When 15-year-old Melokuhle Nanayemhle Bhengu meets charming and confident Ntsikayomuzi Ntando Nkosi at school, their worlds collide in unexpected ways. As they navigate love, friendship, and family expectations in the suburbs of Beacon Bay, they mus...
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.
