After a few minutes Lindani left and I called Thobani just to confirm the date. It rang a couple of times, but he didn’t bother to answer as usual. Since we met online I had never heard his voice, he didn’t answer or even send voice notes. Maybe he didn’t like his voice? Then I decided to send him a message just to make sure everything went perfectly.

Are we still on for tonight?

He replied so quickly

I can’t wait to see you sweetie.

My heart was beating so fast but I told myself not to panic.

“I have to be myself,” I said out loud.

I went downstairs to talk to Nothile, my younger sister.

“Nono, when mama gets here please tell her I went to study with Minenhle,” I said.

“I am not a fool Lilitha. I know you are going on a date,” she said.

“Fine, but do you have to be so bitter about it?”

“You need to pay.”

“How much?”

“R50.”

“What? I need that money to go to the date.”

“Fine, but you owe me.”

“Just do as I said.”

Nothile and I were staying with our mom. Mom was raising us on her own. She told me that my father had died when my younger sister Nothile was two years old. Mom made sure that we had everything we wanted, she didn’t want us to struggle. She was a domestic worker for a white family in Balito. I didn’t want to disappoint her in any way so I had to make sure Nothile covered for me this afternoon.

I went upstairs, took a bath and I dressed up. I decided to request an Uber to the restaurant. I phoned Lindani to ask for advice but his phone went to voicemail. I arrived at the restaurant and I was nervous. I thought I would find him there. I sat down and studied the menu so that I’d know what to order. A waiter came and told me that my date said he was running late.

Is he still coming? I thought to myself. I ordered a glass of water to stay calm.

Not too long ago I was so excited for this date but the guy made a fool of me, he didn’t come, he didn’t even apologise for not showing up. I thought he saw me first as I came early and he didn’t like me. I gave up on finding love and having fun but my friend Lindani kept insisting I give this guy a chance.

There was something about Lindani that made me believe that this date could work out. Then I started panicking again. What if he doesn’t come? I wondered.

My phone vibrated. It was Thobani, he told me he was outside. I quickly took out my pocket mirror and checked my makeup. When I looked up I saw Lindani coming towards my table.

Tell us: What do you think Lindani was doing at the restaurant?