Sunny Side Up 🥹🫶

_Chapter 8_

Melo's pov

I couldn't hold back tears as I fled Baba's study. His disapproving expression still lingered in my mind. I slammed my bedroom door shut, collapsing onto my bed. My pillow absorbed my sobs as I buried my face.

Why did Baba have to be so strict? I knew he wanted to protect me, but it felt suffocating.

My phone buzzed, breaking the silence. Ntsika's text appeared on the screen.

"Hey, Melo! Did you ask your parents about Saturday?"

My heart sank. How could I tell him Baba said no?

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Part of me wanted to confide in Ntsika, but another part feared his disappointment. But then it's not like if I lie.

I was about to respond to Ntsika's text when my brother, Nkosenye, knocked on my door.

"Marchmellow" he called out.

I quickly wiped away my tears and tried to sound calm.

"Ngena!"

Nkosenye entered, looking concerned.

"Melo, what's wrong? I saw you running out of Baba's study."

I sighed, feeling a lump form in my throat.

"Baba said no to Saturday." Jiki jiki I was crying

"Unga khali....did he say no directly or what " he said this shushing me

"He just wanted to give me a lecture of he he doesn't want me to be chilling with boys  so I made things easier for him and decided to get his words fast "

"But you could've at least lent him an ear "

" No my ears wanted to hear something else "

"But you know he's overprotective about his daughters "

"I know, right? It's so unfair."

Nkosenye sat beside me on the bed.

"Maybe I can talk to him?"

I shook my head.

"No, Nkosenye. It's fine. I'll just tell Ntsika and the others I can't make it."

Nkosenye frowned.

"Don't give up, Melo. Maybe there's another way."

I looked at him.

"No it's okay bhuti I just don't want to create unnecessary tension"

Nkosenye thought for a moment.

"What did uMa say about this"

" She practically has no problem and asked me to ask uBaba personally "

"Maybe she'll do something "

"At this point I just don't know "

" Don't beat yourself "

Just then, Ma knocked on my door and entered.

"Nana, what's wrong sisi? Ukhalelani manje" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Nkosenye filled her in.

"Baba said no to Saturday."

Ma nodded understandingly.

"I'll talk to him," she said reassuringly.

I smiled slightly, feeling hopeful.

"Ngiyabonga, Ma."

Ma left to talk to Baba, leaving Nkosenye and me alone.

Nkosenye grinned.

"Don't worry, Marshmellow. Ma will sort him out."