Sthembiso

A phone call made me snap my eyes open. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and answered, “Hello?”

Melusi’s voice was firm on the other end. “Come to my house at exactly 10 a.m. Not a minute later.”

The line went dead, I looked at the clock on the wall. It was 8:30. I had to get moving if I wanted to arrive on time. I rushed to the bathroom and took a quick shower. When I checked the time again, it was 8:55. My stomach was growling but I didn’t have time for breakfast, and I didn’t want to keep Melusi waiting. I arrived at Melusi’s house with five minutes to spare. When I walked into his study, I found him seated behind his desk, with Menzi standing behind him, his eyes were fixed on me. Melusi instructed, “Sit down.”

I took a seat, with Menzi still glaring at me. Melusi leaned forward, his face was unreadable. “I’ve thought about what you said the other day.” he said, “I trust that you’ll be good to Makukhanye. If you’re not…” He paused, his eyes shone with a warning. “I’ll break every bone in your body. That’s a promise.”

I gulped and nodded. “I heard you loud and clear,” I said, standing up to leave. Melusi’s voice stopped me in my tracks. “And Sthembiso…” I turned back to face him, knowing that I didn’t want to hear the rest of his sentence. “If you dare make my daughter cry,” he didn’t finish but I understood the implication: If you hurt Makukhanye, I’ll bury you alive.

I walked out of Melusi’s study, with a small smile spreading across my face. It was hard to believe that I had just received the green light to be with Makukhanye. I didn’t even waste time, I caught the next flight to Cape Town. The second I landed, I picked up some flowers and chocolates for Makukhanye. It was Thursday, and I knew she had no classes so she’ll be at home. I couldn’t bottle in my excitement when I knocked on the door.

A smile broke in my face when the door opened and Makukhanye appeared. I watched as her eyes widened in surprise when she saw me, she instantly threw her arms around my neck. I pulled her closer, holding her tightly.

When we both pulled back from the hug, I looked into her eyes and said, “I love you.” Makukhanye’s eyes sparkled with surprise, and I knew that I might have spoken too soon. But I couldn’t help myself.

“I know it’s too early to say those words,” I continued, “but it’s true. I love you so much– I love your big, beautiful eyes, your smile, the way my fingers fit perfectly between yours, and how you complete me. I love everything there is to love about you.”

Makukhanye’s fingers caressed my cheek, and whispered, “No.”

My heart sank, and I froze. But then I saw it, the playful grin spreading across her face.

“You’re going to pay for that,” I teased. She laughed as she ran away from me.

I chased after her, flowers and chocolates now lay abandoned on the kitchen counter. I finally caught up to her on the balcony and pulled her into my arms. “Now, don’t you think you owe me some three-letter words?” I asked, smiling.

Makukhanye’s arms wrapped lazily around my shoulders. “I love you too, you big goof.” I grinned. “That’s more like it,” I said, before pressing my lips against hers.