With the news of Khanya’s suspension filling the school halls, the next day feels like a breeze for Linda. Everyone has moved on from Linda’s scandal. They’re on to spreading more rumours about other people. Linda’s ready to officially start afresh and fix her friendship with Candice. She spots Candice filling a water bottle at the water fountain outside the admin office at school.

LINDA: Hey Candice!

CANDICE: Hey Linda!

BOTH: I’m sorr–

CANDICE: You go first.

LINDA: I’m sorry about everything I said about Tshepo. I was just looking out for you. I went about it the wrong way. I apologise for also accusing you of spreading that rumour about me. I’ve known you for 12 years. I should’ve known better. You’re like a sister to me, and I want nothing more than to have you back in my life.

CANDICE: I don’t think our friendship could ever get back to what it used to be.

LINDA: What do you mean?

CANDICE: We have hurt each other so much.

LINDA: (nodding) Yeah, I know.

Linda starts to walk away.

CANDICE: Wait, Linda. After everything I said to you, you still want to be friends with me?

LINDA: We both said some awful things, but as I said, you’re like a sister to me. And family works things out, even when it hurts.

CANDICE: (hesitating) About that night at that party, what happened wasn’t your fault. I’m sorry I brought that up. I felt bad as soon as I said it. I felt so guilty I asked my mom to speak with you about it, but she told me to clean up my mess.

Linda reaches for Candice’s hand as she continues.

CANDICE: And you were right about Tshepo, he still hits me and apologises and treats me like a queen only because he’s sorry, but I don’t want to die in that relationship.

LINDA: You’re my sister Candice. I’ve got your back always.

CANDICE: Dankie Linda. Now I need the strength to leave Tshepo.

LINDA: You have my support. I’ll be here every step of the way.

CANDICE: Pinky promise?

LINDA: Pinky promise.

CANDICE: (clears her throat) Did you hear about Khanya?

LINDA: That she got suspended?

CANDICE: No, she tried to commit suicide, but her dad found her in time. She’s in hospital.

LINDA: Am I crazy for feeling bad for her?

CANDICE: No, you’re just human. I wanted us to visit her.

LINDA: I don’t know about that, Candice. I care about her, but I’m not sure how she will feel about seeing us there. What if we’re the trigger that pushed her over the edge, me especially? 

CANDICE: Have you forgiven her for what happened?

LINDA: Yes, I have, but I’m also not ready to face her again and rehash everything that happened, especially now that she’s in the hospital. That’s like pouring salt in an open wound. 

CANDICE: I get how you feel. I’m still on the fence about her. But I can’t stop caring, you know.

LINDA: Let’s buy her some flowers and write her a card to let her know we’re thinking about her.

Candice nods, then the school bell rings, and they head to their class while holding hands.