The next day Tebogo tried very hard to concentrate in class. He didn’t want to annoy Mr Tau, after what happened yesterday at the soccer field. Finally, the siren wailed for long break. Tebogo stood up and headed towards Morongwa.

“Babes, I need to talk to you about something very important. Please … just listen to me and say nothing,” he begged her, looking at the learners who were shoving their way out of the classroom. He then turned to face the back, where Stone was sitting with his chin resting on his folded arms. Stone glared at him.

“No, Tebogo. Don’t tell me it is about Stone … again!” Morongwa said with a frown. She was packing her books into her schoolbag.

“No, it’s not. It’s about us,” Tebogo said, then paused. Stone had got up and was coming towards them, walking as if he owned the world.

“Well, well … Mr Liar is really shaking, today. Morongwa babe, this guy and his albino friend played you, badly. Hai! These guys are cruel indeed. I can’t believe they did this to a beautiful angel like you.” Stone paused, smiling as Dimakatjo entered the classroom. “Speak of the devil. The Lord of the Vampires himself has arrived.”

“What do you mean wena, Stone? How can Tebogo and Dimakatjo play me? I’ve never spoken to Dimakatjo before, mos? Well … except greeting him.”

“That’s what you think, babe. That’s what you think.”

“Shut up wena Stone!” Tebogo snapped. “Morongwa baby, don’t listen to him. Let me explain.”

“Explain? What do you want to explain?” She was frowing at him.

“Wena ga o tsebe (You don’t know), Morongwa,” Stone interrupted. “You don’t know. This albino is the one who started all this. He is the one you were chatting with on the internet all along. He gave you Tebogo’s picture because he was too ashamed of himself …”

“Shut up, Stone! Just shut up!” Tebogo yelled.

“Oh, the truth hurts, right? Well I can’t let you lie to her, boy. She’s going to be mine. Phela nna (Me) – I’m a gentleman. I treat women with respect,” Stone said, with a touch of pride.

Tebogo saw tears shining in Morongwa’s eyes. He knew all hell was about to break loose. Dimakatjo was frozen, not knowing what to say.

“Morongwa, babe … I was just about to tell you. Believe me.” Tebogo’s voice was shaking.

***

Tell us what you think: How is Morongwa going to react to this?