Chapter 3: Still Here

Seeing Corey at the club, his features; High sharp cheek bones that catch light, jawline that could cut glass clean.

His eyes, almond with lashes too thick , throw shadow when he looks down.

His lips said it all. The kind that looks like someone traced them with a pencil. He always has clear skin, a mole high on his cheekbone. Black curls that defy gravity, always a little messy like he doesn’t try.

Looks like a work of art come to life. Cold, unreal. He’s well defined in a way that makes people feel intimidated. Like you can’t beat his good looks.

I could go on and on.

I desperately wanted to run into his arms, plead for him to forgive me, take him into his arms and kiss me senseless.

I trailed my lips at the thought of his kiss, fantasizing how amazing it was going to feel getting weak in the knees.

I had it coming … for leaving Mylo without a good explanation but I had to do what I had to do for my sanity.

I placed my hands on my beated heart …thump! thump!.

Surely they say the heart wants what it wants. His presence makes me shrink and his absence makes me crave for him. Now I know am really fucked.

It all came crashing down when I received a call from one of Mama Uyioku’s neighbours; reporting that she was rushed to the hospital after she fainted.

I wanted to pay her a visit but I didn’t want to risk being caught by my father. He warned me to cut all ties with my past else he was going to make me hate myself.

He doesn’t make empty threats, I thought to myself. I made sure to keep my distance but not at the expense of Mama’s health. I needed to see her.

All in one night so much drama … I couldn’t help but feel scared.

What if she chases me or doesn’t recognize me anymore? After all it’s been years she last saw me.

I didn’t want to think much about what’s the harm in trying.

“Back to earth, Miss Prime” Corey snapped.

I stared deeply into her eyes, searching for something, a flick or emotion, something that maybe would give me hope to not let go completely but I found nothing.

All her attention was on Mama. Trying so hard to ignore me; I felt invincible.

I am inspired by Miss Prime, your achievements are not something I could overlook. You’ve proven yourself immensely incredible.

Kisha turned slowly, looking at Corey folded arms leaning on the door. There was so much sarcasm in his voice.

Am honored Mr Lawson, not saying much she turned swiftly seemingly uninterested in starting a conversation with him.

Mama am so sorry …. For not being there when you needs me the most, for abandoning you.

I wanted to stay with you, I believed in you. I promise.

I just didn’t have the courage back then to face my fears, to love wildly, to be where my hearts wants me to be.

Kisha sobs quietly…

Mama understood that the apology was more for Corey than it meant for heart. I understand my sweet girl, sometimes we’re held down by something, responsibility.

I’ve been there before and I certainly understand you,way beyond your words.

They embraced each other. They held onto that hope that someday it will all make sense.

Corey eyes flickered with twirling emotions, he subconsciously moved towards them and wrapped his arm around them.

He felt it too. Something was amiss but he couldn’t place his fingers on it.

Kisha stiffened immediately. Corey’s body contact made her thirst for him uncontrollably. He nestled in her neck breathing rapidly inhaling her scent.

He wanted her …. his mind screamed. He wanted to make her scream out his name as he fucks her senseless.

The nurse walked in, breaking the tension between them.

Excuse me, you both need to leave, the patient needs rest.

Mama coughed on hearing what the nurse said …. You both come back by 3 am. I have something I want to show you. Her eyes became heavy as she drifted slowly into sleep.

Corey dashed out, Kisha trailed behind.

He sat down at the hospital cafeteria, coffee please he beckoned the waiter.

What about you ? Tsk….. about me.

Kisha was lost for words …He sighed,I meant coffee or what ?

Ohh..uhm coffee would be great.

Kisha took notice of how tired Corey looked but still handsome.

Excuse me, I need to use the restroom, she walked swaying her hips majestically.

Those hips ..Corey threw his head backward …. exhausted he drifted off to sleep soundly.

Kisha was busy fixing herself wanting to look her best, She wondered if she’s still attractive to him.

She was astonished to see him asleep as she walked back.

Indecisive of what to do, she sat closely beside him and placed her head on his chest, dozing off. He stirred in his sleep.

Kisha don’t…. don’t leave …. don’t let go.

He jolted back to reality, electrified upon seeing her sleeping peacefully while the storm in his life caused by her refused to fade away.

She’s still beautiful, he thought.

Her chest moved up and down. Her breathing was so mild almost like he could hear her heartbeat.

He sniffed her hair filled with coconut scent, her skin; Freckles that only come out in the sun. Her bottom lip is fuller than the top, she rarely wears lipstick and when she does, it’s war.

He reaches for her face like he’s checking if she’s real. Thumb on her cheekbone, he pressed his thin lips in hers, finally she woke up. She deepens the kiss, When their mouths meet, it’s not smooth. Years of yearning for each other crash into now.

She knew how he kisses_a little left-tilted always.

It’s not scripted. It’s clumsy, urgent, and sacred.

He undoes her button and kneads her breast. She claws at his back because If she let him go, he might vanish again.

“You came back” he whispers.

“I never left” she says. Her body left him but her heart and soul stayed with him.