Massimo & Liyana

Episode 1

I moan and groan at the same time, touching my sore body. I sit up straight, tears blinding my vision as yesterday's events flood my mind. I remember reading a novel when my friend suddenly called, insisting we go to the club. At first I disagreed, but they pushed until I gave in. We used my car to get there. That's as far as I can remember.

I look beside me — the space is empty. I pull back the comforter and see blood stains. I lost my virginity? I slowly get off the bed, wrapping the white sheet around my body.

I walk to the bathroom, step inside the stall, and cry while showering. I sit down, head pressed between my thighs, arms hugging my legs, sobbing. This feels surreal. I'm so stupid. I read about things like this in novels, but I thought they were exaggerations, scapegoating their friends. I hate my friends. I don't think I'll ever have friends again.

After my crying session, I stand, turn off the shower, and walk out with a towel wrapped around me. The ache between my legs is nothing compared to the one in my heart.

I search for my clothes in the upside-down room but only find my skirt and crop top. I sigh, pick them up, and slip them on. It feels unbearable to wear skimpy clothes after being violated, but what else can I do? I find my sneakers under the bed, put them on, and walk out. My phone buzzes inside my skirt, but I ignore it.

I request a cab. While waiting impatiently, I see Resego walking up to me.

"Hey, kade ukuphi? sakufuna ubusuku bonke."

"It's none of your business."

"Are you okay?"

"That's the first fucking question you should've asked, but I guess you know what happened." I roll my eyes.

"Liya."

"Leave me alone, can you?" I click my tongue, folding my arms.

Finally, my cab arrives. I slide into the back, greet the driver, and he drives off. The ride feels endless. I want to get home immediately and cry myself away.

Eventually, I arrive. I get out, pay, and walk inside the estate. The walk from the gate to the house is 2km, and with each step, tears fall freely. I reach the house, step inside the lounge, and my mom runs up to me, engulfing me in a hug.

"Vanessa." I hug her back.

"Mom."

"Where were you?"
"I was at my friend's place."

She pulls back, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

"Which friends? Pretty and Aisha said you weren't with them."

I wipe my tears, looking down.

"My new-found friends."

"Okay, go and freshen up. We're going out."

"Can I stay home?"

"Okay."

I nod and walk away. One thing about my parents — they never force me to do what I don't want. That's why I love them so much.

I jog upstairs, enter my room, bang the door shut, and lock it. I throw myself onto the bed, crying, muffling my screams with the pillow.