KAREEM'S POV

I kept glancing at Diana feeling like she would jump out of the car any minute or declare that she never wanted to see me again.

"You're doing it again."Diana scolded from the passenger seat next to me.

"I'm sorry I can't help it."I replied running my hand through my hair.

"It's been two weeks Kareem, I already forgave you. We're good so please let it go or drive me back home."Diana said looking very frustrated with me.

"Okay, I'll let it go."I assured her even though I didn't believe my own words.

Ever since I'd belittled Diana during the drag festivals, I hadn't been able to live with myself. I'd apologized so many times, Diana had to force me to stop. I was one hundred percent into supporting women and believing that they could do anything but that day I'd gone against my beliefs and looked down on Diana.

She had definitely proved me wrong which made me feel more guilty. She had surprised me by being an even better driver than I was. I guess the real reason I had been unable to support her was because I couldn't associate sweet, cute nerdy Diana with the badass I'd seen behind the wheel.

"You're still thinking about it aren't you?"Diana asked.

"It's hard not to. I feel like I really messed up with you that day and that you're just biding your time until you cut me off."I replied.

"I don't play such kind of games Kareem, if I didn't want to be here I would have already made it clear. We're good so either believe me or stop the car and let me get off."She demanded.

"Okay, I'm sorry and I mean it this time. No more apologies or sad looks, you've said we're good and I believe you."I said her words finally sinking in.

Diana had forgiven me, now I just needed to forgive myself so we could fully move on.

"Perfect, now can we stop somewhere to eat first before we go for the movie."Diana requested.

"Sure, what do you want to eat?"I inquired.

"Junk food please. Salome has finally decided to start losing the weight she gained while pregnant with Oliver. She has forced me to join in on her crazy diet routine and ridiculous exercises. I'm constantly hungry so tonight I'm filling up on junk food since she's not here to supervise me."Diana declared.

"You're wish is my command milady."I replied really feeling for her.

Diana was perfect the way she was, without losing any more weight so if junk food is what she needed I would make sure she got it.

I drove us to a fast food cafe a few blocks from the movie theatre we were going to. Diana walked in and I had to stop her from ordering everything on their menu. Salome really was starving my girl but she was not going to make herself sick on my watch.

"Sit down, I'll order for us and I promise not to mess it up."I assured her.

Diana looked at me skeptically before nodding and walking away to find a free table.

I made our order, paid then went to sit down with our drinks in hand as we waited for the food to be served.

"I thought you were going to bring food."Diana scolded.

"Patience, it'll take a few minutes."I replied.

She really did look miserable but she would have to what for a little while.

"Why don't you just say no to Salome?"I inquired.

"It's not that easy. Salome didn't have an easy pregnancy with Oliver. There were a lot of complications so she was mostly on bed rest leading her to gain a lot of extra weight. It's made her really insecure and even if she doesn't show it, it affects her. This is her way of telling me that she needs help and if weird diets and gym visits that I hate is the way I can help my best friend then so be it."Diana explained making me smile.

"She's lucky to have you."I commented admiring their bond.

"I'm lucky to have her, before Salome my mom was my only female companion but ever since we met she's become my best friend, my sister and my confidant. She's the sister I always wanted."Diana explained with a smile.

Before I could comment, our food arrived and you could see the gleam in Diana's eyes when she saw what I'd ordered. I'd ordered fries and onion rings topped with a lot of meat, onion dip, guacamole and milkshakes.

"Dig in."I said not like Diana needed my permission anyway.

I liked the fact that Diana was not afraid of being herself around me. She didn't try to be perfect to impress me or pretend to be someone she wasn't. She was genuine, full of life and the kind of person I saw myself growing old with.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"Diana asked looking up at me.

"Just admiring perfection."I replied.

She really tried to hide it but I didn't miss the flutter in her eye lashes and the biting of her lip as she tried not to blush. One of the perks of complimenting her was watching how my words affected her.

"You need to read the definition of perfection in the dictionary because this is not it."Diana replied motioning to herself.

"I don't know what dictionary you've been reading but the one I have has a picture of you right below the definition."I replied and Diana snorted making me laugh.

"Real corny Kareem now shut up and eat your food."She demanded.

"Yes ma'am."I said doing as she asked but it didn't mean I stopped admiring her.

After we were done eating Diana and I got back into the car and drove to the movie theater. It didn't take long before we were in line waiting to pay for the tickets.

"Are you full or do you want something else?"I asked Diana.

"Popcorn, crisps and soda."She replied.

"Damn girl, where are you gonna put all that?"I inquired in surprise.

"Don't judge me, it's my cheat day. I'm going all out."Diana retorted.

"As long as you don't get sick."I said in conclusion.

When it was my turn I paid for the tickets and whatever Diana had requested.

"I expected a lot more people."Diana commented when we walked into the theatre.

We found the perfect seats away from every one else but still close enough to the big screen to have a good experience.

"It's a local film, people prefer watching a big box office movie as compared to supporting local talent."I replied.

"That's the sad truth. If the entertainment industry in Kenya got the right kind of support from Kenyans then it would be so far, we'd probably even give Nollywood a run for their money."Diana expressed thoughtfully.

She was right, Kenyans didn't like supporting the local entertainment industry and that was just sad. The movie we were watching was Bangarang. I didn't know what it was about yet but I'd heard good things from those who had already watched it.

"You okay?"I asked Diana just before the movie started.

"Yeah I'm great, you?"

"Never better."I replied and just because I could and to mess with Diana I leaned in and kissed her cheek

Like I had expected she blushed, fluttering her eyelashes as she bit her lip.

The movie started soon after and I didn't have more time to tease Diana. The lights dimmed so I relaxed back into my seat one of my hands going over the back of Diana's seat. Diana was kind enough to share her snacks because the movie was really long and she would not have been able to finish everything on her own.

"Honestly that was awesome, why aren't more people talking about this film?"Diana asked as we walked out of the dark theatre.

"Because they don't know how to appreciate quality when they see it."I answered her.

"Well they are missing out, that movie was great and needs a lot more recognition than its getting."Diana argued.

"You're not wrong but let's not dwell on it too much. What do you want to do next? The night is still young?"I asked her.

"Bowling, let's go bowling."She replied excitedly.

"Have you ever gone bowling?"I inquired looking up the closest bowling alley from where we were.

"Once or twice, it was really fun and they have food courts."Diana said excitedly.

"So you're mostly going for the food."I teased.

"Yeah."Diana concurred with a nod.

"Well then, let's go, I found one near by if you're willing to walk."I informed her.

"No problem, got to make room for what I'm gonna eat next anyway."Diana replied taking my arm.

The chill night city air was fresh for once since it was the rainy season thus why Diana and I were bundled up in coats. Diana looked adorable in a white sweater dress accessorized with a gucci belt, a brown long coat and black boots.

"Aren't your legs cold?"I asked Diana since her coat only reached to her knees.

"No I'm fine, I'm used to it by now."She replied with a shrug.

I didn't comment further on it since it wasn't really my place to judge her fashion choice. She looked good and that's all that mattered to me.

We passed by a store window where we could see our reflections and I stopped. Diana was forced to stop too since our hands were linked together.

"What's wrong?"Diana asked looking up at me.

"Nothing just admiring how good we look together."I replied motioning towards our reflection on the window.

"Do I always look this tiny walking next to you?"Diana asked her gaze trained on our reflection.

"Yeah but it's not my fault you're so small."I replied wrapping my arms around her so her back was to my front.

I leaned my chin on top of her head because that's how short she was compared to me. She felt so warm in my arms I almost didn't want to move.

"Do you have a problem with our height difference?"I asked Diana knowing some girls didn't really like tall guys.

"Are you kidding? Of course not, it's one of the sexiest things about you."She replied turning around to look at me.

"So you think I'm sexy?"I teased with an eyebrow raised in question.

"Fishing for compliments are we?"Diana retorted.

"Humor me."

"Yes I think you're very sexy. I'm the envy of every girl since I'm in the company a handsome man like you."Diana admitted honestly.

"Thank you and I know for a fact that you are very beautiful, inside and out."I replied.

Our eyes met in that intimate moment and the air around us charged with the unspoken sexual tension between us. It was no secret that Diana and I were sexually attracted to each other but we had never done anything about it. We only held hands and hugged occasionally but nothing further. I wanted to do more with Diana but I also never wanted to push past her boundaries.

As I looked into her glowing brown orbs in that moment I realized that she felt it too. Diana wanted me as much as I wanted her. I could see it in her eyes that she wanted to kiss me, just like I wanted to feel her lips on mine. The streets were empty so the moment we were sharing was very private. Deciding to take a chance I leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on the corner of her mouth. When she didn't move away, just clung tighter on my shirt I decided to go for it.

"Last chance to run."I whispered my lips brushing against hers.

"Not gonna happen."She rasped out her voice filled with emotion.

I pulled Diana close to me so there was barely any space left between us before finally placing my lips against hers in a sweet kiss. I had anticipated that moment for so long but nothing I'd imagined compared to the real experience. Her lips tasted like the sprite soda she had been drinking at the theatre. Wanting more than just a simple brush of our lips against each other, I softly deepened the kiss so that our lips were dancing with each other. Kissing Diana was a dream come true. She looped her arms around my neck pulling us closer together. Diana clung to me as our lips continued exploring each other in a dance of their own.

I wanted to keep on kissing her but we were standing on a street at night and both running out of breath. I also took comfort in the fact that now that we had shared our first kiss, there would be more to come without much restriction.

I pulled back, pecked her lips once before leaning my forehead against hers as we both tried to catch our breath. My heart was bursting with a lot of emotions so before I exploded I decided to express myself.

"I don't care if you think it's too soon to say this but I like you Diana."I admitted feeling the urge to put my feelings out there.

Diana looked at me as if searching for something from the depth of my eyes. When she found what she was looking for, she smiled and leaned up to peck my lips.

"I like you too."She confessed.

The happiness that bloomed in my heart was like nothing I'd felt in a while. Diana reciprocated my feelings and that to me was all I needed to hear.

I leaned in to kiss her one more time, without any rush this time as I savored her lips basking in the glow of our feelings for each other.

"Still wanna go bowling?"I asked Diana after our second kiss.

"Of course, I've got to beat your ass."She declared.

"Oh you wish."I grinned.

I kissed her one last time before taking her hand and leading her to the small gaming arcade that housed the bowling alley.

I felt as if I was walking in clouds with how Diana was making me feel. I wanted to ask her to be my girlfriend right there and then but I quickly changed my mind. A lot of things had happened and I didn't want to overwhelm her. Just knowing that she liked me too was enough for the time being.

When we got to the arcade I was about to hold the door open for Diana but had to pause when someone opened it to let a large family out. A few kids stepped out first before the adults joined them. At first I didn't pay attention to any of them but when I heard the unmistakable voice of my mother I had to look up and confirm. We hadn't seen each other since Jamila and I were kicked out and that had been close to eight years ago, before Nuru was born.

It looked like the whole family was there, my dad, mom, my two elder sisters, two older brothers, their spouses and all their kids. Everyone was there except for Jamila, Nuru and I because we weren't part of their family. I thought I had moved on and wouldn't care if I ever saw them again but clearly I had only been kidding myself. Seeing them so happy had my heart twisting in a pain of longing and heartbreak from their rejection.

"Kareem, are you okay?"Diana asked stepping in front of me.

I looked down at her and tried to smile but I couldn't seen to force myself to actually do it.

"Umh, I uh...."I trailed off because the words wouldn't form in my mouth.

I didn't want to lie to Diana but I also didn't want her to see me weak.

"What's wrong?"She asked again and I could only shake my head.

I could see the worry swimming in her eyes and I really wanted to assure her that I was fine but that would be lying to her.

"Kareem."Diana called out a little too loudly when I didn't reply attracting the attention of the people around us.

I saw my mom turn around and gasp when she saw me. She tapped my father's hand who turned and looked at me, surprised but not as much as my mom.

When Diana failed to get a response from me, she followed my gaze and her eyes landed on my estranged family who were all looking at me including my brothers and sisters who I hadn't seen in years. There were more kids than I remembered meaning they had been blessed with new additions to the family. A balloon one of the kids was holding got my attention giving an explanation as to why the whole family was together. Happy birthday grandma, it declared in big bold letters. I searched my mind and realized that it was indeed my mother's birthday and the whole family had gathered to celebrate. Not all of it though since Jamila, Nuru and I weren't there.

"Kareem why are these people looking at us like that? Do you know them?"Diana asked.

I really wanted to answer her and give her an explanation but the words were stuck in my throat.

When my mother took a few steps forward approaching me, I took the same amount of steps back until she stopped moving completely. Diana looked at me confused wondering what was going on.

"Hello son."My mom finally said and those words rubbed off on me all wrong

Diana's eyes widened when she connected the dots as to what was going on. I had so much to say but no words came out of my mouth. Why would she call me son when she had just sat back and watched my dad kick us out without defending us? We were her kids for crying out loud and she didn't do anything about it.

I looked at my dad and siblings who were all just standing back, surprised to see me as I was to see them.

When my mom started moving towards me again, I snapped and put my hand up to stop her.

"Oh no, not gonna happen. Happy birthday by the way."I spat with all the venom I was feeling in my heart.

Taking Diana's hand I led her away speed walking the hell away from those people. Diana didn't talk the whole time I led her back to the car which I was grateful for since I didn't feel like talking. I didn't even know what I would have said to her. Deciding that the night was already ruined I drove Diana home. The drive was quiet and I knew she had a lot of questions but I appreciated that she didn't ask.

Seeing my family again after so many years looking that happy brought up so many negative feelings in me. They had missed a lot of things in my life and Jamila's too. They hadn't been there for my graduation, Jamila and Ezekiel's wedding, Nuru's birth, Ezekiel's death and burial, me getting clean and all the hard times Jamila and I had to face on our own. They weren't my family anymore, that cord had been cut years ago when they slammed the door on our backs.

When we got to Diana's apartment she stopped me from walking her in, insisting that she was okay.

"I'm sorry for ruining the night."I apologized.

"Its okay, you didn't ruin anything. I'm here if you ever need to talk. Goodnight Kareem."Diana replied leaning over the center console to peck my cheek.

"I appreciate that, goodnight."I answered.

Diana took her purse and left the car. I stayed there until the light turned on in her apartment letting me know she was home safe before driving away. I didn't want to go to my loft and stay there all by myself so I drove to the one place I'd always felt safe, before Diana came along that is. I couldn't burden Diana with my baggage just yet so I decided to go to my sister. It was late but she would understand once I talked to her.

The one thing I felt really bad about is that my estranged family had managed to ruin one of the best nights of my life in a very long time. Diana and I were in such a good place and they just had to ruin it. I just hoped Diana would forgive me and understand the situation. I would make sure to make it up to her but only after I'd talked to Jamila and was back to a stable state of mind.

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

Sorry for ruining the sweet moment but it was good there for a while right. Hope you enjoyed it. Let me know in a comment.

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Love@Lyssah.