SIMPHIWE: HER LAST

Chapter 8

KGOMOTSO

I found my way back to my seat.
They eyes that kept staring at me as I was walking! If Simphiwe was directly behind me, I'm sure this church would have judged me by now.

"Where were you, skeem?" Lebone whispers in my ear.

I can't lie to her, can I?

Kgomotso: "I'll explain to you when the church ends." I finally say.

I look at Simphiwe making his way to his seat. I swiftly turn to face the front where Pastor Hlathi, one of the pastors who prayed for me is preaching.

"Turn to you neighbour and say 'forgiveness'." Pastor Hlathi says.

Do I really have to do this now? It's just Lebone, Rele and I.

"Forgiveness." The congregation says.

Hlathi: "Forgiveness. I like that word. Forgiveness. You know, if we're being honest here as Christians, forgiving is much easier said than done."

And for some reason, the urge to look at Simphiwe comes.
The thought comes again. I had this thought about three years ago.
I remember. It was at night, it was during those times when I was getting to know Lesego and suddenly, I got on my knees and God told me to forgive Simphiwe.
Have I really forgiven him? Was I trying to forget about what happened and move on from it without actually healing from it?
Why do these thoughts only come now as Pastor Hlathi preaches?

TLHALEFO

I really needed that break from Mo and her 18-year-old prefect friends.

I just came back from the bathroom and mm! This church has got one heck of a fancy bathroom, I tell you!
This place really isn't so bad. I thought we'd be sitting in the main church for hours on end. I even prepared a time for me to fall asleep in case is church didn't end early. Tiyane and Tumelo are on the other-other side of the church, A.K.A, the small class.

"Yo." Someone says as he approaches me.

Tlhalefo: "Hi." I reply back.

We dab each other up. I'm starting to like this guy already.

"My name's Samkelo, but they call me Sam for short. Would you like to join me?"

Tlhalefo: "Sure. I could use a break from my cousin. The name's Tlhalefo by the way."

I call her my cousin because it would take years for people to understand that she's my father's brother's girlfriend's sister.
See how you were also confused when you read that?
Read it again.

Samkelo: "Hlale…"

Oh man, he's finding it hard to pronounce.
My name is like, one of the easiest Tswana names to pronounce.

Tlhalefo: "You know what, call me Lefo for short."

Samkelo: "Lefo. Got it. Nice to meet you, Lefo."

Tlhalefo: "Likewise, Sam."

Samkelo: "Sho, let's get to our seats before the preaching starts."

Tlhalefo: "Preaching?"

Aw man! Now I have to prepare myself to sleep after having a good time.

Samkelo: "It's not so bad. It's like a learning session. Plus you won't be alone. My sister Thando and my other friend, Benedict will be there. Together we're a whole vibe. Trust me."

Tlhalefo: "Okay then. I'll take your word."

Anything to be away from Mo and her matric friend, really. Those two must flirt far from me.