IS THIS LOVE Episode -18

IS THIS LOVE – Episode 18

A story by Kennedy C Katongo 

 

CATCHING FEELINGS – 1

Tears just came in rushing out of my eyes. The accountant had told me that the best way was to pay early before the date of payments was announced.

Since Matimba was willing to help me with the needed sum earlier than I would have managed to raise it… It meant that I had successfully securued a space for the exam.

The following morning I was hyped and excited. Unlike the previous day, I didn’t have to look low and confused. 20 minutes before reporting time and I was at work, I made sure to collect all the deliveries and boxes of fruits that we were expecting that morning.

“Morning Chileshe, you early today…” The Chef said as he walked in, him and I shared a multitude of conversations especially concerning ladies.

“I didn’t feel like going for class to study today. I figured coming for work would do me good – help me clear my mind.” I responded as we exchanged greetings.

“Has Lydia reported yet?” He asked me.

“Nope. I think she’s going to be late q bit, she’s usually hear around this time.” I commented.

“I wouldn’t be surprised. It went down at Hollywood last night. She was out of control Exe!” Chef said. I could tell he wasn’t looking like his normal self, mentioning Hollywood night club brought in more clarity as to why he looked like he had a hangover.

This wasn’t the first time I had heard about Lydia clubbing and going crazy when drunk. I mean, if not for the rumours at work one wouldn’t even dare point a finger at her to claim she clubs nor drinks.

“Who was she with?” I asked.

“She was with some ladies, that friend of hers from Sterns and another whom I didn’t recognize. It was crazy I tell you, the lap dances and twerking…mah!” Chef walked up to move the dishes out of the storage as he shook he head in disbelief.

His words got me thinking, was it that intense? It wasn’t like I had made any move on her, but I couldn’t deny I had began to feel something for her.

“Good morning everyone!” Her voice echoed in the kitchen.

“Morning.” We all answered in unison.

“Chileshe…” She called me as she went to check on the delivery.

“Yes Lydia.”

“I see you already collected. Is everything in check?” She asked me. She hadn’t changed into her working suite yet. She had heels and a high waist Jean that followed her body so well.

“I spoke to the guys about your situation, they have agreed to help out. So this week all tips will be contributed for your exam.” She said.

“Sorry, but did I hear you just say, ‘They agreed to help me?’ or maybe it’s happening in my head?” I asked her. I was a bit surprised. To make matters worse I wasn’t that close with most of the people at work.

“You don’t have to worry. We a family here.” She said as she walked out, heading to change her closed I presumed.

It was only a matter of time and Matimba would be calling me to confirm if I had received the money. Now I was stuck, I didn’t know what to tell Lydia after she had gone through all the stress to make sure they come up with money for me. On the other side, I would use this same money to pay off Matimba.

@@ IN THE KITCHEN @@

“Okay last time was crazy. Girl you need to calm down. Taking shots like that will ki*ll you!” Chef called out to Lydia.

“Aah! You exaggerating things Ba Chef. It was just five shots.” I heard Lydia respond as they began to laugh.

“But those dances… I had to cover my eyes.” The Chef added.

Before she could answer, I walked in. Chef had already scolded me on several occasions regarding Lydia. He believed she liked me, while on my end – she was my supervisor and that was all.

‘You saying she’s not your type?’ Chef had asked me once.

‘You joking right? How can a guy like me get a girl like her?’ I asked him. He went on to explain to me that as long as she was more into me than I was, all I needed was to use that to my advantage.

“What are you guys talking about?” I asked them. Lydia had already changed into her uniform. “Nothing!” She jumped in quickly.

“I thought we were talking about the club?” Chef asked stupidly.

“Oh! I heard you guys went out. How was it?” I asked Lydia. For some reason she felt embarrassed. She knew I had given up on alcohol and if I were to cross that line – one bottle would be it.

“You snitched….” She whispered to Chef as she walked passed him. “It was nothing. A friend took me out. We had a few bottles and then went home.” She added.

What Lydia didn’t know was that I had more information about what happened at Hollywood than she thought I had.

The atmosphere in the kitchen became tense with Lydia and the Chef exchanging strong gazes towards each other.

“That was tense. Almost thought she was going to swing one right at me.” Chef giggled. Lydia had walked out leaving the two of us together, she had gone to check how things were going infront.

“Did you really have to push her buttons?” I asked him.

“Not really. I just wanted to prove to you that she likes you.” He smiled in his most mischievous way.

“But you know my stance about a lady who frequents clubs and alcohol. I can’t deal with the pressure nor developing anxiety every single time I know she has gone out.” I told him.

“Love defeats all.” “You might say that today but what if she’s willing to give up the bottle to be with you?” He asked me.

Before I could give him an answer my phone rang. “Excuse me for a minute. Just hold that thought and I will be back.” I told him as I walked to the back.

“Hey Matimba.”

“Hey! Hope am not disturbing you. I just wanted to let you know that am about to send the money. Just confirm with me once you receive the text.”

“Okay. Sure. I will do just that. And no need to apologize, you haven’t disturbed anything. Thank you very much for coming through for me.” I told her.

I was in awe of what she had done for me, in my case, I considered myself a total stranger to her.

After the call, I immediately went back to give Chef my own opinion. Other guys we worked with had already come in and were busy making small stalk about what happened last night at the club.

“So, as I was about to say… If she’s willing to change, well and good. But you need to know that ladies don’t easy change certain habits especially if she’s been doing it for a long time.” I said.

“What!” One of the guys exclaimed, “You would prefer a chick that doesn’t dope? You have no idea what you missing out. Them girls are crazy bro… These girls can climb your mountain and melt it down. I can’t go for these kama-normals (people who behave extremely normal) I need some life in my relationship.” He concluded strongly.

“Let me ask you this, then why is it that when you start looking for a wife – you won’t go to the ladies in the club to pick one?” Another black dude who was working as a waiter asked. He brought the order and landed in the middle of the story.

“Listen man, all men what a bitchy lady. Someone whose wild and all that kinda sh*t. But no man in his normal five would marry such a lady and expect her to raise children right.” He said sharply. For someone who always looked high on weed, he really did have some brains.

 

To be continued…