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Chapter Twenty Four.

"Danger...hayi mge."
"And then this blue one for peace."

I chortle. "What's the black one for mge? Let me guess, depression."
"Depression yani mge, there no such when it comes to sex."

Yoh.

"Black is for your inner demon Zano."
"I don't have demons mina mge."

She laughs. "Not those type of demons mge. Thatha." She gives me the three sets.
"These look small."
"Trust me they aren't."
"Can't I take a size bigger? What if they aren't big enough."

She rolls her eyes. "Okay, but if I'm right you owe me lunch. Go fit the bras."

After fitting them I head out and do more shopping. I have never spent so much money on clothes only and it made me feel ashamed. I'm spending hot money here while others can't do the same.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

"Surprise!" I nearly fall over as I take in the group of kids in my class.
"What the...oh my gosh!" I cover my mouth as my eyes go over to the huge banner up against the wall.

'We'll miss you' written in huge golden letters.

"You guys didn't have to do this." I spot all the grade nines I've taught in the past years and one I'll definitely remember for as long as I live. Siya. My boy. He's even decent today. No hat on his head, just a head with neatly combed hair.

"We wanted to ma'am." Mbali says. "All of us just wanted to let you know how much we're going to miss you and how much greatness you've instilled in us. I still know the difference between and STI and STD."

The class laughs. I join in.

"I believe in myself more ma'am." Siya says.

"Thank you for all the amazing years you spent here in our highschool. You've shown great consistency and that alone was enough. A round of applause for Miss Dlamini!" Phakade says and starts clapping.

In the midsts of my high I remind them to come to my umabo. Hectic.

•••••••••••••••••••••

My long braids laid freely on my back before Mrs Nkosi puts my white isicolo on my head, pressing down gently before she secured it with a needle and thread. I smile, gazing at my reflection in the mirror. That was the final touch to my entire look and I couldn't believe how different I looked.

"No no Zano, don't cry you'll ruin your make up." She says handing me a piece of toilet paper which I take before my tears start pouring down my cheeks.
"I'm sorry...Mapaseka, thank you. I look amazing." I sniff and carefully tap on my cheek.
"It's a pleasure."
"Mge, you look so beautiful."
"That's my sis!" Buhle says and comes to hug me.

"How about a few pictures before you become Mrs Shazi, New mother of the nation?" Mrs Nkosi suggested.
"Mother of the nation is a step too far." I chuckle getting up. With the help of Siba, Buhle and Mrs N, so that I could move to the open area in this room. We take a few pictures and then distract ourselves even more with some talks and from them a few more advises, but nothing I haven't heard before.