LEOPARD: THE ENEMY WITHIN

Questions

I had my fun, downed a martini and kept dancing. The place had more people soon enough. Eric was talking and laughing but he occasionally threw a glance. If anything happened to me, Mom would kill him and it wouldn’t be the first time.         

Eric’s friend came and joined me. He seemed a little cautious so I laughed. For as long as he didn’t sexualise me he would be safe. I told him. He said he wanted to dance with me as the friends had dared him.

They were sure I would toss him up and break his back. I laughed. Probably the martini taking effect, and danced with him. James was his name. He was polite. He was not tall. In the four inch heels, I looked down at him. But he could dance alright. Then he asked if I was dating. I mentioned Benjamin and how much I missed him. We danced till Eric called me to eat.          

While they talked animatedly about football, Benjamin arrived. I was so shocked I looked at him, held my chest with my left hand and just stared for a minute. He stood there smiling, in all his glory. Tall, handsome and happy.

Then I stood, a smile slowly gracing my lips. I was a second away from screaming when he went on one knee, ring in hand.

“Elsa, I have thought of you every second I was away. I love you, beautiful. Will you marry me?” Benjamin asked. Eric stood as did all his friends.

“Yes, Benjamin, I will marry you. I love you,” I said, fought tears. He put the ring on my finger and embraced me hard.

“Do you mean it? Are you sure you love me?” he asked, held my cheeks.

“Yes, Benjamin. I love you and …”

“Wait, you two. Before you go any further, know that there are traditions to be followed before you get on with whatever you think this is,” Eric said.

“Hello Eric, I will follow every step it takes to marry your sister. I must admit, I cannot wait till we are man and wife,” Benjamin said, held my cheeks.        

I smiled straight from the heart as I looked into those eyes. He asked how I had been, his arm firmly round my waist. I spoke while he listened and laughed. He asked if I really could milk a cow. I could, just not when my brothers were around.

I asked how he had been and he was honest and I loved that. Then he went for that kiss while I wrapped my arms round him and kissed him. I had missed him so much I couldn’t even believe it. One minute someone is a complete stranger and the next they are the spark that ignites the fire in your heart.       

Benjamin sat and pulled me onto his lap. He asked what Eric meant and I had no idea so I asked him to visit my home and make his intentions known. They would guide him and soon enough, we would be man and wife. We would explore our love and balance with work. It would all be perfect. The future was bright while I had more martini and tasted Benjamin’s whiskey. We talked of the future, of children and where to settle. Then we danced and lost track of time. Eric was preoccupied with some lady. We didn’t leave till 4 AM. Benjamin would visit the next day.“Wake up, sleeping beauty. Breakfast must be prepared on time,” Mom was in my room.

“Mama, you are shouting. I need rest or I will die. I slept late,” I whispered, pulled the blanket to cover my head.

“If you must die, do it in the kitchen like a noble woman,” she said, dragged my blanket and left the room with it.         

Why did I promise Dad mandazi? I got to the kitchen yawning terribly. I kneaded the dough quickly and made tea. Within no time, the shimmering oil was producing mandazi, the pleasant aroma filling the whole house.