As I walked toward the house with Tatomkhulu, the sound of laughter and chatter drifted through the open windows. My heart did a little jump-one of those excited, fluttery jumps-and I quickened my pace.
The moment we stepped inside, I spotted Candy standing in the living room, a bright smile lighting up her face.
"Kiara!" she squealed, stretching out her arms.
I didn't waste a second. I bolted toward her, throwing my arms around her waist. "Candy!" I laughed, squeezing her tight as we swayed from side to side.
"I missed you so much!" she whispered, voice thick with emotion.
"Bro, I missed you more!" I pulled back just enough to take a proper look at her. Her hair was styled differently-trendy, with soft waves that framed her face-and it made her look even more beautiful.
She smirked. "I see you checking me out. Told you I'd come back looking fresh."
I laughed, shaking my head. "How was England?"
Candy's eyes gleamed with mischief. "You don't wanna know, munchkin. But I've got news for you-are you ready?"
I nodded eagerly. "Yeah! Lemme grab my bag and change these boots first. Where's Malume?"
Candy tilted her head toward the kitchen. "Inside already."
I hurried in, my excitement doubling as I saw Malume sipping tea at the table. "Lume!"
He looked up with a warm smile. "Yemhle, how are you?"
"As great as you look, Malume," I grinned.
He chuckled. "Then that means you look pretty yourself."
I beamed, soaking in his words. "Thanks, I appreciate it."
Candy interrupted, "Kiara, we're getting late."
"Okay, okay, just a sec." I wrapped my arms around Malume in a quick hug then headed to my mom's old room and changed these boots then headed out with Candy.
As we walked to Malume's car, Candy gave me a teasing look. "And then... what happened to your car?"
"Yohhh you don't wanna know"
I giggled. "I thought I forgot about that line."
We both burst into laughter as she started the engine.
As we arrived at the mall, Candy turned to me with a curious expression. "So, what are we getting?"
"A birthday gift," I replied, excitement building up inside me.
Candy's eyes widened. "For who?"
I grinned mischievously. "For my boyfriend."
Candy's jaw dropped. "You got a boyfriend?"
I nodded. "Yeah, his birthday is in four days."
Candy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "On the 7th?"
I nodded again. "Yep."
Candy's expression turned thoughtful. "That means you're going back home earlier."
I nodded once more. "Yep, and I'm taking you along."
Candy rolled her eyes, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Obviously, what did you think?"
I burst out laughing. "You're crazy!"
Candy chuckled, "You don't wanna know."
I laughed, feeling a bit self-conscious. "You're even making me hungry!"

YOU ARE READING
Sunny Side Up♡
Short StoryMelo: "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." . . . . . . When 15-year-old Melokuhle Nanayemhle Bhengu and...