Atem Series...Part 3

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I walked into this meeting tensed; it is the make-or-break day. The stakes were high. Atem had placed everyone between a rock and a hard place. Everyone dreaded this meeting including his mum who had found a daughter in me. She loved his son and wanted to be there for him but also loved this new daughter. This meeting could go South.

I could barely maintain eye contact with anyone. I stood in the center of the room with this green dress,  my gaze fixed on the ground as soon as the meeting ended.

Tears were flowing uncontrollably. I could not be comforted. Nothing anyone said made the situation better. I just wanted to cry.

I made it clear it’s over between us and I set him free. As much as I loved him, I was not willing to be that sacrificial lamb. In love, I did not want to lose myself. I headed to the car without a word. It was over.

As I was about to leave, Atem's mum said, "my son, from the time you escaped my womb and stepped into this world, this is the most brilliant choice you have made. This is the best thing that has happened to me ever since I lost your dad and sister. In her I found a daughter. If I died today my soul would be at peace."

I held tight to my dress. Atem was motionless. I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me alive. I regretted going to the meeting. His mum was on facetime but I could feel her presence.

At night I cried my heart out. Gathered my things and headed for the airport in two days. Atem did not call or text after that meeting. He never offered to accompany me to the airport or anything. The time came and we check-in for the flight. It was now clear it’s over. 

I was so glad there was no passenger near me. I was all by myself. The flight from Australia to Mauritius had plenty of room. After the flight took off, I heard a familiar voice. It sounded like Atem from the back. I was convinced I was going crazy and must check myself into a mental hospital as soon as I got to Nairobi. I was a mess and my eyes were so red that I was afraid to get from my seat and check who it was. The voice stopped and since I was sitted by the window seat, I started to look outside. It was beautiful. The sceneries were comforting. I got distracted for a minute and behold someone placed their hands from behind and closed my eyes, just like it happened at the refuge camp. The cologne smelled familiar. The after-shave is familiar. I was dumbfounded. Whoever the person was decided to be silent. So I gently turned and there was my Atem, on one knee with a ring in his hands...

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