Chapter 9 - Naledi

# Chapter 9: Naledi

"HOW SHOULD WE TELL THEM?" I ask Mandla as he parks along the pavement in front of Gogo's house. It doesn't matter that it's a random Monday. Gogo can find a reason to celebrate on any day of the week. Today, she decided to throw a party in honour of a dog she had thirty years ago. The best part? No one even batted an eye when the WhatsApp group message went out.

"We could just start making out by the cake," Mandla says.

"I'm not trying to give Sindi a heart attack."

"She'll be happy about this, trust me."

"How do you know?" Sindi and I have been best friends since we were five years old. I've always shared everything with her. Except for the two-decade-long crush I've had on her brother. It felt too awkward to admit, especially because I never thought he'd feel the same. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined we'd end up in a committed relationship together.

And yet, here we are.

"It's just a hunch," Mandla says.

"You don't think she'll be weirded out or anything?"

"She's your best friend, Naledi."

"That just means she's going to be brutally honest, no matter what. Which reminds me, I haven't told her about Bongani the bastard yet. Didn't want to spoil her writing retreat, but who knows? Maybe she can use it as writing fodder now. Hey, have you seen anything on the cameras lately?"

"I have a confession," Mandla says. "He was—"

Two hands slam against the passenger side window and I scream. For two beats, I expect to see Bongani's creepy face plastered to the glass. But after I catch the heart that tried to leap out of my chest, I realize it's just Sindi.