“Well, it takes two to tango!” my useless boyfriend shouts.

“Don’t use that tone on me!” I shout back, pointing at him.

We are both very frustrated.

“Maybe you’re just late?” he says, pacing up and down his bedroom.

I roll my eyes. “I’m never late. Besides, here.” I give him the pregnancy test.

“Sometimes these things raise false alarms,” he says, taking the stick. “Two lines, is this pregnant or what?” he asked.

“Are you kidding me?” I throw the pillow at him.

“What?” he ducks, then throws the pillow back at me.

I hold my flat tummy, then look up at him “We’re not ready for a baby,” I say.

He nods, “No, we’re not. My father’s going to kill me!” he shouts, as he throws himself on the bed next to me.

“Where would we get the money for an abortion?” he asks me.

I look at him. “You’d better make a plan, Mondli Kubheka,” I say.

“Why me, Thembeka?” he asks.

“Are you that stupid? You’re the man. You put this baby inside me, now you’ll give me the money to get it out,” I say, trying hard to keep calm.

“Putting it inside of you didn’t need me to dangle cash,” he replies, smirking.

“Is that a smile I see on your face?” I push him.

He laughs, and for a moment, I laugh too. This is crazy!

“You’d better give me money to get rid of it by next week,” I say, after our wild and crazy laughter.

“I will make a plan,” he says, with a serious face.

I laugh.

“What is it?” he asks, frowning.

“You’re a Grade 9 learner. 15 years of age. How the hell are you going to come up with R3000 for my legal and safe abortion?” I ask, choking with laughter.

“You’re also a Grade 9 learner. Grade 9 and pregnant,” he retorts, laughing.

We both giggle, loudly.

“I have a plan,” he says, seriously.

“Yes?”

“I get R50 every day for school, right? I’ll save up,” he laughs.

I laugh too. “You’re crazy. We need a better plan,” I say.

“OK, I don’t know then.” He smiles at me.

We kiss. We touch and he’s on top of me.

“We’re here today because of you getting on top of me,” I laugh.

“You’re already pregnant, what’s the worst that can happen?” he laughs.

“You can make me pregnant again and I give birth to twins,” I giggle, and kiss him.

“Then let’s see if that’s possible,” he kisses me.

We kiss, then I push him off of me.

“What?” he asks.

“Make a plan, Mondli.” I walk out, leaving him on his bed.

***

Tell us: Do you think they are ready to be parents?