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6
6BACK AT THE DORM
Thando and Chuma laughed senselessly looking at the screen of Thando's laptop. After a long day helping Sandile shop for a perfect Valentine's gift for his perfect mate, they were beat, and the only way to fight fatigue according to Chuma's books was to laugh it away. They had ordered food and eaten a little while ago, it was getting a little dark now outside and Thando could not help but worry about Sandile who said he'll be short on his journey. Chuma was on the verge of overstaying his welcome too.
Thando: how much longer until the movie finishes?
Chuma: less than half an hour, bored already?
Thando: not really, maybe.
Chuma: well then, I already know the classic and how this ends. I think its time for me to excuse you
Thando: I don't want to seem like I am chasing you out
Chuma: I am not misunderstanding anything man, just rest. Remember, we have a long day tomorrow
Thando: well said then, see you tomorrow. Don't forget the research papers
Chuma: even if I do, I have you to remind me
Thando: I'm not joking
Chuma: I won't, bye...
Thando: bye...
Thando did not even care to walk him, that is how progressed their friendship was. Each day they were growing stronger and stronger and Thando found himself letting loose at times. After closing the door and packing away the mess they made, Thando slouched back to bed and took his phone out. He searched through his contact list and found the target of his worry and guilt. He clicked on his contact info and then the messaging icon multiple times. Typing and deleting, typing and deleting, typing and deleting until he finally gave up and tossed his phone aside, switched off the lights, and went to sleep.
3 HOURS LATER
A discombobulated Thando woke up after suffering an uncomfortable sleep. It was expected since he sleep in jeans, full-on clothed in his upper body too, and shoes. Walking around the room half-awake he managed to find his closet and reached for his pajamas. Reaching for his phone, he had multiple missed calls and tons of texts from Sandile but they were too mistyped to be read. They seemed like drunk texts, after failing to even make sense out of them, Thando tossed his phone to bed and went to switch off the lights.
A few minutes later, recognizable knocks attacked the door, it was Sandile accompanied by his loud gang of friends. As usual, they threw him in and went their way. He was in no state to say any words, he did not know these guys nor did they care to know him or even treat him as human at least. This is not the first time they've dumped Sandile like this and by the look of things, this they will be doing until God knows when. A furious Thando collected the drunk man on the floor and continued to help him to bed. Today was unlike the first day, he was not pleased nor was he thinking of keeping up with his act any longer. After tucking in the old man he went to his bed and pulled his covers over his head in fury forcing sleep to elude him quickly.
THE NEXT MORNING - THE CAMPUS GROUNDS
After meeting with Chuma by the gate, they went to get their coffee before class. He looked like he didn't get any sleep.
Chuma: you look, bad man, woke up on the wrong side of the bed?
Thando: no, I slept on the wrong side of the bed!!
Chuma: Jesus!!! What happened to you?
Thando: I did not sleep a wink last night, I was up taking care of a drunk roommate. It was a hassle... I just can't---
Chuma: that's the worst!! It doesn't matter if the roommate is Sandile. I have seen my fair share and taken care of drunks a couple of times and I can attest that it is hell. Especially if the person is immobile
Thando: that is what I was dealing with exactly!! I am so mad.
Chuma: hope the coffee helps
Thando: praying...
After ordering and getting their coffee they made their way to class now chatting on the lighter side f things. The coffee did its magic.
BACK AT THE DORM
Sandile woke up to an empty room and the biggest hangover he had ever had. His pounding head made it even hard to stand up properly. The sun shining through the blinds affirmed to him that it was noon. Walking almost quadruple, Sandile searched for his ringing phone and found it. He scrolled through to see the details of the caller and after attended to other messages. Nothing from Thando and everything from everyone else he did not want to talk to. His phone rang again, it was his sister, the previous caller.
[on call]
Sandile: I am not in a good mood, please hurry up--
Sibulele: excuse you? I did not want to talk to you either, Mom told me to call because she knew you would not pick up her calls.
Sandile: and?
Sibulele: she wants details about your upcoming graduation. Fall is almost here you know, besides I am also curious
Sandile: I will tell you guys everything, I am coming home this weekend
Sibulele: so, what must I tell Mom?
Sandile: that she will hear the news from the horse's mouth
Sibulele: okay, then. And that better not be some trick to get us off your back
Sandile: not this time. Bye sis, I have to get some hangover meds. I am dying!!
Sibulele: take care of yourself
[call ends]
Sandile: family!!!
After ending the unwanted call Sandile went through his medicine cabinet and luckily found something to help appease his pounding head. After a few minutes of resting, he went to take a shower and came back feeling better and fresh but still hungry. He texted Cleo whom he knew would be free and then made his way to meet up with him for lunch.
THE EAGLE'S EYE BRUNCH SPOT
Cleo sat unfazed after ordering not surprised at all that Sandile was late, yet again. To many, he may have seemed like a decent and punctual human being, but to his friend group, he was the least punctual. He had no respect for time unless it was with someone he deemed very important to him. This was yet another side and face of Sandile Thando did not know of. After a few minutes, a little over 15 minutes of waiting his order came out just in time for Sandile's arrival.
Cleo: don't even apologize, you'll handle the bill for this one. I already ordered our usual as you can see
Sandile: that was not the plan, I am sure I did not say anything about paying for your food
Cleo: that's on you brother, you late, you pay
Sandile: since when?
Cleo: since today
Sandile: fair enough
Without wasting any time they dug in before the food went cold. They talked about last night's rave which was insane and by far the most lit party they've been to this year. Cleo and Sandile have been friends since junior school and getting too personal was no foreign matter to them. Cleo knew everything about Sandile and so did Sandile about Cleo. Their friendship went a long way from just the one they had with the few dudes they met in their first year here. So, getting personal here and now did not shock Cleo at all.
Sandile: about what I told you the last time, my life is getting worse man. It's getting to a point where I can no longer control myself.
Cleo: I don't blame you, man, he seems like a nice person and I know you're a sucker for personalities. I could tell at first sight that he was your ideal type but couldn't take things anything further because of the Mina situation and knowing the other guys--- I decided to keep things to myself until you came clean to me.
Sandile: with that said, I am thinking of moving out before I do anything I will regret
Cleo: is it that hard?
Sandile: you have no idea! At least I am graduating this fall, maybe I will feel better after graduation. I will be away from him, away from this place, and away from that part of my life. I can finally close this chapter and never look back
Cleo: I know I've said this before but it never helped but I will ask you again, are you sure you want to spend the rest of your youthful college days like this?
Sandile: I will not let my body and desires lead me to that path again, I've suffered enough. I am already a disappointment to my father, I do not want to mess up the second chance I've been given. I am scared...fear engulfs me.
Cleo: I know I can never relate, but hang in there man. Maybe, things will work out in the future or the next life, at least
Sandile: please...
Cleo: now, let's get you that apartment before you run wild
Feeling a bit understood and less burdened Sandile smiled at his friend. He knew he could trust him with such, they have been friends for over 10 years now, and not even once has he ever doubted where Cleo's trust lies. He has never betrayed him before and was not going to do so anywhere in the near future. It felt great to have a friend like Cleo, someone to share all his burdens with, someone he can be vulnerable with without worrying that the next day he might find his dirty laundry airing in public.
Cleo was a dear friend- a friend for life!!!
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