It’s lunchtime and she stands next to my class. I give her a hug as soon as I reach her, and she clings onto me.
“Are you OK?” she asks.
“I am now.” I nod, and take my hand in hers. Somehow, this gets us attention from my friends. They give me looks.
She buys me lunch, and we find a tree with shade to sit under.
“So, the girl who made you write sad poetry…” she asks me.
“The one who broke my heart?” I laugh sadly.
“It seems like there’s more to you than meets the eye.” She holds my hand.
“She was beautiful, we loved each other. We never fell out of love, we just hurt each other so much,” I say.
“Where is she now?” she asks.
“I don’t know. Maybe it wasn’t really love. I mean at the age of 14, who really knows,” I shrug, staring at the can of Coke in my hands.
“You love her. I can see in the way you talk about her,” she says, brushing my hand.
“I don’t know. I mean, if it was love, then why do I feel something for someone else?” I ask, looking into her eyes.
She stares at me.
“I’m sorry.” I look down, “I didn’t mean to ambush you with my feelings.” I continue.
“No, it’s fine, it’s fine.” She takes my hand again.
We look at each other. I put my hand on the back of her head, pulling her to me, and give her a soft and lingering kiss. Her hands touch my face, and I immediately fall for her. She pulls back with a smile.
“You’ll get me beat up,” she laughs, nervously.
“By who?” I kiss her cheek.
“Your girlfriend,” she says.
I shake my head and stand up, still holding her hand.
“Where are we going?” she asks.
“Come with me.” I smile, and she follows my lead.
We get to my friends, and they look at us.
“Where do you two come from?” they ask.
“And isn’t this the girl who ‘hates’ you?” Mduduzi smiles.
“Hate is a strong word!” Noluthando giggles, shyly.
“This is Noluthando, guys.” I smile at her.
“And? What are you and Noluthando doing?” Sbu winks.
“And where do you come from?” Mduduzi gives me a naughty look.
“Noluthando is my girl.” I announce. Their faces light up with their eyes opened, even Noluthando looks like she just saw a ghost.
“Your girl?” the three of them say in unison.
“My girl!” I nod. My friends smile at me and I know what they’re thinking.
I walk her to her class.
“What about your girl?” she asks.
“You’re my girl now, so, what about you?” I smile.
“The other one,” she looks at me in the face.
“There’s no other girl. It’s just you, baby. Trust me!” I kiss her lips again. And walk back to my class.
“So, you’ve added one more girl to your list?” Mduduzi asks, as soon as I’m in class.
“No more list. From now on, it’s her and only her.” I blush, thinking about Noluthando.
“Are you for real?” Sbu asks.
“Man, I’ve never seen you like this!” Mduduzi shouts, putting his palm on my forehead. “Are you sick?”
“I’m not!” I laugh.
“You’re in love?” Mduduzi asks.
“I’m in love with the Ice Princess. I’ve finally melted that icy heart.” I let out a soft giggle.
“To think she hated you…” Sbu laughs.
“I don’t think Noluthando ever hated you, she was just crushing on you, but she hid all that behind the ‘I hate her’ speech.” Mduduzi says.
“You’re right, she never hated me.” I nod.
***
Tell us: What are your overall thoughts about this story?