It was Valentine’s Day, a day when the kids were allowed to come to school dressed in red and white. There was also going to be a mini talent show later on in the afternoon. The contestants stood a chance of walking away with R100 and a small, shiny trophy. No one was more thrilled about this than Mashobane, especially since he planned on showing-off his wonderful singing voice.
From the day he decided to enter, he could not think about anything else. He spent days and nights practising two of his favourite songs. Unfortunately for him, the rules stated that he was allowed to only perform one song. Even on the day of the talent show, his mind was still not made up about which song he would choose.
During the last period, some of the teachers gathered outside the entrance of the school hall. They diligently sold tickets to the kids for the talent show. Mashobane was already standing impatiently in the queue with his friend, Luvuyo. Luvuyo was not going to participate in the show, but he was there to support him. They were still talking cheerfully, when Noxolo walked past them.
Mashobane liked Noxolo quite a lot and he just did not know how to handle these strong emotions. She was not in the same class with him, but he would occasionally see her playing with her friends during break time.
“Mholo Mashobane,” she greeted him with a smile.
“Hi… Noxolo,” he responded shyly.
“Are you going to be singing for us today?” She asked, still smiling.
“Yes – I am… And you?” He asked, looking away.
“No, I am not as good as you,” she giggled.
“Thank you… Eer…” he stuttered.
“No matter what you sing, it will be just beautiful,” she said blushing.
This was the first time that they had had an actual conversation. Mashobane was beyond ecstatic, more so because he was not aware that she even knew his name.
“My friends are already waiting for me inside the hall. Good luck! I can’t wait to hear you sing,” she said and ran towards the entrance.
“Eer… Yes, yes. Thank you. Bye,” he responded timidly.
It was at that moment when Mashobane knew which song to choose. He spontaneously decided to dedicate it to Noxolo. He was so over the moon that he wanted to jump the entire queue and get on with the show.
The show was being hosted by the principal. He wore a bright, red suit and white pointy shoes. He could see the nerves on the contestants’ faces, so he made several jokes to calm them down. Mashobane’s name was announced and it was finally his turn to grace the stage.
He stood in front of the entire school and marvelled at how the teachers and kids blended so beautifully together in red and white. He was not intimidated at all, since he was used to singing in front of a huge audience. He carefully looked for Noxolo in the crowd. Once he spotted her, he smiled broadly and began.
Ondibuzayo ndithanda bani.
Ndaku mxelela ndithanda yena.
Ondibuzayo ndithanda bani.
Ndaku mxelela ndithanda yena.
He felt this surge of emotions again. He could no longer stand still. He moved from side-to-side, while he waved his hands in the air. His voice engulfed the entire hall and the audience was simply hypnotised. They had heard him sing before but this time, it was simply extraordinary. None of that mattered to him, his eyes were only glued on Noxolo.
***
Tell us: Do you think Noxolo feels the same way?