The two friends drive to the nearest doctor’s rooms in Precious’s car and the nurse does the necessary tests. There is another big surprise waiting for them: Precious is not just pregnant, she is also HIV positive.

The result from the doctor is a big wake-up call for Nothando.

It’s shocking how life can change in the blink of an eye, she thinks. Look at Precious now, lying in a hospital bed because she had a panic attack and collapsed after finding out her status. I’m glad I ended things early with Joseph, before everything got out of control. I don’t ever want to be caught in the same situation some day.

Nothando is in a very difficult position. She tries to think of ways to tell her foster mother about Precious’s status, and the baby that is her husband’s.

I wonder how Mrs Ntuli will take it; this is very dangerous information. It can break the twenty-five years of marriage they have built. But she has to know. What if Mr Ntuli has infected her also?

“Friend, have you thought about calling Mr Ntuli to tell him about the results?” she says to Precious.

“Yes, I have tried many times. But since you walked in on us he is not taking my calls and he doesn’t respond to my texts. I didn’t even know he had a family. He told me his wife died and he lives with his kids and a helper,” says Precious sadly. “I feel played by an old man.”

Nothando can find no words of comfort for her.

“I guess from now on I am on my own – with a baby and a disease.” Precious breaks into sobs.

The nurse comes in and Nothando has to go.

“You, friend, just focus on getting better,” she tells Precious. “Don’t worry about anything else. I will come and see you again tomorrow morning.”

Nothando leaves the hospital with a lot of questions in her mind. How can Mr Ntuli, a loyal husband and family man, have an affair and, the worse part, be a blesser? He is old enough to be Precious’s father.

As she is thinking this, her phone rings.

“Hi sweety, it’s Joe. I’m wondering where you are and why you haven’t got in touch with me or answered my calls. I’m still waiting for you to tell me when we can meet up again.”

“Hi Joe, I’m sorry I haven’t had the chance to talk to you. I’ve been very busy lately and going through a rough patch with my roomza – my room mate.”

“Sorry to hear that. Can I come over and see you so we can talk? I did not like the way things ended the last time we met.”

“I’ve actually been wanting to call you, Joe, and tell you that I have thought about us and come to a decision.”

“OK … that doesn’t sound like it’s going to be exciting news.”

“Well I don’t know how you’re going to take it, but I don’t want you to call me again please.”

“Why? Am I not good enough for you?”

“No it’s not that. I’ve realised that the blesser life is not for me. I’m sorry I’ve wasted your time.”

“No, you cannot do that. I won’t allow it. A woman does not say no to me!”

“Well this one does, and you have to accept it, because it’s never going to change and nothing really happened with us, so I’m ending something that has not started.”

“Can we at least talk about this in person?”

“No. I really don’t want to see you again. Please delete my number. If you are not willing to leave me alone I will involve the police.”

“It does not have to go that far. OK, goodbye sweetheart, never hesitate to call me again if you change your mind.”

“I won’t.”

***

Tell us: What do Nothando’s words to Joe show about her character?