African Short Stories & Articles - ASSA

01/01/2025

08/12/2024

Episode 3: Second Chance

I was not just a lawyer; I was a force of nature wrapped in elegance. With my dark, long hair, calculating eyes, I had earned a reputation in the legal world as someone who could navigate the most complicated cases with grace and determination. This month, I faced a challenge that would test more than just my legal acumen- it would test my heart.

The case was a very tough one , a high profile corporate scandal where the company’s CEO, Noah Smith, was accused of embezzling millions from his own company. The evidence was damning and the witnesses were overwhelmed. Yet I was convinced there was a way to crack this matter.

I sat alone in my office, my fingertips tracing the rim of a coffee cup, eyes scanning the stacks of evidence before me. The hours were stretching late in the evening. I was so exhausted, but there was no time for rest- not until I found the key that would unlock the truth.

My work phone buzzed and it was a message from an unknown source. I reached for the phone and read the message,
“Meet me at the old warehouse on 3rd. I have information that will change your case.”

I hesitated and checked the time on my phone. It could be a trap, but then again, it could be the break that I really needed. I had to follow my instincts. Getting into my SUV, I drove towards the old warehouse after informing cops for back-up…you just never know with these sources.

When I arrived at the warehouse, the air was damp and the building was cloaked in shadows. I wasn’t alone for long. A figure emerged from the darkness- an older man with greyish hair. His eyes looked nervous but determined.

“I know what you’re looking for,” the man said, his voice trembling. “But you need to understand something. Noah Smith isn’t the villain you’re assuming he is. He was forced into this, used as a pawn in a much bigger game.”

I listened intently as the old man revealed a web of deceit stretching far beyond Smith - high-ranking officials, under-the-table deals, and a conspiracy that went all the way to the top. My heart raced as the pieces fell into place. The truth was even darker than I had imagined. I drove back home with a lot on my mind. Why doesn't social media say anything about Noah Smith’s wife and children? How has he managed to keep his family away from the limelight? There were rumours of him having a son with his late dad’s secretary.

Sam tried to call, but I couldn’t take his call at that time. I would get the chance after I shower after the long day at the office.

24/11/2024

Episode 2: Second Chance

The air was filled with the sweet scent of the blooming flowers. The chirping birds added cheerful melodies to the symphony of nature. I was enjoying basking in the sun as I enjoyed the book that I was reading.

“Are you sure your mind is focused on that book or you’re daydreaming about Jamal,” teased my cousin Lisa.

I closed my book and put it down slowly, before saying,
“It was a complete surprise to bump into him yesterday,” I continued, “I’m not the same person I was 10 years ago.”
“Well rumor has it that he’s engaged to a medical doctor in the UK,” Lisa said, “Just be careful with that guy hey.”
“You’ve never liked that guy at all and I’m sure you were over the moon when he relocated without telling me,” I said looking into her eyes.
“Please don’t forget your lunch date today with that architect,” said Lisa lighting up.
“Thank you for the reminder Matchmaker,” I continued, “Let me go and freshen up.”

Sam was handsome, not perhaps in the conventional sense, but he had that appearance which could make him stand out in the crowd. He was fair, with golden brown eyes. I could see a hint of pain in his sparkling eyes, which could disappear as suddenly as it emerged. Jamal called again for the second time.

“I have to take this call if you don’t mind,” I said, grabbing my phone.
“Please go ahead…it can be urgent,” said Sam with a short smile.
“Oh finally you picked up my call,” Jamal sighed with relief that I could hear it over the phone.
“Hi. I’m busy at the moment, so can we please chat later,” I said quickly.
“Wow. Okay, I’ll call back later,” Jamal said quickly hanging up.
“My apologies about this,” I continued,” Let me put my phone on silent so that we don’t get interruptions, hey.”

I enjoyed my lunch date with Sam and to top it up, the walk in the park was exceptional. His calmness was very attractive…no wonder why that was our 4th date. The sweet scent of jacaranda flowers filled the air in the park. Sam slowly reached out for my hand and it has been a while since I last did hand -holding with anyone.

“Allow me to hold your hand and promise me you’ll never let it go,” said Sam, looking deep into my eyes.
“With the way you’re holding me I don’t think it will be easy to let go,” I teased him.
It felt good to be in that moment that even when I was driving back home, I was still reminiscing about the date. The only thing I wondered was the pain I picked up in Sam’s life. What was his past like? I don’t recall a day that he mentioned his parents…not sure whether they were late or not.

13/11/2024

Episode 1: Second Chance

One rainy afternoon I found myself passing by a cafe before picking up my cousin’s cupcakes from Woolies. The cafe was nestled in a quiet corner of a town that I had once called home. After placing my cappuccino order, I heard a familiar voice, soft and laced with an unmistakable warmth.

“Tiana?”

I turned my head slowly, my heart skipping a beat and there he was. Jamal. He was taller than he was at university, but his eyes were the same- bright, filled with that old spark. Time seemed to have stood still for that moment. It’s been a decade since I last saw Jamal. The memorable moments we had shared at university flashed back into my head.

“Jamal…” My voice was a whisper and he smiled as he came to give me a warm hug.
“I never thought that I’d see you again. After all these years, what are the odds?”

I laughed softly and said, “I guess life has a funny way of surprising us JJ”.
“You still remember that nickname as well,” said Jamal, pulling away slowly.
“There’s no way I can forget that name,” I said blushing.
“You look just like you did back then,” he continued, “You haven’t changed a bit.”

I smiled, though a small laugh escaped my lips. “Is that your way of complimenting me or not?”

“Of course it is a compliment,” Jamal said, his voice soft, with the hint of something deeper. “Not sure if you’re in a hurry, but let’s catch up now over coffee.”

As we sat down on a secluded table, silence stretched between us, not uncomfortable, but full of things unspoken. We sat there staring at each other, without the need to fill the space with words. Eventually, I broke the quiet.

“I didn’t expect to come back here,” I said, my eyes looking around the coffee shop. “This has been our place and I still love the coffee.”

Jamal reached out and gently took my hand, our fingers intertwined like they had never been apart. I knew that whatever the future held, we would write it together.

“This time I’m not letting you go…no matter what,” Jamal declared confidently.

24/03/2024

Princess Aurora- Episode Three

As I regained my vision, I realised that I was in a cave. I had no idea how I got myself in a cold and dark cave. I had flashes of two men who were chasing after me. The sweat that was dripping on my face kept my body warm.
“Princess Aurora please wake up,” said Ola holding my hand.
My eyes snapped open and my heart was pounding so fast.
“Princess we have to get you ready for your big day,” Ola continued, “Your wedding is so special to us.”
“I had such a terrible nightmare Ola,” I said worriedly.
“You’re getting married to a good man, Princess Aurora. Let’s go and get you ready and you can share the premonition when I’m busy with your hair,” she said quickly.
Ola and my parents were the only ones that knew about my premonitions and they usually came true. It was the second time having a premonition about our kingdom being under a severe attack. I had to share the news to my father, so that we could prepare ourselves for another war.

My wedding gown was vintage with intricate designs, along with flowers designed with real gold. This was the most expensive gown I have ever worn and my mother was the one that designed it. My father looked at me with eyes that showed how proud of me he was as he held my right hand and walked me to the aisle.
“Prince Ahad won a trophy,” he whispered to me.
I nodded as I walked gracefully to the altar to the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with. I only spent time with Prince Ahad twice before the marriage arrangements and I approved of him. There was no way my parents would set up a marriage just for allegiance…love also plays an important role.

Prince Ahad possessed leonine power and yet he had a gentle nature. His striking eyes never left my face as I walked towards me, until he took my hands. He smiled at me and I blushed before smiling. We exchanged our vows before God. It was a glorious day for both kingdoms and marked a great significance in the Ezor kingdom.

05/03/2024

Princess Aurora - Episode 2

The morning dew was beading finer than a wedding dress l have ever seen. Had it not been for my maidens that were busy looking at me, l could have removed my boots and felt the warm grass beneath my toes. Birds were chirping happily in the trees around us, some flying away due to the horses hooving.

As soon as we got to the huge walls of Ezor kingdom, the trumpet of victory sounded and we were welcomed by people cheering for us. White and yellow petals were flying around the soldiers and l. We all waved back smiling at the crowd. As soon as l got to my chamber, l had maidens that had prepared a warm bath for me.

“Just what l needed, thank you Ola,” l said with a pleasant smile.
I didn’t take long bathing as my parents awaited me in the hall where other guests were.
“Aren’t you going to wear your beautiful pink gown for the ball tonight instead?” asked Ola politely.
“You know how l feel about being a fairy princess and all,” l replied softly.
“Yes, ma’am, “ she said.

The hall had been beautifully decorated in gold and a bit of bronze. Not sure how this was managed considering the little time they had to put everything together.

“Here comes my beautiful warrior, Princess Aurora,” introduced my father.
Before sitting at the table next to King Ezor, l said,
“Thank you Father.”
My father stood up and raised his glass of red wine for a toast.
“Let’s make a toast to our kingdom’s victory and the bravery of Princess Aurora,” he said with pride.

My dad was really proud of me and he could not stop saying this throughout the entire evening. I got gifts from the guests that came from Ahad kingdom.
“Father can l please have a word with you and General Xerxes,” l whispered into my father’s ears.
“Today let’s just celebrate princess and we can discuss matters of this kingdom tomorrow,” King Ezor said, giving me a pat on the back.

25/02/2024

Princess Aurora- Episode 1

I’m not sure where l got the strength to slay so many soldiers and their dragons that day. All I know is that whatever came to attack me ended up lying dead on the battlefield. Before my father, King Ezor, left for the kingdom of Ahad, he entrusted me to protect his land.

My name is Princess Aurora, the only daughter of King Ezor from the Ezor kingdom. Our kingdom was well known in the North as the richest kingdom in minerals, science and great healers. Due to this, l was part of the warriors that fought so hard to protect our kingdom. I was far from the princess that old people talk about in fairytales. Discussions that brought adrenaline in my blood veins would be anything to do with the war.

“Ezor my love, Aurora is still too young to learn how to fight,” l still recall the conversation between my parents in their chamber years ago.
“Not at all…she has to learn how to fight,” King Ezor said in disagreement, “One day she’ll be the queen of this land and will have to lead this kingdom with wisdom and there will be times she’ll fight our enemies.”
“I’m sure Aurora will get married to a warrior king,” my mother said.
“Our daughter is a mighty warrior herself and that’s her birthright. You know my love, she is a special child unlike what you’ve seen or heard of,” he said, giving her a kiss on the forehead. Up to now l wondered what he meant that l was unlike others.

“The few enemy soldiers are retreating back. Let them run off to their poor king,” l said with gladness facing my army.
“That was one great fight, my princess,” said General Clinton, handing me a bottle of water to drink.
“Thank you General,” l said with a short smile.
Two of my maiden warriors brought my house for us to ride back home.

01/01/2024

Episode Thirteen: In the open

I was enjoying the sound of the birds chirping outside my house. Rays of the sunny day shone through the curtains and I was enjoying the fresh breeze of air in my study room. In my home office actually as I was going to be working from home more often. The last thing on my mind was unpacking the boxes.
“I’ve got so much work and need to get this out of the way,” I said to myself standing up to make myself a cup of coffee.
Relocating to London was the best decision I have ever made and it was exactly what I needed. The best part of the move is that my best friend, Cindy, also got the opportunity to move under the same client. She least expected this opportunity and she was over the moon.

Holding my mug of creamy coffee in one hand and the other hand checking my emails, I put a smile on my face after reading the message from the estate agent that our house was sold. The buyer made full payment without even asking for a decrease. Having informed my mom that I neither wanted to hear any updates on what was happening at Revelation Ministries nor Keanan’s life. How he was faring in life was not part of my business anymore. My business was to pick myself up from the divorce and enjoy this new start. When I heard the knock on the door, I knew that it can only be Cindy.

“I knew it could only be my neighbor,”I said as I opened the door.
She was holding a bottle of champagne in one hand and flowers in her right hand.
“You’ve got to get used to this girlfriend,” Cindy said with a smile.
“Can I get you some coffee?” I asked as we walked to the kitchen.
“I knew you would put the coffee machine to good use,” Cindy said looking at the coffee machine that I bought with her two days ago.
We went to sit in the lounge which was neatly arranged.
“I managed to finish the lounge last night,” I said cheerfully.
“You did a great job here and I’m really impressed,” Cindy said, “How are you doing though?”
I knew that question was referring to how I was coping after the divorce. Looking at my friend for a while, I said,
“It hasn’t been easy, but thanks to you and my mom it’s bearable,” I said, feeling the tears in my eyes.
Cindy came and gave me a warm hug.
“I welcome 2024 with a bang and I thank God for being with me through the ups and downs in 2023. Cheers to lots of love, success and happiness this year,” we tossed our mugs.

25/12/2023

Thank you so much for reading the short stories on this platform. Your support is greatly appreciated. Let your Christmas be filled with love and great joy🌸.

05/12/2023

Episode Twelve: In the open

“Mr Louw, please bring those documents today if you completed them,” I said slowly.
“Oh yes I’m done with it,” he continued, “I will come through at lunch time to discuss a few things with you.”
“Perfect! See you at 12 noon,” I said before hanging up.
That morning I did my work constantly checking the time as I couldn’t wait for the meeting I had with my lawyer. Cindy walked in my office holding 2 takeaways of Seattle coffee.

“I bought your favourite coffee, whilst you give me the gist,” she said with a smile.
“What gist are you on about?” I asked her, knowing very well what she was talking about.
“Are you forgiving Keanan now?” she asked, concerned.
“Yes, I forgave him but I can’t share his bed anymore,” I continued,” I believe it’s high time I start afresh elsewhere.”
Cindy came to where I was standing and gave me a warm hug, before she said,
“I admire your strength and how calm you are in the midst of all this mess around you,” she said before sipping her coffee.
“Relocating will do me more good than staying at the place I used to call home. Taking this huge opportunity is exactly what I need to do,” I said to Cindy, taking a seat on my chair.
“I’m happy with your decision,” she continued, “I was afraid that you were going to take him back.”
“I don’t know how to pretend to be Mrs Somebody, when I should take time for myself,” I said.

Time flew by so quickly that day, that Cindy had to tell me that it was time to knock off. It was such a beautiful afternoon and when I got home, I was welcomed by the smell of roses. The weather was perfect to have ice cream by the balcony. It was a surprise to find my husband’s car parked in the garage that early.
“Good evening Keanan,” I greeted.
“Hi babes. How was your day?” he greeted back cheerfully.
I put my handbag on the couch and kept on holding the brown envelope.
“I came early and prepared your favourite dish,” Keanan said.
“Dinner can wait,” I said, “This is for you.”
I handed the envelope to Keanan who opened it slowly and ended up sitting on the couch.
“Has our marriage come to this?” he asked, looking at me.
“Shouldn’t it be the first thing that you should have asked yourself before sleeping with a member of our congregation?” I asked him.
“I thought you wanted us to start over again,” he said with concern.
“I’m sorry Keanan, but what we had is over now and I’m relocating to London,” I said before standing up.

After the shower I ordered some Nandos online and had my supper in the lounge. The only thing I was going to claim was 50% of the house and Keanan could have the furniture and his car. For the first time since we got married, putting myself first felt so good...

22/11/2023

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19/11/2023

Episode Eleven: In the open

Never in my life had I found myself at a crossroad, not sure whether to go east or west. I found myself in a situation I never imagined to be in. Is it the time to walk away from our vows and start afresh?
‘God how do you expect me to deal with this? This is supposed to be the best moment of my life, but I’m not excited,” I cried kneeling down.
That night I wept like Hannah as I cast all my burdens unto the Lord. The alpha female in me was telling me to file for divorce and relocate to London for a new start. As a woman who fellowships with God, I wanted to hear God’s words…I was going to let Him lead the way.
I heard a soft knock on my door and I went to open my bedroom door to see Keenan holding a lunch of ice cream and two spoons.

“Can we have some ice cream, just like the good old days,” he said with a smile.
“Oh, I was just about to sleep,” I said, yawning.
“Babes, please,” he insisted.
I let him in and we both sat on the couch facing the window. The moon was glowing yellowy white, surrounded by millions of stars. The beauty of the nighttime sky was all you could see from our bedroom window.
“We chose such a beautiful spot for our bedroom,” said Keanan offering me a spoon as he sat down next to me.
“My beautiful Anita, my wife, my everything, I’m begging for your forgiveness for what I did,”he continued,” Being a church leader means nothing without you by my side and for the disgrace I caused I asked the church leaders to step down today. I will fight to save our marriage.”
I looked at the sincerity in his eyes and almost felt like giving him a hug, but I didn’t move.
“We have such a beautiful marriage Keanan and up to now I don’t even understand what got into you,” I said calmly.

My husband took my warm hands and held them to his before kneeling down.
“Please give our marriage a chance and if it means we relocate from Cape Town, let’s do that. I’m ready for anything that you say we should do,” he said looking at me.
“We got that account for that multi-billion company in London and I’m supposed to work with the client in London,” I said slowly.
‘Then it’s a sign for us to move to London and start a new life there. I will support my child from there,” he said.

Before I knew it, Keanan’s mouth was on my lips which was a freshly split-open fig . Our bodies pressed together heatedly on the couch, I could smell our shared breath. I could feel the thud of our hearts and my husband slowly took off my clothes. His lips were still sweet from the vanilla ice cream we were having.
“Keanan we shou…,” he quickly placed his finger on my mouth.
“Tonight let’s do less of talking,” he said with a warm smile.

The next morning when I got to the office, Cindy was on my case.
“Someone got some last night haha,” she said, teasing me.
I blushed as I walked straight into my office without saying anything. Debating with her about it was a losing battle.