Finally we get into the house. The kitchen is clean and modest. They are still conversing. The pots are steamy on the stove.

“Go and greet Sibongile. She’s at the lounge.” Mom’Thuli says to me.

My mom settles on one of the chairs in the kitchen, as Mom’Thuli stirs the pot of chicken stew.

I hesitate, looking at my mom for a way out. My mom shakes her head and looks away from me.

I’ll get her for that!

I slowly walk to the lounge. 

The lounge is dark brown and white. There’s a girl my age on the couch. She’s light skinned, has lipstick on her pushed out lips and she has done two ponytails, making her seem childlike. She’s well matured, with big breasts. 

As I walk in, she looks at me and quickly stands up. She’s shorter than me too. 

“Hey.” I say.

“Hi. Lwandle, right?” She asks me.

I nod and we both keep quiet. Okay, this is awkward.

“Uhm..Sibongile?” I say, obviously.

She nods and smiles at the same time. 

Mom’Thuli comes with my mom to the lounge in their loud chatter. 

“Yoh! Yoh! You’re so grown. A beautiful lady.” My mom shouts, as she sees Sibongile.

Sibongile smiles, dimples appearing on her cheeks as she does so. 

My mom hugs her. 

“Have you two spoke?” Mom’Thuli asks.

“Yeah.” I nod.

“Yoh! These kids! You’ll remember each other, we have the whole day.” My mom laughs.

We all laugh.

“Come, hug her.” My mom pulls me by the hand.

“Ma..” I start to say

But before I know it, Sibongile is already so close to me. I pull her in for a hug. Short and awkward. We both pull back, she smiles and we settle on the couch. I take off my cap.

14h00.

Yoh, four more hours to go.