Sthembiso 

“I want to thank you for welcoming me into your home,” I said to Sindie over breakfast.

Sindie looked up from her plate. “You sound like someone who’s planning to leave.”

I nodded sadly; a small smile formed on my lips. “I am.”

Sindie pushed her plate away, her appetite now lost. “You just arrived. Can’t you stay a bit longer?”                            

“I’ll come back again, I promise. I just have someone I need to see.” I said.

Sindie smiled, “You mean Makukhanye? Shawn told me. So, are you really into her?” I nodded “I am.”

“Be careful, the things I heard about Melusi Xaba are terrifying.” Sindie let out. 

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be okay.” I said standing up, “My bags are already packed, please thank Shawn for me. You picked a good man.”

“He sure is, he is definitely an angel.” Sindie said, coming over to give me a hug. “Call me when you get to where you are going.”

***

When I stepped off the plane in Cape Town, my nerves were on edge. I couldn’t believe I was taking such a risk, I was basically knocking on death’s door begging to be killed. I made my way to the university, knowing Makukhanye would likely be there. 

After searching for her for 30 minutes, I finally spotted her and my heart swelled. She was walking with an opened textbook in one hand and a pie in the other, her eyes were fixed on the textbook.

My eyes drifted behind her, and my heart sank. Her bodyguard was right behind. Getting to her wouldn’t be easy.

Just as I was pondering my next move, a voice startled me. “I knew you’d come after her.” I turned to see the girl who had hit on me at the club. Makukhanye’s friend… what was her name again? Kandy, that’s right.

“Kandy,” I said, trying to sound casual despite my racing thoughts. Kandy smiled mischievously, sucking on a lollipop. “You stick out like a sore thumb,” she teased. “I guess I do,” I said with a small smile.

Kandy leaned against the tree trunk. “I’m guessing you want to get close to Makukhanye, but that bodyguard of hers is a major obstacle.” I nodded in surprise.

Kandy took a deep breath, a sly grin spreading across her face. “I can help you, but it’s going to cost you R500.” My eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Really?”

Kandy nodded her grin widening. “I need the money to buy these amazing shoes I’ve been eyeing. So, what do you say?” I chuckled, shaking my head. “Fine, I’ll pay. What’s the plan?”

Kandy’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “It’s simple. You’ll meet Makukhanye at the toilets. That’s the one place her bodyguard won’t follow her.” I raised an eyebrow, impressed by Kandy’s cunning. “And how do I get past the bodyguard?” Kandy winked. “Leave that to me. I’ll distract him while you slip into the toilets unnoticed.”           

When I entered the toilets, I found Makukhanye standing at the sink, busy washing her hands under the running water. She was too focused on her task to notice me.

“What do you want to tell me K?” she asked, not looking up. “I have a class in five minutes.”

I stood frozen, captivated by her beauty. Even with her hair tied up in a messy bun and had dark circles under her eyes, she shone just like her name.

It wasn’t until she turned off the water and looked up that our eyes met. She sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes widening in surprise.

“Hello, princess,” I whispered, my voice husky. “How, how did—” Makukhanye’s words faltered, her lips parted in shock. I smiled, taking a step closer to her. “I had to see you.”     

I gently pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “My father will—” she began, but I silenced her with a gentle shake of my head. “Don’t worry about your father,” I whispered, my hand hovering beside her face. “I missed you.” I dipped closer, I could feel the warmth of her breath tickling my nose. “I missed you too,” she whispered back.

Our lips met, making the world around us melt away, leaving only the two of us.