“I’m sorry about Cynthia. She’s very horrible, sometimes.” I apologize to Lusanda.

“Its okay. I don’t get why she likes taunting me. I’m just a bursary learner. She”s rich. She’s everything I could never be.” She sniffs.

“Hey. You’re beautiful, you’re smart, you’re funny. In fact, you’re everything Cynthia could never be.” I wipe her tears.

She smiles at me, her eyes shining with tears. She bites her lower lip and slowly takes her eyes away from mine.

I’ve had a crush on Lusanda since I came to this school. Lusanda is the shy and smart girl in the corner. She always has her face buried in a book. I like the way she speaks, when she addresses us at the assembly every Monday and Friday. The teachers worship the ground she walks on, and the school council hang on her every word.

“Do you really think I’m beautiful? I’m just a dark skinned girl.” She whispers.

“You’re a melanin goddess. You’re beautiful, Lusanda.” I assure her.

“Thanks, Sboniso.” She blushes.

I can’t help but blush too, she looks so beautiful.

“I like the way, you say my name.”

She smiles and looks away, then focuses on her novel again.

“Uhm…I’m really bad at math. Can you help me?” I ask

“You’re good at math. You always come out 3rd.”

“Yeah but I need more points, or my dad will take my car away.”

“I spend my afternoons at the library.”

“Can I join?” I blush

“Dude, are you blushing? It’s just maths.”

“I’m not blushing.”

“Mmhh. Well, you can come join me. But, I hope Cynthia knows I’m helping you. I don’t want any trouble with her. She mustn’t think I wanna steal her man.” She warns me

“Don’t worry about Cynthia.” I smile.

“I start at 4 o’clock.” She shouts as I leave.