After her meeting with her friend she went back to bed. She woke up around four felling refreshed. She was light and happy and she felt like sharing the happiness; so she decided to throw a party. She called up her friends. By 6 p.m. they were all there, busy in the kitchen, cooking, while the guys were outside getting the braai started. When the food and meet was ready they all sat in the garden by the braai area and enjoyed their drinks. Everyone seemed happy. They talked about their husbands, children, pets and even irritating in-laws.

When Mihlali and George arrived Sisipho jumped, ran to Mimi and dragged him to the house. “After your graduation you can have any house you want, except this one. And I’m buying you a new car.” She announced to a stunned Mimi.

“For real, Sisi?”

“Yes, for real. Tell you what, this holiday we are going to Australia. Or anywhere you want to go,” she said kissing him on the cheek. Mimi still couldn’t believe his ears.

After their brief chat, they went to join the others. Mimi held up his glass and gave a thank you speech.

“Sisi, I love you so much. Words really can’t say how much. Even if they did, you are too used to them so I can’t beat that,” everyone laughed. “But honestly, I don’t know how I can ever repay that. I’m blessed to have you in my life, in fact, you’re a blessing to all of us,”

“Cheers to that!” shouted Lucky in the crowd and everybody saluted.

It was a merry evening and everyone was happy. After playing endless games, they went off to bed one by one, in wee hours of the morning. There was enough room for everyone to sleep comfortably. Sisipho was the most relaxed and happiest she’d ever been.

Tuesday morning came and everyone decided to stay at mansion. They lounged around in their PJ’s not having a care in the world. All the ladies gathered up and went to sit on Sisipho’s king-size bed. One of them had a tray and the other had her notebook.

“Breakfast in bed and work, how lovely,” she joked as they gathered around on the bed, each finding themselves a spot to sit.

“No, this is not work dear, it’s a story,” said Kimberly handing her the notebook.

After reading the story Sisipho was in tears. She recalled that George once told that story to her. When she asked where they got it from she was told he had had it published for her, but when he realised that she never bought the book, he downloaded it.

“He is in love?” Sisipho remarked on the content of the book, sounding disappointed.

One of the ladies went out of the room and came back with George. When he entered they all left, leaving them alone.

“So this is the master bedroom? It’s a monster,” George said admiring the huge room, making his way to sit on the chair next to the bed.

“I missed you too,” she said staring at him blankly. “I would think of calling you but I always reminded myself that you are married. And you told me not to call you late at night and I respected that. Even though it was the only time I could call you, because of my busy life. I would wish to hear your voice sometimes, but I couldn’t disrespect you, your wife or your life.” She held back the tears.

“Remember we’d talk once in four to six months, and even then, it was either you or I would be busy. I never forgot you. In fact, there were days I would think about asking you for your picture, but you know…”

“Why didn’t you say something,” she asked with teary eyes.

“I was afraid,” he said looking away.

“Of what? Could you please talk and stop saying short lines? Please.” She pleaded.

“I was afraid you’d think I’m taking advantage of you. That I thought you were second best. A lot of things, Okay?” he said waving his hand as he said the last word.

She indicated for him to go sit next to her on the bed. He obliged.

“The first time I shared a bed with you was in your first year in tertiary,” he smiled at the memory. Tears ran down her cheeks, George hugged her. “Cappuccino?” he offered but she shook her head. She just lay on his chest until she fell asleep.

When she woke up she was alone in the room and she was hungry. She rang the service bell and George came in answer. “You were so peaceful that I didn’t want to bother you,” he said and she smiled in gratitude.

“I’m craving a double cheese burger,” she said stretching.

“Craving? Is there something in there?”

“I wish,”

“We can go to McDonalds. When last were you there?” George asked as he helped her out of bed.

***

Tell us what you think: Have you ever held a “candle” for your ex? How do you get over someone when it is over?