In the kitchen, Blessing looks at me quizzically.

“I told him…about us…” I explain. “It was time that he knew.” I sink into a chair.

“What did you tell him?” Blessing asks quietly.

I shrug. “Everything. I told him about out physical endeavours and I told him I have feelings for you.” My voice takes a nosedive, as it’s the first time I confess my feelings for Blessing to his face. I note his sharp intake of breath.

“I couldn’t hide it anymore,” I say. “Mark knew that something was going on, even though he didn’t ask, and it was eating me up inside anyway, so…” I fiddle with a toothpick on the table.

“I’m sorry I let things get so far,” Blessing says. “Even after I found out he was still alive. I didn’t mean to get between you two.”

“You didn’t get between us,” I say. “I thought that Mark was dead, and even if I knew that he was alive, there’s no guarantee that I wouldn’t still feel this way.”

“But maybe you wouldn’t have acted on those feelings, and that is my fault,” says Blessing quickly. “I will go and tell Mark.”

I grab Blessing’s arm before he gets off the chair. I motion with my eyes for him to sit and he does.

“What’s done is done, Bless,” I say simply. “You didn’t force me into anything. I did what I could with the situation I found myself in. What’s left is for me to figure out a way forward.”

“Do you think he’s going to forgive you?”

I shrug my shoulders.

“Do you want him to?” Blessing asks, obviously concerned.

“I want him to be OK. I want you to be OK. I don’t know anything beyond that,” I say. I feel numb. Finally, everything that has happened this far has sunk in. I am emptied out. All the reasons I started the protest seem invalid and unsubstantiated.

Maybe the Mayor was right. I was in way over my head. I should have just concentrated on my studies. I could have saved myself a lot of pain, not to mention that I could be graduating in two months, and Mark and I would be fine. I saunter into the bedroom and lie down. I want to cry but my tears will not come. It seems as if I’m all cried out.

I hear shouting voices from afar. I open my eyes to listen carefully. They’re coming from the kitchen. I make my way there.

“Don’t tell me how to feel about my own girlfriend, or is she your girlfriend now?” Mark screams.

“We didn’t set out to hurt you, Mark,” Blessing tries to reason. “She loves you. If you want anyone to blame then blame me…”

“Of course I blame you, Blessing! You took advantage of her when she was vulnerable. I…”

“STOP IT!” I seethe. “Stop it right now, the both of you! You know me better than to think anyone would ever make me do anything I didn’t want to do, Mark. Stop blaming Blessing when I’m right here. I’m a big girl and I can sure as hell take it,” I snap.

I turn to Blessing: “I told you that I’m no damsel in distress in need of rescuing, especially not from my boyfriend! I’m sorry, so sorry for hurting both of you. It was never my intention, I promise you. I just tried to survive. Can you please stay in your corners until we get out of here, unless you want me to run away, for good this time?” I threaten.

I go back to my room before they have the chance to reply. I know that threatening to run will keep them in check, for now. I don’t have the strength to play referee between their egos.

***

At 00:13, I feel Mark creeping into the bed. I roll my eyes, knowing that the couch was too small with his broken leg, but that he had to try to sleep there to avoid me. He is obstinate. I lie still and pretend to be fast asleep.

When I open my eyes in the morning, Mark is absent from the bed. My heart sinks. I had hoped that we would talk.

“There you are,” Blessing says as I enter the kitchen. “You are free to go home.”

I stop in my tracks. Blessing closes the gap between us and hands me his phone. I read:

Breaking News — Three Luxurious Group executive members have been arrested and charged with various crimes, ranging from corruption, conspiracy, kidnapping, murder and fraud. The President’s Office has confirmed that LG members, along with Ruben Daniels, the SAI Director and several agents, worked together to attempt to kill Alexandra Lubisi and Mark Lukhele, who led a protest against LG for building on land that belonged to a community.

Lubisi and Lukhele fought bravely, despite numerous attacks on their lives. They have been hailed as heroes. After a long period of time in protective custody, led by an unknown agent, Lubisi and Lukhele are to return home, safe and alive.

The land in question, Oak Land, was signed over last night to the community, and building is set to resume shortly, under newly appointed Mayor Mahlangu. The President has ferociously condemned the SAI members for their inexcusable conduct, and has promised to launch a detailed internal investigation in SAI to root out corruption. Those who are arrested will face the full extent of the law. He also expressed his sincere apologies to Lubisi and her community. Lubisi, Lukhele and the secret agent in question have been invited to the Presidential House to receive medals of bravery.

This goes to show that one person can make a huge difference if they put their mind to it. If one young woman can defeat such a large corporation, then so can we. You set an exemplary record, Alexandra Lubisi, and we are proud of you. Lubisi could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press.

I am crying tears of joy when I read the last word of this article. I throw my arms around Blessing, screaming: “It’s over, it’s finally over!”

***

Tell us what you think: Are Alex and Mark finally out of danger? Are their adventures really over?