shadow of love episode 31

He was still with Harry and Tobe, another guy had joined them and they were laughing hysterically. I walked to them and notified my presence.

Me: Hi guys.

They turned to me and Leonard's hand went to my waist immediately.

Leonard: Missing me?

I smiled. He was playing along and I was already imagining an estate filled with fun already.

Me: Kind of.

Harry: Ho ho! These two lovers are really getting to me.

Leonard: Go get yourself one then.

Tobe: You both are dating?

His voice was calm and full of surprise.

Leonard: Not yet. She's still playing hard to get.

I saw him swallow hard and his throat tightened.

Harry: Look, stubborn neighbour, you've got to stop this female pride of yours and just say yes.

Me: But....

Harry: I'm serious. Just say yes already.

Me: Fine.

I turned to Leonard and he had this kind of smile on his face.

Me: I want to tell you that I'm going in, calling it a night.

Leonard: So soon? The fun has not even started, the fire.....

Me: You know I don't like staying out this late. Besides, I'm not going to bed immediately. I made a new friend so we want to go in and know more about ourselves outside this noise.

Harry: Tell me you're straight please.

Me: Of course I'm straight. Silly.

He faked heaving a sigh and we all laughed.

Leonard: Alright babe, I'll call you before I go in. Do I get you anything you'll like to take inside?

Me; No dear. We'll manage with the chicken from breakfast.

Leonard: Alright. See you then.

He pecked my forehead, then I waved at the others before catwalking to Amber who was patiently waiting.

Amber: You both are a nice pair.

Me: Who?

She held my hand and we started walking to my home.

Amber: My boyfriend died last year. It's been very hard for me to get him out of my head.

I slung my arm over her shoulder and she paused to look at me.

Me: Let's walk. We'll do the talking inside.

She nodded and we walked quietly to my house. Anybody who saw us will never think we were just returning from a barbeque.
We got to my house and I unlocked my door. We got inside and she helped me brew some coffee after which we settled on the floor of my living room(yes, I sat and she followed my lead).

Me: Before you start getting those feelings, you should note that Leonard is not my boyfriend. I'm as single as you are. We just happen to come from way back as good friends.

Amber: I'm surprised. But you two look so good together.

Me: I saw that.

I sipped my coffee and dropped the saucer on my centre table.

Me: I'm sorry for your loss Amber, but you shouldn't dwell in the past forever. You need to move on. There's someone out there for you and if you continue in this light, you'll end up chasing everyone away from your life. He's gone and there's no amount of abstainance that'll make him come back to you.

She dropped her cup and wiped a single tear.

Amber: You're right Pamela. But what do I do?

I held her hands and looked at her, the tears fell and I let her cry before she came into my arms.

Me: You'll have to move on Amber.

She had cried herself to sleep and I ended up helping her to my guest room.
While I slept that night, I pondered over the words I had said to Amber and realised it was also applicable to me. I had to move on and stop brooding over Tobe.



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The next morning while we made breakfast, she told me about her housemates and I realised they were students trying to make ends meet but then, what would bring them to sell their bodies just for money and at same time, come and live in an expensive estate, yet Amber said they're struggling to make ends meet.

Me: They should not influence you o.

She laughed heartily and I was surprised to see her laugh that much.

Me: Shuu?

Amber: If they were to influence me, it would have been a long time ago.

Me: Better o. I.....

I was shut up by the door bell so I excused myself and went to answer the door.