I drop my bags on the floor when I walk through my apartment door. I’m exhausted, Gabriel and I landed at OR Tambo International this morning. We were supposed to leave Cape Town on Sunday night but we decided to come back to Joburg this morning. That was a bad idea, landing an hour and a half before your due to be at work on a Monday is always a terrible idea. I’m so glad I got through my day without falling over. I really need to get cleaned up and in bed ASAP. Suddenly there’s a knock at my door, I turn and look at it. I’m not expecting anyone, who could that be? I walk and look through the peephole. Zan? I open the door smiling, which disappears the moment I see his face. He’s pissed. “What’s wrong?” I ask my heart beating fast. Did something happen? “I should be asking you that, what’s wrong with you Ryan?” he says walking past me into the apartment. I close the door trying to figure out why he’s acting this way. When I turn and look at him, Gabriel pops into my head. He knows?
Zan sent me a “We need to talk” text 30 min ago. I walk to my front door when he gets to my house. I open the door and move aside to let him in. He has a lethal look on his face, I guess I’m getting punched in the face tonight. I follow him into the sitting room, he turns back to look at me, the look on his face would have made any other man run but not me. I love Ryan and if it means I have to face her crazed brother then so be it. I stand my ground and look at him. He moves into my face, his body ready to jump me. Still I stand my ground, I know what I want and Ryan is a woman I would walk through the fire for. “She’s my little sister” he says taking a step back. He looks at me like he doesn’t know me. “My sister” he repeats. “I know” I say calmly, I want to shout the roof off declaring my love for Ryan but I need to keep my cool so he can understand. “Am I just supposed to ignore the fact that you broke my trust and took advantage of her. You’re one of my closest friends, I trus
I kiss Gabriel giving him all my love. I won’t lie and say this doesn’t scare me. The feelings I have for him are overwhelming and consuming but I want to feel every ounce of it. I reach for my t-shirt and he helps me take it off. His hands touch my breasts and my body comes alive. I help take off his, he stands up and lays me on the bed. I take off my pants and underwear, he does the same with the rest of his clothes. He gets on the bed and between my legs. I feel his skin touch mine, I exhale feeling everything. He leans down on his elbows coming closer to me. I feel his cock on my thigh, I reach between us and grab him. I stroke the length of him and he closes his eyes. I guide his cock to my opening, I rub my pussy with the head. He moans as his precum coats my pussy. I place his cock on my opening and move my hands to his ass. I thrust up, while I push him into me. The tip of his cock slides into me, the contact of skin with no barrier is glorious, I moan wanting more. He opens
“I need a favour,” Gabriel says across from me while we’re eating on his kitchen island. I look up at him from my lunch. We’ve been going steady for a month now, we’re officially dating. Out in the open and everything. We’ve been spending every day together, We go to work, come back and get together in the evenings. I learned a few things about him. Like he’s a great cook even though he doesn’t like to, he doesn’t sleep enough, he works too much and he’s a hopeless romantic, we’ve been on so many romantic dates. “What do you need?” I ask finally “I’m supposed to meet up with a few friends for dinner tonight, will you come with me?” he says and smiles. I smile too. Suddenly I feel nervous, his friends. “Okay,” I say dreading the idea but, I want to know about his life and what makes him who he is. I’ve always dreaded meeting my boyfriend’s friends but it’s necessary. We can’t live in isolation forever. “Great,” he says excited. “But, I’ll need to go home later. I don’t have anythin
I arrive at the restaurant at eight exactly, the valet takes my car and I’m led into the restaurant by a waiter. While we’re walking to the table, he let’s me know that Mr Legae is in the main private room of the restaurant. It took me a minute to understand what the fuss is all about. Everyone falls over themselves when Gabriel is around, when we’re together I forget about the money and then we go out into the world and they start treating him like a celebrity. And as a result I get treated the same. When I get to the door of the private room my eyes collide with Gabriel’s. He sitting opposite the door, he smiles instantly and I can’t help but smile too. The people in the room disappear as he stands up and walks to me. “You made it” he says and gives me a soft kiss. “Yes” I say breathless, he does that to me. “Come meet everyone,” he says and we turn to the group of people who are now staring at us. “Everyone, meet my girlfriend Ryan. Ryan these are my friends “ he says and all si
It was nice seeing you with your friends” I say to him when we finally catch our breath after a 4th round of amazing sex. “I’m glad you finally met them, I’ve wanted to introduce you to them for a while now,” he says closing his eyes. “I’m glad too,” I say touching his brow. He opens his eyes and looks at me. “Will you ever say it when we’re not making love?” he asks and I look at him confused. “Say what?” “I love you” he says suddenly and my heart skips a beat. I say that when we make love? Do I? I don’t remember. “Uhm… I don’t…” I start to say and then stop. “I know you love me, you say it all the time. I only long to hear you say it when you're not high from endorphins. And please don’t take this as me pressuring you into saying anything you don’t want to” he says and waits for me to say something. I slowly work through my thoughts. I know I love him but actually saying the words is a lot for me. It’s not something I take lightly and it’s not something I’ve said to a guy. “
It’s late afternoon on Friday and Gabriel and I are in the back of his car on our way to Limpopo. David is driving because we’re both too tired. it’s been a long and tiring week. We’re having dinner with my parents for the first time as a couple. I don’t know how they’re going to take it but I guess it won’t be that bad since they gave us the invite. I’m nervous, Gabriel on the other hand is very excited. He’s sure it will go well. He’s an optimistic and I am a pessimist. I see disaster, but he’s been so supportive and understanding through all of this. I look over to his side and find him staring at me. He raises his brows at me and I smile. He knows I’m nervous and he’s giving me the space to feel everything out. I appreciate the moments he just lets me be. He doesn’t try to force his optimism on me, he lets me go through the motions on my own. He reaches out and takes my hand in his, then he kisses the inside of my hand. His way of letting me know he’s here for me. I absorb his l
“How are you feeling?” My father asks me when I find him sitting in the garden. “I feel… less stressed” I say honestly, this whole situation with Zan and Gabriel has me in knots. And today having dinner with my parents has made me feel better. But being home today makes me think of Zan, I’m happy but I wish we were talking. Now that I am building a life with Gabriel I long to rebuild my relationship with Zan. But how do I do that when he’s so mad at me? “I can tell…” My father says looking thoughtful. “I thought you and mom were mad at me for dating Gabriel” I say looking away from my father, if Zan is this mad how can my parents not be furious? “We figured, since you were ignoring our calls” he says looking a little sad. “I’m sorry” I say feeling guilty. “It’s okay, we’re figuring everything out. That’s why I need to tell you something.” He says and looks serious suddenly. My heart skips a beat, why does he look stressed? “Dad what is it?” I ask impatient. “I… told Zan about
One year later “Gabriel what do you have planned tonight?” I ask my husband when he leads me into the garden in my pyjamas. It’s a Friday night and in our household, it means an adventure is due. We work hard during the week so that we can take time out on the weekends and have fun. We’ve been having these epic weekends since the day we got married. Gabriel and I have taking turns planning incredible dates. It can be a weekend long affair or just one night. As long as we show the love we have for each other; we have created so many memories together. It feesl like I’m living s dream. Gabriel is the ultimate romantic, he comes up with these incredible and thoughtful dates. I’m good at planning a great night but this man takes my breath away every time. Sometimes it’s not even about what we do, he has a knack for knowing what I need at the right moment. “I thought we would have a simple night in. I heard that tonight would be a good night to stargaze.” He says leading me into the gar
“Ryan baby, wake up.” Gabriel says kissing me. I slowly come out of sleep. I blink looking at him confused. He’s sitting next to me on the bed. He’s fully dressed in sweats and t-shirt. Why isn’t he naked? We went to sleep butt naked last night.“What time is it?”I ask looking out the window, it’s still dark. Am I missing something? Today is Sunday, we have nowhere to go. So why do we need to wake up early?“5:59.” He says touching my face softly. I lean into his touch closing my eyes, feeling sleep come back slowly. I don’t want to get out of bed, it’s so comfortable here.“I want to show you something.” He says and I groan. Can’t it wait? I don’t want to go anywhere.“Right now?” I ask and he chuckles softly, I open my eyes looking at him. He’s not budging; he really wants me to get out of bed. I sit up slowly and stretch. He looks at my nak
Johannesburg “You look incredible.” Says to me as we walk into a dinner party hosted at the Levelthree in Joburg. He asked me to be his plus one tonight and I had to come through for my man. It’s a networking event for South Africa’s most rich and influential. The event is hosted by one of Gabriel’s friend a young business woman named Maite, she owns one of the biggest beauty brands in South Africa.I am obsessed with her, she has one of the most incredible minds. She started her beauty business out of her university dorm and now she is one of the richest women in Africa. My mind is blown being here; I am doing my best to contain my excitement. Maite is legendary and I feel so grateful for Gabriel, he’s the reason I’m here.On a normal day I could have gotten a ticket to get in here and interact with the people here at arm’s length but being here with him is so much
I spent the whole morning with Gabriel’s parents. His father gave me a tour of the whole farm; we spent the morning going through his daily chores. Gabriel had a full day of work so I had to do my own thing today. His dad was more than happy to spend the day with me. I got to see what it really takes to run a fully functioning farm.It’s amazing to see where Gabriel gets his work ethic. They both love what they do, they treat their employees with so much respect and they are always so eager to share information with others. I enjoyed my time with him, he’s a cool dude.Now I’m making lunch with his mom. She’s her husband’s complete opposite, where he’s talkative and smiley. She’s quiet and reserved. Now that I spent more than a few hours with his parents I can tell Gabriel us the perfect blend of the two of them. He took his father’s work ethic and commanding presence and his mother’s calm. &ldqu
It’s late evening; I’m with my parents in the kitchen. My father is washing the dishes, I’m drying and my mother is putting them away. Washing the dishes is my least favourite thing to do. I should really call Gabriel tonight, I miss him. I think it’s time I went back home. I can’t spend another week without him. I’m sure he misses me too. “I have a special delivery.” Zan says when he walks into my parent’s kitchen. My parents and I turn around to look at him. He’s been gone since morning, I did wonder if he would come home tonight. He’s well known for his disappearing acts. I was worried he left without saying goodbye. I have fears that he’ll leave home and I won’t see him again. Our new found understanding is fairly new so I worry that as soon as we go back tour normal lives we’ll fall back to old habits. I know I have to be patient and trust that we can work this whole thing out but I get scared sometimes. He’s my brother and I love him. He moves away from the doorway and loo
“This place is amazing.” Zan says looking out at the view in front of us. We’re in my parent’s backyard, looking at my father’s berry field. He hasn’t been here in a long time; I first brought him here when I bought the property. It was just a field then; now it’s a fully functioning farm. He’s seeing this view for the first time; I’ve seen it so many times. But seeing the look of awe on his face makes me see appreciate it more. It’s breath taking. It really is.” I say realizing that it’s so easy to take things for granted. I realize I took our friendship for granted once. Knowing that it’s on the line right now makes me rethink everything I have in my life. When he called me a week ago to say he’s coming back home and we should meet, I was happy. This is a chance to mend broken trust. I don’t know if he’ll be open to that but when I saw him drive up today he seemed different, even now standing next to him he seems resigned. I could be jumping the gun here but I have to be hopeful.
“Hey kid.” I hear someone say and turn around. Zan is standing in my bedroom doorway. I close my eyes and open them again, to make sure I’m not hallucinating; I stand up from my bed and take a deep breath and then let it out.“Hey.” I say and walk to my brother. I go in for a hug and we just hold each other for what feels like a long time. I can’t believe he’s here, I pour all my love into my hug.“Did you miss me?” He asks when I finally let him go. Tears run down my face uncontrollably. I nod and wipe them away but fail. There’s just so much emotion that my hands can’t keep up with the constant flow of water down my face. “I missed you too.” He says hugging me again. “It feels so good to see you alive and well.”He says his voice thick with emotion.“It feels so good to see you too.” I say so glad we’re talking. I was so worried about him. I didn’t
“I just want to say that I will miss you. I can’t imagine this office running without you but I’m so happy that you’re going out there to experience something new. I wish you all the best in your new endeavors. And just so you know, if you ever want your job back. T’s always here.” Max says at my farewell party. My two-week notice is over, I’m happy about this chapter of my life. But I can’t say I’m not terrified of what’s to come next. This is me taking a leap into the unknown. Who quits a job without a plan? I don’t know how I’m going to make money when I leave here. I am shaking in my boots but I’m up for it. This is by far the craziest thing I’ve done, ever! The whole room cheers for me and I smile shyly. I have to be the centre of attention but Max insisted we host a party for my last day here. I walk around the room thanking everyone. It’s only right that I say my proper goodbyes; I worked with these people for a long time. “Thank you for everything Max, I truly appreciate yo
Life is different, I feel different. The things I found joy in a few months ago don’t make me happy anymore. I used to love going to work; being of service to my boss would give me this sense of belonging. But now I just go through the motions of my work days and forget about it as soon as I get home. I look forward to the end of the day as soon as I get to work. There is a shift in my heart. I know it and I find myself accepting it without fear or question I never imagined I would be those people who dread going to work. I love my job, or more accurately I loved my job. Max is an amazing boss, our office is fun but I can’t seem to get back into my groove. I shake the feeling that I need to let go of this life and something greater will come to me. At first, I thought it was the stress. I told myself it will go away in a few weeks once everything settled down. I thought it was the moment and as soon as it passed I would go back to me. It’s been a month and the feeling hasn’t changed