A bitter-sweet nightmare – Episode 8

A BITTER-SWEET NIGHTMARE

Episode 8

Questions (2)

“Him… He’s around. He was telling me that he’s single again.” Janine knew that ignoring it wouldn’t help and Markus would notice if she did.
“Oh, that’s bad. Am sure he will try his luck again. The dude seems to like you a lot from what you’ve told me about him.” Markus pointed out.
–
Janine knew that it was hurtful for him to talk about other men that had been in her life. This was due to the fact that Markus, had not on one but on countless occasions proposed love to her _ she turned him down on all accounts stating that she wasn’t vested in the art of long-distance relationships.

It wasn’t long, no sooner had they reached the roadside than the taxi approach. At this point, Markus already understood that seeking a relationship with Janine would only end him in pain.
In less than ten minutes, Markus and Janine were in town. At this point, Max had not yet confirmed to her that he was in Chingola. Because of this, she was under the impression that he was still on the bus, this gave her time to walk around and bother Markus to get Ice cream for her.
It might be destiny nor fate _ no one can tell, but the most horrific scene was about to roll out soon.

“Can we get ice cream from Pick and Pay?” She asked him.
“I thought Shoprite would be better,” Markus said.
“I know, okay, let’s start from Pick and Pay and then go to Shoprite.” She insisted. Not that she had any reason for that, but she just preferred the other one to the one she didn’t pick.

The town center for Chingola was pretty much straight forward, from the station, the two walked side by side gossiping about anything that seemed catchy to them. Unlike many Pick and Pay stores, this one was different because it had one arrangement; the entrance was also the exit of which there were only two. One from the taxi rank which was the main and the other one on the other end from the shopping stands. Because of this, while Janine and Markus were entering from the taxi rank entrance, Max had already entered from the other side.

“So, what am I getting?” She asked him, more girlish than usual.
“Ice cream and we out. It’s not like we came for shopping.” Markus shook his head.
“For real! Okay, can I add chocolate?” She held his hand, hoping for him to be charmed.
“Nope.”
“Just the small bar…” She begged.
“We can get the invincible bar instead.” He laughed.
“That wasn’t funny.” Janine frowned.
“You gonna get old if you keep putting up that face.” He moved a step away from her.
“You just like fighting.” She poked him on the shoulder.

Max was in the roll for Cosmetics and was glued checking on the sprays that were there. In his mind, just a bit longer and he was going to call Janine to let her know that he was in Chingola, not knowing that they were already in the same place.

“I think the Ice cream is found this side. Where are you going?” Markus asked her.
“Just follow me. I want to check for something.” She was busy dragging him to the Cosmetics section to show him a type of spray that she wanted to get.

Just as they hit the corner, Max had turned around and was about to take a turn for the next row.
They entered and Max went the other way, Markus, however, had seen him make a turn and couldn’t help but think the man looked familiar. Not because of his posture and everything, rather by the clothes he wore.

“What are you looking at?” Janine asked him.
“Me? Nothing. just that… I think I saw someone I met earlier today when I was coming to your place that’s all.” He told her.
“Ok. Now, what do you think about this scent?” She asked him after spraying it inside the lid.
“You know doing that isn’t allowed right? It says it right here that do not spray.” Markus said. One of his fingers were pointing at the warning sign that was stuck there.
“I know, I know.” “Just tell me, which one is nicer between the two?”
.
.
.
It was like a puzzle maze for these guys, for some reason they never happened to be in the same row or even walk from the columns at the same time. It was like the closer they got to each other the more the forces of repelling each other were strong.

From ice cream, she went to pick more than one thing. Markus was generous enough to let it slide despite the whole thing being imposed on him.

“Do you mind getting me some water? I will wait in line.” Markus said.
“I don’t. Which size?”
“The 1Liter will do. Get Vatra if possible.” He added.

Max who was now bored, ended up getting drinking yoghurt.

“We meet again,” Markus called out to Max. He was in the other line heading to the counter.
“Hey!” He exclaimed. “How did things go?” Max asked him.
“Everything went well. Better than I expected if you ask me.” He laughed.
“That’s great to hear.”
“What about you, weren’t you supposed to be with your ex? Don’t tell me you got cold feet.” Markus laughed jokingly.
“Not at all man, she was meeting up with her brother. So am just waiting for her right now. Though I’ve even lost my zeal you know.” Max told him.

From where they stood, Janine was approaching Markus from behind, this gave room for Max who happened to be on the next line-facing Markus to have a clear view of Janine as she walked.

“That lady definitely looks like my ex…” Max said with a laugh. After all, it had been a long time since they had met.
“Which one?” Markus asked while turning around to check.
“The one in a peach top.” He added to be more precise.
“That’s Janine!” Markus exclaimed.
“You know her?” Max asked in awe.
“Of course I know her. That’s… Wait a minute. Are you telling me that _ that girl over there is your ex?” Markus asked.

Tbc…

KENNEDY C KATONGO