The next day she made herself a full breakfast and bathed. She dressed into her tracksuit. Patrick didn’t return home and she hoped he didn’t till tomorrow, so she could spend the weekend with Roy. She grabbed a taxi to Pretoria; she would sleep at her flat. She still had the keys and Patrick was still paying rent to keep her things there. She was suddenly grateful that he had done so.

Roy was excited to see her, he was still sleeping in his bed at his flat.

“I thought you’d come later,” he said yawning, opening windows and curtains.

She sat on the couch, looking around and smiling.

“I will help you clean,” she chuckled.

“You said he beat you?” he said, joining her.

“Yes,” she said, not noticing him looking at her vigilantly. “I covered it with makeup,”

Roy pulled her and she sat, their faces close, eye to eye, lips to lips. They kissed and he held her tightly. Cherry went on with the flow and one thing led to another. Afterwards, when they were in bed naked, she didn’t feel guilty, it felt right.

“Roy, I know you love me. I feel it too,” she said laying on his chest.

“I know you do but you don’t want to tarnish our friendship,” he said, staring at the roof.

“We can be together, if you really love me, and our friendship won’t be broken,” she said calmly.

“I love you, I mean it,” he said, rubbing her shoulder.

They spent some hours in bed, embracing each other until they finally fell asleep.

Cherry woke up after feeling she overslept, she cleaned the room quietly. Her phone rang, it was Patrick.

“Baby, I am sorry about last night, please forgive me,” he pleaded sadly.

“OK I forgive you bu…” she said.

“Did you receive a parcel?” he interrupted.

“Not yet,” she said, looking at Roy on the bed.

“I love you,” he said and dropped the call.

Cherry couldn’t believe she just pretended. She knew Patrick was bossy and demanding, she had to lie and say she forgave him or else he would know about her with Roy. She finished cleaning up and Roy woke up. He grabbed her and kissed her.

“What am I going to do with Patrick?” she said, pushing him slightly.

“Leave him, I am not rich but I can make you happy,” he said holding her hands.

Cherry doubted it was a good idea, but she knew Roy was serious about her. But how will Patrick take it?

She left Roy in her flat and went to her old flat. She needed to think about this.

Roy kept texting her. She sat on her bed, hugging her knees. What if their friendship will be broken? Is it a risk to take? What about Patrick? Will he let her go?

Roy didn’t give up but kept texting.

She ordered a pizza online and ate only two pieces and slept.

The next day she woke up with a smile on her face. Happiness flooded her veins. She had made a decision and it was the best. Patrick called her twice when she was tiding her bed. She answered.

“Where did you sleep? I know you were with Roy… You are a whore…” he hissed.

“Fine. I just need to pick my things,” she answered calmly.

“How could you? You see, Roy wanted our relationship broken. He doesn’t love you…” he shouted.

“You don’t love me. You like abusing me,” she said irritated.

“I didn’t…” he breathed harshly.

“You are a woman beater. Roy is better, I’ve known him for years. He never laid a hand on me,” she said sincerely.

“I am throwing your things out of my house. You will find them stolen,” he shouted and dropped the call.

Cherry couldn’t believe what just happened. She read Roy’s messages quickly, but she needed to tell him her decision.

I love you Roy. I decided to be with you. Please help me pick my things in Joburg.

Roy arrived after an hour. They embraced each other and he kissed her and praised her for making a good decision. He drove her to Randburg. Patrick meant his words, Cherry’s things were outside but nothing was lost. They packed them in the boot and some on the backseat.

Patrick was watching through the window, with a new lady seating on the couch.

Roy and Cherry’s relationship did last. They later got married and had kids. Their friendship never was tarnished but they became best friends forever. Finally, Cherry wasn’t desperate for love anymore.

***

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