In eighth grade, Nothemba was introduced to dating. All her friends had started. She had a crush on this boy who also happened to like her; he was in high school though. She always had dreams about him. He didn’t live far from her house, in fact his family were family friends. This was a weird feeling, but it was nice.

The day he proposed to her was like a dream, she couldn’t believe it. They started dating immediately. She had never felt like with anyone and for anyone before. When he kissed her she felt like she was floating. She felt like she was outside her body but inside it. It felt so strange and so wonderful.

They dated for almost a month and he left. He had to go live somewhere else. Her heart was broken, but now that she thought back, it really wasn’t. Even though within such a short space of time he had cheated on her twice, she had forgiven him. There were times he would beg her for sex, many girls were already doing it. Yes she grew up in this generation, if you have a boy you’d better give it to him to make sure he stays.

She had thought of doing it so many times, maybe she would have if he didn’t leave too soon. Her mum had brought her this phone and she downloaded Mxit. Mxit was very popular then. Many of her friends already had this Mxit App. It was so much fun. Meeting boys who showed interest on her. She met this one boy; he was a rugby player, really hot and really handsome. She liked her guys hot and spicy hot.

He proposed to her so many times before she said yes.

She remembers the first time she met him and she remembers their first kiss too. He wasn’t a good kisser but she didn’t care because his looks made up for it, the kiss was rather sloppy wet. His body was muscular and strong and his chest was stronger. His lips were light pink and soft. His eyes looked like he was drowsy. He was the one, she had thought to herself.

They argued a lot though, like a real lot. On and off break ups but they always got back together in the end. She was in love with him. She was sure. Thinking back, this was five years ago. She was with someone else now. Time flies.

Luthando, I want to speak to you.

She typed on Mxit.

What is it, why don’t you want to see me? What did I do to you?

The last time she saw him was three months ago. She had been ignoring his calls.

We need to talk

When?

Now

She said that because she knew she didn’t want to tell him face to face.

Ok, what is it?

I missed my periods, it’s been 3 months now.

What are u saying, Nothemba?

Luthando I’m scared, I think I’m pregnant

He didn’t reply. She could see he was online and the text had been read. His reply text came a few minutes later.

I don’t know Nothemba, my friends tell me you’ve been seeing someone else

Are you saying I have been sleeping around?

That’s not what I’m saying

Then what are you saying

I don’t know

And he logged out.

That was pretty much it. Now she was alone. She was sitting on her bed rubbing this belly that possibly could be carrying someone. Luthando was in college now and she would be at varsity soon, that was the plan. She thought of how people would react to this, her teachers who saw so much potential in her, family, her best friend and just friends at school. She couldn’t bear the thoughts.

She knelt down and prayed to God.

“God please take this away, I was stupid and I was in love. I have learned my lesson. If you take this away I promise to worship your name and praise you. I will abstain and never come into contact with any male,” she finished her prayer, almost teary. Just a few months ago she was just a free, stupid girl.

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Tell us what you think: How do you feel about Luthando’s reaction?