Amahle's Diary 1

Chapter 5

In the midst of the debate class, Sisanda shot me an evil look, while Sandz and Sbu exchanged knowing smiles, making coughing sounds. My friends just grinned at me, wearing that 'this is gonna be interesting' expression. I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of anticipation in the room.

Miss, our debate teacher, took charge of the situation. "Miss Ngesi, your side will be in support of the motion. Miss Bantu, you will be in opposition. You with the 'hide it' piece... ladies, please pick three people each. Miss Ngesi, you'll go first."

"I'll pick Miss Ndaba, Mr Ndaba, and Miss Goodman," I announced.

Sisanda countered, "Miss Jones, Miss Tafeni, and Miss Jomo."

Sbu interjected, "Ma'am, I don't know how to debate, so Miss Ngesi will have to pick someone else."

Miss responded sternly, "Mr Ndaba, you either debate or you leave... what's it gonna be?"

Sbu reluctantly agreed, "Debate."

We all chuckled as he joined us, taking a seat next to me.

"I don't know why you chose me, but Sisanda and her friends are gonna eat us alive!" he exclaimed.

Siya reassured him, "You worry too much. We've got this."

I assigned roles, "Sbu, relax. You'll do the opening, which is the easiest, trust me. Alex, you know the second speaker. Siya, you'll be the closing, right?"

She nodded, "You got it... let the games begin."

The debate unfolded smoothly, resulting in a tie, and we were set to continue the next day. It was surprisingly fun, and Sbu turned out to be quite humorous. I noticed Sandz and Sisanda leaving together, sparking a twinge of jealousy within me. Sbu seemed to pick up on it.

"You know he loves you, right?" he remarked.

I was caught off guard, "What?"

"Sandz. He really, like really likes you, Amahle. And I can tell you like him too." I looked down, unsure how to respond.

"You can be straight with me; it's fine," Sbu added.

Siya intervened, "Sbu, let it go, please."

"Hay wena, tsek, man. Hamba apha, ndisathetha no bheyps ka Sandz apha." I blushed but quickly composed myself.

"Sbu, I would really love to stay and chat, but I have a meeting to get to."

"Five minutes, please," he pleaded.

Alex intervened, "Siya, let's go. Babe, we'll meet you at my crib, okay?" I nodded.

"Fine. Sbu, you better take care of her!" Siya warned.

"Sure. Now, go."

As they left, I questioned Sbu, "Why are you doing this?"

"Because I want to. Come, let me walk you to your meeting," he said, taking my school bag, and we walked out.

"Thanks. But Sbu, you realize you ruined your friend's relationship?" I pointed out.

"He never loved her in the first place, Amahle, I swear," Sbu insisted.

"So, you saved him?" I questioned.

"You could say that... he was tired of her. She got all clingy, but they agreed to be friends with benefits only."

"And you still think I would be with someone who thinks I'm only good enough to... you know?" I retorted.

"I didn't say that. What he feels for you is different from the Sisanda thing. Please just give him a chance; he'll prove to you what a gentleman he is," Sbu pleaded.