Rescued

EXTRA MILE
👣12

BONGANI
I lie on my bed and heave out a deep sigh. Precious just prepared my bed.
Prec: your helper is a good woman.
Bonga: she is
Prec: besides her being a helper, are you two in a relationship?
Bonga: no

Neo enters.

Neo: I brought the baby, but he's sleeping.
Bonga: let me sleep with him. Jason will help me
Neo: okay. Let me bring other things
Prec: how do you know so much about kids?
Neo: I been babysitting

Neo goes out. She has been keeping a straight face. She doesn't look hurt or anything. She doesn't look happy either.
Prec: are you treating her well? She's not as viby as you said. She's tense.

THATO
I am back from work.
Exhausted. I miss Prince, but there's something that worries me; Prince gets so emotional and worked up over Neo.
Like he loves her. I understand she's his friend's nanny but...
My phone rings.

Thato: hello
Voice: please come home. Quick! Someth-
The call ends. I call thenumber back.
Voice: your mom and dad got shot. It's... Messed up.
I drop the call, sweating and shaking.

What the hell did I just hear?
Mum and dad? No!

Tears roll down but I press my lips together.
I see Prince's texts popping up but I can't talk.
*
I don't know how long it has been but Prince barges in like he's being pushed from behind.

Prince: Babe?
I can't even answer. He gets to the bedroom and finds me crying.

___
NEO
Precious is already sleeping. Junior is in dad's room and crying like crazy. Jason will be a nanny for tonight.

I put my phone next to me and close my eyes.

It rings

Neo: hey
Prince: Thato has a problem. I don't even know how to put it. But she needs someone to go to Roma with.
I drop the call and jump out of bed.

I go to Bonga to explain and he says okay. I run downstairs and turn when I notice that I forgot the phone. I bump into Jason.

Jason: I'm driving you. Here's your phone.
Neo: Thanks
We get in the car.
Jason: were you going to take a cab?
Neo: yeah
Jason: you have cash on you?

EXTRA MILE
👣11

NEO
Jason is driving me to town to buy more groceries since we're many now.

Jason: How is he treating you?
Neo: Fine
Jason: So why are you not as happy as you were on the pics I recieved from Him?
Neo: I am
Jason: no!

I sigh. I am not explaining anything. He is his brother, they might still be the same.

We ge to town and I do shopping.
We get home and Bonga has so many visitors. Precious cooked and served them.

I greet and pass to my bedroom.

I find Junior sleeping. I lay on the bed next to him.

Jason enters. He's holding a tray of food and drink.
He puts it on the small table and looks at me. My stomach flips. I feel like I'm melting when he's looking at me like that.
He smiles.

___
BONGANI

The visitors just left, and when I think of getting rest, Minister arrives.

Her guards stand and she sits.

Min: how are you?
Bongani: doing well ma'am. How about you?
Min: well. You saved my life.
Bonga: that is part of my job description.
Min: but you could've dief saving me.
Bonga: I could have dief doing my job.
Min: I appreciate it.
Bonga: thank you minister.

She sits closer to me and asks the guards to to to the kitchen.
She takes out an envelope and gives me.

She comes close to kiss my lips. Women are exhausting. I kiss her and gently push her away.

She gets up, hunches over me to kiss my forehead and just then Neo is about to enter but she quickly goes back.
When she leaves I try to get up and go to bed.

EXTRA MILE
👣10

NEO

It's Monday morning . I am at the hospital. Bongani is on the bed, head and limbs bandaged. A pretty lady I haven't seen before is holding his hand.

Jerry and Prince are sitting on the bench.

Neo: I brought clothes and food and cosmetics.

Bonga: which money did you use?

Neo: does it matter?
I am annoyed by the lady who is rubbing his hand like that.

I ask if he accepts these or not.
Bonga: thank you.
Neo: Iwill see you when your visitors are gone.
Prince: what the f**k is stopping you from telling your friend to leave? Isn't Neo more import- ...

The door opens. Another young woman, light skinned with green eyes enter, followed by a handsome guy who has a green eye and a blue one. Bonga has blue eyes. They must be siblings.

After greetings the guy says he is Jason Junior and the sister is Precious.

Precious asks if I am Neo, or Neo is the one who is rubbing his hand.

Neo: I am Neo.
Presh: then the lady must leave. Time for family. Neo, you stay.
Lady: bye.
She kisses Bonga and catwalks out. No one is not annoyed.

___
BONGANI
I have been in hospital for a week now and I guess it was for a good cause.

All the bi***es who claim to, or act like they love or like me are either always busy, or come here to try to milk money out of me.

Only Neo and my siblings are genuine. But how genuine is Neo? What if she too is looking for some benefits?

She has been using her money to buy me fruits and comfortable clothes. She also buys cosmetics and everything I need.

The minister, from her hospital ward, ordered that I get a new phone. Neo was given the phone to give to me.

She is taking care of my son, of me and my siblings. Her business is not doing well anymore. I held her back.

She gets intimidated and annoyed by the hot bi***es who come here. But I can't just tell them to stop coming.

Phewww!
Tough, hey?
*
I am discharged and she's here to get me. Prince is driving.

Our ride is silent and tense.

EXTRA MILE
👣9

NEO
We are home and I feel exhausted. I put the baby on the couch and sit.

Prince sits next to me.
Prince: where's he?
Neo : I have no idea.
Prince: okay. I will see you tomorrow. Call if you need anything.
Neo: thanks.

He hugs me and I don't resist.

He pulls away before it gets awkward and stands up.

I thank him and go to bed.
*
I wake up to my ringing phone.
Neo: hello
Lemo: when are you going to do that?

My heart sinks. Had I not mixed myself up with Bonga,my life wouldn't have been this messed up.

Neo: tomorrow. I am treating the fever here.
Lemo: I need that before the end of this week.
Neo: no problems.

___
PRINCE
I regret inviting Thato over because now I'm falling for her friend... My friend's nanny. But Thato and I are nothing, so I can always get Neo...

___
BONGANI

A DAY LATER
I didn't go home at all. I slept at a hotel, bought a new suit and went to work in the morning.

Pal greets me and I greet back. Soldiers get in their cars. A car leaves before me, I leave, and another follows. We're in brand new Chevrolet Tahoes.

It feels good... But my mind is back home.
My phone rings and I ignore it. It rings...

We are at Roma and it's buzzing with students. Cars make a away as we approach and I pass.

Going up I see a rock rolling down from the hill. I try to turn but it's too late.
My window gets shot.Our other car is stuck beneath the rock. My heart pounds loud. The soldier who is next to me has his guns ready. And others too. Miss Minister and Pal her PA are screaming.
Being calm is hard.

I try to avoid the rock and pass. Just after I passed, a truck comes at full speed. I have to get back to my lane. I'm toppling over.

Suggest content for the next book✍🏽📖

EXTRA MILE
👣8
BONGANI
I get a message that the minister needs to be in Qacha tomorrow, and that I need to go now to driver Palesa, het PA around to prepare her stuff. I haven't gotten a chance to talk to Neo but the idea of her loving me got my heart doing front flips.

I meet Pal,the PA and drive her to ladybrand. I don't even want to know what she's going to do.

Pal: how's your son?
Bonga: fine
Pal: are you okay?
Bonga: yeah.

Palesa is beautiful like a flower she is.flawless skin, beautiful features and sexy body. Whatever she eats, she must have plenty of it.

She's wearing a short pant and white sneakers. The skin of her thighs is smooth as silk and brown as a chocolate.

*
My heart and mind are not here anyway.
Neo!
Neo!
Neo!
I would appreciate it if she loved me. I want her to, but what if she doesn't?

Is it wrong to bring ladies in my house?
Is she hurt or intimidated? Or jealous? Am I wrong?

Wr arrive at a fancy house and she steps out.
Pal: are you not coming with me?

Her smile is seductive but I say no. She nods and walks in.
I take my phone and call Neo.

Neo: hello?
The baby is crying in the background.
Bonga: is he okay?
Neo: no. I am at the doctor. He has fever.
Bonga: give whoever is helping you the phone.
Dr: Mr. Brown. Nice to talk to you again...

The voice is familiar. I breathe. Neo is going to get hurt again. Dr Selina is an old friend. Very friendly and kind.

Bonga: Seli what's wrong with him?
Dr: fever. But I am taking care of it.
Bonga: how do I make payment?
Dr: by coming over at my house. You owe me a date.

She hangs up.

I wipe the sweat on my forehead.

___
NEO
The doctor hangs up, smiling sardonically. I want to ask who she is but who am I? I take money to pay
Dr: Oh, worry not. Bonga will pay.
Neo: Thank you.
Dr: he is growing good.
Neo:very well doc.
*
Prince is driving me back home, he looks hurt and I have no idea why.

Neo: are you okay?
Prince: actually, are you okay?
I am not... Actually no

EXTRA MILE
👣7

BONGANI

I OPEN THE DOOR AND PRINCE COMES IN.
Prince : This girl is looking for Neo.
Bongani: She went to town
Girl: oh, I will leave. Please ...

Neo enters.

I look at the ladies who are visiting me. On a kitchen counter, half naked and having snacks. They're actually baking some cookies.

Neo enters, holds a friend's hand and walks with her past the kitchen and living room.

Prince :What the f**k?
Bongani: they're friends. Just visiting .
Prince: really? Is Neo comfortable with this? Huh, does her feelings even matter? Do you know how she loves you, fool?
Bongani: why are you worked up?
Prince: because you are a fool. You are not considerate of the woman who helped you with your kid... Got her house burnt, sacrificed... Nevermind.
Amo: hey Prince! Bonga when are you going to introduce us?

Prince shuts the door on his way out.

I turn to them and walk to the living room. Does Neo love me?
____

Thato and Neo are in the bedroom.
Thato: what is happening here?
Neo(shrugs) I have no idea.
Thato: I thought he loves you.
Neo: that's the f**ked up part. I thought he loved me. I love him.
Thato: leave hishouse.
Neo: and go where? I lost my boyfriend because of him. He called me in the morning and asked that I hand over the ownership of the site.

Thato: (gasps) god! Come on, I know our friendship is still new but you can stay at my house. We will share rent.
Neo: and the baby?
Thato: why do you worry about his baby when he doesn't give a s**t about how feel? Won't he find a nanny?

They fall into silence as they notice Bongani at the door.

Thato gets up and walks out.

PRINCE
HE just finished making a quick meal. He cleans up the kitchen and runs to the living room to clean before bringing the food and setting the table.
Thato knocks and enters.

They hug.
Prince: I didn't think you'd come.
Thato: I wouldn't lie.
Prince: okay, come sit. Are you okay?
Thato(smiles) yes. Are you?

Prince kisses her and serves her.

EXTRA MILE
👣6

BONGANI
A lot of ladies have a crush on me, and God knows it doesn't feel good. Not knowing who loves you, who lusts you, or who's infatuated?

Plus, Lerato made me hate women. You'll love a woman with all the fibres of your being, give her dick, money, time, and she'll leave your baby at the hospital and run, and come back later to take the kid.

That's how I see women.
But Neo is kind and soft. I don't know her much but she is not exactly bad.

Kamo and Amo followed me to see my son. They have been asking me for th*****me. They're pretty, sexy and clean. Tempting.

Amo is holding the baby and feeding him, while kamo is rubbing my manhood.
It feels good, but I want more.

I shove her head down. She pulls my trackpant down and sucks it.

She's a cute hoe this one. She does this good.

When the baby has eaten, Amo takes him to Neo and comes back. She kisses me.

___
NEO
It's afternoon and I am bored. The baby is sleeping.

Facebook and whatsapp have nothing interesting.

Bongani and the ladies ordered pizza and a lot of snacks and drinks. They're watching movies and having a great time.

I want to go to enrich and look for Thato.
I lost her number when the phone burnt.
Lemo changed his number too and refused to give me another one.

I change the baby's diaper, prepare his food and take him to Bongani.

Neo: I need to see Thato at Enrich.
Bongani: okay no problems. Take my card and buy some stuff for yourself. Use two thousand.
Neo: Thanks. I won't take long.

I take the card and he tells me the PIN.

THATO

I just left work and I see a guy who once delivered Neo's stuff. I run to his car and knock on the windwo.
He rolls it down. I find myself swallowing nothing. He looks out of this world.

Him: Miss?
Thato: hi, I think you were once delivering Neo's stuff. Do you know where she stays after her house... Ummm
Him: yes. Let me take you there.

I get in the car and he drives.
Him : I am Prince
Thato: Thato
He drives

EXTRA MILE
👣5

NEO

He is embracing me and this makes me more emotional. I have never been this frustrated in my entire life.

I am at my boyfriend's house, and he doesn't believe that Bongani and I are nothing.

Bongani: I can never thank you enough for saving my kid.

Neo: Oh, don't mention it. I am the godmother
We giggle and he kisses me.

I missed these hugs and kisses. He makes me melt.

Lemo appears on the door and asks for Bongani.

___
LEMO AND BONGANI

Lemo: Take her to your house. I need my space. And I am personally investigating this.

Bongani: Thanks bro. I owe you. Anything yet?

Lemo: She's part of some little mafia. But I will sort her out.

Bongani: Thanks. I nearly lost my son.

Lemo: Your girlfriend is the best.

Bongani: I wish she was my wife.
Bongani narrates how he met Neo.

Lemo: So you're not in a relationship?

Bongani: No.

___
FEBRUARY

NEO

I live in Bongani's house. We made all the documents that got burnt, and he bought my stock, phone and other things.

I just did laundry and cleaned. I pick Junior and feed him. After that I bathe and put him to sleep.

It's lunch and I haven't cooked. I write down my orders and pick the ordered items: sunglasses, make-up, weaves, anklets, bracelets.

They are many. After writing the addresses I call the cab.

Prince: Hey
Neo: please help
Prince : on my way

A few minutes later he arrives. I give him the addresses, money and items.

*
I drag my feet to the living room when Bongani enters. He's with two ladies. They look beautiful, both with car keys on ther fingers, expensive hair and the highest heels.

After greetings and introductions, they ask to see Junior, who is fortunately awake.

When I come from the bedroom I find him sitting between theladies, and they are both touching and kissing him.

My heart sinks a bit but hey, why the hell did I drag my emotions into this? I don't know him anyway.

They take the baby and I drag my feet out.

EXTRA MILE
👣5

NEO

AH! BABY? I laugh in my head. She walks in and towards the stove.
I rush to the baby and take him.

"You can'..." I don't even finish it because she just threw the boiling contents at us.

Thank God I ducked. I need to deal with this bitch. I put the baby down and charge at her. I pull her by the blouse and she slips on the water and falls.

I sit on her and give her merciless fists and slaps.

She's screaming and kicking. Uh-uh, you don't disrespect me in my house. I bought this house. I own it. Don't!
Just don't!

She flips us and is now ontop.

Gloodluck!

She returns the painful favour but I don't scream.

She remembers to go get the baby. I pull her leg as she walks to the baby.

"You are going to die for Bongani's sins. Rest in peace!" She walks to the door.

While I am planning to leave, thanking God that her car just drove off, I catch a smell of something burning.

I sn**ch the baby and run!

There's a fire at the door. I go through and run.

We will talk about the excruxiating pain on my feet later.

Neighbours are gathering and screaming help.

Someone called the police.
And Lemo is here.
"Please take me to a safe place. She wanted to kill me." I cry. Unintentionally of course.

He takes me to his house while other cops drive in.

"Are you okay?" He asks.

I shake my head.
He nods.

____
BROWN

A WEEK LATER

I get to Neo's house and the house is burnt to ashes. My heart races. I call her and it doesn't go through.

I drive to the cops.

When I have explained what brought me there, a familiar guy comes forward.
"She asked that I keep her safe at my house. After she was attacked by a woman who claimed to have come for her son."

After this guy told me everything, we drove to his house.

I find Neo sitting next to the baby.

Brown: hi
Neo: hey
Lemo: I will give you space. (he leaves)
Brown: sorry for what happened. I didn't know she'd want to attack.

Neo smiles and nods, but she's pressing her lips hard and tears run down her cheeks. I hug her.

"I have grown to love your son." She sobs.

And I have grown to love her.

EXTRA MILE
👣4

BONGANI

The dude who was eating thanked Neo for food and left. She looks out of place, I feel out of place.

Brown: sorry for being silent the whole week. I am from Namibia. I'm the minister's puppet man.

Neo: Okay. Fortunately he is not sick or troublesome. Nothing I can't handle.

Brown: You know a lot about kids, huh?

Neo: After matrick I worked as a nanny. I was nursing even a newborn because the mother died at birth.

I am not going to look for a nanny. This one is going to be one.

Aftef checking on the baby and dropping food for her, I drive to my apartment.
*

I am home and exhausted. I have two friends; Jerry and Prince. They come running to my house, celebrating and giving me gifts.

I have to pretend to be happy when I am angry and disappointed. I met Lerato when she worked at Pep stores. I gave her everything she wanted. Even when she wanted to quit working, I let her. I gave her enough money. Her family say they have no idea where she ran to.

I am frustrated more by Neo. Her house has only mattress, a stupid big box behind the door and a table. These ni**as bought me a couch a while back. Maybe I should give her.

And seriously, if I dont find a nanny, she will stop working and that would be very selfish of me.

Jerry: we wanna see the baby man! Plus I haven't met your girl.

Prince: actually, bring them here.
Brown: we will go see her.
Jerry: when? We want today.
Brown: get out. I wanna sleep.

They laugh on their way out and I go to bedroom.

___
NEO

Another week Bongani is nowhere to be found. This time I have his number but I am not going to call.

I hired a cab to deliver my things to the customers.
"Here is tbe list of what you deliver to which address. And here is the money sir."

He laughs and tells me to call him Prince.
I nod smile and go back to the house.

I wash the baby, feed him and carry him on my back since he is not planning to sleep.

My phone rings.

Neo: maa
Mama: hey, your brother is sick. His lungs have problems.
Neo: he should stop smoking and drinking cold beer, i guess.
Mama: meanwhile send money
Neo: I dont have money
Mama: stop being selfish! Send!

I hang up and break down. I didnt want to cry, but... It hurts.

I wipe my face and write my orders on the book, and tick the deliveries.

When I'm done I wash baby's feeding bottles and boil them on the gas stove.
At 5p.m a woman comes to my house. "Im here for my son"

EXTRA MILE
👣 3
(sorry for slight change)

NEO MOHALE

I am in my house with a friend, Thato. We met last week at Enrich, where she works.

She just put the baby to sleep
Thato: so where's the father? It's been a week.

Neo: He hasn't called. And now that I think about it, We didn't exchange phone numbers.

Thato: Hm, I believe he's going to have a better exp-

There's a knock on the door. I get up to open. It's my boyfriend, Molemo.

Neo: hi.
Lemo: hey
Thato: hi.

He sits on the box behind the door because I am on the stool.

Lemo: I just wanted to check on you. I'm still at work. I thought you'd tell me when you are back.

I am embarrased. He glances over at the baby and at Thato.

Neo: this is Lemo, my boyfriend. (To Lemo), Thato. My friend.

After greetings Thato leaves us and promises to see me tomorrow.

Messages chime nonstop in my phone.

📩I need a 5l relaxer.

📩I want combs and brushes
📩 Hey, I want something for my girl's skin. She used to be pretty as yiu but she gets chapped and dry.

📩Hey, G*t human hair, 12inch? Urgent!

These messages are plenty. The fact that I met Bongani on the day that I was supposed to go to South Africa made me run a loss.

I write down the orders and order some online.

After some time I get up and whip up something for Lemo to eat.
Lemo: And the baby?

I sigh. I knew it.
Neo: friend's. She'll pick her up in the afternoon.

He nods.

Neo: look, sorry for not telling you I was back. A lot is happening.

He nods.
I sigh.

I don't know what else to say. I sit on the bed and make payments for my orders, and reply to all the messages from my customers.

While I'm facebook, posting things, the car parks outside.

My stomach drops.

Before I gather energy to get up, the door opens and Bongani enters.
Jesus!

Bongani: bro! (To Lemo)
Lemo: yoh!
Bongani walks to the bed and asks me how he is. I say he is perfectly fine.

I want to explain to Lemo that this is not a babydaddy, that we are just...

EXTRA MILE
👣2

BROWN

Have you ever felt happy and sad at the same time? Thoughts ever flooded your mind so heavy that you can't figure anything out?

Yah.
I'm at the mall buying baby stuff. Lerato delivered my baby, made a birth certificate and ran off.

I did everything for her; she even had a oersonal driver. She ate what she wanted. She had money.
I took my kid from the hospital. Luckily he had just eaten. He has two diapers left, and a jumpsuit and a blanket.

I am in Enrich stores. These aisles look long and feel cold. I gather diapers and milk and everything in a cart. He is crying like crazy and rocking babies to sleep is something I have never done.

The customer comes my way and takes the child without asking. "These diapers are a bigger size. Look for newborn." She is rocking him and the little rascal stops crying.

The shop assistant comes, "Sir, how can I help?" She's kind, clean and beautiful

"I dunno."
Well, I actually don't.

The shop assistant and the woman who has my kid discuss what my baby needs, considering he is newborn.

After picking the right things, they hug and exchange numbers.
*

We're back in my car. She is in the backseat.

"Wipes." She says, not looking at me.

I hand her the wipes. After changing the baby she feeds her. She looks adorable; Her big, soft brown eyes are lovely. Her skin is brown with heavy brows.

"After feeding him, you hold him like this and rub his back so that he burps." She tells me and I nod.

"Can you be my nanny? The mother ran off to God knows where, and niggalet only two days old."

"I am selling things and going around. It will be hard." She says politely.
I sigh. She looks like a perfect one.

"Alright."

S**t!

"I can help you look after him while you look for a nanny. But not in your house. Mine. Take this..."
She gives me a copy of a her ID and library card.

She is Neo Mohale.
A gift indeed.

"Direct me to your house."
She directs me.

"I will see him anytime. Don't mess up.

EXTRA MILE

👣1

NEO MOHALE

It is still dark outside but I want to leave. It's the 2nd of January, and I am going back to Maseru.

Light rain drops fall on me as I make my way to the bus stop. God, I hate my home!

I am not even in a hurry to get back to "work"

But hey, I can't spend money on Christmas. I don't believe in it. It's just about wasting money on food and drugs, I guess.

I'm in the bus and before I plug in headphones, my mum calls.
"Ma!" I just left her now!
"I was just saying travel safely. Send something for your sisters too. Family takes care of family."

No!

I hang up. My sisters, Mpho and Dimpho, are twins. Both pregnant by one guy. And hey, both four months. Due in June, maybe. So sending money feels like supporting them. What is the babydaddy doing? This is why I hate going home.

*

I just arrived at my house. It's dusty and dirty.

___

BONGANI BROWN

I just came back from Botswana with the minister of health. I missed over thirty calls from relatives and friends who were congratulating me on the birth of my son, who was born on the first of January.

I can't wait to meet him. The Minister asks me to drive her home and I do that.

As soon as she steps out of the car I speed off to the hospital.

EXTRA MILE

👣 1 ...

LOADING😊

TODAY

Good evening. While we wait for monday, kindly invite friends. I will make sure to not disappoint.

Lots of Love

Good Afternoon. I am sorry for not saying anything. I also am sorry to tell you that I lost this story. I will start a new one. May we end this one here. I am starting on monday.

LETTERS
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
MCKNIGHT TECHNOLOGIES

IT’S NOVEMBER, AND THE PROJECT HAS TURNED INTO A POWERFUL COMPANY, AND ALL MCKNIGHT SONS ARE THE MANAGEMENT BODY.
AARON MCKNIGHT is the President He’s married to Mamello Gemma Lebona, and is fathering her children.
He lives in Ladybrand, South Africa with them.
Reign lives in McKnight’s house with Lerato, who is a month pregnant.
Aaron gets in the car and drives home.

AARON MCKNIGHT
HIS SONS WELCOME HIM WITH A HUG.
“HEY GUYS, WHERE’S MUM?”
“she’s puking in the toilet.” Lebo says.
“Let me go check on her. “ he gives them snacks and goes to their bathroom.
She walks out, “Hey.”
“Are you okay? “
She nods, “Just upset stomach. “
“Took something? “
“Ginger. We need to talk. “ she sits on the bed.
Aaron sits. “What?”
“I saw the letters you used to write to your mother and to your girlfriend. “ she states flatly.
“M-hm? And? “
She sighs, “I’m sorry that I was already here but I couldn’t help you. “ she curves her lips downwards.
“I never gave you a chance to.” He kisses her lips.
“So, Neo Jane. “
“Is doing what? “
“She’s the sister I been writing to. The mother of these twins. “
Aaron blinks. “What?”
“I was writing to her too! “
Aaron feels his chest tighten. “What Happened? “
Gemma settles on the bed. “My mother used to sell traditional beer. So she forced my sister to sleep with men for extra money. My sister di. Until late she refused and mum denied her food. But she used to tellme that she had a loving boyfriend who’s not completely Mosotho. But mum overheard us. She moved her away and renamed her. But she was already pregnant with twins. Mum was angry that Neo had probably found love when she refused to make money. “
Aaron is fuming. What evil woman is this? He recalls the day that woman called Gemma and insulted her.
He turns to her, “So these kids are mine? “ he’s scared to hear the answer.
“Yes. After meeting you, she refused to sleep with anyone else. “ she looks away, “My sister was so in love and so happy. “
He notices she’s crying. “I’m sorry. Do you miss her? “
Rubbing away a tear, she nods, “Yes. She took care of me more than my mother did. “
He nods, “I miss her too.”
“Funny that we were both writing to her. “
“But, why didn’t you tell me this? “ Aaron remembers to ask.
“Because we have been busy. Preparing for the wedding, moving in here, setting up the house, taking care of the kids… and you being the president of McKnight Technologies, interviewing personal assistants, and everything… “
He nods and kisses her.
“Now tell me about you throwing up. “
She sighs, “I missed my period. “
He smiles, “really?” he takes her and puts her on his lap. “I want a girl this time.”
____
REIGN
HE ENTERS THE DOOR AND SHUTS IT.
Lerato turns to him and they hug.
“Good afternoon. “ he feels happy to see her. She’s always beautiful. He’s always overwhelmed by such beauty, he doesn’t even know what to say. He always just greets her and says nothing .
“Hey, how was Your day?” she puts her arms around him. He melts. It feels like nothing he’d ever felt before.
“Hectic. Yours? “
She beams. “Relaxed, I was planning the weddings through the phone. So I wasn’t doing much. I’m also working from home. “
He kisses her. That’s nice to hear. She’s blushing like nobody’s business. “Let me bring the food. Today we’re eating from one plate. “

He smiles and passes to the living room. He thinks about what Aaron told him. The late girlfriend was Gemma’s sister? How coincidental.
He snorts.
Women! Gemma and Lerato planned two weddings on the same day, same reception… same Everything.
Lerato enters and puts a plate and two glasses on the table.
“Let’s eat babe. “
He smiles at her and nods. They eat.
“Gemma says you took care of her kids better than Aaron. “
He nods, “He’s the boss. Has too many duties. “
She nods. “I understand. Are you enjoying the meal? “ she tilts her head looks at him.
She’s cute. He smiles, “A lot. “
And they fall into silence again.
“I wish I have four children at once, like Gemma. But I want girls. “ she giggles. “Matching outfits, matching hairstyles… “
He smiles.
___
DANIEL QUINN
He’s just closes the laptop and grabbed his phone and car keys.
“Sir, Miss Francinah from the police office is here to see you.” His PA says.
He smiles, “Let her in.”
She enters. “Buenas tardes, senor.”
He hugs her, “Good afternoon. “
They sit.
“I’m sorry for coming in un-“
“It’s okay. How can I help you? “ he turns to her and gives her a naughty smile.
She shily looks away, “I have one already. It works good. “ she beams.
“You use LiNK? “ he is interested.
She nods.
“Wonderful. Thank you for your support. “
“It’s worth it. You guys are doing great job.”
He smiles. She has no reason to be here. Maybe just to pass time.
“So, are you transferred? “ he Converses.
“No. I resigned. After Gemma’s case I noticed that I’m too emotional to be a cop. I nearly killed that woman.” She looks away.
He gathers her into a warm hug, “I understand.”
After hugging, he asks, “What are you going to do now? “
“With that experience and degree in IT? I applied for security at McKnight Technologies. “ she replies.
Whoa!
“Wow! I hope they take you so that we’ll be colleagues. “ he smiles.
After a long moment of silence she gets up, “See you around.”
He gets up and hugs her from behind. He turns her around and kisses her. She gives in and kisses him back.
He bulls back, “Dinner, Tonight? At my house. “
She nods.
He kisses her forehead and they walk to their cars.