KGOMOTSO: HIS FIRST

Chapter 3

SIMPHIWE

I called my father three times before practise began and he never picked up any of my calls. I had to pretend like it didn't hurt.

Everyday I have to pretend like my whole life didn't hurt: my parents' divorce, my grandmother's passing. My grandmother was the only one I can say raised me while my parents were always so busy with work. Work meant more than me, I guess. And if I ever told them I converted to Christianity, they'd disown me within seconds.

After my grandmother passed away two years ago, I had no one else to turn to. But after the whole thing with my rugby coach, there was some hope. He even bought me the Bible I have. I never thought I would find comfort in words, but these ones did. That's when I knew this God is real.

I really wanted to see Kgomotso and I was going to if it wasn't for the training session my rugby coach postponed it to the time I was supposed to meet her.

We had to train in the rain. I knew I was going to be sick tomorrow but it was worth it. I actually enjoyed training that I even forgot about Kgomotso. She'll have to forgive me unfortunately.

I was in my room changing to my pyjamas whem Tim walked in.

Tim: "You shower like a woman, man."

Simphiwe: "Haibo. What's that supposed to mean now?"

Tim: "I mean, you take your time!" We both laugh.

Tim is always full of jokes.

I guess that's why he is friends with almost everyone in the school. Sometimes I wish I was like him where I can be an approachable person, you know? I really wouldn't mind praying for people if they had problems. It's what the Bible taught me.

Tim: "Tried calling your dad?"

Simphiwe: "Three times."

Tim: "Eish. Askies dude."

Simphiwe: "Nah it's cool. I'm sure he's got his own stuff to deal with."

Tim: "But did your mom call?"

Simphiwe: "Yah."

Tim: "And?"

Simphiwe: "I was irritated."

Tim: "Ah Draco, come on. She's really trying though."

Simphiwe: "Tim, as I was about to call, she told me to wait like she had something to say and then she was silent. I mean--" My phone suddenly rang. It was my dad. "Fuze."

Baba: "Pholoba. How are you, my son?"

Simphiwe: "I'm good and you, baba?" Tim respectfully walked away.

Baba: "I'm good. How was school?"

Simphiwe: "It was okay. Something weird happened no ma."

Baba: "What was it?"

Simphiwe: "She called me to wish me luck for school and then as she was telling me something, she remained silent."