Melo: "What do you want, Ntsikayomuzi?"
Me: "Just thought we could walk together. You know, call a truce."
Melo: "You think a simple walk will make us friends?"
Me: "No, but it's a start."
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When 15-year-old Melokuhle Nanayemhle Bhengu and...
I was woken up by a phone call, and I groggily answered, "Mhh."
My dad's cheerful voice came through the line. "Hlehle ka Baba."
I murmured again, still half asleep, "Mhh."
Dad chuckled. "Wake up."
I slowly came to, recognizing my dad's voice. "Ohh, Baba Ka Hlehle."
Dad asked, " Unjani?"
I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. "I just woke up, so I don't know... but wena unjani?"
Dad replied, "I'm okay. About you coming to KZN, I've already booked flights for Saturday early morning ."
My eyes snapped open, and I sat up in bed. "Yohhh."
Dad continued, "This is the only way we can help you for now, ukuze uma unocingo, singalubamba iminyaka embalwa" [so that if you have a calling, we can keep it on hold for a few years. ]
I frowned, feeling a surge of frustration. "But Dad, who said I want to keep it on hold?"
Dad's tone turned firm. "This is not up for conversation."
I sighed, knowing better than to argue with my dad when he used that tone. "Okay... can I go take a bath now?"
Dad relented. "Yes, bye."
I replied, "Bye."
My dad disconnected the call, and I let out a sigh. I tossed my phone aside and headed to the bathroom to start my morning routine. The warm shower helped clear my head.I lotioned and got dressed in casual clothes, perfect for a day out at the aquarium.
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Heading downstairs, I found Nkosenye busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. I hopped onto the counter and said, "Good morning."
Nkosenye looked up and replied, "Morning, how are you?"
I sighed, "Your dad ruined my mood."
Nkosenye chuckled. "What happened to Baba Ka Hlehle?"
I rolled my eyes. "It expired."
We both laughed.
I asked, "What's cooking?"
Nkosenye held up a waffle iron. "Waffles."
I nodded, thinking to myself that maybe, just maybe, I could try one last time.
I said, "Uhmm, buddy..."
Nkosenye looked at me, curious. "Hmm?"
I asked, my voice low, "Please tell me, who are the Ndlovus?"
Nkosenye's expression changed, and he tried to deflect. "Do you want your waffles extra sweet?"
I rolled my eyes, feeling frustrated. "Mxm, I lost appetite."
I hopped off the counter, trying to walk away, but Nkosenye caught my wrist.
