The next Monday at school, Thabiso is narrating thr Saturday to everyone who wasn’t there to see it.

“And the nerve of these people, they bought new shacks and stayed again!” Thabiso finishes off.

“Yoh” the class sings.

I look down, at my sketch book. Sometimes I draw. This time, I’m trying to draw Ofentse.

“Why won’t you leave?” Thabiso asks.

I look up, and realize he’s talking to me. Thabiso is a good looking young man. The school’s debate hero. He’s smart. He lives with his dad and younger sister, in a beautiful brick house. His father is a nurse, and his mom was in the military, I heard she passed two years ago. 

“Why..won’t.. you..leave?” Thabiso emphasizes every word.

I don’t talk back, I continue drawing.

“What are you drawing?” He shouts, taking my sketch book.

He squints his eyes and examines the drawing. Then he laughs. “Ofentse! Looks like you’ve got an admirer.” He says

Ofentse looks at me, “What is it, Mbuso?”

“He drew you!” Thabiso laughs.

The whole class laughs, “Creep” they say

Ofentse stands up and takes the book from Thabiso. The whole class quietens down and looks at her. She examines the book and smiles slowly.

“This is beautiful, Mbuso. Can I see it when you’re done?” She hands me the book again

I nod.