Girls Are My Life. Cheating Is A Habit.”
I read the little A4 poster my friend and I made, it was our slogan. It was plastered on the wall. I lay on the bed and stared at the poster, maybe Mdu was right. Maybe I shouldn’t go after the girl, when I’m not ready to settle. Maybe it was just my greed taking over, wanting her to myself.
The next morning, in class, I dumped my bag and went looking for her. I needed to see her again. She was frustrating me, in the best ways. I dreamt of her, probably because I thought of her till I fell asleep.
I went to the first floor, cruising around the classes, and I couldn’t see her. I cruised around the entire school, and I concluded that maybe she hadn’t arrived yet.
I went back to class feeling sombre. I really thought I’d bump into her again, and I would’ve asked for her numbers and her name.
During lunch time, Mdu and I set on our mission, operation, “Find The Dark Skinned Girl.” We called it.
We walked the school, mingling with girls here and there. I bumped into my friend, MaZet.
“You won’t believe this. Apparently, there’s a girl who looks like me. Come, see her.” MaZet dragged me with her.
“Eish, MaZet, I’m in a rush.” I protested.
“Two minutes.” She insisted.
We walked to her class, and sitting there, was the girl from yesterday!
Our eyes locked again, and I stood frozen to the spot, her beauty making me numb and stupid again.
“[Siyafana?] Do we look alike?” MaZet asked me.
I blinked multiple times and shook my head, the only similarities they shared, were the big round eyes. They both had big eyes.
“Just your eyes.” I said, in a low voice.
“Doesn’t matter. She’s now my twin.” MaZet laughed, holding the girl by the hand.
“Hey.” I greeted the girl.
“Hello.” She blushed.
“Whats your name?” I asked her.
“Mathabo. What’s yours?” She asked me.
I told her my name.
“You’re beautiful.” I complimented.
“Ahh. [Sengiyakwazi, sowuyamfuna.] I know you! You want her, don’t you?” MaZet shouted, laughing.
“That’s BS, MaZet.” I laughed and glanced back at the girl. She was shyly smiling.
“I meant it, umuhle, Mathabo.[you’re beautiful.]” I smiled at her gently.
“Kea leboha. [Thank you.]” She replied, in Sotho.
“Leave! Before you rape the poor girl with your eyes.” MaZet laughed, ushering me out.
I walked out, feeling like my legs were jello. My dark skinned African queen was Sotho, and her name was Mathabo. Her voice was angelic. I smiled, walking back to class.