18

18
 
THE HAVEN PALACE
Just outside and arriving at Sandile’s place Thando came across an unexpected guest. It had been quite some time since they’d seen each other and now seeing each other at a place like this--- things were really awkward, to say the least. Before entering the elevator he contemplated a few times and finally decided to hop in. Chuma stood unfazed and a little stunned too. Not knowing what to say he reached for the elevator buttons as Thando looked around the lift as if he was lost.
 
Chuma: which floor?
Thando: the 5th floor, you?
Chuma: same.
Thando: Okay, thank you.
Chuma: I never thought I’d see you at a place like this. Did you move?
Thando: no, not really. You?
Chuma: same, I’m here to see someone I know.
Thando: okay, have a great time then.
Chuma: you too.
Thando: yeah…
Chuma: you know… about last time, I really did not mean to---
 
Before he could finish his sentence, the elevator dinged and came to a stop. Talk about convenience, such perfect timing. The mood and has been awkward the whole time and just as they were about to discuss a serious matter, the elevator comes to a stop. Never, even in a million had both of them thought this would be a situation they’d find themselves in. From best friends to total strangers.
 
Chuma: I guess I’ll see you around then.
Thando: take care.
 
SAMKELE’S APARTMENT
Samkele: see? I told you, don’t trust that boy.
 
After Chuma told her about what happened just a few moments ago, she couldn’t help but throw her hot take on the situation.
 
Chuma: but it could have been a coincidence,
Samkele: you really believe that? What coincidence? Does he know anyone in the building? Did he perhaps tell you whom he’s visiting here?
Chuma: not really, maybe because I did not really ask…
Samkele: did he say he’s visiting or…
Chuma: no.
Samkele: then, there you have it! He is onto you. He is getting obsessed and stalking you. Wake up and smell the coffee. Gay men are not to be trusted.
Chuma: that’s rich coming from someone like you.
Samkele: someone like me? There’s none like me. And if you came here to disrespect me, rather leave because I am not in the mood to entertain a teen who doesn’t know what he wants.
Chuma: by all means. I’d rather leave ma’am than sit here and let you bash my friend, a person you barely know. How do you even feel? don’t you have any guilty conscience? How can you speak ill about someone you have never met in your life?
Samkele: I don’t have to answer anything to you. If you feel my views and values suffocate you… please, leave!
Chuma: I am gone! Thank you for your time!!
 
SANDILE’S APARTMENT
Sibu sat in the living room watching Sandile and Thando lovey-dovey while they picked out some snacks for the road. They had something beautiful, something she never had but always yearned for. her love life was in shambles and she never seemed to care because every time she did, she burnt, she got hurt. She had a big heart and therefore loved to infinity but the men she dated were total scumbags. So, after her last failed relationship she vowed to stay away from the dating circle to focus on herself and give her all to her family, particularly to Sandile.
 
Thando really oozed charisma and seemed like a nice person and was just a good match for her not-so-mature little brother.
 
Sibu: you guys, we are going to end up being late at this point. please hurry, we can save the chitty-chatty for the road.
Sandile: and that’s on being single.
Sibu: says the man I begged to take the first step.
Thando: woow… you’re not so ‘bigger person’ as you painted yourself to be, are you?
Sandile: don’t listen to her, she is just salty.
Sibu: okay, I’ll carry my salty self to the car. Don’t forget the keys, you’re driving.
Sandile: why?
Sibu: because I’ve been driving you around for the most time and now I’m tired. This is me giving you an opportunity to show some manly appeal to Thando.
Thando: please… and that could work in his favor.
Sandile: well, it is decided. I will be escorting my top two favorite people this evening. Amazing!
Sibu: I’ll be waiting in the car when you’re done kissing up to each other you’ll find me there.
Sandile: we’ll be a minute!
 
 
IN THE CAR
 
[on call]
Sibu: yes, we are on the way.
Sazi: where is Sandile? Pass the phone to him.
Sibu: he’s still inside the house packing a few things.
Sazi: this better not be one of those tricks you guys love to pull on us. Your father already prepared everything. Please don’t disappoint me.
Sibu: one more thing, Sandile is bringing a guest with him. So, please be nice and tell your husband to be human too. Don’t ruin things for him.
Sazi: a guest? I don’t remember saying yes to bringing anyone. This is a family thing, no outsiders, who is he bringing? Is it a girl?
Sibu: I don’t know MA. Just prepare the guest room for the person that’s all.
Sazi: I don’t know how your father is going to take this but I’ll try…
Sibu; alright bye, the boys are here. See you soon
Sazi: the boys? Hello? Sibulele?! Hello!?
 
[call ends]
 
Sibu: I thought you guys would never arrive. Did you get everything?
Sandile: yes… we’re ready.
Sibu: then get on the wheel son, I’ll take a nap in the back. I am kind of fatigued. I need all the energy I can get to handle tomorrow’s dinner.
Sandile: more than ready. Is it a big thing? The dinner thing?
Sibu: I don’t know and don’t care… just drive safe, I don’t want to die.
Sandile: put your life on my hands, I’ll take care of you.
Thando: I am hoping your driving skills aren’t too rusty too.
 
 
APPROXIMATELY 1 ½ HOURS LATER
OUTSIDE THE MAGAGULA HOUSEHOLD
Sibu: I did not think it would take this long. Your grandpa driving really took some time.
Sandile: it is not my fault, who knew there’d be traffic congestion?
Sibu: what did you expect? It’s the weekend.
Thando: you actually did pretty well. More than I expected, the appeal worked. I see you in a whole different light now.
Sandile: I appreaciate the review, monsieur. 5 stars?
Thando: not yet.
Sibu: I’ll go out first… see you guys inside.
Sandile: see you in hell.
Thando: hell?
Sandile: it’s nothing serious… just a joke we make.
 
INSIDE THE HOUSE
Sazi: alone? where’s everybody?
Sibu: still in the car. I need to use the bathroom… if you’ll excuse me. Father evening.
Bantu: evening to you too.
Sazi: Honey, I am worried. What if he’s not here?
Bantu: that would be rebellion and disrespect hence earning him punishment. Not after having to accommodate and fend for a guest that was never announced in time.
Sandile: good evening parents…
 
 
An unexpected figure which was just a topic of discussion a few seconds ago made its presence known on the premises. While Sazi stood to hug her son and welcome him home, Bantu sat at the dinner table after glancing and scanning the guest and his son. He looked decent but he was not sure about who the person really was. There was a certain image of the guest standing beside his son that he did not like and it did not sit well with him. Something about this mysterious guest rubbed him off the wrong way, but he did not want to judge or seem devil on first encounters. He forced a smile on his face as Sandile and the guest approached him to give greetings.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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