Sthembiso



It was Friday morning and I was sitting with Menzi drinking our beer in the lounge. Melusi took his wife out for a spa date. The only people left in the house was Melokuhle’s parents, Lizzie, Makukhanye, Menzi and I. 

“Did you watch yesterday’s football, it was-” I tuned Menzi out as I looked at Makukhanye, she was wearing ordinary clothes and her braids were up in a messy bun but she looked breathtaking. I watched as she peeled the vegetables it was amazing how amazing she looked even though she was doing a mundane task. 

Menzi nudged at my shoulder making me snap out of my thoughts. “What?” I winced. He looked at me and slowly shifted his eyes to where I was looking and his eyes widened. “No way.” 

Damn. I swallowed the lump on my throat and tried to act calm, “What dude?” 

“No fucking way,” He said turning to look at me. “You like her.” 

I poured the beer down my throat, feeling my stomach churn. “What? Of course not.”

Menzi smiled but his eyes told a different story, he was mad. He leaned back. “You were just looking at her.” I looked away from him and stared at the beer bottle that was suddenly so interesting. “I was just looking at the curtains behind her, I’m thinking of getting my mother the same ones.”

Menzi rolled back his head and laughed “You know denial is a river in Egypt.” He turned serious, “Now be a little more creative with your lies.” 

 “Fine, I do like her.” 

“Like who?” 

Menzi and I spun around and looked at the voice coming from behind us. It was Melusi. My heart was now racing in my chest, this was it. Melusi would slice me up and hang me to dry. “No one dad.” I heard Menzi say. I turned around and looked at him, surprised that he covered for me. 

“Go and braai some meat.” Melusi said, walking to the kitchen. 

“Thanks man.” I said when we walked out. Menzi shook his head. “Don’t thank me.” Menzi said in a low voice. “I will not tell my father because I care about you and I fear if he were to find out he would hurt you. Take this as a friendly warning, stay away from Makukhanye.” he said no longer looking at me. “Do what you are paid for.”