Nokubonga is going back to Durban today.
“Safe journey, my child,” says MaDladla.
“Stay well, Ma. I’ll visit you with Sphindile in two weeks,” says Nokubonga.
“Pass my regards to her.”
Nokubonga looks out for her friend, Hleziphi, on the way to the taxi stop. She finds Hleziphi hanging clothes on the washing line.
“Nokubonga! When did you arrive?”
“On Friday. I’ve just been tired. I slept the whole weekend.”
“So, how did it go in Jozi?”
She tells Hleziphi the whole story.
“Shame, Nokubonga. I’m so sorry.”
“It was all for the best. I’ve found work in Durban. And I have met someone very special.”
“Wow! Already?”
“Love is instant when it is real, my friend.”
“Tell me all about him.”
“Her name is Sphindile.”
“Sphindile? But isn’t that a woman’s name?”
“Yes. Sphindile is a woman and we are in love.”
“You must be joking! You are in love with another woman?”
“We just fell in love. It was just instant. I loved her the first time I saw her.”
“Well I’m happy for you if you are happy, my friend.”
“Thank you for saying those words. Mama told me the same thing.”
“Well, what did you expect? If people really love you, they want you to find love and happiness.”
Nokubonga can’t wait to get back to their flat in Mayville and see Sphindile. She hurries through the streets and unlocks the door. She finds rose petals scattered on the tiles in their flat. There is a picnic-style setting on the floor of the lounge with their mattress dead centre. A duvet plays the part of the picnic blanket. Sphindile lights two candles. Nokubonga realises that this is a candlelit dinner. Dolly Parton’s ‘I’ll Always Love You’ is on low volume in the background.
“Please take a seat, my love,” says Sphindile. She pours champagne into two glasses.
“This is so beautiful, Sphindile!” says Nokubonga. She takes the glass of champagne Sphindile offers, and sips.
They eat grilled chicken and vegetables, and wash it down with more champagne. They laugh when they tell each other how their parents reacted when they came out as lesbian to them.
“You can never underestimate the love of family,” says Nokubonga.
“You can say that again. We are lucky to have people who genuinely love us. Many people like us don’t have what we have. I love you, Nokubonga.”
“I am thankful every day for taking the journey to Jozi. I’m thankful I met you, my love.”
“Thank you for loving me unconditionally. I was sure I was never going to find love again.”
“I’ll love you until the day I die,” says Nokubonga.
“And if there is life beyond the grave, I’ll look for you in that life, find you and love you more,” says Sphindile.
They take final sips of champagne. They cuddle, kiss and go under the duvet.
***
Tell us: Nokubonga and Sphindile are lucky that their parents accept their relationship, but unfortunately, this is rare. What is difficult about ‘coming out’?
