the name is Imani

chapter 3

WEDNESDAY, 21 JUNE

Scott and I spoke yesterday and hear me out! Hear me out! He said he's sorry. Unfortunately, I don't feel the same about him anymore. I'm not as interested anymore.

I feel absolutely nothing when I look at
him and I don't know how to respond to him saying that he loves me. But yes, we are back together and we are going to try it out again.

I'm currently in class for my last lecture of the day. The lecture ends and I head out but I bump into my girls...

Khanya: where are you going?
Me: no where.
Cynthia: so you got back with him.
Me: yes.
Cynthia: but why?
Me: why not?
Khanya: have you seen yourself? you are not just the prize but you are the whole lottery plus reward! you are THEE prize.
Sinazo: you can say that again.
Me: but we're trying for the last time, this time.
Khanya: you said that the last time.
Me: I am for real!
Sinazo: okay. if you say so, you guys have safe trips home.
Khanya: bye.
Me: love you.
Sinazo: love you guys.

She walks off and gets in her blessers car, yet I'm the one being judged? Wow.

Me: anyway, I am tired and want to go home so deuces.
Cynthia: whatever!
Khanya: yeah whatever.

I get in my car and drive to tashas, where I will have my late lunch. I take some photos and send them to Ntonto and she sends me a frowning sticker. I giggle as I'm looking down at my phone but then I feel this dominating presence so I look up and it's HIM!

Me: hey.
Him: hey, you are Mandla's daughter, aren't  you?
Me: yes. that's me, sir.
Him: oh, no need to be so formal. it's Nkosikhona Khumalo, you can call me Nkosi.
Me: oh. nice to meet you, Nkosi. I am Imani, Imani Khoza.
Him: what a beautiful Khoza you are.

I just smile and this moment couldn't be more awkward.

Him: oh, may I?
Me: sure.

He takes his seat right across from me and places his order. My order comes a few minutes before his and we dig in. We eat over some light conversations here and there.

Him: dessert?
Me: no, thank you.
Him: alright.

He calls one of the waiters, asks for takeaway and...

Him: I hope you don't mind me settling the bill.
Me: oh, but...
Him: please, I insist.
Me: okay.

He pays the bill, grabs the take aways and accompanies me to my car.

Me: thank you.
Him: no problem. a friend of a Khoza is a friend of another Khoza.
Me: yeah, I guess a friend of my dad's is a friend of mine.

Lies! Why would he want to be my friend? This man must leave me alone, it's scary enough that I have a crush on him.

Him: well, have a safe trip home and...

He pulls out a business card.

Me: thank you, I will keep in touch.

No, I won't. Why would I do that?