A Bitter-Sweet Nightmare – Episode 16

A BITTER-SWEET NIGHTMARE
Episode 16
THE KNIGHT

The following day, Markus arrived at Janine’s place to pick her up for work.

“Markus!” Chansa called out.
“Hey!”
“How did it go?” Markus asked in a whisper.
“It was okay. I tried walking around the house a few times at night but there was no one. Do you think, it can be Max?” Chansa asked.
“I don’t know. From what Janine told me about this guy, I can’t be surprised if it’s him. He seems to be an obsessive psychopath.” Markus commented.
“Should we inform the police?”
“Nah, these same policemen who never have fuel when you call them. Am not working this week, I will make time to be dropping and picking her up from work.” Markus said with his fist to the chin.
“Thanks for coming through for her. It really means a lot.” Chansa said as he tapped his shoulder.

When Janine came out, they changed the topic.

“I see you two are getting along just fine,” Janine said with a smile.
“Don’t even think about it!” Alice said from the kitchen window.
“Think about what?” Markus and Chansa asked in unison.
“She wants to suggest some double dating kind of arrangement.” She added.
“No, I wasn’t.” Janine giggled. “Good morning love, why are you in shorts?” She asked Markus.
“Oh, it’s because am in a car.” He laughed mischievously.

On there was into town, just when Markus was about to join into the main road. He got a glimpse of a guy who seemed to be looking at him.

#MAX

Since Max knew Janine’s schedule, he was right on time standing opposite the road that joined into the main one which heads to town.
When Markus car approached, they made eye contact and that was when he turned giving his back to him.

“So, that’s the guy Janine!” Max said to himself. It was as if he was having heart palpitations, seeing Janine with another man did a good one on him.

He got on a bus and followed, the whole day, from a distance he would sit and just watch her. The only time Markus would be back was when she was about to knock off. At least that’s what he thought on this day.

“Excuse me can I have one pie.” That was Markus calling out to the sales lady from behind. In front was Max getting his order.
Janine was never a fan of Pie City, thus, Markus started by going into Shoprite to get her a cake and then proceeded to get himself a pie.

Max turned to see who it was and boom! It was Markus. Because of the distance that was there when the two had eye contact, Markus couldn’t recognise him. On the other hand, Max knew pretty well who this guy was.

A thousand thoughts rushed into his mind like a flood. Seeing him there and even smelling Janine’s perfume on his body was horrifying to him.

“What’s the rush! Can’t you see that other people are lined up here? Why cut the line?” Max asked him.
However, Markus didn’t respond, he just ignored him.
“Mr Markus, here is your order. Hope I’ve not delayed you.” The attendant said with a smile.
“Not at all. Thanks a lot.” Markus said as he walked out.

‘He dares ignore me! Damn! Damn him. Who does he think he is?’
‘He thinks he’s better than me. Oh no… Am going to show this piece of sh*t just who I am…’

These words were being played in Max’s head as he watched Markus walk away. He knew pretty well where he was going.

#JANINE

Janine had not told Markus that she thought someone had been following her. She didn’t want him to think she was just being paranoid and the like.

“Here is your cake, and drink,” Markus said.
“What about you? You ain’t eating?” She asked me.
“Why wouldn’t I? I’ve got my pie.” He said smilingly. Janine shook her head.
“What’s with you and pies?”
Markus laughed, “Even if I told you, I doubt you would get it. You want to take a bite?”

The two were seated in the car as they ate. Because of the short Markus was putting on, he refused to enter her working place.

“I’ve just remembered, I know am excited, it’s because of the cake. So, take this seriously…” Janine told him.
“Okay, hit me…”
“I think someone has been stalking me. I always feel like someone is watching me, following every move I make. Yesterday, someone kept following me from the time I dropped at the ZESCO station till I almost reached the get. I felt like dying.” She explained to him.
“That was terrible. That’s why I don’t like it when you knock off late.” Markus told her.
“Well, my shining knight has come to the rescue in his mighty short.” She giggled.
“Anything for my princess.”
“Hold your lips, am not going to kiss you with pie in your mouth,” Janine said as she pushed him away.
“How come I can kiss you when you eating cake?” Markus nagged.
“Cake is romantic. What if the meat in that pie wasn’t cooked well and then it goes between my teeth.” She laughed.
“Aah! So, that’s how we are going to do this… Will buy you cassava next time, with groundnuts on top.” He said.
“You are the one who would finish that. Not me.” They both laughed, leaning on each other as they did.

Max was at a distance, not far but near enough to see what was going on in the car. He was fighting for something that no longer existed. Envy, jealousy _ put a name to it and he had it.

Tbc…

KENNEDY C KATONGO