SHANTEL

I felt the lowest ever to stoop so low for a man again. I always wear my heart on my sleeve.
I did fancied Mike for sometime but it was hard to admit it.
I knew for a fact that he was always gonna choose her girlfriend over me.
The day I saw Wendy, I knew she was a competition to me and she already won his heart already.
I was so disappointed although it was expected since i know Mike already have a girlfriend but everything just happened so quickly.

I was seated in my Sofa browsing through my new phone Mike bought for me.

I decided to go to see my dads property I inherited from him after my Netflixmovie.

I cannot believe I actually put that bungalow house the least of my priorities over two good for nothing men.
I needed to sort out my life back on track and link up with my girls for some late night parties.

I haven't heard from my girls since I lost my phone. I decided to call one of my girls number on my new phone.
Luckily I knew melody number by heart.

What's up with you? It's Shantel

I been calling you non stop. What happened to your phone.

Girl it got broken. I replied

Is your laptop not working because I text you on Facebook. She asked

You know I hardly use my laptop and I wasn't even on that planet to think about reaching to you on facebook.

I been working my ass like a donkey that's why I haven't been able to see you
I was going to come see you tomorrow you know? Melody said with enthusiasm

No problem, your welcome anytime.
See ya tomorrow babe. I added

I was just trying to somehow enjoy the afternoon breeze although it was difficult.
I had some shorts of Hennessy and was on my own planet.

I couldn't even focus on the movie I was watching.

I heard a ring on my door and I was wondering who it was.

I looked through the peep and it was Mike and his parents.
As much as I didn't wanted to see Mike, i was somehow happy to see him.
I didn't really know about his parents tho.
They just like throwing me with questions after questions all the time. Am certainly not in the mood for that.
It was just going to be awkward.

Hello Shantel, I heard your phone was broken so we thought to come and see you.
Mrs Bri Said while giving me a peg kiss.

She already started and I knew it was going to be a hell of a day.

Mike looked like a guilty suspected person coming to a court hearing.
He barely looked at me. He looked like he didn't want to be here or perhaps its because of what happened the last time.

Yeah, I actually got another phone. I replied forcing a smile.

Mr Stephen hugged me and said nice to see you again

You too Mr Stephen

The moment I turned to Mike, it was a living hell.
You alright he said

I nodded and quickly said come in.

Do you still drink Shantel? It's not good for you. Mrs Bri picked up my Hennessy bottle

I already had enough. This woman always had a lot to ask.
Yeah, just a little bit I replied

Lemme get something for you.
I offered them some refreshments.

I was kind of looking down the whole time.
I couldn't see Mike the same way after that.
I have never felt like a total stranger in my own house.

So how is work and things? Mr Stephen asked

Am going to resume back to work in the next two weeks. I had to take a month off.

Yeah you do need it, your such a strong soul.
Keep it up, Mr Stephen added

Thank you, I replied

Can we have your new phone number? I would like Wendy to add you on WhatsApp Mike added.
It was very strange what Mike just said. Was that the reason why he wants my number? I asked my damn self. I didn't want to give my number out like that. What made it a smart idea is the fact that he is asking me infront of his parents. I can't say no. What a smart guy he really is.

Erm yeah. I took out my phone and gave out my new number to them.

So what's your secret Shantel? You look really good. Mrs Bri asked

Thank you. I replied trying to smile

I knew at this point she was trying to be noisy. She has always been like that ever since I met her.

You told me you was going to introduce to me a serious guy you been seeing. Where is he? She added
Mike gave me a sharp look and said thats a good news.

A serious guy? I asked confusingly.

Yes, I forgot what you said his name was. You told me you was going to get engaged soon.

I started trying to feel very hot and uncomfortable. I dont know why I choose to tell this big mouthed woman. She was the only one i told about Leo's preparation to engage me which Obviously didn't happened and now this.
This was the last thing I wanted to talk about.

It didn't happened

I don't know why it keeps happening to you. I dont want you to get hurt or waste your live on these good nothing men.

The moment she said that I can feel Mike starting to fidget and feel uncomfortable.

The only innocent person was Mr Stephen. He had no clue what was going on.

I honestly didn't want to talk about this.

Yeah, I said in response while nodding.
That was all I could say. I couldn't be asked.

Please becareful.
Mike have you told Shantel that your going to get married?

Mum it's not the right time to say that mike tried to cut her off

But the earlier the better. You are getting older. I would be happy even if you can get married tommorrow. Mrs Bri overjoyed

I cannot believe the things I was hearing. It felt like a slap in my face. I started to feel really pissed. I couldn't wait for them to leave.

Have you met his girlfriend Wendy? Mrs Bri asked

Mum, this is getting too much now, mike interfered while rolling his eyes

She needs to meet wendy. You would like her. Mrs Bri took a glance at me

Yeah, sorry I need to check on something.
I said while leaving to the kitchen.

I have seriously had enough and wanted them gone as soon as possible but how can I do it.
They were a parent figure to me.

I sat down on my dinning chair in the kitchen trying to escape.
I have never felt this shit in my life.


MIKE


I can't believe how my mum is behaving like that. She was driving me insane. I could just see myself heading for the door. Enough is enough. She was always trying to interfere with people's business. This reminded me of when she started throwing questions at my face about Wendy the other day. I do understand why Shantel had to excuse herself.
Isnt she beautiful Mike? My mum asked me excitedly pointing at the TV.
There was a thick tall slim girl on the screen and I wasn't even bothered about her.
Yeah, I said uninterestedly.


I will be right back, I said while going in search of Shantel.
Where you going, she asked as soon as I made a couple of steps.
Am just going to get a quick drink, I lied.
Ok dont take too long because we have to go to see Wendy.
Yeah, I rolled my eyes while I walked off.
Going to see wendy with my parents was the last thing on my mind.
I didn't want them especially my mum to explode my head with questions.

I was looking around and saw Shantel in the Kitchen. She looked very uncomfortable and upset. I know it had to do with my mum and what happened between us.

Are you alright, I said in a soft tone while sitting next to her on the dinning chair.

Dont worry, Shantel tried to get up while I held her with immediate effect and said I know your not. Am really sorry for my mums behaviour. I added

The last thing I wanted to do was talk things out with her. I need to be straight with her and I know it hurts.
I just didn't want her to be upset with how things ended between us.

Shantel was really silent. I was wondering what she was thinking.

Are you going to get married?

I know She was probably not happy hearing the news.
My mum is the course of this mess. I wanted to tell Shantel at the right time and this time is clearly not the right time.

The whole planning wasn't even done. Nothing was properly organised and I am not hundred percent ready but then here we are talking about this. I didn't even know what to say.

Yes we spoke about it but it needs planning.
I said with guilt.

I have never felt this bad before. I felt like a bad guy. It's like I knew I was with Wendy and ended up in this mess with Shantel.
Whenever I think deeply about it, I sometimes think it wasn't my fault. Shantel was a big part of this mess. It felt like she seduce me and that was it. I tried to be a brother to her and now I dont know about that. I felt very weird to even call her sister at this point and it will be a hell if wendy find out.

I hope you will forgive me with everything that has happened. I said very worried.

Obviously I didn't tell you exactly how I felt about you because I was scared of what you will say. She replied.


I am really ....

Oh there they are, my mum interuppted what I wanted to say to Shantel.

We need to go now Shantel but don't forget to visit us.

I will Mrs bri, Shantel said trying to change my tonation.

This was so uncomfortable and I really need to spend some alone time with her. We really need to talk.

I will see you later, I gave her a tight hug.

Bye she said

I cant wait to see Wendy, my mum said in a tired tone.
She said she wants to talk and have a family dinner with us she said facing my dad

Ohh hope we ain't staying there for long, I got work to at 8 oclock. Am doing late shift today, my dad replied.

We won't stay for long and you can leave early just incase. She responded

Mike are you not driving? What are you waiting for? She added

All my thoughts was all up in my head. You said she wants to talk? I asked dumbly looking back at the mirror to my mum.
I just hope it's not about what happened between Shantel and i, i thought some more

Yeh, comon let's go now.

I sighed while rolling my seat belt and started to drive off.

This was going to be a disaster. Seeing Wendy with my parents is the last thing I wanna do. She didn't even tell me about this invite. Thus is gonna be even more awkward than when we was at shantels house.

I have no idea why you are quiet, what's wrong? My mum asked me at the back of the car. She was reading me like open book.

No am just tired that's all.

Tired? you haven't even resumed back to work yet and you tired? She snapped back with questions.

My mum was really getting to me this point. I am trying to have a quiet time and just figure things out but all these questions she was throwing back at me wasn't helping.

There was short silent as I didn't reply.
I was all up in my head trying to figure out how mu parents wont end up finding out.

Or are you still grieving? My mum added

Yes, I replied sharply. It seems like she have answered her own question. That's the only way I can shut this whole conversation down.


Hello beautiful, my mum said moving closer to wendy for a hug.

Hello everyone
Come on in, wendy said while dodging me to pretend to have a kong chat with my mum.

Where did you get your hair done ma? Longs real good on you. Wendy said while walking to her hallway.

Oh thank you. I had to pay quiet a lot for these bad boys. Mrs Brie replied while pointing on her hair.

I just couldn't really stand this.

Oh I just remembered, we need to make the re housing registration. Mum said while walking to dad

Oh yes, it shouldn't take long, you both give us twenty minutes. My dad uttered and they both headed to the kitchen to make the phone call.

Thos was the perfect chance to speak to Wenfy.

Wendy the lady I saw lady time is my step sister I been talking to u about.

You can even ask my parents if u want. I cant lie to you.

Wendy looked at me and shakes her head. Well that's why I called your parents here because what I saw was that its not your damn sister.

We just commng from her house now. I can arrange your schedule and you can see her.

There no point to listen to hour nonsense. The moment wendy fired back, we heard footsteps.

Come on, let's have some good food. Mum said

We all went to the dinning to eat.

Why don't u come around to see Shantel?

I her quiet busy and I will find time.

Yeh u should see her, we are just coming from her house, I said hoping that she will believe.

Wendy just gave me a sudden look while my parents were eagerly looking at her for a response.
Yeh that's sounds great, she said pretending to be happy.
I know she was suspicious about everything but it looked like something was bothering her.
I know wendy deep down and I can tell.

Wendy u did say u wanted to talk to us about something. What is it?

Wendy looked at me and I looked away trying to avoid any suspicions from my parents as they were also looking at me.

I think you said it all, about Shantel. I just wanted to get to know her.

I let out a silent deep breath and it felt so good. Eitherwats, I didn't really know what wendy was really up to with what she said.

I really hope she will meet Shantel and they will both enjoy each others company.
Am a bit concerned there might b problems.

Oh she is a lovely intelligent girl, her dad been the reason behind our success and we will never forget.
Try and spend time with her. She added.

Wendy nodded but was still not convinced.

Lovely food, I enjoyed it. My father said while wiping is mouth with some kitchen wipes.

Thank you, wendy replied.

My father winked at me and said we need to go or ..... he smiled

My dad was quite reserved but very funny indeed. We speak through body languages sometimes I know what that wink means.

Ohh am staying here tonight, I said smiling back at my dad.

I see you two, my mom joined in.
We gonna have to drive your car home Mike, she added.

No problem mum, I replied.

Well let's leave you two love birds. She said while they both got up.

This was soo awkward and I was silently glad they were leaving.
This gave me the chance to talk to wendy some more.

My mum gave wendy a peg on the cheek and said see ya later love. Take care Ma, she relied.

My dad gave her a big hug and also said we will invite you for dinner soon. I will be looking forward to it, she responded while sitting back down.

As the door slammed, Wendy got up and said angrily u should have left with them, I don't want to talk to yu right now.

Wendy your being too difficult, what's wrong with you? I fired back with annoyance while getting up from the dinning chair.

I always tell u to see Santel but your always bust to get to know your family.

I couldn't tell her to leave when she came to my house. She went to a party and later came to my house. She is literally my sister and my parents have testified it right infront of you so why you giving me a cold shoulder?
I just want us to be happy ok.

Well if you want us to be happy, you need to put a damn ring of my finger.
I don't think you want to marry me because it's been years and am still here.
This us why I don't want to have kids because I want a complete family. Wendy shouted on top of her lungs.

Listen it's got to be one thing at a time. Meet my whole family first and then we can plan something.
I really do care for you but you don't listen to me sometimes.
I went closer and gave her a big hug.
I just want you to meet Shantel and I promise you that you are going to be the mother if my kids.

Let me call Shantel right now to arrange appointment. When are you off so she can see you because she took a month of for her late dad bereavement.

Am Off on weekends. Wendy said slowly.

Shantel wasn't picking up my calls.