“I haven’t been so free in very long time. Spending time with you is almost like a dream,” Fana said with a wide smile.

They spent the day at the beach, at the cinema, and now they are driving back to Fana’s home.

“Yep, and it kinda felt right. We even forgot to talk about your plan,” Cindy giggles.

“The plan is simple, it’s just that I am going to need a little money.”

“Yeah? Just tell me about it,” she sits up straight on the passenger seat and looks at Fana, who is driving.

“You don’t care about what happens to him, right?” says Fana staring deep into her eyes.

“Nah, I’ve had enough,” she says, hitting her fist slightly on her palm as each word leaves her mouth.

“Alright, my cousin Linda agreed to help me, but he needs fuel in his car to get here. I’m kinda broke at the moment.”

“I will pay for that. When is he coming?” says Cindy digging through her handbag.

“As soon as his petrol tank gets filled up.”

“Take this, you’ll see how it gets to him. I’ve been waiting for this moment,” she hands over the money to Fana.

“You don’t have to say it, your actions are loud enough. I’m coming over to your house tonight, just to get his attention, then it’s all on me afterwards.” Fana says.

“I trust you,” she smiles back at him.

They arrive at Fana’s house and he goes inside after they say their goodbyes. He finds his mom and dad in the kitchen, wearing aprons and preparing supper.

“Mhm… Smells really good Mr and Mrs Khumalo, I’ll be with you in a bit.”

Fana goes to his bedroom to call his cousin from Ixopo. Linda picks up immediately as if he was expecting this call.

“My man, hola ntwana.” Linda answers.

“Heita, how are you doing broh?” Fana laughs.

“All good, how is you? When did you get released?”

“About a week ago.”

“Damn and you’re telling me now? I’m coming over tomorrow to see you.”

“How busy are you this week? Remember what we talked about when you the there last time?” he chuckles.

“Yeah, yeah, it’s still on?”

“It’s even more interesting now, Cindy too wants him out of her life for good. I’m not too sure though, maybe he’s still using her against me but only this time, we’re going to play along.”

“She must be a complete package if she still lets that old man drag her by her nose. She’s not a kid anymore… I’m coming tomorrow.” Linda says sounding annoyed.

“Great stuff, will see you when you get here”

He drops the call, gets up and goes to the kitchen. Mrs Khumalo is now sitting at the table, sipping her tea while Mr Khumalo finishes cooking.

“Seems I’m a little too late, anybody need any help with anything?” Fana says, washing his hands at the sink.

“Please make me some coffee son, your mom didn’t want to,” Mr Khumalo winks at his wife and laughs a little.

“No, he refused the cup of tea I made him. He’s not supposed to be drinking coffee, he knows that,” says Mrs Khumalo.

“Don’t you worry MaKhumalo, we’ll let him have it for the last time. I’ll just put a pinch of coffee so it’s not strong,” he plugs the kettle and gets the coffee mug from the cupboard.

“Thanks son, it’s just that tea is so not for me.”

After dinner, Fana goes to shower and disappears without his parents noticing. He goes to Cindy’s house and texts her to come out. But Cindy tells him she can’t, her boyfriend is there.

Fana: That’s the plan. Just disappear and let him search for you.

Cindy: Alright.

Fana: Bring clothes for work tomorrow cause you’re not coming back there until this is sorted.

She comes out of the gate running, with a handbag on one hand and high heels on the other. She gets in Fana’s car and tells him to drive fast.

***

Tell us: What do you think will happen next?