Rhino checks the time as soon as they finish eating. It is just after five o’clock.

“Let’s get going, before you get in trouble with your parents.”

Rhino retrieves a Samsung Galaxy from his jacket. “You can use this phone to keep in touch.”

“Ha! What will I say when my father asks me about it?”

Londi snatches the phone from Rhino’s hand. “She will take it, uncle. Mary, you sleep alone, in your own bedroom. You can just tell uncle the right time to call.”

“And if my dad hears it?”

“You’ll say it is spare phone of mine that I loaned you, and I was calling.”

“What happens when you want it back?” Mary asks Rhino.

“I hardly use it. You can keep it if you want.”

“Nc, nc, nc, what a temptation. I’ll take it. Please don’t get me in trouble because my father will kill me.”

“I won’t. You just tell me the right time to call.”

“We will chat on WhatsApp.

“That’s also cool,” says Rhino.

Rhino and Mary look at each other in the rear view mirror the whole way. Rhino sends his love to the mirror, it reflects straight to Mary – and starts a fire. She no longer evades his glance. Mary and Londi get off at a corner before the complex.

Mary looks at Londi, her face a mixture of happiness and nervousness. “What are you getting me into, Londi?”

“Mary, it’s not like you two are in a serious relationship. He will just be someone to talk to, just to pass time. Its all fine,” says Londi. “I’m off, I’ll see you girl.” Mary watches her cross to the complex opposite theirs.

The security guard rushes to the main gate and opens it for Mary.

“How are you, Mary?” asks the guard. He looks around and pulls Mary by the arm towards the booth.

“Someone left a gift for you.”

“A gift? From who?”

“A man in a black car.” The guard goes to the booth and returns with the gift. “Here.”

She accepts it in confusion. She reads the card. Sweet words from Rhino are written there; that is why she smiles.

“Rhino was here? When?”

“Midday.”

“Did MaMgobhozi see him?”

“I don’t think so. Is he your boyfriend?”

“No, just someone who is after me. If I see him I’ll give it back. I don’t want a boyfriend!” Mary Jane acts annoyed, but is giddy inside. She runs home and throws herself on her bed and opens her gift.

Maye! Such expensive jewellery! Where will I say I got it from? No worries, I will hide it.”

She smells the roses. I will hide these under the bed, she decides and giggles alone to herself in the flat.

She is in happy wonderment, like a child still believing in magic. The spark of love becomes a flame.

“This man truly loves me. He is not pretending. But I have to see how he lives his life first, before giving him my love.”

***

Tell us: Is Rhino a ‘blesser’?