IRREVERSIBLE: DARK KNIGHT

As she approached the gate, she knew that text message from last night couldn't have been the best idea, but she had to stand by it. Whether it was her pride talking or the willingness to stand by her decision was something even she couldn't explain.

The walk to the driveway and into her car was too long. She had formed a habit of playing music relevant to her feelings, and this morning, Sia's Helium was all too perfect. It's true what they say, that when one is sad, they listen to the lyrics.

Daniel had shown up in her life at a time when she seemed to be at a crossroads. A knight in shining armour he seemed - the only problem, he belonged to someone else.

Tess hated traffic, but on this day the delay was a good distraction from the turmoil that seemed to be her life lately.
Gin - she needed a gulp of it. Sips are for the weak, she told herself many times. She could count the number of times she had gin before lunch. This would be one of the two. Secretly she hoped it would be the last.

Tess had been going about her duties when the extension on her desk rang.
'Reception'.
Why would Jane be calling so early. She just had a gin break after a long trip on the scenic route to avoid traffic, she needed to focus on her work. The apex court was issuing a ruling on the political stalemate in the country. It would be a hard day to be a news editor.
"Yes Jane."
"You have a visitor."
"I do?"
"Yes, says his name is Daniel."

She knew she should have worn the skinny jeans, brought out her behind. Made it look like an apple - the firm and juicy kind. The longer she waited the harder and more awkward it would become. Tess walked fast to the lobby, not knowing what she should say to him.

He was a smart man. He spoke first.
"Good morning nyadundo."
It was a name that initially made reference to Tess's height. She towered at 5'4", while he was a resounding 6'3". How she even noticed his well-chiseled face and brown eyes beat her. The difference in height was too hard to miss.

"I wasn't expecting you."
"I hope I made no mistake in coming here"
"No no.. of course not"

She led him to her office. Jane seemed to be banging on her keyboard louder than usual, an indication that the display was making her a little uncomfortable.

Tess had realised she was falling for a man who falls in another woman's arms every night. While she slept alone, he was feeling up the warmth of someone else's thighs. She thought she could do better. It was at this realisation that she sent Daniel a long text, explaining why they couldn't see each other anymore. Tess had imagined, at the back of her obviously wild mind, that perhaps Daniel would ask her not to call it off. He did not.

"You seem surprised to see me," Daniel said as he sipped his coffee.
"No no... it is always a pleasure"
"Somehow I had to come see you"

She had no comeback for that last statement. Tess hated just how much control he had over her peace of mind. The previous night after she called off the affair, she was too hurt to cry. The pain made her so numb, all she could do was stare at the bedroom ceiling, wondering why sad nights are painfully long. Hearing Jane say the word 'Daniel' on the receiver before she walked out to meet him gave her a ray of sunshine so bright. She didn't know she had been so dark in the just-concluded moment.

"I was serious last night. Every word I said. I meant it"
"I understand. I'm here as an ordinary citizen."

They both laughed at that last statement.