“I’m such a horrible person. She’s beautiful. Have you given them names?” Brian ( Luvuyo’s dad ) asked Luvuyo.

“I’ve named only the late one as ‘Angel’ because she’ll be our angel wherever she’s going. I haven’t named this one.” He replied.

“I’ll give myself the honor of naming her ‘Thand’alunamida’ (Love has no end.) because your love and her mom’s love will never end. She’s the product of your love.” Brian said.

“Thanks, dad.” Luvuyo side hugged his old man.

“How’s Amanda?” Brian asked looking concerned.

“Not coping at all. She completely broke down today. Doctors had to calm her down.” Luvuyo took a deep breath, thinking about what happened.

“I need to see her. I have to show my support and apologise for my wrong doings.” Luvuyo lightly nodded.

“I’ll ask her.” He said. Luvuyo walked towards the door to Amanda’s room.

“Hey, sorry for scaring you off, earlier on.” She looked at him as he entered.

“If you think I was scared off, then you guessed wrong. Um my dad wants to see you for a sec.” Luvuyo looked around.

“I guess he hates my guts. He won’t hurt me, right?” Amanda looked at him.

“Absolutely not. And no, he doesn’t hate you.” Luvuyo assured her.

She nodded and Luvuyo went out. Seconds later, his father got in.

“Hey, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know I might have wronged you in the past but I’d like us to move on. I admire the fact that you obeyed my command. It tells me a lot about you and your morals. I’m truly sorry for mistreating you, you didn’t deserve that. I gave myself the honour of naming my granddaughter ‘Thand’alunamida’. Luvuyo will interpret it for you later. Thank you for loving my son this much. It means a lot to me seeing him this happy.” Brian smiled.

“Thank you so much sir. I had forgiven you a long time ago. I also love the name. I promise to love your son till eternity.” Amanda smiled back. Brian nodded and got out. After a while Luvuyo got inside and they talked about random things. Even though it was clear that Amanda was still hurt but at least she tried to live a little for that moment.

It was on a Saturday, Lihle and Zoe were going to Angel’s funeral. It was going to be held in Luvuyo’s parents house.

“Mom, we’re going to be late.” Lihle called out to her mother who was locking the main door. They were wearing all black as a sign of mourning. They went to get inside the car Zoe had bought.

They arrived at the place and they were told to go and sit inside the lounge. Lihle went to stand on the patio. She met with Luvuyo who was looking down at the garden where people were preparing for the funeral.

“Someone’s growing up. It’s been a while. How are you?” He looked up.

“I’m fine bhut’Lu and how are you coping?” She asked concerned.

“I’m coping, hey. Come give me a hug.” They casually hugged.

“How’s Amanda?” Lihle asked.

Luvuyo sighed, heavily. Lihle nodded.

“She says she won’t attend the funeral and torture herself like that. I don’t know what to do Lihle. Maybe she thinks I’m not hurt. I don’t know but it’s hard being strong for two people.” He said looking down.

“That’s bad. This is taking its toll on her and she might need professional help. I can talk to her if you don’t mind.” Luvuyo nodded and they went upstairs.

Lihle knocked and got inside. Amanda was curled up in a ball on the bed. Lihle went to open the curtains without uttering a word and opened the windows. She went in the closet and took out an outfit for her. She went to the en suite bathroom and set the water into a right temperature. She had also took out her toiletry bag and put it on the basin in the bathroom. She then went to the bedroom and stood next to the bed.

“Wake up, sleepy head.” She annoyingly smiled. She stood up and went to stand next to the window watching the preparations.

“I can’t.” She said.

“I’ll hurt myself.” Tears streamed down her face.

“Come on big sis. Her soul won’t rest in peace. You’ve got to be strong for yourself, Avuya, Thando and Luvuyo. Do this for them and me of course.” Lihle smiled. Amanda nodded and went to the bathroom, dragging her heavy heart.

“It is painful to bury not Angel that we thought would be the one to bury their parents. The Lord does what he does for a purpose. We are gathered here today to say farewell to a young fellow, who was taken away from us so soon.” The Priest started the ceremony.

Amanda was sitting in between her mother and Lihle. She was literally shivering but tried gathering herself. The service went peacefully.

Amanda and Lihle were chilling in Amamda’s apartment.

“How is Thando doing?” Lihle asked.

“She’s growing up. Spitting image of her dad.” Amanda glowed. It was now 3 months after the burial of Angel. Luvuyo and Precious were officially divorced. Life was normalising. Lihle had done exceptionally well on her September exams. She was strictly preparing for the final trials. Amanda was healed after attending psychological sessions and had found herself again. She was officially dating with Luvuyo.

“Oh well I have to get going. Study time now. Kiss Thando for me.” Lihle went out and went to study at the library. After studying she went to meet with Akhona.

“My lollipop.” Lihle smiled kissing Akhona on the cheek.

“Awusembi (You’re so ugly), is it the matric pressure doing this to you?” Akhona teased.

“I know you love me like that.” Lihle smiled.

“Yeah right.” Akhona winked. They went to the park.

“Do you remember that 3 months ago I told about a girl who stole my heart. It’s safe to say that the girl is you. I tried to be friends with you. It has been 6 months now but well the heart wants who it wants.” Akhona spilled the beans.

Lihle looked at him without saying a word. She leaned towards him and Akhona met him halfway and they passionately kissed for a full minute. Lihle looked at him.

“I guess that tells you a lot.” Akhona smiled and nodded.

***

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