Pedigree

I am standing on my toes as the water and sand washes over me, the evening breeze is making love to my face and I don’t care that it is getting late because this place is my safe haven.

People have left the beach and it is only me but that is not a problem because the house is in sight.

VK is walking towards me with two glasses, one has his whisky and the other one my fruit juice. I have not tasted alcohol in one year because each time I look or think about it I am reminded of Moudy and her untimely death.

‘You make this place feel like home.’ He complains handing me the glass

‘What will it take to convince you to come down here?’ I ask taking a sip from my glass

‘This place is meant to be a holiday home where I can unwind, I didn’t think asking you to come over you would do so much.’

He is still complaining even as he speaks

I laugh, the plan was to come over and rest but here I am – twelve months ago using the money left in my name by Chisoni I bought a block of flats here and turned them into fully furnished apartments and I have outdone myself in that VK is so proud of me and honestly I have no plans of going back to Zambia. There is nothing left there for me except a whole lot of bad memories and people in prison that I obviously never want to see again.

‘How are Vaughn and Ernest?’

‘Ernest finally moved in with that Gymani girl, Vaughn is working her back off for the company – which is a good thing of course but truth of the matter is that she is trying to hide all the pain away but I can see through her.’

‘And your relationship with both of them?’

‘We will get there.’ He says not wanting to say anything else and I understand them

‘And Samara?’

‘She will always be Samara, I am just glad she is no longer in my business. At least we are all living in peace.’

And he is at peace, the past months have been a period of growth and discovering ourselves.

‘Has Isaac tried to get in touch again?’

I shrug my shoulders, I really don’t know because I have done a good job not allowing him into my life.

‘I am proud of you.’ He says

I look at him intensely

‘They broke the wrong parts of you, they broke your wings and forgot you had claws.’ He says before kissing my lips

‘Thank you for never giving up on me VK.’ I say honestly

‘You are the reason I never gave up, you hang in there even when the tunnel was dark. And I hope every time you remember the pain, you forgive again. I love you.’

‘I love you.’ I respond standing on my toes and kissing his lips

…

Pedigree - For Ella; for the days when it didn’t make sense, for the days when it hurt so bad yet you had to hold your head high. Yours is a story that continues to be beautified and I am in awe of what God continues to do for you.

..

Your Friend and Author

Winnie

🌺