It was the first day of summer and everybody at the office was excited about the holidays and to be finally taking a well-deserved break.

Zamo, on the other hand was a little bit on the edge. This was the one time of the year she dreaded the most. She had to go home and face the risk of bumping into her ex, S’khumba. The guy still thought he was the “man” and often threws his weight around and was embarrassingly loud. Sometimes, Zamo asked herself what she ever saw in him!

Firstly, he’s so lazy, he’s never had a stable job and doesn’t plan to. He doesn’t comb his hair and always looks and smells like a pigsty! Eww!! To be fair though, he was not all that bad –he knew how to treat a lady. Now, that’s one thing she really appreciated when they were together. They shared many beautiful moments together in the two years they had dated. Music was one of their mutual passions which carried them through all sorts of hardships in their short-lived relationship.

Their top favourite songs were James Ingram’s Treat Her Right and 100 ways. They would sing to each other and talk over the phone until one of them fell asleep. She sighed thinking about those days and stood up to get some fresh air. She flipped open her phone and scribbled a message to Samke.

IM to Samke:

Hey friend! Care for some oxygen? #suffocating

IM from Samke

I’m on my way. Give me 5 minutes tops!

“Hey friend, what’s going on?” Samke asked Zamo as soon as she saw her.

She looked up and smiled wanly.

“I feel like I needed to clear my mind. You know I’ll be going home soon right?”

Samke looked concerned. “Yes, why?”

“Well, I’m dreading having to see S’khumba. I don’t know how I’ll react when I see him.”

Samke asked gently, “So, you still have feelings for him then?”

“Oh Samke but that’s the thing! I don’t know and that’s what’s making my brain feel like cotton wool!” she wailed.

“Okay, okay calm down. Now, let’s think about this logically. When did you start feeling this way?”

Zamo sighed. “Since yesterday. And I just keep thinking of all the good times he and I have had.”

Samke looked at her friend squarely in the eye.

“Now my friend, I’m going to be very honest with you. You, my friend, are holding onto mere memories. You are holding onto to something you know is not good for you. The man has no ambition in life and has how many girls hanging onto his every word? That whole extension knows S’khumba very intimately. More than you and I could ever understand. Move on with your life my friend. Guys like S’khumba will only pull you down rather than up. Don’t settle for second best because you’re too intelligent and beautiful for that! That man doesn’t deserve you; he came into your life to teach you something about yourself.”

She couldn’t help but shed a few tears of self-pity and looked quite lost.

“Hey. Don’t cry. Look at it this way: S’khumba was a season in your life that went by and taught you a lot of things. You’re now more empowered and aware of yourself as a woman.” Samke said, hugging her very tightly.

“Thank you my friend. I knew I could count on you to say something that jolts me out of this all-encompassing fog.”

“Hey, one of us has to be sensible right?” Samke quipped good-naturedly.

They hugged and headed back to the office.

The sun was setting on a soft pink sea of clouds and Zamo’s desk phone rang as she was packing up her laptop. Thinking to herself that phone calls that come in at this time are usually important clients located overseas, she quickly picked up and answered. To her surprise and delight it was Peello – she’d recognized that voice anywhere! Smiling to herself, she flirtatiously greeting.

“Hey, what’s up lover boy?”

Peello chuckles and mimics her. “Lover boy huh? I can’t say I don’t like it! How are you doing today Miss Mazibuko? I’ve missed seeing your beautiful face.”

She sighed. “It’s been a long day and I can’t wait to slip into something comfortable and watch those soppy movies.” With a little hesitation she added, “Would you like to join me? Err I mean of course if you have other plans, it’s fine…”

“Of course I’d like to join you, what do you mean ‘if you have other plans’?” he asked.

“Well, I don’t know and I don’t want to assume anything about you. You told me yourself that your life is pretty hectic and I don’t want to put you out.” she replied casually.

“I’ll always make time for you I. I want to get to know you better,” responded Peello softly.

Zamo was flattered. No guy had ever given her this much attention except for her ex even though things didn’t work out eventually.

Her friend’s advice suddenly sprung to mind and this helped her shift the ex-boyfriend from her mind and allowed Peello some space to rent in her heart. Yes, her ex stills owned part of her heart and will soon have to vacate the premises. She finally decided she really needd to face her ex in order to move on. All she needed was closure. Yes, that’s it! Besides, she has met this wonderful man and known him for four months now. Surely he deserves her full attention, doesn’t he? She does want to give this new man in her life a fair chance.

Her mind turned back to Peello who was already asking her what time he should arrive at her place.

“Oh umm, say 8:30pm. Is that okay? she asked.

“Yep, that should be fine. Can I have your address please? You didn’t tell me remember? In fact, you were so against me knowing where you stay – which I understand completely.”

“I stay at the Willows complex, number 75 out on Bordeaux street. You do know where that is right? Call me if you have any difficulties finding the place.” replied Zamo.

“Are you going to come rescue me, my princess in shining amour?” he chuckled playfully.

She giggled a little. “Ja whatever mister! See you later!”

“Alright then, see you soon. Cheers!”

“Cheers lover boy!”

She put the phone down and dashed out of the office, telling her friend that she had to rush.

“Where are you rushing off to? Can you wait for me to pack up? Gosh! My friend what’s going on?” her friend stammered.

“I’ll explain later my friend. Right now, I have to go!” she replied happily.

***

Tell us: What do you think of what Zamo is feeling about her ex? And what do you think of Samke’s words of wisdom?