Roar

ingFl
ames
#1

AtaSeni orschool inSer owe, Lelentl

estoodinfront
ofherf orm 5cl assast heywr otetheirBiol
ogyclass
exercise.Hermi ndwonder edof ftoherf at
her’
sleg
thenshesi ghedwor r
iedly.Ast udentraisedherhand
thenLel ewal kedov erwi thherr edpen.Shet ookthe
exercisebookandmar kedi nherhandst henputit
downandwal kedt oanot herstudentwho’ shand
wasup.Shemar kedhi sexer ciseashebegun
packinghi sthi ngsi nhisbag.Shehandedhi m his
bookandwentt oanot herstudent .Shelookedatthe
answer sandmar kedal lofthem wr ong.
Shelookedatherwonderingwhatwast hepr
oblem.
Thiswasherbeststudentbutt
hister
m hergrades
hadjustdroppedtot
helowest.Eventheworst
studentwasdoingbett
erthanher.
“
Pleaser
e-wr
it
ethi
s.”
Thest
udentl
ookedather
.“Ma?
”
“
Re-
wri
tet
his.
”
Ludof
rowned.“
Ishoul
dre-
wri
tei
t?”
“
That
’swhatIsai
d.”
“
ButIal
readywr
otei
t.
”
“
ThenIsai
dre-wr
it
eit
.Iam notgoi
ngt
oar
guewi
th
y
ou.Re-
wri
tethat
.”
Ludorol
l
edherey
est
hengotherbookandst
art
ed
wri
ti
ng.
Lelewal
kedtoanotherstudentwho’shandwasup
andmarkedherexercise.Shemarkedacoupl
emore
thenl
ookedattheclass.
“Ify
ouaredone,putthebooksonmyt able.Youwi
l
l
getthem t
henextlesson.Pleasebri
ngy our
text
booksthenextlessontoo.Youweregi ven
text
bookstobri
ngt hem t
oschool notforyouto
keepthem aty
ourhouse.”
“
Yesmam!
”
Morestudentsgotupandputt hebooksonhertabl
e
wal
kingout.Lel
ewaitedforacouplemor eminut
es
t
il
lal
l t
hestudentswereoutthenlookedatLudowho
wasfi
nishi
ngup.Shestoodup,Lel
enot
icedj
ust
howshortherschool
dresswas.
“
Ludowee.
.”
Ludol
ookedatLel
e.“
Ms.Phi
ri
…”
“Whyar ey oufail
ing?Ir eal
i
zedt hisinallyour
subjectshela.Atf i
rstIthoughtitwasmysubj ect
onlythenIr eal
izedt hatyouwer efail
ingallyour
subjects.Youusedt ogetmor et han90%on
everythi
ngbutt heseday si
t’
sliket hi
ngshav e
changed.I t
’snoty ou.Thisisnott heLudoIknow.
Youcant ellmewhat ’
sgoingon.Iwi llnottel
lanyone.
Yourmar kshavedr opped.”
“
It
’snot
hing.
”
“
Arey
ousur
e?”
“
Eemma.
”
“
Howi
sev
ery
thi
ngathome?
”
“
Fine.
”
“
Howi
smommy
?”
“
Shei
sfi
ne.
”
“
Yourdad?Hei
sasol
dierr
ight
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Howi
she?
”
“
Fine.
”
Leleti
lt
edLudo’ schinthenlookedi nhereyes.“Ke
kopaoi pakanye.(Pleasefi
xyourself.
)Theseday s
youevenhav eanat tit
ude.Thefutureisyours.Don’t
youwantt ogot oUBsoy oucanal sorecei
ve
all
owance?Don’ tyouwantt obesomeonebi gand
successfuloutthere?”
“
Iwi
l
lpul
lupmysocks.
”
“
Youcanal
way
stal
ktome,
ok?
”
“
Eemma.
”
“
Ok,
youcango.Puty
ourbookt
her
e.”
“
Ok.
”
Shewal
kedoutt
henj
oinedherf
ri
endsout
side.
“
MmaPhi r
ikabokimawatena.Wai
tsej
ojot
anky e
y
at ena.(
MsPhiriwit
hherfat
nessi
sannoyi
ng.Thi
s
j
ojotankisj
ustannoyi
ng.
)”
Herfriendslaughed.“Kanashemustbef reshfr
om
UBbutshel ookswayol derwitht
hatfatness.Other
teachersaret hinandwellshapedbuthert hi
ghis
fi
veofmyt highs.JustabigJojotank.Iam
embar rassedf orher
.”
“
Andworsef
ashi
onsensedololokat woi
nchheel
.O
r
wel
edinamahel
a.(She’
sjustcarr
yingmeat.
)”
They
ounggi
rl
scont
inuedchat
ti
ngwal
ki
ngaway
.

*
**

I
ncl ass,Lel
esighedthengottheexer
cisebooksand
herhandbag.Shewal kedoutandwentt oherof
fi
ce
thensatdown.Herphoner angasshebegunt o
markt heexerci
ses.
“
Mama…”
“
Howar
eyoumygi
rl
?”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
“
Eish,
thi
ngsar
eal
i
ttl
ehar
dthi
ssi
de.Iusedmyl
ast
moneytobuyy ourbrot
her
’suni
for
m.Theel
ect
ri
ci
ty
i
salmostfi
nished.”
“
Iwi
l
lsendy
ousomet
hing.
”
“Ok,t
hanky oumygi
rl.Hastheschool
sai
dany
thi
ng
aboutrenewingy
ourcontr
act?”
Lelesi
ghed.“No.Iam sowor ried.I
fmycont r
act
doesn’
tgetrenewedori fIam notmadea
permanentteacherhere,Idon’ tknowwhatIam
goingtodo.Iam sti
llpayingt heloansf
ort he
proper
tythereandtheymi ghttakethem backifI
missapay ment.”
“
Eish,
Iwi
l
lkeeppr
ayi
ngf
ory
oumygi
rl
.”
“
Howi
spapa’
sleg?
”
“
It
’sswoll
enbutt
hepai
nisbet
tersi
nceIgav
ehi
m
t
hepil
ls.
”
“
Ok.Iwi
l
lsendy
ousomemoney
.”
“
Okmygi
rl
.Thanky
ou.
”
Lel
ehungupandcont i
nuedmarki
ng.Awhilel
ater
shetookherbagandwalkedouti
nhertwoinch
heel
s,shesmil
edpassi
ngbyacolleaguet
hen
walkedtotheschool par
kinglotwhereshemanuall
y
unlockedherfather
’sToyotaV10Vista.Shepushed
thedoorupt henopenedit.Shegotinandsighed
putti
ngherbagont hepassengerseat.Herphone
rangagain,shesmiledseeingthecal
lerI
Dthen
pickedMoabi ’
scall
.
“
Heybabe…”
“Iwanttocometoseeyou.Theproblem i
sthatI
don’thavemoney
.YouknowIam st i
l
l payi
ngforthat
l
oanbutIwashopi ngwewouldspendy ourbi
rthday
together
.”
“
Howmuchdoy
ouneed?
”
“
P500i
senough.
”
“
Butt
hebusi
sjustl
esst
hanP200.
”
“
Iwantt
obuyy
ousomet
hingIsaw.Iwi
l
lpayback
t
hemoney.
”
“
Ok.Iwi
l
lewal
l
eti
t.
”
“
Thanky
oubabe.Ican’
twai
ttoseey
ou,
Imi
ssy
ou.
”
“
Imi
ssy
out
oo.
”
“
Iwi
l
ltal
ktoy
ouwhenIar
ri
ve.
”
“
Ok.Il
ovey
ou.
”
“
Lov
eyout
oo.
”
Hehungup, sheewall
etedhi mt heP500and
ewall
etedhermot herP300.Lel eputherphoneaway
star
ti
ngt hecarthendroveof fheadedt othemall
.
Minuteslatershewaswal kinginsidethemall
,i
nt he
supermar ket
,shegotacoupl eofthi
ngsthenpaid
andwal kedoutwithevery
t hinginplasti
cbags.
Sheappr oachedhercarst aringatat allman
standinginfrontofhercart alki
ngwi t
ht hesecurity
guard.Shecoul dalmostf eelsorryforthesecur i
ty
guardwhowasj uststaringatt hetall
mant alking.
Lelewalkedpastt hem thenunl ockedthecar .The
menbot ht ur
nedt oher.Thet allmanchuckl ed
shakinghishead.
“
Doy
ouhav
eal
i
cense?
”
Shel
ookedathi
m conf
used.“
Rra?
”
“
Doy
ouhav
eal
i
cense?
”
“
Eer
ra.
”
“Sowhatteachesy
out
opar
kthewayy
ouhav
e
parked?
”
Lel
elookedathercart
henl
ookedbackathi
m.
“Huh?”
Themanwal kedovert
hentr
iedt
oopenhi sdoorbut
thedoorhi
thercaropeni
ngj
ustsl
ight
ly,
hishuge
bodywouldn’
tfi
t.
“I
st hi
showy ouweretaughttopar
kkanakel onaba
gor obal
alediobser
varagorebalenneledi
li
cense?
(oraretheoneswhosleepwithobserv
erssot hey
giveyouli
censes?”
“
Idi
dn’
t-
“
“Youdidn’
twant ?Ihav ebeenwaiti
ngheref or
minuteskeemet segoreot swe,onti
etsi
nako
(wai
tingfory outocomeout ,
youwastedmyt ime)
becausey oucoul dn’
tdoonet hi
ngwhichy ouwere
obvi
ouslyt aught
.Kant ekengokaresemat ayaana?
(Whydoseem l i
keaf ool
?)”
Acoldchil
lrandownherspineasshelookedathi
m
whi
leheangr i
lyshout
ed.“Youcl
ear
lydon’
tdeserv
e
t
hatli
censeandIdon’tevenknowhowy ougotit
.
Youshoul
dhav enev
ergot
teniti
nthefi
rstpl
ace.
Whodoesn’tknowhowtoparkyethasali
cense?
”
Thesecurityguardinter
vened.“Nyaaoutul
e,(
She
hasheard,)letherrev
ersesoy oucandri
veaway.
Kanayaanongwheny oushoutyoukeepwasti
ng
moreofy ourt i
me.”Thesecurit
yguardl
ookedat
Lel
e.“Reversesohecango. ”
Lel
eswall
owedthengotinthecar
.Shepushedt
he
keyi
nthentwi
stedi
t.Thecarstut
ter
ed.
“
OhGodno…”
Shet r
iedagainthenitcontinuedtost utt
erthough
shehadf uel.Shetr
iedforacoupl eoft imesast he
manst ar
ed,shecouldfeelhisangerf rom thatglar
e.
Shest eppedoutandwentt oherbonnett hen
openedi t.Shel
ookedatt hebat t
erythent ouchedita
fewt i
mesbef oregett
ingbacki nthecarandt ri
ed
again.Theol dV10continuedt ostut
ter.Lelereached
forherphoneandcal ledherf at
her.Thephoner ang
forawhi l
e.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Lel
efr
ownedatt
hef
emal
evoi
ce.“
Hel
l
o,canIspeak
t
omyf
ather
?Who’
sthi
s?”
“
Hi,
it’
sMal
ebogo.
”
“
Mal
ebogo,
papaokae?(
Wher
eismyf
ather
?)”
“Yourf
atherissick,
hejustgottakent
othehospi
tal
.
Iam wit
hy ouryoungerbrot
her.
”
Lel
e’shear
tski
pped.“
Why
?Howbadi
shi
s
si
tuati
on?”
“
Ihear
dhei
ssuf
fer
ingf
rom Ki
dneyf
ail
ure.
”
“
No…hi
slegi
stheonewi
tht
hepr
obl
em.
”
“
Leg?Hi
slegsar
efi
ne.
”
Thet
all
manknockedonherwi
ndow.
“
Want
ia!(
Youar
edel
ayi
ngme!
)”
Lel
eswal
l
owed.
“
Howbadi
shi
ssi
tuat
ion?
”
“Idon’
twantt
odot hisoverthephonebutitseemed
bad.Hewasn’twakingup.Hehasbeenv erysick
eversi
nceyoulef
tandIhear dyourmom talki
ngto
mymom.Yourmot herdoesn’twantt
ostressy ou
morebecausey ouarealr
eadystressedabouty
our
j
obbutfrom thewayIsawi t…Idon’tthi
nkyour
f
atheri
ssti
llali
ve.Iam sorr
yfr
iend.”
Thecalldr
opped.Lele’shandsshookasshecal
led
backherfatherbuthisphonewasn’tget
ti
ngt
hrough
anymore.Shetriedhermother’
snumber.
“
Lel
ent
le,
giv
emeamoment
.Iwi
l
lcal
lyouback.
”
"
Wher
eisPapa?
"
"
Hei
swi
thmeLel
ent
le,
hei
sfi
ne.Hei
sfi
ne.
"
Shehungupbef oreLelecoul dsayanythi
ng.Lel
e
steppedoutofthecarandwentov ertoherbonnet.
Confusedandunderpr essure,Lel
e’shandsshookas
shelookedattheengineandev er
ythi
ngelseunsure
ofwhattotouchany more.Tear sfi
ll
edhereyes,t
he
securi
tyguar
dwal kedov er
.
“
Itneedst
obejumpst
art
ed.Iam coming.Iam goi
ng
t
of i
ndsomeonewhocanjumpst
artit
.”
Hequickl
yrushedoff
.Thetal
lmanwal
kedov
erand
l
ookedatherthenhercar
.
“
What
’swr
ongwi
thi
t?”
“
Thebat
ter
y.”
“Whyar
eyoudri
vingapr
obl
emati
ccari
fyoudon’
t
knowhowtof
ixitwheni
tst
art
sit
’sf
unnygames?”
Sher
emai
nedqui
et.
“
Kebual
ewena.(
Iam t
alki
ngt
oyou.
)”
Tear
sfi
ll
edhereyesandrolleddownonhercheeks.
Hepausedandlookedatherwhileshetr
iedt
o
qui
ckl
ywipeawayhertears.Hesighed.
“
Areyouseri
ousl
ygoi
ngt
ocr
ywheny
ouar
etheone
who’
swrong?”
Themor eshet ri
edtowi peawayhert ear
st ostop
cryi
ng,themor ethetearsrol
leddownhercheeks.
Shepressedherl i
pstogethertry
ingtokeepi tinbut
i
twasj usttoohard,painandconf usi
onmi xed
toget
her .Sheputherhandsov erherfacecrying.
Themanstoodt
her
eforawhil
eunsur
eofwhatt
o
doasshecri
edt
henhehuggedher
.
“Heeey…Iam sorryforshout
ing.Osekawal ela
thammawena, bathobar el
ebil
e.(
Pleasedon’tcry
.
Peoplear
elooking.)
”
Her
ubbedherback.
Lel
epressedherl
i
pst oget
herthent
ookacoupl
eof
deepbreat
hsandsteppedback.
“
Iam sor
ryf
orshout
ing.
”
Lel
enoddedwi
pingherface.Hesmiledst
ari
ngat
herwhi
l
eshefoughtwit
ht hehi
ccups.
“
KennaChess,war
eomang?(
Iam Chess,
what
’s
y
ourname?)”
“
Lel
e..
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Ifeelsobad.Iam sor
ry.Mmel
ewena
mmahowcany oupar
kliket
his?”
“
Sor
ry.
”
“Areyouok?IknowImi ghthav
ebeenthelastnai
lto
thecoff
inbutIknowIam notther
easonforthat
uglyl
oudcry.Ir
efuse.
”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
“Youdon’tl
ookfine.Come,
let’
sgetmil
kshakes,
take
i
tasanapol ogyandy ouwi
l
l al
socal
m downsente
helabef
orey oudri
ve.”
Lel
elookedatt
heweddi
ngr
ingonhi
sfi
nger
.
“
Idon’
twantt
obecaughtwi
thmar
ri
edmenbut
t
hankyou.
”
Chesssmil
edlooki
ngatt
her
ingonhi
sfi
nger
.“I
t’
s
j
ustafri
endl
yoffer
.”
“Iknowbuty
ouaremarri
edandIdon’
tli
ke
associ
ati
ngwit
hmarr
iedmenthatway.
”
Het ookof fhisblackcapandl ookedather ,Lel
e
l
ookedathi m andswal lowedhar d.Whataman!He
smiledexposi ngthatrightcheekdi mple,hishair
cut
thatlookedf r
eshscul ptur
edhi shandsomef aceso
wellmaki nghim ev enmor eattract
ive.Shet ooka
deepbr eathallowinghisfragrancetof i
llhernose,
shet ookast epbackwonder i
ngi fherperfumecould
sti
llbesmel t.
“
Lel
ewee,
takwano.(
Comeher
e.)
”
Hereyesfel
lonhisringagain,
het ooki
toffandput
i
tinhispockett
hent ookherhandandl edherinsi
de
themall
.Leleswall
owedatt hefeeli
ngonhishand
onherhand,herheartpoundedsomuchasshe
walkedbesi
dehim,herheelshitt
ingthemall’
sfloor
s.
TheygotinWi mpeywhi lehermi ndworkedoverti
me.
Ift
herewasal essonhermot herhadtaughtherso
wellwast ostayawayf rom marriedmenbutthere
shewas, sit
ti
ngopposi t
ehim star i
ngi
nhiseyes.He
hadthissmi l
eonhi sfacethatforcedhert
osmi l
e
back.
“
Let
’sgett
hei
rcof
fee.
”
Heraisedhi
shandt
henawaiterwal
kedover
.He
or
deredtwocoff
eesbef
oret
urningt
oher.
“
Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ryf
ort
hewayIy
ell
edaty
ou.
”
“
It
’sok.
”
“
Youhav
eal
i
censeaker
e?”
“
Eer
ra.
”
Helookedinhereyesandsmi
led.Thei
rcof
fees
came,hetookhiscupandsi
ppedstari
ngather
.
“
Whywer
eyoucr
ying?
”
Sheshookherhead.
“
MsPhi
ri
,youcant
alkt
ome.
”
Lel
elookedathi
m.“
Howdi
dyouknowt
hat
?”
“
Yourski
m booki
ny ourcar
.Il
ookedthr
ought
he
wi
ndow.Youdon’
tlookli
keateacher
.”
“
Howdot
eacher
slook?
”
Hel
eanedbackonhischai
rstar
ingatherwi
tht
hat
smi
l
ethatfor
cedhertosmil
eback.
Hi
sphoner
angf
rom hi
spocket
,het
ooki
toutand
pi
cked.
“Hell
o?Yeah, Iam onmyway ….atthepharmacy?Ok,
i
sitwor se?Hei scoughi
ng?Ok,justf
ever?Ok.See
you.Iloveyout oo.
”Hedroppedthecall
stari
ngat
her.Lelegotup.
“
Ihav
etogo.Butt
hanky
ou.
”
“
Youdi
dn’
tev
endr
inky
ourcof
fee.
”
“
Iam f
ine.Thanks.
”
Chessputaf ewnot esont het ablethentookher
handandwal kedoutwi thher.Lel el
ookedatt hei
r
hands,shecouldn’tunderstandwhyi tf
eltnicet
obe
holdi
nghandswi thsomeoneel se’
smani npublic
l
ikethat.Backattheparkingl ot,Lel
egotbacki nher
carandt r
iedi
tagainwhi l
eChesscl osedt hebonnet
forher
.Itstutter
ed.Shetri
edagainsil
ent
lyprayi
ng,
herheartskippedasitstar
ted.Chesswalkedtoher
window.Sher oll
editdown.
“
Thanks.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
CanIhav
eyournumber
?”
“
Iam sur
eMr
s.Chesswoul
dmi
nd.Ni
cemeet
ing
y
ou.
”
Sherever
sedashechuckledt
henshedrov
eoffand
wentbacktothet
eacher
’squart
erst
ryi
ngher
mother
’snumberagai
n.
“
Lel
ent
le…”
“Wherei
spapa.Iknowaboutt
hekidney
,whydidyou
l
ietome?Yousaidhefel
landhisl
egisgiv
inghi
m
probl
ems.”
MmagweLel eremainedcalm asherdaughterfumed.
“Lel
e,cal
m down.Ididn’
twanttostr
essy ouf ur
ther.
Iam onmywaybackhomet otakemybagandgot o
Gaborone.Hehasbeent r
ansferr
edtoPri
ncess
MarinaHospit
al.Youhavealottodealwith,IknowI
waswr ongtokeepitfr
om youbutasamot herIjust
thoughti
twouldbeal
otfory
outobaremybaby
.
Pleasest
aythere,
Iwi
l
lkeepyouupdat
ed.
”
Tear
sfi
l
ledLel
e’
sey
es.“
Howbadi
she?
”
“Hewill
befine.Weser
vealiv
ingGodandIknowit’
s
notyourfat
her’
sti
meyet.Godwil
li
nter
vene.Iwi
l
l
cal
lyou.”
“
Ok.
”
Leleparkedt
hecaratt
heteacher
’squar
ter
sthen
steppedoutoft
hecarwit
hherthi
ngsandwalked
i
nside.
“
Hi.
.”
Lel
elookedatthet
eachersheshar
edwi
th.“
Hey
..my
boyf
ri
endwill
becomingintoday.
”
Sasasmil
ed.“Ok.Iam act
ual
l
ygoingouttodayso
youhavethewholehousetoyour
sel
vesforthe
wholeweekend.
”
“
Ok,
thanks.
”
“
Shar
p.”
Sasawal
kedoutandl
ookedatwhi
teLandRov
er
Di
scov
erySpor
tatt
hegat
e.
“
Lel
e,i
sthaty
ourboy
fri
endatt
hegat
e?”
Sasawatchedasamansteppedout
,hewalkedov
er
fi
xi
nghiscap,sheswal
l
owedthengotbackint
he
house,
herkneesweak.
“
Lel
e,y
ourmani sher
e!Heel
ang!Yeergi
rl
!Wher
edi
d
y
ougetthatone?
”
Lel
ewalkedoutofherr
oom i
nashor
tdr
ess
conf
used.
“
Huh?
”
Sasawhi
speredasheknockedonthedoor
.“Where
doyougetsuchmen?Tellmewena,nnaIwantt
o
know.
”
“
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?”
“
Yourboy
fri
endi
satt
hedoor
.”
Lelewalkedt
othedoorandopened.Shefrowned
stari
ngatChesswhil
ehesmi l
edinnocent
ly.Hi
s
eyesmov edt
oherthickt
highsexposed.
.
.
.
Tagyourfr
iendsandthosewhohadquitt
he
prev
iousbook,t
hetrai
nistaki
ngof
f,andl
et'
sal
so
l
ikeandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#2

Lel
est aredathi m dumbfol
ded.Shel ookedathis
caratthegat ethenbackathim, hiseyeswerestil
l
onhert highs.ShelookedatSasawhowasst anding
behi
ndherst ari
ngatChess.Shet urnedandwalked
backinsidet hehousewhereshecamebackwi t
han
oversi
zedt -shi
rtandhersweatpants.Sasaclear
ed
herthr
oat .
“
UhLel
e…by
e.”
“
Bye.
”
SasalookedatChessonelastt
imet
henwal
ked
away.Chesssmil
edatLele.
“
Icamet
ogi
vey
out
his.
”
Hehandedherabusi
nesscar
d.“
That
’smi
ne.
”
Lel
elookedatt
hebusi
nesscar
dinherhandt
hen
l
ookedathim.“
Didyoufol
l
owmeher e?
”
“Ihadt
ogiveyouthat.Youar eateacherr
ight
?My
daught
erneedsextr
al essons.”
“
Howol
disy
ourdaught
er?
”
“
5.”
“Iam surey
ousawonmyskim bookt
hatIteach
form 4’
sand5’
sBiol
ogy
.Yourdaught
erdoes
biol
ogy?”
Chesslookedatherwit
hasil
lysmilethenevent
ual
l
y
l
aughed.“Ok,y
oucaughtme.Wor stexcisei
nthe
book,canIhaveyournumber
?”
“I
fyougi
vemey ourwif
e’snumbersoIcancal
lher
andaskheri
fit
’sok.
”
Chesssmil
edplay
ingwi
thhi
sbear
dthenhandedher
hi
sphone.“Takei
t.
”
Lel
egothi
sunl
ockedphoneandwentt
ohi
scal
ll
og.
Shelookedatthenumbersav
edasWi
feyt
hen
tappeditandcal
ledher
.
“
Heybabe…”
Chessl ookedatLel ewi thasmi l
ewhi leli
ckinghi s
bottom l ipashi swi fepicked.Hewassoat tracti
ve
andhepr obablyknewi t.Hewasobv i
ousl ythet y
pe
ofmant hatbehav edsingleyetmar riedt houghshe
hadnodoubthecoul dst il
lgetanywomanhe
want edwi ththatringonhi sfi
nger.Ifany thing,she
al
way st oldherselfwhenchoosi ngherhusbandshe
woul dnev ergof orlooks, t
heat t
ractivemenwer e
j
ustt oost ressf
ul becauset obehonest ,
ev ery
womanwoul dwantapi eceofhi m andshewoul d
probabl yal wayscr ybecausehecont inuallycheat.
Moabi wast heper fectmat chforher .Hewasn’ tthat
attr
act i
v ebuthel ovedherandt hatwaswhat
mat tered.
“Hey
,Iam l
eav
ingSer
owe.Iwi
l
lbet
her
einf
ew
hour
s.”
“
Ok.Ther
rawenadon’
tfor
get
.”
“
Iwon’
t.By
e.”
“
Shar
p.”
Lel
edr
oppedt
hecal
landgav
ehi
m hi
sphone.“
Bye.
”
Hechuckl
ed.“Iam notaski
ngf
orust
odat
e.It
hink
youar
econfusingthi
s.”
“
Chess,
pleasegot
oMr
s.Chess.Sheseemst
obe
wai
ti
ngforyou.
”
“
Soy
ouar
enotgoi
ngt
ogi
vemey
ournumber
?”
“Yes,
Iam notgoi
ngtogi
veitt
oyousimpl
ybecause
youaremarri
edandgapennaIdon’
tgi
vemy
numbertomarri
edmen.”
Henodded.“
Igetyou.Ar
eyouokt
hough?Younev
er
sai
dwhatwaswr ong.
”
“Iam f
ine.Iam sor
ryforhowIparkedmycar.My
l
icenseislegi
t,Imadeami st
akeIshoul
dhavenever
havemade.Iam sor r
yfordel
ayi
ngy ouandwast
ing
yourti
me.”
Chesslookedinherey
esandsmiledshakinghi
s
head.“
Isthathowyouteachy
ourstudent
s? ”
Lel
efr
ownedconf
used.“
Rra?
”
Hesmi
l
edagai
n.“
No.Nev
ermi
nd.Shar
p.”
Het ur nedandwal kedawayi nhi sjeansandt -
shirt.
Hisbr ownt imber l
andsj ustf i
nishedt helookandt he
wayhewal ked.Lel efoundher selflaughi ngal one, he
l
iterallywal kedasi fheownedt heear th.Hegoti n
hiscart hensmi ledatherbef oredr ivingof f.She
walkedi nsi deherhousel aughi ngal one, God!And
someone' sdaught erprobabl ythoughtherhusband
wasf aithful ,thisgendert hatbet r
ay edJesus.The
whol ei nci dentmadehert hinkt wiceaboutmar r
iage
butt henMoabi wasn’ tashandsomeasChess.
Mat teroff act ,hej ustwasn’ thandsome, justokora
l
ittl
ebel owt hebel t.Shewentbackt oherr oom and
tookoutsomel i
nger i
e.Shet ookof ft hesweat pants
andov er sizedt -
shirtthenputont hewhi t
el acepant y
shehadboughtal mostamont hago.Ther ehadn’ t
beenabr asi zef orherbr eastsoshehadt opicka
diff
er entbr abutst il
lwhite.Sheputi tont henl ooked
ather sel f.Notbad.Ther ewasaknockont hedoor ,
Lelepi ckedat owel andwr appedi tar oundherbody
befor ewal kingt ot hedoor .Sheopenedt henpaused.
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
It
’snotwhaty
out
hink.Yourcarhas
aproblem, Ihaveafri
endofmi newhoi shereandhe
cantakeal ookatitatadiscount,
Callhim onthi
s
number .Iwil
ltel
lhi
mt oexpectyourcall
.”
Leletookt
hepieceofpaperwi
thanumberoni
t.
“Thankyou.What’
shisname?”
“
Dir
a.”
“
Thanks.
”
Chesslookedathert
henqui
cklytur
nedandwalked
backtohiscarasLel
egotbackinherhouse.

*
**

Chessdr ovesilentl
y,all
hecoul dthi
nkaboutwer e
thoset hi
ckt highsandwi dehips.Hisdirt
ymi nd
wor kedov erti
meashet houghtofbei ngbetween
thatt hickness, shewassot hickshewaspr obabl
ya
size40or42.Bi ggir
lshadnev erbeenhistastebut
thatwasdi f
ferent.Andj usthowshespoke. ..soft
ly
andsl ow.Hef oundhi mselfsmi li
ngaloneimagini
ng
hert eachi ngherst udents.Het urnedonsomemusi c
todistr
acthi
msel fashedrovebacktoGaborone
thoughthethoughtofgoingbackhomemadehi m
sick.He’
dratherbeanywherebuthome.Hisphone
rang,Chesslookedatitf
orawhilebefor
epicki
ng.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Chess,
howi
sitgoi
ngathome?
”
Chesssi
ghedknowinghi
sfat
herwasr
eal
l
yhopi
ng
fort
hebest
.“Sofari
t’
sgood.
”
“
Bot
hofy
ouar
ehappy
?”
“
Shei
shappy
.Iam nothappybut
…”
“RememberwhatIt ol
dy ou.Youhav eonlybeen
mar r
iedfor2y ears.Marriageisnoteasy.Itcomes
withconfli
cts.It
’snotabadf ul
lofrosesandy ou
haveachi l
dwi ththiswoman.May beifyouhady our
secondonei twoul dlessenthetensioninthe
house.”
“PapaIdon’
twantt obri
nganot herchildintothis
unhappymar r
iage.AtthisstageIam j ustst ay
ingfor
thesakeofthef amili
esandt hefactthaty ouar e
fri
endswit
hLef atshe’
sfatherbutbesidest hat,
nna
t
otaIam exhaust
ed.
”
“Don’tsaythat.Kanatheprobl
em i
sthatyou
probablyhadhi ghexpect
ati
onswheny ougot
mar r
iedandt houghtever
ythi
ngwil
lbesmooth.I
n
mar r
iage,i
tdoesn’tworkli
kethat
.”
Chesssi ghedknowi ngverywell
howt her estoft
he
conversationwoul dgoandifhekeptt r
yingto
expl
aint otheol dman,theconversat
ionwoul dget
unnecessar ylonger.Hekeptqui
etast heoldman
spokef ormi nutes.
“
Doy
ouhearme?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Itwi
l
lgetbet
ter
.”
“
Ok.
”
Chessfi
nallyhungupwi threl
ief
,hismi nddri
ft
ed
backtoLele.Hecouldstil
lseethet err
orinhereyes
asheyell
edather ,
hehadt akenouthi sangeront he
poort
hing.Shehadl ookedreadytor un.Hismind
wentbackt ohowshehadcr i
edatt heend,heshook
hi
sheaddi sappoi
ntedinhimself.Ofcausehewasn’ t
thereasonfort
hatcrybuthehadt
ri
gger
edi
t.Tal
k
aboutbeingadick.
Hi
sphonerang,
hel
ookedatt
heunsav
ednumber
t
henpi
cked.
“Hell
o?Igotyournumberfr
om amannamedChess.
Mynamei sLelentl
e,mycarhasbeengi
vi
ngme
probl
emslatel
y.”
Chess’
shear
tski
ppedt
henhedr
oppedandcal
l
ed
hi
sfri
end.
“
Chess!
”
“Lai
taka,helpmeout.Ihav
ethi
sgirl
,Iam goingt
o
callherback.Youar
egoingtot
alktoher.Hercari
s
givi
ngherpr obl
ems.Kedir
aconfer
encecallsoyou
will
talktoher.”
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”
“
Iam cal
l
ingher
.Hol
don.
”
Chesscal
ledherputt
ingt
hem i
naconfer
encecal
l
.
Thephonerangtwicebef
oreshepi
cked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Chess’
sfr
iendcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.“Hi
..
”
“Oh,
uhIwassay i
ngIgotyournumberf r
om aman
namedChess.Mynamei sLelent
le.Hesaidyou
wouldbeexpect
ingmycall
.It
’sDirari
ght?”
“
Yes.
”
“Ok,
sowhencanIcomewi
thmycar
?Hesay
syou
arei
nSer
owe.”
“
UhLelentl
e,Iam noti
nSer ower
ightnowbut
t
omorrowIwi l
lbeavail
abl
e.Iwil
lsendyouat
extof
wher
ey oucanbringyourcar.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Bye.
”
Lel
edr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
“WarekennaDi
ranemonna?(
Didy
ousayIam
Dir
a?)”
“
Icoul
dn’
tthi
nkofaname.
”
“
Sowhatareyougoi
ngtodosinceIam nota
mechani
c,y
ouarenotamechanict
oo.
”
“
Iwi
l
lgetheramechani
c.”
“
Arey
oucheat
ing?
”
“
Goshar
p.(
Bye.
)”
“
Wai
t.
.It
houghty
ouwer
efi
xi
ngy
ourmar
ri
age.
”
“
Iam.Ij
ustwantt
ohel
pLel
e,t
her
eisnot
hingwr
ong
wi
tht
hat.
”
“
What
’sgoi
ngonChess?
”
“
Wit
h?”
“Ar
ey ouf
ixi
ngthi
ngsoryouarej
ustst
ayi
ng
becauseyouhavenochoi
ce?”
“
Bot
h.”
“
Doy
oust
il
ll
oveLef
a?”
“
Yesbutahh…”
“Igetyou.Wewi l
ltalk.Don’ttoywit
hpeopl e’
shearts.
ThisLelegi
rl hasar eallynicesof
tv oice,
shesounds
downt oearth.Pleasedon’ tplaywithherfeel
ings,
womenhav eat hingofget tingat
tached.Now
i
magi neherget t
ingat tachedwheny ouareonthe
othersidef
ixingy ourmar ri
age.”
“
Idon’
twanther
.Ij
ustwantt
ohel
pher
.”
“
Ify
ousayso.Shar
p.”
Hi
sfr
ienddroppedt
hecal
lthenChesscont
inued
wi
tht
hedriv
ebackhome.

*
**

Laterthatev
ening,Lel
elookedatt
heti
met hentook
herphoneandcal l
edherMoabi.Thephonerangfor
awhi l
et i
l
lhefi
nall
yanswered.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,wher
ear
eyou?
”
“
Wear
eal
mostatt
her
ank.Youcancome.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lelegrabbedhercarkey sthenwalkedoutlocki
ng
behindher .Shegotinhercarandtookadeepbr eath
thentwistedt hekey
.Shesmi l
edast hecarstar
ted
thensher eversedanddroveoffheadedtotherank.
*
**

Attherank,Lel
edroveovert
owherehewas
st
anding.Hegotinthecarwit
hhi
ssmallbagt
hen
smiledather.
“
Hi.
”
“
Hey
…Imi
ssedy
ou.
”
“
Met
oo.
”
Shelookedathi m expecti
ngaki ssbuther atherwas
putti
ngonhi sseatbelt
.Leledr ovebackhome.
Minuteslatertheywerewal kinginsi
det hehouse.
Shelookedathi sfadedbell bottom bluejeansthen
hi
st -
shirtwhichwast uckedi n.Heev enhadabel t
on.Hel ookedlikehewasf rom t he70’sespeciall
y
withthatafrohealway skeptbutshebl amedi ton
howhewasr ai
sed.Talkaboutbei ngr ai
sedbyy our
greatgrandmot her
.
Lel
ehuggedhi
m.“
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.
”
Hehuggedherbrief
lyt
henwenttothesi
tti
ngr
oom
wi
thhisfourcor
nerfor
malshoes.Lel
etookhi
sbag
thathehadl eftont hef
loorandwentwi thi
ttoher
room whileheswi tchedont heTV.Shehadhoped
forar omanticnightbutitseemedhehaddi ff
erent
plans.Shewentbackt othekitchenthendi
shedfor
him andtookhi splatetothesitt
ingroom.Sheputit
ont hetabl
eandwentbackf oradishandajugwi t
h
wat er
.
Moabi
lookedatherasshehel
dthedi
shbef
orehi
m
t
henfr
owned.
“Lel
entle,
thatisnothowawomanshoul ddoi t
.How
manyt i
messhoul dItel
lyou?Iam yourman,Iam
themani nthisrel
ati
onshi
pandIdeserv eal
lthe
respectIcanget.Youcan’tj
ustst
andt her
easi fI
am yourfri
end.Youshouldkneel.
”
“
Idon’
tli
kekneel
i
ng.
”
“Aker
ebecausey oudon’
twanttogotothegym.
That’
swhyIalway sdr
eadvi
sit
ingyou.If
eell
i
keIam
yourchi
l
dnoty ourman.”
“
Sor
ry.
”
Shewentdownonherkneel
sthenhewashedhi
s
handswhi
leshepour
edthewarm wat
erf
rom t
hejug.
Shehandedhimt hedisht
owel.Moabiwi
pedhis
handsthenLeletookhispl
atewhichwasonthe
tabl
esti
llonherkneesandhandedittohi
m.
Hesmi
l
edst
ari
ngatt
hef
ood.
“
Thanky
ou.
”
Sheslowlygotupsuppor
ti
ngher selfwi
ththeother
couchthenwalkedbackt
ot hekitchenwhereshe
washedherownhandsbyt hesinkandgotherpl at
e.
Shesatbesideshi
m.
“
Sohowwas-
“
“
Iam wat
chi
ngnews.Wai
tfi
rst
.”
Lel
el ookedatt
heTvthensighedeat
ingsi
lent
ly.He
quicklyatet
henputhi
splat
eont het
ablewhil
eLele
sti
l
l ate.
“
Iam done.Thanky
ou.
”
“
Youar
ewel
come.
”
“
Washmyhands.
”
Lel
elookedatthedishonthetabl
ethensi
ghedand
putherownplatedown.Shetookthedi
shthenknel
t
agai
nholdingthedishwhil
ehewashedhishands.
Shegrabbedthedishtowelandhandedi
ttohi
m.
“
Thanky
ou.I
twasdel
i
cious.
”
Lel
esmil
ed.I
tal
waysfel
tnicewhenany
one
compl
i
mentedherf
ood.“Youarewel
come.
”
Shesatdownashet ookoffhisshoes.Theawf ul
smellengulfedthewholehouse, shelookedathim
asheignor editthenshestoodupandt ookhi
s
shoesout si
de.Shedidn’tevenfeelhungryanymore.
Sheclearedt hetabl
eandputev eryt
hinginthe
ki
tchen.
HewatchedTvforawhi
l
easshewashedt
hedi
shes.
Moabi
lookedather.
“
Ili
key
ourhai
r.I
t’
sni
ce.
”
Shesmi l
ed.Healwaysnoticedthesmal lt
hingsand
alwaysgavecomplimentswhendue.Shej ustloved
howhecor rect
edsomeonewi thoutyell
ing,i
nal l
the
monthstheyhaddated,shehadnev erhear dhim
rai
sehisvoiceather
.Shegothi m aglassofcol d
waterandputitonatraythenwalkedwi thittothe
sit
ti
ngroom andknelt
.
“
Thanky
ou.Ipl
ait
edy
est
erday
.”
Hetookhi
swater
.“I
t’
sreal
l
ynice.Gapet
hecol
or
goeswel
lwit
hyourski
ncolor
.”
“
Thanksbabe.
”
Shesatbesi
dehi
m.“
Howwasy
ourt
ri
p?”
“
Itwasf
ine.Wehadasmal
lbr
eakdownont
heway
t
hat’
swhythedel
ay.
”
“
Ok.
”
Heputhi
swat
erdownt
henpul
l
edherup.
“
Come.
”
Het ookherhandandl edhert oherbedroom.Her
beautiful
lydecoratedbedr oom alwaysimpr essed
him.Itlookedlikear oom f rom TVespeci all
ywi t
h
howt hebedwoul dbemade, thewhitefl
uffythi
ngon
herflooralsofeltnicet ost eponi t
.Heunbuckl edhis
beltthentookof fhist-shirtandwhi tevest.He
unbut t
onedhisj eanst henpul ledthem down
togetherwithhiswhi teunder wearandf l
oralwhite
boxers.Hehandedev erythingt oheraft
ertakingout
thecondom t henshef oldedt hem andtookof fher
ownclot
hesr
emai
ningwi
tht
hewhi
tel
acepant
yand
thebr
a.
Heputonthecondom andl
ookedather
."Takeof
f
ev
eryt
hing.
"
"
Oh.
."
Shet ookoffherbrathenthepant y
.Hel ookedather
nakedbodyt henleanedov erandgaveherababy
kissbeforepushi
ngheront hebedopeni ngherlegs.
Hepushedhert hickthighswiderapartexposingher
thickpussythenheheldhi sdickand-#remov ed.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#2
#r
emov
ed

Heunbuckl edhisbeltthentookof fhist-

shir
tand
whi tevest.Heunbut t
onedhi sjeansthenpulled
them downt ogetherwithhiswhiteunder wearand
fl
or alwhiteboxers.Hehandedev eryt
hingtoher
aftertakingoutthecondom t henshef ol
dedthem
andt ookof fherowncl othesremai ni
ngwi t
hthe
whi tel
acepant yandt hebra.
Heputonthecondom andl
ookedather
."Takeof
f
ev
eryt
hing.
"
"
Oh.
."
Shet ookoffherbr athent hepant
y.Helookedather
nakedbodyt henl eanedov erandgaveherababy
kissbeforepushingheront hebedopeningherlegs.
Hepushedhert hickthighswiderapar
texposingher
thickpussy,hehel dhisdickandgotclosert
hen
pushedhi sdickin.Achi l
lrandownhisspineast hat
pussysqueezedhim wrappinghimi nthewar
mness.
Heswallowedputtinghishandsonhert hi
ckthi
ghs
andstart
edthrust
ing.Hisnosef l
aredashebreathed
hardandfastwhil
ehi sheartpoundingatt
heinsane
pl
easure.
Hehadt herightsize,nott
oobigorsmal lei
ther
,Lel
e
l
ookedathim wi shinghecouldjustchangeangl es
andt r
ybyallmeanst ogethertothatplaceshe
yearnedtoreach.Shehadev enleftthatfacebook
groupthatt
al kedaboutsex,alotofwomenal ways
sharedthei
rexperiencesanditdepressedher .She
fr
ownedatt hepaint hatcamewi t
heacht hr
ust.
Moabi closedhi sey esasthepl easuregotso
i
ntense, i
talway sfeltgood.Ev enthought heydidn’
t
hav esexal otoftimes, shealway sfeltgood
whenev erhedi ppedi n.Sweatbal l
sformedonhi s
forehead.Lel emov edherwai stignori
ngt hepain
try
ingt ohel phim asherpussygotwet .Sherubbed
herclitasheopenedherey es.Shemov edherwaist
moani ngsof t
ly.
“Moabi…doy
ouwantmet
ochangeposi
ti
ons?Ican
kneel
…”
Heshookhi sheadl osti nthepleasurewhi l
e
thrusti
ng.Lelehookedherl egwithherar m whi l
eher
otherhandr emainedonhercl it
.Her ockedbackand
forthasal t
hev einspoppedf rom hishands.Lel e
closedherey esimagi ningthatguyfrom t heporn
videoont opofher ,
him mov i
ngdeepusi ngt hat
fl
exiblewaist.Thosev ideosalwaysexagger ated
thingsbutshewassur eitf
eltgoodt osomeext ent
.
Sher ubbedhercl itevenmor etryi
ngt oreachbef or
e
Moabi coul
dbutunabl et ocontroli
tany mor e,Moabi
mov edev enfastert henst i
ll
eddeepi nsideherand
fi
lledthecondom.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#3

Lelel
ookedatMoabiashegotof
fhert
hentookoff
thecondom.Heputi
tdownasLelel
ookedathim.
Shewatchedhi
m asheopenedhi
ssmallbagthen
satupri
ght
.
“
Youwantt
otakeabat
h?”
“
No.Iam t
ir
ed.Iwantt
osl
eep.
”
Shenodded,
Moabi
tookouthi
sbl
ackunder
wear
andputi
ton.
“
Babe,
wher
ear
ethosebr
ief
sIboughty
ou?
”
Heputonsomeshortsandat-
shir
t.“
Idon’
tli
ke
t
hem.Theyarenotcomfor
tabl
e.Doyoutouch
your
sel
fli
key
oudidwhenwewer ehav i
ngsex?”
“
No…I
-“
“Youshouldneverdoit
.Idon’
tli
keit
.Onl
ywomen
whodon’trespectt
hemselvesdoit
.Womenwi t
hno
standar
ds.Youshouldneverdoit
.GapeIdon’
tli
kei
t
wheny oumov ebeneathme.Youshoul
djustli
e
down.Youshoul dnotactli
ket
hosewomeni nthose
videos.Idon’
tli
keit.Il
i
keawomanwhor espects
herself
.Iknowit’
sbecausewebarel
yspendtime
togetherbutIam surewhenwegetmarr
iedIwillbe
abletomol dyou.
”
“
Sor
ry.
”
Hej oinedherinbedt henclosedhi seyesfall
ing
asleep.Lelewaitedforawhi l
et i
l
l hewasr eally
sleepingthengotupandt ookherphonet ot he
bathroom.Sheknewi twasgoi ngt otakehert i
met i
ll
shet aughthim somet hi
ngsbutshewasgoi ngt o
teachhi m,sl
owl ybutsurel
y.Shecl osedthet oi
let
seatt hensatdownopeni ngherl egswhileopeni ng
theadul tvi
deossheusual l
ykept .

*
**

Thefoll
owingmorning, MmagweLel ewalkedoutof
thedoctor
’sof
fi
cehol dingherhandbagthenwentto
seeherhusband.Shel ookedathim ashelay
unconsci
ous.Tearsfil
l
edhereyes,fort
hefirstt
ime
shefoundithardtoremainstr
ong.Therewasher
husbandlyi
ngont hatbedfi
ghti
ngforhisl
ifewhen
atsomepoi nthehadbeenthepill
arofstr
engthin
thefamil
y.
Sheknewt henewswoul dhitLelehar
derthat
everyoneelse.Shel
ovedherfathersomuchi twoul
d
breakher.MmagweLel eheldherhusband’shand
thenclosedhereyespray
ing.
“FatherIdon’tknowaboutmyt omorrowormy
husband’ stomorrow, buthav emercyonhim.You
saidwecancal lupony ouandt odayIcall
uponyou,
havemer cyonmyf ami ly.Maytherebe
breakthroughinmyf amily,spar
emyhusband’sli
fe
Lord….”Sheputacl othonherf acecryi
ngunabl
eto
continuewi t
hthepr ayer.
Herphoner angfrom herhandbag,shetookadeep
breat
hwipingherf acethentookitout
.Shelookedat
Lele’
scal
lwal ki
ngoutside.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Mama,
arey
oui
nGabor
one?
”
“
Yes.Iar
ri
vedsaf
ely
,thanky
oumygi
rl
.Iusedt
he
moneyyouhadsent
.”
“
Ok,
howi
she?
”
“
Thedoct
orsai
dwehav
etowai
tforhi
stestr
esul
ts.
”
“
Ok.I
sheawake?Iwantt
otal
ktohi
m.”
“No,hei
scurrent
lyrest
ing.Thedoct
orsai
dwe
shouldl
ethi
mr est.
”
“
Ok.I
fyouneedany
thi
ngy
oucant
ell
me.
”
“
Thanky
oumygi
rl
.Howar
eyou?
”
“
Iam f
ine.Onl
ywor
ri
edaboutPapa.
”
“
All
shal
lbewel
l
.”
“Iwi
llcal
lyoul
ater
.May
behewoul
dhav
ewokenup
bythen.”
“
Bye.
”
Lel
edroppedt
hecall
.MmagweLeleputthephone
backi
nherhandbagthenwal
kedbacki
nt hewar
d.

*
**
Chessscr oll
edthroughLel e’
sf acebooktimeli
nein
hisbedroom.Shebar elypostedpi ct
uresofherself
andwhenshedi ditwasonl yselfi
es.Hezoomedi n
thepict
ur esstar
ingathersmi l
e.Thebedr oom door
openedt henhiswi f
ewal kedin.Chessl eftLel
e’
s
accountt henputhisphonedownashi swifewalked
overholdingat r
aywi thbreakfast.Shesmi l
ed.
“
Imadey
oubr
eakf
ast
.”Shel
aughed.“
Anel
ehel
ped
t
oo.
”
“
Thanks.
”
Lefahandedhimt het
raythenf
ixedhergownst
ari
ng
athim ashetookthecoff
eeandsippedwhil
e
star
ingatthefood.
“
Howwasbusi
nessi
nSer
owe?
”
“
Ok.
”
Shenodded.“
Yourfathercal
l
ed.Hewantedt
oknow
howwear edoi
ng.Itoldhi
m wearef
ine.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lef
asatbesi
dehi
m.“
Chess…”
Hel ookedather,shepushedherweavebehi
ndthen
smiled.“Imissyou.Iwasthi
nkingmaybewecango
forav acati
onorsomething,
justyouandme.Anel
e
will
r emainwit
hmymom orsi st
er.
”
“
Iam busyatwor
k.Ican’
ttr
avel
att
hemoment
.”
“
Okt
hen,
wewi
l
ldoi
tinamont
h’st
ime.
”
“Lefatshe,I’
sreal
l
yhecticatwork.Iam noteven
thi
nkingofv acati
onsatthemoment .Ifyouwantto
gof orav acati
on,youcango.I
t’
snev erstoppedyou
before.”
“
ChessIam t
ryi
ngt
ofi
xthi
ngs,
whycan’
tyoumeet
mehalf
way?”
“Maybehadyourespect
edourmarri
ageorj
ustour
rel
ati
onshi
pwewoul dn’
tbeher
e,y
ouarethelast
persontobemakingdemands.
”
Chess’
sphoner
ang,
Lef
aqui
ckl
ysnat
chedi
tand
pi
cked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Chess’
sfr
iendl
aughed.“
Hey
…”
Lef
atear
ful
l
ylookedatChess.Shecl
osedherey
es
asat
earr
oll
eddownhercheek.“
HeyKhumo.Letme
gi
vet
hephonet
oy ourper
son.
”
“
Sur
e..
”
Shehandedhi
m hi
sphone.
“
Sor
ry.
”
“
It
’sal
waysthecheater
swhot
hinkev
ery
onei
sdoi
ng
l
i
ketheyar
edoing.”
Hestoodupi
nhi
ssweat
pant
sandwal
kedout
shi
rt
less.
“
Khumo…”
“
Ever
ythi
ngok?
”
“Youknowwhatget
stome?I
t’
sthef
actt
hatshe
can’
tevent
ell
mewhoshewascheat
ingwit
h!”
“
Youdon’
tneedtoknowt
hat
.Aker
eyouar
etr
yingt
o
wor
kthi
ngsthr
ough?”
“
Lef
atshewant
wael
a!”
“
Don’
tputy
ourhandsonher
.”
“
Idon’
twantt
ogonearher
,Iwi
l
lki
l
lher
.She
di
sgust
sme.Nxl
a!”
“
Calm down.Youhaveachi
ldwi
tht
hatwoman.She
i
sthemot herofy
ourchi
l
d.”
Chessshookhi
shead.“
Whydi
dyoucal
l
?”
“If
oundamechani
cinSerowe.Ial
readybr
ief
edhi
m
soheknowswhattoexpect
.”
“
Thanksl
ait
aka.“
“Sure,
Ihav
esenthi
snumbersoy
ouj
ustgi
vehi
ma
call
andhewil
lcal
lher
.”
“
Ok.Thanks.
”
“
Hesai
dhecanseehercarar
oundl
uncht
ime.
”
“
Letmecal
lher
.”
“
Ok.
.ar
eyouconnect
ingher
?”
“
No.Iwi
ll
cal
lherwi
thmyothernumber
.Iwi
l
lsay
y
ougavemehernumber
.”
“
Sur
e.”
Chesshungupt
hencal
l
edLel
ewi
thhi
sot
her
number.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Hey
,it
’sChess.
”

*
**

Lel
epausedcooki
nghol
dingherphonet
oherearas
Chessspoke.
“
Wher
edi
dyougetmynumber
?”
“Themechanic.Hesai
dyoucancomear
oundl
unch
hour.Iwi
l
lsendy ouhi
sdi
rect
ions.
”
“
Ok.Thanky
ou.
”
“
It
’sok.
”
“
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
”
“Iam notabadperson.Yesterdaywasjustabad
dayandItookitoutony ou.Iam real
l
ysorry
.”
Lel
elookedattheeggsburni
ngt
henqui
ckl
y
swi
tchedofft
hegasst ov
e.
“
Yougood?
”
“
Yes.Ihav
etogo.Thanky
ou.
”
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”
“
Iam cooki
ng.
”
“
Fory
our
sel
f?”
“
Formyboy
fri
endandI
.”
“
Ser
ious?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Why
?”
Lel
elaughed.“
Whywhat
?”
“Whydoy ouhav
eaboy
fri
end?Boy
fri
endsar
e
dest
ruct
ions.
”
“Iam 24y
earsold,
Iam at
eacheratahighschool
.I
am waypastthest
ageofsay
ingboyfr
iendsdest
ruct
me.”
“
Breakupwi
thhi
m.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Youar
efunny
.”
Hechuckl
ed.“Gl
adImadey oulaugh.Mmethamma
wenakeseri
ous.(ButIam seri
ous.)Br
eakupwit
h
hi
m.”
“
ByeChess.
”
“
Ok…wait.Youhavear eal
l
ynicevoi
ce.Obua
monatey
ang,(Youtalksweet
ly,
)sl
owandsoft.I
s
t
hathowy out
eachy ourst
udent
s?”
Lelecradl
edherphonewit
hhershouldert
hendi
shed
theburnteggi
nherplat
eandswitchedonthest
ove
again.
“
Thi
sismyv
oiceChess.I
t’
showIt
alk.
”
“
Ili
key
ourv
oice.Iwi
shy
oucant
alkt
omef
orev
er.
”
Shelaughedfr
yingMoabi’
segg.“
Ihavet
ogo.Iam
cooki
ng.Myboy fr
iendi
ssoongoingt
ocomeback
fr
om hiswalk.
”
“
Lel
ewee?
”
“
Rra?
”
“Youdon’thav
et omenti
onyourboy
fri
endever
y
chanceyouget,Ihear
dyou.Kanawanhurda.(
You
arehurt
ingme.)”
Shel
augheddi
shi
ngf
orMoabi
thensheputhi
spl
ate
i
nthemi
crowav
eov
en.
“
Iam hangi
ngup.
”
“
Wai
t…doy
ouhav
eki
ds?
”
“
No.
”
“Ok.Iknowy ouareinar el
ati
onshipandIknowIam
mar r
iedbutcanwegooutf orlunchsometime.As
fri
ends.Ir
especty ourr
elati
onshipsamewayI
respectmymar r
iage.Ijustwantust ogooutfor
l
unch.Orsomet hinghelabutstri
ctl
yasfri
ends.
Please…”
Lel
elookedoutsi
dethewi
ndowashespokewi t
hhis
deepvoi
ce.“Yourwi
fewoul
dneverunder
standthat
wewere-“
“Iwi
ll
tell
herthatIam t
aki
ngoutafri
endforlunch.
Thammawenakeagokopa.( Iam beggi
ngy ou.)Say
tomorr
ow? ”
“Myboyfri
endisspendingtheweekendwi t
hme.We
arecel
ebrati
ngmybi rt
hdaytogetherIcan’
t.Iam
sorr
y.Youshouldalsostopcall
ingme.NnaIam not
comfort
ablewithal
l t
his,
youaremar ri
ed.Please
l
eavemeal one.Youwantpeopl
etobeatme.Ican’
t
fi
ghtnorcanIaffor
dhavingmyfaceinTheVoi
ce
newspaperbeingcal
ledahomewr ecker
.”
“
It
’sy
ourbi
rt
hdayt
oday
?”
Shesi
ghedwonder
ingfr
om t
hatl
ongsent
enceshe
hadsai
d,wast
hatall
hehadhear
d.“
Yes.”
“
Uhhok.Wheni
shel
eav
ing?
”
“
Tomor
rowmor
ning.
”
“
Butwai
t…Mondayi
t’
sahol
i
day
.”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ok!
”
“
Ireal
l
ythi
nky
oushoul
dst
opcal
l
ingmeand-
”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
row.
”
“
Iam goi
ngt
obl
ocky
ou.
”
Chessl
aughed.“
Pleasedon’
t.
”
“
Bye.
”
“
ByeLel
e.”
Shedr
oppedt
hecal
lst
ari
ngatSasast
eppi
ngoutof
acarandwalkedinsi
dethey
ar dt
hrought
hegat
e.
Lel
elookedatherasshewalkedi
n.
“
HeyLel
e…If
orgotsomet
hingy
est
erday
.”
“
Ok.
”
“Wherei
sy ourman?Kanahewentt ogetyou
somethi
ngsomet hi
ngfory
ourbirt
hday?”Sasa
l
aughed.“Mmay ourmanishot!Heisfi
neeee….
Lennahel
aket swapel
o.NotthatIwanthim but
heey!Whatahunk!”
“
Hei
s-“
“Wheredi
dyougethi
m?Wheredotheymanufactur
e
hi
stype?Doeshehav
eabrot
her?Bathongwee!His
mothermustbepr
oud.”
Sasa’
sphoner
angi
nherhands.
“Letmegett hi
s..”Shehur r
iedtoherroom justas
Moabi walkedinsidethehousei nanothersetofbel
l
bottom j
eanswi t
hhi st-
shirtt
uckedinwi t
hhisfour
cornershoes.Sasawal kedf r
om herroom then
pausedandl ookedatLel e.
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Dumel
ang…Lel
e,i
sthi
syouruncl
e?”
Lel
elookedatSasa.“
Thi
sisMoabi
.”
Sasasmi
l
ed.“
Uncle,
howarey ou?Iwasaboutto
conf
usey
ouwithLel
e’sboy
fri
end.”Shel
aughed.
Lel
ecl
earedherthr
oat
.“Sasa,
thi
sismyboy fr
iend,
Moabi
.Babe,t
hisismyroommate,Kesaobaka.”
Sasal
ookedatMoabithent
urnedtoLele.She
l
ookedatMoabiagai
nandneitheroft
hem were
l
aughi
ng.Shechuckl
ed.
“Gotyou!Iknewit
.Iwasj ustpl
ayi
ngwi t
hyou.Ihav
e
heardalotaboutyou.Shewasn’tl
ying.Yougot
yoursel
fahusbandfriend.
”
Moabismi
lednoddi
ngf
ixi
nghi
sbel
t.“
Iam goi
ngt
o
marr
yher.
”
“
Youshoul
d!Ni
cemeet
ingMoabi
.Lel
e,cany
ouhel
p
mewit
hsomethi
ngi
nmyr oom.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lel
ewal
kedwi
thSasat
oherr
oom.Sasal
ookedat
her
.
“
Heelawena,
who’
sthatancest
or ?Wher
eisyour
man?Kanamenli
keyourboyfr
iendaret
hety
peto
kil
l.Whatmor edoy ouneedi fyouhav eanent ir
e
dzaddyf oraboy fri
end?Ot sakaeancest r
alspiri
t
yele?(Wher edi dy ougett hatancestralspiri
t?)And
whati sthathei swear ing?Thatguyi sjusttoool d.
Hel ookslikey ourunclegapey oucansmel l
his
pov ert
yfrom af ar.Tell
hi mt ogo!Iwi l
lkickhim out
fory ouifyouwant .Howcany oujustcheatwi th
such?Andt hathi pster
? ”Sasacr ackedupl aughing.
“Heev ent uckedi nthatjean…andt heshoes…
heelangwhi chy earisthis?”
“Sasa,Chessisnotmyboy fr
iend.Youshouldlearn
tolist
en,ChessisjustaguyImety est
erdayandhim
comi nghereoneadi rabodi
pahela,(wasjusthim
beingstubborn,
)andhei smarri
ed.Hehasachi ld.
Moabi ismyboy f
ri
end.TheoneIal waystal
kabout .
It
’shim.”
Sasaputherhandov
erhermout
hinshock.
.
.
.
Dol
eav
eal
i
keandacomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#4

“
Ist
hismeantt
obeaj
oke?
”
“No.IwouldneverdateaguylikeChess.Hei stoo
handsomef ormegapehel aheismar r
ied.Heloves
hiswifeandtheyhaveachild.Iam notgoingtosee
my sel
fwithamar r
iedman.Iam notgoingt obe
suedforamanl ikeChessknowingverywel lhewil
l
alwaysgobackt ohiswif
e.”
“
Lel
ewhat
’swr
ong?Whyi
sChesst
oohandsomef
or
y
ou?Ar
eyouugl
y?”
“Iam notuglybutIknowIam nott hebestthing
aftersli
cedbread.Menl i
keChesshav eatypeandI
am nothi st
ypesoal lhewantsistohavesexwi th
meoutofcur i
osityofhowaf atwomanf eel
sl i
ke.I
hav ebeenthere,donethat…Iam notgoingtoput
my selft
hroughthat,thr
oughfakelovethati
s
centeredaroundsex .
”
“
Youshoul
dst
opsay
ingy
ouar
efat
.Youar
ethi
ck.
Doy ouknowt herearepeoplewhowi shtheywere
you…?Peopl elikeme.Iwi shIhadyourhipsand
thi
ghs,IwishIhady ourbigbum orthatwaistof
yours.Yourproblem isthatyoulookdownon
yourselfsohowi ssomeoneel sesupposedt o
actuall
yseey ourbeautywheny ouy our
selfdon’
t
evenseei t
.”
“
Youar
ejustsay
ingt
hatbecausewear
efr
iends.
”
“
Iam notanddi
dChesst
ell
youhi
sty
pe?
”
“
Iknowmenl
i
kehi
m.”
“Youknowmenl
i
kehi
m?Youdon’
tev
enknow
Chess.
”
“
Hetookof
fhisringr
ighti
nfr
ontofme,
thatshows
mei
t’
shisst
yle.Andheismarri
ed.
”
Sasasmi
l
ed.“
Iam sur
eheknowst
hat
.”
Lel
eshookherhead.“
Ngng,
Idon’
tdomar
ri
ed
men.”
“
Heseemsnaught
y.”
“Hewon’tseem sonaught
ywheny
ougetsuedf
or
sleepi
ngwithamarri
edman.”
“Howwi l
lthewifeknow?NnaIwoul dn’tmindl
ett
ing
hi
mr avi
shme, tur
nmear oundl
ikeapieceofst
eak
onthebraaist
andwhi l
egi v
ingi
ttomehar dand
good.Di
dy ouseethatzip?Jesos!
”
“
Ilov
eMo-
“
“Youneedgoodsexwena.Chessseemsl iket
he
typeofsinIwanttocommit.CanIhavehim?Wil
li
t
beapr obl
em ifIl
ethi
m smash?NnaIwanthim,not
tohavehimf orev
erbutf
orj
ustonenight.
”
“Idon’tcar
ewhaty oudo.Letmegoandser vemy
man.Hemaybeol dfashionedandit’
smostly
becausehedoesn’ tknowmostt hings.Hewas
raisedbyhisgreatgrandparent
sandi nther
ural
places.Hedoesn’tknowmuchandIam goi ngto
teachhim andmol dhim.Iam goingtobepatient
withhim, i
nti
mey ouwi l
lseewhatIsaw. ”
“Ai
iyoucanmoldhi
m al
lyouwantbutt
hatmani
s
j
ustugly
.Ther
eisnogoi
ngaroundthat
.Hei
sugl
y.
DoyouhaveChess’
snumber?
”
“
Iwi
l
lsendi
tthr
oughWhat
sApp.
”
“
Thanksbabes.Butgetr
idoft
hatguy
.Okar
elesi
l
o
hel
a,ut
lwa…Lesi
l
o,rul
amobaswing.
.(Helooksl
i
ke
Lesi
l
o,l
ist
en…Lesil
o,wakeupf
rom t
hedead.)
”
Leler
olledherey
esandwal kedoutwhileSasa
l
aughedsohar dthr
owingherselfonthebed.Moabi
wasalreadyseat
edinfrontoftheTv.Shewalkedto
theki
tchenandsecondslater,
Sasawal kedout
.
“
Ok,
byeLel
e’
sboy
fri
end.By
eLel
e!”
Lelewav edt henfi
nisheddi shingforhermanand
putev er
ythingont het ray.Shewentwi t
hittothe
sitt
ingroom t henputi tont hetabl
e.Shewentback
forhiswat erandknel twashi nghishands.She
handedhi mt hedrycl eandi shtowel
.Shestoodup
andputt hedi shont het ablethenpushedthetabl
e
closertohim.
Herphoner
angfrom t
heki
tchen,
shewal
kedov
er
t
henanswered.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Everbeent
oKal
ahar
idesser
t?”
Sher
ecogni
zedChess’
svoi
ceasherhear
tski
pped.
Shet
ookthewetdi
shtowel
sshehadwashedand
wal
kedout
.
“
Rra?
”
“
Everbeent
oKal
ahar
idesser
t?”
“
No.Chesspl
easest
opcal
l
ingme.
”
“
Whatt
imei
syourboy
fri
end’
sbus?
”
“
Chess-
“
“I
fyoudon’
ttel
lmeIwi
l
lcomet
omyhouseandask
hi
m myself
.”
Lel
efr
owned.“
Canyoust
ayawayf
rom me?Iam
goi
ngtobl
ockyou.
”
“
Ify
oubl
ockmeIam comi
ngt
her
e.Iam notj
oki
ng.
”
“Can’tyoujustf
ocusony ourmarr
iage?Whywon’t
youst ayawayfrom me?Idon’ twantyou.Pl
ease
focusony ourwifeandy ourfamil
y.Orbett
eryet
,go
fi
ndsomeoneel se.Iam sureIam nottheonl
y
persony ouseeonear t
h.”
“
Whatt
imei
shi
sbusl
eav
ingi
nthemor
ning?
”
Shehungupandbl
ockedthenumber
.Shesi
ghed
thenhungt
hedi
sht
owelsbefor
ecal
li
nghermother
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Mama,
howi
spapa?
”
“Atthemoment ,i
t’
snotlookinggoodf oryourfat
her.
Thedoct orsayshemi ghtbesuf f
eri
ngf r
om Kidney
fai
lure.Heneedsat r
ansplant
.Theyaregoi ngtoput
him onthelistbuttheli
stistoolong.TheysaidIcan
beadonorsot heyaregoi ngtoseeifImatchbutwe
needmoneyf orthatoperati
on.”
“
Icanal
way
ssel
lthepl
otIbought
.”
“No.That
’snotgoi
ngtohappen.Iwi
ll
sel
lmi
ne.
Don’twor
ry.I
t’
sgoingt
obealri
ght.
”
“Ok.Tel
lmehowi
tgoes,
lennaIwoul
dlov
etoseei
f
Iam amatch.
”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.”
“Happybi r
thdaymygi rl.Iknowwear ecur
rent l
yi na
sit
uati
onbutwor r
ynot .Ev ery
t hi
ngwil
lbealri
ght .I
am goingt obeyourf ather’sdonorandyourf ather’
s
healt
hwi ll
bebackt onor mal soon.Wenafocuson
thi
ngst here.Heisgoingt obef i
ne.Wewil
l get
buyersfort hepl
ot,sellitandpayf ort
heoper ation.I
am posi
ti
ve.Thi
ngswi
l
lbewel
l
.”
Lel
enoddedandsmil
edfrom hermother’
sli
ght
voi
ce,shecoul
dn’
tpi
ckanyworryfr
om itanditput
heratease.
Hermot
herhungup.Lel
ewalkedi
nsidet
hehouse
andf
oundMoabial
readydoneeat
ing.
“
Wher
ewer
eyou?
”
“
Iwasspeaki
ngt
omymot
her
.Myf
atheri
snot
f
eel
ingwel
l.
”
“
What
’swr
ongwi
thhi
m?”
“
HehasKi
dneyf
ail
ure.
”
“
Sor
ry.
”
Shenoddedthensatbesi
dehim.“Mycarisgi
vi
ng
meproblems.Ithi
nkIam goi
ngtotakei
ttothe
gar
agelateron.
”
“
Ok,
let
’swat
cht
hist
alkshow.
”
“Howaboutamovi
e?”Lel
ereachedforther
emote
andchangedt
hechannel
thenshelookedathi
m.
“
Thi
sonei
sst
art
ing.Let
’swat
chi
t.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lel
emov edcloserandr
est
edherheadonhi
schest
astheywatched.

*
**

Laterthatday,
Lelewalkedoutinalongdress
l
eav i
ngMoabi inthehouse.Shegotinthecarthen
tri
edstari
ngitbutitst
utter
ed.Shetr
iedacoupleof
ti
mest hensteppedoutandwentt oherneighbor’
s
house.Sheknockedandsecondsl ateranother
teachershewasf ri
endl
ywi t
hwalkedout.Hesmi l
ed.
“
HeyLel
e..
”
“
Hey,mycarhasst
art
edagai
n.Cany
oupl
ease
j
umpstar
titf
orme?”
“
Youshoul
dgetanewcar
.”
Lel
esmiled.“
Ishoul
dgett
hej
obper
manent
ly.That
wil
lhel
p.”
Theybot
hlaughed.Hewentbacki
nthehouseand
camebackwi t
hthekeysforhi
sr edgolfwhil
eLele
wentbacktoheryar
d.Hedr oveoverthenparkedi
n
fr
ontofhercarandsteppedout.Minutesl
aterLel
e
smil
ed.
“
Thanks,
Iam goi
ngt
ogeti
tfi
xed.
”
“
Ok.Gl
adIcoul
dhel
p.”
“
Shar
p.”
Lelegotinhercarthendroveof
ffoll
owingthe
dir
ecti
onsthemechani chadsent.Sheparkedt
he
caratthegaragethensteppedout.
“
Dumel
ang…”
Amanwal kedoveri
nabl
uewor
ksui
te.“
Hi…how
canIhel
py ou?
”
“
Mynamei
sLel
e,Iam l
ooki
ngf
orDi
ra.
”
“
OhhLele…ok,Iam Di
ra.
”Themanshookhands
wi
thher
, hedi
dn’
tsoundli
kethemanonthephone.
“
Youdon’tsoundl
i
ket
heper
sonwhoIspoket
oov
er
t
hephone.”
Hel
aughed.“
Itwasn’
tme.Someonewhowor
ksher
e
answer
edt
hephone.
”
“
Oh…”
“
Yeah…Chesssai
dyoucari
sgi
vi
ngy
oupr
obl
ems?
”
Lel
eexpl
ainedwhatt
hecarwasdoi
ng.
“
Ithi
nki
t’
sbecausei
t’
sreal
l
yol
dbuti
t’
sal
lIgot
.”
Di
ranoddedopeni
ngthebonnet
.“Ok,
letmel
ookat
ev
eryt
hingandseewhatwecando.”
“
Ok,buthowmuchwi l
li
tbe?Idon’thav
emuch
money.Chesssai
dyouwouldfi
xitatadiscount
.”
“
Don’
twor
ryabouti
t.Yourbi
l
lhasbeensor
ted.
”
Lel
efr
owned.“
Rra?
”
“
Chessal
readysor
tedy
ourbi
l
l.
”
“Idon’
tneedChesstosor
tmybil
l
.Icandoit
.You
cangivehim backhi
smoneyt
henIwil
lpayy
ou.”
Di
rasmi
l
ed.“
Tal
ktoy
ourboy
fri
end.
”
“Heisnotmy …”Leletookadeepbreaththentook
outherphonefrom herhandbag.Shewenttoher
blockedcont
actsthenunblockedhim andcal
l
edhim.
“
Ithoughty
oubl
ockedme.
”
“Chess,Iam att
hegarageandDir
ai ssayi
ngyou
alr
eadysortedmybil
l.Iappr
eci
ateitbutIcanpayf
or
mycar .
”
“
Iknow.
”
“
Takebacky
ourmoney
.Iwi
l
lpaywi
thmyown.
”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.Ther
eisar
oadbl
ock.
”
Hehungup.Lel
ecl
osedhereyesfrust
rated.She
angr
il
yty
pedalongparagr
aphtheneraseditand
ty
pedsomethi
ngelse.
Lel
e:Iappr
eciateallthehel
py ouhavebeenshowi ng
butpl
easeit’
stoomuchnow.Ir espectpeople’s
marri
agesandasmuchasy ouwantt obef r
iends,
I
wouldappreci
ateitifyouandIarenothing.Youare
compli
cati
ngmyl ifeunnecessari
l
y.Pleasestop.
Shesighedandputbackherphonei
nherhandbag
watchi
ngasDiraworkedonhercar.
“
Howl
ongwi
l
litt
ake?
”
“Youwon’
tgeti
ttoday
.Comebackt
omor
row
around4.
”
“
Ok.Youwil
ltel
lmehowmuchIhav et
opaybuti
f
i
t’
salotIwi
l
lpayiti
ninst
all
ment
s.”

*
**

AtLele’shouse, Moabi t
ookoutt heshoesanddr ess
thenunf oldedthegi
f tbagandpl acedev eryt
hing
i
nside.Het ookoutthemelt edchocol at
ef r
om his
bagthenwentwi thittothef r
idgeandputi tinthe
deepfr eezer.Hewentbackt oherr oom andplaced
thegiftbagonherbed.Het ookadeepbr eath
wonder ingifitwasenough.Het ookoutt hefake
rosefrom hi sbagandputi tont hebedt oo.Ok…t hat
hadtodoi t.
Someoneknockedonthedoor,
hefi
xedhi
sbelt
wal
kingovert
henopenedthedoor
.Amanstood
bef
orehi
m.
“
Dumel
ang…”
Themanlookedathi
mrubbinghishandstogether
.
“MynameisChessMoremi.Iam f
rom Mini
stryof
Educat
ion,
canIpl
easespeakt
oLel
ent
lePhi
ri
.”
“Ohhshewentoutbutshewi
l
lbebackj
ust
-…t
her
e
sheis.
”
ChessturnedandlookedasLel esteppedoutofthe
taxii
nalongbluedr esswit
hacar diganontop.She
frownedathiscarthenslowlywalkedover.Moabi
smi l
edasLelestoodbeforethetwomen, hereyes
onChess.
“Lel
e,hesayshisnameisChase,
he’
sf r
om Mi
nist
ry
ofEducati
on.Iwil
lwai
tfory
ouinsi
de.Letmegeti
n
withyourbag.
”
Het
urnedandwalkedbackinsi
dethehouseaf
ter
t
aki
ngherbag.Lel
elookedatChasethenwhi
sper
ed.
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”
“
Cal
m down.I
sthatt
heboy
fri
end?
”
Sheshookherheadst
il
lwhi
sper
ing.“
Pleasel
eav
e.”
“Whyar
ewewhisperi
ng?Look,
hadyout
oldme
whenhi
sbuswasleavi
ngthenIwoul
dnothav
e
come.
”
“
Youar
einsane.Idon’
twanty
ou.St
ayawayf
rom
me!
”
“
Comeher
e…”
“
Iam not
-“
“Lel
e, karet akwano.( Isaidcomeher e.
)Don’ tforce
met ogeti nsidet hehouseandt el
lhim andIar e
dati
ng.Tr ustme, Iwi llt
ell y
ouruncl eboy fr
iendt hatI
fuckedy ou. ”Hegotcl oserandputhi shandsonher
waistandbr eathedonherneckwhi speri
ng
seduct i
vely.“ Iwilltellhi
m ev erysinglepar tofy our
bodyt hatIt ouchedandki ssed, Iwi l
ltel
lhim how
eacht ouchdr ov ey oucr azyandj usthowy ourpussy
tastedasIsuckedi tt i
ll
y ouspasmed.Iwi l
ltellhim
j
usthowsensi t
ivey ourbr eastgotandj usthowwet
andr eadyy ouwer e.Iwi l
l makei tmor einteresting
andt ellhim howIopenedy ourlegsandsl owlysank
i
nwat chingt hatpussyst retchf orme, matteroff act
,
Iwilltel
l himj usthowy ourpussysqueezedmeasI
buriedmyent ir
el engt hinsidei tthenf uckedy out o
heav en…eacht hrustdeepandgood…somespi ce
woul dbehowy ougr eedilymov edbeneat hme,
meet ingmet hrustf orthrustunabl etost opy ourself
from want i
ngi t…Iwon’ tfor gettot ellhi
mj usthow
youmoanedscratchingmybackwhi l
eIservedyou
goodandhardthenIwi l
ltell
him howy oucameall
overmydickwhil
emoani ngmyname.Nowaf terI
tel
lhi
m howIfi
ll
edt hatpussywi t
hmycum l eavi
ng
youdri
ppi
ngandf ul
l,hewon’ twantnothi
ngtodo
withy
oubecauseIwi ll
tel
l hi
mi thappenedtheday
hecame…”
Lelebreat
hedheav i
l
yashercl
itt
hrobbedwhil
eher
nippl
eshardened.Shemovedbackswall
owinghar
d
towetherdrythroat.“
Youar
ecrazy.
”
“
Takwano.(
Comeher
e.)
”
“
Yout
hinkt
hewor
ld-
“
Chessopenedt
hedoort
ogeti
nherhouse.Lel
e
pul
ledhi
m.
“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”
“
Comeher
e…”
Hetookherhandandl
edhertohiscar.Theybot
h
goti
n,Lel
efol
dedherarmsangri
lystar
ingathi
m.
Chesssmil
edthenpi
nchedhercheek.
“
Ongadi
l
eyaanong?(
Youar
eangr
ynow?
)”
Lelemovedherf aceandlookedoutthroughthe
window,herarmsst i
l
lfol
ded.Chessreachedf ort
he
backseatthenreachedfortheshoppingbags.
“
Igoty
out
hese.HappyBi
rt
hday
.”
Lel
etur
nedt
henl
ookedatt
heshoppi
ngbags.
"
Idon'
twantany
thi
ngf
rom y
ou.
"
"
Asi
mpl
ethanky
ouwi
l
ldo.
"
"
Idon'
twantany
thi
ngf
rom y
ou.
"
Heputt
heshoppi
ngbagsonherl
ap.
"
Youar
ewel
comeLel
e."
"Wil
lyoueverleavemeal
one?Doyouwantmet
o
getsuedbyyourwi f
e?Ev
enifIwer
esi
ngl
eIwoul
d
nevergoforyou."
Chesssmiledstar
ingather.Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h
andsighedlooki
nginsi
detheshoppi
ngbag.
"
Wheni
shel
eav
ing?
"
"
Tomor r
owmor ni
ng.Thankyoufort
hisbutIdon'
t
wantit
.Ify
ouconti
nuebotheri
ngmeIam goingto
r
eportyoutot
hepoliceandgetyouarr
ested.
"
Chessst
art
edthecar."
Letmemakeital
lwor
thi
t.I
can'
tgotoj
ail
forsomethi
ngpet
ty,
bett
ermakei
t
good.
"
Lel
etri
edopeningthedoorbuthehadlockedall
door
s.Chessrever
sedoutthendroveoff
.Lele'
s
hear
tskipped.
"
Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
"
"
Putony
ourseat
bel
t.
"
"Chessstopthecar
!Youar
egoi
ngt
ojai
l
,Moabi
is
goingtocall
thepol
ice.
”
Chesssteppedontheaccel
erat
orev
enmor
e.
“Pl
easeputonyourseatbel
t.
”
Tearsfil
l
edhereyes.“Pl
easestopi t
.Iam beggi
ng
you.Whyar eyoubother
ingme?I fyoucan’tr
espect
thefactthaty
ouaremar ri
ed,
fine,butwhyareyou
putt
ingmei nthemix?Whyar eyoudoingt hi
s?”
Chessst oppedthecarthenleanedoverandbelted
herup,het i
lt
edherchinbreathi
ngonher .Lel
e’
s
heartpoundedev enmoreasshebr eathedinhis
breath,
wast hatcigar
ett
eshecoul dsmell?She
coul
dn’
tbesur
ebut
…
Chessmovedevencl
oserasLel
ehel
dherbr
eat
hnot
movingani
nch.
“Iwantt
oki
ssyou.AndIam goi
ngt
odoi
t.Don’
t
stopme…pl
ease…”
Shelookedathi
m unabletobreathewhileherhear
t
poundedhardandfastagainstherchestashe
rubbedhisl
i
psonher s.Shecouldn’
teventhinkwhil
e
herpalmssweated.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#5

Hesof tlyFrenchkissedherwiththecaront hesi de

ofther oad.Heki ssedherevenmor e.Thekissf elt
sogoodhet ookoffhisseat
beltwit
hahandast hey
kissedt henputhishandatthebackofherwai st
pulli
nghercl oser
.Leleputherhandonhi sbi ceps,
hermi ndt ookherbackt oMoabi.Tearsrol
leddown
hercheek, Chesspausedandl ookedathert hen
rubbedt hattear.
“
Iwi
l
lret
urny
ou.
”
“Pl
easedoi tnow.Youaremarr
ied.Youwantmet o
getsued.Idon’thav
emoney,Iam barel
yhol
dingon.
IhavesomuchIam deal i
ngwith,
ahomewr ecking
caseisnotwhatIneed.”
“
Nooneisget
tingsuedandeveni
fitget
stot
hat
whi
chi
twon’t
..
.Iwil
lpaythemoney.
”
“Whyareyoudoingt
his?Whataboutmyr el
ati
onshi
p?
Whyareyoutry
ingtodest
roymyr el
ati
onshi
p?Idon’t
evenknowyou.Youareharassi
ngme.”
Chessbel t
edherupagainthenrejoi
nedt heroad.His
phoner angfr
om hispocket
,hetooki toutthen
droppedwhoev er’
scal
litwasandswi tchedoffthe
phoneal lt
ogether
.Heputitbackinhispocket
dri
ving.Lelel
ookedathim,herli
pstrembl i
ngashe
j
oinedt hemainroad.
“Chesstl
her
rakeagokopa…(
Iam beggi
ngy
ou…)
pleaset
akemebackoryoucanl
eavemehere…Iwi
l
l
walkback.
”
“
Youwantsomet
hingt
odr
ink?
”
“
Iwanty
out
oret
urnme.
”
“
AndIsaidIwill
.Wearenotgoingfar.I
t’
sjusther
e.I
wanttoshowyousomet hi
ng.From t
hereIwill
ret
urn
youandneverbothery
ouagain.Ok?”
Shelookedathi
m.“
Youwi
l
lnev
ercomet
omyhouse
agai
n?”
“Never,
Iwon’tev
encal
lyou.IfIret
urnyouwithout
showingyouwhatIwanttoshowy ou,Iam goingt
o
keepbother
ingyouebi
l
eIwi l
lsleepatyourhouse
toni
ghtandnotonthefl
oor.
”
Lel
ebl
inkedawayhert
ear
s.“
Ok.Bequi
ck,
Ihav
eto
gohome.”
“
Ok.Doy
ouwantany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
”
“
Ngng…”
Chesst
ookhi
sdr
inkandgav
eitt
oher
.“Take…”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
“Iam t
ryi
ngtobeniceLel
e…comeon…Iknowy ou
haven’
teatensi
ncemorni
ng.Igoty
ousomet
hing…”
Her
eachedf
oraf
astf
oodbagandgav
eitt
oher
.
Lel
elookedatt
hechi
psandchi
cken.
“
Iam t
ryi
ngt
olosewei
ght
.”
Chesslookedatherthi
ghs,hi
seyeswentt
oher
neckfol
dst henherf
ace.“Why?”
“
Iam t
oof
at.
”
“
Youar
enotf
at,
whol
i
edt
oyouandsai
dyouar
e
f
at?
”
“Iseei
tonmymir
rorev
eryday
.Iam 24butIwear
size40or42.
”
“
Doy
ouknowhowsexyy
ouar
e?”
Lel
elookedathim.“Youaresayi
ngthatbecauseyou
wanttosleepwit
hme, Iwonderi
fIam theonlyfat
per
sony ouknow.”
Chesssmiledthenturnedtot her
oaddri
vi
ngwhi
le
Lel
esippedhisdrink.Shesighedrel
axi
ngatt
he
sweetjui
cetakinganothersip.
“Idon’twanttor
apeyou.Iwil
lnev
erforcey outodo
anythingyoudon’
twantorfor
cemy selfony ou.
That’snottheki
ndofmanIam.Andy ouaresexy ,
that’
st het
rut
h.Havesal
ads,t
heyareatt heback.
Notf
ory
outolosewei
ghtbutt
ojustbeheal
thy
.You
ar
efi
nethewayyouar
e…Ili
keit
.”
Lel
esi
ppedt
hej
uiceagai
n.“
Iam nothungr
y.”
“
Ok…Youcanplaysomemusi
cfr
om t
hatUSB
memor
ysti
ck.
”
Lelereachedfori
tandpushedi
tin.Ol
i
verMt
ukudzi
start
edplayi
ng.Lel
esmiled.
“
Thissongismydad’sfavor
it
e.Helovest
hismanso
much.Heusedtoloveatt
endinghi
sli
veshows
wheneverhecamethi
sside.
”
“
Ithi
nky
ourf
atherandIcanbebestbuddi
es.
”
Lelesmil
ed,Chesslookedatt hatsmileonherface,
shehadnev ersmi
ledliket hatsincetheymetandhe
wishedshecouldsmilef orther estofherl
if
e
becausethatsmil
ebright enedupherf ace.She
mov edherbodyfr
om si det henlaughed.
“Ial
waysgotannoy
edwhenwewi l
lbegoi
ngback
home…thehomev il
l
ageandhewouldpl
ayMtukudzi
allt
hewayti
llwearr
ivedi
nMasunga.
”
“
Youar
eKal
anga?
”
Shesmil
edsi
ppi
ngthedri
nk.“
Yes.Mynamei
s
Nyal
adzi
Lel
entl
ePhi
ri
.”
“That
’sni
ce,
ket
swaSehi
thwa.(
Iam f
rom
Sehit
hwa.
)”
“
Ioncetaughti
nMaunbuti
twasonl
yfort
hree
months.
”
“
Howl
onghav
eyoubeeni
nSer
owe?
”
“
6mont hsnow.Ihopetheyhir
emeper manently.I
r
eall
yneedthej
ob.Withmyf atherhav
ingKidney
f
ail
ure…Ineedi
ttohelpmamaandmybr ot
her.”
“Kidneyfai
l
ureisalway
st r
icky,
thewai
ti
ngli
stke
masepahel a.Mothoakanaaswaaemet si
yone
Kidney.(
Someonecanj ustdiewhil
ewai
ti
ngf ora
kidney.
)”
Lel
enoddedhav i
ngmor eofthedr
ink.“Yesbut
mamai sgoingt
ot esttoseeifshemat ches,
ifshe
doesthenwewillsellherpl
otandhav ethe
oper
ationdone.
”
“
Andi
fshedoesn’
tmat
ch?
”
“
Iwi
l
ltest
.Iwi
l
lev
enst
artcampai
gnst
ohel
phi
m.”
“
Iam r
eadyt
ohel
pwi
tht
hat
.”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”
Chessf r
ownedasshef
ini
shedt
hedr
ink.“
Ist
hat
fi
nished?”
“
Yes.
”
Het
urnedt
other
oadt
henshesni
ff
edt
hebot
tom.
“
Ist
hisal
cohol
?”
“
Wine.
”
“
Youdr
inkanddr
ive?
”
Helookedatherwi
thasmi
l
ethensi
ghedkeepi
ng
qui
et.
“
Youmademedr
inkal
cohol
?”
“
Youwon’
tgetdr
unk,
rel
axLel
e.”
“
Idon’
tdr
inkal
cohol
.”
Hel
i
ckedhi
sbot
tom l
i
p.“
Sor
ry.Wantwat
er?
”
“
Ngng…ar
en’
tweal
mostt
her
e?”
“
Almost
.Soy
ourf
ami
l
yst
aysi
nMasunga?
”
“
Ngng…inPal
apye.Papawor
kedt
her
efory
ear
sand
west
ayedt
her
e.”
Lelepressednextasanot
hersongstar
tedpl
ayi
ng.
Vee’ssongDumal anapl
ayedthenshel
eanedback
stari
ngattheroad.
“Whydoyoucheatony
ourwi
fe?Ar
eyounot
happy
?”
“Yes.Iam nothappy.GapeIam notcheat
ingonher
.
Thisisinnocent
.Thatkissdoesn’
tcount
.”
“
Whyar
eyounothappy
?”
“Imetheralmost6y earsback.That ’swhenwe
star
teddat i
ng,ay earlaterwegotpr egnant .Iwanted
ustogetmar r
iedbutshesai dshewasn’ tready.
Threey ear
slater,wef inall
ygotmar ri
edt henaf r
iend
ofmi neabroadwant edt ostartabusi nessand
neededapar tnerinAmer ica.Italkedtomywi fe
aboutitandagr eedIwoul dgo, seehowt hingsgo
thenshewi l
ljoinmewi t
hourdaught er.Aftera
coupleofmont hs, Ihadset tl
edandi twast imefor
hertocome, shesai dshegotaj obandcoul dn’
tjust
l
eav eit
.Itstr
ainedourmar r
iagebutl ennaIr eal
izedI
wasbeingunf ai
rsoItoldmybusinesspartnerabout
openi
ngabr anchinBotswana.Weagr eed,whenI
camebackay earl
ater,
Ifoundhercheati
ngandshe
wasevenpr egnant
.Icouldn’
tdealwit
hitasoIf il
ed
foradi
vorce.Herexcusewast hatIwasn’tther
efor
herandshewasl onelyandawhol el
oadofbul l
shit.
”
“
Soy
ouar
edi
vor
cing?
”
“Shewentandi nvol
vedthef ami
lies,myfatherand
hisfatherarefri
ends,boththefami l
i
esbeggedme
toforgiveherthensheabor tedthepregnancy,to
thi
nkshedi dn’twantto…”Heshookhi shead,Lele
couldnot i
cethatangermi xedwithpainashespoke.
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Yah…”
“Soyouarelooki
ngf
orsomeonet
otakey
ourmi
nd
offt
hings?
”
Chesssmi
led.“
No.Justaf
ri
endwill
do.Iam not
goi
ngtoputyouinmymess,don’
tworr
y.”
“
Soy
oust
il
ll
oveher
?”
“
Idon’
tknow.Iwoul
dhav
ewant
edt
owor
kthi
ngs
throughbecauseattheendofthedaywear eall
humansLel e,l
ennahelaIam notper
fectbutt
oget
pregnant
?Andt oactuall
ywanttokeepthebaby…”
Lel
e’
sstomachgr
owl
ed.Sher
eachedf
ort
hesal
ad
att
heback.
“
Ther
eiscokeatt
heback.
”
Sher
eachedf
ori
t.
“
Thanks.
”
“
Sur
e.”

*
**

Moabi satinfrontoftheTvwai t
ingforLel
e,hewas
sureshehadwentt otheschoolwit
hthemanf rom
Minist
ryofEducat ion.Lele’
sphonerangfr
om the
bedroom, hestoodpandwentt othebedroom then
tookitout.Hel ookedattheunsavednumbercal l
ing
thenputitbacki nthebagandwentbackt othe
sit
ti
ngr oom.Themov i
ehewaswat chingendedthen
anotherstart
ed.Hewat cheditt
il
li
tendedwhi l
eti
me
moved.Moabi
’sphonerang,
her
eachedf
ort
he
smal
lphoneandpicked.
“
Hal
l
o?”
“Hi
,youcancomeandcol
l
ecty
ourmoneyf
ort
he
gar
dening.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
oumam.
”
“
It
’sok,
it’
sP1000r
ight
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ok.Whenwi
l
lyoucome?
”
“
Tomorr
ow.It
ravel
l
edandIam atSer
owe.Iwi
l
lbe
t
her
etomor
row.”
“
Ok,
Icandoanewal
l
etf
ory
ou.
”
“
That
’sst
il
lok.
”
“
Bye.
”
Theladyhungup.Moabi smil
ed, minuteslaterthe
moneyr eport
ed.Helookedaroundt hehouset hen
walkedoutwithhisphoneandt r
anspor tmoneyi n
hi
spocket .Hewenttothebusst opwher ehet ooka
combi t
ot hemall
.Peoplest
aredasusual buthe
i
gnoredt hem anddr oppedof fatt hemal l.Hecashed
outthemoneyandgotLel eacake.Hewal kedi nside
thefl
owershopandgotr ealflower s.Thought full
y ,
hegoti nsideDebonnai rsandgothert hesmal lpizza.
HeputLel e’sP500int heotherpockett hent her est
ofthechangei ntheot herpocket .Alreadyhecoul d
i
magi net hesmi leonherf ace.Hegoti nacombi
thendroppedof fandwal kedhomewi t
hasmi l
e.At
herhouse, heputthecakei nt hef ri
dget hent he
debonnai rsinthemi crowaveov en.Het ookt he
fl
ower stot hebedroom t henspr eadt hem onherbed
makingi tlooklikether omanticscenehehadseen
onTV.
I
mpr
essedwi
thhi
msel
f,hesmi
l
edmov
ingback.

*
**

Chessdrovehummi ngt ot
hemusic,hel
ookedat
Lel
ewhowasf astasleepbesi
dehim.Heslowed
downthenfinal
lystoppedthecaratt
helodgeat
Kal
ahariGameReser ve.Heknewshewasgoi ngt
o
bemadbuthewaspr epar
edforit
.Lel
esl
owly
openedhereyesandstret
ched.Shewasi
nthecar
buttheyhadstopped.
“
Wehav
ear
ri
ved?
”
“
Yes…”
Thesunwasset
ti
ngwhi
l
eitgotdar
ker
.“Whatt
ime
i
sit?
”
“
Justaf
ter6.
”
“
No!Wher
ear
ewe?
”
“
Come…”
“
Chess,
ret
urnme.Now!Myboy
fri
endi
swai
ti
ngf
or
me…wherearewe?
”
“
Kal
ahar
i.
”
Shegasped.“
TheGameReser
ve?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
What
?”
“
Yah…Iam t
aki
ngy
oubackonMonday
.”
“
No!Youar
etaki
ngmebacknow!Chessst
opt
his.
Thi
sisnotf
unnyany
mor
e.Takemeback”
“
It
’sl
ate,
thereareani
mal
sint
her
oadconsi
der
ing
wher
ewear e.”
“
Youcan’
tkeepmeher
eagai
nstmywi
l
l!
”
“
Youwantt
obeki
l
ledbyel
ephant
s?”
Tearsr
olleddownhercheeks.“Godpl
easehel
pme…
Chesspleasetakemehome. ”
“Lele…Iam joki
ng.Iwil
ltakey oubacktomor
row
afteryouexperi
encethi
spl ace.Ihavet
ogoback
too…come. ”
Hesteppedoutofthecart
henwal
kedr
oundt
hecar
andhelpedherout
.
“
Whati
sMoabi
thi
nki
ngr
ightnow?Myboy
fri
end-
“
“
Youwi
l
lcal
lhi
m wi
thmyphone.
”
“Andtell
him what?It
’smybi r
thdayandwewere
goingtospendittogether
.Thatiswhyhecame.He
i
sleavingtomorrowmor ningatsix!
”
“Youwi
llt
ell
him what
every
ouwantt
otel
lhi
m.
Come..
.”
“Ir
egretmeeti
ngyou!Youar
et heworstthingt
hat
haseverhappenedtome.Youareharassingme
and…y ouki
dnappedme!Iam goingt
or eporty
outo
thepoli
ce.
”
“Iheardther
earesnakesandscorpi
onsher
e,be
carefulandmakesuretheydon’
tgeti
nyourdress.
”
Lelej
umpedpul l
i
ngupherdr ess.Chesssmi l
ed
taki
ngherhandandl edherinsidethelodge.They
wenttothei
rroom.Lelelookedatbeaut if
ulroom.
Chesstookoffhist
-shir
t,Lel
el ookedawaybuther
eyesbetr
ayedhergoingbackt ohi schest
.
“
Youwantt
otakeashower
?”
“I
fwewakeuptomor
rowear
lyi
nthemor
ning…we
canar
ri
vei
nti
me.Letmecal
lMoabi.
”
Chessgaveitt
oherthensheswi
tchedi
tonand
i
mmedi at
elydi
aledMoabi
’snumber.
“
It
’snotgoi
ngt
hrough.
”
“
May
bet
her
eisnonet
wor
k.”
“
Whatdoy
oumeant
her
eisnonet
wor
k?”
Heshr
ugged.Lel
e’
skneesgotweak.
“
Youknewt
hatdi
dn’
tyou?
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Youwantt
otakeabat
h.”
“Iam t
ell
i
ngyourwi
fe.Iam sendi
ngheramessage.I
am tel
l
inghery
ouki
dnappedme. ”
“
Ok…Iwi
l
lruny
ouabat
h.”
Hetur
nedandwal
kedt
othebat
hroom.Mi
nut
esl
ater
hewal
kedout.
“Comeandbat
h.Di
dyoumanaget
ogethol
dof
her?
”
“
Ihat
eyou.Iam goi
ngt
orepor
tyou.
”
Chesswal
kedovert
hentookoffhercardiganand
unzi
ppedherdr
esspushi
ngheragainstthewall
.
“
Ok…Ir
any
ouabat
h.”
Hetookhi
sphoneandthr
ewitonthebedthen
bendedpi
cki
ngherupandputheronhi
sshoulderas
i
fshewasnotheavy.
“
Chess!Putmedown,
youwi
l
ldr
opme.
”
Hewalkedwithhert
othebathr
oom andputher
down.Lel
elookedatwat
erthatsmel
tgood,she
quickl
ymovedherhandsf
rom hi
schestandt
ooka
stepback.
“
Bat
h..
”
Hewalkedt
othedoor,
Lel
elookedathi
m.“
Whenar
e
yout
akingmebackhome?”
“
Tomor
row.
”
Hewal
kedout
.

*
**

Hour swentbybacki nSer oweasMoabi gotmor e

andmor ewor r
ied.Nowt hathet houghtabouti t,t
hat
manhadn’ tl
ookedl i
kehewasf rom t heministr
y.
Didn’tt
hosepeopl edressprofessional?He
swallowedst ari
ngatLel e’sphone, hermot herhad
call
edt wicealr
eady .May beshehadbeenki dnapped.
Her eachedforhi sownphoneandcal l
edthepol i
ce.
.
.
.
Dol
eav
eal
i
keandacomment

Roar
ingFl
ames
#6

Atthepol
icest
ati
on,
Moabi
fini
shedexpl
aini
ngwhat
hadhappenedtot
hepol
i
ceoffi
cer.
“
Soshel
eftwi
tht
hisman?
”
“
Ithi
nkso.
”
“
Whatdoy
oumean?“
“Iwasinsidet
hehouse.Thi
smancameandsai dhis
namewasChaseMor emifr
om Minist
ryofEducat
ion.
WhenLel ecame,Igav
ethem spaceandgotinsi
de
thehouse.”
“
Soy
ouar
enotsur
eifshel
eftwi
thhi
m ordi
dn’
t?
“
Iam sur
e.Hewast
hel
astper
sonIsawherwi
th.
”
“
Whatt
heyknoweachot
her
?”
“Lel
edoesn’tknowhi m.Hemusthav eforcedher
i
nsidethecar.Heki dnappedher.Youhav etofind
her.Shedoesn’tknowt hatman.Hepr obablyl
ied,he
i
snotf r
om Mi ni
stryofEducati
on.”
“Mathat
akegoreyoudidn’
tseeanyt
hing.Shemight
havelef
twit
hhim onherownwill
andy oufi
ndthat
thesepeopl
eknoweachother.
”
“Hewasdriv
ingaLandRoveryewhi
te.Idi
dn’tsee
thenumberplat
ebutenei
fIseehi
m Icanidenti
fy
him.
”
“Igetyoubuttheissuei sthatshemi ghthav elef
t
withhim onherownaccor dandnooneki dnapped
her.Wenay oudidn’tseeany t
hing.Wewi l
l haveto
waitforatl
east48hour sandifsheisnoty etback
thenwewi l
l st
artsearchingforher.
”
“Youdon’
tunder
stand,
youneedt
olookf
orher
now.”
“Thatisnothowwedothings.Sheisagrown
woman, foral
lweknowshemi ghtnotevenbe
missingandsheissomewheretherewit
hher
boyfr
iend.Gobackhomeandwai tforher.
”
Lel
e’sphonef
rom hi
spocket.Het
ooki
toutand
answeredwal
kingout
side.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Issheback?
”
“No.Iam atthepol
icestat
ion.Theysai
dtheywi
l
l
onlystar
tlooki
ngforherafter48hour
s.”
“
What?Iam comingther
e.Bat
hongdon’
ttheyknow
womenarebeingki
dnappedever
yday
?”
“
Theydon’
twanttoli
sten,Ishouldhaveknown.
.I
woul
dhaveneverl
eftheroutsidewit
hhim al
one.
”
“
Iam comi
ngt
her
eson.Ij
ustgoti
nthebus.
”
“
Eemma.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
It
’sok.
”
Moabi
putt
hephonei
nhi
spocket
,hehadnev
erf
elt
sousel
essandtothinkshemighthaveal
readybeen
ki
ll
edoutt
here.Hefeltemoti
onschoki
nghim ashe
st
oodinfr
ontofthepolicest
ati
on.
Hewentbacki
nsi
det
hepol
i
cest
ati
ont
obegt
hem
agai
n.

*
**

AtLel e’
shouse, Moabi walkedinanhourl at
erand
satdownst ressed, hisphonealreadyoffwhileLele’
s
phonecompl ainedwi t
hbat t
eryl
ow.Heputhi s
handsonhi sf acewonder ingwhatt odonowt hat
thepol i
cewoul dn’
thel phi
m.Thedooropened, he
turnedhishead, hisheartskippi
ng.Sasawal ked
i
nsi dethehouse, disappoi
nted,Moabi si
ghedt aki
ng
offhisshoes.
“
Hi…”
“
Hel
l
o.”
“
Wher
eisLel
e?”
“
Shehasbeenki
dnapped.
”
Sasa’
sey
eswi
dened.“
What
?”
“Yes.Amancameher e,hesaidhisnamewasChase
Mor emi andthathewasf rom t
heMi nist
ry.Ilefthi
m
andLel eoutsidethi
nki
ngt heywerediscussing
somet hingfr
om wor kthenshejustdisappear edwit
h
him.”
“
Chess?
”
“
Yes,
Chase.
”
“
Soshewentwi
thhi
m?”
“
Heki
dnappedher
.”
“
No.Shewasn’
tki
dnapped.
”
“
Shewas.Het
ookher
.”
Sasal
ookedathi
sdr
essi
ngt
henf
rownedatt
he
awful
smell
.
“
Gonkgang(
What
’ssmel
l
ing)
?”
“
What
?”
“
Somet
hingi
ssmell
i
nghere.What
’st
hatsmel
l
?It
’s
l
i
kesomethi
ngdi
edher
e.”
Shewalkedaroundsni
ff
ingt
henshel
ookedathi
s
shoes.Shepi
ckedapair.
“
It
’st
heshoes…Jeso!Whatdi
edi
nsi
deher
e?”
Shepi
ckedt
hem andt
hrewt
hem out
side.
“
Jesus!
”
Sheopenedal
lthewi
ndows.“
Thoseshoesst
ink!
”
Moabi
justl
ookedather
.Shehel
dherwai
stwi
tha
f
unnyl
ookonherface.
“
Iev
enl
ostmyappet
it
e.Wher
eisherphone?
”
“
Ihav
eit
.”
“Maybeshelef
twil
li
ngl
yormay beanemer
gency
happened.Maybeherf
ather
’sl
eg.”
“
No.Ispoket
ohermot
herandev
ery
thi
ngi
sok.
”
“
Thenshel
eftwi
thhi
m.What
’st
hebi
gdeal
?”
“
Youknowt
hatguy
?”
Sasapausedt
hensi
ghed.“
Iam j
ustsay
ing.“
“
Heki
dnappedher
.”
“
Ehe…goodni
ght
.”
“
Youar
enotev
enwor
ri
edabouther
?”
“
Iam.Iam goingt
oworr
ywhil
eIsleep.Keepthe
wi
ndowsclosed.I
t’
ssmel
li
ngadeadr ati
nsi
deher.
”
Sasawal
kedt
oherr
oom l
eav
inghi
mther
e.

*
**

Atthelodgei
nKalahariGameReser ve,Lel
ef i
nished
bathi
ngthentear
ful
lylookedather selfonthemi rr
or.
Atearroll
eddownhercheek, shesni f
fedwipingit
awaythenwalkedout.Chessl ookedather, herli
ps
tr
embledasshelookedathi m.
"Pleasetakemebacktomor rowearlymor ni
ng.
Moabi isprobabl
yworr
ied.Ican'
tbelieveyou
broughtmeher ewit
houtmyper mission,can'
tyou
seey ouaredestr
oyi
ngmyr elati
onship?"
Chessst
oodupt
henwal
kedov
erasshet
ri
ednott
o
cr
y.
"
Lel
e..
."
Shebli
nkedthenatearr
oll
eddown."Youpracti
cal
ly
ki
dnapped.Yougavemey ourdr
ink,
youknewi twas
al
coholandyouknewIwoul dpr
obablyf
all
asleep.
"
"
Comeher
e..
."
Hepull
edhert
othebedt
hensatdownandpul
l
ed
heronhi
slap.
"Youareright,Ikidnappedy oubutIwasdr inki
ng
thatwineallthewayf rom Gabs.Ifitwasmeantt o
makeonesl eep,Iwoul dhav eneverarr
ived.Youjust
happenedt ofallasleepandIdi dn'twakey ouup.I
am guil
tyaschar ged.Idon' twantt obreakor
destr
oyy ourrelationship.Fr
iendsdon'tdot hat
."
"
It
'snotf
air
.Moabidoesn'
tdeser
vet
his.Hecameal
l
t
hewayhereforme."
"Iknowsomewher
ewher
ether
eisnet
wor
k.Let
'sgo.
Youwill
cal
lhi
m."
Lel
egotup,
Chessgothi
st-
shi
rtt
henbendedabi
t.
"
Hopon.
"
"
Ngng,
Icanwal
k."
"
Yourdr
essi
stool
onghai
ryouar
ewear
ingf
li
pfl
ops.
Youwi
l
lgetbi
tenbysomet
hing.
"
"
Iam t
ooheav
y."
"
So?
"
"
Youcan'
tcar
ryme.
"
"
Wany
atsa?Icancar
ryy
ou.
"
"
Ngng,
Iam t
ooheav
y."
"I
fImanaget
ocarr
yyoutowheret
henet
wor
kis,
you
owemeP200.Getonthebed.
"
Chesshel
pedheront hebed,hesi
tant
lyLel
egoton
hi
sback.Chesswalkedoutwithherasshewrapped
herl
egsaroundhi
m, herhear
tpounding.
"
Cany
ousi
ng?
"
"
Ng?
"
"
Cany
ousi
ng?
"
"
No.
"
"Yourv
oicei
sreal
l
ysweet,si
ngforme.Katswao
opelamonat
enyana.
.(Youmustsingsweetl
y.
)"
"
Ican'
tsi
ng.
"
"
Justsi
ng.Iwi
l
lbet
hej
udgeoft
hat
."
Lel
elookedast
heywalkedf
rom t
heLodgegoi
ng
fur
theri
ntot
hebush.
"
Iam notgoi
ngt
osi
ng.
"
"I
fy ousi
ngIpr
omisey
ou,wewi
lll
eav
eathalft
hree
i
nt hemorni
ng.I
n4hourswewoul
dbear
ri
vingin
Serowe."
"
Bat
hongChase!
"
Chessl
aughedashewalked."
Wenal
eboyfr
ent
e
nyanay
agagolatl
wael
a,Chasekemang?
"
"Kewenaakere.Youarealwayschasi
ngaf
terpeopl
e
sowemi ghtaswellcal
lyouthat
."
"
Otsi
l
egoswabaLel
e."
"
Iam goi
ngt
orepor
tyou.
"
"Thammawenaosekawant
ipot
a,kenal
engwana
kana.
"
“
Youki
dnappedme.
”
“
Didn’
tIapol
ogi
zef
ort
hat
?”
“
Ican’
tbel
i
evey
oudi
dthat
.Iam r
eal
l
ysad.
”
Hefinal
l
yst
oppedt
henoutherdown.Het
il
tedher
chi
n.
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Ify
oudon’
tret
urnme,
Iam goi
ngt
odr
ivemy
sel
f.
”
Chesst
ookouthi
sphoneandgav
eitt
oher
.
"
Youcancal
lhi
m."
Lel
epr
essedt
hephonet
hencal
l
edMoabi
.
“
Thenumbery
ouhav
edi
aledi
snot
-“
Shedroppedthecallandcal
ledagai
nbuthisphone
wasn’
tgoingthrough.Shecall
edherownnumber,
shesmiledasitrang.Thesmil
eslowlyf
adedasthe
phonerangti
lli
tstoppedwithnoanswer.
“
What
’swr
ong?
”
“
Hisphonei
sof
f.
”
“
Tryagai
n.”
Lel
etri
edhernumberbuti
tcont
inuedt
oring
unanswer
ed.“
Iwil
lsendhi
m amessage.”
Shequi
ckl
yty
pedamessage.
“
Iam goi
ngt
otakeal
eak.
”
Lel
elookedatt
hedar
kness.“
Don’
tleav
eme.
”
Helookedather
.“Ther
eisnot
hinghere…Iam j
ust
goi
ngthereandyouwantmetodoi ther
e?”
Sheshookherheadt henl
ookedatt hemessageand
sentitwhi
lehewalkedtoatree.Hisphonerang,
her
heartski
ppedthenshequi
cklypicked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Ther
ewasapauseatt
heot
herhand.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“Hi,youarespeaki
ngt
oMr
s.Moremi,
coul
dyou
pleasegiv
emyhusbandhi
sphone.
”
Lele’
sheartsl
ammedagai
nstherchestsohar
dand
fastasthewomanspokeatt
heotherhand.
“Hi
,youcanhearmeaker
e?Gi
vemyhusbandhi
s
phone.
”
Lel
e’
schestv
ibr
atedasherhear
tpoundedsomuch.
“Pl
easehandChesshi sphone.Iwantt
otalkt
omy
husband.Ihav
enothingtosaytoyou.Giv
emy
husbandhisphone.
”
Lel
erushedwit
hhi
sphoneasheshookhi
sweapon.
Hepackeditt
hent
urnedt
oher.
“
Arey
ou-
“
Leleputherhandoverhermout
hthenhandedhim
thephoneshaking.Chesst
ooki
tstar
ingather
.
“
Yah?
”
“
Okokae?(
Wher
ear
eyou?
)”
“
IsAnel
eok?
”
“
Wher
ear
eyou?
”
Chessl ookedatLele,
undert hefull
moon,hecoul
d
actuall
yseeherf aceabi t.Heputhishandonher
waistandpul l
edhercloserhuggingherwhil
e
rubbingherback.Shef eltsogoodtohugandso
warm.Hi smi ndr
anwol dashisdickjer
kedi
nhis
pants.
“
Chess…WhowasIt
alki
ngt
o?”
“
Myf
ri
end.
”
“
Arey
oucheat
ing?
”
“
No.
”
Lef
asni
ff
ed.“
Ok.Pl
easeuseacondom.
”
“
Bye.
”
“
Iloveyou.Whenaredonewi t
hherandhav
e
r
eleasedall
yourst
ress,
pleasecomehome.”
ChesskissedLeleneckinhal
ingthefreshscent
whil
ehisdicksti
rredinhispants.Thethoughtof
openi
ngt hethi
ckthighsandfil
l
ingherupwi thhi
s
di
ckdrov ehi
m wild.
“
Shar
p.”
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
lthenl
ookedather
.
“
It
’sok.Let
’sgo.
”
“
Whatdi
dshesay
?”
“
Not
hing.
”
“
Youneedtot
akemeback.IswearIam nev
ergoi
ng
t
otal
ktoyouagai
n.”
Chessleanedoverandsoft
lyki
ssedher.Hehad
promisedhimselfhewoul
djustcont
rolhi
msel fbut
havinghi
mi nhisarmsmadeitalldi
ff
icul
t.Heleaned
tokissheragai
nbutshemov edherface,Chess
fol
lowedherli
psandkissedher.
“
Chess…”
Hestoppedl
icki
nghisbottom l
ipashisdickgot
har
dhecouldbursthispants.“
Fuck!Ok.Let’
sgo.
Wantmet ocarr
y…-”
Theypausedatt
hesoundscomi
ngf
rom t
hebush.
Lel
egrabbedChess’
st-
shi
rt
.
“
Chess.
.”
“
Let
’sgo.
”
Het ookherhandast
hesoundsappr
oached,
it
soundedli
keabigani
malwascomingthei
rway.
“
Let
’sgo.
.”
Heputheri nfr
ontastheyrushedback, anel
ephant
blewi t
’str
unkfr
om theback,theycouldheari
t’
s
footstepsandi
tsoundedasi fitwasruini
ngwhil
e
thrashingwhat
everwasoni t
’sway .Twomenr an
f
rom behi
ndt
hem.
“
It
’scomi
ng…”
Chesst
urnedt
othem.“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“
It
’sangr
y.I
thaski
l
ledoneofourmenbackt
her
e…”
“
Chess!Mydr
ess!
”
Chesst urnedtoLele’
swho’sdresswascaughtina
thorntree.Herushedover
, hi
sheartnowbeati
ngso
fast.Het r
iedtofr
eeherdress,t
heelephantemerged
runningov ert
othem angr
il
y .
“
Chess!
”
Hel
ookedatt
heel
ephantt
henbackatLel
e.
“
Chesshel
pme!
”
.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#7

Chesspull
edLel e’
sdresst eari
ngitint heprocess
thenheri
ppedi toffherandt hrewatt hetree.He
tookherhandandr anwi thhergoingi nzigzag
mov i
ngbetweent hetrees.Chessst oppedasLel e
breat
hedheav i
lysweat i
ngonl yinherpant yandbra,
theycoul
dn’thearthefootstepsbehi ndthem.
“
Ithi
nki
twentaf
tert
hem.Comeher
e…”
Hepull
edherunderatr
ee,tear
sfi
ll
edLel
e’
sey esas
herent
ir
ebodyshook.Hetookoffhi
st-
shi
rtandput
i
tonherthenhuggedhert
ightl
y.
“
Iam sor
ry…”
Hecoul dfeelhertear sonhisskinasshebr eathed
fastandheav il
y.Hepi ckedherupandt hrewov erhi
s
shoulderthenwal kedwi t
hherbackt othelodge.
Backi ntheirr
oom, Chessputheront hebedt hen
l
ookedatt hescratchesonherf eet
.Hewentt othe
bathroom andcamebackwi thawett oweland
cl
eanedherl
egs.Lelecl
osedhereyest
ryi
ngt
ocal
m
downthenChesslookedatherf
ace.
“
Doy
ouwantwat
er?
”
“
Ngng…”
“Iam goi
ngtot
akeashower
…youdon’
twant
anyt
hing?”
“
Nngng…”
“
Ok.
”
Hegotupandwal kedt othebathroom.Lel e’
sl i
ps
trembled,sheputherhandsonherf acecry i
ng.Her
heartwasst i
ll
raci
ng.Shebur iedherf aceont he
pill
owcr y
ing.Awhil
el aterChesswal kedout,she
tookadeepbr eathpressingherli
pst ogether
keepinghereyesclosedasi fshewer esleeping.
Hetookhi
soverni
ghtbagandl
otionedst
ari
ngather
.
Heputonhissweatpant
sandj
oinedheronthebed.
“
Lel
e…”
Shekeptqui
ett
henhesi
ghedpul
l
inghercl
oser
.
“
Iknowy
ouar
eawake.Iam sor
ry,
Ishoul
dhav
e
nevertakeny ou.Iam beginningtoregretitall
.Iwil
l
ret
urny outomor rowear l
yinthemor ni
ng.Youwi l
l
arr
ivebef or
ehel eaves.Iam sorry,
from tomor r
owI
wil
lnev erbotheryouev eragain,
Ipromi se.Lookat
me…”
Sheslowlyopenedhereyesandl ookedathim
tear
ful
ly
.Herey eswereredandpuf fy
.Hecouldsee
shehadbeencr yi
ngandher eal
lydidn’tbl
ameher.
Healmostgotherkil
led.Hecaressedhercheek.
“
Iam sor
ryIendanger
edyourl
i
feli
ket
hat
.Iswear
t
hat
’snotwhyIbroughty
ouhere.
”
Hiseyeswentt oherwetl ips,t
heyweresoinvi
ti
ng
andhewant edtost aykissingherbuthewasgoing
torespectherwishesandherr el
ati
onshi
p.Nowas
helookedinherfear ful
tearyeyes,hecoul
d
understandwhyshewassoangr y.Hehadtakenher
wit
houtherpermi ssionandf oral
lsheknew,he
couldbeaser i
alkil
ler.
Shebl
i
nkedwi
thherwetl
ongl
ashest
henhesmi
l
ed.
“
Sleep.Iwi
l
lwakey
ouupatt
hree.
”
“
Doy
out
hinki
tki
l
ledt
hem?
”
“Idon’
tknow.Maybe.Itl
ookedreall
yangry,Ithi
nk
theywerepoacher
s.Iam sorr
yabouty ourdress.
Youwillwearmyclot
hestomor r
owt henwewi l
lget
yousomethingwhenwecomeacr ossashop. ”
“
Thatmansai
ditki
l
ledanot
herone.
”
“
Yeah…heispr
obabl
ydeadbecausewheni
tki
l
ls,
it
makessur
etol
eaveyoudead.
”
“
Pleaset
akemebackt
omyhouset
omor
row.
”
“Ok.Iam goi
ngt otakeyouback.Iswearonmy
daughter
’sli
fe.Iam goi
ngtotakeyouback
tomorrow.Arey ouokthough?
”
“
Myl
egi
spai
nful
…”
Chesssatuprightthenlookedatherl eg,hegent
ly
star
tedmassagi ngit
.Leleclosedherey es
exhaustedashecont i
nuedwi ththemassage.She
yawnedf al
l
ingasleep.MinuteslaterChesscovered
herwithablanketandcuddl edheraf terset
ti
ngthe
alar
m.

*
**
I
ntheear
lyhoursoft
hemorni
ng,
Chessf
ini
shed
dr
essi
ngthenshookLel
e.
“
Heywakeup.Dr
esssowecango.
”
Lel
eopenedherey
essl
eepy
.
“
Wakeup.
”
Shesatupr
ightashewal
kedoutpi
cki
nghi
sri
ngi
ng
phone.
“
Lef
a,i
t’
slat
e.”
“
Canyoucomehometomorr
ow?Ifoundsomeone
whocanhel
pusfi
xourmar
ri
age.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Didy
ousl
eepwi
thher
?”
“
Who?
”
“
Thewomany
ouar
ewi
th?Di
dyousl
eepwi
thher
?”
“
No.
”
“Youdon’
thav
etoli
etome.Iam notev
enangr
y,y
ou
canhavesexwit
hherasl
ongasyouuseacondom.
Ihurty
ouandIknowy oudon’
tev enwanttotouch
mesoi t’
sfineify
ouhavefoundsomeonet oof f
load
i
n.Iam notgoingtoblameyouf orthatt
houghIwi sh
wecanj ustfi
xthi
ngs.Imi
ssy ou.Imissbeing
beneathyou.”
“
Let
’st
alkl
ater
.”
Lef
asni
ff
ed.“
Doy
oul
i
keher
?”
“
Lef
a…”
“Il
oveyou.Iam t
ryi
ngt obeunderst
andi
ngsothat
wecanf i
xourmar r
iage.Ilovey
ousomuch.Iknow
youhatemeandi thurtssomuch.Somuchmor e
thanyouthi
nk.Youdon’ tevent
ouchme,orhugme.
Idon’
twanttolosey ou.
”
“
Wer
eyour
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
omakemer
aiset
hatbaby
?”
“Idi
dn’
twanttokeept hepr
egnancy,
Iwasj
ust
scar
edImightdietr
yingtoabort
.”
“
Ihav
etogo.
”
“
Pleaseuseacondom.Peopl
earesick.Idon’
twant
y
out ohaveanysor
tofdi
sease.OrhowaboutIfi
nd
y
ousomeone? ”
“
Findmesomeone?
”
“
Yes.Whoy oucansl
eepwi
thwhi
l
ewewor
kour
t
hingst
hrough.
”
“
Arey
oul
i
steni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?”
“
Yes.I nsteadofarandom per
sonthere.Whati
f
you…letmef indyousomeoney oucanfuck
whenev eryouwant.Shecanevenstaywithus.
”
“
Yousounddel
usi
onal
.”
“Iam tr
yingtosavemymarr
iage!
”Shebrokedown
cryi
ng.“Idon’
tknowwhatt
odoany more.Youar
e
shutt
ingmeout .”
“
Bye.
”
Hehungt
henLel
ewal
kedoutput
ti
ngonagown.
“
Yourpant
swoul
dn’
tfi
t.
”
“
Weart
hat
.Iwi
l
lpayf
ori
t.
”
“
Ok.
”
Theycheckedoutthenhesort
edthegowni ssue
befor
etheymadet hei
rwaytothecar.Theybothgot
i
n,Chesslookedattheti
methenreversedanddrove
of
f.

*
**

Hourslater,Sasawal kedfrom herroom wearinga

l
ongdr esswhi leholdingherhandbagandbi ble.She
snif
fedtheai rthensighedwal kingtot
hekitchen.
Sheopenedt hemi crowaveov enandlookedatt he
smallpizza,shet ookaslicejustasMoabi walkedin
thekit
chen.I tseemedt hi
swasj usthi
sstyl
eof
dressi
ng.Hewasn’ tgoodl ookingbuthisdr
essing
madei tallworse.
“
That
’sLel
e’
spi
zza.
”
“
Iknow.
”
“
It
’sf
orherbi
rt
hday
,Iboughti
tforher
.”
“
Oh.
.”Sheputi
tbackt
hengr
abbedanappl
efr
om
t
hef
ridge.
“
Iam goi
ngt
ochur
ch,
Iwi
l
lpr
ayf
orher
.”
“
Ok.
”
Sasawal kedout.Moabi walkedandwenttothe
policestation.Anhourl aterhewasbackand
fr
ust rat
ed.Hewal kedinthrought hegat
e.Acar
drov einthenhet urned.Thewhi leLandRoverdr
ove
i
n, hishear tski
ppedashewai t
ed.

*
**

Meanwhil
einsidet
hecar
,Lel
elookedatMoabi
,her
hear
tpoundingnow.
“
Hemi
ssedhi
sbus.
”
“
Doy
ouwantmet
otal
ktohi
m?”
“
Forwhat
?”
“
Toexpl
ainwhathappened.
”
“No.Stayawayfrom me.Please.Don’tcal
lmeor
bothermeagain.Il
ovemyboy f
riend.Heisnotl
ike
youbutIlovehi
m.Youmustbeusedt ogetti
ngevery
womany ouwantbutit
’snotgoingtobeme.Iam
happywithmymanandIwantt okeepitthatway.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Won’
tyout
akey
ourgi
ft
s?”
Lel
elookedatt
heshoppi
ngbagst
henshookher
head.
“
No.Butt
hanks.
”
Shest
eppedoutoft
hecart
henwal
kedov
ert
o
Moabi
.
“
Hey
…”
“Di
dheki
dnapyou?Weshoul
drepor
thi
m.Whatdi
d
hedotoy
ou?”
“
Not
hing.
”
“Heki
dnappedy
ou.Weshoul
drepor
thi
m.Ory
ou
knowhim?”
“
Yesbutnott
hatmuch.
”
“
Wheredi dhetakey
ou?Di
dyoul
eav
ewi
thhi
m
i
ntent
ionall
y?”
“
NoI
…He…Ibumpedi
ntohi
mthedaybef
ore
y
est
erdayatt
hemal
l
.Hehasbeenpest
eri
ngme.
”
“
Sowhathappenedy
est
erday
?”
“Hegavemeadr inkt
henIf
ell
asl
eepthenhet
ook
met oKalahar
iGameReser
vebutnot
hing
happened.”
“
Weshoul
drepor
thi
m.”
“
Hesaidheisgoi
ngt
ost
ayaway
.Let
’sgeti
nsi
de
t
hehouse.
”
Theywal kedinsidethehousewhilehedr
oveoff
.
Mobai lookedatt hewhitemorni
nggownshewas
putt
ingonandi tseemedt her
ewasnothi
ngbeneat
h.
Helickedhisdrycr ackedli
ps.
“
Soy
ouwer
etal
ki
ngt
oanot
herman?
”
“
No…hewasbot
her
ingme.
”
“Butyoudi
dn’tst
ophim.Youarepr
obabl
ycheating
onmewi thhim.Maybeheist
heonewhot aughtyou
tobehaveli
keaprost
it
ute.
”
“
Iam notcheat
ingony
ou.Il
ovey
ou.
”
“
Wher
ear
eyourcl
othes?
”
“
Anel
ephantwaschasi
ngusatt
heGameReser
ve.
”
“Yousoundver
ystupi
d.Whatel
ephant?Ican’
t
beli
eveIwasworr
iedabouty
ouallni
ghtwheny ou
l
eftwithamanyouknew.Isi
tbecausehelooks
ri
ch?”
“
No.Iam notcheat
ing.Iam sor
ry.
”
“That’
swhyawomanshouldn’
twork.Seenow?You
don’tevenr
espectmeandnowyouarecheat
ingon
me.”
“
Ili
kewor
king.
”
“
Youshoul
dleav
eyourj
ob.
”
“
Anddowhat
?Howwi
l
lIsur
viv
e?”
“
Iam aman.Iwi
l
lmakepl
ans.
”
“MoabiIam sor
ryIl
eftwi
thhi
m butIam not
cheat
ing.
”
“Youdon’
tbehavel
i
kearealwomanLel
e.Iam r
eal
ly
hurt
.Icameallt
hewayher
etospendti
mewithyou.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Youar
ever
ydi
srespect
ful
butIknowwhatt
odot
o
puty
oui
nli
ne.
”
Hewal kedout.Leleputherhandsov erherf aceand
sighed, shewalkedtothebathroom wher eshet ook
aqui ckshowert henwalkedoutwi pingherwetbody .
Shel ookedatt hefl
ower sonherdressi ngt ablei
n
herr oom andthegi f
tbag.Shetookoutal ongbl ack
dresst henthef l
atpump.Shesmi leddr oppi ngthe
towel justasMoabi walkedinholdingabi gt hick
stick.Shef r
ownedput t
ingthedressdown.
“
What
’st
hat
?”
“Youdon’ tl
istenwhent alkedtonicel
y,thi
swi l
lput
youinline,Ican’tsayt hesamet hi
ngov erandover
agai
n.Youar ev erydisrespect
f ul
.Iam goingtobeat
youthenf rom ther eyouar egoingtostartbehavi
ng,
youwillnev erdisrespectmeorev encheat.Gape
tomorrowy ouar egoingt oquitthi
sjob.”
“
Ify
oubeatmeIam goi
ngt
o-“
Moabi r
aisedt
hestickandwhippedher
.Lel
e
scr
eamedast hestickl
andedonherwetback.He
whippedherevenharderput
ti
ngherinl
inet
heway
hewast aught
,eachwhipcomingstr
ongert
hanthe
other
.Womenwer eli
keki
dsandthi
swashowthey
wereputi
nline.Li
keachi
l
d.Lel
egrabbedt
hest
ick
thenhepunchedher.
“Nthuseng!(Helpme) ”Shescr eamedasshe
receiv
edanot herpunch.Shef ellsli
ppingonthef
loor
thenhebegunki ckingherstomach.Shet ri
edtoget
upbutheki ckedherhar dersev eralt
imesthen
pickedthestickagainandwhi ppedhernakedbody .
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#8

MmagweLel
est
eppedoutoft
hecar
.
“
Thanky
ouson…t
hanky
ousomuch.
”
Themanwhohadgi
venheral
i
ftsmi
l
ed.“
It
’sok.
”
“
MayGodbl
essy
ou.
”
“
Emma,
lel
ona.(
yout
oo.
)”
“Youtrul
yhelpedme.Whenev erIcomethi
ssi
de,my
daughteral
way spicksmeupanddr opsmeoff
.I
don’tknowwhatIwoul dhavedonehadInotmet
you.Iwouldsti
llbewonderi
ngaround.”
Hesmil
edsteppi
ngoutt
henhetookherbagf
rom
t
heboot.“
Iam gl
adImanagedt
ohelp.”
“
Eish…Letmeseei fmydaught
erishere.Shewent
missi
ngy est
erday.Iam r
eal
l
yworriedbutyouknow
t
hesey oungpeople…shemighthaveleftwi
ththe
manorsomet hing.”
“
Iwi
l
lcar
ryt
hisf
ory
ou.
”
“
Whatdi
dyousayy
ournamewasagai
n?”
“
Chess.
”
MmagweLel
elaughed.“
Don’
tyouhav
eaSet
swana
one?
”
Chessl
aughedwithher
.“No.ThoughIwi
shIhad.
Peopl
ealwayssaymynamewr ong.”
“
Ee,ret
agobit
saChesi
nakanar
ona.(
Someofus
wi
ll
youChesi
na.)
”
Theybothlaughedastheyapproachedt
hedoor .
MmagweLel eknockedont hedoorandwaited.She
steppedbackasfoot
stepsapproachedthenLele
opened.
“
Mama!
”
“
Lel
e…thankGod!”MmagweLel
ehuggedher
.“Iwas
wor
ri
edaboutyou.”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
MmagweLelelookedatthel
ongpantsshewas
wear
ingt
henturt
leneckandt
henight
gown.
“
What
’swr
ong?Ar
eyousi
ck?
”
Lel
enodded.“
Yes.
”
“What’
swrong?Kefl
ue?(I
sitfl
ue?)Goodt
hingIam
her
e,Ihav
et hi
smixt
ureIam goi
ngtomake.Soon
youwil
lbefi
ne.”
“
Eemma.
”
MmagweLel
elookedatLel
e’
sswol
l
enf
ace.
“
Lel
e…y
ourf
ace?
”
“
Keal
l
ergi
creact
ion.
”
“
Ehe…ok,
thi
sisChess.
”
Lel
etur
nedt
owhoshewaspoi
nti
ngatt
henf
rowned.
“
Hefoundmewonder ingar
oundt
henhel
pedme.I
wasjusttel
l
inghi
mjusthowIwoul
dhavegot
ten
r
eal
lylosthadhenotf
oundme.Suchagoodyoung
man.
”
ChesslookedatLel
e’
sr edey
ethenherswol
lenf
ace.
Sheevenhadal i
pcut.Heswall
owedtry
ingt
okeep
i
tundercheck.
“
Lethim comeinLel
e,makehi
m somet
hingt
oeat
.
Wherewereyou?”
“
Iwentt
othedist
ri
ctof
fi
ces.I
twasanemer
gency
,I
l
efti
nahur
ry.
”
“
Nextti
met el
lsomeone.Qewer
eal
lwor
ri
edabout
l
astni
ght.
”
“
Iwi
l
l.
”
“
Any
way
s,comei
nChess.
”
MmagweLel ewalkedinsi
det
hehouset
henLel
e
angr
il
ylookedatChess.
“Whatarey
oudoingi
nmyyard?Di
dn’
tIt
ell
youto
stayawayf
rom me?Whatdoyouwantf
rom me?
”
“
Ijusthelpedyourmother
,Idi
dn’
tevenknowshe
wasy ourmotherti
l
lIgavehert
heleft
.”
“
Fine,
what
ever
,leav
e!”
“
Didhebeaty
ou?
”
“
Beatmef orwhat
?Heel
arr
akekopaot
samay
e!
(
Pleasel
eave!
)”
“
Hel
aidhi
shandsony
ou?
”
“
Pleasel
eav
e!”
Chesswal
kedov
erandt
il
tedherchi
n.Lel
epushed
hi
shandoff
.
“Leavemyhouse!Gobackt oyourwife.Youare
causingprobl
emsf orme.
”Tearsfi
ll
edherey es.
“Youar edest
roy
ingmylif
e!Can’
tyouj ustl
eaveme
alone!Gobacktoyourwife,
youaremar ri
edfor
christ
’ssake!
”
Hewat
chedast
ear
srol
l
eddownhercheeks.
“
Stayawayf
rom me.Ihav
eenoughgoi
ngonand
youkeepmaki ngthingswor sebecausey oudon’t
l
isten!Stayawayf rom me.Leav emeal one.Stay
awayf rom myf amily.Gobackt oy ourwifeandkids!
Stoptryingt omakemyl if
emi serabl
e,keagokopa!
(Iam beggi ngy ou.
)Pl ease….”Sheputherhandov er
mout hcr y
ing.Thet ear sranont hefoundationand
nowhecoul dactuall
yseeshewasmor eswol l
en
thanhehadt hought.
Heuntiedthegownthenpulledupthetopshewas
putt
ingon.Hishear
tskippedashelookedatther
ed
brui
sesandwhiplashesacrossherstomach.
“
Hedi
dthi
stoy
ou?
”
Lel
epul
l
eddownhert
urt
leneckt
henf
ixedhergown.
“
No.Leav
e.”
“
Thi
spi
eceofshi
t!
”
“
Cany
oul
eav
epl
ease.
.”
Chessl
ookedatt
hedoorangr
il
y.
“
Hel
aidhi
shandsony
ou!
”
“
No.Leav
e.”
“
Whyar
eyoupr
otect
ingt
heabuser
?”
“Fr
om who?Themar
ri
edmanwho’swif
ecansue
andhumil
iat
eme?Youar
enotbet
ter
.”
“
Iwoul
dnev
erl
aymyhandsonawoman.
”
“Noy ouwoul dn’tbuty ouwouldki dnapawoman,
giveheralcohol anddr iv
et oanunknownpl acewi th
her.Youwoul dt error
izeandst alkher …”Hervoice
shookasshespoke.“ Nomat t
erhowmanyt imes
shetell
syout ostop,y ouwouldn’ tstopatanything
becausey ouf eeltheear t
hbelongst oyou.Youwant
atrophyforthatChess?Shoul dIgi v
ey outhetrophy?
Youar ecompl icati
ngmyl i
fe.I
fi twasn’tforyounon
ofthiswouldhav eeverhappened.Iam mor ehur t
thanIam angr ybecauseIdon’ tknowwhatIdi dt o
youtodeser vey oudoi ngthistome.Youdi dn’thave
totakemey esterday.Youdi dn’thav eto.
”
“Ok,Iam notthebestthingoutther
e.Butyoudon’
t
deservetobeatentothisstage.Thi
sisabuse.You
shouldn’
tdefendsuch.”
“
SamewayIdon’thav
etostayputandnotr
eport
y
ouforki
dnappi
ngme.Pleasel
eavemealoneand
stayawayfrom me.Myboyf
ri
endandIwi
l
lsor
tout
ourissuesonourown.By
e.”
Lel
etookhermother
’sbagf r
om him andwalked
i
nsidet
hehouse.Chessstoodbyherdoorboi l
ing
wit
hanger,hej
ustwantedtogetinsi
dethehouse
andpul
ltheboyf
ri
endandpunchhi m hardbutthe
wayshehadbeencryi
ngst oppedhim.
Hewalkedtohi
scart
hengoti
n,forawhil
ehejust
sati
nther
ethenhefi
nal
l
ystar
tedthecaranddrov
e
off
.

*
**

Lel
eputhermother’
sbagi
nherr
oom t
henj
oined
herasshespoketoMoabi
.
“
Thanky
ouf
ordoi
ngal
lthaty
oudi
dyest
erday
.”
Moabismil
ed.“I
t’
sok.Lel
e,won’
tyoumakey
our
mothersomethi
ngtoeat?
”
Lel
est
oodupsmi
l
ing.“
Iwasaboutt
o.”
MmagweLelel
ookedatMoabi
thenatLel
e.“
Just
br
ingwat
ermygir
l.
”
“
Ok.
”
MmagweLel
etur
nedhereyest
oMoabistudy
ing
hi
m.“
Sowhatdoyoudoforali
vi
ngson?
”
“
Iam af
armerandagar
dener
.”
“
Youownaf
arm?
”
“
Ihel
pmygr
eatgr
andmot
herr
uni
t.
”
“
Howol
disshe?
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Shewi
l
lbe91t
hisy
ear
.”
MmgaweLel
esmi
l
ed.“
Wow!
”
Moabi
chuckl
ed.“
Andshei
sst
il
lheal
thy
.”
“
Youar
ebl
essed.
”
“
Thanky
ou.Howi
sRr
agweLel
e?”
“
Heishol
dingon.Iam wai
tingfortheresul
tsofmy
t
est
sthenwewilltakei
tfr
om there.”
“
Ok.Ihopeheget
sbet
tersoon.
”
“
Met
oo.I
twoul
dputLel
eandIateaseseei
nghi
m
wel
lagai
n.Shei
ssocl
oset
oherf
ather
.”
“
Shet
oldme.
”
“Yes.Formanyyearsshewastheonl
ychil
d.Her
brotheri
sdoinghi
sform 1sofor14y
earsshewas
theonlychi
l
dandshegotal l
thepamper
ingshecan
everget.
”
“
Iwonderhowhewi
l
lfeel
whenImar
ryher
.”
MmagweLel
epaused.“
Youwantt
omar
ryher
?”
“
Yes,
soon.“
“
Ehe…Lel
ent
le!
”
Lel
ewalkedfrom t
heki
tchenhol
dingat
raywi
thher
mother
’sfood.
“
Lel
e,Isai
dIonl
ywantwat
er.
”
“
It
’sj
ustpi
zzaandj
uice.
”
“
Wher
eisSasa?
”
“
Shewentt
ochur
ch.
”
“
Ok.Ir
eal
l
yli
ket
hatgi
rl
.”
Lel
epl
acedhermot
her
’sf
oodbef
orehert
henshe
satbesi
deher
.
“
Howi
spapa?
”
“Heisfi
ne.Moabitel
l
smeheisgoi
ngt
omar r
yyou
soon.Younevert
oldmeyouwer
einaser
ious
rel
ati
onshi
p.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Idi
d.”
“Di
dn’
tyouj
uststartt
hisrel
ati
onshi
porhei
snott
he
oneyouwer
etalkingabout.
”
“
Hei
s.”
MmagweLel ereachedf orherjuicethentookasip.
Lelewentbackt othekitchenasMoabi lookedather
thensheputt hethreeremainingslicesofpizzai
na
plat
e.Sheputev erythi
nginat rayandwal kedwit
hit
tothesittingroom wonder i
ngi fshehadt okneelt
oo.
Shet r
iedhandi nghim hisfoodt henhelookedather,
sheswal lowedgoi ngdownonherkneesandhanded
him hi
sf ood.
“
Lel
ent
le!
”
Lel
etur
nedt
ohermot
her
.“Ma?
”
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”
Lel
est
oodup.
“
Whyar
eyoukneel
i
ng?
”
“
Mama-
“
“
Hey
!Whyar
eyoukneel
i
ng?Whot
aughty
out
hat
?”
Lele’
sphoner angf
rom t
hechar
ger
,shewal
kedov
er
thenpicked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Sasal
aughed.“
Youar
efi
nal
l
yback?Howwasi
t?”
Lel
elookedathermot
herwhowasuponherf
eet
now.
“
UhSasa,
let
’st
alkl
ater
.Mamai
sher
e.”
“
Don’
ttel
lmest
inkyf
eetcal
l
edher
!”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.”
Lel
edroppedthecal
lthenlookedathermot
her
.“No
onetaughtmethat
.Calm down.”
MmagweLelel
ookedatMoabi
.“I
sthatwhaty
ou
makemydaught
erdo?”
“
Mama-
“
“
Lel
entl
e!Don’
ttal
kwhenIam t
alki
ng.Iam t
alki
ngto
y
ou,i
sthatwhatyoumakemydaughterdo?Isshe
y
ourchi
ld?”
“
Mama,
youar
e-“
“Lelent
leIam goingtobeatyouifkeeptry
ingt
otal
k
whenIam t al
king.Whatisthatnonsenseyouwer
e
doing?Whot aughtyouthatnonsense?Huh?”
“
Isawi
tonf
acebook.
”
“Areyoutry
ingtol
ietome?Howmanyt hi
ngshave
youseebony ourf
acebookandt r
ied?Mosimane,ke
bualewena, (
Boy,
Iam tal
kingt oyou,)i
sthishow
youtreatmydaughter
?Koor eyouseey oursel
fas
thepresi
dentmakingherkneel f
ory ouwhengivi
ng
youfood,commandingherar ound.”
Moabi
putdownhi
sfood.“
Idi
dn’
ttel
lhert
odot
hat
.”
“Iam notst
upid,
Isawhowy oulookedatherwhen
shetri
edgivi
ngyouyourfood.Whodoy outhi
nkyou
are?Areyouherhusband?Haveyoupaidadimefor
her?”
“
Mama-
“
“
Orhemar
ri
edy
ouLel
ent
le?
”
“
Nobut
-“
“
Butwhat
?Younowkneel
andpr
ayaman?
”
“MamaMoabi i
smyboy friend.Thi
sismy
relat
ionship.Ofcauseyouwi ll
notacceptever
y
singlethingwedobutpl easeaccepthim asmy
boy f
riend.Il
ovehim.”
“Youloveamanwhomakesy oukneel whenhanding
himfood?Heiscontrol
l
ing.Histypeiscontr
oll
ing.
Thisist
hebeginni
ng.Soonhewi l
l bebeat
ingyou.
Thatishowyourlat
eauntdied,shewasbeat ento
deathbyaboyfri
end.
”
“
Moabi
woul
dnev
erbeatme.
”
“
Hewoul
d!Isawhowhel
ooksaty
ou.
”
Moabist
oodup.“Iknowy oudon’
tknowmethat
muchandyouhav eever
yr i
ghtt
oquest
ionmebut
t
rustme,Il
oveyourdaughtersomuch.
”
“Thatyoumakeherkneel
?Herf
athernev
ermade
herkneel
!Whoareyou?”
“
Mamapl
ease!
”
“
Lel
e…t
akeof
fyourcl
othes.
”
“
Ma?
”
“
Takeof
fyourcl
othes.
”
“
Mama…”
“
It
’shot
.Takeof
fyourcl
othes.Takeof
fthatgown.
”
“
Mama-
“
MmagweLel
ewalkedov
erandtr
iedtotakeof
f
Lel
e’
sgownButLel
emovedbacktear
ful
ly.
“
Mamapl
easest
op.Youar
eov
err
eact
ing.
”
“
Am I?Takeoffyourgown.Takeoffever
ythi
ng.I
wantt
oseey ou.What’
sbeneaththosecl
othes?”
“
Not
hing.Whyar
eyoubei
ngl
i
ket
his?Can’
tyou-
“
MmagweLeleuntiedthegownthentooki
toffher
andpull
edupherturt
leneckt
opreveal
i
ngthe
brui
sesonherst
omach.Tearsfi
ll
edhereyes.
“
Lel
ent
le…whati
sthat
?”
“
Ifel
l
.”
“
Fel
lfr
om wher
e?”
“
Shef
ell
from t
he-
“
“
Iam nottalki
ngtoyou!Iam talki
ngtomydaught er.
Wear egoingtot
hepolice.Wear egoingt
or epor
t
t
his,assoonasyourfatherrecovers,
Iam goingto
t
ellhim.Let’
sgo,now!
”
Lel
epul
l
edbackherhand.“
Mamast
op!If
ell
!”
MmagweLelepausedt
henst
aredather
.“Di
dyou
j
ustr
aisey
ourvoi
ceatme?”
Lel
eshookherheadt
ryi
ngnott
ocr
y.“
Iam sor
ry.
MamaIjust
-“
“Lel
entl
e,it
’sei
theryouar
egoingtoreporthi
mi tI
l
eave.Iwillnev
erbothery
ouagainmygi r
l.Neverwil
l
Ibotheryou.Choosewhatyouwant.
”
.
[Roar
ingFl
ames
#9

“
Mama…”
“Lel
e,Isaidi
t’
seit
herwegot
othepol
i
ceandr
epor
t
him Iwil
ll
eave.
”
Lel
e’
sli
pst
rembl
ed.“
Mama…”
“
Ok.Iam goi
ng.
”
MmagweLel
ewal
kedt
othebedr
oom t
hent
ookher
bag.
“
Iam goi
ng.
”
“
Mama…”
“Lel
entl
eIsai dit
’seit
herwear egoingtoreportorI
am leav
ing.Youar equiet,Iam assumingyouwant
tokeept hisabusi
veman, l
egonehel ookswayol der
thanyouandont opoft hathebeatsyou.Iwil
lnev er
accepthim comewhatmayandIwi l
lneverl
i
kehi m.
Don’tevenbr i
nghimt omyhouse, whenhemar r
ies
you,marr yeachotherfarfrom myhusbandandI .I
am donet alki
ngt oy ou.IhopeIam v eryclear.When
hekillsyouwewi ll
justburr yyoubecauset hi
sis
howi tstar t
s,afterbeatingy ou,hemakesy oukneel.
Inallyourl i
fe,hasy ourfatherev erraisedhishand
ony out osl apyou?Hasheev erbeateny ou?He
neverr ai
sedhi shandony oubuty ougetbeat enby
anol dmanwhodoesn’ tev endeser vey ou.Iwil
l
neveracceptt hi
st hingyoucal l
boyfri
endebi leI
don’tlikeit.Iam goingbutIam goi ngwi t
habr oken
heart.Myhear tisbleedingLel entl
e.Youhearme? ”
Herownt earsfi
lledherey esasshel ookedather
daught er.“Myhear tisbleedi ngLelentle,myhear ti
s
bleeding.Doy ouhearmeLel ente?Myhear ti
s
bleeding.”
Lel
eputherhandsonhermout
hcr
ying.“
Mama…”
“Ompei l
ehabatsekamar agoLelentle.Pel
oyameo
rot
hamadi .(
Youhav eplacedmedownwi t
hmybutt
,
myhear ti
sbleedi
ng.)Iam going…butIam not
happy.Iam nothappyatall.Iam notgoingtobe
happytil
lyouleav
ethisthing.”
Shewal
kedoutholdi
ngherbag,
Lel
ewentaf
terher
.
“Mamapleaseunder
stand…”
“Iwi
llneverunder
standwhymydaughteri
sget
ti
ng
abused.Iwil
lneverunder
standt
hat
.”
“
Mamaosekawat
samay
a.(
Don’
tgo.
)”
“Iam going.Iam goingbecausemay beIhav efail
ed
you.Asamot herhelaIfailedyou.IthoughtIdi dmy
bestwi t
hy oubutIfail
edandIseei ttoday .If
ail
ed
teachingyouwhatr ealloveis.Ifai
led…Iam
disappoint
edinmy self.It
’smyf aul
tt hattodayy ou
viewabuseasl ove.Youdon’ tevenseei t.It’
smy
fault
.It’
snotyou.It
’sme. ”
Lel
eshookherheadhol
dinghermot
her
’shand.“
It
’s
notyourf
aul
t.I
…”
“Letgoofmyhand.Yourf
atheri
sal
one.Ihav
etogo
back.”
“
Doy
ouev
enhav
emoney
?”
“
No.ButIwi
l
ltal
ktot
hem att
her
ank.
”
“
Ihav
emoney
.”
“Idon’twantyourmoneyLelentl
e.Ev
enifyousendi
t
throughyourphone,Iam notgoi
ngtotakeitmygi
rl
.
Idon’twantanythi
ngfrom you.
”
“
Mama.
.”
“
Pleasel
etgoofmyhand.
”
MmagweLel egentl
ypushedherLel
e’shandthen
tur
nedandwalkedoutofthegatehol
dingherbag.
Lel
ewalkedbackinsi
dethehouse.Shequickl
yput
onhershoesasMoabi l
ookedather.
“
Lethergo.Shewi
l
lcomear
ound.
”
“Shei
smymot her
,shedoesn’
tknowany
oneher
e.
Shedoesn’
tknowanyt
hing.
”
“Lel
e,shei sangry,shei
snotgoingtoaccept
anyt
hingy ouar egoingt
osay.Sheisgoingtomake
youbelieveIam abadper sonbutit’
sbecauseshe
doesn’treall
yknowme.Thi sishowIwasr aised,
ther
eisnot hingwrongwithit
.Don’tworr
yaboutit.”
“Sheismymot her
.Sheisoutt
here…al
one.She
doesn’tknowanyt
hingher
e…IfChessdi
dn’
tbri
ng
herhereshe-“
“
SoChasebr
oughtherher
e?”
“
Hebumpedi
ntoheratt
her
ank.
”
“
Andhowdi
dheknowher
?Yourmot
herpr
obabl
y
want
syouf
orChase.
”
“
What
?”
“
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dlethergo.Sheobv
iousl
ywant
s
t
hatmanfory
ou.
”
“Shedoesn’
tev
enknowhi
m.Theydon’
tknoweach
other
.”
“Youar
elyi
ngtomeLel
entl
e.I
fshedi
dn’
tknowher
,
howdidsheev
engeti
nhiscar
?Sheknowshim.
”
“
Shedoesn’
t!Theyj
ustbumpedi
ntoeachot
her
.”
“
Youshoul
dlethergo.
”
Lel
egr abbedherphonef r
om thechar gerandsome
moneyt henwentaf terhermot her.Shefrownednot
seeingherany wher eclosethenf oll
owedt heroad
goingt ot hebusst op.Shequi ckenedherpace
knowi ngshewoul dcat chheront heway .Lele
fr
ownedr eachingthebusst opandnotseei ngher.
Shewal kedov ertoawomanwhowasst andingby
waitingf oracombi .
“
Hi,
haveyouseenal
adywi
thapur
pledr
esscar
ryi
ng
abl
ackbaghere?
”
“Ngng,Ihavebeenher
eforabout10mi
nut
esandI
didn’
tseeanyone.
”
“
Ok,
thanks.
”
Leleturnedthenwalkedbackusi
ngadi f
ferent
dir
ectionhopingt
oseeher .Shetookoutherphone
andcal l
edherbutthecall
wouldn’tgot
hrough.Lele
thoughtful
lyewal
let
edhersomemoneyt hentypeda
message.
Lel
e:That
’sy
ourbusf
air
.Pl
easet
akei
t.
Shesentthemessaget henconti
nuedwalking
aroundlooki
ngforhermot her
.Shewenttot hebus
st
opt hengotacombi totherankwhereshewal ked
aroundsearchi
ngforheratthebusesaski
ngt hebus
dri
versandconductor
s.Ov ert
wohour sl
ater,she
madeherwaybackhomeandgoti nthehouse.
Moabi l
ookedather.
“
Whydon’
tyouev
erl
i
stent
ome?
”
“Idon’tknowwheremymot heris.Herphoneisnot
goingt hr
ough.It
hinki
t’
sof
f.Nowondershe
couldn’tcal
lmewhenshear r
ivedattherank.
”
“
Yourmot
heri
sagr
ownup,
why
-“
“
Shedoesn’
thav
emoneyt
ogobackt
oGabor
one.
”
“
Shewi
l
lbef
ine.
”
Lel
elookedathi
minshock.“
Shewi
l
lbef
ine?Fi
ne?
”
“
Lel
ent
le-
“
Thedooropenedt
henSasawalkedinholdi
ngher
bi
blewhi
lehummingtoagospelsong.Shepaused
st
ari
ngatMoabi.
“Uhu.Sti
ll
here?Wher
eismot
her
s?Iboughthera
chocolat
e.”
“Shel ef
tsomet imebackandnowIcan’ tgetholdof
her.Iam wor r
ied.Tlhamma, canyoutal
kt othatguy
whot eachesHi storysohecandriveusaround.Iam
worried.Iwentt otherankandlookedforherbutshe
wasn’ tt
here.Shedoesn’ thavemoney.”
“
Whydi
dyoul
etherl
eav
ewi
thoutmoney
?”
“
Shewasangr
y,pl
easet
alkt
ohi
m.Iam wor
ri
ed.
”
“
Ok,
letmecal
lhi
m.”
Lel
eputherbagandbi
bledownt
hencal
l
eda
numberwhi
l
eMoabi
lookedatLel
e.
“
Lel
e-“
“
Ihav
etol
ookf
ormymot
her
.”
Sasaspokebri
efl
yonthephone.“
Hei
sgame.Let
’s
go.Wewillmeethi
m athi
shouse.
”
“
Ok.
”
Moabi
shookhi
shead.“
Lel
eyouar
enotgoi
ng-
“
Lel
ewal
kedout
.Sasar
oll
edherey
esandwentaf
ter
her
.
“
Idon’
tli
ket
hisguy
.Hei
scont
rol
l
ing.
”
“
May
beshecal
l
edChess.
”
Sasal
ookedather
.“Chess?
”
“
Theybumpedi
ntoeachot
her
.”
“
Tal
kaboutdest
iny
.”
“
May
beshecal
l
edhi
m andhepi
ckedherup.
”
“
Cal
lhi
m.”
Lelet
appedonChess’
snumberandcal
l
edhi
m as
theywal
ked.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Hi.Ar
eyouwi
thmymot
her
?”
“
What
?”
“
Areyouwit
hmymot
her
?Ify
ouar
ewi
thher
,letme
t
alkt
oher.
”
“
Iam notwi
thy
ourmot
her
.”
“
It
’sser
ious,
pleasel
etmet
alkt
oher
.”
“
Lel
e,Iam notwi
thy
ourmot
her
.Whathappened?
”
Shehungup.“
Hei
snotwi
thher
.”
Lel
e’
sphonestartedr
ingingt
henshei
gnor
edi
t.
Sasasnat
cheditandpicked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
…letmespeakt
oLel
e.”
Sasaputt
hephoneonl
oudspeaker
.
“
Youcant
alkt
oher
.”
“
Lel
ewhat
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“
Not
hing.
”
“
Thenwhyar
eyoul
ooki
ngf
ory
ourmot
her
?”
“
Ican’
tgethol
dofher
.”
“
Wher
edi
dshego?
”
“
Shesai
dshewasgoi
ngbackt
oGabor
one.
”
“Whi
chbusdi
dshegeti
nto?Iwi
l
lwai
tatbusr
ankko
Gabor
one.
”
“
Idon’
tknow.Shej
ustl
eftt
hehouse.
”
“
Alone?
”
“
Yes.Shewasupset
.Look,
it’
sfi
ne.
”
“
Shewasupsetabouty
our
-“
Lel
etookt
hephonet
aki
ngi
tof
floudspeaker
.
“Iam j
ustwor
ri
edaboutherasusual
.Shei
s
probabl
yint
hebus.Bye.
”
“
Youarebei
ngsodefensi
ve.Whathappened?She
f
oundoutabouty
ourabusi
veboyfr
iend.
”
“
Bye.
”
Lel
ehungup,
Sasal
ookedather
.
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“
Not
hing.
”
“
Wher
eisy
ourcar
?”
“
Itwentt
ogetf
ixed.
”
“Whydidyourmotherl
eav
e?Youknewshedoesn’
t
knowthispl
aceatall
.”
“
It
’saf
ami
l
ymat
ter
.”
“
Ok.Ar
eyounotf
eel
i
nghot
?”
“
No.Iam f
ine.
”

*
**

Chesspr essedthegateremot eathishouse,t

he
gateopenedt henhedr ovei nandfrownedparking
behindKhumo’ scar.Hest eppedoutoft hecar
walkingpastKhumo’ scart hengotinhishouse.He
smiledashi sdaughterscreamedseei nghimthen
sher anoverandthrewher selfinhi
sar ms.
“
Pri
ncess!
”
“
Imi
ssedy
ou.
”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Imi
ssedy
out
oo.Il
i
key
ourhai
r.
”
“
Wewentt
othesal
onwi
thmama.
”
Chesskissedhercheek.“
Ilov
eit
.Youl
ook
beaut
if
ul.”
“
Whatdi
dyougetme?
”
Chesschuckl
edt
ickl
i
ngher.“
Youwi
l
lsee.I
t’
sa
sur
pri
se.Wherei
smama? ”
“
Sleepi
ng.
”
“
Anduncl
eKhumo?
”
Sheshrugged.Chesskissedheragai
nthenputher
down.“Ok,goandfini
shcolori
ngyourbook.Iam
coming.
”
“
Ok.
”
Anel
erushedbacktoherbookasChessmadehis
waytohisbedr
oom.Hebumpedi nt
oAnelebyt
he
doorasshewalkedout
.Herhai
rwasmessy.
“
Heybabe…”
“
Hey
…”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Youcameback.
”
“
Yah…wher
eisKhumo?
”
“Hecamet oseey
oubuty ouwer
en’
tther
esohe
saidther
ewassomeonehewantedtoseeatt
he
otherstr
eet
.Hewalkedt
here.
”
“
Ricar
do?
”
“
Iam notsur
e.Idi
dn’
task.
”
“
Ok.
”
Helookedatherweari
nghist
-shi
rtt
hatexposedher
thi
ghs.Heopenedhisbedr
oom doorandwalkedi
n.
Shegiggl
edfi
xingt
hebed.
“
Sor
ry.Iwassl
eepi
ng.
”
Chesssneezedi
nhal
i
ngherst
rongper
fumet
hatwas
i
ntheair.
“
Thebot
tl
efel
l
.”
“
Iam goi
ngt
otakeashower
.”
“
Ok.
”
Hewal
kedt
othebat
hroom.Lef
ast
oodbyt
hedoor
.
“
Iwi
l
lmakey
ouf
ood.
”
“
Ok.
”
Heclosedthebathr
oom doorundressing.Awhil
e
l
aterhewalkedoutofhi
sbedroom pr essi
nghis
phone.Hewentbacktothesitt
ingroom thensmil
ed
asLefaopenedthedoorforKhumonowi nadress.
“
Lai
taka!
”
Theybumpedfiststhenwal
kedoutchat
ti
ngasLef
a
prepar
edChess’sfood.

*
**

Morethant
wohoursl
ater
,That
opar kedt
hecari
n
f
rontofLel
e’
shouset
henSasalookedathim.
“
Thankst
her
rawena.
”
“
It
’sok.Iam sur
eshehasl
eftwi
tht
hebusLel
e.”
“
Yeah.Thanky
ou.
”
Theladiessteppedoutoft hecarandwal kedi
nside
theyardgoingt othedoor.Insi
de, Moabi st
oodupas
theywalkedin.Lelewalkedpasthi m goingtoher
room.Hef oll
owedaf terherthenshel ookedatthe
sti
ckbehindt hedoor.Tearsfil
ledherey esasshe
remember edt hewholeinci
dent .
“
Wher
ewer
eyou?
”
“
Iwasl
ooki
ngf
ormymot
her
?”
“Thatgi
rli
sbadinf
luence.Youshoul
dmov
eoutof
here.Whenarey
ouqui t
tingyourj
ob?
”
“
Iam notgoi
ngt
oqui
tmyj
ob!
”
“
Lel
ent
le,
youar
equit
ti
ngy ourj
ob.Thatj
obmakes
y
ouali
arandacheat
er.Youli
ealot.I
sitChase?
”
“
Chess!Hi
snamei
sChess.Getoutofmyhouse!
”
“
What
?”
“Getoutofmyhousenow!Iwanty ougoneandI
neverwanttoseeyoueveragain!Iputupwithalot
,I
saidIwouldbepati
entbutIhavehadenough!How
dareyouputyourhandsonme?Getout !Nowget
out!Iam br
eaki
ngupwi t
hy ouandInev erwantt
o
seey
ouagai
n.Getout
!”
“
Lel
e-“
“
Getout
!”
“
Wher
eam Isupposedt
ogot
hisl
ateatni
ght
?”
Lel
eangri
l
ypickedhi
sbagthenwal
kedoutwi
thi
t
andthr
ewitout,
tear
swet
ti
nghercheeks.
“
OUT!
”
Sasawalkedouthol
dingabroom.“Shesay
syou
shoul
dleave,
go!Outout!Rot
tenf
eet!”
Moabi
slowl
ywal
kedout
.Sasasadl
ylookedather
.
“
Wewi
l
lfi
ndher
..
”
Lel
e’
sphonerangf
rom herpocket
,shequi
ckl
ytook
i
tandanswer
ed.
“
Hel
l
o?Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,hav
eyougot
tenhol
dofhery
et?
”
Lel
ebr
okedowncr
ying.“
No…Iam scar
ed.
”
“
Hey
…cal
m down.Wewi
l
lfi
ndher
.”
“
Ilookedev
ery
wher
eChess…Il
ookedev
ery
wher
eI
swear…shewasupset …sher efusedthemoneyand
nowherphonei snotgoingthrough.Allt
hebuses
thathavel
eftforGaboronesaidshewasnoti nthee.
Ispoketoallt
hedriver
s,theconductors.Shewas
notinanybusandmamadoesn’ thi
tchhike.
”
“
Lel
e,cal
m down.Wewil
lfi
ndher.Doy
ouwantme
t
ocomet her
eandhel
pyoulook?
”
“
Ng…”
“
Ok,
Iam onmyway
.”
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#10

LefahandedChessaglassofj
uiceashesatinhi
s
bedroom t
alki
ngtosomeoneont hephone.
“
Whatdoy oumeanther
ewasanacci
dent
?Isheok
t
hough?Iam comi
ng.Sure.
”
Chesshungupt
hengul
peddownal
lthej
uicei
none
go.
“
Thanks.
”
“
It
’sok.Iam comi
ng.
”
Shewal kedout .Chessgotupandstart
eddressi
ng.
Hef i
nishedupt henhegrabbedhiscapandputiton.
Lefawal kedinthebedroom andwatchedhi
m ashe
grabbedhi sblackleat
herj
acket.
“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”
Heputiton.“
Ther
eisanemer
gencyIneedt
o
at
tend.
”
“
Wher
e?”
“
Justout
sideGabs.
”
“
Somet
hingwr
ongwi
tht
het
rucks?
”
“
Yeah.Anacci
dent
.”
Lef
anoddedasheputhi
sphoneinhi
spocket
.“Ok,
whatt
imewil
lyoucomeback?CanIwai
tfory
ou?”
“No,
Iwi
llcomeassoonasIsor
titout
.Mi
ghtnotbe
nowsodon’twai
tup.
”
“
Toni
ghtaker
e?”
“Idon’
tknowbutt
hedri
veri
sst
il
lst
ucki
nthet
ruck
andheisbadl
yhurt
.”
Lef
alookedathi
m wor
ri
edl
y.“
Sowher
ewi
l
lyou
sl
eep?”
“
Lef
aassoonasIam done,
Iwi
l
lcomeback.
”
“
CanIpl
easecomewi
thy
ou?
”
“
WhataboutAnel
e?Whowi
l
lsher
emai
nwi
th?
”
“
Tomor
rowi
t’
sahol
i
day
,shecancomewi
thus.
”
“
Lef
atshe,
mydaught
erj
ustsl
ept
.Iwi
l
lseey
ouwhen
y
oucomeback.
”
“
Ihadmadepl
ansf
orus.
”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
kwhenIcomeback.
”
“
Chess.
..
”
"
Wewi
l
ltal
k.”
Hewalkedout,
Lefalookedattheemptyglassand
cl
osedhereyesputt
ingherhandsonherface.All
herhar
dworkhadjustwentdownt hedrai
n.
*
**

Chessgoti nhiscarthendr oveoff,

helookedatthe
ti
me, therewouldn’
tbet r
afficandhelookedint
o
arri
vi
ngi nthr
eehour sthelatest.Hedr
ovetoaf i
ll
ing
stati
on,anattendantwalkedov ertohi
m.
“
Ful
ltankbr
ayam.
”
“
Sur
esur
e…”
Theatt
endantqui
ckl
yfi
l
ledhi
stankt
henChess
handedhi
m cash.
“
Thanks!
”
“
Sur
emor
ena.
”
Chesstookofflooki
ngatt
het
ime.Hi
sphoner
ang
thenhepicked.
“
Khumo…”
“
Lai
taka,
tomor
rowwear
eon.
”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
row.Ihav
etodeal
wit
h
somet
hing.Oneofthetr
uckshadanacci
dent
.Iam
onmywayt othesceneri
ghtnow.
”
“
Shi
t!Any
onehur
t?”
“Thedri
veri
sst
ucki
nthecarbutt
heyhav
ecal
l
edf
or
help.
”
“
Whatwashedoi
ng?
”
“
Idon’
tknowany
thi
ngy
etbutIwi
l
lseei
twhenIget
t
here.
”
“
Ok.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”
“
Sur
e…”
Chesshungdr i
vi
ng.Hesmi l
edpl
ay i
ngt hemusi
c
thentheOl i
verMtukudzist
art
edplaying.Hesmil
ed
recall
i
ngj usthowLlehadbeensmi l
inganddancing.
Her ol
leddownt hewindowmov i
nghi sheadasthe
carsailedheadedNorth.

*
**

Sasawat
chedasLel
emadesev
eral
cal
l
s.
“
And?
”
Lel
eshookherhead.“
Noonehasseenher
.”
“
Ireal
l
ythi
nkshel
ongl
eftf
orGabor
one.
”
“Ev
enifshedidSasa,bynowshewoul
dhav
ear
ri
ved
andchargedherphone.
”
“
May
beshei
schar
gingi
twhi
l
eit
’sof
f.
”
“Iwi
shIhadherfr
iend’
snumber,t
heoneIsuspect
shei
ssayingwit
hinGaborone.
”
“
Yah…Ithi
nksheisf
inet
hough.Don’
twor
rytoo
much.I
t’
slat
e,y
oushoul
dtryt
ogetsomesleep.
”
“
Chesssai
dhei
scomi
ng.
”
Sasasmiled.“Iknowmarri
edmenar eof
fli
mit
sbut
thatone…Ifeelheisaspeci
alcase.
”
“Idon’
twanthim.Hei snott
heki
ndIli
keorgofor
.I
don’twantt
ogetsued.Theschoolwouldnev
er
renewmycont r
actoreventhi
nkofgi
vingmea
permanentposi
tion.
”
“Li
veali
ttl
eLel
e.Ist
artedjustli
key ou.Youaregood
atwhatyoudo.Youproducer esul
ts.Iam sur
ethey
wi
l
lhi
rey
ouper
manent
ly.
”
“
Hopef
ull
yso.
”
“
Ihav
ebeenmeani
ngt
oasky
ouaboutLudo.
”
“Don’tevenask,It
ri
edtotal
ktoherbuti
tseemedI
wasj ustbor
ingheryetal
lIwastry
ingt
odoishelp
her.Sheisgoingtofai
lherf
inal
examsifshedoesn’
t
change.”
“Imagineanent i
reAstudentf
ail
i
ngbecauseshehas
tasteddick.Thatishowsomeonewhohast est
ed
dickbehav es.
”
“
Iam doingmypar
tashert
eacherandi
fshedoesn’
t
l
i
sten,shewi
ll
seether
esul
tsofit
.”
“
Yah…Iam goi
ngt
oli
edown.Iam t
ir
ed.
”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Youar
ewel
come.
”
Shestoodupandwentt oherroom.Lelereachedfor
herphoneandsighednotseeinganythi
ng.Hours
wentbyli
kedaysasshesatt herewonderi
ngwher e
hermothercoul
dbe.Acardr oveintheyard,
she
qui
cklyst
oodupandwentt ot hedoor.Sheopened
andl
ookedathim ex
pect
ingt
oseehermot
herwi
th
hi
m orsomet
hing.
“
Foundher
?”
Sheshookherheadt ear
ful
l
y.Chesswal kedinsi
de
thehouseandhuggedherki ckingthedoorclose
withhisshoe.Feeli
ngherbodyagai nsthisar
oused
him somuchhef r
ownedwonder ingwhatwasgoi ng
onwi t
hhim asherwar mtharousedhi m sobad,he
couldactual
lyfeelhi
sdickreacttot hehug.
Hetookadeepbr
eat
htr
yingt
okeephi
msel
fin
check.
“
Iam scar
ed.
”
“
Shei
sfi
newher
evershei
s.Wewi
l
lfi
ndher
.”
“
Shewasupset
.”
“
Wewi
l
lfi
ndher
.”
“Ihavesearchedeverywhere…”Shest ar
tedcryi
ng.
Chessrubbedherbackhol dingherinherar ms.His
dickj
erked,hemov edsli
ghtlymakingsur eshe
wouldn’
tfeelitandthi
nkthatwasal lhewasher efor
becauseGodknewt hatwasn’ti
t.Sasawal kedfr
om
herroom t
henwatchedasChesswrappedhisar
ms
aroundLel
ewhileshecri
edonhi
schest.Shesmil
ed
grabbi
ngherphonef r
om t
het
ableandquickl
y
walkedbacki
nherr oom.
Lel
estoppedcryi
ngandwi
pedherf
acewi
tht
he
backofherhand.
“
Didy
oueat
?”
Lel
eshookherhead.“
Iam nothungr
y.”
“
Didy
oueatt
oday
?”
“
No.
.”
“
Igoty
ousomet
hing.
”
Het ookoutthetakeawayhehadboughtf
rom the
plasti
cthentookherhandandledhertotheli
ving
room wherehesatdownwi t
hherput
ti
ngt hef
ood
onhi sl
aphidingthatboner
.
“Youneedt
oeat.Youwi
ll
f ai
ntwhi
lelooki
ngforher
.
Didyougotot
hepoli
cestati
onandlookforher
ther
e?”
“
Yesbutshewasnott
her
e.Iwentev
ery
wher
e.”
“Ok,
wewi l
lfi
ndher
.Howsur
ear
eyout
hatshedi
dn’
t
goback?
”
“
Iwentt
othebusesandevencal
l
edt hosebuses
whi
chhadal
readyl
eft
,shewasn’
tinanyofthem.”
“
May
beshehi
tchhi
ked.
”
“
Shedi
dn’
thav
emoney
.Sher
efusedmymoney
.”
“Sheprobablyhadabi torshemadepl ansonhowt o
getthemoney .Myt houghtsisthatshewentbackt o
Gaborone,shemi ghthavehitchhikedt hereortook
thebusandaskedt hem nottotellyouany thi
ng
becauseshei sangry.Herphonemi ghthav ebeen
offbutnowIt hi
nkshei sjustkeepingitlikethatt
o
punishyou.”
“
Whati
f-
“
“St
opt hinkingnegat i
vely.Yourmom i sahust ler,she
doesn’tsoundl i
kesomeonewhocangetl ost.She
smartandf ast…It hi
nkwher eversheis,sheisj ust
fi
neandshei salsoachievingwhatshewant s, you
worryi
ngandgoi ngcrazy.”Hesmi led.“
Somet imes
ourparentsar edr amaticli
kethat.Mymot herone
ti
mef akef ainted.”
Lel
elookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.“
Lies.
”
“Iam t
ell
ingyou.Shefakefaint
edandt hrewherself
ontheground.Itwasn’
tfunnythen,Iwasr eal
l
y
worri
edonlytofindoutthatsheisperfectl
yfi
ne.All
shewantedwasf ormetomi ssmyf l
i
ghtandIdi d.I
coul
dn’tevenshoutather.”
Lel
elaughed,Chessfoundhimsel
fsmil
ingashe
watchedherlaughanditseemedever
ythi
ngshewas
doi
ngwasj ustaddi
ngf uel
tothef
ir
e.“Wow…”
“Yeah,Ir
eal
l
ythi
nkshei
sfi
ne.Butwewi
l
llookf
or
hersti
l
l.”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
Chesst
ookt
hepl
ast
icspoont
hent
ri
edt
ofeedher
.
“
Icanf
eedmy
sel
f.
”
“
Justr
elaxandbef
ed.
”
Lel
esmi
l
edf
eel
i
ngsi
l
lyassheopenedhermout
h.
“
Ther
e!”
Shechewedthenshel
ookedathi
m.“
Wher
edoes
yourwi
fethi
nk-“
“Lel
e…t hisi
sprobablygoi
ngtoturnyouoffand
makey ouhatemebutcanwepl easenotdiscuss
thatperson?WhenIam hereit’
saboutmeandy ou
andev eryt
hingel
se…notthatperson.Iam notgoi
ng
tobringmymar r
iagei
ssuestoyou.”
Shechewedsi
lent
lyt
henhef
edheranot
herspoon
st
ari
ngatherpuff
yeyes.
“
Wher
eishe?
”
Sheshr
ugged.“
Idon’
tknow.
”
“
Didy
our
epor
thi
m?”
“
No.I
t‘
sfi
ne.Iendedi
t.
”
“
Doy
our
eal
l
ylov
ehi
m?”
“
Whatdoy
oumean?
”
“
Doy
our
eal
l
ylov
ehi
m?”
“
Yes.
”
“Iam j
usty ourfr
iend,
fri
endsdon’
tli
etoeachother
andtrustme, Ihaveacceptedt
hatweareonlygoing
tobefriendsandIam goodwi t
hthat.Iwi
l
lbey our
besti
e.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Gat
webest
ie?
”
“
Yeah…Iwantust
obef
ri
ends.Youar
ethet
ypeof
f
ri
endIneed.
”
Lel
esmi led.“Imethi mt het i
meIwasi nPal apye
beforeIst artedwor kingher e.Hedi dalady ’sgarden.
Iusedt ot utorthatlady’sdaught er.That’showwe
met .Hewasj ustdownt oear thandhumbl e.Of
causehi sst ylewasquest i
onablebutev erythingel
se
hewasf ine.Tot aIhav ebeenhur tbefore,sobadI
gotdepr essedt helasttime.It houghtdat ingt he
goodl ookingmenwast hepr obl
em becauset hey
al
way shur tme.Aker eev erywomanwoul dwanthi m
andIwoul dbecompet ingwi thladieswi thni ce
bodieswhowear8i nchheel s.Iwoul dtrybyal l
meanst ol osewei ght,t
odr essli
ket hoseot hergir
ls
andIwoul dst il
lgethurtsoMoabi eneisnotl i
kethat.
Hedoesn’ tcar eaboutt hat.”
“Soyouchosetosett
lef
orl
essbecausey
ouar
e
scar
edofbeinghurt
?”
“
Idon’
twantt
ogetdepr
essedagai
n.Iwantt
oli
ve
myli
feandt
akecar
eofmyparentsandbrot
her
.I
wasti
redofcr
yingf
ormenwhocheatonmeev
ery
si
ngl
etime.
”
“
Notev
ery
onei
sli
ket
hat
.”
“
Mostoft
hem ar
eandt
heoneswhoar
enotar
ejust
r
aret
ofi
nd.”
“
Iwasn’
thar
dtof
indme.
”
Lel
egi
ggl
ed.“
Youar
eher
ewhi
l
eyouar
emar
ri
ed.
”
“Iam notcheati
ng.Thi
sisafri
endshi
pthatfeel
s
ri
ghttome.Idon’ tf
eelgui
l
tybei
ngherewithyou
eventhoughy oumistr
eatme.Youarealwaysangr
y
atme.”
Lel
erol
l
edherey
es.“
Youbot
herme.
”
“
Ijustwantt
obeyourf
ri
end.That
’sal
l
.Andadmi
re
y
ourbeautyatt
hesameti
me.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.ButIdon’
twantt
ogetsued.
”
“
Noonewi
l
lgetsued.Soy
oul
ovehi
m?”
“
Iam comf
ort
abl
ewi
thhi
m.Iam atpeacewi
thhi
m.”
“
Wil
lyougobackt
ohi
m?”
“
Idon’tknow.Iam st
il
li
nshock.Ist
il
lcan’
tbel
i
eve
whathappenedhappened.
”
“
Letmesee.
”
Shegotupt
hent
ookof
fhergown.
“Ihav
estret
chmar
ksandIdon’
thav
eaf
lat
stomach.
”
Chesssmi l
edthengotupandtookoffhergown.He
pull
edupherturtl
eneckt
aki
ngitoff
.Hisskin
crawledashestaredatt
hebrui
sesandwhi pl
ashes.
“
Fuck!
”
Shepi
ckedhergownandqui
ckl
yputi
ton.
“
Youneedt
orepor
tthi
s.Thi
sisser
ious.
”
“
Itwi
l
lheal
.”
“
Lele,
hav
ey oul
ookedatyour
sel
font
hemirr
or?
He…”Hetookadeepbreat
h.“
Whatwasheusi
ng?”
“
Ast
ick.
”
“
What
’shi
sname?
”
“
Moabi
.”
“
Sur
name?
”
“
Mooka.
”
“
Hei
sgoi
ngt
oregr
ett
his.
”
Lel
esatdownwi t
hasi ghandconti
nuedeat i
ng.
Chesspressedhi
sphonef orawhil
et henputit
down.Helookedatherwonderingjusthowmuch
shehadbeenhurtthatshefel
titwasokt osett
lef
or
waylessthanwhatshedeserved.
Lel
eraisedherey
esandl
ookedathi
m asshest
ared
ather
.
“
What
?”
Chessshookhi
shead.“
Nothi
ng.Ihopeyounever
gobacktohi
m.Youdeserv
ebett
er.Igotsomethi
ng
fr
om t
hepharmacyt
hatcanhel
p.Iam coming.
”
Hestoodupandwalkedout
.Lel
efi
nishedupeat
ing
ashewalkedbacki
n.
“
Wher
eisy
ourr
oom?
”
Shepoi
nted.
“
Come.
.”
Lel
estoodupandwalkedtoherbedr
oom wi
thher
.
Chesslookedatev
ery
thi
ng.
“
Thi
sisni
ce.
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”
“Undressandli
eonthebed,
Ihavetoappl
yitt
oyour
brui
ses.”Hetookoutasmal
ltube.
Shel
ookedathi
mrel
uct
ant
ly.
“
Can’
tSasadoi
t?Shewi
l
ldoi
ttomor
row.
”
“Toni
ght,
wheny
ouwakeupt
omor
rowy
ouwi
l
lbe
bett
er.
”
Lel
eknockedonSasa’
sdoor
.
“
Sasa.
..
”
Sasaopenedt
hedoorandpul
l
edheri
nsi
de.
“
Lethi
m doi
t!Aker
ehewant
stodoi
t?”
“
Sasa-
“
“
OhmyGody
ouar
esobor
ing.Whyar
eyousl
ow?
“
Hei
ssomeone’
shus-
“
“
Heknowst
hat
,that
’snoty
ourbusi
ness.Mi
ndy
our
own!Hei sher
eonhi sownwill
.Noonef orcedhim
tobehere.Leti
tbe.Goandl i
ethatsexybodyont he
bed.Ify
oukeeppl ayi
ngwithamanl i
kehim, youwil
l
regr
etit
.”Sasapushedheroutandlockedt hedoor
andswitchedoffherli
ght
.
“
Goodni
ght
!”
Lel
ewal
kedbackt
oherr
oom andl
ookedathi
m.
“
Youcanwai
tout
sidesoIundr
ess.
”
Hewal
kedout
.Lel
elai
dtookoffherpant
sthenl
aid
ont
hebedwit
hatoweloverherbody.
“
Youcancomei
n..
”
Hewal kedbacki nandt ookof fthet owel.Lel
e
closedherey es, Chesst ookadeepbr eathing
fi
ghtingwi thhi sfeelings.Hisinstantbonerl i
ft
edhi s
pantsandt hesi ghthewasst aringatmadei thard
forhimt obr eat he.Heappl iedthegel overherlegs.
Hishandsev enshookt henhet ookamomentt aking
adeepbr eathi n.Heappl i
edthegel onherot herleg
andmov edt oherst omachassher emainedwi thher
eyescl osed.Chessl ookedatherbr eaststrappedin
thebr api cturingt hem bounceashemov edintoher.
Heappl
i
edt
hegel
onherar
ms.
“
Tur
n.”
Leleturned.Hi seyesfel
limmediatelyonhert hi
ck
ass.Sheal sohadt hemar ksther
e.Heswal l
owed
thenappliedt hegelonherlegsandback.Hel ooked
atherbut tfi
gur i
ngmay beifhediditfast
,itwoul dn’
t
wreckhi mt hatmuch.Hecoul dn’
tev enunderstand
whatwasgoi ngon, heusuall
ywasabl etocont rol
suchf eel
ingsbutt odayhewasf ail
ingsobadhewas
evensweat ing.
“Mybut
tismor
epai
nful
.Shoul
dIpul
ldownmy
pant
y?”
Hecl
ear
edt
hroat
.“Yeah.
”
Shepul l
eddownherpant yexposingherr oundthick
butt.Hecoughedchokingonhi ssaliva.Chess
rubbedt hegel
onhersof tbehindincircul
armot i
ons,
allsort
sofdirt
ythoughtsfil
l
edhi sheadashi sdick
painful
lygotevenharderinhispants.Hest opped
thenpulledupherpantiescoveri
ngherup.Lel e
turnedandsmi l
ed.
“
It
’sabi
tcol
dbuti
t’
shel
pingwi
tht
hepai
n.”
Hel
ookedsathert
highst
henhi
seyesslowlywent
upt
oherli
pswatchi
ngherasshespoke.“
Yeah…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”
Chess’ sheartpoundedsosomuchhecoul dswear
hewasgoi ngtohav eahear tat
tackashest ar
edat
herandal lhewant edtodowasr unoutofherroom
butrather,heleanedov erandki ssedherhard.Lel
e
putherhandonhi schestasheki ssedhersogood
herclitthr
obbedf rom herpant i
es.Hecaressedher
bodyki ssi
ngher ,t
heirbreathingcominginfastand
heavy.Hesl idhishandi nsideherpanti
es,hisfi
ngers
sl
ippingbet weenherwetf olds.
“
Jesus!
”
Hishear
tracedevenfast
er.Heki
ssedherhar
deras
hesl
idafi
ngerinsi
de.
Lelemoanedopeningherlegsevenmoreashe
tappedherupperpl
ates.Hesli
dinanot
herf
inger
thentookoutherbreast
sandsuckedherni
pples.
“
Chess…mhmmmm…”
Hel
etgot
hent
ookof
fherpant
yandspr
eadherl
egs.
Hel ookedatherpussyt
henleanedoverandki
ssed
i
t,runninghi
stongueonhersli
tthenhegentl
y
suckedher,sl
idi
ngthosetwofinger
sinagai
n
tappingherg-
spot.
“
Chess….Chess….Ahhhhh….
.mhmm….Chess….
”
Hert
oescur
ledast
hepl
easur
egotsoi
ntense.
“
Chess…ohhhhh….
”
Hegotuptaki
ngof
fhi
st-
shi
rtt
henhi
sthi
ckswol
l
en
weapon.
“
FuckIdon’
thav
eacondom.Wewi
l
ltest
…”
Lel
el ookedathi mt hrobbi
ng,herey esonthatdick.
Shecoul dn’teventhink.Hegotont opofhert hen
cur
v edhi sbackandsl idinthroughherpussylips.
Herpussyst r
etchedashepushedi nblocki
ngher
pat
hway .Hest oppeddeepi nsideherasherpussy
cl
enchedhi m.Hecoul djustcum from bei
nginside,
helookedi nherey esand#r emov ed.
.
Dol
eav
eal
i
keandacomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#10
#r
emov
ed

Chess’ sheartpoundedsosomuchhecoul dswear

hewasgoi ngtohav eahear tat
tackashest ar
edat
herandal lhewant edtodowasr unoutofherroom
butrather,heleanedov erandki ssedherhard.Lel
e
putherhandonhi schestasheki ssedhersogood
herclitthr
obbedf rom herpant i
es.Hecaressedher
bodyki ssi
ngher ,t
heirbreathingcominginfastand
heavy.Hesl idhishandi nsideherpanti
es,hisfi
ngers
sl
ippingbet weenherwetf olds.
“
Jesus!
”
Hishear
tracedevenfast
er.Heki
ssedherhar
deras
hesl
idafi
ngerinsi
de.
Lelemoanedopeningherlegsevenmoreashe
tappedherupperfol
ds.Hesli
dinanot
herfi
ngert
hen
tookoutherbreast
sandsuckedherni
pples.
“
Chess…mhmmmm…”
Hel etgothentookoffherpantyandspreadherlegs.
Hel ookedatherpussythenleanedoverandkissed
i
t,runninghistongueonhersli
tthenhegently
suckedher ,
sli
dingthosetwofinger
sinagain
tappingherg-spot.
“
Chess….Chess….Ahhhhh….
.mhmm….Chess….
”
Hert
oescur
ledast
hepl
easur
egotsoi
ntense.
“
Chess…ohhhhh….
”
Hegotuptaki
ngof
fhi
st-
shi
rtt
aki
ngouthi
sthi
ck
swol
l
endick.
“
FuckIdon’
thav
eacondom.Wewi
l
ltest
…”
Lel
el ookedathi mt hrobbing,herey esonthatdick.
Shecoul dn’teventhink.Hegotont opofhert hen
curvedhi sbackandsl idinthroughherpussyl ips.
Herpussyst r
etchedashepushedi nblocki
ngher
pathway .Hest oppeddeepi nsideherasherpussy
cl
enchedhi m.Hecoul djustcum f rom bei
nginsi de,
helookedi nherey esandsof tlykissedher.Leleput
herhandsonhi sbiceps, Chesseasedoutsl owl yand
pushedbacki nagainbur yi
ngt hatdickbackin
accompani edwi thagr unt.
“
Fuck!
”
Het hrustedsl owlywhileLel
emoanedcar essi
nghis
biceps,ev erythrustfel
tsogood, herpussygoteven
wet t
er.Ever ystrokelef
therwant i
ngmor eandall
shekeptpr ayingwasf orhim nottocomewhi leshe
stil
lenjoyedt hatdick.Athoughtofhim being
mar ri
edcr ossedhermi ndbutthemor ehet hr
ust
i
nt oher,shecoul dn’
tcarel
essabouthi swife.
Shenev erknewaman’ sdeepgr untscouldsound
thatsexyori twasj usther.Hegent lythr
ustintoher
grunti
ngandgr oaningwhi l
ecur sing.Hegent l
y
rockedherbodyenj oyingever yt hrust.Shewasso
good, hecouldn’tremembert hel astti
mehehadhad
sexwi thoutacondom butf eelinghermeatar ound
hisdickdr ovehim crazy.Hel ookedatherknowi ng
afterthisstayi
ngawaywasgoi ngt obediff
icult
.
Thegent
lethr
ust
ingfel
tsogoodLelecl
osedher
eyesmovi
ngherwaistf
rom beneat
h.
“
OhhChess…”
Hekissedhermov i
ngi
ntoherthenhekissedher
neckawakeningsomet
hinginherthatpul
ledt
he
sheet
sunsureofwhattodowi
thhersel
f.Whatev
er
hewasdoingtoherhadhermoani
ngevenlouder
unabl
etokeepitdown.
“
Chess…”
Hei ncreasedhispace,slammi nghisdickdeepi n
her.Hewat chedasherboobsbounced.Hepushed
herlegst oherchestgettingmor eaccesstot hat
thi
ckpussy .Hewatchedashedi sappear
edi nand
out.Hi sphonestart
edringing,theybothignoredit
gruntingandmoani ngwhi lehepoundedi ntohernon
stop.
Theradiostart
edpl ayingfrom Sasa’
sr oom, she
i
ncreasedthev ol
umet oprobablyblockthem.
Marvin’
sGay e’
slet’
sgeti tonplayedasLel e’sbody
j
ustitchedwithpleasur e,
shescratchedher selfwhi
l
e
Chesspoundedi ntoherf ucki
ngherhar danddeep.
Shefelther
selfgettingmor ewetterevendr i
pping.
Chessslammedi ntoherpussyr epeatedlygrunti
ng
l
oudly.
“
Fucky
es!
”
Lel
e’
sbodyst
if
fenedast
hewav
eofpl
easur
e
thr
ashedherrepeat
edl
y,hert
oescurl
edevenmi r
e
asshescreamedclosi
nghereyest
ightl
yvi
brat
ing.
“
Chess…Chess….
”
“
Lookatme…”
Sheopenedherey esthentear
srol
leddownwhil
e
herpussycont
inuouslysquashedhisdi
ckasshe
camehardaroundhi sdick.
“
OhGod….Ohh….God!Chess….Mhmmmmm….I
t
f
eel
ssoogood…ohhh…”
Chessthrusti
ntoheracoupl
eoft
imest
hengotof
f
bedandpul l
edhertot
heedgeoft
hebedwherehe
fl
ippedher.
“
Kneel
..
”
Lel
eknelt,
herbodysti
ll
shaking.Chessstoodbehind
herandpushedherchestdownt henli
ft
edherthick
assguidi
nghisdi
ckbackintothatjui
cypussy.Lele
fr
owned.
“
Shi
t!
”
Shet
ri
edtorai
seherheadbutChesspusheditback
downagai
nandstar
teddri
l
li
ngintoher
.Lelecould
feeleveryinchofthatdick,hefeltwaydeeperl
ike
thi
s.Itfel
tasi fhewasgoi ngstraightt
oherwomb,
Leletri
edmov i
ngfor war
dt ol
imithisdepthbut
Chesshel dherwai stti
ghtl
yandf uckedherharder
,
thegent l
enesshehadst ar
tedwithallfor
got
ten,now
i
twasj ustr awfucking.
Chesslookedatherbut
tasi
tshook,
andf
uck!The
si
ght!
“
Chess…y
ouar
etoodeep.
”
“
That
’swhatIwant
…st
opdi
stur
bingme.
”
Lel
etookadeepbreat
htaki
ngitl
ikeabi
ggirl
.Chess
cur
vedhisbackev
enmor edr
il
li
ngint
oher.
“
Ahshi
t!
”
Lelemoaned, thefri
cti
onf eltgood, ski
nagai nstski
n,
hiddickcoatedwi t
hherj uices.Shemov edagai nst
him whilethedickrepeatedlyfill
edherpussy .Chess
gruntedenjoyinghersomuchi tfeltasifhehad
neverenjoyedpussybef ore.Hi sphoner angagai n,
helookedati tandstaredathi swi fe’scalli
ng
repeatedly
.Lelelookedati tthenr eachedf orit
enjoyinghim,hewasanot herwoamn’ smanbutf or
thenighthewasher sandshewasn’tplanningto
stophim.Itstoppedr i
ngingthensheswitcheditof
f
andt hr
ewi tonthefloor.Hesli
doutandf l
ippedher
againpull
ingherr i
ghtattheedgeofthebedput ti
ng
herlegsonhi sshoulders.Hesmackedhercl i
tand
rubbeditwithhiswett i
pbeforepushi
ngi nbackinto
thatpussyy etagai
n.
“
Fuck!Ther
ewego…”
Hestartedfucki
nghery etagain,Lel
eputherhand
onhisthighthenhegaveheral ook,sheletgoand
squeezedherbreast.Hef uckedherhardertappi
ng
somethingdeepinsidehert hatbegunwreckingher
.
Hetappedi tr
epeatedl
y,Lelepulledthesheets.
“
Fuck…awwww….
”
Herpussynar r
owedonhi m ashefuckedherharder
,
theneedt opeecame.Shesqueezedhert hi
ghs
togethercl
enchinghisdickasshet r
iedtokeepiti
n
butthemor ehet appedthatcert
ainspotdeepinher,
themor eshefelthersel
funabletoholdit
.
“
Chess…wai
t…ohGodwai
t….
”
Losti
nthei
nsanei
ntensepl
easur
e,hef
uckedher
movinghisflexi
blewaist
.Heputhi shandonher
neckchokingherhardcutti
ngoffheroxygenway .
Herpussyt i
ghtenedevenmorear oundhi
sdickas
hewatchedhergaspi ngforai
rtakinghi
sdickl
ikea
bi
ggirl
.
Lel
eroll
edhereyest
ot hebackasshegushed
l
ett
ingitoutt
hepeeunabletobreat
he.I
tfel
tasif
shewasdy i
nginpl
easure,
shecouldn’
tevenfeel
her
self
.
Herbodyshookasifshewasbei ngelect
ri
fied,
Chessletgoofherneckgivi
ngittoherhardandfast
,
hi
sdickthickeni
ngi
nsideher.Hedickspurtouthi
s
cum f
il
li
ngherpussy.
“
OhFuck!Fuck!Shi
t!
”
Leleopenedhermout htomoanbutnot hingcame
outassher eleased,shegaspedandclosedherey es
bl
ackingout.Chessgav eheracouplemor estrokes
ashisthi
ckcum l andeddeepinherthenhest i
ll
ed,
hi
sdickjerkinginsideherpumpingt
hatcum inside
herpussy.
“
Shi
t…”
Hesl owlygaveheronelastthrustthenl
ookedather.
Her emainedstil
li
nthatpussy, i
tfel
tgoodjustbei
ng
i
nsideherhecoul dstayl
ikethatforever
.Whata
pussy !Helookedatherfacethensmi l
ed.Heleaned
overandki ssedher
.
“
Lel
e…”
Heshookher
.
“
Lel
e!”
Hef r
ownedasshel aidther
eunconscioust
henhe
sli
doutandpi ckedhispants.Heputthem on
packinghi
ssemi harddickandwalkedout,hegot
coldwaterfr
om t hefri
dgethenwalkedbackinthe
room andsplashedherwi thit
.Lel
egaspedwaking
up.Chesslaughed.
“Hebanna!Ot aswakanaebeonkol
ega!I
magine
beingarr
estedforki
l
li
ngyouwit
hdick.Osekawa
tsamekay al
omma. ”
Lelel
ookedathi
mthensmil
edembarr
assed.Heput
thecol
dwaterdownandki
ssedher
.
“
Hey
…”
Lel
elookedathi
m wi
thasmi
l
e.“
Hey
…”
Hechuckl edthenlookedatherpussyasi tleaked
withhiscum.Hi sdickgothar dagai n.Lelelookedat
him ashet ookoffhispants,herey esst ari
ngathis
harddick.Hepul l
edherupf rom thebed, withher
kneesweak, Lelefel
tasi fshewer ej el
ly.Chess
pickedherup, Lel
ewr appedherlegsar oundhis
waistthenhepushedheragai nstthewal landgentl
y
l
ower edherintohiswai t
ingerecti
on….
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#11

#r
emov
ed.
..
.
Lel
eopenedhermout htomoanbutnot hi
ngcame
outassher eleased,shegaspedandclosedhereyes
bl
ackingout.Chessgav eheracouplemor estr
okes
ashisthi
ckcum l andeddeepinherthenhestil
led,
hi
sdickjerkinginsideherpumpingt
hatcum inside
herpussy.
“
Shi
t…”
Hesl owlygaveheronelastthrustthenl
ookedather.
Her emainedstil
li
nthatpussy, i
tfel
tgoodjustbei
ng
i
nsideherhecoul dstayl
ikethatforever
.Whata
pussy !Helookedatherfacethensmi l
ed.Heleaned
overandki ssedher
.
“
Lel
e…”
Heshookher
.
“
Lel
e!”
Hef r
ownedasshel aidther
eunconscioust
henhe
sli
doutandpi ckedhispants.Heputthem on
packinghi
ssemi harddickandwalkedout,hegot
coldwaterfr
om t hefri
dgethenwalkedbackinthe
room andsplashedherwi thit
.Lel
egaspedwaking
up.Chesslaughed.
“Hebanna!Ot aswakanaebeonkol
ega!I
magine
beingarr
estedforki
l
li
ngyouwit
hdick.Osekawa
tsamekay al
omma. ”
Lelel
ookedathi
mthensmil
edembarr
assed.Heput
thecol
dwaterdownandki
ssedher
.
“
Hey
…”
Lel
elookedathi
m wi
thasmi
l
e.“
Hey
…”
Hechuckl edthenlookedatherpussyasi tleaked
withhiscum.Hi sdickgothar dagai n.Lelelookedat
him ashet ookoffhispants,herey esst ari
ngathis
harddick.Hepul l
edherupf rom thebed, withher
kneesweak, Lelefel
tasi fshewer ej el
ly.Chess
pickedherup, Lel
ewr appedherlegsar oundhis
waistthenhepushedheragai nstthewal landgentl
y
l
ower
edheri
ntohi
swai
ti
nger
ect
ion….
.

Thefoll
owingmor ni
ng,Lel
eslowl
yopenedhereyes
l
yinginChess’sarmsinthelat
emorni
ng,herhead
onhischest.Chesssmiledasshel
ookedathim.
Lelebl
ushedresti
ngherheadonhischest.Chess
squeezedherbutt.
“
Hey
…”
“
Hi.
”
“
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
”
“
Fine.
”
Lel
e’
sphonerangfrom t
hefl
oor
.Shel
aidstil
li
nhis
armswonder
ingifsheshoul
dpi
ckornot.Chess
l
ookedati
tonthef l
oor
.
“
It
’snoti
mpor
tant
.Ri
ght
?”
Lel
elookedtoothennodded.“
Yes.Your
sisof
f.You
shoul
dswitchiton.
”
“
Notnow.
..Yourbr
uisesar
ebet
ter
.It
’sl
ate,
whatdo
y
ouwantt
oeat
?Shoul
dwegoandgetsomet
hing?
”
Sheheav edasi ghashercar essedherbodysl owly,
hehadwentont heentir
enighttil
ltheear l
iesthours
ofthemor ning.Shestill
didn’
tunder standhowhe
couldmanaget ogoonaf t
ercummi ngormay beit
wasonl yhim.Heki ssedherf or
eheadt hensqueezed
herbreast.Hegotont opofherwi t
hasmi l
e.He
ki
ssedherl i
pscar essi
nghert ummy .
Lel
eputherhandonhischest ,
heopenedherlegs.
Hersourpussymadeherswal l
owbutthi
swas
Chessandtherewasnowayshewasgoi ngtostop
hi
mi fhewantedheragain.Theni
ghthadtaughther
nottostophi
m atanyt
hing.
Hetouchedherpussy,
it’
sthi
cknessgetti
ngt
ohim
agai
n.Herubbedhisdickonhersli
t,Lel
emoaned
soft
lyashehumpedher .
“
Bualennababe…(
tal
ktomebabe.
.)whatdoy
ou
wantt
oeat?”
Shel
ookedathi
m.“
Iwi
l
lcook.
”
“
Ok…whatdoy
ouneed?
”
Hepushedi
nthr
oughherswol
l
ennesssi
nki
ngdeep
i
n.
“
Fuck!
”
Lel
ebr
eathedheavil
y,herpoorpussyalready
compl
aini
ng.Heleanedoverandwhi speredi
nher
ear
.
“
Whatdoy
ouneed?
”
Hegav eherslowthrustwatchi
ngasshefl
inched
sl
ightl
ypushinghischest.Hegrabbedapi
l
lowt hen
pull
edherupabi tandputthepill
owonherbutt.
“
Ouch….
”Shefrownedfl
i
nchi
ngpushi
nghi
m ev
en
mor
e.“I
t’
stoodeepChess…”
Hekissedhersof
tl
y.“
Exact
lyhowi
tshoul
dbe.Don’
t
pushme.”
Lelelookedathimt hent
ookinadeepbreat
hashe
begunf uckingher
,hardandf
astundi
stur
bedgoi
ng
forthekill
.

*
**
Sasafinishedherbreakfastsi
tt
inginthekitchen
whil
ety pingonherphone.Shesl owlyputhermug
downlisteningtofootst
epsappr oachi
ng,Lele
walkedinasi l
knightdress.
“
Yeswenat
hegi
rl
!”
Lel
el ookedathershaki
ngherheadthenChess
showedupf rom behi
ndherhuggingherwhi
le
ki
ssingherneck.
“
Iwi
l
lbebackj
ustnow.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Hi…”
Sasasmi
l
edandwav
ed.“
Hi.
”
Chesski
ssedLel
eonherl
i
ps,
hishandonherbut
t.“
I
am comi
ng.”
“
Ok.
.”
Hewalkedout,
bothladi
eswai
tedti
l
lhegotinhi
s
cart
hendroveoff
.Sasagotof
fthekit
chenst
ool
.
“
GURLLLLL!
”
Lel
etookhermugandsi
ppedhercof
fee.“
Youar
e
makingnose.
”
“
Noise,gi
rly
oumadenoi setheent
irenight
.Ebilet
he
musicwasjustusel
essbecauseIcouldsti
llhear
you.
”
Lel
esmi
l
edembar
rassed.“
Sor
ry.
”
“
Andthatgl
ow,bat
hongChessoir
angngwana?
(
Whatischessdoi
ngtot
hechil
d?)
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Whatgl
owwena.
”
“
Nothi
ngtast
esthesweetestmor
et hanthe
f
orbi
ddenfr
uit
.Ihopehedidn’
tdi
slocat
ethatpussy
.”
“
It
’spai
nful
.”
“
Wher
edi
dhego?
”
“
Togetaf
ewt
hings.
”
“Ok.Chancesar ethatheisgoingt ofucky ou
throught heday,
heisgoingt otearit,
li
terall
y.So
whi l
ehei snothere…wepr epareitandgeti tready
forhim.Letmef ixyousomemi xturenyanaher e…
hopef ull
ytomorr
owy ouareablet ogot owor kbutI
am doi ngthi
sforyou.Getgoodsex.Ev enifit’
sjust
f
oroneni
ght
.”
Sasatookoutmi
lkf
rom t
hefr
idget
hengr
abbed
thei
rci
nnamonandthest
oney.
“
What
’st
hatf
or?
”
“
Ngng…i
t’
sfory
ourheal
th,
wher
ear
ethehal
l
s?”
“
Iny
ourr
oom.
”
Lel
elookedatt
hecinnamonconf
used,
Sasacame
backwit
hthehall
s.
“Ok…thisshoul
dbef
ine.Wedon’
thav
egr
een
pepper?
”
“
Ngng…whatar
eyoudoi
ng.
”
“
Sitdownwenaandletaunt
ySasasor
tyouout
.Do
y
ouhav et
hethi
ngs?
”
“
Whatt
hings?
”
“
Letmeseey
ourpussy
.”
SheopenedLel
e’
slegsandl
ookedatherswol
l
en
meat.
“
Weneedt
osor
toutt
hat
.WhenChessgoes,
wewi
l
l
sorti
t.Mygr andmot hergavemet hisnyanathi
ng
thatwil
l helpusgett hem, af
teryougetthosethi
ngs,
hewilldivorcehi swifebuttodaythisherewi
llwork
super.Iam sur prisedyoudon’thavethem,youare
notat r
ueKal anga.Yourgrandmot herdi
dn’
ttel
lyou?
Thoset hingsar eimportant.
”
“Idon’
twanthi
mtoleav
ehi
swi
fe.Iam nota
husbandsnat
cher
!”
“Ofcausey ouar
enotbabes.I t
’sfi
ne.Ev
enthough
thisguyhasbeenmakingal otofupanddowns
from GabstoSerowe,t
heleastthatcanhappeni
s
him gett
ingyouacar.
”
Sasapr
epar
edt
hemi
xtur
eandgav
eitt
oLel
e.
“Dri
nkthis.Makesur ey ouwaitlewenabef oresome.
Cookforhi m, t
aket i
meandgowearpant s.Howi s
hesupposedt or esi
stwhenal lt
hemeatisout .Go
putony ourpant sandat -
shir
t,makehimt heEngl i
sh
breakf
astt hattakeslong, st
artupaconver sati
on
helayeserious, notsomet hi
ngthatcoul
dr uint he
mood, t
alkaboutbusi nessoraboutschool andhow
youarewai ti
ngf oryourcont r
acttoberenewed.
Matteroff
act
,tal
kaboutyourmom whobyt
heway
cal
l
ed.Shesaysshedoesn’twantt
otal
ktoy
ou.
”
“
Shecal
l
ed?
”
“
Yes.Shei
sfineandshealsosai
dstopcal
l
ingev
ery
t
imeTom andJerryl
ooki
ngforher.
”
“
ThankGod!
”
“Iam gladMoabi isgone.Ican’ tbelievehebeaty ou
ont opofhav ingstinkyfeet.Itoldhery oubrokeitoff,
shei ssti
llupset,shewant edy out or eporthim.But
any ways,that’
snott heissuet oday .Wai tt
hirty
minut estoanhour ,obvi
ouslyhei sgoi ngt obe
thi
nkingofsexsowenadi verthismi ndandt al
k
aboutot herthings.Afteranhour ,youar egoodt ogo,
drinkthat.Don’tforgetthatsmal lerny analesson
thatoldwomanwat uckshopgav eusr i
ght?Itri
edit
andi tworkswonder s.”
Lel
efi
nishedt
hel
ukewar
m mi
xtur
eandf
rowned.
“
Whathappensnow?
”
“
Iam leav
ing.Goandweart
hosebaggyclot
hesof
y
ours.Whenhei sgone,
wewil
lsoakthepussyand
cool
itdown.Shar
plov
e.”
Ssasawal kedoutt henLeleclear
edupt hekitchen
counters.Shewentbackt oherroom andmadet he
bedbef orechangingint
opant sandanov er
sizedt-
shir
t.Shepickedhi sphonethenf r
ownedst aringat
thecrackacrosst hescreen.Sheputitbyher
dressi
ngt abl
e,hisscentwasst il
lheavyintheair,i
t
smeltli
keaman.
Shepickedhi
sleat
herj
acketandsni
ff
edi
twi
tha
smil
e.
“
Godwhat
’swr
ongwi
thme?
!Hei
smar
ri
ed!
”

*
**

Lefasatinhersit
ti
ngroom tr
y i
ngChess’snumber
againbutitwasn’
tgoingthr
ough.Shetearful
ly
l
ookedatt hei
rweddingpict
uresonthewal lt
hen
sighedtr
yinghisnumberagain.Acardrovein
throught
heopengat eoutsi
de,Lef
aleapedand
l
ooked.Shesighedstari
ngathermot her’
scar
dr
ivi
ngi
n.Mi
nut
esl
aterhermot
herwal
kedi
n.
“
Lef
a…”
“
Ma?
”
“
Howar
eyou?
”
“Chessolet
senageng.(
Chesssl
epti
nthewi
ldness.
)
Heischeati
ngandIdon’
tblamehi
m buti
tst
il
l
hurt
s.”
“
Itdoes,hebel
iev
esyoucheat
edonhi
m andnowhe
i
sjustdoingt
hesame.”
“Idon’twanttolosemyhusband.Yest erdayIwent
withAnel et
ot hesal
on,IthoughtIwoul ddomyhai r
tooandl ookgoodbutIf oundmy selfnkarenka
cutter.Iam f
eeli
ngdepressed,yesterdayIjust
want edtokil
lmy sel
f.Khumof oundmeaboutt o
hangmy sel
f.I
fKhumodi dn’tcomewhenhedi d,I
don’tknowwhatcoul dhav ehappened.”
“
Isti
l
ldon’
tunder
standhowy
ouar
ecl
oset
oChess’
s
f
ri
end.”
“Iwasbestf
ri
endswi
thKhumo’ssi
ster
.KhumoandI
gotcl
osewhenshepassedon.
”Tearsfi
ll
edLef
a’s
eyes.“I
t’
sbeentwoy ear
sandheistheonlyonewho
canpossibl
yunderst
andhowIfeelever
ynight.He
wast her
eformewhent hati
nci
denthappenedtoo.
Chesswasn’tt
here.”
“Lefa,Tsitsi i
sgone.You’vegottomov eon.What
happenedt hatti
meal sohaspassed, y
ouhav eto
deal wit
hi t.Theproblem i
sthatyounev erwantt o
deal wit
hi talone,youalwayshavetobewi th
someone, y ouhavetostandalonemygi rl.Yaanong
forthosewhodon’ tknowt heywouldsayy ouare
sleepingwi thKhumowheny ouarenot.KeepKhumo
helaasy ourhusband’ sfri
end,heisnoty ourfri
end
ratheryourhusband’ sfri
end.Lennatherei sti
meI
thoughty ouwer esleepingwithKhumo. ”
Lefa’
sli
psshook.“
Iwouldnever.Howcany ousay
thatmama?IknowIgotcloserwithKhumobutI
haveneverevensl
epthi
m.Ihavenor easontol
ieto
you.Heistheonl
ywhounderstands.
”
“Idon’tknowbutyouarewayt oocl ose.Maybenot
atfir
stbutalongli
ne.
..Iam sorr
ymygi rl
butChess’
s
fri
endsar ehi
sfri
endsnoty our
s.Ifyousayy ouhave
neversleptwit
hhim.,ok,good…Ir eall
yfeel
we
shoul
dhavet
oldChesst
het
rut
h.I
fwet
oldhi
mthe
tr
utht
hen-
“
“
Hewon’twantme.Hewon’
twantmemama.He
won’
t.
”
“Lefa,kanayanongmybabyyouarecar
ryi
ngl
otsof
paininy ourhear
tandy
oucryonthewrong
shoulder.”
Tear
srol
l
eddownLefa’
scheeks.“
Doy ouknowt
hat
mmgaweChesssai
dAneleisnotChess’
s?”
“Ihear
d.Iam sorr
y.Ist
il
lthi
nkhedeser
vest
oknow
abouttherape.I
twasnoty ourf
aul
t.
”
“I
t’
smyf aul
tthatIgotdrunk.Idon’
twanttolosemy
husband.Youhav etohelpme.Thereisaladythat
nkukusayssheknowswhocanf i
xsuchthi
ngs.She
wil
lfi
xmymar r
iage.
”
“
Nono!Lef
atshe,
no!
”
“
Iam desper
ate.
”
“
Thoset
hingswil
lal
waysbackf
ir
e!No.Ithasnev
er
wor
kedhowit’
ssupposedt
owor k.No.
”
“
Mama…”
“No.Youar enotgoi ngdownt hatr oad.Aker eChess
i
snotdi vorcingy ou.Seeacounsel or.Ther eason
whyi t’shardr i
ghtnowi sbecausehet hinksy ou
cheat ed.Justt ellhimy ougotr aped.Tel lhimt he
truth.Chesswoul dnev erleavey ouf orthat .That
manl ovesy ouLef abutt heseli
esar et intingyoui na
badwayt ohi m.I fhedoesn’ tbeli
ev ey ou, wewi l
l
bringt hepolicer eports.Chesshasl ov edy oufor
year snow…st opassumi ngandt ellhimt hetruth.I
promi sey ou,thingswi llgetbetter.Thet ruthwillhel
p
thismar ri
age.Don’ tli
stent othoseot herpeopl e
tell
ingy ounonsense.Tel lhimthet ruthandl ewena
helaseesomeonewhowi l
lhelpy ou.Youhav eAnele,
shecan’ tlosehermot hert osuicide.”
Awhi
l
elat
er,Lef
a’smot
herl
eft
.Lef
aclosedt
hedoor
t
hent
ookherphoneandcal
l
edhergrandmot
her
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Mme,
it’
sLef
atshe.
”
“
OhLef
atshe,
howar
eyoumygr
anddaught
er?
”
“
Remembert
hatl
adyy
ousai
dcanf
ixmymar
ri
age?
”
“
Yes,
buty
ourmot
herr
efused.
”
“
Ineedher
.”
“Ok,Iwil
ltal
ktoher
.ComehomeandIwi l
ltakey
ou
toher.Youshoul
dbringhi
sunder
wearandhis
pants.
”
“
Ok.
”

*
**

Lelefi
nishedmakingbr
eakfastt
hendishedasChess
fi
nishedmakingthei
rcoff
ees.Someoneknockedon
thedoor,Lel
ewalkedoverandopenedthenfr
owned
stari
ngatMoabi.
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”
Hewal kedi
n.“
Youarenotbreaki
ngupwit
hme
becauseIwasdisci
pli
ningy
ou.Iam y
ourmanand
you-
“
Chesswal
kedoverandpunchedhi
m sohar
dthat
Moabif
ell
fai
nti
ng.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#12

Lel
emov edbackst
ari
ngatMoabi
,herhear
t
poundi
ng.
“
Chess…”
ShelookedatMoabil
yi
ngonthef
loort
henshe
l
ookedatChess,hermout
hopen.
“
Chess…”
Chesspi
ckedhisl
egandpul
l
edhi
m out
sidewhi
l
e
Lel
ewatched.
“
Chess…hewil
lpeacef
ull
yleav
e.Noneedforthat
.
Hehastogoback.Hecan’
tgolooki
ngdi
rt
y.”
Chesst
urnedt
oher
.“Thi
sist
heper
sonwhobeat
youup.
”
“
Iknowbut
-“
“Therear
enobuts.Hedeser
vesev
enmoreandhei
s
goingtogeti
t.Watwael
aebil
eoti
legony
ela.
”
Chesspul
l
edout
side.
“
Ther
eisnoneedf
ort
hat
.Howi
shegoi
ngt
ogeti
n
t
hebus?
”
“
Arey
oubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
”
“
Youdon’
thavetousevi
olence,Idon’
tli
kevi
olence.
Hei
snotevenfi
ghti
ngwit
hany one.Therei
snoneed
f
ort
hat.
”
Shegr abbedthejugofcoldwaterfr
om thefri
dge
andsplasheditonhisface.Moabiopenedhismouth
coughi
ngt henLel
esteppedback.Hesl owl
ygotup
andlookedatChesst henLel
e.Heblinkedwipi
nghis
wetface.
“Lel
e,tel
lhi
mtogo.Welov
eeachot her
.Il
oveyou
andyouloveme.Tel
lhi
mtogo.Iloveyou,pl
ease
tel
lhi
mt ogo.Wecanfi
xourr
elat
ionshi
pli
keother
couples.
”
“Webrokeup.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?It
oldy
ou
nott
ocomeback.”
“Youarenotgoi
ngt
obr
eakupwi
thmel
i
ket
hat
becausewehada-“
“Shedoesn’
twantyou,
Ibel
i
eveshemadei
tcl
ear
kanayangMist
er?”
Moabi
swal
l
owedst
ari
ngasChessgl
aredathi
m.
“Lele…peopledon’tj
ustbr
eakupoverasmal
l
argument .Youwerecheat
ingonme.Iwasj
ust
discipl
i
ningy ou.
”
Chessl
osti
tthenki
ckedhi
sbal
l
ssohar
dMoabi
scr
eamedbending.
“
Odi
sci
pli
nangwanawagamangwenasaan?
”
“
Chess-
“
“
Geti
nthehouse.
”
“
Chessy
ouj
ustcan’
t-
“
Hel
ookedather
.“Isai
dgeti
nthehouse.
”
Lel
elookedathi
sseri
ousf
ace,
ther
ewasnot
raceof
asmileasusual
.Sheswal
l
owed.
“
Icant
alk-
“
“
Iam notgoi
ngt
otel
lyouagai
nkanawagana?
”
Sheshookherhead.“
Ngng.
”
Shet
urnedandwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouse.
“
Closet
hedoorbehi
ndy
ou.
”
Shecl osedt hedoort hent ookthef oodt othesitt
ing
room angr il
y .Minutespassedasshepacedar ound
thehouse, howdar ehecommandherl ikethat?She
wasn’ thischi l
d.Shesatdownf oldingherar ms.He
hadt hener ve…Mi nutespassedt henhef inal
ly
wal kedi nsidet hehouse.Hel ookedatherwi tha
smi le.Lelel ookedathi mf eel
ingasherangersl owly
disappear edashesmi l
edather .Hel eanedoverand
kissedher .
“
Ongadi
l
e?”
Lel
efol
dedherar
ms.
“Ar
ey ouseri
ousr
ightnow?Youar
eangr
ybecause
ofthati
diot
?”
Leler
emainedsilentsul
ki
ng.Hesmil
ed.“
Andyou
arenolongert
alking…Maybether
eareot
herway
sto
makey outal
k.”
“Iam notyourchi
l
dwhom y
oucancommandar
ound.
Idon’
tlikeamanwho-“
“
Who’
swhat
?”
Shel
ookedi
nhi
sey
es.“
Who’
svi
olent
.”
“Iwantt otelly
ousomet hingLele…Ifuckedhi m up.I
am goingt omakehi mr egreteverput
ti
nghi shands
ony ou,kemobet sebumbar aandot si
legony ela
bli
nd.Iam notgoi ngtor egr
etitsamewayIdon’ t
regretcrushinghi
sbal l
s.”Het i
l
tedherchin.“ButI
am notgoi ngtolooklikeaf oolwankutwa?Ify ou
wantt ogobackt ohi m,saysonowket swemogo
wena, thenicepartisthatIwon’tevenforceyoui nt
o
doingwhaty oudon’twanttodosomakeachoi ce.
Arey ougoingbackt ohim? ”
Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
No.
”
“
Good,
nowwecanputt
hisbehi
ndus.
”
Lel
elookedathi m cal
mingdownt henputherhands
onherlap.“Iwasjustsayingthereisnor easontobe
vi
olent,t
okickhim andpunchhi m.Idon’ tl
ike
vi
olence,menotr epor
ti
ngi tdoesn’tmeanIt ol
erat
e
i
t.Eventhoughmybodyi sinpain,Ichooset omove
onwi t
hmyl if
epeacefull
y.YoukidnappedmebutI
di
dn’trepor
ty ou,
notthatIenjoyedi toranythi
ngbut
Ichosepeace.Iwoul
dchoosepeaceanygivenday.I
am notstupi
dbecauseImakethechoicesyoudon’
t
wantmet omake.Ihavemyownr easonsforthe
deci
sionsImake.Youshoul
dgobackt oyour
famil
y.”
Chessleanedov
erandki
ssedhersof
tl
y.“
Youar
e
upset
?”
“No.Notany more.Youwon’ tunderstandwhyIam
choosi
ngt oletitgoandy ouaret ooangry.Iam not
goingt
ot al
kt oanangr ypersonsamewayIdon’ t
thi
nkIshouldt al
ktoany onewhenangr y
.Ify oucan’
t
takemetelli
ngy ouwhatIdon’ tl
ikeorappr eciate
thenmaybey oushoul dgobackt oy ourhouse, to
yourwif
eanddaught er…youhav enot hi
ngt olose
eit
herway .
”
“
It
’snott
hatIcan’
ttakei
t,Ij
ustdon’
twantt
obe
madeafool
.”
“Nooneismaki ngyouafool.Iam notgoi
ngbackt o
Moabi.IthinkIwillj
ustr
emainalone.Idon’tt
hink
rel
ati
onshipsar eforme.Thelovei
snev ergenuine
eit
herway .IthoughtIwoul
df or
ceitonlytoget
beat
enl
i
keachi
l
d.”
Chesski ssedher ,Leletouchedhi schestkissinghi m
back.Theki ssi ntensifi
ed, heputhishandi nsideher
t-shi
rtandsqueezedherbr easts.Hepausedand
tookof fthet -
shirttogetherwi thhisandkissedher
neck.Leler ubbedhi sbicepsbr eat
hingheav i
ly,his
mout hmov edtoherni pples.Shemoanedsof tl
y
stari
ngathi m.Het ookof fherpantsandl ookedat
herbar epussy .Fuck!Shehadsuchat hickpussy ,he
openedherl egsandl ookedatherswol l
enmeat .His
dickgotev enhar derthenhet ookitoutandr anitup
anddownhersl ipper ypussy.Theybot hbreat hed
heav i
ly
.Hehadt houghthewoul dgiveherabr eak
butthef eel
ingf elttoogood, hewant edtopushi n
throughandf uckhergood.
Hel aidhernicelyonthecouchandputherot herl
eg
onhi sshoulderandmov edintoherslidingthr
ough
thatmeat .Herwar mthimmediatelyengulfedhim as
hert hatt
ightnessclunguntohim somuchhe
grunt edl
ikeani nj
uredbul
l,
achillrunningdownhi s
spine.
“
Fuck!Thef
ucki
sthi
s…?
”
Lelelookedathi
m, sher
elaxedherbodyashe
gruntedandgroanedhel
plesslyont opofher
thrusti
ngint
oher.Shehadfeltgoodl astni
ghtbut
nowi twasasifsomethi
ngwasj ustinherpussy.

*
**

Outsi
de,Moabi satout si
dethegateasr eali
tysanki
n,
i
twasobv iousshehadbeencheat ingonhi m wit
h
Chess.Hehadnev erbeeninar ealrelati
onship
befor
e,hecouldn’tcallhisprevi
ousr elat
ionshipa
rel
ati
onshipbecausei twasn’tevenone.Wi t
hLelehe
hadfoundhi mselfareal gi
rl
fri
end,ofcauseshewas
outofhisleaguebutshehadl ovedhi m…hi m outof
all
people.Shechosehi m.
Hef oundhi mselfquesti
oningalot.Nowashesatby
thest oneinfrontofherhouseher egrettedbeating
her.Heshoul dnothav e.Hecouldn’treall
yblameher
forcheating,hiseyesfell
onChess’ scarpar kedin
hery ard,t
heguywasr i
cherthanhim, wayt all
erthan
him andbuf fed.Helookedlikeawel l
t r
ainedsoldier
.
Therewasnowayhecoul
dst
andachance,
thathe
knew.
Tearsfil
l
edhi sey es,themor ehet houghtofwhat
hadt r
anspired, themor ehi shear tbroke.Hehad
neverexper iencedr eallove,notfrom hi sgreat
grandparent s,notfrom hisownmot herbecauseshe
hadjustabandonedhi m…Lel ewast heonlyonewho
hadlovedgenui nelyandi tseemedshehadgr own
ti
redofhim.At earfellont hesand, may behehadt o
changehi slook.Peopl ealway slaughedathi m and
eventhoughhef eltcomf ortablewithhi mself,
maybe
theotherreasonf orherconsi der
ingChesswashi s
fashi
onsense.Hegotupandwal kedinsidethegate.
Hewoul dt ellherhewoul dchangeandhewas
actual
lygoi ngt o.Obv i
ouslynomor ekneeli
ngor
beati
ng,hewoul dtrytobehav emor elikethosemen
i
nt hemov iesandt hatmeantwat chingmor emov i
es.
Het ookadeepbr eathasapproachedthedoorthen
fr
ownedhear ingscreamsfrom insi
dethehouse.He
sl
owl yopenedthedoorthenfrozestar
ingatLele
kneeli
ngont hecouchwhileChesshadsexwi thher
standingbehindherwhil
eholdingherwaist
.Their
bodiessl
appedagainstoneanothersoloudl
y,she
mov edagai
nsthim moaninghi
sname, herbutt
shooksomuchi tlookedl
ikeshewast werki
ng.
“OhGodChess….OhGodfor
giv
eme….hei
ssoo
goodyethei
smarri
ed…awwwChess….
”
Chesspull
edherf rom thecouchandst oodwithher
i
nt hemiddleofthesi tt
ingr oom.Lelelockedeyes
wit
hMoabi asChesssl ightlybendedherf ucki
ngher
hardanddeep.Shest oodonhert oesmoani ng,he
wentevenfasterfeelingev eryt
hinginsi
deher
ti
ghteni
ng.Moabi wat chedasshet hrewherhead
backputti
nghert hi
ghst i
ghtlytoget
her,sheseemed
tobeenjoyi
ngher selfsomuchshedi dn’tevencar
e
i
fhewasst andingr i
ghtt hereornot.Shedi dn’
tseem
tocareaboutanything.
Moabi ’stear
sroll
eddownhi scheeksashishear t
brokeat housandtimes,hehadalway sbeent aught
tobest rongandhewasr ai
sedtobest r
ong, t
okeep
hisemot ionsincheckbecausethat’
swhatr ealmen
did,realmennev ercr
iedbutstari
ngatherscr eam
anot herman’snamecr ushedhim sobad,thepain
feltsomuchi tevenfeltphysi
cal
.Thepainchocked
himi tf
eltasi
fabiglumpwassi
tt
ingri
ghtonhi
s
throatstr
angl
inghi
m whi
lehi
skneesgosoweakhe
staggeredbackwar
ds.
Peerandownherthi
ghsasshecontinuouslycal
l
ed
outChess’
snamelosti
ncloud9.Chessgr unt
edli
ke
l
oudlypoundi
ngi
ntohersohardthenstil
l
ed.
“
Ahhshi
t!Takei
tbabe…”
Theyremainedstil
lforawhi
l
e,asharppai
nstr
oked
Moabi r
ightonhischest,
sopai
nful
hefoundhi
mself
unabl
et obreat
he.
Chesspul
ledoutt
henlookedatMoabi,
hisblack
weaponcoatedwi
thherwhitecum.Moabil
ookedat
i
tthencl
osedhiseyesfal
l
inggrunt
ingi
npain.

*
**

InGaborone,LefagotChess’spant
sandunder wear
steppi
ngoutofhercaratsomey ar
d.Shelooked
around,somethi
ngnotsitti
ngwellwit
hhersoul.She
l
ookedar oundthenhergrandmothertookherhand.
“
Let
’sgo.
”
Theoldwomanwalkedinf
rontofherl
eadi
ngher
towar
dsthesmal
lhut.
“
Takeof
fyourshoes.
”
Lefatookoffhershoestogetherwithher
grandmotherthenwalkedinbarefooted.Anoldman
whowassi tt
ingonhisfloornakedlookedatt hem.
Lefa’
sheartstart
edpoundingsohar d,shelookedat
hergrandmother.
“
Don’
tbescar
ed.Si
tdown…”
Lefasatdownast hedoorcl
osedonit
’sown,
theol
d
manst ar
edathersomuchshegotev enmore
scared.Hergr
andmot hert
ooksomemoneyfrom
herbraandputitasmallcal
abash.
“Icamewithmygr
anddaught
er.Sheneedshel
pwi
th
hermarr
iage.
”
Lef
alookedathergr
andmot
herast
heol
dman
l
ookedather.
“
Iseehim wi
thanot
herwoman.Hi
shear
thasf
all
en
f
orthi
swoman.”
Lef
abl
inked.“
Iwanthi
m back.Iwanthi
mtost
ay
awayf
rom thi
swoman…”
Theol
dmancl
osedhi
sey
es.“
Iseeachi
l
dinher
womb…”
“
Isi
thi
schi
l
d?”
“
Ason…”
“Can’
tshel
oset
hebaby?Iwantmyhusbandback
andheshoul
dneverl
ookatherev
eragai
n.”
Theoldmanopenedhi seyes.“
Icanbr i
nghim back
tohi
m butitwil
lonlywor ki
fyouf oll
owinst
ruct
ions
andifhei
snotpr otectedbyanythingst
rongerthan
whatIhave.I
fhei s…itwon’twork.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Bri
ng…”
Theoldmanopenedhishands,Lef
agavehim
Chess’
sbr
iefsandpants.Het
ookthem andput
them i
nablackbucket
.
“
Takeof
fyourpant
y.Gi
vei
ttome.
”
Lef
alookedathergr
andmot
herwhonodded.She
gotupandt ookof fherpanti
esfrom underneathher
l
ongdress.Shehandedt heg-str
ingt
ohi mt henhe
thr
ewitinthebucket .Hemumbl edinaudiblethi
ngs
andwalkedout .Lefaopenedhermout htosay
somethi
ngbuthergr andmotherputherfingeronher
mouthindi
catingshehadt okeepquiet.
Minut
eswentbyt hentheol
dmanf i
nal
lycameback.
Hesatdownt henhandedLefaasmall
bottl
ewi
th
someliqui
dinsi
de.
“Gohome,puti
tinhisfood,
makesureheeat
sthen
youappl
yitt
oyourselfandmakel
ove.Hewil
ll
ook
atyouandyouonly
.”
“
Whataboutt
hebaby
?”
“
Doy
ouknowhername?
”
“
No.
”
“
Goandfi
ndouthernameandcomeback.Shewi
l
l
l
oset
hebaby
.”
“
Ok.
”
Lef
a’sgr
andmotherl
ookedLef
a.Lefat
ookout
moneyfr
om herhandbagandputi
tint
hecal
abash
fi
l
lingi
tupwit
hmult
ipl
eP200not
es.Theybot
h
stoodupandwal
kedout.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#13

Laterthatday,Lele’
spussybur ntsomuchasi fi
t
wasonf i
reasshemoanedwal kedt othemai ndoor
whileChessf oll
owedbehinddest roy i
ngherpussy
evenf ur
ther.Shestoodbyt hedoor ,hereyestight
ly
closedwhi l
ehegr untedbehindher .Lelespasmed
shakingthenChessgav eheronel astthrustand
refi
ll
edherpussy .
“
Ahhf
uck!
”
“
Chess…don’
tyout
hinky
ouhav
etogonow?
”
Hekissedherneck,
Lel
emov edlet
ti
nghi
m sl
i
pout
knowingifher
emainedi
nthere,
hewouldnev
erst
op.
God!shebl ameditonthatmi xt
ure.Ofcauselast
nighthadbeeni nt
ensebutthiswassomet hingelse,
hecouldn’tseem towanttolethergo.Herpussy
couldn’
ttakeitanymore.Chessfollowedafterher
stari
ngatherbut t
.Lel
ewalkedt oherroom thenout
onhermor ni
nggownandl ookedathi m,herpussy
throbbi
ngpainfull
y.
Hepul
l
edhercl
oserandki
ssedher
.
“Chessi
t’
spai
nful
now.Youhav
ebeenati
tforhour
s
now.Tomorr
owIam goi
ngtowork.
”
“
Whatdi
dyouputi
nsi
det
hatpussy
?”
“
Nothi
ng.Youneedt ogohome.Ifnotf
oryourwi
fe
t
henforyourdaught
er.Shemustbewonderi
ng
wher
eherfatheri
s.”
“
Lastr
ound…”
“Ngng…Chess,yousaidthatthelastt
ime.I
t’
sreal
l
y
pai
nful
.Iam notl
yi
ng.It
’spainful
,evenwhenyou
j
ustrubit
.Gi
v ei
tabreak.Youneedt ogohome.”
“
Iwon’
ttakemucht
imeebi
l
eIwon’
tputi
tal
l
.”
“
Tlher
rawenagohome.Gapehel
aIneedt
ost
art
pr
epari
ngformydayt omor
rowatwork.Ihav
e
cl
assesthr
oughoutandmeeti
ngs.Iam t
ir
ed.
”
Chesski
ssedherneck.“
Iwi
l
lonl
ytaket
womi
nut
es.
”
“
Yourwi
fewi
l
lfi
nishupt
hej
ob.
”
“
Real
l
ynow?
”
“What ?Youar emar r
ied.Youhav etogosot hatIcan
startdeal i
ngwi ththegui lt
yofsl eepingwithy oueven
thoughy ouaremar ri
ed.Younotwear i
ngy ourr i
ng
doesn’tmeanany thing,forallIknowy oucoul dhav e
j
ustbeenl yingabouthav ingprobl ems,allmar ri
ed
menl ie.Theyl i
esomuchbecausei nallhonest y
theywi l
l neverleavet heirwivesf oranotherwoman
andt hat’sthetruth.Youar enotgoi ngtodiv orce
yourwi fe,youcoul dhav edonei tbutyoudi dn’t
Chess.Noonewi l
l everforceanot herhumant ostay
wher etheyar enothappy .
”
Lel
e’
sphoner
ang,
shepi
ckedi
tupt
henanswer
ed.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Heygi
rl
,i
shest
il
lther
e?”
“
Yesbuthei
sgoi
ng.
”
“
Ok…needanyt
hing?Iam onmywayback.I
managedt
ocol
lectyourcar
.”
Lel
etur
nedthenChesshuggedherfr
om behi
nd
ki
ssi
ngherneckwhil
erubbi
nghisboneronherbut
t.
“
Pai
nki
l
ler
spl
ease…”
Sasal
aughed.“
Whatdi
dChessdo?
”
“
Eish,
justbr
ingpai
nki
l
ler
s.”
“
Okl
ove.
”
“
Shar
p.”
Sasadroppedthecall
,shetur
nedt
oChess.“You
needtofreshenupandgohome.May besomethi
ng
happened,yourphonehasbeenof
f.
”
“
Bat
hwi
thmet
henIwi
l
lgo.
”
“
Kanay
ouwantt
ofuckmeChess.
”
“
Iwon’
tdoany
thi
ngt
oyou.Ipr
omi
se.Come.
”
Het
ookherhandl
eadi
nghert
othebat
hroom.

*
**
Awhilelater
,Leleputonanightdresswit
hno
pant
iesthenhergownandwal kedoutwithhim af
ter
hefi
nishedravishi
ngherinthebathroom.Chess
fi
xedhiscapst ari
ngatheri
nherkitchen,asmileon
hi
sface.Leleblushedlooki
ngdown.Het i
ltedher
chi
nandl ookedinhereyes.
“
Idon’
twantt
ogo.
”
“Youar esti
ll
mar ri
ed.Idon’twanttobey ourside
thi
ng.Iknowy oudon’tli
sten,wehavealready
establi
shedthatbutIdon’ twanttodatemar ri
ed
men.Iam notgoi ngt oli
eandsayIr egrethavi
ngsex
withyoubecauseIdi dn’t
, Ienj
oyedi
tbutIf eelbad
becauseIam t rampingonanot herwoman’ s
mar r
iage.Iam hurti
nganot herwomanandi tmakes
mesadt oreali
zethisisthepersonIhav ebecome.I
don’twanttobet hisperson.Ihaveneverbeent hi
s
person.”
“
Iam goi
ngt
ofi
l
efordi
vor
ce.
”
Lel
epaused.“
Chess.
.”
“
No.Iam goi
ngt
ofi
l
efordi
vor
ce.Tot
ait
’snow
beyondbei ngunhappybutt hel ovehel aisnol onger
there.Iam goingt ofil
efordi v
or ceandev enthoughI
standachanceofl osinghal fmyt hingsbutIam
ready.Iwillshowy out omorrow.Iwi l
ltal
kt omy
l
awy er.Pleasedon’ tgobackt oMoabi orgive
someoneel sethispussy ,
keai pakany a.(Iam fixi
ng
my self
.)Iwantt hi
smor ethanany thingelse
mmagweAt ang.”
Lel
elaughed.“Youar
einsane.Iam t
aki
ngan
emergencypil
l
.”
Chesski
ssedhersmi
l
ing.“
Icanal
way
sdr
eam
aker
e?”
Shelookedathi
m smil
i
ng.Godwhatwasthi
sman
doi
ngt oher
?Justhi
stouchwasenoughandthose
l
ipsonhers…
“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ofi
l
efordi
vor
ce?
”
“Yes.Iwillshowy outomorr
owasIdi scusswithmy
l
awy er.Pleasedon’tbeimpati
ent
,Iknowi tmight
l
ookl i
keIam l yingmmeheladivor
cest aketi
mebut
Iwill
alway skeepy ouupdat
edonev erythi
ngsoit
doesn’tlooklikealie.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
Hekissedhersqueezi
ngherthi
ckbehi
nd.“
Youwi
l
l
t
ell
mewheny ouneedanythi
ng.”
“
Iwon’tcal
lyou.Iwi
llwaitf
ory
ourcal
l
,Idon’
twant
t
ojeopardi
zeanythi
ng.”
“
Cool
wit
hmebuti
fit
’sanemer
gencycal
lme.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
FuckIalreadymi ssyou.Nkarenkagoshapakaone
r
oundfort heroad.(If
eell
ikegiv
ingyouoneround
f
ortheroad.)”
Lelegi
ggl edreceivi
ngmor ekisses,themor
ethey
stoodther esmili
ngandgi ggli
ng,themoreshedidn’
t
wanthimt ogobuthi m st
ayingmeantherpussy
wouldfacei t.Theywalkedout si
dethenhegotinhis
car.Her oll
eddownhi swindowj ustasSasadrove
withLele’scar.Chesslookedati t
.
“
Howmuchwast
hat
?”
Lelesmil
ed.“Papaalwayssayitwasreal
l
y
expensi
vebacki nt
hedaybutIam notreall
ysur
e.
It
’sbeenther
ef ory
earsnow,itrai
sedmeandnowI
am evenusi
ngi
t.Papagav
eitt
omewhenIf
ini
shed
var
sit
y.”
“
Yourdadi
sawesome.
”
Lel
enoddedf
ight
inghert
ear
s.“
Hei
s.”
“
Hei
sgoi
ngt
omakei
t.
”
“
Ihopeso.Iam scar
ed.
”
“Don’
tbe.Heisgoi
ngt
omakei
t.Iam goi
ngt
omake
phonecall
s.”
“
Thanks.
”
Sasasteppedoutoft
hecarhol
dingpl
ast
icsas
ChesskissedLel
eonelastt
imewhil
eshestoodby
thewindow.
“
ByeChess.
”
“Kantemmegoneonkubel
ang?(
Whyar
eyou
kicki
ngmeout
?)”
Lel
elaughedshy
lyst
eppi
ngback.“
Bye.
”
“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouwhenIar
ri
ve.
”
“
Ok.Wewer
esupposedt
ogoandt
est
.”
“
Shi
t!Iwi
llseeifIcandr
ivebackher
etomor
rowt
hen
wegotogether
.”
“
Aren’
tyougoi
ngt
owor
k?”
“
Iam butIwi
l
lmakeapl
an.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hest artedthecarandwi nkedatherbef oredri
ving
offfixi
nghi scap.Lel
estoodt here,shecouldalready
feelhisabsenceandev ent houghshet ri
ednott o
mindi t…itmadehersad.Sheal r
eadymi ssedhis
strongmal epresenceandt hatvoice…thosekisses,
thoset ouches…Shewal kedbacki nsidethehouse,
Sasal ookedatherputti
ngt hingsinthefridge.
“
Ojel
wekemot
ho.(
Youwer
ereal
l
yfucked.
)”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Mxm…”
“
Sowhat
’sgoi
ngt
ohappennow?
”
“
Hesaysheisf
ili
ngfordiv
orcebutwewil
l onl
yknow
whenhedoesi
t.Iwanttogotothehospi
talandsee
Moabi
.”
“
What
’swr
ongwi
thhi
m?”
“
Hehadahear
tat
tackorsomet
hingear
li
eron.
”
“
Hear
tat
tack?
”
“Yes.Iam goi
ngtoseehi
m.Chessj
ustdr
oppedhi
m
offatthehospi
tal
.”
“
Ok…y
oucan’
tst
opsmi
l
ingcany
ou?
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Iam goi
ngt
ochange.Howi
sthe
car
?”
“
Itf
eel
snew.
”
“
Atl
ast
.”
Lelechangedi
ntoot
hercl
othest
henl
ookedather
room.
Hehadf
orgott
enhisj
acket
.Shepi
ckedi
tupand
sni
ff
edi
t.GodChess….
Sheputitonhopef ult
hathewouldactual
l
yfilefor
thedi
vorce.Hedi dn’tseem li
ket
hatty
petolie.She
l
ethersel
ff eelthehappinessshewasfeel
ingdeep
i
nherhear tblushingalone.Shewal
kedout
moment slaterandt ookthecarkey
s.
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Ok.
.”
Lelewalkedtohercarandjumpedin.Shestart
ed
theengi
neandi ti
mmedi at
elycametolif
e.Shesmil
e
stari
ngattheradi
o,i
thadbeenf i
xedtoo.Theywere
evennewseatcov er
sanditlookedsoclean.She
tookherphoneandcalledhim.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Howmuchdi
dyoupayf
ormycar
?”
“
Doy
oul
i
kei
t?”
“
Ilov
eit
.Itf
eel
sbr
andnew.
”
“
Youar
ewel
come.
”
Shegi
ggl
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
That
’smor
eli
kei
t.
”
Shesmil
ed.“Becaref
ulofani
mal
sint
her
oad.They
getpl
ayf
ulatnight
.”
“
OkmmagweAt
ang.
”
Shegi
ggl
ed.“
Shar
p.”
Shehungupandr
ever
sedt
hendr
oveof
fheadedt
o
t
hehospi
tal
.

*
**

Att
hehospi
tal
,Lel
ewal
kedi
nsideMoabi
’swardthen
l
ookedathi
m.Shewal
kedoverandsi
ghedsadl
y.
“
Hey
…”
Moabi
lookedather
.“Lel
e…”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
Hel ookedathert hensni f
fed.“It’
sok, If
or giveyou.
Pleaselet’
sfixthings.Iam sor ryforallthet hi
ngsI
madey oudo.Forbeat ingy ou,Ihavenev erbeat
anyonebef ore,Ihavenev erbeenv i
olentbuti tstil
l
doesn’tjust
if
yany t
hing.Iam sor r
y,pleasel et’
sf i
x
thi
ngs.Iwi l
lchange.Iwi l
l evenchangehowIdr ess
andhowIdot hi
ngs.Youcant eachmesomet hings.
Iwilldothem asl ongasi tmakesy ouhappy .”
Lel
elookedathi
m.“
Moabi
…”
Hehel
dherhandl
ooki
ngbehi
ndher
,Chesswasn’
t
t
her
e.
“Iam wil
l
ingtodoany thing.Il
oveyousomuch.
Matteroffact
,Idon’tevenblameyouforcheati
ng.I
underst
andwhyy oudi ditbutIam goi
ngtofi
xit.I
swear,Iwil
lchange.Please…”
“
Moabi
Idon’
tthi
nk-
“
Hesl
owlygotof
fbedwhi
l
eot
herpeopl
eint
hewar
d
wat
ched.
“Ihavenot hingmuch…IknowIam notbr i
nging
mucht ot het abl
e,youar emor ef
inanci all
yst abl
e,
may beifpeopl epaidmeIwoul ddoal lt henice
thi
ngsf ory oubecauseIr eall
ywantt odot hem for
you.”Tearsf il
ledhi
sey es.“Butci
rcumst ances
alwaysletmedown.Somet i
mesIexpectmoneyand
i
tdoesn’ tcomeandi ttakesmeast epback.Just
givemeachanceLel e.Iknowhei spr obabl ymuch
bettert
hanmei neverythi
ng,Iwon’tev enar guewi t
h
thatbutIam beggi ngy ou.Pleaselet’
sf ixthings.
”
Lel
e’
sphonerangasshelookedathi
m,Moabi
l
ookedatthecal
lerI
Dandsatonthebedsadl
y
fi
ght
inghi
stearsasshepi
cked.
“
Hey
…”
Chesschuckl
ed.“
Ijustpi
ckedasmallwhi
tepuppy
babe,It
hinki
t’
sdayifnott
woold.I
t’
ssmall,
Iwil
l
bri
ngitt
omorrow.Youwouldli
keit
.”
Moabiwatchedassheblushedmovingherbody
fr
om si
detosidestar
ingathernai
l
s,heputher
handsonhisface.
“
Ok…i
sitf
emal
e?”
“
Yes.I
t’
sreal
l
ycut
e.Ihav
esentapi
ctur
e.”
ShegungupthenopenedherWhatsAppandl
ooked
att
hesmallcut
epuppyathisbackseat
.Shesmil
ed
cal
li
nghi
m back.
“
HernameisSnuggl
es.TisaSnuggl
estlher
rawena
(
Ppl
easebri
ngSnuggl
es.)Iwil
lbeexpecti
ngher
t
omorrow.
”
“
Ok.Iwi
l
lgeti
tfoodont
hewayt
her
e.”
“
Ok.Thanks.
”
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”
Shel
ookedatMoabi
knowi
nghewoul
dn’
tbeso
happyabouti
t.“Iam atthehospit
alseei
ngMoabi.
Hecamet oseeme, itwouldn’
tsitr
ighti
fany
thi
ng
happenedtohim andIjusti
gnoredit.
”
“
Ok.Igety
ou.Iam goi
ngt
otr
usty
ouok?
”
“
Ok.
”
“Letmegethomebef
oret
hisdogpeesonmy
seats.
”
“
Snuggl
es.Hi
snamei
sSnuggl
es.
”
Hechuckl
ed.“
Ok.
”
Lel
ehungupandl
ookedatMoabi
.

*
**

Chessdroveinsi
dehisyar
dacoupl
eofhoursl at
er
thenhewalkedinwit
hhisphonei
nhispocket.Lefa
whowasi nthesit
ti
ngroom i
mmediat
elygotup.
“
Chess!
”
“
Hey
..
”
“
Iwassowor
ri
ed.Ar
eyouok?
”
“
Yeah.Iam f
ine.
”
“
Uhi
sthet
ruckdr
iverok?
”
“
Yes.
”
Shelookedathi m dy
ingtoaskhim wher
ehewas
butshet ookadeepbr eat
h.Hewasn’tevenputt
ing
onhisring.“Letmedishforyou.Anel
eisalr
eady
sl
eeping.”
“
Let
’st
alkf
ir
st…”
Shenoddedsi tt
ing.Hesatbesi deher.“
Ireall
ytri
ed…
Ithoughtwewoul df i
xt hingsbutIam reall
ynot
happy .Kebat adivorceandt hereisnost oppingme.
Wewi l
lhav esharedcust odyofourdaught er.
Hopef ull
ywecoopar entpeacef ul
l
y.Iam nothappy
tobehonest .Comi nghomeal waysdrainsme.I
don’twantt oliveli
ket hisneit
herdoIwanty outo
l
ivelikethis.”
Sheswal
lowedstar
ingathi
mthenshebl
i
nked.“
Is
ther
esomeone?”
“
Lef
a…”
“
Ist
her
e?”
“Iam notsayi
ngthisbecausether
eissomeoneor
notbutIam justnothappy.Kebatadi
vor
ce.(
Iwant
adivorce.
)”
“
Isshebeaut
if
ul?
”
“
Lef
a…pl
ease…”
Lef
a’st
earsrol
l
eddownhercheeks.“
Uhok.Iwi
l
l
di
shforyou.
”
Shewalkedtot hekitchenshaking.Shelookedup
cl
osinghereyest henshedi shedforhim.She
spr
inkl
edtheliquidont hefoodandsi ghedheati
ngi
t
upinthemicrowav e.Shetookadeepbr eathand
walkedwit
hhispl atebacktot hesit
ti
ngr oom.
Hewasnowout si
detalkingonhisphonewhi l
e
smi l
ing.Hel aughedsayingsomet hi
ngthenstopped
l
isteningt otheotherpersonont hephone.She
obser vedhissmi l
esknowi ngi
twaspr obablyt
he
woman.Mi nuteswentby ,hef
inall
ywalkedback
sli
dinghi sphonei nhi
spocket.
“
Eat
.”
Hesatdownt
henpi
ckedt
hespoon.
.
.
Thi
sislastni
ght
'si
nser
t,ourmor
ninginser
tis
comingup.Doli
keandcommentafteryouread
Roar
ingFl
ames
#14

Lef
abr
oughthi
mjui
ce.
“
Her
eisj
uice.
”
Helookedatherandsighed.“Iam sor
ry.Ir
eal
l
y
t
houghtwewoul dfi
xthings.
”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“Youdon’ tlovemeanymore?Youmi ghtthinkit
’s
l
ov ewitht hisnewwoman,ther
ei snoloveliket
hat
Chess…wehav ebeent
ogetherforyearsforyouto
j
ustf al
lforsomeoneoutofnowher e.Youwer ewith
mej ustyest er
day.
”
Henodded.“
Youareri
ghtbutyouandIhav
ebeen
ov
erformonthsnow.Whenlastdi
dwehavesex?
”
“
Imissyou.GodImi
ssy
ousomuch.Idon’
twantt
o
l
oseyou.
”
“
Thanksf
ort
hef
ood.
”
Hi
sphonev i
brat
ed,het
ookitoutandr
eada
message,
hesmi l
eddri
nki
ngthejui
ce.
“
Youwon’
teat
?”
“
Iam good.Iat
eint
her
oad.
”
“Imadethi
swithl
ove.Iknowy oudon’
tlov
eme
anymorebutImadethi
sf ory
ou.”
Hesatdownandat
ehal
fwayt
henst
oodupwi
thhi
s
j
uice.
“
Iam goi
ngt
osl
eep.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shecl earedthet ablewonder i
nghowl ongthedrug
woul dtaket okickin.Shef ol
lowedhimt othe
bedroom t henshegoti nt hebathr
oom and
freshenedup, sheappli
edt heodorl
essl i
qui
dallov
er
thenspr ayedherper fume.Sheputont henewsetof
l
ingerieandheel sthenrubbedherlipstogether
stari
ngather selfonthemi rr
or.

*
**
I
ntheot
herr
oom,
Chessspokeont
hephone.
“
NgngChessbat
hong.Don’
tcomeback.Can’
tyou
j
ustst
ayt
her
e?”
“
Itol
dherIwantadi
vor
ce.Shei
snotf
ight
ing.
”
“
Ok.Nowsl
eep.
”
Helookedathi
sdi
ckthensi
ghed.“
Idon’
tknow
what’
sgoingonwi
thme.”
“
Takeacol
dshower
.”
“
Letmev
ideocal
lyou.
”
Lel
esi
ghed.“
Chess,
Iam sl
eepi
ng.
”
“
Please…i
fyoudon’
tthenIam comi
ngback.
”
“Wherear
ey ou?Kanasheisgoi
ngtof
indout
.Chess
shecansti
ll
sueme, Iknowyousai
dyouwil
lpaybut
Idon’
twanttobehumi l
iat
ed.
”
“
Letmegotot
hecar
.Iwi
l
lcal
lyouback,
undr
essi
n
t
hemeant
ime.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hehungt
hent
urnedt
oheadoutbuthi
sey
esf
ell
on
Lef
a.
“
Hey
…”
Shewalkedov erst
ari
ngatthatbonerinhispants.
Niggaal
readylovedsex,t
hatdrugjustenhancedit
al
l.Shesmiledknowinghewouldn’thandl
eit.
“
Hey
…”
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.“Iam goi
ngt
otakeashower
.”
Sher
ubbedhi
spant
stouchi
nghi
sragi
nghar
dness.
“
Fuck!Imi
sst
hisdi
ck.
”
Hest
eppedback.“
Stop.
.”
“
Why
?Iwanty
ou.
”
“
Lef
atshe!
”
“
Imi
ssy
ou.Justonel
astt
ime.Pl
ease…”
Shet
ouchedhi
m agai
nsqueezi
ngit.Shecoul
dsee
hewasstr
uggl
i
ng.Hemov edback.
“
Lef
ast
op.Iam noti
nthemoodf
ort
his.
”
“
Hei
s…”
“
Idon’
towey
ouany
thi
ng.St
opt
his.
”
Shewentdownonherkneesunzi ppinghi
spant s.
Shetookouthisdickandstrokedhim wit
hj ustthe
ri
ghtf
ulgri
p.Heclosedhiseyest ry
ingtobreathe.
Lefaopenedhermout handstartedsucki
nghi m, t
he
hal
lsinhermouth.Hegr unt
edmov i
ngbackwhi le
holdi
nghisdi
ck.Shelookedati t
.
“
Stopr
unni
ng.
”
Het r
iedt oputitbacki nhispant
s,Lefaf oll
owedhi m
andt ookt hensuckedhi m har
dlett
ingithither
thr
oat .Shegaggedsucki nghiml i
keherl if
e
dependedoni twhilehegr unt
ednotev ent ouching
her.Fuck!Shehadal wayshadawaywi t
hhermout h.
Shesuckedhi m harder,t
earsfi
ll
i
ngherey es, she
couldact uall
yfeelherstomachcont entslift
ingbut
shewasn’ tgoi
ngtost op.
Hisgruntsgotev enlouderthenshestopped
knowinghewassocl osethenshepushedhimtothe
bedalreadytakingoffthethong.Shequickl
ygoton
topandheldhi sdickupright.
“
Lef
atshe,
Ineedy
out
ost
op.Pl
ease…”
Sheignor
edhi
m andsl
owl
ysankdownonhi
m
t
aki
ngital
l.
Shecl
osedhereyesenj
oyi
nghi
m bei
ngdeepi
nsi
de
her
.She#removed.
.
Chessthrustint
oherholdi
ngherwai
stt
hengav
eher
thel
astthrustgrunt
ing.
“
Ohf
uckLel
e…”
Lef
amoanedasher el
eased.Shegotoffhi
m,she
wasn’
tevendr
ippi
ng.Shelookedathi
m asheput
hi
shandsonhisface.
“
Who’
sLel
e?”
Hetookhi
shandsof
fhisfaceandgotbed,
theedge
hehadbeenf
eeli
ngweari
ngoff.
“
It
’sy
ou.
”
“
Youhav
enev
ercal
l
edmewi
tht
hatnamebef
ore.
”
“
Itj
ustcame.Whatwasi
nthatj
uice?
”
“
What
?”
“
Whatwasi
nthatj
uice?
”
“
What
?”
“
Youhear
dmeLef
atshe.Whatwasi
nthatj
uice?
”
“
Not
hing.
”
“Af
terdr
inki
ngthatj
uiceIhadt
hisst
rongsexual
edge.Ev
enlastni
ght.
”
“
Ther
ewasnot
hing.
”
Hel
ookedatherangr
il
y.“
Youar
ely
ingLef
atshe!
”
“
Idi
dn’
tputany
thi
ngi
nthej
uice.
”
“Lef
atshe,
Iam notgoingtoaskyouagai
n.Thi
sis
notnormaland…”Hegr abbedt
heduvett
hatwason
thebedandthrewitather.
“
Putt
hat
…”
Lefapickedi
tandwrappeditar
oundher
sel
fst
ari
ng
athim asheglar
edather.
“
Whatwasi
nthedr
ink?
”
“
Not
hing.
”
Hepi
ckedt
hegl
asst
hatwasl
eftwi
thabi
toft
he
j
uiceandwal
kedout
.Lef
atshe’
shear
tst
art
ed
poundi
ng.
“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”
“
Iam goi
ngtohavethi
stest
ed.I
fIfi
ndoutthatt
her
e
i
ssomethi
nginthi
sjui
ceotil
egolel
aLefat
she.”
“
Chess-
“
“Shutup!Youar
emaki
ngnoi
se,
mydaught
eri
s
sleepi
ng.”
“
I.
..
”
“
Whati
sint
hej
uice?
”
Sheputherhandsonherf
acecr
ying.
“
Chess…”
“
IfIf
indt
haty
ouput
-“
“
Iputsomet
hingbutonl
ybecause-
“
“
Whatdi
dyouput
?”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Whatdi
dyouput
?”
“
Somet
hingt
omakey
ouwantsex.
”
Chessl
ookedather
.“YouputVi
agr
aint
hej
uice?
”
“
Yes.Iam sor
ry.Youwoul
dn’
ttouchme.
”
“
Whatar
eyouhopi
ngt
oachi
eve?
”
“
Iam sor
ry.Ij
ustmi
ssedy
ou.
”
“
Thatwasr
ape!
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“Ican’
tbel
i
eveyou.Iam sodi
vor
cingy
ou.Wa
ntwael
aLefat
she!
”
Shebr
okedowncry
ing.“
Iloveyou.Iam desper
ate.I
j
ustwantt
osavemymar r
iage.Iam sor
ry…”
“
Iam getti
ngyoutheemergencypi
l
lstomorrow.I
f
youthoughtababywoul
dmakemest ay
,youare
wrong.Whenisthi
ssupposedtowearoff?
”
Sheshr
ugged.“
Inaf
ewhour
s.”
“
Nxl
a!”
Hewalkedout
.Lefawenttoherbedroom asChess
wal
kedoutsi
de.Shecal
ledhergrandmother
.
“
Nkuku,
wheni
sitsupposedt
ost
artwor
king,
Idi
d
ev
ery
thi
ng.Isl
eptwi
thhi
m.”
“Whenhewakesupt
omor
rowmor
ning,
itwoul
d
havewor
ked.
”
“
Ohok.Thanky
ou.
”
“
It
’sokmychi
l
d.”
Lef
ahungupandsatont
hebed.

*
**

Lel
e’
sphonerangwaki
ngherup,
sher
eachedf
ori
t
andpi
cked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Wakeup,
didy
ouundr
ess?
”
“
Iam sl
eepi
ng.Youdi
dn’
tcal
l
.Igott
ir
edofwai
ti
ng.
”
“
MmagweAt
angwee…”
“
NgngChess.
”
“
Babepl
ease…”
“
Iam sl
eepi
ng.
,Ihav
eswi
tchedof
fthel
i
ght
.Wewi
l
l
t
alkt
omorrow.
”
“
No…t
oni
ght
.Iwantnow.
”
“
Chess…”
“
Ijustwantt
oseey
ourf
ace.
”
“
Chess…”
“
Please.
.”
“
Eishbat
hongwal
api
sa.
”
Hehungupandv i
deocal
ledherwi
thwhat
sapp.She
pi
ckedt
henlookedathi
m.
“
Ther
e.NowcanIsl
eep?
”
“
Youar
ebeaut
if
ul,
doy
ouknowt
hat
?”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”
“
Doy
ouknowt
hat
?”
“
Idon’
t…
“Youar
ebeauti
ful
.AndImissyou.Idon’
tknowi
fit
’s
normalt
ofeel
howIf eel
butIknowit’
s-“
“
It
’ssex.
”
Hel
aughed.“No.Ican’
tst
opthi
nki
ngabouty
ou.I
f
eel
li
kedrivi
ngthereandsl
eepi
ngwit
hyoutoni
ght
.I
f
eel
rest
less.
”
“
Justsl
eept
her
e.”
“
It
’smor
ethanj
ustsexmmagweAt
ang.
”
Lel
ebl
ushed.“
Youneedt
osl
eep.
”
Hesmil
ed.“MmgaweAt
ti
e…kanababer
ightnow
youar
epregnant
.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Youar
ecr
azy
.”
“
Mmagweboyboy
!”
“Stopfi
ll
i
ngyourheadwithnonsense,
noonei
s
pregnant
.Iam notpr
egnant
.”
“
Youar
ecar
ryi
ngAt
ang.
”
Lel
elai
dont
hebedhol
dingt
hephone.
“
ChessIwantt
osl
eep.Tomor
rowIam goi
ngt
o
wor
k.”
“
Iwantt
owat
chy
ousl
eep.
”
“
Nnar
raIam sl
eepi
ng.Iam hangi
ngup.
”
“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyout
omor
rowmor
ning.
”
“
Ok.
”Shey
awned.“
Bye.
”
“
Shar
pmmagweAt
ti
e..
”
Shehungupandcl
osedherey
esf
all
i
ngasl
eep.
.
.
.
Dol
eav
eal
i
keandacomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#15

Latet
hatnight
,mmagweChessgaspedwaki
ngup
fr
om herdream.Sheswi
tchedt
hesi
delampthen
shookherhusband.
“
Papa…wakeup.
”
RragweChesssl
owl
ywokeupandl
ookedather
.
“What?
”
“
Ihadabaddr
eam.
”
Hey
awned.“
Whatwasi
t?”
“IdreamtChess.Itwasi fthingswer ecrawli
ngon
him.Icouldn’
treal
l
yseebutt heywer ealloverhi
s
bodyand…Ikeptt r
yingtogett hem offbuthe
couldn’
tseeitandnowi tlookedasi fIwasgoi ng
crazybecauseIwast heonl yoneseei ngit
.”
“
It
’sj
ustadr
eam.Let
’ssl
eep.
”
“NyaaRr
agweChess.Itdoesn’tf
eel
justl
i
kea
dream…whenIdream..”Shetookadeepbreat
h
fi
ghti
nghert
ear
st henshegotup.
“
Iam goi
ngt
odr
inksomewat
er.
”
Herhusbandt urnedfall
ingasleep.MmgaweChess
reachedf orherbibleandwal kedout .Shewal kedin
thesitt
ingroom andl ightedupaf ewcandl est hen
kneltdownonhercof feet abl
e.Sher eadacoupl eof
versesthencl osedherey espray i
ng.Shepr ayedso
muchsl ippingintotongueswhi l
et earsr oll
eddown
hercheeks.Shekeptpr ayingti
llshef eltitwaswel l
withhersoul thenshegotupandswi tchedof fthe
candles.Shesl owlywalkedbackt oherbedr oom
hummi ngt oherf avor
itegospel song.
*
**

Thef ol
lowingmorni
ng,Lef
afini
shedpr epari
ng
breakfast
,sheputever
ythi
ngont hetablewhileher
daughtermov edwit
hherinherschooluni f
orm.She
tookadeepbr eat
hstari
ngateverythi
ngt hensmiled.
“
Daddy
!”
Anelescreamedrunni
ngtoherdadwhohadjust
walkedinputt
ingonhisf
ormalsui
t.I
tal
wayslooked
goodonhi m.
“
Heypr
incess…”
“
Wher
ewer
eyouy
est
erday
?”
“
Iwentf
orbusi
nessbutIam backnow.Di
dyoumi
ss
me?
”
“
MamaandImi
ssedy
ou.
”
Lefasmil
edthenwal
kedoverandki
ssedhi
m ont
he
l
ips.Hesmil
edthenshemovedback.
“
Comeandeat
.Imadebr
eakf
ast
.”
“
Thanks.ButIhav
eanear
lymor
ningmeet
ingwi
th
i
nvest
ors.
”
“
Shoul
dIpackf
ory
ou?
”
“Uhyeah.
”Hel
ookedathi
sdaught
er.“
Howi
s
school
?”
“
Fine.Ihav
eanewf
ri
end.
”
“
Oh…what
’shername?
”
“
Hisnamei
sTi
nay
e.”
Lefal
aughed.“
Shestar
tedsit
ti
ngwithhimlastweek
andmmagweTi nayeevencal
ledsayi
ngAneleisthe
onl
ythi
ngbeingtal
kedaboutthesedaysather
house.
”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Iwantt
oseet
hisTi
nay
e.”
Lefaputever
ythi
nginhi
slunchboxthenspri
nkl
ed
moreofthatli
qui
dinsi
de.Ther
ewasnot hi
ng
showingifi
thadworkedornot.Shewal
kedwithhi
s
l
unchbox.
“
Ther
e..
”
“
Thanks.Anel
e…by
e!Seey
oul
ater
..
”
“
Byedaddy
!”
“
Lef
a,l
et’
stal
k.”
Lefal
ookedatherdaught
er.“
Canyoupl
easedrop
herof
f?Iwon’
tbeabletopassbyonmywayt o
work.
”
Chesslookedatt
heti
me.“Ok.Pri
ncess,
let
’sgo.And
don’
tforgett
oputonyourseat
bel
t.”
“
Yesdaddy
!”
Anel
epickedherbagandwentout
sideasChess
l
ookedatLefa.Shesmil
ed.
“
Howdi
dyousl
eep?
”
Hesi ghed.“Idon’tknowwhaty ouhav eturnedinto, I
don’tevenknowwhatt ri
ggeredt hisbutIam goi ng
toletitgobecausey ouwer enotal way sli
kethisand
alsoforthef actthatyouaremydaught er’
smot her.I
hadt i
met ot hi
nkaboutwhathappenedandIam t o
blamef oryoucheat ing.Iwasn’ tther
ef oryoulikea
husbandshoul dbef orhiswife.Iwantt osaywehad
anagr eementt hatyouwoul dj oinmewi t
hAnel ein
Statesatthesamet imeIknowi twasunf airf
orme
toexpectyouleav
eyourjob,youweretryi
ngtoget
yourcareerof
fthegr
ound.It’
snotonlyyoutoblame
butbothofusandIam takingresponsi
bil
i
tyfori
t.
”
“
Whatar
eyousay
ing?Iam l
ost
.”
“
Iam l
ett
ingwhathappenedyester
daysl
i
de.Ev
en
t
houghIfeel
viol
ated,
Iwil
ll
etitgo.”
“
Whataboutus?
”
“Isti
ll
wantadi
vorce.Iwil
lbri
ngtheemergencypi
l
ls
atlunchaty
ourworkplace,Ihav
etosortout
somet hi
ngt
oni
ghtsoIwon’ tbecomingbackhome.”
“
Youar
egoi
ngt
oLel
e?”
“
Towho?
”
Herl
ipst
rembled.“
ToLele.Iknowt
hewomany
ou
ar
efucki
ngiscall
edLel
e.”
“
Iam goi
ng.
”
“No,answermefir
st!Youar
egoi
ngt
oher
?Youar
e
goingtoherr
ight
?”
“
Bye.
”
“
IfIf
indherIam goi
ngt
oki
l
lher
!”
“
Youar
ebegi
nni
ngt
osounddi
stur
bed.
”
“
Iam goi
ngt
oki
l
lmy
sel
f!
”
Hel
ookedathi
swat
ch.“
Iam goi
ng.
”
“
Idi
dn’
tcheat
.Igotr
apedChess.
”
Hel
ookedather
.“Lowbl
owbutni
cet
ry.By
e.”
“ChessIam t
ell
i
ngyout hetr
uth.IgotrapedI
swear…Icanprovei
t.Iam notlyi
ng.”
“
Iam notbuy
ingt
hatnonsense.
”
Hewalkedout.Lef
aputherhandsoverherf
ace
cr
yingt
hentookherphoneandcall
edher
gr
andmothercryi
ng.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Itdi
dn’
twork!Hei
sst
il
l l
eavi
ngme.Hei
sleav
ing
me.Heisgoi
ngtot
heotherwoman.
”
“Thesethi
ngst
aket
imeori
tsi
mpl
ymeansi
t
bounced.”
“
Yousai
ditwoul
dwor
k.”
“
Youhear
dwhatt
het
radi
ti
onal
doct
orsai
d.”
“
HernameisLele.Hernamei
sLel
e….NkukuIwant
myhusbandback…”
“Whati
sLele?Youneedt
ogetherf
ull
nameand
sur
name.”
Lef
a’sphonevi
brat
edrepor
ti
nganincomingcal
l
.
Shedroppedt
hecallpi
cki
nghermother
’s.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Didy
out
ell
him.
”
“
Hedoesn’
tbel
i
eveme.
”
“
Iwi
l
lgoandseehi
m.”
“
Hewant
stheot
herwoman.
”
“
Lef
a…”
“
Hedoesn’
tlov
emeany
mor
e.”
“Lef
a,t
hingswi
l
lwor
kout
.Youhav
etobepat
ient
ok?”
“
Iwantt
oki
l
lmy
sel
f.
”
“
Forwhat
?Cany
oust
opt
his?
”
“
Iam hangi
ngmy
sel
f.
”
“
Lef
atshe!Youhav
eachi
l
d.”
“
Iam ki
l
li
ngmy
sel
f.
”
“
Forwhat
?Aman?Ar
eyoucr
azy
?”
Lef
atshehungupthenswitchedof
fherphone.She
wenttoherbedr
oom thengotther
opeandachai r
.

*
**

Lel elookedatt heey ebrowshehaddr awnand

alreadyper f
ected.I tl
ookedsogood, shegr abbed
theey ebrowgel anddi dtheotherone.Shef r
owned
star i
ngatt het hicknesst henshetookt heconcealer
andt r
iedt ofixitmaki ngitcrooked.Shepi ckedthe
ey ebrowgel andt ri
edt ofixthearchmaki ngit
thickert henshel ookedatt heperfectoneand
frowned.
Shetookadeepbr eat
handwi pedt hecrookedone
offandrestar
tedagai
n,taki
nghert i
me.Itcameout
evenworserthantheotherone, shewipeditoffand
rest
art
ed.Itcameoutgood, sher eachedforthe
concealert
hentri
edtoperfectit
.Shefinall
ylooked
atbothreali
zi
ngthearcheswer etot
all
ydi f
ferent
,
shetri
edf i
xi
ngthealr
eadyper f
ectonet omakei t
l
ookliketheotheroneonlymaki ngi
tthinnerand
sl
ightl
ycrooked.
Sher eachedforthemake-upwi pesandtookbothof
them offandgotupf edup.Sheappl i
edher
moist ur
izerandwalkedout.Sasasmi l
edwalki
ng
from herbedroom inherperf
ectlydonemake-upand
thelongestheelsever.
“
Iwi
shIknewhowt
owal
kint
hose.
”
Sasal
aughed.“
Itneedspr
act
ice.
”
“
Itr
iedt
opr
act
iceandal
mostdi
ed.Let
’sgo.
”
Theywalkedoutandgotint
hecar
.Lel
e’
sphone
rangasshedrovetoschool
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“Hi
,Ij
ustgotint
hebus, Iam l
eavi
ng.Il
eftt
hef
ive
hundr
edinyourshel
f.Thankyouforhel
pingmeout.
Ihopeyouli
keyourpresentt
oo.”
Lel
esi
ghedsadl
y,f
rom t
hewayhewast
alki
ngshe
couldtellhewasmor ethanjustsad.Sheswallowed
recall
i
ngjusthowhehadwal kedinonherandChess
havingsexandwonder edifhewoul devergetoveri
t.
Itwasn’theri
ntent
iontohurthimlikethat
.
“
Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ry.
”
“It
’sfi
ne.Iam happyy ouevengav emeachancei n
thefir
stplace…Idon’tstandagainstthatguybut
pleasedon’tgetsued.Iheardyousay ingheis
mar r
ied.Marri
edmenwoul dneverleav et
heir
spousesf oraside,nott
hatIam calli
ngy outhatbut
theylikethi
sgameofsneaki ngaroundandhav i
ng
nicesex.Whenhei sdonewi thyou,hewi ll
justl
eave
youandmov eont oanotherwoman.Ihopei tworks
outfory ouandthatyoudon’tgetsued. ”
Hedr
oppedthecal
l
.Lel
eputherphonedowndr
ivi
ng
t
henSasal
ookedather
,.
“Youshouldn’
tli
stentowhat
everhei
ssay
ing.I
t’
s
kaakjustl
i
kehisst i
nkyf
eet!
”

*
**
Attheschool,
theybothsteppedoutandwal kedto
thei
rdepart
ments.Lel
egoti nherownt hensett
led
byherdesk.Aco-workerwalkedinthensmiledat
her.
“
HeyLel
e…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
.”
“
Iheardyouwerel
ooki
ngfory
ourmot
herdur
ingt
he
weekend,di
dyouf
indher
?”
“
Yes.Thanks.
”
“
Youar ewelcome.”Hesatdown.“
SoIhav
ebeen
meaningtoasky ou,
howaboutsomet
imewegoout
f
ordinnerand-“
Lel
e’
sphoner
ang.“
Hol
don.
”
Shetookoutherphoneandl
ookedatChesscal
l
ing,
shesmil
edpicki
ng.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“Hey…Ihavesort
edmyschedul
e,Iwi
l
lbet
her
e
around5lat
eron.”
“
Ok,
youwi
l
lfi
ndmeathome.Don’
tfor
getmydog.
”
Helaughed.“
Iwon’
t.Iam get
ti
ngi
nameet
ing.Iwi
l
l
cal
lyouwhenit’
sover.
”
“
Ok…”
“
Howi
smyson?
”
Shegi
ggl
ed.“
Stopt
his.
”
“MmgaweAt t
iewee,
stopdenyingmebeingexci
ted.
Youarecar
ryi
ngmyboy ,
respectwhaty
ouare
car
ryi
ng.
”
Astudentwal
kedinthedepar
tmenthol
dingabi
g
bouquetofr
edroses.
“
Goodmor
ningMi
ssPhi
ri
,theyar
efory
ou.
”
Lel
efr
owned.“
Forme?
”
“
Eemma.
”
“
Whogav
ethem t
oyou?
”
“
Somemanatt
hegat
e.”
Lel
etookt
hef l
owersthentookoutthenoteand
l
ookedati
treadingt
hrough.Shepressedherl
ips
t
oget
hert
ryi
ngnott
obl
ush.
“
Didy
our
eadi
t?”
“
Nomam.
”
“
Ok,
thanky
ou.
”
Thefor
m 4r
ushedputthenLel
esni
ffedt
hefl
owers
wit
hahugesmil
esti
llhol
dingt
hephoneonherear
.
“
Thesear
ebeaut
if
ul.Thanky
ou.
”
“
Any
time,
Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”
“
Ok.
”
Sheputt
hephonedownandl
ookedathercol
l
eague.
“
Unf
ort
unat
elyIcan’
t.Butt
hanks.
”
.
.
Fami
ly
,don'
tfor
gett
oli
keouri
nser
tsandal
so
comment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#16

Lefa’
ssist
erdrov einthr
oughtheopengateand
parkedhercarbehindLefa’
sthenhurr
iedinsi
deas
hermothercalled.Shegotaknif
efrom t
hekitchen,
herownhear tpounding.
“
Mama,
Ihav
ear
ri
ved.
”
“
Hur
ry,
bat
hongLef
awant
stoki
l
lme.
”
“
Letmecal
lyouback.
”
Sher antoeachbedroom thenfi
nallyopenedthe
offi
ceandlookedatLefahangingfrom theceil
ing,
thechairt
hathadbeenkickedstil
lroll
ingbackand
for
thlikei
thadjustbeenki
cked.Shef i
xedthechai
r
andclimbedonitthencutoffhersisterwhofellwi
th
athudont hefl
oor.
“
Lef
a!Lef
atshe!
”
Sheshookherpani
cki
ngev
enmor
etr
yingt
ofeel
for
herpul
se.“
Lefat
she!
”
Shepull
edhersi
steroutt
henlookedatt
hetwo
l
adieswhowerewalkingpastt
hehouseatt
heroad.
“
Bat
hingt
husang!Hel
p!”
Theypausedt
hengotinthey
ard.“Pl
easehel
pme
putheri
nthecar
,shehunghersel
f.
”
“
Issheok?
”
“
Idon’
tknow.
”
Theypi
ckedherupandpl
acedheratt
hebackseatof
thecar
.
“
Thanky
ou.Letmehur
ryt
othehospi
tal
.”
“
Ok.
”
Shelockedthedoor
sandputthekeysi
nherpocket
bef
oredr i
vi
ngoffdi
ali
ngChess’
snumber.
“
Chess’
sphonehel
l
o?Youar
espeaki
ngt
ohi
sPA.
”
“
Hi,
youarespeakingtoLar
ona,Mrs.Chess
Mor
emi’ssist
er,
it’
sanemergency
,pleasegi
vehim
t
hephone,hiswif
ejustt
ri
edcommi t
tingsui
cide.
”
“
Uhhhol
don…”
Lar
onasteppedont
heaccel
erat
ordr
ivi
ngwhi
l
e
hol
dingt
hephone.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“Chess,
keLala,
Iam wit
hLef
atsheandweare
almostatGPH.Yourper
sont
ri
edkil
li
ngher
sel
f
kwano.”
“
What
?”
“ChessnnaIam goi ngtotellyout hetruthbecauseI
hav enot hingtohi def r
om you.Wheny oul eft
,Lefa
wasr eal l
yexci tedaboutgoi ngtost ayi nAmer ica
withy ou.Iam notsay i
ngthisashersi sterbutIam
tell
ingy ouasaf r
iend.Shewasr eallyexcited,that
’s
allshet alkedaboutdayandni ght,herget t
ingher
dream j obwasnotpl anned.Shedi dn’tappl yinthe
hopesofget t
inghi redbecauseoft he
recommendat ionsbutshej ustdi ditforf un.She
didn’tthinkshewoul dgethiredandwhent i
mecame
forhert oact uallycomeandl iv
ewi t
hy ou
permanent ly
,shehadj ustbeenhi redper manent ly
.
Mont hsl ater,shel ostherbestfriend.YouknewLef a
evenbef oreyoust art
eddatingher ,youknewherand
Tsitsiwer et ight,from v arsit
y .Losi ngTsi t
si hurther
mor et hanany thingandf orthef actt hatsheact ual l
y
wat chedherdi e.YouknowhowLef aisChess, she
reallyjustpushest hingsundert her ug, nooneev er
toldy oubutshewoul ddr opof fAnel eatmama’ s
houseandgoAWOL.Somet imesshewoul dshowup
drunk.I twasani ntensesheoncehadal cohol
poisoni ng,shewokeupi nhospi tal,sher efusedt o
seeat herapi st.Af t
ert hatshewentbackt oalcohol ,
that’swhathel pedher .EvenKhumot r
iedt obet her e
asmuchashecoul dmmehel ai tgotapoi ntl eene
hegav eupbecausei twasaf f ectinghi m gapehel ait
wasaf fecti
ngourr elationship.Const antwor r
y,Lef a
wasabandoni ngherdaught erandev ery onef ear ed
onedayhel asomet hingwoul dhappent oAnel e
whilei nLef a’scar et hat’swhywheny oucameback
youf oundAnel est ayingwi thmama.Oneni ght ,she
l
eft.Asusual ,shewentAWOLandf ormor et hant wo
weeks.Wer epor tedhermi ssingaf terfourday sof
nocont actwi t
hherbecauseaker ehergoi ngmi ssing
wasnowherst yle.Aweekwentbyandt hat ’
swhen
wear ealljustgotwor r i
ed.Anot herweekl ater,she
wasst il
lmi ssing.Twoday slat er,shewasf oundby
Bokamosohospi t
al,att hegat e,shehadbeen
dumpedt her e.That ’showwef oundoutgor et he
girl
sshehadwentoutwi thl eftheral onewi t
hf our
foreignmenwhot ookt ur nswi thhert het woweeks.
Youmi ghtthinki t
’sal iebutt herei spr oof.We
openedapol icecasebutt hosef riendsshewer e
withsai dbonet heywer ewi thhert heni ghtshel eft
homeandt henwheni twast i
met ogohome, she
refusedsot heyl efthersoi tmeansshewasr aped
every dayf ormor ethan2weeks.Theyt horoughly
washedhert ogetr i
dofanyev i
dence.Thepol ice
event houghtshewasl ying, hercasewasnev er
takenser i
ousl y
.Youcamebackj ustthr eemont hs
afterithadhappened, Lef asai dt heywer eusi ng
condomst hr oughoutbuti tmeansnotwhi chI
wonderhel at hedoct orwhodi agnosedherdi dn’tsee
any t
hi ngormay beitwasbecausei twasdoneata
l
ocal hospital wher enoonecar es, t
otaIdon’ tknow.
Lefaf oundoutshewaspr egnantwheny oudi d.The
reasonshewasr el
uct antwi thaabor ti
oni sbecause
sheoncedi di tandal mostdi edbacki nhi ghschool .I
hav et hehospi talrepor ts, t
hepol i
cer epor ts,wecan
getany thi
ng.Wecanev engett hosef ri
endsshe
werewith…shedi dn’
ttellyou.Sheaskedev eryone
nottotellyou,evenKhumo…heknowsbutLef a
beggedhim nott otellbecauseshebel ievesy ou
won’twantnot hingtodowi t
hher .Mysi st
ermi ght
notlooksadbutshei s.Ifyouaredi v
orcingher ,
pl
easejustdoi tatoncesowecanhel pherdeal wi
th
whatshewentt hroughandheal becausenowshei s
tr
yingtofixhermar ri
agei gnori
ngheremot ions,she
i
sjustpushi ngitunderther ug.Ihavear ri
vedatt he
hospit
al.Bye.”
Laronastoppedthecarattheemer gencyent
rance
andsteppedoutcall
ingforhelp.Thenursescame
outwithastret
cherandputheroni tthenpushedit
i
nsidewhileshefol
lowedbehind.Herphoner ang,
shewaitedbythewai t
ingareawhileLefagot
att
ended.
“
Babe.
.”
“
Hey
,whathappened?
”
“
IfoundLef
ahangi
ngf
rom herof
fi
ce.
”
“Thatot
herday,
Ifoundhertr
yingtohanghersel
fin
herbedr
oom andshelookeddrunk,herhai
rwasa
messand…babedon’tyouthi
nksheneedst
obe
admi
tt
edatSbrana.Sheisnotwel
l.
”
“
Whati
sChesssay
ing?
”
“Heisangrybecausehethi
nksshecheatedandgot
pregnant
.Idon’
tblamehim.Hedoesn’tknowthe
tr
uthandithurt
shim.Ital
sohurt
smet hatIcan’
tdo
anythi
ngaboutit
.KanaChessisgoi
ngt ofi
nd
someoneelseanddi v
orceLef
a.”
“
Lef
awi
l
ldi
eifhel
eav
esher
.”
“Theli
eswi
ll
makehi mleave.Heisgoingt
of i
nd
someonewhowilll
ovehim andbecauseLefaisnot
honest,
hewil
lj
ustgoforthenewwoman. ”
“
Ther
eissomeoneal
readyr
ight
?”
“
No.Iam j
ustsay
ing.
”
“Youar
elyi
ng.Thereissomeone.Youknowt
hat
someone.I
sitser
ious?”
“
Ithi
nk.Idon’
tknow.Don’
ttel
lLef
a.”
“
Ok.It
oldhi
mthet
rut
h.”
“
Youdi
d?”
“
Yes.Wewil
lseehowhei
sgoi
ngt
oreactorwhathe
i
sgoingt
osay.
”
“
Hewi
l
lcomear
ound.
”
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouupdat
ingy
ou.
”
“
Okbabe,
Ilov
eyou.
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”
Hehungup,Lal
awai
tedf
oral
i
ttl
ewhi
l
ebef
oret
he
doct
orcame.
“
Howi
sshe?
”
“Sheisf
ine.Justi
nshockbutshei
sfi
ne.Sheneeds
help.
”
“
Iknow,
letmet
alkt
oher
.”
“Thehospi
tal
isgoi
ngt
orecommendsomeonef
or
her.
”
“
Eer
ra.
”
Lar
onawal kedt
oLefa’
sroom t
henl
ookedatheras
shelookedupthecei
li
ng.
“
Hey
…”
Lef
atur
nedt
oherandt
ookadeepbr
eat
hin.“
Hey
…”
“
Arey
ouok?
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Iam f
ine.
”
“Whyareyou…Lefayoudon’
thavetopretendi
n
fr
ontofme.IknowIam theyoungsi
sterbutyou
don’
thavetopret
end.
”
Lefabl inked.“Thanksf orbri
ngingmeher e.Chessis
l
eav ingme.Hewant sadi vorceandnoonei sgoing
tost ophi mt histimear ound.Idon’tdeser v
ehim, he
i
sr i
ghtt owantt ol eave.Ihav etur
nedi nt
oawi cked
person.Cany oubel i
ev eI…Iwentt oawi tchdoctor
withgr anny .Idon’tev enbelieveinsucht hi
ngsand
ont opoft hatitdidn’tevenwor k.IpaidP5K.Iputt he
thi
ngi nhisf oodandwat chedhi m eatit,
Igavehim
Viagr asohecansl eepwi thme.Thi sisnotmeso
may beIam nott her i
ghtfulpersonforhim.Ideser ve
tobeal one.”
“
Youwentt
othenakedguy
?”
“
Ng…”
Lal
achuckl
ed.“
Nkunkuoncet
ookmet
her
ewhenI
wasstil
li
nv arsi
tyduri
ngt heexams, gat
wetomake
mepass, Igav ethatoldnakedthingallmymoney
andgavemesomet hing.From t
hereguesswhat ?I
bumpintot hismanhel akoShopr it
eandhel ooked
nor
mal.Onet i
meIsawhi m withGranny.Theyare
makingmoneyt ogether.
”
“
Ser
ious?
”
“Yes.Gr
annyf
oundhersour
ceofmoney.Iguesst
he
guyeneheisgenui
nebutGr
annyi
sinitf
ormoney.”
“
Bat
hongt
hisol
dwoman.
”
Laronalaughed.“Tel
lmeaboutit.Everwonder
ed
howshei sdrivi
ngsuchanicecar ?Shesai
ditwas
herhusband’spackagebutforhertodri
vesucha
car…shei swoke!”
“
Wow!
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
Lefashr
ugged.“
It
’sok.”Shelookedathersmal l
bump.“Ican’
twai
tforthisone.Kanamamawas
accusi
ngmeofbeingt ooclosetoKhumol it
tl
edoes
sheknowKhumoi sclosertotheothersi
ster.Shei
s
goi
ngt
ofi
ndoutaboutt
hat
,whati
shesay
ing?
”
Lal
asmi l
edrubbi
ngherbell
y.“Hesay
shewantst
o
marrybuthi
sfamil
yisprepari
ngtogohomeandsee
papa.”
“
Good.
”

*
**

Chessparkedthecaratt
hehospit
alandwal kedin.
Minutesl
aterhewalkedi
nsi
deLefa’
sr oom and
foundherchatt
ingwit
hhersi
ster
.Laronagotof fbed.
“
Iwi
l
lcomebyl
ater
,pr
obabl
ywi
thmama.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shesmil
edatChesst
henwal
kedout
.Chessl
ooked
ather
.
“
Arey
ouok?
”
“
Yes.
”
Hel
ookedatt
her
edmar
ksonherneck.“
Star
tfr
om
thebegi
nni
ng.St
arthel
afr
om t
het
imeIl
eftf
or
Stat
es.”
Lefaswal
l
owedandst art
edtal
ki
ng.Chessli
stened
asshewentovereachdetai
l
,hervoi
ceshaki
ng.She
pausedwi
pinghertear
sandconti
nued.
“Iam sorr
yforly
ing.IwasscaredandIhadevery
ri
ghttobe.Ifyouwantadi vor
ce,Iwi
llgi
vei
ttoyou.I
am notgoingtoforceyoutostaywhereyouarenot
happy.It
’ski
ll
i
ngmet oo.Thehurti
stoomuch.”
Heputhi
shandsonhi
sface.
“
Youcangett
hepolicerepor
ts,
Ihav
enor
easont
o
l
i
eanymorebecauseit
’sover
.”
“
Whydi
dn’
tyouj
ustt
ell
mef
rom t
hebegi
nni
ng?
”
“
Iwasscar
ed.Iwassoscar
ed.
”
Chessshookhi
sheadst
ari
ngather
.
“
Wow!
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“Ican’
tbel
iev
ethi
s,whyonear
thwoul
dIl
eav
eyou
becauseyougotr
aped?”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Ican’
tbeli
eveevenaftersomanyy ears,
youwould
t
hinkIwoul
djustleav
ey oubecausey ougotr
aped.
”
“
Igotdr
unk.Ibr
oughti
tonmy
sel
f.
”
“
Nowomandeser
vest
ober
aped.
”
“
Idi
d.Iwentt
her
eandI
…”
“
Don’
t!Nomat
terwhat
,noonedeser
vest
hat
.”
Lefaputherhandsonherfacecryi
ng.Chess
watchedher,hi
sownheartpounding.Hehadnever
seencrysomuch, shewasalwaysputtoget
her
.He
huggedher.
“
Youdi
dn’
tdeser
vet
hat
.”
“Pl
easedon’
tleaveme.Iam beggi
ngyou.Il
oveyou,
Iwoulddi
eifIlosty
ou.Iwouldnev
ermakeitwit
hout
you.
”
Chesst
ookadeepbreat
hinr
ubbi
ngherback.Hi
s
phoner
ang,
Lefal
ookedathi
sPAcal
li
ng.
“
Rose.
.”
“
Shoul
dIbooki
nyourf
li
ghtt
icket
sfort
omor
row?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
lthenhi
sphoner
angagai
n.
“
It
’swor
k.”
Lefanoddedashewal
kedout
,het
ookadeepbr
eat
h
thenpi
cked.
“
Babe…”
Lel
esni
ffed.“
Mycont
ractdi
dn’
tgetr
enewed.I
tends
thi
sweek.”
“
What
?”
“
Iwasatemporaryt
eacher…andit
’shardtoget
j
obs.
”Shebrokedowncryi
ng.ChesslookedatLef
a
whowasinsi
detheroom wipi
ngawayhertears
whi
leLel
ecri
ed.
“
Sot
omor
rowar
eyour
epor
ti
ngf
orwor
k?”
“Ngng…t hereplacementisalr
eadyherewith10
yearsexper
ience.Iproducedresul
tsChess.Shei s
alr
eadyhereandIhav etobriefheronmycl asses.
”
“
Youwi
l
lfi
ndsomet
hing,
youar
eagr
eatt
eacher
.I
wentthroughthatbookwi t
hy ourstudent’
smar ks
andyouar edoinggreatbabe.Youcanev enfi
nd
somethingatprivat
eschools,akerethereisno
l
imit
ation?Don’tbreakdown.
“
Arey
oust
il
lcomi
ng?
”
HelookedatLefa.“
Yes,howaboutt omorrowyou
comewi t
hme?Iam goi ngtoUKt oaninvest
or
meeti
ng,Iwil
lbewithmybusi nesspart
nerandafew
ofourboardofdir
ector
s.It
’sonlyforacoupl
eof
daysi
fnotaweek. ”
“
Whatabout…”Shesighedchuckl
ing.“
Ok.UhhIhav
e
apasspor
t.Ar
eseri
ousChess? ”
“Yes.
”Heturnedandsmil
ed.“Atl
eastt
hist
ime
aroundIam notki
dnappi
ngyou.”
Shegiggl
ed.“
Ican’
tbel
iev
ethi
s,Iam notgoi
ngto
bel
iev
et i
l
lyoucome.Don’
tfor
getmypuppytlher
ra
wena.”
“
Iwon’
t.
”
“
Arey
ouser
ious?
”
“
Yes.
”
Shelaughed.“Chessi
fyouarenotser
iousIam
goi
ngt oblockyouandneverunbl
ockyou.”
“
Iam notj
oki
ng.Youcanst
artpacki
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”Shel
aughed.“
Ican’
tbel
i
evet
his.
”
“
Seey
oul
ater
.”
“
Ok.
”
Hehungupandwal
kedbacki
nsi
det
her
oom.Lef
a
l
ookedathi
m.
“
Ever
ythi
ngok?
”
“Yeah,
Iam goi
ngtoUKtomor
rowf
orameet
ingwi
th
Ethanandi
nvestor
s.”
“HowaboutIcomewith?Somefreshairwoul
dbe
nice,
wecanhaveseparat
erooms.It
’ssti
ll
ok.
”
“
WhataboutAnel
e?”
“Shewillr
emai nwit
hLarona.Iwil
lpayformyown
costs,
it’
sfine.Iwon’
tev
enbot heryou.
”
.
.
.
Doleav
eal
i
keandacomment
,apol
ogi
es,
Ifel
l
asl
eep
Roar
ingFl
ames
#17

Chessl
ookedatLef
a.
“
Didn’
tthedoct
orsayy
ouneedcounsel
i
ng?
”
“
Iwil
ldoi
twhenIcomeback.Pl
easel
etmecome
wi
th.
”
Thenursewalkedin,
Chesssteppedbackt hen
si
ghed."Wewillt
alkaboutt
hislat
er.Ihav
et ogo
backtowork.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hewal
kedout
.Hegoti
nhi
scarandsatt
her
efora
momentt
hencal
l
edKhumo.
“
Chess…”
“
Soy
ouknew?
”
“Shebeggedmenott otel
lyou.Shelov
esyouandI
knowy oulovehertoo.Youdon’thavetobr
ing
anotherpersoni
ntothismarri
age.Youneedtoletgo
ofLele.
”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.”
“
Youaregoi
ngt
ohur
tthatgi
rl
.Shedoesn’
tdeser
ve
t
hat
.”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.”
Hehungupanddr
ovebackt
owor
k.

*
**

Lat erthatday ,Lel

ewalkedinsi
deherbedroom then
tookof fherflatpumps.Shegrabbedhersuit
case
from t hewar drobeandstar
tedpackingherni
ce
clothesi nside,sheevenputacoupleofhighheels.
Sasawal kedinsecondslat
eralr
eadydressed
comf ortablyholdi
ngaglassofwhatseemedl i
ke
j
ui ce.
“
Whyar
eyoupacki
ng?Youar
enotr
equi
redt
oleav
e
r
ightnow.
”
“
Iknow.
”
“
Iam sosorr
yLele.Ican’
tbel
i
evetheydi
dn’
trenew
y
ourcontr
act,Iam sosadandIam goi
ngtomiss
y
ousomuch. ”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Met
oo.
”
“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”
“
Chessi
sgoi
ngonabusi
nesst
ri
ptoUK,
Iam goi
ng
wi
thhi
m.”
“Don’tdatemarr
iedmen,
meanwhi
l
emar
ri
edmen
aretakingustoUK!”
Lel
elaughed.“
Hei sdiv
orcing,
Iwanttot
ell
himthat
wecanonl yof
fi
cial
lystar
tdati
ngaft
erhi
sdivor
ceis
fi
nal
ized.
”
“
Andy
out
hinkhewi
l
lagr
ee?
”
“
It
’swor
that
ry.
”
Sasashr
ugged.“Ok.Letmeseewhatyoupacked,
I
hopeyoudi
dn’tpackthegr
annycl
othesLel
e.”
“
No,
buty
oucancheck.Iwantt
ocal
lmama.
”
“
Ok.Youcanf
ini
sht
his.
”
“
What
’st
his?I
sity
est
erday
’smi
xtur
e?”
“
Ng…di
ditwor
k?”
“Idon’
twantt
his,
hekeptaski
ngwhatwasi
nmy
pussy.
”
Sasal
aughed.“Lele,
akereyouwanthi
mtodi
vorce
hi
swifefast
er,
y ourpussywil
lbet
hemuchneeded
moti
vati
on.”
“
It
’spai
nful
.”
“Justdri
nksohecanhur
ryt
hingst
hatwayy
oucan
stopfeel
inggui
l
t.”
Shewal
kedoutofherr
oom di
ali
nghermot
her
.
“
Lel
ent
le.
.”
“
Mama,
howar
eyou?
”
“Iam f
ine.Iwasaboutt
ocallyou.Iam goi
ngt
o
donatemyki dneyt
oyourf
ather.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Real
l
y?”
Hermot
herl
aughed.“
Yes…ohGodi
sfai
thf
ulmy
baby
!Godi
swonder
ful
!”
“
Hei
s.Iam sohappy
.”
“
Iam nowsel
l
ingt
hepl
ot.
”
“
Forhowmuch?
”
“
Howmuchdoy
out
hinki
tshoul
dbe?
”
“I
00K.Youcanpayf orpapa’
ssur
ger
yandbuy
anot
herplotagai
n.”
“
Yes…t
hat
’sawonder
ful
idea.
”
“
Mycont
ractdi
dn’
tgetr
enewed.
”
“
Iam sor
rymygi
rl
.”
“
It
’sok.Iexpect
edi
t.Ihavetost
artj
obhunt
ing.
Hopef
ull
yIgetsomething.
”
“
Lel
e,doy
oustil
lrememberKel
ebogi
l
e?That
womanwhom Iwasfri
endswit
h?”
“
Yes.Theonewhost
ayedatt
hewhi
tecast
le?
”
“
Yes,
Iam st
ayi
ngwi
thherher
e.”
“
Oht
hat
’sni
ce.
”
“
Wer
eki
ndl
edourf
ri
endshi
p,Iwast
ell
i
ngherabout
yourcontractandshet
oldmeherol
destdaught
erl
e
enestruggledtogetaj
ob.”
“
Iknowit
’sastr
uggl
e.Iam goi
ngonatri
pwi
thmy
f
ri
end,wewil
lbecomingbackaft
eraf
ewdays.
”
“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”
“
Outofcount
ry.
”
“
Who’
sthi
sfr
iendofy
our
s?Sasa?
”
“
No.Chess.
”
“
Chess?Si
ncewheni
shey
ourf
ri
end?
”
“
Wewer
efr
iendsbef
orey
oumethi
m.”
“
Uhu,
soy
oukneweachot
her
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Heisagoodboy.Gapehei
sdownt
oear
thandhe
r
espect
sel
der
s.Ili
kehi
m.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Icansee.
”
“Whenyourf
atherget
swel
lagai
n,y
oushoul
dbr
ing
hi
m homesoweseehi m.
”
“
Eemma.
”
“
It
’sok,
youwi
l
lcal
lmewheny
oucomeback.
”
“
Wheni
stheoper
ati
on?
”
“
Thedoct
ori
sgoi
ngt
oschedul
eit
.”
“
Ok,
Iwantt
oseehi
m bef
oreIl
eav
e.”
“
Okmygi
rl
.Youcanbr
ingChess.
”
Lel
echuckl
ed.“
Ok.
”
Lel
edroppedthecallandwalkedi
nsi
det
hebedr
oom
asSasaclosedhersuit
case.
“
Ther
e…”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Sohowl
ongwi
l
lyoubegoi
ngf
or?
”
“
Hesay
sforacoupl
eofday
s.”
“Heisgoingtofuckyouforday
s.Thisgender,r
ather
takeyoufarawaywherehecanf uckyouinpeace.
Anywho,Iam goingout.Imett
hisguy,Iam goi
ngto
hishouse,bor
rowmey ourcar.
”
Lel
ehandedhert
hecarkey
s.
“
Seey
ouwheny
oucomeback.
”
“Ok.Iam goi
ngt of
indsomeonewhocanst
art
packingmythings.
”
“
Iwi
l
ldoi
tfory
ou.
”
“
Thanks.
“
It
’sok.Don’
tfor
gett
odr
inkt
het
hing.
”

*
**

Acoupl eofhoursl
ater,Chesswalkedinsi
deLele’
s
house.Shesmi l
edashecl osedthedoor,hewasstil
l
i
nhi ssuit
.Heclosedthedoorstaringatherl
ikea
predatorprey
ingonit’
sprey.Heloosenedhisti
e
walkingover.
Leletookanot
herst
epback,
herpussywasst
il
lsor
e.
“Chess…”
Hel eanedoverandkissedherpicki
ngherup.Heput
heront heki
tchencounterssqueezingherbreast
.
Herdr essr
odeup, sheheardhisbeltcl
inki
ng
fol
lowedbyhi szi
popeni ngthenshetookadeep
breathknowingshewasi nf
orit.Hewasn’teven
say
ingany
thi
ng,hepul
l
edhercl
oserandr
ubbi
nghi
s
meatonherpussy
.
“Chesswait…Ihavea…God!
”Hespli
tthr
oughher
pussyli
pssqueezinghi
msel
finwi
thagrunthol
ding
herwaistt
ight
ly.
.
Lelehel
dthesinkwit
hhereyescl
osedwhil
e
standi
ngonhertoes.Hegav
eheronelastt
hrust
ki
ssingherneck.
“
Hey
…”
Hesl
i
doutandsnappedt
hepant
ybacki
npl
ace.
Lelesl
owlywalkedtoherroom andl
aidonher
stomachwithhersorepussy.Chessfol
lowedt
hen
tookoffhi
sjacketst
ari
ngather.Herbagwas
alr
eadypacked.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Iwantt
osl
eep.
”
Hetur
nedheraroundandki
ssedherl
ips.“
Ther
eis
somet
hingIwanttotal
ktoyouabout
.”
Lel
elookedathi
m.“
What
?”
Helookedinhereyeswonder
ingi
ftell
i
ngherwould
beri
ghtfuli
dea,get
ti
ngheri
nthefi
rstplacehad
beenast r
uggl
e.
“
Iam notcomi
ngwi
thany
mor
e?”
“
No.Wear
est
il
lgoi
ng.
”
“
Thenwhati
sit
?”
Hi
sphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.Het
ooki
tout
.
“
Letmeanswert
his.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hegotof
fbedandpi
ckedasshel
ookedathi
m.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,wher
ear
eyou?
”
Hewal
kedoutoft
hebedr
oom.
“
Ther
eissomeoneLef
a.”
“
Iknow.Ar
eyouwi
thher
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ok.What
’sgoi
ngt
ohappennow?Doy
oust
il
lwant
adi
vor
ce?
”
“Idon’
tknowanymor e.Ifeelguil
tyforeventhi
nking
aboutleavi
ngyouevent houghallthiscoul
dhav e
beenav oi
dedhadyout oldmet hetruth.
”
“Iknowy oul ov eme, thatlov ewascl oudedbyt he
newf oundhat ey ouhadonmeandy ouar ejustif
ied.
Ialsoknowwecanf i
xourmar ri
agei fwegi v
eita
chance, andIal soknowt haty ouar er eall
ysexual
attr
act edt ot hatgi rl
.Ispoket ohert hatot hertime
ont hephone, shehasasof tv oi
ceandshemustbe
softandni ce, thesexmustbeawesomet haty ou
evenmoanhernamewi thy ourdi ckbur ieddeepi n
mypussy .That ’sok, ifyouneedt imet oendi t,
Iwi l
l
giveyout het i
met oendi t,Iwantt obei nthiswi t
h
you.Icanev ent alktoher ,
notf i
ght i
ng, shesounds
underst andi ng.Sheknowsy ouar emar ri
edandshe
probabl yt hinksy ouareget tingadi vorce,likeyou
toldher .Iknowy ouarei nadi lemmaandIknowy ou
saidy ouwi lltakehert oUK, takeherwi th, i
t’
sok.I
willnotcomewi th.Fuckheral lyouwant ,getherof f
yoursy st em, don’ tkil
l her,
kanawenay pul ose
cont
rol
somet
ime.
”
Hechuckl
ed.“Ebeor engLefa?I
t'
snotaboutsex.I
t
hinkIam f
all
i
ngf orher.I
t'
smorethanjustsex.
"
“Thegoodsexi smakingyousaythingsifIam being
honest.Fuckheral
lyouwant,wheny oucomeback
wewi l
ldiscussawayf or
wardforourfamily
.Tellher
Isayhi bytheway.
”
"
Wewi
l
ltal
kwhenIgetback.
"
"
Ok.
"
Heshookhi
sheadhangi
ngupt
henwal
kedbacki
n
t
hebedroom wher
eLel
ewasst
il
l.
“What’
swrong?”Athoughtcr
ossedhermind.She
satupri
ght
.“Youar
ef i
xi
ngthi
ngswithyourwife?I
f
sopleaset
ellme.
”
“
MmagweAt
angwher
ear
eyouget
ti
ngt
hat
?”
“
Idon’
tknow,
whati
swr
ong?
”
“
Whydoesany
thi
nghav
etobewr
ong?
”
“
Ok,
whatdoy
ouwantt
otel
lme?
”
“
It
’snoti
mpor
tant
.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?Obat
a
massage?(
Doy
ouwantamassage?
)
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
No.
”
Hel
aughed.“
It
’si
nnocent
.”
“
No.Andwear
enothav
ingsext
oni
ght
.”
Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedher
.“Ok,
massagei
tis.
”
Hisphonevibr
atedrepor
ti
ngamessage,
het
ooki
t
outandlookedatthemessage.
Lef
a:Pl
easedon’
tgetherpr
egnant
.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#18

Leleputonabl azerst
ari
ngather selfont hemi r
ror
notwantingtoseehermeat yarms.Chesswal kedin
fr
om thebathroom inonlyhi
sformal pantsandt -
shir
twiththefi
rstbutt
onunbut t
oned.Hesmi l
ed
stari
ngatherslacksthathuggedt hatthickness,she
l
ookedathi m.
“
Isi
tok?
”
Hetookoffthej
acketandstar
edatthewhitetop
t
uckedin.“
Youlookbeauti
fulwit
houtt
hejacket.
”
“
Myar
ms…”
“What?Youlookbeaut
iful
.Let
’sgo.Wear
epassi
ng
byseeingy
ourmom r i
ght?”
“
Yes.
”
“Let
’sgo.Ihav
etopassbyathomecol
l
ect
ingmy
clot
hes.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hekissedherthenpickedhersui
tcaseandwalked
outwithitwhil
eshefoll
owedholdingherhandbag.
Heputev ery
thi
nginthecarasLelegotinthecar.
Sheputonseat bel
tandpressedherphonechecking
hermessages.Chessjumpedi nt
henleanedov er
andkissedher.
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”
“IwanttotextSasaandtell
heraboutSnuggl
es.I
can’tbel
i
evey oulef
thi
mi ti
nthecarthewhole
night.
”
Chesssmiledstari
ngthecar
.“If
orgot
,youf
orgot
too.Atl
eastthewindowswereopengapehehad
foodint
hebox. ”
Shetext
edSasat
henputherphoneawayashe
drov
eoff.
“Pl
easepassbyt
hephar
macy
,Iwantt
heemer
gency
pil
l
s.”
Hel
ookedatherandsi
ghed.“
Pleasedon’
ttake
t
hem.”
Lel
efr
ownedt
henl
ookedathi
m.“
Why
?”
“
Iwantust
okeepAt
ang.
”
“Chessyouarest
il
lmarr
iedandwedon’
tevenknow
eachothert
hatmuch.Whatify
ougetbor
edalong
way?”
“
Iam nev
ergoi
ngt
ogetbor
ed.
”
“Yousaythatnow,tomor
rowwhenIbegint
oannoy
you,y
ouwon’ tbesayi
ngthat
.Ij
ustl
ostmyjob,
I
can’
taff
ordachild.
”
“
Iwi
l
ltakecar
eofmyson.
”
“Alotofmensai
dthat
.ChessIcan’
thandl
eachil
d
ri
ghtnow.GapennaIwantt
ogetmar r
iedbef
ore
havingki
ds.
”
“Howaboutwecreat
eanaccountf orAt
ang?Iwil
l
deposi
tmoneyi
ntothataccount
,thencont
inue
doingsoev
erymonth.
”
“
Chess,i
t’
smorethanthat
.Iwantapresentman
whowill
fat
herhi
schil
dandwatchhim grow.Iwant
areal
famil
y.
”
Chessstoppedt
hecarthenadjustedhi
sseatand
pul
ledherontopofhi
m.“ Thatcanhappen.
”
“
Iwantt
ogetmar
ri
ed.
”
Hesmi
l
edt
henki
ssedher
.“Ok.Iwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou.
”
Sherol
l
edhereyes.“
Ifev
erygi
rlwhowast
oldt
hat
gotmarr
ied,
thewhol
ewor l
dwouldbemar
ri
ed.
”
“
Canyougi
vethi
sachance?Tr ustme,Iam her
efor
t
hel
ongrun…giv
ei tachance.Keagokopa
mmagweAtt
ie…pleasekeepmyboy .
”
“I
t’
snotev enachil
dy et,t
hereisnot
hing.
Fert
il
izat
ionisst
il
ltakingplace.
”
Heki
ssedher
.“Iknow,
let
’skeephi
m.”
“
KanaChessebeobat lagont i
rasinglemother ,y
ou
wantmet obecomeababymamat hennextt hing
youdon’tleav
ey ourwif
eandy ougetbor edory our
wif
efindsout,Igetsuedandy oubot htakethechi l
d
f
rom meornotacknowl edgehim atallwhil
ey outell
mehowy ouloveyourwi f
e.Idon’
twantt hat.Idon’t
wanttofindmy sel
fpostingonfacebookatt he
Motswanawomanpagewhi lecry
ing.”
“
Cany
out
rustme…?Pl
ease…”
Lel
elookedi
nhi
sey
esashebeggedher
.“Ok.
”
Ahugesmi
l
ecov
eredhi
sface.“
Real
l
y?”
Shel
aughed.“
Yes.
”
Hehuggedher
.“Fuck!Thanky
ou.Youwon’
tregr
et
i
t.
”
“Butpleasepassbyt
hephar
macy
,Ineed
painki
l
lers.
”
“
Yourwi
shi
smycommand.
”
Lel
egotoffhi
m andsatbackonthepassengerseat
.
Chess’
sphonerang,hel
ookedati
tthendroppedthe
cal
l.Mi
nutesl
aterhepar
kedatthemall
,Lelequi
ckly
gotout
.
“
Iam comi
ng.Youcanwai
ther
e.”
Shebrav
elywal
kedinsidet
hemalli
gnor
inghersor
e
pussy
.Shegotinsi
dethenwentt
othedoctorwho
wasonhiscounter
.
“
Hi,
Iwantsomemor
ningaf
terpi
l
ls.
”
“
Ok.Whendi
dyouhav
esex?
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Uht
hedaybef
orey
est
erday
.”
“
Sot
odayi
syoursecondday
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ok,
good,
thet
hir
ddayi
saquest
ionabl
eday
.”
Hewenttothebackandcamebackwiththe
morni
ngaft
ers.Lel
elookedbackandl
ookedas
Chesswal
kedin,herhear
tski
pped.
“
Idon’
twanthi
mtosee,
Ial
sowantpai
nki
l
ler
s.”
ThedoctorlookedatChesswhowaswal ki
ngover
thensmiledtaki
ngthemorni
ngaft
ersfrom t
he
counterwhil
eChesshuggedLel
efrom behi
nd
kissi
ngherneck.
“
Gott
hem?
”
“
Hei
staki
ngt
hem.
”
Thedoctorsmil
edandgotthepai
nki
l
ler
sthenwent
tot
hecashier.Lel
etookoutt
hemoneyandhanded
i
ttothedoctor.
“
It
’sok,
Iwi
l
lpay
.”
“
Nono…i
t’
sok.
”
Thedoct
ortookthemoneythenputever
ythi
nginthe
smal
lpaperbagandgaveitt
oLele.Shetookher
changeandreceipt.Theywentbacktothecarwhi
le
Lelet
ri
edtothinkofawayshewasgoi ngtodri
nk
them.Sheputthepaperbagi nsi
deherhandbagas
soonastheygoti nthecar
.

*
**

Lefapackedhersui
tcasewhi
l
eLar
onasatont
he
bed.
“
Yout
hinki
t’
sagoodi
dea?
”
“Iwantt
oknowwhoi sitandhaveatalkwi
thher,I
am notgoi
ngt
ojustsitwhil
eanotherwomantakes
myman. ”
“
Youar
epushi
nghi
m awaywi
tht
his.
”
“Hewon’tev
enknowIcamewith.Iam goingtohav
e
agrownuptalkwi
ththewoman.Chessismy
husbandandwehaveachanceoffi
xingthings.
”
“Youdobuthadyoutol
dhimthet
ruthfr
om t
hef
ir
st
place,
nonofthi
swouldhav
ehappened.
”
“
Iwasscar
ed.
”
“Youwer
eraped.Hewasgoi
ngt
ounder
stand.
Chessi
syourhusband.
”
“
Itookmy
sel
ftot
hatpar
ty.
”
“Ist
il
ldon’
tunder
standwhyy oudidn’
tletussuethe
hospit
alaf
tert
herape.Thatpregnancycausedmore
probl
ems.Youpaidt hem al
otofmoney .Theywere
supposedtodotheirjob.
”
“
Ithoughtt
her
api
stsdi
dn’
tuseacondom.
”
“
Iknowbutst
il
l,
theyaresupposedt
odoat
hor
ough
j
ob.I
twassounprofessi
onal
.”
Lef
a’sphonerangfr
om t
hebed,
Lar
onar
eachedf
or
i
tandlookedatKhumocall
i
ng.
“
Uhu,
whyi
shecal
l
ing?
”
“
Mustbel
ooki
ngf
orChess.Letmepi
ck.
”
“
It
’sf
ine,
Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m.”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Whati
frebat
agogoseba?
”
Lal
alaughedpi
cki
ng.
“
Weneedtotal
k.Isawyourmessage.Whatdoy
ou
meant
hatyouarekeepi
ngthe-
“
“
Khumo…hey,
whatmessage?Iam wi
thLal
a?What
message?
”
Khumol
aughed.“
Uhu,
it’
snott
hesuppl
i
er?
”
Lal
alaughed.“
Youdi
aledt
hewr
ongLef
ababe.
”
“
KanaIcanseet
hat
.Ei
sh…heyLef
a..
”
“
Whatam Ikeepi
ngmanofGod?
”
Khumolaughed.“
Thesesuppl
i
ersar
edi
ff
icul
tto
workwi
th.”
“
Iknowr
ight
?”
“
Yeah,
letmecal
lhi
m.Babeseey
oul
ater
…”
Lal
asmi
l
ed.“
Lat
er…Il
ovey
ou.
”
Khumodroppedt
hecal
lj
ustasAnel
erani
nsi
de.
Lal
asmil
edhuggi
ngher
.
“
Heybabe…”
“
Aunt
y…”
“
Youar
ecomi
ngwi
thmet
omyhouse.
”
“
Wil
lIpl
aywi
tht
hebaby
?”
“
Yes.Butt
hebabyi
sst
il
li
nst
omach.
”
Lal
alookedatAnel
e’sl
onglashest
henherli
ps.
Nothi
ngabouthershowedshewasChess’schi
l
d.
“Youknowt hi
schildi
syourcopyst
rai
ght
.Shehas
nothingofChess.Iwi
shthi
soneIam car
ryi
ngcan
belikethat
.Iwouldcr
yisshehasKhumo’sbi
g
ears.”
Lefasmil
ed.“
Shelookssomuchl
i
kemet
hatpeopl
e
doubtherDNA.”
“Onewoul
d.Shehasnothi
ngofherfat
her
.Kana
Chessohai
rybutt
hisoneissmoothli
kemama.”
Lef
achuckl
edcl
osi
nghersui
tcase.“
Am Inot
bl
essed?
”
“
Youar
e.”
“
Sohowarey ougoi
ngtodot hi
s?Youar
eget
ti
ngi
n
t
hesameplanewithChess?
”
“Yes,Chessfl
i
esfir
stclass,Iam usingeconomy.We
willbei
nthesamehot el,
opposit
er ooms.Iam
goingtofindt
hisgi
rlandtrustme, whenChess
comesback,
wear
egoi
ngt
ofi
xourmar
ri
age.
”
Laronasi
ghed.“NnaInolongerknowwhatt
otel
l
you.Anywayslet
’sgo.Ihav
etotakemamatothe
hospit
alwherehernewbestfri
endis.
”
“
Ok.
”

*
**

InGaborone,
Chesspar
kedt
hecaratt
hehospi
tal
.
Lel
elookedathi
m.
“
Mamawantstoseeyou.Soy oucanl
eav
emeher
e
whi
l
eyougoandcoll
ectyourclot
hes.
”
“Ihav
esentmyPAhome,wear
emeetingheratt
he
air
port
,ourf
li
ghtl
eav
esi
n45minut
es.
”
“
Uhok.
”
Theywalkedinsi
dethehospit
al,
mmagweLele
tur
nedtothem standi
ngbytherecept
iont
henshe
walkedoverandhuggedLele.
“
Lel
e…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Mama.
.”
Hermot hersteppedbackt hensmi l
edstar
ingat
Chess.Hewasj ustperf
ectforherdaughter.I
nher
headshewasal readyheari
ngweddi ngbell
s.Hewas
sohandsomehewasboundt ogiv
eherbeaut i
ful
kidsandhewascal m.JustlikeLele.Shel
ikedthat
somuchont opofhi shumbl enessandhis
respectful
character.Whatmor ecouldamot her
wantf orherdaughter?
“
Son.
.”
“
Howar
eyouMa?
”
“Iam f
ine.Lel
etel
l
smey
ouar
etaki
ngher
somewher e?”
“
Yes,t
oUK,Ihav
eabusi
nessmeeti
ngandIjust
t
houghtmay
beshewoul
dlov
etocomeforsome
f
reshai
r.
”
“Ohthat’
sgoodson.Sheneedsit
.Whenshecomes
back,sheneedst
ocomebackr echar
ged.
”
“
Yes,
howi
srr
agweLel
e?”
“
Hei
sgoi
ngt
obeok.Wet
hankGod.
”
Chess’
sphoner
ang.“
It
’smyPA,
Ihav
etot
akei
t.
”
HeleanedovertokissLelethenpaused
r
emember i
nghermot herwast her
eandr et
reat
ed
wal
kingawaywhi l
esmiling.Lel
eblushedwhil
eher
mot
herscruti
nizedherface.
“
Ili
ket
hatboy
.”
“
Doy
ouhav
ewat
er?
”
“
Yes.
”
MmgaweLel
eopenedherbag,shenot
icedher
f
ri
endwal
ki
ngoverthencl
osedherbagsmili
ng.
“
Lel
e,y
oushoul
dmeetmyf
ri
end.
”
Herfr
iendwalkedoverwi
thherdaught
er.“
Angel
i
ne…
Isawy ourmessage.
”
Mmagwel el
esmi
l
ed.“
Wet
hankGod,
Iwasso
st
ressed.
”
“
Iknow.Poort
hing,
hei
sgoi
ngt
obef
inenow.
”
“WethankGod.Meetmydaught
er,Lel
e.Lel
e,t
hisi
s
Kel
ebogil
e,mmagweLefaandIt
hinkthi
sisLefa.
”
Lef
asmi
l
edst
ari
ngatLel
e.“
Lel
ent
lekewenamma?
Joj
o?(
Lel
ent
lei
sthaty
ou?Joj
o?)
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Don’
tcal
lmet
hat
,youwi
l
lscar
e
pot
enti
als.
”
Lefal
aughedhuggingLel
e.“
Bathong,
li
lsi
sisall
grown.KanawhenIwasform 3youweredoingfor
m
1.Awwbat hong…”
Lefaturnedt
ohermother
.“KanamamaLeleusedto
l
ikemesomuchshewoul dfol
lowmearoundthe
school.Atbr
eakti
meshewouldbebymycl ass
becauseIam theonl
yonesheknew.Ev
enaf t
er
school.”
Lel
elaughed.“Theycal
ledmeLefa’ssi
ster
,ebi
le
kanaLaronatheydidn’
tconsi
derherasyoursi
ster
.”
“Andyouwer eshortandplump,kanawenayouwent
toschoolearl
y.I
magi nebeingi
nclasswi
th14year
oldswhil
ey ouare13, di
dn’
tyouski
pform 4?
”
Lel
eshookherheadsmi
l
ing.“
No,
Papar
efused.
”
“Butyouweresosmart.KanamamaLel eusedto
coll
ectal
ltheawar
dstsamaf orm 1.WhenIwentf
or
form 4and5shesti
ll
mai nt
ainedit.Imi
ssedy
ou.”
Theyhuggedagai
nlaughi
ng.
“
Iam sohappyt
oseey
ou.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Met
oo.
”
“
Whatdoy
oudo?
”
“
Shei
saBi
oteacher
.”
Lel
elookedathermot
herandl
aughed.
“
Mama,
Iwasgoi
ngt
oanswer
.”
“Youaretaki
nglongtoanswer
.Ihear
dLefaknows
quietal
otofpeoplesoshecanhelpyougetaj
ob.
”
Lefasmi
l
ed.“
Iknowacoupl
eofpeopl
e,Iwi
l
lhel
p
you.”
“
Thanks.
”
“
It
’sok.Youar
esobeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Sheis…shehasareal
l
yhandsomemanont
opofi
t.
Wher
eisheLele?
”
Lel
erol
ledherey
esasLefal
aughednot
hing‘
Black
mother
s’.“
Heisonaphonecal
l.
”
“
Heshoul
dmeety
ourchi
l
dhoodf
ri
end.Cal
lhi
m.”
.
.
Li
keandcommentassoonasy
our
eadf
ami
l
ysowe
canr
eci
eveot
herbonuses
Roar
ingFl
ames
#19

Lel
elookedathermot
herwi
thacer
tai
nlook.
“
Mamahei
sonabusi
nesscal
l
.It
’si
mpor
tant
.”
“
Lel
ent
le,
goandcal
lhi
m.”
“
Kanamamahe-
“
“
Goandcal
lhi
m sohecangr
eetbommagweLef
a.”
Lelet
urnedandf ol
lowedt hedir
ectionhadwal ked.
Shewentt ot
hecarwher ehewasseat edtalki
ngon
thephoneanditlookedl i
keaser i
ousbusi nesscall.
Sheopenedhisdoorandl ookedathim notsur eifi
t
wasther i
ght
fuli
deat odisturbhim.Het urnedt oher
andputhisarm aroundherwai stpull
inghercl oser
andkissedherwhileli
steningtotheot herpersonon
t
heendoft
hephone.
“Yah,
that’
swhyIhaveal
lthenumber
sdown,wecan
sayallwewantbutt
henumbersdon’
tli
e.”
Whoeverhewastalki
ngtost
artedt
alki
ngwhil
ehe
ki
ssedhernecksqueezi
ngherbum.Lelet
yped
somethi
ngonherphoneandshowedhi m.
Lel
e:Mamawant edyout
omeetherfr
iends,
sheis
cl
earl
yobsessedwit
hyoubutIwi
l
ltel
lyouareona
busi
nesscal
l.
Chessr
eadi
tnoddi
ngt
othephone.
“That
’sexactl
ywhatIhadinmi nd,t
hatwaytheywil
l
beblownof f
.IfwecangetthatNigeri
anguythenwe
aregoodandhewi l
lalsogi
veust heexposur
ewe
need.”
Theot
herpersonst
art
edt
alki
ng,
Chesst
yped
somet
hingback.
Chess:
Iwi
l
lbedoneher
einasecond.Iam comi
ng.
Lelenoddedthenki
ssedhi
m andwalkedbacki
nsi
de
thehospit
al.Hermot
herl
ookedather.
“
Wher
eishe?
”
“
Heissti
ll
onabusi
nesscal
ltal
ki
ngt
oinv
est
ors.He
i
scoming.
”
Lefasmi
l
ed.“
It
’sokma,
howar
eyou?I
t’
sbeen
ti
me.”
MmagweLel
elaughed.“
Ilastsawy
ouodi
raf
orm
5.
”
“
Eemma.I
t’
sbeent
ime.Youst
il
ll
ooky
oung.
”
MmgagweLel
esmi
l
ed.“
It
’sj
ustwat
ermydaught
er.
”
Lef
amothert
ookherf
ri
end’
shand.“
Yout
wocan
cat
chup.
”
MmagweLel
edir
ect
edherdaught
ert
oherf
ather
’s
war
d.Lel
ewal
kedwit
hLefa.
“
Soy
ouar
eat
eacher
?”
“
Yes,
IteachBiol
ogyinSecondar
ySchool
.Iwasa
t
emporar
yteacher.
”
“OhIsee…no,don’tworry
.Iknowsomeonewho
knowssomeoneatt hisotherpr
ivat
eschool
.Wewi
l
l
sortoutsomet
hing.”
Lel
esmi
l
edst
ari
ngatLef
a.“
Real
l
y?”
“
Yes.Don’
twor
ry.
”
Lel
elookedatherr
ingandsmi
l
ed.“
Youar
e
marri
ed?”
“
Yes,
toawonder
ful
manandwehav
eonechi
l
d
t
oget
her
.”
“
Wow!
”
Lefalaughed.“
Iknow.Iam soluckytohavehi
m.
Andy ou?Yourmom reall
yli
kesthisboyf
ri
endof
yours.
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Shedoes.Hei
sachar
mer
,Idon’
t
bl
ameher .
”
“Iwanttomeethim someday
,may
bewecandoa
couplesout
ing.
”
“
Yeah.
”
Theyapproachedt
hewar
d.“
Iwi
l
lwai
ther
e,y
oucan
seeyourdad.”
“
Thanks.
”
Lel
ewalkedinsi
det
henlookedatherf
ather
connect
edtomachi
nes.Sheslowl
ytouchedhi
s
hand,
tear
sfi
l
li
ngherey
es.
”
“
Itwi
l
lbef
inepapa.Iknowi
twi
l
lbe.
”
Shesniffedtear
ful
ly
.Shenev erseenhimlikethat,
notevenoncei nherli
fe.Thi
smanwast heone
al
way sreadytobebysomeone’ sside.Shedidn’t
evenrecallhi
m bei
ngsi ckev
erbutnowt herehewas
connectedtomachines.Shekissedhisforehead.
Herphoner
ang,
shewal
kedoutpi
cki
ng.
“
Heybabe,
Iam back,
wher
ear
eyouguy
s?”
“
Iwentt
oseepapa.
”
“
Ok,
howi
she?
”
“
Hei
swel
l
.Hewi
l
lmakei
t.
”
“
Ibel
i
evesot
oo.Iwi
l
lwai
tfory
ouher
e.”
“
Youcanwai
tint
hecar
.”
“
Whatabouty
ourmom’
sfr
iend?
”
“
Shel
eft
.”
“
Ok,
andweal
soneedt
ogo.Ti
mei
smov
ing.
”
“
Ok,
Iam comi
ng.
Lel
ehungupthengotbackinsi
dethewardand
ki
ssedherf
ather
’sf
oreheadbefor
ehurr
yingout
.She
bumpedint
oLefawholaughed.
“
Hey
,wher
eto?
”
“
Ihav
etogo.Myboy
fri
endi
swai
ti
ngf
orme.
”
“Ohhweshoul
dkeepi
ntouch.
”Lef
atookouther
phoneandsav
edLel
e’
snumberthenshepagedher
.
“
Ther
e,sav
eit
.”
“
Ok.
”
Theywalkedbackandsi ghednotf
indingtheir
mother
s.Lefasighed.“Ihavet
ogot oo.”Lefa’
s
phoner
ang, shesmiled.
“I
t’
smyhusband, Lel
e,wewil
ltal
k.Iam t
rav
ell
i
ng
outofcount
ryforafewdayssowhenIcomeback
weshoulddefi
nit
elygooutf
orcoffee.
”
“
Yes.
”
Theyhuggedt
henLelehurr
iedt
othecarandgotin
cal
li
nghermotherwhi
leLefapi
ckedherhusband’
s
cal
l.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Mama,
Ihav
etogo.
”
“
WhataboutChess?
”
“Mama,wewi l
lmi
ssoutf
li
ght.Iam soexci
tedabout
goi
ng,Idon’
twantt
omissthefli
ght
.”
“
Ok,
didy
ouseey
ourf
athert
hough?
”
“
Yes.Hewi
l
lbef
ine.
”
“
That
’smypr
ayerev
ery
day
.Enj
oyy
ourt
ri
p.”
“
Thanks.
”
Lelegoti
nthecarandimmedi
atel
yChessst
art
ed
thecaranddr
oveoff.

*
**

Lef
agoti
nLar
ona’
scarmi
nut
esl
ater
.
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lseey
ouwheny
oucomeback.
”
“
Yeah.
”
Chesshungupt
henLef
aputont
heseat
bel
t.“
You
cantakeme.
”
“
Isawsomeonel
i
keChessmoment
sback.
”
“
Real
l
y?”
“
Yes,
whoi
sdr
ivi
ngt
heLandRov
er?
”
“
It
’shi
m.”
“
ThenIam sur
eitwashi
m.Isawt
hecarl
eav
e.”
“
Washewi
thawoman?
”
“
Thewi
ndowsar
eti
nted.
”
“
Oh…i
t’
sok.Takemet
otheai
rpor
t.
”
Laronastar
tedthecarthendroveoffwhil
eLefa
di
aledChessagai nbuthisphonedidn’
tgett
hrough.
Shesighed,herheartpoundi
ng,shewasgoingto
fi
ndoutwhot hiswomanwas.

*
**

Att
heai
rpor
t,Lar
onahuggedhersi
ster
.
“
Becar
eful
.”
“
Iwi
l
lbe.
”
“
Anddon’
tcausedr
ama,
theywi
l
lar
resty
ou.
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Ihav
ehear
d.”
“Someti
mesthebestt
hingi
stokeepqui
etandmov
e
onwithyourl
i
fe.
”
“
Iam notl
osi
ngmyhusbandLar
ona.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”
“
Ok.
”
Lefapushedherbagi nsidetheai r
port,ahoodi
eand
acapov erherhead.Shel ookedar oundthen
checkedin.Awhi lelatershewasget ti
ngintheplane
toSAwher etheywer egoingtogett hedirectf
li
ght
toUK.Shesatdownkeepi ngherheaddownunsur e
i
fChesswasal r eadyinwi thhisgirl
fri
end.She
buckledwithotherpassenger sf ol
lowing
i
nstructi
onsandmi nuteslatertheplanetookoff.

*
**
Over12hourslat
er,
theplanedidat ouchdownat
HeathrowAi
rport
,London.Itgli
dedsmoot hl
yonthe
r
unwayandf i
nall
ystopped.Lelelookedoutthr
ough
t
hewi ndowandsmiledexcitedl
y.
“
Ican’
tbel
i
evet
hisi
shappeni
ng!
”
Chessl
aughed.“
Iusual
l
ygoonmanybusi
nesstr
ips,
youwil
lal
wayshavetocomei
fyouwant
.It
ravel
a
l
ot.
”
“
Iwant
…”
Helaughedtakingoffthei
rseatbelt
s.Minuteslat
er
theyweregetti
ngofftheplane.Thecoldbreezehit
herski
nast heymadet heirwayinsi
detheai r
port
,
Chesshandedherherj ackett
hensheputi ton.
Awhil
elat
ertheywal
kedoutoft
heai
rportaf
ter
cl
ear
ingever
ythi
nggoi
ngtoamanwhohadaboar d
wher
eChess’snamewaswrit
teni
nbold.
“
Hi,
Iam Chess.
”
“
Oh,
comet
hroughMr
.Mor
emi
.”
Lel
esmil
edatt
hepronunci
ati
on.Theywalkedt
oa
bl
ackBenzwhi
chwasparkedattheent
ranceand
goti
natthebackwhilet
hedriv
erputthebagsi nthe
boot
.Lelelookedatt
hefl
oodsofwhit
epeopl e,she
hadneverseensomanywhitepeopl
elive.Chess
l
ookedather .
“
Yougood?
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Yes.Iam f
ine.
”
Thedr i
verj
umpedi nanddr ov eoff
.Hepar kedata
hotelandhelpedthem i
nsidewi ththei
rbags.Lele
l
ookedatt hefancyhotelast heywalkedin.They
checkedinandwentt otheirroom.Lelesmi ledas
theywalkedinsidet
heluxuriousroom.Wast hishow
ri
chpeoplelived?
“
Thi
slooksexpensi
ve.
”
“
Thecompanycov
ersf
ori
t.
”
Lel
esnappedacoupl
eofpi
ctur
es.
“
Let
’sf
reshenup.I
t’
slat
e.”

*
**
Meanwhi leintheopposit
eroom, Lefasett
ledthen
tookherphoneandconnect edi
ttothef r
eeWi Fi.
Sheopenedhermessagesandr epli
edtoaf ew.She
smiledstari
ngatLele’sstat
us,i
twasheratt he
air
port.Lefarepl
iedthoughherl
astseenwashour s
ago.
Lef
a:Wher
ewer
eyougoi
ng?
Shetookadeepbreat
handsentChessat
ext
thr
oughWhatsApp.
Chess:
Hey
,hav
eyouar
ri
ved.
Someoneknockedont
hedoor
.Shest
oodupand
opened.
“
Goodeveni
ng,
Mrs.Mor
emi
,thechampagney
ou
want
ed.
”
They
oungwhi
temanpushedt
het
rol
l
eyi
nsi
de.
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“Youarewelcome.Enj
oyyourst
ayher
e.I
fther
eis
anyt
hing,
pleasedocal
lus.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hewal
kedoutasshepour
edher
sel
fthechampagne.

*
**

Chessrepl
iedtohisemailsonthelapt
opsippingon
hi
swinewhi l
eLeleshowered.Shewalkedout
minut
eslaterwit
hat owelwrappedaroundherbody
andanotherwhit
et oweli
nherhead.Chessfinished
upandhandedLel eaglassofwine.
“
Cour
tesyoft
hehot
el.
”
“
Oh…t
hanks.
”
Hewal kedinsidethebathroom whi l
eLeleloti
oned.
Thebal conycaughtherat tenti
on, shewalkedover
andl ookedatt heLondonst reetssmi l
i
ngwhi l
e
sippi
ngherwi ne.Minuteswentbyasshest ood
therewat chingandobser v
ing, Chesswalkedoutof
thebat hroom, atowelwrappedar oundhiswai st
.He
wentt ot hebalconywherehest oodbehindLele
kissi
ngherback.
“
Hey
…”
Shef
ini
shedherwi
neandt
urnedt
ohi
m.
“
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Yeah.
”
Het ookherglassandputitdownt henkissedher
neckundoi nghert
owel totouchhernakedbody .
Lelebreat
hedheav i
lyrubbi
nghi sbiceps.Thecol d
breezebrushedherskinmaki nghershiver.She
mov edherhandst oherhischest.Hemov edt oher
l
ipsandki ssedherhardersqueezingherbr easts.
Hepi ckedherupandwentbackwi thheri ntheroom
wherepl acedheronthebed.Het ookof fthetowel
andrubbedhi sdickonhersli
t.Ther ubbingfel
tso
goodt heykeptmov i
ngagainsteachot her.Onthe
bed,Chess’ sphonewhichwasonsi l
entrang
vi
bratingshowi ngavi
deocallcomi ngin.Lelemov ed
herhandunderherwai stasthephonev i
bratedon
herthenpr essedsomewhereputtingaway .
Shemoanedgetti
ngmor eandmor ewetter
.Chess
grunt
edknowi
nghehadpr omi sednosext oni
ghtbut
howcouldhepossibl
yresi
stthat.Shereall
ydi
dn’t
havetodomuchtot ur
nhim on.
Lel
emov
edherwai
stbeneat
hhi
m.Chessl
ookedat
her
.
“
Iam sor
ry.Iam doi
ngi
t.
”
Lel
ewhi
sper
ed.“
Pleasebegent
le…”
Heki
ssedhersl
owl
ypushi
ngi
nherwet
ness.

*
**

Meanwhi l
e,Lefa’sheartpoundedsomuchas
watchedt hevideocall
whi chwasshowingt he
ceil
ingonl ythoughshecoul dhearthei
rmoansand
grunt s.Herangerroselist
eningtoeachthrust
deli
v eredaccompani edwithagroanandr ecei
ved
withamoan.
“
Chess….Ohhhhh…mhmmm…”
Herhusbandgruntedandfrom hi
svoiceshecould
t
ellhewasenjoyingitmor
et hanany
thing.Tear
s
f
il
ledhereyesthenshescreamedhisname.
“
Chess!
”
Thegrunt
sgotlouder
,sheangr
il
ygotupandputon
herf
li
psfl
opsthenwalkedoutandknockedonhi
s
door
.
.
.
.
Goodmor
ning,
don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#20

Lefaknockedf orawhilebutnooneopenedand
knowingChess, hewouldn’tstoptil
lhewasdone.
Tearsrol
leddownhercheeks, shewal kedbacki n
herroom thensatdownont hebedt ryingtoholdi t
i
n.Painchokedher ,sheputherhandsonherf ace
cryi
ng.Shecriedsomucht i
llshewasj ustwhizzi
ng
sit
ti
ngont hebed.Shegaspedr unningoutofoxy gen
thenwalkedtohersui t
casewher eshet ookouther
asthmati
cspr ay.Shetookadeepbr eathseconds
l
aterandputitdown.Ther ewasadi fference
betweensuspect i
nghewaswi thanotherwoman
andactuall
yknowi nghewaswi thherandknowi ng
whathewasdoi ngtoher.Thepai nhitdi f
fer
ent.
Minuteswentbyt
henawhilelat
er,herphonerang
i
ndicati
ngaWhatsAppcal
lfrom Chess.Shesnif
fed
t
henpi cked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,Isawy
oucal
l
ed.
”
“
Idi
d.Iguessy
ouwant
edmet
oheart
hat
.”
“
Itmusthav
egot
tenanswer
edbymi
stake.
”
Shelookeduptryi
ngt
oholdinhert
ears.“
Igetthat
youarecheat
ingbutt
omakemeheari t…it’
stortur
e.
Youdon’thav
et odot
hat
.”Sheputherhandov erher
mouthcryi
ng.“Youar
ebr
eakingmeChess. ”
“
Iam sor
ry.I
twasn’
tonpur
pose.
”
“I
twas.Youdi
dsoIcanhear
,ift
heendr
esul
tist
o
hurtme,y
ouaredoi
ngagoodjob.
”
“Iam sor
ryyouhadtolist
ent
othatorseei
t,i
tgot
answeredbymistake.
”
Lef
apressedherl
ipstoget
her
.“Ij
ustwant
edt
osee
i
fyouarri
vedsaf
elybutIseey
oudid.”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
It
’sfi
ne.Isai
dyoucoul
ddoi
tsoenj
oyy
our
sel
f.I
wi
llbefi
ne.”
“
Wher
eisAnel
e?”
“
Wit
hLal
a,Lal
asai
dshemi
ssedher
.”
“
Youar
eal
one?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Don’
tdoany
thi
ngst
upi
d.Anel
est
il
lneedsher
mot
her.
”
“Iam j
ustgoi
ngtosl
eep.Tomor
rowIwi
l
lstar
t
packi
ngmyt hi
ngs,
bytheti
meyoucomeback,I
wouldhavemoved.
”
“
Mov
edt
owher
e?”
“Toanotherhouse.Ithi
nky oushouldkeepAnel e,I
am notwell.Idon’
tthi
nkIwi ll
beabl et
ot akecareof
mydaught erli
keIshould.Myast hmaticattacksare
morefrequenttheseday sandmybl oodpr essureis
alwaysupsoi t’
sbestyoust aywithher.Idon’twant
toputherthroughunnecessar ystr
ess.It
’snotfair
onher,sheisonlyachild.”
“
Canwedi
scusst
hiswhenIcomeback?
”
“
Therei
snothingt
odiscussbecausey
oudon’twant
meanymore.Youkeephurt
ingmebecauseIam
f
orci
ngmyselfonyou.
”
“Let
’sdi
scussitwhenIcomeback.Pl
easedon’
t
hangyoursel
f,noonemightbet
heret
osaveyouthi
s
t
imear
ound.
”
“Iwi
l
lbefi
ne.Hopef
ull
ythatwomancanbeamot
her
,
Anel
eneedsall
thel
oveshecanget.
”
Chesssi
ghedf
eel
i
nggui
l
ty.“
Lef
awee?
”
“
Rra?
”
“
Pleasedon’
thurtyour
self
.Iam sor
ryyouhadto
l
i
stentothat
,itwasnevermyintent
iontomakeyou
l
i
stentothat
.Itwasami st
ake.
”
“
It
’sok.Youhavenothi
ngtobesorryf
or.Aker
ethi
s
marr
iageisov
er?It
’sok,don’
tapol
ogi
ze.”
“Iam worr
ied,kanawanst
ressay
aanong.(
Youar
e
nowst r
essingmeout.
)”
“
Iam goi
ngt
osl
eep.Wewi
l
ltal
k.”
Shedroppedthecallt
hengoti
nbedandcov
eredher
headwiththeduvetsobbi
ngsi
lent
ly.

*
**
Laronatuckedherni
eceinbedt
henjoi
nedKhumoin
thebedroom whil
ehetappedhi
sphone.Khumo’
s
phonerangt henhepi
cked.
“
Chess…”
“
Lai
taka,
isLar
onat
her
e?”
“
Yeah,
what
’sup?
”
“
Putt
hephoneonl
oudspeaker
.”
Khumoputt
hephoneonl
oudspeaker
.
“
Ok.
”
“
Lar
ona?
”
“
Ohhi
Chess.
.”
“
Lef
atel
l
smey
ouhav
eAnel
e.”
“
Yes.
”
“Canyoupl
easepickherupf r
om herhousesoshe
cansl
eeptherewithyou,shesoundssui
cidal
.Ican’
t
comeback,Iam supposedtoattendver
yimportant
meeti
ngs.
”
“
Ofcause,
Iwi
l
lcal
lherormama.
”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Didshesaywhatt
hepr
obl
em i
s?”
“I
t’
s…it’
sapr
ivat
eissue.Iwi
l
lsor
titwhenIcome
back.
”
“
It
’st
hedi
vor
cer
ight
?Shei
sscar
ed.
”
“
Yah.
.”
“
Iwi
l
lcal
lher
.”
“
Thanks.
”
Chesshungupt
henLal
agotherphoneget
ti
ngout
ofbed.
“
Letmet
alkt
oher
.”
“
Orwecanpi
ckherup.Shecansl
eepher
e.”
“No,sheneedsmama.Iwi
l
laskmamat
ocol
l
ect
her.
”
“I
t’
slat
ebabe,howisyourmotherdri
vi
ngt
hisl
ateat
ni
ghtallt
hewayfrom Ramot
swa? ”
“
Letmesee.
”
ShewentonWhat
sAppandcal
l
edhersi
sterwal
ki
ng
out
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
.What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
“
Yousoundl
ow, Chessj
ustcal
l
ed.Hei
swor
ri
ed.
Hav
eyouarr
ived?”
“Lal
aIcal
l
edChesswit
hav
ideocal
l
,hepi
ckedwhi
l
e
havi
ngsexwi
thher.
”
“
What
?”
“
Hemademel
i
stent
ohi
m hav
esexwi
thher
.”
“
Ican’
tbel
i
evet
his.
”
Lef
ast
art
edcr
ying.“
Hemademel
i
stent
ohi
m Lal
a.”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Myhear
tispai
nful
,myhear
tisbr
eaki
ng.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.Iknowi
t’
spai
nful
.
”
“
Lal
amyhear
tisbreaki
ng.Hemademel
i
stent
ohi
m.
Hemademel
isten…”
“
Whatdi
dhesay
?”
“Hesaidhedidn’
tmeantobutheknew.Heknew.I
am notthebestper
sononeart
hbutthatwascr
uel
.I
didn’
tdeser
vethat.
”
“
May
bey
ouneedt
ocomebackhome.
”
“
IwantmyhusbandLal
a.”
“Welli
fyouwantyourhusbandyouhav etobesmart
aboutit
.Ify
ouactstupi
d,youaregoingtolookli
kea
crazywomanandhewi ll
gladl
ydivorceyou,come
back.Heisnotgoi
ngtoenjoythi
st ri
panymore
becauseofthi
s.Wenastopwor r
ying.Comeback
home.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Good.Iwi
l
lpi
cky
ouf
rom t
heai
rpor
t.
”
“
Ok.
”
“Youdon’tevenneedtoknowwhot hatgi
rli
s.Hewil
l
l
eav eheronhisown.Comehome, Iknow
sometimesy oudon’tl
i
keli
steningt omamabutt hat
womanhast hebestadvi
ceever .Comeback, y
ou
will
gethim back.Whenhecalls, st
opcryi
ngandsay
i
t’sfi
ne.”
“
Shar
p.”
Lal
ahungupandgotbacki
nthebedr
oom.Khumo
l
ookedather
.
“
And?
”
“
Shei
sonherwayt
oMol
epol
ole.
”
“
Alone?
”
“
Shei
sal
mostt
her
e.”
“
Oh…”
“
Yeah.Iam t
ir
ed.Let
’ssl
eep.
”

*
**

Chessl ookedatLel esleepingpeacefully,

hef ound
himselfsmi li
ngstaringather.Het ookouthi s
p[honeandt ookapictureofherwhi leshesl ept.
Everyt
hingaboutherwasper fectandasmuchashe
couldsayi twasonl ysex, i
twasmor ethanthat.It
wasmor ethanj ustsex.Itwaswaymor ethanthat
thenhiswi fe…thegui l
tyhewasnowf eeli
ngcoul dn’
t
compar
etoany
thi
ng.
HetooktheotherphonethatEthanhadpreparedfor
hi
mt hencal
ledhisuncl
ewal ki
ngtothebalcony.
“
Chess,
Iam t
ryi
ngt
omakel
ovet
omywi
fe,
whatdo
y
ouwant?”
Helaughed.“
Iam sor
ryf
orcal
l
ingsol
ate.Ihav
ean
i
ssue.”
“
Whati
sit
?”
“Lef
adidn’
tcheat
.Shegotr
apedandthoughti
fshe
tol
dmet hetr
uth,
Iwouldl
eavehersi
nceitwasa
gangbang.
”
“
Shewasr
apedwi
thmul
ti
plepeopl
e?”
“
Yes,
shewaski
dnappedt
henr
appedbyf
orei
gn
man.
”
“
Dammi
t!
”
“Iunderst
andwhyshewoul dfeel
Iwouldleav
eher,
I
am surpri
sedsheisst
il
lali
ve,mostpeopl
ewould
havelongkil
ledt
hemselves.
”
“
Yes,
Iknowt
hat
.”
“Sheisdepressed,sheisal
wayscr yi
ng, Idi
dn’tcar
e
atfi
rstbutnowIcanseet hatt
herei sjustsomet hi
ng
wrongwi t
hher.Somet i
messhecanbehappyand
somet i
messhei stotal
l
yadiff
erentper son.Okar e
i
t’sament ali
ll
nessorsomething,Iguessi t
’s
depressi
on.”
“
Eish…whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odonow?Iknowy
ou
l
oveLef
a.”
“
Ido.Butt
her
eissomeoneel
se.
”
“Someoneelse?Thi
sisget
ti
ngi
nter
est
ing,
who’
s
someoneelse?”
“
Lelent
le.Imetherday
sbackandIknowwhatIf eel
i
nmyhear t.MalomeIhaveneverfel
tli
ket
hisbefor
e.
NotevenforLefaandi
t’
snotexcit
ementofnewsex,
i
t’
smor ethanthat
.”
“Wai
t,hol
don,
letmewakeup.Iam di
stur
bingy
our
aunt
.”
Chesswai
ted.
“
Chess,
war
eLel
ent
le?
”
“
Yes.Shei
sbeaut
if
ulandt
hick.
”
“
Thi
ckhow?
”
“
Real
l
ythi
ck.
”
“
Liket
hatf
atgi
rlwhoy
ouwer
enei
ghbor
swi
th?
”
Chesslaughed.“
Yesbutmoremeatyandshaped.
Butthat
’snotwhy.Ofcausei
t’
spar
tofitbut
-“
“
Iti
s.Bi
ggi
rl
sar
ebl
essi
ngs.
”
Chesslaughed.“
Ithi
nkIam fal
li
ngf orher
.Shesof
t
spoken,ki
ndandcompassionate.Sheis…Ican’
t
evenputiti
ntowords.Iam f
all
i
ngi nlovewit
hher.
”
“
AndLef
aene?
”
“Il
oveLefa.Takingawayt hehateIhadf orherthi
s
pastfewmont hs,IknowIst il
ll
oveher.Sheismy
day1.Ihav ebeenwiththatwomanf oryearsnow,
sheismywi f
e.GapehelaLef aissuici
dal,
Ifeeli
fI
divor
cehershei sgoingtof eeli
t’
sbecauseshewas
rapedthensheki l
l
sherself.Iwon’tbeabletoli
ve
withthatguil
t.
”
“Soyouwantt
obewi
thheroutpi
t.AndLel
entl
eis
wil
li
ngtost
ayasy
oursi
deoryouwillbebr
eaki
ngit
off
?”
“
Iam notleav
ingLele,
Ilov
eher
.Iwanther
.IknowI
wantherandonlyher.
”
“Butyouarescar edt odi
v orceyourwifebecauseshe
i
semot i
onall
yblackmai l
ingy ouwithsuici
de, i
fshe
didn’
tcheat,your eal
lyhav enogoodr easont oleave
her.Igetit
.Idon’tknowabouty oubutIam exci ted
foryou,twowomen, samet ime?Everyman’ sdream.
Butasmuchasi tcanbeadr eam comet rue,i
tcan
theyourwor stmistakeev er.Youhavet oplayyour
cardsright
,Iwoul dsay,l
ayi tdownt oLelentl
e,let
herbeonboar dwi t
hwhat ’sgoingon.”
“
Shewon’
tagr
ee.
”
“Youconv i
nceher .Lyi
ngt oherwi l
lonlymaket hings
worseatt heendgapey ouwi l
lalwaysf abr i
catel i
es
from ti
met ot i
meagai n.Eventuall
yshewi llf
indout
becausebet weenLel eandLef a,youwi l
l bet r
yingt o
protectbot hf r
om t hetruth.Layitdownwi t
hLel e,tel
l
herwhat ’
sgoi ngon.Ory oukeepbot hint hedar kfor
3mont hst hemost ,makeachoi ceofwhaty ouwant
andst i
ckwi thitbutdon’ tgetcaught.Besmar t
.Your
auntisawake, Ihavet ogo.Besmar t,
may beoneday
youwi l
l hav ethem bot hasy ourwi v
es,y ouhav et o
smar
tthough.
”
Hisunclehungup,Chesswal kedbacki
ntheroom
thi
nki
ngoft hepossi
bili
tyofhavi
ngbothofthem as
hiswiv
es,theideasoundedappealingt
ohim but
Lelewouldneveragree.
*
**

Thefol
lowingmorni
ng,Chessfini
sheddressi
ngas
Lelewatchedi
ntheblanket
s.Hebrushedhishead
thenl
eanedoverandkissedhersqueezi
ngherboob.
“
Iwi
l
lseey
oul
atert
henwecant
akeat
ourar
ound.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Youcanor
derany
thi
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
Heki
ssedheragai
nandl
ookedi
nherey
es.
“
MmagweAt
ti
ewee?
”
“
Rra?
”
Hesmi
l
edbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
plooki
ngatherwi
tha
certainlookt hathadherblushingandsmili
ng
feelingallshy .Hegrabbedhisbagandwal kedout
l
eav i
ngherbl ushingallal
one.Shegotupthenwent
tot hebathr oom andstart
edf i
ll
ingt
hebathtub
staringatt hebeautif
ulbathroom.Shestart
ed
play i
ngasongf r
om herphoneandsangal ong
thinkingoft hatlookhehadgi venher
.Whataman!

Let
’sgeti
ton(
Ohhohh)
Let
’sgeti
ton(
Ohhohh)
YouknowwhatI
’
mtal
ki
ng‘
bout
C’
mon,
baby
,hey
,hey
Lety
ourl
ovecomeout
I
fyoubel
i
evei
nlov
e
Let
’sgeti
ton,
ohh
Let
’sgeti
ton,
baby
Thi
smi
nut
e,ohy
eah
Let
’sgeti
ton
Pl
ease,
pleasegeti
ton

*
**

LefawatchedasChesswal kedoutfr
om herdoor
usi
ngt hepeephole,
shewaitedforacoupl
eof
minutesthenwalkedoutofherroom andknocked
onhisroom.
“
Room ser
vice!
”
.
.
.
[
Roar
ingFl
ames
#21

Lelepausedattheknockont hedoorwhil
esittingi
n
thebathtubf
ullofwater.Theknockper si
sted
foll
owedbysomeoneshout ing'r
oom servi
ce'
.She
slowlygotupthenreachedf oratowelanddried
herself
.Shewalkedoutoft hebathroom t
hent he
room phonerang.Sheiswal kedovertoit.
"
Ohhel
l
o?"
"
Mrs.ChessMor
emi
,goodmor
ning.
..
"
"
Mor
ning,
howcanIhel
pyou?
"
"
Yourbreakf
asti
sgoi
ngtobedelay
edbyacoupl
eof
minut
es,weapol
ogi
zefort
his.
"
"Ineveror
der
edanyt
hing.Iam sor
ry,
Ithi
nky
ouhav
e
call
edthewrongr
oom. "
"
Ist
hisMr
.chessMor
emi
'
spr
esi
dent
ial
sui
te?
"
"
Uhy
es.
"
"
ThenIbel
i
evewehav
ecal
l
edt
her
ight
ful
sui
te.Mr
.
ChessMoremi
order
edy
ourbr
eakf
astMr
s.Chess
Moremi
."
"
Oh,uhit
'sok.Ther
eissomeoneont
hedoorf
or
r
oom ser
vice,l
etmegetit
."
"
Ther
eiswhat
?"
"
Room ser
vice.
"
"
Uhnot
hinghasbeensentt
oyourr
oom y
etMr
s.
Mor
emi.
"
"
Butt
hereisaknockont
hedoor
.Someonesay
ing
r
oom ser
vice.
"
"Noonehasbeensenty et,noonetot hesui
teis
supposedtobethereasnoonehasy etbeensent.
Wear esendi
ngasecur i
typersonelt
oy ourr
oom in
themeanwhileaswecheckourCCTVcamer as.
Pleaseavoi
dopeningforanyone."
"
Uhok.
"
Lel
eputthephonedown.Ami
nut
elat
ert
her
ewas
anot
herknock.
"
Secur
it
y!"
Lelewal
kedtothedoort
henopenedandl
ethi
min
toget
herwi
thtwoladi
es.
"
Mor
ning.
"
"
Isev
ery
thi
ngok?
"
"
Yes.Someonewasher
eforr
oom ser
vice.
"
"Noonehadbeensent .Docallusifanyt
hingel
se
similarhappens.Wehav ereci
evedacoupleof
reportsofsomeki dshereknockingonourguest
s
roomsbutt hemat teri
sbeinglookedint
oandbeing
solved."
"
Oht
hanky
ou.
"
"
Enj
oyy
ourst
ay!
"
Hewalkedout,t
het
wol
adi
esi
ncl
eani
ngi
nfor
ms
smi
ledather.
"
Iam goi
ngt
otakeabat
h."
"
Yesmam.
"
Lel
ewalkedtothebathroom t
hentookherphone
sendi
ngChessamessageofwhathadhappened.
Shegotbackinthebathtubr
elaxi
ng.Chess
i
mmedi
atel
ycal
l
ed.
"
Hey
,whathappened?
"
"Awomanwasknocki ngonthedoorsay ingker oom
servi
ce,bef
oreIcouldopenthenthehot elcall
ed
tel
li
ngmeaboutt hebreakf
asty ouorderedandt hey
tel
lmenoonehasbeensentt omyr oom y et.They
sentsecuri
tytocheckonthi
ngsandnowIguess
theyarechecki
ngthesecuri
tyfootages.Appar ent
ly
mightbesomeki dsjustmessingaround."
"
Ok.Ar
eyouokt
hough?
"
"
Iam f
ine.
"
"
Ok,
Iam i
nameet
ing.Iwi
l
lseey
oul
ater
."
"
Ok.
"
Hehungup,
Lel
esmi
l
edr
epl
yi
ngt
oLef
a.
Lel
e:Keet
il
e (
Ihav
evi
sit
ed.
)
Lef
areadt
hemessageandst
art
edt
ypi
ng.
Lef
a: bogi
rl
!
Lel
e:Wear
eseei
ngt
hewor
ld.
Lef
a:Asy
oushoul
d.Howi
syoury
oungerbr
other
?
Lel
e:Hei
sgood.Doi
nghi
sfor
m 1.
Lef
a:Wow!Peopl
edogr
owhey
Lel
e:Youwi
l
lbesur
pri
sed.
Lef
a:Weshoul
dreal
l
ycat
chup.
Lel
e:Weshoul
d.Imi
ssedy
ou.
Lefa:Imissedyoulilsi
s,byt
heway,It
extedt
hat
fr
iendofmi neandhesay sheisgoi
ngtoseewhat
hecando.Theyal readyhaveabiot
eachermme
helaapparentl
ytheguyisquit
ti
nghi
sjobsother
e
mightbeanopeni ng.
Lel
e:Ar
eyouser
ious?
Lef
a:Moret
hanj
ustser
ious.Wewill
tal
kmoreabout
i
twhenIcomeback.Wenabereadytomov
et o
Gabs.
Lel
e:AndIdon'
tev
enknowany
onet
her
e.
Lef
a: uhme?
Lel
esmi
l
ed.
Lel
e:Iwoul
dwantt
obur
deny
ou.
Lefa:Jojo,
youwil
lst
aywithme.Ebi
letherei
sa
bachelorpadatt
hebackofourhouse,youcanuse
thatti
lly
ouareablet
odoy ourownthi
ng.Imissed
you,Iwouldn'
tmindhav
ingmycuddlebareforever
.
Mychubbybaby !
Tear
sfi
l
ledLel
e'
sey
es.
Lel
e:Ar
eyouser
ious?
Lefa:
Mor
ethanj
ustser
ious.Myhousei
sopenf
or
you.
Lel
ecal
l
edherwi
thWhat
sapp.
"
Arey
ouser
ious?
"
"
Iam.
"
Lel
esni
ff
ed."
Thanky
ou.
"
"Youar
egoi
ngtogett
hej
ob.Gapepr
ivat
eschool
s
havemoney
."
"
Thanky
ou.
"
"
Don'
tcr
ymyl
ove.Igoty
ou.Bi
gsi
sisher
e."
"
Thanky
ouLef
a."
Lefachuckled."Kanawenayouhav
eal
waysbeena
crybaby,don'tcry,
youwil
lmakemecr
ytoo.
"
Lel
elaughedwipi
ngawayhert
ear
s."
Youal
way
s
cri
edwheneverIcr
ied.
"
"
Youar
emaki
ngmei
moshi
nal
iLel
e."
Lel
elaughed."
Whoev
ermar
ri
edy
oui
slucky
."
Lef
asi
ghed."
Yeah.
."
"
Howol
disy
ourdaught
er?
"
"
5.Shei
sfi
ve.
"
"
Wow!
"
"Ngng,don'
tfeelhurr
iedtohav
ekids.Kidsar
ea
burdenIt
ell
you.Thati st
hehonestt
ruthnoonewi
l
l
tal
kaboutbutit
'sthetrut
h."
Theyl
aughed."
KanawenaLef
a."
"
Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ou.Enj
oyy
ourl
i
febef
oreki
dsmma.
"
"Whenyousaythat,
youremindme.Kanamothoo
bat
lagogonkimisa.(Someonewant
stogetme
pregnant.)He'
salr
eadycal
li
ngmebyanon
existent
'schi
ld'
sname.Letmedr
inkt
heemer
gency
pil
l."
Lef
alaughed."
Areommagwemang?
"
"
Gat
wemmagweAt
ang.
"
"
Myhusband'
slat
ebr
otherwascal
l
edAt
ang.
"
"
Oh.
."
"Yeah,
myhusbandwouldal
wayssaywewil
lname
oursonAt
ang,maybeyoushoul
dkeepAt
angmma."
"
Iam notr
eady
."
"
Andit'sok.Don'tfeelpr
essured.Iwi
l
lt al
kt oy
ou
whenIlandinBot swana,mightbetomor r
ow
morni
ng.Iwillputpressureontheguysoy ougetan
i
nter
viewmay benex tweekonMonday .Byweekend
youwouldhavemov edthissi
de."
"
Wil
lyourhusbandagr
ee?
"
"
Yes.Don'
tworryaboutthat
.Jusrel
ax.Igoty
ou
MmagweAt ang.Justl
i
keIhady ourback.
"
"
Thanky
ou.
"
"
It
'sok.Ihav
etogo.By
e."
Lef
ahungup,Lel
esmiledexci
tedl
ythenl
eanedback
i
nthebat
htubputt
ingherphoneasi
deandrelaxed.

*
**

Lefawal
kedoutwit
hherbagst
hencheckedoutand
gotint
hecaboutsi
de.
"
Heat
hrowAi
rpor
tpl
ease.
"
"
Ok.
"
ThecabtookoffasLef
acl
osedherey
esl
i
steni
ngt
o
herheadache.
Whatev
eritwas,
shewasn' tgoi
ngtobot
herhim
anymore,
shewouldjustl
ethim bet
henstayat
homeli
keagoodwi f
ei ssupposedt
o.
Awhil
el atershepai
dt hecabdriv
erandwalked
i
nsi
det heairport
.Minutesl
atershewaswasget t
ing
i
nherpl anebackhome.Shewentt hr
oughher
pi
ctur
esast hepl
anetookoffthenpausedather
weddingpictur
es.Shelookedati
tforawhi
lethen
smiledt
earfull
y.Alothadgonewrongandall
becauseshedi dn'
tmov ewit
hChesswhenheasked
her.
Shecl osedherey esfighti
nghert earsasshe
wonder ednowwhatwast her eason..
.Thejob?Her
mar r
iagewassuf fer
ingatt hehandsofchoosi ngthe
j
ob.Shecoul dhav eavoidedal otofthi
ngsandshe
couldblamei tont hedepr essionandpai nbutshe
knewshewasr esponsiblef orit.Chesshadbeen
nothi
ngbutagoodhusbandandshewasungr atef
ul.
Shepr obabl
ydeser v
edev ery t
hinghappeningtoher.
Painwr appedi t
selfar
oundherasshepressedher
l
ipst ogethertr
yingtoremainst
rong.Thel
adyseated
besidesherl ookedatherasshetri
edtokeepon
breathingbutthemor eshecaughtnottocry,
the
mor esher anoutofoxy gen.
Anai
rat
tendedwal
kedov
er."
Mam,
arey
ouok?
"
Lefaopenedhersmall
bagandt ookoutheroxygen
i
nhalerwhil
eever
yonewat ched.Thefl
ightat
tendant
rubbedhershoul
derwatchingthenfi
nall
ysmiledas
Lef
arel
axed.
"
Arey
ouoknow?
"
"
Yes.Thanky
ou.
"
Shet ookadeepbr eathandlookedatthepictur
es
againwi shingt
herewasawayt otakebackthe
handsoft i
me,i
ftherewasaway ,
shewant edto
takebackt hehandsoftimeandmakedi f
ferent
decisions.Shewantedtogobacki ntimeandmake
i
tr i
ghtbutnowshej ustdidn'
tknowhow.

*
**

Moabi lookedathi msel

font hemi r
rori
nthehair
salonthensmi led.Thebarbersmi l
edimpressed
withhiswor ktoo,thehai
rcutlookedgoodonhi m,
mat t
eroff act
,itmadehiml ooklikeanentir
e
dif
ferentperson.
"
Thanksy
ou.
"
"Ahmybrot
her,
it'
smyjob.Imakepeopl
elook
handsomej
ustl
ikeyoudonow."
Moabismi
ledget
ti
ngupt
henhepai
dthebar
ber
.
"
Thankyousomuch."
"
It
'sgoodmybr
other
,ti
l
lnextt
ime.
"
Moabiwalkedoutint henewpairofjeans,at-
shir
t
andsneakers.I
tfeltdif
fer
entbutsti
llgoodbecause
noonewasl ookingathim anymore.Hisphonerang.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"HiMoabi,mygar
denneedsy
ourhands.Cany
ou
pleasecome.
"
"
Yesmam.
"
Moabi walkedt othebusstopwher ehegotacombi
backtohisoner oom t
henhegothi sequipmenti na
bigbagandwal kedwithitt
otheot herstr
eet.He
rangtheintercom andthegateopened.Thel ady
walkedouthol dingaglassofwinei nashortdress
andfrom themusi c,Moabicouldtellsheprobably
hadherfriendsov erasusual.
"
Goodmor
ningmam.
"
Thel
adypausedst
ari
ngathi
m."
Moabi
,i
sthi
syou?
"
"
Yesmam.Iwi
l
lst
artwi
tht
hel
awnt
hendot
he
hedgebutt
hatwi
l
lbef
oranext
raP450.
"
"
Uh.
.ofcause.Wow.
..Youl
ookdi
ff
erent
."
"
Thanky
oumam.
"
"
Ilongt
oldy
out
ocal
lmeJudy
."
"
Yesmam.
"
Judysmil
edt henhewal kedpasthergoi ngt
othe
l
awn.Whoknewwhatagoodhai rcutandachange
ofwardr
obecoul ddo..
..Shewatchedhi m ashet
ook
offhi
st-
shir
tt henputonhiswor ksuit.Ther
ewas
j
ustsomethingdiff
erenttoday.
..
.

*
**

Latert hatday,atthehot el
inLondon,Lelesatbythe
balconyenj oyi
ngt hev i
ew.Someoneknockedont he
door, shepausedt hent hepersonknockedagai n.
Lelest oodupandwal kedt ot
hedoort henopened.
Shel ookedatt hey oungwomani nsportswear.She
stoppedsmi l
i
ngt henf r
owned.
"
Hi,
whoar
eyou?
"
"
Iam sor
ry,
Ithi
nky
ouar
elost
."
Theyoungwomanwalkedi
nthenl
ookedaround.
"Thi
sismybrot
her
'sr
oom.Whoareyou?"
"
Yourbr
other
?"
"
Yes.Chess.Whoar
eyou?Doyouknowmybrot
her
i
samar r
iedman?Whatar
eyoudoingwi
thamarr
ied
manhere?"
"
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dasky
ourbr
othert
hat
."
"
Iam askingyou!Arey
oudumborwhat?What
'sar
e
youdoingher
ewi t
hamarri
edman?Thatmanis
marr
ied!"
Leletriedt owalkpastherbutshepushedherback.
"Heelal edombi kewena,(
Heyy oudumbling,
)Iam
tal
kingt oy ou!Whattheheckar eyoudoi
ngwi t
ha
mar r
iedman?Koor eyoudon'tevenseetheri
ngon
hisfinger?Youhav enoshamewhor e.Busyopeni
ng
thoser ottenlegsforamar r
iedman!Whoar eyou?"
Lel
etookadeepbreat
h."
Iam notthemarri
edone
her
e,howabouty
oukindl
yasky ourbr
otherwhyhe
i
schasingaftersinglewomenwhi l
ewearingaring,I
thi
nkhisansweri swhaty ouneed.Askhi
m whyhei s
serv
inghismar r
ieddicktomewhenhei s
someone'shusband.Pleasest epoutofmyway .I
havenodesiretof i
ghtorenterascreamingcont est
wit
hy ounei
therdoIhav et oansweranyofy our
questi
onsbecauseIdon' tknowy ouandIdon'towe
youoranyoneany thi
ng."
.
.
:
Roar
ingFl
ames
#22

Lelewal
kedbackt othebal
conyandsatdown
holdi
ngherphonewhi l
eChess’
ssisterl
ooked
arounddisgust
ed.Shetookoutherphoneandcal
l
ed
herbrot
her.
“
Neo…”
“
Whoi
sthi
swomani
nyourr
oom?
”
“
Huh?
”
“
Thi
sfatwomani
nyourr
oom,
wher
eisLef
a?”
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nmyr
oom?
”
“
IthoughtIwoul
dsur
pri
sey
ou.Who’
sthi
swoman?
”
“
Iam comi
ng.Ihopey
oudi
dn’
tgi
veheranat
ti
tude.
”
“Ar
eyousl
eepi
ngwi
thher
?Ar
eyoucheat
ingon
Lef
a?”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.Iam al
readyi
nthel
i
ftupt
her
e.”
Chesshungup.Moment sl
aterhewalkedi
n.Her
youngersi
stert
urnedt
ohimt henl
ookedathi
m.
“
Arey
oucheat
ing?Why
?”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Hey
,Imi
ssedy
out
oo.
”
Shesatdownonthebedst
ari
ngathi
m.“
Whyar
e
youdoi
ngthi
stoLefa?
”
“
Alothasbeengoi
ngon,
aloty
oudon’
tknow.
”
Chesswal
kedtothebalconyandtr
iedki
ssi
ngLel
e
butshemovedherhead.Hepaused.
“
Arey
ouok?
”
“
Yes…”
Hel
ookedathercal
mfacet
hensi
ghed.“
Whatdi
d
mysi
sterdo?
”
“Not
hingwrong.Justr
emindedmewhyIshoul
dn’
t
behere.NowthatIthi
nk-
“
“
Stopov
ert
hinki
ngt
hings.
”
“
Youar
esomeone’
shusband.
”
“
MmagweAt
ti
e…”
“NoChess.Youaremarr
ied,Iknowy ouar
egett
inga
div
orcebutIdon’
twantt
obecal lednames.Maybe
weshouldtakeabreakt
il
lyourdivor
ceisfi
nal
.”
Chesski ssedher .“Iam sorryaboutwhat everNeo
mighthav esaid,Iam sorryforthedisr
espectandI
am sor ryyouhav etoendur et hi
sguil
tbutIwon’ tbe
abletost ayaway …Idon’ twantt obeawayf r
om y ou.
Pleasebepat i
ent,Iknowi t’
st oomuchbutpl ease.
Letmet rytofigureoutthisthebestwayIcan.My
wifetriedkill
i
ngher selfwhenIt oldheraboutt he
divorce,that’
swhatIact uall
ywant edtot al
kabout
whenIar ri
vedinSer owe.Shehungher self
,hersister
foundher .Shei sdepressed, Iwanthertoat t
end
therapysowecandi vorceinpeacewi thoutany
emot
ional
blackmai
l
.”
“
Whatar
eyousay
ing?Youar
enotdi
vor
cingnow?
”
“Iam goi
ngtotakeitstepbyst
epinawaythatwil
l
benefi
tus.Iam sorr
ythati
tmightt
akel
ongerbutI
knowIwanty ou.”
Lelel
ookedathi
mt henlaughed.Tear
sfil
ledher
eyesthenshebl
inkedthem awaysmili
ng.“I
sthi
s
yourwayofsayi
ngy ouaregett
ingbackwithyour
wife?
”
“
No.Comeon.
”
“
Iti
s.That
’swhaty
ouwant
edt
osayt
hatni
ght
.”
“
Iam notget
ti
ngbackwi
thher
.”
“Youar eandy ouar esayingthissot hatyoucan
keepmear ound.Iknowhowmar ri
edpeopledoi t
Chess.Iknowy ouar ebackwi thher.”Shelookedup
tearfull
y.“
Iknewt hiswoul dhappen.Iknewi t.There
i
snot hi
ngli
kedi vorce,
from her e,
itwill
beexcuse
afterexcuse.Findingmor eandmor ereasont o
stri
ngmeal oneandkeephav ingsexwi thme.Iknow.
Ihav ebeent her
ebef ore.Ican’tbeli
eveIfel
lforit
agai
n.”
“
Babe-
“
“
Iam hurtbutIknewi
t.Iknewy
ouwoul
ddot
his.
Notsur
prised.
”
“
Lel
ent
le,
cany
oupl
easel
i
sten?
”
“
List
ent
owhat
?Toy
oul
yi
ngt
ome?
”
“
Iknowyouaredoubti
ngmeri
ghtnow, babeIam
t
ryi
ngtoexpl
ainal
lthi
stoy
ou.Iam notgett
ingback
wi
thher.
”
“Youare.”Shet ookadeepbr eat
h.“YouareChess.
Sincewhenhaddepr essi
onbeent hereasonpeople
don’tdi
vorce.Thisisyourli
tt
leexcuseandI..
.”She
tookadeepbr eathasatearroll
edhercheek.She
wipeditshakingherhead.“Ican’tbel
ievemyself
.”
Chesscr
ouchedbef
oreher
.Hehel
dherhands.“
I
don’
twantt
ogobacktoher.”
“Youarel
ying.Youstil
lwanther.Youhaveal
ways
wantedhertobeginwith!Youjustneeded
somewheret odishoutyoursemenandIwast he
candi
dateforthat.
”
“Lel
entl
e…babewhatdoIneedt
odot
opr
oveIam
notcheati
ng?
”
Atearr
oll
eddown,shewipedi
tof
fandsmil
ed.“
Go
anddealwi
thyoursi
ster
.Shei
swait
ing.
”
“Idi
dn’twanttojusthav
esexwithyou.I
t’
smore
thanthat.Ihat
ethatyouthi
nkIam get
ti
ngbackwi
th
Lefa.
”
“Becausey
ouar
e,ar
eyoudi
vor
cingher
?Youar
e
not.
”
Shest
oodup.“
Iam goi
ngt
otakeawal
k.”
“
Youdon’
tev
enknowy
ourwayar
ound.
”
“Iwi
l
lfi
gurei
tout.WhenIcomeback,mayIpl
ease
fi
ndmyplaneti
cketwai
ti
ng.Iwantt
ogoback
home.”
Shegr
abbedherphoneandwal
kedi
nsi
det
her
oom.
“
Lel
e…”
Lel
ewalkedoutoftheroom whi
leChessf
oll
owed
aft
erherHegrabbedherar
m stoppi
ngher
.
“
Lef
aismydaught
er’
smot
her
,Iwasgoi
ngt
odoi
t
butmydaught erneedshermot herali
ve.Kidsgrow
babe,Anelewil
lnotremainthi
sy oung, t
imewill
mov eandshewi l
lgrowwithit,
Idon’twanthert o
thi
nkIam thereasonhermot herkil
ledherself
.I
don’twantmydaught ert
ogrowupwi thouther
mother,Iwanthertohavebothpar ents.Theymay
notbetogetherbuttheywil
lbet her
e.”
Lele’
sli
pst
rembl
edastear
sfloodedherey
es.“
What
areyousay
ingt
henChess?”
“Iam goi ngtodel ayt hedivorcepr ocessf orthree
mont hsandgetherhel p.Shei snott akingt he
divor
cewel l
, Iam notev ensleepingwi thher .For
daught er’
ssakeIneedhert ogethel pandIneedher
tobei nther ightfulstateofmi ndwhenwedi vorce.
Sheisnoti nt herightstateofmi ndatt hemoment ,
weshar easset s.Wear emar ri
edincommuni tyof
property,therei sal ottoconsi dersoi magi neifIgo
aheadwi ththedi vorceandl atergoesbackt ocourt
clai
mi ngshewasn’ tintheright f
ulstateofmi ndt o
makesuchdeci si
ons, babepl easeunder standwher e
Iam comi ngf rom.”
“
Soy
ouar
egoi
ngt
obest
ayi
ngwi
thher
?”
“Iwantt
otal
ktoherandseeifIcangetherko
Sbranawher
eshewill
getthemuchneededhelp.
”
“Andifshedoesn’
tagr
ee,
will
youbest
ayi
ngwi
th
her?Willy
oubestayi
ngwit
hyourf
amil
y?”
Hel
ookedi
nherey
es.“
Ify
ouwantmet
omov
e,Iwi
l
l
mov
e.”
“Whywoul dIwantyout omov e?Dowhaty ouwant.I
am notgoingtobepar tofi
tandt hat
’si
t.I
fyouthi
nk
youcanhav eyourbreadbutteredbothsi
des,y
ouar e
mistaken.I
t’
snotgoingt ohappen.”
“
Lel
e-“
Lel
eturnedandwal
kedaway
.“Goanddeal
wit
hyour
si
ster
.”

*
**

InChess’
sroom,
Chesswal
kedbacki
nandl
ooked
atNeo.
“
Ican’
tbel
i
evey
ouar
echeat
ingonLef
a.”
“
Whot
oldy
ouIwasher
e?”
“
Tyt
oldme.Whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
me?
”
“
BecauseIdon’
twanty
oui
nmybusi
ness.
”
“
Ican’
tbel
i
evey
ouar
echeat
ingonLef
a,why
?”
“
Iam notdi
scussi
ngmymar
ri
agei
ssueswi
thy
ou.
Howismedici
ne?”
“
Fine.Iam,
hol
dingon.Lef
aisagoodwoman.
”
“Mindy ourownNeo.Iam notgoi
ngt
oexplai
n
myselfonev er
ythi
ngIdo.Ihavemyr
easons,y
ou
don’tknowwhat ’
sgoi
ngoni nmymarri
agesostay
awayf r
om it.
”
“
Youwi
l
lnev
erbel
i
keAt
ang.
”
“
AndIwasn’
tpl
anni
ngtobeanyt
hingl
i
kehi
mthough
i
tst
ingsy
oucomparemetohim.
.”
Tear
sfi
l
ledNeo’
sey
es.“
Idi
dn’
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
.”
“
Whatdi
dyoumeani
tli
ke?
”
“
Iwasj
ust
…”
“
Thanksf
ort
aki
ngy
ourt
imet
ocomeandseeme.I
appr
eci
atei
t.
”
Neolookedathi
m knowi
ngev enthoughhewoul
dn’
t
sayanyt
hing,
herst
atementhurthim.
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
Chesssighedt hentookherhandsi ntohis.“Iknow
youwer eclosertoAtangt hanyouwer etome.I
knowhi sdeathstil
lgetstoy oubutIam notAt ang.I
am nevergoingt obeAt ang.Idon’
tevenwantt obe
Atang.Acceptthatandst ophav i
ngcer t
ain
expectati
onsofmedoi ngwhaty outhinkAtang
wouldhav edone.”
“Iam sor
ry.ButIwil
lneveracceptthatwoman
knowingthereisLef
a.Lefaislikemysist
erandIam
nevergoi
ngt obetr
ayherlikethat.
”
“
Nooneexpect
syout
o.”
“
Iwast
hinki
ngwehav
edi
nnert
oget
hert
oni
ght
.”
“
Makei
tlunch,
tomor
row.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shemovedcl
oserandhuggedherbr
other
.“Iam so
happyt
oseeyou.
”
“
Soam I
.”
Shemov
edback.“
Ihav
etogo.Tomor
row.
”
“
Yah.
.”
Shewalkedoutt
aki
ngoutherphonet
hencal
l
edher
mother
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Mama,
IjustsawChesst
hissi
de.
”
“
Ohy
es,
hei
sther
e…”
“
Hei
swi
thanot
herwoman.
”
“
Whatot
herwoman?
”
“
NotLefa.Hei
scheat
ing,
Hebr
oughtawomanon
t
hist
ri
p.”
“
Whydon’thej
ustdi
vor
ceoncei
fhewant
sanot
her
woman?
”
“
Div
orce?Whywoul
dheev
endi
vor
ce?
”
“Heelathatgi
rlyouholdonhighpedestal
isa
cheaterandaliartoo.Shei
sabigliar
,sheist
he
biggestli
arev
erandIseet hr
oughher.Ihaveal
way
s
knownf rom thetimeImether ,onedayy ourbr other
willcomet omeandapol ogizefornotbel i
ev i
ngme
whenIt oldhim abouther.Itoldhimt hefir
stt i
meI
metLef aandhet houghtIj usthatedhisgirlfr
iend,I
willneverjustwakeupandst arthati
ngon
someone’ sdaughter,Idon’tevenhateherbutIdon’ t
wantherf ormyson.Thatmar r
iageisnotf rom God.
Anele…Anel eisnothischild.Itoldhi
m andhedi d
DNAt estswithLef awhichpr ovedshewashi sbut
l
etmet ellyou,thatwomandi dsomet hing,shei sa
crook.Anel eisnoty ourbrother’
schildandhewi ll
seei tonanot herwomanwhent heotherwoman
givesbirthtohisphot ocopy .
”
“
Mamayoujusthat
eLef
afornor
eason.Younev
er
l
i
kedher
.”
“
Ok.Whatdi
dyouwant
?”
“
Iwant
edt
otel
lyout
hatChessi
scheat
ing.
”
“
Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m.”
“
Bye.
”
Hermot
herhungup.
*
**

Lat
erthatni
ght
,Lel
ewal
kedbacki
nther
oom,
Chess
l
ookedather.
“
Hey
…ar
eyouok?
”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
“
Irany
ouabat
h.”
Lel
ewalkedtothebathr
oom cl
osingthedoorbehind
her.Chesssatonthebedwait
ing.Awhil
elatershe
fi
nall
ywalkedoutwit
hatowelwrappedaroundher
body.
“
Pleasesi
t.Let
’st
alk.
”
Lel
esatdown,herhandsdeepinherj
acket
’s
pocket
s.Chessl
ookedatherknowinghewasthe
edgeoflosi
ngher
.
“Iunderst
andwhyyoufeell
ikeIam goingbackto
her,It
hinkIwoul
dfeel
thesamei ft
her ol
eswer e
exchangedmmagweAt ang.Youhav eever
yrightto
doubtmeandi tdoeslookl i
keIwantt ostringy ou
alongbutt hat
’snotit
.IwishIcanopenupmyhear t
andl etyouseewhat ’
sinsi
de.AllIneedf rom y ouisa
l
ittl
epat ience.Iam notevengoingt obehi ding
any t
hingf rom you.Pl
easedon’tleave…Iam beggi ng
youbabe.Iknowt hi
sisacompl i
catedissue, please
bepat ientwi t
hme, Idon’
twantt olosey ou.Youcan
sleeponi tthi
nkingaboutit
.Ifyoustil
lwantt ogo
tomor row, Iwil
lgetyourfl
ightt
ickets.
”
Shenodded.Hel ookedatherr eali
zingjusthow
scaredhewasofl osi
ngher .Heki ssedher,Lele
couldclearl
ysmel lt
heni cotinefrom hi m.Hekissed
hersogoodashi sdickhar denedi nhi spants,
he
touchedhert highgoingbeneat hitt ouchi
ngher
smoot hpussy .Theybr eathedheav il
ykissi
ngeach
other.Chesst ouchedherpussyandgr untedagainst
herli
ps.Hesett hetowel f
reeandsqueezedher
breastsgett
ingherweaker .
Helai
dheronthebedget
ti
ngont
opofhert
hen
madeslowsweetl
ovetoher
.
.
:
Roar
ingFl
ames
#23

Thef ol
lowi
ngmor ningLel
esl owl
yopenedherey es
coveredinthewhitesheets.Shetookadeepbr eat
h
thenlookedatChesswhowasseat edonachairin
theroom star
ingather.Theylookedey esandfora
whil
et heyj
uststar
edatoneanot her .Hesl
owly
smiledstar
ingathermakingherbl ushshyly.
“
War
eng?
”
Ani
nvol
unt
arysmi
l
ecameonherf
ace.“
Sepe…”
Hechuckl
ed.“
Takwano.
”
Lel
egotoffbedthenpickedhisshi
rtandputiton.
Shewalkedovert
ohi m andsatonhislap.He
wrappedhi
sarmsar oundherandsighedstar
ingat
her.
“
Arey
ouagoodl
i
stener
?”
Shenodded.“
Yes.
”
“
Arey
ousur
e?”
“
Yes.
”
“Canyoul
ist
entounder
standnotmake
concl
usi
ons?”
“
Yes.
”
“Iwantust ohav eanhonestconv ersation,Ihave
neverbeenal iarbefore,mymot hernev ertaughtme
toli
e.Shewoul dalwayssay‘Chess, hurtmewi ththe
trut
hthanlies.’Nomat t
erwhat,
Iwoul dtel
l t
het r
uth.
Iwantust ohav eanhonestconv ersat i
onandf orme
nottolie,
Ineedy outobeagoodl istener.
Somet i
meswel ienotbecauseIhadpl annedt obut
becauseofpani candhowt heconv ersati
oni sgoing.
Idon’twanttol i
et oyoubecauseIknowoncey ou
knowt hetruthy ouwon’twantany thingt odowi th
me.Iwantt obet rut
hfulandt
ranspar entwithyou
becauseIam f alli
nginlovewit
hy ou, i
t’snotevena
j
oke.Doy ouunder st
andmebabe? ”
Shel
ookedi
nhi
sey
esandnodded.“
Yes.
”
“Pr
omiseyouwil
lli
stencar
eful
l
y,underst
andwhatI
am say
ingandnotjumpint
oconclusi
ons?”
“
Yes.
”
Hesqueezedherl ittl
emor ehol dinghert i
ght ly.“ I
n
every t
hi ngIhav et oldy ou, from thet i
meIt oldy ou
whenImetmywi feandourst ory,Inev erlied.Idi dn’
t
evenl ieabouthercheat i
ngbecauset hat ’
swhatI
knew, t hat’swhatIwast oldandmadet obel iev e.I
didn’tliewhenIsai dIam f il
ingf ordi vor cebecauseI
actuallyt oldherandmetwi thmyl awy eront he
i
ssue.Ij ustf oundoutt hatshedi dn’tcheatbutwas
raped.Sheaskedev eryonenott ot ell
mebecause
shewasscar edofmyr eact ion.Myf ami lydoesn’ t
evenknow, mymot herhasnev erlikedher .Shehas
herr easonswhy .Iftheyknewshewasr aped, they
woul dhav enotbel iev edheratal lsoIunder st and
herf ear .Ialsoknownowomandeser veswhatshe
wentt hr ough, Iam st ill
goi ngt ogett ot hebot tom of
thest or ybecausei tsoundedabi tsket chy ,some
thingsdi dn’
tmakesense, somet hingsdi dn’ taddup
andsomesoundedl ikemor el i
esandcov erup
storiesbutIknownowomanwoul dev erj okewi t
h
suchabi gissuel i
ket hi
st hat ’
swhyIam notgoi ngt o
sayshei slying.Iam goi ngt ochooset obel iev eher
storyf ornowandgett ot hebot t
om ofi tbecauseI
am notoneoft hosepeopl ewhoquest ionswomen
whentheycomewithsuchser
iousissuesandshun
t
hem away,notal
ll
ie.Ar
ewestil
ltogether
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Doy
ouunder
standsof
arwhatIhav
esai
d?”
“
Yes.
”
“Ok,whenIcamet oy ourhousethatnightwehad
sex…Ilovesex,Iam notgoingtolieandsayIdon’t
.
Nnababeker atasexaut wa?Il
ov epussyandInever
getenoughofit
, sayIam anaddictorwhat ev
erbutI
l
ovesex.Ilovesexv erymuch.Il
ov eitinal
l
occasi
ons.”
Lel
elaughedshaki
ngherhead.“
Youar
einsane.
”
Hesmi led.“Iam.AndIwon’tl
ieandsayIam not .
WhenIcamet hatni
ght,
Iwassomuchsexual
aroused, Icancontr
olmysel
fusuall
ybutthatnightI
couldn’
t.I tfel
tweir
dbutIbr
usheditoffwitht
he
beli
evet hatithadbeenawhil
e.Iwentbackhome
thenIgott hesamef eel
i
ngafterIdr
ankjuicemy
wifehadgi venme.WhenIcalledyou…remember
andy ousai dIshoul
dtakeacoldshower.Doy ou
remember ?”
“
Yes.
”
“Thatwast henight.Thatmademet obel i
evehel
a
thatsomet hi
ngwasi nthejuice.Itwasnotnor mal.
Shecamei nandIwantt osayr apedbecauseshe
knewIwasi nastateandIcont inuall
ytoldherto
stop,Ididn’
tgiv
econsentt oitjustthatIwasi n
strongsexualstatethatIcouldn’tevenf i
ghthar
der
thanIwoul dhavedoneonanor mal basesbutIam
notsur eifr
apeisther i
ghtf
ulterm Ineedt ouse.I
confrontedherandsheadmi tt
edt ogivingmeVi agr
a
sot otakeadvantageofme. ”
“
Theni
twasr
ape.
”
Heshr ugged.“I
thappenedatni ght,Ididn’
tev en
sleeppr operl
ythatni ghtthent hef oll
owingmor ning
that’
swhenIt oldherIwascont inuingwi t
ht he
divorceandshesai dshewasr aped.Idi dn’tbel i
ev e
i
tbecausei tsoundedl ikeshewast ryi
ngt of inda
wayt ogett ome.Hersi st
ercalledmeawhi lelater
sayingshehadt ri
edt ocommi tsui cideandt oldme
thesket chystory.Iwentt ot hehospi talandmywi f
e
toldmet hesamest orywi t
hnewdet ail
ssur pr i
singl
y,
Iwon’ tgetintothat.Butt hatiswhyIsayIst illwant
togettothebot t
om ofi
t.Herasthmaticatt
acksare
saidtobewor sethesedaysandherbloodpr essur
e
i
sal wayshigh.Sheisal
way stal
kingaboutki
lli
ng
hersel
fifIleav
eher.Wehav eadaught er
,sheisfiv
e
yearsold,sheisasweetchil
d.Ilovemydaught er
babe,herDNAi sbeingquesti
oned.”
Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
“Andi t
’snotl i
keIdon’ theart heset hi
ngsorsee
them whenpeopl ekeept alki
ngabouti tbutIl ovemy
daught er,ifsher eal lyisnotmi ne,itwi l
l breakme
that’
swhyIam r eluct antont heissuebecausei fi
t’
s
herthenI ’dr atherliv eint hedar knotknowi ng.Ihav e
givenal l
myl ov et oher ,
madehert hecent erofmy
wor l
d.That ’
snotsomet hingIcanj ustsayIdon’ t
careaboutany mor e.WhenIsayhermot heri s
i
mpor t
antt oher ,Imeani tbecauseAnel el ov esher
mot hersomuchandIdon’ twantt obet her eason
shegr owswi thouthermot herbecauseIf ailedt o
compr omi sej ustal it
tlebi tmor e.Idon’ twanti nthe
futuretor egr etcer taindeci sionsIt ook.Iam i na
dil
emma, Idon’ twantt olosey ounei therdoIwant
to…t oov erlookasui cidal person.Peopl eget
divorcedev er
yday,someont hei rdeathbedsand
someev endy i
ng…Iknow.Iknowdepr essi
onhas
neverbeenar easonf orsomeonenott odiv orcehis
wifebuti fsheki ll
sher sel
f,mydaught erisgoi ngt o
suffert hat’swhyIsai dpl easebepat i
entwi thme
andl etmegetherhel pbecauseIcar e.Icar eabout
her.Imi ghtnotl oveherasmuchany mor eor
what ev erbutIcar e.Shei snotj ustsomebodyIdon’ t
know.Ial sodon’ twanthert odi e.Idon’ thatehert o
wishdeat honher .Iam caughtbet weenar ockanda
hardpl acebecauseIam i nl ov ewi t
hy ou.Idi dn’
t
planf ort hattohappen, Iam deepl yinlovewi thy ou
andt his…us. .itf
eelsper f
ect .Idon’ twanty ouasmy
sidebecausey ouarenott hat .AllIam aski ngi s
somet ime, ti
met oputt hingsi ntolineand
perspect i
ve, t
imet odeal mymar ri
agei ssues.Idon’ t
wantt obr ingmymar riageissuest oy ou.Iwanty ou
toenj oyt hisrelati
onshi pwithoutwor ryingabout
othert hings.Ineedy out opat ientwi t
hme. ”
“Whati
fyoudecidetoconti
nuewi
thyourmarri
age
aft
erIwai
tthi
nkingIam bei
ngpat
ientwi
thyou?
WhathappensthenChess?”
“
It
’snotgoi
ngt
ocomet
othat
,tr
ustme.
”
Sheswal l
owed.“ Igoti nar el ati
onshi pwi t
hamar r
ied
manbef ore,Ididn’tknowhewasmar ri
edbecause
henev erputonhi sr i
ngandIonl yfoundoutl ater
whenIbumpedi ntohi sor i
ginal accounton
Facebookwher ehewoul dposthi swi feandki ds.He
toldmehewasdi vorcingonl yforhi mt oposta
pictur eofhi m andhi swi fet omor row.Pl easel etme
goi fy ouknowy ouhav edeci dedt okeepy ourwi fe
anddeci dedt of i
xi ssueswi t
hher .Iam naï v ewheni t
comest osuchandIal way sgethur tbutIam not
scar edt opi ckupt hepi ecesupandkeepgoi ngwi th
myl ife.Don’ tbeaf rai
dt or eleasemewhent het i
me
comes.Iwi lljustcr ybutIwi ll
mov ef orwar d.Iam
notgoi ngt obepat ientf orlongwai tingwhent hereis
nothi ngf orme.Iam notev engoi ngt oinvestmyal l
i
nt oy oubecausey oumi ghtwakeupt omor rowand
decideot herwise.WhenIf eel youar ewast ingmy
ti
me, Iam goi ngt osi lent l
yleav ey ou, meetaman
whowi llappr eciatemeandIwi llbet heonl yonei n
hislife, Iwi l
lgetmar r
iedt ohi m wi thouthesi tati
on.”
“
Fai
renough.
”
“Idon’tknowhowy ouwi lldoi tbutIwantt of eel
l
ov edandbel ov ed.Iam goi ngt ot reatthislikear eal
rel
ationshi p, onlyonewher eIam r eall
ycaut ious.I
wanty out odoni cet hi
ngsf orme, Iam t ir
edofbei ng
under standi ngwhenIdon’ tgett reatedt hewayI
knowIneedt obet r
eat ed.Iwantt ogooutondat es,
Iwantt obet akenonv acat ions, Iwantexper ience
thi
sf eelingofbei ngi nlov eandIwanty out odo
everythingaboy fri
endshoul ddo.Iwanty out ospoi l
me, buymegi ftsandf lower s.Iwanty out obet here
formewhenIneedy ou, Idon’twantl i
mi tedt i
me
withy ou, Idon’ twantt obet oldIcandot hi
sandI
can’tdot his.Iwantt ocal lyouwhenIwantandIf eel
theneedt o.Iwanty out ocal l meandt extmel ikea
boy f
riendwoul d.Iwantt odoal lthesillythingswi th
youandwheny ouar ewi thme, youshoul dbewi th
me.Idon’ twantt ohearabouty ourwi feunl essI
reall
yneedt oknow.I fy oubr ingdi seasest ome, i
t
won’tendwel lfory oubecauseIam goi ngt obel oyal.
Iknowmyst atus, Iam cl eanandy ouar egoi ngt obe
theonl ymanIsl eepwi th.Ont opofi t,Iwant
girl
fr
iendal lowance, incasey oudeci det ogobackt o
yourwi fe, thel eastIcandoi scr ywi t
hmoneyi nmy
account .Thatmoneycomeswi thri
skall
owancefor
thef actthatyouar emarr
iedandIst andachanceto
besued.Themoneyhast oreportinmyaccount
everyl astdayoft hemont handt hiswil
lbeusedto
mai ntainmy selfanddoot herthingsIwanttodo.I
under standthedi lemmay ouar einbuti
fanywayI
suspecty ouar ebeginni
ngtor econci
lewit
hy our
wife, Iam goingt oendthisrel
at i
onshi
pwith
i
mmedi ateeffect.
”
“
Ok.Howmucham Igi
vi
ngy
ou?
”
“Amaxi
mum ofP5000mont
hly
.Nonnegot
iabl
e.
Takei
torl
eav
eit.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Fai
r.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Wear
egoodmmagweAt
ti
e?”
“Yes.Andonemor ething, Idrankthepil
l y
est
erday.I
am notgoi ngtogiveyouachi ldunderthese
circumstances.Iam notr eadyt obecalledababy
mama, Iam notgoingtobeababymamawi t
hno
ri
ng, t
heonl yt
imey ouar eev ergoingtogetAtang
from mei swheny ouar eof f
icial
lydi
vorcedandIam
y
ourwi
fe.Ti
l
lthen,
youcanf
orgeti
t.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Duri
ngt
hist
ime,
wil
lyoubehav
ingsexwi
thy
our
wi
fe?
”
“
No.
”
“Chess,yousai
dwear ehav
inganhonest
conversati
on,
pleaset
ell
me.”
“
No.Iwon’
tbe.
”
“I
fIsuspectyouareoryouhave,
Iam goi
ngt
oleave
you.Aker
ey ouaretheonewhosaidy
ouwon’tbe
havi
ngsexwi thher
.Iam gi
vi
ngyouenoughr
opeto
hangyourself
.”
“
Iam notgoi
ngt
osl
eepwi
thher
.”
“Thenwear esorted.Byt heway ,
Imetmychi ldhood
bestfri
endthatdaywel eft
.Sheisgoi ngtogetmea
j
obatapr i
vat
eschool .Iam mov ingtoGabsi nthe
meantimeandwi llbest ayi
ngwi t
hher .Shehasa
bachelorpadatthebackofherhouse, sheoffered
meaccommodat ion,Iam goi ngt
ost aywi t
hherf or
thefi
rstmonth,seehowt hingsgot henfinal
lymov e
outandgetmyownpl
ace.
”
“Youcoul
dhavetol
dme.Af ri
endofmi
neowns
apart
mentfl
atsandIcanhookyouupwit
hagood
apart
ment.Havi
ngyourownplacei
sal
waysgood.
”
“
Howmuchar
ethef
lat
s?”
“
Aff
ordabl
e.”
“Ok.Iwantbutf
ornowIwi l
ljustst
aywit
hmyf ri
end,
sheisexci
tedaboutt
his.Shewantstocatchup.
”
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m.”
Lel
estoodup.“Iam goi
ngtotakeabat
h,byt
heway
,
Iwantasecur
it
ydeposityaP3000.
”
“
Babekengokar
ekebusi
nesst
ransact
ion
y
aanong?”
“I
t’
sanagreementmylove.Comel et’
sbath,todayI
wanttogoforshoppi
ng.Idon’tknowhowy ouwi l
l
doitbutIwantt
ogooutf orshoppingtoday
.”
Shetookof
ftheshor
tdi
sappear
ingi
nsi
det
he
bat
hroom.
*
**

Lefastr
etchedwal ki
ngoutofherhousewi t
h
cl
eaningthingsthenwenttothebachel orpad.She
openedthewi ndowsandstartedcl eani
ngf rom the
bedroom.Al mosttwohourslatershet ookpi ct
ures
andsentthem toLelewithasmi le.Shewal kedout
cal
li
ngLar ona.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,Iar
ri
vedaf
ewhour
sback.
”
“Ok,
wewil
lmeetatmama’shousear
oundl
unch.I
am t
aki
ngAnel
eoutforbr
eakf
ast.
”
“Sharp,byt heway,Lel
ewi ll
bestay i
ngwi t
hme.Iam
goingtogetheraj obatLegaeAcademy .Shelost
herjob.Ican’twaittocatchupwi thher.Ihaven’tf
elt
thisexcitedinalongti
me.Iam j ustsohappy ,seei
ng
herremi ndedmeofal lthosememor i
esandy ou
knowshei ssti
ll
theLeley ouknow.Sof tspokenand
kind.
”
Lar
onagi
ggl
ed.“
KanaIusedt
ohat
eLel
ebecause
youweremoreclosert
oherthanyouwer
etome,
ebel
eIcanf
eelithappeni
ngagain.
”
Lef
alaughed.“
Shej
ust
…Il
ovey
ou.
”
“Iknow.Ican’
twai
ttoseehert
oo.GapeLegaei
sa
goodschool.”
“
Iknow.Iam get
ti
ngthehouser eadyf
orher
.She
mightneedmorefur
nit
ure,Iwanttogi
vehersome
t
hingsfrom t
hemainhouse.”
“
Ok,
lennaIhav
esomet
hingsIcangi
ve.
”
“Iwi
llcomeandcol
lectt
hem.Ineedt
ogetneedt
o
getsomecurtai
nst
oo.”
“
DoesChessknow?
”
“
Iwil
ltell
him whenhecomesbackbutIdoubthe
wi
ll
hav eaproblem.
”
“
Ok.Let
’smeetar
oundl
unch.
”
“
Shar
p.”

DAYSLATER…
.
Fami
lypl
easeli
keandcommentonouri
nser
ts,
the
commentsect
ioni
sforyou
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#24

Leleputherbagsint
hebootoftheV10whil
eSasa
stoodbyhercar,t
ear
sinhereyes.Lel
ecl
osedt
he
bootandlookedather.
“
Iwi
l
lal
way
svi
sit
.”
SasahuggedLelet
henbrokedowncryi
ng.Lel
e
tear
ful
l
yhuggedherbackandtheyhel
deachother
forawhil
e.Sasast
eppedback.
“
Iam goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ou.Ial
readydo.
”
“
Imi
ssy
out
oo.
”
“
Ihopeyougett
hejobandi
ftheyneedanot
her
t
eacher
…YourChemist
rygi
rli
shere.
”
“
Iwi
l
lkeepmyey
esopen.
”
“
MrsChess…”
Lel
elaughed.“
Don’
tcal
lmet
hat
.”
“Youareal
readyMr
s.Chess.Youshoul
dtel
lhi
mto
getyouacar.”
“
Ij
a,wenakana…”
“
Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ou.Ot
hersi
dechi
cksar
epr
oduct
ive.
”
“
Iam notpl
anni
ngt
obeasi
dechi
ckf
ort
her
estof
myl
if
e.”
“
Forwhat
everti
mey ouareasidechi ckfor
,getacar
.
Ani
cecar
,hewillgeti
tifheisreall
yintoyou.Fr
om,
t
her
eyoumov eont oseri
ousthingslikeahouse.
”
Shel
aughed.“
Youar
ebadi
nfl
uence.
”
Sasal
aughedt
oo.“
Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ou.
”
Lel
ehuggedher
.“Letmegetgoi
ng.
”
“
Yourchi
ldhoodfr
iendi
sablessi
ngbutIst
il
l
mai
ntai
n,youshouldmoveassoonasyoucan.
”
“
Yes.By
e.Lov
eyou…”
“
Bye,
byeSnuggl
es.
”
Lelelaughedgetti
nginthecart henlookedather
puppyi nthebooksbesideher .Shestart
edthecar
andr ever
sed,shepressedt hehooteronceandt ook
off.Sheputonherseat beltandsunglassesgetti
ng
i
nt heroad.Herphonest artedringi
ng,shereached
foritandpickedhermot her’scall
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Lel
e,di
dyouspeakt
oyourbr
other
?”
“
Yes,
hei
sal
readywi
thaunt
y.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Iam onmywayt
oGabor
one.
”
“
Lef
aissuchabl
essi
ng.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Shei
s.”
“Ican’
tbel
i
evesheev
ent
ooky
oui
nherhouse.May
Godblessher
.”
“
Yes.Iam dr
ivi
ng,
wewi
l
ltal
k.”
“
Okbaby
.”
Lel
ehungandincr
easedhervol
umeli
steni
ngt
oher
pl
ayl
istmov
ingherheadheadedSout
h.

*
**

Lefal
ookedatChessashefi
nishedhel
pinghi
s
daught
erwit
hherschoolwor
k.Shesmiled.
“
Hey
,canwet
alk…”
“
Yeah.
”
Hestoodupandf
oll
owedhert
othebedr
oom.
“
Yeah?”
“Imetmychildhoodfr
ienddaysback.Shei
st he
daughtert
omyot her
’sfri
endandwewer ef
riends
backthenbackatschool.
”
“
Goodf
ory
ou.
”
“Iknow.Ihelpedhergetajob,shehadlostherjob.
Shewi l
lbegoingforanint
ervi
ewt omorrow.Iasked
hertoli
v eherewi
thusforacoupl eofweekstil
lend
ofmont h.Shewil
lbeusingthe-“
Hi
sphoner
ang.“
Hol
don.
”
Hetooki
toutandpi
cked.“
Sur
e?Iam comi
ng.Sur
e
sur
e.”
Hehungupandl
ookedather
.“Ok.
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”
“
Didy
out
hinkaboutget
ti
nghel
p?”
“Idi
d.Youar eri
ght
.Iam goi
ngtobeseeing
someonest art
ingf
rom t
omorrow.Ican’
tgot o
Sbrana,Idon’
twanttobefarfr
om peopleIlov
e.The
mot i
vat
ionIneedtogetbett
erisherewit
hme.I
thi
nkIwi l
lbefi
nehere.Whataboutcouple’
s
counsel
ing?”
“It
hinkweshoul
dfocusonget
ti
ngy
oubett
erbef
ore
anythi
ngel
se.Therestwi
l
lcomeaf
tert
hat
.”
“
Ok.Thanky
ou.
”
“
It
’sok.Iam goi
ng.
”
“
Shar
p.”
Hestoodupandwal
kedoutwi
thhi
scarkey
s.Lef
a
smi
ledthencal
l
edLel
e.
“
Lef
a..
”
“
Hey
,It
oldmyhusband.Hei
sonboar
d.”
“ThankGod.Iam onthewaywi thmyt hi
ngs.They
areinatruck,t
heymightarr
ivebefor
emebecause
theytookoffabout30minutesback.
”
“Ok,Iam homesoIwi
l
lbet
her
e.Iam soexci
ted
aboutLel
e.”
“Met oo.Iwasj
usttal
ki
ngt
omama,
youar
ea
blessi
nginmylif
e.”
Lef
alaughed.“AndyouarewhatIneededexact
ly.I
wil
lst
artmakingdinner
.Youwil
larr
iveint
hreehours
maximum ri
ght?”
“Makeit3hour
s30minut
es.Iam usi
ngmydad’
s
car
,Il
ikebei
ngcar
eful
wit
hit.
”
“
TheV10?
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Yes.
”
“
Ohmywor
d!”
“
Iknow.
”
Lef
alaughed.“
Wow.Any
way
sok,
Iwi
l
lmakedi
nner
.”
“
Ok,
can’
twai
ttoseey
ou.
”
“
Met
oo.
”
“
Bye.
”
Shehungupthenwentt
otheki
tchenandst
art
ed
maki
ngdinner
.

*
**

Chessdrov
etoKhumo’shousethenthought
ful
l
y
tookouthi
sphoneandcal
ledLel
e.Shetookawhil
e
topick.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,Iwaspassi
ngar
oadbl
ock.
”
“
Ok,
whatt
imedi
dyoul
eav
e?”
“
About30mi
nut
esback.
”
“
Tel
lmewheny
ouar
ri
ve,
Iwi
l
lbr
ingdi
nner
.Whatdo
y
ouwantt
oeat
?”
“
Myf
ri
endal
readysai
dshei
scooki
ngf
orme.I
t’
s
f
ine.
”
“
Ok,di
rectmeassoonasy
ougett
her
e.Iwi
l
lcome
t
oni
ght.
”
“Ok,therr
awenamyphone’schar
gerisgivi
ngme
problems.CanyougetmeaUSBcodet ouseor
betteryet
,achar
ger,
Ihav
ebeenstruggl
ing.”
“
Whatphonei
sit
?”
“
J4.
”
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lgeti
t.Whatel
se?
”
“That’
sal
l
.Iwi
l
lgetwhat
’smi
ssi
ngt
omor
rowaf
terI
sett
le.
”
“
Ok.Lat
eraker
e?”
“
Yah.
”
Shedroppedthecal
lthenhediv
ertedr
out
esgoingto
themall.Hest
eppedoutofthecarandwentt
o
Cell
Cit
ywherehewalkedaroundlooki
ngf
oranice
phone.
Theshopassi
stancewal
kedov
er.
“
Hi,
howcanIhel
pyou?
”
“
Iam l
ooki
ngf
oraphonef
ormygi
rl
.”
Theshopassi
stantsmi
led.“Whatar
eyougoi
ngf
or?
SomeSamsung’sarehere.Comeandsee.
”
Sheshowedhim.Chesslookedatal
loft
hem asshe
expl
ainedt
hei
rfeat
ures.
“
Youknowwhat
?Kebat
alat
esti
phone,
Ithi
nkt
hat
wi
ll
do.Doy
ouhavet
hem?”
“
Youar
elucky
,ther
eisonl
yonel
eft
.”
“
IwantandIal
sowantcov
ers.
”
“
Comet
hisway
.”
Minut
eslat
erChesswal
kedoutholdi
ngtheCel
lCi
ty
pl
asti
cbagandjumpedi
nhiscar.Hisphoner
ang.
“
Yah?
”
“
Chess,
Isawy
ourmessage.
”
“Cool
.Iwantyout
olookint
oacasethatwas
opened.Iwi
ll
sendyoutheper
son’
snamesand
detai
l
s.”
“
Ok,
howsoondoy
ouwantt
his?
”
“
Assoonasy
oucan.
”
“
Let
’st
alkt
omor
row.
”
“
Thanks.
”
Hest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.

*
**

Laterthatday ,Leledrovei nt
hroughthenew
neighborhood, shesmi ledatjusthowniceitwas
andqui et.Shehadnev erstayedinGaborone,only
whenv i
siti
ngwi thherpar ent
sandi twouldonlybe
foroneni ght.Shest oppedatt hegatewhereLefa
wasst andinginherj eanssmi li
ng.Leledrov
ein
throught heopengat ethenwentandpar kedwhere
thebachel orpad.Shel ookedatt hewhitehousewith
asmi le.Shest eppedoutasLef awalkedoverthen
theyhugged.
“
Hey
!”
“
Hey
…fi
nal
l
yyouar
eher
e.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iam.
”
“Thetruckar r
ivedandoff
loadedthethi
ngs.Ij
ust
arr
angedi tinsi
debecauseIalreadygotf
urni
tur
efor
youinside.”
“
Youdi
dn’
thav
eto.
”
“Ohnodon’
tbesi
l
ly.Iam soexci
tedf
ort
his.Come
onin.
”
“
Letmet
akemydog.
”
Lel
etooksnuggl
esthenputhi
mint
hedoghouse
Chesshadboughtf
orher.
Lefaunl ockedthehouseandt heywalkedi n.Lel
e
star
edatt henicecouches,t
herugont hef loor
.The
openpl ankitchencaughtherattent
ion.Alt
houghi t
wasj ustabachel orpadbutitwasbig,biggerthan
theteacher ’
squar t
ers.
“
Wow…”
“
UhIdon’
tknowi
fyouwi
l
lli
ket
hesecur
tai
ns.
”
“
Theyar
eni
ce.
”
“
Ok,
youcanl
ookar
ound.Iwi
l
lgoanddi
sh.
”
Thegat
eopenedthenLef
asmiled.“
Hubbyi
sher
e.
Youcanset
tl
e.Iwil
lcomeandcally
ou.
”
“Ok.Thanky
ousomuch.Iappr
eci
ateal
lthi
s.Ir
eal
l
y
do.”
“
Iknowy
oudo.
”
Lef
awal kedout,Lel
ewal kedoutthentookherbags
i
nsidethehouse.Shedr aggedthem tothebedr
oom
andlookedatthearrangement.Notbadbutshehad
tomov eacoupleofthings.
Shepushedt hi
ngsar oundherbedr oom thenmade
thebedandputev erythingthewayi tshewanted
gladforthemorewar drobespace.Shesmi l
ed
changingthecurt
ainst ootomat chherbedroom
color
.Sheputther ugont hefloorthenopenedher
bagandt ookoutadr ess.Shet ookashowerand
changedt hent
extedSasaandcal l
edhermot her
.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Ihav
ear
ri
ved.Wheni
stheoper
ati
on?
”
“
Int
woday
s.”
“
ThankGodIam nowcl
oseby
.Youcancomet
omy
houseandst
aywi
thme.
”
“No,
Ithi
nkIam f
ineher
e.Justf
ocusonset
tl
ing
downther
e.”
“
Ok.Iwill
comeandseey
out
omor
rowaf
tert
he
i
nter
view.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lelehungupt
henr
epl
i
edt
ohermessagesand
text
edChess.
Chess:
Sendt
hedi
rect
ions.
Lel
e:Letmeaskmyf
ri
endsot
hatshecant
ell
me.
Chess:
Ok.
Lef
aknockedont
hedoort
henwal
kedi
n.“
Lel
e,
comeandeat.
”
Lel
ewal
kedf
rom herr
oom t
hensmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
“
Wow,
nicedr
ess.
”
“
Thanks.
”
Theywalkedoutchatt
ingandwalkedinsi
det
hemai
n
house.Lel
elookedatthebeaut
if
ulhousewit
ha
smi
l
e.
“
Wow!
”
Lef
achuckl
ed.“
Come…”
Shetookherhandtothedi
ningtabl
ewhereher
daught
erwas.“Lel
e,t
hisi
sAnele.Anel
e,t
hisi
saunt
y
Lel
e.”
“
HiAnel
e…”
Anel
ewav
edshy
lyather
.“Hi
…”
“
Shepr
etendst
obeshyt
hisone.
”
“
Yourdaught
erl
ookssomuchl
i
key
ou.
”
Lef
alaughed.“
Iknowr
ight
?Suchabl
essi
ng.Si
t
Lel
e.”
Lel
esatdownasLef
asmi
l
ed.“
Babe!Come…”
Lel
ewait
edt
henLef
asmi l
edmor e.“
Ther
e,babe,
comeandmeetmyfr
iend.Lel
e,t
hisismyhusband.
”
Lel
etur
ned…
Dolikeandcommentassoonasy
oucan,
anot
her
bonuscoming
Nt
siki
:Roar
ingFl
ames
#25

Lel
esatdownasLef
asmi
l
ed.“
Babe!Come…”
Lel
ewait
edt
henLef
asmi l
edmor e.“
Ther
e,babe,
comeandmeetmyfr
iend.Lel
e,t
hisismyhusband.
”
Lel
et ur
nedandl
ookedasthehusbandwal
kedover
l
ookingdownonhisphonewhil
eputti
ngonacap.
“Lel
e,thi
sismyhusband…”Lefawal
kedov ert
ohi s
sideandheldhi
shandasher ai
sedhi
sheadsl i
ding
hisphoneinhi
spocket.Lel
e’
sphonevibr
atedont he
tabl
easherheartpoundedsomuch,herchest
vibr
ated.
“Chessbabe,thisisLele,ful
lnameisLelentl
e.Shei
s
myf ri
end.TheoneIt oldy ouabout
.Lele,t
hisis
Chess,myhusband, thel oveofmylif
e.Hei s
basical
lymyev ery
thing.”Shegiggl
ed.
Chessl
ookedatLel
e,l
ostf
orwords.Helookeda
Lef
athenbackatLel
ewhowasjuststar
ing.
“
Babe,
Lel
e.”
Chesscur sedbeneathhi
sbreat
hasev ery
thingjust
fel
lintoplace,howhadhenotfigur
edi tout,the
fri
endinviti
ngLelet
ostaywithher,
findingheraj ob…
Lefa’sfr
iendwhowascomi ngtostaywi ththem, had
shement i
onedaname?Hecoul dn’
tremember ,
mat t
eroff act,
hehadbeentoodist
ractedt ohearall
shehadsai d.
“
Uhhi
…”
Lel
eswal
l
owedthencoughedonhersal
iv
a.Lef
a
wal
kedovert
oherandr
ubbedherback.
“
Arey
ouok?
”
Lelenodded.Shest
oodupsteppi
ngonherlong
dress.Lef
aputherhandsonherwai
stcat
chingher
.
“
Car
eful
…”
Lel
efr
ownedast
heankl
est
rai
n.“
Ahhh…”
Chesswal
kedov
erpushi
ngLef
aasi
de.“
Arey
ouok?
”
“
Myankl
e..
”
“
Comeandsi
tdown.Iwi
l
llookati
t.
”
Chessputhi
shandonherwai
standl
edhert
othe
coucht
hencrouchedbefor
eherandtookof
fthe
pump.Lef
alookedathim.Hegentl
ymassagedher
ankl
ewhil
eLelefrownedfl
i
nchi
ngabit.
“
Rel
ax.
.”
“
Babe,
shoul
dIbr
ingsomei
ce?
”
HelookedatLef
aalr
eadyf
orgot
tent
her
ewas
someoneelsewit
hthem.“
Yeah.
”
Lelelookedathim, tearsi
nherey es.Hecouldsee
thefearandshocki nherey es.Hemassagedher
ankleasshet ri
edt obreathe,sheslowl
yputoneand
onet ogethermakingt wo.Hehadment ionedher
namebef orehadhe?Shewassur ehehad.Lefa
walkedov erwithsomei ce.Chesstookitthenputi
t
onherl eg.
“
It
’st
oopai
nful
?”
Lelel
ookedatLef
athenatearrol
leddown.She
wipeditof
fandopenedhermouthtosaysomething
butshewastooshockedtogetanythi
ngoutofher
mouth.
“
It
’sokLel
e.Letmebr
ingsomepai
nki
l
ler
s.”
Lefaqui
ckl
ywentt
oherbedr
oom asChessl
ooked
atLel
e.
“
Lef
aist
hef
ri
end?
”
Lelel
ookedathim andnodded.Shewasev en
shaki
ng.Helookedbackatherlegnotsurewhatt o
evensay.Lef
awalkedbackandgotwat erfrom t
he
ki
tchenthenhel
pedLeledri
nk.
“
Ithi
nkIneedt
oli
edown.
”
“
Whataboutf
ood.
”
“
Iwi
l
leat
.It
hinkIneedt
oli
edownf
orawhi
l
e.”
“
Yourl
eg?
”
“
Iwi
l
ltakecar
eofi
t.
”
“
Ok,Iam sor
ry.Uhbabe,
Lelewi
ll
bestay
ingwi
thus
f
orawhil
et i
l
lshecansustai
nher
sel
f.
”
Chessnodded.Lef
ahel
pedherup.
“
Iwi
l
ltakehert
obed.
”
Hewatchedast
heywal
kedawayt
henputhi
shands
onhi
sface.
“
Shi
tshi
tshi
t!
”
Howhadhenotknown?
“
FuckChess.
”
Heputhishandonhischestandfel
thisown
poundi
ngheart
.Alotofquesti
onsfi
ll
edhisheadas
hestoodint
hemiddleoftheroom.

*
**

Lef
alookedatLeleoncet
heywer
einherbedr
oom
att
hebachelorpad.
“Ar
eyouok?Doy
ouknowmyhusbandf
rom
somewher
e?”
“
Huh?
”
“
Doy
ouknowhi
m somewher
e?”
Lel
eshookherhead.“
No.Iwasj
ust
…Iwasj
ust
sur
pri
sed.
”
“
Ok.Iwi
l
ldi
shf
ory
out
henbr
ingt
hef
oodandputi
t
i
nthef
ri
dge.Youcanal
way
seati
ttomor
row.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Lel
e,ar
eyouok?Yousounddown…”
Tearsfil
l
edLele’seyesasshel ookedather.God
whydi dithav
et obeher?Guilt
ysuffocat
edheras
shelookedatLef a.Notaft
ereveryt
hingshehad
done.Thesacr i
fi
ceshehadmadef orherbybringi
ng
herinsi
deherhouse.Shehadev engotherajobbut
hereshewas…i nl ovewit
hherhusband!
Tear
sr oll
eddownhercheeks.Lef
asatbesidesher
worr
iedlyandconf
used.“Lel
e,what’
swrong?Is
ever
ythingok?”
“
Iam j
ust
…”
“
Tal
ktome.Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
”
“
I…I
…I…”
Lefawipedawayhertearsthengotupandgother
waterfrom t
heki
tchen.Lel
etookasipandlookedat
herfr
iend.
“
What
’swr
ong?
”
“
Not
hingser
ious.Iwi
l
lbef
ine.
”
“
Arey
ousur
e?Youwer
ecr
ying.
”
“
Myf
atheri
sst
ressi
ngmeout
.”
“
Ohhi
t’
sthat
?Itwi
l
lbef
ine.Hewi
l
lmakei
t.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“Ok,l
etmegety ourfood.Don’tst
ressyoursel
ftoo.
Every
thi
ngwillworkoutf oryouLel
e.Ipromise.”
Lefahuggedher.“Iam here.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
Lefatuckedi
nLelethenwalkedoutclosi
ngt
hedoor
behindandwentbacktothemai nhousewhereshe
foundChesssit
ti
ngont hecouch,hi
sheadinhis
hands.
“
Hey
..Lel
ewon’
tbej
oini
ngus.Shei
snotwel
l
.”
“
Herl
eg?
”
“Yes,herf
atherisnotf
eel
i
ngwel
ltoo.Iguessi
t’
s
getti
ngtoher.”
“
Oh…”
“
Thanky
ouf
orbei
ngt
her
etomeether
.”
“
Yah…”
“
Arey
ouok?
”
Chessl
ookedatherwonder
ingi
fsheknew.
“
Ist
hisaj
oke?
”
Lel
esmi
l
edconf
used.“
Huh?
”
Chessl
ookedatherandshookhi
shead.“
Not
hing.
”
“
Youdon’
tsoundok…
“
Iam f
ine.Just
…Ihav
eal
oti
nmyhead.Butt
hanks.
”
“
Uhwher
eyougoi
ngsomewher
e?”
“
Yes.ToKhumo’
shouse.Wear
ewat
chi
ngagame
t
ogether
.”
“
Ohhok.
”
Chesssighedt henwalkedout.Helookedatthe
bachel
orpadnotabl etoseehercarknowingshe
hadprobablypar kedattheot
herside.Hestar
tedthe
carandreversedt hentookof
f.
*
**

Lelestaredatthewallforawhil
e,guil
tyeat
ingher
away .Minutespassedasshetri
edt owakeupf rom
thebaddr eam.Someoneknockedont hedoor.Lel
e
slowlygotupandl impedtothedoorknowingitwas
Lefa.Sheopenedt henpausedstari
ngatChess
standingbyt hedoor.
“
Idi
dn’
tknowi
twasy
ouory
ouwer
efr
iends.
”
“Metoo.Idi
dn’
t…IswearIdi
dn’
tknow.Wehav en’
t
gonetoofarwi
thi
t.Wecanstil
lmakeitr
ight
.”
Chessopenedthedoorwi
derandwal
kedi
ncl
osi
ng
thedoorbehi
nd.
“Iknowyoudi
dn’
tknow.Samewi
thmet
oo,
Idi
dn’
t
knowtoo.”
“
Wecanmakei
tal
ri
ght
.Wedi
dn’
tgof
ar.
”
Helookedather.“Andthatisther i
ghtf
uldecisi
onto
make,sensi
bleandr i
ght.Iagree.ButIlov
ey ouandI
t
hinkit
’sali
tt
lebittoolateforthat.
”
Lel
eshookherhead.“
It
’snot
!Youar
emar
ri
edt
omy
f
ri
end.Thewomanwhogotmeaj ob.Iam notgoi
ng
t
obethereasonhermar
ri
ageends.
”
“
Hermar
ri
agei
sasi
nki
ngshi
pal
readyLel
e.”
Lel
eshookherheadtearf
ull
y.“
Howcany ou…it’
snot
ri
ght
.Thisi
snotright
.Chessplease…Ican’tdothi
s.
Notaft
erever
ythi
ngshedidforme. ”
“
Youcan’
tst
ayher
e.Youhav
etomov
eout
.”
“
Ican’
tdot
his.If
eelgui
lt
y.Ican’
tli
vewi
tht
hegui
l
t.
Notwheni
t’
sher.Nother
…”
Chessputhishandsonherwaistpul
li
nghercl
oser
.
“Lel
e,cal
m down,takeadeepbreat
hinbabe.
.”
“Chess…shei
smyf ri
end.Shegotmeajob.She
has…GodIcan’tbel
i
eveIbetray
edherl
i
kethis.How
couldIsl
eepwi
thherhusband.”
“Lel
ent le,
Ididn’
tli
etoyou,youknewIwasobv iously
mar r
iedt osomeone.Itcouldhavebeenany one,
unfortunatel
yit’
syourchil
dhoodfri
end.Iloveyou, I
am inl ovewithyou.Youknowy oufeelthesame, i
f
youdi dn’t
,youwouldhavelongtoldittomyf ace.I
getyourgui l
tbutyouknowy ouwantthis.
”
“
Idon’
twantanyoft
his,
Lef
aismyf
ri
endChess!
”
“Yourf
ri
endandIwi
l
lbedi
vor
cingsoon.That
’s
goingt
ohappen.
”
“Ican’
tdothi
sany mor
e.Idon’
twantt
his.I
…Chess
pleaseunder
stand.
”
Chesst
il
tedherchi
nandl
ookedi
nherey
es.
“
Lookmeinmyeyesandtel
lyoudon’
tlov
eme.Tel
l
y
oudon’
tfeel
any
thi
ngforme.”
Atearrol
leddownLel
e’
scheek.“Chessplease…I
can’
t.I
t’
s…Lefaismyfri
end.Ican’
t.Pl
ease.
”
“Tel
lmeyoudon’ tl
oveme.Iwi l
lacceptt
hatyou
don’
twantthis.Lookmei ntheeyeandsayit
.Say
youdon’
tlovemeLel ent
le.”
Shepr
essedherl
i
pst
oget
hershaki
ng.
“Youknowy ouwantthi
sasbadl yasIdo…Butgo
aheadandl ietome.Lietomei fitmakesy ouf eel
betterbutyouknowy ouloveme.Youknowwhat
youf eeli
smor ethanwhatyouev erfeltbefore.I
knowt hisisatri
ckysi
tuati
on,Lefaisyourf ri
end, she
helpedyougetaj obbutwilly
ousacr if
icethisfor
t
hat
?”
“
I….y
oudon’
twantt
ounder
standme.
”
“Ido.Ial
soknowthatIl
oveyou.Iunder
standthat
andIalsoknowyoufeelt
hesame.Youcan’ teven
denyit.
”
Hewi pedawayhert earwit
hhert humbt henkissed
her.Heki ssedherhardersqueezingherbodyt hen
heunzi ppedherdressf r
om behindandl eti
tpool
downt oherfeet
.Heputhi shandi nherpant i
es
kissingherthenrubbedherclit
.Hesl i
di naf i
nger
i
nsi deandgent l
ytappedherinnerplates.Tears
roll
eddownhercheeksassheki ssedhim back.He
pickedherupandpl acedheront hecoucht aki
ngoff
herpant i
es.
Het ookouthisdickthenhuggedherl egpr essi
ng
thetipatherentr
ance.Lelel ookedathim weakly,
thi
swashi m…t hemant hatknewhowt ogether
weak…t hemanwhoal way shadherhear tpumping,
whoal wayshadherbl ushing..
.thi
sisthemanwho
hadcapturedhear t
…howhadi tcometothisso
quickl
y?
“
Chess…”
“
Shh…”
Heki
ssedherpushi
ngi
n.

*
**

Meanwhil
eatthemai nhouse,Lefasmiledfi
nishi
ng
uppacki
ngLele’sfood.Shewalkedouthummi ng
happi
lyt
henshel aughedathersel
f,shewas
behav
ingasifshehadj ustf
oundanewf r
iendwho
shecl
earl
yloved.Sheshookherheadandwal ked
overt
othedoor.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#26

Lefapausedlisteningtosomel owmuffl
edmoans
from Lel
e,shelookedbackatt hemainhouse
wonder i
ngifshehadhear dt hemaingateopening
forhertoleti
nherboy fr
iendbutshecoul dn’
t
rememberany thing.Shet urnedandwentbackt o
thehousewher esheputt hef oodinthefr
idgeand
satdownwi thherdaught er
.Theywat chedthei
r
showi nsil
ence,sher eachedf orherphoneand
text
edChess.
Lef
a:Hey
,di
dLel
e’
sboy
fri
endcomei
nwheny
oul
eft
?
Shelookedatherphoneforacoupl
eofminut
es
wait
ingforhi
mt orepl
y,about20mi
nutesher
epl
ied.
Chess:
Yes.Someonecamei
n.
Lef
a:Ohok.Whatt
imewi
l
lyoubecomi
ngback?
”
Chess:
Inawhi
l
e,neededsomet
hing?
”
Lefa:
No.Wearegood.Wasj
ustwonder
ingi
fI
shoul
dwaitup.
Chess:
No,
youcansl
eep.Iwi
l
lopenup.
Lefa:
Ok.Lastni
ghtIsawyousl
epti
ntheguest
room,won’
tyoubeshari
ngthebedr
oom wi
thme?
Chess:Af
tert
heViagrasaga,Iam justtr
yingtokeep
sexoutofequat
ion.Ir
eal
lywanty outogetbet t
er
butIj
ustdon’
tknowast ohowf aryouwi l
lgoto
havesexsoIthi
nkit’
sbestIsti
ckar oundinthe
guestr
oom.
Lef
a:ButIapol
ogi
zed.
Chess:
Iknow.Iam j
ustbei
ngcar
eful
.
Lefal
ookedatthemessaget earf
ull
ythensighed.
Hoursslowl
ywentby ,sheputherdaughtertosl
eep
thensatinf
rontofherTVwai t
ingforherhusband.

*
**

Lel
elaidherheadonChess’schestt
hatsamenight
sl
eepingwhil
eChesslookedattheceil
i
ng.Time
sl
owlywentbyashecar ef
ull
ythoughtaboutt
he
si
tuat
ionhewasi nandheknewhewasaboutt o
dealwi
thalot
.Hewasn’tsur
pri
sedshewoul
dbe
changi
nghermindaf
terfi
ndi
ngoutwhohiswif
e
was.
Hereachedf
orhi
sphoneandlookedatt
het
ime,it
waswaypast10,
almost11.Heopenedamessage
f
rom Khumo.
Khumo:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Ithadbeensenthour sback.Heputhi sphonedown
andslowlygotoutofbedhem dr essedup.He
i
nhaledLele’
sst r
ongper f
umef r
om hi sclot
hes.He
l
ookedatheragai nbef orewal ki
ngoutandusi ngthe
smallgatetol
eav e.Hewal kedacrosst hestreetand
gotinhiscarthendr ovetot hefrontgat eanddrove
i
npar ki
nghiscarint hegar age.Het ookamoment
i
nsidebeforesteppingoutandwal kinginsi
dethe
house.Hepausedst ari
ngatLef asl eepingonthe
couchandquietlywal kedpasther .Het ookaqui ck
showerthenshov edhi sclothesint hewashing
machineandswi tchedi ton.
Nowshi
rt
lessandi
nhi
ssweat
pant
sonl
y,heshook
Lef
a.
“
Hey
…got
obed.
”
Lef
aopenedherey
essi
tt
ingupr
ight
.Lef
alookedat
Chessy
awning.
“
Youar
eback…”
“
Yeah.
”
Shegotupandl ookedatt hatv-l
i
negoingt ohisdick
pri
nt.Shecoul
dact uall
yseei t
,hewalkedtothe
ki
tchenasitwavedt henhegotagl assofwat er.She
swallowedj
uststaring.Hefini
shedhisglass.
“
Comet
obed.
”
Shefoll
owedhi
mthenshegoti
nbed.Hewal
kedt
o
thedoor.
“
Chess…Iwon’
tdoanythi
ng…pl
ease.Li
ewi
thme.I
j
ustwantt
ohol
dyou.”
“
Lef
a…”
“IswearIwon’
tdoanythi
ng.Youcanal
waysl
eave
onceIfall
asl
eep.Ij
ustwanttohol
dyouThat
’sal
l
.”
Hesighedandgoti
nbed.Shemovedcl
oserget
ti
ng
i
nhisarms.Shecoul
dsmellt
hebodywashonhi
m.
Shetookadeepbreat
hrel
axi
nginhi
sar
ms,
they
hadn’
tdonethi
sinalongt
ime.
Herbodyr eacted,shemissedhim somuch, she
couldn’tevencountwhathadhappenedt heother
day.Heputhi sarmsar oundherl
ightl
y,sheneeded
himt oholdhertightl
yandsqueezeherf r
om ti
meto
ti
mel iketheoldtimesbutsheguessedt heyhadto
takebabyst eps.
Shekepthereyesopennotwantingthemomentto
end,awhil
elaterhewasbreat
hingsoftl
yandshe
knewhehadf all
enasl
eep.Sheclosedherey
estoo
andslowl
yfellasl
eepi
nhisarms.

*
**

Thefollowingmorning,Leleputonherwat chthen
thefourinchblockheels.Shel ookedatherselfon
thebigmi r
roronthewal l
,shel ovedthepleatedski
rt,
shefixedtuckedinherlongsl eevedtopint heski
rt
.
Tolookmor eprof
essional,shepickedajacketand
puti
ton.Lef aknockedont hedoor .
“
Lel
e!”
Lel
ewal
kedoutofherbedr
oom andopenedf
orLef
a.
“Hey
…”
Lef
apaused.“
Youl
ookwow…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ido?
”
“
Sti
l
lhav
etodoy
ourmake-
up?
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Idon’
tknowhowt
o.Ihav
ethet
hings
butIf
ail
.”
Lefasmiled.“
Wel
lbi
gsi
sterLef
aisher
efort
he
rescue.
”
Lel
elookedatLefawhowasst
il
li
nherPJ’
s.“
Aren’
t
yougoingt
owor k?”
“Iam wor
kingoutofof
fi
cet
oday
.Iam goi
ngon
sight
seei
ng.”
“
Ok.
”
Theywalkedbacktoherbedroom.Lefasmiled
stari
ngattheroom al
readycl
eanandsmel l
i
ngfresh,
beingor
ganizedwasst i
lli
nli
lsi
ster
’sbl
ood.
“
Taket
hem out
.”
Lef
atookouthermake-
upthenLefast
artedworking
onherf
acegivi
nghernat
urall
ook.30minutesl
ater
shemovedback.
“
Done!
”
Lel
egotupandl
ookedather
sel
font
hemi
rr
or.She
smil
edst
ari
ngatherf
ace.
“
Wow!
”
“
Yeah,Ididn’
tdomuch.Doi
ngmake-
upt
oapr
ett
y
f
aceisnice.”
Theyl
aughed.
“
Thanks.
”
“
It
’sok.Comef
orbr
eakf
ast
.”
Lel
eshookherhead.“Mystomachisinknots,
I
won’tbeabl
etoeatti
l
l af
tert
hei
nterv
iew.”
“
Ok…”
Lel
egrabbedherhandbagt
hentheywal
kedout
.Lel
e
l
ockedbehindher
.Lefasmi
led.
“Sot
onotgetl
ost
,Ihav
espokentomyhusbandand
hewil
ldr
opyouof
f.Goi
ngtotheschool
isabi
t
t
rickyfr
om here,i
tneedsyouknowi
ngtheroadsver
y
wellgapeIdon’twantyoutoar
ri
vel
atetr
yingto
f
igureyourwayout .
”
“
Iam goodwi
thf
oll
owi
ngdi
rect
ions.Hei
sgoi
ngt
o
wor
kisn’
the?
”
“Heisbutthei
nter
viewwon’
tevent
akel
ongsoy
ou
aregood.Heisnotinahur
ryl
eene.
”
“
Lef
a,honest
ly,
Idon’
ttobur
denhi
m.Icanmanage.
”
“
Come.
.”
Lef
atookLele’
shandjustasChessdroveoutofthe
gar
age.Lef
asmi l
edopeningt
hefrontdoorforher
.
“
Geti
n.”
Lel
elookedatLef
aonel
astt
imeandgoti
nthecar
.
“Yougotthisok?Thej
obisyour
s.Youaregoi
ngto
nail
thi
sintervi
ew.Cal
lmewheny ouar
edone,Iwant
ustogoout .Babe,
youwi
lldr
opherhereri
ght
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Shei
sgoi
ngt
oLegaeok?
”
“
Yah.
”
Herev
ersedoutt
hrought
heopengat
ethent
ookof
f
whi
l
eLeleputontheseat
bel
t.
“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Thanks.
”
“Iwanty
outolookatt
heapar
tment
sandchooset
he
oneyouwant.
”
“
Whatam Igoi
ngt
otel
lLef
a?”
“
Thaty
ouf
oundy
ourownspace.
”
Shelookedathi
m ashedr
ovel
ooki
ngaheadi
nhi
s
sui
tthenkeptqui
etf
orsomeminut
es.
“Lef
aismyf r
iend.Iknowy ouaredivorcingbutthi
s
i
sbet r
ayal.Thisiswhattheytal
kingaboutwhent hey
tal
kaboutbet ray
al.Ican’
tconti
nuesl eepingwit
h
youwhenIknowwhatIknow.Il ovey oubutIdon’t
thi
nkIcanl i
vewi ththegui
ltChess.Lewenahel a
howar eyoulookingatherwheny ouknowy ouhave
beensweat i
ngont opofme?”
Helookedather
.“Il
oveyou,
that
’swhatIknow.I
don’
twanttobeawayfrom y
ouandIam notgoing
todoit
.Lefai
sstil
lgoi
ngtoremai
nyourfri
endeven
aft
ert
hedivor
ce,Iwon’
tbeherhusbandthen,what’
s
goi
ngtohappen?Keepsacr
if
ici
ngyourhappiness?
”
Lel
elookedathim.“Ifeel
guil
ty.Ican’
tenj
oyt
his
whil
efeel
ingguil
ty.GodknowsIwi shyourwi
fehad
beenanyoneelsenother…”
“I
t’
sher…it’
ssomethi
ngwehav etodeal
wi t
h.”He
parkedthecari
nsi
detheschoolatt
heparki
nglot
andlookedather.
“Iam notgoi
ngt ostepback,Il
oveyouandIam not
goingtoputmy selfthr
oughunnecessar
yheartache.
Iwill
waitheresowecanv i
ewtheapar t
ments
beforeIgotowor k.”
Lel
elookedathi
mt ear
full
y.Hel
eanedov
erand
ki
ssedher.“
Goodluck,yougott
his.
”
Lelesteppedoutoft hecarandt ookadeepbreath
thenwal kedt owar
dst headmini
strat
ionwhi
leChess
waitedint hecar.Heputanewpasswor donhis
phonet henwentt hroughhisFacebookforawhil
e.
Hisphoner angawhi l
elater
.
“
Uncl
e…”
“
Chess,
howi
sitgoi
ng?
”
“Theyaref
ri
ends,Idi
dn’
tev
enknow.Lef
ainvi
tedher
fri
endtost
aywithusforawhi
l
eandthefri
endis
Lele.
”
“
Shi
t!I
nthesamehouse?
”
“
Thesamey
ard.Lel
eisst
ayi
ngatt
hebackhouse.
”
“
Ifthi
sisnotGodtesti
ngy
out
henIdon’
tknowwhat
i
tis.Di
dyoutel
lLele?
”
“
Yesbutnowshei
sfeel
i
nggui
l
ty.
”
“Obvi
ousl
y.Shei
ssl
eepi
ngwi
thherf
ri
end’
s
husband.
”
“Thisisget
ti
ngmorecompl
i
catedthanIhadhoped.
Leleismovingout
,wear
egoingtolookf
orahouse
forher.”
“
Ihopethi
sendswell
,ifi
tdoesn’
t,
it’
sgoi
ngt
oend
r
eal
lybad.Real
l
yreal
l
ybad.”
“
Iknow.
”
“Becaref
ul.Suchthi
ngscant
urnbadinasplit
second.Thatishowpassi
onkil
l
inghappens.Pl
ay
y
ourcar
dssmar
tl
y.
”
“
Yah…”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.”
“
Eer
ra.
”
Hisuncl
ehungup.Hewaitedi
nthecarf
orawhil
e
befor
eLelef
inal
l
ywalkedover
.Shegoti
nthecar
smili
ng.
“
Igoti
t!
”
Chesshuggedher
.“Iknewy
ouwoul
dgeti
t.
”
Shelaughed.“OhmyGod…Ican’
tbel
i
evet
his.I
off
ici
all
ystartt
omor
row.”
“
Iam pr
oudofy
ou.
”
“
Ican’
twai
ttt
ell
mymom.
”
Hesmi l
edandki
ssedhercheekt
henstart
edthecar
andrever
sedbef
oredr
ivi
ngoffwhil
eLeletext
edon
herphone.
Sasa:
Youl
i
e!
Lel
e:Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ou.
Sasa:Shi
t!
Lele:Iwantt
oendther
elat
ionshi
p,Chesswagana.
(Chessisref
usi
ng.
)
Sasa:
Thisjustt
ookanot
hert
urn,
ishet
her
e?Iwant
tocal
lyou.
Lel
e:Heisher
e.Hewant
smet
omov
eoutf
rom t
he
house.
Sasa:Igethi
spoi
nt.Youstay
ingt
her
ecanl
eadt
oa
l
otthatneedst
obeav oi
ded.
Lel
e:Idon’
twantt
okeepbet
ray
ingLef
a.
Sasa: Igethowy ouaref eelingbutownupt oyour
decisionsLelentle.Youagr eedt ot herelati
onshi
p,
youknewhewasmar ri
ed.Forcr yingoutloudit
couldhav ebeenanywoman, ifyoucouldn’tfeel
as
muchgui l
tyyesterday,itmeansy oureall
ydon’tcare,
yaanongt histhingy aIfeel guilt
yisnotgoi ngto
wor k,youcan’tendt hisrelationshiptogui l
tywhen
youhadagr eedt oitknowi ngdamnwel lyouwere
sleepingwithsomeone’ shusband.Whyar eyour
feeli
ngschangi ngnowbecauset hi swomani sLefa?
Ifithadbeenanot herwoman, youwoul dn’tbe
feeli
nggui l
ty?Keepthesameener gyandmov e
forward.Gapehel ayoufuckedhi ml astnightso
please…ownupt oy ourdecisionsandst opbehav i
ng
chil
dish,evenChesswi llsoongetannoy edbecause
youcan’ tstandwithyourdeci si
on.Youar ealways
cryi
ngandchangi ngyourmi nd,it
’sannoy i
ngand
boring.ButIdoagr eewithChess, mov eoutandl et
him payt herentmmagweAt ang.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#27

Chessparkedattheflats’
sparkinglotandstepped
out.Hewalkedroundt hecarandopenedt hedoor
forLel
e.Heputhishandonherwai sthelpingher
downthenclosedthedoorandl ockedhi scar.A
manwal kedovertothem inhisformal wearthenhe
bumpedshoulderswithChessl aughing.
“
Yougotmyf
lat
?”
Themanchuckl
ed.“
Otsamekay
angChessboar
d?”
“
Otany
elaAbe,
babecome.
.”
Chesspul
ledhercl
oser
.“Thi
sismygi
rl
.The
apar
tmentisf
orher.
”
“8t
hfloor,
apart
ment16Ther
ear
ethekey
s.Hi
Chess’sgi
rl.
”
Lel
esmi
l
edshy
ly.“
Hi.
”
“
Otswer
egot
lel
ait
aka.
”
“
Wany
elaomae!
”
Themanl aughedwal kingawayt akingouthi sringing
phone.Chesswal kedi nsidetheflatswithherand
gotintheelevatort hatt ookthem tothethi r
df l
oor .
Lel
elookedathi mt henl ookeddownast heywal ked
outoftheel evat
or .Theywentt oapartment16,
Chessunl ockedthedoorandwal kedinwi thher.
Lel
esmi ledstari
ngatt hespace.Nowt hi
swasj ust
beauti
ful.Shewal kedt ot hekit
chenandt ouchedt he
countersthenwentt ot herooms, herbedr oom ev en
hadabal conywi t
ht hemostper f
ectviewev er
.
Chesswal kedov erhuggi ngherfrom behind.
“
Ther
eist
heai
rpor
t.
”Hepoi
nted.
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Comeandseemor
e.”
Het ookherhandandshowedhert hebigensui t
ei n
thebedr oom.Shel ookedatt hebigtublikeJacuzzi
thathadcaughtherat tention.Shelookedatt hesink
andt hemi rr
orinsi
det hebat hroom alr
edyi magining
herst ay.Theotherroom al sohadanensui t
e,just
notasbi gastheoneint hemast erbedroom.Of
causei tdidn’
thaveabal conybutitsti
llhandt he
gr
eatv
iewf
rom t
hewi
ndow.
“Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.Howmuchi
sit
?Itl
ooks
expensi
ve.
”
“
Ial
readyspoket
oAbe.Wesor
tedt
hatout
.Heowes
me.
”
“
Iwi
l
lbest
ayi
ngf
orf
ree?
”
“
Sor
tof
.Iwi
l
lhandl
ether
ent
.”
Shel
ookedathi
m.“
Iam notagol
ddi
gger
.”
Hesmil
edandkissedher.“Idon’
tevenhav
egoldto
bedug,
wareng?Isthatsupposedtobeaninsul
t?”
Shel
aughed.“
Ili
kei
t.
”
“
Iwanty
out
omov
eassoonaspossi
ble.
”
“
Ican’
tjustupandl
eav
e.”
“Youwil
ltel
lhert
hatmyboyfr
iendhaslookedfora
houseforme.Iwantyoutomov etoday
,themore
youkeepstayi
ngther
ethemorey oubegintost
ress
meout.”
“I
tdoesn’
tmakeitri
ghtev
eni
fImov
e.Ican’tbel
ieve
Ihavetur
nedi
ntothi
swoman.Mymom didn’tr
aise
met obeli
kethi
sandIdoubtshewil
lacceptthi
s
rel
ati
onshi
pever.Shemi
ghtli
keyounowbecause
shedoesn’
tknowbutassoonasshedoes, she
won’tappr
oveit
.”
“Wewi lldeal wit
ht hatwhent hetimecomes.Iam
readytost andf i
rm witht his.Ihopeyouaretoo.You
can’tbeaweakl i
ngbabe, you’vegott ost
andyour
ground.Ican’ tdefendt hi
sr elati
onshipal
oneorfight
forthi
sal one…Wear eat eam andwhenIsayat eam
Imeanwest andt ogetheral ways.Ineedtoknow
youar ethere.Ineedast rongwomanbymysi de,
someoneIcanr elayon.Someonewho’ sgotmy
back,awomanwhoknowswhatshewant sand
goesf orit.Idon’twantt hingswher ebyyoubehave
l
ikeapi eceofpapert hatget sblownwher ev
erwith
thewind. ”
Shelookeddownashespoket henhet i
lt
edherhead
andlookedinhereyes.“Iunderstandthatyouare
humanbutsoam I .Iwantt obehappy .Somet i
mes
you’v
egottobeselfishandputy ourselffi
rst
.Iam
notalwaysgoi
ngtoconv i
nceyouwhyy oushouldbe
withmewheny ouknowwhyy ouar ewithme.You
havetoknowwhaty
ouwantmmagweAtang,our
sonisontheway
,heneedsast
rongmot
her
.”
“
Iam notpr
egnant
.”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Ok.So,
shoul
dwet
akei
t?”
“
Yes.
”
Heki
ssedher.“Iwil
ltal
ktosomeoneandhel
pyou
moveyourt
hings.”
“
Ineedt
otal
ktoLef
afi
rst
.”
“
Ok.Let
’sgo.
”
Het
ookherhandandl edherout.Hedroveherback
t
ohishouseandparkedbythegate.Helookedat
t
hegatethenki
ssedherhardleavi
ngherbnreat
hless.
“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.”
“
Ok.
”
Hepressedthehooter,secondsl
aterthegate
opened,shesteppedout.Shewalkedinsidethegat
e
ashetookoff.Shetookadeepbr eathstari
ngat
Lefawalki
ngov er
.
“
And?
”
“
Igoti
t.
”
“
Yes!Weshoul
dcel
ebr
ate.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Yes.
”
“Ihav
ebeenready.Letmeputonmyshoest
henwe
bounce.Wewil
lgetbreakf
astf
ir
st.
”
“
Yeah.
”
Lefahurr
iedinsi
dethehouseandwal
kedout
minutesl
aterinherl
ongheels.
“
Lar
onawant
edt
ojoi
nusbutshei
satwor
k.”
Lel
egoti
nthecarwi
thLef
athenLef
adr
oveof
f.
“
Howi
sLal
a?”
“Yester
daysheconf
essedt
ohav
ebeenj
eal
ousof
us.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Iknewshewas.Howi
sshe?
”
“
Shei
sfi
ne.Sheexpect
ing.
”
“
That
’sni
ce,
shei
sal
somar
ri
ed?
”
“
Noty
et.
”
“
Ok.Wow,
Lal
aisexpect
ingwhi
l
esomeofus.
.”
“
Heel
ammgaweAt
ang.
”
Lelelaughedandlookedather,
herconsci
ous
remindingherofherbetr
ayal
.Shetookadeep
breathandsmiledasLefadrovetoamall.
Lef
apar
kedtheparki
nglotthenthel
adieswal
kedi
n.
Amanwalkedovertothem.Lefasmil
ed.
“
Khumo!
”
Khumosmi
l
edt
oo.“
Hey
…”
“UhLel
e,t
hisKhumo.Chess’
sfr
iendal
soLal
a’
s
boyf
ri
endandtobebabydaddy.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Hi,
nicet
omeety
ou.
”
Khumoimmedi
atel
yrecogni
zedt
hev
oicet
henhe
smil
ed.“
Yout
oo.”
Lef
asmiled.“
Shei
smychi
l
dhoodf
ri
end.Hername
i
sLelent
le.
”
Khumonodded.“
Apl
easur
emeet
ingy
ouLel
e.Ni
ce
seei
ngy
ouLefa.”
“
Yeah,
yout
oo.
”
Theywal
kedi
nsi
deasKhumowal
kedi
nasKhumo
wal
kedt
othepar
kingdi
ali
ngChess.
“
Yah?
”
“
Youar
efucki
ngLef
a’sf
ri
end?
”
“
What
?”
“
IsawLel
e.Iknowherv
oice.Iknowi
t’
sher
.Theyar
e
t
oget
herr
ightnow.
”
“
Iam get
ti
ngatwor
k,l
et’
stal
klat
er.
”
Chesshungup.Khumostaredathi
sphonef
ora
whil
ethenst
art
edtheengine.

(
(Copy
right@2021byFezMat
siki
ti
.+26775447725
Allr
ightsreser ved:Nopar tofthisbookshallbe
repr
oduced, di
stribut
ed,orusedi nanyform orby
anymeans, electroni
c,photocopy i
ng,mechanical
l
y
orotherwise, withoutthepriorwrit
tenpermissi
onof
theauthor.Anyper sonwhodoesunaut hori
zed
worksinr elati
ont othispublicat
ionwil
lbeli
ableto
cri
minal prosecut i
on.)
)
.
.

*
**

Chesswal
kedi
nsi
dehi
sof
fi
ceashi
sPAwal
ked
behi
ndhi
m.
“Yourconfer
encevideomeeti
ngisi
ntenminutes.
Thereisthefi
le.
”Sheplacedafi
l
eontopofhistabl
e.
“
Youlawyeral
sohadt
hisdroppedi
n.”Sheputt
he
whi
teenvel
opeonhi
stabl
e.“Hesai
dgot hr
oughit
t
hencall
him.”
“
Ok.
”
“MissMal opecall
ed, shewantstosetupameet i
ng,
shesaysherhusbandhasagr eedandtheyareready
togettheballroll
ing.Shewi l
lbecomingatthree.
Tsubanef rom SouthAf r
icacall
ed,
hesay syou
shouldlookathisemai l
,thenumbersarebackand
theydon’tmatch.”
“Ok,
Iwill
callhi
m.Ineedyout
ocallamovi
ngtr
uck
andleti
tstayonst
andby,
Iam goi
ngtoneedi
t
t
oday
.”
“
Yessi
r.
”
“Youknowthosef
lowerswi
thmoneyand
chocol
atesIal
waysseeonfacebook?
”
“
Yessi
r.
”
“Ineedt
hem del
i
ver
edt
osomeonel
ateron.May
be
around7.
”
“
ToMr
s.Mor
emi
?”
“
No.ToLel
e.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouherdet
ail
s.Pear
l?”
“
Sir
?”
“
Howl
onghav
eyoubeenmyPA?
”
“
8mont
hs.
”
“Il
ikeaPAIcant r
ust
.Youareresponsi
blef
or
almostever
ythi
ngofmine.Ineedtoknowwithy
ou,
I
havegotsomeoneIcantrust.
”
“
IknowandIam t
hatper
sonMr
.Mor
emi
.”
“
Good.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouLel
e’
sdet
ail
s.”
“
Yessi
r.Shoul
dIaddany
thi
ngel
seont
hef
lower
s.”
Hel
ookedather
.“No.Thatwi
l
lbeal
l
.”
“
Iwi
l
lgett
hef
lower
sandy
oucanf
orwar
dthedet
ail
s
t
ome.”
“
Ok.
”
Shewal
kedoutandcamebackami nutel
aterwith
hi
scoff
eeandputi tonhi
stabl
e.Shetookhislaptop
andpr
esseditforawhil
ebefor
eputti
ngitbefore
hi
m.“I
tstar
tsinminutesfr
om now.”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Yessi
r.
”
Shewal kedoutt heni mmedi atel yr ecei
vedLele’s
detai
l
s.Shecur iouslyt ookherphoneandent ered
thedetailsonf acebook.Sheopenedanaccountand
l
ookedatt hewoman.Shest aredatt hethi
ckwoman
andwentt hought her ecentpi ctur es.Shelookedat
theoneshewasi nawhi t
et owel onlywithanotherin
herheadi nabeaut ifulbathroom.Pear lsmil
ed,this
wasMr s.Mor emi ’
skar ma, thatwomanwasv i
leand
rude,
Pear l st
il
l coul dn’tbeli
ev eshehadal mostgot
herfi
redt heot hert ime.Ofcausesheknewmar r
ied
mennev erleftthei rwiv esforsi decheeksbuti t
madehersmi
l
eknowi
ngt
hev
il
ewomanwasget
ti
ng
cheat
ed.
Shest
art
edsear
chi
ngf
ort
hemostbeaut
if
ulf
lower
s.

*
**

Latert
hatday,
Lel
eandLefasteppedoutofthecar
l
aughingwhil
eholdi
ngthei
rdr
inks.Theywenti
nside
thehouseandsatdown.
“
Hey
,Ihopet
hepol
i
cedon’
tfol
l
owusher
e.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Idoubt
.”
Lef
agotup.“
Somewi
ne?
”
“
No,Iam good.Iam sot
ir
ed.Theheel
sar
eki
l
li
ng
me.Iwanttotakeashower.
”
“
Ok.Iwi
l
lst
artwi
thdi
nner
.”
“
Ther
eissomet
hingIwantt
otal
ktoy
ouabout
.”
“
Whati
sit
?”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
kwhenIcomeback.Ineedabat
h.”
“
Ok.
”
Lel
egotupandwentt othebackhouse.She
undressedthent
ookal ongdeser
vedshowerbef
ore
changingint
oadress.Herphonerangasshewalked
outofthehouse,shewentbackin.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hav
eyout
oldher
?”
“
Iam t
ell
i
nghernow.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hehungup.Shetookadeepbr eathandwalkedover
tothemainhousegoi
ngoverwhatshewoul dsay.
Sheopenedthedoorandwalkedin.Herheart
skippedasshel
ookedatLef
aki ssi
ngKhumoi nthe
kit
chen.
.
.
Li
keandcommentassoonasy
oucansower
eci
eve
bot
hbonusest
oni
ghtf
amily
Roar
ingFl
ames
#28

Lefasteppedbackandl ockedeyeswithLelewho
wascl osingthedoor.Shehur r
iedbacktothe
bachelorpad, herheartpoundi
ngsomuchshe
couldn’tbel
ievewhatshehadj ustseen.Lefal
ooked
atKhumopani cking.
“
OhmyGod!
”
“
Fuck!
”
“
Itol
dy out
oleav
emyhouse.Whycan’
tyoul
eav
e
mealone?!
”
“
Don’
tputal
lthe-
“
“
Idon’
twanty
ouany
mor
eKhumo.It
oldy
ou.
”
“
Shewon’
ttel
l
.Isn’
tshey
ourf
ri
end?
”
“
Pleasel
eav
e.”
“
Trustme,
shewon’
ttel
lany
one.
”
“
Getoutofmyhouse!
”
“
Lef
a-“
“
Leav
emyhouse!
”
“
Youkickingmeoutwi
l
lnothel
pthesi
tuat
ion.Let
metal
kt oher
.”
“
No!Iwi
l
ldeal
wit
hit
.Justl
eav
emyhouse.
Khumowal kedoutasLefahurri
edtot
hebachelor
pad.Shewalkedinandwentt ot
hebedroom where
Lel
ewast akingouthercl
othesfr
om t
hewardrobe.
“
Hey
…”
Lel
elookedather
.“Uhhi
.”
“
It
’snotwhaty
out
hink.
”
“
What
?”
“
Whaty
ouj
ustsaw.
”
“
Oh…”
“Idon’tknowwhathewantsf
rom me.Hehasbeen
pesteringmeforawhi
lenow.Hejustwal
kedi
nand
kissedme. ”
Lel
elookedatLef
a.“
Youwer
eki
ssi
nghi
m.”
“
Iwasi
nshock.
”
Lel
esl
owl
ynodded.“Heisy
oursi
ster
’sboy
fri
end,
soont
obebabydaddy.
”
“Iknow.That’
swhyIwoul
dnev
eri
nmyl
i
feev
en
considerhi
m.”
“
Doy
oul
ovey
ourhusband?
”
“
Ido.Lel
e,y
ougott
hismi
sunder
stood.
”
“
IknowwhatIsawLef
a.Thatdi
dn’
tlookl
i
key
ou
wer
ebei
ngforced.
”
“
Youdi
dn’
tseepr
oper
ly.
”
“Iam notbli
nd.Youwerekissi
ngyourhusband’
s
fri
end,yoursi
ster
’sman.Yourreal
sist
er.Yourbl
ood.
Chessis…Ican’tbel
iev
ethis.”
“
Youhav
egott
hiswhol
ethi
ngmi
sunder
stoodLel
e.”
“
Idon’
tthi
nkso.
”
“
Lele…IlovemyhusbandandIl ovemysi st
er.I
wouldneverbetr
aythem l
ikethis.Iwasinshock,
maybeitlookedli
keIwaskissinghim backbutIwas
i
nshock.Hehasbeenaf termef ormonthsnow…I
l
ongt oldhi
mt ost ayaway .Thereisalimitto
every
thingIdo.Iwoul dnev erbetr
ayLalalikethat.I
knowhowi tlooked, t
rustmeIdobutIwasi nshock.
Inshockofhav ingChess’sbestf r
iendkissme, the
bestfri
endwhohappenst obemysi st
er’
sman.Why
wouldIdokisshi m will
ingl
y ?Il
ovemyhusband
moret hananything.
”
Lel
elookedatherasshesnif
fedt
henshenodded
wanti
ngtheconversat
iont
oend.“
Iguess.
”
“
Ilov
eLalaandIl
ovemyhusbandmor
e.Wehav
ea
f
amily.
”
“
Youshoul
dtel
lChess.
”
“
Whataboutmysi
ster
?”
Lel
elookedatherandnodded.
“
Ok.
”
“Mymarriagealsoalreadyhasprobl
ems.Chessand
Imaylookhappybutal oti
sgoingon.Iam tr
yingby
al
lmeanst osav eit
,thi
swillnothel
pthesi
tuation.
ButIgavehim af i
rm warni
ng.Ican’
tbel
iev
ehe
woulddot hi
s.”
“
Yah…”
“
Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngy
ourcl
othest
o?”
“
Myboy
fri
endlookedforahousef
orme.Hewant
s
met
omov ei
nt her
etoni
ght.
”
“
What
?”
“
Yes.
”
“Youj
ustcan’
tleave.Imadeallt
hisf
oryou.Can’
t
youmovethereafteramonth?Ireal
l
ymissedyou
andIam soexcit
edabouthavingyouher
e.”
“
Hewon’
tli
sten.Iwi
l
lvi
sitt
hough.
”
“Youcan’tmov
einthemiddl
eofthenight.Whowil
l
helpyou…?Lel
e,sl
eeponit
.Yourboy
friendsounds
contr
oll
ing.
”
“
Hei
snotcont
rol
l
ing.
”
“
Thenwhydoeshedeci
deever
ythi
ngy
oudo?You
j
ustcan’
tmov
ebecausehesai
dso.St
ayher
e.Thi
s
i
syourhometoo.
”
“
Hedoesn’
tdeci
deever
ythi
ngIdobut…Idon’
twant
t
obur
dem youandyourhusbandgapeIf
eell
i
keIam
i
nvadi
ngy
ourpr
ivacy
.”
“Ther
eisnothi
nglikethat
,youarenotinvadi
ng
anyone’
spri
vacy.Pleasedon’
tgo.Stayforatl
easta
weekwhileyoulook.”
“
Ican’
t.Ireall
ydon’
tfeelcomfort
able.Iknowyoudi
d
t
hisal
lformeandIappr eciat
eitallbutIcan’
tbe
f
reeknowingIam inyourspace.Pleasejustl
etme
move.Iwillal
waysvi
sit.
”
Lef
alookedatLel
e’
sshaki
nghands.“
Ist
hisbecause
ofwhatyousaw?”
“
What
?No!
”
“
Arey
ousur
ebecauseLel
eyouar
econf
usi
ngt
his.
”
“
Iknow.Ibel
i
evey
ou,
ithasnot
hingt
odowi
tht
hat
.”
“
Ok.Iam sosad.
”
“
Met
oo.
”
Lel
econti
nuedtaki
ngouttheclot
hesf r
om the
wardr
obe.Herphonerang,
Lefareachedforitand
l
ookedatRragweAtti
ecall
ing.
“
Ithi
nki
t’
shi
m.It
hinkIshoul
dtal
ktohi
m.”
Lefaanswer
edputt
ingonloudspeaker
.“Hi
,youar
e
speaki
ngtoLef
a,Lele’
sfr
iend.
”
Ther
ewassomesi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.“
Hel
l
o?”
Lel
e’sputherhandov
erchestasadi
ff
erentv
oice
answered.
“
Hi,IsaidIam Lefa,
Lel
e’sf
ri
end.Therr
awenashe
j
ustcan’tmove.KanaIhavebeenprepari
ngforher
f
orday snow.Pleasedon’
tmakehermov e.”
“
IgetyoubutIjustwantmygir
l t
oenjoyherspace
t
houghIappreciat
eyourhospi
tal
it
y.”
“
Shecanhav
eherpr
ivacyt
hissi
dest
il
l.
”
“Iknowbuti
t’
snott
hesameasherst
ayi
ngal
one.I
am gett
ingi
nameeti
ng.By
e.”
Hehungup.Lef
asi
ghedsadl
y.“
Iam sosad.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
Shecontinuedpacki
nghercl
othesbacki
nher
sui
tcase.Awhilelat
ershesi
ghed.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Ng?
”
“Youar
esoqui
et.I
t’
slikeyoucan’twai
ttol
eav
e.Di
d
Itur
nyouof
f?Wewer efinebef
ore.”
Lel
elookedather
.“Iam f
ine.
”
"
Arey
ousur
e?"
"
Yeah.
"
“
Ok.Uhl
etmegoandcook.
”

*
**

Chessfini
sheduphismeeti
ngthenpackedhis
thi
ngsandwal kedout
.Hecall
edKhumost ar
ti
ngt
he
engine.
“
Iam passi
ngbyi
naf
ewmi
nut
es.
”
“
Sur
e,ev
ery
thi
ngok?
”
“
Yah.
”

*
**
ChessdroveinsideKhumo’syar
dandparkedbesi
de
Khumo’scar.Khumowal kedoutoft
hehouseas
Chesssatont hebonnet
.
“
Lai
taka!
”
Theybumpedshoul
der
s“Sur
esur
e!”
“
Beer
?”
“
No,
keshar
p.Lel
eneedsmesobert
oni
ght
.”
“
Soy
our
eal
l
ylov
eher
?”
“
Yeah.
”
“
Shei
sLef
a’sf
ri
end.
”
“
Iknow.Butwedon’
tchoosewhom wef
all
inl
ove
wi
th.Il
oveLel
eandthat
’si
t.
”
Chess’
sphonerangt
henhepi
ckedLel
e’
scal
lget
ti
ng
backint
hecar.
“
Hey
…”
“
Ihav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou.I
t’
simpor
tant
.”
Iknowit
'sshort let'
smeett
omor
rowmor
ning
witht
heeveningi
nser
t
Roar
ingFl
ames
#29

“
Whati
sit
?”
“
Inper
son.Ihav
epackedmythingsandIam l
eav
ing
t
hehouse.Wherei
sthetr
uck?
”
“
Theyar
ecl
oseby
,letmecal
lthem.
”
“
Mythingsarenotalot
,mostoft
het
hingsIf
ound
t
hem i
nt hehouse.
”
“
Whatdi
dyoubr
ing?
”
“
Mybedr oom t
hings,
myfri
dge,thesi
ngl
edoorone,
acouch,adeskandachairandkit
chent
hings
t
ogetherwit
hthetwoplat
estove.”
“
Soy
oudon’
thav
emostt
hings?
”
“
Inev
ergott
obuyt
hem becauseIhadbeensav
ing
t
obuymyplot.
”
“
Letmecall
someone,wewi
l
lgoandchoose
f
urni
tur
etotaket
her
e.”
“
Who’
spay
ingf
oral
lthat
?”
“
Iwi
l
l.Whati
sit
?Yousound…Idon’
tknow.
”
“
Ineedtot
ell
youinper
son.Byt
heway
,howdoy
ou
r
elat
etoKhumo?”
ChesslookedatKhumowhowasdoi
ngsomet
hing
onhisphone.“Wearef
ri
ends.
”
“
Ishey
ouronl
yfr
iend?
”
“
Nobuthei
stheoneIam r
eal
l
ycl
osewi
th.
”
“
Andy
out
rusthi
m?”
“
Khumohasbeenther
eformefort
hel
ongestt
ime.
Hei
smorethanj
ustafri
end.
”
“
Isee.Ok,
wewi
l
ltal
k.”
“
Dri
vet
othef
lat
s.Wewi
l
lmeett
her
e.”
“
Ok.
”
Shehungupt
henhegotoutoft
hecar
.“Ihav
eto
go.
”
“I
sitLele?Howisthisgoingt
opl
ayoutory
ouar
e
goingtohavethem both?
”
“Ri
ghtnowIjustwantLef
atogetbet
ter
,ther
estwi
l
l
comeaftert
hat.
”
“I
fyouar ehel
pingLefa,whypul
lLelei
ntoi
t?You
donltneedasicdechickatthemoment.Youare
onlyputti
ngyoursel
finaveryti
ghtcor
ner.
”
“
Lel
eisnotj
ustasi
dechick.Idon’
tevenseeheras
asi
dechi
ckandshewil
lnotbet r
eatedl
ikeone.
”
Chessjumpedi
nhi
scarandt
ookof
fheadedt
othe
fl
ats.

*
**

Att heflat
s,Lelegotherbagsoutofthecar .Aman
parkedhi swhiteBenzdoublecabbesi deherasshe
struggledtry
ingtoputthesmal lbagonhershoulder
anddr agt woinsi
de.Hesmi l
edwal ki
ngov erand
thent ookthetwobagsf rom hersmil
ing.
“
Super
woman!Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”
Lel
elookedathi
m.“
Uh8t
hfl
oor
.Iam f
ine.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Iam sur
e,come.
”
“
Uhwai
t,l
etmet
aket
heot
herones.
”
Shetookt
woothersuit
casefrom t
heboott
hen
walkedwi
thhi
mtot heelev
ator.
“
Thanky
ousomuch.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
It
’sok.Youj
ustmov
ed?
”
“
Yes.Myt
hingsar
efol
l
owi
ng.
”
“
Iheart
hesear
egoodf
lat
s.”
“
Theyar
ebeaut
if
ul.Theyhav
ethi
sbeaut
if
ulv
iew.
”
“
May
beIshoul
dal
somov
eher
e.”
Lelesmiledandshrugged.Theel
evat
oropenedthen
theysteppedout.Lel
ewalkedtothedoorwi
ththe
keysandgoti nsi
de.Hefoll
owedbehi
ndand
whistl
ed.
“
Ihav
enev
erbeeni
nsi
debef
ore.Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Iti
s.”
“
Boi
kany
o.”Hest
ret
chedhi
shand.
“
Lel
ent
le.
”
Boi
kany
osmi
l
ed.“
Lel
e…”
“
Yes.
”
Helookedatherwi
thasmil
e.“
Wherei
syour
boy
fri
end?Kanahewil
lfi
ndmehereandpunchme.
”
“
Hei
snotl
i
ket
hat
.”
“
Arey
ousur e?Iknowthat
’showIwil
lbeisyouwere
mygi
rl
fr
iend.Lonababantl
eletl
hokaextr
asecur
it
y.
Howl
onghav eyoubeenwiththi
sguy?”
“
Okby
eBoi
kany
o.”
Boi
kanyosmiled.“Ij
ustwanttoknowhowl ongmy
competi
ti
onhasbeent here.KanaIhear
dsomeof
youdatefort
wopl usyearsandyoucanseet hatthi
s
per
sonisnotmar r
y i
ng,gi
veuschances,youwillget
marri
edin6mont hs.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Youar
efunny
.”
“
Younev
erknow.May
beIam y
ourhusband.
”
“
Ilov
ehi
m.”
“
Youcanst
il
lbet
akenf
rom hi
m.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Youneedt
ogo.Thanksf
orhel
ping
me.
”
ThedooropenedandChesswal
kedi
n.Hef
rowned
st
ari
ngatBoikany
o.Lel
esmil
edathi
m.
“
Hehelpedmewit
hmybagsf
rom t
hepar
kingl
ot.He
i
sleav
ingnow.
”
Boi
kany
osmi
l
ed.“
Nicemeet
ingy
ouLel
e.Mor
ena…”
“
Youwerel
aughi
ngaboutsomet
hing,
Ial
sowantt
o
l
augh.
”
BoikanyolookedatChessthensmiledalready
snif
fingtheinsecur
it
ythoughhecouldn’treal
ly
blamehi m.Withagirll
iket
hat,
youwer eboundt o
feeli
nsecure.Heknewhehadt oplayhiscar dsri
ght
sohei nnocentl
ylookedathi
m.
“
Iwastel
li
ngherIwantt
omov
eher
ejustt
hati
t’
s
t
ooexpensi
ve.
”
Chessgl
aredathi
m asBoi
kany
okepthi
sinnocent
l
ook.
“
Uhni
cemeet
ingy
ouLel
e.By
e.”
Hewal
kedoutchuckl
i
ng.
Chessl
ookedatLel
easBoikany
oclosedthedoor
behi
ndhim.“
Hejusthel
pedmeinsi
de.That’
sall
.”
Henoddedt
henl
ookedatherbagsi
nthesi
tt
ing
r
oom.
“
Thet
rucki
sont
hewaywi
thy
ourt
hings.
”
Lel
elookedathim wonder i
ngwhatwasgoi ngonin
hi
shead.Shewal kedov erandhuggedhim.Chess
si
ghedandputhi sarmsar oundherkissi
ngherneck.
Hisli
psmov edtoher sandhekissedher.He
squeezedherbreastont opofthedressandshe
i
mmedi atel
yregret
tedwear i
ngthedressasheput
hi
shandi nsi
deandi nsi
deherpanties.
Hepausedandlookedather
.“Idon’
twantt
odeal
wi
thunnecessar
ythings.
”
“
Youwon’
thav
eto.Idon’
tcheat
.”
Heki ssedheragai
nthenLel
e’
sphonerangf
rom her
dress’spocket
.Shetooki
toutandl
ookedatLef
a
call
ing.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Iwantt
ocomeandhel
pyouset
tl
e.Hav
eyou
ar
ri
ved?
”
“
It
’sl
ate.Toni
ghtIam j
ustgoi
ngt
ocr
eat
espacef
or
metosleep.
”
“
Ok,
tomor
rowt
hen.Ar
eweok?
”
“
Yes.
”
“Wewil
ltal
ktomor
row.Goodl
uckony
ourf
ir
stday
atwor
k.”
“
Thanks.
”
Shehungupandl
ookedatChess.
“
Whatdi
dyouwantt
otel
lme?
”
Lel
eswal l
owednotsurei
ftel
l
inghi
m wasthe
ri
ghtf
ulidea.Thet
rut
hcouldr
uinev
enLarona’
s
rel
ati
onship.
“
ImetKhumotoday
.Ibumpedi
ntohi
m att
hemal
l
whenIwaswi
thLef
a.”
“
Oh…”
“
Hei
sal
soLal
a’
sboy
fri
end?
”
“
Yes.Theyhav
ebeent
oget
herf
orawhi
l
enow.
”
“
Iheart
heyar
eexpect
ing.
”
“
Yes.What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
Shesighed,wit
houtevidenceitwoul
dlookli
keshe
waslyingsohecanl eaveLefaandshedidn’twant
tocomeacr ossli
keal i
ar.Forall
sheknew,Lefa
coul
djustdenyit.Andwhati fKhumothentoldLef
a
thetr
uth..
?Sheswal l
owedagai n.
“
What
’sgoi
ngonbabe?
”

*
**

Lef
afini
shedcooki
ngthentookherphonet
ocal
l
ChessbutKhumocall
edinstead.
“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”
“Il
ovey ou.Iam hur
tyoushovedLalamyway ,Idon’t
knowwhyy oudidthatevent
houghy ouknewwher e
myhear twasandnowIam f orcedtobei na
rel
ati
onshipwithawomanIdon’ tlove.Iam hurtyou
neverthoughtIwasgoodenoughf ory outochoose
mer i
ghtf r
om thestar
t,y
ouknewIl ovedyoubef ore
Chessev ensai dany thing.May beIwasf orevergood
tobey ourt oyboybecausey ousl eptwi thmebef ore
yougoti nar elati
onshi pwi t
hChess.Youal way s
shovewomenmywayandy ouknowwhathur ts?
Thef actthatIhav etowat chy ouwi t
hanot herman
andenj oyst olenmoment sl i
ket his.Myhear t
breaks..”Hesni f
fed.“ Iam humant ooandIwi shy ou
caredaboutmet hesameIwayIdoabouty ou, I
wouldnev erwantt ohur tyou.Ihav enev erhurty ou
beforebuty oucont inuet obr eakmeev erychance
youget .Youusemeanddr opmewhenev ery ouf eel
l
ikeandbehav easi fIam apsy chof orlovingy ou.I
watchedy ougi veChessmydaught erandIhav et o
watchhergr owf rom adi stance…Idon’ tdeser vet hi
s,
whatam Ibei ngpuni shedf orLef a?Forl ovingy ou?
Isthi
st hepr iceIam pay ing?Andnowy ouar egoi ng
togivehi m anot herone.Ii gnor edthef actthaty ou
abortedt hepr eviousone.Youar ebreakingmybabe
becauseIl ovey ousomuchandIcan’ thelpit.
”
Tearsroll
eddownLef a’
scheeks.“Youcan’
tblame
mef orthat.Ichosey
ou!Il
ovedy ou!Youar
et heone
thatbroughtChesstome,stopblamingmef or
ever
ythi
ng,whataboutme?Whydoyoumakemet o
beanev i
lper
son.Il
ovedyou,
Ihav
eyoumyvir
gini
ty,
whatdidyoudo?Youwentandcheat
edonme.”
“
Doy
ouhav
epr
oofoft
hat
?”
“KhumoImi ghthavebeeny oungbutIwasnot
stupi
d.Youwer enotser ious,Idi
dn’thav etochoose
Chess.Ithappened.AndwhenIgotpr egnantwith
Anele,Iwasscar ed,Iknewshewasy ours.Itol
dy ou
andy ousaidChessbel i
ev editwashi s.YousaidI
shouldstaywi t
hChessbecauseIwaspr egnantbutI
wasr eadytobewi t
hy ou.Yousai dy ouv al
uedy our
fri
endshipmor ethany ourownhappi ness.My
happiness.Doy ouknowhowhear tbrokenIwas?
Stopmaki ngmet heev i
lper son,
yousai dy ouvalued
yourfri
endshipmor et hanourl ove,whyar eyou
cryi
ngnow?Cont inuev aluingthefri
endship.It’
s
whaty ouwant ed.Ididn’tgiveChessy ourchil
d,you
did!I
twasal lyourdoing. ”
“
Wel
lhedoesn’
tlov
eyouany
mor
e.”
“
Stopi
t.
”
“
Chessdoesn’
tlov
eyouLef
a.Hej
ustf
eel
sgui
l
tyand
heiswi t
hy ououtofpi t
y.Hef oundawomanhe
real
lyl
ov es,shemakeshi mf eel ever
ythinghehas
neverfel
tbef or
eandhewoul dr atherloseyout han
her.Heiswi thyououtofpitybuthei sinvesti
gating
everyl
iey ouhaveev ertol
d,Hei sgoingt oleavey ou.
Henev erreall
ylovedyoueitherway ,
itwasal lf
or
Anele.
”
“
Canyoudr
opt hi
s?Yousoundchi
l
dish.Ar
eyou
t
ryi
ngt
ppurposel
yhur
tme?”
“Ican’tsayheischeat i
ngbecausehei snoti na
rel
ationshipwit
hy ou,justthathei stiedtoy ouby
thelawbutt hatmandoesn’ twanty ouany more.
Lelentl
e,yourdearfri
endl ongr eplacedy ou.Hei s
crazyinlovewithLele, i
fyout hinkIam lying,got o
theflatswheresher ecentlymov ed,heistherewi t
h
her.Ifoll
owedhim andsawhi m gott her
e.Shemust
haveal r
eadytoldhim aboutt heki ssifshei sgreedy
enough. ”
Khumohungup.Lefaswal
l
owedthengr
abbedher
carkey
sandlookedatt
henannywhowwasgett
ing
readyt
oleav
e.
“Tebogo,canyoust
ayforanext
rat
hir
tyminut
esor
so.Ihavetogosomewhere,i
t’
sanemergency
.Iwi
l
l
payyouforovert
ime.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shewal
kedoutandgoti
nhercart
hendr
oveof
f.

*
**

Atthef l
ats,Lef
a’shear
tskippedasshepar ked
besideherhusband’scar.Herhear tst
art
ed
pounding,shesteppedoutoft hecarstari
ngatthe
tr
uckt hatgotLele’
sthi
ngs.Sher anoverandsmi l
ed
star
ingatt hemenast heygotint hetr
ucktotakeoff
“
Hi,
shef
orgotacoupl
eoft
hings,
whi
chf
lati
sshe
i
n?”
“
16.8t
hfl
oor
.”
“
Thanks.
,uhwai
t…herboy
fri
endi
sther
e?Thi
sone.
.”
Lefashowedthem api
ctur
eofherhusbandt
hen
theynodded.“
Yes.
”
“
Thanky
ou!
”
Sher ushedi nandgotint heelevat
or.Shepressed8
thenitwhiskedherup.Secondsl atershewalkedout
andwentt oapartment.Shelookedatt hedoor
wonder i
ngi fshehadt oknockorwhat ,
sheslowly
openedt henpeaked.Shewat chedasChesssai d
somet hingtoherfr i
endthatmadeherl augh.He
kissedher,shequi ckl
yclosedt hedoor.

*
**

I
nsi
det
heapar
tment
,Lel
efr
owned.
“
Sawt
hat
?”
“
What
?”
“
Ther
ewassomeoneatt
hedoor
.”
Lel
ewalkedoverandlooked,herey
esf el
lont
he
el
evat
orwhichwasclosing.Sheshruggedandgot
backi
nherhouse.
“
Ithi
nki
t’
stheki
dsorsomet
hing.
”
“
Youshoul
dal
way
slock.
”
“
Yeah.
.”
.
.
Fami
l
ylet
'sl
i
keandcommenton
Roar
ingFl
ames
#30

Latert hatnight,Chesshel pedLel esetupher

bedroom.Awhi lelaterhef ol
dedhercl othesfrom
thebedwhi l
eshepackedev eryt
hingint hespaci ous
wardr obe.Shet urnedt ohim ashet ooksomuch
ti
met ryingtofoldherdr ess,forawhi leshej ust
staredathi m wonder i
nghowhewoul dtaket hatkind
ofbet ray al
andsomehowshecoul dunder standwhy
hewoul dneversuspect .Hewascl oset oKhumo.He
fi
nishedt hedressami nutelaterthent ookherpant s.
Shet ur nedbackt owhatshewasdoi ngwhi leLeona
Lewi ssangsof t
ly.Shewentbackt othebedand
tookmor eclot
hest henpackedt hem int he
war
drobe.Hehandedherherpant
s.
“
Wear
edoner
ight
?”
“
Ther
eisst
il
lthatbag…”
“
Ahbabennakel
api
l
e.(
Iam t
ir
ed.
)Youwi
l
ldoi
t
t
omorr
ow.”
“Youdi
d10cl
othesal
lthi
swhi
l
e,whatar
eyou
sayi
ng?
”
“
Woman,Idi
dmor ethanthat!Appr
eci
atet
his.Can
wet
akeabreak?Iam ti
red.Takwano.
(Comeher e.
)”
Lel
egotonbedthenheputhi shandsonherwaist
pull
i
nghercl
oser.Hekissedherhuggi
ngherwaist.
Hisphoner
ang,hereachedfori
t.Lel
elookedatLefa
cal
li
ng.
“
Takei
t.
”
Hekissedherthengotupandwalkedtothesi
tti
ng
room.Leleyawnedopeningt
heblanket
sthen
undressedr
emai ni
ngnakedandgotundercov
ers.

*
**
I
nt hesi
tt
ingr
oom,
Chessanswer
edhi
sri
ngi
ng
phone.
“
Hey
..
.”
“
Hey
,uhar
eyoust
uckatwor
k?”
“
Isev
ery
thi
ngok?
”
“
Anelei
snotfeeli
ngwell
.Shehasafever
.Her
t
emperat
ureishighbuti
fyouarebusyi
t’
sok.Iwi
l
l
j
ustgi
veherparacet
amol.
”
“
Whendi
ditst
art
?”
“Anhourort
woback.Inot
icedshewasdownbef
ore
shewenttosl
eep.
”
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hedroppedt
hecallandwentbacki
nsi
det
he
bedr
oom.Lel
elookedathi
m.
“
Comeandl
i
ewi
thme.
”
Hel
ookedatt
hatsmi
l
eonherf
aceandsmi
l
edt
oo.
Hej
oinedherandt
ouchedherbodyki
ssi
ngher
.
“
Anel
eisnotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
.Shehasf
ever
.”
“
Oh…”
“
Yeah,
Ihavetogoandseewhat
’swr
ong.Shehad
f
lueawhi
leback.
”
“
It
’sok.Got
oher
.”
Chesskissedher
.“Iwi
l
lcomeandpi
cky
ouup
tomorr
owf orwork.
”
“
It
’sok.Iwi
l
lmanage.
”
“
Iwi
l
lbeher
eat7?Howi
sthat
?”
“
Chess,
Iam f
ine.Iwi
l
lfi
gur
emywayt
owor
k.”
“
7isf
ine?
”
Lel
esmi
l
edgi
vi
ngup.“
Yes.Sev
eni
sfi
ne.
”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
Lel
esmiled.“
Ilov
eyou.Il
ovey
out
oo.Il
ovey
ou
Chess.
”
Hekissedheronelastt
imeandwal
kedoutpi
cki
ng
hi
sjacketf
rom thechai
rinsi
det
hebedr
oom.Lel
e
putherhandsonherf
ace,shethought
ful
l
ytookher
phoneandcall
edhermother.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Mama,
arey
ousl
eepi
ng?
”
“
Iwasaboutt
o.”
“
Iwi
shwehadmor
eti
met
odayaf
ter
noon.
”
MmagweLelel
aughed.“
Youguyswer
ecat
chi
ngup,
youandIwi
l
lal
wayshaveti
me.”
“
Iwant
edt
obet
her
e.”
“Youwil
lbeatwork.Focusonthat
.Theoperat
ioni
s
goingt
ogowell.Yourfat
herandIwil
lbefi
ne.”
“
Howdi
dyouknowdadwast
heoney
oul
oved?
”
“Ifelti
tdeepi nmyheart.Hewasj ustper fectand
fal
lingforhim wasnatural.I
twast hatnatur all
ove
thatdidn’tneedtoomucht r
y i
ng.I
tjustcame.If elli
n
l
ov ewithhi m soef
for
tlessly.Hedidn’tneedt otryso
hard.IsitChess?”
“
Ilov
ehim.Heisnotper
fect.Heist
heleastper
fect
manIhaveev
ercomeacr ossbutIl
ovehim.Idon’
t
knowwhathappensbutwhenIam wi
thhi
m,If
eel
a
wayIhav
enev erf
eltbef
ore.
”
MmagweLel
elaughed.“
Hei
sagoodman.
”
“
Ever
yonei
sgoi
ngt
obeagai
nstus.
”
“
Why
?”
“
Cir
cumst
ances.
”
“
Lel
entl
e,i
fyoutr
ulyl
ovethatman,youwil
lfi
ghtf
or
y
ourlov
e.DidIev
ertel
lyoumyfathernev
erli
ked
y
ourfat
her?”
“
What
?”
“Hehat edhim somuchbecauseofwhaty ourf
ather
haddonet omyf at
herl
ongback.Al
so
circumstancesinwhichImetyourf
ather.Mymot her
didn’that
ey ourdadbutshewasagainstthe
relati
onshi
p.”
“
Why
?”
“
Becauseofsomei ssues.ButIstoodbyhim.Lel
eI
f
oughtforthatman,Ifoughtforourl
ove.Ir
anaway
f
rom homet obewithhim.Att heendtheyj
usthad
t
oacceptitbecauseifanythi
ng,Iwasreadytodi
e
forhim.Theyhadt oaccepthi m andacceptthefact
thathewast hemanmyhear thadchosen.Ifyou
trul
ylovehim, y
ouwi l
lfi
ght.Thereisnothi
ngaswe
can’tbetogetherbecausepeoplear eagai
nstus…i f
youcanl etpeoplecomebet weeny ouandhim, i
t
meansy ounev erreal
lyl
ovedhi m.”
“
Ido.
”
“Thenber eadyf oranything.Relat
ionshipsarenot
easy,theyarenotagar denofni ceflowersonly,
therearethornsandsomef l
owersar epoisonous,
youshouldber eadytodeal wit
hev eryt
hingthat
comeswi thar elati
onship.Iam notsay ingtoler
ate
nonsense,Iam say ingar elati
onshipiscommi t
ment,
i
t’scompassi onate,it
’sunder st
anding,it
’slove,i
t’
s
forgi
vi
ngandmanymor ethings.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Eemma.
”
“Asmuchasy ouarenotperf
ect,
Chessi salsonot
perf
ect.Youhavetolearneachother
,learnyourman
andlethimlearnyou,l
earnyourr
elat
ionship.”
“
Eemma.
”
“
Anddon’
tfeel
obl
i
gat
edt
obewi
thhi
m becauseI
l
ikehi
m, y
esIli
kehim butatt
hesamet
ime,
your
happi
nessisal
lthatmatt
erst
ome.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyoumama.
”
“Il
oveyoutoo.Sowhatisitt
hatwil
lmakepeopl
e
notacceptyourr
elat
ionshi
pwithChess?
”
Lel
esi
ghed.“
Youwi
l
lknowwhent
het
imecomes.
”
“
Ok.Iam t
ir
ed.Goodni
ght
.”
“
Goodni
ght
.”
Lel
ehungup,someoneknockedonherdoor .She
fr
ownedthengotupandunlockedthedoor.Aman
smil
edholdi
ngabouquetofredroseswit
hmoney
onthem.
“
MissLel
ent
lePhi
ri
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Adel
i
ver
yfory
ou.Pl
easesi
gnher
e…”
Lel
esignedthentookt hefl
owers.Healsohanded
herabigboxofFerreroRocherchocolates.Lel
e
smil
edgetti
ngbacki nsidethehousewitheveryt
hing.
Shetookoutthenoteinside.
‘
Your
s…Chess.
’
Lel
esmi l
edst ar
ingatthef l
ower
s, shetookher
phoneandt ookapictureofthefl
ower sand
chocolat
es.Shepostedi tonherfacebookwi t
ha
capti
onof‘ifthi
sisnotper f
ectt
henIdon’ tknow
whatis.Thanky oubabe.’
Shealsoputthesamepicturewit
hthesamecapti
on
onherWhatsAppstatus.Herphoneimmedi
atel
y
rang,
shelookedatLefacall
i
ng.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“Hey,
youaresolucky,
kantewhoi
syourboy
fri
end?
Thismanlovesy
out obit
s!”
Lel
esmiled.“Hesay
shedoesbutIwi
l
lnev
erknow
what’
sreall
yinhi
shear
t.
”
“
Whoi
she?
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Youwi
l
lnev
erknowhi
m.”
“SoonIwil
l havetomeethim andthankhi
mf oral
l
heisdoingf ormyfri
end.Ihopetheydon’
tcome
aft
eryou,thehaters.
”
“
Ihopesot
oo.
”
“Ng…i t’
sacompl actedwor l
d.Youwi llnev erknow
who’ sreallyony oursi de,wel i
vewithsnakeswho
sleepwi thourmenr i
ghtbef oreournosesandcl ai
m
fri
endshi p.Theysmi l
ewi thuswhent heyknowt hey
aredest royingourr elati
onshipsthatwehav e
wor kedhar dfor.Snakes, y oushouldbecar efulLel
e.
Ihopey ounev ermeetsomeonel ikethat ,such
thingsar edanger ous.Someonewi l
lkil
l someonef or
theirmanandIam oneoft hosepeopl e.”
Lel
etookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Ilov
ehi
m.Iwi
l
lguar
dmy
rel
ati
onshi
p.”
“
Yeah…any
way
s,t
omor
row.
”
“
Thanky
ouf
oragr
eei
ngt
oremai
nwi
thSnuggl
es.
”
“
Ohnost
ressbabes.
”
“
Okby
e.”
Lel
ehungupt
hent
ext
edChess.
Lel
e:Isawt hefl
owersandchocolates.Theyar e
beauti
ful
,thankyou.Iwi
shy ouwereher ewithme,I
al
readymissy oubutgiv
ey ourdaughteryourful
l
att
enti
on.Fathersareadaughter’
sbestfri
end.You
canal
sot
rysomehomer emedi
esf
orheri
f
phar
maci
esarecl
osed.
Lel
escr
oll
edonherphonewai
ti
ngf
orhi
mtor
epl
y.

*
**

Chesswalkedi
nsi
dethehouseandwenttoAnel
e’
s
room wher
eLefawasly
ingwit
hthei
rdaught
eron
thebed.
“
Howi
sshe?
”
“
Shei
sbet
ternow.Thepar
acet
amol
wor
ked.
”
Chessputhi
shandonherfor
eheadandher
temper
atur
ewassti
ll
ali
ttl
ehigh.
“
Youcnsl
eepwit
husi
fyoudon’
tmi
ndbuti
t’
soki
f
y
oudon’
twant
.”
Hel
ookedathi
sdaught
ert
henl
ookedather
.
“
Iwentthr
oughyourcasef
il
etoday
.Theonewher
e
y
oureport
edrape.
”
Lef
a’shear
tski
pped.“
Oh.
.”
“
Yes.Isawt
hemedi
cal
repor
tst
oo.
”
“
Iwasn’
tly
ing.
”
“
AndIspoket
oyourdoct
or.
”
Lef
a’shear
tpounded.“
Oh…”
“Hesaidtherewasnosi gnoranythi
ngthatwas
showingyouwer erapedbymul t
ipl
emen.He
examainedy ouandy oul
ookedjustfi
ne.Youhadno
marksony ourbodyorev enbr
uises.Hesaidhe
l
ookedatev eryt
hingandthatyoutoldhi
m nottodo
aful
lexami nat
ion.”
“Iwasst i
l
l t
raumati
zed.Iwasgoingfindi
ngithardt
o
acceptitandhewasn’ tevent
aki
ngmeser i
ously
.He
thoughtIwasl yi
ngthat’
swhyIrefusedtofi
nishthe
ful
lexami nati
onwit
hhi m.”
“
Lef
a,i
fIf
indoutt
hat
-“
“Chess,i
fyoudon’
tbel
i
eveme,
it’
sok.Notev
ery
one
beli
evesme.”
“
Idi
dn’tsayIdi
dn’
tbel
i
eveyou,somethi
ngsdon’t
makesenseandIhadaful
lchatwit
hthecopthat
quest
ionedyou.Hesay
sheknowsal
i
arwhenhe
seesone.”
“AndIwast
hatli
ar.Iknow.”Shesmi
ledtear
ful
l
y.“I
know.I
t’
sok.Noonebel i
evedmeeit
herwaysoi t
’s
ok.”At
earr
oll
eddownt heshegotoffbed.
“
Youcanst
aywi
thher
.”
Chessl
ookedatherasat
earr
oll
eddown.“
Iam not
sayi
ngyouareali
ar.
”
“Youdon’
thav
etocal
lmeali
aroutl
oudf
ormet
o
knowwhatyouar
esayi
ng.
”
“Iam goi
ngt ogettothebottom oft
his,Iam going
tomakesur ey ougetj
usti
ce,nooneissay ingyou
arealiar
,Ijustesntj
ust
iceforyou.I
sn’tthatwhat
youwant ?”
“
Iwantt
omov
eonf
rom i
t.
”
“
Iam not
ngoi
ngt
omobet
il
lyougetj
ust
ice.
”
“
Idon’
tevenr
emembert
hei
rfaces.Iwasdr
ugged
mostoft
heti
me.
”
“
Didn’
tyousayy
ouwer
ebl
i
ndf
olded?
”
“
Iwasanddr
uggedt
oo.
”
Hel
ookedathert
henj
oinedhi
sdaught
eronherbed.
Shet urnedandwal kedout .Shewentt otheki
tchen
mumbl i
ngtoher self
,herangerrisingsomuchshe
start
edshaki ng.Shet ookthemi l
kshehadbought
earl
ierforSnuggl esthentookther atposi
onandput
i
tinside.Shemi xedi tthenwentout si
deandgav et
o
thedog.Shewat chedi tasitat
eandshef i
nal
l
y
walkedbacki nsiudet hehouseoncei twasdone.
Shecl eanedthecont ainerandwentt obedwhere
drankasl eepingpill
bef or
esleeping.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#31

Chesswal
kedoutoft
hebedroom t
hefoll
owing
morni
ngal
readydr
essedup.Lef
alookedathim.
“
Ear
lymeet
ing?
”
“
Yah.
”
“
Shoul
dIpacky
ourbr
eakf
ast
?”
“
No.I
t’
sok.Hav
eyougi
venany
thi
ngt
oLel
e’
sdog?
”
“
No.Iwasaboutt
o.”
“
Iwi
l
ldoi
t.
”
Het ookoutt
hemi l
kfrom t
hef r
idgeandt ookabowl
thenwalkedoutside.Hewhistl
edexpect ingthedi g
tocomeoutbutt herewasnomov ement .Hepeaked
i
nsideandbutther ewasnothing.Hel ookedar ound
thenpausedstari
ngatt hedogly i
ngadi stancefrom
him.Chesswal kedov ert
oitandf rowned.Thedog
wasdead.Lefawal kedoverholdingsomet hi
ng.
“
Igothi
mthi
syest
erday
.”
“
Hei
sdead.
”
“
What
?”
“
Yeah.
.”
Chesslookedatthev
omi tal
lov
erthent
urnedto
Lef
a.“Ithi
nkit
’ssomethi
ngheate.Whatdi
dy ougi
ve
hi
m? ”
“
Justmi
l
k.Thatmi
l
k.”
“
Any
thi
ngel
se?
”
“
No.
”
“
Itcan’
tjustdi
e.”
“
Somedogsj
ustdi
e.Iguessi
t’
soneoft
hem.
”
“Lel
ereal
lyl
ovedherdog,
ther
eisnowayi
tcanj
ust
die,
itmusthaveeat
ensomethi
ng.
”
“
Ionl
ygav
eitmi
l
k.”
“It
hinkIshoul
dtakei
ttot
hev
eter
inar
ianandhav
eit
checked.
”
“
It
’sdead.
”
“
Iknowbutt
obesur
e.Lel
elov
est
hisdog,
youj
ust
can’
tpr
esenti
ttoherdead.
”
“
Dogsdi
eal
lthet
imebabe.
”
Hel
ookedathercat
chi
ngt
hatpani
conherf
ace.
“
Lef
atshe,
didy
ougi
vei
tsomet
hingel
se?
”
“What
?No!Chesswhywoul
dIgi
vei
tsomet
hingt
hat
canhar
mit?
”
“Youmi ghthavedonei
tuni
ntenti
onal
ly.Thesame
wayy ouforgottoment
iont
ot hepoli
cethatyougot
druggedthetimeyouwereraped.Lel
edeservesan
explanati
on.”
“Ij
ustgav
eitmi
l
k,Ipr
omi
se.It
hinki
t’
snat
ural
death.
”
Hel
ookedi
nherey
es.“
Isi
t?”
“
Yes.
”
Hel ookedatherwant i
ngtoslapt het
rut
houtofher
buthewasgoi ngtobesmar taboutit
.Hewasgoing
toremai nlooki
ngstupi
dandwat chherhangher
sel
f
withthelies.Hewalkedbackinsidethehouseand
pickeditup.Het hr
ewitintheplasti
c.
“
Iwi
l
lgeti
tlookedat
.”
“Whywouldy ouwast
emoneyonadog?Lel
ewi
l
l
under
stand.Sheismyfr
iend.
”
“
Asmuchasshewi
l
lunder
stand,
shewi
l
lbehur
t.
”
“Ok.Thenletmedoit.Lelei
smyf
ri
end.Onewoul
d
swearLeleisyourgi
rl
fri
end.
”
Helookedather.“I
t’
sfine.Iwil
ldoi
t.Youhaveto
gett
owor k.Youwon’thav eti
me.Bytheway ,
somethi
ngf unnyhappened.Ifor
gottotel
lyou.
”
“
What
?”
“
ThehotelIstayedi
nwhenIwasinAmerica
r
ecei
vedar andom knockont
hedoor,
wel ookedat
t
heCCTVcamer asandIcoul
dhaveswor
nt hat
womanlooksl i
keyou.”
“
Iwasher
e.May
beshej
ustl
ooksl
i
keme.
”
Hebithi
slowerl
i
pangr
il
yst
ari
ngathert
henhe
si
ghed.
“
Ok.By
e.”
*
**

Lefagotinherhouse,shet
ookadeepbreat
h
real
izi
ngshewassel l
i
nghersel
fwit
htoomuch
panicki
ng.Shetookherphoneandcal
l
edLele.
“
Hey
…”
“
HiLef
a.”
“
Alr
eadyony
ourwayt
oschool
?”
“
Aboutt
oleav
e.”
“Somet
hinghappenedlastni
ght
.Iam notsur
ewhat
coul
dhavehappened.”
“
What
?”
“
Wef
oundSnuggl
esdead.
”
“
What
?”
“
Yeah…It
hinkhewasnotwel
l
.Hewasv
omi
ti
ng.
”
“
No…”
“Iam sorr
ylove.Chesstookit
,hesai
dheisgoi
ngt
o
getittest
edthoughit’
sjustadog.Maybei
tdi
ed
becauseitwasjustt
oosmall.I
tpr
obablyneededi
t’
s
motherbutyouknowChess.”Shelaughed.“
Iswear
i
t’
slikeheknewy oulongbef
oreme.Hemakesme
l
ookl i
keIdon’
tcare.
”
“
Iknowy
oucar
e.I
fhei
sdead,
it’
sok.
”
“Hewasmaki ngi tsoundasifIdidsomet hingtoit,I
guesswhenpeopl edon’twantyouany more,they
wil
llookf oreveryreasontomaket heircasest r
ong.I
j
ustwi shIcouldt alkt
ot hewomanhei shav i
ngan
aff
airwi t
h…”Lef asniff
ed.“Ij
ustwanthert oseet hat
sheisdest roy
ingmyf amil
y.Iworkedhardf ormy
family
, sheistakingawaymyhappi ness,my
daughter’shappiness.”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Ii
t’
sok,
atl
eastIgoty
ou.
”
“
Yeah,
Ihav
etogo.
”
“
Bye,
andgoodl
uck!
”
“
Thanks.
”
Lelehungup,Lefaf
ini
shedprepar
ingherdaughter
thendressedandwalkedoutwit
hher.Shedroveher
t
oschool
thendr
ovet
owor
kcal
l
ingsomeone.
“Hi
,Iwantyoutofoll
owsomepeopl
e,myhusband
andhisgi
rl
fri
end.Iwanty
outot
akepict
uresoft
hem,
IwantgoodonesIcanusewhenIam sui
ng.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Shar
p.”
Lef
acal
l
edanot
hernumber
.
“
Lef
a…”
“
Hey
,howl
ongi
smyf
ri
end’
scont
ract
?”
“
Thi
sonei
sfor3mont
hs.Toseehowshedoes.
”
“Shei
snotagoodfi
t.It
hinkaf
tert
hecont
ract
,you
shoul
dfi
ndsomeoneelse.”
“
Lef
a…”
“Getsomeoneel
se.Someonewi
thmor
eexper
ience.
Youoweme. ”
“Ei
sh,ok.Ijustthoughtaft
eryoufoughtsomuchto
havey ourfr
iendgetthejobyoumusthav ewanted
hettohav eajobbutnowy ouar
et hesameperson
wantingherf i
red.
”
“Sheisnotagoodf i
t.Shebelongstogover
nment
schools.Sheshoul
djustwaitforgover
nmentt
olook
fort
eachers.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Bye.
”
Lef
asi
ghedput
ti
ngherphonedown.

*
**

Lelewalkedoutofthehousei
nherbl
ackfl
ared
dressandheels.Shegoti
nChess’
scar,
heleaned
overandkissedher.
“
Hey
…”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Iwoket
oadeadSnuggl
es.
”
“
Lef
acal
l
edme.
”
“
Isuspecti
t’
ssomet
hingheat
e.”
“
Ormay
beit
’sj
ustnat
ural
causes.Sasasai
ditused
t
ovomi
twhenIwasnotaround.
”
Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
Yeah.
”
“
Thanky
ouf
ort
hef
lower
sandchocol
ates.
”
“
It
’sok.Igoty
out
his.
”
Hehandedhert
heboxoft
hei
Phone.Lel
esmi
l
ed.
“
Noo…i
sthi
sforme?
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Babe!Ihav
enev
erusedani
Phone
bef
ore.
”
“Youcannowdi
tcht
hephonewi
tht
hedead
charger
.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.Thanky
ousomuch.
”
Hetookoff
,hepassedbyt
hef
il
li
ngst
ati
ont
ofuel
hi
scar.Acarst
oppedbesi
det
hem.

Thewindowr oll
eddownthenLaronalookedatthem
fr
om hercar
.Shewat chedthem astheyl
aughed
aboutsomething.Shest
eppedoutandwal kedover
wonderi
ngwhot hewomanhersister
’shusbandwas
l
aughi
ngwi
th.
“
Chess…”
Chessl
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.“
OhheyLal
a…”
“
Hi…”
Shecaref
ull
ylookedatt
hewomanandsmi
l
ed.
“Lel
e?”
Lel
esmiled.“
Hi,
ohwow!I
t’
sbeenl
ong.Youl
ookso
di
ff
erent
.”
Lar
onal
aughed.“
Tel
lmeabouti
t.Howar
eyou?
”
“
Fine.Yousel
f?Congr
atul
ati
ons.
”
“Iam good,t
hanks.Wel
lni
cebumpingint
othebot
h
ofyou,Lefai
ssohappytohaveyouaround.
”
“
Yeah.
”
“
Okby
e.”
Shewentbackt
ohercarandcal
l
edhersi
sterast
he
cardr
oveoff
.
“
Lar
ona…”
“
IjustsawLel
eandChess.
”
“
Toget
her
?”
“
Yes,
what
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“
Not
hing.Why
?”
“
Theyseemedwayt
oocl
ose.
”
“
Waai
immei
t’
snot
hing.Theyj
ustcl
i
ck.
”
“
Ok.
.by
e.”
“
Bye.
”

*
**

Laterthatday,afterwork,Lelewal kedoutofher
offi
ceholdingacoupl eoft hings.Lefalookedather
,
Chesswasst i
l
l notthere,
shepr essedthehooter
smili
ngandwav ed.Lelewal kedov erandgotinthe
car.Lefatookthef il
esshewashol di
ngandput
them atthebackseat .
“
Hey
…thoughtIwoul
dsur
pri
sey
ou.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”
“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul,
howwast
oday
?”
“
Itwasfi
ne.Mainlyi
ntr
oducti
onsandgoi
ngt
hrough
whatt
hestudentsar
ecurrent
lydoi
ng.
”
“
Ohy
eah…”
Lef
ast
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.
“
Letmet
akey
out
othehospi
tal
.”
“
Ok…”
Lefal
ookedatherandsmiled.Tear
sfil
l
edhereyes
asshelookedaway.Atearrol
leddown,shewi
pedit
offsi
l
entl
y.
“
Arey
ouok?
”
Lef
alookedather
.“Yes.Yes.Iam f
ine.
”
Lel
elookedi
nhert
ear
ful
eyes.“
Sur
e?”
Lef
afor
cedasmi
l
e.“
Yes.I
t’
snot
hing.
”
Lef
aparkedatt
hehospi
talawhil
elater
.They
hur
ri
edi
nsideandgotdi
rect
edtowher emmagwe
Lel
ewas.Lefar
ubbedhershoul
der.
“
Iwi
l
lwai
ther
e.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Letmehol
dyourbagf
ory
ou.
”
Lelehandedherthehandbagandwal kedtpwhere
theyhadbeendi r
ected.Lefatookoutherphone,she
frowned,i
tdidn’
tlooklikeLel
e’sphone.She
searchedinthebagt hentookouttheoldphone.She
l
ookedatt heiPhoneknowi ngherhusbandhad
gottenitf
orher.Shelookedatt hel
ockedscreenand
puteveryt
hingbackinherbag.
*
**

Awhil
elat
er,
Lel
ewal kedov
er,
ahugesmi
l
eonher
f
ace.“
Itwasasuccess!”
“
Yes!
”
Lef
ast
oodupandhuggedhert
ight
ly.
“
Theyar
est
il
lrest
ingr
ightnow.
”
“
Soont
heywi
l
lbebackt
onor
mal
.”
“
Iwassoscar
ed.
”
“
Youhadnot
hingt
obescar
edabout
.”
Lel
e’sphonerangfr
om herhandbag.Shetookher
handbagthentookoutherphone.Shepi
ckedthe
cal
l.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Wher
ear
eyou?Iam r
unni
ngl
ate.
”
“
Lef
api
ckedmeup.Wear
eatt
hehospi
tal
.”
“
Ok,
Iam comi
ngt
her
e.Iwi
l
lpi
cky
ouupf
rom t
her
e.”
“
No.I
t’
sok.
”
“
Sur
e?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ok,
Ilov
eyou.
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”
Lel
ehungup, Lefalookedathert
earfull
y,shemoved
backandputherhandsov erherfacecryi
ng,thepai
n
i
nherheartsmot heri
ngher.Shekneltt
ot hefl
oor
cry
ing.Lel
ekneltwithherhuggi
ngher .
“
Hey
…ar
eyouok?
”
Lef
acr
iedf
orawhi
l
ethenf
inal
l
ypul
l
edher
sel
f
t
oget
her
.
“
Iam f
ine.
”
Shewipedawayhertears.“
Iam good.Iam ok.Iwi
l
l
befi
ne.Let
’sgo.Icanhelpyousett
le.
”
“
Idecidedtoj
ustdoi
tyest
erday
.Idon’
thav
emuch
t
hingssoitwaseasy
.”
“Whydidyoul
eav
et heonesIhadgi
veny
ou?I
boughtt
hem f
oryou.”
“
No.Ican’
ttaket
hem.Theyar
eyour
s.”
Lef
anoddedast
heywal
kedout
.Theygoti
nthecar
anddr
oveoff
.
“
Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
fatt
hef
lat
s.”

*
**

Att
hef
lats,Lefapar
kedt
hecarandl
ookedather
.
“Wewi
l
ltalk.”
“
Yeah,
thanksf
orpi
cki
ngmeup.
”
“
Youarewel
come.Whot
ooky
out
oschool
int
he
mor
ning?
”
“Iwasgoingt
otakeacombi
thenIbumpedi
nto
Chess.IsawLar
ona.
”
“
Ohh…”
“
Yeah.
”
“
Okby
e.”
“
Bye.
”
Lel
est
eppedoutoft
hecarasLef
adr
oveof
f.

4MONTHSLATER
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#32

4Mont
hsLat
er…

Lel
ewal kedoutoft
heschool head’
soffi
cehol di
ng
herbag,shewenttohercarandgoti nbl
inkingaway
hertear
s.Herphonerang,shetookitoutfrom her
handbagandpickedhermot her’
scal
l.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Lel
e,howdi
ditgo?
”
“
Theyarel
ett
ingmego.Itr
iedt
ounder
standwhybut
t
heycoul
dn’
tanswerme.”
“
Iam sor
rymygi
rl
.”
ATearr
oll
eddownLel
e’
scheek.“
Iam goi
ngt
okeep
l
ooki
ng.
”
“
Youcanal
way
scomebackhome.
”
“
IknowbutIhadpai
drentf
ort
hismont
hsol
etme
st
ickar
oundandl
ook.
”
“
Okmygi
rl
.”
“
Howi
spapa?
”
“Yourfat
heri
sf i
ne.Wear
epr
epar
ingt
ogof
ory
our
cousin’
swedding.”
“
Ohy
eah.
.Iwi
l
ltr
ytocome.
”
“
Youshoul
dcome.
”
“
Eemma.
”
“Don’
tworr
y.Youwi
l
lfi
ndsomet
hing.Howi
s
Chess?”
“
Fine.
”
“
Ok,
wewi
l
ltal
k.”
Lel
edr oppedt hecallanddroveoff.Shepassedbya
shopandgotmay onnaiseandmar shmall
ows.She
openedt hemay onnaisethendippedamar shmall
ow
i
nsideandt hrewitinhermout h.Herphonerangas
sheenjoy edt
hemar shmall
owsdi ppedin
may onnaise.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
HeyLel
e,It
hinkIseey
ourcar
.”
Lel
efrownedasLef
aspoke.“
UhIam i
nahur
ry
Lef
a.”
“
Pleasewaitf
orme.Idon’
thav
emycaratt
he
moment.”
Lel
estoppedeati
ngthenputev
ery
thi
ngi
nher
handbagasLefagotin.
“
Hey
!”
“
Hey
…”
Theyhugged.Lefasmil
ed.“Iam sohappyt
oseey
ou.
Isweari
tfeel
slikeyouareavoi
dingme.”
“
Ihav
ebeenbusyatwor
k.”
“Yeah,
Iknow.If
igur
ed.I
sitmeoryouar
egai
ning
evenmore?Omoki makimahel
a.(
Youaref
at.
)”
Lel
efi
xedhert
ightshi
rt
.“Justabi
t.
”
“Youlookl ikeabigfatbal
loonespeci
all
ywit
hthe
neckfol ds.Whydon’tyougot othegym?Peopl
eli
ke
yourselfgotptthegy m.Youjustcan’
tbecar
ryi
ng
suchf atnessaround.”
Lel
eputonherscaf
far
oundherneck.
“
Pleasedr
opmeathome.Igav
emycart
oLar
ona.
”
“
Oh…”
Therewassuddenmov ementi
nLel
e’
sstomach,she
pausedrubbi
ngherst
omachwi t
hafrown.Lef
a
l
ookedather.
“
Arey
ouok?
”
“
Yeah.Letmedr
opy
ouof
f.
”
Lel
est artedthecaranddr ovetoLefa’shouse
thi
nkingofherl astperi
od.Ithadbeen…shedi d
cal
culat i
onsinherheadt hentookinadeepbr eat
h
asitdawnedt oher.God…t heweir
df oodcrav
ings.
Shebr iefl
ycl
osedherey es…andt hemov ements
shewasget t
ing.Butshehadt akenthepill
…shesaw
herselftaki
ngit.
“
Arey
ouok?
”
Lel
elookedatLef
a.“
Yes.
”
“Bytheway,Iam inv
iti
ngyoutomybabyshower .I
havebeenmeani ngtotel
lyoubutIcoul
dn’
tgethold
ofyou.”Shetookoutaninvi
tat
ioncardf
rom herbag
andgavei
ttoLel
e.Lel
est
oleagl
anceati
twhi
l
e
dri
vi
ng.
“
Youar
epr
egnant
?”
“
ChessandIdeci
dedi
twast
imet
ogi
veAnel
ea
y
oungerbr
other
.”
Lel
eswal
l
owed.“
Howf
arar
eyou?
”
“
Aboutf
ourmont
hs.
”
Lel
estoppedthecaratLefa’
shouseandslowlyread
thr
ought hei
nvit
ati
oncar
d.Tearsfi
l
ledhereyesas
shelookedatitt
henshesmiled.
“
Wel
l
…Iwi
l
lcome.Congr
atul
ati
ons.
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Howi
sChessandy
ou?
”
“Wear egood.Wear eevenpl
anningavacat
iont
o
Maur i
ti
ustogetherwit
hKhumoandLalaandour
otherfr
iend,
Ricardoandhiswif
e,Amanda.Agroup
thi
ng.”
Lel
enodded.“
Iam happyf
ory
ou.
”
“
WhatGodhasputt
oget
her
,noonecanbr
eak.How
i
syourboy
fri
end?
”
“
Hei
sfi
ne.
”
“
Ohwel
l
,thanky
ou.
”
“
It
’sok.
”
“
Iam goi
ngt
oaskLal
atoputy
oui
nthegr
oup.
”
“
Uhok.
”
Lefahuggedhert henst eppedoutandwal kedinsi
de
thegate.Leledr oveoffpassi ngbyaphar macy .She
fi
nall
ywal kedinsidethef latandt ookoffhershoes.
Shetookof ftheshi r
tmaki ngherwayt othe
bathr
oom wher eshet ookoutt hepregnancytests
andpeedoni t.Shewai tedwhi ledoingcalcul
ati
ons
onherphone.Thel asttimeshehadseenherper i
od
wasthepr eviousmont hbef oreChessandsheknew
shehadusedacondom wi thMoabi .
“Godpl
easenoo…Iam notwor
king.Ican’
taf
for
da
chi
ld…”
Fi
veminuteselapsed,
shet ookthepr egnancyst i
ck
andl
ookedatthet woli
nes, v
isi
bleandmuchcl ear
.
Sheputherhandsonherf acecrying.Sher eached
f
orherphoneandcal
l
edChessmi
nut
esl
ater
.
“
Mr.Mor
emi
’
sphonehel
l
o?”
“
Uhhi
.CanIpl
easespeakt
oChess.
”
“
Hei
scur
rent
lyi
nameet
ing.
”
“
It
’si
mpor
tant
.Pl
easel
etmespeakt
ohi
m.I
t’
sLel
e.”
“
Lel
e,Iunder
stand-
“
Lel
esnif
fed.“
Keagokopat
lhamma.(
Iam beggi
ng
you.
)”
“Ei
sh,i
t’
sav
eryi
mpor
tantmeet
ing,
butl
etmegi
ve
him.”
Lel
ehel
dthephonef
orawhi
l
e.
“Babe,Iam i
nameet
ing,
it’
simpor
tant
.Iwi
l
lcal
l
aft
erthis.
”
“IbumpedintoLefatoday
,pl
easetel
lmeshei
snot
pregnantChess.Tel
lmesheisly
ing!
”
“
Babe,
canwe-
“
“Yousaidyouarenotsl
eepi
ngwi
thher
,howi
sshe
pregnantChess?
”
“
Iwi
l
lexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ng,
Ipr
omi
se.
”
“Youwanttoexplai
nnowt hatIhaveaskedyou,
whenwer eyoupl
anningtoexplai
ntomet hatyou
gotyourwif
epregnantandthatyouaregoingto
Maurit
iusonacouple’
stri
p?”
“
BabecanIexpl
ainwhenIgett
her
e?”
“
No!Comenow!
”
“
Lel
e-“
“Comenow,Iwanty ouherein15mi nut
es.
,Ifyou
don’
tshowup,nevershowup!Nev ercomeher eever
agai
n,younotcomingmeansusbr eaki
ngup.You
choosewhatyouwant .Iam count
ing.
”
Shehungupnotgi vi
nghim achancet osayany t
hing
furt
her.Shepacedaroundthehouset hent ookoff
thebraandskirt
.Sheputonanov ersi
zedshi r
tand
satdownst ar
ingatthetwol i
nessomehowpr ayi
ng
theywouldjustdi
sappear.Twentymi nuteslat
erthe
dooropenedandChesswal kedin.Lelestoodupas
Chessclosedthedoor.
“
Soy
ougoty
ourwi
fepr
egnant
?Youpr
obabl
y
thoughtIwasjoki
ngwhenIsai
dIam goingtoleave
youifyousleepwit
hher…Iam donewit
ht hi
sjokeof
arelat
ionshi
p,Iam t
ir
edofbei
ngpati
ent.YouandI
aredone.”
Shetookt hepregnancysti
ckandshowedhim.“Iam
pregnant.Idon’
twantthisbaby.Kebatamadi
a
aborti
on.(Iwantmoneyf oranabort
ion.
)”
“
Youwantwhat
?”
“Iam notr eadyforachi l
d.Iam notgoi ngt obey our
sidechi ckbabymama.Yout akemysof tnessf or
grunt edChess.Iam wal ki
ngawayf rom t hisjoke. ”
Herl i
pst rembl edast earsr oll
eddownherchi cks.
“Wheny oul ookatmeIl ookl i
keaf ool .Wear edone.
Iam donewi thyou,It r
iedt obepat ientbutIcan’ t
any mor e.NowIseey ouwer ejustlyingt ome.How
couldy ougetLef apr egnant ?Didn’ty ousayy ou
want edhert ogetbet ter?Isthist hebet tery ouwer e
talki
ngabout ?Iam r eallyhear tbroken. .”Shet ooka
stepbackcr y
ing.“Iam hear tbr okenbutIcanal way s
pickmy selfChessMor emi.Youar enott hef i
rstman
tobr eakme, Icanpi ckmy selfup.Goaheadand
continuer aisinganot herman’ schil
dsi ncei t’sy our
cupofcof
fee.
”
Chesslookedathersil
ent
ly.Lel
e’
sheartskippedas
shereal
izedwhatshehadjustsaid,hewalkedover.
Sheheldherbreat
hexpecti
ngasl apacrossherface.
Chesslookedather.
“
Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?”
“
Idi
dn’
t-
“
“
Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?Sayi
tagai
nkegout
we.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.I
_”
“
Whi
chquesti
onar
eyouanswer
ing?Isai
dwhatdi
d
y
ouj
ustsay?
”
Tear
srol
l
eddownhercheeks.“
Iam sor
ry.
”
Helookedathersi l
entl
yforawhile.“Iam sorr
yLefa
i
spr egnant
,Iguessithappenedthet i
met heviagra
happened.Itsl
ippedmymi ndtogetheramor ning
aft
erandwhenIaskedher ,asusual,sheli
ed.Iwant
tosayIshouldnothav esl
eptwithherbutIt ol
dy ou
whathadhappened.Ihav ebeenwonder i
ngwhatt o
tel
lyou.”Hesteppedback.“Iam notgoingto
Maur i
ti
ous.Shewant sustogo,Itoldherno.I
haven’tsl
eptwithLef
asincethatti
me.Iam
confusedastowhyy ouarestil
lspeaki
ngtoher
whenIl ongaskedyoutocutcommuni cat
ionwit
h
her,It
houghtIhadmadei tcl
earforyoutonever
speakt oher
.”
“Ididbutshesawmeatt
hemal
landaskedmet
o
giveheralif
thome.
”
“
Can’
tyousayno?Don’
tyouknowhowt
osayno?
”
“
Shewasal
readyi
nthecar
.”
“So?I
sithercar
?Orwasshehol
dingagunony
our
head?
”
“
Ngng.
.”
“Ngngkeng?( Whatngng? )St
opt alki
ngtomeasi fI
am y ourchil
d,Ketagocl apaLelentle,ontwaetswa
keng?Mer aisi
ngAneleismybusi ness,whethershe
i
sbi ologi
call
ymi neornot,that
’snoty ourbusiness.
Andy es,
it’
smycupofcof feet
ol ovemydaught er.
HerDNAdoesn’ tmat t
ertome, shei smydaught erat
heartandy ouwi l
lneverchangethatorcome
betweent hat.Goandabor tmybabyandy ouwillsee
whatIam madeof .Otsi
legolelawankut wa?Iam
noty
ouroneofy
ourl
i
ttl
efr
iendsLel
ent
le.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“Ican’tbel
iev eyousaidthat.Outofanythingyou
couldhav esai d…yousaidthat.IthoughtIwas
tel
li
ngy out hisli
keIwouldt el
lthewomanIl ove.I
f
youwantust obreakup,it
’sfi
ne.I t
’sover.Thereyou
go,mov eonandgetmar ri
edbutt ouchmychi ld,I
willsmashy ouagainstt
hewal landgladlygot ojai
l
forit.Ontwael amasepanxl a.
”
HewalkedoutasLel
eputherhandoverhermout
h
wonderi
nghowhertonguehadjustsl
i
pped.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#32
#r
emov
ed

Deepi nhersl
eep,shesighed.Chessgotontopof
heropeningherlegswiderandpushedhisdi
ck
throughherpussyli
pssinkingi
ntoherwarmth.Lele
slowlyopenedhereyesasheki ssedher
,hi
swei ght
onher .
Hegav eheracoupl eofthrust
st henslidoutand
pull
edhertot heedgeoft hebedandbur i
edhisface
betweenherl egs.Lelemoanedsof tl
yashesucked
herpussy,shesqueezedherbr eastmov i
ngher
waist.Herelentl
esslywentont henr ai
sedhishead
andpushedherl egstoherchestexposi ngthat
pussy.Hewonder edaboutherf atherinthenext
room thenlookedatherandki ssedher .
“
Shhhok?
”
Shenodded.Heki
ssedherguidi
nghi
sdicki
nside
herpussy
.AndFuck!Shef
eltsowarm.Lel
elooked
athi
m asheburi
edhi
sentir
elengt
hinsideher,
her
l
egsonherchest
.Hestar
tedfucki
ngher ,
slamming
hi
sdickdeepi
nherwit
hharddeepthrust.
“
Awwf
uck…Chess…”
I
tfeltsogoodinsi
deherdiscomfortdidn’
tmovehim.
Theyheardaswi t
chfl
i
cking,Lel
elookedathim as
hefuckedherevenharder
,sheputherhandov erher
mout ht
ryi
ngtoconcealhermoans, heconti
nued
di
ckinghergood.
“
Fuck!
”
Adooropenedandclosedt
henanother
.Chesssl
i
d
outhi
swetdickandpull
edherdown.
“
Stepont
hebedwi
thonel
eg.
”
Lel
esteppedonthebedwi t
honelegremaini
ngwit
h
onelegonthef
loor.Chesscur
vedhisbackpushed
hi
sdickin.
“
Ohshi
i
ii
t!
”
“
Shhhbabe,
someonewentt
othet
oil
et….
”
“
It
’st
oodeep…ohmyGod.
”
Shet
ri
edput
ti
ngherl
egdown.
“
Putbackt
hatl
egont
hebed.
”
“
Chess-
“
“
Puti
tback,
osekawabat
agondi
stur
ber
.”
Sheputbackthelegont hebedthenhepushedin
therestoft
hedicki
nsideherfil
l
ingherpussy
.Lel
e
stoodonhertoesgaspingloudl
y.
“
Lor
d…”
Hebegunthr
usti
ngint
oher,Lelecl
osedhereyes
tr
yingt
orel
ax,t
ryi
ngtobeabi ggir
landtaket
hedick
butheseemedtoevenbegoingharder
.
“
Oh….Chess….
”
Hegr untedinherearsqueezingherthickbut twhi
l
e
fuckingher.Adoorclosedthensomeonef l
ickedthe
switchprobablyswit
chingofftheli
ght.Lelelooked
athim asherpussydr ovehim nut
s,eachthr ust
cameaccompani edbyal owgrunt.Herpussygot
wetterashet appedallt
herightf
ulspots.
“
Chess…awwww…”
Hermoansst art
edget ti
nglouder
,hepushedheron
thebedmaki ngherkneel t
henpushedherchest
downpoundi ngintoher .Lel
egrabbedthepil
l
ow
buryingherf
acei ntomoani ngasitgotsweeter.That
dickgavehermor epleasureshemov edagai
nsthim
want i
ngmore, hertoescur l
i
ng.Thei
rbodiesslapped
againstoneanot her.
Lelegrabbedt
hefl
eecespasmingmoani ngont he
pil
l
ow.Chessfuckedherhardert
henstil
l
edf i
ll
ingher
up.Hesl i
dout
,Lel
ecoll
apsedonherfrontbreathi
ng
heavi
ly.Shecl
osedhereyesandfel
lasl
eep
exhausted.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#33

Lel
ereachedforherphoneandcall
edhim buthis
phonerangunanswered.Shesi
ghedthentextedhim
i
nstead.
Lele: Iam sor ry,Ishoul dhav enotsai dthat.Iwas
j
ustangr ybuti tdoesn’ tjust
if
yi t
.Iknowy oulove
Anel eandIknownot hingcancomebet weent hat
butnnaIcan’ tdot hisany more.Itriedt obepat i
ent
Chessbuti t’sbeenf ourmont hsandi tdoesn’tlook
l
ikey ouar eany wher ecl osetodi vorcingy ourwife.
Shei spr egnantwi thy ourchild.Ilov eyoubutt he
mor eIlookati t,themor eIseey ouar enotev en
planni ngt odi vorceLef a.Idon’twantt his
relationshi pany mor eandIam goi ngwal kaway .
Thi stimear oundt herei snothingy oucandoabouti t
,
wewi l
ltalkwheny oudeci detodi vorceherbutf or
themomentIam done.Iam goi ngaheadand
abor tingt hisbaby , Il
ostmyj obandIcan’ taff
ordit.
Ifyouputy ourhandsonme, youar egoingt ojail
.
Shesentt hetextthent
ookadeepbr eat
handbegun
searchi
ngf oraborti
oncl
ini
cs.Shecameacrossone
thencopiedtheirnumberandcall
edthem.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Dumel
amme,
howcanwehel
pyou?
”
“Iwouldl
iket
obooki
nanappoi
ntmentf
oran
abort
ion.
”
“
Ok,
when?
”
“
Today
.”
“
Thedoct
ori
swi
l
lbeav
ail
abl
elat
eronar
ound6.
”
“
Ok.
”
Theywentov
ert
hedet
ail
sthenLel
edr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

*
**

Chessparkedhiscarathishouset
hensteppedout
andwalkedin.HelookedatLefawhowasi nthe
ki
tchenmakingherselfsomethi
ngt
oeat.Shet ur
ned
andl
ookedathi
m.
“
Heybabe…”
“
Canwet
alk?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Let
’ssi
t.
”
Theybothsatdown,shelookedathi
m wi
thasmi
l
e.
“Iam soexci
tedaboutt
hisbaby.
”
“
Icansee.Ev
ent
houghIdi
dn’
twantt
hatbaby
.”
“
It
’sGod’
sbl
essi
ngs.
”
“
Idon’
twantt
hatchi
l
dLef
atshe.
”
“
Whatdoy
oumean?
”
“
Idon’
twantthatchi
l
d.Iwantadi
vorce,
Ihavefi
l
ed
f
oradivor
ce.Youwil
lrecei
vet
hedocumentsany
t
ime.
”
Lef
apausedsmi
l
ing.“
Youwantadi
vor
ce?
”
“
Yes.
”
Lef
ast
oodup.“
Why
?”
“
Idon’
tlov
eyouany
mor
e.Iam notgoi
ngt
oment
ion
ot
herr
easons.
”
“
Isi
tbecauseoft
heot
herwoman?
”
“Youaremani pul
ati
vel
iarLef
atshe.Youdidn’tget
raped.Ihavepr ooft
oit.Iwil
lshowittoev ery
oneif
youwant .IalsoknowAneleisnotmi ne.Ididmore
DNATest s.Iknowy oupaidtheguywhodi dthe
previ
oust eststhatt
ime.Hetoldmeev erythi
ng.I
knowev erything.
”
Lef
a’shear
tski
ppedasshel
ookedathi
m.
“Iam t
alki
ngtoy ouni
celybecauseIdon’
twant
drama.Ijustwantthi
stobepeaceful.
”
“
Anel
eisy
ourdaught
er!
”
“Osekawabat agont enaLef atshe.Aftery ougive
bi
rth,IwantDNAt estsdoneont hatbaby .Idon’t
tr
usty ou, notev enonebi t.I
t’seitherwedot hi
s
peaceful oritget sdirty,youchoosewhaty ouwant.
Youwi llgett hehouse, andt heot heronet hatis
beingrent ed.Youwi llkeepev erythinginy ourname,I
wil
l paymai ntancef orAnel ebecauseshei ssti
l
l
goingtobemydaught ernomat t
erwhat .
”
“
Iam notl
osi
ngy
ouChess.
”
“Youlonglostme.Idon’twantthisanymor e.Iam
done.Yougoty ourhelp,t
hetherapi
stsaidy ouare
doingmuchbet ternow.Thisti
mey outrytokill
yoursel
foryousucceedandact uall
ydie,Iam not
goingtofeelgui
ltybecauseIdidall
Icould.”
“
Youar
enotl
eav
ingmeChess!
”
Chessstoodupandwalkedt
ot hedoor.Lef
atsher
an
tothedoorthenl
ockedi
tandthrewthekeysoutsi
de.
“
YOUARENOTGOI
NGANYWHERE!
”
“Yousoundcr
azy,
Iam begi
nni
ngt
othi
nkt
her
eis
somethi
ngwronginy
ourhead.
”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
“Idon’tanymore.MyabeIoncedid,Iam notsurebut
Idon’tanymore.Youaredangerous,Ican’
tbeli
eve
youfollowedmet oAmericathatti
meandpr etended
asifyouwer eheret
heent i
reti
me.Youar ecrazy.
”
“
Iam goi
ngt
oki
l
lAnel
eandIi
fyoul
eav
eme.
”
Chesswentt
ot heki
tchenandcamebackwit
hspar
e
keyst
henwalkedtothedoor.Lef
apul
l
edhim
scrat
chinghi
m, angr
il
y,Chessslappedheracr
oss
thefacesohardshesawst arsasshefell
.
“
Ihaveputupwi
thy
ourshi
tforf
art
ool
ong,
don’
t
f
orcemyhand.
”
Lef ahel
dherburni
ngcheeki nshock,
hehadnever
raisedhi
shandonherbef oreandhehadjust
slappedher.Heunlockedthedoorandwalkedout
asshet ouchedherearwhichhadsuddenl
ygone
deaf .

*
**

Atthehospi
tal
lat
ert
hatday,Lal
alookedather
newbornbabywit
hasmile.Thenursewal
kedin.
“
Hey
…”
“
Hi.
”
“
Howi
sshe?
”
Laronalookedatherbabyemot
ional
l
y.“
Shei
s
beauit
if
ul.
”
“
Youdi
dagoodj
ob.
”
“
Shet
oremeonherwayout
.”
“
Bigbabi
esf
ory
ou.
”
Lal
asmil
ed.“
Shel
ooksl
i
kemysi
ster
’sdaught
er
whenshewasbor
n.”
“
Youl
ookl
i
key
oursi
ster
?”
“
Idon’
tknow.Somepeopl
esaywedo.
”
Lalat
ookapi
ctur
eoft
hebabyandsenti
ttoKhumo
thencal
l
edhi
m.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Heybabe,
Igav
ebi
rt
h.”
“
What
?”
“Igav ebir
th.Igoti
nlaborj
ustaf
teryoulef
tint
he
mor ning.Igavebir
thabout20minutesagoandIam
holdingourdaughterinmyhands.”
“
Fuckr
eal
l
y?”
“
Yes.Shei
sbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
Hehungup, Lar
onasmil
edandsentt
hepi
ctur
eto
Lef
atshe.Shecall
edher
.
“
Hel
l
o?’
“
Igav
ebi
rt
h!”
“
OhmyGod!Iam happyf
ory
ou.
”
“
Shei
sbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Shemustbe.Iwil
lcomeabi
tlat
er.Iam deal
i
ng
wi
thsomet
hing.
”
“
Whathappened?
”
“
Iwi
l
ltel
lyou.
”
“
Ok.
”

*
**

Lefwal
kedi
nsi
deherl
awy
er’
sof
fi
ce.
“
Hi.
”
Herl
awy
erl
ookedather
.“Lef
atshe.
”
“Iwanttosuesomeonef orhomewr eckingandke
batl
aP150K.Ihavepict
ures,Ihavealltheevi
dence
toproveshehasbeensleepingwithmyhusband
eventhoughsheknowshei smar r
ied.Iwanther
draggedonsocial
mediat abl
oids.
”
Thel
awy
erl
aughed.“
Whoi
sit
?”
“Lel
ent
lePhi
ri.Thi
sgi
rli
ssupoposedtobemyf r
iend
butsheissl
eepingwi
thmyman.Iam suingherand
Igoi
ngtodraghersohardshewil
lwishshenever
metme.”
“
Ok,l
et’
sfil
efort
hel
awsui
tfi
rstt
hengett
het
abl
oids
i
nvol
ved.
”
“
Ok,
thanks.
”
“
Whathappenedt
oyourcheek?
”
“
Chessslappedme.Iam goi
ngt osendhi
mtoj
ail
.
Hethi
nksthewordrevol
vesaroundhim.
”
*
**

Atthecli
nic,
Lel
ewalkedinandgr
eetedt
hethe
recept
ioni
stwhotookhertowher
ethedoct
orwas.
“
Ther
eist
hedoct
or,
Dr.Dav
id.
”
Therecept
ioni
stwal
kedoutclosi
ngthedoorbehi
nd
thenLel
eslowlywal
kedoverandsatdown.
“
Dumel
ang…”
Thedoct
orsmi
l
ed.“
Hi.Lel
ent
lePhi
ri
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Iam Mot
heo.Feel
comf
ort
abl
e.Iam her
efory
ou.
”
“
Iwoul
dli
ket
odoanabor
ti
on.
”
“
Howf
arar
eyou?
”
“
Ithi
nkf
ourmont
hs.
”
Mot
heogotupi
nhiswhit
ecoat.“Undr
essandl
i
e
t
her
e.Iwi
ll
doatransv
agi
nalscan.”
Lel
elookedathi
m.“
Undr
ess?
”
“
Yeah.Apol
a.Andputont
hisgown.
”
Hehandedheraboobt ubethentur
nedputti
ngon
hi
sgloves.Shequi
ckl
yundressedthenputonthe
gownandgotont hebed.Motheoturnedt
oherand
openedherlegsl
ooki
ng.Hesmi l
edatherpanti
es.
“
Shoul
dIt
aket
hem of
ffory
ouLel
e?”
“
Ishoul
dtakei
tof
f?”
Hehookedt hepant
ieswithhi
sthumbsandtookthe
pant
yoffstari
ngather.Lel
eclosedherey
estaki
nga
deepbr
eath.
“
Iwanty
out
ojustr
elax.
”
Shenoddedthefel
tsomet
hingpushi
ngthr
oughher
ent
rance.Shet
ookadeepbreat
hinuncomfort
abl
e.
“
Lookatt
hescr
een…”
Lel
etur
nedt
othescr
eent
henl
ooked.
“
Thati
sthebaby
…andt
her
eishi
shear
tbeat
.”
Lel
eli
stenedashishear
tpumped.Mot
heowr
apped
upthescanandlookedather
.
“Youarefourmont
hspr
egnant
.Youwantan
abort
ion?Why?”
“Iam notreadyforthebaby.Il
ostmyj ob,Iam not
working.Thebabydaddyl eeneheismar ri
ed.He
saidhewasdi vorci
ngbutnowi tseemsl i
keIam just
asidechick.Iwanttohavekidswhi l
emar ri
ed.
”
“Marri
edmendon’ tl
eavet
heirwivesforasidechick.
Iam tell
ingyou,hewill
doeveryt
hingforyou,youwi l
l
neverlackanythi
ngbutwhathewon’ tdoisdivorce
hiswife.
“
That’
swhyIwantanabor
ti
on.Idon’
twantt
obr
ing
achi
l
di nt
othi
s…”
Hesmil
ed.“
Ilov
et hewayy
ousoftl
yspeak.I
woul
dn’
tmindli
steni
ngtoyouf
orever
.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Cany
oudowhatIam her
efor
?”
“Iam si
ngl
e.Mylastseriousrel
ati
onshi
pwastwo
year
sbackandIt hinkweshoul dgooutf
ordi
nner
andjustcr
ytogetherabouthowmj ol
oisshowi
ngus
fl
ames.Supportgroupny ana.
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Wow.
”
Hesmi l
edthenbi thislowerl
ipst ari
ngather.“Ihave
foundmywi feandIam notl etti
ngherslipthrough
myhands.Fr om here,Iam goingt opampery ou,get
youdi nnerandwat chamov i
ewi thyouorsomet hi
ng,
youwon’ tbef eel
ingwel lsoyouneedt orel
ax.Bo
mar r
iedmencangobackt otheirwives,
theyar e
blockingourhappi ness.”
Shechuckl
ed.“
Ij
orr
a…”
“Iam ser
ious.Iam goingtotakeyoufrom hi
m and
l
ethim watchhowar ealwomanist r
eated.
”Motheo
pinchedhercheek.“Let’
sgetstar
ted.
”

*
**

Meanwhi leChesst ri
edLele’sphoney etagai nbutit
didn’tgot hrough.Hel ookedar oundst andinginthe
mi ddleofherhousewonder i
ngwher eshewasand
withwhom orwhatshewasdoi ng.Hesatdown
thenwai t
ed.Mi nuteswentbyt henanhourandt wo.
Mor ehour skeptgoi ngbyt i
llitwasaf termi dni
ght.
Het r
iedherphoneagai nbutitwasst i
llnotgoing
through.Thef oll
owingmor ningar ound8, Chess
openedhi sey esasthedooropenedt henLel e
wal kedinl aughingonherphone.Shepausedst ari
ng
athi mt hendr oppedthecall.
“
Hey
…”
“
Wher
edi
dyousl
eepl
astni
ghtandwho’
swhi
tecoat
i
sthat
?”
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#34

“
Wheredidy
ousl
eepl
astni
ghtandwho’
swhi
tecoat
i
sthat
?”
Lel
e’shear
tskippedasshelookedathi
m.Shet
ook
astepbackthenheldthedoorknob.
“
Don’
tthi
nkabouti
t,Iwil
lsl
apy
ousohar
d,war
eo
t
swakae?(Wherear
ey oucomi
ngf
rom?)
”
“
Chess-
“
“OtswakaeLelentl
e?(Wherear
ey oucomingfrom
Lel
entl
e?)Getawayf r
om t
hatdoor,i
fyoutr
ytor un
youwon’tgetf
ar,Iwil
lcat
chyou.Getawayfrom that
doorandtel
lmewher eyouarecomingfrom.”
“
Ify
ouputy
ourhandsonmeIam goi
ngtor
epor
t
y
outot
hepoli
ce.Youar
egoi
ngtojai
l
.”
“
Getawayf
rom t
hatdoorLel
ent
le!
”
Lel
emov ed,herheartpoundi
ngsomuch.Chess
wal
kedov erandlockedthedoort
hensl
idthekeysi
n
hi
spocket.
“
Otswakae?(
Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
)”
Lel
eswal
l
owed.“
Isl
eptataf
ri
end’
shouse.
”
“
Whi
chf
ri
end?
”
“
ImadeherkoLegae.
”
“
Givemehernumber.Iwantt
ocall
her
.Int
he
meanti
me,
youwil
ltellmewhaty
ouweredoing
t
here.
”
“
I.
.-
“
“
Giv
emehernumber
.Comeher
e…”
Hetookherhandandsatdownpul
l
ingheronhi
slap
hol
dinghi
sphone.“Gi
vemehernumber.
”
“
Chess-
“
“
Giv
emehernumberLel
ent
le,
Iam notgoi
ngt
oask
y
ouagai
n.”
Lel
e’
shear
tpoundedsomuchasshegavehimt
he
number
.Hecal
ledandputonl
oudspeaker
.
“
Iwi
l
ldot
het
alki
ng.What
’shername?
”
“
Let
so.
”
Thephonegotanswer
ed.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Let
so?
”
“
Eer
ra,
who’
sthi
s?”
“
Thi
sLel
ent
lePhi
ri
’sbr
other
,doy
ouknowher
?”
“Uhyes.Shei
smyf r
iendandcol
l
eague.Shet
eaches
BioandIChemist
ry.
”
“Ihavebeentr
yingtogethol
dofhersinceyest
erday
,
doy ouhaveanyideaofwhereshemightbeor
wher eshesl
ept?”
“Ohyes,shesl
eptatmyhouse.Shewasn’
tfeeli
ng
toowell
sosheslepthere.Uhwhenyougetholdof
herpl
easetell
herIwi
lldropbyt
akingmycoat.I
needi
tformycl
asses.
”
“
Ok,
thanks.
”
“
Youarewelcome.Shej
ustl
eftmyhousesoshei
s
f
ine.Noneedtoworr
ymuch.
”
“
Thanks.
”
Hedr
oppedthecal
lwhi
leLel
einnocent
lyl
ookedat
hi
m.Helookedi
nherey
es.
“
Yourphonewasof
ftheent
ir
eni
ght
.”
“
Iswi
tchedi
tof
f.
”
“
Whatdi
dyoudot
othebaby
?”
“
Not
hing.
”
“
Soy
ouwi
thhert
hewhol
eni
ght
?”
“
Yes,
from t
het
imeIl
eftt
hecl
i
nic.
”
“
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngatt
hecl
i
nic?
”
“Iwant
edtodoanabort
ionbutIchangedmymind.
ThebabywasmovingsomuchIcoul dn’
tdoi
t.
”
“
Pleasedon’
tdoi
t.If
il
edf
ordi
vor
ce.
”
“
Goodf
ory
ou.
”Shest
oodupandwal
kedt
oher
bedroom.Hesatont
hebedasshewal
kedinsi
de
thebathr
oom.Shewal
kedoutmi
nut
eslat
er.
“Iam st
il
lendingt hisrel
ati
onship.Youwillcome
backwhent hedi vorceisfi
nal.Whoknows?Fr om
hereyoumi ghttellmey ourdi
v orcetooktwoy ear
s
becausedivorcest aketi
me.Iam donebei ngpat i
ent
.
Goanddi vorce,hopefull
yyouf i
ndmest i
l
linthe
market.
”
“
What
’st
hatsupposedt
omean?
”
“
ItmeansIam notgoingt
owai
tforeverfora
marri
edman.Iam goingt
omoveonwi thmyl i
fe
wit
hanactualser
iousmanwhoissingl
eandwant s
t
odoserioust
hings.”
“
Youwantt
oseet
heot
hersi
deofmeLel
ent
le?
”
“Whatdoy ouwantmet odo?Iwaspat ientwit
hy ou
asyouhelpedyourwifeandt odayshei sexpecti
ng.
Whatam Isupposedtot hink?Iam goingtogivey ou
spacesoy oucandowhaty ouwant.Nowy outhink
i
t’soktohaveyourbreadbut ter
edonbot hsides,you
areenj
oyingit
.Iam walkingawaytill
youmakeup
yourmind.Ionl
ydatesinglemen.Youar enotsingle,
youaresomeoneel se’
spr oper
ty.MaunSeniori
s
l
ookingforteachers,Iappliedl
astnightandIam
goingforaninter
view.Theyneedaper manent
teacher
,ift
hingsgowel l,Iam mov i
ngthere.
”
“
Babepl
ease…”
“Yougoanddealwit
hyourmar it
ali
ssuesChess.I
l
ov eyousomuch.Il
ovey ouwithal
lmyheartbutthe
mor eyouar
ewit
hLefatshe,themoreIam hurt
ing.I
don’twantt
oputmysel
ft hr
oughthatanymore.
”
Hest oodupandputhi shandsonherwai st.“Can’t
youlookforajobhereinGabs?Whysof araway ?I
will
helpyoulook.Iknowy ouaregetti
ngi mpat i
ent
babebutwear ealmostthere.Itwon’
tev ent akelong.
Iloveyousomuch, atthi
smomenti t
’sint helaw’s
hands,Iam movingout.Idon’tevenknowwhatt o
doany moretoprovethatIloveyouandt hatIwant
you.”
“Lef
atshei
spr egnantChess.Sheisalwaysgoi
ngto
beinyourl
if
e.Wi thAnelethesit
uationwasbet
ter
butnowsheisexpect i
ngy ourchi
ld.Howam I
supposedt
of eel?Am Isupposedt obefi
nebecause
Iknowhowi
thappened?
”
“
Shewi
l
labor
t.
”
Lel
elookedathi
m andsi
ghed.“
Idon’
tknow
any
mor e.
”
“
Shei
sgoi
ngt
oabor
t.Iwi
l
lmakesur
eofi
t.
”
“
Andshewi
l
lagr
ee?
”
“Yes.Bytheendoft
odayshewoul
dhav
eabor
ted.I
promise.
”
Lel
e’
stookofft
hecoatandherclot
hes.Chess
l
ookedatherst
omach,i
thadgottenrounder
.He
l
ookedinherey
esandsighedsadly
.
“
What
’swr
ong?
”
“
SomehowIfeell
ikey
ouwerenotwithLetsoand
y
ouwerewit
hsomeoneelse.Ij
usthavethisf
eel
ing
l
i
keyouar
elying.
”
“
Buty
oucal
l
edher
.”
“Iknow,youmighthaveseenmycaroutsidebabe
andt al
kedtoherknowingIwil
lwanttot
alktoher
.I
canfeeliti
nmygutt hatyouwerenotwi
thLetsoand
i
t’
sbr
eaki
ngme.Ican’
tpr
oveany
thi
ngbutIcanf
eel
i
t.
”
“
Iwaswi
thLet
sot
hewhol
eni
ght
.”
“I
fyouhav edeci dedtocheatormov eonasy oucall
i
t,Iknowy ouar egoingtodoi twhet herIli
keornot .
Youar egoingt odoit.Chancesar ehighthaty ouwil
l.
Youpr obablytoldhim al
lourissuessohehasan
advantagebecausehei sprobablynotmar riedand
hehasmademet olookliketheoneusi ngy ou
becausemar ri
edmennev erl
eavet heirwives.Hei s
probablyast epahead, y
oumi ghthav enotsl eptwith
herbuty ousleptathishouseandt hatcoat ,
that
coatishisbecausehei sadoctor.Iknowal iewhen
Iseeonebabe, youcan’tfoolmet here.”
“
Iam notl
yi
ng.
”
Chesssil
entl
ylookedather,pai
ni nhiseyes.Lele
swall
owedstaringathi
m asundr essedandwal ked
i
nsidethebathr
oom.Guiltchockedher ,herphone
rangfr
om thebed.Shereachedfori tandpicked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hi,
it’
sMot
heo.
”
“
Pleasedon’
tcal
lmeagai
n.”
“
Youar
egoingaheadandst
ay i
nginarel
ati
onship
wi
thamar
ri
edman?Heconv incedyouother
wise?”
“Il
ov ehim.Whet
herhei
smarr
iedornot,
Iwil
ldeal
wit
hi tonmywon.Ishoul
dhav
enottoldyoumy
business.”
“
Isi
tworthi
t?Lel
e,don’
tstopyourl
if
eforamar
ri
ed
man,t
hatguywil
lwasteyourt
ime.”
“Pl
easedon’tcall
meagai n.Iam inarel
ati
onship
andIam goingtogiveitmyal l
.Whetherheis
mar r
iedornot,
Iam goingt ost
aybecauseIknowI
l
ov ehim andwon’tbeabletoloveanyoneelse.Hei
s
all
thatisinmyhear t
.Pleasedon’tev
ercal
lme.
Bye.”
Shehungupanddelet
edhi
snumbert henjoi
ned
Chessi
nthebat
hroom.Shetouchedhisback.
“
Babe…”
“
Ihav
etogot
owor
k.”
Hefini
shedshoweri
ngandl
eftheri
nsi
de.Hetook
outhiscl
othesf
rom t
hewar
drobeanddressedup.
Mi
nut
esl
aterLel
ewal
kedout
.
“
Shoul
dImakey
oubr
eakf
ast
?”
“
No,
thanks.By
e.”
Shepul
l
edhi
shand.“
Iam notcheat
ingony
ou.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Iam notl
yi
ng,
Iam notcheat
ingony
ou.
”
“
Lel
ent
leIhav
etogot
owor
k.”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.By
e.”
Hewal
kedout
.

*
**

Chessgotinhiscarwhi l
eitrai
nedanddroveoff.No
matterwhathecoul dn’
tbri
nghimselft
obeli
eveher.
Hetookadeepbr eathwonderi
ngifhewasletti
ng
hi
sinsecuri
ti
esgett ohim butcoul
danyoneblame
hi
m?Shehadsl eptout.Hehadbeenwor r
iedthe
whol
enight
.Hi
sphoner
ang,
hel
ookedathercal
l
ing
andsi
ghed.
“
Lel
ent
le…”
“ChessIlovey ou.Ev enifIwant edtocheat ,I
wouldn’thav edonei tbecauseIdon’ tthinkanyman
wouldcompar et oyou.IsleptatLet sohouse, Iknew
youwoul dwai tt hewhol enight.Pleasedon’ tdo
anythi
ngt hatmi ghtjeopardi
zeourr elationship,you
aretheonewhosai dweal mostatt heend.Il ove
your r
agweAt ang, Iheardhishear tbeat .Hei sa
str
ongbaby .Hopef ul
lyhecomeswheny ouar eful
ly
withmeorel sehewi llsuff
erandIdon’ twantmy
babyt osuffer.Pl easecomeback, Imi ssy ou.Ilost
myj ob.Comebackt ome…”Shesni f f
ed.“ Idon’t
deservethecol dt r
eatmentbecauseIam not
cheatingandIdi dn’tsleepoutwi t
haman. ”
Hesi
ghed.“
Ok.
”
“
Iam wai
ti
ngf
ory
oui
nthebl
anket
s.”
“
Keet
a.”
Hedr
oppedthecall
thenf
rownedatsomeladyat
t
hebusstophol
dinganumbrel
lawhi
lei
trai
nedeven
har
der.Herumbr el
l
ashooksomuchi twasn’
tev
en
doi
ngany t
hing.Hestoppedt
hecaratthebusst
op
androl
leddownt hewindow.
“
Tsena!(
Geti
n!)
”
Thewinddest
roy
edt
heumbrell
a,shet
hrewi
tont
he
groundandj
umpedi
nthecar
.Chesscl
osedt
he
windows.
“
Hi,
arey
ouok?
”
Shel
ookedathi
m shaki
ngal
lwet
.
“
Yeah…t
hanky
ou.
”
“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”
“
Ajobi
nter
view.
”
“
Youar
ewet
.”
“
Iknow.AndIr
eal
l
yneedt
hej
ob.Iwi
l
ljustgowet
.”
Hesmil
eddri
vingof
f.“
Ilov
eyourdet
ermi
nat
ion.
Theywi
ll
feel
sorryf
oryou.
”
Shelaughed.Don’tmakefunofme.Ihavespare
cl
othesinthi
spl ast
ic,
Hopeful
l
ytheyar
enotwett oo.
Mymot herforcedmet ot
akeextr
aclot
hes,guess
sheknew.
”
Helaughed.“
Theyal
way
sknow.Iam Chess,
what
’s
yourname?”
“
Kaone.Thanky
ousomuch.
”
Hetur
nedont
heheat
erwar
mingupt
hecarasshe
shi
ver
ed.
“
Dir
ectmewher
eyouar
egoi
ng.
”

*
**

Awhilel
aterChessstoppedt
hecarandl
ookedat
her
.Itwassti
llr
aini
ng.
“
Wil
lyougeti
nwetandchangei
nsi
deordoi
ther
e?”
“
Closey
ourey
es.
”
“
Inmycar
?”
Kaonelaughed.“
Closey
ourey
est
her
rawena
Chess.
”
Chesscl
osedhi
sey
est
henshet
ookof
fev
ery
thi
ng
andputthebluesui
t.Shelookedatherhairthen
tookthedoekhermot herhadthr
ewinsidethe
plast
icandstyl
edit
.Sheputont he7inchheel sand
touchedherf
aceabi tendingt
helookwi t
har edli
p.
Chessopenedhi
sey
esandl
ookedather
.
“
Wow!
”
Shesmi
l
ed,
shewassobeaut
if
ul.
“
HowdoIl
ook?
”
“
Thej
obi
syour
s.”
Shet ookherper
fumeandspr ay
edabi t
.“Iam so
ner
v ousbutIam goingtocl
aimthatj
ob.Iam not
walkingawayjoblesst
odayIref
use!Thatjobi
smi ne
andmi nealone.
”
Hesmil
edatherconf
idence.Shewasagoget
ter
,he
coul
dseei
t.
“
Chesswee,i
sn’
ttherenowayy oucanparkclosert
o
t
heentr
ance?Andgiveyourj
acket,
Iwil
lputitover
myheadwhenIgetinsi
de.Youcanwaithere.”
“
Heywena,
doIl
ookl
i
keat
axi
?”
Kaonelaughed.“
Pleasewai
tforme.Atl
eastletme
walkoutofhereasconfi
dentasIwal
kedin.
”
Chesschuckledshakinghisheadthenparkednear
theentr
ance,hegav eherhisj
acketthensheputon
herheadandst eppedout.Shehurri
edinsi
deinher
pantsandjacketthengavehim athumbsuponcei n.
Hegav eherthumbsupt oosmi l
i
ngt henshetur
ned
andcatwalkedf ur
theri
nsideswayingherhipsf
rom
sidetosi
deasherbutr oundbuttvibrat
ed.
.
.
Familypl
easelet'
snormalizecomment ingandl i
ki
ng
onourinsert
s.Iam notaskingyouf ormuch,justa
commentandal i
ke,i
tshouldn'
ttakemuchf rom y ou.
Ifwedon'tcommentoni nsert
s,youknowwewi l
l
onlyhaveasingl
eai nser
tperday .Goodmor ning

.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#35

Lelelookedasi trainedevenharder,sheclosedthe
curtai
nandl i
ghtedaf ewscentedcandlesthenwent
tothesi tt
ingroom wher esheconnectedherphone
tother adioandpl ayedMar v
inGaye.Shesmi led
recall
ingthatnight…Shewentt otheki t
chenand
preparedsomet hi
ngt oeat.Hewaspr obablyhungry
,
nowshef eltguil
tyaboutactual
lysl
eepi ngoverat
Letso’shouse, poorthingmusthavest ayedallni
ght
upwor r
iedsick.
Shesmi l
ed,shedi dlov
eseeingt
hatpani conhis
faceandthatlookhehad.May bet hathadto
mot i
vat
ehimt ohur r
ywi t
hthedi
v orce.Sher
ubbed
herbell
ywithasmi l
eknowingAtangwaspr obabl
y
goingtomakei thappen.Itwoul
dgi vehimtheful
l
neededmot i
vation.
Herphoner
angasshemov
edherbodyf
rom si
det
o
si
de.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Youar
eal
i
ve?
”
“
Sasabat
hong!
”
“
What
?Youpl
aywi
thbl
ackmanwena.
”
“
Iam al
i
ve.
”
“Lelepl easedon’tinst all
sucht hought sinhi shead.
Kanahewon' ttakey ouser iously,thisguyl ikey ou
saidhasbeencheat edbef ore,ifyoumakehi m
believey oucanal socheat ,heisnotgoi ngt otake
ther elati
onshipser i
ousl yandhewi l
lfindsomeone
else.Menar efunnycr eatures.Todayhei sl eaving
hiswi fe,youarenotev enhiswuf e,hewi l
l l
eav eyou
andmov eon.Don’ tmakehi m believey oucancheat
ory ouar echeat i
ng,y ouwi llst
ar ttobor ehi m,
whenev erhelooksaty ouhei sgoi ngt ot hinky ouare
j
ustl ikehisex.Youhav etobepat i
entsomet imes
andt hinkcarefullybef orey oudomostt hings.Today
therei snowayt oprov eyouwer eact uallywi thLetso
expectf r
om Letso’sst atement .”
“
Iwasj
ustangr
yandwant
edt
opuni
shhi
m.”
“Ngngsi
s,t
hat
’snott
hewayt
ogo.Ar
eyoust
il
l
goi
ngtoMaun?
”
“
Ift
heycal
lmebackf
rom ani
nter
viewIwi
l
lgo.
”
“Ok…eishIdon’
tev enknowwhatt
osaytoyou.Can’
t
youlookforany
t hi
nginGabor
oneorgr
eater
Gaboronebogolo?”
“
Iam goi
ngt
olook.
”
“
Lookhar derLele.Idon’
tbel
iev
ei nlongdist
ant
r
elat
ionships.Youar epr
egnant,
thinkharderand
l
ookharder .
”
“
Yeah…”
“
Any
way
sletmegot
ocl
ass.
”
“
Howi
sLudo?
”
“
Thatonegotexpel
l
edl
astweek.
”
“
What
?”
“
Yes.Shei
sdoi
ngt
hemost
.”
“
Ij
o,kemat
hat
a.”
“
Iti
s.Butany
who,
wewi
l
ltal
k.”
“
Shar
p.”
Lel
edr
oppedt
hecal
landf
ini
shedupcooki
ng.
*
**

Kaonesi
gnedhercont
ractthenf
oll
owedawoman
whotookhert
oheroffi
ce.Shesmil
edtear
ful
l
y.
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Soy
ouar
ecomi
ngi
ntomor
row?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ok.Goodl
uck.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
Kaonewalkedout
,shelookedatChesswhowasstil
l
parkedatt
hesamepositi
on,sheputthej
acketi
nher
headandrushedovert
henjumpedinthecar.
“
Hi…”
Chessl
ookedather
.“And?
”
“
Wel
l
,theyhadnochoi
cebutt
ogi
vei
ttome.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Goodj
ob!
”
Kaonel
aughed.“
Iwasner
vousashel
l
.Itwasanor
al
i
nter
view.
”
“
Iam sur
eyouwer
egood.
”
“
Yah,
Ist
artt
omor
row.
”
“
Wher
eam Idr
oppi
ngy
ouof
f?Ihav
etogo.
”
“
Atbusr
ank.Iwi
l
ltakeacombi
home.
”
“I
nyoursui
t?Beser
ious,
wher
eisy
ourboy
fri
endt
o
pi
ckyouup?”
“Waaiit
hatonedumpedin.AkereIwasn’
twor
king,
hewast el
li
ngmeboit’
sboringtodatean
unemployedwomanwhobr ingsnot
hingt
othetabl
e.
Ineveraskedhi
mforanythi
ng,andwhenIdi
d,I
wouldn'
t;
theart
heendofit.
”
“
Baf
anaba!
”
Kaonelaughed.“Danger
ousbuty
oucandr
opme
busrank.Iwil
lgetacombihome.”
“
Wher
edoy
oust
ay?
”
“
Tlokweng.
.”
“
Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f.
”
“
Aren’
tyoul
atef
orwor
k?”
“
No,
Iam good.
”
Hestartedt
hecaranddr ovetoTl
okweng.Hepar
ked
athergatethenlookedatthesmall
unpaint
ed
house.Kaonelookedathim.
“
Thi
sismeandmypov
ert
y.”
"
Iwi
l
lpar
kinsi
de.
”
Hedr
ovei
namndpar
kedneart
hedoor
.
“
Ok,
thanky
ousomuchChess.
”
“Noworr
ies.Iknowt hestr
uggl
eofbei
ngj
obl
ess.We
all
hav
ebeent here.Iam gl
adyougott
hej
ob.
”
“
Thanks.
”
Shet
ookof
fherheel
sandputont
hepumps.
“
Bye!
”
“
Shar
p.”
Shesteppedoutthenrantothedoor.Shesli
pped
al
mostr eachi
ngthedoorandf el
lcausi
ngasplash.
Chesslookedatherinshockthenburstoutl
aughing,
herbluesuitwetandcov
eredi
nmud.Hegotoutof
thecarlaughi
ng.
“
Heel
ang!
”
Kaonelaughed.“
Otsegang?(
Whatar
eyou
l
aughing?)
”
“
Shheeowi
l
ewar
engnar
e?Mot
shwar
eng!
”
Kaonel
aughed.“
Tsamay
arr
a!”
Chesslaughedwat
chi
ngassheopenedthedoor
droppi
ngherheel
.Hepickedi
tupandwalkedi
nwit
h
her.
“
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ng?
”
Kaonesmackedhi
mlaughi
ng.“
Stopt
her
rawena.
”
“
Thatwasami
ght
yfal
l
!”
“
Mxm.
”
“
Aowshame…”
Kaonel
aughed.“
Stopi
tChess.I
ja.
”
Chess’
sphoner angf
rom hi
spocket
.Hetookitout
andlooked.Kaonest
aredandsaw‘babe’
cal
li
ng.She
smi
l
ed.
“
ItseemedIhav
ehi
j
akedsomeone’
sman.
”
Shechuckl
edthenhepi
ckedwhi
l
eshewal
kedaway
.
“Iam comi
ng.
”
Shespokesof
tl
y.“
Ok.Imadebr
eakf
ast
.”
“
Ok.Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
“
Kaone!
”
“
Wai
t!
”
Hewait
edforacoupleofminutest
henshefi
nal
ly
wal
kedoutnowcleaninshort
sandatanktop.
Kaonegi
ggl
ed.“
Youl
ookl
i
key
oucheatal
ot.
”
“
Osi
mil
otseaker
e?”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Iam j
ustsay
ing.
”
“
Idon’
tcheat
.”
“Ohwel
l…thankyouforev
ery
thi
ngy oudi
dtoday
.I
appr
eci
ateit
.Youareagoodperson.”
“
Youar
ewel
come.Iam goi
ngt
oheav
en.
”
Shel
aughedst
ari
ngathi
m.“
Youl
ookl
i
kehel
li
syour
pl
acewena.
”
“
Wat
wael
a.”
Hisphonev i
brat
ed,heunlockedi
tandvi
ewed
something.Kaone’
sheartpoundedsomuchbuthe
wasn’tmarri
edtoanyonesowhynot ?
Shesnatchedhisphonet
henpagedher
selfand
handedhim backhi
sphonewit
hanaughtysmile.
“
Bye!
”
“
Wat
senwawena.Iam goi
ngt
obl
ocky
ou.
”
“
Nono…Iwanttodoanewall
etwi
thmyfir
stsal
ary
t
oappr
eci
atey
ouforwhatyoudi
dtoday
.”
“
Youdon’
thav
eto.
”
“
Iam goi
ngt
o.MmagweChessi
swai
ti
ng…”
Shesmi
l
edashewal
kedoutandgoti
nhi
scar
.
*
**

Chessdrovet
ohi shouseandsteppedoutwi
tht
he
cyt
otec.HewalkedinandlookedatLef
awhowas
watchi
ngTV.Shet ur
nedtohim.
“
Hi…”
“
Hey
…”
Hewentt othekit
chennot i
cingshedidn’
teatlast
night.Hetookherplatef
rom thefr
idgeandwal ked
tothesitt
ingroom t
ogetherwithaglassofjui
ce
afterput
ti
ngsomet hingi
nit.
“
Situpandeat
.”
Lefal
ookedathi
mthensatupr
ight
.“Iam not
hungr
y.”
“
Youhav
etoeat
.Fort
hebabyi
fnotf
ory
ou.
”
“
Yousai
dyoudon’
twantt
hisbaby
.”
“
Iam sor
ryIsai
dthat
.”
“
Shoul
dwei
nvol
vet
hef
ami
l
ies?Il
ovey
ou.
”
“Thereisnothingl eftf
orusLefa.Iam tryi
ngtomake
thi
saspeacef ul asIcanmakei t.”Hestartedfeedi
ng
her.Hegav eherj uicei
cethenshedr ankital
land
conti
nuedbei ngf ed.Hefinal
lyputtheplateaway .
Lefatearf
ull
yl ookedathim.
“Iam sorry.Iam sor ryforev eryt
hing.GodknowsI
tri
ed,Itr
iedbutIj ustnev erdi danythingr ightno
mat t
erhowmuchIt ri
ed.I twasf r
om onemi staketo
theother.Inev erplannedt omakey our aiseAnel e
eventhoughshewasn’ tyour s.Iwasscar ed, Ididn’
t
know.Shehappenedt het imeIwasn' tsurewhatwas
goingonbet weenus.Idi dn’tknowhowt ot ell you
becauseInowl ovedy ou.”Sheputherhandsov er
herfacecr ying.“ I
t’sbeenf rom onemesst o
another…Ihadt hewhol eni ghttot hinkandI … don’ t
deservey ou, I
t’sjustal ott hathappened, thatI
destri
oyed, Idon’ tblamey ou.Youdeser v ebet t
er
thanmyl ies, theyar eal otbutt ogof ormyf riend
Chess.Myf riend…myf ri
end? ”Tear sr ol
ledher
cheeks.“Iam notgoi ngt of ightyouany mor ebutmy
fri
end…r i
ghtundermynose…”
Hel ookedathert henleanedoverandkissedher
.
Lefaki ssedhi
m backcr yi
ng.Hetookoffherpanti
es
andt ouchedherpussy .Lefaf
li
nchedabi tashe
pushedt wofi
ngersinsideandfi
ngeredherbutshe
remai nedsti
ll
kissinghim.Hisphonerang,he
stoppedandt ooki toutfr
om hi
spocket.
“
Hey
…ok…”Hesmi
l
ed.“
Ok,
Iam al
mostt
her
e.”
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.“Ihav
etogo.
”
“
ToLel
e?”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Iam sui
ngher
.”
“
AndIam t
ell
i
ngev
ery
oneev
ery
thi
ng.
”
.
.
Remembert
oli
keandcommentonouri
nser
ts.
Nt
siki
:Roar
ingFl
ames
#36

Chesswalkedinsi
deLele'shouset henchuckledat
themusi
c.Shehadr eall
yt ur
nedi ti
ntotheirsong.He
wenttot
hebedr oom taki
ngof fhiswetshirtthen
l
ookedatherasshel aidont hebedholdinganov el
cover
edinherwhitefluff
yf l
eece.Sheraisedher
headandlookedathim smi l
ingthenspokesof tl
y.
"
Hey
..
"
Het ookoffhi
sbeltthenunzi
ppedhispant
sstari
ng
ather.Lel
ewatchedashet ookoffhi
spantsthen
gotinbedandkissedher.Hetookoffthef
leeceand
touchedhernakedness.
"IswearIsl
eptatLet
so'shouseChess.Shehas
camerasatherhouse,Iaskedhert
osendmet he
videosoyoucansee.Ireall
ysl
eptherathouse.Iam
notcheati
ng.
"
Chesssmi
l
ed."
Ok.
"
"
Iwasj
ustupsett
haty
ouwoul
dgoandi
mpr
egnat
e
Lefaaft
ert
ell
ingmeyouaredi
vor
cingandont
opof
thaty
ouarejustt
aki
ngti
me."
"ThereasonwhyIhavebeent aki
ngtimeisbecauseI
wantedtomakesur ethatshedoesn'tgoanywher
e
nearthebusinessi
nthedivorcesett
lement
.Iwas
sorti
ngoutthat.Wearemar r
iedincommunityof
propert
y."
"
Youcoul
dhav
etol
dme.
"
"Iagr
ee.Ididn'
twantyout
othinkIkeepmaki
ng
excuses.Ihavefi
l
edforadiv
orce.
"
Lel
esmi
l
ed."
Ok.Whataboutt
hebaby
?"
"Shei shavinganabor t
ionbecauseIneverwanted
thatbaby .Ihavecal
ledf oraf
ami l
ymeeting.My
fatherandLef a'
sfathercomef r
om wayback.Itwas
nev eraboutusonly.Itwasalsoaboutthat.
"
"
Ok.
"
Chesski
ssedher
."Il
ovey
ou.
"
"
Ilov
eyout
oo.
"
"
Pleasedon'
thur
tmyson.
"
"Iwon't
.Iwasgoingt obutIcouldn't
.Idon'
tthinkI
haveitinmetohur taninnocentsoul.Iam scared,
I
don'
tknowwhatmyt omorrowholdsf ormeormy
baby.Iam notworking,MaunSeni orishi
ri
ng.Idon't
wanttogosof arfrom youbutatt hesamet i
meI
needaper manentjob."
"Icantakecar
eofy
ouwhi
l
eyoul
ookf
orsomet
hing
aroundhere.
"
"Idon'twanttodependful
lyony ou.Tomor r
owwhen
thingsturnsout
h,whatwil
l Ido.Whatifsomething
happenst oyou?Idon'
tevenknowhowmuchy ou
payf orthi
shouse.Iwantt
obei ndependent
."
"Andyouwi l
lbe.Maunistoofarbabe.I
magineyou
beingsofarawaywithAtang.GapeIam notdoi
ng
thatnonsenseagai
n."
"
Iam notLef
a."
"Iknowbutit'
snothappeni
ng.Youar egoi
ngt obe
l
onelythereandsoam Ihere.Thisthingoftravel
l
ing
upanddownwon' twork.Tempet at
ionswillhappen,
mi st
akesandthi
ngsli
kethat.
..Iam nottaking
chances.Atangi
sgoingtohav eapr operf
ami l
ywith
bothparentswhol
ovehim.Longdist
ance
rel
ati
onshipsi
snotgoi
ngtodoitformeorus.
"
Tearsfi
ll
edLel
e'sey
es."Chesswher
eam Isupposed
togetajob?Jobsarescar
ce.Worki
ngi
n
governmenti
sagood-"
"IknowandIknowj obsarescar
cebutIam not
havingalongdi
stancerel
ati
onshi
p.Whowillt
ake
careofyouther
e?"
"
Youar
ebeingunf
air
.YouknowIam st
ruggl
i
ngt
o
f
indaj
ob.
"
"Wearenotgoingtohavealongdist
ance
rel
ati
onship,
ther
earealotofschoolsi
nGaborone.
Youwillfi
ndsomethi
ngandt i
llt
henIwil
lkeep
support
ingyoufi
nanci
all
y.Idon'
tmind.Whatdoyou
want?"
Shel
ookedathi
m."
Ineedaj
ob!
"
"
Iwi
l
lhel
pyoul
ook.
"
"Youar
ebei
ngunfai
r.Teachingmeansalott
ome.
Maunisof
fer
inganopportunit
yIwi
llpr
obabl
ynev
er
get.
"
"
Lel
ent
le,
Isai
dyouar
enotgoi
ng"
"
Iwantanewcar
."
Chessl
ookedather
."Whi
chone?
"
Shel
ookedathi
m angr
il
y."
Iwantt
heMecer
dest
hat
l
ookl
iketheBMW."
"
What
?"
"
That
'swhatIwant
."
"Iwi
llseewhatt
odo,bythewayIam goi
ngt
oUK
nextweek.Wewill
gotoget
her.
."
"
Iwanti
tinwhi
te.
"
"
Ok.
"
Shesmil
ed."Whenarear
ewegoi ngtoUK?Akere
nowIam housegir
lf
ri
endsospendingyourmoney
wil
lbemynewj ob.
"
Heshookhi
shead."
Iam goi
ngt
otakeal
eak.
"
Hegotoffbedandwenttothebathroom,
hisphone
rangf
rom t
hebed.Lel
elookedaitthengr
abbedit
andpi
cked.
"
Hey
,it
'sKaone.
"
Lel
efr
owned."
HiKaone.
..
"
"
Uhu,
gasePat
ri
cknee?
"
"
Pat
ri
ck?
"
"Yes,t
heonewhoissell
ingt
hesecondhandbed.
Keabatla,
wemetearl
ieronatmyneighbor
shouse,
I
am thegir
lwal
etwadi
..
"
"
No.I
t'
snot
."
"
OhmyGod!Sor r
ymot howame, It
hinkIdi
aledt
he
wrongnumber
.Sorr
y.Bathong!Thi
slooksl
ike6.
"
Lel
esi
ghed."
Ngngl
ove,
gasePat
ri
ck.
"
"Ei
sh, t
hanksbabes.Letmeredi
alt
hisnumber
beforehesell
sthebedt osomeoneelse.Ke
mat hata.
"
Lel
elaughedasKaonedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.Chess
wal
kedbackin.
"
Someonehadcall
edabat
laPat
ri
ck.Shedi
aledt
he
wrongnumber
."
"
Ok.
"
Hegoti
nbedthencuddl
edherpul
l
inghert
hickbody
cl
oseri
nhal
i
ngherscent
.
Hekissedherneckr ubbinghisdickonhert hi
ghs,
Lel
estuckherthickbut toutthenChesslift
edher
buttt
easi
ngherent rance,slowlyhesli
din.Lele
moanedsoftl
ybur yi
ngherf aceont hepil
low.Chess
pul
ledherwaistcloserwhi l
ekissi
ngherneck
squeezi
nghersensi t
ivebreast.

*
**

HourslaterLefawokeupf r
om onhersleepatthe
suddenpai nshewasf eeli
nginherabdomen.She
gotupwi thaf r
ownf eel
ingwetthenlooked.Her
heartskippedasshel ookedatthebl
ooddr i
pping
herlegs.Thepainslashedheryetagainandgrunted
holdi
ngherst omach.
Lefagotherphoneandcal ledChess.Hisphone
rangunanswer ed.Shecal
ledhi
m againbuthesti
ll
didn'tpi
ck.Tearsfi
ll
edhereyest
henshecal l
edher
mot hercryi
ng.
"
Lef
a..
."
"
MamaIam bl
eedi
ng.Iam l
osi
ngt
hebaby
."
"
What
?"
"
Ther
eisbl
oodal
lov
er.
"
"
Wher
eisChess?
"
"Hei
swit
hLelent
le.Hehasbeensl
eepi
ngwi
th
Lel
ent
let
hiswhol
et i
me."
"
What
?"
"
Ahhhhhh.
..
"
"Lef
a,Iam atthehospi
tal
wit
hLal
a,Iam comi
ng.I
am coming."
"
Mama.
..Mybaby
..
.Ij
oweee.
"
"
Wher
eisAnel
e?"
"
Inherr
oom.
..
mama!Ahhh.
..
"
"
Nkemel
e.Keet
la.Jesowame.
"
Lefadroppedthecall
andcall
edLelebutherphone
j
ustrangtil
li
tstopped.Anel
ewalkedinandpaused
star
ingathermother.
"
Mama.
..
"
Lef
a'sphoner
angagai
n.Shepi
cked.
"Hey,Iam onmyway
.Yourmom j
ustt
oldme.What
happened?"
"
Idon'tknowKhumo.
..Hur
ry.Mybaby
i
sssshhhhh.
..
."
Anel
elookedatal
lthebloodt
hatwasallov
erher
motherwhowascryingandstar
tedcr
yingt
oo.
Lefagaspedf eeli
ngsuf focat ed.Herast hmapeaked,
shel ookedatherdaught ergaspi ngforbreaththen
wentt ot hesteps.Shet ookt hefirststepgaspi
ng
andwheezi ng.Tearsr oll
eddownhercheekasshe
tr
iedt otaket henex tstepbutt hepainwasj usttoo
much.Anel ecriedlouderashermot herstr
uggled.
Lefat ookanot herstepl eaningagai nstthewall
, a
strongur getopushcame.Shet ookast epbackt hen
l
aidont hefloortakingof fherpant i
es.Shecouldf eel
hersoul leavingherbodyasshel aidtherewhil
eshe
gotweak.
Hereyesf
ell
onAnel
e,shegaspedpushinweakl
y.
Anel
eknel
tbefor
ehermotherscr
eaming.
"
Mama!
"
Lefa'
sheartpoundedasshefel
thersel
frunningout
ofair
,shecouldn'
tevengaspanymore.Shelooked
atdaughter
,tear
sroll
ingdownhercheeks.
"
Mama!Mama!
"
Anelelookedashermot hercl
osedherey
es.She
wasn'tmakingthesoundsshehadbeenmaki ng
anymor e,
ther
ewasj ustsil
entandal
otofbl
ood.She
shookhermot hercr
ying
"
Mama!
"
Sheshookhermot
herev
enmor
ecr
yingl
ouder
.

*
**

Khumo' aheartpoundedsomuchashepar kedthe

carinheryard.Herushedinthenpausedst
ari
ngat
Anelecryi
ngwhi l
eLef al
aidonthefl
ooronl
yinher
dressthatwascov eredi
nblood.
Her
ushedov
er."
Lef
a!"
Heshookhert
henl
ookedathi
sdaught
er
"
Sweet
hear
t.
..
.Lookatme.
"
"
Mama.
..
"
"Mamaisfi
neok?Iam goi
ngt
otakehertothe
hospi
tal
andsheisgoi
ngtobefi
ne.Don'
tcr
y .
..Iam
heref
oryou.
"
HepickedLefaandhurri
edoutwi
thherandouther
i
ncar.HeputAneleatthefr
ontseatt
henlockedt
he
doorandtookoffdi
ali
ngChess.
"
Yah?
"
"
Arey
ouhav
ingsex?Kengohemahemay
aana?
"
"
Obat
ang?
"
Hetookadeepbr eathassomet hinggotst uckonhis
thr
oat."
Iunderstandy oudon' tcareaboutLef a
anymore,youdon' tl
oveher .Igett hat..
.Butthereis
noreasont okeeponhur tingher .Shei shav i
nga
miscarr
iage.Shewasal onel eAnel e,shemusthav e
hadanast hmaticattackorsomet hi ng.Sheis
unconci
ous.Anel ewitnessedal lthis.Whydon' tyou
j
ustleaveLefaifyouknowy oucan' tbewi t
hher
anymore.Whydoyouenj
oyhurt
ingt
hiswoman?I
s
thathowmuchyouhateher
?"
"
Issheal
i
ve?
"
"Idon'tknow.Weareonourwaytothehospital
.I
don'tknowwhat '
sgoi
ngonbutIscared.Idon'
tthi
nk
i
t'slookinggood.
"
"
Iwi
l
lmeety
out
her
e."
"Don'
t!Lef
aknewaboutyouandLele.Shehasbeen
knowingandshetol
dhermot herwhoisl
iv
id.Koor
e
i
fLelecansleepwit
hamarriedman,whatcanstop
herfr
om sleepi
ngwit
hthenextone?"
"Khumoi fyouhavenothinggoodt
osayaboutLel e
don'tsayitatall
.Lelei
smywoman, r
espectthat
.I
don'tcarewhatany oneknowsbutIam notgoingto
l
etany oneharrassher.Iwil
lmeety
out her
e."
Chessdroppedthecal
l
.Khumosteppedont
he
accel
erat
orspeedi
ngtothehospi
tal
.

*
**
Atthehospi t
al,
mmagweLef asatwi thAnel eonher
l
apasLef agotatt
endedt o.Ithadbeenmi nutesand
thei
rhear t
swerepoundi ngast heirwai t
ed.Khumo
l
ookedathi sdaught erandf ort hefi
rsttime
wonderedwhyhehadsacr if
icedhisdaught erfora
fri
endship.Hesighed, backt henithadbeenagood
i
dea, hi
smot herwasadomest i
cwor keratChess' s
house,hehadbeenr aisedt here.Hispar entslooked
athimlikeason.Hewal kedt othebat hroom andput
hishandsonhi sfacebr eakingdown.Hecoul dsti
ll
rememberhi smot her'
swor ds.Hedi dn'tblameher ,
hehadmadet hefinaldeci sionbut..
.
Itdi
dn'
tmakeitbett
ert
hateventot
hisdayhewas
sti
ll
worki
ngforthesamefamil
y.

Awhi l
elat
erhewalkedoutandj
oinedeveryone.
Chesswalkedover
,Lefa'
smotherputAneledownas
heapproachedt
hensheslappedhim acr
osst he
face.
"
Howdar
eyou?
"
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#36

Chesst
ookadeepbr
eat
hremai
ningcal
m.
“
Howcoul
dyoudot
hatt
omydaught
er?
”
“
Dowhat
?”
“CheatonherwithLel
entl
e?Ican’
tbel
i
evethat
womanbr oughtherdaught
ersoshecandestr
oymy
daughter
’smarri
age.
”
“LefatsheandIhav ebeenov erf
orawhi l
enow.She
didn’ttel
lyout hat,t
hismar ri
agelongendedandwe
areget ti
ngadi vorce,notbecauseofLel ebut
becauseoft heconni vi
ngliaryourdaught eri
s.Did
youknowshenev ergotraped?Shemadei tup
whichmakesmebel ievethatshewasr eall
yjust
cheat i
ng.Let’ssayy oudidn’tknowt hatbuty ou
definit
elyknewAnel ewasnotmi ne.Youknewt hat
andy ouknewr ightfrom t
hest artbecauseLef a
musthav etoldy ou.Idon’twanttodi sr
especty ou,
I
l
ookaty oulikeIwoul dlookatmymot her.Iam not
goingtosayany
thi
ngf
urt
her
,ther
estIwi
l
lsayi
tat
thefamil
ymeeti
ng.
”
MmagweLef
alookedathi
m ashecal
mlyspoke.
“TodayIam heretoseehowshei sbecauseLef a
mighthavehurtme,takenmef oraf ool
…Inev er
evensuspectedherbecauseIguessshei sreall
y
goodathidi
ngl i
esbutIcare.Ever
ythingwil
lbeput
outintheopenatthemeet i
ng.”
Thedoct
orwal
kedov
er.Ev
ery
onet
urnedandl
ooked
athi
m.
“
Ihav
egoodandbadnews.“
“
Ismydaught
erok?Andt
hebaby
?”
“
Unf
ort
unat
elyshel
ostt
hebaby
.Itwast
ool
ate.
”
“
Andher
?”
“Iwoul
dli
ketospeaktocl
osef
ami
l
ymember
s.Her
husbandi
fpossi
ble.
”
“
Iam hermot
her
.”
“
Ok.Yout
oot
hen.
”
Chessf
oll
owedaf
tert
hedoct
orwhi
l
eKhumo
remainedwit
hhisdaughter.Hepul
leduphisf
all
i
ng
pantsworri
edsickthensatdown.Anursewhowas
standi
ngfrom adist
ancesighedashercol
l
eague
walkedover.
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“Idon’tknowwhatisgoingonbutwhatev
eri
s
botheringhi
mi stoomuch.Poorguyl
ooksli
kea
walkingdead.Iknowhim…mysi st
er’
sboss.
”
“
Uhu,
hei
ssot
hin.
’
“Mysi
stersay
sthatguyusedt
obesof
itbutoj
ewa
kest
ress.
”
“Al
otpeopl
earel
i
ket
hatbef
oreourey
esbutwe
nev
erseeit
.”
Hercol
l
eaguewalkedaway.Thenur
set
ookadeep
br
eaththenwal
kedoverandsmil
ed.
“
Hi…”
Hel
ookedupather
.“Hi
..
”
Thesadnessi
nhi
sey
escoul
dn’
tbehi
dden.
“
Arey
ouok?
”
Henodded.“
Yes.Thanks.
”
“Mynamei sRanewa.Iam anur sehere.Ihavebeen
anursef or6y earsnow.Iknowdepr essionwhenI
seeit.
”Shesmi l
ed.“Mysi sterworksfory ou,Idon’t
knowi fyouknowher ,Rej
oice…Idon’ twanthert o
l
oseherj obbecauseherbossi snomor e.Iwantto
sayal otbutIdon’tknowwhaty ouaregoi ngthrough,
Idon’tknowhowheav yyourshoesar ebecauseI
havenev erputmy selfinthem soIdon’ tknowt he
burdeny oucarry.WhatIknowi sthatyouneedhel p
andIwi l
l geti
tforyou..”
Khumosmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
oubutIam f
ine.
”
Ranewasmiled.“
Youarenotf
ine.Youaref
arfr
om
bei
ngfi
ne.Icangetyou.Noonewi l
lj
udgeyou.
”
“
Ranewa,
kesi
ame.
”
“
Iknow.Ist
il
lwantt
ogety
ouhel
p.Pl
easel
etme…”

*
**

I
nthedoct
or’
sof
fi
ce,
theyal
lsatdown.
“
Youdaught
erdi
danabor
ti
on.
”
“
What
?”
“Andwhatshei ssuffer i
ngfr
om r ightnowi san
i
ncompl eteabort
ion,piecesofpr egnancyt issue
remai ninthebodyaf tertheinducedabor t
ion.She
bledal otandsheneedsbl oodt r
ansf usion.We
real
izedt hatshealsohadut eriner aptur
ebecause
shet ookCy tot
ec.Doy ouknowy ourwi f
ehasf at
al
asthma? ”
“
Yes,
butbackt
hensher
arel
yhadanyat
tacks.I
t
wasr
are.
”
“Thiscankil
lheroneday ,shewil
lactual
l
ydieifshe
doesn’tgethel
pi nti
me.Asev ereat
tackcanprevent
enoughoxy genintothelungsandcanstop
breathi
ng.Shehasbeensedat edbutifshedidn’
t
comeher ewhenshedi d,i
twouldhavebeena
mess. ”
“
Soshei
sfi
neexpectf
rom whaty
oument
ioned?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Andwi
l
lyousor
toutt
hei
ncompl
eteabor
ti
on?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
Chesswal
kedout
,mmagweChessbehi
ndhi
m.
“Iam morehurtandhear
tbrokenthanIam angry
Chess.Lel
entl
ehasbeenLef a’
sfri
endsinceway
back.Youknewt heywer
ef r
iendsandyouwent
aheadandstil
ldatedLel
entl
e.Mydaught ermight
havedoneital
l butt
opunishherwithLel
ei st
oo
much.”
“
Iam notpuni
shi
ngher
.Noonei
sbei
ngpuni
shed.
”
Chesswalkedawayt
henappr
oachedKhumowho
washoldi
ngAnelei
shisar
ms.
“
Iam t
aki
ngherwi
th.
”
Khumolookedathi
m.“Shecanst
ayher
e.I
t’
sok.
Lef
a’smotheri
sher
e.”
“
No.Iam goi
ngt
otakemydaught
er.Anel
e,l
et’
sgo.
”
“
Mama?
”
“Mamai sgoi
ngtosl
eepher
e.Wearegoingt
osee
herbutshewil
lbesl
eepi
ngthenwewi
llgohome.
”
“
Ok.
”

*
**

I
nLef a’
sroom,Chessl
ookedatherl
ying
unconsci
ousthenAnel
eheldhermother’
shand.
“Sheisnotf
eel
ingtoowel
lsosheisgoi
ngtosleep
herebei
ngwatchedbydoct
ors.Theywi
l
ltakecare
ofher.
”
“MamaIloveyou.
”Sheki
ssedhermot
her
’shand.
Chesspi
ckedherup.
“
Ok,
let
’sgohome.
”
“
Ok…”
Chesswalkedoutwithherandwenttot
hecarthen
putherattheback.Hebelt
edherupandjumpedin
star
ti
ngthecar.Hetookouthisr
ingi
ngphone.
“
Yeah?
”
“HiChess,Icall
edandyourgi
rl
fr
iendanswer
ed.I
almostdied,anywho,
ther
rawenaaremyearphones
i
ny ourcar
?Theymighthavef
all
enf
rom t
hepl
ast
ic.I
can’tf
indt
hem any
where.”
Chessl
ookedatt
hepassengerseatandnot
iced
them.
“
Whi
teones?
”
“Yes.OhmyGod,
thankGody
ouhav
ethem.Iwas
panicki
ng.
”
“
Okcool
.It
’sok.Idr
opt
hem of
fonet
ime.
”
“Ok,soyourgi
rl
fr
iendpi
cksy
ourcal
l
s?It
houghty
ou
hidethephonefr
om her
.”
“Mygirl
fr
iendandIar
etr
anspar
entwi
theachot
her
.
ShecananswermyphonesamewayIcananswer
herphone.”
“
Ilov
ethat
,can’
twai
ttost
eal
you.
”
“Il
ov ethatwomanmor ethany oucanimagi
ne.Il
ove
hermor ethanIhaveeverlovedanyoneandshe
ownsmyhear t.Shedoesn’tevenhavetot
ryso
forgetsteal
ingmebecausel ennaIdon’
twantt
obe
stolen.
”
Shel
aughed.“
Blahbl
ahbl
ah,
keagogot
say
a.I
ja!
”
“
Otsay
amangt
otawena?
”
Kaonelaughed.“
You.Jokes, Iwasgoingt oshoot
myshotbutit’
sfine.Iwillacceptthatthegoodones
areal
lgone.It
’srar
et omeetamanl i
key ou.Gone
mmeIt houghtyougi vi
ngmeal if
twoul dmeany ou
wanti
ngtodat eme, Iwassur pri
sedwheny oudidn’
t
askformynumber .Al otofguy swouldn’thavesaid
whatyousaid.Keepl ovi
ngy ourwomanbutnnaIam
notgiv
ingup.”
“Whatevermakesy ouhappy ,whatr emainsisthatI
l
ov emywomanandIam notgoi ngt odoany t
hing
thatcanjeopardi
zemyr el
ationship.ThatmeansI
am blocki
ngy ou,ongwanawagasat anwena.The
devili
saliar.Don’
tembarrassy ourselffur
ther,
just
takethi
sr ej
ecti
onli
keabiggi rl
.”
Kaonel
aughed.“
Aowbat
hong.
”
“I
twil
lgetbett
erint
imet
houghIadmi
rey
our
conf
idence.Bye.
”
“
Keepl
ovi
ngmmagweChess.
”
Hehungupandbl
ockedher
.Hedi
aledTy
’snumber
.
“
Chess!
”
“
Tymyman!Remembert hoseprof
it
sthatInev
er
t
ouched?TheonesIwasgoingt
oreinv
est…”
“
Yah…”
“
Ineedt
hem.
”
“
Theyar
eyour
s.Iwi
l
ltr
ansf
ert
hem i
mmedi
atel
y.
”
“
Sur
e.”
Hedroppedthecal
landdi
aledanot
hernumber
st
art
ingtheengi
ne.

*
**

MmagweLeleser
vedherhusbandt
hensatbesi
de
hi
minbed.
“
Ther
e…”
“
Thanky
oumogat
saka.
”
RragweLel
epressedhi
ssmartphonewit
hone
fi
ngerhol
dingt
hephonecl
osertohisf
ace.
“
Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
odo?
”
“
Iwantt
ocal
lLel
e,If
oundsomepar
tsoft
hecar
.”
“
Lel
eshoul
djustbuyanewcar
.”
“
Shewi
l
lwhenshei
sready
,ther
e…”
Hetappedonhernumberdoingav
ideocal
l
.Lel
e
answeredsmi
l
ingatthephone.
“
Papa.
.”
RragweLel
esmil
edst
ari
ngathi
sdaught
er.“
Bina,
howareyou?”
“
Papay
oucan’
tcal
lmebyt
hatnameany
mor
e.”
Hel
aughed.“
Youwi
l
lal
way
sbeBi
na.MyBi
na.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
”
“
Iam f
ine.Iam st
rong.
”
“
Youneedt
otakei
teasy
.”
“Iam t
aki
ngi
teasy
.Yourmot
hert
ell
smet
heydi
dn’
t
hir
eyou.”
“
Theydi
dn’
t.
”
“
Itwi
l
lbeal
ri
ght
.Itwi
l
lgetbet
ter
.”
MmagweLel
epeakedandsmi
l
ed.“
Lel
e…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Howar
eyoumama?
”
“
Iam f
ine,
howi
sChess?
”
Rr
agweLel
efr
owned.“
Whoi
sChess?
”
“
Yoursoni
nlaw.Av
erygoodboy
.Il
i
kehi
m.”
“
Whyi
shi
snameChess?
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Hisf
atherl
ovesChess.
”
“Whydoyoudatemenwit
hweir
dnames?Who
namesthei
rchi
l
dChess?Andwher
eist
heChess
fr
om?”
“
Sehi
thwa.
”
Rr
agweLel
enodded.“
Oh…andhi
ssur
name?
”
“
Mor
emi
.”
Rr
agweLel
efr
ownwed.“
What
?”
“
Yes.Hei
sagoodman.
”
“
What
’shi
sfat
her
’sname?
”
“
Idon’
tknowbutIt
hinki
t’
s-“
“
Kgosi
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ishi
smot
herCat
her
ine?
”
“
Iam notsur
e.Idon’
tknow.
”
“
Askhi
m now.
”
Lelehungup.MmagweLel eswal
lowedst
ari
ngat
RragweLele,herheartpoundi
ngsomuch.Lel
e
call
edminuteslater
.
“
Yespapa.Doy
ouknowt
hem?
”
Lel
e’sf
atherdr
oppedt
hephoneashiswhol
ebody
fr
oze.MmagweLelepi
ckedthephoneandf
akeda
l
augh.
“
Lel
emygirl
,yourf
atherseemst
oknowt
hem,
you
wi
ll
tal
ktohi
mt omorrow.”
“
Ohok.
”
“
Bye.
”
MmagweLeledr
oppedt
hephoneandl
ookedather
husband.
“
RragweLel
ent
le-
“
“
Soy
oul
etmydaught
erdat
eCat
her
ine’
sson?
”
“Ididn’
tknow.Howam Isupposedt oknowy ourex
gir
lfri
endwhodumpedherdaught erandmov edon
withar ichol
dman?Nott hatIcarebecause
Lelentl
eismydaughter,
Iraisedherasmi nef
rom
day1andIdon’ tcar
eaboutt hewomanwhocoul dn’
t
carelessandeventri
edkil
li
ngher.”
Rr
agweLel
eputhishandonhi
spai
nful
chestas
mmagweLelel
ookedathi
m.Li
pstr
embling.
.
.
.
:
Roar
ingFl
ames
#37

Rr
agweLel
eshookhi
sheadmassagi
nghi
schest
.
“
Yohweee…”
Tearsfi
ll
edMmgaweLel e’
seyesanddroppedtoher
cheeks.Herhear
tpoundi
ngsomuch.“Idon’t
underst
and.Whyareyoublamingme?”
Heslowlysatdownbeat
inghi
schest
,thepast
cat
chingupwithhi
m.
“
Didn’
tyousayCat
her
inedi
dn’
thav
eachi
l
d?”
Helookedathi
swi f
enotsurewherehewas
supposedt
ostartexpl
aini
ng.Hi
sheartpoundedso
muchhebeathischestevenmore.MmagweLel e
camebackwithaglassofwater
.
“Answerme,di
dn’
tyousayshedi
dn’
thav
eachi
l
d?
Chessiswayol
derthenLel
e.”
“
She…whenImether,
shewasbackatherhouse
wi
thherpar
ent
s.Shet
oldmeshehadbeenwor ki
ng
somewher efar .Shewasonl y21.Iwasgoi ngt o
mar ryher.Shewasgoi ngtobemywi f
e.Ihad
gatheredt hemoneyt omar ryhert henthatiswhenI
foundoutt hatshehadachi l
dwhowas7meani ng
shegav ebi rthat14.Somesai dshewasr apedand
somesai dshewasi nar el
ationshipwi t
hthisol d
man.Iknewt hatchi ld,Ithoughtitwasherbr other ,
everybodyt houghti twasherbr other.Shet r
eated
himl i
kehery oungerbr other.Iusedt obuyhi m
sweet sbecauseshewoul dalway scarryhim ar ound
everywher eshewent .Shel ovedhi m somuch.When
Ifoundout ,Iwasgoi ngtof orgiveherbecauseI
l
ov edher .Gapeshewaspr egnantwi thLele.We
wer egoingt ogetmar ri
edaf tershegav ebi r
th,af ter
givi
ngbi r
t h,shet hrewmydaught erinthepitlatrine
andr anof f.Mont hsl atertherewasacel ebration
andshewasmar ry
ingt hisol dman.Hi snamei s
Kgosi Mor emi .That ’
swhenImety ou.Aftershegot
mar ri
ed.”
MmagweLel
esighedst
ari
ngathi
m.“
SoChessl
e
Lel
ear
esi
bli
ngs?”
“
Yes.Sheneedst
obr
eakupwi
tht
hatboy
.”
“
Sheisgoi
ngt
obesoshut
ter
ed.Shel
oveshi
m so
much.
”
“
Thati
sherbr
other
.It
s’abomi
nat
ion.
”
“
Idon’
twantt
olosemydaught
er.
”
“Sheisgoi
ngt
obr
eakupwi
thhi
m.Iwi
l
lnev
er
accepti
t.
”
“
Youaregoi
ngtobr eakherapartThabo.Howwil
l
yout
ell
herIam nothermother?Youwantt ot
ake
mydaught
erawayf rom me,Iam notgoi
ngtoall
ow
yout
odothat.
”
“
Iwi
l
lnev
eraccepti
t!
”
“Whatwil
lyousaytoher?ThatIhavebeenl
yi
ngto
youall
yourli
fe?Iwil
lnotl
etthathappendoyou
hearmeThabo? !Nev
er!
”
Sheswitchedofft
hel
i
ghtandgoti
nbedf
aci
ngt
he
otherdi
rect
ion.

*
**
Chesswal
kedinthef
latwi
thhi
sdaught
er.Lel
e
smil
edwal
kingfr
om t
hebedroom t
henshepaused
st
ari
ngatAnel
e.
“
Hey
…”
Lel
esmil
edwalki
ngoverandl
ookedatAnel
e.“
Hey
l
ove,r
ememberme?”
Anel
enoddedsi
l
ent
ly.Lel
e.“
OK,
what
’smyname?
”
Sheshr
ugged.“
It
’sok,
mynamei
saunt
yLel
e,y
ou
are?
”
“
Anel
e.”
“
OkAnel
e…canwebef
ri
ends?
”
“
Mamai
ssi
ck.
”
Lel
elookedatherl
ipsastheybegunt
ocur
ve,
tear
s
fi
ll
i
nghereyes.Lel
epickedherup.
“
Mamai
sgoingt
obefi
ne.Shei
sst
rongand
mommi
esar
estr
ong.
”
“
Shewasbl
eedi
ng.
”
“Shewil
lbef
ine.Ipr
omi
se.Doy
ouwantt
otakea
bath?
”
Anelenodded,Lel
et urnedandwalkedwithhertoher
bathr
oom.Shehel pedherbat hwhil
echatt
ingwith
hertr
yingtogethert orel
ax.Anel
esmiledtouchi
ng
Lel
e’sbrai
ds.
“
Ili
key
ourhai
r.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Youdo?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Thanks.Yourhai
risl
ongandpr
ett
y.”
“
It
’sl
ongert
hanShamai
ne’
s.
”
Lelewr
appedherwithawhit
etowelthenpi
ckedher
upwhil
eshelaughed.Shepl
acedheronthetabl
e
thenki
ssedherf
orehead.
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
Shewalkedoutandl
ookedatChesswhowasona
busi
nesscal
l.
“
Babe…”
Het
urnedt
oher
.
“
Wher
eisAnel
e’
sbag?
”
Hepoi
ntedatthecouch.Lel
etookthebagand
wal
kedwithi
ttothebedtoom whereshet
ooksome
war
m cl
othesanddressedAnele.
“
Arey
ouhungr
y?”
“
Yes.Iwanti
cecr
eam!
”
“Fri
end,
doesmommyal l
owyoutopeati
cecr
eam at
night
?Let’
sset
tl
eforsomet
hingel
se.
”
Lelewenttothekit
chenanddishedint
otwoplates.
Sheputeveryt
hingi
nthesit
ti
ngroom thentook
Anelef
rom herroom.Theysatonthecoucheati
ng
whil
ewatchingTV.
Chessfi
nishedupwit
hhi
scal
lthenj
oinedt
hem
si
tt
ingbesideLel
e.
“
Thanks.
”
“
It
’sok.Howi
sshe?
”
“
Shewi
l
lbef
ine.
”
“
Ok.
”
Theyf
ini
shedeat
ingt
henLelecuddl
edwit
hAnele
wit
hherheadonChess’
slapwhil
etheywat
chedTV.
*
**

Awhi l
elat
er,t
hemov i
eended, Chessl
ookedathis
girl
sandtheyhadall
fall
enasleep.Hegotupand
pickedAnel
eandwentwi thhertothebedroom.He
camebackandf oundLeleawake.Shey awned.
“
Iam sot
ir
ed.
”
“
Let
’ssl
eep.
”
“
Howi
sit
?Wi
thLef
a,behonest
.”
“
Shewi
l
lbef
ine.
”
“
Iam wor
ri
ed.Anel
ewon’
tsur
viv
eit
.”
“
Shei
sfi
ne.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
MmagweLef
aknowsaboutus,
Lef
aknewt
oo.
”
Lel
eswal
l
owed.“
OhmyGod…”
“
Buti
t’
sok.Iam r
eadyforanyt
hing.Ihopey
ouar
e
t
oo.I
t’
saboutt
oturnsouth.
”
“
Shei
spr
obabl
ygoi
ngt
otel
lmama.
”
Chesski
ssedher
.“May
bey
oushoul
dtel
lherbef
ore
sheist
old.
”
“
Iwi
l
ldoi
ttomor
row.Shei
sgoi
ngt
obesoangr
y.”
“
Shewi
llev
ent
uall
yacceptus.
”Heki
ssedheragai
n.
“
How i
smyboy ?
”
Lel
egi
ggl
ed.“
Hei
sfi
ne.
”
“
Come,
let
’ssl
eep.
”
Theywenttothebedroom whereLelel
aidbeside
Anel
e,Chessbehi
ndher .Theychat
tedinthedark
whil
ekissi
ngandtouchingeachotherwhil
elaughing.

*
**

KhumoheldLef a’
shandatt hehospi
talwhi
lehis
headached.Lefaslowlyopenedhereyeswakingup
from t
hedeepsleep.Sheblinkedt
hem paused
recal
li
ngwhathadhappened.Sheputherhandon
herstaomachthenf r
owned.
“
Wher
eismybaby
?”
Khumol
ookedather
.“Theoney
ouabor
ted?
”
“
Wher
eismybaby
?”
“Ican’
tbel
ieveyoudidt
hisagai
n.Whydi
dn’
tyouj
ust
givebi
rthandhandthebabyover?Howmanymore
areyougoingtokil
l
?”
Tear
sfi
l
ledhi
sey
es.“
Answerme…”
“
Wher
eismybaby
?”
“
Youki
l
ledt
hebaby
!”
Shelookedathim shaki
ngherheadtear
ful
ly.“I
di
dn’t
.IswearIdidn’tdoany
thi
ng,IswearIdidn’
tdo
anyt
hing.Ij
ustsawt hebl
ood.Whereismybaby ..
?”
Heruibbedhisfacet
henpull
edhispants.“Iwantmy
daughterLef
a.Ican’
twatcht
hisanymor e.Iwanty
ou.
Iwantus.Wear eafamil
y.Acomletefami l
y.
”
“
Ilov
eChess.
”
“Heisdi
vorci
ngyourassforcr
yingoutl
oud!He
doesn’
twantyouanymore.Whyareyouobsessed
wit
hthatguy?Hedoesn’tl
oveyou!Wherei
she
t
oday
?Hel
eft
.”
“
Wher
eisAnel
e?”
“
Het
ookher
.”
Lef
alookedathi
m.“
Tookherwher
e?”
“
Tot
hel
oveofhi
sli
fe.
”
“
Iwantmydaught
err
ightnow!
”
“
Youar
esi
ck.Whatwi
l
lyoudo?
”
“Gi
vemeyourphone.Iwantmydaught
er,Iam not
goi
ngtol
etChessgivemydaught
ertothatwhore.
”
HetookKhi
mo’sphoneandcal
ledLel
e.Anur
se
wal
kedinandsmil
edstar
ingatLefawhowas
awake.
“
Hi…”
Lefaignoredherholdi
ngthephonewai
ti
ngf
ori
tto
getthroughbutitseemedoff.
“
Uh,
Iam goi
ng.
”
Khumol
ookedather
.“Oh…met
oo.
”
“
Wel
ll
et’
sgo.Iwi
l
ltel
lyouaboutt
het
her
apy
.”
“ButIam f
ine.Ij
usthappenedt
olov
ethewr
ong
gir
l.
”
Khumot ookhisphoneandwalkedoutchatti
ngwit
h
thenur
sewhi l
eLefagotevenmoreangrierasshe
satonthebed.

*
**

Thef ol
l
owi ngmorning,
Lel
ewal kedtothedoorand
openedf orwhoeverwasknocking.Shefrowned
star
ingatLef awhowasstil
linthehospit
algown
andinherhandwasabi gki
tchenknife.
“
Lef
a…”
“Myman?Myhusband?Youar
easnakeandt
odayI
goi
ngt
okil
lyoumyself
.”
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#38

Lel
etri
edclosi
ngthedoorbutLef
apusheditwal
king
i
n.Shelookedaroundt
hehousefull
withpr
opert
y.
Herli
pstr
embledassheturnedbacktoLel
e.
“
Heboughtal
lthi
s?”
“
Lef
aI-
“
“
Didhebuyal
lthi
s?Hei
smyhusband!
”
Lel
eswal
l
owed.“
Canwet
alkl
i
keadul
ts?
”
“No.Noonei stalkinglikeadul tshere.Youdeci ded
tobeasnakeandsl eepwi thmymanbehi ndmy
backaf terIbroughty oui nmyhouset hinkingIwas
bri
ngingaf ri
end.Asi ster.Ibroughty ououtofl ove.I
welcomedy ouwi thopenar msbecauseIt houghtwe
couldfinallyrekindleourf r
iendshipLel entl
e.Idi
dn’t
bri
ngy out omyhousewi thbadi nt
ent i
ons.Imaybe
everyt
hing…Imaybeev erysinglethi
ngy oumight
thi
nkbutf oryout osl eepwi t
hmyhusband.You
weresupposedt obemyf ri
end…y ouwer emeantt o
bemyf ri
endbuty
oucamei
ntomyhouseey
eingmy
husband.
”
“
That
’snotwhathappenedLef
a.Imethim bef
ore
t
hat
.Iknewhim bef
oreIcametoyourhouse.”
“Sowhathappenedwheny
ouf
oundoutt
hatIwas
hiswi
fe?”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“Iam notmadbecauseChessf oundanot herwoman,
Iam madbecauset hatwomani syou!Youwer e
supposedtobemyf r
iend,
Itr
ustedy ou.You
probabl
ylaughedbehindmyback, youprobably
l
aughedwi t
hy ourmother.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Ohyouaregoi
ngtobesorr
yLelent
le.Youar
egoi
ng
t
obever
ysorry
.IknowChesshasleftandi
t’
sonl
y
y
ouandme.”
Anel
ewalkedoutofbedr
oom t
henpausedst
ari
ngat
hermot
her.
“
Mama!
”
Sher
ani
nhermot
her
’sar
ms.Lef
ahuggedher
st
aringatLele.Lel
etur
nedtorushoutbutLef
aran
overandclosedthedoorpoi
nti
ngtheknif
eather.
“
Goback.
”
“Idon’
twantt ofi
ghtwi t
hy ouLefatshe,l
etmego.It
wasy ourman!Idi dn’
tdoany thi
ng.Heistheone
whocameaf terme.Stopdoi ngthi
si nf
rontofyour
daughter.Sheisonlyfi
v e.Youaretraumati
zi
ngher.I
willbr
eakupwi thhimify ouwant.Juststopthi
s.It
’s
notwor t
hgoingt ojai
lfor.”
Lel
e’
sphonestart
edr
ingi
ng.Lef
atur
nedt
hen
wal
kedovert
oi t
.
“
Babe,
whatel
sedi
dyousaysheneeds?
”
“
Iam wi
thy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend.
”
“
Lef
ast
he?
”
“Yououtofallpeopl
edeci dedmyfri
endwast
he
suit
abl
emat ch,Iwil
lnotletyoul
ivehappi
l
yev
er
aft
erwit
hherwhi leIam hurti
ng.
”
“
Lef
atshef
rom t
her
eyouar
egoi
ngt
ogot
ojai
l
.”
“
Idon’
tcar
ebecauseshei
s-“
Lel
ewalkedoverwit
hthepanandhi
therheadhar
d
wit
hit
.Lefat
shedroppedt
hephonefal
l
ing.Lel
e
pi
ckedthephone.
“It
hinkshecol
l
apsed.Ihi
therwi
thapan.Shewas
herewit
haknife.
”
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
“Iam cal
l
ingsecuri
ty,
theywi
l
ldet
ainherwhil
eyou
come.Shemi ghtwakeupandcausehavoc.
”
Someoneknockedonthedoor.Lel
epressedt
he
emer
gencybuttont
henwalkedtothedoor.
“
MissLel
ent
lePhi
ri
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Iam her
etodel
i
vert
hisf
rom t
hehi
ghcour
t.
”
Lel
efrowned.Shetooktheenvelopethensigned
whereshewassupposedt osignbeforeopeningthe
env
elope.Shereadthr
ough,herheartpounding.
“
MyGod…”
Anel
eknel
tbef
orehermot
hershaki
ngher
.
“
Mama…”
Lel
etur
ned.“
Stepawayf
rom herAnel
e.”
“Iwantmymommy.Idon’
tli
key
ou.Youar
enotni
ce.
Iwantmommy.”
Lel
eswal
l
owed.“
Anel
e…”
“Iwantmymommy
!Idon’
tli
key
ou.Idon’
twantt
o
staywit
hyou.
”

*
**

Khumof i
nishedprepar i
ngforworkthenl
ookedat
hi
mselfont hemirrorfixi
nghisti
e.Heputonhis
j
acketandswal l
owed.I tnowlookedtoobi
gforhim.
Hetookitoffandpi ckedhiscarkeysandwalkedt
o
hi
scar.Hisphoner angashegoti n.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hi,
Iam sor
ryt
ocal
lsoear
lyi
nthemor
ning.
”
“
Noit’
sok.Iam al
readyonmywayt
owor
k.Ranewa
r
ight
?”
“
Yes.Ij
ustcal
l
edt
ocheckupony
ou.
”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
“
Didy
out
hinkaboutwhatwet
alkedabout
?”
“
Iam f
ine.Iwi
l
ldeal
wit
hit
.Idon’
tneedat
her
api
st.
”
“Ok,youcant alktomethen.Wecanbef r
iends.Iam
sorryifIam crossi
ngt
heline,
Ijustwanty
out oget
help.”
“
Iunder
standbutIam good.
”
“
Youcant
alkt
ome.
”
“
Aren’
tyougoi
ngt
owor
ktoday
?”
“
Iam doi
ngni
ghtshi
ft
sst
art
ingf
rom t
oni
ght
.”
Hest
art
edhi
scarandr
ever
sed.“
Damn!
”
Shel
aughed.“
Iam al
readyused.Il
ovewhatIdo.
”
“
Ilov
emysl
eep.
”
“Ial
sodo,Iwil
lsleepi
nt heaf
ter
noonwhil
eyouwor k.
Atfi
rstbackatschoolIstr
uggl
edbutyougetused
toit
.”
“Iguess.Iappr
eciat
ey oucal
li
ngbutRej
oicei
smy
employeeatwor k,t
ell
i
ngy oumightbet
hebiggest
mistakeev
er.Idon’
twantmygossi
pal
lov
erat
work.”
“Iam pr
ofessional
.Youdon’thavetoworry
,Irespect
nurse-
pati
entconfident
ial
it
y.Iam goodatwhatIdo.
Iam notgoingtogoar oundtel
li
ngpeoplemy
pati
ent’
sissues.Didyoueat?”
“
No,
Iam nothungr
y.”
“Mysisteri
sgoingtokil
lmef orthis,sheisgoingto
hat
eme.Iam br ingi
ngyoulunch.NotbecauseI
wantyouorany t
hingbutweal lneedal i
ttl
esav i
ng.I
am goingtocookandbringittoy ouroffi
ce.”
“
Ranewa,
youdon’
t-
“
“Idon’
thavet
obutIwantt
o.Al
i
ttl
ecompassi
onat
e
neverki
ll
edanyone.
”

*
**

MmagwerLel est
oodinherki
tchenstari
ngat
not
hing.Tear
sslowl
yrol
li
ngdownhercheeks.She
hadmetLelethedayshewasbor n.Shewastheone
whohadheardhercr
yingfrom thepitl
atri
ne.She
wastheonewhohadhel dherinherarmsf irst
.She
coul
dsti
ll
rememberthedaylikey est
erday,shehad
becomemmagweLel ethen.Onlycloserel
atives
knewLel
ewasactual
lynotherdaught er.
RragweLel
ewalkedi
ntheki
tchen,
shesnappedout
ofitandwi
pedawayhert
ear
s.Herhusbandlooked
ather.
“
Iam goi
ngt
oGabor
one.
”
MmagweLel eignoredhi
m andcarr
iedoncl
eani
ng
herki
tchen.Hersonwalkedi
n,shesmil
ed.
“
Sitdownandeat
.”
“
Goodmor
ning…”
RrgaweLelel
ookedathi
m.“
Iam goi
ngt
oGabor
one
toseeyoursi
ster
.”
Hesmil
ed.“
Ial
sowantt
ogo.Wear
ecl
osi
ngt
oday
ka10;
30.
”
Hi
sfathersmil
ed.“Ok,Iam sur
eLel
ewil
lbehappy
t
oseey ou.Af
terschoolcomerunni
ngbackhome.
Weareleavi
ngat11:30.”
“
Yes!
”
Hegotupandwentt opackhisbagandalsotake
outthecl
otheshewoul dgotoGaboronewearing.
MmagweLel efi
nishedcleani
ngherkit
chenthen
tookarakeandwalkedout si
de.
“
Mogat
saka…”
Shestar
tedr
aki
ngherbacky
ard.Rr
agweLel
etook
ther
ake.
“Ican’tl
ethercont
inuear
elat
ionshi
pwi
thher
sibl
ing.”
“
Whati
fChessisnotCat
heri
ne’
schi
l
d?Iam sur
e
y
ouknewhisnamebackthen.
”
“Yes,butIhear
dthi
soldri
chmanchangedit
becausethatboywasnamedaf t
erCat
hy’sf
ather
.
HisnamewasTapol ogobefor
ehismothermarri
ed
hisfather
.”
“
Whati
fChessi
snotCat
her
ine’
schi
l
d?”
“Iwil
lseethatwhenIgettoGaborone.Kgosi
had
chil
drenal
l ov
er,hi
sfamil
ywasrichandhe
i
mpr egnat
edev ery
one.Hehadachild,t
heonehe
br
oughtwithtothemar r
iageasfarasIknow.Asfar
asCather
inetoldme.Shesai dhehadanotherchi
l
d
wit
hanotherwomansomay beChessi
sthatone.I
am goi
ngtoGabor one,
Iwi l
lconf
ir
m ever
ythi
ng
whenIgetthere.
”
MmagweLelesi
ghed.“
Idon’
twantt
olosemy
daught
er.
”
“Shewon’ tknow.Iam notgoi
ngt otel
lherthat.Ijust
wantt omakesur esheisnotsleepi
ngwi t
hherol der
brotherbecauseifthi
sChessisCathy’schil
dthen
thatrel
ati
onshipisabigno,oneIwillneveraccept
nomat terwhat.Lel
ecan’thavesexwi t
hherbrot her.
I
t’sabomi nati
on.
”

Chesspar
kedhi
scaratthepol
i
cest
ati
on.Hel
ooked
atLel
ewhowasjustsi
l
ent.
“Hey…l
ookatme.Youarenotgoi
ngt
ojai
l
.Youhi
t
herdef
endi
ngyour
sel
f.
”
“
Anel
ewi
tnessedmehi
tt
inghermot
her
.”
“
Shei
sjustachi
l
dbabe,
shewi
l
lcomear
ound.Let
’s
goi
n.”
Theyst
eppedoutandwal
kedi
n.Lef
apoi
ntedatLel
e.
“
Shehi
tmewi
thapani
nthehead.
”
“
Mmaet
sho,
isi
ttr
ue?
”
“
Yes.Buti
twasoutofsel
fdef
ense.
”
“
Wassheat
tacki
ngy
ou?
”
“Shecameinwi
thakni
fe.It
houghtshewasgoi
ngt
o
stabme.”
“Youarelyi
ng.Iwasn’tgoi
ngtostabyou.Ij
ust
wantedtot al
ktoyouwomant owoman.Howcoul dI
possi
blytrytostabyouinfr
ontofmydaughter.She
i
ssleepingwithmyhusbandy etshei
smyf ri
end.”
Chesssi
ghed.“
Aren’
tyousupposedt
obeatt
he
hospi
tal
?”
“
Iwant
edt
otal
ktoLel
e.”
“Soyoudischargedyoursel
f?”Chesslookedatthe
poli
ceoffi
cer.“
Mor ena,t
heflatswhereLelestay
s
havecamer aswhichwer ei
nstall
edrecent
ly.Wecan
getthem andwewi llpr
obablyseethatshewaswi t
h
aknife.Itmightnothavemeantt ostabLelebutLele
panicked.Canwej ustsolv
ei tpeacef
ull
yLefa.Iam
sorr
yLel ehi
ty ou.Canwej ustmov eon?Youjust
l
ostt hebaby,youshouldn’
tbeher e.Youshouldbe
rest
ing.Iknowy ouarehurting.
”
LefalookedatChesst
earful
ly
,tear
srol
l
eddownher
cheeks.Thepoli
ceoff
icerl
ookedatLef
a.
“Whatdoy ousay,youtwocanapologi
zet
oeach
otherandmov eon.Gapehissoundsli
kef
amil
y
mat t
erthatcanberesol
vedathome.”
“Iam sorryIhi
tyouwi
tht
hepan.Iam sor
ryf
or
ever
ything.”
Lefal
ookedatChessweakl
y.“
It
’sf
ine.Keat
samay
a.
(Iam goi
ng.
)”
Shewalkedouttheshet ookAnelefrom t
hepoli
ce
off
icerwhowasl ooki
ngaf t
erher.ChessandLele
walkedoutthenLelegotinthecarwhileChess
walkedovertoLefa.
“
Hey
…”
Sshel
ookedathi
mtear
ful
l
y.“
Thedoct
orsai
dIt
ook
cy totec, hesaidIabor tedt hebabybutIwoul dnev er
abor tmybaby .Ididn’teveneaty esterdayexpect
from wheny ougav emef ood.”Shel ookeddown
wi pingawayhert ears.“Ihadboughtcl othesforhim.
Iwasr eadyev entor aisehi m al
one.Hedi dn’
t
any thingt oy ouorany one.Hewasn’ tat hreat,
he
wasi nnocent .Youdi dn’thav etoki l
l mybaby .Ifyou
didn’ twanthi m, Iwoul dhav emanagedal one.Iam
goi ng.Hedi dn’tdeservet odieliket hat.Youdi dn’
t
hav et oki l
lhim.Hewasi nnocent .Hewasar eal
baby .Icouldf eelhim kickinginmyst omach.Icoul d
feel him mov e…hedi dn’tdeser vet odi el
ikethis.”
Shegoti
nthet
axi
wit
hherdaught
er.

*
**

Meanwhi
l
eint
hecar
,Lel
eanswer
edhermot
her
’s
cal
l
.
“
Mama…”
“
MmagweLef
atshej
ustcal
l
edmeLel
ent
le,
whati
s
thi
sIhearabouty
ousl
eepi
ngwi
thLef
atshe’
s
husband?
”
.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#39

Lel
epr
essedherl
i
pst
oget
her
,herhear
tpoundi
ng.
"
Lel
ent
le,
Iam t
alki
ngt
oyou,
isChessmar
ri
ed?
"
Chessgoti
nthecarwhi
l
eLel
ewonder
edwhatt
o
say.
Sheangr
il
yshouted."
Lel
ent
leIam t
alki
ngt
oyou!I
s
Chessmarr
ied?Huh?"
"
Yes.ButIdi
dn'
tknowi
twast
o-"
"Soyounowdest
roypeopl
e'
smar
ri
ages?Huh?You
dothatnow?
"
"
Inev
erpl
annedt
o-"
"
Younev erwhat?Pl
annedt
odest
roypeopl
e'
s
marr
iages?It
'snowahabit
?Tosl
eepwithpeopl
e'
s
men?"
"
Mama.
..
"
"
Ist
hatwhaty
oumeantwheny
ousai
dev
ery
one
woul dbeagainstt
herel
ati
onshi
p?Becauseyouare
sleepingwit
hamar ri
edman,Lel
entl
edidIrai
seyou
tobet hiswoman?"
"
No.
"
"Soy
ounowf i
ndj oyondest
royi
ngmarri
ages,you
nowhavemadei tyourmi
ssi
ontohuntmarriedmen
andmakeanotherwoman'sli
femiser
abl
e?"
"
Idi
dn'
tmeanf
ori
ttohappen.
"
"Nothingiseveryouf aul
t.Iam morethanjust
disappoint
ediny ou.MmagweLef aismydearf r
iend.
Nowi tseemsl i
keIbr oughtmydaught erwhoisa
qualif
iedmansnat chertodestroyherdaughter
's
mar r
iage.Lef
al ostherbabybecauseofy ou.Why
Lelentl
e?Can'tyouf i
ndsinglemenoutt her
e?Are
therenosingl
emen? "
"
Inev
ermeantt
ohur
tLef
a."
"Youthi
nkbecausey ouarethickandhav eahuge
butty
oucandoasy ouplease, y
oucanopeny our
l
egsforanymanandhewi llcometoy ou.Letmetel
l
yousomet hi
ngLelentl
e,y
oudon' tknowy ourwort
h.
Lefai
sy ourfr
iendbutbesidesherbeingy ourf
ri
end,
youshoul dhav er espect edanot herwoman' s
mar riagebuty ouar ethet y
pewhobel iev esy oudon' t
owehi swi f
el oy altybecausey ouar enotmar riedt o
her.Mydaught er ,inlif
e, wel ivei nacircle.Yout hi nk
youar eallthatt oday ,kamosoy ouwi l
l becr y ing
becausei twillal way scomebackar ound.Youget
thesameener gyy ougiv emygi r
l.Youcannev er
buil
dy ourhappi nessont opofanot her '
swoman' s
tears, ontopofherpai nandpr ayers.Itwon' twor k.
Youhav esucceededi nbr eaki ngherhomebecause
todayhei sleav ingherf ory oubutt herei sgoi ngt o
beanot herwoman.Whatmakesy out hinkanot her
womancan' ttakehi mf rom y out hesamewayy ou
tookhi mfrom hi swi f
e?Legal eIbel i
evey ouar ea
grownwoman.Ihav et r
iedmybest ,Itri
edt ogui de
you, Itri
edt obui l
dy oubuti tseemsIam wast ingmy
ti
mebecausey ounev erlisten.Dowhaty ouwant ,go
aroundandbr eakpeopl e'shomes, goandsl eep
aroundwi ththewhol enat i
onbecauseIcansee
that'
swhaty ouseem t obegoodatbutnev erst epi n
myy ard.Iam di stancingmy selffrom y ouand
anythi ngtodowi thy ou.Ibel iev eyouwi l
l see
yoursel f
.By e."
Shehungup.Lelel
ookedatherphone,
tear
sinher
eyes.Chesssi
ghedal
readyknowi
ngwhatwas
wrong.
"
Shei
sangr
y?"
"
Shej
ustdi
sownedme.
"
"
Youknewt
hiswoul
dhappenr
ight
?"
"
Idon'
tknowi
fshewi
l
lev
eracceptus.
"
"Shewil
l
.Obviousl
ynotnowconsi
der
ingmmagwe
Lefai
sherfr
iend.I
twil
ltaket
imet
oconvi
nceher
."
"
Who'
sgoi
ngt
obewi
thmewhenIgi
vebi
rt
h?"
"Wewi l
lmakeapl an.Iwil
ltal
ktomymother.She
won'trefuse.
"Hekissedher."
Bythent
hedivorcewi
l
l
hopefull
ybef i
nal
i
zedt oosoitwon'
tmakethings
awkwar dforyou.
"
Lel
erubbedat
ear
."Ok.
"
"Iam sor
rythi
sishappeni
ngbabebutIam notgoing
anywhere.Wewill
tackl
ethist
oget
herIpr
omi se.
"
Heki
ssedher
."Il
ovey
ou.
"
*
**

AtKhumo'aworkplace,Ranewawalkedtowardsher
si
ster'
sdeskhol
dingthetupper
warewiththefood.
Rej
oicesmil
edexcit
edlyashersist
erwalkedover.
"
Whatdi
dIdot
odeser
vet
his?
"
Ranewasmi
ledner
vousl
y."
Iam her
etoj
ustshow
l
oveandki
ndness.
"
Rej
oicecl
appedherhands."
Sweet
,di
dIt
ell
youhow
muchIloveyou?
"
"
Ilov
eyout
ooand-
"
Thedeskphoner
ang,
Rej
oicer
eachedf
ori
tas
pi
cked.
"
Hel
l
o?Yes.Iam comi
ng.
"
Rej
oicehungupandst
oodup."
Iam comi
ng.A
del
i
veryforsi
r.
"
"
Ok.
"
Rej
oicehur
ri
edtot
hest
air
s,Ranewaknockedon
Khumo'sdoor
.
"
Comei
n!"
Sheopenedthenwal kedi n.Khumol ookeduptalki
ng
onthephonet hensmi l
edsur pr
ised.Ranewaheldup
thetupper
waret henmout hed'l
unch'.Hesmi l
ed,she
walkedoverandopened.Khumol ookedatthehome
cookedmeal,whenl asthadhehadt hat?Hecouldn'
t
evenremember .Thedeliciousaromaf i
ll
edhisenti
re
offi
ceashistastebudsgotwet .
"Yeah,myteam andIwi
llbereadyf
oryou.Asmuch
asthisisagoodopport
unit
yforus,i
t'
salsoagood
opportuni
tyf
oryou."
Ranewatookoutthebot
tl
eofjui
cet
henopenedi
t
forhi
m whil
ewrappeduphiscal
l
.Hefi
nal
l
yhungup.
"
Soy
ouwer
eser
ious?
"
"
Likeal
ight
ning.Youneedtoeat
.Youar
esot
hin,
t
hewindmightjustbl
owy ouaway.
"
Hel
aughed."
Youdon'
thav
emanner
sRanewa.
"
"
Iam bei
ngser
ious.Eat
."
Hegotupandwashedhi
shandsinthet
oil
etwhi
l
e
Ranewaadmi
redhi
shugeoff
ice.Bei
ngaCOOwas
defi
nit
elynice.Hecamebackf ixi
nghispant
s,
Ranewast aredatjusthowloosethepant
swere.
Theylookedt wosizesbiggert
hanhim.Hesatdown
thenstart
edeat i
ng.
HisdooropenedandRejoicewalkedi
n,shepaused
star
ingatRanewaconfused.Khumocaughtont he
confusi
onwhileRanewagav ehi
m alook.Put
ti
ng
oneandonet oget
herhesmi l
ed.
"
Younev
ert
oldmey
oursi
stersel
l
sfood.
"
"
Shedoesn'
t.
"
Ranewasmil
ed."
Heof
fer
edt
obuyi
t,Ican'
tsayno
tomoney.
"
Rej
oicerol
l
edherey
es."
Ithoughtt
hel
unchwas
mine."
"
Moneyf
ir
st.
"
"
Ok.Uh,
thi
sjustgotdel
i
ver
ed.
"
Sheoutapackageont
het
abl
ethent
ookRanewa'
s
hand.
"
Iwi
l
lbr
ingy
ourt
hingsl
ateron.Let
'sgo.
"
Ranewast
oodupcl
ear
inghert
hroat
."Ok.Thank
you.
"
Khumosmi
l
ed."
Cool
."
Theywal
kedout.RanewalookedatRej
oice."
Wel
l
,
myfooddidn'
tgotowaste.
"
"
Hisf
oodal
way
sget
sdel
i
ver
edher
e."
"
Youcaneatt
hatonet
oday
.Iam goi
ng.
"
"
Ithoughtbl
oodcamef
ir
stbef
oremoney
."
Ranewal
aughed."
Bye!
"
Shewalkedt
othestai
rs.Herphonerangasshegot
outoft
hebuil
dingandgotinhersmallr
edHondaFi
t.
"
Hey
..
."
"Thanksf
orthelunch.Ir
eal
l
yappr
eci
atei
t.Ican
evenpayfori
t.
"
"No.Idi
ditoutoft
hegoodnessofmyhear
t.You
don'
thavetopayme."
"
Thanks.
"
"
Youshoul
dfi
nishi
t.
"
"
Iwi
l
l.I
t'
stoodel
i
cioust
obel
eft
."
"
Bye.
"
Ranewahungup.
*
**

From t
hefirstfl
oorinhisoffi
ce,
Khumowat ched
standi
ngbyhi swindowasshedr oveof
finherred
HondaFitthensmi l
edsitti
ng.Hehadneverhad
someonedosomet hingforhimthatwaynot
expect
ingany t
hinginretur
nandsomehowi tfel
t
good.

*
**

Aroundlunchhour,
Sasaf
ini
shedherlessonthen
walkedoutholdi
ngabigt
appedstickandsome
papersi
nherhand.Acoll
eaguerushedoverand
walkedbesideher
.
"
Hey
..
"
Sasalookedathi
m andsighedannoy
ed.Whoever
tol
dthisguyshewashistypewasgoingtor
otinhel
l
.
ShecouldseeaMoabi i
nhim, Godbl
essLel
efor
dati
ngsuchaman.
"
Hi.
"
"
Tlhammaweshoul
dgooutf
orl
unchsomet
ime.
"
Theywalkedpastagroupofstudentswhil
eshe
modeledinher8inchheelsasifshewereweari
ng
fl
ats,
herlongshi
nywav eyweavef al
l
ingover
shoul
dersbounci
ngwi t
heachst epshetook.
"Ithi
nknot.Lookuhhwhat '
supyourname?Mogae?
Idon'tthi
nkIam y ourt
ypeandnietherarey
oumy
type.Let'
sjustkeepitf
riendl
yshal
lwe? "
Shewal kedinsi
deheroffi
cet hensatdowncr ossing
herlegs.Shegotherphonet henbegunscr oll
ingon
Facebook.Shepausedcomi ngacr ossaposti nThe
VoiceOnl i
neNewspapert i
tl
ed' MyFr i
endSleeps
WithMyManBehi ndMyBack' .Theamountof
comment sandli
kestogetherwi t
ht heshares
promptinghertoreadthrough.Shequi cklyread
throughthepostreadi
ngaboutt hewomansl eepi
ng
whowassl eepingwithherf
ri
endsman.Herheart
skippedasshecameacr ossLelent
le'
snameamid
thepost.Shewentbackandr eadsl
owlyti
ll
theend,
herheartpounding.
"
Godno.
..
."
Shewenttothecomment sandl ookedatthe
commentsbashingLele.Somewer eeven
commentingwit
hherpi ct
urestalki
ngabouther
wei
ght.Sheswall
owedt henreadmor ecomment s,
mostofthem werenegati
ve.
Sasabegunt
ypi
ngacomment
.
Sasa: Someofy ouarebusybashi ngthisbeaut iful
thi
ckcur vywomanmmemot howat engat swere
mar apohel a,f
acey amot howat engekar e
chimpanzeehel ammekeenewamodumot hatamo
facebook.Wear estil
lgoi
ngt ochowy ourmencome
whatmaybosweet hear
tebil
ewear egoi ngt otake
them.Wenast ayahomeandgi vebirthev eryother
daywhi lewef uckyourmani nt heoffice.Goand
prayhar derforyourmar r
iagewhi l
eIridehi sdickli
ke
thereisnot omor r
ow.Ny weny weshedoesn' t
respecther self,
li
stenboLov i
e,thatmanchoseher
andhei sst il
lchoosingher .Heisgoi ngtopaythat
amountandl eaveher.Larengtot akadinywana
tsedimat sutsuba.Goandbat hpr operl
y,maybeyour
manmi ghtwanty oummeunt i
lthen,phuagany
aka
nywanay enkgangmor oto.
Peopl
eli
kedhercommentandsomer
eact
ed
l
aughi
ngwhil
erepl
iesr
oll
edi
n.
Repl
y: gat
wedony
wanat
sedi
ril
eng?
Repl
y:VAYOLENCI
!
Repl
y: heeel
ang!
Reply:
mxm,
youar
enotmar
ri
ednowondery
ousay
that
.
Reply
:Batswana,
comeher
e.Mothokeoot
sil
eka
vayol
ensi ar
ediny
wanatsabat
hodi
matsutsuba
Repl
y:Iam l
eav
ingf
eisi
buku
Repl
y:Toomuchv
iol
ence
Repl
y:DLEVU!Masi
sicomet
hissi
de,
youki
dshav
e
st
art
ed
Repl
y: haaai
i
yeeee
Sasacal
l
edLel
e.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Hey
,hav
eyoubeenonf
acebook?
"
"
Ngng,
why
?"
"
Lef
athewi
tchwentt
oTheVoi
ce.
"
"
What
?"
"Yeahbutdon'
twor
ry.Don'
tl
etherbreaky
ou.Iam
goingt
odr agt
hatt
hing.Watl
waela.
"
"
Wai
t.
..Babe!GoonFacebook.CheckTheVoi
ce.
"
Sasasighed."
Don'
ttakeitt
ohear
tanddon'
tcr
y.
Soldi
eronmmagweAt ang.
"

*
**

Lel
eheldthephonet
oherearwhi
l
eChessscr
oll
ed
onhisphone.
"
Letmesee.
..
"
Chessr
eadt
hrought
hepost
.
"
Letmesee.
"
Lelet
ookthephonet
henreadt
hepost
.Shetooka
deepbreat
hmov i
ngt
othecommentsbutChess
tookt
hephone.
"Don'
tdothat.Youdon'
thavet
hereadthat.Lef
ais
l
ookingtobreakyou.Don'
tl
ethergett
oy ou.Shei
s
desper
ate.
"
Lel
esi
ghed."
Wher
eam Igoi
ngt
oget150k?
"
"Iwi
llhandl
eit
.Idon'
twanti
ttogot
ocourtbut
knowingthati
swhatsheisl
ooki
ngfor
,Iwi
lll
eti
t
be."
"
Iwonderwhatel
seshei
sgoi
ngt
odo.
"
"Nothi
ng.That
'sall
shehad.Allhercar
dareonthe
takenow.Sheisdone.Anyt
hingelseshewil
lbe
embarrassi
ngherself
."
*
**
Lefasati
nherroom rocki
ngbackandforth,alotof
thought
sinherhead.Tearsfi
l
ledhereyesthenshe
gotupandwenttot hekit
chenwhereshetookt he
ratpoi
son.Shel
ookedatAnele.
"Anele.
..Take."Shegaveher."
It'
smedici
ne.Soy
ou
don'tgetsick.Wewi l
leati
ttogether
."
ShegaveAnelet
henputher
sinthemouth.Anel
eput
her
stoointhemoutht
henfrownedspi
tt
ing.
"
It
'snotni
ce.
"
"
It
'smedi
cine.Eati
t.
"
"
Buti
t'
snotni
ce.
"
"
Iknow.Justeat
."
Lef
aputi
tbacki
nhermout
h.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#40

Lat
erthatday,Khumopackedhisthi
ngsthenthe
dooropenedandChesswalkedin.Helookedathi
m
andsighedthencont
inuedwhathewasdoi ng.
"
Arey
ougood?
"
Khumol
ookedathi
m."
Yeah,
keshar
p."
"
Igott
her
esi
gnat
ionl
ett
er.
"
"
It
'saboutt
ime.
"
"
What
'sgoi
ngon?Youhav
elostwei
ght
."
"
Ngng,
keshar
p."
Chesssi
ghed."
Somet
hingi
sup.Thi
sisnott
he
KhumoIknow."
Khumol
aughed."
Thi
sisme.
"
"Thenwhyar ey ouqui
tt
ing?Youknowyoumaket his
placewhatitis.Wehavenotbeenrunningf
ormor e
than5yearsbutwel ooklikewehavebeenther
efor
year
s.Allbecauseofyou.Ican'
tl
osey
ou.I
sitt
he
pay?Thatcanbediscussed."
Khumosi
ghedandlookedatChess."
Idon'
twantt
o
beli
kemymother
."
"
Whatdoy
oumean?
"
"Mymot herwor kedf oryouherwhol elif
e, Imeani t
wasabl essi
ngbecauseIgott ogrowupwi t
hy ou.I
gottohaveabr ot her.I
fitwasn'tforyourfami l
yI
wouldn'
tbeher e.Mymot herdi
edwor kingf oryour
famil
y.Idon'
twantt hat.Iwanttobui l
dmyown
l
egacy.Somet hingmyki dscanr untoo,Idon' twant
them worki
ngf orany one.Itwasadi ff
icultdecision
tocomet obuti thast obedone. "
"
Ok.Igety
ou.
"
"
Thanks.
"
"I
fther
eisany
thi
ngIcando.Tel
lme.Iam goi
ngto
supporty
ouandstandwi
thyousamewayy oudi
d
forme."
Theyf
istbumped.Chesssi
ghed.
"
Ok,
nowy
oucant
ell
mewhat
'sgoi
ngon,
youseem
depr
essed.
"
"
Mang?Nna?
"
"
Yesy
ou.
"
"No.I
t'
snothi
ng.Ihav
ejustbeenworr
iedaboutt
his
butnowthati
t'
soutoftheway,Iwi
ll
bef i
ne.
"
"Ok.HowisLal
aandt
hebaby
?Youmustbe
excit
ed.
"
"
Iam.Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
evei
t.
"
"
Soy
ouar
egoi
ngt
omar
ryher
?"
Khumoshookhi shead."Iwanttoendt hi
ngs
becauseIdon'tloveherli
keIshould.Iam notgoing
todragherandst ri
ngheralongwhenIknowIdon' t
l
oveherasmuch.Shedeser vesbet ter
,bett
erthanI
canofferherandIknowshecompr omisestomake
i
twor kbutsheshoul dn'
thaveto.Iam notgoingto
makehersuf ferforyear
s,watchhert r
ybyal l
means
tomakemel oveherwhenIknowIj ustdon't
.I'
d
rat
hershef i
ndsamawhowi l
lvalueandl oveher
ri
ght.Sheisgoingt obehurt
,Iknowbutshe
deservesbett
er.Iam notevengoingt oli
eandsay
ot
her
wise.
"
Chessl
ookedathi
m."
Ilov
edLef
a.YouknowIdi
d."
"
Idi
dn'
tsayy
oudi
dn'
t.
"
"Iknowsheist
hecloseconnect
ionyoufeelt
oyour
sist
erbuti
fLef
adidn'
tli
eorcheat,al
lthi
scoul
d
havebeenavoi
ded.
"
"I
t'snotonlyLefa'
sf aultChess.Let
'sj
usttakeit
from thefir
stday..may beifyouhadn'
tbeenso...
."
Khumot ookadeepbr eathashisemoti
onsr ose
thenhesi ghed."I
t'
sok.Ihav eaheadache.Iam
goinghome.Wewi l
l t
alk.
"
Hewal kedoutl
eavi
ngChessconf usedonwhatwas
goingon.Hegotinhiscarandsatforawhil
ethen
tookhisphoneandcall
edLefa.Thephonerang
unanswered.Hecal
ledLala.
"
Babe.
..
"
"
Hey
,howi
sthebaby
?"
Lar
onagi
ggl
ed."
Fine.
"
"
Andy
ou?Whenar
etheydi
schar
gingy
ou?
"
"
Toni
ght
.Ihav
ealr
eadypackedt
het
hings.Mamai
s
t
aki
ngmetoMolepol
ole.
"
"
Eish,
didn'
tyoumanaget
oconv
inceherot
her
wise?
"
"
Sher
efused.Comeandseeusbef
orewego.
"
"
Ok.Howi
sLef
a?"
"
Eishbabe,
Iam wor
ri
edabouther
.Herphonei
sjust
r
ingi
ng."
"
Iwi
l
lpassbyt
ocheckuponherandAnel
e."
"
Thanks.
"
"Al
ri
ght
.Doyouneedany
thi
ng.Sendmeal
i
stsoI
cangetev
ery
thi
ng.
"
"
Ok.
"
Hest ar
tedthecarthendrov
et oLef
a'shouse.He
droveinthr
ought heopengateandparkedbesides
hercarthensteppedout.Heknockedonthedoor
severalt
imes,shefinal
l
yopenedthedoorand
walkedin.
"
Lef
a!"
Thesi
l
encewast
oomuch,
hewentt
othebedr
ooms
andfoundheronthebedwithAnel
e.Thefor
m
comingfr
om hermouthscaredhi
m,hishear
t
ski
ppedashehurriedov
er.
"
Lef
a!Lef
a!"
Heshookhert henlookedathisdaught
eralsoly
ing
unconciousbesideher .Hepi
ckedupLefaand
rushedwi t
hhert ohiscarwhereheputheratthe
backandwentbackf orAnel
e.Hetookoff
,hishear
t
poundingamuch.Hi sphonerangasheov ert
ook
severalcarsspeeding.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Youl
efty
ourl
apt
opi
nyourof
fi
ce.Shoul
dIbr
ingi
t?"
"
Lef
adi
dsomet
hingagai
n."
Chesssi
ghed."
Whati
sitt
hist
imear
ound?
"
"Idon'
tknow.Iam notar
ebutit
'sbot
hherandAnel
e.
Theymi ghthaveeat
ensomethi
ng.Poi
sonmaybe.I
am notsure."
"
Doesshewantt
odi
ethatmuch?
"
"
Yes!Shedoes!Whatdoy
out
hink?I
t'
stopuni
shy
ou?
I
t'
snotaboutyou.
"
Hehungupanddr
ivet
hrought
her
edt
raf
fi
cli
ght
.

*
**

Att
hehospit
al,
Khumopacedar
ound.Ranewa
wal
kedoversmil
ing.
"
Twoday
sinar
ole?
"
Hel
ookedathert
hensmi
l
edsl
i
ght
ly."
Hey
..
."
"
Whathappened?
"
"
Afri
endt
ri
edkill
i
ngher
sel
fandt
hedaught
er.Iam
wor
ri
edabouther.
"
"
Let
'ssi
t.
"
Theybot
hsatdownt
henRanewal
ookedathi
m.
"
Whathappened?
"
"Idon'
tknow.Ijustf
oundheronthebed,
for
m
comingfrom hermouth.Thechi
l
dwasunconci
ous
too."
"
Shei
sgoi
ngt
hroughal
ot?
"
Henodded."Shehasbeengoingthroughalotbutno
onewil
lunderst
andthatbecausetheyseeherasa
badper
son.Sheisnotabadper son.Sheisj
ust
human.
"
"
Doy
oul
oveher
?"
Khumol
ookedatRanewa."
Yes.
"
"
But
?"
"Butshei smyf r
iend'swi f
e.Soont obeex.Imether
fi
rst.Longback.Il ovedherf r
om thef ir
stdayIsaw
her.Butshewasj ustoutofmyl eague.Shewas
fri
endswi thmysi ster.Myl atesister.WhenIt oldher
howIf elt,shewas. .
.Shesai dshel ikedmet oo.We...
Wel ovedeachot herbutIj ustdidn'tseeit.Itf
eltasif
shewaswi t
hmebecauseshef eltsorryforme.My
fri
endal solikedherbuthedi dn'
tknowaboutus.I
tol
dmymot her,shewasamai dandwor kedforhis
family,shehadbeenwor kingforhi sfami l
ysinceI
wasonl y7orar oundt here..
.Shebeggedmet oleav
e
heraloneandt hat'showLef agotwi thChess.She
mar ri
edhim.Iwat chedt hem getmar ri
ed."
Ranewahel
dhi
shand."
Ok.It
hinkIgety
ounow.I
seewhyy
ouwoul
dlosewei
ghtbutwhynow?
"
"IguessIhav
ereachedabr eaki
ngpoint
.Ican'
tsl
eep.
Al oti
sinmyhead.Shej ust
..
.Shedoesn'
tlov
eme, I
canmakeherhappy .IknowIcan,Iwanttobutshe
want shi
m."
"Thehear tisaf unnyt hing.
"Ranewal eanedback.
"Wel ovetheoneswhodon' tlov eusandt hosewho
l
ov euswei gnore.Ihav ebeent her
e, donet hat.At
l
eastIhav egainedwei ght,Iusedt obesot hin.I
wouldcr yforthismanev eryni ghtandday .Iloved
him somuch, mor et hanIlov edmy selfandt hat'
s
whyi twassohar dt omov eon.Hegotmar r
iedand
heishappy ,Iwaitedf orhiskar ma, Ihav ebeen
waiti
ngf oritbuti tseemshei sGod' sfavorite
becausei fItellyouhei shappyandl ivinghi sbest
l
ifeyouwoul dn'
tbel i
ev eme. "
"
Ther
eisnosucht
hingaskar
ma.
"
"Welli
nmyhadi ti
sandIam wai t
ingfori
tbut..
.If
someonedoesn'thavel
ovey ouKhumo, t
heyjust
don'
t.Ther
eisnothingyoucandoaboutit.Youcan't
for
cethem,ify
oudot heywil
l hur
tyousomucht hen
eventuall
yleav
e.That'sthethingaboutlov e,
Imight
tel
lmy sel
fthatIwil
llearntoloveyouandact ual
l
ydo
butwhenmysoul matecomesal ong,thelovewillbe
soeffortl
ess,i
twon'tneedmel earni
ngtobecausei t
wil
ljustcomenat ur
ally.Loveisnotpainful.I
t'
s
heali
ng."
"
Ithi
nkIneedhel
p."
Ranewasmil
ed."
Iknowy
oudo.Shoul
dIspeakt
o
theper
son?
"
Khumosmi
l
ed."
Yeah.
"
Chesswalkedov
erandl
ookedatKhumowor
ri
edl
y.
"
Howi sshe?"
"Wearesti
llwai
ti
ngfort
hedoctor
."Hel
ookedat
Ranewa."
Doy outhi
nkshewill
beok?Ther
ewas
whit
eform comi
ngfrom hermout
h."
"Chancesarethatshewill
bef ine.Butshewi l
lbe
kepthereforl
ongorev entri
aled,shetri
edkill
ingt
he
chil
d.Buti
fshei sdepr
essed,shewi llbetakentoget
help.
"
Khumonoddedhopef
ull
y."
Ok.
"
Thedoct
orwal
kedov
er,
Khumost
oodup.
"
Howar
ethey
?"
Thedoct orlookedatthem."Theyi ngestedtoomuch
poison,especial
lythechil
d.Shewasgi ven
Str
y chni
ner atpoisonontopofev erythi
ngelse.I
t'
s
usuallyusedt oki
llsmallv
ertebr
atessuchasbi r
ds
andr odentsandit '
sdeadl
y."
Chess'
shear
tbegunpoundi
ng.
"
Issheok?
"
Thedoctorsi
ghed."
Unf
ort
unat
elyshedi
dn'
tmakei
t.
Iam sor
ry.
"

*
**

Lelefini
shedcookingdinnert
hensi
ghedt aki
ngher
phone.Shet houghtf
ull
yopenedherFacebookto
readthepostofTheVoi cethensomeoneknocked
ont hedoor.Sheputthephonedownandopened.
"
Lel
e!"
Herbr
otherhuggedher
.Lel
esmi
l
edsur
pri
sedt
o
t
hem.
"
Papa.
..
"
"
Lel
e..
"
Theyhuggedt
oothensheletthem.Shel
ooked
aroundt
hensi
ghednotseeingseei
nghermother
.
"
Iam sohappyt
oseey
oubot
h.Whatasur
pri
se!
"
Theyallsatdownwhi l
ethet
womenl
ookedar
ound
herbeauti
fulhouse.
"
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.I
sn'
ti
texpensi
ve?
"
Lel
elookedathery
oungerbr
other
."I
t'
sact
ual
l
y
cheap.
"
"
Wow!Andt
hishugeTv
!"
Lelesmil
edasherf
atherl
ooked."
Howmuchwer
e
theypay
ingyouatt
hepriv
ateschool
?"
"
Alot
."
"
Yourhousei
sbeaut
if
ul.
"
"
Thanky
oupapa.
"
"
Iwantt
oseethi
sChessper
sonofy
our
s.Iam her
e
f
orhi
m onl
y.
"
Leoesmi
l
ed."
Hei
satwor
k."
"
So?Cal
lhi
m.Iwantt
oseehi
m."
"
Doy
ouwantany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
"
"
Wewi
l
ldr
inkwhenheget
sher
e."
"Ngng,nnaIwantsomet
hingtodr i
nk."Herbrother
stoodupandwalkedtot
hekitchen.Lelereachedfor
herphoneandl
ookedatherfather.
"
Ihav
etot
ell
yousomet
hingf
ir
st.
"
"
What
?"
Shesi
ghedt
hent
oldhi
mtheent
ir
est
ory
.
"
Sohei
smar
ri
ed?
"
"
Hei
sdi
vor
cing.
"
"
Youwer
e..
.Lel
e,t
hat
'snoty
ou.
"
"
InevermeanttohurtLefa.Ididn'
tevenknowshe
wasthewifeti
ll
lat
er.PapaIl oveChess.Whet
her
youaccepthi
m oryoudon't,Iam sti
l
lgoingt
olov
e
hi
m."
ThedooropenedthenChesswalkedi
n.Rr
agweLel
e
l
ookedathim.ChesslookedatLel
e.
"
Uhpapa,
thi
sisChess.Chesst
hisi
smyf
ather
."
"Si
r.
..
"Hestr
etchedhi
shandt
ogr
eethi
m.Rr
agwe
Lel
elookedathim.
"
Bef
oreChesswasy
ourname,
whatdi
dtheycal
l
y
ou?"
"
Rra?
"
"
Whati
sthenameofy
ourol
derbr
other
?"
"
Atang.
"
"
What
'shi
sot
hername?
"
"
Hehadonl
yonename.
"
"
Wasn'
theoncecal
l
edTapol
ogo?
"
Chessf
rowned."
No.Thati
sme.
"
Roar
ingFl
ames
#41

Rr
agweLel
elookedathi
m,hi
shear
tpoundi
ng.
"
What
?YournamewasTapol
ogo?
"
Chesssmil
ed."
Iam j
oki
ng.It
'smybr
other
.Atang.
Howdidyouknowallt
his?Notal
otofpeopl
edo."
"Whatar
eyousay
ing,
wer
eorwer
enotoncecal
l
ed
Tapol
ogo?"
"No.Iwasal
waysChess.Mybr
other
,At
angwas
oncecall
edTapol
ogo.
"
"
What
'sy
ourmot
her
'sname?
"
"
Cat
her
ine.
"
"
DidCat
her
inegi
vebi
rt
htoy
ou?
"
"
Yes.
"
"
Arey
ouy
oungert
hanLel
e?"
"
No.At
angandIar
etwi
ns.
"
"
TheonesCat
her
inegav
ebi
rt
hto?
"
"
Yes.
"
"
Andy
oushar
eaf
ather
?"
"
Yes.What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Rr
agweLel e'
sheartpoundedsomuchhetooka
st
epback,handonhischest."
Emapeleboy,
where
i
syourf
ather'
solderson.NotTapol
ogo.
"
"Idon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingabout
.It
'sonl
y
beenAtang,meandmyyoungersi
ster
."
"
Soyourf
atherdi
dn'
tbr
inghi
sownsont
othe
mar
ri
age.
"
"
Hedi dnot
.At
angandIaret
winsjustt
hataf
terbi
rt
h
mamast ay
edathermot
her'
shouse.Shewastoo
young.
"
"
Andy
ou?
"
"
Ili
vedwi
thmyaunt
.Ti
l
lmamamov
edback.
"
Chess'
sphoner
ang.Het
ooki
toutf
rom hi
spocket
andsmiled.
"
Oh,
it'
smama.
"Hepi
cked."
Hel
l
o?"
"
Chess,
Igoty
ourmessage.Iam sosor
ryson.We
areonourway
.Ican'
tbel
i
eveLef
awoul
dki
l
lherown
daught
er.
"
"Mama, r
ragweLel
eisher
e.Heknowsusal
l
sur
pri
singly.
"
"
RragweLel
e?"
"
Yes.HeknowsAt
angwasonceTapol
ogo.
"
"
What
?"
"
Yes.
"
"
Whoishe?What'
shisname?May bei
t'
saf ami
ly
f
ri
endorsomeoneweknewlongback,Ihopeit
'snot
l
i
keLefa'
sfat
her
.Idon'
twantsuchthi
ngsanymore."
Chesslookedatr
ragweLel
e."
Shei
saski
ngmef
or
yourname."
"
Thabo.
"
"
Hesay
shi
snamei
sThabo.
"
Ther
ewassi
l
ence."
Thabowho?Phi
ri
?"
"
Yes.
"
"
Letmespeakt
ohi
m."
Chesshandedthephonet or
ragweLelet
henhe
walkedout
side.Lel
elookedatChess.
"Whydi
dyousayy
ouwer
eTapol
ogowheny
ouwer
e
not
?"
"Iwasmessingwit
hhi
m gapehelooksl
ikehe
knowssomet hi
ngwedon'
t.Whydoesheknow
every
thi
ng?
"
"Papaoncewor kedkoMaun.Heknowsal
otof
people.It
hinkheknowsyourpar
ents.
"
"
Ok.It
houghtmay
bey
ourf
atherwasoncef
ucki
ng-
"
"
Chess!
"
"
Sor
ry.Buty
ouknowt
heset
hings.
"
"
Yourbr
otherwasoncecal
l
edTapol
ogo?
"
"Yes.Buthechangedacoupl eofmont
hsafterhe
camehome.Mamawast ooyoungwhenshegave
bir
thtous.Shewasj ust14."
Andy
ourf
ather
?"
"
21.
"
"
Wasi
trape?
"
"
Hesay st
her
ewasnopenet
rat
ion.Justot
her
t
hings.
"
"Thenwhywerenotcl
osetoAtang?Ihav
ealways
wantedtoask.Ar
en'
ttwi
nssupposedtobecl
oserto
oneanother
."
"Iguessitwasthedistancebet weenust hat
happenedwhenwewer eborn.Iwasmor eclosert
o
Khumo.Hebecamemybr other,myclosebr ot
her
becauseAt angwasdistant.Itonlygotbetteraswe
grewol derbutwhenwewer ey oung,i
twasnev erl
ike
that.That'
swhyIalway stel
ly ouKhumoi snotjusta
fri
end.Ihavesomethingtot ellyou.
"

*
**

Meanwhil
eout
side,
rragweLel
ehel
dthephone
t
alki
ng.
"
Lel
ent
lei
syourdaught
er!Shei
sourdaught
er.
"
Ther
ewassomesi
l
ence."
I.
..Yout
oldmeshedi
dn'
t
sur
viv
e."
"
Ijustwant
edtohurtyou.Howcouldyouhave
t
hrownherint
hepitlatr
ineandl
efthert
odie?
"
"
Iwasscar
ed.
..
"
"
Youwer
enot.Youj
ustwantedtogetr
idofherso
t
haty
oucoul
dhaveafreshstar
twit
hyourri
chman."
"
ThaboIwassacr
ed.Ihav
ebeenl
i
vingwi
thgui
l
tyal
l
myli
fe.Shei
sal
iv
e?"
"
Younev
ert
oldmey
ouhadt
wins.
"
"
Idid.Ij
ust
..
.Itwasbackthenwhent
hef
amil
ydidn'
t
wantalotofpeopl
etoknow.Chessr
emai
nedandI
t
ookTapologo."
"
Lelentl
eisyourdaught
er.Lel
ent
leandChessar
ein
arelat
ionshi
p."
"
OhmyGod.
..
"
"
Thi
sisabomi
nat
ion.Theyhav
etobr
eakup.
"
"
Chessr
eal
l
ylov
esher
.Hei
shappy
."
"
Thati
shissist
er.Theycamefr
om thesamewomb.
I
t'
swrong.Theycan'
tbeinarel
ati
onshi
p.Theyhav
e
t
obreakup."
"
Whatwilly
out el
lthem?Youcan'ttel
lthem t
hetrut
h.
I
tdoesn'
tonlybreakthei
rheart
sbutitwill
destr
oy
myfamil
y.ThaboIam f i
nal
lyatpeace.
"
"
Arey
ouseri
ous?Yourkidsarei
nar
elat
ionshi
pand
y
ouaret
alki
ngaboutpeace?"
"Theyarepregnantandeitherway,t
heyarenot
rel
atedbyblood.Theyjustfrom t
hesamewomb,
may bei
ftheywer erel
atedbybloodIwouldbeso
muchconcer ned.Cousi
nsgetmar ri
ed!Chesswill
notbackdown, youdon'tknowmysonandhewi l
l
notleav
ethisgirl
.Hewant sherandheronly.There
i
snost oppi
ngt hat.
"
"
Theyar
ewhat
?"
"
Pregnant
.Shei
spr
egnant
.It
'sal
readyt
ool
ate.
"
"
Howcanyoubefi
newi
tht
his?Ar
eyoucr
azy
?Thi
s
i
sabomi
nati
on!
"
"
Whatdoyouwantmet odo?Chesslov
eswhohe
l
ovesandIcan'
ttel
lhi
m other
wise.
"
"Wel
lmydaughterwill
breakupwi
thhi
m whet
her
shel
ikesi
tornot.Therei
snowayIwil
lal
lowt
his.
"
Hehungupandwalkedbacki
nsi
dethebeaut
iful
apar
tment.Hel
ookedathi
ssonwhowassitt
ingin
fr
ontoft
hebigscr
een.
"
Wher
eisLel
e?"
"
Int
hebedr
oom wi
thherni
ceboy
fri
end.
"
Heswallowedput
ti
ngthephonedownt hensat
down.Lelewal
kedoutminutesl
atersni
ff
ing.Chess
fol
l
owedbehindher,
hesmi l
edatrragweLele.
"
Whatdi
dshesay
?"
"Iknewyourmot
herl
ongbackt
hat
'swhyIwas
askingsomuch.
"
"OhIsee.Wellitwasreall
ynicemeet
ingy
ou.I
t'
s
alway
sapl easuremeetingthemam whomadesuch
abeauti
fulwoman. "
Lel
elookedathi
m,hesmil
edwithashrugpi
cki
ng
hi
sphonewhiler
ragweLel
elookedathi
minshock.
"I
sthatt
hewayy
ourf
athert
aughty
out
ospeakt
o
adul
ts?"
Chessbi
thi
slowerl
ipwithasmil
e."
Aren'
tyout
he
onewhomadeLele?Il
ikecal
li
ngaspadeaspade.
"
"
Youar
edi
srespect
ful
."
"It
hinkyouandIar
egoingtobesomuchclose.See
youaround.
"Chessbumpedfi
stswit
hLel
e'
sy ounger
brot
herthenwal
kedoutwit
hLele.
"
Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ry.
"
Chesski
ssedher
."I
t'
snoty
ourf
aul
t.
"
"
Anel
edi
dn'
tdeser
vet
odi
eort
obeki
l
led.
"
"
No.Shedidn'
t.
"Hehuggedherti
ght
ly."
Goanddeal
wi
thyourf
ather.Hel
ow-keyl
ovesme."
Lel
echuckledtear
ful
l
y."
Youdi
dn'
tmakesucha
goodi
mpr essi
on."
Chess'
sphoner
angi
nhi
shands,
hel
ookedashi
s
mothercal
l
ed.
"
Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
.Il
ovey
ou.
"
"
Ilov
eyout
oo.
"
Hewal
kedt
otheel
evat
orpi
cki
ng.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
DidLel
e'
sfat
hersaysomet
hing?
"
"
No.What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
"Wedated.Longbackbef
oreIgotmar
ri
ed.Wewer
e
nei
ghbors.Heknewyourbrot
her.
"
"
Oh.
..
"
"Il
efthi
m whenIgotmarr
iedt
oyourf
ather
.He
probabl
ydoesn'
tl
ikeyou.
"
Chesschuckl
edwal
ki
ngoutoft
heel
evat
orgoi
ng
towar
dshiscar.
"
Hedoesn'
t.
"
"
Don'
tmi
ndhi
m.Hei
sjustbi
tt
er.
"
"
Ok.
"
"
Wear
ecomi
ng.Wher
eisLef
a?"
"
Sti
l
linhospi
tal
."
"
Ihopeshegoestoj
ail
fort
his.Howcoul
dsheki
l
lan
i
nnocentsoul
?"
Hegoti
nhi
scar
."Idon'
tknow.
"
"Ican'
tbel
ievet
his.I
tfeelsl
i
keabadst
ream.OneI
badlywhattowakeupf rom."
"
Ibadl
ywanttowakeupf
rom i
t.Ther
eisan
i
ncomingcal
l
.Letmecal
lyouback."
Hehungupandpi
ckedt
hecal
l
.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"Hi
,i
t'
sthenur
sey
ouspoket
oatt
hehospi
tal
,shei
s
awake.
"
"
Pleasekeepaney
eonher
.Iam comi
ng.
"
"
Ok.
"
Chessdr
ovet
othehospi
tal
.

*
**

Atthehospit
al,Lefat
sheslowl
ybli
nkedl yi
ngonthe
hospit
albed,tear
sdroppingfr
om thecornersofher
eyes.Thedooropenedt henChesswalkedin.She
l
ookedathim andputherhandsonherf acecry
ing.
Shecriedsoloudtearsfil
l
edhisowney es.
"
Whydi
dn'
tIdi
e?OhGodwhy
..
.Why
?"
Chesssi
ghed."
Anel
edi
d,atl
easty
ouachi
eved
somethi
ng.
."
Shecri
edev
enharder
.Chessst
oodagai
nstt
hedoor
st
ari
ngasshebr
okedown.
"Idi
dn'
twanthertosuffer
..
.Youweregoingto
abandonheri
fIdiedalone.Shewasgoingtobelef
t
withnoone,y
ouwer egoingtofor
getheronceyou
hadyourownkids..It
houghtifwej
ustdied
toget
her.
..
"
"Whywoul
dIleav
emydaught er
?Ar eyoucrazy?
Todayy
oukil
l
edaninnocentsoul.Youaregoingto
j
ail
."
"
Idon'
twantt
ogot
ojai
l
.Iwantt
odi
e."
"Welly
ouar est
il
lher
e.Youar
egoingt
ofacet
he
consequencesofwhatyoudi
d."
Shestar
tedrocki
ngbackandfor
thmumbl i
ngthi
ngs
whil
etearsr
oll
eddownhercheeks.Shepul
ledher
hai
r.
"
Kil
lme.Whydon'
tyouj
ustki
l
lme?
"
Chessl
ookedatherasshel
ookedar
oundt
her
oom.
Shelookedatwindowthenst
eppedoutoft
hebed
ri
ppingthedri
psconnect
edtoher
.Chesshurr
ied
overblocki
ngher.
"
Mov
e!"
"
Lef
atshe-
"
"
Mov
e.Iwantt
odi
e.Iwantt
odi
e."
Helookedathersadly,
somethingwasjustwr
ong.
Hehadneverseenthisbefor
ebutther
ewasnoway
shewasdoingthi
sf oratt
ent
ion.
"
Lef
atshe!
"
"Iwanttodi e!Idon'twanttodot hisanymor e.Iam
ti
redChess.Iam t i
redofitall
.Itri
edbutIam t ir
ed
now.Idon' twantt odot hi
sany more.Ihav enotj
ing
l
eftinme.Youcangot oLele.Iwon'tevensueher .
Justletmedi e.Youcanhav eev ery
thi
ng.Take
everyt
hing.Idon' twantanything.Takeitallandgive
i
ttoher .Idon'tcareanymor e.Iam notfightingyou
anymor e.Iwantt odie.I
fAnel eisdeadt henIshould
dietoo.Mov e!
"
Chesspi
ckedherupandt
hrewherov
erhi
sshoul
der
thenpr
essedtheemergencybutt
on.Thedoor
s
openedsecondsl
aterandthedoctorwal
kedi
n.
"
Shewant
stoki
l
lher
sel
f.
"
"
Putheront
hebed.
"
Chesspl
acedheronthebed,thedoct
orimmediat
ely
i
nject
sherwit
hsomet hi
ng.Shegotweakthen
sl
owlycl
osedhereyes.
Chessl
ookedatt
hedoct
or.
"Sheshowedsignsofpersonal
it
ydisor
derand
depressi
on.Shewon'
tstoptryi
ngtokil
lher
sel
funt
il
shesucceeds.Weneedtogetherhelpassoonas
possibl
e.Al
lthi
sisacryforhel
p.Shehashad
enough."
Chessputhi
shandsi
nhi
shead.
"Inev
ernot
iced.It
houghtshewasdoi
ngbet
ter
now."
"Thethi
ngisthatshemayhav ebadlywantedtobe
ok,shehidthedepressedLef
atsheandreplacedit
withLefat
shewho'sputtoget
her.TheLefatshewho
i
sf i
ne.TherealLef
atshewassupressed.Ther eal
Lefatsheisthi
soney ouareseei
ngri
ghtnow.The
otherLefatsheprobabl
ydoesn'
tknowwhat
happenedandwhenshecomesoutt oplay,shewil
l
smileandmov eon.That'
swhyshewascreated.
"
ChesslookedatLef
aasguil
tychockedhim.He
knewhehadmadei tworse,maybeifhedi
dn'
tki
ll
thebaby.
..Hesl
owlysatdown.
"
God.
..
"
"
Shewi
l
lgetbet
ter
.Hav
ehope.
"
"Wi
llt
her
ebesomeoneinsi
deheretokeepaney
eon
her
?Shemightwakeupandki
llher
sel
f."
"Wearegoingtor est
ainhert
othebed.Thatwayshe
won'
ttryanyt
hing.Rightnowsheisdangeroust
o
her
sel
fandot hers."
"
Iwi
l
lst
aywi
thher
.CanIpl
easest
aywi
thher
."
"Yeahbutpleasedon'
tbl
ameherforwhathappened.
Sheisnotinherri
ghtf
ulst
ateofmind.
"
"
Iwon'
t.
"
Heheldherhandstar
ingather.Herr
ingwasst
il
lon
herf
inger
.Hesti
llr
emember edwhenheputitt
here.
..
*
**

Khumosati nthedar knessinhishouse,Ranewa

besidehi
m.Hewant edthedarkness,shewasn't
goingtodisputet hat,notaft
erlear
ningthechildhad
beenhis.Hewasj ustsosil
ent,sheheldhishand
ti
ghtly
.Shewasn' tgoi ngtoletgo.Shewasgoi ngto
stayri
ghttherewi thhim.Shewasn' tgoingtoleave
hi
m.Thathadal readybeenest abli
shedinherheart.
Shewasgoi ngt ost andwi t
hhim.

*
**

Rr
agweLel
elookedathi
sdaught
erasshegav
ehi
m
hi
sfoodwi
thasmile.
"
Arey
oupr
egnant
?"
"
Rra?
"
"
Arey
oupr
egnant
?"
Lel
elookeddownashamed."
Yes.
"
Lel
e,comeher
emygirl
.Gi
vemeandy
oursi
ster
donespacemyboy
."
Lele'
sbrotherst
oodupwi t
hhi sfoodandwalkedto
theotherroom.RragweLelelookedathisgi
rlwit
ha
smi l
e.Shewasabl essi
nginhislif
eandhethanked
Godf orherever
ynight.
Thi
swashi str
easure,theoneGodhadgi ventohim.
Shehadhisfeaturesbutthoseey
es...Theywereher
mother
's.Shelookedli
kehismothersomehow.
That
'swhyshehadnamedheraf terher.
"
Chess-
"
"Il
ov ehim.IknowwhatIdi dwaswr ong.Idon'
teven
haveanexcusef ori
t.Iwrongedanotherwoman,I
destroyedherhome.Iwasmor ethanwr ongbutI
l
ov ehim andIam notgoi ngtol
eavehim comewhat
may .Ifi
t'sdisowni
ngmey ouaregoi
ngt odo,f
ine.I
willbefinebutIam notleavi
nghim.Ifit
'skar
mat hat
i
sgoi ngt ovisi
tme,fi
ne.ButIam notgoingtoleave
him.Wear eexpecti
ngason.Youar egoingtobe
grandpar ent
s."
Rragwelookedatherandputhi
shandsi
nhishead
knowingoncesheputhermindtosomet
hing,
ther
e
wasnost oppi
ngher.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#42

Laterthatnight,
Chessunl ockedthedoorwiththe
sparekey sandwal kedinsidethefl
at.I
twasso
si
lentheknewev eryonewasasl eep.Hewentt othe
bedroom andundr essedst ari
ngatLelesl
eeping.He
gotinbedbehi ndherpul l
inghernakedbodyinhi s
armswhi lekissi
ngherneck.
"
Babe?
"
Deepi nhersl
eep,shesighed.Chessgotontopof
heropeningherlegswiderandpushedhisdi
ck
throughherpussyli
pssinkingi
ntoherwarmth.Lele
slowlyopenedhereyesasheki ssedher
,hi
swei ght
onher
.
Hegav
eaheracoupleofthr
ust
sthensli
doutand
pul
l
edhert
otheedgeofthebedand#removed.
.
Lelegr abbedthef l
eecespasmi ngmoani ngont he
pil
low.Chessf uckedherhar dert henst ill
edfi
ll
ingher
up.Hesl i
dout,Lelecol l
apsedonherf r
ontbreathi
ng
heav i
ly.Sheclosedherey esandf ellasleep
exhaust ed.Hecuddl edhert hent ookadeepbr eath
tr
yingt osleepbuthecoul dn'tseem t oaccepthi s
daught erwasnomor e.Itf el
tlikeabi gbaddr eam,
onehebadl ywant edtowakeupf r
om.Tear sfi
lled
hisey es.Hesniffedast hepai nst rangledhim.He
gotupandputonsweat pant st hengr abbeda
ci
gar ettegoingtot hebal conywher ehest ood
wat chingthecit
ywhi lesmoki ng.

*
**

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning,
Lel
ewokeupt
henl
ooked
around.Hewasal
readygone.Shesighedgett
ingof
f
bed.TheTVwasalreadyon.Shereachedforher
phonethencal
l
edhim.
"
MmagweAt
ang.
..
"
"Heybabe,ist
her
eany t
hingIcando?Ar
eyou
alr
eadyplanni
ngfort
hef uner
al?
"
"Uhmypar entsjustarr
ived.Weareplanni
ngthe
funer
altogetherwithLefa'
sfamil
y.Iwantherbur
ri
ed
duri
ngtheweekend. "
"
Oh,
wher
e?KoSehi
thwa?
"
"
No.Her
e."
"Ok.Iwanttosuppor ty
oummekeat saba.(
Iam
scared.
)Idon'tt
hinkIam welcometheregapewith
Lefa'
sfamilybei
ngt here,
Idon'
tthi
nktheywould
wantme. "
"
Mymom want
stomeety
ou.
"
"
Whatshoul
dIdo?
"
"
Iwi
l
lcomewi
thhert
her
e."
"
Ok.Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ryaboutAnel
e.If
eel
sogui
l
ty.
Howi
sLef
a?"
"Theyar esayi
ngshehasmul tipl
epersonal
ity
disorderandthatsheisdepressed.Sheisgoingto
bear rest
edforAnele'
sdeaththenshei sgoingtoget
tri
aledbuttheyaregoingtosendhert oSbrana.
Hopef ull
yshegetstheneededhelp."
"
Andt
hedi
vor
ce?Youar
egoi
ngt
owai
t?"
"No.AsmuchasIf eelgui
lt
yandIfeelsorr
yf orher
,I
don'twanttogiveherhopeonl yformetot akeaway
thehopeagai nthenshest art
shurt
ingall
ov eragai
n.
Bettershedealswi thever
ythi
nghelaatonce.The
divorceisconti
nuing."
"
Ok.
"
"
Ilov
eyou.
"
"
Ilov
eyout
oo.
"
HehungupthenLeleputonadressandwal
kedout
ofherr
oom.Shelookedatherf
athert
hensmil
ed.
"
Goodmor
ning.
"
Herf
atherl
ookedather.Hel
ookedl
i
kehehadn'
t
sl
ept
.Helookeddrai
ned.
"
Lel
e..
."
"
Didy
ousl
eepwel
l
?Wher
eisLoago?
"
"Hesaidhegoi
ngt
hroughbat
hint
hebi
gtub.Lel
e,
pleasesi
t.
"
Lel
esatdown.Herf
atherl
ookedathert
henhet
ook
herhandsi
ntohi
s.
"Yourmot herisr ight .Youcan' tstartarelationship
withy ourf ri
end'shusband.I t'swrongandev i
l.Your
mot herj ustcalledmeandshesai dmmagweLef a
call
edherandt ol dherLef al ostherbabyandnow
shet riedki l
l
ingher selftoget herwi thherdaught er,
herdaught erdied.Doy ouseewhatt hi
sr elati
onshi p
i
sdoi ng.Yes, youl ov ehi m.Icanseet hatbutt herei
s
nowayy oucanst ar tar elati
onshi pont opof
peopl e'sagony .Iam notj udgingy ouf orwhoy ou
l
ov eBi na.Youl ov ehi m.Icanseei tbutatwhatcost
arey ouwi lli
ngt ol ovehi m at ?Youhav edest r
oy ed
anotherwoman, howi sitt haty oucanbehappy
whileanot herwomancr iesev erysi ngl
eni ghtaski ng
Godwhyher .Herdaught erhasdi edatt hepai ny ou
havecausedher .Shewant st oendherl i
fet oo
becauseshecan'
ttakei
t.Doesn'
ti
tbot
hery
ou?
"
Lelelookeddown." Hermar ri
agewasal readyov er
beforeIcamei ntothepi ctureandshei scheat i
ngon
him.Shedoesn' tval
uehi m.Shedoesn' tappr eciate
him.Iam gui l
tyofsl eepingwi thhim evenaf ter
foundingoutt hathei smar r
iedtoLef abutIam not
goingtobehel dresponsi blefortheendi ngofher
mar r
iage.Ididn'tdoany t
hing,shedidi tallonher
own.Iwasn' tpar tofit.Icamei nattheend.Lef atshe
didthistohersel f
,shei ssleepingwithChess' sbest
fri
end,hersister'sbabydaddy .AsmuchasIf eel
sorryforher,Iam notgoi ngtobemadet of eelgui l
ty
forendinghermar ri
egewhenshedi di tallonher
own. "
"Soit
'sokt
osleepwi
thherhusbandbecauseshei
s
cheati
ngonher?I
tmakesitok?
"
"No.Butthesamewayi fyouarenotgiventhebest
careatKFC, yougotoNandos, i
fyoucan't
appreciat
et hegoodi nyourli
fe,
someoneel sewil
l.I
havefinall
yf oundthemanwhol ov
esmet hewayI
needtobel ov ed,i
fit
'skarmaIam goingtof acet
hen
sobei t.I
fhei sgoingtoleavemet hesamewayI
gothi
m,f
ine.Iwi
l
lcr
ythenpul
lmy
sel
fupandgo
on.
"
"Youhavet obr eakupwi thhi
m.Idon'tapproveof
thi
srel
ationshipandIwi l
lneverl
ikehi
m.Iwi l
lnever
approvether el
at i
onshi
pwhat soever
.Youhav eto
breakupwi thhi m.Youcan'thaveachildwithhi
m.
Thatchil
dwi llbeacur se.Youhav et
obr eakupwith
him.Youar egoi ngtobreakupwi thhi
m. "
Lel
estoodup."
Iam notbr
eaki
ngwi
thmyson'
s
fat
her
."
"Lel
ent l
e!Isai
dy ouwi ll
br eakupwi ththatman!Are
therenomeni nthiswor ldtochoosef rom.Thatman
will
nev erbey ourhusbandcomewhatmay .Not
whenIam st i
l
l al
ive.Idon'tli
kehim, i
fhecancheat
onhi swifewithy ou,whatwi ll
stophi mf r
om
cheatingony ouwi thanot herwoman?Hei sa
cheaterandIwi l
lneverappr ovehim Lelentl
e.Over
mydeadbody .Andofy oudon' tbreakupwi t
hhi
m,
yourmot herandIwi l
ldistanceourselvesfrom y
ou.
Andy ouar egoingt ogetr i
doft hatbaby .
"
*
**

MmagweChesswat
chedasMmagweLef
awal
ked
ov
ert
oher.
"
Iwastalki
ngtomyhusband.Wewantt
ohav ea
meet
ing.Goodthi
ngbot
hfamili
esar
ehere.
"
"
Themeet
ingi
saboutwhat
?"
"
Aboutourchi
l
dren'
smar
ri
age.
"
"Chessisdiv
orci
ngyourdaught
er,
hehasmadehi
s
decisi
on.Therei
snothi
ngwecandoabouti
t
anymore."
"
Younev
erl
i
kedmydaught
er,
why
?"
"Becauseshewasnev ergoodenoughf ormyson.
Shelongcamewi thli
esandpretense.Idisl
i
kedher
helafr
om thefi
rstdaywhenshesai dAnelewas
Chess'sandcausedhavocbetweenmysonandI .
"
"Youar
ethedevi
l'
sdaughterwena.Youpret
endt
o
bethemostfav
oredyetyouaresoev i
l
."
"
Evi
l
?Me?Iam notonewhot
eachesmyki
dst
o
manipulat
eandl i
e.Ihavemademi stakesinmyl i
fe
andIwon' tpretendtobeperfect
.Idon'thateyour
daughter,
Ihav enor easont
ohat eherbutIdon't
wantherherf ormysonbecauseshei sali
aranda
cheat
er.Youmi ghtthi
nkwear eall
blindbutIcan
seeri
ghtthr oughher."
"Youhavenoheart!NowonderGodtookawayyour
onlyson!Youneverdeser
vedhi
m.IfGetr
udenever
diedyouwouldn'
tbeheremoloikewena.
"
MmagweChessr ai
sedherhandandslappedher
acr
osstheface.Every
oneturnedandlookedas
MmagweLef aheldhercheekinshock.Rragwe
Chesswalkedover.
"
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
"Lebel
etelagagoketaleshimega!Lebat
ago
ntwael
a.IfGetr
udeneverdied?Maybesheshoul
d
haveli
vedtoseehersistersl
ee-
"
"
MmaMor
emi
,i
t'
senough.
"
MmagweChessl ookedatherhusbandangri
l
y.He
tookherhandandledhertotheroom theywere
usingatChess'
shouse.
"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es."
Bot
sany
atsi
yagago.
"
"
MmagweChess,
howmanyt
imesdo-
"
"Giv
emeabr eakKgosi!Iam notgoingtobe
disr
espect
edi nmyson'shome.Iam sohappy
Chessismov ingonwithhisli
fe.Iam goi
ngtol
ove
mmagweAt angli
kethereisnot omorrowandt
here
i
snot hi
ngyoucandoabouti t
.Ihaven'
tmetherbutI
knowsheist heperf
ectmat chforChess."
"
Youhav
en'
tev
enmether
."
"Idon'
tneedtomeethert oknowher .Icanfeeli
tin
myhear t.Tal
ktoy ourgir
lfri
end.Don'
tturnmeinto
thepersonIam not .Iam herepeaceful
ly
.Don'tget
mest art
ed,Iwillputthebibleasi
deandbeat
someone.Don' tunderest
imat eme."

*
**

Ranewafi
nishedcooki
ngt
henKhumowal
kedi
n
l
ookingl
i
kehehadbeenhitbyatrai
n.
"
Hey
.Imadesomet
hingt
oeat
."
"
ThanksbutIam nothungr
y."
"
Arey
ougoi
ngt
othef
uner
al?
"
"
Yes.
"
"
Iam sor
ryf
ory
ourl
oss.
"
"
Thanks.
"
"Icangowit
hy oujustf
orsuppor
tifyouwish.I
fIam
crossi
ngt
heline,pl
easetel
lme.Iwil
lbackoff.
"
"Idon'
tmi
ndbut
..
.rememberwhatIt
oldy
oul
ast
night
."
Ranewasmi led."Iunderstand.Ial
sothi
nkIam going
toofar.Youhav eagi r
lfr
iend.UhhIhavemadey ou
breakfast.Pleaseeat ,f
orceitdown.Iknowit
'shard,
Isympat hizewithy ou.Callmewheny oufeelt
he
wallsclosinginony ou.Iam acallaway.
"
Shehuggedhim."
Hol
don.I
tget
swor
sebef
orei
t
get
sbetter
."
Shewalkedt
ot hecouchthengotherbagandgoti
n
hercar
.Shestart
edtheengineanddroveof
f.
*
**

AtGameCitymall,
Lel
estrodewithherbr
otherwho
wassil
enttoo.Hehadthoughtthi
stri
pwouldexci
te
hi
m buttheargument
swer etoomuch.
"
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Lel
elookedathi
m."
Itwi
l
lbef
ine.
"
"
Whyi
sev
ery
oneangr
yaty
ou?
"
"
Becauseoft
hemanIchoset
olov
e."
Hehel
dhishissist
er'
shand."Iam al
way
sgoi
ngt
o
hav
eyourback.Iam t
herealestf
am."
Lel
elaughed."
Howi
sschool
?"
"Iam bei
ngtaughtbyat
eachert
hatoncet
aughty
ou.
Ican'
tcatchabreak.
"
Theyl
aughedget
ti
nginsi
deashop."Shit
!Cany
ou
pl
easegetmethatshoe.
..Pl
easepl
ease."
Lel
elookedati
t."
Thatshoei
sfatandugl
y.
"
"
Youar
esl
ow.Thi
sist
henewcul
tur
e."
"
Whatcul
tur
e?"
"
Themoder
ncul
tur
e."
Loagowal kedovertotheshoeasashopassi stant
walkedov ertoassi
sthim.Lel
etookoutherphone
thenfrownedasaf ami l
i
arvoi
cespoke.Sher aised
herheadandl ookedatMoabi.Sheblinkedacoupl e
oftimes,hewasi njeansandat-shi
rt
.Itdidn'
tev en
l
ookl i
kehi m.Andthathair
cut
..
.Wow!Anol dlady
heldhishand.
"
Youshoul dt
aket hej
eans.Theywoul
dlookgoodon
you.Let
'shur
ry,thepeopl
eatthemotorshopar
e
waiti
ngwithyourcar.
"
"
Ok.
"
Lele'
smout
hdr
oppedopenashef
renchki
ssedt
he
oldwoman.
.
.
Let
'ssl
i
keandcommentassoonaswer
eadsowe
haveal
lthebonuses.
:
Roar
ingFl
ames
#43

Lel
ewat chedasMoabi gotsomej eans,theol
d
woman’sphoner angthenshewal kedoutofthe
shoppicking.Moabi hel
dupt heblackjeans,f
eel
i
ng
watched,het ur
nedandl ockedeyeswi t
hLele.He
smiledwalkingov er
.
“
Lel
e…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Hey
…who’
sthi
snow?
”
Hel
aughedt
henhuggedher
.“Hey
…”
Lel
ehuggedhi
m backsmi
l
ing.“
Youl
ookgood.
”
Lel
est
eppedbackasMoabi
smi
l
ed.
“
Yah…y
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.Asal
way
s.”
Lel
egi
ggled.“
Ist
haty
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?Isn’
titt
hatl
ady
whom y
ouusedtodohergar
denf or
?”
“
Shei
s.”
Lel
enodded.“
Asl
ongasy
ouar
ehappy
.Wenev
er
deci
dewhowel
ove.I
t’
sreal
l
yni
cet
oseey
ou.
”
Hel
ookedathersmi
l
ing.“
Uhwher
eisChase?
”
“
Chess.Hei
sther
e.”
Heswal
l
owed.“
Youar
est
il
li
nar
elat
ionshi
pwi
th
hi
m?”
“
Yes.
”
Henodded.“
Doy
oul
ovehi
m?”
“
Ibel
i
eveso.
”
“
Didy
oul
oveme?
”
Shelookedathi
m notsur
eofhowt
oanswert
he
questi
on.
“
Pleasebehonest
.Di
dyouev
erl
oveme?
”
“
Iwasl
ear
ningt
o.”
“Doyouthi
nkifi
twasn’
tforChasey
ouandIwi
l
lst
il
l
betoget
her?”
“Idon’tknow.Chessdidn’
tendourrelat
ionshi
p.You
did.Youbeatme, youweregoingtocontinue
beatingmei fIdi
dn’twal
kaway .Iwasn’
tgoingto
st
ayf
ort
hat
.”
“Iam sorry
.Iam sorr
yforeveryt
hing.ForhowI
treat
edyou.ItmighthavelookedlikeIdidn’
tlov
eyou
butIdid,Ido.Iwi
shonedaywecanj ustbe
together
.”
Lel
esmiled.“
Idon’
tthi
nkthatwi
l
lhappen,
Iam
happyy
ouar edoi
ngwell.
”
Theol dwomanwalkedbacki
ntheshopthefr
owned
st
ar i
ngatLel
e.Shewalkedov
erandputherar
m
aroundMoabi.
“
Hi…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
”
Lel
eturnedandwalkedt
oherbr
otherwhowas
al
readyfi
tt
ingi
ntheshoe.
“
Ili
kei
t.Canwegeti
t?”
“
It
’sugl
ybutok.
”
“
Canyoustopbeingsobackwar
dandstopbei
ng
l
oudabouti
t.Youwil
lembarr
assusher
e.”
Lel
echuckl
ed.Mi
nut
esl
atert
heywal
kedoutoft
he
stor
e,Loagoalr
eadyputt
ingonhisnewshoes.They
gotinasupermarkett
hengrabbedthet
rol
l
eytodo
someshopping.Aladywalkedover
.
“
Hi,
isy
ournameLel
ent
lePhi
ri
?”
Lel
efr
owned.“
Yes.HowcanIhel
pyou?
”
“Omol oimosadi kewena.(
Youar eawi tch.)Isaw
thepostom facebook.Koorehowdoy ousl eepwith
yourfri
end’shusband.Weshoul dbest anding
togetheraswomenbuther ewear estil
l deali
ngwith
mansnat chersli
keyoursel
f.Ihopeyousuf ferfort
he
restofyourli
fe.Youareawi t
chandy oudeser veto
sufferti
ll
thelastday.
”
“
Don’
ttal
ktomysi
sterl
i
ket
hat
!”
“
Ngwanany
ana-
“
“
Isai
ddon’
ttal
ktomysi
sterl
i
ket
hat
.”
TheladystaredatLoagowholookedather
,dar
ing
herwithhi
sey es,
hewastall
andhi sv
oicecame
deepandfirm.
“
Mol
oior
ayammagol
ebal
elapal
agago.
”
“
Loago!
”
“
No,t
hiswomanisdisr
espect
ful
.Ketl
atsaadi
nawa
t
seebekegotsel
akatsone,oir
angnaar
ekamele
wai
mproperf
ract
ion.
”
Theladycl
i
ckedhert
ongueandwal
kedaway
.Lel
e
l
ookedatLoago.
“Ihopethat
’snothowy
out
alkt
oteacher
sat
school.
”
“Idon’ttal
ktot eachersthatwaybutIwi l
lnotbe
i
nsul t
edbyat eacherj ustbecauseheorshei sa
teacher.ThesamewayIwoul drespectyoubecause
youar eolderthanmeIexpectt hesamer espect
eveni fIam achi l
d.Iam entit
ledtoy ourespecti
ng
mebecauseIr especty ou.Reprimandingmeand
punishingmewhenIam wr ongi st ot
all
yacceptabl
e
buty ouinsul
ti
ngmeormyf amily,call
i
ngmenames
i
sdi srespect
ful andIwon’tletithappent ome.”
Lelel
ookedathi
m withsurpr
ise.Hewassogr
own
yethewasjustf
orm 1.Shesmi l
ed.
“
Ok.
”
“
Youshoul
dn’
tletpeopletal
ktoyoul
iket
hat
.Iknow
y
ouarequi
etandsoft,Iknowyoubutsomet
imes
youhavetopul
loutt
hebul
ldogsi
deandjustbark
ones,
lett
hem st
epbackandknowthei
rli
mits.
”
“
Oksi
r!
”
“
Whatar
ewel
ooki
ngf
orher
e?”
“
Comet
hissi
de.
”

*
**

Lateron,att hefuneral,Lar
onaheldhermot rher’
s
handast heywal kedi n.Somer el
ativ
esl ookedat
them withdisgust.Lar onasatdownwi thheront he
mat t
ress,tearsroll
i
ngdownhercheeks.Theot her
familymember sgather edgett
ingreadyf orthe
meet i
ng.Shehel dhermot her’
shandt ightl
yasher
heartsankf urt
her.All t
hesepeoplewer ehereforher
sist
er’sl
atechi l
d.Lefawasn’ teventher e,t
hepolice
wereguar dingherdoorasi fshewoul descape.
Chesswalkedi
nwit
hKhumothensatdown,
Chess’
s
uncl
estar
tedthemeet
ing.
“
Bagol
o,weal
lknowwhywear
eher
e.Wear
einpai
n
andwearegrievi
ngourchil
dwhohaspassedon.
Wearesti
llwait
ingtobetol
dhowAnel ediedbutfor
now,wewillmoveontobiggeri ssues.Mmagwe
Lef
asaidshewant sustodiscusst hechil
dr en’
s
marri
ageandhelpthem f
ixtheirrelat
ionship.”
Chess’sauntshookherhead.“
IfChessdoesn’
twant
Lefatsheanymorethent
hat’
sit
.Wecan’tkeep
for
cinghimt ost
aywherehedoesn’twant
obviousl
y.”
MagweLef al
ookedather.“
Mar r
iagei
snev ereasy
.
Shouldwebeteachi
ngthem thatwhenitgetshard
theyshoul
ddi
vorce?
”
“No,wearet eachingthem thatwhenthelov
eisno
l
ongerthereandy oudon’twantthemarri
age,t
her
e
i
snor easont omakey our
selfsuf
fer
.Chesshas
chosenhimsel fandhei sgrowman, hecanmakehis
owndecisions.”
RragweLefaclearedthr
oat.“It
hinkweshoul
dletthe
boyspeak.Lethim expl
aintouswhatishappeni
ng.
Chess…”
Chessl
ookedatal
ltheel
der
sint
her
oom.
“Dumelang…honest lyIam donewi ththi
smar r
iage.
Thismar riagehasr anit’
scourse.LefaandIare
i
ncompat ibl
e.Somet hingweshoul dhavelookedint
o
beforewegotmar ri
ed.Alothashappenedbet ween
us,theliesandt hecheat i
ng…it’
sal otandIam not
sayingitwasonl yLef awhocont r
ibutedtoit
,Idid
too.Ihav emyf airshareofmistakesbutLefaandI
can’twor kanymor e.
“Becausey
ouar
edat
ingherf
ri
end!
”Ev
ery
onel
ooked
atMmagweLefa.
“Heissl
eepi
ngwit
hLef
a’sf
ri
endt
hati
swhyhei
s
div
orci
ngLefa.
”
MmagweChessl
ookedatLef
a’smot
her
.
“Heisdi vorci
ngherbecausehedoesn’tl
oveher
anymor e.Simpleasthat.Weareheretoburr
yAnele
nottodi scussthi
sissuebecausether
eisnothi
ngto
discuss.IfChessdoesn’twantLef
atshe,
thenthat
‘s
i
t.”
“
MmagweChess,pl
easeal
l
owt
heel
der
stohel
p
wher
eneeded.
”
MmagweChesssi
ghedst
ari
ngatLef
a’smom.
“Thereisnot
hingtohel
pbecausethismarr
iageis
over.Therei
snothingl
eftandChessismovingon.
Canwepl easejustmournAnel
einpeace?”
Lal
anodded.“Iagree.Thi
sisnottheright
ful
timeor
pl
acetobediscussingsucht hi
ngs.I
fwecandoi t
aft
ert
hefuneral,
itwill
befine.”
Relat
ivesdi
spersedt
henmmagweChesswal
ked
overtoherhusband.
“Iam goi
ngt
othemal
ltogetaf
ewt
hings.Iam
coming.”
“
Ok.
”
MmagweChesswal
kedouttohercart
hengoti
n
anddr
oveof
fwhi
leever
yoneremai
ned.

*
**

Lelepar
kedacrossther
oadthencall
edChess
stari
ngatal
lthecar
sparkedout
sidethegat
e.
“
Babe…”
“
Iam out
side.Ibr
oughty
ourf
ood.
”
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
Shedroppedthecal
landwait
ed.Chesswal
kedout
minut
eslaterandgoti
nthecar.
“
Hey
…”
“
Ibr
oughtl
unch.
”
Hesmi
l
edt
henki
ssedher
.“Thanks.
”
“
Howi
sitgoi
ng?
”
“
Wel
lsof
ar.
”
Lelet
ookhispl
atef
rom t
hebackanduncover
edi
t
thenhandedi
ttohi
mtogetherwi
thaspoon.
“
Thanks.Ihav
en’
teat
ensi
ncemor
ning.
”
Shesmi
l
edashest
art
edt
oeat
.

*
**

Ataguesthouse,
mmagweChesswal kedi
nsidethe
room andl
ookedatThabo.Hewasagi
nggraceful
ly
.
Sheswal
l
owedr
ebuki
ngher
sel
f.
“
Hi…”
Thabol ookedatheri ntheGer manpr i
ntdresst hat
showedherbeaut i
fulAfricanf igur
e,shewast hick
andshor tmaki ngherl ookpl ump.Shewaswear i
ng
spectacles, hishear tpoundedashest ar
edather ,
thefeelingshehadl ongbur i
edaccompani edwi th
thepai nsur facing.Hewal kedov erandtookof fthe
spectacles.Hehadal way sl ovedherbigeyes.He
tookof fthedoekexposi ngt hecor nr
owbeneat h.
Andt hatwasher .Shewasst il
lbeauti
ful
,shehada
roundshapedf acewi thbi gey esandbeaut i
ful
kissablelips, shewasst illthesamewayheknewher ,
j
ustol der.
“
Whydi
dyougo?Iwasgoi
ngt
omar
ryy
ou.Il
oved
y
ou.
”
MmagweChesst
ear
ful
l
ylookedathi
m.“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Justt
ell
mewhy
…wasi
tbecauseIdi
dn’
thav
e
money
?”
“
Iwasy
oungandst
upi
dandeasi
l
yconv
inci
ble.
”
“
Yourki
dsaredati
ng…y
ourki
ds…y
ougav
ebi
rt
hto
t
hem.Theyshar
eawomb.”
“
I…”Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Ifi
t’
smeantt
obe-
“
“Ther
enothingli
kethat
.Theyar eyourki
ds!It’
s
abominati
onCathy.Chessisyourson.Lelentl
eis
yourdaughter
.Theyareyours.Theyaresi
blings.
Theyareconnectedbythei
rmot her.
”
“I
t’
snotthatser
ious.Thi
sissomet
hingt
hatcanbe
sol
ved.
”
“
Sol
vedhow?Iwi
l
lnev
eracceptt
hat
.Nev
er!
”
Shel ookedathi l
osingi
tthensmil
edchangi
ngt
he
subject.“Ihear
dy oumarri
edthatpr
eschool
teacher.”
Hesi
ghed.“
Yes.
”
“Iam happyyoumarri
edher.Shewasal
way
sni
ce.
Sheisbeauti
fult
oo.Andyoung.”
“That
’swhyImarriedher.Becauseshewasbeauti
ful
andnice.Andsof
t.ShetaughtLelethat
.My
daughteri
ssoquiet,unl
i
key ou.Shedoesn’
ttal
ka
l
ot.”
Cat
hysmiled.“
Ihear
d.”Shegiggl
ed.“
Youar
eagei
ng
gr
acef
ull
y.Yousti
lll
ookhandsome.”
Hesmil
ed.“Thanks.Yout
oo.Youar
est i
l
lbeaut
if
ul.
Doyousti
l
lhavet hatmar
konyourt
high?”
Shel
aughedt
henr
aisedherdr
essshowi
ngi
ttohi
m.
Hel
aughed.“
Wow…”
“Tel
lmeabouti
t.Irememberhowmymot herwas
soangr
ygotwey ouwantt
ogetpregantagainhuh?”
“
Yourmot
herwassost
ri
ct.
”
“
Shewas.Imi
ssher
.Imi
ssedy
ou.
”
MmagweChesssmi
l
ed.“
Imi
ssedy
out
oo.I
tfeel
s
goodseei
ngy
ou.
”
Hecaressedherf acestari
nginherey es.Itwasj ust
l
ikeyesterdaywhenhehadhel dheri nhisar msand
madelov etoherthewhol enight.Her emember ed
theni
ghtt heymadeLel e.Hecoul dnev erforget,he
hadmadel ovet
ohert hewhol enight,sweat i
ngon
topofher, r
ocki
ngherbackandf ortheasi ngbothof
them i
ntounexplainabl
epleasuret hathadt aken
them t
opl acest
heyhadn’ tr
eachedbef ore,touching
andkissi
ng,holdingeachot herti
ghtly
, bodies
mov i
ngagainsteachot her,eachthr
ustsweet erthan
theprevi
ous.Ithadfeltli
keheav enthathedi dn’t
wanttostopandhedi dn’tti
ll
exhaustionhadt aken
overandthathadbeenj ustbeforet
hef i
rstrooster
hadcrowed.
Hisdi
ckjer
kedinhispants,heswal
l
owedstar
ingat
herwhi
lesheputherlegstoget
herr
emini
sci
ngthat
ni
ghtaswell
.
“
Thabo…doy
oust
il
lremember
-“
“
Ido.Ir
ememberi
tal
l
.”
Sheswal
l
owed.“
Idon’
twantt
osi
nli
ke-
“
Hebendedt henki ssedhersoftl
y,hishandsonher
waist.Herpussydr ippedastheykissed,heunzipped
herdressandl etitpooltoherfeetwhi l
eshekicked
offhershoes.Het ookoffherbrathathadbreastfed
herkidsthenhepi ckedherupandpl acedheront he
bed.Cathyswal lowedashet ookof fherpant
iesand
star
edathert hickpussy .Hetookof fhi
sshir
tthen
hi
spant s.Shelookedathi sswollendick…God, he
sti
llhaditi
nhim becausei twasal lhardandthick
andr eady ,shecoul dal mostf eelitsinkingdeep
i
nside.Heopenedherl egswidert henki ssedher
huggi ngherl egandpushedi n,thewar mt hf rom
outsideal readyweakeni nghim.Herpussyopened
upwhi lehesqueezedhi mselfingr unt i
ng, herbig
fl
apsdoi ngt hi
ngst ohi m.Shemoanedasheopened
herupst retchingherbur yingitdeepi nsider eaching
thepl acest hatbar el
ygotr eached.Shemoaned
feel
ingi tinal l
t heplaces,thepl easuref rom i tal
l
maki ngherr ubhi sshoulders.Godi thadbeenal ong
whilesi nceshehadi tandohhh…hest artedmov ing
and#r emov ed.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#44

Latert
hatevening,MmagweChesswal kedi
nside
thehouseholdingaplast
ic.Shewalkedpastthe
rel
ati
vesandpastmmagweLef aandLar onagoing
totheguestroom.Sheopenedt hedoorandgoti n.
RragweChessl ookedather.
“
Wherear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?Ihav
ebeencal
l
ing
y
ou.
”
“
IneededsomespacesoIwentt
omysi
ster
’shouse
i
nMochudi.
”
Helookedather
.“Whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
mey
ouwer
e
goi
ngthere?
”
“
Kgosi
,Ineededsomef
reshai
r.Youaresuf
focati
ng
meher
ekamebel et
eagagaoatetsi
ngmont ung.
”
“
Catheri
ne,whyam Isti
l
lbei
ngaccusedofsleepi
ng
wi
thMmagweLef awhenIneverdi
d?Doy ouknow
t
hiscanbreakfamil
i
es?Youdon’thaveev
idenceto
whatyouaresayi
ng.”
“Kgosi,Iam notstupi
d.Ihaveneverbeenaf ool,
don’tdisrespectmewi t
hles.I
fyouarenotpr epar
ed
totellthetrut
h,keepyourli
estoyoursel
f.Don’t
questionmyi ntel
li
gence.”
Sheundressed,r
r agweChessl ookedathert henshe
walkedtotheensui t
ewher eshetookashowerwhi le
hesatonthebedwai ti
ngf orher
.Awhi l
elatershe
walkedout,shedr i
edhernakedbodyt henlotioned
andputonherni ghtdress.Hewat chedassheputon
adoekinherheadandgoti nbed.Hehel dherf rom
behindki
ssingherneckwhi l
ecaressingherhi p.
“
Mot
howame…”
Sheclosedhereyet
akingadeepbreat
h.“
Iam not
feel
i
ngwel l
rragweChess.Ij
ustwantt
osl
eep.
”
“Iboughtthisthi
ngthatbri
ngsmeal i
ve.Wedon’ t
havetost r
uggle.”Herubbedherbuttashi sdickgot
harder.Hepulledupherdressandr ubbedhi sDon
hersoftbutt.Sheturnedandlookedati t
,shehad
notseenitthishardinlongti
meandshebi ther
l
owerl ipwonderingifhewil
lnoti
cebutt henagain,
theyhadnothav esexi nmonthsnow, itwouldfeel
f
resht
ohi
m.
Heki ssedherget t
ingont opofhert akingoffthe
dresst henhepulledherwai stcloseropeningher
l
egswi der.Hesli
di nt
hroughherpr ev
iousl
yr avi
shed
pussy ,thewetnesscoatinghisdi ck.Hegrunt ed
shiveri
ngast hepleasurethreatenedtoknockhi m
offand…
.
MmagweChesswat chedhim ashegotof fher,
she
si
ghednotevensurpri
sedatherdisappointment.
Shelookedathi
m wonderingifhernotcummi ng
madesenset ohi
m.Sheclosedherey esandf el
l
asl
eep.

*
**

Lel
ewatchedasherfat
herwalkedoutoftheroom
wit
hhisbag,Loagof
oll
owingbehind.Helookedat
hersi
l
entl
ythenshookhisheaddisappoi
nted.
“
Iam mor
ethanj
ustdi
sappoi
ntedi
nyou.
”
“
Iam sor
ryIam notl
i
vingupt
oyourexpect
ati
ons.
”
“Youwill
keept hatbabyofy oursandy our
sel
ffar
from myfamilyandI.Youar eony ourownstart
ing
from t
oday,Don’tevercomet ouscr yi
ng.Giv
eme
thekeystomycar .Iam goingwi t
hit.Youdon’t
deservei
t.Loagowi l
linher
itit
.Inolongerhavea
daughter
.”
Lel
etearf
ull
ypi
ckedthecarkey
sandhandedt
hem
tohi
mt hehewalkedout
,Loagohuggedhi
ssi
ster
.
“
Iam goi
ngt
omi
ssy
ou.
”
“
Met
oo.
”
“
Iwi
shy
oucanbuymeaphone.
”
Shelaughed.“
Iwi
l
lgeti
twhenmamasay
syoucan
getaphone.”
“
Eish,
whenwi
l
lthatbe?
”
“
Soonmyboy
.Soon.
”
“
Ireal
l
yli
key
ourboy
fri
end.Hei
scool
.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iwi
l
ltel
lhi
m.”
“
Idon’
tknowwho’
sgoi
ngt
oinher
itt
hatcarbuti
t’
s
notme.Iti
stoougl
yanyway
s,don’
tbesadov
er
l
osingi
t.Getanewone.
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Bye…”
Her ushedoutt henLel
et ookadeepbr eathsit
ti
ng
asitbegunt osinkthatshehadj ustbeendisowned.
Someoneknockedont hedoor.Lelestoodupand
walkedov erthenopened.Chesssmi ledather,hi
s
motherbesi dehim.MmagweChesssmi l
edstari
ng
ather,tearsfi
ll
edherey eswhil
eherhear tpounded.
“
Lel
e…”
Leleswallowedasshel
ookedathismother
wonderingwhyChessdidn’
ttel
lhersoshecan
prepar
e, f
irsti
mpr
essi
onsalwaysmatter
ed.
“
Dumel
ang…pl
easecomei
n.”
Theywal
kedi
n,LelelookedatChessandwhisper
ed
ashismot
herwalkedfurtheri
nsi
dethehouse.
“
Whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
me?
”
“Myphonei
soffbutIr
ememberput
ti
ngi
tont
he
char
gerl
astni
ght
.”
“
Mychar
ger
?Youdi
dn’
tbr
ingy
ourchar
ger
,why
shoul
dmyphonesuf
ferf
ort
hat
?”
“
Lov
elyhouseLel
e…”
Lel
ewalkedover
.“Thanky
ou.Shoul
dImakey
ou
somet
hingtoeat
?”
MmagweChesslookedatherwit
hasmi le.“
No.Iam
fi
nemyangel
.Youaresobeauti
ful
.”Shehadher
handandsmi
ledemoti
onal
ly.“
Thanky ouGod….”
Herey
eswentt
oherbel
l
y.“
Ihearwear
eexpect
ing.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Eemma.
”
“
Thedivor
ceshoul
dsett
lefast
ersoyoucandothe
r
ight
ful
thi
ngChess.Thi
sisyourwi
fe,Icanf
eel
it.
”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Shei
s.”
“
Shei
smyson.Shei
s.Andshei
sbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
MmagweChesshuggedhert ightl
y.Lel
ecl
osedher
eyeshuggi
ngherback,
thi
swasnotwhatshehad
hadinmind,i
twaswaybetterthanwhatshehad
i
magined.Shest
eppedback.
“
Iam sohappyt
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ou.Chess,
you
shoulddotherightt
hingbef
oresheget
sst
olenby
otherpeopl
e.”
Chesssmi
l
edhappi
l
y.“
Yes.
”
“
Ican’
twai
tformygrandson.I
t’
sfi
nal
l
yhappeni
ng.
Wherei
syourfat
her
?”
“
Hej
ustl
eft
.”
“
Ok.Don’tst
ressyour
sel
ves,
Iusedtoknowy
our
f
atherl
ongback.Hewasneighbor
swithmyf
amil
y.
”
Lel
enodded.“
Ok.
”
“Yes,
that
’sal
li
tis.Wehavetogobacktot
hefuneral
.
Iwantyoutocomet omor
rowLel
e,fort
hebur
ial
.”
“Idon’
tthi
nkLef
a’sf
ami
l
ywi
l
lappr
eci
atemy
presence.
”
“
Youwil
lbemyguestandy
ouar
ether
etosuppor
t
me.Come.
”
“
Eemma.
”
“Good,Iwi
l
lwaiti
nthecarChess.Lel
e…”She
huggedheragai
n.“
Ok.Seeyoutomorrow.”
Shewal
kedout
,Lel
esmi
l
edst
ari
ngatChess.“
She
l
i
kesme…”
“
Shel
ovesy
ou.Wow…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ithoughtshewasgoi
ngt
ohat
eme.
”
“
Wher
eisy
ourcar
?”
“
Het
ooki
tanddi
sownedme.
”
Chesssi
ghed.“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“It
’sok.Iwil
lbefi
ne.Iwoul
dbuyacarbutIhav
e
startedbui
l
dingatthepl
otandmysavi
ngsaregoi
ng
there.”
Hekissedher
.“Youaskedmet
ogety
ouacar
.Iwi
l
l
gety
ouacar .
”
“
Iwasj
ustsay
ingt
hatsoy
ou-
“
“
Iwi
l
lgety
ouacar
.Seey
oul
ater
.”
“
Ok.
”
Hewal
kedoutt
henLel
esmi l
edrecal
l
ingtheway
mmagweChesshadhuggedherandspokentoher
.

*
**
Khumowat chedasRanewagotint
hecarpar
kedi
n
fr
ontofherhouse.Shesmi
ledathi
m.
“
Hi,
howwasy
est
erday
?”
“
Itwasok.Ist
il
lcan’
tbel
i
evei
t.
”
“
Itwi
l
ltaket
imet
il
li
tsi
nksi
n.”
“
Thanky
ouf
ort
hef
oody
oul
efty
est
erday
.”
“
Ihopey
ouat
e.”
“
Iat
eabi
tint
hemor
ningt
hensomei
ntheev
eni
ng.
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Good.Tomor
rowi
sthebur
ial
?”
“Yes.Ical
l
edthenumbery
ousentmeandIam
star
ingwitht
hesessi
onst
oni
ght.
”
“
ThankGod.
”
“
Thanky
ouf
orsuggest
ingi
ttome.
”
“
Iam happyy
ouar
eget
ti
nghel
p.”
Theysatinhi
scarchatti
ngforawhil
ethenalmost
twohourslat
ershesteppedoutoft
hecarand
walkedbacktoherhouseashedroveoff.Ranewa
dr
anksomewaterkeepingheremotionsi
ncheck.
Tt
heywerebei
ngtoof or
wardforherli
ki
ng.She
di
dn’
twanttof
indherselfi
namessyst i
ckysi
tuat
ion.

Hourslat
er,
rragweLel
eparkedhiscarandgoti
nthe
house.MmagweLelelookedatthecarconf
used.
“
What
’sLel
e’
scardoi
ngher
e?”
“
Itooki
t.
”
“
Why
?”
“
Shedoesn’
tdeser
vei
t.Shedoesn’
tli
sten.
”
“
Soy outooki
tfr
om herbecauseshewoul
dn’
tdo
whatyouwanthert
odo? ”
“
Yes.Iwi
l
lnothav
eadaught
erwhodon’
tli
stent
o
me.
”
“
Ican’
tbeli
veyoutookhercar,
howcouldyoudo
t
hat?Lel
eisnotworking,
thecarwashel
pingher
.
Whatisshesupposedtodonow?”
“Br
eakupwi t
hhermother
’ssonandgetri
dofthat
baby.Chessi
sherbr
other
,it
’sabomi
nati
on.”
Loagoopenedthebedr
oom doorandl
ookedatt
hem
i
nshock.“Chessi
sherbrot
her?”
MmagweLele’
shear
tskippedasshel
ookedather
son.“
Nono…myboyy ou-“
“
Chessi
syourson?
”
“
No…y
oudi
dn’
thearpr
oper
ly.
”
“
IknowwhatIheardmama.Hesaidi
t’
sabominat
ion
f
orLel
etodateherbr
otherwhoi
sChess.Youhav
e-“
“Boy,knowy ourpl
ace!Sincewhendoyouent ermy
bedr
oom wi thoutknocki
ng.WhatifmywifeadI
werenaked?Andwhyar ey oueav
esdroppingon
conversat
ionsthathavenot hi
ngt
odowi t
hy ou?”
“
Yousai
dChess-
“
“
Boy
!”
Loagolookedatt hem,shockwr i
tt
enalloverhisface
ashet r
iedtograsptheinformati
onandunder stand
thenheslowlysteppedbackandcl osedthedoor .
Hisheartpoundingwhilehisli
tt
lebrai
nwor ked
overt
ime.
*
**

I
nt hebedr
oom,
mmagweLel
elookedather
husband.
“
Whati
fhet
ell
sLel
e?”
Thabowal
kedoutsear
chi
ngforhissont
hen
fr
ownednotf
indi
nghiminthehouse.
“
Loago!
”
Mmagwel
elewal
kedout
.“Wher
eishe?
”
“
Hei
snother
e.”
“
Jeso!
”

*
**

Loagowal
kedt
ohi
sfr
iend’
shouseandbumpedf
ist
s
wit
hhim.
“
Lai
taka,
mamaj
ustl
eft
.Come,
let
’spl
ay.
”
Theywal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouset
hent
hef
ri
end
connect
edhi
spl
ayst
ati
on.Loagol
ookedathi
m.
“
Bor
rowmey
ourphone.Iwantt
ocal
lmysi
ster
.”
“
Ok.
”
Thefri
endhandedLoagot
hephonet
henhedi
aled
hernumberandcal
ledher
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Ihear
dsomet hi
ngt
odaywhenmamaandpapa
wer
etalki
ng.
”
.
.
.
Nt
siki
:Roar
ingFl
ames
#45

“
Ihear
dsomet hi
ngt
odaywhenmamaandpapa
wer
etalki
ng.
”
"
Whatdi
dyouhear
?"
"
Doesmamahav
eanot
herchi
l
doutt
her
e?"
"
Whatchi
l
d?"
"
Iov
erhear
dthem say
ingsomet
hing.
"
"Youmusthav ehear
dwrong.Wearetheonl
y
chil
dren.Whatexact
lydi
dyouhear
?"
"Papasaidhewon'
tl
etyoudat
eyourbr
other
.He
saidChessisy
ourbrot
her
."
"
Idon'tt
hinkhemeantitl
i
kethat
.It
hinkhet
hinks
Chessiswayoldert
hanme."
"
Hesai
dhewi
llgi
vethecarbackonl
yify
oubreakup
wi
thy
ourmot
her'
ssonandgetridoft
hebaby
."
"
What
?"
"I
t'
ssoundedasifChessi
syourbr
otherbecausehe
sai
dit'
sabominati
on.
"
"
Loago,whatar
eyousay
ing?It
hinky
ouar
e
mist
aken.
"
"Hesai
dChessisyourbrot
her
,Ihear
dhi
m Lel
e.I
hear
dital
l
.IswearIdid.
"
Thecallcutduet
oinsuf
fi
cientf
unds.Loagosi
ghed
thenhandedhisf
ri
endthephoneback.
"
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
"
Sepe.(
Not
hing.
)"
Thefr
iendl
ookedathi
mt hensmiled."Igotweed
fr
om boSkarat
heotherday.Ihav
en'tsmokedi t
.Do
youwanttot
ryitwi
thme? )
"
Loagolookedathim."Youwantt
othr
owy
ourl
i
fe
awayfornonsense?"
"
It
'sj
ustaonceof
f.
"
"I
twon'tbej
ustaonceoff.Youwil
lkeepgoi
ngback.
Iwanttobeacardi
ologi
st,Iwon'
tbeassoci
atedwi
th
drugs.
"
"Ahwenamonnawabor
a.Ar
etshamekeee.
(Youar
e
bori
ng.Let
'spl
ay.
)"
Thephonest
artedr
ingi
ng,
thef
ri
endt
ooki
tfr
om t
he
tabl
eandpi
cked.
"Hel
lo?Emma. .
.Ok.
"Thef
ri
endhandedLoagot
he
doorthephone.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Loago,
whatdi
dyouhear
?"
Hestoodupandwal
kedout
side."
Hesai
dChessi
s
yourbr
other
."
"He..
.Itcan'tbepossi
ble.LoagoifChessi
smama's
chil
dtheni tmeansshegav ebirt
ht ohi
m whenshe
was13.Shewasj ustachi l
dthen,Chessi
s7years
olderthanme, mamahadmewhenshewas19.I
don'tt
hinkhemeanti tthatway."
"
May
be.
"
"That'
sit
.Stopstr
essingyour
sel
fwi
tht
his.They
musthav ebeenrefer
ringt
omedati
ngsomeoneway
oldert
hanme. "
"
Ok.Iguessy
ouar
eri
ght
."
"
Wewi l
ltal
klat
er.Iwouldaskbutt
heyar
enot
t
alki
ngme.Theybl ockedme.
"
"
Iam sor
ry.
"
"
It
'sok.Iexpect
edi
tconsi
der
ingmyr
elat
ionshi
p
wi
thLefa."
"
Didshereal
l
yki
l
lherdaught
erbecauseChesswas
l
eavi
ngher?"
"
Yes.Iguess.Idon'
tknow.
"
"
Ok.
"
Lelehungup.Loagowentbacki
nsi
dethehouse
thenstar
tedpl
ayingt
hegamewithhisf
ri
end.

*
**

Sasarel
axedinherhouse,herroommat ewasinthe
l
ivi
ngroom watchingTVwithherhusband.Thirst
y,
shetookherglassforar
efil
landwal kedtothe
ki
tchentappi
ngherphonepassi ngthecouplei
nthe
si
tti
ngroom.Shegotherjuicecall
ingLele.
"
Hey
..
."
"
Hey
..Iam sobor
edLel
e.Imi
ssy
ousomuch.
"
Lel
elaughedsof
tl
y."
Imi
ssy
out
oo.
"
"
Ithi
nkIshoul
dvi
sit
.Ory
ouar
ebusy
?"
"
No.Come.
"
"
Yey
!Letmepack.
"
"Ok.Youwi
l
ltel
lmewhenyouar
eal
mostatbusr
ank
soIcancomeandpi
ckyouup.
"
"
Who'
scarar
eyoucomi
ngwi
thsi
ncey
ourf
ather
t
ooky
ourcar
?"
"
Iam usi
ngChess'
s.
"
"
Yeswenagi
rl
."
Lel
elaughed."
Bye!
"
LekehungupasSasa'
roommat
ejoi
nedheri
nthe
ki
tchen.
"
Nnana,
canwet
alk?
"
"
Yes.
"
"
Idon'
tl
iket
hewayy
oudr
esswhenmyhusbandi
s
around.Igetthatyoul
ovewal ki
ngnakedbutIthink
thereshouldbeboundarieswhenmyhusbandi s
here.Iam beginni
ngtothinkmaybey ouwantto
seducehim becauseit'
sfunnyhowy ouonlyputon
theseshortsthatshowallyourbut
tonswheneverhe
i
sar ound.
"
Sasachuckled."ThisishowIalwaysdresswhether
yourhusbandi saroundornot.I
fyouhav epr
oblem
withitt
henthat '
syourbrobl
em.Noonewant sy our
husband.Hei snotev enmytype.Iwouldnever
snatchthatbrokeman, heistoobrokeforme.Iam
highmant ai
nancelove."
"Ihav
eseeneveryt
hingyoudoKesaobakaandI
knowwomanl ikey
ou.Ihaveworkedforsolongand
knowhowy ounggir
lsli
keyouare.I
tsnothi
ngnew.
MyhusbandandIar eposi
ti
ve.
"
Sasalaughed."
So?I
jo!Kemat
hat
a.Idon'
twanty
our
husband."
Sasashookherheadsurpri
sedthengr
abbedher
j
uice,
thehusbandlookedatherandwi
nked.Sasa
fr
owned.
"
Per
ver
t!Lenkgabodr
amat
icher
e.Letmego.
"
Shemadeherwayt othebedroom andstar
ted
packi
nghercl
othesgett
ingreadydidGaborone.

*
**

Khumot
ookadeepbr
eat
hasLar
onagoti
nthecar
.
"
Heybabe.
..
"
Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed."
Hey
..
.Howar
eyou?
"
"
Iam st
il
li
nshock.Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
eveit
.Anel
ewas
j
ustwit
hmelastweekandnowshei snomore.
"
Khumonodded."
It
'ssad.
"
Shesmi
l
ed."
Thebabyi
sfi
ne.
"
"Isaw.Thankyouforgiv
ingmet hatchi
l
d.Ican
neverthankyouenough.Iwantustotal
k."
"
Ok.
"
"
Myuncl
ecal
l
edmeandaskedmemyi
ntent
ions
wi
thy
ou.
"
Laronasmil
ed."Ialr
eadyhaveanideaofwhatIwant
forthemagadiandev er
ythi
ngel
se.Ihadenough
ti
met opl
anever y
thingwhenIwaspregnant
."
Hel
ookedather
."Youwantt
ogetmar
ri
ed?
"
"
Yes.Weal
readyhav
eachi
l
dsowemi
ghtaswel
l
.
I
t'
samust.
"
"
Ther
eissomet
hingIwantt
otel
lyou.
"
"
Ok.
"
"
Whenwef i
rststar
tedIt
houghtitwasgoi
ngtobe
j
ustaf
li
ng.Ithoughti
twasjustgoingt
oend.
"
Lar
onasmi
l
ed."
Met
oo.
"
"
Til
lthebayhappened.
"
Lar
onanodded."
Yeah.Iguesst
hebabyi
sour
bl
essi
ng.
"
"
Thebabyi sabl
essingbutIdon' tt
hinkt
his
r
elat
ionshi
pisgoingtowor k.Idon'
twanttobewith
youbecauseofthechil
dwhenIknowIdon' tl
ove
youthewayyouneedt obel oved.Idon'
twanttoget
t
oapoi ntwher
ebr eakyourheartunnecessar
il
y
whenIcouldhavejustl
etyougo.Youdeser vebett
er.
Iam sorr
yIam doi
ngthi
snowbuti
tneedstobe
done.Ican'
tkeepongoi
ngonl
iket
hisany
more.
"
"
Youar
ebr
eaki
ngupwi
thme?
"
"
Iam set
ti
ngy
ouf
ree.
"
Laronalookedathim wi
thdi
sbeli
ef."
Idon'
t
understandwhatyouaresay
ing.Youarebreaki
ng
upwi t
hme? "
"Yes.Iam sorr
y.Iam sti
l
l goi
ngtobepar
tofmy
chil
d'sli
fe.Iam goi
ngtobepay i
ngmaint
enancel
i
ke
Ishould.Iam notgoingtoabandonmychil
d."
Shel
aughed."
Ist
hisaj
okebabe?
"
"
No.
"
"I
tmustbe.Don'tpl
ayli
ket
his.Youwil
lki
l
lmewi
tha
hear
tatt
ack.Ihavetogobackinsi
de.
"
"
Lar
onaIam bei
ngser
ious.Ican'
tdot
hisany
mor
e."
Lar
onashookherhead."
Babest
op!
"
"
Idon'
twantt
ost
ri
ngy
oual
ong.
"
"
Khumost
opi
t.I
t'
snotf
unnyany
mor
e."
"
Iam sor
ry.
"
Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es."
Stopt
his.Whatar
eyousay
ing?
Whatdi
dIdo?"
"
Not
hing.Youdi
dnot
hing.
"
"
Thenwhati
sit
?St
op.
..Youar
ehur
ti
ngme.St
op.
..
".
"
Iam sor
ry.
"
"Khumo. .."Shel ookedathi m cryi
ng."WhatdidIdo?
Pleaset ell mewhatIdi d..
.Iam sor r
y.Babedon' tdo
this.
..Ididn' tdoanything.Don' tdothistome.You
arebr eakingmyhear t.Iwon' tgot oMolepolole.Iwil
l
staywi thy ou.Please...Whatshoul dIdo?Pl easet el
l
mewhati shoulddo...Ilovey ou.Wehav eachi ld
Khumo. .
.Pl easedon'tdot hi
st ome. "
Hesadlyl
ookedatherasshebr
okedowncr
ying.He
huggedherr
ubbi
ngherback.
"Pl
easedon'
tl
eav
eme...Il
ovey
ou.Thinkofourchi
l
d.
Tel
lmewhatIam doi
ngwrong.
..Iwi
l
lfixi
t.
"
Heclosedhiseyes..
.Fuck!Whyhadhel eti
tgetthi
s
far
?Shecriedinhisarmsf orawhil
ethenfi
nall
ykept
qui
etfi
ghti
ngwi t
hherhi ccups.Her
ubbedherback.
Sher
aisedherheadandl
ookedathi
m.
"
Arey
oul
eav
ingme?
"
Helookedi
nhereyesandshookhi
shead."
No.Iam
notgoi
nganywher
e."

*
**

Lel
estaredatherphoneforawhi le,
herheart
poundi
ng.Theconversat
ionwi t
hLoagowasst il
l
ri
ngi
nginherhead.Shegr abbeditandcall
edher
mother
.
"
Lel
e..
."
"
Howar
eyou?
"
"
Iheary
our
efusedt
oli
stent
oyourf
ather
."
"
Iam pr
egnant
."
Hermothert
ookadeepbr
eat
h."
Soont
opof
sl
eepi
ng-"
"
Loagohear
dyou.
"
"
Hear
dmesaywhat
?"
"
ThatChessi
smybr
otherorsomegi
bber
ishl
i
ke
t
hat.
"
"
What
?"
"Yes.HeheardpapasayIshoul
dbreakupwi t
hmy
mot her'
ssonandgetr
idofthebabybecauseit
's
abomi nati
on.
"
"Hedidn'thearproperly.YourfathersaysChess
l
ookswayol derthany ou.Heismor eli
keyour
brotherbecausehei smar ri
edt oLefawho'sli
keyour
sist
er.Heisy ourbrotherinlaw."
Lel
etookadeepbr
eat
h."
Ok.
"
"
Don'
tl
ist
ent
oLoago.Hedi
dn'
thearpr
oper
ly.
"
"
Yah.
..
"
"
Buty
oushoul
dbr
eakupwi
thChess.
"
"
Iam notdoi
ngi
tmama.Il
ove-
"
HerdooropenedandChesswal
kedi
n.
"
Ihav
etogo.Thanky
ouf
orconf
ir
mingi
ttome.
"
"
Ok.
"
Chesski
ssedLel
eashehungup."
Hey
.."
"
Hey
..
arey
ouhungr
y?"
"No.Imissedy ou.Whatdi
dyouwantt
otel
lme.I
sawy ourtext
s."
"Noi
t'
sok.Loagomi
shear
d.Hethoughthehad
hear
dpapasayyouar
emybrother.
"
"
Yourwhat
?"
"
Brot
her
."
Chesst
ookLel
e'
sphoneandputi
tasi
de.
"
Thatwoul
dbeamess.
"
Lel
elaughed."
Idon'
tevenwanttoi
magi
nei
t.I
t'
s
si
ck.BythewaySasaisvisi
ti
ng.
"
"
Ok.Lefa'
sfami
l
yisst
ressi
ngme.I
'
drat
herbeher
e
t
hanthere.
"
Lel
esmi
ledt
henstoodonhert
oesandki
ssedhi
m.
"St
aywi
thmethen.
"
Hesmi
l
edsqueezi
ngherbut
t."
That
'swhyIam
her
e."
Hi
sphoner
ang.Het
ooki
toutf
rom hi
spocketand
pi
cked.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Hey
,it
'sKaone,
Ihav
eanemer
gency
.Ineedhel
p."
Chesslookedatthenumbert hensighed.
"Unf
ort
unatelyIcan'
thelpyou.Youar egoingt
ohave
tocal
lsomeoneel se."Hehungandsi ghedmoving
on.Helaiddownwi thLel
ekissingherneck.
"
Whowast
hat
?"
"
Someonenoti
mpor
tant
."
"
Ok.
"
.
.
6MONTHSLATER.
..
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oleav
eal
i
keandacomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#46

Atthehighcour
t,Lefawal kedoutofcourtwithher
l
awy erwhowassmi ling.Themedi ahurr
iedover
taki
ngpict
uresofthem whi leaski
ngthem sever
al
questi
ons.I
gnori
ngt hem all,t
heywalkedtothecar
andgotin.Thel
awy erdr oveoffwit
hasmi leof
vict
ory.
“
Youar
efi
nal
l
yfr
ee.
”
Lefanoddedsi l
entl
y.Thelawyerl
ookedather
.“Look,
Iknowi t’
shardcomi ngint
otermswithwhat
happenedbutatl eastyouarenotgoi
ngtopri
sonfor
therestofyourli
fe.Whathappenedwasunfort
unate
butyouhav etomov eon.Youwer enoti
nyour
ri
ghtfulstat
eofmi nd.”
“
Ist
il
lmur
der
edmydaught
er.
”
Constancesighed.“
Ithinkthecourti
srightt
ohave
yousentbackt oSbrana.Youneedt odealwit
h
ever
ythingsoy oudon’ttr
yitagai
nbutyouhav e
todaytospendti
mewithy
ourfamil
y.Iwantt
oget
someNandos, Ihopey
oudon’
tmindaquickstop
over.
”
“
It
’sok.
”
Constancestoppedhercaratamall.“
Let’
sgo.Get
your
selfsomething.Youshoul
dcelebr
ateyour
fr
eedom.Ay earlateraf
terwal
ki
ngoutofSbrana,
youaregoingtolookbackatthi
sfatef
uldayandbe
grat
eful.
”
Theyst
eppedoutofthecarandwal kedinsi
de,
the
l
awyerinfr
onti
nherlongheelsandhersui t
.
Const
ance’
sphonerang,shesmiledpicked.
“HeyMarang….No…yes,asusual
.Who?Waai
i
…”
Shelaughed.“
Oklov
e.”
Shehungup.“Let’
shur
ry,Iam meet
inganot
her
l
awyerforaconjoi
nedcase.”
TheyenteredNandos, Lefa’seyesfel
lonLelewho
wasgettinghertake-
away ,nowi nthatmaterni
ty
dressLefacouldseeherbump.Lel etuckedher
weavebehi ndherearsmi l
ing.Shelookedbeauti
ful
anddiff
erenttoo,t
hepr egnancylookedgoodonher .
Sheturnedthentheylockedeyes.Tear sfi
ll
edLefa
eyesthensheblinkedthem awayswal lowing.Lel
e
l
ookedathert hensmi l
easshesl owlywalkingover.
Sheopenedhermout htosaysomet hingbutshe
wasn’tsur
ewhatwoul dber i
ght.Lefaf or
cedasmi le,
atearrol
li
ngdownhercheek.
“
Congr
atul
ati
ons.
”
“
Thanky
ou.Ihear
dyourv
erdi
ct.Iam happyf
ory
ou.
”
Lefalookedatherandsomehowfel
tLel
ewasl
i
ving
herli
fe.Thatshoul
dhavebeenher
…
“
Thanky
ou.
”
Const
ancel
ookedatbot
hoft
hem.Lel
esmi
l
ed.
“
Uhok.By
e.”
“
Bye.
”
Shewal
kedaway
,Const
ancel
ookedatLef
a.
“
Arey
ouok?
”
“She…”Shepr
essedherli
pstoget
hert
ryi
ngnott
o
breakdowncr
ying.Const
ancehel
dherhand.
“
Iknowi
t’
spai
nful
.Iam sosor
ry.
”
“Shewasmyf riend.It houghtwewer egoingt o
reconcileourfriendshi p.Wegr ewupt ogether.When
IsawherIt houghti tcoul dbet hesameagai n.I
openedmyar msf orherandwel comedheri nmy
home.Thatsameni ghtshecame, shemetmy
husbandandt her ewasj ustshockbet weenbot hand
Ithoughti t
’sbecauset heyhav enotmetbef oreor
somet hing.Myhusbandl eftthatni ghttohi sfriend’s
house, Lelehadspr ainedherankl esoIwasgoi ngt o
bringherf oodt othebachel orpadandt hat’swhenI
hadsexual sounds.Hewaspr obabl ywithher ,he
wasr i
di ngherr i
ghti nmyy ard.Shel ookedatmet he
foll
owingdayandsmi l
edatme.Shel aughedwi th
me.I …IaskedChesst otakehert ot heschool
becauseIf ear
edshewoul dgetl ost …theyt ookt ime
andIwonderwhatt heywer edoi ng.Shest i
llsmi l
ed
withme.Andal lt
het i
meIknewIj ustwonder edi f
sheenj oyedhear ingmypr oblemsandmay bei fthey
l
aughedatmeont heirpillowt alk.
”Tear swether
cheekasshel ookedatConst ance.“ It
’sjustnothi m
fi
ndingsomeoneel se…Isweari t’
snott hat.I
understandt hat.Idon’ tdeser v ehi m butLel ewasmy
fri
end.Am Iwr ongt ofeel betray ed?May beIdon’ t
deser
vet
ofeel
bet
ray
ed…Idon’
tknow,
may
beI
deser
vei
t.
.”
Constancelookedathersadl
y.“
Youhaveeveryr
ight
tofeelbet
rayedbecauseyouwerebet
rayed.
”
“
Shei
scar
ryi
nghi
schi
l
dnow.
”
“Iam sorr
ythatafri
enddidthi
st oyoubuty ouhav e
topickyoursel
fupandgoonwi t
hlifebecauselif
e
goeson.Yout ooyouaregoingtomov eonf rom thi
s.
Ay eari
sjustacoupleofmonths, y
ouwi l
lbef i
ne.”
Constancehuggedher.Lefabrokedowni nherarms,
Constancerubbedherbacksadly.

*
**

Leleputherfoodonthepassengerseatthengoti
n
thecar.Herphonerangassheputont heseatbel
t.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Daught
er,
howar
eyou?
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iam f
ine.Howar
eyou?
”
“
Iam f
ine.Iam onmyway
.Iwoul
dhav
ear
ri
vedby
t
oni
ght.
”
“
Thanky
ousomuch.
”
“
It
’sokmydar
li
ng.Hast
hebabychangedposi
ti
on?
”
“Iam notsure.Iam goingforascantomorrow.The
doctorwil
lcheckandi fheisstil
li
nthebreach
posi
tiontheyaregoingt oschedulemeforan
operati
on.”
“Ok,Iam onway
.Iwi
l
lbet
her
ewi
thy
ouev
eryst
ep
oftheway .
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
It
’sf
inedaught
er.
”
Shehungupandst art
edthecarthenr
ever
sedand
droveawayintheRangeRover.Shest
oppedbythe
fi
l
lingst
ati
onroll
ingdownherwindow.
“
Hi,
ful
ltank.
”
“
Eemma.
”
Hefil
l
edthetankwhi
leshetri
edtocal
lChessbuthi
s
phonewasn’
tgoingt
hrough.Shesi
ghed,
the
businesst ri
psev eryotherweekwer eget t
ingtoher .
Shest artedscroll
ingonherf acebookf orawhi l
e.A
carst oppedbesi desher st hensher aisedherhead
andl ookedatBoi kanyost eppingoutofhi scar
tal
kingonhi searpiece.Shenot icedanot herlady
staringathi m ashemout hedsomet hingt othe
fi
ll
ingst ati
onattendantt hent urnedt otheRange
Rov er.Hepausedst ar
ingathert hensmi l
edwal king
overi nt hejeansandal ongsl eev edwhi t
eshi r
t,the
fi
rstt hreebut t
onsunbut t
oned.Hesmi l
edwr apping
uphi scal lthenchuckled.
“
Heyst
ranger
…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
”
“
Okae?(
Wher
eishe?
)”
Lel
elaughed.“
Mang?(
Who?
)”
“
Youri
nsecur
eboy
fri
end.
”
“
Hei
snoti
nsecur
e.”
“
Hei
s,y
oul
ookr
eal
l
ypr
ett
y.”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Youst
il
lst
ayatt
hef
lat
s?”
“
No.Imov
ed.
”
“Didthi
sniggaimpregnat
ey ou?Hemustthi
nkheis
mar ki
nghister
ri
tor
y.Tell
him wedon’
tmindrai
sing
stepkids.I
t’
snothi
ngserious.
”
Lel
elaughedev
enhar
der
.“Pl
easego.
”
Boikany
otookouthi
sbusi
nesscardandhandedi
t
toher.“
Don’
tthr
owitaway
.Sharp…”
“
Bye.
”
Hetur
nedandwalkedbackt ohiscarwhil
eshe
l
ookedathi
sbusi
nesscar dthenshethrewiti
nsi
de
t
hehandbagandpaidbeforedri
vingoff
.

AtthehouseChesswasr
enti
ngforher
,shestepped
outwit
hherfoodandwal
kedinsi
dethehousewhere
thehel
perwaswatchi
ngTv.
“
Hey
,Igotf
ood.
”
Opel
osmi
l
ed.“
Atl
ast
.Iwasaboutt
odi
e.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Met
oo.
”
Opel
otookt
hef
oodt
hendi
shedi
npl
ates.
“
IsmmagweChess’
sroom r
eady
?”
“
Yes.I
t’
sready
.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Isweari
fsomeonedoesn’
tknow,shewoul
dsay
mmagweChessisyourmother
.Thatwomanlooks
l
ikey
ou.”
Lel
elaughed.“Ial
way sgett
hatandl
eeneshe
doesn’
tdeny,shejustgoesonwithi
t.
”
“Youwil
lbeblessedtohaveamotherinlawl i
keher
,
Ihaven’
tseenamot heri
nlawwhor eall
ylov
esher
son’
sgirl
fr
iendmor et
hanherownson.Ev eryti
me
shecomesher e,i
t’
sli
kesheisher
ef oryouonly.
”
“
Ithoughtshewasgoi
ngt
ohat
emebef
orewemet
.”
“
Waaiishel
ovesy
ou.Iwi
sht
omeetamot
heri
n-l
aw
j
ustl
i
keher.
”
Lel
esmi
l
edt
henst
art
edeat
ing.

*
**
Latert
hatday,Laronadi
shedf
orKhumoandputthe
foodinthemicrowaveandwentwit
htwopl
atest
o
thesit
ti
ngroom whereLefawas.
“
Take…”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Sowhatdi
dthatwi
tchsay
?”
“
Justt
hatshei
shappyf
orme.
”
“Ir
eallyhat
ethatgir
l.Khumot ell
smeshei sstil
lnot
workingandsheissur v
ivi
ngof fChess.Ifhedumps
hertodayshewill
bel ef
twithnothing.Ican’twaitfor
herkarma,Ihopeshedi esbecauseoft hestress.”
Lefasmil
ed.“Kanakar
mai sfunny,shemi
ghtj
ust
l
ivehappi
lyforther
estofherli
fe.
”
“NnaIwoul dn’
tletthem l
iv
ehappi l
y.Iheardthat
mangr annyoncet ookyout oisactual
lygenuine,
j
ustthatsomepeopl earewellprot
ectedoutthere.
Grannytoldmey ouweresupposedt ogobackwi th
thewoman’ snamebecauset hemanhadt ol
dy ouhe
sawpregnancy .
”
“
Itdi
dn’
twor
konChess.
”
“
Becausehei
spr
otect
edmay
be.
”
“
Orbecausei
t’
sascam.Igav
ethosepeopl
eal
otof
money.
”
“Howaboutwet ryonelastti
me?Lefatshey ourbaby
can’tj
ustdiewhileLelent
leenjoy
sherlifetothe
ful
lest.Chesskil
l
edy ourbaby,heshouldalsofeel
howi tfeel
stolosehisbabywhenhebadl ywants
him.Theyal r
eadynamedhi m..”
“
Lal
a-“
“Weshouldgot oday.Wehaveherpicturesand
name.Wewi llgoalone.Nooneneedsf orother
peopletoknow.LetLelent
lesuf
fert
oo.She
deservest
osuf f
er.Ihavet
hemoney .Iwillhaveher
pict
urespri
ntedoutonourwayt her
e.”Laronagotup
andwenttot hecallt
henanny.
“MysisterandIar
egoi
ngout,wewil
lbeback.We
aregoingtocheckonafr
iendsot
ocheerLefa.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lar
onatookt
hecarkey
sandherhandbagand
l
ookedatLef
a.
“
Let
’sgo.
”
“
Larona,t
hatmanisascam.Itwon’
twork.Iwil
ldeal
wi
theveryt
hingwhenIcomebackfr
om Sbrana.I
wanttobeonmyr i
ghtf
ulst
ateofmindwhenIact.”
“
Shewi
l
lpr
obabl
yhav
eanot
herchi
l
dthen.
”
“Iwi
lldealwithitwhenIcomeback.Thatmani sa
scam.Gr annywilldoany
t hi
ngtoconv
inceyoutogo
ther
esoshecanmakemoneyoutofy ou.That
womani sgettingmorericherbyt
hedayscammi ng
people.
”
Lal
asi
ghed.“
Iguessy
ouar
eri
ght
.’
“Iam andthosethi
ngshav eawaytobackfir
e.Idon’
t
wanttobel i
kethatwomanwhowasaski ngforhel
p
theothert
imeonf acebookwhenthecurseshehad
placedonthesidechickcamebacktoher .
”
Lal
alaughed.“
Yah…”

*
**
RragweLelesi
ghedinhisbedroom.Thesecr
ets
wereeati
nghim al
iv
eandknowi ngLel
ewasdating
herbrot
herstr
essedhim ever
ydayhewaseven
l
osingweight
.Hiswifewalkedin.
“
Thef
oodi
sready
.”
“
Iam nothungr
y.”
“
Youneedt
oeat
.’
“Ican’teatwhenmydaught
eri
ssl
eepi
ngwi
thher
brother.
”
“
Therei
snot
hingwecandosi
nceshedoesn’
twant
t
obreakupwi
thhim.
”
“Becauseshedoesn’
tknowthetrut
h.Lel
ewoul dn’
t
conti
nuewitht
her el
ati
onshi
pifsheknew.Iknowmy
gir
l.
”
“
Herknowi
ngwi
l
lcausemor
edamage.
”
“Sheissleepi
ngwit
hherbr other!What’swor sethan
that
?Youar eonl
yconcernedabouty ourself
.You
don’tcar
eaboutanythi
ngel se.Ican’
tbel i
eveIlet
youconvincemeotherwise.Lelentl
edeser vesto
knowandshei sgoingtoknow.Iam goi ngtotellher
.
Idon’
tevenknowhowCat
hyi
sfi
newi
tht
hisbutwhy
am Isur
pri
sed?”
Het
ookhi
sphoneandcal
l
edLel
e.“
Papa…”
“
Lel
ent
let
her
eissomet
hingy
ouneedt
oknow.
”
“
What
?Isev
ery
thi
ngok?
”
“
No.IknowCat
hy.
.”
“
Iknow.
”
“Iknewherwhenshewasst ayi
ngwi thherpar ent s.
Shehadachi ld,Idi dn’
tmindt hat,Iwasgoi ngt o
mar ryher.Whilesav i
ngforthemagadi ,shefell
pregnant.Herf ami lywasr eall
yangr ybutIknewI
wasgoi ngtomar r
yhert henonedayshej ustfled
aftergivi
ngbirth.Shewentandmar riedherson’ s
father.Herson’snamewasTapol ogo, Chess’st wi n
brotherandy ouar eherdaught er
.Iam sor ryIdi dn’t
tel
l youallt
hisbutChessi sy ourbr other.Yourl ov e
forhimi snatural becausehei sy ourbr otherbut
hav i
ngasexual relati
onshipwi t
hhi mi snotr ight .It
’s
abomi nati
onmydaught er…”
.
[
07/
02,
10:
54]Nt
siki
:Roar
ingFl
ames
#47

Lel
eheldherphoneinhereargoi
ngtothebedr
oom.
Shesetherwateronherbedsi
dethengoti
nbedand
cl
earedhert
hroat.
“
Papa,
youwer
esay
ing?
”
“
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ng?
”
“Iwasget
ti
ngi
nbed.Yousai
dyouknowmmagwe
Chess.
”
“
Yes.Ido.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Iknowherf
rom l
ongback,
whenIst
il
lwor
kedi
n
Maun.
”
“
Ok,
yout
oldmet
hough.
”
“Iwasneighborswithherfamil
y,byt
henshewas
sti
ll
stay
ingwi t
hherf ami
ly.Shewasinherearl
y20’s
andshehadachi ld.Herfi
rstbor
n.Chess’
sbrother
.”
“
YesIknow.At
ang.
”
“Yes.Shehadhim andever
yonethoughti
twasher
brother.Herf
amil
ymadeev er
yonebeli
eveitwasher
brotherti
llamuchlat
erst
age.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Ifel
li
nlov
ewi
thher
.”
Lel
e’
sheartski
pped,
shehadsuspect
edi
tbuthi
m
say
ingi
t…
“
Oh?
”
“Yes.Iwasgoi
ngtomar r
yher.Iwasn’
tthatri
chbutI
wassav i
ngmoneytomar r
yher.Sheknewt hat
,we
weregoingtogetmarr
iedeventhoughherfamil
y
didn'
tli
kemebecauseIwaspoor .
”
“
Whathappenedt
hen?
”
“MonthswentbyasImovedf
rom onej
obt
othe
other
,shef
ellpr
egnant
.”
“
No….
”
“
Iwasalsoscaredbut…Iwasgoingt
ot ake
r
epsonsi
bit
y.Iworkedext
rahar
d.Iguessshel
ost
hopeinme,onemorni
ngIwokeupandshewas
gone.Andshehaddumpedmybabyint
hepit
l
atri
ne.
”
Tear
sfi
l
ledLel
e’
sey
es,
herhear
traci
ng.“
No…”
“Imetyourmothert
hatv
erysameday.Shehel
ped
mewi t
hy ouandshewasyourmot
hersincet
hever
y
sameday .”
Lel
emassagedherti
ghtchestasherhear
tpounded
sohar
dandfastagai
nstherchest
.
“Shehasbeeny ourmot herfr
om thef i
rstday.She
mightnothavegivenbirthtoyoubutshei syour
mother.Cat
hyisy ourbi
ologicalmother .Shegave
bir
thtoyou.Chessisherson, Tapologo’ stwi
n.That
makesChessy ourbrotherthroughy ourmot her
.You
andChesssharet hesamemot her.Youar ehis
youngersi
ster
.YouandChessar esibli
ngs.”

*
**

Thecabst
oppedi
nfr
ontoft
hegat
e,Chessst
epped
outwi
thhi
sbagst
henpr
essedt
hei
nter
com.
“
Who’
sther
e?”
“
OpenOpel
o.”
“
YesSi
r.
”
Thegateopenedthenhewal
kedin.Opel
oopened
thedoorf
orhim andhewal
kedin.
“
Hi.
”
“
Goodev
eni
ngMr
.Mor
emi
.”
Chesswal
kedtohisbedr
oom,hi
sphoner
angt
hen
hetooki
toutandanswer
ed.
“
Yah?
”
“Chess,
thankGod, Iam t
ryi
ngtocal
lmmagwe
Atangbutsheisnotpicki
ng.Ihavear
ri
ved.Iwant
hertocomeandpi ckmeup. ”
“
MamaLel eshoul
dn’tbedri
vi
ngi
nherst
ate,
she
mightgi
vebi
rthany
time.”
“
Ok,
pleasecomeandpi
ckmeup.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hehungupandwalkedi nsi
det
hebedr
oom.He
smil
edashi
seyefellonLelewhowaslooki
ng
bet
weenherl
egsstandingup.
“
What
’swr
ong?
”
Shel
ookedathi
m,t
ear
srol
l
ingdownhgercheeks.
“Mywater
…”
Chessl ookedatherwetni ghtdr
esst
henhi shear
t
skippedabi t
.“Areyouinpain?”Heputhisbagdown
thenrushedt otheclosetwherehegrabbedthe
baby ’
sbagandherbag.
“
Opel
o!”
I
npain,
sheshookherhead.Tr
yingnott
ocr
y.“
Iam
noti
npain…”
“
Weneedt
ogot
othehospi
tal
.Opel
o!”
Opel
owalkedi
n.Chesshandedhert
hebags.“
Put
t
hisi
stheboott
henrever
sethecar.
”
“
Yessi
r.
”
Shehur
ri
edoutasChesspi
ckedLel
e.
“
Icanwal
kChess.Iam noti
npai
n.”
Hei gnoredherandwalkedout sidewithherasOpelo
reversedoutofthegarage.Shest eppedoutand
openedt hebackdoorandpl acedherbehi nd.Lel
e
sighedwat chi
nghim ashepani cked.Moret ear
s
roll
eddownhercheeksasshel ookedathim.She
putherhandsov erfacecryi
ng.Chesswor ri
edly
l
ookedather .
“
Babewhat
’swr
ong?
”
Ashar
ppainst
ri
kedherabdomen,
sheputherhand
ov
erherst
omach.“
It
’spai
nful
.”
Hecl
osedthedoorandj
umpedinthedri
ver
’sseat
t
hentookoffl
eav
ingOpel
obehi
nd.Hisphonerang.
“Mama,fi
ndataxitot
akeyoutot
hehospit
al,
weare
goi
ngtoGPH.Leleisi
nlabor
.Iwi
llpayf
ori
tthis
si
de.Fi
ndataxispeci
al.
”
“
Ok.I
ssheok?
”
“
Shei
sinpai
n.”
“
Ok,
letmef
indat
axi
.”
Chesshungupsteppi
ngont
heaccel
erat
orand
speedi
ngaway.
*
**

Atthehospital
,theNursestookLelewhil
eshe
gruntedinpainandgotinsi
dewi t
hher.Thestudent
doctorwalkedinputt
ingonherwhi t
ecoatwitha
stethoscopearoundherneck.ShelookedatLele
recoognizi
ngher.
“Ar
eyouthel
adywi
tht
hehugebabyi
nthebr
each
posi
ti
on?
”
Lel
enoddedi
npai
n.Thedoct
orl
ookedatt
henur
ses.
“
Iwantt
oscanherandseei
fthebabyhasn’
tmov
ed
y
et.
”
“
Ok.
”
Theyscannedher ,
thedoctorlookedatthebaby.“He
i
sf i
nenow. ”Shedoublechecked.“Butt
hebabyis
toobig.Shewon’tbeabl et
opushherout .Heistoo
big.Wasn’tshescheduledforc-
secti
on?”
Thenursel
ookedather
.“Shecanpushthebabyout
,
ther
eisnoneedforanoperat
ionDr
.Seel
e.”
“Shemightr
unoutofenergytr
yingt
opushoutthe
babyandcansuff
ocatehim.Wedon’twantacase
ofbei
ngaccusedofnegl
igence.Thi
sbabyist
oobig,
what’
syourname?”
“
Seneo.
”
“
Seneo,
thebabyi
stoobi
g.”
Theseniorel
derl
ymidwifewalkedi
nputti
ngonher
gl
oves.Thestudentdoct
orlookedather
.
“Wear etaki
ngherf oraC-
secti
on,Thebabyist
oo
big.Iam withDr.Ramsonthiscase.That
’swhatwe
hadbeendi scussed.”
Themidwi
feopenedLel
e’
slegsandsl
i
dherf
inger
i
nside.
“
Thebabyi
sher
e.Takehert
odel
i
ver
yroom.
”
Seneosmi
ledastheypushedLel
eout
.Themi
dwi
fe
l
ookedatt
hestudentdoctor
.
“Idon’tcar
ewhom y ouwer ewi
thonthi
scase,it
mighthav ebeenthepresi
dentandIwouldn’
thave
cared.Thereisnosuchthingasthebabyist
oobi g,
i
fhei stoobigwewi ll
cutherandgiv
eherstit
ches
butthat’
sourlastresor t
.Thevaginamuscl escan
str
etchforthatbaby .Shedoesn’tneedanoper ati
on
becausethebabyi st oobig,i
fyoudon’tknowwhat
youaredoing,gobackt oUBandbet aughtagai n.
Theproblem isthaty oucomeher eandt r
yt oinfuse
thebookintous, mychi ldher
ewewor kwith
experi
ence,wewor kwi t
hwisdom.Ihav ebeeni nthis
gamef ormostofmyl i
feandIknowmyj obi nand
out.Watchandl earnonhowi t
’sdone.Idon’tweara
whitecoatandcar ryast et
hoscopealloverbutI
knowwaymor et hany ouknow.Experience!”
Shewalkedoutl
eav
ingt
hest
udentdoct
orst
andi
ng
ther
e.

*
**

MmagweChessst eppedoutofthetaxithenpai
das
thedri
vert
ookoutherbags.Herphonerangasthe
dri
verputt
hebagsbeforethem,shefrownedatthe
call
erI
D.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Itol
dhert
het
rut
h."
"
Huh?
"
"
Itol
dhert
het
rut
h.Sheknows.
"
"
Thabo,
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
"
Itol
dLel
ent
let
het
rut
h."
Herhear
tst
art
edpoundi
ng."
Thet
rut
haboutwhat
?"
"
Aboutherbei
ngy
ourdaught
er.
"
"
No.
..
"
"Ican'
twat
chmydaught
erdat
eherbr
other
.Ican'
t
doitanymore.
"
"
No.
..
"
"
Shehadt
oheari
t.
"
"
Thabowhathav
eyoudone?
"
"
Lelent
ledeservest
oknowt het
rut
h.Chesst
oo.I
wonderwhyy ouarenotev
enbothered.
"
"
Thi
sisgoi
ngt
odest
roymyf
ami
l
y!"
"
Youar
eav er
yev
ilwoman,
howcany outhi
nkof
y
ourf
amil
ywhenyourki
dsaresl
eepi
ngtogether
?
Youareself
ishCat
heri
ne!Youaret hemostsel
fi
sh
per
sonIknow.Yout hr
ewy ourdaughteri
nthepi
t
l
atr
ineto-
"
"Ididn'twanthert hat'
swhy !St opf orcingheronme
Thabo.Your aisedLel ent l
e,y ouf oundagood
womant or aiseher ,Iam notwor thybei ngLel entl
e'
s
mot her.Whyar ecausi ngahav ocnow?Si bli
ngs
mar ryeachot heroutt here,theyl ov eeachot her,
theyhav eachi ld, t
herei snot hingwecandonow.
Youar et hedev ilhimsel f
.Youdon' twantt osee
peace.Whycan' tyouj ustlett hem be?Chessand
Lelentlel oveeachot her '
sandt hat 'sal lthatmat t
ers.
Todayy oursel fishact sputLel ei ntol abor .If
anythinghappenst ohery ouhav ey oursel ftoblame.
Iam si ckandt iredofy oudest roy i
ngev ery t
hingy ou
touch.I fther eisany thingIr egr etinmyent ir
el i
feit
hast obey ou.NowonderIdi dn' tmar ryy ou!Whyar e
youhel l bentondest roy i
ngmyf ami ly?"Shet urned
angr i
lytal l
kingont hephone." IwonderwhyIev en
sleptwi thy out hatnight ,i
tmessedupwi thyour
head.Youcan' thandl ehappi nessandnowy ouwant
todest royev ery thi
ng.ChessandLel ear eno
di
f f
erentf
rom othersi
bli
ngswhogetmarr
ied
becausetheyloveeachotherand-
"Sher
aisedher
headandl ockedeyeswithChesswhowasjust
stari
ngather.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#48

MmagweChessf rozest
ari
ngatChesswhowasjust
star
ingather.Shecoul
donlywonderhowmuchhe
hadheard.Shequickl
ydroppedt
hecallt
hensmi
l
ed.
“
Goodthi
ngy
ouar
eher
e,hel
pmewi
thmybags,
how
i
sLel
e?”
Chesssi
l
entlylookedatherf
oracoupl
eofseconds.
“Di
dyoujustsayLeleismysist
er?
”
“
What
?”
“
Ihear
dyou,
youar
enotgoi
ngt
omakemef
eel
st
upi
d.Ihear
dyou.
”
“
Chess-
“
“
YousaidLeleandIar
esibl
i
ngs,whatdoyoumean?
Whatwereyoutaki
ngabout
,Ihear
dyou.”
Shelookedathi
m ashest
aredatherl
osi
nghi
s
temper.“
I…Chess.
.”
Hetookadeepbreat
h.“Mama…mamaIhear dyou.
Yousai
dLeleandIarenodiff
erentf
rom ot
her
si
bli
ngswhogetmarri
ed.Iheardyou!
”
Tear
sfi
ll
edherey
es.“
Chess…Youdi
dn’
tunder
stand
me,Idi
dn’
t-
“
“
STOPLYI
NGTOME!
”
Shetookastepbackashey ell
edangr i
l
y.Tears
rol
li
ngdownhercheekswhi l
eherheartpounded.
Herphonestar
tedri
nging,Chesssnatcheditf
rom
herandansweredThabo’scall
putt
ingitonloud
speaker
.
“Catheri
neIam notgoingt owat
chmydaughter
pursuear el
ati
onshi
pwi thherbr
other
,adeadend
rel
ationshi
p.Soonerorlatert
hetr
uthwil
lcomeout
andIam notgoi ngt owai tforthat .Ihaveal ready
tol
dLel e,call mesel fi
shornotbutIwi l
lnotwat ch
abomi nationt akepl ace.Iam notgoi ngt oletmy
daught erdat eherbr other.Idon’ tjustregretsl eeping
withy ou, Iregr etmeet i
ngy ou.Youar ethemost
selfishsel fcent er edhumanbei ngIhav eev ermet .
Youdon’ tcar eaboutany oneel seexpecty our selfyet
youcal lyoursel fawomanofGod, Iguesst he
holinesshadl efty ouwheny ousl eptwi t
hme
mont hsbackwi tht hatr i
ngony ourf i
nger .Ilov ed
you, Ilovedy ousomuchIwasgoi ngtodoany thi
ng
fory oubuty ouchosemoneyi nst ead, y
oudumped
ourdaught erintoapi tlatr
ine…”Hesni f
fed.“ You
threwheri nsi det odi eallalone.Yout hrewy our
daught erandwentonwi thy ourlifeli
kenot hing
happened, whathadshedonet oy ousomucht hat
youwant edt oki llher?Shecoul dhav edi ed, Lel e
coul dhav edi edt hatday .Youdon’ tdeser vet obe
happy ,youdeser vetor otinhell.Youdeser v ei tall
.”
Chess’
shear
tpoundedsomuchasr
ragweLel
e
spoke.
“
Ijustt
houghtIwoul
dtel
lyout
hatIhadt
oldLel
ebut
Iguessyoureal
l
ydon’ tcare,
Icanalr
eadyseeyou
planondenyi
ngit,Iwon’tbothery
oueveragai
nbut
youandIknowt hetruth.
”
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
,Chessl
ookedathi
smot
her
.
“
Whati
shet
alki
ngaboutmama?
”
MmagweChessl ookedathi mvisi
blyshaki
ng.She
putherhandsoverherfacecryi
ng.“
Iam sorry
.It
happenedagesago,Ithoughtshedied.
”
Chesst
ookast
epback,
hisheadspi
nni
ng.
“Iwasscar ed.Iwasyoung,Inevermeattot hr
owher
i
nsde,Inev ermeanttohurther.GodInevermeant
tohurther.Iwasstupidand…Chess…son, Ican
expl
ain.Pl
easegi vemeachancet oexpl
ain,Ididn’
t
meani t
.”
Unabletogetasingewordout,Chessjuststar
edat
herfeel
ingweak.Heleanedagai
nstthewallas
Catheri
necried.
“Idi
dn’tmeanto.Iwas…GodIwasy oung,Imade
stupi
ddecisi
onsbackt henandwhenIfoundout
thatLeleI
smydaught erIdi
dn’
tknowwhattodo.I
knowy ouloveherChess.Noonehast oknow.You
haveachiththiswoman,it
’st
oolatenow.Lel eloves
you,sheisgivi
ngbir
thtoyoursoninsidethere.I
knowi t
’swrongmybabybuti t
’st
ool atealr
eady.It’
s
toolat
e.”
Chesstur
nedtr
yingtol
ett
hewordssinki
n.Hecoul
d
feel
hishear
tbr
eaking,
nowhecouldunder
stand
whyshehadbrokendowncry
ing.
“Noonehast oknow.Fami li
esdot hi
s.It
’swr ongbut
what’sdoneisdone.Leleistheonef oryouChess.
SheismmagweAt ang.It’
suselessnow, youmi ght
aswel l
conti
nue.Peopleouttherearesleepingwi t
h
thei
rbrother
sandsomeev entheirdaughter
s.You
won’tdie.
”
Hedr oppedherphoneandwalkedaway.She
tear
full
ypickedhercr
ackedphoneandheldi
tinher
hand.

Lel
epushedonelastti
me,put
tingherenti
reener
gy
i
ntothepushwhi
lehervei
nsstuckout.Thebaby’
s
headsl
idoutf
oll
owedbyhisbody.Heopenedhi s
mout handstar
tedcryi
ng.Hi
scryl
owanddeep.Lel
e
st
artedcryi
ngtearf
ull
yasherbabycr
ied.The
midwifesmil
ed.
“
Whatabi
gbaby
!”
Shecl
eanedherupandhandedt
hebabyt
oher
.
Lel
eheldthebabyweakl
y,hert
ear
sfal
l
ingonhi
m as
hecri
ed.“
Atang…”
Lel
elookedatt
hecei
l
ingcr
ying.
“Godpleasedon’tdothi
stome…Please….Myson
deser
v esaproperfamil
ywit
hafat
herandmother
.I
can’
tlosehim Godplease…”

*
**

InPal
apye,mmagweLelefini
shedpacki
ngherbag
asherhusbandst
aredather.
“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
hisl
ate?
”
“Iam goingtomydaught
er.Sheisgi
vingbir
thwhil
eI
am here.Ineedt
obetherewithher
.It
’sherfi
rst
baby
,sheneedsme.
”
“
It
’sl
ate,
youwi
l
lgot
omor
row.
”
“Iam goi
ngt oni
ght!Youdidthis,
Lelei
spregnant,
howcouldy outellhersucht
hingsinhercondit
ion?
Sheisheavil
ypr egnantandyoutell
hersuchthings!
Areyoutryi
ngt okil
lherbaby
? ”Shesmiledsadl
y .
“Youarebutwhymakei tsoobv i
ous?”
“Iam nott
ryi
ngtokil
lmydaught er
’schi
l
d.Iwoul
d
neverdothattoherbutLeledeser
vedtoknow.
Therearenobusessol at
eatnight.
”
“
Mer
apel
o’ssoni
sgoi
ngt
oGabor
one,
hei
s-“
Acarhoot
edout
side.Shegotupwi
thherbags.
“
Iwi
l
ltakey
ou.
”
“Idon’
twantyouany
wherenearcl
oset
ome.Ihave
neverseensuchani
nconsi
der
atemanli
key
ou.”
Shepull
edherbagsoutashefol
lowedbehindher.
Merapel
o’ssonst
eppedoutofhi
sbl ackJeepand
tookmmagweLel e’
sbagsandputthem inthecar
.
“
Dumel
ang…”
RragweLelenoddedthenhewatchedhiswifegeti
n
thecarwiththefi
neyoungman.Hewasoncecl ose
withLeleandhehadatsomepointthoughther
daughterwouldendupwithhi
m.
Thecardr
oveof
fthenhegotbacki
nsi
det
hehouse.

*
**

I
ntheJeep,
Bamepi
ckedacal
l
.
“
Yah?Yes,
Iam onmyway
.Ok.Thanks.
”
Hehungup.MmagweLel
esmi
l
ed.
“
YouknowIhav
en’
tseeny
oui
nyear
snow.
”
Hel
aughedsof
tl
y.“Ei
sh,
it’
sbeent
ime.Iwas
wor
kingi
nAust
ral
ia.”
“
Ioncehear
dyourmot
hersayt
hat
.”
“Yes,Ihavedeci
dedtocomebacknow.Wor kformy
country.Asmuchaswor ki
ngf
orthosehospit
als
abroadi sni
ceandfun,
yougettoapointwhereyou
j
ustmi sshome.”
“
Youar
eadoct
orr
ight
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
That’
sgood.Andt
othi
nky
ouusedt
osmoke
weed.
.”
Bamelaughed.“
Backwerethoseday
s.Asy
ougr
ow,
youl
etgoofbadhabbit
s.”
“Youarer
ight
.Iam goi
ngtoGaborone,
yourf
ri
end
hasgiv
enbirt
htoherfi
rstbor
n.”
“Ohthat
’swhatwomder
ful
.”Hesmi
l
ed.“
Ireal
l
ymi
ss
her
.”
MmagweLel etookoutherphoneandshowedhi
ma
coupleofpict
uresofherdaughter
.Bamesmil
ed,she
wasst i
ll
prett
yandthick,
thebraceswer
egone
though.Hesmi l
ed.
“
Shei
sst
il
lpr
ett
y.”
“
Shei
s,Iam sur
eshewoudbehappyt
oseeher
.”
“
Isshemar
ri
ed?
”
“No.”MmagweLelestar
tedoffl
oadingever
ythi
ngon
him whi
l
ehedrove.Shesnif
fedcry
ingthenBame
si
ghed.
“Alotofsuchcasesar ehappeni ng,
justt hatsomeof
thepeoplearest i
ll
inthedar kandsomej ustchoose
toignorebutitwillsti
l
l hauntthem forthef actthat
theyaresleepingwi t
ht hei
rsibli
ngs,Itwon’ tbethe
same.It’
slikehowIcan’ ti
magi nemusel fsl eepi
ng
woithmysi ster,
itwillcomet othatlevel.It
’sjust
takesti
me. ”
“
Ihopewecandeal
wit
hthi
sandmov
eon.
”
Henoddeddri
vi
ng.MmagweLel
esi
ghedl
ooki
ngout
t
hroughthewi
ndow.

MmagweChesswal kedinsideLel
e’sr
oom and
smiledst
ari
ngathersleeping.Shewalkedoverand
touchedherhandtearf
ull
y.Thenursewalkedinand
checkedLele’
sdri
p.
“
UhcanIasky
ousomet
hingchi
l
d…”
Thenur
sesmi
l
ed.“
Yes.
”
“
Out
side.
”
Theywal
kedout
.Shesi
ghed.“
Ihav
enotbeen
feel
i
ngtoowel
l l
atel
y.Iam wor
ri
edi
tmi
ghtbe
somethi
ngser
iousli
keCancer.
”
“
Oh,
whathav
eyoubeenf
eel
i
ng?
”
“Atfi
rstIusedtogetreall
ydizzybecauseoft he
headachesIwashav ing.Theywer everyserious.
ThenIwoul dbeti
redmostoft heti
me.Now
somet i
mesmyhear tjuststartsbeati
ngwayt oofast
,
thedizzi
nessissti
l
lthere.Mybr eastsarepainful
andswol l
en.SometimesIjusthav efeverandIhav e
unexplai
nedweightgain.Iam scareditmi ghtbe
seri
ousill
ness.Mymot herhadbr eastcancer.Her
mother’smotheral
sohadbr eastcancer.Iam
scaredImighthaveit.”
Thenursenodded.“
Ok,
uhhhav
eyour
eachedy
our
menopause?”
Shesmil
ed.“
Ithinkso.Ihadirr
egul
arper
iodsbut
nowitj
ustst
opped.Thewomeni nmyfamilyr
each
menopausel
ate.Iam 51rightnow.
”
“Ok.UhhIam goi
ngtorunafewt estonyouand
somescansandseewhat ’
swrong.Youcancome
with.Whatel
sehaveyoubeenfeeli
ng?”
“
Mychi
l
d,al
ot,
Ihav
elegcr
amps.
”
“
Ok.CanIf
eel
?”
Shenodded.Thenur
sepressedherst
omachand
l
ookedather.Shesmil
ed.
“
Ok,comewithme.Howof
tendoy
ouhav
esexual
i
nter
cour
se?
”
MmagweChessl
aughed.“
Hereandther
e.You
knowasy
ougrowolder
…itbecomesdif
fer
ent
.”
Thenursenodded.“
Ok,
andhowhav
eyoubeen
eat
ing?
”
“
Justok.
”
“
Ok.
”
Theywal
kedinanof
fi
cet
hent
henur
sehandedhera
small
cont
ainer
.
“
Goandpeei nthisthi
ng,
Thebathr
oom i
sinsi
de
t
here.Letmejustrul
eoutpr
egnancybef
oregoi
ng
f
ar.
”
MmagweChessl
aughed.“
Waai
ithi
sisawast
eof
t
ime.
”
Theni
rsesmi
l
ed.“
Justf
oll
owi
ngpr
ocedur
e.”
“
Okchi
l
d.”
Shetookthesmal
lcontai
nert
henmmagweChess
walkedi
nsidet
hebathr
oom.

*
**

Thatsameev ening,i
ntheli
quorstore,al
r eadyt
ipsy
,
Chesshandedt hecashierabottl
eofHennessyand
searchedforhiswal l
etinhispocketbutitwasn’t
there.Hestagger edbackabitsli
dinghishands
throughal
lhispocket s,hi
sphonewasal sogone.
“
Iwi
l
lpay
.”
Aladywal kedfrom behindhim.Inherpur pl
ebody
huggingdressthathuggedherhi psandr oundbut t
,
Kaonehandedt hecashierhercardtogetherwithher
bottl
eofwi ne.Herhairwast i
edbacki nt
oasl ickbun
wit
hherbabyhai r
sstyledperfect
ly,
shelooked
di
fferent
.Sheswi pedhercar dthegotherwi ne.
“
Don’
tki
l
lyour
sel
f.By
e…”
Shet
urnedandwalkedoutconf
ident
lyi
nherheel
s
owni
ngthegroundshewalkedon.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#49

Chesswalkedoutgoi
ngtothepar
kingl ottr
yingto
fi
gureoutwherehecoul
dhavepossiblylosthis
wall
etandphone.Hepausedst
andingwher ehiscar
wasandt her
ewasnothi
ng.Asecurityguardpassed
hi
mt henhefrowned.
“
Mor
ena…”
Thesecur
it
yguar
dtur
nedt
ohi
m.“
Yes?
”
“
Ipar
kedmycarher
ebuti
t’
sgone.
”
Thesecur
it
yguar
dlookedatt
hepar
kingl
otspace
wher
ehewaspointi
ng.“Wher
ear
ethecarkeys?”
“
Mywall
etandphonear
emi
ssi
ng.Mykey
swer
e
i
nsi
det
hewallet
.”
“
Whatcari
sit
?”
“
ARangeRov
er.
”
“Ei
sh,
itmeanstheytookit
.Theyareprobabl
y
ski
ppi
ngthecountr
ywi t
hit,Ij
ustcameondutyr
ight
now.Gapet herearenocamer ashere,t
heysai dthey
woudi nstallcamerasbutther ei
snot hi
ng.Butf or
bigcars,aret her
enot r
ackingsy st
emsofsomet hi
ng
l
ikethat?Thequi ckeryoucont actyourtracki
ng
companyt hebetterbef
oret heydothingst oyour
car.
”
“
Bazaki
l
elef
ounu.(
Theyal
sost
olet
hephone.
)
“Akeremmel eyoneenaletracki
ngsystem?
(Doesn'ti
thaveatr
acki
ngsy stem?)Gapeol ebegao
dir
isaiPhone(youl
ooklikeyouuseani phone)soI
guessy oucangeti
tback.”
“
Yah,
Ishoul
dcal
lmybankt
oo.
”
Thesecurt
rynodded.“
Iwoul
dhelpy ouwithmy
phonebutIal
readyhaveadebtwithMascom.ButI
havethi
s..
”HetookoutP10from hispocket.“You
cantakeacombi homeandseeIf r
om there.”
Chesssmiledt
aki
ngtheP10.“
Thanks,
youar
ea
secur
tyguardhel
a?”
“Yah…thoughIhaveadegr
eei
nFi
nance.Hopey
ou
getbackyourt
hings!
”
“
Sur
e.”
Hesighedunsureofwhatt odonow, heclosedhis
eyesknowingbynowLel ehadgi v
enbirth,
He
swall
owed, hehadtobet her
ef orher.Asmal lr
ed
Vit
swhichwasbesi deswher ehiscarhadbeen
beepedunlocki
ng.Het ur
nedl ockingeyeswith
Kaonewhowaspushi ngat r
olleyful
lwithgrocer
y
whil
etalki
ngont hephone.
“Ok,Iheary ou.Iwantthepavementjustbyt hegat
e
onlybutf ornowy oucanleaveitandfocusonmy
screenwal l
.Ifeel
it’
sshortandIwantatl eastt
wo
mor elayers,Iwanttoputanelectr
icfence….Yes,
exactl
y …oht hankyou.Bye.”
Shehungupandsmi
l
ed.
“
Hi…”
“
Hey
,kegot
huse?(
CanIhel
p?)
”
“
No,
Iam goodt
hanks.
”
Chesswalkedoverthent
ookthet
roll
eyandpacked
herthi
ngsinthebootwhi
leshewatchedwi
tha
smil
e.
“
Thanks.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Mycarhasbeenst
olen.
”
“
What
?”
“
Yah,
toget
herwi
thmywal
l
etandphone.
”
“
Jesus!Iam sor
ry.
”
“Yah,
Ineedt
omakesomephonecal
l
stomakesur
e
peopl
eareontopoft
hemat
ter
.”
“
Oh,
wantt
ousemyphone?
”
“Thatwouldbehel
pful
,Ial
sowantal
i
ftt
othe
hospit
al.
”
“
Ok,
jumpi
n.Iguessi
t’
sti
meIr
etur
nthef
avor
.”
Chesschuckl
ed.“
Youl
ookbet
tert
hanhowIsawy
ou
l
astti
me.”
Kaonesmi
l
ed.“
Ical
li
tbei
ngempl
oyed.
”
Theygoti
nthecar
,Kaoner
ever
sedanddr
oveof
f.
“
Iam al
mostdonewi
thmyhouse.
”
“
Howmuchar
eyouget
ti
ngpai
d?”
Shel
aughed.“
Chessweewhatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nmy
pocket
?Butno.Finall
ymyauntmov edoutofmy
mother’
shouse.Myl at
emothersoIsol
dthehouse
anddecidedt
of i
nishmine.
”
“
Thengoty
our
sel
facar
?”
“Yes.Il i
kei t,i
t’
scut e.Iam goi ngt omov eoutofmy
houseandst artl ikeadaycar et hi
ng.I t’
sreal l
ybig,I
addedt hreemor er oomsandanot hersi t
tingr oom
andext endedt heki t
chen, y onei t’
sbi gandbeaut if
ul,
start
ingadaycar eorsomet hingoft hatsortisa
j
ackpot .Iam goi ngt olookf orat i
nybachel orpad
anddot hatthenf rom t her
eIwantt obuyaschool
bus.Ir ealizedt hatt hosepeopemakemoney .Iam
goingt obuyatl eastt wocombi es, Ididthe
calculationsandt hoset hi
ngshav el oadsofmoney .
Imagi nei fIhav e30ki dsandeachchi l
disP350,
that’
sP10, 500byt heendoft hemont h.RightnowI
uset hissmal lcarandIhav efourst udents.Idr op
them of fbef oreIgott owor kt henpi ckt hem up
around1630whenIknockof f
.Iam ar eadymaki ng
P1400permont h.Ihav e…-”Shest oppedt alki
ngand
smi l
edembar rassed.“ Iam t akingt oomuch?Iam
sorry.Kanagat weIam f orwar dandt alkativ
e."
Chesssmi l
ed.“
No,that'
snotbeingforwar
dby utyou
shouldbecaref
ulofwhoy oudiscussyourbusiness
planswit
h.Butgoon, Il
oveyourideas.
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Whati
fyoust
eal
mybusi
nessi
dea?
”
Hel
aughed.“
No,
don’
twor
ryaboutme.
”
“Ok,Il
ovetal
ki
ngaboutmaki
ngmoney
.Iam st
il
l.
..
oh,wherearewegoi
ng?”
“
GPH.
”
“Ok,IwassayingIam stil
lpushi
ngmyeggsand
chickenbusi
ness,it
’sindemandthesedays.I
alwayssurvi
vedont hatbefor
eIgotajob.Iam
putti
ngmymi oneyont hedaycareandschoolbus,i
f
Icanmakemor ethanP20Kpermont h,Iam l
eavi
ng
myj ob.
”
“
Wow!
”
“
Iam notgoi
ngt
okeeponworki
ngwhenIcanmake
t
imes2themoneyImakeatwor
ksl
aving.
”
“
Iloveyourt
hinkingbutdon’
tbequi
cktol
eaveyour
j
ob,giv
eitatleastthr
eemonths,
seehowit
’sgoi
ng
t
hentakeitfr
om t her
e.”
“Yes,
that
’st
heplan.Iam soexci
tedaboutt
his.I
hopeital
lworksout
.”
“
Itwi
l
l,y
ouj
usthav
etomakei
twor
k.”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Yah…”
Shepar
kedatGPHmi nut
esl
ater
.“Ther
e,y
ouwant
tomakethosecal
l
s?”
“
Iwi
l
ldot
hataf
terIseemyson.
”
Kaonesmi
l
ed.“
Youhav
eason?
”
“
Ithi
nkso.WhenIl
eftshewasi
nlabor
.”
“
Theny
ouar
edr
inki
ngt
ocel
ebr
ate?
”
Hesmil
ed.“ Iwish.Pur
suet
hosei
deas,
youareinthe
r
ight
ful
track.Whoknows, y
oucoul
dbet henext
f
emaleBillGates.”
Shelaughed.“Ihopeso.Congr atul
ati
ons.AndIam
sorr
yforthrowingmy sefatyout hatt
ime,Iam st
il
embarrassedebilesometimeswhenIam al oneI
remembery oucalledmeSat an’schil
d.”
Chesslaughed.“
Don’tbeembarr
assed,
itt
akesal
ot
tohavetheconfi
denceyouhave.
”
“Iguess.Wel
l,
congratul
ationsony
ourson.Ihopehe
growsupt obeli
kehisfather.
”
“
Thanks.
”
“Wantmetowaitfory
ou?Youdon’
thaveacarand
youmightwantt
ogethome.Icanwai
tbuti
fnot,i
t’
s
ok.
”
Hest
eppedoutofhercar
.
“
Youcanwai
t.Youmademewai
tthatt
ime.
”
Shel
aughed.“
Cool
.”
Hewalkedinsi
dethehospi
tal
whi
l
eshet
urnedup
t
heradiotaki
ngherphone.

*
**

Insi
dethehospital
,Chesswal kedtowhereLelewas
thengotin.Helookedatherashi sstoodbeforeher
snif
fi
ng.Leletur
nedt ohim,heslowlywalkedov er
andlookedatherholdinghissonwhowassuckl i
ng
herbreast,
eyesclosed.Tearsfil
l
edherey esthen
shelookeddownont hebaby,
tearsdr oppi
ngonhis
cheek.Shebitherlowerl
iptoholditin,Cathyl
ooked
atbothofthem thenwalkedoutcrying.
Chessswal
l
owedst
ari
ngathi
m.“
Hei
sbeaut
if
uland
small
.”
Lel
echuckl
edtear
ful
l
y.“
Hei
sbi
g,Hewei
ghed4.
1kg.
Youwanttohol
dhim?”
Hesmi l
ednodding,Leletookoutherbreastfr
om his
mout handhandedhi mthesleepi
ngbaby .Heput
him onhi schesti
nhali
nghi sbabyscentmixedwith
milk.Lele’
stearsrol
leddownhercheeksasChess
hedhi ssoninhisarms.Shewi pedthem awaywith
thebackofherhand.
“
Imadeachi
l
d…”
“
Wher
ewer
eyou?
”
“
Iwentoutf
orsomef
reshai
r.
”
“
Youhav
ebeendr
inki
ng?
”
Hel
ookedather
.“Nott
hatmuch.
”
Lel
enodded.“
Ilov
eyou.
”
HelookedatLeleashespokewi thashakyv oi
ce.“I
l
oveyousomuchChess.Il oveyouwitheveryt
hingI
haveinme,Ihaveneverlovedli
kethi
s.Iam scared
butIwantt
opr etendl
ikeIdidn’
thearanyt
hing.I
wanttogoonlikeitneverhappened.
”
Heputthebabyi
nthecoatbesi
deherbedthent
ook
herhandsi
ntohi
s,hel
eanedoverandki
ssedher
.
“
Wewi
l
lfi
gur
eitout
.”
“
Promi
semeyouar
enotgoi
ngt
oleav
eme…Ineed
y
ouChess.
”
“
Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
e.Ipr
omi
se.
”
Shepull
edhim closerhugginghi m getti
ngthesense
ofcomfortshehadbeeny earningfor.Chessgoton
thesmallbedbesideherandhel dherinhisarms.
Lelecl
osedherey esreaxi
ng, daddywasher e.She
wonderedifheknewj usthowhi spresenceal
way s
madeadi ff
erence.Hekissedherf oreheadrubbing
herbackwhiletheirbabysleptbesidesthem.

*
**
Cat
hywentov
ert
othenur
sewhohadhel
pedher
ear
li
eron.
“
Iwantanabor
ti
on.
”
Thenursesmi
led.“
Youare6mont hspr
egnant
.An
abor
ti
onnowisimpossibl
e.I
t’
salr
eadyababy.We
di
dthescan,y
ousawit.Sheisal
readyabi
ggirl
.”
“
Idon’
twantt
hisbaby
!”
“
Unf
ort
unat
elyt
her
eisnot
hngIcandot
ohel
pyou.
”
“
Iwantt
oabor
t.
”
“Wedon’taborther
eandevenattheabor
tioncl
ini
s,
theywon’tagr
ee.Thebabyi
sbig.Youshouldhave
donemont hsbackbutnowthebabyisj
ustbig.
”
Cat
hyswal
l
owedst
ari
ngather
.Thenur
sesmi
l
ed.
“Thisisy oumakinghist
ory,
notalotofwomanhav e
kidsatt heageof46andabov e,
itstar
tsgetti
ng
diff
icultthen.Onl
y1out8womangetpr egnantat
thisstage.Youareblessed.
”
“
Mysonhasababy
,Ican’
tgi
vebi
rt
htoo.Wher
ewi
l
lI
hi
demyembar
rassment
?”
Cathy’
sphonerang,shetookitoutpi
cki
ngher
husband’
scal
l.“Youarepregnant?
”
“
Yes!Iwantt
oabor
t.
”
“Youarenotki
l
li
ngmydaughter.Youwil
lstayi
nthe
houseti
lly
ougivebi
rt
h.Notalotofpeoplehav
eto
know.Theywil
lonl
yknowwhenshei sbig.”
“
Chesshasababy
,howcanIbehav
ingbabi
est
oo?
”
“
It
’sl
i
fe.I
sn’
tLel
e’
smot
hersupposedt
obehel
ping?
”
“Kgosi
…r ememeberthatchi
ldIt
oldy
ouabout
?The
oneIthrewinthepi
tlatr
ine?
”
“
Yes,
theonet
hatgi
vesy
ouni
ght
mar
es.
”
“
Shei
sal
i
ve.
”
“
What
?”
“
Shei
sal
i
ve.I
t’
samess.
”
“
Didy
ouseeher
?”
“
Yes.Shei
sinar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thChess.
”
“
What
?”
*
**

Kaonel ookedattheti
meandsi ghedst ar
tinghercar
l
ookingar ound,
herhungercouldn’
twai tanymor e.
Shelookedatherphoner ecal
li
ngt hatshehada
boyf
r i
end.Hehadn’tcall
edhersincethepr evious
day,shet r
iedhi
snumbert heni
tstartedringing.
“
Babe.
.”
“
Hi…”
“Iam sor
ry.Ihav
ebeenbusy,Iarr
ivedhomeat
elast
nightandl
efthomeearl
ytoday.Ij
ustgothome.
”
“
Ok,
canIcomeov
er?
”
“
Iam t
ir
ed.Ij
ustwantt
osl
eep.
”
“I
t’
sok,Iwil
lj
ustcome.LennaIam t i
red.Ij
ustwant
tosl
eep.Iwil
lgohomeinthemor ning.Maybey ou
canorderpi
zza.Ihaddr
oppedaf r
iendatGPHbut
noit
’sbeenminutes,ot
sayanako.Iam comi ng.
”
“
Myhousei
sdi
rt
ybabe,
Ihav
en’
tcl
eanedi
nday
s
now.Comet
omor
row.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hehungup,Kaonet
hought
ful
lylookedatherphone
t
henrever
sedanddrov
eoffheadedt ohi
shouse.

*
**

Atherboy fr
iend’
shouse,shelookedathiscar
parkedinfr
ontoft hehouseandtheli
ghtswereon
too.Shesteppedoutandwal kedtothedoorthen
openedt hedoorwal ki
ngin.Awomant ur
nedtoher
onlyinhist-
shirt
.
“
Uhu,
whoar
eyou?
”
Kaonel
ookedatherandsi
ghed.“
Wher
eisKabel
o?”
Kabel
owalkedf
rom t
hebedr
oomst
henf
rozest
ari
ng
atKaone.
“
Ist
hisy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?
”
“
Canwet
alkout
side?
”
Kaoneshr
uggedt
hent
heywentout
side.“
What
’s
goi
ngon?”
“Il
oveyoubutnnat hi
sr elat
ionshipyamborahela
becauseyouarejusttoomuch.Youhav etaken
contr
olofthisr
elat
ionship,Idon’tev
enfeelmy
powerasy ourman.Koor eyou-“
“I
t’
sfi
ne,
Iunder
stand.Goodl
uckwi
thher
.Al
lthe
best
!"
“
That
’sal
l
?”
“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?Acl
osi
ngpr
ayer
?”
“Youneverl
ovedme.Youar enotev
enfight
inggor
ourrel
ati
onshi
plikeot
herwomenwould.Kooreyou
arenotevenshouti
ng,i
t’
sli
keyouwerewaiti
ngfor
thi
stohappensoy oucanleav
e.Youarenoteven-
“
“Hol
di tri
ghttherePapi!It hi
nkweshoul djustendit
once.It’
spointl
esst obei nar elat
ionshi
pwherey ou
arefeeingint
imdat edbecauseIam notsubmi ssi
v e
tononsense.Tr ustme,Iwi l
lmeetamanwhowi l
l
deservemebei ngsubmi ssivetoandhewon' teven
beg.Iwi l
ldoitautomaticallybecausehewoul dbe
deservi
ngofi t
.Youar enott hatmansoby e.
”
“
Mxm,
war
engnaar
e?Youar
eev
ent
hat
-“
“Iam all
thathun,t
hat’
swhyyouarewhi
ning.
Peace!”Shewakedbacktohercaranddr
ov eof
f
headedt oherhouse.
.
.
Famil
ylet'snormali
zereadi
ngwi t
hunderst
anding,
someti
mesIknowwer eadquickl
ybutwheny ou
havet
imedogobackandr e-
readtounderst
andso
youdon'tgetlostorendupconfused,
pleaseread
eachwor d.
Al
solet
'scommentandl
i
keouri
nser
ts,
good
morni
ng
Roar
ingFl
ames
#50

MmagweLelewal kedinsi
det hehospital
,Bame
besi
deher
.Theywentt ot
her ecepti
onwher et
hey
spoket
othereceptioni
st,Bamepl eadedwithher
whil
emmagweLel estoodbesidehim.The
r
ecept
ioni
stf
inal
l
ysi
ghed.
“I
t’
swaypastv i
sit
inghourbutyoucangoi nthough
youshoul
dn’tbein.Justafewminutes.Ifthenurse
ordoct
orfi
ndsy ouinthere,
youaregoingtobe
ki
ckedout.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shedirectedt them t hentheywal kedtother oom.
MmagweLel eslowl yopenedandwal kedi n.She
pausedst aringatLel eandChesssl eepinghol ding
eachother .Shesl owl ywalkedinandl ookedatt he
babysleepi ng,hewassobi g.Shesmi l
edwat hingall
ofthem, herdaught erwashol di
ngont oChessi nher
sl
eepasi fshef earedhewoul dleaveher .
ShefixedLel
e’smessyhairthenLel esighedinher
sl
eepmov ingclosert
oChessbur yingher sel
ffur
ther
i
nhisar ms.Shetookoutthefleecef r
om herbag
andputitoverthem t
henclosedherey esand
star
tedprayi
ng,herhandsonherdaught er.
“LordIcomebeforeyoutodayaski
ngfornothi
ngbut
peace.”Tear
srol
leddownhercheeks.“Icome
beforeyouaski
ngforyourint
erv
enti
on.Thefut
ure
seemsbl ur
rybutal lbecausewedon’ tknowwhati t
holds.Wedon’ tknowmuchsowel eavei tuntoy ou.
Lordal oti
satst akebutIknowy ouar eincont rol.
FatherIspeakpeacei nourhear ts,peacei nourl i
ves.
Ispeakhappi nessupont hisnewf ami l
y,Ispeakl ove,
Ispeakmor eofy ourblessingsLord.Fr eethisfami l
y
Lord, fr
eethem f rom t
hisstormt hattheyar etrapped
i
n.Fr eeusf rom t hisstormf ori
t’
sbr eakingand
destroy i
ngev er yt
hingittouches.Showust heway
fat
herf orwear elostwithoutyou.Letwhati smeant
tobe, be.Leti tbeLor d.Iprayforthisuni onLord…
i
nterv eneFather .Inter
veneLor d.
”
Sheslowl
yopenedhereyessni
ff
ingthenlookedat
bot
hChessandLelewhower estar
ingather.She
smil
edwipingawayhert
ears.
“
Hei
sbi
g,i
t’
sli
kehei
sweeksol
d.”
Lel
esmi
l
edwi
pingwayhert
ear
stoo.“
Hei
s.”
“
Chess,seewhat
’sgoi
ngonal
ready
?Li
kemot
her
l
i
kefather.
”
Chesslaughed.“
It
’sonl
ythewei
ghtonl
y.At
angi
s
hi
sfather’
sson.”
“
Wewi
l
lsee.Lel
e,howdi
ditgo?
”
“
Ihav
est
it
ches.
”
“
Ok,wel
lIam her
e.Iwil
lbeher
efort
henextf
ew
mont
hshelpi
ngyou.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”
“Imighthav enotgi v
enbi rthtoy ou.Idi dn’tcarryyou
forninemont hsandIdi dn’tpushy ououtbuty ouar e
mydaught erLel entl
e.From t hef i
rstday ,Imety ou
thedayy ouwer ebor nandy oust artedbei ngmy
daught ert hemomentIhel dy oui nmyar ms.I
breastfedy ou.Iwassoy oungbutIdi d.Imot hered
you,Ist ayedl atenightswi thy ouasy oucr ied.You
mademeamot herandt hatisonet hingIwi llf
orever
begr ateful for.Youar emydaught erBi na.Youar e
mybl essi ngf rom God.Youar ethebestt hingthat
hasev erhappenedt ome.Somet i
mesIam har don
youbecauseIwanty out omaket her i
ght ful
decisions.Idon’ twanty our egretti
ngy ourchoi cesi n
thefutur ebutmybabyi fyoucanst andwi thyour
decisions, therei snothingIwi llbeabl et odot hen.
Chess, Iam goi ngtosl eepatal odget onight ,
you
wi
l
ltakemehomet
omor
row.
”
“
Emma.
”
“
Okmyboy
.Lee,
goodni
ght
.”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”
Shet
urnedandwal
kedout ,
Bamewasst andi
ngfeet
fr
om hert
alki
ngwi
thanIndiandoctor
.Herey
esfell
onCathywhowassleepi
ngt henshewal
kedover
.
“
Cat
her
ine!
”
Cathysl
owl
yopenedherey
esandl
ookedather
.She
st
oodup.
“
Uh.
.-
“
“
Tel
lmet
het
rut
h,Chessi
syourson?
”
“Whyarey
ouaski
ngmequest
ionsy
oual
ready
know?”
“
Iwantt
oheari
tfr
om y
ou.Chessi
syourson?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Thenwhyar
eyounotbot
her
edt
haty
ourki
dsar
e
havi
ngsex?Isitbecausey
oudon’
tconsi
derLel
eas
yourdaught
er?
”
“
List
enher
e-“
“Iam al
readyl
ist
ening.Iwantt
ounder
standwhat
kindofaparentcausessomuchconfusi
on?”
“
Whatconf
usi
on?
”
“Whatconfusi
on?Yourki
dsar
erel
ated!Yourki
ds
aresi
bli
ngs.”
“
Theyal
readyhav
eachi
l
dsoi
t’
susel
essnow.
”
“
What
?”
“Theyhaveachi l
dal ready,whatdoy ouwantmet o
say?Isitmyf aultthatt heyar edating?Iam not
goingtobegui lttrappedbecauset heset wopeopl e
chosetofallinlov e.Iam goi ngtosuppor tthem
comewhatmay , mydaught erisgoi ngt obewi t
ht he
manshel oves, tseot sabosi bli
ngsket salona.And
i
fy ouconti
nuegoi ngar oundsay i
ngsucht hingsyou
aregoingtocausemor eproblemsbecausesoon
nowt hewor l
disgoi ngtoknow.Lett hem be, i
fthey
breakup,theirchoi ceandi fnot ,
thei rchoi
cet oo.”
MmgweLel
elookedatherf
orawhi
l
ejustsi
l
ent
.
“
Wow!”
“
Mm, gobacktoy
ourmanwhocoul
dn’
tkeephi
s
mout
hshut.”
“
Iam her
eformydaughter.Youareadi
sgr
aceto
womanhoodbutIam notgoingt
owastemyti
meon
you.
”
Shet
urnedasBamewal
kedov
er.
“
Youcandr
opmeof
fatal
odge.Iwi
l
lsl
eept
her
e
t
oni
ght.
”
“
Ok.Howi
sshe?
”
“
Shei
sfi
neandhasabeaut
if
ulbaby
.”
Bamesmiledast
heywal
kedt
othecar
.“That
’s
wonder
ful
.”
“
Iti
s.”
Theygoti
nthecar
.“Sowhatnow?
”
“
Idon’tknow.Theyaret
oget
her
.Iam notsur
ewhat
t
heirplani
sandasmuchasIam scared,somethi
ng
j
ustdoesn’taddup.MmagweChessi
st oocal
mf or
t
his.I
t’
slikesheisnotev enbothered.I
t’
seithershe
j
ustdoesn’tcareorChessisn’therdaught
er.Iwish
t
herewasawayt ofindoutifshereall
ygavebi r
thto
t
winsortof i
ndoutifChessi sherson.Iwouldalso
r
elaxi
fhewer emyst epson.Iwanttoexposet hi
s
woman.”
“
WecanrunDNAt est
sonLeleandChess.Thatway
y
oueasi
l
yfindoutift
heyar
erel
atedornot.
”
“
Real
l
y?Cany
oudot
hat
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Wher
edoy
ouwor
k?”
“Iownmypr i
vat
epracticebuttomorrowwecanr un
thetest
sandIwill
treatthem asfi
rstpr
ior
it
y.Ihave
beenwhereChessIguessi s.Papaisnotmyfather
.
Hejustrai
sedme.”
“
Ohno…”
“Yes,Idat
edt hiswomanandherbr ot
herandI
l
ookedal i
ke.Atf i
rstwetreat
editli
keaj okebutwe
didlookali
ket hatshetookmet oherfatherwho
admi t
tedtofathermeandatl easttherelat
ionshi
p
hadn’
tgonef
ar.
”
“
It
’st
hepar
ent
sfaul
t.
”
“I
tis.Iwon’
tbesur
prisedt
hatev
eni
ftheyar
e
si
blingst
heydon’
tbreakup.
”
“
Weshoul
djustdot
heDNAt
hing.
”
“
Yes.Iwi
l
lsendmyt
eam t
odr
awbl
oodt
omor
row.
”
“
Oht
hanky
ousomuchson.
”
“
It
’sok.
”

*
**

Lel
elaidonhersidebr east
feedinghersonwhi l
e
Chesswatched.Thiswasacompl etepackageand
Godknewhewasn’ taboutt ol oseit
.Thiswashis
smallper
fectf
ami l
y.Leleraisedherheadandl ooked
athi
m.Sheshy l
ysmi led.
“
What
?”
Heshookhi
sheadwi
thasmi
l
e.“
Thi
sisper
fect
.”
“
Ihopehedoesn’
tgetf
atl
i
keme.Heshoul
dbel
i
ke
y
ou.”
“It
oldyout
ostopsayi
ngyouar
efat.Youar
enotfat.
Youarethi
ckandsexy
.Il
oveever
ypartofi
t.Il
ove
you.
”
Tearsfell
from thecor
nersofhereyes.“
Iloveyou
too.Il
ovey ousomuchChess.Iam soscar ed.If
eel
l
ikeIam happyonbor rowedti
me.Ifeelit
’sall
goi
ng
tocomet oanendandIam goi ngtobebr oken
beyondrepair.Myhearti
sgoingtobroken,Iwon’
t
survi
ve.”
“
Weshoul
dgetmar
ri
ed.
”
“
What
?”
“Yes.Ricar
do’scousi
nwor ksatt
hecommissi
oner
’s
offi
ce.Hewi l
lgetournamesdown,tomor
rowweget
mar r
ied.Hewillmakeaplan.”
“
Whatabout
-“
“
Wewi
l
ldeal
wit
hit
.Wher
eisy
ourphone?
”
Shetooki
tfr
om under
neat
ht hepi
ll
owandhandedit
tohi
m.Hedialedanumberthencal
ledi
t.Hespoke
br
ief
lyont
hephone.
“
Ricardowi
l
lspeakt
ohi
mtohecansqueezeusi
n
t
helist.
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Thi
siscr
azy
.Ar
eyouser
ious?
”
“
Yes!
”
“
Buty
ourdi
vor
cej
ustgotf
inal
i
zed.
”
“Il
oveyouandonedaywearegoingt
omar
ryeach
other
.Whycan’
twejustgetmar
ri
ed?”
“Idon’
tknowi fyouarereadyforthatstep.Idon’t
wanty outohurr
yintoitandlaterreal
i
zey oudidn’
t
giveyoursel
fti
met obreathe.
”
“Yesthisdivorcejustgotfinal
izedbutbabemy
marriagetoLef a’
shasbeenov er.”Hecaressedher
cheek.“Il
ov eyou.Idon’tneedf iv
ey earstoknowi t
’s
youIwant ,Iknewf rom thefir
stdayImety ou.Iwant
togetmar ri
ed, wecangetmar ri
edandmov etoUK.
Wewi l
lgotothecommi ssioner’
sof fi
ce.Your
motherwon’ trefuse.Wecangetmyuncl eandmy
cousins.Somef r
iendstoo.Wewi l
lgetmar ri
edthen
mov etoUK.Wewi ll
startafr
esht here.
”
Lel
elookedathi
m,t
ear
sinherey
es.
“Iam scar
edtoobabe.Idon’twantt oloseyou,
mat t
eroffact
,Iam notl
osingy ou.Il
ovey ouandI
am notgoingtoloseyoutothis.Ihavehadenough
ti
met othi
nkandIam notlosingy ou.Marryme…
l
et’sgetmarri
ed.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
“Yes.Whatdoyouthinkaboutmovi
ngtoAmeri
caor
UK.Ili
keUKbett
er.Wecanf i
ndatownhouse
apar
tmentandstaythere.
”
“
Isn’
tthemai
nbr
unchofy
ourcompanyi
nAmer
ica?
”
“
Yes,
Tyr
unsi
t.Ishoul
dtakeov
ert
heonei
nUK.
”
“
Ok.Babear
eyouser
ious?
”
“
Yes.Wegetmarr
iedt
omorr
owt hengetapasspor
t
f
orAtang.Wewi
l
lmovether
e.”
“
Ok.
”
Chesski
ssedher
.“Wewi
l
lgetmar
ri
edt
omor
row.
”
“
CanIcal
lSasasot
hatshecancome?
”
“
Yah…Iam goi
ngt
otakeal
eak.
”Hegotof
fbedad
wentt
othebat
hroom.
Lel
edi
aledSasa.
“
MmagweAt
ti
e…”
“
Hey
,ChessandIar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
omor
row.Can
y
oumakeit
?”
Sasagotsi
l
ent
.“It
houghty
ousai
dhewasy
our
brot
her
?”
“
Wedon’
tknow.
”
“Youdo.Youcan’ tmarryy ourbrotherLel
e.I
t’
s
bri
ningbadl ucktoyourselves.Chessi sy
ourblood.
Howi sitthatyouareev enthinkingofmarryi
ngyour
ownbl ood?Whatwi lly
out ellyourkids?Thatyou
deci
dedt omar ryyourbrother?”
“
Wedon’
tknowt
hat
.”
“
Thenknowfi
rstbef
oregett
ingmarr
ied.Youcan’
t
j
ustr
untogetmarri
ed.Youmightberel
atedf
orall
weknow.
”
“Idon’
tcar
eifwear
er el
atedornot
.Youbei
ngt
her
e
ornottomorr
owwon’tchangeanyt
hing.
”
“Iam notgoi
ngtosupportthis.Iam sor
ry,Imay
supportanyt
hingel
senotthis.Thisi
swr ong.”
“
Weren’
tyout
heonewhowaspushi
ngmet
odat
e
t
hismanwhenhewasst
il
lmar
ri
ed?”
“Hewasnoty
ourbr
otherthen.Iam sor
ryLel
ebut
sibl
i
ngsl
ovei
snotmything,Youcankeepmeoutof
i
t.”
“Iwil
lkeepyououtofevery
thi
ng.I
fyoucan’
tst
and
bymewhenIneedy outhenwhat’
sthepoi
ntof
keepingyouatal
lSasa?
”
“
Youwantmet
otur
nabl
i
ndey
etot
his?
”
“Iwantyoutost
andwi t
hme,havemybacki fthi
s
fri
endshi
pcomeswi t
hcondit
ionsthenIdon’
twanti
t
becauseitmeanIcan’
trel
ayony ou.
”
“I
fthat’
st hecaseit
’sfi
ne.Iam notgoi
ngt
otur
na
bl
indey etowhat’swrongalli
nthenameif
fr
iendship.”
Sasahungupt
henLel
e’
sphoner
angagai
n.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Lel
e,r
ememberBame?
”
“
Uhy
es.
”
“Heisadoct or.Itol
dhim.Hei sgoi ngtocomet her
e
tomorrowear l
ymor ni
nganddr awy ourbloodthen
runDNAt ests.Ihav eafeeli
ngy ouar enotrel
atedto
Chesssohewi llsetevery
thingright.Theresul
tswill
putevery
thinginor der.
”
“Ok.ChessandIareget
ti
ngmarr
iedtomorr
ow.You
comingornotdoesn’
tmatter
.Weareget
ti
ng
marri
ed.”
“
Buthemi
ghtbe-
“
“Idon’
tcar
e.From t
herewewi ll
mov e.Iam standi
ng
bywhatIwant.Iam standi
ngbywhom Il ove.Idon’
t
carewhatpeoplewil
lsayaboutitbutIam notgoing
tobreakupwithrr
agweAt ang.I
fitmeansIhav eno
oneinmycornersobei t.
”
“
Lele,
whatif
…God!Iwi
l
lbet
her
ebi
twhydon’
twe
j
ustwait
?”
“
Andi
fwear
emama?Whati
fwear
e?”
“
Idon’
tknow.
”
“
Ilov
ehi
m.Bamecancomeanddr
awbl
oodbutIam
notbreakingupwi
thhi
m.Andwear
eget
ti
ng
marri
edt omorr
ow.
”
“
Doy
ouev
enhav
eadr
ess?
”
“
Iwi
l
lwearanywhi
tedr
ess.
”
“
Letmeseewhatt
odo.
”
Shehungupj ustasChesswalkedoutofthe
bathr
oom.Het ookAtangwhowasagai nsleepi
ng
andplacedhiminhiscoatbedbefor
ejoini
ngheron
thesmallbed.
“
Whatdi
dshesay
?”
Lel
esi
ghed.“
Shewon’
tcome.
”
“
It
’sok.
”
“Yeah.Mamawi l
lbether
e.Uhmama’ sfr
iend’sson
will
becomingtodrawbloodtomor r
owandr unDNA
test
s.Mamasay sshesuspect
sy ouarenotmy
brother
.Yousharet
hesamebi r
thdaywit
hAt ang?”
“
Yes.
”
“Whati
fyourmom isnotyourmom?Yousai
dyou
stay
edwithyourauntf
orseveny
ear
s.Maybeshei
s
noty ourmother,
whywoul dshet akeonlyAtangand
l
eav ey oubehi
nd?May bethat’
swhyy ouandy our
sibli
ngswer enevert
hatcl
ose.May beit
’sbecause
AtangandNeoar eCather
ine’
skidsandy ouareyour
father’
sson.Youhav eadiff
erentmot her.
”
Hel
ookedatLel
erecal
l
ingbackt
oal
lthey
ear
sback.
“Idon’tknow.Idi dfeell
eftout,somet i
mesmama
woul donlydocer t
ainthi
ngsf orAtangandNeoand
excludemet henPapawoul ddoi tforme.Idon’t
know.Nowt hatIthinkofit
,therewer ealotof
i
ncidentswhi chleftmequest i
oningifshereall
y
l
ov edme.I tonlychangedafterAtang’spassing.
”
“Maybeshei snoty ourmom.Whyi sshesor el
axed
aboutt his?Bef orey oucameshewast el
li
ngmet hat
i
tdoesn’ tmat t
er.Nonor malparentwouldsay
somet hingl i
ket hat.Weshoul ddot heDNAt ests.We
canwai twi ththeweddi nganddot heDNAt ests.If
youar enotmybr otherthenwecanj ustcontinue
wit
ht heor iginalplany ouhadf orus.Noneedt or ush
gett
ingmar ried.Andi fwearet henwewi l
lget
marriedandmov e.
”
“
Ok…”
“
Ok?
”
“
Yes.Ok.
”
Lel
esmi
l
edt
henki
ssedhi
m.
“
Ilov
eyou.
”

TWOYEARSLATER….
.
Lastni
ght
'si
nser
t,l
i
keandcommentassoonasy
ou
readsowecanhaveourmorni
ngi
nser
tonti
me
.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#51

TwoYear
sLat
er…

Leleparkedhercarinfr
ontoftheDayCaret
hen
steppedoutholdinghersont
ogetherwi
thhi
sbag.
Histeacherwalkedover.
“
Bat
hongy
ouhav
ebr
oughtmyson…”
Lel
elaughed.“
Mma,
don’
tsayt
hati
j
a.”
Theteachert
ookAt
ang.Shel
ookedatherf
resh
hai
rcut.“
Ohwow!”
Lel
esmi
l
edt
henhandedhert
hebag.“
Okby
eAt
ti
e..
”
“Byebye!
”Hewav edsmi li
ng.Lelesmil
edandwal
ked
backtohercarf i
xingherjacket.Awomanwhohad
parkedbesidehercarst eppedoutinheel
sanda
beauti
fulbondagedr ess.
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Hi…Il
i
key
ourbl
azer
.
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Hey
…Thanks.
”
Shegoti nhercarthendrov
eoffheadedtoapri
vat
e
seniorsecondaryschool
.Herphonerang,
she
reachedforit
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Lel
e,whenar
eyoucomi
nghome?
”
“
MamaIhav
ebeenbusy
.”
“
Youar
ehur
ti
ngy
ourf
athermydaught
er.
”
“
Iam choosi
ngt
okeepmypeacei
ntact
.”
“
Heisyourf
ather,
ify
ouknewj
usthowmucht
hat
manl
ovesyou,Isweary
ouwoul
dn'
tbedoi
ngt
his.
”
“
Ilov
ehi
mtoo.
”
“
Stoppuni
shi
nghi
mthen.
”
“
Noonei
spuni
shi
nghi
m.Iam put
ti
ngmysel
ffi
rst
.”
“Youshouldcomehome.Yout wowillt
alk.I
twas
backthenwhenhewasstil
lindisbel
i
ef.Hewantsto
seeyou,togiv
eyouhi
sblessings.
"
“
Eemma.
”
“
Howi
swor
k?”
“
Well
.Iam goi
ngtoKasanet
omorr
owandIwi
l
lbe
r
epr
esent
ingtheschool
atawor
kshop.
”
“
Whoi
sAt
angr
emai
ningwi
th?
”
“
Thenanny
.”
“
Icancome.
”
“
Noi
t’
sok.I
t’
sonl
yfort
woday
sthenIwi
l
lbeback.
”
“
Whydoesitf
eell
ikey
ouar
ekeepi
ngusaway
?
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“
Mamanoonei
skeepi
ngy
ouaway
.”
“
Ok,
wher
eisChess?
”
“
Ihav
ear
ri
vedatwor
k.Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ateron.
”
Lelehungupt henparkedhercarandsteppedout
withherbags.Shewentt oheroff
iceasherphone
rangagain.Shesmiledpicki
ng.
“
Hey
…”
“Hey,
sotoni
ghtdi
nneratt
hatr
est
aur
antIt
oldy
ou
about
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Whatt
ime?
”
“
Around6.
”
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lmakear
eser
vat
ion.
”
“Tomor
rowIam goi ngt
oKasane,Whydon’
tyou
comewith?Thereissomethi
ngIwantt
oshowy ou.
Youhaveneverseenitbef
ore.
”
“
Whydoesthi
ssoundl
i
kesi
deni
ggasor
tof
r
equest
?”
Lel
elaughed.“
Becausey
ouar
e.”
“
Mxm,
ok.Aker
eyouar
efl
yi
ng?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ok.
”
HehungupasLel
ebl
ushedwal
ki
ngi
nsi
deherof
fi
ce.

*
**

Chess’
sPAf
ini
shedbr
ief
inghi
m abouthi
sdayt
hen
shewal
kedoutasKhumowal
kedi
n.
“
Lai
taka!
”
Khumolaughedastheyfi
rstbumped.“
Suresure,
yourof
fi
ceishuge.Whatareyouuysi
ngitfor
?”
“
Ili
keev
ery
thi
ngbi
g.”
“
Howi
sAt
ang?
”
“
Hei
sfi
ne,
Ist
il
lcan’
tbel
i
eveImadeason.
”
Khumol
aughed.“
It
’sbeent
woy
ear
s,getov
eri
t.
”
“
Howi
sitgoi
ng?
”
Khumosi
ghedsi
tt
ing.“
Tomor
rowwear
eset
.”
“
IthoughtIwasthebigget
sjer
koutt
her
ebuty
ou…
y
out akethet
rophy.
”
“It
riedbreakingupwi t
hLaronasev eralt
imes.She
ref
used.Itodhermont hsbackthatthisrel
ationshi
p
i
snowst eal
ingmypeaceandshedoesn’ tcare.She
doesn’tevenmi ndthefactthatwear enothav i
ng
sex.Shest i
l
lpost smeonf acebookwr i
ti
ngl ong
paragraphsabouthowmuchshel ovesme.Sheev en
postsusataf acebookgroups.”
Chesslaughed.“
Sheismar
kinghert
err
it
ory
.Atl
east
Rannydoesn’tmind.
”
“
Shel
aughsabouti
tinst
ead.Tomor
rowt
heweddi
ng
i
sgoi
ngon.”
“
Whati
fLal
acomes?
”
“
Wehav ebri
efedt
hesecur
it
y.Theyar
enotgoi
ngt
o
l
etheri
n.”
“
Youar
epl
ayi
ngav
erydanger
ousgame.
”
“
Idon’
tcar
eany
mor
e.Byt
heway
,wher
eisLel
e?”
“
Atwor
k.”
“
Howar
ethi
ngs?
”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Wear
egood.
”
Khumosmi
l
edt
oo.“
Shei
scomi
ngt
omor
rowr
ight
?”
“YouknowLeledoesn’
tdocrowds.Gapeshewon’
t
bearound.Shei
sgoingforaworkshop.
”
“Ok.Ihav
et ogotowor
k.Iwasdr
oppi
ngy
oursui
tof
f.
YourPAt ooki
t.
”
“
Ok,
thanks.
”
“
Sur
e.”
Hewalkedout
.Chesst
ookhi
sphoneandcal
l
ed
someone.
“
Babe…”
“
Alr
eadybusy
?”
“
No.Noty
et.
”
“Imi
ssyou,gapet
hatdr
essyouwer ewearingt
oday
wastemptat
iononit
sown.Ican’
tfocus.Shoul
dI
come?”
Shel
aughed.“
Forwhat
?”
“
Oner
ound.
”
Shegi
ggl
ed.“
NgngChess.
”
“
Iam comi
ngthere.Thecarhast
int
edwindowsso
wear
egood.Givemeacoupl eofminut
es.
”
Hehungupandgrabbedhiscarkey
sandphone
t
henwalkedout
.HelookedathisPA.
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
*
**

Chesspar
kedt
hecaratt
hepar
kingl
ottt
hencal
l
ed
agai
n.
“
Iam her
e.”
“
Eishok.
”
Hehungup, mi nut
esaterhewatchedasshewal
ked
overinthedressandheels.Shegoti
nthecar
smili
ng.Chessadjust
edhi sseat
.
“
Didy
ouser
iousycomef
orsex?
”
“
Yes.Comeher
e…”
“
Cani
tbequi
ck?
”
“
Come.
.”
Sheroll
edherdr esst oherwaistthenst andledhim
whil
ehet ookouthi sdick.Shekissedhi m asshe
sl
owlysankonhi mt aki
nghim allin.Shest art
ed
movingridinghim whilethecarshook.Shewent
evenfasterri
dinghim moani ng.Hehel dherwai st
andstar
tedpoundi
ngherpussyfr
om thebot
tom,
eachthr
ustcomingi
nharderandfast
erashehither
sweetnerv
egoingall
thewayin.
“
AwwChess….Chess….
.”
Hewentev
enfast
er,shecl
osedherey
essqueez
ing
hi
sbi
cepsasheror
gasm thr
ashedher
.
“
Ahhahhhh….
.Chess….
”
Hegav ehercoupl
emor ethr
ustswhil
esheconv
ised
thensti
ll
eddeepinsi
depumpi nghi
scum i
nsi
dethat
pussy.Hekissedhersmacki
ngherass.
“
Getbackt
owor
k!”
Shelookedathi
m withasmi l
ethengotoffhi
m and
wipedhersefwi
thherpanty
.Shet hr
ewitathi
m
st
eppingoutofthecarfi
xi
ngher sel
f.
“
Bye.
..
”
Hechuckedputt
ingherpant
yinhispocketthen
watchedherasshewalkedbackt
oherof f
ice.He
fi
nall
ystar
tedt
hecaranddrovebacktowor k.Hi
s
phonerangashereachedaredtr
aff
icli
ght.
“
MmagweAt
ang.
..
”
Shechuckl
ed.“
Funnyhowthi
ngsqui
ckl
ychange,
I
am mmagweAt angnow.
”
Hesmil
ed.“
AreyounotAtang’
smother?Weren'
tyou
t
alki
ngt
omel i
keyoursi
deniggaear
li
eron?"
“
Want
lwael
awena.Iam notmmagweAt
ang.
”
“
Whoar
eyout
hen?
”
“
Iam babe.
”
“
Youwhat
?”
“
Babe.
”
Chessl
aughed.“
Whogav
eyout
hatname?Your
mom? ”
“
Myf
atherwhof
ucksmeev
eryni
ght
.”
Chesscrackeduplaughingast
hetraf
fi
cli
ghtt
urned
greenthenhetookoff.“
Yourwhat
?Heelaobatago
nkolegaLel
e?”
“
Hei
stheonewhogav
emet
hatname.
”
“
Shoul
dwer
epor
thi
m?Thi
sisaser
iouscase.
”
“
Hiscum i
sdr
ippi
ngf
rom mypussysowehav
e
ev
idence.Wecnr
epor
thi
m.”
Hebi
thi
slowerl
i
p.“
Shoul
dIcomeback?
”
“
Comebackwhere?Gotowork.Ihavesomethi
ngI
wantt
odi
scusswit
hyoulat
eron.It
’sser
ious.
”
“
Ok.Whatt
ime?
”
“
Bef
oreIgohome.Iwi
l
lpassbyy
ourof
fi
ce.
”
“
OkmmagweAt
ti
e.”
“
Mxm.
”
Shehungupl
aughi
ng.

*
**

Ranewafi
tt
edherdr
essstari
ngathersefont
he
mirr
ort
hensmil
edasRejoicefi
xedi
t.
“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Ihopet
omor
rowgoeswel
l
.”
“
Iam scar
ed.
”
“
Iam t
oobutwear
ereadyf
orany
thi
ng.
”
Shenoddedstar
ingather
sel
finthewhit
egown,her
pregnancybumpwasnotshowingthatmuch.
“
Youlookbeaut
if
ul.Tommor
rowy
ouwi
l
lbeMr
s.
Mol
efe.
”
Ranewasmi
l
ed.“
Mrs.RanewaMol
efe.
”
Theygi
ggl
edt
henst
art
edt
aki
ngpi
ctur
es.

*
**

Laronafi
nishedcl
eani
ngthehousethensati
nfront
oftheTVwat chi
ngTVsoapsrepeat
s.Shereached
forherphoneandcall
edLefa.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?Imi
ssy
ou.
”
Lef
alaughed.“
Myt
ransf
ercamet
hrough.Iam
comingback.
”
“
Yes!
”
“
Yah,
eishIwassowor
ri
ed.
”
“Kanay aanongChessi sback.Youcant ryyourluck.
Aker ehei ssinglesi
ncet hatsagawot hLeebei nghis
sister.Iam tell
ingyou,thoseresultswerefake.
Thosepeopl ear er
elated,Iam sohappyLel e’
sf at
her
refused.Mamawast el
li
ngmet hatCatheri
neius
say i
ngChessi sherson, nnaIbelieveher.
”
“Met oo.Chessmusthavemessedwiththose
result
ssohecankeepf ucki
nghissi
ster
.Ihear
d
theyranseveralt
est
sbutIknowChess.Hewi ldo
anythingtogetwhathewants.
"
“I
tendedintear
s.Khumosai
dwhenChesswentt
o
London,shemovedtoMaun.
”
“
Ij
o…”
“Yah,comeandgety ourman.Chessi
sy ours.
Khumo’ sbi
rt
hdayiscomingupsoIwast hinki
ng
may beatri
ptoKasane.Obvi
ouslyChesswi l
lbe
ther
e,youwillcometoo.”
“
Ok,
thatcanwor
k.”
“
Okl
ove,
bye.
”
“
Bye.
”
Lal
ahungupwi
thasmi
l
e.
.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#52

Laterthatday,Lelewai t
edi ntheunderground
parkinglotatChess' sworkplacewhi l
epr essi
ngher
phone.Shepausedcomi ngacr ossSasa'spict
ures
onf acebookthenv iewedt hem, i
tseemedshehad
beenoutofcount ry
.Lelelikedthepostand
continuedscroll
ingdownhert imeli
ne.Herphone
rangmoment slater,shelookedatt heunknown
numberandpi cked.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Hey
..
."
Lel
eswal
l
owed."
Sasa.
."
"
Ihavebeenmeani
ngt
ocal
lj
ustt
hatIdi
dn'
tknow
wher
etostar
t.
"
"
Oh.
..
"
"
Howar
eyou?
"
"
Iam f
ine,
you?
"
"
Iam good.Howi
sAt
ang?
"
Lel
esmil
ed."
Heisf
ine.Heisabi
gboynow.He
l
ookssomuchli
kehisdad.
"
Sasal
aughed."
Ibethedoes.
"
"
Yah.
..St
il
li
nSer
owe?
"
"
No.Iam i
nFr
anci
stownnow.
"
"
That
'sni
ce.
"
"Yes.Imi
ssyou.Ical
ledyourmom t
heot
hert
ime.
YouandChessar enotrel
ated?
"
"
Wear
enot
."
"
That
'sgood.Atl
easty
ouar
enotcommi
tt
ingi
ncest
ory
oubr
okeup?
"
"
Idon'
tl
ikedi
scussi
ngt
hat
."
"
Oh.
..Wel
lIhopet
hingsar
egoi
ngwel
lfory
ou.
"
"
Theyar
e.Thanks.
"
"Maybewecangooutfordr
inkssomet
imewhenI
cometovi
sitt
hatsi
de.
"
"
Yah.Thatwi
l
lbeni
ce.
"
"Lel
eIam sorr
yitfel
tIwasn'tstandi
ngwithyouor
suppor
ti
ngy oubutIcoul
dn'tjustsuppor
tyoudati
ng
yourownbrother
.Itwaswrongand- "
"I
t'
sok.I
t'
showy
ouf
eel
.Don'
tbesor
ry.Any
way
s
bye.
"
"
Doy
ouhat
emef
ort
hat
?"
"Idon'
thav
eti
met ohateyou.Idon'
thav
eiti
nmet
o
hatepeopl
eorhoodgrudges.
"
"Iwi
l
lcallyouwhenIam i
nGabor
onesowecango
outf
orlunch."
"
Yeah.By
e."
Lelehungupt henwat chedasChesswal kedov eri
n
hissuit.Daddyal wayslookedsexyi nasui t,she
couldj ustri
pt heclothesof fhim andl ethimf uckher.
Knowi ngChess, hewoul djumpatt heoppor tunity,
aslongashi sdi ckwasi nherpussy .Shef ound
herselfsmi l
ingal one,putt
ingherl egst ogether
recall
ingear l
ieron.Thi smancoul dfuckf orday s.He
breathedi nsexandheal way sdeli
veredt hebest
game.Hewasaddi ct
edtoi t.Hereyesf ellonhi s
zipperashegoti ntheLandCr ui
serGD6.I twas
theresl eepi
ngpeacef ul
ly
.
Shel
ookedi
nhi
sey
esashesmi
l
edather
.
"
Hey
..
."
Lel
el eanedoverandr
eci
evedherki
ss,
herhandoni
t.
Itj
erkedinsi
dethepant
s.
"
Hi.
"
Chesssmi
l
ed."
Whati
sit
?"
Lalal
etgo." Mamacall
edagain.Don'
tyout hi
nkit'
s
ti
mey out r
iedagai
n?Ithinkbynoweveryonehas
acceptedthetrut
h.Iwanttowearmyr i
ngpr oudl
y
andber ecogni
zedasy ourwif
e.Iwantt
obear eal
Moremiandthatwon'
thappenti
lly
oupaymagadi
formeandyourfamil
yactual
l
yrecogni
zesme.Ri
ght
nowonlyafewpeopleknowIam yourwif
e."
"Iwil
ltal
ktomyuncl eandhewillgetever
ythi
ng
ready.Igetwhatyouaresayi
ng.Let'
stryagai
nand
see.Hopefull
yyourdaddoesn'
tkickthem outatt
he
gate.
"
"
Idon'
tthi
nkhewi
l
l.
"
"
Ok.I
sthati
t?"
"
Yes.
"
"
Ok,t
omorrowIwon'
tbegoi
ngwit
hyoui
nthe
mor
ning.I
t'
sKhumo'
sweddi
ng.
"
"
Hei
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edbehi
ndLar
ona'
sback?
"
"
Yes.
"
"Whycoul
dn'thej
ustt
ellherhedoesn'
twanther
anymorei
nsteadofst
ri
ngingheral
ongliket
his?
Nextt
hingsheisal
sokil
li
ngthechil
d."
"
Lar
onai
snotl
i
ket
hat
."
"
Iam j
ustsay
ing.Whathei
sdoi
ngi
scr
uel
andev
il
."
"
Youdon'
tl
ikeKhumo,
why
?"
"
Whywhat
?"
"
Whydon'
tyoul
i
kehi
m?"
"
Inev
ersai
dthat
."
"Babe,haveyoureal
i
zedyouneverhaveanyt
hing
posit
ivetosayaboutKhumo.Youalwaysfi
ndaway
tobenegat i
vewhenitcomestohi
m.Whatdi dhedo
toyou?"
"Not
hing.Idon'
tevenknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ng
aboutri
ghtnow."
"Youdo.Youjusthat
ehim.Iwishy ouknewhowf ar
KhumoandIhav ecome.Wehav ebeent oget
herfor
yearsnow.Heisli
kemybr ot
her.Idon'tevenbri
ng
him upanymorebecauseyouneverlackt ofi
nd
somethingnegat
ivetosayabouthim."
"
Idon'
that
ehi
m."
"
Thenwhati
sit
?"
"
Not
hing.Inev
ersai
dIdon'
tl
ikehi
m."
"
Youdon'
thav
eto.Idon'
twantt
omaket
hisan
argumentbabe.
"Heki
ssedher
."Let
'smakeapact
,if
youhavenothi
nggoodorposi
ti
vetosayabout
Khumo,keepitt
oyoursel
f.
"
Shesi
ghed."
Ok.ThoughIdi
dn'
tsayIhat
ehi
m."
Chesssmi
l
edt
henki
ssedheragai
nandst
eppedout
.
"
Ilov
eyou.
"
"
Ilov
eyout
oo.Iam goi
ngt
ofr
eshenup.
"
"
Ok.
"
Chessopenedthebackdoorandlookedathi
sson
deadasl
eep.Heclosedthedoorandwalkedback
i
nsidet
hebuil
dingwhil
eshedroveaway .

*
**

Lel
eparkedthecarint
hegaragethensteppedout
andwalkedinsi
dethehousehol
dingsl
eepingAtang.
ShelookedatOpel
owasmaki ngsupperinthe
ki
tchen.
"
OhmyGod!If
orgott
otel
lnott
ocookf
orev
ery
one.
"
Opel
olookedather
."Youar
egoi
ngout
?"
"
Yes.
"
"
Iwi
l
lpacki
tint
hef
ri
dge.Letmeputhi
mtosl
eep.
"
"
Thanks.
"
OpelotookAt angtot hebedroom wher eshelooked
athi
sdi r
tyclothes.Sheundr essedhim wakinghim
upthenbat hedhim anddr essedhimi ncleancl
othes
ashefellasleepagain.Shet ookhisclothesand
washedt hem thenwentt othesi t
ti
ngroom wher e
Lel
e'sheelsandj acketwereont hefloor.
Shepickedeveryt
hingupincl
udingherhandbagon
thecouchandputt hem away.Awhil
elaterLele
camet otheki
tchenwher eOpel
owasf i
nishingup
cooki
ng.
"
Jesus!
"
Leletwir
ledinherredbodyhuggi
ngdress.Thevent
thatstar
tedonhermi dthi
ghshowedjustenough
skinandt heheel
smadet hel
ookperf
ect.
"
Wow!
"
Lel
esmi
l
ed."
HowdoIl
ook?
"
"
Beaut
if
ul.
"
"
Thanks.Iam goi
ngoutf
ordi
nnerwi
thr
ragwe
At
ang."
"
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
"
"
Thanks.Iam comi
ng.
"
Lelewalkedbacktoherbedr
oom justasChess
walkedin.Heinhal
edthedel
ici
ousaromathengotin
thekit
chenwher eOpel
owasnowdi shingt
ostorei
n
thefri
dge.
"
Opel
o..
."
"
Goodaf
ter
noonsi
r.
"
"
What
'st
hat
?"
"
Justbeefst
ew.
"
Chesst
ookapi
eceofmeatt henthr
ewitinhi
s
mouth,
somesoupstai
ninghisshi
rt
.Opeloqui
ckl
y
gr
abbedadi
shtowel
thenwipedhisshi
rt.
"
Sor
ry.
"
"
It
'sok.Thi
sisdel
i
cious.
"
Opel
osmi l
edlooki
ngdown.Hewalkedawaythen
shetookadeepbreat
handcont
inuedwhatshewas
doi
ng.

*
**

Chesswalkedinsidethebedroom andl
ookedatLel
e
comingf
rom thebat hroom.Hercl
othesonthefl
oor
.
Mostofherclotheswer eonthebed.
"
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbabe.
."
Shel
aughed."
Thanky
ou.
"
"
Wil
lyouf
indt
imet
oret
urnev
ery
thi
ng?
"
"
Opel
owi
l
ldoi
t.
"
"
Ok.BabeIfor
gott
oaski
nthemor
ning,
whowashed
mybri
efs?
"
"
Opel
owashesev
ery
thi
ng.Ar
ether
eanymi
ssi
ng.
"
Chesswalkedov erandputhi
shandsonherwai st
andkissedher.Helookedinherey
esandspoke
sof
tly
."Babe,didn'
tImakeitcl
earthatIdon'
tl
ikei
t
whenotherwomenwashmycl
othes?It
houghtwe
wentov
ert hat
."
"WedidbutnnaChessIgett ir
ed.IthoughtIwould
fi
ndtimeandwashy ourclothesduringweekends
butIwil
lbetired.Inev ergetti
megapeI t
'sOpelo'
s
j
ob.Whatwoul dIbepay i
ngherf ori
fIwashy our
cl
othes?IfIcook?IfIcl eanthehouse?Iwoul dhave
hadalongdayatwor k,sometimesal l
Iwanttodo
aft
eralongdayatwor kistorelax.
"
Chesssi
ghed."Ok.IguessmaybeIam aski
ngfr
om
toomuch.Iwil
ljustwashthem my
sel
fthen."
Lel
elookedathim."What'
swrongifOpel
odoesi
t
baby?I
sn'tshewashingpr
operl
y?"
"Iwanty outodoi t.Opelowashesmycl othesni cely,
shei r
onsthem.Shecl eansourbedr oom,shecl eans
afterbothofus.Shecooksourf oodev erynight .She
makesusbr eakfast,eventhelunchweeatatwor k.
Shesl eepswi t
hoursonev er
ynight.Prepareshi m
everymor ningforschool.Iam notcomf ortablewi th
thesetup.Somet i
mesIwantf oodcookedbyy ou.I
wantmycl otheswashedbyy ou.Ir
onedbyy ou.I t
'
s
notanev
ery
dayt
hingbutwheny
oucan.
"
Lel
esi
ghed."
Ok.Youar
eri
ght
.Iwi
l
limpr
ove.
"
Chesssmi
l
edandki
ssedher
.
"
Thanks.
"
Hewalkedtothebat
hroom.Lelet
ookouthiscl
othes
f
rom t
heclosetandwalkedoutwi
tht
heiron.
"
Opel
o,qui
ckl
ypr
esst
his.
"
"
Ok.
"
"Andcouldyoupleasest
artwashingrr
agweAtang'
s
clothesonseper
atedayswit
hmi ne.Don'
tputt
hem
i
nt hemachine.Makeitl
ookli
keIwast heonewho
washed."
"
Ok.
"
Opeloquickl
yir
onedt henhandeditbacktoLelewho
tookitbacktothebedroom.Chesswal kedfrom t
he
bathr
oom, atowelaroundhiswaist.Helookedathis
clot
heslaidper
fect
lyont hebed.
"
Whoi
roned?
"
"
Idi
d."
Hesmi
l
ed."
Thanks.
"
Hequickl
yfi
nishedupthenwalkedoutwi
thherwhi
l
e
Opel
owenttot hebedroom andst
art
edputt
ing
ever
ythi
ngbackinplace.

*
**

Thatev
ening,Lalal
ookedatt
het
imeandsi
ghed
di
ali
nghim again.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"Wher
earey
ou?It
houghty
ouwer
ecomi
ngov
er
Khumo."
"Iam t
ir
ed,aker
eyouknowmycousinisget
ti
ng
marri
ed,Iam soexhaust
ed,
all
Iwantustosl
eep.
Tomorrowitwil
lbealongday.
."
"
Ok,
Icancomeov
eri
fyouar
etoot
ir
ed.
"
"
Lar
ona-
"
"
Keng?Onal
elebel
etel
agagoko?
"
Hesi
ghedandr
emai
nedsi
l
ent
.
"Iam t
alki
ngtoyou.Itfeel
sli
keIam for
cingmy sel
f
onyou.It'
sli
keIam aloneinthi
srel
ati
onship.Iam
theonlyonewhoputst heeff
ort.
"
"
Lar
onaIam t
ir
ed.Idon'
thav
eti
mef
ort
his.
"
"
CanIcomewi
thy
ouatt
heweddi
ng?
"
"Heisacousinfrom myf
ather
'sf
ami
lyandt
hey
haveaguestli
st.Hewantsonl
yacer
tai
nnumber,
no
plusonesal
lowed."
"
Whatki
ndofaweddi
ngi
sthat
?"
"
Hei
sjustor
gani
zed.
"
"
Imi
ssy
ou.
"
"
Wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
rowLar
ona.
"
Tearsfil
ledhereyes."KhumoIl ovey ou.Therr
astop
doingthistome.Youar ebr eaki
ngmyhear t.What
am Idoingwr ong?Iam doi ngevery
thingIcan
possibl
ydot okeepi sgoingbutit'
slikey ouare
disconnectedfrom me.Youdon' tevent ouchme
anymor eandImi ssyousomuch.Keagokopababe,
tellmewhatIam doi ngwr ong..
."
"
Lar
ona-
"
"
Iam comi
ngt
oyourhouse.
"
"
Lar
ona-
"
"
Iam comi
ng.Iam br
ingi
ngy
ourchi
l
dther
e.Wewi
l
l
t
alkwhenIgett
her
e."
"No.Iam comi
ng.Don'
tm dr
ivel
ateatni
ghtwi
thmy
chi
ld."
Lal
asmi
l
ed."
Ok.
"
Hehungup.Shef r
eshenedupwait
ing,
awhilel
ater
heparkedoutsi
dethegoti
nsi
dethehouse.She
huggedhim happi
l
y.
"
Imi
ssedy
ou.
..
"
Hesi
ghed."
Canwet
alk?
"
Lalat
ookhi shandandl
edhi
mtothebedroom.She
tookoffhersil
kgownandst
oodonhertoeski
ssi
ng
him.
"
Imi
ssy
ou.
"
"
Canwet
alkf
ir
st?
"
"
No.Fuckmef
ir
st.
"
"
La-
"
Hisphonest ar
tedringi
nginhishand.Lal
alookedat
Wifeycall
ingthensnatchedthephone,herhear
t
pounding.Shepickedputti
ngthephoneonherear.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#53

Lal
ahel
dthephonet
oherearbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.
"
Hel
l
o?"
Ther
ewassi
l
enceasKhumo'
shear
tpounded.
"
Hel
l
o?"
Amal
evoi
cespoke."
Hel
l
o?"
Lal
afr
owned."
Who'
sthi
s?"
"
Mogapi
.Wher
eisKhumo?
"
"Mogapi
,whoar
eyou?Andwhyisy
ournumber
savedasWif
eyi
nmyman'sphone?
"
Helaughed."
Iam Khumo'
scousi
n.Theyal
lcal
lme
Wif
eybecauseIam gay.
"
"
Uhu.
..
"
"Yes.Thest
igmati
zati
onthatcomeswit
hbeinggay.
Anywho,Iwascall
ingtoaskifhei
sbri
ngingthe
dri
nkstoni
ght?Someofuswantt ogetdr
uuuuunk.
Gi
vehi
mthephonemoghel
yeei
..
"
"
Uhy
oucant
alkt
ohi
m."
Lal
ahandedt
hephonet
oKhumo.
"
Yah?
"
"Rannysaysify
ousleepwit
hhershei
sgoingto
dumpy ou.Shealsosay
scomeandsleepwit
hher
thi
sside.Shedoesn'
ttr
ustt
hatwoman."
"
Ok.Iam comi
ng.
"
Hehungupandl
ookedatLal
a.
"
Ihav
etogo.Theyar
ewai
ti
ngf
orme.
"
"
Whataboutme?
"
"
Wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
row.
"
"
Iwantt
ocomewi
thatt
heweddi
ng.
"
"Lar
onatheweddi
nghasareal
lytightbudget.He
can'
taff
ordanext
ramout
ht ofeed.Gapet hechai
rs
arefort
he50peopl
ecoming.Wher ewil
lyouseat?"
Lal
asi
ghed."
Whydoesi
tfeel
li
key
ouar
ely
ing?
"
"
Wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
row.Ihav
etogo.
"
Heturnedandwal
kedout.Lal
asatont
heandput
herhandsonherf
acecry
ing.

*
**

Latert
hateveni
ng,Opel
oswitchedof
fthel
ight
sand
wenttobed.Herphonerangasshelai
dbeside
Atang.Shet
ookadeepbr eat
handpickedherAunt
's
call
.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Opel
o,howar
eyoumydaught
er?
"
"
Iam f
ine.
"
"
Hav
eyoubeenappl
yi
ng?
"
Opelosighed."
Iappli
edeverywhereAuntybutjobs
arenoteasytof i
nd.Ibl
amemy sel
ffordoingHuman
ResourcesManagement .Ishouldhavedone
somethingelse,t
odayeventhepeopl eIwentto
schoolwitharegraduat
esandar ewor ki
ngnice
j
obs."
"
Iwi
l
lhappen.
"
"I
twon' tAunt
y .Ihavet oaccepti
t.Ifeelsostupi
d."
Shet ookadeepbr eathtry
ingtohol dhert
ears."I
hadsomuchIhadpl annedformy selfmmet odayI
am justamai d.Iam notcompl ai
ni ngbecauseIget
paidal otofmoneybut .
..
"
"
Itwi
l
lbef
ine.
"
"
Igetremi
ndedwhyIam adi
sappoint
mentev
ery
day.
Al
lmysibl
ingsar
eei
therwor
kingormarr
iedt
ori
ch
men.Iam t
heonl
yoddoneout."
HerAuntsi ghed."Opelo,somet hingst aketi
me.
Ignorethenegat ivit
yanddowhaty ouhav ebeen
doing.Youhav edonesomuchf oryourself
,mov ein
sil
enceandcont inueaty ourpace.Youhav estarted
buildi
ngaty ourplot,see?It'
ssomet hing.Ofcause
youdon' townacarbutsomet hi
ngsj usttaketimetil
l
i
thappens.Youhav eburri
edy ourseedi nthesoil
,
keepwat er
ingitnomat terhowl ongittakesto
producesomet hing.Itwillhappen,don'tbe
discouragedseei ngot herpeople'sseedspr oduci
ng
whileyour sdoesn' t
.Italwaystaketime.Ok? "
"
Emma.
"
"
Good.I
syourbossst
il
ltr
eat
ingy
our
ight
?"
"
Yes.
"
"
Sti
l
lmaki
ngy
oudoev
ery
thi
ng?
"
"Aunt
y,that'
swhatshepaysmef or
.That'smyjob
andIwillconti
nuedoi
ngitwit
houtanycomplain
becauseIreall
yneedthemoney.Iwil
lneverf
inda
womanwhowi l
lal
l
owherhusbandtopaymet hi
s
much.Iam blessedandgrat
eful
.Iwon'tcomplai
n
honestl
y."
"
Ok.
..Ij
ustwant
edt
ocheckupony
ou.
"
"
Ok.Thanky
ou.
"
Shedroppedthecallandlai
dbei
sdeAtangwho
shi
ft
edcloser
.Opeloputherarm ar
oundhimthen
cl
osedhereyessleeping.

*
**

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning,
Lel
efi
nisheddr
essi
ngt
hen
walkedtotheki
tcheninherf
lar
eddressthat
reachedj
ustaboveherkneesandheels,
herhai
rand
makeupper f
ect
lydone.Opel
osmiledasshefed
Atang.
"
Mor
ning.
..
"
Shesmiled."Hey,
ishedone?Ihaveanearlyfl
ight.
Chesswillcomelaterdur
ingtheday
.Ihavealready
packedhisclot
hes.Youwi l
lbeal
onewit
hAt ang.I
can'
twaittodazzlethem att
heworkshop.
"
Opel
osmi
l
ed."
Theyar
eyetgoi
ngt
osee.It
rusty
ou!
"
Lelesmiled."Thanksfri
end.Iwil
lbepresent
ing."
Lelewalkedt othestudyroom whil
eChesswal kedi
n
thekit
cheni nhissweatpantsandat -
shir
t.
"
What
'st
hat
?"
"
Formypresent
ati
on.Opel
o,pl
easegetmyback,
let
megetgoi
ng."
OpelostoppedfeedingAtangandhandedhim his
bott
leofjui
ce.Shewentt othebedroom whereshe
camebackwi thLele'sbag.Sheputever
ythi
nginthe
bootwhileLel
epressedherphone.Sheputawayher
phoneandki
ssedChess.
"
Byebabe.
..
"
Chesssmi
l
ed."
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
"
Leoebl
ushed."
Thanks.
"
Shet
urnedt
oAt
angandki
ssedhi
m.
"
Bye.
..
"
"
Byeby
e..
."
Hewav ed.Shelaughedandwal kedout.Seconds
l
atershewasdr i
vingoff.Opel
odi shedChess'
s
breakfastthenputitbesidehi
mt ogetherwit
hthe
coffee.
"
Thanks.
"
"
Yessi
r.
"
"At
angiscomi
ngwi
thatt
heweddi
ng.Youhav
ethe
sui
tri
ght?
"
"
Yessi
r.
"
"
Atangi
scomingsoi
tmeansyouar
ealsocomi
ng
wi
th.Doyouhav
esomet
hingt
owear?"
"
Yessi
r.
"
"
Ok,
youcanst
artpr
epar
ingt
oget
herwi
thAt
ang.
"
"
Yessi
r.
"
Opel
of i
nishedf eedi
ngAtangthenwenttoherr oom
whereshepr eparedAtang.Shefi
nisheddressi
ng
hi
mt hensmi ledtaki
ngapi ct
urewhichshesentto
Lel
e.
Shepl
acedhi
m ont
hebedandgav
ehi
m hi
stoy
s.
"
Sither
e.Iam goi
ngt
obat
h."
Shewal kedtothebat
hroom whereshelookedat
hersel
font hemirr
orandlookedatbushyeyebrows.
Herkinkyafromadehersigh.Shereachedforher
razorbl
adeandshapedherbr ows.
Herphonerangbyt
hesi
nk,
sher
eachedf
ori
tand
si
ghedpicki
ng.
"
Mama.
..
"
"
Thewat
erbi
l
lcameandt
heyhav
ecl
osedt
hewat
er"
"
Howmuchi
sit
?"
"
P16800.
"
"
What
?"
"
Yes.Yoursi
sterbui
ltt
hehousef
ormesoi
t'
syour
t
urntodosomet hi
ng."
"
Idon'
thav
emoney
."
"
Youar
eusel
ess!
"
Opelohungupbef orehermot
hercouldsaymore
hurt
fult
hings.Shetookadeepbreat
ht hengoti
nthe
shower.

Meanwhileinthebedroom,Atang'
stoyfell
.He
crawl
edtogetof fthebed.Wit
hhisheaddown
faci
ngtheground, At
angfel
lhit
ti
ngthefloor.He
openedthismout handstar
tedcryi
ngloudly
.
Opelopausedatt
hel
oudcr
iest
henqui
ckl
yrushed
outdroppi
ngwet

*
**

Chesshur
ri
edt
oOpel
o'
sroom wher
ehi
ssonwas
cry
ing.HeopenedthedoorandfrozeasOpelo
bendedpicki
nghiscr
yingsonup.Shet ur
nedand
al
sof r
oze,Chessqui
cklywal
kedoutclosingt
he
doorbehindhi
m.Hewentt ohisbedroom wher
ehe
puthishandsonhisf
ace.
"
Shi
t!
"
Heswal
l
owed."
Fuck!
"
Hisheartwaspoundi
ngsofastandhar
d.He
thought
ful
lyl
ookedathi
sphonethenpi
ckedi
tup
andcall
edLele.
"
Heybabe,t
hepl
anei
sal
mostt
aki
ngof
f.Wewi
l
ltal
k
whenIar
ri
ve.
"
"
Uhok.
"
"
Isi
tanemer
gency
?"
"
Uhno.No.
"
"
Ok.Wewi
l
ltal
k.Il
ovey
ou.
"
"
Ilov
eyout
oo.
"
Hehungupandcal
l
edKhumo.
"
Yah?
"
"
Ijustwal
kedi
nonOpel
oandshewasnaked.
"
"
Eng?(
What
?)"
"Idon'
tknowwhathappenedbutAt angwascr y
ing
soIwentt oseewhat'sgoi
ngon.Ithi
nkhemi ght
havefel
l orsomet
hing.Ij
ustopenedthedoorand
walkedin."
"
Shewasnakednaked?
"
"Yes.I
tlookedl
i
keshehadr
ushedfr
om t
heshower
becauseshewassti
ll
dri
ppi
ngwet.
"
"
Fuck!
"
"
Myhear
tisbeat
ingsof
ast
.Iwantt
otel
lLel
e."
"
Butnot
hinghappened.
"
"
Sti
l
l.Whati
fOpel
otel
l
sLel
eIwal
kedi
nonher
?"
"Shewon'
t.I
twil
ll
ooklikesheistry
ingtoseduceyou.
Lewenaifyoutel
lLel
e,sheisgoingtostr
aightup
fi
reOpel
o.Nothi
nghappenedright?"
"
Yah.Not
hinghappened.
"
"Thenyouaregood.Wenajustgoonl
ikenot
hing
happened.Sucht
hingshappen.Howmanyti
mes
haveyouwalkedi
nonaladybymi st
ake?Youar
e
human.Aslongasyoudon'
tfuckher.
"
"
Iwoul
dnev
erf
uckher
."
"
Theny
ouar
egood.Howf
arar
eyou?
"
"
Iam nowt
aki
ngashower
."
"
Lal
aal
mostcaughtmey
est
erday
."
"
Whathappened?
"
"
Iwentoveraft
ershesaidshewascomingoverto
myhouse.Ihaven'
ttol
dherImoved.SoIwentand
t
henRannycall
edandshesav edhernumberas
Wif
eythelastt
ime."
"
Whatdi
dyoudo?
"
"Rannyprobablygavet
hephonet ohercousinand
whenLar onaaskedwhyt henumberissavedas
Wifey,hercousi
nsaiditwasajokeandthat
everyonecall
shim Wif
eybecauseheisgay .
"
Chessl
aughed."
Sheboughti
t?"
"
Sor
tofy
es.It
hinkbutshei
ssuspect
ing.
"
"
Ihopeshedoesn'
tcomet
odayorel
sey
ouar
edead
meat
."
"Aslongasshecomesaf
tert
hechur
chser
viceIam
good."
"
Bashi
money
!"
Khumol
aughed."
Tsek!
"

*
**

MmagweLel etri
edLele'
snumberbuti tdidn'
tgo
through.Someoneknockedont hedoor.Shewent
andopenedt henpausedconf usedstar
ingatthe
meni nthesuitsandtwoladieswhower ewear i
ng
theirGermanPr i
ntdr
esseslookingli
keproperwives
withtsâle'
soverthei
rshoul
der s.
"
Dumel
ang.
"
"
Dumel
ang,
wear
efr
om t
heMor
emi
fami
l
y."
RragweLel
edrovehisV10int
heyar
dt henparked
undert
hetr
ee,hi
sbrotheront
hepassengerseat.
MmagweLel esmil
ed.
"Myhusbandj
ustarr
ived.It
hinkhei
sther
ight
ful
per
sonyoushouldbetalki
ngto."
RragweLel
ewalkedoverasMmagweLel
esmi
l
ed
excit
edl
y.I
twasfi
nal
lyhappeni
ng.
"
Uhhr
ragweLel
e,t
hesemenandwomenar
efr
om
t
heMoremif
amil
y.
"
"
Andwhataretheyher
etodo?Idon'
twantthem i
n
myyar
d.Hey!Out!Ar
eye.Youwanty
oursonto
mar
ryhissi
ster
?Latsenwa?"
MmagweLelefr
owned."ChessisnotLele'
ssist
er!
Howmanytimesdoy ouhavetobetoldthat
?
Cat
her
inei
slyi
ng.Chessisnotherson!"
"
Sheishismotherandt
hispeopl
eshoul
djustl
eav
e
myyard!Now!
"
RragweLel
e'
sbr otherwal
kedoverandf
rowned.
"
Whyareyoukickingthem out
?"
"
Mydaughterisnotgoi
ngtobemar r
iedi
ntothis
f
amily
!It
'snotgoi
ngtohappen.Iwouldr
atherdi
e.
Hey
!Isaidout!
"
Hewentt
othbacky
ardwher
ehecamebackwi
thbi
g
dogs.
Themenandwomenf rom theMor emi f
amil
yl ooked
atthedogst henturnedrunningast hedogscame
afterthem.Oneoft hewomanf el
l,
t hedoggrabbed
herdr essteari
ngit.Herhusbandcamebackt hen
kickedt hedogandhel pedhi swif
eup.Theyal l goti
n
theircarsandt ookoff.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oleav
eal
i
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#54

MmagweLelelookedasthecar
sdr
oveof
finshock
ofwhathadj
usthappened.
“Whydi
dyoudot hatf
or?Lel
eandChessar
enot
si
bli
ngsThabo!TheyranDNAtest
s!”
“Lel
ewil
lnotmarr
yint
ohermother
’sf
ami
lygape
helamydaught
erwil
lnotmar
ryaMoremi
Irefuse.
”
Hisbrot
herl
ookedathi
m.“
Arey
oul
i
steni
ngt
o
your
self
?”
“
Iam.Mydaught
erwil
lnotbemar
ri
edbyKgosi
Mor
emi’
ssonandthat
’si
t!”
Hewalkedi
nsi
det
hehousel
eav
ingbot
hoft
hem i
n
shock.

*
**

RragweChesssighedl
ist
eningt
ohi
syounger
brotheront
hephoneseatedwit
hhi
sol
derbrot
heri
n
thesitt
ingr
oom.
“Chessshoul
djustf
orgetthatgi
rl
.”Hi
sbrotheron
thephonespokeangri
ly
.“Thosemonsterdogs
almostatemywife.
”
“Butdidn’
tItel
lyounottogowi t
hy ourwi ves?Iknew
hewoul dreactl
ikethat
.ItookCathyf rom hi
m sohe
i
sbi t
terbutChesswant sthatgi
rlandwear egoing
tomar ryherwhetherheli
kesornot .Iam ti
redof
beingtherockbetweenmyson’ shappi ness.Koore
hehasevendi
stancedhimsel
ffr
om usbecausehe
i
sscaredwewon’taccepthi
swife.Healready
marri
edher
,wejustneedtodotheright
fulthi
ng.
Nextti
meyouaregoingwithMosha.”
Thebr
otherl
ookedathi
m.
“What?Youaretheonewhot oldChesst ogoforthi
s
gir
laker
e,youwil
l gother
eandf acethatbi
tt
erold
man.Iwinderhowsuchabi tt
erpersoncanbirt
h
suchabeautif
ulthickgi
rl
.”
Moshalaughed.“ Godworksinmyster
iousways.
Nyaa,wabua, Iwill
gotheretomorr
ow.Wewi l
lgo,
mmennaket samay akethoboroyame.Thabowa
t
waela.(
Iam goi ngwit
hmygun. )”
“Chessl
ovesthatgi
rl
.Ihear
dheboughtherav
ery
expensi
vecar
.”
“
Yes,
LandCr
uiser
.”
Rr
agweChesslaughedshaki
nghi
shead.“
Shei
s
dr
ivi
nghi
m cr
azy.”
“
Wit
hall
thatthickness,
shemustbesweetandj
ust
i
magi
nethatbigbuttandthosebi
gbreast
s,t
hat
’s
what
’sdri
vi
nghim cr
azy
.Onaamopagami
l
ehel
a.
(
Heisalwaysontopofher
.)
”
Theyl
augheddr
oppingthecal
l
.“Gonwekukul
eyone
ekima.(
Maybethepussyisal
sothi
ck.
)”
“
Bor
otho.
”
Thebr
other
slaughedev
enhar
der
.
“Seewhyhewon’ tletgo?Iheardat alkwi
thhiml ast
week, heissayi
ngt hatar ealweddingwi l
lensure
sheget sadvi
sefrom ot hermarri
edwomenonhow
todot hi
ngs.Hedi dn’tsayexactl
ywhatwassl acking
mmet her
eissomet hingmmaBor othoisnotdoing
ri
ght,hesayshim say ingitwil
ll
ookl ikeheistry
ing
toslavehersohepr efershergett
ingadv i
cefrom
elderl
ywomen. ”
“
Igeti
t.Thaboisgoi
ngtogiv
eushi
sdaught
er
whet
herhelikesi
tornot
.”
“
Letmegetgoing.Iam get
ti
ngmygun,whenhe
t
ri
esitIam ki
l
li
ngadogt oshowhi
m ser
iousIam.
Wher
ei smmagweChess? ”
“
Shewentoutwi
tht
hechur
chl
adi
es.
”
“
Theseday
sIr
arel
yseeher
.”
“
Youknowhowwomenar
e.”
Theylaughedthenheescort
edhim outwherehe
j
umpedi nhiscaranddroveoff
.RragweChess
walkedbackinsi
dethehouseandwentt othe
bedroom wherehiswi
fewasdressingupthei
r
daughter
.
“
Ishegone?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Howdi
ditgowi
thLel
e’
sfat
her
?”
“
Hesentdogsont
hem ki
cki
ngt
hem out
.”
“
Sowhatnow?
”
Helookedatt hebaby,shecertai
nlyl
ookedlikeLel
e
andhermot her.Somehowi tfel
tweirdbecauseNeo
hadl ookedjustli
kehim butthebeaut yhewas
seeingasshesmi ledwithnoteethmel t
edhishear
t.
Thist i
mearoundhehadmadehi swi fe’
scopy.She
wasbeaut if
ul hecouldneverunderstandhowGod
haddonei tbutshewassobeaut iful
.Hepickedher
up.
“
Nana…”
Shegiggledl aughingthrowingherheadback.He
smiledadmi ringherthenlookedahi swif e.Shewas
sti
ll
beautiful andshest i
ll
thatthicknesshecoul d
nevergetov er .Hecouldremembermar ryingher ,
howbeaut iful shel
ookedi nthatGermanpr i
ntdress
andhowshyshehadbeenont heirf
irstnight .He
couldunder standwhyThabowasbi tter,het oo
wouldhav ebeenbi t
teri
fshehadchosenhi m.He
knewi fr
oleswer eexchangedhewoul dhav et he
sameat t
itudeasThabo.
“Moshai
sgoingt
her
etomor
row.Theywi
l
lgoback.
Chessobat
amosadi.
”
Cat
hynodded.“
Ok.It
hinkweshoul
dhav
eabi
g
weddi
ng.“
“
Yes,ofcausewewil
lhaveabigwedding.Chess’
s
weddi
ngshouldbebi
g.Attheendoftheday,heis
marr
yinghismot
her’
sdaughter
.”
Hel
aughedasCat
hyr
oll
edherey
es.
“
Thatboyl
ovesy
our
egar
dlessofwhathappened.
”
“Ifeelguiltythathestil
llovesmeev ent houghI
nev ertreatedhimf air
lybackthen.Ther easonhegot
socl oset oKhumoi sbecauseKhumo’ smot her
l
ov edt hem bot hequally
.Shetreatedthem likeher
onlysons.YouknowChesswoul drathersleepon
thesmal lbedwi t
ht woblanketssot hathecanbe
withKhumot hansleepont hebigbedwi t
hmor e
blanket s.
”
“
Yah…buti
t’
spoi
ntl
essnow.I
thashappened,i
t’
sin
t
hepast
,whatmat
ter
siswhat’
sint
henow. ”
“Iam goi
ngtosuppor
tthem.Leledeser
vestobe
happy.Chessal
so.Gapetheyhaveachil
d,t
hey
probabl
ywanttohavemor e.
”
“Chessi
sj ustl
ikehismother.Oncehesetshismind
onsomethi ng,t
hereisnotur
ningback.Sadshedied
givi
ngbi
rtht ohim andIknowshewast urni
nginher
graveal
lthisti
mebutnowshei srest
ingi
npeace.
Youchanged. ”
“DoyourememberhowIusedt odr
eam ofawoman
cry
ing?It
hinki
twasher.Itwoul
donlyhappenwhen
ChessandIgotinaf
ight.Iwoul
ddream hert
hat
samenightandshewouldbecryi
ng.
”Tearsfil
l
ed
Cathy’
seyes.“
IwishIhadbeenabet
terpersonback
then.
”
“
Youar
enow.Don’
tdwel
li
nthepast
.”

*
**

Opelolookedather selfonthemirr
orinherwhi te
bodyhuggi ngdr ess,theheelsmadehert all
er.She
pattedherni cel
yst yl
edafrothenputasi l
verpinin.
Herf l
awlessmake- upmadehersmi le,allt
hat
practi
cehadbeenwor t
hit.Shesmil
edt hengrabbed
herhandbagt owal koutbutpausedwonder i
nghow
shewasgoi ngtof aceMr .Moremi.Notaf t
erhehad
seenhernakedness.
Sheshouldhavelockedt
hedoor,I
twasn’thi
sf aul
t,
hissonwascryingandhehadeveryr
ighttocome
checki
nguponhi m.AndLord!Whyhadsher anf r
om
thebathr
oom naked?Shecl
osedhereyestakinga
deepbreathofstr
engtht
henwalkedout.
Chesslookedather,hismout hdroppingopen.He
hadneverseenherlikethat.Matteroffact
,henever
knewshehadt hosehipsandass, notwhenshe
worehercleani
nguni f
orm everydayandadoeki n
herhead.Heswallowedt hensighed.
“
Ready
?”
“
Yessi
r…”
“
Let
’sgo.
”
Hepi ckedAtang’
sbagandwalkedoutwithhi
m.She
foll
owedaf t
erhim wat
chi
nghimfrom behi
nd,he
alwayslookedgoodinasuit
,li
kehedidnowbutthat
ti
e…
“Mr.Moremi,It
hinky
oushoul
dgowi
thwhi
tet
iet
hat
hastheblue-
“
“
Goandgeti
t.Wear
erunni
ngl
ate.
”
Sheputherhandbaginsidet
henhurri
edbackinsi
de
thehouse,sheopenedthecl
osetgotitwher
eshe
hadplaceditthenhur
ri
edwithitout
side.
“
Thi
sone.
”
Hef
ini
shedput
ti
nghi
ssononhi
sseatt
hent
ookof
f
theonehehadonget ti
ngcloser.Shelookedathi
m
real
izi
nghewant edhertoputi ton,nowwi t
hthe
heelsthatmadehert al
l
er,sheputitonhisneckwi t
h
nohust l
eandtieditonhisneck.Shef i
xedhisshi
rt
tooinhali
ngthatdari
ngfragrance.Shequickl
y
steppedbacknotliki
gwhatherbodywasnowdoi ng.
“
Ther
e.”
“
Thanks.Let
’sgo.
”
Sheopenedt
hebackdoor
.
“
Hopi
natt
hef
ront
.”
“
Yessi
r.
”
Opelowalkedr oundt hecarandgotinputt
ingher
bagonherl ap.Chessr ever
sedanddr oveoffwhil
e
sheputonherseat belt
.Chesslookedatherthen
si
ghedreprimandi nghimself.Thesoonert
he
weddingendedandt hesoonerhej oi
nedhiswifethe
bet
ter.

*
**
Thatsamemor ni
ng,Lal al
azil
yatewhi lewatchinga
mov iethenherphoner ang,shelookedatherf ri
end
call
ing,God,whycouldn’tthi
sgirljustgett
he
messagel oudandclear ?Thisfri
endshipwasbor ing
hernow.NotwhenBogol owasconst antl
ytell
ingher
howmuchshewasdesper ateforKhumowhenhe
didn’tl
oveheranymor e.
Sher
oll
edherey
espi
cki
ng.
“
Gur
l!
”
“Heybabe!TlhammaIhav ebeeninvi
tedtoa
wedding,gatweit
’sabigweddingatKenny’
s
Garden’
s,Ihavebeenwantingtother
eandnowt
he
t
imehasf inall
ycome,bemyplusone. ”
“
Iam t
ir
edBogol
oand-
“
“
Pret
typl
ease.Iwi
l
lbuyy
oudi
aper
sfort
hebaby
.”
Lal
alaughed.“
Babydaddydoest
hat
.”
“Ok,Iwil
l….UhhIwi
lldosomethi
ngf oryou.Pl
ease
comewi thme.Thepersonwhoinvit
edmewi l
l be
busysoIdon’twanttobeall
alone.Pleaselet
’sgo
together
.Iwil
lgi
veyouP300.”
“
Ok,
but
-“
“Iwi
llpayyournei
ghbor
’sdaught
ert
olookaf
tery
our
daughter
.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Prepar
e.Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lal
agotupt
henst
art
edpr
epar
ing.

*
**

Awhilel
ater
,Lalawal
kedoutofthehouseina
backl
essreddresswi
thasli
tthatstar
tedaboveher
midthi
gh.Shegotinherf
ri
end’sconvert
ibl
e.
“
Heygi
rl
!”
“
Hey
…”
“
Wow!
”
Lar
onal
aughed.“
Let
’sgoi
j
a.”
Thef
ri
enddr
oveof
fheadedt
oKenny
’sGar
dens.
*
**

AtKenny
’sGar
dens,
Lal
asmi
l
ed.
“
Wow!
”
“
Thel
adywhoownt
hispl
acei
stheshi
tIt
ell
you.
”
“
Icansee.
”
Sheparkedthecarthentheysteppedoutwalki
ng
overtothechai
rs.Thedecorat
ionplusthebeaut
yof
thegardenswasjustoutofthi
swor l
d.Theysatat
theback.Bogol
olookedatLala.
“
Sowheni
sKhumomar
ryi
ngy
ou?
”
Lar
onat
ookoutherphone.“
Whenhei
sready
.”
“
Uhu…”
“
Yah.
”
“
Youshouldaskhi
m.Kanay ouwil
lbeababymama
f
oryear
s.Ebi
leyouwi
llf
ivekidsf
orthesameman
whowon’tmarr
yyou.
”
Laronaignor
edherpr
essi
ngherphonewai
ti
ngf
or
theceremonytobegi
n.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#55

Khumost eppedoutoft hecarwithhi scousinsjust

asChesspar kedbesi deshim.Hest eppedout
toget
herwi t
ht henanny ,Khumol ookedather ,hi
s
mouthdr oppingopen.Thewhi t
edr esshuggedal l
thecurv
esheact uallyknewshehad.Thehi deous
unif
orm alway shidallthat
.Withoutt hedoekand
withabitofmakeup, shelookedbeaut if
ul.Shetook
Atangfrom thebackseatandhel dhi mi nhisarmsas
Chesswal kedov er.Thebumpedf i
sts.
“
Themanoft
hemoment
!”
Khumol
aughed.“
Iam ner
vousasf
uck!
”
“
Thi
sisy
ourday
,youshoul
denj
oyi
t.
”
“
Shel
ooksdi
ff
erent
.”
Chesstur
nedtoOpelowhowaschat
ti
ngand
l
aughingwit
hhisson.
“
Shedoes?
”
Khumol
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.“
Nicet
ry.
”
“Ionl
ynot
iceoneper
soni
nmyey
esandshei
snot
here.
”
“
Waaka!(
Youar
ely
ing!
)”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ou.
”
“OmaakaChess.Younoti
cethatebi
lekanaobone
nywana.(
Youevensawthepussy.)
”
“Tsek!Let
’sgo,
wehav
etobef
astbef
oreshe
comes.”
“
Mxm.
”
OneofKhumo’
scousi
nswal
kedov
erf
ixi
nghi
sti
e.
“
Dammi
t!Who’
sthi
sonenow?Yourgi
rl
?”
Khumoshookhishead.“Thenanny.Thi
sonehas
eyesforonewomanonlyandthat’
shisgir
l.Shei
s
nothere.
”
Thecousi
nsmi
l
ed.“
Shei
ssi
ngl
e?”
Chessl
ookedathi
m wi
thaf
rown.“
Noshehasa
boyf
ri
end.
”
“Boy
fri
endgasesepehela,ramot sayahel
aebere
mony al
a.(
Boyfri
endain’
tnothi
ng,wewi l
lj
ustt
ake
hert
henmar r
yher.)Shelooksli
ket het
ypeyou
marryandset
tlewit
h.”
“
It
’saseri
ousr
elat
ionshi
p.Theyar
epl
anni
ngt
oget
marr
ied.
”
Khumolookedatt
hecousi
nandsmi
l
ed.“
May
bey
ou
shoul
dstayaway.
”
“
Ngng,notfr
om thi
sone.Thisonewil
lbewor
tht
he
f
ightwi
thwhoev
ertheboyfr
iendwil
lbe.
”
“
No,st
ayawayfr
om her.Ther
ear
ealotmore
womanher
e.Let
’sgo.Rannyi
sal
mosther
e.”
Agoodl
ooki
ngwomanwal
kedov
ert
othem,
her
ey
esonChess.
“
War
engChess?
”
“
Mxm,
youar
eful
lofy
our
sel
fKenny
.”
Kennylaughed.“I
t’
sallf
airi
nthewor l
dofbusi
ness.
Getoverthingst
hatareinthepast
.Byt heway
,I
haveapr oposal
foryou.Myteam needameeting,
theyhavebeencalli
ngyouroff
iceforawhil
enow.”
“
Ihav
ebeenbusy
.Iwasi
n-“
“
London,Ihear
d.Butyouar
ebacknow.Iam sur
e
youcanworkoutsomethi
ng.Tr
ustme,youdon’
t
wanttol
oseont hi
sone.
”
“Cool
,l
ennaIhaveabusi nessproposal
foryouand
someladi
esinbusiness.Amul t
imil
li
onproj
ect
whichwecanallbenefi
tfrom.”
“Whi
chladi
esyaanong?NnaIam gr
eedyf
ormoney
andIwanti
tal
ltomy sel
f.
”
Chesssmiled.“
Youwill
seebutAnayawillbet
here.I
am st
il
ltr
yingtogetNal
ediBat
sho.Ial
readygotEazi
Bogat
su.”
Kennysmi
l
ed.“
Who’
sEazi
?Theonewhoownst
he
dri
nk?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Well
,Iwi
llwai
tfory
ourcal
l
.Inthemeanti
me,
my
t
eam wi
ll
comeonMonday ,sayat9?By
e!”
“Sharp.Ohbyt
heway
,hast
hesecur
it
ybeenputi
n
place?”
“
Yes,
unf
ort
unat
elyt
heyj
ustar
ri
vedbutt
heyhav
e
beenbr
ief
edonwhot
oleti
n.”
“
Okt
hanks.
”
Kennygoti
nherbr andnewshi nycarandspedoff
putt
ingonhersunglasses.Theyall
watchedasshe
spedofft
henturnedandwal kedtowhereevery
one
wasatthebeauti
fulsetup.
Theywentt
othefr
ontandst
oodwi
tht
hepr
iestwho
wasalr
eadywai
ti
ng.

Meanwhi leBogol olookedatLal awhowasbusy , her

headdownscr olli
ngonherf acebook.Shesmi led
start
ingal i
vef acebookv ideor eadyf orthedr ama
thatwasaboutt ounf old.Shewassogr atefulforher
fri
endwhohadt oldheraboutt heweddi ng,ifshe
hadn’tseent hatinit
iati
oncar dshewoul dn’thav e
known.Shesmi l
edathercamer aaspeopl estarted
watchingherv ideopi l
ing, wi
thherbei ngar adio
presenterandwi t
ht hehugef ollowingshehad, she
knewal otofpeopl ewer egoingt ot unei nandGod,
i
twoul dgivehersomet hingtodi scusst onightov er
hersegment .Shemadecut efacesonherl ive
passi
ngt
ime.

Cathylookedatherbabyi nherbedr oom.Shesi ghed

asguiltyweighedherdown.Shel ookedsomuchl i
ke
Lele,
shecl osedherey esunabletobel iev
eshewas
makingherhusbandr aiseachil
dt hatwasn’ thi
s.
Shewasj ustli
keLefanow.Tear sfill
edherey es.I
t
wasn’tfairandshewasn’ tsosurei fshecoul dkeep
i
tasecr etmuchl onger.Atsomepoi ntwhenshe
waspr egnant,shehadbeenhopef ul t
hatbychance
thebabywasherhusband’ sbutthef i
rstti
meshe
hadheldt hechubbybabyi nherar msshehad
knownr ightthen.
Tearsrolleddownhercheeks.Shedidn’tevenwant
topray,Godwoul dneverli
stentosuchprayers.She
thoughtfull
ylookedatherphonethenreachedf orit
.
Shedialedhi snumberwipingawayhertearssni f
fi
ng.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Thabo…”
Ther
ewasasigh.“
Cat
her
ineIam noti
nthemood.I
can’
tbel
i
evey
ouarefi
newit
hChessmar r
yingLel
e.
I
t’
swr
ong.
”
“What’
swr ong?Lel
emarryi
ngthemanshel oves?
Can’ty
ouseey ouarest
andingbetweeny our
daughter’
shappi
ness?Whyareyoudoi ngthis?
Chessisnotmyson!Hei sanot
herwoman’ sson
j
ustthathewasbor namonthafterAtang.Theyare
nottwins.
”
“
Hei
syourst
epson.
”
“St
opdoi ngthi
s.Pl
ease.LetLel
ebehappy.She
deserv
esi t
.Youareblocki
ngherhappi
ness.Thi
sis
unnecessary.
”
“Chessisyourstepson,whywoul dyouwantyour
stepsonmar ry
ingyourdaughter?Youwanttomake
yourdaughteryourdaught
erin-l
awtoo?”
“
Letev
ery
thi
ngj
ustpl
ayout
.”
“
Mydaught
erwi
l
l-“
“
Whyar
eyousoangr
y?”
Ther
ewassi
l
ence.“
Whyam Iangr
y?”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Youar
enotsor
ry.
”
“Iam.Iam sososor ry
.Iam sor r
yf oral lt
hehur tI
putyout hrough.Iam sor ryforattempt ingtoki l
l my
daughter .Inol ongerhav eanyexcuseThabo. ”Tears
fi
ll
edherey es.“Iam sorryforhurtingy ou.Iam sor ry
.
I…Igav ebi rth.Iwaspr egnantandIgav ebirth.She
l
ooksl ikeLel e.Shei syoursandIam scar ed.Iam
scaredf ormy self
,formymar ri
age, formyf ami ly
andf orher .Ifeelthisi
sGodpuni shingmef orall
thatIdid.Iam goi ngtoloseev erythi
ngIhav e
workedf or.Iam goingt oloseitall.Iam goi ngt obe
alaughi ngst ock.”
“
Youwhat
?”
“Igavebirt
handshei syour s.Ihadsexwithy outhen
rragweChessl at
erthatnight.Sheisyour
s.Inamed
herAnanelang.TheycallherAnabutIcal lherNene.
Justlikemymot her
.Hergr andmot her
.Idon’tknow
whatt odo.Ican’
tli
vewi t
ht heguil
tyanymor e.I
t’
s
eatingmeal i
veandKgosi isso..heissohappyt o
hav eherandIknowwhatt hiscandoforyour
mar ri
age.I
t’
sgoingtodest royalot.
”
Hestar
tedwhisper
ing.“
God…howdi dyouget
pr
egnant?Hav
en’tyoureachedmenopause?
”
“
Ihadnoty
et.
”
“
Whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
meal
lal
ong?
”
“
Idi
dn’
tknowhowt
o.”
Shehear
dadoorcl
osi
ng.
“
Kgosi
isher
e.”
“
Wehav
etot
alkaboutt
his.
”
Shehungupanddel
etedt
hecallj
ustasherhusband
walkedi
nhol
dingay
oghurtcont
ainer
.
“
Ibr
oughtherf
avor
it
e.”
Hesmi l
edtaki
nghi
sdaughterandput
ti
ngheronhis
l
apthenheopenedtheyoghurtandst
art
edfeedi
ng
herhappi
ly
.

Awhi tel
i
mousi neparkedbythedesignat
edpar ki
ng
atKenny’sGardens.Rejoi
cesteppedouttogether
withRanewa’sfri
endfrom work.Ranwea’
sf at
her
steppedoutthenopenedt heotherdoorf
orhis
daught
er.Hehel
pedheroutsmili
ng.Ranawa
tear
ful
l
ylookedathi
minhersleevel
essdress.
“
Iam soscar
ed.
”
Herf
athersmi
led.“
Ist
hiswhatyouwant
?Youcan
al
wayschangeyourmind.I
t’
sal
l
owed.”
“No.Il
ovehi
m.Il
ovehi
m somuch,
Iam j
ustscar
ed
somethi
ngwil
lwr
ong.
”
“
Not
hingwi
l
lgowr
ong.Iam her
e.”
Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Youar
eri
ght
.”
“
Iam.Ready
?”
“
Yes.
”
Herf
athert
ookherhandt
henRej
oicer
ushedov
er.
“
Aphot
opl
ease…”
Ranewasmi l
edatthecamerawit
hherf
atherwhi
l
e
Rej
oicesnappedcountl
esspi
ctur
es.
“
Ther
ewego.Iam sohappyf
ory
oul
i
lsi
s.”
TheyhuggedasRanewalaughed.“
Andt
othi
nky
ou
wereangryIwasdat
ingy
ourboss.”
Rejoi
celaughedt
oo.“Iwasscaredofy
out
wo
breaki
ngup,Iwoul
dlosemyj ob.”
“
Wenakana.
”
“
Agi
rli
sal
l
owedt
obescar
ed.Let
’sgo.
”
Ranewawalkedinfr
ontofhert
ogetherwi
tht
he
fr
iend,
eachholdi
ngabouquetoff
lowers.

Bogololookedast hebri
desmaidswal
kedthroughto
theaisl
eintheirbeaut
if
uldresseswhi
leasong
play
ed.Mor ethan4kpeoplewer ewat
chi
ngthel i
ve.
“Guys,t
heweddi
ngi
sst
art
ing.Theyl
ookso
beauti
ful
.”
Sheswi t
chedtothebackcameraasmor epeople
tunedin,commentsfl
oodi
ngcomment ingont he
beauti
fulweddi
ng.Thebri
destart
edwal kingover
,
shelookedatLal
awhowassol ostonherphone.
“Larona,putawayyourphone.I
thasstart
ed.Youwi
ll
breaky ourneck,
youhavebeenony ourphonesi
nce
wegother e.
”
Lar
onaputawayherphoner
aisi
ngherhead.She
l
ookedatt hebeaut i
ful
brideassheslowlywalked
overwithherfathergoingtotheaisl
e.Lal
astoodup
andlookedahead.Herhear tskippedasthesmileon
herfacedisappeared.Bogoloputthecameraonher.
“
What
?”
“
Ist
hatKhumo?
”
“Bogol
oturnedthecamer
atot
hef
rontwher
ethe
groom was.“OhmyGod!”
“
Heel
aBogol
o,who’
sweddi
ngi
sthi
s?”
“
Idon’
tknow.Iwasj
usti
nvi
ted.
”
Larona’shear
tpoundedsof astasKhumogot
handedt hebr
ide.Hesmiledholdingherhandsthen
everyonesatdown,thepastortakingt
hemi c.
“Goodmorni
ngladiesandgentl
emen,t
wear
e
gather
edher
etowi tnessKhumoMolef
emake
RanewaLebakahiswi f
e.”
Larona’
sheartbeatevemorefasterasshefr
oze
stari
ng.Bogolol
ookedatthecomment sfl
ooding,
peoplementioni
ngthei
rfr
iends.
“
OhmyGod,
Khumoi
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
”
“
Iwaswi
thhi
mlastni
ght
…”Shewhi
sper
ed.
Larona’
skneesgotevenweakerasthepast
or
start
edmentioni
ngsomeversesfr
om thebi
ble.
“
Bathong!Howhecangetmar
ri
edwhi
l
eina
r
elat
ionshi
pwit
hyou?
”
Lar
onapi
nchedher
sel
f,t
ear
sfi
l
li
ngherey
es.
“Doyou,KhumoMolef
et akeRanewaLebakaasy our
l
awfull
yweddedwif
e,throughsicknessandheal
th,
happi
nessandsor
rowt i
l
l deat
hdoy ouapart
?”
Khumosmi
l
ed.“
Ido.
”
Thecr
owdcheer
ed.
“Andy ou,
RanewaLebaka, doy outakeKhumo
Mol ef
easy ourlawfulweddedhusband,thr
ough
sicknessandhealth,happi
nessandsorrow,ti
l
ldeat
h
doy ouapart?”
Ranewagi
ggl
ed.“
Ido.
”
“
Ist
her
eany
one-
“
“
KHUMO!
”
Lar
onascr
eamed,
herent
ir
ebodywasshaki
ng.
Everyonetur
nedtoher
,Khumo’
sfami
l
yimmedi
atel
y
recognizi
ngher
.
Khumo’
smout hdr
oppedopenashel
ookedather
,
Ranewast
aredathi
m.
“
Ithoughty
ousai
dyoubr
ief
edsecur
it
y.”
Chesscur
sedbeneat
hhi
sbr
eat
h.Lar
onawal
ked
over
.
“
What
’sgoi
ngonbabe?
”
“
Lar
onaI
-“
“
What’
sgoingon?Who’sthis?”ShepushedRanewa
whost
aggeredback,
hersisterbal
anci
ngher.
“
Ilongtol
dy ouIdidn’
twantyouanymore.Youdi
dn’
t
wanttoli
sten.Il
onglosti
nter
estandyouknewit
.”
“
Iknewi
t?Iknewi
t?”
“
Itol
dyou.
”
Tear
swethercheeksr
uini
nghermake-
upasher
hear
tsank.
“
Soyoudeci
dedt
ogetmar
ri
edbehi
ndmyback
i
nst
ead?
”
“
Whatdi
dyouwantmet
odo?
”
Lar
onal
ookedatt
hebr
ide,
pai
nst
rangl
i
ngher
.
“Youcouldhavebeenseri
ousandt oldme.You
shouldhavesatmedownandexpl ainedyoudidn’
t
l
ov emeany more.
,Yousai
dIdeserv edbet
terandI
wasjust…wehav e…”Shelookedatallt
hephones
taki
ngvideos.Shest
eppedbackhol di
nghercri
es.
“It
’sok.Congr atulati
ons.”Shet urnedt oBogol o.“You
knew.Youdeci dedt obr ingmeher etoshoott his
andembar rassme.I fyoudi dn’tnot i
ce, Ihavebeen
keepingmydi stancebecauseIr ealizedy ouwer enot
at r
uef ri
endwheny ouwentanddi scussedmeat
yourradiost ati
on.Yout ookmypr oblemsandmade
them ashow.Todayy oubr oughtmeher etotake
videosofmeandhav esomet hi
ngt ot alkaboutlater
onbutIam goi ngt oshamey ouandev erybodyhere.
Iam v eryhurt…Iam hur tbey ondwor dsbutIam
goingt owal kaway .Iam goi ngt owal kawayand
shamet hedev i
l.Youexpect eddr ama, unfort
unately
youar enotgoi ngt ogeti t.Congr atulati
onsKhumo.
Yout ooMr s.Khumo. ”
Sheturnedthenwal kedawayandwalkedtothegat
e
whereshest eppedoutofKenny’sGar
dens.She
brokedowncr yi
ngkneelingonthengr
ound.Shefel
t
tooweakt oeveny ell
ordoanyt
hing.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gettol
ikeandcomment
,anot
herbonus
fami
lywait
ingf
orus.
i
:Roar
ingFl
ames
#56

Therewassil
enceatthewedding,Bogolost
opped
rol
l
ingthevi
deothenwal kedaway.Herphonerang
asshewalkedtohercar.Shepickedhermanagers
cal
l.
“
Yes?
”
“
Whatast
ory
.Ij
ustsawnow.
”
Shesmil
ed.“
Itol
dyou,
Ial
way
sknowwher
ethe
j
uicei
sat.
”
“
Cat
chy
ouat7?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Sur
e.”
Shehungupt hengotinhercaranddroveoff.She
wat chedasLar onagotinataxibythegatethenit
drov eof f
,itwouldbegoodtohav eherontheradi
o
tosayhersi deofthestor
y,i
twouldgivethem more
l
istener s.Bogolosi
ghedwonderinghowshewoul d
conv inceher.

*
**

Ranewa’ sfamil
ylookedatherthensheswal l
owed
resumingherpositi
on.Shehadexpect edtheworst
andshewassur pri
sedLaronahadjustwalkedaway .
Itwasn’tevery
dayawomanwoul dseeherboy fri
end
getmar ri
edandwal kawaywithherdignit
ystil
li
n
place.
Shet
ookadeepbreat
hwonder
ingwhyshehad
i
maginedLar
onaasabadper
sonall
along,
she
l
ookedey
eswi
thKhumowhowasst
il
li
nshock.
Thepastorl
ookedatthem.“
Isther
eany
onehere
whoisagainstt
hisuni
on?Speaknoworfor
everhol
d
yourpeace.
”
Ther
ewassi
l
ence.Thepast
ornodded.
“
Ther
ingspl
ease…”
Theytookther i
ngst henthepastortookadeep
breat
h.“Mayt heser i
ngsbeasy mbol ofy ouruni
on.
Mayy ouber emindednotonlyoft hi
sv erymoment
wheny oulookatt hem butal
sober emi ndedoft he
vowsy oumadet oday .Maythisr
ingr epresentyour
l
ov eandcommi t
mentf rom t
odayt i
l
lthel astday.
Khumo, youmayt akeRanewa’ shand. ”
Khumot
ookRanewa’
shand.
“
Repeataf
termeasy
ousl
i
det
her
ingonherf
inger
.”

*
**

Fr
om t
hecr
owd,
Opel
ofr
ownedcat
chi
ngt
heawf
ul
smellcomingf
rom Atang.Shestoodupt henwalked
awayasKhumor epeatedaftert
hepastor,shewent
tothecart
henunlockeditfr
om adistance.She
openedthedoorandgotinwi t
hhim andchanged
hisdi
aper.
“
Mama…”
Shesmi
led.Thi
sboyst
il
l di
dn’
tknowt
hedi
ff
erence
bet
weenherandhi
smot her.
“
HeyAt
ti
e…”
“
Mama…”
Shesmi l
edt henkissedhi scheeks.Hi stemperature
washi ghandhewasn’ tasact iv
easusual .She
brushedi toff,musthav ebeent hatf
alli
nt he
mor ning.Shet i
ckledhim gettingaslightsmi l
e.The
boywassohandsome, hetooksomuchaf terhis
father.Sheal sohadhissmi l
e.Shesi ghedput t
ing
awayt hediaper,
hermot herstartedcall
ing.Opelo
declinedthecal l
swi t
chingof fherphone, shewasn’t
i
nt hemood.
“
Hi…”
Opel
otur
nedandl
ookedatt
hemani
nthesui
t.“
Uh
hi
…”
“
Iam Owen.I
shey
our
s?”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
No.
”
“
Hel
ooksl
i
key
our
s.”
Shel
aughed.“
No.Hei
snot
.”
“Uhu,kanaev
ersi
nceIsawyouIwasal
ready
pract
ici
ngtobeastepfat
her
.”
Shel
aughedagai
n.“
Hei
snotmi
ne.
”
“
Youar
ebeaut
if
ul.
”
Shesmi l
edstari
ngathim.Hewasl ightskinnedand
goodl ooking,t
herewassomet hi
ngabouthi sjoking
characterthatmadehersmileormay beitwasthe
wayhesai dshewasbeautif
ul.Noonehadt oldher
thosewor dsinawhi l
enowandi tfeltgoodhearing
them from him.Itmadeherblush.
“
Thanks.
”
“
Wher
eisy
ourman?
”
Opel
oshookherhead.“
Iam si
ngl
e.”
“
Stopl
ying,nobeaut
if
ulwomanl
i
key
our
sel
fcanbe
t
hissi
ngle.
”
Shegi
ggl
ed.“
Waai
,godr
yhel
a.”
“Ser
ious?What’
swrongwi t
hy ou?Icanonl
yguess
ther
emustbesomet hingwrongwithyoubecause
beauti
fulgi
rl
sar
enev ersi
ngle.
”
Sheshr
ugged.“
Ican’
thav
eki
ds.
”
Owensmi
l
ed.“
Awayt
ogetmeof
fyourback?
”
“No.Ir
eal
lycan’
thav
ekids.Hadmedi cal
compli
cat
ionswhenIwasy oung.Par
ent’
signor
ance.
Ican’
thav
ekids.
”
“That’
sst
il
lok.Wecanal
way
sadopt
.Let
’sgooutf
or
dinner
.Howistoni
ght
?”
“Iam worki
ngt
oni
ght
.Iam nanny
.ButIhav
ea
degree.HR.
”
“
Wow!Smar
tandbeaut
if
ul.
”
Opel
olaughed.“
Mxm.
”
“
Tomor
rowt
hen?
”
“
Uh-
“
Owenhandedherhi
sphone.“
Addyournumberher
e.
Iwi
ll
cal
lyousowecanmakeapl an.
”
Opel
otookt
hephoneandsav
edhernumber
.He
smil
ed.
“Ournamesbot
hst
artwi
thanO,
wear
emeantt
o
be.”
Shel
aughed,
Chessf
rownedwal
ki
ngov
er.
“
What
’sgoi
ngonher
e?”
Owent
urnedt
ohi
m andsmi
l
ed.“
Aret
heydome?
”
“
Yeah.
”
“
Iwasj
ustsay
inghi
,by
eOpel
o.”
Hewal
kedaway
,Chesst
urnedt
oOpel
o.
“
Doy
ouknowhi
m?”
“
Nosi
r.
”
“
Thenwhatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thhi
m?”
“
Hewasj
ustsay
inghi
.”
“Youshoul
dbecaref
ul.That
’sKhumo’
scousin,hei
s
knownforsl
eepi
ngwithwomenanddumpi ngthem
thefol
lowingday.Iam justlooki
ngoutf oryoubut
youcanaskany onef r
om Khumo’ sfamily.Theywil
l
tel
lyou.HehasHer pes.Ifyouwantt ohangar ound
him,it
’sok.Ti
saAt t
ie.(Br
ingAt t
ie.)Alsohisbag.”
Shelookedatherbossandhedidn’
tlookangryor
happy.Hewasjustlooki
ngatherwi
thastraight
face.
“Idon’
twantt
ohangar
oundhi
m.Iwi
l
lst
aywi
th
Atang.
”
“I
fyouwantt
omi
ngl
ear
ound,
youcant
ell
me.You
arefr
eet
odoso.
”
“
Yessi
r.
”
Heturnedandwalkedback,
shetookadeepbr
eat
h
andtookAtangt
hinki
ngoftheherpes.

*
**

Lar
onasteppedoutofthetaxiatherhousethen
pai
dandwal kedi
nsidethehouse.Shelookedather
nei
ghbor
’sdaughterbabysi
tti
ng.
“
It
’sokl
ove,
youcango.Thanks.Take.
”
ShehandedherP100t henshewalkedout.Larona
cl
osedt hedoorbehindherthenpickedhersleepi
ng
babyandpl acedherinhercoatbedbeforegetti
ng
underblanketsandcryi
ngont hepil
low.Shestil
l
coul
dn’tbeli
eveitandthepaincutdeeperthan
anyt
hing.

*
**

Latert
hatdayinKasaneatdusk,
Lelewal
kedinher
room f
rom theworkshopthensi
ghedsi
tt
ingonthe
bed.Shetookherphoneandcall
edChess
wonderingwherehewas.
“
Babe…”
“
Wher
ear
eyou?I
sn’
ttheweddi
ngov
er?
”
“
Atangisnotf eel
i
ngwel l,hehasafever.Opel
odidn’
t
t
hinkitwouldbethatser i
ousbutsomet hi
ngis
wrong.Wear ecurrent
lyatthehospi
tal.Thedoct
or
wi
lltakealook.Iwillt
alktomyPAsoshecanget
meaf
li
ght
-“
“
NgngChess,st
aywit
hhi
m.Iam notcomfor
tabl
e
wi
thbot
hofusnotbei
ngt
herewhenheisnot
f
eel
ingwel
l
.Youcancometomor
rowifheisbett
er.
”
“
Ok.Howi
sitgoi
ngt
her
e?”
“
Fir
stdaywasgr
eat
,Imetsomewonder
ful
ladi
es.
”
“
That
’sni
cebabe.
”
“Yes.Uh,
attendtoAtti
et hentel
l
smehowitgoes.
Someonei satthedoor,Ithi
nkit
’smyf
ood.
”
“
Ok.Iwi
l
lcal
ll
ater
.”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”
Lel
ehungupthenwalkedt
oherdoorandopened.
Thetwol
adi
esf r
om t
heworkshopsmiledather
.
“
Hey
,wear
egoi
ngoutf
orsomedr
inks,
comewi
th.
”
“
Ihav
etopr
epar
efort
omor
row.
”
“Lel
e,l
iv
eal i
tt
le,l
oosenup.Tomorr
owthewor
kshop
star
tsat1400hrs.Youwil
lhavet
hewholemor
ning
topr
epare.Let
’sgooutforsomedri
nks.Let
’sl
oosen
upabit
.Justtwoorthreedri
nkst
hencomeback.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
Shewalkedbackinherroom whereshetookaquick
showeranddressedinashortdressshehadkeptto
wearforChess.Adri
nkort wowasn’tgoi
ngtohurt
anyone.Shedidhermake-upthencall
edChess.
“Heybabe…Iam goingt
ohaveadrinkwi t
hthe
l
adiesImetattheworkshop,
StacyandPear l
.They
arereal
l
ynice,
Ithi
nkIhavemadefriends.
”
Chesschuckl
ed.“
Iam happyi
fyouar
e.Il
ovey
ou.
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.Theyar
ereal
l
yni
ce.
”
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”
“
Shar
p.”
Hehungup,shetookherpur
seandputherphone
i
nsidet
henwalkedout.Shemett
heladi
es
downst
air
s.
“
Ther
eisaplacearoundher
e.Wej
ustgotdi
rect
ed.
Wecangothere.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
TheywalkedoutandgotinSt
acy’
sFort
uner
.Lel
e
j
oinedheratt
hef rontwhi
l
ePear
ljumpedi
natthe
back.St
acysmiled.
“
Ihav
en’
tdonethisbef
oreguy
s.If
eel
wear
egoi
ng
t
obegoodfr
iends.”
Pearll
aughed.“
Met
oobat
hong.KanaIdon’
thav
e
fr
iends.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Makesal
lofusher
e.”
“
Ler
’sdot
hisf
ri
ends!
”
Stacyst
artedthecaranddr oveof f
.Att henear
by
pubandgr i
ll
,theladi
eswal kedinsi
dechat t
ingl
oudly
.
Theygottheirdri
nksandst art
eddr i
nking.Thedri
nks
keptcomingast heylaughedev enharderchatt
ing
havingagoodt i
me.

*
**

Boi
kany
owal
kedi
nti
psyf
rom hi
sbeert
opi
ckuphi
s
take-
awayalmostanhourlater
,hefr
ownedcatchi
ng
Leledanci
ngwhi l
edrunk,
hershor
tdresspul
l
ingup
exposinghert
highs.Hewalkedover
.
“
Hey
…”
Lel
elookedathi
mthensmi
l
ed.“
Hey
…”
“
Hi,
youar
edr
unk.
”
Shel
aughed.“
No.Iam not
.”
“
Youar
e.Ladi
es!
”
Theywav
edathi
m.“
Hi…”
“
Shei
sdr
unk.Pl
easet
akeherbackwher
e-“
Pear
lst
ooduphol
dingabot
tl
eofwi
ne.“
Wear
est
il
l
havi
ngf
un.
”
“
But
-“
“
Wear
ehav
ingf
un.
”
Boi
kany
osighedt
henputhi
sar
m ar
oundLel
eand
wal
kedoutwit
hher.
“
Hey
…Lel
e…”
Lel
elookedathi
m ast
hecol
dbr
eezehi
therski
n.
Shesmi
l
ed.
“
Ohhey
…”
Heshookhi
shead.“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”
“
Wor
kshop.
”
“Ok,wherearey
oust ay
ing?Iam goi
ngt
odropyou
off.Hopewedon’tbumpnt othepol
i
ceorel
sewe
arebothgoingt
ojail
.”

*
**

Atthehot el
,Boi
kany owalkedwithherinsidethe
room, Lel
eimmedi atel
ytookoffhershoes.Het ook
outherphonef rom herpurseandlookedather
batteryat2%.Hesi ghedputt
ingitdownt henlooked
ather.Shewassosexyi nthatshortdr
esst hat
exposedhert hi
ckthighs,i
talsoshowedher
cleavage.
Al
lthatsexi
nesswasj
ustst
ari
ngbackathi
m.
Shest
art
edt
aki
ngof
fthedr
ess.
“
Iam goi
ng.Wi
l
lyoubef
ine?
”
Shetookofft
hedressr
emai
ningwi
thherl
i
nger
ie,
he
tookadeepbreat
h.
“
Ok,
shar
p.”
“
Mybr
aist
ight
.”
Thetemptati
onhewaschal l
engingwast oomuch,
heswall
owedt henqui
cklyunhookedherbra.She
tooki
toffthensmil
edstaggeri
ng,drunk.Heputhi
s
armsaroundher.
“
Youshoul
dsl
eep.
”
“
Iam notsl
eepy
.”
“
Lel
e-“
Shewhisper
ed,
hereyeshal
dcl
osed.“
Iam not
sl
eepy
.Iam notdr
unk.”
“
Youneedt
osl
eep.
”
“
Iam notsl
eepy
.”
“
Lel
e-“
“
Iam notdr
unk.
”Shet
ouchedhi
schestt
henher
handwentdownt
ohi
sdi
ck“
Lel
est
op.Youar
e
drunk.
”
Shest oodonhert oesandki ssedhi m.Athermer cy
andweak, Boikany oki ssedherbackt henpi ckedher
upandpl acedheront hebedget tingont opofher .
Shesl oppil
yki ssedhi m backt oodr unkt okiss
proper ly.Hishandwentbet weenherpussyt henhe
touchedhert hickness.Lel ecl osedherey essl eeping.
Boi kanyot ookof fherpant i
esasshel ayt here
unconsci ous,hisdi ckal readyhar d.Hel ookedather
thickpussyt henl ookedatherasshel ayther enot
mov i
ng, eyescl osed.Fuck, therewasnowayhewas
wal kingawayf rom al lthat.Heopenedherl egswi der
takingoutdi ckf i
gur i
ngt hatwoul dwakeherup, he
wasgoi ngt of i
nishwhatshest arted.Her ubbedhi s
dickonherpussygr untingt hen#r emov ed.
.
.
Dol
i
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#57

Chessopenedt
hedoorforOpel
oatthehouset
hen
shewalkedi
nholdi
ngsl
eepingAt
ang.
“
Iwi
l
ltakehi
mtobed.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shewenttoherr oom wher eshesl eptwithhim whi
l
e
Chesstooktherestoft hethingsfrom thecar.He
si
ghedcall
ingLelebutt hecalldidn’tgothrough.He
tr
iedtwi
cemor ethensi ghed,shelikedswi t
chingof
f
herphoneatnightwhenchar gingit,shewas
probabl
yalr
eadyf astasleep.Hesi ghedthenputhis
phonedownj ustasOpel ocameback.
“
Hei
ssl
eepi
ng.
”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Uhwoul
dyoul
i
keany
thi
ngt
oeat
?”
“
Aren’
tyout
ir
ed?
”
“
Icanmakey
ousomet
hingt
oeat
.”
“No,
Iam f
inet
hanks.Youcanj
ustmakemecof
fee.
Youwil
lbr
ingi
t.
”
“
Yessi
r.
”
“
Yourbagi
sont
het
abl
e.”
“
Yessi
r.
”
Chesswal kedtohisbedroom thenundressed
walki
nginsidethebat hr
oom.Awhi lel
aterhewalked
outwit
hat owelaroundhiswaistandchangedinto
hi
ssweat pantsdiali
nghisfat
her.
“
Chess…”
“
Papa,
howdi
ditgo?
”
“Ei
sh,Lel
e’
sfat
heri
sbei
ngdi
ff
icul
t.Todayhedi
dn’
t
evenopenthedoor
.”
Hesi
ghed.“
Idon’
tunder
standwhyhei
sref
usi
ng.
”
“
Hei
sbi
tt
erIguess.
”
“
Butt
hathappenedagesback.
”
“Iknowbutwewillkeept
rying.Youshouldbe
prepar
edforhi
mt oo,hei
sgoi ngtochargecr
azy
amountstry
ingt
omaket hingsev enmoredif
fi
cul
tif
heev
eragr
ees.
”
“Moneyisnotaproblem.Theprobl
em i
shim bei
ng
hardheaded.MaybeLeleshoul
dtal
ktohim.Iam
beginni
ngtogetannoyednow.”
“Yes,
shecant al
ktohi
m.Aker
eshei
stheonl
y
daughterhehas?”
“
Yes.
”
“Lethertal
ktoherf
amily.Askhert
ocallf
oraf
ami
l
y
meetingthenshewil
laddressi
tinf
rontof
everyone.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Youhav
eay
oungersi
ster
.”
“
Awhat
?”
“
Ayoungersi
ster
.”
“
From wher
e?”
“
Yourmot
hergav
ebir
th.Wewer
eexpect
ingt
hey
ear
y
ouwentt
oLondon.
”
“Youar
esti
l
lhavi
ngsex?I
sn’
tmamapastt
hatst
age
ofhavi
ngki
ds?”
“
Whycan’
twehav
esex?
”
“
Becausey
ouar
eol
d?
“
Arey
oucr
azy
?”
“
No.Youagemat
esar
enothav
ingsex.
”
“
Andhowdoy
ouknow?
”
“Whyarey
ouhav
ingsexatt
hisageandhav
ing
ki
ds?”
“Becausewewant
.Youhaveayoungersi
ster
.You
shouldcomeandseehersomet
ime.
”
“Idon’
tunder
stand,
howcany
oust
il
lbehav
ing
kids?”
“
IthappensChess.Ihav
eaccept
edi
t,y
oushoul
ddo
t
oo.”
“Whyareyouhavingsex?Peopleyouragedon’thave
sex.It
houghtyouhavediabet
es,i
sn’tyoursexdri
ve
l
ow?Howar ey
oust i
l
lhavingsexl
ikeyouar emy
age?”
“Otokaony el
aChess.I
fyouwantt
ostophav
ingsex
at50,yourchoi
ce,
Lelewil
lpr
obabl
yfi
ndsomeoneto
dowhatyoucan’
t.Someofusarefi
tanddon’tlet
anyi
ll
nessst
opus.Youareget
tingdi
srespect
ful
now.HowwasKhumo’ sweddi
ng?”
“
Itwasgr
eat
.”
“
That
’smyboy
.Il
ovet
hat
.”
“Ican’
tbeli
eveyouhavebabyandt
hatmysoni
s
sli
ghtl
yoldert
hanher.
”
“I
thappened,
accepti
t.Want
enay
anong.(
Youar
e
annoyi
ngmenow. )
”
Hisfat
herhungup.Chessl
ookedathisphonein
completeshockandsur
pri
se.Hisdooropenedand
Opelowalkedin,
shehadchangedint
ooneofher
workdressesnowandthedoekwasbacki nher
head.Al
l t
hemake-upwasoff.
“
Ther
eMr
.Mor
emi
.”
Shehandedhi
mthemugofcof
fee.
“
Doy
oul
ovewear
ingt
hat
?”
“
Sir
?”
“
Youruni
for
m?Doy
oul
i
kewear
ingi
t?”
“
Yessi
r.
”
Helookedather
.“Don’ty
ouwantt
owearyourusual
cl
othes?Theuni
form makey
ouappearwayol
der.
”
“
Iam happywi
thmyuni
for
m.”
“Ok.Goodni
ght.Oh,Iam goingt
oKasanetomorr
ow
earl
ymorni
ng.Iwil
lbecomi ngbackl
ateronort
he
fol
lowi
ngdaywithLele.
”
“
Ok.Iwi
l
ltakecar
eofAt
ang.
”
“Ok.Onemor et hi
ng, start
ingfrom todayIwoul dli
ke
i
tmywi fetouchedmyt hings.Thatgoesf ormy
clot
hes,younol ongerwashori r
onmycl ot
hes.My
shoestoo.OnFr i
dayst il
lSunday,Iwi l
lhaveameal
cookedbymywi f
e.Fr om breakfasttil
ldi
nner.You
cancookf orhery ouandherbutnotf orme.Youar e
alsogoi
ngt ostopcl eaningt hi
sbedr oom, mywi f
e
andIwilldoit.Am Icl ear?”
“
Yessi
r.
”
“BynowIknowhowy ourfoodt
astesl
ikeandIknow
howy oucook,
Iknowhowy oui
ronmycl ot
hesandI
knowhowy oucleant
hisr
oom,Iwouldknowifyou
doi
tev
enaf
terIt
oldy
ounott
o.”
“
Yessi
r.
”
“
Goodni
ght
.”

Thatsameni ghtRanewal ai
dont hebed,her
husbandwasout sidewithhiscousinsandfriends
sti
llbraaingandhav ingf
un.Shesi ghedgett
ingoff
bedt hinkingofLar ona.Whathadhappenedwasst i
l
l
stuckinherheadandshewonder edwhatshewas
goingt hroughatt hismoment .Herheartmusthav e
beenbr eaking.Shepacedar oundt heroom thinki
ng
thenf i
nal l
ygr abbedt hecarkeys.Shechangedi ntoa
j
eanandat -
shirtthensli
ppedherf eetint
othef l
ip
fl
op.Shewentwher eKhumowas.
“
Heybabe…”
Hetur
nedtoherholdi
ngagl
assofwi
net
henki
ssed
her
.“Mrs.Mol
efe…”
“Iam goi
ngtogetsomet
hingf
rom t
hef
il
li
ngst
ati
on.
Iam coming.
”
“
Icandr
ivey
ou.
”
“
No.Iam ok.
”
“
Ok.Hur
ry.Themeati
sal
mostr
eady
.”
“
Ok,
Iam comi
ng.
”
Shewal kedtot
hecarandj umpedinthendroveof
f.
Shehadbeent her
ewi thKhumoacoupl eofti
mes
andshehadr emainedinthecarthewholeti
me.
Apologizi
ngwasther i
ghtf
ulthi
ngtodo.Larona
hadn’tdeser
vedtofindoutthatway.

Awhil
elat
er,shepar
kedhercari
nsi
detheyardthen
st
eppedout.Shewentt
othedoorandknocked
l
ooki
ngaround.
“
Lar
ona!
”
Sheknockedagain.Shestoppedhear ingf oot
steps.
Li
ghtsfli
cker
edthenLaronaunl ockedt hedoor
l
eav i
ngtheburgl
arsti
lll
ocked.Ranewal ookedat
Larona’
spuff
yey esseei
ngt hatclear
lyshehadbeen
cry
ing.
“
Canwet
alk?
”
“
Iam notcausi
ngdr
ama,
pleasel
eav
emeal
one.Go
andenj
oyy
our
sel
f.
”
“Pl
easel
et’
stalk.Iam nother
etofighttooandI
can’
tenj
oymy selft
il
lItal
ktoyou.Unlockthebur
glar
bar.
”
Laronalookedatherthenunl
ockeditl
etti
ngheri
n.
Shelookedattheringonherfi
nger,
tearsbur
ning
hereyes.
“
Iam sosor
ry.
”
“
Hel
i
edandsai
dhewassi
ngl
edi
dn’
the?
”
Ranewat
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
No.Iknewabouty
ou.
”
Lar
onapaused.“
Youknew?
”
“YesbutIknowhecont inuousl ytr
iedbreaki
ngup
withy ouandyoukeptr efusing.Hady ouaccepted
thathedidn’twanty ouany mor e,
youwoul dn’
thave
gottenthishurt.Ithurtssomuchr ightnowbecause
youwer einar elationshipwi thhim buthewasn’tina
rel
ationshipwithy ou.Hedi dn’twanty ouanymore
andy oukeptfor cingy ourself.
”
“
What
?”
“
Lar
onahel
ongwant
edt
oendt
hingswi
thy
ou.He
di
dandy
ouj
ustdi
dn’
taccepti
t.
”
“KhumoandIhavebeent
ogetherf
oryear
s!You
don’tknowany
thi
ng.
,Wehaveadaughter
!”
“
Soy
ouwant
edt
ousehi
sdaught
ert
otr
aphi
m?”
“
Ilov
ehi
m!”
“Hedi dn’tlov eyouany mor e.Iam notgoi ngt osugar
coatt hat,Khumol ongendedt hingswi thy oubuty ou
didn’ twantt oletgosoy ouwer ei nar elationshi p
alone.Youwer ejustdesper atetokeepbabydaddy
aroundandIunder standt hat’
swhyIam her e.Iam
sor ry, Khumoshoul dhav et oldy ouhehadf ound
someoneel seandt hathewasget tingmar ri
ed.You
deser vedt hatmuch.Iam sor ryy ouf oundoutt he
wayy oudi d,Ireall
yt houghty ouwer egoi ngt ocause
dramabuty oudi dn’tsot hanky ou.Iknowy ouar e
angr ybutIwantust ohav eapeacef ulco- par enti
ng
relationshi p.Khumodi dtellmey ouar ecur rent l
ynot
wor ki ngsoal lbi
ll
shav ebeenonhi m.It hinki t’
stime
youl ookf oraj obandhel passi stusbecausewe
can’ tbepay ingforev er
ythingbutt olessent he
bur den, Iwast hi
nkingi nthemeant i
met hebaby
movesinwit
husandshewi
l
lcomebackoncey
ou
getaj
ob.”
Laronal
ookedather
,herangerr
isi
ngwhi
l
eherhear
t
poundedsomuch.
“
Youwantt
otakemychi
l
d.”
“Onl
yforthemeanti
me.Whowill
payrentfort
hisbi
g
housebecauseKhumowil
lnotbepay
ing-“
Lar
onapunchedhersohar
dshef
ell
scr
eami
ng.
“Youcometomyhouseandthi
nkyoucant
alkt
ome
howevery
ouli
keaf
teryoust
ealmyman?Mychil
d’s
fat
her?
”
Ranewatouchedhernose.“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ojai
land
wearegoingto-
“
Lar
onasatonherandpunchedherev
enhar
dert
hat
bl
oodspurtf
rom hernose.
“
STOP!Hel
p!Shei
ski
l
li
ngme.
”
“Yout
hinkyoucant
akemymanandgetawaywi
thi
t?
Youbi
tch!”
“
Lar
onast
op!
”
Laronaangril
ypunchedheragai
nasshetri
ed
fi
ghtingback,shegotupandstar
tedki
cki
ngher
,
eachkickharderthanthepr
evi
ous.
“
Lar
ona!St
opy
ouar
ehur
ti
ngme.
”
Laronamarchedtoherki
tchen,
angerandhurt
consuminghersomuch.Ranewatri
edgetti
ngup.
“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ojai
l
.”
Lar
onawal
kedbackwi
thakni
fe.“
Youwon’
ttake
awaymymanandgetawaywi
thit
.Youar
ecrazy!
”
Ranewa’shear
tskippedasLaronacamewi t
ht he
kni
fe.“
Laronastop,youwi
llgotojai
lformurder,
thi
nkofyourdaughter.
”
Angri
l
yLaronastabbedherst
omachwi
tht
hekni
fe,
Ranewascreamedsoloudinpai
n.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#58

Laronasteppedback,real
izati
onofwhatshehad
j
ustdonesl appi
ngheracrosst hef ace.Shel ooked
atRanewagr unt
inginpain,bloodwet t
inghert -
shir
t.
Herbodyshookt henshel ookedar oundandr eached
forherphoneunsureofwhot oev encal l
.Thepol i
ce?
Shethoughtofherdaught ersleepingint hehouse
thentear
sf i
ll
edhereyes,herhear tsinking.Shewent
overtoRanewa.
“
Let
’sgot
othehospi
tal
.”
“
Iam dy
ing.
”
“No.Youcan’ tdi
e.GodIdi dn’twanttodot hi
s, I
real
lydidn’t.Youcamet omyhouset oprovokeme
purposely.Ididn’tevenbothery ouatyourweddi ng,I
l
eftpeacef ull
ybuty oujustwant edtorubitonmy
face.
”Tear swethercheeks.“ Iwasgoingt oleave
youinpeace.Ihav ebeenwi ththismanf oryears
now, Ihaveachi ldwithhim.Hecoul dhav etoldmei t
wasov erandi twasnormal formet okeephol ding
onbecauseIlov
ehim.Il
ovehim somuch.Iam
humanandIam notarobot
.Youcameher etoput
sal
tonmywoundand…”Shest oppedthenhel
ped
herupandslowlywal
kedwit
hhertothecar.
Sheputheri nthecarthenwentbackf orher
daughter.Sheputheronherl apt henstart
ed
Ranewa’scaranddr oveoffwit honehand.Shebadly
wantedtocr ybutRanewa’sgr untsatthebackand
herbabyonherl apkepthergoi ng.Awhi l
elat
ershe
parkedthecaratt heemergencyent ranceatt
he
hospit
alandst eppedoutcall
i
ngf orhelp.
“
Whathappenedt
oher
?”
“
Shegotst
abbed.Hel
pher
.”
Shewatchedastheyputheront
hestr
etchert
hen
hel
dherhand.“
Youar egoi
ngtobefi
ne.”
Ranewalookedatherthensl
owlybli
nkedclosi
ngher
eyes.Lar
onaheldherchil
dtoherchestthenwent
backtothecarwhereshereachedforRanewa’
s
ri
ngingphoneandpicked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Ther
ewassi
l
ence.
“Khumo, i
t’
sLarona.Iam onmywayt othepoli
ce
stat
ion.Pl
easecomeandt akeourdaughter
.From
ther
ey oucangoandcol l
ectherthi
ngsfrom my
house.CallLef
atotakemybel ongi
ngsandkeep
them.”
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“Yousenty ourwifet omyhouset orubi tonmyf ace
andt el
l mey ouwantt ot akeawaymydaught erfr
om
me.“Shet ookadeepbr eath.“
Il ostitandst abbed
her.Itwasn’ tmyintent i
on, Ihadl eftyout woal one
buty ouj ustwant edt opr ovokemeandy oudid.Iam
goingt oj ailandwhaty ouwant edwi llhappen.You
havehur tmet othecor e, t
heonl ymi st akeImade
wast ol ov ey ouwhol ehear t
edlywheny oupr obably
neverf eltt hesamet obegi nwith.Iwantt oscream,I
wantt oshoutandmakeal lki
ndsofnoi sebutIam
tooweakt o.Iam sohur tandbr oken, Iam st i
l
l
hopingIwakeupf rom t hisdream buti t’
sok.I fGod
blessesot herpeoplef rom hur t
ingus, it’
sfine.Come
andt aket hebabyf rom t hepolicest ation.”
“
Ranewai
spr
egnant
.”
Lal
apaused.“
Shei
swhat
?”
“
Pregnant
.”
Lal
aswal
l
owed.“
Yougotherpr
egnant
?”
“
Ifanyt
hinghappenst
omybabyy
ouar
egoi
ngt
opay
f
oritdoy ouhearme?
”
“
Shecameandpr
ovokedme!
”
“Iam goingt okill
youi fany thinghappenedt omy
baby.Ihav ebeenqui etf orfart oolong.Il ongt old
youIdidn’twantt hisr elati
onshi pany mor e.Ihav en’
t
beentouchi ngy ouinmont hsnow.Ibar elysleep
overaty ourhouse.Whatt hef uckdidy outhinkwas
happeningLar ona?It oldy ouIdi dn’tlov eyou
anymor e!Isaiditcount l
esst i
mes, Iam notgoi ngt o
bemadet of eelguil
tyf ormar ry i
ngthewomanIl ove
becauseIl ongwant edt oendt hi
srelat i
onship.I
knewy oul eavingwit houtanydr amawasf ake.If
anythi
nghappenst omychi ldy ouar egoi ngtor egret
i
t,tr
ustme.Youar egoi ngt ojailforal ongt i
meandI
will
makesur eofi t
.Youhav egonet oof ar.
”
“Shecametomyhouse!Idi
dn’
tcal
lher
!Shesai
d
shewouldt
akemychil
dawayfrom-“
“Wel
lnowwear etaki
ngthatchi
ldawayf
rom y
ou.
Youcert
ainl
ydon’
tdeser
v etobeamother
.Youar
e
goi
ngtorotinj
ail
.”
“Iam notgoi ngtorotinjai
lKhumobecauseIam
goingt otell
them sheattackedme.It
’sherwor d
againstmi neandshewasatmyhouse.Iam goi ng
totellthem shewant edtohurtmybaby, shemar r
ied
myboy fri
end,Il
eftthei
rweddingpeacefull
ythenshe
l
atercamet omyhousecal l
ingmeallsortsof
names.Shet ookmybabyandwasgoi ngt ohurthim
soIst abbedher.”
“
Yout
hink-
“
“It
hinkwhaty oubast ar
dchild?Koorey outhi
nky ou
areallt
hat,yourmot herwasaf uckenmopdr i
ver
youfatherl
esst hi
ng.Ifi
twasn’tforChess’sfamily
youwoul dn’
tbewher ey ouaretoday.Youwoul dbe
nothi
ngjustlikeyourmot herwasnot hing,
bornas
nothi
ng,liv
edasnot hingbutanasswi peranddied
l
ikeone.Youdon’ tknowmeort heamountof
i
nfluencemyf amil
yhas.Youareapi eceofshit,
yesI
havesaidit.Youarenothingbutapi eceofshit
,you
andy ourentir
ehousehold.Bastar
dmot hercarri
ed
herbastardson.Goaheadandf eelbig,Ihopeshe
di
ed.Iwasf eeli
nggui
lt
ybuty oudon’tdeserveit
.”
“Oti
l
egony el
aLar
ona.WhenIgetmyhandsony
ou
Iam goi
ng-
“
“Youaregoingtowhat?Got ojaili
swhatwi l
lhappen.
Wherey oubelongwit
ht r
ash.Youwi l
lneverbe
happy,youaredesti
nedforgarbagebecausey ouare
one.Nxla.Youhavehurtthewrongone, myfather
knowspeopl ewhoknowpeopl e.Youaregoingto
suff
erandbegi nstr
eets.Iwon’tgotojai
ltoo.Watch
thespace.”
Shehungupandt ookadeepbr eathchangingallt
he
plans.Shelookedatherdaughterthenstar
tedthe
caranddr ovetothepoli
cestat
ion.Shehadt hought
shewoul dleti
tgoandgoonwi thherli
febutshe
wasgoi ngtoshowhi m whosher eal
lywas.She
call
edherf at
herdri
vi
ng.
“
Lal
a…”
Shetookadeepbreathtr
yingt
otal
kwit
houtcryi
ng
butt
earsfi
l
ledhereyes.“
Khumogotmarri
edtoday
behi
ndmyback.Hegott hewomanpregnant
.”
“
Ihear
dfr
om y
ourmot
her
.Iam sor
rymybaby
.”
“Hi
swifecametomyhousetoatt
ackmeandmy
daught
ersoIst
abbedheri
nret
urn.Iwasscar
ed.
”
“
Shewhat
?”
“
Iam goi
ngt
otur
nmy
sel
finatt
hepol
i
cest
ati
on.
”
“
Ican’
tbel
i
evet
his.
”
“
Idon’
twanttogotoj
ail
.Can’
tyoudol
i
key
oudi
d
wi
thLef
a’scase?
”
“
Letmemakesomecal
l
s.”

InKasane, Boikany o’sheartpoundedasLel elaid

there,shewasn’ tev enmov ingbuthecoul dtell
she
wasbr eathing.Het ookawett owelfrom the
bathroom andwi pedherbet weenherl eg.Nowt hat
hethoughtofi t,shecoul dscream rapeandhe
woul ddefi
nitel
ygot ojail
,thepoli
cewasst r
icton
suchmat ters.Heknewacoupl eofpeopl ewhower e
Ij
ailforj
ustbei
ngaccusedofr apeev enthoughthey
hadn’tdonei
t.Hepickedherpantiesont hefl
oorand
putthem onbefor
ecov er
ingherwi t
ht heduvet
.He
swall
owedandwal kedoutclosingthedoorbehind
hi
m.

Thef oll
owingmor ning,al
mosttwohour saf
terMr.
Mor emi hadleftwithAtang,
Opelowalkedoutoft
he
housei nadr ess.Shejumpedinthecarthatwas
parkedinf r
ontoft hegateandl
ookedatOwenwi th
asmi le.
“
Hi…”
“
Hey
,ready
?”
“
Yes.
”
Hestart
edthecaranddrov
eof f,
shestoleglances
athi
m wonderi
ngwhather eal
lywantedfrom her.
Aft
erwhatMr.Moreihadsaidshewasn’tsosure
abouthi
m.Owencaughtherst ar
ingandsmi l
ed.
“
What
?”
“
Doy
ouhav
eher
pes?
”
“
Huh?
”
“
Doy
ouhav
eher
pes?
”
“
Whosai
dIhav
eher
pes?Chess?
”
“
No…”
Owensmiled.“Idon’
tgetwhyheisagai
nstthi
s.I
don’
thav
eher pes.Wecangoandt estf
orever
ythi
ng
nowsotoav oi
dsucht hought
s.Howisthat
?”
“
Thatwi
l
lbeni
ce.
”
“Ok.Cool.Wewi ll
test
sf i
rst
.Fi
rstletmeask,
no
offenseifyouare,Iwi
llsi
mplyjustleav
eyoualone,
arey ouseeingy
ourboss? ”
“What?No!Iwouldnev
ersleepwit
hmyboss’
s
husband.Idon’
tsl
eepwit
hmar r
iedmen.
”
Hesmil
ed.“
Ok.Good.Nowt
hat
’soutoft
heway
,
l
et’
sgoandtest
.”
Owendrovet
oacl
i
nict
henst
eppedoutwi
thOpel
o
di
ali
ngKhumo.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Howi
sshe?
”
Khumosi
ghed.“
Wel
ostt
hebaby
.”
“
Shi
t!
”
“Ican’
tbeli
evethisi
shappeni
ngagai
n.Howmany
kidsam Isti
ll
goingtol
ose?”
“
Itwi
l
lbeal
ri
ght
.”
“
Itf
eel
sli
keacur
se.
”
“
Wher
eisLar
ona?
”
“
Gotr
eleased.Ot
sil
egony
ela.
”
“
Ify
out
ouchhery
ouar
egoi
ngt
ojai
l
.”
“
Shei
snotget
ti
ngwaywi
tht
his.
”

SomeoneknockedonLel e’
sdoor,shesl
owl ymov ed
astheknockgotlouderwhi
lethephoneint heroom
rang.Herheadachedsomuchasshet r
iedt osi
t
upri
ght,shefel
tli
kei
twasspli
tti
nginhalf.Herthroat
fel
tdryandpatched.
“
Babe!
”
Chesscal
l
edf
rom out
side.Lel
esl
owl
ygotof
fbed
andstagger
edtothedoorwithabl urrysight
.She
openedforhi
m.Chessfrownedst ari
ngatherhal f
naked.Herst
omachcontentslif
ted,vomi tmaking
i
t’
swayuphert hr
oat,
shequi ckl
yrushedt othe
bathr
oom whereshevomitedinthet oil
et.Chessput
Atangonthebedandfoll
owedhert othebat hr
oom.
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
Shelaidont hefloorclosi
ngherey esfeelingsick.
Shehadgot tendrunkbeforebutthisdidn’tfeel
normal.Chessl ookedathert henfi
lledthet ubwi t
h
warm wat er
.Hewentbackt ot hebedroom and
l
ookedatAt angwhowasnowdownandt ry
ingt oeat
hismother ’
sshoe.Het ookitfrom himthenhanded
him Lel
e’sphoneandwentbacki nsidethebat hroom
wherehepi ckedLel eupandpl acedheri nsi
det he
tub.
“
Babe…”
“
Ifeel
li
ke-
“
Shel
eaneddownonthefl
oorseat
edonthetuband
vomi
tedonthef
loor
.Chessl
ookedatherwonder
ing
howmuchshehaddrank.
Hesi
ghed.“
Howmuchdi
dyoudr
ink?
”
“
Idon’
tremember
.It
hinkmor
ethannor
mal
.”
“
Ithoughty
ousai
donl
ytwoort
hreedr
inks.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
It
’sok.Thi
sist
her
esul
tofal
cohol
.”
“
Iam nev
erdr
inki
ngagai
n.”
“
Atl
eastt
heybr
oughty
oubackher
e.”
Lel
enoddednotr
ecal
li
ngany
thi
ngf
rom t
hepr
evi
ous
ni
ght,
theonl
ythi
ngssher
emember
edwasdri
nki
ng.
Chesssmi
led.“Youlookcut
e,l
et’
sgety
oucl
ean.
Youhaveapresentat
ion.
”
“
God…”
“
Youwi
l
lbef
ine.
”
“
Thebabybabe…”
Chesstur
nedandl ookedatAtangthenhepicked
hi
m upbeforehecouldsteponv omit.Hehanded
hi
mt oLel
et henhesmi l
edstari
ngather.Lel
e
weakl
ysmi l
ed,Chesshandedheragum f rom hi
s
pocket
.
“Youwi
l
lki
l
lmysonwit
hyourbreat
h.Hedoesn’
t
knowhi
smotheri
sadr
unkar
d.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Stop.
..
”
Sheputthegum i
nhermouthwhileAtt
ieenj
oyedt
he
waterspl
ashi
ngitar
ound.Chesssmil
ed.
“
Babe,
don’
tyout
hinkheneedsasi
ster
?”
“
Ithoughty
ouwer
ebat
hingme?
”
Chessleanedoverandki
ssedher
,br
eat
hingi
nthe
mintofthesteamrol
l.
“
Heneedsasi
ster
.”
“
Iam notr
eadyf
orl
abor
.”
“
Iam goi
ngt
okeepy
ouher
eandi
mpr
egnat
eyou.
”
Lel
elaughed.“
No,ebi
l
eIam notoncont
racept
ion.
Heissti
lly
oung.Gi
vehim ay
earort
wo.”
Chesssmil
edt henbathedher .HehelpedbothAtang
andherout.Lel
ewr appedt hebi gt
owelar
oundher
bodywhil
eChessundr essedAt angandwalkedwit
h
hi
m backtother oom anddr essedhim.Heplaced
hi
m downandhandedhi
m hisphoneput
ti
ngona
gamethenhel
ookedatLel
elyi
ngonthebed.
“
War
engbabe?Anot
herone?
”
“
Chess,
Iam-
“
“
Comeon.Hei
slonel
y.
”
Hekissedhertaki
ngoffthet
owelandstar
ingather
t
hickness,
hisdickj
erki
nginhi
spants.
“
Please…”
Heki
ssedheragaintouchingherpussy.He
t
houghtf
ull
ylookedatAtangsol ostint
hegame
t
hentookouthisdickandr ubbeditonhersl
i
t.
“
Chess…At
ti
e…”
“
Hewon’
tknow.Hei
sachi
l
d.”
“
Chesshecan’
t-
“
“Shhh…l ethi
m pl
aywit
hthephone.Ihavelocked
everyt
hingelseonthephoneandIwi l
lmakeitqui
ck.
Imissy ou.”Heki
ssedherthenpushedinher
wetness.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#59

Lel
etight
enedhermuscl
esaroundhim onelastt
ime
ashegiveheronel
astst
rokegrunt
ingfi
ll
ingherup.
Hekissedherl
ooki
nginhereyes.
“
Didwej
ustmakeababy
?”
“No.Iam drinki
ngamor ni
ngafterpil
l.Mythr
ee
mont hsfortheshotelapsedyesterday.Mynextone
i
st odaybutIhavemi sseditsointhemeant i
me,I
am takingthemorningaf t
erpi
ll
.Iwi l
ltakemyshot
tomor r
ow.”
“
Comebabe…”
“NgngChsess.Iam notreadyforl
abor.Iam not
readyfort
hesti
tches.Thepain.At
angwaswayt oo
bigandmay beal
lmyki dswil
lbebornhugeli
keme
but-“
“
Hugel
i
kewho?
”
Shel
ookedathi
m andsighed.“
Atangwasabigbaby.
Hewasa4kgsomet hi
ng.SowasI .I
t’
sgener
ic.You
wer
ea3.
5kg.
”
“
What’swrongwit
hbeingbig?Iwasn’thealt
h.You
wer
eandAt angwas.
”Heki ssedhergett
ingof fher
l
eavi
ngatrai
lofhi
scum.“Onemor ewon’ thurtus.
I
magineifwehaveagirl
.Ii
twill
beperfect.
”
Lel
elookedathi
m.“
Iam scar
edofl
abor
.”
“
Iwil
lbet
her
ewi
thy outhi
stimear
oundIpr
omi
se.I
wi
ll
bewit
hyout
il
lthelastday.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Itwon’
ttakeawayt
hepai
n.”
Helaughed.“I
twon’tbutIwi
l
lbet
her
ehol
dingy
our
handthroughout
.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Dowekeept
hisone?
”
“
Okbutmay
bet
heshoti
sst
il
lwor
king.
”
“
Idoubt
.Andei
therwaywewi
l
lkeept
ryi
ng.Howi
s
y
ourhead?
”
“
Achi
ng.Therear
epai
nki
l
ler
sinmyhandbag.Gi
ve
memybaby .
”
Chessf
ixedhi
spant
sandpi
ckedAt
angf
rom t
he
f
loor
.Heputhi
m besi
deLel
e.
“
Youknowbabe,
Att
iecal
l
sOpel
omama.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iknow.
”
Chesstookoutthepai
nki
l
ler
ssheal
wayskeptf
or
herchr
onicheadachet
henhandedt
hem t
oher.
“
Hecal
l
smemamat
oo.
”
“Butnotasmuch.It hinkheshoul dstartsleeping
withus.Heshoul dknowt hediff
erencebet weeny ou
andOpel o.Idon’ tli
kehowhei sclosertohert han
you.Itfeel
sl i
kemeal l overagainwhenIwasst il
l
growingup.Iwasmor eclosert ommagweKhumo
thanIwast omymot herwho…”Het ookadeep
breath.“Andmay benowIcanunder standwhybut
Atangshoul dn’tfeelli
ket hatbecausey ouar ehi s
mot her.Heshoul dn’tbef eeli
ngabandoned.You
comehomeandy oudoy ourthings,Igetthat
becauseofy ourjob.Af terthat
, youeatandwat ch
TVwhi leOpel opl ay
swi t
hy ourson.Younev ergi ve
himy ourtime, i
t’
sl i
key ouhav eot herthingst ogive
yourattenti
ont owhi char emor eimpor t
antt hany our
ownson.Ther easonwhyIwantanot herchildis
becauseAt angisal lalone.Ican’tbet heonl ypar ent
giv
inghim enoughat tenti
onwheny ouar ethere.”
Chesssatdownbesi deherandsmi ledki ssingher .“I
wanty outodoy ourpar t
.Wi t
hourson, withour
mar ri
age,ourfami l
y,ourhome.Ineedy outopl ay
yourpartbabe.Idon’ tknowhowel set osayt his.We
canmakeadut yrota,ifwear ekeepi ngOpel o,itwi l
l
onlybeupt oFr i
day.Weekendswear eonourown.I
wil
l cookorcleanwhi l
ey oudot heot herthing.I
don’tcarehowi t’
sgoi ngt obeasl ongaswepl ayour
part.”
“
Ok.
”
“ItoldOpel
ot onotcl eanourbedr oom.If eel
that
shoul dbeoursandour sonly.I
fyoucan’ twashmy
clothesorironthem, Iwilldoit
.Icanalway sdoit.I
knowhowt odoi t.Iwilldomycl othesandwi l
lir
on
them, Iam notcomf ortabl
ewi t
hanot herwoman
who’ snotyoudoingi t.
”
“Ihearyou,
Ihavebeenslaking.IguessIj
ustgott
oo
comf or
tabl
e.Iwasneverli
ket hi
s.”
“
Iknow.
”
Shel
aughed.“
Til
lyoucameal
ong.
”
Atangreachedforhernippl
ethenl
eanedov
ert
o
suck.Lel
elaughedblockinghi
m.
“
Thi
sboy
…”
“
That
’smi
neboy
!”
Lel
elaughedcov
eri
ngherbr
east
.
“
Idi
dn’
tdoanyt
hingt
oyou.Iam nott
heonewho
madey
oulazy
.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iam notl
azy
.”
Chesschuckl
ed."Whatdoyoucal
ltaki
ngof
fyour
cl
othesandleav
ingthem ont
hefl
oor?”
Lel
eputherhandov
erherf
aceembar
ssed.
“
Ortakingy ourcl
othesandplaci
ngt hem ont
hebed
t
henleav i
ngitli
kethatbecauseyouhav esomeone
t
odoi tforyou?That’sl
azinessbabe.”
Lel
elaughed.“Babeyouar
enotsupposedtocal
lme
outonmyshi tli
kethat
.Ot
herhusbandsdon’
tdoi
t
l
ikethat
.”
At
anggotof
fbedandwentbackt
ohi
sfat
her
’s
phonewhichwassti
l
lmakingnoise.Chessgot
cl
osertoLelet
aki
ngtheduvetof
fherbreastthen
squeezed.
“Agoodhusbandi
st heonewhotel
l
syout
hant
he
onewhogetsannoyedsil
ent
ly.
”
“Iam grat
eful t
ohaveyou.Ihavebeenlazy,
Iguess
i
t’sgett
ingusedt othef
actthatsomeonecan
alwaysdoi tforme.Maybeifwedi dn’
tmovewith
Opelowhenwemov edbutherbeingwithusmade
mesocomf ort
abl
e.Iam goi
ngtowor konmy sel
fI
promise.”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Howdidi
tgowi
thy
ouruncl
es?Di
dyout
alkt
o
t
hem?
”
Hel
ookedathernotaboutt
orui
nhermood.“
Yes,
t
heywi
llbegoi
ngsoon.”
Lel
esmi l
ed.“Iam soexci t
edbabe.Heisnotgoi
ng
toref
usethisti
mear ound.Isawav i
deofrom
Khumo’sweddi ngIreall
yfeelforLar
ona.Tobe
honestshedidn’tdeservethat.
”
“
Noshedi
dn’
tthat
’swhyshest
abbedRanewa.
”
“
Shewhat
?”
“Ranewawentt or
ubitonherf
acethenLaronal
ost
i
tandst abbedher
.Khumosaidshehadwentto
discussnewtermsandcondi
ti
onsofthei
r
parenti
ng.”
“
Whywouldshedot
hat
?Lar
onai
sdeal
i
ngwi
thal
ot
r
ightnow.
”
“
Iguesst
omar
khert
err
it
ory
.Shel
ostt
hebaby
.”
“Ahh,whyonear t
hwouldshegoandpr ov
okea
snake?Itwill
att
ack.GapenowLalahasan
advantage.ShecanalwayssayRanewawantedt
o
att
ackme. ”
“That
’whatshedidandsheal soshowedsome
messagesofKhumot hreateninghertothesoshe
gotarest
rai
ningorder
.Ifanythingshoul
dhappento
herheisgoi
ngtobet hefir
stsuspect.”
“
Wow…”
“
Hei
sreal
l
yhur
twi
tht
hel
ossofhi
sbaby
.”
“
Ranewashoul
dn’
thav
egonet
oLal
a’
shousei
nthe
fi
rstplace.Ineedt
ost
artpr
epar
ingf
ormy
presentati
on.”
“
Iwi
l
lhel
pyou.
”

*
**

Ranewat
ear
ful
l
ylookedathermot
herasshewal
ked
i
n.
"Sothi
siswhyy ouneverwantedust
omakenoise
aboutyourwedding?Becauseyouwer
emarr
ying
someone'sman? "
"
Mama.
..
"
"
Thenaft
erthaty
ougot oherhouseandatt
ackher
.
Di
dn'
tsheleaveyourweddi
ngpeacef
ull
y?"
"
Idi
dn'
tat
tackher
,shei
sly
ing.
"
"
Didshef
orcey
out
ogot
oherhouse?
"
"
Iwentt
her
etot
alk.
"
"
Tot
alkaboutwhat
?Yout
aki
ngherman?
"
"
Khumodi
dn'
twantherany
mor
e."
"Iam notgoi ngt osugarcoatany thingtoyou
Ranewa.Youar eol denought omakey ourown
decisionsandl i
vewi t
hthem.Youar enowamar ri
ed
woman.Yousay i
ngy ouwentt heretotalkwhen
obv i
ouslyy ouknowshei sst il
lhurti
ngsay s
somet hingabouty ouIneverknewbutt hat'
sok.Iam
sorryy oulosty ourbabyint hemi dstofhur t
ing
anotherwoman.Theonl ythingIwi l
l t
elly
oui st
hat
eachact iony out akehasit'
sconsequences.Your
fatherandIar egoing.Wewi l
ltalk."
Hermotherwal kedout
.Ranewaputherhandson
herf
acecrying.Khumowalkedinminut
eslater
.He
sadl
ylookedather .
"
Iam sor
rybabe.
"
"
Myhear
thur
ts.
"
Hehuggedherwhi
l
eshecr
ied.

*
**
Lef
awalkedinsideLarona'
shouseandlookedather
asshestar
edatnot hi
ngnotevenbli
nki
ng.She
si
ghedsadlystari
ngathersist
er.
"
Ican'
tbel
i
eveKhumowoul
ddot
hist
oyou.
"
Lal
alookedathert
ear
ful
l
y."
Myhear
tisbr
eaki
ng.
"
"
Iam sor
ry.
"
"Ican'
tev
enbri
ngmyselft
ofighthim.Hemar
ri
ed
her.Mefi
ght
ingwon'
tchangeanything.
"
"Ican'
tbel
iev
ehewoul
ddot
hist
oyou.Iam so
shocked.
"
"Shecameher eandsaidtheywoul dtakemy
daught erbecauseIam notwor ki
ng.It hinkit'
st imeI
startwor kingagain.Ican'tforceKhumot olov eme.I
neverunder stoodwhyy oujustst oppedf ighti
ngf or
ChessbutnowIdo.Whenhedoesn' tlovey out here
i
snot hingy oucando.Khumonev erreall
ylov edme.
Iwasal onei nthatrel
ati
onshipr i
ghtf rom the
beginni ng.Hewasn' tthatecstati
cwhenIt oldhi mI
waspr egnant .
"Tearsroll
eddownhercheeks." I
didn'twantt oseeitbecauseIwassohopef ul.Ican't
keephi mi fhedoesn' twantt obekept ."
Lefashookherhead."
Ihav
ehadtimetothi
nkthi
ngs
thr
oughandIknowwher eIwentwrongwit
hChess.I
wantmyf amil
yback."
Laronalookedatherol
dersi
ster
."Andy
out
hinkhe
sti
l
l wantsyou?
"
"Iam goingt otry.LalaIl
ov eChessandithadt o
takethattimeawayf r
om himtomakemer eali
ze
howmuchIl ov
ehi m.Iwanttosav emyrelati
onship.
Iam readyf orthef i
ght.ChessandIwer etogether
foryears.Iadmi t,Iwasn'tper
fectandIcontribut
ed
toourmar riageendi ng.HadIbeent hewif
ehe
needed, hewoul dn'thavefoundLeleatt
ractive.
"
Lal
asi
ghed."
Whati
fhei
sst
il
lwi
thLel
e?"
"
Iam r
eadyfort
hat.Iam readyf
orany
thi
ng.Thi
s
t
imearoundIam wellpr
epared.
"

*
**

Lel
efi
nishedhermake-upt
henpausedasfl
ashes
fr
om t
hepastnightpl
ayedi
nherhead.Shesti
l
l
couldn'
tbel
i
eveshehadgottendr unktothatpoi
nt.
Sheputhermakeupbackinherbag.Someone
knockedonthedoor.Shewalkedov erandopened
thenstar
edatStacywhoquicklyhuggedher.
"
Hey
!"
Lel
esmi
l
ed."
Hi.Youl
ook.
..Wow!
"
Stacyswal l
owed."Iam neverdr i
nkingagain.Iam
real
lysorryaboutyesterday.That '
snothowIt reat
myf ri
ends.Iwast oodrunkt oev ennot i
ceanythi
ng.I
wokeupatt hatbarandPear lhadl eftme.Iswear
thatgir
lputsomet hi
nginmydr i
nk.Ihav enever
gottendrunktothatlevel.I
tfeltasi fIwasdrugged.I
couldhavebeenr appedorsomet hi
ng."
"If
eelthesame.I
tfeel
sasifIwasdrugged.Ican
barel
yremembereventsf
rom l
astni
ght.Butwait
..
.
Whodr oppedmeoff?"
"Someman.Heknewy
ouandi
tseemedy
ouknew
himtoo.
"
Lel
efr
owned."
Huh?
"
"
Yes.Tal
landsmar
tman.Hedi
dn'
tsayhi
sname.
Buty
ouknewhi
m."
Lel
etr
iedt
her
ecal
li
tbuti
twoul
dn'
tcomet
oher
."
"
Idon'
trememberany
thi
ng.
"
"
Arey
ouokt
hough?
"
Lel
esighed."
Idon'
tknow.Myhusbandcameinearl
y
morni
ngwi t
hourson.Theywentdownst
air
s.I
..
."
Lel
estaredather
.
"
What
?"
Lel
eshookherheadbr
ushi
ngitof
f."
Not
hingbut
aft
erl
astni
ght,
countmeout.
"
Stacynodded."
Iam notevengoingtotel
lmy
husbandwhathappened.Hewillgetsomad.Ifyou
feelokmaybehejustdroppedyouoffandlef
t.
"
Lel
enoddedwor
ri
edl
y."
Yes.
"
"
Ok,
seey
oul
ater
."
"
Bye.
"
Lel
ewal kedbackintheroom.Sheslowl
ysatdown
tr
yingtoputtoget
herbit
sofpiecestosortoutt
he
puzzle.NowthatStacymenti
oned,sheremembered
gett
inginacar.Shegotupatanot
herknockont
he
doorthenopened.
Boi
kany
osmi
l
ed."
Hey
..
."
Lel
el ookedathimi mmediat
elyrecal
l
inghi
m..
.His
car.
..Hehadbr oughther
.Everyt
hingseemedbl
urr
y
butsher emember edhi
m.
"
Youbr
oughtmeher
elastni
ght
?"
Hesmi
l
ed."
Yes.
"
Lel
esi
ghed."
OhGod!ThankGod.It
houghti
twas
somer
andom per
sonoutther
e."
Hepaused."
Youdon'
trememberany
thi
ng?
"
"
No.IhopeIdi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngcr
azy
."
"
Youki
ssedmeandt
ouchedmydi
ck.
"
"
Idi
d?"
"
CanIcomei
n?"
"No.Myhusbandi
sher
e.Thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngme
backsaf
ely
."
Boi
kany
oswal
l
owed."
Uhok.Iam gl
ady
ouar
eok.
"
"Iam sor r
yforanythi
ngImayhav edoneorf orgivi
ng
youf alsehope.Iam happi
lymar r
ied,whateverI
mi ghthavedonewasi nfl
uencedbyal coholbutIam
gr at
efulyoudidn'
ttakeadvantageofme. .I
t'
sraret
o
findmenl ikeyouthesedays.Iappreciat
eit.
"
Henodded,
guilt
ysit
ti
ngheav
il
yonhi
sshoul
der
s
t
henheswallowed."
Yeah.
"
"
Okby
e."
"
Bye.
"
Het urnedandwal kedawaywhi leshecl osedt he
door .Hewonder edhowhewoul dtell
herhi sst at
us
withoutselli
nghimselfout.Hegoti ntheelev ator,
obv i
ouslytheSTIwoul dbear edfl
ag, shewoul d
definit
elygoandt estassoonasshehadt he
sympt oms.Hesi ghed,whyhadn'thej ustuseda
condom?May beifhehadopenedhi smedi cal
resultsyester
dayinsteadoftodaymor ni
nghewoul d
haveknownbet ter.Hefel
thisheartsinkev enf ur
ther
ashewal kedaway .

TWOWEEKSLATER.
..
Roar
ingFl
ames
#60

TwoWeeksLat
er.
..

Lelefi
nishedwithhermorningclassandwal kedto
heroffi
ceholdingbooks.Sheplacedev er
ythi
ngon
thetabl
eandl ookedattherashinherpalms.She
grabbedtherashloti
onandr ubbeditonherhands.
Herphoner angthenshesatdownt aki
ngouther
waterfr
om herhandbaganddr i
nkingherpainki
ll
ers
forherheadache.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Hey
..
."
"
Sasa,
hi.
..
"
"
Howar
eyou?
"
"
Iam f
ine.
"
"
UhhIwant
edt
otel
lyouIam get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
"
"
Oh?
"
Sasagi
ggl
ed."
Yes.Iam soexci
ted.
"
"
Wow!
"
"
Iknow.
"
"
Ithoughty
ousai
dyouwer
enotpl
anni
ngt
oget
marri
ednow."
Sasal
aughed."
Itj
usthappened.Ihav
enev
erbeen
thi
shappyLel
e."
Lel
elaughedtoo."
NyweNy weIdon'
twanttoget
marri
ed.Idon'
twanttogetti
edt
ooneper son.Idon'
t
wanttobecheateronbl
ahblah,
isthi
sthesame
per
sonnow? "
"
IknowwhatIsai
dbutInev
erknewIcoul
dfal
li
n
l
oveli
ket
his.
"
Lel
esmi
l
ed."
Iam happyf
ory
ou.
"
"
Iam happyf
ormy
sel
f.Icoul
dn'
twai
ttot
ell
you.
"
"
Congr
atul
ati
ons.Youdeser
vet
obehappy
."
"Ij
ustr
eal
izedyouar
etheonl
yfr
iendIhav
etoo.Lel
e
canwepleasegobacktohowwewere?Iwantusto
mov eonfr
om onwhathappened.Iam t
ir
edoft
his
di
stancebetweenus.Imi
ssyou."
Lelesmi l
ed."Imi ssyoutoobuty ouar eunreli
able.I
feelyouarethebestt ypetowalkawayf r
om whenI
most l
yneedy ou.Obv i
ouslyIknewi twaswr ongt o
mar r
yChesshadhebeenmybr otherandIknowy ou
werer i
ghtbutal lIneededwasy oursuppor tthen.I
wasn'tsayingaccepti tbutIneededy oubymysi de.I
wasscar ed.Ihadj ustgivenbir
th.Iwassoscar ed
andy ouleftmeal l
alone.Iwasalone, Iwouldhav e
neverdonet hattoy ouhadIbeeni nyourpositi
on.I
fel
tbetrayed."
"
Iam sor
ry.
"
"
It
'sok.
"
"
Noi
t'
snot
.Igetwhaty
oumean.Iam sor
ry.
"
Lelesmil
ed.
"Il
ongfor
gaveyou.IguessIaccept
ed
thatyouar
enotareli
abl
efr
iend.
"
"
Don'
tsayt
hat
.Iwasal
soshaken.
"
Lel
eshr
ugged."
Wedon'
tknow.
"
"
That
'swhathappened.Iwoul
dli
kei
tify
ouagr
eet
o
bemybestl
ady
."
"
Thatwi
l
lbeanhonour
."
"
Thanky
out
hanky
ou!
"
"
Bye.
"
"
Bye.
"
Shehungupt henLelescr
oll
edt hroughher
Facebookti
mel i
ne.Shestoppedcomi ngacross
Lefa'
spict
urescapti
onedwith'Ilovebei
ngback!'
Shel
ookedateachpict
uret
henleftwi
thoutli
ki
ngor
commenti
nghopingLefawasn'
tbackfordrama.

*
**

Inhisoff
ice,Chessspokeonhi
sphonethenhi
sPA
walkedinf ol
l
owedbyLefawhowasdressedina
for
mal dress.Shesmil
edashel
eanedbackonhis
chairst
aringatheri
nshock.
ThePAlookedathi
mt henChessmot
ionedshe
l
eaveswhil
econti
nuedtal
ki
ngonthephonefora
coupl
eofmi
nut
esbef
oref
inal
l
yhangi
ngup.
Lef
asmi
l
ed."
Hi.
..
"
Chessf
rowned."
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
"
IhopeIdi
dn'
tcat
chy
ouatt
hewr
ongt
ime.
"
"
No.HowcanIhel
pyou?
"
"
CanIpl
easeseat
?"
"
Yah.
."
Shesl
owl
yatdownandputherhandbagonherl
ap.
"
It
'sgoodt
oseey
ouwel
landf
it
."
Chesssmi
l
ed."
Yeah,
yout
oo.Wher
ewer
eyou
agai
n?"
"Fr
ancist
own.Iaskedforatr
ansf
erwhenIl
eft
Sbrana.Achangeofenvir
onmenthadt
ohel
pme."
"
Andhowar
eyounow?
"
"Iam good.Iam f
ine.Ij
usthadt
oacceptthi
ngsI
can'
tchange.Sti
llsadthatmydaught
ersuff
eredf
or-
"
"
Whathappenedhappened.I
t'
sli
fe.Wemov
eon.
Youwer
enoti
nyourr
ight
ful
stat
eofmi
nd.
"
Tear
sfil
l
edhert
ogeteyes."
Iwi
shIhadbeent
her
e
atl
eastfort
hef
uner
al.
"
"
Youhav
etomov
eon.
"
"Yeah.
..Howhav
eyoubeen?Ihear
dyouwer
ein
London."
"
Iwas.Set
ti
ngupbusi
nesst
her
e."
"
Youaregoi
ngf
ar.Thebanki
sbecomi
ngabi
g
t
hing.
"
Chesssmil
ed."
Yah,t
hemor
ebr
ancheswehav
e,t
he
morebigweget.
..
"
"SoonIwillbereadi ngaboutyouandTyinFor bs
magazine.Any way s,Iam her
ewithsomethingt hat
mighti
nteresty ou.Ihaveapr oj
ectf
oryou.Fr om
work.I
t'
sat enderbutIt hinkyoudeser
veit.Ithasn'
t
beenadvertisedy et.
"
Chessl
ookedather
."Idon'
tthi
nkIam whaty
ou
needonthi
sone.
"
"
Youar e.I
t'
sagoodopportuni
tyf
oryourbusi
ness
Chess.Andyouhaven'
theardi
tyet.
"
"MywifeandIareexpecti
ng.Idon'twantt
ostress
heroutwit
hunnecessarythi
ngs.Youbeingbackin
thepi
ctur
ewill
causesomedoubt s."
Lef
apaused."
Wif
e?"
"
Yes.
"
Sheswal
l
owed."
Youar
emar
ri
ed?
"
"
Yes.
"
Shef
akedasmi
l
e."
Who'
sthatl
uckywoman?
"
"
Lel
e."
"
Uhhwow!Uhcongr
atul
ati
onsar
einor
dert
hen.
"
"
Thanks.
"
"Well
,youhaven'theardwhatt heproj
ecti
saboutso
gothroughthi
s."Sheputaf i
lebef or
ehim."Read
thr
oughandmakey ourdeci
sion.Iwil
lnotevenbei
n
thepi
cture.I
t'
saf i
rstcomef i
rstservebusi
ness.
"
"
Iwi
l
lgot
hroughi
t.
"
Shestoodupholdi
ngherbag."You.
..
"Shesmil
ed
shaki
ngherheadthenwalkedoutofhisof
fi
ce
fi
ghti
nghert
ears.Notonl
yhadshesucceededin
taki
ngherhusbandbutshehadmar ri
edhimtooand
nowt heywer ehavi
ngasecondchi l
d.Shegotinthe
l
iftthattookherdownstai
rsandwal kedtohercar
bli
nkingawayhert ear
swonderingwhenLel ewas
goingtogetherkar ma.Shecouldn'
tjustl
iv
ehappil
y
everafter,
notaft
erwhatshehaddone.

*
**

Backinhisof
fi
ce,Chesswentthr
ought hetender
thentookhi
sphoneandscrol
ledthroughsearchi
ng
forhernumber
.Hesmi l
edfi
ndingitthencall
edher.
"
Kaonespeaki
ng,
hel
l
o?"
Hesmi l
ed.Shesoundedsoprof
essi
onaland
confi
dent."
Kaone,Ihav
eatenderf
oryou,It
hinky
ou
mightwantit.
"
"
Chess?
!"
Hesmi
l
ed."
Yeah.
"
"
Jesus!I
t'
sbeendonkeyy
earsbuty
es,
Iwouldlov
eit
.
Aslongasithast
odowithmoney,
Iam game.
"
"
Iwi
l
lsendmyPAt
odr
opof
faty
ourof
fi
ce.
"
"Iam dr
ivi
ngri
ghtnowandwill
behomeonacoupl e
ofhours.Youcandropi
tof
fifyoucan.Hasi
tbeen
i
ssuedy et
?"
"
No.Noty
et.
"
"ThenIneeditt
oday.Youcandropi
toffatmy
houseinacouplesofhousei
fyoudon'
tmi nd.
Reasonwhy ,
Ineedyourhel
p.Busi
nesswise."
"Ok.Howabouty oucomet omyof fi
cethenbecause
Iam knocki
ngoffabitlatetoday
.Ifi
t'
sbusiness,
I'
d
rat
heritbekeptprof
essional.
"
"
Per
fect
!"
"
Bye.
"

*
**

Laterthatday,
Lelewal
kedoutoftheoff
icewi
thher
coll
eaguegoingtothepar
king.Shel
ookedatt
he
rashinLele'
spalms.
"
What
'st
hat
?"
"
Itj
ustcamef
rom nowher
e."
Thecoll
eaguelaughed."
Itmakesmeremembermy
daysbackinvarsi
tywhenIgotSyphi
l
is.Hey
!"
Lel
elaughed."
What
?"
"Ihadthatrashinmypal msandunderneat
hmyf eet
Ithi
nk.Alsogrowt hdownthere.Atf
ir
stIbr
ushedit
offthenyel
lowdi schar
gefol
lowedaccompanieda
badsmel l
.Ij
o!"
"
Growt
hli
kewhat
?Geni
tal
wat
ts?
"
"I
twasli
ket
hat.Atsomepoi
ntIt
houghtt
hat
'swhatI
hadbuti
twassyphil
i
s."
"Iwoul
dwor
rybutmyhusbandi
sfai
thf
ulsoIdon'
t
knowwhati
tmightbe.
"
"
Ithi
nkanal
l
ergy
.Wi
ndbackt
owhaty
ouat
eor
t
ouched.
"
"Yeah.Heal
sohasity
ouknowsoIam t
hinki
ng
somet hi
ngwebot
hate."
"
Andy
ourson?
"
"
Hei
sgood.
"
"I
tmustbeanaller
gicreact
ion.Orjustgot
ot he
pharmacyandaskthem.May beit'
ssomethingyou
areconst
antl
yeati
ng."
"Youareri
ghtbecauset
hel
oti
onIboughti
snot
helpi
ng.
"
"
Bye!
"
"
Bye.
..
"
Lelegoti
nhercarthendroveoffheadedt
oa
pharmacy.Shet
houghtf
ullyt
houghtofBamethen
reachedf
orherphoneandcalledhim whi
l
edr
ivi
ng.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
HiBame,
it'
sLel
e."
"
OhheyLel
e,what
'sup?
"
"
Iam passi
ngbyy
ourcl
i
nicnownow.
"
"
Okcool
."
Shechangedrout
esanddrov
etohiscl
i
nic.Awhi
l
e
l
atershewalkedi
nhi
soffi
cesmil
i
ng.
"
Hey
..
"
Bamesmi
l
ed."
Lel
e..
."
"
Howhav
eyoubeen?
"
"
Goody
our
sel
f?"
Lel
esatdownandshowedhi m herpal
ms."Thi
s..
.It
j
ustcamef r
om nowhere.Iwasspeakingt
oa
col
leagueandsheinst
all
edfearinmewhenshewas
nowt al
ki
ngaboutsyphi
li
s."
Bamelaughed."
Itmi
ghtbeany
thi
ngnotSy
phi
l
is.
Rel
ax.
"
"No.Ihav
ebeenf
eeli
ngsomet
hingdownt
her
e.Ij
ust
don'
tknowwhati
tis.
"
"
CanIseei
t?"
"
Keapol
e?(
Shoul
dIundr
ess?
)"
"
Iwantt
oseewhati
tlooksl
i
ke.
"
"
Uhok.
"
Hehandedheraboobt ubeandwal kedout
.Lel
e
undressedthengotonthebed.Hewalkedbacki
na
minutelat
erthenputonhisgl
oves.Heopenedher
l
egsandpar
tedherf
oldsl
ooki
ng.Het
ouchedher
.
"
Ist
hatpai
nful
?"
"
No.
"
Hepr
essed."
Andt
hat
?"
"
No.
"
Hecl
osedherl
egswi
thasi
gh.
Lel
e'
shear
tski
pped."
What
?"
"
Dressupsowecancheck.
"
"
Ok.
"
"
Iwi
l
ltesty
ouf
orot
hert
hingst
ool
i
keHI
V."
"Ipr
obablydon'
thav
eany.Chessdoesn'
tcheat
.We
arefai
thf
ul.
"Shesmil
ed.
Bamesmi
l
edt
oo."
Andt
hat
'sgood.
"

*
**

Lel
esi
ghedsi
tt
ingi
nhi
sof
fi
cest
ari
ngathi
m,i
thad
beenawhi
l
enow.
"
CanIl
ooknow?
"
"
Ithi
nkcounsel
i
ngwoul
dhav
e-"
"
Bame,
Iam f
ine.
"
"
RememberwhatIsai
d."
"
Yes.
"
"
Youcant
akeof
fthel
i
d."
Lel
etookof
fthel
i
dthenl
ooked,
herhear
tski
ppi
nga
beat
.
Sheshookherhead."
Howaccur
atear
ethese?
"
"
Theyar
eaccur
ate.
"
"Iam notposi
ti
ve,t
hisis.
..
"Shetookadeepbreat
h.
Tearsfil
l
edhereyes."Chessdoesn'
tcheat
!"
"
Lel
e,y
oual
sohav
eSy
phi
l
is.Ther
eist
her
epor
t.
"
Hehandeditt
oher.Shereadthr
ough,t
earsr
oll
i
ng
downhercheeks."
Chessdoesn'
tcheat
."
"Iam sorr
y.Butt
heSyphi
li
scanbetreated.We
caughtitatanear
lyst
age.Bei
ngposit
ivedoesn'
t
meanit
'stheendoft
heworl
dforyou.Youst
il
lhave
alongwaytogo.I
fyout
akeyourt
reatmentr
ight
,
youwil
l
-"
Lelegotupandwal
kedout,
herlegsfel
tli
kejel
lyas
shemadeherwaytothecar.Shestar
tedthecarand
droveoff
.

*
**

AtTr
ustTr
easur
yBank,
Lel
ewal
kedov
ert
oChess'
s
PA."
Hi.
"
Shesmi
l
ed."
Mrs.Mor
emi
."
"
Ishei
n?"
"
Yes.
"
Shewal
kedtothedoorandopenedi
twalki
ngin.
Chessl
ookedupforhi
slapt
opthensmi
ledstari
ngat
Lel
e.
"
Hey
..
."
Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.Sheopenedhermout
htosay
somethi
ngbutr
atherst
art
edcr
ying.Chessf
rowned
get
ti
ngup.
"
Babewhat
'swr
ong?
"
Shehandedhi
mt her
esul
tsfr
om thecli
nic.Her
ead
thr
oughthenl
ookedaherandreadagai
n.
"
Whatt
hef
ucki
sthi
sLel
ent
le?
"
.
.
For
givemefami
ly
,yest
erdaywashect
ic.Don'
tfor
get
tol
ikeandcomment
,Goodmor ni
ng
Roar
ingFl
ames
#61

Lel
e'sphonest
art
edri
ngingf
rom herbag.She
pausedcryi
ngandpi
cked.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"Hey
,it
'sBame.Youmi
sunder
stoodmeLel
e.Isai
d
oneli
nemeans-"
"
Negat
ive.Isawt
wol
i
nes.
"
"Ther
eisonel
i
ne.Iam l
ooki
ngatt
het
est
er.I
thasa
singl
eli
ne.
"
"
Itdoes?Isawt
wo.
"
"Yes.Look,
youarepani
cki
ng.Calm down.Youdidn'
t
seeproperl
y.Iwantust
odoaf ol
lowupt est
.IfI
didn'
tlookwhatcoul
dhavehappened?"
"
Uht
hanks.
"
"I
t'
sok.Yourpr obl
em i
syouar eworkedup.You
teachBio,youknowallt
his.Takeadeepbreathi
n.
Syphil
i
si scurabl
e.Wecaughtitear
ly.Comeback,I
wanttorunanotherHI
Vt estt
henwewi l
ldoanot
her
oneaft
erthr
eemont hs.Youmi ghtbeonyour
windowperi
od."
"
Ok.
"
"
Ithi
nkyoushoul
dcomewi
thy
ourhusbandf
ora
r
etest
."
"
Bye.
"
"
Bye.
"
Shehungupam l
ookedatChesswhowasst
ari
ngat
her
.
"
What
'st
his?What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
"Iwenttothecli
nictodayfort
her ash.Ihav
eSy phi
l
is
andpossiblyHIV.Iam notcheat
ing,Ihavenever
cheated.YouaretheonlymanIhav ebeenwit
h
sinceImety ou.
"
"Sowheredidyougett
heSy
phi
l
isbecauseIam al
so
notcheat
ing.
"
Tear
sbur
ntherey
es."
Whyar
eyoul
yi
ng?
"
Chessl
ookedathert
henchuckl
ed."
Ist
hisaj
oke
becausey
ouar
epi
ssi
ngmeof
f.
"
"Whywoul dIjokeaboutsomethi
ngli
ket
his?You
can'tevenuseacondom wheny ougoonyour
cheatingspree.Youbri
ngdi
seasestomeandifIam
pregnant,t
ot hi
schil
d."
Chesslookedathertr
yingt
oseeifshewasj
ust
messingwithhi
m.Shewat chedt
oomuchofthose
Youtubeprankvi
deos.
Hesighed."
BabeIam noti
nthemoodforthi
s.I
haveameet i
nginacoupl
eofminut
es.Canwejoke
aroundl
aterwhenIcomebackhome?"
"
ChessIam notj
oki
ng!I.
..
"Lel
elookedathi
m,atear
r
oll
i
ngdownhercheek."Whatam Idoi
ngwrong?Isi
t
t
hecleani
ng?Ist
hatareasont
ocheat?"
Chesslookedatt hedoctor'
sreportreadingthrough.
Itwasallthereinbl ackandwhi t
e.Hecoul dfeelhis
heartbreaking,itwasn'tev
ent hefactthatshewoul d
tryandputt hebl ameonhi m butthefactthatshe
wouldbr i
ngdi seasestohim.Hecoul dseehistory
repeati
ngitselfbuthecoul dswearhehadgi veher
allt
heat t
ent i
onhecoul dhavepossi bl
ygiven.He
gaveherhi
sal
l,
hewast her
ealltheti
me.Het
ooka
stepbackt
henbl
inkedaspainchokedhi
m.
"Il
ovey ousomuch, thelastthinginmymi ndist
o
cheatony ou.Thisti
mear oundIt houghtIwasdoing
everyri
ght.Iknowhowbei ngcheat edcandot oa
person,whywoul dIputyouthr oughal lt
hataf
ter
everyt
hingLelentl
e?Whywoul dIhav efoughtso
hardforusonl ytocheatony ou?"Heswal l
owed.
"Andeveni fIdid,
whywoul dIbr i
ngdi seasest
oyou
andourunbor nbaby ?
"Paincr ushedhi m ashe
l
ookedather .
"Ihaveameeti
ng.Iknowy ouaregoingtoputthe
blameonme, goaheadandpr epar
eallt
heliesyou
can.IknowhowthisgoesLele.Ihavebeenthere
befor
e.Nothi
ngsurpri
sing.
"
Lel
e'sli
pstrembl
edasshelookedathi m.Itwast
he
defeatandpaini
nhiseyesthatmadet ear
srun
downhercheeks,sheknewhermanenought oknow
whenhel i
edandwhenhet oldthet
ruth.Healways
ownedupt ohismist
akesandwasal way s
tr
ansparent
.
"Iam notcheat
ing.IswearIam not.Iam get
ting
confusedri
ghtnow.Icanseey ouar etel
l
ingthe
trut
hbutIwouldnev ercheatonyou.NotwhileIam
carry
ingyourchil
d."
"
Lel
ent
le,
cany
oupl
easego.
"
"
Iam notgoi
nganywheretil
lwetalk.Iam not
l
eav
ingChess.Iam notcheati
ng.
"
Thedooropenedandhi
sPApeakedi
n."
Theyar
e
her
e."
"
Iam comi
ng.
"
Hegotupandt ookhisfil
esandwalkedoutl
eaving
herther
e.Lel
eputherhandsov erherf
acecr
ying.
Sheknewshewasn' tcheati
ng.
..Ordi
dSyphi
li
sget
passedonthroughkissi
ng.
Shepausedt henquicklyopenedherhandbagand
searchedforthebusinesscard.Sheknewshehad
placediti
nside.Shetookeverythi
ngoutthen
grabbeditanddialedthenumber .Thephonerang
twice.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Boi
kany
o,i
t'
sLel
ent
le.
"
"
Uhhey
!"
"
Canwemeett
otal
kaboutt
hatni
ght
."
"Uhok,Iam knocki
ngof
fri
ghtnow.Comet
omy
off
ice.
"
"
Ok.Sendmedi
rect
ions.Iam comi
ng.
"
Shehungupthenputev
eryt
hingbacki
nher
handbagandwal
kedout.

*
**

LelewalkedpasthisPA'
sempt ydeskoutsidehi
s
offi
cethenwalkedinthr
oughthedoor.Boikanyo
stoodupi nhi
ssuitcl
osi
nghislaptop.
"
Hey
..
"
"
Youar
etheCOO?
"
Hesmi
l
ed."
Yeah.Howar
eyou?
"
Lel
elookedar
oundhi
sof
fi
cet
henherey
esf
ell
ona
phar
macypl ast
iconthedesktogetherwit
hhis
medicalcar
d.Shereachedfori
ttakingouta
cont
ainerofpil
l
s.Boikany
oquickl
ysnatched
ever
ythi
ngfrom her
.
"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Lel
epickedhi
smedi
calcar
dsteppi
ngback,
hereyes
qui
ckl
yscanni
ngt
hroughwhil
eherhear
tpounded.
"
Youhadsy
phi
l
is?
"
"
Giv
ememycar
d."
"
Iam notgi
vi
ngi
ttoy
ou.Yousl
eptwi
thme.You
r
apedme!"
Boi
kany
olaughed."
Rapedy
ouwher
e?"
"
Iwasdr
unk.
"
"So?Youwant edittohappen,youtouchedme,you
kissedme.Youi ni
ti
ateditLel
entl
e,Igaveyouwhat
youwant ed.It
oldyoutosleepbuty ouwentahead
andt ouchedme.Iwasdr unktoo,i
fanyonewas
raped,itwasme!"
Tearsf
il
ledhereyes."
Iam goi
ngtor
eportyou.You
haveHIV!Imighthavei
ttoo.Whywoul
dy ousleep
wi
thmewi
thoutacondom?
"
"Becauset hat'
swhaty ouwant ed.May bet hatwill
teachy outonev erdr i
nkalcohol again.Iam not
goingtojailforrapewheny ouaskedf ori t
.Youar ea
bitch.Whogoesoutcl ubbingwi thwhor eswhen
mar ri
ed?Youundr essedi nf r
ontofme, youwer e
seducingme.Af terthatyouki ssedmeandt ouched
mydi ck.It
'snotmyf aultthaty oudeci dedt oact
stupidandpr etendnott or ememberany t
hing.Also
remembert hatyouhav eal otmor etol oset hanme.
Yourhusbandwi llknowev erythi
ngt hathappened
thatnight.
"
Lele'
sheartpoundedsomuchasshel ookedahim.
Hedi dn'
tseem tocar
ethathehadinfectedheror
thathehadr apedher
.Hegrabbedhisthingsand
packedthem inabagbeforewalki
ngout ..Lel
e
foll
owedhim.
"Youar egoingtoj
ail
.Iam goi
ngt
orepor
tyou.Iwas
sodr unktohavemadesuchadecisi
on.Ihav
e
witnessesthatsawyoutakeme.Myhusbandwill
knowt hetruth.
"
"Youbar elyrememberany thi
ngdoy ou?Whatwi ll
yout ellthepolice?Orthecour t
?It'
syourword
againstmi ne.Nooneknowswhathappenedi nthat
room t hatnight.OnlyyouandI .Goanddr i
nkyour
treatmentandgetouti fmyface.Youarelosegape.
Youdon' tevengr i
p.It
'sall
fatnessnothi
ngelse.I
feelsor r
yf oryourhusband, y
ouar ethemost
tastelesswomanIhav eeversleptwith.
"
Hisphoner
ang.Lelesnat
cheditf
rom hi
m seei
ngt
he
cal
lerI
Dastheyreachedthest
air
cases.
"
Iam t
ell
i
ngher
.Yout
hinky
ouar
e-"
Hedroppedhisbagtandst ar
tedfighti
ngf orhi
s
phone.Lel
epushedhim withherhipget t
ingthe
phonefrom hi
m.Boikanyolostbalancethent r
ipped
fal
l
ingonthestair
s.Lel
e'
shear tskippedasshe
watchedhimroll
downt i
llhelandedont hef l
oor.
"Hell
o?Babe?"Afami
li
arvoi
ceonthephonespoke.
Lelelookedatt
hescr
een,
thecal
lhadbeen
answer ed.
"
Babe?
!"
Lel
ebr
oughtt
hephonecl
oset
oherear
.
"Babe?Ar eyout here?Babe?Ispoket omyf ri
end.
Babe? "Sasaspokeatt heotherendoft hecal l.Lel
e
putt hephonedownt henqui ckl
ywentdownt he
stairsasbloodpool edar oundhim.Sheknel tdown
put ti
ngherhandonhi sneckt ofeelforhispul sebut
therewasnot hing.Ther ewasnosi gnofhi m bei ng
ali
v e.Herheartpoundedsomuch, shequi cklygotup
andmadeherwayoutgoi ngtotheparkingl ot.She
coul dalr
eadyseeher selfgoingtojailf
ormur der.
Herhear tpoundedsomuch, shewoul dprobabl ybe
char gedwithmur der.Noonewoul dbeli
ev eitwasa
mi stake.
Shet
ookoutherphoneandcal
l
edChess.
"
Mr.Mor
emi
'
sphonehel
l
o?"
"
Giv
emyhusbandhi
sphone.I
t'
sanemer
gency
."
"
Mrs-
"
"
It
'si
mpor
tant
.Gi
vehi
mthephonenow!
"
"
Hol
don.
"
Lel
est
art
edt
hecarandt
ookof
f.
"
Lel
ent
le,
Iam busy
-"
"
It
'si
mpor
tantChess.
"
"
Whati
sitLel
e?"
"
ThedayIwentt
oKasane,
Imett
hosel
adi
eswho-
"
"Lel
ei fit
'sanotherl
i
e,notnowpl
ease.Iam
switchingoffmyphone.Youaredist
urbingme.Iam
i
nt hemi ddleofsomethingi
mpor
tant.Idon'
thave
ti
mef ort hi
s..
"
"Chesswait.Babeplease.
..Iam scared.It
hinkI
kil
l
edsomeone.Idi dn'tmeant o.Ipushedhim by
mistake.Il
eftandheisbleeding.Ithi
nkheisdead.
Helpme, Iam scar
ed.
"
What
?"
"Herapedme.ThenightIgotdrunk.Ican'tr
eal
l
y
rememberbuthejustconfessedtorapingmeand
hesaidIdon'
thav
eev i
dencet oproveit
."
"
Wher
ear
eyou?
"
"Shoul
dIrunaway?Idon'
twanttogotojai
l.Iam
goingt
ogetarrest
edformur
der.IswearIdidn'
t
meant o.
"
"
Gohome.Iam comi
ng.
"
"
Theyar
egoi
ngt
oar
restme.
"
"
Shi
t!Iam coming,
gohome.May
behei
snotdead.
Wheredi
dy oupushhi
m?"
"
Downt
hest
air
sathi
scompany
."
"
Gohome.Iam comi
ng,
stayt
her
e."
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#62

Chessparkedt
hecarinfr
ontofthehouseand
hur
riedi
nsidet
hehouse.HelookedatOpel
owho
waseati
ngwatchi
ngTV.
“
Wher
eisLel
e?”
Shest
oodup.“
Shehasn’
tar
ri
vedy
et.
”
“
Fuck!
”
Het
ookouthi
sphoneandcal
l
edherbutherphone
wasn’
tgoi
ngthrough.Het
ookadeepbreath
knowi
ngwherevershewas,shewaspani
cki
ng.He
tur
nedtoOpel
o.
“
Whenshecomes,
don’
tlethergoout
.Cal
lme.
”
“
Yessi
r.
”
Chesswalkedoutandgotinhi
scarwonderi
ng
whereshecouldhavegone.Hequi
ckl
ycall
edthe
Atang’
steacher
.
“
Mr.Mor
emi
…”
“
Hi,
hasAt
ang’
smot
hercol
l
ect
edhi
myet
?”
“Noandheistheonl
yonewhoi
sst
il
lher
e.The
school
longcl
osed.
”
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Ifhi
smot
hercol
l
ect
shi
m,al
ertme.
”
“
Yessi
r.
”
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landcal
l
edt
hel
awy
er.
“
Chess…”
“It
hinkmywif
ekil
ledsomeonebuti
twasbymi
stake.
Shepushedhi
m downthestai
rs.
”
“
Ishedead?
”
“
Shesay
syesbutshepani
csal
otsoIam notsur
e.”
“Ok,Iam comi
ngov err
ightnow.Ift
hepoli
cet
akes
herbefor
eIarr
ive,
sheshoul dn’
tsayany
thi
ng.
”
“
That’st
hethi
ng.Idon’tknowwher
eshei
s.She
mightbeatt
hepolice.
”
“
Weneedtofi
ndher.Say
inganyt
hingt
othepol
ice
wi
thoutmei
sthebi
ggestmist
akeshecanever
make.”
“
Ok.
”
Chesshungupt
hought
ful
l
yandf
inal
l
ycal
l
edt
hecar
tr
acki
ngcompany.
“
MJTr
acker
s,howcanwehel
pyou?
”
“
Letmespeakt
oMJ,
it’
sChessMor
emi
.”
“
Pleasehol
don.
”
Chesswai
tedf
oracoupl
eofseconds.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
MJ,
it’
sChess.
”
“
Lai
taka!
”
“
Iwanty
out
otr
ackmywi
fe’
scar
.TheLandCr
uiser
.”
“
Ok,
youhav
ethet
racki
ngnumberr
ight
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Wewi ll
findherj
ustnow.Hol
don.Youknowt
he
t
racki
ngnumberbyhead? ”
Chesstookouthiswal
letthengott
hecar
dwi
th
tr
acki
ngnumber .“
Ihav
ei there.
”

Mi
nut
esl
ater
,MJchuckl
ed.
“
Igott
hecarMor
ena.
”
Chess’
shear
tski
pped.“
Ok,
wher
eisi
t?”
“
BusRank.
”
“
What
?”
“
Yes.I
t’
satbusRank.Ri
ghtatt
hebuses.
”
“
Okt
hanks.I
fitmov
est
ell
me.
”
“
Sur
e.”
Chesshungupanddr oveoff.Awhil
elaterhewas
walki
ngovertothecaratbusrank.Heopenedt he
doorandlookedinsi
de.Herphonewast here,
even
thecarkeys,
onlyherhandbagwasmi ssing
Hetookthekeysoutandcl
osedthedoor
sthen
l
ookedthecarandwalkedovert
othebuses
sear
chi
ngforher.

*
**

AtthePr e-school,Atang’steacheryawnedhol ding

Atangwhowasnowsl eeping.Shelookedatthet ime,
shewasgoi ngtobel ateforherdaughter’
sbirthday
party.Sher eall
ycouldnev erunderstandwhysome
parentswoul dcomeanhourort wohourslatewhen
theschool hadcl earl
yst at
edt hatpi
ckupt i
mewas
16:30.Itannoy edhersomuchsomet i
messhej ust
wantedt oqui tthejob.Shehadal i
feoutsi
det his
school
too.
Thebosswal
kedi
nasshest
aredatt
hewal
lthi
nki
ng.
“
Hey
…”
Sher
aisedherheadandl
ookedather
.“Hi
Kaone.
”
Kaonesmi
l
ed.“
Who’
sthi
sonenow?
“At
ang.Ispoket
ohisfat
heralmostthi
rt
yminut
es
backandhesaidhewasont hewaybutheissti
l
l
nother
e.Hismother
’sphoneisnotevengoi
ng
thr
ough.
”
“
Andy
ouhav
eyourdaught
er’
spar
tyr
ight
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Look,l
etmehav ehi
m.Wenagot ot
hepart
y.Iwi
l
l
wai
there.Sendmethef
ather
’snumber
.”
“
Yes.
”
ShehandedKaonet
heboyandgotherphonet
hen
sentt
henumberbef
orel
eavi
ng.
Kaonelookedatthehandsomeboywi thasmile,
otherpeopl
ewerejustbl
essed.Shesatdowntaking
herphoneandtappedthenumber .I
ttookher
str
aightt
oChess’
schat
.Sheclosedherey
es
l
aughing.I
tdi
dmakesenseforsuchamant ohav
e
suchahandsomeson.Luckywasthemother.
Shecal
l
edhi
m.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Chess…wher
ear
eyou?
”
“Uhcanwer eschedul
ethat
?Iam deal
i
ngwi
than
emergency
.”
“I
t’
sok.IhaveAtanghereatmypr
e-school
,how
busyareyou?Icantakehimtomyhousethenyou
orhismotherwil
lcol
lecthi
m.”
“
Uhy
eah.Youwi
l
lsendmet
hedi
rect
ions.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Arey
ouok?
”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
k.”
Hehungupbefor
eshecouldsayanyt
hingel
se.
Kaonel
ookedathi
ssonthenstoodupwithhi
sbag
andwal
kedout.
*
**

Lefawalkedinsi
deKhumo’ soff
ice.Khumol
ooked
upandsi ghedassheclosedthedoorandwalked
fur
theri
nsidetheoff
ice.
“
Lef
a…”
“
Hey
…”
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”
“
Icamet
oseey
ou.Ihav
ebeenmeani
ngt
o.”
“
Ifi
t’
saboutLal
a-“
“
Youcoul
dhavebrokenupwithheri
nst
eadoft
ryi
ng
t
ogetmarr
iedbehi
ndherback.”
“
Ilongbrokeupwit
hy oursist
erbutshedi
dn’
twant
t
olist
en.It
’snotmyfault
.”
“Youcoul dhavebeenf i
rm withherandst op
sleepingwithheroncer t
ainoccasions.Lalai
snota
hardper son.AndIcan’tbeli
eveyouwoul dgoand
mar rythatoldthi
ng.Shelooksfiveyearsoldert
han
you.”
“
Ranewai
snotol
dert
hanme.
”
“Butsheisugl
y.Idon’tknowwhatat
tract
edy
out
o
herbutitwasnotlooks.”
“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”
Lef
awal
kedr
oundhi
stabl
ethensatonhi
slap.
“
Lef
aIam not
-“
Lefaleanedoverandkissedhi
m.Sheki ssedhim
evenmor ewhenhedi dn’
tresi
stthoughhewasn’t
ki
ssingherback.Shesmi l
edstoppingthengotup
andunbuckledhispantsandunzippedhispants.
Shetookouthisweaponandst rokedhim.
“
Whydoy
oul
i
kedoi
ngt
hist
ome?Ihav
efi
nal
l
y-“
“
Shhh…”
Sherol
l
edherdressup,
Khumot
ookadeepbr
eat
h
st
ari
ngatherpussy.
“Ihav
en’
tdonethi
sinal
ongwhi
l
enow.Iwanty
ou.
Youwantmet oo.
”
Shehel
dhi
sdickupri
ghtandslowl
ysankonhim
wit
hamoan.Shestar
tedmoving,Khumohel
dher
wai
stgr
unt
ing.

*
**

Meanwhil
eChessst
eppedoutofhi
scarandwal
ked
i
nsideKhumo’
scompanytal
ki
ngonthephonewi
th
hi
slawyer.
“
Sowher
ecoul
dshehav
egone?
”
“Mybestguessi
sPal
apy
etoherpar
ent
s.Iam
dri
vi
ngthere.
”
“Ok,runni
ngawayi
snottheopt
ion.Sheispani
cki
ng.
Sheshouldcal
m down.Butdoy
oubel i
eveshewas
raped.”
“
Idon’
tknow.
”
“
Ok,
wewi
l
ltal
k.”
“
Chess!
”
Chesst
urnedandl
ookedatLal
awhowaswal
ki
ng
over
.
“
Hey
…”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Hi.Her
etoseeKhumo?
”
“
Yes,
yout
oo?
”
“
Yes.Iwantustodiscussourson.ThankGodt
her
e
wi
ll
beat hi
rdpart
y.Iam scar
ed.”
“
Khumoisnotaviol
entperson.Hewoul
dnev
erhur
t
t
hemotherofhi
sonlychi
ld.”
Theywalkedtohi
soff
ice.Somet
hingi
ntheof
fi
ce
fel
l
,Chesswalkedtot
hedoorandopenedwal
kingi
n,
Lal
abehind.
.
.
.
[
Roar
ingFl
ames
#63

Lalafr
ozewal ki
nginsidetheof fi
cecat chi
ngher
sist
eronKhumo’ stable,herlegsonhi sshouldwe
withhim bet
weenherl egs, hi
sdi ckdeepinher
pussy.ChesslookedatKhumo, every
thingsl
owly
fall
i
nginplace.Hisangerr ose,hisminddot t
ingback.
Khumoqui ckl
ymov edbackandpul l
eduphi spants
whileLefagotoffthetablepulli
ngdownherdr ess.
Chessshookhi
shead.“
Itwasal
way
syouwasn’
tit
?”
“
Chess-
“
“
Itwasal
way
syour
ight
?Ev
eryf
uckent
imei
twas
y
ou.”
“
List
enChess-
“
Angri
l
yChesswal kedoverandpunchedhim.Khumo
l
ostbalancestaggeri
ngback.Chesspunchedhi
m
agai
n,Lefamov edback,herhear
tpoundi
ngsomuch.
Chesskickedhim har
dbetweenhislegsthat
Khumoscr eamedbending.
“
Ungr
atef
ulbast
ard!
”
Heturnedt
oLefawhowascr
yingstar
ingatLala
whowasstil
lst
andi
ngi
nshock.Lef
ast eppedback
cr
ying.
“
Isweari
t’
snotl
i
ket
hat
.”
“Iam notsurpr
isedLefatshe.Youhaveal
waysbeen
aliar
.Youprobablysleptwithhim si
ncet
hefi
rstday
until
thelast
.Tellmesomet hi
ng,wasAnel
ehi
st oo?
”
Lef
ashookherhead.“
No.Chess-
“
“
Ket
agothubakacl
apaLefatshe,
don’
tev
ent
hink
y
oucanl
i
etome.Otanyela.”
“
Chess-
“
“
WasAnel
ehi
s?”
Lal
a’
stear
srol
l
eddownhercheeks.“
Itwas.I
twas.
Anel
ewasKhumo’
s.”
Lef
alookedatLal
a.“
Icanexpl
ain.Lal
a-“
“AnelewasKhumo’s.Thoset
imesKhumowoul
d…
hewoul dcometocheckonyou,y
outwowoul
d
sleeptoget
herr
ight
?”
“
No,
I-“
Lal
atookoffherheelandthr
ewatLefa.Theshoe
fl
ewhit
tingherf
orehead.Lal
agrabbedthevaseon
Khumo’stabl
eandcrushedonhersister
’shead.
Chesspull
edherbackasLalapull
edLefa’shai
r.
“
Lar
ona!
”
Lef
ascreamedinpai
nwhil
eLar
onapul
l
edhar
der
wit
hChesspull
i
ngherback.
“
Bit
ch!
”
ChessletgoofLal
athengotbetweenthem pul
l
ing
herhandsfr
om Lef
a’shai
r.“
Laronaletgo!Now!
”
LaronalookedatChessandl
etgo.Lef
amov
edback,
shaking.
“
Let
’sgo.
”
Lal
anodded.“
Iwantmyshoe.
”
Shet
ri
edwal
ki
ngov
er,
Chesspul
l
edherhand.
“
La-
“
“
Iam get
ti
ngmyshoe.Ican’
tgowi
thoneshoe.
”
Chessl
etgothenLaronawal kedovert
opickher
shoewher
eLefawasst anding.Lal
agrabbedLef
a’s
hai
randpunchedhermout h.
“Chess!
”Lefascreamedreceiv
inganot
herpunchon
hereye.Chessrushedoverandpull
edherasshe
scrat
chedLefa’
sf acewi
thhernail
s.
“
Youar
eawhor
e!”
Shetookof
ftheothershoeandt
hrewi tather
.Lef
a
bl
ockedherfacewit
hherarmscrossed.
“NowonderLelentl
etookChess.Ol ebel
eteseloke
wena!Crazyr
etardedbitchwhokill
edherown
daught
erforaman!St upidwhore!Youdeservedto
diet
hatnight
,Ihopeyouact ual
l
ydie.”
Chesspul
ledherout
.Lef
alookedatKhumowho
wasgrunt
ingonthefl
oor
.
“
Khumo!
”
“
Cal
ltheambul
ance.
”

*
**
Chesswal
kedoutwi
thLar
onawhowasmar
chi
ngi
n
fr
ontofhi
m.
“
Shor
tgun…”
Lal
atur
nedt
ohi
m.“
Huh?
”
“
Whoknewy
oucoul
dfi
ght
?”
Lal
aswal
l
owed.“
Ican’
tbel
i
evei
t.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“I
t’
sjust
…DoyouknowLef
awentt
oawi
tchdoct
or
soyoucanl
oveher
?”
“
Huh?
”
“Shevisi
tedawitchdoctor
.Thatwit
chdoctorwas
alsosupposedtomakeLel el
osethebabybutit
neverworked.ShepaidaboutP5Kforwhatshedid.
”
Chesschuckl
edi
nshock.“
Wow!
”
“Sheprobabl
ythoughtkil
l
ingAnelewoul
dbri
ngy ou
toherandwheni tdi
dn’
t,sheaskedPapatospeakto
hisfr
iendwhowast hejudge?
”
“
Real
l
y?”
“Yes.Sheisasnake.Iam goi
ngt oexposeherand
hopeful
lyshegetstr
ial
edagain.Iam sorr
ytoo.I
knowhowy ouandKhumoar eclose.
”
“
Yah…i
t’
sashockbuti
tnowmakesper
fectsense.
”
“
Itdoes.Goodni
ght
.”
Lalawal
kedtohercarwhi
l
eChessgoti
nhis.He
tookadeepbreat
handcal
ledLel
e’
smother.
“
Son…”
“
Ma,
howar
eyou?
”
“
Iam f
inemyboy
,your
sel
f?”
“Somethi
nghappened.It
hinkLel
eisonherway
ther
e,Iam v
eryworri
ed.Whenshearri
vespl
ease
aler
tme.”
“
Whathappened?
”
“UhIam sti
llnotsuremyself.Shemustbeonher
waythere,whenshear r
ivespleasecal
lme.Iwantt
o
dri
vetherebutIdon’twanttoleaveAtangal
one.He
hasnotbeenf eel
ingwelllat
ely.Iwi
l
lcome
t
omor
rowear
lymor
ning.
”
“
Okson.
”
“
Keepherthere.Makesur
eshedoesn’
tgoany
wher
e,
t
ell
herIal
readyspoketomylawyer
.”
“
Youar
eget
ti
ngmewor
ri
edson.
”
“
Itwi
l
lbeok.
”
“
Ok.
”
Chesshungupandopenedt
hedi
rect
ionsKaonehad
sentt
hendrov
ether
e.

*
**

AtKaone’shouse,Chesspar
kedhiscarthen
steppedout.Heknockedonthedoor.Kaone
openedwithasmi l
einherpyj
amassecondslat
er
thensmil
ed.
“
Hey
…”
“
Hi.Iam sor
ryIt
ooksol
ong.
”
“
It
’sok.Youcancomei
n.”
Hewal
kedi
nbehi
ndher
.Shehadabeaut
if
ulhouse.
“
Thi
sisni
ce.
”
“
Thanks.Uhhheissleepi
ngnow.Ibathedhim and
f
edhim.Heissickthough,hewascry
ing.”
“
Yeah.Fl
uegothi
m bad.
”
“Youshoul
dtakehi
mtot
hehospi
tal
.Igothi
m
paracet
amol.
”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Thi
ssi
de…”
Sheledhi
mt oherr oom wher
ehewassl
eepi
ngon
thebed,
twobl anketsoneachsi
det
ocat
chhimin
caseherol
led.Chesssighed.
“
Thanks.
”
“I
twasast r
uggle.Hesleptcr
ying.It
hinkatsome
pointIwascry
ingwithhim.”
Chesschuckl
ed.“
Heget
sli
ket
hatwhenhei
snot
well
.”
“
Inot
iced.
”
“
Iam sor
ryy
ouendur
edal
lthat
.”
“
It
’sok.
”
Chessl ookedathi ssonwonder i
ngj ustwhyi twas
soeasyf orLeletochooset ofl
eeandl eaveherson
behind.It’sl
ikeshenev ercaredabouthi m, shedi dn’
t
evenwanthi mt osl eepwi t
hthem ont hebed.I twas
asifshewasdet achedf rom hi
m.Shenev ershowed
hi
mt hatmuchneededat tenti
ont hathe’dr atherbe
withthenannyt hanhi sownmot her.Nowashe
stoodt here,i
tbot heredhim moret hani tev erdid.
Kaonel
ookedathi
m andst
eppedbackwonder
ingi
f
shehadwentt
oofar.
“
Isev
ery
thi
ngok?
”
Hel
ookedatherandsi
ghed.“
Yes.
”
“
IhopeIdi
dn’
tov
erst
epmyl
i
ne.
”
“
No.Youhel
pedmeact
ual
l
y.Thanky
ou.
”
Kaonesmiledadmi
rablyst
ari
ngatAtang.“
Hei sa
handsomeboy.AndalsoIboughthi
mt hi
s.”She
tookatoy
.Chesssmiled.
“
Hei
sgoi
ngt
olov
ethatoncehei
swel
l
.”
“
Thatwi
l
lbeni
ce.
”
“
Can…ifit’
sok,cany oul
ethim sl
eepforali
tt
lewhil
e?
Hej
ustfellasl
eep.Idon’
tthi
nkdistur
binghi
m wil
lbe
t
heri
ghtfulchoi
cetomake. ”
“
Ok.
”Heputhi
shandonhisl
it
tl
efor
ehead.Hi
s
t
emper
atur
ewasabithi
gh.
“I
thasgott
enbet
tersi
nceIgav
ehi
mthe
paracet
amol.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
Kaonesmiled.“
Come.Icooked.CanIdi
shf
ory
oui
f
youarehungry?
”
“
Idon’
thav
eanappet
it
e.”
“
Ok,
tea?
”
“
NoIam goodt
hanks.
”
“
Come.Let
’sgi
vemyboysomespace.
”
Kaonedimmedherli
ghtsastheywal kedout.They
wentbackt
ohersitt
ingroom,Chesssatdown
feel
i
ngaheavyweightonhisshoulders.Kaone
l
ookedathi m ashecl osedhiseyes,somethingwas
starr
essinghim, t
hestressli
nesonhi sfor
eheadsai d
asmuch.Notwant ingtolookforwad,sheremai ned
standingtherestari
ngathim.Shef i
nall
ywal kedover
andst oodbehindhimt henstar
tedmassagi nghis
shoulders.Talkaboutsidehustl
i
ngski l
l
scomi ng
i
nt ohand.
“
What
’swr
ong?
”
Chessr
elaxedhi
sbodyr
ecei
vi
ngt
hemassage.
“Idon’tknow.Idon’tthi
nkmywi felovesoursonor
may beshedoesandj ustdoesn’tcareabouthim as
muchasamot hershould.I
tf eel
slikesheisast ep
mot heryetshebirt
hedhi m.”Het ookadeepbr eath
ashi sheadached.Hewasn’ tsurewhatwasgoi ng
onany mor ebuttherapestorysoundedt oofar
fetched.Howwasi tt
hatallalongshedi dn’t
remembert i
l
lsheactuall
ytest edforSyphil
is?Allof
asuddensher ecal
ledit.
Hecoul
dseethepatternwit
hthelies.Doubtf
il
led
hi
sheadashesatthere,hi
sheartcrushi
ngbitbybit
.
Hecoul
dn’
tunder
standany more.Hecouldswearhe
haddoneever
ythi
nghecoul
dtokeepherhappy
,to
showherl
oveandbethemansheneeded.
Maybetheproblem washim.Obv iouslyi
thadtobe
hi
m.Hewasdoi ngsomethingwrongbuthecoul dn’t
fi
gureoutwhat.Hist
orycouldn’
tjustrepeati
tsel
ffor
noreason.
Kaonecarri
edonwi ththemassagesensing
whatevert
hatwasgoi ngonwasdeepert hanwhat
hewasactuall
ylett
ingon.Minuteswentbyasshe
soothedhi
smusclest il
lhef
ellasl
eep.Shestopped
thenshookhim abit.
“
Chess…come.
”
Hesl
owl
yopenedhi
sey
es.
“
Ng?
”
“Come.
”Shehel
pedhi
m upandtookhi
mtoher
bedr
oom t
hengent
lymovedAt
ang.
“
Sleep.
”
Physi
call
yandemoti
onal
lyexhausted,
Chesstook
offhi
sshoesandgoti
nbedcl osi
nghiseyes.He
i
mmedi at
elyf
ell
asl
eep.Kaonemov edAtangcloser
t
ohi
sdadt
hengoti
nbedt
heot
hersi
de.

*
**

Aft
erhoursofdri
vi
ng, Moabisl
oweddowndr i
ving
i
nsideagatethenparkedtheGLEMer cedesi
nf r
ont
ofabighouse.HelookedatLelesl
eepingbyhisside.
“
Lel
e…come.
”
Lel
ewokeupwit
hasnap.Shel
ookedatMoabi
who
wassmil
i
ngather.
“
Come,
wehav
ear
ri
ved.
”
Lelel
ookedatt
hehouse.“
Shei
spay
ingf
ort
his
too?”
“
No.shegav
eitt
ome.
”
“
Sheboughti
tfory
ou?
”
“
No.Shegav
eitt
ome.
”
Lel
esi
ghed.“
Doy
ouev
enl
oveher
?”
“
No,
butIcar
e.Comei
n.”
Theywalkedinsi
dethehouse.Lel
etookadeep
breathf
oldi
ngherarms.Moabi l
edhertot
hemast
er
bedroom whi
chlookedl
ikeahotelroom.
“
Arey
ouhungr
y?”
“
No.
”
“Ok,youcant
akeashower
.Iwi
l
lpr
epar
eyoua
snack.”
Lel
elookedatthenMoabismi l
edwalkingtothe
ki
tchenwhereheprepar
edheraf rui
tsalad.Hecame
backawhilel
aterandputitdownwai t
ingforher.
Lel
ewalkedoutofthebathroom wit
hat owelaround
herbody.
“
Don’
tyouwantt
ocheckony
ourson?
”
Lel
elookedathim andshookherhead.“
No.Hei
s
fi
ne.Opel
oisthere.
”
“
Ok.Youneedt
oeat
.”
“
Iam nothungr
y.“
Moabitookherhandthenpul
l
edhert
othebed.He
handedherthebowlofsal
ad.
“
Eat
.Yousai
dyouar
epr
egnantr
ight
?”
“Iam abort
ing.Iam notgoi
ngt
ogi
vebi
rt
htoar
ape
product.
”
.
.
Don’
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#64

Thefoll
owingmor ni
ng,Moabiparkedi
nfrontof
Lele’
sparent
'shouse.Hermotherwasoutside
sweepingtheyard.Moabist
eppedoutandopened
thedoorforLel
ewhi l
eMmagweLel ewat
ched
holdi
ngtherake.
“
Thanky
ou.
”
Moabismi
led.“
Idon’
tknowwhati
sgoi
ngonbuty
ou
knowIam al
waysher
ef ory
ou.
”
Lel
enoddedt
henwalkedi
nsi
detheyar
dwhi
l
eMoabi
j
umpedbackinhi
scaranddr
oveoff
.Mmmagwe
Lel
elookedatherdaught
er.
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
tht
hatman?
”
“
Hegav
emeal
i
ft.
”
“
When?
”
“
Lastni
ght
.”
“
Uhu,
sohedr
oveal
lni
ght
?”
“
Isl
eptathi
shouse?
”
“
Lel
ent
lewhat
’sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
”
Lel
etear
ful
lyl
ookedathermot
herandt
oldhert
he
wholest
ory
.
“
Soyouthoughtr
unni
ngawaywast
hebestopt
ion?
Whatabouty
ourson?
”
“
Opel
oist
her
e.”
“
Whoi
sOpel
o?”
“
Thenanny
.”
“
Sot
hisOpel
oisAt
ang’
smot
her
?”
“
Mamanobutshei
sgoodwi
thhi
m.Pl
usChessi
s
t
her
e.”
“Youlef
tat
woyearol
dwitht
henannyand
ever
ythi
ngi
sokwit
hthat
?”
“
Itr
usther
.”
“Lel
eAtangneedshi
smot
hernott
henanny
!And
Chess?
”
“
Idon’
twantt
ogot
ojai
l
.”
“Ican’tbeli
eveyour anawayfrom yourhomeand
ratherjumpediny ourex’scar
.Idon’tunderstand
any t
hingLelent
le.Ifyouwererapedwhydi dn’tyou
j
ustgot othepoli
cest at
ion?Wenay ourmer mory
getsref r
eshedwheny ougetSyphi
l
isandpr obably
HIV? ”
“
Iwasdrugged.Ihar
dlyr
ememberany
thi
ngf r
om
t
hatni
ght.Herapedme.Headmit
tedt
oit.Idi
dn’
t
meantopushhim.”
MmagweLelesadlyl
ookedatherdaughter
.“Wasn'
t
i
tthesamestor
yyousaidLef
aspunf orChessaft
er
shecheat
edonhim?”
Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
MamaIam notl
yi
ng.
”
“
Ify
ouar
enotl
yi
ngt
henwhydi
dyour
unaway
?You
shouldhav ewentt othepol i
ceandt oldthem
everything.Sowheny ourun,youthinktheyarenot
goingt ocatchy ou?Theyar egoingtocomef oryou
eit
herwayLel e.Idon’
tunder st
andhowy ourbrai
n
wor ksormay bey oujustwant edawayt ogobackt o
thatmanwhohi tsyou.Youar eheretodayandhav e
l
efty oursonwi thananny ,whycouldn’tyourunwith
yourson? ”
“
Iam notdr
aggi
ngmysoni
ntot
his.
”
“Thisnannyisgoi
ngtoreplaceyouIam t el
li
ngy ou.
Youar emotstayi
nghere.Unfor
tunat
elyf oryou,you
aregoingbacktoyourhouse,Youarenotgoi ngt o
hidehere.Gobacktoyourhouseandf acey our
problems.Youarenolongerali
ttl
egurl anymore.
Turnandgobackt oyourhouse.Chessi swor r
ied
sickaboutyou.Youar
egoi ngbacktoy ourhouse.”
RragweLelewalkedout,
hesmil
edashiseyes
l
andedonhi sdaught
er.Her
ushedoverandhugged
herti
ght
ly.
“
Bina…”
Lel
est
art
edcr
ying.Hermot
hersi
ghednotev
en
mov
ed.
“
Shh…y
ouhav
ecomehome.
”
“
Shei
snotst
ayi
ngher
e.Shei
sgoi
ngback.
”
Rr
agweLel
epul
l
edf
rom t
hehugandl
ookedathi
s
wi
fe.“
Why?
”
“Leleclai
msshewasr apedandgi vendiseasesaf ter
shewentonadr inki
ngspreewi thf
riends.Idi dn’
t
evenknowshei sadrunkar dnow.Nowt hatshehas
diseases,shesuddenlyremember swhor apedher
butt woweeksbackshedi dn’
tr emember .Idon’t
knowhowhermer morywor ks.Shemayhav ekil
l
ed
themanwhoshecl ai
msr apedherandi nst eadof
facingherprobl
emsheadon, shedeci dedt orun
backhome.Shei sgoingbackt oherhome.Her
husbandandsonar ewaiti
ngf orher .
”
“
Whathusband?Thatboynev
ermar
ri
edher
!”
“
Theyar
emar
ri
ed.Legal
l
ytheyar
e.”
“
Iwil
lnotconsi
dert
hat
.Mydaught
eri
snothi
swi
fe
t
il
lhepaysbri
depri
cef
orher
.”
"
Hewoul
dhav
edonei
thady
ouagr
eedbuty
ou
chasedt
hem away
!”
“Mydaught
erwil
lnotmarryint
othatfamil
yful
lof
badl
uck.Andsheisnotgoinganywhere.Thi
sisher
home.”
“Sheshouldgobacktoherpr oblems.Shecan’ t
alwaysrunawaybecausethingshav egott
enhar d.
Sheshouldgobackandf acet heconsequencesof
heracti
ons.Shel
efthersonwhoi ssickwiththe
nanny,whodoesthat?Sheisgoi ngbackrightnow.”
“Mychildisnotgoinganywher e,may bey ouwon’ t
underst
andbecauseshei snoty ourssoy oudon’ t
havetheabili
tytofeelf
orher ,Idon’tcarewhati t
mightbebutmydaught erisnotgoi ngany where!
Sheisher etostayandshewi llstayforasl ongas
shewant s.Unti
lyougivebirt
ht oachi l
d,y ouwill
neverunderstandthesympat hyamot herf eel
sfor
herchil
dren.
MmagweLel efr
ozest
ari
ngatherhusband.She
l
ookedatLelewhowasinherf
ather’
sarms.Tears
f
il
ledherey
esthensheputt
herakedown.
“
Irai
sedt
hischi
l
dsi
ncet
hedayshewasbor
n.I
mighthav enotgivenbiurt
htoherbutIr ai
sedher
withl
ov e.Il
ov edherli
keIgavebi r
tht oher.Istayed
upeachni ghtwhenshecoul dn’tsleep.Idi
d
every
t hi
ngtomakesur eIrai
sedhert hebest .Today
becauseIdon’ tagreewit
hwhat ’shappening,
suddenlyIwi l
lneverunderst
andbecauseIhav e
neverbirt
hedachi ld?Withever
yf allshehasev er
hadinherl i
fe,whowast heretopickherup?Who
wast heretodustherup?Iwoul dhav esol
dmysoul
tothedev i
lforher.”
“
Mama-
“
“NoLele.St
ay.Youcanst aymychild.Iwi
llneversay
anythi
nganymore.Iam leavi
ng.,
Iam taki
ngmy
bagsandIam leavi
ng.Iam goingtoacceptIhav e
nochil
dsoy ouandLoagocanbe, dowhaty ouwant,
yourmothersaret
here.Iwasmor elikeanannyandI
thi
nkIhavedoneenough. ”
Shewal
kedbackinsidethehouse.Lel
ewentaf
ter
her
.MmagweLel etookouthersuit
caseamdstar
ted
put
ti
nghercl
othesinsi
de.
“
Mama…”
“Lelentl
e, Iwanty out odowhaty ouwantmybaby .I
can’tteachy ouhowt obehav e.Iam noty ourmot her,
Iam nev ergoi ngt ounder stand.It houghtt hiswas
showi ngy ouandmoul dingy out obeabet ter
womanbecauseIknowy ouhav enev erbeensat
downandt ol
dhowt obehav el i
kesomeone’ swi f
e.
SeemsIwaswr ong.TodayIam par tingway swi th
youandy ourbr ot her .Iam goi ngandIam goi ngt o
acceptIhav enochi ld.Ihav eputupwi ththisf orf ar
tool ong.Somet imeswheny ouar enotappr eciated
orwheny ouar enotneeded, y oushoul dknowi t
’s
enoughandwal kaway .Ther easonwhyIam t ell
ing
yout ogobacki sbecauseIwanty out obea
respeonsi bleper son.Yy oucan’ traiseachi l
di fyou
fail
t ober esponsi bleasamot her .Thi snannyt hat
youkeept hrowi ngy ourhusbandandsont oi sgoi ng
totaket hem onedayandmaket hem her s.Thi si s
howy ouinv i
teat hirdpar t
yint oy ourhome.Thi sis
howy oudest royy ourownhome.Isuspecty oul et
thenannydoev ery t
hi ng,from cl eani ngtocooki ngt o
washi ng.Shei sdoi ngwhaty oushoul dbedoi ng,
shei salreadyt hewi fei nt hehouse.I twon’tbehar d
forhert oopenherl egsf orChess.Youwi l
llosehi m.
Youmi ghtbeoneoft hosewomenwhosayy ou
don’tcareandbl ahblahbutt hepaint
hatwi l
lcome
wit
hl osinghi m wil
lcutdeepert hananyt
hing,you
wil
lnev ermov eonfrom it.Youwi l
lcr
yeverynight,
cry
ingf ory ourlostl
ov eandmenl i
keChesswho
l
eaveandnev erlookbackar ethemosthar destto
l
etgo.Oncehemov espon, hemakessur es.You
knowi t.Ithappenedwi thLefa.”
Lel
etear
ful
l
ylookedather
.
“Alreadyhedoubt i
ngy ou, yourbr oughtdisesesback
tohi m.Andy ouaresay i
ngy ouwer eraped, justl
ike
hisexwi fe.I
maginewhati sgoi ngt hr
oughi nhis
headr ightnow.Imaginei fyouwer einhi splace.
Howi shesupposedt obef eeling.Menhav efeel
ings
too.Youcan’ tr
unawayf rom i ssuesbecausey ou
can’thandlethem anymor e.Youhav etof acey our
chal l
engesheadon.Ifi t
’sgoi ngt ojai
l,thensobei t.
Your unningawayi snotgoi ngt owor kiny ourfavor
Lele.”
Sheputtherestofhercl
othesinanothersui
tcase
thenremovedt hedoekinherhead.Lel
elookedat
hermother
’slonghairasshetookherhanbag.
“
Iam goi
ng.
”
"
Pleasedon’
tgo.
”
“Iam leav i
ngbecausey ourf atherdoesn’ tappreci
ate
me.Hedoesn’ tloveme, heisi nl ov ewithsomeone
elseandhewon’ tevenhi deitfrom me.Ihav ebeen
stayi
ngf orthekidsbutnow…”Sheshr ugged.“ Iwant
totellyousomet hing,may beonedayy ouwi ll
tell
thist
oy ourkids, st
ayingandbei ngst rongf oryour
mar r
iagedoesn’ tmeany oust ayf orbullshit
.
Somet imesy ouar ewastingy ourownt i
me.Youwi ll
doev erythingforhi m butifhedoesn’ tlov eyou,he
doesn’ty ou.Youcan’ tchanget hat .Wheni t
’sli
ke
that,
y out akey ourbagsandl eav e.”
“
Iam goi
ngbackt
oo.
”
Hermothersmi
led.“That’
smygirl
.Don’
tgot
othat
man.Gobacktoy ourhusband.
”
Theywalkedout sidewher eherfatherlookedatthe
bags.Hisheartski pped.Shehadbev erpackedher
bags,ofcauseitwasn' t;
tthefir
stti
meshehad
thr
eatenedtoleav ebutthisti
mei twasdi ff
erent
.A
cardr
ov einthey ard,Lel
ewat chedasChesspar ked
andsteppedout .Hewasstil
li
nthesui
thehadbeen
weari
ngy esterday
.MmagweLel esmil
edwatchi
ng
hi
m ashewal kedover.I
twoul
dbeabigshameif
herdaughterlostsuchaman.
“
Dumel
ang.
.”
RragweLeleangr
il
ylookedathi
m.“Whatar
eyou
doingher
e?Youandy ourfami
lyar
enotwel
come.”
“
Iam her
etot
akemywi
fe.
”
“
Whatwif
e?Mydaught
erisnoty
ourWi
fe.Youknow
what
…?"Hewentt
otheback.
“
Hei
sbr
ingi
ngt
hedogs.
”
Chesslookedaroundthenpi ckedal og.RragweLel
e
camebackwi ththedogs,Lelescr eamedr unni
ngto
thecarandjumpedi nasthedogscamef orChess.
Chessswungt helogandhi toner i
ghtinit
’shead
thati
tfl
ewandf ell
.Hel ookedatt heotherone
whichwasst i
l
lbarki
ngbutf rom adi st
ance.Rragwe
Lelel
ookedathisdogl y
ingont hegroundnot
mov i
ng.
“
Didy
ouj
ustki
l
lmydog.
”
Chesslookedathi mt henwal kedovergetti
ngcloser
tohim andwhi spered.“Thenexttimeitwon’tbejust
adog.Iam notscar edtokil
lthosewhost andinmy
wayandnoonewi lleverknow.Thewor l
dwouldbea
muchbet terplacewi t
houtsomepeopl eandIam j ot
scaredtogetr i
doft hosepeopl e,
Ihaveputupwi th
yourshitf
orf artoolong,want enayaanongandI
don’
tgiveaf uckaboutwhoy out hi
nky ouare.My
uncl
esar ecomi ngtomor row,playanyfunnygames
andstartpreparingforyourfuneralbecauseIwill
makesur eIkillyou,andIdon’tbluff
.”
RrahweLel
elookedinhiscol
deyes,
hishear
t
poundi
ng.Chessdroppedthel
ogandwalkedback
tommagweLel e.
“
Thanky
ouf
orkeepi
ngherher
e.”
Shel
ookedathi
m,hedi
dn’
tneedt
oknowabout
Moabi
.
“Ofcauseson.Sheisyourwife,
shetol
dmewhat
happened.Lel
eisnotaliarandshewouldnev
erl
i
e
aboutsomethi
ngsoser i
uous.”
“
Iknow.Gosi
ame.
”
Hegoti nt
hecar
,Lel
elookedathi
m.Somet
hingwas
offandshecoul
dn’
ttel
lwhatbuti
tamadeacold
shiverr
undownherspi
ne.
Hest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.Sheswal
l
owed.
“
Babe-
“
“Iam goingt oslapy ouacr osst hefaceifyouopen
yourmout handsayasi nglewor dwhenIhav enot
givenyout heper missiontot alk.Youmustt hi
nkI
am foolLel entl
e.Thistimear oundIam notgoi ngt o
walkawayf rom mymar ri
age.At angi
sgoi ngt ogrow
upwi t
hbot hparentslivi
ngi nthesamehouse, heis
goingtor eceivethelov eandcar ehedeser v
es.Iam
goingtoputy ouinline,Iam goi ngtomoul dy ouinto
aper f
ectwi fe.Afterthat,youwi llbethewifey ou
needt obeandAt angwi l
lgetthemot herhe
deserves.”
Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Chess-
“
Chessangri
l
ygaveherbacksl
apt
hatherwhol
e
cheekbur
nthot
.
“
Tal
k!Yout
hinkIam j
oki
ngwi
thy
ou.Tal
kagai
n.”
Tear
srol
l
eddownhercheeks.
“
Iam-
“
Hegaveanot
herone,
sheputherhandsov
erf
ace
cr
yingt
ast
ingbl
oodinhermouth.
“Whyarey
oucryi
ng?Youar emaki
ngnoise.Keep
qui
etandwipet
hatnonsensefr
om yourface.
”
Lelepressedherli
pstogethertr
yingt okeepqui et
whileheangr i
lyl
ookedather.Shewi pedthem away
thenhest eppedontheacceler
ator .Shehadnev er
seenhimt hisangryandshewasn’ tev ensurewhat
hewasgoi ngtodotoherthoughi twasobv i
ous.
“Bytheway,hei
snotdeadbuthei
sgoi
ngt
owi
shhe
actual
lydi
ed.
”
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#65

Chesslookedattheti
meashedr ove,ithadbeen
hoursofdri
vi
ngandshewasal r
eadyasl eep.Hetook
aturnheadedforthef
arm.Hestoppedatt hegate
thenjumpedoutofthecarandunlocked.
Lelesl
owlyopenedherey esthenlookedar ound.She
l
ookedatthebusht henatChesswhowasunl ocking
thetal
lgat
e.Herhear tstart
edpoundi ng,washe
goingtoki
llherandbur r
yherher e?Tearsf i
ll
edher
eyes.Shecouldn'
tevenpr ovegetti
ngr apped.
Hi
sphonest
art
edr i
ngi
ng.Shelookedati
tand
f
rownedasKcal
led.Shecuri
oslypi
cked.
"HeyChess,Atangf orgothi stoyhere.Ifpossibl
e,
youcancomeandcol lectittogetherwithyourjacket
.
Iam hometheent i
reday .
"Thewomangi ggled."I
can'
tbel
ieveIam say ingt hisandmay beIam being
for
wardbuty esterdayf el
tper f
ect.NowIbadl ywant
achil
d.Maybet hat'swhatmi ssingfrom myl i
fe.Go
aheadandembar assme. ."shel aughed."But
yest
erdaywasperfect
.Hav
ingy
ouandAt
angont
he
samebedf el
tper
fect.
"
Chesswal
kedbacktothecarandjumpedasLele
qui
ckl
youtdownthephone.Chesslookedati
tthen
pi
cked.
"
Hey
..
."
Kaonepaused."
Uh.
..
"
"
Youwer
esay
ing?
"
Hedrov ei
nthroughtheopengate."
Iwassayi
ng
yest
erdayfel
tperfect.Me,y
ouandAtang.MaybeI
am beingforward,Idon'
tknowbuti
tfel
tper
fect
.I
am sojeal
ousofy ourwoman."
Chesschuckl
ed."
Why
?"
"
Shehasev er
ythi
ngawomancanev eraskf
or.
MaybeIneedachild.Thatwi
l
lseal
thedeal
."
Chesssteppedouttoclosethegatewhil
eLele
watched.Tearsfi
l
ledhereyes,t
hewayhewas
smili
ngwi t
hthatwomanbr okeherheart
.Hadhe
sl
eptwi t
hher?Shecouldn'
tbesure.Heclosedthe
gat
et henstoodoutsi
detal
kingandlaughingser
ving
t
hatchar
mingsmi
l
eofhi
s.
At earrol
leddownhercheekfoll
owedbyt heother
.
Shewi pedthem wit
hthebackofherhand.Chess
fi
nallyhungupandgoti nthecar.Sheglancedathim
asheputhi sphoneawayt hendroveoff.Shebadly
want edtoaskhim butherpai
nfulcheekadv i
sedher
otherwise.
Hefi
nal
lyst
oppedinfr
ontofahouse.Shesi
ghed,
it
wasabighouse.Pr
obabl
yweretheyal
lcamefor
hol
i
days.
"
Let
'sgo.
"
Shest eppedoutofthecarandfol
l
owedhimt othe
house.Heunl ockedthedoorandt
heywalkedin.
Lelelookedaround,i
twascleanasifsomeoneli
ved
there.
Hetur
nedtoher
."Whi
chbusdi
dyout
aket
o
Pal
apye?
"
Lel
elookedathim,tel
li
nghi
m aboutMoabiwast he
worsti
deaev er
,notwhenhewasalreadypi
ssed.It
wouldlookl
ikesherantoherexwhenshejust
happenedtobumpi nt
ohim atbusr
ank.
"
Idon'
tknowt
hename.I
twaswhi
te.
"
"
Takwano.(
Comeher
e.)
."
Lel
efoll
owedafterhi
mtothesi
tt
ingr
oom wher
ehe
satdownandlookedather
.
"
Sither
e."
Sheslowlysatonhi slap."Iwantust otalkcalml
y.I
am notshoutingorr ai
singmyv oi
ceatyou.Iwantt o
gi
v eyoutheoppor tuni
tytot el
lmewhathappened.I f
Ifeelyouarelyi
ngori fi
tlooksl i
keyouar ely
ing,
I
am goingtoslapy ou.Iwilldothatti
ll
yout el
lmet he
enti
retrut
hfrom thatnight.Am Iclear?"
Shenodded.
"Good.Iam gl
adwehav ethatunder
standing.Iam
notawomanbeat er
,thati
snothowIwasr ai
sedbut
todayIam goi
ngtokil
lyouifyouthi
nky ouaregoing
toli
etomeandgetawaywi thi
t.Youcanst art
."
Lele'
sheartpoundedasshelookedathim." Theday
IwenttoKasane, ImetPear
landStacy.Thel adi
es
whower eatthewor kshopandwegotcl ose.Later
thatdaytheyaskedifwecouldgoforacoupl eof
dri
nks,It
oldyoubeforeIleft
.Iwentwiththem and
whenwear ri
ved,
west art
eddr i
nki
ng.AttheendI
wassodr unk,
Boikanyocame.Henot icedmet hen
hetookmebackt othehot el
.Idon'
treall
yremember
whathappened,t
hef ol
lowingmorningIwokeupt o
yourknock.
"
"
Sonot
hinghappenedt
hatni
ghtt
haty
oucan
r
emember?"
"
No.
"
"
Til
lnownot
hing?
"
"
No-
"
Chesssl
appedhert
hatsheal
mostf
ell
.
"May bethatwil
lref
reshyourmemor y
.Iknowthe
tr
uth, Iwantt
oseei fyouwil
ltel
lthet
rut
h.Let
'sst
art
again."
Lel
e'
sli
pst
rembl
ed.
"
Ify
oust
artwi
ththewater
worksIam goi
ngt
osl
ap
y
ouagai
n.Obatagontwael
a.Bua.
"
"
Ireal
l
ydon'
tremember
-"
Heangri
l
yslappedheragai
n,Lel
eputherhandson
herf
acecry
ing.
"Whyareyoucryi
ng?Allyouhavetodoi
stell
the
tr
uth.What'
ssohardaboutthat
?Takethosehands
offyourf
ace.Iam t
alki
ngtoyou."
"
Youar
egoi
ngt
obeatme.
"
"I
fy oudon'
ttaket
hosehandsof
fyourf
aceIam
goingtotakeabelt
."
Sheslowlytookoffherhandsandl
ookedatshaki
ng
readytoblockherface.
"
Star
ttal
ki
ng.
"
"
Youwantt
obeatme.
"
"
Iam notgoi
ngt
obeaty
oui
fyout
ell
thet
rut
hbabe.
"
"Youthi
nkIam l
yi
ngbutIswearIdon'
tremember
anythi
ng.
"
Chessgav eherhotsl apthatshefellonherback,her
earri
nging.Hegotupandputhi st i
mberlandonher
thr
oatexerti
ngf or
cet hatshestruggledtobreat
he.
Lel
etriedtotakeof fhisshoebuthest eppedonher
neckev enharder.
"
Chess!Iki
ssedhi
m!Iam sor
ry!
"
Het
ookof
fhi
sshoeandpul
l
edherupwi
thherhai
r.
"
Whatwassohar
daboutsay
ingt
hat
?"
Shel
ookedathim cryi
ng."I
tdi
dn'
tmeanany
thi
ng.I
wasdrunk.Iwasn'
tthi
nkingst
rai
ght
."
"
Didy
ouundr
essi
nfr
ontofhi
m?"
"
Iwasdr
unkbabe.Iwasbey
onddr
unk.
"
"Di
dyouordi
dyounotundressinf
rontofhi
mthen
askedhi
mtounhookyourbra.
"
"
No.
"
"
Soy
oudi
dn'
tundr
essi
nfr
ontofhi
m?"
"
Idon'
trememberal
lthe-
"
Chessdr
aggedhertot
heroomswher
ehepul
l
ed
i
nsideadar
kawfulsmel
li
ngroom.
"
Youaregoingtost
ayher
e,t
hinkcar
efull
yofwhat
y
ouaregoingtosaytomesothatwhenIfreeyou,
y
ouwon'tl
ietomebecausei
fy out
ryit
,Iam goi
ng
t
okil
lyou.
"
"
Chess-
"
Hepushedherbackt
henwalkedoutl
ocki
ngbehind
hi
m.Lele'
shear
tpoundedshebangedonthedoor.
"
Chess!Chess!
"
Shebangedthedoorev enmore.Chesswal
kedout
ofthehouselocki
ngbehindhi
mt hengoti
nhiscar
anddroveoffleav
ingher.

*
**

RragweLel esatont hecouchasevery

thi
ngthat
happenedpl ay
edbacki nhishead.Hecoul
dn't
beli
evehehadut t
eredthosewordstoheraft
er
everyt
hing.Hereachedf orhi
sphonemassaginghi
s
painf
ulchestthenhet ri
edhernumberagainbuti
t
wasn'tgoingthrough.Hedidn'
tevenknowwhathe
wouldsayt omakei tallal
ri
ght
.
AndChess.
..Histhr
eathadn'
tsatwel
lwithhi
m.For
al
lheknewhecoul dabusehi
sdaughterandnoone
woul
ddoany thi
ngtohim.That'
snothowhewanted
thi
ngstobe.All
heev erwantedforhisdaught erwas
forhertomeetagoodman.Hedi dn'teventrustthi
s
Chessman, i
fhecouldleavehi
swi feforLele,what
wouldstophimfrom l
eavingherdaughterfor
anotherwoman?
Hemassageshistightchestcoughing.Het ookout
hi
shandkerchi
efandcoughedoni t
.Hel ookedatt he
spurt
sofbloodonit.Heslowlystoodupandwentt o
hi
sbedroom wherehelaydownst r
ugglingto
breat
he.I
tseemedt ohim ol
dagewascat chingup.
Hecoughedagainthentookadeepbr eathlike
Loagoalwaysadvi
cedandcl osedhisey es.

*
**

Khumol ai
donthebedasRanewawal
kedi
nwi
thhi
s
food.Shesmi
led.
"
Sitandeat
."
"
Thanks.
"
Sheputapi
l
lowbehi
ndhi
m sohecansi
tpr
oper
ly."
I
am real
l
ysor
rybabebutatl
eastnowheknowst
he
tr
uth.Hewasgoi
ngtofindoutonewayort
heot
her
."
Khumosighed."
Ican'
tl
oseChess.Hei
sli
kemy
br
other
."
"I
t'
sgoingtobehar df
orhi
mt oforgi
veyou.Even
thoughithappenedwayback,
it'
sthefactt
hatyou
weresleepingwit
hhiswi
fe.Gi
vehimt i
met ocal
m
down."
Henodded."
Yah.
..Iam sur
pri
sedLar
onahasn'
t
cal
l
edyou."
"
Mxm,
don'
tmi
ndt
hatone.Letmegety
ourdr
ink.
"
Ranewagotupandwentt
otheki
tchen.Herphone
rangf
rom t
hesi
tti
ngr
oom,shewalkedovertoi
t.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Hi.I
t'
sLar
ona.
"
Ranewarol
l
edherey
es."
Whatdoy
ouwantaf
ter
ki
ll
ingmybaby
?"
"
Yoursocal
l
edhusbandi
ssl
eepi
ngwi
thmysi
ster
."
"
Ok,
so?
"
"
Theywer
efucki
ngy
est
erday
."
"
So?
"
Lar
onalaughedknowi
ngKhumohadal
ready
cov
eredhistr
acks.
"Iam notl
yi
ng.AskChess.Wecaughtt
hem hav
ing
sexwi t
heachother
."
"Youaresopat heti
cdoy ouknowt hat
?Youareso
desperatetobreakusupbutt hat
'snotgoingt
o
happen.Whi l
ey ouarebusyplot
ti
ngandlying,
you
bett
erbepr eparedtopayyourhalftowar
ds
maintance.Nxla."
Shehungupandbl
ockedt
henumber
.

*
**

Kaonest
eppedoutoft
hecarasawomanwalked
outi
nahideousdr
essandadoeki
nherhead.
"
Hi.
..YoumustbeOpel
ori
ght
?"
"
Yes,
howcanIhel
pyou?
"
"
Icamet
odr
opof
fChess'
sjacketandAt
ti
e'
stoy
."
"
Uhu,
whoar
eyou?
"
"
Hisf
ri
end.Hesl
eptov
ersohe-
"
"
Doy
our
eal
i
zet
hismani
smar
ri
edt
oMr
s.Mor
emi
?"
Kaonesmi
l
ed."
Iknowt
hatl
ove.
"
"
Sowhatmakesy
outhinky
oucansleepwi
tha
mar
ri
edmen?Youhavenoshame!
"
"Ngng,don'
tyoudare!Whodoy
out
hinky
ouar
e?
Sti
cktomoppingfl
oorsand-
"
"
Hel
oveshi
swi
fe,
hei
sjustusi
ngy
ou.
"
"Sowhatifhelov
eshiswife?Iam notgoi
ng
anywhere.Goandtel
lyourboss.Lel
ope!(
Ass
l
icker
!)
"
Opelolookedather ,shecoul dneverunderstand
man.Al l
al ongshealway sputChessonahi gh
pedestalbecauseoft hewayhet reatedhi
swi fe.
WiththewayLel elovedhi m, i
twoul ddefi
nit
elycrush
herknowi nghewassl eepingaround.Wasi ther
bodyorherbeaut y?What everi
twas, Lel
edidn't
deserveitandshef eltitasherdut ytoputthis
confi
dentwhoreinherplace.Lel
ewassogoodt o
her,
shehadev enincr
easedhersalar
ytoP6500
eventhoughshewouldn'tbedoingot
herdut
ies
anymore.Shecert
ainl
yknewwher eherl
oyal
tiesl
ay.
Opelowal
kedbacki nsi
dethehousewhileKaone
chuckl
edshocked.Shetookabucketthenpeed
i
nsideandwalkedoutwithherpee.Kaonesighed.
"
Lookl
ady
,Iam j
usther
eto-
"
Opel
ospl
ashedt
heur
ineonherf
ace.
"
Lebel
ete!(
Whor
e!)
"
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#66

Kaonescreamedmov ingbackt
asti
ngt hesal
typee.
Opelowalkedbackinsidet
hegateclosingt
hegate
l
eavingherther
e.Kaonetookof
fherjacketand
wipedherfacegett
inginhercar.Shetookadeep
br
eaththenstart
edt hecaranddroveoffdi
ali
ng
Chess.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“Hi
.Youar egoingtohavetocoll
ectthet
hings
personal
l
y.Iwentt oyourhouset
odr opt
hem offbut
yournannysplashedpeeonmecal li
ngmeawhor e.”
“
What
?”
“Yes,butit
’sok.Sheisloyal
toherboss.Shei
s
probablygoingtotel
lher.
”
“
It
’sok.Iwi
l
ldeal
wit
hit
.”
“
Ok,
Iam dr
ippi
ngpeer
ightnow.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
It
’sok.By
e.”
Shedr
oppedt
hecal
ldr
ivi
ngt
oherhouse.

*
**
Loagowal kedfrom schoolwithhisfriendslat
ert
hat
day.Hepar tedwithhisfr
iendswalkingi nsi
dethe
yardathishouse.Hewal kedi nsi
dethehouseand
frownednotf i
ndinghismot hercooking.Healways
foundhercookingorshehadgonet ooneoft he
meetingsatchur ch?
Heopenedt hemi cr
owav eopenchecki
ngforhi
s
foodbutther ewasnot hi
ng.Hesighedandwalkedt
o
hisbedroom t hengothisphonefrom t
hebedand
switchediton.Hedi al
edher.
“
Thenumbery
ouhav
e-“
Hedr oppedt hecall andt
ookoffhisuniform and
changedi ntosomet hi
ngcomfort
able.Thehouse
wasinsomuchsi lencethoughheknewhi sfather
wast here.Hewal kedoutwi t
hhisshirtandputi nthe
bathr
oom wher ehewoul dwashitthemadehi sway
tohispar ent
’sbedr oom.Heknockedont hedoor
thenopenedwal ki
ngi n.
Hisfat
herwassleepi
ng,
Loagowal
kedov
erand
shookhim gent
ly.
“
Papa…”
Her emainedsti
ll
.Loagoshookhi
m evenmor ebut
hest i
l
lremainedunconsci
ous.Hi
sheartski
pped
thenheshookhi m evenmore.
“
Papa!
”
Themor eher emai nedstil
l,
t hemoreLoago’shear t
poundedev enmor eagainsthischest.Hepickedthe
carkeysthenr ushedout si
deandst artedt
hecar .He
parkeditnearthedoorl eavingthebackdooropen.
Hewentbacki nsidethehousewher ehepul ledhis
fat
her’sskinnybodyt otheedgeoft hebedt hent r
ied
toli
fthim buthewast ooheav y.Herushedoutside
wherehisf ri
endswer eapproachingthecorner.
“
Tinay
e!”Hescr
eamedf
orhi
sbestf
ri
endwhot
urned.
“
Hel
pme!
”
Ti
nay
ehur
ri
edback.
“
What
?”
“
Comeandhel
pme.
”
Theywalkedbacki
nsi
det
hehouse.Ti
nay
elookedat
Loago’
sfather
.
“
Isheok?
”
“
Idon’
tknow.Hel
pmecar
ryhi
mtot
hecar
.”
Loagoheldthel
egswhileTi
nay eheldhands.They
slowl
ytookhimtothecarstaggeringthenTinaye
l
ockedthedoorsandjumpedi nont hepassenger
seatwhil
eLoagorever
sedthendr oveoffheadedto
thehospi
tal
.

*
**

Lefafi
nishedsetti
nguphernewhouse.Shesmi l
ed
star
ingathowev eryt
hingwasinplace.Herphone
star
tedringi
ng,shelookedatLal
a’
scal l
thensighed.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“Whydi
dyouhookmeupwi
thhi
mify
ouwer
e
sl
eepi
ngwit
hhim?”
“Iam sorry
.ImetKhumowaybef oreImetChessI
thoughtifhewerewi t
hy ou,hewouldgetoverme.I
am sorryIhavehurtyout hi
smuch, Iknowtherei
s
noamountofbet rayalthatcansurpassthi
s.Ihope
onedayy ouwill
beabl etoforgi
veme.Il ov
ey ouand
ther
eisnodaywhi
chwi
l
lpasswi
thoutmef
eel
i
ng
guil
ty.
”
“Ihateyou.Iam goi
ngtotel
lthepol
icet
haty
ou
kil
ledyourowndaughterpur
posel
y.”
“Inevermeanttohurtmydaught
er,y
ouknowthat
butifthat
’swhatyouwant,
Iam notgoi
ngtost
op
you.”
Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.Lef
asi
ghed.
“
Ihav
etogo.By
e.”
“Iam goingtocutyoufrom myl i
fe.Youareasnake.
Youwer esleepingwi
thKhumot hroughoutmy
rel
ationshi
pwi t
hhim.Idon’tknowwhyy ouhateme
thatmucht otakemef orafoolbutIam cutti
ngy ou
off.Inolongerhaveasist
er.Eveni fIdi
etoday,don’
t
bothercomi ngformyfuneral
.”
Lal
ahungup.Lefasi
ghedt
henwal
kedt
othedoor
.
ShelookedatKhumo.
“
Hey
…”
“Hi
.Weneedt otal
k.Ican’tkeepdoi
ngthi
swi
thyou.
Iam notgoi
ngtohurtmy selfwi
thyouany
more.Of
causeRanewamaynotbel i
key oubutIloveher
.I
knowshelovesme.Werespecteachot herandshe
i
salwaysbymyside.Iam goingtocut
communicati
onwi
thyouso-“
Lefasmil
ed.“Youcoul
dhavecall
edtotell
met hat
butyouwantedtoseeme.Stoplyi
ngtoyourself
.I
wantachil
d.”Shepull
edhiminsi
dethehouseand
cl
osedthedoor.Shestoodonhertoesandkissed
hi
m.
“Letmemakei tuptoyouf orthelatethree.Iwill
protectthi
sonewi t
hev eryt
hingIhav einme.Gi ve
meachance.May beint hefuture,wewi l
lbe
togetherandactual
lyraisethechildtogether.Iam
ti
redofchasingafteruselessthings.Iwanty ou.I
l
ov eyou.IloveyousomuchandIwantust ohave
ourownsy mbolofourlove.Please…”
Shekissedhi
m agai
n.Khumokissedherbackthen
pi
ckedheruplai
dheront hecouchget
ti
ngbetween
herl
egs.

*
**
Justafterduskthatday,Chesswal kedinsidet
he
housewi thfoodandhisfather’sAK47t hathehad
gott
enf rom oneofthewor kers.Helookedatthe
ti
me, i
thadbeenonl y3hour s.Hewal kedtothe
room thenunlockedforher.Heopenedt hedoor
widerandwal kedin.Shewassi tt
ingatthecorner
.
“
Come…”
Lel
egotupandwalkedoutwit
hhim.Sheseemed
cal
m.Hetookhert
ooneoft hebedr
oomsandsat
heront
hebed.
“
Readyt
otal
k?”
Shet earfull
ylookedathim.“ Ihavenot hingt osay .
Youhav ealreadymadeupy ourmi nd.What everIam
goingt osay ,youarenotgoingt obelieveme
becausei t’sli
keanotherLefasi t
uati
oni ny ourey es.
May beIki ssedhim andtouchedhi m, Idon’ tknow
becauseIr emembernot hi
ngf rom thatni ght .I
rememberbi tsandpieces.Iam notgoi ngt oanswer
anything,ifit
’sdeaththati
swai tingforme, goahead
andki l
lme.I fit’
snotthenfrom hereIwi l
l givey oua
divor ce.Iam notgoingt ogiveyouahar dti
meandI
am notgoi ngtostaytoobecausey ouar ealways
goingt obeli
eveIam lying.Youar ealway sgoingto
believ eIactuall
ycheatedony ouandy ouwi l
lstartt
o
hatemej ustl
ikeyoudidwi thLefa.Youwi llf
ind
anot herwomanory oual readyhav eandy ouwi l
lhurt
met hesamewayLef ahur t
.Iam notgoi ngtowai t
fort hatChess.Iam goi ngtowal kaway ,Iwil
l wal
k
outwi thnothi
ng.Iwon’tev enbothery ou.Ibrought
nothi ngintoourmar ri
ageandIwi l
lleavewith
nothi ng.”
“Soyouthi
nkyoucancancheatandt hi
nkyoucan
j
ustwalkaway,makemefeelgui
ltyforwanti
ngto
knowthetr
uthaft
ergi
vi
ngmeSy phi
l
isandpossibl
y
HIV?
”
“Idon’
trememberanythi
ngChess.Iwastoodr
unk
thatni
ght.It
hinkoneoft
heladi
esdruggedme
becauseIbarelyr
ememberanyt
hing.
”
“Youarenotwalki
ngoutoft hi
sali
ve,i
fIcan’thav
e
you,noonewill
.Youar enotevensor
ryforyour
acti
ons!Am Isupposedtosmileadbeli
eveyou
wheny ousayyouwer erapedbutj
ustyester
dayyou
wer
eaccusi
ngmeofcheat
ing?
”
Tearsroll
eddownhercheeks.“ Youar enoteven
givi
ngmeachancet oapol
ogize.Youwantt obeat
me.Youwantmet osaythi
ngsIdon’ tknow.Iam
notgoi
ngt oadmi ttpwhatIdon’tknow.Idon’t
remember .Andifyouknowt het r
uth,y
ouwoul d
knowIwast oodrunktodoany thi
ng.Ididn’
tsleep
withhi
m.Her apedme.Am Isupposedt oapol
ogize
forget
tingrapped?”
“Heconf essedtowhathappenedt hatnightbecause
hehasopenedacaseofat temptedmur deratthe
police.Youleftwil
li
nglywit
hhim, hedidn’tknow
whi chhotelyouwer esayi
ngat ,
youdi r
ectedhim
there.From ther
ey ouundressedinfrontofhim, you
kissedhim andt ouchedhim andwi l
li
nglyhadsex
withhim. ”
Lel
eshookherhead.“That
’snott
rue.That
’snott
rue
Chess.Isweari
t’
snottr
ue.”
“
Howdoyouknowi fi
t’
snottr
ueLelent
leifyoudon’
t
r
ememberwhathappenedt
hatnight
?Didn’tyousay
y
oudon’
trememberwhathappenedthatnight?
”
“
Idi
dn’
twi
l
li
ngl
yhav
esexwi
th-
“
“Howdoyouknowthat
?Weren’
tyoudrunk?You
sai
dyoudon’
trememberany
thi
ngdidn’
tyou?”
Hest
oodupandputhi
shandsonhead.
“Ij
ustwanty out obehonestwit
hme.FuchLeleI
wouldneverhur tyou.Iwi
ll
notrobAtangofhaving
hismother.Ijustwantyoutotell
met het
ruthsowe
canmov eonf rom thi
s.Wewillgoformarr
iage
counsel
ing.”
Someoneknockedonthemaindoorbef
orehecoul
d
open.Hel
ookedatherandsi
ghed.
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
Hewal kedout .Lelegotupandwentt othesi t
ting
room.Herhear tskippedasshelookedatt hegunon
thetable.Shepi ckedthecarkeysandwal kedout.
Sheswal lowedst aringatt
hedarknessthenshe
unlockedt hecarandj umpedin.Shequicklystart
ed
theengineanddr oveoff.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#67

Chesswalkedinsi
dethehouseusingthebackdoor
andgotinthesit
ti
ngroom.Hiseyesfell
onthegun
thenhetookitandputi
tawaybeforegoingbackto
thebedr
oom.Hepausedst ari
ngattheemptyroom.
“
Lel
e!”
Hewalkedar
oundthehousesearchi
ngforherthen
f
inal
l
ywalkedout
side.Hebacktothebackwher e
t
heherdboywasfi
xingthet
ract
orusingabigtorch.
“
Prince,canIusey
ourvant
ogot
othegat
e?Mywi
fe
f
orgotthegatekeys.
”
“
Ok.
”
Princehandedhi mthekey sthenhejumpedinthe
oldIsuzuanddr oveoffheadedt ot
hegate.He
frownedst ar
ingattheopengat eknowingshefor
ced
thecart hr
ough.Hel ookedattheti
meonhi sphone
andsi ghed.Shewasgone, therewasnowayhe
woul dcatchher.
*
**

Lel
ej oi
nedt hemai nr oadthensteppedont he
acceler
at orspeeding.Shelookedathi swalletonthe
passengerseatandr eachedforitwhi l
edrivi
ng.She
openedi tthentookouthi sbankcar dsandsome
money ,herey esfellonthesmal l
pictureofthem
whent heywer estill
inUK.Tear sfi
ll
edherey es,she
putthewal letdownandcont i
nueddr i
ving.She
fr
ownedseei ngar oadsignofMaun.
Shesi ghedanddr ov eforawhilethenf i
nallystopped
atamal l
.Shesteppedoutwi t
hhi swal l
etthen
walkedi nsi
dethemal l
.Sheneededaphoneanda
sim card.Thephoneshopwasst i
llopen,shehur r
ied
i
nt henswi pedwi thhiscard.Awhi l
el at
ershewas
cashingmoneyf rom theATM f rom allt
hecar ds,
cashingoutt hehighestamountshecoul d.Sheputit
alli
nthepl asti
cwi ththephoneandwal kedbackt o
thecar .Sheregister
edt hesim cardandcal ledhim.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Lel
etookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Hi.
”
“
Wher
ear
eyou?
”
“
Iam goi
ng.
”
“
Iwasn’
tgoi
ngt
ouset
hegunony
ou.
”
“
Whoknows?
”
“
Youknowmebet
tert
hant
hat
.”
“Idi
dn’tknowyoucoul dbeatmeandl ockmeupin
anawf ulsmell
i
ngr oom.Ididn’
tknowy ouwoul
d
beli
evesomeonewhoi sclearl
yfocusedonmaki
ng
mel ooklikeal
iarbecausehedoesn’twantt
ogoto
j
ail.
”
“Soam Isupposedt
ojustbel
i
evey
ouandgoonl
i
ke
nothi
nghappened?”
“Idon’tknow.Iam goi ng.Youwill
sendmet he
divorcepaper s.Iam notgoi ngtoturnintoyour
punchi ngbag.Iwasr aped,Iwouldnev erli
eabout
somet hinglikethat.Iwasn’trai
sedt oli
e.Iam sorr
y
i
tf eelslikeyouaregoi ngthroughthesamet hi
ng
again, Iam sorryyouhav ebeenhur tbeforethati
t
feelslikeamount ai
nt ocli
mbf oryoutot rustme
andbel iev eme.Iam sor r
yIal l
owedy out omar ryme
when…”Shet ookadeepbr eathf i
ght inghert ears.“I
am sor ryIal l
owedy outomar r
ymewheny ouhadn’ t
dealtwi thy ourpastdemons.Iam sor r
yIputy ou
underpr essur etochoosemebackt hen.”Shecl osed
herey escr y i
ng.“ Iam sorryInev erl ety oudot hings
aty ourownt i
meandconst antlyemot i
onally
blackmai l
edy ou.Iam sor r
yIcoul dn’tbet hewi feyou
needed, Iam sor ryIwasn’ ttheper f
ectmot hertoour
soni ny ourey es.Iam sor r
yt hatImadey oufeel asi
f
Idon’ tlov emysonbutIl ovehi m mor et hanany thi
ng.
Idon’ tknowwhaty ouwantt odo, eitherdi vor
ceme
orst aybutIam notgoi ngt opr essur ey ouinto
anyt hing.Iam t akingAt angandmov ingawayf ora
l
ittl
ewhi l
e, Iam goi ngtogi vey out i
met ocal m down
andt hinkcar eful
lyofwhaty ouwant .Ifit
’sthenew
womany ouar egoi ngfor,Iwi l
lgladlygi vey outhe
divor ce.”
“
Whosai
dIwant
edadi
vor
ce.
”
“Thereisnopointofmarr
iagewheny oudon’ttr
ust
me, whenyouthinkIam aliarandacheater
.It
’s
pointl
essChess,youar
eal waysgoingtoquesti
on
myeverymoveormay
best
artahabi
tofbeat
ingme.
Idon’
twantt
hat
.”
“
Youar
enotgoi
ngany
wher
ewi
thmyson.
”
Lel
ehungupandimmediat
elycall
edOpel
o.Her
phoner
angthr
icet
henshepicked.
“
HiOpel
o,i
t’
sLel
e.”
“
Ohhey
…Ihav
ebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
l
.”
“
Isev
ery
thi
ngok?
”
Lel
est
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.
“
Yes.Ij
ustwant
edt
oseei
fyouar
eok.
”
“Iam onmywayhomebutImi ghtarri
vei nacouple
ofhours.ChessandIgotinabi gfi
ght, Iam coming
backbutIwi l
lbegoingaway.Iam takingAt angwit
h
me.Pleasepackhi sthi
ngsandmyt hingsi nadvance.
Chessmi ghtfl
ytheresoIam goingtot alktoa
fri
endwhoi sgoingtocomeandcol lecthim.Iwill
pickyouguysf r
om ther
e.”
“I
sitbecauseoft
hewomanhesleptwi
thl
astni
ght
?
Ispl
ashedherwit
huri
newhenshecame.”
“
Whatwoman?I
nmyhouse?
”
“Mo, hesl
eptatherhouse.Shecametodropoffhi
s
j
acketandAt ang’
stoytodaymorni
ng.Iputheri
nher
place.I
sitbecauseofher?”
“
Yeah,shei
spar
tofitbutit
’sok.Lethi
m sl
eepwi
th
whoev
erhewantst
osl eepwit
h.”
“
Ok.Sowhataboutme?
”
“
Iam notsurei
fIwil
lgett
hejob,Ihadappli
ed
monthsbackbefor
ewecomebacksot heyemail
ed
mebackaweekbacksay i
ngIshouldcomef oran
i
nter
viewwhichi
sintwodaysfrom today
.”
“
May
bet
heywi
l
lhi
rey
ou.
”
“Ihopeso.ButIwon’tbeget
ti
ngpaidmuchmoney
becauseit
’sagovernmentschool
.”
“
It
’sf
ine.Asl
ongasIam wi
thy
ouandAt
ang.
”
Lel
esmil
ed.“
Ok,Iam goi
ngtotal
ktomyf
ri
endso
hecancomeandpickyouup.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lel
ehungupt
henl
ookedatChesscal
l
ingagai
n.She
i
gnoreddroppedthecal
lthendi
aledBame’
sof
fi
ce
numberthatsheknewbyhead.
“
Dr.
-“
“
Hi,
uhi
sBamei
n?”
“
Hei
sst
il
lat
tendi
ngt
oapat
ient
,whoi
sthi
s?”
“It
’sLel
e.Canyoupleasetel
lhimi
t’
sanemergency
.I
reall
yneedtospeaktohim.It
’saser
iousmat
ter
.I
am beggingyou.
”
“
Hedoesn’
tli
kebei
ngdi
stur
bedwhenhei
swi
th-
“
“
Iam beggi
ngy
ou.I
t’
smor
ethanj
ustser
ious.
”
“
Hol
don.
”
Lel
ehel
dthephonedr
ivi
ng.
“
Lel
e?”
“Hey…uh…canyoupl
easegoandcoll
ectmynanny
andsonatmyhouseinanhourmaxi
mum.Take
them t
oahotel
whereIwi
llcol
l
ectt
hem.”
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“
Not
hing.
”
“
Lel
e…It
houghtwewer
efr
iends.
”
“Wear
e.Chessisupset.Iam scar
edhemi ghthur
t
meorkil
lme.Heneedsspacet ocalm down.
Somet
hinghappened.
”
“
Wher
ear
eyou?
”
“
Hehadtakenmetoaf ar
m pastMaun.Ir
anfrom
t
her
e.Iam dr
ivi
ngbacktoGabsri
ghtnow.Iam
movi
ngtoGoodHope.”
“
Uhok.Iwil
ltakethem t
omyhouse.Youwi
l
lpi
ck
t
hem f
rom t
here.”
“
Okt
hanks.
”
“
Shar
p.”
Hehungup,Lel
ecal
ledherbr
othert
oseei
fher
motherhadcomeback.
“
Lel
e…”
Lel
efr
ownedasLoagost
art
edcr
ying.
“
Loago,
what
’swr
ong?
”
“
Papa…”
“
What
?What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
Hecr
iedev
enmor
e.Someonet
ookt
hephone.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Dumel
ang,
what
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“Mynamei sRachelKaisar
a,Iam asocialworker
andIam withyouryoungerbrother
.Hebroughtin
hisf
atheracoupleofhoursbackher eatthehospit
al.
Hewasannounceddeadawhi l
eafterhi
sarri
val.
”
“
No….
”
“Iam reall
ysorr
y.Heisnottaki
ngitwell
andheisall
alone.Wehav etri
edhismother
’snumberacouple
oftimesnowbuti t’
snotgoingthr
ough.Ify
oucoul
d
come, itwoul
dbet hebest
.”
“
No…”
“
UhLel
e…wher
ear
eyou?
”
Lel
e’
sli
pst
rembl
ed.“
No…”
“
Iknowt
hisi
sashock…”
“
No!No….
”
“
Iam sor
ry.Iam sor
ryf
ory
ourl
oss.
”
Lel
est
oppedt
hecaratt
hesi
deoft
her
oadcr
ying.
“Loagoisal
lal
one.Heneedssomeone.I
fyoucoul
d
pleasecome…heneedsyou….”

*
**

Khumowal
kedi
nhi
shouset
henRanewal
ookedat
hi
m.
“
Wher
ewer
eyou?Youwer
egonet
heent
ir
eday
!”
Hel
ookedather
.Thewor
ryi
nherey
esv
isi
ble.
“
Iwentt
omymot
her
’sgr
ave.
”
Shest oodupt henhuggedhi m.Somehowusi nghis
mot hertoli
efelthorri
ble,itevenfel
tli
keshewas
l
ooki ngathim mor ethanjustdisappointedinhi m.
Wast hi
shisli
fenow?Goi ngroundi ncir
cles?He
wasbackagai nati tandf eeli
ngRanewa’ sar ms
aroundhi m,hefeltmor eguilt
y.Shedidn’tdeser vei
t.
Shel ovedhim andhel ovedhert oo.Heki ssedher
for
eheadhol di
ngherinhi
sarmsthinki
ngofway she
wasgoi ngtogiveLef
atheemergencypil
ls.He
wasn’tgoingtori
skhishappi
nessl
ikethat,def
init
ely
notforawomanwhonev erchosehim.

*
**

Opel of i
nishedpacki ngawhi l
elaterthendragged
Lele’ssuitcasesout side.Shewentbackf ormor e
i
ncludingt hebl ackpl asti
csshehadputmor eofher
clothesin.Af terLele;
’sclothes,shetookherbags
togetherwi thAt ang’sout si
dejustasacarpar kedby
thegat e.Shepr essedt hegateremotet henLele’
s
fri
enddr ov ein.Hest eppedoutandsmi l
ed.
“
Hi,
Iam Bame.
”
“
Opel
o.”
“
Aret
heseher
s?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hest ar
tedloadi
ngevery
thi
ngi
ntohistwincab.He
puttherestofthebagsatt
hebackseatandlooked
ather.
“
Ok,
wecango.
”
“
Letmet
akeherson.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shewentbacki
nsi
dethehouseandtookAtangt
hen
goti
nthecarwi
thher
.Shepressedt
hegateremote
asBamedroveoff
.

*
**

Hoursl ater,
Chessdroveint heyardandsi ghed
exhaust ed.Hewalkedinsidethehouset henwentto
thebedr oom.Heopenedt heclosetandf rowned.Al
l
ofLele’sclothesweregone.Hehur ri
edtoOpel o’
s
room thenopenedt hewar drobesbutt herewas
nothi
ng.Het ookouthi
sphoneandt ri
edLele’s
numberbuti tst
il
lwasn’tgoingthrough.Het r
ied
Opelo’s,Chessclosedhisey esasi tbeepedoncenot
goi
ngthroughtoo.Heangri
lyst
art
edtypinga
messagethenpauseddelet
ingi
t.Thelastthi
nghe
wantedwastokeepscari
ngheroff.Hewasn’ tr
eady
tol
oseher,notwhenhelovedherthi
smuch.

AWEEKLATER…
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#68

AWeekLat
er.
..

Atthefuneral,Lelestoodnextt oLoagohol di
nghis
handt i
ghtl
y.Tearsfil
l
edherey esastheylowered
thecoffi
ninsidethegr ave.Shesti
llcoul
dn'tbel
iev
e
i
t.Shecoul dsti
llr
ememberhowhehadhuggedher
thelastti
me.Thecomf or
tshehadf elt
.Eventhough
hedidn'
tl
ikeChess, hel
ovedher .Painchockedher
asshewat chedhim godownl ockedupi nthecoffi
n,
ther
ewasal otshewantedtotellhim.BeforeChess,
hehadbeenherbi ggestsupport.Theonlymanwho
coul
dstil
lopenhi sarmsforheraf t
ereveryt
hing.
MmagweLel
ecr
iedassomeoft
her
elat
iveshel
dher
.
Chesspar kedhi scarthensteppedoutandhur ri
ed
overfi
xinghi sjacket
.Hel ookedar oundt henspotted
Lelestandingwi thherbrother.Hewal kedov erand
puthisar m aroundher.Hesi ghedf eel
ingherbody
around,italmostf el
tli
keanet erni
tysincet helast
ti
mehehel dher .Helookedatt hegr avefeeli
ng
guil
tyofhowhehadspokent ohi mt helastti
me.
May bethat’swhathadki ll
edhi m.
Thecr owdsangsof t
lyast hegravestar
tedget
ti
ng
fi
ll
edwi thsoil
.Lel
epul l
edLoagoi nherarmsashe
cri
ed.Awhi lelat
erpeoplewer ewalki
ngbackhome
whilesomegoti ntheircars.Chessopenedthedoor
forLelewhileLoagogoti nanothercarwit
hhis
mot her.
Chessgoti
nthenl
ookedather
.“Iam sor
ry.Iknow
y
oul
ovedhi
m.”
“
Idi
d.”
Heswal
lowedt
henst
art
edt
hecaranddr
ovebackt
o
t
hehouse.
“
Wher
eisAt
ang?
”
“Wit
hOpel
o.Idi
dn’
twanthi
mtocomewi
tht
othe
grav
e.”
“
It
’sok.Iunder
stand.
”
“Iam mov ingawaywi thAt ang.Iwi l
l betakingLoago
with.Hei sgoi ngtobest ayingwithmeand
attendingatt heschool Iwi llbeteachi ngat .Idon’ t
thi
nkwhenwegotmar r
iedwet houghtt hings
through.Wej ustdiditwi thoutany one’ sblessings
andmay bet hat’swhyt hingsar efallingapar t.Idon’t
wantt oliveinLef a’
sshadow.Idon’ twantt oputy ou
i
naposi tionwher eyouf eel thepasti srepeating
i
tself.Ithinkyouneedt imet osorty ourselfout .I
hav espokent oalawy er,hewi lsortoutt hedi v
or ce
paper s.Idon’twantmuch, Iwouldl iket okeept he
carandf oryout opayAt tie’smaint ance.Iam not
goingt okeepy ouawayf rom yourson. ”
“Wecan’tj
ustwalkawayfrom itaf
terasi
ngl
e
argumentLel
ent
le.Iwaswr ongtoputmyhandson
you,t
hatwasunjusti
fi
abl
e.”
“Youdon’tbeli
ev eIwasr aped.Youdon’ ttrustme.I
thi
nkyouneedt owor kony oursel
f,Idon’tblamey ou
fornotbeingablet obel i
ev eme.Younev erdealt
withwhatLef aputy out hrough.Youneedt odeal
withwhaty ouwentt hrough.Iam notgoi ng
anywhere.Ilovey oubutr ightnowIdon’ tthinkbeing
withmei stherightfuldecisionforbothofus. ”
Chesslookedatherandsi
ghed.“
Idon’
twanta
di
vorce.
”
“Thenwewi l
lj
ustseparat
eandwhenyouhave
fi
nall
yworkedony our
self
,youwi
l
lst
artbypay
ing
bri
depri
ceforme.”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
DidIscar
eyout
hatmuch?
”
“
Youst
eppedonmyneck.
”
“
Iwasn’
tgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyou.
”
“Youweregoi
ngt
okeepbeat
ingme.Justl
ikeMoabi
did.Youwer
egoi
ngt
okeepbeati
ngmet i
ll
confessedt
owhat everyouheard.Youneedspace.I
tol
dy ouChess,Iwil
lal
way spi
ckmy sel
fupifi
t
doesn’twor
k.”
Chesssi
ghedparki
ngthecaratt
hehouset
hen
l
ookedather
.“Il
oveyousomuch.”
“
Ilov
eyout
oobutIam wal
ki
ngawayf
ornow.
”
Chesst
il
tedherf
acet
henl
eanedov
erandki
ssedher
.
“Ok…ift
hat
’swhaty
ouwant
,ok.Wher
ewi
l
lyoube
stay
ing?
”
“
GoodHope.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lel
elookedathi
m.“
Arey
ouhungr
y?”
“
No,
Iwoul
dli
ket
oseeAt
ti
e.”
“
Ok,
Iam comi
ng.
”
Lel
esteppedoutoft
hecarandwal
kedov
ert
o
whereOpelowas.
“
Letmehav
ehi
m.”
Opel
ohandedhi
mtoLel
ethenLel
ewal
kedwi
thhi
m
backt
othecar
.Att
iescreamedhappi
l
yget
ti
ngi
nhi
s
fat
her
’sar
ms.Lel
esmiled.
“
Ther
eisaf
ami
l
ymeet
ing.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lelewalkedinsi
dethehousethensatdownbeside
hermot herwhil
eLoagosatattheothersi
de.The
oldestunclest
oodup.
“Wehav emanagedt oburrymyy oungerbrotherwith
thehelpofev ceryoneher e,thanky oual
lforthejob
welldown.Thabol eavesbehi ndhiswifeandki ds.
MmagweLel e,Leleher selfandLoagowhoi sst i
ll
goingtoschool .MmagweLel ewi l
lbegoingbackt o
Palapyetothehouseherhusbandhasl efttogether
withLoago.
”
Oneoft
heauntslaughed.“Whyshouldshegoback
tomybr
other
’shouse?Forallweknowshemi ght
hav
ebeentheonewhoki ll
edhim.Ineverl
ikedthi
s-“
“Youarenotgoi
ngtospeakaboutmamal i
kethat
.
Hediedofaheartat
tack,t
hat’
swhattheysai
datthe
hospit
al.Youar
enotgoingtosi
tther
eandthi
nkyou
caninsultt
hewomanwhogav eyourbrot
hera
ki
dneywhenhewasdy ing.Noonewast herewhen
hewasinhospital
,notevenoneofy ou.MamaandI
aregoi
ngbackt othehousethatpapalef tforusand
nooneisgett
ingany t
hingofhisexpecthi sclothes.
”
Loagospokefir
mlythattheroom remainedsi lent.
Theolderunclenodded.“ Iagr
eewi thyoumyboy .
Nowwehear danot herissue.Lelentl
e,Ihavebeen
heari
ngthatyourf atherkeptrefusingfortheMor emi
tomarryyou.Ithinkweneedt ogett hatgoing,ifyou
l
ovethatboy, sobei t.Wecan’ tstandbetweeny our
happi
nessmydaught er.Iam hearingyoualready
haveachil
dt here.”
“IdobutRragweAt
angandIhavedeci
dedt
ogoon
seprat
ionduetoaf
ewthings.
”
“
Youar
edi
vor
cing?
”
“
No.Wear
ejustsepar
ati
ng.
”
“
Isn’
titsomethingthet wofamili
escancome
t
ogetherandhel pwith?Iunderst
andheal ready
marr
iedy ousoourf amili
esarealreadyj
oined
t
ogether.Youdon’thav etofacethebatt
lesalone,
t
hefami l
iescanhelpy outwo.Youbot hwer enever
satdownandgi
venappr
opr
oiat
eadv
ices.
”
“
No.Fornowwewill
justseper
ateandwhenwe
f
inal
l
ygetbackt
ogether
,wewilldoi
tri
ght
.”
“
Okmydaught
er.Iguesst
hat
’si
t.
”
“
Eer
ra.
”
Themeeti
ngwentonast heydi scussedacouple
morethi
ngsbefor
efi
nal
lydi spersi
ng.Lel
elookedat
Loagoastheywal
kedoutside.
“
Yousoundl
i
keamannow.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Whathappenedwi
thuncl
eChess?
”
Lel
elookedathi
m.“Somet
hing.Butwewi l
lbefine.
Youarestay
ingwit
hmama?Iwast hinki
ngy ou
comewi t
hmeatGoodHope.”
“
Mamawi
l
lbeal
one.Sheneedssomeone.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Atangi
shandsome.
”
Shel
aughed.“
Blamei
tonhi
sfat
her
.”
“
Iwonderwhypapanev
erl
i
kedhi
m.I
sitbecauseof
hi
sfat
her
?”
“
Yes.
”
MmagweLelewalkedov
erandhel
dherhand.“
I
wantt
otal
ktoyou.”
Lel
ewal
kedwi
thhermot
her
.
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“
Wit
h?”
“
Wit
hChess.
”
“Hedoesn’
tbeli
eveme.Iam notgoingt
oforcehim
i
ntoanythi
ng.Idon’
tbl
amehimt oo.Hehasbeen
t
hroughthi
ssoIt hi
nkheneedsspace.Iam goi
ngto
GoodHope.”
“
Ok…Iam sadi
t’
sli
ket
his.
”
“
Met
oo.Buti
fwear
emeantt
obe,
wewi
l
lbe.
”
MmagweLel
ehuggedher
.“Ok…Youar
egoi
ngwot
h
At
ti
e?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Good.Youshoul
dst
aywi
thy
ourson.
”
Lel
e’sphoner
angfrom herj
acket
’spocket.Shet
ook
i
toutandsmil
edst ar
ingatBamecall
ingthen
answeredwal
kingaway.
“
Hey
…”
“
Hi,
howi
sitgoi
ngi
nMasunga?
”
“
Wel
l
.Wehav
ebur
iedhi
m.”
“
Iam sor
ryf
ory
ourl
ossLel
e.”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Iwi
shIcoul
dcomebutIcoul
dn’
treschedul
ethi
s.”
“
Iunder
stand.
”
“
Sowhatnow?YouandChess?
”
“UhIam goi
ngt
oGoodHope.ChessandIar
e
separ
ati
ng.”
“
Ok,
arey
ouhappywi
tht
hat
?”
“Thereisnothi
ngIcando.Idon’tt
hinkhewasr eady
togetmar r
iedbackthen.NowasIt hi
nkmor eabout
i
t,Ithi
nkImi ghthav
eputhim underpressur
e.The
decisi
ontogetmar ri
edwasn’
twellthought.
”
“
Iam sor
ryi
t’
sendi
ngi
ntear
s.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Mxm…”
“That
’swhathappenswhenyouforcef
ull
ytakehi
m.
Karmay at
engebosulanyanayang.Emaswe.Come
thi
ssidesowecanhelpyoucry.Kanakarmae
hecti
c.”
Lal
alaughedashespoke.

*
**

MmagweChesswal kedoutoft
hebat
hroom sni
ff
ing
thenl
ookedatherhusbandwhowashol
dingher
daught
er.
"Godforgi
vemebutIam rel
i
evedThaboisdead.
Nowmysoncanbr eatheandpeacef
ull
ymarry
Lelent
le.
"
Shenodded."
Yes.
"
"
Wecanal lf
inal
l
ybr eat
hefrom t
hatbi
tt
erman.God
mighthav
edonei tonpurpose.
"
At
earrandownhercheekthenshelookedaway
wi
pingi
tasherhear
tbrokeint
omill
i
onpi eces.

8MONTHSLATER.
..
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#69

8Mont
hsLat
er…

RragweChesswal kedinsidehi
sson’shouset hen
smi l
edl ooki
ngaround.Ahugepi ct
ureofLel
ewas
ont hewal l
,shewassmi l
i
ngorlaughing,
hecoul dn’
t
besur e.Besideshers,wasasmal loneofAtang
sl
eepi ng.Thehousel ookedcl
ean, Chesswalkedi n
holdingabag.
“
Papa…”
“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”
“
GoodHope.
”
“
Todowhat
?”
“
Lel
est
ayst
her
e.”
“
Sincewhen?
”
“
It
’sbeenawhi
l
enow.Shegotaj
obt
her
e.”
“
Whyam Ihear
ingaboutt
hisnow?
”
“
Becausei
tdoesn’
tconcer
nyou.
”
“
Arey
oust
il
lsepar
ated?
”
Chesssmi l
ed.“Somet hinghappened.Somet hi
ng
thattheywer ethreesi desofthestory,
Ichoset o
l
istenoneanddi dn’tbelievemywife’ssideorbot her
withthet r
uth’
ssi de.Shedeci dedtogivemespace
todeal withhappenedi nthepastbecausei twas
contri
butingtomyt rustissueswit
hher .Wear enot
onsepar ati
on,wewer enev eronseparation,mywi fe
j
ustdeci dedtomov et oletmedeal wit
hmyi ssues
withoutfeeli
nganypr essure.”
Hisfathernoddedwi thasmi l
e.“Il
i
kethisgi r
l.She
bri
ngsoutt hebestiny ou.Butsheshouldn’
tbe
l
eav i
ng, t
hisisonethingIwill
takethefall
for
togetherwiththefamily.Youtwower enev ersat
downandt aught.Butyousaidyouwantt omar r
yher
properlynow.”
“Yes.Iam goingt oGoodHope,
Iam t
akingheroutof
countryf
orav acati
on.Whenwecomeback, weare
goingtostartplanningf
orourr
ealwedding.
”
“Ok.Ili
kethat.Doy ouhav eenoughmoney ?Theyar
e
goingtochar geyoul ot sofmoneybecausetheir
brotherwasagai nsti tsotheymightwanttomake
thi
ngsal it
tledif
ficultforyougapethosepeoplewho
aretherearemoneyhungr y.Iknowthem,Ihavemet
them before.”
“
Moneyi
snotapr
obl
em.Ihav
eputasi
de100Kf
or
t
hat
.”
“
100Kf
ort
heent
ir
eweddi
ng?
”
“
No.Forherbr
idepr
ice.
”
“
That
’sal
otofmoney
.P30-
35K i
sal
mostenough.
”
“Thendoublei
tortr
ipl
eit.Herbrotheri
sver
yvocal
andstri
cttoo,
Iam surehewillensurehi
smother
recei
vesthatmoney.
”
“Chess,youcan’tpay100kformagadi.Remember
youstil
lhaveotherexpensesli
keyourweddi
ng.
From therey
ou-“
“Iam payi
ngthatamountbecauseIloveher
.She
deservesevenmore.Iam putt
ingal
lmycardsonher
.
Youdiditwithmamaandy ouarenotdead.
”
“Iam notdeadbutt hatdoesn’ tmeanIhav enev er
beenhur t
.Wheny oul ovesomeonewi thev eryt
hing
youhav einy ou,
it’
ssoeasyf ort hatper sontohur t
youandt rustme, hurtingthem inr eturnwillbethe
l
astthingy ouhavei ny ourmi nd.Ev enwhent heyli
e,
youwi l
lbelievet
heirliesknowi ngly.Youwi lleven
star
tconv i
ncingyour selfthattheirliesarethet r
uth.
”
“Lel
edoesn’tlie.Shei sdi f
ferent.Sheiski nd, sheis
pati
ent,sheissof t
.Shenev errai
sesherv oiceatme,
alwaysspeakssof tlyev enwhenangr y
.Shei s
someonewhocor rectsher selfwhenwr ong.
Somet i
messhedoesn’ tnot i
cesomet hingsshe
doesbutwheny oumakeherawar eshechanges.I
guessIspoilthertoomucht oobecausesomet i
mes
shedoest hi
ngsknowi ngIwon’ treall
ydoany thi
ngto
herbutwewi l
laddr esst hattogetherasacoupl e.I
don’twantmywi feget t
ingscar edofme.Iwanther
tobef r
ee.Iwantbot hofust obef ree.Idon’ twant
hergetti
ngscar edt omessup, atendshei shuman, I
wanttobet hemant hatshecanopenupt ono
matterwhat,Iwantt obemor eofherbestf ri
end
thanIam herhusband. ”
Rr
agweChesssmiledpr
oudl
y.“
Iam pr
oudoft
he
manyouhavebecome.”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Ihav
etogo.
”
“
Soy
ouruncl
escangot
oMasunga?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ok.Wewi
l
lgett
hatbal
lrol
l
ing.
”
“
Howi
s…uhwhat
’shername?
”
RragweChesscli
ckedhi
stongueandwal
kedout
.
Chesslaughedgoi
ngaft
erhi
m.

*
**

Lefasati
nherof
fi
cestar
ingatthenot
hing.Herdoor
openedandacol
leaguewalkedi
n.
“
Hey
,it
’st
imeup,
let
’sgo.
”
“Iam t
ir
edt
oday.Iwon’
tbeabl
etogowi
thy
ouguy
s.
Buthaveagoodti
me.”
“
Ok…By
e!”
Lefasighedt henst artedpackinghert hings.She
walkedoutofherof f
iceminut eslaterandwent
downst ai
rstohercar .Shepassedbyt hemal l
toget
acoupl eofthingst henwal kedar oundt he
supermar ketwithat roll
eyput t
ingthingsinside.She
rai
sedherheadhear ingafami li
arv oi
ce.She
watchedasKhumol aughedwi thhispr egnantwife.
Hekissedherr ubbingherbump.Lef aquicklytur
ned
thenwentt opayf orwhatshehadandqui ckl
y
walkedout .Shepackedev erythinginhercar .She
swall
owedget tinginhercar ,herhandf ellonherflat
bell
y.Shest i
llcouldn’tunderstandwhyshehadn’ t
fel
lpregnant.Ev eryonearoundherhadchi ldr
enand
shestillr
emai nedt hewomanwhohadki l
ledher
ownki ds.
Shest ar
tedthecaranddr ovetoherhouseasmor e
depressingthought
sf i
ll
edherhead.Italsoseemed
everyonearoundherhaddi st
ancedthemselv esfrom
her.I
ncludingherownpar ent
s.Shewal kedinher
houseandwentst r
aighttoherbedr
oom wher eshe
l
aiddownal lal
oneandlonely.
*
**

MmagweLel ewalkedoutofthechurchhol
dingher
bibl
ethenstart
edmakingherwaybackhome
hummi ngt
oasong.Acarsl oweddownbesideher
thenthedr
iverrol
l
eddownt hewindow.Shesmil
ed
atthepast
or.
“
Past
or…”
“
Daught
er,
geti
n.Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f.
”
“
Eer
ra.
”
Shesmil
edandgoti
nthecar
.Thepast
orsmi
l
ed
dri
vi
ngoff
.
“
Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
”
“
Iam v
erywel
l
,thanky
ou.
”
“
Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
”
“
Iam t
aki
ngi
tdaybyday
.”
“
That
’sgood,
andy
ourson?
”
“
Loagoi
sdoi
ngbet
tert
oo.Hei
swor
kingext
rahar
d
becausehebeli
evest
hisf
ami
l
yisnowhi
s
responsi
bil
i
ty.
”
“
Heisaboychi
ld.Iunder
stand.That
’showwear
e
made.Whi
chi
sgood. ”
“I
tisver
ygood, hi
sschool
gradeshavegonewayup.
Heusedt obean80-90%student
,theseday
sheisa
95-100%student.
”
“
Bri
l
li
ant
!”
“Iti
s.Heremindsmeofmyf i
rstbor ndaughter,
Lel
e.
Shewasj ustl
ikethat
.Sheal
way ssaid‘mama, i
f
theylaughatmeaboutmywei ght,Iwil
llaughat
theirgr
adesbecauseIam at
opst udent.
’ Iam
blessed.
”
“
Indeedy
ouar
e.Howi
sshe?
”
“Shesayssheisok.Shewaswayclosetoherfat
her
soitmighthavehitherhar
dert
hananyt
hingbutLel
e
i
sstrongerthananythi
ng.Shei
sfi
ne.
”
“
Andt
hat
’sgood.
”
Thepastorpar
kedbyhergat
ethensteppedoutof
thecarwit
hher.Het
ookouthiswal
letandtookout
somemoney
.
“Thi
sist
ohelparound.Takei
tandusei
tforwhat
’s
neededi
nthehouse.”
“
Ohno,
youdon’
thav
eto.
”
“Iwantto.Ahelpi
nghandi
stheonewhi
chi
s
blessed.Take.
”
“
Thanky
oupast
or.
”
Shetooki
tandputiti
nthebi
ble.Thepast
ormov
ed
cl
oserandhuggedher
.
“
Iknowit’
shar dbuti
twill
getbet
ter
.Ifel
tthesame
whenIl
ostmywi f
ethreeyear
sback.Iwi
llkeepyou
i
nmypr ayers.
”Herubbedherbackthenmov edback.
“
Ok,goodnight.
”
“
Goodni
ghtpast
or.
”
Hegotinhiscarwhil
eshewal kedi
nsidet
hegat
e.
Shefoundhersel
fthi
nki
ngoft hehugbutt
henagai
n,
thi
swasamanwhohadl osthiswi
feandhe
underst
oodhowitfel
tli
ke.Shesighedandwal
ked
i
nsidethehouse.
*
**

Meanwhile,
Loagowalkedfrom t
het uckshopholding
somechickenspicesandapackoft omat oes.
Melli
ssawatchedhimfrom adi
stanceinhery ard
thenshequickl
ywipedherdust
yf eetbeforewalki
ng
outfthegateholdi
nghismathtextbook.
“
Loago…”
Loagotur
nedtoherandsmi led.Herhear
tskipped.
Shewasjustf
or m 1buthewassogoodl ookingand
tal
l
,shecoul
dn’tevencontr
ol t
heragingf
eeli
ngsshe
fel
tforhi
m.Thatshortafr
ohehadal wayslooked
goodonhim.
“
Ohhi
Lebo?
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Lisa.
”
“
Ehe…hi
.”
“
Yourbook.
”
“
Okt
hanks.
”
Het
ookhi
sbook.“
Bye.
”
“
Bye.
”
Hewalkedaway.Sheswal
lowedandwal
kedback
i
nsi
dethehouseknowingther
ewasnowayhe
woul
dev err
ecogni
zeher
.
Loagowalkedi
nsi
dethehousemoment slat
er.He
putever
ythi
ngdownandt ookouthi
svi
brati
ng
phone.Hi
smotherwalkedinashereadt
heewal l
et
message.
“
Lel
ehassentmoney
.”
“
Ok.Letmecook.Youcangoandi
rony
ouruni
for
m.”
“
Ok.
”
Hewalkedt
ohi
sroom whi
l
ehi
smot
herst
art
ed
cooki
ng.

*
**

Sasawal kedi
nsidetheteacher
’shouseandkicked
offhershoes.Shelookedattheri
ngonherfinger
wonderinghowl ongitwasgoingtobether
ef or.She
r
eachedf
orherphoneandcal
l
edhi
m.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Arey
oucomi
ngt
hisweekend?
”
“
No.
”
“
Why
?”
“
Sasa,
Iam busy
.”
Sasasighed.“Whydoesi
tfeel
li
keIam f
orci
ngt
his
rel
ati
onship?”
“
Kesaobaka,
Iam deal
i
ngwi
thal
ot.
”
“
Didy
our eal
lyr
apethewomanwhowasaccusi
ng
y
ouofrapingher
?”
“
No!
”
“
Iknowy
ourl
awy
erswonbutdi
dyou?
”
“
No.
”
“
Soy
oudi
dn’
tpur
posel
ygi
veherHI
V?”
“
Idi
dn’
t.Sheknewwhatwasgoi
ngon.
”
Sasasighedwonder
ingwhysheputupwithhi
m.At
fi
rsti
twasbecauseeventhoughhecoul
dn’
tsat
isf
y
herinotherdepartment s,heact uall
ylovedherli
ke
shehadnev erbeenlov edbef ore.Hedi devery
thi
ng
ri
ghtandshecoul dov erlookthesex.Shewasj ust
goingtoteachhim howt odoi tright.Shehadeven
overl
ookedt hesmallweaponbutnowt herewas
nothi
ngf orhertoholdont o,i
tdepr essedher.
Peopleknewshewasget t
ingmar r
iedyetther
ewas
nothi
nghappeni ng.
Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Ok.
”
“
Ihav
etogo.
”
Hehungup,Sasathought
ful
l
ylookedar
oundthe
houset
hengotpackedherbagsandgotinhercar
.

*
**

InGoodHope, aft
eralmostanhourandt hi
rty
mi nut
esofdrivi
ng,Chesssloweddowndr i
v i
nginher
street
.Het ur
nedbyhergat eanddrovein.Chess
frownedstari
ngatthecarbesideshers.Heparked
histhenst
eppedout .Helookedatthecurtai
ns
mov
ingthensmil
edgetti
ngtothedoor.Hemov
ed
t
hedoorknobbutthedoorwaslocked.
“
Babe!
”
Heknocked.“
Lel
e!”
Heknockedev
enmore.Lel
efi
nall
yunl
ockedt
he
doort
hensmil
edt
yingherhai
r.
“
Hey
!”
Shesmil
ed.Chessgoti
nthehousehuggi
ngher
.Lel
e
sl
owlyputherar
msaroundhi
m.
“
Idi
dn’
tknowy
ouwer
ecomi
ng.
”
“I
t’
sasurpr
ise.
”Heki
ssedherneck.
.“Whatwer
eyou
doing?
”
“
Exer
cisng.
”
Het
ookast
epbackandsmi
l
ed.“
Youl
ookgood.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”
“
Wher
eAt
ti
e?”
At
angwal
kedf
rom t
hebedr
oom hol
dingaphone.
“
Daddy
!”
Chesssmi
l
edpi
cki
nghi
sson.“
HeyBuddy
!”
“Mama…”Hepoi nt
edathismotherhol
dinghi
shand
whil
etheotherhel
dthephone.Thephonefl
ashed
oncethenChesstookit
.Lel
e’
sheartski
ppedasshe
qui
cklysnat
cheditfr
om hi
m.
“
It
’sOpel
o’sphone.Shewentout
.”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Ok.Imi
ssedy
out
wo.
”
“
Met
oo.
”
Heleanedov
erandki
ssedhersof
tl
y.Lel
esmi
l
ed.
“
Sit
.Letmegetmyshoes.”
Shewal kedt
othebedr
oom wit
hthephone,
Chess
walkedinthebedr
oom assheki
ckedsomethi
ng
underthebed.
Chesslookedatherthenpul
ledhercl
oserki
ssing
her.Hesqueezedherbreast
,hi
shandsgoingtoher
thi
ckbehind.Heputheronthebedgetti
ngbetween
herlegski
ssingherevenmore.Hesli
dhishand
i
nsidehertight
sandtouchedherwetpanti
es.
“
Wow…y
ouar
esowet
…”
“
Imi
ssedy
ou.But
…It
hinkweshoul
dwai
t.At
ti
ecan
opent
hedoornow.
”
Chessl
aughed.“
Hei
samannow.
”
HegotoffherjustasAtangopenedt
hedoorand
wal
kedin.Chesspickedhim upandwal
kedoutwit
h
hi
m chat
ting.
.
.
Fami l
y,canwepl easelikeandcommentonour
i
nser t
s,let'snotwai ttobebeggedt odoso.Li keI
saidbefor e,i
fwedon' tallpart
icipat
e, t
henwewi l
l
settl
eforasi ngleinsertaday .Yesterdaywasan
exampl eofi t,wecan' thavesuchanumberof
comment swhenmor ethan6k+peopl ereactedon
theinsert,mor ethan18ksawi t.Thisisourmor ni
ng
mor ni
ngi nser t
,Imaygethel dupandwon' tbeable
topostont ime.Bet terearli
erthanlaterright?Good
mor ni
ng
Roar
ingFl
ames
#70

Chesssatdownl ooki
ngaroundthehouse.Lele
walkedfrom thebedr oom,shehadchangedi nt
oher
pyj
amas, shet urnedtohim andsmil
ed.Wifeylooked
beauti
fulandsheseemedt obegett
ingmoreand
mor ebeauti
ful t
hant hel
astti
mehesawher .
“
Iwi
l
lst
artmaki
ngdi
nner
.”
“
Ok…who’
scari
sout
side?
”
“Oneoftheneighbor
’sdownthestreet.Hedoesn’
t
haveparki
ngbecausethepersonwj om heshar
es
withhasherfr
iendsoverandtheyhaveparkedall
overtheyar
d.Whatdidy out
hink?”
“
Somet
hingal
ongt
hosel
i
nes.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ok,
letmemakedi
nner
.”
Chessfoll
owedhert otheki
tchenholdingAtangthen
hesatont hekit
chenstool
swat chi
nghermov e
aroundthekit
chenwi t
hasmi l
e.Lel
et urnedand
caughthim st
ari
ng.
“
What
?”
“
Iam j
usthappyt
obeher
ewi
thy
ouguy
s.”
Lel
esmi l
ed.“
Iam happyy
ouar
eher
etoo.Wher
eis
yourbag?”
“
Shi
t!If
orgotal
laboutt
hat
.Letmegeti
t.
”
Chesswal
kedoutcar
ryi
ngAtangt
henpausedashi
s
phoner
ang.Hetooki
toutandsmil
edpi
cking.
“
Hey
…”
Lel
egi
ggl
ed.“Babecoul
dyoupl
easegoandgetus
somei
cecream?YoucangowithAtt
ie.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Ok.Whatel
se?
”
“
Ngng,
that
’sal
l
.Il
ovey
ou.
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”
Hegoti nthecaranddr ov
eof fheadedt othe
supermarketwher ehegottheshoppingcar tand
placedAtanginsidethenpusheditinside.He
grabbedacoupl ethi
ngsandf inal
l
ymadehi swayt o
thetil
ltopay.Theladyinfr
ontofhi m smiledstar
ing
athissont henhim.
“
Nerradon’
tyouwantapeacef
ulbabymama,nnaI
wanttohav
esuchahandsomechildl
ikehi
m.”
Chessl
aughed.“
Mywi
feywi
l
lki
l
lsomeone.
”
Theladyl aughedget ti
ngherthingsthenshewal ked
outoft hest ore.Chesspaidforhisit
emst hengot
them inthepl asticandwalkedoutl i
steningtoAt ang
gibberi
sht alk.Hecouldhardlyhearany thingexpect
him occasional l
ybeingcall
ed.Theygoti nt hecar
andwentbackhome.Chesspar kedthecarnot icing
thattheot hercarwasgone.Hegott heplasticand
steppedoutwi thAtang.Lelesmi l
edasshegott he
plasti
c.
“
Thanks.
”
“
It
’sok.Het
ookhi
scar
?”
“Yes.Heisgoingtosleepsomewhereel
se.Shar
ing
i
sapr oblem.”Shelookedatt
heothert
hingshehad
boughtforherandsmi l
ed.
“
Thanks.
”
“
Youar
ewel
come.
”
“
Letmef
ini
shupcooki
ng.
”
“
Wher
eOpel
o?”
“Idon’
tthi
nksheiscomi
ngback.Herboy
fri
endmust
havetakenher
.”
“
Andherphone?
”
“Shewil
lj
ustgeti
ttomor
rowwhenshecomes
back.
”
ChessputAt
angdownwhowentt othesi
tti
ngroom
andgothi
stoys.ChesshuggedLel
ef r
om behi
nd
rubbi
nghi
sdickonherbuttwhil
ekissi
ngherneck.
“
Imi
ssy
ou.
”
“
Met
oo.
”
“Don’
tyouthi
nkit
’st
imey oucamebackhome?I t
doesn’
tfeell
i
kehomewi t
houtyouandAtti
e.IknowI
pushedyouawaybutIhaveworkedthi
ngsthrough.I
am goodnow.”Hesqueezedherbr
east.
“
Whataboutmyj
ob?
”
“Wewillgetyouanot
herone.Iam sur
ethepri
vat
e
school
wher eyouwereatwil
ltakeyouback.
”
Hepul
l
edherpy
jamapant
stoget
herwi
thherpant
ies
downt
henbendedherabi
t.
Lel
e’
sheartski
ppedasshewonder edi
fthatmixtur
e
wasgoingtowork.I
thadonlybeenthi
rt
ymi nut
esor
l
ess.“
Chess,babekanaAtt
ie-
“
Chesstookputhisweaponthenpushedi
nthr
ough
hercl
osedli
pssinki
ngintot
hatwetness.
“
Fuck!
”
Hepushedal lt
hewayi n,hertight nesswr appi
ng
i
tsel
far oundhim.Hegr oanedf eelinghermuscl es
squeezehi m whileherwar mt hengul f
edhi m.Lele
swit
chedof ft
hest oveashest art edthrusti
nginto
herwithdeepf aststrokes, hi
sey escont i
nuously
mov i
ngt othekitchenent rance.Lel ebi
therlowerl i
p
moaningashepoundedi ntoher .Hel ookedatt he
doorleadingtoherpant r
yandpul ledherinsi
det he
ti
nyspace.Hel i
ckedt hedoorshutwi thhisfootand
begundr il
l
ingintoher.Lelecl osedherey esenjoy i
ng
ever
yt hrust,i
tfel
tsogoodshest uckoutherbut t
mov i
ngagai nsthim.
Chessbendedherevenmoret
henputhi
shandson
herwai
stgoingfort
heki
ll
.Herai
sedhi
st-
shi
rtwi
th
onehandandwat
chedashedi
sappear
edi
nandout
oft
hatpussy
.

Atangwalkedi
nsi
det
heki
tchenwi
thhi
smot
her
’s
ri
ngingphone.
“
Mama…phone…”
Helookedar
oundthenheputt hephoneinhi
s
mouthwalki
ngoutasitcont
inuedtoring.

Insi
dethepantr
y,Chesswentev
enf
ast
erasLel
e
stoodonhertoe.
“
Chesss….
.”Shecl
osedherey
esspasmi
ng.
Chessgruntedslammingintohermor eandmor e
thensti
ll
edpumpi nghi
sthickwarm cum int
oher.He
slowl
yslidoutthenfi
xedherpanti
esandpj yamas.
Lelepantedstandi
ngther
et henhekissedherneck.
“
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngbef
oreIcame?
”
“
Ng?
”
“
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngbef
oreIcame?
”
“
Not
hing.
”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Babey
ouwer
etoowet
.Youcant
ell
me.”
Het
urnedherandl
ookedi
nherey
eswi
thasmi
l
e.
“
Wher
eyout
ouchi
ngy
our
sel
f?”
Lel
esmi
l
edl
ooki
ngdown.“
No.
”
Helaughed.“Youwere.Icoul
dn’
thav
emadey
ou
t
hatwetwi t
hasi ngl
ekiss.
”
“
Letmeseewhowascal
l
ingme.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hewalkedoutwithher.Lel
ewentt othesi
tti
ngroom
andpi
ckedherphonef rom thef
loorasitr
ang.She
l
ookedatthecall
erthenpickedturni
ngtoChess
whowaswal ki
ngover.
“
Hi,
canIpl
easecal
lyouback?Thanky
ou.
”
Shehungupbef
oret
hecal
l
ercoul
dsayany
thi
ng.
“
Iwi
l
lfi
nishcooki
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
Chesssatdownandchangedt heTvchannel while
Lelet
ookadeepbr eathint
hekitchenandstarted
cooki
ng.Shethoughtful
l
ylookedatherphonet hen
tookitanddownloadedsomeadul tv
ideosbefore
conti
nuingcooki
ng.

*
**

Atbusr ank,Sasasteppedoutofthebuswi thher

bags.Shet ookadeepbr eathl
ookingaround.She
neverl
ikedt hi
splace,af
tervar
sit
y,shejustnever
wantedt ostayinthebigcit
y.Shewalkedov ert
othe
taxi
s.
“
Dumel
ang…”
Amanst
oodup.“
Obat
aspeci
almama?
”
“
Yes.ToBl
ock10.
”
“
Let
’sgo.KeP45.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shegoti
ntheRunXwi
thherbagswhi
l
ehegoti
nat
thefrontseat
.Hestart
edtheengineanddrov
eto
Block10.Oncethere,
shedir
ectedhimtil
lhepar
ked
atthegate.Shetookoutt
helastcashshehad
makinganot etodrawoutmoneyt omorr
ow.
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Eemma.
”
Sasasteppedoutwithherbagsandpr
essedthe
i
ntercom.Shewaitedforacoupl
eofsecondsthen
thegateopened.
Shedraggedherbagsi
nsi
deandwentt othedoor
.
Sheopenedthedoorandwalkedin.Athi
nli
ghti
n
complexi
onwomancamef rom thekit
chen.
“
Ohhi
…”
Sasa’
shear
tski
pped.Hereyesfel
lont
hewal
lwher
e
aweddingf
rameofhim andthewomanwas.
“
Hi.Iam l
ooki
ngf
orBoi
kany
o.”
“
Myhusbandj
ustl
eft
.HowcanIhel
pyou?
”
“
Ngng,
Iam her
etoseemyf
iancé.
”
Thewomanpausedt
hensmi
l
ed.“
Fiancé?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Youmustt
heonehewast
alki
ngabout
.”
Sasasmi
l
ed.“
Imustbe.
”
ThedooropenedthenBoi
kanyowalkedintaki
ngon
thephone.Sasal
ookedathi
m andsmiled.
“
Hi…”
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landl
ookedather
.“What
…”
Sasaputherbagsdown.“Iam t
ir
ed.I
t’
sbeenal
ong
j
ourney
.Iwanttosleep.
”
ThewifelookedatBoi
kany
o.“
Iam noti
nthemood
fort
hisnonsense.
”
Sasawalkedtothebedroom passi
ngherthenput
herbagsdownandundr essedremaini
nginher
matchingl
inger
ie.Boi
kanyowalkedinthenl
ookedat
herbody.Hetookadeepbr eat
h.
“
Sasa-
“
“
Soy
ouwentandgotmar
ri
ed?
”
“No.Shei
smyex.Ourdi v
orcewasnotset
tl
edsowe
deci
dedtojustf
ixt
hings,
”
“Andyouthi
nky oucanjustplaymeforafool.Iam
notthatt
ype.Iam notgoinganywher
elov
e, Iwil
l
onlygowhenIam satisf
ied.”
“
CanIbooky
oui
ntoahot
eli
nst
ead?
”
Sasal
ookedathi
m.“
Tisakar
ata.(
Bri
ngt
hecar
d.)
”
Boikany
otookouthi
scardandhandedi
ttoher
.
Sasaputonhercl
othes.
“
Giv
emecashf
orat
axi
.”
Thewif
ewalkedi
nasBoi
kany
ohandedhert
heP200.
Sasasmil
ed.
“
Byesi
sterwi
fe!
”
“
Whyar
eyougi
vi
nghermoney
?”
Sasawalkedoutwithherbagsl eavingthem ar
guing.
Shetookadeepbr eathnowout sidethegate,i
twas
sodarkoutsi
deshewassur ethieveswerehidi
ngi n
thatdar
kness.Acardrov eover
, Sasagotintheroad
stoppi
ngit
.Thedriverstopped,shewentt othe
windowasher ol
l
edi tdown.
“
Iam sosor
rybutIam str
anded.Ijustf
oundthatmy
f
iancéi
smarri
ed.Iam notfr
om aroundhere,
can
y
oupleasedr
opmeof
fbyt
henear
esthot
elor
l
odge?”
Themanl
ookedather
.“Andwhati
fIki
dnapy
ou?
”
“Iam goi
ngt
otakechancest
hanwai
tfort
hiev
es
here.
”
“
Jumpi
n.”
Sasawentbackf
orherbagsandgoti
n.
“
Iam Sasa.
”
“
Bame.
”
“
Ok.
”
Bamedr
oveof
fcal
l
inganumber
.
“What’sgoi ngon?…It hought -look,Iam notgoi ng
tosettl
ef orbeingyoursidethi ng.It’
snotf air.It
hink
Ishouldfindsomeonewhoi sser ioust hanwast emy
ti
met hinkingy ouaregoingtodi v
orcehi m wheny ou
won’t
.Iam goi ngtoendupi nv esti
ngmyal l i
ntoyou
wheny ouj ustwantt ohavey ourbr eadbut teredon
bothsides…Le-can…”Hesi ghed.“ Babey ouar e
str
essingmenow.Il oveyou.Thi siswhatIf eared,
l
ovingy ouonl yforyoutosaysomet hingelse…t hat’
s
notwhatIam sayi
ng,Iam j
ustsayi
ngIdon’
twantto
beyoursi
dething…no,it
’sf
ine.Wewil
lsee.Iguess
maybeIam beingtooimpati
ent…ok…bye.”
Hehungup,Sasalookedathi
sst
ressedf
acet
hen
si
ghed.Hestoppedthecar
.
“
Her
eisal
odge.
”
“
Thanks.
”
Shest
eppedoutt
henhedr
oveof
fimmedi
atel
y.

*
**

I
nGoodHope,
out
side,
Lel
edi
aledanumberagai
n.
“
Isai
dit
’sok.Iwantt
osl
eep.Iam t
ir
ed.
”
“
Ongadi
l
e?”
“
No.Justhur
t.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
It
’sok.
”
Hehungup.
“
Whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
o?”
Lel
etur
nedtoChesswhowasbehindher.“
Loago.
HewantedanewphonethatIhadpr
omisedhim but
nowmyf i
nancesar
enotlooki
ngsogoodsoI
coul
dn’
tbuyit
.Heishur
t.
”
“
Iwi
l
lbuyi
tforhi
m.Howmuchi
sit
?”
“
P2000.
”
“
Iwi
l
lbuyi
t.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanksbabe.
”
“
It
’sok.Wher
ear
ethecl
othesy
ouwant
edt
otake?
”
Shewenttothel
ineandt
ookAtang’
scl
othest
hen
walkedi
nsi
dethehousewit
hChess.
.
.
If
ell
asl
eepont
hel
apt
op,
sor
ry,
goodmor
ning
Pl
easedon'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#71

ChesshandedAtanganeggt hensmil
edstar
ingat
hi
m eatit.Hedi
shedLele’
sbreakf
astandput
ever
ythi
ngi nat
rayandwalkedtothebedr
oom
whereshewassl eepi
ng.Hesatdownbesi
desher
andsmiled.
“
Babe…”
Lel
eopenedherey
esandl
ookedathi
m.Shesmi
l
ed.
“
Hey
…”
“
Sit
.”
Sheslowl
ysatcover
ingherbreastwi
tht
heduv
et.
Atangputhi
soil
yeggont hebedthencl
i
mbedon
thebedandjoi
nedhi
smot her.
“Mama…eat
…”Hegrabbedhi
seggandgav
etot
oher
.
Lel
esmil
edeat
ingi
t.
“
Thanky
ouMr
.Mor
emi
.”
Hesatonhi
smot
her
’sl
apt
henst
aredathi
sfat
her
.
Chessl
aughed.
“
Babekanat
hist
hingi
sdi
rsr
epsct
ful
.”
“
Letmysonf
eedme.
”
Hesmi
l
edt
henki
ssedher
.
“Iwasthi
nki
ngwet
rav
eloutoft
hecount
ry.Hewi
l
l
staybehi
nd.
”
Lel
elookedathi
m.“
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
”
“
Iwast
hinki
ngmay
bet
otheI
slands.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iwoul
dlov
ethat
.”
Helookedattheringonherfingert
hentookout
anot
heronef r
om hispocketandsli
ditonherfi
nger
makingitone.Lel
esmiled.
“
It
’sbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Iwantust
ogetmar
ri
ed.Pr
oper
ly.
”
Lel
eswal
l
owed.“
Uh…”
“Iknowwhathappenedmont hsbacklef
tbot
hofus
shocked.Iwasneverr
aisedtoabusewomenorto
rai
semyhandononeandt hat’
snotthemanIwant
tobe.YouwererightwhenyousaidIshoulddeal
wit
hmydemons, atsomepointIhadtodeal withi
t
andIam sor
rythatyouhadtosufferforit
.Ipromise
youwithmyli
fe,whathappenedbackt henwillnever
happenagai
n.Iam notonlysayi
ngit.Imeanit.Ialso
don’
twamntAt angtothi
nkit’
soktobeabusi ve.”
Lel
elookedathim.“
Iam HIVposi
ti
ve.Youknowt hat
ri
ght?Weshouldhaveusedacondom lastni
ghtbut
youcangetthepeptr
eatment
.Idon'
twantt oinf
ect
you.Oranyoneel
se.
”
“
Ok.Iknow.
”
Tearsfi
ll
edhereyes.“Thingswil
l nev
erbethesame
becausenowIam posi ti
veandy ouarenot
.Iam
grat
efulyoudidn’
tgetinfect
ed.Iam sor
ryt
hatI
al
mostinf ect
edyou.
”
“I
t’
sok.Wear epastthatbabe.Ifit
’sthatguy,kemo
betsebambar athoughIam glady ouwentand
abortedthepregnancy.Iwantust omov eon.I t
’s
point
lesstohov eronthepast.Iwilforeverapol
ogize
fornotbeli
eveingthatyouwerer apedwheny ou
were.”
“Idon’
tblamey ou.ButIjustdon’
twantapoint
wherey oumarrymet odayt heni
ntwoyear
sweare
divor
cingbecausey oucan’tdeal
withwhat
-“
“Lel
e,t
hepastisthepast.Ilov
ey ou.That’
sal
lthat
matter
s.St
opblamingy oursel
fforwhathappened.
Youwereav i
cti
m anditwasn’tyourfault
.”
Atti
elookedathi
smothert
urni
ngt
oseatonherl
ap
faci
ngher.“Mama?”
“
Ng?
”
“
Ilahy
ou….
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oomybaby
.”
Hel
eanedov
erandki
ssedher
.Lel
esmi
l
ed.
“
Youshoul
dteachy
ourf
atherhowt
olov
emer
ight
.”
“
Babe,t
hisi
swhyIthi
nkweshoul
dhav
eagi
rl
.Thi
s
t
hingi
snotl
oyal
.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Ilov
eyouAt
ti
e…”
“
Ilahy
oumama…”
Lel
elaughedpul
l
inghi
m cl
oserandki
ssi
nghi
m.
“
Hei
shi
smot
her
’sson.
”
“Ihavetohav
esomeonei
nmycor
ner
.Hernamei
s
Araya.
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Youar
ejeal
ous.
”
“
No,Ican’
thavethi
strai
torofason.Gomogol
ebel
a
maKoreababe,heevenknowt hesongs.
”
“
Leav
eusal
one.Youar
ejeal
ous.Il
ovey
ouAt
ti
e!”
“
Ilahy
oumama.
”
Theyki
ssed.
“
Trai
tor
!”
Lel
elaughedev
enmor
ethatherr
ibst
hrobbed
pai
nful
ly.
“
Ihav
esentmyuncl
es.
”
Lel
elookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
“
Ok?
”
Shenoddedgggl
i
ngthenheleanedov
erandki
ssed
her
.Att
ieki
ssedhert
oo.ChessmovedawayasLel
e
l
aughed.
“
Ilov
eyouAt
ti
e!”
“
Ilahy
oumama…”

*
**

Sasasatinherr
oom att
helodget
henr
eachedf
or
herphoneandcall
edLel
e.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Hi.Wher
ear
eyou?
"
"
GoodHope.
"
"Iam i
nGaborone.CanIcomeov
er?Rel
ati
onshi
pya
palakakwano."
"
ChessandIar
efl
yi
ngoutoft
hecount
ry.
"
"
Oh,
that
'sni
ce.
"
"
Yeah,
whathappened?
"
"Theguywhoissupposedt obemar r
yingmei s
alr
eadymarr
ied.Ican'
tbel
ievethataf
terputt
ingup
withal
lhi
sshortcomings,
t hi
sisthethanksIget.
"
"
Whatshor
tcomi
ngs?
"
"
Sexgamei sanenti
re0,heisnotevenwort
h
f
ight
ingf
or.Imagi
nefight
ingforasmall
dickman?
"
Lelelaughed."
Whydi
dyouev
enset
tl
efori
tint
he
fi
rstplace?"
"
Ithoughti
twasl
ove.Il
ostmywayt
obehonest
."
"
Nowy
ouar
ebacki
nli
ne.
"
"
Iam.Ihav
ehi
scar
d.Iam goi
ngt
ospendhi
s
money
."
"
Payy
our
sel
fforput
ti
ngupwi
thasmal
ldi
ck.
"
"Hi
swi
fei
sgoingtocheatonhim Iswear
.Iwas
goi
ngt
ocheatint
helongrun.
"
"
Yah..
.Iwanttotel
lyousomet
hingbutt
henIdon'
t
wantt
obej udged.
"
"
Whati
sit
?"
"MonthsbackwhenIwentt oKasaneforthewor k
shop, Igotsodrunktoapointthatt
il
ltodayIdon'
t
reall
yr ememberwhathappened.AllIrememberis
goingt othebarwit
htheladiesIhadmetatt hework
shopanddri
nking.SomeoneIhadmetbefore
spott
edmeatt hebarIwasatandtookmebackt o
thehotel
whereheclai
msIledhim onthenheraped
me."
"What?Whydidn'tyout
ell
me?LeleyouknowI
wouldneverdojudgeyoufort
hat
.Isthi
swhatwe
havebecomenow? "
"No.I
..
.Iam tel
li
ngy ounow.Iguessi
t'
sstil
lhardt
o
comeintoter
mst hati
thappenedandthatIact
ual
ly
gotHIVfrom it
."
"
OhmyGod.
..
"
"
Ionl
yfoundoutaf
terIt
est
edposi
ti
vef
orSy
phi
l
is.
"
"
Jesus!
"
"
Yes.ButIam oknow.
"
"
Whodi
dit
?"
"Someman.Chessdi dn'
tbel
iev
emet hen.Hewas
reall
yupsetbecausei t'
sthesamet hi
ngt hat
happenedwi t
hLef a.Hegotphy si
calandal most
kil
ledme.Hisintentionwastoki l
lme.Hedr ovetoa
farm wherehebroughtagun.Ir anawaybutIknow
hewasgoi
ngt
oki
l
lme.
"
"
Thenwhathappened?
"
"That
'swhenIwentt oGoodHope.Wesepar at
ed.I
i
niti
all
ythoughtwewouldjustdi
vorce.That
'swhatI
havebeent hi
nki
ng.Thati
t'
sover.
"
"
Isn'
tther
eawayt
odeal
wit
hit
?Iam sur
e-"
"
Wel
lnowi
t'
sfi
ne.Heseemst
ohav
edeal
twi
thi
t.
"
"
ThankGod!Iknowhowmuchy
oul
oveChess.
"
"
Uhy
eah.
"
"Iam happythingsaregoi ngwellforyou.Iam real
l
y
happyfory ouLele.Youdeserveit.Yourlif
eis
perf
ect.Youhav eamanwhol ovesy ou,ofcausehe
hasflaws,it'
spartofli
fe.Norelati
onshipisperfect
.
Ofcauset herearegoingt obeupsanddowns.Iam
sorr
ywhathappenedt oy ouhappened. "
"
It
'sok.
"
"
Ist
her
esomet
hingmor
e?"
Lel
egotsi
l
entf
orawhi
l
ethenchuckl
ed."
No.
"
"
Youcant
ell
me.
"
"If
earwhathecando.If
eari
fev
erImakeami
stake,
hewill
kil
lme.
"
"
Lel
e-"
"Ican'
tgetoverwhathappenedatt
hefar
m andI
don'tknowifthat
'swhoIwanttospendt
herestof
myl i
fewit
hbutIlovehim."
"
Whydon'
tyout
wogof
orcounsel
i
ng?
"
"Idon'
tthi
nkitwil
lmakeanydif
ference.Ifheget
s
angry,
real
lyangry,
hewill
losei
t.Idon'twanttol
ive
i
nsuchanenv i
ronment
."
"
Lel
e..
.Doy
oust
il
ll
ovehi
m?"
"
Ido.I
t'
snotaboutl
ove.I
-"
"
Ther
eissomeoneel
sei
sn'
tther
e?"
"Iam j
usttell
i
ngy ouwhatIfeel.I
tdoesn'
tmeanIam
cheati
ngSasa.Any ways,Iam sorr
ythatyougot
play
edbutmay benextti
mey ouwon'tset
t l
efora
smalldick.
"
Sasal
aughed."
Ihavel
ear
ntmyl essonbutIam
goi
ngtospendhismoney.Iwi
l
ltakeitas
compensat
ionf
orwhatIhadtogobecauseoft he
smal
ldi
ck.
"
"
Bye!
"
"
Bye.
..
"
Lel
ehungupthenSasagotherhandbagandwal
ked
out
,thecar
dinthebag.

*
**

Loagosatinhisroom hol
dinganovelthenpaused
heari
ngacardr i
vei nt
heyard.Heputhisnoveldown
andlookedthroughhiswindow.I
twast hepastor.
Hewal kedoutofhisroom j
ustashismotherlethim
i
nt hehousesmi l
ing.
Shesmiledal otwheneverhecame,ithadhim
wonderi
ngi fshelikedt
hesmalladv
ancest hepastor
keptser
v i
ngori fasusual
,shewasjustbeingpol
it
e.
Whicheveritwas, hedi
dn'
tli
keit
.Hi
sf atherhadj
ust
passedonmont hsback.I
twastoosoon.
"
Oh,
Loago,
howar
eyoumyboy
?"
Unabl
etoholdit
,Loagol
ookedathim."I
sthi
swhat
youdoforev
erymemberofy ourchur
chwho'sl
ost
someoneorit
'sonl
ymama? "
"
Loago-
"
"Noi
t'
sok.Imakesur
eal
lthemembersoft
he
chur
char
ewell.I
t'
smydut
ymyboy."
"Iappreciateit,Ihonest l
ydobutIdon' tlikeit
any mor e.Myf atherpassedon8mont hsback, hi
s
bodyi sst i
ll
f r
eshi nt hegr ave,Iam sti
ll mour ning
him.Icanseet haty oul i
kemamaandmay bemama
l
ikesy out oo,Idon' tknowbuti tmakesi tme
quest i
onal ott hought hat'snotthepoi nt,thepointi
s
doal lthatout si
det hegat e.Notinmyf ather'
shouse.
Iam notgoi ngt oallowi t.Mamai fyouwantt his
man, goaheadbutgodoi tathishouse.Iwi llnot
hav ethatkindofdi srespecti nmyf ather'shouseand
Iam notgoi ngt ober epri
mandedf orspeaki ngmy
mi nd.Youhadt oheari t.Pleasetakeeachot her
out si
det hegat eanddowhat everyoul i
ket here."
Hestar
edatthem,hi
smotherspeechl
ess.The
past
orgotupthenwal
kedout.Hestar
tedthecar
anddr
oveof
f.
"
Loago-
"
"Iam goi
ngtoreadmynovel
.Ifyouneedmyhel
p
withanyt
hing,
youcant
ellme.Iam notdoi
ng
anythi
ngatthemoment.
."
Het ur
nedandwentbacktohi
sroom.MmagweLele
stoodther
eforawhi
lethenfi
nal
l
yreachedf
orher
phoneandcall
edLel
e.
"
Mama.
..
"
"Canyoubel
i
evet
hatLoagojustaccusedmypast
or
ofabsur
dthi
ngst
henhekickedhim out?
"
"
Theonewho'
sal
way
shome?
"
"
Whot
oldy
out
hat
?"
"All
oft hatisupsett
ingLoago.Youknowhowhei s,
heisst rai
ghtforward.I
fhefeelsi
t'
sdi
srespect
ful
,
thenIdon' tt
hinkthepastorshoul
dcont
inue
comi ng."
"
Somyguestshoul
dn'
tcome?
"
"
Theyshoul
dbutnott
hepast
orobv
iousl
y.
"
"
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his!
"
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#72

Opelowalkedinsidet hehousepassingChess’
scar
outsi
de.Shesmi l
edatAt angwhowasr ushi
ngover
toher.Shepickedhi m upjustasChesswalkedfr
om
thebedroom talki
ngont hephonewhi l
epull
ing
Lele’
sbag.Hesmi ledatherwal ki
ngoutt
henshe
l
ookedatLel ewal kingfr
om thebedroom i
nashort
dresswithaslightsl i
tonthesideandthenew
sti
let
tos.Shesmi led.
“
Wow!
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Hey
,ket
sabadi
ckbat
hong.Lookat
you,
glowing.
”
Opel
olaughed.“
Ishoul
dbesay
ingt
hatabouty
ou.I
cant
ell
thathei
sar
ound.
”
Lelebl
ushedr
oll
i
nghereyes.“
Wear egoi
ngona
vacati
on.MmagweChessmightpassbypicki
nghi
m
up.”
“
Ok.Enj
oy!
”
“
Thanks.
”Lel
epi
ckedAt
angt
henki
ssedhi
m.
“
Ilov
eyouAt
ti
e…”
“
Ilahy
oumama…”
Sheki
ssedhi
mthenhuggedhi
m.“
Bye…”
“
Byeby
emama…”
Leleplacedhim downjustasChesswal kedback
i
nsidet hehouse.Helookedatherdresswonder i
ng
whenshehadchangedf rom t
heoneshehadbeen
wearing.Thisonerevi
ewedallherthi
ghs, hesi
ghed
thenpickedupAt angasshepickedherr i
nging
phonegoi ngoutsi
de.
“
Byebuddy
…”
“
Byeby
emama…”
Chessl
aughed.“
Iam noty
ourmot
herboy
.”He
ki
ssedhi
mthenhandedhi
mtoOpel
o.
“
Hi…”
“
Mr.Mor
emi
.”
“
Howar
eyou?
”
“
Iam goodsi
r.
”
“
Bye.
”
“
Hav
easaf
etr
ip.
”
Heturnedandjoi
nedLelei
nthecar.Hestar
tedt
he
carandrever
sed,hi
seyesfel
lonherthi
ghsagai
n,
Chesstookadeepbreathandhedrovebackint
he
yar
d.
“
Didwef
orgetsomet
hing?
”
“
No,isn’
tyourdr
esstooshort
?Itlooksgoodbuti
t
l
ookstooshortf
oryoutotr
avelinit
.”
“
Yout
hink?
”
“Iam notcomfort
ablewithit
.If
eeli
t’
stooshor
t.
Pervert
saregoingtolustovery
ou.Pl
easecanyou
changeintosomethi
ngel se?Youcanpackthi
sone
andweari tf
orme.”
Lel
elaughedt
henst
eppedout
.“Ami
nut
e.”
Shehur ri
edinsidet hehouse.Chessr eachedf orher
phonet henunlockedt hescreen,shesti
llhadn’t
changedt hepasswor d.Hewentt ohercal ll
ogs,the
l
astcall wasfrom Loago.Hescr oll
edthroughand
nothingwassuspi cious.Hewentt ohermessages
searchingforany thingbuttherewasnot hingthenhe
cl
ickedherwhat sapp.Therewasamessagef rom
Sasa.
Sasa:
Idon’
tknowwhat
’sgoi
ngonbutwhatIknow
i
s…
Hecur i
ouslylookedati tbutthenhehadv owedt o
tr
usthiswi f
e.Heputt hephonebackandsi ghed.
Trusti
ngherf ull
ywast hefir
stthi
nghehadt odo,
shewasn’tLef a.Lelewal kedoutminuteslateri
n
anotherdressbutt hisoner eachi
ngjustabov eher
knees.Hesmi l
ed.
“
Ilov
eit
.”
Lel
esmiledputti
ngonherseat
bel
t.Chessrever
sed
anddr
oveof fheadedt
oGaboronewheretheywould
cat
chtheirf
li
ght.
*
**

Lefaparkedhercarout sidethegatethentooka
deepbreathandst eppedoutwi t
habot tl
eofwine.
Shewalkedpastt hecar sthatwereparkedinher
yardgoi
ngov ertothedoorandknockedwhi lemusi
c
playedf
rom insi
det hehouse.
Sheknockedagai
n,ali
ghti
ncompl
exi
onl
ady
openedholdi
ngaglassofwi
ne.
“
Ohhi
…”
“
Hi,
isLal
aher
e?”
“
Ohy
esshei
sin.Comeoni
n…”
Lefawalkedwit
hherinsi
dethensheledhimtothe
backyar
dwheretherestoft
heladiesweredanci
ng
whil
esippingt
heirwi
nes.
Lalatur
nedandlookedatLef
a,al
ookofdi
sgust
sit
ti
ngonherface.Lar
onastoodupandwal
kedover
toLefa.
“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”
“
Canwet
alk?I
t’
sbeenmont
hs.Imi
ssy
ou.
”
“YouaresnakeLef
atshe,
noonemi
ssesy
ou,
I
cert
ainl
ydon’t
.”
“Lalacanwepl easej
ustt
alk.Iknowy
ouar
eangr
y,
pleaselet
’st
alk.”
“Ihavenothi
ngt osayt oy ou,snake!Leav emy
propert
y.Youwer esupposedt obemysi sterbuty ou
tookmef oraf ool.Youwat chedasIf oughtf ora
manwhom y ouwer efucki
ngwi thar i
ngony our
fi
nger.Ist
oodbyy ouwheny ouki l
ledy ourown
daughterandt r
iedt oframeChessf orkill
ingy our
unbornbaby .Istoodbyy ouwheny ouwentt oa
crazypeopleinstit
ute.Istoodbyy ouwhenl i
fe
showedy ouf l
amesbecauseIt houghtIwas
standi
ngwi t
hy oui nthisfi
ght,Ithoughtassi ster
s,
weoughtt ohav easi ster
lybond.Iwaswr ong.You
tookmef oraf ool.”
Lefal
ookedasev
eryonestaredt
hent
ookadeep
breat
h.“
Canwetalki
nside?”
“
Wear
egoi
ngt
otal
kri
ghther
e.”
“
Noamountofapol ogiescanmakewhathappened
r
ight
.Ihurtyouinthewor stpossi
blemannerandI
r
egreti
t.IwishIcant akebackthehandsofti
meand
makeev er
ythi
ngright.”
“Youarenotsor r
y.I
fyoucouldsleepwithhim af
ter
everyt
hingthenyouarenotsor r
y.Youarejusta
snakethatcan’tbetr
usted.Isti
l
lpraydayandnight
foryoursuf
f er
inganddeath.”
“
Lal
aI-
“
Lar
onaspl
ashedherwi
neonherf
ace.“
Out
!”
Lefanoddedthenturnedandwal kedbacktohercar
astheladi
eslaughed.Shegotinhercarthendrove
off
,tear
sfil
l
edherey es,shewant edt
ostopandcry
butshetookadeepbr eathandwenthomewher e
sheparkedthecarinhery ar
d.Lefaputherhandson
herfaceandstart
edcrying.

*
**

Sasawal
kedoutoft
hecl
othi
ngst
orehol
ding
shoppingbags.Herphonerangasshewalkedina
j
ewelleryst
ore,sheputherbagsdownandpicked
l
ookingatsomeexpensi vewatches.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“Whatar
eyoudoing?Youjustcan’
tspendmy
moneyli
kethat
!Youaregoingtoret
urnever
ythi
ng
doyouhearme?”
Sasasmil
edpoint
ingatthewatchshewanted.The
shopassi
atntt
ookitoutthenSasagav
eitathumbs
up.
“
Ok.
”
“Iwantmycard.Ar
ey oust
il
latGameCit
y?Iam
coming.Youcan’
tspendP37K.Youar
eretur
ning
ever
ythi
ng.”
“
Ok.
”
Heangr il
ydroppedthecall
.Sheswipedfort
he
watcht henwalkedwithi
t.ShewenttoanATM and
drewt helastP5kthatwasinasherphonerang
again.Shegotinhercab.
“
Boi
kany
owhati
sit
?”
“Cany oufuckenstopspendingmymoney?Sasayou
aregoingtor et
urnital
l.NowIseeyouweregoi
ngto
bet heworstthi
ngthathappenedtomehadI
mar ri
edyou!Youar epathet
ic,
youcannev
erbea
wife.”
Sasalaughed.“Youar ecrazy.Iam notgoingt
o
ret
urnany t
hing.Iam goingandIam goi ngtot
hrow
awayy ourcard.Thi
swascompensat i
onfor
every
thingyouputmet hrough.”
“
Iam goi
ngt
orepor
tyout
othepol
i
ce.Iam goi
ngt
o-
“
“Goaheadandl etmet el
lthewholewor l
dthatyou
haveat i
nydickofafiveyearold.Iwil
lhumil
iat
eyou,
don’
tforgetIhavethosenudesofy oursandthey
showy ourface.Iwi
llembarrassyou.Tryme.”
“
Sasa-
“
“Sasahungupanddroppedthecall
thenblocked
him andbr
okethecar
dintohalfbef
orethr
owingit
away .
“
Takemet
obusr
ank.
”
Thedriv
erst ar
tedthecaranddroveoffasSasa
call
edmmagweLel e.Shehadn’
treal
lygiv
enthem a
propervi
sitaft
erthedeathofrr
agweLeleanditwas
aboutti
meshedi dit
.

Latert
hatday,
Sasawalkedi
nsi
detheyardwithher
bagsandmmagweLel e’
shouse.Sheknockedon
thedoorthenmmagweLeleopenedsmili
ng.
“
Ohmydaught
er!
”
Theyhugged.Sasar
ubbedherbacksmi
l
ing.
“
Ma.
.”
“
Comeoni
nchi
l
d.Loago,
come!
”
Loagowalkedfr
om hi
sroom.Sasalookedathi
m
andgasped,hewassotal
landbuff
.Hesmi l
ed
handsomely.
“
Sasa…”
“
Heey
y.”
Hehuggedhergi
vi
ngheraf
ir
m hugt
henl
etgo.She
swal
l
owedthensmiled.
“
Ist
hisy
ou?
”
Hel
aughed.“
Yes…”
Hisvoi
cewasalsogett
ingdeeper.Hepi
ckedher
bagsthenl
edhertotheroom Lel
eusedtouse.
“
Youwi
l
lbeher
e.”
“
Thanky
ou.Wow…howol
dar
eyouagai
n?”
“
17i
ntwomont
hs.
”
“
Wow!
”
“
Youmustbet
ir
ed.Letmegi
vey
ouspace.
”
“
Ok…”
Hewal kedout .Shehadonl yseenhi m acoupl eof
ti
meswhenLel ewasst i
lli
nSer owe.Shet ookadeep
breathwonder ingi fitwasnor mal forhi
mt obethat
big…phy sical
l
y .Shesi ghedthensatont hebed
takingoffhershoes.Shewal kedoutoft her oom
afterchangingi ntocomf or
tableclothest henwentto
thebathroom.Sheopenedt hedoorwal kingin,
Loagowhowasbat hingquicklyputhishandsov er
hisdick,Sasat urnedandwal kedoutcl osi ngthe
doorbehi ndher .Shewentbackt otheroom andput
herhandsov erherfaceembarr
assed.Hermi
nd
stubbor
nlytookherbacktothatdi
ck…God…She
threwhersel
font hebedputt
ingherhandsov
erher
face.
.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#73

Lel
esati
ntheplanethathadtakenofff
rom SA.She
l
ookedatChessthenlookedatherr
ing.
“
Arey
ouokbabe?
”
Shetur
nedtohim andnodded.“Yes.YouknowSasa
st
il
ldoesn’
tknowBoikanyoisthemanwhor aped
me?”
“
Younev
ert
oldher
?”
“No.Shecouldn’
tstoptal
kingabouthim ev
eryti
meI
cal
led.Ididn’
twanttobethatperson.Shesti
l
l
doesn’tknow.If
eelli
keIam betr
ay i
ngher.
”
“Youshoul
dtellher.Fri
endshi
pbuiltonli
esand
secr
etsneverlast
.Itwill
bediff
icul
tforhert
otrust
youfr
om thereon.Youar eact
uall
yluckyshedoesn’
t
knowit’
syou,therapisti
sgoodathi di
ngandlyi
ng.”
“It
oldhi
mifdoesn’
tbreakupwit
hherIwil
ltel
lher.
Sasadeser
vesmuchbet t
ert
hanamanwhocheat s
andgetsHI
Vfrom hi
scheati
ngspreet
ogetherwit
h
syphi
l
is.Someti
mesIwonderwhysheputupwi
thi
t,
Sasaneverputupwi
thnonsense.
”
“Youshoul
dt el
lherbefor
eshefi
ndsoutabouti
t.
Rightnowluckisinyoursi
debecauseshest
aysso
farawaybutthetrut
halwayshasawayofcoming
out.”
Lel
enodded.“
Iwi
l
ltel
lherwhenwecomeback.
”
Chessl
eanedov
erandki
ssedher
.“That
’smygi
rl
.”
Shesmil
edthensatbackpi
cki
nganov
elshehad
st
olenfr
om Loago’
sbookshel
fsomet
imebackand
st
artedr
eadi
ng.
“
Babe…”
Lel
elookedathi
m.“
What
?”
“
Ist
her
esomet
hingy
out
hinkIshoul
dknow?
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
No.
”
Chessnodded.“
Ok.
”

*
***
Sasaf i
nishedt
ryi
ngallhernewclot
hest
henpacked
them inherbag.Herphonestar
tedri
ngi
ng,
she
pickedtheunsavednumber .
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Kesaobakay
ouar
egoi
ngt
opayf
orwhaty
oudi
d
t
oday.
”
“Boi
kany
o,whyar
eyoucr
yingov
eramer
ewhat
?
40k?”
“
Youdon’
tknowwhatt
hatmoneyi
sfor
.”
“
Youshoul
dhav
ethoughtaboutt
hatwheny
oumet
me.I
-“
Thewifetookt
hephone.“
Youar
egoi
ngt
oret
urn
thatmoneyyoupi
eceofshi
t!
”
Sasalaughed.“Yourhusbandisthepieceofshi
t.I
am notret
urninganythi
nglove,Iam goingt
oenjoy
al
ltheclot
hesIbought .
”
“
Wear
etaki
ngt
hemat
tert
othepol
i
ce.
”
“
Hiscar
dwasn’
tst
olen.
”
“
Youst
olei
t!
”
“Iwi
ll
provetot
hecourtandthewhol
ewor
ldt
hatwe
havebeeninar
elat
ionshi
p.”
“AndIwil
lgl
adlysueyou.Youthinkyouar
esmart
?I
am goi
ngtoputyouinyourplace.Youhave24
hourst
oretur
nalloft
hatmoney .”
Sasasighedcal mly.“Goaheadandy ourhusband
ti
nydickwi llbetrending.Iwasengagedt othisman
andwewer egoingt ogetmar ri
ed.Idi dn’tknowhe
wasmar ri
ed.Wewi llmeetincour tandIam comi ng
withagoodl awy er
.Yout hi
nky oucanj ustsue
peoplewheny ourhusbandi st hepr oblem.Idon’ t
carewher eitwi l
lendupbutwhent hecasei sf inall
y
over,
Iwi llmakesur eIhav edraggedy ouandy our
husband.Ihav eVN’sofhi m say i
ngy ourv aginai sa
hugehol e.Ihav eVN’ sofhim say i
ngev erysecret
youhav e.Iwi l
lmakesur ethewor ldhear sit.Ihav e
nothi
ngt olosebuty ouhaveal otmor et ouse.The
pri
vatecompanyy ouwor kfor?Iwi llmakesur eI
dragtheirnamei nt
omudmi xedwi thy ours.Youwi ll
l
oseev erything,Hun, Iam t
her egularbi tch.Youar e
messingwi tht hewr ongone.”
Sasahungupthenbl
ockedthenumber
.Mmagwe
Lel
ewalkedi
nandsmi l
ed.
“
Youcancomeandeat
.”
“
Eemma.
”
“
Howi
swor
k?”
“
Wor
kisgood.
”
“
Thatisreal
l
ygood.Ioncehear
dyouwer
eget
ti
ng
mar
ried.
”
“
Wai
i
,itdi
dn’
twor
kout
.”
“
It
‘sok,
it’
sli
fe.Iwi
shy
oual
socanmeetsomeone
l
i
keChess.”
Sasal
aughed.“
Hei
sev
erygi
rl
’sdr
eam.
”
“Heis.Iwill
pr ayy
oumeetsomeonel i
kehi
m who
will
loveyounomat terwhat.Leleisluckyt
ohave
him,sheshoul dneverlosehim.I t
’srar
etofi
nda
manl i
kehim.Amanwhoi scommi t
tedandwho
doesn’tcheat.Whoiscont entwi t
hwhathehas.A
manwhoi snotscaredt ocorrectyouwhenwr ong
andamanwhowi l
lstandwithy ounomat t
erwhat.
”
SasalookedatmmagweLel eandsmi
led.“
Itwi
l
lbe
ablessi
ngifIcangetsomeoneli
kehi
m.”
“
Comeandeat
.”
Shewal kedout
.Sasaputonhershoest henreach
forherphoneandstartedty
pinganothermessage
tonLelebutshestoppedmi dwayanddeletedi
t.
Somehowshej ustknewLel ewascheatingandshe
couldn’
tseem t
ounder st
andwhyanysanewoman
wouldbcheatonamanl i
keChess.
Herphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.Shesmi
l
edpi
cki
ngher
mother
’scal
l
.
“
Mama…”
“
Sasa,
soi
fIdon’
tcal
l
,youwon’
tcal
l
?”
Sasasi
ghed.“
It
’snotl
i
ket
hat
.”
“
Iti
s.I
fIdon’
tcal
l
,younev
ercal
l
.Younev
erv
isi
t
me.
”
“
Ivi
sit
edy
ouamont
hbackmama.
”
“
Onl
yfort
hreeday
s.”
Sasasmi
l
ed.“
BecauseIwasgoi
ngt
owor
k.”
“
Ifeel
abandoned.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.Iwi
l
lcal
lev
eryni
ght
.”
“Youshoul
d.Youar
emyonl
ychi
l
d.Youar
eal
lI
have.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
It
’sok,
howar
eyou?
”
“Mama, Ihaveafri
end,shei
scheati
ngonher
husband,herhusbandisagoodman, hei
sadown
toeart
hmanandIt hi
nksheischeat
ingonhi
m.”
“
Yout
hink?
”
“Yes,
shedi
dn’
treal
l
yadmi
ttoi
tbutIcant
ell
theei
s
someoneel
se.
”
“
Youcant
ryt
oadv
iceher
.”
“Idon’
tli
eadv i
singherbecauseshemakesi tseem
asifIam judgi
ngher .Shewantsmet ol
ieandgoon
withwhatshewoul dbedoi ng,i
fIsayot
herwise,she
makesmef eelasifIam judgi
ngher.
”
“
Ifshedoesn’
twantadvi
cethenletitbe.Letherdo
whatshethi
nksi
sright
.Itwi
llal
lcrumbledown
bef
oreher
,youwi
llt
ell
hert
hatt
hisi
swhaty
ou
meantwoul
dhappen.Whoi
sthi
sfri
end?
”
“Lel
e…Shehaschangedsomuchsomet i
mesitf
eels
l
ikeit’
snother.Lel
ewasneveraf anofcheati
ng,I
guessital
lcomeswi t
hhernewsel f.TheLel
eIknew
yearsbackatSeroweisnottheLelewhoi st
here
now.May beit
’smoneythathaschangedherinto
thi
sperson,i
tprobabl
ymakesherf eelshecando
anythi
ng.”
“
Whatmoney
?”
“Herhusbandi srich.Shehasachangedal ot.When
Idon’tcall
,shedoesn’ tcal
l.Wecangoupt wo
mont hswithouttalki
ngandev erytimewet al
kshe
alwayssay sIam notar el
i
ablef
riendbecauseat
somepoi ntshethoughtherhusbandwasher
brother,
ItoldherIwoul dneversupporti
ncestand
ti
llt
odayIst i
ll
getr emindedofthatonev ercall
I
make. ”
“Don’
tyouthi
nkit’
;sti
mey oustopbeingso
desper
atefort
hisfri
endshipandstepawayfr
om i
t.
Whatkindoffr
iendshi
pisthat?”
“
Mama…”
“Iknowy oulov
ehersomuchbutt akeast epback
abdletherbe.Ibetshewon’ tev
encallyou.
Somet imesyoujusthavetostepbackandgi ve
someoneherspace.LetLel ebe.Letherruinher
rel
ationshi
pbycheating.
”
“
Shei
sgoi
ngt
orui
nherr
elat
ionshi
p.”
“Thenanot
herwomanwi l
ltakethegoodmanshe
doesn’
tappreci
ate.Youknowt esayi
ng.Yourt
rash
i
ssomeoneel se’
st r
easur
e.”
“Chessisthereal
deal
.Itwouldbeashamei fLele
hadtolosesuchaman.Someofusar eprayingfor
suchmen.Amanwhowi l
llov
emehar d,whowi l
l
standbymeandwhowi ll
domostt hi
ngsright.
Mamai fIevergetamanl i
keChess,IswearIdo
everyt
hinginmypowertokeephim.”
Hermotherl
aughed.“
Youwi
l
lmeetmay
beev
en
bet
tert
hanChess.”
“
Chessi
sjustperf
ect.I
fLel
eischeat
ing,
Ihopeshe
r
epr
imandshersel
f.
”
“
All
wecandoi
shope.
”
“
Yah…mmaIhav
etogo.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”
“
Ok.
”
SasahungupandjoinedmmagweLeleandLoagoi n
thesit
tingr
oom.Shejoi
nedt
hem gett
ingherpl
ate
thensatdownwatchi
ngaTVshowt heywere
watching.

*
**

Lef
awalkedoutoft
hepharmacyhol
dingher
sl
eepi
ngpull
sthenwentt
otheparki
nglot
.
“
Lef
a!”
Lefaturnedthensmi
l
edatChess’
sbusi
ness
associate.“
Hi…”
“
Mrs.Mor
emi
…”
Lefachuckl
ed.“
Iam nol
ongerMr
s.Mor
emi
Bri
ght
.
ThereisanewMr s.Mor
emi.
”
Br
ightsmi
l
ed.“
Uhu,
bagor
epl
aci
tse?
”
“
Eishwena,
buti
t’
sok.I
t’
sli
fe.
”
“Chessdoesn’
tknowwhathel
ost
.Howi
syour
daughter
?”
“
Shei
slat
e.”
“
Mycondol
ences.Wow,
Idon’
tknowal
ot.
”
“
Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
”
“
Somewher
eint
hewor
ldmaki
ngmoney
.”
“
That
’sgood.It
houghty
ouhadwentbackt
oZi
m.”
“
No,
youknowIam ev
ery
wher
e.”
“
Howi
syourwi
fe?
”
“
Thatl
ongended.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Don’
tbe.Ar
eyoubusyr
ightnow?
”
“
No.Iam j
ustgoi
nghome.
”
“Come,ther
eisaplaceherewhi
chsell
sgoodf
ood.
Let’
shavedinner
.Ican’
tsayIam sady
ouandChess
areover
.”
“
Mxm.
”
Br
ightt
ookherhandandl
edhert
other
est
aur
ant
.

From adi
stance,Lar
onanoti
cedt
hecouplelaughi
ng
andsmili
ngwi t
heachother
.Shewalkedover
holdi
ngherpizza.
“
Hel
l
o…”
Theyt
urnedt
oher
.Lef
asmi
l
ed.
“
Hey
…”
Laronatur
nedt oBr i
ght.“Ij
ustwantedtowar nyou,
thi
swomani snothingbutacheat .Amur der
.Aliar
.
Sheisverymani pulat
ing.Shekill
edherdaughterto
getaman’ satt
ention,thesamemanshewas
cheati
ngonwi thhisbestf ri
end.Thatbestfr
iend
whohappenedt obehersi ster
’sboyf
ri
end.Iwant
youtobeawar eoft hesnakey ouarekeepingclose
toyou.Sheisthewor stthingthatcaneverhappen
toanyone.Hereitfrom me, Iam hersi
ster.
”
Tear
sfi
ll
edLef
a’sey
esasshel
ookedatLar
onat
hen
smil
ed.
“
Bri
ght
,itwasapl
easur
eseei
ngy
ouagai
n.”
Bri
ghtt
ight
enedhi
shol
donhert
henl
ookedat
Lar
ona.
“Thankyouf ort
hatinf
ormati
on.Noonehadasked
butgoodf oryouformakingyour
sel
fextr
a
unnecessary.Whatdidyougainf
rom t
hat?”
Laronal
ookedatBr
ightthenopenedhermout
hto
saysomethi
ngbutcloseditnotsur
eofwhatt
oeven
say.
“
See?Not
hing.Lear
nsomet
hingf
rom t
hat
.”
Br
ightl
edLef
atot
her
est
aur
ant
.
“
Bri
ghtI
-“
“Don’
tmindher.Lett
henegat
ivi
tygo.Iam not
perf
ectei
ther
.Noonei s.
”
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#74

Laterthateveni
ng, Bri
ghtl
edLefatohercaratthe
parki
ngl otst
il
lholdingherhand.Lef
aunlockedher
carthenopenedt hedoort ur
ningtoBri
ght.
“
Thankyoufortaki
ngmeout.I
fIdi
dn’
tbumpinto
y
ou,Iwasgoingtodrowni
nmysleepi
ngpil
l
s.”
Brightsmil
edstar
ingatherbeauti
ful
face,shesti
ll
l
ookedbeaut i
fulf
rom thelastt
imehehadseenher ,
nthejeansandtheshor thai
rmadeherlookyounger
thoughhecouldstil
lremembersheusedt ohave
reall
ylonghai
r.
“Don’tbetoohardonyourself.Sometimeswedon’ t
alwaysmaket hegreat
estdeci si
onsofall
timeand
wej usthavetol
earnfr
om it.Iam notperf
ecttoo,I
tol
dy ou.MaybeIam worset hany ou,
whateveri
tis,
thosemi st
akesmakeushuman. ”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Iguess.
”
“
Anddon’
twor
ryaboutev
ery
onedi
stanci
ng
t
hemselv
esfrom y
ou.Iam her
etost
ay.Whatar
e
y
oudoingtomorr
ow?”
“
Not
hing.
”
“
Iwantt
otakey
ousomewher
e.”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Wher
e?”
“Youwil
lsee.Geti
n.Iwil
ldr
ivebehi
ndy
out
omake
surey
ouar r
ivesaf
ely
.”
“
Thanks.
”
Lefagotinhercarwhil
eBri
ghtwalkedtohiscarand
j
umpedi n.Lefadrov
eoffwithBri
ghtbehi
ndher ,
she
l
ookedathi scaronthemir
ror.Awhil
elat
ershe
droveinheryard,
Bri
ghtst
oppingatthegate.Lef
a
steppedoutandwalkedtothegate.
“
Hey,dri
vein.Watchamov
iewi
thme.I
ttendst
oget
r
eal
l
yl onel
yhere.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
Hedr ovei
nthensheclosedhergat
ewalkingtothe
door.Sheunlockedherdoorandwal
kedinsi
dethe
house,Bri
ghtbehindher.
*
**

AtanislandinGr eecethefoll
owingmorning,Lel
e
stoodbyt hebalconyofthehot el
star
ingatthe
waterslostinherthoughts.Chesshuggedherf r
om
behindkissi
ngherneck.
“
Hey
…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
”
Herubbedhi
sdi
ckinherbut
t.Lel
elookedatt
he
wat
ersforamoment.
“
Chess…”
“
Yes?
”
“
Doyoureal
izewearegoi
ngt
obeusi
ngacondom
f
ort
herestofourl
i
ves?”
Hetur
nedheraroundandl
ookedinhereyes.“I
fyou
ar
eloyal
toyourtr
eatment
,maybenotfor
ev er
.”
“
Youdon’
tli
keusi
ngt
hecondom.
”
“
Iwi
l
llear
nto.
”
Lel
etookadeepbr eath.“Il
oveyoubutIam scared
al
ongtheliney ouaregoingtostartget
ti
ngannoy ed
bythefactthatwewi llbeusingacondom every
ti
me.Ilovey oubutIam scaredifevert
hingstur
n
bad,whathappenedl asttimewil
lhappenagain.
”
Chessheldherhands.“
Whathappenedlastti
mei s
nevergoi
ngtohappenagain.Tr
ustme.Ilovey ou,I
canli
vewiththecondom.I
twon’tbefor
ev erbabe.I
am notgoi
ngt ol
eaveyoubecauseweareusi ngthe
condom.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
“
Don’
tst
ressy
our
sel
fov
ert
his.
”
Hekissedherandledherbackinsidet
hehotelroom.
Hetookoffthegownandpl acedheronthebed
openi
ngherlegs.Hereachedforthecondom and
puti
tonthen…
.
ChesskissedLel
ebur
ieddeepinsi
dewhil
esomeone
knockedonthedoor
.Heslowlysli
doutandt
ookoff
thecondom.Lel ecl
osedherlegswat chi
nghim as
heputonhi spantsandwalkedt othedoorshirt
less.
Shereachedforherphonewhi chwasconnect edt o
thehotelWiFiandopenedhermessages.She
l
ookedatt hepictur
esSasahadsentt hatmorning
thensmil
edst ari
ngathermot herandbrother
.
Sasast
art
edcal
l
ingasLel
evi
ewedt
hepi
ctur
es.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
…al
readyf
lewout
?”
Lel
estaredasChessspoket
othehot
elst
affont
he
doorwit
hasmi l
e.“Yes.
”
“
Wher
edi
dyouguy
sgo?
”
“
Greece!
”
Sasal
aughed.“
Yesgi
rl
!”
“
It
’ssobeaut
if
ult
hissi
de.
”
“
Ihav
eseeni
tonpi
ctur
es.Iam happyf
ory
oul
ove.
”
“
Iam happyt
oo.Howi
smamaandLoago?
”
“
Apparent
lyy
outwoar
eref
usi
ngf
orherf
ri
endst
o
v
isi
t.Shei
supset
.”
“Idon’tmindherfr
iendsv i
sit
ingbutlookingatit
from Loago’spoi
ntofv i
ew,Igetwher ehei scoming
from.Hej ustl
osthisfat
her,it’
sabittoomuchf or
himtobeseei ngthispastorwhoseemi ngl
ywants
hismot herinhi
sfather’
shouseev eryday.”
“
Uhu,
thepast
ori
scomi
ngev
ery
day
?”
“Yes.Mamacanv
isi
thi
m athi
shouse.Noonewi
l
l
stopher
.”
“
IguessIgetitwhenyouputi
tli
kethat
.Mma,
Loago
ogodi
leyang!(Loagoi
ssogrown!)
”
“
Hei
saman.
”
Theyl
aughed.“
Hei
s.Hei
stal
landbuf
fandt
he
voi
cetoo.
”
“
Iknow.
”
“Iwast hi
nkingofwhatyoutoldmeandIgety ou
now.Lennai ttookmeamomentt oact
uallyr
eal
ize
thatwebr ushoffabusebecausewebadlywantitt
o
wor k.Thi
sishowi tst
art
s,nextt
imehemi ghtj
ust
fi
nishy ouoff.
”
Lel
epi
ckedhergownt
henputi
tonandwal
kedt
o
t
hebal
cony
.
“It
hinkIam bei
ngt
oohar
donhi
m.Hehasnev
erhi
t
anyonebefore.
”
“Thi
siswhatIam st ayi
ng.Wej ust i
fyabuse.Tobe
honest,Idon’tthi
nkany oneshoul dstayinan
envi
ronmentl i
kethat.I
magi nehowy ouaregoingto
beli
v i
ngnow?Youar ealway sgoi ngtobei n
constantfear.Ar el
ati
onshipshoul dn’tbel
ikethat
.
Loveshoul dn’tbeli
kethat.Butatt hesamet ime…
may beit’
snoti nhisnaturetobeat .Sometimeswwe
makemi stakeswhichar einfl
uencedbyemot i
ons.I
canimagi newhatwasgoi ngt hroughi nhismind
becauset hisoncehappenedbef ore.”
“
Yeah…”
“I
fy ouarestayi
ng,t
henstayLel
e.Noneedtobe
entert
aini
nganotherman.Iknowther
eissomeone
al
ready.Icouldhearitwhenwespokeyest
erday
.Is
hewor thit
?”
“
Ther
eisnoone.
”
“
Arey
ousur
e?”
Lel
elaughed.“
Eversi
nceChess,
hei
stheonl
yoneI
haveeversl
eptwit
h.”
“
Idi
dn’
tsayyouar esl
eepi
ngwi
tht
hatper
son.Isai
d
y
ouareent
ertai
ninghi
m. ”
Lel
elaughed.“Nope.Theonl
yper
sonwhoi
sther
eis
myhusbandl ove,
trustme.
”
Sasal
aughedt
oo.“Good,
becauset
hist
imear
ound
hewil
lki
l
lyouforr
eal.
”
“
Ist
il
lwantt
oli
ve.
”
“Val
ueyourl
if
e,any
way
s,Ihav
etogo.Iam goi
ng
backtoF-
town.”
“
Ok.By
e…”
“
Shar
p.”
LelehungupasChesswal
kedov
eraf
tert
hehot
el
staffdr
oppedof
fthef
ood.
“
Whowast
hat
?”
Shesmil
ed.“
Sasa.Shei
sinPal
apy
e.Takemea
pi
ctur
ebabe.
”
Shegav
ehi
mthephone.
*
**

MmagweChessgotAt
angsmi
l
ingatGoodHope.
“
Hei
ssobi
g.”
RragweChesswalkedinsidethehouset
ooand
smiledst
ari
ngatAtang.“Helooksli
keChess.
”
“
Hedoes.Hei
shi
sfat
her
’sson.
”
“MmaBor
othoshoul
dgi
vemyboyanot
herone
now.
”
MmagweChessl
ookedatherhusband.“
Cany
ou
st
opcal
l
ingmydaught
erthat
?”
Hel
aughed.“
Uhu,kanaIf
orgetsometi
mesgoreshe
i
smystepdaught
erandmydaught eri
n-l
awt
oo.”
“
Mxm.
”
Hel
aughedevenmor e.“Thati
sGodpunishi
ngyou
f
orthr
owingt
hatchil
di nthepi
tlat
ri
ne.Hegetsher
t
ofall
inl
ovewit
hy ourson.”
“I
magi
nei
fIhadgi
venbi
rt
htoChess,
Iwoul
dhav
e
di
ed.
”
HelaughedthenOpel
owal
kedf
rom t
hebedr
oom
hol
dingAtang’
sbag.
“
Her
eiti
s.”
Rr
agweChesssmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
oumygi
rl
.”
MmagweChessl ookedatOpel
oandsmi l
edt oo.
“Thanky
ou.Thi
smanl ongcamet hi
ssi
de,Ithought
hewouldhavel
ongcollect
edAtangandbrought
him.”
“Iwaswaiti
ngforyoutocomethissi
desowecan
coll
ecthi
mt oget
herthengot
oy ouraunt
’shouse
toget
her.Youknowshedoesn’
tlikeme.”
MmagweChesssighed.“
Okmygi
rl
,wear
egoi
ng.
Takecar
eofy
ourself
.”
Theywalkedout
.MmagweChessget
ti
ngatt
heback
wit
hAtang.
“
Iwi
l
lsi
ther
ewi
thhi
m.”
“
Lethi
m si
tont
hatseatLel
e’
syoungersi
steruses,
y
oucanseehedoesn’
tli
kebei
ngheldtoomuch.”
“
Ngng,
Iam goi
ngt
ohol
dhi
m.”
“
Letmegot
othet
oil
et.Iam comi
ng.
”
Hest
eppedoutandhurr
iedi
nsi
dethehousegoi
ng
t
othetoi
l
et.Hewalkedi
nthenOpel
osmiled.
“
RragweChess…”
Theoldmansmi ledstar
ingathernakedness.She
pushedhimtothet oi
l
etseatthentookouthisdick
andstrokedhi
mt il
lhewashar d.Shelookedinhi
s
eyesandslowl
ysankont hatdi
ckbiti
ngherlowerli
p.
Theoldmanhel dherwaistgrunti
ngthenOpeloput
herfi
ngeronhisli
ps.
“
Shhh…”
Henoddedl i
keasmal l
boy ,
Opel ostartedr i
dinghim,
ti
ghteni nghermuscl eswithev erythrust.Hegr unted
helplesslyholdingherbut tockswhi leherbr easts
shookonhi sf ace.Opel omoanedsof tl
yi nhisear
goingev enfasterandhar der,hertoescur ling.That
dickr epeatedlyhitasweetspoti nsideherasshe
wentupanddown.Rr agweChesssqueezedher
buttocksashi sdickr el
easedhi scum i nsideherjust
asOpel oconv ulsed.Theyst ayedstillf
oramoment
thenshefi
nal
lygotof
fhim andr
eachedforatowel
.
Shewipedhisdi
ckthenpackedi
tbackinhispant
s.
“
Whi
chcardi
dyousayy
ouwant
ed?
”
Shel
ookedathi
m.“ Anythi
ngi
sfi
ne.Ri
ghtnowIam
j
ustf
ocusedonfi
nishingmyhouse.
”
“
Iam goingtosel
lsomecat
tl
et hengi
veyouthe
money.Thenfrom t
her
eIwi
llgetyouacar.
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Eer
ra.Thanky
ou.
”
SheFrenchki
ssedhi
m.“
Go.MmagweChessi
s
wait
ing.
”
Hechuckl
edt
henhur
ri
edout
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#75

Opel
o’sphonerangasshefi
nishedwit
hhermake-
up,
shegotupinherheel
sthengotherphone.
“
Hey
,Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
Sher
eachedforherhandbagthenwal
kedout
l
ocki
ngbehindher.Shegoti
nherboyf
ri
end’
scar
,
Owenleanedoverandki
ssedher.
“
Hey
….”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
”
“
Wheni
sLel
eandChesscomi
ngback?
”
“
Shedi
dn’
tsay
.”
“Imanagedtogety
ouani
nter
view.Youwi
l
lgot
her
e
onMonday .
”
Opel
osi
ghed.“
Ihav
eaf
eel
i
ngIam notgoi
ngt
oget
i
t.
”
“I
fyougowi t
ht hatatt
it
udeyouwon’tgett
hejob.
Babeyou’vegottobepositi
vesomet i
mes.Youhave
tobel
ieveinyoursel
f.I
fyouthi
nky ouwon’
tgetit
howar eyousupposedt ogeti
t?”
Shesi
ghed.“
Ihav
ebeendi
sappoi
ntedbef
oreOwen.
”
“I
tdoesn’
tmeant hi
sti
mey ouwi
ll
.Howaret hi
ngs
supposedtoworkoutfory
ouwhenallyouhaveis
negati
vethought
s?Youhavetogetr
idofthat
att
it
ude.”
Opel
osmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
Owenki
ssedheranddr
oveof
f.

*
**

Bri
ghtwat chedasshesl ept,hi
sphonerangt henhe
walkedawaypi cki
ng.Lefaopenedherey es,she
l
ookedar oundandslowlysatupr eali
zi
ngshewasi n
herbedroom.Shecoul dn’tremembercomi ngt ot
he
bedroom, thel
astthi
ngshecoul drememberwas
sl
eepingont hecouch.Br i
ghtwalkedbackint he
r
oom.Hesmi
l
ed.
“
Heysl
eepyhead.
”
Lef
asmil
ed.“
Ihav
en’
tsl
eptt
hiswel
li
nawhi
l
enow.
Wow!”
“
Iknow,
it’
sonl
yme.
”
Shel
aughed.“
Iwasj
ustexhaust
ed.
”
“Lies,y
ouweregoingtodri
nksl
eepingpi
l
lsi
fyou
didn’tmeetme.CanIpouryouj
uice?”
“
Yespl
ease.
”
Brightstoodupandwalkedtoherkit
chen.Hisphone
startedri
ngingonthebed.Lef
alookedatthecal
ler
IDt henhereyeswenttothedoor.
“
Bri
ght
!Phone!
”
I
tstoppedr
ingi
ngj
ustashewal
kedbackwi
tht
he
j
uice.
“
Itwasr
ingi
ng,
uhhi
twasuhhMudhi
wawangu.
”
“Ohh,that
’smybr
other
’swi
fe.Youcoul
dhav
e
picked.
”
Lef
asmi l
edthenthephoner angagain.Lef
apoi
nted
si
ppingherj
uice.Br
ightgothisphone.
“Hell
o? .
..Ndiribusyatthemomentasi ndakapedzi
earli
er,Ithinkndosvikamangwana….Ehe, ndi
ri
kufli
er…wangauchi dei?Phoneny owani?No,
ndoitenga, anythi
ngelse?.
..
”Hel aughed.“Nyor
alist
rachot hen.Ndakawananguv andotenga…neniwo…
nditichii
?”Hel aughedagain.“Unorwara.Hapana
ari
kuhur a.Towonanamangwanahandi t
i?”Hepaused
l
isteningwi thasmi l
e.“NeniwondokudaoTadi wa.
Bye..”
Hehungupt henchuckl
edstari
ngatLefawhowas
complet
elycluelessonwhathehadbeensay i
ngin
thef
oreignlanguage.“Wearethrowi
ngapartyfor
mybrother.Shewant safewthingsf
rom t
hissi
de.”
“
Ok.Thanky
ouf
orst
ayi
ng.
”
“
Any
thi
ngt
okeept
hel
onel
ywomancheer
edup.
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Arey
ougoi
ng?
”
“
Ihavetogot
othehot
elandchange,
from t
her
ewe
wi
llgo.
”
“
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ngagai
n?”
Hel ookedinhereyesthenpinchedhercheeks
stari
ngatherl i
pS.“I
t’
sasurpri
se.Iwil
lbebackinan
hourorl ess.Getr
eady.Wearsomethingforthe
outdoors.”
Shest aredathim,hehadthedar kchocolat
e
compl exionandthelooksall
together.Ther
ewas
somet hingabouthimthatwokesomet hi
ngdeepin
her.Hesl owlymovedcloserthenrubbedhisli
ps
againsthers.
“Andasneakerandhat .
”Hewhi speredagainsther
l
ips.Lef atookadeepbr eathsqueezi nghert highs
togetherbr eat
hingheavil
y.Heki ssedhergent lyand
good.I twashowgoodheki ssedt hatmadeher
pantieswet .Allt
hedirt
yeroticthought sfi
ll
edher
headast heykissed.Atthi
sst ageshewoul dl ethi
m
fuckher .Therewasnowayshewoul ddenyhi m.He
mov edhi shandt oherbreastandsqueezedher
boob.Lef amoanedi nhi
smout hslidingherhandt o
hispant s.Sheputherhandont hatdi ck,
herhear t
skipping.
Shesqueezeditf
eel
ingi
t’
sthi
cknessi
nherhead.He
pausedki
ssinghert
henl
ookedinhereyes.
“
Don’
twor
ry.Youwi
l
lst
ret
chf
ori
t.
”
Lefalookedathi
m,herey
essl
owl
ygoi
ngdownt
o
thatmachine.
“
Takei
tout
.”
Herhandsshookassheunzippedhi
spantsand
pusheddownhisbr
iefs.I
tspri
ungout,
hardwithal
l
i
t’
sv ei
nspoppi
ngout.Lefa’
shear
tstar
tedraci
ng.
“
Str
okei
t.
”
Shest
rokedi
twat
chi
nggetev
enhar
der
.
“
Uhi
sital
lreal
…”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Aret
her
efakeones?
”
“
It
’s….
”
Hebithi
slowerl
i
pst
ari
ngather
,thef
eari
nherey
es
t
urni
ngherevenmor
e.“
What?”
Lefalookedatthedick,
Chesshadbeenbigbut
thi
s…t hi
shadt obeabnormal
.Shecouldn’
teven
begintoimagineital
lburi
edi
nherpussy.God…
whathadshegot
tenher
sel
fint
o?Shecoul
dn’
tev
en
hi
deherfear
.
“
Not
hing.Uh,
youshoul
dgetgoi
ng.
”
Bri
ghtbroughthercloserwit
hhersli
m wasteand
ki
ssedher ,
Lefaputherhandsonhi sbi
ffedbiceps
ashekissedhard,hishandgetti
ngbetweenherl egs.
Hesliditi
nsideherpanti
esandf l
i
ckedhercli
t
ki
ssingher.Heknewhi sgamei nandoutthatthat
hugedickissuewentt othebackofherheadwhi le
sheenjoyedhishandandl i
ps.
Hepausedandsl idoutt hepantythenopenedher
l
egswi de.Brightdippedhisheadbet weenherlegs
andstartedmuf fi
ngher .Histongueslidi
ngi
nside
herentrance.Shecl osedhereyesgr abbi
ngthe
sheet
s.
“
OhGod…”
Brightmovedthathighl
yskill
edt
ongueonher ,
dippinginandoutofthatpussywhil
ef l
i
ckinghercl
i
t
withhisthumb.Lefamov edherwaistasthe
pleasuremulti
pli
ed.Sheclosedherthi
ghs
screamingsecondslaterspasmi
ng.Hesl owly
openedhert
highsandr
aisedhi
shead.Hel
ookedat
her.
“
Whenl
astdi
dyout
est
?”
“
Uh…6mont
hsback.Iam cl
ean.
”
“
Soam I
.Mycar
disi
nthecar
.”
Het ookoffhergownthensqueezedherbreast.He
rubbedhisdickonherpussyli
psthensmackedi t
oncebeforepressingi
tatherent
rance.Helookedin
hereyesthen…#r emoved.
.
LefascreamedasBr ighthel
dherwai stwhileshe
knelt
,heconti
nuouslypoundedi ntoher,thatdick
for
cefull
ypushingin.Themor eshescr eamedi n
pain,t
heorehewentev enharder.I
fthiswas
somet hi
ngtheZim sisterswentthr
ough, shedidn’t
wanttobepar tofi
t.Thi smanjustwant edtoend
herli
fewithsuchadi ckandniggawasn’ tslowing
down.Hewasgoi ngf ortheki
ll
.
“
Bri
ght
…ij
oweee…t
her
rawena….Wai
t…”
Shet
ri
edt
orai
seherheadbuthepr
essedherchest
downwiththatGol
iat
hkindofbi
ghand,hereyes
archi
ngup.Hesli
dinpushingal
mostal
lthatdicki
n.
Lefascr
eamed.
“Br
ight
!Bri
ght
!Wait
!Godhel
pme…Br
ight
…ohGodI
can’
thandl
ethi
s.Hewant
stoki
l
lme.
”
Losti
npl
easur
e,he…#r
emov
ed.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#75
#r
emov
ed

Het ookoffhergownt hensqueezedherbr east.He

rubbedhisdickonherpussyl i
pst hensmackedi t
oncebeforepressingi tatherent rance.Hel ookedin
hereyesthent ookof fhist-shi
rtandpushedi n.Lef
a
frownedashepushedev enmor e,stret
chinghi sway
i
n.Hewat chedasherpussyst r
etchedev enmor e
whileheslowlysli
di n.Lef atookinadeepbr eath,he
pushedinev enmor e, herfrowndeepenedasshe
mov edbackslightl
y.Br ightheldherwai stholding
heri
npl
acegoi
ngev
endeeper
.
Shepl
acedherhandsonhi
schest
.
“
Bri
ght
…”
Heki ssedherashertight
nessclampedhim.He
hadn’thadthisinweeksnowandhecoul dn’thol
d
himselfdespit
eherdiscomfort
.Heslowl
ysl i
doutti
l
l
thetipthenforcef
ull
ypushedbackinagain.Lefa
fl
inched.
“
Bri
ght
…Ihav
en’
thadsexi
nmot
hsnowI
-“
Heslidoutandwentbackinagai
nwithmorefor
ce
pushi
ngmor eofhi
sdickin.Herwar
mt hand
wetnessengul
fi
nghim.
“Youneedt orel
axbabe…y oucanhandl ethi
s…y ou
areabiggirl.
”Hekissedheragaingent l
ygyrat
inghis
hipsthenhebegunmov i
nghiswai st,
givi
nghert he
slowthrust
s,let
ti
ngherrelax.Lefalookedathim as
hegent l
yeasedinandoutofherwi t
hhalfhi
sdi ck
whilegrunt
ingwitheachthrust.
Lefar
elaxedmoani
ng,
Bri
ghtputherl
egonher
shoul
derpushi
ngmoreofhi
sdickwit
heachthr
ust
,
herpussygreasi
nghim.Herbreastshookwit
heach
thrustashestar
tedgoi
ngevendeeperandharder
.
Lefatri
edtopushhischestt
olimithi
m buthe
fuckedherevenharder
.
Shepushedhi
m ev
enmor
e.“
Bri
ght
!It
’spai
nful
…
aai
ii
i
!”
Herresistancetur
nedhi m onashecar ri
edondri
ll
i
ng
i
ntoher, openingthatpussyup.Shefeltsoogoodhe
wasn’tgoingt ost
opt i
llhewasthoroughlydonewit
h
her
.Tear sfil
ledhereyes.
“
Bri
ght
-“
Hekissedhergoi ngf ullforce.Tearsf ell
ashe
conti
nuedt ohammerherpussy .Hesl idoutandgot
downt hebedpul li
ngt otheedgeoft hebedwher e
hefli
ppedherplaci ngheronherknees.Hepushed
herchestdownandsl i
dbacki nher .Lefascreamed
asBrightheldherwai stwhi l
esheknel t
,he
conti
nuouslypoundedi ntoher ,thatdickf or
ceful
ly
pushingin.Themor eshescr eamedi npai n,t
heore
hewentev enhar der.Ifthiswassomet hingZim
womenwentt hrough, shedi dn’twantt obepar tofit
.
Thismanjustwant
edt
oendherl
if
ewi
thsuchadi
ck
andniggawasn’
tsl
owi
ngdown.Hewasgoi
ngfor
theki
ll
.
“
Bri
ght
…ij
oweee…t
her
rawena….Wai
t…”
Shetri
edt orai
seherheadbuthepr
essedherchest
downwi ththatGol
iat
hkindofbi
ghand,hereyes
archi
ngup.Hesl i
dinpushingal
mostal
lthatdicki
n.
Lefascreamed.
“Br
ight
!Bri
ght
!Wait
!Godhel
pme…Br
ight
…ohGodI
can’
thandl
ethi
s.Hewant
stoki
l
lme.
”
Losti
npleasur
e,hecurvedhisbackdest roy
ingher
pussy
.Hewentonf orawhilethenheslidouthi
s
weaponpull
ingLefadownt hebedandpi ckedherup.
Shewrappedherlegsaroundhi swaistashe
l
oweredherdownonhi swai ti
ngdick.
Sheletoutamoanatt hesuddenpleasurebuildi
ng
upashet appedasensi ti
vespotdeepinsideher.He
cont
inuouslytappeditthatt
hepleasurebegun
mult
iply
ing,shemov edheragainsthim gett
ingeven
wett
er,herbodyr el
axi
ng.
“
Bri
ght
…ahhh…”
Theirbodi esclappedagai nstoneanot herashe
fuckedherhar dstandingi nt hemi ddleoft heroom
carryi
ng, Lefasankhert eethonhi sshoul der
squat t
ing.Herey esr ol
li
ngt otheback.Br i
ghtwal ked
tothebedf uckinghert henpl acedheratt heage
givi
ngheracoupl emor epower fulthrustbefor e
sti
ll
ingdeepi nher,hisdi ckspewi nghi sloadwhi le
hegr unted.Itcontinuedt ospewsomuchofhi scum
whileitjerkedinher .Bri
ghtl eanedov erandki ssed
herthensl owlysliditout .Hel ookedathi scum
dri
ppingwhi l
eherpussycl osedup.Hepushedback
i
nagai n, spl
itt
ingherpussyl ipsapar tandst retchi
ng
hiswayi nagai n.Lefaflinchedashemadesur e
almostal lhisdickwasi nsidethatt i
ghtpussy .
Heki
ssedherwi
thhi
sdi
cki
nher
.
“
Hey
…”
Shel
ookedathi
m br
eat
hingheav
il
y.“
Ithi
nky
out
ore
meabit.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Itwi
l
lgetbet
ter
,itwast
hef
ir
stt
ime.
”
.
.
Theirbodi esclappedagai nstoneanot herashe
fuckedherhar dstandingi nt hemi ddl
eoft heroom
carryi
ng, Lefasankhert eethonhi sshoulder
squat t
ing.Herey esr ol
li
ngt otheback.Br i
ghtwalked
tothebedf uckinghert henpl acedheratt heage
givi
ngheracoupl emor epower fulthr
ustbefore
sti
ll
ingdeepi nher,hisdi ckspewi nghisloadwhi l
e
hegr unted.Itcontinuedt ospewsomuchofhi scum
whileitjerkedinher .Bri
ghtl eanedov erandkissed
herthensl owlysliditout .Hel ookedathiscum
dri
ppingwhi l
eherpussycl osedup.Hepushedback
i
nagai n, spi
ll
ingherpussyl i
psapar tandstret
ching
hiswayi nagai n.Lefaflinchedashemadesur e
almostal lhisdickwasi nsidethatt i
ghtpussy.
Heki
ssedherwi
thhi
sdi
cki
nher
.
“
Hey
…”
Shel
ookedathi
m br
eat
hingheav
il
y.“
Ithi
nky
out
ore
meabit.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Itwi
l
lgetbet
ter
,itwast
hef
ir
stt
ime.
”
Lef
aswal
l
owedf
eel
i
nghi
m gethar
d.
“
Uh…weneedt
ogowher
eyouwantust
ogo.
”
“
Wewi
l
lgo.Iam st
il
lget
ti
ngi
nit
iat
ingt
hispussy
.”

*
**

Justaf
tersunseti
nGr eece,LeleandChesswalked
downthebeachwhi l
et hecool br
eezehi
tthei
rski
ns.
Amancal l
edChessf r
om behi nd.
“
Inacomi
ng,
keepwal
ki
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lelecont i
nuedwal ki
ngashewentback, shepaused
atthegl owingstonesl eadinginsi
det hewat er
,she
l
ookedar oundwonder i
ngifitwassomet hingfor
tourist
.Shepulledherl ongf l
oraldressandwal ked
i
nsi dethewar m waterf ol
lowingthegl owingstones.
Shest oppedatwhatl ookedl i
keabi gseashell
whi chwasgl owing,ther i
nginsidecaughther
attenti
on.Shepi ckeditup, andlookedati t
wonder ingissomeonel ostitorsomet hing.
“
Hey
…”
Lel
etur
nedt
oChesswhowasdownonhi
skneei
n
t
hewat
er.
“
UhbabeIf
oundt
his.It
hinksomeonel
osti
t.
”
“
No.It’
syours.Ineverdidthisint
hepast.Youwere
r
ightwhenyousai dourmar ri
agewasrushed.You
wereri
ghtaboutmostt hings,asusual
.”Hetookt
he
r
ingfr
om her.
“Iknewt her ewassomet hingt hef i
rstt i
meImety ou
thoughy ouhat edme.It hinkatsomepoi ntIdi dn’t
mindt hef actthaty ouhat edme, asl ongasIkept
getti
ngy ourat tenti
on.Iknowour sdi dn’tstartlikea
fair
ytaleandmay beit’snott hegr eat eststoryofal l
ti
mebutmeet i
ngy ouwast hegr eat estthingt hat
happenedt ome.Ipr aiseGodf ort hatdaybabe
becauseImetmysoul mat et hen.IknowIam not
perfectandImessupt oo, li
keanyot herhumanbutI
promi sey ouwi thever ythingIhav e, Iwillneverput
myhandony ouagai nnei t
herwi llIputy oui na
positionwher ey ouhav et of earf ory ourlif
ei nmy
hands.Iknowwear eal readymar riedbutt hi
s…t hi
s
i
sf orsomet hi
ngev engr eat ert hanwehad.Wear e
mov ingt ogr eaterhei ght s.Il ovey oubabe, mor e
thanany thingandIam put tingal lmycar dsont he
tabl
eforyou.Iam gi
vi
ngmyal
ltoy
ou.Mar
ryme
agai
nMr s.Moremi…”
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#76

Lelel
ookedattheringt
henhi m onhi sknees.Gui
lt
y
weighi
ngheavyonhershoul ders.Shetearful
ly
nodded.Chesssmiledtaki
ngherf inger
.Het ookof
f
theri
ngthathadbeenthereandsl idont henewone.
Hegotupandki ssedher.Lelegiggled.
“
Whydidyougett
heotherpi
eceoft
hatonei
fyou
wer
egett
inganewone.”
“
Wear
enott
hrowi
ngt
hisoneaway
.”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
ethi
sonet
oo.
”
“
Met
oo.
”
Hetookherhandandt
ookherbacktot
hei
rhotel.
Lel
etookofft
hewetdressassoonast
heyar
ri
v ed.
“
Babe,
letmesor
toutsomet
hingwi
tht
hehot
el.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hewal kedout .Lel
et ookoutanot herdr
essandputi
t
on.Shet houghtful
lyreachedf orherphonethen
openedherwhat sappmessages.Sheopenedt he
fi
rstonet henreadi tandsighedcalli
nghim wit
h
whatsapp.I tr
angt henconnect ed.
“
Hey
…”
Lel
etookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Hi.
”
“
Whenar
eyou?
”
“
Chesst
ookmet
oGr
eece.
Bamet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.“
Oh…”
“
Iam sorr
yforl
eadi
ngy
ouon.ChessandIar
efi
xi
ng
t
hings.
”
“
Soy
ouar
enotgoi
ngt
odi
vor
cehi
m?”
“
HeishusbandBameandt
hefatherofmychil
d.I
wasangr
ybutIl
ovehi
m.Iam sosorry
.It
hinkwe
shouldendwhatevert
hatwasgoingon.Atl easti
t
didn’
tgetf
ar.Nothi
nghappened.Idon’twantto
stri
ngyoualongwhenIknowIam nev ergoingto
l
eav emyhusband.”
“
Iknow.It
hinkl
ennaIwasj
ustt
ooambi
ti
ousf
rom
t
hegetgo.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
Hechuckled.“Don’ tbe.Idon’twanttoputina
posit
ionwherey ouar est r
essingyoursel
fover
unnecessarythings.IthinkIshouldknowmypl ace.I
expectedyout osaywhaty ouar esay
ingbutIlove
youandIt r
iedtoi gnoreitbabebutIdo.Iam not
l
eaving.Andy ouar enotst r
inginganyoneal
ong, the
questi
oniscany ouhandl ebothofus? ”
Lel
esl
owl
ysatdown.“
Idon’
tcheat
.”
“I
t’
snotcheati
ng.Youarejustcompr omisingnot
givi
ngyourhear
ttooneman.Idon’ tmi ndthef act
youhaveahusband, t
hatwasestablishedwhenIf el
l
i
nl ovewi
thyouwhileyouhadthatringony our
fi
ngerandifhemakesy ouhappy,t
hendon’ tleave
him.Iwil
lpl
aymyr ol
ewhileheplayshi s.Wheni she
br
ingi
ngy
ouback?
”
“
Uht
omor
row.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Wear
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
edagai
n.”
“
Ok, wewi
ll
talkwheny ougetback.Don’ tst
ressover
t
his.Wear
egood.Youandhi m aregood.Ev er
yone
i
shappybabe.It’
sawi nwi
nsituation.Iwil
lcome
whenyouarr
ive.Ial
readymissy ou.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ogetmeki
l
led.
”
“
Noonei
ski
l
li
ngany
one.By
e.”
“
Bye.
”
“
Don’
tfor
gett
odel
etet
his.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shehungupt hendel etedthecallandmessageall
together.Chesswal kedinassheputherphone
away ,oneofthehot el st
affbehindhi
m pushi
nga
trol
l
eywi ththeirf
ood.Lel elookedatherri
ngand
smiled.Thehot elstaffwalkedoutthentheysat
downuncov er
ingt hemeal s.
Chesspour
edt
hewi
nef
ort
hem,
Lel
etookasi
p.
“
YouandKhumoar
est
il
lnott
alki
ng?
”
“
Let
’snott
alkabouthi
m.”
“
Whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
yourpar
ent
s?”
“
Becausemyf
ight
swi
thhi
m hav
enot
hingt
odowi
th
t
hem.”
Lelesmiled.“
Iam gl
adyoufoundoutthatheisnota
truefr
iend.Tr
uefr
iendsdon’
ttr
eateachotherli
ke
that.
”
“
Eatot
swemogoKhumobabe.
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Iwantt
onameourgi
rlchi
l
dMi
ya.
”
“
Ngng,
keAr
aya.
”
“
Aft
erAray
a.I
t’
sMi
ya.Howmanyki
dsdoy
ouwant
t
ohavebabe?
”
“
Thr
eei
sfi
ne.
”
“Ngng,nnaIwantf
our
.It
’sAt
ie,
Aray
a,Mi
yaand
Dyl
an.”
“
Babei
fyouwantt
ohav
efourki
ds,
don’
tyout
hink
weshouldmakeAray
awhi lewearest
il
lher
e?Time
i
srunni
ngout.Aft
ert
woy earsthenwewil
lhav
e
Miy
a.Timeisnotonourside.
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Timeisonoursi
de.Relax.Wewi l
l
haveArayabackhomeaft
erthewedding.Iwanta
bi
gwedding,Idon’
twantt
obepr egnantthen.
”
“Soyouar
etr
ansf
err
ingf
rom GoodHopeaker
e
babe?”
“Yes.Ther
eisawomanwhoi st
eachingat
LedumangSenior.Shewant
saswitcht
oGoodHope
becauseherhusbandgotaj
obther
e.Ispoket
oher
.”
Chesssmil
ed.“
That’
sgr
eatbabe.Soi
nthel
ongr
un,
whatdoyouwanttodo?
”
Leleshrugged.“ Il
ovet eachi
ngBi o.ButIwantt o
furt
hermyst udi
es.May beonedayIwi l
lbea
professorataUni versitybabe.That’swhatpapa
alwayssai d.ButIhav ebeent hi
nkingofstarti
nga
sidehustlekindoft hing.YouknowhowIst r
uggle
fi
ndinglingeriebabe?Li keIalwayshav etostruggl
e
getti
ngapant ymysi zewi t
hamat chingbramysi z
e.
Thebr aisalway stoosmal lorbot hthebraand
panty.Istr
uggletofindclothesthatfi
tme, shops
usuall
ycaterforsli
m sizesandIt hi
nkt hat’
sagapi n
themar ket
.Icanopenabout i
queforbigsizes.Iwi
ll
sellcl
othesandlingerief
orbi gsi
zeslikeme.Tot a
i
t’sexhausti
ngget t
ingclothesforsomeonel i
keme,I
canbar el
ygetniceev eni
nggownsl i
ket heother
sizes.
”
“
Ili
key
ouri
dea.
”
“
Iknowwherepeoplear
egett
ingni
ceclot
hes.Up
t
here.May
beifIcan’
topenabouti
que,
Iwil
lsell
f
rom myboot
.”
“Youcanopenabout
ique.Iwi
l
lfundi
t.Af
teral
l
,it
’s
ours.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Arey
ouser
iousbabe?
”
“Yes,Ij
ustneedyourbusi
nesspl
anonmytable
beforet
heendoft heweek.Iwi
ll
looki
ntoi
tandwe
will
gettheballr
oll
ing.
”
Lel
esmil
edexcit
edlyt
hinki
ngofal
lthei
deasshe
hadal
waysbrushedoff
.
*
**

Lefaclosedhereyesassheslowlypeed,
she
pressedherlegstoget
heratthepaint
hentooka
deepbr eat
h.Shewassosur eshehadtogoasget
sti
tches.Tearsf
il
ledhereyesthenshesl
owly
rel
axedhermuscl esandlett
hepeeoutslowly
.
"
Ouch.
..I
sssshi
i
ii
..
."
Shestoppedpressinghertogetheragai
nthentooka
ti
ssueandwipedhersor evagina.Shelookedatthe
spotsofbl
oodont hetissuethenshegotupand
thr
ewitinthet
oiletbeforewalkingout.
Thepai
nshewasfeeli
ngonherl
owerabdomen
wasn'
tnor
mal
,sheslowlywal
kedout
.
Bri
ghtlookedatherassheli
mpedcomingtothebed.
Awav eofguil
tyhi
thim ashest
aredather
.She
l
ookedl i
keshewassickandsomethi
ngtoldhi
m he
hadblewi t
.
"
Arey
ouok?
"
"
Ithi
nkIneedt
ogot
othehospi
tal
.Iam i
npai
n."
"
Shoul
dwegonow?
"
"
Ng.
..
"
Bri
ghthel
pedheroutonhercl
othest
henhepicked
herupandwalkedoutwi
thher.Hepl
acedherinhi
s
car.

*
**

Atthehospi
tal
,Lef
asl
owl
ygotont
hebed,
thegy
nae
putonhergl
oves.
"
Sowhathappened?
"
Lef
alookedather
."Uhhehasaabnor
mal
sizedi
ck.
"
Thedoct
orsl
owl
ynodded."
Whendi
dthi
shappen?
"
"
Today
.Si
ncemor
ning.
"
"
Ok.Letmehav
eal
ook.
"
Lef
aopenedherlegst
henthedoct
orl
ooked.She
par
tedherpussyl
ipsl
ooki
ng.
"
Youhav
eat
ear
.Andt
her
eissomei
rr
it
ati
ongoi
ng
on.
"
"
Whathappenst
othet
earnow?
"
"I
t'
sasmall
tear
,itwill
healoni
tsown.
.Iam goi
ngt
o
gi
veyousomeant i
biot
ics.
"
"I
t'
salsopainful
here.
"Shetouched.Thedoct
or
pressedherlowerabdomen.
"Wellmostlyt hisi sduet odeeppenetrati
on.Abig
peniscanr eacht hecer vi
xinmostcaseswheni nfull
deeppenet ration.Thepeni sr
ubbingagainstt
he
cervi
xmi ghthav ebeenpl easurabl
etoy oubutnow
whaty ouar egoi ngt hroughisstomachachepost -
sex.Iam goi ngt ogi veyousomepai nkil
ler
sbutof
thi
scont i
nues, Iwoul drecommendy oucomeback. "
ThedooropenedthenBr
ightwal
kedi
n.Hel
ookedat
thedoct
orthenLefa.
"
Isev
ery
thi
ngok?
"
Lef
alookedasthedoct
or'
sey
eswentdownt
ohi
s
zi
p.Lef
af r
owned.
"
I'
mfi
ne.
"
Br
ightwal
kedi
n,t
hef
orcef
ull
ypul
l
edherey
esf
rom
hi
m.Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
.
"Youmightwantt
oeaseont hesexf
orawhi l
enow
ti
llt
hatt
earheal
s.Aft
erheali
ng,
youmightwantto
slowdownandifpossi
ble,
usealubr
icant
."
Hehel
dLef
a'shandandki
ssedher
."I
'
m sor
ry.
"
"
It
'sok.Iam f
ine.
"
Thedoct
orcl
ear
edhert
hroat
."Youcandr
ess.
"

*
**
Thatsameeveni
ng,
Bamesatwi
thhi
sbr
otherwhi
l
e
dri
nki
ngbeer
.
"
Soyouaret
ell
i
ngmey
ouar
einl
ovewi
thamar
ri
ed
woman?
"
"
Yes.
"
"
Aret
her
enowomanoutt
her
e?"
"Il
oveher
.Ithi
nkIhaveal
wayshadat hi
ngforher
andwhen..
."Hesi
ghed."
Ican'
texpl
ainit
."
"
Shei
smar
ri
ed!Whatar
eyouhopi
ngt
ogetf
rom
t
his?
"
"
Lov
e."
"
Arey
oucrazy?Sheismar
ri
edt
osomeoneel
se.She
i
snev
ergoingtoset
tl
edownwi
thy
ou.
"
"
It
'sf
inel
i
ket
his.
"
"
Whataboutki
ds?
"
"Ialr
eadyhav etwo.Iam goodwiththat
.Look,Ilov
e
Lele.MaybeIwi l
lstopandeventual
l
yf i
ndsomeone
elsebutrightnowIlovehersomuch.Herhav i
nga
husbandi snonofmybusi nessandIwillnotmakeit
mybusi ness.Myhappinessisnotcomingf r
om
him."
"
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his.
..Yousoundcr
azyandst
upi
d."
"Idon'tcare.Iam happywit
hher.Iwantherandher
only.Iloveherandt her
eisnot
hingIcandoabout
that.Til
lshedoesn'twantme,Iam notgoing
anywher e.
"
"Heisgoi
ngtoki
ll
you.Bothofyou.Heisgoi
ngto
know,aft
eral
l
,wheret
hereissmoke,t
hereisf
ir
e."
WEEKSLATER.
..
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#77

WeeksLat
er.
..

InPalapye,thenegot
iat
ionstookpl
aceinRragwe
Lele’
ssitti
ngroom.TheMor emifamil
ysatatthe
othersidewhileLel
e’
sunclessatontheothersi
de,
Loagobei ngpartoft
hemenwhi lethel
adi
essaton
thefl
oor .

*
**

Attheotherroom,Lelesatimpati
eny
ly.I
thadbeena
whilenow.Hercousinfi
xedherdoek.Lele’
sphone
rang.Shelookedatthecall
erthenpi
cked.
“
Sasa…”
“
Hey
,howi
sitgoi
ngwi
thChess?
”
“
Fine.Wear
efi
ne.
”
“
That
’sgood.
”
“
Yeah.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
”
“
Iam f
inenow.Hewasnev
erwor
thi
t.
”
“
Iam gl
ady
ounot
icedi
t.
”
Anauntwal
kedi
n.“
Lel
e…”
“
SasaIhav
etogo.By
e.”
Lel
ehungupandl
ookedatheraunt
.
“
Howi
sitgoi
ng?
”
“
Yourbr
other
…wow!
”
Lel
echuckl
ed.“
Ishemaki
ngt
hingsdi
ff
icul
t?”
“
No.Buthel
i
kest
hingsi
nacer
tai
nway
.It
’sgoi
ng
wel
l
.”
Shebr
eat
hedouti
nrel
i
ef.
“
Arey
our
eadyf
ort
omor
row?
”
“
Eemma.
”
“
Iam pr
oudofy
ouLel
e.Iam mor
ethanj
ustpr
oudof
y
oumybaby .Yourf
atherwasadif
fi
cul
tmanbut
y
ourhappi
nessalwayscamefi
rstt
ohim.”
“
Idon’
tthi
nkhei
sreal
l
yhappywi
thmychoi
ce.
”
Thel
adi
esl
aughed.
“
Hewil
lhav
etodealwit
hit
.Ibetheiscompl
aini
ng
t
oGodri
ghtnow.Bat
hongThabo.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iknow…”
“Butasl ongasyouarehappy ,
apar tofhimremai ns
happy .Ofcausehenev erreall
ylikedyourchoice
from thebeginni
ngespeci al
lyafterhear
ingthatthis
boy'smot hermightbey ourmot herbuttheheart
want swhatitwants.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Itdoes.
”
“
Pal
esa,
cany
ougi
veussomespace.
”
Pal
esal
aughed.“
Mamawher
eshoul
dIgo?
”
“
Tot
het
oil
et.
”
Shel
aughedwal
ki
ngout
.Theysatdown.
“
Youl
ovehi
m?”
“
Yes.Mor
ethanany
thi
ng.
”
“
ThereisanissueLoagor ai
sed.Hesay shedoesn’t
t
rustChessanymor ebecauseofwhathappenedt he
l
astti
me.Ofcausehedi dn’tdi
sclosethedetai
l
sof
whathappenedthelastti
me.Isitsomet hi
ngyou
f
eelisanissuethatledt
oy ourseparat
ion?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Isi
tsol
vednow?
”
“
Ibel
i
eveso.
”
“
Ok.That
’sgoodt
hen.Youl
ovet
hisboy
?”
Lel
ebl
ushed.“
Mor
ethanany
thi
ng.
”
“Wel
l,
nowhei str
ulyy
ours.Tomorr
owyouwillbe
get
ti
ngint
roducedtoyournewfamil
yof
fi
cial
l
y.”
Lel
e’
sphonevi
bratedi
nherhands.Sheopenedt
he
messaget
henquickl
yreadbef
oreclosi
ngit
.
“
Aret
heydone?
”
“
Almost
.”
Lel
etookadeepbr
eat
hwi
thasmi
l
eonherf
ace.
*
**

Khumolookedatt hepi
ctureChesshadpost
edon
hi
sfacebook.ItwasLeleinafl
aredGermanpri
nt
dr
ess.Hesi ghedgoingtothecomments.
Comment
:Congr
atsCuzy
!
Comment
:Fi
nal
l
y,Tomor
rowi
sgoi
ngt
obel
i
t..
Comment
:Thi
swomani
sbeaut
if
ul
Comment
:Mr
sMor
emi
.
Comment
:Jackpot
!!
!

Hecontinuedreadi
ngthecomment swi
thasmile.
Hecaughthi msel
ftypi
ngacommentbutthen
stoppedanderasedrecal
l
inghewasusingafake
accountsincehehadbeenblockedonhi
sori
ginal
account.
Hesi
ghedwonder
ingjusthowhewasf
eeli
ng.He
waspr
obabl
yexci
ted.Khumosmil
edrecal
li
ngthe
fi
rstt
imehehadheardaboutLele.Atsomepoi
nthe
hadthoughthewasjustusi
nghertogetri
dofthe
painLef
ahadcausedhim butnowhecouldseeit
hadbeenloveri
ghtf
rom thest
art.
Hewenttohi
scont
actl
istthi
nki
ngofcalli
nghi
m but
t
henshookhi
shead.Hedidn’
twanttoapplyhi
mself
wher
ehewasnotneeded.Hisphonerang.
“
Babe…”
“
Cany
ougetust
hel
i
stIj
ustsenty
ou?
”
“
Yousental
i
st?
”
“Yes.Ony
ourwhat
sapp.Pl
easebr
ingi
tnowi
fyou
can.”
“
Ok.
”
Thebabyst
art
edcr
yingf
rom t
hebackgr
ound.
“
Whyi
shecr
ying?
”
“
Hei
sbat
hing.
”
“
Ok.Iam comi
ng.
”
Hedr
oppedthecal
landopenedt
hemessagewi
th
t
heli
stget
ti
ngup.
*
**

Lefafi
nishedhermeeti
ngthenwalkedoutgoi
ngt
o
heroff
iceinherheel
s.Shesatdownandopenedher
l
aptop.Herphonestart
edri
nging.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,ther
eissomeoneher
efory
ou.Br
ight
.”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Lethi
m up.
”
“
Ok.
”
Sheputt hephonedownt hengotupandf ixedher
bondagedr essbeforesit
ting.Shetookouther
mirrorandlookedherflawlessface.Sheappl i
edher
gl
osst oherlipsthenputev ery
thingbackleaning
backonherseat .Bri
ghtwal kedinami nut
el ater
holdingabouqetofr edrosesandagi ftbagi nthe
otherhand.Shehadl astseenhi m aweekago
beforehewentt oSouthAf ri
caonawor kproject.
Hewassofineshef
oundhersel
fwomnderi
ngi
fshe
r
eal
lyl
ookedok.Hewalkedr
oundhert
ableand
ki
ssedhersof
tl
y.
“
Hey
…”
Lef
abl
ushed.“
Hi…”
“IknowIshoul
dhav
ear
ri
vedy
est
erdaybutwor
k
happened.
”
“
It
’sok.Iunder
stand.
”
“Thanks.
”Heputev er
ythi
ngont hetabl
e.Lef
a
smiledasthescentoftherosesfi
ll
edheroff
ice.
“Ihav
eameeti
ngIhavetoatt
end.Iwi
l
lseey
oul
ater
onorwecangooutfordi
nner.
”
“
No.Iwi
l
lcook.Justcomehome.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Sweet
.”
Hehadt hatcharmingsmi l
et hathadherwonder ing
i
fithadt hesameaf fectonotherwomen.Pr obably
.
Hepulledherf rom herchairandkissedheragai n
squeezingherbut t.Hepulledherdr essupand
pl
acedheronherdesk.Lef a’
shear tskippedashe
unzi
ppedhi spant s.
“
Bri
ght
….”
“
Shhh…”
Hekissedherneckpull
ingherpanti
estothesi
de
andpushedinthatt
ipinsi
de.Lefabitherl
owerl
ipas
hepushedinthatweaponinsi
deher.
“
God….
”
“
Youwi
l
lgetusedt
oit
….”
Hepul
l
edhercl
oserand….
.
Lef
athr
ewherheadbackspasmi
ngashef
il
ledher
up.
“
Shi
t!
”
Lefa’
slegsvi
bratedasshelayonherdesk.Bri
ght
l
ookedatherandki ssedhersof
tl
y.Hesli
dooutand
fi
xedherpantythenpull
edherdownthetable.He
hel
pedherseat.
“
Seey
oul
ater
…Il
ovey
ou.
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”
Hefixedhispantsthenwalkedoutl
i
kenothi
ng
happened.Lefaputherhandsonherfacesmil
i
ng.
Shehadalmostfor
got
tenwhathappi
nessf
eltl
i
ke.
Sheshookherheadbr
eathl
ess.

*
**

Laterthatni
ghti
nGaborone,Bamepar kedhi
scar
acrossthehouseandwaitedpat
ient
ly.Minut
eslat
er
Lelegotinthecarandl
ookedathim.Hesmi l
ed
stari
ngather.
“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”
“Iwantt
otakey
ousomewher
e.Iwi
l
lret
urny
ou
befor
e4.”
“
BameIcan’
t-
“
“
Please…That
’sal
lIam aski
ng.Youar
egoi
ngf
or
y
ourhoneymoontomorrowright
?”
Shenodded.“
Yes.
”
“
Iam onl
yaski
ngf
orl
esst
han4hour
sofy
ourt
ime.
”
Lelesighedandnodded.Hest ar
tedthecarand
droveoff.Awhil
elaterhedrovethr
oughKenny’s
Gardens.Heparkedthecarthensteppedoutwith
her.Theywalkedacrossthegreenlawntowhere
therewasabeautifulpi
cnicsetupwithl
ight
s
surroundi
ngthesetup.
“
Wow…”
“
Come…”
Het
ookhert
othef
leece.“
Sit
…”
Lel
esl
owlysatdowninhernight
dressandgown.
Bamesatdowntooandlookedinhereyes.
“Il
ov eyou.IknowIcan’ thavey oubutIl ov eyou.
May beit’sbecausey ouareinmysy stem or
somet hingbutIlov eyou.Iam actuall
yr eali
zingthat
youar etheonlyt hi
nginmyheadl ately.Iwantt oget
yououtofmysy stem.May beifIdot hat,itwillbe
easyf ormet ogetov eryouandact uallylov ethe
many ouarechoosi ngtomar r
y.”
Lel
est
aredathi
m qui
etl
yashespokesi
ncer
ely
.
“
Iam sor
ryt
hat
-“
“
Don’
tapol
ogi
ze.I
t’
snoty
ourf
aul
t.
”
Hecar essedhercheekl ooki
ngather,t
herewasal ot
goingthroughhi sheadandhewasbegi nningt
o
wonderi fsomet hingwaswr ongwithhim.He
couldn'tunderstandwhyorhowhehadf al
l
enso
hardforher .I
tbr okehisheartt
hathelovedherthat
much.Hi shear tjusthadtofall
fortheonehe
couldn'thave.
Heleanedoverandkissedhercaressinghersmooth
ski
n.HekissedherevenharderthatLelepressedher
l
egstogether
.Herheartpounding,shewasget ti
ng
marri
edtomorrow,ofcausetheywer ealr
eady
marri
edbut..
.
Bamepaused."
Don'
tthinkabouti
t.Iknowwhaty
ou
ar
ethi
nki
ng.Justf
orgetaboutitf
ornow."
"
Iam scared.Il
ovemyhusband.I
fChessf
indsout
,
mymar r
iagewill
beover
."
"
Don'
tthi
nkabouthi
m.Atl
eastnotf
ornow.
"
Hekissedheragai
n,hi
sdickgetti
ngevenhar
der.He
sl
idhishandbetweenherthi
ckthi
ghsandtouched
herwetness.Hefl
i
ckedherkissi
ng,Lel
emoaned
sof
tl
yashepushedafi
ngeri
nsi
deandgentletapped
her
.Lel
emovedherheadandastappedhergspot.
"
Bame.
..
"
Hewentev
enf
ast
erasshemoanedcur
li
nghert
oes.
"
Ahhh.
..
.Bame.
..
"
Sheclosedherey esspasmi ng,hi
snameonherl i
ps.
Heslowlytookof fhergownandt ouchedherthi
ck
thi
ghs.Gentl
y ,
hel ai
dherdownget ti
ngont opofher
openi
ngherl egs.Leleclosedherey esashekissed
herneckasherni ghtdressrodeupexposingher
pussy.Bamet ookof fhist-
shir
tthenhisdickandran
i
tonherwetpussy .
Lel
elookedathi
m asherpussyt
hrobbed."
Condom.
"
"
Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
."
"
Bame-
"
Bameki
ssedherand#r
emov
ed.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
,Goodmor
ning
Roar
ingFl
ames
#77
#r
emov
ed

Heki ssedheragain,hi
sdickgettingevenharder
.He
sl
idhi shandbetweenhert hi
ckthighsandtouched
herwet ness.Hefl
ickedherkissi
ng, Lel
emoaned
softl
yashepushedaf ingeri
nsideandgentlytapped
her.Lelemov edherheadashet appedhergspot.
"
Bame.
..
"
Hewentev
enf
ast
erasshemoanedcur
li
nghert
oes.
"
Ahhh.
..
.Bame.
..
"
Sheclosedherey esspasmi ng,hi
snameonherl i
ps.
Heslowlytookof fhergownandt ouchedherthi
ck
thi
ghs.Gentl
y ,
hel ai
dherdownget ti
ngont opofher
openi
ngherl egs.Lelecl
osedherey esashekissed
herneck,hernightdr
essridingupexposingher
pussy.Bamet ookof fhi
st-shir
tthenhisdickandran
i
tonherwetpussy .
Lel
elookedathi
m,herpussyt
hrobbed."
Condom.
"
"
Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
."
"
Bame-
"
Bamekissedherandpausedpushinghert
hick
thi
ghsapart
.Helookedatherpussythenl
eaned
overandki
ssedherjui
cypussy.
Lel
emoanedl i
ft
ingherhead.Shel ookedathi
m as
suckedher.Sheputherhandonhi sheadandlooked
atherri
ngasi tgli
tt
ered.Tear
sfil
ledhereyesthe
sheslowlylai
dbackdownandl ookedatthesky.
Wast hi
swhatshehadt urnedi nt
o?Shehadt urned
i
ntohisworstfear.Atearf ell
from t
hecornerofher
eyes.Chessdon'tdeser
v et hi
s.Sheknewhedi dn't
,
notwhenhehaddonenot hingbutloveher.
Bamer
aisedhi
sheadandki
ssedher
.
"
Bamest
op.
..
"
Her
ubbedhi
sdi
ckonherbr
eat
hingonher
.
"
Bame.
..
"
"
Don'
tov
ert
hinkbabe.
"
"
No.Ican'
tdot
his.I
-"
Hekissedhercutti
nghershortthenpr
essedhisdick
atherent
rance.Lelepushedhim of
fandgotup
putt
ingonherclothes.Sheti
edthestr
ingsofher
gown.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#78

Lel
epushedhim offandgotupputti
ngonher
cl
othes.Shet
iedthestr
ingsofhergown.
“Iam sor
ry.Ican’
tdot
his.Pl
easet
akemeback
home.”
“
Babe-
“
“Whateveriti
s,l
etitend.Iam notdoi ngitany more.I
don’tl
ovey ouBame.Iam sor ryformaki ngy ou
bel
ieveIdobutIdon’ t.Idon’
tlov
ey ou, Ineverdid.
Youwer ejustt
herewhenIneededsomeone.Iwas
goingthroughsomet hingandnowIam f ine.Iam
choosingmyhusband.Ican’ thandley out wo
becauseIloverragweAt ti
e.Pl
easet akemebackt o
myhouse. ”
Bamel ookedatherandswallowed.Eachwordshe
utt
eredbrokehisheartbuthewasn’tgoi
ngtolether
seehowweakshemadehi m.Henodded.
“
Ok.
”
Theywal
kedbackt
othecar
.
“
Ist
hiswhaty
our
eal
l
ywant
?”
“
Iwantmyf
ami
l
y.That
’swhatIwant
.”
“
Youwantamanwho-
“
“Idon’
twantt
otal
kabouti
t.Justt
akemeback
home.”
Theygoti
nthecar
.Bamest
art
edt
heengi
neand
drov
eoff.
“
Youdeser
vebet
tert
hant
his.
”
Lel
ekeptqui
et.Hedr
ovef
orawhi
l
e.
“
Stopt
hecar
.”
“
You-
“
“
Stopt
hecarBame.
”
Hestoppedt
hecar.Lel
esteppedoutandr
ushedt
o
acabwhichwasatthebusstop.
“
Mal
ome,
(Uncl
e,
)speci
al!
”
“
Tsena.(
Geti
n.)
”
Bameputhi
shandsov
erhi
sfaceast
ear
sfi
l
ledhi
s
ey
es.

*
**

Atalodge,
Lel
ecal
l
edChesswi
tht
hecabdr
iver
’s
phone.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Babe…Iam att
hegat
e.Comeandpayt
hecab.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shehungupandgavethecabdriv
erthephoneback.
Aminutel
ater,
Chesswalkedoutj
ustasLel
e
st
eppedout.Heappr
oachedwithasmilet
hen
ki
ssedher
.
“
Hey
….”
“
Hi.
”
Hepai
dthecabdr
iverandsmi
l
edst
ari
ngather
.
“
Whatapl
easantsur
pri
se.
”
Lel
ehuggedhi
mti
ght
ly.“
Imi
ssedy
ousomuch.
”
Chesssmiledthenpickedherupandwal
kedtohi
s
room wi
thher.Heplacedheronthebedandsmil
ed
star
ingathernicehair
do.
“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmmagweAt
ang.
”
Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Ilov
eyou.
”
Hel
aiddownbesi
deher
.“Il
ovey
out
oobabe.
”
Shemov
edcl
osert
ohi
m put
ti
ngherar
m ar
oundhi
m.

*
**

Thef ol
l
owingmor ni
ng,
Lel
esmi
ledashermother
walkedinherroom.MmagweLelesmi
ledback
st
aringather.
“
Wow!
”
Lel
egi
ggl
edashermot
herf
ixedherneckl
ace.
“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Wheny
ousai
ditwoul
dbeabi
gweddi
ng,
Idi
dn’
t
t
hinki
twoul
dbet
hisbi
g.”
“
Chesswant
edsomet
hingbi
g.”
“
Idon’
tbl
amehi
m.Ar
eyour
eady
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Wher
ewer
eyoul
astni
ght
?”
“
Her
e.”
“Icametotalkt
oyouaboutsomet
hingbutt
hedoor
waslocked.AndIt
ri
edcall
i
ngyoubutyouwerenot
picki
ng.
”
“
Itwasonsi
l
ent
.”
“
Itwas…?
”
“Yes.WasChessher
eLel
e?Iwasknocki
ngloud
enoughfory
outoheari
teveni
fyouweresl
eepi
ng.
”
“
Mama-
“
MmagweLelesmil
ed.“
Hewasher
ewasn’
the?I
knockedf
orawhi
l
eLele.”
Lel
elookedathermot
her
.Shesmi
l
ed.
“
Hewas.
”
MmagweLel
esmi
l
ednoddi
ng.“
Ifi
gur
ed.Whatt
ime
di
dhel
eave?
”
“
Mama…”
“
What
?Whatt
imedi
dhel
eav
e?”
“
Int
hemor
ning.
”
“
Youknowy
ouar
egoi
ngt
ohi
m af
tert
hisr
ight
?”
“
Iknow.
”
“
Ist
hiswhaty
ouwantLel
ent
le?
”
“
Ma?
”
“
Doy
ouwantt
ost
aymar
ri
edt
othi
sman?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Idon’
tthi
nkso.Idon’
tthi
nky
oul
ovehi
m.”
“
What
?”
“
Youhear
dme.
”
“
Ilov
eChessmor
ethan-
”
“
That
’sal
i
e!St
opl
yi
ngt
ome.
”
“
Isawy
ou.Isawy
ouLel
ent
leget
ti
ngoutofacar
ear
lymorning.Youdi
dn’
tsl
eepher
eandChess
wasn’
there.”
“
Mama,
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
-“
MmagweLel
esl
appedheracr
ossherf
ace.
“
Iwi
l
lbeaty
oui
fyout
ryt
omakemeaf
ool
!”
Lel
elookedather
,herhear
tpoundi
ng.
“Letmet ell
yousomet hi
ngLelentl
e,youthi
nk
becausey ouhavethem both,
y ouareall
that
?You
arenot.Youar egoi
ngt ol
oseitallandtr
ustme,y
ou
wouldhav elostbi
gtime.”
“Iwentout
.Ididn’
tsleephere.IwaswithChess.I
l
eftonmyownandhedr oppedmeof f.Callhi
mif
youwish,t
hecary ousawwashi scousin’s.Matt
er
offact
,Iwil
lcall
himf oryoumama. ”
Lel
etookoutherphoneandcal
l
edChess,
thephone
onloudspeaker
.
“
Heybabe…”
“Mamaj ustsl
appedmebecauseIam apparent
ly
cheat
ingony ou.Canyoupl
easetell
herwhoIwas
wit
handwhodr oppedmeofftodaymorni
ng.You
ar
eonl
oudspeaker
.”
“
Goodmor
ningMa…”
MmagweLel
ecl
ear
edhert
hroat
.“Son…”
“Iam sorryLel
eleftwi
thoutal
ert
ingyoubutAtang
wasgi vi
ngmet roubl
e.Beingsur
roundedby
strangerswastoomuchf orhim,hewascryi
ngf or
hismot her.
”
MmagweLelelookedatLel
ethensmi
l
ed.“It
’sok.
Shei
syourwif
ealready
.Iwasjust
…worr
ied.
”
“
Iunder
stand.
”
“
Ok,
seey
oul
ater
.”
“
Eemma.
”
Lel
ehungupandl
ookedathermot
her
.
“Iam notcheatingonChess.EvenifIhadthe
oppor t
unit
yto,Iwouldn’
tgothroughitbecauseI
l
ov ehim.Hei stheonlymaninmyhear t.Iam not
perfectbutIwouldnevercheatonhim.Idon’thaveit
i
nmemama.Il ovethatman,mor ethanIthoughtI
did.
”
MmagweLel
eswal
l
owed.“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
It
’sok.
”
“Iwasjustl
ookingoutforyou.Youhavefoughtso
hardforthi
s,Iwoul
dn’twantitj
ust…gett
inglostal
l
for….
”Shetookadeepbr eath.“
Iam sor
ry.Youlook
beauti
ful
.”
Lel
etur
nedt
othemi
rr
orandl
ookedathercheek.
“
Shoul
dIcal
lthemake-
upar
ti
stt
ofi
xyourf
ace.
,
”
“
No.I
t’
sok.Iam f
ine.
”
“
Arey
ousur
emybaby
?”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iam sur
emama.
”
“
Ok.
”
MmagweLelekissedhercheek.“
Weshoul
dget
goi
ng.Letmeseeifthecari
shere.”
Shewal
kedoutj
ustLel
e’
sphoner
ang.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Soy
oubl
ockedme?
”
“
Iam sor
ry.Ican’
tdot
his.Ican’
tcheatonmy
husband.Iam sorr
yf orleadi
ngy ouonbutIcan’ tdo
thi
s.Iam notgoingtohur thiml i
kethis.It
’snot
worthit
.Iam notgoingt olosemyf amilyforthis
Bame.Mychi lddeservest ogrowupi napr oper
homewi thbothparents.Iam notgoi ngt oputhim
thr
ought hetr
aumaofgr owingupwi t
honepar ent.
Chesswoul dneverforgi
v eme, Iknowhewi llnever
for
giveme.Istandtol oseal ot.Iam sorry.What ev
er
i
tis,weshouldjustendi t.
”
“
Babewai
t-
“
“Stopcal
l
ingmet
hat
.Pl
ease…Bame,
pleasel
et’
s
stop.
”
“
Youhav enotevengi
venmeachancetoprove
mysel
f.Howwi l
lyouknowy
oudon’tf
eelanyt
hing
f
orme? ”
“Idon’t
!Ij
ustdon’
t .Youwerether
ewhenIwasgoing
throughalotbutthat’si
t.Imayhaveconf
usedi
tfor
somet hi
ngelsebut -
“
“
Arey
ouscar
edhemi
ghtki
l
lyou?
”
“
Bame-
“
“Youshoul dn’
tliveinf ear.Itshouldn’tbel iket hat .I
t
shouldnev erbel i
ket hatbabe.Iknowy ouar escar ed,
youar escaredofwhatpeopl ewil
l say.Igett hat .I
knowy ouar escar edwhathewi lldoifhef indsout .I
knowy oudon’ twanty ourchi l
dtogr owupwi thouta
mother ,
Iknowy ouwanty ourchil
dt ogr owupi na
l
ov i
nghomewi thmom anddadbuti syour
happinesswor thbeingsacr ifi
ced?Iknowy ouar e
notcompl etel
yhappywi thhi m.Iknowt hingshav e
notbeent hesameev ersincet her apehappened.I
knowbabe…y oudon’ thav et osettl
ef orless, y ou
deservethebesty oucanev erget,Iwillgivey out hat
becauseIl ovey ou.Ilovey ousomuchand…f uck!I
don’tknowwhatt ot ellyoubutIl ov eyou.Gi vemea
chance.Youar ejustconf usedr i
ghtnow. ”
“
Iam sor
ry.By
e.”
Shequickl
yhungupandblockedthenumber.She
l
ookedupbl i
nki
ngawayhertear
swhilet
akingdeep
breat
hs.

*
**
Bamet riedcalli
ngheragai
nbutshewasn’tpicki
ng
any more.Til
lthenheneverknewtheamountofpain
broughtbyl ovi
ngsomeone, hef
eltsoweakashis
heartcrushed.Heswal l
owedapainful
blockonhis
throat
.Hi sbrotherwal
kedinwit
hhisfri
end.They
bothlookedathi m.
“
Hey
…”
Bamet
ookadeepbr
eat
handsi
ghed.“
Sur
e….
”
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“
Lel
eisget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
”
“
Youknewt
hatdi
dn’
tyou?
”
“
Ilov
eher
.”
“
Shei
smar
ri
ed.Bamewhatdi
dyouexpect
?”
Thefri
endsmi l
ed.“Exactly
.Thepr oblem i
slewena
youareweak.Youdon’ thav efi
rmnesst hather
husbandprobablyhast hat’
swhyshef ear
shim.You
havetohaveabackbone.Bei ngagoodguyi snot
worthit
.Inthi
scaseit’snot.Fightforherifyouar
e
seri
ous.”
“Orhecanj ustleaveheral one.Gapet hatgirlisnot
themostbeaut ifulgi
rlinthewor ld.What ’sso
special
abouther ,
herfatness?Ther earebet ter
l
ookingwomant hanLelentle.Shei sjustanav er
age
gir
l.Nothi
ngspeci altowr i
tebackhomeabout
expectthefactthatshei sf at
.Shei snott heki ndof
womany outhinky oucanset tl
ewi thbecauseshei s
acheater.Shedoesn’ trespecther selfnorherf amil
y.
Whatkindofamar ri
edwomangoesonst arting
aff
airswitharingonherf i
nger ?Ifeel sorr
yf orher
husbandbecauset hatwomani snott hekindof
womany ouwifeandshei snotwor thy ourtears
Bame.Tr ustme.Shei snotwor thit..Suchwomen
areneverwor t
hi t.
”
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#79

Bamel
ookedathi
sbr
otherandsi
ghed.
“Ihearyou.Ineedsomef
reshai
r.Iam goi
ngf
ora
dri
ve.”
Thebrot
hersighed.“Don’
tdoany
thi
ngst
upi
d.You
haveki
ds.Theystil
lneedyou.
”
“
Yah.
”
Hepickedhi
scarkeysandwalkedout.Hejumpedi
n
hi
scaranddroveoff
,alotoft
houghtsfi
ll
i
nghis
head.

*
**

Thatsamemor ning, Lefafi

nishedprepari
ng
breakfastthensmi ledimpressedwithherwor k.
Brightwalkedinfrom t hebedroom t
alkingont he
phonewi thadiff
er entlanguagethatwasn’tShona.
Shecouldn’
tbesurei
fitwasNdebeleorZul
u.He
spokeforawhil
ethenlaughedbef
orehangi
ngup.
“
Babe,
howmanyl
anguagesdoy
ouspeak?
”
Hesmiledki
ssi
ngher
.“Forbusi
ness,
Ihadt
olear
na
coupl
e.”
“
Imadebr
eakf
ast
.”
“
Wow!Al
loft
his?
”
Shegi
ggl
ed.“
Yes,
sit
.”
Shewentt otheki
tchenandbroughthi
m adishthen
washedhishands.Hercoll
eaguehadt ol
dherall
aboutZim menandhowt heyappreci
atedsuch.She
wasn'tabouttomessthi
srelat
ionshi
p.
Shesatdownbesi
dehi
m ashest
art
edeat
ing.He
l
ookedatherwi
thasmil
e.
“Thi
sisgood.Thanky
ou.Iwantust
ogoandpi
ck
somethi
ngup.”
Lef
anodded.“
Ok.
”
“
Wher
eisy
ourcar
?”
“
Themechani
c.I
t’
sbeenmaki
ngsomewer
id
sounds.
”
“
Whendi
dyoubuyi
t?”
“I
t’
sa2008model .Iboughti
tasasecondhand.I
couldn’
taff
ordabrandnewcarbecauseIwassti
l
l
buil
dingatmyplot
.”
“
Iunder
stand.
”
Herphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.Lef
awentt
otheki
tchen
andgotit
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Gir
l,di
dyouknowChessi
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edagai
n?”
Lef
afr
ownedthenl
ookedatt
hecal
l
erI
D.I
twasa
j
ustanumber
.
“
Huh?
”
“
Chessi
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edagai
n.I
t’
sFai
th.
”
Lefasi
ghed,
ift
hiscousi
nknewhowmuchshehat
ed
hershewoul
dn’
tcall
.Shehadev
endel
etedher
number.
“
Ishe?
”
“
Yes!Ebi
l
etheyar
ehav
ingahugeweddi
ng.
”
“
Goodf
orhi
m.”
“
Ithi
nkweshoul
dgo.
”
“
Ithi
nknot
.Iam busyatt
hemoment
.By
e.”
Shehungupandbl ockedher ,
curi
ouslyshewenton
Lele’sfacebookbutt herewasnothingy et.She
hadn’tpost edanything.Shewentt oChess’ sprofil
e
andt herewasapi ctureofhim andhissoni n
mat chingsuits.Shesmi l
ed.Theboyl ookedsomuch
l
ikehi sfather.Shev i
ewedhi sprofi
lepictreand
l
ookedatLel e.Heaway spostedherbuthenev er
didthatf orherwhent heyweresti
lltogether.Even
whent hi
ngswer est i
llgood.Hescr ol
leddownhi s
profil
eseei ngmor epi ct
uresofLele.
Lef
asighed,shecoul
dn’
tunderst
andjustwhyLele
wasfi
newi t
hherweight
.Itwasasifshedidn’
tknow
ofsomethi
ngcall
edthegym.
“
Babear
en’
tyoueat
ing?
”
Lef
alef
thi
spr
ofi
l
ethenj
oinedherman.
*
**

Att
hecardealer
shi
p,Br
ighthel
dLef
a’shandast
hey
wal
kdtowardsaman.
“
Rast
a!”
“
Bee,
goodseei
ngy
ouar
ound.
”
“
Wher
eist
hecar
?”
“
Thi
ssi
de.Come.
”
Theyallf
oll
owedRastat
il
lhest
oppedi
nfr
ontoft
he
redRangeRoverSpor
t.
“
Ther
e…”
“
Canwet
akei
t?”
“
Yeah.
”
Br
ightt
urnedt
oLef
a.“
Doy
oul
i
kei
t?”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Yes.
”
“
Real
l
y?”
Shechuckl
ed.“
Ilov
eit
.”
“Becausei
t’
syour
s.Youar
etheonewhoi
sgoi
ngt
o
bedrivi
ngi
t.
”
Lef
ast
oppedsmi
l
ing.“
What
?”
“Iam buyi
ngitforyou.Youcan’
tbemywomanand
beusingthatthi
ngy oudri
ve.I
tdoesn’
tmakesense.
Youmi ghtaswellbesingl
e.”
“
Babe….
”
“
Youl
i
kei
t?”
“
Ilov
eit
!OhMyGod!
”Shej
umpedscr
eami
ng.
Rastasmi
l
edhandi
nghert
hecarkey
s.“
Geti
nand
feel
it.
”
Shej
umpedi
nBr
ight
’sar
ms.“
Babe!
”
“
Testi
t.May
bey
ouwon’
tli
kei
t.
”
“
OhhIl
ovei
t!Il
ovel
ovei
t!
”
Shegotinthecarandst
artedt
heengine.Tear
sf i
l
ld
hereyesasshegotover
whelmedwithhappiness.
Sheputherhandsonherfaceandst
ar t
edcryi
ng.
Bri
ghthuggedher.
“
Youdeser
veal
ltheni
cet
hings.Nowt
haty
ouar
e
car
ryi
ngourchi
l
d,y
oudeser
vei
tal
l
.”
Shel
ookedathi
m.“
Huh?
”
“Iknowyoudidn’
tdri
nkthepill
sweboughtthelast
ti
me.Isawyout hr
owt hem away.Ify
ouwanteda
babyyoushouldhavetoldme.Ialsowantki
ds.
”
Tear
srol
l
eddownhercheeks.“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“Don’tbe,Iam gl
adyoudeci
dedtokeephi
m orher
.
ButIdon’twanttohaveki
dswithyouwhenyouare
notmywi fe.Mychil
disnotgoi
ngtouseyour
surname.”
“
Shecanusey
our
s.Idon’
tmi
nd.
”
“Iam goi
ngtomar r
yyou.Iam goi
ngt
opaybri
de
pricef
oryou.Ihav
ealreadyt
oldmyunc;
l
es.
”
“
Butwehav
en’
tbeen-
“
“Wehaven’
tbeendatingf
orl
ongyetyouarecar
ryi
ng
myseed.IknowwhatIwant.
”Hesmiled.“
Iam not
goi
gtowastetime.Iam t
oooldf
orgames.”
Lef
asmi
l
edt
henki
ssedhi
m.“
Ilov
eyou…”
“
Ilov
eyoumor
e.”
Hisphonest
artedr
ingi
ng.Het
ooki
tout
,Lef
alooked
asAmahlecall
ed.
“
Who’
sthat
?”
Hesighed.“
MyPAi
nSA,
can’
tseem t
ocat
cha
br
eak.”
“
May
bei
t’
simpor
tant
.Takei
t.
”
“
Ok,
lookar
oundt
hecar
.”
Hekissedherthensteppedbackpickingthecal
l
swi
tchinglanguage.Lef
aadmiredhimf rom a
di
stance.Sheblushedthenl
ookedar oundherbr
and
newcarwhi chhadhernamebr andedoneachseat.
Sheputherhandsonherf
acegi
ggl
i
ng.

*
**

Atthewedding,Lelesl
owlywalkeddowntheaisl
e.
Heryoungerbrotherhol
dingherhandinpl
aceofher
fat
her.Theyapproachedthefr
ontthenhelookedat
Chess.
“Imaybey oungbutabusemysi st
erandIwi ll
make
sureIwakemyf at
her’sspi
ri
tandlethim haunty ou
forther
estofyourli
fe,wepract
icewit
chcraftback
atthevi
ll
age.Ihavethegif
t,mnygrandmot herlefti
t
forme.”
Hesmil
edthenwal
kedaway.Chessl
aughedshaki
ng
hi
sheadwhil
eLel
esmil
ed.Sheheldhi
shands.
“
Hei
sser
ious.
”
“
Fir
eint
henameofJesus.
”
Lel
elaughedt
hent
hepast
orchuckl
ed.
“
Kegonehel
agor
eor
efi
re.Bat
lagol
owa.
”
Theyall
laughedastheguestsmil
edcur
iousl
y
st
ari
ngatt hem.Thepast
orclear
edhi
sthroatand
st
artedhisspeech.
“
Let
’sal
lcl
oseourey
esandpr
ay….
”
Ev
ery
onecl
osedt
hei
rey
esast
hepast
orpr
ayed.
“
Amen!Thi
sissuchabeaut
if
ulandwonder
ful
day
.
Wear
eallher
etowit
nessLel
entl
e-“
“
Wai
t!Ihav
esomet
hingt
osay
….”
Theyall
turned.Lel
e’shear
tski
ppedasBamewal
ked
overhol
dingabot t
leofbeer
.
"Bef
orey
our
euni
tet
hem agai
n.Ihav
esomet
hingt
o
say.
"
Lele'sheartpoundedsomuchasal lt
heblood
drainedfrom herface.Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
esand
rol
leddownhercheeks.
Bamef
rownedwat
chi
nghercr
y.Ev
ery
onel
ookedat
hi
m.
"Don'tcr
ybabe.Iam sav
ingyouf
rom maki
ngt
he
biggestbl
underofyourl
if
e."
Chessl
ookedatLel
e,t
hef
eari
nherey
essov
isi
ble.
"
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Lel
eshookherhead,
herl
i
pst
rembl
i
ng.
"
Shedoesn'
tl
ovey
ou.
"
Chess'
scousi
nswal
kedov
ert
ohi
m.
"Youmaythr
owmeoutbutLeledoesn'
tloveyou.
Sheisonl
ymarry
ingy
oubecauseshefearsyou
mightki
ll
her
.Sheisj
ustscar
ed.Babeyoudon't
hav
et odothi
s.Il
oveyouandIswear..
.Iswearwith
mylif
eIwil
lgi
veyoumyal l
.Youdeservethatand
more.Whatwehaveisspeci
al.Youknowittoo."
Lel
est
art
edcr
yingasChessst
aredather
.
"
Heisl
yi
ng.Hei
sobessedandwon'
tst
ophar
assi
ng
me.
"
Bamelaughed."Don'
tdothat
.Iwaswi thyoulast
ni
ghtbefor
ey ouwenttohim.Thi
sisy ourchance.
Walkawayfrom thi
scageofamar r
iage."
ChesslookedatLel
eashi
skneesgotsoweakashe
putthepiecest
oget
her
.
"Hei
sly
ing.Ihav
enev
ersl
eptwi
thhi
m.Babey
ou'
ve
gott
obeli
eveme."
"
Rememberthedaybef or
eyoutookhert
oGr
eece?I
waswi
thher
.Opelo.
..Tell
him.
"
Opel
olookedathi
m."HeywenaSatan!Leav
eme
al
one.Idon'
tknowhimthi
smanij
a!Hemustbe
cr
azy.Whyishesti
l
lher
e?Kickhi
m out!"
.
.
I
t'
sshort
,Iknow.Iapol
ogi
ze.Iam nofeel
i
ngwell
,I
don'
tev
ensleep.Halfal
oafi
sbettert
hannot
hing
ri
ght
?
Fami ly,Iwoul dal soliket otellyout hatifatanycost
youf eel thest oryisnotupt oyourst andar dsor
any t
hi ngoft hatsor t,kindlyleave.Ther eisnoneed
tobr ingy ournegat i
vit
yher eori nmyi nboxt otopul l
medown.Iam humant ooandIhav ef eeli
ngs.You
canev enunl iket hepage, it'
sok.Il ovewr iting,Ieven
doi tforf ree,stopmaki ngi tdif
ficultforme.Iwantt o
enjoyt his, pl
easedon' tturnitintosomet hingel se.I
am notev enaski ngany thingf r
om y ousoy ouar e
notl osingany thi
ngi fyouj ustleav eandgot owher e
youf indi tint
r i
guingandi nteresting.Idot his
becauseIl ovet odoi tnotbecauseIam obl igatedto.
Stopmaki ngt hisdiffi
cultforme.Iam beggi ngy ou.I
am t ypingt hi
swi thaheav yhear t,t
hishav enow
turnedi ntosomet hi
ngst ressfulandener gydr aining.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#80

Chess’
scousi
nspickedBameupandwalkedaway
wit
hhim.Lel
elookedatChesswhochuckl
ed.
“
Howl
onghav
ethatbeengoi
ngonLel
ent
le?
”
Lel
eshookherhead.“
Hei
sly
ing.
”
Henoddedthenfi
xedhissui
tandwal
kedaway
.Lel
e
r
anafterhi
m,herhear
tpounding.
“Babe,wai
t…Idi
dn’tsl
eepwithhi
m Iswear
.Idi
dn’
t
sleepwit
hhim.Ihaveneversl
eptwi
thhim.
”
Chesst
urnedandl
ookedather
.
“
Ipromi sedmy selfIwoul
dnev
erputmyhandson
youLelentl
e,don’tpushme.Obatagony
elaaker
e?
Ontir
asemat ahuh? ”
“
Hei
sobsessedwi
th-
“
“Ketagothubakakl
apaLelent
le.Osekago
tshamekelamogonnna.Ontwaet swakeng?I
fyou
don'twantthi
smarr
iage.
,wasittoohardtofi
l
efora
div
or ceandmoveon?Ibety
ouhaveal
way
sbeen
sl
eepi ngwi
thhi
mrightf
rom t
het
imeyadi
DNA
akere? ”
“
No.No…IswearI
-“
Agr
il
y,hesl
appedher
.“Ot
any
elaLel
ent
leaut
wa?
”
Lel
eheldhercheekcry
ing.“Idi
dn’
tsl
eepwi
thhi
m.
Heisobsessed.Il
oveyou.”
Chesslookedatherthenshookhi
sheadandwal
ked
away.Lelerushedaf
terhi
m.
“
Chess-
“
“Iam notgoingt
ojai
lfory
ou.Ihav
easonwho
needsme. ”
Hegoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
f.
“
Chess!
”
Lel
etur
nedjustashermotherwal
kedov
erhol
ding
Att
iewi
thLele’
scousinbesi
deher.
“
Mamahei
sgoi
ng…”
“
Youbroughti
tonyour
sel
f.Ther
eisnot
hingIcan
t
ell
you.Youhavel
ostagoodmanandallforwhat?
Koor
eyoucoul
dn’thandleagoodt
hing.Godhanded
i
ttoyouonasi
lverplat
ter.
”
“
It
’snotl
i
ket
hat
.I-
“
“
Ipi
tyy
ou.
”
Tear
srandownLele’
sceeks.“
Iam notcheat
ingon
hi
m.Ididn’
tsl
eepwit
hhim.Itol
dBamet hatIlov
e
myhusband.”
“
Idon’
tbel
i
evey
ou.Youhav
eemebr
assedt
he
f
amil
y.
”
“Iam notl
osi
ngChessbecauseIdi
dn’
tsl
eepwi
th
Bame. ”
“AndnowIam beginni
ngtowonderi freall
yyouwer
e
raped.
”Hermotherwalkedaway.Lele’sl
ips
trembl
edaspeoplewalkedoverholdingtheir
cameras.Hercousi
ntookherhandandl edherto
hercar.
Theyal
lgoti
nthent
hecousi
ndr
oveof
f.
“Youar
egoingt
obeall
ov erf
acebookandt
wit
ter
.I
hopeyouar
ereadyf
ori
t.”
“
Idi
dn’
tsl
eepwi
thBame.IswearIdi
dn'
t.
”
Thecousi
nlookedathersi
l
ent
lyt
hent
urnedbackt
o
ther
oaddri
ving.

*
**

Lefapar
kedherbrandnewcarthensteppedoutand
tookacoupleofpi
ctur
es.Shewalkedinsi
det
he
houseposti
ngthencal
ledBri
ght
.
"
Babe.
..
"
"Hey
,whatt
imewi
l
lyoubecomi
nghome?If
orgott
o
ask.
"
"I
ntwohoursorso.Ihav
etoat
tendt
hismeet
ing
befor
ethi
smangoesback."
"
Ok.Il
ovey
ou.
"
"
Ilov
eyout
oo.
"
Shehungupandcal
l
edhermot
her
.
"
Lef
atshe.
..
"
"
Mama,
howar
eyou?
"
"
Iam f
ine.
"
"
Howi
sPapa?
"
"
Hei
sfi
ne.
"
"
Iknowy ouarenottal
kingtome,Ij
ustwantedt
o
t
ell
yout hatImetsomeoneandwearegetti
ng
marri
ed.Heissendinghisuncl
est
here.
"
"
Youar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
"
"
Yes.
"
"
Whoi
she?Khumo?
"
"No.Hi
snameisBr i
ght.Pl
easet
ell
papaf
ormeso
hecanexpectv
isi
tors.
"
"Koor
eLefayougoonabouty
ourl
i
feasi
fyoudi
dn'
t
hurty
oursi
ster
?"
"
Ihaveapol
ogizedcount
lesst i
mesandshedoesn't
wantt
oforgi
veme.Ican'tforceyouoranyoneto
f
orgi
vemeandmyl i
fecan'tstopbecauseyouwon'
t
f
orgi
veme."
"
Iam st
il
ldi
sappoi
ntedwi
thwhaty
oudi
d."
Lef
atookadeepbr
eat
h."
Eemma.Pl
easepasson
mymessagetoPapasohecanexpectv
isi
tor
sfr
om
Zi
mbabwe.Goodbye.
"
Lef
ahungup.Shesmil
edopeningthecomment
s
whi
chhadstar
tedtopi
leonherpost.
Shereadthem andrepli
edtomostofthem t
hen
wenttohernoti
ficat
ionswhereshecl
i
ckedona
vi
deoshehadbeenment ionedon.
Sheplay
edt hevi
deoandpausedl i
steni
ng,
her
mouthdroppingopen.Thevideost
oppedplay
ingas
Lel
eranafterChessinhergown.
Lef
alaughed."
Wai
tsekar
ma!
"
Sherewatchedthevideoandlaughedmor ethan
sati
sfi
ed.Itwasaboutti
meshesuf feredforwhat
shedid.Sheevenwishedacer t
ainj
our nal
i
stwould
postheronhisti
meline.Makehertrendproperl
y.
Shedeserv
edtosuf
ferandhopef
ull
ythi
swasj
ust
thebegi
nni
ng.

*
**
Rr
agweChessshookhi
sheaddi
sappoi
ntedget
ti
ng
i
nthecarwi
thhi
swife.
"
Iwasn'
texpect
ingt
his.
"
MmagweChessl
ookedathi
m."
Idoubtshesl
ept
wi
thhi
m."
"Shedi
d.I
fnot
,thatmanwoul
dnothav
ecomet o
causehav
oc.Hetast
edwhat'
sbet
weenthoset
hick
thi
ghs.
"
MmagweChesssi
ghed.
"
Chesslovesher
.Theyhav
ewi
l
lwor
kitout
.It
hink
weshouldsi
tdownasa-"
"No.GiveChessspace.Heneedsit.Mysonmustbe
cursedtoalwaysmeetthi
skind.Thisgi
rlhas
embarrassedus!"
Hest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.

*
**

Sasar
epl
ayedt
hev
ideowi
thaf
rown.Af
ormer
col
l
eaguehadsenti
taski
ngi
fitwasLel
e.
Sasasl
owl
yshookherheadt
hecal
l
edLel
e.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Wer
eyouget
ti
ngr
emar
ri
edwi
thoutal
ert
ingme?
"
"
Ifor
gott
otel
lyou.
"
"
Youf or
gottotel
lme?Iam yourfr
iend!Ispoket
o
y
ouy est
erday.Am If
orci
ngmy sel
fony ou?Thi
s
f
ri
endshipfeel
sonesided.
"
"Becauseitis.Youar enotatruefri
endSasa
becausey ouonl yknowmewheny ouneedme.
WhenIneedy out hemosty ouwer enowheretobe
found.Youonl ycal ledmewheny ouwantedamaid
ofhonoraf t
err ealizingy oudon'
thavefri
ends.You
arejudgement altooi ncaseyoudon'treal
izei
t,
that'
swhynooner eallyhangsaroundyou.Noone
everjudgesy ouf oral lyoudobuty oubehaveas
God'srighthandwoman. "
"
Wow!
"
"Beof
fended.Iam goi
ngthr
oughal
otandIdon'
t
havet
imef ort
hisr
ightnow.
"
"Whydi dn'ty out ellmehowy our eallyfeelsot hat
l
ennaIcanwor konmy self?Lel entl
eIam y ourf r
iend
andi fIwasdoi ngsomet hingy oudi dn'tl
ike, you
coul dhav ej ustt oldme.Iam notj udgement al just
becauseIdon' tagr eewi thev ery t
hingy oudo.Ist and
bymyt ruthandIcanseey ouar est i
llhungont he
factt hatIdi dn' twantt osuppor tyourr el
ationshi p
hadChessbeeny ourbr other.Thet ruthist hatIf ind
ever ythi
ngwr ongwi t
hincestandnot hingwi llchange
that.Iam sor r yIr efusedt ot osuppor twhatI
consi derasnonsense.It houghtwehadwor ked
throught hatbutseemsnot .Youal way swantt o
remai nav ictim Lel entle.Goaheadandmake
your selfonei fitmakesy ouf eel better.Push
ever yoneawaybyy ouract i
ons, youhav ealready
donei twithChess.If eelsor r
yf ortheguybecause
hel ov edy ousosomuch.Iguessi t
'st r
uewhent hey
sayy ouwi llnev erappr eciatethedi amondwheni t'
s
i
ny ourhamd, y ouwi l
lonlyseei tsbeaut yoncewhen
i
t'ssomeone' shead.Ihopehemeet sabet ter
womanwhowi llvaluehi m."
"
Someonel
i
kewho?You?Youhav
eal
way
swant
ed
him haven'
tyou?Youhav eal
waysbeenjeal
ousof
me.Youar enevergoingtogetr
ragweAtang.You
thi
nkhewoul dbeinterest
edinaprost
it
utel
ikeyou?
Forgetgir
l.
"
Sasahungupandchuckl edatthewords.Shecoul
d
haveneverthoughtLel
ewouldevercallhera
prost
it
ute.Wondersneverended.

*
**

Latert
hateveni
ng,Lelepacedupanddownst ari
ng
atherphone.Shesatdownbi t
ingherlowerl
i
p.She
tr
iedhisnumberagain.Herheartski
ppedasitr
ang.
"MmagweAtang..
."Heanswer
edwi
thasl
urr
edv
oice.
Tear
sfi
ll
edLele'
seyes.
"Babe..
.Whereareyou?Pl easecomehomel et
'stal
k.
Iknowi tl
ooksbadbuti t
'snotli
kethat.I
t'
sreal
lyno
l
ikethat.Icanexpl
ain.Ihaveneversleptwit
hthat
manIswearonmyson' sli
fe.Iwoul
dnev erdothat.I
l
ov eyousomuchChess.Iwoul dneverjustthr
ow
awaywhatwewor
kedsohar
dfor
.Comehome
babe.
"
"Il
ovedyou.
..Igavey oumyal l
..
.Itwasnev
er
enough.
..I
twasj ustneverenoughf ory
ou.
..
."
"
Chess-
"
Hestart
edlaughi
ng."
Yousoldmedreams.Itr
ust
ed
you.It
houghtIwascrazy
..
.That
..
.ThatIwasunf
air
onyou..
.Yousaidi
t.
"
Tear
srol
leddownLele'
scheeks."
Ilov
eyou.You
needtot
rustme.Idi
dn'
tcheat.
"
"
Youar
ely
ing!Youar
eal
yi
ngf
atb*
tch!
"
"Chess,
don'
tsaythat
.Giv
emeachancetoexpl
ain.
BabeIcanexpl
ainIswear.Ihav
enev
ersl
eptwi
th
him.You'
vegott
ot r
ustme."
"
Youar
eal
i
ar!
"
"
Wher
ear
eyou?
"
"
Farf
rom y
ou.
"
Hest
art
edsi
ngi
ng.
"
Comehome.Comet
ome.Letmemaket
hisr
ight
.I
knowyouarehur
ti
ng.Iwil
lmakei tallr
ight
.Come
homebabe.Pl
ease.
..Ihav
enev ersleptwit
hthat
man.Wecangetalyingdetect
or.Iam notlyi
ng.
"
"
Liar
!"
"
Chess-
"
Hedr
oppedthecal
l.Lel
ecal
ledhi
m back
i
mmediat
elywebutthephonewasnowof f
.
Opel
owal
kedi
nhol
dingacupofcof
fee.
"
Imadey
oucof
fee.
"
Lel
elookedather
."Thanks.
"
"I
t'
sgoi
ngtobefi
ne.Iknowyouarescaredbutwhen
hecomestomorr
owy ouwil
lexpl
ain.Youdon'
thave
toadmi
ttoany
thi
ng.Noonehaspr oofofanyt
hing.
"
"
Irui
nedt
hings.
"
"
Youmadeami
stake.Youar
ehumant
oo.
"
Shehuggedher.Lel
ewrappedherar
msaroundher
.
Thei
rrel
ati
onshipwaswaypastherbei
ngt
heboss.
Theywerefri
endsnow.
"
Thanky
ou.
"
"
Igoty
ou.I
fneedmeasawi
tness.Iam t
her
e."
Lel
echuckledtear
ful
l
y."
Idon'
tknowwhatIwoul
ddo
wit
houtyou."
Opel
osmi
l
edandwal
kedout
.

*
**

Thefol
lowi
ngmorni
ng,Leleopenedt
hedooratthe
knockandfr
ownedst
aringatthepol
i
ceoff
icer
s.
"
Dumel
ang.
..
"
"
Dumel
ang,
doy
ouknowChessMor
emi
?"
Lel
e'shear
tski
pped."
Yes.Hei
smyhusband.What
's
wrong?"
Thetwopoli
ceof
fi
cer
slookedateachot
herand
backather
.
"Unf
ort
unat
ely
,somet
hingt
err
ibl
ehappened.Canwe
comeinandsit
?"
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Ifeel
bett
erfami
l
y.Thanky
outoall
thosewhohav
e
beenchecki
nguponme.Loveandli
ght
Roar
ingFl
ames
#81

Lel
eopenedt
hedoorandl
ett
hepol
i
cei
n.
“
Youcansi
tther
e.”
Shepoint
edathercouches.Theyal
lsatdown.She
l
ookedatthem.Shecouldsensesomethingwas
wrong.
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“Uhyourhusbandwasdrinki
nganddr
ivi
ngt
oday
earl
ymorning,j
ustaf
termidni
ght
.”
“
Ishei
njai
l
?Icanbai
lhi
m outr
ight
?”
Theotherpol i
ceofficerclear
edhisthroat.“I
tseems
hewasonhi swayher ewhenhel ostcontrolofthe
cargoingt otheotherlanewherehecr ushedi nt
oa
SouthAf r
icantrucktransport
ingcars.Anothercar
unfor
tunatelycrushedi nt
ohis,auhlorrycarryi
ng
cabbages.Hi scarwentr i
ghtofftheroadcr ushi
ng
i
ntoat ree.”
Lel
efr
ozesi
tt
ingt
her
e.
“Thelor
rydr
iverhasmi l
dinj
uri
es,shewill
bef i
ne.Uh
thetr
uckdri
verisok.Yourhusbandunfortunat
ely
hasbeenhospital
izedandheiscurrent
lyonlif
e
support
.”
Tearsr
oll
eddownLel
e’
scheeksasshej
ustst
aredat
them.
“Wearereal
l
ysorryt
hatwear
edel
iver
ingsuchbad
newssoearlyi
nthemorni
ng.
.Hei
satGPHatt he
moment.Thankyou.
”
Theystoodupandwalkedout
.Oneoft
hepol
i
ce
off
icer
sturnedandwal
kedbacki
n.
“Hi…mynameTumo.Iknowhowy ouar ef eel
ingbut
yourhusbandi saf i
ghter.Whenhi scarcr ushedi nto
thetree,hewasst il
lunconsci ousanduht hel ady
whowasdr i
vi
ngthelor r
ytalkedt ohim.Shei salso
atGHP, shehasamessagef oryou.Sheal sosay s
hewasconsci ousevenwhenhewasr escued.Hei s
afighter
, heisgoingtomakei t.Hedi dn’tbreakal eg
orahand.Idon’ tknowt heexactdet ail
sofhi s
conditi
onbuthav efaith,Idon’tthinkit’
sany t
hingli
fe
t
hreat
eni
ng.Iwasoncei
ny ourplacebefor
eandI
t
houghti
twasoverbuti
t’
snev erovert
il
lGodsay
s
i
t’
sover.
”
Hewal kedout
.Lelequi
ckl
ygotupandhurri
edtoher
bedroom wher
eshequickl
ychanged.Shecover
ed
Atangwhowassl eepi
ngonthesamebedt hen
hurr
iedouthol
dingcarkey
s.
MmagweLel
elookedather
.
“
Wher
eto?
”
“
Chessi
sinhospi
tal
.Iam goi
ngt
oseehi
m.”
Shewentoutt
henj
umpedi
ntohercaranddr
oveof
f.

*
**

Atthehospi
tal
,thedoct
orat
tendedt
oBonol
omi
l
d
i
njuri
es.
“
Takei
nadeepbr
eat
hforme.
”
Bonol
otooki
nadeepbr
eat
hthenl
ookedatt
he
doct
or.
“Ok,ever
ythi
ngi
sokt
houghIam goi
ngt
okeepy
ou
hereforadayort
woobser
vingy
ou.”
Tear
sfi
ll
edhereyes.“
No.Pl
ease.Ihav
etopayr
ent
.
Mychil
dneedsunif
oir
m.Sheneedsnewshoes.
”
Thedoct
orsighed.“
Iwanttolety
ougobut…”She
si
ghed.“
Ifanyt
hinghappens,
youwil
lcomeback
aker
e?”
“Icanptaf
fordcomingherebutIwi
l
lgot
oahoi
spi
tal
.
AjkereIam notpay
ingfort
his?
”
Thedoctorsmi
led.“Noy ouarenot
.Incasesofsuch,
theybri
ngyoutotheclosesthospi
tal
,asmuchas
wewantt omakemoney , ourmai
ngoalistosave
l
ives.
”
“
Ok,
thanky
ou.
”
“
Justwai
tandIwi
l
lgety
ourdi
schar
gef
orms.
”
Thedoctorwal kedawayasBonol ogotdownt hebed.
Shesti
llcouldn’tgettheaccidentoutofherhead,
shehadt r
iedtoav oidthecarbutshehadbeent oo
l
ate.Shetookof ft
hehospitalgownt henputonher
cl
othesthought heywer edirt
yandhadbl oodstains.
Shechuckledr
ecal
li
ngt
heconv
ersat
ionshehadhad
wit
hChessbeforehewast
akenawaywiththe
ambulance.
“
Hel
l
o…”
Bonol
otur
nedandl
ookedatawoman.Shesl
i
ght
ly
smil
ed.
“
Hi…”
“
Hel
l
o,howcanIhel
pyou?
”
“Youaret
hewomanwhohasamessagefr
om me?I
am Mrs.Mor
emi
.ChessMor
emi
’swif
e.”
Bonol
ocarefull
ylookedatt
hethi
ckwomanand
si
ghed.Sothiswast hewomanhewastal
ki
ngabout
.
“
Yes,
uhamessagef
orAt
ang.
”
“
Oh…”
“Hesaidyoushouldt ellAtangthatheloveshimifhe
doesn’tmakeital
ive.Hesay syoushouldtell
him
thathewisheshecanseehi m growbutli
fe
happenedandhei sal waysgoingt obethere.
Lookingoutforhi
m.Heal sosai dtotel
lyouthati
t’
s
notyourfaul
t.Theacci dent.Hesaidthat’
shisown
mistakes.Youhavehur thim somucht hathesay s
evenifhemakesi t,hedoesn’tthinkhecancar ryon
withyoubecausey oujustnev erlovedhim.Hegav e
youallhecould,madesur eyouwer ehappyatal l
ti
mesandev enbeli
evedy ouwer eraped.Heev en
acceptedyouwi t
hy ourstat
usbuty oujusthadto
cheatli
keheev ergavey ouar easonto.He-“
“Di
dhesayal
lthat
?Orhet
oldy
ouwhatwasgoi
ng
onandnowyoufeel-
“
“Idon’tfeel
any t
hing.Idon’tknowy ouory our
husband.Hewast el
li
ngmet otellyouthi
swhyhe
heldont ohisdearl i
fe.I
fyoudon’ twanttohear
abouty ouri
nfideli
tyandselfi
shact ionsheaskedme
totel
l you,i
t’
sokMr s.Moremi .Hewasst il
lal
iv
e
whenhewast akenandIam sur etheli
fesupporti
s
onlytempor ar
y .
”
Lel
eswallowedst ari
ngatthepret
tywoman.A
doctorwalkedinthenshewalkedout.Thedoctor
si
gnedherdi schar
gef or
ms.Bonolosmiledhappi
ly
putt
ingonhershoes.
*
**

Lel
ewalkedtowher eChesswas,shewasst i
ll
wait
ingf
orhisparentstol
eavesoshecanseehi m.
Theywalkedourminuteslat
erandlookedatLele.
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Youdi
dthi
s?”
“No,Chessdecidedtodr
inkanddri
ve.Lel
edi dn’
t
holdagunonhi shead.
”MmagweChesst urnedto
Lel
e.“Heisgoingtobefine,
don’
tbeatyourselff
or
thi
s.”
Rr
agweChesscl
i
ckedhistongueandwalkedaway.
MmagweChesshuggedLelewhobrokedowncryi
ng.
“
IswearIdi
dn’
tcheat
.Inev
ersl
eptwi
thhi
m.”
MmagweChesswi pedawayhert ears.“Cheat i
ngi s
notonl ysl
eepi
ngwi thhim,i
t’
salsoent ert
aining
anothermanknowi ngy ouhavesomeone.Youmade
ami stakeandmay beitwasinfl
uencedwi t
hwhat
hadhappenedaf ewmont hsbefore.What everitis,
accepty ouhavemessedupandf i
xy ourfami ly.
Mistakesinmar r
iageshappen,i
tdoesn’ tmeani t
endsthere.Fi
xyourmarri
age.Chessisyour
husband.Whenar ey
ougivinghim anot
herchil
d?It’
s
beenmor ethantwoyear
sandAt angisgrown.
What’sstoppi
ngyoufrom giv
inghi
m anotherchil
d?”
Lel
elookeddownwi
thnoanswer
.
“
Giv
ehi
m achi
l
dfi
rstchancey
ouget
.”
“
Eemma.
”
“
Good.Hei
sgoingtobefi
ne.Thedoctorsaysi
na
f
ewdayshewil
lbefi
ne.Don’
tworryok.ThankGod
t
othebugcar
sbothofyoudri
ve.
”
“
Eemma.
”
MmagweChesswalkedaway .Lel
etookadeep
breat
handwal
kedi
nside.Shelookedatherhusband
connect
edt
omachi
nes, t
earsfil
li
nghereyes.
Shesl
owlywal
kedov
erandhel
dhi
shandt
hen
ki
ssedi
t.
“
Heybabe…”
Tear
srol
l
eddownandf
ell
.Shesni
ff
ed.
“
Iknowi
tlooksl
i
keIwascheat
ingony
ouandI
knowi tsoundsl i
kelieswhenIkeepsay ingIdidn’t
.I
gotcloset oBameasaf r
iendthetimeIhadt omov e
toGoodHope.Wehav ealwaysbeenf ri
endsbuthe
wasnowmyonl yf r
iend.Iconfi
dedi nhim andI
thoughtwewer egoingtodi vor
ce.Itwast hatti
me
whenIwasunsur eofus.I..hefel
linlovewi thme
thinki
ngy ouandIwer egoingtodivorce.Hei sjust
disappointedthatwear enotdivorcingli
kehe
thought.Iloveyou.Iwoul dnevercheatony ou.
”
Sheki
ssedhi
scheek.Anur
sewal
kedi
n.
“
Youhavet
olethi
mr est.Thet
went
ymi
nut
esal
lof
y
ouweregi
venisover.
”
“
CanIpl
easespeakt
ohisdoct
orsohecanexpl
ain
t
omewhat’sgoi
ngon?”
“
Eemma.
”

*
**

Lef
alaughedreadi
ngcommentsf
rom t
he
j
ournal
ist
’spost
.Hehadfi
nal
l
ypostedLel
easshe
suspectedhewoul dandheevenbroughtupthet i
me
Lel
ewassuedf orhomewrecking.Shehear
dt he
toi
letfl
ushi
ngthenputdownherphoneandf inished
setti
ngupbreakfast.
Minuteslater
,Br
ightwal
kedoveri
nsweatpant
sand
at-shi
rtonly,
shecouldseehi
m weapononthesi
de
ofhisleg.Hesmiled.
“
Icoul
dgetusedt
othi
sbabe.
”
Lef
asmi
l
edki
ssi
nghi
m.“
Hey
…”
“Hey…”Hesqueezedherbut tki
ssi
ngherneck.Hi s
phonerang,Lefasteppedbackandwat chedhim
picksti
l
lholdi
ngheri nhi
sarms.Lefarelaxedi
nhis
armsreceivi
ngthoseneckkisseswhil
ehi shand
wentinsideherpyj
amapant sandtouchedherpussy.
“Hell
o?..
.yes.Iknow.YesbutIam st
il
lbusyr i
ght
now.Iam inBot swana….Iknow…met oo.”He
fl
ickedhercli
t.Lefacl
osedhereyesrubbinghi s
biceps.Hepusheddownt hepantsandpi ckedherup
withonehandandpl acedheronthediningt able.
“
Whyar ey
ou…Iam sti
l
lat
tendi
ngt
oimpor
tant
meet
ingsi
nBotswana.
”
Hetookouthisalr
eadyhardweaponandpushedit
atherentr
ance.Heputhisfi
ngeronhismouth
i
ndicati
ngsheshouldkeepquietandpushedhi
msel
f
i
n.Lefawhimpered,Bri
ghtqui
cklyki
ssedher
squeezi
ngherbreast.
“
YesIwi
l
lcome.Yes.Met
oo.By
e.”
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landl
ookedatLef
a.
“
MyUScont
act
.”
“
Arey
ougoi
ngt
oUSf
rom her
e?”
“YesbutIam st
il
lherewi
thy
ou.
”Heki
ssedherand
heldherwai
stfucki
ngher
.

*
**

Khumoparkedatt
hehospi
tal
,Ranewabesi
deshi
m
hol
dingt
hebaby.
“
Letmegoi
n.”
Shenodded.Hest
eppedj
ustasLel
ewal
kedoutof
thehospi
tal
.Hewal
kedovert
oher.
“
Lel
e!”
Shest
oppedandt
urnedt
ohi
m.Heappr
oachedher
.
“
Howi
she”
“Hiswellbeingi
snonofy ourbusi
ness.Whatar eyou
doinghere?Hewoul dn’
thavewantedtoseey ou
here.Youshouldgobackt oyourcarandleavethi
s
place,y
ouar enotwel come.Youarenotfamily.They
areonlylett
inghisfamilyi
n.Youhav ewastedyour
ti
mecomi nghere.”
“Youar enoti
nanywaybet terthanme.Youarea
cheaterandy ouar
ethelastpersonwhoshouldbe
here,youcausedthi
s.Youar eresponsi
blef
ort
his.I
f
thereisanyonewhoshouldn’tbehere,i
t’
syou.
”
Hesmil
ed.“AndIam famil
y.Ihav
ebeenf
ami l
yway
bef
oreyou.Iam al
waysgoingtobef
amil
y,Iam not
sur
eaboutyouthough.”

*
**

Bonol
otookadeepbr
eat
handsnucki
nChess’
s
r
oom.Shesmi
l
edst
ari
ngathi
m.
“Hi,
it’
sBonol
o.Ihav
ebeendischar
ged.Idon’
tknow
youbutIhopeyoumakeit
.Foryourson.”Shet
ook
hishand.
“Li
key ouIhavebeenhur tbefor
et hat’
swhyI
stoppeddating.It
’snotf
ort hef
ainthear t
ed.My
heartsti
ll
breakswhenIt hinkofwhatIwentt hrough.
Yourboysoundsl i
keasweetboy .Youdeser v
et o
watchhim grow.Youdeser vetobet here,Iwi
llkeep
youinmypr ay er
s.Bye…”
Shelookedathi
m onemoret
imeandsqueezedhi
s
handbeforewal
kingout
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#82

Lel
ewal kedinherhousethenpausedstari
ngatthe
housefullofpeopl
e.Herunclesandaunts.She
swall
owedt henmov edhereyesti
ll
theyfell
on
Loago.Herel
deruncl
ecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
“
Comeandsi
tdownol
esegoema.
”
Lel
eslowlywal
kedov
erandsatdownbesi
deher
mother.
“Wear
emorethanj
ustdi
sappoi
ntedi
nyou!You
hav
eembarr
assedt
hefamil
y.Youhavedi
sgracedus
tot
heful
l
est
!”
Lel
elookeddownasheruncl
econt
inuedshout
ing.
“Koorey oucouldn’tbehav eli
keawoman?Li kea
mot her?Wher edoy ougetsuchbehav ior?Yougo
aroundopeni ngyourl egswi t
har ingony ourfi
nger!
Wher ehav eyouseenmar riedwomanbehav inglike
that?Youar ethebi ggestdi sgraceofallti
me.Your
fathermustbet urningi nhi sgrave.Such
embar rassment!Youhav enoshame.Youbr ought
usal l
thewayt oGabor onesot hatyoucan
embar rassus!Iam ev enashamedt hatwechar ged
thatfami l
ythemoneywechar gedt hem.Iam so
ashamedIam notev engoi ngtokeepi t
.”
“
Iam notcheat
ing-
“
“Hey!Wear enotfool
shere!Wearenotdunderheads.
Whywoul dt hatmanl
ie?Whatwoul dhebe
benefi
tt
ing?Whycouldn’tl
eaveifyouhadfound
someoneel se?Whystayonlytocheat?I
sthatwhat
youweret aught?I
swhatThabot aughtyou?”
Tearsfel
lasshel
ookeddown.Heruncl
etookof
fhi
s
spectacl
es.
“It
houghtthiswaswhaty ouwanted!Whybringus
heretobeembar rassedandf i
l
medwi t
hphones?We
cameal lt
hewayher etobehumi li
ated!Ore
tl
abisi
tsedit
lhongLelent
le.Iam di
sappoint
edin
you.”
Heangr
il
yshookhisheadandwalkedout
.Loago
cl
ear
edhist
hroatandstoodup.
“I
t’
ssadt hatwechooset obel
i
ev eastrangert han
ourown.Wedi dn’tevengi v
eherachancet oexplain
hersel
f.Youallmaybedi sappointedbutpapawoul d
neverhaveall
owedt his.Notonhisdaught er.Iwould
l
iketoapologizetoev eryonewhocameher etoday
tostandwithmysi st
er ,
it’
sunf
or t
unatethatthe
weddingdidn’
tt akeplacebutthat’sthat.Thereis
nothingwecandoabouti tnow.Icanseey ouareal
l
disappoint
ed, Istil
ldon’ tknowwhybecausenonof
youhav eev erbeeni nvol vedinLele’
slif
enei t
herdo
anyofy ouknowhermucht osayany thing.Enough
hasbeensai d.Thismeet ingisdismissed.”Hespoke
deeplyandf irmly.Hel ookedatev er
yoneandsi ghed
walkingovert ohissi ster.Hehelpedherupand
walkedtot hebedr oomswi thher.
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
Leleputherhandsoverherfacecry
ing.Loago
huggedherasshecried,hehadnev erseenhercr
y
thismuch,evenwhentheyfatherdi
edshehadn’t
criedthi
smuch.Herubbedherbackhol dinghi
s
sisteri
nhisarms.
“
Iam goi
ngt
ost
andwi
thy
ouok?Don’
tcr
y.Youhav
e
me.
”
Shecriedsomucht i
l
lshewasjustgaspingfor
breat
h.Minuteswentbyassheslowlyfel
lasleep.
Loagoslowlylai
dherdownandcov er
edherwi tha
duvet
.Hel ookedatt
hestr
essli
nesonherf orehead
thenwalkedoutandwenttothekit
chen.Opel o
l
ookedathi
m.
“
Howi
sshe?
”
“Shedi
dn’teatyest
erday
.Iwantt
omakeher
somethi
ngt oeat.
”
“
It
’sok.Iwi
l
lcook.
”
“
No.Iwi
l
lmakei
t.I
t’
sfi
net
hought
hanky
ou.
”
Opel
onodded.“
Ok.
”
“
Wher
eisAt
ti
e?”
“
Play
ing.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hest
art
edcooki
ngashi
smot
herwal
kedi
n.
“Loago,doyouknowwhaty
oudi
dwasj
ust
disr
espectf
ul?
”
“NoIdon’ tmama.WhatIdi dwastost andwi t
hmy
sist
erbecausei tseemsl
ikesheonl yhasme.Iam
alwaysgoi ngtostandwi
thmysi st
er ,comer ain
comet hunder
.Iknowwheremyl oyaltylies.Eveni
f
shedi dcheat,don’
tweallmakemi stakes.Noonei s
perfectbutitdoesn’
tmeanwet urnourbacksonher
witht her estofthewor l
d.Shei syourdaught er,of
causeshemi ghthav emessedupbuty ouare
supposedt ostandwi thherandsuppor thernotf eed
hert ot hewi l
dani malsandwal kawaybecauseshe
messedup.Iknowpapawoul dhav estoodupwi t
h
her.Heal waysdi d.”Tearsfi
lledhisey es.“Ofcause
hehat edChessbutheal wayskeptheri nhisprayers
andi fshecamecr ying5tohi m,hewoul dhavenev er
turnedhi sbackonher .I
fstandingwi thmysi steris
disrespect ful
,sobei t
.Idon’tcare.Iwillst
andt il
lI
diebecauseIknowshewoul ddot hesamef orme. ”
Het urnedwipingawayhi stear
sandcont inued
preparinghissistersomet hi
ngtoeat.MmagweLel e
turnedandwal kedoutoft heki
tchen.Shewentt o
Lele’sbedroom andl ookedathersleeping.She
sighedquest i
oningher sel
f.

*
**

Neol
ookedatherpar
ent
satar
elat
ive’
shouse.
“
Mamay
ousee?It
oldy
ou!It
oldy
ou!
”
MmagweChesssi
ghed.“
Neo,
Idon’
thav
ethe
ener
gyf
ort
his!
”
“Shecheatedonhim andtodayhemi ghtdi
eall
becauseofher!Ican’
tbel
ievethi
sishappening
again.Iam goi
ngtolosehimli
keIlostAtang.”
MmagweChesssatdown.“
Neo-
“
“Nomama!Youar eonl ydefendi
ngt hatf
atpig
becausesheisyourdaughter!Sheshouldhave
nevermarri
edChesst obeginwith!Sheischeapand
fake!Sheshoul
djustdie.Howcomeshei ssti
lli
nhi
s
house?Sheshouldleavehishouse.”
“
Chess’smarr
iageissueshav
enot
hingt
odowi
th
y
ou!Stayoutofit
.”
“Chess’
smar ri
ageissuesareminebecauseheis
nowf i
ghti
ngforhisli
febecauseofthatwoman.She
neverdeserv
edmybr ot
her.Shehasalwaysbeen
fake.
”
RragweChesssi
ghed.“
AndIt
houghtshewasbet
ter
thanLef
a.”
“
Shei
swor
set
hanLef
a.”
“
Ifanythi
nghappenst
omyson,
shei
sgoi
ngt
opay
f
orit.
”
MmagweChessst oodupandwal
kedout
.Shet
ook
herphoneandcal
l
edLele’
snumber
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Shepausedatamal
evoi
ce.“
Hi,
whoi
sthi
s?”
“
Loago,
Lel
e’
sbr
other
.”
“
Oh,
howar
eyouson?
”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
“
Howi
sLel
e?”
“
Shei
ssl
eepi
ng.
”
“Oh…uhtel
lherIcal
led.Sheshouldst
resshersel
fso
much.Chessisgoi
ngt obefi
ne.Every
thingwil
lbe
fi
ne.Someti
meswemakemi stakesbutthatdoesn’
t
defi
neus.
”
“
Eemma.
”
“
Okmyboy
.”
Shehungupandgoti
nthecar
.Shecl
osedherey
es
andst
art
edpr
ayi
ng.
“LordIam sinnerbutt odayIcomebef or eyouaski
ng
foryourmer cyonmyki ds.Fatheryouwoul dhave
neverputthem toget herift
heywer enotmeantt obe.
Helpt hem t
hrought hisstor
mt hatisthr eateni
ngto
destroyeveryt
hing.Icov ert
heirmar r
iagewi t
hthe
bloodofJesus.Ipr ayf ormyson’swel lbeing.Iput
hisli
feinthyhandsLor danddayt akeov er
.”She
continuedprayi
ngf orawhi le.
Shesi
ghedsay
ingAment
henwi
pedawayhert
ear
s.

*
**

Laterthatday,
Lefaparkedhercaratthegateand
steppedout.Shewalkedinthr
ought heopengate
andknocked.Lele’
syoungerbrotheropenedthe
door.Shesmi l
ed.
“
Hi…”
“
Hel
l
o.”
“
It
’sLef
atshe.Iam her
etoseeLel
e.I
sshei
n?”
“
Uhy
es.“
“
Pleasecal
lherf
orme.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hewentbackint
hehouseandcamebackwi t
hLele.
Lelef
rowned,
Lef
asmil
edstar
ingatherpuf
fyred
eyes.
“
Lel
ent
le,
hi…”
“
Hi,
howcanIhel
pyou?
”
“Youthoughty
ouweregoi
ngt ol
i
vehappi
lyever
y
aft
erhuh?Youalway
sportr
ayedyour
sel
ftobe
bett
erthanme.Youarej
ustl
ikeme.Ebit
terkar
ma
akere?
”
“
Ist
hatwhyy
ouar
eher
e?Youar
epat
het
ic.
”
“Youaretr
endinglove,
forbei ngafatwhor
e.How
canyoubet hi
sfatandstil
lfindti
met owhoreyet
youcan’tf
indti
met ogotot hegy m?Youshockme.”
“
Leav
emyy
ard.
”
“
Hei
sgoi
ngt
oleav
eyou!
”
“
Youar
esopat
het
ici
t’
ssad.Your
eal
l
ycamet
omy
housetosayt hat?Don’
ty ouhav eanythingbet t
ert
o
dothant ocomet omyhouseandgl oat.HunIam
nothi
ngl i
keyou,youarethewomanwhowas
sl
eepingwi t
hherhusband’ sbestfri
end, hersist
er’
s
boyfr
iend.Youareshamel esstoev enthinky oucan
compar eyourprost
it
utionactstome.Youar e
nothi
ngl i
kemeandy ouwi l
lneverbe.”
“
Youar
e-“
“Ineverki
ll
edmychildbecauseIwantat
tent
ionfr
om
aman!Mysoni sali
veandkicki
ng.Nowonderyou
arestil
lsi
ngle.Whowouldwantyouforawif
e?What
adisgrace!
”
Lel
etur
nedt
owal
kaway
.
“Iam heretogloaty es.Ihopey ousuf fer
!Iam
prayi
ngf oryourdownf allLelent
le.Iknowt hi
sisjust
thebeginning.Iam y etgoingtor ejoi
ceyourdownfall
becauseasmuchasImi ghtbebad, youbetray
ed
me.Youwer esupposedt obemyf ri
endbutrat
her
youwentandsl eptwi t
hmyhusband.Youl ookedme
i
nmyey esev erydaywhi l
ef ucki
ngmyhusband.I
hopehemeet ssomeonewaybet terthanyouandI
hopey
oudi
eofhear
tpr
obl
ems.
”
“
Youar
ever
yst
upi
d.”
Lel
eclosedthedoor
.Lef
awal
kedt
oherbr
andnew
caranddrov
eoff.

*
**

Aroundtheev eni
ngvi
sit
inghour,
Lelewalkedto
Chess’
sr oom.Neoturnedandlookedather
st
andingbyt hedoor
.Leletookadeepbreath
walki
ngov er
.
“
Soy
ouar
ehert
owhat
?Fi
nishhi
m of
f?”
Lel
ei gnoredherthenopenedt
hedoorandwalkedi
n.
ShelookedatMmgaweChesswhowasj ust
fi
nishingherpray
er.
“
OhLel
e…”
“
Mama…”
Shesmi
l
edandwal
kedov
ert
henhuggedher
.
“
Itwi
l
lbeal
ri
ghtbaby
.Ipr
omi
sei
twi
l
lbe.
”
Lel
enoddedt
ear
ful
l
y.MmagweChessl
etgo.
“
Bye.
”
Shewal kedout .Lel
ewentandputt hechai
rbesides
thebedcl oser.Shesatdownholdinghishand.She
snif
fedhol di
nghi shandtoherl
ips.Sheopenedher
mout htosaysomet hi
ngbutrat
herat earr
oll
ed
down.Shesatsi l
entl
yholdi
nghishandast i
me
slowlypassed.

THREEWEEKSLATER…
.
.
l
ikeandcommentassoonasyour
eadsowehav
e
ourotherbonusi
mmedi
atel
y
Roar
ingFl
ames
#83

Thr
eeWeeksLat
er…

I
nGoodHope, Lel
ewal kedtohercarfrom herof
fi
ce
holdi
ngherthi
ngs.Sheputev er
ythi
nginherboot
thenjumpedinhercarpicki
ngherringi
ngphone.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
HiLel
e,howar
eyou?
”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
MmagweChesssi
ghed.“
Hav
eyouseenhi
m?”
“
Icoul
dn’
tdr
ivet
her
eyest
erday
.Iam goi
ngnow.
”
“
Ohok,
didy
oucal
lhi
mthough?
”
“Ididbutt her
eisnoanswer.Ithi
nkhewasal
ready
sleeping.Itri
edi
nthemorningandbetweenmy
classesbutnoonewaspi cking.”
“
Noonewaspi
cki
ng?Ispoket
oChessi
nthe
mor
ning.
”
Lel
eswall
owed.“It
hinkIcal
l
edatbadt
imes.ButI
wil
lsoonbeseei
nghim.”
“
Good.
”
“
Okby
e.”
“
Bye.
”
Shehungup.Lel
est
art
edhercaranddr
oveof
f
cal
li
ngOpel
o.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Hey,Iam onmyway.Pl
easeprepar
eAt
ti
e.Iam
t
aki
nghim wit
htot
hehospit
al.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lel
ehungupandputonherseat
bel
tdr
ivi
ng.

*
**

Khumotookadeepbreaththenwal
kedi
nsi
det
he
room.Hel
ookedatdoctorwhowasbusywi
thChess
thenhewal
kedfurt
herinasChessl
ookedathi
m.
Thedoct
orwalkedout.
“
Hi.
.”
“
Obat
ang?(
Whatdoy
ouwant
?)”
“Icametoseey
ou.Howl
onghav
eyoubeen
awake?”
Chessl
ookedathi
m si
l
ent
lyf
orawhi
l
eget
ti
ngangr
y.
“
Getout
!”
“
Iam notgoingany wher
etil
lIknowhowyouare
f
eeli
ng.Youmi ghtbeangryandy oumi
ghthat
eme,
youhaveeveryri
ghttobutIam notgoi
nganywher
e.
Howarey oufeel
ing?”
“
Keshar
p.”
“
Howl
onghav
eyoubeenawake?
”
“
Khumo-
“
Khumofixedhi
spil
lows.“I
t’
sbeenawhi
l
ehasn’
tit
?
Ever
yoneisworr
iedaboutyou.
”
“
Oti
l
egony
ela.
”
“
Iwasr
eal
l
yscar
ed.It
houghtIhadl
osty
ouf
orev
er.
”
“Ibetyoucoul
dn’
twai
ttof
uckLel
egi
vi
nghera
shouldert
ocryon.
”
“Iwoul
dnev erdothatbecauseIknowy ouloveher.
Younev erl
ovedLef a,i
tdoesn’
tjust
if
ymyact i
ons
butyoujustneverlovedher,l
ookIam sorr
y.Iam
sorr
yforeveryt
hing.Itdoesn’
tital
ri
ghtbutIam
sorr
y.”
“
Oti
l
egony
ela.Want
wael
a.”
“Lel
eneversl
eptwi
ththedoct
orguy
.Ipunchedhi
m
andtookouthi
stoot
h.”
Chesssi
ghedshaki
nghi
shead.
“Shedidn’
tsl
eepwi
thhim.Theyneversl
eptt
ogether
.
I
twasj ustaf
li
ngbutnosexinvol
ved.Heact
ual
ly
beli
evesshel
oveshi
m.Somet hi
ngiswrongwit
h
him.”
“Nothi
ngiswr ongwit
hhim.Shemadehi m bel
iev
e
that
.Shemighthav enotsl
eptwit
hhim butshe
all
owedhimi ntoourmarri
ageandhewasst i
ll
part
ofit
.Idon’
tthinkmarri
ageismeantforme.Iswear
t
oGodt
hist
imear
oundIdi
dn’
tev
ery
thi
ngIcoul
d…”
“Arey ouleavi
ngher ?Willyoualwaysleavewhenever
i
tdoesn’ tgowel l?Shei sthemot herofyourson,
somet imesy ouj usthavetowor kthroughit.She
mi ghthavehadanaf fai
rbutitwasbecauseshewas
alsounderst ress.Imagineshewasal onein
GoodHopegoi ngthroughherr apecase.Shei s
humant oo.Hewast her
ef orher,
youwer enot.She
didn’tsl
eepwi thhi m becauseshel ovesyou.She
respectswhaty oubot hshare.”
“Iam nevergoingt ol
ookatherandseehert he
same.It’
snev ergoingtobet hesame.GapeIdon’ t
beli
eveshedi dn’tsl
eepwi t
hhim.Shesl eptwithhim,
thedayIwentt oseeheri nGoodHope.Ther ewasa
caroutsideandshesai ditwashernei ghbor’
scar
butit’
stheverysamecart hatguycamewi t
hand
youknowwhat ?Thatguyhasbeent hereforawhi l
e
now.Shesai dit’
sherchildhoodfri
end, t
hatdayI
foundthedoorl ocked.Sheopenedl ookingli
kehe
shadbeendoi ngsomet hing,shewasal loverthe
place,t
herewasaphone, shesaiditwasOpl eo’s
phonebutOpel odoesn’tuseani Phone.Shewas
dri
ppi ngwetwhenIt ouchedherbutbecauseI
want edt otrusther,Ileti
tgo.Thenwhenshecame
tothel odget henightbef or
et hewedding,shewas
dri
ppi ngwetagai n.Shehadbeenwi t
hhi m before
shecame.Al lt
hesel i
es…i t
’sapatter
nandIknow
thatpat ter
n.Shei snotLef ayes,sheiswor se.
Clearlymar ri
ageisnotmycupofcof fee,may beIam
j
ustnotmeantt ogetmar ri
edt oafai
thfulwoman.I
don’tev enthinktherear efait
hfulwomen.I t
’sjusta
l
ie.”
Khumol
ookedathi
m andsi
ghed.

*
**

Lefatr
iedBr i
ght’
snumberbutitwasn’
tgoing
thr
ough.Shedi dn’
tevenknowanyonewhoknewhi m.
Whatkindofagi rl
fr
iendwasshe?Sheclosedher
eyeswor r
ied.I
thadbeendayssinceshelastspoke
tohim andisnumberwasn’tgoingthr
oughanymore.
Theownerofthehouseshewasv
iewi
ngwal
ked
oversmi
l
ing.
“
So.
.?Whatdoy
out
hink?
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eit
.”
“
Ther
eisanot
herpool
behi
ndt
hecot
tage.
”
‘
Yes,
Isawi
t.
”
“
It
’sy
our
sify
ouwanti
t.
”
“
Ido.Myhusbandispay
ingf
ori
t.Wewi
l
lbemov
ing
i
nafterourmar
ri
age.
”
“
That
’sni
ce.
”
Lefa’
sphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.Sheanswer
edt
he
for
eignnumber
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Heybabe…”
Lef
asmi
l
edwi
thr
eli
ef.‘
Hey
,Ihav
ebeencal
l
ing!
”
“
Iam sor
rybabe.
”
“
Imi
ssy
ou.
”
“Imi
ssyoutoobutthedeal
istakinglongtobe
fi
nal
i
zed.MaybeIshoul
dhavebr oughtyou.Iwoul
d
beburi
eddeepi
nthatpussyri
ghtnow.Imi ssyou.I
hopey
ouar
etaki
ngcar
eofdaddy
’sbel
ongi
ngs.
”
Lef
abl
ushed.“
Iam.
”
“
That
’smygi
rl
.Di
dyouf
indahouse?
”
“
Yes.Ilovei
t.Isenty
out
hepi
ctur
esov
er
WhatsApp.”
“Iwon’
tbeWhat sAppforaf ewday s.Buti
fyouli
keit
,
thenIam good.Forwardthehomeowner ’
sdetai
ls
overemail
.Iwil
lsortouteveryt
hing.”
“
Whati
fyoudon’
tli
kei
t?”
“Iwi
l
lli
keitbecausey
oudobabe.Justsendt
he
owner’
sdetai
ls.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Howi
smybaby
?”
Lef
aputherhandov
erherst
omach.“
Hei
sfi
ne.
”
“
Iwi
l
lbepay
ingy
ourbr
idepr
icewhenIar
ri
vet
her
e.”
“
Ok…Il
ovey
ou.Imi
ssy
ousomuch.
”
“Imissyoumorebabe.Thebusinessassoci
atesar
e
here.Let
’st
alkl
ater
.Youwon’tbeabletogetholdof
met
hough,
Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”
“
Ok.Il
ovey
ou.
”
“
Ilov
eyoumor
e.”
Hehungup.Lef
atur
nedt
othehomeowner
.
“
Hubbysai
dIshoul
dtakei
t.
”
Thehomeownersmi
l
ed.“
Goodchoi
ce!
”

*
**

MmagweLel ewal
kedovert
othepast
or’
scarwhi
ch
wasparkedatt
hegateandgoti
nweari
nghernew
dr
ess.
“
Past
or…”
Thepast
orsmi
l
ed.“
Howar
eyou?
”
“
Iam f
inet
hanky
ou,
howar
eyou?
”
“
Iam bl
essedchi
l
dofGod.Iwasj
ustdr
ivi
ngbyand
t
houghtIwoul
dgreety
ou.
”
Shesmi
l
edshy
ly.“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”
“
Iwasgoi
ngt
othemal
ltogetsomet
hing.
”
“Letmedriv
eyou.ButIwantt
opassbymyhouse.I
alsowantsomet
hingatthemall
butmywal
l
etisat
home.”
“
It
’sok.
”
Hestart
edthecaranddrovetohishouse.The
el
ectr
icgat
eopenedthenhedr ov
einthroughand
par
kedwhil
et hegat
eclosed.
“
Youcancomei
n.”
“
Ohok.
”
Theybothsteppedoutofthecarandwal
kedi
nside
thehouse.ThePastorusher
edmmagweLeleinside,
mmagweLel elookedaroundandsmil
ed.
“
Youcansi
t.Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hewal kedawaythensheslowl
ysatdownlooki
ng
around.Hewalkedbacksecondsl
atert
henhesat
besideherwit
hasmi l
e.Shesmil
edlooki
ngdown,
herhear
traci
ng.
“Ihavebeenwat chingyoufrom adist
anceandmy
heartalwaysrej
oiceswhenIseey ou.Youar eav ery
beaut i
ful
woman, insi
deandout si
de.Idon’tknowif
i
t’stoosoonorwhatbuty ouaretheonemyhear t
desires.I
sitt
oosoon?Ar ey ousti
llmoaningy our
l
atehusband? ”
Sheshookherhead.Thepast ortil
tedherchinthen
l
eanedov erandki ssedhersof tl
y.Shekissedhim
backthenheki ssedherev enhar der.Thei
rbreathi
ng
camei nfastandloudast heyki ssed,hetouchedher
thi
ghgoingupherl egwhilehisot herhandsqueezed
herbreast,Shewasn’ tsur
eifitwasst i
l
lGodlybut
shewasenj oyingittoomuchf orhimt ostop.He
stoppedandpul l
edhi mselfback.
“
Iam sor
ryI
-“
“I
t’
sok.IwantyoutoobutIam scar
edofwhat
peopl
emightsay.
”
“Peoplewi l
lal
waystalk.That
’swhywecallt
hem
people.Butweshouldn’tstopwhat’
spossi
blymeant
tobeunl essyoudon’twant.”
“
Iwant
.”
Heki ssedheragai
n, t
histi
mear oundnothol di
ng
back.Sheputherhandonhi spackageashe
unzippedherdress.Sexbeforemar r
iagewaswr ong,
thatsheknewbutwi t
hthewayhewasundr essi
ng
her,shewasn’tgoingtostophim.Eitherway ,i
thad
beenawhi l
enow,herladypartswerealreadyto
excitedforhert
ost opthemanofGodf rom taki
ng
what ’
shis.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#84

Lel
est eppedoutofhercarthenhel
pedAt angout
whil
ehechat tedwit
hher.Lelepi
ckedhim upt hen
walkedinsidewit
hhim ashesangcrèchesongs.
Shebr i
efl
yspoketothenursebytherecept i
onwho
di
rectedherwhereshehadt ogo.Herhear tstar
ted
topoundevenmor
eassheapproachedthedoor
.
Shetookadeepbr
eat
hthenopenedwithonehand
walki
ngin.
Chessl
ookedupfr
om hi
sphonej
ustasAt
ang
scr
eamedexci
tedl
y.
“
Daddy
!”
Lel
esmil
edwalki
ngovert
ohi
m.SheputAt angon
hi
slapt
henChesspul
l
edhim cl
oserhuggi
nghim.
“
Mr.Mor
emi
…”
At
anggi
ggl
ed.“
Daddy
…”
“
Heybuddy
…wow!Youar
esobi
g.”
Lelewentandclosedt hedoorast heychatt
edupa
storm.Nowshecoul dseei tt
oo,itwasabouttime
Atanghadasi bl
ing.Adaughter.Shesmi l
edthi
nking
aboutit
.Atangtoohi sfat
her’
sphoneget ti
ng
dist
ract
edthenChessl ookedather .Hecouldsee
shewasf r
om wor kinthoseslacksthatshowedher
body.Shefixedherjacketner
vouslythenhesmi l
ed.
“
MmagweAt
ti
e…”
Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
esasshesmi
l
ed.“
Hey
…Icameas
soonasy ourmom toldmey ouwereawake.I
couldn’
tcomey est
erday.I
twaslateand…Ihad
l
essonst oday
.ButIcameassoonast hatwasdone.
Itr
iedtocallt
hough…y oudidn’
tpi
ck.
”
“
Thankyouforbr
ingi
ngAt
ti
e.Heissobigi
tmakes
mewonderhowlongIwasoutf
or.Feel
sli
key
ears.
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Hegr
owsev
eryday
.”
Shewentclosert
ohim andtouchedhishand.“
Iwas
soscar
ed.IthoughtIwasgoingtoloseyoufor
ever
.I
am sohappyyouareawake.”
“
Yah…It
houghtIwasgoi
ngt
odi
e.”
“
Whendi
dyouwakeup?
”
“
Thr
eeday
sback.
”
Atearrol
lednow.Shewipedi
twit
hherotherhand
noddi
ng.“Icoul
dhavecomethen,It
houghtthe
hospi
talwasgoingtoal
ertme.
”
“
Iaskedt
hem nott
o.”
Shelookedathi mthennodded.“ Oh.
.uhok.Idi
dn’t
cheatony ou.Iswear.Iknowitlooksl
ikeIdi
d,butI
didn’
t.IswearChess…Idi dn’
t.
”
“Canwenotdothisi
nfrontofhi
m?Hemaybe
youngbuthei
soldenoughtosensewhen
somethi
ngiswrong.
”
“
Yah…ok.
”
Het urnedhi sattenti
onbackt oAtangwhot hen
start
edwi t
ht hecrèchesongs.Lelesatdownf eel
ing
l
ikeast ranger .Hewasn’tevenlookingather.
Somet hinghadchanged.Shesni ffedwipingaway
hertears.Awhi l
elater,
shelookedatAt ti
ewhowas
nowf astasl eep.Shecouldn’
tblamehi m, af
terall
thatsingingandpl ay
ingatcrèche,hejusthadt o
sleep.Shegotup.
“
Whenar
eyouget
ti
ngdi
schar
ged?
”
“
Ithi
nkt
omor
row.
”
“
Soev
ery
thi
ngi
sok?
”
“
Yeah,
thedoct
orsai
dIam good.
”
“That
’sgreat
.Igav
einmyr
esi
gnat
ionl
ett
erat
school.
”
Chesssighed.“
Idon’tt
hinkthat
’sagoodi
dea.Jobs
ar
er ar
etof i
ndthesedays.Whatify
oudon’
tfi
nd
any
thi
ng?
”
“
Uh-
”
“Idon’
tthinkyoushouldquityourj
ob.Youshould
callt
heschool.Atleastyouhaveyourselfa
permanentjob.Youar egoi
ngt ost
rugglefi
ndi
ng
somet hi
ng.”
“Iwassupposedtoswitchwit
hthatt
eacherfr
om
Ledumangbutshedecidedshedidn’
twanttoswit
ch
anymoresoIwill
justhavetol
ook.Iwil
lfi
nd
somethi
ng.”
“It
hinkyoushoul
dkeepy ourj
ob.Youcan’trel
ayon
hopesthatyouwil
lfi
ndsomet hi
ng.Jobsarerare.
Youshouldonlyqui
twheny ouknowf orsur
ey ouare
goingtogetanot
herjob.
”
Lel
elookedathi
m sadl
y.“
Youdon’
twantmet
o
movehere?”
“Iam j
ustl
ooki
ngoutforyou.Youloveteachi
ngand
i
t’sunf
airt
obri
ngyouherefory outoj
ustsitand
star
tstr
essi
ngoverf
indi
ngaj ob.”
Lel
epr
essedherl
i
psst
ari
ngathi
m.Shef
orceda
smileastear
sit
chedherey
es.Shel
ookedup
bl
inkingawayhert
ear
s..
“
Iwi
llgett
hehouser
eadyf
ory
ou.Ir
eal
l
ymi
ssed
y
ou.
”
“Whenyougoback,IwantAt
ti
etost
ay.It
hinkhe
shoul
djustst
ayher
e.”
“Chess…y
ou…what
’sgoi
ngon?Do…ar
eyou
planni
ngt
oleav
emeoveral
ie?
”
“Whosai danythingaboutt hat?Iam justlookingout
foryouLelentl
e.Jobsar er ar
et ofind,especial
ly
such.Youknowi t.Ify
ouwantt obeunempl oyedand
beahousemom orhousewi f
e,it’
sfine.Ij
ust
thoughtbecausey oulovedteachingy ouwoul dhol
d
ontoy ourjobtil
ly oufi
ndsomet hi
ngi nGabst hen
youcanqui tyourjob.”
Shesl
owl
ynodded.“
Ok.Whataboutus?
”
“
Whataboutus?
”
“
Shoul
dwepl
ananot
herweddi
ng?
”
“
Ialr
eadylostmoneyf
rom t
hatf
ail
edone.Gapehel
a
what’
stheuse?Weareal
readymarri
ed.I
t’
sok.I
pai
dyourbr
idepri
ce,
thatwast
hemosti
mpor
tant
par
tofi
tandit’
sdonesowearefi
ne.
”
“
Wecanj
usthav
easmal
lcel
ebr
ati
on.
”
“Wedon’
tneedthat
.Peopleknowwearemarr
ied.
Peopl
ehavebeenknowing.Youusemysur
name.”
Lel
esmil
ed.“
Iwasn’
tpr
oper
lyi
ntr
oducedt
oyour
fami
ly
.”
“
Afterwhathappened,doyouthinkthat
’sagood
i
dea?Iam prot
ecti
ngy ouhere.Youarenotexact
ly
t
hebestdaughterin-
lawinthei
reyes.”
“
Whatdoy
ousuggest
?”
“
Let
’sj
ustwai
tforawhi
l
e.Ri
ghtnowi
snott
hebest
t
imi
ng.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
Sheleanedoverandki
ssedhi
mthensmi
l
ed.“
Uh…I
can’
twaitfort
omorrow.
”
“
CanIf
indOpel
ooutofmyhouse?
”
Lel
epaused.“
Huh?
”
“
Opel
o.CanIf
indhergone?Idon’
tthi
nkweneedher
anymore.Matterofmatt
eroffact
,Idon’
tthi
nk
AtangandIneedheranymorebutyoucankeepher
withwhenyougot oGoodHope.TakeAtanghome.
”
“
Atangl
ovesOpel
obabe,
he-
“
“Henolongerneedsher
.Wewi l
lmanage.I
fyou
needherLelent
le,
youcankeepher
.”
“
No.Iwi
l
ljustl
ethergo.Idon’
treal
l
yneedher
.”
Heshr
ugged.“
TakeAt
ang.
”
Shegothi
mthenhet
ookhi
sphone.
“
Icancomeandpi
cky
ouupt
omor
row.
”
Hel
ookedatherandnodded.“
Ok.
”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
“
Yeah…met
oo.
”
Shet
urnedandwal
kedout
.

*
**

Att
hehouse,Lel
elai
dAt
angdownt
henwal
kedt
o
t
hesi
tt
ingr
oom wher
eOpel
owas.
“
Hey
…”
“
Howdi
ditgo?
”
“
Notper
fectbutnotbad.Wewi
l
lbef
ine.
”
“
That
’sgood.
”
“Yeah…uhwehav
ebeentoget
herf
ory
ear
snowt
hat
Inowseeyouasmyfr
iend.
”
Opel
osmi
l
ed.“
Met
oo.
”
Lel
enodded.“Don’
tyouthinki
t’
stimey et
?At t
ieis
nowabigboyandhei sgoingtoberemai ni
ngwi t
h
hi
sfat
herwhileIam atGoodHopetryi
ngt olookfora
j
obthi
sside.Ican’
ttakeyouwithbecausetherewill
benot
hingforyoutodoandChessi sfinetoo.”
Opel
opaused.“
Youar
elet
ti
ngmego?
”
“
Ithi
nkit
’sti
mebutj
ustasmynanny
.Youar
est
il
l
myfri
end.Youar
emyonlyf
ri
end.
”
Opelol
aughed.“
It
’sok.Iwentf
orani
nter
viewweeks
back.
”
Lel
elookedather
.“And?
”
“Andwel
l
…Ihaven’tbeencall
edbackbutt hey
email
edmel
astnightforanotheri
nter
view.”
“
Youshoul
dgo.Wher
e?”
“
InJwaneng.
”
“
Youshoul
dgo!
”
“
Ishoul
dri
ght
?”
“
Youshoul
d.”
“
Ok…”
Theyhugged.“
Ihopey
ougeti
t.
”
“
Ihopesot
oo.Ihopey
ouandChessf
ixt
hings.
”
“Wearegoingtobefi
ne,It
hinkhei
sangr
ybuthis
nottal
kingany
thi
ngaboutl
eavingmesoIthi
nkhei
s
upset.
”
“
Yeah…soy
ouar
egoi
ngt
ohav
etheweddi
ng?
”
“
Notnow.Hi
sfami
l
yisst
il
lupset
.”
“
Yah…sowhendoy
ouwantmet
oleav
e?”
Lel
elaughed.“
Ist
omor
rowt
oosoon?
”
“
No.I
t’
sok.ButIam goi
ngsomewher
ewi
thOwen
now.SoIam goingtocomebackear
lymor
ningand
col
lectmyt
hings.”
“
Ok.
”
Acarhootedout
side.Opel
oqui
ckl
yputonhershoes
asLeleopenedt
hegate.Shewal
kedoutwi
thOpelo
thenwavedatOwenwhowav edback.
Hedr oveoutthenBamedr ovei
nbeforeshecould
closethegate.Heparkedthecarandsteppedout
takingoffhi
scoat.Hewalkedover.
“
Hey
…”
“
IthoughtIt
oldy
ounot
-“
“
Iwasgoi
ngt
orespecty
ourwi
shesbutcanwe
t
alk?
”
“
Bame,Iam t
ryingtof
ixmymar
ri
age,
pleasedon’
t
makei
tdif
fi
cultforme.
”
Hepulledhercloserandlookedinhereyes.He
smil
edst ar
ingatherbeauty.I
thadbeenweeks
si
ncehel astsawherbutitfeltl
i
keithadbeeny ear
s.
Shelookedsobeaut i
fulhefoundhimsel
fsmi l
i
ng.
“
Iam sor
ryIr
uinedy
ourweddi
ng.
”
“
Why
?”
“
Thepainal
way
shi
tsdi
ff
erentwheny
ouar
edr
unk.I
t
maxi
mizes.
”
“
Ilov
eChess.
”
“Iknow.Iam sor
ry.Iam sor
rythatwhat
’sgoi
ngoni
s
actual
lygoi
ngon.Ifeelsoguil
ty.Howishe?”
“
Heisawakeandwi
l
lbeget
ti
ngdi
schar
ged
t
omorr
ow.”
“
Iam openi
ngabrunchinKasane,
Iam goi
ngt
obe
movi
ngtheref
orawhile.
”
“
Oh…”
“
Yes.
”
Shenodded.“
Goodl
uck.
”
Helookedatherl
i
pst
hengotcl
oser
.Lel
emov
edher
head.
“
Thi
sist
hel
astt
ime…pl
ease…agoodby
eone.
”
“
BameI
-“
Hel
eanedov
erandki
ssedherpr
essi
ngheragai
nst
hercar,Lel
eputherhandsonhischesttopushhim
backjustasacardroveint
hroughthegate.She
pushedBameback, Khumosteppedout.Hewalked
overandpunchedBame.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
:
Roar
ingFl
ames
#85

Bameswunghi sfisthitt
inghim backhavinghad
enough.Hegr abbedKhumo’ scoll
arandpunched
hi
m agai n,wayhar dertakingouthisfr
ustrati
onson
hi
m.Khumor eturnedthepunch, Bamedodgedand
ki
ckedhi m.Het ookoffhi sbel
tandhookedi ton
Khumo’ sneckf rom behindst r
angli
nghim.Khumo
str
ugglet obreathet r
yingt of
reehimselfbutBame
ti
ghtenedhi shold.
“
Bame!
”
Hel
etgo,
Khumof
ell
coughi
ng.
“Lesekal abatagont wael
amasepal emar eteabo
rralona.Iam notgoingtobackdownbecausey our
fri
endismar ri
edtoher ,
Iam goi
ngtot akeherand
heisnev ergoingtogetherback.Il
etitgot hef
irst
ti
mebuty ouaregoingtoofarnow.Bef or
eIgott o
becomeadoct or,
Iwasasol di
erandIwi l
lfuckyou,
ony wana!”
HeturnedtoLel
eandgrabbedherhai
rthenki
ssed
herhardandgood.Hedefi
ant
lygaveherababyki
ss
seal
ingitof
f.
“Iam t
akingy
ouf r
om hi
m.Bett
ercryf
orhi
m al
lyou
wantnowbecausewhenIgetyou,youar
ealways
goingtobemine.Keagorat
aautwa?”
Lel
elookedathi
mfr
ozen,
herhear
tpoundi
ngso
much.
“
Iam t
alki
ngt
oyou.
”
“
Wer
eyout
ryi
ngt
oki
l
lhi
m?”
“Iwastr
y i
ngtogetmymessagesentacr oss.
Bashanyanababantwaela.Ili
keyourhair
sty
le.
Looksgoodony ou.
”Hest eppedbackthengotinhi
s
caranddroveoffasKhumogotup.
“Ican’
tbel
ieveaf
terdef
endingyoutoChessyou
bringt
hismanhere!Youhav enoshame!Youar
e
j
ustacheat er
.Hewasright
!Youarelose!
”
“Don’
ttakeoutt
hefr
ustr
ati
onofyouunabl etoface
arealmanonme.Ididn’
tbri
nghim here,hebrought
himsel
f.Youhavet
hegutstost
andt herewena
Judas!
”
“Youareungrat
eful
.Chessdeservesbett
erthanyou.
ChessdeserveswaybetterandIhope…GodIpr ay
hegetsthatwoman.Youar egoi
ngt osuff
er.
”
“Iwil
lonl
ysuf
feraf
tery
ousuf
ferf
orev
ery
thi
ngy
ou
did.
”
Lelewal
kedinthehouse.Shewait
edtil
lKhumo
droveofft
hensheclosedthegat
e.Shereachedfor
herphonetocall
Bamebut …Sheunblockedhis
numberandcall
edhim.
“
Hey
…”
“
Ican’
tbel
ievey
oudidt
hat
!Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
f
or?Iam t
ryi
ngto-
“
“Cal
m down.Hestart
edi
t,i
t’
snotmyf
aul
the
coul
dn’thandl
etheendr
esul
t.
”
“
Heisgoi
ngt
otel
lChess.Iam t
ryi
ngt
ofi
xmy
mar
ri
age!
”
“
Sor
ry.
”
“
Youdon’
tmeant
hatdoy
ou?
”
“
No.ButIam sor
ryy
ouar
ehur
ti
ng.
”
“
Thenpl
easest
op.Iam someone’
swi
feBame.
”
“
Itr
ied,
it’
snothappeni
ng.Il
ovey
ou.
”
Tearsf
il
ledherey
es.“
Youar
emaki
ngt
hingsdi
ff
icul
t
forme.
”
“
Iam sor
ry,
shoul
dIcomeby
?”
“
Iam bl
ocki
ngy
ou.
”
Hechuckl
ed.“Youarecut e.Youkeepdenyi
ngwhat ’
s
bet
weenus,ly
ingtoy ourself
.Babeyouareonly
di
ggingahol
ef ory
our sel
f.Ican’
twaitt
il
lIf
ucky ou.
Wenaobatadickhela.Dicky eser
ioushel
a.”
“
Bye!
”
“
Ilov
eyouok?
”
“
Yousoundcr
azy
.”
“YouknowIdon’
tbutany
thi
ngt
hatmakesy
ou
happy.
”
Lel
edr
oppedt
hecal
lthent
houghtofChess.She
cal
l
edhim.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
…Ij
ustwant
edt
otal
ktoy
ou.
”
“
Whati
sit
?”
“
Doy
ouwantt
oleav
eme?
”
“
Lel
e-“
“Becauseifyouare…Iam notgoingt ost opyou.I
am notgoingtobeanotherLefa.Alreadyy ouwant
met ostr
ayi nGoodHopethenightbef orethe
weddingwewer epl
anni
ngmymov e.YouwantAt t
ie
tostaybehind.Youwanttostarthatingmeandst art
cheati
ngonmewhenIhav enev ercheat edony ou.I
haveneversleptwit
hBame.Ihav enev ercheat
edon
yousopleaset el
lmeifIam f
ightingf orasinki
ng
ship.
”
“
Lel
e,Iam t
ir
ed.Iwantt
osl
eep.
”
“Youarecutti
ngmeof f
.Iwantust obehonestwith
eachother.Iwantyoutobehonestwi thme.
”She
tookadeepbr eaththensighed.“
Itfeelsasi
fyou
don’twanttobewi t
hmeany more.Yousounddone
withthi
smar r
iage,i
fthat’
sthecase, saysoChess.
Sayso!Idon’
twanttowastemytimet
ryi
ngt
okeep
ustoget
herwheny oudon’
twantmeanymor
e.When
al
lyouseeisyourexwifeonme.”
“Ar
eyouser
iousl
yusi
ngLef
atoy
ourownadv
ant
age
her
e?”
“Iam notusi ngany onet omyownadv antagebutt he
truthoft hemat t
erisy oudon’ ttr
ustme.Iam y our
wi f
ey ety oudon’ tt
rustme.Al lyouseeisl i
esand
yout el l
thatt oeveryonewhobot her
stolistentoy ou.
Yout el lt
heent ir
ewor ldwhatashi tt
ywi f
eIam, ok,
fi
ne.Iam nott hebesthumanonear t
h.ButIhav e
nev ercheat edony ou.Iam t iredofalway stryi
ngt o
prov emyi nnocencet oy ou.Ifyouwantoutoft his
mar riage, sayso.Iam t akingAtangwi thmysoni s
notr emai ningbehindwhi l
eIgot oGoodHope.You
hav et heent ir
enighttot hi
nkofwhaty ouwant .
Gooni ght.Iloveyou.”
Shehungupthensighedsi
tt
ingonhercouch.She
putherf
eetonhercouchgetti
ngt
heremote.

*
**
Thefoll
owi
ngmorning,
Lefat
riedhert
radi
ti
onal
weddingdr
essi
nhersitt
ingr
oom.Ithuggedher
fi
gur
e.Herdesi
gnersmil
ed.
“
Wow…”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eit
.”
“
Hei
sgoi
ngt
olosehi
sbr
eat
hwhenheseesy
ou.
”
Lefafrownedasherstomachcontentsli
ft
ed.She
hurr
iedtothebathroom t
henvomited.Shewashed
hermout handcamebackmi nuteslat
er,t
he
designerworr
iedl
ylookedather
.
“
Arey
ouok?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Arey
ousur
e?”
“
Yes.Iam f
ine.UhIl
ovet
hedr
ess.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lefawenttoherbedr
oom andt
ookitoff.Sheputon
herdresst
henwentbactothesi
tt
ingroom withthe
dress.
“
Ilov
eit
.”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
SoIwi
l
lewal
l
ety
out
hepay
ment
.”
“
Eemma.
”
Thedesignerpickedhert
hingsandwalkedout.Lef
a
satdownf eel
ingexhaust
ed.Herphonerang,
she
quickl
ypicked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Lef
afrownedatt
hef
emal
evoi
ce.“
Hel
l
o,howcanI
hel
pyou?”
“
UhIf
oundy
ournumberi
nmyhusband’
sphone.
”
“
Yourhusband?
”
“
Yes.Kev
in.
”
“
Iit
hinki
t’
sawrongnumber
.Idon’
tknowany
one
whogoesbyKevi
n.”
“
Ok,
Iam sor
ry.By
e.”
“
Bye.
”
Lef
afr
ownedst
ari
ngatherphone.Herphone
st
art
edr
ingi
ng.Sheanswer
edBr
ight
’scal
l
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Heybabe,
mybusi
nesspar
tnerj
ustcal
l
edy
ou?
”
“
Kev
in’
swi
fedi
d.”
“Thi
sisKevin’
sphone.Mysim car
dher
eisnot
worki
ng.Ihavebeencall
i
ngyouwi t
hhi
sphonenow
hiswif
esuspectsheischeat
ingonher
.”
“
Oh…y
oushoul
dexpl
aint
oher
.”
“
Hei
sexpl
aini
ngr
ightnow.
”
“
What
’sgoi
ngt
ohappennow?
”
“
Iam get
ti
ngmysi
m car
dsor
tedout
.”
“
Ok.Isawmydr
ess.I
tfi
ts.
”
“
Per
fect
!Ican’
twai
ttoseey
oui
nit
.”
“Youaregoi
ngtol
ovei
t.Iam notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
.Ihav
e
beenvomiti
ng.
”
“
Didn’
tyougetsomet
hingf
ort
hat
?”
“
It
’snotwor
king.Ev
ery
thi
ngIeat
,Iv
omi
tit
.”
“
Cany
oupl
easegoandseeadoct
or.Youcan’
tbe
st
arv
ing.
”
“
Iwi
l
lgol
ateron.If
eel
tir
edr
ightnow.
”
“
Letmecalladoctort
her
e.Shewi
l
lcomeandat
tend
t
oyouatyourhouse.”
“Thanksbabe.Iappr
eciat
ei tal
l
.Isweari
tfeel
sli
kea
dream.Youaresoper f
ectitscaresme.
”
“
Iam notper
fect
.Ijustknowhowtolov
emywoman
r
ight
.Letmecallt
hedoct or
.Il
ovey
ou.”
“
Ilov
eyoumor
e.”
Hehungup.Lefasmi
led.Someoneknockedonher
door
.Shewalkedtot
hedoorandopened.Larona
l
ookedather
.
“
Hi…”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Hey
…comei
n.”
Laronawal
kedi
nandlookedaroundLef
a’shouse.
Therewasahugechange.Shel
ookedather.
“
Congr
atul
ati
ons.
”
“Thanks.”Lef
asmiledt
henhuggedher
.“Iam so
happyy ouareher
e.Wecanfinal
l
ymoveonr i
ght?”
Lefasteppedbackandpickedherdr
essexci
tedl
y.
“Look…it’
sbeauti
ful
right
?”
“
Soy
ouar
emar
ryi
ngamany
ouj
ustmet
?”
“HeistheoneLal
a.Iswearhei
stheone.Gapewe
areexpect
ing.
”
Shehappi
l
yrubbedherst
omach.
“
Youar
epr
egnant
?”
“
Yes.
”
Lal
asl
owl
ynodded.“
Congr
ats.
”
“
Thanks.
”
Lalalookedatherst omacht hensmi led,shecould
onlyimagi newhatLefawoul dgot hroughi fshehad
toloset hatpregnancy
.May bet hatmanwoul dleav
e
her.Afterall
,Lefawasknownf orki l
li
ngbabi essoit
wouldbeeasyf orhimtobeconv incedt hatshehad
kil
l
edt hebaby .Itwasherusual sty l
e.
Shesmiledwatchi
ngasLefatol
dheral
labouther
rel
ati
onshi
p,t
akingineachdet
ail
.
*
**

Lel
epar kedhercaratt hehospi talthensteppedout
wit
hAt angandwal kedinsidethehospi tali
nher
shortfl
oraldressthatkeptdr awingat t
ention.
Minuteslatershewaswal kinginsideChess’ sroom.
SheputAt angdownasChessputonhi st-shir
t.He
l
ookedather ,hisey esmov ingfrom herbrandnew
hai
rdogoi ngdownt oherpr ovokingdress.Hel ooked
atherthicksmoot ht hi
ghs.
Lel
etookof
fhersungl
asses.“
Hi…”
“
Whatar
eyouwear
ing?
”
Lel
elookedather
sel
f.“
Adr
ess.Doy
oul
i
kei
t?”
Shet ur
nedshowingherbum.Hecouldbetifshe
bendedsli
ghtl
y,hewouldprobabl
yseebeneaththe
dress.
“Anyway,
Isawy ourmessagewhenIwasal r
eadyon
mywayher e.I
t’
sfinei
fyouwantKhumot osr opyou
off
.Youcanspendt hedaywit
hAtti
e.Iam goingt
o
Palapy
etoattendtoanemergency
.Mamadi dnlt
comebackhomelastni
ght
.Loagoi
swor
ri
edsi
ckso
Iam goi
ngt
her
e.”
Khumoopenedthedoorwalki
ngi
n.Hisey
esf
all
i
ng
onLel
e.Sheki
ssedChessthensmil
ed.
“
Bye…”
Chessgrabbedherar m.“Youarenotgoing
anywheredressedli
keapr ost
it
utewhil
eweari
ng
thatr
ingony ourf
inger.KhumopleasetakeAt
ang.
”
Khumopi ckedAtangandwalkedoutwi thhi
m.Lel e
smi ledseeingt
hatangerinhisey
es, i
tsurpr
isingl
y
turnedtoseehimt hatangryandpissedandt he
j
eal ousinhiseyes.Hercheekwaspr obabl
ygoi ngto
facei tt
houghshewi shed…
“
Whatar
eyouhopi
ngt
oachi
evef
rom t
his?
”
“Iwanty outof ucktheshitoutofme, chokeme
whilefuckingme.Fuckmet i
llIcan’twalk.Fuckme
i
ntoplace.Puni shmewi thy ourdick.Makemet hi
nk
twicewhenev erIseey ourdick.That ’
swhatIam
hopingtoachi eve.Aft
erthatIwasn’ tust ogohome
andwor kourmaki ngourmar riagebetter.Iwantt
o
carryourseconddaught erandgi v
eAt ti
easi st
er.
That
’swhatIwantt
oachi
eve.
”
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#86

Chessl
ookedatherwi
thaf
rown.
“
Arey
oucr
azy
?”
“
No.Iam notcr
azy
.”Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ili
ket
hisdr
ess.
”
“Youaregoingt
ochangei
ntosomet
hing
appropr
iat
e.”
Heopenedthedoorandl
edherout
.Het
ookAt
ang
f
rom Khumo.
“
Thanks.Iam goi
ngwi
thher
.”
“
Ok.
”
Khumo’
seyeswenttoLel
e’sthi
ghst
henhequi
ckl
y
l
ookedawayasChesswalkedawaywit
hhi
swife
andson.Hegotinthepassengerseatwit
hAt angas
shegotonthedriv
er’
sseat,herdr
essmov ing
rev
eal
ingmor eofhert
highs.Shestar
tedtheengine
anddrovebackhome.
“
Whathappenedt
oyourmot
her
?”
“
Loagosay
sshedi
dn’
tsl
eepathome.
”
“
Wher
edi
dshesl
eep?
”
“
Hei
snotsur
e.Hei
swor
ri
edabouther
.”
“
May
beshei
swi
tht
hepast
or.
”
“
No.Theydon’
tli
keeachot
herl
i
ket
hat
.”
“
Andhowdoy
ouknowt
hat
?”
“
Ispoket
oher.Sherespect
shim wayt
oomuch.Do
y
ouwantanyt
hingattheshops?”
“
No.
”
Lelewentstr
aighthomeandpar edinthegarage.
Theysteppedoutandwalkedinsidethehouse.
Chesswalkedinchatti
ngwit
hAt ti
easLelelocked
thecar
.Herphonest ar
tedri
nging.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“Hey…Iam l
eav
ingt
oday
.Iwantt
oseey
oubef
oreI
go.”
“
Iam busywi
thmyhusbandandson.
”
“
Whoaskedany
thi
ngaboutt
hem?
”
“
Iam t
ell
i
ng-
“
“
Youwanttobri
ngthem al
ong?It
’sok.Iwi
l
lmake
l
unch.I
stwocupsofri
ceenough?”
“
Youar
enotgoingt
oseemebecauseIwi
l
lbebusy
wi
thmyfami
ly
.”
“
Itwon’
ttakel
ongIpr
omi
se.Pl
ease…”
“
No.St
opcal
l
ingme.
”
Lel
ehungupandwalkedi
nsi
det
hehousebumpi
ng
i
ntoChessbyt
hedoor.
“
Whower
eyout
alki
ngt
o?”
“Loago.Hei
sget
ti
ngmorewor
ri
ed.Ithi
nkwear
e
goingtohav
etoopenapol
i
cecase.
”
“
Youshoul
dlookar
oundf
orherf
ir
st.
”
“
Oldl
adi
esgetki
dnappedt
oo.
”
“
Idoubtt
hat
’st
hecaseher
e.”
Shewal kedi
nsidethehouseandwenttot
he
bedroom wheresheundressedwhi
lehest
ared.He
watchedherasshechangedi nt
oalongdr
esswitha
sl
itrhentookofftheheel
sandputonfl
ipfl
ops.
“
Arey
oui
npai
n?”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
“
Canwegot
oget
hert
oPal
apy
e?”
“Ifeelt
ired.Idr
ankt
hepi
l
lsbef
oreget
ti
ng
discharged.”
“
Shoul
dIt
akeAt
ti
ewi
th?
”
“
No.Lethim st
ay.Ory
oucanmakecal
lsandfi
ndout
whereshei
s.Myguttell
smewher
evershei
s,shei
s
f
ine.
”
“
Loagoi
sworried.Ihav
et obet
her
ewithhi
m.I
t
woul
dhavebeennicerifwewentt
oget
her.
”
“
Iwantt
osl
eepLel
e.If
eel
drowsy
.”
“
Ok.
”
Lel
etookt
hecarkey
s.“
Iwi
l
lbebackt
oni
ght
.Iam
notsl
eepi
ngt
her
e.”
“
Ok.
”
Lelepi
ckedAtt
ieandkissedhi
m befor
ewalkingout.
Shegotinhercaranddroveof
f.Herphonerang,she
tookadeepbreath.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Iwantt
oseey
ou.
”
“
Bame,
Iam mar
ri
edand-
“
“
AndIknow.Ist
il
lwantt
oseey
ou.I
twon’
ttake
l
ong.
”
“
Can’
tyousaywhat
everi
tisov
ert
hephone?
”
“No.Itneedsinperson.Iwanttomoveonwithmy
l
ifeandIdon’ twanttodoitwit
hwhatif
sinmyhead.
Let’
stalkitoutandgooursepar at
eways.Pl
ease…”
“Ok.Iam comingtoyourhouse.Pl
easeafterthi
s
j
uststop.Iam ti
redofsayi
ngthesamet hingover
andov eragai
n.Iwantpeaceandhappinessandy ou
aredeprivi
ngmet hat
.”
“
Iam wai
ti
ng.
”
Shehungupanddr ovetohishouse.Sheparkedher
carandwalkedi
nsidethehouse.Bamewal kedfr
o
theki
tchenshi
rt
lessonlyi
nhisjeansthatshowed
thev-
li
ne.
“
Ihav
etogo.Whati
sit
?”
“
What
’shappeni
ngi
nPal
apy
e?”
“
Myf
ami
l
yishappeni
ng.Whatdoy
ouwant
?”
“Iam sorr
yIhavebeennothingbutapainintheass.
Iam goingtoacceptthaty
ouloveyourhusbandand
that
’swhoy ouwant.”
“Thanky ou.Iam alsosor
ryforleadi
ngyouon.Iwas
wrongtogi veyouf al
sehope.Ididthi
sbutlett
ing
youbeli
ev eyouandIcoul dhavechancewhenwe
couldn’
t.Iam sorryforbr
eakingyourhear
t.Itwasnl
t
necessary.”
Bamewalkedcl
oserandsmi
l
ed.“
It
’sok.Iwi
shwe
cangobacktohowweusedtobebefor
eall
of
thi
s…”
“
Iwishi
tneverhappened.Youwer
eoneoft
hef
ew
f
ri
endsIhadinmycor ner
.”
“
Youdon’
thav
efr
iends.Iwast
heonl
yone.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ther
ear
eot
her
s.Ir
uinedus.
”
“
It
’sok.Fr
iendl
yhug?Tomakesur
eyoudon’
that
e
me.”
“
Idon’
that
eyou.
”
Hepul l
edherinhisar msandheldhert i
ghtl
y
squeezingherbodyagai nsthi
s.Sheswal l
owed
feel
inghisdickonherst omachasi tj
erked.Bame
softl
ykissedherneckgi vi
ngherthathug.Hekissed
herneckmor e.Lel
ecl osedhereyesgetti
ngweak.
Shecoul dn’
tunderstandwhyitwasal wayshardto
stophimi nst
antl
y.Herbodyalway sreactedtohi
s
touch.Hemov edhi sli
pstohermout h.
“
Bame…”
Hishandwentdownt henhet ouchedherpussy .Her
puthishandinsideherpant iesandt i
cuhedher
soakingpussy.Heflickedherki ssi
ngher.Lele
moanedi nhismout h,hermoansgothi sdickway
harderhecouldjustbur sthi
spant s.Hewant edto
fuckhersobadbutpat iencewasv i
rt
ue.Heletgo
thensighed.
“
Sor
ry.Youcango.
”
Hepi ckedhi
st -
shir
tfrom t
hecouchandputi ton.
Lelequickl
yturnedandhur r
iedoutbr
eathi
ngheav i
ly
.
Shegoti nhercarandputherhandsov erherface
unabletounderstandhersel
f.Herphonerang,she
reachedforitandpicked.
“
Babe…”
“
Hey
,wher
ear
eAt
ti
e’
stoy
s?”
“
Int
her
oom Opel
ousedt
ouse.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Arey
ouguy
sok?
”
“
Yeah.Hej
ustcr
ackedmyphonet
hough.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Hel
i
kest
hrowi
ngt
hingsar
ound.
”
“
Ireal
i
zed,
any
way
s,i
t’
sfi
ne.
”
“
Ok,
Ilov
eyou.
”
“
Cal
lmewheny
ouar
ri
ve.
”
“
ChessIsaidIloveyou.Pl
easest
opmakingmef eel
l
i
keastranger.Keagokopa.Younotsay
ingany
thing
aboutleavi
ngmemakesmebel ieveyoustil
lwant
thi
smar ri
agebecauseIam giv
ingyouachancet o
walkawayi fyoucan’
tdoitanymore.Youareangry
butti
llyoutel
lmewhaty ouarereal
lyfeel
i
ngIam
nevergoingtoknowwhatt odotomakei talr
ight
.”
“Youaredri
vi
ngLel
entl
e.Wearenotgoi
ngto
discusst
hiswhi
l
eyouaredri
vi
ng.Wewilldoi
twhen
youcomebackfrom Pal
apy
e.Toni
ght.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shehungupandr
ever
sedf
rom Bame’
syar
d.

*
**

I
nPalapye,mmagweLelewalkedinsi
dethehouse
humming.Loagol
ookedatherthengotupand
huggedher
.
“
Mama!
”
“
Myboy
…”
“
Wher
ewer
eyou?
”
“
Iwasatt
hepr
ayermeet
ing.It
oldy
ou.
”
“
Youdi
dn’
tsayy
ouwoul
dgoal
lni
ght
.”
“
Met
oobuty
ouknowhowsuchmeet
ingsgo.
”
“
You…seem di
ff
erent
.”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
It
’sLor
dmyson.
”
“
Iwassowor
ri
edt
hatLel
eusonherway
.”
“I
t’
sok.Iwon’tbear
oundthough.Ihav
etogo
somewhere.Iwil
lbebackl
ateron.”
Shewal
kedt
oherbedr
oom hummi
ng.

*
**

Lalagotsomet hingf rom somemanwhoqui ckly

disappearedatt hemal l
s’parki
nglot.Shegotinher
carthendr oveof f
.Shedr ovebacktoLefa’
shouse
togetherwiththeirlunch.Awhi l
elat
ershewas
walkinginsidethehouse.Shewentt otheki
tchen
wher eLefawasdr i
nkingwat er
.
“
Ibr
oughtl
unch.Youcangoandsi
twhi
l
eIdi
sh.
”
“
Oht
hanks.
”
Lefawalkedtothesi
tt
ingroom asLaronadi shed.
Shetookoutthepil
lsandputthem i
nt hejuice.She
di
ssolvedthem i
nsi
dethentooktheluncht othe
si
tti
ngroom.Shehandedhersi st
erapl at
ewi ththe
j
uice.
“
Ther
e…”
“
Thanks.
”
Lalawentbackforherfood.Sheturnedandl ooked
asLefastar
tedeati
ng,herjui
ceont heside.She
camebackwi t
hherownf oodandsatdown.Lef a
reachedf
orherjui
ceandt ookasipwhi l
eLala
i
nnocentl
ysatbesidehereatingherfood.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#87

Lefapausedeati
ngfeel
i
ngherst omachcontents
tur
ningyetagai
n.Shequickl
ygotupandhurriedto
thebathr
oom whereshedisposedital
li
nthet oi
l
et.
Laronastoodup.
“
Lef
a…”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
Lef
aflushedthetoi
l
etthenwashedhermout
h.She
smil
edwal ki
ngbacktothesi
tt
ingr
oom.
“
It
’sok.Iam f
ine.
”
“
”Ar
eyousur
e?Dr
ink.
”
Shepickedhergl
assofjui
ce.Lefashookherhead.
“Ngng,Iwil
ldri
nkwater
.It
’sok.”
Lef
awalkedtothekit
chenwhereshemadehersel
f
somelemonwat erwi
thhoney
.Shewalkedbackwit
h
i
tandsighedsi
tti
ng.
“
Won’
tyoueat
?”
Lef
alookedatherfood.“
Eish,
Iwil
ltr
yeat
ingi
tlat
er.
Iam notf
eel
ingtoowellt
oday.”
“
Youcanhav
eyourj
uice.
”
Someoneknockedonthedoor.Lefast
oodupand
wal
kedtothedoor.Sheopenedthensmil
ed.
“
Yoi
aret
hedoct
or?
”
“
Yes,
goodaf
ter
noon.
”
“
Hi,
pleasecomei
n.”
Lefal
ett
hedoct
ori
n.“
CanIof
fery
ousomet
hingt
o
dri
nk?
”
“
No.Iam f
inet
hanks.
”
“UuhLal
athi
sthedoctorwhoissupposedt
ocome
andseeme.Bri
ghtsenther
.”
“
Ok.Letmeputt
hef
oodaway
.”
LefasatdownasLalapickedherplat
etogetherwi
th
herjui
ce.Thegl
asssli
ppedfrom heroil
yhandsand
fel
lbreaki
ngwhi
lespil
l
ingthejui
ce.
“
God…”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Ther
eisamopeatt
hebat
hroom.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lar
onawal
kedawayast
hedoct
orat
tendedt
oLef
a.

*
**

Lat
eronthatday,
Lel
elookedatt
het
imet
hen
l
ookedatherbrot
her
.
“
Whatt
imedi
dshesayshei
scomi
ngback?
”
“
Shedi
dn’
tsay
.”
“
Iam cal
l
ingher
.”
Lel
etookoutherphoneandcal
l
edher
.Lel
elooked
atLoagoasi
tbegunringi
ng.
“
Lel
ent
le…”
“Iam athomemama.Ihav et
ogobackt omyf amil
y
mmegapeIdon’ twantLoagotospendtheni
ght
alone.Idon’
tknowwhatIshoulddo,shoul
dItellhi
m
topackandcomewi t
hme? ”
“
Iam onmywayt
her
e.Whyshoul
dyout
akehi
m?”
“Ithoughtyouwer esl
eepi
ngataprayerli
kelast
night.Iam justnotcomfortabl
ewit
hhim bei
ngal one.
Soont hiev
eswi llknowthatheisal
one.Iam just
beingcautious.”
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
Shehungup,
Lel
elookedatLoago.“
Shei
scomi
ng.
”
“
Shewaswi
tht
hepast
or.
”
“
What
?”
“Shewaswi
thherpast
or.I
fshemarr
ieshi
m, Iam
notgoi
ngwi
thhim.Iam goi
ngtor
emaininthis
house.
”
“
Isshedat
ingt
hepast
or?
”
“
Idon’
tknow.It
hinkso.
”
Lel
esighed.“
Buthermar
ryi
nghi
m doesn’
tmeanshe
di
dn’tl
ovepapa.
”
“
It
’snotev
enay
earsi
ncehepassedon.
”
“
Whatdoyouwant
?Forhert
ogrievet
il
ltheendt
ime?
Mamalov
edpapabutt
hatmarr
iagewasnotperf
ect
.
Hel ovedsomeoneel se.Somet i
mest hingshappen
i
nl ifeand…wemessup, weMakemi stakesandwe
endupwi t
ht hepeopl ewel ov enott hosewear ei n
l
ov ewi th.Iunder stoodwher epapawascomi ng
from.Hemetmamai mmedi at el
yafterhel ostt he
l
ov eofhi slov e.Shet ookawayahugepar tofhi m.A
partofhi m henev ergotbackandhel ov edher
throughoutal l t
hesey earsandj usthidi tbehi ndhat e.
Het houghti fhehat edhert henmay behewoul dn’t
l
ov eherbuti tdidn’twor k.Mamawast hewomanhe
l
ov ed.Shewast her eforhimt hroughoutev erything.
Shest oodbyhi m, l
ovedhi m, raisedhi ski ds.Butshe
nev erreceivedt hatlov esheknewshehadt ogetand
papat riedtobutmat tersoft hehear tar et rickyso
whyst opherhappi nesswhenshef i
nal lymeet sa
manwhof i
nallymakesherf eel ,r
eall
yf eel whatshe
i
ssupposedt of eel?Whycan’ tshebehappyj usta
bit?Letherbei nl ove,aren’tyouhappyshewi llbe
MmaMor uti
?Past or’
sson? ”
Theyl
aughed.
“
Giv
ehim achancewhentheti
mecomes.Ofcause
t
heywon’
tstayherei
nyourfat
her
’shouse.The
houseisyour
s.Thecarisyour
s.Noonei
sfi
ght
ing
i
ny ourownhouse.Justhavewi
sdom.
”
“
Yousoundl
i
kepapa.
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Thanks.
”
“
Ii
sev
ery
thi
ngokwi
thy
ouandChess?
”
Lel
esi
ghed.“
Yes.
”
“
Doy
oul
ovehi
m?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Likepapal
ovedt
hewomanhewasi
nlov
ewi
th?
”
“
Mor
ethant
hat
.”
“Thenyoushoul
dfi
ghtf
orhi
m becauseIwouldn’
t
wantyoutomakesomeoneelsemamai nyour
case.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iwi
l
l.Ihav
etogobackhome.
”
“
It
’sok.Youcango.Iwi
l
lremai
n.”
“
Arey
ousur
e?”
“
Yes.
”
Lel
egotupandhuggedhi
sbr
othert
ight
ly.“
Imi
ssed
y
ou.
’
“
Imi
ssedy
oumor
e.”
Sheki
ssedhi
sfor
ehead.
“
Let
’st
akeasel
fi
e.”
Loagotookouthi
snewphonet
hent
heyt
ooka
coupl
eofself
ies.
“
Bye!
”
“Iwanttot
akeal
i
vev i
deoofy ourcar
.Peopl
edon’
t
beli
evemewhenItel
lthem t
hekindofcaryou
dri
ve.”
Lel
elaughed.Loagost
art
edt
hel
i
vev
ideo.
“Higuy
s,sobeaut
if
ulwomanher
eismysi
ster
,Lel
e,
sayhit
othepeeps!
”
“Hi
!”Shel
aughedthenwal
kedoutsideunlocki
ngher
car
.ShejumpedinasLoagotookthevideo.
“
Byeeee!
”
“
Bye!
”
Shest
art
edt
hecart
henr
ever
sedanddr
oveof
f.
Loagosmil
edswi
tchi
ngt
ofr
ontcamer
aget
ti
ngback
i
nthehouse.

*
**

Lel
econnectedherphonetothecar’
sBluetooth.She
scrol
l
edthroughherphoneandblockedall
Bame’ s
numbers.Shewentonherfacebookandunf r
iended
himthenstart
edplay
ingAli
ciaKeysdri
vi
ngback
homewhi l
esingi
ngalong.

*
**

InGabor one, Lelepar kedhercart hensteppedout .

Shewal kedi nsidethehouseandpausedst ari
ngat
AtangandChesssl eepingont hecouchwi thabox
ofpizzaont het abl
e.Shecl osedandl ockedt hedoor
beforeshest artedclearingtheplatesandt hetoys.
Shecl eanedt heki t
chenandsi tt
ingroom then
switchedof ft heTVandpi ckedAt ang.Shet ookhim
t
obedt
henwentbackf
orhi
sfat
her
.
“
Babe…”
Chesssl
owl
yopenedhi
sey
esandl
ookedather
.
“
Hey
…”
Hesatupr
ight
.“Wher
eisAt
ti
e?”
“
Itookhi
mtobed.
”
“
Oh…howi
syourmom?
”
“
Dat
ingt
hepast
ir
.”
“
Itol
dyou.
”
“Ihadatal
kwi t
hLoago.It
hinkweshoul
djustl
ether
be,sheseemshappybeinghisgi
rl
.Whystopher
whenshei shappy
?”
“
Iagr
ee.Howi
she?
”
“
Fine.Wet
ookt
heset
oget
her
.”
SheshowedChesst
hepi
ctur
eswi
thasmi
l
e.
“
Hei sgr
owingwaytoofast.Heevenhasabeard.I
t
hinkheisdat
ingt
oo.Iwant edt
ohavethesextal
k
wi
thhim buti
twasgoi
ngt obeawkward.It
hinkyou
shoul
ddoi
t.Youcancal
lhi
m somet
ime.
”
Chesssmi
led.“
Ok,t
houghyoushoul
dknowt
hat
maybehealr
eadyst
art
edfucki
ng.
”
“
No.Hei
sst
il
laboy
.”
“
Ist
art
edhav
ingsexwhenIwas13.
”
“
What
?Wi
thwho?
”
“I
tdoesn’
tmat
terwit
hwhobutIwasal
readyf
ucki
ng
bythetmeIwashisage.
”
“
Whower
eyouhav
ingsexwi
th?
”
Chesssmi
l
edr
egr
ett
ingsay
ingt
hat
.
“Somegir
l.ButIwasjustsay
ing,
maybehei
snot
havi
ngsex.Iwil
lhavethetal
kwithhi
m.”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
Lel
etookof
fhershoest hensatonhim str
addl
ing
hi
m.Chessputthephonedownandhel dherwai st
hi
shandsgoingtoherbutt.Helookedi
nherey es
wonderi
ngwhereexactl
yhehadgonewr ong.
“
Wher
edi
dIgowr
ong?
”
Leleshookherhead.“ Nowher e.Iam gui l
tyfornot
setti
ngf i
rm boundar i
es.Iam gui lt
yf orIdon’ tknow…
maki nghimt hinktherecoul dbeachancet haty ou
wer egoingt oleaveme.Thedayy oucamet osee
me, hehadbeent here.Iam gui l
tyf orsay i
ngi twasa
neighbor’scar.Ipanicked.Hehadj ustar r
ivedandI
wasst il
ltry
ingt ogethimt ol eaveandhewoul dn’t
l
eav e.Iam guiltyoftouchingmy selfwhenev erIf el
t
theneedt obecauseIwasal one, nowi tlooksl ikeI
hadbeensl eepingwithhi m whenIhadnotandhe
hadj ustarr
ived.Iwasn’ twithhimt hatni ght.He
camet othehouseandIf i
rmlytoldhi m Ididn’ t
appreciatehisadv ancesany mor e.Thatwasbef oreI
cameov ertoy ou.Whywoul dIcheatt hencomet o
you?Whywoul dIdoi tthenightbef oreourweddi ng?
Ifyouwantadi vorce,it
’snotbecauseIcheat edon
youbecauseIdi dn’t
.Atsamet i
meIr eall
ydon’ twant
yout ostaywi thmewhenIdon’ tmakey ouhappy
anymor e.Wheny oudon’ ttr
ustme. ”
Helookedinherey eswanti
ngtobeli
eveherbutt
hat
guywasn’tcrazyandther
ewasnowayhewoul d
cometost opherweddingifnot
hinghadbeengoing
on.
“Iwanttogi veAt angahome.Iwantt osayIt r
ied,
thatIreall
ytri
edt omakei twor kbutitjustdidn’t.I
wantt osayIputmyal lintot hi
smar riagebuti tj
ust
wasn’tenought osustainit.Idon’twantt owal k
awaywi thangerandhur tbecausethat ’
swhatIam
feeli
ngrightnow.If eelangr yandhur tbuty ouar e
Atti
e’smot her.Ispoket osomeoneandwear egoing
togomar ri
agecounsel ing.Iwantt ot r
yandmakei t
wor kbutIdon’ tknowhowt hati
sgoi ngt oworki f
youar enottruthfulandkeepcov eri
ngy ourli
eswi t
h
mor eli
es.May bet hi
siswhatourmar ri
agehas
become.Api tholeoflies.Youknowy oucheat ed,I
am notaccusi ngy ouofi t,y
ouknowy oudid.Buti t
’s
okifyouar egoi ngtokeepupwi t
hy ourl i
es.Isti
ll
l
ov eyousomuchbutatsomepoi ntthatloveis
goingtof adeandIwi l
lbeabl etowal kawayf r
om
you.”
“
Iam notl
yi
ng-
“
“
Iam t
ir
ed.Iwantt
osl
eep.
”
Lel
egotupt
ear
ful
l
yst
ari
ngathi
m.
“
Chess-
“
“
Goodni
ght
.”
Shewat chedhim wal
kaway .Apar
tofherwantedto
admi tt
oev er
ythi
ngbuthewasgoingtoleaveher
withoutasingl
ehesit
ati
on.Sheputherhandsonher
facecryi
ng.

AYEARLATER….
.
.
Dol
eav
eal
i
keandacomment
:
Roar
ingFl
ames
#88

AYearLat
er.
..
.

Lel
elookedatthetimestandi
ngatthebackstageat
Fear
lessMagiklaunch,
herheartpoundi
ng.She
staredasthemodel smodeledi nherclot
hingli
ne
walkingdownt hestagewhiletheguestssatont he
sides.Lel
emov edbacki nherblackeveninggown
thathadav entthatstar
tedjustabovehermi dthi
gh.
Shet ookadeepbr eathwit
hherhadonherchestas
thepainonherchestmadeherwhi zjustabit.
Shegotherphoneandcal
l
edChess.
“
Lel
e….
”
“
Chess.
..
.Howf
arar
eyou?
"
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Howf
arar
eyou?Theyar
eal
mostdonemodel
i
ng.
”
“
Iwi
l
lbet
her
ein45mi
nut
es.
”
Tear
sfi
ll
edherey
es.“
Theshowwoul
dhav
ebeen
donebyt
hen.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
Atearfel
l.“
It
’sf
ine.Ij
ustwi
shedAt
ti
ewoul
dhav
e
beenherewithme.”
“Hewil
lmakeitf
ort
heaf
terpar
ty.Iam sor
ry.We
gotdel
ayed.
”
Lel
esni
ff
ed.“
ButI
..
."shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h."
It
’s
ok.
”
"
Iam comi
ng.
"
Shehungup, t
heshowdi r
ectorgav eherasi gnal.
Lelepattedhercheekst hensmiledandwal kedt o
thestageinherlongdr ess.Camer asflashedasshe
walkedwi t
hherpl ussizemodel andamedi um size
showst opperswhileShekhinah’ssuitedplayed.
Mor ecamer asfl
ashed.Loagowav edather .Lele
smiledwav i
ngbackt henhuggedt hetwol adies.She
gotthemi cthenclearedherthroatt r
yingto
smoot henoutherv oi
ce.
“Goodev ening.Mynamei sLelentleMor emi,t
he
directorofFear lessMagikClothingLineand
Fear l
essMagi kBout i
queandSpa.Ay earagoI
woul dnothav eev ert
houghtIwoul dbest andi
ng
her etodayl aunchingaclothi
ngline.AllIhadinmind
wasabout iqueinmi nd.Al
lfrom thestruggleof
fi
ndi ngasi zesinshops.Iwaswi ll
ingtosellpl
us
sizesclothesf rom thebootofmycarandt hat’
s
wher eIst artedtil
lImanagedt osecureapl acefor
thebout i
que.I t’
sbeenaj ourney,onethatIhav enot
beenal one.Wi t
ht hesuppor tofmybr other,my
mot her,myhusbandandmyson, Iam standinghere
todaycel ebratingami l
est one.Iwoul dli
ket othank
allt
hei nvestor swhobel i
ev edinmyi dea, Iwould
l
ov etot hankeachandev eryonewhosuppor tsme.A
hugeappr eciationtoall t
hemedi ahousesher e
tonightcov eringt hi
sev ent.Thisisjuststart…
FearlessMagi ki sheretot aket heworldbyast or
m.
Ber eadyf orit.Thanky ou. ”
Shetur
nedandwalkedawaysmili
ng.Shewentback
tot
hebackst
age.Loagorushedoverandhuggedher
.
Lel
ehuggedhi
ntightl
y.
“
Hey
…”
“
Youwer
eamazi
ng.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Thi
sev
enti
sli
t.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Hopef
ull
yitget
susont
hemap.
”
“Youar
eal
readyont
hemap.Wher
eisAt
ti
eand
Chess?
”
“
Theyar
ecomi
ng.Theygotdel
ayed.
”
MmagweLel
ewal
kedov
erandhuggedLel
e.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Mama…”
“
Yourf
atheri
spr
oudwher
everhei
s.”
“
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.
”
MmagweLelehuggedheragai
n.Lel
etookadeep
br
eat
hhol
dingitt
ogether
.
“
Iwi
l
lal
way
sbet
her
efory
ou.
”
“
Myheadisachi
ng.Thi
sshowhasbeenstr
essing
mesomuch,myheadisaboutt
ospl
iti
ntotwo.I
wantt
ogohome.”
“
Andl
eav
eyourownev
ent
?”
“
Someonewi
l
lremai
ninchar
ge.Iam notf
eel
i
ngt
oo
wel
l
.”
MmagweLeleputherheadonLele’
sforeheadt
hen
f
rowned.“
Yourt
emperatur
eishi
ghtoo.”
“Iam goinghome.Youguysremai
nhereforaslong
asyouwant .TheBtvcr
ewishereandsomer adi
o
stat
ions.Youmaywantt ogi
veoutsome
i
nter
views.
”
Loagosmi
l
edexci
tedl
y.“
Theyshoul
dint
erv
iewme!
”
“
Butbecar
eful
ofwhaty
ousay
.”
Lel
ewalkedaway.Shewalkedoutofthebui
l
ding
goingt
ohercarasherheadached.Shegoti
nher
caranddrov
ehome.

*
**

Lelewal kedi nsideherhouset hent ookof fhershoes.

Shepausedst aringatherweddi ngpi ctureont he
wall.Theyl ookedhappyont hatpi cturet heyhad
beenhappy .Shesi ghedr ecall
ingt hatf ait
hful day,
thefearandexci tementofhi m possi blybeingher
brother.Thewhati fs.Theyhadn' treallymat tered
thatdaybecauset heywer egoi ngt ot akeal eapof
fai
thall fortheirlov e.Shehadr uinedal lthat..
.All
thathardwor kt hatwenti ntof i
ght ingf orthem.I t
hadbeent hem agai nstthewor l
d.
Shewentt
othebedr
oom andl
ookedather
sel
fon
themirror
.Shecouldalreadyseet hedif
fer
encein
herweight.Ofcausenoonesawi ty
et.Shetookoff
thedressthenherbra.Shepr essedherlef
tbreast
feel
i
ngt helumpi nherbreast
.Herphoner angfr
om
thebed.Shewal kedovertoitandpickedit.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Lel
ent
le,
it’
sDr
.Wi
l
lson.Canwet
alk?
”
“
Uhy
es.
”
“
Yourr
esul
tscameback.
”
“
Oh…”
“
It
’snotj
ustal
umpl
i
keIi
nit
ial
l
yassumed.
”
“
Whati
sit
?”
“
Ineedust
otal
kinper
son.
”
“
Whati
sit
?Tel
lme.
”
“
It
’scancer
.Iam sor
ry.
”
Tearsf
ill
edherey
esast
hedoct
orconf
ir
medher
suspi
cions.
“
Howbadi
sit
?”
"
Nott
hatbad.I
t'
sst
age3br
eastcancer
."
“Am Idyi
ng?Ihaveachil
d.Hei stooyoungtol
ose
me.Idon’twanthi
mt ogrowupwi t
houtamother
.
Chessisgoingtogetsomeonet oplayhismot
her
andhewi l
lneverr
ememberme.Hewi l
lmakemy
sonforgetmebecausehealreadyhatesme."
"Lel
e.Nooneisdying.Noonewi l
ldi
e,wewillwork
outatreat
mentplanf ory
ou.Thecancerhasj
ust
l
ocall
yadvanced.I
t'
snott heendoftheworl
d.Igot
you.Comebyt omorrow."
Shebr
okedowncr
ying.
"Lel
e..
.Li
stent ome.Al otofpeopl
ehav esur
vived
thi
s.Youwi l
ltoo.Andit'
sonlyony ourleftbr
east.
Come, l
etmedoat horoughexamination.The
soonerwest artwit
hyourt r
eatment,t
hebet t
er.Ok?"
"
Iam scar
ed,
Iam t
ooy
oung.
."
"Iknow.I
t'
sscar
y.Youhaveeveryri
ghtt
obescared
butIam her
etohelpyou.Iam i
nthebusi
nessof
savingl
iv
esandyourshasbecomemypr ior
it
y.Ok?
"
"
Ok.
"
"
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?Amypai
n?"
"Headaches.UhbackpainsandIkeeplosi
ngweight.
IthoughtChesswouldhavenoti
cedbynowbuthe
doesn'tt
ouchmddohebar el
ynoti
cesanychange."
"
Sti
l
lst
ruggl
i
ngt
obr
eat
hesomet
imes?
"
"
Yes.Buti
t'
sonl
ywhenIsl
eep.
"
"
Ok.Pl
easecomebyt
omor
row.
"
"
Ok.
"
"
Don'
tst
ressy
our
sel
f.I
t'
snott
heendoft
hewor
ld.
"
"
Bye.
"
Lelehungupandputherhandsonherfacecr
ying.
Shecriedsomuchtil
lshewaswheezi
nggaspingfor
breat
hseatedonthebed.
Att
ie'
slaught
ermadeherpause.Shequicklygotup
andputonhergownwi pingawayhert
ear s.Chess
walkedinhol
dingAt
ti
et henl
ookedatLele'sredeyes.
Awav
eofgui
l
thi
thi
m.Lel
efor
cedasmi
l
e.
"
Heyguy
s.At
ti
e!"
"
Mama!
"
Lel
ewalkedov
erandtookhi
mfr
om Chess.Hewas
soheav
yshesatdown.
"
Hey
,di
dyoumi
ssme?
"
"
Yes.
"
"Imissedy
out
oo.Il
ovey
ou.
"Shehuggedhi
m ashe
giggl
ed.
"
Ilov
eyoumama.
"
Lelechuckl
edtearf
ull
y.Shebl
i
nkedawayhert
ear
s
thenlookedatChess.
"
Hi.
..
"
"
Iam sor
ry.
"
Lel
eshookherhead."
It
'sf
ine.
"
"
Mama,
Igotapr
esent
."
"
Oh.
..Ok.
"
Her ushedout .ChesslookedatLel
easshesaton
thebedst ar
ingatherf i
ngers.Hewalkedov
eran
crouchedbef oreher.
"
Iam sosor
ry.Ihi
tapi
g.I
-"
"
It
'sok.
"
"
It
'snot
."
"
Ther
eisnot
hingwecandonow.I
t'
sfi
ne.
"
Heswal
l
owed."
Howdi
ditgo?
"
"
Wel
l
."
"
Wepassedbyandt
heyt
oldusy
ouhadl
eftal
ready
."
"
Iam notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
."
"
Theheadache?
"
"
Yeah.
"
"
Ithi
nkweshoul
dseeadoct
or.
"
"
Idi
d.Justst
ress.Iam f
ine.
"
At
ti
erani
nsi
dehol
dingasmal
lbox.
"
Mama.
..Pr
esent
."
Lel
smi
l
ed.
."Thanky
ouMr
.Mor
emi
."
Sheopenedi
tthent
ookoutabr
acel
etwi
thhername
andhi
s.Lel
ehuggedhi
m.
"
Thanky
ou.
"
Sheputi
tonherwr
istsmi
l
ingemot
ional
l
y.
"
Thanky
ou.
"
Hel
ookedathercr
yingconf
used.
"
Mama.
..
"
"
Iam happy
.Thanky
ou.
"
Hesmi
l
edt
henr
anout
.Chesssatbesi
deher
.
"
Babe-
"
"Iam fi
ne.Iam fi
ne.
"Herli
pst
rembl
ed."
Iam f
ine.I
am just
..
.Ov er
whelmed.
"
Hehuggedher."
Youshoul
dpr
oudofyoursel
f.You
haveacl
othi
ngli
ne.I
t'
ssomet
hingbi
g.Andyoudid
i
t.All
byyour
self
."
Shenoddedput
ti
ngherar
msar
oundhi
m.

*
**

Lef
ahel
dherbabyi
nherar
mswhowassl
owl
y
fal
l
ingasl
eep.Shelookedathert
hensmil
edstar
ing
atherf
ather
'sfeat
uresonhim.Shewasherf
ather'
s
daught
er.
Sheslowlywalkedt
oherr oom wher
eshelai
dher
downt hensl
owlywalkedout.Lef
awalkedovert
o
herphonethentookitandcall
edhim.
"
Hel
l
o?"
Lef
asmi
l
ed."
Heybabe.
..
"
"
Wif
ey.
."
Lefablushed." Stopcall
i
ngmet hatwheny ouare
ref
usingt ogivemeawhi tewedding.Kanababewe
arenotof fi
ciall
ymar r
iedti
llwesi
gnatt he
commi sioner'soffi
ce.Iam notr
eall
yy ourwi
fe.
"
"YouknowhowIf
eel
aboutt
hat
.Let
'snotf
ight
please.
"
"
Iwanttobey
ourwi
fe.Iwantt
obeMr
s.Jor
e.
Off
ici
all
y.
"
"
Babe-
"
"
Idon'
tev
enunder
standwhyy
oudon'
twantt
omar
ry
me.
"
Br
ightsi
ghed."
Babe.
..
"
Shestar
tedcryi
ng."If
eelal
oneint hi
srelat
ionshi
p.
Youarebarel
ythere,y
oudon'twanttomar ryme.
Payi
ngbridepri
ceisnotenough.Ifeell
ikeyouwer e
j
ustl
ookingforalongtimegirl
fr
iendandhav epaid
mybridepri
cesoInev erl
eave.
"
"
Comeon.
..
"
"Youdon'tev
entakemet
oZi
m wi
thy
ou.DoI
embarrassyou?
"
"
Babe-
"
"
Mybl oodpr
essur
eisr
isi
ng.If
eel
youar
ejust
wast
ingmytime."
"Youarebei
ngdr amati
c.YouknowIl oveyou.Ihave
evergi
venyouar easontodoubtme.Ihav ebeen
fai
thf
ultoyou.Iprovi
dey ourv
eryneed.Ifi
t'
sdick
youarecryi
ngfor,Iam comingtomorrow."
Lef
asni
ff
ed."
Iwantar
eal
weddi
ng.
"
"
Arey
oupr
egnant
?"
Lef
apaused."
Huh?
"
"
Youar
epr
egnant
.Yousoundpr
egnant
."
"
Iam notpr
egnant
."
"
Youar
e.Goandcheck.
"
"
Ican'
tbepregnant
.Iam br
east
feedi
ng.AndMut
sa
i
ssti
ll
young.Sheisonl
y4mont hsol
d."
"
Youar
ecarr
yingmyson.Il
ovey
ou.Iam comi
ng
t
omorr
ow.Imissyou.
"
Lef
atri
edtounwind.Theyhadstar
tedhavingsexa
monthbackbecausehecouldn'
twaitany
mor e.
"
Ok.
."
"
Ilov
eyou.
"
"
Ilov
eyout
oo.
"
Bri
ghthungup.Lef
aslowl
ysatdownt ry
ingt
othi
nk
ofthepossi
bil
i
tyofbei
ngpregnantagai
n.
.
.
Famil
y,dol
i
keandcommentonouri
nser
ts.Good
eveni
ng
Roar
ingFl
ames
#89

Chessfi
nisheddressi
ngandl
ookedatLel
ewhowas
si
tt
ingont hebed.
“
Aren’
tyougoi
ngt
owor
k?”
“
Iam.
”
“
Iwi
l
ldr
opof
fAt
ti
e.Wi
l
lyoupi
ckhi
m up?
”
“
Yes.
”
Hepickedhiswatchandputitonhi
swrist
completi
nghisl
ook.Helookedhandsomeinthesui
t
andt
hehai r
cuthadjustscul
ptur
edhisf
ace.
Lel
egotupandfixedhi
sti
e.Shelookedinhiseyes
wonderi
ngi
fal
ltheloveheoncehadf orherwas
gone.
“Il
ovehowy ouar
esoinvol
vedinyourson’
slif
e,how
youarehandsonwhenitcomestohim.Ilovehow
youalwaysmakesurehehasasmi l
eonhisface
everysi
ngl
enight
.Il
ovehowy oupayatt
enti
ont o
eachandeverydet
ail,Iknowevenifanythi
ngever
hastohappentome, heisf
inewit
hy ou.Mysoulwil
l
resti
npeacewheni tcomest oourson’swell
bei
ng.
Youareperf
ectatthis.”
Hebl
ushed.“
Thanks.Youar
egoodati
ttoo.
”
“
Notl
i
key
ou.
”
“Tr
ustme,y
ouareasgood.Andnot
hingi
sgoingt
o
happent
oyou.Youar
egoingtowat
chhim gr
ow.”
Leleswal
l
owedt
henshr
ugged.Chessl
ookedi
nher
eyes.
“
What ’
swr ong?Don’tsaynothi
ngbecauseIcansee
i
tinyourey es.Somethi
ngisup.Isi
twhathappened
l
astnight?Iam sorryaboutt
hatandIswear,Iwi
ll
makei tuptoy ou.
”
“
Iwasj
ustsay
ing.Iam f
ine.
”
“Lel
ent
le…cany
oubet
rut
hful
foronce!Justt
his
once?”
Tear
srol
l
eddownhercheeks.“
Doy
oust
il
ll
oveme?
”
“
What
?”
“
Doy
oust
il
ll
oveme?
”
“
Arey
ouser
iousr
ightnow?
”
“
Ifeel
li
key
ouhat
eme.
”
“Whywoul dIhat ey ou?Il ov ey ou!WhatIhat eishow
youhav emadel yingahabbi t.Youcan’ tbet ruthful
.
It
’salway sonel i
et oanot herl i
e!Igav ey ouachance
tobehonest ,atsomepoi ntIact uall
ywant edt owor k
onus, Itooky out oamar ri
agecounsel or,youf ail
ed
tobehonestoratl eastj ustapol ogizeandownupt o
yourshi t
.Rat hery oual way sfindsomeonet obl ame,
youenj oyplay ingt hev icti
m.May bey ouj ustdon’ t
knowhowt obel ov edandhowt orecei vet hatlove
babebut …”Chessst eppedbackaspai nchocked
him.“Thel easty oucandoi sbehonest .Bean
honestper son.Ihav ebeent ransparentwi thy ou,I
canlooky oui ny ourey esbabeandt ellyouIam not
hidi
ngany t
hingf rom y ou.It oldy ouev erything.I
havenev erliedt oy ou.Itried,Ihav ebeent ryingbut -
“
Lel
e’
sl i
pst
rembled.“Youwantmet oadmitt
o
sl
eepingwi
thBamewhenInev erdi
d.ChessIswearI
di
dn’t
.Iam notl
ying,
Ineversl
eptwithhi
m.Iswear
wi
thmyli
fe.Iswearwi
thmyson’
sli
fe.Ineversl
ept
wi
thhi
m.Idon’tknowwhatt
osayanymor e.Idi
dn’
t
sl
eepwi
thhim.”
Chesslookedathercr
ying.“
Ify
oudi
dn’
tsl
eepwi
th
hi
m, whatdidyoudothen?”
“
Chess-
“
“
Whatdi
dyoudoi
fyoudi
dn’
tsl
eepwi
thhi
m?”
Lel
eputherhandsov
erherf
acecr
ying.“
Not
hing.I
di
dn’tcheat
.”
Chesstookadeepbreathbli
nki
ng.Hechuckl
ed.
“Youknowwhathurt
s, i
t’
sthefactt
hatIknowyou
arel
ying.Iknowt
hetrut
h.”
“
Hei
sly
ing.Chess…”Shecr
iedev
enmor
e.
Tearsi t
chedhisey es.“Youar ebl
ockingusf r
om
mov ingforwardwi t
hy ourliesbabe…can’ tyousee…”
Hetiltedherchinandl ookedather .“
St opdest r
oyi
ng
me, us…wi thl
ies.Iam t r
yingtomeety ouhalfway
buty ouareblockingmewi thli
es.Idon’ tknowwhat
makesy outhi
nkit’sbettertoliet
hanj usttell
the
tr
uth.”
Hemov
edbackt
hensi
ghed.
“
Youknowwhatt
odowheny
ouar
ereadyt
ofi
xour
mar
ri
age.
”
Het
urnedandwal
kedoutwi
thhi
slapt
opback.
“
Champ,
let
’sgo.
”
“
Iwantt
osayby
etomama.
”
“
Shei
sint
hebedr
oom.Hur
ry.
”
Atti
ehurri
edtohisparent’
sbedr oom asChess
walkedoutsi
de.Helookedatherwher ehehadhi
t
thepigandgotinhiscar.Minuteslat
erAtanggoti
n
thecarholdi
nghisbottl
eofjuicethenhedroveout
ofthegate.
“
Doy
ouev
ery
thi
ngi
nyourbag?
”
“
Yes.
”
Heopenedhi
sjui
cet
hent
ookasi
plooki
ngout
side
t
hewindow.
“
Daddy
,look!
”
Hepoint
edt henaccident
all
ydr
oppedhisbot
tl
e
spi
l
li
ngjuiceoverhisshir
tandpant
s.Chessl
ooked
athi
m ashehur
ri
edl
ypi
ckedhi
sbot
tl
e.
“
Daddy
…”
Hest
oppedt
hecar
.
“
Atang,
whyar
eyoudr
inki
ngt
hati
nthecar
?”
“
Iam wet
.”
Chessl
ookedatt
heti
met henquickl
yjumpedback
i
nthecardi
ali
ngLel
e.Shesnif
fedpicki
ng.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“Hey,At
ti
ewasdr i
nki
ngjui
ceint
hecar.Iam dr
ivi
ng
backhomer i
ghtnow.Canyougethi
schanging
clot
hesready
?”
“Ial
readyl
eft
.Can’
tyougetsomet
hingatacl
othi
ng
shop?”
“
Noshopi
sopenatt
hist
imeandIhav
eameet
ing.
”
“
Shoul
dIcomeback?
”
Hesi
ghed.“
Noi
t’
sfi
ne.
”
Hehungupandt
ookau-
tur
ncal
l
inghi
sPA.
“
Mor
ningMor
emi
.”
“
Iwi
l
lbei
nabi
tlat
e.Reschedul
ethemeet
ingt
o9.
”
“Yessir.
”Hequi
cklydrov
ebackhomewher ehe
changedhissonintoacleanunif
orm anddrovehim
toschool.Heparkedandsteppedoutwithhim as
histeacherwal
kedover.
“
Att
ie’
sfat
her
…”
“
Ther
eishi
sbag.By
echamp!
”
“
Byeby
e!”
Chessgotbackint hecarjustaslorr
yparkedbeside
him.Awomanst eppedoutholdingacrateofeggs.
Shesmi l
edgiv
ingt hem toAtt
ie’
steacherthen
tuckedherweavebehi ndherear.Chessimmediatel
y
recogni
zedher.Hest eppedoutofhiscarjustasshe
walkedbacktoherl orr
y.
“
Bonol
o…”
Bonol
otur
nedthenpausedst
ari
ngthi
m.Asmi
l
e
br
okeonherface.
“
Heey
…youmadei
t!
”
Chessl
aughed.“
Whatdi
dyouexpect
?”
“
Yourdeat
h.Goodthi
ngyoumadei
tal
i
ve,
Ihav
ea
l
ott
oblackmai
lyouwith.
”
“
Waswaba.Thi
sisact
ual
l
yyour
s?”
“Thel
orry
?Yes.Youal
mostt
ookmeoutof
busi
ness.
”
“
Iwasgoi
ngt
ofi
xit
.”
“
Waai,wher
e?I
t’
sbeenoverayear
.Ifyoureal
l
y
want
edtofi
xit
,youwoul
dhavegottenincont
act
wi
thme.”
“
Itr
iedbutIf
oundoutt
her
ear
eal
otofBonol
o’sout
t
here.
”
Bonol
osmi
l
ed.“
It
’sok.Iam gl
ady
ouar
ewel
l
.”
“
Ithoughty
ousol
dcabbages?
”
Shel
aughed.“Iam suppli
erChess.Isel
lmeat,
cows,
goat
s,veget
ables,eggsli
keyousee… Ievol
ved.I
t
wasniceseei
ngy ou.Bye!
”
Shegotbackinherl or
ryinawhitefor
mal dressand
heelsthenst
artedt
heengi neanddroveoffinher.
Chessmemor izedthenumberont helor
rythen
quickl
ydial
editandcalledit
.
“
Nol
o’sSuppl
i
es,
goodmor
ning,
howcanIhel
pyou?
”
Hechuckl
ed.“
Youar
etheownerofNol
oFar
m?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Wow!
”
“
ByeChess.
”
“
Inev
ergottosaythanky
ouf
orst
ayi
ngwi
thmet
il
l
t
heambulancecame.”
Shel
aughed.“
It
’si
nthepast
.”
“
Ioweyouone.May
beIcoul
dhav
edi
edhady
ou
l
eft
.”
“Youweredr
unk,youwoul
dhavej
ustpassedout
.
ButIst
ayedbecauseyouwer
ecry
ing.
”
“
Iwasn’
t.That
’sl
i
e.”
“
Youwer
e.Youwer
efeel
i
ngemoshi
nal
i
.”
“
WaswabaNol
o.”
Shelaughed.“
Youcried.Youshedsomet ear
s.She
di
danumberony ou.Mjolowillny
isyou.Butit
’sok
becauseIcanrel
ate.Afterdat
ingsomeonewho
i
mpregnatedever
ythi
ngwi
thav agina,Icanr
elat
eto
t
hepain.Areyousti
ll
marr
ied?Ididn’tseear
ingon
y
ourfi
nger.”
Hest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.
“
Idon’
twantt
otal
kaboutt
hat
.”
“I
t’
sok.Iam dr
ivi
ng.Thanky
ouf
orcal
l
ingNol
o
Suppl
i
es.Bye.”
Hechuckl
edasshehungup.

*
**

Lel
ewalkedi
nsi
det
hedoct
or’
sof
fi
ce.Dr
.Wi
l
lson
smil
ed.
“
Hey
.”
“
Goodmor
ning.
”
“
Sit
.”
Lel
esatdownt
henDr
.Wi
l
lsonsatbesi
deher
.
“
Howdi
dyousl
eep?
”
“
Idi
dn’
tsl
eep.
”
“Iunderst
and.Iam goi
ngtoexplainthisinsi
mpl e
terms,whereyouarelost
,stopmeandask.St age3
cancermeanst hatt
hecancerhasl ocall
yadvanced.
Ithasspreadfrom t
hebreasttothelymphnodes
closetoyourbreast
.”
Thedoct
orhandedherapi
ctur
eandpoi
nted.
“Ther
ei sy ourbr east.Thecancerhasspr eadto
nodesundert hear m.Lel e,Ineedy outounder st
and
thi
sdoesn’ tmeany ouar egoingtodi e,yourcancer
i
scur able.Ther earet reatmentswhi chcanbedone.
Wear egoi ngst artwithadr ugtreatment ,
Chemot her apy .Thisi stoshr i
nkdownt hecancerso
thatasur gerycanbeper formed,y ourtumori sbig
soshr i
nkingi tist hef i
rststep.Wear egoingt ogo
aheadandst ar ty ourchemo, i
t’
snott oolat e,i
fthe
cancerdoesn’ tshr i
nk, wewi ll
hav etoremov ethe
wholebr eastbutonl yifitdoesn’
tshr unk.”
“
WhencanIst
artt
reat
ment
?”
“Assoonaspossi
ble.Youjustneedtosignacoupl
e
ofthi
ng.Wi
ll
youbeal er
ti
ngy ourhusband?”
“
Yes.
”
“Good.Isuggestyoumakehi
m partofi
t.Youwi
l
l
needallthesupporty
oucanget
.”

*
**

Lefawalkedinsidethet oi
l
etsatworkthenpeedon
thepregnancyst i
ck.Shelookedatitwait
ing.One
l
ineappearedt henslowlyanotheronethoughitwas
fai
nt.Shetookoutherphoneandgoogl ed.Sheread
thr
oughherr esultsthenswall
owed.Therewasno
wayshecoul dbepr egnant.
Herphoner
angasshesatont
het
oil
etseat
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,Iam att
hepar
kingl
ot.Come.
”
Lefathrewthepregnancystickinthebi
nthen
washedherhandsandwal kedout.Sshewenttothe
parki
ngl otwher
eshei mmedi at
elynoti
cedhiscar
.
Shehurr i
edoverandjumpedi n.Bri
ghtsmil
ed
huggingher.
“
Heybabe…”
“
Ithi
nkIam pr
egnant
.”
Hesmi
l
edmov
ingback.“
It
’saboy
!”
“
Bri
ghtI
-“
Hehappi
l
yhuggedheragai
n.“
Thanky
oubabe.
”
“
Idon’
twantanot
herbaby
.Mut
sai
stooy
oung.
”
“Tooy oungforwhat?Mut sai
sfi
ne.Wearehavi
ng
oursonandt hat’
sthat.Youshoul
dstopst
ressi
ng
yourself
.”Hekissedher.
“
Igoty
ousomet
hing.Letmegeti
t.I
t’
sint
heboot
.”
Hest eppedoutandwenttotheboot
.Hi
sphone
start
edr i
ngi
ng.Lef
alookedathi
sSAPAcall
ingt
hen
reachedfori
t.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Uhhhhhi
.Who’
sthi
s?”
“
Hi,
yourbossi
scomi
ng,
justhol
don.
”
“
Mywhat
?”
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#90

"
Mywhat
?"
"
Yourboss.Hei
scomi
ng.
"
"
Excuseme,
whoar
eyou?
"
"
It
'sMr
s.Jor
e.Yourboss'
swi
fe.
"
"
Angi
zwanga?
"
Lefafr
ownedjustasBr
ightgoti
nthecar
.Hel
ooked
atherhol
dinghi
sphone.
"
Youassi
stant
."
Shehandedhi
m hi
sphone.Br
ightnoddedt
henputi
t
onhi
sear.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Bri
ght
..
."Amahl
etookadeepbr
eat
hthensni
ff
ed.
"
Babewhat'
sgoi
ngon?"
Hi
shear
tpoundedsomuchashel
ookedatLef
a
whowaslooki
ngathi
m.
"
Iwi
l
lexpl
ain.
"
Amahlescr
eamed."Expl
ainnow!Expl
aint
ome!I
hear
dthatwoman.Iheardhercl
earl
y.
"
"
Lat
er.
"
"Br
ight
..
."Shebrokedowncr y
ing."
Godt
hisi
snot
happeni
ng.Bri
ght..
..God.
..
"
Hel
ookedatLef
aandsmi
l
edr
eassur
ingl
y.
"
Bri
ghtwhat'
sgoi
ngon.Pl
ease.
..Br
ight
..
.OhGod.
Myhear
t.
..Br
ight
..
."
Shecr
iedsomuchheswall
owed.Say
ingany
thi
ng
woul
dlendhi
m deepi
nthemud.
"
Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
."
Hehungupandsi
ghedasLef
alookedathi
m.
"
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
"
Adeal
inSout
hAf
ri
cahasgonewr
ong.
"
"
Whyi
ssher
ude?
"
"
Rude?Shei
snotr
ude.That
'sj
usthowshei
s."
"
Shei
srude.Icoul
dheari
tandwhatdoesn'
tshe
knowy
ouar
emar
ri
ed?
"
"BecauseIt
rybyal
lmeanst okeepmyli
fepriv
ate.I
don'tknowwhomyhatersarebabe.Pr
otect
ingyou
andmysoni smyprior
it
y."
"
Butsti
l
l.
..Shei
syourPA.Sheshoul
dknowt
his
i
nfor
mation.
"
"
It'
snonofherbusiness.That
'swhyIkeptheroutof
i
t.BabeIhavealotofenemies.Iwoul
dn'twantto
r
iskanyt
hing.
"
"
Shei
syourPA.I
fyoudon'
ttr
usthert
heny
oushoul
d
f
ir
eher
."
"
Babecomeon.
"
"Yes.Youshouldf
ir
eher.Sheisrude,
shehasan
atti
tudeandIdon'
tli
keheralr
eadybecausey
ou
don'ttr
usther
.Youaregoingtofi
reher.
"
Hesi
ghed."Ok.ButIwi
l
lhavet
ogother
e.Letme
seei
fther
eisanythi
ngfl
yi
ngout.
"
"No!Youar enotl
eavi
ngwhenyouj
ustcame.I
missedy ou.Youarenotgoi
ngt
ocomeforoneday
andleave."
"
Babe-
"
"
NoBr
ight
."
Br
ight
'sphoner
angagai
n.
"
Putheronl
oudspeaker
."
"Iam notpicki
ngit.Sheneedsmether
eand
becausey ouarerefusi
ngformet
ogo,Idon'
tknow
whatIwi l
ltel
lher
."
"Youar enotgoi ngt
oleavemewheny oujustcame.
Youhav en'tevenseenyourdaught er
.Thisi
swhatI
wast alkingabout .Wecan'thaveahomewher ethe
fatherisbar el
yt her
eBri
ght.Itdoesn'
tfeell
ikeareal
family.Youshoul dbebondingwithyourdaughter.I
don'tgethowy ouaresoexcitedaboutthi
s
pregnancywheny oufai
ltomaket imeforyour
daught er."
"
Youknowhowi
tiswi
thbusi
ness.
"
"Idon'
tcar
ehowi tis.Youshouldmaketi
mef or
family
.Youshouldmaket i
mef orme.Youcan'tbe
everywher
einthewor l
dallf
orbusinessy
etyoudon't
evenknowy ourdaughter
."
"Youknewwhaty ouwer egettingy ourselfwheny ou
decidedtogooutwi thmet hatni ght.Iam a
businessman,Ididn'tapproachy ouwi t
hl i
es.You
knewIwoul dalwaysbet raveli
ng.Iam doi ngthi
sf or
you.Forus.Thisi
sourchi ldren'slegacy .Itr
avelall
overbecauseIwanty outokeepeat i
ng, Iwantmy
daughtertoeateverynight."
"
Imi
ssedy
ouand-
"
"
Imi
ssedy
outoobutIworksohardt
omakesure
y
ouandmydaught
erar
eleavi
ngthebestl
i
ves.
Hi
sphoner
ang.
"
Letmehearher
."
Hest
eppedoutoft
hecarpi
cki
ngt
hecal
l
.
"
Bri
ght
..
.Ar
eyoumar
ri
edt
her
e?"
"Marri
edhowwhenIam mar r
iedtoyou?St op
makingnoise,youar ebegi nni
ngt oannoyme.You
can'
tevendifferenti
atebet weenapr ankand
somethingreal.It
'sli
keyouar ewai ti
ngt ohearIhave
awife.Youarebor ingit'
sexhaust i
ng.It'
salwaysone
complaintaf
teranot hersincet hebeginningofthe
r
elat
ionshi
p.Youshouldn'
tbesur
pri
sedi
fIact
ual
ly
f
oundsomeoneel sebecauseyouar
etoomuch.I
t
hinkweshouldjustendit
."
Amahl
equi
etl
yli
stened.
"Br
ight
..
."
"
Ican'
tdot
hisany
mor
e."
"
Youcan'
tdowhat
?SoIshoul
djustkeepqui
etwhen
y
ou-
"
"
Look,
let
'scal
li
tqui
ts.Iam t
ir
ed.
"
"
Whyareyoudoingthi
s?Youal
way
str
eatmel
i
ke
t
hiswhenIam pr
egnant.
"
"Iam notyourpunchi
ngbagandmay bet
hat
'swhyI
am alwaystravel
i
ngbecauseyoust
ealmypeace.
"
Shebr
okedowncr
ying.
"
Nowondermysi st
erdi
dthi
stoy
ou.Youal
ready
t
houghtIwascheat
ing.
"
"
Yoursi
steri
sinBot
swana?
"
"
Yes.Shev
isi
ted.Shei
sleav
ingt
oni
ght
."
"
CanIpl
easecomet
her
e.Imi
ssy
ou.
"
"
Youwantt
obor
etheshi
toutofmeAmahl
e."
"Iam sor
ry.Imi
ssy
ou.Iwanty
ou.Pl
easel
etme
come."
"
Idon'twantt
obeaccusedofcheat
ingwhenIhav
e
t
oattendtoameeti
ngoutofthecit
y."
"Iwon'
t.
"Shesni
ffed."
Iwon'
taccusey
ouofany
thi
ng.
ShouldIcome?"
Hesi
ghed."
Ok.
"
"
Ilov
eyou.
"
"
Ilov
eyoumor
ethoughy
ouar
eannoy
ing.
"

*
**

MmagweLelewentthr
ought
hepi
ctur
esLel
ehad
sentt
hencal
l
edher.
"
Mama.
..
"
"
Isawt hepi
ctur
es.Idon'
twantsomet
hingl
i
ket
hat
.I
wantsomethi
ngniceandmature.
"
"
Youaremarryi
ngapastormama.Youhav
eto
r
epr
esentourgender
."
"
What
'swr
ong?Yousounddown.
"
"
Iam notf
eel
i
ngt
oowel
l
."
"
Whati
sit
?"
"I
t'
snothi
ngt
ooser
ious.Iwi
l
lbef
ine.Justabi
t
si
ck."
"
Lel
e..
."
"
Iam f
inemama.Myheadi
sachi
ng.Wewi
l
ltal
k
mor
eabouttheweddi
ngpl
ansl
ater
."
"
Ok.Besaf
e."
MmagweLel ehungupthenpausedasacarpar ked
atthegate.Shehurr
iedt
othegateandgoti nbefor
e
gossiper
scouldcomeoutoftheirhouses.The
pastorsmil
ed.
"It
houghtIwoul
ddr
opof
fthi
sbef
oreheadi
ng
home."
Hehandedherapaperbagoff
ood.MmagweLel
e
smi
ledgett
ingt
heNandos.
"
Thanky
ou.
"
"
Iam r
eal
l
yexci
ted.HasLoagosai
dany
thi
ngy
et?
"
MmagweLel eshookherhead."No.Ial
readyspoke
toLel
e.Loagoiswrit
inghi
slastexam t
oday.She
sai
difhedoesn'twanttomovewi t
hme, hewil
lgo
andstaywit
hhertil
lhegoestouniver
sit
y."
"
Ok.Iam sor
ry.Iknowhowmuchi
t'
seat
ingy
ou.
"
"Idon'
tevenknowwhattosayt
ohi
m.Iam ev
en
scaredtobri
ngthei
ssueup.
"
Thepastorhuggedhert
henki
ssedher
."Ev
ery
thi
ng
wil
lfal
li
ntoplacesoon.
"
MmagweLel
esawhernei
ghborwal
ki
ngoutoft
he
gat
e.
"
Thegossi
peri
sher
e.Letmego.
"
"
Ok.Il
ovey
ou.
"
Shesmi
l
ed."
Ilov
eyout
oo.
"
Shequicklyst
eppedoutandwalkedtoherhouse
whil
ethepastordrov
eoff.Loagowalkedi
nthough
thegat
ej ustt
hemostneighborappr
oached.
"
Loago!
"
Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed."
MmagweP.
"
"
Howar
eyoumyboy
?"
"
Iam f
ine.
"
"Ifeelsosorryforyou.Ican'
tbeli
eveyourmother
keepsbr i
ngingment oy ourf
ather'
shouse.I
t'
s
disrespect
ful.Koor
eshedi dn'
tevenmour nt
he
passingofy ourfat
herbut-"
"
Youaret
alki
ngaboutmymot
her
,youknowt
hat
r
ight
?"
"
Yes.Iknow.
"
"
Good.
"
Hewalkedt
hroughi
nthr
oughthegat
eandwent
i
nsi
dethehouse.Hi
smotherl
ookedathi
m and
smi
led.
"
Howwasi
t?"
Hesmi
l
ed."
Itwasok.I
twasn'
tbad.
"
Shehuggedhi
m."
Youpassed.Iknowi
t.
"
Hel
aughed."
Thanks.
"
Hel
ookedatNandos,
hismout
hwat
eri
ng
i
mmediat
ely
.
"
Ist
hatour
s?"
"
Yes.Shoul
dIdi
shf
ory
ou?
"
"
Yes.Thanky
oumyl
ady
."
Hewalkedtohi
sroom wherehechangedandgot
hi
sphone.Heswit
cheditonandcall
edhissi
ster
.
"
Hel
l
o?"
Loagopaused."
Lel
e..
"
"
Heyboyboy
!"
"
Youdon'
tsoundl
i
key
ou.
"
Shesof
tl
ylaughed."
Isoundl
i
kewho?
"
"
Idon'
tknow.Yousoundsad.Ar
eyouok?
"
"
YeahIam f
ine.Iam gl
ady
ouar
ri
vedhomesaf
ely
l
astni
ght
."
Loagol
aughed."
Youhadorgani
zedachauff
eurfor
us.Howcouldwenotar
ri
vesafel
y?Yest
erdaywas
amazi
ng.Igav
eani
nter
view.
"
Lel
elaughed."
Isaw.Youwer
eper
fect
."
"Iam r
eal
lyhappyforyou.Maybeinacoupleof
years,
yourcl
othi
nglinewil
lbeli
keVersaceort
hose
bignames.Imagi
ne!"
Shegi
ggl
ed."
Wel
lIcan'
twai
t.Howwasi
t?"
"
Itwasok.
"
"
Sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odoav
arsi
ty?
"
"
Iam notqui
etsur
eyet
."
"
Ok.Whenyoudeci
de,cal
lmesoIcanshedsome
l
i
ghttosomethi
ngs.
"
"
Thanksbi
gsi
s."
"
Youar
ewel
come.Howi
stheweddi
ngpl
ansgoi
ng?
'
"
Mysui
tisni
ce.Il
i
kei
t.
"
"Iam happyy
oudo.What
'sgoi
ngtohappenwhen
shegetsmarri
ed.Mamawantsyout
ogowi t
hher
."
"Iam goi
ngwithhertomakesurehei
snotabusi
ng
herandthatsheissafe.
.thatwi
l
lbef
oracoupl
eof
monthst
il
lvar
sit
ybutIwon'
tbest
ayi
ngf
ull
time
t
here.
"
"
Ok.Youshoul
dtakeal
i
cense.Papal
eftt
hatcarf
or
y
ou."
"
No.I
t'
sfory
ou.Heal
way
scal
l
edi
tLel
e'
scar
."
"
Youshoul
dtakei
t.
"
"
Thanks.Ar
eyouok?
"
"
Yes.Justt
heheadache.ButIam f
ine.
"
"
Ok,
byeLoago.
"
"
Bye.
"
Hehungupbrushi
ngoffhowl
owshehadsounded
t
henjoi
nedhi
smot her
.

*
**

Laterthatday,
LeleparkedatAtt
ie'
sschool
thenhe
ranoverwi t
hhisbag.Shesteppedoutandpicked
him up.
"
Hey
!"
"
Mama.
."Heki
ssedher
."Mama,
myj
uice.
..
"
Sheputhimi nthecarthenjumpedinashestar
ted
tel
l
ingherallaboutthejui
ce,af
tert
heendl
ess
tal
kingcamet hesongswhileshedrov
e.Awhile
l
ater,shesteppedoutofthecarwit
hhimjustas
Opeloparkedbehindher.
Lel
esmi
l
ed."
Hey
..
."
Opel
opi
ckedAt
ti
ewhohadhuggedher
.
"
Heymyboy
..
."
Lel
ewalkedi
nsi
dethehouseandqui
ckl
ypackedhi
s
bagandwentoutwi
thi
t.
"
Thanky
ou.
"
Opel
osmiled."I
t'
sok.Goandgeti
nthecarAt
ti
e.
Youarev
isit
ingmet oday
."
"
Byemama.
..
"
"
ByeAt
ti
e."
Hewal
kedt
oOpel
o'
scart
henOpel
olookedatLel
e.
"
Youar
elosi
ngwei
ghtori
sitmyey
es?
"
"
It
'sy
ourey
es.
"
Shesmi
l
ed."
Ok.
"
"
Thanky
ou.Iwi
l
ltakehi
mtomor
row.
"
"
OronSunday
.Spendt
imewi
thChesswi
thoutAt
ti
e."
"Someti
meshi
spr
esencemaket
hingsawhol
elot
bett
er.
"
"
Lel
e..
.May
bey
oushoul
djustt
ell
him.
"
"
Tel
lhi
m what
?"
"Thaty oukissedhi m.Hei sexpecti
ngtohear
somet hing.Thaty ouguy stouched.I
fyoukeep
sayingy oudidn'tcheat, heisgoingtowalkawayand
youwon' tbeabl etobl amehi m.IknowIsai ddeny
butit'
senoughnow.Tel lhi
mt hetrut
h.Tonight
.Jus
tell
himy oukissedt heman.It hi
nkthat
'swhatyou
shouldhav esaidbackt henbecausenowi twil
lbea
bittri
ckyf orhi
mt obel ieve-"
"
Ihav
ecancer
."
"
What
?"
"
Stage3br
eastcancer
."
"
Nooo!
"
Tear
sfi
l
ledLel
e'
sey
es."
Yes.
"
"
OhmyGod.
"
"UhI.goingtostar
tmytr
eatmentbutchancesar
e
highthati
twil
lcomeback,maybeevenmor e
harsherandkil
lme."
"
Don'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
.Youar
enotgoi
ngt
odi
e."
"
Iam.Mightnotbenowbuti
nacoupl
eofy
ear
s.Go.
Wewil
ltal
k.Pl
easedon'
tcr
y..
."
Opelobli
nkedawayhertearsthenwi pedatearthat
hadfall
en,herweddi
ngri
ngspar kl
ing.Lel
ewat ched
asshewal kedawayanddroveof f
.Leoeturnedand
walkedinsi
dethehouse.
Shest
art
edcooki
ng.

*
**
Awhi l
elater,Chessparkedhiscarandgotinthe
househol di
ngAt t
ie'
stoy.Helookedatthedim
houselightedbycandlesthatmadeat rai
ltothe
bedroom.Heopenedt hedoorandwal kedin.
Shehadsetupt hei
rdinneri
ntheroom.Helookedat
thewhi
teandr edrosepetal
sonthef l
oorwhi
le
Marvi
nGay eLet'
sGetI tOnpl
ayed.Lel
ewalkedfr
om
thebat
hroom i
nadr ess.Shesmiled.
"
Remembert
his.
..
"
Hesmi
l
ed."
Yeah.
..
"
Lel
ewal
kedov
erashuggedhi
m.
"
Dancewi
thme.
"
Heputhishandsonherwai
standmov
edwi
thher
.
Lel
egiggl
edastheymoved.
"
Youhav
elostwei
ght
."
"
Ng?
"
"Youhavelostweight.
"Hesteppedbackand
caref
ull
ylookedather.Heunzippedherl
ongfl
ared
dressandletitpoolt
oherfeet.
"
Youar
elosi
ngwei
ght
."
Shel
ookedathi
mthensmi
l
ed."
DoIl
ookbet
ter
?"
"
No.Youlookedmor
ethanbeaut
if
ulwi
thy
our
wei
ght
."
Lel
epi
ckedherdr
essandputi
tbackon.
"
Let
'ssi
t.At
ti
eiswi
thOpel
otoni
ght
."
Theysatdown.Lel
esi
ghedst
ari
ngathi
m.
"
I-
"
"
Iwantadi
vor
ce.
"
Lel
epaused."
What
?"
"Neit
herofusar ehappyLel e,notbecausewedon't
l
ov eeachot herbutbecauseofunr esol
vedissues.
I
t'sstressfulandIthinkthat'swhatcontri
buti
ngto
yourwei ghtloss.Ireal
lythoughtwecoul dworkit
outbutwi thushol dingback, Idon'
tseeitt
hatany
possible.Ithi
nkweshoul djustdivor
ce."
Lel
egotup." No.Chesspleaseno.Iwanttoworkon
us.Idon'twantadivor
ce.Ineedyou.Babe..
.Iwas
scared.Iwasscaredyouwer egoi
ngtoleave.We
ki
ssed.Wetouched.ButIsweart hatwasall
.Idi
dn'
t
sl
eepwithhi
m.Inev ersl
eptwithhim.Iloveyou.
"
Shewentonherkneescr y
ing."Pl
ease..
.Don'tl
eave
me.Ineedyoumor ethanever.Iam sorr
y."
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#91

Chessl
ookedatherasshecr
ied.
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Wast
hatsohar
dtosayal
lthi
swhi
l
e?”
“
Iwasscar
ed.ChessIwasscar
ed.
”
Hest
oodupandt
ookof
fhi
sjacket
.Lel
est
oodup.
“
Babepl
ease…l
et’
swor
kitout
.”
Het ur
nedtoher .“
Iwanttobeli
evet hatthatwasal
l
thathappened.Ibadlywanttobel
iev eyoubut…you
havebeenlyingsomuchIj ustdon’tknowwhat ’
s
trueandwhat ’
snot.”
“
Idi
dn’
tsl
eepwit
hhi
m.Inev
ersl
eptwi
thhi
m.Inev
er
l
eti
tgett
hatf
ar.
”
“Whatwashedoi
ngher
ethatdaybef
oreIwas
dischar
ged?
”
“
I…Idi
dn’
tbr
inghi
m her
e.”
“
Yety
oul
ethi
m ki
ssy
ou.
”
“Khumodidn’tseethewholethi
ng.Ihadbeen
kicki
ngBameoutt henhekissedme.Ipushedhim
off,Khumosawt hat.Iknowitwil
ll
ookasifIonl
y
pushedoffwhenhecamebut …”Lelel
ookedathi
m
sinki
ngfur
therint
oahol e.“
Ipushedhim of
f.
”
“It
’sonethingtocheatandi t’
sanot hertogivehi m
theupperhand.Ihav ebeenquietallalongbecauseI
thoughtatsomepoi ntyouwoul djustcomef or ward
sowecanf ixthisbecauseit’
salsomyf ault
.IfI
hadn’tputmyhandsony ou,youwoul dn’thavehada
reasontomov eawayandy ouwoul dhav enev erfel
t
alonetoapoi ntofneedinghim.Buty oukeptly i
ng.”
Her ubbedhisf acetearf
ull
y.“Igaveyoumul t
iple
chancestot el
l methet r
uthandy oukeptl yi
ng.I t
wasonel ieaftertheother.
”
“
Iwasscar
ed.ButIdi
dn’
tsl
eepwi
thhi
m.”
Helookedather.“
Idon’
ttr
usty
ou.Ididatsome
poi
ntbutafterwai
ti
ngforawhi
leandreal
izi
ngyou
wereplanni
ngtokeeponlyi
ng,
thetr
ustIhadfory
ou
sl
owlyfaded.”
“Chess…Iam sor
ry,
Imessedup.Iwantt
ofi
xthi
ngs.
Ineedyou.
”
“Thereisnotpointofusst ayingtoget herwhenI
don’ttrusty
ouorwheny oucan’ tbet ranspar
entwith
me.Il oveyoubutlovingyouhur ts.Itbreaksmy
heart.Atsomepoi ntIwasj ustthinkingIwill
stayfor
Atti
ebutt hi
sshiti
sdepr essingmebabe.Ican’ t…”
“
Ihav
ecancer
.”
Hel ookedather.Lelegotupandt ookhermedical
reportsthenhandedt hem t
ohim.Chesstookthem
andr eadthrough.Heslowlysatdownreadi
ngev er
y
singleword.Hel ookedather.
“
Howl
onghav
eyouknown?
”
“
Ifoundouty
est
erday
.”
“
Imeant
hel
umpi
nyourbr
eastory
oudi
dn’
tfeel
it?
”
“
Idi
d.Atf
ir
stIt
houghti
twasnot
hingandaf
tera
whi
l
eIwenttot
hedoctor
.”
“
Whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
me?
”
“
BecauseIt
houghti
twasnot
hing.
”
“
Whenar
eyoust
art
ingy
ourchemo?
”
“
ShesaidIshoul
dcomei
ntomor
rowf
ormor
etest
s
f
rom t
heoncologi
st.
”
“
Ok.Iwi
l
lgowi
thy
ou.
”
“Shesaidt
heymayhav
etot
akeof
fmywhol
e
breast
.”
Helookedather,nowt
hefearhehadbeenseei
ngi
n
hereyesfi
nal
lyhadanexpl
anati
onincl
udi
ngthe
weightl
oss.
“
Youar
egoi
ngt
omakei
t.
”
“
Itmi
ghtcomebackandki
l
lme.
”
Hegotupandhuggedher.“Beposi
ti
ve.Let
’sdeal
wi
thitwi
thoutbei
ngnegati
ve.Youar
egoingto
makeit
.Atti
eneedshi
smot her.
”
“Pleasedon’tl
eaveme.Ineedy ou.Ineedy oumor e
thananythi
ng.Iam beggingyou.Il oveyou.IknowI
messedupbi gti
meandi fIcouldturnbackt he
handsoft i
me, Iwoul
ddot herightthing.Iam sorry
.
Pleasegivemeanot herchancet oprovemy sel
f.
”
“
Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
e.Let
’sdeal
wit
hyour
cancerf
ir
st.
”

*
**

Amahlewal
kedi
nherhotel
room,herhandoverher
5monthsbumpoft
wins.Thehot
elstaf
fputherbag
besi
deher
.
“
Hav
eani
cest
ay.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
Hewal kedoutthenshet ookoffherheel
s.She
wal kedtot hebal
conyandl ookedattheci
tywitha
smi le.Shewentbacki nsi
detheroom andtookher
phonewhi chwasalreadyconnectedtothehotel’
s
Wi Fi.Sherepli
edtoacoupl eofmessagesbefore
takingal ongbathwhilewaiti
ngforhermant oshow
up.

*
**
Lef amoanedsof tl
yr eceivingthelastthrust.Bright
fi
lledherupki ssinghert henhesl i
doutandwentt o
thebat hr
oom.Lef at urnedt oherfrontexhaust ed.
Shesl owlyfellasleep.Br ightwalkedfrom t he
bat hroom mi nutesl ateraf t
erashowert henchecked
thet ime.Shehadal readyar ri
ved.Hest arted
dressi ng.Hel ookedatLef awhowasal ready
sleepi ngthenwal kedov ert ohisdaughter’sroom.
Hel ookedathersmi led.Hesi ghedandwal kedout
tohi scar .
Awhilelat
erhewaswal
kinginsi
deAmahle’
sroom.
Shesmiledwit
hatowel
wr appedar
oundherbody
thenhuggedhi
m.
Br
ightsmi
l
edki
ssi
ngherneck.“
Hey
…”
“
Hey
.Imi
ssedy
ou.
”
“
Met
oo.
”
Shest
oodonhertoesandki
ssedhi
m.Heki
ssedher
backr
ubbi
ngherbump.Ther
ewasmovement.
Amahl
egiggl
ed.
“
It
’sl
i
ket
heyknowy
ouar
eher
e.”
Hesmil
ed.“
Theyshoul
d.Di
dyougetsomet
hingt
o
eat
?”
“
Ior
der
edsomet
hingj
ustnow.Forbot
hofus.
”
“
Yeah.
”
Shelookedathi
m, asusual
helookedsogoodshe
foundhersel
fbl
ushingr
ecal
li
ngthedaytheyhad
met.
“
Yoursonswer
ecryingtocomewi
th.Theymi
ssy
ou.
I
t’
sbeenweeksbabe.”
“
IknowandIam sor
ry.
”
“Can’
tyouj
ust
…settl
e?Ican’
thandl
eitany
mor
e.
Yourki
dscan’
thandl
eitanymor
e.”
“That
’st
heplanbutIam notsur
eifi
twi
l
lwor
kout
.I
am ali
tt
lescar
ed.
”
Theysatdown,
Amahl
esi
tt
ingonhi
slap.Shesmi
l
ed.
“Why?”
“BecauseIdon’
twantt
oloseany
oneal
ongt
he
process.
”
“
Ify
ouar
egoodatwhaty
oudo,
youwon’
tlose
any
one.
”
“
Wil
lyoumov
e?”
Shecr
adledhi
sfacewit
hherhands.“
Iwi
l
lmov
e
wher
everyoudeci
detoset
tl
e.”
“
Iwast
hinki
ngher
e.”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Iwi
l
lmov
eher
ewi
thy
ou.
”
“Pl
easepromisemey ouwill
neverl
eav
eme.Il
ove
youmoret hanany
thi
ng.Iknowsometi
mesi
t
doesn’
tlookli
keIdobutIlovey
ou.”
Amahl
esmil
ed.“
Ilov
eyoumor
ebabe.Iam not
goi
ngany
where.
”
Shehuggedhi
m andwhi
sper
edi
nhi
sear
.“Fuck
me.”
Hisdi
ckjerkedonherbutt.Heki
ssedherandplaced
heronthebedt aki
ngoffthet
owel.Heopenedher
l
egsandt ouchedherpussy.

*
**
Lefasl
owlywokeuptothebabycry
ing.Shegotup
andputonherman’
st-shi
rtwhi
chwasont hefloor
thenshewal
kedtoherdaught
er’
sroom whereshe
gother.
“
Heynana…”
Shetookoutherbreastandgaveittoher.Shewent
backtothebedr
oom not i
cingBr
ightwasn’tther
e.
Shepickedherr
ingingphone.
“
Mama…”
“
Lef
a,howi
smygr
andchi
l
d?”
“
Shei
sfi
ne.
”
“
Howi
sthenannyy
ouhi
red?
”
“Shei
sgoodwithherbutshei
sonl
yher
edur
ingt
he
daywhenIam atwork.
”
“
Ok,
didy
out
alkt
oBr
ight
?”
“Yes.It
hinkhi
spar
ent
’sdivor
cehadaneffecton
him,somuchhedoesn’twanttogetmar
ri
edt hat
way .
”
“
Idon’
tknowany
mor
e.”
“Iwil
lconvi
ncehim.Hej ustneedsconv
inci
ng
becauseIcanunder standwhyhei ssoscared.When
hisparent
sdivorced,hesuf f
eredsomuchtogether
withhissi
bli
ngs.Ithinkit’
strauma.
”
“Iseebecausehonest
yit’
snotthathecan’
taf
for
dit
afterpay
ing85Kforyourbri
depri
ce.”
“
Hepai
dwhat
?”
“
85K.
”
“
Formybr
idepr
iceonl
y?”
“
Yes.
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Wow!
”
“
Yourfat
hersaysweshouldgiv
ehim spacet
odo
whathewants.It
hinkweshoul
dtoo.
”
“
Ok.
”
“Beagoodwif
emybaby .Youneedtopr
oveyoursel
f
too.Whenhei
ssureofyou,y
ouwon’tev
enhavet o
beghim,hewi
llj
ustt
akeyoutothecommissi
oner’
s
offi
ce.
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Youar
eri
ghtIshoul
dst
opcompl
aini
ng
somuch.Hedoesal otf
ormeandhi sdaught
er.He
makessure,wi
thoutf
ail
thathedeposi
ts15kinmy
accountev
erymonth.
”
“See?Ihopey
ouhav
easav i
ngsaccountwher
eyou
keepsomeofthemoney
.”
“Il
onghadi tf
rom t
heti
meIwasmarr
iedt
oChess.I
haven’
ttouchedthemoneysi
nce.
”
“
Onedayi
twi
l
lcomei
nhandy
.”
“
Yeah.
”
“
OkLef
a,by
e.”
“
Byemama.
”
Lefahungupandcal l
edBri
ght.Hisphoner ang
unanswered.Shecall
edhim agai
nwalkingtoher
ki
tchenactuall
ysurpr
isedt
hathehadgi venhera
si
ngleround,usual
l
yhewoul dsti
llbeatit.

*
**

Br
ightl
ookedatt
hecal
l
erI
Dthencont
inuedf
ucki
ng
Amahlewhowaskneelingont
hebedmoaning
pushi
ngagainsthi
m.Shecoul
dtakei
twi
thoutany
complai
nt.
.
Bri
ghtgrunt
edof
floadi
nghiscum i
nher.Hesl
i
dout
andtur
nedherar
oundlyingbesi
deher
.
“
Hey
…”
Shesmiledbreat
hingheav
il
yfeel
i
nghi
scum l
eak
fr
om herpussy.
“
Hi…”
Hekissedherthenhisphonest
art
edr
ingi
ng.He
r
eachedforitandpicked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Babe…wher
ear
eyou?
”
“
Ihadt
oat
tendt
osomet
hing.
”
“
Ok,
Iam cooki
ng.
”
“
Shoul
dIgetany
thi
ng?
”
“
Uh…no.Wear
efi
ne.Justy
ou.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Bye…”
“
Bye.
”
Hehungupandt
urnedt
oAmahl
ewhowasst
ari
ng
athi
m.
“
It
’smyfri
ends.Ipromi
sedIwoul
dwat
chagame
wi
ththem t
onight
.”
“
Whatt
imedoesi
tst
art
?”
“
At11.
”
Amahl
egotupandki
ssedhi
m.“
Idon’
twanty
out
o
go.
”
“Idon’
twanttogoei
therbuty
ouknowhowi
tis.The
boysareal
readywai
ti
ng.”
“
Can’
tyoudodget
hem?
”
“
Iam buy
ingt
hedr
inks.I
t’
smyt
urn.
”
“
Bri
ght
…”
“Iwi
l
l bewi
thyoutomorr
owmorni
ng.Wewi
l
lgoto
Okavangodel
ta.Youhav
ebeenwai
ti
ngt
ogo.”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ihav
ebeen…”
Heki
ssedher
.“Wewi
l
lgot
omor
rowi
nthemor
ning.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Ilov
eyou.Andt
hanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.
”
“
Ilov
eyoumor
e.”
Brightwalkedt ot
hebathroom.Amahl elookedathi s
phone, assoonasshehear dtheshower ,shepi
cked
i
tupt henswipedthescreen.Itneededf i
ngerpr
intto
unlock.Shet ookadeepbr eat
ht henputitdownand
wai t
edont hebedhopingi twouldringorsomet hing.
Minut espassedthenhewal kedout .Hisphone
startedri
nging.Amahlechuckledal one,t
his
Zimbabweanman’ sancestorswor kedov er
ti
me.
Br
ightl
ookedatt
hescr
eent
henl
eti
tri
ngashe
dr
essed.
“
Whywon’
tyouanswer
?”
“
It
’smysi
ster
.Shewant
smoney
.”
“
Letmet
alkt
oher
.”
Shequi
ckl
ytooki
tandpi
cked.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Uhhi
.CanIpl
easespeakt
omybr
other
?”
Br
ightputonhi
sshoesunbot
her
ed.
“
Uhhei
snother
eri
ghtnowsweet
y,i
t’
sAmahl
e.”
“Si
steri
n-l
aw….I
t’
sok.Icant
alkt
oyou.Ir
eal
l
yneed
somemoney .
”
“No,yourai
sedmyBPy est
erdaywhenyouanswered
yourbrot
her’
sphoneprankingme.Ial
mostdied
Sarah,Ir
eal
lythoughtt
herewassomeonethissi
de
sono.Iwon’tgiveyoumymoney .
”
Sarahlaughed.“
Iam sorr
y.Iwasj
ustmessi
ngwi
th
you.Iwil
ldoanythi
ng.”
“
Any
thi
ng?
”
“
Any
thi
ngmyf
avor
it
esi
steri
n-l
aw.
”
“
Ok,
howmuchdoy
ouneed?
”
“
$200.Sendi
tthr
oughMukur
u.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Thanky
ou.Il
ovey
ou.
”
“Youareal
wayschangi
ngnumber
s.Idon’
thaveyour
curr
entnumber
.Sendmeamessageonwhat sapp.
”
“
Okl
ove.
”
Shehungup.
.Amahl
ehandedBr
ighthi
sphone.He
ki
ssedher
.
“
Seey
out
omor
row.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hewal
kedoutdi
ali
nganumber
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Tadi
waanswer
edsadl
y.“
Hey
..
”
“
Whathappened?
”
“
Itwasaf
alseal
arm.Iam notpr
egnant
.”
“
Don’
tbesad.
”
Shestartedcry
ing.“
Howmanyy
ear
sBr
ight
?It
hinkI
am cursed.”
“
Ilov
eyou.Ki
dsornoki
ds,
Ilov
eyousomuch.
”
“Iam notawomanenough.Iam sostr
essed,
mama
hascomeandy ouknowhowshei s.
”
“
Don’
tli
stent
othatwoman.
”
“
Iam al
aughi
ngstock.Ihav
ebeenwi
thy
ouf
or10
y
ear
sbutnochil
d.”
“
Ithi
nkyoushoul
dmov
ewi
thme.Iwantt
oset
tl
e
t
hissi
de.
”
“
Isi
tmucheasi
ert
her
ebecausey
ourmom i
sa
Mot
swana?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ser
ousbabe?
”
“
Yes.Iwanty
out
omov
e.”
“
Ok.Ican’
twai
t.
”
“Metoo.Babe,
ther
eisani
ncomi
ngcal
l
.Ihav
eto
go.
”
“
Ok,
Ilov
eyou.
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”
Hedroppedt
hecal
lget
ti
ngi
nhi
scarandpi
ckedt
he
i
ncomingcal
l
.
“
Sweet
pie…”
*
**

Thefoll
owingmorning,Chesssteppedoutoft hecar
thenopenedthedoorforLele.Hehelpedherout
thentheywalkedi
nsidethehospital
togetherholdi
ng
hands.Theywenttoherdoct or
’soff
ice.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Doc,uhbabe,thi
sisDr
.Wi
l
lson.Dr
.Wi
l
lson,
thi
sis
myhusband,Chess.
”
“Allr
ight,ni
cemeet i
ngy ouChess.Please,bothof
yousi t
.Ibroughti nasur geonandanoncol ogist
.
Twobi rds,onest one.Theyar egood.Thesur geon
gothisdegr eesinAust rali
awherehewor kedbef or
e
fi
nall
ycomi ngbackher e.Theoncologisti
sagood
fri
endofmi net hatIbroughtinonlyforyou.Thepast
6mont hshehasbeeni nNewYor kwherehewas
working.Hehasdonet hisbefor
e,heknowst he
game. ”
Theysmi
l
ed.Shewal
kedoutt
hencamebackBame
andawhi
teman.
“
Thi
sisDr.CEl
li
sandDr
.BMol
efe.Theset
womake
ameanteam.
”
.
.
Don’
tf orgettolikeandcomment .Thi
sisyest
erday
’s
morningi nsert
,myl apt
opchargerdeci
dedtodieon
me,Ihadl ef
tmyl aptopatsomeone’spl
ace
yest
erdaysot ocharge.Itj
ustgotdr
opped.
Apologies…Lastni ghteveni
nginser
tcomingup.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#92

Chessl
ookedatBame,
immedi
atel
yrecogni
zi
nghi
m.
“
Youhav
egott
obeshi
tt
ingonme.
”
Bamel ookedatLel
e,worr
yref
lecti
ngbacki
nhi
s
eyes.Shehadlostsomuchweight.Thei
rey
es
l
ockedast heystar
edatoneanother.
Bamel
ookedatLel
e’
shusbandwant
ingt
ohugher
orsomethi
ng,
beclosebuthesi
ghedr
emai
ning
wherehewasstandi
ng.
“
Hernamei sLelentl
eMor emi.Ijustwant
edherto
meettheteam thatwil
lbrresponsibl
eforher
t
ogetherwithherhusband.“Mr.ChessMor emi.
”
“Thi
sguywil
lnotbeat
tendi
ngt
omywi
fe.Canwe
getsomeoneel
se?”
Dr
.Wi
l
lsonl
ookedatChess.“
UhMr
.Mor
emi
-“
“
Heisnott
heonl
ysurgeoni
nBatswanagapehel
a
whendi
dhest
artbei
ngasurgeon?
”
Bamesighed.“Ihavealwaysbeenasur
geon.Idi
d
famil
ymedicinefi
rstsoIcandoothert
hingswhi
ch
arenotsur
gicali
nvolved.
”
“
Youar
enott
reat
ingmywi
fe.
”
Dr.Wil
lisl
ookedatBamet hensi
ghed.“Iam af
rai
dif
hecan’ttr
eatherthenIal
socan’
t.OfcauseDr.
Will
sonwantedmet ocomebuti
twasBamewho
actual
lyfl
ewinatNewYor kandforcef
ull
ygotme.
Hei smypartner
.Ifyoudon’
twanthim,youdon’t
wantme. ”
ChesslookedatDr.Wil
lson.“
Youarenott
heonly
oncol
ogist,
youtwocangoandf uckeachother
,I
don’
tgiveafuck.Thi
smani snottr
eati
ngmywi f
e
andthat’
sthat
.Lele,
let
’sgo.”
“Chess,y ouhav egottounderstand, themor ewe
l
eav ehercancerwhi l
ewet rytolookf ormor e
medi calpracti
tioner
swhocandot his,themor et his
cancerisgoi ngt ospreadandit’
sspr eadingl i
kea
wildfir
e.Youri ssueswi t
hDr.Mol efeshoul dn’
tst and
i
nt hewayofy ourwi f
e’shealt
h.Ifthiscancerget sto
reachstage4, alotofdamagemi ghtbedone.We
maynev erbeabl etocontroli
tandi twillsl
owl ykill
her.Thinkf orher.Yoursonneedshi smot her,these
twomencanhel pher.
”
Chessst
oodup.Lel
est
oodupandwal
kedoutwi
th
hi
m.
“
Chess…”
“
Hei
snotgoi
ngt
otr
eaty
ou.
”
“
Idon’
twantt
odi
e.”
“Wewil
lgetanot
herdoctor
.Idon’
tcareifwehav
eto
gfot
oIndi
atogetthatdoneorChina.I
t’
snotgoi
ng
t
obehi
m.Let
’sgo.
”
Hedraggedheroutthent
heygoti
nthecar
.Hedr
ove
herhome.Helookedather.
“
Att
iewant
stogot
oat
hemepar
k.”
“Ihaveaheadache,
Ithi
nkIwi
l
lpass.Youcant
ake
him.”
“
Lel
e-“
Shelookedathimt
earful
ly
.“Myheadi saching
Chess.Youtwowon’tenj
oyifIgothere.Ihavesome
pi
ll
s,theyknockmeoutthough.Iwil
ltakethem,
wheny oucomebackIwillbefi
ne.
”
“Iam goingt
omakesomecal
l
s,gety
ousomegood
doctors.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
Theygotoutoft
hecarandwal
kedinsi
dethehouse.
Thepartt
imemaidwalkedf
rom t
hekit
chen.
“
Goodmor
ning.
”
“
Mor i
ng,pleaseprepar
eAtt
ief
oradayoutwi t
hhi
s
f
ather.Packspareclot
hesf
orhim.Iam goi
ngtol
ie
down.Babe,
pleasedon’
tfor
gett
otakepi
ctur
es.
”
Chesshuggedher
.“Iwon’
t.Youar
egoi
ngt
obe
fi
ne.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
Shewenttotheirbedr
oom andlaiddownaft
er
dri
nki
ngherpil
ls.Chesswalkedinwit
hAtt
ieawhi
l
e
l
ater.
“
Lel
e..
”
Heshookhergent
ly.Lel
esl
owl
yopenedherey
es.
“
Wear
egoi
ng.At
ti
e,sayby
etomama.
”
“
Byemama.
.”
“
ByeAt
ti
e.Il
ovey
ou.
”
“
Ilov
eyoumama.
”
Hekissedhismotherthenl
ookedathisf
ather.
Chesssmiledandleanedoverandki
ssedLele.
“
Byebabe.
.”
“
Bye.
”
Theywal
kedout
.Lel
eputherheaddownasher
headached.Mi
nut
eswentbyt
hent
hemai
dwal
ked
i
n.
“
Mam, t
her
eisamanout
side.Hesaidhewant
sto
t
alkt
oyou.Hi
snamei
sBame.He- “
Bamepushedthedooropenwalki
ngi
n.Lel
elooked
athi
mthentur
nedtoherhelper
.
“
Lov
e..y
oucanknockof
f.Hei
saDoct
or.
”
Themai
dsmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
oumam.
”
“
Bye.
”
Shequickl
ywalkedout.Bamesatont hebedbeside.
“Bame,youshouldn’
tbehere.Mymar ri
ageisonthe
rocks.
”Shetookadeepbr eath,t
earsf
il
li
nghereyes.
“Iam goi
ngtolosehimifhef i
ndsyouhere.Pl
ease
underst
andwhereIam comi ngfrom.”
Helookedathercr
yingt
henl
aybesi
deherpul
l
ing
heri
nhisarms.
“
Iam goi
ngt
odi
e.”
Hehuggedherti
ghtl
y.“
Nothi
ngi
sgoi
ngt
ohappent
o
you.NotwhenIam her
e.”
“
Iam scar
ed.
”
“Igotyoubabe.Igoty ou.
”Hekissedherf orehead
comf or
tingher.Lel
eputherarm aroundhim crying.
Bamehel dherinhisar
ms, hi
sheartbreaking.He
hadnev erheardhercryli
kethati
tbrokehi m so
muchhej ustwantedtotakeawaythepai nshewas
carry
ing.
Shefi
nall
ystopped.Hel
ookedatherface,
shewas
st
il
lbeaut
ifulasever
.Hesmil
edcaressi
nghercheek.
“
Youar
ebeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Idon’
tfeel
thatbeaut
if
ul.
”
“Youarebeauti
ful.Congrat
ulati
onsony ourli
ne.Just
soy ouknow,Ial
way sbuyfrom y ourKasanebranch.
Justtosupportyou.Ialwaysgety oursi
zeandt hey
allj
ustsiti
nmyhouseunpr ovoked,Ishoul
dstarta
business.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Youar
ecr
azy
.”
“
Iam act
uall
yser
ious.Thecl
otheshav
enoonet
o
weart
hem soImightaswell
.”
“
Thanky
ouf
orsuppor
ti
ngl
ocal
.”
“Iam support
ingl
ocal
.Iam suppor
ti
ngy
ou.Iwi
shI
neverlef
tforKasane.
”
“
Why
?Busi
nessi
snotgoi
ngwel
l
?”
“
No.Busi
nessi
sfi
nebuty
ouar
enot
.”
Hewipedherf
acethenl eanedoverandki
ssedher.
Asmuchherbrai
nt ol
dhert opushhim of
f,hav
ing
hi
sli
psonhersparalyzedheral
mosti mmediat
ely
.
Heki
ssedhermoret henpaused.
“Iknowy ouarescared.Iknowy out hi
nkjust
becausey ouaremar r
iedtohim, i
tshouldbehi m.
AndIknowy oulov
ehi m,heisthef atherofyourson
butyoucan’tdenythis.IknowIam notcr azybabe.I
am notcrazy,t
hisfeeli
ngbetweenusi sreal,y
oucan
feeli
ttoo.”
“
Ilov
eChessand-
“
“Hewasy ourf
ir
stev
erreallove.Iunderst
andwhy
youfeeli
thastobehim butbabe…i tr
eall
ydoesn’
t
becauseyouknowyouloveme. ”
“
Youhav
etogo.
”
“
IwantDr
.El
l
ist
olooki
ntoy
ourcondi
ti
on.Iwant
necessar
ystepstobef
oll
owedandy ourt
reat
ment
shouldgetst
art
edonimmediat
ely
.”
“
Chess-
“
“Iam notgoi
ngtoli
stentonoChessbull
shi
twhenit
comest oyourheal
th.That
’swher
eIdrawtheli
ne.
Dr.El
li
sisgoodandhei sgoingt
otreaty
ou.”
“
Bame…”
“IsaidwhatIsai
d.Iam t
aki
ngy oubackt
here.You
aregoingtowalkawayfrom t
hisevenmore
stronger
.”
Thewayhespokegav eherhope.Shesmi l
ed.Bame
ki
ssedheragainhopingtokeepkissbriefbuther
ki
ssingherbackheldhiminplace.Theykissed
sl
owl y
,Bamesl owl
ygotontopofhert ouchingher
body,car
essi
ngev erypar
tofherbody.Heset tl
ed
betweenherlegsrubbi
nghishardononherwet
panti
es.
Lelemoanedsoft
lymov i
ngherwaistbeneat
hhi
m.
Bame’sdi
ckragedinhispant
s,hermoans
weakeni
nghim.Hepushedherpant i
estothesi
de
taki
ngouthi
sdickthenheranitupanddownher
wetf
olds.
“
Bamee…“
Hepausedandtookoffherpant
iesallt
ogethert
hen
ranhi
sweaponupanddownhersl itasshemoaned
evenmore.I
thadbeenawhi l
eandev er
ythi
nghedid
awakenedafi
rei
nher.
Helookedinherey
est
hensl
owl
ypushedather
ent
rance.
“
Ilov
eyousomuch.
”
Lelegaspedashest retchedhiswaysi nki
ngdeep
i
nsi deher.Sheflinched, Bameki ssedhersoftl
ips
buriedi nhersweet ness.Fuck,shef el
tsogood,
mor et hanhethoughtshewoul df eelandhecould
feel t
heconnect i
onbet weent hem ev enmore
strongerthanev er.Hegent l
ybegunr ocki
ngherbody
backandf ort
h,shemoanedenj oyingever
ystroke.
Hewassogoodshesankhernai l
sinhisski
n.
“
Bame…awww…”
“
Youf
eel
sogoodbabe…shi
t…”
Het
ookof
fherdr
essandbr
athent
ouchedher
br
east
.Lelewrappedherl
egsar
oundhi
m ast
hey
movedinsync.
“
Bame…Il
ovey
ou.
.ohGod…”
“Mam!Mrs.Moremi!Mam!”Someonecall
edher
pull
i
ngherfr
om thesweet
ness.Bamelookedi
nher
eyesfl
exi
nghiswaistont
opofher.
“
MrsMor
emi
!”
Lel
eopenedhereyessnappingoutofthedream.
Hereyesf
ell
onthemai d.Themaidlookedather
bosswhowasdrenchinginsweatbreathi
ngheav
il
y.
“
Uhhi
…”
“
Yourgr
eent
ea.Ihav
emadey
ousome.Ar
eyouok?
”
Lel
eclosedherey
es.“
God…what’
shappeni
ngt
ome.
HowlonghaveIbeensl
eepi
ng?
”
“
Thr
eehour
snow.
”
‘
Oh.
.uht
hanks.
”
‘
Ok.
”
Shewal
kedout.Lel
esatupri
ghtput
ti
ngherhands
onherf
ace.Sheputherhandbet
weenherlegs,
she
wasdrenchi
ngwet.Shetri
edtoholdhertearsback
butt
hemor eshethoughtoft
hedream themor eshe
wonderedwhyitwasn’
therhusband.Herli
ps
tr
embledasshecried.

*
**

Lefasighedtr
yingBr i
ghtagai
nlatert
hatday.Hi
s
phonewasst i
lloff.Shewonderedwhatkindofa
meetingitwast hatwentonforhours.
Shegotherbabythenwalkedoutwit
hher.Sheput
heronhercarseatbef
orejumpingi
nthecarand
dri
vi
ngtoamal lt
ogetacoupleofthi
ngs.
Att
hemal
l
,shet
ookouthi
sst
rol
l
ert
henputher
i
nsi
de.
“
Uhhel
l
o?”
“
Lef
atur
nedt
oaheav
il
ypr
egnantwoman.
“Hi
..Iam sor
rybutpl
easehel
pme.UhIcamewi
tha
cabherebutnowIcan’tseei
tany
more.
”
“
Uhar
eyounewi
nGabs?
”
“
InBot
swanaact
ual
l
y.”
“
Oh,
doy
ouhav
ethenumber
?”
“
Thehot
elcal
l
edhi
m.”
“
Eish,
wher
ear
eyoust
ayi
ng?
”
“
Um Av
ani
.”
“
Ok,
letmegety
ouanot
hercab.
”
“
Thanky
ousomuch.Ishoul
dgetasi
m car
dher
e.”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Youshoul
d.”
Shecall
edacabandspoket
othecabguyf
ora
coupl
eofseconds.
“Ok,
heiscomi
ng.Luckyenoughhesay
shei
s
near
by.
”
“ThankGod.Thanky
ousomuch.Ev
ery
oneItri
edto
talkt
owasignori
ngmeorj
ustwavi
ngthei
rhands
sideway
s..
”
Lef
alaughed.“
Iam sorr
y,j
ustt
hatt
hiev
esmakei
t
har
dforustotrustany
one.”
“
Igeti
t.
”
“
Wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
”
“
Sout
hAf
ri
ca.
”
Lef
asmil
ed.“YouremindmethatIhav
eact
ual
l
y
wanti
ngt
ovisitCapeTown.
”
Theladylaughed.“
Youshould.IwenttoOkavango
delt
atoday.Iwashopingtosleepther
ebuthubby
hasbusinessmeetings.Hej
ustdroppedmeof fat
thehotelandhadtgot ouhJjwaneng.
”
Lef
a’sphoner
angbef
oreshecoul
dsayany
thi
ng.
“
Babe…”
“
Hey
,wher
ear
eyouguy
s?”
“
Air
por
tJunct
ionMal
l
.Youar
eback?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Atl
ast
!Iwasbegi
nni
ngt
ogetwor
ri
ed.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.Themeet
ingt
ookl
onger
.”
“
Ok,
wewi
l
lbet
her
eint
hir
tymi
nut
esorl
ess.
”
“
Cool
.Il
ovey
ou.
”
“
Ilov
eyout
oo.
”
Lef
ahungupandsmil
edstari
ngatthelady.“
Wel
li
t
wasni
cemeeti
ngyou.Ther
eisyourcab.”
Theladyt
urnedandsmil
ed.“
Thankyousomuch.I
shoul
daskhubbytogetmeasim car
dhere.
”
“
Youshoul
d.Okby
e!”
Lef
atur
nedandwal
kedi
nthemal
l
.

*
**

Khumosi
ghedst
ari
ngatChess.
“
Sowhatnow?
”
“
Iam notl
eav
ingherwhensheneedsmet
hemost
.”
“
That’
sgood.Andmaybet
hisiswhatyouneedt
p
makeyoureal
izet
haty
ouactual
l
yloveher
.”
“
IknowIl
oveher
.Justt
het
rusti
ssues.
”
“
Maybeyoushoul
dworkonthem.Icanunderst
and
wher
eshewascomingfr
om nott
ell
ingyou.Youhad
agunthelastt
imeshewastel
l
ingyout
hetr
uth.I
don’
tthi
nkyoushoul
dwalkawayasyet
.Workonit.
,
mouldher.
”
Chessl
ookedatKhumoandsi
ghed.“
Wewi
l
lsee.
”

*
**

MeanwhileLel
elookedatherphonef
orawhile.She
tookadeepbreaththent
ookitanddi
aledhi
s
number.Sheknewitbyhead.Shecal
ledhi
m with
theot
hersim car
d.
“
Bamespeaki
ng,
hel
l
o?”
.
.
Thisislastni
ght'
seveninginsert.Doli
keand
commentassoonasy oureadsowecanhav eour
mor ni
nginsertandourbonusi nsertbef
orewehav
e
theeveninginsert
.
:
Roar
ingFl
ames
#93

“
Hel
l
o?”
Lel
et ookadeepbr eathunsur eofwhattoevensay.
Shequi ckl
yhungupandl ookedatherphone.The
phonest ar
tedringi
ng.Shel ookedathi
m cal
li
ng,her
heartpounding.Shepickedandkeptquiet.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Shekeptqui
et.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hi.
”
Ther
ewassomesi
l
ence.Hechuckl
ed.“
Heybabe…”
“
Hi…”
“
Youl
ookgood.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Ihav
elostwei
ght
.”
“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ogai
nitbackaf
tery
ourt
reat
ment
.”
“
Idon’
tknow.
”
“
Youwi
l
l.Youl
ookedbeaut
if
ult
oday
.”
“
Thanks.
”
Therewassilence.Namesighed.“Iam notgoi
ngto
tel
lyouwhaty oushoulddo.Ify
ouandy ourhusband
feelyouwantdiff
erentdoct
ors,i
t’
sok.Justgetthe
helpyouneed.”
“
Ok…”
“
Arey
ouhappy
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Iam happyf
ory
ou.If
oundsomeonet
oo.
”
“
Youwhat
?”
“
Shei
sni
cel
ady
.It
hinkwear
egoi
ngt
ogof
ar.
”
“
Doy
oul
oveher
?”
“
Ithi
nkso.
”
Sheswal
l
owed.“
Goodf
ory
ou.
”
“
Thanks.Howi
syourmom?
”
“
Shei
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.Toapast
or.
”
Hechuckl
ed.“
Ihear
d.Mymom al
readyt
oldme.As
l
ongasshei
shappy
,Iguessi
t’
sok.
”
“
Yah.
.”
“
Okby
e.”
Hehungup.Lel
egotupandl
ookedatherphone
t
ryi
ngtobrushi
tof
f.

*
**

Bamewalkedinhi
shouseandlookedathi
sfr
iend
si
tt
ingcomfor
tabl
yinhi
shouse.
“
Thi
sisnotwhyIgav
eyoumyhousekey
s.”
Thefri
endlookedathi
m.“
Bmyman!Iwascl
eani
ng
upforyou.Tsaa.
.”
HehandedBameacanofbeer
.Bamesatdownand
si
ghed.
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“
Lel
ehascancer
.
“
Ithoughty
oumov
edonf
rom her
.”
Bamedr
ankhi
sbeerqui
etl
y.“
Idi
d.”
“Youarelyi
ng.Youarest
il
li
nl ov
e.Whatdoesshe
havethatotherwomendon’thave?
”
“Myhear t
…Idi dn’ tchooset of alli
nl ovewi thher.I
hav ealway sknownLel esi nceshewasy oung,since
shewasst il
l i
npr imar yschool doingst andard3or
somet hing.Ihav ealway sl ookedatherasmy
youngersi ster.Iwentt ov arsityandwhenev erI
camebackdur inghol iday sshewoul djustbet hat
gir
l whoi smysi ster.Inev ert houghtonedaywoul d
l
ookatherl iket hat.Ihav eknownherf ory ear
sand
fal
linginlov ewi thherj usthappened.Shei sstuckin
myhear tasmuchasshei sst ucki nmyhead.Her
smi l
eisst ucki nmyhead, herl augh,thewayshe
alway ssoftlytalks.Hert ouch…herki ss…herski n.
Ever y
thingaboutherj ustmakesmef allevenmor e
i
nl ovewi thher .Iwantt ofor gether ,Ireall
ydobutI
can’t.
”
Thefr
iendwhistl
edshaki
nghi
shead.“
That
’ssome
deepshitov
erthere.
”
Hel
aughed.“
Tel
lmeabouti
t.
”
“
Doy
out
hinkshei
sev
ergoi
ngt
olov
eyouback?
”
Bamesmi
l
ed.“
Sheal
readydoes,
justconf
li
cted.
”
“BafanabaGabs,l
ethubamany
alohel
agonar
mal
i
hela,t
senabaf
anas!”
Bamel
aughed.“
Wany
ela,
what
’spl
ayi
ng?
”
“
ManU!
”
Theycont
inuedchat
ti
ngast
hegamest
art
ed.

*
**

Lefafi
nishedcookingthendishedandcarri
edthe
pl
atestot hesit
ti
ngroom wher eBr
ightwaswithhis
daughter.Lefawentbacktothekit
chenandbr ought
wit
hheradi shofwarm waterandadishtowel
.She
l
ookedatMut swawhowasal r
eadyfastasl
eep.
“Babe,It
hinky
oushoul
dputherdownsoshecan
sleep.
”
“
Ok.
”
Hegotupandwal kedtothebedr
oom wherehelai
d
herdownandcoveredherwithablanki
e.Hej
oined
Lefathenki
ssedhercheek.
“
Iam t
hinki
ngofmov
ingher
eful
lti
me.
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Real
l
ybabe?
”
“
Yes.
”
Shehuggedhi
m.“
OhMyGod!Atl
ast
…”
Hekissedherneck.“
Yeah…i
t’
saboutt
imeIj
ust
set
tl
einoneplace.”
“
Yeah…”
Helookedinherey
es.“
Ther
eisgoi
ngtobesome
changesandwearegoi
ngtomovefrom t
hishouse.
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Youboughtanot
herhouse?
”
“Nitqui
te.Iam notsureifyouwil
ll
ikeittheresoI
am goingtowai tti
ll
weactuall
ymov e.Ifyouare
stayi
ngthenIwi ll
keepthehouseandf inal
ize
payment s,
ifnotthenitwil
lsav
emet hestress.
”
“
Iwi
l
llov
eit
.”
“
Ok.Il
ovey
ou.
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ilov
eyout
oobabe.
”
Hewashedhi
shandst
henst
art
edeat
ing.

*
**

Amahlelai
donthebedpl ayi
nggamesonherphone.
Shesighedashersi
sterstar
tedcal
l
ingwi
tha
Whatsappcal
l.
“
Hi.
.”
“
Hey
,mamat
oldmey
ouwentt
oBot
swana.
”
“
Iam wi
thmyhusband.
”
Thesist
err
oll
edherey
es.“
Ireal
l
ydon’
tli
ket
his
guy.
”
“
Aftery
outri
edt
osleepwi
thhi
m soy
oucanenj
oy
whathegi
vesme?”
“
That
’snotwhathappenedAmahl
e.Youknowi
t.
”
“
Idon’
tknowany
thi
ngexpectt
hef
actt
haty
ouar
e
j
eal
ous.
.”
“
Jeal
ousofwhat
?Acheat
ingman?
”
“
Wow…”
“
What
?Youknowhecheat
s.”
“
Bri
ghti
smyhusband!
”
“
So?
”
“
Youknowwhat
?By
e.”
“Don’
thangupf
ir
st,
cany
oupl
easebor
rowme
R5K?”
“
Idon’
thav
emoney
.”
“
Bri
ghtgi
vesy
oual
otofmoney
-“
“Youmeanmycheat
ingman?Iam notgi
vi
ngy
ou
anyt
hing.
”
Amahl ehungupandsi ghedcont
inui
ngwithher
game.Sheneededanewcar …shestoppedthe
gameandwentonl i
nesearchi
ngforwhatshe
needed.Somet hi
ngbigandsexywoulddo.She
l
ookedatacoupl eofJeeps,thewhit
enewv er
sion
Cherokeelookedgood.Shesavedthepict
urethen
sentittoBri
ghtwithacapti
on‘Iwant.
.’
Shesmil
ed,
defi
nit
elyanewcarwoul
ddo.Ei
therway
,
wit
hthetwi
ns,
sheneededanewcar.

*
**

Lalascr oll
eddownLef a’
sfacebookseei ngallt
he
picturesofhertravel
li
ng,picturesofBr
ightthough
hisfacewoul dbecr oppedout .Sherol
l
edherey es
wonder ingwhyshewoul dbehi di
nghimf r
om the
wor l
d.Shel ookedatthepictureofherdaughter’
s
feetthenst ar
tedtotypeacommentwhi chshe
deletedt henmov edonscroll
ingdownhert imeli
ne.
Herphonest art
edtor i
ng.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,it
’sRomeo,
we-
“
“
Thenewschool
busdr
iver
?”
“
Yes.Uhhowar
eyou?
”
“
Iam f
ine,
howcanIhel
pyou?
”
“
CanIt
akey
ououtf
ordi
nnert
oni
ght
?”
“
Wheny
oul
ookatme,
doIl
ookl
i
key
outt
ype?
”
“
Uh-
“
“
Cany
ouaf
for
dme?
”
“
Ithi
nk-
“
“Ngng,don’
tcomet omewithboIthink.Iam not
yourt
ype.Iam wayaboveyou.Youcan’taff
ordto
evencal
lme.Stayinyourl
i
mi t
s.”
Shecli
ckedhertongueandhungupt
hencont
inued
st
alki
nghersist
er.

*
**

Chessf
ini
shedcookingwhi
leAt
ti
ewonderedar
ounf
i
nthekit
chen.Hedishedt
henputev
ery
thi
ngonthe
di
ningt
able.
“
Champ,
comeandwashy
ourhands.
”
Hepickedhim upandhel
pedhi
m washhi
shandsby
thesi
nkjustasLelewal
kedi
nhermorni
nggown.
Shesmiled.
“
Thef
oodsmel
l
sgood.
”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Iam goodatt
his.
”
Theyal
lset
tl
edont
hetable.Chessl
ookedatand
Lel
ehel
dherhandt
ogetherwithhi
sson’
s.
“
Shoul
dwepr
ay?
”
Shenodded.“
Yes.
”
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lpr
ay.
”
Theyal
lcl
osedt
hei
rey
es.
“
Goodpleaseblesst
hisf
oodwhi
chwascookedby
v
eryt
alentedhands.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.
“Andpl
easeletAtangeatwi t
houtspil
li
ngany.Also
helpmyfamil
ywi nthisfi
ghtwit
hcancer .Wecan’t
doitwi
thoutyou.Giveusthestrengthandwisdom
weneed.Helpussol di
erontil
ltheveryend.I
nthe
nameofJesus,Amen. ”
“
Amen.
”
At
ti
eopenedhi
sey
esandpi
ckedt
hemeat
.Lel
e
l
ookedathi
m.
“
Thanky
ouf
orcooki
ng.
”
“
It
’sok.Let
’seat
.”
Att
ielookedathismothert
aki
ngthest
ageoftal
ki
ng
tel
l
ingherallaboutt
hedaywhil
etheyl
aughed.

FI
VEMONTHSLATER….
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#94

Fi
veMont
hsLat
er.
..

Leletookadeepbr eat
hattheexcr
uci
ati
ngbreast
pain.Sheclosedhereyesf
oramomentt henfinal
l
y
reachedforherpil
l
sanddrankthem.Shesighed
knowingtheyweregoingtoknockherof
f.She
sl
owlyfi
nishedwit
hhermake- upthenreachedfor
herweave.Sheputitonherbaldheadbefore
sty
li
shl
yput t
ingonadoekashershi nystr
aight
weavefl
owedonherback.Chessopenedt hedoor
andwalkedin.
“
Hey
,doney
et?
”
“
Yes.
”
Shegotup.Chessl
ookedather.
“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”
“Thanks.Iwon’
tbeabl
etostayf
orl
ongatthe
businesspar
ty.Iwasi
npai
n.Idr
ankthepi
l
ls.
”
“
Youdon’
thav
etocomewi
th.I
t’
sok.
”
“
No.Iwantt
obet
her
e.”
“Theyaregoingt
oknocky
ouout
.It
hinki
t’
sbesty
ou
sleepi
tout.Howareyouf
eel
i
ngnow?”
Tearsfil
l
edhereyest
henshesl
owl
ysatdownont
he
bed.“Iam f
ine.
”
Chesstookof
fhi
sjackett
henhi
sshoesandl
aidon
thebed.
“
Come…”
Lel
etookofft
heheel
sandmov edclosert
ohim.
Chessputhi
sarmsaroundherhol
dingherinhi
s
arms.
“Don’
tyouthi
nki
t’
sti
mewet
oldy
ourmom and
brot
her?”
Lel
elookedathim slowlygett
ingsl
eepy.“
Notyet
.
Let’
swaitf
orther esul
tstomorrow.Idi
dn’
twantt
o
str
essthem unnecessari
ly.
”
Chessnodded.“
Ok.
”
“
Iam sor
ry…y
ouar
egoi
ngt
obel
ate.
”
“
Don’
tbesor
ry.I
t’
sok.
”
“
Ireal
l
ywant
edt
ocomewi
thbutt
hepai
nwast
oo
much.
”
“
Iknow.I
t’
sok.
”
Herubbedherbackti
ll
shefellasl
eepthenhesl
owl
y
gotoffbedandputonhisshoesandjacket
.He
coveredherwi
thafl
eecebeforewalki
ngoutoft
he
bedroom.
*
**

Lef
asmiledasBr
ightst
oppedt
hecar
,herey
es
cl
osed.
“
Keepy
ourey
escl
osed.Iwi
l
lhel
pyouout
.”
Shegiggl
edthenhest eppedoutandwentroundthe
cartoherdoor.Hecarri
edheroutandwalkedwith
hertowardsthefi
rsthouse.Heopenedandwalked
i
nt henputherdown.
“
Open…”
Lef
aslowl
yopenedhereyesandl
ookedathi
m.She
scr
eamedseei
ngthehouse.
“
Babe!
”
“
It
’sour
s.”
Shet
ookof
fherheelsandlookedar
oundt
hehouse.
I
twassobeaut
if
ul,
shelovedit.
“
Ilov
eit
.”
Hekissedher.“
Iam gl
ady
oudo.Youandourki
ds
wi
ll
st ayher
e.”
Shesmi
l
ed."
Thi
sisper
fect
.”
Shewentar oundthewholehousethenfi
nall
y
outsi
de.Thehugepool madehersmi l
e.I
tlookedl
ike
doublestor
eyapartmentsthougheachapartment
haditsowngat e,
awallpeti
tionwasbetweeneach
apart
ment .
“
Ilov
eit
.It
’sbeaut
if
ul.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Iam gl
ady
oudo.Wewi
l
lbel
i
vingher
e.”
Hi
sphonevi
brat
ed.Het
ooki
toutt
hensmi
l
ed.
“
Comeinsi
de.
”
Theywal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouset
henhel
edhert
othe
si
tti
ngr
oom.
“
Sit
.”
Lef
asatdownandputherhandov
erherbump.
“
Whati
sit
?”
“Iwantyoutomeety
ournei
ghbor
s.Iam comi
ng.
Stayher
e.”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
Hewal kedoutthenwentt ot
heotherapar
tmentasa
cabdr ov eof
f.HelookedatAmahlewhowas
standingwi t
hherbagsi ncemostofthem had
al
r eadycameday sback.
“
Hey
…”
Shesmil
ed,shesti
l
llookedthi
ckfr
om thet
win’s
bi
rt
h,sheevenhadneckf ol
dsandchubbycheeks.
Thetwonanniesst
oodbehindherhol
dingthekids.
Br
ighthuggedher
.“Hey
…”
“
Imi
ssedy
ou.Iwantt
osi
t.I
sthi
smi
ne?
”
Hesmi
l
edandnodded.“
Yes.
”
“
Iwantt
oscr
eam butt
heoper
ati
onhur
ts.
”
“
Comeandsi
t.
:
Theysl
owlywal
kedi
nsidet
hehousewher
et heysat
.
Amahlesmil
edt
earf
ull
yget
ti
ngemoti
onal
.Itwasso
beaut
if
ul.
“
It
’sbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Youl
ovei
t?”
“
Mor
ethanj
ustl
ovei
t.I
t’
sbeaut
if
ul.
”
Hekissedher
.“Iam goi
ngt
opickupsomeoneI
wantyoutomeetfrom t
heai
rpor
t.Cany
ouwaitf
or
meher e?
”
“
Yes.Ofcause.Hav
emybagsbeenunpacked?
”
“
No.Theyar
eint
her
ooms.
”
“
Ok.
”Heki
ssedherandwal
kedoutdi
ali
ngLef
a.
“
Heybabe,Iam goi
ngtopi
cksomeoneIwanty
out
o
meetf
rom theai
rpor
t.
”
“
Ohok.
”
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Shar
p.”
Hehungupandwentbackt
oLefa’
syar
dwher
ehe
j
umpedinhi
scart
hendroveof
f.

*
**

Att
heai
rpor
t,Br
ighthuggedTadi
wa.
“
Hey
…”
Tadiwasmil
ed,shel
ookedbeaut
if
ulasal
way s
rocki
ngherdar
kchocol
ateski
n.ShehadthatLupi
ta
complexi
on.
“
Imi
ssedy
ou.
”
“
Imi
ssedy
out
oo.
”
“Takemetomyhouse.Idi
dn’
tsl
eept
hewhol
eweek.
Thatwasal
lIwast
hinki
ng.
”
Hel
aughed.“
Let
’sgo.
”
Hi
sphoner
angast
heywal
kedt
othecar
.
“
Yah?
”
“Mr.Joro,
Ms.Greenal
lisher
e,shoul
dIdr
opherof
f
athertheapar
tment?”
“
Yespl
ease.
”
“
Shewant
stot
alkt
oyou.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Heybabe…”
“
Hey
..
”
“Ohmywor d…Ican’tbelieveIam her
e.Ican’t
bel
ieveIlef
teveryt
hingandcameher e.Iam so
ner
v ousbutaslongasIam wi thyou,i
t’
swor t
hit.
Sammyi ssoexcitedaboutbeinghere,Aidenis…sti
l
l
i
nshockIguess.Hei squiet
.”
“
Let
’smeett
her
e.”
“
Ok.Il
ovey
ou.
”
“
Yeah,
met
oo.
”
“
YouknowhowIf
eel
aboutt
hat
…”
“
Iwantt
osayi
tinper
sonsi
ncenowIcan.
”
Char
li
zegi
ggl
ed.“
Ok.
”
Hehungupt henopenedt hecardoorf orTadi
wa
whohappilygotin.Hedrovebackt otheapart
ment s.
Hedroveinthroughthemai ngateanddr ovet
ot he
thi
rdapart
mentwher ehepr essedthegateremot e.
Thegateopened.Tadiwagaspedput tingherhand
overhermouthunabletobel i
eveit
.Thiswasf ar
muchbet t
erthantheFlatattheAvenuesbacki n
Harare.
I
twasadoubl
est
oreymansi
on,
itl
ookedl
i
ket
hose
housesi
nmov
iesandt
her
ewashercarpar
kedi
n
fr
ont.
“
Babe…”
Bri
ghtpar
kedt hentookherhandandl
edheri
nside.
Shegasped,tearsf
il
li
nghereyesasheremot
ions
ti
ppedover.
“
Babe…”
“
It
’sal
lyour
s.”
“
Idon’
tdeser
vet
his.
”
“
Youdo.Morethananyt
hing.Fami
l
iar
izey
our
sel
f
wi
tht
hehouse.Iam coming.
”
Hewal kedoutandwenttothenextapartment.
Charli
zesteppedoutoft
hecab.Shescr eamedthen
ranoverandhuggedhim.SammyandAi denbehind
her.Hehuggedherkissi
ngherthenpickedhiski
ds
atthesamet ime.
“
Imi
ssedy
oudaddy
…”
Br
ightsmi
l
edt
henki
ssedhi
sdaught
er’
sfor
ehead.
“
Met
oodaddy
.”
“
ImissedyoutooAiden.
”Heki
ssedhi
sfor
ehead
t
henputthem down.
“
Readyt
oseeournewhouse?
”
“
Yes!
”
“
Come.
.”
Charli
zesmi l
edwat chinghim ashel edhiskids
i
nside.Shewentaf tert hem,ahugesmi l
eonher
face.Itfel
tsoperfect.Ofcauseitwasn’ t
Washi ngton,
butitwasherf amilyalltogetheri
none
place.Itwasmor ethanNewYor k.Andi twasquiet
…
nomor edeali
ngwi t
ht hebusycity.Shetookoffher
sunglassesjoini
nghim andt hekids.
“
Okguy
s…sot
hisi
sit
.”
Char
li
zehuggedhi
m.“
Ilov
eit
.Thanksbabe.
”
“
Iwantyoutomeetsomeone.Come.Uht
heki
dswi
l
l
r
emainwit
hher.
”
Bri
ght’
ssist
erwal
kedoverwi
tht
wol
adi
eshol
ding
thebabi
esandhuggedCharl
i
ze.
“
Sar
ah…hey
..
”
“
HeyChar
li
ze.Wow,
Ilov
eyourhai
r.
”
“
Ilov
eitt
oo.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”
Theyhuggedagai
nthenshehuggedhernephewand
ni
ece.Shetur
nedtothei
rfat
her
.
“Vanav akovakawanda.Imagi
ne,twopanapa,then
vamwef ourt
henmumweone.Wedzer amar i
.(Your
kidsareal ot
.Imagi
ne,twohere,
thenfourand
anotherone.Addmor emoney.)”
“Ther
eareonl
y4rightnow.Iam notgi
vingyoumor
e.
Babe,come…guy
s, r
emainwithaunty.
.ok?”
“
Ok.
”
Hewal kedoutwi
thexcit
edCharli
ze.Het ookherto
Lefa’
shouseandgotinwi t
hher.Lefahappil
ystood
up.Shelookedatthewhit
eladywhoal most
remindedherofAngel
inaJoli
eespecial
lywiththe
hair
.
“Bot
hofyousi
t.Iam comi
ng.Noonespeakst
il
lI
come.”
Hequi
ckl
ywal
kedout.Thet
wol adi
esl
ookedateach
ot
herwi
thsmi
l
es.Charl
izel
aughed.
“
Thi
sissi
l
ly.Hi
,Iam Char
li
ze.
”
“
Iam Lef
a,wow,
youl
ookl
i
keAngel
i
naJol
i
e.”
Char
li
zelaughed.“
Thanks.Iwi
llt
akethatasa
compli
ment.Youarebeauti
ful
too.”
“
Thanks.
”
Bri
ghtwal
kedinagain,nowwitht
womor eladi
es.
Lef
aimmediatel
yrecognizedt
hethi
ckone.Theyal
l
l
ookedatBri
ght.
“Youar
eal
lnei
ghbor
s.Let
’sal
lsi
tandgett
oknow
eachot
her
.”
Amahl
e’
shear
tst
art
edpoundi
ng.
“
Bri
ght
-“
“
Isai
dsi
t.
”
Theyal
lsatdown.Hesatatl
astandst
aredatt
hem
al
l.
“
Ever
yonei
ntr
oducey
our
sel
f.
”
Char
li
zesmi
l
ed.“
Hi,
Iam Char
li
ze.
”
“
Lef
a.”
“
Tadi
wa.
”
“
Amahl
e.”
“Ihopey ougeteachot her ’
snames.Tadi wa, Charli
ze,
Amahl eandLef a.Tadiwai smywi fe.Imether12
yearsback, wehav ebeent oget herf or10y ear s.
Char l
i
zeismywi fetoo, Imetheral most9y ears
backandwehav ebeent oget hersi nce.Wehav etwo
kids,adaught er
,Sammy ,shei s7andourson.Ai den,
hei s5.Amahl eandImet5y ear sback, wehav efour
kids.Fir
stonei sThando, hei s5andwehav eJuni or,
hei s3thent hetwins,theyar eamont hold.Theyar e
girl
s.Natali
aandNat asha.Nexti sLef a,
wehav e
beent ogetherformor et hanay earnow.Wehav e
ourdaught er,8mont hsol d,Mut sa.Andshei s
expectingoursecondbor nwhohappenst obet he
l
astchi l
d.Iloveyoual l
,fairly.Ev eryoneher ebr ings
diff
erentthingstothet able.Idi dn’tgett heot her
onesbecausesomeonewasl ackingany thingor
wasn'tdoingsomet hi
ngr i
ght .IdidsobecauseIf ell
i
nl ove.”
Amahlelaughed.“
Ist
hisaj
oke?I
fiti
s,i
t’
snot
funny
.”
“It
’snotf unnybecausei t’
snotaj oke.Ilovey ouall
andIwanty oual l
.Iam notgoi ngt owast emyt ime
tryi
ngt oconv inceanyofy out ost aywi t
hme.I fyou
wantt ost ay ,youst ay,i
fyoudon’ t,youleave.Wewi ll
makeapl anf ort hekids.Iknowt hisis
overwhel mi ng, Iknowy ouar einshockandy ouar e
most lyhur tbuti tiswhati tis.Ifyouchooset ostay,
wear egoi ngt owor koutourr out i
ne.Howwewi l
ldo
thingsandsoon.Wear edone, ev eryonecangot o
theirhouse.Thi soneisLef a’s,thenextonei s
Amahl e’s,thef oll
owingonei sTadi wa’sandt helast
onei sChar l
ize’s.Ihaveabusi nesspar t
ytoat t
endto,
whoev erwhowant stocomewi thme, cancome.I f
not ,
Iam goi ng.”
Theyal
ll
ookedathi
m,dumbf
olded.
.
.
Let'
snormali
zeli
ki
ngandcomment
ingont
hei
nser
ts
famil
y.Goodnight
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#95

Hewalkedout
.Amahlest
oodupandrushedaf
ter
hi
mignori
ngthepai
nofherst
it
ches.
“
Bri
ght
!”
Het
urnedt
oher
.“Yeah?
”
Shewalkedoverandslappedhim acr
osst
heface,
angerandfur
ryburni
nginsideher
.Bri
ghtl
ookedat
her.
“That
’st
hefi
rstandl
astt
imey
oudot
hat
,doy
ou
hearme?”
“
Howcany
oudot
hist
ome?Thr
eewomen?
!”
“Yes.Il
oveal
lofyouthesame.AmahleIam not
forci
ngyoutost
ay,i
fy ouwantt
oleav
ebabey ou
can.”
“Leav
e?You…y ou.
.”Tearsrol
leddownhercheeksas
herhear
tbrokeint
oami ll
ionpieces.“
Andgowhere?
Youstoppedmef r
om takingthejobinChi
naj
ustso
y
oucandot
hist
ome?
”
“Ididn’
tstopyoufrom takingyourjobinChina,I
didn’tf
orceyouintoanything.Il
ovey ou.Il
ovethem
too.Yousaidyouwant edmewi thyoual lt
heti
me,
thisiswhatIcouldcomeupwi t
h.Ibroughtyouall
here.Icanbewithev er
y onetogetherwithmykids.
”
“Whydidletmef al
linlov
ewit
hy oui
fyouknewyou
sti
ll
wantedt oexplore?Youcoul
dhaveletmego.I
tol
dy ouIhadbeent hr
oughalot
,youknewwhatmy
previ
ousrelati
onshiphaddonetomey etyousol
d
medr eams, deceiv
edme. ”
“Iam sorrybabe.Il oveyouandourki ds,Ihaveloved
youallthesey ears,Ihavegiveny oual l
thelovey ou
needed,lov edmyki ds.Nothingisgoi ngtochange.
Matteroff act,
itwillbemuchbet ternowt hatIdon’t
havetogoamont hwithoutseeingy ou.Icanalway s
seeyouaf teracoupl eofnights.Theat tenti
ony ou
havebeencr avi
ngf orwill
final
lybeser ved.”
“Br
ight
…”Sheputherhandsonherfacecr
ying,
kneesweak.Hehuggedhert
ight
ly.
“
Iam sor
rybabe.
”
Shecri
edev enmoret hi
nki
ngofwhereshewoul d
possi
blytakethekidsandwhereshewouldbegin.I
t
wasasi fherhear
thadbeenrippedoutofherchess.

*
**

Insi
dethehouse,Tadiwaslowlygotup,confused
andlost.Shest
il
lcouldn’
tcomprehend,ital
lfeltli
ke
adream.Atsomepoi ntshehadsuspect edthere
wassomeoneel sebutnotthreemor ewomen.Was
i
tallbecauseshefai
ledtogivehim ki
ds.Tearsr ol
led
downhercheeksassher ecall
edhermot her’
swor ds.
Hewasboundt omakekidselsewhereifshef ail
ed
herduty.
ShewalkedoutofLefa’
shousethenlookedather
husbandhuggingtheot
herwomanwhowascr yi
ng.
Sheleanedagainstt
hewall
try
ingtokeepitt
ogether
butshewasbr eaki
ngdown.
Hepickedherupandwalkedthehousenextdoor.
Minut
eslaterhewal
kedbackandlookedatTadiwa
whowasst ari
ngi
ntonot
hing.
“
Hey
…”
Shelookedathim,t
ear
sinherey
es.Shecoul
dn’
t
evenhideherpai
n.
“
Bri
ght
…”
“
Iam sor
ry.
”
Shel
ookeddown,
atearf
all
i
ng.“
Isi
tbecauseof
ki
ds?
”
“
Isai
d-:
”
“St
oplyi
ngtome.Iam notafool
.YouandImetlong
back,
youcan’
tmakemeaf ool
.Itwas,
wasn’
tit
?”
“
No.I
fitwasn'
tforki
ds,myoldestwoul
dbe9don’
t
y
outhi
nk?Itwasneverbecauseofki
ds.
”
“
Thenwhy
?”
“
Ilov
ethem.
”
Shel
aughedt
ear
ful
l
y.“
Youl
ovef
ourpeopl
eatt
he
sameti
me?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ican’
tbel
i
evey
oubr
oughtmeal
lthewayher
efor
thi
s.Ican’
tbel
i
eveaf
ter10y
ear
sthi
siswhatIget
.
Thisi
sit.
”
“
Iam sor
ry.Il
ovey
ou.
”
“
Iam goi
ngback.Iam notgoi
ngt
ost
ayf
ort
his.
”
“
Tadi
..
”
“Iam l
eavi
ng.Iam notgoingt
ostayfort
his.This
nonsense?Iam sorr
y.Theycanstay
,Iam leav
ing.”
Shewal kedaway .Hesighedstandi
ngtherethinking
ofaddressingLefaandChar li
zebuthewasr unning
l
ate.Hegoti nhiscaranddr oveoff
.Theyneeded
spacetot hi
nkthingsthroughandhewasn’tgoi ngto
pressur
izeanyonei nt
ost ayi
ng.Whoeverst
ay ed,he
wouldset t
lewit
hher .

*
**

Insi
det hehouse,Lefaputherhandonherst
omach
gettingup.ShelookedatCharli
zewhowasjust
sitt
ingsti
ll
.Shehadn’tmov edaninch.
“Wer
eyoutheonewhocal l
edaft
erseei
ngmy
numberi
nyourhusband’
sphone?”
Char
li
zel
ookedatLef
aandnodded.
Lef
asighed.“Hesai
dyouwer
ehi
sbusi
ness
par
tner
’swife.
”
“
Hesai
dyouar
ehi
sbr
other
’swi
fe.
”
Lef
abi
therl
owerl
i
p.“
MyGod…”
“
Ican’
tbel
i
evet
his…9y
ear
s…wow!
”
“That
’swhyhemademepr egnantagai
n.”Sheput
herhandsoverherf
acecryi
ng.Ithadal
lbeentoo
goodtobetrue.Nowitmadesensewhy .Charl
ize
gotupandhelpedhersi
t.
“
Sit
…”
Lef
acri
edev
enmor
e.Char
li
zesi
l
ent
lycr
iedhuggi
ng
Lef
a.

*
**
Att
hebusi
nesspart
y,Bri
ghtwal
kedi
nandsmil
ed
get
ti
nghi
sglassofwine.Hewal
kedovert
oChess
whowastal
kingt
oawhi teman.
“
Chess.
.”
Chesst
urnedt
ohi
m andsmi
l
ed.“
B!”
Theyf
istbumped.Thewhi
temansmi
l
edwal
ki
ng
away.
“
Howhav
eyoubeen?
”
“
Good,
it’
sbeenawhi
l
e.”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Howi
suh…”
“
Tadi
wa?
”
“
Andt
heSAone.
”Chessl
aughed.“
Wenamona!
”
“
Theyar
eal
lher
e.Ii
ntr
oducedt
hem t
ooneanot
her
.”
“
Howdi
dthatgo?
”
“Theyar
eathomedeci
dingwho’
sleav
ingand
stayi
ng.
”
Chessl
aughed.“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ohel
l
.”
“
Forl
ovi
ngwomen?Nah,
Idon’
tthi
nkso.Theyar
ea
f
ewmenouther
e.”
“
Fat
hernat
ion!
”
“
Tsek,
any
way
s,t
heyar
efour
.”
Chessshookhi
sheadl
aughi
ng.“
Four
?”
“
Yes.Char
li
ze.
.”
“
IsChar
li
zest
ayi
ngf
ort
hat
?”
“
Idon’
tknow.Hopef
ull
y.
”
“
Andt
hel
astone?
”
“
Youknowher
.”
Chessl
ookedathi
m.“
Who?
”
“
Lef
a.”
Chesspaused.“
Who?
”
“
Lef
a?”
“
Lef
atshe?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Youar
efucki
ngLef
a?”
“
It
’sbeenal
i
ttl
emor
ethanay
earIt
hink.
”
Chesschuckled.“
Iam goingtoignorethef
actthat
youwentformyexandj ustt
ell
y ouLefawon’
tsettl
e
fort
hatnonsense.Trustme.Gapehel aLef
aiscrazy,
sheisnotthetypeyoudosuchnonsenseon.Ot i
le
gonyelaIam tel
li
ngy ouboy.
”
“
Shecan’
tbemor
ecr
azi
ert
hanAmahl
e.”
“Nah,Lefawillki
l
lyou.Sheiscapable.Shewil
l
probabl
yhur tyouwhereithurt
sthemost .Iknow
andtrusther.Keepyourlovedonessafe.Youhave
messedwi ththewrongonet histi
mear oundIam
tel
li
ngy ou.Shewill
destr
oyy ou.”
Chesswal
kedtothestaget
ogi
veaspeechf
ort
he
company’
sanni
versar
y.

*
**

Latethatnight,
thepai
nki
ll
erslowlyworeoff
,Lele
slowlywokeup.Sheoffbedandwentt oher
dressingtabl
e.Sheswall
owedst ar
ingather
selfon
themi rr
or.God…shehadlostsomuchwei ghtshe
couldbarelyrecognizehersel
f.Itwasasifherli
fe
wasf adi
ngr i
ghtbeforeherey es.Sheremov edt
he
wigfrom herheadt henlookedather sel
fforawhil
e
beforebreaki
ngdowncr yi
ng.
Shewasn’tevensur
eift
hechemowaswor ki
ngbut
i
twassnat chi
ngawayherl
if
ebi
tsbybi
ts.Shetook
herphoneandcall
edherl
awyer
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hi.Iwantt
owr
it
eawi
l
l.CanIdot
hat
?”
“
Yes.Why
?”
“Just
.Youneverknowwhatmi
ghthappent
omor
row.
Lif
eistooshort
.”
“Ok,wecandoi
tonMondaywhenIgett
othe
off
ice.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Arey
ouok?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Bye.
”
“
Bye.
”
Shedroppedthecallthenreachedf orherpai
nkil
l
ers
anddrankagain.Shereachedf orherphoneagain
andstart
edgoingthroughallthepicturesofher
fami
ly
.Shesmi ledatherpicturesbeforethecancer
.
Whenshest i
l
llookedl i
keher.
Shedi
aledhermot
her
.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Mama,
howar
eyou?
”
“
Iam f
ine.Imi
ssy
ou.Iam t
hinki
ngofcomi
ngt
her
e
t
oseey ou.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iwoul
dlov
ethat
.”
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lcomet
omor
row.
”
“
Wher
eisLoago?
”
“
Her
e.Youwantt
otal
ktohi
m?”
“
No,
tot
hebot
hofy
ou.Putonl
oudspeaker
.”
“
Ok.Youar
eonl
oudspeakernow.Loago,
it’
sLel
e.”
“
Heybi
gsi
s!”
“
Hey
…”
“
Imi
ssy
ou.
”
Lel
esmil
ed.“
Imissyout
oo.Cany
oucomewi
th
mamatomorrow?”
“
Yes,
yeah.
”
“Ihav esomet hingIwantt otelly
oubot h.IthoughtI
woul dtellyouaf t
erawhi lebecauseIdon’ twantt o
stressy oubut …IthinkImayusey oursuppor ttoo.”
Tear sfil
ledherey es.“Fi
vemont hsbackIwas
diagnosedwi t
hst age3br eastcancer.Theysaidi t
hadspr eadl ocall
yandi tcouldsti
llbemai ntai
ned.
Chessf oundadoct ori
nSAwhoi swor kingonmy
case, Iam currentlyonChemo.Theyt ryi
ngt oshrink
themai nt umorand…per form asurgery.Iam fi
ne
though.Iam st ill
ok.IjustthoughtIwoul dtelly
ou. ”
“
Lel
e..
”
“
Iam f
ineLoago.Iam notdy
ing.
”
“Wearecomingther
etoni
ght.
”Hermotherspoke
weakl
ythenhungup.Lel
eleanedagai
nstherchair
andbr
okedowncr yi
ngwishi
ngherfat
herwast her
e
wit
hher.
“Papa….Hel
pme.Ihav
eachi l
d…heneedsme…help
meIam scared…myhearti
sbreaki
ng…myhear
tis
breaki
ngPapa…myheart
…Papa…nt huse…”
Shecriedsomuchandgotont hef loor,herwhol e
bodyquiveringasshecri
edallalonet hatnight.The
thunderroaredout
sideasitst
artedt orainheav i
ly
accompani edwit
hhailhi
tt
ingther oof.Thewi ndows
opened,windblowingthecurt
ains.
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment Good
morni
ng.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#96

Lel
eslowlygotupawhi
l
elaterandtookherphone.
Shedial
edanumbersni
ffi
ng.I
trangtwicet
henhe
pi
cked.
“
Babe…”
Lel
ekeptqui
et.Bamechuckl
ed.“
What
’sup?
”
“
Howi
syourgi
rl
fr
iend?
”
“
Shei
sfi
ne.
”
“
Youl
oveher
?”
“
Lel
e…”
“
Bef
orey
ouki
ssedme,
wewer
efr
iends.Canwebe
t
hat
?”
“No.BecauseIst
il
ll
ovey
ou.Iam goi
ngt
oki
ssy
ou
agai
n.”
Lel
elaughed.“Youdidn’
tgett
hememor i
ght
.You
don’
tkisspeopleyouseeasyoury
oungersi
ster
s.”
“
Theynevergav
eitt
omebecauseIhonest
lyseey
ou
l
i
keawife.”
“
Mxm.
”
Helaughed.“
Warenglai
taka?Howisi
tgoi
ng?I
spoketoyourdoct
or.Heisgood.
”
“
Howdoy
ouknowhi
m?”
“
Ibr
oughthi
mfory
ourhusband.Hedoesn’
tknowI
di
d,het
hinksi
t’
sacoi
nci
dence.
”
“
Oh…”
“
Youar
egoi
ngt
obef
ine.
”
“
Real
l
y?”
“Yes.Butit’
sgoingtobealongdrai
ningjour
ney
.
Thisisjustthestar
t.I
twi
l
lgetevenwor sert
han
thi
s.”
“
Ifeell
i
keIam l
osi
ngmy
sel
f.Icanbar
elyr
ecogni
ze
me.”
“Iknow,Iwi
shIwast
her
ewi
thy
ou.I
shet
her
e
now? ”
“
Hehadt
oat
tendabusi
nesspar
ty.
”
“Iwantt
oseeyou.CanIcomeov
er?I
fyouar
enot
comfort
abl
e,i
t’
sok.”
“
Youcancome.Butnotexact
lyatmyhouse.
”
“
Iwi
l
lpar
ktwohousesf
rom y
our
s.”
“
Ok,
andnotwi
thy
ourcar
.”
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lbet
her
einacoupl
eofmi
nut
es.
”
Lel
elookedattheti
meandsi ghed.Al
mostfi
ft
een
minutesl
ater
,herphonerang,shegotupandputon
herfl
i
pf l
opsthenwalkedout.

*
**

I
nBame’
scar
,Lel
egoti
nthenewcarandl
ookedat
hi
m.
“
Your
s?”
Hesmi
l
edpr
oudl
y.“
Yes.
”
Lel
enoddedsmi
l
ing.“
It
’sbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Thanks.Hey
…”
“
Hi…”
Bameadjustedhi
sseatthenpulledheroverplaci
ng
heronhiminastraddl
ingposit
ion.Hewr appedhis
armsaroundherwaisthol
dingherclose.
“
Yousmel
lgood…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Youar
egoi
ngt
ogetmei
ntr
oubl
e.”
“
Itwi
l
lbewor
thi
t.Fear
lessMagi
k,congr
atsmama.
”
“
Thanks.Chessf
undedi
t.
”
“
Wel
l
,ar
oundofappl
ausef
orhi
m.”
Lel
esi
ghedr
est
ingherheadonhi
sshoul
der
.
“
Howi
sAt
ti
e?”
“Gr
own.”Shechuckl
ed.“Het
alksal
ot.Nev
erkeeps
qui
et.Andbreakst
hings.
”
Bamel
aughed.“
Hei
sanener
get
icboy
.”
“
Howar
eyourki
ds?
”
“
Great
.”
“
Andy
ourbr
unchi
nKasane?
”
“
It
’sper
fect
.”
“
Ist
hatwhyy
ouchoset
ost
ayt
her
e?”
“
No,Iwant
edt
obef
arf
rom y
ouandst
ophur
ti
ng
mysel
f.
”
Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Iam sor
ry.
”
“
Itol
dyout
ost
opapol
ogi
zi
ng.I
t’
snoty
ourf
aul
t.
”
“
Yournewgi
rl
fr
iend…wher
eisshe?
”
“
InKasane.
”
“
Yout
rul
ylov
eher
?”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
“
Ify
oul
oveher
,gof
ori
t.Youdeser
vet
obehappy
.”
“
Ilov
eyouLel
e.”
“Iknowwhaty out
hinkbutifIam beinghonest,I
l
ov eChess.He…”Shesmiled.“Therecannev erbe
mewi t
houtthatman.Heist heloveofmylife.Idon’
t
knowwhatt hi
sisbut-
“
Someoneknockedonthewindow.Lel
eraisedher
headandl
ookedjustasChessopenedthedoor.
“
MmagweAt
ang…”
Lel
e’
sheartski
ppedasshel
ookedatChesswho
wasstar
ingatt
hem.
“
Cany
oupl
easegeti
nthehouse?
”
“
ChessI
-“
“
Gobackt
othehouseLel
e.”
LelelookedatBame,herhear
tpoundi
ng.She
steppedoutofthecar.
“
It
’snot
-“
“
Gohome.Iam notgoi
ngt
otel
lyouagai
n.”
Lel
etur
nedandhur
ri
edbackt
othehouse.Chess
l
ookedatBame.
“
Doy
our
eal
i
zet
hatshei
samar
ri
edwoman?
”
BamesteppedoutofhiscarandlookedatChess.“
I
do,
sadl
yIcan’tchoosewhot ol
ove.It
’sher
.Iam
goi
ngtotakeher.
”
Chesspunchedhi m angri
ly.Hepunchedhi m again,
hisangerri
sing.I
twast hedi sr
espect
…t henerve…
theaudaci
tyt oevencomet ohishouse.Bamet ri
ed
tostandupri
ghtbutChesspunchedhi m agai
nt hen
kickedhi
sbal l
s.Bamegr unted.
“
Fuck!
”
“Youthinkshelovesyou?Shedoesn’tl
oveyou.I
knowt hatwomanl i
kethebackofmyhand.She
l
ov est
heat t
enti
ony ougiv
eher.Sheloveshowshe
hascont r
oloveryou,howshecanjustcontr
olyou
l
ikehowshewoul dcontr
oladog.Yout hi
nkifshe
l
ovedy ou,shewoul dstil
lbewithme?Shewoul d
havelongleft.Sheloveshowy ouchaseaf t
erherl i
ke
adogy ouar e,sheloveshowshecanj usttoywi th
yourfeel
ingsbecauseshehast hatpowerovery ou.
Sheloveshowy oucaneasi l
ybreakdownf orher .I
am tel
li
ngy ou,evenifmywi feandIpartway s,sheis
notgoingtoset tl
eforyoubecauseshedoesn’ tl
ove
you.Shejustloveshowy ouarecrazyabouty ou.”
Chesspul
l
edhi
m upandpunchedhi
m agai
n.
“Otany el
a,Ineverbother
edyoubutyouar
egoi
ng
farnow.Iam goi ngtorui
nyou,
watchme.Otsi
l
ego
nyela.Youwillneverl
ookatamarri
edwoman
again.”
Chesswal kedawaythengoti nhi scaranddr ove
overtot hehousewher ehepar kedi ngarage.He
walkedi nsidehi
shouse, hisshirtdri
ppingwetf rom
therain.Het ookitof
fwal kingtot hebedroom.He
l
ookedathersi t
ti
ngont hebed, shequicklystoodup.
Heunbuckl edhi
sbeltthenunzi ppedhi spants
stari
ngather .Hewalkedov erandgr abbedherneck
withonehandsl i
ghtl
ychoki ngherst ar
inginherey es.
Heputhi
shandunderhergownandt
ouchedher
pussy
.
“
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngi
nhi
scar
?”
Lel
etearf
ull
ylookedathi
m.Shedidn’
tev
enknow
whattosay,herhear
twaspoundi
ngsomuch.
“Isaidwhatwerey oudoi
nginhiscarLel
entl
e?Try
meandl etthosetearsdr
op.IsweartoGod,Iwill
kill
youbeforecancerdoes.Iwi
llgl
adlygotojai
lforthat
doy ouhearme? ”
Shebl
i
nkedt
ryi
ngt
ochaseawayhert
ear
s.
“
Iam notgoi
ngt
oasky
ouagai
n.”
“
I…”
“
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngonhi
slap?
”
Sheswal
lowedsi
lent
ly.Hel
etgoandl
ookedather
,
pai
nstr
angli
nghi
m.
“
Whatisitabouthi
mthatyouli
kesomuch?I
fyou
l
ovehim,whyareyousti
l
lhereLel
e?Howabouty
ou
f
reeyour
selfandgotohi
m? ”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
“Whati
sitabouthi
mt hen?I
sitt
heatt
ent
iony ouar
e
get
ti
ng?Isthi
swhyy oudeci
dedtost
aybehind?”
“
No.Iwasn’
tfeel
i
ngwel
l
.”
Hel
ookedi
nherey
es.
“Can’tyouseehowmuchy ouarehur
ti
ngmeand
whathur t
sisthefactthati
tist
hesameguyover
andov eragai
n.Cany outel
lmewhereIam get
ti
ngi
t
wrong?Whatam Idoi ngwrong?Whatdoeshehave
thatIdon’t
?”
“
Not
hing.Il
ovey
ou.
”
Her ubbedhisfacet urningawayt henhewentt othe
bathroom.Leletear f
ull
yr eachedf orherpi l
lsand
drank.Mi nut
eswentbyasshest artedfeelingsl
eepy.
Shegoti nbedandwai tedt i
llshef el
lasleep.Chess
walkedoutoft hebat hroom thenl ookedather
sleeping.Heclosedt hewi ndowst henst aredather,
abur ningedgetot akethepi l
lowandsuf focateher
todeat hinhersleep.
Hestaredatherf
orawhil
ethengoti
nbedbeside
her
.May beift
heynev
ercamebackfrom UKthi
ngs
wouldsti
ll
havebeenfi
ne.Atsomepointhet
hought
bringinghi
sf amil
ybackwast her i
ghtf
ul decisionbut
nowhecoul dseeitwast hewor st.Hedidn’ teven
knowwhatwaswhatany more.Thepai ni nhishear t
cont i
nuedeachandev erynight ,
hecoul dbar ely
sleep.May behewast heprobl em, hewashol ding
herbackf rom bei
ngwi thwhoev ershewant ed.I t
’s
notl i
kehehadev ergivenherachancet of allinlove
withhi m.Hehadst ol
enherwhi l
edealingwi thhi s
thenmar ri
ageissues,gotherpr egnantthenmar ri
ed
her .
Hedoubtedsheevenlovedher,
may beshejust
l
ovedbeingwit
hhim,lovedhowhemadeherf eel
buthedoubt
editwaslovebecauseasf arashe
knew,t
herewasnowayy ouwoulddel
iberat
elyhur
t
someoneyouclai
mt olove.

*
**

Brightdr
ovebackandsighedwonderi
ngwheretogo
fi
rst.Heparkedinf
rontofTadi
wa’
sgatethen
wal kedi
nthrought
hegate.Heopenedthedoorand
wal
kedi
n.Hesear
chedforhert
hroughoutt
hen
f
oundherl
yi
ngonthebed.
“
Hey
…”
“Cany
oupleasegetmeaf l
ightback?Idon’
twantt
o
beher
eBri
ght,Iwantt
ogo.Iam notgoingtoshare
youwi
tht
hewhol eworl
d.”
“
It
’sonl
ythem,
Iswear
.”
“Iam notgoi
ngtoshar
eyou,Iwantt
ogo.Il
ovey
ou
butIam notgoi
ngtostay
.”
“
Babe-
“
“Iam notst
ayi
ngf
ort
hisBr
ight
!Getmeaf
li
ghtback
home.”
“Ok.Youcankeepthehousebacki
nZi
m and
every
thi
ngyouhave.”
“
Iwantnot
hingofyour
s.”Shelookedathi
mtear
ful
l
y.
“
Takebackever
ythi
ngofyours.”
“
Iwi
l
lgety
ouaf
li
ghtt
icketf
ort
omor
row.
”
Hewalkedout.Tadiwalookedathi
mt henputher
handsoverherfacecr
ying.
,Itwasj
usthowhe
wasn’
tevengoi
ngtobeghert
houghshehadgi
ven
10year
sofherl
ifet
ohim.

*
**

Charl
i
zeopenedthedoorandl
ookedathi
m.Her
eyeswer
epuffyandred.
“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”
“
Canwet
alk?
”
Shewalkedoutandcl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndher
.
“What
?”
“Iam sorry.Iam sorrytohav ehur tyoulikethis.You
don’tdeservei t
,Iknow.Ilov ey ou,Il
oveourki ds.I
l
ov ethem tooandmyki ds.Iwantt ogivey ouall t
he
l
ov eandat tenti
onIcanev ergiv ebutIcan’tdot hat
whenIam busymov i
ngf r
om onecount rytothe
other.Iknowi t’
sforei
gnbutt rustme…i twillwor k
outper f
ectly.Iknowy oudon’ twantt oshareme, but
i
twon’ tevenf eelli
keit.Youwi llal
way sgetme.
Alway sseeme.Ihav espokent oacoupl eofpeopl e
tosetupyourNGO.Iwantt
ogi
vey oual
lIcan,andI
knowIcan.Itwi
l
lbemuchbett
erthanbackthen.
Justthaty
ouwil
lhavet
osli
ght
lyshareme.”
“Sl
ight
ly?I…”Sheputherhandov erhermout
h
cry
ing.“Ican’
tbeli
eveyoubr oughtmeallt
heway
herewit
hmyki dsfort
his.Ineedsomespace.”
“
Ok.Ar
etheki
dssl
eepi
ngal
ready
?”
“
Yes.By
e.”
Shetur
nedandgotbackinherhouset
hentookher
phonewher
eshewast al
kingt
oherfri
endt
hrough
Skype.
“
Hei
sgone.
”
“Char li
ze,youdor eal
izet hatifyouleavehim, y
ou
l
oset hemany ouhav el ov edfor9y earsnow.He
alreadyr ui
nedy ouforot herman.Yousai dhegota
hugedi ck,
y ouwon’ tfeel anyotherdicktrustme.
Andsomeoft hewomenar egoingtowal kaway .
,
Youmi ghtbesur pri
sedt or emaintheonl yonewho
stay s.Youwi l
l havehim al ltoyourself
.Isaystay.I
woul dst ay.Bestpar t
ner ,bestsex,bestfather,he
car es,paysattent i
onandhei sfi
nanciall
ystabl
e.
Whatmor edoyouwant?Theyar egoingtoleav
e
trustme.Juststay
,whent heyall
leave,
gethimt o
mar ryyou.Makesureyourpropert
iesarecombined
theny ousignamarri
agecont r
actwitht
ermsand
conditions.
”
“
Chi
ke,
whati
ftheydon’
tleav
ehi
m?”
“Mygr andfatherisatraditional heal
er ,
that’
swher e
hecomesi nhandy .ThisisAf ri
caChar li
ze.Getused
toit.Yousayhei sfr
om Zi mbabwe, youhaven’tseen
nothing,Yourbiggestmi stakewast asti
nghisdick.
Hebewi t
chedy ouwi t
ht hatdi ck.Ber eadytobea
Zim wi f
eifyougoi ngtost aybuti nthemeant i
me, I
wil
l getincontactwithmygr andfather.Atthi
sst age,
wegav etogety ousomet hingt hatwillmakeyou
outstandingofthem all.Iftheydon’ tleave,atl
east
helov esyoumor e.
”

*
**

Br
ightsi
ghedsi
tt
ingi
nLefa’
shouse,shewasgone.
Hetookouthi
sphoneandcall
edherbutt
hecall
di
dn’tgett
hough.Het
houghtofAmahl
ebuthe
wasn’ti
nthemoodfornoi
se,hewentt
oLef
a’s
bedr
oom thenlai
ddown.
.
.
htt
ps:/
/www. f
acebook.
com/Riv
erwalkMall
/post
s/43
33009896762468?comment
_id=4350887664974691

Cli
ckt hatlinkf amil
yandlet'
slikeEr i
cTr epstarN-
cube'scommentf orabonus.Ify ouar edoing
facebookl i
t e,thel
inkwil
ltakey oust r
aightthepost ,
youwi llseecomment ,forthoseusi ngchr ome, t
he
commentwi l
lbeatthetop.Pleasel et
'sall
parti
cipate.Wear eaimi
ng1300l ikes.Af t
ery ouli
ke
ourinser t
,li
ket hesponsor'
scomment .
Roar
ingFl
ames
#97

Thefol
lowi
ngmorni
ng,
Lel
ewentt othekit
chen
whereChesswasmaki
ngbreakf
ast.Heturnedt
o
herandsmil
ed.
“
Hey
,come…”
Lel
ewalkedover,Chesspi
ckedherupandpl
aced
heront
hekitchencounter
s.
“
Mor
ning…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
”
“Iam makingbreakf
ast
.Doy
ouwantsomet
hingt
o
drink?Jui
ce?”
“
Yespl
ease.
”
Chessgott
hej
uiceandpour
edf
orher
.“Thanky
ou.
”
“
Youar
ewel
come.
”
Chesst
ookofft
hedoeki
nherheadandsmi l
ed.
“Youar
est
il
lbeaut
if
ulwi
thoutt
his.Youar
emore
t
hanj
ustbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Thanks.
”
Shesippedherj
uiceashecont
inuedt
ocook.He
fi
nal
l
ydi shedf
orher.
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Come…”
Hegav eherhi
sbacksoshecanhoopon.Lel
eput
herj
uicedownandgotonhisback.
“
Hol
don.
”
Hegotherj
uiceandfoodt
henwalkedwit
hhertothe
si
tt
ingr
oom thenheslowl
ylower
edheronthecouch.
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
It
’sok.
”
Heputherfooddownandlookedatherwi
thasmi
l
e.
“
Idi
dn’tsl
eeplastni
ght
.”
Lel
eswal
l
owed.“
Iam sor
ryI
-“
“Idon’
tthi
nkyoushoul
dbeapologi
zi
ngLel
e.Don’
t
apologi
zewhenyoudon’tmeanit
.Iwast
hinki
ngand
Ireali
zedmay beIam j ustnotgi vi
ngy ouwhaty ou
need.May bey oujustdon’ tl
ov emel i
keyout hi
nk
youdo.Iknowy ouareconv incedy oudobutIt hi
nkI
forcedy oui ntot hi
nkingy oulov edmewheny ou
didn’t.Iputy ouunderpr essur eandhonest l
yIt hinkif
your eallyfel tthesame, i
tshouldhav eeffortl
essly
happened.If or cedyoui ntothisr el
ati
onship,goty ou
pregnant ,mar riedyoui nahur ry
.Youdi dn’
tgett he
ti
met or eallyf alli
nlov eandIam goi ngtotakef ull
blamef orit.Iwasunf airony ou.Ijustwantedy ou
withme, thatwasal lthatIthoughtabout .Ijust
want edt ol ov ey ou.IthinkIcameont oostrongf or
you.”
Tear
sfi
l
ledLel
e’
sey
es.“
No…no…”
“Don’tcr
y…list
entome.Don’
tcry
.Youdon’thaveto
cry.Iwanttosety
oufr
ee.Iwantyout
obef ree.I
don’tthi
nkyoulov
eme.Andthat’
sok.If
orcedy ou
i
ntot hi
s.”
“
No…”
“
Idi
d.”
“
Chess…no.I
…Godno…”
“Iam st illgoingt obet herewheny ouneedmebutI
thinky oushoul dbewi t
ht heper sonwhoy oul ove
andIdoubti t’sme.Iam hur ting.Myhear tis
breaking, youdon’ tev enr eali
zej usthowmuchy ou
arebr eaki ngmebuty ouar e.Iam onl yhumanandI
can’thandl ethepai nany mor e.It hinkit’
st i
mewe
j
ustpar tedway s.Iam st il
lgoingt obewi t
hy ou
dur i
ngt hisdi ffi
cul ttimebutj ustnotasy ourhusband.
Iam f il
ingf oradi vor ce.Yougett okeepy our
company .Youwor kedhar df ort hat ,Iwil
lnev ertake
thatrightawayf rom y ou.Iwi llkeepmycompany .
Youcankeept hehouse.Youwi l
l staywithAt t
iehere,
youwi l
l keepy ourcar .Youwi llkeept heproper tyand
thepl otweboughtt oget her.Youcankeep
everything.Iam gi v i
ngi ttoy ou.Yougav emeason, I
willforev erbegr at efulforthat .Icannev err epayy ou
forthatbutIt hinkweshoul djustpar tway s.Your
mot herandbr ot herar rivedlastni ght.Iam goi ngt o
mov eoutandgi vey ouguy sspace.Iam t akingmy
clothesonl yandbecauseIknowhowdi f
ficultit’
s
goingt obe, Iam t hinkingt otakeAt ti
ewi t
h.Youwi ll
gethi m wheny ouneedhi m.Iwi lldrophi m of f
whenev ery ouneedhi m butf orhi swel l
beingIt hinkI
shouldstaywit
hhim.Ihavelookedf
orahouse,Iwil
l
bestayingther
eforthemeanti
mewhi l
ethedi
vorce
processgetsstar
tedon.
”
Tear
srol
l
eddownLel
e’
scheeks.“
Chess…pl
ease…”
“It
’sforthebest.Fory ou.Forme.Youcannowbe
withhi m,Iwi
llrespectthat .Iam nevergoi
ngto
standbef or
ey ourhappinessLel e.Yourhappiness
willforev
ercomef i
rsttomebecauseIl oveyou.I
l
ov ey ouenought oletyoubehappywi t
htheone
whomakesy ouhappy .Ilov eyouenought oaccept
thatit’
snotme.Ofcausei thurts…ithurt
smor ethan
any t
hingbutthereisnot hingwecando. ”
“
Chess…”
“
Eatbef
orei
tget
scol
d.”
MmagweLel
ewal
kedi
nasChessst
oodup.
“
Son…”
“
Ma,
goodmor
ning.
”
Lel
eputherhandsov erhermouthasChesswal
ked
tothebedroom wher
ehecamebackdr aggi
nghis
bags.Heloadedthem i
nhiscarasLel
esobbed
l
oudl
y.Loagocamef rom theguestr
oom andlooked
athi
ssistercr
ying.ChessgotsomeofAt ti
e’
sthings
andputthem i
nt hecar.Lelegr
abbedhi
shand.
“Iam sor
ry.Iam sor
ry.Iwi
l
lchange.Il
ovey
ou.
Chessplease…”
“Myhear ti
salsobreaking.Ican’tdothi
sanymor e.
It
’skil
li
ngme.Iwi l
lcomeandpi ckyouupl at
er,
we
will
got othedoctor.Loago,seey ouaroundsowe
canfini
sht hevar
sit
yconv ersat
ion.”
Chessgoti nhiscar.Lelescr
eamedcr yingashe
drov
eof f.Chesstookadeepbr eathdri
vingaway.He
drov
ef orawhi l
ethenf i
nall
ydroveinthroughagate
andparkedi nfr
ontoft heemptyhouse.Hesati nhis
carforawhi l
ethencalledhisfatheratl
ast.
“
Chess…”
Chesskeptqui
etunsur
eofwheret
oev
enst
art
,pai
n
si
tt
ingstubbor
nlyonhi
sthr
oat
.
“
Chess…”
“
Ifai
l
edy
etanot
hermar
ri
age.
”
“
It
’snott
heendoft
hewor
ld.Somet
imesi
t’
s
becausey
ouhav
enoty
etmett
heone.
”
“Idon’tt
hinkIam ev
ergoingt
omeettheone.Ifeel
evilf
orleavi
ngheratatimeli
ket
hisbutIcan’
t
handlethepainanymore.
”
“Youar eonlyhuman, ther
eisonlymuchy oucan
take.Ineedy out oknowIam her eforyou.Idon’ t
wanty oufeel alonewhenIam t here.Iam notl osing
youlikeIlosty ourolderbrother
.Notagai n.Iam her e
foryoumyboy .Menal sofeelpain.Menal socr y.
Menar ehumans, youarejustli
keanyot herper son.
Youar enotaf ail
uremyboy .Ifi
t’
snotmeantt obe,
i
t’snotmeantt obe.Lov eshouldn’tdrai
ny oul i
ke
thi
s.Iknowy ouf eelguilt
ybutsomet imesy ouhav e
understandthaty ouhavetoputy oursel
ff i
rst.
”
“
Yah…”
“Good.Don’
thesi
tatet
ocall
wheny
ouneedme.I
t
doesn’
tmatterwhatti
meiti
s.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Good.
”
Chesddr
oppedt
hecal
lthendr
oveof
fgoi
ngt
oa
l
iquorst
orewher
ehegotalcoholandwentbackt
o
hisnewemptyhouse.Hewalkedi
nsidet
heempty
housedri
nki
nghisal
cohol
.

*
**

MmagweLel
ehel
dLel
einherar
ms.
“
Shh…don’
tcr
y.”
“
MamaIam l
osi
nghi
m.”
“Youhav elosthim.Youl ongl osthim wheny ou
decidedt oent ertai
nanotherman.Youdeci dedto
entertainBame.Yougav ehimr oom i ntoyour
mar r
iage.Youmi ghthavebeengoi ngthroughissues
i
ny ourmar ri
agebuty ouinvit
edat hirdparty.You
candenyi tallyouwantbuty ouhadanaf fairwit
h
thatman.Chesswasdeal ingwi thhisissueswhi l
e
youbr oughti nat hir
dpartyintoy ourmar ri
age.You
didthatal lbyy oursel
f.Youcan’ tblamehi mf or
fi
ndingi tdiff
icultforhimt obeli
ev ehewasr aped,
hadr olesbeenexchanged, wouldy ouhav ejust
believedhi m?Hewasbei ngahuman, youchoset o
bei nar elati
onshi pwithabr okenman.Youcan’ t
blamehi mf orleavingyout oday.Heoncebr ought
thef ami l
ytoget hertohelpy outwobuty oui nsist
ed
onl ying.Chesswasn’ tperfectbuthelovedy ou.
Prioriti
zedy ou.Lov edyou.Hest oodwi t
hy ou.
Foughtf oryou.Thi siswhathappenswheny oudon’t
appr eciatethegoodi nyourlifemybaby .Youl ose
them andgett owat chthem getthelovi
ngt hey
neededf rom otherpeopl e.Youwi l
ll
earnandmay be
onedayy ouwill t
eachAt ti
et hesamelessony ouare
goingt hrough.Iam goi ngt omov einwithy ouand
staywi thy ou.
”
Lel
ebr
okedowncr
ying.
“
Shhh….It
’st
imey
oupi
ckt
hepi
ecesoft
hegl
ass
y
ourbroke.
”

*
**

Lefaopenedt
hedoorholdi
ngMut sawhowas
sucki
ngonherbr
east.ShelookedatBr
ightwi
tha
si
gh.
“
Bri
ght
…”
“
Letmei
n,pl
ease…”
“Ihavenothi
ngtodiscusswi
thyou.Yougaveme
optionstochoosef
rom.Ichose.Whatmoredoyou
want ?”
“
Iwanty
ou.
”
“
Toget
herwi
thy
ourot
herwi
ves?Iam notdoi
ng
t
hat
.”
“
Ilov
eyou.Iwanty
ou.
”
“Iam pr
egnant
.Idon’
twantt
odeal
wit
hthi
s.Not
now.”
Br
ightopenedt
hedoorwi
derandwal
kedi
nwi
thher
.
“
Iam sor
ry.Iam sor
ryf
orhur
ti
ngy
ou.
”
“
Bri
ghtpl
ease…”
“
Iwantust
omakei
twor
k.Pl
ease.
”
“
Iam notgoi
ngtoshareyouwi
thanot
herwoman.
I
t’
snothappeni
ng.I
t’
seit
hermeornooneatal
l.You
havetheaudacit
yoft hinki
ngy oucanputmewi th
yourwomenal lt
ogethersoy oucanf reel
yjump
betweenonewomant oanother,hav
ingfourpussi
es
all
toserveyourdick.It
’snothappening.Thati
snot
whatIsignedupfor.”
“Il
ovey
ou,Iknowhowitl
ooksl
iker
ightnowbutI
sweari
twon’tbeli
ket
hat
.”Het
ookhisdaught
erand
hel
dhiminhisarms.
“Youwon’tevenfeeli
t.Andi
fyoudon’twanttostay
ther
e,it
’sok.Wewi l
ll
ookforadif
fer
entplacefor
you.Somewherey ouli
ke.Pl
easel
ist
entowhatIam
bri
ngingtothetabl
e.Sit
…”
“
Bri
ght
-“
“
Sit
.Pl
ease.
”
Shesl owl
ysatandputherhandonherbump.She
l
istenedashespoke.Awhi l
elat
ershewasj
ust
stari
ngathim speechl
ess.
“
What
?”
“Yeah.Thi
sisont
opt
owhaty
ouwer
eal
ready
getti
ng.
”
“Youar
ecrazy
.Al
lthatj
ustt
ohav
emul
ti
plesex
part
ner
s?”
“Theyar
ejustnotsexualpar
tner
s.And…Tadilef
t.
AndAmahle.It
’sonlyyouandCharl
ize.Youar
enot
shari
ngmewi t
h4…i t’
sjusty
outwo.Iloveyouboth
and…”
Hestoodupandputhi
sdaught
erbedt
henwentout
out
sideandcamebackwi
thCharl
i
ze.
“
Sit
.”
Hemadet hem sittogether.“It
’sonlyus.Ihav eki
ds
withAmahl e.4.Iwillbesuppor ti
ngt hem becauseas
muchassher efusedt hisarrangement ,sheandI
sharechil
drenandIwantmyki dstol i
vecomf ort
ably.
Iwouldbringthem t ostaywi thmebutIdon’ twant
toburdeny outwo.Tadi l
eft.Wehav enoki dssoi t
’s
youtwonowwi t
hMut sa,Sammy ,
andAi den.Iwill
l
ookf ordif
ferenthousesi fy oudon’twantt oli
vein
thesamepl ace.It’
sok.What everwor ksf orbothof
you.Whatdoy ousay ?Pleasesayy es.Let ’
sgiveita
tri
alperi
od.Seehowi tgoes. ”
Char
li
zel
ookedatLef
awhowasl
ooki
ngather
.
“
Whati
fAmahl
ecomesback?
”
Charli
zelookedathim.“Yeah,orTa.
.whateverher
namei s.Whatifshedecidedtocomeback?Wi lly
ou
takethem backbecauseattheendthatwasy our
origi
nalpl
an?Ifyouaregoingtotakethem back,I
am goingbacktoStates.Withmykids.”
“Nnahecanfor
getme.Idon’
tcar
e.Iwi
l
lrai
semy
kidsal
one.
”
“It
hinkt
her
eshouldbeanoffi
cial
cont
ract
.Iwil
l
havemylawyerdr
aftmi
ne,canhedoyourstoo?”
“Noi
t’
sok.Iwill
getmyownl awyerthenwe
comparebutIam notdeci
dingasy et.MaybeIdon’
t
wantasit
uati
onwher eIhavetosharedickwhenI
cangetsomeonewhowi lll
ovemeonl y
.”
Char
lzi
enodded.“
Tel
lmeabouti
t.Imean,
ther
ear
e
ot
hermenwithbigdi
cks.
”
“
Exactl
y.Evenalone,
Icandoi
t.Idon’
tmi
ndr
aisi
ng
mykidsalone.
”
“
Met
oo.Hey
,whatdoesuhaki
tsi
mean?
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
ItmeansIdon’
tknow.
”
“
Ok.Iwantt
oseet
hispl
acear
oundbef
oreIdeci
de
t
oleav
e.”
“Thereareal otofplacestovisi
tinBotswana.Li
ke
ourdelt
a.It’
ssobi gandbeaut if
ul.Wealsohaveour
Chober i
ver.Thenor ther
nsideofBotswanahav e
real
lyni
cepl acestov isi
tyouknow.Thenwehav e
ourdesert,
t hekgalagadidesert
,wealsohave-“
“
Uh,
Ihav
etogo.Char
li
ze,
Iwi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
fthen-
“
“
No.Iam f
ine.Iwi
l
lcal
lacab.Youcango.
”
“
Theki
dsar
e—“
“Theki
dsarefi
newit
hy ourassli
ckersi
ster
.Youcan
gotoyourot
herwhores.Iwil
lgetacab.Anyways,
I
havehar
dofKasane.Af r
iendofmineoncecame.”
Br
ightsl
owlyst
oodupandwalkedout.Hestoodby
hi
scarforawhil
ebef
oredr
ivi
ngoff.Char
li
zesmiled.
“
ThankGod!
”
“
Ican’
tbel
i
evet
hisman.
”
“
Hehasthenerve.I
t’
shi
sbi
gdi
ckt
hatmakeshi
m
t
hinkl
i
kethat
.”
Lef
alaughed.“
Tel
lmeabouti
t.
”
“
Youar
ereal
l
ypr
ett
y.”
Lef
alaughed.“Youar
ethepr
ett
yone.Youl
ookl
i
ke
Angel
inaJoli
e.”
“
It
’sj
ustt
hehai
r.
”
“No.I
t’
s.
.”Lef
alookedatherbeaut
y.“
It
’s
ever
ythi
ng.
”
“
Thanky
ou.Youar
easpr
ett
y.”
Thel
adi
esl
aughed.
“
Sowher
ear
eyouf
rom?
”
“Iam abor
nandraisedNewYorker.Il
ivedi
nNew
Yorkmywholeli
fethenmovedtoWashi ngt
onf
ew
year
sbackbutIusedtoli
veinbothcit
ies.
”
“
Wow…”
“
Yeah,
andy
ou?
”
“Iam fr
om Rakops,
uptherei
ntheNort
hbutIstay
ed
withmyparentsinMaun.Imovedher
esinceI
start
edvar
sity
.Beenawhilenow.”
“
Itmustbe.Howdi
dyoumeetBr
ight
?”
“
Ibumpedi
ntohi
m atashoppi
ngmal
l
.”
“Imethim atworkact
uall
y.Hewasmeeti
ngmy
boss,IwasjustaPA.Ican’
tbel
iev
ethi
s.”
“
Metoo.Iam j
ustshocked.Tooshockedt
oeven
r
eact
.Iwantt
obeangr ybutwow…mj olot
hedat
ing.
”
“
Mjol
o?”
“
Mol
oisdat
ing.I
t’
sascam It
ell
you.
”
“Sayt
hatagai
n.”Shet uckedherhai
rbehindherear .
Lefal
ookedatherl i
ps,shehadbeauti
fulpi
nklips,
theyl
ookedsosof tandtender
.Everyt
hingaboutthis
womanwasexot ic,shecouldunderst
andwhyBr i
ght
hadgoneforher.Shewasat tr
acti
ve.Veryat
tracti
ve.
Char
li
zesmi
l
ed.“
Youar
ereal
l
ypr
ett
ytoo.
”
Lef
alookedt
orehergazefr
om her
.“Uh…sowher
e
doyouwanttovi
sit
?Isuggesty
oustartwi
th-
“
“
Doy oueverf
indot
herf
emal
esat
tract
ive,
isi
tagay
t
hingtodothat?
”
Lef
alaughed.“
No.I
t’
snor
mal
.”
“
Youaresogoingtokickmeoutofyourhousef
or
t
hisbutsi
ncey
esterday,Ihav
ebeenwanti
ngtodo
t
his…”
Shel
eanedoverandki
ssedLefasoft
ly.Shest
opped
movi
ngback,
Lefalookedatherhol
dingherbr
eath.
“
That
’sal
lIhav
ebeent
hinki
ng.Si
ncel
astni
ght
.”
Lef
aswall
owed.Charl
izeleanedov
eragai
nand
ki
ssedher
,moreproperl
ythisti
me.
.
.
Don’
tfor
gett
oleav
eal
i
keandacomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#98

MmagweLeleopenedt
hedoorandl
ookedata
youngman.
“
Hel
l
o.”
“
Aft
ernoon,
ist
hisMr
s.L.Mor
emi
’
sresi
dence?
”
“
Yes,
iti
s,Iam hermot
her
.”
“
Thi
sisf
orher
.Pl
easesi
gnher
e.”
MmagweLelesi
gnedthengott
heenvel
opeand
wal
kedi
nsi
dethehouse.Shewentt
othebedr
oom
wher
eLel
ewas.
“
Lel
e,t
hiscamef
ory
ou.
”
Leler
aisedherheadfrom thepi
ll
owsnif
fi
ng.Shegot
theenvel
opethentoreitopenandtookoutthe
documentsinsi
de.Shepressedherli
psstar
ingat
thedi
vorcepapers.
“
Iam sor
ryLel
e.”
Lel
enoddedr
eadi
ngt
hrough.MmagweLel
erubbed
herback.
“
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dsi
gn,
makei
tapeacef
uldi
vor
ce.
”
“
Idon’
twantt
osi
gn.Idon’
twantadi
vor
ce.
”
“
Hewi
l
lst
il
ltakey
out
ocour
t.
”
“Iam si
ck.Hecan’
tdothi
stomewhenIam si
ck.He
i
snotget t
ingt
hisdi
vor
ce.Whenhemarr
iedmehe
saidhewouldalway
sbewi t
hme,hei
snotget
ti
ng
t
hedi
vor
ce.
”
“Youareonlymaki
ngthingsharderf
ory
oursel
f.The
courtwil
lgr
anthi
mt hedivor
ce.Youhavebeen
cheati
ngonhim.”
“Iam notcheat ing,
Ihavenevercheatedonhi m
before.Hehasbeent heonlymanIhav ebeen
sleepingwithsinceImethim.I fhecouldputupwi t
h
Lefacheatingf oryear
softheirmarri
age,whyl eave
meatmyf irstmi st
ake?Iam alsohuman.Hei snot
l
eav i
ngme.Iam notgoi ngtoallowit
.Het ookme
from Moabi, heshouldkeepme.Youdon’ tgetto
takemeandwheny ougetti
red,youtossme.Not
me.Andhei snotget ti
ngmyson, Hewi l
lgetAt ang
herewhenhei swi t
hmeandwhenwear eaf amily
.
Opeloi sbr
ingingmysonandhei snotgoingt oget
him.”

*
**

Chessspl
ashedhi
mselfwit
hwaterthenl
ookedat
hi
mselfonthemir
roronthebat
hroom wal
l.He
walkedoutthengotinhiscar.Hestart
edtheengine
anddroveoff.Awhilel
aterheparkedathishouse
ri
ghtatthegat et
henhepressedthehooter.Lel
e
walkedoutmi nut
eslat
erthengotinthecar.
“
Hi…”
“
Yah.
.”
“
Arey
oudr
unk?
”
“
YesLel
ent
le.Whatdi
dyouwant
?”
“
Whyar
eyoudr
ivi
ngwhi
l
edr
unk?
”
Her
ever
sedt
hendr
ovet
othehospi
tal
.
“
Youar
egoi
ngt
oki
l
lyour
sel
f.
”
Heignor
edhert i
l
l her
eachedthehospi
tal
thenhe
walkedi
nsidewithhertoDr.Wil
l
son’
soffi
cewho
hadtheresul
ts.
Dr
.Wi
l
lsonsmi
l
edast
heywal
kedi
n.
“
Lel
e…Chess.
”
Thecoupl
esatdown.Dr.Wil
l
soncoul
dimmedi
atel
y
seesomethi
nghadchanged.
“SoDr.KhanandIhadaconv er
sat
ionwit
hyour
resul
ts.Unfor
tunat
elywehav
etotakethewhol
e
breastoffLel
e.”
Lelelookedatherasshecont inuedspeaki
ng,zoni
ng
outslowlyti
l
lonlyDr.Will
son’slipsweremoving
thoughshecouldn’thearasingleword.All
thatwas
i
nherheadwasherbr eastbeingr emoved.
“
Lel
e…Lel
e!”
Lel
elookedatherandbl
i
nked.“
Yeah…”
“Wecanal way sr
econstruct.It
’snottheendoft he
worl
d.Af t
ert hesurgerywehav etorunmor etests.
Wear egoingt odoy ourr adi
otherapy.Iknowal lthi
s
i
sov erwhelmi ngbuttrustme, youaregoi ngtobeok.
Wecaughty ourcancerear li
er.I
t’snotthat
aggressi
ve.Wecanst illhandleitandyouar egoi ng
tobef i
ne.Iknowr ightnowi tmayl ookl i
keit’
s
gett
ingwor sebuty ouar egoingt obefine.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Chess…”
“
Yeah.Sheknowsshei
snotdy
ing.I
tmaybe
drai
ningherbutshei
sgoingtomakeit.
”Hel ooked
ather.“
Youarejusti
nyourlat
etwent
ies,yousti
ll
havealongwayt ogo.I
t’
snottheendofthewor l
d.”
Dr.Will
soncarr
iedontal
ki
ngaboutthetr
eatment
plan,awhil
elat
ertheywalkedout
.Theygoti
nthe
car,Chessl
ookedather.
“Youcan’ talwayscry.Somet imesyoujusthav eto
best rong.Bestrongf oryoursel
fifnotforanyone
else.Cancershouldknowy ouareatoughcooki eto
cracknotawat erball
oonr eadytospill
wat ereach
ti
me. ”Hesmi l
ed.“Youaregoi ngtobef i
ne.It’
snot
ov eryet.LennaIcan’twaittosayIknowacancer
sur vi
vor.Youaregoingt obeaher otoal ot.Aliv
ing
testimony .
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iwantmyf
ami
l
yback.
”
“
Youneedalltheti
mei ntheworldtothinkwhatyou
wantandIdon’tt
hinkit
’sme.Idon’
tthinkIeven
wanti
ttobeme.Thi ngswil
lneverbethesame. ”
Hestar
tedthecaranddr
oveherbackhome.He
par
kedbythegate.
“
Iwi
l
lpi
ckAt
ti
etomor
row.
”
Lelesil
ent
lyst
eppedoutandwal kedinsidethegate.
Chesssighedanddr ov
eof f.Hecertai
nlyneeded
foodandmay besomef urnitur
ethoughhewas
thi
nkingofgett
ingsomeonet odothatforhim.He
stoppedatafastfoodrestaurantandwal kedi
nside.
“
Mama,
Iwantt
hatone.Thatone.
”
Ali
tt
legi
rlwear
ingadressandheel
spoint
ed.Chess
l
ookedashermotherpoint
ed.“
Thatone?”
“
Yes.
”
“Ok.”Themotherl
eanedov
ert
alki
ngtot
hewoman
atthetil
l
.Chesssmil
edatt
hechil
d.
“
Hi,
what
’sy
ourname?
”
Thechi
l
dsmi
l
ed,
twof
rontt
eet
hmi
ssi
ng.“
Masego.
”
Themot
hertur
nedtoseewhoherdaught
erwas
tal
ki
ngt
othensmil
ed.
“
Hi…”
“Hey,shei
sbeauti
ful
.Ali
tt
leol
derf
ormysonbutI
am surehedoesn’
tmindasugarmama.
”
Bonol
olaughed.“
WaswabaChess.Mydaught
er
doesn’
tdoboy
s.”
“Gatweboy s,
thatguyisaman.Youshoul dseehim
i
nact i
on.
”Chesswal kedovert
henlookedatt hegi
rl
attheti
ll
.“Letmehav ewhatshei
sgetting.”
“
Adr
inkt
oo?
”
“
Yes.
”
Bonolol
aughed.“
Youdon’
tev
enknowwhatI
order
ed.
”
“I
t’
schickenatt
heendoft
heday
.Let
’sgoandsi
t
overt
here.”
Theywalkedtot
heemptycornertabl
ethensat
down.Bonolosmil
edatherdaughter
.
“Mash,
thi
sismyfri
end.Hi
snameisuncl
eChess.
Uncl
eChess,t
hisi
smyangel,
Mash.“
“
HiMash.
”
Mashshy
lyl
ookeddown.“
Hi…”
Bonol
osmi
l
ed.“
Shei
sal
i
ttl
eshy
.”
“
Howmanyy
ear
s?”
“5.Ihav
ebeendoi
ngr
oundswi
thhersi
ncewel
eft
church.
”
“
Howi
sbusi
ness?
”
“
Goi
ngwel
l
.Isawthepeopl
eyouhav
ebeenr
efer
red
t
omycompany.Bi
gnames.
”
“
Justsuppor
ti
ngl
ocal
.”
“
Thanky
ousomuch.
”
Chess’
sphonevi
brat
edfr
om hi
spocket
.Het
ooki
t
outandreadt
hemessagefr
om Lel
e.
Babe:Isawt hediv or
cepaper s.Yout ookmef rom
Moabi andt oldmey ouwoul dlov emebet ter ,now
thatyouar etir
edofme, yout hinky oucanj ust
divor
ceme?Youar ecrazy .That ’
snotgoi ngt o
happen.Af terusingmesomuchi t’
snothappeni ng.
Whycan’ ty oustandwi t
hmel ikey ouvowedy ouwi l
l
?
Fir
stmi stakehelaandy ouar eal readycryingf ora
divor
ce, y
ouar eal way sleaving, whenar elationship
getsdiffi
cultyoul eave.Iam notLef aandy ouar e
notgoingt ocheatonme.Iam notsi gni
ngt he
papersandy ouar enev ergoingt ogetmysont il
lyou
comebackhomewher ey oushoul dbe.Ebeobat l
a
gobat l
amabelete.Ihavenev ersleptwithBame, y ou
shouldbegladbecauseIcoul dhav eifIwant edto.
Youar eweakifyoucanj ustleavebecauseIki ssed
anotherman.Othermenoutt herestayev enafter
thei
rwivescheat.Youarenott hef i
rstmant ohav e
hiswifeki
ssanotherman.I twasami stake,onet hat
Iam ti
redofapologizi
ngf or
,Iforgavey ouforalmost
kil
li
ngme.Youar enotget ti
ngt hatdiv
or ceormyson.
Bonol
owatchedhim st
ari
ngathi
sface,sadness
fi
ll
i
nghiseyes.Hest
aredathi
sphoneforawhi l
e,
compl
etel
yzonedout.
“
Mama,
Iwantt
owashmyhands.
”
Bonol
opoint
edt
hesi
nk.Mashgotupandwentt
o
thesi
nk.
“
Chess…”
Herai
sedhisheadt
hensmi
l
edput
ti
nghi
sphone
down.“
Yeah…”
“
Arey
ouok?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Arey
ousur
e?”
“Yes.Canyouhel
pmewi thsomet
hing?Don’
tfor
get
Ihelpedyouwi
thcli
ent
s.”
Bonol
olaughed.“
Whatawow!Whati
sit
?”

*
**

Earl
ierthateveni
ng,afurni
tur
e’st
ruckpar
kedinsi
de
Chess’snewy ardthenthemensteppedoutand
off
loadedt hefur
nit
ureinsi
dethehouse.
Bonolowal
kedinandpointedwheretheyshould
placeev
ery
thi
ng.Oncetheywer edone,Chess
walkedi
nsi
dewiththeotherthi
ngsshehadchosen
forhim.
“
Iwantt
ohel
pyouset
tl
ebutMashi
ssl
eepi
ng.
”
“
Icanmakemybedt
henshecansl
eept
her
ewhi
l
e
y
ouhel
pme.”
“
Iam char
gingP200perhourf
ormyl
abor
.”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
Bonol
otookt
heduv
etsandsheet
sshehadpi
cked
thenmadehisbed.Chesswentt
oherMazdaCX5
thengotherdaught
erandwal
kedwithheri
nsi
det
he
house.Heplacedheront
hebed.Bonol
ocover
edher
withafl
eece.
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”
“
Nowy
oucanhel
pme.
”
Theywentbackt othesitt
ingroom andstarted
mov i
ngfurni
turearound.Bonolosmil
edst ari
ngat
hissoundsystem,itwastheonesheal way swant
ed
togetforher
selfbuttheamountoft housandsto
purchasei
trefusedtoleaveherpocket.
“
Iam connect
ingmyphone.Nnait
’st
oosi
l
entf
or
me.Iam goi
ngtogett
ir
edfast.
”
Helaughedassheconnect
edherphone.Shest
art
ed
pl
ayingAwil
othendancedrumbal
aughing.
“Icandance…anddon’tsayy
oudon’
tknowt
his
songoryouneverdancedtoit
.”
“
Inev
erdancedt
othat
.”
Shel
aughed.“
Lies!
”
Theyl
aughedchat
ti
ngandcont
inuedput
ti
ngt
he
houseinor
der
.Mar
vinGay
e,Sexual
heal
i
ngst
art
ed
pl
aying.
“Idon’tl
i
kethisman.”Hepressednextt
henDol
l
y
Parton,you’
retheonl
yonestart
edplayi
ng.
Bonol
olaughed.“Bagohur
dil
etoapoi
ntt
haty
ou
hat
eMar vi
nGay ewamodimo.”
“
Youhav
est
art
ed.
”
Shel aughedev enhar der
.“Lennather
eisapointI
hatedCel i
neDi on.Hemademel oveCel
ineDion
thenwhenhebr okemyhear thesentmet hatsong
yaTi tani
c,uhhmyhear twil
lgoon!ChessInev er
cri
edl ikethatbefore.Icr
iedsomuchIl ostmy
voice.”
Chessl
aughedwi
thher.“
Hewasev
il
.”
“AndIwai t
edf orhiskarma.Buty ouknowwhat ,he
hasani cejobatsomecompany ,ownsnicecars,
stay
satani cehouse,hasabeaut if
ulwif
eand
beauti
fulkids.It
’sli
kekarmachoset oskiphim
becausehei sleavinghisbestli
fe.Iwai
tedforyears
toseehi m suff
er,Iwait
edf orhi
mt ocomeand
apologi
zef orhowhet reatedmeandwheni tdi
dn’t
happen,Ireali
zedi twaseati
ngmeal ivesoIforgave
hm.Iforgav ehimf orall
thehurtheputmet hrough.I
forgav
ehimf ordest r
oyingapartofme.Iforgave
my sel
fformaki nghi mthecent
erofmywor l
d.I
forgav
emy selfforlet
ti
ngahugepar tofmegoal lfor
him.”
“Hedi
danumberony
out
hatt
odayy
ouar
edoct
or
Phi
l.
”
Shel aughed.“ TodayIknowwhatIwant .Iknowwhat
Ineedf rom amanandIknowhowIwanthi mt olove
me.Idon’ tknowwhat ’
sgoingonwi thy ou, whatever
i
tis,deal wit
hit.Alone.Don’tinvolv
eot herwomen
i
ntoi t.Justhammeri talone.Oncey ouhav edealt
withit, heal
.Noonewant sabr okenhumanbei ng.
Brokenhumansar et hewor st.Gapehel at he
rel
ationshi pwillbeahear tcli
nicwher ey ouaretry
ing
tofixwhatwasbr oken.Itendsupt oxi ct hatevenif
l
ov emi ghthavebeent here,itgetstaintedt o
somet hingelse.Afterheali
ng, moveon. ”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Icoul
duseaf
ri
endl
i
key
ouwai
tse.
”
Bonol
olaughed.“
YougotmeandMash.
”Shesat
downexhaust
ed.
“
Youwil
lgetsomeonef
ory
ourcl
othesr
ra,
Iam
t
ir
ed.
”
“
Wantsomet
hingt
odr
ink?
”
Hegotupandwentt ohiskitchen.Bonol
olooked
ar
oundthensmi l
ed.Chesscamebackwi t
htwo
gl
assesofwine.Shelaughed.
“
Chess,
tomor
rowIhav
eal
ott
odo.
”
“
Hav
eagl
ass.I
twon’
tki
l
lyou.
”
Shesmi
l
edget
ti
nghergl
asssi
pped.
“
Thi
sisni
ce.Howmanydi
dyoubuy
?”
“
Acoupl
e.”
“
Str
essandalcohol
don’
tmi
x.Becar
eful
.Cheer
sto
y
ouheal
ing!
”
Theycli
nkedthei
rglassesthencont
inuedchat
ti
ng
whil
elaughi
ngast hehourswentby.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#99

Thefoll
owingmor ning,Bonol
oopenedherey esat
heralar
mr i
nging.ShelookedatChessr eali
zi
ngt hey
hadfall
enasleepont hecouchtogether.Shegotup
str
etchi
ngherbodyandst oppedthealarm.Chess
wokeupt oo.Het ouchedhisneck.
“
Whatt
imei
sit
?”
“
Hal
ffi
ve.
”
“
Whatdoy
oudoathal
ffi
ve?
”
Bonol
olaughed.“
Moneyhasnot
imef
ort
hewi
cked.
”
Chesschuckl
edshaki
nghi
shead.
“Iwakeup.Cleanthehouse,bath.I
ronmycl othes,
i
ronmadam’ sunifor
m.Cookbr eakfast.Packherbag.
Bathheranddr opherof
fatschool thenIgotowor k.
Ihavetogohomeandst ar
tprepari
ng.Thanky oufor
havi
ngmeov er.”
“
No,
thanky
ouf
orhel
pingme.
”
Hewentandpi ckedhersleepingdaughterkeeping
thefleeceonher .Bonolowalkedoutandunlocked
hercart henopenedt hebackdoorforhim.Chess
placedherdaught eratthebackseatandcov er
edher
withthef l
eece.Heclosedthedoor .
“
Ther
e.”
“
Thanks.
”
Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.Shel
aughed.
“
What
?”
“
Youar
eal
way
slaughi
ng.
”
Shel
aughedagai
n.“
I-
“
“
Itbr
ight
enst
hemoodgapei
t’
scont
agi
oushel
a.I
l
i
keit.
”
Shesmil
ed.“
Thanks.Cal
lwhenyouneedafr
iend.
MashandIareal
way saphonecal
laway.
”
Heopenedt
hedoorf
orhert
henshegoti
n.
“Thankyouf
orhel
pingmegetf
urni
tur
eandf
or
keepingmecompany.
”
“
It
’sok.By
e.”
Heclosedthedoort
hensheputonherseatbel
tand
star
tedhercar
.Sherever
sedanddrov
eoff.Chess
walkedinhi
shouse,hecoul
dalr
eadyfeel
her
absence.

*
**

Lefafi
nishedhermake-
upt
henwal
kedout
.The
nannylookedather
.
“
Mor
ning.
”
“
HiChi
po.Iam goi
ng.Cal
lmei
fyouneedany
thi
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shewalkedoutt
ohercarj
ustasBri
ghtdrov
ein.He
st
eppedoutinhi
ssui
tthenwalkedover
.
“
Hi…”
Lef
asi
ghed.“
Hey
…”
Heputhi
shandsonherwai
stt
henpul
l
edhercl
oser
adki
ssedher
.
“
Imi
ssy
ou.
”
“
Ij
o!”
“
Babe-
“
“
Iwantt
ogot
owor
kBr
ight
.Pl
easel
eav
eme.
”
“
Whatwer
eyoudi
scussi
ngwi
thChar
li
zey
est
erday
?”
“
Not
hing.By
e.”
Hepul
l
edherhand.“
Wai
t,babe-
“
“Bri
ghtIwi
ll
callyouonceIhav emadeadeci si
on.I
havetotowork.Yourdaughterisinsidet
hehouse.
Twoday swit
houtsinki
ngy ourdickinapussyand
alr
eadyyouaregetti
ngsick.”
Hel
ookedather
.“Idon’
twantt
ohav
esex.
”
“
Goodf
ory
ou.
”
Shegoti
nhercart
hendr
oveof
fgoi
ngt
owor
k.

*
**

Bamet
ookadeepbr
eat
hinhi
sof
fi
cet
hencal
l
ed
Lel
eagai
n.
“
Cany
oust
opcal
l
ingme?
”
“
Arey
ouok?
”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
“
Don’
tyout
hinki
t’
sti
mey
oul
efthi
m?”
“
Ilov
ehi
m.Iam notev
ent
hinki
ngofl
eav
inghi
m.”
“
Lel
e,y
oucan’
tkeepl
yi
ngt
oyour
sel
fli
ket
his.
”
“Iam notl
yingtomy sel
f.Iam tel
l
ingyouthet
rut
h,I
l
ov eChess.Idon’
tloveyou.BameIl ovemyhusband
andhei st
heonlymanIl ove.
”
“
Arey
ouser
iousr
ightnow?
”
“Yes.Ihav
eneverlov
edyoubefor
eIguessatsome
pointi
twasjustl
ust,
Idon’
tknowbuti
t’
snotlove.
’
”
“
Wow!
”
“Youknewthi
s.Iam notgoingtobemadet
ofeel
guil
tywhenIt
oldyouthisbefor
e.”
“
Keeplyi
ngtoy
our sel
f.It
hinkIam wast
ingmyti
me
t
hinki
ngyouwi
llsnapoutofit.Ihopei
twon’
tbetoo
l
atebyt
het
imey
ousnapoutofi
t.
”
Lelehungup.Bamet
ookadeepbr
eat
h,hi
sphone
start
edri
ngi
ng.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“Heybabe,whenareyoucomingback?Imi
ssy
ou.I
haveali
ttl
esurpr
isef
oryou.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
UhIt
hinkl
atert
oday
.”
“
Yes!
”
Hechuckl
ed.“
What
’st
hesur
pri
se?
”
“
Youwi
l
lsee.By
e.”
Shedroppedthecal
l
.Bamesmi l
edact
ual
lyexci
ted
fort
hesurpri
se.Hetookhi
sphoneandwentonl
ine
tobookaticket
.

*
**

Loagowal
kedoutofthegat
etotakeawalk,hi
seyes
fel
lont
heschoolgi
rlwal
ki
ngoutofthenei
ghbor’
s
gat
ei nheruni
form.Theschooldr
esssi
therpr
oper
ly.
Shelookedsocleanandsmar t
.
Shebrief
lygl
ancedathi
m andcont i
nuedwalki
ngin
fr
ontofhim.Loagoswallowed,hehadneverseen
suchbeautybefor
e.Somethingfel
lfr
om herpocket
,
hepickedtheP20notethenrushedovertoher,
his
hear
tpounding.
“
Uhsor
ry,
youdr
oppedy
ourmoney
.”
Shet
urnedt
ohi
m .“
Huh?
”
“
Youdr
oppedy
ourmoney
.”
HehandedtheP20not
e.Shesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou,
I
di
dn’
tnoti
ce.”
“
Puti
tny
ourshi
rt
’spocket
.”
“Yaht
hanks.Idi
dn’
tgety
ourname,
whatwasi
t
agai
n?”
Shesmi
l
edshy
ly.“
Elai
ne.
”
“
NicenameEl
aine.
”
“
Bye.
”
Loagosmi
l
edwat
chi
ngherwal
kev
enf
ast
er.
*
**

MmagweChesswor
ri
edl
yst
aredatherhusband.
‘
Weshoul
dint
erv
ene.
”
‘
IfChesswantsout,thereisnothi
ngwecando.He
can’
thandlei
tanymor e.Heshouldleaveher
becauseshehurtshim everychancesheget
s.Iam
notlosi
nganothersontohear t
break.
”
“
Sowi
l
lheal
way
sleav
e?”
“Yes.
.ifyouar
enotappreci
ated,
y ouleav
e.,
Iwi
sh
someonehadt ol
dmet hatbackthen.Iwoul
dhave
alsol
eft.
”
MmagweChessgotsi
l
ent
.
“Heisgoingtl
eavebecauseheisnothappyandI
am goingtost
andwithhim.Don’
tmakemear gue
wit
hy ouonthi
s.”
Hewalkedoutoft
hebedr
oom.MmagweChessgot
herphoneandcal
l
edChess.
“
Mama,Iam dri
vi
ng.Wewi l
ltalkl
ater
.Ifi
t’
sabout
t
hedi
vor
ce,i
t’shappeni
ng.LeleandIaredone.
”
Hehungupbef
oreshecoul
dsayany
thi
ngel
se.
Thabo’
sdaught
erwal
kedi
n.“
Mama…”
Shelookedathert
hensi
ghed.Themoret
hischi
ld
grewthemoreshecoul
dseeherfat
heronher.
“
Come,
Iwi
l
ldi
shf
ory
ou.
”
Shetookherhandandl
edhert
otheki
tchenwhi
l
e
di
ali
ngLele.
"
Mama.
."
"
Whatam Ihear
ingaboutdi
vor
ce?
"
"
Chesswon'
tl
etuswor
kthr
oughouri
ssues.He
want
stol
eavemewhil
eIam si
ck.
"
"
What
'swr
ong?
"
"
Ihav
ecancer
.Ithi
nkhehasfoundsomeoneel
se.
Heal
waysl
eavesforanot
herwoman."
"Weshoul
dhaveafamil
ymeet
inganddi
scussthi
s.
Andwhydidn'
tyout
ell
meyouhadcancer
.Iam
comi
ngthere.
"
"
Ok.
"
"
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Lel
star
tedcr
ying.
"Don'tcr
y.Iam comi
ngther
e.Chessi
sgoi
ngt
o
explaint
omewhati sgoi
ngon."
"
Ok.
"
Shehungupandl
ookedaRr
agweChesswal
ki
ngi
n.
"
Didy
ouknowt
hatmydaught
erhascancer
?"
"
Shei
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine.
"
"
Soy
ouknew?
"
"Shewasgoingt
otelly
ouatherowntime.Ihope
younotgoi
ngtoGaboronetohar
assChess.That'
s
notgoi
ngtohappen.NotwhenIam st
il
lal
ive.
"

*
**

Lat
erthatday
,Chesspar
kedhi
scari
nfr
ontoft
he
gat
ethendial
edLele.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Iam att
hegat
e.Pl
easeopen.Iam her
eforAt
ti
e."
"Youarenotget
ti
ngmysonunl
essyouarecomi
ng
here.Youar
enottaki
ngmysonany
where."
"
Iam her
et oseehim.Don'
tmakemel
osemy
t
emperLelentl
e."
"
Goandlooseyourt
emper.Iam notopeni
ngand
y
ouarenotget
tingmyson."
"
Obat
lagont
enaaker
e?"
"Youwil
lonl
ygethim wheny
oucomet
ous.I
t'
s
eit
hert
hatornot
hing.
"
Shedroppedthecal
l.Chesstri
edcall
ingheragai
n
butshedidn'
tpi
ck.Hereversedthendroveoff
cal
li
ngher.
"
Iam t
ryi
ngt
osl
eep.
"
"Iam goi
ngt otakehimfrom you.Iam goingtotake
youtocour t
,youarenotintherightf
ulcondit
ionto
takecareofourson.Iam goingt ogethim,whether
youli
keitory oudon't
.Youwantmet odot hi
sthe
hardway .Sui
tyoursel
f.Seeyoui ncour
t."
AYEARLATER.
..
.
.
Dol
eav
eal
i
keandacomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#100

AYearLat
er…

Lelepar
kedhercarinfrontofChess’sgatet
hen
call
edhi
m st ar
ingatt
hehouse.Itrangforawhi
le
thenhepicked.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Iam att
hegat
e.”
“
Iam br
ingi
nghi
m.”
“
Ok.
”
Hehungupt henshereachedforherli
pglossand
reappl
iedi ttoherl
ipsandrubbedthem together.
Shewai tedpat i
ent
ly,t
hegateopenedt henAt t
ieran
overtohi smot her
’scar,
hisshir
tl
essfatherbehind
him.Lelest eppedoutofthecarstari
ngathi m,he
l
ookedsogoodandhandsomeandshecoul dsee
bothfatherandsonhadr ef
reshedthei
rhaircuts.
“
Mama!
”
Lel
ehuggedhi
m.“
Hetmyboy
…Geti
n.”
Sheopenedt
hedoorf
orhi
mthenhecli
mbedi
n.Lel
e
l
ookedatChesswhowassmi
l
ingather
.
“
Hey
…”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Hi.
”
“
Whatdi
dthedoct
orsay
?”
“
Iam goi
ngt
her
enow.
”
“
Iknowy
oubeati
t.
”
“
Iam ner
vous.
”
“Don’
tbe.Comeher
e.”Hehuggedher
.“Youhav
e
beatt
his.I
t’
sti
metorej
oice.
”
Lel
enodded.“
Yeah…”
Hest
eppedback.“
Cal
lme.
”
“
Youcancomewi
th.
”
“
Ithi
nkhewant
sally
ourat
tent
iont
oday
.AndIhav
e
t
ogosomewhere.
”
“
Wher
e?”
“
Tsabong.
”
“
Don’
tyouwantcompany
?Iam bor
ed.Mamai
s…
mama.
”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Staywi
thy
oursonmmai
j
a.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Hecanst
aybehi
nd.
”
“Hemi
ssesyou.Hecr
iedf
ory
oul
astni
ght
.Gi
vehi
m
somel
oving.
”
Lel
elookedathim andnodded.“
Ok.Whenar
eyou
comingback?”
“
Ithi
nkSunday
.”
“
Ok,
wewi
l
ltal
k.”
“
Shar
plai
taka.
”
Hetur
nedandwal kedbackinsi
dehisgat
ethenhe
cl
osedit.Lel
egotinthecarthendr
oveoffcal
l
ing
hermother.
“
Lel
ent
le…”
“Iam onmywaytot
hehospit
al.Ihav
eAt
ti
e.Iam
goingtodr
ophi
m of
f.Iwantt
ogosomewhere.”
“
Somewher
ewer
e?”
“
InTsabong.
.”
“
Todowhatt
her
e?”
“
Iam goi
ngwi
thChess.
”
“
Youar
efi
xi
ngt
hings?
”
“
Iwantust
o.”
“Ihopeyouar
enotmi staki
nghiski
ndnesst
oy ou
becauseyouarehi
sson’ smotherf
orsomethi
ng
else.Yout
woaredivorced.
”
“Mamapleasedon’
tbenegati
ve.Iam j
usttr
yingto
betheol
dme.Iwantt hi
ngst
obenor malagain.I
wanttobeLele.
”Shetookadeepbreat
h.“Getti
ng
myhusbandisthefi
rstst
ep.
”
Shehungupandconti
nueddr
ivi
ng.Awhi l
elat
ershe
walkedi
nsi
detheDr
.Will
sonoff
icehol
dingAtti
e’
s
hand.

*
**
Lefawalkedatasi
teinherheelsanddresswi
tha
capon.Herphonerang,shetookitoutt
hensi
ghed
picki
ng.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
SonowBr
ightcan’
tcomet
oseehi
ski
ds?
”
“Hey,
myphonei
snoty
ourpl
ayt
hing.Can’
tyoucal
l
Bri
ght?”
“
Iam cal
l
ingy
ouf
orar
eason.
”
“Iam notBright
’sPA.Hedoeswhathewant
swhen
hewant sto.Heknowshehaski dswi
thy
ou.Iam
surehehasnotf orgot
tent
hat.
”
“
Pleaset
alkt
ohi
m.Ij
ustwanthi
mtoseehi
ski
ds.
”
“
Iwi
l
ltel
lhi
m Amahl
e.”
“
Whydi
dyour
efusef
orhi
mtot
akemeashi
swi
fe?
”
“Noonei
shi
swi
fe.I
t’
sjustanent
ir
ebi
gjoket
o
him.
”
“
Ilov
ehi
m.”
“
Thent
akehi
m.Nnatot
aIdon’
tcareanymor
eebi
l
e
y
ourmanbor
esme.Tal
ktoCharl
i
ze.Bye.
”
Lefahungupandcont i
nuedwhatshewasgoingf
or
awhi l
ethenspoketooneofthemenbeforemaki
ng
herwayt othecar
.Herphonerangagai
n,shesmi
l
ed
star
ingatthecall
erI
D.
“
Hey
..
”
“
Okae?
”
“
Iwasv
iewi
ngasi
te.
”
“
Iwantt
otakey
ououtt
oni
ght
.”
“
Ebeobat
amogof
engner
ra?
”
Helaughed.“
Iwanttot
akey ouout
,tot
hebush.I
hav
eev ery
thi
ngsetupforus.Wearegoi
ngaft
er
work.
”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
“
Iwi
l
lpi
cky
ouupaty
ourhouse.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Shar
p.”
Hehungup.Lef
adr
ovebackt
owor
kcal
l
ingChar
li
ze.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,Iam goi
ngoutt
oni
ght
.Cany
out
akecov
er?
”
“
Yeah.Iwi
l
lcomeov
ert
oyourhouseandst
ay
t
here.
”
“
Ok.Howwaswor
ktoday
?”
“
It
’sal
lcomi
ngt
oget
her
.”
“
Iam happyf
ory
ou.
”
“
Bri
ghtsayshewant
sust
ogosomewher
e
t
ogether
.”
“I
jo,
Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
ewi
tht
hatone.Why
don’
tyougo?”
“
Ican’
t.Youknow-
“
“
Yeah…justt
ell
himy
ouar
ebusyatwor
k,hecan
t
akehi
skids.
”
Thel
adi
esl
aughed.
“
Heshoul
d.Ok,
wewi
l
ltal
klat
er.
”
“
Ok.
”

*
**
Ranewaparkedinf r
ontofLarona’
sgat
ejustaft
er
l
unchthenshepr essedthehooter
.Lal
awalkedout
wit
houtthechi
ld.Ranewasighed.
“
Hi…Iam her
efor
-“
“
NnaIf
orgot
.Mamat
ookhery
est
erday
.”
“
Lar
ona,youknewwewer
e…Khumospoket
oyou
y
est
erday
.”
“
EhbutnnaIf
orgotaker
e.”
“
Youar
ebei
ngunnecessar
y.”
“Iam notbei
ngunnecessar
y.Khumoi
sexpect
ingt
o
seehisdaughter
.”
“Hewi
llgethernextt
imeory
oucangot
oMol
eps
andpi
ckherup.”
Ranewar
ookherphoneandcal
l
edKhumo.
“
Babe…”
“Lar
onasaysshegav ehermot
herthechi
l
d
yest
erdaybecauseshehadfor
got
tenwear e
coming.”
“
Giv
ehert
hephone.
”
RanewahandedLar
onat
hephone.
“
What
?”
“
Wher
eismydaught
er?
”
“
Ifor
gotthatyouwer
etaki
ngher
.Ihav
ehert
o
mamay est
erday.
”
“
Ispoket
oyouy
est
erday
,whatar
eyousay
ing?
”
“
Isai
dIf
orgot
.”
“
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
”
“
Khumowhatshoul
dIdonow?
”
“
Youar
esobi
tt
ery
ouar
edi
sgust
ing.
”
“
Shar
peeh.Takey
oudaught
ert
her
enotmychi
l
d.”
“
Ideser
vet
hatchi
l
dasmuchasy
oudo.
”
“
Bye.
”
Lar
onahungupandthr
ewt hephoneonRanewa’
s
l
apbefor
ewalki
ngbackinsi
deherhouse.
Ranewasi
ghedandt
ookof
f.
*
**

Chesspar
kedhiscarbyBonol
o’sgat
eandstepped
outl
ooki
ngattheti
me.Heknockedonherdoorthen
awomanopened.
“
Hi,
isNol
oin?
”
“
Uhy
eah…ar
eyouherboy
fri
end?
”
Chesssmiledunsur
eofhowtoev
enanswert hat
.
Bonolowalkedouti
nandpul
l
edhersi
sterbackin
thehouse.
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
Chesswal
kedbackt
othecar
.

*
**

I
nsi
det
hehouse,
Bonol
olookedathersi
ster
.
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ishenoty
ourboy
fri
end?
”
“
No.Thati
sjustaf
ri
endofmi
ne.Wat
senwa?
”
“
Justaf
ri
end?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Wow…”
“
Osekawar
ewow.
”
“
CanIt
akehi
mthen?
”
“
Whyar
eyoual
way
saf
tert
hepeopl
eI-
“
“
Yousai
dhei
snoty
ourboy
fri
end.
”
“
Stayawayf
rom hi
m.Andl
eav
e.Iam goi
ng.
”
Thesisterroll
edherey esthenputonhershoesand
walkedoutwi thherhandbag.Bonololookedather
hersel
font hemi rr
orbeforehurr
yingout.Shelooked
athersisterstandingbyChess’swindowsay i
ng
something.Bonol ogotinatthefr
ont.
“
Whati
sit
?”
“
Iwantal
i
ftt
o-“
“
No.By
e.Let
’sgo”
Chessst
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.
“
Whatwast
hat
?”
Bonol
osmi
l
ed.“
I.
.wear
enotcl
ose.
”
“
Why
?”
“
Shewasal
sooneoft
hewomenwhowassl
eepi
ng
wi
thmyex.
”
“
Yoursi
ster
?”
“
Yes.ButImovedonf
rom t
hatjustt
hatwear
eno
l
ongercl
ose.Wher
ear
ewegoi ng?”
“
Toacampsi
te.Youwi
l
lsee.
”
Bonol
osmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
“
Iwantt
opassbyamal l
andgetusaf
ewt
hings.By
t
heway,wear
esleepi
ngther
e.”
“
What
?”
“
Yes,ar
eyounotcomf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
hat
?”
“
No,
Iwoul
dhav
ewant
edt
opack-
“
“
Don’
twor
ryaboutt
hat
.Igoti
tcov
ered.
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Theni
t’
sok.
”
Hedr
ovet
oamal
l
.
“
Let
’sgo.
”
Shesteppedoutwi
thhi
mt henhehel
dhi
shand
walki
nginsi
dethemal
lwit
hher.
“
Wher
eMash?
”
“
Mymom t
ookher
.”

*
**

Lel
ewal
kedoutofNandoshol
dingt
hei
rpaperbag
off
oodandhersonontheot
herhand.
“
Daddy
!”
Atti
escreamedpoi
nti
ng.Lel
eturnedthenl
ookedat
Chesswi t
hsomewomanl aughi
ngwhi l
eholdi
ng
hands.Herhear
tst
art
edpounding.Shewalkedto
them.
“
Hi…”
Theybothtur
nedandlookedather
.Chesssmi
l
ed
thenpi
ckedhissonup.
“
Mr.Mor
emi
…”
Lel
elookedatBonol
o,r
ecogni
zi
ngher
.
“
Howl
ongwer
eyousl
eepi
ngwi
thmyhusband?
”
“
Youmeany
ourexhusband?
”
“
Isthi
sthewhor eyouweresl
eepi
ngwithwhenyou
wereref
usingtosleepwi
thmehuh?”Sherai
sedher
voi
ce.“I
sthisher?
”
“
Lel
e-“
“
Don’tLeleme!Whi l
eIt r
iedtofi
xourmar r
iage,you
wer
epr obabl
ysleepingwi t
hher.Youarenothingbut
aweakman.Al waysl eavi
ngforthenextpussy.”
“
Lel
ent
lest
opi
t.
”
“
Chess,
Iwi
l
lwai
tint
hecar
.”
Bonol
oturnedt
owalkaway,Lel
egr
abbedherbr
aid
andsl
appedher.“
Youbi
tch!
”
Chessqui
ckl
yputAt
ti
edownandgr
abbedLel
e.
“
What
’swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
”
Tear
sroll
eddownhercheeks.“
Wasi
ther
?Huh?
Wasither?
”
“Youar
escar
ingourson.Nol
otake,
gowai
tint
he
car.
”
Lelesnat
chedt
hecarkey
sandpl
acedi
tinherot
her
breast
.
“Youar
enotgoi
ngt
ogeti
nmyman’
scar
.
Tsamaya!
”
“
Lel
e-“
“Youar
enott
aki
ngt
hiswhor
einy
ourcar
.At
ti
e,l
et’
s
go.”
ShetookAt
ti
e’
shandandwal
kedaway
.Chesswent
aft
erher
.
“
Lel
ent
le-
“
“Youarenotgetti
ngt hecarkey sbacksoy oucango
andsinkmydi ckinthatdirtypussy.Wantlwael
a
ChessMor emi.Youwi ll
nev erbewithanyonebutme
whileIam al
iv
eebi l
enowt hatIam cancerfr
ee,Iam
goingtocomewi thev er
ythingIhave.Youaremi ne.
GapeAt
ti
eneedsasi
ster
.”
“
Youar
ecancerf
ree?
”
Sheunl
ockedhercarandputhersoni
n.“
Yes.
”
“
MmagweAt
ti
e,pl
easebr
ingmycarkey
s.”
“
Soyoucanridewithwhoresi
nthecarIchosef
or
y
ou?It
’snothappening.
”
“Bonoloisnotawhor e.YouandIar edone.Shei
s
myf r
iend.Bel
ieveitornot.Iam happyyouare
cancerfreebutIam notgoingtoallowyouto
disr
espectherandcal lhernames.Idon’
twantto
causedramai nfrontofmyson.Gi vememycar
keys.
”
Thecarkeysfel
lfr
om herbr
east,
Chesspi
ckedt
hem
upandsighedspeaki
ngcalmly
.
“Iam notgoi
ngt odealwit
hy ourdrama, mywoman
i
snotgoi ngtodealwit
hy ourbit
tershit.That’
snev er
goingtohappen,notonmywat ch.Youar egoingto
respecther
,onewayort heother.Letitbet helast
ti
mey oucallherawhore.Nooneev ercalledyoua
whorewheny ouwer ebusyfuckingyourboy f
ri
end
wit
har ingonyourfi
nger.Iam notgoingt
otoler
ate
bul
lshi
t.WhoeverIam goingtoendupwi thi
snot
goi
ngtor ecei
vethatnastyat
ti
tudefrom y
ou.”
Hewalkedawayt
hent
ookBonol
o’shandl
eadi
ngher
t
ohiscar.
Lel
etearfull
ygotbacki
nthecarandf
ixedthesocks
i
nherrightbracup.Sheswall
owedabiglumpas
pai
nsatst ubbor
nlyonhert
hroat
.
.
.
Iapologi
zefamil
y,Iknowthisshoul
dhavebeen
postedinthemorning,Iwi
l
lposttheapol
ogyinser
t
tomorrow,doli
keandcomment
Roar
ingFl
ames
#101

Lel
ewal kedwithAtti
einherhouse.Shewent
str
aighttoherbedroom.Loagowal kedi
nminut
es
l
aterholdi
ngballoonswhichspel
ledCONGRATS.
Shesmi l
ed.
“
Hey
…”
Loagosatbesi
deherandhuggedhert
ight
ly.“
Iam
sohappythi
sisnowbehindus.
”
“
No.Justnoti
nme.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Youar
egoi
ngt
obef
ine.
”
“If
eellost.Ij
ustwantev
erythi
ngt obenormalagai
n
butIcan’tseem t
ofindmyself.It
houghtbei
ng
cancerfreewouldbemest eppingint
oanew…I
j
ust…”
“
Igety
ou.
”
“
Ijustwantt
obemeagai
n.”
“
It
’snotgoi
ngtohappenl
iket
hat.Iknowyouare
t
ryi
ngsohardtorecov
erwhatyoulostt
ocancerbut
i
twil
ltaket
ime.
”
“Iam nevergoingtogeti
tback.
”Tear
sfi
ll
edher
eyes.“Iam nevergoi
ngtogetwhatIl
ost
.Ilostme…
Ican’tevenrecogni
zemyself
.”
“I
t’
snormalforyoutofeell
i
kethi
s.Ididmyr esear
ch
andit
’snor
mal tofeel
howy ouarefeel
ing.Youar e
humantoo,thi
sisthepartwher
ey ougetat herapi
st.
Youst ar
tgett
ingbacki ntheroad.It
’sli
key ouhada
breakdownwi t
hy ourcarandi t’
sbeenont hesideof
theroadforawhi le.Youf i
nishfi
xingitandnowy ou
havetogetbacki nt heroad.Youst artwit
hl ow
speedandev entuallyyougett othespeedy ouwer e
at.Youhaveacompanyt hatyoumanagedtr un
evenwheny ouwer esick.Youhav eyourdegr ee,
I
broughtthi
sfory ou.”
Loagopl
acedt
henewspaperont
hebed.
“
Theyneedal
ect
ureatUB.
”
“Theycan’
ttakeme.Theywon’
tbecauset
heyneed
experi
ence.
”
“Youhaveexperience.Youhavebeent eachi
ngever
sincey
ouwer edoi ngyouri
nter
nship.Youhav egood
recommendations.GapeUniversi
tylectur
esget
goodmoney .Iappliedonyourbehalf.
”
“
What
?”
“Yes.Youdeservethi
sjob.Andy oushouldcl
aimit.I
am notgoingtoletyousleephereandcryyoursel
f
tobed,youdidthatwheny ouwer esi
ck,nowyouar e
not.I
t’
stimetopickupt hepieces.
”
“
Theyar
enot
-“
“Lel
eyouar
enotthem soy
ouwi
l
lnev
erknow.What
didrr
agweAtangdo?
”
“Canyoubeli
evethatheiswithsomewoman?The
womanwhowast herewhenhegoti
nanacci
dent
.I
bettheywer
et ogethert
hen.Hemusthav
ebeen
sleepi
ngwit
hherf rom l
ongback.
”
“RragweAt angl ovedy ou.Whathappenedmi ght
havehappenedbuthel ovedy ousomuch.Whent he
rapei ncidenthappened, youar et heonewho
suggest edt hesepar at
ion.Hwadmi tt
edt ohisfaults.
Hewentt ogett hehel pheneededt hencameback
toy ou.Youhadal readyfoundsomeoneel sebyt hen,
youal lowedat hirdpartyintoy ourmar riage,you
havenoexcusef orit.I
fy oudidn’ twantChess
anymor e, y
ouwer esupposedt of il
efordivorcebut
youkeptbot hmen.Chessf oundoutabouti tand
younev eradmi ttedt oyourmi stakesr atherli
ed
count lesst i
mesabouti t,Neverapol ogizedfory our
faults.Hest ayedwi thyouf oray ear,waspat ient
enought ost aygivingy oumul tiplechancest ocome
i
nt heopen.Youonl ycameouti ntheopenwhenhe
wantedt odivorce.Hest ayedwithy ouforf
ive
mont hsduringy ourchemoandmay behewas
reconsider
inghi sdecisionbutyouwentaheadand
wentbackt oBame.Todayy ouhav elostboththese
men, Chessi sdone, tohimy ouareonlymmagwe
Atti
eandt hat’sit.Bamei smar r
iedtohiswifeand
theyareexpect ing.Ialwaysseehim onFacebook.
Don’tbeabi tterbabymama.That ’snotyou.Youare
givi
ngthatwomanpower .LetChessbe.It’
slif
e.
Somet i
meswel ostandsomet imeswegai n.Don’t
turnint
osomeoney ouar enot.
”
Lel
elookedathi
m.“
Howdi
dyouknowal
lthat
?”
“BecauseItal
kedtohim.Iwant edtohearhisversi
on
ofthetrut
h.Youneedt otakeresponsi
bil
it
yforyour
acti
onsLele.Youlosthim becauseofyouract
ions.
Yesy oumighthavesleptwithBamebutwhaty ou
didwascheating.
”
MmagweLel ewalkedint
henwal
kedov
erand
huggedherdaughter
.
“
Iam sohappy
.Godi
sfai
thf
ul.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Hei
s.”
“Iam sohappyf
ory
ou.Ar
eyoust
il
lgoi
ngwi
th
RragweAtang?”
“
Ngng.
”
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
lgoanddi
shf
ory
ou.
”
MmagweLel ewalkedout
.Lel
esmi
l
edst
ari
ngather
youngerbr
other
.
“Iheary ou.ButIl ov eChessandi t
’sgoingtoehard
toacceptt hatIr eallylosthi m.IknowIam equal l
y
responsibleforourdi v or
cebutIl ov eChessandIam
goingt otrymyal l t
ohav emyf ami l
yback.Iwantto
fail
mi serablysot hatIcansayIt ri
ed.SoIcansayI
gavei tmyal lt
ohav ehi m back.May beifhekeeps
rej
ectingme, i
twi llsinkin, Iwilldeal wi
ththe
heartbreakandmov eon.Youcan’ texpectmet ojust
walkawayf rom t hemanIl ove, youwi l
lunder
stand
thi
swheny oufinal l
yf alli
nl ove.”
“
Ijustdon’twanty
out
okeepembar
rassi
ng
y
our sel
f.
”
“Don’tworry.Letmefal
lsoIcangetupanddust
my self
.Letmef acet
hereject
ionsoIcanmoveon.
Letmebr uiseandhurtsoIcanbandagemysel
fand
goonwi
thl
i
fe.That
'sl
i
fe.
"

*
**

Lefafi
nishedpacki
ngherbagt henwalkedout
putt
ingonhercap.Shej umpedinhercarand
rev
ersedt hendr
oveoff.Herphonestart
edri
ngi
ng,
sheroll
edhereyesreachingfori
t.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Heybabe,
Iam comi
ngt
her
e.”
“
Iam nothome.Iam goi
ngonawor
ktr
ip.
”
“
Wher
e?”
“
Iam goi
ngt
oKazungul
a.”
“
What
?”
“
Yes.Iwi
l
lbebacki
naweek.
”
“
Babewhydi
dn’
tyout
ell
me?
”
“
Ijustf
oundoutnow,
youknowhowt
hegov
ernment
i
s.”
“
Letmemakesomecal
l
s,may
beIcancomewi
th.
”
“Charli
zehasMut saandTinaye,It
hinkyoushould
remainwithher.Sheneedsthehelp.GapeIthinkyou
shouldbedeali
ngwi thAmahle.Idon’tunder
stand
howy oucanjustbecomf ort
ablenotsupporti
ngyour
kids.Youhavechildr
enwiththatwoman. ”
“BabeyouknowhowAmahleis.Isendhermoney
butshefeel
ssheneedsmor
e.”
“
Pleasesor
titout.Iam notgoi
ngt
obepar
toft
he
r
easonyourkidsaresuffer
ing.
”
“Eemma.Ir
eal
l
ywantt
ocomewi
thy
oubuti
fnot
,I
havet
ogotoZim.
”
“
Got
oyourwi
fer
ra.
”
“
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?”
“
Yout
hinkIdon’
tknowy
ouar
est
il
lfucki
ngTadi
wa?
”
“
Arey
ouser
ious?
”
“Yes.Iam ser
ious.Whyisshestay
ingwit
hyour
mot her
?Whydoy oust
il
lsendhermoney.Koor
e
Bri
ghty outhi
nktheworl
drevol
vesaroundyoubuti
t
doesn’t
.Youthinkyouhaveusallf
ooledmmewe
knowthaty
ouaresti
l
lfucki
ngt
hatwoman.Iknow
youev
enboughtheracarmonthsback.Keepl
yi
ng.
”
“
Babe-
“
“
Ihav
etogo.By
e.”
Shehungupandswi tchedoffherphone, minut
es
l
at ershepr essedt hegateremoteanddr ovein
throught hegat e.Sheparkedhercarinsidethe
gar aget henst eppedoutoft hecarandwal ked
i
nsi det hehousewher eThinkingOutLoudwas
play i
ng.Shest eppedont hefloorcover
edwi thred
roses, ont hewal lwereroseswhi chspel
led‘Wil
l You
Mar r
yMe’ .
Khal
iwal
kedovert
henkneltdowni
nhi
ssui
t.He
ner
vousl
ysmil
edstar
ingather.
“Wemet9mont hsbackandIknewt her
ewas
somethingthemomentIl ai
dmyey esony ou.Iknow
i
tmayf eelasifi
t’stoosoonbutIwantyou.Ilove
youandIwantust ostar
tourf
utur
etogether.Will
youpl
easemar r
yme? ”
Lef
alookedupbl
i
nki
ng.“
Ihav
eki
ds.Two.
”
“
Iknow.Iwanty
ouwi
tht
hem.
”
Tear
srol
l
eddown.“
Idon’
twantt
oshar
eyou-
“
“
Youar
enotgoi
ngt
oshar
emebecauseIonl
ywant
y
ou.
”
“
GapeIwantawhi
teweddi
ng.Iwantt
obeMr
s.”
Khal
il
aughed.“
Thatwi
l
lhappent
oo.
”
“
Yes…”
Tearsf
il
ledhereyesasKhal
isl
ippedthediamond
ri
ngonherfinger
.Hegotupandkissedher.Lef
a’s
phonerang,
Khalist
eppedbackandsmi l
ed.
“
Iam al
soti
redofshar
ingy
ou.Myuncl
esar
eready
t
ocome.”
“
It
’sbeenov
er.
”
“
Bri
nghi
m onboar
dwi
tht
hat
,answert
hat
.”
Khal
iwal
kedt
otheki
tchenwhi
l
eLef
api
ckedt
hecal
l
.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hey
,hav
eyouboar
dedt
hepl
ane?
”
“
Iam aboutt
o.WhenIcomebackweneedt
otal
k
aboutsomet
hing.Somet
hingi
mpor
tant
.”
“
What
’st
hat
?”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
kwhenIcomeback.
”
“
Ithi
nkIwi
l
lcomet
her
e,Iwi
l
lcomeaf
tery
ou.
”
“
Bri
ghtpl
easest
aywi
thChar
li
ze.
”
“
Whydoesi
tsoundl
i
key
ouar
echeat
ing?
”
“BathongBr i
ght,youar ealwaysaccusi
ngmeof
cheat i
ngwheny ouar et heonecheati
ng.NnaIwould
nevercheatony oubutsi mplymoveon.Gapehelai
f
youf eelIam cheating,whynotleaveme?Iam ti
red
ofalway shavingtoexpl ai
nmy sel
ftoyou.Thi
s
rel
ationshipi
sbor ing.”
“
Whendi
ditgett
othi
s?”
“
Wewi
l
ltal
kwhenIcomeback.By
e.”
Shehungandswi
tchedof
fherphonet
henjoi
ned
Khal
iwhowaspouri
ngwinefort
hem i
ntheki
tchen.

*
**
Lat
ert hatnight,Chessf i
nishedset t
ingupt hetent
somewher ei ntheBot swanabushes.Bonol o
fol
l
owedcl oselybehindhim, terri
fi
ed.Theywer ethe
onl
yonesandshecoul dn’
thelpbutwonderi fther
e
werewi l
dani malsinsidethebush.Thef ir
ewasst il
l
burni
ngandt wocampchai r
swher enear by.Hehad
l
ongt oldhert oseatbuthert errorcouldn’tal
lowher.
Chessst oppedwal ki
ngandt urnedtoher .Bonolo
bumpedi ntohi m.
“
What
?”
Helaughed.“Not
hing.Youknowi
t‘
ssageher
e.I
t’
sa
campingsit
e.”
“
Weshoul
dhav
est
aysbackatt
he-
“
“
List
ent
ome…doy
out
rustme?
”
Shesi
ghed.“
Ido,
Iam j
ustscar
edChess.
”
“
Iknowbutt
her
eisnot
hing.Tr
ustme.
”
Hegotabi gbigfr
om t hecarandwentwit
htothe
fi
re.Hesetuptheairmat t
ressneart
hefi
reandput
bl
anketsonit
.Hetur nedtoher.Shel
ookedsocute
t
err
if
ied.
“
What
?”
“
Wear
esl
eepi
ngout
side?
”
“
Yes.Don’
twor
ry.
”
“
Chess,
wecan’
tsl
eep-
“
“Nol
o,pl
easer
elax.
”Hewentt
othecarandcame
backwit
hsomesnacks.
“
Let
’sl
i
edown.Iam t
ir
ed.
”
Sheslowlytookoffhershoesandj oi
nedhim onthe
mattr
ess.Itwasn’tthatcol
dandt heheatf
rom the
fi
rehelped.Chesslookedatherunderthemoonl i
ght
.
Shewassobeaut i
fulandlookedyoungert
hanher
age.Shesmi l
edbrighteni
ngherface.
“
Whati
sit
?”
“
Not
hing.
”
“Imightbescaredbutt
hanky
ouforbr
ingi
ngme
here.ThoughIcan’
thel
pbutt
othi
nksomethi
ngwi
l
l
comeatus. ”
Hepul
l
edhercl
oser
.“Youar
esaf
e.”
“
Iknow.
”
“
Whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngf
ori
naman?
”
Shesmi led.“ Uh…af ait
hful manwhoi sishonest .
Whoi sloy al.Iwantsomeonewhoi snotscar edt o
cor rectmewhenIam wr ongandwhocanbe
cor rectedwhenwr ong.Iwantamanwhol ovesmy
childandi sr eadyt oacceptt hatIcomewi t
hmy
daught er,amanwhocanl ov emydaught ertoo.I
wantmydaught ertobehappyasmuchasIam
happy .Hecancomewi t
hhi ski ds, Iactuall
yonewi th
kidsbecauseheunder standswhatImean.Iwanta
manwhoi sr eadyt olearnandal sot oteachme.I
don’ tknowal ot ,Iwanthi mt oteachmehowhel i
kes
things, howhewant stobel ovedasmuchasIwant
tot eachhi m howIwantt obel oved.Iwantaman
whowi llprior i
ties’me, standwi thme, bemypi l
larof
strengt h.Iwantt obehi swoman, Iwantt obe
spoi led,tobel ov ed.Hedoesn’ thav etober i
ch, j
ust
fi
nanci al
lyst abl eandIwanthi mt odoni cethi ngsf or
me.Ev eni fit’slittl
ethings, Iam anappr eci
ative
per son.Isweary oucanj ustgetmeachocol at eand
Iwi llappr eciat ei tbecauseatt heend, it’
sthe
thoughtt hatmat t
ers.Iwanttobegi venrandom
kisses,Iwantt obehugged, cuddled.Iwantust o
playfulandbehappyasmuchasIal sowantt ohave
seriousconv ersati
onsandplant hefuture.Iwantt o
hav egoodsex, t
otawhenitgetst osex,Iam done
compr omi si
ng.Iwantgoodsex.Iwantt ocum, t
o
orgasm andf eelwhatIam supposedt obef eel
ing
duringsex.Si zeisnotamuchbi gissueasl ongas
youcangi veittomegood.Iwantl otsofsext oo,I
don’twantamanwhoi ssti
ngywi thhisdick.Iwant
himt ogiv eittome.Iwanttobeadv enturous, t
ota
wheni tcomest osex,Iam mor eopent hany ou
woul dknow. ”
“
Youwantt
obet
ied?
”
“Yes.Iwantt obespanked.Iwantt obechoked.I
wantt oroleplay.Iwantt ohaveri
skysex.Iwantt o
havest ol
enmoment swithhim.Iwanti tal
l.Idon’
t
wantt ocompr omi seandbeunder standingany more.
Iwantt hebestbecauseIknowIdeser veit
.Iam
bri
ngingf i
nancialst abil
i
tytothetable,Iam bringi
ng
l
ov eandsuppor tont hetable,Iam bri
nging
i
ntell
igencetot het able,Iam bri
ngi
ngcommi t
ment
andloy
alt
yandf ai
thf
ulnesst
othetabl
e.Iam br
ing
openmindednesstothetabl
e.Iwantt
hesame.”She
smil
edshyly
.“Iknowitsoundstoomuch-“
“
No,it
’snot
.Neverfeel
youar
easki
ngt
oomuchf
or
whatyoudeser
ve.
”
“
Whatabouty
ou?Wheny
oufinal
l
yfi
ndsomeone,
whatwi
l
lyoubel
ooki
ngf
or?
”
Hesi
ghedt
henl
ookedatt
hest
ars.
“Iwantaf ai
thfulwoman.Awomanwhocanl ov eme
andl ovemeonl y.Idon’tknow, i
nmyheadIal way s
thi
nki fyoutrul
ylovesomeone, theywi l
lbetheonl y
onei nyourhead.Ther eisnowayy oucanev er
purposelyhurtsomeoney oul ovesoIwantawoman
whol ovesme.Whot rulylovesme.Notwhol ikethe
i
deaofbei ngwi thmebutwhol ovesme.Awoman
whocanbecor r
ectedandf i
xesherself.Iknowwe
arenotper f
ect.Iam nott oo,Idon’tmindhert el
l
ing
met hatlook,Idon’tl
ike12and3, howy ouchange
that.Idon’
tmi ndhert el
li
ngmewhenshedoesn’ t
l
ikesomet hing,whenshei snothappy .Iwanthert o
tel
lmewhenIgoi ngof f
li
neandbr ingbacki nline.I
havebeenhurtbef
ore,Iam morethancaut
iousof
myhear t
.Ihav
edealtwithmyissuesbutIam j
ust
caut
ious.”
“
Iam l
i
key
ou.
”
Hesmi
l
edt
urni
ngt
oher
“Iam scar edt obehur tthought hereissomeone.
Shei sbeaut i
ful,mor ethanj ustbeaut iful.Ever yt
hing
aboutheri nsi ntri
guing,shei sfocused, Ilovet hat
shecam hol ddownaconv er sati
onnomat t
erwhat
wemi ghtbet alkingabout .Shel ovestol aughand
shehasacont agiouski ndofl augh.Shehasa
beaut i
fulsmi l
et oo.Ilovehowshepay sat tent i
ont o
everydet ail
,sheal way smakessense.Idon’ tknow
howshedoesi tbutsheal way sdoes.Shel ov esmy
sont oo.Theygetal ongwel l.IthinkIam f all
ingi n
l
ov e.Ihav ebeeni nt
hebackgr oundf orawhi l
enow
andIwantt obehermanbutIam scar ed.Nott hatI
thi
nkwhathappenedmi ghthappenagai nbutmy
heartisf r
agile.Ilovehar dandIl ovewi thallIhav e.
WhenIl oveImakesur e.Thepr oblem isIdon’ tknow
i
fshef eelsthesameandIdon’ twantt or ui
nwhat
weal readyhav ebecauseIl ov ewhatweal r
eady
shar
ebetweenus.Ialr
eadyknowher.Iknowwhat
ti
cksher
,whatmakesherhappy,whatgetstoher
andwhatsheli
kes.Idon’
twantt
oloseher .
”
Bonol
osmiledst
ari
ngr
ighti
ntohi
sey
es,
sear
chi
ng…
“Whoisi
t?”
“
Youknowher
.Shoul
dIshowy
ou?
”
“
Yes.
”
Hel eanedov erandsof t
lykissedher .Bonol oclosed
herey eskissingherback.Chesski ssedherev en
harder ,
caressinghercheek, hishandwent
under neathhert opt henhesqueezedherbr east.He
kissedhersogoodshet ouchedhi schest ,her
pantiessoaki ng.Het ookoffherj eanst henhert op
andsqueezedherbr eastget ti
ngbetweenherl egsas
hisdickhar denedi nhi spant s.Bonolomoanedsof t
ly
ashesl i
ppedhi shandi nsi
deherpant iesand
touchedherwetpussy .Shewassor eady ,
het ook
outhi sdickandr ubbedi tonherwet nessgoi ngup
anddown.
“
Fuck…”Hegr
unt
edi
nhereart
urni
ngheronev
en
more.
Shemov edherwai
stbeneat
hherenj
oyi
ngt
he
touchi
ng.
“
Youar
esowet
…”
Shemoanedinresponsebr
eathi
ngfastt
henhelped
hi
mtookoffhist-
shir
tandexposet
hatwidechest
“
Tel
lmet
ost
op…”
Bonol
olookedathi
m br
eat
hingheav
il
y.“
Don’
tst
op…
pl
ease…”
Hepushedi natherentrance,hepussyslowly
str
etchedfi
rhimt henheslowlysankin,herwalls
snagginghi
mt ightl
ythathemoanedsof tlyi
nherear
bit
ingherneck.Hisburiedhisenti
rel
engthin,she
sankhernail
sinhi sbackmoani nghi
sname.
“
AhhChess.
.”
“
Youf
eel
li
keheav
en….
”
“
Begent
le…i
t’
sbeeny
ear
s.”
Chesski
ssedherand#r
emov
ed.
Ourapol
ogyi
nser
t.Bonuscomi
ngup…Dol
eav
ea
l
ikeandacomment.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#102

Lel
elookedatt
het
imet
hent
ri
edChess’
snumber
agai
n.
“
Thenumbery
ou-
“
Shedroppedthensighedsi
tt
inginthedark,al
otof
thought
sgoingthr
oughherhead.Somet hingt
old
herhewaswi t
hher.Heandpr obabl
ytookherwith
whereverhehadbeengoing.
Tearsfi
ll
edhereyes.Shety
pedhim alongmessage
si
lentl
ycryi
ngthendelet
editbef
oresendi
ng.Hour
s
sl
owlywentbyasshesati nthedarkt
ryi
ngtothi
nk
ofherli
fe.

*
**

Thefoll
owi
ngmor ning,Bonol
omoanedasChess
grunt
edgiv
ingherthelastthr
ustt
henf
rozei
nsi
de
empty
inghisseedsinsi
deher.Hekissedhert
hen
smi
ledsli
dingoutofherbur
ningpussy.
“
Hey
…”
Shel
ookedathi
m shy
ly.“
Hey
..
”
“
Weshoul
dgetgoi
ngbackt
othel
odge.
”
Hekissedherholdingheri
nhisarms.Therewasj ust
somethingaboutbeinginhi
sarmsthatshewant ed
tostayther
eforever.Heki
ssedherneckcaressi
ng
hernakednessthenwhisper
edinherear.
“
Shoul
dwego?
”
“
Yeah…”
Hesmi l
edthenkissedherli
psandgotup.Heputon
hissweat pant
s.Shecov er
edherselfwiththeduvet
staringathisdi
ckinhispants,herpussywassor e.
Heputonhi sshoesandwal kedtot hecarwhil
eshe
baskedi nthesunlyingontheairmat tr
ess.Awhile
l
aterChesshel pedherup.Shedr essedupandput
onhershoes.Shesmi ledcl
eari
ngt herestoft
he
thingswithhim.
“
Soy
out
ookmef
arf
rom t
hel
odget
ojustf
uckme
t
hewhol
eni
ght
?Thi
sgender
..
”
Theybot
hlaughed.Chesst
ookev
ery
thi
ngandputi
t
i
nthecarthentur
nedtoher.
“
Thatwasn’
tthepl
an.Buti
twaswor
thi
t.
”
Shesmiled,heleanedoverandkissedher.Hepulled
awaythenturnedandcar ri
edheronhisbacktoher
door.Heopenedf orherandtur
nedsoshecanj ump
i
n.Hewal kedroundthecarandjumpedi n.Chess
star
tedtheengineanddr oveof
f.

*
**

Lefalookedatther
ingonherf i
ngerandsmiled
tear
full
y.Shehadfi
nall
yfoundthemanwhol oved
herandwhoonl ywantedher.Shelookedatthenote
onthemi rr
orandsteppeddownt hebedgoingforit
.
“Hey
,Iwentoutoftheci
ty,
wil
lbebacklat
er.Pl
ease
goandendthingswit
hyourex.Il
oveyou.
’
Shesmil
edthenwal
kedt otheki
tchenandpour
ed
her
sel
faglassofj
uice.Sheswit
chedonherphone
andcal
l
edChar
li
ze.
“
Hi.
.”
“
Hey
,Iam comi
ngov
ert
her
e.I
shehome?
”
“
Yes.Hesuspect
syouar
echeat
ing.
”
“Iam br
eaki
ngupwithhim.Ican’
tkeeppr
etendi
ng
anymore.Khal
ipr
oposed.
”
“
Congr
atul
ati
ons!
”
“Iwanttomoveonwi t
hmyli
fe.Ir
eall
ytruedbut
Brighti
sdi
shonestandhei
sacheat.Ican’thandl
e
that.
”
“Ial
sowanttobr
eakupwi
thhi
m butIam scar
edof
hisr
eact
ion.
”
“
Hewon’
tdoany
thi
ngt
oyou.
”
“AndIal
sodon’twanttot
akeawaythechi
ldr
en’
s
happi
ness.Theyhavenev
erbeent
hishappybef
ore.
”
“Thenmay bey
oushoul
dstay.Itwil
lbeyouandhis
wifebackinZi
m.Ican’
tdoithonestl
y.Iam not
goingtocompetef
oraman.”
Char
li
zesi
ghed.“
Youar
eri
ght
.”
“
Look,dowhatyoufeeli
sgoodforyouandt
heki
ds.
Maybehewil
lchange,Younev
erknow.”
“
Idoubt
.Hewi
l
lpr
obabl
ylookf
orr
epl
acement
s.”
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
Lef
ahungupandwal
kedt
othebat
hroom.

*
**

AtChar
li
ze’
shouse,
Lef
awalkedi
nweari
nghershor
t
dr
essandheel
sthensmil
edpi
cki
ngherdaught
er
whowasplayi
ngwit
hSammy .
“Heymybaby
..
”Shekissedherthatshel
aughed.
Lefasmi
l
edandputherdownt henhuggedSammy .
“
Heysweet
y…”
“
Aunt
y,t
hebabyi
ssl
eepi
ng…”
Lef
asmi
l
ed.“
Yes,
sohecangr
ow.
”
Br
ightwal
kedov
erf
rom upst
air
sthenki
ssedher
.
“
Hey
…youar
eback.
”
“
Yes.Weneedt
otal
k.”
Het ookherhandandl edhertotheguestr
oom t
hen
squeezedherbutt.Hemi ssedher,
all
hewantedwas
tobedherov erandfuckher.Lefamovedbackand
sighed.
“
Wher
eisChar
li
ze?
”
“
Tal
ki
ngt
oherf
ami
l
yont
hephone.
”
“
Ok.Br
ightIcan’
tdot
hisany
mor
e.”
“
What
?”
“Thisrelati
onshi
p.Ican’ tdoitanymore.Iknowy ou
arestil
lseeingyourwi febacki nZim.Iknowy oudo
nicethingsforher.Takeheront ri
psthatyounev er
takeChar li
zeandIon.Iknowy ourecentl
ybought
heracarandIknowy oul ovehermor e.Iknowshei s
theoney ourf
ami l
ytrulyloves.Idon’
twantt obepart
ofthisany more.Idon’twantt obeunder st
anding
anymor e.”
“
Tadi
wai
snotani
ssue.
”
“Sheisbecauseyousai
dyouwouldnevergeti
n
contactwi
thheragai
n.Youdon’
tevenhaveachi
ld
wi
thhersot
her
eisnot
hingconnect
ingy
out
oher
.”
“
Doy
oual
sowantanewcar
?”
“No.Idon’twantany thi
ng.Icanafforditmyself
.I
don’tactual
lyneedy oubecauseIcant akecareof
my selfandmyki ds.Iam notdoingthiswit
hy ou
anymor e.Youcangoandr ecrui
tAmahl eorbetter
yetjustremainwi t
hwhaty ouhav enow.Iam
walkingawayf r
om t hi
sjokeofar el
ati
onship.
”
“
Youar
echeat
ingar
en’
tyou?
”
“Iam notcheat
ingonanyone.Iam j
ustt
ir
edofbeing
madeaf ool
.Cont
inuousl
yli
edtoandcheatedon.
Youpr omisedmelies.
”
“Wher
eisy
ourphone?Wher
edoy
ouev
engol
ast
ni
ght?
”
“
Itol
dyout
hatI
-“
“Youarel
yi
ng.Youdi
dn’
tgoonawor
ktr
ip.Wher
e
didyougo?”
“
Bri
ght
-“
“
Whoishe?Ther
eissomeoneel
se…Icanseei
tin
y
ourey
es.”
“Yesther
eissomeoneandIl ovehim.Wear egetti
ng
marri
ed.Heactuall
ylovesmeandmeonl y .Youare
notgoingtof
orcemet ost
aywhereIdon’twantto
stay
.Iam donewithyou.Ihavebeendonewi thyou.
Iam taki
ngmyselfoutofthestupi
drel
ati
onship.Go
andbewi t
hwhoev eryouwantbutitwontbeme. ”
Shetur
nedandwentfort
hedoor
.Bri
ghtgrabbedher
hai
randpul
ledherbackt
henl
ockedthedoor.
“
Youhav
ebeencheat
ingonLef
atshe?
”
Shel
ookedathim.“
Letmego.Ifyouputy
ourhands
onme,Iam goi
ngtorepor
tyouto-
“
Bri
ghtsl
appedheracr
osst
hef
ace,
Lef
alost
bal
ancef
all
ing.
“
Whoi
she?
”
“
Bri
ght
…”
Hepull
edherupwithherhai
randsl appedheragai
n,
bl
oodstart
eddroppingfr
om hernoseasshe
st
aggeredbackwardfeel
i
ngdizzy.
“
Whoi
she?
”
*
**

Charli
zefi
nishedhercallt
henwalkedoutofthe
bedroom.Shepausedl ist
eni
ngtothescreamsfrom
theguestroom.Shetriedopeni
ngthedoor.
“
Lef
a!”
“
Hei
ski
l
li
ngme.
.cal
lthepol
i
ce.
”
Charl
i
zesteppedawayfrom t
hedoort
henhur
ri
ed
backtoherphoneshaki
ng.

*
**

Br
ightr
epeat
edl
yki
sckedher
.
“Soyouthi
nkyoucanjustcheatonmeaf
ter
ever
ythi
ngIdoforyou?”
“
Bri
ght
-“
“Youthi
nky
oucanj ustpl
aymeforafool,
Igiv
eyou
ever
ythi
ngyoubi
tch!”Bri
ghtt
ookhi
sbeltandputi
t
aroundherthr
oatst
rangl
i
ngher.Lef
agaspedt
ryi
ng
tofight
.Charl
i
zebangedthedoor
.
“Thepol
icei
scomi ngBri
ghtstopit
!Wehav
eki
ds!
Theyneedyou.Lethergo!Br
ight!
”
Brightti
ghtenedthebeltaroundherthr
oat.Lefa
widenedherey eskicki
ng.Sheslowlystopped
kicki
ngt hensti
ll
ed.Hetightenedhi
sholdev enmor
e
thenfinall
yrel
easedherget ti
ngup.
“
Youaregoi
ngtocal
lhi
m andbr
eakitof
f.Youar
e
mywif
e.Youar
enotgoi
nganywher
e.”
Heunlockedthedoort
henwalkedout.Charl
ize
hurr
iedi
nasBr i
ghtwal
kedtothesi
tti
ngr oom.She
knel
tbeforeLef
awhowaslyingonthef l
oor.
“
Lef
a…Lef
a!”
Shel
ookedatLef
awhowasn’
tmov
ing.
“
Lef
a!Lef
a!”
Sheshookherhar
d.
“
Lef
a!”
Char
li
zel
ookedatt
hepeeont
hef
loort
henhur
ri
ed
out
.
“
Bri
ght
!”
Hewal
kedf
rom t
heki
tchendr
inki
ngwat
er.
“
Lef
a…Shei
snotmov
ing.Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?”
Shei
spr
etendi
ng.Letherbe.Shewi
l
lgetup.
”
“
Shei
snotmov
ing!
”
Bri
ghtwenttotheguestroom thenl
ookedatLefa.
Hishear
tski
ppedst ar
ingatt
hewetf l
oor.Hepicked
herupandrushedoutwi t
hher.Thepol
icecardrove
i
njustashewal kedout.Het
urnedtoCharli
ze.
“
Youcal
l
edt
hepol
i
ce?
”
“
Ihadt
o.”
Twopol
i
ceof
fi
cer
swal
kedov
er.
“
Mor
ena,
gor
il
eng?
”
“
Iam t
aki
ngmywi
fet
othehospi
tal
.”
“
Whathappenedt
oher
?”
“
Canwetakehert
othehospi
tal
anddeal
wit
hthat
l
ater
.”
“
Hewasbeati
ngher.It
hinkshei
sdead.Pl
easel
et’
s
t
akehert
othehospi
tal
.”
Oneoft
hepol
i
ceof
fi
cer
stookLef
afr
om Br
ight
.
“Youaregoi
ngt
othest
ati
on.Shewi
l
lgot
othe
hospi
tal
.”
Char
li
zehur
ri
edbacktothehouseandopenedthe
l
aundryr
oom wher
ethehelperwasbusyi
roni
ng.
“
UhTshepang,
Iam goi
ngt
othehospi
tal
.Comet
o
t
heki
ds.Stopi
roni
ng.
”
“
Yesmam.
”
Char
li
zegott
hecarkey
sandhur
ri
edout
.

*
**

Att
hehospi
tal
,Charl
i
zewai
tedwi
tht
hepol
i
ce
of
fi
cer
.Helookedather
.
“
Soyoutwower
eshar
ingt
hisman?Doy
ouev
en
l
ovehi
m?”
Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Ican’
tjustunl
ovehi
m.”
“Therear
emenoutt
her
ewhocanl
ovey
ouandy
ou
only.
”
“
Hei
smychi
l
dren’
sfat
her
?”
“Andhewil
lforeverbet
heirf
atherbutyoushoul
d
putyour
sel
ffir
st.Heprobabl
yhasot herwi
vesyou
don’
tknowabout .
”
Thedoct
orwal
kedov
er,
Char
li
zel
ookedathi
m.
“
Howi
sshe?
”
“Wedidever
ythi
ngwecoul
dbutunfortunat
elyshe
didn’
tmakei
t.Wearesor
ryfory
ourloss.”

.
.
GoodMor
ning.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#103

Lat
ert
hateveni
ng,
Chessdrov
einBonol
o'
syar
dand
par
kedbehi
ndherredCX5.
Bonolot
urnedtohi
m andsmi
l
ed."
Thanky
ou.For
taki
ngmeout .
"
Chesssmi
l
ed."
Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ngwi
th.
"
Hel
eanedov
erandki
ssedher
.
"
Iwi
llseey
out omorr
ow.Lel
esay
sAtti
eisnot
f
eel
i
ngwell.Iam goi
ngt
oseewhat'
swrong.
"
"
Ok.
"
Shesteppedoutandwal kedinsideherhouse
smili
ngfrom eartoear .God...Shefeltsoyoung.
..
Shecouldn'tgethim outofherhead.Shesatonher
couchrecalli
ngthoseki sses,thewayhehadbeen
thr
usti
ngi nt
oher .
..Thosegr oansandmoans.God. ..
Whataman.
Shewasev
enmor
egl
adhewasov
erhi
sex,
that
madethedeal evenmor esweett
houghshecoul
d
al
readyt
ellshewasgoi ngtobereci
evi
ngthebaby
mamadr amaf rom Lel
e.
Sher
eachedf
orherphoneandcal
l
edhermot
her
.
"
Nol
o..
."
"
Iam back.
"
"
ThankGod.
"
"
MamaIr
eal
l
ylov
ethi
sman.If
eel
hei
stheone.
"
"
Whatmakesy
ousayt
hat
?"
"Heget
sme.Wegeteachot hergapehel
aweboth
knowwhatwewant .Hei
sthekindyouhol
donto
andneverl
etgo.Hedoesevery
thi
ngri
ghtandMash
l
oveshi
m. "
"
Didn'
tyousayhehasawi
fe?
"
"TheylongdivorcedbutIcanal r
eadyseegor etheex
i
sgoi ngtobeapr oblem.Sheisviolentt
ooandnow
becausetheyshar eachi l
d,itwi
llbewor se.It
hink
helaforpeaceifev erChessandIgetmar ri
ed,she
shouldsti
ckwi t
hhersonandChesswi l
lonlygethi
m
duri
ngholidays.Idon' twantany
thingthatsteals
awaymypeace.
"
"That'
sgood,gapeifany
thi
nghappens,y
ouwon'tbe
blamedforit
.Buttherel
ati
onshi
pisnotyett
her
e
akere?"
"I
t'
snotbutitwil
lgett
here.Chessknowswhathe
wants,
Iknowwhathewant sandhowhelikest
hings.
Wehav ebeenfri
endsforawhilenowandIfeel
I
knowev er
ythi
ngIneedtoknow."
"IgetyouandIam hopef ult
hatyoudon'tgetyour
hopest hatmuchhi gh.Thismanhasbeenhur ttand
heisjustlookingforasaf ehaven.Sometimesi t
's
notli
kepeopl eloveus,justthatt
heyfeelsafewith
us.Ihopei nyourcase,that'
snotit.I
fit
'sl
ikethat,I
am tel
li
ngy ou, y
ouwi l
lcrywhenhewal ksawayt o
someonehel oves.
"
Bonol
olaughed."
Mama, t
hisi
snott
heki
ndofman
whosti
cksaroundwhenhedoesn'
tl
oveyou.Hei
sa
st
rai
ghtfor
wardperson.
"
"
Ify
ousayso.
"
"
Youshoul
dmeethi
m.Youwi
l
llov
ehi
m."
"
Hei
sal
lMasht
alksabout
."
"
Ilov
ehi
m.ThistimearoundIhavef
oundt
heper
fect
manandIam notgoi
ngtoletgo.
"
"
Iam happyi
fyouar
ehappy
."
Shestoodandwentt
oherr
oom chat
ti
ngwi
thher
mother.

*
**

Chessparkedinfr
ontofthehouset
hensteppedout
andwalkedin.Helookedatt
hecandl
esli
ghted
thr
oughoutthewholehouse.
"
Lel
e!"
HewalkedtoAtt
ie'
sroom buthewasn'
tther
e.He
wentt
ot hebedr
oom thenknocked.
"
Lel
e!"
Hetookadeepbreathandslowlyopenedthedoor
.
Helookedatmorecandl
es.Lelewalkedoutfr
om t
he
ensui
tinhersi
l
kygown.Shesmi led.
"
Hi.
..
"
"
Wher
eisAt
ti
e?Yousai
dhei
snotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
."
"Hewentwit
hmamaandLoagotoahotel.Theyar
e
sleepi
ngt
heret
oni
ght
.Iwantust
otal
k."
"
Lel
e..
.Doy
ouknowhowmuchIwaswor
ri
ed?
"
"
Iam sor
ry.Iwant
edy
out
ocomeov
er.
"
"
Youcoul
dhav
ejustsai
dthat
."
"
Iam sor
ry.
"
Hesi
ghed."
Whati
sit
?"
Shelookedinhi
seyesthensmi
l
ed."
Iam notf
ight
ing
RragweAtti
e.Cal
m down.Youl
ookl
ikey
ouare
abouttogetinafi
ght
."
Chesssmi
led."Iam j
ustwonder
ingwhati
sitt
hat
youwantt
ot al
kabout."
"
Comeandsi
tdownwi
thme.
"
Shepul
l
edhi
mtot
hebedt
hensatdownwi
thhi
m.
"
Doy
our
ememberwheny
ouf
ir
stmetme?
"
Hel
ookedather
."Yes.
"
"
Yousai
dy ouknewri
ghtt
herethatIwast
heonefor
y
oueventhoughyouhadbeenshouti
ngangr
il
y.
"
Hesmi
l
ed."
Whywer
eyoupar
kedl
i
ket
hat
?"
Shel
aughed."
Idon'
tknow.
..May
bebecausewehad
tomeet
."
"
Yeah.
..
"
"Youfoll
owedaft
ermenomat terhowmanyt
imesI
tol
dy ouIwasinarel
ati
onshi
p.Youweremar
ri
ed
butyoudidn'
tcar
e.Ir
emembery outaki
ngmeto
Kalahar
iGameReserve.Theel
ephant.
"
Hel
aughed."
Iwi
l
lnev
erf
orgett
hat
."
"Iwassoscar ed.IthoughtIwasgoi ngtodi eand
yout ookmebackt hef oll
owi ngday .Yout oldmey ou
woul dneverbot hermeagai nbuty oumetmymot her
i
nst eadandy ouwer ebacky etagai n.Ididn'tjusfall
i
nl ovewi t
hy ou.Idislikedy ouatsomepoi nt .Tol
d
my selfIhatedy oubuty oumademel ovey ou.That
night..
.Ourfirstnightt ogether .Iwil
lneverfor get
that.Everytouch, everykiss.I twasmagi cal.I
want edyout obewi thmef orev eranditkill
edme
thaty ouhadaf amily.Ithinkitwasatt hatpoi ntI
didn'tcar eany mor e.Ilovedy ou. "Shesmi l
ed
tearfull
y ."I
twasn' tjustlove,i
twaswaymor et han
j
ustl ov e.WhenIcamet oGabor oneandr ealizedal l
alongi twasLef a, IknewIwoul dn' tleave.That 'swhy
Istay ed.Ilovedy ouChess.Iwasgoi ngt oelopewi t
h
youhady oubeenmybr other
.Iwaswi l
lingtokeep
younomat t
erwhat .Thathasn' tchanged.IknowI
messedup.Ihur ty ou.Iknow. .
.Idon' tdeser vey ou
babe.IknowIdon' t.Idon'tevenl ov ehim.Inev erdid.
Tobehonest ,i
twashowhewast heref orme.The
attentionhegav e.Thatwasal l.Ihav ealway slov ed
you.Iwanty outogi vemeonel astchance. .
.Letme
prov emy sel
ft oy ou.Iwantt oshowy out hatIhav e
l
ear ntandIwantt omakemymi stakesr ight.Iknow
youl oveme. ..Youcan' tdenyt hatChess.Thatgi rlis
yoursaf eplace...Youknowshewi llprobablynev er
hurty ou.Shei syourMoabi .Youdon' tloveher .You
j
ustl ikeherasaf riendbutlov e...That '
snotl ove.
Let'st r
yagai n.Iwantust ot r
yagai n.Iwantt olov e
youandl ovey our i
ght.Keagokopa.Gi v eme
anot herchance. "
Chessl
ookedaherandsi
ghed.
"
Idon'
ttr
usty
ou.Youbr
okeme,
Bonol
ois-
."
"
Stopwi
thBonolois.Youj
ustt
astedherpussy
,
t
hat'
sal
l
.Don'
titthatgeti
nyourhead.
"
Chessl
aughed."
Shei
sani
cegi
rl
."
"
Doy
oul
oveher
?"
Hesmi
l
ed."
Look-
"
"
Whoar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oli
eto?Shei
sgoi
ngt
opoi
son
y
ou.
"
"
Stop.
"
"Iwantt
ogai
nbacky
ourt
rust
.Iwantmyf
ami
l
y
back.
"
"Idon'
ttrustyouandImi ghthav elovedy oubutt he
l
iestaint
edt hat.Iwon'tevenlietoy ouLel eorbeat
aroundthebush.Iam notgoi ngt osayIdon' tlove
youbecauset osomedegr eeIt hinkIstil
ldo.Youar e
Atang'
smot her.Buttogetbackwi thyoui s
somet hi
ngIdon' tthi
nkwi l
lhappen.Idon' ttrustyou.
Iam nevergoi ngtotrustyou.Idon' tt
hinkIwi l
l ever
l
ov eyouasmuchasIdi d."
"
Youar
escar
ed.Scar
edImi
ghthur
tyouagai
n.I
t'
s
ok.Look,Idon'
twanttohurr
yyoui
ntoanyt
hing.Go
andthinkaboutit
.Wewillt
akei
tsl
ow,gapennaI
knowIwi l
lgetyou.Youar
emyhusband..
"
Hegotupsmi
l
ing."
Bye.
"
"
Bye.
"
Hesmi
l
ed."
Soy
oul
i
ght
edal
lthesef
orme?
"
Shel
aughed."
Bye.
"
"
Nextt
imet
hrowi
nsomemusi
c."
"
Mar
vinGay
e?"
"Yes.Youarenotser
iouswena,
youhav
etoput
effor
tintoget
ti
ngmeback.Getmeacrazyt
ri
pto
Dubai,somethi
ng.
"
"
Iam goi
ngtopulloutallst
ops.Waitandwat
ch.
Gapethi
spussyhasn'tbeentouchedinawhi
l
e.I
t'
s
wait
ingf
oryou.
"
Helookedathert
henwal
kedoutl
aughi
ng.Chess
goti
nhiscaranddrov
eoff
.
Hepar
kedbyt
hef
il
li
ngst
ati
on.
"
Ful
ltank!
"
Thef i
ll
ingstati
onat t
endantnodded.Chesst ookout
hisphoneandopenedhi smessages.Acarpar ked
besideshis.Her ai
sedhi sheadandl ookedthen
pausedst ari
ngatt hewhiteR7.Al adysteppedout
tal
kingonherphonewear i
ngwhi t
eshor t
sanda
yell
owbl azerwithblackheels.Shel ookedov erthen
theylockedey esforamoment .Shesmi l
edthen
droppedt hecallwalki
ngov er,conf i
dentasev er.She
gotinhi scarandsmi led.
"
Hey
!"
Andbeaut
if
ult
oo.Sheseemedt
obeagi
nggr
acef
ull
y.
"
Sat
an.
"
Kaonelaughedthr
owi
ngherheadback."
Tsek!Who
ar
ey oucall
ingSat
an.
"
"
Youdon'
tl
ikepeace.
"
"
Ihear
dyoudi
vor
ced.Youshoul
dhav
emar
ri
edme.
"
"
War
engl
ait
aka?
"
"
Iam f
ine.Iam doi
ngwel
l
."
"
Iknow.Iam wel
lupdat
ed.
"
"
It
'sbeenawhi
l
e."Shesmi
l
ed."
Soy
ouar
esi
ngl
e?"
"
Youhav
est
art
ed.
"
"
Arey
ousi
ngl
e?It
hinkweshoul
dcat
chup.
"
"
Ihav
e-"
"Chess,
stopbl
ocki
ngmeever
ychancey
ouget
.Iam
singl
eri
ghtnow.Ar
eyousi
ngl
e?"
"
Iwas,
thedaybef
orey
est
erday
."
"
Ther
eissomeone?
"
"
Yes.
"
"
Doy
oul
oveher
?"
"
It
'sst
il
lnew.
"
Kaonesmi
l
ed."
So?Youwoul
dknowbynow.
"
"
Sat
an,
stopi
t.
"
Shel
aughed."
Idon'
tthi
nky oul
oveher.Youarej
ust
gi
vi
ngitatr
y.Whichi
sfine.ButIt
hinkyoushoul
d
gi
vemeachance."
"
Whyar
eyousi
ngl
e?"
"
Gat
weIam t
oomuch.Iwantt
oset
tl
eandhav
eki
ds.
Iam gett
ingold.Peoplear
estart
ingt
oquesti
onme.
Inowgett he'whenareyougetti
ngmarri
ed?
'sor
tof
thi
ngs.Iwantsomeonewhocanhandl eme.
Someonel ikeyou.Let
'sgofordi
nner
."
"
Kaone-
"
"Let
'sgof
ordi
nner.Stopbei
ngupti
ght
,Iwil
lpay
.
GapennaIam yoursoulmat
e.Iknowit
.Fol
lowmy
car.
"
Shesteppedoutofhiscarandwal kedbacktoher
car.Chessf
oundhimselfsmili
ng,shejusthadthat
thi
ngwi t
hhert
hatgothim exci
ted.Ithadbeena
whilesi
ncehefel
tthatrush.

*
**

Bri
ghtsatinjailtr
yingtogethisheadar oundthat
Lef
awasdead.Hecoul dn'tbeli
evei
t.Hehadn' t
meanttoki l
lher.Allhewant edtodowasscar eher .
Matteroffact,i
tallsoundedl i
keali
e.Hecoul dn'
t
bei
nghi mselftobelievei
t.Hesatatt heothercorner
wi
thot
herot
herl
awof
fender
swho'
ser
ejustqui
et.

*
**

Charli
zetuckedMut
sainbedthensi
ghedt ear
ful
l
y
steppi
ngback.Someoneknockedonthedoor.She
walkedoverandopenedt
hedoor.Shelookedat
Larona.
"
CanIhav
emymysi
ster
'ski
dsho,
Iwantt
ogo.
"
Char
li
zel
ookedather
."Huh?
"
"
Lekgowa,
bri
ngmysi
ster
ski
ds!I
ja.
"
.
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandcomment
:
Roar
ingFl
ames
#104

Chesspai
dcasht
henst
art
edhi
scarj
ustashi
s
phonerang.Hel
ookedatt
hecal
l
erI
Dandsmi
l
ed
pi
cking.
“
Hey
…”
“
Hi,
cany
oucomeov
er?
”
“
Isn’
tMasht
her
e?”
“
No.Come.
”
Hehungupt
hensl
oweddownbesi
desKaone’
scar
.
“
Ihav
etogo.Goshar
paker
e?”
Kaonesmi
l
ed.“
Whatdot
heyhav
ethatIdon’
thav
e?”
Hechuckl
ed.“
Youhav
eev
ery
thi
ngar
eal
mancan
ev
erwant.
”
“
Thenwhati
sit
?Am Iugl
y?”
“
Youar
emor
ethanj
ustbeaut
if
ul.
”
Kaonepar
kedhercart
henst
eppedoutandgoti
nhi
s.
“
Iam goi
ngwi
thy
ou.
”
Chessst
aredatherassheputonherseat
bel
t.
“Wenaobatagonconfusa.
”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Iam goi
ngf
orwhatIwant
,it
’sy
ou.
”
“
It
’sbeenyear
s,y
oucan’
ttel
lmet
haty
oust
il
lhav
e
t
hatcrushonme.”
Shegiggled.“
That’
swhatIt houghtbutit’
snol onger
acrush.Ihadacceptedt oj
ustadmi r
efrom afarand
mov eonbutseeingyouhasmot i
vatedme.You
won’tgetanywhereunlessy ougoforwhaty ouwant.
It
’syou.Iknowthereissomeoneel se.Idon’tneedto
knowherort oknowwhaty outwoshar e.Iwantyou.
Iam notgetti
ngoutoft hi
scartoo.”
“
Andy
ourcar
?”
“
Iwi
l
lcomef
ori
ttomor
row.
”
Hi
sphonest
art
edr
ingi
ngagai
n.
“Pi
ck.Idon’
tknowhowy ouwil
ldoi
tmmeIam not
goi
ngany where.Youwi
l
ldeci
deonyourownwhom
youwantast i
megoeson.”
“
Idon’
tcheat
.”
“I
t’
snotcheat
ing.I
t’
scall
edtri
alper
iod.Iam nota
pati
entper
son,Iwil
lgi
veyouthreemonthstomake
choi
ceandifit
’snotme,fi
ne.Dri
ve.
”
Hesmi
l
edshaki
nghi
sheadanddr
oveof
f.
“
Wher
edoy
oust
ay?
”
“
Iwi
l
ldi
recty
ou.
”

*
**

Lelelookedatthenewdesi gnsandsmi l
edbefore
sendinganemai lofappr
ov al
.Shereachedforher
phoneandwentt hr
ought hedi
etsthatwere
supposedt ohelphergetbackinorigi
nalshape.She
readthroughtherevi
ewsandsmi l
edreadingallt
he
stori
esofdiff
erentpeople.
Shef i
nall
ysettl
edononeandsav editi
nherphone.
Shegotupf r
om herbedthenwentt houghher
wardrobet hi
nki
ngoft hecl
othesshewouldwearto
theinterv
iewthefoll
owingmor ni
ng.Shewasn’t
goingt ogotherewit
hhopesup, theywouldn’
thi
re
her.Thatshealreadyknew.
Shechoseaflareddressthenawigtogowithitand
heel
s.Shegotherphonet henpausedataFacebook
postwit
hLefa’spict
ures.
‘
Sosadt hatyouhadtol
eav
etheworlli
kethis,
you
di
dn’tdeser
veit.Hopey
ougetj
ust
ice.Restateasy
Angel…’
Lelereadt hr
oughthecomment s,herheartsl
owly
breaking.Tearsf
il
ledhereyes.Shewentt oLefa’
s
ti
melineandt hecomment sonherlastpictur
ehad
pi
ledin.
Comment
:Restcuz
zy.
Comment:
Bat
hong,
wewer
ejustt
alki
ngy
est
erday
..
sosad.
Comment
:Whathappenedbat
hong?
Repl
y:Boy
fri
endki
l
ledher
.
Comment
:Sosad.
Comment
:Ist
hist
rue?Lef
abat
hong.
.
Lel
e’stear
sfil
l
edherey esasshegotallthe
confi
rmati
onsheneeded.Shehadnev erapologi
zed
toLefaforwhathappened.Tear
sdroppeddownher
cheeksasguil
tysatheavil
yonhershoulder
s
weighi
ngherdown..
*
**

AtKaone’
shouse,
shepr
essedthegateremotethen
hedrovei
n.Shecl
osedt
hegatethensteppedout.
“
Comei
n.”
“
Ihav
etogo.
”
Hisphonest
art
edri
ngi
ng.HelookedatBonol
o
cal
li
ngthenpi
ckedasshest
oodbyhisdoor.
“
Hey
…”
“
Arey
oual
readyony
ourway
?”
“
Uh-
“
“I
fit
’spossi
ble,
mayy
oupl
easegetmesomesnacks
byEngine.
”
Kaoneleanedoverandwhi
sper
edi
nhi
sear
.“Come
i
n.Iwil
lwaitinsi
de.
”
Shet
urnedandwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouse.
“
Iam goi
ngt
ocomei
nabi
t,notnow.
”
“
Oh…ok.
”
“
Iwi
l
lgett
hesnacks.
”
“
Thanks.
”
Chessdr oppedthecallandsteppedoutofhi scar.
Hewal kedinsi
det hehouseandl ookedaround
i
mpr essed.Kaonewal kedfrom herbedroom nowin
herpyjamas.Shorthairlookedonher .Shesmiled
thenwalkedov erandstoodbeforehim.
Chessl
ookedinhereyes,
hisey
eswentdownt
oher
ki
ssabl
eli
ps.Shetur
ned.
“Doy ouwantsomethingt
oeat?”Shewalkedtoher
kit
chen,shewasn’tevent
ryi
nghard,j
ustbei
ng
herself
.Shetookoutsomefrozenfoodandheat
edit.
“
Yourhousei
sbeaut
if
ul.
”
Kaonet urnedtohim andsmi led.“Thanks.Ial way s
l
ookbackt otheti
meIwassel l
ingmake- upandwi gs.
Isti
llwonderwhatcoul dhav ehappenedt hatday
hadInotmety ou.Iwouldhav enotmanagedt ogo
tothei ntervi
ewandIwoul dn’
thav egot tent hejob.
May beIwoul dsti
llbestruggl
ing.”Shel eaned
againstherf ri
dgest ar
ingathim.“ IthankGodImet
yout hatday .
”
“
Youhav
ecomef
ar.
”
“Ihave.Ist il
lwantt ogof ar.ButIalsowantt obe
happy .Iam happybutIwantt ofeelwhatot her
people’ski dsfeel.Iwantt obei nlove.Idon’tthi
nkI
haveev erbeeninl ovelikeotherpeopl ebecauseI
am scar edt oinvestinahumanbei ngf orhi
mt ohur
t
met hef oll
owingday .Humans…Iwat chedmy
mot herdi eforamanbecauseshel ovedhi m.Idon’
t
wantt hat .That’
swhyIwoul dratherwal kawaywhen
IseeifIam notpr i
ori
ty…Doy oul ov
et hisgi
rl?Be
honest .Youhav enot hingtol ose.”
Chesshoopedonherki
tchencount
ers.“
Idon’
tthi
nk
Iwil
lev
erinvestmyal
li
ntosomeone.”
Shelaughed.“Noteverywomanwil
lhurty
ou.Some
peoplearepureheart
ed.Bytheway…ther
eisthe
gateremote.Youcangoi fy
ouwant.Tomorrow
whent hi
ngsturnsouth…Idon’
twantyoutosayI
for
cedy ouint
oany t
hing.
”
Shegotcl
oserandputherhandsonherchest
.
“ButIam cur
ious…”Shest
oodonhertoesand
kissedhi
m.Ashi verr
andownherspi
neashekissed
herbackt akingcontrolofhermout h.Hepickedher
upandpl acedheront hekitchencounter
s,thei
rli
ps
gluedtogetherlikemagnet .Sheputherhandi nsi
de
hissweat pantsandt ouchedhishardweapon.Chess
gotherf r
om t hekit
chencount ersandtookherto
thesit
tingr oom wherehel aidherdownonher
couch,bot hlostineachotherlietheyhadbeen
waiti
ngf orthatmoment …
Chesspausedandl ookedather ,eachtouchshe
deliv
er edfel
tri
ght..Shel ookedathi m br
eathi
ng
heav i
ly,hepull
edhercl oserandki ssedheragain.He
tookof fherpyjamapant st
hent ouchedherbare
pussy .Unabletothinkofany thi
ngorany oneelse,he
kissedherev enmor ebr eat
hingheav il
yontopofher.

*
**

Bonololookedatt
hetimewonderi
ngifhewasstil
l
comingorhehadchangedhismind.Shesi
ghed
star
ingatherTV,ti
meslowl
ymov i
ng.Sherest
edher
headont hecushi
on.Awhil
elat
er,
sheheardhiscar
dri
veint
hrought
heopengate.Shewaitedti
l
lhe
walkedi
n.Shesmil
ed,
exci
tementri
sing.Shegotup
andhuggedhim.
“
Hey
…It
houghty
ouwer
enotgoi
ngt
ocome.
”
“
Sor
ryIt
ookl
ong.Igott
his.
”
Hehandedheraplast
ic.Shel
ookedi
nsi
deand
smi
led.“
Thanks.
”
Shewentwithevery
thi
ngtotheki
tchenandcame
back.Shesatbesi
deshim.
“Iwantedtotelly
out hatIappreci
ateevery
thingy ou
havebeendoi ngformydaught erandI.Iappreciate
thatal
way sfi
ndway st oputusinyourschedul e.I
knowIdidn’tsayany t
hingbutIfeelthesamet oo.I
wantwhaty ouwant .Ilov
ey ouChessandIt hinky ou
andIhav e…”Sheraisedherheadandl ookedathi m.
Hehadf all
enasleep.Bonolosmi l
ed.
“
UhChess.Comet
obed.
”
Sheshookhi
m,Chesswokeup.
“
Comeandsl
eep.
”
Hegotupandj
oinedheronherbed.Bonol
ogoti
n
hi
sarmsandrel
axedfeel
ingsaf
ewithhim.She
cl
osedherey
espray
ingthatGodletthi
sbe.

*
**

Laronaangr ilygotoutofbedasLef a’ssoncr i

edin
theotherr oom.Sheangr i
lywal kedinandlookedat
him cryinghi sl ungsoutt hent ookthemi l
kbot t
le
andputi tinhi smout h.Hemov edhisheadcr yi
ng
evenmor e.Hiscr iesannoy edhersomuch, they
werepr obabl ygoi ngtowakeherdaught erup.She
l
ookedatMut sawhowassl eepingthengottheloud
boywi thhi sar m.Shet ookherphoneandcal ledher
mot heraf terplaci nghimi ntheguestr oom ensuit
e
andcl osinghi mi nsidethere.Thenoi sewasbet t
er.
Shecl osedt heguestr oom doorandwentbackt o
herbedr oom.
“
Lal
a..
”
“
Mama,
sowhoi
sget
ti
ngLef
a’ski
ds?
”
“
Iam notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
.Myl
egi
ssopai
nful
.Itmeans
y
ouwi
l
ltaket
hem.
”
“AfterwhatLef
adi
dtomeIshoul
dtakecar
eofher
kids?”
“
Yoursi
steri
slat
e!Leti
tgo!Mydaught
eri
slat
eand
t
hat
’sal
lyouhavetosay?”
“
Mama-
“
“
Youareshamel
ess.Howdoy
ouhat
esomeonewho
i
slat
e?Youarecr
azy.
”
“
Mama,
youdon’
tunder
stand.
”
“
Iunder
stand.Iwi
llcomeandt
akemygr
andki
dsi
f
i
t’
stoomuchf ory
ou.”
“
It
’sok.Iwi
l
lremai
nwi
tht
hem.
”
Shehungupandwal kedtoherbedr oom thengotin
bedwhi l
eLefa’ssoncont inuedtocry.Shepaused
andgott hesti
ckyt apeandwentbackt otheguest
room wit
hi t
.Hewoul dprobablywakeupt he
neighbor
s.Shet apedhi sli
ttl
emouth, shesighedas
hecr i
edmakingi naudibl
esoundst henwentt obed.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#105

AWeekLat
er…

I
nt hecrowd, Lelesatundertheshadewear i
nga
bl
ackdr esswi thblacksunglasses.Shelookedas
oneofLef a’swor kmatesgav easpeechcr yi
ng.
Minuteslater,Lefa’
scoll
eaguesal lgotupandwent
upinfrontandst artedsi
ngingasadhy mony .
Lel
esni ff
ed,herey esfal
li
ngonapictureofLefa
whichwasatt hefront,i
twashersmili
ng.Sefel
ther
heartbreakintomi l
li
onpiecesasshestaredatthe
pi
ctureforawhi le.Shesniff
edandlookeddown
hummi ngt othesongaspeopl ejoi
nedinsingi
ng.
Shecouldwonderj
usthowherkidsweregoi
ngto
growwithoutamother
.Thefuner
alwentt
henfi
nal
ly
every
onegotuptogotothegraveyar
d.Mmagwe
Lefaspott
edhert
henwalkedover.
“
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”
“
Dumel
ang.Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ryf
ory
ourl
oss.
”
“Youarenotsor r
y.Youcausedmydaught erso
muchpai n,youdon’tdeservetobehere.You
destroy
edherf amily,
tookawayherhappi ness.She
welcomedy ouwit
hopenar ms, l
ookedaty ouli
kea
sist
erwoul d.Gaveyoulove,openedthedoor stoher
housefory outosleepwithherhusbandbehi ndher
back.Afterthat
,youthinkyoucancomet oher
funeral
?”
“
Iam sor
ryMr
s-“
“Getout
!Go!Youdon’
tdeservetobehere.Don’
t
thi
nkyoucancomeherewi t
hfakesadnesswhil
e
deepdownyouarerej
oici
ng.Getout.Out!
”
LelenoddedthenturnedandwalkedtoherLand
Cruiser
.Shegotinthecarandstart
edtheengine
thendroveof
f.Herphonestart
edr i
ngi
ng.
“
Mama…”
“
Howi
sitgoi
ng?
”
“
Hermot
herj
ustki
ckedmeout
.”
“
Aft
ery
oudr
oveal
lthewayt
her
e?”
“It
lsfi
ne.Idon’tbl
ameher .IcausedLefapain.It
ook
awayherhusband.Ir eal
l
ydon’ tdeser
vetobet here.
Ifrol
eswer eexchanged,y
ouwoul dprobablydot he
samemama. ”
“
Iam sor
ry.Justcomeback.
”
“
Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Ok.
”
Lelehungupsteppingontheaccel
erator
.Aft
era
coupleofki
l
omet er
s,thecarsl
owlysloweddown.
Lelefr
ownedast heenginest
oppedrunning,
bri
ng
thecartoasti
l
l poi
nt.
“
No….
”
Shetur
nedt
hekey
stor
est
arti
tbutnot
hingwas
goi
ngon.
“
Godno…”
Shest
eppedoutoft
hecarcal
l
ingChess.
“
Hel
l
o?”
Lel
efr
ownedatt
hef
emal
evoi
ce.“
CanIspeakt
o
Chess,
whoi
sthi
s?”
“
It
’sBonol
o.Hei
sbat
hing.CanIt
akeamessage?
”
“
Givehimthephone,
whyar
eyouanswer
ingaphone
t
hatisnotyour
s?”
“Icantakeyourmessageory
oucancal
lhi
m back
afterawhil
e.”
“
Giv
eChesshi
sphone.
”
“
Hei
sbat
hing.
”
Lel
elaughed.“
So?
”
“
Soy
ouwi
l
lcal
lhi
m back.
”
“
Giv
err
agweAt
anghi
sphone.I
t’
sanemer
gency
.”
“
Isi
taboutAt
ang?
”
“
Giv
ehi
m hi
sphone!
”
“Iam notgoi
ngtobeharassedbyy
ou.Youwi
l
lcal
l
backoncehei sdonebat
hing.
”
Shehungup.Lel
elookedatherphone,
angerr
isi
ng.
Shecal
ledhi
m agai
n.
*
**

Bonolol
ookedast
hephonest
art
edri
ngingagai
n,
shetooki
tandwal
kedwit
hitt
othebathroom.
“
Chess,
yourphone.
”
Chesswal
kedoutoft
heshowert
hengothi
sphone.
“
MmagweAt
ti
e..
”
“Soy
ouhav
ethewomeny
ousl
eepwi
tht
alkt
ome
now?”
Bonol
owal
kedout
,Chesscl
osedt
hebat
hroom door
.
“
Iwasbat
hing.
”
“
Sowhat
?Shecan’
tgi
vet
hephonet
oyou?
”
“
Shegav
eitt
omedi
dn’
tshe?
”
“
Aker
eshehadpi ckedupt
hefi
rstt
ime?Whatar
e
y
oufeedingt
hisgir
lormaybei
t’
syourwayt
otel
lme
y
oudon’twantme? ”
“
Lel
e,what
’swr
ong?
”
“
Yousl
eepi
ngar
oundi
swhat
’swr
ong!Inev
ersl
ept
wi
thany
oneexpecty
ouev
ersi
ncewemet
.”
“
Lel
e,whati
sit
?”
“
Mycarj
ustst
opped.Iam onmywayf
rom Rakops.
”
“
Lef
a’smot
heral
l
owedy
out
her
e?”
“
No.Shej
ustki
ckedmeoutbuti
t’
sok.
”
“Letmemakeaf
ewcal
lsandseeifIcanget
someonet
pcomeandhel
pyou.”
“
Andi
fyoudon’
tfi
ndsomeone?Whatshoul
dIdo?
”
“
Youcanstar
tlooki
ngf
oral
i
ft.Youhav
ecashon
y
ouri
ght?
”
“
No.
”
“
That
’sal
i
e,Iwi
l
lewal
l
ety
ousomemoney
.”
“
Ican’
tbel
ievey
ougav
ethatwhor
ether
ightt
opi
ck
y
ourphone.”
“
Whatdi
dwet
alkabout
?”
“Idon’
tcar
ewhatwet al
kedabout
.Iwil
lcal
lherwhat
Iwant!Whatareyougoi
ngt odot
ome?Tellthat
whoretoneverpi
ckmycalls.Ont
lwael
amogo
maswe.Justbecauseshei
syourdust
binatt
he
momentdoesn’tmeanshit
.Shei
sprobabl
ynot
goi
ngtobethelastone.
”
“
Cany
oust
op-
“
“
Goandki
l
lyour
sel
fChess.Nxl
a!”
“
Cal
m downl
etmegety
ouhel
p.”
Shehungupandt ookadeepbreat
hstandingbyher
car.Sheopenedt
hebonnetandstar
edattheengine
forawhil
e.Shewasn’tev
ensurewhattotouchor
whattodo.
Acardr ov
ebyinhighspeed,Lel
esighedwondering
i
ft herewasawayt omov eittot
heside.Thecar
stoppedatadistancethenrever
sed.Thedriver
steppedoutandwal kedovertoLel
e,hesmiled
appr oachi
ngher.
“Il
ikehowy
ouarel
ooki
ngatev
ery
thi
ngasi
fyou
knowwhat’
sgoi
ngon.
”
Lel
echuckl
edner
vously,al
otofthought
srunni
ng
thr
oughhermi
nd.“BecauseIdo.
”
Hesmi
l
edget
ti
ngcl
osert
oher
,hi
sfr
agr
ancef
il
li
ng
hernose.Hesmel
tsogoodandmanl
ytoo.
“
Rel
ax.Iwon’
thur
t.
”
Lelesmil
edembar r
assed, i
twasifhecoul dact
uall
y
readhert
houghts.Shemov edbackgivinghi
m space
totakealook.Shestoodbyf orminutesashe
touchedacoupleofthings.Hewentbackt ohiscar
andcamebackwi thabot tl
eofwat erandfil
l
edher
carthenl
ookedather .
“
Geti
nandst
arti
t.
”
Lel
egotbackinhercart
henstar
tedt
heengi
ne.The
carst
art
edthenshesmil
edsteppi
ngoutoft
hecar.
“
Thanky
ou,
wasi
tthewat
er?
”
“No.Youdri
veabi
gcary
ety
ounev
ert
akei
tfor
serv
ici
ng.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”
“
Mynamei
sBant
si.What
’sy
ourname?
”
“
Lel
ent
le.
”
Bant
sismi
l
ed.“
Youar
ebeaut
if
ul”
Lel
ebl
ushed,
itwasj
ustt
hewayhel
ookedatheror
spoketohert hatgotherallshy.Hegotcl osertoher
,
everyt
hingabouthim screamedaut horit
y.Andt he
tat
toosal l
overhishands…somet hingwasof fabout
him.Her emindedheroft hatcharacteronthat
seri
es50centpr oducedordi rect
ed…whatwasi t
again?.
..aha,Power.Bantsifl
ashedasmi l
e.
“
Thanks.
”
“
Ifeell
ikeIknowy
oufrom somewher
e.DoIknow
y
ouf r
om somewhere?
”
“
Idon’
tknow.
”
“
Lookatme.
”
Lel
erai
sedherheadandl
ookedathi
m.Hesmi
l
ed.
“
Iremember
,ar
en’
tyout
hedi
rect
orofFear
less
Magik?
”
“
Iam.
”
Hel
ookedathersi
l
ent
ly.
“
Ilostwei
ght
.Ihadcancer
.Br
eastcancer
.”
“
Doy
oust
il
lhav
eit
?”
“
No.
”
Hesmi l
edagai
n.“Congr
atul
ati
ons.Mysist
erl
oves
you.Howaboutyougivemey ournumber?
”
Shelookedathim notabouttoref
use,notaf
terhow
hehadhel pedher.Hehandedherhisphonethen
tappeditandsavedit.Heopenedthecardoorfor
her.
“
Geti
n.”
Lel
egoti
nhercar
.“Thanky
ou,
Bant
si…”
“
Keepsaf
e.”
Hegotbacki nhiscarandt ookof f
.Lel
elaughed
putt
ingherhandsov erherface,herarmpitswere
evensweat i
ng.Every
thingabouthim screamed
dangerous,hewaspr obabl
yt hetypethatkil
l
edwith
nohesitat
ion.Especi
all
ywitht hosetat
toosallov
er
hi
sar ms.
Herphonestar
tedr
ingi
ng.Lel
ereachedf
ori
tand
answered.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?Fr
om t
her
e?”
Bant
sispokewi
thhi
sdeepr
aspyv
oice.“
Iam goi
ng
home.I
nGabor
one.
”
“
Homet
owho?
”
“
Myson.
”
“
Yoursonandwho?
”
“
Mysononl
y.
”
“
Iwoul
dli
kemysi
stert
omeety
ou.Sher
eal
l
ylov
es
y
ou.
”
“
Uh-
“
“Scrat
chthat,Iam l
yi
ng.Iwantt
otakeyououtf
or
dinner
,saytonight
?Wouldyouhavearr
ived?
”
“
Eer
ra.
”
“
Canwegooutf
ordi
nner
?”
“
Uh…”
“
Around8?
”
“
Myson-
“
“
Youcanbr
inghi
m.I
t’
sok.Iwi
l
lbr
ingmi
net
oo.
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Idon’
tknowy
ou.
”
Bant
sil
aughed.“
Ist
haty
ourexcuse?
”
“
No.But
-“
“
Youwantmet
obeg?Ok,
please…”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Youar
efunny
.”
Hechuckl
ed.“
Letmetakeyououtfordi
nnerLele.
Pl
ease…youcanbri
ngyourson.Iwi
llbr
ingmine.”
Lel
elaughed.“
May
bey
ouar
easer
ial
kil
l
er.Ora
cri
minal
.”
Hel
aughedt
oo.“
Becauseofmyt
att
oos?
”
“
No…j
ust
.”
“
Iam notaser
ial
kil
l
er.Tr
ustme.Iwi
l
lbewai
ti
ngf
or
y
ourcall
.”
Hedroppedthecal
l
.Lel
esmi
l
edt
hendr
oveof
f.Her
phonerang,
.
“
Chess…”
“
Imanagedt
o-“
“
It
’sok.Someonehel
pedme.
”
“
Youar
egood?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Okshar
p.”
Shehungupi
ncr
easi
ngt
hev
olumeofhermusi
c.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#106

Laronasatwi
tht
hef
ami
l
yint
hesi
tt
ingr
oom i
n
Rakops.
“
So,
Lar
ona,
whowi
l
ltakeLef
a’ski
ds?
”
MmagweLefasmil
ed.“Lal
aal
readyt
ookt
hem.She
wi
l
ltakecar
eofhersi
ster’
ski
ds.
”
Lar
onaf
akedasmi
l
e.“
Iwi
l
ltaket
hem.
”
Rr
agweLef
anoddedproudly
.“Wewi
l
lassi
sty
ou
wheny
ouneedassi
stance.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
Themeet i
ngwentonforawhilethenpeopl
efi
nall
y
di
spersed.Lar
onawalkedtoLefa’
sRangeRoverand
goti
nwhi l
ehermotherli
mpedov er.
“
Lal
a,wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”
“Iam goingmama.Theki dsarewi t
hthenannyand
theyarealone.Therei
snor easonformet okeep
sayinghere.DidyouspeaktoBr i
ght?Heneedsto
continuetaki
ngcareofhiskids.Makeplansfor
them eventhoughheisinjail
.”
“
Wearenotgoi
ngtoassoci
atewi
tht
hatman.He
mur
der
edourdaught
er.
”
“Bri
ghtdi
dev er
ythi
ngf orLef
abutasusualshe
chosetostar
tcheating.Heneedstocont
inuetaki
ng
careofhi
skid.Amanl ikehi
m pr
obabl
yhaspay ment
plansi
nplace.Iam goingtopassbyseei
nghim.”
“
Lar
ona-
“
“AndIwi l
lbemov inginatLefa’shouse.Therei
s
mor espacethere.Idon’
twantt otakethekidst
omy
place,It
hinktheyshouldjustremainatthe
environmenttheyareusedt o.
”
“
That
’sok.Ij
ustdon’
twantt
hatman-
“
“Mama,t
hatmanisMutsaandthebaby’
sfat
her.
Ther
eisnot
hingwecandoaboutthat
.Wewillt
alk.
”
Shestar
tedt
hecaranddr
oveof
frol
l
ingdownt
he
windows.

*
**

Kaonecal
l
edChesshol
dinghergl
assofwi
ne.
“
Hey
…”
“
Hi,
cany
oupassby
?”
“Iam abi
tbusyr
ightnow.Iam t
aki
ngmygi
rl
fr
iend
out.
”
Kaonesmi
l
ed.“
Whatgi
rl
fr
iend?
”
“
Mygi
rl
fr
iend.Iwi
l
lcal
lyoubackl
ater
.”
“
MmekanaIwantt
oseey
ou.
”
“
Iam busyr
ightnow.Wewi
l
ltal
k.Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shehungupandl ookedatherphone.Foramoment
shewentbackt ol
astnightwonderi
ngi fshehad
donesomet hingwrong.Shecouldn’tremember
anything.Shet ookadeepbr eat
hthenwenti n
Googl ereadingsomesext ips.Maybei thadbeen
thefactt hatshecouldn’
thandlehi
m kneel i
ngthat
hadt urnedhim off,
hehadl ookedturnedoff.She
call
edhi m again.
“
Kaone…”
“
Arey
out
urnedof
fbyme?
”
“
What
?”
“
Arey
ou?
”
“
Whywoul
dI?
”
“
Itf
eel
sli
key
ouar
eav
oidi
ngme.
”
“
YouknowIhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend.It
oldy
ou.
”
“
Youhav
etwogi
rl
fr
iends.Whataboutme?
”
“
Iwi
l
lcal
lyou.
”
Hehungupbef
oreshecouldsayanyt
hingel
se.
Somethi
ngi
nhertol
dhertoplayi
tcool
.Nottol
oo
t
oodesperat
e.Sheputherphonedown,
shewoul
d
j
ustwai
tforhiscal
l
.

*
**

ChessopenedthedoorforBonol
o,shesmiledand
goti
n.Hegotinthenlookedather
.Bonol
osmi l
ed
wonderi
ngwhathewasl ooki
ngat.Sheeventuall
y
l
aughed.
“
What
?”
Heshookhi
sheadsmi
l
ing.“
Not
hing.
”
Bonol
otuckedinhercur
lyweavebehi
ndhereart
hen
putonherseat
beltasChessdr
oveout.
“Iam sorryf
oransweringyourphone.Itwasnotmy
placeto.Iover
steppedtheli
ne.Iam sorr
y.”
“
It
’sok.
”
“
Feelfr
eetot el
lmeifeveryoufeely
ouwanttof i
x
t
hingswit
hy ourexorifyoufeely
ouwanttoraise
y
ourkidstogether
.If
eelIam…“Shegi ggl
ed.“Iam
al
readyhavingwayt oomuchexpect at
ionsf
rom t
his.
Don’tbescaredtotell
mewheny oudon’twantme
anymore.Youdon’thavetocheatonme.Youcan
j
usttell
mewheny oudon’tf
eelthesame.Iwi l
lmove
onChess.Iwon’ tf
orceyoui
ntost ay
ingwhereyou
don’
twantt ostay.
”
Chessstoppedthecaratt
heredt
raf
ficl
ightt
hen
l
eanedov erandki
ssedher
.Bonol
oblushed
recei
vi
ngt heki
ss.
“
Thi
siswhatIwant
.”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ok.
”
Chess’
sphoner
angyetagai
n,hereachedf
ori
tand
pi
ckeddri
vi
ngtoBonol
o’smother
’shouse.
“
Yah?
”
“
Arey
oust
il
lcomi
ngt
owat
cht
hegame?
”
“
No,
Iam notcomi
ng.Iam busy
.”
Khumolaughedwi
thoneoft
hei
rfr
iends.“
Hei
swi
th
Bonol
o.”
“
Lany
ela.
”
“
Isshet
her
ewi
thy
ou?
”
“
Yeah.
”
“
Youwi
l
lwat
cht
hehi
ghl
i
ght
s.Shar
p.”
Hehungupandcontinueddr
ivi
ng,hi
shandon
Bonol
o’st
high.Awhil
elat
erhedrovei
nthr
oughthe
gat
ethenparkedhi
scarunderthebi
gMorulat
ree.
“
Iwi
l
lcol
l
ecther
.Iam comi
ng.
”
“
Yourmot
heri
sinsi
de?
”
“
Yes.
”
“Soyouwantmet
oleav
ewi
thoutgr
eet
ingher
?Let
’s
go.”
Theybothst eppedoutoft
hecarandwal kedinside
thehouse.MmagweBonol owal kedf
rom thekitchen
holdingaglassofjui
ceinabodyhuggingdress.She
smi l
edstar
ingatherdaughterandChess.
“
Nol
o…”
“
Mama,
uht
hisi
sChess.Chess,
thi
sismymot
her
.”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Nicet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ou.
”
MmagweBonol
osmi
l
ed.
“
Yout
oomyson.Fi
nal
l
y,comei
n.”
Bonol
olookedar
ound.“
Wher
eisMash?
”
“
Wat
chi
ngTV.
”
Theywentt
otheki
tchen.MmagweBonol
olookedat
Chesssmil
i
ngwhil
eMashhuggedhermother.
“
Iwantt
oshowt
hismama,
come.
”
Bonol
olookedatChess.“
Iam comi
ng.
”
Shegotupandwentt
othebedr
oom wi
thher
daught
er.
“
Youhav
eabeaut
if
ulhouse.
”
Sshesmi l
ed.“Ohthanky oumyboy .
”Shesatdown.
Shelookedmor eli
keBonol o’ssisternothermot her
.
Matteroffact
,ashel ookedatt hismat ur
ewoman,
hewasf i
ndingithardtobelieveshewasact uall
ythe
mother.Bonol
owasbeaut i
ful buthermot hertook
thet
rophy.
“Ihavehear
dalotofgr
eatthi
ngsabouty
ou.Youar
e
allMashtal
ksabout
.Wouldyouli
keanyt
hingt
o
dr
ink?
”
Bonolowal
kedfrom t
hebedroom.“Mama,she
wantsabal
loon.UhChess,j
ustasecond.I
sthat
ok?”
“
Yeahsur
e.”
Bonol
otookherdaught
er’
shandandwal
kedout
wit
hher.MmagweChessst oodup.
“
Woul
dyoul
i
keany
thi
ngt
odr
inkmyboy
?”
‘
Uhwat
eri
sfi
ne.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shegotupandwentt otheki
tchen,shecameback
secondsl
aterandhandedhim aglassofwat
er.
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“Youar
ewelcome.SoBonol
otel
l
smey
ouar
efr
om
upNort
h.”
“
Eemma.Sehi
thwa.
”
“
OhhIsee.Sof
ar…”
“
Iam sor
rybutar
eyouBonol
o’sr
eal
mot
her
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Youl
ookwayy
ounger
.”
Shesmil
ed.“
Wai
i
,Iam ol
dwoman.Justagi
ng
ni
cel
y.
”
“
Arey
ousur
e?Youl
ookl
i
key
ouar
ethesi
ster
.”
“
Peopl
eal
way
ssayt
hat
.”
“Theyarenotlyi
ng.Iwoul
dneverguessy ouhavea
daughterasoldasBonoloi
fIsawy ouinthestr
eet.
Peopleyouragedon’tl
ookasbeautif
ul.
”Hesmi l
ed
andshookhishead.
MmagweBonol
osmi
l
edcr
ossi
ngherl
egs.“
Wel
lI
am ol
d.”
Chesslookedinhereyes,ashelookedathereven
more,t
hemor et hi
swomanbei ngBonolo’smother
l
ookedunr eal
.Sheswall
owedchangi ngthewayshe
wasseatedashescr ut
ini
zedher.Shelookedinhis
eyesandswal l
owedgetti
nguncomf ort
able.
“Tell
met hetr
uth,ar
eyouhermother
?Yougave
bir
thtoher?Thereisnowayyouarehermot
her
.
Unlessyou-
“
“Igav
ebirt
htoheratay
oungage.That
’sal
l
.Iam
coming.
”
Shegotupandwal kedtot hekitchen.Chessgotup
andf oll
owedaf terherwithhisempt yglass.He
l
ookedatherasshehov eredbyt hesink, shewas
thickandcur vaceous.Thet i
ghtdr essshapedher
bodyper fect
ly,shedidn’tl
ookl i
keany one’smother
.
Hewal kedov erandst oodbehi ndherput tingt
hecup
i
nt hesinkashi sphonev i
brat
edi nhi spocket.She
sli
ghtlymov edback, herbuttrubbingagai nsthi
s
dick.

*
**

Bonolowalki
ngwit
hherdaught
erbl
owi
ngairi
ntoa
ball
oon.Shefi
nal
l
yhandeditt
oMashthenwal
kedto
thehouse.
“
Mama,
arewegoi
nghome?
”
“
Yes.
”
Bonol
oopenedt
hedoorandwal
kedi
nsi
det
he
househeadedtothesit
ti
ngroom.Shefrownedthen
tur
nedjustashermotherwalkedi
nthesit
ti
ngroom.
“
Oh…wher
ewer
eyou?
”
“Out
side.
”Shepul
l
eddownherdr
essf
ixi
ngi
t.“
Iam
coming.”
Shewalkedawaygoi
ngt
oherr
oom.Bonol
olooked
asChesswalkedi
n.
“
Hey
…shoul
dwego?
”
“
Yeah.
”
MmagweBonolowal kedoutminut
eslat
erinanot
her
dr
ess.Chesssmil
edst ar
ingi
nhereyesasshegot
ev
enmor ecomfort
able.
“
Itwasni
cemeet
ingy
ou.
”
“
Okson.
”
“
Mama,
wear
egoi
ng.
”
“
Ok.By
e…”
Theywalkedout
.MmagweBonol
osl
owl
ysatdown
pressi
ngherl
egstoget
her
.
*
**

Laterthatday,Lel
elookedatt
heti
me.Itwasj
usta
fewmi nutesbefor
e8.Herphonestar
tedri
ngi
ng.Her
heartskippedasshelookedathi
snumber.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Arewegoi
ng?
”
“
Bant
si,
I-“
“Lel
e…r
elax.Yougottocal
m down.I
t’
sjusteat
ing.
Sendmey ourl
ocat
ion.Keetl
a.”
Hehungup, shesenthi mt hel ocationonl ytoregr
et
mi nutesl
ater.Shedidn’tev enknowt hi
sman.She
closedherey es,herheartpoundi ngsomuch.
Mi nuteswentbyt henhef inall
yoppr essedt he
i
nt ercom.Lelewalkedout sidel ockinghersoni n
thenopenedt hegate.Hedr ov
ei nandst eppedout
smi li
ng.Hewal kedov erwithay oungboyt hen
wal kedoverwi t
hhim.
“
Hey
…thi
sisKennedy
.Myson.Ken,
thi
sisaunt
y
Lel
e.Sayhi
..
”
Kensmi
l
ed.“
Hi…”
Lel
echuckl
ed.“
Ohhey
…howar
eyou?
”
“
Fine.
”
“
That’
sgood.Uh,youcancome.”Shetookhi
shand
t
henunlockedthehouseandwalkedi
nwithher
.She
wentwit
hhi t
oAtti
e.
“Ken,
thi
sisAt
ti
e.At
ti
e..Igoty
ouaf
ri
end.Youguy
s
canplay
.”
Lel
ewalkedoutandlookedatBantsi
.Hewatched
herasshewalkedov
ert i
l
lshestoodbef
orehim.
“Uh,mysoni
sthree.Hi
snameisAt
ang.Theyar
e
play
ingt
oget
her.Whatdoyouf
orali
vi
ng?”
Banst
ismi
ledasshespokecal
mly
.Hepi
ckedherup
andpl
acedheronhi
sbonnetst
ari
ngi
nhereyes.
“
Aft
erIt
ell
you,
what
’sgoi
ngt
ohappen?
”
Sheremai
nedsilentstar
ingathim.Hetil
tedherchi
n
andgotcl
oser,
Lele’sheartbegunpoundi
ngsomuch
ashegotevenwaycl oserbetweenherl
egs.His
warm breat
hhitherli
ps,herpussyreactedtoever
y
mov ehewasmaki ng.Shetriedt
ogether sel
fto
snapoutofit…shedidn’tevennowt hi
smanbuthi s
presenceonl
yalreadyhadherbothered.
“
Afl
y.Iam api
l
ot.
”
“
Youwor
katBot
swanaai
rl
ine?
”
“Youbeaut
if
ulbutyouaskwayt
oomanyquest
ions.
Arewegoingfordi
nner?
”
Chess’
scardrov
ein.Hest
eppedoutandwal
ked
over
.HelookedatBant
sit
henLel
e.
“
Who’
sthi
sLel
ent
le?
.
.
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#107

Bantsi
lookedatChesst
hent
urnedt
oLel
e.Lel
egot
offt
hebonnet.
"
Hei
smyf
ri
end.Hehel
pedmeear
li
eron.
"
Chessturnedt
oBantsiput
ti
ngt
oget
herthedots.Of
causeshewasn'tgoi
ngtoadmi
ttoi
t.Sheneverdi
d.
Hesmiled.
"
Bray
aka!
"
Theybumpedf i
stst
henChesssmiled."Shehad
cal
ledmeearli
eronsayi
ngshehadhadabr eakdon
soIwasjustchecki
ngonher.Iam herexhusband.
Chess.
"
"
Bat
si.
."
Chesssmil
ed."
Ok,uhLel
ecanIpleaseseeAtang
befor
eIgo?Iwil
lcol
l
ecthimtomorrowaft
erschool
thebri
nghi
m af
teronFri
day.
"
"
Iwashopi
nghespendst
heweekwi
thme.Imi
ss
hi
m."
"
That
'sst
il
lfi
ne.Letmej
ustseehi
mthen.
"
"
Ok.
"
"
CanIgoi
n?"
Lelenoddedmorethanjustsur
prisedbyhis
response.Hewal
kedinthenherey esfel
lonBonol
o
whowasseat edatthef
rontseat.Sheswall
owed
thenforcedasmil
estar
ingatBanst i
.
"
Hei
smyexhusband.
"
"
Whendi
dyout
wogetdi
vor
ced?
"
"
Mont
hsback.
"
"
Andi
t'
sov
er?
"
Shenodded."
Yes.
"
Chesswalkedoutminut
esl
aterandchuckl
ed."
Is
thaty
oursoninsi
de?
"
"
Yah.
."
“
Thatboyi
stoosmar
tforhi
sage.
"
Banst
ilaughed."
Hei
sjustt
alkat
ive.
"
Chessl
aughedt
oo."
Sur
e,Lel
e,wewi
l
lcommuni
cat
e.
Bye.
"
Shenodded.Hewal kedt
ohiscarandgoti nt
hen
rev
ersed.ShewatchedasBonololaughedat
something.Shebl
inkedt
hensmiled.Bantsi
observ
edher .
"
Doy
oust
il
ll
ovehi
m?"
Lel
eshookhi
shead."
No.
"
Hesmiledt
ouchi
ngherchi
n."
Arey
ousur
e?You
don'
thavet
oli
eyouknow."
Lel
eforcedachuckl
e."
WhywouldIl
i
e?I
t'
sbeen
overf
orawhil
enow.Iam ov
erit
."
"Ok,Iwoul
dn'twanttofi
ndmy sel
finamessy
sit
uati
on.Idon'
ttakenonsenseverywel
l
."
"
Chessi
smyson'
sfat
her
."
Bant
sil
ookedinherey
est
hensmi
l
ed."
Arewegoi
ng
outf
ordi
nner?
"
Lel
enodded."
Yes,
letmepr
epar
e."
Shewal
kedi
nsi
det
hehousepassi
nghi
ssonpl
ayi
ng
wit
hAtang.Shewalkedinsi
deherbedr
oom,tear
s
i
tchi
nghereyes.Shetookherphoneandcal
l
edhim.
"
MmagweAt
ang.
..
"
"
Bant
sii
s-"
"Hey,i
t'
sok.Iam happyf oryou.Aslongasi tdoesn'
t
aff
ectmyson, Iwon'thaveasi ngl
eproblem withit
.I
am actual
l
yhappyf oryou.Iam notgoingt ogive
Bantsianatt
it
udeorcomewi thbitt
erness.Idon't
havetobebitterbecauseyouhav emov edon.Ihope
i
tshowsy ousomet hing.
"
Tear
srol
l
eddownhercheeks."
Ilov
eyou.
"
"
Lel
e..
."
"Iwanty
ou.Il
oveyou.Iwi
shIcantur
nbackt
he
handsofti
me.Ij
ustwantmyfamil
yback.
"
"
CanIcal
lyouback?Iam dr
ivi
ng.
"
"Pl
easecomebackt ome.IknowImessedupbut .
.I
wanttofixmymi st
akes.Pl
easegivemeasecond
chance.Iam beggingyou.Pleasecomeback...can
wetryonel astt
ime...
?Iwil
lfixmysel
f.IswearIwil
l
fi
xmy self
.Iwill
change.Wewon' tgetananny.Iwil
l
dowhatIasupposedt
odo.Chesspl
ease.
..Il
ove
you.
"
"
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouback.
"
Shebrokedowncryi
ng.I
tfel
tli
kesomeonewas
grat
ingherhear
t.
"
MmagweAt
ti
e..
."
"
Pleasecomeback.
"

*
**

I
nthecar,Bonol
olookedatChessashespokesof
tl
y
onthephone.
"
Iwi
l
lcal
lyoubackj
ustnow.
"
Hehungupst eppi
ngontheaccel
erat
or.Hespedto
herhouseandparkedatt
hegate.Bonol
olookedat
hi
m.
"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?Ar
eyougoi
ngt
oher
?"
"
Huh?
"
"Ar
ey ougoingtoLele?Ify
ougot oher,don'
tcome
backhere.Thechoiceisyours.Iam notgoingtobe
madeaf ool.Ofyougot oherhouse,staythereand
nevercomebackher e."
"YouhavetounderstandthatLel
eismyson' s
mother.Shei
sf or
evergoingtobethere.Youdon't
havetofeeli
nsecure.Ij
ustcareaboutherbecause
sheisAtti
e'
smot her.That
'sal
l.Cal
m down."
"
Idon'
twanty
out ohurtmeandIdon'
twantt
omake
y
outhi
nkIam tooinsecur
e."
"
Iam notgoi
ngt ohurtyoubutatt
hesametimeI
wantLel
entl
eandIt ohaveagoodrel
ati
onshi
pso
wecancopar entpeacef
ull
y.
"
Bonol
olookedathi
m andsi
ghed."
It
'sok.Youcan
gotoher.
"
Chessti
l
tedherchi
nthenl
eanedoverandkissedher
.
"
Youdon'thav
etoworryaboutany
thi
ng.Ibought
thi
s."
Hereachedaphar
macypl
ast
icf
rom t
hebackand
handeditt
oher
.
"
Emer
gencypi
l
ls.
"
Shel
ookedathi
m."
Oh.
."
"
Idon'
twanttobri
ngababyi
ntot
his.I
t'
stooearl
y.I
t
hinkweshoul
djustwor
konourf
oundationf
ir
st.
"
Shesi
ghed."
Ok.
"
"
Hey
..
.Lookatme.
."
Bonol
olookedathi
m."
Rra?
"
"Iam notgoi
ngtogotoher.Youcantr
ustmeint
hat
.
GapeLelehasmov edon.Yousawthat
.Youhave
nothi
ngt oworr
yabout
."
Shesi
ghed."
Ok.I
t'
sok.
"
"Great
."Hekissedheronelastti
met henshe
steppedoutofthecar.ChessgotMashwhowas
sleepi
ngatthebackandwal kedinsi
det hehouse
withher.Heplacedherinherroom thenChess
l
ookedatBonol oasshet ookoffhershoes.
"
Iam goi
ng.
"
"
Ok.
"
Chesswat
chedasshewal
kedi
ntoherbedr
oom
t
akingof fherclot
hes.Hefol
lowedaft
erher
.She
walkedinsideherbathr
oom thenwal
kedout
minuteslaterandchangedinherpyj
amas.
"Youcango.Iam sur
eshei
swai
ti
ng.Cl
oset
hedoor
onyourwayout.
"
Shegoti
nbedt
hencl
osedherey
es.
Chesswalkedoutandgotinhi
scarashisphone
st
artedr
inging.Hel
ookedatKaonecal
l
ing.
"
Hey
..
"
"
Hi.Ar
eyoucomi
ngov
er.Iwantt
osl
eep.
"
"
Youcansl
eep.Wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
row.
"
"
Iwashopi
ngIwoul
dseey
ou.
"
"
Iam t
ir
ed.Ij
ustwantt
osl
eep.
"
Shel
aughed."
Stopl
yi
ngandj
ussayno.
"
Chesssmi
l
ed."
Youhav
est
art
edaker
e?"
"IknowwhenIam beingghosted.I
t'
sfine.Just
comeoutandsayi t
.Iam alr
eadyti
redofchasing
aftery
oul
ikealostpuppy,behonest.
"
"
Iam nott
hemanf
ory
ou.
"
"
Ok.Cool
."
"
Wegood?
"
"Yes.Whynot?Youshouldhavetol
dmethi
saft
er
oursexsothatIsavedmyselft
hehumi
li
ati
onof
call
ingy
oumul t
ipl
etimes.
"
Hesmi
l
ed."
Sor
ryaut
wa.
"
"
It
'sf
ine.Iwoul
dhavelov
edt
ohav
eyouonel
ast
t
imebutit'
sok.By
e."
"
Shar
p."
Shehungupt henhelookedathi sphonewondering
j
ustwhyhewasdoi ngthist
oBonol o.Shedi
dn't
deservei
t.Hesatinhiscarforawhi l
ethenfi
nal
ly
steppedoutandlockeditgett
ingbackinthehouse.

*
**

Bant
sispokeonhi
sphoneseat
edi
nhi
scar
.
"
So?Youwanther
?"
"Somethingisof
f.Idon'
twantt
ogot ojai
landshe
seemslikethetypetosendmerightbacki
nthe
cell
."
Thebr
otherl
aughed."
Thenl
eav
eheral
one.
"
"Nah.
..therei
ssomethingabouther
.Iwantt
owalk
awaybutIam alreadyheresoImightaswel
lsee
whereittakesme."
"
Becaref
ul.Thel
asty
ouneedi
stof
indy
our
sel
fin
mud.
"
"
Yah.
..wewi
l
ltal
k."
Lel
ewal kedouti
nherdressthenwentoutsi
de,he
rai
sedhisheadandlookedather.Ther
eddress
l
ookedgoodonher .Hesteppedoutofthecarand
smiled.
"
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
"
Lel
esmi
l
ed."
Thank.I
tdoesn'
treal
l
yfi
t.
"
"I
nacoupl
eofmont
hsy
ouwi
l
lbebackt
oyourol
d
sel
f.
"
"
Iam notf
eel
i
ngt
oowel
l
.Myheadhasst
art
ed.
"
"
What
'swr
ong?
"
"I
t'
saching.Ineedtot
akemypi
l
lsbutt
heyknockme
out.Iam sosorry
."
"
Doy
ouneedmet
ost
aywi
thy
ou?
"
Shelookedathi
m.Bantsit
ouchedherf
orehead."
I
wil
lstaywit
hyou.Let
'sor
derin.Come.
."
Hetookherhandandledheri
nsi
deherhouse.Att
ie
l
ookedatthestr
angerandl
ookedathi
smot her
.
"
Mama.
..
"
Bant
sismi
l
ed."
Buddy
..
."
Hepickedhim upandt hr
ewhi mintheai
r.Atti
e
bur
stoutlaughing.Eachthr
owmadehi ml aughev
en
har
der.Lel
esmi ledasBantsipl
acedhim down.
"
Thi
sboycanl
augh.
"
Shesmi
l
ed."
Yeah.
."
"
Letmecookf
orus.
"
"
Ok,
uhIwi
l
lshowy
ou-
"
"
Sitdown.Letmedot
hecooki
ng.Justr
elax.Igot
t
his.
"
Lel
esmi l
edsitt
ing.Hewal kedt othekit
chenasshe
l
ookedathissonpl aywithher s.Theyweregett
ing
al
ongsowel lasoft heykneweachot her
.Minut
es
l
aterBantsi
walkedoutf rom thekitchenandsmiled.
"Iwast
ryi
ngtoi
mpressy
ou,y
oudon'
thav
ewhatI
cancook.Canwej
ustor
deri
n?"
Shel
aughed."
Yes.Mi
nut
es5poi
nts.
"
Hesmi
l
edandsatbesi
deher
."5i
sal
ot.Atl
east1.
"
Lel
esmil
ed."
Whydoy ouhav
esuchal
otoft
att
oos?
Dotheymeansomet
hingtoyou?
"
"
No.Ij
ustl
i
kedt
hem.
"
"
Theyar
ejustony
ourar
ms?
"
"
No.Onmybackt
oo.
"
"
CanIsee?
"
Hetookoffhi
st-shir
t.Lel
elookedatt
hetat
toos.
.he
hadoneonhisrightbreastt
henhetur
nedshowing
herhi
sinkedback.
"
Wow.
..
"
Bant
sit
urnedt
oher
."Il
ovedt
hem soIgott
hem.
"
Shet
ouchedt
heoneonhi
sbr
eastt
henl
ookedat
hi
m.
"
Theyar
ebeaut
if
ul.
"
Hesmiled."
Thanks.Wer
eyoucr
ying?Yourey
esar
e
puf
fy.
"
"Il
ied.Ist illl
ov ehi
m andIcr ytoletitoutandaccept
whatIcan' tchange."Shel ookeddown." Ididn'twant
ust odi vorcebutIwasn' tthegreat estwife.Imessed
up...Al ot.Ihur thi
m. .Ithoughtwewoul df i
xt hings
butoncehemov eson, hedoesn' tlookback.My
hear tisbr eaking.Ij
ustwant edthingstogobackt o
howt heywer eoncebuti t
'snothappeni ngandi t'
s
breakingmei ntopieces. "
Helookedather."I
fyour
eal
l
ywanthi
m,y
oushoul
d
pul
loutall
stops."
Lel
etearf
ull
ylookedatherf
inger
s."
Hedoesn'
tl
ove
meany more.Notli
keheusedto.
"
Theyl
aidback,
Bant
sipul
l
edheri
nhi
sar
ms."
CanI
behonestt
oo?
"
Shel
ookedathi
m."
Yeah.
..
"
"
Iwasi
njai
l
."
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#108

Lel
elookedathi
mforamoment
.
"
For
?"
"
Istol
emoney .Lot
sofit
.AndIwasflyi
ngwit
hil
legal
f
ir
earms.Notmi nebutIwasbenef
it
ingfr
om i
t.
Whenitwentdown,Iwentdowntoo.
"
Shel
ookedathi
m."
Howl
ongwer
eyoui
njai
l
?"
"
5year
s."
"
Youj
ustgotout
?"
"
Mont
hsback.Shoul
dIl
eav
e?"
Lel
erel
axed."
Wearenotper
fect
.Atl
easty
ouar
e
out
.Whereishismot
her
?"
"
Mar
ri
ed.Tomybestf
ri
end.
"
"
Sor
ry.
"
"
Iam ov
eri
t.
"
"
Youar
e?"
"
No.Ihat
ethem whi
l
eNkar
ebakaswa.
"
Theylaughed."
Ial
sodon'
tl
ikeBonol
o.Chess
gi
rl
fri
end."
"Don'
tfeel
guil
tyforit
.Justbebi
tt
erbutdon'
tl
eti
t
steal
yourhappiness.
"
Lel
esi
ghed."
Itwi
l
ltaket
ime.
"
Theyconti
nuedchat
ti
ngsof
tl
ywhil
elaughi
ngast
he
ki
dsplayed.Li
ght
swentout
,Lel
efr
owned.
"
Ithi
nkel
ect
ri
cit
yisgone.Guy
s,st
aywher
eyouar
e."
"
Doy
ouhav
ecandl
es?
"
"
Yes.
"
Het
ookouthi
sphoneandhandedi
ttoher
.She
switchedonthet or
chandwal kedtothekitchen
wher eshel
ightedthecandl
eswhi leAtt
ielaughedso
hardwi t
hBantsi'
sson.Bantsijoi
nedherint he
kit
chenandhel pedherli
ghtmor ecandl
es.They
carr
iedthecandlesbacktot hesit
ti
ngroom l i
ght
ing
theroom up.
"
Whatshoul
dIor
der
?"
"
Pizzai
sfi
ne.
"
Bant sior
deredthei
rfoodthent heysattogetheron
thecouch.Hel ookedatherinviti
nglipsthenleaned
ov erandkissedher.Shecaressedhischestashe
kissedhermor e.Hebi thi
slowerl i
psmi l
ingmov i
ng
back.
"
"Ihav
eHI
V."
"
Ok.I
t'
sok.
"
Shesmi
l
ed."
Ok.
"

*
**
Charl
izesatsi
lentl
yinthehouse, darkness
surr
oundingher.Shecoul dfeel
thewal l
sclosingin
onherasheshesatt here.Tear
sf i
ll
edherey es,she
outherhandov erherstomachcr yi
ng.Shef el
tli
kea
fai
l
ure.Shewat chedherdi e.
Shecouldsti
ll
hearLefascreamingforhel
p.Her
heartbr
okeint
omi l
l
ionpieces.
..Thosecri
esbef
ore
i
tjustgotsi
l
ent.
Shereachedforherphoneandplayedthev
ideos
theyhadtakentoget
her,t
hepi
ctures.
Herdooropened.Shesmil
edpressedherl
i
ps
t
ogethert
henherdaughterwal
kedin.
"
Mommy
..
."
"
Yessweet
y..
.,
"
"
Iwantt
osl
eepwi
thy
ou.I
t'
sdar
k."
"
It
'sok.Cone.
"
Herphonestar
tedri
ngi
ng.Sher
eachedf
ori
tand
pi
ckedKhali
'
scall.
"
Hey
..
."
"
Hi.
"
"
Idi
dn'
tseey
ouatt
hef
uner
al.
"
"
Theydi
dn'
twantmet
her
e."
"
Iam sor
ry.
"
"I
t'
sok.Iam sor
ryt
oo.Shehadt
oldmey
ouhad
proposed.
"
"
Happi
nessi
snotmeantf
orme.Ishoul
daccepti
t.
"
"Iam sor
ry.Iam sor
ryyoulosther.MaybeifIwasn'
t
i
nt heoff
iceIwouldhavebeent heret
ohelpher.I
fail
edher.If
ail
edherkids.They.
..
"Shegotoutof
bedandwal kedtothebathroom."Iam sor
ry.
"
"
It
'snoty
ourf
aul
t.
"
"I
tis.Iconvi
ncedhert
ost
aywithBr
ighti
nthef
ir
st
pl
ace..Ikil
l
edher.I
t'
smyfaul
t.
"
"
Char
li
ze.
."
"Shewantedt
oleave.Iconv
incedhert
ostay
."She
brokedowncryi
ng."
Nowshei sdead..
."
"Char
li
ze,
it'
snotyourf
aul
t.Lef
awoul
dn'
twantyou
blami
ngyoursel
f.I
t'
snoty
ouandLefai
sgoingt
oget
t
hej
ust
iceshedeser
ves.
"
"Iwanttot
ell
herIam sor
ry.Idon'
tdeser
vet
obe
ali
ve.I
-"
"Don'
ttal
klikethat
.Idon'tknowy out
hatpersonal
l
y
expectfr
om thefactthatLefasawherbestfri
endin
you.Don'
ttalkli
kethat.Iam sur
ewhereversheis,
shedoesn'tblameyou.Youknowshedoesn' t.
"
"
Idon'
tknow.
"
"
Look,
Ihav
esomet
hingf
ory
ou.Iam comi
ngt
her
e."
Hehungup.
*

Awhi l
elat
er,
Charli
zeopenedt
hedoorf
orhi
m
hol
dingacandle.Hewalkedi
n.
"
Elect
ri
cit
yisgoneev
ery
wher
ehuh?
"
"
Seems.
"
Heputaboxdown."
That
'sy
our
s."
Char
li
zeoutt
hecandl
edi
sbandopenedt
hebox.She
tookoutpi ctur
eframesifherandLef a.Herli
ps
trembl ed.Shehuggedt hepicturecryi
ng.Khalipul
led
heri nhisar msandhel dherti
ghtlyassheori tal
lout.
Cr yingforev er
ysingl
etimeshehadbeenhol ding
her self
.Shel eti
tout.Khakisnif
fedbli
nking.Her
criest r
iggeredhisownpai n.Atearrandown, he
wi peditoff.
Khal
ipul
l
edbackandcuppedherf
ace.
"
It
'snoty
ourf
aul
t.Youdon'
tki
l
lher
."
"
I.
..I
..
."
"
It
'snoty
ourf
aul
t.Don'
tbl
amey
our
sel
f.
"
Hewi pedawayhert earsasmor erol
leddown.He
huggedheragai n.Wi t
hbot hoft hem feeli
ngt he
sameemot ions,theirhuggotev enti
ght er
.Khal i
mov edhisheadsl i
ghtlytowhi spertoher ,hepaused
l
etti
ngherflower yscentf i
l
l hi
snose.Herhai rsmel t
almostthesamet oo.Shel ookedathi m silentl
y
cryi
ng.Theirl
ipsmet ,
therewasapausef ora
secondthent heystartedkissing.Theki ssgotev en
rougherastheyst oodi nhersitt
ingroom. .Hepi cked
herupandpl acedheront heki t
chencount er sthen
hetookof
fherr
obandopenedherl
egswi
derpul
l
ing
herl
acepant
ytothesi
de.
Charli
zegaspedf eelinghi m pushedinbur yi
nghis
enti
redi ckdeepi nher .Hest art
edt hr
ustingint
oher
withdeephar dfastthr usts.Theybreathedheavil
yas
Khaki dril
l
edherunapol ogeti
call
y.Charli
zemov ed
againsthim, thei
rlipsmetagai n,hetookherf r
om
thekitchencount erandhel dheragainstt hewall
and
poundedi nt
oherr elentlessly
Charl
izemoanedcurli
nghert
oesast hepl
easure
peaked.Eachthr
ustbri
ngi
nghercl
oserandcloser.
Hegruntedfucki
ngherevenhar
derthenhesti
ll
ed
deepinhergroani
ng.
"
Fuck!
"
Hefil
l
edherpussybreat
hingheavi
l
yt henhesl
owly
ski
doutandoutherdown, gui
l
tcatchingupwi
th
bot
h.
Shelookedathi
m,hi
scum dr
ippi
ngdownheri
nner
thi
ghs.
"
Thanky
ou.
..Fort
hepi
ctur
es.
"
Khakipackeddickbacki nhi
spant sandt urned.He
walkedoutthenturnedtohert osaysomet hingbut
nothi
ngcamet ohi smind.Het urnedandwentt ohi s
carwhil
eshecl osedthedoor.Hesatst i
l
lforaf ew
secondsbeforesteppingout.Khal iknockedonher
door.Charl
i
zeopened, hewal kedinki ssi
nghert hen
ki
ckedthedoorwi thhisfootpickingherup.

*
**

Laronasmi ledtr
yinginLefa'scl
othes.Theyfi
t
perfectl
y.Shetri
edmor eincludi
ngherheelsthen
shegoti nthekingsizebedt aki
ngherphone.She
defini
telyneededanewcar .Shesighedgoing
throughcar swonderingwhichonewoul dbemor e
nicertoget.TheS-classbenzal solookedgood.She
couldn'tevenwaittogetit
.
Thebabystartedcryi
ngfrom t
heot herroom.She
gotupwit
hhi smi l
kthatwasmi xedwi t
hwineand
wenttohi
sr oom.Shef edhimthenst oppedawhile
l
ater
.Heslowlyf el
lasl
eep.Shesighedandwal ked
out
.
Shegotherphoneagai
nsearchedarsenicaci
d.She
thr
oughtheenti
rer
esul
tsthensighedthought
ful
ly.
Shecoul
dhandleonechil
d,twowasal ot.
Shedidn'
tev enunder
standwhyhermothert
hought
shecouldjustfor
getwhatLef
ahaddonet oherand
j
ustloveherkidsli
kenothi
nghappened.
Shel
ookedatKhumocal
l
ingt
heni
gnor
edhi
scal
l
s
ti
l
lhest
opped.

*
**

Lelent
leslowl
ywokeuptoherphoner
ingi
ng.She
reachedforandanswer
ed.
"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Yest
erdaywasf
un.
"
Lel
esmi
l
edf
ull
ywaki
ngup."
Itwas.
"
"
Canwedoi
tagai
n?"
"Thatwoul
dbeni
cepl
usAt
ti
eal
readymi
ssedy
our
boy."
"
Toni
ght
?"
"
Ok.
"
"
Seey
oul
ater
,shoul
dIbr
ingany
thi
ng?
"
"
No.I
t'
sok.
"
"
Ok.
*
Hehungup.Lel eoutherphonedownblushingt
hen
sheputthepi l
l
owonherf acelaughi
ngather
crazi
ness.Shesighedthenremainedst
il
lonherbed.
Herphoner angagain.
"
Bant
si.
..
"
"
Iam att
hegat
e.Cone.
"
Shegotof
fbedandwentout
sideaftergr
abbi
ngher
wig..
Shej
umpedinhi
scarandlookedathim.
"
Hi.
."
Bantsipul
l
edf orahotki
ssthen,heknewhisway
withhi
smout h.Heputhishandinsi
dehernight
dressandtouchedhershavedpussyhegrunted
agai nstherl ipsfeel i
nghersoaki ngpussy.Her ubbed
hercl i
t ,Lelel etoutaf aintmoanopeni ngherl egs
ev enmor e.Hepushedi naf i
ngerinsi
de,Lele
frownedf l
inchi ng.Hegent l
ytappedherwi t
hhi s
fi
nger , l
ettingheradaptwhi lehewonder edifev er
shecoul dhandl ehisdi ck.Hepushedi nanother
fi
ngerandt appedherg- spot.Shemoanedev en
mor eunabl et oki sshim backany more.Hewent
ev enf aster, herbodyst iffenedasshecame.He
slippedoutt hef ingersandbabyki ssedheratl ast
thenst artedt heengi ne.
"
Bye.
"
Lel
elookedathim andsl
owlyst
eppedoutoft
hecar
.
Bant
sismiledanddroveoff
.

*
**

Bonol
owalkedinherki
tchenhol
dingthepil
ls.She
l
ookedatthem f
oramomentt henthrewthem int
he
si
nkandopenedthewater.Shewatchedthem go
downthedrai
njustasChesswalkedin.
Heki
ssedherneck."
Hey
..
"
Shesmi
l
ed."
Goandbat
h.Iwi
l
lmakey
oubr
eakf
ast
."
Heki
ssedher
."Thanks.Di
dyoudr
inkt
hepi
l
ls?
"
"
Yes.
"
Heki
ssedheragai
nandwal
kedout
.

FI
VEYEARSLATER.
..
.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#109

Fi
veYear
sLat
er.
..

AfterNeo’
sbigweddi
ngcelebrat
ion,Bonol
osati
n
thecarwhil
eChessdrovethem backhome.She
l
ookedathimt hensi
ghed.
“
Todaywasni
ce.
”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Itwas.
”
“
Soar
etheymov
ingbackt
oUK?
”
“
Neosay
syes.
”
“
Oh.
.that
’sni
ce.
”
“
Yeah…”
Shesi
ghed.“
Whenar
eweget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
”
Hel
ookedather
.“It
houghtwespokeaboutt
his.
”
“Ial
sowantt ogetmarriedChess.Iam ti
redofbeing
yourgir
lf
r i
end.Ial
waysgetoverworkedatyour
famil
yev entswhil
ethewi v
esdonot hi
ng.Other
peopledon’tevenknowme.Somecal lmeLele.I
haveneverbeenmar ri
edbefore,Ial
sowanttof eel
howitfeels.”
“Idon’
tthi
nkIwantt
ogetmar
ri
ed,
especi
all
ynot
now.”
Tearsfi
ll
edhereyesassheremainedsi
lent
.Chess
parkedatthehouset
henlookedather.
“
Ihav
etopi
ckAt
ti
efr
om Lel
e.”
Shetear
ful
l
ynoddedandsteppedoutofthecar
.She
walkedi
nsi
dethehouseashedroveoff
.Thenanny
l
ookedatherandgotup.
“
Madam…”
“
Hi,
canyoupl
easemakememyt
ea.Iam notf
eel
i
ng
t
oowell
.”
Masegowal
kedwithhersi
sterf
rom t
heki
tchen
hol
dingt
hei
rgl
assesofjui
ce.Bonol
osmil
ed.
“
Higuy
s..
”
“
Mama!
”
Shehuggedt
hem.
“
Wher
eisdaddy
?”
“
Hewentt
otakeAt
ti
e…”
“
Ok.
”
Bonolowenttothebedroom.Shesatdownst ar
ing
atnothi
ng.Tear
sroll
eddownhercheeks.Itseemed
ever
yonearoundherwasgetti
ngmar r
iedexpecther.
Herphonestart
edri
nging.
“
Mama…”
“
Nol
o,t
hemanoft
hehousecamet
oday
.”
“
Ok,
Iwi
l
ldeal
wit
hthem t
omor
row.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Chessdoesn’
twantt
omar
ryme.
”
“Itol
dyouthatyouneedt obepati
ent
.Somepeople
taketi
met ofi
nall
ysaytheywanttogetmarri
ed.
Somewai tformorethan5y ear
stogetmarr
ied.You
shouldst
opcompar i
ngy oursel
fwi
thpeopl
earound
youandjustli
veyourli
fe.
”
“
Idon’
tthi
nkheev
erwant
stogetmar
ri
ed.
”
“Ther
eisnot
hingli
kethat.Yourprobl
em ist
hatyou
wanttobeli
keotherpeople.Youwon’tgetf
arifyou
keepyour
sel
ftootherpeople.Chesslovesy
ou.”
“Hewon’tevengiv
emeanotherchi
ld.Itf
eelsli
keI
am for
cinghimint
othi
srel
ati
onshi
p.IfIdidn’
t
choosetokeepKeamomay bewewoul dn’
thave
evenone.”
“Ormay bey
ouwouldhavehadmorenow.The
probl
em ist
hatyouwentbehi
ndhi
sbackandkept
thatbabywhenhehadsaidhewasn’
treadyf
ort
hat
.”
“
Iwasj
ustscar
ed.
”
“Justbepat
ient
.Lethim decidewhathewants
withouty
oupressuri
nghimi ntoany
thi
ng.Justwai
t
andbeagoodpar tner
.”
“
Hismot
herdoesn’
tli
keme.
”
“
Why
?”
“Becauseshelov
eshisexwifewhohappenst
obe
herdaughtert
hatsheabandonedaf
tergi
vi
ngbi
rt
h
to.
”
“
What
?”
“Youknowshecall
sLel
eChess’
swi
fe.I
fLel
ehad
passedbyattheweddi
ng,
shewoul
dhavebeen
givenf
ir
stcl
asstr
eatment
.”
“
Whatabouthi
sfat
her
?”
“Enehei sjustfi
nebutIonceover
heardhimtel
li
ng
Chesst hatLelewashiswomanandhej ustf
ail
edto
moul dhim.Inev ert
houghtIwoul
deversayt
hisbutI
feelIwashi srebound.
”
“
Reboundt
hathekeepsf
or5y
ear
s?”
“Idon’
tknowmama.IknowIam nott
heonei
nhi
s
heart.
”
“
Stopov
ert
hinki
ngt
hings.
”
“Iam not,j
uststati
ngfacts.Iam f
orci
nghimi nt
o
thi
sr el
ati
onship.Idon’
tthinkheevenlovesme.
May behet houghthedidatsomepoi ntbutnot
anymor e.Nothi
nghav echangedbutIcanjusttel
l
what ev
erreasonhewi thme…i t
’snotlove.
”
“
Youar eov
ert
hinki
ng.Justgetsomesl
eepand
r
elax.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Good,
wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
row.
”
Bonol
ohungupsni
ff
ing.

*
**

Chessparkedatthegateandcall
edher.Hewait
ed
patient
lyt
il
lthegat
eopened.Hedroveinand
steppedoutofhiscar
.Insi
dethehouse,hel
ooked
aroundthensmiledasshewalkedfr
om herbedroom.
Shefixedherpencil
ski
rtt
hathuggedherthi
ckness.
“
Hi…hei
scomi
ng.
”
“
Sur
e.”
“
Howwast
heweddi
ng?
”
“
Itwasgr
eat
.”
“
Isawpi
ctur
es.Youguy
slookedbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Thanks.
”
Theshor
tcur
ledhai
rlookedgoodonher
.Shesmi
l
ed
asAtt
iewal
kedfr
om hisroom.
“
Dad!
”
“
Heychamp!
”
Theyf
istbumped.Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Byeguy
s…”
“
Byemama.
.”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Thanks.
”
“
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
”
“
Iam goi
ngt
ocol
l
ectBant
sif
rom t
heai
rpor
t.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Ok,
shar
p.”
At
ti
elookedathi
sfat
her
.“Youhav
ether
ingdad?
”
“
Yah.
.”
Lel
efr
owned.“
Whatr
ing?
”
Att
iesmil
edexci
tedl
y.“
Daddyi
smar
ryi
ngmama-
aunty
.”
“
Youar
emar
ryi
ngher
?”
“
Yes.
”
“
Why
?”
Chesssmi
l
ed.“
Whywhat
?”
Lel
eswal
l
owed.“
Doy
our
eal
l
ylov
eher
?”
“
Yeah.
”
“
Whyar
eyoul
yi
ng?
”
“
Att
ie,
goandwai
tint
hecar
.”
Hewal
ked.Chessl
ookedatLel
e.
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
Lel
eshookhi
shead.“
Iam j
ustsur
pri
sed.
”
“
ThatIam mar
ryi
ngher
?It
’sbeenf
ivey
ear
s.”
Lel
enodded.“
Ok.
”
Chessgotcloserandputhi
shandsonherwai
st.
“Youhavesomeone.”
“
Iknow.Iwasj
ust
…”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Youj
ustwhat
?”
“
Iam al
l
owedtobeal i
tt
lejeal
ous.Nott
hatIdon’
t
l
ovemyhusbandbutbecauseyouweremyf i
rst
l
ove.
”
Hel
aughed.“
Iguess.
”
Hel
etgo.“
Ok,
shar
paker
e?”
“
Goodl
uck.
”
“
Thanks.
”
Hewal
kedoutandgoti
nthecarwi
thAt
angt
hen
t
ookof
f.
*
**

Lel
egrabbedhercarkey
sandwalkedouthol
ding
herphone.Shej
umpedinthecart
hendroveout
cal
li
ngLoago.
“
Hey
..
”
“
Hi,
howdi
ditgo?
”
“
Itwentwel
l
.Igott
hepl
ot.Thanks.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
It
’sok.Iwant
edt
otal
ktoy
ouaboutt
he
car
.”
“
Yeah.
.”
“
Aren’
tyouget
ti
ngi
t?”
“
Lelepapaleftt
hatcarf
ory
ou.That
’sy
our
i
nheri
tance.
”
“Ok,becauseIwantt
ohav
eacoupl
ethi
ngsoni
t
changed.”
“
Youcandowhaty
ouwant
.”
“
Howi
sther
enov
ati
ongoi
ng?
”
“
Youshoul
dseehowi
tisnow.I
t’
sbeaut
if
ul.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Wil
lyoust
ayt
her
e?”
“
That’
stheplan.OnceIsatupmybusi
ness,
Iwantt
o
movether
e.”
“
That
’sani
cepl
an.
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Ok,
shar
p.”
“
IsBback?
”
“
Iam onmywayt
ocol
l
ecthi
mfr
om t
heai
rpor
t.
”
“
Ok.
”

*
**

Awhilel
ater
,Lelesmi
ledhuggi
ngBantsi
.Hepi
cked
herupandtwir
ledwit
hherasshegiggl
ed.Heput
herdownandkissedher.
“
Hey
…”
“
Imi
ssedy
ou.
”
“
Imi
ssedy
out
oo.
”
Hekissedheragai
nthentheywalkedtothecar
.Lel
e
putonherseatbel
tashesett
ledbesideher
.
Shestar
tedt
hecaranddr
oveof
f,herr
ingonher
fi
nger
.
“
Iwentf
ort
hecancerscr
eeni
ng.
”
“
Howdi
dthatgo?
”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
Hesmi
l
edt
aki
ngouthi
sphone.“
Good.
”
Her eadacoupl
eofmessages,Lel
eparkedatthei
r
houseandsteppedoutwi
thhim.Hisphonerangas
theywalkedi
nsi
dethehouse.
“
Yah?
”
“
Hey,
Iam sogl
adyouareback.Ken’
stemperat
ure
i
shi
gh.Canyoucomeandtakeustothehospit
al?
”
“
Whycan’
tyouj
ustt
akehi
m?”
“
Mycari
snotwor
kinggapehowdoIdr
ivewi
thmy
l
eg?
”
“
Getat
axi
then.
”
“
Banst
i,t
hisi
sabouty
ourson.
”
“Takehi
mt othehospi
tal
.Getat
axi
andt
akehi
m.I
am notcomingther
e.”
“
Eversi
ncey
oumar
ri
edt
hat
-“
“
Don’
tev
engot
her
e,obat
agont
ena.
”
Hehungup,
Lel
elookedathi
m.
“
What
’swr
ong?
”
Hi
sphoner
angagai
n.
“Bantsi,
pleasecomeandgety oursont
ot he
hospital
.Ev eni
fIcal
lataxi
,howishegoingto
assistme.Iam notwell
.Kenisnotfeel
i
ngwel l
.Just
comeandgethi m.Leav
emeandgethi m.”Thecall
cut.Hesi ghed.
“
Keni
snotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
.Canwegoandcol
l
ecthi
m?”
“
Ok.What
’swr
ongwi
thhi
m?”
“
Hismot
hersay
shert
emper
atur
eishi
gh.
”
“
Ok.Youcangoandt
akehi
m.”
“
Let’
sgoandcol
l
ecthi
m.Wear
eone.Let
’sgo
t
ogether
.”

*
**

Mutsafi
nishedwashingt
hedi
shest
hensheput
ever
ythi
ngaway.Lalawal
kedi
ntheki
tchenand
l
ookedather.
“
Makesur
ethef
loor
sar
edr
y.”
“
Ok.
”
Someoneknockedonthedoor.Lal
awalkedov
erand
opened.Shef
rownedstar
ingatCharl
i
ze.
“
Whatdoy
ouwant
?”
“
Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
”
“
Sleepi
ng.
”
“Iam heretocoll
ectthem.Thistimear
oundIhav e
evidencethatyouareabusingthem.Mutsa’
steacher
tookpictur
esofherbr ui
ses.I
fyoudon’tgi
veme
thosekids,Iam t
akingyoutothepoli
ceandy ouare
goingtobear r
est
edf orchil
dabuse.Anddoy ou
knowwhatel seIgot?Per missionfrom Bri
ghtthatI
cangett hem.Heissigningov erhi
spar ent
alrights
tome.Andwear ealsotakingt hehousesincef or
thekidsandthesekidsar enowmi ne.Whil
eati t,
bri
ngt hecarj
eys.Tomor rowwhenIcomeher e, I
betterfi
ndyougone.Wi t
ch!”
.
.
.
:
Roar
ingFl
ames
#110

Lelewait
edinthecarasBantsiwal
kedin.She
reachedforherphoneandcal
ledAt
tie’
sphone.
“
Mama…”
“
Hey
…uhi
sdaddyt
her
e?”
“Weareatthemal
lget
ti
ngsomethi
ng.Hei
sher
e,
shoul
dIgiv
ehimthephone?Daddy
!Mama…”
Lel
esi
ghedasAt
anghandedhi
sfat
hert
hephone.
“
Lel
e…”
“
Hi…”
“
Whati
sit
?Di
dhef
orgetsomet
hing?
”
“Ngng…Ijustwant
edt
ochecki
fyouguy
shad
arr
ived.
”
“
Noty
et.Ihav
etogetsomet
hing.
”
“
Ok.
”
“
Arey
ouok?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Shoul
dIgi
veAt
ti
ehi
sphoneback?
”
“No.I
t’
sok.Behonestwit
hme…doy
our
eal
l
ylov
e
her?Whol
eheart
edly.Doyou?
”
“
Whatar
eyouexpect
ingt
ohearmmagweAt
ti
e?”
“
Thet
rut
h.”
“Whatar eyougoingtodowi ththetr
uthaf
ter
?Our
shiplongsank.Soev enifIsaynotasmuch,what
willhappen.Wil
lthatletyoutoli
vei
npeace?The
factthatyouwill
alway sbetheoneIlovet
hemost?
Willithel
py ousl
eepatni ght
.”
Tearsfi
l
ledhereyes.“Heiseveryt
hingIneedina
man.Hei spati
ent
,kindandhel ovesme.Her eal
ly
doesandhei sastr
aightforwar
dper son.Al
way s
speakshismind.Heisperfect
.”
“
What
’st
hepr
obl
em t
hen?
”
“
Hei
snoty
ou.
”
“
Youmar
ri
edhi
m.”
“
Seei
ngy
ouwi
thBoni
l
owasbr
eaki
ngme…It
hought
i
fImar r
iedhim…i twouldgetbetter
.Itdoesn’
tfeel
thesame.Ilostyouandi t
’shardtoletgowhenI
conti
nuouslyhav
et oseey ou.Ifeel
sost upi
d
becauseit
’sbeenf i
veyearsbutIcan’tseem tomove
on.Toreall
ymov eon.”
“
Whatdoy
ouwantmet
odonow?
”
“
Steal
me.St
eal
yoursonandr
unwi
thus.
”
Chessl
aughed.“
Wat
senwawena.
”
Lel
esmi l
ed.“
Iwanttobestol
enbyy ou.Wewi l
lstar
t
afr
esh.Oryoucanjustst
ealme.Thenaftert
hatyou
getAtt
ieandsayyouarestar
ingaf
reshinUK.We
cangobacktoouroldhouse.Anditwil
lbejustus.”
“
Whatar
eyousmoki
ng?Iwanti
ttoo.
”
Shelaughed.“Nothi
ng.MaybeIam cr
azybut
rememberhowy ouwantedtor
unawayt hatt
ime…?
Can’
twej ustdothat?Idon’
tmind.
”
“
WhataboutLoagoandy
ourmom?
”
“Wewil
ltel
lthem.Theywi
l
lkeept
hesecr
ett
heny
ou
andIst
artf
reshly
.”
“
Andwhatabouty
ourmar
ri
age?Youar
efor
ever
goi
ngt
omar
ri
edt
ohi
mify
out
wodon’
tdi
vor
ce.
”
“
Iwi
l
lhaveanewidenti
ty.NotLel
entl
e.I
fIam sai
d
t
obedeadt
henIwon’tbehiswifeanymore.
”
Chessl
aughed.“
Andal
lthi
sforwhat
?”
“
Forus.Forme.Fory
ou.Forourson.
”
“
Youhav
eal
ott
olose.Yourcompanyandy
our
-“
“Youwillt
akeit
.Youarethemaj orshar
eholder
.Iwi
l
l
runitf
rom UKand…uhIwi l
lbeaghostCEO.Noone
wil
leverknowtherealpersonbehindFear
lessMagi
k
expectyou.Don’
tpropose.Please…”
“I
fy ouwantusback, divorcehi m.It’
ssi mpleli
kethat
.
Justdi vor
cehi m.Noneedt omakey ourlif
eso
dif
ficultwheny oucanj ustdi v
or cehim.Yousai dyou
mar ri
edhi m outofcommuni t
yofpr operty.Sojust
div
or cehim.Youknowy oul ovehi m.Ther easonwhy
youcan’ tenjoythi
srelationshipi syouar e
compar i
nghim.Ihadmydoubt satf i
rstbutheis
actuallyagreatguy.Hel ov esy ou.Hel ovesyourson
l
ikehi sown.St opbeingy ourwonenemyof
happiness.”
Bant
siwal
kedoutwi
thKen.
“
Bye.
”
Shehungupthent
heygoti
nthecar
.Lel
esmi
l
ed
tur
ningt
oKen.
“
Hey
…”
Kenlookedathersi
l
ent
lyt
henl
ookedoutt
he
window.
“
What
’swr
ongKen?
”
“
Not
hing.
”
“
Ok.
”
Bantsistart
edthecarandt
ookthem backhome.
Theyst eppedout
,Kenmarchedtohi
sr oom t
hen
Lel
el ookedatBantsi
.
“
What
’swr
ong?
”
“
Not
hing.
”
“
Hel
ooksupset
.”
“
Kell
ydraggedhi
mi ntoagetmebackprotestnow
t
hathermarri
agefai
led.Hei
snotevensick.
”
“
Letmet
alkt
ohi
m.”
Lel
efol
l
owedaf
terhi
m andwal
kedi
n.Shesmi
l
ed.
“
Hey
…”
“
Whycan’
tyoul
eav
emydaddyal
one?
”
“
Huh?
”
“Whycan’tyoul
eavemydaddyal
one?Wedon’tneed
you.Idon’
tli
keyoubecausey
oudon’
twantustobe
happywithmama.”
“
Ken,
whenhav
eInotev
erwant
edy
out
obehappy
?”
“I
fyouwantust
obehappy
,leav
eusal
one!Go
away.
”
“
Ilov
eyourdaddy
.”
“
Ihat
eyou!Youar
eugl
y!
”
“
That
’srude,
stopi
t.Di
dyourmot
hert
ell
yout
otal
k
t
omel i
kethi
s?”
“
Ihat
eyou!Youar
efatandugl
y.
”
Lel
eangril
ysmackedhisfacet
henpi
ckedhi
sbelt
andrepeat
edl
ybethim.“Youar
enotgoingt
otal
kto
meli
kethat!Thisi
snoty
ourmother
’shouseandy
ou
wi
l
lnevertalktomeli
kethat
.”
Hescr
eamedcryi
ng.Leledroppedthebel
tjustas
hi
sfat
herwal
kedin.Bantsi
lookedatKencrying.
“
What
’sgoi
ngon?
”
“
Hewascal
l
ingmenamesi
nsul
ti
ngme.
”
Bantsit
urnedtohisson,
hisli
ghtski
nshowedthe
marksofwher eshehadhim wit
hthebel
t.She
cl
ickedhertongueandwalkedoutangr
il
y.
Bant
sij
oinedherawhi
l
elat
er.
“
Whydi
dn’
tyoucal
lme?
”
“
Hewasbei
ngr
ide.Hecal
l
edmef
atandugl
y.
”
“Babe,heisachi l
d.Youcanclear
lyseeheisunder
themot her
’sinf
luence.Youdidn’
thavetohithimto
apointwher ehehasmar ks.WhenKell
yseest hat
,
sheisgoingt ouseittoherownadvantage.
”
“
Hewasbei
ngr
ude!Iwasj
ustput
ti
nghi
minl
i
ne.
”
“
Inev
erhi
tAt
ang.
”
“
Becausehei
snotdi
srespect
ful
.IfKencan’
trespect
methenIsuggesthestayswi
thhi
smother
.Iam not
goi
ngtohavethatrudechi
ldi
nmyhouse.
”
“
Hei
smyson.
”
“AndIhav eeveryrighttorepr
imandhim.Thatchild
hasanat ti
tude.That’snotgoingtoworkwit
hme.
Tomor r
owmor ning,Iwanttofindhi
m gone.He
shouldgobackt ohi smother.Ihavedonenothing
butlovethisboyl i
kemyownson, Il
ovedhim and
havenevert r
eatedhim anydiffer
entl
yfr
om howI
tr
eatAtang.”
“Iknowt hat,t
hiswassomet hingthatcoul
dhav e
beensolv edwi t
houtyouusingthebeltonhim.Heis
akid.Kidsar eeasilyi
nfl
uenced.EvenwhenAt t
ie
doessomet hi
ngwr ong,Ineverpi
ckmybel tandhit
him becauset hat’
snothowt obeli
evechil
dren
shouldbedi scipl
ined.
”
Hewal kedt
ot hebathr
oom leavi
ngherstandi
ng
ther
e.Hewal kedminutesl
aterandchangedbefor
e
gett
inginbed.
“Andmysonisnotgoinganywhere.Hei
sgoi
ngto
stayher
e.Thi
sishi
sfather
’shouseandnoonei
s
goi
ngt
oki
ckhi
m out
.”
“
Hei
srudet
ome.Hewant
smet
ogoaway
.”
“
Hei
schi
l
dLel
ent
le!Can’
tyousee?
”
“Ican’
tbel
ievey
ouar
emakingmetolooklikeabad
personwhenKenwasbei
ngri
detoe,i
nsultingme
andcall
ingmenames.Hesai
dIhat
ey ou.Call
edme
fatandugly.
”
“
Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m aboutt
hatt
omor
rowbut
-“
“I
fIam t
oovi
olentf
oryourchi
ld,f
eelf
reet
otake
hi
m andgobacktohismotherli
kehewants.
”
“
What
?”
Shel ookedathi m.“Yes.Obviouslyheisjustgoingto
doashepl easesandcal lmenamesandIj usthave
tosmi leatit
, f
eelfr
eetogobackt ohismot her
whom hel oves.Iam notgoingtobedi sr
espect edby
achi l
dandgetmadet ofeelguil
tyforr
epr i
mandi ng
him.Idi dn’
tevenhithimt hatmuch.Hei sjustli
ght
skinned.”
“
Lel
e-“
“
Youwi
l
lnev
erseemesay
ingany
thi
ngt
ohi
m.I
t’
s
f
ine.
”
Shechangedt
hengoti
nbedandcl
osedherey
es.

*
**

Thef ol
l
owi ngmorning,Bonolowal kedoutofthe
bedroom inhertr
acksuitthenjoinedChessint he
ki
tchenwher ehewaspacki ngt hechildr
en’
slunch
box.Hel ookedatherthensmi l
ed.
“
Hey
…”
“
Hi.
”
Chesski
ssedhercheek.“
Iwil
lsendyousome
moneytodoyourhairandnai
ls.Seeyou.
”
Hewalkedout.Bonol
owavedastheki
dswalkedout
t
oo.Shesadlysatdownt
hentookoutherphoneand
t
ypedhim al
ongmessage.
Bonol
o:Idon’
tthi
nkIcandot hisany
more.The
uncer
tai
ntyofourf
utur
eiskill
ingme.Icanseeyou
don’
tlov
emeandi t’
spoint
lesstoforceyout
ofeel
whaty oudon’twantt of eel.Iappreci
atet hefactthat
youar enotcheat ingbutt hef eeli
ngofbei ngunloved
i
swor se.Ihav edeci dedt hatwegooursepar ate
way s.Ican’tdot hisany mor e,youdon’twantt o
mar rymeort heleast ,givemeanot herchi l
d.Maybe
youar estil
linlovewi t
hy ourex, whateveriti
s,Ican’t
stayany mor e.It
’shur ti
ngmemor ethanany thi
ng.I
am tiredofwonder ingi fthereisany t
hingwr ongwi th
andy ou-
Shemi
stakenl
ytappedsendt
henf
rowned.
“
No…”
Adel i
veredal
ertpi
nged.Herst ar
tedpounding.She
readthroughthewholet ext
,shecouldhaveeasil
y
spokeaboutthem wor kingthi
ngsthroughinst
eadof
breaki
ngup.Shequi cklysentanotherone.
Bonol
o:It
hinkweshoul
dtal
kinper
son.Il
ovey
ou
but
-
Her
epl
i
edbef
oreshecoul
dfi
nish.
Chess:I
fthat
’showy oufeel
,it
’sfi
ne.Iwon’tfor
ce
youtostaywhereyoudon’tf
eel appreci
atedor
whereyoufeelunl
oved.Thelastfiv
ey ear
swer e
amazi
ngandassadasiti
stol
etyougo,Ial
sodon’
t
wanty
outostaywheny
ouwanttoleav
e.
Shecal
l
edhi
m.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Whatar
eyousay
ing?
”
“
It
’sok,
Iunder
stand.
”
“
Soy
ouwantust
obr
eakup?
”
“
Youwantt
hat
.”
“
Yousoundunbot
her
edatal
l
.”
“
Whatdoy
ouwantmet
odo?Cr
y?”
“
Ican’
t-
“
Thecal
lcut
.Sheputherhandsonherf
acecr
ying.

*
**

Lal
aopenedt
hedoorandl
ookedatChar
li
ze.
“
Youar
enott
aki
ngmysi
ster
’ski
dsorhert
hings.
You-
“
“Icall
edthepoli
cealready
.Theyareont hei
rway.I
haveal otofev
idence.Youaregoi
ngt ojail
.Iam so
gratef
ul y
ourexhatesYou.Heplantedthecamer as
i
ny ourhouse.Wehav eevery
thi
ngont apelove.
Everythi
ng.”
“
What
?”
“
Yes.Youar
egoi
ngt
ojai
l
.”
“
Iam notgoingtoj
ail
.I.
.soIcan’
tpuni
sht
hem when
t
heydowr ong?”
“Youmadea6yearol
ddowhaty
oushoul
dbedoi
ng.
Youaregoi
ngt
orotinj
ail
.”
“Shejustwashedpl
ates.Ki
dst
hesedayswash
p;l
atesandcleant
hehouse.Si
ncei
sthatwrong?
”
“
Youdon’
tmakey
ourdaught
erdot
hat
.”
Lal
alookedather
,herhear
tpoundi
ng.Shet
ookher
carkey
sandhurri
edoutofthehouse.
“
Wherear
eyougoing?Thepol
i
cei
sgoi
ngt
ofi
nd
y
ouandhaveyouarrest
ed.
”
Shegoti
nhercarandtookoff.Char
li
zesmi
l
edt
hen
goti
nthehouse.Thatwasn’
tsohard.
.
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#111

Lel
ewatchedasBantsi
prepar
edhissonf orschool
,
gui
lteat
ingher
.Heti
edhisson’
sshoelacesthengot
upandlookedather
.
“
Iwi
l
ltakehi
mtoschool
.”
Lel
etookadeepbr
eat
hthensquat
tedbef
oreKen.
“Hey …Iam sor r
yf orhitt
ingy ouyesterday.Thatwas
notni ceandIwi l
l neverdoi tagain.Igett
haty ou
don’tlikemeandy outhi
nkIam ugl yandfatandt hat
Idon’twanty out obehappywi t
hy ourmot herand
father.Iam sorryy oufeel t
hatwayaboutme, Ijust
thoughty ouunder stoodt hatdaddyandmommyar e
nol ongertogetherany mor ebutit’sok.Il
ov eyou,
youknowt hat.Ilovey ousomuchandIt hinky ou
deser
vet
obehappyt
oo.
”
Shest
oodupandl
ookedatBant
si.
“Iam sor ryf orhit
tinghi m.Ishouldhav enev erdone
that.Idon’ thav eanyr ightt
oandt hat ’
snothowIam.
Idon’tknowwhatgoti ntomel astnightbutI
under standwhyy ouar enothappy .Met oo,Iwould
nothav ebeenhappyhadIhav ebeeni ny ourpositi
on
soi t
’sunf airformet oexpecty out onothav ea
problem wi thi t
.Iam sor ryforsayingheshoul dgo,
hei sy oursonandhedeser vestobeher ewithyou.
Hedeser veshi sfat her’
slove,hedeser vesyour
attentiontooandKenhasbeenst ayingwi t
husf or
yearsnow.Inev erwanthi mt obeunhappy .”Tears
fi
ll
edherey es.“Iam t heproblem her eandIdon’ t
wanthi mt of eelunhappyi nhisfat her’
shouse.Iam
goingt owor k.”
“Hewaswr
ong.Iwasnotexcusi
nghi
sbehav
ior
.
Ken?
”
Hel
ookeddownt ear
ful
ly
.“Iam sorr
yIwasmean.
MamasaidIshouldsaythatt
oy ou.
”
“
It
’sok.By
e.”
Lel
ewalkedout
.Bant
siwentaf
terherandhel
dher
hand.
“
Iam goi
ngt
ohav
eachatwi
thKel
l
y.”
“
Ok.
”
“
Lookatme.
”
Heti
lt
edherchi
nandl
ookedi
nherey
es.“
Iam
sor
ry.
”
“
It
’sf
ineBant
si.
”
“
It
’snot
.Youar
enotok.
”
“
Iam f
ine.
”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
Lelelookedathi
mthenpr
essedherl
i
pst
oget
her
tearf
ull
y.Shenodded.
“
CanIt
akey
ououtf
orl
unch?
”
“
Ihav
eameet
ingt
oday
.Seey
oul
ater
.”
Shegoti
nhercaranddr
oveof
f.

*
**
HourswentbyasBonol olayonherbedcr yi
ng.She
fi
nall
ygotupasherheadachedt henopenedt he
wardrobe.Shepausedst ari
ngatasmal lbox.She
reachedforitandopenedi t
.Herheartskippedas
shelookedatt hesparkli
ngr i
ng.Shetooki toutthen
sli
ditonherf i
nger.I
tfitperfect
ly.Shepickedthe
notethatwasbeneat handsmi l
ed.
‘
Mar
ryme…’
Shegi
ggl
ed.“
Chess….
”
Shewentf orherphoneanddi al
edhim.Hisnumber
di
dn’tgothrough.Moretearsrol
leddownhercheeks.
Nowi tmadesenset hathehadbehav edasifhe
di
dn’tcar
e, heknewshewoul dfindi
tthere.She
washedherf acethentookoffhertr
acksuitandput
ononeofherbacknumber s.

*
**

AtChess’
sof
fi
ce,
Bonol
osmi
l
edwal
ki
ngov
ert
othe
r
ecept
ioni
st.
“
Hi.
.”
Ther
ecept
ioni
stsmi
l
ed.“
Hi,
her
eforboss?
”
“
Yes.
”
“
Goup.Hei
sther
e.”
“
Thanks.
”
Bonol
owal
kedt
otheelev
ator
.Therecept
ioni
stt
ook
theof
fi
cel
i
neandcal
l
edChess’sPA.
“
Yah?
”
“
Bonol
oiscomi
ngup.
”
“
Real
l
y?”
“Yes.Bathoi
ngthi
sladymakesmebreat
hein
throughthewound.Kanaokareoneoft
hosebeaut
y
pageants.”
ThePAlaughed.“
Eneshei
spr
ett
y.Bossal
way
s
get
sthebeauti
ful
ones.
”
“
Ngng,
thi
sonet
akest
het
rophy
.Shei
sbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Shei
sher
e,shar
p.”
*
**

Bonol
owal
kedov
ert
oChess’
sPAwi
thasmi
l
e.
“
Hi,
Iam her
etoseeChess.I
shef
ree?
”
“
Hei
s.Tl
hammawenaomont
le.
.”
Bonol
osmi
l
ed.“
Thanksl
ove.
”
BonolowalkedtoChess’sdoorthenopenedwal ki
ng
i
n.Chessr ai
sedhisheadandlookedather .She
smil
edwal ki
ngfurt
herint
ohisoffice.Sheplacedher
handbagonhi st
ableandwalkedr oundhistablein
herbodyconthatshowedherjustper f
ectpeti
te
fi
gure.Shesatonhislapandkissedhi m.She
smil
ed.
“Someti
mesIam toomuch…Iov erthink,
Itryt
o
makesenseofwhatmi ghtbegoingon.Igetscar ed.
That’
swhatmakesmehuman.Iwasbegi nningtop
thi
nkmay beIwasjustpanadoforyourpain.Just
yourbandagefory
ourwoundandt hatmay beyouno
l
ongerneededme.Ihaddoubt s.
”Tear sfi
ll
edher
eyes.“Butthat ’
sjustme.Iam i nsecur e.Iam scar ed.
Iam impatientmay be…Iam j ealous…t hat ’
swhat
makesme. ”Shecuppedhi sf ace.“ButIl oveyou.I
l
ov eyouwi thallmyal l
.Ihaveinv est
edev eryt
hingin
mei ntoyou.I nt
ol ovingyou.Isentt hattextbef or
eI
sawt hi
s…”Sher eachedf orherhandbagandt ook
outtheringt ogetherwi t
hthenot e.“Idon’ tknowi f
thi
sof f
erisst il
lont hetable.I
fitis…pl easeaskme…
askme. .
”
Chesssmil
edthengotupwi
thher.Hepl
acedher
downthenwentdownonhisknee.
“Igotthisri
ngmont hsback.Ihav ebeenhav i
ngitfor
awhi l
enow.At ti
ehasbeenknowi ng,mychildcan
real
lykeepasecr et.Iwaswai t
ingf ortheperfect
opportunit
ytoasky ou.Iloveyou.Iknowsomet i
mes
youmayquest i
onit,Iquesti
ony out oosomet imes.I
guesst hat
’swhathappenswheny ouhavebeenhur t
somucht hatyouendupquest i
oni ngeveryt
hing.I
l
ov eyou.Ididn’
tactuall
yunderst andjusthowmuch
ti
llyousentthattext.Iwantust obef orever
.Iwant
ustohav eourchild…asamar ri
edcoupl e.The
reasonwhyIr efusedachi l
dbef oreisbecauseI
don’twantt
obr i
ngkidswhenIam notmar r
iedto
you.Iwantproperthi
ngs.Ihav
ebeenmar r
iedbefore.
TwiceandIhav ebeenhurtbef
orebutIwanttotake
thi
sleapoffait
hwithyou.Iwanttotr
yagainin
hopesthatt
histimearounditwil
lbedif
fer
ent.Wil
l
youpleasemarrymeBonol o?”
Tear
srol
l
eddownhercheeks.“
Yes.Yes….
”
Chesssl
idthet r
ingonherfingerthengotupand
ki
ssedher.Shebr okedowncr yi
ngthenputherhead
onherchest,happinessov
er whelmingher
.
Chesssmil
edhuggingher.Shecriedf orawhilethen
hewipedawayhertearsandkissedher .Hepicked
herupandplacedheronhisdeskki ssinghereven
more.Hepausedthenwalkedtohi sdoorandl ocked.
Hewalkedbacktohisdeskandt ookt heoffi
ce
phoneandcall
edhisPA.
“Hey,cancel
myf ol
lowi
ngmeetingandst
art
prepari
ngforthatt
ri
pIhadputaside.
”
“
Yessi
r,f
orf
ivepeopl
e?”
“
Yes.Myki
dswi
l
lbecomi
ngwi
th.
”
“
Iwi
l
lst
artwor
kingoni
tnow.
”
“
Ok.Andbr
ingt
hatt
hing.Ineedi
tnow.
”
“
Yessi
r.
”
Hehungupt
henki
ssedherunzi
ppi
ngherdr
ess.
.
Bonolowal kedoutofChess’soff
iceawhilelater
aft
erast eamyst at
ion.Shewavedtherecepti
onist
walkingout.Shewentt owhereshehadpar kedher
carthenfrownednotseei ngi
tanywher
e.AnAudi Q7
waspar kedinherspace.Shelookedatther i
bbons
onitwithaf rown.Herphonestar
tedri
ngingf r
om
herhandbag.
“
Babe,
Ican’
tfi
ndmycar
.IswearIhadpar
kedi
t-
“
“
Thati
sfory
ou.
”
Bonolotur
nedtothecarjustasacamer
aman
walkedouttaki
ngavideo.
“
Chess…whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?”
“
Igoti
tfory
ou.
”
Tear
sfi
l
ledherey
es.“
Why
?”
“
Becausey
oul
oveme.
”
Tearsrol
leddownhercheeksasshet
urnedbackt
o
thesil
verQ7.
“
Chess…”
“
Ilov
eyou.
”
Sheputherhandoverhermout hstar
ingathercar
.
Workersst
eppedoutsi
deandst aredassheputher
handsonherfacecryi
ng.Somest art
edtaki
ng
vi
deos.Bonol
owalkedov erandgotin.
“
Chess.
.it
’sbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Notmor
ethany
ou.
”
“
Ilov
eit
.Il
ovei
t…t
hanky
ou.
”

*
**

Charl
i
zewat chedasBrightwal
kedoverinhisor
ange
j
umpsui t
.Hesatoppositehert
hensmiled.The
murdererst
il
llookedgood,morebuf
fer.
“
Igott
heki
ds.
”
“
Thanky
ou.
”
“
Didy
ouappeal
?”
“
Myl
awy
eri
sgoi
ngt
o.Butwehav
ezer
ohopes.
”
“
Why
?Whydi
dyouki
l
lher
?”
Hesighed.“
Idi
dn’
tevenseemysel
f.It
houghtIwas
j
ustscari
ngher
.Inevermeantt
oki
llher
.Il
ovedher.
Il
ovedhersomuch.”
“Iwon’
tbeablet
ogetthehouse.Ij
ustscar
edher
.
Theymightgett
hehouse.
”
“Thehousei
sinMut
sa’
sname.Youwi
l
lgeti
tasher
guardi
an.
”
“
Ok.
”
“Justt
alktomyl awyerandsortouteveryt
hing.
Thankyouf orcomingbacktofight
ingforthekids.
Thankyouf oral
socomi ngtoseeme.It houghtI
wouldneverseey oueveragai
n.Aftert
woy earsI
wasconv i
ncedy ouweredone.”
“
Idi
dn’
tcomet
oseey
ouf
ory
ou.Justf
orLef
a’s
ki
ds.
”
Hesmi
l
ed.“
Thanky
ou.Pl
easet
akecar
eoft
hem.
”
“
Iwi
l
l.Howar
eyoudoi
ngi
nther
e?”
“
Iam good.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Howi
syourhusband?
”
“
Wear
ehappy
.”
“
Iam happyf
ory
ou.
”
“
Thanks.Ihav
etogo.Iwi
l
lcont
actt
hel
awy
er.
”
“
Ok.
”
Shet
urnedandwal
kedaway
.

*
**

MmagweLef alookedatherdaughtert
henshook
herhead.“Ican’
tbeli
eveyou.Ican’
tbeli
eveI
defendedyoueacht i
methatwhi t
eladytol
dme.You
areevil
.Youhav eanevi
lheartandthat’
swhyyou
arenothappy.Youwill
neverfi
ndhappi
ness
becauseyourhearti
srott
en.”
“
Mama…”
“Lar
onayouareev i
l
.Geroutofmyhouse.Don’ trun
tome.Ihopethepolicecatchy ouandl
ockyouup.
Youdon;l
tdeservetoberoami ngthestr
eet
s.You
deserv
etobei nj
ail
.Lefa’
sistur ni
ngi
nhergrave.
,
Mydaughterishurt
ingwher ev
ersheis.”
“Lefahur tme! ”Shey ell
edcryi
ng.“Lefabrokeme.I
l
ov edLef a.Shewasmysi ster
!Shewat chedme
makeaf ool outofmy self
.WatchedmeasIcr iedfor
themanshewashav ingsexwi t
hbehindmyback.
Shehur tme.Shehur tbeyond,shewasmysi sterbut
shest abbedmewi thakni fer
ightinmyhear t.She
destroyedme.Doesi tmakemeev ilt
hatIam hur ti
ng?
Thatmyhear tsti
llbreaks?Sheknew…shewat ched
mecr ytoher …Shel ookedatmeasi fIwasaf ool
andcont inuedsl eepingwi t
hhim.Letherhur t
wher evershei sbecauseIam al sohurting.
”
“
YouneedJesus!
”
Lal
atur
nedandwal
kedout
.MmagweLef
aputher
handsov
erherf
acesi
tt
ingwi
thheramput
atedl
eg.

*
**

AtUniv
ersi
tyofBotswana,Lelewal
kedoutofthe
l
ectur
ehallhol
dingherthi
ngsandwenttoheroffi
ce.
Shewalkedinandputherthingsonhertabl
esit
ti
ng.
Someoneknockedonherdoor .
“
Comei
n..
”
Ast
udentwal
kedi
n.
“
Mrs.Si
mons,
myassi
gnment
.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Puti
tont
het
abl
e.”
Shepl acedi tont hetableandhur ri
edout .Lel
e
reachedf orherphoneandopenedherf acebook.
Chess’ snewpr ofi
lepicturepoppedupatt hetop.
Shel ookedatBonol o’shandwi thar i
ng.Shesat
proper l
yopeni ngt hecomment s,al
lofthem
congr atul
atinghi m.Shel ookedatthepi ctur
efora
while,tearsitchingherey es.Shef i
nall
yletitoutand
startedcrying.Thet herapisthadsaiditwasgoodt o
cry
.Secri
edforawhi
let
henf
inal
l
ypul
l
edher
sel
f
andwipedawayhert
ear
s.
Shereact
edwi t
hahear
taf
terawhi
l
eofj
ustst
ari
ng
ati
t.Shedial
edhim.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Congr
atul
ati
ons.
”
“
Thanks.
”
“
Youl
oveher
…”
“Ido.Iloveherv erymuch.Il ov edy ou.Iadmi tand
may beIstilldobutwehav ebot hmov edon.Pl ease
l
et’sfocusont hepeopl ewehav e.Ther ei
snoneed
tokeepcompl icati
ngthi ngs,noneedt ohav edoubt s.
Let’
sappr eciat ethegoodwehav e.Itdoesn’ thav eto
beusbabe.I tdoesn’ thav etobeLel eandChess.Of
causewel oveeachot hert osomel ev elbutIbeti f
wegetbackt ogether,itwon’ tbet hesame.Al othas
happened.Let ’sbehappywher ewear e.Makei t
wor k.Putiny ouref f
ort.Lov eandbel ov ed.Lov eis
beingablet ol etgosot hatyoucanbehappy .Iknow
ourswasr eal .Iknowour swasspeci al.Trustme
babe…Iknow.At t
ieisourpr oofbuti tdoesn’ thav e
tobemeandy ou.Itdoesn’
thavetobe.Oncewe
bothstopcompar i
ngourpartners,
youaregoingto
seethedi f
ference.IknowIwill
.Ialr
eadydo.Ilove
Bonolo.Ireall
ydo.Youl oveBantsi
.Let’
smakei t
work…pl ease…”
.
Roar
ingFl
ames
#112

Laterthatday ,Lel
ewalkedi
nsideherhouseand
tookof fhershoes.Shewalkedtothecouchand
threwher sel
foni theav
ingaheavysigh.Bantsi
wal kedfrom thekit
chenandsmiledasshel ai
don
thecouch, eyesclosed.
“
Hey
…”
Lel
erai
sedherheadandl
ookedathi
m.Shesat
upr
ight
.
“
Hi…”
“
Howwaswor
k?”
Shesmil
edthent
ookoutal
ett
erf
rom herhandbag.
Shehandedi
ttohi
m.
“
IjustgotwhenIwasl
eav
ing.
”
Bantsi
openedi
tandtookoutt
hel
ett
er.Her
ead
thr
oughthensmi
ledhappi
l
y.
“
Yougott
hepr
omot
ion?
”
Lel
elaughed.“
Idi
d.”
Hepi
ckedheruphuggi
ngher
.
“
Iam pr
oudofy
oubabe.
”
“Thankyouf
ormoti
vati
ngme.IneverknewIcoul
d
actual
l
ygetthej
oborbett
ery
etbegetti
ngpromoted
toheadofdepar
tmentatmyage.
”
“
Youdeser
vei
t.Youwor
kreal
l
yhar
d.”
“
Wher
eisKen?
”
“
Idr
oppedhim of
fatmysist
er’
shouse.Iwant
edus
t
ohavetheeveni
ngtoour
selv
es.”
Lel
esmil
ed.“
Iam r
eall
ysorr
yaboutlastni
ght
.It
’s
nev
ergoi
ngtohappeneveragai
n.”
Heki
ssedher.“
It
’sok.Iknow.Iwantust
omov
eon
f
rom t
hat
.IspoketoKelly.
”
Lel
eputherhandsonhischestknowi
ngheal
way
s
meantwhathesaid.“
Ok.”
Bantsi
squeezedhert
hickbut
tki
ssi
ngher
.Hi
sdi
ck
j
erkedinhi
spants.
“
Isawy
ougott
hedeal
.”
Bat
sismi
l
ed.“
SimonsAi
rl
inei
saboutt
otakeof
f.
”
Lel
elookedinhiseyeswithasmi l
e,hehadpassed
bythebarber
.Thefreshhaircutl
ookedgoodonhi m
andhehadt r
immedhi sbeard.Shecouldactual
l
y
heart
heexcitementinhi
sv oiceanditsoundedsexy
ashell
.
Heki
ssedheragain.“
Ilov
eyou.Thanky
oufor
l
ooki
ngpastmyflawsandchoosingme.”
“
Thanky
ouf
orbei
ngpat
ientwi
thme.
”
“
Igotussomet
hing.Iam heat
ingi
tup.
”
“
Ok…”
“
Wantagl
assofwi
ne?
”
“
Yes,
please…”
Hewal kedt othekitchen.Leleturnedt
otheTVas
hersongpl ayed.Ittookherbackt othei
rwedding
day.Theuncer tai
nty ,atsomepointshehadthought
shewasgoi ngtoel ope.Shesighedwithasmile.
May beChesswasr ight.Eveni
ftheygotbackt
o
eachot her
,itwoul dnev erbethesame.Bansti
walkedbackwi t
hagl assofwine.
“
Babe,
doy
our
ememberoursong…”
Shestart
eddanci
ngt
hewayt
heyhadbeendanci
ng
thatday
.
“
Wedi
dn’
tdot
hat
.”
Lel
elaughed.“
Wedi
d.Wet
wir
ledanddi
dthi
s..
”
Hei
ncr
easedt
hev
olume.“
Nope.I
twasl
i
ket
his.
”
Bantsimovedthetabl
eandstar
teddanci
ng.Lel
e
j
oinedhim danci
ngbyhissi
deasUmunt uWami
pl
ayedont hespeaker
s.Shel
aughedastheytwi
rl
ed
dancing.

Ngi
nomunt
uwami
Namhl
angi
nomunt
uwam
Ngi
nomunt
uwami
Namhl
angi
nomunt
uwam
Ngi
nomunt
uwami
Namhl
angi
nomunt
uwam
Thesongconti
nuedbl
ast
ingthr
ought
hespeaker
s
whil
etheyl
augheddoi
ngthei
rmoves.
Lelelaughed.“
Babe,youmadeamist
ake.Bef
ore
that,
wedi dthi
s..
”Sheshowedhi
m.
“
Itwasv
isev
ersa.
”
“
No.
.Iswearwedi
dli
ket
hat
.”
Bant
sismi
l
ed.“
May
beweshoul
ddoi
tagai
n.”
“
Star
tthesong?
”
“
No.Redot
hewhol
ecer
emony
.”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Youwantt
omar
rymeagai
n?”
“
Yes.Cel
ebr
atet
hreey
ear
sofourmar
ri
age.
”
Lel
esmi
l
ed.“
Iwoul
dlov
ethat
.”
Heunzippedherskir
tthenpusheditdownherhips.
Bant
sipickedherup,Lel
ewrappedherl egsar
ound
hi
swaist.Hetookhertothebedroom thenlai
dher
down,shedidn’
thaveherpantyon.
“
Wher
eisy
ourpant
y?”
“
Idon’
tli
kewear
ingone.Makesmeuncomf
ort
abl
e.”
Hegotont opofherthent ookoffhert opandbr a.
Hesqueezedherbr eastkissingher.Lel eopenedher
l
egswi der,shehadmi ssedhim.Her ubbedi tonher ,
shehelpedhi mtakeoffhist -
shi
rtexposi nghis
tatt
ooschest ,
hehadgot tenanothert attoo,
shehad
chosenit.Shelookedathernamepr intedbeneat hi
t
thenbl
ushed.
Hekissedhertaki
ngouthi sdickandr ubbeditup
anddownherwetf olds.Heputherl egonhi s
shoul
derthenpushedinsqueezi nghimselfin.Bant
si
grunt
edaspushedi tall
inthenst oppedalongway .
Hegentlymovedhiswai stthr
ustingintothat
sweetness.
“
Fuck!
”
Hepull
edhertot
heedgeoft hebedandstepped
down,t
hatvei
neddi
cksti
llpl
uggedintoher.She
l
ookedathi
m knowingt
hemi xtur
ealwaysdid
wonder
swhenevershedrankit
.
“
Wear
ekeepi
ngt
hisone.Heorshei
sour
s.”
Lel
esmiledandnodded.Bantsi
putbot
hherkegson
hi
swaistandstar
tedpoundingint
owhi
leshe
moaned.

*
**

RragweChesspi ckedhisdaughterwhohadf al
l
en
asleepi
nf rontoftheTVandputhert obed.Shewas
sobeauti
f ul.Herbeautysl
owlymat uredasshegr ew.
Hesmi l
edpr oudl
yknowingthatwashi sdaughter.
Shehadt akensomuchaf terhermot herandLele.
Hewentt ohi sbedroom whereCat hywast hen
j
oinedheri nbed.
“
Shel
ookssomuchl
i
keLel
e.”
Cathylaughed.“
Neoisy
ourphotocopy
.Shehatesi
t.
Yester
dayshesaidshealsowi
shesshehadtaken
aft
erme. ”
Helaughed.“
Sheisbeauti
fult
oo.Notasbeaut
if
ul
l
ikethetwogir
lsbutst
il
lbeauti
ful
.”
“
Iam sohappyf
orher
.”
“
Idon’
tknowaboutt
hatwhi
teman.Hei
stoowhi
te
f
orme.”
“
Becausehei
swhi
te.Hei
sagoodman.Il
i
kehi
m.”
“
Wewi
l
lsee.Ij
ustl
i
ket
hathef
oll
owedt
radi
ti
on.
”
“
Met
oo.
”
“
Chesswant
stomar
rymmagweAmo.
”
“
Oh…”
“
Yes.
”
“
Good.Heneedsawi
febyhi
ssi
de.
”
“Iwashopi
ngmay
behewoul
dfi
xthi
ngswi
thmma
borot
ho.
”
“
Itol
dy oubackt
hent
ohel
ptheki
dsbuty
ou
r
efused.”
“
Mmaborothowashur
ti
ngmyson.Whatdi
dyou
wantmet
odo?”
“St
opcalli
ngmydaughtert
hat
.Whydoyouevencal
l
herthat
?Whyareyoulooki
ngatherv
agi
na?
”
Helaughed.“Iam notl
ooki
ngati
t.Andt
hat
’snot
whyIcallherthat
.”
“
Mxm…butwhat
’sdonei
sdone.Lethi
m set
tl
ewi
th
Bonolo.Shel
oveshi
m.Shel
oveshi
m somuch.She
wouldneverhur
thi
m.”
“
Yes.
”
Hegropedherassast hepillki
ckedin.Hemov ed
cl
oserrubbi
nghisdickonher .Hekissedherget t
ing
ontopofherthentookof fherni
ghtdress.Cathy
l
ookedathisdickasher eachedforthelube.She
movedherwaistcloserasheappl i
edt helubeonhis
di
ckbeforepushingin….

(
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right@2021byFezMat
siki
ti
.+26775447725
Allr
ightsreser ved:Nopar tofthisbookshallbe
repr
oduced, di
stribut
ed,orusedi nanyform orby
anymeans, electroni
c,photocopy i
ng,mechanical
l
y
orotherwise, withoutthepriorwrit
tenpermissi
onof
theauthor.Anyper sonwhodoesunaut hori
zed
worksinr elati
ont othispublicat
ionwil
lbeli
ableto
cri
minal prosecut i
on.)
)
*
**
Char
li
zet uckedall
theki dsinlaterthatnight
.Mut
sa
l
ookedatherandsmi ledwar m ont hebedwi t
hcl
ean
sof
tblankets.Charl
izekissedherf orehead.
“
Arey
oumama?
”
Char
li
zesmi
l
ed.“
Yes.
”
“
Iwantt
ost
aywi
thy
ouf
orev
er.
”
Tearsf
il
ledCharl
ize’
sey
es.“Youar
egoi
ngt
ost
ay
wit
hmef or
ever
.Ilov
eyou.Sl
eep.
”
Mutsagrabbedherdr
essandhel
ditti
ghtl
ynot
wanti
ngtoletgowhil
ely
ingbesi
deheryounger
br
other.
“
Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
e.”
“
Youar
egoi
ngt
oleav
e.”
Char
li
zegoti
nbedandl
aidbesi
deher
.
“
Iwi
l
lsl
eepwi
thy
out
oni
ght
.”
Mut sarel
axedt henyawnedsleepy.Sheclosedher
eyesandsl owlyfell
asleep.Minut
eswentbyt hen
Char l
i
zegotupandcov eredherwiththeblanket
beforewalkingout.ShejoinedKhalii
nthebedr oom.
“
Theyar
easl
eep.Iwi
shIgott
hem sooner
.”
“
Youdi
dnow.That
’sal
lthatmat
ter
s.”
“Iwoul
dhavewishedfortheki
dstoknoweachother
butAmahl
eistoobitt
er,shewon’
tevenheari
t.
”
“
Don’
tbot
herher
.Leav
eit
.”
Shemov edcl
osert
ohi
m putti
ngherl
egbet
weenhi
s
thenki
ssedhi
m.Hesmiled.
“
Hersoul
isatpeacenow.
”
Char
li
zesmi
l
ed.“
Iknow.
”

*
**

Laladrov
eint hemiddl
eofthenight.Shewasn’ tsur
e
whereshewasgoi ngbutshewasgoi ng.Tear s
rol
leddownhercheeks.Shecouldst i
ll
remember
theimageshehadwal kedinonthattime,fi
ndi ng
Khumowi thLefa.Moretear
swethercheeks.She
parkedhercaronthesideoftheroadandcr ied.No
oneunderstoodherpainandnoonesy mpathized
wit
hher.RathertheyhadthrownLefa’
ski
dsr
ightat
herandexpectedhertojustfor
get
.Howwasshe
meanttoforgetallt
hatpain?
Shetookadeepbr eat
ht henj
oinedt
heroad
conti
nui
ngdri
ving.Awhi l
elat
ershesawthesignof
Sbranat
henincreasedthespeedheadedther
e.

*
**

Thefoll
owingmorni
ng,Lel
ewokeupinher
husband’
sarmsthenreachedf
orherr
ingi
ngphone.
“
Hel
l
o?”
“
Hi…i
t’
sBame.Iam i
n-“
“Iwoul
dappreci
atei
fy ounevercal
lmeagai
n.Thank
you.
”Shehungupandbl ockedhim.Amessagefrom
Chesscaughtherat
tenti
on.
Chess:Hey,Iwantt
otr
avelwi
thAt
ti
e.Ineedan
af
fidav
it.Canyoumakeitt
odaymorni
ng?
Lel
e:Yes.
Sheputherphoneawayandsi ghedresti
ngherhead
i
nhi schest.Bantsikissedhert henpul l
edheront op
ofhim.Heki ssedheradj ust i
ngheront opofhi m
thenheldhishar dveineddi ckguidingiti
nside.Lel
e
mov edbackt ositproperlyasi tsankinstretchi
ng
i
t’swayi n.Heheldherwai standst ar
tedthrusti
ng
from beneath,pushi
nghi sent ir
emeatdeepi nher
whi l
egrunti
ng.Sheputherhandsonhi schestand
mov edont opofhim meet inghimt hr
ustfort hr
ust.
Shemoanedashebi thislowerl ipenjoyi
ngeach
thrusti
ntoher.

*
**

Thataf
ternoon.Chesswal
kedinsi
det
heai r
portwi
th
hi
sfamily
.At t
iel
ookedatbot
hofthem exci
tedl
y.
“
Daddy
,wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
”
“
It
’sasur
pri
seAt
ti
e.”
“
Iam soexci
ted.Ican’
twai
ttot
ell
all
myf
ri
ends.
”
Mashsmi
l
edexci
tedt
oo.“
Met
oo.
”
“
Met
oodaddy
.”
Chesssmi
l
edandpi
ckedKeamo.“
Iknowmybaby
.”
Theywal
kedi
nsi
det
heai
rpor
tandcheckedi
n.

I
nsi
det
hepl
ane,
Bonol
osmi
l
ed.
“
Iam exci
tedt
oo.
”
Chessl
eanedov
erandki
ssedher
.
“
Youar
egoi
ngt
olov
eitMr
s.Mor
emi
.”
Shesmi
l
ed.“
Ican’
twai
t…Let
’st
akeasel
fi
e.”
Shetookherphonethensnappedaself
ieof
ever
yone.Shequickl
ypost
editbeforet
hepl
ane
coul
dtakeoffwit
haf ewsentences.
‘
7yearsbackImetthi
sman,theloveofmyl i
fe,
the
manwhoownsmyhear t
.7yearsbackIwouldhave
neveri
maginedhewouldbethecenterofmywor l
d.
7yearsbackIwoul
dhaveneverimaginedIwouldbe
thi
shappy .Hehasshownmet hatr eal loveexist,
mjoloisnotascam baf ethu,l
ovei sbeaut if
ul.Isaid
yesy ester
day ,saidyest ospendingt her estofmy
l
ifewi t
hhim, yest obehi srideanddi e,y estobei ng
hispill
arwhenev erheneedsme, y
est ol ovi
nghi m
andhi m only
.Iwi l
ldoitalloveragai n.Il oveyouMr .
Mor emi.Ilov eyousosomuchi thur ts.Iwoul dfall
i
nl ovewi t
hy oual loveragainifIhadt o.Thel ov eof
myl if
e…
Shesmi
l
edt
ypi
ng.
‘
#TheMor emi’
s#Lov
eLi
vesHer
e
#Mjol
oIsNotAScam.
’
Shepost edjustast
heairat
tendantaskedf
or
everyonet oswit
chofft
hei
rgadgetsastheygot
readytot akeoff
.

~~~THEEND~~~

.
.