“It’s fine, Thabiso. You’re always busy,” I say to my boyfriend, as we’re on a phone call.

“It’s not like that, Nonhle,” he explains.

“Don’t explain. It’s OK. I understand.” I hang up and throw the phone on my bed.

I stare at the mirror. Tell me why I’m with that guy? Most guys would kill to have me. I grab my handbag and walk to the shop. I bump into this girl, she’s wearing a beautiful red dress and has her braids done in a ponytail.

“Sorry!” I say quickly, helping her pick up the fruits she dropped.

“It’s OK,” she says, holding my hand.

“It’s not. Let me buy you new ones,” I tell her.

“It’s fine. I’m full anyway,” she laughs, slowly. Her lips stretch as she smiles, and her white teeth show. The red lipstick she has on compliments the colour of her skin.

“No, I insist,” I say, taking out my purse.

She nods, and we walk to the fruit store. I buy her two bananas and plums.

“Thanks. I’m Lesego,” she says.

“Nonhle,” I say, extending my hand. She looks at it and laughs.

“Young people don’t shake hands, unless it’s really necessary,” she tells me.

I suddenly feel shy and take my hand back. “Care to join me?” I ask, shrugging.

She shrugs too. “I’m bored anyway,” she says, and we walk to my flat.

“So, are you new around here?” I ask her.

“I moved here a few days ago actually, I work at the library,” she tells me.

I nod, and we keep walking in silence.

“You?” she asks me.

“I work at the shoe shop,” I smile. Trust me, I love my job.

Now it’s her turn to nod.

We sit and laugh, like old friends. I’m now her guinea pig, she puts makeup on me. We like the same makeup brand. In a strange turn of events, we stare at each other. Her brown eyes are beautiful and warm, and there’s a twinkle in her eye as she looks at me. For that moment alone, I feel like I want to kiss her.

She stands up. “I need to go,” she tells me, “49.”

“What?” I ask her.

“Room 49. Second floor,” she laughs.

I nod, “OK.”

I don’t know whether to hug her or not, so I just give her an awkward hug.

She smells of lemon hair gel, and perfume.

“OK then.” She walks out.

***

Tell us: Do you think Nonhle likes Lesego?