The plan excited Lesedi so much. Even more so because it was so simple. She found herself humming in the kitchen as she was making herself something to eat. Hockey practice had made her hungry.

“Someone is happy today,” her father said as he walked in to get himself a glass of water.

“Let’s just say it all gets better with time,” Lesedi sang – a line from her favourite song, Better in time, by Leona Lewis. It was the song that had helped her to deal with her mother’s passing and many other challenges in her life.

Her father drank his water and laughed. He knew the effect this song had on his daughter. “My offer hasn’t changed. Even if you want to talk about boys, I’ll always be here,” he said as he left the kitchen.

Lesedi smiled. How she loved her father. She was so happy to think that he was there for her – even for the difficult stuff that made him feel super uncomfortable. Like talking about boys … Don’t worry, Dad, she thought. I think I’ve got this one sorted out!

Lesedi finished her sandwich and went to study. She covered all the things that she hadn’t yet done as per the scope Mr Mooki had given them, and did all her homework.

Good grades will help me if I want this plan executed well, she thought as she got ready to shower before supper.

“Supper is ready!” Aunt Mary shouted from the kitchen. And Lesedi was hungry, almost as if she hadn’t eaten when she got back. It must be the excitement, she thought.

Aunt Mary had cooked rice, chicken and veggies and, unlike last night, Lesedi was the first to finish. She stood at the sink, washing the dishes. She couldn’t wait for tomorrow, to discuss the plan and also make it known to the two boys who were asking her out.

Her father walked into the kitchen again and, as before in the afternoon, he found Lesedi humming as she was storing the left-over food in a Tupperware.

“Only a boy can make you feel this excited,” her father said.

“Two boys,” Lesedi said without thinking, then “Dad, no!” she rushed to explain. “That’s not what I meant. Well, yes, there are two boys, but I’m not dating either of them. Eish, Dad I don’t know how to explain this,” Lesedi gabbled in a panic. She didn’t want her father to think she was a serial cheater at such a young age! Her thoughts spun crazily on until her father spoke calmly to her.

“Well, if you don’t mind, we can talk,” her father said. “Take it from the top.”

Lesedi wondered how he managed to keep calm. Being a political analyst must help, she thought. He needs skills like this.

“OK, Dad,” she said, avoiding eye contact with her father. He made himself comfortable at their breakfast table.

“Two boys are asking me out and I don’t know which one to choose. Thing is they are both good people in their respective ways.” She paused, waiting for her father to say something.

He just gave a nod, signing for her to continue.

“Tshepo, the exciting guy. He’s fun and he’s popular. Themba is the humble, sweet guy. He is a total gentleman,” she continued.

Before her father could say anything, she remembered something else. “Dad, Mom told me that she knew that you were her soul mate. How does one know these things?” Lesedi asked.

Her father could hear her innocence in the question.

“Two boys! You are hot property, neh?” Her father had to tease her a little while he gathered his thoughts. He wasn’t sure how to deal with this matter. He’d always known this day would come, and here it was, sneaking in like a thief in the night. Now, he just had to address it. After Lesedi’s giggles from the joke died down, he cleared his throat and started to speak.

“Sedi, choosing which boy to date could be equated to choosing which party to vote for. You must check: How does this party benefit you and how do you benefit it? How do you and the party complement each other?” Her father paused, seeing the confused look on his daughter’s face.

“Political party?” Lesedi asked.

“A political party is …” her father began, then stopped again when he realised that it was not a question.

“OK, OK. I get it. That was a poor comparison. What I mean is, choosing the boy you want to date will be determined by which boy has more things in common with you, which one you feel more comfortable around. And,” her father glanced at her and smiled, “which one gives you butterflies. You know Princess, these things are not so complicated; you will just feel it. When the right boy looks you in the eyes and says your name, you will feel it. Just put yourself in a position to feel. Let go and let love.”

Her father let out a sigh of relief. At least I’m done with the talk, he thought. Now all I have to do to is wait for the heart break. I hope that never comes.

“Dad, thanks,” Lesedi said. “It must have been hard for you giving me ‘the talk’. I have a plan, though, to find out which boy really likes me. I will let you know how it all comes together – when it’s done.” She planted a kiss on her father’s cheek.

“OK then, Miss Hot Property,” her father said. “You will let me know how it all goes. If any of them gives you a hard time, come to me. OK? And now I must get back to my study.” He hugged Lesedi briefly. “Everything will be fine, Princess.”

After the dishes Lesedi went to her room to study some more before checking Facebook.

KABO, YOU ARE THE MAN *SINGING*

That was Kitso’s status. She and Kabo could hardly stay mad at each other a day. They were like a married couple, if not worse. Sweet, Lesedi thought.

She went to bed, impatient for the sun to rise. ‘Mission High Score’ underway baby. She smiled at her thoughts.

***

Tell us what you think: What is Lesedi’s plan? Have you ever (whether you are male or female) confided in your father? If so, how did it feel?