Mbali went out shopping later that day with Khwezi.

“So he must genuine hey?” asked Khwezi, when she saw the expensive clothes that Mbali was buying.

“I love him my friend. Love at first date! He is such a gentleman,” said Mbali, overwhelmed with excitement.

Mpho was one of a kind; it felt as though she had known him for years; he was so easy to love. Mbali could not stop talking about him.

Khwezi was now a little jealous because Mpho was, indeed, a catch. Some girls would be happy just to take a selfie with him, and post it on their social network accounts.

“So my friend, you don’t waste time. You mean you went to his flat on your first date? Girl, you don’t even know the guy!” Khwezi now cautioned, rolling her eyes mischievously.

“Well, tshomi if it was you, what would you have done? Don’t act as if you have never done something like this before,” retorted Mbali.

Khwezi noticed the brand new watch on Mbali’s wrist. “He bought you a new watch? Wow – you are one lucky girl sana!” The words came out painfully. She forced a smile. “I see. Kumnandi, kuswiti nekhala. (It must be so nice.)”

“I know Khwezi … it might look a bit hasty but I could not help myself. I already love the guy deeply,” said Mbali, smitten with puppy love, for a man she had only met a few days ago.

Mbali burbled on, now talking about the beautiful and expensive furniture in his small, splendid flat by the beach. “Yho, my friend that guy has style; I mean he has good taste in everything. And the furniture in his flat is top of the range, my dear. I was so impressed,” she boasted.

“But my friend, I think you should have got to know him a bit better before jumping into bed with him – on your first date!” said Khwezi.

But Mbali would not hear anything negative about her newly found Mr Right.

“I love him tshomi. What is there to wait for? Why deny my feelings when I have what I want right in front of me?”

“It is way too soon Mbali. That man could be married. He is way too old for you anyway.”

“What’s up Khwezi? Are you jealous now?”

“I am not jealous … I am just concerned,” said Khwezi

“Since when do you concern yourself with who I go out with?” Mbali could sense from Khwezi’s tone that there was some jealousy in her.

“And what about Mike? What are you going to do about him?” asked Khwezi.

“What do you suggest I do? I am sick and tired of dating a student who is always broke and boring. Life is too short my dear,” she said, pouting as she took a selfie of herself with her new iPhone.

“I am sending this pic to Mpho; I know he is going to love it,” she said, giggling as if Mpho was standing right there beside her.

“Mm! New watch, new phone, I see.” Khwezi was clearly not impressed by this new show-off Mbali.

“So, you are not happy for me Khwezi?” asked Mbali.

It was true that Khwezi was a bit annoyed and jealous. The fact that Mpho was showering Mbali with expensive gifts made things worse.

“I am happy for you my friend. But tell me, have you sorted things out with Mike yet? Because he called me looking for you and I had to cover up for you. I can’t do that again. I think you should tell him.”

“I will tell him when I am ready,” answered Mbali cheekily, meanwhile reading a message on her phone. Khwezi could tell by the broad smile on her face that it was from Mpho.

“Enjoy your shopping Mbali; I can’t be standing here watching you buying things while I don’t have a cent. I am meeting my aunt in an hour,” said Khwezi.

“No Khwezi, you can’t go so soon.”

“What do you want me to do? Watch you going from one shop to another? No, Mbali I can’t do that.”

“Okay, my friend, I will you give you some money to spend as well. Please don’t go.”

As much as Mbali was enjoying the moment, she could not bear to lose her best friend of many years over this guy. She was even willing to share some of the money he had given her.

“Okay, I will stay … as long as you really will buy me something,” said Khwezi, her expression lightening up a bit.

“Let’s first get some ice cream before we go get some more stuff for the party.”

“Cool, we can do that,” said Khwezi.

***

Tell us what you think: Is it understandable that Khwezi feels jealous?