Girlfriend? She feels sick. Girlfriend? Did that night of passion mean nothing to him? She feels so confused and hurt. She feels like a sharp knife is piercing her heart.

“Girlfriend? You have a girlfriend?” says Mpho. “I can’t believe you lied to me.”

“I really don’t have time for your drama. Just tell me why you called.” He sounds impatient.

“Tony, I am pregnant. I was at the clinic this morning.”

“You’re what? I did not say I want a baby. This is not my child.” His voice rises.

“How could you say that? You know that we did not use protection. I was too inexperienced to ask,” says Mpho. “You said everything would be okay. I trusted you.”

“It clearly wasn’t okay!” he snaps. “Look here. You and I had just one night of fun together. You knew that. It was not meant to be anything serious. But it’s over. Please don’t call me again.” He cuts the call.

Mpho bursts into tears. How had she been so stupid as to trust him?

“Nana come and eat,” Basetsana calls her for supper from the kitchen.

“Mama, I am not hungry,” she calls back. Then she hears her father’s voice. She hurries out and finds him at the kitchen table.

“Hey daddy. What are you doing here?” She smiles but inside her heart is breaking.

“I am here to make things right. I’m starting with small steps … like having dinner with my family,” says Joe.

Mpho plays with her food, pushing it around the plate. She can’t eat. Joe looks at her, worried, but does not say a word.

“You don’t want to eat. What is wrong with you these days? You shut yourself away in your room. I know things have been tough, but you can talk to me.” Her mother is concerned.

“Mom, I wish I could tell you, but I am scared to,” says Mpho.

“My child, you know you can tell us anything,” her father reassures her.

“Don’t worry Daddy. I am just worried about my school work, that’s all,” she lies.

“Okay honey, but try to eat something.”

Supper feels a bit like old times but afterwards, her dad gets up to go.

“Honey, I have to,” he says, as he gives her a firm, warm hug and kisses her on the forehead.

“Bye Daddy. I always miss you,” she says, trying not to cry.

“Bye Angel. You are always in my heart.”

Joe waves goodbye.

***

Tell us: What do you think Mpho should do?