The men watch Mary until she disappears.

“You are right, Bhubesi. She studies here at Richtech. Hheyi gimthandile, ntwana! (I am in love with her!)” says Rhino, rubbing his hands together.

“So, what are you going to do about her? That is one beautiful chick!” says Bhubesi.

“I am not sure yet, but I will get her. At least I know where she stays. And now I know where she goes to school.”

“We can wait for her here in the afternoon,” says Bhubesi.

“That is an idea, Bhubesi, but …” Rhino scratches his head, thinking.

“What is the matter, Rhino?”

“I am thinking of a way to get her into my car. Even if I get out of the car she surely won’t give me the time of day. She is cheeky; you saw for yourself.”

“That part is easy, Rhino. We will send Rachel to speak to her,” says Ndlovu from the back seat.

They all agree with this plan. Rachel is a girl they are friends with, who stays next to another one of Rhino’s houses in the suburb of Arboretum. She also goes to Richards Bay Technikon.

“Take a five, nja yami (my dog)!” Rhino says, and shakes Ndlovu’s hand. “I knew you were quiet because you were cooking up a good plan.”

Ndlovu says, “Let’s go see Rachel right now. If she is home we will give her a lift, then you will tell her your plan for Mary J.”

“Ndlovu, that is perfect. But what if Mary still refuses to get into my car?”

“Sizomthwala nje (We will force her), finish!” says Ndlovu.

“Now you guys are losing the plot. We should not cause trouble here in Richards Bay. Where else will we hide, if we mess up here?” says Bhubesi.

“You are right, Bhubesi. We should not mess up a good thing. If Mary refuses then Rachel has to get us her phone number,” says Rhino.

The Porsche drives off. At the the traffic lights it indicates right and heads to the mall. At the jewellery shop Rhino looks at the wedding ring display. Ndlovu and Bhubesi look at each other, confused.

“Ucabanga ukufasa, lova? (Are you thinking of getting married)?” asks Ndlovu.

Rhino smiles and says, “Would I be wrong if I was? In a month I will be thirty. It’s time I got married.”

“Who will you marry between the two of us?” asks Ndlovu, pointing at himself and Bhubesi.

“You guys think I am joking? I am going to marry Mary Jane. You just wait and see.”

***

Tell us: Do you think Rhino will be able to win Mary Jane over?