Reunion

ERIC:

My eyes fluttered open in the hospital. My mother, head bowed, was praying and weeping. I had survived. Her prayers worked. I had escaped death…against my wish.

Since I couldn’t talk because of the stitches and the bandage around my neck, I placed the only hand without plaster on hers. She lifted her head. The moment she saw me awake, she sniffled a deep cry…her stare screaming both disappointment and relief.

I felt sorry for her. I had done that without thinking of her. I acted selfishly. And sadly, I was about to act for myself again.

I couldn’t stay. The bullying and condemnation were one thing, but existing in the same city with Leonard, yet never being able to reach him? Impossible.

The second she left the ward to get the doctor, I grabbed the phone she left on the bedside locker and bolted. Wearing the hospital uniform, I flagged a cab to a hotel. Determined to stay miles away from my past, I left the continent and took a one-way flight to Africa.

Five years later, with a new identity and a new life, I was moving on. Existing. Doing better.

“George!” Chuks shouted.

I halted mid-scoop, horse poop half-lifted in the pail, and glanced through the wooden window to see Chuks waving at me with his usual bright smile. Wearing yellow boots, he started toward me—always coming to help, always there for me.

George? That’s me.

From the airport, five years ago, Chuks had been the cab driver I hired. He was lively, full of talks. While chatting, I told him I needed a place to stay long-term and a job. That was how he brought me here: a farm with free accommodation, good pay, but a ridiculous workload. Except Chuks made everything easier. Adaptable. Bearable.

He worked here too, taking driving jobs only when necessary.

“It’s going to get busier soon,” he said, already helping me scoop.

I knew. The horse race was in a week. The preparation was always overwhelming. More horses brought in. Lodges renovated. Everyone working overtime.

“Heard some rich guest is coming. He rented the VVIP room.”

The race was international. Rich guests from all over the globe attended every year. And each year, the VVIP room was rented. So I didn’t understand his fuss.

“The room is always rented,” I said.

“It has never been prepared like this,” he insisted. “New bed frame. New sheets. New everything.”

“He must be a god.”

“A zillionaire. His net worth peaked three years ago. He’s filthy rich. He’s more than a god. I hope they assign me to serve him.”

For VVIP and VIP guests, workers were assigned to serve them for the entire month. I hoped they forgot my name this year. I wasn’t in the mood to serve anyone. I just wanted to enjoy the race and tend the horses.

“Are you free this evening?” Then he asked—in that tone that made my stomach twist.

One year after my arrival, Chuks had asked me out. The word dating triggered a panic attack so severe that I hyperventilated until I passed out. He never asked again…but his intentions were always clear. Obvious enough that everyone thought we were dating. And honestly…I had been considering giving it a try.

It had been five years. I had received my due punishment. It wasn’t like I was leaving anytime soon, or Leonard was going to appear out of nowhere and forgive me. It was time to try something hearty.

And Chuks? He wasn’t anything extraordinary—just kind, funny, and someone who made me happy. I could be happy with him.

“I can be free,” I said.

He smiled. “Let’s go see a movie?”

“Okay. But I get to pick.”

He laughed. He knew why. His movie taste was horrible.

While dressing up, my heart drifted toward Leonard—where it shouldn’t. That date. The moment that turned my once-perfect relationship into nightmare. I wondered how he was doing. How he moved past my betrayal. What his life looked like now.

I could find out easily. He was everywhere online. But for five years, I had denied myself the urge to look at him. I lost him. Surfing about him would only hurt more.

“George?” Chuks called from outside.

George. George was fake. If I wanted something real with Chuks, I needed to tell him the truth about me. About Eric. No more lying. No more hidden identity.

I stepped outside, and he froze.

“You’re…beautiful.”

With pride.

Age had forgotten me. At thirty-eight, I still looked young. But Chuks was exaggerating. I hadn’t even dressed up—just casual clothes to avoid awkwardness.

The movie went well.

We strolled back toward the range, then sat on a concrete block outside the farm gate. Crickets filled the night…and mosquitoes tried to murder me.

“Does it still hurt?” he asked suddenly.

He didn’t need to clarify. Only a shattered heart reacts the way I did when he asked me out years ago.

“It will never stop hurting,” I said honestly.

He nodded slowly. “You loved him.”

“I love him,” I corrected. He shifted, anxious. “He is a good man. I broke his heart. He hates me now. But I can’t shut my heart.”

“Do you think you can love another?”

“I want to try.”

He smiled weakly. “I like you, George. I want you to try with me.”

“Chuks, I—”

“Please think before you turn me down,” he blurted.

I laughed softly. “Why would I do that?”

“You won’t?”

“I like you too. But there’s—”

He kissed me, cutting me off. “Can you leave any ‘buts’ for tonight?” he whispered against my lips.

I nodded…and he kissed me again, deep and steady.

No ‘buts’ last night. But there would be this morning. He needed to hear everything.

Except Mr. Phil, the farm owner, pulled me out of the walk to Chuks’ room and invited me to his office.

“Am I in trouble, Mr. Phil?” I asked.

He paused mid-step. “I’m the one in trouble,” he said, fidgeting.

“Okay?”

“He’s here.”

“…”

“The VVIP. He arrived too early.”

Oh.

“And why is that trouble?”

“I’m shy,” he giggled suddenly, covering his mouth. “I prepared for next week…not now. I can’t stand his aura. I need help to face him.”

Ask me about Mr. Phil later. I need to investigate him. I didn’t know how the most prominent businessman in the country could be wetting his pants over another businessman.

“I can help,” I said brightly. “Only if you remove my name from the serving list.”

“I’ll increase your salary too. Just go welcome him and give him a reason to stay and come back next year.”

We walked toward his office…and I swear…I felt a familiar presence.

“Are you okay?” Mr. Phil asked.

“I’m…fine.”

“Take a day off after you settle our guest.”

I nodded. I would need it. After that sudden wave of Leonard’s presence, I needed time to breathe.

“Mr. Hays,” Mr. Phil cheered as we entered.

I froze at the doorway, staring at those broad shoulders.

“George here will tell you everything you need to know about the farm and the game.”

Leonard turned.

I gasped. My heart slammed against my ribs at once.

He stayed composed. Unsurprised. Unaffected. As if he didn’t recognise me.

“George,” he said—voice even deeper than I remembered. “I’m Leonard. Nice to meet you.”