Morning came, and Dale was already awake. I could smell he was making Matabella porridge. I wore my gown and went to the bathroom. I should make a decision today, but what if Tiki didn’t want me anymore? I showered and dressed up. I sat in the living room. Dale kept staring at me as if I wore too much make up.

“You look gorgeous, I am wondering why you are so dressed up,” he chuckled.

“I am going to work haai,” I answered sighing.

We ate our breakfast quietly. I grabbed my uniform and went to the door. Dale rushed quickly to come where I stood.

“I am coming with you today,” he said smiling, grabbing my bag and uniform that I had on my arm.

“Why? Don’t you have something to do?” I asked him curiously. I didn’t know what Dale was up to.

“Just to see my baby cooking,” he answered.

It looked as if he didn’t trust me at all or maybe he suspected something. He never accompanied me to work before. If he was off, he spent the day sleeping and picking me up when I finished. To avoid disaster, I ignored my phone and put it on silence. Dale watched me cook and took orders. He helped serve the meals.

This day was a horrible day, because I had never spent a day without chatting before. I always replied on time.

“Is your phone off?” he whispered in my ear.

“Why? I am working for god’s sake,” I replied irritated.

He went and sat down and read a newspaper. I wanted to see what Tiki would write to me. At 4 p.m. Dale decided to go to see his friends. I continued with my work, though I couldn’t wait to open my WhatsApp. Once my shift was over, I went to the changing room and removed my chef’s jacket and hat. I washed my hands and nourished them with a body lotion. As fast as I could, I grabbed my phone and checked my WhatsApp. Tiki hadn’t texted anything. Maybe I was wrong, he wasn’t missing me.

My thoughts kept wondering if Tiki still wanted me. I loved that boy more than Dale. But I was being crazy. It’s ridiculous to go back to your ex. Dale was sleeping when I snuck out to sit in the living room later that day. My phone was on silent. I saw Tiki had texted a joke. I laughed my ass off.
You are an Ant.

What?

You heard me.

You call me an ant when you wanted sugar from me.

Yes, I did. It’s because I loved you.

Your mom called, and I wanted only three days with you.

You made me leave Joburg early. I didn’t want to.

Kkkkkk you were crazy in love.

You made me crazy.

I want that book.

Oh ok let’s make arrangements to meet.

Sharp.

I covered myself in a fleece blanket and slept on the couch. I was awoken by the light in the living room. It was morning. Dale came out of the bedroom.

“Why did you leave me to sleep alone?” he asked.

“Oh sorry, I was writing,” I lied, yawning.

I stood up to go to shower. Dale knocked on the door.

“What is it?” I shouted.

I was wearing my gown after wiping the water off my body.

“We need to talk,” he answered quietly.

I got out and sat on the couch looking at him. He had something bad to say.

“Baby, we haven’t been intimate. Is it because I can’t do it the way you like?” he asked, concerned.

“I am just tired Dale,” I answered shyly.

Since I had been talking to Tiki, I didn’t want to be intimate with him. I just didn’t know why. Dale was sensing something.

“I will make it up to you,” I held him in my arms.

I kissed him passionately to show him I still loved him. Then one thing led to another. We had sex and it didn’t feel as good as usual. I was forcing myself to do it so Dale wouldn’t suspect a thing. I woke up, rushed to the bathroom and washed off the dirt. I felt guilty and ashamed as I dressed for work. Dale was going to Mpumalanga for a whole week. He had work to do.

I couldn’t concentrate at work. Being confused how to tell Tiki how I felt was embarrassing. What if he were to reject me? It would become worse when I hurt Dale. I wasn’t cautious and fell and broke my ankle. Trevor, a cleaner found me. He took me to hospital. I notified Dale, Tiki and my family that I was in the hospital.

“I can’t lose my best chef. Be well, girly,” my boss, Sandy, said.

As he walked out, I expected to see my family and there Tiki stood by the door.

“What are you doing here?” I said shocked.

Tiki was hiding his hands behind him. He gave me flowers.

“When you told me you broke your ankle. I decided to come see you,” he said with a smile.

He was the same Tiki I knew. My heart couldn’t take this love I felt overflowing. I had to tell him I still loved him.

***

Tell us what you think: Do you think Tiki loves Achie and wants her back too?