Principal Mamindza didn’t tolerate nonsense. She was a hard-core headed human being. So strict and scary, with a frowned face and red eyes. Dark complexion and seriousness covered her. Everyone in Sobahle high breathed in her absence. Her punishments were harsh, and sympathy is what she didn’t have.
Hey! Hazel threw herself into hell. She was beaten at the assembly. In front of other learners. Some rejoiced and one grieved. Mrs Mamindza’s stick was big, and left a huge mark on every part it struck. No! Hazel was strong.
“If you dare come to school wearing your casual clothes again! Hazel!” she shivered. “Hazel you’ll hate me!”
***
After school. Hazel sat alone under uMganu tree, hungry and angry. Passersby mocked her. Mbali laughed at her. The tree was silent. She was alone.
“Hazel?” Cleo called her. Walking slowly to her. Looking shy and broken. His eyes were swollen. The mood was so cold. Shame! Two connected souls were broken. “I’m sorry Hazel, I know I hurt you.”
Hazel went untongue and sat devastated on the ground, counted every pain she faced. She remembered her grandmother’s words, “Don’t allow looks to deceive you,” and wiped every drop of tear she cried.
“Hazel, I’m sorry,” he sat next to her. “I was naïve.”
Hazel’s lip trembled.
“Please, don’t do that, you’re hurting me.”
“Is it because of my body?”
“I didn’t mean to body shame you, I’m still the guy that want to fulfill his dreams with you.”
She looked straight in Cleo’s eyes, “and leave me when I’m pregnant?”
His heart skipped a bit. Eyes widened. He stood up, and looked at Hazel. Finally, he hugged her. “I didn’t know, love, I’m sorry.”
“I missed my periods for two months.” Hazel cried out loud. Stare fell on them, and Cleo wiped her face.
“Let’s marry on December, I will tell mom and dad that I impregnated you, and I’m ready to pay for my damages.”
Hazel calmed down. Again, she looked at Cleo’s eyes, “Thanks my love, you’re back to me.”
They hugged firmly.
Cleo carried Hazel’s bag, then they both headed out of the school.
***
FIVE MONTHS LATER
Happily ever after became the young couple’s everyday life. They married while they were in high school. Both their wishes came true, Hazel’s wish of finding a guy that would love her whole heartedly, and Cleo’s dream of flourishing with Hazel.
A new pre-mature bundle of joy came to the world, Te-amo – that was the name of their son. He was given a Spanish name that means – I love you. Te-amo was a cute little baby. He looked like his father, however, Hazel’s complexion was the strongest genetic. Te-amo came at the right time. He was the reason the young couple married at a young age.
Indeed love is not always as bad as our parents say. MaVilakazi’s chance to Hazel was fruitful. Every relationship has it ups and down, but it takes two strong loving hearts to ride through storms and heavy winds together, until the perfect weather comes. Love is the strongest weapon of everything.
***