I don’t stare at Jason because he is now also watching me. I could feel that he keeps looking at me while we study as a whole class.

Prosper likes causing disturbances, he goes to the front. “Guys, someone here is a virgin and they are in love,” he says loudly and the class giggles.

There is noise now. I look at Prosper angrily, he mustn’t speak about my crush. I look at Jason and he looks at me again. Angeline comes and sits next to me.

“Hazzy is in love with the new boy,” Posper says loudly and the class laughs, everyone except for myself and Angeline.

We stare at him and Jason looks at me again. I feel so embarrassed. I want the bell to ring so that I can rush home. Angeline puts her hands on my shoulder. I want to cry. I take my bag and leave and Angeline comes running after me. Suddenly the bell rings and it is time to go home.

“Sorry, my friend that this is so embarrassing, but talk to Jason,” she whispers.

“How can I, after this embarrassment?” I hiss.

“Talk or write a letter,” she says.

I am not at peace as I wait for Angeline to fetch her bag and we go home together. I see Jason being picked by a very expensive car. Jason’s parents must be rich. Angeline comes and stands beside me while I watch Jason’s parent’s car drive away.

“Girls don’t ask boys out,” I say while we walk home.

“Things are changing, dear. Women are even paying lobola for the man,” Angeline says and chuckles.

We laugh and even talk about how the man will behave after such an ordeal. I smile a bit. We say goodbye when I reach home. I stay near the corner and she stays a few houses down from me.

I see my mom and brother inside. I greet them and go straight to my bedroom. I change out of my uniform and take my books to begin my homework. I want to think more of Jason my crush but I must get my homework done first.

“Hazzy dinner is ready,” my mom calls out.

I have already finished my homework so I go to the dining room. I greet my father who is exhausted from work.

“Help me set the table, Hazzy,” Mom says.

I put out all the plates and glasses. Then Mom puts the food in casserole dishes. We eat in peace, no one talks. My father says its bad manners to talk while eating.

After dinner I help my mom clean the dishes and go to sleep. My mind is back at it, thinking about Jason’s body and his voice. I have never been in love before. Why is he different from other boys in my class? I fantasies about how our love could be like.

Before I could fall asleep, I am bothered by a message on my phone from Angeline.

Write a letter girl or talk to him tomorrow. Do not mind Prosper, he is a jealous freak.

It is true that Prosper is a big freak. I take my note pad and a pen from my bag. I sit by the bed thinking about what I should write. Would he notice me after Prosper’s doings? Let me get this over and done with, I decide.

***

Tell us what you think: Do you think Jason will feel the same?