The following day was a Saturday. Tshego’s mother, Lerato, was with her daughter.

“So mommy, have you seen that boy Jaden?” Tshego asked.

“Yes?”

“Well, he wants to date me.”

Her mom laughed and told Tshego to stay away from coloureds. “They will bring nothing but trouble in your life.” She said.

Monday at school Jaden was waiting for Tshego but she was not there. He found her afterwards.

“Hey, why did you leave me behind?” he asked.

“I had to rush to class,”

“Oh, I see.”

As they were talking, Jaden moved closer to Tshego, making eye contact. She could smell his fresh minty breath and his cologne. She liked the smell of it.

“Think about what I’ve said, OK?” Jaden whispered in her ear.

Tshego couldn’t even say a single word, she just nodded. Her mind was playing tricks on her. Right then and there he kissed her forehead and she felt butterflies.

“Wait for me after school?” Jaden said.

Tshego nodded, dumbstruck. She wondered what he was up to. Was he trying to test her weaknesses or did he genuinely try to show affection?

“Tshego? Earth to Tshego?” Neo interrupted her thoughts.

“Yoh!” she shook her head, clearing it. “Sorry love, my head was elsewhere.”

“Someone is in love,” Neo said laughing.

Tshego blushed. Before she could say anything to deny her friend, the bell rang. They went to their classes for their first period.

During break, Jaden had plans.

“Bra, I’ll catch you later, I gotta meet up with Tshego,” he said to Itu.

They shook hands and then Jaden went to find Tshego. She was sitting with her friends.

“Hey guys,” Jaden greeted the girls and they greeted back with smiles.

“Do you mind if I…?”

“No not at all…” the chorused and got up and left the two of them alone.

“Are you OK?” Jaden asked.

“Yes, I am.”

“OK…”

Then there was an awkward silence. They both decided to break the ice.

“Can I ask you something?” they said at the same time. They both laughed.

“You first.” Jaden offered.

“Do you really love me?”

“Yes!” Jaden answered without hesitation.

“OK, now your turn.”

“Why do you hate me, Tshego?” he asked softly.

“I don’t hate you, I love you Jaden. I was shy to admit it.”

Jaden could feel his heart racing. He felt like dancing and shouting from the rooftops, but he kept his cool. He held her hand instead.

“Do you have any idea how happy you made me?” he said, still holding her hand.

Tshego looked down, blushing. She could feel Jaden’s eyes all over her. She looked up and smiled at Jaden who was biting his lip gently.

“Jay…”

“Shh…” Jaden pulled Tshego closer to him and leaned in for a kiss. The kiss was slow and romantic. Tshego finally pulled away.

“I love you, don’t forget that.” Jaden assured her.

Tshego nodded. At that moment the bell rang. Jaden kissed her forehead and then left. They met again after school and walked home together. They walked hand-in-hand and chatted about this and that. They walked up to a shop and got some ice cream. It was the perfect day for both of them.

***

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