10 Chapter Ten

Nicks knuckles were turned into fists, he looked like he wanted to punch something or rather someone I should say, his parents had no idea what was happening because they were still excited and talking to everyone. I saw Nick trying to leave the stage, but his father blocked his path with a frown. I don’t know what he said to him, but I could see that Nick didn't want to be in that stage anymore.

"Zizwe is it my eyesight or is that the white dude that saved you when you had an accident...."

Natasha asked but I was having a hard time concentrating on her because when I lifted my eyes and looked at Nick I met Gage's eyes, he was staring and smirking at me without even a shame in the world and that’s when I recalled the words in the message he’d sent in the morning, Oh my God this guy was nuts. He knew that I was going to be here and somehow, he also knew that Nick was Mr Klaus son. This beautiful stranger was really messing with my head. I tried looking away in search of Nick, but I was caught up in those mesmerising green eyes staring at me, and then he did the unexpected. He waved at me giving me Goosebumps all over my skin before turning around to converse with his friends or colleagues as if nothing had occurred, I saw him go towards Nick with a that stupid arrogant smirk but Nick 's jaw was just clenched tight, I was afraid he might break his teeth when Gage whispered something in his ear.

I knew Nick's temper, when he got mad he couldn't pretend and the worst part is that I couldn't hear what Gage had said to him. I saw Nick trying to act normal when his father joined them and Gage patting him on the back as they all descended the steps to sit down, that's when I released the breath I'd been holding all along. Frankly, I assumed that Nick's mom was going to ruin my day first thing when I set foot here, but I was mistaken. People around me were still mingling and having a good time and I was too nervous to even leave the chair I was sitting on. Natasha and I had changed our sitting arrangements when Gage and his partners decided to sit next to us since we were sitting in the front row. I suppose Natasha could tell that I didn't want to be there anymore, so she dragged me away and found us empty chairs in the room far away from Gage and his associates.

Unfortunately, Nick was still stuck with them and I felt bad for him, I could tell that he was furious but couldn't do anything. I suppose faith always finds a way to turn my life upside down, I mean how was it possible that the guy who rescued me a week ago was now the same man here trying to rake Nick's temper by flirting with me or whatever he was doing with me, and then he winds up being Nick's partner as well. I know that Nick can't stand Gage in fact he can't stand any male specimen around me at all, so I guess this makes Gage ten times the problem. I told Natasha that I needed to use the bathroom and she offered to come with me, I think she could tell that something was wrong since I was just a nervous wreck.

"Come on Zizwe, stop spacing out let’s go. Is there something I should know about this guy because seriously you guys are just acting weird''. She said to me in a hushed whisper before she grabbed my hand and leading me outside Nick 's house where the hired toilets were situated. I glanced at Nick's table as we were leaving, and he gave me a forced smile and nod as I followed Natasha outside.

"Can I please just get something off my chest before I start playing Doctor Phil with you?".

"Yes... Tash spit it out, whatever it is. you’re going to say it either way ".

"Those men are superbly hot Zizwe, did you take a good look at them or were you too occupied with your love triangle to notice”. Natasha was hard to keep up with sometimes and I was uncomfortable when it came to expressing myself openly about men.

''No, Zizwe don't go all holy on me now 'cause you know what I’m saying is true, and I know that the Gage guy has the hots for you, don’t think that I didn't see him waving at you there, phew and he looks so yummy... can I please have him please...” I stood there starring at her, wide eyes and an open jaw, how did she even see that. What if Nick or his mom also saw the whole incident. Sweet Jesus, my life was literally falling apart because of some stranger.

"Zizwe, are you going to just stand there or are you going to agree with me that those men in there are a must have".

"I don't really know what to say to you Natasha, but I agree they are handsome, but I don't see why I should go all crazy about them since I’m already taken.

"Ohk miss holy.... you know I wonder why I’m friends with you sometimes… so do tell me what’s bothering so much you had to go all pale on me?".

I had real problems to deal with such as Gage and Natasha here was under a spell by the same person who was threatening to turn my life upside down, I knew I had to tell her about me being in contact with him cause the whole thing was just eating me alive. I felt like I was doing something wrong, I don't know or perhaps it’s because all my life I was always around Nick and Natasha therefore chatting with other men just felt wrong to me. Natasha locked us inside the restroom while I told her about the whole incident of Gage, it was difficult telling her at first because I was scared of her reaction and what she was going to think of me, secondly, she kept squealing and jumping up like child doing tap dancing causing the toilet shake. I honestly didn't think Natasha would take the news so well since well she was mad at Gage when we departed last, so I was confused at my friend’s behaviour now.

"Ohmygod, you little conniving imp.... Zizwe you are so… How could you Zizwe? We're supposed to be friends and the last time I checked friends tell each other everything you oaf. Damn Zizwe I am Speechless".

"So, Gage told you that he is going to see you today in that message and he shows up here and to make things worse he is Nick’s new partner, Wow Zizwe this is just so....".

"Please keep it down will you, someone could hear us, you’re really not helping here. And why exactly are excited when I’m in distress. I told you this because I need your help to get rid of this guy". We didn't get to finish our conversation because someone started knocking on the door and we had to get out immediately since whoever was knocking was now fed up and cursing at us to get out, before we left, I made Natasha promise to keep this between us since Nick would flip out if he found out about Gage.

"Quit worrying too much Zizwe and relax, I’m sure he won't even approach you, seeing that Nick is keeping a strict eye on you. Let’s get some drinks and have fun, and you are so not you not drinking juice today, you definitely need a strong drink to loosen up''. She headed towards the bar to get our drinks and I was left behind picking at my nails, bad habit for a girl... yeah, I know. I didn't even hear Nick approaching or perhaps it’s because the music was starting to get loud and half of the people here were already tipsy.

"Hey babe”. Nick pecked my forehead before dragging Natasha's chair and sitting directly in front of me. I was startled at first, but I quickly composed myself and smiled at him.

" Congratulations”. I said, taking his hand in mine, I know this is what he’s always wanted but I was just not too sure about his partner.

"Thanks love, having you here means a lot to me. I wasn't really expecting what happened today. Father really caught me off guard, but because of you I think I handled things very well or at least I tried".

"You did great Nick, you know you’re good when it comes to dealing with crowds of people, how can you even ask me that?".

"I suppose I just needed to hear you say it to be sure babe that’s all, so where did Natasha run off to after I told her not to leave you alone?”. I could sense a bit of irritation in his voice, and I think that’s why he’d left his table to come sit with me.

"She's at the bar Nick, stop worrying about me all the time no one's going to take me away from you". And right then ladies and gents, that’s how I messed things up as Nick's eyes immediately went to Gage and he's whole posture went stiff. Now why did I have to say that of all things, damn Zizwe and your stupid mouth.

"Nick, I’m here with you please don't let that guy rile you up, he’s just messing with you that’s all babe. You're the only one for me and no one else, please enjoy this day and don't let anyone ruin it for you okay." I said holding onto his hands tighter before he squeezed back, I’ve never seen Nick feeling so small it was just weird.

"The problem is that he’s not a stranger anymore love; we’re going to see him every day from now on. That’s what we have been discussing. I’m sorry about all of this, I just don’t like feeling threatened that's all and now I have to face the idiot every day and I'm sure he's up to something, promise me you'll stay away from him Zizwe".

"I promise to stay away from him, besides there’s nothing to worry about since he’s your partner babe not mine”. I said pecking him on his stubbled cheek.

''Now go back to your table and I'll go find Natasha ". He left thankfully without fussing.

Natasha was at the bar but she wasn't alone, Mrs Klaus was beside her laughing well they seemed to be having fun. I went to stand beside Natasha ignoring the look Nick's mom was giving me. I really had bad timing and I knew that if I didn't get away from this woman my day would be ruined so I turned to the barman and asked for juice while they were still talking. I got myself orange juice and started to leave when Nick 's mom grabbed my hand harshly but shielding it with Natasha's body so people couldn't see what she was doing.

"I thought I made it clear to you the last time you were here that you’re not welcome in my house Zizwe”. She said to me in a harsh whisper still grabbing my hand in a tight grip.

"Forgive me Mrs Klaus but Nick wanted me here and I couldn't say no to him”. I replied as calm as I could as I was already dreading what she was going to say next.

"Well, this happens to be my house and Nick is also my son, you’re obviously pushing it by coming here you gold digger, I don't care what Nick and my husband said to you but you’re not welcome here”. she was still spotting a smile in her face, people wouldn't even notice she was being rude to me unless they were at close range."

"You can see for yourself that this place has people with standards and class, people with money and status, I don't really know what makes you think that you can just agree with my son to come here when you clearly know where you belong. You even have the nerve to dress in the same theme that we used, you have no shame you tramp and I’m telling you now and I hope it will be the last time I'm saying this to you. Leave my son alone or I’ll ruin you and your mother, I’ll take away the little that you have and make sure that you and your sick mother go to the streets for shelter, am I clear?".

"I think that’s enough Mrs Klaus". I heard Natasha say to her, but my mind had completely shut down, I could feel the lump forming in my throat and pushing its way to my mouth. I knew that if I didn't leave now, I was going to cry in front of all these people.

I tried searching for Nick's face but couldn’t see him anywhere so he could come and save me from his mother's wrath, Natasha was now standing beside me but I couldn't even focus on her as I was just shaking with rage but I couldn't fight back, my eyes were already starting to water making my vision blurry and the lump in my throat was getting worse so I ended up doing what I did best in situations like this, Run. Nick ’s mother knew how to strip my walls bare and shatter all of my hopes in just a minute. I heard Natasha trying to comfort me, telling me that Nick 's mom had left, but I didn't even hear a word she was saying. I was just angry and humiliated, when Natasha tried to grab my hand, I flinched started running.

For the second time in a week, I found myself in tears at Nick 's house all caused by his mother, luckily it was already getting dark outside and people were drunk at least they wouldn’t notice me in my horrible state. I couldn't see Nick anywhere as I ran, I dashed through the tables in my tear-streaked face and saw the gate in my line of Vision, thankful that I was wearing comfortable shoes at least I could run and hide my humiliation. My face was probably a mess since Enhle had applied some eyeliner and mascara on my eyes. As I neared the gate, I felt like I could finally breath as there were less people standing towards it, I made my final turn but crashed into something hard that I swayed to the side and twisted my ankle along the way and went face down bracing myself for the ground I was going to collide with adding to my humiliated state.