Pastor Sithole always make it clear before church that when you enter the church you have to clear your mind.

Thandi tried to but found that she couldn’t. Her mind kept on going back to that boy who she really liked. I mean, she REALLY liked him, ever since she had moved to Parkview.

She had been against the idea of moving to Parkview because it meant starting all over again… But then she met Bongi: the boy next door. She then started to like her new home.

It’s amazing what a difference a simple smile makes, she thought. I wonder if he feels the same… I don’t want to walk up to him and say ‘Hey, Bongi, I love you’. Because he’d probably just say, ‘Er, hey Thandi, that’s cool but I’ve already got a girlfriend.”

That would be so, so, so embarrassing and humiliating, Thandi thought.

She then started to think about a card that she got from an anonymous sender on the last day of school. It was nicely coloured, with hearts and all kinds of beautiful things. She’d found it in her book, addressed to her, but from a mystery sender.

The card read:

You have the most beautiful smile.
I want to spend forever with you.
You are the girl that is perfect for me.
Your secret admirer

Perhaps it was from Bongi, Thandi thought. But, then again, it could be from anyone. Maybe one day I’ll know who sent it, Thandi thought to herself.

After church Lillian walked up to Thandi, just as she was leaving the church yard. They greeted each other.

“I was wondering if you remember what Pastor Sithole said before the church service,” Lillian asked.

Thandi looked rather confused but then said: “Oh, yeah, sure I did remember…”

“You know, I saw you in church. Your whole body was there, but not your mind. Where did it go?” Lillian probed as they walked home.

“Uhm… err… I know it will sound stupid, but I think that I’m in love,” Thandi finally admitted.

“You serious girl?” Lillian asked.

“Yeah. But I’m scared that he may not feel the same way,” Thandi said.

“So, who is it?” Lillian asked.

“Bongi!” Thandi said.

“That cute one that lives next to you?”

“Yip, that’s the one!” Thandi said.

“It’s because the two of you are spending so much time together, girl,” Lillian said.

“I know,” Thandi responded.

“Listen, Thandi,” Lillian said, looking her straight in the eye, “you tell him how you feel. If he doesn’t feel the same way, at least you’ll know where you stand.”

“Ya, maybe you’re right,” Thandi said.

They stopped outside Thandi’s gate.

“You should tell him, Thandi,” Lillian said.

“I know… maybe tomorrow. Ya, well thanks for the chat, Lillian. See you at school tomorrow.”

“Bye, girlfriend, see you tomorrow,” Lillian shouted waving.