* Nine *

                                                                       Skylar

Lindiwe: So where is this friend of yours? Lol.

Skylar: She said she was on her way. (Rose and her lack of time management). There she is (I pointed) in the distance.

What is she wearing?

Rose: Hey, sorry I am late. Something came up. Hi, I am Rose by the way and you are? (She extended her arm towards Lindiwe).'

Lindiwe: Lindiwe. (They shook hands).

Skylar: Now that you have both met. Lindi this is my friend Rose and Rose vice versa. Wait what are you wearing? You do know that we are skating right? You can't skate wearing... You should be dressed in PPE, not a skirt and pumps. Right now you look like you are going to the club. 

Rose: come on, cut me some slack. Can't a girl look stylish?

Skylar: No! I did not say that but safety comes first. You know what, today is a beautiful day and I do not want to ruin it by arguing so let us leave it.

Rose: Fine!

Something was off about Rose. She does not seem to be herself today. She looked upset and moody. I hope she was not on her period, that would be a bummer. That means we will have to cancel and postpone our appointment.

Skylar: Hey, Rose. Can I talk to you please, in private? Lindi, could you please excuse us for a couple of minutes?

Lindiwe: Sure.

Skylar: Thanks love... Rose, what is up? Something is clearly bothering you.

Rose: Thanks, love? Excuse me? And no, I am absolutely perfectly fine. Nothing is bothering me.

Skylar: Oh! come on, stop the cap and tell me what the matter really is.

Rose: You really want to know? Fine. You introduced me to that so-called friend Lindiwe as just the friend Rose. Like what am I to you? Just Rose, your friend? We had sex, I'm so fucking stupid! So what am I to you just a sneaky link? Or a one-night stand? You are the first person I ever made love to.

Wow! That escalated quickly. Oh boy! here we go again, I genuinely did not want to put labels when I am not sure of what we were.

Skylar: Honestly we never really spoke about it so... I did not want to make assumptions. I am sorry.

Rose: Oh, you are right. I'm so stupid. I am so sorry. I feel embarrassed, I just guess that I made assumptions and I overreacted. I am sorry.

Skylar: I don't know if it's the right time but would you like to clear off any assumptions and have facts. Okay, that was a nerdy way of putting things. Rose, would you be my girlfriend?

Rose: Wait are you dead-ass serious? like this is not one of your pranks? Oh my gosh Sky, yes. I would love to be your girlfriend. I am literally dying right now.

She leaned in and kissed me.

        

                                                                       Lindiwe

I watched my dreams get snatched right before my eyes by another. That slut, I don't know what Sky sees in her? She is not even that pretty. If it is because of sex I can do better. I just stood there without taking action. What amazes me is that recently Sky introduced Rose as just a friend then boom! All of a sudden they are now girlfriends. As much as I don't wanna say it their bond seems magical. Sky left no doubt they were smitten with Rose.

                                                                     Serowe village

                                                                     Mrs. Dikgang

Mr. Dikgang: Surprised? You better be. In fact, do you want a divorce? Fine, you can leave with that good-for-nothing daughter of yours who is a boy wannabe. Go inside there and pack your belongings and go, woman! You have up to five minutes to get your wretched useless ass out of my house, and do not think you are getting anything from the divorce, as for the bridal price keep it.

He stormed off and made his way to the bar.

Mrs. Dimpho: Ah, my sister from another mother. How are you? I am sorry about the incident. I have heard that you were hospitalized. On top of that, I can't believe that they let that devil roam free. 

These past few days have been an emotional rollercoaster for my daughter and me. My husband Ryan Dikgang has had an alcohol problem. It became worse after he lost his job. That was when he became abusive, towards us. I was always supportive because that was my duty as his wife and because somewhere deep down I felt like he had good in him. He even hated the fact that I was a working wife and brought food to the table. All of that came to an end after he bashed me, left me for dead, and treated me like a piece of shit. I guess people were right when they said love is blind but no more. I was blind and now it is clear to me. I saw him for who he was not what he might be. 

Mrs Dikgang: Hello, Mrs Dimpho. Nothing is fine, (She sobs, her bottle finally bursts) Yoh, my sister, It is Ryan, Sky's father. He was released from custody by bail and now he wants to kick me out of the house we both bought with our savings. Can you imagine? He still continues with his old ways. He is probably at the bar as we speak, wasting his money on panthers and beers. (She spoke with disgust written all over her face.)

Mrs. Dimpho: Ao that is despicable of him. I think it is high time we involve your uncles and his to discuss the matter. What do you think?

Mrs. Dimpho, a very caring sensitive, and earnest. I like that about her.

Mrs. Dikgang: Don't you think I have tried it out? At this point talking to him is completely useless. I reported him to his family and the village chief but to no use. He gets worse each time and blames me for embarrassing him each time I seek help or open up. Ryan even threw tantrums and insulted the village elders. My sister at this point I am exhausted. Lord knows that I tried. I tried to commit to my vows and tried to change him but he is just adamant. I already threw the towel and I am now waiting for the divorce to be finalized. Enough of useless skumbags like Ryan, he is not the reason why I called.

Mrs. Dimpho: What is wrong? you sound so tense. Just know whatever the matter is I am willing to assist you.

Mrs. Dikgang: I need a roof over my head up until I get back on my feet again I...

Mrs. Dimpho: Tracy, do not be ridiculous. Of course, you can live with us. You know that you are always welcome to live with my husband and me for as long as you want. After all, you are like my family. You are like a sister.

Mrs. Dikgang: Thank you so much, my sister. (Her eyes were filled with tears, in this self-centered world not a lot of people are as kind-hearted as Mrs. Dimpho.) May the Lord continue to bless you and your household.

Mrs. Dimpho: Amen, so I will come and pick you up. When should I come over?

Mrs. Dikgang: Right now. The sooner the better.

Mrs. Dimpho: Okay, I will be there in half an hour.

                                                             Staff housing

                                                                   Lindiwe

Sam: Wow, you are back so early. Sweetheart, how was the... What is wrong my princess? Why the long face? Didn't you enjoy the date?

Lindiwe: No dad, it was not a date. We were just hanging out.

Sam: Come on, you do not have to lie to me. I am your father and I know when my princess is upset. I also know that you have a HUGE crush on Skylar. You do not have to hide it.

Lindiwe: Yes, dad I love Skylar. Unfortunately, they have a girlfriend. I saw them kiss at the courts. Hence it was not a date. Besides the reason why I left early was that I got exhausted and hungry.

Sam: Oh come here, my poor baby. Do not worry, you will find love soon. Not just any love but unconditional love.

Lindiwe: Thank you, dad. 

Sam: Also I am preparing supper so do you wanna join me?

Lindiwe: Like cook? Yeah right. Ha ha very funny Sam, you know that I can not cook for shit.

Sam: Hey miss, mind your language. At least you are smiling. Just go have a seat and watch some movies. None of your girl-loving series, please. Just something PG 13. 

Lindiwe: Come on Sam, you know girl-loving series hit differently. Please my crush crushed my heart. (She made a puppy face.)

Sam: Okay fine, just this once.

Lindiwe: Thanks, you are the best.

My dad is my number one favorite person in the whole wide world. He raised me. As for my mother, she is one of the world's best singers. She and my dad would go on world tours together. All that changed when I came into existence. My mother never wanted any kids but my dad did. Dad never spoke much of her. All I know is she was a good singer, junkie, and a felony. My parents got divorced, as for her she served her time and my dad moved from South Africa to Botswana after getting the position of music instructor at the University of Science and Technology, BIUST. That is when I met them. Skylar, my soulmate.