Returned - Episode 3

SOUTH AFRICA-NOT CALIFORNIA, LOL.

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Two years ago, if I had heard his voice, the sensation of fireflies would have probably found their way in my stomach. This would have led to an increased heart rate and a normal feeling of excitement.

But standing right there with clenched fists and a scowl plastered across my face, I was prepared to face the devil.

“Why do you care?” I demanded. “The last time I checked, you do not own this property!” I sneered with venom dripping from my word as I turned around.

“You didn’t answer me,” he bellowed, walking towards me. His eyes narrowed as they tightened around the edges.  Every part of me despised him with passion. Yet I couldn’t deny how gorgeous he looked in his disheveled dark hair, which framed the oval shape of his face. He still had that devilish look that could melt a virgin’s heart.

I had prepared for this time, but the way my heart kept on beating so fast made me realize, I might not be ready for this encounter just yet.

“I’m not obliged to answer your irrelevant question,” I spat in disdain.

“See, what’s going to happen is, I’m going to have to drive you to the airport, and you’re gonna take a plane to go back to wherever you came from,” he snarled, pulling his facial expression into a tight frown.

I threw him a deadly glare. “Me and you,  in the same car? Yea, I think I’ll pass.”

I was about to by-pass him, but he suddenly caught my hand and pulled me back.  This caused my fists to clench harder

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. For what seemed like eternity, he said nothing.  He was probably coming up with the next insult he was going to throw my way. His 6”2 towered my 5”9 frame. He was so tall that I had to lift my face to see his face.

We were standing so close that I could practically feel his breath fanning my nose. I couldn’t think straight due to the proximity.

“Why don’t you just leave her alone, Vance ?”

He let go of my arm as we both turned to see Matt coming towards us. I’ve never been happier to see him.

“Dude, this is between her and me,”  Vance growled at Matt.

“I think she’s had enough!” Matt stated. “She’s had enough of your shits! So, why don’t you find another lady’s feelings to toy with?”

I was surprised that Matt would choose to rescue me, or that he would confront Vance head-on. I looked from one man to the other. Vance was still taller than Matt, who was just a few inches taller than me. He wasn’t also as broad as Vance, he was cleanly shaven, the golden mum’s boy, unlike Vance. He was everything called WRONG. Why did I never date Matt those times?

“I thought you would have gotten over her by now, Matt!” Vance mocked. “Don’t waste your effort on her this time again, dude!”

After this, he walked back into his car and drove away.

I sighed and turned towards Matt. “Matt, I….” I stopped unable to speak. I realized he was waiting for me to speak, so I tried one more time. “Thank you.”

He smiled; it made him look even cuter. “You’re welcome. How have you been?”

“Fine, I guess.”

No one spoke for a while; I’ve never felt more awkward. Usually, Matt and I used to be close as well. Back then, he was my ride to school, but things changed when I realized he had feelings for me. It got even more awkward when he asked me out, and I said no. I thought we were good friends, I didn’t want to complicate things, but that ship sailed when I got close to Vance.

“So, are you back for good?”

I was glad that he at least tried to break the silence.

“Yes, I am,” I replied, hoping he at least wouldn’t talk about what happened two years ago.

“Great, come, let me give you a ride home.”

I smiled and followed, relieved with his maturity.

**

When I finally got home, I expected to find my mum in the kitchen, but she was in the living room, busy painting her nails. My mum was very fashionable, too fashionable. I guess that’s what happens when you own your fashion institute. It was also one of the things that affected her marriage. I

“Hey, honey. How was school today?”

I sighed and walked to the fridge to find something to eat.

“Juanita made some lasagna,” she stated.

Juanita was our maid. I was relieved when I heard that.

Our house wasn’t one of those modern double story homes with features, bound to please pedestrians. It combined a stunningly contemporary exterior, along with a well fabricated, interior design. Indoors, the ground floor consisted of an open plan living, kitchen, and meal area which opened to a covered alfresco. The furniture provided a stylish look for the interior design.

On the first floor, the three minor bedrooms and bathrooms were grouped around a central area. It opened out onto the house’s circled balcony, providing access to the beautiful view of the entire block.

Read " Dance With Me " by the same author ( Tobi Loba )

. Dad himself had designed everything himself. He was an architect.

Minutes later, I strode to the kitchen and found the plate of lasagna on the table. After eating to my fill, I walked back to the living room and then to my room.

“So, how  was your first day?” My mum asked one more time, but the reply she got was the slamming of my door. I hated coming back here.

I dropped my bag to check my phone. I had fallen it behind before going to school. I had several missed calls from Lucy and my dad.

I jumped on the bed, rolling my eyes. I was not yet ready to speak to him except it has to do with my car.

I dialed Lucy’s number while walking to the bathroom. She asked how everything went and I spared no detail. Finally, I found another number calling me. I grimaced and asked Lucy to give me some time. The number was quite strange.

I picked it.

“Yes, who’s it?”

“You didn’t think I would let you off easily, did you? The conversation is not over.”

* * ** *

I THINK THE DUDE NEEDS SOME SERIOUS SPANKING

My stomach did a double flip as I realized who it was.  You’ve gotta be kidding me.