“Bye bye girls,” Yolanda said ecstatically.

“Wow girl you look gorgeous. Where are you going? Zodwa asked admiring Yolanda’s beautiful dress.

“Hmm it looks like you are going very far. What’s with the luggage?” Sharon said.

“I’m going to spend the weekend with the love of my life, Sphiwe,” Yolanda boasted.

“Haibo, where is he taking you?” Sharon asked shocked. Yolanda hardly talked about her man to the girls, she was very private.

“He’s taking me to a five star hotel and afterwards he’ll take me to attractions near Sandton,” Yolanda said and the girls all screamed with excitement.

“That’s so sweet. It’s good to have a boyfriend who spoils you and cares for you,” Zenande said. “Wena Zodwa, when will Major take you to a five star hotel?” she teased.

“Don’t start,” Zodwa warned with a crooked smile.

I must go, I’m sure Sphiwe has been waiting for me for a long while now,” Yolanda said heading outside the door.

“Love you girl! And enjoy yourself!” the girls hugged and kissed her as she left.

*****

“Is Yolanda back yet?” Sharon asked.

“Nope, you know Yolanda is always with her unknown boyfriend every weekend,” Zenande replied.

It had been over a month now since she has been dating Sphiwe. The girls had never met him as he always said it made him shy to meet them. Even when the girls asked for a picture, Yolanda couldn’t bring one, because Sphiwe didn’t feel comfortable taking photos. The girls left it at that. They still teased her that he didn’t exist, even though the new clothes and gifts Yolanda brought home were proof enough.

“Oh my God Shaz, you won’t believe this,” Zodwa shouted barging through the door.

“I won’t believe what?” Sharon asked curiously.

“Major called me, after a month passed without him calling me. And suddenly he asks me why I’m I cheating on him. And if I really am, I must consider myself out of the Major girls,” Zodwa said.

“What!” Sharon exclaimed.

“Yes! Choma you know I really felt guilty and nervous because as he was calling, I was on a date with Mthoko. Choma he was so certain and solemn as he was saying this, it was like he was watching me. Do you think he is around? Or does he have someone to spy on me?” Zodwa panicked.

“Relax my friend, if he was around he would have told you or one of the girls. And as for a spy I’m pretty much sure that Major won’t do such a thing. I mean out of all his girls why would he hire someone to spy on you?” Sharon said which made Zodwa feel relieved as she saw that Sharon had a point.

“Hey girls I’m back!” Yolanda greeted from the door.

“Oh hey, are you not spending a night with Sphiwe tonight?” Sharon asked.

“No! Actually he said he has to go visit his grandmother because she’s sick. But he made it up for me by taking me to the Charles restaurant!” Yolanda said.

“Oh what a coincidence, Mthoko and I were in that very same restaurant!” Zodwa exclaimed.

“Oh really, but why didn’t I see you?” Yolanda asked shocked.

“Come on, that restaurant is big and besides that place was very full today!” Zodwa replied.

“Oh ja that’s true! We almost didn’t get a seat. We were so lucky that Mr. Jackson, who booked seat 14, couldn’t show up as he had a meeting to attend,” Yolanda said and went straight to her room.

After a while when the girls were just sitting around the room, Yolanda got a call.

“Yolanda quick, your phone is ringing!” Zenande shouted from the livingroom.

“Hellow!” Yolanda answered the phone.

Sawbona mntanam, kunjani eGoli?”

“Oh hey mother it’s you! It has been a long time that I haven’t heard from you! Anyways, Joburg is fine, how are you?” Yolanda replied excitedly.

“Ngiyabona ukuthi kuhle impela, usuze ukhuluma nesilungu sodwa,” Yolanda’s mother joked.

“Uhm no mom it’s not like that, it’s just that I’m training myself. They say the only way to learn a language is by speaking it,” Yolanda replied laughing too.

“I’m glad everything is going fine there. I’ve called to tell you that your father lost his job. He was accused of stealing money he does not know about. So I’d appreciate it if you don’t do anything silly there, but stick to your studies. Because if your bursary doesn’t get extended then we won’t have money to pay for your studies. Our house might also be taken away due to your father’s many debts which he can no longer be able to pay. Bye my child I’m out of airtime!” Yolanda’s mother said and dropped the phone.

Yolanda was left shocked, sad and deep in thought. She stood still and didn’t move for a long while. These were bad news, very bad news. She had a lot to think about. Finally she went to bed to rest.

***

Tell us: What do you think will happen next?