Love Is A Burning Sensation

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016

MORNING

The following day was beautiful and sunny in Umhlanga Rocks, in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Diesel and Siza sauntered barefooted at the beach, wearing their light blue denim jeans and white cotton t-shirts, grasping hands, and holding their dirty shoes on each side. Siza could not stop laughing at Diesel's jokes, and he continued to make her laugh, enjoy seeing her carefree and happy. Suddenly, everything was moving in slow motion, as both Siza and Diesel felt the ultimate moment of pure perfection. For them, this memory would be etched into their minds forever.

They seemed trancelike, as they took in the view of the beautiful ocean, and artfully wrote their names with wooden sticks on the wet seashore. They ran in and out of the water, as they playfully kicked seawater at one another, whilst walking along the seashore. Siza could not recall the last time she had had so much fun at the sea, and both of them were laughing, as they continued to walk along toward the hotel, in their wet clothes.

They headed back to the hotel thereafter, to change their clothing.

Siza went into the bathroom, undressed, and changed into a long olive summer dress, and Diesel changed into maroon shorts and a white t-shirt. They met in Siza's presidential suite, and Diesel stood by the window viewing the blue sea.

Siza smiled at Diesel. "This man looks good in any piece of clothing," she thought, as she eyed him from bottom to the top.

"I've haven't had this much fun in many years," said Diesel. "It reminds me of when I was ten years old," reminisced Diesel, as he stood there rooted to the spot, thinking about the past, whilst observing the beautiful ocean view, with a smile in his eyes.

"That far long, what happened when you were ten?" queried Siza.

"My mom and dad would take myself, and my two little sisters, to places like Alligator World many times," replied Diesel, turning to gaze at Siza, and smiled.

Siza beamed. "Mmm, good old days, huh, Mr D, I miss them too."

They reclined on the bed like an old couple and reminisced about the good old days. It was the perfect time for them to get to know each other, as there had not been much talking since their first encounter. Diesel went and fetched his phone from his room and showed Siza photos of his family, cracked a joke and they both laughed. Siza also withdrew her own phone from under her pillow and showed Diesel her family.

"Tell me about your family," chatted Diesel, pointing to the photo on Siza's phone screen.

"Well that's me, my big brother Zena, my big sister Buhle-bunye, my mom Olivia Luke, and my handsome dad, Professor Zami, that is it," pointed out Siza.

"Wait a minute, that white woman in your picture, is your mother?" Diesel enquired.

Siza frowned. "Yes, that's my mother...Do you have a problem with that?" asked Siza, giving Diesel an odd gaze as if he had said something offensive.

Diesel chuckled. "No! There's no problem at all, you should've told me."

Siza shook her head. "Was it necessary to tell you though…I didn't see any necessity to tell a stranger about my family."

"I…said that wrong."

Siza chuckled. "I can just hear myself say…Hi, my mom is white…as if that's a bad thing…come on, Diesel."

"Sorry, it came out the wrong way…And your dad, what does he do?" enquired Diesel.

Siza beamed. "My dad has been a Professor at Wits University for all my life…but he doesn't lecture any more, he decided to retire this year when he turned fifty, to relax in his home with his wife…His students, to this day, come, and visit him, and he still assists them with their college work."

"And your mother…is she also retired?"

Siza nodded. "Yes she is…she retired from being a Judge at forty-eight, to enjoy her life. Zena, my brother is a Psychologist, he is engaged and has two kids, and my sister Buhle-bunye is a paediatrician and a mother of one. Unfortunately, we had a fall out two or three years ago, and we haven't made up since," explained Siza.

"Do you and your big sister fight a lot?"

Siza shook her head. "No…what she did to me...is unforgivable to another person."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Siza took a deep breath and shook her head. "No, let's not ruin this perfect moment."

"I will always be here if you want to talk," reassured Diesel.

He gazed into her eyes and watched her every move.

"Is it possible to like a stranger so much…and…how possible is this, am I being tested for the unknown?" pondered Diesel.

Diesel smiled. "I'm glad that I'm here with you."

"You took the words right out of my mouth, so…tell me about your family?" queried Siza.

Diesel smiled. "Well, we are a family of five as well…It's my mom, my dad and my two twin sisters, Batho and Bontle, and this man sitting next to you."

Siza beamed. "Carry on, silly…you've asked me more questions, so come on, out with it already."

Diesel chuckled. "Alright, nagging woman…My dad is a retired mining engineer…he is now the proud owner of a horse stable…my mom has been a stay at home mom, ever since I've known her, my sister Bontle is an image consultant and my sister Batho, is a Buyer at a retail company…That's it."

"How old are you and your sisters?"

Diesel smiled. "I am thirty years old and my sisters are twenty-six…How old are you?" Diesel scrutinized Siza. "You look about twenty-two."

Siza chuckled. "I am twenty-five and loving it…We are blessed to have our families, right, Diesel?"

Diesel nodded. "See…I am not from a glamorous family…I have created a great life for myself, and I'm proud of it," he said, stroking her hair and kissing her forehead, as she leaned her head against his chest.

They chatted for hours, while relaxing on the bed, eyeing each other, and sharing an abundance of laughter together.

♥♥

EVENING

They ordered room service and had dinner inside Siza's room, while they listened to their favourite romantic songs. They had a wide selection of food from starters, all the way to different desserts.

Diesel was the kind of man that loved to please a woman, especially when he was in love with her. He was extremely kind-hearted and exceptionally good to those closest to him. He always went all out to make sure that his family and friends were well taken care of, and comfortable. They both got off the bed and prepared a table by the balcony. The sun was already setting and the view of the beach was most beautiful at sunset. Diesel dished up for himself and Siza, and she followed with two rinsed tumbler glasses, and placed them on the table.

Diesel pulled a chair out for Siza to take a seat, before he placed the plate of fillet steak, before her. He sat and said grace before they dined. The food was delicious, judging by their silence, and it was true what one said, there was nothing a juicy steak and delicious green salad could not fix. Siza poured fresh pomegranate juice for herself and Diesel, and she gulped it down without coming up for air.

She stared at Diesel, who was astonished by how quickly she drank her juice.

"Are you alright?" Diesel worried.

Siza chuckled. "Yes, I'm alright. The food became too much for my small throat."

Diesel smiled. "I have never met someone like you Sizakele, and I never thought I would…It's like you came into my life, at the perfect time."

Siza smiled. "Is that why you have that look on your face?"

Diesel shook his head. "No, Siza, I mean your personality…it's unique."

"Aw, you say the sweetest things," smiled Siza, as she rose from her chair and embraced Diesel.

They finished their meal in comfortable silence and sipped on their juice as they cuddled while admiring the view of the lit beach, and Siza rested her head on Diesel's chest. The sea made a beautiful splash sound. The wind swooshed quietly, as they eyed one another. Diesel raised his glass in the air, and Siza raised hers. They gazed at each other.

"Here's to good, and unforgettable moments," cheered Diesel.

Siza smiled. "Here's to unlimited happiness."

"There's something I need you to know."

"What is it?"

Diesel smiled and became teary-eyed. "Siza, I…I'm falling in love with you."

Siza shook her head. "Aw! Diesel, don't do this."

Diesel placed his index finger on Siza's mouth, to shush her. "Please don't answer. I just wanted you to know."

Siza lowered her glass and gazed at the sea. She became emotional all of a sudden as if Diesel had just said the most hurtful thing to her. She was in tears, as she gazed at him and shook her head. He tried to cuddle her, but she flinched, and he embraced her from the back.

"Diesel, I am scared of falling in love again…I fell very hard for Menzi, and look at where that got me," confided Siza.

"But I caught you, didn't I…I will always catch you when you fall," reassured Diesel, wiping Siza's tears.

"Maybe someday, some good day, when Menzi is nothing but a distant memory, I will be with you."

"Do you want him to become a distant memory, Siza… do you?

"It's a little bit too soon to ask me that question, don't you think?"

"It's too soon…Siza, are you kidding me?" chuckled Diesel. "You still want to go back to that guy...Are you serious…My word, I can't believe you."

"I never said that, did you hear me say that…argh…What would you do, if you were in my shoes…Huh…Answer me!" yelled Siza.

Siza's reaction shocked Diesel. He had never seen her so aggravated, with green angry veins emerging from her forehead. She stood at the corner of the balcony and sobbed. Diesel did not know what to do; he never expected the evening to go that way. He approached Siza and stood behind her. He wanted to hold her but hesitated.

"Si-Siza, I didn't say that, I just assumed that you..." pleaded Diesel.

��You assumed what?" queried Siza.

"I assumed that you were over him."

"Great! That's good to know, Diesel…I've just met you a couple of days ago, and I've known Menzi for five years, at least that's what I thought," Siza sobbed. "I don't know you that well as yet, but I can tell you that, this… us…feels very good to me."

"So how long would it take, for you to fall for me?"

Siza frowned. "What…Where does all that come from all of a sudden?"

Diesel closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, "I'm sorry, Siza…I don't know what came over me."

Siza nodded. "Diesel, I think we should go back home."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Please - take - me - home!"

Diesel was disturbed to hear, and witness Siza's reaction. She was so angry, that every memory of what Menzi did to her, flooded her mind. She scurried into her suite and began packing all her clothes. She was emotional but tried to remain calm, irrespective of her tears. Diesel came to check if she was alright. He was disappointed to find her packing.

"Please, Diesel, take me home…I need to go home," cried Siza.

"Alright, we will check-out first thing in the morning," assured the disappointed Diesel.

"No…right now…this night!" commanded Siza.

Diesel nodded. "Alright."

Diesel left the suite to pack as well. Siza changed her clothes and wore torn-up denim jeans, with a white sweater, that Diesel had bought for her. Diesel hurriedly booked an urgent flight back to Johannesburg. When he came back from checking-out, he found Siza resting on the couch, napping. He woke her up and told her that he was ready to leave. He was upset that Siza had decided to leave, but had no intention of changing her mind.

There was utter silence in the car, while they drove back to the airport, and remained silent on the plane when they flew back to Johannesburg. No words were uttered, even when they drove to Bryanston. Diesel was hurt and Siza was back to square one, regarding her issues with Menzi. Diesel grasped her hand and carried on driving. He could not stop glancing at her, as she sat there in silence.

"Are…are you coming with me, to my place?" stuttered Diesel.

Siza shook her head. "No, I'm going back to my place in Rosebank."

"Come on Siza, are you really that upset?"

"No…I'm not upset at you…I have to go, otherwise I won't heal…you want love, and I can't give it to you at the moment."

"Siza, it's ten-thirty at night! Are you sure you want to go home?"

Siza nodded. "Yes, I'm sure, Diesel, don't worry…I will drive myself home…Let's just get to your place, and get my stuff."

"Siza, I am so sorry about what happened earlier."

"It's all right, Diesel, it's not your fault, and at the end of the day…I have to face reality."

Diesel frowned. "I feel bad now."

"Please don't feel bad, what you said made me realise that I have to deal with this the right way, and running away from it, won't help me."

They arrived at Diesel's home and Siza stepped out of the car, went to her room, and packed all her remaining clothes into their suitcases. Diesel lounged quietly in the living room, with so many thoughts racing through his mind. He felt sad and disappointed, by everything that had transpired, earlier that evening. He checked his phone and noticed that his sister had been trying to reach him. He placed the phone against his ear and phoned her back.

"Hey sis, what's up?" greeted Diesel.

"I am more concerned about you...Are you ok, Dee?" queried Batho.

"Hey sis, I can't talk right now…I will call you later," replied Diesel, as he hung up the phone on his sister.

Siza joined him in the living room, pulling her bags one by one. Diesel rose from the couch, chucked his phone on the couch, and cuddled Siza in his arms. He was sad but tried to gather some strength.

"I'm all packed, Mr D…I'm leaving," informed Siza.

Diesel smiled. "Alright…let me help you pack those bags in the car."

"Wait…Before I leave…I."

Diesel snuggled her and they both became emotional, as if they were two lovers, saying goodbye for the last time.

Siza took a deep breath. "This feels like I'm breaking up with you…you know why I'm leaving, right?"

Diesel took a deep breath. "I know...I know…Come here," replied Diesel, as he cuddled her tight in his arms. "I'm going to miss you, so much…and I will wait for you," he admitted.

"Thank you so much, Diesel, for your love and kindness, this means a lot to me…I won't forget you," Siza sobbed.

Diesel gazed into her eyes and wiped her tears. "I will miss you so much, Siza."

Siza took a deep breath. "Thank you for giving me hope."

Diesel moved the luggage bags and packed them inside Siza's boot. She watched him, while he packed her bags and they hugged again. Diesel had tears in his eyes, but he tried to hold them back. They were attracted and in love with one another. Siza handed Diesel the extra set of keys to his home.

Diesel shook his head. "Siza, you keep them…this is your other home now, in case you get tired of your house in Rosebank."

Siza smirked. "Goodbye, Diesel."

♥♥

Siza stepped inside her car and drove out of Diesel's place. Siza knew that she had a lot to think about when she got home. Whether to forgive Menzi and continue on with their marriage, or start a brand new life with Diesel, who was totally attracted to her and she shared mutual feelings with. She cried a lot while she drove to her place. She had realised that she was falling in love with Diesel, but was too scared to admit it.

Siza reached her home in Brogue Estates, Rosebank, a very quiet neighbourhood. She pressed the remote and opened the gate. As the gate slowly opened, it revealed a short driveway to a wooden garage door, not far from the front door, with a glimpse of Siza's pillared upscale home.

She drove straight into her garage and parked the car. She opened the door and found her house very clean, thanks to her cousin Malcolm. He had been taking good care of the house, ever since she had been living with Menzi for the past four years.

She stepped into her living room, took a deep breath, stared at her leathered cream white couches, and smiled.

"Malcolm!" exclaimed Siza, calling out to her cousin, and dragging her suitcases to the hallway.

There was silence in the house, as Siza ambled to the door and twisted the lock on the door.

"Malcolm isn't home…if he were, he would've come to welcome me in the kitchen already," sighed Siza.

She pulled one of her bags to her large en-suite master bedroom, and into her dressing room area. She placed her handbag on her bed, next to the side where she slept and refrained from switching on the bedroom light. She sat in darkness for a few minutes, revelling in the moonlight, which set off a sparkle, as it shone against the shimmering gold wallpaper.

She unfolded her beige linen, relaxed on the bed, looked over to her left, switched on her gold wooden bedside lamp, and spotted her violet coloured bible. She paged to the book of John, for the first time in years, and read:

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you," she read from John fifteen, verse seven.

She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, rested her head on her pillow, removed her ringing cell phone from her handbag, and answered it.

Siza smiled. "Hi, Diesel, I'm alright, I just got home… Are you alright?"

"Babe, it's me, Menzi, not your Diesel guy!" replied Menzi.

"Argh! Menzi! Just go get a life!"

"Babe, can we talk?"

"Oh! Please, get away!"

Siza hung up on Menzi, and placed her phone on silent mode. She slipped inside her sheets. She searched her phone's message inbox as if she was expecting to find a text message from Diesel. She sent Diesel a text message,

"Hey, I'm home…hope you're ok," said Siza's text.

She waited for Diesel to text her back, but he never responded. She placed her phone underneath her pillow and fell asleep.

♥♥

Lelo was relaxing at the twenty-four-hour restaurant, with her best friend, Pearl. On their table laid a bottle of expensive red wine, in front of them, plates with an opened sesame seeded bun, on it, a juicy beef burger, with white cheese and relish.

Pearl stared at Lelo and watched her eat. All of a sudden, there was a simper on her face. Lelo frowned at her and shrugged.

"What…Do I have something on my face?" queried Lelo, as she wiped her mouth, with the purple napkin, that was on her lap.

Pearl shook her head. "No, you're just different."

Lelo was confused. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you eat differently, you act differently, and even worse…you look different," explained Pearl.

Lelo chuckled. "It must be the Pule syndrome."

Pearl chuckled. "And what kind of syndrome is that?"

"M - O - N - E - Y," spelt Lelo.

Pearl moved closer to Lelo, and whispered, "Oh…girlfriend, do tell."

Lelo chuckled. "A lady doesn't kiss and tell, but here's a tip…when you have your man wrapped around your little finger…twist and squeeze that finger…till a drop of his blood comes out."

"Eew…No…that's not attractive."

Lelo giggled. "It's a figure of speech…but as he drips blood…don't wipe it… instead, lick and kiss his finger, while you slowly suck out the blood from his body…bit by bit."

Pearl shook her head. "I'd never do that…you're treading on thin ice, Lelo."

Lelo scoffed. "Oh…but I love it…I just need to sign on the dotted line."

Pearl was confused. "What dotted line?"

"Marriage…to enjoy the fruits of my labour," bragged Lelo, wiping her mouth.

"And how are you planning to do that?"

Lelo simpered and moved closer to Pearl, and whispered in her ear. "I -am - going - to - take everything - he - owns - then, I will get rid of him."

"And how are you planning to take all that."

"Look at my ring finger, this two hundred and forty-five million rands, pink diamond ring, is the beginning of my reign."

Pearl was speechless and shocked, after Lelo's proud speech, about the price of her ring. They continued to dine and Pearl could not stop staring at Lelo, as she offered to pay for their bill, and said goodbye thereafter. They separated into their cars and drove home. Pearl drove to Thendo's place and Lelo, to her man's…Pule.

♥♥