​Babalwa and I became best friends, like nothing else. She even visited me in my class, and that people thought that we were dating.

'James!' Babalwa called. That was after school.

Yes!

'I just wanted to talk to you.'

About?

You! To get to know you more better. What you like and what you don't and all that stuff.

Well, I'm not sure about that as well. I don't know what I like and what I don't. I am just me. That's all.

'Really!' is there anyone who doesn't know him/herself?

'You're speaking to him. As we speak' I said. I always wanted to tell Babalwa how I felt about her, but I didn't have courage to do that. That's the most painful thing in love. Courage is everything, I mean you need courage to do anything especially in this world of ours. You need to believe in yourself, if you don't, no one will. But I failed to do that. I have several times.

You'll know me soon, you have to know how to study a person. I said to her. I said that on purpose. I know how to study a person, I wanted her to do the same, to learn how to do it.

'Okay then if you say so.'

We were both waiting for our lifts, she was waiting for her father to come and fetch her as I was also waiting for my father as well. She was lucky because sometimes her mother would come and fetch her if her father was busy. I wondered, how it would feel to be fetched from school by your mother.

Is your father coming? I asked.

'It might be my mother.' She said.

Alright! Why are you smiling?

Is your father coming? She asked.

Yes, but I don't know when. He's very busy.

'Alright! Then. Tell me something.'

Something like what? Maybe…

I don't know, something pleasant I guess.

You're beautiful.

We both gave a small laughter.

She was blushing as she was laughing. Arnold and Mihle, our friends were chatting as we were being cosy. They seemed to be so cosy together lately I Arnold didn't tell me anything about what they had, not that he owed me some explanation, but as a friend I needed to know at least if there was something.

'Is that Arnold and Mihle?'

Yes!

'Are they…? You know?'

I should ask you that. Arnold didn't say anything to me. Did Mihle say anything to you, perhaps?

'If she did, do you think I would've asked that question at first?'

You have a point there. But don't mind them. I am sure is nothing serious.

'When are the competitions?

What competitions now?

'Drama competitions…hello! Have you forgotten already?

Oh! That. There are no competitions for me.

'Why?'

I've pulled out. I have a lot on my plate.

'Like hell you do. You can't just pull out now. What! I can't believe this…please James, this is what you wanted to do right? And people have been talking about you in the school.'

'I love acting Babalwa, but I am serious about this, there are many competitions for me, it was the school choir, the acting and the debate still is waiting for me as well.

'I hear you… but still, it doesn't make any sense to me. Does your father support you in your acting path.?

Yes. My father is a supportive man ever.

'What did he say?'

'About you pulling out just like that.'

I didn't say anything.

'What! Did Arnold pull out as well?'

Arnold doesn't know a thing about this. He thinks I am still in.

'Arnold! Arnold!...'Babalwa called.

What are you doing know? I asked.

Rectifying the situation. She said.

Arnold came quickly!... what is it? Arnold asked.

'James has something to tell you.'

'Well what is it? Talk man I'm busy there.'

She is bluffing Arnold, I have nothing to say.

'James had pulled out from the acting competition. I was just talking to him to get back there.'

I was lying Babalwa. Just wanted to see what're going to do about that.

Hahah! Arnold and I gave a laughter.

'It's not funny!

Sorry babe…

'There's your car Babalwa.' Arnold said.

'Bye-bye guys. See you tomorrow.'

'Sure!' I said.

'Sure? No hug no kiss... nothing?' Arnold contributed.

Babalwa was shy to hear that, on the other side I was shy, and I didn't know what to say. Babalwa left us standing there, looking at each other. She wave over the window. We waved back smiling too.

'Let me go back to Mihle.' Arnold said.

You're not going anywhere. What was that for?

'What? Now?'

That kissing and hugging thing, I am still trying my luck there. Then you came Master of relationships! Besides what is happening between you and Mihle Nkolongo?

'Look man, I am trying my luck too. You do your thing and I do mine as well. Is that clear?'

No! You can't Arnold. We can't date friends.

'Yes we can. It is simple, we are friends, and they are friends too. You like Babalwa, I like Mihle. Finished and klar!'