Chapter 27

"Do not trust everything that men say, most of the time it is utter lies. They will lie to get what they want. I guess you will learn that the hard way" She walks back to her chair. Windsor walks in. "Please both sit down". We settle ourselves on the chairs. "I called you guys because I want you guys to organize an excursion for the Grade 12s that includes the content subjects. I want you to spearhead that project and give me feedback as soon as possible. Can you do that?" She taps her pen on the table awaiting our response. "We can do it. We will gather inputs from other educators" Windsor replies calmly. "Great that aside. I am going to put it out there that I do not promote office relationships, if you want to do that one must go. And if I recall Windsor are you not to be engaged? Stop toying with girls' hearts. Don't be too greedy. On that note, you are dismissed".

My heart sinks. So the rumor was true. Was yesterday a lie? I turn to look at him. His mouth is sealed and his face has no expression. I rise to my feet and hastily rush to the staff room. "Oh hey! Congrats!" Mrs. Grey taps on my shoulder with a wide smile. I force a smile. I settle on my chair and rest my face on the table. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. I feel a rush of hot tears on my cheeks. "Are you okay?" I hear Ntshuxeko's voice over me. "Yes," I sniff back the tears.

"What is wrong Windsor? " I hear her sweet voice enquire. I try to secretly dry my teary eyes without catching attention. I raise my eyes only to see him packing his bag. "Did you guys fight?" She asks. "No, I am just taking an early day. " He turns to look at me. My heart breaks to see him with a sad face. Should I go or continue looking at him? He vacated the room. I get up and quickly catch up with him. I find him just standing by his car. "What happened? " I ask out of concern. "I am sorry you had to hear all of that. It was so unprofessional." He clicks his tongue and takes a deep breath. "But is it true?" I peer into his eyes, "Because if it is...", "Paris..."He comes closer". I pull back," We are at work" I remind him. "I am not getting engaged to anybody but you." He leans against the car. "That is not a clear answer" I frown and fold my arms. "My family arranged an engagement for me but I never agreed to it" He rubs his fingers in his hair. "To her?" Tears well up in my eyes blurring my vision of him. "Paris, I want nobody but you" He tries to reach me, "Don't" I stop him. "Please let me explain to you in the car" he unlocks the car.

I get in and face his direction, "Talk, lie to me" I dry my tears. "Yes, it is her. Our families tried to set us up. I have never agreed to it nor brushed it away but when I saw you I knew that I wouldn't allow the engagement to happen if I had you. I should have let you know about this situation but I clarified our situation to her, that we are in a relationship. I love you Paris. I know that being from different worlds and not knowing much about each other will make it difficult. But I want to do this with you" He holds my hands. I bit my lower lip. Should I believe him?

"Guys!" A voice calls us by the window. He slides down the window. "Paris don't you have a period or do you want to be jobless too?" Mrs Grey enquires. "Did they send you here?" He asks irritated. "I have a free now" I answer softly. "Oh shame, were you crying? Did the devil make you cry? She is the worst right? " She tries to comfort me. "Yes, she sent me here to ask if Paris still wants her job or if she wants to leave with you. She is fuming and everything is on fire" She looks at Windsor. "Well...she caused it." He replies. "You should go back, I will pick you up at town" He leans in and places a kiss on the cheek. I embrace him instead for a moment, his body is tense, "Loosen up", I alight from the car.

I walk back to the staff room with Mrs Grey. What a messy day. "Is he resigning? " She asks. "Is he?" I ask her confused. "I thought you knew, weren't you talking about that?" She looks at me with a more confused look. "No..." We enter the building. We can hear her yelling. Today is going to be one of a hell day. So the trip was just a facade to address us.

"So you decided to come back" She paused, "Wise decision, you need this job, he doesn't" Young Miss retorts, and as she sits comfortably on Windsor's seat. I feel like yanking her from the chair. If it is not her hands, it is her provocative words, the mug, the marking of the territory. Looking all elegant but has a gangster spirit. It is all a facade. They say it is a lie, maybe I should cling to it. As long as my heart gets to feel this warmth that is brought to life by this lie. Maybe, this lie can turn into a beautiful truth. I will hold on to it, even if it hurts me, as long you convince me that it is worth it, I will hold on to you until you tire of me, Lucas. There is more than meets the eye with you. Let us see if what we have is true love, and if it is, is it our greatest weapon to win this war? Will this pain for this love blossom into sweet and true love?