Truth of the heart episode 36 & 37

# ~Truths_of_the_Heart~
36
Tamara stood by the mirror admiring her figure. Clad in a short floral sleeveless dress and medium heels, she picked up her face brush and quic-kly gave her face a t©uçh up. The corners of her mouth curved up in a subtle smile. The redl-ipstick was the best choice to end the looked she was looking for. Simple but S-xy. Her phone vibr@ted on the dresser next to her.
“I will be re-ady in 5” she said into the phone.
Picking up a string bag, she placed a few of her makeup accessories inside with her purse. She then picked up her phone and car keys before walking out to the living room.
“You look pretty.” Her mother eyed her. “It’s good to see you d@t!ngagain.”
Tamara laughed. “What makes you think I’m going on a d@t£?”
“The Twi-nkle in your eyes firstly. Secondly, the amount of time it took you to get re-ady.”
“Amount of time it took to get re-ady? How?”
“Well, we both know you are the bath in 2 seconds and put on the closed and easiest thing type of girl. Plus you do not care so much about how your makeup looks. Today it has taken you two hours to get re-ady.”
“Mum!” Tamara laughed out. “You are something else. Anyway, it’s just drinks and not a d@t£ ok.” She bent down, k!ss!ngMrs Banda on the forehead.
Tamara felt goosebu-mps as she got closer to the pub. Mwamba had invited her for a drink to thank her for the support she had been giving him. Thinking about Naomi and her confrontation, she had decided to treat her to her own medicine. Besides, Mwamba was a good guy and didn’t deserve the treatment he received from his wife.
“Oh wow. You look really good.” Mwamba complimented when she found him seated at a table.
“Thank you.” She smiled. “You too.”
“Oh plea-se, you are just being modest. I c@m£ here straight from work. As you can see I’m still in my uniform. I wish I had gone home first to freshen up.”
Tamara laughed, revea-ling all her teeth. “I honestly think you look great. Besides it’s the company that’s important right?”
“Yes it is.”
“So, Peter is finally back.”
Mwamba grinned as he took a sip of his beer. “Yes he is. I am so elated, I’m practically dancing while I walk.”
“That I would like to see.”
“I doubt that. When I dance it looks like someone is having a seizure.”
Mwamba ordered them drinks. He felt relaxed in her pres£nce. Conversations with her were simple, where he felt he could be himself without any judgement. Naomi at one point was like that, easy to talk to.
“So, I have to ask. Forgive me if I’m prying. Are you still thinking about divorce?” Tamara looked at him cautiously.
Mwamba took a sip from his beer, then nervously scratched his head. “I told you about that?”
“Yes you did. But I have to add that you were quite drun!kwhen you did so it’s possible you were just upset at the time.” She looked at him thoughtfully. Mwamba could re-ad the worry in her expression, even when she tried to hide it.
“The idea has been floating on my mind.” He sighed de-eply. “I never thought my marriage would ever get to this point.”
“I doubt if anyone ever gets into a relationsh!pthinking that it will have to end at some point.” Tamara said sadly.
Mwamba watched as her eyes glistered. Her brows curved upwards as tiny creases formed around her eyes. The pain could not be mistaken from her eyes. He remembered asking *her once before if she was in a relationsh!pand Tamara telling him she wasn’t after d@t!nga guy for a few years, but they never talked about it again. He realized that they ever only talked about him and his drama. Concerned, H* e reached out for her hand.
“Who hurt you?”
Tamara wiped away the lone tear that feel, determined not to break down. She had vowed never to cry for him again. He did not deserve her tears. The sleepless nights she had spent with her pillow we-t were enough.
“Boyd Chiluma” she choked saying his name out loud. “I thought he was my soulmate. Every dream I had, I benched for him. But I guess I wasn’t the one for him.”
“Well, he lost a good woman. And I bet he regrets it.”
Tamara f0rç£d a smile. “Thanks. I just didn’t expect moving on to be this ha-rd . It has been a year, and today is when I managed to speak out his name. I’m just pathetic.”
“Hey, never call yourself such names ever again. You are beautiful, intelligent, kind, funny and a whole lot of other good things. A failed relationsh!pdoes not take away those things from you. It takes you closer to the one God has destined for you!”
“You really think there is such a thing?”
“Yes, I do. And I know you will find the right guy.”
“Maybe I have alre-ady found him, but he is taken.” She poked him pla-yfully causing them both to laugh out.
A few drinks later, Mwamba drove them home in Tamara’s car. Her waddling to the exit made it clear she was in no position to drive them back. It begun to drizzle lightly by the time they arrived at Tamara’s house. She had fallen asleep on the way, snoring lightly. Mwamba smiled seeing how peaceful she looked. And beautiful.
‘St©p staring at her,’ he thought. ru-bbing her shoulder gently, he called out her name to rouse her. Tamara stirred without actually waking up. Mwamba took the keys out of the ignition. There was a set of keys attached to the key holder that he hoped one would be able to open one of the house door. To his luck, the kitchen door opened on his first attempt. Mwamba carried Tamara slowly out of the car and into the living room. He l@yher down on the biggest couch, covering her with a small blanket he found on the same chair. He took a breath realizing holding her close to him had ignited feelings that had he had once only ever felt for his wife. A s-en-se of panic chorused throu-gh him, ma-king him retreat out of the house like he was being chased. Mwamba locked the car, then proceeded to lock the grill gate, throwing the keys as far inside the kitchen as he could. Closing the door, he walked home to find Naomi standing outside the gate.
**********************************************
Wezi hummed as she spre-ad a blanket on the be-d in the spare room. Peter was coming for the weekend. The two had become close. Months had pas-sed since conclusion of the custody case, granting Lwipa one weekend a month during school term, and a week during school holidays. Peter was often dropped off by Mwamba. After preparing the be-droom, Wezi begun working on supper. This was the best time of the month for her. With Lwipa rarely home, she had come to cherish Peter’s company.
Wezi was setting the table when she heard a car hoot. The security guard had arrived a few minutes prior so she didn’t have to go out to open the gate. Lwipa never opened the gate for himself; any del@ywould often upset him. Wezi glanced out the window and saw him drive in. Mwamba drove in behind Lwipa, parking next to him. Wezi watched as the two men ba-rely acknowledged each other. Peter emerged from the car with his backpack and a plastic bag. Wezi walked out to the front to receive them. She greeted Lwipa first, who mumbled as he walked past her. Turning to Mwamba and Peter, she smiled broadly.
“My boy!”
Peter rushed to her open arms. “I got this for you.” He handed her the plastic bag.
“Ah, you are too sweet.” She hvgged him again. “My favourite chocolate. Thank you so much.”
“You are welcome.” He beamed.
“Go put your bag, then help me finish up with supper.” Peter run into the house as Wezi and Mwamba watched on. “Thank you for this. But he really does not nee-d to bring me anything.”
Mwamba shook his head, “He insists on it. Besides, he adores you and this is his way of showing you.”
“Thank you.” Wezi blu-shed.
“I’m the one who should be thanking you. To be honest, I feel comfortable bringing him over knowing you are here. The way he talks about you, it’s evident you care for him. I know that is not an easy thing to do, considering how he c@m£ into the picture.”
“Peter is a sweet boy, very well manner and intelligent. It is ha-rd not to fall in love with him.” She giggled. “You are a good father. From our brief interactions, I can tell he takes after you.”
“Wezi! What are you still doing outside? I nee-d my food.” Lwipa barked from the doorway.
“I will be back Sunday evening to pick him up.” Mwamba said as he got into his car.
Wezi rushed into the house without a word to Lwipa. She found Peter placing the food on the table. Within a few minutes all three were seated and having their supper. The meals with Lwipa often times were eaten in silence. Only chewing sounds and slurping of water could be heard. Peter would occasionally steal glances at Lwipa as he picked on his food. He felt uneasy around Lwipa. The only conversations between them usually involved Lwipa scolding him over something he said or did, or being told how to behave as expected of a real man.
After supper, Peter cleared the table while Wezi washed the dishes. Lwipa stood at the kitchen doorway, watching as Peter talked about his week while they worked. It pained him that his son had nothing in common with him. Naturally he blamed Mwamba for Peter being too s-en-sitive. A trait he considered ~to be a form of weakness. A few minutes later, he walked out of the house. Wezi heard the car start outside. She quic-kly closed the tap and rushed to the front yard, wiping her hands on the apron she~ wore. She arrived in time to see him driving out the gate.
Lwipa did not return home that night, nor the next ~day. He often disappeared without an explanation and Wezi had st©pped asking for one. Instead she kept herself engrossed in her new found pas-sion, baking. Having registered for a catering course a m~ onth earlier, Wezi enjoyed the baking p@rt of the course. Her instructor, pastry chef Adam told her she was a natural, offering her more of his time than the other students. Unknown to Wezi was the fact that he secretly found her attrac-tive, with the hopes of cementing a relationsh!pwith her.
“Mum Wezi.”
Wezi’s heart melted each time he said it. “Yes son.”
“Are we going to eat these cu-pcakes or you have to take them back to school?”
Wezi smiled. “These are all for you.”
“Are you serious?” Peter’s eyes glowed. “All of them?”
“Yes, all of them. I as-sume you will want to carry some to give your baby sister?”
“Yes! And dad.”
“And your mother?”
“Oh yes. Her too.”
Lwipa returned Sunday morning, an hour before Peter was to be picked up. He mumbled a greeting as he pas-sed them watching TV. Wezi followed him to their be-droom. Lwipa causally undressed, proceeding to take a shower.
“When will you actually spend time with your son?”
“I spend time with him.”
“Sitting down for meal and then being away the rest of the weekend does not qualify.” Wezi folded her arms. “You fought so ha-rd to have him. Yet whenever he comes, you act like you couldn’t care less.”
“I had a long drive. I nee-d a nap so plea-se close the door as you go.” Lwipa ignored her statements altogether. He fell back onto his pillow, dosing off immediately.
# ~Truths_of_the_heart
37~
Naomi pu-ll-ed on her scarf, trying to cover her face, praying that she would not be sp©tted. The evening breeze was cold, ma-king her pu-ll the Zi-p up her jacket. Looking across the room, she watched as Mwamba casually sipped on his coffee. She noticed how he kept looking at his phone, concluding that he was checking the time. His mystery d@t£ was late. Naomi felt stupid, sitting in camouflage, waiting to catch him cheating. A few minutes went by as she contemplated either confronting him, or going back home. Finally deciding to go home, Naomi stood up to leave when a familiar scent filled her nostrils. She turned around as Tamara walked past her, straight to Mwamba’s table. Her heart sunk as she watched them embr@ce. It was then that Naomi noticed an older woman next to Tamara. Introductions were made as Mwamba nervously shook the woman’s hand. Feeling sick to her stomach, Naomi rushed to the toilets. Her face was alre-ady we-t with tears. She fumbled for her phone.
“He’s here with HER!” Naomi cried.
“Calm down Naomi. Ok? You nee-d to calm down.” Kasiwe said on the other end.
“How can I calm down? He lied to me. He’s told me he had a business meeting. And yet I see him with Tam..”
that matter?”
Naomi wiped her face with the back of her hand. “I nee-d to get out of here.”
“What will that solve?” Kasiwe asked. “You nee-d to confront him! He can’t keep taking you for a fool.” Naomi’s voice trailed off as a lump filled her throat.
“See why I told you to follow him and see for yourself? Who has a business meeting on a Sunday? In the evening for
“I do not think I can!”
“Yes you can! Naomi, if you don’t take a stand now, the who-re will have won.”
Naomi cut the call. She looked up at her reflection in the mirror and didn’t like what she saw. How did she get to this point? She looked pathetic, hating herself instantly. Opening the cold water tap, Naomi splashed water on her face. The cold water stung her face, giving her the jo-lt she nee-ded to get back her composure. She took a paper towel, and wiped her face, deciding then to listen to Kasiwe.
Back in the restaurant, Mwamba was explaining to Mrs Igobi his proposal on how he intended expand her company should he be given the opportunity of being hired as her Director of Operations. He had spent the better of two weeks studying her company as well as the current market. The widow of a Nigerian businessman, Mrs Igobi was in the process of relocating back to Zambia with plans of opening a br@nch in Zambia. Her son would run the Nigerian office, while she nee-ded a suitable candid@t£ to take up the Zambia office. Mwamba had done his research well and was confident he would be able to win her over.
“So you see Mrs Igobi, Lusaka would be the best place to set up as the demand is high with very few competitors dealing in the same line..”
“So this is how you choose to punish me? By having an affair with this who-re!” Naomi interrupted him.
Embarras-sed, Mwamba stood up apologizing to Mrs Igobi while he pu-ll-ed Naomi away from the table.
“What do you think you are doing? I told you I have a business meeting.”
“Business meeting my foot.” She responded on t©p of her voice. Naomi wiggled her arm free and lashed back at Tamara. “I warned you to stay away from my husband. Now I’m going to teach you a lesson.”
“Aunty, I think we better leave.” Tamara pushed back her chair. Naomi kicked it back at the same time, s£nding Tamara crushing to the floor.
“You even have the audacity of meeting her sick relatives?”
Mwamba attem-pted to full her away but her determination to get at Tamara derailed all his efforts. Furious, he picked her up and placed her on his shoulder, then carried her out to the car park. Naomi fought him the entire way, kicking and screaming like a toddler. He placed her down and looked at her in shock. Naomi continued her as-sault of words insulting Tamara and calling her aunt demented.
“I want a divorce.”
Naomi seemed not to hear him. She continued complaining about his behavior, about his relationsh!pwith Tamara and how he was being unfair to her.
“I WANT A DIVORCE.”
“What? So that you can be with your who-re freely? Over my dead b©dy. You cannot waste my life this for you to want a divorce today.”
Mwamba gave her a long stare before turning and walking to the bus station. The following weekend, Mwamba had summoned her parents as well as his elders. He explained to them that he wanted out of the marriage as he had enough of Naomi and her antics.
“He is having an affair that’s why.” She cried.
All eyes turned to Mwamba.
“I have never cheated on my wife. But now I’m beginning to wish I had. I gave her everything. But when I lost my job she showed me her true colours. And even than I still loved her.”
“Loved?” Mr Kunda asked.
“Yes Dad. Loved! Now I do not know if its love I feel or fear of starting over. But that happened las week was the last straw for me. She embarras-sed me in front of a potential employer, accusing and calling her niece a who-re”
“Don’t deny it. You have been having an affair with Tamara. I know I messed up with what happened to Peter. But that does not give you an excuse to cheat.”
“I agree that Tamara and I got close. But all she offered was a listening ear. While you laughed and mocked me, she encouraged me and made me look forward to the future. I’m human with feeling and emotions. But you seem to think a man is only good for his wallet.”
Mwamba’s uncle cleared his throat. “My son, don’t you think you are being to rash in wanting to end your marriage? You know women don’t think logically when they are threatened by another. Try to talk it out together before you make a decision you may end up regretting.”
“I have contemplated divorce for a while now. There is no amount of talking that will change the person that Naomi is. I will move out today after this meeting. She can remain with everything.”
Tbc