Mbali couldn’t concentrate in class.It was Friday and she couldn’t wait for break so she could check if there are any messages from the Arts School.

“Do you also understand,Mbali?” Mr Mbatha said making Mbali jolt.

“Uhmm, I think so.” Mbali said even though she heard nothing ever since he started teaching.

“Please come to my office after school.” Mr Mbatha said.

“So what are they saying,are you in or not?” Amahle said impatiently.

It was break and Mbali had just received a message from the school.

“I am in!!” Mbali shouted.

They all look hugged her.

“I knew you would get in.” Mpumi said.

“But this is so short notice.What if I don’t get enough time to practice and I just ruin everything tomorrow?” Mbali said panicking.

“Girl, relax okay? Anything is possible when you have us.” Amahle said.

After school Mbali went to Mr Mbatha’s office.

“Ohh Mbalienhle.Please take a seat.” Mr Mbatha motioned to the chair opposite to him.

Mbali sat down.

“Tell me,what happened?” Mr Mbatha asked.

“What are you talking about sir?” Mbali asked confused.

“You have improved incredibly.How did you do that?” Mr Mbatha asked.

“Well,I studied more and had a tutor to help me.” Mbali lied.

“That explains a lot.I was thinking of assigning someone to tutor but since you already have a tutor,I think it’s unnecessary.” Mr Mbatha said.

“Who were you thinking?” Mbali said.

“Andile Mkhize.” Mr Mbatha said.

“I think that’s a good idea.He is a top achiever.” Mbali said.

“But what about your tutor?” Mr Mbatha asked.

“Don’t worry about that.But please talk to Andile for me.” Mbali said.

“Of course.Well see you tomorrow then.” Mr Mbatha said.

*****

Mbali met with her friends at the park.

“So what are you going to sing?” Mpumi asked her.

“It ain’t me by Selena Gomez.” Amahle said.

Mbali sang.They had their mouths open when she finished.

“Girl,you are incredible.”Mpumi said.

“Totally.You just lack the energy.You must show some spark and passion.” Amahle said.

“I hear you but I’m just worried about everything.What am I gonna wear?” Mbali said.

“What time does the event start?” Amahle asked.

“Eleven in the morning.”Mbali said.

“But we can’t come to your house.You know your mother doesn’t like us.” Mpumi said.

“Mom and Nikiwe will leave at 8 to go to the Maths competition.” Mbali said.

“Ok, that’s good then.Me and Amahle will come exactly at 9am to help you prepare.You have to be on your way by 10 so you could arrive at least 15 minutes before the event starts.” Mpumi said.

“Once again you’re right.You both can come at 9am.” Mbali said.

“Yes,now back to practice.With energy this time.” Amahle said.

“Of course, Ma’am Amahle.” Mbali said jokingly.