Well, this has been quite the introduction to the team and their lives. From Donald getting screwed over by his girlfriend and a good friend to Simba’s heartbreak, so much to take in. Let’s see how this ends…
The three-week vacation for Nana Esi and Pokua had come to an end, and it was time to return to Ghana.
It was early morning at the bustling departure hall at Gatwick Airport, busy as ever, humming with travelers, the clatter of suitcases, and announcements echoing overhead. Simba stood near the security checkpoint with Nana Esi and Pokua, ready to say goodbye. While Pokua looked excited to return home and sad to say goodbye to her daddy, Nana Esi, looking dazzling in a sharp blazer and jeans, was focused on her phone, her expression closed off, avoiding Simba’s gaze.
It was safe to say that things had gotten even more strained ever since their last conversation. Whether it was out of embarrassment, a desire not to hurt him any further, an attempt to cut off all lingering feelings, or something else, he had no idea. But Nana Esi had avoided eye contact with him totally since then. She had become even more formal with him and kept away from having to engage him at all.
Even his cousins bore the brunt of her icy demeanour. Donald had joined Simba to drive them to the airport that morning, and she barely flashed a smile his way or spoke a word more than ‘Good morning’ and ‘Thank you’.
Now, as she and Pokua had just checked in, it was time to bid Simba farewell and go past the checkpoint.
Simba knelt down to face Pokua, his voice warm but strained. “Alright, my princess, it was so good seeing you. Daddy managed to take you to all the places you said you wanted to visit, and it was all a lot of fun, wasn’t it?”
Pokua, beaming, nodded. “Yes, Daddy! Thank you for all the trips and the big boat cruise and the sweets! I had so much fun!”
“Awesome! Okay, goodbye, my love! Have a safe journey!”
Pokua flung her arms around him tightly. “Bye, Daddy! You’re the best daddy in the world! I love you!”
Simba smiled, his voice catching as he responded. “I love you too, my little Poki. Daddy loves you so much. Be good for Mummy, yeah? I’ll see you soon.”
She nodded obediently. He then kissed her forehead, lingering for a moment before standing.
Nana Esi stepped forward, taking Pokua’s hand, her eyes fixed on her daughter as she deliberately avoided Simba’s gaze. Her silence was icy, and her posture rigid.
Simba, holding back a sigh, said softly, “Okay, Nana Esi… safe travels, okay? Let me know when you land.”
Nana Esi nodded curtly, still not looking at him. “Thank you. We’ll be fine. Come on, Pokua.”
She guided Pokua toward the security line, not turning back.
As Simba watched them go, his jaw tightened, and his eyes glistened as he fought back tears. He blinked rapidly, the pain of Nana Esi’s coldness and the finality of her departure cutting him deep. She was making doubly sure she did not have to look back at him, and it hurt him so bad.
Finally, they disappeared through the checkpoint, a small wave from Pokua the last thing he saw.
He exhaled and bit his lower lip.
This was it. It was over. Nana Esi wanted him in her life as nothing more than a dedicated baby daddy to her daughter. Nothing more than that. Not even as a friend.
He had gone from being the love of her life, to a guy she only kept around because of their child.
He sucked in a sharp breath, turned, and headed toward the car park.
***
Outside, in the multi-story car park, Donald leaned against his car, a blue BYD Atto 3, scrolling through his phone, checking out the latest news.
Hearing familiar footsteps, he looked up and saw Simba approaching. His face fell at the sight of Simba’s defeated posture. He pocketed his phone, concern etched on his face.
“Bruv, your gyal’s attitude was proper harsh. You alright?”
Simba didn’t respond. He simply slid into the passenger seat, and stared out the windshield, his eyes red, visibly struggling to hold it together. Donald immediately hopped into the driver’s seat and glanced at him.
“Hey, man, you’re gonna be okay, yeah?” he consoled softly, gently tapping him on the knee. “I know it’s really rough right now, but you’re strong, Simba. You got this.”
With that, Simba’s composure cracked.
“Nah, Donnie, I’m a fool. A big fool. I thought I could get through to her, I thought that moment in the car meant something special. It was not. She’s gone, man. She’s getting married to another guy. She wants nothing but co-parenting with me. That’s it. God, I’m such a fool! A fucking fool! A stupid, stupid fool!”
His voice broke with frustration and pain as he slapped his head over and over again, chastising himself for believing. At that moment, the only person to blame for all this, in his eyes, was him.
“Oi, oi, oi, bruv! Stop that!” Donald interjected, firmly grabbing Simba’s wrist to stop him. “Now listen to me, yeah. You ain’t no fool. You loved her, you tried, yeah? That’s not foolish—that’s you being real. She’s made her choice, but you’re still Pokua’s dad, and you’re killing it. Take it easy, man. Easy.”
Simba shut his eyes. Shaking his head, he whispered, “It’s over, bro. The love of my life is gone, man. I mean nothing to her. I love her with all my heart, but I mean nothing to her. Fuck, this hurts so bad…”
Finally, the tears rolled down his cheeks.
Donald felt his heart break as he saw this outpouring of grief. For Simba, and for himself.
Two heartbreaks between them in a short period of time. This was not funny at all.
“Bruv, I’m takin’ you home, then I’ll head to the studio. Forget about work, you need to take care of yourself. Relax, aight? We’ll get through this, fam.”
Simba nodded, wiping his face as Donald started the car, the engine rumbling softly.
He was right. The last place he wanted to be right now was in the studio. He needed time to process this. Time to accept the fact that the woman he loved so deeply was no longer going to be in his life as anything more than an emotionally detached baby mama.
Time to grieve the loss of a love that would never rekindle.
***
“Yeah, I dropped Simba at his place a while ago, and yo, it’s peak, fam. Man’s proper broken. Shedding tears. Nana Esi was cold as ice at the airport, yeah? Don’t think she even looked him in the eye the entire time, just grabbed Pokua and dipped. Even with me, she was all formal, like I’m some stranger. ‘Thank you for driving us, Donald.’ Barely a word more. It was harsh, man.”
Mickey, on the other side of the line, sighed heavily. “Shit, that’s gut-wrenching. Poor Simba. She’s really done with him, innit? Marrying some other guy, shutting him out like that… I can’t imagine what he’s feeling. We gotta rally for him, Donnie.”
“Yeah, hundred percent. I’m still messed up over Amara dumpin’ me, you know? Still stings, thinking about her moving on just like that. But seeing Simba break down… swear down, my pain feels small, bruv. He’s known Nana Esi for years, loved her proper deep, planned a whole life with her. This is next-level heartbreak. Man was slapping himself in the car, calling himself a fool for thinking he had a chance. I had to calm man down, you know. It was that deep.”
“Nah, he ain’t no fool. He loved her, tried to make it work. That’s strength. We gotta lift him up, show him he’s got us. Let’s figure something out when you get to the studio. Maybe take him out, get his mind off it, or just chill with him at mine. Carola’s already planning to cook something nice for him.”
“Good shout, bruv. I’m about 10 minutes out. Let’s put our heads together, yeah? Simba’s one of us, and we ain’t letting him drown in this. I’ll see you at the studio.”
“Safe, Donnie. Drive careful, and we’ll sort this for our boy. Later.”
***
Ten minutes later, Donald was in the Perspective parking lot, easing into his usual spot.
As he killed the engine, however, he wasn’t in the mood to get out. He needed a moment to think.
Seeing Simba so distraught had triggered him somewhat. Inasmuch as he knew Simba’s pain surpassed his, those tears reminded him of the tears he had shed after that cruel phone call from Amara.
Yeah, everyone was comforting him and bashing Amara for being so callous, but it still hurt so bad. He had been crazy about her, treated her well, done his best to keep her happy. It still stung so bad that she chose to string him along and play him for a fool that way.
“It still hurts, bruv, it still hurts,” he murmured to himself as he adjusted the seat, lowering himself out of sight. “Amara, I did right by you, treated you like royalty, loved you like the sweet gyal I thought you were. You didn’t have to do me like that. And as for the dickhead you’re fucking… ugh, never mind…”
He went silent, as he closed his eyes and tried to meditate.
***
About five minutes later, there was activity in the Perspective parking lot, as giggling and hushed voices briefly filled the air.
A few seconds of that, and it went silent once again.
Well, it might have been silent, but in the backseat of Magnum’s Lexus RZ, with its tinted windows slightly cracked for ventilation, the air was charged with steamy intimacy.
Ines, in a short, floral sundress, straddled Magnum, her work glasses slightly askew as she kissed him passionately. Magnum, in a fitted black tee and jeans, ran his hands slowly up and down her thighs, his fingers tracing the hem of her dress. The two were lost in their world of passion, only focused on enjoying each other as much as they could.
About two minutes later, the two pulled apart, both slightly flushed. Ines’ lips parted in a breathless smile, while Magnum grinned widely, his eyes glinting with playful heat.
“Fucking hell, babes,” he gasped, “I thought lunch was gonna be hot, but this? You’re bringing a whole new meaning to dessert, baby girl.”
Ines smirked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, her cheeks rosy as she adjusted her position on his lap. “Well, it’s that time of the month when my hormones are screaming for something sweet, and uh, I can’t help it – you’re just too tempting. Damn, you are fine, Magnum!”
Magnum’s grin widened even more, his hands resting on her hips as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, suggestive murmur. “Is that so? Well, lucky for you, I’m free this evening to help with those… cravings. You know I’m always down to keep the fire going.”
“Of course you are. And that’s just what I need,” Ines giggled. “9 p.m.?”
“Done. I’ll be there, like the Jackson 5.”
Ines laughed, stealing one more kiss before sliding off his lap to sit beside him, smoothing her dress.
***
“You know you sexy as fuck in that dress, though, yeah?”
“Of course I know, babe. And I’m glad you love it.”
Donald, lying in the lowered seat, sighed.
He could hear the secret love fest between Magnum and Ines. Not because he wanted to, but simply because the windows were slightly open. Of course, it was summer, and ventilation was a necessity. He had his windows open as well, so he was unfortunately privy to them making out and making plans for lovemaking.
It didn’t help that one car separated them from each other.
“Ugh, that’s the last thing I need to hear, honestly,” he murmured to himself. “Plus, that Jackson 5 joke was so Ash Clovez. Lame! I should just–”
“…I gotta get back to work now—got some clips of Benoni to edit for socials.”
Donald breathed a sigh of relief. That was relieving. At least, their little make-out session was over. Now he could get back to taking a few more moments to meditate…
“Uhh, Magnum, what’s wrong?”
“Uhh, what?”
“Babe, your whole vibe changed when I mentioned Benoni’s name. Like, you just went dark. Why?”
Donald lifted his head, his interest suddenly nabbed.
Did Magnum have beef with Benoni?
Suddenly, he wasn’t itching for the couple to leave anymore. This sounded interesting. He needed to hear the juice.
“Nah, nothing, nothing. Forget it, babes. You’re right, it’s time to get back to the office.”
Donald shook his head. No, no, no, no, no! Spill the beans, bruv! Ines, don’t let him go!
“Babe, don’t do that. I’ve noticed it for a few days now. You’ve been proper cold around Benoni lately. Every time his name comes up or you’re close to him, you get… like this. What’s going on? Talk to me.”
Now Donald was fully invested. What the hell happened between Magnum and Benoni? he wondered, surprised that there was a supposed secret tension between these guys. They weren’t close, but they were cool with each other. So what was going on?
Magnum sighed, not sounding like he wanted to reveal the truth.
Come on, Ines, Donald thought, seduce him or something. Squeeze the truth out of man!
“Baby, talk to me. Please. I don’t like seeing you this way.”
Donald smirked. Ines sounded so sweet and soft, even he would reveal all his deepest secrets to her if she asked him in that tone of voice. He then chuckled at himself. “Bruv, I can’t believe I’m over here, thirsting for gossip…”
Another sigh from Magnum followed.
“Alright, alright, alright. This is sensitive stuff, babe, but… you’re my gyal, so I might as well tell you. That brudda right there? He is dodgy as fuck. An absolute wallad. A fucking wrong’un.”
Donald frowned. Those were some pretty harsh words coming out of Magnum’s mouth. “Bruv, this beef is more serious than I thought,” he murmured to himself. “What the hell did Benoni do to him?”
“Babe, that’s so harsh! Why do you say that? What did he do?”
Another sigh followed. And then…
“Babe, remember Donnie’s ting? How she dumped him outta nowhere? Yeah, Benoni’s the one fucking her.”
Donald’s eyes widened.
“What?!”
***
Ines’ eyes widened.
“What?!”
Magnum nodded. “Remember when Ash and I went to Westfield to get our new kicks, yeah? We headed to our cousin’s ends in Camden to pick him up. Turns out the ting lives in the same apartment. While we waited, we saw her standing there, waiting for someone. We knew she was waiting for the dude clarting her. Ines, about two minutes later, we saw Benoni pull up, step out of the car, and run to her and kiss her. Shamelessly. Man was even tryna fondle them titties in the open. Babes, we were fuming. Man’s been acting so nice and shit to Donnie, but he’s a fucking backstabber!”
Ines had covered her hands with her mouth. “Oh my God! This is insane. Does… does Donnie know yet?”
Magnum shook his head. “I don’t think so. We haven’t said anything to him, though; don’t wanna stir up no drama…”
Suddenly, the sound of a car door slamming shut cut through the silence.
Magnum and Ines froze.
“Uh, who was that?” Ines wondered aloud.
Before Magnum could respond, his phone buzzed loudly. He pulled it out, and he gasped.
The screen flashed with Donald’s name. He showed it to Ines, whose face drained with fright. He hesitated, then answered, his voice tense.
“Ayo, Donnie… uh, what’s good?”
“Magnum, get out of the car. Now. You and Ines. I heard everything.”
Magnum swallowed hard, his face paling as he glanced at Ines. They quickly scrambled out of the car, stepping into the car park’s open air.
A few meters away, Donald stood before them, his face a storm of fury—eyes blazing, fists clenched.
“Is it true? What you said about Benoni? That he’s the son of a bitch sleeping with my gyal while we were together? Tell me, Magnum, is it true?” he demanded.
Magnum raised his hands, his voice shaky but pleading, trying to calm the situation. “Donnie, Donnie, listen, it’s true, yeah, but—please, bruv, stay cool. We didn’t tell you ‘cause we didn’t want this to blow up. Let’s talk it out, yeah?”
Ines stepped forward, her eyes pleading for calm. “Donnie, please, just take a breath. We can figure this out together. Don’t do anything rash. Please.”
At that moment, however, Donald was in no mood to hear any pleas or appeals for a rational reaction. His eyes flashing, he shakes his head, trembling with betrayal.
“That fucking snake acted like my friend… laughed with me, told me I’d be okay, pretended to comfort me… all while he was fucking her! Fuckkkk!”
“Donnie, Donnie, please–”
With an angry roar, Donald broke free from Magnum’s attempt to grab his arm, and stormed toward the studio entrance, his fists still clenched.
Magnum and Ines exchange a frightened glance, their hearts racing.
This was not going to end well at all.
“Donald, wait! Don’t do this!” Ines yelled, she and Magnum running after him, desperate to prevent what would be an ugly implosion.
***
In the studio, Sahjara, Benoni and Justice were sprawled on a couch in the main studio, their eyes glued to a large monitor playing the first episode of WTFooty. The first episode had racked about 10,000 views so far, and the trio were checking it out for any needed improvements in further episodes.
The duo were busily cackling at some of the hilarious clips they had covered: clips of outrageous own goals—a defender slicing the ball into his own net, another tripping spectacularly to gift the opposition. Sahjara was busy jotting notes in her tablet.
“Oh yeah, this was crazy,” Justice snickered, pointing to the first own goal. “The way the defender straight-up volleyed it into his own goal! How do you even do that?”
Benoni cackled. “My man, that’s not a mistake—that’s performance art! Too good to be classified as a mistake!”
Sahjara flicked her hair, a grin on her face. “Yeah, the viewers loved this part. I’m thinking we should devote a whole segment just for the weirdest own goals. Call it ‘Own Goal Hall of Shame’. Fans would eat it up.”
Justice nodded, then opened his mouth to speak.
Suddenly, the studio door burst open with a loud bang, and Donald stormed in, his face a mask of fury as his eyes instantly locked on Benoni.
“BENONI JOHAN! YOU FUCKING SNAKE!”
Before anyone could react, Donald charged at Benoni, grabbing him by the collar and landing a hard punch to his jaw.
Benoni stumbled back, shocked to the core.
Sahjara screamed, dropping her tablet, while Justice leapt up, trying to grab Donald’s arm.
“Donald, stop! What are you doing?!” Sahjara shrieked.
“Yo, Donnie, stop! Let him go!” Justice ordered, holding him back.
Empowered by this fit of rage, Donald shoved Justice aside with a force that sent him stumbling into the couch. He lunged at Benoni again, his hands wrapping around his throat in a blind rage.
Benoni, in a burst of self-defence, fought back, shoving and swinging wildly at Donald. For a few ugly seconds, they grappled, knocking over a chair and scattering papers.
The studio turned into a blur of shouts, chaos and movement.
“Fuck you, Benoni!” Donald roared. “You slept with my girl, you bastard! Pretended to be my friend while you were stabbing me in the back!”
Justice and Sahjara froze at this revelation. At that moment, Magnum and Ines burst through the door, their faces pale with panic, followed closely by Mickey and TMA, drawn by the commotion. The group immediately sprang into action, diving into the fray to separate the two.
“Benoni, stop! Back off!” Magnum yelled, holding Benoni back.
“Donnie, please! This isn’t the way!” Ines pleaded.
Mickey and TMA grabbed Donald’s arms, pulling him back with effort as he struggled to break free, his eyes still blazing. Magnum and Ash Clovez and Benoy, who also just rushed in, held Benoni tightly, pinning his arms to keep him from swinging again. Benoni’s face was red with anger, his lip bleeding, his expression a mix of shock and angry defiance.
“You’re a snake, Benoni! A fucking snake!” Donald snarled, still chomping at the bit to hit him. “Fucking my girl and acting like my friend! You’re a piece of shit!”
Benoni spat at him. “Fuck off, Donald! You don’t know the half of it!”
“Enough! Both of you, stop it! We’re a team, for God’s sake! What is going on here?!” Sahjara pleaded.
“Come on, let’s get them outta here!” Mickey ordered, as he, Justice and TMA dragged a still-furious Donald away, while Magnum, Ash Clovez and Benoy did same with Benoni.
Even as they did so, a strange, uncomfortable cloud gathered over the studio. With this revelation that Benoni was the one sleeping with Donald’s ex-girlfriend, awkward was too little a word to describe what was about to reign over them. The looks on the faces of everyone revealed the shock they felt at this discovery, and it would reverberate through them for a while.
Perspective had just been shaken up. In the most uncomfortable way possible.
That. Was. Chaotic! The truth finally came out, and boy oh boy, things went violent!
What’s gonna happen now? It’s gonna get really awkward in the studio with this revelation. And about Simba… the poor guy is devastated. How’s he going to recover from losing his one true love forever?
Well, season 2 will bring answers. And possibly more questions!
