On Tuesday morning she waited for me on the same spot, we greeted and hugged and went to our classes. During break time, I tried calling Nondu as I used to when we were still together. There was no answer. I texted but still no response.
Bongi, Tina and Thembeka came to me before the end of break-time. I was in a very bad mood after trying Nondu and couldn’t find her. I told them they better come back another time.
Tina asked to see me after school, and I agreed. I was still not feeling well after school so I texted her to go home.
Later at home Bongi came to my room with my most favourite dish, the steamed bread with kidney beans and a hot cup of coffee. Everyone at home knew that was my favourite. I ate my food while Bongi was watching me.
“Thanks a lot for the food. But why you looking at me like that?” I said handing her the plate and cup.
She smiled, the way a worried person smiles after a relief or something.
“I’m just happy to see you eating proper food…” she exclaimed.
“I’m worried about you.”
I gave her a little smile assuring her it was going to pass.
“I’ll be fine; in no time.”
“So how are you actually feeling now? Do you think we can talk?” she put the dishes back on the bedside table and sat at the corner of the bed.
“About what?”
“Stuff… You, or my friend, or anything,” she shrugged.
“Look sis, I really appreciate that you want to help, but I’ll be fine. Why don’t we talk about you?”
“What do you wanna know about me?” she laughed.
“Why you hooking me up with these girls? I know it’s you.”
“When you told me about your break up with Nondu, I knew it will crush you. I thought having another girl might do the trick.”
“But Bongi, what if these girls are serious about love and I am not? I’m not ready to move on, it will break their hearts.”
“I will stop then. But you need someone to cover the space.” She got up and grabbed the dishes.
“I’m glad we had this conversation, good night.”
Wednesday was gloomy and cold. I came back home and slid under my blankets after school. I was on WhatsApp conversing with Tina.
I asked her why did she kiss me that evening.
Tina: No reason.
Me: Would you do it again?
Tina: Every chance I get.
Me: Tina why would you want to kiss someone for no reason? I rolled my eyes.
Tina: Are you not a man? You wouldn’t ask me that if you were.
Me: And what exactly that supposed to mean?
Tina: It simply means that I am in love with a blind person or he’s deliberately turning a blind eye to my feelings.
***
Tell us: What do you think the author should rather do about the situation he finds himself in?