Loving Pezo

Episode 11

As Pezo was leading Kalima the way out of the house, she kept wondering where she would have
to start from. She was equally as blank as the person who seemed to be dependent on her on the
whereabouts of that area. At their appearance, the gateman quickly stood before them as he
conversed in Bemba [one of the popular tribes of the land]

Gateman: Good day madam- should I call one of the chauffeurs for you- they are all having lunch
at the quarters
Kalima: it’s not necessary thanks. We don’t need one.
He quickly turned and opened the small gate for them to come out. For a while, Kalima continued
walking while Pezo, seeming so thoughtful stood as she looked at the three tared roads that led to
different directions. Kalima only discovered she wasn’t walking besides her as he tried to say
something to her
Kalima: Any problem? Why did you stop?
Pezo: Eish… am sorry Kalima. I couldn’t just say it back there but- am equally as blank about this
area

Kalima: [smiling widely] well even better right? It will be more fan to just take whichever root and
am sure we can always find our way back. Come on.

She was a little hesitant but he got her by the hand to begin their stroll. They had not reached far
and Pezo again stopped him
Pezo: are you sure of this. I mean, we are making so many turns and am afraid we may indeed
loss our way back.

Kalima: don’t you worry Pezo. If that happens, am sure we can always call home right
Pezo: [hesitantly] okay
They proceeded.
Kalima: so tell me- about yourself- what do you do- what do you like to do most
Pezo: other than what you may have already heard- I doubt there is much I would have to say to
you about myself
Kalima: and if I say I have never heard of anything about you apart from the fact that you are the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chinyama, very good friends to my parents and that you do nothing
without my young sister, Mukuka who is your bestie as she would call you?
Pezo: and that should be it really [she smiles] once you mention my parents and yours and
Mukuka in particular around my life… then you are done. My life only revolves around these
people really.

Kalima: I see. It must really be a boring life then? Well knowing my parents and yours coupled with
my sister, I bet you don’t have much of your social aspect of your life.
Pezo: not necessarily. Mukuka and I do so much other things away from our families.
Kalima: and on your own? Isn’t there anything you do without our families and Bestie?
Pezo: I don’t quite understand you? What do you mean on my own?
Kalima: Forget it. Perhaps all I wanted to ask was if- well- if you have any other close friends other
than Mukuka- but of course, you really don’t have to answer if you would be uncomfortable
Pezo: [smiling] why should it? I mean- it hasn’t been long since I equally got back home after
completing my masters with Sheffield University- and so to answer your question- it would be a
no- and I like it that way… I don’t see myself dating anytime soon because I would already have if
I so wanted

Kalima’s heart leaped with joy. He couldn’t believe no guy in the city was currently dating this so
beautiful lady. But because she seemed so negative about getting in a relationship, he needed to
take it easy with her. He had to win her heart.
Pezo: and you? What kept you away from home for so long? Didn’t you miss your family- or being
here?
Kalima: well I guess it was more to do with my upbringing you see- I did what you would refer to
back here as upper secondary and first degree education from Europe up until I graduated for my
PHD. And so by the time I was finishing with school, I couldn’t even think or see myself managing
life here. I got a job and settled down and yeah [he ended with a smile]
Pezo: and you managed to stay alone all these years- [signs] wow!!
Kalima: initially, I was with my uncle and his wife- dad’s elder brother who was really good to me
and treated me as though I were born of them. My parents would always visit me every now and
because of that I never saw much reason of coming back home. It felt like my life was so complete
Pezo

Pezo: Yeah… I now understand why. Who wouldn’t?
Kalima: but unfortunately, both my aunt and uncle died in a terrible car accident a year ago and life
just never made sense anymore. That’s when mum and dad began the discussions around me
coming back home.

Pezo: oh Kalima- really I am sorry about that. I hope you have now managing well with the loss.

Kalima: it’s not easy but- I mean- being back home and with my beloved ones, am sure it will help
a great deal

Pezo: you made a great decision. – And your cousins, who are they with now?
Kalima: My uncle never had any child- it’s just as well that as my dad’s brother, they both
conceded the same surname and I didn’t have to change- otherwise, my parents were so good
enough to give up their only son just to make a barren couple happy. I always respected them for
that.