Zulu Love Letters

By Letitia Matthews II

As fashion designer Kimberly Dunlop, stands beside the open grave of her father, she is confronted by the ghosts of her past. The most haunting of these is her estranged husband, Angus Pringle.
Two years apart have, if anything, deepened the hurt and suspicion that tore them apart in the first place. Now, forced to work together in the fashion empire their fathers founded, the cracks of their relationship develop into a fully-fledged crevasse with the help of their conniving business partner and colleague, Priscilla Davies.
As the secrets of the past, thought to be long buried with their parents, are resurrected from the grave, Angus and Kimberly are compelled to wrestle their own demons if they stand any chance of embracing a future together.

Kimberley has more secrets than the one Angus promised to divorce her over two years earlier. Like a master illusionist, Priscilla artfully hides and exposes the past and present behind emotional smoke and mirrors, to best serve her dubious motives. She potentially wields the weapon of demise for Kimberly and Angus’s marriage, and she is not afraid to use it.

The truth will come out, but when it does, will it heal the past, or steal the future? With the life of the next generation in the balance, only a voice from the past can even the playing field to give them a fighting chance. But will it be enough?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Letitia Matthews II
• Release date: Sep 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370553433

Letitia Matthews II

Letitia cannot recall a time when words weren’t her friends and she wrote her first real story before she was ten years old. Later, her studies honed her skills, but life honed her heart. Through the death of her father and later, her first husband Eric, Letitia’s journey brought her pain she thought would never yield anything good. The decade long writer’s block following her husband’s death was defined by the blessing of finding new love, and the challenge of fighting Malignant Melanoma. Today, Letitia and her husband Peter, live in her favourite place on the banks of the Kruger National Park. In this little piece of paradise, Letitia has fulfilled her dream of writing full-time.Letitia has been in business for more than half her adult life, and uses that experience and passion to create written content, web sites and graphic design products to help her clients promote their businesses. She is also a blogger - her blog, www.zebraonmystoep.co.za, chronicles the joys of the simple life, while www.wordscount.co.za is aimed at helping her clients and fellow creatives to ‘put the magic in their messages’.Letitia loves nature and animals, and she enjoys photography and paper crafts. Letitia’s deepest desire is that her work will encourage her readers and honour her creator. She believes that God desires an intimate friendship with everyone, and hopes her writing will encourage her readers to accept God’s ‘friend requests’. You can email her: [e-mail]

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Zulu

Love Letters

LETITIA MATTHEWS

Copyright © 2017 Letitia Matthews

All rights reserved.

ISBN-9781370553433

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my parents, Gert Uys and Mary-Anne (Uys) Burns.

They showed me by example that even though marriage can be hard work at times, it’s always worth it. Their marriage, although sometimes stormy, was also a place of safety for others during life’s storms. It was a place of love and honesty. A place where two little girls could grow up knowing they were loved by two adults who loved each other, for better or worse, and in sickness and health.

Their example gave me the courage for two of my own marriages. From my own journey, I believe in marriage. Especially a marriage where God is invited to participate.

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

About The Author

Other Books By This Author

CHAPTER ONE

Kimberly Dunlop stood erectly on the beautifully cultivated lawns beside the open grave of her father. Icy drizzle began to settle on the black umbrellas of the sombre crowd gathered in memory of Joseph Dunlop. The priest spoke loudly about what a remarkable man Joseph Dunlop had been and there were murmurs of agreement, as the beautiful wooden coffin descend to its earthy destination.

The petite pink roses on the coffin belied the sadness of the occasion, and the fragile Gypsophila reminded Kimberly of happier times with her father. Kimberly felt an irrational urge to stop them from burying the coffin. It was suddenly inconceivable that the ornate casket contained the loving arms which had comforted her throughout her life. As she fought to remain rational, Kimberly felt utterly alone. A feeling of emptiness surged through her as she realised that those arms would never enfold her in their warmth again. I will never leave you nor forsake you. God’s promises echoed in her mind, and she clung to them.

She felt Liz put a protective arm around her shoulder, and she looked up into her friend’s healthy brown face. Liz was her oldest and dearest friend, and she would never have coped without her love and support during the preceding two days. The sympathy she saw in Liz’s eyes touched her deeply, and she forced herself to keep her rising tears inside. Her father would have told her that tears could change nothing, and she knew the truth of his sentiment in the depths of her aching heart.

Despite her best efforts, hot tears spilled over her cool cheeks, and she fought back a sob as she took a handful of the pink rose petals from the basket being held out to her. Stretching her hand out she hesitated momentarily, almost believing for an instant that a delay on her part might change everything and that her father could be standing beside her again. The cold futility of the thought blew through her heart like the icy wind about her. Knowing that he’d never stand beside her again, she opened her hand and let the fragile petals fall through her thin fingers into the gaping grave below.

Kimberly watched numbly as other people followed suite and she shook their hands as they came to her and each in turn, whispered their awkward commiserations. She stared absently into all their faces and thanked them sincerely, even though she recognised very few of them. She wished they could all go away, but she understood that her father had meant something to a lot of different people, and as she stood thanking them for coming, she realised that the loss was not hers alone.

Kimberly lifted her face to meet the eyes of the man now standing before her, and a confusing rush of emotion jammed her senses. The plop - plop of heavy raindrops falling on the umbrellas became a cacophony that made it even harder for her to focus on her surroundings. She searched the strong, familiar contours of his features. She longed to consider him ugly but despite everything that had occurred between them, she had to concede that he was one of the most attractive men she’d ever known.

Her thought process felt severely impaired and in a final defence mechanism, her soul seemed to go completely numb too. She drew a deep breath and choked back the tears that now threatened to escape from their deep brown sources. Meeting his familiar scrutiny, she thought she saw a glimmer of sympathy. But that was very unlikely she reminded herself. This man had proved he was no servant of tender emotions.

I’m so sorry Kimmy, he said softly. Your father meant the world to me, and this is a huge blow for all of us.

Her self-restraint was pushing its limits, allowing her little more than a quick nod in response. She pinched her eyes shut in a desperate attempt to hold back her tears. A hot current shot through her body as he touched the side of her face gently. Kimberly opened her eyes in shock at the feel of his hand against her skin, and gulped back her tears desperately, as she lifted her head to meet his gaze once more.

She knew she should respond in some way, but her over-taxed emotions were running riot inside her. He’d called her by his special name for her, and as if that wasn’t bad enough, his touch had sent a disturbing shiver through her. She looked down in silence, willing her tears away, and searching for something to say.

I wish I could’ve met you at the airport, he told her, disregarding her silence, but I was away on business, and I only got back this morning. He explained unnecessarily. It made no difference to her where he’d been. It had been two long years since he’d offered her anything positive, and she certainly didn’t expect any support from him now.

Thanks Angus. She said quietly, trying to speak without malice. I understand perfectly, and it really wasn’t necessary, Liz met me. Her voice shook and she was forced to shut her eyes again as the reality of the past few days hit her again.

Angus nodded his dark head in understanding as he stared down at the slim young woman, standing before him. Her simply cut white dress clung elegantly to her soft curves, and fresh rain drops lay on her dress and rested in the rich dark curls which fell about her shoulders. The stark white contrast of her dress against the traditional black worn by everyone else was just one of the many ways in which she was different. Liz loved her for it, and Angus hadn’t been able to handle it.

As if noticing her for the first time, Angus murmured a greeting at Liz, as she offered her friend a Kleenex. Kimberley gratefully accepted Liz’s intervention, and inhaled a deep breath of the crisp air.

‘I’m sorry," she said bravely.

Angus smiled and nodded his understanding.

Suddenly his tall frame stiffened visibly, and Kimberley heard a familiar voice behind her.

She cringed in recognition, doubting that she could face the barbs the owner of the voice was given to shedding at every opportunity.

Angus darling, the voice purred, we really must be on our way.

Priscilla Davies walked up to Angus’s solid frame and placed a possessive hand on his arm, forcing him to release Kimberly’s hand. Angus glanced briefly at the glamorous woman now standing pressed against him.

Kimberly, he began, you remember Priscilla Davies…. His voice faded awkwardly, and Priscilla took the advantage without missing a beat. Kimberly. Please accept my sincere condolences. Your father will be sorely missed at work. I can’t imagine Pringle, Dunlop & Davies without him.

Thank-you. Kimberly responded mechanically, That’s very kind of you.

Well, we really must be on our way, I have so much to do at the office. Angus said firmly. The warmth had vanished from his eyes and Kimberly felt certain she’d imagined it all along. If there’s anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Angus said impersonally.

Priscilla stared at Kimberly with a cold stare, and Liz spoke out for the first time, in an instinctive effort to protect her friend. Well actually, she said casually, Mr. Dunlop’s last will and testament is scheduled to be read tomorrow morning at 10am, and my boss will have a thrombosis if I take any more time off in the middle of our financial year end. She finished with an elaborate roll of her eyes.

Oh! Please don’t worry! Kimberly exclaimed in horror, sensing the implications of Liz’s words. I can find my own way.

Not at all, it’s the least I can do. Angus told them both.

Liz smiled sweetly in response to Priscilla’s glare as she scribbled her address onto a scrap of paper, and passed it to Angus. Kim’s been staying with me. She explained.

Angus looked surprised. Until tomorrow at 9am then. he said in conclusion, before turning away, with Priscilla still hanging on his arm.

Kimberly watched them walk away, and she turned to Liz in horror. What on earth made you do that? She asked with more fervour than she’d felt in days.

"I’m sorry Kim. It’s just that that silly wench still irks me, every bit as much, if not more than she did two years ago, and besides he did offer, and you know that I have to go back to work tomorrow." Liz defended her rash actions.

Oh, Liz, I didn’t mean to sound ungrateful. It’s just that I’d prefer to avoid too much contact with Angus. I know what you mean about Priscilla though – if anything she seems to have become tougher. But Angus and I are virtually strangers now, and you and I both know that. Kimberly explained.

I can’t believe she had the gall to pitch up here at all! Her audacity knows no bounds! Liz exclaimed angrily. She stared at Kimberly in disbelief. I can’t believe you’re being so calm about all this! That woman has taken so much from you, and you stand there calmly thanking her for coming, and telling her how kind she is! Liz was becoming excited, and Kimberly felt far removed from the emotional current Liz was being caught up in.

He had choices too, you know. She reminded Liz. Besides, right now, I don’t know anything for sure. Everything has changed in a matter of days, and I need to face this wreckage at last, and assess the damage. I’m on my own now and I have to start over. She said simply.

Liz nodded in sympathy. I’m sorry Kim, that was thoughtless of me. I know you’re going through so much right now, and I can’t bear the thought of that, that cow’s presence! Liz exclaimed vehemently.

Kimberly nodded her understanding with a brave smile.

Liz scratched in her huge shoulder bag for her car keys, as the rain became heavier.

I’ll see you just now. Kimberly said as she turned and faced the place where her father lay buried. The tears streamed down her face, and now she let them. Despite his theory about tears, she knew her father would have understood.

This was her last good-bye, and as the raindrops mingled with her salty tears, the numbness that had protected her to a certain extent vanished, and she sobbed without restraint. Her father was gone forever now, and she faced an unknown future, which lay in the heart of her unresolved past. She’d run away two years ago, and she was prepared to admit that now. There was no point in denying it anymore.

She wondered whether her father had still wanted her to be active in his business. Perhaps he’d changed his mind after her hasty exit two years before. Part of her hoped that he’d left a place open for her in the company, but in some ways, she hoped that he hadn’t. The complications that would arise from her involvement in his company would be more than she could handle and she felt afraid all over again.

She began to shiver as the rain ran down her back, and she realised that she was soaked to the skin. She didn’t want to leave him, but she knew it was time to go. Daddy, she whispered hoarsely, I love you. It seemed so inadequate now. But, it would be enough she decided. It was all she had, and it was all he’d ever needed her to say.

Kimberly sat quietly beside Liz as they wove their way home through the cultural blend that made Durban so unique. Everything looked wet and sad, and in a way Kimberly was relieved. It wouldn’t have felt fair to feel the glorious Durban sunshine on her face, while her father was being buried in the African soil. It was fitting that it should rain today she decided.

She subconsciously identified the various familiar sights around her as her friend drove through the busy city streets. It was vaguely comforting to be on home turf. Liz’s flat was a cosy little apartment in Umhlanga Rocks, with a sea view many would kill for. It was so typical of Liz. The furniture was a bright assault of warm colours, with healthy, bold plants. There was an obvious sense of comfort in the style of the decoration, and Liz was all about comfort. She liked to live life on her own terms. She’d always been independent to the point of making those around her feel unneeded.

Liz needed others from time to time, but she seldom got involved in long relationships.

Kimberly was the most constant and cherished person in her life, and their childhood friendship had grown stronger than ever in adulthood. I think you should go and relax in a nice hot bath. Liz told her firmly.

Kim nodded in appreciation, and as she settled into the warm depths of the soothing water, she was thankful for Liz, and her support. As warmth began to fill her body, emotions began to flood through her too, and all at once she was crying again and this time there was no way of holding back. She cried as a child, for the loss of her beloved father. She cried as an adult who’d graduated to a new and unknown phase of her life, and she cried as a woman, at the sight of her husband beside another woman.

Even if she hadn’t seen him in person for more than two years, he was still her husband, on paper, if nothing else. Her husband. Raw pain surged through her heart, and all at once she realised that the suppression of her pain for all these months, had been a mistake. As tears spilled from her soul, she felt as though it had festered into something ugly and even more hurtful. Now as it erupted at last, she cried out in agony, knowing that nothing had changed, and that she’d wasted the past two years in foolish hope. The anger she’d sustained to keep all other feelings at bay had been a front, and now she felt the futility of it all. Maybe that was why the Bible said you should never let the sun go down on your anger. "But Lord, I could see no way of fixing this mess then, and I think it’s totally irreparable now," she sighed sadly.

The bathroom door opened and Liz walked into the steamy room with two mugs. It sounds like you could use something to calm you down. She said without question. That was the amazing thing about their friendship – they knew each other’s needs without having to be told, and Kimberly was astounded by the accuracy of Liz’s statement.

She gladly accepted the steaming mug being held out to her. "I considered bringing