt oit
.
Wai
ti
ngf
orasecond
Me:
Idon'
thav
etogetusedt
oany
thi
ngy
ouAss
-
Hi
m:Idar
eyout
ofi
nisht
hatl
astwor
d
Hesay
s,hi
sfacest
oic
Hecomest
owar
dsmeandIt
akeaf
ewst
eps
back.
Gr
abbi
ngmebymywai
st,
heput
spr
essur
eoni
t
Me:
S-Sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
o
Him:Thatsor
rywon'
tbeenoughonedaywhenI
complet
elyl
osemytemperwithy
ou.
Hesaysbef
oret
aki
nghi
sphonet
hatheputi
n
t
hetabl
eandmakeshi
swayout
Wait
ingf
oraf
ewmi
nut
esbef
oreIgol
ockaf
ter
hi
m.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
St
ruggl
i
ngt
owakeupt
hef
oll
owi
ngday

Mom:
Alonav
ukaory
ougonnabel
ate
Me:
Just2mor
emi
nut
es
Mom: 2minutesthataregoi
ngtotur
ninto
anot
her2mi nut
est henanhourandyou'
dbe
deadasl
eep,
Khawuv ukemaar
n
Ibur
ymy
sel
fmor
eint
omywar
m bl
anket
s
Mom:
Imadey
ourf
avor
it
epancakes
Me:
Nowi
l
ldo
Mom:
Ial
somadebacon
Me:
Nope
Si
l
entf
orami
nut
e
Mom: I
'l
lcal
lOzandyouknowi
twon'
tbea
pl
easantwaytowakeup
Jumpi
ngoutofbed
Me:
I'
m up!
Shel
aughsatmeasshemakesherwayoutof
myroom
45mi
nut
esl
aterIhadgot
tenr
eadyf
orschool
.
Iwasnowonmywayt
oeatbr
eakf
ast
.
Fi
ndingOzal
readystuf
fi
ngacoupl
eof
pancakeswi
thwhippedcr
eam onhi
smout
h.
Theyl
ookedgood.
Sit
ti
ngdownont
hechai
r,
put
ti
ngmyschool
bag
besideme
Iopent
hel
i
doft
hepl
atet
hatwasi
nfr
ontof
me
Ozget
supr
unni
ngout

Fi
ndingthepl
atethatsupposedt
ohavemy
pancakesempty,
NowIknowwhyhej ustr
an
out
Me:
Mom !
Mom:
Ozamokuhl
e!
Oz:
What?
Heanswer
swi
thhi
smout
hful
lont
heot
her
si
de.

andthat
'showmydayst ar
ted,wit
hmehav ing
toeatasnackbarf
orbreakfastbecausemy
brot
heracci
dent
all
yat
emybr eakfast
..
sur
e
l
i
keIbel
i
evehi
m.

IWaspr
ett
ymuchgr
umpyal
ldayl
ong
AndItwasworsewhenIwasdy
ingt
ogot
o
l
unch,l
eav
ingRomeobehi
nd
Pushi
ngmywayi
nthecr
owdt
il
lIbumpedi
nto
someone
Looki
ngupt
ooneofEnzo'
sfr
iends.
"
Whatt
hef
uckiswrongwi
thy
ou?
,Wat
chwher
e
y
ougoi
ngyoubi
tch"
Hesai
dget
ti
ngal
langr
ywi
thme

Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Hi
m:Sorr
y?I st
hatwhaty
oual
sosai
dtot
o
Hi
m aft
eryoudi
dwhatyoudi
d?
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout
.
Isai
dconf
used
Nowt
her
ewasacr
owdf
ormi
ngar
oundus.
Greatj
ustgr
eat. Thisdaykeepsget
ti
ng
bett
erandbett
erNOTETHESARCASM.
Him:Stopact
ingstupi
dyoul
i
ttl
ebi
tch,
whydi
d
youbreakupwithEnzo!?
Ist
aredathi
m wi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng
Hi
m:Why?tobewi t
hthatguy?wher
eyou
f
ucki
nghi
m( Reece)behi
ndhi
sback?
Me:That
'snotwhathappened,
Il
ovedEnzowi
th
al
lmyheart.
.
Him:Funnywayofshowi
ngi
t,
goodl
uckwi
th
bei
nghissidewhor
e
Sl
ap
Hej
ustsl
appedme
Bri
ngi
ngmyfistuptoconnectwit
hhisface,
I
don'
tpaynoatt
enti
ontothepainthatshoot
sin
myhand.
Bef
orehecoul
ddosomet
hingt
hough,
ther
ewas
suddenl
ysomeoneinthemiddl
e..
blocki
ngus
fr
om tear
ingeachot
hershead

•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Iendedupatthenur
ser
oom,becauseIhad
str
ainedmyhandwhenIdel
i
veredthatpunch.
Nurse:Giv
eitaweek, i
tshouldhealasl
ongas
youtakecareofit.
.Ihavealett
erof
recommendationswr i
tt
enforyou,y
oushould
takeitt
otheclini
c..
butthi
sointmentwi
lldofor
now.
Shesai
dasshebandagedmyhand
Inodi
nunder
standi
ng
Her:
Neverhadacasewhereagir
lpunchesa
boybef
ore,
youmustbepret
tyst
rongbecauseI
al
sohadtonursehi
snose.
Smir
kingi
nsat
isf
act
ion,
Igr
ewupwi
thOzaf
ter
al
l
Her
:YouMotheri
swai
ti
ngf
ory
oubyt
he
par
kingl
ot
her
e'sy
ourpassout
,thepr
inci
pal
gav
eitt
ome.
InodasIt
ooki
t.

Suspendedf
or2day
s
I
tmightnotseem much,
butforagr
ade12
l
ear
neritwassomethingbi
g.
Butat
leastIhadRomeosur
elyhewasgoi
ngt
o
bri
ngmenot es

Walkingoutoft
her
egat
eaf
terIshowedt
he
guardthesli
p
Igeti
nsi
demom'
scarandshedr
ivesof
f
Shedropsmehomeandgoesbacktowork
sayi
ngshe'
l
ldeal
wit
hmelaterwhensheget
s
home
'
Uzof
ikandi
l
ele'
IMumbl
edt
omy
sel
fwi
tha
smugl
ook
Her:Ekugqi
beleniAwuvumelekangauye
esi
kolweni.
Icouldaskforadayoffngomso
ndi
hlalenaweiminiyonkendi
kuthuke,
Uci
mb'
unt
wsampuwena.

Yeses
.
..
.
[
11/
08,
10:
43]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t18

Get
ti
ngi
nsi
det
hehouse
Ifi
ndOzsit
ti
ngalone,
agl
assofsodai
nhand
andtal
ki
ngonhisphone.
Hei
mmedi
atel
yhangsupwhenheseesme
Hi
m:Wow,
youbackear
ly
Idon'
tanswerhi
m
Taki
ngmei
n,
hi
sey
esl
andt
omybandagedf
ist
Hi
m:Yougoti
naf
ight
Hest
atedsmugl
y
Me:
Yeah
Isai
dasImademywayt ohim,sit
ti
ngbesi
de
him af
terIhadt
akenmyschoolbagof
f
Hi
m:Umt
sal
engamabel
e?
Heasksashet
akesasi
pfr
om hi
sgl
ass
Me:
Itwasaguy
Isay
,choki
ngonhi
sdr
ink
Hel
ooksatmeandchuckl
esi
namusement
Hi
m:Di
dyoubeathi
sass?
Me:
Yeah
Pat
ti
ngmyback
Hi
m:Good
Wei
rdbr
otherIhav
ehuh?
Me:Butnow,
Mom i
sgoingt
obeonmycase
whenshecomesback.
It
hinkI
'
llj
ustbakeherf
avour
it
emuf
fi
ns
Hi
m:Asi
fthey
'l
lhel
p
Me:
I'
m sur
ethey'
l
ldothei
rpar
t,I
'l
lbeupi
nmy
r
oom f
oranap.Wakemeuplater
.
Iseehi
m gr
in
Me:Youknow,
for
gett
hel
astpar
tI'
l
ljustsetan
al
arm.
Hechuckl
es
Runni
ngupt omyroom,Itakeof
fmyschool
uni
for
m andchangeint
osomer andom cl
othes
bef
oregett
ingontopofthebed.
Waki
ngupl
atert
hatday
Ihadwokenupandwentt
otheki
tchen
Checki
ngthei
ngredi
ent
ssothatIcoul
dstar
t
baki
ng,Thewer
eaf ewmeani
ngIhadt ogoto
theshops
"
Oz"Ical
loutf
orhi
m
Hi
m:Yi
nto?
Hi
m:Awuna'
bhut
i'
Khona?
Me:
Whi
choneshoul
dIanswerf
ir
st?
Qui
et
Me:Cany
ouAccompanymet ot
heshops,
I
needt
ogetsomei
ngr
edient
s
Him:Woyi
kant
oungahambiwedwa?,
it
'snot
l
ikekul
ateohwoy
ikal
antwanauyi
khabi
leyo?
Me:
Nob-
Him:Letsj
ustgototown,
I'
mlazyt
ocooksowe
canalsogett
akeaways.
Me: Sur
e,l
etmej
ustchangei
ntosomet
hing
decent.
Isayt
ohi
mrunni
ngupt
omyr
oom
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Aft
erwedi
dtheMi
nishoppi
ngwewentback
home.
Iwasaboutt
ogotothekitchent
ostar
tbaki
ng
whenIgotaphonecal
lfr
om Reecesayi
nghi
s
out
side.
IhadwalkedpassOzwhowasst
il
lbusywi
th
hi
slapt
op
Hi
m:Uy
aphi
?
Shi
t.
Thi
nk.
Me:Iuh-
mf or
gott
obuyvani
l
laessence,
I'
m
goi
ngtogeti
tatt
heshop
Hi
m:Oh.
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
ef.
Wal
ki
ngoutandt
oReece'
scart
hatwaspar
ked
af
ewhousesaway
Igeti
nsl
ammi
ngt
hedoorwi
thf
orce
Hi
m:Hel
l
otoy
out
oo.
Me:Undi
bizel
ento?,
makei
tqui
ckCouse
ndi
shi
yeimbiza.
Li
e.
Hi
m:DoIneedar
easonf
oruzobonaumnt
u
wam ?
Rol
l
ingmyey
es,
Ihuf
finannoy
ance.
HepinchesmycheeksandIswathi
shand
awayrubbi
ngthespot
.
Hi
m:Yi
ntoni
ngoesandl
enAl
ona?
Heasksinhisdeepusual
voi
cel
ooki
ngatmy
bandagedf
ist
Ishr
ug.
Hi
m:Damni
tAl
ona!
Hebangst
hest
eer
ingwheel
Me:
I-Ij
ustgoti
naf
ight
.
Hi
m:Fi
ght?Wi
thwho?
Me:
Enzo'
sfr
iend.
Hi
m:Fornt
oni
Alona?
Me:
Itdoesn'
tmat
teri
tssor
tednow.
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Hesay
s,war
ningl
y.
Me:Iacci
dental
lybumpedint
ohim hegot
Pi
ssed,Hecall
edmeaf ewnamesandt hen
sl
appedme.Ipunchedhim andwebothended
upatthenurseroom,
gotsuspendedandthat
'
s
i
t.
Hesmi
rksatme.
Hi
m:YouPunchedhi
m?

That
'sthehi
ghl
ightofthesentenceforhim,
I
gnori
ngtheimportantpar
t.Suspension
Him: ThenyouEvenbutYout
ell
mewhent
hey
botheryouagai
n.
Me:
Iwon'
t
Il
ookathi
m gl
ari
ngatme
Me:
Webot
hknowwhaty
ougoi
ngt
odo.
Hi
m:What?
Me:
Shoott
hem i
nbet
weent
hei
rey
es
Isaysar
cast
ical
l
y
Hesmi
rksatme
Hi
m: Thefactt
hatyouknowmesowel lwar
ms
myheart,
Pri
ncess.ButIwon'
t,I
'
llj
usthavea
wor
d.
Hesmi
rksatme.
Me:
CanIgonow
Hi
m:Hamba
Oht
hatwaseasy
.
Openi
ngt
hedoorIgetoutheadi
nghome.

Oz:
Didy
ougetv
ani
l
laessence?
Me:
Vani
l
laessence?
Il
ookathi
m conf
usedf
orami
nut
e
Me:Ohu-uhNo,
theydon'
thav
eitbutI
'
lldo
wi
thouti
t
Henods.

Ihadbakedthemuf
fi
ns,2baki
ngpans
meaningthewer
e12ofthem
Lat
er
Wewerefi
xi
ngthetabl
ebecausemom woul
d
ar
ri
veanyminut
efr
om now.
Oz:
Youknowmom i
sst
il
lgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyour
ight?
Me:
Pleasej
ustst
opr
emi
ndi
ngme
Oz:
Shemi
ghtev
ent
akey
ourphon-
Me:
JustshutupWi
l
lyou?
Hel
aughs
Heari
ngacarpar
kout
side,
Iqui
ckl
ygowai
tin
f
rontoft
hedoor
Want
ingt
owel
comemom wi
thal
i
net
hatI
'
ve
beenpract
ici
ngal
laf
ewl
i
nesal
lthi
sti
mej
ust
tosof
tenher
ThedoorOpens
Me:
Mamay
azi
b-
Butbef
oreIcangoonwi
thmyr
ant
Inot
icet
hatshewasn'
tal
one,
Behi
ndherwasa
man
ADar k-
ski
nnedguyi
nasuit,
Tal
landali
ttl
ebi
t
buf
f.Youknowli
keoneofthosepeopl
ewho
workoutandhavevi
sibl
emusclesnott
hose
bul
gingones
Me:
Uh.
.um Mol
weni
Isaypol
i
tel
y
"Hasmom ki
l
ledy
ouy
..
et"
Ozt
rai
l
sof
fasheal
sot
akesi
ntheguy
.
I
twasunusualf
ormom t obr
ingaguyhome,
Wewereabitshockedandcurious
Mom:
Um babi
es,
thi
sisLungel
o.Lungel
othi
sis
Ozamokuhl
eandAl
ona
Lungel
o:Ihav
eheardal
otabouty
ouguy
s,ni
ce
tofi
nal
lymeetyou
Hesai
dsmi
l
ing
Awkwar
d.
Mom: I'
m notgoingtobeataroundt
he
bush,
Nibadalaningaka.Lungel
oandIar
ein
a.
.uu-um rel
ati
onship
WOW
West i
l
lkeptQui
etsi
noOzbecauseIt
hinkwe
bothhadnothi
ngtosay
,Notknowi
nghowto
react.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Pr
ett
ymucht
hewhol
edi
nnerwasj
ustawkwar
d.
Nothi
ngmuchwassai d,
j
ustexchangedaf ew
awkwardconversati
ons.
.Iguesswewer epret
ty
muchtryingt
opr ocesst
hef actt
hatwemi ght
beseeinganothermanof t
eninthehouse
Lungel
o:Thesear
eni
ce
Hesaidt
aki
ngabi
teoft
hemuf
fi
nand
swal
lowi
ng.
Mom: I
'
m sureshe(me)madet hem,I
t'
sherway
oftr
y i
ngtogetmet onotgiveheranearf
ulof
thefactthatshegotsuspendedi
nschool
Lungel
o:Suspended?
Mom:
Yeah,
shegoti
naf
ight
.
Lungel
o:Shel
ookst
oocut
eforf
ight
ing.
Hesay
s
Cut
e?
Istareathi
m andt henextt
hingIknowwehave
ami nist
ari
ngmoment ,
li
cki
nghisbott
om
l
ip..
Lookingatmewi thamischiev
ousgli
nti
n
hiseyesIquickl
ylookaway.
Mom: Ver
yunpr
edi
ctabl
e,bot
hoft
hem ar
e
unpr
edict
abl
e.
Excusi
ngmy
sel
ffr
om t
het
abl
e,
Ij
usthadt
ogo
t
omyr
oom
Idi
dn'
tfeel
Comf
ort
abl
eal
lofasudden.
Oz:Chi
l
loutmom i
snotgoi
ngt
obi
tey
ourhead
any
more.
Me: I
-Ium Thi
nkmyhandisStarti
ngtohurt,
I
mighthaveusedital
ot(f
aki
ngal augh)If
orgot
thatIhadtotakei
teasyoni
t..
Ijustwantt
oput
anointment
Oz:
Okaywantmet
ohel
pyoual
somassagei
t?
Me:NoI '
llbefi
ne,Youcanst ayandenjoyyour
foodbr o.Iknowthere'
snot hi
ngbettert
hanthat
foryout odor i
ghtnow, Ibetyouwer er
eal
ly
hopingt hatIdecl
ineyourof f
ersothatyoucan
j
ustf ocusoni t
.
Oz:
Your
eal
l
yknowme
Me:
Pig
Hi
m:Tomboy
Me:
As-
Mom:
Alona!
Oz:Awukay
igqi
bil
euy
gxot
hel
weeskol
weni
ke
phof.
Hesai
dpressing,
hopi
ngmom woul
dreal
l
ybr
ing
i
tupinful
lfor
cethist
imear
ound.
Me:
Ireal
l
yneedt
ogo
Isaidrunni
ngoutandi
ntomyr
oom andl
ock
my sel
f.
[
11/
08,
10:
43]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t19

Fr
iday
.

Myt
wodaysofsuspensi
onwer
eov
erandIhad
t
ogobackt
oschool.
Iwasalreadysor
tedwithmyschool
work
becauseRomeohelpedmebybr i
ngi
ngal
lwor
k
theyweredoingi
nclass.
Nowher
eIwasi
nsi
det
heschool
premi
seswi
th
mymom becauseshehadtosi
gnsomest
ufft
o
conf
ir
mthatIwaswasback.
Af
teral
lthatpr
ocess,
Iwassentt
ocl
assandi
t
wasalr
eadythe2peri
od.
Si
tt
ingnextt
oRomeo,
Icoul
dfeel
acoupl
eof
ey
esonme
Scanningallofthem andthei
rey esimmediatel
y
l
ookawayf r
om me, Iwaslookingforaspecif
ic
personan-oht hereheisglar
ingatmewi thhis
otherblack/
blueey e
Smir
kingi
nsati
sfact
ionbef
oreturni
ngtol
ook
att
heboardandcopydownt henotes.

Fi
rstbr
eakandIwassi
tt
ingunderat
reewi
th
Romeoeati
ngourl
unch
Hi
m:Ihav
esomeAv
ocadosandwi
chi
fyou
want
Heof
fer
ed
Me:
HowcanIsayno?
Taki
ngitfr
om hi
m,It
akeabi
teandmoani
n
sat
isf
acti
on
Lookingbackathimtotell
him howgoodi
t
was,hewasalreadyl
ookingatmewithagr
in
Me:
Yint
o?
Him:I
sthatt
hesoundyoumakewheny
ou
doi
ngthedeedwi
thReece?
Heasks
Me:
what?,
Uphambene.
I'
m st
-

Hi
m: Don'
tgetsodef
ensi
veIwasj
ust
wonderi
ng
Me:
Justshutup
Igr
oanouti
nfr
ust
rat
ionashel
aughsatme.
Hi
m:Doy
ouhav
eanypl
answi
thhi
mtomor
row.
?
Me:
NoIhav
en'
tseenhi
minabout3day
s
Hi
m:Youev
encount
ing
Igl
areathi
m,r
aisi
nghi
shandsi
nsur
render
Me:
I'
m act
ual
l
ygl
ad.
Hi
m:Somay
bewecangot
othebeach?
Me:
Sur
ewhynot
Isaygi
vi
nghi
m ahugesmi
l
e.
Me:
whataboutt
ranspor
t?
Isaygi
vi
nghi
m ahugesmi
l
e.
Him:Don'
twor
rymymom'snotworki
ng
tomorr
owsoshe'
sav
ail
abl
e,
shealr
eadyagr
eed
anyway
Me:
I'
ll
makeaf
ewsal
adst
hen
Wediscussthi
ngsweneedtodoandt
hebel
l
r
ingi
ndicat
ingendofl
unch.

Af
terschool
Iwaswai
ti
ngf
orOzt
ocomepi
ck
meupwhenIsawEnzoandsomechi
ckbesi
de
hi
m,hi
sfr
iendsbehi
ndhi
m comi
ngmyway.
Nowst
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofme
Enzo:
Ihear
dyoupunchedmyf
ri
end
Iscof
f
Me:
Andwhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odoabouti
t?
Enzo:Nothi
ngactuall
y,
Ij
ustwantedtoknow
wheredoy ougetthegutst
orai
sey ourhand
wheny oucan'
tevenopenyourlegs
Hi
sfr
iendsl
augh
Me:Ni muncuyazi?
,HereIwasthi
nki
ngwewer e
goi
ngt ohavesomeact i
onkant
iyoujust
anotherbunchofgi
rlswanti
ngaconfr
ontat
ion
wit
hme.
Lookingatthei
rshockedf
aces,
I
'm aboutt
oside
stepthem whenEnzopushesmeback,making
mef all
backbecauseoneof
hi
sfr
iendst
houghti
twasf
unnyt
oputt
hei
rleg
outt
otr
ipme.
"Yi
ntol
eshi
tni
yenzay
o?"
Ozwassuddenl
ybesi
deme.
Withoutsay
inganyt
hing,
theyspr
intofft
heother
dir
ecti
onbecauseohwell i
twasOzi nfr
ontof
them.Whowoul dn'
t?
Hehel
psmeup
Hi
m:Zezaphi
ezant
wana?
Me:
Aroundphakut
hiest
rat
weni
Hi
m:Uzon-
Me: Justpleasel
eav
eitOz,
It'
l
lmakematters
worsei fyoudosomethi
ngtothem.
I'
m sure
they'
llstayawaynowthatt
heyknowyoumi ght
beinvolved
Hi
m:IswearIw-
Me:
Ozpl
ease?
Ibegt
ohi
m
Him:Fi
ne!Butev
enift
heybumpi
ntoy
ou
acci
dent
all
y,
youtel
lme
Me:
Youj
ustsai
ditwi
l
lbeanacci
dent
Hi
m:Idon'
tcar
eyout
ell
me
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Isaysmi
l
ingathi
m andhi
sov
erpr
otect
iveness
Get
ti
ngi
nhi
scar
,hedr
ivesof
fheadi
nghome
•
Droppi
ngmehome,
sayi
nghe'
sgoi
ngout
somewher
ehe'
l
lbehomeinafewminut
es
Me:
Oz
Hi
m:I
'
m notgoi
ngkwezant
wana
Il
ookathi
m
Hi
m:Iswear
Me:
I'
ll
bel
i
evey
ou,
uMamaukhona?
IaskasIseet
hef
rontdooropen
Hi
m:Ha.
a
Me:
Thenwho'
sther
e?
Iaskhi
m conf
used
Hi
m:YourSt
epf
ather
.
Wit
hthathedr
ivesof
fleav
ingmest
andi
ng
t
here

Headi
nginsi
de,
Ifi
ndmysocal
l
edst
epf
ather
si
tt
ingonthecouch
Hisf
eethangedonthecoff
eetabl
ewhil
ehe
hadanapple,
greyl
aptopontopofhi
mtypi
ng
what
ever
Imur
mural
owhel
l
o
Het
urnst
olookatme
Hi
m:Heybabygi
rl
,cany
oumakemesomet
hing
t
odri
nk?
Gomakei
tyour
sel
f.
Ofcour
seIdi
dn'
tsayitt
ohi
sface,
Say
ingaf
ew
cur
sewordsi
nwardl
y
Inodmyhead
Passi
nghimtogot othekitchen,
Icoul
dn'thel
p
noti
ci
ngthefewtatt
oosonhi sbackashewas
weari
ngamusclesv estshowcasinghis
musclesIt
hought.
Put
ti
ngmybagatt
heki
tchenbar
•
Iwassti
rri
ngacupoft
eawhenIf
eltsomeone
pr
esence
Tur
ningaroundt
oseeLungel
ostar
ingatme,he
wasstandi
ngatthedoor
wayhisar
msf ol
dedin
hi
schest
Hi
seyesnowmeeti
ngmineaftert
heywere
l
ooki
ngbelowm-Noit
sprobablyj
ustmy
i
maginat
ion.
Hecomest
owar
dsme,
standi
ngbesi
deme
Ihandhi
m hi
scupoft
ea
Hi
m:Ipr
efercof
fee,
str
onganddar
kli
keme
Hesay
s,Deci
dingt
oignor
ehi
slastl
i
nes
Me:
Wel
ltheny
oucoul
dhav
etol
dmebef
ore
Hi
m:Youcoul
dhav
easked
Hesay
snotbacki
ngdown,want
ingt
omake
sur
ehesay
ssomet hi
ngl
ast.
Whenheseest
hatIwasn'
tgoi
ngtoanswer
hi
m,t
harhewon.
.Hemadehiswayout
Pouringt
heteadownt
hesi
nk,
Imaket
he'
cof
fe'
thathewant
ed
Goi
ngtothesi
tt
ingr
oom t
ogiveitt
ohim,Iwas
t
oturnt
ogoupt omyroom whenheaskedme
t
ostay
Si
tt
ingdownont
hecouchopposi
tehi
s
Iwat
chashetakesasipf
rom t
hecup,
set
tl
ingi
t
downbef
orel
ookingatme
Him:You'
dmakeagoodwi
feonedayt
his
coff
eeisgr
eat
Ok.
Hi
m:Howol
dar
eyou?
Me:
17
Hi
m:Oh,
doy
ouhav
eaboy
fri
end.?
What?
Me: Andy
ouaski
ngal
lthesequest
ions
because?
Heshr
ugs
Him:Yougoi
ngtoseeal
otofmearound,
the
l
eastIcandoi
sgettoknowyout
hatwaywe
cangetal
ong
Me:Whatdoesmehav
ingaboy
fri
endgott
odo
wi
thit?
Hi
m:Idon'
tknowwhyy oumaki
ngitt
obesuch
abi
gdeal,
j
ustanswerayesorano
Me:
No
Hi
m:Oh,
soar
eyouav
-
Me:NoNoNosi ryoucan'
taskmet
hoset
ype
ofquest
ions,
NoIr
efuse
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m: Don'
tcal
lmesi
r,
youmaki
ngmel
ookand
f
eelold
Me:
Howol
dar
eyou
Hi
m:38
Icoul
dn'
thel
pbutl
aughathi
m,Mymot
her
sBen
ten
Me:
Thenwhatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thmymom ?
Heshr
ugs
Hi
m:Fucki
ng
Ist
areathi
minshock
Him:What
.?Youj
ustaskedwhatI
'
m doi
ngwi
th
her
Me:
I-Idi
dn'
tmeani
tthatway
Him:YoumeantlikeI
'my oungandshe'
safew
year
soldert
hanme? ,
shedoesn'
tevenl
ookli
ke
herage.
Pret
tyhotify
ouaskmesowhynotf -?
Me:
IthinkI
'v
ehear
denoughal
ready
,I
'm goi
ng
t
omyr oom
Qui
cklyget
ti
ngupandrunni
ngt
omyr
oom
bef
orehesayssomet
hing.

Ichangei
ntosomerandom cl
othesbef
ore
gett
ingontopofmybedforanap.
[
11/
08,
10:
43]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t20

Wakingupt hef
oll
owingdaywithabody
hangover
,youknow ?Wheny ourbodyi
stir
ed
whenyou'vebeenworkinghar
dtheprevi
ous
day
Goingtot
hebat
hroom t
odomymor
ning
routi
ne
I'
m noti
nthemoodt
oplayhappyf
ami
l
ytoday
soI'
m notgoi
ngf
orbr
eakfast
.
Ti
dyi
ngupmyr
oom,
Iwasi
nthemi
ddl
eoff
ixi
ng
mybedwhenIheardsomeonetr
yingt
oopen
t
hedoorJi
ngl
ingthedoorhandl
e
"Al
ona"
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
efwhenIhear
dmybr
other
svoi
ce
Goi
ngt
oopen.
Igot
ohughi
m unt
ilhebr
ushesmeof
f
Hi
m:Heyindi
yekewena.
What
everi
tist
haty
ou
want
,Andi
nayo
Me:Whosai
dIwant
edsomet
hingf
rom y
ou,
I
sit
nowacri
metoshowlov
etoy
oursi
bli
ng?
Hi
m:Justcomeoutwi
thi
t,
whatdoy
ouwant?
Me:
IswearI
'
m notgonnaasky
ouf
orany
thi
ng
Hegi
vesmethat'y
eahri
ghtyounot '
kinda
l
ook,
not
ici
ngt
hatI
'
m ser
ious
Helooksatmeskept
ical
l
yasi
ftr
yingt
ofi
gur
e
somethi
ngout
Hi
m:Youokay?
Me:
Yeahwhy?
Hi
m:Youj
ustacti
ngwei
rd,
Sincewhendoy
ou
l
ocky
ourdoor?.
Si
ncemom'smanstar
tedli
vi
ngi nt
hishouse,
I
fi
ndmysel
funcomf
ort
ablearoundhi
m.
Idon'
tsayt
hatt
hough.
Me:Si
nceyouoncewokemeupwithabucket
ofi
cecol
dwater,
whoknowswhaty
ougonna
wakemeupwithnextt
ime?
Il
i
eeasi
l
y
Hi
m:(
Laughs)Usel
apho?
Me:It
'snotonl
yacci
dent
sthatar
etr
aumat
isi
ng
youknow?
Hi
m: YouOver
react
ing,
Aren'
tyoucomi
ngf
or
br
eakfast?
IshookmyheadNo
Hi
m:Why?
Me:
I'
m noti
nthemood.
Hi
m:You?Noti
nthemoodf
orf
ood?
Me:
YeapNowgetoutofmyr
oom andl
eav
e
metoCl
eani
npeace
Hi
m:What
'supwi
thy
ou?
Me:
What?
Hi
m:What
'sbot
her
ingy
ou?
Me:
Ther
e'sn-
Hi
m:Don'
tl
iet
ome,
agai
n.
Ireal
l
ydidn'twannacauseanyawkwardnessi
n
thi
shouse,butIhavet
ogetitoutofmychest
Me:
Lungel
o
Imur
murout
.
Him:Whatdidhedo? ,
didhetr
ytohur
tyou?I
'
m
goi
ngtokil
lthatsonofabit
ch
Heshout sashemakeshi
swayout,Qui
ckly
stoppinghi
m.It
ugathi
mtogeti
nsidebefore
shutti
ngthedoor
.
Me:
Hedi
dn'
thur
tme
Hi
m:Ar
eyousur
eyounotl
y-
Me:
I'
m not
,Iswear
Helooksatmeforamomentt
ryi
ngt
ofi
gur
e
outi
fI'
mlyingornot
.
Hi
m:Thenwhati
sit?
Me: I-It
'sjustIfeeluncomf
ortablearoundhi
m,I
qui
etdon' tl
ikethewayhet al
ks,l
ooksat
me( sigh)May beI'm bei
ngparanoid.
It
sprobabl
y
nothingmay beitsmenotusedt ohav i
nga
fat
herf igureli
kekindofaguyi nmyl if
e
Hi
m: Don'
thi
dingyourf
eel
i
ngsandstop
br
ushingt
hem off,y
oufol
l
owyourgut
Inodi
nunder
standi
ng.
Me:Idon'
ttr
usthi
m
IsayasIstar
ttofi
l
lhi
minont helastcoupl
eof
conver
sat
ionsIhadwi
thLungelo.
WhenI
'
m done
Hi
sal
lwor
kedup
Hisj
awtwit
ching,
Runni
nghi
shandt
hroughhi
s
hai
rinf
rust
rat
ion.
Hi
m:I
'
llhav
eawor
dwi
thhi
m
Me:
OzNodon'
t,
please?
Hi
m:Why?
Me:Idon'
twanthimrunni
ngof ft
omom andt
he
nextthi
ngtheyf
ight
ingbecauseofme.
Hi
m:Buth-
Me:
Please?
Hi
m:I
'
llj
ustt
ell
himt
ost
ayawayf
rom y
ou.
Me:
Oz,
youmaki
ngt
hisoutt
obeabi
gdeal
.
Him:I'
m makingt
hisabigdeal
?Ezi
ny'
izi
nto
suzi
thathakanci
nciAl
ona.
Me:Justpleaseletitbe,I
fheev erdoesorsays
somethi
ngt hati
sgoi ngtomakeme
uncomfortabl
e.IpromiseI '
l
ltelly
oubutplease
j
ustdon'tconfr
onthi m aboutthi
s
Mumbli
ngunderhisbr
eat
hsomet
hingt
hatI
coul
dn'
tqui
tecat
ch
Henods
Hi
m:Okay
Ihadafeel
i
nghewasj ustsay
ingi
tformet
o
getmetonottr
yt ost
ophimindoi
ng
somethi
ngir
rat
ional
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
ThatAft
ernoon,
Iwassit
ti
ngont opofmybed
readi
ngsomenov el
thatIgotattheschool
l
ibrar
y.
Iwassoengrossedi
nthebookt
hatIgot
st
artl
edbysomeonepushi
ngthedooropen
wit
hforce
Qui
ckl
ylooki
ngupf
indi
ngRomeoshar
dgl
are
Me: Uci
mbakukwakhoapha?
(Yout
hinkt
hisi
s
yourhouse)
Hi
m:Kut
heni
ungay
iphendul
iiphone?
Ungase
uy
igunxulel
eetobhininj
exaikudi
kil
e?(Why
ar
en'tyouansweri
ngy ourphone,
Whydon'tyou
Fl
ushitdownthetoileti
fyou'
reti
redofi
t?)
Me:Wow!Hell
otoyoutoo,
I
'mf
inet
hanksf
or
aski
ngandhowareyou?
Him: Doyouknowhowwor riedIwas? ,I
nto
eyenzwey i
boy f
ri
endy akhoi zolowasabit
scaryinf
acthei sscary/intimidati
ngand
i
ndlelaomkengay o,sogqibaungaphendul i
phone.It
houghtukukr wichewany aandbur ied
youinthemi ddl
eofnowher e,Besi
zoqalangaph
ukugrumbananemi ngxuny a?And- (bl
ahblah)
Her
ant
sont
hatIendedupl
aughi
ng
Ialwaysedf
oundi
tfunnywhenhet
ri
edact
ing
pissed
Hi
m: Youthi
nkthisshi
tisf
unny?Qhekr
e
Amaziny
oUy anyubaKumnandi?
Qui
ckl
ycleari
ngmyt
hroatandt
ryi
ngt
omast
er
ast
rai
ghtface
Me:I
'mr eal
lysorr
yforswi
tchi
ngmyphone
of
f,
pleaseforgi
veme?Iwasav oi
dinguReece
Hi
m:Huh?
Me: Wejusthadaminif
ight,
Iconf
rontedhim
aboutwhathedidbackatthebeach.Iendedup
sneaki
ngoutOfhishousewhenhewasi nthe
bathr
oom.
It
ell
him whatwentdowny
est
erday
.
Him:May bryoucoul
dtalkhim outofhi
s
possessi
veness,whathedidbacktherewasal
l
cuteandsexywhenhegotwor kedupbuti
twas
unnecessary
Me: Talk?,
Hedoesn'tknowhowt otal
kall
he
knowsi stothreat
enandst at
ef act
sandyou
j
ustgott ofol
lowandl ethisf
inalwordbefi
nal
orthere'
sgonnabe' punishment'ashesays
Him:Whatkindapuni
shment?(wi
ggli
nghis
eyebrows)l
iefl
atonyourst
omachwhil
ehand
cuff
edt othebediny
ournakedgl
oryl
ikesome
Fi
ft
yshadesofgr
eyEr
oti
cSexScene?

Me:
Get
.Out
.Of
.My
.Room
Isaysl
owl
yandt
hreat
ini
ngl
y
Hebur
stsouti
nlaught
er,
Het
hinksi
t'
sfunny?
Ipounceonhi
m,St
rangl
i
ngt
heshi
toutofhi
m
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Lat
ert
hatdaywhenRomeol
eft
Ihadst
art
edcooki
ng.
Ibi
ndi
m noOz
Mom woul
dbeher
eanymomentt
hough
IwasdoneandnowIwasdishingoutwhenmy
phonevi
brat
esi
nmypocket,pull
ingi
tout
I
twasat
extf
rom Reece,
si
ghi
ngi
nannoy
ance
Idon'
tdel
etei
tli
keIdi
dwi
tht
hef
ewot
her
sI
openit
-Jongamntanandi
ni,
I
fyoudon'
tcomeoutright
now,Wenzesureandi
zububonaobobuswana
bakho causendi
zokwenzel
akakubi
.-
Mxm.
I'
m goodatplay
inghideandseek,
I
'm sur
eI'
ll
makeapr et
tygoodjobatstay
ingoutofhis
si
ght.

-
I'
m wit
hmyf amilyr
ightnowanditsprett
ylat
e
I
'
m goingtoschoolt
omor row soandi
nalo
i
xeshaforwena,gobotheryoursl
utsuyeke
'
umntana'l
oundim-.
Ipr
esst
hesendbut
ton
Wheredi
dIgett
hener
veAny
way?Shr
uggi
ng
I
'
llof
f.

Wewerepret
tymuchdonewithdi
nner
,Iwas
j
ustdonewashi
ngthedi
shes
IthankedgodforLungel
odi
dn'
tshowup
today,
Apparent
lyhehadsomepaperwor
khe
hadtogetdoneaccor
dingt
omom'
s
expl
anat
ion.
Mom hadal
readygonet
obed,
Ozwasgoi
ngout
Me:
Don'
tfor
gett
ousepr
otect
ion
Ismi
rkathi
m
Hi
m:Umamai
sbehi
ndy
ou.
Hesaysl
aughi
ng,
Ifr
ozeonmyspotasIhada
mini
hear
tatt
ack
Tur
ningsl
owl
ytof
indnoonebehi
ndme.
Whydoeshealway
sout
smar
tmewi
thhi
s
comebacks?
Cl
osi
ngt
hedoori
nfr
ust
rat
ion.
Igopourmysel
fagl
assofj
uicebef
oregoi
ng
uptomyroom
Openi
ngthedoorandl
ockingbehi
ndme,
Ithi
nk
Iwasget
tingusedt
odoingso
"Uci
mbauCl
everwenay
azi
"
Ial
mostdr
opt
hegl
asswhenIhear
dthatdeep
voi
ce.
Myf
acewasofpur
eshock,
ri
ghtnow.
Reece.
[
11/
08,
12:
52]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t

Hadt
opostt
hisbef
orepost
ingi
nser
t20
I
'
llt
ryt
ofi
xit,
bepat
ient
.
Sor
ryf
orcompl
i
cat
ions

WakingupSat
urdaymorninggoi
ngtot
he
bat
hroom t
odomymor ningrout
ine
Igot
otheki
tchenf
orbr
eakf
ast
Fi
ndi
ngLungel
owi
thmom,
aboutt
oeat
br
eakf
ast
Mom:
Goodt
imi
ng
Igr
in
Me:
Wher
e'sOz?
Lungel
o:Asi
bonakal
iaphakuwetheonl
y
i
mpor t
antt
hingonyourmindri
ghtnowi
syour
brot
her.

Yes,
nowwhothefuckareyou?OfcourseI
don'
tsayt
hat
,bei
ngthegoodgi
rlt
hatIam..
Me:
Sor
ry,
Goodmor
ningMom,
Lungel
o
Mom:Morningbaby,
Yourbr
otherdi
dn'
tcome
backy
est
erday
Noodi
ngmyheadasIgot
osi
tdown
Taki
ngmypl
atef
rom her
,It
hankherbef
oreIdi
g
i
n
Mom:
Youhav
eanypl
anst
oday
.?
Swal
l
owi
ng
Me:RomeoandIar
egoi
ngt
othebeach
Mom:
Nice doy
ouneedany
thi
ng,
money?
Lungel
o:Idon'
tmi
ndgi
vi
nghermycar
d
Mom:
That
'l
lbeson-
Me:Actual
lyno,
thanks.I
'
llmakeasomesnacks
f
orhim andIandhe'll
alsomakeafew
Mom:
Andwhosedr
oppi
ngandpi
cki
ngy
ouup?
Lungel
ospeaksupbef
oreIcananswer
"Icanpi
cky
ouguy
supaf
tery
oudone"

Act
ual
l
yjustFuck.
Off
Me:
Hismom '
IS'(maki
ngi
tcl
earer
)taki
ngus
t
her
eandwi
llalsopi
ckusupl
ater
Mom:Okayal
lsor
ted,
hav
efun
Shesaysasshet
akesthel
astbi
teofhert
oast
bef
oregoingt
opeckherman'
scheek.
Ir
oll
myey
es
Mom:
Arey
ouspendi
ngt
hedayher
e?
Lungel
o:Yeah,
Imi
ghtspendt
hewhol
eweekend
her
ebecauseI
'
m of
fwor
k.Onl
yyoudon'
tmi
nd?
Shaki
ngherheadno
Mom:Idon'
tguessI
'
llseey
oul
atert
hen,
Alona
comewit
hmybag
Shesay
sasshet
akeshercarkey
sandshout
s
outabyet
ohi
m
Taki
ngt hebagf r
om theki
tchencount
er,
I
t
wasn'teventhat'
It'
forsomeoneelset
ocarr
yit
butIknowwhysheaskedt hough.
Watchi
nghergetinhercar
,cl
osi
ngthedoorand
r
oll
sdownthewi ndowasIhandherthebag
Bef
oret
urni
ngar
oundt
oleav
e
Mom:
Alona,
canIt
alkt
oyouf
orami
nut
e?
Andt
hat
'swhy
.
Mom: Areyouokaywi
thLungel
oandI
r
elat
ionshi
p?
No
Me:
YesMom
Mom :
Sur
e?
Inod
Mom:
Your
eal
l
ydon'
tmi
ndhi
m bei
ngher
e?
Ido.
Me:
Nomom Idon'
tmi
nd.
Shepausesf
oramoment
Mom:
ThenwhydoIf
eel
li
key
oudon'
tl
ikehi
m.?
Wel
lthat
'sbecauseIdon'
t.

If
eel
uncomf
ort
abl
ebei
ngar
oundhi
m

AndIf
indhi
m Cr
eepy
.
ButIwasn'
tgoingtotel
lherthat,Idi
dn'
twantto
betheonetoblameifshedeci detobreakup
wit
hhim becauseIdi
dn'tqui
tel i
kehim..
Iwasn'
t
goi
ngtotakeherhappinessfrom her.
Shaki
ngt
hoset
hought
soutofmyhead

Me:
Idomom.
Mom:Thenwhydi
dyoubr
ushhi
m of
fwhenhe
wast
ryi
ngtobeni
ce?
Ishr
ug
Me:
Idi
dn'
twantt
obot
herhi
m.
Isaytoher,
Iwatchherasshe'
slooki
ngatme
asifshedoesn'
tbeli
eveme.
Me:Mom,Ireal
l
ydoli
kehi
m. .
it
'sj
ustthatI'
m
notusedt
ohavingast
epdad.
It'
sall
newt ome.
Mom:
Okayt
hen,
cal
lmei
fyouneedany
thi
ng
Inodbef
oremaki
ngmywayi
nsi
det
hehouse.
Lungel
owasn'
ti
ntheki
tchen
If
ini
shthel
astofmybr
eakf
astbef
orer
insi
ng
myplat
e.
Openi
ngt
hef
ri
dge,
Il
ookf
orsomet
hingt
hatI
cant
akewi
thmet
othebeach
Af
terprepari
ngandtaki
ngthest
uffi
ntoa
medium basket
,Igot
otakeaqui
ckbath.
Changi
ngtomyWhiteswimsui
t,Iwearasee
thr
oughlongdr
esst
hathadaslitonthesi
de.
Tyi
ngmyhairi
ntoahighti
ghtbun,Iappl
y
sunscr
eenbef
orepacki
ngmyst uf
finmybag
andIwasgoodtogo.
Il
ookedpr
oper,
Isai
dtomyselfasIl
ookedmy
sel
fint
hemirr
orbefor
emakingmywayout.

Bumpi
ngintoLungel
oont
hehal
l
way
,hel
ooks
atme.
.Headtotoe
Cl
ear
inghi
sthr
oatbef
orehi
sey
esmeetmi
ne
Him:Ar
eyousureyourmom woul
dn'
tmi
nd
seei
ngyouwear
ingli
kethat?
Andwhoar
eyout
oask?
Me:
No,
Sheact
ual
l
yboughti
ther
sel
f.
Isaypassi
nghim,
Taki
ngt
hebasketf
rom t
he
ki
tchencount
er
Imakemywayt
oRomeo'
smot
herwai
ti
ngcar
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
20+mi
nut
esl
ater
Wehadf oundaspotandwewer ecurr
entl
y
pl
acingourstuf
fwell
Iwast heonedoi
ngthe
pl
acingbecausehewascheckingoutSome
guyswhower enearourspot.
Romeo:Ohlookatthedarkskinone,
damnhi
s
abscoul
dturnanystr
aightguygay
Hesay
sashenudgesmet
olook,
butIr
efuse
Hi
m: OhIforgotthaty
ouseehotguy
s
ev
erday,
nothingnewtoyou
Me:
Whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
Hi
m:Yourbr
other?
..
Reece
Me:
Wel
lI'
m notchecki
ngmybr
otherout
Hi
m:Soi
tsReecey
ouchecki
ngout?
El
bowi
nghi
sri
bs
Me:
Stopt
wist
ingmywor
ds
Hechuckl
es
Him:Idon'
tblameyout
houghf
orchecki
nghi
m
out,
he'
sli
kereall
yH.
O.T
Me:
Cany
ouj
ustst
opt
alki
ngabouthi
m?
Hi
m:Why?
,becausei
tget
syouhotdownt
her
e
Hewi
nks
Me:
Eww.
what?
Hi
m:I
ttu-
Me:
Justshutup
Hi
m:Yourcheeksar
etur
ningr
ed,
'
Pri
ncess'
Put
tingmyhandsqui
ckl
ytomycheeks,
tocov
er
upthesocal
led'
bl
ush'
Hel
aughshi
sassof
f
Isi
gh
Me:
Youhav
eal
i
ttl
ebi
tofadr
ool
rightnowand
t
hatguyy
ouwer
etal
ki
ngabouti
slooki
ngat
y
ou.
Hequickl
ystopslaughi
nghisfacenow
hor
ri
fi
ed,wipi
ngtheimaginar
ydrool
.
Hi
m:What?
Hesay
stur
ningt
olookatt
hei
rdi
rect
ion.
Thent
urnst
olookatme
Hi
m:Ver
yfunny
Hesay
sgl
ari
ngatme
Me:
Ithi
nkhe'
scomi
ngt
owar
dsus
Hi
m: I
'
m sureheis(
rol
li
nghi
sey
es)
Imeanwhat
ahotguycanpossi
blyw-
Guy
:Soy
out
hinkI
'
m hot?
Romeoalmostfr
ozeonthespot,
sl
owl
ytur
ning
ar
oundtolookattheGuy
Romeo:
I-Ium w-
Hest
utt
ers
Theguychuckl
esf
indi
ngt
hesi
tuat
ionf
unny
.
Guy
:I'
m Lubabal
o,andy
ouar
e?
Romeo:
Me?I
'
m uhuh.
.
Me:For
giv
emyf r
iendov er
,hecanbevery
awkwar
dandshyar oundguysthathefi
nds'
hot
'asheli
kest
ocal lt
hem.
NowRomeoi
sreal
l
ygl
ari
ngatme.
Ismi
rkathi
m
Me:
Hisnamei
sRomeo.
Guy
:Romeo.
.andy
ouar
e?
Me:
Alona
Guy:Pret
tynames,Doy oumi
ndifmeandmy
guysoverther
e(point
ingatt
hreeguy
s)chi
l
l
wit
hy ou?
Romeo:
Me: Act
uallywedon'
t,
we'
dl i
kesome
company .
.Imeanit
snotl
ikewe'r
eexpect
ing
anyoneIt
'sjustt
hetwoofus
Iqui
ckl
ysaybef
oremyf
ri
enddeni
est
heof
fer
.
Guy
:OkCool
,
I'
ll
lett
hem know
Hesay
srunni
ngof
ftohi
sfr
iends.
Romeo:
Whatwast
hatf
or
Me:
Andsuddenl
yhecanspeak.
Il
aughathi
m ashepout
satme.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Aboutafewmi nutesl
ater
,wewerereal
l
yhav
ing
funwit
ht he3guyswhowel at
erf
oundoutt
hat
theywerestudent
'satUCT.
Lubabal
owasbusyfl
i
rti
ngwi
thRomeoandI
waschatti
ngwi
tht
hetwoguys,
Thami
and
Bonil
e
Boni
l
ewasf ocusedonhi
sphonemostoft
he
ti
methough
Thami
:Soapr
ett
ygi
rll
i
key
oui
ssi
ngl
e?
Me:
Yeah,
j
ustcameoutofabr
eakup
Thami:
Hemustbebl
i
ndt
oletsomeonel
i
ke
yougothen
Hesaysbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p,l
ooki
ngaway
bl
ushi
ng.
Bonil
e:Dude,
fl
ir
tal
lyouwantbutI
'
m get
ti
ng
hernumber
Thami
:Nowy
ouwannacheatonzanel
e?
Hesmi
rksathi
sfr
iend.
Boni
l
e:Wel
lyoucan'
tbl
ameme
Hesay
sscr
atchi
ngt
hebackofhi
sheadl
ooki
ng
atme.
Thenqui
cklygoingbackt
ohisphonewhenhe
seesmelookingathim,
hewaskindashy
Thami
:Ohyeahwherewerewe?Sodoy
ou
mindi
figetyournumber
s

"Act
uallyshemi
ndsbecauseshehasa
boyf
riend"
Turningar
ound,
al
ley
est
urnt
olookatt
he
sourceofvoi
ce.

Reece.
[
11/08,12:
53]‪+263772503508‬:
Conti
nuati
onoft
hatmissedI
nser
t

Ohmygodwhatwashedoi ngher
e?,
howdi d
heevenf
indme? ,
washefoll
owi
ngmearound
?Thesewerej
ustoneofmymanyquest
ions
Thami
:Boy
fri
end?
Reece:
Don'
tmakemer
epeatmy
sel
f.
Shi
tface.
Hesaysinhi
sdeepv
oice,
maki
ngThami
gul
p
i
n..
fear?
Thami
tur
nst
olookatmeconf
used
Thami:It
houghty
ousai
dyoudon'
thav
ea
boyf
ri
end?
Me:
Idon'
t
Reece:
Youdon'
t?
Heasksdari
ngmetosaysomet
hingthat
'
llpi
ss
hi
m offanddeci
det
odrownmeinthewater.
Me:
Wel
lIum .
.m-
Reece:
MasambeAl
ona.
Me:
Andi
funi
Imumbl
ed
Reece:
Awuf
uni
?
Heasks,
giv
ingmeachancet
osayot
her
wise
Thami
:LookDudej
ustl
etherbebecauses-
Reece:
Dude?
Heasksshaki
nghi
sheadindi
sbeli
ef,
thenext
thi
ngweknowReece'
shandisaroundThami'
s
neck.
Wealmostdi
dn'
tseei
thappen,i
twasso
fast
.
Punchi
nghi
m maki
nghi
m bl
eedi
mmedi
atel
y,
I
t
hinkhi
snosei
sbr
oken
Hewasaboutt
opunchhi
m agai
nwhenI
qui
ckl
ygotupStandi
ngi
nfr
ontoft
hem
Whichwasastupi
dthingtodobecause
becauseIal
mostgothitbyReece'
sfi
st
Hay
iNobabendi
'
zoy
oji
kaesbhedl
ela.
Looki
ngupathi
m whi
l
ehel
ooksdownatme
Me:Pl
easedon'
thur
thi
m anyf
urt
her
,l
etsj
ust
go
I
tsnotthatIwant
edt ogowit
hhim butIj
ust
hadtobeforehecausedanyfur
therdamage.
Me:
Please?
It
ry,
touchi
nghi
shandwi
thmyt
rembl
i
ngone
Ihadt
odoany
thi
ngr
ightnowf
orhi
m not
topul
louthi
sgunanddeci
detoshootusal
l
,he
canbepsychot
icwhenhewant
edto.
Heseemst
ocool
off
Hi
m:I
'
llwai
tfory
ouatt
hepar
kingl
ot
Inod
Heki
ssesmycheek,
glar
ingatt
hami
bef
orehe
wal
ksaway.
Qui
ckl
ytaki
ngatissuef
rom mybag,
Itr
yto
cl
eanThami'
snosebuthedoesn'
tl
etme
Hi
m:I
'
llbef
inedon'
twor
ryj
ustgo
It
akesomeofmyst
uffandputt
hem i
nmybag.
Romeo:Don'tworr
yaboutthebasket
,I
'
llj
ust
dr
opitoffatyourhouset
omorrow
Iknowbyt
hat
,i
tmeantheal
sowant
edt
otal
kto
me
Inod
Me:
Wil
lyoubef
ine?
Romeo:
Yeah,
I
'l
lcal
lmom l
aterwhenIwantt
o
go
Inod,
get
ti
ngupwi
thmybag
Me:
Cal
lmewheny
ougethome.
Henods
Tur
ningt
olookatt
heguy
s
Me:
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ryguy
sforwhatj
usthappened.
Lubabal
o:Naaadon'
tworr
y.Weal
lhadagood
ti
me,May bewe'
l
lhangoutsomet
ime?
Inodnotwant i
ngt osaysomethi
ngt hatmight
giv
ehimfalsehope, causewhoknows?May be
Reecewil
lthreatentoshootthei
rlegsoffi
fhe
seesmewi ththe..
Get
ti
ngup,
IsayanAwkwar
dby
ebef
orel
eav
ing
t
hem.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
45+mi
nut
esl
ater
Reecepar
ksout
sidehi
scar

Get
ti
ngintofi
ndacoupl
eofguy
s,t
hei
rey
esal
l
onme..
checki
ngmeout?
Iwasnowsuddenl
yuncomf
ort
abl
einwhatI
wasweari
ng
Reece:

Hedr
agsmeupi
nhi
sroom,
Him:
Whatdoyouwantt
odo?
,wat
chamov
ie
andmay
becuddl
e
Iscof
f
Me:
Youtookmefr
om myfriendsf
orwhat?,
A
movi
eandacuddl
e..
yeahr
ight asifI'
ll
agr
ee
t
othat
Him: Youcallabunchofhor
nyguy
syour
fr
iends?Al l
theysawyouforwasagoodfuck
atpassov er
.
Me:I
'
drat
herbewi
thaBunchofhor
nyguy
s'
t
hanbewit
hyouri
ghtnow.
Hi
m:I
'
m sur
eyoudo
Me:
Whaty
oudi
dov
ert
her
ewasn'
tnecessar
y
Hi
m:Andi
z'uqhel
wazezi
ntwanazakhomna
Me: Yekakenaweuziqheli
sangazongobai nt
o
oyi
funaemv akwam ayikho,
goingaround
causingunnecessar
yfi
ghtsjustforsomeone
whodoesn'tevenwanty ou
Him: I
fitmeansI '
llhavet
of i
ghtt
hem of
fyou
thenIwi l
l
,Pri
ncess.RememberItoldy
outher
e's
nothi
ngt hati
sgoi ngtostandinmywaytoget
you,nawel oI'
ll
fightyou
I
fIhav
eto
Rol
li
ngmyey
esathi
m,Iwassot
ir
edoff
ight
ing
wit
hhim
Him:
WaRol l
(e)l
omehl
oay
oji
kaenqent
suand
seei
fIcar
e.
Hi
m:I
'
mtaki
ngashower
,Wantt
ojoi
nme?
Fol
dingmyar
msIl
ookawayf
rom hi
m
Me:
Mxm.
Iwasact
ual
l
yir
ri
tat
ed
Withquickref
lexeshehasmychi
ninadeat
h
gr
ip,f
orcingmet olookupt
ohi
m
Hi
m:Ut
hi'
Mxm'
kubani
Alona?
Me:
Xol
o.
HeTsktskbef
orel
ett
inggoofme,
Iqui
ckl
yrub
mychi
nbecausei
tact
uall
yhurt
.
Iwatchhi
m ashewal
ksawayfr
om metohi
s
bat
hroom,t
aki
nghi
soffhi
scl
othesont
heway.
Assoonashe'
soutofsight
,Igof
ormybagt
hat
wasontopofhisbedt
henopenthedoor
qui
etl
yandgetout.
Maki
ngmywaydownt
hest
air
s,myhear
twas
t
humping
Passi
ngtheguysatt
helounge,
Iwasaboutt
o
openthedoort
ogetoutwhenoneofthem
deci
dedtosaysomethi
ng
Hi
m:Uphi
uReece?
It
urnt
olookatt
hesour
ceofv
oice
Cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
Me:
Upst
air
s
Hi
m:Di
dhesayy
oucango?
Me:
Didhesayy
oucant
alkt
ome?
Isaysmir
king,nowIknowhewon' tdar
etocall
ReeceandtellhimthatIwastr
yingtoescape
becauseI
'dalsotel
lthathetal
kedtome
NotthatI
'
dreal
lydoitthough,
Idi
dn'
twant
peopl
egetti
nghurtbecauseofme
ButIwon'
tst
ophimfr
om act
uall
ythinki
ngthatI
wasgoingt
odoitt
houghbecausethiswasmy
onl
ychancetor
unawayfr
om him.
Ihearhi
m mutter"bi
tch"bef
oreheget
sup
headi
ngt owar
dsmeonewhenoneoft heguy
s
butt
sin
"AK,
Don'
t"
Turni
ngtol
ookattheguywhoIonceheard
Reececal
lhi
m hi
sbrothersav
esmefrom AK.
Ohewasn'
tbadaf
teral
l
.
Notwast
inganyti
me,
Ispr
intoutoft
hehouse
andi
ntothest
reet
stof
indataxi
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Arri
vinghomel
ateron,
Ifi
ndnooneandI
'
m gl
ad
forthat.
Igot
oputmystuf
finmyroom andthen
comi
ngbackdowntost
artcooki
ngsupper
Iwasalmostdonewhent hewasaknockatt
he
door,
Ial
mostfrozet
hinki
ngitwoul
dbe
Reece.
OhwellBendi
zm'tshi
sangal
a
mbiz'
enyamaifhewouldtryt
ohurtme.
Goi
ngtoopenany
way,
Ifi
ndLungel
ost
andi
ng
t
here
Rol
l
ingmyey
esi
nwar
dly
Imumbl
eagr
eet
Hi
m:Ungaseut
hul
enj
eXaungaf
uni
ubul
i
sa?
Ii
gnor
ehi
m,Hef
oll
owsmet
otheki
tchen
St
ir
ri
ngthepotofBeefst
ew.
.Icoul
dfeel
him
st
andi
ngri
ghtbehi
ndme
Mybodyt
enses
Hi
m:Yourcooki
ngsmel
l
sgr
eat
.
Heal
mostwhi
sper
sinmyear
Cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
,Imov
eaway
Me:
T-t
hanks.

Dishi
ngoutl
ateron,
I
twasj
ustmeandLungelo
si
tti
nginanawkwardsi
l
enceatt
hesi
tt
ingroom
eati
ng.
Ti
l
lhedeci
dest
obr
eaki
t
Him:I
t'
slikeeveryt
hingaboutyoui
sperfect
,
Yousmart,You'r
ey oung,
Youcancook.
.Icoul
d
goonalldaywiththecompliments
Hesmi
rksatme
Me:
Aret
hosecompl
i
ment
s?
Hi
m:Yeahu-
Me:TheyjustcomeoutAwkwardfrom
you,
makingmef eel
uncomfor
tabl
e.
Isayt
ohim bef
oreget
ti
nguptoputmybowli
n
thesi
nkt
hengoingtol
ockmysel
finmyroom.
Changingi
ntomypy j
amasbefor
etucking
myselfinmyblanket
s,t
aki
ngmyphoneand
swit
chingitonandmessagesst
artf
loodi
ngi
n
Ialreadyknewwhot
hey
'r
efr
om wi
thout
checking,
Reece.
Conf
ormingmyguess,
Iopent
hef
ir
stmessage
andyeap
Thr
eatmessage
Delet
ingthem wit
houtreadi
ng,
Idi
dn'
twanna
putmy sel
findepressi
on.
Asi
foncue,
myphonest
art
sri
ngi
ng
Reece'snameappear
ingont
hescr
een,
Almost
j
umpi ngoutofmyski
n.
Il
eti
tri
ngt
il
li
tst
opsandIswi
tchi
tof
fagai
n.
I
'
lldeal
wit
hhi
m whenIseehi
m.
[
11/08,12:
53]‪+263772503508‬:
Read
I
nsert21asaReminder
.
Count
ingt
hel
astt
womi
ssedi
nser
ts

I
nser
t23

Standi
ngther
enearmywi
ndowwasnoneot
her
thanReece
I
nadarkclot
hingmaki
nghi
mlookmor
e
i
nti
midat
ing.
Washemour
ningmynowt
obedeat
h?
Washeheret okil
lme?,Iknewhewascapabl
e
ofdoi
ngitbecauseIhav
eoncel i
ter
all
y
wit
nessedhim doi
ngsomethingl
ikethat
.
I
'
mindeept
roubl
e.
Iwasl
i
ter
all
ysweat
ingr
ightnow.
Tur
ningar
oundqui
ckl
ytohol
dthedoorhandl
e
ast
ogetout
Hi
svoi
ceandwhathesay
sst
opsme
"Idareyoutoopenthatf
uckendoorIswearI
'l
l
shootthebackofyourheadsogqi
bandiphume
ngalandl
elabendi
ngenengayoandnoonewi l
l
everknowwhodi dit"
Hethreat
ened,
Maki
ngmet
hinkt
wiceaboutmy
nextmove
Turni
ngbackt
ofacehi
m,Igul
pasIl
ookathi
m
thenatt
heguninhi
shand
Hetakest
wost
epst
owardsmei
nabl
i
nkofan
ey
ehehadmebymyt hr
oat
Igotstar
tl
edbyt hemov ethatIdroppedt
he
almostemptyglassont hefl
oorcov er
edwit
ha
thi
ckmat,Luckyt hati
tdidn'
tbreak.
It
ryt
opr
yhishandof
fmyneck,
hewascut
ti
ng
of
fmyai
rsuppl
y
Me:
R-eece
Ical
loutt
ohi
minast
rangl
edv
oice
Hegl
areddownatme.
Heignor
esmeashet hr
owsmeont
opofmy
bed.Qui
ckl
yputti
ngmyhandonmythr
oat
rubbi
ngi
tbecauseithur
t
Icoughoutv
iol
ent
lyast
ear
sst
artt
ofal
loutof
myey es
Hi
m:Your
anawayf
rom meAl
ona
Hesaidi
nhi
slowdeepv
oice,
l
ikeebengaf
un'
ut
hetha
Hi
m:Your
anawayf
rom.
.me
Hesaysonceagai
n,
hi
svoi
ceal
mostl
acedwi
th
hur
t.
Ithi
nkitthi
sthi
ngwasmor
edeepert
hanI
thoughti
twas.
Hi
m:Undi
shi
yi
leAl
ona,
Li
keev
eryot
herper
son
w-
Hestopsmi
dsent
encef
eel
i
ngl
i
kehehadgi
ven
awaytomuch.
Whatwasal
lthi
sabout?
Gett
ingont
opofme,
openi
ngmyl
egssohe
coul
dbein-
bet
weent
hem
Quickl
yclosi
ngmyey
esshut
,af
rai
dofwhat
mightfol
l
ow
Hi
m:Openy
ourey
es
Ikeept
hem cl
osed
Hi
m:Openy
ourey
esAl
ona!
Hewhi
spery
ell
satme.
Openi
ngmyt ear
yey
estol
ookathi
m,hehadhi
s
gunpoi
ntedonmytempl
e.
Hi
m: Uf
unaundi
shi
yaAl
ona.?(Youwantt
o
l
eaveme)
Heaskedinthetypeofwaysomeonein
rel
ati
onshi
pwithsomeonewouldask,
li
kei
fhe/
shewantedtobreakupwit
htheother
.
Butthethi
ngi
swewer
en'
ti
nar
elat
ionshi
p,
he
thoughtwewer
e
Andy esIwant
edtol
eavehi
m ButifIsai
d
that
,onl
ygodknowswhathewoulddor i
ght
nowwi tht
hegunonmytemple
Ishookmyhead,
tr
embl
i
ngunderhi
m
Me:
N-No
Ist
utt
erout
Hi
m:Sayi
tli
key
oumeani
tAl
ona.
Must
eri
ngal
lmyst
rengt
h
Me:
N-no(
Igul
p)Idon'
twantt
oleav
ey-
you-
Hewait
sforamoment
,sat
isf
iedwi
thmy
answer
.
Hi
m:Good
Hesay
sashest
aresatme
Li
ft
inghi
shandupt
omyf
ace,
Iqui
ckl
ycl
osemy
ey
escoweri
ngaway
Buti
nst
eadhewi
pest
hest
reaksoft
ear
swi
th
hi
sthumb.
Hi
m:Idon'
twanty
out
obeaf
rai
dofme.
Hesayswhi
sper
ingi
nmyear
,ni
bbl
i
ngmy
ear
lobe
Mybodyr
eact
s
Put
ti
nghi
shandont hesmallofmybackl
i
fti
ng
meli
ght
ly,
Ourbodi
estouchi
ng
Hi
sotherhandremovi
ngmyhai
rfr
om my
f
ace,
Heleansinforaki
ss
Hi
sli
pstouchi
ngmi
ne,
Idon'
tki
sshi
m back
t
hough.
Hepul
l
sAwayl
ooki
ngatmewar
ningl
y.
Bri
ngi
nghi
sli
psbacktomi
ne,
Iki
sshi
mtr
ying
sohar
dnottotr
emble.
Nowput t
inghi
shandi
n-bet
weenmythi
ghs
brushi
ngmysidesbef
orehi
shandt
ouchedmy
part
Ial
mostjumpupatthesuddencontacthi
s
handmade,l
ooki
ngathi
m pleadi
ngsil
entl
yfor
himtost
opBecauseIwasuncomf ort
able
Hegetsof
fme,andIsi
ghi
nrel
i
efbecausehe
di
dn'
tputafi
ght
Placi
nghisgunnexttothet
abl
eonhissi
de.He
l
ay sonhi
sback,pl
acingmeontopofhi
m ashe
wrapshisarmsaroundmywaistNowmyhead
resti
ngonhisfi
rm chest
Heki
ssesmyf oreheadwhi
sper
ing"
Good
ni
ght
,Pr
incess.
"
Whatwasgoodabouti
t?
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Wakingupthef
oll
owingdaytofi
ndmy
sel
f
sl
eepingal
one,
Reecehadlef
t.
Get
ti
ngupt
ogetr
eadyf
orschool
Igotothebathroom,
str
ippingmyclothesthat
smeltstr
onglyofhi
mremi ndingmeoft he
posi
tionheforcedmetosleepinlastni
ght.
Get
ti
ngoutoft
het
ub15mi
nut
esl
ater
Wear
ingmyunifor
m andFi
xi
ngev
ery
thi
ngt
hing
Igot
otheki
tchen.
Fi
ndi
ngmom,
mybr
otherandLungel
o
Rol
l
ingmyey
esi
nwar
dlyasIseehi
m.
ImurmuraGoodmor
ningbef
oresi
tt
ingdown
nextt
oOz
Mom:Youl
ookl
i
key
oudi
dn'
tsl
eepabl
i
nkl
ast
ni
ght
.
Me:I
-Idid,
i
t'
sjustw-wearewri
ti
ngatestt
oday
andIstudi
edallni
ghtandsl
eptint
helat
e.
Il
i
e
LookingatOzwi
tht
hecornerofmyey
e,he
probabl
yknewIwasly
ing
Mom:
Yougonnanai
li
t,
don'
twor
ry.
Igi
veherasmal
l
.
Oz:
Doy
ouwantmet
odr
ivey
out
oschool
?
Becausey
ouwantt
otal
ktomet
hat
'
sal
l
.

Me:
Sur
e.
Isay
.
Af
terbr
eakfast
,wewentt
ohi
scarandof
fhe
dr
ovemet oschool
.

10+mi
nut
esl
ater
Wewerepar
kednexttotheschoolgat
e,t
he
whol
eri
dewasquietexceptf
orthemusicthat
waspl
ayi
ng
Mumblinga'
thankyou'bef
oreopeni
ngt
he
doort
ogetout.Hestopsme
Him:Youmi
ghtbeablet
oli
etomom
someti
mesandgetawaywi
thit
,buty
oucan'
tl
ie
tome.
Hest
art
ed
Hi
m:Whathappenedy
est
erdayni
ghtaf
terI
l
eft?
If
oundyourf
ri
endi
nmyr
oom wai
ti
ngf
orme
wi
thagun.
OfcauseIdi
dn'
tsayt
hat
.
Ishr
ugged.
Hi
m:Lungel
o,hashet
ri
edany
thi
ngony
ou?
Ishookmyheadno,
seemi
ngr
eli
evedhe
conti
nued
Hi
m:Thenwhati
sit?
Me:
Itsgi
rlst
uff
Ibl
urtout
Me:
Ther
e'st
hisguyt
hatI
'
m cr
ushi
ngonandt
-
Him:OkyouknowIdon'twannaheari
t,
Justget
outofmycar.
Ijusthadt
omakesurethatyou
wereokayEny
eneny eAyi
ndif
uni
.
Ichuckl
e,ki
ssi
nghi
scheekandget
ti
ngoutof
thecar.
Walki
ngi
ntheschool
gat
esr
eadyt
oSt
artt
he
day
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Thedayt
ookadragmay
bei
twasbecauseI
wasn'
ti
nthemood.
Aft
erschool
,
goingtot
hel
i
brar
ywi
thRomeot
o
fi
nishof
fResearch
36+mi
nut
esl
ater
St
il
li
nfr
ontofacomput
er
Hi
m:It
hinkI
'
vehadenough,
Ndi
diki
wemna.
Me:
Weal
lmostf
ini
shed
Him:You'
vebeensayi
ngthatt
hepastfew
minut
esAlona,
Anywayit
snotli
keiduedatei
t'
s
soon
Me:Youknowitsbet
tert
ogetear
li
erdonewi
th
i
tsoyou'
llhav
esomet i
metoyoursel
f.
Hi
m: Whyareyousuchaner
d?,Idon'
tknow
whatReece'
sseesi
nyoubesi
dethebeuty.
Me:Nowever
yconver
sat
ionwehav
eyouj
ust
got
tabr
inghi
minit
Isay
Hi
m:Whydoy
ousomet
imeshat
etheguy?
Me:
Notsomet
imes,
Alway
s
Hi
m:Yeah
Hesay
swi
thahi
ntt
hatsay
sIdon'
tbel
i
evey
ou
Hi
m:Butwhy?
Ishr
ug
Becauseoft
het
hingshedoest
ome
ButIdon'
tsayt
hatt
hough
Idi
dn'tneedRomeotobeinmycasewhenIt
ell
hi
mt hatReece'
siski
ndaAbusi
ve.
Me:
West
art
edof
font
hewr
ongf
oot
Hi
m:Youal
sohatehi
m becausehemadey
ou
br
eakupwi
thpr
incechar
ming?
Yes.
Ignor
inghi
m andcont
inuet
opr
intoutt
he
paperIwant
ed
Him:Itwasforthebestyouknow,Reecealso
savedyoufrom aheart
ache(sighs)Idon'
t
knowwhyy oujustcan'
tfor
getabouthim
al
ready.
(Enzo)
Me: I
t'
snoteasyt ofor
getaboutsomeoney ou
sharedsomuchmemor i
eswi th,
Idon'
tcar
e
whathedidbutIknewheat leasttr
iedl
ove
me,Soexcusemef orbei
ngst uckonhim.I
t
mightbeeasyf oryoutoforgetaboutsomeone
youfuckedlastweekend,youpr obabl
ydon't
evenknownorr ememberhi snamebuti t'
snot
easytoforgetsomeonewhoy ouspentmostof
yourti
mewi th.
Isai
dget
ti
ngal
lwor
kedup
Hi
m:Soy
ou'
dst
il
lgetbackwi
thhi
m?
Me: YES!Andcany ougetbackwithyourone
nightst
and?Nobecausey oucan'tev
en
rememberthelastoneyouhad.Nowdon' tj
udge
mebecausey oudon'tev
enhav et
heslightest
cl
ueonhowmuchI
'
m hur
ti
ng.
Wit
houtanswer
ingme,
heget
supandpackshi
s
st
uffbef
oregoi
ngout
.
Shi
t,
Ishoul
dn'
thav
esai
dthat
It
hinkt
omy
sel
f
Alsogett
ingupt
opackmystuffandcheckout
,Idon'
tseehimthoughhemusthaveal
ready
l
eft.
Ihadtoapol
ogi
zeIt
hinkt
omy
sel
fasIheadt
o
thet
axis.
Get
ti
nghomel
ateron.
[
11/
08,
12:
53]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t24
Waki
ngupt
hef
oll
owi
ngdayt
ogot
oschool
Ihadl ef
tthehouseearl
ywi t
houteat
ing
breakfastbecauseIwantedtohavemoret
ime
totalktoRomeo
Ihadtr
iedcal
l
inghi
myest
erdaybuthedi
dn'
t
pickup
Iwantedtost
artt
hedaypr
oper
lyandputwhat
happenedbet
weenusbehi
nd.
Ihadwai
tedf
orhim unt
ilt
hefi
rstbel
lfor
star
ti
ngt
hefi
rstper
iodhadrang
He'
snev
erlat
esoIguesshewasn'
t
comi
ng,
Suddenl
yIwasn'
ti
nthemood.
Goi
ngt
omycl
asst
ost
artt
hef
ir
stper
iod.

Br
eakt
ime
Si
tt
ingal
oneatourusual
spotIwastexti
ngon
myphoneeat
ingasnackbarontheside.
Iwasboredtoapointwher
eIal
mostwant
edt
o
fakesi
ckjustsoIcoul
dgohometowat
chmyf-
"Hey"
Af
emi
ninev
oicesay
s
Turni
ngt
ofi
ndherstandi
ngafewf
eetaway
fr
om me,
apaperbaginhand
Wher
edoIknowherf
ace?
,OhIt
hinkshewas
amongstt
hosegi
rl
sIgav
eupReece'
snumber
to.
Me:
Hi
Her
:CanIchi
l
lwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Y-eahsur
e.
IsayAwkwardl
y,
Welli
twasunusual
for
someonetocomejustcometomeandaskf
or
achil
l
Welli
twasn'
treal
l
yunusual
,
Isomehowgot
usedtoi
tunti
lOzlef
t
Theyal
waysaskedt ochil
lwithmesothatI
coul
dgivethem mybrother'
snumberorsothey
coul
dcomev i
sitmyhouseinhopesofhi
m
bei
ngthere
Ialwaysr
efusedsotheyj
ustwal
kedaway
provi
ngtomehowf aketheywer
e.
Si
tt
ingbesi
deme,
sheopensupt
hepaperbag
Of
fer
ingmedonut
s,It
akeoutsomeandt
hank
her
Her
:I'
m Ent
le,
shor
tforMbal
ent
le.
I
ndeedshewas.
Car
amel
ski
n
Bi
gblackey
eshai
rcutshor
twi
thal
i
neont
he
si
de
Fullpackage,
butthewassomethi
ngabouther
thatIcouldn'
treal
lyputmyfi
ngert
oo.
Me:
I'
m A-
Her
:Al
ona
Oneofthestr
angestthi
ngsIal
ways
get,
someoneknowingmewi t
houtmeknowi
ng
them
Shemusthav
eseent
heconf
usedf
aceIhadon
Her:
Yourprobabl
ythe'
I
t'gi
rlev
ery
oneenv
yso
pr
ettymuchmostpeopl
eknowwhoy ouare
Me:
S-sur
e
Her
:Sowher
eisy
ourbestf
ri
end?
Me:
Absentandwher
ear
eyourf
ri
ends?
Her
:Goti
naAr
gument
,Asi
sat
het
hisani
.
Deci
dingnott
opr
yinherbusi
ness,
Ishutmy
mouthandnod
Her
:Younotgoi
ngt
oaskwhati
twasabout?
Me:
No,
unl
essy
ouwantt
otel
lme
Her
:Soyounotnosyandal
l?,
Ithi
nkwer
egoi
ng
t
obegoodfri
ends.
Ishr
ug
Her
:Canweexchangenumber
s?
Me:
Sur
e.
Isaygi
vi
nghermynumberbef
oret
aki
ngher
s.
Af
terschool
Iwaswal
ki
ngal
onet
other
ank
Ihadspentmostofmyt
imewithEntl
e,
Wealso
discov
eredwehadsomecl
assestoget
her
Shewasapr
ett
ycool
tobewi
th.
Wepar
tedwaysaf
ewmi nut
esago,
whi
l
eIhad
t
ogetataxi
homeShehadamonthl
ytr
anspor
t.

•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Arr
ivi
nglat
eronendl
i
nit
ofi
ndOzt
ypi
ngaway
onhisappl
elapt
op
Igr
eethi
m
Me:Whatarey
oudoi
ngt
hati
ssoi
mpor
tanty
ou
coul
dn'
tpi
ckmeup.
IaskasItrypeeki
ngatt
hescr
eenbuthe
quickl
yshuti
tclose
Hi
m:Noneofy
ourbusi
ness
Hesmi
rksatme
Ishr
ugwhat
ever
Me:
Oz
Hi
m:Justbookedaf
li
ght
Me:
Towher
e?
Him:Noneofyourbusi
ness,
I
'l
lbegonef
ora
coupl
eofdays
Me:
Wh-
Hi
m:Howwasschool?
Heasked,
changi
ngt
hesubj
ect
.
Me:Justcool
,
thoughRomeowasabsentI
madeanewf ri
end
Isaysmi
l
ingathi
m
Hi
m:Anot
hergay?
Me:
Nope,
i
t'
sagi
rl
.
Hi
m:I
sshepr
ett
y?
Heaskswi
ggl
i
nghi
sey
ebr
owsatme
Roll
ingmyeyes,
Iknewi
fIanswer
edt
hathe'
d
nextaskf
orhernumber
Me:
Ithi
nkI
'
m goi
ngf
oranap.
Isayget
ti
ngup
Ihearhi
m chuckl
ebehi
ndmeasIgot
omy
room.
Changi
ngoutofmyuni for
mtowearmy
fav
ouri
tegreygutt
ertr
ackpant
sandmywhi
te
baggyvest
,Iwasn'
tgoi
nganywher
eany
way.
Thr
owi
ngmy
sel
font
oo,
Isi
ghoutl
oud
Ti
redIwas.

Waki
ngupl
ateronwhenIhear
dmyphone'
s
r
ingt
one
Pressi
ngtheanswerbut
tonbl
i
ndl
yIl
azi
l
yput
thephoneonmyear
Me:
Mhh?
"Pri
ncessy ouAlwayssl
eepi
ng,
I'dsayt
here'
s
ReeceJnrgr owi
ngInsi
deyourtummybutwe
haven'
tfuckedyetsoI'
mjustgonnasayyou'
re
ti
red"
Isi
ghi
nannoy
ance
Me: I
'
mt r
yingsohardnott
ogagr i
ghtnow,
ReeceJnr?I'dpr
obabl
ykil
lthatl
i
ttl
edevi
l
befor
eiteatsmeali
ve.
Hi
m:Andt
henseewhatI
'
m gonnadot
oyou.
Rol
l
ingmyey
es
Hi
m:I
'
m out
side.
Me:
Ngokundi
thi
ni?
Hi
m:Sundi
nyel
aAl
ona.
Hesay
sbef
orehehangsup.
Gett
ingupt
ogowashmyf
ace,
Ibr
ushmyt
eet
h
andmakemywayout
6:
32pm
Noonewashomebesi
deme.
Approachi
nghim ashewasleani
ngonhi
scar
thatwasparkedafewhousesaway.
Ist
andacoupl
eoff
eetawayf
rom hi
m,f
oldi
ng
myarmsonmychest
Igl
areathi
m
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
,Reece?
Him:Thewaymynamer ol
lsofyourtongue,
I'
m
tr
yingsohar
dnott
ofuckyousenselessri
ght
hereandnow
Hesaysashesnakeshi
shandonmywaist
br
ingi
ngmetostandinbet
weenhi
slegs.
Put
ti
ngmyhandont
opofhi
stopul
li
tof
f
Hi
m:Ungakheul
i
nge.
Hesay
sinast
ernv
oice
Droppi
ngmyhandt
omysi
de,
Il
ookany
wher
e
buthim
Him:Idon'
tknowwhenyougoi
ngtolear
nthatI
cantouchyouwhenIwant,
howIwanttoand
anywhereandyouar
en'
tgoi
ngtost
opmeOkay?
Idon'
tanswerhi
m,Put
ti
ngpr
essur
eonmywai
st
Iqui
ckl
ymutteroutaf
orced"Okay
",Ofcour
seI
wasn'
tokaywit
hit.
Me:
Whycan'
tyouj
ustbeni
ce?
Him:Iwasraisednottoshowemotion,
sobei
ng
nicei
snotinmybl oodbutI'
mtr
yingsohardf
or
youbutyoujustal
way sgott
ofi
ndawayt opi
ss
meof f
.
Isnor
t
Me:I'
m sur
eyouwer erai
sedunderahar
sh
env
ironmentmakingyoutur
nouttobethi
sAss-
whatyouaretoday.
Hi
m:Sukhami
s'ut
hyal
eAl
ona.
Hesay
sal
lj
okesasi
de,
ser
iousnessonhi
svoi
ce.
Me:
Xol
o
Igul
p
Hi
shandmakingcont
actwit
hmyf
lesh(
under
myshi
rt
),her
ubssmallci
rcl
es
Hi
m:I
binj
ani
Imi
niy
akho,
Alona?
Het
ri
es
Me:
Cool
Hesi
ghs
Hi
m:I'
m notanexpectonthi
sty
peofshi
tbut
ar
en'
tyousupposedtoaskhowminewas?
Me:
Dependsi
fIwantt
oknowornot
Henods,
Runni
nghi
shandt
hroughhi
shai
r
Him:YouknowI'
mreal
l
ytr
yingt
obenor
mal
r
ightnow,
tomakeuswork?
Me:Us?Ther eisnousandtheneverwas,
there
sooneryougetthatt
hroughy
ourthi
ckskul
lt he
bett
ersoSuzibhanxa
Hi
m:I
not
herwor
dsndi
mlousi
s'bhanxa?
Hechuckl
esi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Him:Yekaut
heth'
unot
handakum Al
onabef
ore
ndi
kuyeki
sengosendi
kuny
a't
hel
e.
Fi
ndi
ngser
iousnessi
nhi
svoi
ce,
Ishutmy
mout
h.
Hi
m:S-
Hewascutof
fbysomeonecal
l
ingoutt
ome"
Al
ona"
Turni
ngtofi
ndLungel
opeeki
ngoutofthe
windowofhi
scar,
HewasaloneandIthanked
godfort
hat
HelookedatReecet henathishandsthatwe
undermyshir
t.Quicklytr
yingtoshrugthem
out,
heholdsmetight
Hi
m:I
yaendl
i
ni,
ngoku!
Heshout
s
Reece:
Don'
tfuckent
alkt
oh-
Itaketheri
skofst
eppi
ngonhi
sfooton
purposejustt
oshuthi
m
Me:It
'smystepdad(note:
sarcasm)
,sopl
ease
t
akeyourhandsoffbeforeyougetmein
t
roubl
e
Iwhi
sperathi
m
Hedoesn'
tbudgei
nst
eadher
emov
est
hem ,
nowholdi
ngmybutt
Il
ookathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef.
Hi
m:Idon'
tcar
e.
Lungel
o:Al
ona!
Hesay
s,get
ti
ngangr
ier
Me:
Reecepl
ease,
letgo.
Hi
m:AndwhatdoIget
Heaskssuggest
ivel
y
Me: Whatev erbutpl
easedon'tgetmein
tr
ouble,I
'm beggingyou.Idon'
twantt
opisshim
offsothatheendsupt el
li
ngmymom . .
please?
Hedr
opshi
shandst
ohi
ssi
des
Hi
m:Tel
lhi
myoucomi
ngi
namomenthecan
go
Swal
l
owi
ngt
hel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
It
urnt
olookatLungel
o
Me:Canyouj
ustgi
vemeami
nut
e,I
'
llf
oll
ow
af
teryou
Looki
ngatmet
henGl
ari
ngbehi
ndme.
Hedr
ivesof
finf
ull
speed.
Tur
ningt
olookatReece
Me:CanIgonowthaty
ouj
ustpr
ovedy
ou
al
waysgetwhaty
ouwant,
thaty
ouhavet
he
l
astsay?
Hesmi
rks
Hi
m:Yeah.
Hepecksmyl
i
psbef
oreget
ti
ngi
nhi
scar
Hi
m:Imi
ghtcomeseey
out
omor
row.
Me:
Asi
fIwanty
out
oo
Him:Deepdowny ouknowyoudo,St
opbei
ngi
n
deni
alPri
ncess.Noonecanresi
stme
Wi
nki
ngatme
Him:Nowgohome, xel
elel
anj
aubaiyeyathi
vu
nj
eikuxabani
senonozal
a.Ndizay
'khaba
ubuMoffi
ebuphume.
Hesay
sbef
oreal
sodr
ivi
ngof
f.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Br
eat
hingi
nandoutj
ustt
ocal
m my
sel
f
Iopenthedoort
ofi
ndapissedoffLungel
o
Pacingupanddownthesi
tt
ingr
oom.
Idon'
tknowwhyhewasOv
err
eact
ing.
Him:Ithoughty
ousai
dyouwer
en'
tdat
ing
anyone.
So?
Me:Pl
easedon'
ttel
lmom ?,andpl
easedon'
t
t
ell
heraboutwhatyouj
ustsaw
Ibeg
Hepr
etendst
obeponder
ingoni
tforamoment
Hi
m:AndwhatdoIget?
Hesay
sgi
vi
ngmehi
smi
schi
evousgr
in.
Il
ookathi
m conf
used
[
11/
08,
12:
53]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t25

Lungel
o:WhatdoIget?
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanwhatdoy
ouget?
Lungel
o:ImeanifIdon'tt
elly
ourmom, oryour
brot
herthatyouhav
eaboy fri
endandtellt
hem
whatIsawy outwodoingthenwhatdoIget?
Me:Don'
tmakeitsoundl
i
kewewer
edoi
ng
somet
hingbi
g,
itwasj-
Him:Itwasj ustamakeoutsessi onsinthe
middleoft hestr
eettoshowt heneighbours
whatty peofagirlyourmother
rai
sed,embar r
assingher.Hi
shandwasj ust
undery ourshi
rt,
resti
ngontopofy ourbreast
s
..whatel se?Ohhi shandswherefeeli
ngon
yourbut twh-
Okay
,thatwasn'
tni
ce
Mymotherdi
dn'tneedtoknowallt
his,
how
woul
dIlookherintheeyeagai
n.
Me:Whydopeopl
ewantt
ohel
pthenusei
t
agai
nsty
ou?
Il
ookedathi
sconf
usedf
ace
Me:Whatdoyouwant?
,washy
ourcl
othesf
ora
mont
h? ,
maybecl
eanupaf-
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m:Farawayf
rom t
hat
Hesaysashecomest
owar
dsme,
Stoppi
ng
r
ighti
nfr
ontofme
Nowf
acet
ochestwi
thhi
m
Tower
ingoverme,
hi
sli
pstouchi
ngt
hesi
deof
myneck,
leav
ingaki
ssbef
orehesni
ff
sme
Hi
m:Yousmel
lgood
Okay,
youpr
obabl
ywonderi
ngwhyIdon'
tj
ust
r
aisemykneeandki
ckhisbal
l
s
Iwasj
ustt
ooshocked,
Thi
sIdi
dn'
texpect
.
Tr
acinghi
shandonmycollarbone,
hol
dingt
he
st
ri
pofmyv estpul
l
ingi
thalf
waydown
St
eppi
ngawayf
rom hi
m,pul
l
ingi
tup
Me:
W-whatar
eyoud-
doi
ng
Iaski
nashaky
,scar
edv
oice.
Put
ti
nghi
shandont
hesi
deofmyf
ace
Him:Lookwebothadult
sheresoItmustbe
obvi
ouswhatIwantfrom y
ou,
whatIwanted
whenIfir
stmetyou,noonewil
lhavetoknow.
Tur
ningar
oundt
orunt
omyr
oom,
hespeaksup
Idon'
ttur
nar
oundt
houghIst
op
Hi
m:OrIcoul
dlety
ourmom know
Me:
I'
ll
alsot
ell
herwhaty
ouj
ustdi
dtome.
Hechuckl
es
Him: Asifshe'
llbelieveyou.
Sheknowsfora
factthatyoudidn'tlikemesoImaginewhenI
conv i
nceherthaty ouarejustmaki
ngupstori
es
soy oucouldgetridof fme.
I
gnor
inghi
m,Igot
omyr
oom andmakesur
eI
l
ockt
hedoorbehi
nd
Iwasn'
tsaf
e.
Get
ti
ngont
opofmybed,
Icur
lmysel
fup
Taki
ngmyphonecl
oset
omej
usti
ncase.
Itr
yhardtofal
lasl
eepandf
orgetwhatj
ust
happened.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Wokenupbyal
oudbangi
ngonmybedr
oom
door
Ij
umpup,
ter
ri
fi
edofwhoi
tmi
ghtbe
"
ALONA"
Mymom shout
satt
het
opofherl
ungs.
Hedi
dn'
ttel
lherdi
dHe?
"
Vul
alomnyangowenamnt
anandi
ni"(
Open
t
hedoory
ouchil
d)
Wellopeni
ngthatdoorwast
heonl
ywayt
ofi
nd
out
,butIwasscared.
"Iknowy
ounotsl
eepi
ngsoopent
hisdoor
,Now!
?
Wal
kingt
owar
dsThedoorwi
thmyt
rembl
i
ng
f
eet
.
Turningt
hekey,
Iwasabouttoopenthedoor
butitwassuddenl
ypushedopenwit
hforce.
Smacki
ngthesideofmybodyt
hatIf
all
onmy
backonthef
loor.

Myangrymot
heri
sst
andi
ngt
her
e,gl
ari
ngdown
atme.
St
andi
nguponmyf
eet
,t
ryi
ngt
orubmysi
de
Her
:Isi
ttr
ue?
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout,
mom ?
Her:
Sundenzaisi
bhanxasakhoAlona(Don'
t
makemeoutt obeyouridiot)
,Lungel
osayshe
sawyouatthestr
eetstandingwit
hsomeguy
whowashol-Idon'
twannasayi t,
Ngamanyal
a
ant
oniangauwenzayoAlona?
Me:It
'snotl
ikehowhemadei
toutt
obe,
mama
Icanexpl
ain
Pr
obabl
ythatpi
eceofshi
tiny
enzey
anespi
ce
Mom:
Soi
tist
rue?
Bef
oreIcansaysomet
hing
I
'
m metwi
thasl
apacr
osst
hef
ace
Mom:Soyoual
sotr
iedt
opull
somemoveson
hi
m?,
Youshoul
dbeashamedofy
our
sel
f
Me:
CanIat
leastt
ell
mys-
sideoft
-t
hest
ory?
IsayasIhi
ccuped,
wipi
ngt
het
ear
swi
tht
he
backofmyhand
Her:Idon'twannahearanythi
ng,
I
'vehad
enough.Ididn'trai
seyoutobeli
kethi
sAl ona,
Whatar eyou?Anupcomi ngwhore?It hought
Iwasdoi ngagoodj obinr
aisi
ngyou,
clearl
yI
waswr ong.Undiphoxi
l
eAlona!
Il
ookatherwi
thmyt
ear
yey
es
Shel
eav
esmet
her
einapool
ofmyownt
ear
s.
Heari
nghersaythatst
uff
,Icoul
dtakei
tfr
om
anyonebeingcal
l
edaWhor ebutnother
.It
hur
tsmor e.
IknowwhatIdidwasn'tokay,
butatl
eastshe
couldhav
eli
stenedtomeandhearwhatIhad
tosayCouseclear
lyLungel
ohadli
edtoher.
Whathur
tst
hemosti
sthathechoset
obel
i
eve
hi
m,t
hanmeHerowndaughter
Getti
ngontopofmybed,Icur
lupinaf
etal
posit
ionandt
rytof
allasl
eepwit
hthet
ears
str
eamingdownmyf ace.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Waki
ngupt
hef
oll
owi
ngday
If
eltl
i
keshi
t
Myey
eswer
eal
i
ttl
ebi
tswol
l
en,
under
.
Looki
ngmy sel
font
hebedroom mi
rr
or,
Ihad
about3f
ingersonmycheek
Di
sadv
ant
agesofbei
ngl
i
ghtski
nned
Mybodywasi
npai
n,
probabl
yfr
om t
hef
all
Si
ghi
ngi
npi
ty.
Iwaitf
orthewatert
obeint
heri
ght
temperat
urebef
oreget
ti
ngi
n.

Iwaspr
ett
ymuchdonewit
hevery
thi
ng,
Iwas
nowdebat
ingwhet
hert
ogoforbr
eakf
astornot
Iwasn'tsur
eifIcoul
dfacemymom af
terwhat
happenedyester
day
ButIwouldhavet
osoonerorl
aterandgeti
t
overdonewit
h.
Goi
ngt
otheki
tchent
ofi
ndmom andLungel
o
Ozebengekho,
Ireal
lyneededhimrightnow
causeIknowifhewast hi
ngswouldn'thave
tur
nedoutthewaytheywer e.
Hewoul dstandby
menomat t
erwhat,
he'
dnev erj
udgeme
Icr
oakoutahel
l
o
Wai
ti
ngf
orar
epl
yfr
om mom i
nst
eadIhear
d
Lungel
o.
I
nwar
dlyIr
oll
myey
es
Placi
ngmybagontopoft
hekit
chenbar
,Igot
o
openthecar
dboar
dtot
akeoutcer
eal
.
IhadtheboxonmyhandswhenIhear
dmom
ask"Wenzani
?"(
whatar
eyoudoi
ng? )
Tur
ningt
olookatherconf
used.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
omakecer
eal
formy
sel
fmom
Her:Ingathi
ngoy ibeka,youj ustprovedtome
thatungumf aziomdal angokusoYenz 'Ipl
anke
yobamawut yeKamandl endodaunay oinemoto
kanokutshosoI 'm prettysur eukhuphai mali
yothengelawenai ntoy otyai t
'snothingkuye,
uyekeokukwemal 'y
am ukut ya.(Youshoul d
putitback,y oujustprov edt omet haty ou'
re
olderwomannowsoy oumakeapl anforyouto
eat,yourmanhasaf ancy /expensivecar
anywayI '
m sur epay i
ngf ory outoeati snothi
ng
tohim, l
eavet hefoodt hatIhav epai dfor)
Shesay
s
Swall
owingthel
umpf
ormi
ngi
nmyt
hroat
,Iput
theboxback.
Taki
ngmybagf
rom t
hecount
er
Me:Bendi
cel
aImal
iyet
axi
(canIpl
easehav
e
t
axi
f ar
e)
Her:
Whydon'tyoucal
lhi
m sohecoul
ddri
ve
youtoschool
?.Andi
namali
Alona(
Idon'
thav
e
moneyAlona)
.
Noddi
ngi
nunder
standi
ng,
Igoupt
omyr
oom
Sear
chi
ngforsomecoinsIf
oundafewfr
om
mysavi
ngsbox,gl
adt
oseeaf ewnot
esal
so.
Taki
ngataxifar
eandsomeforl
unch,
Imakemy
wayoutofthehousewi
thaheav
yheart

That
'showIst
art
edmyday
.
[
11/
08,
12:
54]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t26
Thepastf
ewday
sfel
tli
keadr
ag
I
t'
sli
ket
heywer
eslowi
ngdownj
ustt
omock
meofmymiser
y.
Thingswer
epret
tybadathome,Ozhadgonet o
takecar
eofsome"business"sohedidn'
t
knowwhatwasgoingon.Sometimeshe'dcall
andaskhowIwasIalwaysl i
edt
ell
i
nghimI '
m
okayevent
houghIwasn't
,Idi
dn'
twanttobother
him
Iwasst
il
ll
ivi
ngoffmysavi
ngsandt
het
hing
wasIwasrunni
ngoutoft
hem
Thi
ngswer
epret
tymucht
hesamei
fthey
wer
en'
tworse
Iwasn'tal
lowedtotouchanyofthegrocer
y
becauseohwell'i
ndodam' i
nemali'asshe
(mom)l i
kedtosaysomandi hl
ukanenento
zakhe
Ihadtowal
ktoschool
someti
messoIcould
savesomemoneyforl
unchsothatmyf
ri
ends
wel
lImeanfri
endwoul
dn'
tsuspectat
hing,
I
di
dn'
twantherpi
ty
RomeoandIwer ejustav
oidi
ngeach
other,
thoughIwantedtotal
ktohi
m and
actual
lyapologi
se
Ithi
nkitwasbestt
hatIstayedawayfr
om hi
m
becausebynowhewoul dhaveknownthat
somethingwaswrongandhewoul dhave
wantedmet ocomeoutwi t
hit.
Thi
ngsbet
weenEnt
leandIwer
eokay
.
Reece
Ah,
Reece.
Ther
easonI
'
mint
hiswhol
emess
Ihadn'
tseenhim si
ncethedayIwaswi
thhi
m
andgotcaughtbyLungelo.
Ihadactual
l
yaskedwel lmorel
i
kebeggedhim
tostayawaybecauseIwashavingsomefamil
y
i
ssues,Iwasgladthatheunder
stoodmefor
once.
Iwi
shhe'
dSt
ayawayf
rom mef
ort
her
estof
myl
i
fe
Hewasnot
hingbutt
roubl
e.
Ibl
amedhi
mforev
ery
thi
ng
I
fhedidn'
tfor
cehiswaytomyl
i
fe,
Ever
ythi
ng
woul
dbeokayr i
ghtnow
EnzoandIwoul dsti
llbedati
ngevenifhewould
havecheatedIprobablywouldn'
tknowandI
wouldn'
thavediscoveredt
hathenev erl
oved
me.
Thatsoundspat
het
ic,
Iknow
Thi
ngsbet
weenmybestf
ri
endandIwoul
dn'
t
beawkwar
d.
Iwouldhavenev
erhadt
oli
eaboutmy
Whereabout
stomymom.
Iwoul
dhaveneverbet
raumat
izedbecauseI
oncel
it
eral
l
ywit
nessedamurder.
Thingsbet
weenmom andIwoul
dsti
llbeokay
becauseIwoul
dn'
thav
egott
encoughtint
he
middl
eofsomethi
ngwit
hReecebecausehe'
d
beoutoft
hepict
ure.
Am Imaki
ngsense?
,Idon'
tthi
nkso.
Butthenagainthere'
sLungel o,
hewoul dhav
e
comeany waybecausehe' swi t
hmymom and
hewoul dbesti
llaf
termenomat t
erwhat.Just
thathethoughthavingsomet hi
ngtouse
againstmewoul dgivehimt headvantageof
getti
nginmypant squickl
y,wellhethought
wrong.
Buthemadesur
etot
urnmymot
heragai
nstme
Sopret
tymuchmyl
i
fewasmeantt
obe
doomedanyway
.
Waki
ngupSat
urdaymor
ning
Goi
ngtot hebat
hroom totakeanear
ly
bat
h,at
leastmyhygienehasn'
tbeent
akenf
rom
me
Ideci
det
oti
dymyr
oom abi
tbecauseIhad
nothi
ngt
odo
Iwouldhavegonetomakebreakf
astbutasI
sai
d,Iwasn'
tal
lowedt
otouchthegrocer
y.
Iwasdoneaf ewmi nut
esl
ater
,Goi
ngtoOz
room andcol
lapsi
ngonhisbedsmell
i
ngthe
l
astbitsofhi
scologne
I
tsomehowsoot
hedme
Forsomeonewhodi
dn'
teatalot
,Ij
usthadl
ess
ener
gyandIwassomehowdizzy
Taki
ngt heboxthatIcamewit
hfrom myr
oom,
I
openitandtakeoutasnackbar.
Myev
erdaybr
eakf
astandsupper
Spendi
ngmostofmyl unchti
meatschool
,Ij
ust
boughtmysel
ffrui
tbutnowIwasathomesoI
guessI'
m eat
inganot
hersnackbarf
orl
unch
Iwasrunningoutoft
hem t
hough,
theywer e
gonnalastmetil
lMondayt
henI'
llhavetofi
gur
e
outsomethingt
okeepmebybecausebendi
ngena'
yongoenyeimali
tobuyanotherbox.
Taki
ngsmal
lbi
tessoIcoul
djustsav
ort
he
moment
.
Iwasplayi
ngsomegamesonOz' spl
ayst
ati
on
i
nhisroom whil
eItr
iednottot
hinkabout
ever
ythi
ngthatwasbother
ingme.
Afewminut
esl
aterIgotacal
lfr
om Oz,
qui
ckl
y
pi
cki
ngup

Me:
Bhut
'wam
Isaytr
yingt
ohi
det
hepai
n,
unhappi
nessf
rom
myv oi
ce
Hi
m:Mol
ont
ombam
Hesay
str
yingt
osoundl
i
keanel
der
Me:
Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Him:Idon'
tknowy et
,t
her
e'ssomet
hingt
hatI
'
m
busywithbutassoonasI'
m doneI
'l
lbe
ther
e.Youmissme?
Me:Nope,
Act
ual
l
yI'
m gladt
haty
ou'
re
away.
Giv
ingmemor
et i
metodowhatev
erI
wantwit
houtyouget
ti
ngonmyway.Isl
eep
wi
ththedooropenknowi
ngt
haty
ou'r
enother
e
t
oprankme.
Il
i
e
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m:Don'
tgett
ocomf
ort
abl
e
Me: Ohifyouknew,I'
mi ny ourroom ri
ght
now.Sprawledoutont hebedpl ayingsome
soccergameony ourplaystat
ionaf t
erIdel
eted
al
lyourpreviousscores,Isaypull
inghisleg
Hi
m:Al
ona!
Il
aughathi
svoi
cet
hatscr
eamedhor
ri
fi
ed
Him: YouknowIact
uall
ybangedsomechickon
thatbedandImighthavef
orgott
ochangethe
bedding
Iscr
eechoutbef
orej
umpi
ngof
fthebed
Hi
m: Pr
ettygr
osst
osl
eepont
opofsomeone'
s
j
uicesi
fyouask
Hecont
inuest
otauntme.
Me:Justshutup,
I
'm hangi
nguprightnowt
ogo
t
othebathroom t
oscrubmy sel
fclean
Hi
m:Dr
amaqueen
Me:
Nast
ypi
eceofshi
t
Hi
m:Icansmel
lthatcum f
rom y
our
ightnow.
Me:
Pig
Imut
terbef
orehangi
ngupasIhearhi
mlaugh
Ismi
l
etomysel
f,
heal
way
smanagedt
oputme
i
nabett
ermood.
Goi
ngoutofhi
sroom st
il
lsmil
i
ng,
mysmile
dr
opst
houghasIseeLungeloint
hecor
ri
dor
Tr
yingt
osi
dest
epst
ephi
m
Hegr absmebymyarm befor
epushi
ngmeto
thewall,
hi
shandsonei
thersi
deofmyhead
corneri
ngme.
Ist
artt
oshake,
tr
yingt
onotl
eti
tshow
Idi
dn'
twannaappearasweakbecausehe
coul
duseitt
ohisadvant
age
Him:Youknowy
ouar
eget
ti
ngski
nni
erbyt
he
day
Me:
A-al
lthankst
oyou
Hi
m:Youknowthi
ngswoul
dn'
thavet
urnedout
t
hewaytheyar
eri
ghtnowi
fyouhadj
ustgiv
en
mewhatIwant
ed
Me:
Overmydeadbody
Him:Thatcouldalsowor kyouknow ?Ki ll
you
ri
ghtnowsoIcoul dhav emywaywi t
hy ou,
then
whenI'
m doneIj ustdisposey ourbodywher e
noonewillfi
ndy ou.Idoubty ourmom woul d
l
ookforyout houghIcoul djustsayy ouran
awayfrom home
Me:
You'
rement
all
yil
landt
wist
ed
Him:It
scalledbeingt
hemasterofplans.You
knowitssti
llnott
oolatef
ory
out oreconsider
yourdeci
sion.Giv
emewhatIwantandl et
sjust
sayI
'l
lfi
nanci
all
ytakecareofyousinceyougot
noonedoingitf
oryou,Notevenyourpreci
ous
boyf
ri
end.
Me: That
'sbecausehedoesn'
tknowwhat'
s
goingonrightnow,
whothecauseofal
lthi
s
messi s.
Trustmeifhedi
d,youwoul
dn'
tbeher
e
ri
ghtnow.

Wel
lIj
usthadt
opr
etendandgoonwi
thi
t.
Hechuckl
es
Him:Am Isupposedtobescar edandst
ay
awayfr
om y ou? ,
WellI'
m notandIwon'
t.
Did
yourmotherevertel
lyouhowwemet?
Ishr
ug
Me:It
'snotl
i
keIwoul
dhav
eact
ual
l
ycar
edt
o
l
ist
en
Hi
m:WellI
'l
ltel
lyouanyway.I
'
m aformer
memberofagang.IgotshotsoIhadtogot o
t
hePri
vat
ehospi talt
ogetthebul
letout
,Ij
ust
l
iedeasil
yandsai
ditwasrobber
yandthey
beli
evedme.Yourmom helpedmeandblah
blahandweendedupbeing'f
ri
ends'
ify
ou
knowwhatImean.
Hewi
nks
Hi
m:Sotel
lme,whywouldaformergang
memberbeaf
raidofsomerandom guy?
Nowt hati
ssor
ted,
wher
ewer
ewe?
,ohhow
aboutwe..
Hesaysleani
ngdownt
oki
ssme,
Bri
ngi
ngmy
kneeuphigh
Iki
ckhi
sbal
l
s
Sat
isf
iedwi
tht
hesoundhemakes
Ir
unoutoft
hehouset
ogodknowswher
e.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
If
oundmy
sel
fsi
tt
ingal
oneatt
hepar
k
ButatleastIwoul
dhavesomecompany
becauseEntlewascoming
Shecal
l
edmeaski
ngifshecoul
dvi
sit
,It
oldher
wecoul
dmeetatt
hepark
Wel
lIwasal
readyher
e,shedi
dn'
tmi
ndt
hough.

Feeli
ngsomeonecl
osemyey esfr
om behi
nd,
I
waitforamomentbef
oreIguess
Me:
Ent
le?
Her
:Howdi
dyouknow
Shesay
sappear
ingi
nfr
ontofme
Me:
Itwasj
ustaguess
Il
ookatherasshef
rownsatme
Smi
rki
ngi
nret
urn
Shelookedgreati
napairofwhit
evans,
boyfr
iendbluewashedj
eansexceptthey
weren'tt
ornandabaggyshirtt
hatendedjust
midthigh
Hercutal
way
sfr
esh
Me:
Youl
ookgr
eat
Her
:But?
Me:
Youcoul
dbemi
stakenf
oraTomboy
Her:
That'sbecauseIa-.
.Ijustpref
ertowear
guyclot
hesthanthosegi
rlystuff,
Idon'
tfeel
comfort
able
Inodi
nunder
standi
ng.
Her:Masambesothengasomethi
ngbythat
Fastfoodpl
ace,
Ifeel
li
keeat
ingsomejunk
Me:I-
Idon'
thavemym-moneywit
hme.Youcan
gothoughandgetwhat
everf
ory
oursel
f,don'
t
mindme.
Her
:Mhh.
miz
a,Igotenoughcashonmef
ort
he
bot
hofus
Me:
Real
l
yI'
mfi
ney
ouc-
Pul
l
ingmebymyhandt
ogetup
Her
:Andi
zobendi
cengananawe,
ndi
fun'
uty
a
mna
Me:Iwonderokut
yaukut
yakangakakuy
akwel
'
phi
ical
a
Isayt
ryi
ngt
oli
ght
ent
hemood
Shepushesmysi
de
Me:
Andhowdoy
ouknowt
hatpl
ace?
Her
:BecauseIl
i
veher
e.?
Me:
Youmeant
hissamest
reet?
Her
:Thaty
oucoul
dsay
Me:
ThenhowcomeI
'
venev
erseeny
oubef
ore?
Her:
May beyou'
rehousegir
l,
Isomet
imescome
t
hissidewi t
hmyf r
iendsandI'
venev
erseen
youeither
Me:
Housegi
rl?
IsayasIpunchherar
m si
de
Her:AndIwonderhowy oumanagedtoalmost
br
eakt hatguysnosewhenI'm notev
en
af
fectedbyt hepunypunchyoujustt
hrew.
Me:
Wel
lyou'
renotaguysomel
endi
kusi
zel
e
Her
:ButIsur
edowor
kout
.
Me:
Eit
herway
,you'
rest
il
lagi
rl
Her
:I'
m n-
,okaywhat
ever
.
Shesay
sdr
aggi
ngmet
othecont
ainer
Weorder
edandhadtowai
tforamomentwhi
l
e
t
heyweremaki
ngit
Bekungat
hi Akusafi
kindl
elalebendilambe
ngayo,At
leastI'
ll
getsomet hi
nginmyst omach
andIdon'
thav etowor r
yabouttonight.

Bei
ngwi
thEnt
lehav
ingfunandj
ustf
ool
i
ng
ar
oundmademeforgetal
it
tl
e
Butitwasl
ateandIhadt
ogobackhome,
tomy
real
i
ty
Wal
ki
ngt
othedoorwi
tht
rembl
i
ngf
eet
.
Iopenthedoorandgeti
nwit
hat humpi
ng
heart
,wai
ti
ngforany
thi
ngtohappen.
Findi
ngMom wi t
hherf
eetontopofLungel
oas
theysatandchatt
edamongthemsel
ves
Imett
hei
rey
esandt
heycont
inuedi
gnor
ingme
Hi
m:May
beweshoul
dgetLi
tt
leLungel
oher
e
Hesay
ski
ssi
ngmymom'
sst
omach.
Pi
ssofshi
t
Hewantedtomakesur
ethatheget
smeoutof
t
hepi
cture
Swal
l
owi
ngt
hel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
Igr
eetmom butshepaysnoat
tent
iont
o
me,whatdi
dIexpectt
hough?
Passi
ngthem t
ogot omyroom,Ist
opmi
dway
whenIheardhersaysomet
hing
"Hlambai zi
tyaeziyazi
nyuk'i
ntabaeKitchen
Alona,uzi
shiy
euzibonaandkezi kul
indule"
(Washt hosedishesthatar
eturningint
ot he
heightofmount ai
nAlona,youleftthem ther
e
andt hey'
resti
ll
dirt
yandnowy ougonnawash
t
hem.
)
Well
fir
stofal
lIwasr
unni
ngf
rom y
ourper
ver
t
ofaman
Andsecondly,
WhyshouldIdothedisheswhen
I
'm notev
enallowedt
ot aket
heglasssoIcould
dr
inkwater,
letal
oneul
ibekanoli
bekaElam
i
nyawoeKi t
chen.
ButIdon'
tsayt
hatt
hough,
Ij
ustnodandgodo
thedi
shes.
[
11/
08,
12:
54]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t27

Waki
ngupear
li
erSundaymor
ningsoIcoul
dgo
t
ochurch
Ihadj
ustgotoutofthebat
hroom andnowI
wasgett
ingdressed
I
naplaingreyl
ongsleev
edf
igur
ehuggi
ng
dr
essthatendj
ustabovemyknees
Put
ti
ngonmyGr
eysuedpl
atf
orm heel
s
Myhai
rputupi
naneaty
etmessybunont
opof
myhead
Ifi
nishthel
ookwi
thmyst
ri
pli
kechockerneck
pi
ecearoundmyneck
Il
i
kedt
okeepmyt
hingssi
mpl
e
Taki
ngmyempt
ybag,
Iputaf
ewst
uffbef
ore
headi
ngout
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Thechur
chser
vicet
ookanhourl
ong.
I
twasgr
eat
Ipr
ayedal
ot,
ndakhendat
het
hanot
hixowam
Get
ti
nghomeawhi
l
elat
ert
ofi
ndmom
Shetol
dmet ocookandIdi
dngomzi
mba
ongenaxhal
a
Idi
shedupf
orherandhi
m,count
ingmy
sel
fout
Iwentt
oserv
ethem t
hei
rpl
atesandt
henl
eftt
o
gotomyroom.
Taki
ngof
ftheheel
s,
theywer
ereal
l
yki
l
li
ngme.
Ihadnothi
ngel
set
odobesidemaki
ngmy
schoolwor
kuptodat
ebef
oreIr
oni
ngmy
unif
orm
Put
ti
ngi
tinpl
ace.
Ij
uststay
edforafewminutesbef
ore
consi
deri
ngt
ojusttakeanap.
Unt
ilIhadt
opi
ckupmyr
ingi
ngphone
Hi
m:I
'
m out
side
Thegoesmynap
Get
ti
ngupandput
ti
ngonshoesImakemyway
out
.
Get
ti
ngtoReeceaf ewsecondsl
ater
,Hewas
i
nsi
dehiscarandheopenedthedoorfr
om
i
nsi
deformet ogetin
Igoti
n,
sl
ammi
ngt
hedoorshutaf
terme
Hi
m:Awusemhl
enj
eforukwenzal
eKak'
uy
enzay
o.
Hesaysleaningintoki
ssmycheekt
henfeel
i
ng
hi
m breathi
ngdownmyneckwhi l
eIj
ustl
ooked
out
sidethewi ndow
Hi
m:Ubuyephi
umhlekanj
e?(
Wher
edi
dyougo
l
ooki
ngthi
sbeaut
if
ul?)
Me:Singabanyesay
azi
umnyangowecaw'
uj
ongengaphi.(
Someofusknowwherethe
chur
ch'sdoori
s)
Him:Youcoul
dhavejustgi
v enmeaonewor
d
answeruy
ekeuphendulai
sigezo
I
gnor
ehi
m
Him: Soyouwenttochurch,wear
ingthatsexy
number?Ubuzam' uCharm(a)Umfundisina
Pri
ncessy am(Whereyoutryi
ngtocharmt he
pastor?)
I'
m surehewasdi st
ract
edthewhol e
serv
ices
HeSays,
Hischestr
umbl
i
ngwi
thhi
sdeepl
ow
l
aught
er
Me:
Notev
ery
onei
saPer
vetl
i
key
ou.
Hi
m:Mxm.Di
dyouenj
oy?
Me:
Ya
Hi
m:Sundi
zel
angel
onqent
sul
akhol
i
ngekhoy
o
Al
onaxaut
het
hanam.
Hesay
shol
dingmychi
ntur
ningmet
ofacehi
m
Hest
udi
esmyf
ace
Hi
m:Younotokay
.
Hesay
sasamat
teroff
act
.
I
fyouknewwhatIwasgoi
ngthr
oughr
ightnow
,
OfcourseIwoul
dn'
tbeokay
.
Cl
osi
ngmyeyestot
akeadeepbr
eat
hsoI
woul
dn'
tbr
eakdown
Me:HaveIeverbeenokayinf
rontofyou
bef
ore?,No.OfcoursewhenIseeyoumy
moodturnsfr
om okaytonotokay.
Hi
m:What
'sbot
her
ingy
ou?
Me:
You.
Hi
m:Al
ona
Hecal
l
soutmyname,
war
ningl
y
Me:
J-j
ustgoi
ngt
hroughsomef
ami
l
yissues
Hi
m:Whati
ssues?
Me:
Issuest
hatar
enonofy
ourconcer
ns
Him:Ever
ythingt
hat'
shappeni
ngwi
thy
oui
smy
concer
n,i
talsoconcer
nsme.
Me:
Uci
mb'
uSweetwena.
(yout
hinky
ousweet)
Ibl
urtout
Shaki
nghi
shead,Hest
art
sthei
gni
ti
onofhi
s
caranddr
iver
sof
f.
Him:Doyouwantmet
ost
opsomewher
etoget
yousomethi
ng?
Heaskswhi
l
ehi
sey
eswer
efocusedahead.
Isobadl
ywantedtosayyesandgetwhateverI
coul
deatbutIt
houghtagai
nthatIdon'
tneed
handout
s
ThoughIknewhedi
dn'
tseei
tthatway
,hedi
dn'
t
evenknowwhatIwasgoi
ngt
hroughri
ghtnow
Me:
No.
Pul
l
ingout
sidehi
shouse,
Heopenst
hedoorf
or
metogetout
Gett
ingi
nsi
de,
Ii
mmediatel
ysitdownandhol
d
myheadtomyhandsandclosi
ngmyey es
cl
osed
Iwasfeel
i
ngabi
tdi
zzyandaheadachewas
comingon
"Al
ona?
"
Me:
Ndi
yeke(
Leav
emeal
one)
Hi
m:Yi
ntoni
?
Idon'
tanswerhi
m.
Thespotbesi
demedeepsasheseat
sdown.
Removi
ngmyhandsf
rom myf
ace,
het
urnsme
tol
ookathi
m
Hi
m:Ar
eyousi
ck?
Ibr
eat
houtt
orel
easet
het
ensi
on
Me:Juststoppr
etendingl
ikeyoucar
ewhen
youdon'
t.Theonl
ythingthati
smakingmesi
ck
r
ightnowisyou.
Let
ti
nggoofmychi
n
Hisjawclenchesanduncl
enches,
Get
ti
ngup
Abrupt
ly
Het
urnst
ogl
aredownatme
Him:Yi
ntoniI
ngxaki
yakho,
Alona?(
Whati
s
yourpr
oblem Al
ona?)
Al
soget
ti
ngupt
ost
areupathi
m.
Me: Nguwe.NguweI ngxakiyam.I
fy ouhadjust
stayedawayf rom meev ery
thingwouldhave
sti
llbeengreat,butno.You(Deepi ngmyf i
nger
i
nhi sfir
m chest,Idon'
tknowwher eIgotthe
nerve)Youjusthadt ocomei ntomyl i
feand
ruineveryt
hing.
Hi
m:Mer
uiny
ourl
i
f-
Hedoesn'
tfi
nishashechuckl
esi
ndi
sbel
i
ef
Hi
m: Yourli
fewasal
readyr
uined,
Justt
haty
ou
wer
ei ndeni
al
Me:
Yourj
ustapi
eceofsh-
Idon'
tgett
of i
nisht
houghashefi
stsmyhairi
n
hi
shand,br
ingi
ngmecl oset
ohi
m asheleans
downtowhisperinmyear
Him:Mamel '
aphaMnt anandini.I'
m notgoi
ng
togoroundandr oundinci
rclegoingbackand
for
thwit
hy ou.Andizubendicengananaweor
ndi
nyamezel'unyel
wanguwendi zosuke
ndi
kukhabeuny eqha.
Gri
ppi
ngmyhairt
ight
erf
eel
ingl
i
ketheroot
s
wereaboutt
ocomeout,
Iwi
ncei
npain.
Hi
m:You.
are.
mine,
gett
hatt
hroughy
ourhead.
Abruptl
ylet
ti
nggoofme,If
all
onthecouch
holdi
nginmyt ear
sasIwat
chhim goi
ngupthe
stai
rs.
Idon'
thowl
ongIsatt
her
ebutIendedupf
all
i
ng
asl
eep.
•
•••
•
Waki
ngupl
ateron,
cov
eredi
naf
leece
Isi
tupst
rai
ght,
taki
ngi
nmysur
roundi
ngs
Seei
ngReecesi
tt
ingont
hecouchopposi
teme
Agl
assofbr
andyi
nhand,
star
ingi
ntot
hinai
r.
Standi
ngup,Ifol
dtheblanketandwasaboutto
askhim whereIshoul
dputi twhenhespoke
before
Hi
m:You'
vel
ostwei
ght
,Al
ona.
Hesai
d
If
eltmybodyt
ense,
tur
ningar
oundt
olookat
hi
m
Me:So?
,you'
redonebei
ngmyf
athery
ou'
re
nowmymotheralso?
Hechuckl
esbef
orehi
sjawt
wit
ches
Hi
m:I
zapha
Hesay
smot
ioni
ngmeov
er
Onl
ygodknowswhathe'
l
ldot
omer
ightnow
Idon'
tmov
e
Hi
m:I
zaaphaAl
ona.
Hesay
s
Swal
l
owi
ngthelumpinmyt
hroat
,Isl
owl
ymov
e
mytr
embl
ingf
eettohi
m
Quickl
ygr
abbingmebymyarm becausehef
elt
l
ikeIwastaki
ngtool
ong,
hesi
tsmeont opof
him.
Hi
shandsti
l
lwit
htheglass,
hisot
herhandgoes
ar
oundmyneckinafi
rm gri
p.Hetur
nsmeto
l
ookathi
m
Him:Doy ouknowthatI
'm capableofsnappi
ng
yourneckri
ghtnowandkillyouthenmakesur e
t
hatnooneev erfi
ndsyou?
Hesay
sinhi
slowdeepv
oice
Me:
R-Reecepl
-ease
Itri
edasmyv oi
cecameoutst
rangl
ed,
Icoul
d
feeltear
scomeoutofmyeyes
Hel
etsgoofmeaf
terami
nut
e
Qui
ckl
yrubbi
ngmynowsor eski
n,
Iwi
pet
hef
ew
t
earst
hatescapedf
rom myeyes
Him:Thent
ellmewhaty ourproblem i
sand
don'
ttel
lmethatIam orI'
l
lreall
ysnapi t
.
Het
hreat
ens
Thi
nki
nghowIshoul
dputi
ttohi
m
Me:M-Mymom ismadatmeuh- m..
appar
ent
ly
Lungel
otol
dhera-
aboutt
hatdayIwaswit
hyou
Ithi
nkheevenputsomest
uffi
nan-
dnowshe
doesn'
tev
enwanttotal
ktomeoratl
easthear
mysideofthest
ory.
Ileav
eitatt
hat
,It
hinkI
'
vesaidenoughf
orhi
m
tonotgoint
oakil
li
ngspree
Isweari
fIhadt
oldhi
mthewhol
estoryonl
y
godknowswhathewoul
dhavedone.
Hi
m:Thatpi
mp.
put
ti
ngt
hegl
assont
het
abl
e
Hi
m:Masambe(
Let
sgo)
Hesay str
yingt
ogetup,unj
ani
kanti
lo?I
shouldhaveknownever
ythi
ngset
shim of
fno
matterhowIputit
Accordi
ngtohowIsaiditheshoul
dn'
tbeeven
react
ingbecauseImadeitsoundl
i
keitwasn'
ta
bigdeal
Me:
Reecepl
easeno,
Youcan'
tgot
her
e.
Ibeghi
m
Him:It
houghtIt
oldyoutot
ell
mei
fthatpi
ece
ofshi
twasgivi
ngyouprobl
ems
Me:
Iwasbuthej
ust
..
crushedmyspi
ri
ts
Hi
m:How
Idi
dn'
twannat
ell
him
Me:H-
hesaidt
hath-
eisaf-
for
mergang
memberandhewasn'
taf
rai
dofsome
r
-r
andom guy
Hi
m:Random guy?
Hechuckl
esi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Hi
m:I
'
llshowhi
mrandom.
Hesay
snowget
ti
ngup
Holdi
nghi
m backwi
thhi
sar
m,het
urnst
olook
downathi
m.
Me:
Reece
Him:Yi
nto?,youli
vi
ngwi t
haf ormermemberof
agangandonlyIknowhowpsy chotheycanbe
andI'
m notl
etti
nghim getawaywithinsul
ti
ng
me.
Me:Justl
eti
tgo.Mymom al r
eadyi
smadat
me,ngokuxauzovel
'uy
ongenaekhayatokick
hi
sasswhatwouldshethinkofme?,
You'l
lj
ust
makematter
sworse.P-
Please?
Him:Promiset
haty
ou'
l
ltel
lmei
fheev
ert
ri
es
somethingtoy
ou?
Hesay
scomingcl
osert
omet
owi
pet
hef
ew
t
ear
sundermyeyes.
He'
sal
readyt
ri
ed.
Me:
Ipr
omi
se
Hesi
ghsi
nfr
ust
rat
ion,
hishandgoi
ngt
hrough
hi
shai
r
Hi
m:Idon'
tl
iket
his
Hesay
sashet
hinksofsomet
hing
Hi
m: I'
l
lgiveyousomethi
ng,j
ustsoy
oucoul
d
pr
otectyoursel
fwhenneeded
Me:
What?
Het
akesmebymyhandt
ofol
l
owhi
m upst
air
s
Ir
emov
emyhandf
rom hi
mthough.
Openi
ngsomedoort
owhatl
ookedl
i
kehi
s
of
fi
ce
Hetookoutsomehugemet
albox
,pr
essi
ngi
n
somecode
I
topensaut
omat
ical
l
y
Peeki
ngi
nsi
de
I
twasf i
l
ledwit
hstufft
hatIwasn'
tfami
l
iar
wi
th,
stufft
hatIonl
yseeonTV
Weapons.
St
eppi
ngaway
Hi
m:Nothingt
obeafr
aidof
f,Thesear
ejustmy
smal
ltoy
s.Ify
ouknowwhatImean
Looki
ngatmewi
thasmi
rkhewi
nks.
Hewasmor
edanger
oust
hanImadehi
m outt
o
be
Iwat
chashel
ookst
hroughi
t
Taki
ngoutamedi
um bl
ack.
.gun?
Hehandsi
toutt
omet
otake
Il
ookedati
tforamomentbef
oreIshookmy
headNo
Me:
Andi
yi
'funi
Hi
m:Khawt
hat
heAl
ona,
j
ustt
ryi
tout
Me:
No
Hi
m:Okay
Heputsi
tback,
rummagi
ngt
hrought
hebox
agai
n
Het
akesoutaal
lbl
ackl
i
kesmal
lspr
aybot
tl
e
It
akei
tfr
om hi
m
Hi
m:Pepperspr
ay
Me:
Iknow
Hi
m:Youknowhowt
ouset
hen?
Inod
Hi
m:Uy
azel
aphi
?
Me:Besi
dethemov i
es,Ioncefounditf
rom Oz'
s
r
oom andIaccident
all
ysprayedhim wi
thit
whenhescaredmef rom behi
nd
Hi
m:Sur
e.Hav
eitwi
thy
ouatal
lti
mesokay?
Inod
Hi
m:Goodyousee,
wegetal
ongj
ustf
inewhen
wenotf
ight
ing
Me:Imightal
souset
hisspr
ayony
ouwheny
ou
bot
heri
ngme
Hi
m:Ndi
k'
nyat
hel
ekemnake

[
11/
08,
12:
54]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t27

Dayspassedbywit
hmesur vi
vi
ngwithwat
er
andsometimesI
'dgetachancetocr
eepupat
ni
ghttotakeabi
tewhil
etheyaresl
eepi
ng
Lungelohadn'
tst
oppedbuggi
ngmeanditwas
gett
ingworseandIwasstar
ti
ngt
ogetscar
ed
Mybrotherhadn'
tcomehomey
etsoal
li
nal
lI
wasall
bymy sel
f
Ev
ery
thi
ngwasj
ustgoi
ngdownhi
l
lforme
Waki
ngupThur
sdaymor
ningt
ogot
oschool
.
Iwal
kedal
lthewayt
oschool
,Idi
dn'
tmi
ndby
now
Iwasjustusedt
oitbecausei
twassomehow
ref
reshi
ng
Lunchbr
eak
Sit
ti
ngi
nclassal
onesi
nceEnt
lehadgoneout
tobuyl
unch
Itoldherthatshecoul
dgowi thoutmebecause
Ididn'
tfeelli
keeati
ng.
Lie.I
'
llj
uststayi
nclass
andf i
nishoffsomework.
ThatIknewIcoul
dn'
tdoathome(
Notan
excuse)
Ial
way
scameupwi
thexcuses.
Iwassti
llwr
it
ingoutsomeanswer
swhen
suddenl
ymybookwasshutclose
Looki
ngupt
oseeRomeo
Iwasner
vous
Hi
m:Kuqhubekant
oni
ngawe?
(what
'
sgoi
ng
onwi
thy
ou)
Me:
W-whatdoy
oumean?
Iasked
Hi
m:You'
renotyourusual
sel
f,
Somet
hingi
sup
wi
thandIwantt
oknow.
Hesay
sashesi
tsbesi
deme.
Thi
nkofsomet
hing
Me: It
'sjustthatImissedyou,y
ouhav en'
tbeen
talki
ngtome. Youdon'twanttotalktomeand
i
tsget ti
ngt omet hatImighthavelostyou
foreverforwhatIsaidt oyou.
Ididn'tmeanto
saythoset hingsit
sjustthatIwas
frust
rated,pl
easef or
giveme.
Hesi
ghs
Him: I
'
vealreadyfor
giv
eny ou,
Alona.Nowdon'
t
gi
vemet hatonl
y,
Thereissomet hi
ngelset
hat
'
s
botheri
ngy ou
Me:
Ther
e'sn-
Hi
m:Iknowwheny
oul
yi
ng.
Ishookmyhead
Me:
Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t
Hi
m:Sot
her
e'si
ssomet
hing?
"
Alona"
Tur
ningt
oseeAl
ona
Romeo:
Cany
oupl
easegi
veusamoment?
Shenods
Her
:Sur
e,I
'm goi
ngt
oanet
bal
lmeeti
ng
any
way.
Ijustcamet
ohery
outhese.
Shesayshandi
ngmePi
eandSomecool
dri
nk
onthesi
de
Me:
Y-Youdi
dn'
thav
eto
Her
:ButIdi
d.I
na.
Taki
ngt
hem f
rom her
,hesi
tant
ly
It
hankherandwat
chasshel
eav
est
hecl
ass.
Taki
ngt
hepi
eandopeni
ngi
t
Thesmel
lmakesmyst
omachgr
owl
,
taki
nga
qui
ckhungr
ybi
te
Mystomachst
art
stohurtr
emi
ndingmethatI
hav
en'teat
eni
ndayssoIhadt
otakei
teasy.
"
Alona"
Romeobr
ingsmeback
Put
ti
ngt
hepi
edown,
l
ooki
ngati
tlongi
ngl
y
If
ocusmyat
tent
iont
oRomeo
Me:
Thi
ngshav
en'
tbeengr
eatathome.
Isi
ghasIf
eel
myey
esst
artt
owat
er
Me: Mom knowsaboutReeceandI ,
notfrom me
though.Lungelotol
dheraf t
erhef oundUsi nin
ai nt
imateposit
ionatthestreet
,Iswearitwasn't
myi ntenti
onbutyouknowhowf or
ceful
hecan
be.Hef i
rstf
ir
stwantedtomakeadeal , thatII
-
sleepwi t
hhim andhe'
llkeepitquite
Swal
l
owi
ngt
hel
umpi
nnyt
hroat
,Icont
inue
Me:Ir
efused.Appar
ent
lyhetol
dMom ,Heev
en
madeitworsebylyi
ngsayi
ngthatIt
ri
edt
o
seducehim.Shecamet
omyr
oom l
atert
hat
nightandshes-
St
oppi
ngt
ocat
chmybr
eat
h
Romeot
akesmyhandt
ohi
s
Me: Sheconfr
ont edmeaboutit,It
riedtel
li
ng
hermysideoft hestorybutsherefused.I
rememberhersl appi
ngmet ell
ingmehow
disappoi
ntedshewasi nme, thatI
'm awhor e
andIshouldbeashamedofmy sel
f
IsayasIwi
pet
het
eart
hathadf
all
enf
rom my
eye
Me:Afterthatsheneverwantedt ot
alkt
o
me,I
t'
slikeshewasdi sgustedbymeor
something.S-Sheref
usedt oletmeeatorgi
ve
memoneyf orschool
,shesaidIcoul
dalways
cal
lmymanandaskhi mt ogetmesomet hi
ng.
Iusedmysav
ingst
okeepupt
hef
ewday
sunt
il
Iranout
.
Hi
m:Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
mesooner?
.
Me:
I-Idi
dn'
twantt
obot
hery
ou.
Icont
inuedt
otel
lhi
mthewhol
est
ory
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Ihadaskedf
orapassoutaf
terIf
akedsi
cksoI
wasonmywayhome
Ididn'tt
hinkIcoul
dcont
inuewi
tht
heday af
ter
ItalkedtoRomeo.
Aftert
alki
ngtohi
m,Ifel
tli
keawei
ghtwas
removedfrom myshoul
ders
Get
ti
nghome,
I
'm gl
adwhenIf
indnoone
Goi
ngt omyr oom Iqui
ckl
ychangeoutofmy
uni
form bef
oregetti
ngontopofthecover
sand
l
etsleepovertakeme.

Wokenupl
ateronwhenIfel
tsomeone
combi
ngmyhairwit
hhis/herhand
Islowl
yopenmyblur
ryeyed,
rubbingt
hem wi
th
thebackofmyhandtoseeclearl
y
Itr
ytojumpupbutt
hewei
ghtont
opofme
doesn'
tletme
Hewasst
rong
Lungel
o.
Me:
W-whatar
eyoud-
doi
ng?
,getof
fme
Isayi
nashakyv
oice
Hi
m:Notunt
ilIgetwhatIwant
Hesaysasheput
shi
skneeonmyst
omacht
o
keepmeinpl
ace
Tr
yingt
oki
ckoutofhi
m soIcoul
descape
I
twasimpossi
ble,
Iwasnot
hingcompar
edt
o
hi
sst
rengt
h
Lower
inghi
sheadt
ofor
cef
ull
yki
ssme
Icl
osemymout
hshutmov
ingmyheadsi
det
o
si
de
Hi
m:Youwantt
odot
hist
hehar
dwayhuh
Heasksashehol
dsmebymyneck,
cut
ti
ngof
f
myai
rsuppl
y
Maki
ngi tal
mostimpossi
blef
ormet o
br
eat
h,Openingmymout hsoIcoul
dquickl
y
br
eat
ht hroughi
t
Het
akeshi
schancet
ost
ickhi
stonguei
n
Expl
ori
ngmymout
hmaki
ngmewantt
ogag
Ibi
thi
m har
dmaki
nghi
mthr
owapunchatme.
"
Youbi
tch!
"
Hescr
eamsoutatmeashenot
ice'
sbl
ood
comi
ngoutf
rom hi
sli
p
Hi
m: Iwasgonnat
akeI
teasybuty
ouj
ust
pr
ovokedme
Hesayst
ear
ingt
hesi
deofmyv
estexposi
ng
mybra
Quickl
ylooki
ngundermypil
lowwithmyot
her
handtryi
ngtofi
ndthepepperspr
ay
Ihaditonmyhandbuthesawitandqui
ckl
y
snat
cheditf
rom myhandspr
ayingi
tonmy
ey
es
Feel
i
ngtheburnIqui
cklyshutt
hem cl
oseI
coul
dn'
tkeept
hem open.Myeyeswereit
chi
ng.
Heunbutt
onedmyjeansandIt
ri
edki
cki
nghi
m
wher
everbutIwasf
ail
ing
Feel
i
nghi
m gr
ipt
hesi
deofmynowbar
ethi
gh
Il
osthope.
Hi
stor
yisrepeat
ingi
tssel
fandt
hist
imei
t
mi
ghtsucceed
[
11/
08,
12:
54]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t29

Waki
ngup
Al
lIheari
sthebeepi
ngofamachi
ne
Andlowsoundsofv
oicesf
rom coupl
eoff
eet
awayfr
om me
"Igav
ehersomesedat i
vesacoupl
eofhour
s
back,
sheissti
l
lrecov
ering.
Shei
smildl
y
malnour
ishedandsti
llweak"
Ihearsomeonesi
gh
"I
sther
eany
thi
ngel
se"
Theper
sonaskswor
ri
edl
y,
Oz.
"Shehasmi
norbr
uisesbutt
hoseshoul
dheal
soon"
Ihear,
whatIassumedwast
hedoct
orcont
inue
tosay
Itr
ygetti
ngupbutreal
izi
nghowweakIam I
quickl
yfal
ldownagain
Squi
nti
ngmyeyesatt
hel
i
ghtt
hat
'
sbl
i
ndi
ngas
It
ri
edtoopenmyeyes
"She'
sAwake"
"
Alona? "IhearMybr
othercal
loutmyname
worr
iedl
y
"Canyouopeny
ourey
esMi
ss?
"Ishookmy
head
Oz:
Andwhyi
sthat?
Dr
:She'
snowf
eel
i
ngt
heAf
teref
fect
sfr
om t
he
pepperspr
ayaft
ernotopeni
ngherey
esfora
whil
e.I'
l
lgi
vehereyedropst
hey'
l
lhel
p.
Openi
ngmyey
e,If
eel
awat
eryl
i
qui
d
Closi
ngmyeyesagai
n,Iopent
hem andI
'
m abl
e
toseeev
enifIwasseei
ngblur
Ozcamet
omysi
dehol
dingmei
nawar
mti
ght
hug
Pushi
ngmy
sel
fev
enmor
etohi
schest
Idi
dn'
treal
i
seIwascr
yingal
lthi
swhi
l
e
Me:
Wher
eishe,
didhed-
Iswal
l
owt
hel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
Dr
:I'
l
lgi
vey
ouguy
sami
nut
ebutI
'
llbebacki
na
moment
Hi
m: I
tsokay,
Ev er
ythingwil
lbeokay
.Hedidn'
t
f
orcehimsel
fo-ony ou,Romeogoti
ntime
Hi
m:Buth-
her
anaway
Hesay
sCl
enchi
nghi
sjaw.
Me:He'
ll
comebackf
orm-
me,
UzozaOzh-
hel
l
cometofi
nishw-
w
Fi
sti
nghi
sshi
rtbur
yingmyf
acei
nhi
schest
Hebr
ushesmybacksoot
hingl
y
Him:Hewon'
t,
MyguysandIareaf
terhi
m.He'l
l
bedumbtoshowhi
sfacer
ightnowbecause
wewil-
Idon'
tponderov
ert
hest
atement
.
If
eltsaf
einhi
sar
ms.
Heasksmewhatwentdownwhenhewas
away,
andIt
ell
him al
labouti
t
Notment
ioni
ngReece'
sname
Ij
ustsai
ditwassomeguy
Him:Ial
wayscal
ledy
ou,whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Thatmom i
sdoingal
lt-
Me:Myrel
ationshi
pwi
thheri
srui
nedandI
di
dn'
twantthesameforyou
Hi
m:Al
readydone.
Hesai
dbr
ushi
nghi
sfacei
nfr
ust
rat
ion
Him:Ishoul
dn'
thavel
eft
,Iknewthatbast
ard
wastryi
ngsomemov esony oungokubendi
khonaThenIdeci
dedtoleave.
Bendici
nganton
?,Ishoul
dhaveknownt-
Me:
It'
snoty
ourf
aul
t
Hi
m:ButIs-
Me:Ozjustpl
ease,
I'
m okay
.At
leasth-
hedidn'
t
r
eal
lygothatfar
.You'
reher
enowandt hat
'
sall
t
hatIneed,t
ohaveyoubymyside
Isayhuggi
nghi
m ev
enmor
ecl
oser
"
Sor
rytodi
stur
byoubutwehavet
ogi
vey
ou
y
ourst
artwi
ththemedi
cat
ion"
Thedoct
orsaysashecametowar
dsuswi
tha
tr
ayi
nhandPlaci
ngitbesi
deme
Thesmel
loff
oodmademenauseousr
ightnow
Il
ookedawayf
rom i
t
Oz:
Alona
Ishookmyhead
Oz:
Justaspoonsot
haty
oucant
akey
ourpi
l
ls
Me:
No
Oz:
Please
Icont
inuedt
oshookmyhead
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Feel
i
ngsomeonebr
ushmyhand
I
twasabi tdar
kinther
oom butIcoul
dmake
outsomeonebesideme
Andt
hatsomeonewasbr
ushi
ngmyhand
Washeher
e?,
Lungel
o?
Hashecomet
ofi
nishmeof
f?
Try
ingtojumpoffthebedbuttheper
son
qui
cklygetsupandclampsmymout hshutwi
th
hi
shandbef oreIcoul
dscream
Feel
i
ngt
het
ear
sfal
ldownmycheeks
"I
t'
smeReece"
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
eft
hati
tshi
m andnotLungel
o
Ibi
thishandfr
om mymout
hher
emov
edi
t
cussi
ngunderhisbr
eat
h
Myhandsmovedf
astasIt
hrewaf
ewpunches
onhi
schest
Heheldbot
hmyhandsbeforepul
li
ngmei
na
t
ighthugasIsobbedonhi
sshi
rt.
Hej
ustbr
ushedmyback
Abr
upt
lypul
l
ingawayf
rom hi
m
Me:
Youscar
edme
Hi
m:Xol
oAl
ona
Me:Don'tyou(hi
ccup)ev
ercr
eepuponme
(
hiccup)
li
kethat
Him:Ndi
theXol
oAlonauf
unandi
thi
ni?(
Isai
d
Sorr
yAli
bawhatdoyouwantmetosay)
Me:It-
thoughti
twashim, t
hathecamet
of i
nish
whathestart
ed.
Ijusthadanightmar
eabout
hi
ml i
keheh-hewast hreat
eningt
ocomefor
me
Hi
m:Ihat
eitwheny
oul
i
ket
his
Hesaidalmostpul
l
inghi
shai
rof
f,l
ett
ingouta
deepbreat
h
Hewaspi
ssed
Hi
m:IswearwhenIgett
hatf
uckerI
'
llcutof
f
hi
sp-
Me:
Reece
Hi
m:Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me,
Alona?
Me:Anddowhat?,hel
pmeandthenuseit
agai
nstme?NothanksI'
vel
ear
nedmylesson.
Hi
m:Al
ona
Me: No,I
'
m evenafraidtoaskorl etsomeone
helpmebecauseI '
vegott hef earthatheor
she'l
lwantsomethinginretur n.Justli
kewhenI
askedhim(Lungelo)t onott ellmom about
whathesawheal mostagr eedbutwant ed
somet hi
nginret
urn,hewant edmet osleepwi
th
hi
m!.Whydoy
ouall
takeadv
ant
ageoutof
someone'
smi
ser
y?
Iaskedi
nasmal
lvoi
ce
Hi
m:Don'
tcompar
emet
ohi
m
Me:
You'
renodi
ff
erentf
rom hi
m
Hi
m:Hi
saper
vet
edpi
eceofs-
Me:
Justl
i
key
ouar
e
Hi
m:Al
ona
Hesay
swar
ningl
y
Me:
Reece
Igl
areathi
m ashe'
sdoi
ngt
hesame
Iholdhisgazet
ell
i
ngmy sel
fthatI
'
m not
backingdownbutIcoul
dn't
Hi
sunusualbr
owney
esscar
edt
heshi
toutof
mesometimes
Hi
m:Youdi
dn'
teat
.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
o
Hi
m:Why?
Me:
BecauseIdon'
twantt
o!
Hi
m:Sundi
ngxol
elaAl
ona.
Ishutmymout htakingi
ndeepbreat
hand
l
etti
ngitoutt
ryi
ngt ocal
m mysel
f
Me:
Andi
l
ambanga.(
I'
m nothungr
y)
Hepokesmyst
omachasi
ftr
yingt
opr
ovewhat
Ij
ustsai
d
Ihi
ssouti
npai
n
Hi
m:Yi
nto?(
What
)
Me:
You'
rehur
ti
ngme
Qui
ckl
yget
ti
ngupmaki
ngt
hechai
rtoppl
eov
er
Her
emovestheblanket
sfr
om measheput
s
mygownuphalf
way
Unt
yingt
hebandage
Hel
ooksatt
hedamagedone
Lungel
ohadputhi
skneeonmyst
omachwi
th
pr
essur
ewhenhet
ri
edt
okeepmedown
I
tst
il
lhur
tandi
twasabi
tred.
Hecl
encheshi
sjaw
Hi
m:I
'
m gonnaki
l
lhi
m
Movinghishandaway ,Iputt
hebandageback
bef
orepulli
ngt hehospit
algowndownand
cov
er i
ngmy selfwit
htheblanket
sasItur
nedto
l
ookt heotherside
Ihearhi
m si
ghonceagai
n
Hi
m:Al
ona
Me:
Justgo.
Him:Sut
het
haNam ol
ohl
obo.(
Don'
ttal
ktome
l
iket
hat)
Hecouldpr
obabl
yheart
heannoy
ancef
rom my
voi
ce.
Itwassil
entforamomentbeforeIheard
shuff
li
ng,thedoorl
ockedandthenhim get
ti
ng
i
nbehindmeal mosttaki
ngall
thespace
Hescoopsmeupsot
hatIwasont
opof
hi
m,l
ayi
ngdown
Me:
Wenzan?(
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng)
Him:Ingathi
ndenz
ani
?(Whatdoesi
tlookl
i
ke
I
'm doing)
Me:WhatifOzfi
ndsy ouinthi
sposi
ti
onwi t
h
me?Ican'
tloseanotherfamil
ymember.Idon'
t
t
hinkI
'
llbeablet
ot akeit
Hi
m:I
'
lll
eav
eear
lyi
nthemor
ning.
Me:
Mxm.
Hi
m:Nawe.(
yout
oo)

Waki
ngupt
hef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
efwhenIdon'
tseeReeceany
wher
e.
If
eltal
i
ttl
ebi
tbet
tert
hanIwasbef
ore.
Si
tt
ingupst
rai
ght
,I
thur
tbutI
'
llgetusedt
oit
"You'
reAwake"
Looki
ngatOzashest
oodbyt
hedoorwi
tha
baginhand
Inod
Me:
Ijustwokeup,
whati
sint
her
e
Hi
m:Goty
ousomecl
othes
Me:
Wher
e?
Hedoesn'
tanswerf
oramoment
Him:Home,
Mom chosethem becauseIdi
dn'
t
knowwhatyouneedanddon'
t
Ichuckl
e
Me:
WhoseMom ?
Hi
m:Al
ona
Hepl
eads
Me:No,
WhoseMom ? ,
Thelastt
imeIcheckedI
di
dn'
thaveone.Themomentshechoseto
bri
nghi min,f
orhi mtomi str
eatmeint hepl
ace
Iusedt ocal
l'
home' ,f
orIfeltunwel
comed
,unloved,
Forshechoset oturnabli
ndey eto
whathewast r
yingtodo. Forshechosehim
overmeherowndaught erForshecalledmea
Disgracef
ulwhor ebecauseItri
edtoseduceher
man, shei
snotmymot her.
Hi
m:I
t'
ll
taket
imef
ory
out
ofor
giv
eher
Me:Unti
lIdo,
I'
dratherl
eaveinthest
reet
sthan
beunderherr
oof.Imightnotknowwhom she
deci
destobri
ngnext
Him:Youar
enotgoi
ngt
oli
vei
nthest
reet
s
ndi
khona
Hesaysashecomestowardsme,put
ti
nghi
s
handovermyshoul
derashesi
tsdownbesi
de
mehuggingmetohim
Hi
m:You'
remor
ethanwel
comet
ocomel
i
ve
wi
thme,i
nmymansion
Hebr
ags
Hi
m:You'
reonmywi
l
lforwhenIdi
eyout
akei
t
Ikeepqui
et
Him: Pl
anni
ngmydeathalready?
,Iknowmy
houseisbeauti
ful
andall
butdon'
tyout hi
nki
ts
toosoonforyoutoremovemeoutoft he
pict
ure.?
Ichuckl
eathi
ssi
l
li
ness
Hi
m:That
'swhatIwantt
ohear
Hesay
swi
pingt
het
ear
sundermyey
es
Hi
m:Ihat
etoseey
ousad
Il
ookathi
m smi
l
ing
Hi
m:Itmakesy
oumor
eugl
ythany
ouact
ual
l
y
ar
e.

Ipunchhi
ssi
deashecont
inuest
olaughatme
Wehearcl
ear
ingoft
hroat
,t
urni
ngt
oseet
heDR
Hi
m:I
t'
sti
mef
ory
ourpi
l
ls
Me:
I'
m st
il
lnoteat
ing
Oz:Alonacomeon,
youcan'
ttakepi
l
lsonan
emptystomach.Wemighthavel
etyouof
f
yest
erdaybutwecan'
tnow
Ishookmyhead
Hesi
ghsi
ndef
eat
Dr:
Mi ssifyoudon'
teat,
Imi
ghtj
ustsedat
eyour
andforcefeedyouthr
oughapi
pe.Trustmeit
s
notpleasant
Looki
ngatMybr
otherf
orat
leastt
obackupme,
heshrugs
Taki
ngt
hesmal
lbowl
ofoat
sfr
om hi
swai
ti
ng
hand
If
il
lthespoonwi
thi
t
Bri
ngingitt
omymouth,
Iopenmymout
h
hesi
tantl
yandt
akei
t
Ikeepiti
nmymout hf
oraminut
edeci
ding
whetherIshoul
dswal
l
owornot
Swal
l
owingi
t,Ishutmyey
escloseasIf
eel
it
al
mostcomi
ngbackupbutitdoesn'
t
Dr
: Takeiteasy
,youdon'
thavet
oeatitall
at
least3spoonswill
dofornow.Takethese
wheny oudone.
Hesaysplaci
ngaboxf
il
ledwi
thacoupleof
di
ff
erentpi
ll
sbesi
demebefor
eheexit
s
[
11/
08,12:
54]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t30
♥

Wokenupbyanur
set
hatev
eni
ng
Apparent
lyi
twasti
mef
ormet
oeatsot
hatI
cantakemypil
ls
Scr
unchingmynoseupindi
stast
easIhel
da
bowlofsoup,
chi
ckensoupt
obespecif
ic
I
tdi
dn'
tl
ookappet
isi
ng

"Youshoul
dbowdownandt
hankgodf
orme"
Romeosay
sasheent
ers,
Abr
ownpaperbagi
n
hand
Ki
ssi
ngmycheek,
handsmet
hebag
Openi
ngi
tIt
akeoutsomemuf
fi
nsandaf
rui
t
sal
ad
Me:You'
rel
if
esaver
,It
hinkIshoul
dgetmy
sel
f
i
nhospit
almore.
Isayt
ryi
ngt
ojoket
oeaset
het
ensi
on
Hi
m:YouknowIal
way
sspoi
lyou.
InodasImunchont
hesal
ad
Hi
m:Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Isi
gh
Me:I
'
m scar
ed,I
'
m al
waysscaredt
hath-
he
mi
ghtcomebackandthi
st-
ti
mehe'll
s-
Hi
m:Don'
tthi
nkl
i
ket
hat
Hesay
shuggi
ngmysi
de
Me:
Buty
ouknowi
tst
ruet
hathemi
ghtcome
Hedoesn'
tanswerme.
Me:W-Whathappenedt
hatdayaf
terIbl
acked
out?
Il
ookathi
m ashecl
encheshi
sjaw
Him:Igoti
njusti
nti
me,
H-hehadhi
spant
s
hal
fwaydone
Heshookhi
sheadatt
hememor
y
Hi
m: Thatbast
ard,
Igothim of
fyouandgav e
hi
m acoupleofpunches.Iwasnomat chfor
hi
m,damnhi sstr
ongbutIwasn'tgoi
ngtolet
hi
m getawaywithassault
ingmybestfri
end
Ismi
l
edathi
m
Him: Heranawaythough,
WhenIsawy ou
blackedoutIphonedReeceandwetookyout
o
thehospital
.Hewassomad.
Me:
That
'shi
mfory
ou
Hi
m:Hasy
ourmom comet
oseey
ou
Ishr
ug
Hi
m:Unent
loni
eh?
Sheshoul
dbe,
aft
erwhatsh
-
Me:
Don'
t,
Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouther
.
Hi
m:Okay
.
Him:Heeyaz
iuEnzo'
sbeenbuggingmel
atel
y,
demandi
nganswer
sonyourwellbei
ng
Me:
Howd-
Him:Engl
ishcl
ass,Mrspi
l
laymenti
oneditand
thatweshoul
dallgety
ouafrui
tbasketand
blahbl
ah,j
ustt
oshowoursupport
Me:
That
'ssosweetofher
.
Him:LounguEnzo,
Akonel
ikuz'
bet
hisango
Reecene?
Me:WellReece'
sdoesn'
thav
etoknowabout
Enzoandwhathedoes
Hi
m:Al
way
sdef
endi
nghi
m ev
enwhenhe
bul
l
shi
tsy
ouov
erandov
er
Igl
areathi
m
Me:Lastti
mewet
alkedabouthi
m,y
ouknow
howitended.
Her
oll
shi
sey
es.
Wesattherewhilehef i
l
ledmeonwhathas
beenhappeninginthesecouplei
fdaysIwas
hospi
tal
ized,
til
li
twast i
mef orhi
mt ogo.
Ij
ustsatonmyownst
ari
ngatt
hewal
l
s
Thi
nki
ngaboutev
ery
thi
ng
"Wow"
Snappingoutofmythought
s,t
urni
ngt
oseea
doctorst
andingbyt
hedoor
Hewasn'
ttheonet
hathasbeenchecki
ngon
mesi
nceIwasadmitt
ed,t
hisone
Hewasy
oung
Him:It
snotev
ery
dayt
hatIgett
oseebeaut
if
ul
pati
ent
s
Me:Doy oual
souset
hatl
i
neony
ourpr
evi
ous
pat
ient?
Heshookhi
shead
Hi
m:Imightconsi
derkeepi
ngyouhereal
l
mont
hlongjustsoIcangettoseey
ou
ev
ery
day
Me:Keeponf
li
rt
ing,
i
fit
'spar
tofy
ourj
ob,
go
ahead
Hi
m:I
'
mjustgi
vi
ngoutcompl
i
ment
s
Hesai
dashecamet
owar
dsme,
Him:Ithinky
oucangohomei nthenextcouple
ofdays,Thel
astdoct
orwhohadbeenchecking
onyouhadgi venmeaspeci
al di
etf
ory ourt
o
take
Inod
Hecontinuest
oexaminemeandwhenhewas
doneheendedupsit
ti
ngwi t
hmef orthenext
hourbecausehewasalr
eadydonerunninghi
s
err
ands
Hi
m:DoIgett
oleav
ewi
thy
ournumber?
Ichuckl
ewhi
l
eIshookmyheadNo
Him:It
houghtIwasdoi
ngapr
ett
ygoodj
obat
bei
ngacompany
Il
aughatt
hef
acehemakes
Het
ri
edpout
ingbutf
ail
edmi
ser
abl
y
Me:Well
youar
ebutt
hatdoesn'
tmeany
oucan
getmynumber
Hi
m: Toughcooki
etobr
eakuh?
,Ij
ustwannabe
f
ri
ends
Iponderoni
tforamoment
Me:
Justf
ri
ends?
Hequi
ckl
ynodsgi
vi
ngmeasheepi
shgr
in
Me:
Fine
Isai
dcal
l
ingoutmynumber
s
Him:I
'
veneverhadt
osweattogetagi
rl
s
number,
Ial
waysmygoodlooksandmy
phy
sic,
Stat
usal
way
scamei
nhandy
,cl
ear
lynot
toyou
Hesai
dgr
umpi
l
y
Igi
ggl
ed
Him:Yourcut
ethough,
guessy
ouwer
ewor
th
sweati
ngfor
Hewi
nksatmebef
oreget
ti
ngupt
oleav
e
Hi
m:I
'
llseey
oul
ater

[
11/
08,
15:
55]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t31

Forgett
hebadmemor i
es,f
acethepresentwit
h
fai
th,pr
epar
eforyourf
utureandappreci
ate
thosewhoareal
way st
hereforyou.
Fewweeksl
ater

Foracoupl
eofday
sIhadt
ogof
oraf
ew
checkupsandsomet
her
apynowandt
hen
Iwasdonewit
hmyt
reat
mentandl
wassur
ely
get
ti
ngbett
er.

Iwastr
yingtogetmyl
i
febackbutt
hings
wer
en'
tthesame
Ihadtoadj
usttomynewli
fewithoutmy
motheri
nitandinanewenvi
ronment
Ihaddeci
dedt
omov
einwi
thmybr
other
Ihaven'
tandIwoul
dn'
tsetaf
ootatt
hepl
aceI
oncecall
edhome
Idi
dn'twantt
otal
knorseeherandOzhad
al
readybeggedmeafewtimesjusttosor
tit
outwithher(
Mom)butIal
waysrefused.
I
twasbad
Ihadf
ail
edf
ir
stt
erm andIki
ndofexpect
edi
t
Ireal
l
ycoul
dn'
tconcent
rat
eandIdi dn'tgi
vemy
schoolwor
kmyall,
Iwaseitherdi
stractedor
j
ustl
ostconcent
rat
iondur
ingal
esson.
Ipromisedmy selft
ogetbackupwhenschool s
reopenthoughcauseIr eall
yneededt hesecond
term markstobeatt heirbestsothatIcould
usethem toapplyforuniversi
tyt
hef oll
owing
year.
Lungel
o,t
hatsonofabi
tchwasst
il
lont
her
un
Somet i
mesIfear
edthathe'
dcomebackand
hurtmebutIalwaysr
emindedmysel
fthatmy
brotherhasmyback
Al
li
nal
lnotf
orget
ti
ngmyf
ri
ends.
Thereisnost rongerbondthatexist
sthana
fr
iendshipbet weentwobest i
es.Evenify
ou
haveabi gcircleoffri
endstherei
salwaysgoi
ng
tobet hatspecialone.Thosearetheonesyou
cantrustwithany thi
ng
Romeowast
hatone
Hewasbymysi
det
hroughi
tal
l
,
Suppor
ti
ng
Butal
lrel
ati
onshi
psneedt
obemai
ntai
ned
Myf
ri
endshi
pwi
thEnt
le
Thoughshedidn'
treall
yknowt
heful
lst
ory
,she
tr
iedherbestt
obet heref
ormem
Reece?
,Idon'
twannat
alkaboutt
hatAss-
Don'
tyoudar
elookatmel
i
ket
hat
.
-
School
Hol
i
day

Iwasst
andi
ngout
sider
eece'
shouse,
byt
he
door
.
Heopensforme,weari
ng blackgut
tert
rack
pant
sthathungdangerousl
ylowonhiships
andamusclevest
Damn.
Snappi
ngoutofi
t,
Il
ookupathi
m
Me:
Undi
bizel
'ent
oni
?
Hi
m:Mor
ningt
oyout
ooPr
incess,
Whatal
ovel
y
wayt
ogr
eety
ourpar
tner
.
Get
ti
ngi
nsi
de
Igosi
tatt
hecouch,
l
ett
ingt
hecool
breezehi
t
myski
n
Thesl
i
dingdoorwasopenshowi
ngabeaut
if
ul
vi
ewoutsi
de
Thei
nvi
ti
ngpool
wit
hdar
kbl
uewat
er
Hi
m:Youwannagoi
n?
Heaskedashesawmel
ooki
ngati
t
Ishookmyhead
Me:Andgiv
eyouthesati
sfact
ionofseei
ngme
hal
fnaked?Nothanks.
Hi
m:I
'
llgi
vey
ousomet
hingt
owear
.
Heof
fer
s
Me:
Idon'
tfancysmel
l
ingl
i
key
ou
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m:Sui
tyour
sel
fcauseIam goi
ngf
oraswi
m
Hesay
staki
ngof
fhi
svest
Damn!,
ohwel
lyoucan'
tbl
amemef
ordr
ool
i
ng
I
'
m pr
ett
ysurei
tswhatyouwouldhav
edonei
f
y
ouwereinmyshoesri
ghtnow
Hi
swel
ldef
inedabs,
theVt
hatwasv
isi
blewhen
y-
Hi
m:You'
vegotdr
ool
ont
hecor
nerofy
our
mout
h
Snappi
ngoutofi
t
Isnor
t
Me:
Youwi
sh
Hi
m: IknowI '
m hotandal
lnoneedt
odenyi
t
pr
incess.These-
Hesay
spoi
nti
nghi
sabs
Me:
I'
veseenbet
ter
Him:Yeah,
I
fyout
ell
i
ngmeaboutyourEx
boyf
ri
endnembambozakhe.
Whoa.
Hesay
sheadi
ngt
owar
dst
hepool
Me:
Ihopey
oudr
own
Imumbl
e
Hechuckl
esbef
orej
umpi
ngi
n.
Myphonebeepsanincomi
ngmessage,
taki
ngi
t
outf
rom mypocket
Ir
eadatextf
rom Nj
abul
o(TheguyImetwhenI
washospi
tal
i
zed-'t
heedoct
or'
)
Hesometi
mestext
edmewhenhewasn'
tbusy
att
hehospi
tal
andwe'
dhav
eachat.
It
ext
edhi
m backandputmyphonebesi
deme
af
ter
.
Ij
ustsatther
ebymy
sel
fmyey
esr
oami
ng
ar
ound..
Iwasbor
ed,
andt
hewat
erl
ookedi
nvi
ti
ng

Hi
m:St
il
lnotcomi
ng?
Hesmi
rksatme
Onlygodknowswhathewasgoi
ngt
odot
ome
deepdownther
e
Ishookmyhead
Taki
ngt
her
emot
econt
rol
,
Ichannel
hop
Fi
ndi
ngsomet
hing
Isi
tbacki
nthecouchandr
elax
Peace.
I
magi
net
heshockIhadwhenIf
elthi
mli
ft
ing
meup
Befor
eIcoul
dscr
eam athi
m,Hej
umpedi
nto
thewaterwi
thme
Qui
ckl
ypushi
ngmy
sel
fup,
Itr
ytocat
chmy
br
eath
Removingmyhairf
rom myfaceandputt
ingi
t
backbefor
eSwimmingtotheside,
Isi
tonthe
sl
abtryi
ngtocat
chmybr eat
h
Me:
A-Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
-t
oki
l
lmeorwhat?
Hi
m:I
'
dnev
erki
l
lsomeonesosexy
Hesay
slooki
ngbel
owmychest
Hecoul
dseet
hrought
hewhi
tev
estIwas
wear
ing
Mybr
alessbr
east
s,myni
ppl
es
Fol
dingmyar
mst
omychest
Hi
m:Wow.
Lookingdownagai n,
he'
snowl ooki
ngatmy
breastthathavegoneuptur
ningint
oa
cl
eav agebecauseofmyarmsundert hem.
Let
ti
nggo
Igotup,
pull
ingmyshort
sdownwhi l
eItookmy
shoesoffandthr
ewthem athi
m butheducked
Goi
nguptohi
sroom,
Itookmycl
othesof
fand
put
ti
ngonarobet
hatIfound
Openi
ngt
hebathr
oom door
,hepassesme
someshi
rtandhi
sboxer
s
whi
l
ehewentoutwi
thmywetcl
othes
Wear
ingt
hem,
wel
lmor
eli
ket
hem wear
ingme
Theshi
rtendedj
ustabov
emyknees
Combingmyhai
rinawett
ightbunonmyhead,
Iwentout
Hi
m:I
zapha
Hemot i
onformet ocometohim ashesatat
theedgeofthebedshir
tl
ess.Godhist
att
oos
scar
ethehelloutofme
Swal
l
owi
ngt
hel
ump
Walki
ngtohi
m,hepul
l
smet
ost
andi
nbet
ween
hi
slegs
Placi
nghi
shandsonei
thersi
deofmywai
sthe
pull
smeclosert
ohi
m
Hi
m: Youlooksof
ucki
ngsexywear
ingmy
cl
othes.
.y
ouknowthat?
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng
I
fIhadachoiceIswearIwouldn'
thav
eput
t
hem onbutsinceminewherewetIhadto.
Li
ft
ingmyshir
tupabi
trev
eal
i
ngmyst
omach
andplaci
ngaki
ssoni
t
Pul
li
ngawayfr
om hi
mtoglare,
her
etur
nsi
tand
bef
orehecoul
dsaysomet
hing
Hisphoner
ingssav
ingmef
rom whatwas
coming
Heanswer
sitwi
thanod
Hestand'supheadi
ngtowar
dsme, Taki
ngmy
handheinter
twi
nedourfi
ngerst
ogetherand
openedthedoorsowecouldheaddownstai
rs
Tr
yingt
opul
lmyhandawayfr
om him,heput
s
pr
essur
eoni
tti
l
lIal
mostfel
titnumb
Iwi
nceinpai
n,hegl
aresatmedar
ingmet
otr
y
Pul
li
tagai
n
Isi
tdownwhi
l
ehegoest
oopent
hedoor
I
ncomesacoupl eofhisfr
iends,
Greet
ingme
bef
oreReeceshootsdaggersatthem
Thr
eat
eni
ngt
hem t
onotev
ensi
degl
anceme
Gi
rl
:Nam l
oandi
'noncokol
anay
e?
(
EvenIcan'
ttal
ktoher
)
Reece:
Cimbut
heni
wena?
Gi
rl
:I
tsnotl
i
keI'
mlesbi
annaweuy
andazi
mowcyou'
veonceort
wicef
u-
Guy
:Thenj
i
swa
Shest
opsher,
gl
ari
ngatt
heguybef
oret
urni
ng
tol
ookatReece
Gir
l:Mxm umncincinobamnci
nciakhonto
ndi
zoy'ncokol
anayephof.
(she'
sy ounganyway
whatcanIpossibl
ychatwit
hher)
Reece:
Uphume,umnyangouy
amaziujonge
ngaphi(
Yougetout
,y
ouknowwher
et hedoori
s)
Gi
rl
:Nowebedr
oom y
akhondawazi
.
(
Ial
soknowwhi
chsi
dei
syourbedr
oom)
Shewi
nksathi
m
Ok.Awkwar
d
Reeceget
sup,
tel
l
ingt
hegi
rlt
ofol
l
owhi
m
Shegl
adl
yget
sup,
smi
rki
ngatme
Theydon'
tgoupst
air
sthough,
tot
heki
tchen
Itwasn'
tafewminut
eswhenweal
lhear
da
scream comi
ngf
rom ther
e
ItseemslikeIwastheonlyonewhowas
start
ledbecausej
ustasitcameagai
n
Oneoft
heguyshadopenedcool
erboxt
hey
camewit
handstar
tedpassi
ngar
oundbeer
s
Mebei
ngme,
Cur
iosi
tygott
hebet
terofme
Goingtotheki
tchentofi
ndReecefi
sti
ngthe
Gir
lshair
,l
eani
ngdownt oherl
engt
hashe
whisper
edsomet hi
ngtoherearwhi
leshehel
d
hercheek
Commandi
nghert
oleav
e,onl
ythenhenot
ices
I
'mther
e
Thegi
rlpassesbybumpi
ngi
ntomyshoul
der
Mur
mur
ingsomet
hingl
i
ke"
Enj
oyi
twhi
l
eitl
ast
"
Shel
eav
es
Reececomest
owar
dsme
Swall
owingnerv
ouslyIt
akeaf
ewstepsback
buthequickl
ygrabsmebymyarm
Hi
m:Yi
ntoni
ngoAl
ona?
Iqui
ckl
yshookmyhead
Me:
A-Ay
ont
o
Looki
ngatmef
oramoment
,hepr
obabl
yknew
Iwaslyi
ng
Hedr
agsmewi
thhi
mtot
hef
ront
Si
tt
ingdown,
taki
ngabeerandt
aki
ngasi
p
Engagi
ngi
nachatl
i
kenot
hinghappened.
[
11/
08,
15:
55]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t32

Lat
ert
hatev
eni
ng
Iwassi
tt
ingbesi
dehim onthecouchwhi
leI
hadmyheadonhisshoulder,
Itwasafor
ced
mov
eofcour
se
Ipl
ayedsomegameonmyphonewhi
l
eIat
e
fr
om thepacketofchi
ps
Reece'
sfr
iendswherest
il
lher
e,incl
udi
ngt
he
Gir
lwhoIfoundhernameisThenji
swa
Shewasglar
ingatmenowandt
henbutIdi
dn'
t
mindher
"I
yangxol
alephoney
akho,
Alona"
Ial
mostjumpedst
art
ledwhenIhear
dReece'
s
deepv
oice
Eshee
Me:
X-x
olo.
Isai
dasIqui
tint
hemiddl
eoft
hegame,
swit
chi
ngmyphoneof
f.
"Soherbr
otheri
sOkaywi
thy
oudat
ingher?
"
Ihear
dsomeguyask.
I
fonl
yyouknew.
Reece:
Wenauy
int
oKul
ent
ouy
ibuzay
o?
TheGuyr ai
sedhishandsinsurr
enderashe
probabl
ycoulddetectt
hatReecemightpounce
onhim byanysecond.
Awkwar
dsi
l
ence.
Ihadaf
eel
i
ngt
heyal
lfear
edhi
m(Reece)
.
Reece:
Alona.
Itur
nedtol
ookathi
m,wai
ti
ngf
orhi
mtosay
somethi
ng
Snakinghishandaroundmywaistwhi
lethe
otherhel
danalmostempt ygl
assofwhi
skey,
i
tssmel l
waswayt oostr
ongitwashurt
ingmy
nostri
lsi
fImightadd
Reece:
Cany
-(st
oppi
ngmi
dsent
ence)
Ihadafeel
i
nghewasgoi
ngtoaskbutdeci
ded
notto,
Hewasusedt
ogiv
ingoutCommands
Reece:
Gomakesomet
hingf
ormeandmyguy
s
toeat.
Itwasabi
tofaaski
ngandacommandatt
he
sameti
me
AndwhowasIt
odenyhi
m?
Inodbef
oreget
ti
ngupt
oheadt
ohi
ski
tchen
Si
ghi
ngi
nAnnoy
ance
Openi
ngthefr
idget
hatcoul
dswal
l
owmewhol
e,
I
twasthathuge
Isawal
otoff
oodt
hatIwasunf
ami
l
iarwi
th
Taki
ngoutwhatI
'
llbeneedi
ngt
ocookst
ew,
my
fav
ouri
te
It
akeoutt
hebeeff
rom t
hedeepf
reezer
IguessI
'l
lfi
gur
eoutwher
eev
ery
thi
ngi
sforme
tocook.
25+Iwasalmostdonewi
tht
hest
ewandIwas
st
ir
ri
ngpaponthesi
de
"I
tsmel
l
sgr
eati
nher
e"
Closi
ngthepottotur
ntol
ookatsomeguy
,One
ofReece'
sfri
ends
Me:
UhT-
Thanks.
Openi
ngt
hef
ri
dge,
het
akesouti
cecubes
Hi
m:He'
sreal
l
ylucky

Me:
Par
don?
Him:Tohav
ey ou.Imeanyou'
ref
ull
package,
It'
s
al
mostImpossibl
etofi
ndgir
lsli
keyouthese
days.
Me:
Uhuhm

OhNohe' snot,
ifhewasn'
tthr
eateni
ng/
for
cingmet obewithhi
m,Iwouldhavemade
suretostayawayfr
om hi
m andhe'dnev
erget
thechancetobewithme.
ButIdi
dn'
tsayt
hatt
hough.
Hi
m:I
'
m Sabel
o.
HeI
ntr
oduceshi
msel
f
Him:Ial
readyknowwhoy
ouar
e.Soy
oul
i
ke
cooki
ng.?
Het
ri
est
omakeaconv
ersat
ion.
Ishr
ug.
Hi
m:Youdon'
ttal
kmuchhu?
"Shedoes,
She'sgotasmartmout
hifyouask
mebutshej ustdoesn'
tusei
tmuchtopeopl
e
shedon'tr
eall
ylike"
Eshee
Reece:
Phuma
Het
ell
stheguy
,say
ingnomor
e
Heheadst owardsReecebutbefor
ehepasses
hi
m, Reecepuncheshiminthestomachbefor
e
hesayssomet hingt
ohim andtheguygoesout.
Him:Ili
kethi
s,y
ouwear
ingmyshi
rtBusyi
n
ourki
tchen
Hesay
sli
kewhathejustdi
ddidn'
tevenbot
her
hi
mitwasthemostnormalt
hingtodo
Comi ngt
ost
andbehindme,
hewrapshi
sar
ms
aroundmewhil
erest
inghi
sheadonmycol
lar
bone
Me:
I'
m donecooki
ng
Isaypul
l
ingoutofhi
shol
dpret
endi
ngtogo
washmyhandst hesi
nkbef
oregoi
ngupst
air
s.
Findi
ngmynowdr i
edcl
othes,
Ichangei
nto
them bef
oret
aki
ngmybagheadi ngdownst
air
s
Fi
ndi
ngt
heguy
swi
tht
hei
rpl
ates,
eat
ing
"Uy
aphi
?"Looki
ngatReece
Me:
Ndi
ya'
goduka.
Hi
m:Kut
shoba?
Il
ookathi
m conf
used
Hi
m:You'
resl
eepi
ngov
er.
Hesay
sleav
ingnor
oom f
ordi
scussi
on
Me:
Andi
zugqi
tyel
wanguwebandi
thi
n'
Isay
,Tr
yingt
ost
andupt
ohi
m
Hepausesf
orami
nut
e
It
hinkev
ery
onest
oppedeat
ingbynow
Hi
m:Ut
hini
?
Heasks,Inawaythatsai
dIhear
dyouthef
ir
st
ti
mebutI '
m gi
vi
ngyouachancetosay
other
wise.
Must
eri
ngal
lthecour
age
Me:
Undi
vi
le(Youhear
dme)
Isayheadi
ngtowardsthedoort
ohear
dout
befor
eIwasv i
olent
lygr
abbedbymyarm,
almosttwi
sted
Hesl
amsmeont
hewal
lbymysi
de
"Reecebr
uh"
Ihear
doneofhi
sguy
s
Reece:
Stayoutofi
t.
Hesai
d,hi
svoi
cecal
m.
Hol
dingmyar
minadeat
hgr
ip,
I'
m sur
eitwas
goi
ngt
obr
uise.
Itr
ytopryhi
shandof
fwhi
l
eIt
ri
edt
oav
oidt
he
pai
nalso
Hi
m:Ndi
thi
Awuzuhamba,
Alona.Wenaut
hini
?
Sucki
ngi
nmybr
eat
h,Idi
dn'
twantt
ocr
yin
fr
ontoft
hem
Ishookmyhead
Me:
A-Andi
thet
hi(I
'
m notsay
ingany
thi
ng)
Itel
lhi
m whathewant
stohear
,let
ti
nghi
m
knowhehaswononceagain
Hi
m:Good.
Hesaysl
ett
inggoofme,
taki
ngmedownt
osi
t
nextt
ohi
m
Het
ookt
het
rayt
hathadapl
ateon
Spooni
ngsomef
oodbefor
ehebri
ngsittomy
mouth,
Iopenmymout
hhesit
ant
lyandtakei
t
Let
ti
ngmechewwhil
ehet
urnedhi
sat
tent
ion
tohi
sguy
sandgi
rl.
Youknowwhat?
,Hewasshi
t.

Hi
m:Ul
i
lel
ant
oAl
ona?
Idi
dn'tev
enknowthatIwascryi
ngatthi
s
moment ,
Fur
iousl
yWipi
ngthem Awaywitht
he
backofmyhandbecausetheydeci
dedto
betr
aymenow
IAbr
upt
lyst
andupandheadupst
air
s
Sl
ammi
ngt
hedoorshutbehi
ndme
Igotakeashowermay
bei
twi
l
lmakemef
eel
bet
terri
ghtnow
Af
terIwasdone,
Ilot
ionandwor
esomeofhi
s
cl
othes
Get
tinginsi
dethecov
ers,
Itakemyphone
swi
tchingiton
Ihadaf
ewmi
ssedcal
l
sfr
om Oz
Cal
li
nghi
m,I
tri
ngsf
oraf
ewmi
nut
esbef
orehe
pi
cksup
Hi
m:Ukheubenay
oIai
rt
imekant
i?,
Me:
Alway
s.
Hi
m: I
'
m surenezi
zibol
ekway
oi'
Emer
gency
ai
rt
ime'zi
buzwakuwe
Me:
Suzenzamhl
engam.
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m:Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
I'
m sl
eepi
ngov
eratRomeo'
s
Him:I
t'
sagoodt hi
ngy
ouaregett
ingyourol
d
sel
fbackbendi
diki
wengul
agrannyubunguye.
Hechuckl
es
Him:Soyoutwoarehavinggir
lsnight
,Imean
guysni
g-ohgir
l/
guynight?ItsoundsAwkward
butany
wayhavefun
Ilaughathi
ssil
li
ness,Iknewhesai
dthef
ir
st
fewwor dsonpurpose
Me:
Sur
e,Andwhatar
eyoudoi
ngr
ightnow ?
Him:I
nt hemi ddleofbangi
ngsomechick,She
wasaboutt ocum wheny oucal
ledbutshejust
hadtowait.It
snoti mport
antt
hanthephone
cal
lI
'm havingrightnow
Me:
Oz!
Iscrunchmynoseashel
aughsont
hesi
de,
I
quickl
yhangup
Hewasal
way
slooki
ngf
orway
stoscarme
Putt
ingmyphoneundert
hepil
low,
Icl
osemy
eyestr
yingt
ogetmysel
ftosl
eepnotbef
oret
he
dooropens
Peeki
ngoutt
oseewhoi
tis,
Reece.
Rol
l
ingmyey
esbef
oreIcov
ermy
sel
f
ItjustafewsecondsbeforeIhear
dhim
shuf f
li
ngbehindme,get
tingunderthebl
anket
s
alsohewr apshisar
msar oundmywai st
Hi
sal
lthet
imemov
e
Br
ingi
ngmecl
oset
ohi
mthatIcoul
dfeel
his
har
dchestonmyback
Hi
m:Pr
incess
Ikeepqui
et
Hi
m:Al
ona?
I
gnor
ehi
m.
Hel
i
ght
lypi
nchesme
Me:
Ouchmar
nYi
ntoni
!?
Hi
m:Hay
isut
het
hael
ohl
obonam Al
ona
Hi
m:Ndi
j
ongexandi
thet
hanawef
uthi
Itakeadeepbr
eat
hjustsoIcoul
dst
opmysel
f
fr
om clawi
nghi
sfaceoff
Tur
ningtolayonmybacknowf
aci
ngt
he
cei
l
ingthanhim
Hi
m:Xol
oAl
ona
Me:
Okay
Hi
m:Okaynt
o?
Me:
What
every
ouApol
ogi
singf
or
Hi
m:Theni
unj
eAl
ona
Me:Iknowy ouar
egoi
ngtodoi
tagai
n,t
reatme
l
iket
rashthenyougoi
ngt
oapol
ogize
Hi
m: I
tsnotever
ydayyouhearmesayingthe
wor
d,Itj
ustsoundsAwkwardandI
'm notgoing
t
oputmy sel
finanAwkwardposi
ti
onagain
meani
ngIwon'tdoitagai
n
Me:Act
ual
lyy
oucanandt
hendeci
denott
o
apol
ogi
ze
Hi
m:YouknowIhat
ehur
ti
ngy
ou.
Me:
Thenwhydoi
t?
Him: Xauzondqhel akakubiPhambkwamajit
a
am, sogqibandikuy
ekebonabazobasathi
ni,
Alona?UndenzaWeakmocngo.IknowI '
ve
gotasof tspotforyoubutifyougoi
ngtopi
ss
meof fthenI '
l
ldowhateverIwouldhav
edone
tothem toy ou.
Me:Andyouthi
nkwhatyoudoingit
sokay?
Bul
l
yingpeopl
eint
odoi
ngthingsyourwayand
i
ftheydon'
tyouuset
hem asy
ourpunchi
ngbag
Heshr
ugs
Hi
m:It
'
stheonl
ywayt
omaket
hem notbul
l
shi
t
me.
Me:There'
sact
ual
l
yat
hingcal
l
ed'
tal
ki
ng'
it
hel
psalot.
Hi
m: I
that
haixesha.Whynotletmyfi
stdot
he
t
alki
ng?Itactuall
ydoesamuchbet t
erwor
k
t
hanmout h,
Itgetsthemessagefast
.

Him:Il
ikei
twheny
out
alkt
omewi
thouty
our
cheeki
ness
Me:Ayi
subandaf
unait'
sjustt
haty
ouandy
our
wayofhandl
i
ngthingsannoym
Hi
m:Wel
lyoubet
tergetusedt
oit
Me:
Iwon't,
I'
llal
waysspeakmymindunli
ke
t
hem whoall
owy outowalkal
lov
erthem l
i
ke
t
hey
'r
ey ourlapdogs
Hi
m: Becar
eful
,Angakukhabi
singam l
oml
omo
wakho
Hesayski
ssi
ngthecor
nerofmylipsbef
ore
get
ti
ngupsayi
nghe'
sgoingforashower.
Idi
dn'
tfeel
li
kegoi
ngt
osl
eepy
et,
Get
ti
ngup
fr
om t
hebed
Iwalkt
othebal
conye,
Wat
chi
ngt
hel
i
ght
sin
theci
ty
Theywer
ereal
l
ybeaut
if
ulatni
ght
"Ihopeyounott
hinki
ngofj
umpi
ngof
fthat
balcony
"
Ishookmyhead
Me:I
'
mthi
nki
ngofawayofget
ti
ngy
out
ojump
of
f.
[
11/
08,
15:
55]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t33

WakingupSatur
daymorni
ng,
Ial
mostj umped
outofbedwhenIfoundmyheadrest
ingontop
ofReece'
sbar
echest
I
magineopeni
ngyourbl
urr
yeyesandt
hef
ir
st
t
hingyouseei
ssomescaryink
I'
vebeensayi
ngt hi
sf orawhi
le,
hist
att
oos
scar
emesomehowt houghsomeoneelse
mightfi
ndthem uniqueandcooltomethey
Weren'
tneit
her.
Tr
yingt
owiggl
eoutofhi
shold,
i
nst
eadhe
br
ingsmeevenmorecl
osert
ohim snuggl
i
ng
hi
sfacei
nmyhair
Hi
m:Uy
aphi
?
Heasksinhismorningvoi
ce,Damni
tsounded
se--
Clear
sthroat
-,
sti
ll
notopeni
nghi
seyes
Me:
Tot
het
oil
et,
Iwannapeej
ustl
etgoofme!
Hi
m:Fi
rstgi
mmeaki
ss
Hesay
spout
inghi
spi
nkl
i
ps
Eshee
Me:
It'
sjustsecondst
il
lIcan'
thol
ditany
mor
e.
Looseni
nghi
sar
msof
fme
Igotupandqui
ckl
ywentt
othet
oil
ett
odomy
busi
ness
Iwasn'
tsur
pri
sedt
oseehi
m ent
er.
Splashi
ngmyfacewit
hthewat
er,It
ookaspar
e
brushandst
art
edbrushi
ngmyteeth
Hi
m:Il
ookl
i
keshi
t
Hesai
dst
ari
ngathi
shangov
erf
aceont
he
mir
ror
Me:
Yeah.
Isai
djustt
oti
ckhi
m of
f
Hegl
aresatmebef
orecomi
ngt
ost
andbehi
nd
me
Pl
aci
nghi
shandonei
thersi
deofmyhi
ps
Rol
l
ingmyey
es
Me:I
tseemsl
i
key
oucan'
tgof
orl
ongwi
thout
t
ouchi
ngme.
Him:I
tshar
dtokeepmyhandst
omysel
fwhen
Iseey
ourcurv
aceousbody
Me:Idon'
tl
ikei
t.
Him:Why?Becausei
tmakesyourbodyreacti
n
awayyoudon'
twanti
tto,i
tgi
vesyou..
whatdo
yougi
rl
scal
li
t?Ohbutter
fl
ies?
Me:
No.I
trepul
sesmeact
ual
l
ymakesmeshi
ver
i
ndi
sgust
.
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m:I
'
m sur
eitdoes.
Hi
m:Iwantt
oasky
ousomet
hing.
Ishr
ug
Him:
Ifwemetindi
ff
erentci
rcumst
ances,
woul
dyouhav
egivenmeachancei fIasked
yout
odateMe?
Me:
No.
Henods.
Hi
m:Why?
Me:
You'
renotmyt
ype
Hi
m:Whatt
ypeam I?
Me:
Badguyki
ndat
hing
Him:Soyoupreferf
uckboy?Li
key
ourEx
boyf
ri
end,Icanbethat
.
Me:Ipr
efernei
ther
,Iwoul
dn'
twantsomeone
l
ikeyouanyway
Him:Youwouldn'
twantSomeonewi
thmy
Looksorper
sonali
ty?
Ipausef
orami
nut
e,t
hinki
ng.
Me:
Per
sonal
i
ty
Him:Soyouli
kemyl
ooksi
t'
smyper
sonal
i
ty
youdon'
tli
ke?
Hesmi
rksatme
Hi
m:Tel
lmethepict
ureyoupaint
edi
nyour
mi
ndfort
he'
perfectguy
'fory
ou.
Me:Hedoesn'
thavet
obeperf
ect
.Aslongas
webui
ldarel
ati
onshi
pwher
ether
e'sl
ove,
tr
ust,
respectandloyal
tyt
hatl
i
esonbothsi
des,
ButIknowt hat
'salmosti
mpossi
blei
n
nowaday s.
Hi
m:Makemeacupofst
rongbl
ackcof
fee.
Hebl
urt
sout
I
gnor
ingwhatIj
ustsai
dtohim,hecanbea
moodkil
l
erwhenhewantsto.
Me:
I'
m noty
ourmai
d
Him:Neversai
dyouwer
eIwasj
ustaski
ngy
ou
pol
it
elyt
omakei tf
orme
Me:
Youf
orgott
osaypl
ease.
Hej
ustst
aresatme,
hispat
iencer
unni
ngout
Me:
Howsur
ear
eyout
hatIwon'
tpoi
soni
t?
Helooksatmeasi
ftr
yingt
ofi
gur
esomet
hing
out
.
Hi
m:Youwon'
t,
nowgo.
Me:
Sur
eMast
er
Not
e:Sar
casm ati
tsbest
.
Hi
m:I'
l
lbegl
adwheny oucal l
met hatwhenwe
f
ucki
ng,makingsurethatIhiti
tri
ghtt
hatyou
won'
twal
kproperl
yforacoupl eofdays.
Ialmoststoppedonmywayoutbutt hought
thatIshoul
dn'tgiv
ehimthesat
isfact
ionofhim
seeingmyhor ri
fi
edexpr
essi
onrightnow.
Ihearhi
sdeepl
aught
erbehi
ndme,
heknows
thathegott
ome.
Makingthecupofcof
feehowhewant edit
,I
wastempt edt
odosomethingt
oitbutIthought
noIshouldn'
t
Iwast
otakei
ttohi
m,whenIsawhi
m comi
ng
downt
hestai
rs
Jamaican-
ishdesi
gnershadescov
eri
nghi
s
eyes.
Whycan'
thej
ustdi
efr
om t
hishangov
er?
Taki
ngthecupinmyhandhewasaboutt
oki
ss
mycheekbutIsmoot
hlyduckedof
ftowi
pet
he
ki
tchenbar
.
Him:I
'
m goi
ngoutIneedtot
akecar
eof
somethi
ngqui
ckl
y,bebacki
nacoupleofhour
s
Me:Whydon'
tyoudr
opmeof
fhomeony
our
way?
Isuggest
Hi
m:BecauseIdon'
twantt
o.
Hesay
sbl
unt
ly
Me:
I'
ll
takeat
axi
then
Hi
m:Nev
ersai
dyoucanl
eav
e.
Me:
Reece
Hi
m:Don'
tst
art
,Al
ona.
Hesaidashemadehi
swayoutwi
tht
hecupi
n
hand.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Ispentt
hedayal
lal
onel
ockedupi
nthi
shuge
house
Reecewoul
dcal
lnowandthenassumingl
yto
checkuponmebutInev
erpickedup
Iwasmadathi mforl
eavi
ngmehereal
lby
myselfwhenIcouldhav
ewenthometomy
comfortzone.
St
andi
ngupboredtoapoi
ntwher
eIdeci
dedt
o
gouptohi
sroom f
oranap.
Gett
ingi
nhi
scl
osett
olookf
orsomet
hingt
hatI
coul
dwear
Iwantedt
okeepmyowncl
othescl
eansoI
coul
dhavesomet
hingt
owearwhenIwentback
home
Rummagingthroughhiscl
othest
il
lthedeep
endwhereIfoundaboardwallwi
ththisl
it
tl
e
redbut
tonthatwasalmostunnot
iceabl
e
Isowant
edt
oPr
essi
tsot
hatIcoul
dseewhat
i
sitf
or
Ready
ingmyf
ingert
opr
ess,
Ist
opmi
dway
Whati
fit
sabomb?
Ohcomeon,
Wenoti
nthemov
ies.
Pressi
ngi
t,
somedooropensl
eadi
ngt
oanot
her
room
Get
ti
ngin,
I
fIdon'
tdi
efrom ahear
tat
tackri
ght
nowIdon'
tthi
nkt
her
e'sanyt
hingt
hatcanget
metohaveit.
Iwasst
art
ingt
othi
nkt
hatI
'
m act
ual
l
yina
movi
e
Asmal
lroom,
wit
hal
lsor
tsofweapons
May
benotal
l
,ohwel
lwhatdi
dIknowabout
t
hem ?
From Gunsi
ndi
ff
erentsi
zesandshapes,-
.OkI
don'
tknowwhatevery
thi
nginher
ewas.
Looki
ngatagl
assf
rameont hewal
laheadof
me,abul
l
etwit
hsomethi
ngthatl
ookedli
ke
bl
oodatthet
ipWaspl
aster
edinsi
deit
.
Char
tboar
dont
heot
hersi
deoft
her
oom wr
-
"
Boo!
"
Ial
mostj
umpedoutofmyski
nifi
thont
sinj
e
l
omchamoal
iphumanga.
Hear
inghisdeepv
oicewhisperi
ngsol
owi
nto
myearthatIal
mostdidn'
thearhi
m
Reece.
It
hinkIwassweat
ing,
li
keIcouldlit
eral
l
yfeela
dr
opofsweatfal
li
ngfr
om myf oreheadtothe
si
de.
Myheartwast
humpingsohar
dthatIt
houghti
t
mi
ghtjustj
umpoutofmychest.
Fr
ozenont
hespot
.
Hi
m:Scar
ed?
Heaskedhi
svoi
cesocal
m
Ial
way
shat
eitwhenhewasl
i
ket
his,
cal
m
Youdon'
tknowwhatt
oexpectbecausehe'
sso
unpr
edi
ctabl
e
Hi
m:Uf
unant
oni
apha?
Mywor
dswest
ucki
nmyt
hroat
.
Hi
m:FUCKENANSWERME!
Hey
ell
edoutatme,
maki
ngmej
umpst
art
led.
Grabbi
ngmebymyar
m,Abr
upt
lyt
urni
ngmet
o
l
ookupathim
I
'
mluckyt
hati
ngal
oyam ay
ophukanga.
Hi
m:Al
ona!
Ij
ustbli
nkedonceandt
ear
sst
reameddownmy
cheeks.
Sl
ammi
ngmeatt
henear
estwal
l
,Icoul
dfeel
the
pai
n
Me:I-
IswearId-
didn'
tmeantoe-
endupher
e, I
w-wasll
ookingfors-
somet
hingt
owearbut
t
henIsawt hebutt
onandI-I(
gul
p)wascur
ious.
Hi
m:Cur
iosi
tyki
l
ledt
hecat
Swal
l
owi
ngt
hel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
Me:
I'
m notac-
catandy
ouar
en'
tgoi
ngt
oki
l
l
me.
Ibl
urtout
Me:
Thecatwasdumb
Icont
inuet
orumbl
e.
Hi
m:Andsoar
eyou.
Hesaysbeforehet hr
ewme, hi
tti
ngthecorner
ofametaltabl
einthemi ddl
eoftheroom with
mywaist.Iscr
eam outinpainbefor
emor e
tear
scl
oudmyv i
sion
Me:
Idi
dn'
tm-
meant
oendupher
e,pl
easedon'
t
Ibeg
Hi
m:Shutup
Hesay
s
Me:
Why(
hiccup)
arey
oukeepi
ngt
heseany
way?
Him:Whatdoyouexpectf
rom aGangl
eader
's
house?Barbi
edol
ls?
Hewasagangl
eader?
Hewasi
nagang.
Me:
You'
reaag-g
Pi
cki
ngmeupbymyt
hroat
,Ihadmyhandt
o
mysi
de
I
tst
il
lhur
tandIcoul
dn'
tst
andpr
oper
lyatt
he
moment.
Hi
m:Comeon,
sayi
twi
thmegang-
leader
.
Hesaidsisl
ow l
i
kehewast
eachi
ngapr
e
school
ersomewords
Hi
m:It
houghty
ouhav
eal
readyf
igur
edi
tout
.
Me:Doyouthi
nkIwoul
dhavesnoopedar
ound?
Iwoul
dhaveaskedy
ouupfr
ontabouti
t
Isayt
ryi
ngtopryhishandsfr
om myhairbuti
t
wasimpossi
blebecauseIhadtoputmineback
tomywaistasanotherpai
nshootst
hrough
Hi
m:Yi
ntoni
?
Me: Ugqi
bil
eundi
bethasogqi
bauyandibuzaba
yi
ntoni?,I
'
m agir
lnotoneofyourguyssowhen
youdecidetomanhandl
emeofcour seI'
l
l
brui
seeasil
y
Hel
ookeddownatme,
didIseewor
rycr
osshi
s
f
ace?Probabl
ynot
Him:Khangendi
kubet
heAl
ona(Idi
dn'
tbeat
youAlona)
Me:
Undenzeni
?(whatdi
dyoudo)
Hepi
cksmeupbridal,
tr
yingtowr
iggl
eoutof
hi
shol
dinst
eadIhurtmy sel
fmor
e.
Heput
smeont
opofhi
sbed
St
andi
ngt
her
erunni
nghi
shandt
hroughhi
shai
r.
Hegoest
othebat
hroom
Cl
osi
ngmyey
esshutt
oendur
ethepai
n
Hi
m:Khul
ula(
Undr
ess)
Looki
ngathi
m ashehel
dat
ubel
i
ket
hing
I
'
m assumi
nghewant
stor
ubmysi
de
Me:
Icandoi
tmy
sel
f
Isai
dasIt
ri
edt
otakei
tfr
om hi
m.
Her
efusedt
hough
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Me:
Andi
funi
.
Hi
m:Justt
aket
hem of
f
Ishookmyhead,
No
Looki
ngatmef
oramoment
Heputt
het
ubebesi
demebef
orewal
ki
ngout
.
Squeezi
ngt
hecream i
nmyhand,
Igent
lyst
art
rubbi
ngmyside.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Lay
ingi
naf
etal
posi
ti
onont
hebed
Ij
ustgotof
fthephonewi
thmybr
other
Ly
ingt
ohi
m onceagai
n.
Reecer
efusedt
ot akemehome,
say
inghe'
l
l
dri
vemethefol
lowingday
.
Idi
dn'
thav
et hest
rengt
htofi
ghthi
m,Hej
ust
mademetiredwit
houtevent
ryi
ng.
Thedoort
othebedr
oom opens
Wai
tfori
t.
Hesi
tsbehi
ndme,
hear
inghi
m si
gh
Hi
m:Xol
oAl
ona
Ichuckl
e
Me: I
tsoundsf unnycomingfrom yourmouth,
knowingwhaty ouar e.AGangleader,doyou
alsoforgi
vethem wheny ouabouttotakethei
r
l
ivesandt heybegy ounotto? ,
whenaskingfor
forgi
venessforwhat ev
ertheydid?
Him:Ayidi
bani,
thesearetwodi f
fer
ent
scenar
ios.LookI'
mj ustapologi
zi
ngforI
'v
e
doneyouwr ong,leuyit
hethayoandi
yazi
ingena
phi.
Me:
Ifor
giv
eyou.
Hi
m:Youdon'
tmeani
tAl
ona
Me:OfcourseIdon'
t!,
It'
sjustthatIf
earwhat
youar
egoingtodotomei fIdon't
.
Isayt
urni
ngt
olookathi
m.
Hi
m:Idon'
twanty
out
ofearme.
Ikeepsi
l
entf
orami
nut
e
Me: I
fIthoughtyouwer eanEv
il
,Coldhear
ted
Assh-before..
ImaginewhatIt
hinkofyounow
thatIknowwhoy ouare.
Tur
ningbacktomyposi
ti
on,Icovermysel
fwi
th
abl
anketstr
yingt
ogetmyselftosleep
Hi
m:Awuzut
yakengoku?

Tr
usthi
mtoignoreandactl
i
keapur
easshol
e
i
naseri
ousmatter.
[
11/
08,
15:
55]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t34

Day
spassedby
.

Ispentsomeofmyt
imewi
thReece,
Nott
hatI
wantedto
DoyouthinkI
'
m gonnasayt
hathi
m andIwer
e
get
ti
ngalong? ,
Nope
Al
lwedidwasfi
ght,
Ial
wayswentabov
ehim.
Chal
l
engedhi
m buthe'
dal
wayswinandgethi
s
way
Ithi
nkbesendi
bhi
tyenases'
qwi
nikuxabana
naye.
AnotherSundayaft
ernoonandReecehadgone
outtohandle'busi
ness'Idon'
tknowwhichone
becausebesidebei
ngagangl eaderheal
so
workedatsomecompany
Ihav
eonceseenhi
m wear
ingasui
t
Hel
ookedg-.
.Hedoesn'
tdeser
vecompl
i
ment
s
f
rom me.
Ihadaskedhim wher
ehewasgoi
ng,
wel
lIwas
al
wayscurious
Hetol
dmet hathewasgoingtosomemeeting
andbefor
eIcouldaskanyt
hingthi
nghet
oldme
heworkedatthecompanybecausehedi
dn'
t
wantpeoplet ogetsuspi
ciousonhowhecould
af
fordeverythingwhenhedi dn'
twor
k,sohe'
s
worki
ngj usttocover
Hedoesn'
tgoof
tent
hough,
Iguesshewashi
s
ownboss
Iwascur
rent
lyl
ayi
ngdownont
hematatt
he
l
ounge
Watchi
ngsomet
vshowwhenIhear
daknock
att
hedoor.
Iknewi twassupposedl
yReece'
sbrot
her
,He
hadinformedmet hathewascomingint
heday
totake'somethi
ng'
Goi
ngt
oopent
hedoor
Il
ethi
min
Hi
m:Hey
Tome?
,Wel
lIwasn'
texpect
inghi
mtogr
eet
me.
Me:
I'
mthebi
tch,
Remember?
Him: YeahhowcanIf or
getournewpieceof
ass? ,Reeceisgoi
ngtopassyoutomeandt he
restofthecrew(gang)whenhe'sdonewith
you
Hechuckl
es.
Wow
Tur
ningt
oleav
ehegr
absmebymyhandt
o
st
opme
Hi
m:Hey
!ComebackI
twasj
ustaj
oke.
Me:
Itsnotf
unnyt
hen
Isaygoi
ngt
osi
tdown
Him:Youknowwedi
dn'tst
artongoodter
ms
andI'
m sor
ryf
ort
hat
,youprobabl
ythi
nkI'
ma
j
erk
Me:
Likey
ourbr
other
Imumbl
e
Hi
m:Iknow,
andI
'
m sor
ry
Hesai
dsi
ncer
ely
Me:
Arey
oual
soi
nhi
sgang?
Iaskedconf
usedatt
hepol
iteness,
especi
all
y
whenheisReece'
sbrot
her
Hi
m:Iam
Me: Ar
en'
tyousupposedt
obehear
tl
essl
i
ke
yourbrot
her
Hearchedhi
sthickbr
owupandshookhi
shead
ashebegantolaugh
Him:Iam butnott
ocut
einnocentpeopl
eli
ke
you.
Ij
ustl
ookedathi
m
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
Hi
m:Am notr
eal
l
yli
kehi
m
Me: Sure..
soyouknowwhathe'
sdoingt
ome
ri
ght'forci
ng'metobewi
thhim? ,
andyoudo
agreewi thi
t?
Heshr
ugs
Hi
m:No
Me:
OkayYou'
rehi
sbr
othermay
bey
oucant
alk
t
ohim?
Him:AndNo,oncehehashi
smindt
o
somethi
ng,He'
l
lki
llany
onet
okeepi
tespeci
all
y
Inthi
scase
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Him:He'snev
erdonet
histoanyothergi
rl
,
you'
retheonl
yonehe'
severshowedreal
aff
ecti
onto
Me:
Ist
hatsupposedt
omakemef
eel
speci
al?
Heshr
ugs
Hi
m:You'
ret
hef
ir
stf
emal
ethathewoul
dki
l
l
f
or
Me:
Imustbel
uckyt
hen
Not
e:Sar
casm Al
ert
Hi
m:Hei
sn'
tthatbady
ouknow.?
Me:
Arewest
il
ltal
ki
ngaboutt
hesameReece?
Hi
m:I
'
m ser
iousAl
ona
Me:Idon'twanttoknowhim,Al
lhehasbeen
doi
ngismaki ngmyl i
feali
vi
nghel
l.Het reat
s
melikehispropert
yandhehasnor espectfor
me!Al l
hedoesi sthr
eatenmeandhur t
sme
whenIgoagai nsthi
m.Tellmewhatpar tofHim
i
sn'
tbad?
Hepausesf
orami
nut
es
Hi
m: He'
shadatoughupbri
nging,
hal
fthe
t
hingshehasbeenthr
ough.
..
Hepausesf
eel
i
ngl
i
kehehasgi
venawayt
oo
much
Hi
m:Hedoesn'
tknowhowt
oshowl
ove
Me:
Soheshowsi
tbymi
str
eat
ingme?
Hi
m:Yes.
Me:
Niphambenenobabi
nimoc
Him:LookallI'
mt r
yingtosayi
sthatheloves
youbutdoesn'tknowhowt oexpressi
t,he'
s
tr
yingthough.Hewoul ddoanyt
hingand
everyt
hingtoprot
ecttheoneshelovessothey
don'
thur
tany
oneev
eragai
n..
Hesay
sashet
rai
l
sof
findeept
hought
s
Him:Hemaynotshowt hathel
ikesyoutheway
youareusedtoobuttr
ustme,y
ouar ethefi
rst
femalet
hathasevergott
enhi
sattenti
onthe
wayyouhave.Hewoulddoanythingand
ever
ythi
ngforyou
Me:
Exceptl
ett
ingmego
Henods
Him:Justbar ewit
hhim, Don'
tgivehimreason
tomistreaty ou.Ifhefeelsthathecantrust
youtonotl eav ehi
mt henhemaygoeasyon
you.Youal readyseehowpossessi veheis
towardsy ou.Healreadywarnedallofustostay
awayf r
om y ouandhe' l
lkil
lusifwedefyhim.
Si
ghi
ngi
nfr
ust
rat
ion
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo
Hi
m:Justchoosey
ourbat
tl
eswi
thhi
m
Hesay
sasheget
supt
ogoupst
air
s
It
akemyt
imet
opr
ocessal
lhehassai
d
ThoughEnzowasal waystheperfectguy,
Orso
Ithought.Treatedmel i
keIshouldbetreat
ed,I
knewIl ostapar tofmet ohim.Nowwi t
hReece
IknowIwi lll
oosemor eofmysel fandIdon'
t
wantt hatbutmay beIwi l
lgai
nsomet hi
ngthatI
hav ebeenl acki
ng..
andthatisstr
engthanda
voicetost andupf ormyself
Nott
ohim ofcourse,
EvenifItri
edIknowhe'
ll
al
wayshaveitl
astbutIwasn'tgoingt
oeverl
et
hi
m hav
eiteasy.
Maybehewasn' tt
hatbadafteral
l
,MaybeI
shouldlear
ntoatleastt
oler
atehi
m sothatI
won'tgethurt
Am Imaki
ngsenser
ightnow ?
We'
l
ljustseehowi
tgoes.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
St
il
latReece'
shouse.
Iwasi
nthemi
ddl
eofcooki
ngear
lysupper
Spaghet
tiandmeatbal
l
s,Oneoft
hefewt
hingsI
wasfamil
iarwi
thfr
om hisgr
ocer
y.
Hehadn'
tcomeba-
"Al
ona"
Ihear
dhi
m cal
lout
Iguesshewasher
ethen
Justbecal
m, don'
tgethi
m wor
kedupandwe'
l
l
seehowitgoes
Me:
I'
m her
e.

Ihearhi
sfoot
stepsappr
oach
Putti
nghi sl
apt opbagonthecounterbefor
e
standingbehindme, wr
appinghi
sarmsar ound
mywai stbr
ingingmeintohiswarm chest
beforesnugglinghisheadonthecrookofmy
neck
Hi
m:Imi
ssedy
ou.
Hemumbl
es

Hi
m:Di
dZanecome?
Hewasr
efer
ri
ngt
ohi
sbr
other
Inod
Hi
m:Di
dhet
rysomet
hing?
Ishookmyhead
Hi
m:Awukwazuv
ul'
uml
omoAl
ona?
Heaskedget
ti
ngi
rr
it
ated
Yousee?,Nomat
terwhatIt
ryhe'
l
lsomehow
getpi
ssed
Me:Hecame,khangeahl
alehej
ustwent
upst
air
sforwhat
evert
henwahamba
Hi
m:Youwer
ehopi
ngt
hathest
ays?

Me:
Hay
i.
Hegoest
othecabi
net
,taki
ngoutabot
tl
eof
whiskeythatwashalf
wayempty
.Asquar
e
shapedglassbefor
ecomingt
ositdownatt
he
barchair
Hi
m:Yi
ntoAl
ona?(
Whati
sit
)
Looki
ngatt
hegl
assnowf
il
ledwi
thwhi
skey
Me:Awuzut
yaqal
a?(Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
oeat
f
ir
st)
Hi
m: UnguMamawam ngoAl
ona?(
You'
remy
mothernow?)
Ishookmyhead
Me:
Bendi
buzanj
e
Hi
m:Don'
t!
Inod
Di
shingoutforthebot
hofus,Ihandhi
m hi
s
pl
atebefor
et aki
ngmineandpouri
ngmysel
f
j
uice.
Weat
einsi
l
enceandIwasgl
adf
ort
hat
.
Ir
insedt
hedi
sheswhenwewer
edoneandt
hen
Iwentt
owatchtvonmyownwhi
l
ehewentup
st
air
sforwhat
ever
.
[
11/
08,
15:
55]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t34
Cont
inues
Mor
eday
srol
l
edby
.
Aft
erIhadt
alkedt
oZane(
Reece'
sbr
other
)that
day
Ihadponder
edov
erhi
swor
ds.
IeaseduponReece,
Itr
iedt
ounder
standwher
e
hecamefrom .
Andy
ouknowwhat
,Idon'
tknowhowi
tcamet
o
be
Butsl
owl
yandsur
elyal
lthi
swhi
l
eIwasf
all
i
ng
forhi
m
IwasFal
l
ingf
ort
heGang-
Leader
.
Act
ual
l
yIhadal
readyf
all
enf
orhi
m.
Ist
oppedf
eigni
ngdeni
al
Itwashar
dformet
oadmi
t,
ButIcoul
dn'
thi
dei
t
anymore
I
'
vet
oldhi
m,heknows
AndIwaswi l
l
ingtotrysomet
hingwit
hhim only
i
fhepromisedtorespectme,
hesaidhe'
l
ltr
y .He
waswil
li
ngtot r
yforme.
Cur
rent
lyatReece'
shouse
Ihadcookedandwej
ustf
ini
shedeat
ing
Iwasint hemiddl
eofaconv ersat
ionwith
Reece.Idon'
tknowhowi tcameupbutIf eltlike
Ididn'
treal
lyknowhim andIwant edhimt ot ell
meabouthi sfamil
yoratl eastwhatever
,he
seemst oknowallaboutmeandIknownot hing
abouthim besi
dehim beingaGang- Leader

Me:
Cany
ouatl
eastt
ryt
oopenupt
ome
Hi
m:Uqal
eni
nubay
ither
api
stngoAl
ona?
(
Whendi
dyouSt
artbei
ngat
her
api
st?
)
Isi
gh
Me:It
'snotaboutmebeingat
her
api
stI-Ij
ust
wantyoutotalkt
-youknowwhat?Justfor
get
i
t
Isai
dasIgotupt
ogoupst
air
s
Iknewhewasgoingtobehar
dandIj
ustgav
e
uptry
ingwi
thoutev
enreal
l
ytr
ying
Igott
ohi
sroom
Tucki
ngmy
sel
fundert
hecov
ers
I
twasn'tacoupl
eofmi
nut
esbef
oreIhear
dthe
dooropen,
peeki
ngout
Seei
ngReecewi
thagl
assofwhi
skeyi
nhand
Hecamet
ositbehi
ndmeaft
erIhear
dhi
m
pl
acet
hegl
assonthet
abl
e
"
Mychi
ldhoodhadbeennopi
cni
c,I
'
dwat ched
myPar
entsfi
ghtwi
theachot
herever
yday"
It
urnt
olookathi
m,gi
vi
nghi
m myat
tent
ion
Me:
Aboutw-
Him:Wil
lyoushutupandfuckenl
i
stent
omeor
shoul
dIshutupandleti
tbe.?
Hesnapsatme
Ipouse
Me:
Xol
o
Hesi
ghs
Hi
m:NoI
'
m sor
ry
Hesaysrunni
nghi
shandt
hroughhi
shai
rin
f
rust
rat
ion
Gett
ingundert
hecovershi
msel
f,heput
smy
headontopofhischest
Hi
m:Isawhowmi
ser
abl
etheyhadbeen
t
oget
her.

"Don'
teverl
etanyoneseeyouweak,
theywi
l
l
useitagai
nstyou.Shownoemoti
onnor
fear
,t
hatwil
lbeyourstr
engt
h"Mydadusedt o
tel
l methatgrowi
ngup, That
'
swhathewas
taughtgrowingupandwhathei nsti
l
ledinmy
brotheral
sobutIwast heonewhol i
teral
lytook
i
tt oheart
,Iwasmyfather'
sson.Ilovedhim
regardl
essofwhateverhedidtomymot herand
I
.
I'
m somuchl ikehi
mthatisthereasonwhythe
fi
rstincommandt i
tl
eforthegangwashanded
tomewhenhewasconv i
ctedforseveral
chargesincl
udingt
heonet hatIwassupposed
tobej ai
l
edforbuthetooktheblamef orme"
Hepausesforamomentashet
akesaswi
g
f
rom hi
sglass
Him: Icamehomeonedayt of i
ndmymot her
beinggunpoi ntedbymyf ather,t
heyhadbeen
i
nt hemi ddleofoneoft heirmanyf ights,Ihad
tri
edt oreasonwi t
hhimt oletgooft hegun,
stubbornhei s.IJumpedt ohi m, t
ryi
ngt otakeit
Webat t
ledtil
lthegunwentof fandt henext
thi
ngweknowshei sl
ayingt hereinherown
poolofbl
ood, t
heguni nmyhand.Idon' tknow
whatreal
lyhappenedbutallIknewatt hat
momenti sthatIki
l
ledher,
Ididn'tmeant oI
thoughtt
hatIwast r
yingt
osav eherfrom him.
Ij
ustsatt her
enexttoherli
felessbody,
Apparentlywhenthegunwentof f
,the
nei
ghbor shadheardandbef oremyf at
her
coul
df orcemet ohel
phim cleanupandhi deh-
herbodyt hesir
enswerehear d.Hetookthe
bl
amef orwhatIdi
d,forki
l
li
ngmyownmot her
Me:
Y-Youdi
dn'
tm-
meant
o
Isai
dasIst
utt
ered
Him:Iwasal waystheonebymydad' sside,
at
anearlyageIwast heonet ogowithhimto
meetings, j
obsanddeals.Iwat
chedhim,
l
earnedf rom hi
m andev eni
dol
izedtheman.
Toobl i
ndt oseewhathewasdoi ngwas
absurd,
Het aughtmehowt oberespect
edand
fear
edj usthoweveryonedidwithhim.
Myf
athersor
tofhat
edus,
buthadasor
tofsof
t
spotf
orme
Healwaysusedt osayki dswerealotof
work.
Theyspenty ourmoneyanddi r
ti
edyour
houseandnev erappreci
atedthestruggl
etoput
foodonthetableorclothesont hei
rbacks.
They
wereungrat
efulli
ttl
eassholesjustli
kewomen.
SoIbuil
tthesewal
lsshieldi
ngmefrom bei
ng
abl
etoloveinst
eadjustfuckandpasswellunt
il
Imetyou.
Idon'tknowwhatwasi tbutIj
ustbecame
drawnt oyou,IknowIprobabl
ysoundli
kea
fucken'pussyri
ghtnow.
Hesai
dlaughi
ngi
ndi
sbel
i
ef
Him:Ifonl
yhecoul
dseehowIam towar
dsyou,
howI'mtryi
ngsohar
dtotreaty
ou
bett
er.
Somethi
ngheneverdidt
omymother
.
Hesays,dri
nki
ngt
helastswi
gfr
om t
hegl
ass
bef
oreturni
ngtol
ookatme
Hi
m:Ar
eyoudi
sgust
edbymenowt
haty
ou
knowIki
l
ledmyownmot
her
Me:
Youdi
dn'
tm-
Hi
m:St
opsay
ingt
hat
!
HeYel
l
satme
Hi
m:Y-
youwantt
oleav
eme?
Heasked,
det
ect
ingv
ulner
abi
l
ityf
rom hi
svoi
ce
Ishookmyhead,
No
Hi
m:Ar
eyouaf
rai
dofme?
Me:
N-No.
Hi
m:Youarel
yingAl
ona,
andy
ouknowhow
muchIhat
eit
Me:May
beIam,j
ustal
i
ttl
ebi
tbutIknowy
ou
woul
dn-
nev
erhur
tmetotheext
reme
Hi
m:Justgot
osl
eep,
Alona.
Me:
Y-Youwoul
dnev
er,
right?
Hi
m:Just
.Sl
eep.
Me:
Reece.
Him:Idon'
tknow!
,okay?Idon'
tfucken'
know
howmuchmor eIcangotil
lIdeci
detosnap
yourneck
Snuggl
i
ngcl
oset
ohi
ssi
de,
hewaswar
m
Me:
Youwon'
t
Isayconf
ident
lyathi
m.
Befor
eclosi
ngmyey
esshutandl
etsl
eep
overt
akeme.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Waki
ngupthefol
lowingday,
Ihadwentt
ost
art
Maki
ngbreakf
astforReeceandI
.
Seei
nghi
mlazi
l
ydr
aghi
sfeetdownt
hest
eps
Hepecksmyli
psashesi
tsdown,
handi
nghi
m
hi
splat
ebefor
etaki
ngmyownandsit
ti
ng
besi
dehim
Me:
Abouty
est
erd-
Hi
m:Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
tAl
ona.
Hecut
smeof
f
Deci
dingnott
opushi
t,
Ifocusonmypl
ate
Me:
Cany
oudr
ivemehomeaf
tert
his?
Hi
m:No
Me:Please?,
Ireal
l
yneedt
ost
udyf
oran
upcomingtestMonday
Hi
m:AndIwantt
ospendsomet
imewi
thy
ou
Me: Akhontosi
yenzayowhenwetogethert
han
bi
ckeringsoI'
m notlooki
ngfor
wardto
spendingthedaywithyou
Heshr
ugs
Hi
m:Idon'
tcar
e
Isi
ghi
ndef
eat
Igetupt
ori
nset
hedi
shesbuthest
opsme
Him:Youworkyour
sel
ftoomuch,
leav
ethem.
You'
renother
efort
hat
Me:
Whatam Iher
efort
hen?
Iaskar
chi
ngmyey
ebr
owup
Hepull
smetostandinbet
weenhi
slegs,
bendi
ngsohecouldki
ssme
Pi
cki
ngmeupt
othecouchi
nthel
ounge
Helaysmedown,gett
ingi
nbetweenmy
l
egs..
Hisar
msrestedonei
thersi
deofmyhead
suppor
ti
nghiswei
ght
Bi
ti
ngmyl
owerl
i
p,hepul
l
saway
Hi
m:St
il
lwantt
ogohome?
Hesmi
rksatme
Pul
li
nghi
m byhi
sshirt
,It
akethel
eadasIkiss
hi
m buti
twasn'
tforl
ongbef
oreherev
ersesit
Hehat
edbei
ngdomi
nat
ed.
Ipull
awayandl
ookathi
shal
fopen-
closed
browneyes
Damn,
hel
ookedcut
e
Nev
ert
houghtI
'
dbet
heonet
oadmi
t,butoh
wel
l
Unsuppor
ti
nghi
msel
f,heput
sal
lhi
swei
ghton
me.
Kicki
ngunderhi
m sohecoul
dgetof
f,hewas
heavy
Hechuckl
es
Me:
Y-y
ou'
reki
l
li
ngme,
getof
f
Heshookhi
sheadNo
Me:
Ic-
can'
tbr
eat
h
Hi
m:You'
reov
err
eact
ing
Hesay
sget
ti
ngof
fandsi
tt
ingbesi
deme
Me:
Wayt
ogot
orui
namoment
Hi
m:Soy
oul
i
kedi
thuh?
Hesay
sgi
vi
ngmehi
susual
smi
rk
Maki
ngmeshyaway
Hecooedatmepi
nchi
ngmycheeks,
Iswathi
s
handaway
Hi
m:May
bewecant
akei
tupst
air
s
Il
ookathi
m wi
ggl
i
nghi
sey
ebr
ows
Me:
what?
Hel
aughs
Hi
m:Il
i
key
ouri
nnocencea-
Hewascutshortbyhi
sri
ngi
ngphone,
taki
ngi
t
outf
rom hi
spocket
"
Ya?
"heanswer
edi
nabor
edv
oice
Hi
m:..
mhh.
.gotthepackage?OkayI
'
llbet
her
e
i
nafewminutes.
Hesay
sbef
orehehungupandt
urnst
olookat
me
Hi
spi
ssedof
fexpr
essi
on
Hi
m: Ineedtotakecareofsomet
hing,
I
'l
lbeout
al
ldaysoIthinkI'
l
ldri
veyouhome.
Mxm.Foldi
ngmyar mstomychest
,Il
ook
out
sidet
heglassdoor
Hi
m:Yi
ntoni
ngoAl
ona?
Me:Yousai
dyouwant
edt
ospendsomet
ime
wi
thme.
Hi
m: Andnowandi
sat
het
hil
ont
o,somet
hing
j
ustcameup
Me:
Soi
t'
smor
eimpor
tantt
hanbei
ngwi
thme?
Hi
m:Al
onakhawuy
ekemaar
n
Me:
Okay
Isayget
ti
ngupandgoi
ngupst
air
stoqui
ckl
y
fr
eshenup
Takingmystuff
,Icheckifevery
thi
ngwasinsi
de
beforef
oll
owinghim outtohiscarandhedr
ove
mehome.
[
11/
08,
15:
55]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t35

Ozhadpi ckedmeupFri
dayaf
terschool
becausewewer epl
anni
ngongoingforgr
ocer
y
shopping.
WehadwenttoWoolwor
thsbecauseitwast
he
near
estshopwheny
ougetattheentr
anceof
themall
Oneofthereasonsweshoppedher
ewas
becauseOzwas' t
ir
ed'
Butohwell
,
Ithi
nkweal
lknewtherealr
eason.
Hedidn'
twantt
obumpintooneofhismany
gi
rl
s.
Passi
ngt
hegoodi
esI
sle
Webothtur
ntol
ookateachot
her
,bur
sti
ngout
i
nlaught
er
Him:I
'm nowremember ingthedaywewer
e
sentt
ogogr oceryshoppingandwecameback
wit
hOnlysweet s/
snacks
Ichuckl
e
Me:Seeingthehor
ri
fi
edlookonher(
Mom)face
l
ateron,Wakingusupfr
om oursl
eepandmade
uscleanthehouseat2am
Wecont
inuedt
olaugh
Hi
m:Youmi
ssherhu?
Ipausedf
oramoment
Noddi
ngmyhead,
itpai
nsmet othi
nkall
about
t
hehappymomentswehadt oget
herandnowI
wantnot
hingt
odowithher
Him:Youshoul
dreal
l
ytal
ktohert
houghAl
ona,
Iknowit
snotinyout
oholdgr
udges
Inodonceagai
n
Hi
m:So.
.y
ou'
l
ltal
ktoher
Me:
Y-y
eah
Hi
m:I
'
llcal
lhert
omor
rowm-
Me:
Don'
tpushi
t.
Her
aisedhi
shandsi
nsur
render
Changi
ngt
het
opi
c
Me:
I'
m c-
canIhav
emyf
ri
endsl
eepov
er
t
omorr
ow ?
Hi
m: Romeo, He'
salwayswelcometocome
ar
oundnoneedt oask.Qhaheshoul
dstop
al
way str
yingtocheckmeout,Makayek'
i
sincwasongakum.
Hesaidput
ti
ngourf
avour
it
ecer
eal
int
he
basket
Iburstoutl
aughi
ngathi
sser
iousf
aceandwhat
hejustsaid
Cat
chi
ngmybr
eat
hlat
eron
Me:I'
ll
tell
him someti
mebutI '
m nott
alki
ng
abouthimrightnow.uEnt
le.Romeowi l
lbe
awayfortheweekend
Hi
m:Ent
le?
Heaskedabi
tconf
used
Me:
Mynewf
ri
end?
,ri
ngsanybel
l
s?
Hi
m:Oht
hatf
ineassedchi
ck?
Igl
areathi
m
Him:Shecancomeov
er,
Idon'
tmi
ndasl
ongas
I
'm get
ti
ngtof-
Me:
She'
slesbi
an
Li
e.
Him:Oncesheseest
hesi
zeofmydi
ckIswear
she'
l
ltur
nstrai
ght
Hesay s,
ear
ningusaf
ewl
ooksf
rom peopl
e
nearus.
I
'
veal
way
shat
edhi
s'Idon'
tcar
eat
ti
tude'
El
bowi
nghi
sst
omachhechuckl
es
Hi
m:ButI
'
llbehav
ingaf
ewf
ri
endsov
er
Ishr
ug
Me:
Sur
e,asl
ongast
heyst
ayoutofourway
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Sat
urdayev
eni
ng
Openingt
hedoort
oletEntl
ein,Ihugherand
movingfr
om t
hedoortoletheri
n
Her
:Wow,
you'
rel
eav
ingt
hel
i
fehu?
Ibrushanimagi
nar
ydustf
rom bot
hmy
shoulder
s
Smi
rki
ngather
Her
:Uy
aphapha
Shesay
sshovi
ngmysi
deasshepassesmet
o
gomakeher
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
eonthecouch
I
'l
ltakey
ourbackpackupstai
rst
henwecan
makeaf ewsnacksandthenwecandeci
de
whattodo
Ret
urni
ngaf
ewmi
nut
esl
ater
Me:Wecanwatchamovi
eorplayafewgames
i
nthegameroom,mybr
otherhast
hesecool
gadget
s
Her:Anyt
hingi
sfi
newi
thme,
asl
ongasI
'
m
wit
hy ou
Me:Maybeamovi
ethen,
I
'm notgoodwi
th
pl
ayi
nggamesany
way.
Wemadeaf ewsnacksbef
oreset
tl
ingi
nthe
couchandwat
chi
ngwhatever
.

Wehadt
hel
ounget
oour
sel
vesunt
ilmybr
other
ar
ri
vedwi
thhi
sfr
iends,
incl
udi
ngReece
Wel
lIwasn'tgoi
ngt
oleav
eyetunt
ilt
hemov
ie
i
sfi
nished
Oz:
Alona?
Me:
Mhh?
Tur
ningt
olookathi
m,hewi
ggl
eshi
seyebr
ows
bef
oremoti
oni
ngtoEntl
ewi
thhi
sey
es
Ishookmyhead
Me:Ent
le,Thi
sismybrot
her.I
'm notsurpr
ised
i
fyouknowhi m,he'
swel
lknowforbeinga
womanizerso-.
.
Iwat
chOzashegl
aresatme
Hear
ingacoupl
eofhi
sfr
iendsl
aughi
ng
Me:
May
beweshoul
dgot
omyr
oom
Isayt
oEnt
le
Her
:Sur
e.
Goi
ngupt
omyr
oom,
wegetcomf
ort
abl
eont
he
bed
Her
:So,
yourbr
otherhu?
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmey
ouwantt
ohookupwi
thhi
m.
Qui
ckl
yshaki
ngherheadno
Her
:Nonotatal
l
,j
ustamazedbyhi
sat
ti
tude
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
ef
Me:I '
m gl
ad, heal
way smanagedt orui
nmy
fr
iendshi
pwi thgir
ls.Alwaysmessingaround
withthem thendumpi ngthem af
tert
hent hi
ngs
getcomplicated
Isi
gh
Her
:Mh.Sot
hatReeceguywasamongstt
hem
eh?
It
hinkImi
ghtbebl
ushi
ngnow.
Me:
Yeah
Shenods
Her
:Ish-
Bef
oreshecoul
dsaysomethi
ng,
shewascutof
f
bysomeoneopeni
ngthedoor
Asi
foncue,
Reeceget
sin
Agl
assi
nhand,
Iguessy
oual
readyknowwhat
i
twas
Hecomest
owar
dsme,
ki
ssi
ngmeont
hel
i
ps
Ipul
laway
Me:
Mh.
m
Hi
m:Yi
nto?
Ist
aredathi
mforhi
mtocat
chon,
Ihad
companyduh.
Hi
m:Sowh-
Iknewhewasaboutt ostar
tanargument
,quickl
ygett
inguptogogetanotherbagof
chipsinthekit
chen.
Try
ingtoavoi
dit
Isnat
chedt
hem andwentupt
omyr
oom agai
n
Tof
ind,
Ent
lel
i
plocki
ngwi
thReece
TosayIwasshockedwasj
ustan
under
stat
ement
Cleari
ngmyt
hroatasIf
eltal
umpgoi
ngupmy
throat
.
Onl
ythenReecepul
l
saway
,gl
ari
ngatEnt
le
Bef
orehecoul
dsaysomet
hing,
Ithr
ewt
he
gl
ass
Ai
mi ngathi
m buthequi
ckl
yducked,
maki
ngi
t
hi
ttheothersi
de
Shat
ter
ing,
spi
l
li
ngoutt
hecont
ent
s
Itur
ntorunt
omybr
other
sroom l
ocki
ngt
he
doorbehi
nd.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Wakingupt hefoll
owingdaynextt
oOzi nhi
s
room,Isl
eptwi thhi
mi nhi
sbedlastni
ght
becauseIrefusedtogotomyr oom
Ozhaddr
oveEnt
lehomeandReece
Hehadbeencal
l
ingmeal
lni
ghtl
ong,
sendi
ng
meacoupl
eofmessagesbutIdi
dn'
tanswert
o
nei
ther
Iwasbey
ondMadathi
m,t
othi
nkt
hatIt
rust
ed
hi
m
If
eltbet
ray
ed
JustwhenIthoughtweweremaki
ngprogress
andIwaswar minguptohi
m hedeci
dedtodo
whathedid
Gi
vi
ngmer
easont
ohat
ehi
m onceagai
n
I
fyouhav eeverf
oundy
ourpartneri
nthe
middl
eofamakeoutsessionwi t
hyour
f
ri
end,you'
ll
knowhowIfeelr
ightnow.
Swit
chi
ngmyphoneoffj
ustsoIwoul
dn'
tdeal
wit
hnei
theroft
hem.
Igotupandwentt owashmyfaceinOz'
s
bathroom bef
oregoi
ngdownst
air
stoeat
breakfast
Maki
ngcer
eal
,Isi
tdownandst
areati
t
Wel
lIdi
dn'
tfeel
li
keeat
ing,
Ihadnoappet
it
efor
i
t
Put
ti
ngitaway,Igotupandwenttost
art
cl
eani
ngupaf t
erMybrotherandhi
sfr
iends
messjustsoIcoul
dgetmymi ndofft
hings
45+mi
nut
esl
ater
,Iwast
ir
ed
Butt
hatdi
dn'
tst
opmef
rom goi
ngt
omyr
oom
tocl
eanup
Changi
ngt
hebeddi
ngandal
l
Iendedupt
aki
nganapl
aterwhenIwasdone.
Wakingupl
ateri
nthedaysothatIcoul
dcook
Sundaymeal
,Ozbeatmetoit
Me:Youcooki
ng,Ar
ey ouuptosomethi
ng?,
I
j
usthopeyoudi
dn'
tputinl
axat
ivesi
nther
eeh?
Hesmi
rksatme
Me:
Oz!
Him:What?WhywouldI?,
Iwoul
dn'tsweatmy
assof
falldayl
ongj
ustt
oputi
nlaxati
vesin
her
e
Ist
areathi
m,butbef
oreIcoul
dsaysomet
hing
Het
oldmet
ogoopent
hedoor
Get
ti
ngupl
azi
l
y,openi
ngt
hedoort
ofi
nd.
.Mom.
Idi
dn'
texpecther
Ozplannedal
loft
hiseh?
,hemustbecooki
ng
becauseheknewshewascomingandhedidn'
t
tel
lme.
Westoodt
herestar
ingateachot
herf
orwhat
f
eltl
i
kedecades
Mov
ingt
othesi
desot
hatshecoul
dgeti
n
Shesatont
hecouch,
tur
ningt
olookme
Her:
I'
m heret
otal
ktoyou.
.c-
canIt
alkt
oyou?
,I
f
younotbusyt
hati
s.Wec-
Shest
opsmidway,shewasnervousandr
ight
nowshecoul
dn'
treall
ylookatme
Si
tt
ingont
hecouchopposi
teher
s
Her
:Unj
ani
?
Sheasksner
vousl
y
Me:
Okay
.
Isay
Me:
Wenaunj
ani
?
Shewai
tsf
orami
nut
e
Her:NotOkay,
IImi
ssy
ouguy
s.Imi
ss
abantwanabam.
Isnor
t
Wel
lIdi
dn'
tmeant
obut
Me:
Abant
wanabakho?
,I
phi
indodakhongoku?
Her:Ndi senguNyokoAlona,Ungakheuli
nge
uthethenam ngathiuthethanetshomi y
akho.
(I
'm sti
llyourmotherAlona,don'
tyoudaretal
k
tomel ikey out
otalki
ngt ooneofy ourf
ri
ends)
Ikeptqui
et
Her
:Iknowy
ou'
reangr
yatm-
Me: Angr y? ,Angr yisanunder statement .I
'm
bey ondangr y, Ihatey ou.Howcoul dyou?How
coul dy ouchooset obel ieveamanOt herthan
yourowndaught er?Yourownf leshandbl ood?
Wher ewer ey ouwhenIneededy ourprotection
? ,
reassur ancet haty ouwi l
lkeepmesaf eeh?
Rathery oucal lmeal lsor tsofwor ds,
awhor e?
Whatki ndofamot hercal l
sherownchi lda
whor e?Icant akeitf r
om any oneel sebutnot
you.Doy ouknowhowi tcutmedeep?You
mademef eel l
ikeI'
m wor thless, l
ikeIwas
someki ndofami stakei ny ourl i
feandnowt hat
therewasamani ny ourl i
fey ouwant edmeout
ofthepi cture, li
keIwasbl ockingy ourpat hor
somet hing.Hesexual lyassaul tedmer ight
undery ournosebuty oudi dn'tbel i
evemewhen
Itoldy ou, why?Howcoul dyouev enthinkt hat
I'
dbeaf terhim, mymom' sman, Doy ouknow
howpat hetict hatsound( ed)comi ngfrom y ou?
Iasked,
notexpect
ingananswer
Wat
chi
ngherwi
pet
het
ear
sfr
om herey
es
Her: Iknow,
whatIdidt
oyouasyourpar
enti
s
unfor gi
vabl
e.Buty
oudon'
tknowhowmuchI
regret
Me:
Thenwhy?
Her :Iw- wasj ustdesper ate.( si
ghs)Bot hyour
fathersl eftme, Youdon' tknowhowhur tIwas
.Leftmeasi nglepar entr aisingy ouallby
my self,Youwer eal way smyf irstpri
orit
yWhi ch
i
tshoul dhav ebeent hatway .ButasawomanI
cravedaman' saffectionandwhenIgott hatf-
from Lungel o,Itol
dmy selft hatI'm notlet
ti
nggo.
Ididn'twanthi mtol eav emel i
key ourfat
hers
did,Iwasscar edt hathe' dl eav eme, That
doesn' tjustifymyact ionst hough.I '
mr eall
y
sorrymnt anam, cany oupl easef i
ndi ti
nyour
hearttof orgiveme
Sheasked,
openi
ngherar
msf
ormet
oruni
nto
them
Howinv
iti
ngt
heyl
ooked,
Iref
usedt
ohughi
m
t
hough
Dr
oppi
ngt
hem t
ohersi
des,
disappoi
nted
Her:Iwouldnev ertradeyouforanythi
ng,you
andy ourbrot
herar eallIneedi
nmyl i
fe,
aslong
asIam happywi t
hy outhenIdon'tneed
anyt
hi ngoranyoneel se,
Iunder
standy ourh-
hat
e
Shesai
dthewor
dinapai
nedf
ace
Her:Towardsme,Youhav eever
yrightt
o.But
pl
easedon'thatemet oomucht hatyoudon'
t
wantanythi
ngwi t
hme, Idon'
tknowwhatI '
l
l
everdowithoutyouoryourbrot
her.Sendi
phil
elani
nangokua
Shesaidget
ti
ngup,pat
ti
ngmybackbef
ore
headi
ngtowardst
hedoortol
eave.
Me:
M-Mom
Ist
oppedher,
asherwordsr
egi
steredi
nmy
mind.Howtheywarmedmeupal most
for
gett
ingt
hatIwasmadather
Get
ti
ngupandr
unni
ngt
oherar
ms,
thatqui
ckl
y
engul
fedmeasi
ftheyhav
ebeenwai
ti
ng.
ISobbedt
oherchest
,smel
l
ingherper
fume
Imi
ssedhersmel
l
Imi
ssedmymot
her
.
Me:
I-If
orgi
vey
ou
That'
sal
lsheneededtohearforhert
ohol
dme
evenmoreti
ghtert
hanbefor
e.

Ofcourseitwasn'
tgoingtobeeasyt
oremand
ourr
elati
onshi
p,butwe'l
lgett
her
e.
[
11/
08,
15:
55]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t36

Goi
ngtoschoolmondaymorni
ngaf
terIhad
dr
aggedmyselff
rom bed.
Ididn'tf
eelli
kegoing,Iwasj
usti
rr
it
atedbyt
he
factthatI'
dhav etofacemysocall
edback
stabberofaf r
iend.
Ihadgonet
othef
ir
st,
secondper
iodt
heni
twas
break
Si
tt
ingi
nsi
demycl
assatbr
eakt
ime,
Iwaswi
th
Romeo
Hi
m:uphi
uEnt
le?
Ishr
ug
Me:
Idon'
tknowandIdon'
tcar
e
Hi
m:Youguy
shadaf
ightorsomet
hing?
Me:If
oundherl
ipl
ocki
ngwit
hReeceSat
urday
ni
ghtwhenshecameforasl
eepov
er
Iwat
chashi
smout
hopenandcl
osesatt
he
sameti
me
Hewai
tedf
oramoment
Hi
m:Thatt
-t
hatdaught
erofabi
-
Hest
opsmi
dsent
ence
Hi
m:Di
dyouki
ckherass?
Me:
Ist
hatt
heonl
ywayy
ouknowt
ofi
xthi
ngs.?
Hi
m:Youpr
efert
alki
ngt
ohert
hen?
Ishr
ug
Him:Youf i
ndyourf r
iendinthemiddleofa
makeoutsessionwi t
hy ourboyf
ri
endi nyour
house,
room.andy oust i
llwantt
ot al
k?Thy i
ni!
Ungum' Samari
aOl ungil
eyoeh?,ifIwereyou
bendi
z'okhabaesos'febesinye.
Hesai
dusi
ngf
oul
language
Igl
aredathi
m
Me: Wel
lit
'sagoodthingthatI'
m notyouthen,
I
'm notgoi
ngtogoar oundtrashi
ngforaguy .
Mymamanev err
aisedmet obel i
kethat
,Iwon't
l
owermyst andar
dt ohers.
Her
oll
shi
sey
esatme
Hi
m:Hav
eyout
alkedt
oReece?
Ishookmyhead,
No
Me:Idon'
twantt
o.
Hi
m:Eh?Uy
amazi
lamf
anauy
aNqwakuza,
for
al
lIknowhecancomei nher
eatanymoment
anddragyououtj
ustsoyoucant
alkt
ohim and
begforyout
otalk
Me: Akhontondi zoythethanayemna, i
nfactlets
j
ustdropt hiswhol etalkbecauseit
sgoingt o
str
essmemor e,I
'drathernothavethatbecause
I'
l
lbewr i
ti
ngat estafterthisbr
eakandIcan' t
havemy selfdi
st ract
ed, Idon'
twannaev enthink
aboutit
Hi
m: Youhav
etofaceitsoonerorl
ater
,Awuzy
'
av
oid(er
)uNomphelo
Igl
areathi
m.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Af
terschool
Iwaspacki
ngawaymyst
uffi
nanempt
y
cl
assr
oom.
Hear
ingthedoorcl
osebr
oughtmeoutofmy
t
houghts
Tur
ningt
oseeEnt
le
Ij
ustt
akemybackpackandheadt
owar
ds
t
hedoor
,shebl
ocksmyway
Looki
ngatherwi
thmyot
herey
ebr
owup,
Her
:Look
Sheswal
l
owsner
vousl
y
Her
:I'
m sor
ry
Ishr
ugi
tof
f
Her
:Icanexpl
ain.
Me:Idon'
twanty
ourexpl
anat
ion,
Justgetout
ofmyway
Try
ingt
opassheragai
n,shedoesn'
tl
etmeas
sheput
sherar
m onthesideofmywaist
.
Her:Looki-
I'
ml esbian.AndI'
vebeencr ushi
ng
ony-youforawhi l
e, Iwasn'
treal
lygoingto
confessmy'undy i
ng' l
ovetoyouItil
lImadea
betwithmyf r
iends,wedidn'
treall
ygetina
fi
ght.I
twasjustamakeupst orysothatIcan
getclosetoyou.Iknewy ou'
df r
eakoutifIcame
outwi thrightjustwhenImety ouandI 'dnever
getthechancet oatl eastbewithy ou.Iswear
i
'm noti ntoyourboy f
ri
end,Ij
u-j
ustwant edt o
gety ouguy stobr eakupsot hatIcanmakemy
mov e,whi chwasst upidofme.lookI'mr eal
l
y
sorry.Ijustreali
zedt hatmycrushandt hebet
ony ouwasn' timpor tantmorethant he
fr
iendshi pwebui lt
,pleasedon'
tt hr
owi taway .
Il
ookedather
,mymout
hopened
Shockedatwhatshej
ustsai
d
Me:T-thi
s.Hasal
lbeenagamet o
you? ,
Play
ingwit
hmyf eel
ings,
j
ustbecauseof
astupi
dbet?Ithoughtyouweremyf ri
end
Her
:Iam i
tsj
ustt
h-
Me: Youdeci dedtohur t,
tri
ckme.Youdon' t
havether i
ghtt ocallyour
selfmyfri
end,f
ri
ends
don'tbackstabeach. Youfarasplayi
ngmej ust
soy oucouldpl easethem,yougobacktothem
thenandt el
l them yourpl
andidn'
tsucced.
IsayasIpassher
,bumpi
ngi
ntohershoul
deron
purpose.
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Si
ncethatdayIhavehear
dEntl
e'
ssi
dei
fthe
st
ory
,Ihadtotalkedt
oReece
Eventhoughhedidn'twanttoapol
ogi
se
becausehepartl
yclaimedthati
twasn'
thi
s
doing,
Idi
ggeditoutofhim.
Iforgavehi
m andEnt
lebutsheknowsIwant
ed
nothingtodowit
hher.
I
twasn'
tinmet
ohol
dgr
udges,
Iwasaf
orgi
vi
ng
per
son.

Sat
urdayev
eni
ng
Ihadj
ustgotdonebat
hingandIwasgoi
ngout
wit
hRomeo
Get
ti
ngoutofmyroom andheadi
ngdownstai
rs
wher
eIfoundOzwit
hacoupleofhisf
ri
ends.
Isawsomef ami
liarf
aces,
I
'veseent
hem at
Reece'
shouse.
.r
ight
Mumbl
i
ngoutahel
l
o
Oz:Aren'
tyougoi
ngt
ocooksomet
hingf
ory
our
br
other?
Me:
I'
m n-
Iwasaboutt
osayI
'
m nothi
smai
dbutowas
Int
err
upt
edbysomeguy
"
She'
sagr
eatcookeh?
"
Hesai
dmat
teroff
act
Ozl
ookedathi
m conf
usedl
y
Oz:
Huh?
Guy
:I'
veoncet
ast
edhi
sfoodatReece'
shouse
Mybr
eat
hhi
tchedi
nmyt
hroatashesai
dthat
Oz:
Reece'
sh-
Het
urnst
olookatme
Oz:
W-whatwer
eyoudoi
ngatReece'
shouse?
Heaskednowl
ooki
ngmor
econf
used
Tangl
i
ngmyf
inger
s,t
ryi
ngt
ofi
gur
eoutwhatt
o
say
Me:
Uhmeu
Oz:
Y'al
lgett
hef
uckout!
Hey
ell
edoutathi
sfr
iends,
qui
ckl
yfumbl
i
ngout
Iwasl
eftAl
onewi
thmyf
umi
ng
Hi
m:Whati
shet
oyou?
Heasked
Howdoyoutelly
ourbr
othert
haty
ouar
edat
ing?
Hi
sfr
iendatthat.
Hi
m:Answerme.
Me:
Wel
luh-Hi
m andIa-
are
Hi
m:Youar
en'
tdat
inghi
m ar
eyou?
Hemusthavetookmysilencef
orananswer
becauset
henextt
hingIknowI'
m backsl
apped
Hi
m:AWUSOZEALONA!
Hey
ell
edoutthr
owingtheglassheoncehadon
t
hewal
l,maki
ngitshut
terataninst
ant
Tur
ningt
olookatme.
Hi
m: What
everi
tist
hatyoutwohavegoingon
st
opsnow.Idon'
twantyouassoci
atedwit
hhi
m,
Ndi
yamaziAl
onahe'
lluseyouandthenl
-
Me:
Hewon'
t.
Il
ookedathi
ssur
pri
sedf
aceashet
ooki
nwhat
Isai
d
Hechuckl
edi
ndi
sbel
i
ef
Him: Okay
.Soallwhi
l
elonguman'usi
thi
you'r
e
sleepi
ngoveratRomeo'
shousewereyoureal
ly
thereorUbhanxamna?
Me:
Somet
imes,
buti
t-
Backslappi
ngmeonceagain,
maki
ngmefal
lon
thecouchlooki
ngupathi
m wit
hmyhandon
mycheek
Hi
m:Youshoul
dknowbet
tert
hant
oli
etome
Al
ona
Andsoitwentonandonwitht
hear
gument
unt
ilwegottothepar
twereay
ewaphuncuka
say
inghe'
salsoinagang.
Heshouldknowhowpeoplel
i
kethem
operat
e.Byt
hatheal
someantIwasnotf
it
enoughtodatesomeonel
i
keReece.
[
11/
08,
15:
55]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t37

I
tf r
idayeveni
ngandIwasal
oneatt
he
house,Ozebengekho
I
twasr
areofhi
mtobei
ndoor
sonaweekend.
Him andIki
ndafi
xedthi
ngsbuthest
il
ldi
dn'
t
appr
ov eofmyrel
ati
onshi
pwit
hReece.
Iwasj
ustsi
tt
ingalone,
wat
chi
ngsomemov
ie
wit
habagofchipsonmysi
de.
Pir
atesoft
heCari
bbean,ohwel
lIhav
ewatched
formanyti
mesthatIknewacoupl
eofli
nes.
I
coul
dnev
ergetbor
edwi
thi
tthough
Anoti
fi
cat
ionsoundIhear
dfrom t
hedoor
,
get
ti
nguptoseewhoi tmi
ghtbe
Reece'
scarappear
edont
hescr
een
Buzzi
nghi
min,
Iopenedt
hedoort
owai
tforhi
m
Hegoti
nafewminut
esl
ater
,looki
ngathi
s
bor
edexpr
essi
on
Idi
dn'
tcar
eatthi
smoment
,Iwasj
usthappyt
o
seehi
m booyah!
Goingov
ert
ohim,tipt
oeingjustsoIcoul
d
wrapmyarmsaroundhisneck
heput
shi
sar
oundmywai
stt
henpecksmyl
i
ps
Hi
m:Someonei
shappyt
oseeme
Me:
Idi
dn'
tseey
oual
lweek
Hi
m:ButIal
way
scal
l
Me:
It'
snotenough
Ipoutupathi
m
Me:Sowhathavey
oubeenupt
othaty
oudon'
t
hav
etimetocomeseeme?
Iaskl
ooki
ngupathi
m
Hi
m:Wel
ll
et'
sgoandy
ou'
l
lfi
ndout
Me:
Huh?
Hi
m:Masambe(
let
'sgo)
Me:
Wher
eto?
Hest
aresdownatme
Howmuchhehat
edbei
ngquest
ioned.
Iqui
cklygouptomyroom tochanget
omy
cl
othessinceIwaswear
ingpaj
amas.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
25+mi nut
esl
ater,
hewaspar
kedout
sidet
he
warehouse/headquar
ter
s
Thel
astt
imeIwasher
eitdi
dn'
tendwel
l
Me:
W-Whatam Idoi
ngher
e?
Hedoesn'
tanswerme,
inst
eadheget
soutand
comestoopent
hedooronmysi
def
ormet
o
getout
Il
ookathi
m bef
orest
eppi
ngoutoft
hecar
Het
akesmyhandsandl
eadsmei
nsi
de
Me:
I-Idon'
tw-
wantt
ogoi
nther
e
Hi
m:Al
ona
Hesay
swar
ningl
y
Ist
il
lshookmyhead,
No
Hegrabbedmyarminaf
ir
m gr
ipandLi
ter
all
y
dr
aggedmeinsi
de.
Weweren'
tthr
oughsomecor
ri
dor
sbef
ore
st
andi
ngoutsi
desomedoor
Het
urnstol
ookatme,bef
oret
urni
ngt
oopen
t
hedoorandget
ti
ngi
n
Iwasabouttof
oll
owhi
mi nbutwhatIhear
d
nextst
oppedmeonmytracks
Scr
eam ofpai
n,dr
aggi
ngmei
nonceagai
n
I
'
m metwi
thanunf
ami
l
iarsmel
l
,l
ooki
ngata
f
igur
e
Chai
nedi
namet
alpol
eli
ket
hing
Bot
hhandst
iedupwi
thachai
nabov
ehi
shead
Bat
ter
edandbr
uised,
al
mostunr
ecogni
zabl
e
Mybr
eat
hhi
tchedi
nmyt
hroat
Hewasal
mostunconsci
ous
Opencut
s,oozi
ngbl
ood
Hisbel
owpoi
nt,
dri
edbl
oodt
hathadt
urned
dark
Lungel
o
Igagged
Tur
ningt
ogetoutbutReece'
shar
shl
ygr
ipped
mebymyarm
Me:
N-Ndi
yeke
Isai
d,Myhear
twast
humpi
ngsohar
dinmy
chest
Iwasst
art
ingt
osweat
,scar
ed
I
tfel
tli
keIcoul
dn'
tbr
eat
h
Hi
m:Al
ona,
Alonaj
ustt
akeadeepbr
eat
h.
Ishookmyhead
Him:You'
regoingt
ofacehim,don'
tcower
.I'
m
here,
hewon'tdoanyt
hingokay?
Me:
Id-
"I
fitai
n'
tm-myhotstep-daught
erwhocoul
dit
be? ,
cametoseed-daddy? ,
howaboutwe
fi
nishwher
eweleftoff?
Lungelosl
urr
edout
,ashecont
inuedt
ocough
outblood
It
ensedupathi
swor
ds,
Hav
ingf
lashbacksof
hi
m ontopofme
Bef
oreIcouldbl
inkoutt
hetear
s,IsawReece
onhim,punchi
nghimrepeat
edl
y
Me:
R-Reece
Icr
oakedoutt
ohi
m,f
orhi
mtost
opwhathe
wasdoi
ng
Buthedi
dn'
tl
ist
en
Lungelo:
Itsbeenawhi
lesi
nceIhadav
irgi
n,her
mom' spussyhadgi
venupalr
eady.
Hecont
inuest
opushReece'
sbut
tons
Me:
REECE!
Hest
oppedforamoment,
Ihadnev
erseent
he
l
ookonhisf
aceri
ghtnow
Hewasbey
ondpi
ssed
Reece:YouandIknowy oudon'
thaveapenis
now,t
helastpussyy ouhad.Holdontothe
memor yofthelastpussyyouhadfucked
becauseyouain'tneverf
ucki
ngagain.
Hesai
dsmugly
,makingLungel
o'
sjawt
wit
chas
het
ri
edtoki
ckoutofthechai
ns
Lungel
o:Sonofabi
tch!
Hespi
toutonReece'
sface
Tur
ningwi
thaj
awbr
eaki
ngpunch
Lungel
o:Goaheadandmakemydeat
hshor
t
andsweet
Hesai
dlaughi
ngmani
cal
l
y
Reece:
Ithi
nky
oumightjustspendanot
her
weekoftor
menti
ngonthosechains.
Hesai
dashecal
l
edi
nsomeguy
,Sabel
o.
Reece:
Dancewi
thhi
m
Hesai
dbefor
emot
ioni
ngmet
ofol
l
owhi
m out
t
ohiscar
.
Thewhol
edr
ivet
ohi
shousehadbeenqui
te
Iwast
hinki
ngaboutwhathappened.
Parki
nghi
scaront
hedr
iveway
,Webot
hgetout
andheadi
nsi
de
Ithi
nkIneededashowerr
ightnow,
goi
ng
upstai
rst
ohisbat
hroom
St
ri
ppi
ngmyclot
hesof
fandlett
hehotwat
er
hi
tmyski
n,I
twaski
ndarel
axi
ng.
Igotoutacoupl
eofmi
nut
esl
ater
.Fi
ndi
nghi
m
st
andingout
sidet
hebal
conywi
thagl
assof
whiskyi
nhand
Me:
Cany
oudr
ivemeh-
Myv
oicecameouthoar
sel
y
Hi
m:No.
Hesai
dhi
sfi
nal
,l
eav
ingnor
oom f
ordi
scussi
on
Me:
Oz
Hi
m:Idon'
tfuckengi
veashi
twhathesai
d!
Hey
ell
edatmemaki
ngmef
li
nchont
hespot
Changi
ngint
ohisclot
hes,
andt
ucki
ngmy
sel
fin
bedItr
ytofal
lasl
eep.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Hi
m:Ihav
ewai
tedsol
ongf
ort
hisday
Me:
P-pl
ease
Hel
augheddar
kly
Hi
m:Ar
eyoubeggi
ngmet
ofucky
ou?
Ishookmyhead
Me:
Lungel
op-
pleasej
ustdon'
t
Him:Don'
tworry,
I
'l
lgi
vey
outhet
imeofy
our
l
ife.
Maybewecancomewi t
honeort
wo
Lungel
ojuni
ors
Me:
No!
Iscr
eamedathi
m
Tearingmydr
essapar
tnowbr
ushi
ngmy
breasts
Itr
ytoki
ckoutbuti
tfel
tli
kesomet
hingor
someonewasholdi
ngmeback.
"
Alona,
Alona"
Waki
ngupi
napool
ofmyownsweat
Looki
ngar
oundf
rant
ical
l
yforanyt
racesofhi
m
Iwasdr
eami
ng
Yeti
tfel
tsor
eal
Looki
ngatReece'
swor
ri
edf
acebesi
deme
Hehel
dmecl
oset
ohi
schest
Him:Hi
snother
e,He'
snotcomi
ngf
ory
ouev
er
agai
n
Me:
P-pr
omi
se?
Hi
m:Ipr
omi
se,
nowj
ustcal
m down
Taki
ngi
nadeep,
Reecet
akesst
ayawakewi
thmet
il
lIf
ell
asl
eep
agai
n.
[
11/
08,
15:
55]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t38

"
Soyou'
dratherdi
srespectmej
ustt
opl
ease
y
ourboy
fri
endhu"
Ozsai
d,whenIgothomet
hef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning
Ihadj
ustopenedt
hedoorandhewascomi
ng
fr
om upst
air
s.
Idi
dn'
tknowwhattosaynordoatt
his
moment,
Iwasfeel
i
ngguil
ty
Me:
Xol
o.
That
'sal
lIcoul
dsay
Hi
m:Xol
ont
oAl
ona?
Me:
F-Forsl
eepi
ngoutwheny
out
oldmenott
o.
Isai
dlooki
ngathi
m, hewasn'tmadatme,
but
thel
ookhehaddirectedtowardsmemademe
feel
li
keIhavedi
sappointedhimli
kehedi
dn'
t
knowwhoIwasany mor e.
Idi
dn'
tl
ikei
t,
Ihat
edl
ett
inghi
m down.
Hejustshookhi
sheadandheadedt
owar
dst
he
ki
tchen.
Ispentthewhol
edayinmyroom af
terthat
.I
wasn'tfeel
i
ngwell
,i
t'
snott
hatIwassickor
anythi
ngbutIwasjustf
eel
i
ngdown
Thinki
ngaboutal
lthathasbeenhappeni
ng
l
ately.
Apparent
lyIhadf
all
enasl
eepandIwaswoken
upbyaphonecall,
Reecet
ell
i
ngmethathewas
wait
ingformeoutsi
de
Iwasn'
ti
nthemoodbutactual
lyt
houghtI
shoul
dgooutbecauseIwant
edtotal
ktohim.
Get
ti
ngi
nsi
dehi
scarandgr
eet
inghi
m
Hi
m:Yout
ooky
ourt
ime.
Hesai
d,ki
ssi
ngt
hecor
nerofmy
.
Me:Al
waysexpect
ingmetojumpupanddrop
what
everIwasdoi
ngbecause'y
ou'wantt
o
seeme
Hi
m:Comeoutwi
thit
.Thisi
sy ourwayoft
ryi
ng
t
ogiv
emeapieceofyourmind.
Howheknewmesowel
l
Me:Ifyouar egoingt ocont i
nuetot reatmet he
wayy outreatme, cont r
oll
ingandbul lyi
ngme
t
henIdon' tthi
nkI'l
l bewi l
l
ingtot r
yt hi
s.
Di
srespectmeal l youwantbuty ou'recrossi
ng
t
helinewheny outhi nkyouaregoi ngt odoitto
myfami lytoo,
I
'm notokaywi thit
.I'
m notokay
wi
thy oudemandi ngandal way swant i
ngt hi
ngs
t
ogoy ourway,whenIt r
ytomakey ousee
thingsmywayuy andi '
lwabecausewhaty ou
wanty ouget(Takingi nadeepbr eat
hand
l
et ti
ngi tout
)Reecepl ease,
justi
magineifyou
wer einmyshoes.HowImusthav efeelwhen
youmakemedosomet hingthatIdon'
twantto
do,forcingme.Maki ngmegoagai nstmyown
brother ,
doyouknowhowmuchIhav ebeenin
troublewi t
hhimlat ely?

Hedoesn'tsayanythi
ng,
insteadheputshis
handsonei t
hersi
deofmyf aceandleansdown
tokissme,i
twentforacoupleofminutes
beforeIputmyhandsont opofhist
opullaway
.
Me:
Reece
Isi
gh
Hi
m:Ndi
kuv
il
eKal
okuPr
incessy
am.
Hepecksmyl
i
ps
Me:Youheardmebuti
tdoesn'
tmeany
ou
act
ual
lygoi
ngtost
op?
Hi
m:Al
onauf
unandi
thi
ninangoku?
Ishookmyhead
Hi
m:Iwon'tgeti
nthewayofy
ourr
elat
ionshi
p
wi
thyourbrot
her
,
Me:
CanIgobacki
nsi
denow.?
Hesi
ghed
Hi
m:HambaAl
ona.
Hesai
dal
i
ttl
ebi
tfr
ust
rat
ed.
Openi
ngt
hedoorandst
eppi
ngout
Iheadhomet
ost
artcooki
ngsupper
Iwental
lout
,cooki
nghisfavouri
temealj
ustt
o
makehimfeelappreci
atedorsomethi
ng.
WhenIwasdone,Idi
shedupandwenttohand
hi
m hi
spl
atebeforeIsatdownnextt
ohim.
Me:
Idon'
tl
ikei
twhenwef
ight
ing
Him:Aslongasusazenz
'int
ombi
endal
a,
si
se
zoqhubekekant
i.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryt
heni
fIcameoutt
obel
i
ket
hat
.
Henod,
probabl
ycoul
dn'
tsayat
hingbecause
hi
smouthwasf ul
l
Howmuchhel
i
kedeat
ing.
Hi
m:Thi
sisgr
eat
Hesaidwi
thf
oodinhi
smouth,
itact
ual
l
ycame
outl
i
ke'Thwi
sihsgweat
h'
Befor
eIcoul
dsaysomet
hing,
ther
ewasa
knockatt
hedoor
IknowHeexpectedmet
ogetupandgoopen,
si
ghingi
nannoyance
Iunl
ocki
t
Findingt
woguysbythedoor,
one'
sbackonme
i
nt hemiddl
eofaphonecall
whil
etheothernod
atmesupposedlyagr
eeti
ngbefor
epassing
throughmeinv
iti
nghi
mselfi
n.
I
mpatient
lywai
ti
ngf
ort
heoneont
hephone,
he
f
inal
l
yt ur
ns
St
ari
ngatmyfacef
oramomentbef
orehi
s
ey
estrai
l
edupanddownmybody
Cl
eari
ngmyt
hroati
nfr
ust
rat
iont
ocat
chhi
s
at
tent
ion
Hi
m:Wer
eyoueav
esdr
oppi
ng?
Me:Whywoul
dI,
Itdi
dn'
tqui
tecat
chmy
at
tent
ion
Iwat
chashi
sey
ebr
owr
iseupi
namusement
Hi
m:Ah.Buty
oucer
tai
nlygotmi
ne.
Hesai
dleani
ngagai
nstt
hedoor
Me:
Youget
ti
ngi
norwhat
.?
Hi
m:CanIf
ir
stgety
ournumber?
"Youst
aythefuckawayfr
om mysi
sterLuorI'
l
l
dryy
ourbal
lsack,
she'
snottobemessedwit
h"
Ihear
dOzshoutout
TheguywhoIj
ustf
oundouthi
snameis'
Lu'
Winkedatmebef
orehemadehiswayi
n
Hi
m:Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmey
ourl
i
ttl
esi
steri
shot
.
Oz:
Stayi
nyourl
anebr
o,soxabana.
Hesaidglar
ingatt
heguywhi
l
etheguyal
so
gl
aredback.
Lu:Don'
tforgetwhoy
outalki
ngto,
I'
m al
soin
yourl
evelyouknow?I'
m notoneoftheguy
sin
yourg-
Theot herclear
edhist
hroat,maki
nghis
presenceknowandst oppingwhatev
erthatwad
goingtobr ewbetweenthesetwo.
Hi
m:So.
.Theshi
pm-
Ozcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
,notl
ett
ingt
heguyf
ini
sh.
Oz:
Alona,
cany
oumay
bel
i
kegoi
nyourr
oom ?
Roll
i
ngmyey es,Iguesshedi
dn'
twantmeto
hearwhat
evertheywereaboutt
otal
kabout
.
Get
ti
ngupwi
thmypl
ateandupt
omyr
oom .
Layi
ngonmybedeat
ingwhi
l
eIwast
ext
ing
wit
hRomeoonthesi
de.
Me:
What?
Hi
m:Idon'
tknowhowt
otel
lyou.
Me:
Arey
oupr
egnant?
It
ext
ed,
laughi
ngatmyownj
oke.
Hi
m:
Him:Rumorhasi
tthatEnzoi
mpr
egnat
edsome
chi
ck.
Wow.
Swal
l
owi
ngt
hel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
.
Nomat terhowmuchIt houghtthatIhad
al
readygottenoverhi
m, doesn'
tmeant her
e
i
sn'tgoi
ngt obethatl
it
tl
ebitofhurtwhenI
heardsomet hi
ngabouthim.
Me:
Who?
Hi
m:Thatonewhousedt
ohav
ebeefwi
thy
ou
ov
erhi
m.
Iwasint
hemiddleifr
epl
yi
ngbackwhenmy
phonest
art
edri
ngingani
ncomingt
ext.
Anunknownnumberappear
sont
hescr
een
Looki
ngati
tf oracoupl
eofmi
nut
esconf
used
befor
edeci
dingtopickup.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
'Yourv
oicesoundsev
enmor
ecut
eront
he
phone'
Me:
Whoi
sthi
s
Him:I
'm of
fendedthatyou'
vealr
eadyfor
got
ten
myvoicewhenIjusthadacoupl eofwor
dswit
h
youaboutafewmi nutesback.

Wai
tami
nut
e,It
hinkIknowt
hev
oice
Me:
Lu?
Iaskeduncer
tai
n
Me:
Howdi
dyougetmynumber?
Iasked,
Iwasshocked
Hi
m:Ihadhol
dofy
ourbr
other
sphone.
Hesai
dsmugl
y.
Thy
ini
Thi
xo!
[
11/
08,
15:
56]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t39

WakingupMondayear
li
ert
hanusualf
ora
morningr
unbef
oregoi
ngtoschool
.
IwasabitlatesoIwentst
rai
ghtt
oclass
wit
houtseeingRomeowhoI '
m pr
obabl
ysur
eis
dyi
ngtohav eawordwithme.
Afteraf
ewhour
soflessonsIhadgonet
owai
t
forRomeoonourusualspot
.
Iwait
edforacoupleofminut
esbeforeI
deci
dedtotexthi
m andaskhiswhereboursbut
Ial
readyhadatextfr
om hi
m whichIdidn'
t
noti
ce
WIl
lBEBUSYWITHPRACTICALASSI
GNMENT
.WON'TSHOW UPFORLUNCH.SORRYxx
GuessI
'
llbeeat
ingl
unchal
onet
hen.
Put
t i
ngmyphonebackinmypocketand
walki
ngtot
hefoodstal
l
stogetmy sel
f
somethi
ngtoeat
Justapacketofl
ays,
Tur
ningt
oleav
enot
payi
ngattent
iont
omyway
Ibumpint
osomeone,
Looki
ngupt
oseeEnzo
andhi
sgir
lfr
iend
Her
:Watchwereyougoi
ng,
arey
out
ryi
ngt
o
hur
tusorwhat?
Shesai
dherhandonherst
omach
Soi
twast
rueeh.
Her:
Andaziyi
ntoleuyi
funay
okum,ndi
kwenze
nt
onilent
'bayou'
dtryt
ohurtmeandmystil
l
gr
owingbaby.
Shesaidgett
ingemot
ional
ashesnuggl
edt
o
Enzo'
sside
Soi
twast
rue.
Enzo:
Apol
ogi
se.
Hesai
dst
ernl
y,l
ooki
ngatme.
Rol
l
ingmyey
esi
nwar
dly
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Isai
dpol
i
tel
y
Theyt
houghtIwasgoi
ngt
oputupaf
ightabout
i
t
Butl
etmej ustbet
hebiggerper
sonandwal
k
away.Youshoudhaveseenthei
rfaci
al
expr
essions.
Af
terschool
Wewer eatthemallwi
thRomeowindow
shoppi
ng,
justpassi
ngti
mebecausenei
therof
uswantedtogohome.
Him: Soy oudi
dn'treplyt
omyl astt
extl
ast
night,gotmewor ri
ed.Thinki
ngwhatItol
dyou
mi ghthavehurtandy ouendedupcryi
ng
yourselftosl
eep
Me:
Ohpl
easewhywoul
dit?
,ithasnot
hingt
o
dowit
hme.Ijusthadani
ncomingcal
lthatI
wasn'
texpect
ing,
gotmedi
str
acted
Hi
m:Whowasi
tfr
om ?Whatwasi
tabout?
Me:
Luh-
Hi
m:Wai
t,Lu?Ngubani
ngol
owo
Ishr
ugged
Me: SomeguywhoIt hinki
smybr other
sfri
end,
hecamebyt hehousey est
erdayni
ghtandhe
ki
ndaf l
i
rtedwi
thme, bendingekhi
kulont
o
wethumnabutany wayhemanagedt ogetmy
number
Romeo:
From .
..
Me:Hesai
dhegothol
dofmybr
other
sphone
andSt
olei
tfr
om i
t
Romeo:
Ishehot?
Yes
Me:
Romeo!Ihav
eaboy
fri
endf
orGod'
ssake.
Hi
m:Wel
lhewontki
l
lyouf
orl
ooki
ng
Me:
Sur
ehewon'
t
Sar
casm.
Hi
m:Okay
.sowhatdi
dhewant?
Me:
Hewant
sust
obef
ri
ends.
Hi
m:Yeahri
ght,
everyguy
'sl
i
neofsayi
nghe
want
syoubutdoesn'
twantt
ofr
eakyououtyet.
Me:It
hinkhi
sfunt
houghImi
ghtj
ustconsi
der
i
t.
Hi
m:Reece?
Me:
Utheni
?
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tthi
nkhe'
sgoi
ngt
oli
ket
his
Me: Idon'
tcar
e,i
t'
smylif
eandwhom Ichoose
tobefri
endhasnothi
ngtodowithhi
m.Hehas
hisownsetoffri
endsandInev
ersayanyt
hing
aboutthem
Hi
m:Wel
lthi
sisdi
ff
erent.
Me:
Who'
ssi
dear
eyoui
n?
Heshr
ugs
Hi
m:Nei
ther
.I'
mjustl
ooki
ngoutf
ory
ou.
Me:
IknowwhatI
'
m doi
ng
Hi
m:OkayYhoo,
don'
tbi
temyheadof
f
Ichuckl
e
Me:
It'
stoobi
gtof
iti
nmymout
h
Hel
ooksatnewi
thhi
smout
hopen
Hef
aint
lypunchesmyar
m
Him:Ever
ythi
ngi
sbi
gfory
oumout
h,ev
en
Reece'
sdick.
Hesai
dsmugl
y,wi
ggl
i
nghi
sey
ebr
ows
Me:
Ewwhat?
,Romeo!
Iscr
eechedathim,
Iwasabouttopounceon
hi
m whenIheardavoi
cef
rom behi
nd
"
Hey
"
Tur
ningt
oseet
hesour
ceofv
oice,
I
'm metwi
th
Lu
Me:
I'
dsayy
ou'
ref
oll
owi
ngme
Hechuckl
ed
Hum: Justapure,
coinci
dence.St
il
ll
ooki
ng
sexyeveninyourschooluni
form.
Hesay
sbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p
Me:
Yousuchabi
gfl
i
rt.
Isaidf
oldi
ngmyar
mst
omychestl
ooki
ngupat
him
Him:Wel
lIcan'
thel
pit
,especi
all
ywhenIsee
you
"nyweny
weehewant
stof
ri
ends,
fri
endsmy
ass"
Ihear
dRomeomumbl
ebesi
deme.
Cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
Me:UhLut
hisi
smyf
ri
endRomeo,
Romeo.
.thi
s
i
sLu.
Luj
ustnodt
owar
dshi
sdi
rect
ion
Hi
m:CanIst
eal
yourf
ri
endf
oracoupl
eof
mi
nut
es?
Romeoshr
ugged,
Him:
Sur
e.(Looki
ngatme)I
'
m headi
nghome,
seey
outomorroweh?
Inod,
wehugandt
henpar
tway
s.
Lu:Mi
ndifwegr
ababi
te?
,j
ustwantt
ochat
wit
hyou.
Me:
Okay
Lu:
MugnBean?
Ishookmyhead
Me:Toof
ancyf
orsomeonewear
ingschool
uni
for
m.
Hi
m:Spurt
hen?
Me:
Icanl
i
vewi
thi
t.
Hechuckl
ed.
Wemadeourwayt
ospur
,gotseat
ed.
Wewereimmediatel
yat
tendedsonowwewer
e
wai
ti
ngforouror
der.
Me:Soubus'
yaphi
orusukaphi
wheny
ou
bumpedi
ntome.
Hescr
atchest
hebackofhi
shead
Him:Um u-wasgoi
ngtopurchasesomeXbox
gadgetf
ormybrot
her,
Ihadpromisedtogeti
t
forhi
mifhepromi
sedtobehavejustf
oraday
Me:
Troubl
emaker?
Him:Abigone,Enoughabouthi
m.Sot
ell
me
somethi
ngaboutyoursel
f.
Me:
What?
Heshr
ugs
Hi
m:Any
thi
ng.
Ohwel
l
.
Wespentt
hewhol
ehourandsomet
hingget
ti
ng
t
oknoweachot
her.
Hepai
dfort
hef
oodandwemadeourwayout
Heof
fer
edt
odr
ivemehomeandIdi
dn'
tref
use.
Get
ti
ngi
nhi
sposhcar
Hi
m: Soi
tsal
mostimpossi
bleforsomeoneso
pr
ett
yli
keyoutonotbei
nvolvedwithsomeone.
Me:Iknewyouweregoi
ngtoaskt
hat
somehow.Well
..I
'
m wit
hsomeone
Isi
ghed
Me: Hi
snameisReeceandwe' vebeengoing
forawhil
enow, f
irstst
art
edoffcompli
cat
ed,
didn'
twantany
thingtodowithhim.Tocuta
l
ongst or
yshor
tIendedupf al
li
ngforhi
m and
yeah..
Hi
m:Youl
ovehi
m andhel
ovesy
ou.
Hefi
nishedof
fforme.Tur
ningt
olookathi
m
andhi
ssmugl ookon.
Inod
Hi
m:Enoughf
orhi
mtoki
l
lfory
ou?
Ishr
ugged
Me:
Youknowhi
m?
Iasked.
Him:Yeah, v
ery.Hi
safri
endofyourbr
otherand
I
'm a'f
riend'(maki
ngthewordmoreclear
er)of
yourbrother
,samecycl
esoI'
vebumpedt ohim
acoupleoft i
mes.
Hesai
dhi
sfacenowst
oic
Him:Ohlookwe'
rehere,Theysaywhenyou
havi
ngagoodtime,t
imequi ckl
ypassesby.
WishIcoul
dspendmor etimewithyoubutyou
havetogett
oyourstuffandIhavetogett
o
mine.
Inod
Me:
Yeah
Him:
I'
llseey
ousomet
ime?
,may
beIcancal
l
youl
ater
Me:
Sur
e,I
'
m okaywi
tht
hat
.
Hi
m:Good.
Openi
ngt
hedoort
ogetout
Hi
m:Nohug?
It
urnt
olookathi
m
Him:
Wellf
ri
endshug,
youdidi
twi
tht
hat
Romeoguynowwhataboutme?
Heasked,
smi
l
ingl
i
ght
ly
Ichuckl
ed,
wrappingmyarm ar
oundhisneck.
Wesharedabriefhugbef
oreIqui
ckl
ywentout
andheadedhome
[11/
08,15:
56]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t39
conti
nued

Lat
ert
hatday

Iwassi
tt
ingwi
thReeceinhi
scarthatwas
par
kedacoupl
eofhousesaway.
Iwasmunchi
ngonsomebi
l
tongIf
ound
somewher
einthecar
Hi
m:Yay
't
handal
ent
oyakhoAl
ona
Me:
Mhh?
Guesshemusthav
ebeental
ki
ngandIwast oo
busysav
ori
ngthet
ast
ethatIf
orgothewas
besi
deme
Hesi
ghsi
nfr
ust
rat
ion
Hi
m:I
'
m goi
ngawayf
oraweek
Tur
ningt
olookathi
m soqui
ckI
'
m sur
pri
sedI
di
dn'
tgetawhipl
ash
Me:
Uyaphi
?(Wher
eto)
Hi
m:Somewher
e
Me:Somewher
e?Reecej
ustgi
vemeast
rai
ght
answer
Hi
m:Justt
akewhatI
'
m gi
vi
ngy
ouundi
yeke,
Al
ona
Hesai
drunni
nghi
shandt
hroughhi
shai
r.
Hi
sal
lthet
imemov
ewhenhe'
sannoy
ed
Me:St
optreati
ngmeli
keaKidandbehonest
wi
thme,j
ustletmei
nforonce
Hi
m:Lety
oui
n,
inmydeal
i
ngs?
HeaskedandIdi
dn'
tanswerhi
m
Him:Unguy ekeumnt anaAlonasoy ekauzenza
mdalauj ong'i
ncwadi zakhoqha.(You
are,
Alona.Stopacti
ngl i
ke anelderandj
ust
focusony ourbooks)
Yhu!,
Il
ookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
efatwhathej
ust
sai
dtome
Mymouthopeni
ngandcl
osi
ngatt
hesame
t
imel
ostforwor
ds.
Throwinglobil
tongsomewhereonhissi
de,I
fur
iouslyopenedthedoorandgotoutheadi
ng
homewhenheabr uptl
ypull
edmebymyar mt o
tur
nback
Thr
ashi
ngar
ound
Me:
Ndi
yekeMaar
n!(
Leav
emeal
one)
Isai
d
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Me:Ndiyekemnamnt
anandi
yoHoyai
ncwadi
zam kal
oku.(
Leav
emethee'
chi
l
d't
ogolookat
mybooks)
Isai
dusi
ngal
lmyst
rengt
htopushhi
m away
fr
om mewhil
eIr
anbackhome.
Bumpingtomybr otherwhowascomi
ngfr
om
theki
tchen,
Iqui
cklygoupstai
rst
omyroom
befor
ehecouldsaysomet hi
ng
Get
ti
ngmy
sel
fundert
hebl
anket
s
ReecethoughtIwasokaywi t
hhim pryi
ngi nt
o
mybusinessandt hennotl
etmei n,
inhis.Iwas
pret
tysureifIwastheonesayingI'
l
lbeaway
foracoupleofdayshewouldhav edemanded
toknowandebengaz 'undi
yekaunti
lItoldhim.
Ijustneededt
oknowwher
ehewasgoi
ng
that'
sall
.
Iwast
ir
edof
fhi
m al
way
sshut
ti
ngmeout
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Forthenextcoupl
eofday
s,Iwasdoi
ngwhat
Reecetol
dmet odo
Focusi
ngonmybooks.
He'dtr
iedcal
l
ingmeonmyphonebutI
'
dal
way
s
r
ejecti
t
Idi
dn'
twantt
otal
ktohi
m.
Waki
ngupWednesdaymor
ningandget
ti
ng
r
eadyforschool
Iwenttoeatbr
eakf
astt
henOzdr
ovemet
o
school
becausehewasint
hemood
Him:I
'
llpi
ckyouupaf
terschool
andmay
bewe
cangotothemall
Hesaidashepar
kednextt
otheschool
ent
rance
Me:
HowaboutIbunknowandwecoul
dgo
Ismi
rkedathi
m
Heki
ssedmycheek
Hi
m:Voet
sekphuma.
Hesai
d
Ohwelli
twasOzafteral
l
,hehat
edwhenI
messedaroundwi
thmyschoolwor
k
Me:
Grandpa.
Imumbl
ed
Hi
m: Me?Youknowwhat? ,maybeyoucanget
ali
ftaf
terschoolandf
orgetthetr
ipbecauseI
t
hinkImighthaveanot
herplaninmind
Qui
ckl
yhuggi
nghi
ssi
de
Me:
Xol
oke.
Hi
m:Mh?
Heasked,
feel
ingli
kesomet
hingwasmi
ssi
ng
f
rom whatIsaid
Me:
Bhut
'wam.(Mybr
other)
HeknewhowmuchIhat
edboost
inghi
sego.
Hi
m:Mh?
Me:
Endi
m't
handay
o
Isai
d,sat
isf
iedwi
thmyanswer
Hesaidhe'
l
lpi
ckmeupafterschool,
gett
ingout
ofhi
scarandmakingmywayinsidetheschool
j
ustwhenthebel
lrang
Iqui
ckl
ywentt
omycl
ass.
AtBr
eak
Iwaswit
hRomeoinourusual
spoteat
ingl
unch
andi
nthemiddl
eofachat
Hi
m:Soy
ouar
emadatReeceuh?
Inod
Hi
m: Formaki
ngy oufeelsmal
landmakingit
wor
sebysay i
ngyou'r
ejustahighschool
gir
l
t
hati
snotmat ur
eenough
Me:
Wel
l
Hi
m:Youcoul
dchanget
hewayheseesy
ou
Il
ookathi
mfur
rowi
ngmyey
ebr
ows
Me:
How.?
Wi
ggl
i
nghi
sey
ebr
ows
Him:Idon'
tknow.May beyoucoul dst
artby
weari
ngsomethinglikeali
ngerieoranythi
ng
sexywhenyou'r
esleepingoverhishouse.Bri
ng
i
tuptohim wheneverandHowev erhewants'i
t'
andstopwhini
ng
Ipousedf
oramoment
Me:
Uphambene.Howi
sthatgoi
ngt
ohel
p?
Hechuckl
es
Me:
You'
renotev
enhel
pingr
ightnow.
Heshr
ugsnonchal
ant
ly.
Ishookmyhead
Me:I'
m notgoi
ngtot urnt
osomethi
ngthatI'
m
not
,I
fhefeelsl
ikeI'
mt oochi
ldl
i
keforhi
mt hen
makand'y
eke.HeshouldlovemeforwhatIam
andstopcri
ti
ci
zingme.
Isai
d,wel
lIdi
dn'
twanthi
mtol
eav
emebut-
Him: Hay ke.Don'tcomecr
yingtomewhenhe
l
eavesy ouf orsomeonewit
hmuchmor e
experienceWheni havegi
venyouachancet
o
i
mpr ov ey oursel
f.
Me:
Hewon'
t
Isaygr
umpl
y,t
ossi
ngt
hehal
feat
enappl
e
Thathadnowtur
nedbr
ownbecauseIwast
oo
di
stract
edtot
akeabi
tefr
om i
t.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Abusydayatt
heMal
li
twas.I
twasaFr
iday
af
teral
l
Aft
ert he2hour sofgett
ingi nandoutofshops
becauset hisdaytheydecidedtoputall
theeye
catchi
ngcl othesonthedisplaywindows,We
weretiredandIhav egottenmy sel
fafewthings
andr i
ghtnowwewer eheadedt othesalon
becauseIwant edboxbraids.
Me:
Iwantt
hem l
ong
Oz:
Yourhai
risal
readyl
ong,
wil
li
twor
k?
Ishr
ug,
Me:
They
'l
lmakeapl
an
Thankgodi
twasn'
tal
ongcue
Wewaitedforacoupl
eofminuteswhil
ethe
Hai
rst
yli
stwasbusywitht
helastcl
ient
Camemyt
urn,
Itol
dherwhatIwant
ed
Shetoldmeshecan' tbr
aidmyhairunlessIl
et
hercutitintoamanageabl
elengt
h,Isimply
ref
usedt ell
i
ngherI
'drat
herdosomet hingel
se
Tur
ningt
oOzf
orasuggest
ion
Heshr
ugged
Him:Whatevert
hatisgoi
ngt
ogett
hatunr
uly
hai
routofyourface
Igl
aredathi
m
Me:
I'
ll
set
tl
eforast
rai
ghtback.
SheFir
stwashedmyhair,
shampooedt
hen
condi
ti
oneditbef
oreshestar
tedwi
tht
hesty
le.
Whenshewasdone,
Ozpayedt
henwewentf
or
t
akeaway
sbefor
ehedrov
ehome.
Si
tt
ingwit
haf l
eecebl
anketonthecoucheati
ng
pi
zza,wewerewatchi
ngtv,wel
lthetvwas
watchi
ngusbecausewewer echat
ti
ngalso
Hi
m:Umhl
eny
ankodaMi
nx
Me:Iknow.
Isai
dsmugl
yathi
m
Him: Idi
dn'
tknowy ouhadahugefor
ehead
though,i
t'
salloutnowthaty
ourhai
rispl
ait
ed
back
Itur
niedt
olookathi
m wit
hmymout
hgape,
putt
ingmyhandonmyf or
ehead
Hel
aughshi
sAssof
f
Hi
m:Youshoul
dhav
eseeny
ourf
ace,
I'
mjoki
ng
Me:
Mxm
Isai
dtohi
m,t
aki
ngabi
tef
rom mysl
i
ce
Hi
m:I
'
m goi
ngt
ovi
sitmom t
omor
row,
wantt
o
t
agal
ong?
Ipausedf
oramoment
Thinki
ngabouttheconv er
sati
onswehadon
thephone,heralwaysaski
ngmet opayhera
visi
tbutIdi
dn'thavethegutst
oStepinthat
house,whereitall
happened.
Me:
Sur
e.
Hi
m:Ear
lyi
nthemor
ning?
Me:
Okay
.
Henodbef orewet
urnedtolookatt
helastsl
ice
ofpizzalef
tint
hebox,l
ooki
ngateachother
agai
nf oramomentbeforewebothtr
iedtoget
toit
.

Thef
oll
owi
ngdaywewentt
ovi
sitourmom
Andl
etmesay
,wehadagr
eatt
imet
oget
her
.
Ithoughtitwasal
lgoi
ngt
obeAwkwar
dness
andtension,
buti
twasnei
ther
.
Ifel
tatease,
themissi
nggapIhav
ebeent
ryi
ng
tofi
llsomehow,nowfil
l
ed.
[
11/
08,
15:
56]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t40

Cur
rent
lysi
tt
ingout
sideMcDonal
dwi
thLu
Iwashav
ingasmoot
hiewhi
l
ehehadcoke
Me:WellyeahIknowIam butIdi
dn'
tl
ike
i
t,
especi
all
ycomingfr
om him.
Hi
m:Whenl
astdi
dyout
alkt
ohi
m?
Me:
Sincet
hatdaywehadaf
ight
Henods.
Hi
m: Sodi
dhetel
lyouwher
ehewasgoi
ng,
whatfor?Wi
thwho?
Ishookmyhead
Me:Hedidn'
tsayany
thi
ngwhi
chendedupwi
th
usget
ti
nginaargument
Hi
m:Hedoesn'
ttr
usty
ou.
Me:It
hinkhedoes,
justthathedoesn'
twantt
o
i
nvol
veorstr
essmewi thhisstuf
f
Ishr
ug
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Him:Maybeyoushouldaskhi
m,andifhe
answersayes.Youshoul
dchal
lengehimtot
ell
youabouthi
s'Work'
Me:
He'
shar
dheaded
Hi
m:Iknow.
Hesaidbefor
eIcoul
daskwhathemeantby
t
hat,
Ourorderar
ri
ved
Hi
m:Sowheni
sheget
ti
ngback?
Ishr
ug
Me:Idon'
tknow,
Itseemsl
i
key ou'
rei
nter
est
ed
i
nhim.IfIdi
dn'
tknowanybet
terI'
dsayyou'
re
gay
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m:Icoul
dassur
eyouv
erywel
lMadamét
hat
I
'
m st
rai
ght
.
Hesai
dbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
pbef
oresmi
rki
ng
Looki
ngathi
sint
enseey
esbef
orel
ooki
ng
down
Hi
m:I
sthatabl
ushcr
eepi
ngi
nyourcheeks?
Taki
ngasi
pfr
om mygl
ass.
Me:
No
Hi
m:Sur
eit
snot
.
Hi
m:Di
dIt
ell
yout
haty
ou'
rebeaut
if
ul.
Ishr
ug
Hi
m:Wel
l
,You'
rebeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Wesatf
orafewminutesbefor
eIaskedhimto
dr
ivemehomebecauseitwasget
ti
nglateand
i
twasschool
tomorr
ow.
Me:
So,
Thanky
ouf
ort
aki
ngmeout
Isai
dtohi
m aswest
oodout
sidehi
scara
coupl
eofhousesawayf
rom myhouse.
Hi
m:Ishoul
dbet
hanki
ngy
ouf
oragr
eei
ng
Hesai
dbr
ushi
ngmycheekwi
thhi
sfi
nger
Hel
ookedatmeforacoupl
eofmi
nut
esbef
ore
hel
eanedf
orwar
d
Hi
swar
m,l
argehandonmycheek
Ourl
i
pswer
einchesapar
t,
Imeethi
m hal
fway
Weki
ssed
Hi
sli
psagai
nstmi
ne,
Icl
osedmyey
es
Somet
hingwasof
faboutt
his
Hi
sli
pswer
en'
tl
ikeReece'
ssof
t,
war
mli
kel
i
ps.
Reece.
Pul
li
ngaway,
clear
ingmyt
hroatl
ooki
ng
any
wherebuthim
Me:
W-Weshoul
dn'
tbedoi
ngt
his.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
LookIneedt
oheadi
nsi
de
Hi
m:Okay
Me:
Sur
e
Turni
ngtol
eave,heput
shi
shandonmyar
m
tur
ningmearound
Wrappi
nghi
sarmsaroundmysmal
lwai
st,
he
br
ingsmeinforahug
Ihughi
m back
Not
hingel
sesai
d,It
urnt
oreal
l
yleav
ethi
sti
me
WhenIgothome,Ij
ustwentt
omyr
oom CouseI
wasal
readyful
l
Iwasf i
nishi
ngupsomeassignmentbutcamea
partIdi
dn'tunderst
andsoIphonecall
ed
Romeo, heexplai
neditt
omet i
llIgoti
tandwe
endedupchat ti
ng
Iwastel
l
inghi
m aboutwhathappenedbet
ween
LuandI
Hi
m:You'
repl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ir
eAl
ona.
Me:
Lookwhathappenedbet
weenLuandIwi
l
l
nev
erhappenagai
nitwasat
hingoft
he
moment
Hi
m:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lReece?
Me:
Andr
iskmebei
ngki
l
led?No.
Hi
m:Ratheryoutel
lhim becausei
fhef
indsout
hi
msel
f,hel
lwil
lbreakloose
Me:IknowbutIj
ustwantt
oav
oidhowhe'
l
l
handl
eit.
Him:Kodanawemaarnwhatwer
eyout
hinki
ng
goi
ngtorunint
oLu'
sarms?
Ihearhi
m si
ghont
heot
hersi
de.
Hear
ingmybedr
oom dooropen,
Ozappear
s
Me:Soi
havetol
ookatgoogl
eformore
i
nfor
mati
on?,
I
texpl
ainsi
tbet
ter?Okayt
hanks
gott
ogo.
Isai
dhangingupnotgi
vi
nghi
m achancet
osay
anyt
hing.
Igl
aredatOzashet
hrewhi
msel
fonmybed,
bounci
ngbackup
Me:
Youshoul
dlear
ntoknock
Him:I
t'
sgoodt oknowincwadizakho
uzi
kha'
thal
ele.Masi
ncokol
eAlona
Me:
Ngant
o?
Iaskmyey
esst
il
lont
hepaper
.
Iputmypaperasi
det
ogi
vehi
m myf
ull
att
ent
ion
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Sundayaf
ternoon,
Iwassprawledoutonthe
coucheat
ingay oghur
tfr
om it
scontai
nerwhen
Ihear
dknockf r
om thedoor
.
Si
nceitwasopenIturnedtol
ookatReece
l
eani
ngatithi
shandinsidehi
spocketwhi
l
ethe
ot
herhadhisphoneandcarkeys,
looki
ngf
resh
asal
ways.
Wel
lthi
sisasur
pri
se,
Idi
dn'
texpect
Comi
ngt
osi
tont
hespotbesi
deme,
heputmy
l
egsont
opofhi
m whi
l
ehet
hem
Remov
ingt
hem f
rom hi
m.
Hi
m:Mol
oAl
ona.
God,
hi
svoi
ce.
Me: Ist
hatally
oucansayrightnow ?
,Mol
o
Alona?AndifuniMolowakhomnaReece.(
I
don'twantyourHel
lo)
Hi
m:Lookpr
incess-
Me: Don'ttel
lmet hatyouexpect edmet obeall
l
ov eydov eywheny ouleftforthewholeweek
,refusi
ngt otel
lmewher etoandwhy .I'
m not
okaywi t
hy oupr y
ingintomybusi nessand
exceptmet ostayoutofy ours.
Isai
dfi
l
li
ngaspoonwit
hyoghur
t,br
ingi
ngt
he
spoonf
uri
ousl
ytomymout
h
Hesi
ghsi
ndeepl
y.
Him:Ihadt
osortoutsomegangst
uff,We
havenewdeal
swithnewcl
ient
ssoIhadt
otake
myt
ime
I
'
m sur
pri
sedbyhi
scal
mness
Me:Youtel
li
ngmenow?( chuckl
i
ng)Buy
el'
aphouvel
akhonaReece.
Hi
m:Andi
funi
.
Me:
Okay
,Ineedt
ogopr
intoutmyassi
gnment
Hi
m:Bu-
Me:
Ndi
ng'
umnt
anaweSi
kol
oKal
okusul
i
bal
Hi
m:Al
onaIdi
dn'
tmeani
t.
Me:I'
vebeentel
li
ngyouforawhilenowthatI
don'
tli
kethewayundtreat
(a)ngayo,
Itj
ust
doesn'
tsi
twellwi
thme
Hi
m:Iknowbabeandndi
cel
'uxol
o
Me: You'r
ealway ssorr
yReece,don'tevenknow
i
fyouknowt hemeani ngofthewor d.Youjust
sayingitforthesakeofsayingitbecauseyou
knowl eBackstagesingeryakhoindim wi
ll
fol
lowwi ththechorus'Ifor
giveyou'.
Hecr
ackedup,gat
her
inghi
msel
faf
terhesaw
howser
iousIwas
Him:IknowIhaven'tbeent
reat
ingyouwell,I
'
ve
beenajerkI'
vebeenharshI
'vebeen.
.anyt
hing
youcanthinkofri
ghtnowandy oudon't
deser
vethat.
Hesai
d,pi
nchi
ngmycheeksl
i
ght
ly.
Him:I
'l
ltr
yevenmor ehardertogathermy
t
rashyways,Idon'twanttoloseyou.Me:O-
kay
(
Lookingathim skept
ical
l
y )wher
e'sReece?
Hi
m:Ri
ghther
e,Tr
yingt
obeSweet
.
Hesai
dSmil
i
ngatmeshowi
ngmehi
sper
fect
whi
tet
eet
h.
Hi
m:Am If
orgi
ven?
Me:I'
m notfol
lowi
ngwitht
hathi
ghpit
ched
chor
us,let
strysomet
hingl
ike'
For
geti
t'
Hi
m:Ri
ght
.Igoty
ousomet
hingf
rom myt
ri
p.
Me:
What?
Hi
m:Fi
rstgi
mmeaki
ss.
Il
ookedathi
m,r
oll
i
ngmyey
esf
oldi
ngmy
ar
mst
omychest
.
Hepecksmyl
i
ps.
Hi
m:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul,
asal
way
s
Hesai
dlooki
ngatmyhai
r.
Hi
m:Comeon
Hesai
d,hel
pingmeup
Locki
ngt
hehousebehi
nd,
wewentt
ohi
scar
Anot
herone,
di
ff
erent.
Othoughttomysel
fasIl
ookedatt
hecar
admir
ingl
y.
Openi
ngt
hedoorf
ormet
ogeti
n.
Heal
sogoti
n
Openingthecart
hinghol
derandt
aki
ngouta
l
eathercover
edbox.
Openi
ngi
tandf
indi
ngi
nsi
dea
wat
ch,
per
sonal
i
zedwi
thmyname,
car
vedi
nit
s
gol
dfr
ame.
I
twasbey
ondt
hewor
dbeaut
if
ul.
Icoul
dn'
tfi
ndwor
dst
odescr
ibehowbeaut
if
uli
t
was
Me:
Wow.
Hi
m:Li
kei
t?
Me:
Lov
e,i
t-i
t'
sbeaut
if
ul
Hi
m:Notmor
ethany
out
hough.
Hesai
dputti
nghisf
ingerundermychi
ntur
ning
metolookathi
m.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ipeckhi
scheek
Hewasaboutt
osaysomet
hingbutwascutof
f
bymyri
ngi
ngphone.
Taki
ngitoutofmypocket
,Lu'
snameappear
ing
onthescreen
Il
eti
tri
ngf
oraf
ewmi
nut
es
Myhear
tbeat
ingsof
ast
Hi
m:Youcanansweri
t.
Iqui
ckl
yrej
ecti
t
Me:
It'
snoti
mpor
tant
.
Isayput
ti
ngmyphoneasi
de
Taki
nghi
sattent
ionaway,
Iaskedhi
mtohel
p
meputonthewat ch
Il
ookedati
twi
thador
ati
on.
Hi
m:Sowhathav
eyoubeenupt
-
Myphoneri
ngsonceagai
n,
looki
ngatReece
wi
ththecor
nerofmyeye
Iswal
l
owner
vousl
y
Swi
tchi
ngi
tof
f.
Me: Not
hingmuchbesi
def
ocusi
ngonmy
schoolwork.
Hi
m:Ngubal
ouphone(
a)y
oAl
ona?
Me:Ineverasky
out
hatwheny
ouhav
ean
i
ncomingcall
Imumbl
ed.
Tur
ningt
olookathi
m,hewasal
readyl
ooki
ngat
me
Me:
I-i
t'
sRomeo.
Il
i
eandatt
hispoi
ntIcoul
dn'
tl
ookathi
m.
Hi
m:Oh.
Wesatf oraf
ewmoremi nut
esbefor
eIt
oldhi
m
I
'm headingi
nsi
debecauseIwant
edtocook
di
nner.
Fi
rstt
hingIdi
dwast
ocal
lLu.
I
tdi
dn'
tri
ngf
orl
ongbef
orei
twasanswer
ed.
Hi
m:Her
eIwast
hinki
ngy
ou'
reav
oidi
ngme.
Me:
Iwasn'
t,
It'
sjustt
hatIwaswi
th.
.Reece.
Hi
m:Yousor
tedoutt
hings.?
Me:
Yeah,
ki
nda
Hi
m:Ut
hiebephi
?
Me: Hewasn'tspeci
fi
chejustsai
dhewentfor
somenewdeal sandnewclient
s,i
tneededhi
s
ful
latt
ent
ionandblahblahblah
Hechuckl
es
Lu:
LookI
'
llcal
lyoubackl
ater
,Ineedt
obounce
Me:
Okay
.
Isai
dhangi
ngupthengoi
ngtomakemy
sel
f
noodl
esbef
oregoi
ngtobedear
ly.

SORRYFORTHEWAI
T.♥
[
11/
09,
08:
11]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t41

LuandIwer
ereal
l
ycl
ose.Il
ovedspendi
ngt
ime
wit
hhim.
Hespoiledmeal
otandwewer en'
toutt
oget
her
al
otunli
keuReecewhoIsawoncei nawhil
e
becausehewassupposedl
ybusy.
Luisal
wayst
her
ewhenIneedhi
m unl
i
ke
Reecewh-
Okayl
ookatmecompar
ingt
hem.
Romeowasevencomplai
ning,
sayi
ngI'
m al
way
s
outwi
thLuandnev
ergotti
mef orhi
m.
Bekungekh'
omntuondi
buzant
oni
.Bendo
nwabil
enjeqha.
IwaswithLuathishouseandwewere
cur
rentl
ywatchi
ngamov iewhi
l
eIhadapacket
ofpopcorns'
tomyself
I
twasaround2pm,andwej
ustdeci
dedt
olock
t
hedoorandstayi
nsi
de.
Iwassoi ntot
hemov
iewhil
ehefool
edaround
becausethemovi
ewastoobor
ingforhi
m,it
wasn'tacti
on.
Hewascur
rent
lypl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhai
r,combi
ng
i
twi
thhi
shands.
Tr
yingt
ogeti
tof
f
Me:
Lu!
Hi
m:Ndi
Hoy
ekal
oku(
payat
tent
iont
ome)
Me:
Iwantt
owat
cht
his
Hi
m:AndIwanty
out
owat
chme.
Iswathi
shandawayt
hent
urnt
olookatt
he
scr
een.
I
twasn'tacoupl
eofmi
nut
esbef
oreIf
elthi
m
buggi
ngmeagain
Traci
nghi
sfingerf
rom t
hesi
deofmyf
ace,
then
tomycoll
arbone
Hi
m:Yourski
nissosmoot
h.
Hesaid,
glar
ingathi
mfori
nter
rupt
ingmeonce
agai
n
Hepout
sinnocent
ly
Hi
m:CanIhav
esome?
Hesai
dlooki
ngatt
hebowl
Ishookmyhead
Ext
endi
nghi
shandt
otakei
tfr
om me,
Imov
eit
away
Heti
ckledmet
il
lIl
osthol
dofi
t,l
ett
ingt
hem
spl
i
tteront
hef
loor
Hecont
inuedt
otickl
eme,nowontopofme,
put
ti
nghiswei
ghtonhisar
mshol
dinghi
msel
f
Hi
m:Il
i
kei
twheny
ousmi
l
e.
Hesai
d.
Leani
ngf
orwar
d,heki
ssesme
Ourl
i
psmov
ingi
nsy
nc.
Hi
shandpl
acedont
hesi
deofmywai
st,
br
ushi
ngi
t
Il
ethishandr
oam mysi
defreel
y,put
ti
ngi
t
undermytoptocar
essmyskin
Hepusheshi
sbodyal
i
ttl
ebi
tfor
war
dtof
eel
on
mine.
Hi
ssl
imfi
nger
sbr
ushi
ngl
i
ght
lyont
het
opof
mybr
ali
ne.
Ihadmyey
escl
oseshutandt
henaf
acepops
i
nmyhead
Jumpingupcausi
nghi
mtomoveali
tt
lebi
t
awayfrom me,
giv
ingmemyownper
sonal
space.
Nowordsexchanged,
i
twassil
entf
oramoment
bef
orehecl
earedhist
hroat
Looki
ngathi
sfaci
alexpr
essi
on
Hel
ookedl
i
kehewasdebat
ingwi
thhi
msel
f
Hi
m:I
'
m s-
Me:
Don'
t.
Icuthi
m shor
t,Idi
dn'
twantt
oheari
t
Wewer ebothr
esponsi
blef
orwhatj
ust
happened.
Placi
ngbothmyhandsonhi
sfi
rm chestt
o
pushhim awayf
rom me
Igotupandfi
xedmytop,
brushi
ngmy
i
maginarymessyhai
r
It
ookmybag-
backpack
Cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
,
Me:
Ithi
nkIshoul
dgo
Hi
m:Pl
easedon'
t,
Iwon'
tdoi
ta-
Me:Noit
'snoty
ou,
ort
his.I
t'
sjustt
hatIneedt
o
gethome
Hi
m:Okay
Hesai
dget
tingup,
taki
nghiscarkey
sfr
om t
he
t
abl
eandIfoll
owedhim out
Igothomeandozwasn'
tther
e,hehadt
oldme
thathewasgoi
ngout
Tohav e'
fun'wit
hhisfri
endsandt her
emightbe
apossibil
i
tythathewon'tcomehomebecause
obv i
ousl
yhewasgoi ngtoleavewithsome
chickandheknewhowIhat editwhenhe
broughthisonenightst
andshere
Oneoft
het
hingsIl
i
keabouthi
m,heget
sme.
Iwentupt
omyr
oom t
ochangei
ntomy
pyj
amasbefor
eIwentdownst
air
stot
heki
tchen
tof
ixal
it
tl
edinnerf
ormysel
f.
It
hinksausageandpap
Iknewthedi
shwil
lal
sohelpwit
hmybr
other
s
hangov
ertomor
rowmorning.
Aft
erIhadcookedmypap,
Ibutt
ereditbef
ore
put
tingi
tasi
deandst
art
eddoingthesausage.
Myphoner
ings,
taki
ngi
tfr
om t
heki
tchen
count
er
Iansweri
t
"I
'
m comi
ngt
her
e,openup"
Reece
Goi
ngt
ounl
ockont
hesy
stem.
Iwaitedforhim bythedoorbuthewastaki
ng
toolongbecausehewasont hephoneand
Imbizayam ibi
zotshasoIwenttotheki
tchent
o
sti
rit
I
twasn'
tfewmi
nut
esbef
oreIhear
dReece'
s
f
ootst
eps
Ihadmybackt
ohi
m whi
l
eIst
ir
red.
Enci
rcl
i
ngmywai
stwi
thhi
sar
ms
Herest
edhi
schi
nonmycol
l
arboneaf
ter
ki
ssi
ngmycheek
Hi
m:Mypr
incess
Me:
Hey
Isai
dsnuggl
i
ngupabi
tonhi
swar
m bodywi
th
myback
Hi
m:Unj
ani
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne,
you?
Hi
m:I
'
m okaynowt
hatI
'
m seei
ngy
ou.
Me:
Yeah?
Henod.
Hi
m:Imi
ssedy
oual
ldayl
ong,
ubusenzanl
e
mi
ni?
Cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
Ishr
ug
Me:
Not
hingmucht
hanchi
l
li
ngwi
thaf
ri
end.
Hi
m:Af
ri
end?
Me:
Yeap.
Isai
dpoppi
ngt
hep.
Closi
ngthepotIwasst
ir
ri
ngandput
ti
ngi
ton
thesi
fe
Me:
..Andwhatwer
eyoudoi
ngal
lday
.
Iasked,gi
vi
nghi
m nochancet
oponderon
curi
osit
y
Hi
m:Uci
mbandi
sis'
bhanx
ane?
Heasked,
inhi
slowanddeepv
oice.
Makingmefreezeonthespot
,thi
nki
ngabout
whatheisonabout.
Iswal
l
owedt
hel
umponmyt
hroat
Me:
Huh?
Hechuckl
edatmyconf
usedst
ate
Taki
nghi
sphoneout
,put
ti
ngt
hepasswor
din.
Wi
thaf
ewswi
pes,
heshowedmet
hescr
een
Ashor
tvi
deocl
i
p
Looki
ngati
twi
thmyey
esnowopen
Therewas,
Meinthemi
ddl
eofamakeout
sessi
onwit
hLu.
Taki
nghi
sphonebackt
ohi
spocket
,hel
ooked
downatme.
Openi
ngmymout
hbutnot
hingcomesout
.
It
akeast
epback,
Reecei
sunpr
edi
ctabl
e
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Hesai
dwar
ningl
y,
hehat
edwhatI
'
m doi
ng
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Hi
m:Di
dyousl
eepwi
thhi
m?
Hi
m:Answerme!
Heyel
ledouti
nhi
sboomi
ngv
oice,
maki
ngme
f
li
nch
Iqui
ckl
yshookmyhead
Het
ri
edtocometowar
dsmebutIqui
ckl
y
mov
edtotheot
hersi
de
Iwasshaki
ngl
uloy
iko.
Tear
sst
reameddownmycheeks
Me: IswearIdidn'
tplanallthat,
hewasjusta
goodfriendandthen(Swallowingner
vously
)
onethingledtoanotherbutIswearIdidn'
t
sl
eepwi thhi
m, IswearIdidn't
.
Isai
dinonebr
eat
h
Hi
m:I
zaphaAl
ona
Ishookmyhead
Me:Youar egoi ngt ohitmeReece.LookI '
m
sorr
y.Ireal
lydi dn'tmeanf orittohappen,we
j
ustspental otoft imetogether .Hewasther
e
formewheny ouwer en'tandhenev erref
used
tospendt i
mewi thme, unli
key ou.Butwhat
happenedwasaonceof fmistake.I
twasn'
tmy
i
ntenti
on,Ireal
lyf eelguil
tyandIca-
Istoppedrambl
ingwhenhehadmyar
mina
deathgri
p,Iscr
eamedstar
tl
ed
Idon'
tknowwhenhegott
ome
Me:
R-Reecepl
ease
Hi
m:SaphaIphoney
akhoAl
ona

Givi
ngittohim wi
thmyt
rembl
i
nghand,
he
snatcheditf
rom me
Hel
etgoofmeashewasbusygoi
ngt
hrough
myphone
Islowlyt
ookaf ewstepsback,
hei
sgoingt
o
reactandit
'sbesti
fi'
m awayfr
om hi
m.
Ilookedathi
m ashenowgl
aredatme,
hisj
aw
twitchi
ng
HethrewmyphoneatmebutImanagedto
dodgeint
imebef
orei
thi
tmyface,
inst
eadit
hi
mt hewall
Icoul
dher
eitshat
teri
ntopi
ecesbehi
ndme.
Il
ookedathi
minpur
eshock
Him:Ithoughtyouwoul
dhavelearntyour
l
essonbynowbutcl ear
lyIwaswrong, y
outrust
easi
ly
.Thatfuckeryouweremessingwithwas
j
ustusingyoutogettomeandy etagainyou'
re
weretoofuckenbli
ndtosee
Me:
Howwer
eIsupposet
oknow.?
Him: You'redatingagangmemberf orgodsake
youcoul dhav efigureditout .Anddi sadvantage
ofdatingsomeonel i
kemei st hat,
myenemi es
will
gett oy ouiftheycan' tgett omeort hrough
me.I t
sl i
key ou'
real mostl i
vingmyl ifeandy ou
shouldbeont hel ookoutalway s.
Goingtopour
stuffouttosomest r
angerwhoseemst ocan't
endaconv ersationwithouti nvolvi
ngmy
name, youshoul dhav efiguredi tout
.Doi ng
whaty oudi dwithhi m knowi ngy ou'
v egotmem
-
Me:
Ubuphi
?
Iasked,
cut
ti
nghi
m shor
t.
Him: Bendi phi?Jongasundi buzaukunyay ev
a?
Ithoughty ouappr eci
atedy ourownspace,own
time.Fory out of ocusony ourstudi
es,y
our
doingmat ri
xsur elyyouneedi tandbendi'nga
zusol okondi semv akwakho.Cl ear
lyIwasalso
wr ongaboutgi vi
ngy outhatngobanako
ubalekelakwi enemyy am, feedi
nghim
Informationaboutme, tal
kingaboutmet okeep
yourr el
ationshipaf l
oat.
Shi
t.
Ishoul
dhav
eknown.
Hi
m:Howmuchhaveyoutoldhim ?Ev
ery
si
ngl
eshi
tIt
ell
you,
yout
ellhim hu?
Notwai
ti
ngf
ormet
oanswer
.
Heturnshi
sbackonmerunni
nghishandson
hi
sfaceinfr
ust
rat
ion,
hewaspissed.
Me:
Bendi
ngay
azi
.(Idi
dn'
tknow)
Isai
dqui
etl
y.
Hi
m:Bunga'
yazi
?Whataboutt
hepar
twer
e
yout hrewyour selfathiml i
keacheapwhor e?
Youal sodidn'tknowt hatwheny ougeti
nany
typeofar elationshipwi t
hamani twasbound
togetwher ei tgotwi t
hy ou.Youal sodidn'
t
knowt hathewasgoi ngt ovi
deoshootyour
l
ittl
emakeoutsessi ont osendittome? ,
torub
i
tmyf ace?Thatsoonerorl aterIwasgoingto
knowabouti ty ourl
itt
lesecret?
Heasked,
fi
sti
nguphisknuckl
est
oapoi
nt
wher
etheyturnedwhi
ter
Him:Seei
nghisdir
tyhandsallov
eryour
body,
hewasenjoyi
nghimselfandsowereyou
thaty
oudidn'
tevenseethemischiev
oussmir
k
hehad
Me:Iwasn'
t,
didyouseethepartwher
eI
pushedhi
m offme.It
houghtabouty-
Hi
m: Itdoesn'
tmatter
,het
ouchedyouany
way .
Nooneshoul dbeinaposit
ionl
i
kethatwi
thyou
ei
therthanme.I'
m goingt
ocutoffhi
sbal
lswh-
Hest
oppedt
alki
ng.
Ifi
ddledwit
hmyf
inger
swhi
l
esni
ff
ingi
nto
engaphel
iy
o.
Itwasquit
eforamomentbefor
eIsawhim
comingtowardsme,
standi
nginfr
ontofme
Hel
i
ftedhi
shandup
Makingmefli
nch,
sucki
nginmybr
eat
hasI
cl
osedmyey eswai
ti
ngfort
hei
mpactbuti
t
nevercame.
Hewipedmywetcheekswi ththebackofhi
s
handthenhewrappedhisarmsaroundme,
bri
ngi
ngmecl osetolaymyheadonhischest
asherubbedsoothi
ngcir
cleswit
hhishandon
thesmallofmyback.
Hi
m:Shhpr
incess,
I
'm sor
ry.
Icont
inuedt
osobonhi
schest
Hi
m:I
'
llsor
tthi
sout
.
Hesai
dcombi
ngmyhai
rwi
thhi
shand.
[
11/
09,
08:
11]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t42
Iwasatschool
thef
oll
owi
ngday
.
Cur
rent
lyatl
unchbr
eakwi
thRomeo
Ihadnoappet
it
eforf
oodorany
thi
ngr
ightnow
Ijustwant
edtobelef
tal
oneandRomeo
thoughtot
her
wise.
Hi
m:Al
onaAwuz'
uty
akengoku?
Ishookmyhead
Hesi
ghedi
ndef
eat
.
Him:Idon'
twantt
osaythi
s,Iknowi
tspr
obabl
y
notagoodthi
ngtosayr
ightnow.Youdon'
t
wanttoheari
tb-
Me:
Justsayi
t.
Wai
tfori
t
Hi
m:Bendi
't
shi
l
o(It
oldy
ou)

Hi
m:Idi
dtel
lyout
haty
ouwer
epl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ir
e
andt
hatI
khonai
ntoef
ishyngal
aLundi
ni.
.
Me:
YesRomeoy oudi
dwarnme.Andt el
li
ng
meoverandov
eragai
n,ai
n'
thel
pingr
ightnow.
Hi
m: I
sReecemadatyou?
,ofcour
sehei
s
whatam Iev
enaski
ng.
Hemumbl
edt
hel
astpar
ttohi
msel
f.
Hi
m:Hav
eyout
alkedt
oLu?
Ishookmyhead,
no.
Him:OkayCl
earyyoudon'
twantt
otal
ksoI
'
m
gonnal
eaveyoutobe.
Andthati
showwespentt
hewhol
ebr
eak,
si
tt
inginsi
lence.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Goi
nghomeaf
terschool
IgothomeandfoundOzwhowaswithmom,
I
n
themiddl
eofachatwhi
let
heyhadsome
snacksonthesi
de
Me:
Hav
ingagr
eatt
imeher
ehu?For
get
ti
ng
aboutmemnamnt uwho'satschool.Beni
nganondi
cinganget
ransportmaybe?(wouldn'
t
youhavepi
ckedmeupmay be.?
)
Isai
dpout
ingf
uri
ousl
yasIsatdownnextt
o
mom.
Her
:Awww,
Youl
ookt
ir
ed.
Me:Yeah.
Chaosatschool
,
wewereinthe
mi
ddleofsomewannabegangsf
ight
.
Her :Ndandtshi
l
ongasi sikolosakho, ndandi
theizandikuseebaLungwi ni
.(I
'veal
way s
disapprovedofthatschool,Ionceofferedto
takey outothewhites/privateschoolandy ou
refused).
Idon'
tknowhowmanycount
lesst
imeswe
havehadthatdi
scussi
on
Me:Mom Gangsar eever
ywhere.Eveni
nthose
whit
eschool
s,yekanj
ebangaf anebaphuncuke
phambikwabantu,maybethey
'reunder
cover
.
Sheshr
ugs
Her:Butsti
ll
,Isti
llt
hinkitwoul dhav ebeen
bett
er.You'r
enotsaf eany way ,Andazingabantu
ababev el
aphiaba(Idon' tknowwher eallsuch
peoplecomef rom),whati sthepur poseof
hurt
inganotherperson.?,uzof umanant oni
?(whatarey ougoingtoget? )Andt henit
s
worsebecauset heyalsosell drugsinsi
det he
schoolpremisesifnotinthecommuni t
y.
Clear
ingmythr
oatl
ooki
ngatOzwi
tht
hecor
ner
ofmyey e.
Me:It
'smylastyearany
way
.SoIwon'
thav
eto
deal
wi t
hthechaos.
Mom:Youjustsai
dthati
tyour
sel
fthati
ts
ev
ery
where.
Ishr
ugged
Oz:Asl
ongasy ounottal
ki
ngaboutpadsand
pr
egnancyandstuf
f,I
'
m will
i
ngtoli
sten.
Hesai
dtry
ingt
ogetourat
tent
ionawayf
rom
t
hetopi
c.
Mom:
Speaki
ngofpr
egnancy
.
Mom sai
dlooki
ngatme.
Igl
aredatozf
orbr
ingi
ngupt
het
opi
c
Andthatishowital
lwent
,lect
uresandl
ect
ures
fr
om bothsides.
Idon'
tknowhowOzfiti
n,i
nalloft
hisbuthe
seemedtobeenj
oyi
ngitxaint
oizangakum.

Ihadj
ustbeenwokenupfrom anapbymy
ri
ngi
ngphonelat
eronMidnight
Checki
ngt
hecal
l
eri
dwi
thbl
urr
yey
es.
Lu
Nowfull
yawake,Iwaseagerf
ort
hiscal
lal
lday
l
ongtohearwhatli
esishegoi
ngtofeedme
knowi
ngwhatIknownow.
Ianswer
edhel
l
o.
Hi
m:Wer
eyouasl
eep?
Nope,
Outsomewher
eSky
div
ing.
Imeanwhatnor
mal
per
sonwoul
dst
il
lbewi
de
awakebynow ?
Me:
Yes.
Hi
m:Sor
ryt
owakeyouupbeaut
if
ulbutIj
ust
want
edt
oheary
ourvoi
ce.
Me:Whatel
sedoy
ouwant?
,Achatabout
Reece
Hi
m:Thati
sn-
Me:
Iknowwhaty
ouhav
ebeenupt
o
Hi
m:WhatI
'
vebeenupt
o?
Heaskedsoundi
ngsomewhatconf
used.
Hecan'
tfool
met
hist
ime.
Me:Me:YouandReecehavesomesor
tofa
i
ssueandyouwereusingmetogethi
m.
Hedoesn'
tanswer
.
Me:
Yousentt
hatv
ideocl
i
ptoReece.
Isai
dmat
teroff
act
Hi
m:Whywoul
dI?
Me:Youforgott
oaskwhatv i
deocli
pI'
mtal
ki
ng
aboutbef
oreaski
ngthatquest
ion
Hi
m:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutAl
ona?
Isnor
ted,
unl
ady
li
keofmeIknow.
Me: Lastti
meIwasaty ourhouse.We(takinga
deepbr eat
hin)ki
ssed.Yougotitinavi
deoand
sentittoReece.Uci
mb' usabhanxabani?
Him:Ididsuch?Whati
fhei
stheonewhogot
youfoll
owed?Iknowhowpossessi
ve,
obsessedpeopl
eint
hegamecanbe.Maybeh-
Me:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
ocont
inuet
oli
e?
I
twassi
l
entont
heot
hersi
def
oramoment
Him:There'
snouseany moreri
ght
.?(chuckl
es)
IgotwhatIwanted.Someinfor
mati
onabout
hi
m.Tost ar
tmission'Messuphisli
fe"and
breakyouguysapartontheway,
somethi
ngI
hav
eal
readymanagedt
odo
SoReecewasr
ight
.
Qui
ckl
yrecov
eri
ngf
rom myshock
Me:
West
il
ltoget
herYouMor
on
Hechuckl
es.
Hi
m:Notf
orl
ongt
hough
Hesai
dbef
orehehunguponme.

TOBECONTI
NUED♥
[11/
09,08:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t42
conti
nued

Aft
erIhadthatphonecall
from Lut
hatday
,I
neverhear
dfrom hi
m agai
n
Wel
ostcont
act
Ihadt
oldReeceabouti
tandalsoaskedhi
m
whatwashisdeal
betweenthem
HejustsaidLui soneofhismanyenemi
esthat
Ishouldn'
tworryaboutbecausehewasgoi
ng
tosorthim out
,Iguessyouall
knowwhathe
meantbyt hat.
ItwasFri
daynightandIhadaskedRomeoto
comeforasleepov ersi
ncemybrot
herwas
awayfortheweekend.
Wewerecurrent
lyi
nmyr oom si
tt
ingcr
oss
l
eggedontopofmybedeat i
ngsomesnacks
whil
eengagedinachatwhenmyphonestart
ed
r
ingi
ng
Icoul
dn'
treal
l
yseewhoi
twasnow,
becauseas
ti
mewenton
Myphonestart
edtobluri
naweirdway
, The
ef
fectoft
hefal
linReecehandswer
ekickingi
n.
Me:
Hel
l
o
'
Pri
ncess'
Me:
Reece.
Hi
m:Whodoy
out
hinki
twas?
Me:
Idon'
tknow,
can'
tev
enseeont
hisphone
Hi
m:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:I'
m wi
thRomeo,
wat
chi
ngmov
iesatmy
house
Hi
m:Wher
e'sy
ourbr
other?
Me:
He'
snotcomi
ngbackunt
ilSunday
.
Hi
m:Mhh-howaboutIpi
cky
ouupf
orasl
eep
ov
er?
Me:
Hay
i.
Idecl
i
nedhi
sof
fer
Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
otakeadv
ant
ageofmybr
other
s
tr
ust
.
Hi
m:Awuf
uni
?
Me:It
'snotthat
,butImadeapr
omi
set
ohi
m
t
hatIwon'tgett
oanybad
Hi
m:ButImi
ssy
ou.
Me:
May
bey
oucancomepi
ckmeupt
omor
row
andwecanspendt
heday
.
Isuggest
ed
Iheardhi
m saysomet
hingli
ke'
Mxm'
ont
he
othersi
de,hewasi
rr
it
ated.
Ohwel
l
Hi
m:What
ever
.Igott
ogo.
Thati
sal
lhesai
dbef
orehehunguponme.
I
'
m gl
adhedi
dn'
treal
l
yputupaf
ight
.
Iputmyphoneasi
debeforeturni
ngtol
ookat
Romeowhowasalreadylookingatme
Him:Youknowhei
sn'
tgoi
ngt
owai
tfor
ever
r
ight?
Me:
Hu?
Him:HeisamanAlonaandhehasneeds,
noko
l
ideel
it
hubael
i
ndi
le.
Me:
Henev
ersai
dhewant
stohav
e'i
t'
wit
h
me,
yet
Romeo:
Hedoesn'
thav
etosayso.
Me:
IfI
'
m notr
eadyt
h-
Hi
m: Iknowy oushouldn'
tdoitbecauseof
pr
essure,butjustt
akeiti
ntoconsider
ati
on.
Ishr
ug.
Weconti
nuedtowatcht
hemovi
einsi
l
encet
il
l
wef
ellasl
eepontopoft
hecov
ers.
Waki ngupthef
oll
owingday,
Romeolef
tear
lyi
n
themor ni
ngbecausehehadtogot
osatur
day
classes.
Ihadcleanedal
lthehouse,
evendi
dthel
aundr
y
becauseIwasbor ed.
AfterIwasdonewi
thev
erythi
ng,
Itookabat
h
thenwenttomakesomethi
ngtoeatformysel
f
beforegoi
ngtochi
l
lout
sidebythepool.
I
twasawf ul
lyqui
etwi
thoutmybrotherher
e,I
wasboredanditwasaSaturdayandIhad
not
hingbett
ertodo
I
'v
ecall
edReececount
lesst
imebuthewasn'
t
pi
cki
ngup.
SoIdecidedtogot ohishouseaf
terIwasdone
eati
ng,
Ichangedi nt
odecentclot
hesbefor
e
taki
ngmybag- backpackwithmystuffi
nand
tookataxit
ohi shouse.
WhenIar
riv
edt
her
e,t
heguybyt
hegat
eopened
upforme
Iwenttothei
nsi
deandfoundhim dr
inki
ng
whatlookedl
i
ketobebeerandhewasbusyon
hi
slaptop
Me:
Ithoughty
ouwer
epi
cki
ngmeup?
Hi
m:If
orgot
.
Hesai
dbl
unt
ly
Hi
m: Any
wayIwantedtopicky
ouupy
est
erday
ni
ghtwabeundi
qhoshela.
Me:Kut
hini
ukuqhoshelawhenIt
oldy
out
he
r
easonwhyIcoul
dn'
tsleepover?
Heignoredmeandcont
inuedt
oty
peawayon
hi
slaptop.
Him:Br
ingmeabot t
leofwhiskey,
i
t'
s
somewhereontheki
tchenbar.Uzoy'
bonai
t'
s
al
mosthalfwaydone
Me:Howmuchhav
eyoudr
anki
nthel
astf
ew
hour
s.?
Him:Noneofy ourconcer
n,j
ustbri
ngt hebottl
e
orshoul
dIgot akeitmysel
f?Sure,
Zobona
zo'
tshat
wangubaunqenakangaka.(I '
llsee
who'sgoingt
omar ryyouwithyourlaziness)
Hesai
dgett
ingupandheadi
ngt
ohi
ski
tchen,
Whatwasupwithhi
m?
Hecamebackacoupleofmi
nut
esl
aterwi
tha
al
readyf
il
ledgl
ass.
It
hinkhewasabi
tti
psy
.
Hesatdownandwentbackt
ohi
sscr
een.
Isatther
e,Iwaswai
ti
ngf
orhimtofini
sh
whateverhewasdoi
ngsothathecangiv
eme
hi
sat
tent
ion.Iwaswat
chi
ngsomer
eal
i
tyshow
Ij
ustgott
ir
edoft
hei
gnor
ance
Me:Youshoul
dhavesai
dsoifubuf
una
ndi
hambeuyekeubeundii
gnor
a(Youcoul
d
hav
esaidsoifyouwant
edmet ol
eavei
nst
ead
ofi
gnor
ingme)
Hetur
nedtolookatme,
stoppi
ngwhat
everhe
wasdoingf
oramoment
Hetookasipfr
om hi
sgl
ass,
cl
osi
nghi
slapt
op
andtur
ningt
ome
Heputhi
shandonmychi
ntot
urnmet
olookat
hi
m
Heplacedhi
sli
psonmi
neandst
art
edki
ssi
ng
me,abitr
ough
Icoul
dtast
etheal
cohol
att
het
ipofmyt
ongue
Hepushedmebackwat
dst
olayont
hecouch
whi
lehegotont
opofme
Hi
sot
herhandt
ookof
fmyt
op,
l
eav
ingmei
nmy
br
a.
Me:
Reece
Ical
l
edoutt
ohi
mforhi
mtost
op.
Putt
ingmyhandsonhischestt
opushhim off
buthequi
ckl
ypinnedt
hem downoneit
herside
ofmyheadinafir
m gr
ip.
Hi
m:I
'
m nowgi
vi
ngy
oumyat
tent
ionAl
ona.
Hesai
dashecont
inuedt
oki
ssme
It
hinkmyl
i
pswer
eabi
tswol
l
enbynow.
Herubbedmyoutsi
deofmythighbef
or ehi
s
handshoot
supagaint
otakeoffmybr abutI
usedallmyst
rengt
handpushedhim offme.
Me:
JustSt
op.
I-
I'
m n-
notr
eady
.
Isai
dasIqui
ckl
ytr
iedt
ocov
ermychestwi
th
myhands.
Iswal
l
owedner
vousl
yasIbi
tmyl
i
p.
Heranhishandt
hroughhishairinwhati
assumedwasinfr
ustrat
ion/i
rr
itati
on
Hewasj
ustqui
et
Ipi
ckedupmyt
opandwor
eit
Me:
Ithi
nkIshoul
dgo.
Isai
dtohi
m bef
oreIgotupandheaded
towar
dsThedoor.
Hedi
dn'
tev
ent
ryt
ost
opme.
[
11/
09,
08:
18]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t43

WhenIgothomethatday
,It
houghtaboutwhat
hadal
mosthappened.
Iwascur
rent
lysit
ti
ngonmybed,brushi
ngmy
chi
nli
ght
lybecauseitki
ndahur
t.
Idon'
tunder
standwhyhewasmadatme.
Iwentt
omakesomethi
ngt
oeatforIt
henwhen
Iwasdone,
Idi
shedupf
orandat
ethenwentup
tomyroom f
oranap
Iwasgoi
ngtogotohi
shouseagai
ntomor
row
anddemandsomeanswer
s
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Heopenedupt hedoor,
onlyi
napai rofboxers.
Hehadj ustwokenupandIl ookedathismessy
bedhairthatsuit
edhim somehow.Hisey es
werehalfclosedhal
fopen.Het ur
nedar oundto
thr
owhi mselfonthecouch
If
oll
owedaf
terhi
m andcl
osedt
hedoorbehi
nd.
Thehousewasabi tmessyfrom yester
day
bot
tl
esthathasseemedt ohaveincreasedthe
number.Meani
ngthewer emoreoft hem now
andhedidn'
tbot
hertoclean
Me: Wereyouwi
thyourfr
iendsorsomethi
ng?
I
'm pret
tysur
eyoudidn'
tdri
nkalloft
hisby
yoursel
f.
Il
ookedathi
m asheclosedhi
sey
esandbur
ied
hi
sfaceundert
hecushion.
Hedidn'
tanswermebutinst
eadmumble
somethi
ngli
keheneededastrongbl
ackcof
fee.
SoIwentt
omakei
tforhi
m,j
usthowhewant
ed
i
t
Handi
ngittohi
m befor
eIsatdownnextt
ohi
m
andwatchedhi
mt akeasi
p.
Him:
Ilostmil
li
onswor t
hdeal
,ont
opoft hatt
wo
ofmymosttrustedguysar
edead.Youknow
whoisbehi
ndit?Lu.Thatf
uckenpieceofshi
t!
Hesaidashegr
it
tedhi
steet
hatt
hel
ast
sent
ence.
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
Me:
I-I
'
m sor
ry.
Him:Sorr
ydoesn' tcuti
tri
ghtnow,Ihateit
whensomet hingnorsomeoneget si
nt heway
ofmywor k.Her eal
lymessedmeupandI '
m
goi
ngtomesshi m uprealgoodwhenIf ucken
seehimthathe'llwisht
hathismamakepther
l
egsclosed.Ifonlyyoucouldhavekeptyour
mouthshut.
Me:Reece,
IknowwhatIdi
dwasami
stakeand
Ihav
ebeenapologi
zi
ng
Hi
m:Hemaar nAl
ona,
Yourfuckenapol
ogy
won'
tbr
ingbackmyguys.
Hesai
dashey
ell
edoutgl
ari
ngatme.
Ij
ustchoset
oi gnor
ehi
sat t
it
ude
someti
mes,r
ightnowIunderst
oodhi
m so
i
nsteadofst
arti
ngupafightwit
hhi
m.
Ideci
dedt
ogetupandcleanar
oundabi
tand
whenIwasdoneIwentuptohi
sroom.
AsIhadnotexpect
edi
t,hi
sbedwasnotmade.
Iqui
ckl
ypickedupallhiscl
othesthatwere
l
ayi
ngaroundandtookthem t
ot helaundr
y
r
oom.
Iwasint
hemiddl
eoftaki
nghi
sbedcov
er
hal
fwaydownwhenIcameacr
osssomethi
ng
Under
wear
.Notj
ustanyunder
wearbutagi
rl
s
Under
wear
,at
hong
Mybr
eat
hhi
tchedi
nmyt
hroatasIl
ookedati
t.
Looki
ngar
oundt
her
oom f
rant
ical
l
ynot
knowi
ngwhatt
odo
Icoul
dfeel
thet
ear
satt
hebr
im ofmyey
es.
Itookhi
sphonet
hatwaspl
acedont
hesi
de
andopenedi
t
Idon'
tknowwhatgoti ntomet oinv
adehis
pri
vacy,Iwasn'
treadyforwhatev
erIwasgoing
tocomeacr ossbutIjustneededtoknow
whateverri
ghtnow.Iwentt hr
oughhi s
messagesandal lIsawmost l
ywast hi
s
Thenji
swaname
WherehaveIheardt hatnamebefore?,
Itr
iedto
ponderoveri
tbef or
eapi ct
ureofthatgi
rlhe
wasargui
ngwi t
hwhenIwasathi shousewith
acoupleofhi
sfriendsaroundpoppedintomy
mind.
Icoul
dal
mostseehersmugl
ookon
Idi
dn'topenanymoreofhi
smessagesbutI
couldn'
thel
pnoti
cingt
hatt
hiswasn'
taonceof
thi
ng.
Ij
ustgotmadthatIendedupthrowi
ngi
tata
wall
,
makingi
tshatt
erintopi
eces.
Idi
dn'tknowwhatt
odo,
pul
l
ingatmyhai
rin
fr
ustr
ation
It
ri
edtocont
rolmybr
eat
hingbef
oreIhadone
ofmyast
hmaticmoment
s.
Iwasshaki
ngf
uri
ousl
y.Taki
ngt
heunder
wear
wit
htheti
pofmyfi
nger.
Iwal
kedwi
thi
ttot
hel
ounge
Me:
Tel
lThenj
i
swat
hatshef
orgott
his.
Isai
dasIt
hrewi
tonhi
sface.
Helookedati
tasitf
ell
downbef orel
ooki
ngat
mewi t
hhismouthopeningandclosi
ngatt
he
sametimenotknowi
ngwhatt osay.
Thati
swhenmytear
sst
artedtobet
ray
me,st
reami
ngdownmycheeks.
Iwi
pedthem f
uri
ousl
ywi
ththebackofmyhand
bef
oresnat
chi
ngmybagfrom besi
dehi
m and
r
unni
ngout
Iheardhi
m call
mynameaf
terbutIi
gnor
edhi
m
asIranoutbli
ndly
.
Idon'tknowhowIgothomebutIfoundmysel
f
coll
apsingontopofmybedandletsl
eep
overt
akeme.
Iwokeupwithaheadache,
myeyeswerei
tchy
andwhenIwenttolookatmysel
fonthemirr
or
att
hebathr
oom,Theywer eswol
l
en.
Iwashedmyfacewit
hcol
dwaterbef
ore
rummagingt
hrought
hecabi
net
sforpi
ll
s.
Itooktwobefor
epoppi
ngthem i
nmymout h
anddrankthem wi
thwat
erthenwentbackt
o
mybed.
Icoveredmysel
fwit
haf
leecewhi
l
eIst
ared
blankl
yint
ospace.
Iwast hi
nkinghard,
soengulf
edinmyown
thoughtsthatwhenmyIhear dmyphone'
s
ri
ngtoneitwaslikeitwasr
ingingf
araway
.
It
ooki
tandsqui
ntedmyey
est
oseewhowasi
t
I
fitwashi
mthenI
'
m sur
elynotpi
cki
ngup.
Butt
henitwasanunrecognisabl
e
number
.Putt
ingt
hephonet omyear.
"Iwasn'
tsureify
ouweregoingtopi
ckupona
unr
ecognisabl
enumberbutIwassur
eyou
weren'
tgoingt
opickupifIcal
l
edwit
hmine"
I
twasLu
Me:Whatdoy
ouwant?Yougotwhatyou
want
ednowwhatt
hefuckdoyouwant?
Iasked,
swear
ingf
ort
hef
ir
stt
imei
nmyl
i
fe.
Hi
m:You.
Hesai
d
Him:Iwanty ou.IknowIt ookwhatwehadasa
gamebutIr eali
sedthatlatelyyou'
reallIt
hink
about,Ihavebeenf all
ingfory ouandI'
m sorry
whathasbeenhappeni ngbetweenReeceand
I,
l
etitaffectyou.Youdi dn'tdeser
veitandI'
m
r
eal
l
ys-
Ihunguponhi m bef
orehecoul
dfi
nish,
Iwasn'
t
i
nt hemoodforhiscrapIhadbi
ggerthi
ngsto
wor r
yaboutr
ightnow.
Onl
yonepersonIwant
edt
otal
ktor
ightnow,
Mybrot
her
Imanagedtotypehi
snumberandIwasgl
ad
whenhepickedup
Hi
m:Baby?
Me:
I'
m noty
ourbaby
,Oz.
Isai
dasItri
edt
osmilebutf
ail
edmi
serabl
y
,goodt
hinghewasn'
tabl
etoseeme.
Hechuckl
ed.
Him:Youare.Ufunant
oniSt
handwasam ?I'
m
pr
ettysur
eIleftyouahugeamountofmoney
soitcoul
dn'
thaveranouti
nonlyt
wodays.
Me:
Idon'
twantany
thi
ng,
Imi
ssy
ou.
Hi
m:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokayt
her
e.?
HowIwishIcoul
dpouroutmyheartt
ohim
aboutt
hisal
soli
keev
eryt
hingel
seIshar
ewit
h
hi
m.
Swal
l
owi
ngt
hel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
Me:
Yes.Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Hi
m:I
'
m notr
eal
l
ysur
e,butsoon.Tr
ynott
o
mi
ssmemuch.
Wecont
inuedt
ochatt
il
lIr
anoutofai
rt
ime.
Iwokeupal i
tt
lebitl
atethefoll
owingdayf
or
schoolIf
orgott
osett healar
m.Iwentoutina
rushnotfor
gett
ingtosetthesystem.
Iwaswalki
ngacoupl
eoffeetawayf
rom my
housewhenIsawacarapproach
ButIpay
ednomi
ndt
oit
.
Idon'
treal
l
yknowwhathappenedbutIf
elt
someonemaskmewithawetr ang
GuessImusthavebreat
hedinwhatevert
hat
wasinther
ebecausethenextt
hingIknowI'
m
f
eel
i
ngdi
zzyt
henIbl
ackedout
.
[
11/
09,
08:
19]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t44

AsIcamet oconsciousness,
Myheadwas
hurt
ing.Manythoughtscamet omymindal
lat
once,Icoul
dn'
treal
l
ythinkclear
ly.
Myeyesroamedar
oundt heroom Iwasi
n,
my
hear
tnowbeati
ngsofastasIreal
i
sedIhadno
i
deawhereIwas
Myheartbeati
ncr
easedevenmorewhenI
coul
dn'
tseeClear
ly,
Iwasscar
ed.
Ther
oom wasdi
mlyl
i
t.
Itr
iedget
ti
ngupbuti
twasli
kesomethi
ngwas
holdi
ngmeback,
onl
ythenIr
eal
isedt
hatIwas
ti
edtoabed
Mysur r
oundingswerespinni
ngandmyhead
wouldn'
tstopt hr
obbi
ng.Iwastr
yingsohar
dto
t
hinkwhatact ual
lyhappened
Iwasgoi ngt oschool
,Iwasacoupleoffeet
awayf rom thehouse.
.It
hinksomeonecame
from behindandmaskedmewi t
hwi t
hawet
ragandIbl ackedout
Tearst
hreat
enedmyeyesasIcamet
othe
real
i
tyIwasfacedwi
th.
Iwant
edtoscream f
orhelpbuti
twasnouse
wit
hthethi
cknessofthewal
landmyweak
st
ateri
ghtnow.
Imanagedtosi
tupont
hebedaf terpausi
ng
nowandthenfr
om t
het
iredness.
I
tmustbetheaf
teref
fect
sofwhat
evert
he
per
sonmaskedmewi t
h
JustasIputmyheadont
hepi
l
low
Iheardthedooroft
heroom unl
ockandt
heni
t
wasclosedloudl
ybehi
ndandsomeone
appeared.
AToweri
ngf
igur
ewal kedi
ntother
oom.It
ri
ed
f
ocusi
ngonthefaceoftheper
sonbutf
oundit
near
lyimpossi
bleasmyheadwasspi nni
ngand
Iwasalsoseei
ngblur.Icouldmakeoutshort
hai
rcutintoaf
ade,verydarkblacksmal
leyes
andpier
cingonth-waitami nute
Me:
Lu?
Icroakedoutinasmal lvoi
ce,
Ifel
tbil
eri
seup
asIut ter
edmyf i
rstwordafterbei
ng
unconsciousbutquickl
yswallowedback..
Hi
m: Heyy
ou'
reawake?
,Ij
ustwant
edt
o
wel
comeyouhere
Hetol
dmeasifst
eal
ingmewast
hemost
nor
malthi
ngi
ntheworl
d.
Me:
W-Wher
eam I
Him:Oh,
mysecr
etpl
ace.Wher
enoonewi
l
lfi
nd
you.
Ithi
nkhe'sj
ustpl
ainpsy
chopat
handIt
ookhi
m
forgrant
ed
Hi
m:I'
m nopsycho.I
'
mjustamanr
evengi
ng
hi
sdeadbrot
her.
IguessImusthav
esai
dital
oud.
Me:
W-whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout?
Hi
m: Hedi
dn'
ttel
lyouwhatt
hisi
sal
labout?
Whatdi
dIexpectt
hough
Heaskedashechuckl
ed.
Hi
m: Hekil
ledmybrother.Reecekil
ledmy
br
otherandItwasallbecauseofadeal gone
wrong,Hekil
l
edhi
mj ustbecausehemessed
upsomedealandhewasbr aveenoughtodoit
i
nf r
ontofmeandtherewasnot hi
ngIcoulddo
Heshook
Him:HeknewIwasSmar tenought
onotgot o
thepoli
cebecausehe'
dalsokil
lme.Butwhat
hedidn'
tknowwast hatIwassmartenoughto
planmyr ev
enge.Hedidn'
tseemecomi ng.
Reece,
sendi
hambandi
fel
'i
zonozakhe.
Me:
Lupl
ease-
Hi
m:That
'swhatheal
sosai
dwhenhehad
beenhel
datgunpoi
ntbyReece,Hebeggedand
beggedf
orhi
slif
ebutital
lfel
li
ntodeafear
s.
Me:
WhatdoIhav
etodowi
thal
lthi
s?
Hi
m:You
Hesaidgr
azi
ngmycheekwi
tht
hebackofhi
s
hand.
Him:Youmustmeansomet hi
ngtohi m Forhim
todowhathedoesf ory oubecausefrom the
i
nformati
onIhav egatheredhe'
sfuckboywho
hasneversett
leddown,notonce.Untilhemet
you.Li
tt
le,
Beauti
ful
,I
nnocentAlona.Yourhis
weakness.Somepowery ouhavetheretobring
amanl i
kehim downt ohisfeet
.Idon'tblame
himthough
Hesaidbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
pashi
sey
est
rai
l
edup
anddownmybody
Hi
m:I
'
dal
sobedownf
ory
ou,
you'
rewor
thi
t.
Hewi
nksatme.
Me:
Heh-
hei
sgoi
ngt
ofi
ndme,
andwhenhe
doesyou'
rebet
termakes-sur
eyounotgoi
ngto
benearmebecauseyourassisgoi
ngtoget
burned
Hechuckl
ed
Hi
m: Awww.He'snother
eri
ghtnowishe.?,
he'
s
pr
obablyoutoft
hecount
rymakingnewdeal
s.
Iswal
l
owt
hel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
Me:
Mybr
other
..
Hi
m:We'
l
ljusthav
etowai
tandsee.
Hesaidasheextendedhi
shandt
obr
ushmy
hai
routofmyface
Me:
Don'
tyoudar
eputy
ourf
il
thyhandsonme.
Iyel
ledoutathi
mignoringthepaint
hatshot
thr
oughmyheadatt hatinst
ant.
Iquickl
ylookedt
heot
hersi
de,
myneckhur
ti
ng
atthemov e
Ibr
eat
hedoutheav
il
y,
Iwast
ir
ed.
Hi
m:Fi
l
thy?Youf
orget
ti
nghowt
heycoul
d
al
sogetyoutomoan,
howtheycomfor
tedy
ou
whenyour'
l
oving'
manwasnowheretobeseen.
Me:You(br
eathingout)ar
enothing.Youar
en'
t
goi
ngtogetnothing.
fr
om.tor
tur
ingme
Isai
d,al
mostunabl
etof
ini
sht
hesent
ence
Mybodywasgivi
ngoutandIhat
edf
eel
i
ng
weakandv
ulner
able
Hechuckl
ed.
Him: ButIam goi
ngtohav efunwithyouthough
.Nowher earemyr ul
es.Nof i
ghti
ngme.No
tr
yingtoescape.That'
sall,
Obeythem andyou
wil
l r
emainsafe.Iwon'thavetohurty
ouasl ong
asy ouli
stent
ome, underst
ood?
Hemusthav
etookmysi
l
encef
orananswer
.
Him:Sleep,
'
Pr i
ncess'
isi
t?Youaregoingt
o
needtheenergybecauseyouandIaregoi
ngt
o
havealotoffuntoget
her
.
[
11/
09,
08:
22]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t45
Wokenupwi thcol
dwaterthrownonmybody ,
I
don'tknowhowi j
umpedoutofbed. Icoughed
outv i
olent
ly,
Try
ingtowi
pet hewaterfrom my
facewi thmyhandssothatIcouldseeclearl
y.
Ther
estoodLuwi
thnowaempt
ybuckett
hat
wasoncefi
ll
edwi
thwat
er
Him:WakeupupPr i
ncess,t
imeforyoutodo
somethingwhi
lewewai tar
oundforyourkni
ght
i
nshiningarmour
.
Hesai
d,l
aughi
ngatt
heend
Ir
ubbedmywr
ist
s,Theyhadont
heser
edl
i
nes
IsowantedtocrynowbutIwasn'
tgoi
ngtogi
ve
himthesati
sfact
ionofseei
ngmeweak.
Him: Ther
e'sabathr
oom overt
he,
maybeyou
cantakeanothershowersi
ncethi
sonewasn'
t
proper?
Hi
m:Icanscr
uby
ourback?
Heof
fer
edashesmi
rkedatme
Get
tingupandheadingtowar
dsthesocal
l
ed
bat
hroom wi
thoutsayi
ngawor d
Iwasshi
ver
ingbecauseoft
hewetclot
hest
hat
st
ickedt
omybodyl i
keasecondski
n
Idi
dn'twantt
ot aket
hem off
,whati
fhecomes
i
nwhileI'
m naked?Whati ft
herewasacamera
somewherehere?IknowIwasbei ngdel
usi
on
butIwasn'
tatease.
Soinsteadoftakingmychances.Ichanged
i
ntocl eanclot
hingwhichconsi
stedofashi
rt
thatendedjustabovemyknees,brushedmy
teethandjustwipedther
eandthereandexit
ed
theroom.
Hi
m: Don'
tyoul
ookev
enmor
esexi
eri
nmy
cl
othes
Hel
ookedmeupanddown
Him:Letsgo,
Youar
egoi
ngt
ohav
etomake
LunchformyguysandI
Hesaidashedraggedmeoutoft her
oom to
whatIsupposewasakitchenaf
terwepassed
byagroupofguyswholookedli
ketobe
undr
essingmewiththei
reyes
Ij
ustwant
edt
ocr
awl
int
oacor
nerandhi
de.
Icookedwhathewant edmetocookandwent
toservethem bef
orehetol
dmetofil
li
nthei
r
glasses.
Iwasgoingtoputthetr
aywit
hthegl
asseson
thetabl
eandleav
ei tbutt
hensawaphone
l
ayingther
e
Iwasgoi
ngt
obesmoot
habout
Putti
ngthet r
aydown,
Iknockedoveroneofthe
glassesthatwher
efil
l
edwithbrandymaking
thecontentsspi
ll
out
Lu:
Yishi
tleuy
e'nzay
o!
Ij
umpedst
art
ledwhenhey
ell
edatme
Iapol
ogi
sedandquickl
ywenttot
akeanapki
n
andwenttowi
peitoff,
taki
ngt
hephonewi
ththe
napki
n.I
twasn'
twet
Iwentt
oputt
henapki
natt
heki
tchen
Me:
CanIgot
othebat
hroom ?
Hesnor
ted
Hi
m:Hamba.
IQuickl
yrushedt
othebat
hroom ,
cl
osi
ngt
he
doorbehindme.
Taki
ngthephonewithmytr
embli
nghands,
I
unl
ockedi
tandthankedgodwhenitdi
dn'
tneed
apassword.
Whoam Igoi
ngt
ocal
l?
Pressi
nginmybrot
hersnumber,Iwasaboutt
o
callhi
m bef
oret
hedoorwasabruptl
yopened
Knocki
ngmedownsi
nceIwasst
andi
ngbehi
nd
i
t
Looki
ngupataf
uri
ousLu,
Iswal
l
owedt
hel
ump
i
nmyt hr
oat
Iwasgoi
ngt
otakemychancesany
way
,qui
ckl
y
pressi
ngthecall
butt
onbefor
ethephonewas
snatchedoutf
rom myhandandbackslapped
Hi
m:Whatthefuckdoyouthi
nky oudoi
ng!
Di
dn'
tIwar
ny outonott
ryanyfunnyShi
t?
Heasked,
shout
ingatt
het
opofhi
slungs
Hesl
appedmeonceagai
nbef
oreheki
ckedmy
si
demakingmet
oppl
eover
Hecont
inuedt
orepeatedl
yhi
tmeandIcoul
dn'
t
st
andupformysel
f,
all
Ididwascr
y.
"
Youpi
eceofshi
t,I
'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lyou"
Ihear
daf
ami
l
iarv
oicesay
Tur
ningt
oseeMybr
othersnar
li
ngatLu.
Itwasn'
tacoupleofsecondswhenIhear
da
coupleofgunshotsf
ired,
comi
ngontheother
side.
Bef
oreIcoul
dponderoni
t
Iwaslooki
ngatOzwhoat
tackedLuwi
thabi
g
ri
ghtover
handpunch.
Lusteppedoutofr
angebutbef or
ehecould
bri
nghishandsuptodefendhimself,
Ozdrove
hisshoul
deri
ntoLu'
schestslammi nghimint
o
thewallwher
ehestart
edlandingsoli
dpunches
i
ntohisgut,
hehadstar
tedcoughingblood
Me:
Oz!
It
ri
edst
oppi
nghi
m.
Iwant
edtogetupandhol
dhim back,
Idi
dn'
t
wanthi
shandsget
ti
ngdir
ty
Iwasinsomuchpai n,
Il
ift
edmy sel
fup
supporti
ngwitht
hewal l
.Iwasbacktomyf
eet
butitwasn'
tforl
ongasIcol l
apsedand
ever
y t
hingwasblack.
•
•••
•
Waki
ngup,
Icoul
dn'
treal
l
yfeel
mybody
.Iwas
numb
Heari
ngthebeepi
ngsoundsofmachi
ne'
s,
Iwas
onceagai
natahospit
al.
Bet
tert
hanbei
nghel
dhost
agebyL-
Lu?Wher
eishe?Am Isaf
e?
Abruptl
ygett
inguphur
ti
ngmysel
fint
he
processbutIdi
dn'
tcar
eatt
hemoment ,
Ahand
heldmei npl
ace
"Al
ona,
Alonay
ou'
resaf
e.I
'
m her
e"
Tur
ningtoseeOz,
Isi
ghedinr
eli
ef.Hebrought
meinforahugasIsobbedonhischest.
Hi
m:You'
resaf
e.
Hekepttel
li
ngme.Af
terIhadcal
meddownabi
t
Iaskedhi
mt ot
ell
mewhathappened.
Him: ReeceandIwor kedt ogethertofi
nd
you,TheSmar twat cht hathegav ey ouprovides
l
ivelocati
onal i
nformat ion,andt hedevicehas
thecapabili
tytot r
ansmi taler
tt otheperson
whoi sconnect edtoi tifyouwanderof ffr
om
anypr e-
designatedsaf ezone, Italsohasapani c
buttonthatgivesy out heabi l
it
yt ocalloutfor
help,Youdidn'
tknowt houghI '
m surehewas
beingsneakyabouti t.Any wayReecegotan
al
ertonyourwher
eaboutt
henhecal
l
ed
me,fi
gur
edoutsomet
hing.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Hi
m: Don'tment
ioni
t,
it
'smyr
esponsi
bil
i
tyt
o
pr
otectyou.
Me:
W-whathappenedt
ohi
m?
Iwaitf
orhi
mtoanswerbef
oreIsawhi
sjaw
twi
tch.
Him:Beattheshitoutofhim,IswearIwas
goingtoki
llhim wi
thmyownbar ehands!But
thenIhadtoat t
endyousincey oublackedout
soIrushedy outothehospit
alandReecet ook
careofhim aft
erheworkedont heguysthat
werethere
[
11/
09,
08:
25]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t46

Reececameforanaft
ernoonv
isi
tthefol
lowi
ng
day,
Hebroughtmesomesweetstuffandall
.
Ij
ustwant
edtomeltr
ightt
henandt her
ebutI
woul
dn'
tgivehi
mthesati
sfacti
onofwinni
ng
meoverandfor
getwhathedid.
Akakay
igqi
bil
eyakhenoThenj
i
swaandr
ight
nowIwasconf
ront
inghi
m.
Reece:
IknowIshoul
dn'
thav
edonewhatIdi
d
wit
hherI'
m s-
Me:
Wasi
taonet
imet
hing?
Iaskedl
ookingst
rai
ghtaheadbutt
urnedt
o
l
ookathim whenhedidn'
tanswerme
Hisfacevoi
dofmot i
onmakingithardformet o
knowwhathei st
hinki
ngabouttosay.ButI
thi
nkt hi
sti
mearoundIknewv er
ywel l
,Itwasn'
t
afir
sttimeandri
ghtnowhedidn'tknowhowt o
tel
lme
Me:Howl
onghashasbeengoi
ngon?
Hi
m:I
tdoesn'
tmat
ter
Me:Itdoesn'
tmatt
erwhenyouhav
ebeen
sl
eepingwithsomegi
rlont
hesamebedthat
youforcemet osl eepinatnight.?Doyouknow
howdi sgusti
ngt hatsounds?Phi ndbenes'
bindi
sozakum uy aziubaonceIt ur
nmyback
yougot oher? ,
wasi tevenonlyher?Going
awayf oracoupleofday sandt hennotbother
totel
lme, Onl
yy ouknowi fyou'
renotbookinga
room atahot eltobewi thher.
Hi
m:I
'
m not
Ichuckl
ed
Me:GuessI
'l
lnev
erknow, t
henyougott
he
ner
vetobri
ngmeagi f
t,
thatwri
stwat
ch.
to
i
nstal
lsomedevi
ceonit
Hi
m:I
twasf
orsaf
etyr
easons.
Me: Andtoeasey ourinsecuri
ti
es!Whati fthi
s
wast ur
nedtheot herwayar ound,
IfIwasthe
onewhowassl eepingwi t
hsomeguy ,
I
fIwas
theonet ogowher everIwantedtowi t
hout
l
ettingyouknow,IfIwer etheonetoinstal
la
dev i
cetoknowabouty ourwhereabouts,
to
i
nv adeyourpri
vacy?Woul dn'
tyouhavehur t
me?
Hi
m:No.Youcheat
edandIf
orgav
eyou
Me: Easi
ly
.AndIwonderedwhybutnowIknow
iknow,youknewyouweredoingt
hesameon
theside,
onlywor
se.Whenyoufoundouti
t
somehoweasedy ourConsci
ous.
Hi
m:That
'snott
rue,
Alona.
Hetr
iedtouchi
ngmyhandbutImov
edi
taway
f
rom hi
sreach.
Him:Il
oveyou.Youar
etheoneIwant.We
matt
er.
Iam sorr
yfort
hepai
nthatIcausedy
ou
andus.
IknewifIf
orgav
ehim easi
l
yandjustf
orget
abouti
t,
hewasgoingtodoitagai
nandagain
Me:
Ineedabr
eak.
Hi
m:Fr
om ?
Me:You.From y
ouandev ery
thi
ngthatcomes
wi
th.
I'
mt i
redofever
ythi
ng,ever
ythi
ngthatI
'
ve
beent
hroughbecauseofyou.Ineveraskedf
or
i
tandIdidn'
tknowbeingwit
hy oucomeswi t
h
somanyp-
Hi
m:Youbr
eaki
ngupwi
thme?
Taki
ngi
nadeepbr
eat
h
Me:
Pleasel
eav
e.
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Me:
No.
ReeceIj
ustneedy
out
ost
ayaway
.
Hi
m:Bu-
Me:
Go.
Hi
m:Okay
.
Thatokaywasn'tthekindt
hatsaidI'
m okay
wit
hy ourdeci
sionbuttheonethatsai
ddo
whateverandI'
l
l see.
Hegotupandl
eft
.
Iwi
pedt
het
eart
hatf
ell
downf
rom myey
e.
Ihadt
odot
his.
Taki
ngabr eakfrom hi
m wast hebestt
hingto
donow.Thatcanguidemef rom wheret
ogo
fr
om herewit
houtthedist
racti
onandhurtthat
comeswi t
htal
kingtohim
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Pr
ett
ymucht
hewhol
eweekpassedby
Iwassl
owl
ybutsur
elyr
ecov
eri
ng,
nowf
rom
home.
Iwascatchinguponmyschoolwor
kandIwas
doi
ngprettywell
,
Iwasdedi
cat
edtoit
.
Ihadn'tseennort
alkedtoReecesi
ncet
hatday
atthehospital
andthatdidn'
tsi
twel
lwi
thme
butthenImademydeci sion.
Saturdayar ound6pm andIwasoutwi t
hmy
brother.Doi
ngal i
ttl
eshoppi
ngbecausewehad
j
ustr ecentl
ynot icedthatweranoutof
groceries.Typicalus
Af
terwedi
dtheshoppi
ngandtookthebagsto
hi
scar,
wedeci
dedtogoeatatspurbecausewe
st
il
lwer
elazyt
ocookandwewer
eti
red.
Wewerewalki
nginsi
detheentr
ancewhenwe
sawReece'
sbrot
herZane,
headi
ngout
HewasHol
dingav
erycut
eLi
tt
lebabyboy
Curl
yhai
r,
hi
sroundful
lcheeks.Li
tt
lepi
nkcut
e
pout
yli
psandthesehugeeyes
Hewassosmall
,IknowI'
veusedt
hewor
dso
muchbuthewasreall
yCUTE.
IcooedatthebabyasIwal kedto
them,gr
eet
edZanebef oremyat t
enti
onwas
focusedonthebaby,Traci
nghisbabyhai
rwit
h
theti
pofmyf i
nger.
Heopeneduphi
sti
nyar
msf
ormet
otake.
Me:
CanI?
Iaskedf
orper
missi
onf
rom Zane
Hi
m:Sur
e.
Idi
dn'
tcar
ethathewasonhiswayoutr
ight
now,
Ij
ustwantedthebaby
Igl
adl
ytookhi
mtomyar
ms,
cradl
i
nghi
m
Hef
itper
fect
lyandIdi
dn'
twantt
oletgoofhi
m.
Oz:Youshoul
dn'
thav
egivenhimtoher.Now
wegonstandher
eforpr
obablyanhourti
l
lsh-
Me:
Yourexagger
ati
ng
Zanechuckl
ed
Hi
m:Idon'
tmi
nd.Wenoti
nar
ush.
Me:
Great
.May
bewecansi
ttoget
hert
hen
Isai
dnotwai
ti
ngforhi
sanswerbutwentt
osi
t
atanemptyt
abl
efitf
orthr
ee
Ihear
dOzmumbl
esomet
hingl
i
ke'
See?
,It
old
you'
Iqui
ckl
ysatdownandst
aredatt
hebaby
.
Li
ght
lypi
nchi
nghi
sredcheeks,
theyweresoft
.
Hesmil
edupatmeshowingmehi stoot
hless
gums
Zane:
Wel
lthat
'saf
ir
st.
Me:
What?
Zane:Hedoesn'
treall
yli
kepeopl
ehe'snot
famil
i
arwit
h,fi
rstti
meseeingyouandheli
kes
you.
Me:
Wel
lthat
'sbecauseI
'
mli
keabl
e.
Zane:
Mhh.
..
Me:
What
'shi
sname
Hi
m:Khay
one.
Inod
Awai
tr
esscamear
oundandt
ookouror
der
.
Zanegothi
mselfadr
inkbecausehehad
al
readyeat
en.
Ihadorder
edbur
gerandf
ri
eswi
thasmoot
hie
formysel
f.
Iwasaboutt
otakeaf
rief
rom mypl
atebut
Khay
onebeatmetoit
.
Iwat
chedhi
sti
nyhandhol
dingi
t,
bri
ngi
ngi
tto
hi
smouthashetr
iedt
ochew.
Me:
Ishey
our
s?
Henods
Me:
HowcomeIdon'
tknowabouthi
m
Zane:
Younev
erasked.
Ir
oll
myey
esathi
m.
Ozexcusedhi
msel
ffr
om t
het
abl
eashi
sphone
r
ang.
Ij
ustst
ayedwi
thZane
Hi
m:So.
.
Hest
art
ed,
Looki
ngupathi
m.
Hi
m:Whenl
astdi
dyouseehi
m.
Me:
Who?
Hest
aredatme,
wai
ti
ngf
ormet
ocat
chon
Me:
May
beaweekorso
Ishr
ugged
Hi
m: Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngf
ixt
hings,
hav
en'
tyou
f
orgi
venhi
m?
Me: Thisisnotonl
yabouthim cheati
ngon
me.I'vebeenthr
oughalotbecauseofhim, Being
withhim putsmeindangerandIdon' twant
that.Idon'
twanttoli
veinfearofhisenemi es
comi ngafterme.
Hi
m: It
hinkyouwereboundtobeindanger
wi
thorwi t
houthimint
hepict
ure.whathe
i
s,
yourbrotheri
s..
Isi
ghed
Me:ButIt
hinkt
aki
ngabr
eakf
orhi
mist
hebest
opt
ion.
Hi
m:I
sthaty
ourwayofbr
eaki
ngupwi
thhi
m?
Wasi
t?
Combingkhay
one'
ssof
thai
rwi
thmyf
inger
s,I
keptqui
et.
Hi
m:You'
ret
urni
nghi
m backAl
ona
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Hi
m:He'
sbeendoi
ngwel
ltr
yingt
ochangef
or
you,
I'
veseeni mprovementandnowhe'sgonna
gobackt othatsameol dReece.Al
onajustgi
ve
him achance,Justbearwit
hhim.You'
vedoneit
j
ustholdonal i
tt
lebitl
onger.
Me:He'
stheonewhomessedup,
heneedst
o
l
ear
nhislessonandk-
Butbef
oreIcoul
dfi
nishwhatIwassayi
ng,
Isaw
Mybrothermakehi
swaybacktothetabl
e.
Oz:Thatsaucemustbegr
eateh?Newv
an
spur?
Heaskedl
ooki
ngatmypl
ate
Fol
l
owi
nghi
sgazet
oseewhathewasonabout
Khay
one'
sbabyv
omi
tdr
izz
ledonmyf
ri
es.
Me:Iknewy ouweren'tgoi
ngt obesweetl
ike
youlook,
whatdidIexpectt hough?Youhave
ReeceandZane'sbloodrunningthr
oughyour
vei
ns.You'
renasty
,butstil
lcuteany
way.
Imumbl
ed
Ihear
dtheguy
schuckl
e
Iwi
pedhi
sti
nymout
hwi
thanapki
n
[
11/
09,
08:
29]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t47

Ihadmademydeci sion,
Iwasgoingtof
orgi
ve
Reece.IknowIl
ovedhi mthatmuchtotr
yput
whathappenedbehindusandcarryonwit
ha
wayforward.
Aft
erIcamefr
om chur
chSunday
,Iwentback
homebefor
eItookacabt
ohishouse.

Heopenedup,
everi
nhi
sboxer
s.
ThewayhelookedgoodngakhonaIswearit
brokemyheartbecausei
tsl
i
kewhathappened
betweenus,
thetensi
ondi
dn'
tbothernoraf
fect
hi
m.
Bi
ngasendi
j
ikendi
mnkengosendil
aphaand
gocarr
yonwit
hmyl i
fel
i
keheisdoi
ngbecause
i
t'
sclearthatIwast
heonl
yonewhowas
miser
able.
Me:
Hey
Igr
eet
edhi
m,I
twej
ustawkwar
d.
Henod.
Me:Iuh-um (
cleari
ngmythroat
)justcameby
tocheckupony ou,
butII
-seeyou'
reokaysoI
'l
l
beonmywayback.
Isai
d,bendisi
fazint
loni(Iwasdyi
ngof
embarrassment)
WhatwasIdoi ngher
eagai
n?
BecauseThisper
sonr i
ghther
ewasnot
aff
ectedbymypresence.
Turni
ngtol
eavebutwasst
oppedbyhi
shand
thatf
oundi
t'
swaytomywai st
Hetur
nedmear ound,
pul
l
ingmei
nsi
deand
cl
osi
ngthedoorshut.
Hepushedmybackonitbefor
ehi
sbodywas
cl
osetomine,
hel
ookeddownatmef ora
momentbefor
eheputhisl
ipsonmine,
hi
shand
f
ist
ingmyhai
r
Heki
ssedmehungr
il
y.
Thekisssai
dal
otofunspokenwords,
he
missedmeandallheneededri
ghtnowwasme
Ipul
l
edawayt
ocat
chmybr
eat
h,Il
ookedupat
hi
m
Hi
m:Imi
ssedy
ou
Hesaidbef
orehecr
ashedhi
sli
psonmi
neonce
agai
n.
Henowhadbot
hmyl egswr
appedaroundhi
s
t
orsowhi
l
ehishandswerej
ustundermybut
t
I
ntimat
eposi
ti
onr
ightt
her
eandwehav
enev
er
beenli
ket
hat
.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
out
oo
Isai
dbr
eat
hlessl
y
Hebur i
edhi
snoseont
hecr
ookofmy
neck,
taki
ngmein
Hi
m:Thenwhydi
dn'
tyoucome
Me:Yout
heonewhowassupposedt
odot
hat
notme
Him:Iwasgiv
ingy
ouy
ourper
sonal
space,
what
youwanted
Me:JustbecauseIsayIwantsomethi
ng
doesn'
treal
l
ymeanIwanti t
,Ij
ustwant
edyout
o
fi
ghtme.
Hechuckl
es.
Hi
m:NowIknow
Hesaidashehadhisf
ingeronmythet
opof
mydress,
peeki
nginsi
deitatmybr
a
Hebi
thi
slowerl
i
p.Iswathi
shandawayand
r
emovemysel
ffr
om hi
m andtheposi
ti
onIwas
i
n.
Iwast
hir
sty
.
Headi
ngtowardshi
skitchen,
Ipourmy
sel
fa
gl
assofwaterandsatdown
Hewat
chedmyev
erymov
e.
Me:
Yint
o?
Him:Ngakheul
i
ngePr
incessut
het
henam
kanj
alo.
Hesai
dhi
sfaceal
way
svoi
dofemot
ion.
Hi
m:Soy
oucameher
etocheckuponmeonl
y?
Ishr
ug
Me:
Whatel
sewer
eyouexpect
ing?
Hi
m: Maybetoheary
ousayyoufor
giv
emef or
whatIdi
d,i
tcoul
dactual
l
yputmeatpeacewit
h
mysel
f.
Isi
ghedandr
eleasedmybr
eat
h.
Me:
I'
veal
readyf
orgi
veny
ouReece.
Hi
m:Real
l
y?
Inod
Hi
m:Younothol
dinganygr
udge?
Ishookmyhead
Hesmi
l
edatme
Me: Justsoyouknowifyoudoitagai
nI'
llt
ake
specialshoot
ingl
essonsandI'
l
l ki
l
lyou.
Hechuckl
ed,
rai
singhi
shandupi
nsur
render
Hi
m:It
hinkI
'
mrubbi
ngof
fony
ou.
Hesmi
rked.
Me:
Noy
ounot.
Him: OkaythenI
'
dli
ketorubony ouri
ght
now,youlookyummyinthatt
ightassfi
tt
ing
dress.
Hesai
dbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p
Coveri
ngmyfacewit
hbothmyhands,
Ithi
nkmy
cheekshadt
urnedadar
kershadeofr
ed
Iheardhi
mlaughatme,
OhhowImi
ssedt
hat
sound.
Hecatcheshisbr
eat
hbef
orehetol
dmet
hathe
want
edt oshowmesomethi
ng.
Pi
cki
ngmeupbr
idal
sty
le,
het
ookmeupst
air
s.
Tohi
sroom.
Openi
ngt
hedoorandcameintovi
ewhisr
oom
t
hatwasnowredecor
ated/
renov
ated.
Itl
ookedgreattoapointwhereIwasev en
afr
aidtolooknortouchanyt
hingbecauseitf
elt
l
ikeitwouldbreakorIwoul
dr ui
nit
.
Hehadonnewf
urni
tur
e,ev
ent
hebedwasnew
Hi
m:Sowhatdoy
out
hink?
Tur
ningt
olookathi
m
Me:
It'
s.
.Wow.Hav
enowor
dsf
ori
t.
Isai
dmymout
hagape,
amazedbyt
hebeaut
y.
Him:NoOthergi
rli
sev
eral
l
owedher
ebesi
de
you.Imeani
t.
Hewhi
sper
edt
omyear
.
Ij
ustnod,
notwant
ingt
osayany
thi
ng.
Hehuggedmefr
om behi
nd,br
ingi
ngmecl
ose
upt
ohimt of
eel
hiswarmth.
Isnuggl
edupt
ohi
m ev
enmor
e.
Hi
sphonev
ibr
atedonhi
spocketheanswer
edi
t.
Wai
ti
ngf
orhi
m
Hi
m:Zanei
sbyt
hedoor
.
Me:
Ishewi
thKhay
one?
Helookedatmehi
sey
ebr
owst
urnedupi
n
conf
usion
Hi
m:Howdoy
ouknowhi
m?
Me:IwaswithOztheot
herdayandwemetup
wi
ththem atspur
.
Isai
dhur
ri
edawayt
o
Openedt
hedoor
.
Seeingthelit
tl
eguy ,
healsosawmeandhe
squealedexcitedl
ydoingthatshar
pbaby
scream thatal
mosthur tyourear
s.
Iqui
ckl
ytookhi
m.
Si
tt
ingdownandstari
ngathi
m ador
abl
y.I
ki
ssedbot
hhischeeks
Li
ght
lyt
ickl
i
nghi
ssi
dessot
hatIcoul
dhearhi
m
gi
ggl
e.
Zane:
Soy
ouguy
sfi
nal
l
ytal
kedi
touthu?
Ihear
dhi
m ask
Reece:Yeah,
andwewerenowinthemiddl
eof
tr
yingoutournewbed,
unti
lyoudi
stur
bedus
Hesai
dsit
ti
ngbesi
deme,
hishandr
ubbi
ngt
he
smal
lofmyback.
IShr
uggedhi
m of
fl
Me:
Susi
phaza'
misa
Hi
m:Yo!
,
theni
ngat
hiuzan'
that
hel
indawosani
?
Heaskedt
ickl
i
ngt
hebaby
Zane:
Dudeweneedt
otal
k.
Reece:
About?
Zane:
Givo,
Youknowhe'sbeenarr
est
edandwe
needarepl
acement
,hav
eany onei
nmind?
Reece:
I'
m n-
Befor
ehecouldfi
nish,
helookedatmeasIgot
uptogowhereversothatIcoul
dgivet
hem
pri
vacy.
Reece:
Uyaphi
?
Me:
Toy
ourr
oom
Hel
ookedatmear
chi
nghi
sey
ebr
ow
Reece:
Hlal
aphant
siAl
ona.
(si
tdown)
Me:
ButIwan-
Reece:
Alona.
Si
tt
ingdown.
Iwasfor
cedtoli
stentothei
rgangdeal
i
ngs.I
t
wasn'
tpret
tyni
ceifyouaskme.
[
11/
09,
08:
31]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t48

Thewasaknockatt
hedoorandZanewentto
open,
i
ncameacoupleofguysand-Thenj
i
swa.
Ibi
tthei
nsi
deofmycheekkeepi
ngmy
sel
ffr
om
snor
ti
ng.
Theyal
lgr
eet
ed
Shef
lashedReecesomel
ookbef
oreshegl
ared
atme
Ij
ustsi
mplyignoredherandcont
inuedt
oplay
wi
thKhayone'sbabyhairashewaspeacef
ull
y
sl
eepi
ng.
Me: Shoul
dIputhi
mint
hebedr
oom ory
ouon
yourwayout?
Iaskedl
ooki
ngatZane
Hi
m:Puthi
mtobed,
please?
InodasIgotupandmademywayupst
air
s
whenIhear
dThenji
swamumbl
esomethi
ngli
ke
"Act
ingli
ket
heper
fectgi
rl
fr
iendwheny
oucan'
t
evengiv
eitt
ohim"
WhenIcameback,
Isatdownnextt
oReeceas
hesnuggl
edmeupclose
Thenj
i
swa:
Wear
edi
scussi
ngbusi
ness,
Whyi
s
sheher
e?
Sheaskedspi
tt
ingv
enom
Reece:
Youi
nnoposi
ti
ont
obeaski
ngmeshi
t.
Thenj
iswa:
ButI
'
mint
heposi
ti
ont
obeont
op
ofyouhu?
Sheaskedl
ooki
ngatmebefor
esmi
rki
ngatme
asIl
ookedather,
unbel
i
evabl
e.
Her:
What?Itai
n'
tnosecr
ett
hatwheny
oucan'
t
gi
veitt
ohi
m hecomestome.
Shepoint
ingt
oher
sel
fwi
thherf
akemani
cur
ed
fi
nger
ed
Shecont
inuedt
opushmybut
tons.
Her
:Whatdi
dheexpectf
rom ahi
ghschool
gir
l
any
way.
Iwassofedupwit
hher
,Igotupandwentt
oher
assheal
sostoodup
Ithappenedi
nslowmot i
on.Myfistmade
connecti
onwithherov
erlygl
ossedmouth
maki
ngherst
umbl
eandf
all
onherass
Igl
aredather
,f
eel
i
ngmyangerr
isewi
thi
nme
Her
:Youpunchedme
Shescr
eamedassheputherf
akemani
cur
ed
handoverherbl
oodyl
i
p
Me: YeahIdi
d,IIwi
lldoi
tagaini
fyoudon'
tshut
yourcocksuckingSTDinf
ectedmouth.
Shegotupandbef
oreIknewi
tshesl
appedme
I
tstungbutIhadnotimetonur
sei
tasIjumped
onherknockingherbackt
othegr
ound
I
fanybodyaskedmeWhatgotmet
ofi
ghther
,I
won'
tanswer.
ThewayIf
eltr
ightnowIwasr
eadyt
obeather
ass
Asmybodyst raddleherIpoundedmyf i
ston
herface,
Ihear
dherscr eam onceagai
nand
tr
iedtoclawmyf acebutIpushedherhands
away
Andbeganswi ngi
ngpunches.Ididn'tknow
wherethi
ssurgeofenergycamef r
om butallI
knewwast hatIwaspissed.Pissedfortheway
mylif
ehasbeent urnedupsidedowni nthelast
week.
Icontinuedtopoundmyf i
stonhernowbr
uised
facetil
lIfel
tmybodybeingli
ft
edupastwo
strongarmswr appedar
oundmyar mshol
ding
them downmysi des
Me:
GETOFFME!
,
I'
M NOTDONE!
Him:Youar
edoneAl
onacal
m down,
thi
sisn'
t
you
Ihear
dReecef
ir
mlysay
Sur
eitwasn'
t.
Her
:Youbet
tercalm downt
hatpsychot
ic
whor
eofagirl
fr
iendofyour
s,shebr
okemyli
p?
Me:You'r
eluckythat
'st
heonlythi
ngI
br
oke,bel
iev
emeIcoul dhavedonemuchmor e
worse,
li
keunplast
eri
ngyourfakesaggyboobs
Isai
dasIt
ri
edget
ti
ngt
oher
Reece:
ALONA!
Her:Whatthehel
ldi
dyoueverseei
nher
Reece?,Sheiscr
azyandaslut!
Me:Takeonetoknowone,I
'
venev
eropenedup
mylegsforany
one.Ihav
emoreselfwor
ththan
you.
Turni
ngonmyheels,
Iwal
kedoverwher
emy
thi
ngswereandt
ookthem bef
oremaki
ngmy
wayout.

Iwasf eel
i
ngnumbandemot ionl
esswhenI
reachedmyhouseandIwasgl adwhenIdi
dn'
t
seemybr otherany
wher
e,Ij
ustwantedt
obe
alonenow
Goingt
omyr oom f
oraquickr
efr
eshi
ngbat
hto
removeanyt
racesofhersmel
lonme
Ihadwrappedatowelar
oundmybodyasI
star
edmy sel
fonthemir
ror
Istoodther
etry
ingtodigestwhathad
happened.Thepersonbackther
ewasn' t
me,whathappenedbackt her
e?Al lIknewwas
thatIsawredwhenshest art
edrunningher
mout h.
Whateverhappenedbackther
esetf
ree
somethingthatwasi
nsideme
Ihadwornmysleepwearaf
terIl
oti
onedand
wasaboutt
otakeanapwhenmyphonest art
ed
vi
brat
ing
Ipi
ckeditupandi
twasReecet
ell
i
ngmehe
wasoutside.
Iwor
emysl
eeper
sandheadedout
.
Hewasl
eani
ngonhi
scar
,Ist
oodi
nfr
ontofhi
m
Hewassi
l
entf
oramoment
.lbef
orehespoke.
Him: Whathappenedbackther
e,TskTsk.I
don'
twantt oeverseeyoubehavi
ngli
ke
that
,ever
.Umamel eAlona?.
Me:
I'
m donel
ett
ingpeopl
ewal
kal
lov
erme,
I
'm
noonesdoormat
.AndI
'm goi
ngtost
andupf
or
mysel
f,
star
ti
ngwit
hyouandyourwhores
Isai
dfol
dingmyar
msonmychest
I
'
m donewi
thpeopl
etaki
ngadv
ant
ageofme
Hegav
emehi
susual
sini
stersmi
rk.
Him:Pri
ncess!Youdon'
tknowhowf ucki
ng
sexyyoulookedpunchi
ngher.Ididn'
tknowyou
haditi
nyoubutsoy ouknowify ouevertr
y
somethi
ngl i
kethatt
omeI '
l
lfuckenm-
Me:
You'
l
lwhat
.?
Ichal
l
enged
Iurgedhimtocont
inueashest
oppedmi
d
sentence.
Hedidn'
tanswerme,
Ilookedupathi
sbr
own
cal
culat
ingey
es.Hi
sfacestoi
c.
Hi
m:Fucken'
stopwi
thy
ourAt
ti
tude.
Ismil
edsweet
lyathi
m,Takingastepcl
osert
o
him.Il
if
tmyhandupcuppinghis
cheek,
Reachi
ngupandpl
aci
ngaki
ssonhi
sli
ps.
Taki
ngmyhandof fhi
scheek,
Ibr
oughti
tback
andslappedhi
m ashar
dasIcould
[
11/
09,
08:
33]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t49

Reecestoodtherest
ung.Hi
sfacewassti
l
lto
thesi
deafterthesl
apandaft
erafewseconds
helookedatme
Hehadhishandfi
rmlycl
aspedaroundmyar
m
ashebroughtmecloset
ohim sohecoul
d
whi
sperinmyear
Hi
m: Thatsl
ap,afr
eepassbutnextt
imebe
pr
eparedfort
heconsequences.
Hesaideachwor dsoslowandtheslowerhe
sai
ditthemor ehewasputt
ingpressuret
omy
arm,gett
ingnearandneari
ndisarmingme.
"
Letgoofher
"
Ihear
dMybr
other
'sv
oicesaybehi
nd,
hewasi
n
hi
scarandt
hecarwi
ndowr
oll
eddown.
Reecel
ookedathi
m.
Heletgoofmyar
m,qui
ckl
yrubbi
ngi
tasi
twas
sor
e
Iswearhi
shandwasmadeofi
ron.
Iwat
chedhi
m ashegoti
nhi
scaranddr
oveof
f
Iheadedinsi
deandquickl
ywentupthest
air
s
wit
ht hemeansofav
oidingmybrot
her.
"
Alona"
Ther
egoesmypl
an.
Turni
ngsl
owl
yIwentt
ohi
m,si
tt
ingdownont
he
couch.
Hi
m:Kuqhubekant
oni
?(Whati
shappeni
ng)
Swal
l
owi
ngt
hel
umpi
n
Hi
m:Hehi
tyou?
Ishookmyhead
I
tseemsl
i
keIl
ostmyv
oice
Hi
m:Thenwhathappenedt
oyourcheek?
Me:
Igoti
naf
ight
.
Hesnor
ted
Him: Goti nafightagain?Kut hen'i
ngathii
zoba
sis'
qhel olentoyakhoAl ona.Ubukadeungekho
njeAl ona, sl
owlybutsur elyy ou'
rechangingfor
bett
erorwor se.Eversincey oumethi my ou
haven'tbeent hesame, thingshav en'tbeenthe
sameAl ona.(Whydoy oumakeoutt hi
s
fi
ghti
ngt hi
ngt obey ournor mal ?,y
ouwer en'
t
l
ikethisAl ona,sl
owlybutsur elyyou'
rechanging
forbetterorwor se.Eversi ncey oumethi my ou
haven'tbeent hesame, thingshav en'tbeenthe
sameAl ona)
Hesai
drunni
nghi
shandonhi
sface,
hewas
t
ir
ed.
Him:Ar
eyouhappy?Doeshemakey
ou
happy?
Hi
m:Al
ona,
pleaset
alkt
ome.Iwon'
tj
udge.
Me:Ther
eisnot
hingt
otal
kabout
,wej
usthada
mi
sunderst
andi
ng.
Hegr
it
tedhi
steet
h.
Hi
m:Idon'
twantt
olosemyl
i
ttl
esi
ster
.
Me:
Younotl
osi
ngmeOz
Isai
dsnuggl
i
nguptohi
sside,
rest
ingmyhead
onhissi
dewhil
eIwr
appedmyar msonhi
s
tor
so.
Hi
m:Buty
ouar
elosi
ngy
our
sel
fAl
ona
WasI?
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Fr
idayev
eni
ng.

Ihat
edbei
ngtheonewhoalwayshadtogoto
hi
shousewhenwehadafightorsomethi
ng
Buti
nthi
scaseIr
eal
lydi
dn'
tmindbecauseI
wastheonewhowaswrong.
Ishoul
dn'
thav
erai
sedmyhandathi
m.
Iwenttohi
shouseandf
oundhi
m sweat
inghi
s
assoffi
nhisGym.
Ij
ustst
oodt
her
eandwat
chedhows-
.

REECE'
sPOI
NTOFVI
EW.

Myf i
stspoundedonthel
eat
herbag.
Thesweat
fr
om myf oreheadr
andownmyfacebutIj
ust
bl
inkeditaway.
ThewayShepi
ssedmeof
fonpur
posemade
meseered.
Thehorri
blet
hingsIwaspicturi
nginmyhead
wouldscareanyonei
ftheywer etoreadmy
mind.
Pain,
tort
ureandanypossiblepunishment
forwhatshedidthenightbefore.
Didshereal
l
yt hi
nkshecoul
ddowhat evert
he
fuckshewanted.Di
dsheforgett
hatIcankil
li
n
aninstantwi
thoutremor
se?Justl
i
keIwas
thoughtbymyf at
her.
I
sshethatf
ucki
nstupidt
hatshethi
nksshecan
pushmetomylimi
t..
thebr
eakingpoi
nt?
Orshe'
sdoingitbecausesheknowsshe'sgot
somesortofpowerov erme.OnetouchandI'
d
for
gett
hatIwaspi ssed.
She'
smyf ucki
ngaddicti
onwhi chIhateto
admit
,Ever
ythi
ngaboutherdr i
vesmei nsane.
Herl
ooks,body,
temper,
sarcasm thenher
i
nnocence.

Shewasher
e

Itookofft
heboxi
nggl
ovesandheaded
towardsher
IwatchedassheSwal
l
owedt
hel
umpi
nher
thr
oat
Shewasscared,
sheshoul
dbe.ButIwasn'
t
goi
ngtohurther
,I
'
veputhert
hroughsomuch
andshedoesn'
tdeser
veit
.
Ismi
rkedather
Hi
m:Pr
incess
Ist
oodinfr
ontofher,
brushi
ngherhai
routof
herf
ace.
Shef
li
nched.
Me:
Reece.
Shesai
dal
mostst
utt
eri
ng.
Her
:LookI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryf
-
Me:
Shhh
Isai
dputti
ngmyf i
ngeronherpi
nkplump
l
ips,
removi
ngitbef
oreIleanedf
orwardand
peckedherl
ips.
Iputmyhandunderhert
ankt
op,
runni
ngmy
fi
ngeronherbr
ali
ne.
Her
:Reece.
Shet
ri
edst
oppi
ngme.
Nah- ah.Iwasn'
tgoi
ngtoletgot
hist
ime
around.Shegottogetusedtomehtouchi
ng
herinti
mately.
Me: Keepsay
ingmynameli
ket
hatandyou'
llbe
spreadoutonmybedwit
hmyfaceIn-
between
yourlegs
Ismir
kedasIlookedathershocked
expr
essi
on,
thethingsshedi
d.
She'
ssof
uckencut
eforherowngood.
Me:Iwanttodomyl
astwar
m upandIwant
youtohel
pme
Hesmi
rked
Me:
How.?
Takeof
fyourshi
rt
,Idon'
twanti
ttogetwetwi
th
mysweat.
Isai
d
Me:
Ist
hatanexcuset
oseemy
(pause)
..
br
east
s?
Ishr
ugged
Me:Idon'
tneedanyexcusest
oseey ourbody,
I
coul
dmakey oustr
ipt
hem ri
ghther
eandt hen.
Sher
oll
edherhugeey
esatmyst
atement
.
Sheswif
tl
ytookitoffandIwatchedherasIbi
t
mylowerli
pcheckingherout
She'
ssexy
Hi
m:Li
eony
ourback
Isai
dasImot
ionedatt
hegy
m mat
Her
:Why?
Hi
m:Justdoi
t
Shedi
dasShewast ol
d,l
ayi
ngonHerback
st
rai
ghtandhersmal
lhandsbal
l
edonherside
Iwentt
ost
andbyherf
eet
Hi
m:Bendy
ourkneesandspr
eady
ourl
egs
Me:
Whatki
ndofwor
kouti
sthi
s?
Sheaskedconf
used
Me:
Justawar
m up
Isai
ddroppingt
omykneesbetweenherlegs,
I
l
eanedforwardandpl
acedmyhandsonei t
her
si
deofherheadkeepi
ngherf
rom anychance
ofescape.
Iwassocl
oset
hatIcoul
dfeel
ourwar
mth
Iwasgoingt
odopushupsr
ightov
erherand
ri
ghtbet
weenherl
egs
I
'
m onenaught
yfuckerhu?
Ikeptdoi
ngpushups
Igri
nnedatherhotcheeksandherner
vous
breat
hs
Istoppedmov i
ngandhover
edov
erher
,Icoul
d
feelherer
rat
icbeat
inghear
t.
Me:Isti
ll
can'
tgetov
erthefactt
haty
ouf
ucken
r
aisedy
ouhandatmey est
erday.
Isai
dremi
ndi
ngherIhav
en'
tfor
got
ten
Me:
That
'swhyI
'
m her
etoapol
og-
Idi
dn'
tl
etherf
ini
sh.
Ifi
rml
ypressedmyl
owerhalfonhers.Ihear
d
herwi
nceassheshutherey
esclose.
Letmef
orgetabouti
tandenj
oyt
hismoment
.
Pr
essingmyl i
psagainsther
spossessi
vel
y,I
sl
i
ppedmyt onguei
nsidehersweetl
it
tl
e
mouth,t
ast
ingeachandev er
ycorner
Idr
oppedmyli
pst
othetopofherlef
tbr
east
nev
erremov
ingmyeyesfr
om her
Me:
Theyar
elov
ely
Ki
ssi
ngsof
tl
yri
ghtabov
eherbr
a
Me:
AndI
'
m goi
ngt
owor
shi
pthesegi
rl
s
Iki
ssedherr
ightbr
east
IheardhermoanasIsuckedherski
nhar
d
l
eavingmymar kst
il
latt
heedgeaboveherbr
a.
I
twaski
l
li
ngmenott
ohav
eher
.
Isl
i
ppedmyt
onguej
ustunderherbr
a
Ihear
dhermoanonceagain,t
hrowi
ngherhead
backandt
angl
ingherf
ingersinmythi
ckhair
Her
:Reece
Shesai
dsof
tl
ywi
thherey
escl
osed
Myar
ousedd*
*khi
tthesi
deofhert
high
Imovedmyhandhol
dingherwai
stdownt
oher
ass
"Reece"shewhi
sper
edoutofbr
eat
h.
Me:
Don'
tbescar
ed
Il
eanedov
erherandki
ssedhercheek
Me:
Iwon'
tgoanyf
urt
her
,Doy
out
rustme?
Iki
ssedhernose,
facet
ryi
ngt
ocal
m herner
ves
Shenods
Ismir
kedandqui
ckl
ykissedheronceagai
n.
Pushi
ngherl
egsapar
tandsettl
edmybody
bet
weenthem
Icuppedoneofherbreastsi
nmyhandand
gentl
yappli
edpressur
etoitasmyotherhand
l
ightl
ytr
ail
eddownherst omachandsl
idit
i
nsidetotouchherpar
t
Moani
ngf
rom t
hel
i
ghtpr
essur
eIwasappl
yi
ng
Herunevenbr
eat
hsandwhi
mper
sfi
l
ledt
he
si
lence
Myownbr eat
hali
ttl
eheavierasIheldmysel
f
upwithonefor
ear
m, Il
eanedov erasmuchas
possi
ble
Mybarechestbr
ushedherheav
ingbreastssti
l
l
cov
eredwit
hherbra,
Iwasn'
tgoingt
ot akeitof
f
Myhandhadn'tlef
tthespoti
nbet
weenherl
egs
asIcont
inuedtomassageit
Her
:St
op
Ichuckl
edasherhi
psr
aisedt
omeetmyhand
anyway
Sheconti
nuedtoshov
emyshoul derstogetof
f
herbutsti
ll
li
ft
edherhips,
shedi
dn'tknowwhat
sher
eal
l
ywant
ed
Myey
esbrief
lystar
edatherf
acet
hatwas
sl
i
ght
lysweaty.
Ismirked,
pleasedatmy
sel
fforget
ti
nghert
his
far
,defyi
ngshei s.
Thi
sbeingherver
yfi
rstor
gasm al
lcour
tesyof
mytal
entedfi
nger
s
Iwatchedassheclosedherey
es,
si
ghi
ngwhen
myhandslidawayf r
om t
heoncemost
unt
ouchedpartofherbody
Me:
Howdoy
ouf
eel
,
pri
ncess.?
Her
:sl
eepy
Shesai
d,Aweaksmi
l
eli
ft
ingonhernow
swol
lenl
ips
Ichuckl
ed
Ipressedmylipsagainstheri
nasoftandbr
ief
ki
ss,Sti
llwear
ingadrowsysmi l
ewhil
eher
breathi
ngbecamemor erel
axedandmyhand
r
est
edonherhi
p
Shesquint
edherey
esasifshewasseei
ngt
he
l
ightagai
nfort
hefi
rstt
imeinhour
s.
Iwasgladwhenshedi
dn'
tfr
eakoutt
hatshe
waslayi
ngundermybodywi
thonl
yher
under
garment
son
Him:Youmighthav
etowearmyboxersas
seei
ngImadey our
uiny
ourpant
ies.
Redf
loodedathercheeks,
Ismi
rkedasshewas
wetf
orme.
[
11/
09,
08:
35]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t50

Iwokeupl
aterandIwasundert
hecov
ersof
hi
sbed.
Taki
ngmyphoneinmyhand,Icheckt
heti
me
whil
eIal
sonot
icedaf
ewmi ssedcall
s.
2missedf
rom myBr
otherandt
heot
her3f
rom
Romeo.
If
ir
stcal
ledmybrotherandheanswer
ed
al
mostimmedi
ately
Hi
m:Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Iam uh-
Reece.?
Him:Andikhosendl i
ni,Butifwenause
ndli
ni,
I
'm outonat ri
pandI '
m notcomingback
ti
l
l-Idon'tknow.ButIwanty outopackafew
ofyourclothestomorrowmor ni
ngandgostay
wit
hmom.Justt i
l
lIgetback,Idon'
twantt
o
l
eavey ouony ourownconsi deri
ngwhat
happenedlastti
me.Wi llyoubef i
ne?
Inod,
Remember
inghecan'
tseeme.
Me:
I'
ll
bef
ine.
Him:Okay.I
'
llt
ransf
ery
oumoneyony
ourbank
account
.
Igr
inned
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Hechuckl
ed
Him:I
'm sur
eyoudo,
Igott
ogo.Cal
lmewhen
youneedsomethi
ng.
Me:
Wil
ldo.
Isai
dbef
oreIhungup.
Iwasabouttogetupfr
om bedwhenReece's
handwrappedaroundmywaisti
nafir
m gri
p
,br
ingi
ngmesocl oset
osnuggleonhi
sside.
If
eltsosmal
lcompar
edt
ohi
m.
Hehadhiseyescl
osedbuttr
ail
i
ngwetki
sses
f
rom t
hecrookofmynecktomyshoul
der.
Me:
Reece.
Heopenedhi
sey
esl
azi
l
y
Me:
Ineedt
ogethome.
Hi
m:Buty
ourbr
otherai
n'
tcomi
ngback.
Me:
So?
Hi
m:You'
l
lbeony
ourownandbor
ed.
Me:
Him:Iwantyout
ost
aywi
thmeandI
'
llt
akey
ou
backtomorr
ow.
Ishookmyhead.
Me:Youknowyou'
ll
leav
emeher
eal
onei
nthe
mi
ddleoftheni
ght
.
Hi
m:Iwon'
t.

Hi
m:OkayI
'
lldr
agy
ouwi
th.
Me:
Put
ti
ngwhosel
i
fei
ndanger?
Pecki
ngmycheek.
Hi
m:Okay.You'
renotgoi
ngany
wher
eandI
won'
tgoanywhere.
Me:LetgoofmeIwantt
ofr
eshenupandgr
ab
abi
te
Isaid,
escapi
nghisgri
pIwasal
mostinsi
dethe
bathroom whenIfel
thi
m wr
aphishandsonmy
waist.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
Me:
Giv
eagi
rlabr
eak.
Hi
m:Nocando,
Pri
ncess.
Iwentt
obr
ushmyt
eet
hwhi
l
ehest
oodbehi
nd
me.
Her
est
edhi
schi
nont
hecr
ookofmyneck.
Hi
m:You'
rebeaut
if
ul.
Hesai
d,maki
ngbl
ushi
ngathi
scomment
.
Hi
m:Andshor
t.
Hesai
drui
ningt
hemoment
.
Heknewhowmucht
hatst
atemental
way
sgot
t
ome.
Me:
Yourdi
cki
sshor
t.
Ibl
urtout
.
Hef
akegasped.
Ismi
rkedathi
m.
Hi
m:Di
dyo-,
I
'l
lshowy
oushor
t.
Hesaidscoopi
ngmet ohi
sar
msashewal
ked
outofthebat
hroom.
Hel
ayedmedownont
hebed
Hewaskissi
ngmycheekandt
rai
l
ingsmal
l
ki
ssesdownmyneck
Iwasrest
ingmyhandsonhi
schestwhi
l
ehi
s
werer
esti
ngonthesmall
ofmyback
Hewaspressedupsoclosetomybody
,hi
s
el
bowssuppor
ti
nghisweight
Icoul
dfeel
hiser
ectmembercl
oset
omyspot
Hebeganr
ubbinghi
mselfagai
nstmewhi
l
ehe
cr
ashedhi
sli
pstomine
"
Openy
ourl
egs"
Hesai
dinbet
weent
heki
ss
Iopenedt
hem t
oaccommodat
ehi
m
Hisbodyeasil
ysett
ledi
nbetweenmylegs,He
wasstil
lrocki
nghi
sbodyov ermeandIcoul
dn'
t
hel
pthemoanst hatwereescapi
ngmyli
ps.
Hi
shandwasmov
ingont
hesi
deofmywai
st
Br
eakingawayf
rom t
heki
ss,
Il
ethi
mtakeof
f
myclothes
Leav
ingmei
nmyunder
wear
s
Hesl
i
ppedhi
shandonmyback,
uncl
i
ppi
ngmy
br
a
Hewasaboutt
oremov
eit
,whenIcal
l
edoutt
o
hi
m.
Iwasner
vous,
Noguyhasev
erseenmef
ull
y
naked
Iwasst
art
ingt
ofr
eakout
Ki
ssi
ngt
hecor
nerofmyl
i
ps
Hi
m:Justr
elax.
Let
ti
nghi
mtakemybr
aof
fthent
heunder
wear
Ij
ustwant
edt
ocur
lmybodyandhi
de.
Don'tgetmewrong,
I
'm notsay
ingther
ewer
e
faul
tswithi
tort
hatIwasembar r
assed.
I
t'
sjustt
hatIwasn'
tusedt
othi
s
Iwat
chedhi
sey
est
rai
l
ingupanddownov
ermy
body
Iwat
chedashebi
thi
slowerl
i
p
Him:Damn!Ithi
nkImightwanty
outost
ay
nakedal
ldayl
ongint
hehousewithme
Me:
Shut
.up
Imumbl
edt
ohi
m
Hel
etoutachuckl
e
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou
Igul
pner
vousl
y,Noddi
ngmyhead.
Pl
aci
nghi
sli
psonmi
neagai
n,
ourl
i
psmov
ingi
n
sy
nc
Rubbi
ngonmeagai
n
Icoul
dfeel
thewar
mthofmybodyshootup
Hi
shandNowmov
ingont
hesi
deofmybr
east
massagi
ngi
t
Howhecouldgetmetomoanouthisname
whent
herealact
ionhadn'
tev
enst
arted,
beat
s
me.
Idon'
tknowwhenhi
scl
othescameoff,WellI
wasinthemomentsoi
couldn'
tpossi
blynot
ice
Ilov
edthewayhecaressedmyski
n,
maki
ngme
feelwar
m andt
ingl
y.
Looki
ngathi
sbrowneyest
hathadseemedt
o
tur
nalit
tl
ebi
tdarker
Hesmir
kedatme,l
ovingt
hewayIwasr
eact
ing,
mybodywasreact
ingtohi
m.
Seei
nghimr
emovehi
sboxer
s,hi
smember
cameint
ovi
ew.I
twasful
l
yerectandi
twas
huge
Igaspedl
oudl
ywhenIsawi
t,
al
mostwant
ingt
o
coweraway
Looki
ngatReece,
giv
ingmehi
susual
smi
rk
Hechuckl
ed
It
houghthewasgoi ngtomakemewai t
l
onger
,butIscr
eamedoutinpainasIfel
thi
m
sl
am i
ntomewi thoutev
enawar ni
ng
Hecoughtmeof
fguar
d
Icoul
dfeelmytearssl
owl
yfal
l
ingdown,
wel
lI
wasn'
texpect
ingthi
smuchpain.
Hedi
dn'
tmov
ebuthest
ayedi
nsi
deme
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
.?
Quickl
ytry
ingtosnapoutoft
hest
ateIwas
i
n,Avoi
dingthethr
obbi
ngpain
Inod.
Idi
dn'
twantt
olethi
m down.
Heseemedhesi tantt
oconti
nueatfi
rstbut
af
terareassurancefrom me,
hestar
tedto
sl
owlyt
hrustintome
Hi
m:You'
resot
ight
.
That
'sbecausey
ou'
ret
oobi
g.
Butt
hatIdi
dn'
tsay
.
Iconti
nuedt
oendure,
let
ti
nghim movein
rhyt
hm ashekeptt
hrust
ingdeeperanddeeper
.
Mymoani ngseemedoutofcont r
ol.I
tpr
obabl
y
wasex cit
inghim moreandmor etohearmecry
outandmoanhi sname,becausethemoreIdi
d
thefasterandharderhethrusti
ntome.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Wakingupthef
oll
owi
ngdaywithaabdomi
nal
pai
nr emi
ndi
ngmeoflastni
ght
'
sevents
Ihadsl
eptcur
ledup,
awayf
rom Reece
Iwascur
rent
lymadathi
mfornotgoi
ngeasy
onme
Try
ingt
ogetupsot
hatIcoul
dtakeawar
m
bat
h
I
'
m qui
ckt
ofal
lback
If
eltnumbsomehow
Takingoutal
lmyst
rengt
h,Isnai
lwal
ktot
he
bathroom
Tur
ningthewatertofi
l
lin,wasti
ngnoti
meon
st
ri
ppingoutofhisshi
rtthatIsl
epti
n
Thenmyunder
wear
,wher
eInot
icedaf
ewspot
s
ofbl
ood
Onethi
ngIknowist
hatIhadal
readygone
t
hroughmyperi
odsthi
smonth.
I
twasl ongbef
oreIgotoutoft
hetuband
wrappedatowelar
oundmeaf t
erIlot
ioned
Gett
ingout,
IseeReecesi
tt
ingatt
heendoft
he
bedwithonl
yhi
sboxerson
Hecomest owardsme,
wrappi
nghi
sar
m ar
ound
mywaistandkissi
ngmycheek
Hi
m:Goodmor
ning
Whatwasgoodabout?,
brushinghi
m offme.I
waswalki
ngt
otheclosetwhenhepulledme
back,
l
ooki
ngupathimfrowning
Hi
m:Whatdi
dIdoAl
ona?
Ishookmyhead
Me:
Not
hing
Isai
dbackHor
sley
Hi
m:Youwer
ecr
ying.
Hesai
dmat
teroff
act
Hi
m:Looki
fIhur
tyouy
est
erdayni
ght
,I
'
m sor
ry.
Idi
dn'
twantt
omakehi
mfeel
bad
Me:
I'
m okay
Hi
m:Thenwhat
'swi
tht
hel
ongf
ace?
Me:
Ithur
tsandI-
Hi
m: Cour
sei
twassupposedt
ohur
t,af
ter
.It
'
s
Nor
mal
Me:Normal
tobl
eedt
wiceaf
tery
oul
osty
our
vi
rgi
nit
y?
Hesi
ghs
Hi
m:Icanmakei
tbet
tert
hen
Hesmi
rksatme
Me:
How?
Brushi
ngmycoll
arbonewi
tht
het i
pofhis
fi
nger,
i
ttr
ail
sdowntothet
owelIhadwrapped
Tuggi
ngati
taboutt
oremov
eit
Iswathi
shandawayandgotakemybag
,taki
ngoutmyundergar
ment
s
Goingt
othebat
hroom f
orpri
vacywhenReece'
s
handcl
aspsar
oundmyar m
Looki
ngdownatme
Him:Whycan' tyouweart hem r
ightinfr
ontof
me? ,I
'
v eseeny oursexybodyy est
erdayni
ght,
I
knowy oureverypart.Thatti
nybirt
hmar kon
thesi
deofy ourt hi
gh,Per
kybreastsandthat-
l
itt
lesweetpumpki nah.
Hegr
insatme
Damn,It
hinkmycheekst
urnedadar
kershade
ofr
ed
Me:
Wel
l
,I
-I
'
m notcomf
ort
abl
e.
Hi
m:Idon'
tcar
e
Me:
Reece.
Hi
m:Justgetdr
essedAl
ona
Hesai
d,hi
sfacev
oidofemot
ion
Hewasbei
ngser
iousr
ightnow.
Dr
oppi
ngt
het
owel
off
Ist
artget
ti
ngdr
essed
Hewaslooki
ngatmenotevenbl
i
nki
ng,hi
s
ey
esroamingfr
eel
yexami
ningmyev
erypart
I
fonl
yheknew.
Me:
Happy?
Sar
casm.
Hi
m:Ver
y,Justsoy
ouknow,
Ihat
eitwheny
ou
hi
def
rom me.
Ignori
nghi
m,Ifi
nishof
fev
ery
thi
ngbef
ore
askinghi
mtotakemehome.
Onourway,
hesuggest
edt
hatweeatbr
eakf
ast
atMcDonal
ds
Wel
lIhadnoappeti
tebutIknewhewasgoi
ng
t
oputupafighti
fIref
used
Ndi
phel
endi
ziCengat
henaft
erweweredone
hedr
opsmeoffhomebefor
ehedrov
eoffagai
n.
OzebengekhosoIwasal
lal
onewi
thmy
t
houghts
Il
ockedupt
hehouseandwentt
otakeanap.

[
11/
09,
08:
37]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t51

Iwokeupaf
ter
noonthatdayfr
om myringi
ng
phoneI
twasReecesupposedl
ychecki
ngonme
Hi
m:Wer
eyousl
eepi
ng?
Me:
Yeah,
butIwasgoi
ngt
owakeupany
way
Hi
m: Musthav
edoneapr
ett
ygoodj
obt
henl
ast
ni
ghti
fyousti
llt
ir
ed.
Iswearhehadasmugl
ookon.
Me:
Andsor
e.
Hi
m:May
bei
fw-
Me:Ineedawar m bat
hmay bethenI'
l
lbe
betterandIneedtohanguprightnow.I'
m
runningoutofti
meIstil
lneedtopackmy
clot
hes.
Hi
m:Packy
ourcl
othes?.
.
Me: I
'
m goi
ngtoli
vewit
hmom t i
l
lOzgets
back,
hesuggest
editsi
ncehe'
sconceded
Hi
m: Mhh..I
'
llbet
her
einami
nut
ethen,
Ican
dr
iveyou.
Me:
Real
l
yappr
eci
atei
t.Thanky
ou
IsaidasIhungupandwentt
othebathr
oom
andwai t
edfort
hewatert
obeatasui
table
temperatur
etosoot
hemymusclesaf
terl
ast
night.
Af
terIwasdonewi
thbat
hingandev
ery
thi
ng.
Ichangedi
ntomyMar
oonLaceshor
tsandi
t'
s
matchi
ngvestl
ikecr
oppedt
op.Tiedmyhai
r
i
ntoaneatyetmessybunontopofmyhead
andworemySandals
It
ookmyduf
fel
bagandst
art
edst
uff
ingmy
st
uffi
n.
WhenIwasdonewi t
hevery
thi
ng,Reecehadn'
t
ar
ri
vedyetsoIdeci
dedtocall
him andaskhis
wher
eabout.Herepl
iedsay
inghe'sbeen
wai
ti
ngoutsi
de
Ifoundhiminsi
dehi
scar,
thechai
rst
ret
ched
outinalayi
ngposi
ti
on.
Hewassor
elaxed.
Me:Youcouldhavewenti
nsi
deandhelpedme
pack,
thenIwouldhav
ebeendonelongago.
Hi
m:We(point
inghi
mselfthenI
)bot
hknow
t
hatwoul
dn'
thavehappened.
Hesai
dashegotoutoft hecarandtookmy
bagsf
rom metoputinhisboot.Heopenedt
he
doort
othepassengersi
deformet ogeti
n
bef
orehemadehi
swayt
othedr
iver
s.
Me:
Enl
i
ght
enme.
Hi
m:Iwouldhavetakenyouri
ghtt
her
eand
t
henonyourbrot
herscouch.
Hesmi
rks
Ipl
ayf
ull
ypunchhi
m onhi
sarm,whi
chendedup
wit
hmel i
ght
lyhur
ti
ngmysel
f.
IswearReece'
swasmadeofst
eel
.
Him:Imagi
nethesmugl ookIwouldhav eon
nextti
meI'
mi nthehouseandhest ar
tswi t
hhis
shi
tandI'
dblurtoutt
hatIfuckedhisyounger
si
steronhi
scouch,hi
shouse,broaddayli
ght.
Igl
aredathi
m ashechuckl
ed,
fi
ndi
ngwhathe
j
ustsaidf
unny.
Me:
Justpl
easedr
ivebef
oreIgetmad.
Him:Youalwaystakeev
ery
thi
ng
ser
ious,
pri
ncess.
Henot
icesmyf
latt
one.
Me:
Lookwhoset
alki
ng.
Imumbl
ed.
Hi
m:Thet
handi
kuv
eAl
ona.
Ishookmyhead,
tel
l
inghi
m Iwasn'
tsay
inga
thi
ng.
Hesnor
ted,
bef
orehest
art
edt
hei
gni
ti
onand
dr
oveoff
.
Wekeptmakingsmal ltal
kshereandthereunt
il
hegottothestr
eetandhepar kedoutsi
dethe
gatesothati
tbeeasierformet ocar
rythe
bagsinsi
de.
Igotofft
hecarandwentt
othenowoped
boothtoret
ri
evemybagwhenInot
icedabl
ack
duff
elbag.
Cur
iosi
ty,
adi
seaset
hatI
'
m suf
fer
ingf
rom.
Iunzi
ppedi
t,
peeki
ngi
nsi
de.
St
acksofwhi
tepowder
,wr
appedupti
ght
lyi
n
whatl
ookedl
i
keatapeanda-,wai
taminut
e.
Cocai
ne.
If
rozeont
hespotasIst
aredati
t.
Neverinmyl i
fehaveIseensomanydr ugs
,Neverevenseenahal fpi
l
lthatpeopleusual
l
y
smoket hatIusuall
yheart
heygetitforR25or
so.Butthishere,
Ishoul
dhavefaint
ed.
Hi
m:What
'st
aki
ngy
ousol
ong.
.
Hetr
ail
edof
fwhenhesawwhatIwasl
ooki
ng
at
.
Hisjawtwit
chedasheabr uptl
ypushedmeto
theside,
qui
ckl
yfindi
ngbalancebecauseI
'
m
sureIwouldhavefal
lenassfir
st.
Hequi
cklyzi
psitupandstuf
fiti
napl
aceI
di
dn'
tknowexist
edinthebooth.
Hi
m: Youshoul
dfuckenlear
ntost
ayi
nyour
l
ane,
stopsnoopi
ngaround.
Me: Ihav
eev er
yrighttoknowwhat '
sgoingon
becausefrankl
yitcoul
daf f
ectme.You
shouldn'
tbehavingthatinyourcar
,doyouknow
whatcoul
dhav
ehappened?doy
ouKnow
whatcoul
dhav
ehappenedt
omeify
ougot
caught?,
Hi
m: Di
dn'
tgetcaught
,St
il
lher
etal
ki
ngt
omeso
yi
yekeAl
ona.
Me:
Reecedoy
-
Hi
m:Ndi
they
iyekeAl
ona!
Hesaid,
rai
singhisv
oice.Iswall
owedt hel
ump
i
nmyt hroat
,taki
ngmybagandt urningonmy
heelt
oheadi nsi
dewit
houtthrowingaglance
overhi
m
Igotinsidethehouseandf oundt hedooropen,I
thoughtmom wasi nside,
whi chwasunusual by
thewaybecauseshedoesn' tr eal
lyhaveoffday
duri
ngt heweek.ButinsteadofMom
i
nside,t
herewasmycousi nsi sterwhom Idon't
real
lygetalongwithi
fImi ghtadd.
Spr
awledoutonthecouch,
eat
ingf
rom abagof
chi
pswhil
etypi
ngfuri
ousl
yonherphone.
Whendi
dshegether
e?
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatt
ogetherat
tent
ion.
Shewasst ar
tl
edthattherewasanot her
presencei
nthehousesi nceshedidn'tev
ensee
norhearmecomingi n,sheturnedtolookatme
Al
mostr
oll
i
ngherey
es.
Her
:Int
ombi
yo'
lahl
eko.
Me:
Mol
oMel
i
ssa
Her
:AwunaSi
si?
Shewas3y
ear
sol
dert
hanme.
I'
vedonemypart,
I'
m noti
nthemoodt
o
enter
tai
nhershi
t.SoI'
l
lbegoi
ngtomyroom.
Iwashal
fwayt
hroughwhenshespokeup
Her:Ihopeyoudon'
tmind,
yourmom sai
dI
coul
dusey ourr
oom whil
eI'
m her
e,si
nceubu
ngekho.
Ibi
ttheinsi
deofmycheekt
okeepmy
sel
ffr
om
l
ashingout.
Ishr
uggednonchal
ant
ly.
Me:
I'
ll
takemybr
other
sroom t
hen.
Isaidtur
ningaroundtogetinsi
demy'New
room 'whichsmelledst
ronglyofmybrot
herbut
Ididn'
tmind.I'
llj
ustchangehisbeddi
ng,
I'
m
sureyouallknowwhy
ei
thert
hant
hati
twascl
ean.
Iputmybagsont heot
herside,
I
'l
lsor
tthem out
l
aterbecausefornowIjustwantedsomething
toeatsi
ncet heonlymealIhadwasbreakfast
i
nt hemorning.
Iwentt
othekit
chenandtri
edt
obl
ockout
someunwantedmemories.
I
twaski
ndamessyi
nher
e,si
nceIhadnot
hing
t
odo
Idecidedtocl
eanaroundabi taf
terIgrabbed
somet hi
ngtobi
te,
Ihadnot hi
ngbettert
odoand
thewasnowayIwasgoi ngtobesi t
ti
ngwi t
h
MelissacouseI
'm sur
eI'
llendupclawingher
f
aceof
f.
Iatemynoodl
esi
nacomf or
tabl
esi
l
ence
,engul
fedi
nmythought
s.
Iwasthi
nki
ngabouty
est
erdayni
ght
,Si
ghi
ng
dreami
ly
.
Itwasr eal
lygreatbuti
tsurehur
talot,I
tsmy
l
uckt hatIdon'tneedsti
chesbecauseitsure
fel
tlikehet ear
edmeopen.Damnhi m andhe
di-
.Wai tami nut
e.Prot
ecti
on.Wedi dn'
tuseit
didwe?ImakeamesswhenIst artchokingon
myf oodbutIdon' tcar
easIjumpoutofmy
chairstart
ingtopacearound.
Iwasscaredshit
less.Iwasinthemi ddl
eof
snatchi
ngmyhairof f
,t
earsatthebri
m ofmy
eyestaki
nginnervousbreathsthatweren'
t
helpi
ng.
Idi
dn'
tknowwhattodo,
Let
ti
ngthem t
ear
srol
l
downmycheeks.Iwasr
eal
lyscar
ed
Whati
fs-
,Idon'
thav
eti
mef
orwhati
fsr
ight
now.
Ineedt ogetapill,
anypil
ltorever
sealloft
his.I
cangeti tbythepharmacy ,
garagebutIdon't
thi
nkt hey'
ll
giveittome,norRomeoi fIcal
led
him,Iknowhe' dbewill
ingtohelpmeoutbutwe
needanadul tsupervi
sion
Ican'
tcal
lmymom al
soshe'
l
lki
l
lme
Reece-No.May
be-
Qui
ckl
yrushi
ngoutoftheki
tchent
othel
ounge.
Ist
oodinfr
ontofher
Her
:Yi
ntowena?Ul
i
lel
ant
o.
Wipi
ngmyf acewit
hthebackofmyhand,It
ryt
o
cal
m down.Whichwasimpossi
bler
ightnow.
Itoldhert
hestor
yandshewaist
ednoti
mein
goingt ot
hepharmacyandgott
hepi
ll
forme.
Idrankitri
ghtthereandt
henandtr
iedcal
ming
down,Ithankedherbefor
eItookmyphoneand
decidedtocallReeceandtol
dhim.
[11/
09,08:
38]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t51
conti
nued

Af
terIcal
l
edReeceov
erandt
oldhi
mthest
ory.
Hi
m:Fuck!
,
howcanIbesocar
eless.
Ihear
dhi
m say
,fr
ust
rat
ionmaski
nghi
sfeat
ures
Me:
Buti
tissor
tednowbecauseIt
ookaf
terpi
l
l
Him: St
il
lAlonaitmightnotwork,
youcan'
tjust
takewhateverpil
lyouf i
ndatthephar
macyor
garageandt hi
nkproblem sol
ved,
youneeda
doctors-(st
oppingmi dwayassomething
comesi nt
omi nd).Masambe
Hesay
sdr
aggi
ngmebehi
ndwi
thmywr
ist
Me:
Wher
eto?
Hi
m: Tomydoctor
,j
ustt
omakesur
ethaty
ou
r
eal
lynotpr
egnantAl
ona.
Hesnapsatme.
Il
ethi
m al
mostdr
agmel
i
ket
ohi
scar
.Wher
e
hedrov
einful
lspeedandwit
hinmi
nut
eswe
ar
ri
vedatourdest
inat
ion.
Wedidn'
twai
tforl
ong,itwasReeceafteral
lso
Iwasimmedi
atel
ytakenint
oexaminat
ion.
Af
terwewer
edone
Dr:I
'
m goingtogivey
ouanEmer gency
cont
racepti
vepi
ll
.Spl
itdoseoftwotabl
etst
hat
youwil
lhavetotake12hoursapart
.
Inodi
nunder
standi
ng.
Dr:TheECPmaydi sruptnextmenstrualperi
od
bycoupleofday
s,I
t'l
lmakemenst ruati
on
heavierandmor
epai nful
butital
lshallend
withi
n24hours,
not
hi ngyoushouldwor ryabout
though.
Iswal
l
owner
vousl
y
Dr: Abdominal pain,
headache,di
zzi
ness,breast
tenderness,nauseaar esomeoft hesideeffect
s
usuallydonotoccurf ormorethanfewday s
aftertreat
ment ,butthey'
l
lresol
vewithinthe24
hour.Ot
here-
Reece:
Ithi
nkshehear
denough,
she'
l
lbef
ine.
Hesaysstoppingherf
rom conti
nui
ngany
fur
ther
.Theyhaveami nist
ari
ngcontest,
Why
doIfeell
i
ketheyknoweachot heri
naway .?
Thewaytheywer el
ookingateachotherri
ght
nowonewoul dswear.
x
Wepassedbythemar ketsothatIcoul
dgrab
somethi
ngtoeatsothatIcantakethepil
l
befor
eIaskedhi
mt odrivemehomesoIcoul d
restabi
t.
Me:
Soy
ouandher
..
Hi
m:Akhont
oyenz
'kay
oAl
ona.
Me:
Nev
ersai
dther
ewer
e.
Hi
m:She'
sinmypast
.
Me:Thewayyout
wower
elooki
ngateach
t
houghsayss-
Hi
m:I
'
mreal
l
ynoti
nthemoodf
oran
ar
gument
,It
oldy
ouAkhont
oyenze'
kay
oAl
ona.
Tur
ningmyheadt
olookout
sidet
hewi
ndow.
Heplaceshi
shandont opofminethatwas
pl
acedonmyl ap,
rubbi
ngitwi
thhisthumb
Heinter
twi
neourf
inger
sbef
orebr
ingi
ngi
tto
hi
slipstol
eav
eakiss.
Hi
m:Tr
ustme.
Ij
ustnod
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Theweekpassedby ,
withmegoi
ngtoschool
thencomebackandst udy
.Somet
imesi'
dmake
ti
met oseeReece.
ButIwasreal
lyfocusedonschool
,
lesst
imeI
spentwi
thfri
ends
Result
ingi
nmegoi ngtoapar t
yFridayni
ght
.
RomeoandMel issapract
ical
l
yforcedme
becauseappar
entlyIneededtogooutmor e
Theychoseaout
fi
tformewhi
chconsi
stedof
blackhighwai
stl
eathershor
t,
blackthi
nsee
throughcropt
op.Dr
essingwithablackdeni
m
j
acketandmyv ans.
It
iedmyhai
rint
oabunandIl
etMel
i
ssa
domyf
ace,
appl
yi
ngal
i
ghtmakeup.
Al
li
nal l
Idi
dn'tr
ecogni
setheper
soni
nthe
mi
rror
,Il
ookedreal
lygr
eat
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Peopler
ushedinandoutofthepl
acecar
ryi
ng
thosemyst
eri
ousredcupsthatal
wayshadyou
wonderwhatwasinsi
de.
Iwat
chedmysur
roundi
ngsat
tent
ivel
y
I
tdidn'
ttakeusl
ongt oblendwiththecrowd.I
hadpromisedmyselfthatIwasn'
tgoingto
dri
nkalcohol
butsadlyIcouldn'
tholdontomy
word.
Ifi
rstdrankaciderandthenIendedupmi xi
ng
whateverbecauseIfel
tli
ketheciderwasn't
putti
ngmei nmypl ace
Afewhoursl
aterwedecidedtogohomewi
th
Meli
ssa,
Romeohasdisappear
edint
hecr
owd
andIknewweweren'
tgoingtofi
ndhi
m.
"Hey"Iheardsomeonesaybehi
ndme,tur
ning
aroundquickl
ytofi
ndThamilooki
ngatme
(TheguyImetatt
hebeachwhenIwaswi
th
Romeo)
Hi
m:Goodt
oseey
ouagai
n.
Hesai
dengul
fi
ngmei
nahug.
Me:
Sameher
e.
Islur
redout,
taki
ngt
hecuphehadandgul
ping
thecontent
s.
Ithr
ewitasi
deanddr
aggedhi
mtot
hedance
fl
oor.
Wedancedabouthalfanhourbefor
eIgotti
red
andIwenttothebar,
gotmysel
ftwoshotsof
vodka.Downedthem i
nonego.
Thami
:Sl
owdownt
her
e,y
oumi
ghtr
egr
eti
tin
t
hemor
ning.
Heorderedabot
tl
eofwaterf
orme,
Pouredi
t
i
ntoaglassandgavei
ttometodr
ink.
Idowneditandcl
osedmyey
esshutt
oregai
n
myv i
sion.
Me:
Ineed-t
ogwthome.
Hi
m:Ar
eyoudr
ivi
ngt
her
e?
Me:
Nah,Mycousi
nsi
sterov
erandIat
egoi
ng
t
ogetacab.
Hi
m: Idoubtt
hatyoubot
hcani
nthest
atey
ou
i
n.Letmedr i
veyou.
Me:Youaren'
tgoi
ngt
ogetany
thi
ng,
Awu'
zusi
Car
r(a).
Ibl
urtout
,Hechuckl
ed.

Whenwegothomeaf terThami
droppedus
of
f,
Meli
ssathoughti
ndlel
aeyaeroom (
ini
)inde
soshesl
eptonthecouch.
Whi
leIbal
ancedwit
ht hewal
ltomyroom,
Igot
t
her
e.Swit
chingt
helightonandyepi
e.
Reece.
[
11/
09,
08:
39]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t52

Idon'twhyIwassoshocked,
Iendedup
screamingmylungsout
.
It
hinkt
heal
cohol
hadsomet
hingt
odowi
thi
t.
Mel
i
ssacamet
umbl
i
ngi
nmyr
oom
Her
:Yi
ntoni
-naAl
ona.
Shejustl
ookedatmet henatReecewhohad
thecalmestexpr
essi
onever,
Ebesibukel
enj
e
sisanqwakuza.
Her:
Iwoul
dn'
tmindcomi
ngtomyroom t
ofi
nd
(bur
p)asexypi
eceofwor
kli
ket
his.
Shesl
urr
edandmadeherwayout
.
Awkwar
d.
Cl
osi
ngt
hedoor.
Whydidicl
oseit?,
I
t'
ll
makei
thardformer
un
outwhenReecedeci
dest
ost
rangleme.
Ohwel
l
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Fir
stt
hingIbl
urt
edout
.Bef
oreIputmybagon
thesi
de.
Str
ippi
ngoutofmycl
othesandwear
inga
baggyshi
rtover
.
Seemsl
i
keIhav
esober
edupal
ready
.
Ibr
ushedmyteeth,bef
oreIqui
cklywentt
otuck
mysel
finbedandletsl
eepovert
ake.
Reecewi
l
ldeal
wit
hmet
omor
rowmor
ning.

Feel
i
ngmov ementonmysi
de,
Ifeel
the
matt
ressdi
pthenaheav
ybodyontopofme
Hi
m:Openy
ourf
ucki
ngey
esAl
ona.
Gr
eat
,he'
spi
ssed
I
nsteadofdoi
ngwhathesai
d,Il
ookedont
he
ot
herside.
Him:Thisisn'
tthet
imet
obedef
yingme,
soI
suggestyoudoasIsay.
Hehi
ssed.
Turni
ngmyfaceIopenmyeyestoseeReece'
s
deepbrowneyesbor
ingi
ntomi
ne.
Me:
Getof
fmeReece.
Myv oi
cewasraspyanddr y,
Myheadfel
tli
keit
wi
llexpl
odeandmyst omachwasturni
ng.And
i
fhedidn'
tgetoffmerightnow,
Iwasgoingto
t
hrowuponhi m.
Hegl
aredatme.
Hi
m:Makeme.
Feel
ingbi
leri
seupfrom mythroat
,Ipushhi
m
wit
ht hel
i
ttl
estr
engthIhaveandscurri
edup
andrantothebathr
oom asquickl
yasIcoul
dto
spewmycont
ent
s.
Aft
erIwasdone,Myshakyhandmanagesto
fl
ush,
Sit
ti
ngont hef
loorIl
eanmyt
rembli
ng
bodyagainstt
hewall
.
Thr
owi ngupaf
terIspentt
heni
ghtdr
inki
ngi
s
worst
,ever
.
Hi
m:Youf
eel
li
keshi
tdon'
tyou.
Hewasi
nfr
ontofme.
Icouldn'
trespondsoIjustnoddedmyhead.
Feel
inghi scol
dfinger
sgripmycheeksi
nafir
m
gri
p,Iwinced.
Hi
m: Letthi
sbet
hel
astt
imey
ouev
ert
ouch
al
cohol.
Hegr
it
tedt
hroughhisteetht
henpushedmy
f
aceawaybefor
estandingoverme.
Iwasjustexhaust
ed,
Iam notdr
inki
ngev
er
agai
n.
If
elthi
sar
m wr
apar
oundmywai
st,
l
ift
ingmy
bodyof
fthef
loor
.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Het
ight
enshi
sgr
ipi
gnor
ingme
Sti
lli
nhisholdhewalksovertotheshowerand
st
opst oreachthenozzl
e,
turni
ngitonwit
hhis
fr
eehand.Heswi ngsmei ntheshowerhead
whichwasr unni
ngverycoldwater
.
Iscreamedoutasmybodyshookf
rom t
he
coldness
Me:
Whatt
hehecki
swr
ongwi
thy
ou.?
Myt
eet
hchat
ter
ed
Hi
m:Not
hing,
JustHel
pingy
ouwakeup.
Me:
Imi
ghtgetacol
d.
Hi
m:Doesi
tlookl
i
keIgi
veaf
uck.?
Iwatchhi
mleavet
hebat
hroom sl
ammi
ngt
he
doorbehi
ndhi
m.
WhenIgotof
fthebat
hroom ,
donewi
th
ev
ery
thi
ng.
IgotoutandfoundReecesit
ti
ngattheedgeof
thebed,
typi
ngawayonhi sphonewhil
eMelissa
stoodacoupleoffeetawayfr
om hi
m,wrapped
upinathinl
ayeroftowelonl
y.
Shewast
ryi
ngt
ogetReece'
sat
tent
ionbut
fai
l
ingmi
ser
abl
y.
Ismi
rkedi
nwar
dly
,Feel
i
ngpr
oudofhi
m.
Let
sfacei
t,notmanyguy
scandoi
t.
Her
:Imadey
oubr
eakf
ast
.
Si
ncewhendoyoumakemebreakf
astandbe
pol
it
eenought
ocometel
lmeaboutit.I
wonder
ed.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
GoingtoschoolMondaymor ni
ng,
Afterstay
ing
i
nbedf orthewholeweekendbecauseIwas
feel
ingsi
ckfrom t
hehangover,
Iwasbet t
er.
Iwaswi
thRomeositt
ingonourusual
spotandI
waseat
inganappl
e
Me:
Whyam t heonl
yonewhoal
mostdi
edf
rom
t
hehangov
er.?
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m: Kal
okuthi
nasingababa'
qhel
weButywal
a
si
sel
anjeasi
sanxili
.(Al
cohol
isusedt
ouswe
j
ustdri
nkbutnevergetdr
unk)
Me:
Andwher
edi
dyoudi
sappeart
o?
Him:Remembertheguyswhoweoncemetat
thebeachwhenReeceshowedupunexpect
edl
y
andpickedy
ouup.?..
Lubabal
o
Itr
ytothi
nkforamomentbef
oret
hedar
k
ski
nnedguypopsinmymind
Inod
Hi
m:Metupwit
hhim okoendival
eleekoneni
.
(
Metupwit
hhim,hecorner
edme) .
.Thenther
e
wasThami
,
Igavehi
my our.
.number.
Me:
Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
.?
Iscr
eech
Him:Kal
okubendisazenzamhl
eandIwanted
hi
mt ogetawayandnothangaroundwhen
Lubabal
oandIareeati
ngeachother
'sf
ace.
Me:
Wit
hmynumber?
Him:Yeah,
you'
llj
ustrej
ecthimifawufuni
uncokol
anaye(r
ejecthi
mi fyoudon'
twantto
tal
khim)AnywayIspenttheweekendathis
houseandIcamebacky ester
daymorning.
Igasped
Me:
Romeo!Whatdi
dyoursi
stersay
.?
Hewascur rentl
ylef
twithhi
sol
dersi
ster
becausebothhismom anddadwenttowork
rel
atedevent,
thei
rallt
heti
methi
ng.
NowonderRomeoi
sli
ket
his,
hewasar
ebel
.
Looki
ngf orat
tenti
oni
nallt
hewrong
pl
aces,somethinghewant
sfrom hi
spar
ent
s
butcan'tr
eall
yget.
Healwayspret
endst
hatitdoesn'
taf
fecthi
m
butdeepdownIknowitdid.
Him: Ut
heesithi
my awundabendisit
himyawu
mnakqal a.Youluckythaty
ourmom wasn't
around,andyourcousiniscool
enoughtogo
withyousoy ouhav enoonetobreat
hdown
yourneck.
Me:Reece.Hewasi nmyr oom whenIarri
ved.
Hewassopi ssedespeci
allyinthemorni
ng
whenIwokeupwi t
hahangov er,hej
ustl
ikest
o
makeabigdeal outofev
er yt
hing.
Him:Andl
ashortt
emperyakheIneed(
a)u
Doct
orone50year
sofexperi
ence
Il
aughedatt
hat

NOTEDI
TED.
[
11/
09,
08:
40]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t53

Reececall
edmeov erFridayeveni
ng,
Hewas
l
azyt opi
ckmeupandt hathehadacoupleof
fr
iendsovert
hathedidn'ttr
ustenought
oleav
e
behi
nd.Ihadt
odot
hewal
ki
ng.
Iwasl i
steni
ngmusiconmydeat hbeatscr
een
phone.Musi cbl
asti
ngt
hroughtheheadphones
butthatdidn'
tstopmefr
om heari
ngthe
screechi
ngt yr
esofacarcomingtoahalt
behind
ButbeforeIcoul
dreact
,Iwasdr
aggedi
nsi
det
o
thebackseat
I
twasdar
ksoIcoul
dn'
tmakeoutwhowaswho
i
nsi
de
Iwant
edt
oscr
eam outbutahandcl
asped
fi
rml
yonmymout
hpr event
edmefrom doi
ng
so.
Itr
iedpr
yingi
tof
fbuti
twasi
mpossi
ble,
thi
s
surewasaguy.
Thest
rengt
h.
"Staycal
m,t
hisi
snotaki
dnappi
ng.Ij
ustwant
youtodosomethi
ngforme"
Agr
uff
,r
aspyv
oicesai
d.
I
tsur
ewasaman
Istoppedtrashi
ngaroundf
oramoment.He
remov edhishandfr
om mymouthandIcoul
d
breathproperl
yagai
n.
Hi
m:Goodgi
rl
Hesaid,
pat
ti
ngmyheadl
i
keIwassomeki
ndof
apuppy
Hi
m:Tel
lyourmant
hatI
'
m comi
ngf
orhi
m.
ButbeforeIcoul
danswer
,Iwaspushedoutof
thecaritdroveof
f
Picki
ngmysel
ffr
om theground,
Ibr
eat
hedi
n
andoutt
ocalm myrapidbeati
nghear
t.
Imademywayt
owar
dsReece'
shouse
Theywer
ehav
ingabr
ie
Ij
ustbl endinwi ththem,Whathappenedoutsi
de
af ewmi nutesagoI 'l
ldeal
withi
tlat
erbecauseI
knowf orsur eifItel
lReecenow.Uzobaleliya
l
ifun'ubotshelelwaigezaandIwasn'taboutto
r
uint
hei
rmoment
.
Iwassit
tingwithsomegir
lsi
nReece'
s
ki
tchen,
theyweredri
nki
ngandIal
sohada
bott
leofsavannahonme
Ihadn'
tdr
ankityet,
Iwast
empt
edt
o.Justt
o
for
getwhathappened
Ohwel
l
.
Bri
ngingt
heti
pofthebot
tl
etomymouth,
Iwas
abouttot
akeasi
pbutReece'
svoi
cest
opped
me
"I'
m sur
eyouhol
dingt
hat(poi
ntsbot
tl
e)f
or
someone"
Hesai
d,ar
chi
nghi
sthi
ckpi
ercedey
ebr
ow.
Iqui
cklyputitdownl
i
kei
tbur
nedmeor
something.
Iswal
l
owner
vousl
y.
Hi
m:I
za'
pha.
Igotof
fthechai
randwal
kedt
ohi
m.
Heopenedthefr
idge,
taki
ngoutajui
ce,
agl
ass
thendragsmewithhi
mt osi
twit
handtheother
guys.
Hesatdownandpul
l
edmet
ohi
slap.

•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Lat
eron
Reece'
sfr
iendshadleftanditwasjusthim and
Iar
oundexcepthisbrotherwhowasbl acked
outononeoftheroomsupst ai
rs.
Iwascombi
nghi
ssoftcurl
s,damnIt
hinkhi
s
hai
rwaswaybet
ter
,wel
ltakencar
eofthan
mine.
Me:
Reece.
Het
urnedt
olookatme,
pecki
ngt
hecor
nerof
myl
ips
Hi
m:Mhh?
Me:
I-needt
otel
lyousomet
hing.
Hetakesaswi
gfr
om t
hegl
asst
hathad
whi
skeyin
Hi
m:What?
Cl
ear
ingmyt
hroat
.
Me:WhenIwasonmywayher
e,somet
hing
happened.
Helooksatmef
urr
owi
nghi
sey
ebr
owsupi
n
conf
usion.
Hi
m:What?
Me:
Someguy
s.
Stoppi
ngmidwayashewasaboutt
otakeasi
p
fr
om thegl
ass.
Cat
chi
nghi
sat
tent
ion,
hewasr
eadyt
ofi
ght
whoev
er
Him:Whatguys?Whatdi
dtheydo.?Di
dthey
hurty
ou.IswearI
'
llf
uc
Me:
Not
heyr
eal
l
ydi
dn'
thur
tmebu-
Hi
m:Whatdoy
oumeant
hey'
real
l
y'(maki
ngt
he
wor
dmorecl
ear
er)di
dn'
thur
tyou.?Whatdi
d
t
heydo!
Me:
Pushedmeoutoft
hecar
,butI
'
mfi
ne.
Iqui
ckl
ysai
d
Him:Ubufun'
uqaluphuk'i
ntamouze
uqal'
uqondethaty
ounotfinenaAlona?(you
wantedyournecktobreakandthenyoureal
i
ze
thatyounotf
ineAlona)
Ishookmyheadno
Hi
m:Di
dyouseet
hei
rshi
tfaces?
Ishookmyheadonceagai
n
Me: I
twasdar ki
nthecarandt hei
rvoices
weren'
tfamil
iar,
Idon'
tthi
nkIknowt hem /hi
m.
Theyjustwantedmet o' del
i
ver'amessage.
Thathe'scomingfor-you.
Hechuckl
essol
ow.
Hi
m:Ci
mbazi
Clev
erne.
Hesai
dget
ti
ngup.
Hewentupst
air
sandIf
oll
owedcl
osel
y.
Hegott
ohi
sof
fi
ce,
swi
tchi
ngonhi
slapt
op
Wi
thaf
ewcl
i
cksandal
i
ttl
ebi
tofwai
ti
ng.
Thescreenshowedv i
deocl
i
ps,hecli
ckedona
speci
fi
cone..i
tshowedmebeinggrabbedi
nto
acar
I
treal
l
ywasn'
tcl
earbecausei
tal
lhappeneda
f
ewhousesaway
Youpr
oll
ycoul
dn'
tmakeoutanyf
aces.
Hestoppeditri
ghtwhenthecarwaspassi
ngby
hi
sgat ei
nfull
speedandzoomedi nt
hepict
ure,
showingthenumberplat
einblur
.
Hesmi
rked.
Him:Theybett
ergettomefir
stbecausei
fIdo
gett
hem fi
rstI'
ll
sureski
nthem al
iv
e.
Iswal
l
owedner
vousl
y,
scar
edoft
het
hreat
.
Hetookhi
sphoneandcal
l
edoutthenumber
pl
atetot
hepersonont
heothersi
de.
Whenhewasdone,
het
urnedt
ome
Hi
m:I
'
lldr
ivey
ouhome.
Whenwegott
ohiscar
,hest
art
edt
hei
gni
ti
on
anddr
ovei
nspeed.
IswearReecedr
ovel
i
keamani
ac.
Ist
artedput
ti
ngontheseatbel
tbecauseI
mightneedi
t.Butt
hatseemednottohelpal
so
Iwasscar
edshi
tl
ess
Me:
Reece.
Ical
l
edouttohim buthesimplyi
gnor
edme,
hi
s
j
awt wi
tchi
ng.
.Hewaspi ssed.
Me:
Cany
oupl
easesl
owdown.
Hei
gnor
edmeonceagai
n.
Ist
oppedt
alki
ngt
ohi
m.
Hi
m:We'
rebei
ngf
oll
owed.
Oh,
that
'swhyhe'
sbeenspeedi
ngup.
Wai
tami
nut
e,WE'
REBEI
NGFOLLOWED!
Myhear tbeatf
asterfort
hesecondti
me
today,what
'sst
oppingmef r
om get
ti
ngahear
t
attack.
Whyi shesocal
m?,
Reece'
sexpr
essi
onsnev
er
ceasedtoamazeme.
I
nmostscenar
ios,
peopl
einourst
atewoul
d
f
reakout.
Suddenlyhestoppedthecar.Thestreet
swere
awfull
yquietf
oraFriday.OnlythenInot
iced
thatwewer ei
naunf amil
iarstr
eet.
Hemusthav
echangeddi
rect
ions.
Iwatchedhi
mtakehi
sgunf
rom t
hesi
deoft
he
chai
r.
Heai
medatt
hethecart
hathadseemedt
o
al
soont
hewayofst
opping.
AguygotoutandReecewai stednotimein
shootingtheguy,t
hebul
l
etwentthroughhis
shoulder,
makinghiml
oosehisgunashe
groanedinpain.
Reecegothol
dofhi
m bef
orehecoul
dfl
ee.
Punchinghimrepeat
edl
y,t
heguywasal
most
unconscious.
Hi
m:Who'
stheAr
sehol
ethatsenty
ou?
Hescreamedattheguy
,whowasl
osi
ng
consci
ousnessbyt
heti
me.
Theguywasshakenup,
hesai
dsomet
hings
Reecedraggedhi
mt othecarhewasdr i
vi
ng,
thr
owinghiminonthesidepassenger
seat,
Bef
orehetookhi
sphone.
Him: Ineedyoutopickupsomeguyi n(
saying
address)onthesideoftheroad.Bl
ackGTI.I
messedhi m upenoughforhimtonotdri
ve
himselfbackwhereverhel
lholehecamefrom,
takehimt ohisboss.
Hehungupandputhi
sphonei
nhi
sback
pocket
.
Him:Tel
lshitheadofy
ourbosst
hatI
'
llbe
seei
nghimlater.
Wi
tht
hatsai
d,
Hegoti
nhi
scaranddr
ovepf
f
Reecewassomet
hingel
se.
usingt
hesamepersonwhowassenttoki
l
l
hi
m backwherehewassentj
ustt
ogeta
messaget
hrough.
Whenhedr
oppedmeoff,
Iwentinsi
detof
ind
Mom wi
thMel
issai
ntheki
tchencooki
ng.
Checki
ngt
het
imet
omywat
ch7pm,
30mi
nut
espastmycur
few
Meli
ssa:Hopeyouwon'tcomebackt
omeonce
agai
nformetogety ouamorni
ngaft
erpi
l
lnj
ebi
ngat
hiawukalayeki
nje.

Yeses.
[
11/
09,
08:
40]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t54

Howwil
lmymothereverl
ookatmenow?,
She'
l
l
nev
erl
ookatmethesameanymore,
I'
m no
l
ongerherl
i
ttl
egi
rlr
ight?
Iwassoembar
rassed,
Scar
edandashamed.
Mymot
herdi
dn'
tneedt
oknowt
hat
.
Mom:
Uthi
kut
heni
?(Whatdi
dyousay?
)
Sheasks,
stoppi
ngwhat
evershewasdoi
ngt
o
l
ookatme
Tur
ningt
ogl
areatMel
i
ssawhohadasmug
l
ookon
Her:Khangeuthimand'
ngayit
hethi
.
uAlona
whenshecamehomeSunday ,
sheaskedmeto
gethermorningaft
erpi
ll
,
supposedl
yshehad
unprot
ectedsex.
Mom t
urnedt
olookatme.
Di
sappoi
ntment
.
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
odor
ightnow.Iwasj
ust
hur
t.
Iwenttomyr oom l
eav
ingmymom i
nher
shockedst
ate.
Idi
dn'
twanttohearwhatshethought
,Iwasn'
t
str
ongenought
of aceherr
ightnow.
Iclosedandlockedthedoort
omybr ot
her
s
room asIthr
ewmy sel
fonthebed.
I
'
m goodasdead.
Itookmyphoneandcall
edReece.I
trangfora
fewsecondsunanswer
edandwhenhepi cked
up..
Him:Ican'
ttal
ktoyouri
ghtnow,
I'
mint he
middl
eof(Iheardgunshoti
nthebackground)
somethi
ng,I'
ll
cal
lyoul
ater.
Hesai
dwhi
l
ehehunguponme
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••

Fol
l
owi
ngday
.

Iwascur
rent
lyconf
ront
ingMel
i
ssa.
Me:
Didy
our
eal
l
yhav
etot
ell
mom abouti
t?
Sheshr
uggednonchal
ant
ly
Her
:What.?Youdi
dn'
twantmommytoknow
t
hatherl
i
ttl
egir
lai
n'
tsol
it
tl
eanymor
e?
Me:Andyouall
diditbecauseReecedidn'
tev
en
l
ookatyourwhori
shass,Youmadt hathe
woul
dn'
tevengiveyouthetimeoftheday
Her
:Sur
eaboutt
hat?
Sheaskedf
oldi
ngherarmst
oherchest
,ar
chi
ng
herey
epencil
edeyebr
owup.
Ichuckl
ed
Me: Sot
hisr
eal
lyisabouthi
m,y
oushoul
dbe
ashamedofyoursel
f.
Her
:Lookwhosetal
ki
ng,Drinki
ngapill
to
r
ever
seanunwantedpregnancy,
that
'
slike
'
Abort
ion'
(ai
rquot
es)
Me:
Itwasn'
tanabor
ti
on.
Her:
Tel
lthatt
oy ourmom,letherknowwhat
ki
ndofadaughtersherai
sed.
Shi
t.
Me: LookJustbecausey ouhadi ssues,
anda
notsogreatr el
ati
onshi
pwi ththatdrunkar
dof
yourmot herdoesn'
tmeany oushouldgo
aroundcausingproblem form-
Her
:Don'
ti
nvol
vemymot
heri
nthi
s.
Me:Hitanervet
hereah?,
youf
indpl
easur
ein
hur
ti
ng,pl
ayingmindgameswi
thother
s?Just
tof
il
lthespaceyourmo-
Her
:SHUTUP!
Shey
ell
edatme.
Me:May
bey
oushoul
dseekpr
ofessi
onal
hel
p
bef
-
Shedi
dn'
tl
etmef
ini
sh,
shebacksl
appedme
AndIt
hinkIbi
tmylipthr
oughitandnowIwas
bl
eedi
ng.Iwasn'
tgoi
ngtofighther
.
I
'
m goi
ngt
obet
hebi
ggerper
sonr
ightnow.
Iwal
kedoutandt
omyr
oom t
ogetmy
sel
f
cl
eanedupi nt
hebat
hroom t
henIwentt
othe
ki
tchenforsomei
cetoputonmycheekthat
wasthrobbi
ng.
"Weneedt
otal
k"
Yeses.
Ther
e'st
oomuchdr
amai
nthi
shouse.
Tur
ningt
olookatmom whohadonaser
ious
l
ook.
Inodbef
oregoi
ngt
osi
tdownandwai
tforher
.
Her
:Idon'
tknowhowmanyt i
mesIhavetal
ked
t
oyouaboutthi
s,Theconsequencesofhav
ing.
.
Shetrai
ledof
f,notbei
ngcomf
ort
abl
eoft
alki
ng
aboutit
Me:
Sex.
If
ini
shof
fforher
.
Her
:Al
ona,
youst
il
lachi
l
d.
Shegr
it
shert
eet
hatme.
Me:
Ateenager
.
Her:
Doesn'
tgi
vey
out
her
ightt
odoasy
ou
pl
ease!
Ikeepqui
et.
Her:youdon'
ttalkbackt ome, Sucimba
umdalangenxay ezizintouzenzayo
Alona.
(Don'
tthi
nky ou'reanelderbecauseof
thethi
ngsthatyouar ecapableofdoing)
Me:
Xol
oMama.(
Sor
ryMom)
Her:Whaty oudi
d.Alonay
ou'r
eanurse'
s
daughterf
orgodsake!Akhontondi
nga
kufundi
sangayona,Youshoul
dknowhowtobe
responsi
ble!
Inod
Her:Whyareyoubeingl
ikethis?,
Alonay ou
shoul
dfocusonyourschool wor
k,you'r
edoi ng
matri
x.Focusonyourst
udiesthenev eryt
hing
comeslast,
Whyuzi'
xakekisa,
Whyuf un
uzi
xakeki
sa?Yint
oleuyi f
unayondingakuni ki
yona?Akhont osi ngakwenzel iyonaAl ona,we
wantwhat '
sbestf ory ou.(
Focusony our
studiest henev erythingcomesl ast,
Whyar eyou
compl icatingy ourl ife? ,
Whati sitthaty ouwant
thatIdon' tgi vey ou, there'
snot hingthatwe
don'tdof ory ouAl ona)XaUzokwenzai ntoezi
kudekunaweAl ona, act i
ngi r
responsi ble!Doy ou
knowwhatwi llhappen?You' llenduppr egnant
Alona!Anddoy ouknowwhatI 'm goi ngt odo?
I'
llsendy out ogol eav ewitht heone
responsi blef orit,
Andi zuhlalanomf azi omdal a
mna! ,
asl ongasy oul iv
ingundermy
room, you'rest i
llachi l
dandy ouar egoi ngt o
l
istent owhatIsay .I'
m put ti
ngy ouinaneedl e.
Asl ongasy ougoar oundukhangel '
int o
ongay aziyokul amadoda, ev erymont hy ouar e
goingt ogetaneedl e.
Okay
.
Me: MaybeifIhadaf at
herthenIwouldn'tbe
goingar
ound, IfIhadmyf at
her'
satt
entionthen
Isurewouldn'
tbegoingaroundlooki
ngf or
'
men'
s'at
tent
ioni
nal
lthewr
ongway
s.
Wi
tht
hatsai
d,
Iwentout
.
Iwasjusttakingawalktocl
earmymindandI
endedupgoi ngtotheparkwher
eIf
oundEnzo
andhisfr
iends,smoki
ngweed.
Putt
ingourdi
ff
erencesasi
de,
Ismokedwi
th
them.

NOTEDI
TED.
[
11/
09,
08:
40]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t55

WhenIgothomef
rom t
hepar
klat
er.
Iwassohi
gh,ever
ythi
nghadbeenfor
got
tenf
or
themoment.Iwasinthemoment,
i
nthemood
andIwant
ednoonet orui
n.
Thi
sfeel
i
ngwasni
ce.
Iwentt
olockmysel
finmyr
oom,
passi
ngbyt
he
di
ningr
oom wher
eMom andMel
i
ssawere
si
tt
ing.
Iheardmom cal loutforme,Otwasei t
herto
fi
nishthe'tal
k'wehadort ogi
v emealectur
eon
howi ti
spastmycur few.Melissast
art
ed
smelli
ngt heairbeforefur
rowinghereye
pencil
edey ebrowsandaski ng"Whatisthat
smell"butbeforemom coul ddwellonit,
Her
phonest art
edr i
nging,
itwasthehospit
aland
theyneededaext r
ahand.
Li
keshecoul
dhav
eref
used.
Ithr
ewmy sel
fonmybedaf t
erIchangedoutof
theprev
iouscl
othesIwaswear
ing.
Iwasl
i
steni
ngt
omusi
c,
myey
escl
osed.
Iwassor
elaxed.
Whenmyphonest
art
edtov
ibr
atei
ndi
cat
ingan
i
ncomi
ngcal
l,
Ii
gnor
edit
.
Idi
dn'tcar
ewhoev eritwas.Bendi
ngaf
un'
uphazanyiswa.
(Ididn'twantt
obedist
urbed)
Iwassl
owl
ybutsur
elyf
all
i
ngasl
eep,
theai
r
comingfrom mysi
deoft
hewi
ndowwas
ref
reshi
ng.
DidIl
eavet
hewindowopen,sur
elymom woul
d
havecl
osedi
tforme.Butt
h-wait.
Openi
ngmyey
es,
whi
chi
ssomet
hingI
st
ruggl
edt
odo
Isawaf i
gurestandi
ngr
ighti
nfrontofmy
sleepi
ngfoam ,
Imusthavebeenreal
lyoutofi
t
tonotnoti
cesomeonegetti
ngin.
Reece.
Me:
Whati
fmom washomeandf
oundy
ouher
e.
?
Hi
m: Isawherl
eav
ewhenIwaspar
kedout
side
wai
ti
ngf ory
ou
Hel
aydown,
hol
dingmef
rom behi
nd.
Hi
m:Howar
eyou.?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Hi
m:Icant
ell
Me:
Shoul
dn'
thav
easkedt
hen.
Hi
m:Ubut
shay
aphi
?
It
ensedupf
oramoment
.
Me:
What?
Ist
utt
ered.
Di
ggi
nghi
snailsi
nmyf
leshsot
hathecoul
d
t
urnmetofacehi
m.
Him:Don'
tmakemerepeatmysel
fAlona,I
knowyouknowwhatI
'mtalki
ngabout,don'
tact
conf
used.
Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
oanswerhi
m,Imeanwhatwoul
d
It
ellhi
m
Iwassmokingweedatt hepar
kwithmyEx
boyf
ri
endandhisfr
iends.?Yeah.
Hi
m: Uqal
eni
utshay
angoAl
ona.(
Whendi
dyou
st
artt
osmoke)
I
twasnousei
nkeepi
ngqui
et,
thatcoul
dget
hi
m angr
y
Me:
Today
.
Hi
m:Why
.
Me:
..
Hi
m:WhyAl
ona.?
Ishr
ugged.
Me:
Iwasf
rust
rat
ed,
hadanar
gumentwi
th
mom.
Yourefusedt
otalkt
omewhenIcalledsoI
wentforawalkandIendedupatt
hepark.Got
to.
.Someguysandtheyweresmokingso.
.
Him:Jongaandizubanent sai
zaenzaobu
bhanxabakho,
Fi
ghting,
Alcohol,
Nowsmoking
wh-(LookI'
m notgoingtohav eagir
lf
ri
endwho
doeswhatyoudo,Fi
ghting,
Alcohol
,
Now
smokingwh-)
Me:Xazenzwanguwezi r
ightne?(ButI
t'
s
okaywhenyoudothem ?)
Hef
ist
edmyhai
rinhi
shandandpul
l
edmet
o
hi
m
Him:Jongasund'
nyel
ayev
a.(
Lookdon'
t
bul
lshi
tme)
Itr
iedpr
yinghi
shandofbuti
twasal
most
Impossi
ble
Him: Kut
heningat
huy a'
qhelalentoy ophendu
l
ananam Al ona.Andj ongaandi zuxakwa
nguwemnandi zo'skendikuny athel
euny eqha
mamel e?(Whyar ey ouget t
ingusedt o
respondi
ngtomewi t
hat ti
tude,Andl ookyou
aren'
tgoingtooutpowermeI '
l
ljustkickyour
Ass,Doyouhearme? )
Iqui
ckl
ynod.Hel
etgoofme
Br
eat
hingoutashakybr
eat
h.
Hi
m:Yekaleshituyenzay
oyeva.
(Youneedt
o
st
opwhatevershi
tyou'
redoi
ng)
Inod
Hi
m:Ndat
het
haAl
ona.
(I
'mt
alki
ngt
oyouAl
ona)
Me:
Ndi
kumamel
e.(
I'
mli
steni
ng)
Him:IfIf
indyoudoi
nganyofthatst uf
f,y
ou'
ll
geti
t,uzondazunj
eb'undi
provok(a).(
Yougoi
ng
toknowmewel li
fyoukeepprovokingme)
Het
hreat
en.
Iknowrightnowhewasbei
ngser
ious,
Iwasn'
t
readyt
odi eyoung.
Hi
m:Yougof
reshenup.
Igotupandwentt
othebat
hroom.
Iwaitedf
orthebathwatertobeatther
ight
temperat
ureandthenIstr
ippedoutofmy
clot
hesandgotin
WhenIwasdone.Igotdressedinli
ghtclothi
ng
becauseIwasfeeli
nghot,
dehydr
ated,di
zzyand
nauseassoIdidn'
tneedal
otofclot
hing,Iwas
goingtopassout.
Reecewassitt
ingontheothersi
deofthebed.I
gotinsi
dethecover
sandlayinafet
alposi
ti
on,I
wasshaking.
Hecuddl
edmefrom behi
ndandIl
eanedi
n
moretohi
swar
mt h.
Me:
Ifeel
sick.
Hi
m:Noshit
,Yourbodyai
n'
tusedtowhaty
ou
t
ook,
You'
l
lwakeupal it
tl
ebitbet
tert
omor
row.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Wakingupt
hefoll
owingday,
Ihadaheadache
andIwassuperhungr
y.
Idi
dn'
twantt
ofaceanyonesoIr
atherst
ay
l
ockedupinmyroom.
Reecehadl
eftar
oundmi
dni
ght
,hedi
dn'
tsl
eep
over
.
Iwentt
owashmyfaceandbr
ushedmyt
eet
h
bef
orefi
xi
ngmybed.
Get
ti
ngont
opofi
tagai
nandwat
chedcar
toons.
Iwashal
fwaythroughwhenIhear
daknockon
mydoor,
Iwasn'tgoi
ngtoopen.
Theper
sonont
heot
hersi
decont
inuedt
oli
nger
on
"
Alona"
Thatv
oice,
Mybr
other
.
Iwenttoopenforhi
m.Iknowheal
readyknows
what'
sbeenbrewingher
ewhil
ehewasaway .
Ihuggedhi
m nev
ert
hel
ess.
Hi
m:I
'
m nothappywi
thy
our
ightnow,
Babe.
Me:
Iknow,
andI
'
m sor
ry.
Him: Wheredidyougetsuchbehav i
our.Idid
tel
lyouthatyoulosingyoursel
fAl ona.Smoking
weedandact i
ngli
kearebel,
beingirresponsi
ble?
That'snotyou.Whatareyougoi ngtodonext? .
.
What '
shappeningtoyou?Ev ersincey oumet
him,i
t'sl
ikeyoubecominganotherv ersionof
him a-
Me:Don'
tputthebl
ameonhim,thi
sisall
my
doi
ng,mydecisi
onsandhe'
snotbehindthem
norpr
essur
izi
ngmet odowhatIdo.
Hekeptquietforaminute.St
ari
ngatmef
orI
cuthi
m shortandfortal
kingback.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Isai
dbiti
ngmyl
owerl
i
p,st
oppi
ngi
tfr
om
quiv
eri
ng.
Him:Promiseme.Pr omisemeAl onathatyou'l
l
st
opwhat everyoudoing.Promisemet hatyou'
ll
st
opexplori
ng.Imeanmay bet hat
'swhatthis
i
s,you'
reateenagegi r
landy oudoingwhat
ever
yoneisdoingtoblendin.Buty oudone,
Couseyouknowi tsnotgoodf oryouri
ght?
Inod.
Me:
Ipr
omi
se.
Isai
dget
ti
ngupandsnuggl
i
ngonhi
ssi
de.
Hi
m:Good.Nowy
ouar
egoi
ngt
oapol
ogi
set
o
mom r
ight?
Inod.
Hi
m:LookwhatIgoty
ou.
Hehandedmeapr esent-l
ikebag,
taki
ngitt
o
myhand.Iopeni
tandi nsi
dewasaper f
umeset
.
I
tsmel
l
edgr
eatwi
thoutev
enchecki
ngi
tout
.
Igr
innedathi
m
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Igotupandwentt
oputi
tinmydr
esserdr
awe,
passi
ngbythemir
ror
.
It
akeal
ookatmysel
f.
Thiswasn'tme,whendidIbecomel i
kethi
s.
Whendi dmylif
egetsocompl i
cated?Wasme
Falli
ngforaGangLeaderhastodowi thwhat
's
happeningtomeoristhisj
ustaphase/stage
thateachandeveryot
herteenagergoes
through?Iguess.
[
11/
09,
17:
12]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t55

WhenIgothomef
rom t
hepar
klat
er.
Iwassohi
gh,
ever
ythi
nghadbeenf
orgot
tenf
or
themoment.Iwasi
nthemoment
,i
nthemood
andIwant
ednoonet or
uin.
Thi
sfeel
i
ngwasni
ce.
Iwentt
ol ockmysel
finmyr
oom,
passi
ngbyt
he
di
ningroom wher
eMom andMel
i
ssawere
si
tt
ing.
Iheardmom cal loutforme,Otwasei t
herto
fi
nishthe'tal
k'wehadort ogi
v emealectur
eon
howi ti
spastmycur few.Melissast
art
ed
smelli
ngt heairbeforefur
rowinghereye
pencil
edey ebrowsandaski ng"Whatisthat
smell"butbeforemom coul ddwellonit,
Her
phonest art
edr i
nging,
itwasthehospit
aland
theyneededaext r
ahand.
Li
keshecoul
dhav
eref
used.
Ithr
ewmy sel
fonmybedaf t
erIchangedoutof
theprev
iouscl
othesIwaswear
ing.
Iwasl
i
steni
ngt
omusi
c,
myey
escl
osed.
Iwassor
elaxed.
Whenmyphonest
art
edtov
ibr
atei
ndi
cat
ingan
i
ncomi
ngcal
l,
Ii
gnor
edit
.
Idi
dn'tcar
ewhoev eritwas.Bendi
ngaf
un'
uphazanyiswa.
(Ididn'twantt
obedist
urbed)
Iwasslowlybutsurel
yfal
li
ngasleep,
theai
r
comingfrom mysideofthewindowwas
ref
reshi
ng.
DidIl
eavet
hewindowopen,sur
elymom woul
d
havecl
osedi
tforme.Butt
h-wait.
Openi
ngmyey
es,
whi
chi
ssomet
hingI
st
ruggl
edt
odo
Isawaf i
gurestandi
ngr
ighti
nfrontofmy
sleepi
ngfoam ,
Imusthavebeenreal
lyoutofi
t
tonotnoti
cesomeonegetti
ngin.
Reece.
Me:
Whati
fmom washomeandf
oundy
ouher
e.
?
Hi
m: Isawherl
eav
ewhenIwaspar
kedout
side
wai
ti
ngf ory
ou
Hel
aydown,
hol
dingmef
rom behi
nd.
Hi
m:Howar
eyou.?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Hi
m:Icant
ell
Me:
Shoul
dn'
thav
easkedt
hen.
Hi
m:Ubut
shay
aphi
?
It
ensedupf
oramoment
.
Me:
What?
Ist
utt
ered.
Di
ggi
nghi
snailsi
nmyf
leshsot
hathecoul
d
t
urnmetofacehi
m.
Him:Don'
tmakemerepeatmysel
fAlona,I
knowyouknowwhatI
'mtalki
ngabout,don'
tact
conf
used.
Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
oanswerhi
m,Imeanwhatwoul
d
It
ellhi
m
Iwassmoki
ngweedatt
hepar
kwi
thmyEx
boy
fri
endandhi
sfr
iends.?Yeah.
Hi
m: Uqal
eni
utshay
angoAl
ona.(
Whendi
dyou
st
artt
osmoke)
I
twasnousei
nkeepi
ngqui
et,
thatcoul
dget
hi
m angr
y
Me:
Today
.
Hi
m:Why
.
Me:
..
Hi
m:WhyAl
ona.?
Ishr
ugged.
Me:
Iwasf
rust
rat
ed,
hadanar
gumentwi
th
mom.
Yourefusedt
otalkt
omewhenIcalledsoI
wentforawalkandIendedupatt
hepark.Got
to.
.Someguysandtheyweresmokingso.
.
Him:Jongaandizubanent sai
zaenzaobu
bhanxabakho,
Fi
ghting,
Alcohol
,Nowsmoking
wh-(LookI'
m notgoingtohaveagirl
fr
iendwho
doeswhaty
oudo,
Fi
ght
ing,
Alcohol
,
Now
smoki
ngwh-)
Me:Xazenzwanguwezi r
ightne?(ButI
t'
s
okaywhenyoudothem ?)
Hefi
stedmyhai
rinhi
shandandpul
l
edmet
o
hi
m
Him:Jongasund'
nyel
ayev
a.(
Lookdon'
t
bul
lshi
tme)
Itr
iedpr
yinghi
shandofbuti
twasal
most
Impossi
ble
Him: Kut
heningat
huy a'
qhelalentoy ophendu
l
ananam Al ona.Andj ongaandi zuxakwa
nguwemnandi zo'skendikuny athel
euny eqha
mamel e?(Whyar ey ouget t
ingusedt o
respondi
ngtomewi t
hat ti
tude,Andl ookyou
aren'
tgoingtooutpowermeI '
l
ljustkickyour
Ass,Doyouhearme? )
Iqui
ckl
ynod.Hel
etgoofme
Br
eat
hingoutashakybr
eat
h.
Hi
m:Yekaleshituyenzay
oyeva.
(Youneedt
o
st
opwhatevershi
tyou'
redoi
ng)
Inod
Hi
m:Ndat
het
haAl
ona.
(I
'mt
alki
ngt
oyouAl
ona)
Me:
Ndi
kumamel
e.(
I'
mli
steni
ng)
Him:IfIf
indyoudoi
nganyofthatst uf
f,y
ou'
ll
geti
t,uzondazunj
eb'undi
provok(a).(
Yougoi
ng
toknowmewel li
fyoukeepprovokingme)
Het
hreat
en.
Iknowrightnowhewasbei
ngser
ious,
Iwasn'
t
readyt
odi eyoung.
Hi
m:Yougof
reshenup.
Igotupandwentt
othebat
hroom.
Iwaitedf
orthebathwatertobeatther
ight
temperat
ureandthenIstr
ippedoutofmy
clot
hesandgotin
WhenIwasdone.Igotdr
essedinl
ightclot
hing
becauseIwasf
eel
inghot
,dehydr
ated,
dizzyand
nauseassoIdidn'
tneedal
otofcl
othi
ng,
Iwas
goingtopassout.
Reecewassitt
ingontheothersi
deofthebed.I
gotinsi
dethecover
sandlayinafet
alposi
ti
on,I
wasshaking.
Hecuddl
edmefrom behi
ndandIl
eanedi
n
moretohi
swar
mt h.
Me:
Ifeel
sick.
Hi
m:Noshit
,Yourbodyai
n'
tusedtowhaty
ou
t
ook,
You'
l
lwakeupal it
tl
ebitbet
tert
omor
row.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Wakingupt
hefoll
owingday,
Ihadaheadache
andIwassuperhungr
y.
Idi
dn'
twantt
ofaceanyonesoIr
atherst
ay
l
ockedupinmyroom.
Reecehadl
eftar
oundmi
dni
ght
,hedi
dn'
tsl
eep
over
.
Iwentt
owashmyf
aceandbr
ushedmyt
eet
h
bef
oref
ixi
ngmybed.
Get
ti
ngont
opofi
tagai
nandwat
chedcar
toons.
Iwashal
fwaythroughwhenIhear
daknockon
mydoor,
Iwasn'tgoi
ngtoopen.
Theper
sonont
heot
hersi
decont
inuedt
oli
nger
on
"
Alona"
Thatv
oice,
Mybr
other
.
Iwenttoopenforhi
m.Iknowheal
readyknows
what'
sbeenbrewingher
ewhil
ehewasaway .
Ihuggedhi
m nev
ert
hel
ess.
Hi
m:I
'
m nothappywi
thy
our
ightnow,
Babe.
Me:
Iknow,
andI
'
m sor
ry.
Him:Wher edidyougetsuchbehav i
our.Idid
tel
lyouthatyoulosingyoursel
fAl ona.Smoking
weedandact ingli
kearebel,
beingirresponsi
ble?
That'
snoty ou.Whatareyougoi ngtodonext? .
.
What'shappeningtoyou?Ev ersincey oumet
hi
m,i
t'
sli
key
oubecomi
nganot
herv
ersi
onof
hi
m a-
Me:Don'
tputthebl
ameonhim,thi
sisall
my
doi
ng,mydecisi
onsandhe'
snotbehindthem
norpr
essur
izi
ngmet odowhatIdo.
Hekeptquietforaminute.St
ari
ngatmef
orI
cuthi
m shortandfortal
kingback.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Isai
dbiti
ngmyl
owerl
i
p,st
oppi
ngi
tfr
om
quiv
eri
ng.
Him:Promiseme.Pr omisemeAl onathatyou'l
l
st
opwhat everyoudoing.Promisemet hatyou'
ll
st
opexplori
ng.Imeanmay bet hat
'swhatthis
i
s,you'
reateenagegi r
landy oudoingwhat
ever
yoneisdoingtoblendin.Buty oudone,
Couseyouknowi tsnotgoodf oryouri
ght?
Inod.
Me:
Ipr
omi
se.
Isai
dget
ti
ngupandsnuggl
i
ngonhi
ssi
de.
Hi
m:Good.Nowy
ouar
egoi
ngt
oapol
ogi
set
o
mom r
ight?
Inod.
Hi
m:LookwhatIgoty
ou.
Hehandedmeapr esent-l
ikebag,
taki
ngitt
o
myhand.Iopeni
tandi nsi
dewasaper f
umeset
.
I
tsmel
l
edgr
eatwi
thoutev
enchecki
ngi
tout
.
Igr
innedathi
m
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Igotupandwentt
oputi
tinmydr
esserdr
awe,
passi
ngbythemir
ror
.
It
akeal
ookatmysel
f.
Thiswasn'tme,whendidIbecomel i
kethi
s.
Whendi dmylif
egetsocompl i
cated?Wasme
Falli
ngforaGangLeaderhastodowi thwhat
's
happeningtomeoristhisj
ustaphase/stage
thateachandeveryot
herteenagergoes
through?Iguess.
[
11/
09,
17:
12]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t56

Aft
erIt
alkedwi
thmybrother
,Iwenti
ntomy
mom'sroom,If
oundhergett
ingr
eadyfor
chur
ch.
Me:
Ma?
Her
:Mhh
Me:
I..I
'
m sor
ry
Her
:For?
Me:ForthewayIhav ebeenact
inglat
ely
,for
bei
ngdisrespect
ful
.Iknowwheny outal
kt o
me,y
ouonl ymeanwel l
and
Her:I'
m alsosor ryforthewayIt alkedt
oy ou
then,Ishouldn'thaver eactedthewayIdid,I
shouldhav ejustsatdownandt el
lyoumor e
aboutsucht hings,Imeany ouwereboundto
growupev entuall
yanddoeachandev ery
stuff
..
butIdidn'texpecti t.
.IknowIhav en'
t
beent her
enorspendi ngt i
mewi thyou,
cause
I'
m al
waysatwork.
Butj
usty
ouknowIcar
e,and
Il
oveyou,ev
ery
thi
ngIdoIdoitf
ory
ouandy our
brot
her.
Me:WeknowMom andweappr eci
atei
t.Don'
t
beaty
oursel
fabouti
tcauseweunderst
and,and
youdoingi
tforagoodcause.
Her
:Awwmybabyi
sgr
owi
ngup.
Shecooedatmeasshepi
nchedmycheeks.
Me:
Mom !
Iswatherhandsaway.
shel
aughedbef
ore
bri
ngi
ngmei nforahug.
"
Soy
ouki
ssedandmadeup"
Ozsai
dashecamei
n.
Inod
Hi
m:Good,
Ican'
thavemyt
wof
avor
it
ewomen
cr
osswi
tht
heother
Hesaidbr
ushi
ngimaginar
ydustf
rom hi
s
shoul
der
s.Mom chuckl
edasshealsohugged
Ozbuthequicklybrushedhi
m offbecausehe
wassupposedlytoooldfort
hat.
Mom:Eshee.Whati
supwi
thy
out
woact
ing
l
ikegr
ownups
Oz:
That
'
sbecausewear
emom.
Mom: Don'
tgetsmartwit
hme, Ni
ngli
bali
nani
fi
nyi
swandimi mif
inyai
gqib'
ubusobonke
i
yoqhinaendl
ebeninj
ebanici
mbasenibadala
nj
e.
Me:
Ewwmom
Mom: Ewwmom what?,Iwastheonechanging
yournappi
eswi
thpoorgoi
ngupy ourback.I
wastheonewhotookcareof
fyouwheny ou
f
atherd-..
Oz:
Mom,
yougonnabel
atef
orchur
ch.
Hestoppedherfr
om f
ini
shi
ng,
shecl
ear
sher
t
hroatforaminut
e
Mom: I'
m( checki
ngtimeonwri
stwatch)an
hourearl
y,May beyoutwocangochangesowe
coul
dgot
oget
her
.
Sheof
fer
ed.
Ozstart
edfei
gningsi
ck.Hehadhisarms
wrappedar
oundhiswaistandhadalookonof
someoneinpain.
Hi
m:Ifeel
sick,
I
t'
slikeI
'm goi
ngt
ovomi
tand
myst
omachhascr amps.
Hesai
d,nowbendi
ngov
er
Mom lookedathim,heroneey
ebrowraisedup
whil
eshef ol
dedherarmstoherchest
.She
knewhewasl yi
ng
Me:
Youwer
efi
nej
ustasecondag-
Hi
m:Shutup.
Hegr
it
sthr
oughhi
steet
h.
Ist
if
leal
augh
Mom:
Igott
hosepi
nkpi
l
lst
h-
Him:Theonesthatmakeyougotothe
bathr
oom ev
erysecond?,
never!Idon'
twant
t
hem.
Hesai
dst
andi
nguppr
oper
ly,
for
get
ti
nghi
sact
.
Mom:
Ah.
.seemsl
i
key
ounol
ongersi
ck.
Iwat
chedashi
sey
esbul
gedout
.
Hi
m:I
..
um.
.It
hinkI
'
m gonnat
hrowup.
Hesay
swi
thhi
shandonhi
smout
hasher
an
out
.
Il
aughedsohard,
cl
utchi
ngmysi
debecausei
t
st
art
edtohurt
.
Mom:
Yougogetr
eady
.
Myl
aughterdi
eddown,YesesIcoul
dhav
ejust
r
anoutandpretendt
ogocheckonOz.
Me:
UhMom.
.It
hink-
Mom:What?Yourper
iodsjustst
art
edri
ghtat
t
hismomentandyoustomachhurts?
Inod.
Me:
Uhh,
Yest
hat
.
Mom:Iwasplanni
ngontotaki
ngy ououtf
or
l
unchaft
ert
heservi
cebutt
hen,youcangolay
down.
Shegotme.
Me:
Ithi
nkI
'
llj
ustgetr
eady
,theyar
ebear
abl
e.
Mom:
Ha.
ayeka.
Igotoutanywayandqui
ckl
ywentt
omyr
oom
togetready
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Thef
oll
owi
ngday
.
Weweregoingtogetlunchwi
thRomeot
hengo
si
tatourusual
spot.
Wewer
echat
ti
ngandeat
ingt
hesamet
ime.
"
Wer
oll
i
ngaj
oint,
Don'
tyouwantt
oinhal
e?"
Heasked,
Smi
rki
ngatme.
Enzo
Me:
Not
hanks.YouandI
,
Asi
zot
shomi
somasi
ngaqhel
ani
.JustbecauseIwaswi t
hyou
Satur
daydoesn'
tmeanany t
hing.Soshooshoo
gobacktowhereveryoucamef rom
Iwat
chedhisfacef
all
,
frowni
ng.Hetur
nst
o
l
eaveandIheardhi
m mumble"Bit
ch"
Me:That'
sthesamet hingthatgotyourfri
end
tohaveablueeyeforthewhol eweek.I'
m sure
youdon'
twantitthoughy ourf
aceisalready
messedupsoIsuggesty ouwat chwhaty ou
saytome.
Ishout
edbackathi
m andwat
chedashel
eft.
.
Romeo:
Whatwasal
lthatabout?
Romeoaskedbr
ingi
ngmyat
tent
iont
ohi
m.
Itol
dhi
m whathappenedonSat
urday
,begi
nni
ng
toend.
Him:That
'shect
ing,
hav
eyouf
ixedt
hingswi
th
yourmom ?
Inod.
Hi
m:That
'sbet
ter
.
Me:Yeah.
.Enoughaboutme.
Ist
hata
hi
ckey/
Lovebit
e?
Iaskedpoi
nti
ngt
ohi
sneck.
Iswearhebl
ushed.
Him:Lentouyi
tshayayoAlonaay
ihambi
'
sel
ani
nawe,
ayiku'
sebenzeli
y i
yeke.

Hi
m:Sol
anont
orot
yi(
Mel
i
ssa)uhambani
ni?
Hesai
dtr
yingt
oav
oidt
heoncomi
ngt
opi
c.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Acoupl
eofday
slat
er.
OzandIwer
eathi
shouse.
Wewer ecur
rent
lysi
tt
ingi
ntheloungewhenwe
heardsomeoneonthedoorandhewentto
open.
It
ri
edpeeki
ngt
oseewhoi
twasbuti
twas
al
mosti
mpossi
blewi
thhi
stal
lfr
ame.
Oz:
Whatdoy
ouwant?
Hi
m:You.
I
twasReece.
Oz:
Yousoundsof
uckengayr
ightnow.
Hi
m:Notwhi
l
eI'
m wi
thy
oursi
ster
.
Reecel
i
kedt
roubl
e.
Oz:Youdon'
tknowhowmuchIwantt
oki
l
lyou
r
ightnow
Ozgri
tt
edthr
oughhi
steet
hwhi
l
eReeceTsk(
ed)
athi
m,smi
rki
ng
Him:Youcan't.Youknowy ouandIhav e
unfi
nishedbusinessbesi
dethat
,justt
hinkof
yoursist
er.Whatitwoulddotoherifyouki
ll
ed
me.
Hesai
dsmir
king,
brushi
ngpastOz'sshoul
der
whohasnowtensedup.Hewasf umingand
t
ryi
ngsohar
dnott osli
ceReece'
sheadoff
Reecejustbroughtoutthewor stinsomeone,
he
knewjusttherightbut
tont opresstogetyou
workedup,andhewasf indingpleasur
eindoi
ng
so.
IheardOzmumbl e"Stil
ldon'
tknowwhatmy
si
sterseesi
ny ou."bef
oreslammingt
hedoor
shutandcomingt osi
tbesideme.
Oz:
Tal
k.
Hehi
ssed
Reece:
Aren'
tyougoi
ngt
oof
fermeadr
ink?
Oz:
I'
m acoupl
eofsecondsawayf
rom t
aking
mygunandshooty
ouin-bet
weenyoureyes.
Reece:
Youknowy
ouwoul
dn'
t,
I
'my
ourbest
fr
iendr
emember?
Oz:
Usedt
obe
Hi
m:Youst
il
lhangoutwi
thme.
Oz:
BecauseIl
i
key
ourcompanybet
ter
Hi
m:Whi
chmakesusf
ri
ends.
Oz:
Nowenot
.Ihat
eyou.
Hi
m:Noy
oudon'
t,
youl
oveme.
Oz:
Usedt
o.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
Me:
Guy
s..
I'
m st
il
lher
e.
ThiswasAwkward,
TrustReecet
oputy
oui
n
suchsi
tuat
ions.
Me:..AndIt
hinktheappr
opri
atewor
dtousei
s'
l
ike'notl
ove(Theygl
aredatme)Imeani
t
soundsreal
lyawkwardri
ghtnow.
Theyconti
nuedtogl
areatme,
maki
ngme
squi
rm undert
hei
rgazes.
Me:
I'
mjustgonnagot
omyr
oom.
Isai
dget
ti
ngup.
Yeses
Iwasnotneededher
e,Iqui
ckl
ygotupandr
an
uptomyroom.
Bei
ngunderthesamer
oofwi
thbot
hoft
hem.
Damnjusti
magine.
[
11/
09,
17:
13]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t57

WhenIwokeupthefol
lowi
ngmor
ning,
Ideci
ded
t
omakebreakf
astforOzandI
Pancakes,
bacon,
sausageandacoupl
eofeggs
ontheside
Iwaswait
ingf
ort
hesausagetofrythenI
'
llbe
donewhenOzent
eredt
hekitchen.
Hol
dingmefr
om behi
ndwhil
ehisheadf
ell
li
mp
onmyshoul
der,
hewassleepi
ngonme
Hi
m:I
tsmel
l
sgr
eati
nher
e.
Me:
Yeahi
t'
l
lber
eadyi
n5.
Hi
m:Yout
hebest
Hesai
dkissi
ngmycheekandl
ett
inggoofme
andwenttot
hefr
idge.
Taki
ngoutami
l
kcar
toon,
hedr
inksabouthal
f
t
hecont
ent
sinonego
Igl
areathi
m
Hi
m:What?
Me:
Yousuchapi
g.
Heshr
ugs
Hi
m:I
'mreal
lyti
red,
int
oyobendi
that
haIgl
ass,
t
henr
insei
t,i
nde.
Me:
..Andy
ou'
ret
ir
edbecause.
.
Hi
m: St
ayedupallni
ghtdr
inki
ngwit
hReece,
pl
ayedbeerpongandgotacoupl
eofshots
'coupl
e'accor
dingt
ohi
m,meanst
oomanyt
hat
helostcount
Me:
Ithoughty
ouhat
edhi
m
Hi
m:Wel
l
..Ido.But-i
t'
scompl
i
cat
ed.
Hepausesf
oramoment
.
Hi
m:I
'
m hungr
y.
Me:
I'
m noty
ourmom .
Ihandhi
m hi
spl
ateashesi
tsdown
Me:
Youshoul
dtonei
tdownabi
tont
heal
cohol
.
Him:Toneitdown? I'l
lbehosti
ngali
tt
leevent
here,sur
elyyoudon'
texpectmenottodri
nk
andstaysoberthr
oughoutthewhol
ethi
ng.
Me:
Whatev
ent?
Hi
m: I
'vebeenor
gani
singagett
oget
herf
or
Fr
iday
.
Me:
Youmeanapar
ty?
Hi
m:Sor
tof,
justaf
ewf
ri
ends
Me:
Sur
ea'
Few'
Isai
drol
l
ingmyey
esatt
hewor
d.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
IhadspenttheThur
sdayatmymomshouse.I t
wasFridayt
hedayoft hepart
y ,
IknowIwasnot
neededther
eohandIwasn' tgoingther
eto
hangoutwithmybrother'
sincrowd.Iwas
goingt
herebecauseIli
vethere.
Iwasdonepacki
ngmystuf
finmyover
night
bagandIwasgoingtomymomsroom t
ot el
l
hert
hatI
'mleavi
ng.
Iopenedt
hedoorandfoundMeli
ssai
nsi
de,
mom wasnowheretobeseen.
Shewasstandi
ngatacabinetwher
emom
usual
l
ykeepherhospi
tal
things,
Pil
l
sandal
l
Shei
mmedi
atel
yhi
dsomet
hingt
oherbehi
nd.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Sheshr
uggednonchal
ant
ly
Her:Cameforsomepil
ls,
fortomorr
ow
morning.
.WhenIhaveahangover.
.your
brot
hersparti
esar
etheshitandI
'm pl
anni
ngon
gett
ingwasted
Me:
Wher
e'smom ?
Her:Doubleshi
ft
.(Lookingatmybag)You
goingtoyourbr
othershouse?Maybewecango
toget
hersinceI
'm headedther
eanyway
Me:
No.
Idecl
inedheroffer
,Iwantnot
hingtodowit
h
her,
she'
snothingbutabackstabber
.Imademy
wayoutandt othecabwhichdroppedmeoff.
Thewereal
otofcar
sparkedatthedr
iveway,
not
j
ustanycar
s.Theyl
ookedfl
ashyandexpensi
ve.
Icoul
dspotal
otofpeopl
eli
ngeri
ngar
oundby
thepool
,i
twassti
ll
earl
ybutthewer
emanyof
them.
Whathappenedto'
Few'
?I'
m pr
ett
ysur
ether
e
wer
emor ecoming.
Imademywayinsideandacoupleofguyswho
wer
estandi
ngbythegateandtheyst
artedt
o
wol
fwhist
lewhenIpassedby.
"
She'
shot
"
"
Fresh"anot
herguysai
d
It
urnedt
olookatt
hem,
smi
rki
ng.
Guy
:She'
sOz'
ssi
ster
Me:
AndI
'
m wi
thReece
Guy1:
Wewer ejustcomplement
ing,
weswear
weweren'
tfl
i
rti
ngoranything
Hest
utt
ered,
l
ooki
ngf
ri
ght
ened.
Guy2:Arey
ouf
uckenki
ddingme,doyouknow
wecouldev
enl
oseourey
esjustbygl
anci
ngat
her
.
Ilef
tthem ther
east heiratt
enti
onwasnow
focusedonbeingkill
edbymybr ot
heror
Reece,atl
eastitwasn'tfocusedonmybehi
nd
anymor e.
Itwasi mpossibl
etoseemybr otherinthe
crowdsoIwentupt hestair
stoputmyst uffi
n
myr oom beforegoingbacktothekitchento
grabaf ewst uf
ftohavemyownpar t
yi nmy
room, eati
ngsweetstuffandwatcha
mov i
e..whichwil
lbealmostimpossiblewit
hthe
musicbl ar
ingoutloud.
It
ookoutwhatIwant
ed,
whi
chwasal
oti
f
mi
ghtadd.ButIwasn'
tgoi
ngt
ofi
nisht
hem al
l
Itur
nedt
ogetoutoft
herewhenIbumpedi
nto
someonemaki
ngmyst uf
ffal
l
"
I'
m sor
ry"
Sai
dsomeguy
svoi
ce
Me:
It'
spar
tl
yal
somyf
aul
t,
Iwasn'
tl
ooki
ng
IsaidasIbentdowntopi
ckthem up,
he
fol
lowedthemov eandwasnowhelpi
ngme
Him:
Forsomeonewit
hawor k-
outt
ypeofbody
,y
ousuredoeatal
otofsugar"
Me:
WhatcanIsay
,Ihav
easweett
oot
h
Igotupandt
ookt
hest
ufff
rom hi
m.
Hi
m:I
'
m Anel
e
Hesai
dshowingmehi
shandtotake,butbot
h
minewer
eoccupi
edsoIcoul
dn'
tshakeit
Hi
m:Ohsor
ry.
Hesai
dnownot
ici
ngi
t,
Scr
atchi
nghi
sback
Awkwar
dly
.
Hi
m:Sowhat
'sy
ourname.?
Me:
I'
m nott
ell
i
ngy
ou.
Hi
m:Why
.
Me:
BecauseIdon'
twantt
o.
Ishr
ugged.
Hi
m:I
'
llj
ustcal
lyoupr
ett
y
Ichuckl
e
Me:
Thanksf
orhel
pingmebutIgott
ogo
Isai
dpassi
nghim bef
orehecoul
dsay
somethi
ng,
dashi
ngtomyr oom
Iwasabouttosett
ledownwhenmyphone
st
art
edtoring,
Reecehewasoutsi
de.
Ihuf
fedi
nannoy
ancebutwentt
ohi
m anyway
.
"Iwant
edt
oseey
oubef
oreIgoti
nsi
de"
HesaidwhenIgoti
nhi
scar
,pecki
ngmeont
he
l
ips.
Me:
Ozi
nvi
tedy
ou?
Hi
m:Whywoul
dn'
the?
Me:
Ithoughthehat
edy
ourgut
s
Him:Hedoesn'
t,
anywayheknowshecan't
part
ywit
houtme.Wealwayspart
ytoget
her
Me:
Yourf
ri
endshi
piscompl
i
cat
edhu?
Hechuckl
es.
Hi
m:I
t'
spackedi
nher
e
Inod
Hi
m: Andyouaren'
tsi
tt
ingwi
thanyoft
hem,
no
al
coholei
therI
'
llf
-
Me:IknowIknow( rol
li
ngmyeyes)Iwas
pl
anningonstay
inglockedupi
nmyr oom
anyway,
watchacoupleofmovi
esandstuff
myselfwi
thwhatever.
Hi
m:CanIj
oiny
ou?
,may
bewecanal
so.
.
Hetrai
l
edoffashepull
edmeontopofhi
mi na
st
raddl
ingposi
ti
on.
.st
art
ingt
oki
ssmewhilehi
s
handswer
eundermyshi
rtr
ubbi
ngmywai
st.
Hewasabouttotakeof
fmyshir
tbutIst
opped
hi
m,Iknowwherethi
swasgoi
ng
Me:
Nother
e
Isai
dget
ti
ngof
fhi
m
Hi
m:Sonowy
oudet
ermi
net
hepl
ace,
ti
meand
when
Me:
No.
Whati
fsomeone-
Hi
m:Igeti
t,I
'
llbeheadi
ngi
nsi
de
Hesai
dleav
ingmet
olockhi
scar
.
Igotofflooki
ngar
oundhewasnowheretobe
seen,Il
ockedthecarandheadedi
nsi
dewit
h
hiscarkeys.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Ihadprobabl
yspent3ormor
ehour
slockedup
Alonei
nmyr oom.
Iwasn'
tfol
l
owinganyofthemoviesIhadt
ri
ed
watchi
ngandIcoul
dn'
tconcent
rateanda
coupl
eofpeoplewouldoccasional
l
ytr
ytoopen
mybedroom doornowandt henandIt
hinkI
knowexact
lywhattheywanted
Wellmyroom wasn'
tahot
elwher
eyoucan
br
inginanypi
ckupandhavesexwit
h
IthankgodthatIwasn'
tdownstai
rsbl
endingi
n
withthecrowd,
Iwouldhavecometomyr oom
l
ateronandcomeacr ossdist
urbi
ngmoment s
thatcoul
dscarmymi ndforev
er.
SinceIhadnothi
ngbett
ertodo,Ideci
dedto
sl
eepbutr ememberedthatIhadReece'
scar
keysandIdon'twanthi
m comingtowakeme
uplateronwhenhewantedt ol
eave.
Ihadspentabout15minut
esl
ooki
ngforhi
m
buti
tseemsl i
kehevani
shedi
ntot
hinai
r.
Isawt
heguy
sIt
hreat
enedear
li
eron,
I
I
'm sur
etheywereonthelookoutforMybr
other
orReecesi
nceIalsot
hreatenedtotel
lont
hem
,t
heywerewait
ingtobepouncedon
Theyt
oldmet
heyl
astsawhi
m goi
ngupst
air
s.
Itwasei
therhewasgoi
ngt
othebat
hroom or
ebeyoti
pa.

Iwentupthest
air
sonceagai
nknocki
ngi
neach
ever
yroom,whi
chsomewereoccupi
ed y ou
know
Last
lygoi
ngt
ochecki
nmybr
other
sroom
where
If
oundMel
i
ssa.
.Ont
opofReece

Ir
anoutt
her
e
Bumpi
ngi
ntoAnel
eonmywayout
"Iwoul
dn'
tmindbumpi
ngint
oyoueachand
ever
yd-.
.heyar
eyouokay?"
Qui
cklycl
ear
ingmyt
hroatandswal
l
owi
ngt
he
l
ump,Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
ocry
Me:
I'
mfi
ne,
I'
ll
bef
ine
Hi
m:I
tlooksl
i
key
ouar
eaboutt
ocr
ythough
Ishookmyhead,
Iwon'
t
Me:
Ijustneedf
reshai
r.
Hi
m:Iwasheadedout
sidef
orasmokeany
way
.
Hesaysdraggi
ngmewi t
h,Thewer eal
otof
peopl
earoundheresoIdoubtsomethi
ngwil
l
happenorthewon'
tbeanywitnessesi
f
somethi
nghappenswit
hthisstr
anger
Me:Lookifyouwantinf
ormati
onabout
Reece,
I
'l
lgladl
ygi
veittoyou
Isai
dasIsatdownbyt henowempt
ypool
wit
h
afewpeopl
elinger
ingaround
Him:Inf
ormat
ionaboutReece.
.?Whaty
ouon
about?That'
smybossr i
ghtther
e,t
her
e's
nothi
ngIdon'
tknowabouthim.
Mymout
hfor
medasmal
lO
Me:
I'
venev
erseeny
ouar
ound
Hi
m:ButIhav
eseeny
oubef
ore.
.att
he
warehouse.Whenhecamewithyoutopuni
sh
t
hoset wodumbheadswhotriedtof
orce
t
hems-, Imeanthosedumbheadswhohurt
you
Hesai
dtr
yingt
oav
oidbr
ingi
ngt
hewhol
ethi
ng
up
Isnor
ted
Me:Funnyhowhewant
snoonet
ohur
tmey
et
hedoes
Hi
m:Uhhhwhaty
ouonabout
..
?
Me:Ij
ustcaughthi
m hav
ings-,
youknow
what.
.nev
ermind.
.
Henods.
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Hesai
dli
kehewst
ryi
ngmynameonhi
s
t
ongue
Me:
Howdoy
ouknowmyname?
Hi
m:War
ehouse,
theboss
Me:Thenwhydi
dyouaskf
ormynamewhenI
bumpedint
oyou
Him:Ratheryouhavemet el
lyout
hatIknow
yournameev enthoughyoudon'
tknowme? ,I
didn'
twanttofreakyouout.

Ispentacoupl
eofhourstalkingaboutrandom
stuf
fwithAnel
e,hewascool t
obewi t
h.Making
mef or
getali
tt
leaboutReecebutwhenIwoke
upinthemorningthef
oll
owi ngday,r
ealit
yhit
mei nawave.Yeermaarn!
Reecesl
eptwi
thmycousi
nsi
ster
.
[
11/
09,
17:
14]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t58

REECE'
SPOV.

I
twasear l
yaft
ernoonwhenif
inal
l
ywokeup.
Exhaust
ionhadtakenov
ersi
nceIwentt
obed
ar
oundf
ourt
hismor
ning.
Getti
ngupIrunmyf i
ngersthr
oughmymessy
hairasIyawn.Pi
cki
ngupmycel l
from t
henight
standInoti
ceIhavemissedtextmessagesand
call
s.Noneofthem werefr
om mypr i
ncess.
Agai
nwhywoul dshe?shewaspr obablytor
n
apar
tfrom whatshewi
tnessedy
esterday
ni
ght,
shewantednothi
ngtodowithmer i
ght
now.
Actual
lyIdon'tevenknowwhatreal
l
y
happenedyest er
daywitht
hatsl
utMari
a,Mari
e-
MelodyIdon'tknowhernameandIdon'tcar
e.I
j
ustknowshei shercousi
nandawickedoneat
that
Shetr
iedherl
uckwithme.Butt henagai
nwho
am I?I'
m ReeceFucken'Cruz
.Nothingcan
bri
ngmedownt osubmi ssi
on,
notevenadouble
doseofthepi
ll
ssheusedt ospikemydrink.
Iadmit
,Ial
mostlosti
tandpassedoutandlet
herhaveherwaywithmebutIactedtoofast
andherpl
andi
dn'
twor
kout
.
Alona.Shewasn'tgoi
ngtobel
i
eveme,
giv
ent
he
posit
ionshefoundusin
Iwoul
dhaverunafterherbutIhadnostr
engt
h
i
nme,Iusedal
lthatli
tt
lestr
engthtogett
hat
bi
tchof
fmeandwentt omycar
Call
ingmybrot
hert
opickmeupafterIbl
acked
outonthest
eeri
ngwheelandnowIwakeup
here.
Myf atherwoul
dbesodisappoint
edinmet o
knowt hatI'
mlet
ti
ngallt
hesefemalesmess
withthewayhegr oomedme,tobet oughand
feared.
Andnowtoletmyguar
ddowninaplacef
il
led
wit
hsomeundercov
erenemi
es,
thent
obe
al
mostpl
ayedbyafemale
TskTsk.
.Whatt
hef
ucki
shappeni
ngt
ome
I
'
venev
erf
eltsoweak,
eversi
nceImether
.
Sl
owl
ybutsur
elyI
'
vebeenchangi
ng,
i
t'
sagood
changebut
..Idon'
tl
ikei
t.Especi
all
yfor
someonewhoi sint
hegame.
Myol
dmanwoul
dreal
l
ybedi
sappoi
nted.
Standi
ngupIwalktothebat
hroom soIcando
mybusiness.IRi
nsemymout handshutofft
he
waterandwalkovert
otheshowertoful
ly
awake.
Igoundert
hewaterl
ett
ingt
hewat err
elaxme
butIknowi
treal
l
ywon'thel
p,not
hingcancool
medownwhi l
eshe'
smadatme.

Agoodthir
tyminutespassbyandIdecideto
shutof
fthewater.Openi
ngtheshowerdoorI
grabmytowelanddrymy sel
fandstepout.
Tohav
ehermadatmealway
sputmeinabad
mood,nott
hatI
'
m ev
eri
nagoodmoodbut
..I
j
ust
She'
ssostubbor
n.Ibetsheal
readymadeup
hermindwit
houthear
ingmeout.
ButIdon'tblameher,
Ifthi
swastheot
herway
around,
IfIfoundherinsuchposi
ti
onwit
h
anotherman.I'l
lhur
therbad
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Ihaddeci
dedt
ogoseeher
IsawOz'scarl
eav
ingasIpar
kedmi
neont
he
dri
veway.
Hi
m:What
every
oudi
d,Fi
xit
.
Heshout
edoutaf
terr
oll
i
ngdownhi
swi
ndow.
Ii
gnoredhi
m asIwentinsi
dethehouse,I
twas
pr
ett
ycleanconsi
der
inglastni
ght
'seventsHe
musthavehir
edpeopletoti
dyup.
Iwentupt
oherr
oom,
Iwasner
vous
Iknockedonherdoor,Iheardshuff
li
ngonthe
othersi
debeforethedoorwasopenedand
whenshesawi twasme, shequickl
ytri
edto
shutiti
nmyf acebutIeasi
lyoutpoweredher.
Pushingthedoormakingherfal
ldownonher
si
de.
Igotinl
ocki
ngthedoorbehi
ndandput
ti
ngt
he
keyinmypocket
Ilookeddownather
,Icoul
dn'
tqui
teseeher
faceandwhatemoti
onshehadonbecauseit
wascov er
edwit
hherlonghai
r
Igotdownandtr
iedhel
pingherupbutshe
ref
used,
hersmal
lhandonmychesttopushme
away
Ist
eppedback.
Shegotbackuponherf
eet
.
Her
:Getout
.
Ij
ustl
ookedather
.WhenshesawIhadno
meansofdoi
ngso.
Shescreamedatmet ogetout
,showingmethat
shewasbeingseri
ous.Iwasn'
tgoingtogo
wit
houtdefendi
ngmyself
It
ri
edtoholdherhandbutshebrushedme
away,
herhandsfor
medintofi
ststar
tedtomov e
soqui
ckonmychestasshehi tmer epeat
edl
y.I
l
etherbeandwhenshehadenoughshef ist
ed
myshir
tinherhandput
ti
nghertearst
reaked
f
aceonmychestasshesl i
ddownt omyf eet
Icoul
dn'
tbearseei
ngherl
i
ket
his
Iwrappedmyar msar oundherandl
ethercry
onmebuti twasn'tsecondswhenshetrashed
tr
yingtogetoutofmyhol dbutIwastoostrong
i
nsteadIti
ghtenedmyhol donher
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Idon'tev
enknowwhatIwasapol
ogi
zi
ngf
or,
but
Ihatedseei
ngherl
i
kethi
s
Whenshecal meddownabit,
shewasablet
o
speakthoughshehi
ccupedandherv
oicewas
raspy
Her:
Howcouldy ou?Youdiditt
hef i
rstt
ime
andIfor
gaveyou,y
oudoi
ngitforthesecond
ti
me,worsewi
thmycousinsist
er.
.
Me:Idi
dn'
tsleepwi
thher.IswearIdi
dn't
.You
knowIl
earnedmylessonthelastt
ime,She-
shespi
kedmydr
inka-
Her
:Andyousti
ll
havetheaudaci
tyt
oli
etomy
f
ace,whenIsawyoutwo
Me:Alonaplease,I'
dneverdoyouli
kethat
agai
n.Especial
lywithsomeonecloseto
you,
famil
y.I'
dreall
ywouldn'tst
oopthatl
ow.
Pri
ncessplease..
Her
:Yousl
eptwi
thher
..
Shesai
d,mor
etohersel
fst
il
lshocked.
Me:
Idi
dn'
t.
pleasebel
i
eveme.
Shewasqui t
eforamoment ,hopingshewas
thi
nkingi
tthr
ough,hopi
ngthatatl eastshe
beli
evedme.ThatshetrustedmebutIl ong
brokehert
rustwhenIfi
rstcheatedonher
Her:Youdon'
tdeser
veme.Idon'tdeser
vet
his,
Idon'
tthi
nkIcan-
..
getpastt
his.
Me:
Don'
tgi
veuponus.
Sheshookherhead
Her:There'snous.Clearl
yyounev ertookthis
rel
ati
onshipseriousl
y.Youdon'tt
akeme
seri
ous.Youkeephur ti
ngmeandy ouknowI 'm
goingtoforgiv
ey ou.
.Notthi
stime, I'
m done
withyouReece.I '
vebeenhol
dingont oy ou,
stoodbyy ou.You'r
enotworthitanymor e,
I'
m
done.
I
thur
thersay
ingi
t
Me: Al
ona. .j
ustthi
nkitthr
ough,don'
tmake
thesedecisionsyet.Idi
dn'tsl
eepwit
hher ,
I
swearIdidn't.Shedruggedmebutst i
llshe
didn'
tgetwhatshewant ed,whi
chwastosleep
withme.If oughtherwiththeli
tt
lest
rengthI
hadleft
.Ith-
Her
:Leav
e.
Me:
Alon-
Her
:Leav
e!Forj
ustonce,
dosomet
hingf
orme
.
Sheabr
upt
lygotup,
fur
iousl
ytr
yingt
oopenher
doorhandl
e.Sheheadedtowar
dsherdr
esser
tabl
e,
bli
ndl
ytaki
ngthingsandt
hrowi
ngthem at
mebutImanagedt ododge.
Irai
sedmyhandsupinsurr
ender
,Taki
ngt
he
keyfrom myj
eansIopent
hedoorandgetout
.
I
'
llgi
vehert
ime.
Igoti
nmycaranddr
oveof
ftot
hewar
ehouse.
Whoev
ergotinmywayri
ghtnowwasreal
l
y
goi
ngtogeti
t.Iwasi
naki
ll
erpr
ickmode.
[
11/
09,
17:
14]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t59

Myl
i
fewentoni
nthecoupl
eofday
s,weeks
Reecest
ayedawayfr
om me,Ihadn'
tseenhim
si
ncethedayofoursor
tofbreakupanditwas
ki
ll
ingmebutIt
hinki
twasforthebest.
Imostlyspentmydaysatmom'shouse,
even
thoughitmeanthav
ingtoseeMel
issaever
y
ti
me.Iwasn'tgoi
ngtoabandonmybecauseI
want
edtoav
oidher.Igotsomesor
tofcomf
ort
f
rom mom
All
sheknewwasthatIwashear
tbrokenbuy
someguyinmycl
ass,Icoul
dn'
treal
lytel
lher
howdeepthi
swas.
IwasgladthatIhadsomeonet otalkto,Idi
dn'
t
wanttoinvol
vemybr otheri
nthi
s.Ididn'
twant
tobethereasonbehindthecomplicat
ionsof
thei
rdearl
yfri
endshi
p.

Melissahadacer
tai
nbehavi
ourandwhenI
askedherabouti
tandshesai
dshewas
pregnant
.Idi
dn'
tbel
iev
eher
Ihadwentspeci
all
yforhertot
hemar
kett
obuy
pregnancyt
est
.Threeofthem.
Igothomeandf oundhersl
eepi
ngi
nmyr oom.I
abrupt
lyshookhercausi
nghert
ofal
lassfi
rst
onthematassher oll
edover
.
It
hrewt
hepl
ast
icather
.Shedi
dn'
tsay
anyt
hingasshewentt
othebat
hroom andI
fol
l
owedherjustt
omakesure.
Her
:Whathappenedt
opr
ivacy?
Me:Doy ouev
enknowhowt
ospel
l'
Pri
vacy'
?,
Justgeti
n.
Igl
aredather
,shewentoni
nany
way
Ir
eadoutt
hei
nst
ruct
ionst
oher
.
Shepeedonall
ofthem t
henwewai tedfora
coupl
eofminut
es,andIreadthr
oughthe
i
nformat
iononthebackofthepackagi
ng
It
ookt
hef
ir
stst
icki
nmyt
rembl
i
nghand.
Thecont r
olli
neont heleftofthepregnancytest
wasv i
sibl
e,suggesti
ngthatthetestresulti
s
vali
d.Apal epurpleli
nehasal soappearedon
theri
ghthandsi de(thetestl
ine)whichclearl
y
signi
fi
esthat..shewaspr egnant.
Itookthesecondthenthet
hir
dpregnancyt
est
andtheyallshowedthesameresul
ts.
Mybreat
hhi
tchedi
nmythroat,Isatdownon
t
heedgeoft
hebedasIprocessedalloft
his.
Whatt
hismeans,
Whatwi
l
lhappent
oReeceand
I
.
Anyounceofhappi
nessIt
houghtwehadl
eft
wasgone.Thi
schangesever
ythi
ng.
It
urnedt
olookather
.
Me:
Ihat
eyou.
Isai
dmywor
dsv
enomous.
Sheshr
ugged.
Her
:Thef
eel
i
ngi
smut
ual
Me:Youdon'
tev
enhav
eal
i
ttl
ebi
tofgui
l
tof
whatyoudi
d.
Her:Justanot
herl
i
fechal
l
engef
ory
ou,
deal
wit
hi t
.
Shesai
dasshesway
edherhi
psheadi
ngout
.
Icr
awl
eduponmybed,
l
ayi
ngi
naf
etal
posi
ti
on.
Ijustwant
edt
osl
eepsoIcoul
dfor
getal
labout
this.
It
ookmyphoneont heni
ghtstand,
Itext
ed
Reecel
ett
inghi
m knowofhi
snowt obedutyt
o
beafat
hertoMeli
ssa'
sbaby.
I
'
m sodonewi
thhi
m
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Iwaswi
thRomeoatschool
.

Him:Soyoujustgoi
ngt ogi
veup?,andl
etl
a
nont
orot
yi(
Mel i
ssa)knownshe'
swonandgot
whatshewanted,whichwastobr
eakyouguys
up
Me: WhatshouldIdo?Ndihl
alendinyamezele
uviswakabu'
hlungunguReece,ndibendine
thembalobauzot shi
ntsha?(Staywithhim and
bearbei
nghurt,hopinghewil
lstopandchange
? )
Ishookmyhead.
Me:I'
m notgoi
ngtodot
hat.Lif
egoesonand
minewil
lgoonthewayitusedtobefor
e,Iwon'
t
di
e.Reececangotohel
lforal
lIcar
e
Hi
m: Butf
ri
end.Younotbeingfai
rtohi
m,At
l
eastyoucoul
dhaveli
stenedtohissi
deoft
he
st
ory.
Ihuf
fed
Me:Idon'
tknowwhattobel
iev
eany more.Isaw
them i
nmybr ot
her
sroom t
hatnight
,inhisbed
Meli
ssanaked.Shesay
sshesleptwit
hhim.He
sayshedi
dn'tbutNowshe'
spregnant.
Hi
m:HasReeceev
erl
i
edt
oyou
Ishookmyhead,
No.
Me:Hemi
ghtbest
art
ingnowj
ustt
osav
ehi
s
ass.
Hi
m:B-
Me:
Let
'sj
ustdr
opi
t.
Isai
dandr
ightt
hent
hebel
lrangandwepar
ted
way
stogot
ocl
ass.
Afterschool
wedecidedtogot
oMcdonal
ds,
I
reall
yneedasmoothie.
Wesatatatabl
ethathadav
iewf
rom out
side,
t
opeoplewatch
Whilewewaitedforouror
der.Isawsomechi ck
passingby,
shehadahugebabybumponand
besi
deherwasaguy swhowascar r
yingafew
pl
asticbags,pr
obabl
yaearlybabyshopping.
Iswal
lowedthel
umpinmyt
hroatasIt
hought
ofReeceandMeli
ssa.
.
Romeomusthaveseenmybot
her
edl
ookaf
terI
sawthecoupl
e
Hi
m: Don'
tl
eti
tgett
oyou,
you'
l
lgett
hrough
t
his.
Inodasi
tookhi
swar
m handi
nmi
ne.
Ouror
derarr
ivedaf
ewminut
eslat
erandwe
si
ppedint
hem, Whi
l
eRomeotri
edtoeaset
he
mood.
Lat
eronIwenthomeandf
oundmybr
other
l
azi
ngaround.
Iwentupt omyr oom tochangeoutofmy
unif
orm beforegoingbackdownstai
rst
ostart
cookingdinner.Iwasdonehalfandanhour
l
aterandIdi shedoutfort
hebothofusand
tookourplateswithasIwenttojoi
nhiminthe
l
ounge
Ihandedhi
m hi
spl
atebef
oresi
tt
ingdown.
Him:Ndi
zokugalel'
it
yiwaungabol
i(I
'
llpour
sal
tsoyouwon'trot)
Not
e:IDON'
TEVENKNOW WHATTHAT
MEANS,ORI
FITRANSl
ATEDI
TRIGHT.
Hewasgr
inni
ng
Me:Youneedt
ogety
our
sel
fawi
fe,
ndi
diki
we
nguwemna
Him:Aslongasy ouandmom takegoodgood
careofme,forgeti
t.Besi
deI
'm st
il
lenj
oyi
ngl
i
fe
andther
e'salongwayt ogo.
Me:
Sleepi
ngwi
thf
ourpi
ckupchi
cksi
nbed?
Heshr
ugs
Hi
m:Bay
azi
zel
a.
Me:
AIDSi
sspel
l
edwi
thf
ourl
ett
ers
Him:Ineverforgett
ousecondoms.Ihav ea
hugebasketupi nmyr oom fi
ll
edwi t
hthem.
Twopacket sundermymat t
ress.1packeti
nmy
carAnotherfourinmyof f
ice.3singl
esinmy
wall
et.Ipr
obablyhav e1underthiscouch.
AbouttwoInt hekit
chen.Intheg-
Me:Shutup.I
'
vehear
denoughtoscarmymind
for
ever
.Youknowwhat.?I
'
m notevenhungr
y
anymore.
Isai
dget
ti
ngupashebur
stoutl
aughi
ng
Hequi
ckl
ypulledmebacktosi
tdownnextt
o
hi
m.Hecatcheshisbr
eat
h
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryt
hen
Hesay
sWi
pingani
magi
nar
ysweatf
rom hi
s
f
ace
Me: Cabauxozekil
ene?Udeubepi nkubuso?
Uzofaumncincingezizi
ntouzenzayo.(Youfi
nd
thi
sf unny?Yourf
aceev entur
nedpink.You'
ll
dieyoungifyoudon'tst
opthethingsyoudo)
Isai
dasIcont
inuedt
oeatf
rom mypl
ate
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Iwassleepi
ngi
nmyr
oom whenIgotacal
l
fr
om Reece.
Heknewifhecall
edmeear l
ierwhi
leIwas
awakeIwouldn'
tanswer
.Hewai t
edti
lli
twas3
am sot
hatIcananswerbli
ndlywit
hmysl eep
fi
l
ledmind.
Af
terdecidi
ngtoanswercauseIknewhe
woul
dn'tqui
tbuggi
ngme.
.
.
Hi
m: Idon'
tunder
standwhyyouavoi
dingme
whenwecouldtal
kandt r
ytofi
xthi
s
Me: Youli
edtome. Ther
e'snothi
ngtobefixed.
Howdowef i
xthepartwhereyousti
ckedy our
di
cki nmycousinshugehol eandgother
pregnant,howwil
lyoufixit?bymakingher
abortit?
Hi
m:Id-
Me:
Younotact
ual
l
ythi
nki
ngofdoi
ngi
tar
eyou?
Hi
m:I
'
m notev
enr
-
Me:
ReeceIneedy
out
ost
ayt
hehel
lawayf
rom
me.
Isai
dpol
i
tel
yasIcoul
d,Iwast
ir
edoft
his.
Ihanguponhim,deci
dedonbl
ocki
nghim on
mycellwant
ingt
ostopanysor
tofcont
actwith
hi
m.
Hecangohanghimsel
fbyhi
smanhoodand
di
eforal
lIcar
e.
[
11/
09,
17:
14]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t60
REECE'
SPOV

IWasparkedacoupleofhousesawayfr
om
Al
ona'
smomshouse, inst
eadofwait
ingf
orher
,I
waswait
ingforherCousi
nsist
er
Iwasst
oodout
sidemycar
,myhandsf
oldedup
tomychest
.
Iwasgoi
ngt
odosomet
hingi
shoul
dhav
edone
l
ongago.
Amuscl ewasti
cki
ngsteadi
lyi
nmycheekasI
tr
iedcontr
oll
i
ngmyr agewhenIsawher
approachi
ng
Shehadonsomeskimpydr
essandshesawmy
eyesonhershepul
l
edthet
opdown,exposi
ng
herchest
Likethosesaggyt i
tscouldtur
nmeon, t
hey
wer en'
tAl
ona'splumpr oundshapedones,
j
ust
thinki
ngaboutthem makesmydi ckt
wit
ch.
Her
:HeyReece.
Shesai
d,herv
oicehi
ghpi
tched,
bat
ti
ngherey
e
l
ashes
Bi
z'ngat
hiy
andazi
eh.TskTsk
Me:
Mar
ia.
Her
:It
sMel
i
ssa
Li
keIgi
veaf
uck
Me:
Let
sgett
obusi
ness
Shesai
dseduct
ivel
yasshet r
ailedafingerf
rom
mychestanddowntomybel t.Itookherhand
andputi
tonherchest
,shov
ingherl i
ghtl
y.
Me:Theonl
ybusinessIcanhavewithsomeone
l
ikeyou,
Isi
fIsel
lyoucheapcheapt omyFriend
i
nChinatobecomet hei
rescor
t.Thenthatway
youcangetoutofmyl i
fe.
Shegul
pedi
nfear
Her:Youcan'
tgetri
dofme.Especi
all
ynowt
hat
I
'm carr
yingy
ourchi
ld.
Icl
appedmyhandsonce.Whywasshest
il
li
n
fr
ontofmest andingwit
hhertwofeetwhenshe
couldbelay
ingflatonherbackwai
ti
ngforthe
corpset
ruck?
Me:Mypat iencei
srunni
ngout .Idon'
tknow
whetheryou'r
ementall
ydist
urbedory ourj
ust
obsessedwi t
hme.
Her:I
'm notmental
lydist
urbednor
obsessed..
I'
mjust(steppi
ngclosetome)i
n
l
ovewi t
hy ou
Shetr
iedt
ouchi
ngmyhandbutIqui
ckl
yshr
ug
herof
f.
Me:
Mel
od-
Her
:Mel
i
ssa
Me:
Yeaht
hat
.
Sheonceagai
ntr
iest
oputhercl
awsonme
Me:
Stopf
ucki
ntr
yingt
otouchme!
Her:
Youdidn'
tst
opmewhenmyhandsr oamed
f
reel
yonyoursexybodyatt
hatni
ghtoft
he
par
ty
Shewi
nksatme,
shet
hinkshesexy
Whatshedoesn'
tknowisshel
ooksli
kea
di
sconnect
edrobot,
fl
utt
eri
ngi
t'
seyesopen
Him:Imadeyoufal
lAssf
ir
standI
'
m sur
eyour
bum hur
taf
ter,
butnow
Iseizedherbyneckwi thbothhandsandlif
ted
herhighintheair
,squeezi
nghert hr
oatsohard
alongtheway ,
Shewasst ruggl
ingtobreat
h.
Iwatchedherf
aceturni
ngal
mostbl
ueasshe
st
ruggledandwri
thedweakl
yinmygri
p.
Il
etgooffherandshefel
lont
he
gr
ound,
coughingandgaspi
ngforbr
eat
h.She
wasshaki
ngandconvulsi
nguncont
rol
l
abl
y.
Him:Now.Youar
egoi
ngt
ogot
oAl
ona,
Andt
ell
hert
hetrut
horel
se.
.
Shequi
ckl
ynodbef
oreIev
enf
ini
shed.
Her
:O-
Shetr
iedt
ospeakbutnot
hingcameoutbuta
pat
heti
csqueak.
Shel
ookedf
ri
ght
ened,
sheshoul
dbe.
Myl fatherusedtosay.
."Putenoughfeari
n
them sot heywouldal
wayshaveitint
heback
oftheirmi ndswhatmayhappennexti
fthey
defyyou"
SheknowswhatI
'
lldot
oheri
fshedef
yme.
Bef
oreIcoul
dtur
ntol
eav
e,myphoner
ang
Busi
ness.
Me:Avez-
vousobtenul
espaquet
s?(
Didy
ou
gett
hepackages)
.
.
Me:Onabeauf
air
edesaf f
air
esavecv
ous(I
t
wasni
cedoi
ngbusinesswit
hyou)
IhangupasIputmyphonei nmypocketand
beforeIcoul
dsaysomet
hingtoher
,shespri
nt
offrunni
ng
Il
aughedmyAssof
f
Sher eal
lydi
dn'
tthinkIwasmakingadeal to
sellherofft
ochi
nadi dshe?ImeanIwasn' t
evenspeakingChineseitwasFrench.Bit
ch
does' ev
enknowt hedif
fer
ence.Icatchedmy
breathasIgoti
nt hecar,
guessI'
llseelat
er
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
ALONA'
SPOV

Iwassi t
ti
ngwithwithmom att
hedinner
table,
shejustr
etur
nedfr
om workandIhadj
ust
dishedout
Her
:Wher
e'sMel
i
ssa?
Ishr
ug
Me:Shewentoutafewm-( Hear
ingthedoor
openatt
hefront
)thatmustbeher.
Sheappear
edl
ooki
ngdi
str
essed
Me:
Umnt
uomi
thi
yoakahambi
ngobusuku,
y
ouknowKugqwi
rhyphandl
e.
Isai
dsmi
rki
ngatther
evel
ationImadeinf
ront
ofmom,I
'
m notsurei
fshetoldhery
et.
Mom:
Truet
hat
.
Shesai
dasshewasf
ocusedondi
shi
ngoutt
he
sal
adforher
sel
f

Melissa:IknowbutIneededtogotot
he
shop,I'
l
lbeupinmyr oom passbymewheny
ou
goingtobed.
Shesai
dlooki
ngatme.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es
Mom:
Awut
yi?(
Aren'
tyoueat
ing?
)
Sheshookherhead
Her
:Ial
readygotsomet
hingyouknow,peopl
ein
mycondit
ioncan'
twai
tti
l
l t
hedinnert
ime
Shesai
dlaughi
ngl
i
ght
lybuti
twasst
rai
ned.
Mom nodsather
Mom:
Goodni
ghtt
hen
Shesai
dasMel
l
issat
urnedt
oleav
e.
Me:
Soshet
oldy
ouaboutt
hepr
egnancy
.
Her
:That
'st
hemai
nreasonf
ort
hisv
isi
t
Me:
Ma?
Iasked,
notr
eal
l
yunder
standi
ngwhatshe
meant
Her:Shedi dl
etmeknowt hatshewaspr egnant
.
Andshecoul dn'
tst
aywi thhermom , she'
s
alwaysoutbesidet
hatshedr i
nks,smokesand
verball
yabusehersomet i
mes.Shedoesn' t
needt hatki
ndofvi
bear oundherasi tcoul
d
harmt hebabysoshedeci dedtocomeher e
andIwel comedherin.AtleastIcansupport
her..
Il
ookedatherwi
thmymout
hagape.
Shewasal
readypr
egnantbef
oresheev
en
cameher
e.
Inoddumbl
y.Iputmyfoodi
nthefr
idgebef
ore
tel
l
ingmom t
hatIhav
eaheadacheandI'
m
goingt
osl
eep.
Her
:Shoul
dIbr
ingy
ousomepi
l
ls?
Me:
Please.Buty
ougoi
ngt
ofi
ndmei
n
Mel
i
ssa'sroom.
Ineedt
ogetsomeanswer
s.
Ibudgedinherroom andfoundhersi
tt
ingin
Rubbingherneckwhichit
'scol
ourwasirr
it
ati
ve
red.
Her
:I.
.Li
ed.
Shesai
d,Looki
ngatherconf
usedf
oramoment
.
Me:
About?
Her:Ev
ery
thi
ng.Il
i
edabout
..
sleepi
ngwi
th
Reece
Gul
pingner
vousl
y.
Her
:Il
i
edabouthi
m bei
ngr
esponsi
blef
ort
he
pr
egnancy
.

Her:Ij
ustwant edyoutwotobreakup.Icoul
dn'
t
bearseei
ngy ouhappywi t
hhim.Iwantedthat
formyself
, Everyt
hingi
nyourli
feseemedtobe
perf
ect,
unl
ikemi ne.
Me:Soy oudeci
dedt
ohurtme,pl
aywithmy
feel
i
ngs..Howcomedidn'
tIseeal
lthi
s,How
didyoup-
Mom enter
sfr
om thedoor
,st
oppi
ngmy
sel
f
f
rom say
inganyy
hing.
Shehandsmet
hepi
l
lsandIt
hankher
Mom:Packetofmysleepi
ngpi
ll
saremissi
ng
f
rom t
hepil
lscabi
net
.Anyofyoutookt
hem ?
Ishookmyhead,
themovefoll
owedbyMel
issa
whoseemedli
ketobedebat
ingonsomet
hing
Mom: MaybeIt
ookandlef
tthem att
he
hospi
tal
,
ormybag..Yougir
lshaveagoodni
ght
.
Shewentout
.
Waitaminut
e.Missi
ngpi
ll
s,I'
veseenMeli
ssai
n
mom'sroom andshewaslooki
ngforsomepil
l
s
ands-
Her
:Idr
uggedhi
m.
Ishoul
dhav
eknown
Her
:It
ookt
hepi
l
lsandputt
hem i
nhi
sdr
ink.
[
11/
09,
17:
14]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t61

Reecewasmadandmay
behur
tbecauseI
di
dn'tt
rusthi
m.
Ihadt
omaket
hisr
ight
.
Ri
ghtwhent helastbel
lrangonFriday
i
ndicati
ngendofschool, Ihadwentstrai
ghtt
o
hi
shousest i
ll
wear i
ngmyschool unif
orm.I
di
dn'tcare
Il
etmyselfinhi
shouseatt
hesi
tt
ingi
nwere
hi
sfr
iends,t
heyall
werel
ooki
ngatmethatI
start
edfeeli
ngselfconsci
ous.Igr
eet
edt
hem
beforeIaskedforReeceandtheytol
dmehe
wasi nhi
sof f
ice.
Iwentup,
fi
ndinghim sofocusedonhislapt
op
whil
ehescribbledonapaperontheside.He
wasbusyandl ookedli
kehehadn'tsl
eptfor
days.Hel
ookedt ir
edandIdidn'
twanttobother
hi
m butIneededt ofi
xthi
s.
Me:
Youl
ookt
ir
ed.
Isai
dlett
inghim knowofmypresence,
Ihada
feel
i
ngheal r
eadyknewIwasintheroom but
wasignori
ngme
Hi
m:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e.?
Heasked,
hisv
oicev
oidofemot
ion
Ouch
Me:
Weneedt
ofi
xthi
ngs.
Him:Nowyoualsodecidewhenorwhennotto
fi
xouri
sdueaf
teryoudecidedwhenandwhere
nott
ohavesexwith.Nob'uci
mbuyindodam ne
?Youweart
hepant
sint
hisr
elat
ionshi
p.
.
.
Me:WhatwasIsupposedtodonorr
eactwhen
If
oundyoutwointhatposi
ti
on?
Him: Youhadev er
yr i
ghtt
or eactthewayyou
didbutyouwer ealsosupposedt oletme
expl
ain(shrugs)orsomething..I
treall
ybugs
met hatyoudon'ttrustme
Me:Doyoublameme?Doy
oubl
amemef
or
hav
ingt
rusti
ssues
Hi
m:No.ButAl
onay
ouknowInev
erl
i
etoy
ou.
Me:I
tsnoteasyespeci
all
ygi
veny
ourhi
stor
y
wi
thgir
ls.
Hesighs,
rubbi
nghi
stempl
eswi
tht
het
ipofhi
s
f
ingers
Me:
..ButI
'
m sor
ry
Hi
m: Okay
.Nowl
eav
eIneedt
odosomepaper
wor
k
Me:Ngokuwhyuthet
hanam i
ngat
hiudi
ki
we.
(Whyareyout
alki
ngtomeli
keyoufedupwi
th
me?)
Hegl
aredatme.
Me:
AndReece.
.
Hi
m:What
.?
Me:Thear
eotherthi
ngst
hatneedst
obef
ixed
i
nthi
srel
ati
onshi
p.
Hi
m:Li
ke.
.?
.
Me: Thet i
mewespendt ogether..AndWhen
wespendt i
met oget
herit'
seitheryoualway s
havet ogetbacktothewar ehouseory ouhav e
tofi
nishupsomepaperwor k.Ijustneedtofeel
special,
may besometimeswheny ounotbusy
wecangooutt ogether.
.youcanmakedi nner
formeor -
Hi
m:Youpushi
ngi
t.
Me:
Mxm.You'
l
lnev
ergeti
t.
Isai
dget
ti
ngup
Me:
Cany
oudr
ivemehomet
hen?
Him:Pr i
ncess,
I
'mreall
ybusyri
ghtnow.Youcan
gowat chTvmyr oom orgotothe
enter
tainmentroom f
ortheti
mebeing,I'
l
ldr
ive
youhomel ater
.
Mxm.Itookmybagandwentoutsl
ammi
ngt
he
doorbehi
ndwi
thfor
ce.
ThewasnowayIwaswait
ingforhi
m,Ihadto
gethometomyst
uff
.AndIdidn'
thaveatax
i
far
ewithme
Iheadedt
othesi
tt
ingr
oom andonl
ythenI
noti
cedAnel
e.
Me:
Cany
oupl
easedr
ivemehome?
Thewassilence,
notonlyfr
om him.Butt
he
room wassil
entasalleyeswereonus
Hi
m:Iuh.
.Wher
e'sReece.
Me:
'Too'
busy,
hecan'
t
Heglancedtowar
dshi
sfr
iends,
scr
atchi
ngt
he
backofhishead.
Heseemedhesi
tantbutshr
uggedany
wayashe
gotup.
Insi
dethecaronourway
,wesati
naawkwar
d
sil
ence.
Hi
m:He'
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
lme.
Him:Idon'
tknowwhati ti
saboutyout
hat
makesmecan' tr
efuseyouwhatyouwant
,that
I
'l
lendupgetti
ngintroubl
ewit
hReece
Me:
Itmustbemychar
m
Isai
dlaughi
ng
Hechuckl
es
Hi
m:I
tgotmeblindt
hen.Youst
il
ll
ookpr
ett
y
ev
eni
nyouruni
form.
Me:
Thanks.
Isai
dsmi
l
ingshy
ly
Hi
m: Hi
sluckyyouknow.Any
onewoul
dli
ter
all
y
ki
l
ltobewithyou
Me:I'
m nott
hatspeci
al,
eachandever
yguyI
hav
eev ermetst
il
lscr
ewsmeov er
Hi
m:Iwoul
dn'
tthough
Me:
We'
l
lseeast
imegoes
Him:Maybeify
ougi
vemeachanceI
'
llbewhat
youwantinaman.
Hesaidhishandwanti
ngtotouchmyCheek
buthestoppedhi
mselfhal
fway.Bynowhewas
parkedafewhousesawayfrom.
Ishookmyheadofanyt
hought
s
Me:
I'
m wi
thReece
Hi
m:Iknowbutt
henhedoesn'
thav
etoknow
Me:
He'
l
lfi
ndout
Heshr
ugs
Him:I'
ll
takemychances.Ij
ustwantust
ot r
y
becauseIthi
nkwe'
ll
beper f
ectf
oreachother
.I
wantt
omakey
ouhappy
Me:
Iam happy
.Hemakesmehappy
Hi
m:Say
ssomeonewho'
sconsi
der
ingmyof
fer
.
Me: Sowhatifi
'm notreal
l
yhappy?Reece, He
ain'tnoordi
naryguyIgetwher ehe'
scomi ng
from.Ican'texpectmuchoutofhi m he's
alreadyhavingahar dti
met r
yingt
obet hebest
forme.SoI 'l
lappreciat
ewhatheisgivingme
Hi
m:Okay
..Okay
.Sor
ryf
orpi
ssi
ngy
ouof
f.
Me:I
'
m not
..
it
'
sjust,
Ihateitwhenpeopl
ejudge
hi
m,Noneofyougethim norseewhatIseein
hi
m.
Him:That
'sbecauseheactsdif
fer
entwi
thy
ou
andactsawholelotdi
ff
erentwit
hus.
Me:Igetthat
.ButI'
m sur
eyouguy
sdon'twant
aweakleader.Youwanthimt
ogetsof
tforyou
t
oo
Hi
m:No,
butIsweart
hatguywi
llki
l
lyoufor
ev
enst
eppi
ngonhisfoot
.Matt
eroffacthe'
l
lki
l
l
meforbeingclosetoy ou,
justbythi
nki
ngof
whathe'
sgoingt odotomegi vesmeshiver
s
downmyspi ne.I'
m sureheal r
eadyknowsand
goi
ngbacktohi shouser i
ghtnowi t
'sl
ike
meeti
ngmydeat hhal f
way .
Me:
Thanksf
ort
her
idet
hough.
Hi
m:You'
l
lcomet
omyf
uner
alr
ight?
Il
aughathi
sser
iousf
ace.
Hi
m:Youcanpr
esenty
our
sel
ftomyf
ami
l
yas
myfi
ance
Il
aughedevenmor
e,wi
pingt
het
eart
hatf
ell
fr
om myeye.
Me:
I'
m sur
eitwon'
tgett
hatf
ar
Ibr
ushhi
sshoul
deri
nmockpi
ty
Hegl
aresatme.
Iopent
hedoort ogetouthealsofol
lowsthe
moodandwal ksmehome, whenIwasnear ,
he
tur
nedaroundandleftaf
terIt
oldhimI'
ll
see
hi
m someotherti
meandher
espondedsay
ing
i
fhe'
llst
il
lbeal
iv
e.
Reecewasnotbadast
heymadehi
m outt
obe
,atl
eastnott
ome.
Lat
ert
hatdayIwasi
nmyroom f
ini
shingof
fmy
homewor
kwhenIgotat
extfr
om Reece

"Jong'aphanoKrit
sindi
ni.Idon'tremember
sayi
ngy oucanaskAneletodriveyou
home,nowexplai
ntomehowt hef uckyouev
en
knowhim"?

Youknowwhat
,It
akebackt
hepar
tIsai
dhe
wasn'
tbad.
[
11/
09,
17:
14]‪+263772503508‬:
Inset62

Iqui
ckl
yhunguponhi
m andswi
tchedmy
phoneoff
.
Reeceisscarywhenhewantsto.Icouldf
eel
myselfst
art
ingtosweatj
ustbythelinehesai
d.
I
tfel
tli
kehecoul
dshowupr
ightt
her
eandt
hen
t
ostrangl
emetodeath
Icoul
dli
ter
all
yhearhi
m spi
tvenomousl
y
thr
oughthephone
Thef
oll
owi
ngday
.
Ear
li
eri
nthemorningIwentf
orarun,
i
t'
sbeena
whi
leandlat
eronIwaswithRomeoinmyroom.
I
twaski
ndaofagir
lsni
ght
..
ify
ouknowwhatI
mean#Rol
l
sEyesDr
amati
cal
ly.
Hewasst ay
ingoverfort
heweekendandri
ght
nowwewer ewatchingamoviewit
hacoupleof
snacksscat
ter
edaroundus,
wewer eal
so
catchi
ngup
.
.
.
.
Me:
Sheconf
essedt
odr
uggi
ngReeceand
Faki
ngt
hepr
egnancy
.
Heshookhi
shead
Him:Thewayshesocruelandjeal
ous.She
couldbewit
chmyfiveyearol
dsist
erfor
graduat
ingfr
om cr
eche
Ipushedhi
mli
ght
lyl
aughi
ngathi
scomment
Hi
m:Youhav
etobecar
eful
aroundhert
hough.
Inodandbef or
eIcouldsaysomethi
ng,
hi
s
phonerang.Iwatchedasherol
ledhi
seyes
aft
erhi
sey eswentov ert
hename
Hi
m:Whatdoy
ouwant?
.
..
Him:Nobai f
unandikuxel eleindabazakho.
Yayaziyi
malini
itot
iyebisi endadiyi
selanjeb
usoyi
swaYi R10y edri
nk?Jongandi yeke.
(May beyouwantmet ot ellyouyourstuff
.Do
youknowhowmucht hef ormul at
inIusedt o
dri
nkwhenIwasababy ..Cost s.Whil
ey ouout
ther
eandy oucan'tevenaf f
ordtobuymeaR10
dr
ink?Justl
eav
emeal
one.
)
Hesai
dashehungup.
Him: Irecentlydat edabrokeguy.Yazi bi
ggest
mistakeofmyl i
fe.It'
ssohardwear i
ngthe
pantsi nar el
ationshipcauseIwasoutt here
payingf ordatest hathesuggestedandbought
him stuffwi t
hmymont hl
yall
owance.Webr oke
upnowhewon' tretur
nsomeofmyexpensi ve
stuff.Nxaah!Andt othi
nkthathist
oryalmost
repeatedi t
self.I'
m notgoingbackthere.

AndhereIwast
hinki
ngmyli
fehasal
otof
dr
ama,ahhRomeo.Henev
erseizedt
oamaze
me.
Myphonebeepedani
ncomi
ngt
ext
.
Me:
Reecei
sout
side.
Isai
dbi
ti
ngmyl
owerl
i
p
Him:
Wenzent
oni
ngoku?(Whatdi
dyoudo
now)
Me:
I'
ll
tel
lyoul
ater
.I
fI'
m notbacki
nahourcal
l
t
hepol
ice
Him: Itcoul dtakehimlessthan5mi nut
est okil
l
you.Iy othii
bethalohourndi bendiyokujonga
umzimbaubeubandasel eekut humela
kweliny eil
izwe.(Itcoul
dt akehimlessthan5
minut est okil
l y
ou.You'dbedeadandy our
bodycol dwi t
hinanhourandhi splanehalfway
acrosst hecount rytr
ansportingyoutowher ever
)
Ist
aredathi
m.
Me:
Thanks.

Hewaswai ti
ngformeoutsidehiscar.
He
l
ookedgreatinapai
rofjeans,
adr essupshir
t,
a
l
eatherj
acketandapai
rofJor danIthi
nk.He
hadabeanieon.Butexpressi
ononhi sface
wasanythi
ngbutgreat
Istoodacoupleoff
eetawayfr
om hi
m.Heput
hishandf
irmlyonmywaistbef
orepul
li
ngmet
o
hi
m.
Hi
m:Whydoy
oul
i
kepi
ssi
ngmeof
f?
Heaskedinhi
susual
deep,
sl
owvoi
cethat
soundedl
i
kehewasbored.
Hewasl
ooking
downatme
Me: I
-don'tl
i
ketoandIswearit'snotmy
i
ntenti
onsbutIreall
yneededtogethome, you
al
way smakecomel ast
.Youputy ourgang,
fr
iendsSomet i
mesy ouworkfi
rsteit
herthen
me.treat
ingmel i
kei'mj
ustyourdistr
acti
on
wheny ounotbusy
Hi
m:Youknowt
hat
'snott
rue
Me:It
'snot?I
fyouphonei
storingri
ghtnow
andyouneededatt
hewarehouseyou'
ddrop
meandgoat t
endtothem,
ndaxoka?(Am I
l
ying?)
Hi
m:No,
butAl
onayouneedtounder
standt
hat
i
nmyli
neofworkt
imeisever
ythi
ng.
If
oldedmyhandst
omychestasIpout
ed.
Hepecksmyl
i
ps
Him:Youcut
e.ButJonga,
yest
erday
.Inev
er
sai
dyoucoul
dgohomeespeciall
ywith
anel
e,
Umaz'el
aphi?(
wheredoyouknowhi m
fr
om ?)
Me:Ibumpedint
ohim atthepart
yaft
erIsaw
youwit
h..Mel
i
ssa.He'
slikeafri
end.
Hi
m:What
'swi
thy
ouwi
thbef
ri
endi
ngguy
s?
Me:Idon'
tseenot
hingwr
ongwi
thi
t,
it
'snotl
i
ke
I
'l
ldat
ehim
Him: I'
m surey oudon'twantmet oremindy ou
thelasttimey oubef r
iendedsomer andom guy
andy ouwoul dn'tdaredatehim norevenletthe
thoughtcr ossy ourmindAlonaIswearI'l
lmake
your egretit
Igul
pedi
nfear
Me:
Stopt
hreat
eni
ngmeReece
Hi
m:I
t'
snotat
hreatbabei
tsj
ustawar
ning.
Me:Youcan'tchoosefr
iendsf
ormecauseI
cer
tai
nlydon'
tdoitfor
Hi
m:Shwabulauy
eke(Mumbleal
lyouwant)
Al
ona,Youst
ayawayfr
om hi
m.Atl
easthe'
l
lbe
smar
tenoughnowtodoso.
If
urr
owedmyey
ebr
owst
oget
her
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudo?
Hi
m:It
aughthi
m al
esson
Hisret
ortpi
ercemyhear
t,
swal
l
owi
ngmyf
ear
onceagain
Hi
m:Hescr
eamedt
her
estoft
hel
esson,
sucha
r
udel
ear
ner
Me:
You-
Youki
l
ledhi
m
Shaki
nghi
shead
Hi
m:Idi
dnotkil
lhi
m,Pri
ncess.Let
sjustsay
smi
li
ngwil
lnowbedif
fi
cultforhi
m.
Hesmi
rked
Hi
m:Youshoul
dhav
eseeny
ouf
ace.Rel
ax,
I
didn'tdoanyt
hingt
ohim..
yet
.he'
soneofthe
valuableguy
sinthecr
ew.ButI'
l
ltakehi
m outi
n
abl i
nkofaney ei
fhekeepsmessingwi
thyou.
Hesai
dbr
ushi
ngmycheek.
Hi
m:Yout
urni
ngmeonwi
tht
hatni
ghtdr
ess
Hesai
dbit
inghi
slowerl
ip,
nowdi
smi
ssi
ngt
he
ar
gumentwewerehavi
ng
Hewasl ooki
ngbelowmychest ,
whereapink
l
ightfabr
icpeekedout.Ithadal
itt
ledi
pin-
betweenshowingmybr easts
Heundidthebel
tofmygownbeforeopeni
ngi
t
uptoexposethewhol
edresst
hatendmid
thi
gh
Iwenttogethi
shandsoffandcovermy sel
f
whenhecapturedmyhandsinhis,
wrapping
them ar
oundhiswai
stasheTskatmeshaki ng
hisheadindi
sappr
ovalofwhatIwastryi
ngto
do.
Heusedhi
sfi
ngert
opeekt
hrought
het
opof
t
hedr
ess,
atmybr
east
.Ihadnobr
aon.
Hepl
ant
edakissonmyneck,
Hist
eethgrazi
ng
ont
heski
nli
ghtl
ybef
orehi
sli
pscapt
uredmine
Hishandslowl
yfoundit
swaytothesideofmy
thi
gh,
brushi
ngitbef
orei
twentuptotheli
neof
panti
es
Ipul
l
edawayandtookhi
shandt opul
l i
toutof
mydressbuthewoul
dn'
tbudge.Igl
aredupat
hi
m
Me:
Weouti
npubl
i
c.
Hi
m:So?
Me:
Wecan'
tbedoi
ngt
his.
Him:Li
keIgiveafuckaboutwhattheyt
hink.I
'
ll
begett
ingl
aid,t
hat'
swhatmatter
s.
Rol
l
ingmyey
es
Me:Nott
hist
ime,
Ineedtogetbacki
nsi
de.
Ndi
shi
yeuRomeo.(Ilef
tRomeo)
Hi
m:SoIwon'
tgett
ofucky
ou.?
Heaskedeversoblunt
,Ihi
thi
shar
dbr
ickl
i
ke
chestwi
thmyfist
.Hechuckles
Hi
m:Hav
eagr
eatt
imeexpl
aini
ngt
hathi
ckey
t
hen.
Hesai
dpoint
ingatmyneckbefor
ehekissed
myfor
eheadandgoti
nhiscarandspedoff.
Leavi
ngmetherewit
hmymout hagapeasmy
handcov
eredthespotonmyneck.
Thatsonofa-
Ist
ompedof
finsi
de.
Passi
ngbythemi
rr
oront
hesi
deoft
hewal
lat
thel
aunge
Isawt
hemar
k,i
twaspur
pli
sh
HowcomeIdi
dn'
tfeel
any
thi
ngwhenhedi
dit?
Iwentupinmyroom andfoundRomeosi t
ti
ng
cr
ossleggedonmybedwi thabagofchips
whil
ehiseyeswer
efocusedonthescreen
Ist
il
lhadmyhandt
omyneckandIqui
ckl
y
dashedt
omywalki
nclosetf
orascar
fbef
ore
j
oini
ngRomeoi
nbed.
I
twasn'
tacoupl
eofmi
nut
eswhenhenot
icedi
t.
Him:What
'supwi
tht
hescar
f?,ukukr
wit
shi
l
e?
Letmeseehowbadt
hemarkis.
Hesai
dtr
yingt
ogeti
tof
fmebutIr
efused.
Hepi
nnedmedownont hebedashequi
ckl
y
unwr
appedt
hescar
ffr
om myneck.
Iwat
chedashegr
innedwhenhesawi
t.
[
11/
09,
17:
14]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t63

I
twasallcandl
esanddi
mli
ght
satReece'
s
di
ningr
oom.
I
twasSundayandaft
erIaskedhi
mt odrop
Romeooff,
wewentbacktohishouseandI
foundt
hesupr
ise.
Wewereaboutt
oleav
edi nneraswesatatt
he
pr
epar
edtabl
e,I
twaskindaAwkward..
Somet
hingwasof
f.
Him: Ther
e,Myphonei
sof
fsonoonewi
l
l
botherus.
Hesai
dasheputhi
sphoneont
hesi
de.
Me: Youmakingitsoundli
keyoudon'
twantal
l
thi
s,It
'sl
ikeI
'mforci
ngy outodot
hisor
somet hi
ng.
Imumbl
ed
Hebangst
hetabl
ewithhi
sfi
st,
breaki
ngaf
ew
t
hingsast
heyfel
lof
f
Him:DammitAl onawhatdoy ouwant?Thi s
(poi
nti
ngtothet able)i
smebei ngr
omanticor
whatev
eryoucal li
t.Andaziufunantoni
.Atl
east
actl
i
key ouappreciatei
tinsteadofcomplaini
ng
andputt
ingpressureonme
Hesai
dyel
l
ingatme
Idon'
tknowwhyhewasbei
ngadi
ckabouti
t.
Igotup,
tookmybagandwasheadi
ngout
whenIf
eltadeat
hgri
pli
keonmyar
m ashe
t
urnedmetofacehi
m.
Hi
m:Uy
aphi
Alona.

.
.

.
.
Hesmackedmybackont hewallbeforehe
closedt
hespacebetweenus,pi
nningmewi th
hisbody,
Iwaspressedupinbetweenhim and
thewall
andithurtwit
hthepressure.
Hi
m: I
sn'
tthi
swhatyouwant
ed.?Nowwher
e
t
hefuckareyougoi
ng?
Me:Icancl
earl
yseeyounoti
nthemoodr
ight
nowsoIthoughtIsh-
Hi
m:Thi
sismebei
ngi
nthemoodt
hen
Hesaidashepl
ant
edhi
sli
psonmi
ne,
theki
ss
wasrough
Icoul
dtast
ebr
andy
,nowonderhewast
ipsy
.
Hegri
ppedmybuttashel
if
tedmeuptowrap
myarmsaroundhi
sneckandmylegsonhi
s
wai
st
Hi
shandwentundermyshi
rtandhesqueez
ed
mylef
tbr
eastandIwhi
mpered
It
ri
edpushi
nghi
m of
fme,
hedi
dn'
tbudge.
Hehehadhi
shandonmychinhol
dingmei
n
pl
aceashecont
inuedt
oki
ssme
Idon'
tknowwhenwegott ohisr
oom buthe
wasont opofmeashetearedmyshi
rtoff
tossi
ngitonthesi
de.
Me:
Reece!
Heunbut t
onedmyjeansandsl
idthem downt
o
myf eet
,hehadbot
hmyhandspi nneddownon
ei
thersideofmyheadinafi
rm gri
p.
Afterhetear
edthethecondom wi
thhis
teeth,
heusedhisot
herhandtosli
ditonhi
s
manhoodbef or
eheslammedi nt
ome.
.
.
.
.

Afterhewasdonehewentt othebat
hroom and
cameoutwear i
ngboxersandhadatowelon
hisotherhand.Hewantedtowi pemebutI
refused,
Ireachedoutf
orthetowel
Hi
m:JustopenupAl
ona
Ishookmyheadhepi
nchedthesi
deofmy
thi
ghandIwi
ncednowrubbi
ngthespotwhi
l
e
hewipedme.
Iworemyundergarmentsandmyjeans,Iwas
abouttowearmytopwhenIremember edhe
messeditup.Iwentt
ohiswalki
nclosetand
tookoutahoodiewear
ingi
tover
.
Iwentoutofhi
sroom headi
ngdownst
air
sto
takemybagbeforemakingmywayout.
I
twasdarkouther
ebutIdeci
dedt
obebrav
e
r
ightnow,
Iwal
kedti
ll
Iwasacoupl
eoff
eet
awaybef
oret
aki
ngoutmyphoneandgoi
ng
thr
oughmycont
act
.
Ideci
dedoncal
li
ngAnel
etocomepickmeup
andIwasgladwhenhesai
dhisonhi
sway.
Aft
erAnel edr
oppedmeof f,It
ookal ongwar
m
bat
hwhi chwassoothing.Igotdressedinmy
warm pyjamasbefor
eget t
ingundermy
bl
ankets.
Iwaswr
appedupi
nmyownt
aught
s
Ozcameabitlaterwi
thaboxofpi
zza,hegot
i
nsi
dethecoversandIsnuggl
edonhissi
de
whi
leweate.
Hi
m:Thel
astsl
i
cei
smi
ne
Me:
Whydoy
oual
way
shav
etohav
ethel
ast?
Hi
m:I
'
mtheel
dest
Me:
ButIonl
yhadt
wo
Hi
m: Notmyf aul
tthatul
i
beleKuqhoshangathi
hl
eli
neOy akho.(Notmyf aul
tthaty
ouareshy
l
i
key
ouar
ewi
thy
ourboy
fri
end)
Heshr
ugs,
Ipunchhi
sshoul
derandhechuckl
es
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
OnMonday
Af
terschoolIwaswalki
ngouttheschool gat
es
al
oneafterRomeodecidedt
ocallinsick,
pret
ty
muchIwasgr umpythewholeday.Ihateit
whenIdon'tgett
oseehim
Inoti
cedthecrowdar
oundmegoi ngcrazy,
onl
y
tofi
ndReecewhowaswaspar kedont he
dri
veway.Hewasoneofhiscarthatat
tract
ed
toomuchattenti
on
Iknowhewashereforme,Iwasn'tinthemood
forhi
m aft
ert
hewayhetreatedmey ester
day
butIknewbet
tert
hantogivehim shi
tabouti
t.
Igotinthepassengerseatandnowor
dswer
e
exchanged.
Ij
ustl
ookedout
sidet
hewindowwhil
ehedrove.
HepassedbySt
eersget
ti
ngatakeawaybox
bef
orehedr
ovet
othebeach
Notmanypeopl
ewentt
othebeachdur
ingt
he
week
I
twaspeacef
ul
Hefoundaspotf
orhi
scar,
wit
hnomeansof
get
ti
ngout
.
.
.
.
Hi
m:Pr
incess.
.
Her
ewego
Het r
iedtouchingmyhandbutImov editoutof
hisreach,
foldi
ngmyar mstomychestIl
ooked
outsideatthewav esthinki
nghowt
hey
resembledmyl i
feinaway .
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.
Tur
ningmyfacet
olookathi
m,hi
shandl
i
nger
ed
onmycheekashebrushedi
t
Me:
Youhur
tme,
Reece.
Hi
m:IknowIdi
dandI
'
m sor
ry
Me:
Sor r
ywon'tchangethewayyoumademe
f
eel.Youcan'
tdoasy oupleasewi
thme
Hi
m:I
'
m s-
Me:
Ifeel
li
key
ouf
orcedy
our
sel
ftome.
Hi
m:Pleasedon'
tputi
tli
ket
haty
oumaki
ngme
f
eell
i
keI'm hi
m
Iknewwhohewasr
efer
ri
ngt
o.
Him:Myf atherusedt o.
.Pl easehi mselfonmy
motherwhenev erhewant edt o,whethershe
wantedtoornoti tdidn'tmat t
erandsomet imes
hemadeuswat ch.He'dhav ehi smenf r
om t he
gangholdourheadsf orci
ngust olookatt he
sceneandwhenev erwet riedt olookawayhe' d
beatus.YesterdaywhenIt houghtaboutwhatI
didtoyou,It
oldmy sel
fthatI'm nobet terthan
him,I
'
m messedup.
Hesi
ghed.
Hi
m:YouknowwhenImadet
hatdi
nnerf
ory
ou
y
est
erday
,tr
yingt
obe'
Romant
ic'
Hechuckl
esbef
orecont
inui
ng
Him:Itmademet hinkofthedayital l
happened,
thedayIki ll
edher.Shehadmade
di
nnerperfect
lysetf orherhusband,shetr
iedin
ever
ywayt obreakt hroughhiswallsandmake
hi
m seehowmuchshel ovedhim butitwas
al
mosti mpossibl
e,hedidn'twanttobel oved.
HestronglybelievedFemaleswer eonlyther
eto
use,
abuseandcont rol
.Henev erbel
ievedinl
ove
becauseifhel ovedthatwouldmakehi m weak
andvulnerabletohisenemies,Justl
ikehesaid
tomey esterday.
Me:
W-wher
e?It
hought
..
Him:Theoldmangotmet ov i
sithimi npr
ison
andIcoul
dn'tr
efusehi
m Alonaev enifIwanted
to,
hehasthi
spoweroverme.Hegav emeshi t
onhowIwasgoi ngtodri
vethegangdownt he
drai
nBecauseIwasalovesickpuppywhowas
l
osingi
toversomehighschoolgirl.Hetol
dme
howIwasshowi ngweaknessaf t
erIwast aught
nott ofeel orhav eanyemot i
onalat t
achmentt o
any one.becausei tcoul
dl eadtodi stracti
ont hat
menl i
keuscoul dn'thave.Youknow. .Heforced
mymom t ogetmeabor tedunt i
lhef oundoutI
wasaboy .Amal etocarryhi sl
egacy .Iwashi s
puppetandhi spunchingbaggr owingup.The
sonwhowoul dbet aughtev ery
thingf rom
torturi
ng,blackmai li
ng,
kil
lingandany thi ngtoget
whatIwant ed.Hebeati tintome. .
evenhowt o
treataf emal e.
Hesaidasheputhishandontopofmi
ne,
i
nter
twini
ngourf
inger
stoget
her.
Him:Youdon'tdeser
vethi
s,
Youdon'
tdeser
ve
someonelikeme.That'
swhyIthi
nk.
.i
twoul
dbe
bestt
o..
letyougo.
[
11/
09,
17:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t64

Mybr
eathhit
chedinmyt
hroatasIcl
osedmy
ey
esshut
,t
akingi
nwhathejustsai
d
Me:
You.
.br
eaki
ngupwi
thme
Iaskedi
nasmal
lvoi
cei
tfel
tli
keIwasgoi
ngt
o
cry
Hi
m:I
t'
sfort
hebest
Me:
No.
Hi
m:Al
ona
Me: Youcan'
tdot
hist
omeReece.Youcan'
t
,
I
'm notal
lowi
ngit
.
Him: Youli
fewi l
lalwaysbeontheli
nebecause
ofme.May beifIjustst
ayawayfrom y
oumy
ghostswi l
ldealwithmedirect
lywit
houty
ou
gett
inghur t
.Aslongasy ouwithmeAlonayou'
ll
neverfindpeace.
Ifur
iousl
ywipeawayt
het
eart
hathadf
all
en
fr
om myey e
Me:Idon'
tcareaboutthat.Aslongasyouwi
ll
bewit
hmeev erystepoft heway,Asl
ongaswe
l
oveeachother.Reeceplease,
don'tt
hrowt
his
away
Isai
dinar
ushasIcont
inuedt
osob
Heshookhi
shead.
Hi
m: Youneedt
ounder
standthatI
'
m doingthi
s
f
oryou,t
okeepyousaf
efrom myrival
s,f
rom
me.
Me:
Whati
fIdon'
twantt
o?
Hi
m:I
t'
snotupt
oyou,
IknowwhatI
'
m doi
ng
Me: Youbr
eakingupwithme!I'
m notgood
enoughforyou,st
rongenoughf
oryouthat
'
s
exactl
ywhatyouaredoing
Hi
m:Youknowt
hat
'snott
rue
Me:Yougotwhaty
ouwanted,
whi
chwasto
sl
eepwit
handsuddenl
yyoudon'
twantt
obe
wi
thme?
Hi
m:That
'snotwhatt
hisi
sabout
,Al
ona.
Me:
Thenwhati
sitabout?
Hi
m: I
t'
saboutmedoingt
heri
ghtt
hingand
st
oppi
ngmyselfi
shness,
tost
op..
Me:Youusedmeandnowy
oudonesoy
ou
t
hrowingmeaway
,Ozwasr
ight
.

Hi
m: Idon'
tcar
ewhatanyoneel
sepaintmeout
t
obe..Ican'
tbareseei
ngyoumessedupinmy
f
uckedupwor l
d.

Me:
ButI
-Il
ovey
ou,
it'
syout
hatIwant
IsaidasIsnuggl
eduponhi
ssi
de,
wet
ti
nghi
s
shir
twit
hmyt ear
s.
Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.
Him:Il
oveyou,
andIl
oveyout
oomucht
hatI
don'
twantt
oseeyouhurt
Me:
I'
m notwor
thf
ight
ingf
or?
Him: Youwor
thmyeverythi
ng,I
'
dgi v
ey ou
anythingy
ouwantbutIcan'
tguaranteeyour
safety.
Me:
You'
vemadey
ourmi
nd
.
.
Me:Yourf
ather
..
didheper
suadey
oui
ntodoi
ng
t
his?
Hi
m:Hehasnot
hingt
odowi
tht
his
Me:Isi
t?Thenhowcomedoingal
loft
histo
mejustwhenyouhav
evi
sit
edhimtheprev
ious
day
.

Me:Hehassomesortofpoweroveryou.He
wokeupyouri
nnerbeastdi
dn'
the?He's
makingy
ououttobeheartl
essandcoldonce
agai
n
Hi
m:Youknownot
hingaboutmyr
elat
ionshi
p
wi
thmyfat
her
Me:ButIdoknowt
hati
t'
sfuckedup,
wheny
ou
mi
ndscombine
Hi
m:Shutup.
Me:
Alway
soutt
opl
easey
ourf
ather
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Me:Arey
ouafraidofhim? ,
thathe'
sgoi
ngt
o
beaty
ou.
.he'
slockedforg-
Akhangendi
yigqi
be
Ihel
dmycheekasIl
ookedt
othesi
deaf
terhe
backsl
appedme.
TosayIwasshockedwast
hel
east
Iwasscar
ed.Tear
simmediatelypul
ledoutof
myeyesinarushandIcoul
dn'tstopthem.
Reecehasnev
erbeenl
i
ket
hiswi
thme.
Isl
owl
ytur
nedt
olookathi
m
Hehadast
rai
nedl
ookon.
Me:
Igett
hemessagecl
ear
lynow.
Hewasr eal
l
ybreaki
ngupwi t
hmeandt
hewas
not
hingIcoulddoabouti
t.
Iopenedt
hedoorandgotoutasIt
ookmybag.
Iwasgoingtotakeataxibackhome,atl
eastI
hadenoughmoneywi thme,itwasgoi
ngtocost
me..gi
venthedist
ancefr
om her et
othehood
Icoul
dn'
tseewer eIwasheadi
ngasmyeyes
wereabi
tblur
ry.Suddenl
yIfel
tar
msli
ftmeup.
Reecehadtakenmetothepassengerseatand
l
ockedthedoorbehi
nd.
Him:Iknowyouhav
eever
yreasontonotwant
anyt
hingtodowi
thmebutatleastl
etmedri
ve
youhome.

.
.
.
.
Ashiscarcametoast
opont
hedr
iveway
s
out
sidethegat
e
Iwasaboutt
ogetout
,whenhi
shandr
eached
outt
ostopme
If
li
nchedashi
shandmadecont
actwi
thmi
ne
andhequi
ckl
yletgo.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry
Igotoutandmademywayi nsideandwentup
tomyr oom af
teri
gnori
ngmybr otheri
nthe
l
ounge.Ididn'
twanttobebot
her ed.
Il
ockedmyr oom andchangedoutofmy
uni
for
m,taki
ngsleepi
ngpil
lsbef
oretucki
ng
myselfi
nsi
dethecoversasIcri
edmy sel
fto
sl
eep.
WhenIwokeupthefol
l
owi
ngday
,Iwas
emot
ional
l
ydrai
ned.
IhadoversleptandIwasreal
l
ylateforschoolI
wouldn'
tmakei t
.Imusthavebeenreall
yout,
no
wonder.
.Itooktwosleepi
ngpil
lsj
usttogetme
tosl
eep.
Itookmyphoneonthenight
stand,Justaf
ew
missedcal
l
sfrom Romeo,pr
obablywantto
knowwhyIdidn'
tcometoschool.
Nomessagesnomi
ssedcal
l
sfr
om Reece,
over
themont
hswehav
ebeendati
ng,
Ihadgott
en
usedt
owaki
nguptohi
stextmessages
I
twasn'
ttheusual
goodmor
ningt
hatev
eryone
wasusedto.
ItwasReeceafteral
l,
a'Goodmorning
pri
ncess,
Imissbeinginbet
weenyourlegs'
was
histy
peofat hi
ng.Il
ovedthem
nevert
hel
ess,
theywerefrom myspeci
al
somebody.
Andnowt
othi
nkt
hat
,hebr
okeupwi
thme
Ir
ememberthet
imehesworenott
oeverlet
mego,
howhe'dki
ll
anyonewhowouldst
andin
hi
swaytogethi
m.
Isi
gh
Ican'
tbetor
tur
ingmysel
fli
ket
his,
Ineededhi
m
ineededt
ohearhisv
oice
Itookmyphoneanddial
ledhis
number,
pressi
ngthecal
lbut
ton.Iwait
edand
waitedt
ohearhisvoi
cesay'
Princess'bi
t
i
nst
eadi
trangt
il
li
twentt
ovoi
cemai
l
.
Ithrewmyphonefuri
ouslytothesideoft
he
bedmakingi
ttoppleovertothesidebutIdi
dn'
t
care.
Myeyesst
artedt
owat
erasIpul
l
edonmyhai
r,
I
wasgoi
ngcrazy.
Thewasaknockatthedoorprobabl
ymy
brot
herchecki
nguponme,Idi
dn'twanthi
mto
seemel i
kethi
s
HeknockedandknockedbutIhadnomeansof
get
ti
ngup
Hi
m:Iknowy
ou'
reawake.
.
.
Him:Ifyoudon'
topenupr
ightnow,
I
'l
lj
ustgo
gangsteroni
t.
Meaninghewasj
ustdoi
ngmeaf av
orf
or
knocki
nghecoul
dhavel
onggot
tenini
fhe
wantedto
Iqui
cklywi
pedmyf acecl
eanbutcouldn'
thel
p
i
tasIcouldfeel
them wat
eragain.It
ookina
deepbreat
hthenlet
ti
ngout,
Igotupandwentto
openforhi
m whil
eIwentbacktobed
Healsogoti
nsideandhel
dmefrom behindas
her
estedhisheadonmyshoul
derpeekingat
myface
Hi
m:What
'swr
ong?
Ij
ustshookmyhead
Hi
m:I
fyoudon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
tnowi
t'
sf-
Me:
Hebr
okeupwi
thme.
Hewassil
entf
oramomentandbef
orehe
coul
dsaysomethi
ng
Me:
Sayi
t.Sayy
outol
dme,
Thathewasgoi
ng
t
ousemethenl
eav
eme
Hecombedhishandt
hroughmyhai
rina
soot
hingmanner
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.
[
11/
09,
17:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t65

2weekshadpassedsi
nceIt
alkedt
oReece.
Itwashar
dformeandever
yti
meIt
hought
abouthi
m Ij
ustcr
ied.
Ineededadi
str
act
ionandAnel
ewast
her
e.
.
.
.
.
Aft
erdeci
dingwhatt
owear,Ichangeintoi
t
befor
ecombingmyhairi
nmysi gnaturehi
gh
messybun.Iworemyperf
umebef oreputt
ingi
n
afewstuffi
nmybagandmaki ngmywayoutl
bumpedintomybrot
her
Hi
m:Uy
aphi
umhl
e?
Me:
Out
Hi
m:ThatIcansee,
Butwher
e?
Me:
Inev
erasky
ouabouty
ourwher
eabout
s
Hi
m:I
'
mtheel
desther
e.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
othemal
lwi
thRomeo
Hi
m:Thatwassohar
dtoanswer
Hesay
sfol
dinghi
sar
mst
ohi
schestmaki
ng
hi
smuscl
esbudge
Hi
m:You'
rel
yi
ng.
Hest
atedmat
teroff
act
Me:
I'
m goi
ngonadat
e.
Hisey
ebrowsqui
rksup,
cl
ear
inghi
sthr
oati
n
awkwardness
Hi
m:Okay
.Doy
ouhav
euh-
..Youknow
Mot
ionswi
thhi
shandf
ormet
ocat
chon
Me:What?(Iwasconf
usedf
oramoment
)I'
m
notgoi
ngt
ohavesexyoumoron!
Iscreech,
hit
ti
nghi
mrepeat
edl
ywi
thmybagas
Iranafterhi
m
Hi
m:I
'
mjustl
ooki
ngoutf
ory
ou
HeShout
sbackt
ryi
ngt
odef
endhi
msel
f.
Ihi
thi
sbackasher
anoutt
hedoor
,Iwasouton
hi
stal
e.
Hestoppedmaki
ngmebumponhisir
onl
ike
back,
peeki
ngf
rom hi
sshoul
der
swhi
chwas
i
mpossible
Isnuggledunderhisar
mpittoseeAnel
ewi
th
hiscarparkedoutsi
dethegate
Me:
Oh
Isaid,
fi
xi
ngmy sel
fabitbeforegoi
ngtostandi
n
fr
ontofthegat ewaiti
ngforittoopen
automaticall
y,
Igotoutandgreetedhi
m ashe
stoodout si
dehiscar.
HewascuteIt
ell
you.Dar
kchocol
ateski
n
handsome
"I
fshecomesbackcry
ing,IswearI
'
llhunty
ou
downandski
nyouoffali
ve"
Iheardmybr
othersaytohim ashewhisper
ed
eversosl
i
ght
lyinhisear,
hepattedAnel
e'
sback
ali
ttl
e.
Me:
Oz!
Him:I
'm notscar
inghi
m of
f,
justaf
ri
endl
y
gest
ure.
Hesay
slooki
ngi
nnocent
.
Me:
Okcany
ougoi
nsi
denow
Heraiseshi
shandinsurrender,
ki
ssesmy
f
oreheadbefor
ewalkingoffmumbling"Wai
t
t
il
lReecehearsaboutthi
s"
Ir
oll
myey
es
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Him:Ilov
eyout
oobaby
,cal
lmei
fyouneed
anyt
hing.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Anel
edecidedtotakemetohishoodandwe
weregoi
ngt ogoeatatt
hispl
acewereyoubuy
yourownboozewhil
ewait
ingf
ory
ourmeatt
o
braai,
i
twastaver
nli
ke.
Iwascomfor
tabl
ewit
hthi
s.Someonewoul
d
thi
nki
t'
soutofmycomfor
tzone.
.
.
.
.

Aft
erAdaywell
spentwi
thAnel
e,
hedr
oveme
backhomel
ater
.
Me:Thanky
ouf
ort
aki
ngmeout
,Ihadagr
eat
t
ime.
Isai
dtohim aswest
oodoutsi
dehi
scart
hat
wasparkednearmyhome.
Him:GoodtoknowandI
'dl
ovet
odoi
t
agai
n,
that
'si
fyouwantt
o
Inod.
Me:
Sur
e.
Hi
m:Soy
ouagr
eei
ngt
oaseconddat
e.?Does
thatmeanwe. .(
stoppingmidsentence)Look
Alona, Iwantust obeont hesamepageher eso
Ihopey ouknowt hatI'
m notdoingthisoutofa
fri
endlygest ur
e.I'
mi ntoyou.Iwantust obe
mor et hanfri
ends,I'
m nottaki
ngadv antageof
yousi ncey oubrokeupwi thhim..TheleastI
wanti sy oumakingi r
rati
onaldeci
sionand
maki ngmey ourreboundguyt omakey ou
forgetabouthi m,I
'l
lgiveyouti
met othinkabout
i
tokay?
Iwassi
l
entforamomentbef
oreInodmyhead
i
nunder
standi
ng
Heputshi
shandonmi
ne,
i
nter
twi
ningour
f
inger
s.
Him:Whydon'
tyougoi
nsi
debef
orey
oucat
cha
col
d.
Ir
oll
myey
essmi
l
ingl
i
ght
ly
Heput
shi
sfi
ngerundermychi
n,
Hi
m: Goodtoseenosi ngl
etear
,t
helastt
hingI
wantisyourbr
otherhotonmytail
Il
augh
Me:Imightj
ustf
akethem,
I'
dlov
etoseet
he
ski
nnedoffv
ersi
onofyou.
Hef
rowns
Hi
m:YouknowIt
hinkI
'
llst
il
lbecut
e.
Me:I
t'
ssorar
ef oraguytocal
lhi
mselfcut
e.
Thewordwelookingf
orherei
shandsome
Hegr
ins
Hi
m:Ahh.
.soy
out
hinkI
'
m handsome
Ibl
ushatt
her
evel
ati
onImade.
Me:There'
snot
hingwr
onggi
vi
ngout
compli
ments
Hi
m:Sur
e..
Hegr
insev
enmor
e
Me:
Stopbei
ngaj
erkabouti
tyoumaki
ngme
bl
ush.
Him:Sorry
.Ij
ustloveitwhenyoubl
ush.Your
cheekstur
nred(pinchesthem l
i
ght
ly)and
they'
resosof
t.
Iswathi
shandawayashechuckl
es.
Me:Ineedt
ogeti
nsi
denow,
Ist
il
lhav
etomake
di
nner.
Hi
m:Soy
oucancook
Me:
Ofcour
seIcan!Whatdoy
out
akemef
or
Hi
m:Takeaway
,gr
eensal
ad
If
akegasp
Me:
Iassur
eyout
hati
snotmeatal
l
,Icancook.
Him:Maybey
oucancookformesomet
ime
andIcanbet
hej
udgeofthat
Me:
Youon.
Isai
dbri
efl
yhuggi
nghi
m bef
oresay
ingmy
bye'
sandwalki
nghome.
"
Imadedi
nner
"
Ihearmybr
othersay
,hewaswat
chi
ngt
.v
Me:
Nowonderi
tlooksl
i
kei
tsgonnar
ain.
Hi
m:Mxm enkosi
wakhol
owo?nangomso.
(I
sthaty
ourt
hanky
ou?)
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Isai
dasIki ssedhischeek.Iwenttoputmy
bagupi nmyr oom befor
egoingtothekit
chen
formyplate,pour
ingjui
cealsobefor
egoingto
seatnextt
oOz.
Isnuggleduponhi ssi
de,
Cover
ingmysel
fwi
th
afleeceblanketandst
art
edeati
ng.
Hi
shandr eachedoutt
otakemeatf
rom my
pl
ate,
Iswatitaway
Igl
areathi
m ashef
rowned
Hi
m:Younotgoi
ngt
ofi
nishal
lthat
.
Me:
Iwi
l
l
Him:Yougonnagai
nsomewei ghtandyou
aren'
tgonnal
ookgoodonyourfarewel
ldr
ess
andyouknowitsj
ustamonthaway .
Me:Youknowi
t'
sal
mosti
mpossi
blef
ormet
o
gai
n.
Isai
dtaki
ngabi
tef
rom mychi
cken,
I
ttast
ed
good.
Hemumbl
edsomet
hingunderhi
sbr
eat
h
Me:
Yhu!I
naOz.Cabandi
zodendomi
we.
Isai
dgi
vi
nghi
m mypi
ece.
Hechuckl
edashet
ooki
t.

NOTEDI
TED.
[
11/
09,
17:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t66
Anel
epi
ckedmeupFr
idayaf
terschool
.
Andhef
ir
stdr
ovemehomet
ochangeoutof
myuni
for
m bef
orehedr
oveust
ohi
shouse
Wedeci
dedt
ost
ayi
nandwat
chmov
ies
Me:
Don'
tpi
ckahor
rormov
ie,
plesse
Hel
ookedatmesmi
rki
ng
Hi
m:Why?
Me:
Itgi
vesmeni
ght
mar
es.
Hepi
nchesmycheeksashecooedatme,
Iswat
hi
shandawayf
rowning.If
rowned
Hi
m:Youwantr
omance?
Iqui
ckl
yshookmyhead.
Me:
Ican'
tdeal
.
Hi
m:Uh,
Act
ion?
Ishr
ugged
Me:
Okay
.
.
.
Lat
eron
Aft
erIhadcookedIdishedoutf
orbot
hofus
bef
oregoingt
ositnexttohim.
Whenwewer edone,
wejustsatt
her
eand
chat
tedaboutr
andom st
uff
Hi
m:I
'
llmar
ryy
ouoneday
Me:
Becauseofmycooki
ng?
Hegr
ins
Him:That
,andmay
bebecauseIt
hinky
ou
perf
ect
Me:
I'
m not
Hi
m:Youar
etome.Beaut
if
ul,
Smar
t
Hesai
dashet
ouchedmycheek
Heleanedf or
wardandst art
edkissingme,
I
di
dn'trespondimmediatelyasiwasdebating
whethertopulloutbutIendedupf oll
owi
nghis
l
ead.
Hepushedmedowninalayi
ngposit
ionashe
wasontopofme,
hi
m support
inghi
sweighton
hi
sel
bows.
Heputhi shandonthesmall
ofback,r
ubbi
ng
theskinbefor
eitwentupandhi
sfingersl
i
ght
ly
grazedthecli
pofmybr a.
Ipushedhi
mli
ght
lyandhepul
l
edout
.

Hesatbesidemewhi
l
eIpul
l
edmyshi
rtdown
andt
ri
edt ofi
xmyhai
r
Him:I'
m sorr
y,Ishoul
dn'
thav
etakeni
tthatf
ar.I
gotcarr
iedaway
Inod
Him:I'
m notsor
ryforki
ssi
ngy
outhough.Your
l
ipshavebeeninvi
ti
ngmeandtheyfeel
li
ke
heaven.
Hesai
dbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p.
Ipunchedhi
sshoul
derpl
ayf
ull
y.
Me:
Shutup
Hi
m:You'
resuchagoodki
sser
.
Ishr
ugged
Me:
Younotbady
our
sel
f.
Hi
m:Notbad?these(
point
ingathi
sli
ps)can
doev
ery
thi
ngandthey
'r
emast er
s.
Me:
Ever
ythi
ng.
.
HenodsIfocusonhisey
est
hatwel
ooki
ngat
mychest
,t
henbelow
Itl
ookedl
i
kehewasundr
essi
ngmewi
thhi
s
eyes
Hi
m:Theycant
akey
otocl
oudni
ne
Me:
YouPer
vet
Iscr
eechedathi
m asIhi
thi
m wi
thapi
l
low
Hel
aughed.
Hi
m:Anyt
hingi
nmi
ndt
haty
ouwantust
odo.?
Me: Maybewe-wait
,(
taki
ngmyphone)AhLook
att
hetime,
Ineedtogethome
Hi
m:Whydon'
tyoust
ayov
er?
,I
'm hav
inga
gr
eatt
imewi
thy
ou.
.
.

Idi
aledmybr othersnumberandhe
i
mmedi at
elypickedup.
Me:
I'
m notcomi
ngback,
ImeancanIsl
eepov
er
?
Him:Sleepov
eratwho'
shouse.?Lastt
imeI
checkedReecei
soutofthecount
ry.
Me:
Romeos
Him:YouknowIknowy oulyi
ng.You'vealready
madeupy ourmindanyway,
whatIsayrightnow
won'
tmatterandthatmakesmewantt ot ake
mysjambok( whi
p)andcomewhipy ourass
home.
Me:
Youdon'
townasj
ambok.
Him:Whatev
er.Iwasn'
tgoi
ngtocomehome
anywayandIwasgonnatel
lyoutocr
ashat
mom'
spl
acebutsi
ncey
ou'
reout
.
Het
rai
l
edof
f
Me:
Okay
Hi
m:AndAl
ona
Me:
Ozzi
e
ISai
ddr
aggi
ngt
heeatt
heend
Hi
m:It
oldy
out
ost
opcal
l
ingmet
hat
.
Iswearhegr i
tthroughhisteeth,
Howmuchhe
hatedthenicknameIhadf orhim si
nceIwas
l
itt
le,backt
henIcoul dn'
treal
lysayhisname
becauseitwasl ongandallsoIcutittoOzzi
e•
Me:Buty
ouknowi
thasbeenst
uckwi
thme
si
nceIwasl
i
ttl
e
Ihear
dhi
m si
gh
Hi
m:Justdon'
tdosomet
hingIwoul
dn'
tdo
Me:
Ther
e'snot
hingy
ouwoul
dn'
tdo.
Hewasqui
tef
oramoment
,Iwasget
ti
ngonhi
s
ner
ves,
HowIeasi
l
yir
kedhi
m
Me:
Ipr
omi
se.
Hi
m:Okay
.Cal
lmei
fyouneedsomet
hing.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Isai
dasi
hungup
"
Ili
key
ourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thy
ourbr
other
"
Ihear
dAnel
esay
Me:
He'
smyev
ery
thi
ng.
Henods
Hi
m:I
stheany
thi
ngy
ouwantmet
ogetf
ory
ou?
Me:
Atubofi
cecr
eam woul
ddo.
Isai
dasIposi
ti
onedmyselfonthecouchina
fet
alposi
ti
ont
ryi
ngtocovermyselfwi
ththe
cushi
on
Heshookhi
shead
Hi
m:Idon'
treal
l
yli
kesweetst
uff
,I'
m notr
eal
l
y
af
anofsuch.
Inod
Him:Maybewecangogeti
t,
ComeonI
'
lldr
ive
ustoMcDonal
d'
s
Me:
ButI
'
mti
red.
Helookedf
orhi
scarkeysbef
orecomi
ngto
pi
ckmeupi nbr
idal
sty
leandoffwewent
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Thefol
l
owingdayaft
erAnel
edroppedmeof f
.
Thewasnooneinthehouse,
mybr otherhadn'
t
comebackandIwasboredsoIdecidedtogo
tot
hehoodtomymom.
Af
terIgotdr
essedandwasr
eadyt
ogo.
It
ookat
axi
far
e.
WhenIgott
her
eandf
oundherbusycl
eani
ng
t
heyar
d.
Me:
Someonei
sbusy
Isai
dhuggi
ngherf
rom behi
nd.
Her
:InaAl
ona.
Shesaidhandi
ngmethewat
erpi
pet
ofi
nishof
f
water
ingthegar
den.
It
ooki
tpout
ingf
uri
ousl
y.
Me:
Somuchf
ormi
ssi
ngy
ou.
Sheki
ssedmycheek.
Me:
Youl
ookst
ressedout
.
Isai
dswi
tchi
ngof
fthet
apputt
ingt
hepi
pe
asi
deasIfol
l
owedheri
nsi
de.
Shesatatt
hecouch,
andIwai
tedf
orhert
otal
k
Her
:Mel
i
ssa,
Shehadami
scar
ri
age
[
11/
09,
17:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t67

Mom:
Mel
i
ssahadaMi
scar
ri
age.
Mymout
hfor
medasmal
ll
ett
erO
Regardl
essofwhatsheputmet
hrough,
Ist
il
l
fel
tsorr
yforher
.
Ican'
tbegi
ntoi
magi
newhatshewasgoi
ng
t
hrough.
Me:
Howdi
dithappen.Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Nott
hati
want
edt
oknow
Her:
Wednesdaymor ni
ngwhenshewoke
up,
shesaidsherushedt othetoi
l
etbecause
shewasnotfeeli
ngwel landthen..
(shedidn'
t
wanttof
illmein)Itookhertothehospit
aland
i
twasalreadyt
ool ate.
Me:
Wher
eisshe?
Her:I
nherroom,shestay
sthemostoft
het
ime.
I
'm worr
iedabouther
.
Me:
Why?ImeanIgett
hatshej
-
Her:She'svoidofemoti
on,Ireal
lydon'
tknow
what '
sgoingoninsi
dethathead,Whatifshe
commi tssuici
de?Shecoul dbedepressedfor
al
lIknow.Ican'thavethathappeni
ngundermy
watch,howwoul dIexplai
nittohermother.
May beyoucant al
ktoher?
Shesuggest
ed.
Me:
Me?
Wehat
eeachot
her
'sgut
s.
Ofcour
seIdi
dn'
tsayt
hat
,shewoul
dhav
e
demandedt
oknowwhy.
Me:
But-
Her
:may
beshe'safr
aidt
oopenuptome.
.You
t
wocanunder
standeachot
herbet
ter
.
I
fonl
yyouknew.
Me:
Okay
.
At
leastIst
il
lhadasenseofhumour
.
Her
:Al
ona
It
urnedt
ofaceherasIhav
eal
readygot
tenup
Her
:Ineedacupofcof
fe.
Me:
Onl
yoft
her
easonsIdr
eadcomi
ngher
e
Imumbl
ed.
Igotupandwenttomaket
hecof
feef
orher
,
goingt
ogivei
ttoher
.
Her
:Whenyoudonecomebackherweneedto
hav
eamotheranddaught
erconv
ersat
ion.

Andt
hatmyf
ri
endsmeansanear
ful
ofl
ect
ures.
SeewhyIdr
eadcomi
ngher
e?oneofanot
her
reasons

Igotupandheadedt
oherr
oom.
Ibr
eat
hedi
nandoutblocki
ngal
lthest
ufft
hat
camei
ntomindofwhatshedi
dtome.
Iknockedt
wicebef
orel
ett
ingmy
sel
fin.
Shewassprawl
edoutont
hebedl
ayi
ngonher
backl
i
steni
ngtomusic
Iwentt
osi
tatt
heedgeoft
hebed.
Andshegotstar
tl
edatt
hemov e,
guessshe
wasdeepinhermusict
hatshedi
dn'
thear
someonegett
ingin.
Her
:Uf
unant
oni
Alona(Whatdoy
ouwant
Al
ona?
)
Me:
Mom t
houghtIshoul
dcheckupony
ou.
Her
:YoucanseeI
'
mfi
nenowgetout
.
Shesai
dpoi
nti
ngt
othedoor,
glar
ingatme.
IRemai
nedseat
ed.
Me:Ican'
tbegi
ntoi
magi
newhaty
ouar
egoi
ng
t
hrough,I
'
m sor
ry
Her :Don'
tbe,
I'
m notfeeli
ngsorryformyself
.
InfactI'
m gl
adthatithappened,Iwon'
thaveto
staywi t
htheconstantreminderofwhatthat
bastarddidtome.
Iwasconf
usedf
oramoment
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout?
Shesi
ghed
Her:
Icamet ost
ayher ebecauseIwasr unni
ng
awayfr
om myst epfat
her.Herapedmeand
whenIfoundoutthatIwaspregnant.Ihadno
choi
cebuttotel
lmymot her,
whodi dn'
tbeli
eve
me.Wehadanargumentandwentawayf
rom
t
heplaceIusedt
ocal
lhome,her
eIam.
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry
Thati
stheonl
ythi
ngt
hatseemedt
ocomeout
ofmymouth.
Iunder
standwhatshewentt
hrough,
becauseI
alsowentthr
oughi
tbutt
hebastarddi
dn'tgot
o
far
AndIal
mostl
ethi
m becauseIwasaf
rai
d.
Youknowsomanyt imesf emalesandmal es
don'tr
eportt
heabusebecauseoft hethreat
s
theabusergivesorj
usttheshameoft heact.I
t
i
sn'tyourf
aultandthoughi tmayseem like
ther
eisnohopeont heotherside,
ther
eis.It
's
j
ustourchoicetodosomet hi
ngabouti t
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Sundayev
eni
ng,
Iwaswi
thAnel
eatt
hepar
kin
myarea
Wewer
ejustst
andi
ngandchat
ti
ng.Il
oved
hav
ingconv
ersat
ionswi
thhi
m.
Hi
m: Soyoudon'
twantt
ospendt
heni
ghtwi
th
me,agai
n
Me:It'
saschool daytomorrow.Besi
des
that
,yousnoresoi don'
tthi
nkiwannahave
anothersl
eeplessnightl
ist
eni
ngtoyou
Isayt
easi
ngl
y
Hi
m:Mesnor
ing?Somuchfory
out
osnuggl
e
upt
omewhil
eI'
m snor
ing
Me:
What?
Him:Yousnuggl
edupyoursmal
lfr
ameonme
l
ikeababy,Youwer
esocute.
Hesmi
rkedatme
Icoveredmyfacewit
hmyhands,
embar
rassed.
IknowIt endt
odothatal
otev
enwhenI
'm not
sl
eeping.
Mom say
swhenIwasababyIwassot
inyand
sheal
wayscr
adl
edmeinherar
mswhenIwas
sl
eepi
ngafr
aidthatIwouldbreakorsomethi
ng
Il
i
kedtobewar mthough.SowhenIhav e
someonenextt
ome, Ir
atherbecoveredi
ntheir
arms.
Hi
m:Youact
ual
l
ygav
emeahar
don
Me:
What
'sahar
don
Il
ookedupathi
m scr
unchi
ngmyf
acei
n
conf
usi
on.
Hewassil
entforamomentandt
henhebur
st
outl
aughi
ng.
Him:You'
ret
ooi
nnocent,
I
'l
lexpl
aini
ttoy
ou
anot
herday.
Me:
Whynotnow?Har
d-on
Isai
d, Myeyeslotupi nunderst
andi
ngofthe
word.Ipunchedhim playf
ull
yonhischestashe
almostdoubledoverlaughi
ng.
Whenhestoodupstr
aight,
hislaught
erdi
ed
downashelookedst
raightaheadof
me,wi
th.
.f
ear?
Suddenl
yIf
eltt
woarmswraparoundmywai
st
pul
li
ngmeclosert
oamuscularbody
Feeli
ngahotbreathonmyearcausedmet o
havegoosebumpsallovermybodyforsome
reasonmybodybecameawar e,
thei
sonlyone
personwhogetsthatr
eacti
onoutofme
"Iguessmyli
ttl
emousewi
l
lpl
aywhent
hebi
g
badcatisaway"
Ij
ustFr
oze
Whippingmy sel
faroundIlookedupt
omeethis
br
owney esandhisfacethathel
dasini
ster
smirk.
"Mi
ssmepr
incess?"

Yeses
[
11/
09,
17:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t68

I
twaaReece,
Cal
m asal
way
s.Youknowhow
t
hatended
Igul
pedi
nfear
.
Iwasn'tgoi
ngt
ogi
vehi
mt hesat
isf
act
ionof
knowinghowmuchheaf
fectedme now.
Il
ookedhi
m upanddown
Tur
ningbackt
olookatAnel
e,
Ishr
ugged
Me:
Idon'
tknowhi
m,whoi
she?
Iknowhowt
hatst
ung.
IheardReecechuckl
e,
hi
susual
deept
hroat
y
chuckle
Wit
hqui
ckr
efl
exeshehadhi
shandclasped
f
ir
mlyonmyarm,t
urni
ngmearound
Hefi
stedmyhai
rinhishandwhi
leher
aisedhi
s
ot
herhandi
nanattemptedsl
ap
Me:
Reece.
Hi
m:Sonowy
ouknowme?
Heaskedl
ett
inggoofme
Anel
e:Don'
tmanhandl
eher
.
Reecetakeshiseyesof
fmeforamomentt
o
gl
areathim,I
fthatwasdir
ect
edatmeI
'
dsur
e
wouldhavefai
nted
I
flookscoul
dki
l
lAnel
ewoul
dbesi
xfeetunder
gr
ound.
Hi
sjawt
wit
ched
Hi
m:Al
ona,
gowai
tformei
nthecar
.
Wai
tforhi
mint
hecar
Me:
Wai
tfory
oui
nthecar?Andi
funi
.
Hi
m:What?
Heaskedi
nawaythatal
sosai
dI'
m gi
vi
ngy
ou
achancet
osayot
herwi
se.
Ij
ustshookmyhead.
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Hesai
dwar
ningl
y
Anel
e:LookMani
fshed-
Andbeforehecoul
dfi
nish,
Reecepunchedhi
s
face.I
thappenedi
nablur
Hestaggeredtowardshi
m andIquickl
ywentt o
st
andinf r
ontofAnelei
nadefensi
v estance.
Reecejustgrabbedmebymyar m andthrew
measidelikeat wi
g.
Hecor
nedAnel
eonhi
scarandt
hrewpunches
Me:
REECE!
Igotupandt
riedpul
l
inghi
m byhi
sshi
rt
back,
whoam Icomparedt
ohim
Iwrappedmyar msar
oundhi
sown,tr
yingt
o
gethisat
tent
ionwhi
chwasimpossi
ble
Me:
I'
ll
gowi
thy
ou,
I
'l
lgo.Pl
easej
ustst
op.
Heseemedtoli
stentomesteppi
ngawayfr
om
Anelewhowasl
ay i
ngonhi
ssideonthegr
ound
coughi
ngbl
ood.
Idi
dn'
twantt
oleav
ehi
mli
ket
his.
Iwassoscar
edt
hatIst
art
edcr
ying.
Thel
ookonReeceey
esr
ightnow.
Reece:I
'm notdonewithy ou,andyourfamily
hadbettergotyoucoveredbecausesoont hey'
ll
beprepari
ngforyourfuneral.Inf
act,I
'
llki
ll
y ou
andburny outoashesI'
llsendanashesur nas
agift
.
Itr
iedgoi
ngtoAnelet
ocheckonhim butReece
thr
ewmeov erhi
sshoulderli
keasackof
potat
oesandheadedtowardshi
scar.
Hethrewmeont hebackseatbefor
eshutt
ing
thedoorcl
oseandwenttohisside,
hedrov
elike
amani act
owhereverandIwasassuminghis
house
I
ndeed.
Hepar
ked

Heopenedthedoort
ohishouse,l
ett
ingmei
n
f
ir
stthenf
oll
owingaf
terashelocked
Hekissedme,cat
chi
ngmebysur pri
seandI
supr
isedmyselfmorewhenIresponded.Whi
l
e
hedi
dhewasr i
ppi
ngmyshirtup.
SoonenoughIwasonl
ylef
tinmybr
aand
pant
ies
Imissedf
eel
i
nghi smuscl
esf
rom hi
schest
pr
essupagainstmybody.
Hi
sst
rongar
mswr
appedar
oundmyback.

Seei
ngthewayhewasl
ooki
ngatme,
wit
h
hungeri
nhisey
esmademewanthi
mthat
muchmor e
Cr
ashi
nghi
sli
ponmi
neonceagai
n
Hisl
ipsweredemandi
ngthi
sti
me.Hishands
wereslowl
yroami
ngovermybody,
feel
ingeach
andeverypar
tofme
Hi
shandcuppedmybr easts.Icoul
dn'
tcontai
n
t
hemoansIfel
twithhavinghim makesoothing
moti
onsonmynipples.
Helai
dmedownont
hebed,
ki
ssi
ngmebef
ore
pul
l
ingaway
Helookedatme,
hepart
edmyl egs,
l
ett
inghi
s
handli
ngeri
nmyinnert
high.
Hi
m:Di
dyouf
uckwi
thhi
m?
Heaskedwi
thser
iousnessi
nhi
svoi
ce.
IshookmyheadasIgul
ped
Hereachedbetweenmylegsst
art
edr
unni
ng
hishandovermyfol
ds.Wasthi
san
examinat
ion?Yeshewas.
Fi
ndi
ngt
het
rut
h
Hi
m:Good.
WhenIlookedathi
m,hewasst
ari
ngatmewi
th
i
ntensi
ty.
Hetookthatmomentt opl
aceprotecti
ononhis
memberbeforeplaci
nghimselff
ullybet
ween
mylegs.Bothofhishandwereplacedonthe
si
deofmyheadasIf el
thi
smemberonmy
ent
rance
Heslammedinsi
demeful
lfor
ceandI
scr
eamedoutinpai
nandt
hesupri
s
Het
hrusthi
mselfinsideandoutofmeslowly
t
hefi
rstf
ewt i
mest henhest ar
tedthr
ust
ing
f
ast
er.Hist
hrust
swer esofastIcoul
dal
most
f
eel
thebedmov eeacht ime.
Hewast
oobi
gforme,
any
way
ThepainIf
eltwasovershadowedbyhowgood
i
tfel
ttohavehiminsi
deme.

Af
ter
Nowor
dswer
eexchangedbet
weenus.
Ifel
texhaust
edsomehow.Reecelaydownnext
tomeandt hewasagapinbetweenusasI
wrappedmybodywiththebl
ankets,Ihadmy
backtohim.
Il
ovedeachandev
erymomentIj
usthadwi
th
hi
m butwhatnow.?

IKNOW I
T'SSHORT,
FORGI
VEME.
[
11/
09,
17:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t69

Wel ayi
nawkwar
dness,
nei
therofus
exchangi
ngwor
dwiththeother
Ihadmybackt ohim wrappedar
oundina
blanketwhi
lehelayonhisbackhi
sarmsunder
hi
sheadf aci
ngtheceil
i
ng
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
Hi
m:Al
ona
Isucki
nmybr
eat
h
Me: Iknow,
thi
swasami stake.I
tshoul
dn't
havehappenedespeci
all
ynowt hatwe'
renot
together
.Youdon'
thavetosayit.
Isai
dinonebr
eat
h,i
thur
tsay
ingi
t.
Iwasaboutt
ogetupbuthehel
dmeback,
holdi
ngmefr
om behi
ndwhil
ehehadmetohi
s
chest
Him: Nothi
ng,Not
hingiseverami st
ake
betweenus.What everhappens,t
heonly
mistakeIknowwasmebr eaki
ngupwi t
hyou.I
knowIt houghtIwasdoingi tf
orus,
foryoubut
Iwasmi staken.
Hesi
ghed,
runni
nghi
shandt
hroughhi
shai
r.
Him:IknowI'
m anAsshol
e,
asyounicel
yliketo
putit
.Well
thi
sAssholel
ovesyouandIdon't
everwantt
oletyougo,i
tdomebadl i
keitdidi
n
thi
swholemonth.Wor
stmonthofmyl i
fe.
Hepecksmycheek,
nuzzl
i
nghi
sfaceonmy
hai
rinhal
i
ngme.
"
DamnIFuckenmi
ssedy
ou"
Ihear
dhi
m mumbl
e.
Imi
ssedy
out
oo.
Hi
m:I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryPr
incess.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Mondaymor
ning
IwokeupearlyandnowIhadt i
metoHereI
wasabouttodrinkacupofcoff
ee,engul
fedin
myownt houghtsthatIdi
dn'
thearOzenterand
comeupr i
ghtbehindme
Hi
m:BANG!
Almostj
umpi ngoutofmysitIt
urntogl
areat
hi
m asIhav eburnedmysel
fwiththe
coff
ee,
Quicklyputt
ingt
hecupdown
Me:
Yer
rOz!
Hechuckl
es
Taki
ngthecupt
ohishand,
hetakesasi
pand
hi
sfaceimmedi
atel
ytur
nedint
oofdist
ast
e
Qui
ckl
yMaski
ngi
t,
hel
ooksatme
Hi
m:I
ttast
esgr
eat
Me:
I'
m sur
eitdoes,
youcanhav
eit
Hi
m:Noi
t'
scool
,
Ifeel
li
kedr
inki
ngsomet
hing
mor
est
rongert
hani
t
Hesay
spushi
ngt
hecupmyway
.
Igl
adlytakei
tandtakeasi
p,r
eadyfort
hewarm
l
iqui
dtomakei t
'swaydownmyt hr
oattowar
m
upmyt ummy
Buti
tdoesn't
,Nowseriousl
yjumpi
ngof
fmy
chai
rIgotakeitoutofmymout h
IhearHi
mlaughatt
hebackgr
oundbutI
'
mt oo
occupi
edbyget
ti
ngthet
asteoutofmymouth
Hi
m:Youact
ual
l
yputsomet
ypespi
cei
nther
e
Me:
Thenwhydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Him:I
tsmey outal
kingto,
Remember?foral
lI
knowI'
dki
llaratandstuffi
tundery
ourpi
ll
ow
andIwoul
dn'tt
ellyou
t
il
lIgettot
oseethepr
icel
essmoment..
just
l
i
ket hi
smoment
,y
oushouldhaveseeny
our
f
ace.
Hesay
scont
inui
ngt
olaugh
Isi
gh
Me:
Cany
oudr
ivemet
oschool?
Hi
m:Sur
elet
sgo
Hesai
dt aki
nghi
scarkey
sfr
om t
her
owof
manyother
Me:
Khay
onxi
ba
Isai
dasIlookedathisbar
ecoveredi
ntat
toos
chestandgreygut
tertr
ackpant
s
Heshookhi
shead.
Imightstandher
eall
argui
ngwi
thhi
m backat
for
thti
llIfor
gett
hatI
'ms
Af
terOzdrov
emetoschool
,
IfoundRomeo
wai
ti
ngformeatt
hegate
Hi
m:Yourbr
other
Hesaidbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p,Ismackedhi
m att
he
backofhi
shead
Hewhi
ned
Hi
m:Hey
Me:
Don'
tev
ent
hinkabouti
t.
Hi
m: St
il
ldoesn'
tgi
vey
out
her
ightt
o
manhandl
eme
Il
ookedathi
mforamomentt
henbur
stout
l
aughing
Me:
You'
resodr
amat
ic
Hi
m:Iknow.
Sohowwasy
ourweekend?
Me:
Not
hingmuch.
your
s?
Hi
m:Sameol
d,not
hingmuchwheny
ou'
re
gl
owi
ngandy
ou'vegot(
pull
i
ngmyscar
fdown)
Iqui
ckl
yswati
taway
Hi
m:Ahi
ckey
.
Hi
m:I
t'
sReecei
sheback?
Inod
Hi
m:Youguy
ssor
tedt
hingsout
Me:
Sor
tof
.
Hi
m:Younothappyt
hough
Me:
I'
mthi
nki
ngaboutAnel
e
Hi
m:Reecehandl
edhi
m,hedi
dwel
l
.
Ir
oll
edmyey
esathi
m
Me:You'
dmakeagr
eataddi
ti
ont
ohi
sfami
l
y
youknow
Him:I
'
mf l
att
eredbutr
eal
l
y? .Reecei
samodel
andwhatam Icompar
edtohim
Ir
oll
edmyey
es,
si
ghi
ng.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Af
terschool
RightwhenIwasgetti
ngoutofmyl
astcl
assI
gotacallf
rom Zane
Ipi
cked
Me:
Ohhwhatani
cesur
pri
se,
wher
e'sKhay
one?
Hechuckl
ed
Hi
m:Yougott
oletmespeakf
ir
st,
whati
fI'
m
cal
li
ngyouf
oranemergencysi
tuat
ionandy
ou
sti
l
laski
ngmeaboutmybaby
Me:
Imi
sshi
m
Hesi
ghs.
Him:Ohgod.WhateverI
'
m sayi
ngr
ightnow
doesn'
tmatt
er,
Icoul
dbedying
Me:
ButYoust
il
ltal
ki
ngt
ome,
nowuphi
?
Hi
m:Gr
anni
eshouseandI
'
m her
etopi
cky
ou
up
AsIstoodoutsi
detheschoolgat
e.Il
ooked
ar
oundstandi
ngonmyt i
ptoessoIcoul
dat
l
eastseepasttheset
allheads
Ispot
tedhi
minsi
dehi
scarandIheaded
towar
dshim
Igoti
n
Gr
eet
inghi
m pr
oper
ly
Hi
m:Reecesentmet
ogety
ouandt
akey
out
o
hi
shouse
Me:
Why?
Heshr
ugged
Me:
He'
snotpl
anni
ngonki
l
li
ngmei
she?
Hi
m:Whatdi
dyoudo?
Ishr
ugged
Hi
m:Icanassur
eyou,
hewon'
t.

Reecewasi
nhi
sgy
m
Istoodforacoupleofminut
esasIwatched
him hi
tthehugeleat
herbag,It
hinki
twaseven
biggert
hanme.Hewasn'twearingboxi
ng
glovesnowhowdoeshedoi t?
Hi
stonedchestcover
edinsweatthenhi
s
messyhai
rsti
ll
helookedgorgeous.

Whenhecamet owardsme,
Itookafew
caut
iousst
epsback.Hegotawareoft
hemov
e
andstoodwer
ehewas
Hi
m:Pr
incess,
Howwasschool?
Ishr
uggednotanswer
inghi
m.
Hi
m:Imi
ssedyousoIt
houghtI
'
dgetZanet
o
pi
cky
ouupsinceI
Isnort
edandhepai
dnoat
tent
iont
oitand
conti
nued.
.
Hi
m:Imadey
ourf
avour
it
esnackandm-
Me:Don'
tyouthi
nkit
sali
ttl
ebi
tlat
efory
out
o
actt
heeperf
ectboy
fri
end
Hesi
ghs
Hi
m: SoyouacceptedI
'dneverbeperf
ectand
wentoutt
ofindtheperf
ectguyAnelehu? what
makesyouthinki
tsokayandI'
m gonnabeokay
wi
thyoudati
ngsomeonef rom mygang?
Ishr
ugged
Me: Youdumpedme,
remember?Nowy oucan'
t
tel
lmewhoandwhonott odat
e.Justl
i
keI
don'
ttell
youwhonottof
uck,
ImeanThembi sa
i
sal
soi
nyourgangr
emember
.?
Him:Ar ey oualwaysgoingtoremindmeabout
t
hatev erytimewear gue? ,
waytogotoprov
e
yourchildshnessinfactI
'm sotempt
edtostri
p
youoffthatuni for
m may bethenwegonnahave
aconver sation.
Ishr
ugged
Me:Dowhatever.Youdoasy oupleasewithme
ri
ght?I'
my ourpuppetj
ustpullt
hest r
ings
Reece,
yout
hebosseh?
Ist
aredathi
m.
HecametowardsmeandIstoodmyground,
he
t
ookmebymyhandandIf ol
lowedhi
mi nt
ohis
r
oom si
tt
ingdownnextt
ohim.
Me:Whydoyout
hinkt
hinki
tsokayfory
out
o
comeandgoasyoupl
easei
nmyl if
e?Doyou
knowhowmuchyouhurtme
Him:Icanonl
yimagi
ne,
butIt
houghtIwas
doi
ngtheri
ghtthi
ngandnowthatIr
eali
zedi
t
wasn'
tworki
ng,t
hatIcoul
dn'
tst
ayaway.I
cameback,f
ory
ou.
Me:Youcamebackandf
oundmewi
th
someoneel
se,
tr
yingt
omoveon
Hi
m:Youwer
e't
ryi
ng'
Me: Doesitmatt
er?Youcouldhav
eat
least
respectedme.Givemetimetomakemyown
decision,
todeci
dewhatIwant
edtodowit
hhim.
Hi
m:Iwoul
dhav
eki
l
ledhi
m ei
therwayany
way
.
Me: That
'st
heonl
ywayy
ouknowhowt
ofi
x
yourprobl
ems.
Hi
m: That
'snott
heonl
yway
,ImeanIhav
en'
t
ki
l
ledyou
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
ohi
m
Hi
m:Whydoesi
tmat
ter
Me:Icar
eabouthi
mjustl
i
kehedoesf
orme
andIL-
Hepoi
ntedatmewi
thhi
slongf
ingerbef
oreI
coul
dfi
nish
Him: Idareyout
ofi
nishthat
.IswearNdizok'
xhomangeeny awoi
nt l
okoij
ongeezant
si on
thatbalcony
.
Ikeptqui
et.Wel
lIst
il
ll
ikeAnel
e
Him: Whothefuckdoeshet hi
nkheist ohave
thegutstotakewhathisbosshad? ,
IfIlethi
m
him gowhatmessageam Igi vi
ngtomygang
member s?'goaheady ouwel cometot ryyour
l
uckwi t
hmy (poi
nti
ngathi schest)gi
rl'Thee
FuckenLEADERSgi rl'
.I'
l
lblowhi sbr
ainsandI '
l
l
doitmyself.Hecan'tfuckenmesswi t
hwhat '
s
mine,doesn'
tmatterifwewer einabr eakupor
not.
[
11/
09,
17:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t69

Wel ayi
nawkwar
dness,
nei
therofus
exchangi
ngwor
dwiththeother
Ihadmybackt
ohi
m wr
appedar
oundi
na
bl
anketwhi
lehelayonhisbackhi
sar
msunder
hi
sheadfaci
ngtheceil
i
ng
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
Hi
m:Al
ona
Isucki
nmybr
eat
h
Me: Iknow,
thi
swasami stake.I
tshoul
dn't
havehappenedespeci
all
ynowt hatwe'
renot
together
.Youdon'
thavetosayit.
Isai
dinonebr
eat
h,i
thur
tsay
ingi
t.
Iwasaboutt
ogetupbuthehel
dmeback,
holdi
ngmefr
om behi
ndwhil
ehehadmetohi
s
chest
Him: Nothi
ng,Not
hingiseverami st
ake
betweenus.What everhappens,t
heonly
mistakeIknowwasmebr eaki
ngupwi t
hyou.I
knowIt houghtIwasdoingi tf
orus,
foryoubut
Iwasmi staken.
Hesi
ghed,
runni
nghi
shandt
hroughhi
shai
r.
Him:IknowI'
m anAsshol
e,
asyounicel
yliketo
putit
.Well
thi
sAssholel
ovesyouandIdon't
everwantt
oletyougo,i
tdomebadl i
keitdidi
n
thi
swholemonth.Wor
stmonthofmyl i
fe.
Hepecksmycheek,
nuzzl
i
nghi
sfaceonmy
hai
rinhal
i
ngme.
"
DamnIFuckenmi
ssedy
ou"
Ihear
dhi
m mumbl
e.
Imi
ssedy
out
oo.
Hi
m:I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryPr
incess.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Mondaymor
ning
IwokeupearlyandnowIhadt i
metoHereI
wasabouttodrinkacupofcoff
ee,engul
fedin
myownt houghtsthatIdi
dn'
thearOzenterand
comeupr i
ghtbehindme
Hi
m:BANG!
Al
mostj
umpi
ngoutofmysi
tIt
urnt
ogl
areat
hi
m asIhaveburnedmysel
fwit
hthe
cof
fee,
Qui
cklyputt
ingt
hecupdown
Me:
Yer
rOz!
Hechuckl
es
Taki
ngthecupt
ohishand,
hetakesasi
pand
hi
sfaceimmedi
atel
ytur
nedint
oofdist
ast
e
Qui
ckl
yMaski
ngi
t,
hel
ooksatme
Hi
m:I
ttast
esgr
eat
Me:
I'
m sur
eitdoes,
youcanhav
eit
Hi
m: Noit
'scool,
Ifeel
li
kedr
inki
ngsomet
hing
morest
rongerthanit
Hesay
spushi
ngt
hecupmyway
.
Igl
adlytakei
tandtakeasi
p,r
eadyfort
hewarm
l
iqui
dtomakei t
'swaydownmyt hr
oattowar
m
upmyt ummy
Buti
tdoesn't
,Nowseriousl
yjumpi
ngof
fmy
chai
rIgotakeitoutofmymout h
IhearHi
mlaughatt
hebackgr
oundbutI
'
mtoo
occupi
edbyget
ti
ngt
het
ast
eoutofmymout
h
Hi
m:Youact
ual
l
yputsomet
ypespi
cei
nther
e
Me:
Thenwhydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Him:I
tsmey outal
kingto,
Remember?foral
lI
knowI'
dki
llaratandstuffi
tundery
ourpi
ll
ow
andIwoul
dn'tt
ellyou
t
il
lIgettot
oseethepr
icel
essmoment..
just
l
i
ket hi
smoment
,y
oushouldhaveseeny
our
f
ace.
Hesay
scont
inui
ngt
olaugh
Isi
gh
Me:
Cany
oudr
ivemet
oschool?
Hi
m:Sur
elet
sgo
Hesai
dt aki
nghi
scarkey
sfr
om t
her
owof
manyother
Me:
Khay
onxi
ba
Isai
dasIlookedathisbar
ecoveredi
ntat
toos
chestandgreygut
tertr
ackpant
s
Heshookhi
shead.
Imightstandher
eall
argui
ngwi
thhi
m backat
for
thti
llIfor
gett
hatI
'ms
Af
terOzdrov
emetoschool
,
IfoundRomeo
wai
ti
ngformeatt
hegate
Hi
m:Yourbr
other
Hesaidbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p,Ismackedhi
m att
he
backofhi
shead
Hewhi
ned
Hi
m:Hey
Me:
Don'
tev
ent
hinkabouti
t.
Hi
m: St
il
ldoesn'
tgi
vey
out
her
ightt
o
manhandl
eme
Il
ookedathi
mforamomentt
henbur
stout
l
aughing
Me:
You'
resodr
amat
ic
Hi
m:Iknow.
Sohowwasy
ourweekend?
Me:
Not
hingmuch.
your
s?
Hi
m:Sameol
d,not
hingmuchwheny
ou'
re
gl
owi
ngandy
ou'vegot(
pull
i
ngmyscar
fdown)
Iqui
ckl
yswati
taway
Hi
m:Ahi
ckey
.
Hi
m:I
t'
sReecei
sheback?
Inod
Hi
m:Youguy
ssor
tedt
hingsout
Me:
Sor
tof
.
Hi
m:Younothappyt
hough
Me:
I'
mthi
nki
ngaboutAnel
e
Hi
m:Reecehandl
edhi
m,hedi
dwel
l
.
Ir
oll
edmyey
esathi
m
Me:You'
dmakeagr
eataddi
ti
ont
ohi
sfami
l
y
youknow
Him:I
'
mf l
att
eredbutr
eal
l
y? .Reecei
samodel
andwhatam Icompar
edtohim
Ir
oll
edmyey
es,
si
ghi
ng.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Af
terschool
RightwhenIwasgetti
ngoutofmyl
astcl
assI
gotacallf
rom Zane
Ipi
cked
Me:
Ohhwhatani
cesur
pri
se,
wher
e'sKhay
one?
Hechuckl
ed
Him:Yougottol
etmespeakfi
rst
,whati
fI'
m
cal
li
ngyouforanemer
gencysi
tuati
onandyou
sti
l
laski
ngmeaboutmybaby
Me:
Imi
sshi
m
Hesi
ghs.
Him:Ohgod.WhateverI
'
m sayi
ngr
ightnow
doesn'
tmatt
er,
Icoul
dbedying
Me:
ButYoust
il
ltal
ki
ngt
ome,
nowuphi
?
Hi
m:Gr
anni
eshouseandI
'
m her
etopi
cky
ou
up
AsIstoodoutsi
detheschoolgat
e.Il
ooked
ar
oundstandi
ngonmyt i
ptoessoIcoul
dat
l
eastseepasttheset
allheads
Ispot
tedhi
minsi
dehi
scarandIheaded
towar
dshim
Igoti
n
Gr
eet
inghi
m pr
oper
ly
Hi
m:Reecesentmet
ogety
ouandt
akey
out
o
hi
shouse
Me:
Why?
Heshr
ugged
Me:
He'
snotpl
anni
ngonki
l
li
ngmei
she?
Hi
m:Whatdi
dyoudo?
Ishr
ugged
Hi
m:Icanassur
eyou,
hewon'
t.
Reecewasi
nhi
sgy
m
Istoodforacoupleofminut
esasIwatched
him hi
tthehugeleat
herbag,It
hinki
twaseven
biggert
hanme.Hewasn'twearingboxi
ng
glovesnowhowdoeshedoi t?
Hi
stonedchestcover
edinsweatthenhi
s
messyhai
rsti
ll
helookedgorgeous.

Whenhecamet owardsme,
Itookafew
caut
iousst
epsback.Hegotawareoft
hemov
e
andstoodwer
ehewas
Hi
m:Pr
incess,
Howwasschool?
Ishr
uggednotanswer
inghi
m.
Hi
m:Imi
ssedyousoIt
houghtI
'
dgetZanet
o
pi
cky
ouupsinceI
Isnort
edandhepai
dnoat
tent
iont
oitand
conti
nued.
.
Hi
m:Imadey
ourf
avour
it
esnackandm-
Me:Don'
tyouthi
nkit
sali
ttl
ebi
tlat
efory
out
o
actt
heeperf
ectboy
fri
end
Hesi
ghs
Hi
m: SoyouacceptedI
'dneverbeperf
ectand
wentoutt
ofindtheperf
ectguyAnelehu? what
makesyouthinki
tsokayandI'
m gonnabeokay
wi
thyoudati
ngsomeonef rom mygang?
Ishr
ugged
Me: Youdumpedme, r
emember ?Nowy oucan'
t
tel
lmewhoandwhonott odate.Justl
i
keI
don'
ttell
youwhonott of
uck,
ImeanThembi sa
i
salsoiny ourgangr
emember.?
Him:Ar ey oualwaysgoingtoremindmeabout
t
hatev erytimewear gue? ,
waytogotoprov
e
yourchildshnessinfactI
'm sotempt
edtostri
p
youoffthatuni for
m may bethenwegonnahave
aconver sation.
Ishr
ugged
Me:
Dowhat
ever
.Youdoasy
oupl
easewi
thme
ri
ght?I'
my ourpuppetj
ustpul
lthest
ri
ngs
Reece,
yout
hebosseh?
Ist
aredathi
m.
HecametowardsmeandIstoodmyground,
he
t
ookmebymyhandandIf ol
lowedhi
mi nt
ohis
r
oom si
tt
ingdownnextt
ohim.
Me:Whydoyout
hinkt
hinki
tsokayfory
out
o
comeandgoasyoupl
easei
nmyl if
e?Doyou
knowhowmuchyouhurtme
Him:Icanonlyi
magine,butIthoughtIwas
doi
ngtheri
ghtthingandnowt hatIr
eali
zedi
t
wasn'
tworki
ng,thatIcouldn'
tstayaway.I
cameback,f
oryou.
Me:Youcamebackandf
oundmewi
th
someoneel
se,
tr
yingt
omoveon
Hi
m:Youwer
e't
ryi
ng'
Me: Doesitmatt
er?Youcouldhav
eat
least
respectedme.Givemetimetomakemyown
decision,
todeci
dewhatIwant
edtodowit
hhim.
Hi
m:Iwoul
dhav
eki
l
ledhi
m ei
therwayany
way
.
Me: That
'st
heonl
ywayy
ouknowhowt
ofi
x
yourprobl
ems.
Hi
m: That
'snott
heonl
yway
,ImeanIhav
en'
t
ki
l
ledyou
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
ohi
m
Hi
m:Whydoesi
tmat
ter
Me:Icar
eabouthi
mjustl
i
kehedoesf
orme
andIL-
Hepointedatmewi
thhi
slongf
ingerbef
oreI
coul
dfinish
Him: Idareyout
ofi
nishthat
.IswearNdizok'
xhomangeeny awoi
nt l
okoij
ongeezant
si on
thatbalcony
.
Ikeptqui
et.Wel
lIst
il
ll
ikeAnel
e
Him: Whothefuckdoeshet
hinkheistohave
thegutstotakewhathi
sbosshad?,I
fIlethi
m
him gowhatmessageam Igi
vingt
omygang
member s?'goaheady ouwelcomet otryyour
l
uckwi t
hmy (poi
nti
ngathi schest)gi
rl'Thee
FuckenLEADERSgi rl'
.I'
l
lblowhisbrai
nsandI '
ll
doitmyself.Hecan'tfuckenmesswi thwhat's
mine,doesn'
tmatterifwewer einabreakupor
not.
[
11/
09,
17:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t70

St
il
latReece'
shouse

Whenhegotbackf
rom t
hebat
hroom

Hehadat
owel
wrappedar
oundhi
swai
st
Isatatt
heedgeoft
hebed

Hesatdownnextt
omysi
de,
si
ghi
ng
Hepl
acedmeonhislap,
maki
ngmef
acehi
m
wi
thmylegsonei
thersi
de
Wit
hthebackofhi
shand,
het
owi
pest
he
t
ears
Him:I'
m sorry
.Iunder
standwhatyoumeanand
Iunder
standhowmybehav i
ourmighthave
comeacr ossasuncari
ngandinconsi
derat
e.
Inod.
Hepecksmyl i
psthengoesdownt
omyneck
andnextt
hingIknow
He'
sunbut
toni
ngmyshi
rt
Iputmyhandsonhi
stopul
lthem of
f
Iwat
chedashef
rowned
Me:
Ineedt
ogethome,
i
t'
spr
ett
ylat
e
Hi
m:Aqui
cki
e?
Heaskedsnaki
nghi
shandundermyski
rton
ei
thersi
deofmythi
gh
Ishookmyhead
Hi
m:Okay
.
Igotupfrom hi
m andwentt omakemysel
flook
properi
nthebathroom bef
oregoi
ngout
Reecewasal
readyoutandhet
ookmybagwi
th
Ifoundhiminhiskit
chenmaking
sandwiches,
avocadosandwhi
chest
obe
specefi
c
Me:
Ithoughty
ouhadal
readymademeasnack
Hi
m:Zanesnat
chedt
hem onhi
swayout
.
Hesaidfi
ll
i
ngt
hesandwichwit
hcol
dmeat
,
cheeseandaf
ewothert
hings
I
tlookedgr
eatandwhenhewasdone
Hesli
dthepl
atetowar
dsme,Itooki
tandt
he
bot
tl
eofwateronthesi
debeforemaki
ngmy
wayoutonhiscar.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Fol
l
owi
ngday
Iwasinmyroom studyi
ngforapaperIwas
goingt
owrit
etomor r
owafterIcamebackf
rom
schoolal
i
ttl
ebitt
ooearly.
Mybr
otherwasn'
thome.
Ihear
dthemydooropenbef
orei
tshutcl
osed
someoneent
eri
ng
Me:Ozzi
e,Pl
ease.Idon'
tneedy
out
obugme
r
ightnow
Isai
dnotl
ooki
ngupf
rom mysheet
"
Ozzi
eeh?
.Pr
incess"
Me:
Reece.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Hi
m:Imi
ssedy
ou
Me:
Reecey
oual
way
sseeme
Hi
m:Wel
l,
Ist
il
lmi
ssy
ou
Hesai
dlay
ingdownonhi
sst
omachbesi
deme.
Me:
Ineedy
out
obequi
te,
j
ust30mi
nut
escl
ean.
Isai
dandhenod
Helayonhissideandi
twasn'
tacoupl
eof
minut
esbeforeIfel
thi
shandcr
eepi
ngupmy
backtopul
lthecli
pofmybraoff
.
Ishr
uggedhi
m of
fgl
ari
ngathi
m.
Heplay
edwi thmyhai rput
ti
ngi tatthebackoff
myearsohecoul dseemyf aceclearl
yandit
woul
dn'tdi
sturbme,thought
f ul
ofhim unti
lhe
deci
dedtopullital
li
nt hefr
ont
Isi
ghed
Pushi
ngi
tbackandput
ti
ng.
.
Hi
m:Awuser
ious(
i)nj
e
Hesaidtaki
ngtheanswersheetf
rom me
anal
ysi
ngitforaminut
ebeforehetookmy
penci
landscri
bbl
edont hepaper
WhenIt
ooki
t,
hehadanswer
edal
lthesums
Hedi
diteasil
yandef
for
tl
essl
ymaki
ngmef
eel
dumbali
ttl
e
Ij
umpedonhi
m huggi
ngt
hel
i
vingday
li
ght
sas
webothr
oll
edov
eront heothersi
deofthe
bed,
maki
nghimfal
lfi
rstandmeont op.
.
.
Heshowedmehowt
odot
hem.
Me:
You'
reageni
us
Isai
dki
ssi
nghi
scheek.
Hi
m:Iwashomeschool
edal
lmyl
i
fe
Me:
Figur
es,
Younev
erwentt
oanor
mal
school
?
Heshookhi
shead.

Iwaspacki
ngawaymybookswhenwewer
e
done

Hi
m:AhhPr
incess.
.
Het
rai
l
edof
f
Hi
m:Ineedy
out
odomeaf
avour
.
Inod
Me:
Okay
.
Hi
m:Don'
tfr
eakout
.
Inodagai
n
Hetookmebymyhandspul
l
ingmet
ost
andi
n
bet
ween.
Hi
m:Ineedy
out
odomeadel
i
ver
y.
Iar
chedmyey
ebr
owsupi
nconf
usi
on
Me:
Whatdel
i
ver
y?.
Him:Del
i
verabagtoaguyandheal
sogi
ves
youabagthenyoudone.
Me:
Bagwi
thwhat?
Hi
m: Yougi
vehi
m abagwi
thEl
bowt
henhe
gi
vesyouabagwit
hmoney.

Me:
What
'sEl
bow?
Hepausesf
orami
nut
e,scr
atchi
ngt
hebackof
hi
sneck
Hi
m:Acoupl
epoundsofdr
ugs

[
11/
10,
07:
14]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t71

Lov
e
I
sitl
ovet
hati
sbl
i
ndori
tmakesy
oubl
i
nd?
Idon'
tknow,
buther
eIwas
Reecepi
ckedmeupaf
terschool
anddr
ovet
o
hi
shouse
Iwassti
lli
nmyschoolunif
orm andReecesai
d
i
twasbet t
ert
hatway.Hehadgivenmea
medium si
zedbl
ackspotsandinsidewasthe
whit
epowder
Iwasshaking,
scar
ed.Idon'
tknowhowhegot
metodot his.
Iwasonmywaytot
hegi
vendest
inat
iont
o
meett
he"
cli
ent
"
Thebagf
eltheav
yonmyshoul
der
,i
twasn'
t
r
eal
lyheav
y.Bendi
't
y i
wasisazelai
t'
sli
keasI
wal
kedinthemal
lever
yone'
sey eswere
f
ocusedonit.
Takeadeepbr
eat
h.
You'r
ejustaschoolgir
lcomi
ngfrom apr
act
ice
aft
erschool.you'
ret
ir
edandhungryandnow
yougrabbingsomethi
ngtoeat.
Igott
other
est
aur
antpl
ace
Gul
pingnervousl
yasIl
ookedaroundf
oraguy
i
nasuit,
blacksui
ttobespeci
fi
c
Thewer
eal
oti
fguy
sdr
essedi
nasui
tthough.
Okay
,Li
ght
estshadeofgr
eyt
ie
He'
swhi
te.
Dar
khai
r,Bl
ueey
es.Bodywei
ghti
-
Oht
her
ehei
s.
Ispot
tedhi
m si
tti
ngal
oneatat
abl
e,
sti
rr
inga
cupofcoff
eeIassume.
Iheadedt
owher
ehewas.
Si
tt
ingdown.
Iset
tl
edthebagdownnextt
omeandgr
eet
ed
theguy
Hel
ookedatmeasi
ftr
yingt
ofi
gur
emeout
.
I
twasabriefmeeti
ngwit
hmehandingov
ert
he
bagandt
akingtheonehebr
oughtwit
hme.
Ior
deredandwheni
tcameIl
eftwi
thi
theadi
ng
toReece'
shouse
OnmywayIcoul
dn'
tshaket
hef
eel
i
ngt
hatI
knowt
heguy
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Openingt
hedoor,
Thebast
ardwaswi
thhi
s
fr
iends
Al
lgat
her
edt
oget
heratt
hel
oungedr
inki
ng
Itooktheheav ybagonmyshoul derandwent
toplaceitatt hetabl
einthemiddleoftheroom.
Iopenedi ttakinganddumpingt heofmoney
onthet able,
itwasal otandmyey esalmost
bul
geout
.
Iwat
chedal
loft
hem al
lthei
rmout
hsagape
Don'
tgett
hiswr
ong
Itwasn'
tbecauseoft
hemoney ,
they'
vepr
obabl
y
seenalotmorethant
his.I
twasbecauseIwas
abletopul
lthi
sandcamet hi
sfar.
Iwentupst
air
s,goi
ngt
oReece'
sroom t
oget
mybag
Ibumpedi
ntoReecewhi
l
eget
ti
ngoutofhi
s
room
Iat
temptedtopasshi
m buthet
ookmyhand.
Snatchi
ngi
taway
Me:
Ndi
yeke(
Leav
emeal
one)
Isai
dshovinghi
m byhi
schestt
ogetaway
fr
om mebutheputhishandsonei
thersi
deof
myface.Leani
ngfor
wardandki
ssi
ngme
Ri
ghtt
henandt
her
eIfor
gotIwassupposedt
o
bemadathi
mformaki
ngmedoi t
Hedidn'
tforcemeoranyt
hing,
i
twasmychoi
ce
Butsti
l
litwashispl
an.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou
Aww
Me:Youdon'
tdowhatyoudot
osomeoney
ou
l
ove.
Nosanerel
ati
onshi
-
Hi
m:Youcan'
tcompar
eourrel
ati
onshi
pto
ot
her
s,y
ouandIweuni
que.
Isi
ghed,
Iwast
ir
edandannoy
ed
Hi
m:Ar
eyouf
ine?
Inod
Him:Yousur
e?.Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngt
oscar
e
youorm-
Me:
ReeceI
'
mfi
neIj
ustwantt
ogohome
Hi
m:Youmadatme?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
y.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Sur
e.
Hetookmyschool
bagf
rom meandfol
lowed
behi
ndaswemadeourwaydownst
air
s.
Passi
ngbyt
heguy
s,t
hemoneywasst
il
lther
e
I
twassi
l
entasImademywayt
owar
dsi
t.
It
ookast
ackandmademywayout
Iwantedt
oknowwhatReecewasgonnasay
nordobutsur
pri
singl
yhesaynot
hing
Hedrovemehomeandwhenhepar kedout
side
mybrother
shouseIwasaboutt
ogetoutwhen
hespokeup
Hi
m:Yi
saphaAl
ona(
Giv
eitback)
Me:
Andi
funi
.(
Idon'
twantt
o)
Hi
m:I'
m surey
oudon' twanti
t,
consi
der
ing
wher
eitcamefrom andforwhat.
Me:Idon'
tcar
e.Myhandsar
eal
readydi
rt
y
any
way .
Hi
m:Uzay
ithi
ni?I
yak'
sindanoksi
ndai
nyour
smal
lhands.(
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
thi
t?)
Me:
Shoppi
ng
Hi
m:I
'
llgi
vey
oumycar
ds
Ir
eachedmyhandoutt
ohi
m
Hesear
chedhi
spocket
,t
aki
ngouthi
swal
l
et
Hi
m: Idon'tr
eal
l
yshopher
eforcl
othes,
these
ar
eforeign.
Me: I
'
m sur
eyouhavet
heonewher
eyouhav
e
yourmoneyal
li
nit
Hepl
aceditont
hepal
m ofmyhand,
l
ooki
ngat
i
tandgri
nni
ng
Hecall
edouthi
spi
n.Iper
kedhi
scheekandgot
outoft
hecar
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Sat
urdaymor
ning
Wedeci dedtogooutshoppi
ngwi
thRomeo
sinceIhadthecar
dwithmeandIwasmore
thanhappytouseit
.
WhenIwasdoneget
ti
ngr
eady
.
Iwasonmywayout
Oz:
Wher
eyougoi
ng
Me:
Mal
l
.
Oz:
Shoppi
ngf
orcl
othes?
Inod
Hi
m:Doy
ouneedmoneyorsomet
hing?
Me:I'
m sor
ted,
goi
ngt
ousej
ustal
i
ttl
ebi
tofmy
sav
ings
Il
i
ed
Hi
m:Okay
Me:
Youcandr
ivemet
her
e.
.
.
.
.

Imetupwi
thRomeoatt
heent
rance.
Wewentcr
azyandst
art
edgoi
ngi
nandoutof
t
hest
ores
Wewer eevengoingtotheonesweusually
passbecausetheytooexpensiveandy
ou
usual
lygetj
ustatopwithallyour6months
savi
ng.
Ihadt
hecardandIwasplanni
ngonusi
ngal
l
themoneyt
il
li
trunsout
.
1700deduct
ed
600 deduct
ed
350 deduct
ed
Reeceprobablygotamessagesomewher
e
al
ongthoselinesever
yti
meIswipedwi
thhi
s
car
d.
Hemustbef
umi
ng.
Wespenthal
fthedayther
e,get
ti
ngournai
l
s
donef
orthef
irstt
ime
Goi
ngt
othespaf
oramassage,
si
ncewe
neededi
tyouknowj
ustt
oRel
i
evegr
ade12
str
ess
Ourhai
rdone,
Ateatt
hisChi
neser
est
aur
ant
Wedidalotoft
hingswitht
hecar
dandIthought
bynowthemoneywoul dhaver
anoutbutno.
Thi
scardwaslimitl
ess
Wereal
l
yenjoyedthedayandwe'
dnev
erf
orget
i
t.I
twasthebest.

Later
.Ihadt
ogetacabt
odr
ivemet
oReece'
s
house
Ihadal
otofbags,
heckIcan'
tev
enr
emember
someofthethi
ngsIgot
WhenIgott
her
e.
Thecabdr
iverwasgentl
emanenoughtogo
backandf
orthtaki
ngmybagsal
linsi
dewhi
leI
wait
edout
sidewiththeot
her
s
It
hankedhi
m andwentoni
nwi
tht
hel
astt
wo
bags
Reecewasal
oneoccupi
edwi
thhi
slapt
op
WhenIlookedathi
sfaci
alexpr
essi
on,
hewas
hi
susualseri
oussel
f.Hi
sjawtwit
chi
ngeverso
sl
i
ghtl
y.
Hewascal
m.
Isatdownnextt
ohi
m
Resti
ngmyheadont
hear
mrestandmyf
eetup
ontopofhi
slap.
Isi
ghedt
ir
edl
y
[
11/
10,
07:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t72

Isatdownnextt
ohi
m
Resti
ngmyheadont
hear
mrestandmyf
eetup
ontopofhi
slap.
Isi
ghedt
ir
edl
y
Hi
m:Youev
engoty
ournai
l
sdone.
Ishowedhi
m myhands,
gri
nni
ng.
Theywer
ereal
l
yni
ce
Hel
ookedatmeaf
terl
ooki
ngatt
hem
Put
ti
nghi
slapt
opasi
de.
Het
urnedt
ome
Hi
m:Iwantt
oseey
ournat
ural
nai
l
s,now
Me:
Ijustgott
hesedone.
Hi
m:So?Comeon.Doi
t
Ishookmyhead.
Hi
m:I
'
lldoi
tmy
sel
f
Hesaidtaki
ngmyhandandItr
iedpul
l
ingi
t
backbutitwasal
mosti
mpossi
ble
Hestar
tedpi
cki
ngonmyf
inger
s,r
edoi
ngal
lthe
nai
l
sIhadplant
ed
Hewasdonel
ater
,l
eav
ingmynai
l
swi
thpi
eces
ofgl
ue
Hi
m:See.Nowt
hat
'smor
eli
key
ou.
Hesai
dki
ssi
ngt
hebackofmyhand.
If
uri
ousl
ycr
ossedmyar
mst
omychest
.
Hi
m:So.Di
dyouhav
efun?
Inod
Hi
m:AndYouspental
ot.
Hest
atedmat
teroff
act
Me: Coul
dn'
tresist
,Worsethecardwasl imit
l
ess.Ha!Ify
oucoul dhav eseenthelookon
peoplesf
aceswhenIt aket hecardout.That
cardismagic,
Itwasswi pe-aft
erswipe,swipe
aft
ersw-
Ist
oppedmi
dsent
enceashegl
aredatme.
Him:Thenitwasmessageaft
ermessage.You
surespental
ot,
remi
ndmenott oev
ergi
vey ou
mycar dagai
n.Nowgiv
eitback.
Ishookmyhead
Hi
m:Al
ona
Me:
Can'
tIkeepi
t?
Hi
m:No!
Me:
Please?
Hi
m:NoAl
ona
Me:
Mxm,
I
na.
Isai
dgi
vi
nghi
mthecar
d.
Me:
Ineedspacef
ort
hese,
i
nyourcl
oset
Imot
ionedt
opl
ast
icbags
Hi
m:Whyy
oukeepi
ngt
hem her
e?

ThereasonIwaskeepi
ngt
hem herewas
becauseidi
dn'
twantmybrot
heraski
ngme
questi
ons.

Me:
Whynot?Youwanty
ourwhor
est
oc-
Hequi
ckl
yki
ssesmeshutt
ingmefr
om sayi
ng
any
thi
ngt
hat
'l
lleadmei
ntothr
owi
ngafitand
endupar
gui
ng
Him: Youmor
ethanwelcometokeepthem
here,
Idon'
tmi
nd.I'
l
lgetsomeonetoputthem
foryou.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Isai
dpecki
nghi
sli
ps
Me:
NowIneedt
ogohome
Hi
m:I
t'
sst
il
lear
ly
Me:
I'
mti
red
Hi
m:Youcansl
eepher
e
Me:Youwon'
twakemeupandy ouknowbyt
he
t
imeIwakeupitwoul
dbel
ate.
Hegr
inned.
Him:Okay.Justafewmi nut
eswit
hme.May be
youcanweart het
hingsyouboughtandletme
see.Maybeyoucanst ar
tbyweari
ngalinger
ie
Igl
aredathi
m
Me:
Whywoul
dIev
enbuyt
hat
.
Hi
m:Becausey
ougotaman.
.
Hetr
ail
edof
f,
Il
ookedathi
m per
suadi
nghi
m
wi
thmyeyestoconv
incememore.
Hesi
ghed
Hi
m: Youdi
dn'
tev
engetasexynumber
,sl
eep
wear?
Ishookmyhead.
Me:Igott
hosecott
onsleepi
ngjumpsui
ts,
i
ts
pi
nkhastheset
inyear
sont op
Him:That
'soneoft
het
hingsy
ougotwi
tht
he
card?
Inod
Hechuckl
es,
get
ti
ngup
Hedragsmewi
tht
otheki
tchensoIcoul
dhel
p
hi
m cook.
Isatont
heki
tchenbarandwat
chedhi
m ashe
sti
rr
ed
Me:
Whyar
en'
tyouwear
ingashi
rt
Hi
m:Am Idi
str
act
ingy
ou?
Heaskedwi
ggl
i
nghi
sey
ebr
ows
Me:Maybe,
andmay
bey
ourt
att
oosar
eal
so
di
str
act
ing
Hi
m:Whataboutt
hem
Me:
Youhav
eal
ot
Heshr
ugged.
Him:Ifi
rsthadonewhenIwasfourt
eenMe:
Fourt
een?Att hatti
meIknewnothi
ngabout
tat
toos,
Isti
llpl
ayeddol
l
swithmyfri
ends
Him:AndIwasoutgoingt
odealings.Age
four
teenImademyfir
stki
llandmyf atherwas
soproudthathet
ookmetohav eat at
too
Me:
Didy
ouwantt
o?Di
dyouwanti
t
Heshookhi
shead
Hi
m:Iwasf
orcedt
odobot
handIhadnosay
.
Me:Wherewasyourbrot
heri
nalloft
his,
I
meanhewastheeldestmaybehecouldhav
e
pr
otect
edyou
Hesnor
ted
Him:Hecoul dn'
tevenifhet ried,Heranaway
fr
om homeandchoset olivewi t
hgr andma.
Atl
easttherehewassaf erfrom thatbastar
d.I
al
sotriedtoescapeunf ortunatelyIdidn'
tmake
i
t.Hecaughtme, draggedmet othebasement
wherehehitmeandt orturedmeonsome
machinebeforelockingmeupt hereforthe
wholeweekt ostarve.
Me:
Yourmom ?
Hi
m: Sheknewbett
ert
hantostandupto
hi
m,ever
yoneknewbet
ter.Thatshi
twasAwf
ul.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Hi
m: I
t'
swat
erundert
hebr
idgenow,
don'
twor
ry
l
ove.
Het
ri
edt
olaugh,
hidi
nghi
semot
ions
Hecametostandi
nbet
weenmylegs,
wrappi
ng
hi
sarmsaroundmywai
standr
esti
nghischi
n
onmyshoulder
Ir
anmyhandt
hroughhi
shai
r
Me:
Reece
"
Mhh"
Hewasf
all
i
ngasl
eeponme
Me:Whyi
syourhai
rsof
tandcur
ly?Imeani
t'
s
al
mosti
mpossi
blef
oraXhosat-
.
Hi
m:Whosai
dI'
m Xhosa?
Ishr
ugged.
Me:
Ifi
gur
ed.
Him:Mymom hasaxhosabackgr
oundbut
she'
snotr
eal
lyxhosa,
Andme?I '
mjusta
mixedr
ace.I
'
llt
ell
youabouti
tsomeothert
-
Me:
Ithi
nky
ourpoti
sbur
ning.
Hetur
nedaroundandIhear
dhi
m cussunder
hi
sbreat
h.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Someot
herday
.

Iwasinthemi
ddl
eofmaki
ngdinnerandmy
brot
herwaswat
chi
ngTVinthesi
tti
ngroom
al
one.
WhenIhavedi
shedoutf
ort
hebot
hofusIwent
wi
ththepl
ates
Ihandedhi
m hi
sandwasaboutt
oseatdown
whenthewasaknockatt
hedoor.
Ihear
dOzgr
umbl
esomet
hing
Hi
m: It
houghtgodhadmyback.Whyleta
vi
sit
orcomerightwhenI
'
m aboutt
oeat.
Openi
ngt
hedoor
Myey
esmethi
s
ItwastheWhi
teguyIhaddel
i
ver
edt
hebagt
oa
coupl
edaysago.
Whatt
heheckdoeshewanther
e?
Iswal
l
owedner
vousl
y
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant?
"
Whosether
e?"Ihear
dmybr
othershoutouti
n
t
heback

ButIwast
oost
unnedt
oanswer

Guy
:Yourf
ather
.
Thi
sissof
uckencl
i
chei
t'
snotev
enf
unnyr
ight
now.

[
11/
10,
07:
15]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t73

Ist
oodther
e,t
oost
unnedt
osaynordo
somet
hing
Suddenl
yMybr
otherwasbesi
demeI
Hi
m:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Heasked,
gri
tt
ingt
hroughhi
steet
h.
TheguyTsk(
ed)
Guy:That
'snowayt
ogreetyouroldman,Son.
I
'm her
etoseemychil
dren,
speci
fi
cal
lyyou
(l
ookingatme)mydaughter
.
Huh?
Oz:Wehadanagr
eement
,youwer
emeantt
o
st
ayaway
Guy
:IagreedbutIwoul
dn'
thav
eifIr
eal
lyknew
t
herealr
easonyouandyourmom want
edme
t
o.
Hesai
d,nowl
ooki
ngatme.
Ilookedatmybrot
herashel
ookedatmewi
th
thecornerofhi
seye
Oz:
Alonagot
oyourr
oom
Me:
No
Oz:
Alona.
Ishookmyhead,
i
fhewant
edt
osaysomet
hing
heshoul
dsayi
tinf
rontofme
Thi
sal
soinv
olv
esmesoIwant
edt
oknowwhat
goi
ngon
Guy
:Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
owel
comey
ourf
atheri
n
Oz:
Younotwel
comeher
e
Buthewashalf
wayinany
way
,l
ooki
ngar
ound
andnoddi
ngin..
Appr
oval
Guy
:You'
vedonewel
lfory
our
sel
f,
Son.
Hesai
d,maki
ngtheword'
son'mor
ecl
earasi
f
hewastaunt
inghi
m somehow.

Hi
m:MyBeut
if
uldaught
er
Hesai
dtr
yingt
otouchmycheekbutOz
i
mmediat
elyst
oppedhi
m
Oz:
Don'
tyoudar
etouchher
.
Guy:Andwhoar
eyout
otel
lmewher
etogetof
f
?,I
'
m herfat
her
Ozsnor
ted
Oz:
Afat
hery
ouar
e.
Hesai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Me:
Oz,
what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Iasked,
speaki
ngf
ort
hef
ir
stt
imesi
ncehe
arr
ivedher
e
Guy:
Tel
lher
,Tel
lherwhaty
ouandy
ourmot
her
di
d.
Ozgl
aredathi
m
Guy:I'
l
ltellher.Yousee, Yourbrot
herhereand
yourmot her.Decideditwouldbebesttokeep
usapart,
tocutmeof fyourli
fecomplet
elyand
actl
ikeInev erexisted,Idon'
tknowwhich
Me:
Whywoul
dyoudot
hat?
Iwhi
sper
edasi
lookedatOz
Oz:Youwon'
tunder
stand-
,
wewant
edt
opr
otect
you
Guy:Prot
ectherf
rom what?Herown
fat
her,
howpathet
ic.
Oz:
Justshutup
Guy
:Don'
tfor
getwhoy
out
alki
ngt
o
Oz:
Whoam It
alki
ngt
o.?Youdon'
tfuckent
ell
me-
Me:Ineedanexpl
anat
ionnottobei
nthe
mi
ddleofanargumentri
ghtnow.
.
.

.
.
Sat
urdaymor
ning

I
nthemi
ddl
eofaphonecal
lwi
thReece
Me:Youmademedel
i
verdr
ugst
omyown
f
ather
.
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tknow.
Me:Youdidn'tknow ?YouknowwhatIt
hink,
I
t
hinkyouplannedthi
swholethi
ng
Hi
m:Whywoul
dI?
Me: Youhaveamesseduprelati
onshi
pwi t
h
yourfat
hernowyouwanttoruinminealso.
Hi
m:Real
l
yAl
ona?
,yout
hinkI
'
ddot
hatt
oyou
Si
ghi
ngi
nfr
ust
rat
ion
Me:I
'
m sorr
y.I
tsj
ustt
hatI
'
m st
ressedbyt
his
whol
ethi
ngand-
Hi
m:Fi
ne.Igeti
t
Hi
m:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Me:
Notsogr
eatr
ightnow.

Me: Theyli
edtome,all
mylif
et heyletme
bel
ieveanyscenari
osImadeaboutmyf at
her
whil
et heyknewwellheexi
stedjustthathe
di
dn'tknowIexist
ed,t
heypushedhim away
fr
om me
Hi
m: Thatsucks,
butI
'
m sur
etheyhadt
hei
r
r
easons
Me:
Topr
otectme
Ir
oll
edmyey
es
Hi
m: Yourfat
her.
.i
soneoft
hedanger
ousguy
s
Al
ona.He'sinthegame
Me: Justl
i
key ou,
Justl
i
kemybrotherand
acceptedi
tjustfi
neandIwoul
dhav edonet
he
samet ohim,i
fonlyt
heyhadgi
venmeachance
toknowhim.
Hi
m:Youdon'
tunder
stand
Me:
Whydoy
oual
lkeepsay
ingt
hat
Hi
m:Justbecar
eful
.
Me:
Youknowhi
m wel
l?
Hi
m:No,Butidoknowhe'sonegr
eedyf
uc-
Man.Canyoupassthephonetoy
ourbr
other
Me:
No.Idon'
tev
enwantt
oseehi
m
Hi
m:Al
ona,
j
ustdoi
tforme
Me:
Cabaut
heni
wena.
Hi
m:Youl
oveme.
Me:
Fine.
Iwentt
ohi
sroom,
hewasi
nthepr
ocessof
get
ti
ngup
Ihandedhimthephoneandwentoutheadi
ng
totheki
tchentomakemy sel
fbr
eakf
ast
OnSaturdaysIusual
l
ymakeEngl i
shbreakfast
formybrotherandI,
justachangeofscenery
becausewehav ecer
eal t
hroughthewhole
week.
Nowsi
nceIwasst
il
lmadathi
m,Iwasn'
tgoi
ng
t
odoanyt
hing
Imadethebowlofcer
ealandr
ightt
henwhenI
wasaboutt
ositdownIheardt
henotif
icat
ion
sound.
Aft
erchecki
ng,Iwentt
oopent
hedoorandi
n
came..Myfather
Him:Al
ovel
ymorningandwor
sewhenI
'
m
seei
ngmysunshi
ne.
Hesai
dki
ssi
ngmyf
orehead.
Okay
.
Him:Iwashopi
ngwecoul
dgograbacoff
eeso
thatwecancat
chupandgett
oknoweach
other
Me:
Itwouldt
akemor ethanonecupofcof
fee
t
ocatchupaboutal
lyou'v
emissedinmyli
fe
Him:Iknow,andI'
m wi
ll
i
ngt ot
akey ououteach
andev er
yday,t
ospendall
theti
meIcanget
wit
hy ouandthat'
sonl
yifyouagree.
Inod
Me:
Okay
.Letmegof
reshenupt
henwecango.
[
11/
10,
07:
16]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t74

Aft
ernoonIwashomeaf
tergoi
ngoutwi
thmy
fat
her.
Him:Wherewereyou?Umkanjani
unga
xel
angaubauyaphiAl
ona?
(Howdoy ougoout
wit
houtl
ett
ingmeknow)
Me:
I'
m her
enow
Ishr
ugged
Wal
ki
ngawayf rom hi
m whenhegrabsmeby
myarm andt
urnsmet olookathi
m
Him:Don'
tyoudaregivemeattit
ude.Iknow
whatIdi
dwaswr ongbutitdoesn'
tgiveyouthe
r
ightt
oactthewayy ouactnow
Me:
Ndi
yeke!(
Leav
emeal
one)
Isai
dtr
ashi
ngf
rom hi
shol
d
Hel
ashedmebymyhai
rbackandsl
appedme
Hi
m:Uci
mb'
uthet
hanabaAl
ona.
Heaskedgr
it
ti
ngthroughhi
steethashel
ooked
downatme,hest
il
lhadmyhairfist
edandthe
l
ookhegavemerightnowscaresmeshit
Ist
art
edcr
ying,
that
'st
heonl
ywayIcoul
d
escapet
hissi
tuat
ion
Hel
etgoofmeandIspr
int
edof
ftomyr
oom.
Ispentmostoft
hedayl
ockedupi
nmyr
oom.

Lat
ert
hatday
Mom deci
dedtov
isi
t,
cur
rent
lyatt
hel
ounge
wi
thbothoft
hem.
Mom:
Babywesor
ry.
Shesai
dt r
yingtot
akemyhandi
nher
sbutI
moveditaway .
Oz: There'
snothi
ngwr ongwedid,wewere
tr
yingt oprot
ectherandtheleastshecoul
ddo
i
st othankusandst opbeingalit
tl
e
spoilt
,ungr
ateful
brat
Hespi
toutv
enomousl
y
Irol
l
edmyey es.WhichissomethingIshoul
dn't
havedonei
nt hissi
tuat
ion,
Icoul
dhavegotten
awaywithi
tifitwasanyotherdaybutnottoday
becauset
henextt
hingIknowI
'
m sl
appedonce
again
I
thappenedi
nabl
ur.
ImeanIdi
dn'
tseewhenhe
gott
ome
Me:Hitmeall
youwantbuti
twon'tst
opme
f
rom want
ingtobui
l
darelat
ionshi
pwithmy
f
ather
Isai
dhi
ccuppi
ngasIwascr
ying
Hesnor
ted.
Him:Somefat
heryouhave,
Iwouldthi
nkt
wice
befor
edoi
nganythi
ngwit
hthatshi
t
Mom:
Ozamokuhl
e!
Shet
ri
edst
oppi
nghi
m
Him:Nomom.Sheneedst oknowt he
tr
uth,
abouther'f
ather'
.Didhet el
lyouthatheis
deali
ngwithall
sortsofcrime.Arms
smuggli
ng,Humant raf
fi
ckingandownsacl ub
wherehesignsinandmani pul
ateyounggir
ls
i
ntoprosti
tut
iondidhet el
lyouh-
Mom:
OZAMOKUHLE!
Him:Di
dhefuckent
ell
youthathef
or-he
Rapedmom t
henkwa'bakhowena?
Ishookmyheadi
ndisbel
i
efofwhatI
'
m
heari
ng,
Tear
sbl
urr
edmyv isi
on
Him: Hewoul dhav emademoneyoutofy ou.
You'regi rlchil
daf terallandhewoul dhav eused
you.Hewoul dhav egambl edwithyou, t
hat's
howcr uelandgr eedyhecanbe, Actuall
yhe'sfar
wor set hant hatandI 'm sureyoudon' twantt o
know, Toknowt haty ourfathermadeapl anout
fory ouev enbef orey ouwer ebor n,
how
disappoi ntedhewast hatIwasaboyan-
Mom cuthi
m of
fagai
nandt
hist
imear
oundhe
shuthi
smouth.
Iwasasobbingmessandsomewherei
nI
coul
dn'
thandlet
henewfoundi
nfor
mati
on
Ist
art
edhavingt
roubl
ebreathi
ngandIf
ist
ed
myshirtont
hesidechest
,i
tfel
tli
kei
twas
cl
osi
ngonmeorsomet
hingwasbl
ocki
ngme
fr
om r
eleasi
ngai
r
Ist
art
edheav
ing
Mom:
Izanamanz
i
Hespr
int
edt
otheki
tchenandcamebackwi
th
agl
ass.
It
ookacaut
ioussipcouseIknewforafacti
fI
dr
ankhur
ri
edlyI
'dbeblockedevenmore
Icl
osedmyey esf
oramomenttr
yingt
ogat
her
myselfbuti
twasal
mosti
mpossi
ble.
Igotupbutf
ell
downagai
nasdar
kness
consumedme.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
I
twasthefol
l
owi
ngdaywhenIwoke
up,
Monday
Iwassupposedt
obeatschool
butseei
ngt
he
ti
mebesidemeri
ghtnowIwaslat
e.
Isatupi
nasi
tt
ingposi
ti
onandpl
acedapi
l
low
ont
hebackofmyhead.
Iwasengul
fedi
nmyt
hought
s

Mymom camei
nlat
eron
Shetr
iedtogetmetospeakbutIdi
dn'
twantt
o
soshelef
tandincamemubr ot
her
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Hi
svoi
cewassosof
t
It
urnedmybackt
ohi
m andl
ookedt
heot
her
si
de.
Hi
m:Mnt
ase
Si
l
ence
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.
Hecametoapol
ogizeandIi
gnoredhi
mt he
whol
eti
mehet r
iedget
ti
ngmet ospeak.
Cameaft
ernoonandIwentt
obat
h,whenIwas
done.
Icall
edRomeoandhewasst il
lst
ucki
nschool
foraft
ernooncl
asssoIendedupcal
li
ngReece
tocomepi ckmeup.
Ij
ustwant
edt
obeawayfr
om homeri
ghtnow.
Hewasatwor
kbuthewasgoi
ngtopi
ckmeup.

Iwasboredtodeath,
Reecemademewat
cht
v
whilehewascli
cki
ngawayonhisl
apt
op
fi
nishi
ngoffwork
Wewer
ecur
rent
lyi
nhi
sof
fi
ceathi
swor
k.
Me:
Reece.
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Her
epl
i
ednotl
ooki
ngatme
Me:
I'
m bor
ed.
Hi
m:I
'
m al
mostdone.
Me:
You'
vebeensay
ingt
hatf
ort
hepasthour
.
Imumbl
ed.
Wi
thaf
ewcl
i
cks,
Hesi
ghed
Hi
m:Ther
e,done.I
'
m al
lyour
s.
Hesai
dcomi
ngtowardsmeandmaki
ng
hi
msel
fcomf
ort
ablebesi
deme
Hi
m:I
'
mti
red
Hesi
ghed,
glanci
ngatmeupcl
osef
ort
hef
ir
st
t
ime
Hi
m:Whathappenedt
oyourcheek?
Heaskedgrazi
ngt
het
ipofhi
sfi
nger
sonmy
cheek,
Iwi
nced.
Me:
Ozzi
e.
Him:Youguysgotinanar
gumentorsomet
hing
oritwasj
ustyourhott
emper
edatt
it
ude
Ishr
ugged
Me:Both,
AlsohasSomet
hingt
odowi
thmy
f
ather
.
Him:Iknewitwoul
dgetsomewher
ether
e,y
ou
knowy ou-notr
eal
l
ygett
ingal
ongwit
hyour
f
ami
l
y
Me:Youcan'
tact
uall
ybl
amemef
ort
hewayI
'
m
r
eacti
ngtoal
lthi
s.
Him: NoIdon't
,andIknowYoudon' twantto
l
isten,
Alona.Li
stentothem,t
hei
rreasons.You
knowIwoul dhav edonethesametopr ot
ectmy
l
itt
lesist
er.
Me:
Soy
ouknewaboutt
his?
Iaskedst
ari
ngathi
m
Him: YourbrotherandIhav ebeenclose,
since
wewer el i
tt
leourfather
swer esortof
fr
iends,wegott oknoweachot herthroughthem.
Wepr ettymuchknowaboutourFuckedupl i
ves.
AndAl ona,i
twasn'tmypl acetotel
lyouwhat
ki
ndofamany ourf
atheris,
andNoIdi dn'
t
knowhewast hecl i
entyouwer edeli
veri
ngthe
bagto.
Inod.
Me:
Thi
sisst
ressf
ul,
Idon'
tknowhowt
ohandl
e
t
hisandy
est
erdayIhadabr
eakdown.
Hi
m:You'
llgetthr
oughi
t,You'
l
ldeci
dewhatt
o
dowi
thyourfat
her.
Hesaidgett
ingupaf
terpecki
ngmycheek,
he
sor
tedhisst
uffandt
henwhenhewasdonewe
wentout
Passingbyopenboxoffi
ce'
s,
every
onewas
l
ookingatusthatIst
art
edfeel
ingsel
f
conscious
IknowIwasunderdressedf
orthi
spl
acebutoh
wellIdi
dn'
tknowIwasgoingtocomeher
e
Ohmay bet
heywereWonderingwhythei
r
handsomeandwell dr
essedAbercr
ombie
model ofabossi
sdoingwithsomeoneli
keme
Ohwel
l
.
Reecedrov
etohishouseandwestay
edinthe
restoft
hedayandthenIwenthomel
ater
.
Mom wasst
il
lar
oundandwhenIar
ri
vedt
hey
wer
eaboutt
oeatdinner
.
Ipassedt
hem andwentupt
omyr
oom.

NOTEDI
TED.
[
11/
10,
07:
16]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t75

RightwhenIwasdeci
dingt
ogiv
emyf at
hera
chancetobeinmyli
fe,
hewentMIAonme
Iwasdepr
essedokaynotr
eal
l
y,butIwas
somewher
ethere.
Iev entual
lyforgavemyf amil
yforwhatthey
did,stayi
ngwi thhatredandanger,
betr
ayal
directedatt hem wouldnothelpmeinanyway.
Theywer etheonl ypeopl
eIhadandtheywould
al
way sbet hereformenomat t
erwhat.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
I
twasoneofthosedayswher
eIwaschil
l
ing
wi
thmybrot
herintheswi
mmi ngpool
I
twashotout
side.

Hi
m:Havey
oudeci
dedwhi
chuni
ver
sit
yyou
wantt
ogoto?
Inod
Him: Iwast
hinki
ngofsendi
ngy
out
ost
udy
abroad.
It
urnedsoquicktol
ookathi
m Iwassur
pri
sedI
di
dn'tgetawhipl
ash
Me:
Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
Hi
m: Whywoul
dn'
tI?
,don'
tyout
hinki
tbegood
f
orchange?
Me:Mywholeli
feisher
e,Xakwi
ndawoendi
nga
yazi
yout
hindi
thi
ni?
Him:
Youdon'tact
ual
l
yhavetoknowaplace
andi
t'
speopl
etostar
tov
er,
forafr
eshst
art
Me:
WhydoIneedaf
reshst
art?
Hi
m:Wi
thal
lthathasbeengoi
ngon,
youj
ust
needt
ogetawayfr
om ev
ery
thi
ng,
hav
eabr
eak
fr
om t
hedrama.
Ishr
ugged,
notseei
ngthepointi
fthus
conver
sat
ionorwhyitwasimportant
Me:
Ithi
nkI
'
m per
fect
lyf
ineher
e
Hi
m:Youknowtheareal
otofpeopl
ewho
woul
ddi
efort
hisoppor
tuni
ty
Me:
I'
m notoneoft
hosepeopl
ethen.
Hesi
ghed
Me:
Whyar
eyousokeent
osendmeaway?
Him:I'
m notsendi
ngy ouawayAl
ona,
Ithought
you'
dbe..toexper
iencethel
if
est
ylet
here.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Endoft
hey
ear
Iwasalreadyaccept
edintheUniver
sit
yofcape
town.Iwasdoinga3y earscour
sethereand
stay
edonanapar tmentnearcampus,Romeo
washerewi t
hmebutdoi ngdiff
erentcour
se.
Isostr
uggl
edinconvi
nci
ngmymom and
brot
hertol
etmestayontheapar
tment
.
"
Ohy
ousoy
oungwef
earf
ory
ou"
Theyhavetoletmegoandbemyown
person,
makemi st
akesandl
ear
nfr
om t
hem,
To
beindependent
.
Any
way,
it
'snotl
i
keI'
mfarawayf
rom homei
t'
s
maybe2or3hoursl
.
SoyeahIwasl
ivi
ngWithr
omeoandweshar
ed
ther
entonhal
fsoitwasmanageabl
e.

ReeceandI,
wedidn'
tseeal
otofeachother
.
Duetomebeingcrampedwithworkandthe
di
stance,
maybe.
We'
dcal
leachot
hert
houghev
erynowandt
hen
Iwasheadi
ngt
omy08: 30classall
by
mysel
f.
Romeowasstil
lfastasl
eep,
hiscl
ass
st
art
edat10anyway
Seeoneift
hethi
ngsIl
i
keaboutbei
ngi
n
uni
ver
sit
ysofar.
Younev
erhadt
orushany
thi
ng
Onmyway
,myphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.
Ipi
ckedup.
.

Hi
m:Pr
incess
Me:
Reece
Hi
m:Howy
oudoi
n?
Me:
Noyokay
Hi
m: Whati
sit?Ift
her
e'ssomeonewho'
s
messi
ngwit
hy out-
Me:Reececalm down,
ther
e'snoonemessi
ng
wi
thme.I'mjustmissi
ngyou
Hesi
ghsi
nrel
i
ef
Him:IknowandImissy
out
oo,
AndmySweet
pumpkindownther
e.
Igi
ggl
e.
Me:Youperv
ert
,onaseri
ousnotethough
Reecewhydon'
tyoudr
iveher
e,Imeanit'
snot
evenfar
.
Hi
m:I
'
dlov
eto.
butpr
incessi
-
Me:
Youbusy
,i
t'
sfi
neIunder
stand.
Hi
m:Youmad?
Ishookmyhead,
remember
ingt
hathecan'
tsee
me
Me:
No.LookIneedt
ogeti
ncl
ass.
Isai
dasIhungupnotwai
ti
ngforhi
mto
answerasIgoti
nsi
det
hecl
assr
oom.

ItwasFri
dayeveni
ngwhenIwasj ustl
azi
ng
around,
Ihadnothi
ngbet
tertodosincemy
schoolworkwasuptodate.Iwasnotint
he
moodt ostudy
.
I
twast
henwhenRomeoent
eredt
her
oom
Hi
m:Ther
e'ssomeonef
ory
ouout
side
Hesai
dwi
thami
schi
evousgr
in
Andbef
oreIcoul
daskwho,
hedashedt
ohi
s
room
Iwor
emysl
eeper
sandwentout
side
Par
kedont
hedr
ivewaywasReece'
scar
Ipi
ckeduponmypacesoeagert
ogett
ohi
m.
Suddenl
yIwasi
nthemood
.
.
.
.
Hedrovetohi
shouseandwewast ednotimei
n
chi
tchat
ti
ngwehadast eamysession,
i
fyou
knowwhatImean.
Af
ter
.

Hewastaki
ngashowerwhi
l
eIsatont
hebed
wi
thatuboficecr
eam
Iwoul
dhav
ejoi
nedhi
m butIwast
oot
ir
edt
o
move.
I
'
m goi
ngi
nlat
er.
Hisphonethatwasont henightstandst art
ed
r
inging,
Il
etitandt
houghttheper sonwi l
l l
eave
amessageandhe'llgetback.Theni tgot
i
rri
tati
ngbecauset
heper sonwasn' tgi
vingup
Ir
oll
edont
heot
hersi
deandt
ooki
t.
Icoul
dfeel
mybl
oodboi
lasIr
eadt
hecont
act
Ri
ghtt
henReecegotoutoft
hebat
hroom
Hi
m:Whoset
hat?
Heaskedheadi
ngt
owar
dsme
Hehadat owel
wr appedar
oundhi
swai
stand
hesatdownbesideme.
Me:
Thenj
i
swa
It
urnedt
ost
areathi
mforanyr
eact
ion.
Hi
m:Oh.
That
'sal
lhesai
d
Igotupandwastoheadedt
othebathr
oom
whenhishandcl
aspedfi
rml
yaroundmyar
mto
pul
lmeback.
It
ri
edt
ogethi
shandof
fbuthewoul
dn'
tbudge.
Hesatmeonhi
slapandt
urnedmyf
acet
olook
athi
m.
Hi
m:Akhontoyenz
ekayophakat
hiKwam nay
e
Al
ona(
There'
snothinggoi
ngonbetweenus)
Me:
Whyi
sshecal
l
ingt
hen!
?
Him:Sungxol
amaar
nAlona,
sheprobabl
y
cal
li
ngaboutgangr
elat
edstuf
f.
Isi
ghed
Hi
m:Justt
rustme.
Me:
Okay
.
Hesmiledsli
ght
lyatmebef
orehepeckedmy
l
ips,
tur
nedintoaful
lbl
ownki
ss..
Youknowwhathappensnext
[
11/
10,
07:
19]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t76

Note:
All
theev
entst
hatwil
lfol
lowhappened
whenIwasdoingmythi
rdyearinuni
ver
sit
y

I
twassat urdayaft
erIspenttheni
ghtwit
h
Reecelastnightaf
terheref
usedtodri
vemet
o
theapart
ment .
Lucki
l
yIhadnocl
assest
hisday
.
WhenIwokeuphewasn'
tnextt
ome
Igotupandwenttodomymor ni
ngrout
inei
n
thebat
hroom bef
oregoi
ngt
olookforhi
m
Hewasinhisof
fi
cewi
thZanei
nthemi
ddl
eofa
di
scussi
on.
Reece:
Whatdi
dthatWhor
eFuckent
ell
you?
Zane:Shemayhavetol
dmet hatyouaregi
ving
herunti
lFr
idayt
ogivei
ntoyourdemandsifnot
herl
ifewil
lbemoreofahel
l
.Thaty ouwil
lhurt
anyonewhotri
est
ohel
pher
.Youcan'
tdot
his
toheraf
tery
oul-
Ri
ghtatt
hatmomentReecepi
pedi
ntost
op
hi
mf r
om f
ini
shi
ng
Hi
m:Pr
incess!
Aft
erIgreet
edZane.Itooksmal
lst
epstowar
ds
Reeceandsatonhislapashewassit
ti
ngon
hi
soffi
cechair
Zane:
I'
ll
beonmywayout
Me:Ohpl
easedon'
tl
etmest
opy
ouf
rom what
yout
wowerebusywit
h
Zane:
I-
Reece:
No,
wear
edone.
Hesai
dgi
vi
nghi
sbr
otherast
ernl
ook.
Ihear
dZanesnor
t,
asheshookhi
sheadsi
det
o
si
de
Zane:
Youhav
en'
ttol
dherhav
eyou?
Reece:
Justgo.
Hegr
it
tedt
hroughhi
steet
h.
Theyhadast ar
ingcontestbef
oreZaneturned
tolookatme,withafor
cedsmi l
e"I
'l
lseeyou
around,
takecar
e"
Inod
Wi
tht
hat,
het
urnedt
oleav
e.
IlookedatReeceandbefor
eIcoul
daskwhat
theirconv
ersat
ionwasabout
Hi
m:Let
sgoeatbr
eakf
ast
.
Hegotup,
carry
ingmebridal
styl
et ohi
skit
chen
wherewefoundasteaminghotbreakf
astanda
middl
eageladyinamaidsunif
orm.
Reece:
Mav
is.
Shedi
dalit
tl
ebowtoReece,
notmeet
inghi
s
eyebef
oreshescur
ri
edout
Reecesatmeonachai
randsatcl
osel
y
Me:
Itsmel
l
sgr
eat
.
Hi
m:I
ttast
esev
enmor
egr
eat
er.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmey
ouhadamai
d.
Him: She'
snotemployedfull
time,Ij
ustcallher
somet i
meswhenIwantahomel ydi
sh,ButI
makesur eIpayhersalar
yeverymont hev en
thoughmostofthetimesIdon'tcallher.She
needst hemoneybecauseshei sawidowwi t
h
3kids.Ifeel
sorr
yforher..
Iwasqui
tef
oramomentasIst
aredathi
m
Hi
m:What?
Me:Youhaveahear
tforot
herpeopl
easwel
l
notf
oronl
yme.
Ismi
l
edathi
m.
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
Hi
m:Let
'seatbef
oret
hisget
scol
d.
Hesaidfocusi
nghi
sat
tent
iont
othef
ood
bef
oreus.
Ipokedhi
sdimpl
edcheekandheswatmy
handsaway,
Iwat
chedashefur
rowedhi
s
ey
ebr
owst
oget
heri
nfr
ust
rat
ion
Heal
way
shat
edi
twhenIdi
dthat
.
Hesaidhisdimplesmadehimlookweak, t
ook
awaysomei fhismanl
ystatusandthatiswhy
heneversmiledoft
enbecausetheyalways
showed.
Whathedi dn'
tknowsomeonewithacloseey
e
couldnot
icethem andt
heyappeared
nevert
hel
esswhenhespeaks.
Me:
Reece
Het
urnst
olookatme
Me:Whatwasy
ouandy
ourbr
otherar
gui
ng
about?
Hepausef
orami
nut
e
Hi
m:Theusual
,gangbusi
ness.
Heshr
ugs
Me:
WhydoIhav
eaf
eel
i
ngt
haty
ouar
ely
ingt
o
me?
Him:I'
m not
.Pri
ncessl
ook,
it
'st
ooearlytobe
f
ight
ingwithyoual
so.Can'
twejustenj
oythi
s
Me:
Sur
e.
Isai
d
Hi
m:May
bewecanchi
l
lbyt
hepool
aft
er.
Me:
Ineedt
ogett
otheapar
tment
.
Hi
m:Ar
eyoumadatme?
Me:Don'
tIhavear
easontobe?Youhi
ding
somet
hingfr
om meaft
erall
.
Hebangst
het
abl
ewi
thhi
sfi
st.
Hegetsupabrupt
lyandgoesoutmumbl
ing"
I
can'
tevenst
artadayproper
lynomor
e"
Youknowwhat
,Il
ostappet
it
efort
hisbr
eakf
ast
.
Igotupandwentupst
air
stot
akeashower
.
Wearingmyclothesaf
terIwasdone,Itakemy
bagandwentt ohisof
fi
ce.Ifoundhim standi
ng
bythebalcony
,hehadaglassfil
ledwit
h
whiskey
Hedumpedbr
eakf
astf
ori
thu.
Iknewbett
erthantost
artonhi
m whenhehad
consumedalcohol
.
Me:
I'
mleav
ing.
Itwasanawkwardsi
lencebef
orehet
urned
aroundandsai
dhe'
ll
driveme
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Af
ter
noon
Iwasfi
nishi
ngoffapr
ojectwi
thmychosen
par
tner
,Yanga.
I
twasaguyf r
om myclassandNO webot
h
hadnoromanti
cint
ent
ionswit
heachot
her
.He
hadhi
sgir
lf
ri
endandIhadReece.
WeAimedtogethi
ghermarksonthepr
oject
,wewor
kedwellwi
theachother
Soeveryweekend,whi
chwastheonlydayswe
wer
en'treal
lybusywedidbi
tsoftheproj
ect
.
Whil
emyf r
iendwasouthav
ingandiquote'
fun'
iwasher
ebei
nganer
dasheev
ersoni
cel
y
cal
ledme.
Af
tert
wohour
sofr
esear
ch
Me:
I'
mti
redandhungr
y.
Isai
dcol
l
apsi
ngont
hemat
Me: Worstisthatwedon'tevenhave
grocer
y,exceptfort
hepacketofnoodlesand
fr
ozenpi es..
youcan'tr
eall
yclassi
fyt
hoseas
grocer
y
Hi
m: I
sthatal
lyoueatduri
ngtheweek?
,when
l
astdi
dyouhav eapropermeal.
Ishr
ugged
Me:Can'
tremember
.Welazytodothe
gr
ocery
,weevenmorel
azytocook.
HeTsk(ed-
)
Hi
m:Holdyourbr
eat
hwit
ht hefrozenpiesso
l
ong,
I
'l
lbr
ingyouapl
atel
aterfordinner
.
Me:
Youcancook?
Hi
m:Yeah,
MeandmyRoommat
ehast
urnsand
t
odayi
smine.
Me:
Ican'
twai
t,
Thanky
ou.
Henodsashefi
nisheduppacki
nghi
sst
uffand
Iwal
kedhi
m out
.
Goingtot
hebori
ngapart
ment,Ial
sopackmy
stuf
fawayandwhenI'
m doneIheatt
wo
packet
soffr
ozenpi
esandgoupt omyr oom.
WhenI '
m doneeati
ng,
Igotbor
edandIdidn'
t
feel
li
kesleepi
ngsoIdecidedt
ocallReeceand
hepickedupafteracoupl
eofseconds
Hi
m:Pr
incess,
I
'mi
nthemi
ddl
eofameet
ing.
Me:
Ohsor
ry.
Isai
dasIhungup,
Isi
gh
Deci
dingoncal
l
ingmybr
other
.
Hepickedupimmedi
atel
yandbef
oreIcoul
d
saysomethi
ng.
Hi
m:Andi
naMal
i
.(Idon'
thav
emoney
)
[
11/
10,
07:
21]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t77

Af
ewday
slat
er
IwasatReece'
shouseaf
terhepi
ckedmeup
fr
om t
heapartment
.
Aswesatdowni
nhi
slaunge.
Somethi
ngwasupwi t
hhi
m andwhenI
confr
ont
edhimt ot
ell
mewhatiti
she
ref
used,
unt
ilnow.

Hi
m:Ther
e'ssomet
hingIneedt
otel
lyou
Me:
Whati
sit
.
Hi
m: Regar
dlessofwhathappens,
j
ustknow
t
hatIlovey
ouandt hatIwi
llal
ways
Me:
Youst
art
ingt
ofr
eakmeout
Ichuckl
eduneasi
l
y
Hepausedf
oramoment
Sighing,
Iwat
chashi
shandr
unst
hroughhi
s
hair.
Hi
m:I.
.
Helooksatmet
henhi
sey
esr
oamsal
lov
ert
he
pl
ace
Hi
m: Icheat
edony ou,
agai
n.Thi
sti
mearound,I
i
mpregnatedher
,shesaysIi
mpregnat
edher.

Me:
Whoi
sshe?
Si
lence,
Hedoesn'
tanswermebutIt
hinkI
al
readyknewt
heanswer.
Me:
Thenj
i
swa.
Iwhi
sper
Hepr
ovedmer
ightwhenhedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng
Me: Howcouldyou?Howcoul dyoudothi
sto
meagain,wi
thher?agai
n.It
houghtshewas
outofourli
ves!Reecewhyher?
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tmeanf
ori
ttohappen,
i
twasa
st
upi
dmist
ake
Me: I
magineifthi
swast heotherway
around,
thatIgotpregnantwi
thanotherman'
s
babywhi l
eI'
m withyouReecehowwoul dyou
feel?
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:YOUSORRY?SORRYWON'
TFI
XTHI
NGS
RI
GHTNOW !
Iy
ell
edoutt
ohi
m
Hi
m:I
'm notev
ensur
eifi
tsmi
ne,
oncet
hebaby
i
sbor
nI'
lldoaDNAtest
Me:
Howf
ari
sshe?
Hescr
atchest
hebackofhi
shead
Hi
m:8mont
hsi
nacoupl
eofweeksshe'
sdue.
Me:
Youkeptt
hisf
rom meal
lwhi
l
elong?
Iasked,
myey
eswer
eget
ti
ngbl
urr
y
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
twantt
ohur
tyou.Ij
ustwant
edt
o
makesurewhent
hebabyi
sbor
nthenf
igur
e
outwhatt
odo
Ishookmyheadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Me:Forsomeonewhoclai
mstolov
eme,
you
hav
eaf unnywayofshowi
ngi
t.

Igotupandheadedtot
hedoorandbef
oreI
coul
dgetouthestoodi
nfr
ontofit
Wi
thaf
ewcl
i
ckshel
ockedt
hedoor
Hi
m: I
t'
slat
eAl
ona,
I
'l
ldr
ivey
out
omor
row
morni
ng.
Thewasnousefi
ghti
ngwit
hhimri
ghtnow,I
hadnostr
engt
hinmeandIknewnomat t
er
whatIt
ri
edhewon'tl
etmego
Ij
ustwant
edt
osl
eep.
Isi
ghedi
nfr
ust
rat
ion
Dr
aggingmyfeett
ohi
sroom,
hewasf
oll
owi
ng
cl
osel
ybehi
nd
Ij
ustst
oodbyt
hedoor
,gl
ari
ngatt
hebed
He'
sbeenmakingmesleepint
hesamebedhe
pr
obabl
ybeensleepi
ngwit
hher.
Isnor
tedandt
urnedar
ound,
glar
ingathi
m
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tdoi
tonourbed
Me: Li
keI
'
dbeliev
eanyt
hingt
hatcomesoutof
yourmouthr
ightnow
Isaidgoingt
oaroom t
hreedoor
sawayf
rom
his,
whichwasaspar
eroom.
Igoti
n.
Roomsher
ewer
eal
way
swel
ltakencar
eof
f.
Ishutt
hedoorinhi
sface,
taki
ngof
fthecl
othes
Iwaswearingandgoti
nbedonmyunder
garments.
AsIlaymyheadonthepi
ll
ow,
Iwast
hinki
ng
aboutmyargumentwi
thhi
m.Iwast
ryi
ngso
hardnott
ocry.
Ikeptont
aki
ngl
abour
edbr
eat
hs,
i
t'
sli
keIhad
thi
shugelumponmyt
hroatandev
eryt
imeI
swall
owedithur
t.
I
t'
sli
kesomet
hingwassqueezi
ngmyhear
t.
Ishoul
dbenumbtopainbynow,
consi
der
ing
howmanytimesIhav
ebeenhurt
Ishoul
dbestr
ongandknowt
hatI
'
llgett
hrough
i
t,
thati
twi
ll
pass
Butnothi
nghur
tsmor ebybei
nghurtbytheone
youlov
e,nomatterhowharditr
iedt
obebr ave.
WhenitcomestoReeceIcan'
tholditt
ogether,
I
l
ovehim.
Idon'
tknowwhenIfellasl
eepbutIwaswoken
upinthemiddl
eofthenightwhenIfel
t
someonegetti
ngi
nsidethecover
s.
Ij
umpedupst
art
ledbutahandhel
dmeback
"
It
'sme"
Me:
Reecewhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e!?
Hi
m:HowcanIsl
eepwhenIknowy
oual
lby
yoursel
fint
hisroom,
Ij
ustwantt
ohol
dyou.
PleasePri
ncess.
Me:
Getout
.
Hi
m:Al
ona
Me:
No.
Suddenl
yhewasontopofmeandhest
art
ed
tr
ail
i
ngwetki
ssesonmyneck.
Me:
Reece!
Hetookmylegt
opl acei
tonthesi
deofhi
s
wai
stwhil
ehebrushedmyside.
Hewasfastwithhi
shandsbecauseitwasn'
ta
coupl
eofsecondspassi
ngbywhenmybr awas
l
ostsomewhereinthesheet
s,l
eav
ingmewi t
h
mybarechest
Idon'
tknowwhatiti
sabouthimthatmakesme
l
osemysense,hehasawayofdr awli
ngmein
andmakemef or
getaboutever
ythi
ng
Yes,
regar
dlessoft
hei
ssuesl
yi
ngi
nbet
ween
uswai
ti
ngt
obesol
ved.
Wehadsex
.
Igotupt
hefol
lowingmor
ningtof
reshenup
andwhenIgotoutoft
hebathr
oom
Reecehadalr
eadyf
ixedthebedandhewas
si
tti
ngontheedgewithatrayi
nhandt
hathad
breakf
ast
Me: I
fyouthi
nkbri
ngingmeamor
ning
br
eakfastnowwouldmakemefor
getabout
whatyoudid,
thi
nkagain.
Lett
ingt
hetowel
ihadar
oundmynakedbody
fal
ltomyfeet
.
Il
oti
onr
ightinfr
ontofhi
m andIcoul
dfeelhi
s
ey
esonme, l
ooki
ngateachandeverypar
t.
Hecamet ost
andbehi
ndmeandIcoul
dfeel
hi
sarousal
Ihear
dhi
m mur
mursomet
hing.
Il
efthi
m st
andi
ngt
her
eandwentt
owearmy
clot
hesbefor
egoi
ngt
ocat
chacabt
odr
iveme
toschool
.
[
11/
10,
07:
23]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t78

St
il
latReece'
s

JustwhenIopenedt
hemai
ndoort
ogetout
Ial
mostbumpedint
othenj
i
swa,l
ooki
ng-wel
l
morel
ikegl
ari
ngherupanddown
Icoul
dn'
thel
pnot
ici
ngt
hehugebabybump
Shewaswear i
ngoneofherski mpydresses
thatI'
veal
waysseenherin,
I'
veneverseenherin
anythi
ngdecentandri
ghtnowshewasl ooki
ng
evenmor epat
heti
c,
sti
l
ldon'tknowwhatReece
seesinher
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
.?
Shef
oldedherar
mst
oherchest
Her
:Ti
meal
onewi
thmy'
Babydaddy
'
Shesai
dmaki
ngt
hewor
dmor
ecl
ear
er
Itst
ung,
butIwasn'
tgoi
ngt
oletherknowt
hat
shegottome.
Il
aughedi
nherf
ace
Me:Youf
oundhim.?
,Ihear
dyouwer
est
il
l
l
ooki
ngaround.
Her
:Reecei
sthef
ather
,nodoubt
saboutt
hat
Me:Real
ly
,andt
hatReeceli
vesher
e?Sor r
y
honeyt
heonlyReeceIknowismyboyf
riend
andwesharedaspeci
almomentyest
erday
ni
ght
Shesnor
ted
Her:Factst
il
lremains,
him andIwi
llhav
ea
st
rongbondnowwi ththebabyontheway.I'
l
l
al
way sbeonhi smind,
he'l
lwifeme.
I'mthe
motherofhisfir
stbornaft
erall
Me: Sor
rytoburstyourbubblebutthatain'
t
happeni
ngwi t
hmest i
l
linthepictur
e,I
'
m not
goinganywhere.Sosorryagainyourplandidn'
t
work,youhavetocomeupwi thsomethingmore
power f
ult
ot akemeout,
clear
lythepr
egnancy
di
dn'tworkforyou.You'
l
lgobackt oyour
whorishli
fe
Sheopenedhermout
handcl
osedi
tagai
n,
lost
forwor
ds
Shelookedbehi
ndme,
Suddenl
yshest
art
ed
sni
ff
ing
Shewascr
ying,
orpr
etendi
ngt
obe
Her:
Areyougoi
ngtost
andt
her
eandl
ether
t
alktomeli
kethat?
Sheasked
It
urnedt
ogl
areatReece
Hej
ustshr
ugged
Me: Nowi fyoudon'tmi
nd,youcant akeyourfl
at
asstowher everthehel
lyoucamef r
om.You
know,Ithoughttheysai
dpr egnantwomen
usuall
yglow( shaki
ngmyheadi nmockpi t
y)
whichmakesmewonderi fyoureall
ypregnant
orwhat?You'
rej
usthopel
ess.Nowleav
e,My
manandIwanttofi
nishwherewelef
toff.
.i
f
youknowwhatImean.
Iwatchedheragapemouth,
shel
ookedat
Reece,
thenbacktomethentoReeceagai
n.
Shet
urnedonherheel
andl
eft
.
Youknow, Iwoul
dhav ehandledthi
sdiff
erent
ly
i
fitwasanyoneel se.Butshejustbr
ingsout
theworstinmeshedoesn' tdeser
vemy
humani
t y
.
Iwouldhav
ecomeoutwithasolut
ion,
whi
ch
wasReecesuppor
ti
ngthebabyandbewit
hhim
ever
ystepoft
heway.
Iknowhowbei ngraisedbyasingl
eparentis
l
ike,
it
'snoteasyasitisonthechil
dandI
wouldn'
twantanychi l
dtogothroughthat
.With
Thenji
swa,Iwastempt edt
omakeReece
chooseifi
twouldcomeoutt hatthebabyishis.
I
twassi
l
entasIgl
aredathi
m.
Hi
m:Pr
in-
Me:
Don'
t.
Isai
dst
oppi
nghi
m.
Me: Youbett
erlearntopray
,gooneononewit
h
god.Pr ayt
haty ounotr
esponsibl
efort
he
pregnancy,
I
'mt ooyoungforababymama
drama.Idon'tneedsomeonelikeheri
nmyli
fe
I
fy ouareresponsi
ble,
I
'm sodonewithyou,
in
factI'
m done.
Until
youlearntokeepi
tinyour
pants,
thenmay bewecant al
kintoev
akalay
o.
Hi
m:HehAl
ona.
II
gnor
edhi
m asi
mademywayout.

•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•

Lat
ert
hatday
Iwaswi t
hRomeoi ntheapar
tment,
inhi
sroom
fi
nishi
ngoffourworkwhil
ewetalked
Hi
m:Imett
hisnewguy
Me:
That
'sl
i
ke.
.at
hir
donet
hisweek
Hi
m:Wel
lthi
sonei
sdi
ff
erent
Me:
Justl
i
ket
heot
hert
hree.
Hi
m:Poi
nti
sIl
i
kehi
m
Me:
Likey
oul
i
kedt
heot
hert
h-
Hegl
aredatmeb
Me:
Whenar
eyouset
tl
ingdownt
houghRome?
Hi
m:WhenI
'
m 50.
Hebl
urtout
Il
aughedatt
hat
Him:Ormay
beIcan,
whenImeetsomeonel
i
ke
Reece.
Myl
aught
erdi
eddown
Me:Tr
ustme,
youwoul
dn'
twantsomeonel
i
ke
hi
m
Hewasqui
tef
oramoment
Hi
m:Whatdi
dhedot
hist
ime.?
Me:See?,youal
readyknowhemessesmeup
butst
il
lyou'dwantsomeonel
ikehi
m
Hi
m: Wel
l.Reecei
shandsomeandsuccessf
ul.
He'
sperf
ect
Me:That'
sjustaf
acade,
he'
snowher
enear
per
fect
ion.Thewordi
snoteveni
nhi
s
di
cti
onary
Him: Wel
lmay beifyoustoppedwanti
ng
him,wel
ltr
yingtochangehimi nt
otheperfect
guy.Youwoul dn'
thavehadproblemsinyour
rel
ati
onshi
p,reall
yfr
iendyougottostop.
Me:Youhav en'
tevenhear
dwhathedidbuty
ou
al
readysidi
ngwithhim,
somuchforbei
nga
bestfr
iend
Him:WellIknowy ou,alwayspushi
ngtheguy,
Tryi
ngtochangehi mi ntoyouri
maginar
y
perf
ectguy,
youjusthav etodealwit
hit.
Every
thi
nghedoes, deal wi
thit
.Heisaguy,
just
l
i
keev er
yguyhedoesst
uff
,t
hathemi
ghtr
egr
et
l
ateron.
Me: Romeo,hecheatedonmeagain.Wi
tht
he
samegi r
l,
agai
n.Wor sehegother
pregnant
,whatam Isupposedtodo?
Hewassi
l
entf
orami
nut
e
Him: I
tsupt oyouifyouwantt oleaveyourman
forthatskunkory ouf i
ghtf
orhi m,
standbehind
him andt r
yt osupporthiminsteadofmaking
upy ourmi ndbasedonanger ,
youlovet
heguy
afterall
andi fyoulovehimt hatmuch,y
ou'l
lstay
.
Me:I
'm notreadyforababymamadrama,
I'
m
tooyoungforthat
.Kwantoedi
bani
sanomntana
phof
u.
Hi
m:Youwi
l
li
ngt
owal
kaway?
Ishr
ugged
Me: RomeoIsaidI'
mt ooyoungf
orUzi
xakekisa,
Icoul
dgetouttheandmingl
eand
for
getabouthim
Hi
m: Youlov
etheguyAl
onaandy
ou'
vet
ri
ed
t
hatbefor
eanditdi
dn'
twor
k.
Me:Allhedoesi
shur tmeandIalwaysforgi
ve
him,he'
ll
neverl
earntotr
eatmewi t
hrespect
causeheknowst hathe'
ll
comebackt omeand
apologi
zeandI'
llf
orgetabouti
t,Notthi
stime
around.
Hi
m:soy
oubr
eaki
ngupwi
thhi
m?
Ishr
ugged
Me:
Idon'
tknow,
I
'm conf
used
Him: Becausey oustil
llovehi
mr egardlessof
whathedoes, See?Yout wower ejustmeantt o
be.Noot herguywi l
l t
akeReece'splacei nyour
heartnomat terwhathappensbet weeny ou
two,youjustcan' tevenimagineli
fewi t
houthim.
Youwantt obr eakupwi t
hhim,
notonl ywi l
li
t
hurthimit'
llhur tyoutoomor ethany oucan
i
magi ne.Everyr elat
ionshiphasit
supsand
downsbabyi t'
supt oy ouhowt odeal with
them,eit
hery ouwantt obreakupwi thhim
,
tor
turi
ngyoursel
ffort
her
estofy
ourl
i
feor
y
oufixitt
oget
her.
Me: HeknowsIlovehimthatmuchtonot
breakupwit
hhim,t
hat'
swhyhekeeps
bull
shi
tt
ingme.Heknowshehast hispower
overmeandthatI'
llcr
awlbacktohim.Nott
his
ti
me,hehastosweatformyforgi
veness.

•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••

Supposedl
yThenj i
swafinal
l
ygavebi
rthand
Reecetookituponhimselftodot
hetests
wit
houtevengivingthebabyafewweeksto
ful
l
ygrow.
Fort
unatel
yorunfort
unatel
y..Thebabywasn't
hisandIwasrel
ieved,
butthatdidn'
tmeanhim
andIwouldcarr
yonl i
kenothinghappened.I
wasn'tr
eadytoforgi
vehimy et,I
'
llt
akemyt i
me
toalsomakehisli
femiserable.
[
11/
10,
07:
25]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t79

Aft
erIhadmymor ni
ngclass,
whi
chwast
he
onl
yclassIhadf
ortheday
Ihaddeci
dedt
ogot
oReece'
shouse,
tot
akemy
al
lmystuff
Ihadal
readyt
ext
edhi
m andhedi
dn'
trepl
y.
Maybethiswi
ll
alsoshowhim howseri
ousIam
,af
terav
oidi
nghimforthewholeweek.

.
.
.
.
Iwentupt
hest
air
stohi
sroom
If
oundhim St
andi
ngbythebal
conywi
tha
gl
assfi
l
ledwit
hwhiskeyi
nhand.
IthoughtIwoul
dhavefoundthest
uffal
ready
packedatthebagwait
ingformebythedoor.
.
Me:
Wher
e'st
hest
uff?
Hi
m:Wawuzi
shi
yephi
?
Ist
aredathi
m
Iheadedt
ohiswalki
nclosetandIwasafoot
i
nsidewhenIhear
dthedoorlockbehi
ndme
Tur
ningar
oundt
oseeReeceput
ti
ngt
hekeyi
n
hi
spocket
Ist
eppedback
Me:
Whatdoy
out
hinky
oudoi
ng?
Hepl
acedt
henowempt
ygl
assont
hedr
esser
t
abl
e
Hi
m:Youar
en'
tgoi
ngoutunt
ilwef
ixt
hings
Me:
Fixt
h-,
ther
e'snot
hingt
obef
ixed.
Isai
dheadi
nginsidet
heclosettot
akewhat
'
s
mineandtr
ytoleavebutbefor
eIcoul
dgeti
n
Ifel
thishandcl
aspar
oundmyar
mtot
urnme
tofacehim
Heleanedf
orwar
dsupposedl
ytoki
ssmebutI
t
urnedmyheadtothesi
de-
Heni
bbl
edmyear
,whi
sper
ing"
Imi
ssy
ou"
Hishandwentupi
nsi
demyshi
rtt
orubt
he
f
lesh
Me:
Letgoof
fme
Isai
dtryi
ngt
opul
lhi
shandoutbuti
tdi
dn'
t
budge.
Hepushedmet
othebedandputhi
swei
ghton
t
opofme
Me:
Reecegetof
fme
Isai
dpani
cki
ng,
tr
yingtopushhim of
fmewit
h
myhandsbothonhischest
,wi
ththeli
tt
le
str
engt
hIhadcomparedtohisi
twas
i
mpossibl
e
Heplacedmyar msoneithersi
deofmyheadi
n
afi
rm gri
pthatIst
ruggl
edtomov ethem
Hi
shandt
rai
l
edupmybackt
ouncl
i
pmy
br
a,nowf
eel
i
ngonmybar
ebr
east
Al
lwhi
l
elonghewaski
ssi
ngme.
Ihadmyf acel
ooki
ngatt
hesi
deandmyey
es
shutcl
ose.
Suddenl
yhest
oppedashegotof
fme.
Hi
m:Openy
ourey
esAl
ona
It
ookinadeepbr
eat
h,onl
ythenInot
icedIwas
cr
ying
Hi
m:Al
ona!
It
urnedt
ofacehi
m.
Hi
m:Geez,
youdidn'tr
eal
l
ythi
nkIwasgoi
ngt
o
f
orcemy
sel
fint
oy oudidy
ou?
Heasked,
wor
rymaski
nghi
sfeat
ures.
Iwipedmywetcheekswi
tht
hebackofmy
hand.
Me:You'
vedoneitbef
oresowhatwoul
dst
op
youfr
om doi
ngitagai
n?
Iasked,
hi
cupi
ngi
n-bet
ween
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.
Igotup,
sneaki
ngt
hekeyonmyhand
Me:
You'
reanAsshol
e
Ibackhandedhim,qui
ckl
yrunni
ngtounlockthe
doorwhil
eIlef
thimrecov
eringf
rom shook.
Imadeitt
othemaindoorandri
ghtwhenI
openedi
ttost
epout.Iwaspul
l
edbackbymy
hai
r.
Gr
eatdayt
onott
iei
tup.
Not
ethesar
casm.
Iwi
ncedi
npai
n.
Reecehadmyhai
rtangl
edinhisf
ist
,hepushed
mebackandIfel
lonthecouch
Heclaspedhi
shandsaroundmyt hr
oatt
o
chokeme,Iel
bowedthesideofhi
sface
Andquickl
ygotup,
mywayt othedoorwas
bl
ockedsoIrantotheki
tchenandReecewas
hotonmyt
ail
Isnat
chedt heemptyglassthatwasplacedon
thecounter
,It
hrewitathim butheducked.I
thi
t
thewallandIwatcheditshatter
Imusthavelostfocusbecausethenextthi
ngI
knowReecewasi nf r
ontofme,Isawhim
thr
oughmybl ur
ryVisionsi
nceIwascr y
ing,
he
waspissed
Ihadneverseentheexpr
essi
ononhi
sface
ri
ghtnow,I
treal
lyscar
edme
HeslappedmeIscr eamedoutinpainandpur e
shock,Ist
umbledbackwardsandIhitthecorner
ofthewoodent abl
einthemiddleoftheroom
withthecornerofmyheadrightabovemyr i
ght
eyebrow
Il
ayonmysideont hefl
oor.Heabruptl
yturned
mesothatIwasfacinghi
m, Iwaswait
ingfor
anot
herhi
tbutbef
or ei
tcame
"
REECEWHATTHEFUCKAREYOUDOI
NG"I
hear
dhi
sbr
other
svoi
ce.
HepushedReeceof
fme.
Reece:
Youfuckent
ouchmel
i
ket
hatagai
nI
swearI
'l
lki
l
lyou.
Hespitoutv
enomousl
ybeforehelef
tther
oom
andIheardt
hefr
ontdoorsl
am shut.
Hemusthav edoneitwithforcebecausethe
nextt
hingIknowIheart hehugeglassshutt
er
i
ntopiecesasitsupposedlyf
ellf
rom it
sfr
ame.
Zanewetacl
othbef
orecomi
ngt
opl
acei
ton
thesi
deofmyhead
Hi
m:Hol
diti
npl
ace
Ipl
acedmyhandoni
t
Hepickedmeupandwentt
oputmeont
he
couch.
Hedashedupst
air
sthencamewi
thaf
ir
stai
d
ki
t.
Af
terhecl
eanedt
hecutandputami
nipl
ast
er
oni
t,I
twasal
mostunnot
iceabl
e
GuessI'
llhav
etowalkwi
thmyhaironmyface
foracoupleofday
stoav
oidpeopl
escur
iosi
ty.
Hedr
ovemet
otheapar
tment
.
Remindmenott
oev
erst
artaphy
sical
fight
wit
hReece.
[
11/
10,
07:
27]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t80

I
tsbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIspentt
imewi
thmy
f
amily
I
twasmyf i
rstdaybackfr
om uni
versi
tyandwe
wer
esortofhavingafami
lydi
nnerdate,
ift
her
e
i
ssuch.
Mom haddeci
dedtocook,Godknowshow
muchImissedhercooki
ng.
Wewer esi
tt
ingout
sidei
ntheni
ghtchi
l
lyai
r
neart
hepool.
Hi
m:Someonemi
ssedeat
ingpr
opermeal
s
Inod,
swal
l
owi
ng
Me:
I'
vebeent
ir
edofeat
ingt
akeaway
s
Isai
ddishi
ngoutfort
hesecondti
me.St eal
i
ng
meatfrom hi
spl
ateseei
ngitwasfi
nishedfrom
thebowl
Hi
m:Hay
i
Hesai
dswat
ti
ngmyhandaway
.
Mom: Leav
emybabyAl one,
i
tyawenaMnt
anam.
Buy
iseIweightl
euy
ilosil
eyo(
Hi
m: Ist
il
ldon'
tunder
standhowshelostwei
ght
whenwe'vebeensendi
ngherenoughmoneyfor
ev
erythi
ng.

Foodhasnothi
ngt
odowi
thi
t,
I'
vebeen
str
essedout
.

Iwokeupear
li
ert
hanusual
thef
oll
owi
ngday
becauseIdi
dn'
tfeel
li
kesl
eepi
ng
Ididmymor ni
ngr
out
inebef
orel
azi
l
ywal
ki
ngt
o
theki
tchen
If
oundmybr
otherbusyonhi
slapt
opasusual
.
Me:
Mor
ning
Isai
dhuggi
nghimfr
om behindashewas
si
tti
ngononeoft
hehighchair
's
Iputmyheadonhi
sbackandcl
osedmyey
es
Hi
m:Al
onagetof
fme
Hesai
dshr
uggi
ngmeof
f
Me: If
eelunl
ovedri
ghtnow,Imeani j
ustgot
fr
om varsi
tyaft
erbei
ngawayf rom homemost
oftheti
me.AndnowI 'm hereandy oualready
si
ckofme.
Isai
dasIst
ompedof
ftot
hel
ounge
It
hrewmysel
font
hecouchandburi
edmyhead
i
noneoft
hecushi
onsandstar
tedcr
ying.
Hi
m:AlonaI'
m sor
ry,
Whyar
eyoubeing
emot
ional?YouknowIwasn'
tbei
ngseri
ous.
Icont
inuedt
osni
ff
Him:Ilov
ehavingyouaround,
Imeannow
ndi
zotshondi
tyebecouseyouheret
ocookf
or
meoneofy ourdel
ici
ousmeal s

Me:
See?Youj
ustwantt
ouseme.
Ihear
dhi
m si
ghbef
orehesatdownnextt
ome
Heputhi
sar
m ar
oundmyshoul
derandbr
ought
metohim
Hi
m:BabyIl
ovey
ou,
I
'l
lnev
erusey
ou.
Hesai
dwi
ggl
i
nghi
sey
ebr
ows
Me:
You'
rewei
rd.
Isai
dasIgi
ggl
ed.
Hi
m:Nowthat
'swhatIwannahear
.Youj
ust
want
edmyatt
ent
ion.
Me:
Cany
oumakemebr
eakf
ast
.?
Hi
m:Sur
e.
Me:Toast
edbr
ead,
spr
eadbut
terandj
am.Tea
wi
thlot
sofmil
k.
Hel
ookedatmeskept
ical
l
y
Hi
m:Si
ncewhendoy
oul
i
kej
am ?
Idon'
tknow
Me:SinceIl
ivedinvar
sit
ywithoutgr
ocer
y,Igot
usedtoeati
ngalotofthi
ngs.Ithi
nkj
am
sandwichwasoneofthem.Nowshooshoo, I'
m
hungry.
Isai
dtur
ningt
owat
cht
heTV
Af
ewmi
nut
esl
ater,
hecameback
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Youknowaf t
ergraduat
ion,
IthoughtIwasgoi ng
str
aighttowork.Butthatpl
andi dn'
treall
yseem
appeali
ngasIknowhadahar dtimetodeci de
whereto,besi
desmecomper ingsal
ary,di
stance
andt
ime.
Iwantedt oworkoutoft
heProvi
nceor
Country
,thenagai
nmywhol el
if
ewasndingaba
yi
ntoniwithoutmyfamil
yandfr
iendsand
may beReece
Aft
erallthathappened,
Isti
llcar
edabouthim.
Thoughhewaspr obablyoneofthereasonsI
wantedtomov eaway,t
ostartfr
esh.Ij
ust
coul
dn't
,Ididn'
thavethegutsto.

Dur
ingt
heweek,
SinceIhadnot
hingbet
tert
odo
Mybrotherwasteachi
ngmet odri
veandIwas
enj
oyi
ngitthoughitwasn'
teasy
.

Mondaymor
ningwewentf
oraj
og.

Feeli
ngthewi
ndhi
tt
ingmyface,
Myhair
whippedbehi
ndmewhil
ethesoundoft
he
wav
esi
nthedi
stancecr
ashedagai
nstt
her
ocks
Myrunni
ngshoesdugintot
hesandasmypace
pi
ckeduptomatchtheoneofmybrot
her
sas
werandowntheshorel
ine.
Iwasmesmer
izedbyt
hebeautysur
rounding
methatI
'
vegr
ownt omissov
erthepastyears
Ther
e'snot
hingl
i
kehome,
Imi
ssedt
hispl
ace.
WeranbackhomeandwhenIgott
here,
Iwent
t
ofr
eshenupwhil
ehemadesmoothiesforus.
WhenIwasdone,
Iwentbackdown
Ifoundthegl
assfil
ledwit
hthethi
ck
l
iquid,
Ozzi
ewasn'thereIguesshemusthav
e
goneupt ofr
eshen
Itookt
heav ocadosmoothi
etomyli
psreadyto
takeasip,
justast
heitwentdownmythroati
t
camerightbackup.
Iwasabletor
unt othebat
hroom andvomitout
al
lthecont
ents,
ri
nsingmymout haft
er.I
wonderedwhatsortofapr
ank,act
uall
ywhatdid
heact
ual
l
yputi
nther
e.
Iguesssomepeoplewil
lneverchange,
Ozzi
e
wasstil
lthesameoldOzzi
eIleft
.
[
11/
10,
07:
28]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t81

Youknow,Ihaven'
tbeenincont
actwi
thReece
si
ncethatdaywefought.
Hehadtri
edcalli
ngmeonmy
phone,
supposedlyt
o't
alk'
butI
'dalwaysi
gnore
hi
m.Iwasn'treadytof
acehim af
terwhathedi
d.
Thisday,
Iwassupposedtowakeupearlysi
nce
Ineededtodogroceryear
lyi
nthemorni
ngf or
mom butIov er
sleptt
henIwaslazyt
ogo
becauseIknewbyt hi
sti
meitwouldbepacked
i
nt hemall
Igotupandwenttowashmyf aceandr
insemy
mouthbefor
egoingdownst
air
s
Isatont
hehi
ghchai
raf
terIt
ookacer
eal
box
andabowl
Imadecer
eal
formy
sel
fandat
e.
WhenIwasdone,Iwenttothebathr
oom t
otake
ashowerbutbef
oreIcoulddothat,
Ihadthi
s
ur
getovomitandIdid
Thisti
mear oundIcoul
dn'
tholditsoIdidi
ton
themar bl
efloori
nthebat
hroom befor
endif
ike
atthetoil
etseatt
ofini
shi
toff.
Iri
nsedmymouth,
thencl
eanedupt
hemess
befor
etaki
ngashower
Iwrappedatowel
aroundmybodyasIwentt
o
col
l
apsei nbed
Iwasf eeli
ngweakanddi
zzysoIlayinafetal
posi
tion,cl
osi
ngmyeyesshuthopingfort
he
feel
i
ngt opass
Iwasdi
stur
bedbymyri
ngi
ngphoneandIt
ook
i
tfr
om undermypi
l
low.
I
twasRomeo
Hi
m:I
'
m out
side.
Thenhehungup, Romeowasalway
sstingywith
ai
rti
me.Ithoughthewouldhav
echangedby
nowseeingheiswor ki
ngandwoul
dbeear ni
ng
anincome
Igotupanddr
aggedmyfeetdownstair
s,mi
nd
youIsti
l
lhadt
hetowel
ononly.Idi
dn'tmindhe
hasseenmenakedany
way
Iopenedforhim,
heengul
fedmei
nahugt
hen
star
tedst
aringmeupanddown
Him:What ev
eryout
ryi
ngt
odo,i
twon'
twork.No
matterhowhotandsexyy
ourbodyi
s,
I'
m st
il
l
gaysof or
getit
Ifol
dedmyar
mst
omychestandst
aredathi
m
rumbli
ng
Heshr
ugged
Me:Ij
ustgotdonebathi
ngRomethenIlay
downbecauseIwasfeel
ingal
it
tl
esick.
Henod
Hi
m:Youl
ooksi
ck
Me:
ButIf
eel
bet
ternow
Whenwegott omyroom hesatonmybed
whil
eIchangedi
ntomyundergarment
sinf
ront
ofhi
m andhedidn'
tmind.
Iwascombi ngmyhai raf
terIchangedi
ntoan
outf
it
,speci
all
ychosenbymyupcomi ng
desi
gnerofaf ri
end.
Whenweweredonewewentt
othemal
lfor
shoppi
ng.
Ihadthegrocer
ylistmom gav
emeandIwas
ti
ckingal
ongwhilehehadthetrol
l
eywi
thsome
ofthegrocer
y.
Me:
Ifeel
li
ke
Hi
m:I
t'
snoti
nthel
i
st

Af
teranhourwewentwi
ththegrocer
ybagst
o
mom'shouseandshewasn'
tar
ound.Meli
ssa
al
sowasatwork
Yeah,
shedeci
dedt ostayandstar
tafr
eshhere.
Mom gotherajobinterv
iewandshegotthejob
sosheli
vedhere.Atl
eastshewasdoing
somethi
ngforhersel
finsteadofl
azi
ngaround
tomesspeoplesli
ves
Me:
I'
mti
red
Isai
dtoRomeoaswesatdownontheki
tchen
chai
rsaf
terpacki
ngt
hegr
ocer
yaway
Hi
m:I
'
m hungr
y
Me:
Makechi
cken,
ther
ear
esal
adsi
nthef
ri
dge
Henodashegotupandt
ookachi
ckenwi
ngs
t
rayf
rom t
hef
reezer
Ishowedhim wher
eevery
thi
ngwasbef
oreI
wenttothesi
tti
ngroom
Iwasplanni
ngonwatchi
ngt
vbutIgotdr
owsy
andIendeduptaki
nganap.

IwaswokenupbyRomeo
Me:
Howl
ongwasIout?
Hi
m:Notf
orl
ong,
her
e.
Hesai
dhandi
ngmet
hepl
ate
I
tlookedgoodandIbeti
ttast
edev
en
mor
egood
ThemeatwasdonebyRomeowhohappened
tot
akecooki
ngcl
assesal
soi
nschool
Itwasthemar
inat
edwi
ngst
hent
het
hree
salads.
It
ookaspoonoft
hegr
eensal
adbef
oret
aki
ng
awingt
omymouth
Ibi
tint
oit,
ri
ghtt
henasthesteam cameoutt
o
showthati
twaswellcookedandhot
Ist
artedsmel l
ingi
t,
itki
ndasmel
l
ed
rot
ten,expi
red
Idr
oppeditbackontheplateandrantothe
bat
hroom t
ov omi
t,
Icleanedmy sel
fupand
wentbacktoRomeo
Cov
eri
ngmynose.
Me:Any
thi
ngIeatthesedaysi
supsetti
ngmy
t
ummy ,
Imusthavedonethat(
vomiti
ng)af
if
th
t
imeduri
ngthesepastt
hreedays.
Hi
m:Whati
sit
Me: IthoughtyoutookcookingclassesRome
andt heretheythoughtyouever
ything,
fr
om
checkingtheexpirydatean-
Him:Wejustboughtt
hemeatt
odayandi
t'
sfi
ve
daysf
rom her
etoexpir
ing
Hesai
d,kni
tt
inghi
sey
ebr
owsi
nconf
usi
onaf
ter
hesmel
tit
Hi
m:Ther
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hemeat
Al
onamaarn
Hesai
dbi
ti
ng,
chewi
ngt
henswal
l
owi
ng.
Igagged
Me: Justt
akei
tawaypl
ease,
youcanusethe
ki
tchenandcomebackherewhenyoudone
Hi
m:Al
onaar
eyoubei
ngser
iousaboutt
his?
Inod
Me:
Itr
eal
l
ysmel
l
sbad.
Hewasquitef
oramomentashet
houghtof
somet
hing
Hi
m:Baby
,don'
tfr
eakoutokay
.?
Inodl
ooki
ngathi
m skept
ical
l
y
Him:Seei
ngy oubeenget
ti
ngsi
ck,
whenl
astdi
d
yougetyourperi
od
Isnor
ted
Me:
Whatdoest
hathav
etodowi
thany
thi
ng?
Hi
m:When.?
It
ri
edtothi
nkbutcoul
dn'
treal
l
ycomeupwi
th
ananswer
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Hi
m:Di
dyougeti
tthi
smont
h.
Me:
Iusual
l
ygeti
tatt
hebegi
nni
ngoft
he
mont
h,It
hinki
t'
slat
ethi
smont
h
Ishr
uggednonchal
ant
ly.
Me:Whyarey -,
younott
hinki
ngt
hatI
'
m
pr
egnantorsomethi
ngeh?
Heconf
ir
medi
twhenhedi
dn'
trepl
y.
Iburstoutl
aughi
ngathi
sser
iousandsi
l
ly
thought
Me:
GeezDude!Rel
ax,
I
'mf
ine.
Him:Youwouldn'
tmindmegoi
ngtothegar
age
andcomingbackwit
hthepr
egnancyt
est
Me:
RomeoI
'
m notpr
egnant
,comeon.
Hi
m:Youwoul
dn'
tmi
nd.?
.
Heaskedmakingt hesentenceclear
er,
hewas
bei
ngseri
ous.It
'snoteverydayyouseeHim
wit
hseri
ousness,Ishoul
dbewor ried
Igul
pedner
vousl
y
Hegotup,
taki
ngapi
ecef
rom hi
spl
ateand
wentout
.
Iwasnerv
ous,whywoul
dI.?IknowI
'
m
per
fect
lyf
ine
Thel asttimeIhadsexwithReecewasamont h
agoandIr ememberhim usi
ng
protecti
on,atl
eastwewerealwayscar
efulaf
ter
thatincidentwhenhebrokemyv i
rgi
nit
y.
Ohwel
l
.
Igotup,
cov
eri
ngmynosewi
thacl
oth.
It
ookt
hepl
atest
ori
nset
hem i
ntheki
tchen
Iwasdonel
ater
,It
ookat
ubofi
cecr
eam
andwentt
owat
chTV.
Igotacal
ll
ateronfr
om mom aski
ngmei
fIhad
donewhatheaskedofme
Itol
dheryesandt
hatIwascur
rent
lyather
housewit
hRomeo.
Af
ewmi
nut
esLat
er
Romeocamebackwi t
hthr
eebpr
egnancy
test
s,hewasbei
ngr
idi
cul
ous
Heforcedmet
opeeinal
loft
hem andwhi
l
ehe
hadthem t
ohi
shand
Iwasanervouswr
eckasIwai
tedf
orhi
mtot
ell
metheresul
ts
Ishouldn'
tbeworr
ied,butIcoul
dn'
thel
ptoget
nervous.I
twasthesit
uationaft
eral
l
Hi
m:Baby
,youpr
egnant
.
Mybreathhit
chedinmythr
oat
,If
eltmyhead
spi
naftert
hatrev
elat
ion
Isnatchedt
hesti
cksf
rom hi
shand,
toconf
ir
mit
my sel
fandyes.
Iwasi
ndeedpr
egnant
Me:
No.
It
hrewt
hem att
hewal
l
Idr
oppedt
omyknees
Iscr
eamedoutev
enl
ouder
.
Me:
NO.
.No.
.No,
thi
sisnothappeni
ngt
ome
Ipul
l
edonmyhai
rinf
rust
rat
ionasIsobbed
Romeowr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundmei
ncomf
ort
.
Iwascryi
ngandscr
eami
ngI
'
m sur
ethe
nei
ghbourshear
dme.
.
.

Abi
tlat
erl
ateron,
Iwokeupi
nmyr
oom
Imusthavef
all
enasl
eepaf
terI
'
vedonet
hat
muchcryi
ng
Icoul
dfeel
myey
eswer
eswol
l
en.
Icheckedt
het
imeandi
twas18:
39
Iwentt
ospl
ashmyfacewi
thwat
erbef
ore
goi
ngbackt
omyroom
St
andi
ngi
nfr
ontoft
hef
ull
lengt
hmi
rr
or
Il
i
ftedmyt
opupt
ohav
eal
ookatmyst
omach
Itwaskindaf
lat,
may
bet
hat
'swhatIwant
edt
o
seethough
Mybedr
oom dooropenedandIqui
ckl
ypul
l
ed
t
hetopdown
I
nent
eredRomeoandIsi
ghedi
nrel
i
ef
Me:
Ist
her
eany
thi
ngnot
icebl
e?
Iasked,
myv
oicecomi
ngouthoar
sel
y
Isai
dpul
l
ingupmyt
oponceagai
n
Het
ookmebymyhandandsatmedownon
t
hebed
Hesi
ghs
Him:Itdoesn'tmat
teri
fit
'snoticeabl
eor
not,
eventuall
yitwi
l
lbenoticeabletoever
yone
andyougoi ngtohavet
oexpl ai
n.
Me:OrIcoul
dgetr
idofi
tbef
oreany
onecan
not
icei
t.
Isuggest
ed.
Iwi
pedt
het
eart
hatf
ell
downf
rom myey
e
Hi
m: Idon'
tunderst
andwhyy ouwoul
dwantto
dothat,
youwil
lhaveal
lthesuppor
tyouneed
Alonai'
m hereforyouyourf
ami
lyt
oo,
Imean
thenewsmi ghtnotset
tlei
nwel
lbutt
heywi
l
l
underst
andev -
Me: Thisisnotr eallyaboutthem,I'
m notdoi ng
thi
sbecauseoft hem.Reece, Idon'twantto
mot herhisbaby .Doy ouknowwhatt his
(pointi
ngatmyst omach)means?I 'l
lbe
foreverti
edt ohim, he'
llneverl
etmego
Romeo, myf reedom wi llbegone,I
'm nolonger
myownper son,he'l
lneverstoptreati
ngmel ike
shit,He'
llcontrolmeandIdon' twantt hat.
Hi
m:I
tdoesn'
thav
etobel
i
ket
hat
.
Me:Youdon'
tunder
stand.I
'
vemademy
deci
si
onRomeo,I
'm doi
ngit
.
[
11/
10,
07:
29]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t82

Me:OrIcoul
dgetr
idofi
tbef
oreany
onecan
not
icei
t.
Isuggest
ed.
Iwi
pedt
het
eart
hatf
ell
downf
rom myey
e
Him:Idon'tunderst
andwhyy ouwouldwantto
dothat,
youwi l
lhaveal
lthesupportyouneed
Alonai'
m hereforyouyourf
ami l
ytoo,Imean
thenewsmi ghtnotsett
lei
nwel l
buttheywil
l
underst
andev -
Me: Thisisnotr eallyaboutthem,I'
m notdoi ng
thi
sbecauseoft hem.Reece, Idon'twantto
mot herhisbaby .Doy ouknowwhatt his
(pointi
ngatmyst omach)means?I 'l
lbe
foreverti
edt ohim, he'
llneverl
etmego
Romeo, myf reedom wi llbegone,I
'm nolonger
myownper son,he'l
lneverstoptreati
ngmel ike
shit,He'
llcontrolmeandIdon' twantt hat.
Hi
m:I
tdoesn'
thav
etobel
i
ket
hat
.
Me:Youdon'
tunder
stand.I
'
vemademy
deci
si
onRomeo,I
'm doi
ngit
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Romeo:
Alonay
oucan'
tabor
tthebaby
Me:
Whynot
Romeo:Akenzangant oumntanaAlona,i
t'
san
i
nnocentsoulandyoucan'tblameitfori
t'
s
fat
her
swr ongdoings.Atl
eastthi
nkaboutit
Ishookmyhead
Me:I
'l
lgetr
idofitandnoonehastoknowthatI
wasevenpregnant
,ourl
i
veswi
llj
ustgoon
Hi
m:I
'
m notagr
eei
ngwi
thy
ouont
his
Me:
Itdoesn'
tmat
ter
,I
'
m doi
ngwhat
'
sbestf
or
me.
Hi
m:Byki
l
li
ngani
nnocentbaby
Me:
I'
m notki
l
-lookj
ust,
l
eav
e
Hi
m:Fi
ne
Hegotupandt
ookhi
sstuffandwentout
sl
ammingmybedr
oom doorbehi
nd
Ij
ustsatt
her
e,engul
fedi
nmyt
hought
s
At
houghtcr
ossedmymi
nd,
Itookmyphoneandcal
l
edsomeonef
rom t
he
hospit
al
Rememberthedoctorwhom Igavemy
numberstoatt
hehospital
whenIwas
hospi
tal
i
zed,
aft
erbeingassaul
tedbyLungel
o.?
Okay
•
•••
•••
Aft
ersomeconv i
nci
ngIhadt odo,Hesneaked
met er
minat
ingpi
ll
sandIpickedthem upt he
fol
lowi
ngdayatthehospi
tal
,bei
ngsodi scr
eet
aboutit
Iwasatmybrother
shousebynow, Where
ther
e'ssomuchpri
vacybecausehe'
salways
I
twasaweekendany
way
Iwasi
nmyr
oom ,
Ihadt
hepi
l
lsst
oredunder
mypil
l
ow
Ij
ustdi
dn'
thav
ethegut
stot
aket
hem,
yet
.
I
twasar
ound20:
28pm andIwaseat
ing
di
nner
,asi
mpleli
ghtdi
nnert
hatImadefor
mysel
fwhenIheardsomeoneatthef
rontdoor
.
Iwentt
oopen
Justt
heper
sonIwant
edt
osee
Not
e:Sar
casm
ItwasReece,Ist
il
ldon'
tfuckenunderstandwhy
healwayslookedsogoodl i
kenothi
ngev er
bother
edhim,otdoesn'
tevenshowt hroughhis
appearancewhenhisstr
essedoutormi ser
abl
e
Unl
i
kemer
ightbow
Myhairwasamessybunont opofmyhead, I
waswear i
ngOzzi eshugeshi
rtandsomebl ack
ti
ghtswiththesefluf
fycol
our
fulsocks.Tr
ue
defi
nit
ionofstressedoutI
DCmood.
Me:
Ozi
snother
e
Hi
m:I
'
m nother
eforhi
m
Iarchedmyey
ebr
owasIf
oldedmyar
mst
omy
chest
Hi
seyest
ravel
leddownfrom myfacet
omy
st
omachandtheyli
nger
edthere
Hi
m:Weneedt
otal
k
Yer
r,
Romeocoul
dn'
thav
etol
dhi
m coul
dhe
Me:We'
vedoneenought
alki
ngt
her
e'snot
hing
el
sewecantal
kabout
Isaidt
ryi
ngt
ocloset
hedoorbutheblockedit
withhi
sshoewhil
ehelookednest
rai
ghtinthe
eyes
Igul
pedner
vousl
y.
Let
tinggoofthedoor,
Iwentt
oti
dyupthemess
onthekit
chenbefor
egoinguptomyroom and
Reecefol
lowedme
Iwasi nthemiddl
eoff
ixi
ngthebedcoverso
thatIcouldsl
eepwhenIstar
tedf
eel
ing
nauseas
Irushedtothebat
hroom andvomit
edmyplate
allout
,Icl
eanedmysel
fupbeforewalki
ngback
tomyr oom
Istood,
stuckbythedoorasIsawReece
holdi
ngami nipaperbagandabox,
wit
hthe
pil
l
sontheot her
Ist
art
edsweat
ing
Wal
kingt
owar
dshim wi
thwobbl
ylegsbecause
oft
hewayIwassoscar
ed
Isnat
chedt
hem f
rom hi
m
Me:Youhavenori
ghtt
orummaget
hroughmy
st
uffandi
nvademypri
vacy
Hi
m:Ihaveev
eryfucki
nri
ghtespeci
all
ywhen
t
hatf
uckenst
uffi
sdangertomy. .
baby
Hehadahar
dti
mel
ett
ingt
hel
astwor
dout
Ahhsoheknew,
i
twasReeceaf
teral
li
twasj
ust
amatt
eri
fti
me
Me:
Whosai
ditwasy
our
s?
Him:Youalsoadmitt
ingtobei
ngpregnantand
keepi
ngitawayfrom meandplanni
ngonki l
l
ing
i
t.LookLetsnotbeatar
oundthebush,t
hebaby
i
smi ne,I
'
mr esponsibl
e.Iwouldhaveknownif
youhavefuckedaroundandIwoul dhave
doubtsaboutthepregnancybutyouhaven'
tso
i
tismine
Me:
So?
Hechuckl
edasheshookhi
sheadf
rom si
det
o
si
de.
Hef
irml
ycl
aspedhi
shandonmywr
istt
opul
l
metohi
m
Ist
art
edwhi
mper
ing
Hi
m: JongaAl
onaSundi
nyelayeva?I'
m al
ready
pi
ssedoffaty
ounowdon'tpat
roniseme.
Me:
Letgoy
ouhur
ti
ngme
Him:Ayontolendikwenzayona,
Ishoul
dputa
bull
eti
nbetweeny oureyescauseIseeyour
ancest
orsarecall
ingyou.DoyouknowwhatI
wouldhavedonei fyouwouldhavewent
thr
oughwithit.?
,wit
hkill
i
ngmybaby
Isecr
etl
yrol
l
edmyey
esasIl
ookedt
othesi
de
Him: IswearYouwouldhavef
oll
owedhi
m or
her.Bendizokugcwabanay
e.
Me:
Ngokuul
i
ndent
oni
ungabi
say
enzal
ont
o?
Hestaredatmef oramomentbefor
ehe
poi
ntedhislongfi
ngert
omyf or
ehead,
hi
snai
l
di
gginginthefl
eshashepushedmyheadback
Hi
m:Awuv
amaar
nAl
ona.
Hesai
dpassingme,
bumpi
ngi
ntomyshoul
der
att
heprocess
Heputt
hepi
ll
sonni
ghtstand,
ifi
twassomeone
el
sehewoul
dhavef
lushedthem downthe
dr
ain
Him:Idarey ou,
Idar
eyouAlonatot
akethem I
swearI'
l
l showy ouwhatI
'
mr eal
l
ycapabl
eof,I
'l
l
handl
ey ou.
Hesaidt
aki
nghiscl
othesof
,put
ti
nghi
sgunon
hi
ssideoft
hebed
Hegotundert
hecov
ers.
Ist
oodt her
eforacoupl
eofmi
nut
esdeci
ding
whethertogeti
nsi
deornot
Hay
iwet
hubendi
godol
aandndi
sozel
amna.
Igoti
nal
soandputi
naf
ewpi
l
lowsi
nbet
ween
us
Reecetookthem, thr
owingthem downtothe
fl
oorashebr oughthisbar
echestt ocov
ermy
back.Icoul
df eel
hisbulge
Hehadhishandswrappedar
oundmywai
sti
na
t
ighty
etcomfort
abl
egr i
p
Me:
Sut
hincakum Reece
Hi
m:Khandi
yekeMnt
anandi
ni.
[
11/
10,
07:
30]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t83

WhenIwokeupt hefoll
owingmor
ning,
Reece
ebengekhosecalenikwam.Hemusthavelef
t
Ilazi
l
ygotupandwentt
odomymor ni
ng
routi
nebef
oregoi
ngdownst
air
stoeat
Iwaski ndascaredtoeat,f
ear
ingthati
might
vomi titsoi deci
dedonst i
cki
ngwi t
hfr
uit
salad.Asi satther
eeating,
Ihear
dmybr other
dragginghi sfeetfr
om upstai
rs
Hecamehuggi ngmef rom behind,
hi
sar ms
aroundmywai standiwasner v
ous.Ihada
thoughtt
hathewoul df
eelthechangei nmy
stomach,
thoughitwasbarelyshowing
Me:
Letmemakey
ousomet
hingt
oeat
Isaidgett
ingupandqui
cklymaki
ngthecer
eal
forhim.Hewentwithi
tuptohisst
udysayi
ng
hehadsomet hi
ngtofi
nishof
f.
Iwasonmyownwheni
hear
dabuzzf
rom t
he
fr
ontdoor
Murmur
ingsomepr
ofani
ti
esIgotupany
wayt
o
open
Fi
ndi
ngReece
Me:
Hei
supst
air
s
Hi
m:I
'
m her
etoseey
ou
Isi
ghedi
nfr
ust
ati
on
Me:
Idon'
twantt
oseey
ou
Helethi
msel
finany
wayandi
closedt
hedoor
behi
nd
Hi
m:Al
onawer
eal
l
yneedt
otal
k
Me: Ohsonowy ouknowhowt otalk?,t
hought
we'vedonethatsomanyt i
mesthatitdoesn'
t
hel
pany more,
Ithoughty
ourhanddidthe
tal
ki
ngf ory
ounow.
Iwatchedashisexpr essi
onfel
l,l
ett
inghi
sguar
d
downbef orequickl
ymaskingit.Iknowmy
wordspiercedthroughhisthi
ckskull
Hi
m:Ishoul
dn'
thave,
IknowIhurtyouov
erand
ov
eragai
nAlonaandforthati
'
m sorr
y
Me:
Leav
e
Hi
m:Al
onapl
-
Me:
No
Isai
dlooki
ngt
othesi
de
I
twassilentf
oramomentbef
orehekneel
ed
down,
takingmyhandst
ohi
s
Hi
m:Al
ona
Hi
svoi
cewasdeepy
etsof
t.
Il
ookeddownathi
m
Him:
Jonga,
noexcusef
orthepai
nicoused
you,
l
et'
str
yagai
nandi'
lldobet
terf
oryou,
and
t
hebaby.
Foronceheputhispri
deasi de,
hewasbei ng
si
ncere.
I'
veneverseenhim sovulnerabl
e,
it
meantalothear
inghim saythat
,Ifel
tli
kehe
al
someanti t
"
Yho!Neverthoughti
'
dseethedaythehardcor
e
GangLor
dgodownonhi sknees.
Khandi
phe
l
entoumtyi
sey onamntase"
Iheardmybr
othersayashestoodwitha
shockedf
aceonthetopofthestai
rs.
West
aredathi
m
Hi
m:Thislooksser
ious,
youbetternotbe
pr
oposingtoher,
Babypleasedon'taccept
,I
'
d
di
eifIweretohaveabrotheri
nlawl i
kehim
Me:Whoy
our
atherpr
eferIcamewi
thapr
iest
s
son
Hepounder
edonthethoughtf
oramoment
,he
shr
uggedasheheadedtotheki
tchen.
Isnat
chedmyhandsawayfr
om Reece'
sand
wenttomyroom t
ofr
eshenup
Af
teri
tookabat
h,Ihadatowel
wrappedar
ound
mybodyasIwentoutoft
hebathr
oom.
Reecesatont
heedgeofmybed
HemademybedcouseIrememberget
ti
ngup
andgoi
ngt
otheki
tchen,
l
eavi
ngi
tunatt
ended.
Hepatt
hespacenextt
ohi
m,Iwentt
osi
tdown
Hi
m:B-
Me:
Ndi
yakuxol
ela(
Ifor
giv
eyou)
Isai
dcut
ti
nghi
m of
f
Hi
m:I
tmeansal
ot
Me:ButReece,Ihatethewayy outreat
me.Look,atl
eastnowi '
m car
ryi
ngy our
baby,haverespectf
ormeandi fnotformet hen
atl
eastforLo(point
ingmystomach)Bet hekind
offatherthatyourf
atherwasnev erwasf or
you,t
hatyouwi shedforhimtobe.
Eventhoughhedi
dn'
tanswerme,
Iknowf
or
surewhatIsai
dgott
ohim.
Hi
m:Iknowi'
m notr
eadyt
obeaf
atherbutI
'
ll
t
rymybest.
Inod
Hi
m:Imi
ssedy
ou
Hesaidki
ssingmycheekbef oreheburi
edhis
facet
omyneckt otakemei n.Hehadhishands
onmywaist,
pushingmedown, hegotontopof
mesupport
inghisweightonhiselbows.
Weki
ssed,
Ist
oppedhi
m whenhewasaboutt
o
t
akemytowelof
f
Hegotof
fme
Hi
m:Soawuzundi
phakengoku?
(Younotgoi
ng
t
ogivemesome)
Iswearmycheekturnedafl
amingr
ed,
i
t'
sbeen
awhil
esinceIhadthatcol
ourt
omycheeks.
Ibl
ushedbecouseoft
hewayhewasbei
ng
Hi
m:Okayandi
z'kucenga(
I'
m notgonnabeg)I
'
ll
j
ustt
urnmyatt
enti
ont omyPumpki n
Me:
Pumpki
n?
Hi
m:Yeah,
Umnt
anam (
Mybaby
)
Igi
ggl
ed
Hi
m:So.
.Hav
eyout
oldy
ourf
ami
l
y?
Ishookmyhead
Me:
I'
m scar
ed,
guessI
'
m notr
eady
Wespentr
estoft
hedayout
,cat
chi
ngup.

UNFORTUNATELYi
didn'
tneedt
otel
lmymom
aboutt
hepr
egnancy
.Shef
oundoutonherown
I
twasasundaynightaf
terweatedinnerbutI
wasst
il
leat
ingsi
nceIaskedforseconds.
I
twast
het
hreeofus,
I
,Mom andMel
i
ssa
I
twasaf t
erIwasdoneeat
ingwhenigot
nauseousandIr
antothet
oil
etbutl
ucki
l
y
nothi
ngcameout.
Iwentbackonthedini
ngtabl
eafteridr
ank
waterandfel
talit
tl
ebi
tbett
er.
Ipushedthe
pl
atetotheside
Mom:
Arey
ouokay
?
Inod,
for
cingasmi
l
e
Her
:You'
dtel
lmei
fyouwer
esi
ckr
ight
?
Ipousedf
oramomentbef
orei
nodagai
n
Her:Youknow,
I
'm amotherandanursesoit
's
al
mostimpossi
bletoli
ketome,I
'
v enot
ice
somechangesAlona.
Nowi st
heresomethi
ngI
needtoknow?
Ishookmyhead
Her
:Umi
thi
Alona.
I
twasamatteroff
act
,t
herewasnouselyi
ngto
herany
mor
e,shewasboundtof
indoutanyway
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Mel
i
ssawasqui
etal
lthi
swhi
l
engat
hiakekho
Mom:Yho!Al
onayi
ntol
eundenzay
ona?
(what
ar
eyoudoingtome)
Sheaskednowst
andi
ngonherf
eet
.
Mom: Umi t
hiAl
ona,
Jongakeundiboni
sa
ubudalabakhongoku,
that
hayonk'i
mpahl
a
yakhonaleikubhut
iwakhouhambeuyekule
ndoday akho.
(
Alona'
smom chasi
ngherout
)
[
11/
10,
07:
30]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t84

Icoul
dn'
tl
eav
ethatni
ghtseei
ngi
twasal
ready
l
ate.
Thefol
lowingmorning,
Ihadal
readypackedmy
cl
othestheprev
iousnight
.
Iwasoutt
hedoorwhenIhear
dmymom'
s
voi
cefr
om behi
nd
Her
:Uy
aphi
?(Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng)
Iwasconf
usedf
oramoment
,t
urni
ngt
olookat
her
Me:
Ithoughty
ousai
dIsh-
Her:
JustbecouseIsaidy
oushoulddoesn't
real
l
ymeany our eal
l
yshoul
d,
Iwasspeaking
outofanger.
Unlessyour
eal
lywantedtoleave
Ishookmyhead,
No
Her:
Good,
Nowgomakesomet
hingt
oeatf
or
your
sel
f
Me:
I'
m nothungr
y.
Her
:Awut
yel
iwenawedwaAl
ona,
hamba.
Shesai
dster
nly
,poi
nti
ngtotheki
tchent
hen
taki
ngmybagsandsupposedlyt
akingt
hem t
o
myr
oom andIwentf
orbr
eakf
ast
.

"
Idi
dn'
tmeanthethi
ngsIsaidt
oyou
y
est
erday
,Iwasangr
yand..
"
Me:
Dissapoi
nted,
Iunder
stand.
Her:
Idi
dn'texpectitf
rom you,
yet.
Youjust
gr
aduat
ed,i
nt heprocessofgett
ingworkthen
maybeaft
ery oucouldhavestar
tedafamily.
Shesi
ghed
Her:
Butnow,Okwenzeki
l
eyokwenzeki
l
e(what
'
s
doneisdone)
Iwasqui
etal
lthi
swi
hil
e.
Her
:Sohav
eyout
oldt
heoner
esponsi
ble?
Inod,
thi
swasawkwar
d
Me:
Hei
swi
l
li
ngt
otaker
esponsi
bil
i
ty.
Her
:Okay
.Sohav
eyougonef
oranycheckups?
Ishookmyhead.
Her
:Eatupandwe'
l
lgo
Inod
Me:
DoesOzknow?
Her:
Yes,
Itol
dhi
m andhe'
snothappywi
thy
ou
r
ightnow.
Shecont
inued
Her:Youknow,Isti
l
ldon'tunderst
andhowy ou
gotpregnantaft
erall
i'
v edone.It
houghtyou
usedt hecont
aracept
ive,It
houghtyouaboutthe
consequancesofunprotectedsex,notonl
y
pregancyAlona,
haveyout est
edforanyother
thi
ngs?
Ishookmyhead.
Her
:Iy
andi
xakal
ent
oyakhoy
obai
rr
esponsi
ble.
YeahAfterthatt
alkwewen'ttoseeadoct
or
andi'mindeedpregnant
,5weeksandt
hisI
smy
6th.Iwasalsocl
ean.
Asf
tert
hat
,mom hadt
ogot
owor
kwhi
l
eiwent
home.
Ididn'
twantt
ogobackatOz'
syet
,hewas
probabl
ymadatme.

Ihadat uboficecream wit

hmeandIwas
currentl
yundertheblanketsi
nmyroom
watchjngtv,
Itwasr ai
ningandpr
ett
ycol
d
outside.
Layi
ngther
et hi
nki
ngaboutal
lthathas
happenedl
ately
,
Onethi
ngthathasbeenbuggingmeaboutt
he
pr
egnancyisthati
'
m st
il
lyoung
IhavemyAl
evel
sandhav
egr
eatcar
reer
aspect
s.
Sowhatmakesmeget ti
ngpregnantwr
ong?I
mightnotful
l
fil
lmydr
eams,Loseti
melooki
ng
af
terthebabythat
'
swasnotev eni
nmyplans.
Isi
ghedasIpi
ckedupmyr
ingi
ngphone,
Reece
Hi
m:Uphi
Me:
Mom'
shouse
Itwasn'tacoupl
eofminuteswhenhecame
knockingatthef
rontdoor
,Idr
aggedmyfl
eece
blanketwit
hme
Iopenedthenhelpedhimtakeoffhiscoatt
hat
wasnowdr ippi
ngwet,Iwenttotakeatoweland
gaveitt
ohim sohecoul dwipehisface
Me:Whatwer
eyout
hinki
nggoi
ngoutont
he
r
ain?
Him:Xandi
niKhumbul
andi
thi
ni?
(Whatam I
supposedt
odowhenimissyou?)
WhenhewasdoneIt
ooki
tandwentt
ohangi
t
i
nthebat
hroom.
Me:
Shoul
dImakey
oucof
fe?
Henod,Iheadedtotheki
tchenandjustwhenI
wasal
mosthal fwaymakingwhenIcoul dn't
st
andthesmel l,
Irant
othebathroom tov omit
Reececameuptoholdmyhai
rawayfr
om my
faceandwhenIwasdoneIbr
ushedmyteet
h
andrinsedmymout
h.
Splashingmyfacewithwaterbefor
egoingto
thesitt
ing,
layi
ngonthecouchinaf et
al
positi
onwhilehecov
er edmewi t
haf l
eece.
Me:
Ican'
tmakey
oucof
fe.
Him:TheningathiuPumpki
nuqal
'ugezanj
e
?(Whydoesi tseem li
kePumpki
nisstart
ingt
o
benaughty?)
*
Pumpki
n,
isReece'
sni
cknamef
ort
hebaby
.
Me:
I'
m notev
ensupr
ised,
yout
hef
atheraf
teral
l
.
Hechuckl
edashesatdown.

Me:
Iwentt
othedoct
ort
oday
.
Hi
m:Wi
thoutme?
Me:
What
'st
hebi
gdeal
?
Hi
m:I
t'
syourf
ir
stcheckupAl
onaandIwasn'
t
t
her
enowy
ouaskmewhat
'st
hebi
gdeal
?
Me:Idi
dn'
tthi
nkyou'
dwanttogo,
Ithought
you'
dbebusyorsomethi
ng.
Hi
m:I
twoul
dn'
thav
ehur
ttoask.
Me:
Okayi
'
m sor
ry,
I
'l
ll
ety
ouknownextt
ime.
Him:Nextt
imeyoumeeti
ngmyprivat
e
doct
or,
i'
l
lsi
gnyouunderhi
m andi
'
llpay.
Me:
B-
Hi
m:I
t'
snotupf
ordi
scussi
on
Me:
Okay
.
Him:Ngumntanam Lo(
It'
smybaby)I
'dhat
eto
beexcl
udedandhav eyoumakedecesi
ons
wit
houtm-
Iqui
ckl
ykissedhi
m ontheli
psjustt
oshut
hi
m,aft
erafewminutesIpul
ledout.
Hi
m:HowaboutIt
akey
ouont
hiscouch.
Hesmi
rkedashewi
ggl
edhi
sey
ebr
ows.
Ipunchedhi
m pl
ayf
ull
yonhi
schest
.
Me:
Youper
ver
t!I
nmymom'
shouse?
Heshr
ugged.
Hi
m:Shedoesn'
thav
etoknow
Me:
EwwReece,
No.
Hechuckl
edatmynowser
iousf
ace.
Bef
oreIcoul
dtel
lhi
m of
f,
thedooropened
"Yho!,
Yimot okabanil
eintl
ekangaka
phandle.Zangend-..
"(WhoseFancycari
sit
parkedout si
de.I
'dnevers-.
.)
Shest
oppedmi
dsent
enceasshest
aredatus.
Mom.

NOTEDI
TED.
[
11/
10,
07:
30]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t85

Thi
sisasi
tuat
ionwher
enodaught
erwant
sto
bef
oundi
n.
Il
ookedatmymom befor
elooki
ngatReece
whowascalm asev
er
Me:
Mom,
youbackear
ly
Isai
dchuckl
i
nguneasi
l
y
Her
:Wewentbusy
Inod
Me:
M-om meetR.
.
Her:
Ithi
nkIr
ecogni
set
hosebr
owney
esf
rom
somewhere.
Shesai
dlooki
ngathi
m
Hi
m:Beeny
ourson'
sfr
iendsi
ncewewer
eli
tt
le
Her:OhYes,
You'
v ebeenfri
endsev ersinceyour
famil
ymovedhereinSAf rom thestatesOhmy
godyou'
vegrownoutt obet hi
s
handsome,
Succesfulyoungman. How'sy our
famil
ybackhome?Ihear dabouty ourmom
Renewasit?I
'm sorr
y.Yourdadishe-
Me:
Mom!
Iexcl
aimedathert
ost
opbombi
nghi
m wi
th
quest
ions.
Her:Ohhaikal
okundi
mgqibel
ekudal
a.Sowhat
br
ingsyouhere?IsOzher
e?
Swal
l
owi
ngner
vousl
y
Me:Actual
lyMom.
Hei
stheoner
esponsi
blef
or
t
hispregnancy
.
Suddenlyitwasquiet
,anuncomf
art
abl
esil
ence
atthat
.Idon'tknowwhatshewasthi
nki
ng
Af
terawhi
l
e
Her
:Oh
Okay
Her
:Cany
oumakemeacupoft
ea.
Shesaidlooki
ngatme,
thi
swasherwayof
sayingheneededt
ospeakwi
thhi
m wit
houtme
around
SoIgotupandwentt
otheki
tche
Aft
eraWhi l
e,
Iwasabouttotakeeteatoher
whenistoppedmidwaybecousethei
r
conver
sati
onscoughtmyear
Mom:
Hav
eyouev
erl
ayahandonher?
I
twasqui
etf
oramomemeny
Hi
m:EweMa
Hewasbei
nghonest
.
Her :
LookI'ddoany t
hingtoprot ectmydaught er
from harm,butnowt hat
'salmosti mpossi
ble
seeinghowat t
achedsheist oy ou.Yourmom
andIwer egoodf ri
ends,Wetol deachot her
ev er
ythi
ng,Iknowhowy ourdadt reated
her .
Seei
ngy ourdad'
sway spasson, Idon'
twant
thatforAlona.Shecan'tli
veliket hat
Hi
m:I
'
m not
hingl
i
kehi
m,Idon'
twantt
obel
i
ke
hi
m
Ihear
dhi
m say
,hi
svoi
ceusual
..
str
ained.
Hi
m:I'
vewor
kedonmytemper,
Inowknowhow
t
ocontr
olmysel
f.
I'
mint
hepr
ocessof
changing,
forher
.I
'm nott
hesameol d,
I
'dseen
thepositi
veimpactshebroughtont
ome. Iwon'
t
hurther
Mom:
Ist
hatapromi
seyoumadet
oyour
sel
f?A
pr
omi
seyoui
ntendt
okeep
Hi
m:Yes
Her
:CanIt
rusty
ou?
Hi
m:Ewema.
Her
:Okay
,nowwhatar
eyouri
ntent
ionswi
thher
?
Yhu.
.Eshee
Ri
ghtt
hen,
Iwal
kedi
n
Gi
vi
ngmom hercupoft
ea.
Her
Whydi
dn'
tyousomef
ory
our
visi
tor?
Me:
Hedoesn'
tl
iket
eaandIcan'
tmakehi
m
Cof
fe
Hi
m:Besi
dest
hat
,Iwasonmywayout
.
Hesai
dget
ti
ngup.
Her
:It
goughty
ouwer
est
ayi
ngf
ordi
nner
Him:
I'
dlov
et obuti
needtor
ush
somewhere,
Maybenextt
ime
Her
:I
'l
lhol
dyout
oit
.
Hechuckl
ed
Het
urnedt
olookatme
Hi
m:Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
owal
kmeout?
Il
ookedatmom andshenod.
Iwentt
oputona
gownandwentout.
Aswest
oodout
sidehi
scar
Me:
I'
m sor
ryaboutmymom.
Hi
m:What
'st
her
etobesorryabout
,Shej
ust
want
smetopayfordamages
Me:Oh.Imeanaboutt
hewayhecor
ner
edy
ou
wi
ththequesti
onsabouty
ourf
amil
y
Hi
m:Youwer
eli
steni
ng
Ishr
ugged.
Hi
m:Yeah,
tal
ki
ngaboutt
hem changesmymood
Me:
Iknowandi
'
m sor
ry.
Isai
dwrappingmyarmsar
oundhi
swai
stsi
nce
Icoul
dn'
treachhi
sneck
Hehuggedmeback,havinghi
sstr
ongarms
aroundmecouldputmet osl
eepri
ghtt
here
andthen.
Hewassowar m andsmell
edreal
l
y
good.Heki
ssesmyforehead
Hi
m:Ineedt
oleav
e
Me:
Wher
ear
eyour
ushi
ngt
o?
Him:Ineedt
otakecareofbusi
nessatthegang
house,
I'
l
lcomepickyouuptomorrow.
Me:
Ear
lyne?
,Don'
tcomel
ate.
Hi
m:Okaynowby
e
Hesaidki
ssi
ngmeonelastti
meontheli
ps
bef
orehedroveof
fandiwentbacki
nsi
de
Thef
oll
owi
ngday
Igotupandcl
eanedar oundthehousethenI
wentforabat
h.Ichangedint
omywhi tebaggy
vesyandmyonebut ton,
deni
mt or
nshorts.
Iworemyfl
i
pons,put
ti
ngmyhai
rupi
nabun
ontopofmyhead.
Itwasprett
ycoolout
sidesoi
twasan
appropi
atelook.
Iwenttomakeasnackf
ormy
sel
fwhi
l
eIwai
ted
forReece.
"
Howi
sthepr
egnancyt
reat
ingy
ousof
ar"
Ihear
dMel
i
ssaaskandIshr
ugged
Me:
Notsogood
Her
:I
tget
sevenworse,
you'l
lgetf
at(
looki
ngat
mysandwhi
ch)swol
lenfeetand-
Me:
LookIknowwhatt
oexpect
Andbef
oreshecoul
dmakearet
ortherphone
st
art
edri
ngi
ngandshewentout
answer
ing'
Babe'
Afewminut
eslat
erReecewaswait
ingout
side
hi
scarf
orme.Heopenedthedoorf
ormetoget
i
n
Me:
Someonei
sbei
ngagent
leman,
Il
ike.
Hi
m:Youknowi
'
m al
way
sgent
le
Me:
Sur
e..
Hi
m:Exceptwheni
'
mfucki
ng.
Hesmi
rked.Igl
aredathi
m andhi
sbl
unt
ness
Hecl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndbef
orehewentt
ohi
s
si
de.
Hi
m:Youl
ookgoodbyt
heway
.
Hesai
dki
ssi
ngmycheek
Me:
Thanks.
Hi
sey
est
rai
l
edupmyl
egsandt
omyshor
ts.
Hi
m:Yousuf
focat
ingmybaby
.
Hesai
dunbut
toni
ngandunzi
ppi
ngmyshor
ts.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es
Me: AhReece?(Looksatme)RememberwhenI
askedyoutotakemet ostr
awber
ryf
arm and
yousaidyou'
dtakemesomet imewhenyounot
busy.
Hesi
ghed.
Hi
m:Yes
Me:
Wel
l
..
Hi
m:Hayi
Alona.
imaginemehol
dingabasket
pi
cki
ngupstr
awberri
es
Iwasqui
etforamoment
,Fol
dingmyar
mst
o
mychest
.Nowsnif
fi
ng
Him:Ar
eyouseri
ousl
ycr
ying?,
YehAlona.Okay
Let'
spi
ckupafewthi
ngsatthest
oresiyeke.

Wespenthalfanhouratthefarm.
Ihadhi
m
hol
dthebasketwhil
eipickedtheStr
awber
ri
es
[
11/
10,
18:
21]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t86
Wewentt
ohi
shousewhenwecamebackf
rom
t
hef
arm.
Aft
erIhadt
hestrawberr
iescl
eaned,Isatatt
he
l
oungeandatesati
sfy
ingmycraving.
Lat
er
IwasinReece'
sroom i
nbedaft
erwehada
steamysessi
on,
myphonerangandwhenI
answeredi
twasZane
Hi
m:Al
onaIneedaf
avour
Me:
Okay
Hi
m:I
fit
'st
oomuchf
ory
ouI
'
llunder
stand.
Me:
Whati
sitZane.
Him:Ineedsomeonetolookaft
erKhay
one,
I
'l
l
beawayf oradayandhi
sgrannyisi
-
Me:Youdon'
thav
et oexpl
ainZane,I
t'
sfi
nei'
l
ldo
i
t,
i'
ll
bespendi
ngtimewithhim af
teral
landI
don'
tmind
Hi
m:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:Yes,
justbr
inghi
m andi
'
llbeatmybr
other
's
house.
Hi
m: Thanky
ousomuch,
IknewIcoul
dcount
onyou.
Wehungup.
Reece:
Whatdoy
ouknowaboutbabysi
tt
ing.
Me:I
'
lll
ear
n,ImeanI'
m hav
ingmyownsoonsoi
gott
olear
n.IfI
tget
'st
oomuchI'
ll
cal
lyou.
Him:
Wonder
ingwhyhecal
l
edy
out
ost
aywi
th
Khay
onei
nsteadofme?
Ishr
ugged
Me:
Why
?
Hescr
atchedt
hebackofhi
shead.
Him:Thewast hi
sonet i
mewher eihadtobaby
sithi
m hewasr est
lesssoIkindaaddedhalfa
teaspoonofwhiskey.Hebecamesohy pert
hatI
hadt ocal
lZane.
Istaredathi
m andshookmyheadi
n
disapprov
al.

Soonerorl
aterIhadtogobacktomybrot
her
's
seei
ngIwasmi ssinghi
m andIhadt
ofacehi
m
soonerorl
ater
.
WhenIgothomethoughhewasn'
tther
eand
t
henIhadachancetocookhi
sfavouri
tedi
sh.
Ist
ayedafewhoursal
one,Ihadl
ongdishedout
andateandnowIwastryi
ngnottofal
lasleep
onthecouchwhi
l
ei wai
tedformybrother.
WhenIheardhi
m ent
er,
Ist
oodonmyf
eetand
wat
chedhismove.
Hewasn'
thi
susual
happypl
ayi
shsel
fwhenev
er
hesawme.
Icouldn'
thelpnotici
nghisswoll
enlip,
andmy
cari
ngselfforgotthatihadamatterinhandto
solv
e.Iwenttot hekit
chentogeticebl
ocksand
wentback.
Iwasaboutt
oputi
tonhi
sli
pwhenhemov
ed
back.
Me:
Whathappened?
Hedidn'
tanswermeforami
nut
ebef
orehe
gr
it
tedthr
oughhist
eeth.
Hi
m:It
oldhi
mtof
uckenpl
ayi
tsaf
e.
Iknewwhathewasonabout
.
Me:
Itwasami
stake.
Isai
dqui
etl
y
Him:Ami stakethathappenedwithy ouunder
mywat chwhenmom t rust
edmet okeepaneye
onyou,nowshef eelslikeIfai
l
edher.ThatI'
m
notadultenoughtot akecareofyou
Me:
Butshed-
Hi
m:Shemighthavenotsayedittoyourface
t
hatial
sodissapoi
ntedherbutshedidtomine.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.You'
vealr
eadydoneenoughfor
meandIknowy outookcar
eofmesoy oudon'
t
hav
etoputy
our
sel
fatf
oul
t.
Si
l
ence
Het
hrewhi
msel
font
hecouchashesatdown.
Hi
m:Andtothinkthatoutofal
lpeopl
eyouhad
t
ogetimpregnatedbyhim.
Helookedatmeasheshookhi
sheadsi
det
o
si
de.
Isatdownnextt
ohi
m andaf
teranawkwar
d
si
lence
Me:
Whathappenedt
oyourl
i
p?
Hi
m:Goti
naf
ightwi
thReece.
Iswal
l
owedt
hel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
.
Ihandedhimtheicepackasigotupt otakehi
s
plat
eandwarmi tup.
Igotbackwithitand
handeditt
ohim asIwentupstai
rstomy
room,i
'
llt
alkt
ohim whenhehascool edoff.
Iwasunderthebl
anket
sinmyr
oom t
alki
ngt
o
Reeceonthephone.
Hi
m:Yeahaft
ery
oulef
tyourbr
otherbudgedi
n
myhouseandwehadamant omant al
k
Me:
Yout
wohadaf
ight
Hi
m:Af
ter
.
Me:
He'
smadatme.
Hi
m:Gi
vehi
mti
mehe'
l
lgetov
eri
t.
Isi
ghed
Hi
m:Nowwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
Iwasaboutt
osl
eepbutt
heny
oucal
l
ed,
you?
Hi
m:I
'
m att
heganghouse.
Me.
ButReece,
Whenar
eyouqui
ti
ngt
hisl
i
fe?
Hi
m:Al
onadon'
tst
artwi
tht
hat
.
Me:No,
don'
tthinkyoucandodgemethisti
me,I
meanReecey ougonnabeadadnowi '
m sure
youdon'
twanty ourbabyt
ogrowthewayyou
grewup,
tot
urnoutt obeli
keyoui
nthatway.
Hi
m:Idon'
twantt
hatf
oruPumpki
nAl
ona.
Me:
Thenat
leastt
hinkabouti
t.
Hi
m:Igott
ohangup.
Me:
Reecedon'
tav
oidt
hist
opi
c.
Him:
I'
m notIj
usthav
etogetbackt
o
somethi
ng,
I'
ll
cal
lyou.
Hesai
dashehungup.
Iputmyphoneont
heni
ght
standasi
gotr
eady
tosl
eep.

Iwokeupt
hefol
lowi
ngdaywhenIfel
tli
kethe
wassomet
hingr
unni
ngalongf
rom mycheekto
myear.
Iopenedmyeyestofi
ndKhayoneont opofme
eati
ngmyfaceandthethi
ngwashi sdrool.I
smil
edsuchagoodmor ni
ng,f
irstt
hingwheni
wakeuptoseethi
sli
tt
lecuteinnocentsoul.
Andt
othi
nkthatIal
mostwantedtogetri
dof
myownbaby
,ItmeantIwoul
dneverexper
iance
thelovethatZanehasforhisbabyasa
parent
,ThatIwon'twakeupinthemorni
ng
everydaytohavesomet hi
ngtoliv
efor
.
Iwasstar
ti
ngtoacceptthi
spr
egnancy
,I
tfel
t
l
ikeaweighthasbeenl
if
tedof
fmeandIwas
ablet
obreathandbefr
eenowthatmyfamily
knewaboutit
.
Thisi
sgoingtobeonehel lofari
deandit
hink
thayi
'mreadyforit
,Reecebett
erbuckl
eup
becousethei
sal ongwayt ogo.
Isatupst
rai
ght
,br
ushi
ngt
hesl
eepf
rom my
eyes.
Me:Heyl
it
tl
eguy,
younotsol
i
ttl
eanymorear
e
you?you'
vegr
ownupt omeahandsomeyhu?
Isai
dkissi
nghissoftcheekandti
ckl
i
nghi
ssi
de
j
usttohearhi
m giggle,
andhedid
Ikeptont
hrowi
nghim upandt
hencat
chhi
m
backandhewaslaughi
ngli
kecr
azy
.
Imi
ssedhi
m.
[
11/
10,
18:
22]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t87

Iwokeupi ntheafternoonaft
erKhay oneandI
fel
lasl
eep.Hewasn' tnexttome,Igotupand
wenttolookforhim ont heotherroomsbefore
goingt
ot hekit
chen.Uv al
oluy
el ahlawhenIsaw
him wi
thmybr other
Hewassi tt
ingdownononeoft hehighchai
rs
andKhayonewasi nfrontofhi
m si
tt
ingonthe
bartabl
e.Ozzi
ehadagl assandacanofscore
nexttoi
twhi l
eKhayonehadhisbabybottl
e
fi
ll
edwithit.
Hi
m:Youknow,I
t'
snotsobadhavi
ngal
i
ttl
eguy
r
unni
ngaroundthehouseandal
l
.
Hesaidashecheereduphisgl
asswit
h
Khayone'
sbot
tl
e.Ist
aredathi
m andshookmy
head.
Me:Remi
ndmenott
oev
ert
ryt
oleav
emybaby
wi
thyou.
Isaidtry
ingtotakethebot t
leKhayonewas
suckingonbuther efused.
Hest art
ed
screamingfuri
ousl
yt hatigotstart
ledandlet
him beonthesideOzwasl aughinghisassout.
Me:Bereadyt
odeal
wit
hhi
m whent
hedr
ink
haski
ckedin.

MybrotherandIspentt
hef
ull
2hour
schasi
ng
af
terKhayone.

Itwas2am wheni wokeup.Ididn'tf

eelli
ke
sleepi
ngandi hadthi
shugecr avingfor
cheese.Isl
owlygotupfrom thebed,wearingmy
sleeper
s.Idr
aggedmyf eett
ot heki t
chen.
Openi ngthetwodoorf ri
dge,Irummaged
throughanddi dn'tfi
ndit
.Yazi,
ther
e'salotof
grocer yi
nthi
shousebutnocheese. Icould
hav epickedanythingbutijustneededi t
.Isnai
l
wal kedupthest air
sandintomybr ot her
's
room,It
hankedgodthathewashome.Act
ual
ly
hespenthisti
meathomel at
ely"
Looki
ngaft
er
hisbabysi
ster
"ashelikest
osay,
tobenear
whensomet hi
nghappens.
Hewasspr awl edoutont hebedekobude
ubuthongo. Ihatedwakinghi m up,consider
ing
heusual l
ydoesn' tsl
eep.Ishookhi mf orafew
minutest i
l
l Iheardhim groaninannoy ance
beforeroll
ingt otheothersideoft hebedand
buryi
nghi sf aceunderthepi l
l
ow. Iwalkedtothe
otherside,
snat chi
ngthepi l
lowandhi t
tinghim
withit
,heslowl yopenedhi seyesl ooki
ngupat
me
Hehuf
fedi
nannoy
ance.
Hi
m:Yi
ntoni
Alona(
Whati
sit
)
Me:
Iw-needcheese.
Hel
ookedatmeskept
ical
l
y.
Takinghi
siPhonef
rom t
heni
ght
stand,
hel
ooks
attheti
me
Hi
m:Youwakingmeupatthi
stimefor
what
?Cheese?,
Hambauyozi
that
hel
aef r
idge(
in)
(
Gotakesome)
Me:
Ayi
kho
Hi
m:NowwhatmustIdo,dr
ive30minut
esaway
t
othegar
ageandgetyoucheese?
Heaskedi
rr
it
ated,
Howhehat
edbei
ngwoken
up.
If
oldedmyar
mst
omychest
.
Him:
Younott
hinki
ngofmaki
ngmedot
hatar
e
you?
It
it
ledmyheadt
othesi
deasIl
ookedathi
m
Hi
m:Uphambene(
Youmad)
Me:
Please.
Hi
m:No
Me:ButIr
eal
l
yneedit
,Ihavethi
shugecravi
ng
anditf
eel
sli
kei
fidon'tgeti
tImightgetsi
ck.
Hi
m:I
'
mti
redt
odr
ive.
Me:
Sincewhendoy
ouev
ergett
ir
ed.
Hi
m:B-
Me:
Ohy
ou'
renoty
ouj
ustt
ir
edofme
Hi
m:Inev
ersai
dt hat
,pr
egnantwomenand
t
aki
ngthi
ngspersonal.
Heshookhisheadashesawthaiwas
cr
ying,
her
ubbedthasl
eepfr
om hi
seyes
Him:I
'l
lgoget.
Butidon'
tunderst
andwhyI
shoul
dbet heonetosuff
erwhenReece
doesn'
t,
ImeanIreall
ydon'tgeti
tcousehesthe
oneresponsi
blef
orallt
hisbutI'
mt '
..
bet
tery
et
Hesaidstoppi
ngushwabulaandtakinghi
s
phonefr
om thenight
standanddi
all
inga
number,
putthephoneonhisear.
Hi
m:Alonaandy ourbabyhasthishuge
(
exaggerat
ing)crav
ingforcheese
Reece:
Ngoku?
(So)
Thephonewasonl
oudspeaker
Him:
So?Weranoutandnowshewant
s
someonet
ogotothegarage.
Reece:
NowGo.
Hi
m:Who'
sresponsi
blef
ort
hepr
egnancy
Reece:
Me.
Hi
m:.
.
Reece:
OkIgeti
t,
FUCK!I
'
llbr
ingi
t,
yeses.
Ozsmi
rkedashehungup.
Hi
m:Pr
obl
em sol
ved.
Me:
Am It
hepr
obl
em t
hati
ssol
vedori
st-
Hi
m:Al
onaInev
ersai
dyouwer
eapr
obl
em.
Me:Butyoujustsai
dt-.
Youknowwhatnever
mind.
Igetit
,youfedupwit
hme.I'
m abaggage,
a
saggi
ngsackofpot at
oonyourshoul
derne?
Igl
aredathi
m ashehel
dinal
augh,
Itur
nedand
l
eft
Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
espassedbyt
hatf
eltl
i
ke
hour
s,hecame
Openingthedoort
olethiminandlungedf
or
thepaperbagonhishand.Openi
ngit
earger
ly,
thesmel
lsat
isf
iedmynostri
ls
It
ookabi
te,
cl
osi
ngmyey
esi
nsat
isf
act
ion.
Me:
What
?
Hi
m:Nothi
ngj
ustt
hewayy
oudi
dthatgav
eme
aboner
.
Me:
Thanksf
ort
his,
youcanl
eav
enow
Hi
m:NaIt
hinkI
'
llst
ay.
Hesaidgoi
ngupt
omyr
ooM whi
l
eIst
ayed
behi
ndanate
WhenIhadenoughIwentt oputi
tint
hefri
dge
andtookalit
reofy
oghurtandwentwit
hit
upst
air
s.Reecewasundermycoverst
exti
ngon
hi
sphone.
Me:
Youdot
hinkt
hisi
syourhouse.
Isai
dget
ti
ngi
nbed,
Reecear
msi
mmedi
atel
y
wentonmywai
st.
Hi
m:Yi
ntousol
okout
yaububhanxaAl
ona.
Me:Mntanakhoakakut
handi
ukut
ya,
(Yourbaby
doesn'
tli
kefood)
Ishr
uggedasIt
ookaspoon.
:
|
6mont hsint
othepr egnancyandIwentaround
wit
ht hi
shugebelly.
Ihadalltypesofmood
swingsandIprettymucht hi
nkev er
yonearound
mewasf edup,
start
ingwithReece.
Ev
ery
thi
ngwasgoi
ngwel
lsof
ar.
IhadjustgotdonebathingandIwaswear i
nga
whit
esummerdr essandmysandals,Iwoul
d
havepreff
eredtoweardenim shor
tsandmy
ki
cksbutndikulesit
uati
onwherenothingfi
ts
me.
Iwasgoi
ngoutwi
thReecef
orl
unch.
[
11/
10,
18:
22]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t88
Arr
ivi
ngattherest
aur
antwher
ewewer
egoi
ng
tohavel
unchin.
Cameamomentwher eahostshowedusa
tabl
e,
hepul
ledachai
rformeandhewasabout
tohelpmeseatdown
Reece:
Don'
ttouchher
Hesnappedcausi
ngtheguyt
owi
denhi
sey
es
i
nfearandletgoofme
Me:
Reecest
op,
bei
ngpol
i
tei
spar
tofhi
sjob
Isai
dputtingmysmal
l handsonhi
schestto
pushhim back.
Hegl
aredattheguyforaf
ew
minut
es
Guy
:Yourwai
terwi
l
lbewi
thy
oushor
tl
y
Hequi
ckl
ysai
dbef
oreher
ushedt
ogetaway
.
Itwasn'tacoupl
emi
nut
esbef
oreawai
tr
ess
appeared
Al
lwhi
l
elongshewast
ryi
ngt
ofl
i
rtwi
th
Reece,bendi ngathiandi
bonakali
.Aft
ersheev
er
sonicelyinsultedthewayIlookedwi t
hthe
pregnancyandt hewayIwasdr essedShecame
withouror der
Her:
Hereyougosir,
ifyouneedanyt
hing
el
se,
justask.
I'
m av
ailabl
eatyourdi
sposabl
e
Shepur
red
Me:
I'
m sur
e,sl
ut.
Imumbl
edundermybr
eat
h
Reece:Not hanky ou,
Iassur eyouwhat everyou
arehandingoutf orfreewoul dn'tsatisfymeas
muchast hegi rlwhoi ssit
tinginfrontofme
will
.Nowst opmaki ngy ourselfl
ookl ikea
desparat
esl utasmygi rl
fr
iendsoni celyputit
andgodoy ourjobbef oreIf i
reyou,fli
rti
ngwi t
h
youbossshowsmehowi nnapropi ateallthe
staffi
nther eis,Ishouldhav ealookatal lofyou.
Hesnappedcausi
nghert
obeembar rasedand
l
eavequi
ckly
.Hemumbled"Exact
lywhyIprefer
t
ost
ayi
nmyhouse"t
hensi
ghedi
nfr
ust
ati
on.
Hi
m:Idon'
tfeel
goodcal
l
ingy
oumygi
l
fri
end.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Hi
m:Iwantt
ocal
lyoumyf
ianceormywi
fe
Me:
Oryoucouldj
ustsayyourbaby
's
mom.We'
rehungr
ylet
'seat
.
Isai
dchuckl
ingli
ghtl
ytr
yingt
otakehi
s
att
enti
onfr
om thetopi
c.
Awareofwhati
wastryi
ngt
odo,
hesai
dnot
hing
andweateinsi
l
ence.
Aft
erlunch,
Reecehedr
ovemetomom'shouse
whereIfoundMeli
ssawit
hsomeoneIt
hought
I
'dneverseeagai
n
Anel
e.
TosayIwasshockedwast
hel
east
.
Iawkwar
dlygr
eet
ed
Me:
Whaty
oudoi
ngher
e?
Hej
ustl
ookedatMel
i
ssa
Her
:He'
smyboy
fri
end
Shesai
dsmugl
y
Me:
OhIsee
Isaidquietl
yasi l
ookedathi m whil
ehi seyes
wer efocusedonmybabybump, Melissacoul
d
probablysenset heawkwar dsilencebet ween
thetwoofus. Iclearedmyt hroatfocusingmy
attenti
onsomewher eelsethanhi m,Imademy
wayt otheki t
chent omakemy sel
fasnack
beforequicklygoingtomyr oom,WhenIsay
quicklydon'tthi
nkIwasgoi ngonaf astpaceor
any t
hing,
thatwasi mpossibleforme.
Il
ayonmybackswi
tchi
ngont
het
v.
Fewminut
eslat
erIwasslowl
ybutsur
elyf
all
i
ng
asl
eep,
Iwassomehowti
red
Theopeningofthedoorgotmet oopenmy
eyesful
l
y ,
i
nenteredAnel
e.Iswal
lowed
nerv
ouslyasIstoodonmyf eetandgotr
eady
f
orany
thi
ng
Me:
W-whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Ist
utt
eredout
Hi
m:Alona.
Iwasexpect
ingsomet
hingdi
ff
erent
t
hanthat
Me:
What?Engulfy
ouinahugandsayl
etspi
ck
upwher
ewel ef
toff?
No.
Hi
m:Imi
ssy
ou
Hesai
dqui
etl
y;
Ishookmyhead
Me:Youhavesomeoneinyourl
i
feandIdo
too,
whathappenedbet
weenuswasami st
ake
anditwasn'
tmeanttobe.
Heshookhi
sheadandt
ookast
epf
orwar
d
Hi
m:Youmi ghtfeell
ikei
twasami st
ake,all
you
ev
ersawmef orwasar eboundandIdon' tcar
e
Al
ona(tr
yingtotouchmyhandbutIbr ushed
hi
m off
)Iwasal waysthereforyou,
youmade
mefeelsomethingforyouAlona-
Hesobadl
ywantedtotouchmethatihada
hardt
imedodgi
ngit
,hemanagedtoholdmy
handsi
nadeathgr
ipandIwhimpered
Me:
Letgoofme!
Iscr
eamedathim,
heputbot
hmyar
msbehi
nd
mybackandtr
iest
okissme
Hi
m:Iknowyoulov
emet
oo,
Alonapl
easel
ets
t
ryonemoreti
me.
Hesai dpl
anti
nghisli
psonmi neforcef
ull
y,wi
th
theli
ttl
estr
engthIhadIpushedhim offmeand
beforeIcoul
drunouthegrippedmebymyar m
topullmeback,t
ri
ppingonmyf eetIfel
lonmy
side.
IgotupandbeforeIcouldthi
nkofa
plan,
ThedooropenedincameMel i
ssa
Her
:What
'sgoi
ngonher
e
Hi
m:Nothi
ngbabe,
Fut
uresi
steri
nlawandIar
e
j
ustget
ti
ngtoknoweachot
her.
Shegl
aredatmebeforet
aki
nghi
shandi
nher
s
anddr
agginghi
m out
.Ibr
eat
hedout
shaki
ly
,taki
ngmyphoneoutandbl
i
ndl
ydi
ali
ng
Reece'
snumber
Hi
m:Al
ona
Me:
ReeceIneedy
outohur
ryupandcomepi
ck
me,
heisher
eandh-
Hi
m:Al
onacal
m down,
Andi
kuv
a.
Me:
Anel
eisher
ea-
andbef
oreIcoul
dfi
nishof
fhehungup.
Ist
ay edlockedupi
nmyr
oom unt
ilReece
arr
ivedlateron
Hecameknocki
ngonmydoorandwhenI
openedup
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay?
Hetookmyhands,hi
seyestaki
ngmei
nand
onl
ythenhenot
icedthefi
ngermar
kst
hathav
e
tur
nedpur
pli
shonmyski n.
Hisfi
stscl
enchedandi
coul
dseehi
sanger
buil
dup
Hi
m:Whof
uckendi
dthi
s?
Itol
dhim allaboutt
hathappenedandbefor
eI
coul
dst ophim hewentoutsearchi
ngforhi
m.
Inmyoldr oom hewasmaki ngoutwit
h
Meli
ssa.Inabl i
nkofaneye,
hehandhim upthe
wallandstarteddel
iv
eri
ngpunches.
Imadeadumbmove,
tr
yingt
opul l
him of
f
i
nst
eadhepushedmeback,
Ifel
lonceagain.
Itr
iedgett
ingup,Ifel
twetsomewherei
n
betweenmyl egsandbef or
eicoul
d
check,
everyt
hingfuzzy.
Ibl
ackedout
.
[
11/
10,
18:
22]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t89

Openi
ngmyey esandseei
ngReece'
shead
r
esti
ngonmyst omach,
hishandhol
dingmi
ne
i
nat i
ghtgr
ip
I
tonlyt
ookamov
efr
om myf
oref
ingert
owake
hi
m up.
Hisey
eshalfcl
osedandhalfopened,
hi
sey
es
haddarkbl
ackcir
clesar
oundshowingmehow
sl
eepdepri
vedhewaswas.
Hi
m:You'
reawake.
Ohgodhi
svoi
ce
InodasIr
eachedoutt
otakeaglassofwater
besi
demebuthebeatmetoitashenow
hel
pedmetodrinkwi
thastr
awfrom thegl
ass.
Hi
m:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng.
Ishr
ugged
Me:
W-whathappened?

Apparent l
yIwasr ushedt othehospi t
alwhereI
wasr ushedf oranultrasoundandmybabywas
sti
l
lhangi ngt hereseei ngthepregnancywas
al
mostf aint.Neverthelessther
ewasst il
lour
embr yo,withit'
stinylegbudsandt hat
unmist akablystronghear tbeat
,ali
veand
ki
cking,appar entl
yhuman.Andmybl eedingand
cr
amping.?i
ttur
nsoutthatI
'
m oneofthe
womenwhocanexper i
encethatandnot
miscar
ri
age.
Rightt
henthedoct
orcamein,
hemadesome
checkupsandconfi
rmedt
hatIwasst
il
lfi
ne
DR:
Youonest
rongwomanMr
sCr
uz.
Andbef
oreIcanobj
ect
.
DR:I
'm st
il
lgonnakeepyouher
eforafew day
s
j
usttomakesur ey
ou'r
eokaynowthatyou
Awake.
Inod
DR:
Youhav
egr
eatsuppor
tfr
om y
ourhusband
Me:
Wen-
DR:He'sbeenhereeversinceyouwere
admit
ted,
sleepshereandwakesupher egoes
tof
reshenupf orashortwhil
ethencomesback.
You-
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
Hest
oppedandl
ookedatusaswel
ookedat
hi
m.
DR:Sorr
y,I
'
mjustgonnago.
Cal
lmei
fther
e's
somethi
ng.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hewentout
.
Si
l
ence.
Hi
m:Al
ona,
I
'm sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tm-
Me:It
'sokayReece,
weokayandy oudon'
thave
tobeatyour
sel
fabouti
t.Iknowwhathappened
andyoudidn'
tmeanforitt
ot ur
noutl
ikethat
.
Hi
m:Younotmadatme?
IshookmyheadasIt
ookhi
shandt
opl
anta
ki
ss.
HeSi
ghedouti
nrel
i
ef.
Him:Ial
mostlostyouandthebaby ,
Idon'
tever
wanttoexperi
encethepai
nthatcomeswi thit
agai
n.I
'l
lkeepyoutwosafeIpr
omi se
Me:
Don'
tmakepromi
sest
haty
ouwon'
tbeabl
e
t
okeepReece.
Hekeptqui
et.
Me:Youneedt ogohomeandhavearef
reshi
ng
showerandtakeanap,
youl
ookti
redI
'
m sure
youneedit
.
Hegotup
Him:I'
mjustgonnagot
othecaf
éandgr
aba
coff
ee
Me:
B-
Hi
m:Sundixel
elaubandi
thi
niAl
ona(
Don'
ttel
l
mewhattodoAl ona)
Ikeptmymout
hshut
Hi
m:Whatshoul
dIgetf
ory
ou?
Ishr
ugged
Me:
Idon'
thav
eappet
it
e,I
'
mfi
ne.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
••
Afewdayslat
erIwasdi
schar
gedandIwasat
Oz'
shouse.
Ihadjustgotdonewit
hbat
hingandIhadonmy
undergarmentsonl
ywhenthedooropened.
Ozbudgedi
n
Hi
m:Al
onasomeonei
sh-Ohshi
t.
Hegaspedashesawmyhugebabybump.
Me:
Youshoul
dlear
ntoknock.
Hi
m: Damn!ar
eyousur
eyounothol
dingi
n
t
ri
plet
s.
Heaskedchuckl
i
ng
Igl
aredathi
m,r
aisi
nghi
shandsupi
nsur
render
.
Iwasabouttomakearetor
twhenIst
opped
becauseIf
eltamovementi
nmystomach.
Iputmyhandandi
thappenedagai
n,
Igasped
Hi
m:Yi
ntoni
?
Hequi
ckl
ycameov
ert
ome,
Itookhi
shandt
o
mystomachandwewai
tedf
oraf
ewseconds
bef
orei
thappened.
Mybabywaski
cki
ng.
Iscreamedoutsoloudinexci
tementasI
star
tedcryi
ng,
tear
sofjoy.Tobeabletof
eel
that
,pri
cel
ess.
"
Whati
sit
"
Itur
nedtolookatthedoorasRomeostood
ther
e,hemusthaveheardmescreami
ng.
Imotionedwit
hmyhandforhi
mtocome
over
,hescreamedev
enl
ouderwhenhef
elti
t
Hi
m:Thatshoul
dhur
t.
Me:I
tfeel
sli
kedr
umsar
einsi
demeand
someonei
sbeati
ngmewit
hthest
icks,
Ouch!
Rome:
SinoRonal
doapha,
OhmakaRonal
do
Hel
aughs
Oz:Reecewil
lki
lly
ouifhehear
syoucompar
e
hi
sbabyt oanot
herman.
Rome:
Youshoul
dgoputonashi
rt
Hesai
dbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p,Ist
if
ledagi
ggl
e.
Iwat
chedasmybr
otherf
urr
owedhi
sey
ebr
ows
i
nannoyance.
Hi
m:FuckOf
f.
Hesai
dgoi
ngout
.
Webot
hbur
stoutl
aughi
ngSi
noRomeo.
Me:
Youshoul
dn'
thav
esai
dthat
Him:Iwant
edhi
mtoleavesot
hatwecanhav
e
oural
oneti
me,
yhoAwusembimaar
n.
Hesai
dcombinghi
shandst
hroughmyt
angl
ed
hai
rashel
ookedmeupanddown
Ir
oll
edmyey
es
Hi
m:Youwantt
otel
lmeuReeceukubonaunj
e?
Ishr
uggedasIsatdownandgavehi
m al
oti
on
toputonmyfeetsi
nceIcoul
dn'
t.
Af
terIwasdone,
hepi
ckedoutsomecl
othesf
or
meseei
ngashewast
aki
ngmeoutf
oramake
ov
er.
Hedr
oveust
othemal
l
Andafteratwohour
sofpamper i
ngme,Iwas
ti
redl
ikereal
lyt
ir
edthatIdidn'
tevenwantto
walknomor esowewentt oMcDonaldsfor
l
unchsinceIwashungryalso
Ior
der
edtwolar
gecheesebur
ger
s,wi
thf
ri
es
andst
rawber
rymil
kshake
Whil
eRomeogothi
msel
fthesamej
usthal
fand
somenugget
s
Ouror
dercameandIwast
ednot
imedi
ggi
ngi
n
Lateronwewer
ejustf
ini
shi
ngof
fwhi
l
e
chatti
ng.
Hi
m:That
'sgr
oss
Hesai
dashescruncheduphisnosewat
chi
ng
medipmyfr
iesi
nt hemil
kshake
Me:
thi
sisgood.
Isai
dasIat
e.
Hi
m:Ut
showamhl
efut
hingousuk'
eSal
on
Hemademedomyhai
r,
eyebr
owsandnai
l
s
Me:
All
thankst
oyou
Hi
m: Pl
easur
edar
li
ngwhatwoul
dyoudo
wi
thoutyoume
HeSai
dbat
ti
nghi
sey
elashes
Igi
ggl
edasIshookmyhead.
Me:Nowar
eyougoi
ngt
obeabl
etocar
ryme
home?
Hi
m:For
geti
t.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llbeabl
etogetupf
rom her
e.
Isai
drest
ingmyheadont
opofmyhandson
thet
ableandcl
osi
ngmyeyes.
Hi
m:Al
onadon'
tyoudar
edot
hatt
ome.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•
Iwokeupl
ateroni
nReece'
shouse,
Romeo
deci
dedt
ocal
lhi
mtopi
ckmeup.
Iwentt
ofr
eshenup,
woreReece'
shuge
sl
eeper
sandwentdownst
air
s.
If
oundhi
m cooki
ng
Hi
sbar
echestcov
eredi
napr
ononl
y,
damn.
Ihuggedhi
mfr
om behi
nd
Me:
Itsmel
l
sgr
eati
nher
e.
Hi
m:I
t'
ll
ber
eadyi
naf
ew.
Hesai
dtur
ningt
opeckmyl
i
ps.
Me:
I'
ll
setupt
het
abl
esof
ar.

Afterweat
edi
nner
,wewentupst
air
stohi
s
room.
Wewereundert
hecover
sandIhadmybackt
o
hi
m ashehadhi
shandsaroundmywai
st.
Hesnuggl
eduphisfaceonmyneckandki
ssed
myspotbefor
etur
ningmearoundt
ofacehi
m.
Wekissedandbef
oreIknewi
tbot
hourbar
e
bodi
esweinchesapar
t.
Imoanedinbet
weenashishandsroamed
fr
eel
yonmybody ,
Reeceknewexactl
ywhatt
o
dotogetmewet
Heopenedupbot
hmyl egstoaccommodate
hi
mself
.Whenhetri
edinser
tinghi
msel
fint
o
me,i
twasal
mostimpossibl
e
Het r
iedasIwai tedimpatientl
yf orhim,hegoti
t
i
n,inonegoandIscr eamedouti npainasIshot
upandst oppedhim mi dway,Iknowhewasbi g
butitfeel
sli
kehehadgot tenev enbiggerand
ri
ghtnowi tfel
tli
kehewast earingmeupand
taki
ngmei ntoear l
ylabor.
Me:
Ithur
tsReece,
Ican'
ttakei
t.
Hesighedashegotoffme,Ihat
ed
di
sappoint
inghi
m soIlethi
m hi
titf
rom behi
nd.
Af
ter
.
Aswel
ayi
nbed,
Ihadmyheadr
est
ingonhi
s
barechestwhil
eImadesmal
lci
rcl
eswi
tht
he
ti
pofmyf inger
.
Hi
m:Ihav
esomet
hingf
ory
ou.
Il
i
ftedmyf
aceasLookedupathi
m.
Hegotup,
Iwai
tedf
orhi
m ashewenti
nsi
dehi
s
cl
oset
.
Whenhecameback,
heshowedmeasmal
l
nav
yvel
vet
ybox.
Ifurr
owedmyey ebr
owst
oget
heri
nconfusi
on
beforeIgat
her
edinmymind,
myhear
tbeat
i
ncreased.
I
twassoshor
tandqui
ck
Hi
m:Wi
l
lyoumar
ryme?
Baam,
thatwasi
t.Myheadspi
nni
ng
Heartbeatev
enincr
ease,
i
twasbecomi
ng
di
ff
icultt
obreat
h.
I
twast
oosoon.
It
ookt
heboxf
rom hi
shand,
cl
osi
ngi
t.
Isuckedi
nabr
eat
h
Me:
Ican'
t
[
11/
10,
18:
22]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t90

Icoul
dgiveyousomanyr
easonswhyIr
efused
hispr
oposal
.
Aft
erIrefused,
hedidn'
tsayanyt
hingI
nst
eadhe
walkedoutheadingtowardst
hebathr
oom.Aft
er
awhi l
eengabuyiIdeci
dedtogocheckonhim
andIfoundhimi ntheshower
.
Istri
ppedmyclot
hesoffandgoti
nthesteamy
shower.Hehadhi
sbackonmeashi sforehead
touchedthewal
li
nalearni
ngposi
ti
on,helooked
sexywiththewat
err
unningdownhisbody.
Ididn'
tknowhowt oappr oachthis.
Wr appingmy
armsar oundhiswaist,West ay
edt hereinan
awkwar dsil
enceast hehotwat erhi tourski
ns
andl i
stenedt
oi tasithittheti
l
edf loor.I
switchedofftherunningwat er
,swallowingthe
l
umpi
nmyt
hroat
Iwasner
vous
Me:
Reece
Heturnedtol ookatme, thelookhehadon
scaredme.Nowt el
l mehowwoul dImar r
y
someonewhoI 'm scaredoff?SeeIwasscar ed
odhim somet imes,Ihadt owalkaroundegg
shel
lsaroundhi m Wat chwhatIsayot her
wise
I'
l
lpisshim offandhe' l
lsnapatmeandIdi dn'
t
wantthat,
Ididn'twantt obescaredofmy
husband.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Hesnor
ted
Him:ForwhatAl
ona?Refusi
ngmyproposal
or
f
ornotl ov
ingmethatmuchtospendt
herestof
yourli
fewithme
Me:
Inev
ersai
dIdon'
tl
ovey
ou.
Him:
Thenwhati
sit?I
'm notgoodenough,
you
don'
twantt
oacceptmef orwhoIam hu?You
don'
twantaGangLeaderf
orahusband
Me:Whowoul d?Ever
yoneisscaredofyouand
soam I,y
ou'recoldheart
edmanReecey ou
knowt oberut hl
essandheream Isti
l
lwithyou
despi
tethat,
becouseIlovey ou.
Ifi
ndyou
hot,
sexy.
.Icouldgoonallnight.
Isaidbit
ingmyl owerli
pandstandi
ngonmyt ip
toessoIcoul dkisshi
m,hetur
nedhisheadto
theothersideasIheardhim murmur,
tel
l
ingme
tofuckoff
Him:I
'
m all
t hatandsuccessf
ulbutyouwouldn'
t
spendtherestofyourli
fewit
hme, Igeti
t.
Hesaidbumpinghisshoulderi
ntomeashe
passedmetogetoutoftheshowerandI
fol
lowedhi
m,wrappi
ngat owelaroundmybody
.
Hehadonar obeandIwatchedhim ashe
stoodbyt hebal
conywit
hagl assofwhi
skyi
n
hand,Idontknowwherethatcamefrom.
It
ri
edt
ogethi
sat
tent
ionbuthei
gnor
edme.
Me:
UnaboubuMof
fi
esomet
imes.
Isai
dtur
ningt
ol eav
e,hal
fwayIf
eltadeathgr
ip
onmyarmt ur
ningmear oundashelooked
downatme.
Hi
m:Whatdi
dyousay?
Ihear
dhisdeepv oi
cethatseemedtobeev en
moredeeperwhisperi
nginmyear ,
solowthatI
al
mostdidn'
thearhim andthat
'showIknewi t
wasallj
okesasi
de,IknewIcrossedtheli
ne
Iswal
lowedner
vousl
yasIf
eltasi
fIwasabout
tocr
y
Hi
m:Thet
hal
eKak'
ugqi
boy
ithet
haAl
ona.
Ishookmyhead.
Me:
Ify
ouwantt
ohi
tmegoahead
Hi
m:Whati
fIwantt
oki
l
lyout
hist
ime.
Me:See?
That'
sexact
lyoneoft
her
easonsI
r
efusedyou
Hi
m:Whatar
etheot
her
?Comeonwi
thi
t.
You
alwayshavesomethi
ngsmartcomingoutof
thatf
ucken'smal
lmouth,
what'
syourexcuse
Me:I
'm notmakingexcuses.
LookReeceI'm not
r
eadytobesomeone' swife,
I'
m havi
ngahar d
t
imeadj ust
ingt
hatI'
m gonnabeamom. Just
t
hinkaboutme,Thisistoomuch,toosoon.
Him:Whataboutme, Iwantyouandthebaby
closetome,ourownf amil
y.
Iwanttomar r
y
you,youdeserv
et hatmuch.
We'vebeentogether
forawhi l
eIdon'twanttowaitany
longer
.Ungu
Mam' Omntanawam, nowIwantyoutobemy
wife.
Me:
Reecewesti
ll
y oungforal
loft
his,
Wearen'
t
r
eadytobepar
entsyetnowy ouwantust
oget
marr
ied.
Hi
m:Alonat
her
e'snoperf
ectagef
ordoi
ngal
l
t
his,
wecandoittoget
her
.Whywai
t?
Me:
Reece.
Hi
m:OkayAl
ona.
Hesaidgoungtohi
sclosetwhil
eIsatonthe
bed.Hecameoutdr
essed,Taki
nghisphoneand
carkeysfr
om t
hedresser
,heheadedtowar
ds
thedoor.
Me:
Uyaphi
?
Hi
m:Out
.
Hesai
dsl
ammi
ngt
hedoorshutaf
terhi
m.
Isighedandalsogotupafterchangingi
ntohis
baggyshirtandgut
terpantsthatIhadtorol
lon
thewaistsotheycoul
df i
tme.

Ihadwai t
edf orReecelastnighttil
lIf
ell
asleep
andhedi dn'tcomeback. Takingmyphoneon
thenightdresscheckingf oranymissedcall
s
seeingasIleftafewv oicenot esonhisphone
sinceebengabambi phone,andnone
Isi
ghed.
Iwasaboutt
ogetupwhenmybabyst
art
ed
ki
cki
ng
Me:Owthathurt
s.Goodmorni
ngmommy
's
Angel
,
daddyisnotherewi
thusthi
s
morni
ng,
see?
Igi
ggl
edatmycr
azi
ness.
Ohwel
lIwasbondi
ng
wit
hmybaby.
Ihadf r
eshenedupear
li
ert
ocal
m mysel
f,
Iwas
restl
essandIhadtokeepmymindf
rom
runningonit'
sown.
Iwenthomei
ntheaf
ter
noon.
Ihadbeenwokenupbymyri
ngi
ngphoneasI
wasnapping.
Openi
ngmyey
esasIyawned
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Cal
l
er:
Reecehasbeenshot
.
Myeyesshotopenatt
hatbecomi
ngf
ull
y
awake
Me:
WHAT?
NO,
NO,
NO!
Iscr
eamedout
,AsIf
umbl
edt
ogetup
Me:
Wil
lhebeOkay
,Wher
eishe?
Zane:
Hishouse,
her
efusest
ogot
othehospi
tal
.

[
11/
10,
18:
22]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t91

IwasatReece'
shouse.

Zane: Weusuall
yhaveagangdoctorbuthe'
s
currentl
youtofthecountr
yandhedidn'
ttel
l
us,
Reecei sgoi
ngt ocuthi
sheadoffwhenhe
catcheshim.ButIhadtocalli
nhi
spr i
vat
e
doctor
Me:
Drwat
s?
Scr
atchi
ngt
hebackofhi
shead,
henods.
Soheknows.
DrwatsistheonewhoReecehastakenmeto
foracheckupandIsuspect
edthatt
heyhav
e
somethi
nggoingon.
Idi
dn'tsayany
thi
ngasIwentupst
air
sheadi
ng
toReece'sr
oom.
Iopenedt
hedoor.Seei
nghersi
tt
ingonachai
r
besi
desReecewhowasl ay
ingonthebed.
Herhandwaslight
lypl
acedonhi sandi
nthe
middleofaconver
sati
on,
thatstoppedt
hough
astheysawmeandshef umbl edup
Hi
m:Thanksy
ouf
ort
hehospi
tal
i
tyt
reat
ment
Ev
e.
Her:I
t'
swhatyoupaymefor
.Youshouldheal
soonthough,
andt
akecar
eofyoursel
f,st
ayin
bed
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lEv
e.
Hesai
dpol
i
tel
y
Ohwow
Sheheadedout,
passi
ngbymeassheoff
ereda
genui
nel
ysmilewhichIf
ail
edt
ogi
veback.
She
cl
osedthedoor.
Iwentt
ost
andbesi
dehi
m.
Me:
Drwat
s..hu?
Hi
m:She'
sbeenagr
eathel
p
Me:
I'
m sur
e..
evenonf
ir
stnamebasi
s

Hesi
ghed.
Hi
m: Areyouher
etocheckuponmeort ostart
af
ight,
cousei
fsothenIsuggestt
haty
ouleave.
Oucht
hatstung,
Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
oapol
ogi
esf
or
mycur
iosi
ty.
Me:
Okay
.
Iwasabouttoheadoutwhenthedooropened
fr
om out
sideandincamehisbrot
her.
Hi
m:Youal
readyl
eav
ing?
Me:Yourbr
otherpr
efer
s'Ev
e'her
einst
eadof
me
Reece:
AlonaInev
ersai
dthat
.
Me:
Wel
-
Ist
oppedmi
dsent
enceasIf
eltmybaby
ki
cki
ng.
Zaneputhi
shandonmyst
omach,
Idon'
tknow
whenReecegott
ometoal
sofeel
it.
Ismi
rkedt
houghasmybabyst
opped.
Reece:
Comeonbabyki
ckf
ory
ourdaddy
.
Andindeed,
Iwinceal
i
ttl
e.I
twasnol
ongercut
e
couseithur
tnow.
Hi
m:OhShi
t!
,l
etdaddyf
eel
yourbestshot
.
IheardZanechuckl
ebesi
deusasIgl
aredat
Reece.
It
ookhi
shandsof
fandwasaboutt
oleav
e
whenhepul
l
edmeback
Hi
m:Pr
incess,
I
'm sor
ryf
orsnappi
ngaty
ou.
Ishookmyhead
Suddenl
yIheardhim wi
nceasal
ookofpai
n
maskedhisfeat
ures,
hehadhi
shandonhis
shoul
der
Iqui
ckl
ywentt
ost
andbesi
dehi
m aski
ngi
fhe
wasokay.
Ihelpedhi
m si
tont
hebed,
hei
mmedi
atel
y
pinnedmedown.
"
I'
ll
leav
eyout
oit
"
Ihear
dhi
sbr
otherchuckl
eashewentout
.
Hi
m:Sor
ryf
orbei
nganAss,
Pri
ncessy
am.
Me:I
fyoutakeusoutt
omor
rowf
orshoppi
ng
t
henImightconsi
deri
t.
Hi
m:Iwoul
dbut
,Ican'
treal
l
ybeseenwi
thy
ou
i
nthi
sst
ate
Me:
Reecey
ouashamedofme?
Heshookhi
sheadashepeckedmyl
i
ps.
Him:NoPrincess.Look,i
tcouldbedangerous
fory
ouandt hebaby .YouknowI '
vegot
enemiesoutformeandt hey
'ddoany t
hingto
gett
ome, I
'
mj usttry
ingtoprotectyou.
Me: Yougoingtoprotectme.? Ti
l
lwhen
Reece,t
il
lwhenar ewegoi ngtoli
veourl
i
vesi
n
fear?Whycan' twejustbef r
eeandbeli
ke
everyothercoupl
eoutt here
Hi
m:That
'sbecausewedi
ff
erentf
rom t
hem.
Me:
Baddi
ff
erent
.
Isi
ghed
Me:
Ihat
ethi
s
Isai
dpushi
nghim of
fmeandbur
yingmyhead
underapi
ll
ow.
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Het
urnedmesoIcoul
dlookathi
m,hepi
nched
mycheek
Hi
m:Awusepi
nk(
i)
Him:LetsShopf
ory
ouonl
i
ne,
i
nLondon.I
'
llhel
p
youpick.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Hi
m:Any
thi
ngt
omakey
ouhappy
.
Ismi
l
edathi
m.
Me:Okaylat
er.Nowyouneedtot
ell
mewhat
happenedwi
ththis(
poi
nti
ngtohi
sshoul
der
)
Him:Thi
s,
najustasmallbul
letwound,
itshoul
d
heal
soonthenIit
'l
lpr
obablyscarbutI
'
lltat
too
i
t
Hetoldmeallt
hathappenedwhyhel
eftmeat
thehouseal
oneanddidn'
tcomebackandhow
hegotshot.
Me:Ifyoucouldhav eseent hewayIwasso
scar
edwhenIgott hatphonecallfrom your
brot
her,
youknow. .
Thismademet hi
nkhowI
coul
dnotlivewit
houty ou,whatitwoulddoif
youwereto..LookIdon' twantthat,ev
enifit
happensthenatleastIhav eapieceofy ou
Isai
dlooki
ngatbabybump
Me:Actual
l
yIwanttohaveall
ofy ou.Reece,
I
l
oveyouandIcan'
tbegi
ntoimaginespending
t
herestofmyli
fewit
houtyou.
Idon'twant
anyoneelsebutyou.
Iloveyou,
youandy our
perf
ectimperf
ecti
ons.YouallthatIneed.Itook
myt i
meandt houghtaboutyourproposal,
i
fit
sti
l
lstands.
.Yes.YesI'
llmar-

Andbefor
eIcouldevenfi
nish,
heki
ssedme.
Aft
erawhilehegotofft
hebedandwentt ohi
s
dr
awerandcamebackwi ththeri
ng,
gett
ingon
hi
skneesonceagain
Iwatchedasheputtheri
ngonmyfi
nger.
hegot
backupandwipedthetearsof
fmyeyesashe
ki
ssedmynose.
Hi
shandonmyst
omach.
Iwashappy
.
Hi
m:Mr
sCr
uz,
Godi
tfeel
sgr
eatal
ready
.
Hesai
dkissi
ngmeonemor
eti
mebef
orel
ayi
ng
meonthebedandwe..
.
NotEdi
ted.
[
11/
10,
18:
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Inser
t92

Iwokeupear
li
eronwhenIf el
tcol
d,
li
ke
bendi
ngombathangaotsomethi
ng.
Onlytofindmy sel
fnaked,
Reece'
sina
comf ar
tabl
eposi t
ioni
nbetweenmylegsand
current
lysofocusedonmyst omach,
hishands
placedoneithersideofi
t.
Rubbi
ngt
hesl
eepof
fmyey
es
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Him:
Ndi
ncokol
anopumpki
n(Chat
ti
ngwi
th
Pumpki
n)
Me:
Uyandi
godol
i
sa(
I'
m col
d)
Him:Phethwengumona(Youjustjel
ous).
.Okau
wherewerewe?OhIcan'twaitti
llyou
born,
daddy'
sgonnaspoi
lyourrot
ten
Isi
ghed
Hi
m:Nowar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
oki
ckf
ory
ourdad
Heasks,
wai
ti
ngf
oramoment
Hi
m:Iguessnot
.
Heplant
sakissont
habumpbef
orecomi
ng
backuptopeckmyl
ips
Hi
m:Goodmor
ningMr
sCr
uz.
Me:
Indeed,
Wor
sesomeonei
sinagoodmood
t
oday.
Him:Youcan' tbl
ameme,Lastni
ghtwas
pri
celess,andthi
smor
ningi'
m wakingupnext
tomyf iance,wit
hmybaby.
Hewi
nksatme
Icooeathi
m andhear
cheshi
sey
ebr
owup,
I
chuckl
e
Me:
Wehungr
y
Hi
m:Let
sshowerf
ir
stt
henwe'
l
lgof
or
br
eakf
ast
Af
terShower
ing,
Reecewasbyt
hebal
cony
tal
kingwit
hsomeoneont hephonewhileIsat
onthebedwithoneleguptryi
ngtolot
ionmy
feetbuti
twasalmostimpossi
ble.
Iheardhi
m chucklebehi
ndmeandIt
urnedto
glar
eathim,
raisi
nghishandupi
nsur
render
Hi
m:Letmehel
pyou
Me:
Thi
sisal
lyourf
oul
t.
Hetookthebott
leandst
art
edtol
oti
ont
hen
suddenl
yheopenedmylegsupwhil
eIl
aydown
andhiminbet
ween.
Heputmyl egoverhisshoul
derwhi
lehishands
putlot
iononmyi nnerthi
gh,
hi
shandrunni
ng
aroundmypart,
rubbingit
.
Il
etoutamoanandhesmi
rked.
Reeceknewj
ustt
her
ightbut
tonst
opr
esst
o
tur
nmeon.
.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Mybodydi
dn'
tl
ist
enasanot
heror
gasm was
aboutt
oir
rupt
.
"
Reecepl
ea-
se"
Reecewentdownonmet hreeti
mesmaking
mecum eachti
me,Nowbeingthefour
thti
meI
wasbeyondexhaust
edanditseemsli
kethe
moreibeggedhimtost
opthemor eheenjoy
ed
hi
mself
.
Hi
m:Pl
easewhatPri
ncess?Justcomeal
lov
er
mymout
h,don'
thol
diti
nleti
tgo.
Hi
shuskyv
oice
Me:
ReeceI
'
mti
red.
Ipl
eaded,f
eeli
ngmywal l
st i
ghteni
ngonce
agai
n.Hewasser i
ouslygoingt obethedeat
hof
meifhecontinuedhis'Foreplay'
asheli
kedto
cal
li
t.
Howhecanj usthikackmybodyanddo
ashepleases..
Him:Cum f
ormepr
incess.
.y
out
ast
esof
ucki
ng
good.
Hi
stonguecont
inuedt
oli
ckandsuckonmy
ver
ysensit
ivecl
i
tandwi
thonel
astl
i
ckIcame
undone.
Me:
Ugh!Reece.
Il
aidtherepant
ingwhi
l
eIt
ri
edt
ocont
rol
my
br
eathing.
Hesatuplooki
ngdownonme,
Li
cki
nghi
sli
ps
hesmir
ked.
Him:YoutastesogoodPrincess.
Ican'twai
t
unti
lI'
m deepinsi
deyouthatyouwillbe
scr
eami ngmynamel ouderthanyouwer enow.
Iwast
oot
ir
edr
ightnow.
Hetookmyhandi
nhi
spul
l
ingi
tdownt
ohi
s
har
denedpar
t
Hi
m:Thi
sishowhar
dandt
urnedy
ouhav
e.
.
..
..
..
..
..
Myey esfl
utt
eredopensl
owlythenshutagai
n
asthesunli
ghtbli
ndedme.Ifel
tsowornout
thatIknowIcouldsl
eepf
ortherestofthe
week.
Putt
ingthecov
ersov
ermyhead,
Icl
osedmy
eyesonceagai
n.
Hi
m:Iknowy
ouar
eawakepr
incess.
If
eel
thesi
deoft
hebeddi
p
Him:Alonaify
oudon' tgetupandget
somet hi
nginyourstomach,I'
m goi
ngt ohave
mywaywi thy
ouandmakey oucum somany
fucki
ngt i
mesthati'
l
l haveyouspeakingin
tongues
Si
ghi
ng,
Ipul
lthecov
ersof
fmyf
aceandgl
areat
hi
m.
Him:Nowcomeon,
let
sgetsomethi
ngtoeatf
or
youandmybaby,
youmustbehungryaf
ter
r
eleasi
ngsomanyti
mes
Me:
Stopbei
ngper
ver
tedReece.
Hechuckl
es.
Get
ti
ngup
Him:You'l
lfi
ndmeinmystudywhenyou
done,I
'
lldri
veyouhomesoyoucoul
dget
changedandwe'llv
isi
tmygran(
Grandmot
her
)
yeah?
Inod,
pecki
ngmyl
i
psIwat
chhi
m asheheads
out
Damnhi
sphy
siqueandt
het
att
oos:
p
Af
teral
lthat
.
Lat
erReecetookmet
ohi
sgrandmot
her
's
pl
ace.
Shewelcomedmewi
thopenar
msandI
wasreal
lygl
ad.
Ireall
yhadagreatti
me,Ihelpedhercookdinner
seeingasshedidn'
tknowt hatwewer ecoming
becouse'Matt
hias'
(Reece'
ssecondname)
,didn'
ttel
lher
.
Aft
erdinnerhedr
ovemehomewhi
l
ehehadt
o
gotothegang.
Get
ti
ngi
nsi
de.
Me:
Honeyi
'
m home.
Iyel
ledoutt
oOzbutinst
eadmom'
shead
peekedoutf
rom t
hekit
chen
Me:
Oh.
Mom.
Her
:Thi
ssi
debaby
.
Iwemtt
ofi
ndherbaki
ng,
ahht
hesmel
l
.Homel
y
Wecatchedup,
mot
heranddaught
er
conv
ersat
ion
Iendedupshowi nghertheri
ngandshewas
happyformet houghshefel
tReeceandIwere
bothsti
ll
youndwewer en'tr
eadyformar
ri
age.
I
tol
dherwet akingourt
imeandweknowwhat
wedoing.
Iwentupst
air
st ol
ookformybrot
herandI
foundhi
m pl
ayingpool
inhisent
ert
ainment
room.
Hi
m:Babeher
e.
Hegaveast i
cksot
hatIcouldbethesecond
pl
ayer
,Iknewhowtoplaybecousehetaughtme.
It
ookitbuthedi
dn'
tl
etgoashewasst
uck
st
ari
ngatmyhand
Hi
m:Thatbast
ardpr
opose.
Maybethi
swashi swayofsay
ing
congr
atul
ati
ons,
orhecoul
dgoandst
artaf
ight
wit
hhim.
Thei
rfr
iendshi
pwaswei
rd
Idon'
tknowwhathet
hinks.
[
11/
10,
18:
23]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t93

Hi
m:Thatbast
ardpr
oposed.
Icoul
dn'
tqui
ter
eadhi
sexpr
essi
onr
ightnow.
Thenextt
hingIknoehestor
msoutf
uri
osl
yand
Iwasbehi
ndhimt r
yingt
ostophi
m.
Me:
Ozcomeon,
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Hesl
amst
hef
rontdoorashewentout
.
"
Yint
oni
Alona"Ihear
dmom askbehi
ndme
Me:Hesawther
ingandhegotfur
ious,
Ithi
nk
he'
sgoi
ngtoReece,
mom they
'l
lfi
ght
Isai
dinar
ush
Shet
ookmyhandandwentt
osi
tmedown
Her
:Cal
m down,
you'
l
lupsett
hebaby
Me:
Butm-
Her
:SuyingenaAlonaUyamazi
uBhut'wakho
(
Don'ti
nterf
ere,
youknowhim),
Alway
st r
yingt
o
l
ookoutforyou.
Her
:Justgot
oyourr
oom andI
'l
lbr
ingyousome
muffi
nsandawarm mi
l
kshakeOkay?
Inod.
Iwenttomyroom,changi
ngtomy
ni
ghtwearbef
oreget
ti
ngunderthecov
ers.
Itookmyphone,
l
ogingi
nonf
acebookj
ustt
o
getmymindofft
hings.
Ir
epli
edtoafewchat
sbeforedeci
dingt
otake
apict
ureofmyri
ngandsentitt
oRomeo.
I
twasn'
taf
ewmi
nut
esbef
oremyphone
rang,asIputthephoneonmyeart
oanswer.I
putitawayfrom myearasRomeoletouta
scream ofexcit
ement.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iwokeupi
nthemiddl
eoft
henight
,t
hiswast
he
ti
mewhereIal
way
sgothungr
y.
Iworemygown,l
azi
lywal
ki
ngdownthest
eps
andasthel
oungecameintov
iew.
Mybr
otherandReecewer
esi
tt
ingont
hei
rown.
Acoupl
eofbeercansi
nfr
ontoft
hem,
pizza
boxesI
twasj
ustmessy.
Ij
ustshookmyheadatt
hev
iew
Me:
You'
l
lcl
eanupaf
tery
our
sel
vesr
ight?
Theybot
htur
ntol
ookatme
Theyjustignor
emeandt urnbackt
owat
ch
tv
.Okay,Iwasnotneededhere
Iheat
edsomeone'
slef
tov
ersf
rom thef
ri
dge
andwentupt
oeatinmyroom andwhenIwas
done,
Ii
mmedi
atel
yfel
lasl
eep.

Thecoupl
eofdayswentbywi
thev
ery
thi
ng
goi
ngsmoothl
y.
Ispentmostofmyt i
mewi t
hReeceandIwas
morethanhappy,
it
'srar
etogethi
sful
lat
tent
ion
andthesedayicer
tainl
yhadit
.
Wewer ecurr
ent
lycomingfr
om aphot
o
shoot
,youknowthosecoupl
esandbabybump
ki
ndofat hi
ng.
Af
tert
hat
,Ihadt
obeghi
mtogoonapi
cni
cwi
th
me.
Hemumbledallt
hewayther
ebuther
ewewer
e
any
waysett
ingupaspotweweregoi
ngt
osi
tin
Wesetupandset
tl
eddown.
Him:Ist
il
ldon'tunderst
andwhywehav etogo
outandbeseenbyt hewholetownthatwe
pi
cnicki
ng.Forme,myi mage,
it
'sreal
l
y
di
sgradi
ng.
Me:
Bei
ngwi
thmei
sdi
sgr
adi
ng?
Hi
m:Pr
incesscomeOn,
Imeanti
tli
ke.
.t
hisi
sn'
t
me
Me:Yousaidyou'
ddoanyt
hingt
omakeme
happy,t
hismakesmehappyandyouj
ustneed
toloosenup.
Isai
dgi
vi
nghi
m agr
apet
hroughmout
h.
Him: Fi
rstIhadtogot ostrawber r
yfar
m,picki
ng
them andputti
ngt hem i
nt hoseridi
cul
ous
baskets.Tookyououtoni ceskat i
ng,
youmade
megot othatCir
cuscarnival shi
t,
pai
nt
ball
i
ng( si
ghs)Icouldgoal ldayandremind
you.Nowi '
m hereonpicnic.Theeforme-.
.gang
Leaderonapi cnic:|
Ist
if
ledagi
ggl
easheshookhi
shead.
Him:
What'snext?
Maki
ngmebui
l
dai
cer
ankso
youcanbuil
dasnowman.
HeknewhowmuchIl
ovedi
ce.
Me:
Thatwon'
tbeabadi
dea.
Hi
m:Iwon'
t,
I
'm done.
Me:
Yougoi
ngt
oupsett
hebaby
.
Hescr
atchest
hebackofhi
sheaf
Hi
m: Longesti
nbetweenninemont
hsinmy
l
if
e.Whenar eyoudue?I
'v
ehadenough.
Ishr
ug
Me:
About93day
sfrom her
eIt
hink,
youst
il
l
t
her
e'sst
il
lsomuchtocome
Hi
m:Inev
ersi
gnedupf
ort
his
Me:
Nei
therdi
dI.
Hi
m:NcNcncI
'
mfu-
Hetrai
l
edoffashestuck,
looki
ngsomewhere
wit
haconfusedface.
Ifol
l
owedhisgazebutI
sawnothi
ng
Me:
Reece?
Ishookhi
m andhesnappedoutofi
t.
Me:
Whati
sit?
Hi
m:It
hinkIs-
..
Hel
ooksbackatt
hepl
ace
Hecl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
Hi
m:No,
nev
ermi
nd.
.Not
hing.
,
Hesaidrunni
nghishandonhi
sfacehi
s
supposedl
ytofocusmove.
Him:
Ihavet
omeett
hegangl
ater
,I
'
lldr
ivey
ou
homeokay?
Inod.
Backonthedri
vehome,
IcouldseeReece'
s
mindwassomewhereel
se,l
ikesomethi
ngwas
di
str
act
inghim
Me:
Arey
ousur
ethaty
ouf
ine?
Hi
m:Yes.
Me:
Butsincewecamef
rom t
hepar
k,y
ouseem
t
obequiet.
Heshookhi
sheadchuckl
i
ngal
i
ttl
e
Hi
m:Ijustcamef r
om api
cni
c,Ijustcan'
tbel
iev
e
i
t.
Thatplaceisoutofmycomf ortzone,
Inev
er
t
houghti'
dbet heonetogo.
I
twasqui
etf
orawhi
l
e
Me:
YouknowIknowy
oul
yi
ngr
ight?
Hepar keout
sidethegate,asInowsawalotof
carsparkedbutthatdi
dn'tcatchmyat
tenti
on
ri
ghtthen.
Hesi
ghed
Hi
m:Al
onapl
easej
ustdr
opi
t.
Me:
Wh-
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Me:
OkayFi
ne.
Iopenedt
hedoort
ogetoutbuthehel
dme
back.
Hi
m:Youmadatme?
Ishr
ugged,heputt
heti
pofhisf
ingerundermy
chi
ntoturnmet ol
ookathi
m andhest ar
ted
ki
ssi
ngme.
Hi
m:Letmewal
kyoui
nsi
de.
AsIopenedt
hedoor
Ihear
dashout/
scr
eam of"
Supr
ise"
,Asupr
ise
babyshower
.
Mybrot
hercameupandwal
kedoutwi
thReece
say
ingt
heywe1ehavi
ngt
hei
rownpart
y.
Reeceki
ssedmycheekast
heywentout
.
OH,
thi
spl
acewaspacked,
thi
swasgoi
ngt
obe
al
ongday
.
[
11/
10,
18:
23]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t94

Babyshower
Af
ter
.
Thatni
ght
,Iwassot
ir
edl
i
kei
hav
ebeenr
anup
byatry
ck.
AsIsai
dbef
oret
hepl
acewaspacked,
Idon'
t
knowwhenRomeogothol dofmyphonebut
somehowhemanagedt oevengetsomeofmy
highschoolfri
endst oattend,i
twaslikea
highschoolreunion.Lotsofpresentswerestil
li
n
myr oom,IdidopensomeandIgotbaby
stuff,
socuteitbroughtmet otears.
Eventhough
Igotsomest uffthatIalr
eadyhadseei ngasI
havewentf orbabyshoppi ngwithmy
brother,
butIdidn'tmind.Themor ethemer r
ier
.
Theguestroomswer eoccupiedalsobecouse
someofmyf r
iendsaskedf orasleepover,
they
l
ivedaboutaf ewhour sawaysot heyleavi
ng
thefol
l
owingmor ning.
I
Twasi ntheMi
ddl
eofthenightwhennIhear
d
aknockonmybedroom door
,i
twasso
di
stur
bing
Gr
oani
nginf
rust
ati
onf
orbei
ngwokenupf
rom
mysl
eep.
Igotupandworemysleeper
sthatwer
ebesi
de
thebednotbot
her
ingt
owearagownov ermy
sl
eepwear.Iopenedthedoortofi
ndReece
l
eaningonthedoorfr
amehi sheadbowed
downandhishandsoneithersi
deofhis
pocket
s.
Hisbl
oodshoteyesmeeti
ngmine,
hewasdr
unk
ansmell
edstr
onglyofal
cohol
Hi
m:Pr
incess
Heslur
redoutashewal
kedi
nandal
mostl
ost
bal
ance.
I'
veneverseenhi
mt hi
sdrunk,
itwasmyf i
rst
anditki
ndagotmecur i
ous.Heusuall
yhavea
glassortwowheneverhe'
sstressed.
Acoupl
e
ofbeerswithhi
sfr
iend.
Nowhowmanydi dhe
consume?
Hedrapedhisarm ov
ermyshoul
der
,pl
aci
ngmy
handonhiswaisttotr
yhel
phi
m wal
k.Hedidn'
t
puthi
sweightonme.
Ihel
pedhimtobedashequi
ckl
ycoll
apsedon
thebedandcl
osedhi
seyest
ir
edly
Itakeoffhi
sshoes,
taki
nghisshi
rtof
fandIwas
abouttounbut
tonthejeanswhenhepull
edme
tohim.
Wewouldbefacet
ofacebutt
hent
here'
sthi
s
hugebabybumpst
andi
ngontheway.
Ilayonhisside,
heki
ssedmeandIcoul
dtast
e
thealcohol
ont het
ipofmyt
onguebutidi
dn'
t
mi nd.
Ipul
l
edaway
.
Me:
Let
'
sjustsl
eep,
I
'm sur
eyout
ir
ed.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou
Heturnedal
soonhi
ssi
de,
hi
shandsnaki
ng
undermydresst
opl
acei
tonmybump.
Herol
ledt
hedressall
upt
oexposei
tthenhe
st
art
edtal
kingt
oit.
Iwai
tedandwai
tedt
il
lhepassedout
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Iwokeupal
mosti
ntheaf
ter
noont
hef
oll
owi
ng
day
,Idi
dsl
eept
ir
edaf
teral
l
Reecewasn'tbesideme.Igotupbli
ndlyand
bumpedi nt
ot heboxesont hef
loor
,Igr
umbled
profani
ti
esundermybr eathasImademyway
tothebathr
oom. Ididmymor ni
ng
routi
ne,
wearingagowov erandwentt othe
kit
chentogetbr eakf
asy.
Fi
ndingmybrot
herandmyf
iance,
goti
tfel
t
goodcal
li
nghimthat
.
Theywer
ehungov
er.
Reecewor eonl
yhisj eans,noshi
rtandhehad
hisheadburi
edont heki t
chencount erwhi
l
ehe
satonthehighchairs.Mybr ot
her,
onlyonhis
bri
efssi
tti
ngonthecount erbesi
deReecewi t
h
hisonelegupwhilet heotherhangingdown.
Meli
ssawasbyt
hest
ovet
ryi
ngt
omake
br
eakfast
.
Ishookmyhead.
Oz:
Man.
Remi
ndmenott
oev
erdr
ingal
cohol
agai
n,
I'
m donewi
thi
t.
Heshut
shi
sey
escl
osedt
ryi
ngt
oregai
nacl
ear
si
ght
.
Reece:Sur
e,andI
'
llbef
atherchr
ist
masnext
chr
istmas.
Oz:
YouknowIbl
amey
ou,
youowemef
ort
aki
ng
t
hose20Shoot
ers
Igr
imaced
Reece:
Notnow
Me:Wer
eyouguy
str
yingt
oki
l
lyour
sel
vesor
what?
Theyt
ensedathear
ingmyv oi
ce.Tryi
ngtolook
atme,
theycoul
dn'
tevenopentheireyesf
ully
.
Iwashotont heirearst
hroughoutthe
breakfasyandmom cameandj oi
nedmeand
l
et'sjustsayt
hisisthemorningtheywi
ll
nev
er
forget.
Af
terbr
eakf
ast
,Iwaswi
thReecei
nmyr
oom
..
wellhewast
aki
ngacol
dshoweri
nthe
bat
hroom
Hecameoutinhisnakedgl
oryandIqui
ckl
y
shi
eldedmyeyes
Me:
GeezReece,
youcoul
dhav
eat
leastwr
apped
at
owel
Him:I
t'
snothi
ngyouhaven'
tseenbef
ore
baby,
anywayYou'l
lbewaki
nguptothi
sever
y
morningsogetusedtoi
t.
Hesaidcol
l
apsingonthebed,
holdi
ngmefr
om
behi
ndandIcouldfeel
hisguypoki
ngme
Igotupandyel
pedinsupri
secouseIwasn'
t
expect
ingi
t,
hebur
stoutlaughi
ng.
Him:
Lookprincess,
Ineedy
out
ofindmeaset
ofcl
othesandmyshadesontheboot
h
Me:
Whydoy
ouev
enkeepcl
othesi
ntheboot
h
Hi
m:Iusedt
o-.
.y
ouknowwhenIcomef rom t
he
war
ehouseI
'dbeal
lbloodysoi'
dgetr
idof
t
hem andweart
hecleanerset
.Nowpl
easegoI
r
eal
l
yneedt
oleav
e,Lov
e.
Fol
dingmyar
mst
omychest
Me:
Idi
dn'
tsendy
ououtt
ogetdr
unk,
yougoget
t
hem
Hi
m:YouknowIhav
esensi
ti
veey
es.Iev
ensai
d
pl
ease.
.
•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
Lat
er
Iwasinthenewnur seyroom thatmybrother
hadmadef orthebaby.Asapresentfrom hi
m,it
wasbreatht
akingl
ybeautif
ull
ydesigned,
hemi sy
havesurespentAlot.
Ial
sogott
hesamef
rom Reeceonl
yinhi
s
house.
Ev
eryonehadleftear
li
eronandnowi wason
myownbor edsoIdecidedt
ofi
nishopeni
ngmy
pr
esents.
Iwashal
fwayt
hrough,
Aredmedi
um box
coughtmyeye.
Itwasbeuti
ful
l
yil
l
ust
rat
edt
hatI
wasev enmor
ecurious.
Openingit
,asmall
glassf
ramewi
thabul
l
et
pl
asteredi
ntoit
Anot
eat t
ached.
"CAN'
TWAI
T,i
'
LLGROOM
THEM EVENBETTER"
I
thaddr
iedoutbl
ood.
[
11/
10,
18:
23]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t96

TheNot
e.

Icall
edReeceimmedi
atel
yseei
ngasIcoul
dn'
t
reachmybrother
.
Hedi
dcomeandIwast
ednot
imei
nshowi
ng
hi
mit
.
Iwatchedashetookthepieceofpaperfr
om
me,f
urrowi
nghiseyebrowsbutnotinconfusi
on
moreliker
ecogni
ti
on.
Het
racedt
hepaperwi
tht
het
ipofhi
sfi
nger
Heshookhi
sheadandmur
mur
edsomet
hingI
coul
d9l
tqui
etcat
ch
Me:
Reece?
Hi
m:Someonei
str
yingt
oscar
eyou
Me:Whoev
eriti
stheni
ssucceedi
ng,
whatar
e
yougoi
ngtodo?
Hisl
ipf
ormedathi
nli
ne.Si
ghi
ng,
het
ookmy
headsi
tt
ingmedownonthebed
Hi
m:Ineedt
otel
lyousomet
hing
Inod,
tel
l
inghi
mtopr
oceed
Hi
m:I
t'
sbeenawhi
l
enow
Hest
art
edt
osay
.
Him: Latelyyouhav eseenmebusy ,
thi
nki
ng
thatI'
m wi ththegang-Act ual
l
yIhavebeen.
But
notwor kingwi t
hitInst
eadWor ki
ngtogetout
ofit.
I'
vebeensi gningalotofpaper
s,madea
vow.I'
m happyt osayIhav emanagedt ost
ay
outoftr
ouble.
Ihavestart
edthepr
ocesslong
agoandit'
snotdoney etseei
ngasitwi
ll
takes
awhile,
butI
'l
lgett
here.
I'
m worki
ngmor eont helegi
ti
mat ebussinesses
ofmine.I
'
m doingthisforyou,
thebaby .
.t
ost art
onacleanslat
e,t
ot r
yt henormalli
fethough
thati
salmostimpossibletohavet hatwit
hme.
Lookyouwor t
heverything,
butIcan'tj
eopardise
thi
snow,I'
vecomet hisfarpri
ncessIcan'tgo
back.
Itwassil
entasItookinwhathe
said,
Somethi
ngInev ert
houghtI
'
dhearcomi
ng
from hi
m.Quit
ti
ngt heli
fe.
Wrappi
ngmyar
msar
oundhi
stor
so,
bri
ngi
ng
hi
mi nahug
Ipeckedhi
sli
ps
Me:Iunderst
andandI'
m sopr
oudofyou,
I
coul
dn'taskforabet
termant
ofat
her,my
baby.
.you'
rethebest
Hi
m:Yeah?
Inod.
Si
ghi
ng
Me:
I'
l
lthepol
i
cet
hen
Hi
m:It
hinkt
hat
'sbestf
ornow.
Me:Thosedummieswi l
lsur
etaketheirti
me,but
anywayshoul
dbewar nedthati
fsomet hi
ng
happenstome,t
hey'
l
lknowIhadacr eeper
Him:Pri
ncessIwon'tl
etany
thi
nghappent
o
you,
I'
l
lbeforcedt
otakematter
sonmyown
handify
oudon'tgethel
p.
.
.

Iwasi
ntheki
tchenwi
thReece.
Maki
ngChickem t
highSosati
eswit
hCol
esl
aw
t
ogowith.
Al i
ghtandSimpl
eddish.
Him:
Soisthereanyt
hingel
sey
oudon'
thav
e
andmightneedfort
hebaby?
Ishookmyhead
Me:
Notanyt
hatIcant
hinkof
Hi
m:Youl
etmeknow.
Me:
Whataboutt
hebabyname?
Hi
m:I
t'
sPumpki
n
Ipunchedhi
sshoul
derplay
ful
l
y,whi
chended
wit
hmehur t
ingmyself
Me:
Arey
oumadeoutofst
eel
orsomet
hing?
Iaskedi
nannoy
ance
Hi
m: Ithoughty
ouknewyou'
dnevereverget
vi
olentwithme,I
tonl
ybr
ingsyoupai
n.
Hesmir
kedandIsul
ked,
giv
ingmeapeckon
t
heli
ps
Me:Onaseriousnot
ethoughweneedt
othi
nk
ofbabynames.
Hi
m:Sur
ebutf
ornowl
et'
seatI
'
m hungr
y.
Af
terwehadear
lydi
nnerIpackedmyov
erni
ght
bagaf
tert
exti
ngmybr ot
hert
ell
i
nghi
mthatI
'
m
sl
eepi
ngoveratReece.
Pi
ckingafewsnacksfr
om hi
skit
chenwewent
uptohisr
oom tocuddl
einbed.
Me:
She'
l
lbebeut
if
ull
i
kehermot
her
Hi
m:Whosai
dit
'saShe?
Me:
I'
mthemot
herandIcanf
eel
it
Hi
m:I
t'
saboy
Me:
Not
-
Hi
m:I
s
Me:
Not
Hi
m:What
everbutt
hebabywi
l
llookl
i
keme
Me:
We'
l
lsee.
Hi
m:Af
tert
hisonewedoi
nganot
heroneeh?
Hewi
ggl
edhi
sey
ebr
ow
Me:
Howmanychi
l
drendoy
ouwant?
Hi
m:Awhol
esoccert
eam
Igl
areathi
m andhechuckl
es.
.
..
I
nthemi ddleofthenightIwaswokenupby
Reece'
sringingphonw.
Rubbingthesl
eepfr
om myey es,
Iyawnand
star
tlooki
ngonthesideoft
hebed,itwasempt
y
andIstartl
ooki
ngaround
Iseehi
m st
uckatt
hedoorasIhav
ecoughthi
m
comingi
n.
HewasAl ldr
essedup,OnlythenInot
icedhe
wasn'tsleepi
ngnexttomeal lthi
swhileinst
ead
hesneakedouti mmediatelywhenIclosedmy
eyes,
sleepovert
akingme..that'
swhenhet ook
hi
schance
Hemur mur
ed'Shit
'underhi
sbreat
hashehas
gott
encoughtbecouseofthel
oudringi
ng
phone
Hetooki
tout,
star
ingatt
hescr
eenwi
thoutany
meanstoanswerit
Me:
Phendul
aiPhoneReece(
Answer
)
Heshookhi
shead
Hi
m:Noti
mpor
tant
Me:Whocal
lsi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
,i
fitai
n'
t
t
hati
mport
ant?
Him:Nopei
t'
snot
,Di
dIwakey
ouup?I
'
m sor
ry
baby
Hesaidwal
ki
nguptometopeckmyl
i
psbutI
t
urnedmyheadt
olookaway
Me:
Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom att
hist
ime?
Hi
m:Ij
ustwentoutf
orf
reshai
r
Isnor
ted
Me:Andyouwai t
edtil
lIf
ell
Asleepwhichwas3
hoursago(Af
terChecki
ngtime)andyoucome
backinsneakl
y
Hi
m:It
oldy
-
Me:Webothknowyounott
ell
i
ngt
het
rut
h,Ar
e
youcheat
ingonme?
Hi
m:NoI
'
m not
Me:
Ical
lbul
l
shi
t!
I
twassi
l
entf
oramoment
,Ishoul
dn'
thav
e.
Hi
m:Ut
hini
?(Whatwast
hat?
)
Heaskedtaki
ngastepcl
oser
.Iswal
l
owed
ner
vousl
yasIshutmymouth
Hi
m:Ar
ewehav
ingaf
ightAl
ona?
Heaskedinhi
sdeepv
oicesol
owt
hatIal
most
di
dn'
thearhi
m.
[
11/
10,
18:
23]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t96

Reece:
Arewehav
ingaf
ightAl
ona?
Heaskedinhi
sdeepv
oicesol
owt
hatIal
most
di
dn'
thearhi
m.
Gul
pingner
vousl
y.
Heknewbet
tert
hant
otrytohi
tmerightnow,
I
knewhewoul
dn'
thewasjustt
ryi
ngt
oscareme
r
ightnowandi
twasact
ual
l
ywor
king.
Walki
ngpasthi
m bumpi
nghi
sshoul
deron
pur
pose.
Iwenti
ntothebat
hroom t
otakeashoewer
,I
j
ustneededitt
ocoolmeoff.
It
'sbeenaWhil
enowsit
ti
ngundert he
shower.
Let
ti
ngthewat
errunfrom myheadt
o
mybodyasIsatdownmiserablyhuggi
ngmy
l
egst omychest
.
Thewat erwasnowrunni
ngcoldbutIdidn'
t
mind.Ij
ustfel
temot
ionalandwas
cr
ying,watchi
ngmytear
sblendinablurwit
hthe
water.
Suddenl
ytheshowercurt
ainopened,
Ij
ustknew
i
twasReecesoIdidn'tbot
hertolookup.
Swit
chi
ngt hetapoff
,Hej
ustgoti
nfull
ydressed
andhedidn'tmindbei
ngwetashepickedme
upbri
dal
y
Wr
appi
ngmei
nat
owel
ashewentout
.
Gentl
ypl
acingmeont hebed,heconti
nuedt
o
wipemedry,hel
oti
onedmet hendressedmein
myundergarment
sbeforeputti
ngononeofhis
T-
shir
ts.
Hestr
uggl
edtoti
emyhairbutf
inall
ygotthe
hangofi
tandIal
mostwantedt
ol augh.
Tucki
ngmei
nbed
Hegoti
nbehindmeaf
terchangi
ngoutofhis
owncl
othes,
Cuddl
i
ngmetil
lifel
lasl
eepagai
n.
Wakingupinthemorning,
smel
l
ingasweetfai
nt
aromaofpancakesorwasiswaff
les,
Idon'
t
knowbutitmademyt ummygrumble.
Iwenttothebathr
oom todomymor ning
rout
ineweari
ngmysleepersandwentout .
Checkingmyselfi
ntheful
llength
mirr
or,
Reece'
snavybluet-
shirtcover
ingupmy
hands,
itwasthatl
ongbutimanagedt or
oll
it
up.
Goi
ngi
ntheki
tchen,
fi
ndi
ngReecesi
tt
ingont
he
conterchairwi
thhislaptop.
Heari
ng"He'
llnever
change,whateverhappensdon'tl
ethi
m contr
ol
youagain,don'
tlethi
m getinsi
deyourheadand
tur
ny oubacktow- ,
Shast opped,i
twasReece'sgranny.Ijust
i
nterruptedthem,wel
lidi
dn'tknowt hatshewas
goingtobeher eearl
yinthemor ning.
Ohwel lI
shouldatleastworeappropri
ately
,atleasta
gownont hi
s.
Point
ingbackwar
dwi
thmyt
humbasIt
ooka
fewstepsbacks.
Her
:No-y
oucomein,
Imadebr
eakf
astspeci
all
y
f
oryouandmygr
andchi
ld.
Shesaidsmi
l
li
nggenui
nel
y,
Shewasr
eal
l
y
pret
ty.
Hi
m:Ma,
whataboutme?
Her:
Idon'
tcare,
I
'm surey
oudon'tev
encookf or
heryoumakeherdot hecooki
ngwhileseei
ng
hersit
uat
ion.
Hi
m:That
'sn-
Her:
Shutupanddon'
tyoudar
ebackchatme
Youngman.
Shesmackedhi m ontheshoul
derl
astlyandI
giggl
edasHer ubbedonthespotpouting
l
ightl
y.
Youseeanot hersi
deofReecewhenhe
waswi t
hHer ,
asi deyouwouldhavethoughthe
had,Headoredherandhewassocar efree.Wi
th
me,hejustt
ried.
Shet
ookmyhandandsatmedown.
Her
:Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Shelookedmestrai
ghtinmyReddishpuf
fy
eyesbefor
etur
ningtolookatReece.
Her
:Whatdi
dyoudo?
Openi
nghi
smout
handcl
osi
ngi
tshutagai
n
Her
:Act
ual
l
yitdoesn'
tmat
ter
,Apol
ogi
se
Hesighed,
comingt
okneelbef
oreme,
taki
ngmu
handstohisandki
ssi
ngtheback
Hi
m:IknowIwaswr
ongandI
'
m sor
ry.
Hesaidpol
i
tel
y,
Iglar
edathi
m shor
tyl
try
ingt
o
sayt
hatIwasn'
tdonewit
hhim
Me:
Okay
.
Hegotuppeckingmycheekandsi
tt
ingbesi
de
mewhil
eint
ertwini
ngourf
inger
s
.
..
Lat
eronwedecideonhav i
ngami ni
bri
e
outsi
de.
Itwast
hethreeofusbutnowwith
Zanewit
hKhayone,MybrotherandRomeo.
Reecedr
ovehi
sgr
andmot
herhomel
ateron
Theguy
sandIsati
nsi
de.
IhadKhay
oneontopofmeaswelayont
he
couch.
Hebumpedhi
sheadupanddownonmy
bumpnowandthen.
Istoppedhi
m hol
dinghi
mtomysi debuthe
tr
ashedout,
Ruff
li
nghishai
rasIchuckl
ed
Me:
Lit
tl
etr
oubl
erer?
Isai
dasIgotuphandi
nghimtomybr
other
whil
eIwentt
othekit
chenwit
hRomeotothe
ki
tchensot
hatIcoul
dcookpapt
ogowiththe
meat
Hegawkedatt
hedesi
gnoft
heki
tchen
Hi
m:Wow.
Youl
i
vingt
hedr
eam
Me:Yeah,
what
ever
.Sot
ell
mewhat
'
supwi
thy
ou
l
atel
y?
Hi
m:Fami
l
ythat
'swhat
.
Wipi
ngmyuhandscleanaft
eriwashed
t
hem.Tur
ningt
olookathistr
oubl
edface
Me:
Whathappened?
Him:Dadfeel
sl i
keI'
mt oomuchofaweakli
ng
asIhaveneverbroughtagi
rlhome.
Hedecided
tohookmeupwi t
hhisbusi
nesspar
tner
's
doi
ghterandIfeelsomearr
agementcoming.
Me:
Ithoughth-
Hi
m:Hedoesn'
tknowt
hatI
'
m gay
,onl
ymymom
doesandshedeci
dedtokeepqui
et.
Youdon'
t
knowwhatwouldhappeni
fhefoundout
.
Idi
dn'
tknowhowt ocomf
rothi
m ei
thert
han
gi
vi
nghim ahug,
Me:
Youst
opall
thi
sbefor
eitgoest
oof
ind,
fi
nd
awayt
oappr
oachitandt
ellt
hem.
Hi
m:Okay
.
Af
tercooki
ngweoursepar
eteway
s.
Iwaswi
thReecei
nbedandbesi
kekal
ali
.
Ihadmybacktohi
m whi
lehischi
nwasrest
ed
onthecr
ookofmyneckpeekingatme.
Ifel
thishandcreepi
ngupmyt hi
gh,
going
furt
hertotouchmypart
,Ihel
dhishandandt
ook
i
tout .
Hi
m:YhoAl
ona.
Me:
Youl
eav
emeal
one
Hi
m:Youst
il
lmad,
Isai
diwassor
ry
Me:
For?
Hi
m:Whaty
oumadatmef
or?
Me:
Lyi
ng.
Hi
m:I
-
Him:
LastnightIhadt
omeetwithsomeguy
whosekeepingatagatmyf
ather.
Hetol
dme
he'
soutfr
om Jail.

Notedi
ted.
[
11/
10,
18:
23]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t97

Thatdayaft
erReecei
nfor
medmeabouthi s
fat
her.
Ili
vedmylif
eonthelookout
.Iwasn'
t
eagert
omeett hemanespecial
l
ygivenhi
spast
.
Iwascurrent
lysatandi
nfr
ontofmewasmy
l
aptopasi l
ookedupjobstot
akenexty
earon
thei
nter
net.
Iwasst
il
latReece'
shouseandi
t'
sbeenafew
hour
ssi
ncehewentout,l
eavi
ngmeallby
myselfbor
edt
heni
deci
dedt
opasst
imewi
th
t
his.
Wheni gott
ir
edofl
ookingatt hescr
een,I
deci
dedtomakemy sel
fmilkshakeand
spri
nkl
edsomesprinkl
esont opbeforegoing
backtothel
ounge
If
oundReecesqui
nti
nghiseyesonthescr
een
l
ooki
ngatthel
aptopprobabl
yreadi
ngover
Me:
Oyouback.
Het
urnedt
olookatme,
het
hrewhi
scarkey
s
ont
hetabl
e.
Hi
m:Youl
ooki
ngf
orwor
k?
Heaskedi
nanotsohappyway.
Inodbefor
e
goi
ngtosi
tdownandcl
osingmylapt
op
Hi
m:Why?
Il
ookupathi
minconf
usi
on
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanWhy?
Hi
m:Youf
eel
li
kei
can'
tpr
ovi
def
ory
ouorwhat?
Me:Reecestopmaki ngevery
thingabouty ou.
I
needtomakemy self,
educat
ionusef ul.
Iwentro
school,
Graduatedandgotmydegr eenowwhy
wouldIwast emyf ami l
y'
seffort
stoj ustsi
t
aroundandbecomeahousewi f
e?Iwantt o
workandbeabl etoalsoprovideforthem,to
maket hem proud.Ican'
tbedependantony ou
oranyonefort herestofmyl i
fe.
Hi
m:I
t'
stoosoon,
whataboutt
hebaby?
Me:Iwontbet
hef
ir
stonet
owor
kandt
akecar
e
ofababy
Him:
Anewborn,
Ourf
ir
stbabyAl
onahe'
l
lneed
ourf
ull
att
ent
ion.
Ishr
ug
Me:
I'
l
lcope.
Hi
m:You'
l
lcope?
Alonay
ou'
l
lnotf
uckennegl
ect
mybaby.
Me:Iwon'
t.
LookIt
hinkI
'
m per
fect
lycapabl
eof
doi
ngthsi
.
Hi
m:Youst
opbei
ngsel
fi
sh.
Me:
Sel
fi
sh?
Him:Yes.
Nowyougonnast
ayputandtakecar
e
ofthebabyt
henwhenyoufi
tenoughmaybe
youcanstar
twor
king
Me:
It
'snoty
ourdeci
siont
omake.
Hi
m:Don'
ttr
ymeAl
ona.
Ifuri
ousl
ygotupandpackedmyst
uffaway
beforeheadi
ngupst
air
s.
Hi
m: Don'
tyouf
uckendar
ewal
kawayf
rom me
whi
lsti
'mtal
ket
oy ou.
Ii
gnor
edhi
m.
Hi
m:Al
ona.
Idi
dn'
tst
op
SuddenlyIfel
tagri
ponmyarm,
turni
ngme
abrupt
lythatIl
osthol
dofmyl
aptopandi
thi
t
thefl
oor
Me:
LetgoofmeIhear
dyoucl
ear
lyReece,
You'
l
l
hav
ethel
astIgeti
t.
Ipul
l
edmyar
m outofhi
sandcont
inuedmy
wayup.
Iwentt
otakeanapsoIcoul
dkeepmy
sel
f
cal
m.
Iwokeupl aterontogot othekit
chentostar
t
cookingdinneronlyReecebeatmet oitasI
foundhim sweatinghisassoffonthestove.
He
waswi thmybr ot
herwhohadabowl of
popcornsandabeeront heside,
wit
habor ed
expressi
onashewat chedhisfri
endcook
Iwal
kedt
ohi
m,huggi
nghi
mfr
om behi
nd
Me:
It
'sgoodt
oseey
ou.
Him:Real
l
y,don'
tactl
i
key
oumi ssmewheny ou
haven'
twentbackhomeforawhil
eoratl
east
cal
ledme.
Heshr
uggedmeof
fashet
ri
edt
olookser
ious
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
I'
vebeenbusy
.
Hi
m:Wi
thwhat
?Taki
ngcar
eofshi
tf
ace.
Hesaiddi
rect
inghi
sey
esatReecewhowas
gl
ari
ngathim.
Me:No,andy
oucal
lhi
mthat
.Ah.
.I
'
vebeenj
ob
hunt
ing.
Hi
m:That
'
sgood
Hesai
dgivi
ngmeasi
dehug.
Atl
eastsomeone
washappy
.
Hi
m:ButIsti
l
ldon'
tl
iket
haty
ouspendt
imewi
th
hi
minsteadofme.
Hepl
ayf
ull
yscowl
ed
Me:
Youdon'
thav
eti
mef
ormey
oual
way
sbusy
.
Hi
m:Tr
uei
'
m al
way
sawaybut
'
Me:
Nobut
s.
Him:Istil
ldon'tt
hinkhe'
sgoodfory
ou.
It
'sapi
ty
thathe'sgoingtobemybr ot
herinl
aw,
youcan
sti
llchangey ourmindbabe.
Reece:
YouknowI
'
m st
il
lher
eyoushi
t.
Me:
Youguy
spl
easedon'
tst
art
.
Isai
dgoi
ngov
ert
ocheckwhatReecewas
cooki
ng.
Aft
erweatedinner
,Mybr
otherlef
tandReece
andIdeci
detohaveanearl
ynight
Wet al
kedoutourear
li
erar
gumentsowewer
e
good.
Iwassnuggl
eduponReeceandhedi
dn'
twant
tol
etgoasIsuddenl
yhadanur
getogopee.
Aft
ersomethreat
ningheletgoandIquickl
y
walkedt
othebathroom.Nothi
ngcameout ,
thi
s
gotmeconfusedbecouseIwassurethatI
wantedt
opee
AsIwalkedbacki
ntother
oom,Ist
opped
midwayasIfel
tli
qui
drundownmyl egs.
Onl
ythenev
ery
thi
ngcl
i
cked
Me:
Mywat
erj
ustbr
oke.
Hi
m:Whatwat
er?
Iwassi
l
ent
.
Het
urnedt
olookatmesoqui
ck.
Hi
m:Hol
yhel
l
Me:
Don'
tfr
eakoutReece
Hi
m:Hol
yfucki
nghel
l
Me:
Reece
Hi
m:Hol
yShi
t!
Wehadahardti
meget
ti
ngt
ot hehospi
tal
becousewewer
ear
gui
ngal
ltheway.
[
11/10,18:
23]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t97-
Conti
nued

IthoughtwhenIgottherei'
dbetakenintothe
room togivebir
thbutunfor
tunat
elymybaby
wasn'tready.
HereIwaspacingont hehospit
al
cor
ri
dor
Ihadremov
edanysor
tofcl
othi
ngIhad,
Iwas
weari
ngonl
yasati
ngowncauseIwasreal
l
y
hot.
Reecehadwentoffsomewher
eaf
terhecal
l
ed
somerelat
ives.
Hecameuptomehehadacupofcof eeanda
pl
ast
iccupwit
hwatert
hathadi
ce,
Iglaredupat
hi
m andIsawwor
rywrit
tenonhi
sfeatures.
Me:
Wat
er?
Amanzi
Reece?
Igr
it
tedthr
oughmyt
eeth,
Isl
appedt
hecup
awayfr
om meandwatchedt
hewaterspi
l
lout
Me:I'
mi npainri
ghtnow,becouseof
you(Di
gging/point
ingmyf i
ngeronhis
chest)
thisisyourfaul
t,
It
'sal
lyourfault!And
youhav ethenervetogivemewat er!Freaki
ng
waterReece? Yougot ohell
withit
.
Thewaterpartseemedtoaggr
avat
eme
more.
Reecejustlookedatmei
nconfusi
on.
Isohatedhimri
ghtnow.Istar
tedhi
tt
inghi
m on
hischesrusi
ngmyfist
s,heseemedunaff
ected.
Iscr
eamedprof
ani
ti
est
ell
i
nghum howmuchi
t
washisf
aul
t.
WhenIwast
akeni
nbecouset
heyf
eltl
i
keIwas
r
eady.
Igavebirt
ht omybabyandIt houghti
twasal
l
overthen,
until
thenursesai
dinthemost
cal
mestv oicethatt
here'
sanotherheadcomi
ng.
Ha!
Iwaspushi ngandpushingandal l
whi l
elongI
squezeedReece'shandt hatwasholdingmine
unti
litbecamepale.
he'l
l
l beluckyifIdon'
t
breakhisbones
I
twashi
sfaul
t,
that
'swhatIscr
eamedt
hrough
out
.
[
11/
10,
18:
23]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t98
Themachinei
nt heDrroom wasnotaccur
ate
becousewedidn'tknowthatt
heweretwounti
l
aft
erthef
ir
stbabywasbor n

Thelabourwasextr
emelyshortanddif
fi
cul
t
wit
hinanhourthebabieswereborn,
Iwentf
rom
Experi
enci
ngminimalpaint
oextremepainwit
h
l
it
tleti
met oadj
ust
.

Iwokeupi npainthef ol
l
owingmor ning,
i
tfelt
l
okei'vebeensleepi
ngf ordayswithoutwaking
up.Ihadahar dti
meadj usti
ngmyey estothe
l
ightbutifi
nall
ygott hehangofit
.Itri
edsit
ting
up,
butIstart
edhur t
ingandsoalmostwent
beckdownbutReecehel pedmeupandt osi t
.
Hehel
pedmedr
inkwat
er.
Clear
ingmyt
hroat
Me:
Wher
ear
ethey?
Myv
oicecameoutsmal
landr
aspy
Hi
m:I
nthehospi
tal
nur
sey
.Theyar
eper
fect
ly
f
ine.
Inod
Me:
Gir
ls?
Heshookhi
sheadwi
thahugegr
in
Him:
Boy
s,I
dent
ical
twi
nIcan'
tev
ent
ell
them
apar
t
Igr
oanedatthet
houghtt
hatt
heywer
eboy
s
andhechuckl
ed.
Him:
Youalmostscaredmewheny oubl
acked
outy
est
erday,
IthoughtIwasgonnal
oseyou
Me:
Why?
Hi
m: I
nmostcasewomanar en'
tst
rongenough
af
tergiv
ingbi
rt
hsotheyendupgivi
ngout
Hesi
ghed
Me:
GuessI
'
m st
rongert
hen.
Henod
Hi
m:Thanky
ou.
Heki
ssedt
hebackofmyhand.
Me:
For?
Him:Fort
hem,bestgif
tev
er.
Ipromise,
I'
l
lal
way
s
betheref
oryouguy s.
Ndi
phi
l
elaninango.
Hewasabouttosaysomet
hingwhenthedoor
bustopenandi
ncamemybr ot
her
,f
oll
owedby
mymom
Shesmackedhi
sback.
Her
:Ukr
wada!
Iwat
chedashepout
ed
Her
:Babyy
ouawake.
Shecameupt
ohugme.
Her
:Howdoy
ouf
eel
?
Me:
Drai
nedoutandst
il
li
npai
nbuti
'
llbef
ine
Her
:Theyt
ell
mey
oudi
dgoody
est
erday
.
Me:
Itr
ied.
Iof
fer
edasmal
lsmi
l
e.
Anursecamei nlat
eron,
hol
dingwhatI
'
m
guessingmybundlesofj
oysonher
arms,wrappedi
nbabybluef
urbabywraps.
Iopenedupmyar mstot
akethem,
Ist
ruggl
edto
hol
dt hem bothbutmom hel
pedmeoutunti
lI
fel
tcomfortable.
Iawedatthei
rpi
nkfaces,
darkbushycur
ls,
Tiny
hands,
Swoll
enandpuffyey
esandReddishtiny
l
ips
Godt
heywer
eador
abl
e.
Ifel
tconnect
edtothem i
nstant
ly,
Ifel
tReece'
s
handwipeatearfr
om myf ace.
Oz:
Doubl
ethet
roubl
edoubl
ethemi
schi
ef.
Mom:
Deci
dedonanynamesy
et?
Ishookmyheadwhi
l
eReecenod
Him:Secondnames..
Carnell
oandOt hel
l
o.The
youngeroneisCar
nell
oandt heOlderoneis
Othel
lowhichmeansprosperouse,t
hatone
camef r
om mygrandmot her
.I
'l
lexpl
aintoyou
l
ater
.
Me:
Il
iket
hem.
Ismi
l
edupathi
m
Me:I
'
m guessi
ngy
oual
readyhav
ethei
rfi
rst
names.
Iaskedl
ooki
ngatmom.
Her
:Al
unamdaandLi
namandl
a
Me:
AlunamdaCar
nel
l
oCr
uzandLi
namandl
a
Ot
hel
loCruz.
Onl
ythey'
ll
usethesur
nameonceweget
marr
ied,
whichi
safewmonthsaway
.
Oz:
TheCr
uzt
wins,
Mant
hisshi
tiscut
e.
Hesai
dgr
inni
ng.

Wespentfewmi nut
eswiththet winsbefor
e
theyweret
akentothenursery
.Mymom andOz
hadlef
tear
li
er.
Wewer etobedi schargedthe
foll
owi
ngdayandIcouldn'
twaitt otakemy
babi
eshomewi
thme,
thoughIwasscar
edMom
wil
lbet
here
Ihadj
ustgotdonebathi
ngandIworethet
uck
i
nbelttoholdonmystomach,
tr
yingt
oputit
backtoit
'snor
malshape.
Reecehasbeenwi t
hmeal l
theway,
hegoes
backtohishousetofr
eshenupthencome
backimmediatel
y,
heneverwant
edtoleav
eour
si
deforlong.

BACKHOME.

Idecidedtogivebreastfeedi
ngat r
y.Al
unamda
wouldsuckl ef
oralit
tlewhi l
ebutwouldn'
tstay
onmybr eastf
orlong.Li
nawoul dn'
tevendare
sucklesowedeci detobuysomef ormulamilk
si
ncebot hofthem wer enotsokeenonbei ng
breastfed.
Iwasal oneinthehouseandhaveputthem in
thei
rcarseatsasIsatbetweenthem ona
cushionwithabottl
eineachofmyhands, t
hat'
s
thebestwayI '
veconeupwith,
i
twaspr ett
y
usefulwhenIwasal oneatt
hehouse.
Ihear
daknockatt hedoori
nsteadofgoi
ngto
openIjustshout
edforwhoevertocomeon.
I
twasReece.
Hehadsomebr ownShoppi
ngpapebag,
heput
i
tonthetabl
eandcamet osi
tdowninfr
ontof
usaf
terhepeckedmylips.
Hi
m:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Ij
ustshr
ug
Hi
m:Youl
ookt
ir
ed
Me:Iam,
they
'reali
tt
letr
oubl
esomeandwe
st
ayedupallni
ghtwit
hOzseeingast
heydi
n'
t
wanttosl
eep.
Isai
dtaki
ngoutthebott
lefrom t
hei
tiny
mouths,
Iunbuckl
edAlu(
Alunamda)fr
om hi
s
seatsoIcoul
dbur
phi
m.
Reecewasjustlookingatme,hewasafr
aidof
evenhol
dingthem yetbecousetheywer
eso
ti
nyhefel
tli
kehe'llbrui
sethem.
Hi
m:Whydon'
tyougonapandI
'
lll
ookaf
ter
t
hem
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Him:Yeah,ImeanI'
l
lwakeyouupifIcan'
t
handlei
t.They'
ref
ullany
waymaybethey'
llf
all
asl
eepshor ty
l.
Aft
erleav
ingthetwi
nswit
hhim andtel
l
inghim
whattodo.Iwentomyroom andimmediat
ely
dozedoff
.
Iwokeuplateront
ofindt
hem asl
eepnextt
o
me,Li
nawassnuggleduptoAl
uwhowas
snuggl
ingt
ome.
Iawedatt
hem,Ihear
dasnapshot
,f
indi
ngr
eece
taki
ngapi
ctur
e.
Mymom wasbackear li
erthanusual
,shewas
cookingdinnerandshegaveReecesomel ist
forhi
mt ogot hechemistt
ommor rowmor ning
sothathecangetaf ewbot t
lesofmedici
nef or
thetwins.
[
11/10,18:
23]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t98
Conti
nued

Oz:
Wher
ear
emyl
i
ttl
emonkey
s?
Heaskedashemadehi swayi
n,
hewascal
l
ed
t
hem thatbecouset
heywer
esohai
ry.
Me:Youcall
them thatonemoreti
meIswer
aI'
l
l
shovethi
smonitorupy ourAs-
IstoppedmidwayasIremember
edmom'
s
presence.
Ozsmirked
Me:
Thet
winsar
esl
eepi
ng.
Oz:Youshouldconsi
derhi
m(Point
ingReece)to
st
aysot hatyoucoul
dwakehim upinthe
middleoftheni
ghtwhenthet
winswakeup. I
can'
tbeoutheredoi
ngnightshi
ft
sbeouse
whenyout wodeci
dedtoplayagameof
Soccer
,youknow'Ki
cki
ngandScoring,
Cat
chi
ng'
Iwasn'
tthere.
Hemumbl
ed.
Ist
if
ledal
augh.
Reece:
Youbet
tershutup.
Hegr
it
tedt
hroughhi
steet
h.
Mom shookherheadsi
det
osi
deasshel
ooked
atherSon.
Mom:Yazi
(YouKnow)Ozamokuhl
e..
I'
m st
il
l
l
ooki
ngforyourpar
ent
s.
Ibur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
[
11/
10,
18:
24]‪+263772503508‬:
#FGL99

Day
sWeekMont
hs,
3mont
hsl
ater
.
Icoul
dsayev
ery
thi
ngwasgr
eatsof
ar.
Thetwinswer egr owingt obemor ecut erand
theymuchmor elookedl i
ket heirfather,I
t
hurt.
No,don'
tlookatmel ikethat,Ofcour seIwas
hurti
ngbecouseIcar riedthem f or9mont hs9
FREAKINmont hs,wentt hrought hepai nf ul
l
l
abourandt hent heyl ookl i
kehi m.Isweari
couldeasil
ydenyt hem, t
hewor stpar tIcouldn't
eventel
l t
hem apar t
.May beast imegoes, I
'
llbe
abletospotsomedi f
ferances.
Mybr othersaidheknewhowt otel
lthem apart
,I
askedhi m howandhesaid"Theotherisalit
tl
e
mor eofamonkeyt hant
heother
"meani ngthe
otherisharri
erthantheot
her
:
|
Mymot hersai
dthatLi
na,
,
theel
dest
.Hadati
ny
heartshapedli
kebirt
hmarkonthetopofhi
s
hand.
I
magi nenowthatIhaveali
tt
le
misunderst
andi
ngwiththetwi
nsandIf
ir
sthav
e
t
ocheckt hei
rhands.
:
/
IaskedReecetocutt
heotheroneshairt
o
makeiteasier
,"
Youst
artwi
thyours"hehad
answered.
Anywayt hetwinswereadorablethough.Thei
r
dayti
menapswer en'
tsynchr
onizedatthe
momemt .Whil
eonenapst heotherisawake
andvicev er
saandIthinkitwasbet t
erthatway
becouseitcanbeal i
ttl
ebittr
oublesomewhen
theybothareawake.
Reece.
Reecewoul
dtr
adethewor
ldf
orhi
s
babi
es,
knowwhatImean?
Hewasal wayst
her
e,he'
stakeabul
l
etaand
r
eleaseonefort
hem.Therewasnot
hinghe
wouldn'
tdofort
hem.
Hewassocommi t
ed,
hel
ovedt
hem dear
lyand
whol
ehear
tedl
t.
Ihadnowor
dst
odescr
ibet
hei
r
rel
ati
onshi
p,Thebondi
twassor
eal
and
adorabl
e.
Beingyoung,amotheroftwo,
I
thastakenit'
stol
l
anditwasn'teasybutwit
hthesupportofmy
famil
yandf ri
endsIknewIcoulddoit
.
Mybr ot
herhasbeensohel
pful
and
support
ive,
soi
smymot her
.
I
tfel
tgoodt
oknowt
hatIhadal
lthesepeopl
e
bymysidet
ohel
pme,Iwasr
eal
lygrat
eful
l

Romeo,
onhi sfr
eetimehe'dvi
sitandnotme,
No.
Thet
wins,hehadthiscr
azyobsessionof
al
waystakingswlf
ieswit
hthem.
He'ddressthem upandtakealotofpi
ctur
es,
he
poststhem onl
ineandsaystheybri
nghim al
ot
offame.Actual
l
yt hecr
uzfamilybri
ngshim
populari
ty
Yeahyoucoul
dsaymy4mot
hsol
dswer
e
gett
ingf
amous.
Romeoev enproposedadeal ,
sayi
nghewant s
tosignthem upf orbabymodelli
ngdeal,
howhe
wast hi
nkingofdesigningthem cl
othesseei
ng
ashewasaf ashiondesigner.
Youknowwhat
?,hewascr azy.

ReeceandIweretheyoungestmarr
iedcoupl
e
bynow,Husbandandwife,
Iwasfi
nall
ymrscruz.
I
twasthebestweddi
nganygir
lcoul
dev
er
dr
eam of
,get
ti
ngmarri
edabr
oad.
Onetwist,
Reeceandmybr ot
hercamel at
eon
t
heceremony .
Inst
eadofthebridebei
nglate
,nope.
Itwasthegroom andhisbestman.
Appaarent
lytheywentoutclubbi
ngthe
prev
iousnight,
theygotsodrunktheyst
ruggl
ed
towakeupi nthemor ni
ng.
Theycamet otheceremonyweari
ngsome
Jamaican/
Mi amishades.
Thei
rtai
l
ormadesui
ts.
Seei
ngast
heywer
elat
e,Appar
ent
lyt
heyf
orgot
t
oputonshi
rt
sundert
hesui
ts.
Idon'
tknowwhet herIshoul
dbeli
evethe
l
atenessexcuseoritwastherebel
sinsi
deof
them andt
heyplannedit.
Theydecidednottoweartheshir
tstocomplet
e
thewholesuitl
ook,
thei
rwelldef
inedtat
toed
chest
swer eoutfordi
splay
.Theysogotitfr
om
meaftertheCeremony.
Alli
nallitwasoneoft hebestdaysthatI '
l
lput
onthelistamongt heother,
tonev
erf orget.
Even
thoguhnoteveryonewaspr esent
,seeingas
theycouldn'
taf
fordapl aneti
cket
.Theysentout
thei
rlove.
Iwascur
rent
lyt
hehappi
estgi
rl
.
Fal
li
ngf orthegangleadedbroughtme
pai
n,sadnessatfir
stbutital
sobroughtme
happinessandpurpose,Nowhewasnol ongera
Gangl eaderbutaformerGangleader
.
Hewasn'
taboutt
hatl
i
fe.
Wewer
est
art
inga
newl
i
fe,
andl
eftt
heol
dli
febehi
nd.
I
fitf
oll
owsus?
Iguesswe'
l
lsee.
ButIwasgoi
ngt
ost
aybesi
dehi
mthr
oughi
tal
l
.
Ri
deordi
e.
[
11/10,
18:
24]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t
100

Reece:
Goodmor
ningMr
s.Cr
uz
Ibrushedthesl
eepoffmyey
esasIsatupand
tur
nedt osmil
eathi
m.
Me:
Mor
ningMrzr
uz
Hepecksmyl
i
ps
Hi
m:Imadey
oubr
eakf
ast
Me:
That
'smydut
-
Heshookhi
sheadst
oppi
ngme
Hi
m:Noi
t'
snot
,any
wayy
ou'
ret
ir
ed.
Her
e.
Hepoi
ntedt
othet
rayonhi
ssi
dewher
ether
e
wasWhol ewheatbread,
aminibowlf
orjam and
butterontheside.
Steamingcr
eamedcoffeand
Chocol at
echippancakes,
That
'showIli
kedmy
breakfast,
si
mple.
Me:Aww,t
hankyoy
.Letmebr
ushmyt
eet
hfi
rst
andcheckonthet
wins
Hi
m:No.
Igoti
t,
yougof
reshenup
Igoti
nthebat
hroom,
didmymor
ningr
out
ine
andwentout
Reecewassit
ti
ngont
hebedwi
tht
het
wins
whowerewide
Me:
Wer
etheycr
ying?
Heshookhi
shead
Hi
m:JustAwakeandeat
ingeachot
her
shands.
Me:Whathappenedt
othesoundt
heymake
whentheywakeup.
Hi
m:Theymustbegr
owi
ngup.
InodasIsatdown,
Kissi
ngbot
hthei
rti
nyl
i
ps
andIwasaboutt
otaket
het
ray
..
Him:
You'
reunf
air
.Ionl
ygottoki
ssy
ourcheek
buty
ouki
ssthem ontheli
ps
Hepout
ed
Me:
Okayt
henBi
gbaby
.
IsaidasIkissedhi
m onthel
i
ps,
tur
ningint
oa
ful
lblownkissunti
lIpul
l
edawayandtookmy
breakfast
.
Ispreadthejam andbut t
eronmybr ead,It
ook
thefir
stbit
eandwasaboutt otakethesecond
whensuddenl yi
tfell
rightoffmyhandandt o
thetray.
Hit
ti
nginsidethecupmaki ngitspil
la
l
itt
le.
Il
ookatAl
u,
theonewhocousedthemess,
then
hi
sfat
herwhowashol
dingi
nal augh
Me:
Youknow,
i
t'
snotf
unnyReece.
That
'sall
itt
ookforhi
mtobur
stout
l
aughing.
Somethi
nghedi
dmoreoft
enl
atel
y
Ilookedathi
sclosedeyes,hisper
fectst
rai
ght
teethandthedeepdimples.Goshtheguyswas
hot,t
othi
nkheisallmine.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryPr
incess.
Iconti
nuedt
oeatmyhalfrui
nedbr
eakf
ast
whil
eremovi
ngAluandLinafr
om i
tnowand
then
Itr
iedgi
vingAluasmallpieceofbreadaft
er
wetti
ngitandhechoked.Igotsoscared
becousebythenheturnedevenmor ered.
Ihadtost
ickmyfi
ngeri
nsidehi
smout
htot
ake
i
tout,
Isi
ghedwhenIgotholdofi
t.
Hi
m:Ufunaund'
bul
alel
aabant
wanango?
(You
wantt
okil
lmybabies)
Me:
Bay
aBawa
Hi
m:Iwonderwhot
heyt
akeaf
ter
.
Me:
Def
ini
tel
ynotme.
Hi
m:Sur
e..
Say
sthegi
rlwhoal
way
scamet
omy
houseaf
terschool
forsomegoodi
es.
Me:
Youhadsomepr
ett
ygoodst
uff
Hi
m:Sur
e.
Hesai
dsmi
rki
ng,
real
i
zingt
hatIj
ustadmi
tt
edi
t.
:
|
I
ntheeveni
ng,
Reecestay
edwi
tht
hetwins
whi
lehefor
ceful
l
ysentmetot
heSpatogeta
f
ull
treat
ment.
Iretur
nedhomel at
ertofi
ndhim Cooki
ng.He
hadAl u/Li
naIdon'tknowwhichone,Onababy
carri
erattachedtohisfr
ont.
Youknowt hose
beltli
kethingsyouusuall
yputababyinand
attachittoyoursel
f?Yeah
Il
aughedsohar
dthatIhadt
ear
sinmyey
esas
Iputmyhandonthesi
de.
Me:
Whati
nthewor
lddoy
out
hinky
oudoi
ng?
Iaskedheadi
ngt
owar
dshi
m af
tercat
chi
ngmy
breat
h.
Iki
sshi
m ontheli
pswhil
ekissi
ngthetwi
nwho
hadhi
smedium hazel
eyesdrowsywit
hsleep.
Hi
m:Cooki
ngf
ormywi
fe
Iawwedathi
m
Me:
Ifeel
real
l
ylov
e
Ihughi
ssi
de
Me:
Wher
e'shi
sbr
other?
Hi
m:Hi
sgr
annywentt
oputhi
m onhi
scot
Me:
Yourgr
an,
she'
sher
e?
Henod
Me:
God,
l
etmej
ustgochangeoutoft
hese
Isai
dpani cki
ng.Iwaswearinghi
ghrisejeans
andaof fshoulderOli
vegreenwater
fall
cropped
top.
Myhai rwasst r
aight
enedoutendingonthe
middleofmyback
Him:Pri
ncess,
cool of
f.
Youlooksexyont
hose
t
ightassfi
tt
ingjeans,
makingmydicktwi
tch
j
ustbylooki
ngati t
Hewi
nked
Inudgedhi
ssi
det
oshuthi
m up
Me:
That
'st
het
hing,
I
t'
sinnapr
o-
Him:Hey.
Youdon' tactl
i
kroneoft hoseol d
bri
de,f
oll
owingrulesandshit
.Wemakeourown
rul
es,
youy oungsoy ouwearanythingy ouwant
Idon'
tmind,butyoudon'twearshor t
s,unl
ess
youwithme.
"
Yeah,
tel
lher
"
Itur
nedtofi
ndgrannysmi
l
li
ngatus.Igr
eet
ed
herbef
oreoff
eri
ngtomakehercof
fee.
Shesaidshealr
eadyhadi
t.
Shetookasleeping
twi
nfrom Reeceandwentwi
thhim upst
air
s.
Reecewasdi
shi
ngout
.
Hi
m:YouandIar
egoi
ngoutl
ater?
Me:
Wher
eto?
Hi
m:Justmeet
ingt
hegang.
Me:
Ithou-
Hi
m:Theywantt
othr
owmesomef
arewel
lshi
t.
Me:
Whynow?
It'
sbeenmont
hssi
ncey
ouqui
t.
Hi
m:Theyt
houghtIwasgoi
ngt
ochangemy
mi
ndandcomeback.
Me:
Buty
oudi
dn'
t.
Henod.
Me:
Whodi
dyout
hrowt
her
opest
oany
way?
Him:
SinceZaneref
used,
I
t'
ssomeguycall
ed
Jui
ce.
He'sbeenbymysideeversi
ncei
star
ted.
Inod.
Me:Oh.
Nowi
fIgowi
thy
ou,
whataboutt
he
t
wins?
Hi
m:O'
l
adysai
dshe'
l
lst
ayt
heni
ght
.
Idi
dn'
twanttogo,
Ihat
edbei
ngi
nvol
vedi
nthe
gangst
uffandwhoknowswhat
'
sgonnago
down.
Me:
Okayt
hen.
Hi
m:Wewontbel
ong.
Hecoul
dpr
obabl
ycoul
dsensemydi
scomf
ort
.
Inod.
Af
tereat
ing,
wewentt
ochangeandwentout
.
.
..
[
11/10,
18:24]‪+263772503508‬:
Inser
t
100Conti
nued.

IthoughtwhenIgott
herei
twasallgoi
ngtobe
partyvi
bes,
youknowall
thosest
icker
sandcool
stuff
.
Butt
hiswasdi
ff
erent
,I
twasmadef
ort
hem.
Theseguy
sov
erher
ewer
escar
y.
I
nsteadofhi
dingbehindReeceIwasbesi
de
hi
m.Ihadtostayput.
I
twasal lWhiskeyandCi
gars.
Gunsoutf
or
displ
ay,
GodwhatwasIdoi ngher
e?Oh!Bei
ng
thesupport
iveWife.
Cameapar twhentheywerecarspinni
ngand
raci
ng,
i
twasf asci
nat
ingunti
lcameapar t
whereIhadtogetinacarwithReecewhowas
goingt
ospinit.
I
nst
eadofbei
ngt
hewi
mp,
Igoti
n.
Iwasn'
tscar
ed.
Theyhadcal
l
edhi
m Ri
pperCr
uz'
Ihadwonderedwhy,
part
lywasbecousewhen
hespunforthel
ongestt
imewit
hthecar,
hehad
noseat
belton
Hetookhisguntoputitstr
aightont
hei
nsi
de
roof
topt
of ir
eshots,
goingt
hrough
out,
damagingthecar.
I
ttookawhilef
orhimtostopspinni
ng,
whenwe
gotoutIwasdi
zzyandst
artedtoshake,
he
passedmeabottl
eofwater.
Notgiv
entimetoadjust
,hetookmeawayf
rom
t
hecarbeforet
hrowinginaballl
i
kethi
ngt
hat
f
elli
nsidet
hecar,
itexpl
oded.
Hej
ustbombedhi
scar
.
Hi
m:ThatcaristheoneImost
lyusedt
oat
tend
t
hejobs.
Ijusthadtoletgo
Me:Ihav
eaf
eel
ingt
hisi
snott
hef
ir
stcary
ou
hav
edamaged
Heshr
ugged
Hi
m:Thi
sonewasspeci
alt
hough.
Af
terspendi
ngaf
ewhour
swi
thhi
sfr
iendswe
wenthome.
Iwasdogt i
red,
Ij
ustwentforashowerbefor
e
goi
ngt ocheckonmypeacef ul
l
ysleepi
ng
babi
es,thenIwenttoourroom tofi
ndReece
wait
ingf ormeinbed.
Me:
Youhadf
un.
Isai
dasIgoti
nandsnuggl
i
ngonhi
ssi
de
Hi
m:Yeah,
I
'm gonnami
ssdoi
ngt
hat
.
Me:Yousoundl
ikeyoudebat
ingwithy
our
sel
f
youwanttogobackorsomething.
Hesi
ghed.
Hi
m:It
'snoteasytojustquitandf
orgetabout
i
t,
butIassur
ey outhatI
'm notgoi
ngbackOkay?
Inod
Me:
Good.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Il
ovey
oumor
e
Hi
m:Heyt
hat
'ssupposedt
obemyl
i
ne.
Me:
Shutup.

ReeceandIhav
ebeenthroughal
ot,
thr
oughi
t
al
lweov er
cameanychal
l
engesthrownonour
way.
I
t'
sbeenal
ongj
our
ney
,i
twasn'
teasy
.
Gi
venhowwemet ,
howhewas,
howIwas.
Her
e
wewerewi
thourownfami
l
y.
Iknowi
tsnotgoi
ngt
obeeasy
,butasl
ongas
wehadeachot
her
.

Thef ol
l
owingmorni
ngIwokeuptoa
note,
Reecesayi
nghe'
sgonedri
vi
nghi
s
grandmahome.
Ist
retchedoutmtsor
earms.Igotupandwent
todomyr outi
nebef
oregoi
ngtot het
winsr
oom
whichwasnextdoor.
Openingthedoorsl
owlytonotwakethem up
oncasetheyweresl
eeping.
Asmyheadpeeked
i
n,Ihel
dmyhandt omymout hsot
hatIwouldn'
t
scream.
Istoodfr
ozen,
,
mybl
oodr
unni
ngcol
dandmy
eyeswideopen
Acoupl eoffeetawayfrom mestoodaman,i
n
frontofmybabi escot
.Weari
ngallbl
ack,
hehel
d
oneoft hetwinsRocki
nghim backand
forth,
l
ookingathismischi
evousgli
nt.
Idebat
edwhet
hert
ost
epf
orwar
dandsnat
ch
mybabi
esawayf
rom hi
m.
Me:
W-whoar
eyou?
Ist
utt
eredoutwhil
egulpi
nginf
ear,
hehadthi
s
badvi
besmor el
ikedanger
ousvi
beOozingout.
Theguyt
urnedt
olookatme
OhShi
t!
Hi
m:Yourf
atheri
nlaw,
dear
.
Hesmi
rkedatme.

TheEnd