I grew up as a very quiet and shy guy. My family was very strict. I used to see the sun when I was going to school or when I was sent to the shop during the weekends. I only had friends at school. But all that changed. Many people say I am very arrogant and full of myself. I think they might be right; I can be a bit arrogant when I want to. But I believe that I am a very nice and carrying guy. My name is Sira, allow me to share this story with you, grab a beverage.

“How long have you been dating this Zisanda girl?” asked my friend, Sbu.

“It’s been almost a year now.” I smiled as I was responding, feeling proud about myself. I haven’t been in a relationship that lasted that long. Many have only lasted for about two weeks to six months.

“Bro! You can’t be serious, and you have never slept with her?!” Sbu was very surprised. He was a player; he had about five girlfriends and other Mxit girls that he was meeting with on regular basis. “Sira, the maximum time is two weeks bro. If you date a girl for more than two weeks and you don’t sleep with her, forget bro she will dump you.”

“I am not like you bro, I respect women and besides, Zisanda is different from the girls you date.”

“Yeah right, keep telling yourself that. All the girls are the same trust me boy I know. If you don’t provide the services they will leave you. Never say I didn’t warn you.”

I thought about this for a moment. Could Sbu be right? Why should I take his advice, he is a player after all. Sbu was one of those guys that make women call us dogs.

“Bro, I covered my heart with a black plastic bag, I don’t have feelings for any girl I just provide service and move on.” That was his favourite slogan. And he was proud about it.

Before I went to bed that night I called my Zisa as usual. I was so in love and obsessed. I called her every night and in the mornings sometimes.

“Sleep well babe and always know that I love you so much.” I would say with a big smile on my face as if she was in front of me. It was always a pleasure to hear her voice.

“I love you too babe, you are the best.” My Zisa would respond. Man, I used to go to bed with a big smile. I would lay down in my bed and start thinking about our wedding day and having kids together.

“Are we still on for tomorrow babe?” I asked my babe. It was a Friday night.

“Yeah love, I can’t wait to see you.”

“Me too angel, sleep well then see you tomorrow.”

The next day was a beautiful Saturday morning. The sun was out; already shining bright. I was looking good, smelling fresh-wearing my black jeans, my favourite blue golf t-shirt and my black All Star, waiting for my Zisa at Cape Town train station. I watched her as she was walking towards me.

Man, she was so gorgeous as if she didn’t have sins. She was walking like an angel coming to take me to heaven. She was wearing black leggings and a white a vest. She had that Tera Perry structure. She was so beautiful, her smile made my heart smile. I was in love.

“Hey handsome.” She greeted while hugging me. Her perfume was intoxicating. I wished I could hug her forever and enjoy the smell.

“Hey sweetheart, how are you?”

“I’m good babe happy to see you.” I held her hand and her purse on my left hand after kissing her on the cheek. We took a walk to Waterfront. It was like I was in one of those romantic movies.

“So, future Mrs Mvula, how was your week?”

“Future Mrs Mvula?!” she repeated raising her eyebrows and giving me a “I don’t think so” look.

I was shocked and disappointed at her response but I didn’t want to spoil the day. So I pretended as if everything was still fine. I faked a laugh.

“OK, Miss Ntlapho how was your week?” I was no longer interested in her response. From that point onwards I was just pretending.

To my surprise we had great time.

“Wow babe, thank you very much for bringing me here, I have never been to the Waterfront in a while. I love you.” We kissed and… OK, we only kissed, nothing much happened.

Over the next couple of days and weeks she became very busy and seeing her became difficult.

“Eish bro, I haven’t seen Zisanda for the past two weeks. She has been giving me excuses.”

“I told you boy,” Sbu said laughing. “You don’t listen. When it comes to girls I’m a pro! It’s over ngwenya. She met guys who know what to do with their machine guns.”

“Let me call her bro and find out what’s going on.” I was worried.

The phone rang and her friend picked it up.

“Hey Sira, Zisa is busy, she can’t take your call.”

“Please tell her I’m not going to be long. I just want to ask her something.”

“You can’t read between the lines Sira ne? akasakufuni uZisa, she doesn’t want you.”

I felt like someone stabbed me with a hot knife, my throat was so painful I couldn’t even swallow my saliva.

“Huh?! Please give her the phone atsho ngokwakhe.” There was a moment of silence.

“Askies Sira, I didn’t know how to tell you. I have met someone else; it’s over between you and me.” She dropped the phone. I was shocked, my heart got heavier. If Sbu wasn’t around I would have cried.

***

What’s the best way to break up with someone? And what’s the worst?