[Melissa is walking alongside Zimbali Estate as she bumps into an old friend.]

Melissa: Okuhle Ledwaba! (she hugs her)

Okuhle: (She’s full of joy and excitement) Melissa Parker! Where have you been?

Melissa: I have been around. I can’t remember when last I saw your beautiful self.

Okuhle: Well, (smiles, showing dimples) Life has been amazing.

Melissa: Is it? Tell me all about it.

[As the two friends are talking, a car stops by and hoots.]
Okuhle: Oh! (disappointed) That’s my cue to leave.

Melissa: I didn’t even get your number.

Okuhle: My life has changed. I am no longer the Okuhle everyone knew. I have changed. (she smiles)

Melissa: What do you mean? (confused)

[The car hoots again.]

Okuhle: (She looks at the car) I will be there Austin.

Melissa: Who is Austin? Boyfriend? (she whispers).

Okuhle: (she laughs) No! He is my driver.

Melissa: Driver? (shocked)

Okuhle: It is a long story. Here (She hands Melissa her business card). Send me an email. We will take it from there.

Melissa: Business card? What have you done to Okuhle? Who are you (amused).

Okuhle: (she laughs) I will explain everything when we meet again. Take care.

[Okuhle rushes to the car. Austin gets out and opens her door. Melissa continues to walk till she reaches home. She unlocks the front door and goes to her bedroom. Her mother calls her.]
Mrs Lodumo: Mel!

[There’s no response.]

Mrs Lodumo: MELISSA!

Melissa: (she runs) Has somebody died?

Mrs Lodumo: Enough with the jokes. Are you ready for school?

Melissa: Not really.

Mrs Lodumo: Okuhle! (shouts)

Melissa: Mother, school only starts tomorrow not today.

Mrs Lodumo: I know. I just want you to prepare.

Melissa: Don’t worry. (she kisses her mother’s cheek) Can I go to my bedroom?

Mrs Lodumo: Not yet. Please lock the gate.

Melissa: Alright.

[Melissa rushes outside. Locks the gate and goes to her bedroom. Her phone beeps.]

Michael: My Queen. How are you?

Melissa: My Love. Now that I have heard your voice, I am beyond good.

Michael: (he laughs). If I didn’t know you, I would have said that you are trying to charm me.

Melissa: And if I didn’t know you, I would have said you are not charmed (she smiles).

Michael: Listen to yourself lady, with your beautiful voice. I am a lucky man.

Melissa: Don’t forget that. (she laughs)

Michael: Ready for tomorrow, Madam?

Melissa: Of course. Yourself?

Michael: I am ready if you are.

Melissa: Listen to yourself, Mr Michael, (he laughs). See you in class.

Michael: I love you, Miss Lodumo.

Melissa: I like you (she laughs).

Michael: Is that a death wish? (amused)

Melissa: You wouldn’t dare.

Michael: You are my everything, don’t forget that.

Melissa: I love you too baby. Sleep tight.

Michael: Sweet dreams.

[The lovebirds hang up. Melissa is smiling, her cheeks turn red. There’s a knock on her door and her mother steps in.]

Mrs Lodumo: Get up. Let’s talk.

Melissa: What’s wrong?

Mrs Lodumo: I heard that conversation.

Melissa: Oh! (shocked).

Mrs Lodumo: He seems like a good boy.

Melissa: He is. I really love him (she smiles).

Mrs Lodumo: My baby, you are in matric this year. You don’t need distractions. Especially, this boy.

Melissa: You don’t even know him (she shouts).

Mrs Lodumo: I am your mother. I know what’s best for you!

Melissa: No! Please get out and close the door on your way out. (she sleeps on top of her pillow and closes her eyes)

Mrs Lodumo: Your books are your priority right now. Good night.
[The mother exits the bedroom.]

***

strong>What do you think of what Melissa’s mother said? Can one jungle love and school?