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16
16SANDILE’S APARTMENT
After a weekend of making each other melt into a million starts, it was time for Thando to go back to the dorm. He was still a full-on time student, under regulation, and must follow the institution’s rules. Although Sandile was not so happy about this, he had no other choice, Thando was also not so by the plan of him moving out of the dorm to stay with Sandile. It sounded like a very short-term plan with no ground and thought so he passed on that.
Thando: all right, I’m all packed, ready?
Sandile: why do you have to go so early though? I feel like you’re running away from me.
Thando: I have some work to catch up on, I lazed around all weekend. And yes, I am running away from you--- you’re like a beast on heat. My back hurts and other parts of my body I cannot mention too. Please, don’t do this now… you moved out of the dorm of free will, no one chased you out.
Sandile: but I needed this too--- we needed this. I’ll try to stay away from your sore spots, just don’t leave today.
Thando: I can’t take your word for that. You’ve been saying that all weekend but ended up doing something completely different. I really have to go, or I’ll be late for class.
Sandile: even if I promise, promise to behave?
Thando: yes, even if you promise to be on your best behavior. Having me around will get boring someday and I don’t want that someday to be tomorrow. Don’t you ever want to miss me?
Sandile: no, I got a taste of that, and it was not very pleasant. I don’t need to miss you to know I want you here 24/7.
Thando: well, it is the other way for me. I want to miss you, I don’t want to be in your face all day--- we may be doing whatever we’re doing but we sure still do need some personal time, some privacy. Plus, are you supposed to be preparing for graduation? Why are you so chill about everything?
Sandile: why would I waste a week preparing for a few hours’ pleasantries? I’m not that person… if it were up to me, I wouldn’t even attend.
Thando: what is wrong with you? What have you done to the charismatic charming and inspirational guy I had a crush on? You’ve lost all color… you’re so close to being boring now. Get yourself together, please! This is so not flattering.
Sandile: okay, harsh!
Thando: you deserve it, who would spill the truths to you if not me?
Sandile: nice… I’ll go get ready.
Thando: I give you 5 minutes or else I’m gone.
Sandile: fair…
From Thando’s point of view, Sandile did seem a little bit **** hurt about his comment on his unenthusiasm. Although he did not appreciate it, the truth had to be said. All of a sudden Sandile was closing off little by little, he seemed like he had things he was not sharing and that was wearing him away a little. The carelessness act had to have a story behind it. Unlike Sandile Thando liked to make his point across and say his piece instead of bottling emotions up.
A FEW HOURS LATER
THE CAMPUS GROUNDS
After the first two classes of the day Thando sat lonely at their ‘usual spot’ with Chuma. The weather seemed to have gotten exceptionally bad over the past few hours, this did not help or boost his already dirty and tainted mood. All the fun he had had this weekend replayed in his mind but seemed to have no aid to his mood. Sitting here alone without even having seen Chuma felt weird. He was not even sure if he attended the classes because he had kept his eyes on the floor the whole time. The fact he had a small fallout with Sandile too just name him more bitter.
An unexpected visitor giving him a slight fright nudged his shoulder bringing him back to reality.
Banzi: whoa sorry I scared you; you seem a little shaken, are you okay?
Thando: yeah, I am good. What are you doing here?
Banzi; you could’ve asked that about 3 minutes ago when I desperately called out to you, but you seemed too far closed up in your universe to hear me.
Thando: wow, I didn’t even realize that. Sorry.
Banzi: whatever’s bugging you will cease to exist no more. Let’s go, I have a plan.
Thando: go where? I still have classes.
Banzi: a sweet escape, let’s go to the café. I’ll buy you some treats.. let’s east stress away for one. I’m also not having the best day…so?
Thando: I already feel better that I’m not the only one having a bad day.
Banzi: mean… but okay because I felt the same just moments ago.
THE CUPID CAFÉ
After ordering and indulging in some pretty sweet treats the mood elevated a little for both of them. Just moments ago, laughing like this was unimaginable.
Thando: I am really grateful for this, it helped.
Banzi: glad it helped; I am feeling a little better myself.
Thando: too bad I missed a class though, if I fail, you’re to blame.
Banzi: I wouldn’t mind. I would take full responsibility.
Thando: all right, now that I’ve spent my whole afternoon here I believe it’s time to go back to my life. Thank you for today.
Banzi: no problem, it was my pleasure… by the way, can I call you later or text you… I just got an idea of a place we’d like to be…
Thando: sounds intriguing! Okay… I’ll wait for that text then!
Banzi: all righty--- have a great rest of your afternoon, I have a shift…so…
Thando: yeah, bye.
Leaving the café Thando felt a little better about himself. Banzi really did help pull of some weight off his shoulders. Although he missed the final lecture of the day, he did not feel too bad about that. It was graduation season, and the lecturers were busy enough, whatever was done in class today he’d just have to catch up.
SANDILE’S APARTMENT
After staying the whole day bummed and feeling a little pathetic over the comments Thando made about how he’s changed since their relationship, Sandile gathered his thoughts and prepared to leave his place. A shift at La Macarena would be a great distraction right now and he was a little in his feelings and a little sulky towards Thando, so he decided to minimize contact. After dressing and being ready to step out the door, his phone rang.
It was his mom, someone, he really did not want to talk to--- someone he’d avoided for a long time too.
[on call]
Sazi: you never call, what is wrong with you?
Sandile: hello to you too mom, I have been busy.
Sazi: what kind of busy is that that you can’t even spare a few minutes for your family, your mother?
Sandile: I apologize.
Sazi: forgiven, how are graduation preparations going? I heard from your sister that you moved out of the school dorms.
Sandile: yeah that happened. I haven’t really poured anything into preparing for graduation.
Sazi: what is that supposed to mean?
Sandile: nothing Ma, I don’t think I will be attending.
Sazi: take that back now! No one wants to hear that, especially your father, do you know the people he’s been talking to busy revising plans for things for you to do after graduation? Please, son, don’t do this! You will attend the ceremony. You don’t want to let him down, do you?
Sandile: yes Ma.
Sazi: then do as he says or as he wishes and all shall be well.
Sandile: why do you never stand up to him? Doesn’t he suffocate you at times?
Sazi: I am your MOTHER!!! Not your pal. Watch what you say to me.
Sandile: sorry, again. Looks like I touched a never there. Bye.
[call ends]
What kind of child cuts the call on their parents--- the one who can’t put up with the perfect family façade his family has been putting on for years? Just like how everything happens for a reason and has a reason, Sandile too had his reasons for cutting the calls short. The only person who brought him peace in his family was his sister, their parents were maniacs.
His mother was this wanna-be seen as a perfect church lady who actually suffered emotional abuse from her husband who repeatedly cheated on her with younger women. The father was a mess too, he acted all too righteous in front of his kids while he treated their mother like less than human behind closed doors. For excuse purposes, their mother was still with their father because she had to stay in her marriage and can’t be a divorced woman in her 50s.
THAT LATE LATE EVENING
Thando stood frozen watching groups of people going in and out of a place he presumed to be a club. So, this was the place Banzi said was perfect for them. With mixed opinions, he turned to Banzi who stood next to him unfazed.
Thando: I don’t know whether to scream and freak out, leave you here, or fall into temptation and follow you inside.
Banzi: the second option is probably the best, there are people around. I’m sure you don’t want to embarrass yourself.
Thando: I cannot believe this! I am at a club!! Technically still outside, but I am at a club!
Banzi: wait, so you’ve never been to a club before?
Thando: obviously!!
Banzi: wow!! Where have you been my whole life? Then that’s more of a reason not to waste time by having you stand here---- let’s go mingle in the crowd. I promise you’ll have a good time. Let’s go in!!
Thando: I’m crossing my fingers.
In they went, camouflaged by the crowd that followed after them. It was not even the weekend, but this place was packed, showing people had a bad start to the week. Mondays were officially an enemy of humanity. Going hand in hand in order not to lose each other was probably not that good of a decision because of the person they encountered inside the room. Across the room, bartender Sandile watched and looked as his lover got swept off his feet by another man, a man he had suspicions about but decided to keep quiet to keep peace in the house. The very same rival he met and never liked long ago was now in his place of work with his lover, a place of work his lover was never told about.
Trying to hold everything in was not going to work or cut it for him, so he took a little break from the bar and went straight to the infested crowd and yanked Thando’s arm from Banzi, leaving them both very shocked.
Thando: Sandile??
Sandile: is that all you have to say? What the hell are you doing here? And why are you with him?
Banzi: what is your problem bro? this is so out of line. We’re just here trying to have fun.
Thando: look, I can explain.
Banzi: explain? you don’t have to explain anything, babe. Bro, please leave--- can’t you see my boyfriend is uncomfortable? I get it you’re trying to look out for him as his roommate, but I think I can do a good job myself considering he’s my boyfriend.
Sandile: boyfriend??
Left with no words, Sandile disappeared into the crowd and loud music. Thando left rather dumbfounded collected his thoughts and freed himself from an armlock with Banzi. He could not believe what Banzi said, had he misunderstood his words for this? What did Sandile think of him? And what gave Banzi the impression that he could not handle his own battles? – he wondered.
Just what jinx was he in? why were things suddenly turning this way?
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