‘Diary of a single mother 12

There was nothing more to the week, I was just tying loose ends at work. The editor said I could keep working on my column if I wanted to as a freelance writer. That would work for me since I would get an allowance for that. I decided to take a break and hit the nearby confectionary.
I wanted some doughnuts and steaming black coffee. Also, I wanted to get away from my desk. I got my chocolate coated ring doughnut and coffee. I sat there watching people going in and out- the hub-hub of a lunch break.

‘you do have a sweet tooth,’ someone interrupted my thoughts.
‘sorry?’ I said turning to the person who had said these words. It was Charles.
‘ you love sugar,’ he said smiling.
‘ can’t really stay away from sweet things, it’s fuel for my body,’ I said laughing.

He sat down and he had his doughnuts and coffee too.
‘but its not really healthy.’ Charles said.
‘ I know, but they just seem so irresistible.’ I broke into a laugh ‘like they are reaching out to me.’
‘how have you been.’ He inquired.
‘I have been well, thank you. Just hectic. Howz, the project coming up?’
‘we are settling. I think business will kick in pretty soon. But by the end of the week I will be going home.’
‘that, I bet, you are so looking forward to it.’
‘I am. But then I owe you lunch.’
‘yes you do’
‘ a proper lunch mind you. Not ice cream or doughnuts.’ He said.
‘that I would love,’ I laughed.
‘good then I will call you at your workplace on Friday.’
‘that’s okay.’
‘ I better go to the others.’
‘sure, how time flies when you are enjoying yourself. I better head back too.’
———-
——————————————————-

I couldn’t leave it alone. I went on and on chewing it over and over. I thought of James and extracted every thread of resentment, hatred and frustration until there was nothing left. Charles! James! Me and the pregnancy. I felt that whatever it was, I couldn’t drag Charles into it. I wasn’t even sure what it was that was happening in my life. I surely had no control over the events. But I surely could control who I tagged along. So that was all I had to do, step on the brakes when I felt I was going downhill. I still felt there was nothing to tell my sisters or even Jackie. I just had to stay put.

‘Tess, phone call,’ said Bev my co-worker.
‘ thanx, put it through.’
‘hello’
‘hello. Tess, it’s Charles.’
‘oh Charles, how are you?’
‘ I am okay. Wanted to take you for lunch today, is that okay?’
‘ Sure, no problem’
‘good then will pick you up in 30 minutes.’
‘see you later then, hey’
‘ later’ he said and hung up

Charles did pick me up 30 minutes later and we took a 20-minute drive out of town- to this motel. I liked the atmosphere.it was relaxed and heartwarming. Charles ordered a wholesome meal, he had not joked about getting me a proper meal. Thank God the pregnancy had not disrupted my eating habits. Like how some people throw up because of the smell of meat. Only thing was I ate more. Okay, am not avoiding talking about Charles. But where do I start really? We talked about everything. I got to know him as a person and I guess I liked him. I threw caution to the wind and allowed myself to have a good time, which I did.

Charles was an auditor and worked for Marimo consultancy. They did audits for companies and business was good. From the way he talked, I gathered that he was in a partnership with his friend. He was not married. We had a lot in common music, movies, and the passion for novels. As lunch drew to an end, I was too dazed to go back to the office. I just wanted to bask in the thought of Charles. So Charles dropped me off and this time we did exchange numbers.

‘was that Paul? Do you guys have a new car? You are home early?’ questions seemed to drop like rain as soon as I entered the lounge.
‘that was ummmm the driver of the ummmm mayor. I was at his office interviewing him for the story that I am working on.’

I just had to lie. I mean how else could I explain it when I wasn’t sure what it was. A pregnant me explaining a lunch date. I joined my sisters who were watching tv.

Thalia broke out laughing and then waved her hand in my face.
‘what/’ I asked.
‘you are not laughing and that was way too hilarious,’ she said.
‘you do realize that you have this stupid look on your face that tells us that your mind was elsewhere.’ Theo said.
‘and you have this glow’ Thalia said.
‘ pregnant women glow.’ I said in defence.
‘ but your kind of glow mmm’ Theo said laughing
‘I have nothing to tell. I am just tired.’
‘ I wish tiredness made me look like that.’ Thalia said.

I threw a cushion at her. I took my phone and scrolled down my list of contacts. I deleted Charles number. I had too much unfinished business. James would come back. He had too. We were having a baby together. He would sort all these misunderstandings. It was what was right. And we had to do the right thing…

PS: Thank you so much for your support guys.Im really moved by your support. Please do not forget to tag your friends and to share these posts so thtat I can share my story with a lot of people

Love you