Still

Chapter 10

Khanyisile's POV:

Friday, finally! The last day of school.

As I bid farewell to my students, a wave of relief washed over me. "Goodbye, guys. Enjoy your holidays!" I called out, smiling.

"Goodbye, Ma'am. You too!" they chimed in unison, their cheerful voices echoing through the emptying classroom.

I gathered my belongings, feeling the weight of exhaustion lift off my shoulders. The past few weeks had been a blur of marking papers, lesson plans, and staff meetings.

As I walked to my car, the warm sun on my skin was a gentle reminder that freedom awaited. I slipped into the driver's seat, cranked up the radio, and let the upbeat melody carry me away.

Next stop: the mall. I needed to pick up some fresh vegetables from Woolworths for the weekend. The thought of a quiet evening at home, surrounded by good food and a book, was blissful.

As I drove, the scenery outside my window transformed from schools and houses to sleek glass facades and bustling shopping centers. The mall's vibrant atmosphere enveloped me, a stark contrast to the serene morning.

I pulled into a parking spot, grabbed my bag, and stepped into the cool, air-conditioned mall. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baking wafted from the food court, teasing my senses.

"I swung by the mall for veggies, but somehow I ended up with three plastic bags full of new clothes, makeup products, and kitchen goodies. As I drove home, I decided to catch up with Nkanyezi - it had been far too long since our last conversation. I dialed her number, and the ringing filled my car's speakers three times before she picked up.

"'Hello, mzala,' she greeted warmly.

"'Hi, mgani! How are you?' I asked.

"'I'm good, and yourself?' she replied.

"'I'm good too,' I said. 'Want to grab lunch tomorrow?'

"'Yeah, sure. Just send me the time and location,' she agreed.
"'Okay, bye!' I said, hanging up the phone."

As I pulled into my driveway, I noticed a familiar car already parked there - Philasande's sleek, black Mercedes. I parked alongside and stepped out, curiosity getting the better of me. I knocked on his window, and the door swung open, revealing Philasande's chiseled frame.

He stepped out, dressed in a crisp white tee, black cargo pants, and pristine white Air Forces. His effortless style took my breath away, making it hard to focus on his words.

"Hello, earth to Khanyisile," he teased, chuckling.

"Sorry, what were you saying?" I asked, shaking off the distraction.

"Sawubona, sthandwa sami," he greeted, his voice low and smooth.

My cheeks flushed at the term of endearment. "Sawubona, Philasande," I replied, trying to sound casual.

"What brings you here?" I asked, attempting to hide my excitement.

Philasande's expression turned playful. "Hawu, Khanyisile, that's not how you greet me. Come here," he said, pulling me into a warm hug.

I melted into his embrace, feeling the tension between us.

As I basked in Philasande's warm embrace, his intoxicating scent enveloped me, making my heart flutter. But my mind whispered caution: I shouldn't be swooning over him so soon. It was unlikely he'd ever consider a serious relationship with me.

Lost in thought, I didn't notice Philasande pulling back until his hands rested on my waist. His piercing gaze searched mine.

"What's got you lost in thought?" he asked, his voice gentle.