CUSP

The days that follow are emotionally draining, I don’t know whose idea it was to have two of my toughest courses in the same week because by the end of the exam I feel like I have lost so much I can’t recognise myself.

I walk towards Claudia’s car, she only had one paper in the morning and promised to wait for me till I finished mine and honestly I am grateful because I didn’t have the strength to get on public transport after my last paper.

‘God you look like you have been run over by a train.’

‘Train wreck, best description for me right now.’ I say before putting my things in the back and joining her in the passenger’s seat.

‘How about a drink? Astridah invited us.’

‘Why?’

‘What do you mean why?’

‘Why us? Why not you?’

‘You do know I am not doing anything without you right?’

I shrug my shoulders, sometimes being her friend is tiring.

‘Honestly I didn’t want to say no because she seems like a nice girl and Besa won’t take it lightly when I say no, besides we should give her credit for trying.’

‘Whatever you say ma’am.’

‘That’s my girl, she is waiting for us at Champs.’

‘We are driving all the way from here to Champs?’

‘It’s on our way home.’

‘Okay.’

We drive to Lewanika Mall catching up on the week, we have both been so busy that we haven’t spent much time together and today seems like a good day.

‘So when are you starting the internship?’

I have been avoiding that conversation, Claudia’s father owns the biggest Financial Institution in town and he it has branches everywhere in the country. There was a time I used to want to go and work for him during holidays until last holiday and now I am not so sure I want to go back there again.

‘You have zoned out on me.’

‘I was just thinking about the results.’

‘You work too hard child, there is no way you can finish writing your exams and immediately start thinking about the results.’

‘Because my future lays so much on how I perform at school, you know I can’t afford to mess this up.’

‘Girl you got this.’ She says finding a parking spot

We get out of the car and spot Astridah, she is seated on one of the comfortable chairs outside.

‘Hey you.’ Claudia says going to hug her, it’s pretty hot but she is wearing a long sleeved dress and it might just be fashion but because I already have my suspicions I feel she is hiding something.

It’s my turn to hug her so I hold her a little tighter and she flinches, I know then that there is a problem.

‘So how were the exams? I can’t remember how it was like writing the exams but I do know I panicked a lot.’ She says laughing

‘What did you study?’

‘Public health.’

‘Nice.’

‘Nancy tells me you are one of the brightest people she knows.’

‘I keep telling her that but this one keeps worrying about how the results will come out.’

‘You two stop talking about me like I am not here.’ I say

I look at my phone when it starts vibrating, it’s O’Brien.

‘Excuse me.’ I say standing up

I walk towards the bathrooms and go outside so that I am looking at the stadium.

‘You always pick the appropriate time to call.’ I say with a sigh

'You speak fluent sarcasm!'

‘I am guessing you are with Claudia and Astridah right?’ He adds

‘You already know that considering your baby girl tells you everything.’ I say looking above my shoulder to make sure there is no one behind me

‘I will be out of the office next week, I have a meeting out of town and I need you at the office because I will be out with my secretary.’

‘Your secretary?’

‘It’s just work Wane, you know I am better than that.’

‘And yet you are sleeping with me?’

‘It gets really tiresome trying to make you see things differently but it’s like the more I try the worse it gets with you. Honestly I am trying and it’s exhausting.’

‘I am sorry.’

‘You don’t have to be, maybe you can tell me what I need to do to convince you of my reasons for being with you.’

‘Maybe you can focus on your family and children more, you will have a new daughter in the family soon.’

‘What are you talking about?’

‘You do know Besa will be engaging Astridah soon right?’

Silence

‘O’Brien.’

‘I need to go, let me talk to you later.’

‘How about we meet at our usual spot later?’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes I am, I will call you when I start off.’

‘Alright baby.’

One way or the other I am getting into this whole Besa mess and from what I have noticed there are four people that can give me answers, Nancy, Astridah, O’Brien and Besa himself. This might be a dangerous path to trail on but I will get the answers come what may.

I go back to the table and find Astridah alone.

‘Where is Claudia?’

‘Her boyfriend called, she had to leave.’

‘And she left me with you?’

‘Sorry.’ I say quickly realising how that should sound

‘You don’t need to apologise, I understand you don’t know me and there is no harm in you walking out right now. I would understand.'

‘On the contrary, how about I stay.’ I say making myself comfortable

‘Awesome.’

‘So Astridah, mind telling me about yourself?’ I ask

..

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Winnie

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