A bitter-sweet nightmare – Episode 6

A BITTER-SWEET NIGHTMARE

Episode 6

After what seemed like an hour, Max and Markus were as good as buddies at this point. They spoke about anything/everything that would help them pass time as they waited for the situation to normalise.

“Let me get her line then we leave,” Markus said. He stood up, pulled himself together, and walked towards the young lady at the counter. Clenched in his fist was a K50 note for the order he had placed earlier.
“You leaving already?” She asked him.
“Yes. It seems the commotion has gone down now. Besides, if I stay any longer in here, I might start coming up with names for the babies that you and I would have.” He said with a smile.
“Wow… So, tell me. How far did you go with your imagination?” She asked him in a whisper, this was followed by her leaning forward towards him.
“Well, if you want to know… Then the two of us would need to make some sort of trade. Your number for the imaginary story in my head.” Markus told her.
“I would love that. However, I can’t give my number to a stranger. Especially strangers like you.” She told him.
“Like me! What does that even mean?”
“It means that you are the Hunter, type of guy. You see something and you just gat to have it. Don’t you?” With a smirk look on her face, she took the money from his hands, opening up the drawer to get him his change.
“It’s okay. You can get yourself a drink.” Markus was puzzled at how well she played him. With that, he turned around and left. He knew very well when it was time to bounce.

“You and that lady seemed to hit it off. It was like a Romeo and Juliet type of flow. Did you get her number?” Max asked. He was excited as he cheered for his new friend.
“If I tell you that she didn’t give me, are you willing to believe me?”
“What!”
“That’s my point right there…” Markus smiled.
“I don’t get it, you two were busy smiling at each other. Not only that, she whispered to you. Now tell me, how in God’s name did you fail to get her number?” Max inquired.
“It doesn’t have anything to do with God. She called me a Hunter, if she’s that good at spotting character then I might be the one who ends up getting played.” He explained.
“Where do you guys get all these things?” Max’s joyous moment didn’t last, it was blown to smithereens.

Markus told Max that he was going to get on a taxi from Pick n’ Pay. Max, who still had plenty of time decided to hang around at the station for a bit longer. The other weird thing was that the two never bothered to even ask each other their names.

Markus “@” Am now on my way. You said I should drop off at ZESCO right? “@”
Janine “@” Yes, just tell the driver. I will be at the roadside in the next 5 minutes. “@”
Markus “@” Okay. No problem.”@”

While that was happening, Max was also making his move.

Max “@” I don’t know how I just dozed off “@”
Janine “@” If you keep dozing like that you will grow fat and old “@”
Max “@” Naiwewine (Same with you). I wanted to call you, then I remembered that your brother is around. “@”
Janine “@” You could have called. This is when he’s on his way. “@”
Max “@” What! And I thought maybe he was even about to leave now. Sat. “@”
Janine “@” You just like complaining. I think we will have to meet from town. “@”
Max “@” What happened to the first plan? “@”
Janine “@” My housemate’s girlfriend is coming over. I just don’t want the situation to be awkward. After all, she knows my ex-boyfriend. I just don’t want to give her thoughts of ‘I’ve already moved on and am bringing guys over’ that kind of thing. “@”
Max “@” Oh, yeah. I understand what you getting at. I don’t mind meeting from town. “@”
Janine “@” Thanks a lot. Such a darling. “@”

“Hello! J-Janine?”
“Have you dropped off at ZESCO?” She asked Markus.
“Yes, I have. Am on the opposite side of the road. I don’t know what this lodge is called.” Markus told her.
“Okay. Just give b. me a minute. I will be there. If there are people, ask for Riverside Drive, follow that road and you will see me.” Janine told Max. She was very bad at giving directions, no wonder she didn’t even attempt to direct him. This was something Markus was well aware of.

Before long, Markus and Janine were face-to-face. She was of medium height, a bit chubby, and shaped out. Our Markus on the other hand was more like Pinocchio, tall with a slender body that was accompanied by spiky hair.
Janine once referred to his haircut as the Playboy insignia. The awkward moment was broken by a hug, followed by an unexpected kiss from Markus.

“Am sorry about that. It’s just that I was caught up in the moment and boom! My lips were on your lips.” Markus said apologetically.
“It’s okay. You don’t need to think about it.” She told him. She could tell that he seemed tense and nervous. The weird thing was that all those instincts lead him to kiss her.
“I never knew this is how it is here. Is this part of Kabundi as well?”
“Yes, it is, the house is in the next court. You’ve been here before?” She asked him.
“Yes, I have. Though am more familiar with Kapisha. We’ve got relatives those ends.” He said.
“So, this is where am staying. My housemate…”
“The famous Chansa,” Markus commented.
“Yes, he has gone for work. The girlfriend just arrived a while ago. You can take a sit in the living room.” Janine wasn’t that much pumped up; meeting Markus wasn’t that much of a big deal to her.

It was then that Markus caught the vibe. After all, he was a hunter _ knowing when the prey was out-of-reach was part of the game. He had anticipated such an outcome.

“Can I get you some juice?” She asked him. From a skirt, Janine came back from her room with a skinny jean. Even though it was appealing to the eyes, it also sent a message to Markus that nothing was going to happen between the two of them. In fact, that kiss he got would be the only thing he was getting.

“Thanks,” Markus said, he was trying his best to be calm but just couldn’t. His eyes always found themselves fixed on Janine.
‘Do I have feelings for this girl or it’s me lusting for her body?’ He asked himself.

Tbc…

KENNEDY C KATONGO