I tell Lindela the whole story on the way from the cop station. He shakes his head. “It must be because of Mom.”

“Mom?”

“Maybe, you’ve been trying to replace her, in a way.”

“Hey?”

“With Anela.”

I shrug, “Maybe.” I still don’t understand myself, but despite all the trouble, I feel proud of myself. I followed through with something big. I pulled it off, too.

We’re at home, watching sport on TV. Hashim Amla hits a six. The crowd cheers so loudly, we don’t hear the door. Sunlight streams onto the TV screen. Anela stands in the doorway with the sun pouring in, making her seem – well, heavenly.

“I’m sorry, Mzi.” Her face crumples, but she stands straight. “I’m sorry.” She waits behind the threshold like it’s a wall. She has words that she must say. “I’m so sorry I didn’t trust you.”

Lindela slips out of the room.

“I just felt scared after that pig ….” She fights not to cry. “I felt like every man wanted to steal something from me …”

I point at Lindela’s chair. “Come and sit.” But she walks in and sits down right next to me. She says,

“I don’t know what came over me.”

“Hey, I understand. You were traumatised.”

“And you were only trying to make everything better.”

I shrug. “I couldn’t give you what he took. So I thought I’d give you something else …”

“My music.” Tears touch her eyes, but her excitement breaks through. “Thank you.” The old Anela shows in her ecstatic smile. “It still feels like an unbelievable dream.”

I nod. “Mr Kekana asked if you were my brother. I said no, but you’re just as close. He said … He said that you must love me very much.”

I wait, silent and proud.

She says, “That’s when I started to think about how wonderful you are. How funny and how loving, but respectful, you know? And you’re the one I come to for … everything.”

I joke to hide my shyness. “So you’ll still remember me when you’re famous?”

“Remember you? You made me!” Her big eyes meet mine. “Mzingisi, you’re the best.”

I get a lump in my throat. That’s good enough. Everything seems worth it, just to hear those words. She says, “I mean, really the best.” Anela’s leg touches mine. I move my leg carefully away. I don’t want her to think I’m preying on her while she’s still so fragile. I say with absolute sincerity, “I believe in you, girl.” A sudden look of surprise comes over her face.

“I suppose that means…”

“What?” Her surprise turns into some kind of alarm.

“That means… I think…”

“What?” I ask.

“Mzi…”

“Ewe.”

“I think I love you.”

I shake my head to clear my ears. “What?”

“I love you.”

Disbelief makes me stupid. “You mean, like a brother?” She shakes her head slowly.

“No.” There’s something frightened in her eyes. It’s her fear that convinces me she’s speaking the truth.

A grin leaps to my lips. I can’t seem to stop it or toss it. I could act cool for the rapists and robbers in the cop cell, but I can’t seem to act cool for Anela. Her hand comes out slowly. It slides onto my thigh. It rests there, looking perfect and right. I cover it gently with mine. “You’ll be okay,” I say, my joyful grin still hijacking my face. “Take if from me, Anela. Love makes you brave.” As I say the words, they feel as strong and true as one of Anela’s songs.

***

Tell us what you think: Do you think Mzi and Anela will have a good relationship? Why?