Tebogo was walking down the street, listening to the music on his phone and planning the easiest way of telling Morongwa about Dimakatjo and the mix up. One that wouldn’t drive her away when she realised that he wasn’t the guy who helped her deal with the loss of her parents. Or the one who made her laugh all those times.

Suddenly, someone pushed him from behind. He staggered forward and his phone fell on the tarred road. He swivelled around, ready to attack.

“You think you’re clever now, ne?”

Tebogo felt anger choking him when he saw his attacker. “Sharp, sharp o nyaka eng wena motho towe (What do you want from me)?”

“Just stay away from that new girl. That’s all I want,” Stone snorted, standing with clenched fists. He was right in front of Tebogo, so close that Tebogo felt his breath on his face.

Tebogo laughed, gathering all his courage. “I don’t believe this you know. Tell me, Stone, just tell me how that is possible. How can I possibly stay away from my girlfriend? Mmm? Tell me!”

Stone’s eyes narrowed. He was fuming. “Your what? O a gafa (You’re mad)! She is not your girlfriend. She can’t be anybody’s girlfriend in White River High before she is mine. That’s how things are here – everybody knows that. I taste the beautiful ones first. I won’t let a rat like you get in my way. Never!”

“Look here, Stone. I’ve no time for this. I have to be somewhere important. My girlfriend is waiting for me,” Tebogo retorted, picking up his phone and walking away.

“You’ll regret this, boy!” Stone shouted. “One day I’ll teach you a lesson. No-one takes my girl and gets away with it.”

Tebogo ignored Stone’s insults. He wondered why Stone always called him a rat. Did Stone think he was as weak as a rat? Tebogo asked himself. One day he will know that I’m not as weak as he thinks. For Morongwa I’ll do anything.

Tebogo tapped on her door, his heart racing. He heard the sound of the TV playing inside. Then the door opened and Morongwa welcomed him with a bright smile. She was looking beautiful in her red, cropped blouse and a red mini skirt.

Tebogo stole a look at Morongwa’s thighs as she strolled towards the sofa. She patted the sofa next to her, indicating for him to sit down. He couldn’t believe his luck.

“Can I give you food?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Thanks for coming.”

Tebogo nodded, grinning. He held her hand gently. “You look beautiful, babe. Just like your name. An angel.” He meanwhile wondered about all the secrets she had shared with Dimakatjo. She thought she knew him so well, when in fact she knew nothing about him, and him almost nothing about her.

Morongwa smiled, saying, “Thank you.” She paused for a moment then stood up. “Just wait for me. I’m coming.”

“OK!”

Tebogo watched as Morongwa disappeared into the kitchen. He couldn’t believe that she was his girlfriend. When he first saw her, all that he wished for was just to touch her hand, but here he was, in a house with her, alone. And all because of Dimakatjo.

“Here,” Morongwa said and gave him a bowl full of a fruit salad, mixed with yoghurt. “I know your favourite.”

She stretched out on the couch; their legs touched.

“Thank you, babe,” Tebogo mumbled, his blood racing. He fed Morongwa a spoonful of salad and ate one himself. “Let me remove this,” he said, and gently licked some yoghurt off her delicate lips.

They continued sharing the food, Tebogo feeding Morongwa. When they finished eating, Morongwa stood up. Tebogo grabbed her arm as she was about to go to the kitchen. She swivelled around and faced him, silently, her lips parted. Then they kissed. They were soon lost in the kiss, and Tebogo’s hands crept under her top.

“Tebogo,” she mumbled, pushing him away, gently. “Stop.”

“I’m sorry, babe. I just couldn’t stop myself,” he said with a shy smile.

“I didn’t take you for that kind of guy,” she teased. Morongwa then looked at the wall clock. It was ten minutes after four. “It’s just that my auntie will be back soon.”

“Oh!” He stood up, quickly. “I must leave then. You can WhatsApp me. There is no need to use that dating website anymore. I have your number, and you have mine, mos,” Tebogo said, his hands round Morongwa’s waist. He kissed her gently on the lips.

“Yes. In fact, I think I should cancel my subscription with them. I found what I want, anyway.”

“Yes!” Tebogo agreed, quickly. “I’ll do that too.”

***

Tell us: Do you blame Tebogo for failing to tell Morongwa the truth? Is he getting too involved with Morongwa too quickly? Why or why not?