Don't Let Me Go (A Kenyan Story)

Heartbreak in The Club

The night wore on and he was utterly bored. His friends were having the time of their lives in the local pub,drinking and making merry while he just stared at them from the booth at the furthest corner.
He saw his best friend Mark headed his way and he knew that he'd get an earful for being a party pooper.
" Yoh,Jay,get off that seat man. She ain't worth any more of your time and thoughts. She's hurt you enough man. Look at the bright side,at least now you can fool around with any girl you want." Mark said,a big and sheepish smile lighting his face. "Kwanza there's that chille over there who's been eyeing you since we set foot in the club. Go talk to her,Lord knows you need to get laid."
With that,Mark dragged him off his seat towards the dance floor. He waved at the girl in question and she walked over towards them,in a fluid like motion. Jayson couldn't help but notice her seductive stature.
"Why don't I give you two love birds some privacy," Mark said as he walked away. "I'll be at the bar if you need me." He said with a shrewd tone.
"Hi,I'm Wendy," the girl said,extending her well manicured hand.
"Jayson," he said as he took it in his,pulling her deep into the dance floor.
The DJ was playing some upbeat afro tune and Wendy seemed to flow with the beat. Jayson who had two left feet since he was little could hardly keep up with her but she didn't seem to mind. She let the music totally take control of her movements and he found himself smiling and enjoying her company.
"Come on,dance Jayson,dance as if it's the last night of your life," she whispered into his left ear,her voice mellifluous.
"I can't dance even if my life depends on it," he replied laughing.
"Just let go,let the music flood your mind and loose yourself in the feeling," she shouted over the loud music.
He did as instructed and he was surprised that he actually began to go with the rhythm.

He did not notice as time flew by,and it was soon some few minutes past 2 am. Mark came over to where the two were and told him that he was heading back home. They said their goodbyes and Mark left.
"So,what do you want to do next? And no more dancing,I'm exhausted," he said laughing. "I don't think I've ever danced this long and much."

"The night is still young. Let's go for a walk," she said as she dragged him to where he had seen her earlier.
"Rehema, nimeenda kutembea na rafiki yangu,yu aitwa Jay," she said in fluent coastal Swahili to the girl in a black hijab.
Rehema just nodded her head and they left,hand in hand.
"So,where do we walk to at 2 am in the morning?" He asked laughing.
"I don't know,let's just see where the path takes us," she said giggling. "Tell me more about yourself Jayson,who is Jayson? What sets your soul on fire? You know,all the juice and dirt."
"There's nothing much to tell,I'm a last born in a family of three, only son, a practising lawyer, ambivert at best,I really ain't all that interesting Wendy," he said.
"Tell me about the girl who broke your heart."
He looked at her bewildered. "How did you know?" His bewilderment was quickly replaced by anger. "And I don't see how that is any of your business. We've only just met,and we don't know each other."
"Chill," she said as she laughed.
"This is all Mark's doing,sio?" I knew it. "What did he promise you? Money? A good fuck? Come on,tell me."
He didn't notice her hand until it was too late. Two slaps landed on his face.
"Look here mister, first of all,fuck you. I don't know Mark, today is the first time I've met him. I'm not some cheap whore as you're insinuating. You're just being an asshole and a complete douche bag," she said vehemently and he noticed tears on her face. "It's evident you're nursing a broken heart. It's written all over your face."
He was taken aback by her outburst. " I'm sorry. I don't know what got over me. Can we start over?"
"Walk with me," she responded as she left the club into the chilly Nairobi night.
It wasn't the response he had hoped for but he followed her all the same.
"All is forgiven by the way," she said as he caught up with her. "Don't let your broken heart turn you into an asshole."
"Well, maybe I'm one," he said, a smug on his face.
"You aren't,you're one of the good ones. Trust me,I know." She said, and for a split second he thought he heard anguish in her voice, but maybe it was just his imagination.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

1. "Kwanza... chille...."
"First of all....girl..."

2. "Rehema, nimeenda kutembea na rafiki yangu,yu aitwa Jay,"
"Rehema, I'm going for a walk with my friend Jay."