I slowly back away from Jacob. Why would he do that? Why would he kiss me when I have continuously told him that I don't like him? What is wrong with boys and men? Why don't they take no for an answer? Is it a crime not to like someone? So I am automatically supposed to like him back just because he said he likes me? Jacob has been pursuing me for months - I am sure if we were meant to be it would have happened last year. What is wrong with him? He knows I have been violated before and he does this.
"Anesu I..." he tries to touch me but I shift backward, "I like you."
"If you like me as you claim then you shouldn't have kissed me. You just ruined our friendship."
He swallows hard, "I am sorry. I just couldn't control myself."
"Do you know who else couldn't control themselves? The person who raped me. He was just as sorry as you are right now."
"Anesu please don't compare me to him. I am nothing like him. Please I am sorry," she shifts toward me and I shift away, "I am sorry!"
"I am sorry too," I turn and walk back home. Luckily this time he does not follow me.
I should have ignored his messages. Maybe if I completely ignore him, he will get the message. I get home and go to the kitchen. Everyone is still out. I sit on the chair and try to calm down. That's strange - for the first time since the Mr Ncube saga happened, I talked about it and I didn't cry. Usually, when I think or talk about it I become a walking mess. I get myself water and sit on the kitchen chair. I won't let this ruin my day. Today is a happy day for me. I won't let anyone take that away from me.
"Hey," someone hugs me from behind and I scream, "It's just me, relax."
"Wandile you scared me."
He laughs, "Sorry about that and I got you buffalo wings."
"See this is why I love you."
He kisses me on the forehead and hugs me, "I am proud of you. You did well."
"Gosh, you sound like mom. Let go of me."
He loosens me from his embrace and then goes to the fridge, "I am surprised you are not out celebrating with Sharon."
"Tawana stole her from me. I am slowly losing my best friend."
He pulls a chair and sits next to me, "We should start preparing wedding clothes. Those two seem serious."
"It would be cool to have Sharon as my sister-in-law. What about you? Do you want Tawana to marry first before you?"
He chuckles sipping on juice, "It's not like it's a competition. You can even get married first if you want."
"I don't want to get married yet. I will get married when I turn thirty."
"Be careful what you wish for. You shall have what you confess with your mouth," he says.
My phone rings and it's Jacob. I decline his call. I didn't even get the chance to go to the shops because of him.
"What did Jacob do now?" Wandile asks. My family now knows about Jacob. He is such a parasite.
"I am glad you asked. He kissed me! He kissed me without my consent!"
"Oh," he retorts. Is that all he can say? That boy kissed me without my consent and that is the same as harassing me, "I am sure he meant no harm. This boy likes you and I am sure he was just trying to express his feelings."
"By shoving his tongue in my mouth? That was wrong and violating me."
He reaches for my hand and cups it with his, "This boy likes you and he has been chasing after you for months now. I am sure he didn't mean to hurt you, he was just trying to show that he loves you. You know like in the movies. Give him a break."
