We Don't Choose Love

Chapter 18

Liyana

"Aaliyah, you have been staring at me with that weird look for the longest! Yini manje (What now)?" i literally lose my patience and focus on my work on our Friday night, studying together. Shuiab and S'bu left to go somewhere and they have not returned.

"My mind is going back to Wednesday. So you really were in the car with that hot guy? Why are Leslie's cousins hot?" Aaliyah exclaims, staring at nothing mesmerized. I roll my eyes at her, "Aren't you vibing with Sipho?"

"That's a story for another time." I narrow my eyes at my crazy best friend. What does she even mean? "Aren't you dating him?"

"Just cause I'm dating doesn't mean I'm blind. That man was hot. You should have seen how Shuiab got so worked up when he saw the headlights. It's so cute that he is getting jealous over you talking to another guy." I roll my eyes but feeling giddy at the fact that Shuiab is so overprotective of me.

Guilt did eat me up on Wednesday about spending so much time with Tebello, even though it wasn't intended. I guess I lost track of time and forgot that I have a crazy boyfriend who freaks out when he can't get to me. I genuinely enjoyed spending time with Tebello as friends, getting to know him but Shuiab shouldn't worry. I literally was blabbing about how much I love him to this guy I just met and he understood where I stand. Plus, Tebello talks about his girlfriend as much as I talk about Shuiab.

Suddenly my phone rings and surprisingly, it is Tebello calling me. Without thinking, I answer the phone. "Hello?"

"Li, how are you?" I instantly smile at the nickname. "I'm good Tebello, wena unjani (how are you)?" When Aaliyah hears his name, she turns to look at me with wide eyes almost like she wants to say something.

"Nah, I'm good. I was wondering how you are doing and if you're busy today? And is your boyfriend home?" He asks me, I can hear some background music playing. "No, he isn't here. He just left with my brother. I'm just chilling with Aaliyah." This makes Aaliyah narrow her eyes, trying to her what he is saying to me.

"Oh well, do you and your friend want to have a Friday chillas with me and my friends? I was gonna invite your boyfriend as well but he isn't there." I pause for a moment, trying to figure out if hanging out with Tebello would make Shuiab feel some type of way. Time passed for a bit and realisation dawns on me that I've been quiet for a while.

"Uhm Li? You're still there?" I clear my throat after hearing his voice bring me back to Earth. "Before I give you a definite answer, let me contact Shuiab and ask Aaliyah if she is down for a chill session. I'll text you my answer." I hear some shuffling on the other end of the line.

"Sure, no problem. If there is a problem, I'll understand. I'll be waiting for your answer." With that the call ends.

"Already he is inviting you to chill with him?" Aaliyah questions, raising her eyebrow at me. "He invited all of us actually including Shuiab."

"Oh, well that's not bad. Anyone could sense Shuiabby baby's jealousy from a distance." She laughs, throwing her head full of luxurious black hair back. "Well call him. It's a Friday and I want to have some fun, maybe I could also ask Sipho to come as well." I smile, noticing how she beams when Sipho is mentioned. Aaliyah is a difficult girl to keep happy so this is a good sign.

I decide to call Shuiab quickly but he doesn't pick up his phone which irritates me. "What the hell are those two doing? Mxm." I ask myself, clicking my tongue in annoyance. He didn't even bother telling me where they are going. I'm not about to pass up an opportunity to have fun before having to prepare for test week.

Quickly, I deal my brother's number instead and luckily he answers. "Liyana, khona ikinga (is there a problem)?" He says, sounding a bit out of breath.