Chapter 26

I spread butter on the warm toasted slice of bread and take a bite. "mmmm, so delicious" I savor the taste. I take the plate and the mug of coffee to the sofa and nestle myself on the loveseat sofa. I switch on the TV and pick a Netflix series. I hear the sound of the door open.

"Paris...I have something for you. What? You are eating already. I bought you some pizza" He hands me the box takes the plate of bread and takes a bite, "Delicious" he chews.

"Thanks. Tell me about your work. Did you pick me some clothes? I am tired of chilling in your pyjama shirt" I take a bite of the pizza he bought for me. "You look good. I love this view" He smiles and leans in for a kiss on the lips. "Well...I don't. I am practically naked" I curl up my legs on the sofa. "Well...that one is sorted I got some undies. But as for clothes..." He scratches his head, "I could not go to your room so I just thought let me buy everything? "He looks at me waiting for approval. "what....uggggh" I groan. "I know but it was easier that way. So I got some dresses and sweatpants" He places one of his hands on his waist and the other brushes his hair. He looks cute, him being worried about this kind of thing. I put the pizza on the table and embrace him. "Thanks, let me try them on" I peer into his eyes as my lips tear into a warm smile. "Okay," He leans in and places a passionate kiss.

I left the room to try on the clothes and wear one of the new panties and his pyjama shirt and head back to him. "Everything fits, what a miracle" I hug him from the back. "I am glad. I was anxious about the size when shopping" He turns and we continue to embrace each other.

"Tell me about work. I feel bad for lying about being sick" I part my body from his embrace and sit on the sofa. "You shouldn't. Work was fine" He finished the slice of bread I was eating before he arrived. "Just fine? " I prob for more details. "Yes, nothing much happened that is out of the ordinary besides me missing you. I was so lonely. I couldn't wait to come back home" He smiles and then shakes his head, "The thought is pleasing" He finishes his sentence. "Coming back from work to me? I am not a housewife and not going to be one" I clear the thought out. "Not like that, just being in the same space after work is a pleasing thought to me. Don't you think so? " He looks at me. "I like it" I rest my head on his chest. "Well...I guess we can try it out this week and see how it works, like a week visit?" He stutters. "How will I get to work?" I raise my head. "With my car." He brushes my cheek.

I gawk at him. Is he crazy? That is a declaration to the world about our relationship. Am I ready for that? "But you know what that is? Remember you were suspended a while ago?" I run my hands under his t-shirt. "Do not worry about that. But this can show you how committed I am to you, to us" He cups my face in his palms. "Well...I can't help but worry" I rest my head on his chest. Maybe this is what we need to cement our relationship.

***

I walk into the staff room in my long-sleeved navy blue wrap-around dress and platform dad shoes with navy blue belts and stripped heels. I feel too feminine.

"Whoa..." Thabo whistles, "Hot mama!". "Morning !" I try to walk faster and settle on my chair. I thought nobody had arrived yet. "I bet nobody is here!" Windsor walks in and halts at a realisation that Thabo was laid back on his chair with a grin on his face. "Where is your car?" Windsor breaks the silence. "I used public transport today. And lucky me, I get to witness the new couple. Is this why she was sick yesterday?" He chuckles. "Stop making Paris uncomfortable" He protests. "Uhm...excuse" I walk out of the room leaving them to mumble whatever they want. Why did I think I was ready for this? "Oh hi!", "Morning". People start arriving and I go back to my table. It reminds me of that day I realized that I liked him, my heart was beating so fast. My heart is beating so fast. I can feel everyone's eyes on me. Most importantly, I can feel the seething and disappointed gaze from Ntshuxeko.

"Oh welcome back Paris. Are you feeling better today?" Young Miss Windhoek stands in front of my table sipping coffee in a mug written Windsor, The Best. "I heard from Lucas that you are not well...is your stomach okay now?" her lips form a small smile. "Yeah..."I slowly nod. "That is great. I was just checking on you. You are a special one Paris" She leaves and goes back to her seat next to Windsor. I heave a sigh. Be calm, he loves you not her. "Paris, Principal is asking for you" The receptionist pops into their head in the staff room. "Alright," I can feel my shoulders become heavy. My heart sank, the knot in my stomach. I rise to my feet and vacate the room.

I walk through the silent corridor, my footsteps echoing through the dark pathway as if I am toward my demise. I should have known that this morning was too good to be true. I knock on the door and I hear the voice welcomes me in. I open the door with care and step inside. "Good morning Mam. I. Heard you called for me", "Oh yes, I am waiting for Windsor to come too. But in the meantime, I would like to ask you something. Why is it that you find attractive about Windsor?" She gets up from her chair and walks towards me. "I don't know how to answer this question" I try to avoid her fierce gaze. "I guess he got you too." She sighs.