CHAPTER 3

KEAMOGETSWE MASETI

I sighed throwing myself on mandla's bed. He still lives with his parents but in the backroom. What a day I had! He stood in front of me and offered me a wine.

Me: Mandla are you crazy? instead of offering me a beer, you give a wine?

Mandla: It's for celebration, looks like you're a really good damn learner.

Me: I had to fight, I can't afford to sleep out... my uncle would go crazy.

Thabang: I'm even ashamed that you rescued me instead of me rescuing you.

Me: Hhayi come on Thabs, how many times have you rescued me? besides they underestimated me just because I'm a girl and kept tight eyes on you.

I said and rolled my eyes taking a glass of wine from Mandla. I'm glad I had managed to get back before the end of today. I don't wanna get on my uncle's bad side.

Me: So ore you gave them fake money?

Mandla: You thought I would give back the money we went through a lot to get?

Me: You wouldn't act that dumb.

Thabang: But who did you pin this on?

Mandla: You know I'm a man with plans. I pulled few strings to those who owe me and this is how they'll pay me.

Me: PK is ruthless Mandla he's going to kill them, yazi he was planning to cut off my fingers?

Mandla: The hell?

Thabang: At least "fingers", his guys were planning to cut off my d¡ck bruh.

We busted into laughter. No I'm pulling out from this friendship or else I'm going to die before my time. We continued to have drinks with some blunts. I can't wait to tell my aunty and uncle how I'm going to college. I have to come up with a lie about where I got the money.

Thabang: PK is gonna kill them I'm telling you.

Me: It's pity that they will be dying for our sins, but do you think he's stupid enough to believe that especially after escaping?

Mandla: You guys shouldn't worry and wena Thabang how can you drive with my father's car on that side knowing very well we used it to rob the club?

Thabang: Ask Kea what we were doing that side.

They both looked at me, I bit my lips and made a puppy face.

Mandla: That's not gonna work, now talk.

Me: I wanted to meet Tendani, he...

Mandla: That fucker?

Me: He's not a fucker, we fixed things.

Thabang: See?

Mandla: He cheated on you Keamogetswe! with someone you used to call a friend.

Me: I know but he apologized and I love him.

Mandla: You must be kidding me.

Me: Hhayi Mandla uzoba grand phela, I love Tenda.

They looked at each other and kept quiet. I mean what would they say? Tendani is my man one way or the other.

Mandla: I wonder how would he feel if he knew the real you.

Me: He wouldn't know unless one of you tells him.

Mandla: I'm gonna tell him.

Me: And why would you do that Mandla?

Mandla: He's not the one for you Kea.

Me: And who's the one for me? you the mighty Mandla? yazin I'm out of here... Thabs I'll see you toms.

I clicked my tongue and walked out. Mandla can be annoying. He always make sure that he breaks every relationship I get in, what's wrong with him?

Arriving home I found aunt Lorato washing a pot preparing to cook supper. I kissed her cheek and sat down on one of the chairs.

Me: How about ordering in today?

Lorato: Ordering in? Kea we don't have money, your uncle hasn't gotten his monthly payment.

Me: Ehh really?

Lorato: Yes.

Me: But I don't mind using my money, I'm tired of eating pap and cabbage everyday hayi.

Lorato: Wee Keamogetswe where do you get money to order in?

Me: Come on aunty you know I hustle when I can.

I winked smirking. She sat down as I took out my phone and ordered in. I have to spend this money carefully without using the one I gotta pay for college fees.

Me: And I have good news to tell you and uncle.

Lorato: We also have good news to tell you, come on.

She led the way to the lounge where my uncle was busy with his phone, she sat next to him as I sat opposite of them.

Me: Uncle, what's going on?

His look made me worried, a worry and hurt expression couldn't be missed on his face. I glanced at aunty Lorato before looking back at him. He rubbed his hands together and sighed, what's making him this nervous?

Me: Rangwane? (uncle)

Lorato: It's okay you can tell her.

Tumelo: Akere waitsi keago rata ngwana ga buti.

Me: Where's this going uncle?

Tumelo: Since we can't afford to pay for your college fees, we came to conclusion that...

Me: Ohh uncle about that I fo...

Lorato: Kea what did I say about your thing of interrupting your elders when they talk?

Me: I'm sorry aunty.

Lorato: We're getting you married off.

My jaw dropped, the hell? I'm 18 for God sake! I still have dreams to archive.

Me: I'm sorry, what?

Lorato: You don't have to be worried, he's rich.

So what if he's rich? God this woman is going to drive me nuts!

Lorato: You heard that Kea? he's rich.

Me: *chuckles bitterly* So... this is good news?

Lorato: Aren't you happy?

Me: Why would I be happy? there's nothing interesting about this. Aunty I'm still a child in case you forgot, I have to enjoy my days lenna before getting married.

Lorato: Why aren't you saying anything papa Neo?

Tumelo: It has been decided Kea, you're getting married tomorrow and immediately go to your in-laws.

Me: What?

He nodded and stood up, the hell? wait... is his wife putting him up to this? I quickly stood up and held his hand.

Me: Uncle I got someone to pay for my college fees, please don't allow this marriage to take place.

Tumelo: I'm sorry Kea but you have to.

Me: What do you mean I have to? am I a burden now?

Lorato: Yes... yes.

I blinked my tears away and ran out.

To Be Continued.