Chapter Two

Chapter Two 

Jemima's POV 

"Jemima calm down or else you will get a heart attack!" My bestfriend Vee warned me.

"How I am supposed to be calm?It's 8 o'clock already and Kane is not here.What if he stands me up?" I stammered trying to calm my nerves which seemed close to impossible.

Bee had to deliver a classic yellow cake with chocolate frosting to a certain college party and I didn't want her to be late.

"Vee, just go I will close up the shop. You know we need to save up as much as we can. I begun with my lectures which she hated. "Don't start with your lectures or I am going to get a migraine.I have like two hours before the party begins.Calm down short woman." 

For the past two months, there has been alot of riots in our neighborhood hence we don't receive customers as before.This is what happens when you live in the other side of town.

"We have to pay rent of this place, our house, electricity bill, business is not doing so well.Like we are doomed Vee..."I stammered.

"We got this Jemima..."

"How? and every weekend we always bailing that my troublesome brother out..." I said between closed teeth. She has this way of reading me. I don't know how she knew I needed a hug.

"Today just focus on your date with Kane , nothing more.Tomorrow we can back t worrying about our endless problems.

"You should hurry up and be back at 11 pm before the police patrol.I dont want them mistaking you for a thief and the next thing is another riot people crying for justice."

In our nelighborhood, people riot for many reasons.A transformer being stolen, an innocent person brutally killed in the hands of the police, one of their own arrested for no reason and the latest one which is lack of water for the longest time.Since it's not by choice, you have to learn how to survive...

"Talking of your brother,Vee pulled back "Has he called you?"

"You know he calls when he needs money so I am sure right now he is loaded.You know he has been acting up since our parents' death." I shrugged.

My parents died when I was sixteen in a car accident and my two brothers are the ones who have taking care of me actually only Josh.Josh  is the firstborn who coaches the football team in our neighborhood during the day and Works as a trainer at the gym in the evening.Jayjay just drinks his life away and all he does is stir trouble around the neighbourhood.Atleast he has a gang if that makes him slightly useful. I own a bakery which I run with my best friend.But I don't know for how long,  businessis not doing well...

"Is Josh over Cherry?or they got back  together?" Vee asked shyly and I just smiled.She has been having a crush on my brother for the longest time.

"There is still hopes for you missy, he is still mad at Cherry..."

"Hey ladies?" Kane greeted us dragging us from our conversation.He seemed tired and worked up.He didn't seem like he had come to pick me up for our untucked shirt, his coat on his hand, tie.

"Are you okay?" I asked as I walked towards loosened and dry cracked lips, him."Yes..." He replied in a bored tone,he was warry

"Let me get my clutch bag and jacket...Have  you noticed I am wearing stilettos?You said you love me in heels." I said excitedly but he just stood there tensed.

I turned around ready to go get them when he held my hand 'We need to talk..."The four words that can send anyone to a comma.The words I fear to hear since they never bring good news. "Yes?" I stammered...

"You are a good girl Arya, any man is lucky to have you.You are hardworking, kind, humble,down to earth..." 

Get to the point Kane ." I was getting impatient...I didn't want be soothed before my heart gets broken.

"I don't thinkI can do this anymore." He whispered, looking down embarrassingly. My eyes glimmered with watery tears and I felt as if the whole world was about to crumble.

"What?

"I am sorry Jemima, it's not working anymore.."

"Did I do anything wrong,  Iam not cheating on you trust me.I only talk to Josh and Jayjay.I will try beinga better girlfriend."

Pain was tearing its way into my trembling heart. 

"No, it's not that...You are just clingy, too available and you don't entice me anymore.You are boring..."

"Hey you, watch what you saying,  Veethundered behind the counter.

"Have you forgotten all she did for you?" Eve asked as she walked towards us,"You are so ungrateful.."She sneered.

"I didn't forget but she doesn't make me happy.I can pay her the money back..." He replied shamelessly. Now he wants to pay back, the things I did for him are valueless. No money can ever cater for all the things have done for him I gave him some capital to start a business, helped his sister with her wedding, stayed with his mother in the hospital when she was sick, housed him when he was jobless and many more.But now kindness according to him can be bought...

"Kane  all I did was be there for you...." The pain was so raw and his words were playing in my mind like an echo.

"And I am grateful but you are not the one want to spend the rest of my life with.It's not you, it's me..."

"You said am hardworking.kind and humble then why are you leaving me? I love you so much, I have invested all of me in the relationship." My heart felt as if my blood had become a tar as it struggled to keep a steady beat.

"I am sorry but the right one will come.."

"Are you leaving me because my bakery is not doing well?I am trying I swear." I sobbed, taking his hands into mine...

"It's not that, you know if you need anything will always be here..." Without hesitation, I threw myself at him and hugged him but he pulled me back.

"l am sorry I ruined our date.I was about to say something when Vee covered my mouth with her hand.

"Just leave Kane and never come back..." She said and he nodded and left even without a goodbye.I  hugged Veee as tears flooded like the waters rushing down a waterfall the only time I stopped was to fill my lungs with fresh air.

"He left Vee..."

"I knew something was fishy when he came one hour late, he was always punctual.But don't worry, he is douchebag..." She rubbed my back soothingly. 

"Do you want me to stay with you?We can always eat the cake..." She asked.

"No I pulled back and wiped the tears from my eyes We need this money.I will just have a walk, I will call you later."I took my clutch bag and denim jacket from the store and found Vee staring at the cake all sad.

"Are you sure you don't want my company?"

"Yes Vee, I need time alone.." He couldn't notice I wore a simple black dress and the only pair of stilettos I own since he said today.I don't do makeup but at least today I did he would love to see me in a dress and heels tried to look pretty for him.Litte did I know I was dressing up to get dumped.He left like it was nothing... 

Jemima you are never  getting into that phase again I promise myself