*

VIRGO*

PROLOGUE

AFEW YEARSAGO

15mi nutesawayf r
om myhouse, wehaveapublic
poolwher eyoupayR5t ogoi n.I
t'
smostl
yinf
ested
wit
hki dsfrom ar
oundt heneighborhoodandkids
fr
om ot hernei
ghborhoodst oo.It
'sal
waysful
l,
especiall
yonweekends. ..

ItwasahotSaturdayafternoonwhenmyf ri
ends
andIdecidedt
omaket het r
ip.Il
oveswi
mmi ng,
eventhoughIdon'tknowhowt oswim.I
t'
stwo
pools,onei
sverydeepandoneaccommodat es
peopleli
kemewhodon' tknowhowt oswim..
Iam 13year sold,t
urned13aboutt womont hsago
butmybodyhasdevel opedi nawayt hatyou'd
swearIwasol der.Puber t
yatit'
swor standgenes! .I
havebr eastsbiggerthanki dsmyage.Ihadmyf i
rst
peri
odwhenIwas12, whichwasl astyeari npri
mar y
school.FriendsIhadatpr i
mar ytheirPar entstol
d
them tostayawayf r
om me.Ihavebi gbr easts,
start
edget ti
ngmyper iodsandnowI 'llbef r
equent
withsexandt heydon'twantt hatkindofi nf
luence
neartheirkids..
Idon'
twannament ionthepimpl esthatIhavenow,
si
nceIhaveaf ai
rskintone.Theyhavel eftmyf ace
wit
hdar kmar ksthatIcan'tgetridoff
.Myf aceis
al
sooily,i
nahotdayl i
kethis.Myf acegetsshinny
andit
'sadr agbecauset henatschoolI '
l
lgetteased.
Oneofmycl assmateswentasf arassaying"They
coul
df r
yeggsonmyf ace".It
'semot i
onall
yand
mentall
ydrainingtogot oschoolnow.

Iam al
waysbulli
ed,cal
ledallsor
tsofnames.Iget
tobethejokeoftheday,anditdoesn'
thel
phaving
beauti
fulf
ri
endsbecauseIbecomet hedragi
nt he
squad.Evenmyownf ri
endsmakef unofme..One
ofthem oncedeniedanyf ri
endshi pwithmewhen
askedifIwasherf r
iend,sher epl
iedbysaying"No
i
t'
sacl assmatethatchill
swithusdur ing
l
uncbreaks",
myhear tshatt
eredthatday..

Ithoughtprimarywast hewor st
,buthighschool i
s
thedevil'
sterr
it
or y.Iam ingrade8, andIal r
eady
hatehighschool .Mycl assismal i
cious,thegirl
sin
mycl assarewi cked,theygoagai nstmeal lthetime.
Iwascl osetomaybe3gi rl
sincl ass,butwhent hey
sawt heothergirlsmaki ngfunofme.Theydi tched
meandj oi
nedthemeansquad, whichsawmeasa
l
oner.Idon'tassoci at
emysel fwiththem, most l
y
spendmyt i
meatt helibrar
yifwehaveaf reeperiod
orduringlunchtimeaf terfi
nishingmyf oodIgoand
chil
lthere.
.

Goi
ngtothepoolt
odayIwaswit
hacoupleofmy
cl
assmat
es.Weplannedt
hist
ri
patschoolas
cl
assmat
esaboutaweekago,t
oallmeether
e.Bot
h
gi
rl
sandguys..Notever
yoneshowedup,
Icansay
75%oft
heclassshowedup...
.

IfIknewwhatawai tedme, Iwouldn'thavecame.I

would'vestayedathome. .Ri
ghtafterchangi
ngint
o
myswi mmingcostume, andmakingi toutt
othe
swimmi ngpool.Mycl assmatesdecidedtogangup
onme.Sur roundedmeandst art
edmaki ngfunof
me...Luckytookthelead..

Lucky:Ehhscefemyf
ir
stt
imeseei
ngyoui
na
swimmi ngcost
ume

That'
sthenicknametheygaveme"
Scef
e",
meani
ng
"Annoyance/i
rr
it
ati
on"
.

Lucky:Yaziyoucould'
vewornatr
acksui
t,Idi
dn'
t
knowyouwer eazebra.Somepar
tsarebl
ack,some
part
sarelight
Theyl
aughed.
.

Thisguythrowsshade,heknowshowt
othr
ow
shade.Evenincl
ass..

Lucky:Bengi
thiumzimbawakhomubikuuniform
k'
phela,kuswimmingconst
umeuWor se(It
hought
yourbodywasugl yonl
yinaschooluni
for
m, but
youwor sei
naswi mmingcost
ume)

Laught
erf
il
ledt
hepl
ace.
.

Lucky:Younotevenshapel
ess,
youar
ewit
hin!That
meansi nst
eadofyourcur
vescomi
ngoutt
heyare
wit
hin

Hel
aughedandcl
appedhi
shands.
.
Lucky:Whentheysayli
fei
sunfai
r,t
heymeantyou.
YouarenotuglyScef
e,youar
eunfair

Il
ookedatever
yonel
aughi
ngandenj
oyi
ngwhathe
wasdoing.
.

Lucky:Yabonai
fyoucoul
dgetmarri
edoneday,
thatmeanstheguycansur
viveandwinf
earf
actor

Thelaughtert
hatwasgoingaroundevenmademe
di
zzy,itwasalotofpeopl
e..

Lucky:Ut
hiyouare13yearsold,
butiDair
yithiI
have5kidsalr
eady!i
Windscr
eenithibl
acklabel
!

Iswal
lowedasIf
eltt
ear
snear
ing.
..

Lucky:Ihear
dthatyouhaveacr
ushononeofmy
f
ri
ends

Hel
ookedathi
sfr
iend.
.

Lucky:Ntwananomasebathiudaki
wemar al
a..
Gevaar(eveni
ftheysayyoudrunkbuther
edanger
!)

Thef
ri
endchuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
.

Guy1:Doyourselfandever
yoneafavour,
vele
sui
cideyour
self!Umubiscefeyouwouldevenscar
e
ascarecr
ow

Theyl
aughedr
eal
lyl
oud,
tear
sst
reameddown.
.

Iam whatIam,Ineveraskedtobeli
kethi
s.IfIhad
i
nmet ochangehowIl ook,Iwoul
d.Iwoul
d'velong
changedmysel
ftolooklikehowtheywantmet o
l
ook.Ihategoi
ngthrought
hisever
ydayofmyli
fe,
bei
ngtoldI'
m ugl
y.Shapel
essandhavebi
gbreast
s.

Thisbullyi
nghasbeengoi ngonf oryears,dating
backfrom pr i
mar y.Forhowl ongwi l
lIgot hrough
thi
s?Itkill
smysel fest
eem everyday.Makesme
wannadi eorcut toffeverypartofmybodyt hat
makesmet hevicti
m ofbullyi
ng..Iwi shIwast hin
orattr
act i
velythi
cksoIcanbeconsi dered
"Beauti
ful".Iwishmybr eastswer esmal ler,
Iwi sh
myski ntonewasnott wot oned.Iwi shmyf acewas
smoot handcl eanf r
om allthesepimpl es.Ihate
myself,andIhat emyexi stence..

Walki
ngawayfr
om t
hem,from t
hecr
owd.Ibumped
i
ntoonecl
assmatet
hatpushedmetothenext
..

Hi
m:Haivoet
sekwena!

Theot
heronepushedmet
othenext
,andj
ustl
ike
thatIwasabal
l.Beingthr
ownaroundtothenext
andthenext
,unti
lonepushedmeIf el
lri
ghti
ntothe
poolwheret
hewat erwasdeep.
.

MyNameisAi
sha"
Sont
ozi
le"Ngwenya,
andt
hisi
s
myst
ory.
.
Tobecount
ied

Justat
ast
eofwhat
'st
ocome
01

AI
SHA

[
AFEW YEARSLATER]

Myhandsweretrembli
ngasIhel
dtheenvel
ope.I
coul
dfeelmyheart
beatinmythr
oat
,kneesweakas
anxi
etyt
ookover
.

Thismomentr ighthere,i
swhatIl ostsl eepoverasI
prepar edf ormyf i
nalmat r
icexams3year sago.I
am 22year soldnowandaccor dingt ot he
educat ionalsyst em.Ishoul d'vebeeni nvar sityri
ght
aftercompl eti
ngmymat ri
c,butt henunf ortunatelyI
didn'thavef unding.Ili
vewi thmyMot herandmy
BigSi ster.MyMot heri
sunempl oyed, onl ymySi ster
i
swor kingandherj obisalsonoti mpr essi ve.Her
salaryi s2.5k, deducttranspor t
at ionmoneyf rom
there,moneyf orhertobuynecessi t
iesandal soto
keepf oodont hetableforus.Shedoesn' tcompl ai
n
wheni tcomest oprovi
dingf orus, butIf eelf orher.

She'scarryi
ngal otonhershoul ders,andIwant
nothingmor ethantor eli
eveher .HencewhyI
channeledallmypai nt omybooks.Myeducat i
on
wast heonlytoolIhad, onethingt hatnoonecould
nevertakeawayf rom me.Idi dwel linmatri
c,got3
dist
incti
ons.InEnglish,Lifesciences,and
Mathemat i
cs.AllIneededwasf undingthat'
sall,
andsincefrom thenit'
sbeendiffi
culttogeta
bur
sary.Untilthedepartmentofhealthextendeda
hel
pinghandandal lt
hathasbeenneeded, and
out
standing.Istheacceptancelett
er.Theletter
camet oday,I
'm notevensureiftheytookmeor
not
..

Ma:Vul
aphel
aSont
oki(
openi
t)
Me:I
'
m scar
edMa
Ma:Awwmanj eumawenaungekeukwazi
ukuyi
funda,sof
undel
waubani
?(i
fyoucan'
treadi
t,
who'sgoingtoreadf
orus)

Mymot heri
spartial
lyeducated.Sheneverfini
shed
school
,workedatsomer estaurantunti
lthe
rest
aur
antcloseddownandsi ncefrom t
henshe
hasbeenunempl oyed.
.

Shei
sthemaj
orr
easonwhyI
'
m her
etoday,
sti
ll
breat
hing.Withallthebul
lyi
ngandever yt
hing,she
wasalwayst her
ef ormeever ydaytell
ingmehow
muchshel ovedme.Howbeaut if
ulIam, t
hatit
doesn'
tmat t
erwhosayswhat .Iam God'screati
on,
andifGodwasn' thappywi t
hme.Hewoul dn'
thave
creat
edme. .

Myyear sofbei
ngbul l
iedturnedmeintoan
i
ntrover
t.Thegir
lthatstayedindoor
s90%oft he
ti
me.Onl ywentoutifIhadtogot oschool
,town,
church,ort
heshop.Ionl yhaveonefri
end,mybest
fr
iendthatIgr
ewupwi th.
She'
sayearol
dert
hanme.
..

Iopenedtheenvel
opeandgott
hel
ett
erout
,Igot
morenervous.
.

Me:Godpl
ease.
.Ineedt
his(
whi
sper
ing)

Ir
eadt
hroughwi
thmyhandsst
il
lshaki
ng.
Me:"Wearepleasedt oi
nfor
m youthatyouhave
beenaccept
edtot heBachelorofDentalTherapy
progr
am,attheSef akoMakgathouniversi
ty.
."

Idi
dn'
treadanyf
urt
her
,st
art
edscr
eami
ngand
j
umpingupanddown..

Me:Igoti
n!!Igoti
n!!Igoti
n!!

Mymom j oinedherhandst ogetherandclosedher

eyes,thenshel ookedupatt heceili
ngandst art
ed
sayingapr ayerwithherlipstrembli
ng..
.Most
Parentsshedt earsbecauset hei
rchil
drenar e
botheringthem, t
oseemyMot hersheddingtears
becauseshewaspr oud.Vali
datedtomet hat
i
ndeedIdeser vetheseblessi
ngs..

Iam nothol
dingmyselfonahi
ghpedest
al,
butI
havealwaysrespect
edmyMother
.Befor
emybest
fri
endt hatIgrewupwi th,
myMot herhasal ways
beenmyf irstbestfriend.Shehasal waysbeen
thereforme, mot i
vatingme, l
ovingme
uncondi ti
onallywhennooneel secouldn't.Herl
ove
gotmet hroughal ot,Irememberwhenshewas
scaredt hatIwoul dcommi tsuici
debecauseof
whatIwasgoi ngthrough.Thedepr ession,t
he
ment albreakdown.Tosavewhatwasl eftofmy
sanity,Ichannel edthatpainintomybooks.I
becameabookwor m andact uall
ywasal ways
ontopofmycl ass..

Shehel
dmyhand.
.

Ma:Buya,
let
'sgoandpr
ay.
.Thankt
heLor
d

VI
RGOSWARTBOOI

Iwasinmybedroom pl
ayingagame"Pl
ayer
unknown'
sbat
tl
eground"abbr
evi
atedt
o"PUBG"
.It
's
anonli
negamewher eyoupl
aywithotherpeopl
e,
evenAmericans.I
t'
snodi
ff
erentf
rom themovie
"HungerGames".

Wef
ight
ingf
orsur
vival
..

Me:Okayguys..IneedanEmo!
!Iam goi
ngt
odi
e!!
Someonepleasecoverme!

Mydooropened,
MyMot
herwal
kedi
n.

Ma:Canwet
alk?

Ii
gnor
edher
..

Ma:Ludwe!
!

Me:NombomiI
'
m st
il
lpl
ayi
ng,
can'
tfuckenpause
t
hegame!I
t'
sanonl
inegame

Ma:EyyIneedt
otal
ktoyounow!

It
ookof
fmyear
phonesandl
ookedather
.

Me:What
?
Ma:Thel
ett
erf
rom t
heuni
ver
sit
ycamet
hrough
Il
ookedatthel
ett
eri
nherhand,
shehadal
ready
openedi
t.
.
Me:KeNgoku?(
whatnow)
Ma:Ungeni
le(
youwer
eaccept
ed)
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Ma:Youwer
eaccept
edt
othe.
.
Shel
ookedatt
hel
ett
er.
.
Ma:TodoBachel
orofDent
alt
her
apy,
doyouknow
whati
t'
sabout
?
Me:NoandIdon'
tcar
e
Ma:Lu-
Me:Vi
rgo!I
t'
sVi
rgo!
Ma:LUDWE!!
!It
houghtyouhavesecur
edaspoti
n
"
Bachel
orofDent
alSurger
y"
Me:Andi
yikhathalel
anganal
ent
oyaseVarsi
ty
ubonanj
e!(Idon'tevencar
eaboutVar
sit
y)
Ma:Xakut
heniLudwe?(
Why)
Me:Youwantmet
ogot
oVar
sit
y,Idon'
t!
Ma:BecauseIwantyoutodosomethi
ng
const
ruct
ivewi
thyourl
if
e!Youare24yearsol
d!I
hadtoevengothr
oughchannel
sofbri
bingtomake
suret
hatyoupassyourmatr
icwell
!
Me:Whoaskedyout oo?Plusit
'snotli
keyouwere
doi
ngsomet hingt
hatyou'
veneverdonebefor
e,
si
ncewhendoyouhaveaconsci ence?Youwerea
whoreonce!thisi
syourst
yle!

Shekeptqui
etandl
ookedatme,
Iexhal
ed.
.
Me:Bomi
Ma:Congr
atul
ati
ons.
.Tomorr
owI'
m goingtopay
t
heregi
str
ati
onfee,t
henyou'
l
lgoandregist
er
Me:Idi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
Shepl
acedt
helet
teront
hemybedandwal
kedout
..
It
ooki
tandreadi
t..

Onewoul
dcal
lmeanungr
atef
uldi
srespect
fulspoi
lt
br
at,
andyest
hatIam.

Thet hi
ngi s,myMot hermessedup.Hermessi ngup
resul
tedt omybei ngbor n.Iam aproductofaone
nightstand,andIonl yhear dthatfr
om my
Grandmot her .Shewasn' tsayi
ngitasani nsult,she
wasj usttell
ingmehowIcameabout ..MyMot her
waswi ldi
ngbacki nVar sit
y,abeautif
ulyell
owbone
Xhosagi rlfr
om t heslumbsofEast ernCape, movi ng
downt oGaut engtostudy.Shesur edidnotonl y
concentrateonherbooksbutal sousedherbeaut y
togetguyswi t
hloadedwal let
sandf l
ashycar s.She
wasbasi cal
lyawhor e,thatlivedthroughabor t
ionsI
wast heonlychil
dwhosur vi
vedabor ti
on.Only
becauseshef oundoutl ate,myGr andmot herhad
noti
cedwhenshewenthomef orholidays.Iheard
shewant edtoabortmeorgi vemeup, butmy
Grandmot herconvi
ncedherot her
wi se.From whenI
wasbor ntotheageof9, Iwasr ai
sedbymy
Grandmot her,
myownmot herdidn'twantme.When
myGr andmot herpassedon, Ihadt omovedown
heretoli
vewi thNobomi .Eversi ncef rom then,
we'vealwayshadar ockyr el
ationship..

Iwasi napr ivateschool,anallboyspr i

vateschool.
Doyouknowhowdi f
fi
cultgoingthroughl i
fewi t
hal
l
yourfriendshavi ngbothPar ent
s?Thei rfat
her s
fetchi
ngt hem from schoolandIhadmyMot heror
thedriverpickingmeup?Nothavi ngmyFat her
attendanyofmyr ugbygames, andmyMot herwas
alwayst oobusyt oatt
end.Whent hegamewasover ,
I'
dhadt ofi
tmysel finafami l
ysoIdon' tstandout
thatmyPar entsneverattended,Ididthatever yt
ime
whenwewentoutf orburgersafterthegame.The
onlyfatherfi
gur eIhadwasherhusband' sbest
fr
iend.Theirchi l
dwasmybestf ri
end,unt i
lmy
Mot herfuckedherhusband' sbestfr
iendand
everythi
ngcol lapsed.Thei
rkidbashedmeatschool
becauseofwhatmyMot herdid,
andIwoul dfi
ght
anyonewhosai danythi
ngaboutmyMot herwhich
l
edt omebei ngsuspendedandIwasdr oppedfrom
myf avorit
espor tbecauseIhadangeri ssuesandI
wasver yaggr essive.
.

SotellmehowdoIr espectsuchawoman?A
womanwhodoesn' tevenknowwhomyFat heri
s?.
Yesshemadesomet hi
ngofherl i
fe,gotint
o
agri
cult
urehasaf arm backathome.Sheusedmy
Grandmot her
'sland,demolishedmyl astmemoryof
awar m homef oraf armthatisreall
ydoi ngwell
.

Wehavet hemoney,agoodhomeandaver ygood

l
ife.Igetever
ythi
ngIwantbutwhereisthelove?Al
l
thosethingsdon'
tmatterwhenther
e'ssomuch
painrunningdeepinourheart
s..MyGrandmother
wast
heonlyPersonIknewasmyMother
,Nobomi
wasj
ustasurr
ogateanddeepdownIr
esenther
..
.
Tobecont
inued
02

AI
SHA

Ihaveneverbeent hishappyi nmyl ifebefore.

Someonel i
kemef rom humbl ebeginnings,beating
al
loddsandgoi ngtoamedschool ?Al otofpeople
spoke.Manysai dathomewewer en'
tfinancial
stabl
eenoughf ormet ogot ovarsit
y,inmyhood.
Peoplesai dallkidsofthings,i
ncludingt hatgir
ls
whost ayindoor stoomuch.Endupf all
ingpr egnant
i
nsecr et,alotwasspoken.Thatcoul d'vemademe
notbelieveinmysel f,butbecauset heGodIser veis
great
ert hananyt hi
ng.Heanswer edmypr ayers,he
sawhowmucht hismeantt omeandanswer edme..
Iwashappy. .
MyMot hercal
ledmySist
ertocomewithacake
andcooldr i
nkwhensheknocksoffsowecould
celebr
ate,shewashappyjudgi
ngfrom howshe
respondedoverthephone.

MySi
sterandI
,weonl
yshar
eaMot
her
.
HerFatherpassedon,myMot hergotinvolvedwi t
h
mineandheal sopassedonwhenIwas7.Bot h
Menleftherwithnot
hing,
theyweren'tthatfinanci
al
st
able.
.

Ir
ememberwhenIwasyoung, mySist
erwasal
so
i
nvol
vedinthesquadthatusedtomakefunofme.
Shewoul
dt easeme,wouldn'
twannabeseenwit
h
meinpubli
cthatmuch

Backthenshewasf eel
inghersel
f,t
houghtshewas
thebestthi
ngthathaseverhappenedafterpeanut
butt
er.I
t'
sonlynow,asIgotolderthatheratt
it
ude
st
art
edtochangetowardsme.AlsowhenIwas18I
st
art
eddoingmakeupup, soi
tcoul
dhelpenhance
mybeautythat
'swhenheratt
it
udechangedwhen
myimagechanged.

Mybestf riendBayanda,theoneIgr ewupwi th

camet hr
ough.Shehasababynow, he's4year sold.
Fellpr egnantwhenshewasst i
lldoinggr ade12.I
feellikether e'
ssomej eal
ousyf r om hersi de.She
startedchangi ngbitbybi
twhenIpassedgr ade12
andshehadt orewrit
ethef ol
lowi ngyearbecause
thepr egnancygoti ntheway.Shedi dn'tpasst hat
well,andevenaf t
errewri
ting.Shest i
lldidn'tpass
thatwel l
..Shewor ksatsomecl othingst oreowned
byt heChi nese..
.

MyMot herwasintheki
tchencooki
ng.Wegoi
ngto
haveacelebr
ator
ylunch.
.BayaandIweresi
tt
ingi
n
thel
ivi
ngroom..

Baya:Sovel
euyaeUni
ver
sit
y(Yougoi
ngt
o
Uni
ver
sit
y)
Me:Yestomorr
owI'
m goi
ngtothemalltopaythe
r
egist
rat
ionf
eeandthengoandregi
sternextweek
Baya:That
'sni
ce
(
Sil
ence)
Baya:Atl
eastnaweuzobuyawithtwodegr
ees(
You
wil
lcomebackwi t
htwodegrees)
Me:I
'
m sor
ry?
Baya:Phel
aUni
ver
sit
yhaski
ll
edal
otofpeopl
eli
ke
you
Me:Huh?
Baya:Akusi
kuki
nil
apha(
That
'snotyourhome)
Il
ookedather
..
Baya:Ther
e'snoMotherwhowil
ltel
lyouthisand
that,
youhaveallt
hefr
eedom.Youwillbefebar
ing
totkwahel
lDwaa
Me:Whywoul
dyousay?
Baya:Ihear
dguyst
her
ear
ehotandl
oaded,
ver
y
har
dtor
esi
st
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
m goi
ngt
her
eforboys
Baya:Youar e22onlyhadoneboyf
ri
endthatdi
da
hi
tandr unafterbr
eaki
ngyourvi
rgi
nit
y.Umdala
Dwaa!Dl al
angenquzakayione!
Me:I
'veworkedhar
dtogot
her
e,I
'
m notgoi
ngt
o
messitup
Baya:Sokesi
bone!(
wewi
llsee)

VI
RGO

Iwalkedi
ntothekit
chen,ourhelperSi
s'
khosiwas
car
ryingherdut
iesasalways..
Me:Si
sK
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Khosi:Awukahl
eLudwe,ngi
mdalangingakauthi
Sisiawunamahloni(
Wai
tami nut
e,I
'
m wayt ooold
tobeyoursist
er)
Me:Theki
tchenl
ooksspot
less
Khosi
:Whatdoyouwant
?
Me:Di
dyouhearI
'
m goi
ngt
ovar
sit
y?
Khosi
:Ihear
d..Atl
eastI
'
llhavepeace
Me:Don'
tbet
hatPer
son,
youknowyougoi
ngt
o
mi
ssme
Khosi
:Iwi
sh
Me:UvauBomi
?(Wher
eisBomi
)
Khosi
:Avei
ngicikakel
entoyakhoyokudel
ela
umawakho(Thisthi
ngofyoudisr
especti
ngyour
motheri
sannoying)
Me:Youknowt
hest
ory
Khosi
:Shehasshet
ri
edver
yhar
dtopr
ovi
def
or
you
Me:Someot
hert
hingsar
ebi
ggert
hanj
ust
pr
ovidi
ng
Khosi
:Andsomeot
herki
dsonl
ywi
sht
ohaveyour
l
if
e
Me:Can'
twai
ttogot
ovar
sit
yjustt
obeawayf
rom
her
e
Khosi
:Whatdoyouwannahavef
orl
unch?
Me:I
'
m act
ual
lygoi
ngout
,lunchwon'
tbenecessar
y
Khosi
:Okay
Me:Woul
dyoul
ikemet
obr
ingyousomet
hing?
Khosi
:Anyt
hingwi
lldo
Me:Ayt
..I
'
llseeyoul
ater

AI
SHA

Ma:Foodi
sal
mostr
eady
Me:ThankyouMa,
your
eal
lydi
dn'
thavet
oo
Ma:Mychildi
sgoingtouni
ver
sit
ythat
'sagreat
achi
evement,
itwoul
dbesomehownott ocel
ebrat
e
Me:Thankyouagai
n
Thef
rontdooropenedandmySi
sterwal
kedi
n..

Si
s:Uphi
?Uphi
?(Wher
eisshe)
Me:Her
egoesdr
ama
Si
s:Mnt
akaMa!(
MyMot
her
'schi
ld)
Shewal
kedoverandputt
hecakeont
het
abl
e..
Ma:Mnt
akaSi
s'
Zanel
e!
Me:Thobekadon'
tst
artwi
thme
Ma:Mnt
akakaBab'
Godf
rey
Ir
oll
edmyeyes.
.
Sis:I
khul
il
eint
ombiyakwaNgwenyamaan(
You
havegrownup)
Shehuggedme.
.
Me:Real
lyi
t'
snot
hing
Webr
oket
hehug.
.
Si
s:AwwwNgekewehavetoscr
eam,
I'
m sur
eI
wasn'
ther
efort
hescr
eam
Webot
hlookedateachot
herandscr
eamed.

Ma:Ayyumsi
ndo!(
somuchnoi
se)
Si
s:BlessyounowIcanf
inal
lybr
agaboutmy
Si
sterwhoisgoingt
obeaDoctor
Me:Dent
alt
her
api
st
Sis:What
ever
..Oksal
ayoyouar
egoi
ngt
oaned
school
Ma:I
t'
sgoodt
ohaveyoubackhomeThobeka
Si
s:Ihadtoleavewor
kear
ly,
Icoul
dn'
tfocuswi
th
al
ltheexci
tement
MyMom shookherhead.
.
Ma:It
hinkwecaneatnow.
.BayaSondel
aSi
si
(
Bayacomecloser
)

VI
RGO

Af
tert
aki
ngashowerst
il
lwetwi
that
owelwr
apped
onmyl owerbody.Itookapi ctureandupl oadedon
Inst
agram..Ihaveapproxi
mat ely30kf ol
lowerson
Inst
agram,23kfoll
owersonTwi tt
er.Idon'treal
lydo
Facebook,i
t'
swayt ooclasslessformyst at
us.All
myf ol
lowersarewomen, evenhotonessoyoucan
j
ustimagine..

Ihavebeensi nglef or3mont hsnow, myl astgi

rl
brokeupwi thmeaf terfi
ndingoutt hatIwas
cheatingonher .Iam notgoi ngt obeg,Ididonce
andsheneversul kedmor esoIl ef
therli
ket hat
.I'
m
i
ncommuni cationwi thonei ntheDMs, r
easonwhy
I'
m goingoutf orl unch.Ifyoumygi rlyouhavet o
l
ookt hepar t.Can'tbeseenwi t
hanugl ygirlora
disadvant agedgi rlnextt ome.Yourmakeuphast o
beonpoi nt,youhavet obeneat ,yourwig.It
shouldn'tbeol dandt henailshavet ocomeal ri
ght
too..Idon'tseemysel fwithabasi cgirl
,can'tbe
seeni npubl icwi thsuchf ucker ynortakepictur
es
withsuch.I t'sembar rassinganddegr adingtowhoI
am.
.
Tobecont
inued
03

AI
SHA
[AFEW WEEKSLATER]

Iwokeupver year l
yinthemor ningtogoand
regist
er.Unfortunatelymybursar ywastaking
l
ongerwi ththatpar tofmyli
fe,buttheywi l
lsure
refundmesoIcangi vemySi sterbackhermoney.
Shekeptonbudget i
ng,moneyf orgrocer
ieswas
evendeduct edf orthi
spurpose.Iam gratefulf
or
whatmyf amilyisdoingforme. .

Ilefthomeat4:
00am, andmySi sterwastheone
accompanyingme.Wewant edtocomebackear l
y
sincewewer et
raveli
ngwithtaxi
sanddi dn'
treal
ly
knowt hedi
rect
ions.Thetaxif
rom ourtownto
Pretori
awastheonet hatdel
ayedusal it
tl
eatleast
for1hr30mi
n..
Wear r
ivedinPr
etoriaexact
lyat08:
00am.Thenwe
tookt
heonet oGa-rankuwathatwasgoingt
odrop
usoffattheuni
versity.

Steppingthrought hegat eIcouldfeelmysel f

getti
ngabi temot i
onal,t
hisishappeningf orme.A
gi
rlfrom humbl ebegi nni
ngsbei ngast udenther
e,i
s
God'sunquest ionableblessingsonme. .Thewalkt
o
wheret heregistrati
onswer etakingplacewasa
dreadfulwalk,itwasver yfarbutwear r
ived.

I
twascr
azyf
ull
,Ihopet
heyar
efast
..

Thobeka:Ihavetocal
lMom andl
etherknowt
hat
wehavear r
ivedalr
eady
Me:Okay,
I'
llhol
dthef
ont
Thobeka:Okay
Igr
eet
edt
hegi
rlIwassi
tt
ingnextt
oher
..

VI
RGO

MyMot herhasnevershoweduponmyanything,
t
oday.Sheforcedtocomewithme,accompanyme..

Wear r
ivedabitear l
y,andwewer en'tf
arahead.
Regist
rati
onsst art
edexactly8am.Ihat ethatshe
wantedtopar t
icipat
einthisPar tofmyl i
fe,andI
hatedthelooksshewasget ting.MyMot herisvery
beauti
ful,
shetur nsalotofheads.Mybeaut yI
bel
ieveit'
sfrom herside.
.Thesel it
tl
ehungr yboys
andoldmenwer ealr
eadyundr essi
ngherwi t
hthe
l
ookstheywer egi vi
ngher,andshewasf ri
endlyat
howsher espondedt othegr eeti
ngs..

WhenIhear dt
hestory,
itwasmadecleart
omethat
duri
ngtheAparthei
dEra.OurGreat
,Gr
eat
Grandmotherwasinvol
vedwit
hawhi t
eMan.Hence
oursur
name"
Swar
tbooi
".

Sot
hewhi
tegenes,
favour
edusal
ot.
.

Ma:I
t'
sful
l
Me:Atl
eastwewi
llbedonesoon
(
Sil
ence)
Ma:YouknowIwasn' tal
lforthi
sDentalTher
apy
t
hingbutseeingthi
sUniversi
tyIt
hinkI'
m st
art
ingt
o
warm upt
ot hefeel
ing
Me:I
'
m gl
adyoudo
Shehel
dmyhandandsqueezedi
t.
.
Ma:I
'
m pr
oudofyoubaby
Me:Thankyou

AI
SHA
Thobeka:Atl
eastwemovi
ngnow
Me:Yaatleast
..YouknowBayawasn'
tal
lforme
cominghere
Thobeka:Tohel
lwi
tht
hatone,
shehasal
waysbeen
j
ealousofyou
Me:Idon'
tunderst
and.
.Why?I
t'
snotl
ikemy
bl
essi
ngswillcometoher
Thobeka:I
t'
sjustjeal
ousy,she'
sokaywithyouguys
si
tt
ingathomet ogetheranddoingnot
hing
Me:Ya.
.Thankyouf
ort
her
egi
str
ati
onf
ee
Thobeka:Don'
tment
ioni
t
Me:I'
l
lpayyoubackwhent
heBur
sar
ycomes
t
hrough
Thobeka:Take2.5kandgi
veme2k.Atl eastbuy
cl
othesandt hi
ngsyouwil
lneed.Var
sit
ylifei
s
expensi
ve
Me:Tr
ue
Thobeka:Takecareofyour
sel
f,i
fyouwannapar
ty
don'
tforgetyourbooks
Me:I
'
m notaboutt
hatl
if
e
Thobeka:I
'
m gl
ad

VI
RGO

Gir
lsher
edidn'
timpressmemuch, t
heywer etoo
basi
c.Youcanjustt
ellt
heycomef r
om dif
fi
cult
homes,t
hisispr
obablywhattheyal
lhave.There'
s
noplanBtofal
lbackon,it
'st
hisornot
hing..
.

Ifi
nal
lycarr
iedoutmyr egi
strat
ion,wit
htheAdmin
peopl
ebusycompl i
menti
ngmeandmyMom.I t'
s
notunusualthough,wegetthatalot.
.

Thetimetablewascr azy.I'
l
lbedoi ngal otof
modul esandIdon'tevenknowone.Atl eastt
her e
wasnomat handphysi cs,onlyBiologyandIt hink
therestaredentalr
elated.Whatwasl eftnow,was
togetacliniccoatandt hetextbooks...I'
l
lgetthose
whenwest art
..
Wewalkedtot
hecarwit
hherar
m ar
oundmy
shoul
der
s.Sheki
ssedme..

Bomi
:Myonl
ychi
ldhasgr
ownup
Me:Don'
tst
art
,youembar
rassi
ngme
Bomi:Idon'
tcar
ewhosayswhat
!I'
m apr
oud
mother

AI
SHA

Welookedatt
hem makingawalkout,t
herewas
nowayyoucoul
dn'tl
ookatt
hem.I'veseenbeaut
if
ul
peopl
einmyli
fe,butt
heseones.
.

Thobeka:Tj
err
rsomepeopl
ehavegoodgenes
Me:Doyout
hinki
t'
shi
ssi
ster
?
Thobeka:Maybehi
sMot
her
,orsugarmama
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:KodwaThobeka
Thobeka:Howwi
llyouguysconcent
rat
ewi
thguys
l
ikethat
?
Me:He'
sprobablyafuckboy,goi
ngtobechangi
ng
f
ir
styear
s.I'
m surehe'
sdoingmedici
ne
Thobeka:Guysli
keknowthatt
heyhot
,andt
heyuse
thatt
oplaygir
ls.If
eelsor
ryf
orhi
sgir
lf
ri
end
alr
eady
Me:Met
oo!
.
Tobecont
inued
04

AI
SHA

Theregi
str
ati
onprocesswentwell
,thoughitt
ook
l
ongerbutitwentver
ywell
.Itwas16:00,whenwe
wentbackhomethatday.Tir
edf
rom t
hewhol
e
or
deal,
butwegotitdone..

Lif
ewentbackt onor malaf t
erregisteri
ng,ther
e
wasn'tanyt
hingint
erestingthatwashappeni ng.Not
thatmylif
eisfascinati
ng,I'm anintrovert
,Ienjoy
myowncompanyal ot.Whent hetimenear edfor
met ogotovarsit
y,anxietyfoundi t'
swayi n.I'
l
lbe
shari
ngaspacewi thdifferentpeople, I
'
llhavetobe
i
nt hemistofpeople.Iwasbei ngt akenoutofmy
comfortzone..

MySisterorganizedacarf ormethatwil
lhelpwit
h
myluggage, shesaiditwasaf r
iend.Idi
dn'
task
much,Iwasj ustgladthatsomeonewashel pingme
t
hanmet r
avelingwithtaxi
st or
es..OurReswasin
t
own...

Si
s:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
obef
ine?
MyMot
herandmySi
steraccompani
edmet
oo.
.
Me:I
'
llbef
ine
Ma:Atleastyoust
art
ingwit
hclassest
omor
rowso
ngekeubhoreke(
youwon'tgetbor
ed)
Me:That
'st
rue
Ma:Wehavet
ogo
Me:Thankyouf
orcomi
ngwi
th
MyMot
herhuggedme,
thenmySi
sterhuggedme
t
oo.
.

It
ri
edmylevelbestnott
ocry,knowi
ngt
hati
t'
llbea
whil
eunt
ilIseet
hem agai
n..
.

Iwal
kedt
hem outt
othecar
..
Me:Thankyourf
ri
endf
orme
Si
s:Iwi
ll
Ma:Uber
ight
,andpl
easet
akecar
eofyour
sel
f
Me:I
'
llbeal
ri
ghtandt
hankyou
Ma:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Si
s:Il
oveyounami
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

Il
ookedatt
hem wal
kingt
ogeti
ntot
hecar
..

VI
RGO

Iwalkedar
oundlooki
ngati
twi
thmyhandsbur
ied
deepinmypockets.
.

Ma:Il
ikeit
,it
'sagoodbachel
or'
sfl
at.Wonder
par
k
i
sbeauti
ful
Me:I
t'
snott
oobad
Ma:Andt
her
enti
saf
for
dabl
e
Me:I
t'
snott
hebestbut
..
Ma:Ludwej ustsayt
hankyou,
ever
ythi
ngel
sei
s
unnecessar
y
Me:Iam notgoi
ngt
osaythankyouf
orsomet
hing
t
hat'
snotmakingmehappy
Ma:Youclosetothemal l
,secur
ityseemsgoodrent
i
saffor
dable!i
t'
sR3500. .Whatmor edoyouwant?
Atownhouse?Youar eastudent!Youdon'
thave
money,youbroke,Ihavemoney!
Me:Andyoumustbepr
oud.
.Goodf
oryou
Ma:It
houghtthatwecoul
dstopatthemall
,eat
l
unchbef
oreIleavebutwit
hyouratt
it
udeIj
ustlost
myappet
it
e..Youcanalsofor
getaboutt
hePlasma
TV
Me:HowwillIpl
aymygamesi fIdon'thaveaTV?
SoIbr
oughtmyPl ayst
ati
onf
ornothing?
Ma:Youshouldn'tevenbepl
ayinganygames,you
doingalotofmoduleshal
foftheti
meyou'l
lbeat
school
!Youdon'thaveti
meforgamesanymor e,
41kisalotofmoneyt owast
e!
Me:Bomiyouar
emyMot
her
!Idi
dn'
taskt
obebor
n
okay?I
t'
syourj
obt
otakecar
eofme!
Shenodded.
.
Ma:MaybeIshoul
d'vedonet
heAbor
ti
on!
Il
ookedather
..
Me:Whatt
hef
uckdi
dyouj
ustsayt
ome?
Ma:IfbeingyourMot
heristhebiggestr
egreti
n
yourl
ife,
thenIshoul
d'vesavedyoubydoingthe
abort
ion
Me:Sot
oyouI
'
m ami
stake?
Ma:Youmakemef eelli
keIam ami st
akebybeing
yourMother
!It
rymybestwi t
hyoubutyouar e
alwaysmaki
ngmef eell
ikeIai
n'tdoi
ngenough!
Me:Thenwhydon'
tyout
ellmewhomyf
atheri
s?
Ma:Idon'
tknow!Iwasdrunkandhadaoneni
ght
st
andwithaguyIhookedupwi t
hfort
heni
ght
Me:SeewhatImean?Whogoesanddoshi
tli
ke
t
hat?
Ma:Iam sor
rythatIhadt
heoneni
ghtstand,
I'
m
sor
ryyoudon'thaveafat
her
!AndI
'
m alwaystryi
ng
togi
veyoueveryt
hingsothatyoudon'
tfeell
ikeyou
don'
thaveafat
her!Il
oveyousomuch
Me:Youdi
dn'
twantme
Ma:Thatwast henVir
go!Ifel
tli
keyouweregoing
toholdmylifebackbutwhenyoumovedi nwithme,
allt
hatchanged.Youwerethebestmist
akethat
haseverhappenedtome!
Me:PleaseBomii
fGrandmawasst i
llal
ive,I
'dst
il
l
beli
vingint
heEast
ernCapesodon'tactlikeyou
wantedme..Youj
ustdidn'
thaveachoice!
Shepickedupherbagf
rom t
hecount
erandhercar
keys.
.
Ma:I'
llpassbyatthemal l,
atGameI '
llbuyyout he
TVandt rytohaveitdel
iveredtoday.Clearl
ythisis
notgoingtoendanytimesoonso. .Goodbye,take
careofyoursel
fandIloveyou.I 'l
lbeveryvigi
lant
wit
hmymoneyi ncaseyour epeattheyear
Shegavemeaf
aintsmi
leandwal
kedt
othedoor
..
Me:Thankyouf
orbel
ievi
ngi
nme(
sar
casm)
Ma:Anyt
ime!
Shewal
kedout
..
.

AI
SHA

Iwentbackt
omyroom tosor
touteveryt
hing.My
roommatemovedi
nbeforeme,hert
hingswer e
sort
edonhersi
de.
.

Idi
dn'
thavemuch,
atleastshehasafri
dgeandI
'
m
hopi
ngshewon'
tmindifIsharei
twit
hher.
.

Thedooropened,
andshewal
kedi
n..
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Her
:Hi
Me:Hi
Her
:Nduvho
Me:Ai
sha
Ndu:Ni
cet
omeetyou
Me:Sameher
e
Ndu:hopi
ngwewi
lll
ivei
npeace
Me:Met
oo
Ndu:Doyouhaveaboyf
ri
end?
Me:Uhm.
.No
Ndu:Good..Iam notf
orshaggi
ng,
bri
ngi
ngaguy
overf
orthat
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Don'
twor
ryyousaf
e,IhopeI
'
m saf
etoo
Ndu:Mi
nei
sbackathomesoyouver
ysaf
e
Me:Whatcour
sear
eyoudoi
ng?
Ndu:Medi
cine
Me:Ohwni
ce
Ndu:You?
Me:Dent
alTher
apy
Ndu:Idon'
tknowmuchabouti
t
Me:Sameher
e..GuessI
'
llknowt
omor
row
Ndu:Iguessso
Me:HeycanIpl
easeshar
einyourf
ri
dge?
Ndu:Yesthent
hatmeanswewi
llt
aket
urnsi
n
cl
eaningi
t
Me:Idon'
tmi
nd
Ndu:Iwasgoi
ngtogoanddosomegr
ocer
y
shoppi
ngatPnp,
wannacome.
Ionl
yhaveR500,
I'
llhavet
ousei
twi
sel
y..
Me:Yeahsur
e,whynot
?
Ndu:Okayl
et'
sgo

VI
RGO

Ireali
zedthatImighthavebeenabithar
donmy
Mot her,
Iwon'tbeseeinghert
hatmuchanymor
e
andweshoul dn'thavepart
edint
hismanner
.It
ook
myphoneandcal ledher
..
Me:Pl
easepi
ckup

Shepi
ckedupont
he3r
dri
ng.
.

Ma:Ludwe
Me:I
'
m sosor
rymyl
ove
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:Wher
ear
eyou?
Ma:Iam st
il
lint
hecar
,haven'
tlef
t
Thatcoul
donl
ymeanonet
hing,
shehasbeen
cr
ying.
.
Me:St
il
lwannadol
unch?
Ma:Maybenot,you'
vehur
tmeIdon'
tthi
nkIwanna
seeyour
ightnow
Me:Ij
ustsai
dIwassor
ry
Ma:I'
mjustti
redLudwe, Iam ti
redoftheconst
ant
fi
ght
sandt heinsult
s..Idon'twannaendupdying
ofst
rokeorheartrel
atedi ssues.Youknowhowt o
hur
tme
Me:Ididn'tmeant oo.
.I'
m sorry.Iwon'tbeseeing
youeverydayanymor eandIdon' twantust odepart
i
nbadt erms.Imi ssyoualready,youknowI 'm not
comfortablewithchange,andit'
sreall
yget t
ingto
methatIwon' tbeseeingyourbeaut i
fulface
ever
ydaymi sspret
tythang
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Ma:Theawar
dwi
nni
ngapol
ogy
Me:I
sitwor
king?
Ma:I
t'
sgoi
ngt
otakemor
ethant
hat
Me:IknowandIpr
omi
seyouthatIwon'
tfai
l,
I
knowhowmuchyouspendi
ngonme
Ma:AndIdon'tmind,
Ijustwantyoutobehappy
andneverf
eelli
keyouneedaf at
herwhenI'
m her
e
Me:Thankyouf
orever
ythi
ngt
hatyoudof
orme
Ma:Comedownbef
oreIchangemymi
nd
Me:Okaymi
sst
hang
Shel
aughed.
.
Me:Il
oveyousomuch,
youknowyoumygot
oo
gi
rl
,andIgotyou
Ma:Il
oveyout
oobaby
Me:okayI
'
m comi
ngdown
.
Tobecont
inued
05

AI
SHA

Themostant i
cipat
eddayhadfinal
lyar
ri
ved,we
start
ingwit
hourclassest
oday.Iwasexci
tedand
nervousatthesamet i
me.
.

Myfir
stcl
asswas"
OralHeal
th"
,itwasst
art
ingat
8:
00am..

Thebusschedul
ewasasf
oll
ows:
6:
30am
7:
00am
9:
00am
12:
00

Itwascr azygoingdowntot hebus,I

twasal otof
usandIt houghtther
ewasonl ygoi
ngtobe1bus.I
wasr el
ievedt osee4buseslinedupbyt heentr
ance.
Sinceever yonewasgoingforthefi
rstandsecond,
ahandfulofuswentandhopedi nonthelastone.
.I
wascat chingthe7am one.
.

Isatdownandl ookedatmyst udentcar

dwi
tha
smile,
I'
m of
fi
ciall
yaf i
rstyearst
udent.

VI
RGO
Igotoutoftheshowertogetdr essed.Afewoutfit
s
werelaidonthebed,couldn'
tpickupone.Iwas
tor
nbet weenal
lofthem, butwhateverIwear.I
'l
l
havetomakesur ethati
tvalidat
esmyst atus.
.Iwill
makei tonti
me,onlyift
raffi
cwon'tbeabi t
ch..

Itookmyphoneandcheckedaf
ewmessages
befor
eget
ti
ngdressed.
.

AI
SHA

Ienjoyedtheridej
uststar
ingoutofthewindowand
admi r
ingthetown.Pret
ori
aisbeauti
ful,
Iwas
al
readyimaginingmyselfli
vingher
eafter
graduati
on..

TheBusf i
nal
lydroveint
oschool
,moststudent
s
wholivedatt
heResi ntownwereal
readymaking
thei
rwaytoclass..
Icheckedt hetimei twas7: 50am.10mi nleftbef
ore
ourfir
stclassst art
s..Wegotof fthebusandI
i
solatedmysel fbygoi ngtost andont hegrass.
Beingani ntr
over ti
sadi sadvant agewheni tcomes
tosuchsi t
uations.Iwatchedever yoneget t
ingon
wit
ht heirday,andIcompl etel
yf elloutofplace,
I
don'tevenknowwher etost ar
tsear chingforthe
l
ecturehall..

AsIwasstandingther
e,wi
thmyf
eetf
rozent
othe
gr
ass.Thi
sgirlcamemyway..

Her
:Hi
Shegr
eet
edmewi
thasmi
le.
.
Her
:Isawyoudur
ingr
egi
str
ati
on,
youwer
esi
tt
ing
i
noursect
ion
Me:YesI
'
m doi
ngBDT
Her
:Met
oo
Me:Real
ly?
Her
:Mynamei
sAsenat
hibutyoucancal
lmeAsa
Me:Ai
sha
Asa:Wellthenitseemsl
ikewebot
hlost
,weshoul
d
st
artsearching
Me:It
hinkso

Wewentt otheOral
healt
hbuil
dingandsearched
through.Asawascomf or
tabl
easkingpeople,and
theydirect
edustotheexactl
ectur
ehall.
.We
openedt hedoorandmadeourwayi n,al
readythe
classwasf ull
.

Doyouknowi nhi ghschoolwhenyouwal kintothe

cl
assandever yonest ar
tst
hrowingsl
ycomment s?I
expect
edthat.Ikeptmyeyesdownandf oll
owed
Asa,shefoundusabencht osit
.Itwasempt y,she
wentinfi
rstandIf ol
lowed.
.

Tomysurpr
isenoonesaidanyt
hing,ever
yonewas
mindi
ngt
heirownexceptf
oronegirlwhowasbusy
speakingloud.She'
sdefini
tel
ygoi
ngt obethe
coolestst
udentinclass,
shewasn'tevenshy.
.

Wesatthereunt
ilsomegi
rlwal
kedi
n,shecame
di
rect
lyandsati
nourbench.SoIwasinthemi
ddl
e..

Her
:Hi
Wegr
eet
edherback.
.
Her
:Pozi
swabutpl
easecal
lmePo
Shewasbeaut if
ulnol ie.
.Wei ntr
oducedour sel
ves
tooandcont i
nuedtalkingaboutr andom t
hings.I
didn'
tthinkIwasgoingt omakef ri
endssofast,
apparentlyt
heyalsodon' tknowanyonei nclass.
Theirhighschoolmat eschoseot hervar
sit
iesbut
Poment i
onedsomear eherejustdoingdif
ferent
courses..

Westayedchat
ti
ngunt i
l10:00am,
thelect
urer
wasn'
tcomingandMi ssloudmouthhadintr
oduced
her
sel
fas"Ntombif
uthi"
.
Shewasnowst andi
ngatt
hef r
ontcr
ackingjokes.
.
Thisgi
rlisoneofmyown, she'
schubbyandseems
nottogiveafuck.Shel
ooksconfi
dent,
thatcould
neverbeme. .

Thedooropenedandwekeptqui etthi
nki
ngitwas
thelecturer
,butthisguyIsawwhenIwas
regi
steringmadehi swayi n.He'
sprobabl
ylost
..We
allr
emai nedquietashet ookoffhi
sbuckethatand
madehi swaytot heback,hesatdownabitfar
from theotherguyskeepingaser i
oussoci
al
dist
ancing.

Heimmediat
elyt
ookouthi
sphoneandgl
anced
downati
t,westi
llr
emai
nedqui
et.

Nt
ombi
:Ai
ino!
!Howar
ewet
oconcent
rat
enow?

Wel
aughed.
.
Nt
ombi
:Sor
rybhut
i.
.Kancance
Theguyl
ookedather
..

Ntombi:I
'
m nomi nat
ingmyselftobeyourbest
fr
iend,
andpartnerinanyact
ivit
ythat
'sgoi
ngtobe
doneinourcourse

Hel
ookedar
oundandshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s..

Guy:Yeahsur
e,whynot

Ntombi:Andwi
tht
hatbei
ngsaidcl
ass,
I'
m goi
ngt
o
si
tnexttomynewl
yfoundfr
iend

Shewalkedovert
otakehert
hingsandwentt
osi
t
nextt
ohim..

Nt
ombi
:Scoott
othesi
dephel
a
Hemovedovert
ogi
vehermor
espace.
.

Thi
sgi
rlhasgut
s!Icoul
dneverdot
hat
,I'
ddi
e..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
50] :06

AI
SHA

Theclasseswerejustint
roducti
ons.Ot hermodules
requi
redustobeinabi ggerhall
,thatregarding
Engli
shandPsychology.Allfi
rstyearswer eunder
oneroof,i
twascrazypackedandner vewr ecki
ng.
Butatleasti
twasal otofpeopleandIgett ohide
offwell
.

Ourclasswasver ymuchfasci
natedbyVir
go,Iwas
too.It
houghtthisguywasgoingtodomedicine.
Youcanj ustt
ellhecomesfrom aser
iousf
inanci
al
st
ablebackgr
ound,hemust'vewentt
oanexpensi
ve
pr
ivat
eschool.Heshoul
d'vegott
engoodgr
ades.

Iwascomf ort
ablewi
thAseandPo.Theyl ovel
y
peopleexceptf
orPo,whoisveryvocalbutshe
givesusli
feseei
nghowreservedIam.Shemakes
thesquadnottobebori
ng.

Luncht
imecameandwewentt othecafet
eri
a,
R1500from ourr
egist
rat
ionf
eewenttomeal s.Now
Iunder
standtheexpensi
vepartoft
heregist
rati
on
fee.
.

Iwasabitst
ressedwiththewholesi
tuat
ionof
books,
mybur sar
ywillcomethr
oughmont hendso
Idon'
tknowwhatI'l
ldo..

Asecameback.
.
Ase:Appar
ent
lyatt
hel
ibr
aryt
heyl
endbooks
Me:That
'sbet
ter
Ase:Weneedtogogetourli
brarycar
dsdonesowe
cangett
hepsychol
ogytextbooksbefor
etheyr
un
out
Po:Iagr
ee

It
'sgoodtogothr
oughstruggl
ewi
thot
herpeopl
e,I
don'tgett
ogetst
ressedal
one.

Ase:Ladi
esi
nothernews,whatdoyout
hinkabout
t
henewhot t
iei
nourclass?
Po:Yenamuhl
eshamej
eal
ousdown(
he'
shot
)
Me:I
'
m shockedathowt
hatgi
rlt
hrewher
sel
fat
hi
m
Ase:Iknowr
ight
?
Po:She'
sbeengl
uedbyhi
ssi
deal
lthet
ime
Ase:Co-
joi
nedt
wins
Wel
aughed.
.
Me:Doyout
hinkt
heygoi
ngt
odat
e?
Ase:Naaa.
.Guysl
ikehi
m usual
lyassoci
atewi
th
gi
rl
slike
Shel
ookedar
ound.
.
Ase:Those
Me:Iagr
ee

VI
RGO

Idi
dn'tmindt hi
sNt ombifut
hiofahumanbei ng,
bei
ngmyf r
iend.Idon'tknowanyonear oundher e,
andIlikehervibe.Ifcir
cumstanceshadi tanother
way,Iwould'vetoldherwheretogetof fbutIneed
herf
ornowandIhopeshe' ssmar tbecausewe
goi
ngt obedoi ngal otofwork.
.

Ihadtakenherout,
wedrovetoeatintown.Ilether
choose,shechoseMcDonal
d's.Typi
cal!
..She
couldn'
tst
opt aki
ngpi ct
uresoft hef oodandpl ace.
Thisisl
uxurytoher ,
shepr obablycan' tj
ustwal kin
hereonanor maldayt ogetameal .Idon'treall
ylike
McDonald'
s,theirburgerpatti
esdon' ttast
eni ce.
SameasSt eers,theyanogoar eaf orme..

Fut
hi:Thankyouf
ort
his,
Ireal
lyappr
eci
atei
t
If
akedasmi
le.
.
Me:Youwel
come
Fut
hi:Soyoul
oaded?
Il
ookedather
..
Me:Def
inel
oaded?
Fut
hi:Your
ich?
Me:Asopposedt
owhat
?
Fut
hi:Ei
shnayoIEngl
ishi
buyei
suke(
Engl
ishgoes
someti
mes)
Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
..
Fut
hi:Imeanyouher
eonl
yhavi
ngadr
ink,
I'
m
havi
ngaf
ullmeal
.Sot
hisi
snotnewt
oyou?
Me:Yeaht
het
hingi
s
Il
ookedather,
can'
taf
for
dtober
ude.Idon'
thave
fr
iendsyet
..
Me:I
'
m notr
eal
lyhungr
ythat
'swhy
Il
ookedatt
het
ime.
.

Me:Fi
nishup,
wehavet
odr
iveback
Fut
hi:Okay.
.Thankyouagai
n

AI
SHA

Onourwayt
oourfi
rstaft
ernooncl
assIr
angmy
Mot
hersi
ncewehadaf ewf r
eeminut
esl
eft
..

Ma:Sont
oki
Me:Ma
Ma:Kunj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Ma:Ngi
yaphi
la(
I'
m wel
l)
Me:Wasj
ustchecki
nguponyou
Ma:Youdonef
ort
heday?
Me:No.
.Iam goi
ngt
omyf
ir
staf
ter
nooncl
ass
Ma:OkaykeSi
si
Me:Ar
eyousur
ethatyouokay?
Ma:Yes.
.Iqol
onj
e,Idi
dthel
aundr
y
Me:Okayr
estke
Ma:I
'
m gl
adyouokayandschooli
sgoi
ngwel
l
Me:I
'
llcal
lyouaf
tercl
ass
Ma:Al
ri
ght
Me:Il
oveyou.
.Bye
Ma:Il
oveyout
oo

VI
RGO
Aswewer edr ivi
ngback,Ihadonmybuckethat .
Shewast aki
ngpi ct
uresandvi deos,Iknowshe'
l
lbe
upl
oadingthem onsoci almedia.Abi gpar
tofmine
wantedtotellheroff
,Iactual
lyclenchedmyJaws
soIdon'tbecomer udetoher..
.

"
Okowahamb'
eth'
uzobuya
Wakhwel
ainqwel
ont
aka
Wat
shonakwezi
y'
ntaba
Nt
yil
ont
yil
onj
engenyonindi
yant
yil
oza
Mamandi
ncedekhawund'
si
zeMama
Tat
andi
ncedekhawund'
si
zeTat
a
I
ntl
unguzot
handoyaz'
kubhl
unguut
handaumunt
u
Namiangi
zenzicel
'
ungi
sizeMama"

Event
hesongthatwasplayi
ngwasnotmyt ast
e,
shewaspl
ayi
ngitviaBl
uetoothf
rom herphone.
Huawei,outdat
ed.Whatast r
uggle!
..Pr
obablyher
fi
rstt
imealsobeingint
hef r
ontseatofacar.Idri
ve
acharcoalgol
f7,myMot hergotitf
ormeayear
ago.She'
sstil
lpayi
ngforit
,notreal
lybadforafi
rst
car.
..

AI
SHA

Wewalkedint
ot helab,wewereatt
endi
ngBiology.
Wesatonthesamer ow,eachchai
rhada
mi
croscopeatthetable.Thi
swasexcit
ing.
..

Thel
ectur
ershowedupaft
er15min,
don'
tknow
what
'swit
hthem showi
nguplat
e.

Lect
urer
:Goodaf
ter
noon
Wegr
eet
edback,
hehadmanual
swi
thhi
m.

Hi
m:I
'
m DrLamar
,I'
l
lbet
eachi
ngyoubi
ology.I
t'
sa
6monthsmodule,soifyoufailt
heexam inJune
youcomingbacknextyear.Isuggestyoust
art
bei
ngseri
ousnow..

Welist
enedatt
enti
vel
ywhentheDuowalkedi
n.
Fut
hiwasholdingapackofMcDonal
d's.

Lamar:Goodaf
ter
noon,
nextt
imepl
easeshowup
onti
me

Fut
hi:YesSi
r,sor
rySi
r

Theywentandsatdown.
.

DrLamarputt hemanualsont hefi

rstrow,
takeone
andpassal soti
cknexttoyournameandst udent
number .Guardthem wi
thyourli
ves,andmake
them yourfri
ends.
Hecont i
nuedt al
kingaswegott hemanual s,t
hey
gottome.Iwassi tt
ingatthecor ner
.Afterti
cking
mynameandt aki
ngone, Iwoul dhavetogetof fmy
chai
rtogivet herowbehi ndme.Ther ehewas
si
tti
ngbehi ndme, Iheldmybr eathwithmyknees
weaktogi vehim.Hekepthi seyesonme, l
it
erall
y
l
ookedmei ntheeyeanddi dn'
tmovet hem untilI
putthemanual sont hetablewithmyhands
tr
embling..

Iwal
kedbackt
omyt
abl
ewi
thmykneeswobbl
ing.
.

Isatdownonmychai
rst
il
lshaki
ng.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
50] :07

AI
SHANGWENYA
Ourlastclasswas"Radiogr
aphy"
.Thesame
t
radit
ionhappened,wegotManualsandthe
i
ntr
oduct i
ontothecourse.I
twas15:00,
andwe
werealreadyti
red.Wewantedtogo..

Lectur er:Asf rom t omor r

ow, wewi l
lbestar ti
ngwi t
h
thetopi c"Pant omogr aphy"thenwewi l
lmoveont o
bit
ewi ngs.Ther easonwhywest arti
ngwi tht hese
twot opi csist hatf rom nextweekMonday, wewi l
l
beatt hecl inicsdoi ngPansandbi tewings.Hence
youhavecl i
nical st ooonyourt imetables.Thequot a
i
sst eepweneed150Pansand50bi tewi ngsf ort
he
year.Thesessi onsar e2hour s,2timesaweek.We
have4Panmachi nessowewi l
lpairyouguys. .
Somet imesi twi llrequi r
eyouguyst osacrifice
l
uncht ogot ot hecl inictomeetyourquot a,
becausei ftheyearendsandyouhaven' tr eached
theqout athenyouwi lldefi
nitel
yr epeattheyear .
Imagi ner epeat ingonl ycl i
nicalsfortheyear .Our
theorygoesf oronl y6mont hs,soIsuggest
everyonebeser iousya?
Wenodded.
.

Lect
urer
:Ihavepair
edyouguysal
ready,I'
l
lcal
lout
thepai
rsandasfrom t
omorr
owyousi tnextt
oyour
part
nerunt
ilt
hedurati
onoft
hecourse

Pai
ri
ng?Iwasn'tf
eeli
ngwel
laboutt
his.Can'
twe
j
ustpai
roursel
ves?IknowI
'
llgowit
hAseorPo..
Thi
sistoomuch..

Thelecturerst
artedcal
li
ngoutnames,i
ftheycal
l
thepairyouraiseyourhandsoyourpar
tnercansee
you.
..

Lectur
er:GroupD.Thi sthelastgroupandt hey'l
lbe
goinginMonday, andFridayafternoons.From
14:00-
16:00,pl
easenot eitdownonyourt i
met abl
es
soyouguysdon' tclashandcr owdt hecli
nic.
.
TheoryisonMondaysandCl i
nicalsareinthe
aft
ernoon
Shefurt
herwentont
ocalloutnames,t
hegroups
consi
stedof8members.Shecall
edoutthepai
rs.
.

Lect
urer
:Vi
rgoSwar
tbooi

Vi
rgor
aisedhi
shand.
.

Lect
urer
:You'
l
lbepai
redwi
thaMi
ssAi
sha
Ngwenya

Myhear
tstoppedbeat
ingf
oraf
ewseconds.The
cl
asswentdead.
.

Lect
urer
:Mi
ssAi
sha?

Ishyl
yrosemyhandup.
.
Lect
urer
:Andwedone

Fut
hi:Ir
equestaprotest
,I'
dli
ketobepai
redwi
th
mybestfri
endorratherbeinhisgr
oup

Lect
urer
:Thatwon'
thappen,
thePai
ri
ngi
scompl
ete

Post
art
edcl
appi
ngherhands,
shewasi
nmy
gr
oup.
.

Po:Wehaveahot
ti
einourgr
oup

Isl
owlyt
urnedtolookatVi
rgo,
hewasbusy
chat
ti
ngtoFuthi
..

Me:What
'shappeni
ngt
omyl
if
e?

Lect
urer
:Seeyouguyst
omor
rowat8am,
don'
t
for
getwesi tinpair
sandpleaser
eadpage57
pantomographysoyouknowwhati t
'sabout
..
.We
done,enj
oyt herestoft
heday

Shewal
kedout
..
.

Fut
hi:Ai
inoIf
orbi
dthepai
ri
ng

Ever
yonel
aughedaswepackedupandwal
kedout
..

Me:Idon'
tknowhowt
hisi
sgoi
ngt
owor
kout

Poputherar
m overmyshoul
der
s..
Po:We'
l
lbef
inegi
rl
!!
!

VI
RGOSWARTBOOI
Fut
hiwasbit
chi
ngaboutnotbei
ngpai
redwi
thme,
I
twasstar
ti
ngtogeti
rr
it
ati
ng.

Futhi
:Aisha?Thatgi
rli
sevenaghosthaveyou
heardhersayanythi
ngincl
ass?
Me:Wehavej uststar
tedtogett
oknoweachot
her
,
Idon'
tevenknowt hem al
l
Fut
hi:Atl
easti
fIwasi
nyourgr
oup
Ist
opped.
.
Me:I
t'
sjustpai
ri
ng!Gi
vei
tar
est
!
Fut
hi:Ohw
Il
efthert
her
eandwal
kedt
omycar
..

AI
SHANGWENYA

Wegoti nt
othebusandwheni twasf ul
l,
itdr
ove
off.
.Iwassti
llstuckonwhathappenedinour
radi
ographyclass,myhear
twasbeat i
ngfast
.Out
ofeveryoneIhadt
obepai
redwi
thVi
rgo?Howdi
d
thatcomeabout?

Wegott ot heRes, andIbi

dmyf ri
endsgoodbyeand
wenttomyr oom. .Fut
histart
edawhat sappgroup
fortheclass, Iam aghostt her
e.Ijustreadand
pass,thoughIdi dcheckVi r
go'sprofi
lepict
ureand
thi
sguyi sr eallygoodlooking.
.Ialsotookitupon
myselftosear chhim onsocialmedia, coul
dn'
tfind
him onFacebook.Foundhi m onInstagram,I
fol
lowedhi mj usttoadmirehim..

Ihavethisthing,eversinceIdat edt
hatguyi nhigh
schoolwhopr et
endedt olovemeonl ytohititand
ran,Istayedawayf r
om dating.SosinceIain'
t
dati
ngIt endtocr eateafantasywor l
d,whereifI
seeahandsomeguyImakeal lfant
asyscenariosof
usdat i
ng.

SometimesIj
ustmasturbatetothefant
asy,Idon'
t
real
lyputmyf
ingerdeepinside.Justmassagemy
cl
itandextendmyfinger
sdownt
orubagai
nstmy
holeunt
ilIgetwet
.

That
'showIgett
hrough.
.

VI
RGO

Igottomyf l
atandshowered,Ihavebought
takeaways.Hadtodri
vedownt oPr et
oriawestto
getBarcel
os.Il
ovethei
rgri
ll
edper iperichi
cken.
.

It
'sfrustr
atingthatsofarther
e'snogi
rlt
hathas
caughtmyat tent
ionatthecampus,maybemor e
willcomet hroughImeani twasjustt
hefi
rstday
afterall
..
.

MyMot
her
'svi
deocal
lcamet
hrough.
.
Ma:Ther
ehei
s
Me:Myl
ove
Ma:Howwasyourf
ir
stday?
Me:I
twasn'
tthatbad,
justi
ntr
oduct
ions
Ma:Haveyoumadef
ri
ends?
Me:Justone,
she'
sal
oudmout
h
Ma:I
t'
snotdi
ff
icul
tforyout
omakef
ri
ends
Me:I
tis.
.Iam ver
yspeci
fi
c
Ma:Ludwe. .Youneedtounderst
andthatnot
everyonecomesfrom ablessedbackgroundl
ike
you,ifyoukeeponliket
hat.Youwon'thaveany
fr
iends
Me:TheyeatatMcDonal
d's
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Ma:What
'
swr
ongwi
thMcDonal
d's?
Me:It
'sMcDonal d'
s,what'
snext
?KFC?t
heBeyoncé
r
estaurantofpoorpeople
Ma:Il
oveKFC
Me:Ofcour seyoudo,youwerepoorremember?
Unti
lyougotGr andma'
slandandmadesomet hi
ng
outofit
..That'
swhypeoplegetsi
ck,KFCthei
r
chi
ckeni ssoggyandsmelly
Ma:Kodwauyazi
xel
elaSanaLwam (
Youar
eful
lof
your
sel
f)
Me:We'l
lseeasti
megoeson, Ishoul
d'vewentt
o
UJorWitsI'
m sur
ether
e'speopl
etherewhoareat
mylevel
Ma:YouarenotatWitsnorUJ,
ifyoufeelthatway
whydon'
tyoutakethem t
ogoodrestaurants?
Me:Theyt
akepi
ctur
es!Fr
om whenwegeti
n,t
o
whenweeati
ng
Shel
aughed.
.
Me:I
t'
ster
ri
ble!

AI
SHANGWENYA

Iwasst
udyi
ngt
het
opi
cfort
omor
row,
whenmy
Sister
'scallcamethr
ough.It
oldheraboutwhat
happenedt odayandshewasf asci
nat
edbythe
Virgoissue..

Sis:Yhuuuuuuumar
aSont
oki
,howyougoi
ngt
o
survive?
Me:Idon'
tknow..YouknowIhavebadexperi
ences
wi
thcoolpeopl
er ememberhowIwasbull
ied?
Sis:Notal
lpeopl
earet
err
ibl
e,maybeyoujudgi
ng
thisVi
rgoguy.Hecoul
dbeagoodPer son
Me:We'
l
lsee
Sis:Justbeyour
selfandit
'snotl
ikeyout
woar
e
fr
iendsordati
ng,youjustPart
ner
s
Me:Yaatl
east
Si
s:I
'
llcal
lyouagai
ntomor
row
Me:Okaysendmyl
ovet
oMom
Si
s:I
'
lldoso
Me:Bye
.
Tobecont
inued

[
BASEDONTRUELI
FEEVENTS]
[
03/
14,
21:
51] :08

AI
SHA

Ipreparedforthi
stopicthatwewer egivenasi fl
ike
Iwaspr epari
ngforanexam.Iwasser i
ouswhenI
sai
dt hatIwon'tpl
ayar ound,t
hisisallIhave.I'
m
notaboutt odi
sappointmyf amil
yandmysel f,
God
gavemet hi
sopportuni
tyandI '
m goingtousei tthe
bestway..

Vir
gowasl at
eforclassasal ways,butt
hist
imehe
wasn'
tthatmuchl at
e.Everyonewassi t
ti
ng
accor
dingtohowt heypair
edusf orRadiogr
aphy,
wewer eshar
ingthebenchwi thgroupsee.I
twas
them f
ir
st,
thenmeandVi
rgo'
sspacewasempt
y
nexttome..

Hewalkedinclassandt hewholewal kbecamea

sl
owmot iontome.Hel ookedathi swatchthen
l
ookedaround,untilhesawt heempt yspacenextto
me.Iseri
ousl
yt houghtthathewoul d'
veforgot
ten
myface,I
'vealwaysbeenf orget
tableanyway..

Hecameandsatnextt ome,myhear tst

artedto
beatf
ast.Hemademever ynervous.
.Hewas
smell
inggoodt ooandhelookscleanatallti
mes.
I'
veneverreal
lylookathi
mf r
om upclose,norhaveI
keptalongereyecontact
..
.

Vi
rgo:Goodmor
ning
Me:M.
.Mor
ning
Iwasst
ari
ngatthefrontasIgreetedback.He
pl
acedhi
sbackpackont het
ableandlaidhischi
n
onit
,wi
thhishandataf ardi
stancebusywithhis
phone.
.Iswall
owedandl ookeddownatmynotes.
.
OurRadiogr
aphyteacherwalkedi
n,MrsMal
aka..

Mal
aka:Goodmor
ningBDTst
udent
s
Wegr
eet
edherback.
.

Mal
aka:Let
'sgetst
arted,pl
easeputawayyour
manual
sandanythingfrom t
hetabl
eplease

Wedi
dso.
.
Mal
aka:Idon'
twannaseeanypaperoranyt
hingon
t
hetabl
eexceptf
orhands

Shel
ookedatus.
.

Malaka:Gr
oupA, pl
easeonememberupf
rontt
o
pr
esentthelessononPan
Thecl
asswentqui
et.
.

Malaka:Ididsayt hatyouguysshoul dprepar

e,i
f
youdidn'
tthent here'
snopoi ntofthi
slesson,no
poi
ntofclini
cals,nopoi ntofanythi
ng!

Futhi:Wedi
dn'
tknowt
hatwewoul
dber
equi
redt
o
present
Mal
aka:Butyouwer
etol
dtopr
epar
e,yah?
Wekeptqui
et.
.

Mal
aka:Gr
oupB?C?D?

Wel
ookedateachot
heri
nourbench.
.

Malaka:IcansimplygototheDeanandtel
lhim
thatI
'm cancel
ingt
heclass,ever
yonewi
llr
epeat
nextyear.
.Wenotheretoplay!
Noonesai
danyt
hing.
.

Mal
aka:Anyone?Notevenadef
ini
ti
on?
Vi
rgol
ookedatusi
nourr
ow.
.

Vi
rgo:Guyscomeonnoone?
Theguysi
tt
ingnextt
omet
alked.
.
Po:Ai
shawasr
eadi
ngnot
es
Me:I
..
Vi
rgo:Ai
shawoul
dli
ket
odoi
tforourgr
oup,
group
D
Me:Huh?
Mal
aka:Mi
ssAi
sha.
.Thef
loori
syour
s

Alleyeswereonme, myner vesshotthr

oughthe
roof.Thi
sishighschoolalloveragai
n,I
'l
lst
and
t
her eandtheywil
lmakef unofmeandl aughatme.
.
Mal
aka:Mi
ssAi
sha?
Vi
rgo:Pr
ett
yMi
ssThangpl
ease
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Ihave.
.I'
m scar
edofpeopl
e'
s
eyes
Vi
rgo:I
'
llst
andnextt
oyouf
ormor
alsuppor
t
Thi
sguywassmoot
h..
Vi
rgogotup.
.
Vi
rgo:Come

Isl
owl
ygotup.
.
Po:YesAi
sha!
!Gobaby

Ever
yoneel
sest
art
edcl
appi
ngt
oo.
.

Wewal
kedt
othef
rontandVi
rgost
oodnextt
ome.
.
Mal
aka:Wel
llet
'sdoi
t
Ase:That
'smyf
ri
end

Ilookedatever
yone,
ifIdon'
tdot
his.Imightbean
embar r
assmentandalaughi
ngst
ockf ort
herestof
theyear..

Icl
osedmyeyesandpl
ayedwi
thmyf
inger
s.

Me:Panaromicdentalxray"i
saproceduret
hat
usesaverysmalldoseofionizi
ngradi
ati
onto
capt
uretheenti
remout hinoneimage

Mal
aka:Whati
situsedf
or?
Me:Toplanfort
het
reatmentofdent
ures,
braces,
ext
ract
ion,
andimpl
ants

Mal
aka:Whatpr
ocedur
escanyouseef
rom aPanx
r
ay?

Me:Cari
es,
periodont
it
is,
openbite,
mi sal
ignmentof
t
eeth,
impactedteet
h,par
tial
lyer
uptedteethtosay
t
heleast

Malaka:Canyoumaybet
ellusaboutthemachi
ne,
par
tsofitifyoust
udi
edt
hediagram t
oo?

Me:I tconsistsoftwosi des.Anx- r

ayt ubeis
mount edononesi deandt hex-rayf i
lm ora
detect orontheopposi t
eside.Thepat ient'
sheadis
positionedwi t
hchin, f
oreheadandsi der est
s.The
patientmaybepr ovidedwi t
habi teblockertoopen
themout hsli
ghtl
yf oraclearerpictur
e.

Mal
aka:Howdoest
hepr
ocedur
ewor
k?

Me:X-
raysar
eaf
orm ofr
adi
ati
onl
ikel
ightorr
adi
o
waves.X-rayspasst hroughmostobj ects,i
ncludi
ng
thebody.Oncei ti
scar eful
lyai medatt hepartof
thebodybei ngexami ned,anx- raymachi ne
producesasmal lburstofr adiationthatpasses
throughthebody,recor di
ngani mageon
photographi
cf i
lm oraspeci aldet ect
or.

Mal
aka:I
sthepr
ocedur
epai
nful
?

Me:No.
.It
'squi
ck,
pai
nlessandeasyt
oper
for
m

Mal
aka:Benef
it
s?

Me:Noradiat
ionr
emainsi
napat
ient
'sbodyaf
ter
anx-
rayexaminat
ion.

Mal
aka:Ri
sks?
Me:Pregnancy..Womenshouldal
waysinf
ormtheir
denti
stororalsur
geoni
fther
eisanypossi
bil
it
ythat
theyarepr
egnant.

Thecl
asswentqui
etasIopenedmyeyes.

Mal
aka:Youst
udi
edal
loft
hatyest
erday?
Me:Yes
Mal
aka:Whyar
en'
tyoudoi
ngBDS?
Me:Theyt
ookmei
nBDT
Malaka:Youshoul
dapplytodoBDSfornextyear,
I
havenodoubtthatyouwil
ldogoodi
nyourfirst
year
Inodded.
.
Mal
aka:Thatwasbeaut
if
ul,
thankyouMi
ssAi
sha
Theclassgavemeast andingovat
ionasImademy
waytotakemysi t
.Thi
shasneverhappened,people
gi
vingmeast andi
ngovation.Notdissi
ngme,not
makingfunofmenonot hing..
Vi
rgo:Youki
ll
edi
t,puti
ther
e
Wef
istbumped.
.

Me:Thankyou
Vi
rgo:Maybewecanbestudypartnersdon'tyou
t
hink?Andalwayst
eam upforsuchthings

Me:Ar
eyousur
e?
Vi
rgo:Yeahwhynot
?
Il
ookeddownt
ryi
ngnott
obl
ush.
.
Me:OkayI
'
dli
ket
hat
(
sil
ence)
Vi
rgo:Youbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
Me:Thankyou

Mal
aka:Thankyouf
orsavi
ngt
hedayMi
ssAi
sha,
nowwecangodownt
othecl
ini
candseet
he
machi
ne

WegotupandIl
etever
yonepassf
rom ourbench.
.

Al
lIwashear
ingwas"
GoodoneAi
sha"
..

Vir
goplacedhi
shandonmywai
st,
Igot
goosebumps.
.
Vi
rgo:GuessI
'
llseeyou
Me:Okay
Hewal
kedaway,
AseandPocamet
ome.
.

Po:Ahhhhh.
..Isawt
hat
Ismi
led.
.
Me:I
twasnot
hing
Ase:YousavedourAsses!
Po:Youdeser
vet
owal
kar
oundi
naTi
ara
Wewalkedoutt
othecl
ini
c,t
hisf
eltni
ce.Thi
sfel
t
ver
yni
ce..
.

TheRadi
ogr
aphycl
ini
cswereonthe3r
dfl
oor
,we
wentupt
hestai
rst
othecl
ini
cs.

Malaka:Okaygr
oupyourselves,wehave4
machinesdon'
tover
crowd..I'
llcometoeachr
oom
andexplai
n

Fut
hi:Dowepai
rour
sel
vesoryou'
l
lpai
rus?
Wel
aughed.
.

Mal
aka:Nogroupanyhowfornowandpl easei
fa
r
oom i
soperati
ngwaitabi
tunti
ltheydone

Ase:Ohwwel
lwear
efi
ne
Me:Yeswear
e

Vi
rgol
eftFuthi
standi
ngandacoupl
eofot
her
s,
t
hencamet ous..

Vi
rgo:Ladi
es
Theygr
eet
edback.
.
Vir
go:Justwannastealmypar
tnerf
ort
hisgr
oupi
ng,
orwecanallgointogether
Po:Yeswecangoal
lint
oget
her
Vi
rgo:That
'swhatIl
iket
ohear

Futhist
oodther
egivi
ngusal
lki
ndsofst
areswi
th
herarmsfol
ded..
.

Wewalkedthr
oughandgoti
nthesecondr
oom i
t
wasempty,
Virgowant
edhimsel
fnextt
ome..
Me:I
tlooksexact
lyl
ikei
nthedi
agr
am
Vi
rgo:Yeah?
Me:Yes.
.
Vir
go:Someonepl
easet
ellMr
sM t
hatwedon'
t
needhert
hissi
de
Wel
aughed.
.
Fut
hiwal
kedi
n..

Futhi
:Ohhdon'
tmi
ndme,
justwannabeapar
tof
thegroup

Me:Nopr
obl
em

Po:Whatel
seAi
sha?
Iwal
kedaroundthemachi
neexpl
aini
ngt
hepar
tsI
sawonthediagr
am..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
BASEDONREALLI
FEEVENTS]
[
03/
14,
21:
51] :09

AI
SHANGWENYA

Ihadthebestdayatschooltoday,bei
ng
acknowledgedfordoi
ngsomet hi
nggoodwi t
hout
anyonethrowinginsl
ycomment smywaymademe
happy.Iguessvarsi
tyi
sdif
ferentfrom hi
ghschool
,
theyseem matureanddoactlikegrownups..

Thedayendedwithusbeingtir
edasalways,I
wonderifwewi
llevergetusedtoourhect
ic
schedul
e..

WhenIgottotheres,
fir
stt
hingIdi
dwast ocallmy
Motherandt
oldheraboutwhathappenedatschool
.
ShewashappythatIwasstart
ingt
oenjoyschool
andt
hatIf
eelcomf
ort
abl
e..

Ma:Thati
sgoodSont
oki
,I
'm gl
adyouenj
oyi
ng
school
Me:Met
oo
Ma:Godi
sgood,
Ipr
ayedt
ir
elessl
yfort
his
Me:ThankyouMa
Ma:Letmel
eaveyout
orest
,wewi
llt
alkagai
n
Me:OkayMa.
.Bye
Ma:ByeSi
si

Ri
ghtwhenIgotof ft
hecall
,Ihadawhat
sapp
message.Ichecked,
anditr
ead:

"
Mspr
ett
yli
tt
let
hang"

Ther
e'sonl
yonePer sonwhohaseveraddressed
meli
kethat.Icheckedt
heprof
il
epict
ureandi twas
hi
m,i
twasVi
rgo.
.

Icol
lect
edmysel
fandr
epl
ied:

*
***
***
***
***
Me:Hi
Vir
go:Igotyournumberf
rom t
hegr
oup,
hopeyou
don'
tmind
Me:Noi
t'
sokay
Vi
rgo:Youdi
dwel
ltodayi
ncl
ass
Me:Thankyou
Vi
rgo:Waswonderi
ngifIcouldtakeyououtt
his
weekend,
asafr
iendandacl assmate
Me:Uhm.
..
Vir
go:Don'
twor
ryyouhavel
i
ke4dayst
othi
nk
abouti
t
*
***
***
***
***
***
Thiswasunbel i
evableanddi f
fi
culttoprocess.
Guysusuallydon'ttakeinterestinme, i
nhigh
schoolmanyguysswor ethattheywoul dneverdat
e
meeveni fIwakeupt omor r
owl ookingli
keBeyoncé.
Idon'
tknowi fVir
gor eallyli
kesmeorhehasan
Agenda,ImeanVi rgobel ongswi thGir
lswhomat ch
him.MatchthePer sont hathei s,wearefrom t
wo
dif
fer
entwor l
ds.Wear enotal i
ke

VI
RGOSWARTBOOI

Aishai
sdef i
nit
elynotthosegirl
sIgooutwith,but
whereshedoesn'tmeett herequi
rementsshe'
s
makingitupforiti
nanot herdepart
ment.I
t'
srareto
fi
ndagirlwithsuchbrains,she'
ssmartandthat'
s
t
heonlyt hi
ngabouthert hat'
sgett
ingt
ome.

Ineedt okeepheri
nmycor ner
,andalsof ort
hefact
thatshelooksli
keshehasaverylowsel fest
eem.I
sawt oday,suchgi
rl
sit
'seasyt
otameandcont r
ol
them.Theymakegoodwi f
emateri
als,someonemy
Motherwoul
dbeproudof
.Someonewhowon'tgo
outt
hereandtai
ntmysur
name,someonewhowil
l
makeaGoodMot hert
omykidsoneday.

Shehasabr ightfutur
e,shewon'
tbeent ir
ely
dependentonmeshewi llbeabl
etogetupandget
herownandgi rl
sl i
keherarever
ygr ounded.She
doesn'tcomeacr ossassomeonewhowoul dcheat,
butdefinit
elycomesacr ossassomeonewhowoul d
keeponf orgivi
ngmewhenIcheat .WhilstI'
m out
theredoingwhoknowswhat ,
she'
llbebackathome
beingaGoodwi fe..
.

Ical
ledmyMot herandtoldheraboutAisha,Iknow
i
t'
sstil
lear
lybutIreal
lyneedtogetthi
sgi r
l.
.

Ma:Shesoundsl
ikeal
ovel
ysomeone
Me:She'
sver
ysmar
tMa
Ma:I
sherf
ami
lyr
ich?
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkso
Ma:I
ssheamakeupgi
rl
?Weaves?
Me:Notent
ir
ely,
shehasl
ocksf
ornow
Ma:Andyoul
iket
hisgi
rl
?
Me:YesIdo
Ma:Howcome?
Me:Whatdoyoumean?
Ma:TheLudweIknowdoesn'
tgof
oror
dinar
ygi
rl
s
Me:Idi
dment
ionshe'
ssmar
tri
ght
?
Ma:Justdon'
thur
tthi
schi
ld
Me:Iwon'
t
Ma:Can'
twai
ttomeetheronedayi
fthatday
comes
Me:Thatdaywi
llcome
Ma:Okaywe'
l
lsee

AI
SHANGWENYA
Iwentst
rai
ghttoAse'
sroom t
otel
lheraboutt
his
andshowherthemessages.
.
Ase:Okaycal
m down
Me:Imeanwhyme?
Ase:Whynotyou?
Me:I
'
m notathi
slevel
Ase:Youar
ebeaut
if
ulAi
shadon'tsellyoursel
f
short
,whywoul
dn'
tsomeonel
ikeVirgol i
keyou
Me:Yout
hink?
Ase:Youdon'tbeli
evethatyoubeautif
ul?Ifyou
weren'tVi
rgowouldn'
thavet akenaninter
estinyou.
You'vegothim gi
rl
,fi
rstchatandhe'saskingyou
outonadat e?Doyoubat hwi t
hpinksalt?
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:NoIdon'
tevenknowwhatt
hati
s
Ase:Ibat
hwi
tht
hatandsofarnoint
erest
ingni
gga
hascamemyway,Ionl
ygetchancer
s
Me:Ibel
ieveweal
ldest
inedf
orsomeonej
ustgi
vei
t
t
ime
Ase:Maybeyour
ight
Me:Idon'
tevenknowwhatt
owearont
hedat
e
Ase:Wearyourclot
hes,
don'ttr
ytobesomethi
ng
younot
.Virgoli
kedyoujustthewayyouar
eangit
hi?
Me:Yes
Ase:Sowhydoyouwannachangeyour
sel
f?Bet
he
Ai
shathatyouar
e
Me:Your
ight
..Youver
yri
ght
Ase:I
'
m alwaysr i
ght.
.Justgi
veitatr
yandseeyou
don'
tknowt hi
smi ghtbeyourf
utur
ehusband,
just
don'
tfal
lpregnant
Me:Iwoul
dnevergi
rl
!
Webot
hlaughed.
.

I
fitwasBayashewoul d'
vegivenme30r easons
whyIshouldn'thangwithVir
goandallt
hose
reasonswouldbebad.ForAset obethi
swar m,it
meantal ot
.Hernotjudgingmeandtell
ingmet hat
Virgomightwannaplayme, t
elli
ngmethatI'm
beauti
ful
.Itwasaf i
rstforme, al
lmyprevi
ous
fr
iendshavebeenver yshitt
yhenceIdon'thavea
schoolfr
iendthatIsti
llkeepincont
actwith.
..

VI
RGOSWARTBOOI

Iwaspl
ayi
ngFi
fawhenmyphonebeeped.
It
ooki
tandchecked,
itwasAi
sha.
.

"
I'
dli
ket
ogooutwi
thyou"
.

Ipausedt
hegameandcal
ledher
,shet
ookf
orever
toanswer
..

Me:It
houghtyouf
aint
ed
Shel
aughed.
.
Ai
sha:Iwaswal
kingt
omyr
oom
Icheckedt
het
ime.
.
Me:Fr
om wher
eatt
hist
ime?Boyf
ri
end?
Ai
sha:Idon'
thaveaboyf
ri
end
Me:Howdoesapr
ett
ythangl
ikeyounothavea
boyf
ri
end?
Ai
sha:Idon'
tknow
Me:That
'sgoodf
ormet
hen
Ai
sha:Youdon'
thaveagi
rl
fr
iend?
Me:Idon'
t
Ai
sha:Don'
tli
e,I
'
m sureyouhavet
onsofgi
rl
s
t
hrowingt
hemselvesatyou
Me:YesIdohavegir
lsthr
owi
ngt
hemsel
vesatme
butIdon'
thaveagi
rl
fri
end
Ai
sha:Idon'
tbel
ieveyou
Me:Doyouwannakeepmyphonef
oramont
h?
Shel
aughed.
.
Ai
sha:No!
Me:That
'sgoodbecausemyMot
hercal
lsal
ot
Ai
sha:I
sshet
heoneyouwer
ewi
thdur
ing
r
egi
str
ati
on?
Me:Youwer
est
alki
ngme?
Ai
sha:NoIj
ustsawyou
Me:Yeaht
hat
'
smyQueen
Ai
sha:She'
sbeaut
if
ul
Me:I
'
lll
etherknow
Ai
sha:Okay
Me:Youar
ri
veatschoolatwhatt
ime?
Ai
sha:Ear
lyt
oeatbr
eakf
astatt
hecaf
eter
ia
Myst
omacht
urnedatt
hesoundoft
hat
Me:HowaboutIf
etchyoutomor
rowmorni
ngf
rom
Resandwecanhaveaproperbr
eakf
ast
Shewentqui
et.
.
Me:Youst
il
lther
e?
Ai
sha:Uhm.
.Ihavet
ogo
Me:Tomor
rowmor
ningi
tist
hen.
.Goodni
ght
Shehungup.
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
52] :10

AI
SHA

Vi
rgokeptonpasteringmelastnightwithendless
t
extst
hatweshoul dgooutf orbr
eakfastthi
s
morni
ngbefor
egoi ngtoschool.Ourfir
stclassfor
t
odaywasEnglish,itwil
lst
artat8am..

Iwai
tedatt
heent
ranceoft
her
es,
wai
ti
ngf
orhi
m..
.
Heshowedupat7: 30.Idi
dn'tevenseehim unt
ilhe
t
ext
edmet hathe'
spar kedbehindtheBusessoI
wal
kedtohiscar.
.

Iopenedt
hedoorandgoti
nthef
rontseat
Vi
rgo:Goodmor
ning
Me:Goodmor
ning
Vi
rgo:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Vi
rgo:I
'
m good

Virgoi
salwayscl
eanandneat,
thatt
ypeofclean
thatmakesyouwonderi
fyour30minshowerwas
goodenough..

Vi
rgo:Wher
edoyouwannaeat
?
Me:Idon'
tknow
Vi
rgo:McDonal
d's?
Me:YesIwoul
dli
ket
ogot
her
e
Vi
rgo:Haveyoubeent
her
e?
Me:Justonce
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Me:What
?
Vi
rgo:Not
hing

Wedr ovear
oundhewaslooki
ngforaMcDonal
d's
thatwasmoresat
isf
act
orytohim,andwef
ound
one..

Ihaveonlybeenhereonceandal
ongti
meago,
so
I'
m nolongerf
amil
iarwit
hthemenu.

Ihadtoordersomething,anyt
hingt
hatIcoul
dbe
abl
etoprocess,theEgg&cheesemuf li
nseemed
l
ikesomethingIcouldprocesssoIgoti
t.Vi
rgoj
ust
gothi
mselfcoffee.
..

Me:Br
eakf
asti
smeantf
or2peopl
e
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Seemswei
rdwhenIhavet
oeatal
one
Vi
rgo:I
'
m dr
inki
ngcof
fee
Me:Cof
feei
snotameal
Vi
rgo:I
'
m good

Doyouknowhowdi ff
icul
titi
stoeatwhensomeone
l
ikeVirgoissit
tingacr ossyou?Youhavet omind
thewayyoubi te, t
hewayyouchew.Bi tesmal l
porti
ons,i
twasr eall
ydiff
icul
tbuthetr
iedtonot
makemef eelmor euncomf ort
ablebykeepingbusy
withhisphone..

Idon'
tbel
ievewhenhesayshe'ssingl
e,hedoesn'
t
l
ooksingl
e..Helooksl
ikehecoul
dhavemor ethan
j
ustonegirl
fr
iend.
..

Me:Icangett
hisasatakeawayseei
ngt
hatwe
havetobei
nclasssoon
Vi
rgo:Onedayofmissi
ngourEngl
ishcl
asswon'
t
ki
ll
,pl
usit
'si
ntheaudit
ori
um t
oocrowded
Me:Iknowr
ight
Vi
rgo:Atl
eastwhenwest
artwi
thourcl
assnext
week,onl
yourcour
se
Inodded.
.

Me:Thankyouf
orbr
eakf
ast
Vi
rgo:Youwel
come.
.Thi
sweekendI
'
m choosi
ng
wherewego
Me:Okay
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:What
?
Vi
rgo:I
t'
snot
hing

Iatebr
eakf
astunt
ilIf
inished,
thenwedr
oveto
school
.Int
hecarwedi dn'
tsaymuchtoeachot
her
,
Iwasbusywit
hmyphone. .

Wear
ri
vedatschool
,andi
twast
imef
oroursecond
cl
ass.Anat
omy,wegotoutoft
hecarandmadeour
waytotheanat
omydepart
ment.
.

Theclasswasalreadyseatedasweenter
ed,t
hey
al
llookedatus.Wewer en'
tthatmuchl
ateandthe
l
ecturerdi
dn'
tseem tomind.

Isatwi
thmysqaud,Vir
gowentt
othebackt
osi
t
wit
hhisfr
iendFut
hi.
.

Ase:Okay!
!Anyt
hingyouwannat
ellus?
Me:Shhhhhhhh.
.Lessoni
son
Wer
emai
nedqui
et.
.

Weatt
endedtheclassesunt
ili
twasl
uncht
ime.
.We
wentt
othecafet
eria.
.

Me:I
'
veneverseenVi
rgoeat
ingher
e
AseandPol
ookedateachot
her
..
Ase:Youst
art
ingt
oli
ket
hisguydon'
tyou?
Me:Why?
Po:You'
vebeent
alki
ngabouthi
m al
mostt
hewhol
e
ti
me
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkso
Po:Yesyouhave
Me:OkaymaybeIdol
ikehi
m al
it
tl
e
Ase:Andi
tseemsl
i
kehel
ikesyout
oo
Me:Yout
hink?
Ase:Hetookyououtf
orbr
eakf
ast
,he'
staki
ngyou
outonSatur
day
Ibl
ushed.
.
Ase:Heynow!
!
Po:Pr
obabl
ywewon'tbecl
imbi
ngabusanymor
e,
wewouldberi
dingi
nagolf
Me:Po!
!!
Po:Whyhavear
ichboyf
ri
endi
fyoucan'
tusehi
m
Me:He'
snotmyboyf
ri
end
Po:Fornow
Me:Let
'
sjusteatyouguys

Wecontinuedeat
ingandj
ustt
alki
ngaboutr
andom
t
hings.
.
Po:Doyout
hinkhe'
sgi
ft
eddownt
her
e?
Ase:Haaaa!
Po:What
?Lightski
nnedguysar
esai
dtobenot
packi
ngdownthere
Wel
aughed.
.
Me:Thati
swr
ongPo
Po:Guesswewi
llf
indoutsoon
Myphonevi
brat
edonthetable.Icheckedi
twasa
what
sappmessagef
rom Vir
go:

"
Wher
ear
eyou?Imi
ssyou(
sadf
ace)
"
Ir
epl
i
edt
hatIwasatt
hecaf
eter
ia,
hedi
dn'
trepl
y..

VI
RGO

Futhiwasherloudmout hself
,weweresitt
ingi
nmy
carandIwaseat inglunch.Sushi,
can'
talwaysdri
ve
outtotownattimesI '
llhavetobri
ngmyown.SoI
boughtityest
erday..Shewaseat i
ngabunnychow,
nowondershe'sbi gasshei s.Zer
ofucksgiven
aboutherhealt
handwei ght.
.

Fut
hi:You'
veneverhadi
Spahl
o?
Me:Noti
nal
ongt
ime
Fut
hi:Wannat
ryi
t?
Me:No.
.It
'sdi
rt
y,unheal
thy,
anddi
sgust
ing
Futhi
:Ouch!
..CanIhaveyoursushial
it
tl
ejustt
o
tast
e?
Me:Youar
eeat
ingthatt
hingandyouwannami x
wi
thsushi
?Wherehaveyoueverhear
dthatbei
ng
done?
Fut
hi:Youcoul
d'vej
ustsai
dNo
Me:No
Fut
hi:Youver
yrude
Me:St
opaski
ngandsayi
ngdumbshi
tandIwon'
t
havet
oberude
Shecl
ickedhert
ongue.
.
Fut
hi:I
'
mleavi
ng
Me:Bye
Fut
hi:Jer
k!
Me:Don'
tdr
opyourwei
ghtasyouwal
kof
f
Shebangedmydoor
..
Me:Don'
tbangt
hingsyoucan'
taf
for
d!
Shewal
kedaway.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
52] :11
AI
SHA

Iwasst ar
ti
ngtoadapttomynewl i
featschool
.
Leavingveryearl
yinthemorni
ngandcomi ngback
at17:00orso,thensameprocedur
eagainthe
fol
lowingday..

It
'st
iri
ngIknowbutIhadnochoi
ce,
hadtoadapt
becauset
hisisgoi
ngtogoonforawhi
le.
.

Af
terourl
astclass,Vi
rgoi
nvit
edmeovert
ohi
s
pl
acefor"
Dinner".Thi
sguyisver
ybol
d!
Whodoest hat?Imightnothavemuchexper i
ence
i
ndatingbutIknowwhenaguyi nvi
tesyouover ,
it'
s
morethanjustadinnerdate.There'
sVirgowhen
he'
saskingforsomething,thenther
e'sVirgowhen
he'
sseri
ouslyaskingforsomet hi
ng.Hewi llannoy
youunti
lyougivein,whichmakesmet hinkt hathe
hasneverbeentoldNo..
Iinf
ormedAseandPoaboutmywhereabouts,
so
theyknow.TheysawwhenIl
eftwi
thhi
m, nowwhat
wasleft
.Wast ogi
vet
hem hi
sfl
atNo.
.

WepassedatWonder parkmallfi
rst,t
ogetallthe
thingshewoul dneedf orthedi
shhewast o
prepare..Neverlookedatthepri
cesandbought
wher eIwouldn'tdream ofbuyi
ngf ornow.
..Alsogot
abot tl
eofwi nethatwasthemostexpensiveoutof
allthewines..

Wedrovebacktohi
sf l
at,t
henIwhatsappedAse
andPogivi
ngthem t
heflatnumber
..

Itwasabachelor'
sfl
at.Abed,f
latscr
eenTV,
fri
dge,
andothert
hings.I
twasn'tcr
owdedanditwas
clean.
.

Me:Yourf
lati
sbeaut
if
ul
Vi
rgo:Thankyou

Hehadonl
yonel
ongcouch.
.

Vi
rgo:Youcanmakeyour
sel
ffeelathome
Me:Thankyou
Isatont
hecouch.
.
Vi
rgo:Idon'
thaveadecoder
,Idon'
treal
lyl
ikeDSTV
Me:Why?
Vir
go:Theyr
epeatt
hesamet
hingsandi
t'
shel
la
bori
ng

Almosteveryoneli
kesDSTV,I
'
dwat chuntilt
he
morni
ngcomes.Wedon' treal
lyhaveitathome,
can'
treal
lyaffor
dit.
.

Me:Sowhatdoyouwat
ch?
Vi
rgo:Iusual
lypl
aygamesbuti
fIf
eell
ikewat
chi
ng
somet
hingt
henIwat
chNet
fl
ix
Me:Okay
Vi
rgo:Doyouwannawat
chi
tonmyl
apt
oport
he
bi
gscreen?
Me:Uhm.
.
Vir
go:Thebi
gscr
eenwi
llr
equi
reyout
oli
eont
he
bed
Me:Lapt
opf
ornow
Vi
rgo:Okay

Hewentandgothi
slapt
opthenaccessedNet
fl
ix
andhandedi
ttomewithear
phones.

Me:AMacBook?Hear
dtheycost
ly
Vi
rgo:13k
Me:That
'salotofmoneyIcan'
tevenaf
for
dtheone
f
or4katleast
Vi
rgo:Youcanwat
chwhi
leIpr
epar
esomet
hing
Me:Youcancook?
Vi
rgo:Ionl
yknowoner
eci
pe
Me:Okay

Hewentt ocookasIwatchedsomet hi
ng,he
suggested"
TheBigBangTheor y"
.Itwasniceand
funny.
.ThoughIdidst
ealacoupleofglancesat
him asheprepar
edthemeal..

Whowoul d'vet
hought?ThatonedayIwoul dbein
thepresenceofaguyt hatwasnevergoingtol
ay
hiseyesonmebacki nhighschool
.Thiswhole
thi
ngseemedwayt oogoodt obetr
ueandi twas
makingmener vous..
.

Hetookawhiletoprepar
et hemeal,
whenhewas
done.Wesataroundthesmal lt
abl
ecenteredint
he
middlej
ustbythecouch.Wewer esit
ti
ngont he
couchcushi
onsandt hetablewascenter
edona
mat..
Thedi
shconsist
edofast
eak,asauceandgreen
sal
ad.
.Thesaucewasapeppersteaksauce.
.

Me:Youpr
epar
edt
hesaucet
oo?
Vi
rgo:No.
.Iboughti
t
Me:Thef
oodi
sni
ce
Vi
rgo:Thankyou

Ifoughtthroughtheforkandknif
eandhewas
gett
ingthroughitli
keitwasnothi
ng.
.

Thewinewasver
ybi
tt
er.
.Af
tert
aki
ngasi
pI
coughed.
.

Me:Thewi
nei
sbi
tt
er
Vi
rgo:Doyoudr
ink?
Me:No
Vi
rgo:I
sityourf
ir
stt
ime?
Me:No
Vi
rgo:bi
tt
erwi
neasyoucal
lit
,goeswel
lwi
thst
eak
Me:I
'
llpassont
hewi
ne
Vi
rgo:Atl
eastmi
xitwi
thj
uice,
thoughIhat
ethat
Me:Okay
Vi
rgo:I
'
llgeti
t

POZI
SWA"
PO"(
AISHA'
SFRI
END)

AseandIwewer ei nthekit
chencooking.Iwas
cooki
ngchickenpiecesandPap, we'l
leattoget
her.
Westayi
nt hesamef loorsoweusual l
ytogether,
wecooktogetherandeattogether.
.

Eachdentalstudentstayswit
hast udentdoing
Medicine,orBSc,Speechtherapy,Physiot
herapy,
di
eti
cian,pharmacy,Justdif
ferentcourses.
.
AseandIwemor ecl
oserthanIam wi
thAi
shaonl
y
becauseweseeeachotheralot
.

Me:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou
Ase:Kahl
ePo(
wai
tami
nut
e)
Me:I '
m notsayingt hatAishaisnotbeauti
ful,
but
nottoobeaut i
fulforVirgo.She'sor
dinar
yanddul l
,
therewayshedr esses.Herupperbodyi smuch
biggerthanherlowerbody, bi
gbreastsshe'snot
shapedni cel
y
Ase:That
'snotani
cet
hingt
osayaboutsomeone
el
se
Me:I '
mj ustsayi
ngnj e,onthereal.
.Whywoul da
guylikeVirgobedoi ngwi t
hagi rll
ikeher?She'snot
histype..I'
mtell
ingyouhewant stosmashandgo,
hegotl ostinherbigcleavageandherl ips.Thisgi
rl
i
sbusysayi ngNyweNyweIonl ysleptwithoneguy
butIthinkshe'slyi
ng.Theydon' tknoweachot her
thatwellbutthereshei sinhi
sf l
at?Let'
sber eal
she'
sawhor
e!Li
hul
e!Yi
skhekhe
Ase:I
tiski
ndastrangehowsheeasi l
ygaveinto
hi
m, makesherseem loose.I
t'
snotevenamonth
si
ncewe'vebeenhereandweal lt
ryi
ngt ofi
ndour
wayaroundandalreadyshe'sdoi
ngthis!
Po:Thatgir
lislooseyou'l
ltel
lmeonedaywhen
she'
svomi t
inginthebathroom,act
ual
lyI
'
m sur
e
she'
shadmul t
ipl
eabort
ionsyoucanseeiti
nher
eyesthatuStout!
Ase:Haif
ini
shsowecangoandeat
,I'
mti
red

AI
SHA

Ihelpedhim washthedi shesandasweconver si

ng
theconversat
ionwentPer sonal.Iendedupt
elli
ng
him aboutwhatIwentt hrough,inmyprimar
yand
highschoolyears.
.Ithinkmi xi
ngwinewithj
uice
mademet otellmorethanIshoul d.
.

Vi
rgo:That
'sext
reme,
whatyouwentt
hrough.You
r
eal
lyar
east r
ongPersonAishaandIpromi
seyou
i
fIwasatyourschoolI
'
dfuckthem al
lup
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:I
t'
sokay.
.Itwasal
ongt
imeago
Virgo:Sti
ll
..Lookonthebr i
ghtside,I
'm sureal
lof
them ifmostar enotwereyouar etoday,I'
m sur
e
someoft hem ar erai
singunplannedkidsor
sleepingaroundorevensi ck
Me:That
'swr
ong.
.Don'
tsaysucht
hings
Hesqueezedmycheek.
.

Virgo:Ithi
nkyoureall
ybeauti
ful
,i
ttakesar
ealman
toseeawoman' sbeautyont
opofthatyouhavet
he
brainsthatmakesyoumor ebeauti
ful

Ibl
ushed.
.

Me:Thankyou
Hewal kedclosertome,Ifroze.Heputhi shand
undermychi nandslowlyleanedf orwardforakiss.
Whenhepl acedhi sl
ipsonmi ne,IthoughtIwas
goingtohaveahear tatt
ack.Ididn'tt
hinkthat
ki
ssingcanbet hi
sspontaneous,seeingthatI
haven'
tdatedf orawhil
e.Wej ustkissedandkissed
andkissed,givi
ngmegoosebumpsandmaki ngmy
wholebodycol d..

Ast hekisspr oceededhewrappedhi sar m ar

ound
mywai standpul l
edmemor ecloser.Idi dn'
tknow
wher etopl acemyhandssoIpl acedt hem onhi s
chest,untilheusedhisotherhandtowr apone
aroundhi sneckt henmyotherhandf ollowed..

Hisgri
paroundmywai stti
ghtened,andhe
squeezedmemor etohim.Itwasn'tunti
lhi
shand
squeezedmybreastthatIst
oppedhi m

Irememberedwhathappenedwit
hmyl
ast
boyfr
iend,
thesmashandrun..
EvenwhenIbr
oket
heki
sshest
il
lfor
ced.
..

Me:St
op
Hest
opped.
.
Vir
go:I
'
m sorr
y..Idi
dn'
tmeant
omakeyouf
eel
uncomfor
tabl
e
Me:Noi
t'
sokayIt
hinkIshoul
dgo
Vi
rgo:I
'
lldr
iveyouback
Me:Okay
Heki
ssedmeagai
n..
.
Vi
rgo:Youwer
egoodcompany
Me:Thef
oodwasni
ce
Vi
rgo:Hopi
ngwecandot
hisagai
n
Me:Yamaybe
Vi
rgo:Letmegetmycarkeys
Me:Letmegetmyt
hings
Whatj
usthappened?
?
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
53] :12

AI
SHA

Whenhedr oppedmeof fatthef l

at,
weki
ssed
goodbyebeforehelef
t.Idon'tknowwhatwas
happeni
ng,Idon'thowrealthiswasbuti
tgaveme
butt
erf
li
esinmyt ummy

Hegavemebut t
erfl
i
esi nmyt
ummyandmademy
kneesweak.AguylikeVir
gof
all
ingf
orme,
Iguess
Impossi
blei
sreal
lyjustawor
d..

Idi
dn'
tevensl
eep,
keptont
hinki
ngaboutt
heki
ss.I
woul
dtossandt
urnrunni
ngmyf
ingeronmyl
ips
wi
thashall
owsmil
e..

Iwashappy,
Ihadawar
mfeel
ingi
nmychest

Ikeptonsi
ngi
ngasongi
nmyheadr
epeat
edl
y:

"
Imagi
nemeandyou,
andyouf
orme
Nomat
terhowt
heyr
ollt
hedi
ce,
it
Hast
obe.
.Theonl
yonef
ormeandyou
Andyouf
orme,
sohappyt
oget
her
"

Varsi
tyi
sver ydif
fer
entfr
om me,i
t'
sdiff
erentfr
om
myexperiencewithpri
maryandhi
ghschool .I
t
seemsasGod' swayofheali
ngmef rom whatI'
ve
beenthr
ough. .

I
'
vebeenpr
ayi
ngf
ort
his,
prayi
ngt
hatoncecan
someonecomemyway.Someonewhowi l
lsee
beaut
yinme,i
nsideout.Someonewhowil
lloveme
forwhoIam,l
ovemej ustthewayIam.
.

Thef
oll
owingmorni
ngIwasallsmil
est
oschool
,
fr
om t
hebusallt
hewaytoschool
.

Mor
eespecial
lybecausehewokemeupwi t
hacal
l,
i
nhi
ssleepyvoice.Hejustcal
ledt
osay"Good
mor
ning"
.Whodoest hat?Thatcal
lmademyday..

Iwasi
ncl
asswi
thmysquadasal
ways.

Po:Sodi
dyouguysdoi
t?
Me:No
Po:Wi
thal
lthesmi
l
ingandbl
ushi
ng?Gi
rldon'
tpl
ay
us
Me:Okayweki
ssed
Po:Justki
ssed?
Me:Yes
Po:Di
dn'
tleadyout
obed?Not
hing?
Me:Act
ual
lyIst
oppedhi
m bef
orehewentf
ar
Po:Youdid?Youstoppedawholeent
ir
eVi
rgo?Gi
rl
Iwould'
velai
dinbedandopenedmylegswide
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Po:Orkanj
aniAse?
Ase:Idon'tknowPoI'
mjustwai
ti
ngf
ort
he
conversat
iontobedone

Aseseemeduni
nter
est
edi
nwhatwewer
etal
king
about
,shewasgl
uedonhermanual

Vir
gowalkedi
nlat
easalways,
he'
susual
lyt
hel
ast
onetowalki
ntocl
ass.
.

Ismi
ledandl
ookeddown,
hepassedandwentt
o
si
tatt
heback.
.

Po:Cl
assr
omance
Me:St
op!

Thel
ecturercameandwecar r
iedoutt
helesson,i
t
wasoralhealt
h..Idar
ednott
olookbackunti
lthe
cl
asswasdone. .

Whenwewer edoneandgoingforthenextclass,I
noti
cedhewasconver si
ngwiththeotherguysin
cl
ass.Itwasgoodt oseehim makingfriends,male
fr
iends.Idon'tknowwhathappenedbet weenhim
andFut hi
,butInoti
cedsomet ensi
onbet weenthem.
Futhiwasn'tevenvocalassheusedtobe. .

Iwasthelastonetocomeoutf
rom ourbench,
Iput
mymanuali nsi
demybegwhenIfeltsomeone
bendi
ngmyknees.Ismelledhi
scol
ogne,andfelt
hi
spresencebehindme
Vi
rgo:Whyam Ibei
ngi
gnor
edagai
n?

Il
ookedar
ound,
almostever
yonewasgone.

It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m..

Me:Wewer
eincl
ass
Vi
rgo:Iwalkedinandyouwer
est
ari
ngdown,
I
wantedtogreetyou
Me:Wewer
eincl
ass
Il
ookedaway.
.
Vir
go:Event
uall
yyouwillhavet
ost
aremei
nthe
eyeformorethan10seconds
Me:Youanui
sance

Heki
ssedme.
.
Idon'
tknowwhatwedoi
ng,
Idon'
tifwedat
ingor
not.
.

Vi
rgo:Canwedodi
nnert
oget
heragai
n?
Me:I
fIspendmor
eti
mewi
thyout
henIwi
llnegl
ect
myschoolwor
k
Vi
rgo:Youcanbr
ingoveryourwor
k,wecanst
udy
t
ogether
Me:Idon'
tknowVi
rgo
Vi
rgo:Iwon'
tbeg

Po:Ai
sha?
?We'
l
lbel
atef
orournextcl
ass
Me:Wehavet
ogo
It
ri
edmovi
ngbuthebl
ockedme.
.
Vi
rgo:Di
nner
?
Me:Vi
rgo.
.Wel
atef
orcl
ass
Vi
rgo:Di
nner
?Orwenotgoi
ngt
ocl
ass
Me:Okayf
ine
Hetr
iedki
ssi
ngmeagainbutIl
ookedt
heot
herway
andt
hekissl
andedonmycheek.

Po:Ai
sha!
Me:Ihavet
ogo
Vi
rgo:Tel
lhert
ost opcall
ingyouli
ket
hatwhenyou
wi
thmeokay?I fIdoit
,itwil
lrui
nherl
if
e
Hepatmeont
heass.
.
Itookmybagandwal
kedout
,Asewasal
ready
gone..

Po:Gi
rl
?
Me:I
'
m sor
ryl
et'
sgo
Wewentt
othenextcl
ass.
..

VI
RGO

Ai
shai
saver
ysweetshyandI
nser
cur
egi
rl
.She'
s
notmytypebutatleastshe'
scl
eanyouknow.Ver
y
si
mpleandveryclean..

Shehasbeent hr
ought hemostandwithwhatshe
tol
dmel astni
ght,Idon'
tseeheropeni
nghersel
fup
totheworldofdat
ing.

She'l
lbeagoodsperm di
shf
ornow, Iknowfora
factshewon'
tcheat
.Goodgi
rltohaveitrawwit
h,
andactual
lymakeherasexaddict
..

It'
sbeenaminutesinceIhadsomeaction,heronl
y
beingwit
honeguyandhavi ngsexoncewhi chwas
alongti
meago.Iconsiderheravir
gin,i
t'
spureluck
getti
ngagir
lthathasbeenpassedfrom oneguyto
thenext
.

Shewillworshipme,shewillf
orgiveme.She'spoor
,
I
nsercure,
bitchtri
psoverunnecessaryt
hingsli
ke
DSTV,aLapt op,amealIconsidernor
mal..She
won'tst
rai
nmef inanci
all
y,notthatIcan'
taff
orda
gir
lbutshe'
snotexpensive.Sheconsidersusel
ess
thi
ngsaluxury,
thingsthatareanogof orme

Sheeat satthecafeter
ia,I
'
m suremeal sfr
om there
aren'
tthatmuchexpensi ve.SheenjoysMcDonal d'
s
andIbethert oi
let
riesandhairmaintenancecanall
amountt oamer eR800orso. .Ij
ustscoredmysel f
asperm dish..

AI
SHA

Po:SoAi
shaherewi
llhavet
omakeanappoi
ntment
nowifwewannaseeher
Me:St
opi
tPo,
it'
snotl
iket
hat
Po:Gi
rlyouhavehi
m byhi
sbal
ls

Il
aughed.
.Il
ookedoveratAse.
.
Me:Ar
eyouokay?Youawf
ull
yqui
ett
oday
Ase:Justaheadachenj
e
Me:I
sitbad?
Ase:I
'
llbef
inedon'
twor
ryabouti
t

Weat tendedourmorni
ngclassesupuntill
unchtime
came, whenwewer eabouttomakeourwayt ot he
cafeteri
a.Vi
rgotext
edmet hatweshouldwaitfor
him atthecafet
eri
a,weshouldn'
tbuyanythi
ngas
yet.

Wewai
tedf
orhi
m..

Po:he'
srunni
ngl
ateandt
hecaf
eter
iai
sget
ti
ngf
ull
Me:He'
l
lbeher
e
Po:Canwegoi
n?You'
l
lfi
ndusi
nsi
de
Me:Hesai
dweshoul
dal
lwai
ther
e
Shef
oldedherar
msandr
oll
edhereyes.
.
Vi
rgoshowedupaf
ter7mi
n..

Vi
rgo:Sor
ryt
okeepyoul
adi
eswai
ti
ng
Po:I
t'
sokaywedi
dn'
twai
tfort
hatl
ong
Thatwasst
range,
thi
sgi
rlwascompl
aini
ng.

Inst
eadofbuyi
ngfoodfr
om thecaf
eter
ia,
hebought
uslunchatGal
it
os.Ther
e'sGal
it
ostoo.
.

Po:Iguesst
hewai
twaswor
thi
t
Vi
rgo:Youcanor
deranyt
hingyouguyswantI
'
llpay
Me:Ar
eyousur
e?
Vi
rgo:Yes
Thatwasni
ceofhi
m andver
yst
range.
.

Il
ookedatt
hegi
rl
s..
Me:So
Ase:Ir
eal
lydon'
tknow
Po:Let
'sdeci
debef
orei
tget
sful
l
Ase:I
..Ir
eal
lydon'
tknow
Po:Ful
lchi
cken?Rol
ls?Chi
ps?Dr
inks?
Me:Uhm.
.Iguessso
Ase:It
hinki
t'
sfi
ne
Me:OkayI
'
lll
ethi
m know
It
urnedbackandlookedathi
m,hewasst
ari
ngat
hi
sphone.Iwalkeduptohim.

Me:Wehavedeci
dedonwhatt
oor
der
Hegotupfr
om t
hechai
randwewal
kedtot
he
count
er,
wit
hhi
shandaroundmywai
st.
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
03/
14,
21:
53] :13
AI
SHA

Aft
erclassesIwaswalki
ngtoVir
go'
scarwit
hAse.
Polef
tearly,shedi
dn'
tat
tendanycl
assesaf
ter
l
unch..

Me:Sowhat
'shappeni
ngwi
thyou?Todayyou'
ve
beenabi
tof
f

Ase:Weal
lgot
hrought
hatoneday,
youknowt
hat
badday

Me:I
fyoueverwantt
otal
k,knowI
'
m her
eri
ght
?

Ase:Iknow

Me:I
'
llseeyout
omor
row
Ase:Okaybye

Iwatchedherassheslowl
ywal
kedt
otheBus,
then
IwenttoVir
go'scar
..

Me:Hey
Heyawned.
.
Me:MaybeIshoul
djustgot
oRes,
seemsl
ikeyou
ar
eti
red
Vi
rgo:I
'
llbeokay
Wegoti
nandhest
art
eddr
ivi
ng.
.

Insteadofeati
ngathi spl
ace,hetookmeout.We
wentt osomer est
aurantSkyli
nerooft
oprest
aur
ant
andbar ,i
twasi nAcardei
a.Lookedfancyanda
placewher eIwouldjustwalkinandeat.
.

Heopenedt
hechai
randIsatdown,
hesatacr
oss
me.Il
ookedar
ound,
itwasn'
tful
l.

Thetr
adi
ti
onoft
herest
aurantwascar
riedout
,
Menusandst
art
ingusoffwit
hdri
nks.

Me:Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul,
thankyousomuch
Vi
rgo:Youwel
come,
youcanor
deranyt
hingyou
wantfr
om t
hemenu

Il
ookedatt
hemenu,
thenl
ookedathi
m.Hewas
l
ooki
ngatme..

Me:Somet
hingwr
ong?
Hecl
osedhi
smenu.
.
Vi
rgo:Gi
vemeyourhand
Ist
ret
chedoutmyhandt
ohi
m,hehel
dit
.
Vir
go:Onedate,t
wodat
es,
threedat
es..Howmany
dateswi
lli
ttakef
orust
oactual
lyst
artdat
ing?
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay.
.
Vir
go:Iknowt
hatyourpastr
elat
ionshi
pbr
ought
youpain
Me:Idon'
twannabehur
t
Vi
rgo:Iwon'
thur
tyou
Il
ookeddown.
.
Vir
go:Justgiveusachance,
maybeamont horso
i
fyoudon'tfeelcomf
ort
ableorst
il
lunsur
ethenyou
canwalkaway
It
houghtf
orawhi
le.
.
Me:Okay.
.Wecant
ryi
tout
Hel
if
tedmyhandupandki
ssedi
t.
.

POZI
SWA

Ihear
daknockatmydoor
..
Me:I
'
m comi
ng
Iwal
kedovert
oopen,
itwasAse.
.
Me:Comei
n
Shewal
kedi
n..
Me:Youguysj
ustgotback?
Ase:Sor
tof
f
Me:OkayIwast
hinki
ngweshoul
dn'
tcookt
oday
Ase:Ineedt
otal
ktoyouaboutsomet
hing
Me:Okay
Ase:WhenIwasyoungandal soinhighschool
,
theyusedt obul
lymeal otbecauseofmyski n
colour.Cal
ledmeacr ockr
oach, bl
ackcat,ki
wishoe
polish,ugl
yandallsort
sofhur t
fult
hings
Me:OhwI
'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat
Ase:WhenyouspokeaboutAishaandhowyou
bodyshamedher,
itt
ri
ggeredsomethi
ngdeep
i
nsideofmetookmeback
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Ase:Pl
easest
op,
Aishai
sourf
ri
endandf
ri
ends
don'
tdothatt
oeachother.YesIdi
dcont
ri
but
eto
thegossi
pbutwhenIthoughtofi
t,i
t'
swr
ongandI
don'
twannabeapartofit
Me:Iunder
standI
'
mtr
ulysor
ry
Ase:Thankyou.
.I'
l
lseeyout
omor
row
Me:Okay

Icl
osedt
hedoorandr
oll
edmyeyes.
.

AI
SHA

Il
ethi
mtast
emyf
ood,
hel
etmet
ast
ehi
s.
Beingi
nsuchaplace,Ihadt
otakepi
ctur
es.Such
thi
ngsaren'
tanever
ydaythi
ng.
.

Hi
sphoner
ang.
.

Vi
rgo:Ihavet
otaket
his,
it'
smyMom
Me:Okay

Vir
go:Bomi.
..I'
m goodandyou?
..YesbutnowI
'
m
eati
ngoutwithmygi r
lf
ri
end

Il
ookedathi
m..Hel
ookedatme.
.

Vi
rgo:YeahI
'l
lgr
eether.
.YesI
'
llaskher
..Okaywe'
l
l
t
alklat
er.
.Il
oveyoutoo

Hehungup.
.

Vi
rgo:MyMom sayshi
Me:Okay
Vi
rgo:Shewoul
dli
ket
omeetyousomet
ime
Me:Iwoul
dli
ket
omeethert
oo
I
t'
swei r
dknowingthatI'
m nowsomeone'
s
"
Girl
fr
iend"
,someonelikeVir
go.
.

Ihadagr
eatnightwit
hhim,whenweweredone.He
gotmeatakeawaythendrovemet
otheRes,Idi
dn'
t
gowit
hhimtohisflat
.

I
nst
eadofgoi
ngtomyr oom,Iwentt
oAse'
sroom
t
oseehowshe'shol
dingup.
.

Me:Hey
Ase:Hey
Me:Howar
eyouf
eel
ingnow?
Ase:Muchbet
ter
Me:Br
oughtyousomef
ood
Ase:Youdi
dn'
thavet
oo
Me:Iwant
edt
oo
Ase:Thankyou
Me:Youwel
come
Ase:Sot
ellmeal
laboutyourdat
e

Isatont
hebedandst
art
edt
alki
ng.
.

POZI
SWA

Ai
shahaduploadedpict
uresonherFacebookand
al
sowhatsapp.Seemedli
ketherest
aurantwasup
cl
ass,
eventhefood.

Shewassmi
li
ngt
hrought
hephot
os.
.

Howcanshe?Aishageti
tonwi
thaguyl
ikeVi
rgo?I
am mor
ebeaut
if
ulthanher.
.

Thi
sisaj
oke!
!Abadj
oke!
!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
53] :14

AI
SHA

[
ONEMONTHLATER]

Schoolwasst arti
ngtogetabitst
rai
ning.Alotwas
happening,wehadassignment sourmidyeartest
s
approaching,cl
ini
cal
s,Present
ati
ons.
.Itwasn't
di
ffi
cultjustalotofwork.
.

Myr el
ati
onshi
pwithVir
gowasal sost
arti
ngtopick
up,wespendmor eti
met oget
herandIenjoyhi
s
companyal ot
..
.

ItwasaSaturdaymor ni
ngandIwasdoingmy
l
aundry,Vi
rgowillbecomingt
ofetchmetodayfora
sleepover
.Amont hofdati
ngwit
houtsex,It
hink
I
'
vehel
ditupgood.
.

If
eelt
odayt
here'
sapossibil
it
ythatwemightdoi
t,I
meanawholeent
iresl
eepoverweareboundtodo
i
t.
.

AseandIwear ebecomi ngmor eandmor ecloser

thanIam wit
hPo.Pohasot herfri
endsapar tfr
om
us,whomadei tt
ot hesameuni versit
yjustdiff
erent
coursessotheyusual lypar
tyandcl ubal ot
.Ase
andI,wereall
ydon' thavepreviouspeoplethatwe
knowwhomadei ttoouruniversit
y.Ialsohavet hi
s
guy,he'
sgayandi sgetti
ngmor eclosertousme
becausewear eint hesamegr oupf orourOral
healt
hpresentati
on. .
.

Iwasdoi ngmyl aundrywi t

hhim,hisnameis
Nqobi zi
thabutwecal lhim"Nqobi"
.Hehasf r
iends,
hisgaysquad.2ar ei
nt hesamevar si
tyasus,
diff
erentcoursestoo.2ar efr
om TuT,he'
sknown
them forawhi l
e..
Il
ikehi
m,he'
sfun,
fri
endl
yandver
yful
lofl
if
e

Nqobi
:SoWednesdayi
spr
esent
ati
onday

Wegotthetopi cof"
Dent alcaries"mostlycal
led
"Toot
hdecay".Ourpr esentat
ioni snextweek
Wednesday,withVirgobeingt heonlyonei nour
groupwhodoesn' tl
ivewithusIhopehewi l
lsurvi
ve
makingatri
pf orourmeet i
ngst ar
ti
ngfrom Monday
eveni
ng.
.

Me:It
hinkwegoi
ngt
oki
lli
t
Nqobi
:Wehaveyou

I'
m nottheonl
ysmar thardworki
ngpersoninclass,
asweal lst
art
edgett
ingcomf ort
ablewit
heach
other
.Wecamet or
ealizethatt
hereareother
swho
arealsoashardwor
king
Me:Wewi
llal
lwor
kwel
l,
Ibel
ievei
nourgr
oup

Wewillallhavetopresentasecti
onofourtopi
c,I'
l
l
bedoingtheclasses..Nqobii
sgoingtocompileal
l
thesl
ides,hiscr
eati
vebr ai
nisveryval
uabl
e..

Me:I
'
m done
Nqobi
:Al
mostdonet
oo

VI
RGO

Iwasonavi
deocal
lwi
thmyMot
her
..

Bomi
:Whatdoyouneedt
hemoneyf
or?
Me:Iwantt
otakemyGi
rl
fr
iendoutshoppi
ng
t
omorrowmorning
Bomi
:Whydon'
tyouuseyoural
lowance?
Me:She'snotexpensi
veSweet
hear
t,R2000shoul
d
coverit
.I'
l
laddonmaybea1000,cl
othesand
toi
let
ri
es.Idon'
twanthert
otai
ntmystatus
Bomi:Thenwhyareyouwi
thheri
fyoudon'
tthi
nk
shematchesyou?
Me:She'
scheap
Bomi
:Doyouevenl
ovet
hisgi
rl
?
Me:Il
ikeheral
ot
Shenodded.
.
Me:So?
Bomi
:I'
l
lsendi
t
Me:Thankyouver
ymuch
Bomi
:Howi
sschoolgoi
ng?
Me:I
t'
sgoi
nggood
Bomi:Solongyoupass,
I'
lldoever
ythi
ngf
oryou
andyourgir
lf
ri
end.
.That
'sthereward
Me:Beaut
if
ul
Bomi
:Whenam Imeet
inghi
m?
Me:Wecancomeovernextweekweekend
Bomi
:Soundsgood,
Imi
ssyou
Me:Imi
ssyout
oo.
.Wher
eyouof
ftoo?
Bomi
:Topl
aygol
f
Me:Wi
th?
Bomi
:Af
ewassoci
ates

Iknowverywel
lsheisseeingsomeone..Iwoul
d
taket
hisf
urt
herbutIneededthe2kfornow..

Me:Okayenj
oy
Bomi
:OkayIl
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
IhungupandsentAishaat
extt
hatI
'
m get
ti
ng
ready,
sheshoul
dtoo..

AI
SHA
WhenIgott
omyroom Ir
ecei
vedatextf
rom Vi
rgo,
l
ett
ingmeknowt
hathe'
sonhisway.

Iputthel
aundr
ybasketi
nit
'spl
ace,
changedand
wrappedmybodyinatowel
.Tookmytoil
etbagand
wenttoshower
..

Itwasa15mi nshowert henIwentbacktothe

bedroom togetdr essed.IputonmyskinnyJean,
sandalsandat -
shirt
.Ionlyuseaneyel
ineranda
l
ipsti
ck, I
'
m notgoodwi t
happlyi
ngmakeuponl y
becauseIdon' tknowhowt ogeti
tperf
ectl
ydone.I
sprayedmyl ocksandt iedthem,t
henpackedupan
overnightbag..

Bef
oreleavi
ng,Iwentt
osayGoodbyet
oAse.She
wasinherroom st
udyi
ng.
.

Me:I
t'
sear
ly
Ase:Bor
edom
Me:Isee
Ase:Wemeet
ingnextweekf
ort
hepr
esent
ati
on?
Me:Yes

Atl
eastwewer
eal
lowedt
ogr
oupour
sel
ves.

Ase:Usecondoms
Il
aughed.
.
Ase:Don'
tgobackhomewi
tht
woqual
if
icat
ions
Me:Iwon'
t.
.I'
m ner
vousyouknow
Ase:About
?
Me:Get t
ingnakedandeveryt
hing,evenused
gynaeguardtomakesurethatmycoochi edoesn'
t
disappoi
nt.Youknowuswoment here'
sal ott
hat
goesdownt here,
Ievenusedveett oshavethe
sensit
iveone
Ase:YaaMaanyoupr
epar
edyour
sel
f
Me:Mybur sar
ymoneycamethroughsoIwasabl
e
tobuythoseandsomegoodsexyPJsand
under
wear swi
thmatchi
ngbr
as

I'
m meanttoget1500mont hl
yfrom t
hebursar
yas
pocketmoney, t
heygavemeacar dwhereIget
R500amont htobuyatPi
cknpay.Theygavemea
bookall
owanceandt hey'
l
lbepayingoffmytui
ti
on
fees.Al
lthatIhavet
odoisjustpass

Theyreplacedmymoneyf orr
egist
rat
ionIonl
ytook
R1000t hensentt her
esthometomyMot herand
Sist
er.Atleasttheydon'
thavetosendmemoney
everymont hforfood.
..

AseandIt al
kedunti
lVi
rgocal
ledt
hathe'
s
downstai
rs,Ibi
dherFarewel
landwentdownto
hi
m...IbumpedintoPo,shel
ookedli
keshi
t.
.
Po:Goi
ngsomewher
e?
Me:YesVi
rgoi
spi
cki
ngmeup
Po:Yousneakyl
it
tl
ethi
ng
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Hangover
?
Shedr
ankt
hecocacol
aint
hecan.
.
Po:Youhavenoi
dea,
justwannagoandsl
eepi
tof
f
Me:Dot
hat
Po:Seeyouwhenyougetbackf
ri
endshi
p
Me:Seeyou
Weshar
edahug.
.

Me:Bye
Po:Bye
Iwal
kedoutt
ogoandmeetVi
rgo.
..

Me:Goodmor
ning
Vi
rgo:MsPr
ett
ythang
Weki
ssed.
.

Vir
go:Looksl
ikei
t'
sgoi
ngt
orai
nsoon,
ther
egoes
ourpi
cnicpar
kplans
Me:Yat
hat
'
ssad
Vi
rgo:Wecanhavet
hepi
cni
cindoor
s
Me:It
hinkt
hat
'sbet
ter

Wedr oveoutt
ogetafewgroceri
es.Thi
ngswe
neededforouri
ndoorpi
cni
csincetheweatherwas
di
sappointi
ngus.
.

Wedr
ovebackt
othef
lat
..

Wemadeourownhambur gers,
Inoti
cedthatVi
rgo
i
sverypart
icul
araboutwhatheeats.Hedoesn'
tli
ke
McDonald'
s,doesn'
tli
keKFC.He'saver
ypicky
per
son,mustbegoodforhim.Get
tingwhathe
wantswi
thoutmoneybeingastr
ain,someofuscan
onl
ywishforthat
..
.

Vi
rgo:Howwer
ethehambur
ger
s?
Me:Del
ici
ous
Vir
go:I
'm gl
adyouli
kedtheBurger
s,maybeyou
cancookdinnerf
orustoni
ght
?
Me:Ihar
dlyt
hinkso.
.Youar
ever
ypar
ti
cul
ar
Vi
rgo:Anyt
hing.
.Ipr
omi
seIwi
lleati
t
Me:OkayI
'
llt
ry

Iputt
heempt
ygl
assi
nthesi
nk.
.

Hegotcl
oserandki
ssedme.
.

Kissesar
ebecominganorm sot
heydon'treal
ly
scaremeanymore,normakemenervous..We
cont
inuedki
ssingi
nt hemiddl
eoft
heki
tchenf
loor
,
andhetookoffmyt-shir
t

Vi
rgo:Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?
Inodded.
.
Me:Sol
ongweusecondoms
Vi
rgo:I
'
vedonebeenhavi
ngcondomsf
ort
his
moment

Ifel
tsli
ghtl
yuncomf ort
ablewit
hmybi gbreast
son
di
splayli
kethat,t
heywer ebei
ngheldfir
m bymy
brabutsti
ll
..
.I'
vegottenalotofbackl
ashfrom
peopleaboutmybr easts.

Hepl
acedhi
shandonmycheek.
.
Vi
rgo:Your
eal
lyar
ebeaut
if
ul
Ismi
ledal
it
tl
easheki
ssedmeagai
n..
POZI
SWA

Ipassedinmyf ri
end'
sr oom Al
fr
edo.Wewentto
thesamehighschool,andsamevar si
tynow.She'
s
doingadiff
erentcour
set hanme,shestudyi
ng
towardsbeingaDieti
cian..

Lastni
ghtwewentoutcl ubbingonl
ycameback
thi
smorningataround4am. .Thefl
atscometol
if
e
i
nt hemorni
ng,couldn'
tgetapeacefulsl
eep.
.

Me:I
'
m sor
rybutdi
dyouseeher
?Di
dyouseehi
m?
Alf
:I'veseent
hem, she'
snotuglythoughbutfor
him she'
sdefi
nit
elynothist
ype.Butit'
snotunusual
,
somet i
meshandsomeguysf allf
oruglygir
ls

Igotupfrom t
hebed, Iwassti
lli
nmyyesterday'
s
outf
it
.Bluedenim short
s,at
-shir
tbutIhadon
sl
eepersinst
eadofmyboot s.
Me:Imeanl
ookatme,
ever
ythi
ngcor
responds
Shechuckl
ed.
.

Me:Idon'
tcareabouthert
hatmuch,
butIwi
llst
eal
hi
mf r
om her!
Al
f:Thi
sisvar
sit
y
Me:Thi
sisvar
sit
y!Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo

AI
SHA

Iwasnakedinbed, l
ayi
ngonmyback.Hewas
nakedtoo.Notonl
ydoeshehavethelooksbutt
he
bodytoo,Vi
rgoishandsomei
nalldepart
ments.
Oneofthepeoplethatwer
ebl
essedbyGod..

Idon'
tknowmuchaboutdi
cksandhowbigt hey
shoul
dbe,butPoandt
hem ar
edefi
nit
elyl
ying
aboutli
ghtski
nnedguyshavi
ngsmal
ldi
cks,
it
wasn'tatal
lsmall
.

Hewasont opofme, i
nbetweenmyl egs.Hi s
fi
ngersplayedaroundmycl it
,hedidthatwhilst
sucki
ngonmyni pple.
.Ihavestret
chmar ks,abitof
somet wotonedskinhereandt here,
abitofsome
darkcolourinbet
weenmyt hi
ghsandhedi dn'
tcare
aboutthat.
.

Hewasexpl
ori
ngandembraci
ngmybodythati
t
mademerel
ax,mademetotrusthi
m wi
thwi
thmy
body.
.

Vi
rgo:I
sitni
ce?
Inoddedrepeat
edl
yenjoyi
ngt
hepl
easur
erunni
ng
thr
oughoutmybody..

Het
ookt hepackofcondomsandgotonef
rom i
t,
t
henrol
leditdownonhimsel
f.
.
Hekissedmeagainandr
ubbedt
het
ipagai
nstmy
vagi
nalopeni
ng.
.

Hemoveddownandpl ant
edwetki ssesonmyneck
movingdownt omyt ummyandf urtheronmovi
ng
downtomycoochi e.Heplacedhi shandsonmy
thi
ghs,onthesidesandki
ssedmyshavedcoochi e
thenIfel
thisl
ipsonmyclit.If
elthist ongue
runni
ngdownf rom t
heret
ot heopeni ngofmy
coochi
e..

Heatemeout ,
Ifeel
li
kethi
sisgoi
ngt
obet
hebest
par
tabouthavi
ngsex..

Ipl
acedmyhandatt
hebackofhi
shead.
.
Me:OhhhVi
rgo

Hecont
inuedunt
ilhesuckedmycl
itwi
thhi
smi
ddl
e
f
ingerdeepi
nsi
deofme.Itwasn'
taspai
nfulasI
t
houghtitwoul
d,i
twasveryni
ce

Iwasenjoyingeverypartofi
t,everypar tofwhathe
wasdoing.Histi
ghtgriponmyt highs,givi
ngno
car
eont heimperfect
ionsofmybody. .Hest opped
andkneltonthebed,pulledmecl osertohimI
hel
pedbygoi ngdownmor ecl
osert ohim.He
l
ookedatmeandgr abbedhisdick, t
henhesl owl
y
i
nsert
edi ti
n..

Me:Ahhhhh!
!!
Vi
rgo:Sor
ry
Hefurt
heronpusheddeepinsi
de..Ipl
acedmyhand
onhistheonethatst
il
lhadagri
ponmyt i
gh.
.He
pr
essedinharder.
.
Me:Vi
rgo!
!!
!

Hepushedi
nunti
lhewasful
lyi
nsideanditst
ung,
hepl
acedhi
sotherhandonmyotherthi
ghand
st
art
edpumpi
ngi
nandout
..

Itwaspai
nfulatf
ir
st,
butnotsopai
nfult
oactual
ly
stophi
m.Grabbedbothmyhandsandheldthem
ti
ghtashekeptonpumping,asImoaned.
.

Me:Vi
r.
..Vi
rgo.
.
Vi
rgo:Baby.
.

Iwasact
uall
ydoi
ngthis,
havingsexwi
thaguyt
hat
onl
yexi
stedi
nmyf ant
asies.
.

.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
54] :15

AI
SHA
Ihaveneverhadt hismuchsexevenwi thmyExt he
onewhobr okemyvi r
ginity.Vir
goj ustwant edto
keepongoi ng,aft
erthef ir
stroundwer ested.The
secondroundt ookabi tlongerthant hefirstround.
The3rdr ound, whichist hisround.Iwasver ysore
andinpai n,thecondom wasmaki ngitwor sesowe
optednott ousei t
..Het oldmet hatwewi llgetpil
ls
l
ateronift here'
saphar macyt hatwi l
lsti
llbeopen,
oralt
ernativelygettomor rowmor ning..

Heenjoyedthi
sr oundmor ethanhedi dwi t
hthe
othert
wo.Iwasst il
lsore,
butt hepainwasbear abl
e
comparedtothef i
rstt
wor ounds..Thisti
mear ound
i
twasawomanont op.Hewasl ai
dbackandIwas
ontopofhi
m.Thi spositi
onisuncomf ortabl
e,
wonderhowgi r
lsmanaget ot oler
ateit
..

Hemadei tl
essdrai
ningbyf ondl
ingwi
thmybr eat
s
asIwasont opofhim.Heal sohelphol
dthem i
n
place,
sinceIwasn'tweari
ngabr aitwasdi
ff
icultt
o
keepthem inplace.
.
Iwasti
red,Iwantedt
orestsoIwaspr
ayi
nghe
comesalready.
..

Iputmyhandsont
opofhisandcont
inuedpumpi
ng,
mymoansandscreamsonlygotl
ouderwhenI
wentupanddownmorefast
er.

Hismoanstooclearl
yindicat
edthathewasal
so
enjoyi
ngi
t,mor
et hanIthought.
.

Vi
rgo:Shi
tyougoi
ngt
omakemecum!
Icontinuedgoi ngupanddownonhi m,untilhehel d
mywai standqui ckl
ythr ewmeont heside.He
sli
ppedoutandgotgr abbedhi sdickmor etighter,
thenjerkedhi mselfoffrightonmyt ummy.Someof
hiscum l andedonmychi n.Hejerkedoffunt i
lthere
wasnot hingthatwascomi ngout,thenheletgo
andtookadeepbr eath..Itookthetowelandwi ped
offmyt ummy. .Hepulledmecl osert ohi
m andI
l
aidmyheadonhi
schest
..

POZI
SWA

Iwaswokenupbyaphonecal
l,
IcheckedandI
di
dn'
trecogni
zet
henumber
..

Me:Hel
lo?
Voi
ce:Hi
..I
sthi
sPo?
Me:Yes?Whoi
sthi
s?
Voi
ce:It
'sAbel
,rememberwemetl
astni
ghtat
ChannelM?
Me:Abel
?Abel
?Abel
?
Abel
:Iboughtyouandyourf
ri
endsdr
inks
remember?
Me:OhwyesIr
emember
Abel
:Wegoi
ngbacktoni
ght
,don'
tknowweshoul
d
st
opbyandfet
chyouguys?
Me:Uhm whatt
ime?
Abel
:19:
00?
Me:Okaywewi
llber
eady
Abel
:Okaybye
Me:Bye

Idon'
treal
lyr
ememberhim butIhaveaser
ious
Hangover,
IneedafewtocuremyHangover.Ihave
nevert
urndownfreeal
cohol.
.

AI
SHA

Iwokeupfrom mypeacefulsleept
othesoundof
somethi
ngbeingf
ri
ed..Iglancedoveronmyside
andthebedwasempty.

Il
if
tedmyheadupf r
om thepil
lowandlookedover
,
Vi
rgowasi
nt heki
tchenstandi
ngatthestove
cooki
ng.Hewasevenwhist
li
ng.Igotoutofbedand
wrappedthet
owelar
oundmybody, t
henImademy
waytohim..

Me:Hey
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Whendi
dyouwakeup?
Vi
rgo:Anhourbef
oreyou,
andshower
ed
Me:Forhowl
onghavewebeensl
eepi
ng?
Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.
Vi
rgo:Longenough
Iyawned.
.

Vi
rgo:Wannasl
eepagai
n?
Me:I
fIsl
eepnowIwon'
tsl
eepl
ateron
Vir
go:Howaboutt
henyougoandshower
,thenI
'
ll
fi
nishpr
epar
ingdi
nner
Me:Okay
Heki
ssedmeonmyf
oreheadagai
n..

Iwal
kedaway,hepul
ledmet
ohi
m andki
ssedme
onmycheek.
.

Me:Ir
eal
lyneedt
oshower
,If
eelst
icky
Vi
rgo:Ishoul
d'vewokenyouupt
oshowerwi
thme
Me:Youdi
dn'
t.
.SoI
'
llhavet
ogoandshower
Iwal
kedt
othebat
hroom.
..

POZI
SWA

Ipreparedmysel fforthenight
,Iwillbebringi
ng
condomsj ustforincase.Iknowt heseguys, t
hey
don'tj
ustbuyyoual coholandleaveitthere.
.They
buyyoual coholandwannahi ti
t.I'
l
lbeal sohustl
ing
him money, Ihavetogetoutwi thatleastR1000..
Iam wil
d,Ihaveareputati
onbackathome.My
passi
ngmymat r
iccir
cledarounddat
ingteachers
whomadet hingshappen.Peoplecal
ledmeal l
sort
sofnamesbutatt heendmywhor i
ngself
endedupinvarsit
y..

Mymat ri
ccer t
ifi
catesomesubjectsIdon'
tknow
howIpassed.Li kemat hemat
icsandphysical
sci
ences,togetherwithgeogr
aphyandl i
fesciences.
Idon'
tknowhowt heymanagedtopulli
toff,butI
gotl
evel4s.

I'
mjusthappythatI'
m here,
andvar
sit
ydoesn'
t
seem sodi
ffi
cultj
ustalotofst
udyi
nginashort
spaceofti
me...

AI
SHA

Igotoutoft
heshowerandwentt
oputonmyPJs.
ShortPJpantsandamatchi
ngPJspaghet
tit
op.
Veryfl
ower
yandIl i
kehowthet
opheldmybr easts.
Myboobsfil
ledi
tupatthefr
ont
..I
t'
sblackwhite
PJs,wit
hpi
nk&blackfl
ower
swit
hpinksleepers.
.

Virgol
ookedatmeasIgotdressed,j
uststandi
ng
therewi
thhisarmsfol
ded.Mademef eelabit
uncomfort
ablebei
ngnakedaroundhim..

WhenIwasdonehest
il
llookedatmewi
thout
sayi
ngawor
d..

Vi
rgo:Di
nneri
sready
Me:I
'
llhel
pyoupl
ate

Iwalkedovertohel
phi m..Hehadprepar
edchicken
breast
s,sti
rfr
yandr ol
ls.Il
ikehowhedidthesti
r
fr
y,itl
ookedappeti
zing..

Idi
shedt
hest
irf
ryandhest
oodbehi
ndmehuggi
ng
mef r
om t
heback,heki
ssedmeatthebackofmy
neckandthensnucki
nhistonguei
nmyear.
.I
l
eanedtotheback.
.

Me:St
opi
t!
Vi
rgo:What
?I'
m addi
ctedt
oyou
Hewasbehavi
ngl
ikeasi
ckpuppy.
.

Me:St
opIwannaeat
,I'
m hungr
y
Hemovedhi
shandsupt
omyboobs.
.
Vi
rgo:Idon'
tmi
ndhavi
ngyouf
ordi
nneragai
n

Hesquezeedmybr
east
s..

Me:Canweeat
?Realf
ood.
.I'
mreal
lyhungr
y
Vi
rgo:Okay.
.Wecaneat
,realf
ood
Me:Thankyou!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
54] :16

VI
RGO

Ai
shawasfastasl
eepandIwasl
ayi
ngnextt
oher
st
ari
ngatherasshesl
ept
..

Il
eanedoverandki
ssedhercheek.

Creditneedst obegi venwher eit'

sdue, Sexwi t
h
Aishawasamazi ng.Idon' tknowi fit
'sbecausei t
hasbeenawhi l
esinceIwasl astinti
mat ewitha
woman, seei
ngI '
vebeensi ngl
ef orawhi leorshe
wasj ustenjoyable.Thet ypeofsext hatwi l
l
defi
ni t
elymakeyout akehert oyourmot herand
startLobolanegot i
ations..Especial
lywhenwe
di
dn' tuseacondom, i
twasamazi ng..
Itookapictur
eofherandjustsaveditonmy
phone..She'
sbeenveryamazing,wouldmakeme
cashruptmyallowancei
nonego.

Aishaisnotreal
lyugl
y, i
fshewasf i
nancialstabl
e
enoughtogetherown.Shewoul dbang,she'sjust
wayt oosi
mpl eandI'
m start
ingnottomindt hat
becausethenIwouldn'thavetodealwit
hal otof
niggas.
..

POZI
SWA

Wedidn'
tgotoChannelM,theytookussomewher e
el
se.I
twasMe, Abel
,andmyFr iendAlf
.Theygotus
a12savannasandgotthemselvesbeers.
.

It
'l
lbedif
fi
cul
tgett
ingmoneyf r
om t
hisguybecause
he'
susingacard.NowI '
llhavetoi
mpr ovi
se,
go
homewi t
hhim andsleepwi t
hhimtomakehi m go
andwi
thdr
awmoney.

He'sugl
ynodoubtaboutthat,thoughhe' sugl
ybut
hi
smoneyi snotuglyandthat'
st hemi ssi
on.Agirl
'
s
gott
asurvi
ve,Ineednewclothes, Ineednewthings.
Ihavetokeepmyi magebeautifulatallti
mesto
att
ractmoreguyswithl
oadedwal let
s..

Idon'
tcomef r
om awel lfinancialbackground,
soif
schooldoesn'
tworkoutIhavet oset t
leforawell
stabl
eguy.Ican'
tgohomedef eatedbyschooland
showupwi thnot
hing,I
'llbeaj oke..
.

AI
SHA

Iwokeupfrom mypeacefulsl
eepataround12am,
Vi
rgowassleeping.Thef
latwasdark,
hehadhi s
ar
m acrossme..
Ilookedathi mi ndarknessandsmi led,
maybethi
s
mi ghtjustwork.Maybet hismightjustbemytrue
relati
onship,myf i
rsttr
uelove.Whosai dGod
doesn'tanswerpr ayers?Whosai dGoddoesn'tgi
ve
yout hebestafteryou'vebeenthroughpain?I
'ma
l
ivingpr oofofthat.Igotschoolgoi
ngonandnowI
haveagoodr elati
onshipgoingon..

Il
aidmyheadbackont
hepi
ll
ow.
.

POZI
SWA

Af
terourwi
ldnight
,Idi
dgowi
thAbelt
ohi
spl
ace.
Al
fwentbacktoRes..

Iexpect
edthi
s,hewasr
enti
ngabackr
oom i
nGa-
rankuwazone3.Asmal
lbackr
oom..

Iwasdr
unkwhenwesl
eptt
oget
her
,butIdi
dmake
sur
eacondom wasused.
.

Itwas10:00am whenIwokeupwi thater

ri
ble
hangover
, Idi
dn'
tbat
h.Justwashedmyf aceand
rinsedmymout hsi
ncehewast aki
ngmet otown
forameal.Hopingwhenwegett herehewil
lgi
ve
mesomemoney.

Abel
:Ican'
teatwi
thyouI
'
llj
ustdr
opyouof
fand
t
henleave
Me:Why?
Abel
:Ihavet
ogoandcheckuponmyDaughter
,my
BabyMamasentmeatextmessagel
astni
ght
Me:Iunder
stand

Het
ookoutR150f
rom hi
swal
let
..

Abel
:I'
m sur
ethi
swi
llcovert
hemeal
Il
ookedati
t,onl
yR150?

Me:Can'
tyougi
vememor
e?I
'
ver
anoutof
gr
oceri
es
Abel
:Idon'
thavemor
e
Me:Pl
ease
Abel:I'
vebeenbuyingyoual
coholsi
ncef
rom Fr
iday
nightwithyourfr
iend,
someofthemoneywent
there.
.Alcoholi
sexpensi
ve

Whatast
ingypr
ick!
!

Me:I
t'
sokay.
.Thankyou

Can'
tbel
ieveIsl
eptwi
thhi
mforR150,
Ihavet
oup
mygame. .

AI
SHA
Wewokeupthismor
ningandprepar
edtogoout,
bef
orepr
epar
ingwehadonesteamysessi
on.
..

West art
edatthepharmacytogett hepi l
l,
Ihadto
fi
lloutaquesti
onnair
ebeforetheycoul dselli
tto
me.Foundi tabitembar
rassingknowi ngthatThe
PharmacistnowknowsIhadunpr otectedsexlast
ni
ght .

Igott
hepi
llanddranki
tri
ghtaway,
prayi
ngt
hati
t
wil
ldowhatit
'smeantt
odo..

I
fIshowuppr egnantathome, myMotheri
sgoing
t
obegr avel
ydisappoi
nted.Can'
tdothatt
omy
f
amilynormyself.Ababyisnotpartoft
heplan.
.

Af
tergett
ingt
hepi
ll
,hetookmeoutshoppi
ngf
or
cl
othes.Wewentt
oIdenti
ty.
I'
veneverwornclothesf
rom thi
scl
othi
ngshop,
they
expensi
ve.ThebudgetwasR2500..Hewasholding
myhandaswel ookedaround..

Me:Your
eal
lydi
dn'
thavet
odot
his
Vi
rgo:Iwant
edt
oo.
.Youdeser
vet
hebest
Heki
ssedmyhand.
.

Myphoner
ang,
itwasmySi
ster
..
Me:Ihavet
otaket
his

Imovedawayandanswer
edt
hecal
l.
.

Sis:I
t'
sbeenhardtr
yingt
oreachyou,I'
vebeen
tr
yingtoreachyousi
ncefr
om yest
erday
Me:Iknow.
.I'
m sor
ry
Si
s:Whathappened?Thoughtweekendswer
eless
chaot
ic
Il
ookedatVi
rgo.
.
Me:Iwasbusy
Si
s:Wi
thwhat
?
Me:Don'
tscr
eam,
don'
tfr
eakout
..Ihavea
boyf
ri
end
Si
s:What
??
Me:Hi snamei sVi
rgo,sameguyt hatwesawthe
otherdayr emember ?Duri
ngr egi
strat
iont
heone
thatwaswal kingwiththatbeauti
fulwomanandwe
thoughtallkindsofthi
ngs?

Shel
aughed.
.
Si
s:Yeahr
ight
,ni
ceone
Me:I
'
m bei
ngf
orr
eal
Si
s:Wai
t.
.Your
eal
lyser
ious?
Me:I
'
m wi
thhi
mri
ghtnowandwedoi
ngshoppi
ng
Si
s:Idon'
tunder
stand.
.Howdi
dthi
shappenagai
n?
Me:Longst
ory.
.I'
l
lletyouknowl
aterwhenIgo
backt
oRes
Si
s:AishaIdon'
tmeant
osoundsomehowbutI
'
m
worr
ied
Me:About
?
Si
s:Haveyousl
eptwi
thhi
m?
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Si
s:Youdi
d!
Me:Imeanwear
edat
ingaf
teral
l
Sis:Aishasuchguyscan'tbet r
usted,real
ly
handsomeguyscan' tbet
rusted.I'
m wor r
iedthat
youmi ghtgethurtandyouknowwhenyougethur t
,
i
tmi ghtevenaffectyouacademi cal
ly.I
'm not
sayingyoucan'tattr
acthandsomeguysbut ..

Shesi
ghed.
.
Sis:Idon'
ttr
usthi
mf ul
ly,
I'
m sorr
y..Idon'
tseet
hat
guySi ngl
eheprobablyhasagi r
lf
ri
endbackat
homeandnowhe' sjusttr
yingtoscorewit
hyouas
hi
stempor
aryt
hingunt
ilheseesheragai
n

Me:Ohw
Sis:Youhavet obeverysmartwhenitcomesto
boys, youdon'thavemuchexperienceandyou
mightyour selfi
naver ymessysi
tuati
on.Pl
easebe
carefulthat'
sallI
'm aski
ng
Me:Okay
Si
s:I
'
llt
alkt
oyoul
ater
,Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

Ihungup.Thatwasabi tof
fensive,madeitseem
l
ikeI'
m worthsett
ingordat
ingor di
naryguysthat
I'
m notgoodenoughforaguyl i
keVi r
go.Maybe
she'
srightbuthe'
swithme.

Iwal
kedbacktohim andf
akedasmi
let
henwe
cont
inuedwi
ththeshoppi
ng.
..
I
twasdif
fi
cultgoi
ngthroughshoppi
ngwithwhat
mySi
stersaidtome.Ihadallki
ndsofquest
ions
r
unni
ngthroughmymi nd..

Whenweweredoneget
ti
ngaf
ewcl
othes,
wewent
outt
oeat
..

Vir
go:Ar
eyouokay?Youdon'
tseem l
ikeyour
sel
fal
l
ofasudden
Me:I
'
mfi
ne
Vi
rgo:I
fyouworr
iedaboutt
hemorni
ngaf
terpi
ll
worki
ng,t
hePhar
macistsai
dth-
Me:Doyoul
oveme?
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Ar
eyouwit
hmebecauseyouwannabewi
th
meoryouj
ustpushi
ngt
imewit
hme?
Vi
rgo:Wher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom now?
Me:Ijustwannamakesur
ethatyouwi
thme
becauseyouwannabewit
hme, andt
hatt
omor
row
Iwon'
twakeupwi
thabr
okenhear
t
Virgo:Iunder
standthatyou'
vebeenthroughalot
butthispit
ypartyhastostopnow,itwasyearsago
Aisha.Ifyoudon'tf
eell
ikeyounotgoodenoughfor
met henwhydi dyouagreetous?Tot hi
s?
Me:I
'
mjustaski
ng
Virgo:Youaski ngshit!Idon'twannabewi th
someonewher eI'
l
lalwayshavet osuf ferf orthe
sinsofpeopl ewhodi dn'ttr
eatherr i
ght,someone
whoal waysl ookdownonher sel
f.Idon' twannabe
i
nadepr essingrelati
onship,Iam wi thyoubecause
Iwannabewi t
hyou.Becauseyest erdaywe
connect eddeepl y,butonet hingIwon' tdoi salways
havingt opr ovemysel ftoyout hatIwon' thurtyou.
Stopact ingl i
keaki d!Almostever yonewent
throughsomesor tofbullyi
ngoncewhent heywere
young, wesucki tupandmoveon!Youol dernow
andIbett hosepeopl eareol dtoo,tobewast ing
theirti
mebusybul lyi
ngyou.Peopl egrowup!Gr ow
upt oo!
Idi
dn'
texpectt
hatfr
om him,
thatwasamout
hful
andheseemedirr
it
ated.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
54] :17

AI
SHA

Myst at
ementr eal
lygottoVirgo.Iti
rri
tat
edhi mto
thecore,whatwasmeantt obeagooddayf orus
tur
nedsour .Ievenregret
edaskingt hatbecause
evenwhenIt riedt
ot al
ktohim, hejustgavemeone
wordanswer s.Toshowmet hathewasst i
ll
i
rri
tat
ed..

Wegotbackt ot
heflatandIputt
heplast
icf
rom
Ident
it
yonthecouch.Hehadalsoboughtme
snacksforwhenIgobacktoRes.
Hewentandgothi
msel
fagl
assofwat
er.If
oll
owed
hi
m..

Me:I'
m sorryi
fwhatIaskedoffendedyou,I
shoul
dn'thavebroughtt
hatup.Youhaven'tgi
ven
meanyr easontofeelt
hatt
ypeofway, I
'm sor
ry

Heplacedt
heglassi
nthesi
nk,
sti
llhadhi
sback
t
urnedagai
nstme..

Me:I
'
m sor
ry.
.I'
mreal
lysor
ry
Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
.
Vir
go:Ijustneedt oknowthatifwecontinuewit
h
ourrel
ationship,
thepastwon'tbethereasonthat
we'l
lal
waysf i
ght
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Virgo:I
t'
sdi
ff
icul
tbeinginarel
ati
onshi
pwith
someonewhoi sInsercur
e,i
tmakestherel
ati
onshi
p
draini
ng
Inodded.
..
Me:Iunder
stand
Vi
rgo:Comeher
e
Iwal
kedupt
ohi
m,hehel
dbot
hmyhands.
Virgo:YouaskedmeifIl
oveyou,
Ithi
nkIam f
all
ing
foryou..Ihopeyouf
eelt
hesamewayt oo
Me:Ido
Hepulledmeovertohi
m andki
ssedme,he
wrappedhishandsar
oundmywaistandsqueezed
i
t.
..

Whatwasmeantt obeamakeupki ss,endedmeup

onthecounter
.Iwassti
llsoref
rom al
lthesexwe
hadlastni
ght,
buttheenjoymentofi
tmademet o
wantitmore.
.

Sinceacondom hurt
sme, wedecidedtohiti
traw
again.Hopi
ngatthephar
macyt heywon'tcomefor
myl i
fewhenwegobackt her
eagai ni
nhopesof
getti
nganothermor
ningaft
erpi
ll
..I
t'
sthishowgir
ls
fal
lpregnant?Youj
ustwantmoreofitdespi
tet
he
repercussi
ons.
.

Whenhewasi
nsi
dei
twasabi
tbet
ter
,thepai
nwas
al
lbet
ter
..

Hepumpedinandoutwhi
lstr
ubbingmycl
itwi
th
hi
sthumb,
itmadeitmor
enicer.
..

POZI
SWA

Ihear
daknockatthedoor,
Iignor
edbutitdi
dn'
tgo
away.
.Igotoutofbedandwenttoopen,
itwasAse.
Il
etheri
n..

Ase:Hey
Me:Hi
..Whatt
imei
sit
?
Ase:I
t'
s12:
00i
ntheaf
ter
noon
Iwentandt
hrewmysel
font
hebed.
.

Ase:Youwentoutl
astni
ght
?
Me:Yes
Ase:Ohw
Me:Idon'
tmeant
ober
udebutI
'
m ver
yti
red

I'
veseenthatAseandAi
shaarestart
ingtogetver
y
close.Whenher"
Bestf
ri
end"isnotaroundandshe
getsbored,
shecomeshere.

Iam notanyone'
ssecondchoi
ce.
.

Ase:IguessI
'
lll
eaveyout
hen
Me:Thankyou
Shewal
kedout
..
.
Iwentt
olockt
hedoorbehi
ndher
..
.

AI
SHA

Aft
eroursessionIwenttoshoweragain,we
act
uallyshoweredtoget
her
.Ifel
tabitcomfort
abl
e
wit
hhi m,showinghim mynakedness.Hehasmade
mef eelcomfor
tabl
e..

Af
tershower
ingIpackedupmyt
hings.
.
Ifel
tabitsadhavi
ngt
oleaveaft
ert
hegreatti
me
thatwehad,Ihadagr
eatweekendIwon'
tli
e..

Hedrovemebackt oRes,
Iwasablet osnapaf
ew
pi
csofhim dr
ivi
nganduploadthem onmy
what
sappstatusandonFacebook..
Vi
rgo:St
opi
t,i
t'
sdi
str
act
ing
Me:Don'
tbet
hatPer
son

Wesear chedf oranot

herpharmacywher ewecould
getamor ningaf t
erpi
llandIendedupget t
ing
Oralcorn.It'
sabi rt
hcont r
olpi
ll
,solongItakeit
precisel
yatt hesamet i
meeverydayt henI'
llbeokay.
Isentanal arm cl
ockrightaway,I
'
lltakethepill
everymor ningat7am..

Hepar
kedatt
heRes.
.
Me:Thankyou
Vir
go:Youdon'thavetot
hankmef
orever
ythi
ng
evennecessar
ythings
Me:Iwast
aughtt
oshowappr
eci
ati
onatal
lti
mes
Vi
rgo:Youwer
erai
sedwel
l
Il
eanedoverandki
ssedhi
m..
Vir
go:I'
l
lcal
lyoul
aterwhenIhavegot
tenmy
neededrest
Me:Okay
Vi
rgo:Il
oveyou
Thatcameasashock.
.
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Igotoutandtookmythi
ngsfr
om thebackseat
s
andthenwatchedhi
m dr
ivi
ngoff
.

POZI
SWA

Aft
erAsedi
sturbedmysleep,itwasdiff
icul
tto
sl
eepagai
n.Idecidedt
ogot ot heshopnextdoor
.
Buymysel
fslabchips,
bread,Russianandcool
dr
ink.
..

IbumpedintoAi
shaatthestai
rs.Shewasal
l
smil
es,hol
dingapl
ast
icfrom I
denti
tyandabag.
.
Me:Hey
Ai
sha:Hey
Me:Youj
ustget
ti
ngback?
Ai
sha:Yes
Me:Thenyouwil
lhavet
otel
lmeal
labouti
tlat
er,
I'
ll
cometoyourr
oom
Ai
sha:Okaynopr
obl
em.
.IsAsear
ound?
Me:Yes.
.She'
sinherr
oom
Ai
sha:Okay
Me:Seeyoul
ater
Ai
sha:Lat
eri
tis

Shecont
inuedwal
kingt
oherr
oom.
..

VI
RGO
Af
terdr
oppi
ngof
fAi
sha,
Idr
ovebackt
othef
lat
..

Howsher espondedearl
iert
owhatIdi
dgaveme
assur
it
ythatI'
llbeeasyt
ocontr
olher.

Yesitwasirr
it
atingbutshewasjustlayingouther
concer
ns,myr udenessdidn'
tputheroffcompletel
y.
Sheendedupbeggi ngandofferi
ngherselfsexuall
y,
that
'swhatIwant .

Iwantedhert
obesostucktomet
hatnomat
ter
whatIdosheneverl
eaves.
.

I'
m averydiff
icul
tPersontodealwi th,I'
velosta
rel
ati
onshipbecauseshecoul dn'
tdealwi thme. .
ThoughI'm aJerkbutIdofallinlove,andwhenshe
l
eaves.Iendupbr okenhearted,soAi sha.Idon't
thi
nkshe'sgoingtoleave,
Idon'twanthert oo.
.I'
ve
gotmyselfagoodandwel lreservedgi rl
,Idon't
wannalethergo..
AI
SHA

WhenIgott
omyroom, Ical
ledmyMot
her
.It
'sbeen
awhi
lesi
nceIl
astspoketoher.

I'
m notgoingt otel
lheraboutVirgojustasyetunt
il
I'
m surewher eVirgoandItrulystand.
.It
'stooear
ly
toletherknowandIdon' tknowhowshe' sgoingt
o
feelaboutmehavi ngaboyf r
iend.Shemi ghtbe
okaywi t
hit,atthesamet i
meshemi ghtnotbeokay
withit
..

Ma:YourAunt
ypassedon,
AuntMami
Me:That
'sbad,
that
'sr
eal
lybad
Ma:I
'mfrom ther
eshepassedonl
astni
ght
,they
pr
epar
ing..Cl
eaningt
hehouse
Me:That
'ssad.
.
Ma:She'
sbeensi
ckf
ort
ool
ongt
hough
Me:That
'st
rue
Ma:Uphumi
li
le(
she'
srest
ing)
Me:That
'st
rue
Ma:Kuwe.
.Kuhambanj
ani
?(howi
sitgoi
ngwi
th
you)
Me:I
t'
sgoi
ngwel
lMa.
.Can'
tcompl
ain
Ma:That
'sgood.
.I'
m gl
adyouf
indi
ngyourway
Me:Iwasscaredukut
hiIwoul
dn'
tfi
tinbutwith
howthi
ngsaregoing,
varsi
tyi
snotbad.Mightbe
myfavor
it
e
Ma:I
'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
,don'
tfor
gett
opr
ay
Me:Iwon'
t
Ma:Letmest
artcooki
ng,Idi
dn'
tcookt
hismor
ning.
.
Iwentt
oAuntMami '
splaceear
ly
Me:Okaywe'
l
ltal
ktomor
row
Ma:OkaySi
si
Me:Bye
Ma:Bye
VI
RGO

WhenIgott
othef
latIcal
ledmyMot
her
..

Ma:Youar
ecal
li
ngme?I
t'
susual
lyt
heot
herway
ar
ound
Me:I
t'
sgoodt
alki
ngt
oyout
oo
Ma:Howar
eyouBaby?
Me:I'
m good.
.Actual
lyI
'
m cal
li
ngt
ofi
ndoutwher
e
youputmyoldlaptop
Ma:I
t'
sinmybedroom,Ihavebeensayi
ngI
'
llgi
vei
t
awayIkeeponf
orget
ti
ng
Me:Don'
tgi
vei
taway.
.Iwannagi
vei
ttomy
gi
rl
fr
iend
Ma:Hmmmm your
eal
lyar
egoi
ngal
loutf
ort
hisgi
rl
Me:Justt
ryi
ngt
obeagoodboyf
ri
end
Ma:Soi
tisof
fi
cial
?
Me:Yes
Ma:Ican'
twai
ttomeethernextweek
Me:Wewi
llcome
Ma:Okaybaby.
.Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

AI
SHA

It
extedVir
goaski
nghi
mifhehasar
ri
ved,
whi
lst
walki
ngtoAse'
sroom.
.

Iknocked.
.

Sheopenedaf
terawhi
le.
.
Me:Hi
..Hopeyounotbusy
Ase:Notatal
l.
.Pl
easecomei
n
Iwal
kedi
nhol
dingt
wopacket
sofchi
ps.
Ase:Youbackal
ready
Me:Yes
Ase:I
t'
sgoodt
oseeyou
Me:Met
oo
Isatonherbed.
.
Me:What
'sbeenhappeni
ng?
Ase:Not
hingmuch,
justwat
chi
ngmyf
avor
it
eser
ies
Me:YouandPodi
dn'
tli
nkup?
Ase:Noshewasoutwit
hherotherf
ri
endsdri
nki
ng
al
lweekend,
tri
edgoi
ngtoherafewhoursagoand
sheswit
chedmeoff
Me:That
'snotni
ce
Ase:Idon'
tthi
nkIl
ikeher
Me:Shei
swei
rd
Ase:Butenoughabouther
,let
'st
alkaboutyour
weekend.
.Howdiditgo?
Me:Comel
et'
stal
koversnacks
Shecameandsatnextt
ome.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
54] :18

AI
SHA

AFEW DAYSLATER

Theweekwentbyfast
ert
hanIanti
cipat
ed,
maybe
i
t'
sbecausewespentmostofourt
imeatschool
andbusywit
hschoolwor
k.

Beforeweknewit,wewerebackt otheweekend.
VirgoandIdeci
dedtoskipourafter
nooncl assand
headedexactl
ytohishome.HelivesinNor thcli
ff
,
i
t'
llbemyveryfir
stti
mebeinginsuchanar eaand
i
nt hecompanyofwellof
fpeople.Itsti
llpuzzlesme
howVi r
gochosemeoutofal lt
hegi r
lsthathecoul d
bewi
th.
.

Wedroveinathishouse,thewaterf
allf
ount
ain
si
tuat
edinthemi ddl
etookmybr eat
haway.His
houseisbeauti
fulontheoutsi
de,i
tmustbemor e
beaut
if
ulinsi
de.

Wegotofft
hecarandhewasholdi
ngmybagandI
washol
dinghi
sotherf
reehand.

Me:Yourhousei
sbeaut
if
ul
Vi
rgo:Thankyou

Wemadeourwayi n,anditwasquiet.I
twasvery
cleananditwasn'
tovercrowdedwithfur
nit
ure.The
kitchenwasemptyinagoodway.Openspacei n
themi ddl
eandanallaroundblackcupboar
d..

Vi
rgo:Wel
comet
omyhome
Me:I
t'
sver
ybeaut
if
ul
Vi
rgo:Thankyou

Wepr
oceededt
ohi
sroom upst
air
s..
Vi
rgo:We'
l
lbesl
eepi
ngi
nher
e
Me:I
t'
sal
sobeaut
if
ul
Vi
rgo:Thankyou.
.MyMom mustbeatwor
k
Me:Whatdoesshedo?
Vi
rgo:She'
sint
oagr
icul
tur
e,hasherowncompany
Me:Ahardwor
kingwoman,
I'
minspi
redshesounds
l
ikeaver
yadmirabl
ePer
son
Vi
rgo:Yeahsomet
hingl
iket
hat
Inodded.
.
Vi
rgo:Let
'sgohavel
unchnextt
othepool
Me:OkayI
'
dli
ket
hat

Ichangedmyshoesi
ntof
lopssoIcoul
dmor
e
comf or
tablethenwewentbackt
otheki
tchent
o
preparelunch..
Vi
rgo:Ourhel
perknocksof
fear
lyonFr
iday
Helookedatt
het
ime.
.It
's15:
00,
sheknockedof
fat
14:
00..
Me:Thi
si sinspi
ri
ng,t
hishasi
nspi
redmetowor
k
moreharderatschoolt
oaffor
dmyselfa
comfor
tableli
feoneday
Vir
go:Youwill
,youverysmartandI '
dbeaf oolt
o
notmarrysuchanambi t
iouswoman, youwil
lmeet
myMot herl
ateron.Don'
tlethert
alkingtoomuch
i
nti
midateyou
Me:Iam ner
vousdoyout
hinkshewi
lll
ikeme?
Vi
rgo:Shewon'
tli
keyou,
she'
sgoi
ngt
oloveyou
Ismi
led.
.

Wepr eparedfood.Toast
edsandwiches,ovenchips
anddr i
nks.Thenwewentout si
detoeatbyt hepool
.
Therewer echairs,at
abl
e,andanumbr el
la.The
poolwascl ean,bluewat
ers.
.
Vi
rgo:Youcanswi
mtomor
row,
theweat
heri
s
welcomi
ng
Me:Idef
ini
tel
ywi
ll

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Il
ookedatVi
rgo'
spi
cturesonInstagr
am,
he'
snow
i
nVarsit
yandhasagirl
fri
endalr
eady.

Hepostedapict
ureofhersl
eepi
ngaboutaf ew
daysago.Iswal
lowedasmyheartbeatpi
ckedup.
.

MyMot
herwal
kedi
n..

Ma:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m good
Ma:Howi
sthebaby?
Ipl
acedmyhandonmyt
ummy.
.
Me:He'
sgood

MyMot
herwor
ksatt
hel
ocalhospi
talasacl
eaner
..

Il
ivewit
hmyMot herandmyyoungerBr other
,my
Oldersi
steri
smar r
iedbutunemployed.Her
husbandisnotr
ichbuttheygett
ingby..

Wewer eonceaver ycloseknittedfami l

y, unti
lmy
Parentsdi vorcedandmyFat herr e-
mar ri
ed.He
stoppedt akingcareofusl eavingever ythingont he
shouldersofmyMot her.MyMot hertookcar eofus
al
oneandshedi dapr ettygoodj ob.Myl ittl
e
Brotherisi nGrade11, MySi st
eri satleastmar ried
andIwasmeantt obei nvarsitythisyearunt i
lthe
pregnancyhappenedandr uinedever ything.

MyMot heri
sveryst
ri
ctandshewent3months
wi
thouttal
kingt
ome, event
hreat
enedt
oki
ckme
out.Shei
nsul
tedmedayandnightunt
ilshef
ound
outwhothefatherofmybabyi
s..

Thethingis,Idon'
tknowwhot heFatherofmybaby
i
s.Att hesamet i
meIwasdat ingVirgoIwas
i
nvolvedwi t
hanotherguy.ThisotherguyIhadt o
si
del i
nehim becausehe'suselessmyMot herwas
nevergoingtoaccepthim.Ihadt osayVirgoisthe
Fatherbecausehecomesf rom awel lst
able
background..

Ma:Youar
e6mont hspregnantnow,don'
tyout
hink
i
t'
sti
mewel ethi
m andhisfamil
yknow?

Vir
goandIbr okeup2weeksbef or
eIfoundoutthat
Iwaspr egnant.Imethim atsomepart
yinthe
surbabs,Ihadaf ri
endwhowasaboutt hegoodli
fe
andusedt otakemet ohi
ghclasspar
ti
es.That
's
howImetVi r
go, t
hroughher.
.
Ma:Thebabywi
llbebor
nsoon,
wehavet
otel
l
t
hem
Inodded.
.
Me:Iwi
lli
nfor
m hi
m
Ma:No.
.Wewi
llgot
ohi
shouseandi
nfor
mthem
Iswal
lowed.
.
Ma:I
t'
sonl
yfai
r
Me:Okay
Ma:Whenyout oldmeabouthi m andshowedme
him,ther
e'snodoubtthathecomesf r
om awellof
f
famil
y.Theywil
lhelpwiththebabyandyoucango
backtoschoolnextyear,t
heymightevenpayyour
fees
Inodded.
.
Ma:Atleastyoudi
dn'tjustf
allpr
egnantbya
usel
esssomeone,there'sst
il
lhopeforyou
Inodded.
.
Me:YesMa
Virgodoesn'tknowt hatIcomefrom humble
beginni
ngs,myMot heraffor
dedusanaccept able
l
ifeonethatdi dn'
tmakeusl ookpoorinthewor l
d.I
dressedwell,shesacrif
icedtoomuchf orus.With
mybeaut ytoo, Vi
rgojustfel
linl
ovewithme. .
.

AI
SHA

Aft
erourlunch,Iwentbacki
nsi
deandtookatour
ofthehouse.TheyevenhadabarandaTVr oom.A
verybi
gflatscreenTV,comf
ort
abl
ecouches,
snacksanddr i
nks.

Itwasn'
tsomet hingbigj
ustaroom t
hatcouldbea
sizeofali
vingroom, j
ustthatt
heymadei taTV
room.Itookpicturesoft
heTVr oom,ki
tchen,bar
areaandthebat hrooms.

Isentmysi
ster
,shecal
ledr
ightaway.
.
Si
s:Ar
eyoui
nConni
eFer
guson'
shouse?
Il
aughed.
.
Si
s:Thei
rhousei
sbeaut
if
ul
Me:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou!
Si
s:Thesepeopl
ear
eri
ch
Me:Anditseemsli
kehi
sMot heri
sdoingi
tal
lal
one
becausehehasn'
tment
ionedhisf
ather
Si
s:Wow
Me:It
'si
nspi
ri
ng!I'
minspir
ed!She'
sani
nspi
rat
ion,
I
r
eall
ywishthi
sformylif
esomeday.Thi
sjustmade
mewannawor khardmore
Sis:Canadentalt
her
api
stqual
if
icat
iongi
veyou
thatli
fe?Ihi
ghl
ydoubt
Me:I'
m notgoi
ngt
obeadent alt
her
apistforever
,
I
'm goi
ngtodoBDS.Bachel
orofDentalsurgery
Si
s:Ohwokayatl
east
,dowefi
tin,
inyourf
ant
asy?
Youdon'
tment
ionMom andI
Me:Don'
tbel
iket
hat
Si
s:I
'
mjustaski
nghau
Me:Ihavet
ogo,
wewi
llt
alkl
ater
Si
s:okaybye
Me:Bye

VI
RGO
Iwassti
llsi
tti
ngbythepoolsmokingwhenI
not
icedthatIhadaDM onInstagr
am.Ichecked,
anditwasfrom myexgir
lf
riendKetso.
.

"
Weneedt
otal
k,i
t'
simpor
tantpl
ease"

Icl
ickedmyt
ongueandbl
ockedher
..

Ketsodumpedme6mont hsagoandsai
dshe
wantednothi
ngt
odowi t
hmeanymore,Idon'
t
underst
andwhyshe'
sinmyDMsnow.
She'
sprobabl
ydoi
ngthisbecauseshesawt
he
pi
ctur
eofAishat
hatIuploaded.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
54] :19

AI
SHA

Virgo'sMom f i
nallycamebackhome.Bynow, Ihad
forcedVi rgothatweshoul dpr eparedinner .Ifindit
unfairforhi sMot hertocomebackhomeaf t
era
l
ongday' swor kandpr eparedi nner,
mor eoversi nce
thehel perknockedof fearly..
.Iknowhowt o
preparebasi cdishes, dishest hatcatertothel ow
class.Thisf amilylookl i
kepeopl ewhoeatdi shes
preparedbyachef ,I
'venot icedhowVi rgopr epar es
food.Amer echickenst ewi sn'tmeretot hem, they
willturnitintoa5st arhot elmeal ..
.
Atleastwewer
epr epar
ingf
rom oneofthe
cookbookst
hattheyhadintheki
tchen.
..

Seei
ngBomithisupl
ocl
ose,
she'
sver
ybeauti
ful
.
Eventhewayshewearsmademetoadmir
eher
evenmore.
.

Bomi
:It
'sf
inal
lygoodt
omeetyouAi
sha
Me:Met
oo
Shel
ookedar
ound.
.
Bomi
:Ludwei
scooki
ng?
Me:I
..It
houghtweshoul
dpr
epar
edi
nner
Sheputherbagont
hecount
er,
carkeys,
and
phone.
.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryi
fIcr
ossedt
hel
ine
Bomi:No..Notatall
,I
'mjust..Weusual
lyor
deri
nor
dr
iveouttoeatinarestaurantwhenourhel
peri
s
of
f..Thi
sis..Thi
sisimpressive
Vi
rgo:Don'
tgetusedt
oit
Bomi
:It
hinkI
'
m goi
ngt
oli
keyou
Vi
rgo:NowI
'
m scar
ed
Bomi:Letmegoandf
reshenupsot
hatIcant
ast
e
thef
ood
Shewal
kedaway.
.
Bomi
:ThankyouAi
sha
Me:I
twasnot
hing
Iwat
chedherasshewal
kedaway.
.

Me:Sheseemsni
ce
Vi
rgo:Notever
ythi
ngi
sati
tseems
Me:Whatdoyoumean?
Vi
rgo:Nothi
ng.
.Youcant
aket
hepl
atest
othe
di
ningtabl
e
Me:Okay
KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Ma:Her
e..YourSi
sterwant
stot
alkt
oyou
It
ookt
hephone.
.
Me:Sepat
i
Sepat
i:Mom t
ell
smethatyouguyswi
llgot
othe
babyDaddy'
shousesoon
Me:Yes
Sepat
i:Ar
eyousur
eit
'shi
schi
ld?
Me:Yes
Sepati
:Idon'twantMom gett
ingt
hereandhesays
somethingdiff
erentandwegetembarr
assed,
moreoverIdon'twantherBPtospi
keupbecauseof
you.Ist
illneedher
Me:I
t'
shi
m
Sepat
i:Whydi
ditt
akeyousol
ongKet
sot
otal
k?
Me:It
oldyouthatwebr
okeupandIdi
dn'
tknow
howtotel
lhi
m
Sepat
i:Whydi
dn'
tyouabor
t?Haveyout
houghthow
he'
sgoingt
ofeel
whenyoujustshowuppr
egnant?
Doyouknowhowboysare?
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Sepati
:Sorr
y?Howwillyoursor
ryrect
if
ythi
s
probl
em?Youbroughtthisonyour
selfmaan!Now
yousayingNyor
iNyor
i?
Me:Wewi
llgot
ohi
shouse
Sepati
:Whatwer eyoueventhinking?Bri
ngi
ngus
suchhumi l
iat
ion?YouknowhowMom usedt obrag
aboutyougoingtovarsi
tythisyear?Nowyouar e
nodiff
erentfr
om allt
heuselesscousinswealways
tal
kabout!Youhavebecomet hatusel
esscousi
n
now
Icl
osedmyeyesandswal
lowed.
.

Me:Idi
dn'
tmeant
obesuchabur
denandusel
ess
t
othefami
ly
Sepat
i:Aghaaamaan!
Shehungup.
.
AI
SHA

Wegather
edar
oundt
hedi
nnert
abl
etoi
t,j
ustt
he3
ofus.
.

Idi
dn'tnoti
ceanyringi
nherfi
nger
,howissucha
beauti
fuli
ndependentwomannotmarr
ied?What
happenedtoVirgo'
sFather
?

Bomi
:Thi
sisdel
ici
ous,
thi
sisver
ydel
ici
ous
Me:Thankyou
Bomi
:Youguyscopi
edf
rom oneoft
hecookbooks?
Me:Exactl
yashowi
twaswr
it
ten,
wef
oll
owedal
l
t
heinstr
ucti
ons
Bomi
:It
'sdel
ici
ous
(
Sil
ence)
Bomi
:Ai
shamaybet
omor
rowmor
ningwecango
outandyoucant
ellmemor
eaboutyour
sel
f,j
ust
thetwoofus
Me:Uhm.
..
Vi
rgo:Am Igoi
ngt
olosemygi
rl
fr
iend?
Bomi
:Jeal
ousar
ewe?
Vi
rgo:Ij
ustwannaknowwhat'sgoi
ngt
ohappent
o
mewhenyout wogetreal
lycl
ose
Bomi
:Ai
shai
swor
thknowi
ng,
Ili
keheral
ready
Vi
rgo:I
'
mreal
lyscar
ed
Me:I
'
dlovet
oo

Iwasonlysayi
ngt
hatbecausei
twoul
dseem r
ude
tosayNo..
.

Bomi
:Howi
sschoolgoi
ng?
Vi
rgo:I
t'
sal
otofwor
kbutweget
ti
ngt
hrough
Me:Themodul
esar
enotdi
ff
icul
tjustal
otofwor
k
Bomi
:IsDent
alTher
apyt
heendgame?
Me:Iwasact
ual
lyt
hinki
ngofdoi
ngBDS,
Iwanna
doi
t
Bomi
:That
'sgood.
.Vi
rgo?
Vir
go:Idon'
tknowBomi,I
'
mjustwai
ti
ngf
ort
he
conver
sati
ontobeover

Hecall
shi
sMot
herbyhername?MyMot
herwoul
d
ki
llme.
.

Bomi:I
'
mjustgl
adthatyousettl
ingi
nwel
latschool
,
Iwasworr
iedhewouldn'
tfi
tin
Me:Youwer
e?
Bomi:Wetalki
ngaboutLudweher
e,ever
ythi
ngi
s
notgoodenoughforhi
m
Me:I
t'
sagoodschoolnol
ie
Bomi
:Itseemst
hatway

KOKETSO(
KETSO)
Ididn'tgi
vemyMotherbackherphoneimmediat
ely.
IsavedVi r
go'
snumbersandsenthim awhat
sapp
text:

"
It
'sKet
so.
Ihadtot
extyouusingmyMother
'sphonesi
ncewe
bl
ockedeachotheronwhat
sapp.

Iwantedt
ot al
ktoyoubecauseI
'
m pr
egnant,
I'
m6
monthspregnant
.Idi
dn'
tknowhowtotel
lyou,
seei
nghowwesepar at
ed.

I'
mreal
lyscar
ed,Idi
dn'tsi
gnupforthi
sVi
rgo.I
'
m
depr
essedandconfused,pl
easecal
lme"

Isentthemessageanddel
etedt
heconver
sat
ion
toget
herwit
hhisnumber.
..
.
AI
SHA

Wewerejustt
alki
ngaboutgener
alt
hingsaswe
wentt
hroughdi
nner.Vi
rgo'
sphonebeeped.
.

Bomi
:That
'sr
ude
Vi
rgo:Yourphoner
ingsal
lthet
ime
Bomi
:Ithast
oo.
.I'
m awor
kingwoman
Vi
rgo:I
'
m ani
mpor
tantPer
son
Hegotitandchecked,
hel
ookedatt
hescr
eenf
ora
whi
le.
.

Bomi
:Ludwe!
I
t'
sli
kehedi
dn'
thearher
..
Bomi
:Vi
rgo!
!
Hel
ookedatus.
.
Vi
rgo:Pl
easeexcuseme
Hegotupandwal
kedaway.
.
Bomi
:Whatwast
hatal
labout
?
Me:I
'
m notsur
e

VI
RGO

Iwalkedupstai
rstomyroom wit
hmyheartbeat
ing
fast
.Itcan'
tbe,shecan'
tbepr
egnantwi
thmychild.
.
Iref
use!

Iunbl
ockedheronwhat
sapp,
thenIsavedher
numberagai
n..

It
ext
edhernotonwhat
sappt
hough.
.

"
Whatdoyoumeanyouf
uckenpr
egnant
?"
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
55] :20

AI
SHA

I
ndeedthenextmorni
ngBomitookmeoutf
ora
"
gett
ingtoknoweachother
"ti
meawayfr
om home.
..

Wewentt othi
sLodget hathadabeautyspatoget
pampered.I
'veonlyseenthisonsoci
almedia,
peopl
edoingthissoit'
smyf ir
stt
imedoingthi
sand
i
tseemsr el
axing.
.

Wewerel
ayi
ngont
hestret
cherbedsonour
t
ummiesast
heymassagedourbacks.
.

I
twassoot
hing,f
eltsomepai
nonmyshoul
der
sof
t
ensi
onbei
ngr el
eased.
.
Iwonderhowmuchthi
scosts,i
t'
sonmybucketl
ist
fr
om hereont
odoi
teveryyearwhenIst
art
gener
ati
ngmyownmoney. .

Bomi
:Howdoesi
tfeel
?
Me:I
t'
srel
axi
ng
Bomi:Rel
ievesal
lthest
ressandt
ensi
ont
hatyou
guysgetf
rom school
Me:That
'sver
ytr
ue.
.Thankyouagai
n
Bomi
:Anyt
ime
(
Sil
ence)
Bomi
:Sowher
eyouf
rom?
Me:Fr
om Sowet
o
Bomi
:Howi
sli
fet
her
e?
Me:I
t'
sokay,
andor
dinar
y
Bomi
:Fami
ly?
Me:Myf
atherpassedonwhenIwasyoung,
Iam
l
eftwit
hmyMot herandmySi
ster.MySi
steri
s
worki
nginr
etai
landmyMotherisunempl
oyed
Bomi:Wher eyoucomef r
om doesn'
tdetermineyour
success.
.It'sal
wayswhereyougoingthat'
smor e
i
mpor t
ant ,
Icomef r
om East
ernCape,ifonetol
dme
thatavil
lagegir
lwouldonedaybet hi
ssuccessfulI
would'
vedi sagr
eed
Me:Youar
eat
ruei
nspi
rat
ion
Bomi :Notal lisatitseems, Ihavemyshor t
comi ngs
butIdidn'tletmymi stakespr eventmef rom
becomi ngwhoIwant edt obe.Sameasyou, don't
l
etanyonest andinyourwayofsuccess.Noteven
Virgo,youar et hemosti mpor tantPersoninyour
l
iferightnow.Youreducat i
oni scurrentl
yonet hi
ng
thatwillneverdi sappointyou, nothi
ngandnoone
comesf i
rstrightnowot herthanyoureducat i
on
Me:That
'sver
ytr
ue
Bomi:I
t'
stheveryf i
rstt
imethatmySoni sinvolved
wit
hsomeoneambi ti
ous,al
lal
onghe'sbeendat ing
gol
ddiggers.Ineverli
kedanyofthem..Idespisea
womanwhoi sdependentonaman, becauseeven
whenhepl aysyou..Youdon'thaveanywher etogo,
youstuckwi t
hhim.Youdon' thaveanythingtofal
l
backon..Team Vaginaisverydestruct
ivetheythe
oneswhomost l
ygof ortheotherwomanwhent he
mancheat s,f
orget
tingthatt
heot herwomanowes
younothing!Whenyouhaveyourown, evenwhena
manst ar
schangingyouknowt hatyoucan
cont
inuewi t
hyourlife.
.Don'
tbei nasit
uat i
on
whereyouneedaman, wantaman
Me:Thati
sver
ypr
ofound,
thankyou

VI
RGO

Ical
ledKet
so.
.
Ket
so:Hel
lo
Me:Ket
so
Shepaused.
.
Me:Ket
so!
!
Ket
so:HiVi
rgo
Me:Igotyourmessagel
astni
ght
Ket
so:Yes
Me:Whatt
hehel
lar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Ketso:Af
terwebr
okeup,
Ifoundoutt
hatIwas
pregnant
Me:Whatt
ookyousol
ongt
otel
lme?
Ket
so:Iwasscar
ed.
.Youknowexact
lyhowyouar
e
Me:HowdoIknowt
hati
t'
smi
ne?
Ket
so:I
'
m 6mont
hspr
egnantpl
easecountback
Me:We'
veusedpr
otect
iont
hroughout
Ketso:Ther
ewasat i
mewhenwehaddr
unksex,
we
neverusedprot
ect
ion
Me:Bull
shi
t!
!Idon'
tknowwhatyout
ryi
ngt
odobut
i
twon'twor
k
Ket
so:I'
m nott
ryi
ngt
odoanyt
hingbutmakeyou
t
akeresponsi
bil
it
y
Me:Whyar
eyout
ell
ingmenow?
Ket
so:BecauseIdon'
twantmySongr
owi
ngup
wi
thoutaFat
her
!!
Me:Wai
t?I
t'
saboy?
Ket
so:Yes.
.It
'sababyboy
Me:I
t'
sababyboy
Ket
so:I
fyour
eadyt
otal
k,youwi
llcont
actme
Shehungup.
.

AI
SHA

Aft
erourmassagewewenttothegardenst
il
linour
whit
erobestoeatbr
eakf
ast
.Iwasgoingtocaptur
e
t
hismomentandBomiseemednott omindme
t
akingpi
ctur
es.

Me:Thi
sisl
ovel
y
Bomi:Whenyouhaveyourown,you'
l
lbeabl
eto
aff
ordthi
s..Seehowl
if
eisbeaut
if
ulwhenyouhave
yourownmoney?
Inodded.
.

Bomi :LookAishaI '

m nott urningyouagainstVirgo
butI'
llbeanunt ruthpar enti fIdon'tshowyout he
way.Icouldsither eandt ellyouwhatyouwanna
knowbutIwon' t, becauseVi rgoisayoungman
probablynodifferentfrom t heot hers.Iam not
goingtopressureyoui ntost ayingwi thhi
mi fyou
nothappy..Whent hegoi ngget stough,walkaway
Inodded.
.
Bomi :WalkawayandIwon' tevenbl ameyou, I'
ve
beenyourageatonepoi ntandt rustmeIwoul dn't
beher eifIsunki nt
omymi stakes.Wor se,Iwas
raisedbyanol dgener ati
on.MyMot herdidn'tgive
met hislect
ure,itwast aboo.Theyenf orced
mar r
iagebecauset ot hem mar r
iagewaswhat
det erminedthewor thoft hewoman.Youar ethe
blessedandl uckygener ati
on,youdon' tneedaman.
Yourwor thisnotdet erminedbymar ri
age.Mar r
iage
i
snotanachi evement ,i
t'
sabl essing
Me:Thankyou,
I'
llal
waysr
emembert
hat
Bomi
:IfVi
rgodoesn'
tmarr
yyouoneday,
thenhe
woul
d'vel
ostoutonagoodwoman
Ibl
ushed.
.
Bomi:Icantal
kforthewhol
eofSout hAfri
ca,
let
's
eat
..Youcantakeasmanypi ct
uresasyouwant
baby,t
hey'
llbeyourmoti
vat
iontowor khar
d

YouwouldswearthatBomii snotVi r
go'
sMom.She
i
sdiff
erent
,herat
ti
tudeisdiffer
entfrom hi
s..She'
s
ri
ch,
sheshouldbefullofherselfbutshe'
snot .
She'
sveryhumbleandr espectf
ul..

VI
RGO

Ical
ledherback.
.

Ket
so:Vi
rgo
Me:Canwemeetup?
Ket
so:Today?
Me:Yesi
t'
sst
il
lear
ly
Ket
so:Ohw
Me:I
'
llsendyout
axif
arecash
Ket
so:Okay.
.Usualr
est
aur
ant
?
Me:Yes
Ket
so:OkayI
'
llcal
lyouwhenIgett
her
e
Me:Okay.
.Bye
Ket
so:Bye

POZI
SWA

Iwasgoingthrought
hepict
uresthatAishawas
upl
oadingbothonherwhatsappstatusand
Facebook.I
tseemsli
keshewasatabeaut yspa.
.

Idon'
tunder
standwhythi
sgirlhasmanagedtoget
aguyli
keVirgo,Imeant
here'
snothi
ngspeci
al
abouther
.Sheonlyhasthebrai
ns,buthowdoes
thatl
andyouaman?Iam veryseriousthatthere'
s
somethi
ngshe'susi
ng.Possi
blybathi
ngwi t
h,this
i
snotjustnor
malloveIswear..

I
tdoesn'
tmakeanysense.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
55] :21

AI
SHA

Wegotbackathomei ntheaf ternoonf r

om aday
wellspent .Ihadfun,Ienjoyedt hisday.Thoughshe
wasver yniceandfriendly,Isti
lldi
dn'thaveiti
nme
totalktoherf rom t
het opofmyhead.Shehast hat
i
nt i
mi dati
ngaur aandaf acialexpressionthatsets
youbackt ocheckyour selfifyouthinkof
disrespectingher.
.Shehadboughtmeaf ew
clot
hesonl ybecauseshewant edanout f
itfor
hersel
ffortonight,shesaidi
twillseem rudeifshe
onlybuysf orherself
.Igot3jeans,3tops, and
sneakerswi t
hsandal s.Thewholeclothes
amount edtoR8000, t
heywerebeaut i
fulespecial
ly
thetops..
.

Me:Thankyouf
ort
hecl
othesMsB
I
t'
ssomehowcall
ingher"
Ma"or"Mom".Vi
rgoandI
wenotatt
hatl
evelformetoaddr
essheri
nthat
manner
..

Bomi:Letmegor
est
,Ihavet
oleaveat18:
00f
ora
cockt
ailpar
ty
Me:Okay.
.Thankyouagai
n
Bomi
:Youwel
comesweet
ie

Iwal
kedupstair
st othebedroom,andVi
rgowasn't
ar
ound.Itookoutmyphoneandcal l
edhi
m, he
di
dn'
tpickup.Itextedhi
mt hatwehomet henIwent
t
ofi
tmycl
othes.
.

VI
RGO

Shemadeherwayi nandlookedaround.Shesti
ll
l
ookedasbeaut i
fulasthefi
rstti
meIlai
dmyeyes
onher,
justseemedmor et
hickernowwiththe
whol
epr egnancy.
.Butitwastreati
ngherwell
,she
l
ookedbeautiful
..

Shenot i
cedmeandmadeherwayt ome, Ket
so
al
wayst ookgoodcar
eofher
self
.Evenonanor mal
daywi t
houtt
hemakeupandeveryt
hing,
shewould
sti
lll
ookbeauti
ful
.

Ket
so:Hi
Me:Hey
Shesatdown.
.
Ket
so:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Ket
so:I
'
m good

Shepl
acedherbagont
het
abl
e..

Ket
so:Thankyouf
ormeet
ingupwi
thme
Me:I
t'
sokay
IwaspumpedwhenIgother
e,butseei
ngherj
ust
tookmeof
f.
.

Wedi dn'tknowwhatt osaytoeachother

,we
haven'tcommuni cat
edf or6monthsunti
lthi
s
predi
cament ..
.Thewai t
resswal
kedover
Me:Iwaswai
ti
ngf
oryoubef
oreIcoul
dor
der
Ket
so:Ohw.
.Okay
Me:Usual
?
Ket
so:Yes
Me:We'
l
lhavepr
awns
Ket
so:Andavani
ll
ami
lkshakef
orme
Me:I
cet
eaf
orme
Wai
tr
ess:Comi
ngr
ightup
Shewal
kedaway.
.

Ketso:Iknowthi
sissomehowandIshoul
d'vet
old
youearli
erbutIdi
dn'
tknowhow
Me:I
t'
sbeen6mont
hsKet
so
Ket
so:Iknow.
.I'
m sor
ry
Me:Whynow?
Ketso:Justdeci
dedt
otel
lyousoyoucanmakea
choiceifyouwannabeapartoft
hebaby'
sli
feor
not
Me:HowdoIevent
hebabyi
smi
ne?
Ketso:Iam 6mont
hspregnant
,bythenwhenIfel
l
pregnant.
.Youwer
etheonlyguyI
'vebeenwit
h..
Here
Shet
ookouthermedi
calr
ecor
dsandshowedme,
sheshowedmeever ythi
ng..I
ndeedshewas6
monthspregnant
,ital
lval
idat
edherstat
ement
..

Me:Notnow.
.Nott
hisnow
Ir
ubbedmyf
acewi
thmyhand.
.
Ket
so:Idon'
twantyoubackVirgo,
Ijustwantyou
t
otakeresponsi
bil
it
ythat
'sal
l
Me:Thi
scan'
tbehappeni
ngnow
Ket
so:I
'
m sor
ry
Iputt
hedocument
sont
het
abl
e..
Me:I
'
minar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thsomeoneel
se
Ket
so:Idi
dment
iont
hatIdon'
twantyouback
Me:Ineedt
imet
othi
nkaboutt
his
Ket
so:Okay
(
Sil
ence)

Ket
so:Doyoul
oveher
?
Il
ookedather
..
.
Ket
so:Doyoul
oveher
?
Me:YesIdo
Shesmi
led.
.
Ket
so:Forhowl
onghaveyoubeent
wodat
ing?
Me:Notf
ort
ool
ong
Ket
so:What
'sshel
ike?
Me:She's..She'
sverysmart,ambit
ious,dif
fer
ent
fr
om allthegir
lsI'
vebeenwithbefore.She'sago
gett
er,verysi
mpl ebutl
oveable,
humbl e,al
ways
smil
ing..Beauti
fuli
nherownway, naturall
y
beauti
ful
Ket
so:Wow.
..Shesoundsamazi
ng
Me:Shei
samazi
ng

Isai
dthatwi
thabi
tofasmi
l
eonmyf
ace.
Ket
so:Inevert
houghtthatIwouldwi
tnessyou
bei
nghappil
yinloveorthatyoucoul
dtrul
ylove
someone.
.Iknowadi
fferentyou,
youwer
eful
lof
anger
.Angryatt
hewholewor l
d
Me:I
'
llt
hinkabouti
t
Ketso:Thinkaboutwhat ?Af t
ereveryt
hingyou'
ve
putmet hrough?Thi swillbeabetterwaytomake
amendsbybei ngapr esentFather
.Doyouwant
yourSongr owingupl ikeyou?Wonder i
ngwhat
happenedt ohisfather?Angr yatt
hewor l
d?Idon't
wannar aiseachildli
ket hat
..Yourfat
herfai
ledyou,
don'tf
ailyourSon

AI
SHA

MySi
ster
'scal
lcamet
hrough.
.
Me:Si
s
Si
s:Youar
eli
vingt
heebestl
if
e
Il
aughed.
.
Me:St
opi
t
Si
s:I
t'
sgoodt
oseeyouhappy
Me:Thankyou
Si
s:Howi
sitgoi
ngatt
hei
nlaws?
Me:I
t'
sgoi
ng.
.Bomii
sanamazi
ngwoman
Si
s:Yout
woar
ehi
tt
ingi
tof
fwel
l
?
Me:Yes
Si
s:That
'sgood
Me:Iguessi
tis
Sis:Okaythenj
ustmaki
ngsur
ethatyouhaven'
t
forgot
tenaboutus
Me:Don'
tbet
hatPer
son
Si
s:What
?It
'sdi
ff
icul
ttogetahol
dofyoul
atel
y
Me:I
'
m atschool95%oft
het
ime
Si
s:Iknow.
.I'
mjustpl
ayi
ngwi
thyouDwaa
Me:Ohwwel
l
Si
s:I
'
m goi
ngout
,I'
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
Me:Okay.
.Bye
Si
s:Bye
Ihungupandcal
ledVi
rgoagai
n,hest
il
ldi
dn'
tpi
ck
up..

VI
RGO

Wewereablet
ocatchuponalotoft
hings,
when
weweredoneeat
ingshedi
dn'
twannastayany
l
onger
..

Shedidn'
tevenwantmet
otakeherhomesoIdr
ove
hert
ocatchacab..

Me:Youshoul
dletmedr
iveyouhome
Ket
so:Noi
t'
sokay
Il
ookedoveratherthi
ckyel
lowt
highs,shewas
weari
ngadressthatwasaboveherkneeswhen
shewassit
ti
ng..
Ket
so:Ri
ghther
eit
'
sgood
Me:Ar
eyousur
e?
Ket
so:Yes.
.Thankyouagai
n
Me:TextmewhenyougethomesoIknowyougot
homesafe
Ket
so:I
syourgi
rl
fr
iendgoi
ngt
obeokaywi
tht
hat
?
Me:Don'
tst
art
Ket
so:I
'
llt
extyou
Me:Cool
Ket
so:Bye
Me:Shar
p
Shegotoutandwal
kedawayf
ixi
ngherdr
ess
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
55] :23

AI
SHA
Thisinci
dentf
eltl
ikehi
ghschoolalloveragai
n,
whenIwaspi ckedoninsult
edandbulliedasa
whole.Vir
gospatvenom, hewasupsetandhe
decidedtohurtmeinawayt hatIdi
dn'twannabe
hurtanymore.
.

It
'snotevenayearintoourrelati
onship,
andIdon't
underst
andhowt heverbaldiarr
heacameabout .
WasIwr ongtoask?Imeanhel ied.Ihadeveryr
ight
toaskhim abouti
t,poi
ntoutt hedangersofthe
sit
uati
on..

Iwouldn'
twannati
emysel ftoalengthysickness
j
ustbecausehewascheat ing,i
fheischeat i
ng.
.
Whygot otheendsofhurti
ngmebydef endingthi
s
ex?She'sanexsheshouldn'tmatt
ertohim
anymore.Whyaretheysti
llincont
act?Isn'tanex
anexampleofasituat
ionthatshouldn'
thappen
agai
n?
Itri
edgetti
ngsomesl eepbutIwastoohur t,
I
playedhiswor dsoverandoverwhi l
stst
aringat
myselfinthemi rr
or.Ihadtakenoffmypjtop, I
wasn'twearingabr aandIwasl ooki
ngatmy
breastswithtearsstr
eamingdown.Thebr easts
thatarethereasonwhypeopl efounditeasytopick
uponme. .

IfIhadmoneyIwouldhavethem reducedtoa
normalsi
ze,I
'
dgetr i
dofthem!I'
dchangehowI
l
ooki nahear
tbeatandIwouldn'
teventhi
nktwice.
..

Iwipedmyt earsandworemyPJtopagai
n,thenI
wentbacktot hebedr
oom.Hewasn'
tonthebed,I
gotinbedandl ai
dmyheadonthepil
lowwit
hmor e
tear
sstreamingdown.

KEKETSO(
KETSO)

Myphonewokemeupi
nmysl
eep,
itwasVi
rgo.
.
Me:Hel
lo
Vi
rgo:Di
dyougethomesaf
e?
Me:Yes
Vi
rgo:Youcal
ledme?
Me:Yes.
.Want
edt
otel
lyout
hatIgothomesaf
e
Vi
rgo:Thatwasunnecessar
y,youcoul
d'vej
ust
t
exted
Me:I
'
m sor
ryf
orcal
li
ng
Vi
rgo:Whatdi
dyousayt
oher
?
Me:Who?
Vi
rgo:Ai
sha
Me:Notmuch.
.Ii
ntr
oducedmysel
f
Vi
rgo:Whydi
dn'
tyouhangupwhenshepi
ckedup?
Me:Haibo!Kant
iwhathappened?Idi
dn'
tevental
k
tohert
hatmuchnorsaidanythingt
hatwasoff
,I
didi
ntr
oducemyselfasyourex
Vi
rgo:Nextt
imet
ext
,don'
tcal
li
fIdon'
tcal
l
Me:Vi
rgoI
'
m pr
egnant
,whati
fit
'sanemer
gency?
Vi
rgo:Justt
extokay?
Me:Fi
net
hen
Ihungup.
.Il
ookedatmyphoneandsmi
led

AI
SHA

Iwasundert
hecover
sandonFacebook.

Icoul
dn'tgetanysleep.Icoul
dsleepint
heguest
room butBomiwillaskquesti
ons,Ij
ustwant
edto
l
eavealready.Iwantedittobetomorr
ow,soIcoul
d
gobackt ores.
.

Iheardt
hedooropeni
ng,
Ilockedmyphoneand
pret
endedt
obesleepi
ng.
.

Heswi
tchedof
fthel
ightandgoti
nbed.
Ikeptst
il
landIwasemot
ionalal
loveragai
n

Icri
edinsil
ence,Idon'
twantanyal
ter
cat
ions
anymore.Iwasnotupf orany,
bot
hemotional
lyand
psychol
ogical
ly.
.

Idon'
tknowatwhatt imeIslept
,butwhenIwokeup
i
twasal r
eadyinthemor ni
ng.Thesunwasshi ni
ng,
Icheckedthetimeanditwas09:00am.Vi r
gowasn'
t
nexttome, Iwokeupwenttobath..Myeyeswere
puff
yshowedt hatIhadbeencrying,cr
iedmysel
fto
sl
eep..

Iwal
keddownstai
rsandtheywer
eal
readysi
tt
ingat
thet
abl
e,eat
ingbr
eakfast
..
Me:Goodmor
ning
Bomi:Mor
ning.
.Thoughtyouwer
enevergoi
ngt
o
wakeup
If
akedasmi
le.
.
Me:Isl
eptl
ate
Bomi
:Idon'
twantdet
ail
s
Me:OhhnoIwasgoingt
hroughmynot
esal
mostal
l
ni
ght,
test
sar
eclose
Bomi
:Ready?
Me:Justl
eftwi
thaf
ewchapt
erst
henI
'
llber
eady
Bomi
:Vi
rgoar
eyour
eady?
Vi
rgo:Yeah.
.What
ever
!
Itr
iedt
onotst ar
eatheri
ntheeyesoshedoesn'
t
noti
cethatIhadpuf
fyeyes.
.

Bomi:Justdon'
tlethi
m sl
ackbehi
ndonhi
sschool
work
Inodded.
.Bomi
'
sphonevi
brat
ed.
.
Bomi
:Excusemeguys
Shegotupt
ookherphoneandwal
kedaway.
.

Vi
rgo:Wel
eavi
ngat11am
Me:Okay

Sowewon'tt
alkaboutwhathappenedl
astni
ght
?
Ever
ythi
ngt
hathesaid?Him sl
appi
ngme??

Ipour
edmyselfj
uiceandIat
eamuf
fi
n,di
dn'
thave
anappet
it
e..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

MyMom wentt ochurchthi

smorning,
Ididn'
tfeel
l
ikegoing.Al
lthoseeyesonme, peopl
efrom
churchjudgi
ngme.I t
'stoomuchIwon'thandl
e
that
..

It
ext
edVi
rgoonwhat
sapp:

Me:Goi
ngt
othecl
ini
ctomor
rowmor
ning
It
houghthewoul
dtaket
imet
orepl
y,buthedi
dn'
t.
.
Vi
rgo:I
sn'
ttheDrmor
egood?
Me:Idon'
thavemoneyf
ort
heDr
Vi
rgo:I
'
llsendyousomemoney
Me:Youdon'thavetoo,I
'
vebeenat
tendi
ngt
he
cl
ini
candit
'sreall
yhelpi
ng
Vir
go:I'
llsendyoumoneyt
ogot
otheDr
,sendme
youraccountdetai
ls
Me:Okay.
.Thankyou
Vi
rgo:Cool

AI
SHA

Af
tereat
ing,
Ihel
pedcl
ear
edt
het
abl
e..
Bomi
:Tr
oubl
einpar
adi
se?
Il
ookedather
..
Bomi
:I'
m nof
ool
..Icoul
dseet
het
ensi
onbet
ween
yout
wo
Me:I
t'
snot
hingj
ustast
upi
dar
gument
Bomi
:Somet
hingt
hatcanbef
ixed?
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Bomi:Astupi
dargumentint
hemorni
ngt
hingsar
e
al
readyt
alkedover
..Whatdi
dhedo?
Me:I
t'
snot
hingser
ious
Bomi
:IknowmySon
Me:Hewasj
usti
namoodt
hat
'sal
l
Shenodded.
.
Bomi
:Rememberwhatwedi
scussedyest
erday
Me:Ir
emember
Bomi:Good.
.Ihopeyouguyswi
lldr
ivebacksaf
ely
then
Me:Met
oo

VI
RGO
Iwasout si
desmoking,thi
swhol esit
uati
onwi t
h
Ketsof uckedmeup.Si nceshet ol
dmet hatshe'
s
pregnant, myheadhasbeenal lovertheplaceandI
tookitalloutonAisha.WhenIi nfor
medhert hat
we'l
lbel eavingat11am,sheresponded.That'
s
good,meansi t
'l
lbeeasytotalkmyselfoutofthis
sit
uation.

Aishai snotgoi nganywher eandI '

llmakesur eofi t
,
thetraini
ngofhert akingal lmyshi thasst art
ed.The
l
ovewi l
lhur tjustasmuchasi t'
l
lmakeherhaandI
needsomeonewhoi semot i
onallystrongtohandl e
thisshit,handl emyunst abl emoods.Myout bursts,
myl osingit..Imeanshehasal owsel festeem and
i
fIcoul dpl ayheront hat,I
'l
ldefinitel
ymakeher
stay.Brainwashheri ntothinkingt hatI'
mt heonl y
guyf orher, I
'mt heitdealforherandt hatnoguy
willeverloveherasmuchasIdo. .Thepr oblem
aboutt hesepr ettyperfectgirl
s,theywal koutas
soonassomeoneel seshowsi nterest.Theyknow
theycanst i
llgetanot herguy.Whi l
stgirl
slikeAisha,
i
t'snoteasy. ..Af tersmoki ng,Iwal kedbacki ntothe
house.Shewasatt
heki
tchen,
Imademywayt
o
her.
..

Me:Ai
sha
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Look.
.Aboutl
astni
ght
Iputmyhandsi
nmypocket
s..
Me:Rel ati
onshipshavet heirupsanddowns,
rel
ationshi psarenoteasy.Youcanmaket hem
worki fbot hParti
esar ewill
ingt oputont hewor k.
Whatyoudi dwaswr ong,i
nvadi ngmypr i
vacyl ike
that?Idon' tcheckyourphone. .Idon'ttouchyour
phoneandIexpectt hatsamer espectfrom you. .I
am sor ryaboutwhathappened, butit
'sallyourf aul
t,
hadyounoti nvadedmypr i
vacyt henwhat
happenedl astnightwouldn'thavehappened. .I
beli
evemostgi r
lssharethesamedr eam ofget t
ing
mar ri
ed, andyesyouhaveyoureducat i
onbuti t
won'tf ull
fi
lthatpartofyourl i
fe.You'l
lwi tnessyour
peersget tingmar ri
edandyou' llbemi serablef orthe
restofyourl ife.
.Iam wi l
li
ngtot akeitthatst epone
day,andIneedtoknowt hatyouwi l
lstay.Outofall
thegirl
sincampusIchoseyou, I'
m wi t
hyou.Do
youknowhowmanygi rl
sarejealousofyour ight
now?Doyouknowhowmucht heywoul dwantt o
beinyourpositi
on?I '
mjustsayingt hatwhat
happenedyesterdaywasst upi
d, andIhopewecan
putitbehi
ndus.It'
llbeashamei fwebr eakup
becauseIloveyouver ymuch,justst ayinyourlane
andwewon' thaveanymor eprobl emsyeah?
Shenodded.
.
Me:I
'
m gl
adweunder
standeachot
her
Iwal
kedaway.
.
Me:Ohwbyt heway,Iwoul
dlikeyoutospendsome
ti
mewi t
hmeatt hef
latImeanwear eina
rel
ati
onshi
pandyousupposedt ovi
sitmor et
han
youactual
lydo,
we'l
lgett
oResyou'lltakeafew
thi
ngsmaybespendaweekatmypl aceright
?
Ai
sha:Ri
ght
Me:I
'
m gl
adweunderstandeachotheranddo
r
emember,
Idon'
tgetdumped..Keepthati
nmind
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
03/
14,
21:
55] :24

VI
RGO

Westoppedbyf ort
reat
s,atsomeicecr
eam and
waf
flej oi
nt.Ai
shahasbeeni namoodeversince
welefthome, shewasnotherusualsel
f.Di
dn'tsay
much, onlygaveonewordanswers..
.

Icecream i
sagoodt r
eatwhenoneisfeel
ingbl
ue,
hopingabitofsugarwil
lmakehereaseup..

Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
otheMen'
sroom,
I'
llbeback
Shenodded.Igotupandmademywayt
othe
wai
tr
essthatwasservi
ngus.
.
Me:Hi
Her
:Hey
Me:Canyoudomeaf
avour
Her
:Uhm.
.Okay
Me:Seemyt
abl
e
Her
:Yes
Me:Ineedyout
ogotomygirl
fr
iendandtel
lhert
hat
she'
sluckyt
ohavemeasherboyfr
iend
Shel
ookedpuzzl
ed.
.
Me:Wehadanar gumentandI'
m scaredshemight
l
eave,j
ustneedyoutoconvi
nceherthatshe'
slucky
tohaveme.Idon'
tknowhowyougoi ngtodoitbut
youknowhowyouwomenwor k
Her
:Idon'
tknow
Me:Iwasgoingt
otipyouR100,
ifyoudot
hisf
or
me..I
'
llt
ipyouR300
Her
:That
'sal
lIhavet
odo?
Me:Yes
Her
:Icandot
hat
Me:Thankyou
Iwal
kedt
othebat
hroom.
.

AI
SHA

Iwassitt
ingther
everymuchkeepi
ngmyselfbusy
wit
hsocialmediaandeat
ingmywaf f
lewhenour
wait
resswalkeduptome..

Her
:Hey(
Smi
li
ng)
Me:Hi
Her
:Ar
eyoust
il
lokay?
Me:Yes.
.Thankyou
Her
:Okay
Iwentbackt
omyphone.
.
Her
:I'
m sor
ryIdon'
tmeant
obef
orwar
dbut
..
Me:Yes?
Her:Theguyyousi
tt
ingwi
th,
isi
taf
ri
endor
somethi
ng?
Me:Why?
Her:I
..He'
sveryhot
,meandtheotherwait
resses
wewer echecki
nghi
m out.
.He'
sasnack..Was
act
uallyaboutt
oaskforhi
snumberorsomet hi
ng
Me:Ohw
Her
:I'
m sor
ry.
.Iknowhowawkwar
dthi
smi
ghtbe
If
akedasmi
le.
.
Me:I
tisawkwar
d
Vi
rgowal
kedback.
.

Vi
rgo:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Wai
tr
ess:Yes.
.Uhm youhandsome
Vi
rgo:Thankyou
Wai
tr
ess:Wasevent
empt
edt
oaskf
oryournumber
Vi
rgol
ookedatme.
.
Vi
rgo:Idon'
tthi
nkmygi
rl
fr
iendwi
llbeokaywi
th
t
hat
Wai
tr
ess:I
'
m sosorr
y..Idi
dn'
t,
Ithoughti
twasj
ust
af
ri
endorsomethi
ng
Vi
rgo:Whywoul
dyout
hinkt
hat
?
Wai
tr
ess:Imean.
.
Vir
go:That'
sveryr
udeandIdon'
tthi
nkI'm
comfort
ablewit
hyousayi
ngsuchinfrontofmy
gir
lf
ri
end..
Wai
tr
ess:Idi
dn'
tmeant
ocomeacr
ossasr
ude
Virgo:Weheret
ogetsometreat
sandyouher
e
harassingmygi
rl
fr
iend,
aski
ngherPer
sonalt
hings.
.
It
'swr ong
Wai
tr
ess:I
'
llj
ustl
eaveyouguys,
I'
m sor
ryagai
n
Shewal
kedaway.
..
Vir
go:It
hinkt
hatwasr
udeandveryunpr
ofessi
onal
,
Ishoul
drepor
thert
ohermanager
Me:That
'sunnecessar
yI'
m sur
eshemeantno
har
m
Vi
rgo:I
twasver
yrude
Hesatdownagai
n,Il
ookedathim.
.Didhej
ust
def
endme?Defendourrel
ati
onshi
p?
Il
ookedathi
m ashecont
inuedeat
inghi
sice
cr
eam..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

MyMom wasscr
eami
ngont
opofhervoi
ce.
Shejustcamebackf
rom chur
chandwasonmy
case.
.

Ma:Youhel pmewi thnothi

ngar
oundher e!Iwentt
o
church,thoughtIwoul
dcomebackandyou
would'vecookedbutyouhaven'
t!Ihavetostar
t
afr
eshandcook. .Youdidn'
tgot
ochur chwhatdid
youdot hiswholeti
me?
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Ma:Justbecauseyouar epregnantitdoesn'tmean
youareacrippl
e!Idoeverythi
ngf oryouandyou
can'
thel
pmewi t
hsomet hingsosi mple?Ihaveto
comebackandcookf oryourphatass?Youar e
usel
essKetso!Allyouaregoodf orisopeningyour
l
egsandmaki ngbabies!

Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
Shegotemot
ional
..

Ma:Whatdi dIdotodeser veyouasachi l

d?Outof
allmychi l
drenyouar etheonl yonewhohas
disappointedmethusf ar,Ihadhi ghhopesf oryou!
Yourpeer sareatschoolreal i
zingthei
rfutureand
yout houghtthebeastwayt ogoabouti nli
fei sto
createababy?Whi lstyoudon' tevenhaveaj ob?
Whatwer eyouthi
nkingembar rassi
ngmel i
ket hat
?
Youcan' tputapotont hest ovebutyouknowhow
toopenyourl egs?Youhaveembar rassedme!You
haveembar r
assedmeandI 'm evenashamedof
your
ightnow!

Icoul
dn'
tli
stent
omoreoft
his,
Iwal
kedawayand
wenttomyroom...

AI
SHA

Afterouricecream br
eakVirgowenttopay,Isaw
himt al
kingtothewaitr
essonelastt
ime.Shelooked
atmeandt henlookedaway,fr
om hi
sfacial
expressionandhandgesture.Icoul
dtel
lthathe
wasst i
llupset
.

Hewalkedbackt
ome,
thenwemadeourwayt
othe
car
..
.

Vir
go:I
'
m goi
ngt
orepor
tthi
sjoi
nt,
putt
hem on
soci
almedi
a
Me:Il
ikedt
hei
ricecr
eam t
houghandhopi
ngt
o
comebackagai
n
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:It
'sokay,Idon'
tthinkyoushoul
ddot
hat
.I'
m
sur
eshel ear
ntherlesson
Vir
go:Goodf orherbecauseyouar
easweetPer
son,
youjustsavedherjob
Ismi
led.
.
Vi
rgo:Youar
easweetgi
rl
,seewhyIneedyoui
n
mylif
e?Youaret
hevoi
ceofreason
Me:I
t'
sokay
Hel
eanedoverandki
ssedme.
.
Vi
rgo:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Vi
rgo:Let
'sgohome
Me:Okay

KOKETSO(
KETSO)
Allthet
imesi
nceIf
ellpr
egnantmyMot
herhas
beensweari
ngatme,ver
ball
yabusi
ngmeandeven
threwmearoundafewti
mes.

Ihadenoughoft
his!She'
sgoi
ngt
osendmei
nto
earl
ylabour
..

Iknowwher eVirgo'shouseis,Bomiknowsme.
We'ver antoeachot heraf ewtimesbeforewhenI
wasdoi ngsl eepovers.Ri
ghtnowherhome, i
sthe
onlyhomet hatIcouldthi
nkof .Ican'
tgoto
rel
atives,shewi l
lgetmet hereandstartal
lover
again.Virgo'shouseistheonl yhousenowt hatI
canr untoo..

Ipackedmythingswithtearsstr
eamingdown.She
wasstil
lati
t,st
il
lsweari
ngatmeandal lthat
..Iwi
ll
walkoutofhereandgost r
aighttoVi
rgo'shouse..
.

AI
SHA
Wedr ovebackandwentst
rai
ghttotheRessoI
coul
dpackaf ewclot
hessi
nceI'
llbestayi
ngoverat
hisf
latforaweek.
.

Whathappenedt heot hernight

,I'
m prayingthatit
wasaonceof ft
hing.Yesi thurt
,itst
il
lhurts.Those
wordshur tbutIcanseet hathe'
ssor r
yand
regr
etti
ng, Ihopehewon' tdothi
sagai n.Il
oveVi r
go,
I'
mf al
li
ngdeepl yinlovewi thhim..Icheckedmy
phoneasIwaspacki ngandhehadchangedhi s
whatsapppr ofil
epicture,andputmypi ct
ure.Iwas
fl
att
ered,hewasshowi ngmeof f..
.

Vi
rgowasshowingmeoff,
howmanyguyscando
t
hat?Thi
swasjustbr
eat
htaki
ng.
.

KEKETSO(
KETSO)

Iwal
kedt
otheki
tchenandshewaspeel
ingt
he
car
rot
s,mor
eli
kebut
cher
ingt
hem.
.

Shel
ookedatme.
..

Me:Iam l
eavi
ng
Ma:Leavi
ng?
Me:It
hinki
t'
sfort
hebest
Ma:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Ma:I
fyoul
eave,
don'
tevercomeback
Me:I
t'
sfi
ne

Iwal
kedt
othedoor
..
Ma:Don'
tevent
hinkaboutgoi
ngt
oanyr
elat
ives
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
her
e
Ma:Goodakereyouareagrownwomanwoman
now,youcangetyourownsopleasedon'
tcome
back!
!Wher
everyougoi
ngi
fitget
stough,
don'
t
comeback
Inodded.
.
Me:Iwon'
t,
I'
drat
herdi
e
Shewal
kedupt
ome.
.
Ma:Youareadisr
espect
fulandevi
lchi
ld!
!Iwi
sh
younot
hingbutpai
nandtears
Me:Idon'
tcar
e!!
Shegrabbedmywigandi tf
elloff
,shecamef
orme
andIpushedherback.Shefell
..
Shel
aidther
eandl ookedatme,Iopenedt
hedoor
andwalkedout
..Bangingthedoorbehi
ndme.
..
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
56] :25

KOKETSO(
KETSO)
Iwentt
otown,thenatt
ownr equest
edanUbert
hat
l
eftmestr
aightatt
hegate.
.

Irangthemonit
orandthei
rHel
perquest
ionedme,
thensheopenedthegatef
ormeandIwal kedi
n..
.

Thei
rhousei
sexact
lyhowIknowi
t,st
il
lthesame.
.

Hel
per
:Woul
dyoul
ikesomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Me:Uhm.
.Not
hankyou
Hel
per
:Bomiwentoutbutshe'
l
lbeback,
it'
sbeen
l
ongsi
nceshewentout
Me:Okayt
hankyou
Hel
per
:Ket
so.
.What
'shappeni
ng?
Sheremembersme..Shesawmeaf
ewt
imeswhen
Iusedtocomeher
e..

Me:I
..I
'
m pr
egnant
Hel
per
:Icanseet
hat
..
.Vi
rgo?
Inodded.
..
Hel
per
:Howf
aral
ong?
Me:6mont
hs
Hel
per
:It
'
sbeenl
ong,
DoesVi
rgoknow?
Me:Yes
Hel
per
:Heneversai
danyt
hingt
ous
Me:Heonl
yfoundoutnow
Hel
per
:Whyyounevert
oldus?Ear
li
ert
hannow
Me:Wehadbrokenup,
Idi
dn'
tknowhowt
o
communi
cat
eit
Hel
per
:Isee.
..Bomiwi
llbeher
esoon
Me:Okay

AI
SHA

TodayIwascooki
ng.If
orcedVi
rgot
hatweshoul
d
getoxt
ail
li
verandhedi
d..

I
t'
seasyt
ocookandi
tdoesn'
trequi
remuch.

Papandoxt
aill
iver
,Ihopeheeat
sPap.
..

Hewasplayi
ngpl
ayi
ngagameasIcont
inued
cooki
ng.
..

Myphoner
ang,
itwasmyMot
her
..
Me:Ma
Ma:Hel
loBaby
Me:Howar
eyou?
Ma:I
'
m wel
landhowar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m wel
ltoo
Ma:I
'
mfr
om chur
ch
Il
ookedatt
het
ime,
chur
chcomesoutl
atei
nthe
af
ter
noon.Ourchur
chcomesoutl
ate.
.
Me:Howwaschur
ch?
Ma:Chur
chwasgoodasal
ways
Me:I
'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
Ma:YourSi
stert
ell
smeyouhaveaboyf
ri
end
Il
ookedatVi
rgo.
.
Me:Thobekahasabi
gmout
h
Ma:Soyoudon'
thaveone?
Me:I
..Ido
Ma:Youmethi
mther
e?
Me:Yes.
.He'
sinmycl
ass
Ma:What
'
shi
sname?
Me:Vi
rgo
Ma:Whatki
ndofanamei
sthat
?
Il
aughed.
.
Me:He'shomenamei
sLudwe.
.LudweVi
rgo
Swart
booi
Ma:He'
sXhosa?
Me:Yes
Ma:Hai..I'
m notgoi
ngtosaymuch, youhaven'
t
beenthereforalongti
mebutpleasetakecareof
your
self.Rememberyoureducati
oncomesf ir
stnot
ababy,youhavebeenaf f
ordedagoodoppor t
unit
y
don'
tplaywi t
hit
Me:Soyounotangr
y?
Ma:Whyshoul
dI?Youar
eol
denough,
shoul
dI
comewi
thabelt
?
Wel
aughed.
.
Ma:Justbecar
eful
Me:Iwi
llbe
Ma:Il
oveyousomuch
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

KOKETSO(
KETSO)
Bomi
wal
kedi
n,Ist
oodupal
lner
vous.
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Bomi
:Ket
sor
ight
?
Inodded.
.
Bomi
:Ket
sohowdoIhel
pyou?
Me:I.
..Iam pregnant,t
hat
'squit
eobvi
ous.Found
out6mont hsago, whenVirgoandIbr
okeup.2
weeksafterthebreakup
Bomi
:Wai
t.
.What
?
Me:MyMot herputmeout,
she'sbeenabusi
ngme
eversi
nceIfoundoutt
hatI
'm pr
egnant
Bomi
:Shuuuuuu.
..Khosi
!!Kho.
.
Khosir
ani
n..
Khosi
:Madam
Bomi:Getmeaglassofwi
ne.
.Nogetmevodka,
hal
faglassdon'
tdashi
t
Khosi
:YesMam
Shewal
kedof
f.
.
Bomi
:Pl
easesi
t
Isatdown.
.
Bomi:Idon'
tunder
stand.
.Whyyoudi
dyoucome
her
e?Andwhynow?
Me:Ihadnowhereel
set
ogo,
myMot
herhast
urned
ever
yoneagai
nstme
Bomi
:Does.
.DoesVi
rgoknow?
Me:Yes
Bomi
:Hedi
dn'
ttel
lmeanyt
hing
Me:MsBpl ease..
.Ihavenowhereel
setogofor
now,I
'mjustaskingtostayher
eforacoupl
eof
daysorsountil
If i
gur
eoutwheretogonext
Bomi:Idon'tknow,Ican'
tjustl
etyoustayher
e..
Vi
rgohast otalktomef i
rst
.Ihavetohaveaword
wit
hhim
Me:Pl
easeIhavenowher
etogo
Bomi:Youcanstaytodaybecauseit
'salr
eadylat
e
butI
'
llhavetot
alktoVirgo.
.I'
l
lcal
lhim andtal
kto
hi
m
Me:Okay
Bomi:Khosiwi
llpr
epar
etheguestr
oom f
oryoui
n
themeanti
me
Me:Okayt
hankyousomuch
Shenodded.
.

VI
RGO

Iwasdisturbedinthemi
ddleoft
hegamebymy
Mother'
scal lcomi
ngthr
ough.
.Ipaused,
Iwas
pl
ayingFifa..

Me:Hel
lo
Bomi
:Ket
soi
sher
e!
Me:What
?
Bomi:She'
spregnantandshe'
ssayi
ngi
t'
syour
chi
ld,what
'sgoi
ngonVi r
go?
Me:Whatdoyoumeanshe'
sther
e?
Bomi:Shecamewit
htheabagsayi
ngshegot
ki
ckedoutofhome
Isi
ghed.
..
Bomi
:Ist
hebabyyour
s?
Me:Shedi dshowmethemedicalevi
denceand
she'sindeed6monthspregnant
,wewer est
il
l
togetherthen
Bomi
:Ludwe!
!
Me:Idi
dn'
tmeanf
ort
hist
ohappen
Bomi
:Ludweshecan'
tst
ayher
e
Me:Wherei
sshegonnagoifshedoesn'
thave
anywher
etogo?Bomishemightbe.
.
Il
ookedatAi
shai
ntheki
tchen.
.
Me:Pr
egnantwi
thmybaby
Bomi
:WhataboutAi
sha?Haveyout
oldher
?
Me:Notyet
Bomi
:Idon'
tknowaboutt
his
Me:Igr
ewupwi
thoutaFat
herandi
t'
ssomet
hing
thatmessedmeupf oryear
s,I
'm notgoi
ngtol
etmy
chil
dgothroughthatt
oo.Havehim growupwi
thout
aFatherl
ikeIdi
d
(
Sil
ence)
Bomi:Okayfi
neshecanst
ayf
ornowbutwehave
tot
alkaboutt
his
Me:Wewi
llandt
hankyou
Bomi
:I'
l
lcal
lyouagai
n,bye
Me:Bye
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
56] :26

AI
SHA

AFEW DAYSLATER

Schoolwasget
ti
ngmor
etougher
,thewor
kloadwas
get
ti
ngmor
eandmor
est
rai
ningandst
ressf
ul.
.

Itwasi ntheaft
ernoonandwewer ejustfrom
wr i
ti
nganOSCEt est,
itwi
llbecontri
butingtoour
cli
nicalpartoft
hewor k.I
t'
sveryimpor t
ant,theyput
pictur
esont hescreenandletyouidentitythe
conditi
ons..

Ihadpr
epar
edwel
lfori
t,andI
'
m sur
eI'
l
lpass.
.

Ase:I
'
m sur
ethatI
'
llget50%
Me:I
'
m sur
etoo
Po:I
'
m notsur
e
Me:Youdi
dn'
tst
udy?
Po:Ididn'
tknowwhatanOSCEi
shenceIwoul
d
neverprepar
edfori
t
Me:Butt
heydi
dtel
luswhati
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeabout
Po:Ei
therway
Wel
ookedatt
henot
iceboar
d..
Me:Atl
eastwegot70%f
orourpr
esent
ati
on
Ase:Goodnewsatl
east

WesawVi rgoandhisnewf r
iendscomingt hr
ough.
Hehasmadef r
iendsf
rom t
heBDScl ass,because
ther
e'smodulesweattendt
ogethernow..Itwastwo
guys,awhiteguyandablackguy..

Vi
rgo:Ladi
es
Wegr
eet
edback.
.
Vi
rgo:Thesearemycl
assmates.
.Ai
sha,
Po,
and
Ase.
.Ladiest
hesear
emyf r
iends
Idi
dn'
texpectt
hatkindofint
roduct
ionf
ormypart
.
Theynoddedandthenproceededwitht
hei
rwal
k..

Ase:Agr
oupofhandsomef
ri
ends
Po:Tel
lmeabouti
t
Wewal
kedoutoft
hebui
ldi
ng.
.
Po:Iexpect
edamor
edet
ail
edi
ntr
oduct
ionf
rom
yoursi
deAisha
Il
ookedather
..
Po:Hedi
dn'
tint
roduceyouashi
sgi
rl
fr
iend
Ase:Maybehedi
dbef
orehei
ntr
oducedusal
l
t
ogether
Po:Yeahpr
obabl
y
Wewal
kedt
othecaf
eter
ia.
.

VI
RGO

Fort
hef
irstt
imeIfoundmysel
ffr
iendst
hatI
bel
ongt
oo..Jonat
hanandMorgan..

Theybot
hfr
om well
financi
alst
abl
ebackgr
ounds,
l
ivei
nwonderpar
kfl
ats..
ThewhiteguyJonathandri
vesawhi teHyundaii
10.
Notthebestcarbutwhit
epeopledon'tli
ketofl
ash
alot
,ontheothersideMorgandrivesMercedes
c220,i
t'
soneofhisParentscarthatwasgivento
himtomaket r
aveli
ngconvini
entforhim..
.

Icouldn'ti
ntroduceAishaasmygi r
lf
ri
endasyet,I
don'twantt hem havi
ngdif
fer
entassumptionson
whyIwoul dbewi t
habasicgirl
.ThedegreeI'
m
studyingtowardsisbasicenoughforthem si
nce
theydoingBDS. .

Mo:GuysRugbygamei
sont
hisSat
urday
Jo:Wecanwat
chi
tatmyf
lat
,I'
l
linvi
temor
efr
iends
Me:YeahIl
iket
hei
dea
Mo:Don'
tfor
getVi
rgo,
Ist
il
lhaveFi
fat
obeatyoui
n
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:I
nyourdr
eams
Jo:Yougot
taswi
tchqual
if
icat
ionsMan,
comet
o
BDSnextyear
Mo:BDTi
s..
Jo:Whatcareerareyougoi
ngt
omakeoutofbei
ng
aDentalTherapi
st?
Mo:Howmuchdot
heyevenear
n?
Jo:16k-
18k?
Mo:Iai
n'
tcomet
ovar
sit
yforno16k
Weal
llaughed.
.
Me:Don'
twor
rynextyearI
'
m comi
ng
Mo:Wegot
tagoMan.
.Wehaveourl
astcl
asst
o
at
tend
Me:Aytcat
s,I
'
llseeyout
omor
row
Mo:Seeifyouwer
eonoursi
de,
wewoul
dbe
at
tendi
ngtoget
her
Me:Don'
tsweati
t
Jo:We'
l
lseeyout
omor
row
Me:Tomor
rowi
tis
AI
SHA

Wewereatt
hecaf
eteri
a,PoandAsewer
eget
ti
ng
somet
hingt
oeatf
orlat
eronatRes.

Ideci
dedt
ogetmysel
fapl
atet
oo.
.

Vi
rgot
ext
edmet
hathe'
swai
ti
ng.
.

Me:GuysIhavet
ogo
Po:Whenar
eyoucomi
ngbackt
oRes?
Me:I
'
m notsur
e
Ase:We'
l
lseeyout
omor
row
Me:Byegi
rl
s

Imademywayt
ohi
scar
..
.
Igoti
nsi
deandcl
osedt
hedoor
..
Me:Hey
Vi
rgo:Hey
Hest
art
edt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.
..

Me:I
t'
sgoodt
oseet
hatyoumaki
ngf
ri
ends
Vi
rgo:I
sthi
sabouthowIi
ntr
oducedyou?
Yesi
twas, Ij
ustdi
dn'
twannacomeoutri
ghtand
sayi
t,becausehi
smoodsareunst
abl
e..

Virgo:Ionlyi
ntr
oducedyouasaclassmat e
becauseIdon'twantthem i
nmybusi ness,
Iam
onlystart
ingtogett
oknowt hem.Idon'twantt
hem
i
nmybusi nessasyet,wannaseei
fIcant r
ustt
hem
fi
rst
Me:Iunder
standdon'
twor
ry
(
Sil
ence)
Vi
rgo:Whati
sthat
?
Me:Foodf
rom t
hecaf
eter
ia
Vi
rgo:Ar
eyoui
nsane?
Me:What
?
Vir
go:Thatplaceisdirty.
.Thefoodisf
il
thyanda
healt
hhazard!Howar eyout okeephealt
hyand
haveanat t
ract
ivebodyi fyoueatdi
sgusti
ng
unhealt
hyfoodl i
kethat!Themeatisveryoil
ythe
wholethingisdisgust
ing!

Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Bomi
wasst
art
ingt
owar
m upt
omeal
it
tl
e.
WhenIgother
eshewasabitcol
d,coul
dn'
teven
l
ookmeintheeyebutwhenwewentformy
checkupandsheheardthehear
tbeatont he
monitorwhentheydoi
ngthescan.Isawherf acel
it
upal i
tt
le,
sincef
rom t
henshe'
sbeent r
yingtobe
nicetome..

Me:Il
iket
hisone
Bomi
:Ncoooi
t'
scut
e
Me:ThankyouBomif
ort
his,
Iappr
eci
atei
t
Bomi
:It
'smyGr
andchi
ld,
I'
lldoanyt
hingf
orhi
m
Me:Thecl
othesar
equi
teexpensi
vet
hough,
Ear
th
chi
ld
Bomi
:Theydi
dn'
thur
tmybankbal
ancedon'
twor
ry
Me:Iam grat
efult
hatIhaveaplacethatIcancal
l
home,aplacethati
slessstr
essful
Bomi
:Yaahomemust
'vebeenr
eal
lybad
Me:Youdon'
twanna
Bomi:Justgi
veyourMot
hert
ime,
shewi
llcome
ar
ound
Me:Ihopeso

AI
SHA

Wegottothef
latandalr
eadyther
ewast ensi
on,I
gl
anceddownatmyf oodandlostmyappetit
e
i
mmediatel
yfr
om allt
hosethi
ngsthathesaidtome
i
nthecar.
..

Vi
rgo:I
'
m goi
ngt
otakeashowert
henI
'
llor
der
Pi
zza
Me:Okay
Vi
rgo:Domeaf
avor
Me:Yes?
Vi
rgo:Thr
owt
hatf
oodaway
Me:Okay
It
ookthepl
ateandwal
kedout
sidet
othr
owi
t
away.
..
KOKETSO(
KETSO)

It
ookpict
uresoft
heclot
hesandsentt
hem t
oVi
rgo,
hecal
ledri
ghtaway.
.

Vi
rgo:Dove
Me:Dove
Vi
rgo:Youwentshoppi
ngt
oday?
Me:Yes.
.Ar
en'
tthecl
othescut
e?
Vi
rgo:Theyver
ycut
e
Me:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou
Surpri
singl
yenoughVi
rgowaswar
mingupt
ome
too.
.
Vi
rgo:Ican'
twai
tforhi
mtobebor
n
Me:Met
oo
Vir
go:Ihavet
ogo,j
ustgotbackf
rom schoolwanna
showerandsl
eepali
tt
le
Me:OkayDovet
alkl
ater
Vi
rgo:Takecar
e
Me:Yout
oo
.
Tobecont
inued

Apologi
esf
orthedel
aywasbusywi
thmyhai
r,
bonuscominglat
er
[
03/
14,
21:
56] :27

AI
SHA

I'
m notgoingt olie,myrel
ati
onshi
pwithVir
gowas
start
ingtotakei t'
stol
lonme.Latel
yhehasbeena
verydiff
icultpersontodealwit
h,hi
smoodsare
highl
yunst able.Onemomenthe' sni
ce,t
henext
he'satotalass..
IloveVirgo,Ithi
nkIlovehim moret hanIshould
now.Ihavef aiththatt
here'sapartofhimt hatloves
medear ly,Ij
ustdon'tknowwhyhe' ssoAngr yand
diff
icul
t.It
'sli
keI'
m suffer
ingforsinsthatIdidn't
evencommi t.

Iam sl
owl
ybutsurel
yst
arti
ngt
ogetscar
edofhi
m,
whenhegetsmad.Hegetsmad.
.

Thenextmor ningwewokeupandpr epar

edfor
school.
..
Ilookedathim packi
nghi
sthi
ngsupand
putt
ingthem inhisbackpack.

Me:Vi
rgo
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:CanIgobackt
oRest
oday?
Vi
rgo:Why?
Me:Ij
ustt
hinkweneedsomespace,
li
kehowi
t
usedt
obe
Vi
rgo:What
'satRes?
Me:Sor
ry?
Vi
rgo:What
'satRest
hatyoucan'
twai
ttogetback
t
oo?
Me:Ther
e'snot
hing,
Ijustmi
ssmyf
ri
endsand
space
Vi
rgo:Isuf
focat
eyou?
Me:No.
.That
'snotwhatImeant
Vi
rgo:I
sther
esomeoneel
seatRes?
Me:No
Vi
rgo:Thenyoudon'
thavesomet
hingi
mpor
tantt
o
gobacktoo
Me:Ij
ustwannagobackt
oRest
hat
'sal
l
Vi
rgo:Andyounotgoi
ng
Me:Youcan'
tst
opme
Vi
rgo:Wannabet
?
Me:I
'
mleavi
ng
Vi
rgo:Comeher
e
Me:What
?
Vi
rgo:Comeher
e
Iwal
keduptohi
m..Hegr
abbedmyar
mreal
lyt
ight
andmarchedmetot
hebathr
oom.
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Vi
rgo:Gi
vingyout
imet
othi
nkaboutyourdeci
sion
Het
hrewmei
n,t
hent
ookt
hekey.
.
Me:No!
!!
Heclosedthedoorandl
ockedme,
Idi
dn'
thavemy
phonewithme..

Me:Vi
rgoyoucan'
tdot
his!
!
Vir
go:Youjustneedadayt
oyour
sel
ftot
hinkabout
yourdeci
sion
Ibangedatt
hedoor
..
Me:Opent
hedoor
!!
Vi
rgo:I
'
llseeyouwhenIgetback
Me:Vi
rgopl
ease!
!Don'
tdot
his!
!.
.Vi
rgo!
!
ASENATHI

Wegott oschoolthatmorni
ng,ever
yonesettl
edin
forourfi
rstcl
ass.
.Aishaisal
waysearly,
ifshe'
snot
shealwayscomesi nwithVir
go.Vir
gowalkedin
alonethi
smor ni
ng.

Il
ookedatthedoort
hinki
ngt
hatshewi
llcomei
n
butshedi
dn't
..

Thelect
urerwal
kedi
n,Ai
shai
snott
heonet
omi
ss
aclass.
.

Me:Wher
eisAi
sha?
Po:Youaski
ngt
hewr
ongPer
son
Me:I
t'
sunl
ikehert
omi
ssacl
ass
Po:Maybeshegott
oomuchact
ionl
astni
ght
,she'
s
pr
obabl
yti
red
Me:Yeah.
.Maybe

Wesatthr
ought hef
ir
stclass,t
henthesecond,and
the3r
d.Therewassti
llnosignofAisha.
.Aft
erour
3rdcl
ass,Ideci
dedt
ogot oVirgo.
.

Me:Hi
Vi
rgo:Hi
Me:Uhm.
.IsAi
shaokay?
Vi
rgo:She'
snot
Me:Whathappened?
Virgo:Whenwegott ot
heflataf
tersheat
efood
fr
om t hecaf
eter
ia,
shestar
tedtohaveaseri
ous
stomachbug
Me:That
'st
err
ibl
e
Vir
go:Ya..Icoul
dn'tl
ethercomei
nthest
atet
hat
she'
sin,sheisveryweak
Me:It
ri
edcal
li
ngherandt
ext
ingherbutshe'
snot
r
espondi
ng
Vir
go:She'
sprobabl
ysleepi
ng,shedidn'
tsl
eepat
al
l.
.I'
m gl
adshe'snotonherphone,shedeser
ves
somebedr est
Me:Your
ight
..Thankyouf
ori
nfor
mingme
Vi
rgo:Youwel
come

AI
SHA

I'
vebeensit
ti
ngont hebat
hroom f
loorl
eani
ng
agai
nstthedoorwithmybackforhoursnow.Icr
ied
unti
lIgotaheadache.

Thisi
sthel
owesthe'
severgone,whyi
shedoi
ng
thi
s?Whyisheacti
ngthi
sway?..

Iwasgett
ingpar
anoidandananxi
etyatt
ackjust
si
tt
ingher
eandlist
eningt
omyselfcr
ying.
.Thiswas
upset
ti
ng.
..

VI
RGO

Ther
e'snowayt hatI'
mlett
ingAishago,orlett
ing
herl
eaveme.Ineedhert ounderstandwhoi sin
char
ge,Ineedhertounderstandthatshecan'tjust
makesuchdecisions.
..

Event hi
sthingofherwant i
ngt ostudyBDSnext
year,I'
m notfeeli
ngit.Thenextthingshe'
sina
dif
ferentclassgetti
ngusedtodi ff
erentpeopl
e..I
knowshecanf indsomeoneel se,butshedoesn't
knowt hatsolongshekeepsonbel i
evi
ngthatshe'
s
notgoodenoughf oranyoneelset henshe'
snot
goinganywher e..

IfIl
oseher
,ifshereal
izesherwor
thi
t'
soverf
orme
andIcan'
thavethat.
.
Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om myMot
her
..

Me:Bomi
Bomi
:Hisweet
ie
Me:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Bomi
:Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne
Me:Youcal
li
ngmedur
ingschoolhour
s
Bomi
:OhwyesIwant
edt
otal
ktoyouaboutKet
so
Me:I
sever
ythi
ngokaywi
thher
?
Bomi:Everyt
hingisfine,she'
salovel
ygi r
l.Ij
ust
wannagot oherhousef indoutwhatreall
y
happened.Shecan'tjustali
enat
eherf amilyi
t'
snot
ri
ght.
.Nowt hatI'
mf ull
yresponsi
bleforher,her
famil
yneedst oknowt hatshe'
shere
Me:It
houghtshedi
dment
iont
hatt
hingsathome
wer
enotgood
Bomi:IknowbutVir
goIcan'
tjustletherst
ayhere
wit
houtknowingwhereshe'
sfrom.Wi t
houther
famil
yknowing.I
tdoesn'
tmatt
eriftheyswearat
mebutt
heyneedt
oknowt
hatshe'
sher
e
Me:I
'
llt
alkt
oher
Bomi
:ThankyouBaby.
.Howi
sAi
sha?
Me:She'
sfi
ne
Bomi
:Di
dyout
alkt
oher
?
Me:Notyet
Bomi
:Whenar
eyougoi
ngt
odoi
t?
Me:I
'
lldoi
t
Bomi
:Okaybabyenj
oyt
her
estofyourday
Me:Okaybye
Bomi
:Bye

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Iwaslayi
ngonthecouchwat
chi
ngTVwhent
he
hel
perKhosiwal
kedin.
.
Khosi
:Si
ngakhul
uma?(
canwet
alk)
Il
ookedather
..
Khosi
:Ihaveapr
obl
em wi
thhowyoucar
ryyour
sel
f
Me:Sor
ry?
Khosi:Youdon' tcleanyourroom, nowthatI
understandbutnotwashi ngyourunderwear
s
l
eavingusedpant yli
nerstopil
eupi nthebat
hroom
bin?Can'tyout akethedirtyl
iner
st ot
hegarbage
binoutside?Can'tyouwashyourownunder wear?
There'
sal waysempt ypackagesofsnacks,
chocolates,j
uicebot t
lesl
yingaroundinyourroom.
Dirt
ydishesandcups
Me:I
fIwasn'
tpr
egnantIwoul
dcl
eanaf
termysel
f
Khosi
:Pr
egnantwomenar
efl
exi
ble,
ver
yfl
exi
ble
Me:Sodoyouexpectmetoclean?Bendoverand
cl
ean?Car
ryheavydut
ies?Ihaveabackprobl
em!
Khosi
:Thosear
emi
nort
askst
ocar
ryout
Me:Youar
ethemai
d!I
t'
syourj
ob
Khosi
:I'
m notyourmai
d!
Me:Fi
ne..I
'l
ljusttel
lVi
rgot
hatyouexpectmet
o
car
ryouthousedut i
esandl
et'
sseehowhe'sgoi
ng
tof
eelaboutthis
Khosi
:Yaziukhohl
akel
e!(
Youar
ecr
uel
)
Me:Justdoyourj
obokay?
Sheshookherhead.
.
Khosi
:YaziIheardAishawasheresometime,I
camemondaymor ni
ng.Kit
chenwasclean,pot
s
cl
ean,Vi
rgosroom cl
ean..Ever
ythi
ngwascleanjust
ashowIlefti
t.Ihear
dsheevencooked
Me:Sowher
eisshe?
Khosi
:Vir
gohasmadeal otofmi
stakesinhi
sli
fe,
butt
his.
.Thi
sisi
nsane,
Iwonderwher ehegotyou
Me:Youcanl
eavei
fyoudone
Shecl
ickedhert
oungeandwal
kedout
..
Khosi
:Si
es!

VI
RGO
Dur
ingl
unchbr
eakIwentt
omycr
ew.
..

Wedroveouttoeati
ntown,
wewer
eusi
ng
Mor
gan'scar.
.

Wewer et
alki
ngaboutrandom t
hings,
unt
ilt
he
conver
sat
ionwenttodati
ng..

Mo:Seei
nganyoneVi
rgo?
Me:Uhm yeah
Mo:Who?
It
houghtaboutAi
sha.
.
Me:HernameisKoket
sobutIwecal
lherKet
so.
She'
sbackathome.
.Mehere

IwentandgotKet
so'
spi
ctur
ebef
oreshewas
pregnant
..
Jo:She'
sbeaut
if
ul
Mo:Lemesee
Het
ookagl
ancesi
ncehewasdr
ivi
ng.
.
Mo:She'
sabeaut
!!
Me:Thatshei
s,she'
sver
ybeaut
if
ul
Mo:Whatdoesshedo?
Me:She'
sst
udyi
ng.
.She'
sal
soi
nter
ti
ary
Jo:Beaut
if
ul.
.Beaut
yandbr
ains
Mo:Har
dlyf
indt
hatcombi
nat
ion
Me.Iknow

Imovedt
oAi
sha'
spi
ctur
eandl
ookedati
t.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
56] :28
AI
SHA

Vi
rgoonl
yletmeoutwhenhecameback.
.
Iwentf
orhour
swithoutf
ood,
wi t
hhowpar
anoi
dI
wasIdi
dn'
tevenpaymuchattenti
ont
omyhunger
..

Vi
rgo:Ibr
oughtussomet
hingt
oeat
Il
ookedathi
m..

Vi
rgo:Di
dyougett
imet
othi
nkaboutyourdeci
sion?
Isl
owl
ynodded.
.

Hewal
kedupt
ome,
Itookaf
ewst
epsback.
.
Vi
rgo:Wewi
llbef
ine,
sol
ongyoudoasIsay
Me:Iunder
stand
Vi
rgo:Don'
tmaket
hingsdi
ff
icul
t,j
ustbeagood
gi
rl
fri
endandwewil
lhavepeace
Me:Okay
Virgo:Youcanf
reshenupsol
ongIwar
m upt
he
food
Il
ookedatt
hebat
hroom.
.
Vi
rgo:I
'
lll
eavet
hebat
hroom dooropen
Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing,
Iwal
kedt
othebat
hroom.
.
Vi
rgo:Ai
sha
It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m..
Vi
rgo:I
'
m notamonst
er
Me:Iknow

Whatam Igoi
ngt
odo?Howwil
lIgetoutoft
hisone?
Whatdi
dIgetmysel
fint
o??

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Me:Youshoul
dcomeandvi
sitme
Ler
a:Idon'
tknow,
doyout
hinkt
hat
'sappr
opr
iat
e?
Ler
aismybestf
ri
end.
.
Me:Bomiwon'
tsayanyt
hing,
sheknowsshewi
ll
comeheadonwit
hherSon
Ler
a:He'
sst
il
lati
t?
Me:He'
l
lneverst
op
Lera:Whydoeshedot
hat
?Whydoessheal
lowhi
m
todothat
?
Me:Shedoesn'
tknowwhoVi
rgo'
sFat
heri
s,so
she'
str
yingt
omakeitupt
ohim
Ler
a:He'
sanungr
atef
ulbr
at!
Me:Oneluckybr
at.
.MyMotheroverr
eact
sjustbe
mesayingsomethi
ngsmal
l
,somet hi
ngnot
of
fensi
ve
Ler
a:Youhi
tthel
ott
ery
Me:Gi
rl
!
Lera:Sowhat'
sgoi ngtohappenwhenthebabyget
s
born?Babiestendtoembarrassyouandlook
exactl
yli
ketheirFather
s
Me:Ihave4mont hstogo, bythenIwould've
coll
ectedenoughmoneyf r
om thentostartonmy
own.That'si
ftheysuspectthebabyisnott hei
rs.
.
I'
m prayi
ngit'
shis
Ler
a:Vi
rgoi
scr
azy,
becar
eful
Me:I
'
m al
wayscar
eful
,Imeani
fyouwer
emewhat
woul
dyoudo?
Lera:Iwoul
dn'
thavegot
tenpr
egnanti
nthef
ir
st
place
Wel
aughed.
.
Me:NowIj
usthavet
ogett
hemai
dfi
red,
she'
s
i
rr
it
ati
ng
Ler
a:Justpl
ayyourcar
dsr
ight
Me:Iwi
ll

AI
SHA

Wewentt
hroughourf
oodi
nsi
lence.
.
Icoul
dn'
tdownt
hef
ood,
Iwasj
ustf
orci
ngi
tdown.
.

Me:H.
.Howwasschool
?
Vi
rgo:Schoolwasbor
ingasal
ways,
youdi
dn'
tmi
ss
much
Inodded.
.
Vi
rgo:Sol
ookl
et'
stal
kaboutsomet
hing
Il
ookedathi
m al
lner
vous.
.
Vi
rgo:St
il
lgoi
ngt
oappl
yforBDSnextyear
?
Me:Yes
Vi
rgo:Met
oo
Me:That
'sni
ce
Vi
rgo:AndIneedyout
ohel
pmeout
Me:How?
Vi
rgo:Test
sandever
ythi
ngIneedagoodyearmar
k
Me:HowdoIhel
p?I
tsoundsal
mosti
mpossi
ble
Vi
rgo:Wegoingtoconst
ructacopyi
ngmechani
sm
t
hatwil
lworkforbot
hofus
Me:Idon'
twannabeexcl
uded
Vi
rgo:Youwon'
t
Thi
sdi
dn'
tsoundwel
l.
..Idon'
tli
kei
t.
.
Me:Okay

Tomor r
owmor ni
ngIneedtofi
ndawaytoget
everyt
hinginmybagandleavewit
hit
,Iwi
lll
eave
schoolearl
yandgobacktoRes..

Idon'
tknowmuchaboutl ove,whatIknowisthat
thi
sguyI'
m dati
ngisdangerous.Heisnotall
toget
herupst
air
sandIdon'twannabewi th
someonethatI'
m scar
edof..

Vi
rgo:Youknowt
hatIl
oveyour
ight
?
Me:Iknow
If
akedasmi
le.
.
Me:Aboutt
oday,
I'
m sor
ry.
.Iover
react
ed
Vi
rgo:I
'
m gl
adyour
eal
izeyourmi
stake
Me:I
twon'
thappenagai
n
Vir
go:Ofcour
sei t
'snotgoingt
ohappenagai
n,
becauseIwon'
tletithappenagai
n!

Iwasevenscar
edt
obeonmyphone.
.

Idi
dn'tfi
nishallmyfood,
Iat
ehal
fandt
hen
ref
ri
geratedtherest
..

Vi
rgo:I
'
m goi
ngt
oshower
,canIt
rustyou?
Me:Yes
Vi
rgo:Okay
Me:Canyoupl
easeputonagamef orme, Isawyou
pl
ayi
nggrandt
heftaut
oitseemsi
nterest
ing
Vi
rgo:Anddi
ff
icul
t
Me:I
'
llt
eachmysel
f

Heconnect
edandputont
hegamef
orme,
thenwe
wentt
oshower.
.

Ideci
dedtoputaf ewthi
ngsinmybag, thebagI
useforschool
..Idi
dn'
ttakeal
lmycl ot
hesbecause
Idi
dn'twannamakehim aler
t,havehim aski
ng
questi
ons.
.

IhopeImanaget
oescapet
omor
rowmor
ning.
.

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Bomi
andIwer
ehavi
ngdi
nnerqui
etl
y..

Bomi
:Howwasyourday?
Me:I
twasgood.
.Your
s?
Bomi:I
twasokay.
.Don'tyouevergetbor
edof
bei
ngstucki
nthehouse?
Me:Notatal
l.
..Mam'
Khosibecomesgood
companyIhel
pherouther
eandt her
ejustt
okeep
busyandfl
exi
ble
Bomi
:That
'sni
ce
Me:I
t'
stheonl
yexer
ciseIcando
Bomi
:Sowhatar
eyourpl
ansaf
tergi
vingbi
rt
h?
Me:Uhm.
.Ihaven'
tthoughtt
hatf
ar
Bomi :Ababyisnotal i
fesentenceandIdon' tmind
helpingoutbutyoucan'tbeent i
rel
ydependenton
me. .Thi
sisli
fe,somethi
ngcanhappen. .WhenIhad
Virgo,Idi
dn'
tsitbyandletli
fepassmeby.Ist il
l
wentf orwhatIwantedthat'
swhyIam abl eto
provideformyselfandmychi ldwithoutthehelpof
aman
Me:IjustwantmySontogrowupwit
hboth
Parent
s,somethi
ngt
hatVi
rgoandIcoul
dn'
tful
ly
have
Bomi
:Achi
ldcangr
owupwi
thonl
yasi
ngl
epar
ent
,
i
t'
snotashamenorasi
n
Me:Iknowit
'sj
ustt
hat
..Ir
eal
lywantwhat
'sbest
f
ormychild
Bomi:Yourpl
anscan'
tbeonl
yont
hat
,youhavet
o
thi
nkfur
ther
Me:Igett
hefeel
ingt
hatyoudon'
tli
kemebei
ng
ar
oundhere
Bomi
:Ineversai
dthat
Me:IknowI
'
m abur
den,
I'
m sosor
ry.
.I'
l
lleave
Igotup.
.
Bomi
:Ineversai
dthat
!

VI
RGO

Iwal
kedoutfr
om t
hebat
hroom t
oAi
shat
ryi
ngt
o
gett
hroughwi
tht
hegame..
Myphoner
ang,
itwasKet
so.
.
It
ooki
tandwentt
othebat
hroom t
oansweri
t.
.

Me:Dove
Ihear
dhersni
ff
ing.
.
Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Ket
so:YourMot
heri
ndi
rect
lyaskedmet
oleave
Me:What
?
Ketso:Shecal l
edmeusel essindi
rect
lyjust
becauseIsai dIwantmychi l
dt ogrowupwi thbot
h
Parents..Sheunder
mi nedme, mademef eela
fai
lureforfal
li
ngpregnantwithoutgett
ingmy
degreefirst
Me:Idon'tthi
nkshemeantanyhar
m, shel
ikes
pr
eaching..I'
m sur
eitwascomi
ngfr
om agood
pl
ace
Ket
so:Youdon'
tknowwhatshesai
dtome
Me:I
'
llt
alkt
oher
Ket
so:Pl
easedon't
..Idon'
twannast
artanyt
roubl
e
bet
weenyoutwo..I
'lll
eave
Me:Andgowher
e?
Ket
so:Idon'
tknow
Me:Letmej
ustt
alkt
oher
Ket
so:HowaboutIcomel
ivewi
thyou?
Me:Huh?
Ketso:Your
ent
ingaf
latr
ight
?Soyoucanl
ivewi
th
anyone
Me:YeahIdon'
tthi
nkso
Ketso:Iam t
hemot herofyourchil
d!Yougoingt
o
l
eavemest randed?YourMot herdoesn'
tli
keme,
shehatesme!
Me:I
'
llt
alkt
oher
Ket
so:MakemeabadPer
son
Me:Justcal
m downokay?
Ket
so:Okay

Ihungup.
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
56] :29

AI
SHA

Iprayedthr oughoutthenightformyplanto
succeed, Ineededt ogetaway.Ionlycamehereto
fur
thermyst udies,notgothroughwhatI'
m goi
ng
thr
oughwi thVirgo.Whathedi dtoday,
wasa
perfectexampl eofhim gett
inginbetween
somet hi
ngt hatI'veworkedsohar dfor
.Iwon'
tlet
himt akethatawayf r
om me...

Thismorningheseemedtobever ydist
ract
ed,
his
mindwassomewher efaraway.Somewher eof
f..I
wasevenabl et
osneakinmyt oi
letbaginsi
demy
schoolbag.

Wedr
ovet
oschooli
nsi
lence,
whenwear
ri
ved.I
gotoutandwentt
oclass,
her
emai
nedi
nthecar
l
ostinhist
hought
s..

VI
RGO

WhenAi shaleft
,Ical
ledmyMotherandt
alkedt
o
herabouttheissuewithKet
so.
.

Ma:Thosearel
ies,
thi
sgi
rli
slyi
ngI
'
veneversai
d
anyt
hingoft
hatnatur
e
Me:I
'
m sohurtr
ightnow,
thatmyownMother
woul
dmist
reatmybabyMamal i
kethat
Ma:LudweI'
venevermist
reat
edt
hisgi
rl
,Ihave
beennot
hingbutni
cetoher
Me:Whywoul
dshel
ieonyou?
Ma:Whywoul
dyoubel
ieveheroveryourown
Mother
?
Me:BecausemyownMotherwantedtoabor
tme!
BecausemyownMotheri
snotallsi
ncer
e
Ma:Ludwe!
!
Me:Idon'
tevenknowwhatt
osayt
oyou,
I'
m
di
sappoi
nted
Ma:Vi
rgo
Ihungup.
..

AI
SHA

Igoti
ncl
assandsatnextt
oAse.
.
Ase:Hey.
.Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m good
Ase:Hear
dyouwer
esi
ckyest
erday,
stomachbug
ofsomesort
?
Me:Yes
Ase:Howar
eyout
oday?
Me:I
'
mfeel
ingbet
ter
Icoul
dn'
thol
dmysel
f,Ibr
okedown.
.
Ase:What
'
swr
ong?
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:Whatdi
dIgetmysel
fint
o?
Ase:Whatdoyoumean?
Me:Al
lIwant
edwasnothi
ngbutlove,al
lIwant
ed
was.
.Whydosucht
hingsalwayshappentome?
Ase:Maybeweshoul
dgooutt
othecaf
eter
iaand
t
alk
Me:No.
.I.
.Wecan'
tleavecl
ass
Ase:Whatgoodar eyouinthi
scondi
tion?Youwi
ll
becryingthr
oughoutandinvi
ti
ngatt
entiont
o
yourself
Inodded.
.
Ase:Let
'sgo.
.Wewi
llbeback
Inodded.
.
Wegotup,shet
ookmybagandhersthenwe
wal
kedoutofcl
assandwentt
othecafet
eri
a..
..
KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
I
t'
spr
obabl
yKhosi
,thatwomani
sannoyi
ng.
Me:Comei
n
ThedooropenedandBomiwal
kedi
n..
Me:Bomi
Sheclosedt
hedoorandleanedagai
nsti
tlooki
ngat
me,shehadthatbi
tchr
esti
ngface
Bomi
:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Bomi
:I'
m goodt
oo
Inodded.
.
Bomi
:Canyoudomeaf
avour
?
Me:Okay?
Bomi
:Pl
easebat
hwegoi
ngsomewher
e
Me:Wher
e?
Bomi
:ToyourMot
her
'shouse
Me:MyMot
her
'shouse?
Bomi
:Yes.
.Ineedt
otal
ktoher
,tel
lhert
hatyou
st
ayi
ngher
e
Me:Idi
dtel
lyouwhathappenedt
her
e
Bomi
:Yesyoudi
d
Me:Ican'
tgot
her
e
Bomi:I
tdoesn'
tmat
teri
fsheswear
satusbutshe
mustknowwhereyoustayi
ng
Inodded.
.
Me:She'
satwor
know
Bomi
:Whensheknocksof
f?
Me:Okay
Bomi:I
'
m sorr
yaboutlastni
ght
,Idi
dn'
tmeant
o
makeyoufeelsomehow
Me:I
t'
sokay
Bomi
:We'
l
lgol
atert
hen
Me:Okay
Shesmi
ledandwal
kedout
..

AI
SHA

Pohadfoll
owedust
othecaf
eter
iawhenshesaw
uswalki
ngout,
whenwegott
here.It
oldt
hem
ever
ythi
ng.
..

Ase:What
?
Po:Vi
rgo?TheeVi
rgo?
Me:Yes
Ase:Thi
sissi
ckeni
ng!Hei
sabusi
ngyouAi
sha!
Me:I
'
m star
ti
ngtogetscar
edofhi
m,he'
sal
ways
mad.
.Idon'
tknowwhy
Ase:Hehashisdemonst
hatheneedst
odealwi
th,
youhavenot
hingtodowi
ththat
Po:Li
keVi
rgo?Vi
rgo?Vi
rgo?Yeshe'
sar
rogantbut
thi
s?
Ase:Abuser
sdon'tcomewri
tt
enonthei
rfor
eheads
t
hattheyabuser
s,Abuser
sarenotal
waysuglyguys.
Anyguycanabuse
Po:Idi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
Ase:LookPothi
sist
hecur r
entsi
tuat
ion,Vi
rgoi
s
abusi
ngAisha.
.That
'sal
lthatmatt
ersri
ghtnow
Po:Ri
ght
!
Ase:Look.
.Got
oRes,
obvi
ousl
yyouar
enotokay
Po:Iagr
ee
Me:Idon'
twannami
sscl
asses
Ase:I
t'
sjustf
ortoday,
gocr
yital
loutcomeback
t
omorrowbetter
Po:Tr
ue.
.Isuppor
tthat
Ase:I
'
m sosorryAi
sha,youarebeaut
if
ulandyou
shoul
dn'
tletamantreatyoul
iket
his
Po:He'
streat
ingyoul
iket
hisbecauseofhi
sown
i
nsecur
it
ies
Ase:That
'st
rue,he'
str
yingt
oconvinceyouthatno
ot
herMancanl oveyou.He'
str
yingtobreakyou
down
Po:Dumbhim!Youdon'thavet
odoi
tal
one,
wecan
bewithyoui
fyouscar
ed
Inodded.
.
Me:Thankyouguys
Ase:I
t'
s08:
00am now,fi
rstbust
oresi
sat
09:
00am..Wewil
lsither
ewi t
hyouunt
ilt
hebus
comessoweknowyousaf e
Po:Atl
easthewon'
tgat
ecrashtheRes,hecan'
t
j
ustshowupther
eandforcehi
swayi n
Me:That
'sbet
ter
Po:Comeher
eyou.
.
Pogotupandhuggedme.
.
Po:I
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay

VI
RGO

Iwal
kedi
ncl
ass,
Idi
dn'
tseeAi
shaandherf
ri
ends.
Thecl
asshadal
readyst
art
ed.
.
It
ookoutmyphoneandt
ext
edher
:

"
Wher
ear
eyou?
"

I
twentt
hrough.
.

Iputmyphoneawayandtheni
tvi
brat
ed,
Ithought
i
twasherbutitwasKet
so.
.

"
YourMotheristaki
ngmehomelateront
otal
kto
myMother,I
'
lltel
lyouhowi
tgoes"

Isi
ghed.
.

Thi
ssi
tuat
ionwi
thKet
sowast
ir
ing.
.
AI
SHA

Me:Hej
ustt
ext
edme
Ase:Sayi
ngwhat
?
Me:Aski
ngwher
eIam
Ase:Tel
lhi
m caf
eter
ia,
I'
m her
etogetbr
eakf
ast
Me:Whati
fhecomes?
Ase:I'
m her
e,Poi
shere,it
's3ofusand1ofhim.
I
t'
llbebigofhi
mtostartanyal
tercat
ionher
e

It
ext
edhi
m backwi
thmyhandst
rembl
ing:

"I
'
m atthecaf
eter
iawi
thPoandAse,
wehavi
ng
breakf
ast
"

Het
ext
edback:
"
Okay"

Icl
osedmyeyesandsi
ghed.
.
Me:Heboughti
t
Ase:I
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay,
you'
l
lbeokay

POZI
SWA

Ihadexcusedmyselfandt
oldt
hem t
hatIhadt
o
cal
lmy" Boyf
ri
end"
,butIwascal
li
ngmyfri
end"Al
f"
..

Me:Asesai
dI'
m evi
lwhenIt
oldhert
hataguyli
ke
Vi
rgowhatwoul
dhebedoingwit
hagirll
ikeAi
sha?
Al
f:Soher
eal
lydi
dthat
?
Me:Don'
tsoundsur
pri
sedi
twasexpect
ed!
Shel
aughed.
.
Me:Shamemaanshe'sallcryi
ngandever
ythi
ng.
.
Youshoul
dseeher(
laughing)
Alf
:Imeansheshouldsuckitup,
I'
veseent
hegir
l
shereal
lyt
houghtshewouldgeti
tonwithaguy
l
ikehim?
Me:She'
sdel
usi
onal
!
Al
f:Shewasdel
usi
onalf
rom t
hewor
dgo
Me:Letmegoback,
I'
llseeyoul
ater
Al
f:Okayf
ri
end
Ihungupandwal
kedbacki
n..
.

AI
SHA

Idon'
tevenknowwhattosayt
omyMot her,
Igot
missedcal
lsfr
om her
.MySist
eri
sgoi
ngt osay"
I
tol
dyouso"

Ase:CallyourMom, t
ellheryouwer
esi
ckandgot
admitt
edt heyonl
yreleasedyounow
Me:I
'
veneverl
iedt
oher
Ase:Youwi
llhavet
oo,
fornow
Me:Okay

Igotup.
.
Me:Pleasecomeandst andwi
thmeout
side,
I'
m
scar
edwhati fVi
rgoshowsup?
Ase:Ofcour
se
Powal
kedi
n,wewal
kedout
..

WegotoutandIcal
ledmyMot
her
..
Ma:Sont
oki
,I'
vebeenwor
ri
ed.Tr
iedcal
li
ngyoubut
youdi
dn'
tanswer
Me:Yaauhm.
.I'
m notf
eel
ingwel
l
Ma:What
'
swr
ong?
Me:Iat
efoodfr
om t
hecafet
eri
a,wokeupwi
tha
t
err
ibl
estomachbugIwasadmitt
ed
Ma:Ar
eyousur
ethatyouokay?
Me:Yes.
.Theydi
schar
gingmenow
Ma:Ishoul
dcomeandseeyou
Me:I
'
m goodnowMa
Ma:Pl
easecomevi
sithomet
hisweekend
Me:I
'
lldoso
Ma:Uber
ightmaan
Me:Iwi
llbe
Ma:I
'
llcal
lyoubackl
ater
Me:Okay.
.Il
oveyou
Ma:Il
oveyout
oo
Ihungup.
.

Ase:I
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay,
it'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
Me:HowdidIbecomet
hatgi
rl
?Thatgi
rlt
hatget
s
abused?
Ase:i
tcanhappent
oanyone,
atl
eastyousawt
he
si
gnsearl
y
Me:IhopeIgett
hrought
his
Ase:Youwi
ll
..Youwi
ll
..
.
Tobecont
inued

Bonust
ofol
lowupl
ater
[
03/
14,
21:
57] :30

AI
SHA

WhenIgott
oRes,
Ilai
donmybedandcr
ied.
Icr
iedsomucht
hatIevengothi
ccups.
.

WhenIl efthome, mygoal,mysol egoalwasto

study.Graduateandgetaj ob.Itt
ookmeal ottoget
hereandImadeapr omisethatIwil
lworkhardto
makemysel fpr
oudandmyf amil
yproud.Educat
ion
i
st heonlythingthatnoonecant akeawayf r
om me,
unlessIgivethem thatpower .
.
Meet
ingVi
rgo,
endi
ngupi
nthi
ssi
tuat
ion.
.
Thi
swasnotpar tofthepl
an..Hekeptoncall
ing,
so
muchIputmyphoneonsi lent.Hesentendl
ess
messagesaski
ngwher eIam, tel
li
ngmePoandAse
camebacktoclass..

Hemakesmyheartbeatfast,
notloveact
ivat
edbut
outoff
ear
.If
earhi
m, Ir
ememberwhenhesl apped
me,whenhel
ockedmeup, whenheinsul
tedme..

Thosememor i
esoverpower
edt hegoodti
mesthat
webothshared.Iwentst
rai
ghtonFacebookand
del
etedanypostandpict
urethatremi
ndedmeof
hi
m andthetimeswespent..

Ialsodeservel
ove,Ial
sodeser vetobeloved.Af
ter
everyt
hingI'
vebeenthrough,Godcan'tcome
thr
oughf orme?Godcan' tr
estoreandhealmypai n
bygivi
ngmeal lmyhear t
'sdesires?Acareerand
l
ove?Hemademet hisway,hecreat
edmet hi
sway.
Wasital
lformockery?Forhissenseofhumour?

Whydi dhebringVirgomywayi fheknowst hathe

wasgoi ngtohurtme?Why?I '
vebeenf ai
thf
ulto
hi
m.I'veservedhim, bel
ievedinhim.Whycan' the
j
ustreplaceourpainwi t
hgood?Repl aceourtears
wit
hjoy?Formysake, forhisfai
thf
ulservantmy
Mother!!

Ihuggedt
hepi
ll
owmor
eti
ght
er.
.

VI
RGO

Imademyt
oAse.
.
Me:Hi
Shewassi
tt
ingi
nthel
ect
urehal
lbusyr
eadi
ngher
not
es.
.
I
twasdur
ingl
uncht
ime.
.
Me:Ase
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Ase:MayIhel
pyou?
Me:Wher
eisAi
sha?
Ase:Idon'tknow.
.She'
syourgi
rl
fr
iendcan'
tyou
cal
lortextherandask?
Me:Herphone.
.She'
snotpi
cki
ngup
Ase:Wei
rd..BecauseIcal
ledheraf
ewmi
nut
esago
andshepickedup
Me:Okaylook.
.I'
m notgoi
ngt
ogobackandf
ort
h
wi
thyou,whereisAisha?
Ase:Idon'
tknow
Powal
kedi
n..
Po:Hey
Me:Hi
Po:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne
Po:Okay
Il
ookedatPo,
shel
ookeddown.
.
Me:Il
ikehowyoudi
dyourhai
rtoday
Po:Real
ly?
Me:Yeahi
tsui
tsyou
Po:Thankyou(
Smi
li
ng)
Me:Iact
uall
ywaslooki
ngforAi
sha,wehave
cl
ini
cal
sintheaf
ter
noon..Want
edtomakesure
she'
sokay
Po:Shel
eftear
lyandwentt
oRes
Asel
ookedather
..
Ase:Ar
eyouser
iousr
ightnow?
Ismi
ledal
it
tl
eandwi
nkedatherbef
oregoi
ngout
..
Ase:Ican'
tbel
ieveyoudi
dthat
!
Po:What
?Sheli
vesi
nResdoesn'
tshe?Wher
eel
se
woul
dshego?
Iwalkedoutandst
oodnextt
othedoort
oli
stent
o
them..
Ase:Af
terwhathedi
dtoher
?
Po:Ifi
ndithar
dtobel
ievet
hatheact
ual
lydi
dal
l
thoset
hingstoher
Ase:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?
Po:Whatifhedumpedherandshewasn' thappy
thendeci
dedtolieonhim?Wet alki
ngaboutthe
samegirlwhosleptoverathi
splaceaft
erwhat ?3
secondsofthem dat
ing?
Ase:Shewast
err
if
ied,
yousawher
!Youcan'
tfake
t
hat!
Po:Lookshe'
swithoutabr
uise,
wit
houtanyt
hingt
o
evi
denceherstor
y
Ase:Ican'
tbel
ieveyour
ightnow!Awomansayi
ng
t
hat
Po:Aghpl
ease!

Ismi
ledandwal
kedaway.
..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)
Bomi
cameback,
Iwaschi
ll
ingbyt
hepool
Bomi
:Getdr
essed,
wegoi
ng
Me:Sheknocksof
fat16:
00
Bomi
:Getdr
essedwegoi
ng

Igotup.
.
Bomi
:I'
l
lwai
tforyoui
nthecar
Me:Fi
ne
Shewalkedaway.Ishookmyhead,l
etmegett
his
overanddonewit
hsoshecouldlayoffonmewit
h
thi
s..
.

AI
SHA

Icheckedmyphone,
Ihadanot
if
icat
ion.
.
Ichecked,i
twasabanknot
if
icat
ionofR1500.A
textaccompani
edi
tfr
om Vi
rgo..
"
Iknowyoulef
twi
thnotmuchcl
othes,
repl
aceyour
wardr
obe"

Idel
etedthemessage.Idon'
tknowhisbank
account,
he'sdef
ini
tel
ynotusi
ngCapitecformet
o
tr
ansferi
tbacktohim usi
nghisnumber.
..

Anot
hermessagecamet
hrough:

"Iunderstandifyoudon'twannabewi thme
anymor e,ifIwasyouIwoul dn'twannabewithme
too..I
'
m sor ryf
oreveryt
hingI'veputyouthr
ough,I
wishIcoul ddot hi
ngsdiff
erently.I
'
mtrul
ysorryand
Iwishyoucanf orgi
vemeoneday. .Il
oveyouso
much, alwaysknowt hat
"

Idel
etedt
hemessageaf
terr
eadi
ngi
t.
.
VI
RGO

Shewasn'
ttext
ingback,
Idon'
tknowifshewas
readi
ngmymessagesornot.Whatsappmessages
shewasn'
trepl
yingt
othem..

Itwasupsett
ing,
thi
sissti
llearl
y.I
t'
searl
yforust
o
breakup,
it'
searl
yforhert
or eal
izeherwort
h..

Dammi t
!She'sagir
lwi t
habr okensel fest
eem,
ther
ehast obeawayt ogetthrought oher .Awayto
gettoher,
can'tbedefeatedbyaor dinarygir
lwho
doesn'
tpossessanythingspecialotherthanher
brai
ns!
!

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Nowordwassharedaswedrovetomyplace,
Iwas
scar
ed.Scar
edoftheout
come,scar
edofwhat
Bomi
wil
lhear
..

MyMotherisver
ygif
tedverbal
ly,
shewi
llsayt
hings
andact
ual
lyhaveyoubel
ievethem..

Me:I
'm sor
ryaboutl
astnight
,Iknowthatyou
meantnoharm..Someti
meshor monesgetinthe
wayandIjust
..I
'mtrul
ysorry

Bomi
:It
'sokay.
.Iunder
stand

VI
RGO

Wewer eatthecli
nics,I
'm duetoworkal
onet oday.
Aishawasn'ther
e..Sheusuallydoesal
lthewor k
andIgetthesignature,
Ididn'
tknowhowt opositi
on
themachine.Idi
dn'tknowt heangl
es.
.Ilookedat
theimage,i
twasskewed. .
Me:Fuck(
whi
sper
ing)
Pat
ient
:Dowehavet
odoi
tagai
n?
Me:Yes
Pat
ient
:Thi
sisf
ort
he3r
dti
me!
Me:Youmoved
Pat
ient
:Idi
dn'
t
Fut
hi:Hey
Me:Hey
Futhi
:Ar
eyougoingt
obedonesoon?Iwannause
themachi
neformyPati
ent
Me:I
'
llbedone
Fut
hi:Okay
Pati
ent
:MyDoctoriswai
ti
ngfort
heX-r
ayupst
air
s!
Theyneedt
ostartwit
hmyprocedur
e
Me:Iknow.
.Pl
easel
et'
str
yitagai
n
Pat
ient
:Doyouevenknowwhatyouar
edoi
ng?
Me:Pl
easegobackundert
hemachi
ne
Shewentback.
.
Me:Bi
tewi
thyourf
rontt
eet
hher
eont
hisbl
ock
Shedi
d..
Me:Moveyourchi
nfor
war
d
Shedi
d..
Me:Agai
n
Pat
ient
:Idi
d
Me:Don'
ttal
kjustf
oll
owi
nst
ruct
ions
Pat
ient
:Okay
Me:Okaywegood
Iwentt
otheexposur
eroom andexposed.

Il
ookedather
..
Pati
ent
:Itt
ouchedmyshoul
der
,heyi
ttouchedmy
shoul
deragai
n!
Me:Don'
tfuckenmove(
whi
sper
ing)
Pat
ient
:Itt
ouchedmyshoul
deragai
n!
Il
ookeddownandexhal
edi
nFust
rat
ion.
.

Iwentbackt
oher
,shegotoutoft
hemachi
ne.
.
Pat
ient
:Itt
ouchedme
Me:That
'sbecauseyoumovi
ng
Ourl
ect
urerwal
kedi
n..

Her
:Vi
rgoot
her
sar
ewai
ti
ng
Pati
ent
:Itkeepsont
ouchingmyshoul
der
,he
doesn'
tknowwhathe'sdoing
Me:She'
smovi
ng
TheLect
urerl
ookedatt
hei
mageandshookher
head.
.
Lect
urer
:Mam pl
easegeti
nthemachi
neagai
n
Thepat
ientdi
d..
Lect
urer
:Theyneedt
oseethei
mpactedteeth,
they
needtoseehowbadthecasei
sforext
ract
ion.
.We
needasmileonthei
mage
Inodded.
.
Lect
urer:ThePat
ienti
stal
l,
askhert
obendal
it
tl
e..
Mam pleasebendalit
tl
e
Thepat
ientdi
d..
Lect
urer
:Pl
easebi
teher
enott
oomuch
Pat
ientbi
t.
..
Lecturer:Fr
ankfor
tlineint hemi ddl
eoft heearand
j
ustbel owtheeyeliket hat,hor
izontall
ine
separatesthefaceit'
sint hemi ddleoftheface
checkwi ththenosei twil
lguideyouwel l
Sheposi
ti
onedt
hepat
ientwel
l.
.
Lect
urer
:Youdon'
tmovet
hemachi
neyoumovet
he
pati
ent
Me:Okay
Lect
urer
:Let
'sgoandexpose
Wewentt
oexpose.
.
Lect
urer
:Seei
t'
snott
ouchingheront
heshoul
der
s
andwehaveabeauti
fulsmil
e
Ir
eal
lyneedAi
shabackt
hisi
sembar
rassi
ng!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
57] :31

BOMI(
VIRGO'
SMOTHER)

Iam veryawar eoftheagendamostgi rlsthatdated

mySonhad.Vi rgoisagoodl ookingyoungman
whocomesf r
om aweal t
hybackgr ound.Mostoft he
girl
swhocomehi swayareinitforthemoney. .
Theydon' tusual
lylast,
mySoni saver ydiff
icul
t
Persont odealwithandpartsofhi m beingthisway
i
sbecauseofme.Honest l
yspeaki ngIneverhad
i
ntentionsofhavingachi l
datthatt i
me, whenI
foundoutt hatIcouldn'
tabort
,Ipanicked.My
mot heralr
eadynot i
cedthatIwaspr egnantand
therewasnopul l
ingback.
OurGr eatancest or,wasMar riedt oawhi teMan.
Howt heymadei twor kwi thhi m, Iwillneverknow.
Hewasoft heDut chOr i
ginhenceourgenes. .
.Iwas
neverfullyinterestedint hef ami l
yhi storybecause
wedon' tevenknowt hatsi deofourf ami l
y,allI
knowi sthatt heyhadatl east5ki ds.3boysand2
girl
s.Theirmar r
iagedi dn'tlastfort hatlong,they
separatedaf tertheyhadt heir5t handl astbabyof
whichmyGr eatancest ormovedbackhomet othe
EasternCape. .I
tallcircl
esar oundt heApar theidEr
a,
there'
sal otthatwentdownt her eandIam not
entir
elyinterestedint hehi story..

IthurtsalotknowingwhatI'veputmySonthrough,
aboyneedshi sFatherandhenevergott
hat.My
futurerel
ati
onshipsdidn'
tevenworkoutt
oo,all
thosemenwer einandoutofmyl if
eandVir
go'sli
fe
soi twasamess.

IdowhatIdof
orhi
m becauseI
'
mtr
yingsohar
dto
mendourr
elat
ionshi
p,hehat
esmeIknow.Idon'
t
bl
amehim,I
'veputhi
mt hr
oughal
ot.
..

Ididn'texpectKoket
sotobef rom suchhumbl
e
beginnings,shecomesacr ossassomeonewho
comesf r
om agoodf i
nancialstabl
ebackgr
ound
fr
om howshecar ri
esherselfandhowshewears
andt akescareofhersel
f.
..

Thet ensioni
nt heroom,youcoul
dcutitwithaknif
e
noonehadsai danythi
ngasyet.Thiswomansi t
ti
ng
acrossuswasf umingdeepdown,ifIwasn'ti
nthe
room.Shewoul dskipthr
oughandstrangl
eher
Daught ertodeath

Me:Eeerr.
.MynameisBomiSwartbooi,
Iam
Ludwe'sMother
.Westumbl
edupont herevel
ati
on
thathehasimpr
egnat
edyourDaughterKetso
Shedi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing,
shej
ustl
ookedatme.
.
Me:Koket
socamet
omyhousewi
tht
hest
atement
t
hatyou.
.Youki
ckedherout
Shechuckl
edandf
oldedherar
ms.
.

Me:AsaMot herandanAdult,
Itdidn'
tfeelr
ightf
or
met ostaywithyourdaught
erwithoutyouknowing
aboutit
.I'
m heretofi
ndoutwhathappened

Her:ShesaidIkickedherout
?Thatstat
ementi
s
newt omyears..Inever
thel
esski
ckedherout
,she
packedupandl eftonherownandatt
ackedme
physical
ly

Il
ookedatKet
so.
.
Me:Youat
tackedyourMot
her
?
Her
:Shet
hrewmedown,
myhi
pst
il
lhur
ts
Me:That
'snotwhatIhear
dMoss
Her
:That
'swhathappened?Am Il
yingKet
so?
Ket
sokeptqui
et.
.
Me:Af terheari
ngthis,
I'm notcomfort
ablewithyou
stayingatmypl ace.YoutoldmySont hatI
mi str
eatedyouwhi l
stthatdidn'
thappen.Iam
comf ortabl
ewithhelpi
ngoutwhenmyGr andchi
ldis
bor nandalsohelpingnowwi t
hmedicalexpenses
butIdon' tt
hinkyoucancont inuet
olivewithme,I
don'ttrustyou

Ketso:Thi
sisexactl
ywhatyouwant edAngit
hi?You
wantedtokickmeoutbutdi dn'
tknowhowsoyou
resort
edtothi
s..Comehereandganguponme,
howi syourSongoingtofeelaboutthi
smat t
er
whenhehear saboutit
?Youar egoingtoloseyour
Sonandi t
'l
lbeallonyou!

Me:It
hinkIhear
dwhatIneededt
ohear
,thankyou
f
oryourti
meand..

It
ookoutanenvel
ope.
.
Me:Thiswi
llcovert
heclothesyoul
eftatmyhouse,
Idon'
twantyoubackthereagain

Ket
so:What
?
Me:Youar
epoi
son
Ketso:Youar
enoteventhebestmot
her
!Youdon'
t
evenknowwhoVirgo'
sfatheri
s

HerMot
herl
ookedather
..
Her
:Hey!
!Bomii
snotyouragemat
e!
Me:YesIdon'
tknowwhohisfat
heri
sbutatl
east
I'
m doi
nggoodwithmySonandI'
venever
disr
espect
edmyMother

Igotup.
.
Me:Ni
sal
ekahl
eMa(
Thankyou)
Ketso:Youdidthebi
ggestmist
akeofyourlifeIt
ell
you!Waituntil
Vir
gohearst
hisyouwillneversee
him agai
n!!
!!Doyouhearme?You'l
lneverseehim
again!

Icheckedmyphone, i
thasbeenrecordi
ngthi
s
wholetime.Isentt
oVirgoandwalkedout.
.

AI
SHA

Asewasinmyroom tel
li
ngmeaboutt
heeventsof
t
odayandwhathappenedatt
hecl
ini
cs.Il
aughed.
.

Ase:Thelect
urerhadt
ocar
ryhi
mthr
ough,
the
embarrassment!
!

Me:Youl
ie
Ase:I
twasembar
rassi
ngf
ri
end
Me:Icani
magi
ne
Ase:It
houghtwhenyouguyscarr
youtyour
cl
ini
cal
shehelpsandwhatnot?
Me:KuphiIusual
lydoever
ythi
ng
Ase:That
'swhyhe'
snotl
ear
ningMoss
Me:I'
mf ai
li
ngtobel i
evethatVi
rgoisnotsmart
,he'
s
fr
om anexpensiveprivat
eschool.I
'
veseenaPicof
himinunif
orm Isearchedtheschooli
t'
spret
ty
expensi
ve.Schoolfeesis9kamont h
Ase:9kf
orVi
rgot
oknownot
hing
Me:Don'
tsaysucht
hingsmaybehe'
sst
il
llear
ning
Ase:Haiwewi
llsee

VI
RGO

Iwasupsett
wice,
fir
stfr
om whathappenedatthe
cl
ini
csandnowhearingthi
s..Ical
ledmyMother.
.
Bomi
:Vi
rgo
Me:Il
ist
enedt
oit
,I'
m sor
ry
Bomi
:Ar
eweevensur
ethebabyi
syour
s?
Me:I
'
m notsurejustdi
dn'
twantmybabygr
owi
ng
upwi
thoutafat
herifhe'
smine
Bomi :Howaboutwewai
tfort
hebabyt
obebor
n
fi
rstandthendoaDNAtest
Me:That
'sbet
ter
Bomi:LudweIdon'
twantherst
ayi
ngatmyhouse
she'
sdangerous
Me:Iunder
stand
Bomi
:Il
eftheratherhome
Me:Youdi
dgood
Bomi
:Wenaar
eyouokay?
Me:Idon'
tknow
Bomi
:What
'swr
ong?
Me:IknowyouwantmetobeatschoolbutBomi
i
t'
shard..Thi
scour
sei
sdi
ff
icul
tIcan'
t
Bomi
:Don'
tsayt
hat
Me:Ipromiseyou, Ijustwannacomebackhomeon
theotherhandI '
vemessedt hi
ngsupwit
hAisha
shewasagoodgi r
lf
riendandagoodst
udypart
ner
..
Ireal
lydon'tknow
Bomi
:Whathappened?
Me:Justal
otIdon'
tknow
Bomi
:Can'
tyouf
ixt
hings?
Me:She'
shadenough
Bomi:Aishal ooksl i
kesomeonewhocomesf r
om a
dif
fi
cultbackgr oundandt hati
sgood, youcan
manipulat
et hem wi thmoney..She'
sal ovel
ygirl
,
she'
ssmar t,respectfulandambiti
ousyour eal
ly
hadagoodgi rl
friendandthat'
sthetypeofgirl
deser
vingofoursur name
Me:Idon'
tknowhowt of i
xthi
s,Ineedher.We
par
tneruponal otoft
hingsandIfeelshecanal
so
hel
pmegeti nt
oBDSnextyear
Bomi
:Ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hisgi
rl
?
Me:Ver
ysur
e
Bomi
:OkayI
'
llhel
pbutIdon'
twannahel
pthenyou
pl
ayher
Me:Il
oveherandIwannabewi
thher
,nooneel
se
Bomi
:Okay.
.I'
l
lhel
pjustkeepyourheadup
Me:Okay
Bomi
:I'
l
lcal
lyouagai
n
Me:Okay
Bomi
:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

AI
SHA

Asewaswalki
ngmebacktomyr
oom whenI
recei
vedacal
lfr
om Bomi
..

Me:Ihavet
otaket
his
Ase:OkayI
'
llseeyout
omor
rowmor
ningatschool
Me:Okaybye
Ianswer
ed.
.
Me:Hel
lo
Bomi
:Ai
shahowar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Bomi
:I'
m goodwaschecki
nguponyou
Me:Ohw.
.Thankyou
Bomi
:Youokay?
Me:I
'
mfi
ne
Bomi
:Vi
rgot
oldmet
hatyout
woar
ehavi
ng
pr
obl
ems
Me:Sor
tof
f
Bomi :Ij
ustwantt
oknowt hatwhateverhappens
betweenyoutwo,itwon'taffectournewlyfound
fri
endshipandrel
ati
onship.IadoreyouAi shaand
theti
mewespent ,Ifel
tli
keIhadaDaught er.I
've
alwayswantedaDaught er
Me:Ienj
oyedt
oo
Bomi
:Tal
kagai
n..Enj
oyyourni
ght
Me:Yout
oo
Bomi
:Bye
Me:Bye
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
57] :32

AI
SHA

Thefoll
owingmorningIpr
eparedmyselff
orschool
,
aft
erIhadwokenupandpr ayed.Ir
eal
izedthat
Bomi hadsentmeamessage, i
twasmor eofan
aff
ir
mat i
onwhichread:

"Wakeupknowingthatyouarebeaut
if
ul,youhol
d
potent
ialt
obecomesomet hi
ngbett
erthanthe
goalsyousetf
oryoursel
f.Gothr
oughthisdayand
don'tall
owanyonet ostealapar tofyourhappi ness.
Peoplecanonl yhurtyoutot heextentthatyou
all
owt hem too,don'
tall
owyour selftoshedt ears
norbeunhappybecauseofanot herperson.In
everythi
ng,alwaysprotectyourpeaceandsani ty"

I
twasabeaut
if
ulaff
irmat
ionthatIr
eadoutaf
ew
t
imes,
allt
hewaytothebus.
..

Idon'tknowhowt hisdayisgoi
ngt
owor kout
,
especial
lysi
nceVirgoandIwenotinthebestter
ms.
Ihopehewon' tbeat hor
nundermyfeet
..

Thebusarri
vedatschoolandt
hewalktoclasswas
adreadf
ulone,mymindwasallovert
heplaceand
myheartwasnotatease.

Asewasalreadyinclass,ourfi
rstcl
asswasa
combinedone.Dentaltherapy,
OralHygi
eneand
Bachel
orofDenti
str
y..
Me:Whendi
dyougether
e?
Ase:It
ookt
hef
ir
stbus
Me:That
'swhy
Ase:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:Wewi
llseehowt
hedaygoes

Peopl
est
art
edtofi
llupthehall,
thenVirgowalked
i
n.Hehadabuckethaton,thatheloweredal
lthe
waydown.Myheartst
artedtobeatveryfast
,Ase
hel
dmyhand..

Ase:I
t'
sokay

Hesatr ightbehindme,Icoul
dfeelt
hehair
satthe
backofmyneckst andi
ngup.It
ri
edsohardto
i
gnor ethefear,andwhenthelect
urest
art
edmy
fearsiezedalit
tle.
.
Hejoi
nedin,
inhisrowbyhisf
ri
ends.I
tmadet
he
si
tuat
ionmoreunsett
li
ng.
..

Thecl
asswasanhour,
wewereinst
ruct
edtoread
upmoreonthet
opicwehandl
edthi
smor ni
ngas
wearegoi
ngtohaveaqui
zonournextcl
ass..
.

Therestofusat t
endi
ngwentokay,hewasn't
breat
hingthroughmyneck.Heactual
lygaveme
peaceandt hatwaswhatIwasyearni
ngfor.
..

Duri
nglunchti
mewesetof
ftot
hecaf
eter
ia,
andwe
or
deredGalit
os..

Ase:Youdoi
nggood
Me:Yout
hink?
Ase:Yes
Me:I
'
m gl
adhegavemeabr
eat
her
Ase:Yaat
hat
'
swhatwewantr
ight
?
Me:Ri
ght

POZI
SWA

Idon'tknowhowFuthipull
editoff
,butshe
switchedgroupsf
orRadiographyandshecamet
o
ours.Shewasmypar t
ner..

Wewer esi
tt
ingint
helect
urehallandt
alki
ng,
Iwas
t
ell
ingheraboutVi
rgoandAisha..

Shewasl
aughi
ngherl
ungsoutl
ikeamadgoat
..

Futhi
:Vi
rgoi
sver
yar
rogantwhatwasAi
sha
thi
nki
ng
Me:Ihavenoi
deawhatshewast
hinki
ng
Fut
hi:ShameSkepselbant
u
Wel
aughed.
.
Me:She'sver
ybori
ngshame,bei
ngherfr
iendi
s
ti
ri
ngandit'
sver
ybori
ng.Shethi
nkshi
ghlyof
hersel
f
Futhi
:Justbecauseshehasabi
tofbr
ainsshe
thi
nksshe'sal
lthat
Me:IwishshegoesbacksoVi
rgocancrushher
moreandshefail
ssoshecanunder
standthereal
l
if
e
Fut
hi:That
'sbr
utal
Me:Andherasssucki
ngf
ri
end
Fut
hi:Thatonebor
esmet
odeat
h
Me:Mi
ssgoodyt
woshoes
Fut
hi:Mam'
Fundi
si(
APast
or'
swi
fe)
Me:Al
lthat
'
smi
ssi
ngi
saBi
ble
Fut
hi:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou
Me:Il
ikeyou,
Ithi
nkwecanbegoodf
ri
ends
Fut
hi:It
hinksot
oo

VI
RGO

IkeptoncheckingifAishawasonli
ne,Ievenwent
asf arasdownloadingFacebookj
ustt
ost al
kher
.
HeraccountisprivatesomyFacebookrequesti
s
sti
llpendi
ng..

Shedidn'
tseem l
ikeshewashurtbyourf
allout
,li
fe
seemedtobenormalf orher
..

Imight'
vebeenanassyes, butwesharedgood
ti
mes!That'
sgot t
acountforsomethi
ngr i
ght?Why
i
sn'tshesobbing,whyisn'
tsheshowinganysigns
ofhurt?I
'm outherel
osingmymi ndoverthi
sand
sheseemsokay

Jo:Yourmi
ndseemst
obef
araway
Il
ookedathi
m..
Mo:What
'sonyourmi
nd?
Me:Ibr
okeupwi
thmygi
rl
fr
iend
Mo:Thepr
egnantone?
Me:Not
he.
.Act
ual
lyt
hatwasmyEx
Jo:Uhm okay
Me:Thegi
rlIbrokeupwi
thi
s..Hernamei
sAi
sha
she'
sinmyclass
Jo:Idon'
tknowher
Igotherpi
ctur
eandshowedt
hem,
Jowhi
stl
ed.
.
Jo:Thebr
east
s
Thi
siswhatIwasscar
edof
..
Jo:Theybeaut
if
ul,
she'
sbeaut
if
ul
Mo:Theybi
gbutnotunat
tr
act
ivebi
g
Jo:Theyper
fect
Mo:Youonl
ysayi
ngthatbecausewhit
eguysar
e
moreat
tr
act
edbybeaststhananyt
hing
Jo:I
'
m bei
ngf
orr
eal
,she'
sbeaut
if
ul
Mo:Thatshei
s
Jo:Whydi
dyouguysbr
eakup?
Theygavememyphoneback.
..
Jo:She'
sreal
lybeaut
if
ul
Mo:Ver
ybeaut
if
ul
Thatwasst
range.
.

AI
SHA

Me:Wher
eisPo?
Ase:Thatonehasbeenhangi
ngaroundwi
thFut
hi,
t
heyevenPar t
ner
sinRadiogr
aphy
Me:Howcome?I
sn'
tshei
ngr
oupA?
Ase:Idon'
tknowhowshepul
ledi
tof
f
Me:Somet
hingi
sof
fwi
thher
Ase:ThoughtIwast
heonl
yonewhowasseei
ng
t
hat
Me:Haiwewi
llseewher
etheygoi
ngt
oendup
Ase:Tr
ue

Myphonebeeped.
.Itwasawhat
sappmessage
f
rom Vi
rgo:

"
Imi
ssyou"

Ionl
yreadanddel
ete.
.Idon'
trepl
y

Isawt
hathewast
ypi
ng:

"
Canweatl
eastbeci
vilt
owar
dseachot
her
?"

Iswal
lowed.
.
Ase:What
'
sournextcl
ass?
Me:Huh?
Ase:Ournextcl
ass
Me:Uhm.
.I'
m notr
eal
lysur
e
Ase:Yougood?
Iputmyphoneaway.
.
Me:YeahI
'
m good.
.Sor
ryaboutt
hat
Ase:Okay

VI
RGO

Sobasi
cal
lyt
hisi
showmuchl
ovehur
ts?
Shewasn' treplyi
ngtomymessages,shehas
disabledthe"readopti
on"Idon'
tknowifshewas
reading,butIbeli
eveshewas.Sheis,becauseaf
ter
sendingshe'llbeonli
ne,t
hengooffagain.
.

Jo:Howdeepwast
hebr
eakup?
Me:Pr
ett
ydeep
Jo:That
'swhyyousomi
ser
abl
e?
Mo:Whydon'
tyouj
ustt
alkt
oher
Me:Shedoesn'
twannat
alk
Jo:Thengi
vehert
imet
othi
nkt
hingst
hroughand
cal
m down
Mo:Isuppor
tthat
,unl
essyoucheat
ed
Me:Idi
dn'
tcheat
Jo:Theni
t'
llbef
ixed
Me:We'
l
lsee
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
57] :33

AI
SHA

Schoolwasn'
tbad,
Vir
gogavemepeace.
.
Hedi
dn'
tbot
hermeandIwasabl
etogett
hrough
t
heday.
.

Wewer edonewi t
hcl assesandwewer eaboutto
l
eaveforthebus.Ever yoneIhadwentoutandI
packedupmyt hingsput ti
ngt hem backinmybag.I
pi
ckedupmybagf r om thetableandwhenIturnedI
bumpedintoVirgo..Isteppedbackal it
tl
ewit
hmy
heartr
aci
ng..Heext endedhi shandandheldmy
arm..

Vi
rgo:I
'
m sor
ry.
.Ar
eyouokay?
Me:I
'
m okay
Heclear
edthelocksthatcameoverandcr
owded
myface,hecl
earedthem tothebackofmyear
..
Vi
rgo:I
'
m sor
ryagai
n
Me:I
t'
sokay
Hesmel
lsni
ce,
Ili
ket
hesmel
lofhi
scol
ogne
Me:I
..Ihavet
ogo
Vi
rgo:YesI
'
m sor
ry
It
ri
edtomovebutwekeptonbumpingi
ntoeach
ot
her,
itwasr
idi
cul
ous.Hechuckl
ed.
Vi
rgo:Letmemove
Hesteppedasi
de,
thenIwal
kedoutoft
hel
ect
ure
hal
l.
.

Ase:Iwaswonder
ingwhatwast
aki
ngsol
ong
Me:I
'
m goodl
et'
sgo
Wewal
kedt
othebus.
.

VI
RGO

Thisweektheli
stf
ort
heOralhygi
enecl
ini
cal
sis
comingout.ImademywaytotheHOD,Iknocked
atherdoor
..
Her
:Comei
n
Imademywayi
n..
Me:Goodaf
ter
noonMr
sIbr
ahi
m
Her
:Goodaf
ter
noon
Isatdown.
.
Me:Mynamei
sVi
rgo,
Vir
goSwar
tbooi
.I'
mint
he
BDTgr
oup
Her
:HowmayIhel
pyou?
Me:Ibel
ievet
hatthel
istf
ort
heOr
alHygi
ene
cl
ini
cal
siscomingup?
Her
:Tomor
rowaf
ter
noon
Me:Thi
smi
ghtsoundof
fbut
..MayIbepai
redwi
th
Ai
sha?
Her
:Idon'
tunder
stand
Me:Wealreadypair
edi
nRadi
ographyandshe'
sa
ver
yshyperson,shewoul
dbeuncomfort
abl
ewith
someoneelse
Her
:OhwIsee.
.I'
l
lpai
ryout
oget
her
,justwr
it
eyour
namesher
e
Shehandedmet
hepaperandpen.
.
Me:Thankyou

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Iwasi
nmyr
oom goi
ngcr
azy.
.MyMot
herwal
ked
i
n..

Ma:Yeeeystopr uini
ngmyfurni
tur
e,youdidn'
tbuy
thebed,youdidn'tbutt
hedr
essingtabl
e,you
boughtnothi
ng!
Me:Whydoyouhat
emesomuch?Whydi
dn'
tyou
j
ustl
ieatl
east
?
Ma:Lieaboutwhat
?Vel
eunomoyaomubi
!(youar
e
cr
uel)
Me:Il
eftyourhouse!Whydoyoual
wayshavet
o
r
uineveryt
hingforme?
Ma:Ruinedwhat
?Youbr
oughtt
hiswomani
ntomy
house!
!
Me:Youar
eevi
lIhat
eyou!
!
It
hrewmybodyl
oti
onather
..
Ma:Yewena!
!
Shewal
kedupt
ome.
.
Me:Iwi
llki
llyou!Iwi
llki
llyou!
!
Imovedbackwardsandt
ookt
hesi
del
amp,
Ihi
ther
ontheheadwit
hit.
.
Ma:Ahhhhh!
!
Me:Whydon'
tyouj
ustl
eavemeal
one?
?
Ma:Youar
ecur
sed!
!Youar
eacur
sedchi
ld!
!
Icl
ickedmyt
oungeandwal
kedout
..

AI
SHA

Iwasint
hebusonacallwit
hmySi st
er,
shekepton
aski
ngaboutVi
rgot
hatIt
oldher
..
Si
s:Thi
siswhatIwasscar
edof
Me:I
t'
sal
ri
ght
..I
'
m donewi
thhi
m
Sis:AishaI'
m notsayi
ngyouareugly,
butSisbe
vigi
lantwhenaguywal ksuptoyou.Ahandsome,
wellstabl
eguyl i
keVir
go?Youreal
lydidn'
tthi
nk
thathewasi nt
oyour i
ght?
Me:Whywoul
dn'
thebe?
Si
s:Lookathi
m,l
ookatyou
Me:Ohw
Sis:TheseguyshaveAgendashepr obablywas
withyoubecausehecoul dn'
tgetsomeoneasyet.
Hej ustwant
edyouf orsexnothi
ngmor e,
hewas
usingyouonlyforsex
Me:Youdon'
thavet
owor
ry,
Vir
goandIwedone
Sis:I
'
m glad.
.Focusonschool
,i
magi
necomi
ng
backherepregnantoradr
opout
Me:Thatwon'
thappen
Sis:Good!I
twouldbeanembarrassmentf
orusand
yoursel
f,Mom woul
dbedisappoint
edshewil
lhave
ahear
tat
tack
Me:IknowThobeka!I
'
m notst
upi
d
Si
s:I
nthi
scaseyouar
e,Lovecanmakeyoust
upi
d
Me:Il
efthi
m di
dn'
tI?
Si
s:I
'
m notf
ight
ingwi
thyou,
I'
m onyoursi
de
Me:Somet
imesi
tfeel
sli
keyouf
ight
ingwi
thme
Si
s:I
'
m not
Me:Canwet
alkl
ater
?
Si
s:Okaybye
Me:Bye
Ihungup.
.

Ase:Ever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:JustmySi
s,somet
imesIf
eell
ikeshe'
san
enemy!
Ase:Haif
ami
ly
VI
RGO

Iwasdr
ivi
ngbackhomewhenIr ecei
vedacal
lfr
om
Ket
so.
.Iputheronl
oudspeaker
..

Me:Hi
?
Ket
so:Ohhmywor
d!
Me:What
?
Ketso:YourMotheri
sevi
l,
sheknowsItol
dher
aboutmysi t
uat
ionathomebutshedr
oppedmeof
f
hereatmyhousef ormyMothert
ocomeatme!
Me:I
sit
?
Ketso:MyMot herjustat
tackedme,I
'
mr unni
ng
downt hestr
eetscaredandI '
minpai
n..Vi
rgoIf
eel
l
ikeI'
m goingtolosemybaby
Me:MyMot
herdi
dwhat
?
Ketso:She'
sevil
!She'
snodiff
erentf
rom myMother
!
Ididn'
texpecthert
oacceptmeatleastt
oler
ateme
forthesakeofmybaby,ourbaby
Me:Sowhatyouwantmet
odo?
Ket
so:Whatdoyoumean?Ihavenowher
etogo!
Me:Howi
sthatanyofmybusi
ness?
Ket
so:Vi
rgo!
!
Me:MyMot hersentmet heconversati
on,what
happenedatyourhouse.Can'tbeli
eveyoualmost
tur
nedmeandmymot heragainsteachot
her
Ket
so:Vi
rgo
Me:Leavemealone,
youandIwewi
llt
alkwhent
he
babyi
sbornaf
teraDNAtest
Ihungup.
..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Iwassitt
ingont
hest
oep,
mypl
ani
scr
ashi
ngdown
real
lybad..

Thi
sisnothappeni
ng.
.
Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om mysi
ster
..
Me:Sei
pat
i
Her
:Youat
tackedmyMot
her
?
Me:Ohw
Her
:Shej
ustcal
ledmecr
yingandi
npai
n
Me:YourMot
heri
sevi
l
Her:Youareevi
l!Youar
eacursei
nourf
ami
ly.
.I
can'
tbeli
eveyouandIaresi
bli
ngs
Me:Met
oohey
Her
:I'
m onmywayt
her
e,Ihopei
t'
llbegonebyt
hen
Me:Thi
sisal
somyhome!I
'
m notgoi
nganywher
e
Her
:Okaywewi
llsee
Me:Ri
ghtbackatyou!
Shehungup.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
Bonuscomi
ngl
ater
[
03/
14,
21:
57] :34

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

MyMot herwasinhermoodsaf terouranti

cipat
ed
fi
ght
,shelockedherselfintheroom anddidn't
comeout.Ididn'
treal
lycarebecauseIf eelapartof
herr
uinedwhatIwascr eat
ingmyselfaper f
ect
fami
ly,astabl
ehomeandast abl
efutureformy
Son.
.

Howam It orai
sehi
m wi t
houtaFather?Wi
thout
knowingwhohisFatheris?Nomoney, nof
orm of
supportandIshoul
d'veseenthatbi
tchBomi
comingforme..

MySi
sterdi
dar
ri
ve,
shewasf
umi
ng.
.
Sei
pati
:Iwantyouout,Iwantyououtofmy
Mother
'shouse!Iwantyououtri
ghtnow!

Shehasnorightt
othr
owmeoutofmyMot her'
s
house,i
t'
sal
somyhouse.Ihavear
ightt
ostay
here.
.

Iwaspi
cki
ngupt
hebr
okenpi
ecesofwhatusedt
o
bemyLamp..

Sei
pat
i:Ar
eyouhear
ingme?
Me:I'
vebeenthr
ought hemostt
oday,
pleaseIdon'
t
wantanydramafrom you
Seipat
i:Whatdrama?Dramat
hatyoucaused?
Dramat hatyoucr
eated?

MyMot
herwal
kedi
n,herf
oreheadhadabump.
.
Ma:Shet
ri
edt
oki
llme!Usat
haneLent
o!(
she'
sthe
devi
l)

Me:Youwer
eaboutt
oat
tackme,
Iwasdef
endi
ng
mysel
f!

Ma:Idi
dnosucht
hing!
!

Shel
ookedatmySi
ster
..

Ma:Sei
pat
iIwantt
hisgi
rloutofmyhousebef
ore
sheki
ll
sme!

Sei
pat
i:Youhear
dMom!Leave
Me:Andgowher
e?
Sei
pati
:Youshoul
d'vethoughtaboutt
hatbef
ore
at
tacki
ngmyMot her!
Me:Can'
tyouguysj
ustgi
vemeabr
eat
her
?
Sei
pat
i:Thi
sisget
ti
ngt
ir
ing

Shewal
kedupt
omeandgr
abbedmyar
m..
Sei
pat
i:Tsamayamaan!
!Fel
apl
eke!
!(l
eave)
Me:Youhur
ti
ngme!
Itr
iedtopushheroffandgetawayfr
om hergroup,
sheletgoandpushedmeawayf rom herhar
d.I
l
andedont hef
looronmyt ummy.

Me:Ahhhhh!
!!
!!
!!

AI
SHA

Iwastakingabreakfrom st
udyi
ngdecidedto
browsethroughsoci
almedia,onInst
agram i
t
showedVi r
gouploaded3pictur
es.Imustadmithe
wasl ooki
ngli
keasnack.Hewasfrom theshower ,
hisupperbodywaswet.Thathai
ryali
gnedvertical
partofhim,f
rom bel
owhisbel
lybutt
onextending
allt
hewaydown. .Hi
swethair
,hi
m biti
nghislower
l
ip..

I
twasal otofheatt
ohandleandcomment swer
e
f
loodi
ngthrough,Ij
ustl
ikedi
tandcont
inuedwit
h
mylif
e..

Onwhat sappitwasmor etor

ture,
pict
uresanda
videowithasongplayingatthebackground.I
twas
toomucht ohandleforonePerson.Whydoeshe
havetolookthisgoodbutbesovi l
e?Idon't
underst
and..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Theshar
ppainthatwasar
isi
ngf
rom mytummy
wasunbear
able,nott
omenti
ont
hebleedi
ng.Iwas
scr
eaminginpai
n,Ican'tl
osemybaby..Thi
swas
myonlymaleti
cket
,itcouldbeVir
go'
sbabyand
nowI'
l
lnevergetmyf or
tuneshoul
dhedie..

MySisterhadcall
edanAmbul ance,
andIfeelshe
wasdelayi
ngonpur pose.Sheknowsthat
Ambulancestaketi
me, shecoul
dusehercar.
.

Sei
pat
i:Ket
soI
'
m sor
ry.
.Hol
donhel
pisont
heway

Ma:Putapi
ll
owbehi
ndher
Sei
pat
i:Okay
Me:Justtakemet
othehospit
alpl
ease,
Idon'
t
wannalosemybaby(cr
ying)
Seipat
i:Wecan'
tmoveyou,
youbl
eedi
ng.
.Wecoul
d
causemoredamage
Shecamewi
tht
hepi
ll
ow,
sheputi
tbehi
ndme.
.
Me:Pl
easet
akemet othehospi
tal
,Idon'
twanna
l
osemybaby(cr
ying)
VI
RGO

Ireal
izedt
hatAishaaccept
edmyfri
endr
equeston
Facebook,i
t'
sgood.That'
sagoodsi
gnIthi
nk.
.

Iwentandli
kedallt
hepi
ctur
esshe'
spost
ed,
Idi
dn'
t
wannacloudherandmakeheruncomf
ort
abl
eit
mightscar
eheroff.
.

Ideci
dedt
oletherbefornow,Ial
soreal
izedt
hat
shevi
ewedmywhat sappstat
usuploads

Iviewedher
stoo,
sheupl
oadedar
andom pi
ctur
e.I
repli
ed:

"
Beaut
if
ul"
Iexpect
edhert
oignor
easal
ways,
butsher
epl
ied
back:

"
Thankyou"

Ideci
dedt
hent
otakemychance.
.

"
Goodf
oracal
l"

Shetookti
met or
espondt
othatmessage,
butshe
fi
nal
lyrepl
ied:

"
Okay"

Ical
ledherri
ghtaway,
shedi
dn'tpi
ckupr
ightaway.
Sheleti
tri
ngforawhil
efi
rst
..

Ai
sha:Hi
Me:Mspr
ett
ythang
Ai
sha:Hey
Me:Yougood?
Ai
sha:I
'
m goodandyou?
Me:I
'
m good

Thecallwasawkwar
d,mor
eespeci
all
ysi
ncewhat
happened.
.

Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Ai
sha:Taki
ngabr
eakf
rom st
udyi
ng,
you?
Me:Justchi
ll
ingandbor
ed
Ai
sha:Shame
Me:Ai
sha
Ai
sha:Yes?
Me:I
'
m sor
ryaboutever
ythi
ng
Ai
sha:Why?Whydi
dyoudot
hat
?
Me:Thehonestt r
uthisthatI
..MyMot herhadaone
nightstandi nhervarsit
yyears,shefel
lpregnant.
Pregnantwi thme, bythetimeshewant edt oabort
.
Itwast oolate,soshehadnochoi cebuttolivewit
h
hermi stake.Aftershehadgivenbi r
tht
ome, she
dumpedmet omyGr andmotherthatwasf oll
owing
previ
ousabor t
ionsthatshehad.
Ifeeli
fmyGr andmot herdi
dn'
tint
ervene,she
could'
vedumpedmesomewher e,ki
ll
edmeorl ef
t
meatt hehospit
al.Igrewupwithoutknowingmy
Father
,it
'ssomethingthatmademet heangry
PersonthatIam today

Sheexhal
ed.
.
Ai
sha:Thati
sheavy
Me:Whenthosethought
svisi
tme,Il
osemysel
fand
becomeangryt
henIhurttheonesIl
ove
Ai
sha:Haveyout
ri
edt
her
apy?
Me:No..Idi
dn'
tseeareasontoo.
.Whenyoudidn'
t
dealwi
thmynonsensethat'
swhenIreal
izedt
hati
f
Idon'tdosomet hingabouti t
,I'
l
lkeeponl osingthe
Peoplewhomat terthemost .Myrelati
onshipswere
neverstable,Icomeof fascoldhear t
edIknowbut
aft
erourf all
outIf eltpai
nbecauseIl oveyou, Il
ove
yousomuch. .Idon' texpectyoutobewi t
hmebutI
doprayyouwi llfindsomeonewhowi l
lloveyou
bett
er,youdeser vet obel ovedbett
er
Ai
sha:Il
ovedyou,
Iwasgoodt
oyou
Me:Iknow.
.Ibl
amenoonebutmysel
f
Ai
sha:Whyar
eyout
ell
ingmet
hisnow?
Me:Becauseyoudeservet
oknow,hencemy
br
okenrelat
ionshi
pwit
hmyMot her
Ai
sha:Shedoesn'
tknowyourf
atheratal
l?
Me:I
twasaoneni
ghtst
and
Ai
sha:I
'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat
Me:I
t'
sokay,
I'
llgett
hrough
Ai
sha:Ihopeyoudogethel
p
Me:Iwi
ll
..Thankyouf
orpi
cki
ngup
Ai
sha:Youwel
come
Me:Goodni
ght
Ai
sha:Ni
ght

Ihopesheboughtthat,
I'
veneverbeenthis
vul
nerabl
etoanothergir
lbef
oreonlyKetso.
.

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

TheAmbulancefi
nall
yarri
vedandIwast
aken
st
rai
ghtt
ot hehospi
tal
..

Iwasscar
ed,Iwasver
yscar
ed.
.Ikeptmyhandson
mytummy..

Theyletmegot
othehospi
talal
one,
theywer
e
scar
ed.Scar
edofwhatt
hey'
vedone.

AI
SHA
Iwentbacktostudyi
ngbutcouldn'
tconcent
rat
e,I
keptonchecki
ngouthispicsandIwasr emi
nded
backtoal
lthesexwe'vehad.Inaway,itmademe
horny.
.

Ikeptont
ypi
nganddel
eti
ng,
typi
nganddel
eti
ng.
.

Hecal
led,
li
keher
eadmymi
nd.
.

Me:Hey
Vi
rgo:You'
vebeent
ypi
ngf
orawhi
lenow
Me:Ohwuhm yes.
.Igotdi
stur
bed
Vi
rgo:Whatwer
eyout
ypi
ng?
Me:Nothi
ngser
iousIwas.
.Iwant
edt
oremi
ndyou
t
hat.
..
Vi
rgo:That
??
Icl
osedmyeyesandsi
ghed.
.
Me:OkayI
..Idon'
tknowwhatIwant
edt
otextyou
Vi
rgo:That
'si
mpossi
ble
Me:Don'
tmaket
hishar
d
Vi
rgo:I
'
m qui
et
Me:Goodni
ght
Vi
rgo:Justl
iket
hat
?
Me:Youcal
ledme
Vi
rgo:Youwer
etr
yingt
otextme
Il
aughed.
.
Vi
rgo:Ladi
esandgent
lemen,
shecanl
aughagai
n
Me:Don'
tbel
iket
hat
,don'
tbet
hatPer
son
Vi
rgo:Let
'sgooutt
omor
rowmor
ningf
orbr
eakf
ast
Me:Ir
eal
lydon'
tknow
Vi
rgo:Asnot
hingbutcl
assmat
es
Me:Youaskal
lyourcl
assmat
esout
?
Vi
rgo:Onl
ytheoneIhaveat
hingf
or
Me:Idon'
tknowaboutt
hathey
Vi
rgo:Icoul
duset
hecompany.
.
Me:Wel
lKFCi
snott
oobadwi
thbr
eakf
ast
Vi
rgo:Hmmmm kf
c
Me:Ar
eyoucompl
aini
ng?
Vi
rgo:Ohno.
..
Kfci
s,t
hei
rfoodi
sni
ce
Me:Haveyoueat
ensomet
hingf
rom t
her
e?
Vi
rgo:Ofcour
seIhave!
!
Me:Andt
hatwas?
Vi
rgo:Thei
r.
.Youknowt
hei
r.
.Imeant
hatt
hingt
hat
t
heyserve
Me:Whatt
hing?
Virgo:Okaylet
'ssayt
her
e'sgoi
ngt
obeaf
ir
stt
ime
foreveryt
hing
Me:Let
'
sgoaf
ter10am,
weeachgetast
reet
wise2
Vir
go:Yeaht
hatcoul
dwor
k,st
reet
wisesounds
good
Me:2pi
ecesofchi
ckenyouhavet
oeatandf
ini
sh
bot
hoft
hem
Vi
rgo:Wow.
..
Me:OrIcoul
djustgohavebr
eakf
astatschool
Vi
rgo:Noi
t'
sokay.
.Kf
cisf
inest
reet
wisei
sfi
ne
Me:Andyouhavet
oeatatt
hecaf
eter
iadur
ing
l
uncht
ime
Vi
rgo:Ei
sh
Iputmyhandovermymout
htr
yingnott
olaughout
l
oud..
Vi
rgo:Caf
eter
iat
oo.
.We'
l
leatatt
hecaf
eter
iat
oo
Me:Okayt
heni
t'
sadat
e
Vi
rgo:I
t'
sadat
e
Me:Goodni
ght
Vi
rgo:Ni
ghtMspr
ett
ythang
Ihungupandl
aughed.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
03/
14,
21:
58] :35

AI
SHA

By09:00am exactl
ythenextmorni
ng,wewereat
KFC.Virgohelduptotheendofhisdealbyshowing
upinthemor ni
ng,thenwedroveoutt
ot heKFC.We
gott
hest r
eetwise2andheglancedatit
.Wasstil
l
warm andcrunchy..
.

Vi
rgo:Lookatt
hat
,it
's.
.It
's.
.
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Vi
rgo:Let
'ssayt
his,
howaboutIwat
chyoueati
t?
Me:Thatwasnott
hepl
an
Hegavemeasi
desmi
le.
.
Heext
endedhi
shandt
omi
neandhel
dit
..
Vi
rgo:I
fIeat,youwil
lgi
vemeanotherchance..
Act
uall
ypleasegivemeanot
herchance,onelast
chance.I
fImessup,
Iwi
lll
etyougomysel
fno
reper
cussi
ons
Igotmyhandf
rom hi
sgr
ip.
.
Me:Idon'
tknow
Vi
rgo:Nor
eper
cussi
onsIpr
omi
se
Me:Iam notgoi
ngbackt
oyourf
lat
Virgo:Iunder
stand,wecandoahotelforsaf
ety
reasonsuntil
thatlevel
oft
rustcanbe
accompl i
shedagain
Inodded.
.
Me:Her
e,I
'
llputmi
neawayandwecanshar
eyour
s
Vi
rgo:That
'sbet
ter
!
Ishookmyheadwhi
lstsmi
li
ng.
.
Vi
rgo:I
'
llbeatt
endi
ngt
her
apy,
andIwoul
dli
keyou
t
ocomewi th
Me:Ar
eyouser
ious?
Vi
rgo:I
'
m ser
ious
Me:I
'
llcome
KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Iwokeupf rom adeepsleepfeel

ingal
lkindsof
unsett
led.Iwasfeeli
ngdrowsy,andst
illyear
ning
formoresleep.
.Ilookaroundwithmyeyespar ti
all
y
opened,theywereheavytokeepopen..ANur se
wasstandingtheregoingthr
oughmyf i
le..

Me:Hi
Nur
se:Hey.
.Youawake
Me:Whathappened?
Nur
se:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:Dr
owsy
Nur
se:I
'
llgett
heDr
,don'
tpani
ckj
ustkeepcal
m
Me:Whathappened?
Nur
se:Justkeepcal
m
ShewalkedoutandIbl
inkedaf
ewt
imest
henwent
backt
osl eep.
.

AI
SHA

Wedrovebacktoschool,hewashol
dingmyhand
anddr
ivi
ngwiththeotherhand.
.

Me:Youst
il
lfi
ner
ight
?Not
ummyache?
Vi
rgo:Justal
it
tl
e
Il
aughed.
..
Me:Youdr
amat
ic
Vi
rgo:CanIgetof
fthecaf
eter
iameal
?
Me:Idon'
tknowhey
Vir
go:WeateKFC,t
hatwasyourchoi
cecanI
choosewhatweeatl
ateron?I
t'
sonl
yfai
r
Me:Okayyoucanchoose
Vi
rgo:l
ateronat19:
00,
I
'l
lpi
ckyouupandwegoeat
whatIchoose
Me:OkayIaccept
Heki
ssedmehand.
.
Vi
rgo:Don'
tIhaveasur
pri
sef
oryou
Il
ookedathi
m..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

TheDrwal
kedi
nwi
tht
heNur
se.
.
Dr
:Goodmor
ning
Iwaswokenupbyt
hei
rfoot
steps.
.
Dr
:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:What
'sgoi
ngon?Whathappened?
TheDrsatdown.
.
Dr
:Doyour
ememberhowyouendedupher
e?
It
houghtf
orawhi
le.
.
Me:Iwasbr
oughti
n,Iwasbl
eedi
ng.
.Then.
.Then
youalsodidanUl
tr
asoundscan,t
herewasno
hear
tbeat
..Nohear
tbeatwasdet
ected

Imovedmyhanddownt
omyst
omach.
.
Me:Mybaby.
.Isheokay?
If
eltast
it
ch.
.Itwaspai
nful
..
Me:Mybaby.
.Isheokay?Di
dyousavehi
m?
Dr:Youpani
ckedaf t
erwetoldyouthatwecouldn'
t
hearaheart
beat.Hedidn'
tmakeit,
wehadt oput
youonGeneralanesthesi
aandperform an
emergencyC-sect
ion.
.I'
m sor
ry
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:No.
.No.
.
Dr
:Wecant
akeyout
oseehi
m
Me:No.
.Notmybaby(
cryi
ng)
Dr
:I'
m sosor
ry
Me:No.
.Pl
easeno.
.IwantmySonback!Gi
veme
backmySon!
!IwantmySon!
!!
!(scr
eami
ng)
AI
SHA

Asegavemeawei
rdl
ookasIwal
kedi
ntocl
ass
wit
hVirgo.
.

Me:Hi
Ase:Hit
oyout
oo
It
ookoutmymanual
..
Ase:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:I
'
mfi
ne
Ase:Hedi
dn'
tbot
heryou?Thr
eat
enyout
owal
kint
o
cl
asswit
hhim?
Me:Uhm no
Ase:Okay
Idi
dn'tknowhowIwasgoi ngtotel
lhert
his,
howdo
youtellsomeonesuchwhentheyhavesupport
ed
you??
Therestofthedaywentwel
l
,itwaspeacef
ulandI
enj
oyedit.
.

Afterourlastcl
asswewentdownt ocheckt
he
regist
erforourOralhygi
enecl
ini
cal
s.

Iwassur
pri
sedt
ofi
ndoutt
hatIwaspai
redwi
th
Vi
rgo.
.

Ase:How?He'
sSwar
tbooiyoursur
namesar
efar
of
f
Me:Iam shockedt
oo
Ase:Wehavet
ogoandt
alkt
oMr
sIbr
ahi
m
Me:Noi
t'
sokay
Ase:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:Can'
trunawayf
rom hi
mfor
everr
ight
?
Ase:Ri
ght
Wewentandwal kedoutofthebui l
ding,Asewentt o
thebathroom.Itoldhershewi llf
indmeatt heBus
Stati
on..WhenIwasatt heent ranceaboutt owal k
out,Vir
gowasst andingtherewi t
hhisf r
iends..I
didn'
tsayanyt hi
ngtohim, Ikeptmyheaddown.I
didn'
twannai nconveni
encehi m..Iwassur pr i
sed
whenhepul l
edmebymyar mt ohim andwr apped
hisarmsar oundmywai st.
.

Vi
rgo:Youwer
egoi
ngt
oleavewi
thoutsayi
ng
Goodbye?
Iwasst
unned,
didn'
tknowwhatt
osay.
.
Vi
rgo:Remembermyf
ri
ends?
Il
ookedatt
hem.
.
Me:Yes
Vi
rgo:Thi
sismygirl
fr
iend.
.Ai
sha,
theoneIwas
t
ell
ingyouboysabout
Jo:Ni
cet
omeetyou
Me:Met
oo
Mo:Thankyouf
ort
aki
nghi
m back,
hewas
mi
serabl
e
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Jo:Youbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
Me:Thankyou
Ibl
ushed.
.

Vi
rgo:I
'
llcomel
ateront
opi
ckyouup
Me:Okay
Hekissedme, t
hatwaswasunusual .Wedon'
t
publi
clyshowourlove.Neverhad,
soIwasn't
expecti
ngthi
s..
Vi
rgo:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Mo:911Ithi
nkIneedmygi
rl
fr
iendt
oo,
pleasesend
mygirl
fr
iend
Weal
llaughed.
.
Vi
rgosl
owlyl
etgoofmeandIwal
kedt
otheBus
st
ati
on,
prayi
ngtonotf
all
..
.

VI
RGO

Iwatchedherasshewalkedaway,deepdownIwas
happy.Happythatwewerebacktogether
,not
becausewewor kwel
ltoget
herbutIwasgenuinel
y
happy..

Jo:Ihear
dshe'
soneoft
hesmar
testi
nyour
progr
am
Me:Yeahshei
s
Jo:There'
snothi
ngmoresexyt
hanawomanwhoi
s
beauti
fulandhasbr
ainst
oo
Me:That
'sver
ytr
ue
Mo:Holdont ot
hatone,Il
ikethef
actt
hatshe'
snot
fake.Nofakepl
ast
icbody,toomuchmakeup.
Simpleandreal
Jo:Nohi
dingbehi
ndi
mper
fect
ions
Mo:Not r
yingt
ohideoffherimper
fect
ions,
embracesherst
ri
pes,cel
lul
it
eetc
Jo:Exact
ly?
Me:Ihavet
ogoguys
Jo:We'
llseeyoutomorr
ow,
don'tf
orgetaboutour
tour
namentthiscomi
ngweekend
Me:Iwon'
t
Mo:Wi
nnert
akesi
tal
l
Me:That
'swhat
'sup

Thatgavememor
ereasont
onotwannal
ethergo
anymore.
.

BOMI

Myphoner ang,
Iwasonmytabl
ewithmyPer
sonal
assi
stant
.Hewasinbet
weenmylegs..
Me:I
..Ihavet
otaket
hat
Hi
m:Now?
Me:Coul
dbemySon
Him:Can'
tyouleti
tri
ngf
oracoupl
eofmi
nut
es,
unti
lwedone?
Hebi
tmeonmyneck.
.

MyPAr esignedabout6monthsago, Ideci

dedt o
hir
eamal eformyownbenef i
ts.He'syoungerthan
meyesbutIneedsomeact ioninmyl if
e,andhe's
theact
ion.Nostri
ngsatt
ached!Atleastnotfr
om
myside.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
58] :36

AI
SHA
Ilookedatmysel fint hemirror.Iwaswear inga
dressandheel s.Notsomet hingt oohectic,not
somet hingovert het op.Justat ypicaldressf ort
he
occasion.Ihadal lkindsofthought sr unning
throughmymi ndr i
ghtnow.Am Idoi ngther i
ght
thingbyt akinghi m back?Wi lli
tbedi ffer
entthis
ti
mear ound?Am Iset ti
ngmysel fupf ormor eand
mor efailure?At extcamet hrought hathewas
downst airs.It
ookadeepbr eath..

VI
RGO

Iwaswaiti
ngf
orAi
shawhenIgotacal
lfr
om my
Mother
..
Me:Ical
ledyouthi
saf
ter
noon,
youdi
dn'
tpi
ckup,
di
dn'
tgetbacktome
Ma:OhwyaI
'
m sor
ryIwasi
nameet
ing
Me:Okaydi
ditgowel
l?
Ma:Wentbet
tert
hanIexpect
ed
Me:Okay
Ma:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne,
I'
m act
ual
lyt
aki
ngAi
shaout
Ma:Thi
ngsar
egoodbet
weenyout
wo?
Me:Yesshe'
sgi
venusanot
herchance
Ma:That
'sgood.
.Don'
tmessi
tup
Me:Iwon'
t
Ma:I
'
llt
ransf
eryoumoneyf
ort
hedi
nner
Me:Themeet
ingmust
'vewentr
eal
lywel
l
Ma:Yes.
.I'
minagoodmood
Me:Icant
ell
Ma:OkayI
'
llt
ransf
er.
.Doenj
oy
Me:Iwi
ll
Ma:OkayIl
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Ma:Bye
Me:Bye
Thatwasawkwar
d..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

TheNur
sebr
oughtf
oodf
orme.
.
Nur
se:Di
nneri
sser
ved
Me:I
'
m nothungr
y
Nur
se:Youhavet
oeat
Me:Isai
dI'
m nothungr
y!!
Nurse:Okayyouinahospit
al,pleasemakemyjob
easi
er.Iunder
standyougoi
ngt hroughadif
fi
cul
t
ti
mer i
ghtnowbutpleaseI
'm alsotryi
ngtodomy
j
ob
Me:Youcanj
ustl
eavemydi
nnert
her
e..Thankyou
Nurse:Wet ryourbestandyouguysmakeit
dif
ficul
tforusthentomorrowit
'l
lbe"
Nursesar
e
rude"
Sheputmyf
oodnextt
omybedont
opoft
hesmal
l
cabi
net
..

Nur
se:Goodni
ght
!

Shewal
kedout
..

AI
SHA

Imademywayoutandhewasst
andi
ngbyt
hecar
..
Me:Hey
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Vi
rgo:Heyyour
sel
f
Me:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?
Vi
rgo:Yes,
andyou?
Me:I
'
mready
Vi
rgo:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:Thankyou.
.Youhandsomeasal
ways
Vi
rgo:Thankyou
Heopenedt hedoorandIgoti
n,hecl
osedi
tand
cameallaround.Thenwedroveoutt
oour
dest
inat
ion..

Het
ookmeoutt
othi
scl
assyr
est
aur
ant
..
Ver
ybeaut
if
ulbutal
somademef
eelver
ysmal
l.
.

Asongwasplayi
ngwhenwewal
kedi
n,nott
ool
oud
ast
obothert
hecust
omers.
.

"It
hinki
t'
sti
meyouadmi
tthatI
'
mtheonl
yonef
or
youyeah
AndIt
hinki
t'
sti
me,
youl
etgoofal
lyourf
ear
s
Andj
ustt
rustmebabe'
causeIknowyourhear
t
AndIknowt
hisi
sn'
twhatyou'
remeantt
odo
Youhavepur
eint
ent
ions,
whati
sthei
ssue?
Soj
ustopenupandl
etmeseei
nsi
de
Maybeyoushoul
djustputyourpr
ideasi
de

Butasf
ormeyou'
ret
heone
Andi
nmyhear
tourt
imewi
llcome
'
Tilt
heendI
'
maal
waysber
ightbyyoursi
de
Butasf
ormeyou'
ret
heone
Andi
nmyhear
tourt
imewi
llcome
'
Tilt
heendI
'
maal
waysber
ightbyyoursi
de"

Wewer eshowntoourt
abl
e,heopenedt hechai
r
andIsatdown.I
twasabitdarkbutcandleswer
eli
t
andtheli
ghtbul
bsonthewall
s..

Ipi
ckedupt
hemenu.
.
Vi
rgo:Eer
rwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:Checki
ngoutt
hemenu
Vir
go:Noweeat
ingwhatI
'
m goi
ngt
oor
der
,
remember
?
Me:Ohw
Iputt
hemenubackont
het
abl
e..
Vi
rgot
urnedt
othewai
tr
ess.
.
Vi
rgo:Pl
easest
artusof
fwi
thOyst
ers
Me:Huh?
Vi
rgo:Oyst
erspl
ease
Wai
tr
ess:Okay
Vi
rgo:Andabot
tl
eofwhi
tewi
ne
Wai
tr
ess:Comi
ngr
ightup
Shel
eft
,Il
ookedathi
m..
Vi
rgo:Ohwandpl
easedoeatal
loft
hem
Me:Thoset
hingsl
ookdi
sgust
ing
Vi
rgo:Adeali
sadeal
Hepi
ckedupt
hemenu.
.
Me:Andwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Vi
rgo:Or
der
ingsomet
hingf
ormysel
f
Me:Wai
twhat
?Wesupposedt
oeatt
hem t
oget
her
Vi
rgo:Thatwasneversai
d
Me:Iat
ewi
thyou
Vi
rgo:I
twasyourchoi
ce
Me:Idon'
tgeti
t
Hecl
osedt
hemenu.
.
Vir
go:Youwantedmet ot r
youtKFCandyou
off
eredtoeatwi
thme, youcould'
veor
der
ed
somethi
ngelseforyoursel
ftheKFCmealwas
meantformeremember ?
Icoul
dn'
tbel
ievet
his.
.

Vir
go:OhhI
'm sor
ryIdi
dn'
tgett
hat
,wher
e'st
he
comeback?
It
ookt
henapki
nandputi
tonmyt
highs.
.
Vi
rgo:What
?Nocomeback?
Me:No.
.Not
hingatal
l
Vi
rgo:Wow!Neversawt
hatonecomi
ng
KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Icoul
dstil
lusethistomyadvantage.Itcouldwork.
Vir
goreall
ywantedt hi
sbabyuntilofcoursehis
Motheri
nterf
ered,Icoul
dsti
llusethedeat hofmy
Sonagainsthi
m. .

Ij
usthopei
twor
ks.
.

AI
SHA

Hewasseri
ousabouthi
sdeal
.Iwashavi
ngOyst
ers
andhewaseat
ingprawns.
.

Il
ookedatt
hem,t
heyweresli
myandresti
ngonice.
Theygavemeabl
oodrushjustbyl
ooki
ngatthem..

Vi
rgo:Let
'sgo
It
ookone.
.
Vi
rgo:Youj
ustdowni
t,youdon'
thavet
ochew
It
ookone.
.
Vi
rgo:ComeonI
'
m vouchi
ngf
oryou
Idowneditdown,swall
oweditquicker
.Atleasti
t
wassli
myandwentdownwel l
,itdidn'
tst
uckonmy
thr
oat
.Itooktheglassofwat
eranddr ankfrom i
t.
.

Hegothi
sphoneandt
ookavi
deo.
.

Vi
rgo:Ladi
esandgentl
ement
hisi
smygi r
lf
ri
end
t
ryi
ngoutOyster
s,comeonMissPret
tyt
hangat
l
eastdowndown3
Me:3?
Vi
rgo:Yest
heyequi
val
entt
othechi
ckenyoumade
meeat
Me:Theset
hingsar
e..Can'
twet
rysomet
hingel
se?
Vi
rgo:NoBaby,
adeali
sadeal
..Atl
eastnowyou
knowhowIf
eel
Itookanotheroneanddownedi
tdown,
buti
t
threat
enedtocomebackup..

Me:Ican'
tdot
his
Vi
rgo:Justonemor
etogo
Me:I
fIdon'
t?
Vi
rgo:Thenyousl
eepi
ngoveratmypl
acet
oni
ght
It
ookt
hel
astone.
.
Vi
rgo:Soyouhat
emet
hatmuch?I
'
m hur
t
I
twast
hel
astone,
whatmor
ehar
m cani
tdo?
?

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Igotoutofbed,t
hestit
chwaspainful
.Il
impedmy
wayoutoft hewardtotheNur
sestati
on.Sothi
sis
howaC- secti
onfeel
s?
Theywer
esi
tt
ingt
her
ehavi
ngt
ea.
.
Me:Goodeveni
ng
Theyl
ookedatme.
.
Nur
se1:Yousupposedt
obei
nbed
Me:Ineedt
omakeaphonecal
l,
aser
iousphone
cal
l
Nur
se2:Youcanuset
hewar
dphone
Me:Thankyou
Nur
se:Just5mi
n
Me:That
'senough

Iwenttot
hedeskandcal
ledVi
rgo,hi
sphoner
ang
unt
ili
twentst
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemail.
.

"
I'
m att
hehospi
tal
,Il
ostourSon"

Iputt
hephonedown.
.
VI
RGO

Aftereat
ingt
hoseOyst
erssheexcusedher
sel
fto
therestr
oom,maybetofor
cehersel
ftothr
owup..I
tookmyphoneandchecked,Ihadavoicemessage.
Iplayedi
t

"
Iam att
hehospi
tal
,Il
ostourSon"

Iwasinshock,
myhear
tsank.Ipl
ayedi
toverand
overagai
n..

Itr
iedtocal
lherbutherphonewasoff
,Ical
ledthe
hospit
alsi
ncethenumberswerecal
ledouti
nt he
voi
cemessage..

Noonepi
ckedup.
.
IsawAi
shacomi
ngback,
Iputmyphonedown.
.

Ai
sha:Remi
ndmenextt
imet
oneverdoadeall
ike
t
hatwit
hyou
Me:Youokay?
Ai
sha:I'
m good.
.ButIswearIcanf
eelt
hem movi
ng
i
nmyt ummy
Me:CanIcal
lmyMot
her
?
Ai
sha:Yes
Me:I
'
llbeback

Igotupandwentt
omaket
hecal
l.
.
Bomi
:Babyi
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:Ket
sol
ostt
hebaby
Bomi
:What
?
Me:Shecal
ledmef
rom t
hehospi
tal
Bomi
:When?Whi
chhospi
tal
Me:I
'
m notsur
eIcan'
tgetahol
dofher
Bomi
:I'
l
lpassbyatherhouset
omor
rowandcheck
Me:Thankyou

Ihungupandwentbackt
othet
abl
e
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
58] :37

AI
SHA

Af
terourni
ghtwedr
ovebackt
oRes.
.
Me:Thankyoufort
hedi
nner
,thoughi
twas
uncomfor
tabl
e
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Vi
rgo:Butyouwentt
hroughi
tli
kei
twasnot
hing
Me:If
orcedt
hroughi
t
Vi
rgo:Ei
therwayyoupul
ledt
hrough
Me:Yaa.
.Itwasni
ce
Vi
rgo:Ienj
oyedt
oo
Me:Ishoul
dgo,
getsomer
est
Vi
rgo:Goodni
ght
Me:Goodni
ght
Hecamecloserf
oraki
sswi
thhi
shandsqueezi
ng
mythi
gh.
.
Vi
rgo:Haveagoodni
ght
Me:Yout
oo
Vi
rgo:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Igotoutofthecar
,heonl
ylef
twhenIgoti
nsi
de
andthendroveoff
..
.

NOBOMI
Thefoll
owingmor ni
ngbef oregoingt owork,Idrove
outtoKetso'shouset ofindoutwhathappened.I
wasluckytof i
ndherMot herathome. .It
oldher
aboutthecall,shetol
dmet hatherandKet sogot
i
ntoaphysi calalt
ercati
onandKet sohitherwitha
l
ampt henshepushedher ,andKet sofel
l.

Shehadabandagear oundherforehead,topr ove

herstory.TheSisterwast heonewhot ookt he
Mot hertothehospital
..Thiswasadr eadful
si
tuation,Idon'
tknowwhodoest his.Sadasi ti
s,
I'
mj ustgladLudwedodgedt hebull
et.There's
nothingandImeannot hingboundingthem t oget
her
now.MySoni sfreef r
om thiscr
azygirlandI '
m
happy

Me:Iwi
llpayf
ort
hef
uner
al,
that
'st
hel
eastIcoul
d
do
Her
:Thankyousomuch,
I'
dappr
eci
atet
hat
Me:Thesearemynumber syoucancal
lmewhen
shegetshome,Idon'
twannacrowdheratt
he
hospi
talf
ornow
Her
:Iunder
stand
Il
efthermynumber
..
.

AI
SHA

Thismor ni
ngwewer esett ost artourfirstclasson
OperativeDent ist
ry.Wewer eami xedgr oupt hat
consistedofBDS, BDT, andBOHst udent s.Itwas5
girl
sand3guysi nourgr oup,wewer edoi ng
steri
li
zation.Taughthowt ost ereli
zeinstr uments.I
didn'
tknowanyonei nthisgroupexceptf orone
Person, Jo.Virgo'
sf r
iend..Hesawt hatIwas
standingal one,hecameupt ome. .

Jo:Hi
Me:Hi
Jo:Jonat
han
Me:Ai
sha,
we'
vemetbef
ore
Jo:Wasmaki
ngsur
ethatyougotmyname
Me:Igoti
tnow
Thi
swasawkwar
d,hej
ustbecameni
cet
ome
unpr
ovoked.
.
Jo:Howdoyouf
eel
aboutt
hescr
ubs?
Me:Makemef
eell
ikeI
'
m apat
ientatsomehospi
tal
Hel
aughed.
.
Jo:ThoughtIwast
heonl
yone
Wewer eweari
ngscrubs.Gi
rl
swerewear
inggr een
dressesandgowns,
guyspantsandt-
shi
rts.Then
thehats.
.

Jo:Iseeanopenst
ati
on,
wannaj
oin?
Me:Uhm yeahwhynot
Wewenttotheopenstat
ion,
wewer ewashi
ngt
he
i
nst
rumentsint
hesinkbefor
etheygotothe
machi
ne.
.

Wewashedthei
nst
rumentswhi
lstchat
ti
ng,
hewas
agoodcompani
onnoli
e..
..

Wewentt
hroughever
ythi
ngj
usttal
kingwhi
ch
madet
hesit
uati
onmoreeasi
er.

Afteranhour
,thesessi
onwasover
.Wewentto
changeindif
ferentr
oomsthenwal
kedoutoft
he
steri
li
zat
ionr
oom. .

Me:Ican'
tbel
ievet
hatwehavenextweekoft
his
andtheot
herweek
Jo:Iknow.
.Iwonderhowt
heot
her
sar
ehol
dingup
Me:Theymustbel
ucky
Jo:I
t'
snotdi
ff
icul
t
Me:Notatal
ljustal
otofwor
k
Wewentandstoodatt
heent
rancewai
ti
ngf
or
peopl
eweknow..

Jo:IhopeI
'
m notkeepi
ngyouf
rom yournextcl
ass
Me:Ohwno.
.I'
m wai
ti
ngf
ormyf
ri
end
Jo:Okay
Me:Youdon'
thaveacl
ass?
Jo:No.
.Wef
reeunt
ill
unch
Me:Youguysdon'
tseem l
ikeyouhaveal
otofwor
k
cutoutf
oryou
Jo:Wehave4year
smor
etogoso.
.
Me:That
'st
rue
WesawVi
rgowal
kingi
nwi
thacoupl
eofpeopl
e..
Jo:Ohwher
etheyar
e
Hel
ookedatus.
.

Vi
rgo:Uhm Goodmor
ning
Wegr
eet
edhi
m back.
.
Mo:Goodmor
ning
Weal
sogr
eet
edhi
m back.
.
Me:Ishoul
dgo,
Asei
spr
obabl
ywai
ti
ngf
orme
Jo:Seeyounextweek
Me:Okay
Iwal
kedt
ocl
ass.
.

VI
RGO

Il
ookedatAi
shawal
kingaway.
.
Mo:Howwasst
eri
li
zat
ion?
Jo:Lotofwor
k,CPR?
Mo:I
twasokay
Me:SoyouandAi
sha?
Jo:Ohwya,
she'
sinmygr
oup
Me:Isee.
.Wel
lIgot
tagetgoi
ngmi
ghtbel
atef
or
mynextcl
ass
Mo:Aytmanseeyoudur
ingl
uncht
ime
Me:Ayt

Iwal
kedt
ocl
ass.
..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Dr
:Iwannasuggestt
her
apyf
oryou
Me:Idon'
tneedt
her
apy
Dr
:Youwentt
hroughat
raumat
icexper
ience
Me:Iwannaseemybaby,
canI
?
Dr
:Yesyoucan
Me:Idon'twantt
heHospit
alt
ocr
emat
ehi
m,Iwant
aproperhomeburialf
orhi
m
Dr
:Ofcour
se
Me:Thankyou
Dr
:TheNur
sewi
llcomeandt
akeyou
Me:Ial
sowannagetoutofher
e,t
ogobur
yhi
m
Dr
:Iwi
lldi
schar
geyousoon

AI
SHA

Asei
sint
heCPRgr
oup.
.
Me:Howi
sitgoi
ng?
Ase:Notbadt
odayi
twast
hei
ntr
oduct
ion
Me:Wel
lwear
ecutoutf
oral
otofwor
k
Ase:Iwi
shIwasyou
Me:Car
efulf
orwhatyouwi
shf
or
Ase:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou,
CPRi
sjustbor
ing
Me:Maybenextweeki
twi
llchange
Ase:Yamaybe

JONATHAN(
VIRGO'
SFRI
END)
Mo:Soyour
eal
lygoi
ngaf
terher
?
Me:Ibel
ieveso
Mo:Vi
rgoi
sourf
ri
end
Me:Vi
rgoi
syourf
ri
end,
notour
s
Mo:ComeonMan
Me:Idon'
tli
kehi
m,he'
stoof
ullofhi
msel
f
Mo:Goi
ngaf
terhi
sgi
rlwhatwi
llt
hatsol
ve?
Me:Whenweaskedhim abouthisgi
rl
fr
iendt
hef
ir
st
ti
me,hedeni
edher
..SoIdon'tt
hinki
t'
sdeep
betweent
hem
Mo:Idon'
tli
ket
hisatal
l

MoandIwe'vebeenfri
endssi
ncef
rom hi
ghschool
,
t
hisVi
rgoguy.Idon'
tli
kehi
m..
.

AI
SHA
Vi
rgowal
kedwi
thmewhenwewentf
orournext
cl
ass.
.

Vi
rgo:Sohowdi
dyouandJogetcl
ose?
Me:Ohwwej
usti
nthesamegr
oupf
orst
eri
li
zat
ion
Vi
rgo:Outofal
ltheot
her
s,hehappenedt
obe
i
nter
estedi
nyou?
Ist
oppedandl
ookedathi
m..
Me:What
'swr
ong?
Vi
rgo:I
'
m nothappyabouti
t
Me:Youj
eal
ous?
Vi
rgo:Abi
t
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:That
'safi
rst
..He'syourf
ri
endandheknows
I
'm wi
thyousorelax
Igavehi
m aki
ss.
.
Me:Let
'
sgot
ocl
ass
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
58] :38

AI
SHA

AFEW DAYSLATER

Jo:Ibr
oughtt
hesef
oryou,
theyabi
tcol
dnowbut
..
Hegavemet
heKFCbr
ownbag.
.

Jo:I
t'
sDunkedwi
ngs
Me:Thosear
emyf
avor
it
e,howdi
dyouknow?
Jo:Youserious?I'
m asuckerfordunkedwingsIgot
them dur
inglunch,t
houghtitwouldlovet
hem
becausealmosteveryonelovesthem
Me:Youdon'
tsay
Jo:Dunkedwings,zingerbur
ger
,zi
ngerwi
ngs,
Hawaii
antwister
..Thosearemyfavor
it
ewhenit
comest
othemeatIpr
efert
hesi
debr
eastmor
e
Me:Wow..Youdon'
tcomeacr
ossassomeonewho
woul
deatatKFC
Jo:Whyi
sthat
?
Me:Justt
hatmostpeopl
edon'
tli
kei
t
Jo:Il
ikeKFCandMcDonald'
smost l
yIknowalotof
peoplefr
ownupont
hem butther
e'sgoodfoodon
thei
rmenu
Me:That
'sver
ytr
ue
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:What
?
Jo:I
'
m sor
ryj
ustt
hat
..Idon'
tcomeacr
ossgi
rl
s
whodon'
tdomuchmakeup
Me:Ohw
Jo:NoIdon'
tmeani ti
nabadwayIj ustt
hinkt
hat
yourski
niswaytooperfectandflawl
essfor
makeupbeaut
if
uljustasyouar e
Me:Ohwt
hankyou
Vi
rgocameal
ong.
.

Vi
rgo:Jo
Jo:Boet
!
Vi
rgo:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Ther
e'snoOpdent
cl
ini
cal
stoday
Jo:Iknowwasj
ustgr
eet
ingmyPar
tneri
nOpdent
Vi
rgo:Isee
Jo:Ishoul
dgo
Vi
rgo:Yeahyoushoul
d
Hewal
kedaway.
.

Vi
rgo:Andt
hen?
Me:Hewasj
ustgr
eet
ing
Hel
ookedatt
heKFCpackage.
.
Vi
rgo:Whendi
dyoudr
iveoutt
oKFC?
Me:I
..Jo.
.
Vi
rgo:Youl
etJobuyyouf
oodnow?
Me:Hewasj
ustbei
ngni
ce
Vi
rgo:Justbei
ngni
ce?Ai
shahe'
smyf
ri
end
Me:I
'
m notdat
inghi
m
Vi
rgo:Whosai
danyt
hingaboutyout
wodat
ing?
Me:Youi
nsi
nuat
ingi
t
Vi
rgo:Am I
?
Me:Yes
Vi
rgo:Ai
shawhati
sgoi
ngon?
Me:Joismypart
nerinOpdentandhe'
shel
pingme
appl
yforBDSnextyear
Vi
rgo:TheAdmi
ncan'
thel
pwi
tht
hat
?
Me:Youar
eover
react
ing
Vi
rgo:Am I
?Doyouseemebei
ngf
ri
endl
yfr
iends
wi
thyourfr
iends?
Me:MaybeIshoul
djustgo
Iwal
kedawayandhegr
abbedmyar
m andt
hrew
mebackagai
nstt
hewal
l.
.
Me:Ouch!
!
Vi
rgo:Don'
tdoit
,whatyoutryi
ngt
odo..Don'
tdoi
t,I
l
oveyoupleasedon'
tbreakmyheart

Vi
rgoi
sbei
ngunr
easonabl
e..
Vi
rgo:Justdon'
tdoi
t.
.Pl
ease

Hef
ixedhi
sbackpackandwal
kedaway.
..

JONATHAN

Istoodthereandwat chedhim walki

ngaway, he
manhandl edher..I'
m notstr
ingingAishaalongjust
becauseIwannadi ssVi r
go,Il
ikeheralotandI '
ve
noticedsofarhowVi rgomistr
eatsher.It
hinkshe's
aver ybeauti
fullady,smarttooandbeautif
ul..Cal
m,
humbl eandver yfri
endly.
.
Idespi
seguyswhodosuchnonsenset
ogi
rl
s,he
doesn'
tdeser
veher
..
.

VI
RGO

Iam nofool
,Icanseewhat'
shappeni
ngandIdon'
t
l
ikei
t..WhendidAishawakeupandreal
izeher
wort
h?Whendi dJowakeupandhaveat hi
ngf
or
mygirlf
ri
end?

I'
venoticedthathedoesn'tl
ikemethatmuchfr
om
theveryfir
sttimewemet .MoandIcl i
ckedmor
e
thanIdidwi t
hJo, If
eelhestrungal
ongjust
becauseofhi sfr
iend..

Myphoner
ang.
.
Me:What
?

Bomi
:HayiLudwe!
Me:Uxol
o(I
'
m sor
ry)
Bomi
:Yi
ntonii
ngxaki
?(what
'swr
ong)
Me:Not
hingj
ustschoolwor
kst
ressi
ngme
Bomi
:Jonga.
.Thef
uner
ali
sonFr
iday
Me:I
t'
sWednesdayt
oday
Bomi:Iknowsot
omor
rowyou'
l
lhavet
odr
ivedown
her
e
Me:DoIhavet
obet
her
e
Bomi:EweLudwe!There'
sapossi
bil
it
ythathe
coul
d'vebeenyourSon!
Me:Fi
neI
'
llsee
Bomi
:Okayke
Me:Bye
Bomi
:Bye

AI
SHA
AseandIwewer ewalki
ngtothecafet
eri
atoget
foodt
oeatl
ateronatRes.Shewasbusyt al
king
andIwasn'
tevenli
steni
ng.
.Shestopped.
.
Me:Huh?
Ase:What
'
sgoi
ngon?
Me:Onceuponat imeguysdidn'
tli
keme, t
heyused
tomakef unofme.IcamehereVirgobecamemy
wor stni
ght
mare.Al
lofasuddentwoguysar enow
alloverme
Ase:Vi
rgoj
usthast
ogo
Me:Il
oveVi
rgo,yeshe'
snotperf
ectbuthe'
str
ying.
Hehasachangednowplushe'satt
endi
ngther
apy
Ase:Ohwt
hegr
oupt
her
apymustbepr
oudt
ohave
hi
m
Me:Ase.
.Iknowyoudon'
tli
kehi
m
Ase:Andf
orgoodr
easons
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
m goi
ngt
odo
Ase:Whyar
eyouevenst
ressi
ngyour
sel
fabout
boys
Me:Iam not
Ase:Yesyouare..Gi
rlwehaveal
otofshi
tgoi
ngon
academical
lyr
ightnowandboysshoul
dbethelast
thi
ngonyourmi nd
Me:Iknow.
.Iknow.
.
Sheshookherhead.
.

VI
RGO

Someonecal
ledout
,Ist
opped.I
twasPo
Po:Hey
Me:Yes?
Po:Sorr
ytobot
heryou,
youst
ayi
nwonder
par
k
ri
ght?
Me:Whowant
stoknow?
Po:Iwannagotothemal
l,
thegatei
sfart
ogoand
cat
chat axi
.Woul
dyoupl
easegivemeali
ft?
Il
ookedather
..
Me:Yeahsur
e..Whynot
Po:Thankyou
Me:Let
'
sgo
Wewal kedtomycar,shewaswalki
ngi
nf r
ontof
me.Iglancedatherbehi
nd.Shehadabeauti
ful
body.
..

AI
SHA

Me:I
'
llj
ustgetr
iceandchi
ckenst
ew
Ase:Okay
Me:MaybeIwaswr
ong,
Vir
goi
sri
ght
Ase:WhathasVi
rgobeenr
ightabout
?
Me:Thi
sthingofmebeingf
ri
endlywit
hJo,
ImeanI
woul
dfeelsometypeofwayifhecoul
dbefr
iendl
y
wi
thyou
Ase:Ohhyoudon'thavet
oworryaboutt
hat
happeni
ng,Idon'
tassoci
atewi
thj
erks
Il
aughed.
.
Me:I
'
m ser
ioust
hough
Ase:Sowhatyougoi
ngt
odo?
Me:Ij
usthavet
osetboundar
ieswi
thJo
Ase:HaiAi
shayourpr
obl
emsar
etoomuch

VI
RGO

Iwasdrivingandshewassi tt
ingont he
passenger'sseat
.Shortski
rt
,yell
owt hi
ghsoutin
theopen..Itwashardnottostare,shekepther
focusonherphone..

AishaandIwehaven'
tbeensexualforawhi l
enow
fol
lowi
ngourl
astalt
ercat
ion,sheissti
llnot
comfort
abl
estoppi
ngbyatt hefl
atforavisi
t..

Po:Thankyouagai
nfort
hel
if
t
Me:Don'
tment
ioni
t
Po:Taxi
sdel
ay,
Icoul
d'vewai
tedandwai
ted
Me:Iwoul
dn'
tknow,
Idon'
treal
lydoTaxi
s
Po:Igetyou,
theyar
eadr
ag
Me:i
tseemsl
ikei
t
If
ocusedont
her
oadagai
n..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
59] :39

VI
RGO

Idecidedt
ogoi
ntot
hemallwit
hher,
justgetf
resh
ai
randnotgotomyfl
att
hinki
ngaboutJoand
Aisha..

Me:Whatar
eyouher
etobuy?
Po:Iam goi
ngouttoaweddi
ngthi
sweekend,
famil
ywedding.Want
edt
ocheckoutafewoutf
it
s
Me:That
'sni
ce
Po:Seemsexpensi
ve.
.Ishoul
d'veconsi
der
ed
marabast
adastold
Me:Icanpay
Po:Real
ly?
Me:Yes.
.Adr
essandshoes
Po:Your
eal
lydon'
thavet
oo
Me:I
t'
sal
lgood
Po:What
'si
nitf
oryou?
Me:Nothi
ngmaybedinnert
oget
heraf
tert
hedr
ess
andshoesshoppi
ng?
Po:Icandot
hat
Me:Beaut
if
ul!

AI
SHA
Vir
gowasqui
et,i
twasunl
ikehi
m.Bynowhecoul
d
havet
ext
edorcall
edme..
Ical
ledhi
m,i
trangunt
ili
twentt
ovoi
cemai
l.

Iexhal
ed,
sohei
sthatmad?

Ical
ledmyMot
her
..
Ma:Sont
oki
Me:Ma
Ma:Unj
ani
?
Me:I
'
m wel
landyou?
Ma:I
'
m good
Me:Iam comi
ngovert
hisweekend
Ma:Ican'
twai
ttoseeyou,
I'
vemi
ssedyou
Me:I
'
vemi
ssedyout
oo
Ma:uRi
ghtkodwa?
Me:I
'
m goodMa.
.Wena?
Me:I
'
m good.
.Howi
sSi
s?
Ma:Ihaven'
tseenheri
naf
ewdays
Me:Ser
ious?
Ma:Shel
eftl
astweekend,
she'
sst
il
lnotback
Me:Iwi
llt
ryandcal
lher
Ma:She'
smaki
ngbl
oodpr
essur
etospi
ke
Me:I
'
llt
alkt
oherdon'
twor
ry
Ma:OkaySi
si

MySi
steri
sbackati
t,st
ressi
ngmyMot
her
.

POZI
SWA

If
itt
hedress,itwasperf
ect
.Thet
hemewasr
oyal
bl
ue,andIlovedthefr
ontsl
it
..

I
twasR350,
theheel
sR600.Idi
dn'
thavemuch
money,
quit
efrankl
ycominghereIwasjustt
aki
ng
mychancesandnowI'vescor
edmyselfanoutf
it
..

Ichangedthedressandwal
kedout
,Vi
rgowas
standi
ngther
e..

Me:Done
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Vi
rgo:Youl
ikei
t?
Me:Ver
y
Vi
rgo:Okayt
aket
heshoesandl
et'
sgo
Me:Okayt
hankyouagai
n
Vi
rgo:Youwel
come

AI
SHA

Bomi
cal
ledme.
.
Me:Hel
lo
Bomi
:Ai
sha.
.Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m wel
landyou?
Bomi
:I'
m good.
.Wasj
ustchecki
nguponyou
Me:Thankyouver
ymuch,
I'
m wel
l
Bomi
:I'
m goodt
oo.
.Whenwi
llyouvi
sitagai
n?
Me:Wel
lthi
sweekendI
'
m goi
ngt
ovi
sithome
Bomi:That
'sni
cet
henmaybenextweekendyou
canvisi
tmyhouse
Me:Okaywe'
l
lcome
Bomi
:ByeNana
Me:Bye

POZI
SWA

Virgocoul
dn'tst
oplooki
ngatmyt hi
ghsandass
thatI'
venot
iced.
.Igothi
m exact
lywhereIwant
ed
him..
Aft
erhepaidforthecl
otheswewentoutt
oeat,
eachti
mewhenIsi tdownmySkirtmovesup.
.It
wasreall
yplayi
ngwithhim..

Vi
rgo:I
'
venevermetsomeonet
hishonest
Me:Whatdoyouwantmet osay?Myboyf r
iendis
backathomeI'
llbeonl
yseei
nghim dur
ingholi
days
i
nt hecour
seof3years

Vi
rgo:Thatsucks
Me:Yeahitdoesespeci
all
ysi
nceyouknow,
agi
rl
got
tahaveabitoffun
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:I
'
m notl
ooki
ngf
orar
elat
ionshi
pjustabi
tof
f
unyouknow

Ipl
acedmyhandonhi
sthi
gh.
.
Me:Justanost
ri
ngsatt
achedt
ypeoft
hing,
aft
eral
l
youdi
dsomethi
ngnicef
ormetoday

Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandt
henl
ookedar
ound.
.

Vi
rgo:Thenwebet
tergetoutofher
e
Me:Ihopeyouhavecondoms
Vi
rgo:Tr
ustme.
.Ido!

AI
SHA

Hi
sphonet
ookmest
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l:

Me:I t
'sme.
..I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ogetaholdofyou,
pleasecal
lmewhenyougett
his.Imi
ssyouandI'
m
sorry

Thi
swasf
rust
rat
ing.
.
POZI
SWA

Wedr oveoutt
ohisf
lat
,whenwegoti
n.Wewer
e
al
readyovereachot
her
..

Vi
rgo:Thi
sendsbet
weenusr
ight
?
Me:Yes
It
ookof
fhi
sbel
t.
.

ImightnotknowAi
sha'
ssexgamebutIknow
myselfandIknowt
hatIdowel
linbed.

It
hrewhim onthecouchandloweredhisjeans.
.I
l
oweredhisbri
efstooandgotontheside.Iknel
ton
hi
ssideandgrabbedhisdi
ck.

Her
anhi
shandf
rom mybackal
lthewaydown,
I
wasstil
lful
lycl
othed.Hemovedmyski
rtupand
squeezedmyass. .

It
ookal
lofhi
minandhemoaned.
.
Vi
rgo:Fuckyesss!
!

Heranhi
shandonmyassandspankedmeIwas
weari
ngag-
str
ing.
.

Vi
rgo:Ohwyesr
ightt
her
ebaby!
!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
59] :40

AI
SHA

Vir
gowasdr
ivi
ngmecrazy,I'
vebeent
ryi
ngtogeta
hol
dofhi
m wit
hnosuccess.Hewasn'
tpicki
ngup,
hewasn' tcal
li
ngmebacknort
ext
ingback.
.Ishe
reall
yt hatmadorhassomethi
nghappenedtohi
m?
Ididn'tknowwhattodo..
.

Itwasdrivi
ngmeinsane,i
t'
snotli
keI'm dat
ingJo
hewasj ustbei
ngf
riendl
ythat
'sal
l.
.Idon't
underst
andwhyhei sthi
smad

POZI
SWA

Rati
ngVi r
go'ssexgamer i
ghtnow,hewasn'
tbad.
I
'vesleptwit
hal otofguysandIcancount5of
t
hem whoar ebet t
erthanhi
m..

Hisdickwasn' tbignorsmall
,i
twasjustaver
age.I
coul
dst il
lfeelhim,hemadethesexenjoyabl
e.But
I'
vetastedbet t
erandbeenwithbett
er.I
fhecould
havealiverhecoul dprobabl
ymakeittonumber3
onthelist,ri
ghtnowhewasasol id5..
Atl
eastweusedcondoms,
that
'st
hegoodpar
tofi
t.
.

Wewerehavi
ngthelastr
ound,Iwasj ustt
ir
edof
swi
tchi
ngposi
ti
onsandbeingflexi
ble.Mylegswer
e
hur
ti
ngandIneededabreak.
.

Iwasl ayingf l
atonmystomachwithapil
lowunder
met oliftmyassupabi t,It
ri
edtodogivehi
m more
thanwhatt heroundwasmeanttobeabout,by
shakingmyassashepumpedwhi chmade
escalatedt hesessi
onandmadehim cum..He
l
iter
allysqueezedmyassver yti
ghtashecame,
thenhesl ippedout.
..

Heseemedt
ohaveenjoyedhimsel
f,It
urnedand
sl
eptonmybackasheslidoutt
hecondom...

KOKETSO(
KETSO)
Mysist
erwashere,Idon'
tevenknowwhyshewas
her
eknowingverywellt
hatshe'
sthecauseofthi
s.
Thesol
ecauseofmyl osi
ngmybaby..Nowshe' s
her
eacti
ngallgodl
yandbeingasupporti
vesist
er,i
t
dugdeepint
othepit
sofmyst omach.
.

MyMot herthreatenedmet hatifItur

nmySi sterin,
shewil
lalsoturnmei nforattackingher.Thatshe's
theonewi t
hthemostevi dence, bet
weenmysi st
er
andIit
'sjustnothingbutmywor dagainsthers..

MyMot herwasevensi
tt
ingont
hemat resswit
hme,
act
ingl
ikethemourni
nglovi
ngGrandmotherwhil
st
i
nactualfactwebot
hknowthehorrorbehi
ndus
si
tt
inghere..
.

VI
RGO

Powasshower
ing,anduponchecki
ngmyphone.I
st
umbl
eduponal otofmessagesandmi
ssedcal
ls
f
rom Ai
sha.Shehadal
sol
eftavoi
cemai
l.
.

Ever
ythingcir
cledaroundherApol
ogi
zing,thatwas
easyIthoughtwewer egoingt
ohatchitoutfir
st
nowthatshehasr eali
zedher"Wor
th"
..Idecidedt
o
cal
lher..

Ai
sha:Iwaswor
ri
edaboutyou
Me:I
'
m sor
ryIj
ustneededsomet
imeal
one

Imadesuret
ohol
dthecal
lout
side,
overt
he
bal
cony.
.

Ai
sha:Wasi
taboutwhathappened?
Me:YesAisha.
.Ihadti
met othinkthati
fyouwant
hi
m,youcangof orhi
m.Idon' twannabeself
ish
andkeepyouwithme,convinceyout obewit
hme
whenyoudon'twantt
oo
Ai
sha:I
'
m notwi
thhi
m,Idon'
twannabewi
thhi
m
Me:Yout
woseemedcosyt
oday
Ai
sha:I
'
m sor
ryi
fthatmadeyouf
eeluncomf
ort
abl
e
Me:It
'sokay,
Ijustwannamakesur
ethatyou
wannabewi t
hme
Ai
sha:Iwannabewi
thyou
Me:I'
m gl
adtoheart
hat
,thent
hissi
tuat
ionwi
th
youandJonat
hanhastoend
Ai
sha:Iknow.
.Iwi
llt
alkt
ohi
m
Me:Thankyou,
I'
dappr
eci
atet
hat
Ai
sha:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyoumor
e

Ihungupwi
thasmi
leonf
ace.
.

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Ideci
dedtostret
chmylegsbybeingact
ivear
ound
thehouse.Iwassoupsett
hatVi
rgohasn't
contact
edme.HisMom ispayi
ngforthefuner
al,
shehascomeaf ewti
mes.Hehasn'tcal
led,no
text
ed.Thatwasj
ustevi
lofhi
m, t
hebabycouldbe
his.
.

Aunt
y:Ket
so.
.Younotsupposedt
obedoi
ngt
his
Iwaswashi
ngt
hedi
shes.
.
Me:Pleasejustl
etmedot hi
s,j
ustsi
tt
ingont
he
matt
ressalldayit
'sdepr
essi
ng
Aunt
y:Iunder
standbutatleastwhenpeopl
ecome
youhavetobesit
ti
ngthere
Me:YesAunt
y
Aunty:I
'm sor
ryaboutwhathappened,
losi
nga
chi
ldit'
snoteasy
Me:ThankyouAunt
y
Aunty:Don'
tlett
hepai
nbr
eakyou,
yourMot
herst
il
l
needsyou
Inoddedwhi
lstbi
ti
ngmyt
ongue.
.
Aunt
y:Swi
tchof
fthel
ightwhenyoucomet
othe
bedr
oom
Me:I
'
lldoso
Aunt
y:Goodni
ght
Me:Ni
ght

POZI
SWA

ItwaslateandVir
godeci
dedIsl
eepover
,hewas
exhaustedtodr
ivemeback.
.

Whenwegottobedhepassedout,Iwantedt
otake
pi
ctur
esbuti
twasdar
k.Aflashl
ightmightwake
hi
m up..

Sti
llcan'
tbeli
eveIeasil
ywormedmywayi nto
Vir
go'sli
feandbedj ustl
iket
hat.Ai
shai
snotdoing
herjobwell,i
fit
'st
hiseasytogetherman?
?Likeit
wasver yeasy..
AI
SHA

Iwokeupandpr epar
edmyselfforschool,Vir
go
hasn'
tsentmeagoodmor ningtext.That
'sunlike
hi
m, heal
wayssendsmeamessageandal sotel
ls
mewhenhe' sl
eavingthef
lat
..

It
houghtwewereoverwhathappenedyest
erday,
whyishest
il
ldr
aggingi
ton?

WhenIwasdoneImademywayt
othebus,
Iwas
ont
hesecondbust
oschool
..

VI
RGO

Ideci
dedthatPozi
swashoul dgetataxit
oschool
,
usshowinguptogetherwouldrai
seredfl
ags.I
gaveherR350forthetaxif
areandlunch.
.
Ifi
twasupt ome, Iwouldn'tevengot oschool.I
'd
dri
vestrai
ghthomef orthef uneralt
omor r
owbuti t
wouldbesuspi ci
ousjustleavingwithoutseei
ngnor
sayi
nganythingtoAisha.Itwashar dget t
ingherfor
thesecondti
me, nowt hatJoi sinapictur
e.He's
l
ookingforcrackstowor m hiswayi n.
.

Idon'
tknowhowI 'm goi
ngtofaceheraft
erwhat
happenedlastni
ght,
howam Igoi ngtol
ookherin
theeyeandactli
keeverythi
ngisokay?Couldn'
t
evensendheragoodmor ni
ngtext.I
twasthat
dif
fi
cult
..
.

Idroveouttoschoolwi t
hmybagal readypacked,I
wasn'tplanningonbeingatschoolforthatl
ong..
Myphonebeeped, It
houghtitwasAi shabutitwas
Poziswat el
li
ngmeshehasar r
ivedatschool.She
l
eftearl
ierthanme
AI
SHA

Iwaswal
kingtocl
asswhenPocaughtupwi
thme,
shewasholdi
ngatakeawaypackage.
.

Po:Hey
Me:Hi
Po:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:I
'
mfi
neandyou?
Po:I
'
m good
Me:That
'snotf
rom school
Po:OhwyesI
..Iwasatmyboyf
ri
end'
spl
acel
ast
ni
ght
Me:It
houghtyourboyf
ri
endwasbackathome
Po:TheoneIgotf
rom ar
oundher
e
Me:Ohw
Po:Yes.
.Hegotmet
hisbr
eakf
astbef
oreIl
eft
Me:Isee
(
Sil
ence)
Po:SoIseeyouandVi
rgo
Me:Yeswef
ixedt
hings
Po:Gl
adt
oheart
hat
Me:Thoughtyouwoul
djudge
Po:Whyshoul
dI?I
t'
syourl
oveandyourhear
t
Me:That
'st
rue
Po:Gl
adt
oseeyoubackt
obei
ngt
heol
dyou
Me:Ohwya
Po:LookAi
sha.
.Wecoolr
ight
?
Me:Yeah.
.Sur
e
Po:Gr
eatweshoul
dshar
emybr
eakf
ast
,comeon
wewil
lgetAse
Me:Thoughtyouwer
ewi
thFut
hi
Po:Ohwwej
ustcool
,youandAsear
emygi
rl
s
Me:Gl
adt
oheart
hat
Sheputherar
m overmyshoul
der
s..
Po:Aghl
et'
sgoeat
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
03/
14,
21:
59] :SEASONFI
NALE

41

AI
SHA

At13:00duringl
unch,Iwal
kedVir
gotohiscar.He
wasleavinganddri
vinghome,sai
dther
e'safuner
al
t
omor row..

Me:I'
m alsogoinghometomorrow,
Iwon'
tcomet
o
schoolnoint
eresti
ngcl
assesandnocl
ini
cal
s
Vi
rgo:I
'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssyou
Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssyout
oo
Vir
go:That
'swhyI'
vebeenthi
nki
ngt
hatSat
urdayI
couldst
opbyinyourhood
Il
ookedathi
m..
Vi
rgo:I
fyoudon'
tmi
nd
Me:Ofcour
senot
..IhavemetyourMotherIt
hink
i
t'
sti
meyoumeetmyMot herandSi
ster
Vi
rgo:I
'
dli
ket
hatver
ymuch
Me:Youshoul
dgetgoi
ng
Vi
rgo:It
hinksot
oo
Hewrappedhi
sar
msar
oundmywai
standki
ssed
me.
.
Vi
rgo:Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Vi
rgo:I
'
llcal
lyouwhenIgethome
Me:Okay

Hegoti
nhi
scar
..
KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Babyf
uner
alsareusual
lynotcr
owded,
justf
ami
ly
andcl
osef
riends.
.

Wewokeupearl
ythatmor
ningtoclean,
Spr
ing
cl
eani
ng.
.Byt
histi
mewewer ealr
eadydone

Ma:Koket
so
Il
ookedather
Ma:Makeusl
unchpl
ease
Inodded.
.

Iam sti
llver
ymuchangryather
,butnowit
'snott
he
ti
met oshowhowbrokenourrel
ati
onshi
pis.We
won'
tcomebackf r
om thi
s..
Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
..
Iwenttoopen,itwasBomi .Sheshowedupina
l
ongyel l
owdress,goldsandalsandayel
lowdoek
withshades.
.Holdinghersmallyel
lowbag,
she
tookoffhershades..

Bomi
:Goodaf
ter
noon
Me:Af
ter
noon
Bomi
:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m wel
landyou?
Bomi
:I'
m wel
lSi
si.
.Ij
ustcamet
ocheckhowt
hings
ar
egoi
ng
Me:Weal
ri
ght
,justpr
epar
ingf
ort
omor
row
Bomi
:Vi
rgoi
scomi
ng,
he'
sonhi
sway
Me:I'
m gl
adyouhere,
Ihavetogotothemor
guet
o
bathhi
m anddr
esshim up.Iwoul
dli
keyout
o
accompanyme,youcanseehim
Bomi
:Idon'
tmi
ndt
hatatal
l,
thankyou
Me:Youcangoaheadt
othebedr
oom
Sher
ubbedmyshoul
derandwentt
othebedr
oom.
.

POZI
SWA

Myf r
iendAlfandIwewer
eatt
hecafet
eri
aeat
ing,I
tol
dheraboutmyencount
erwi
thVi
rgoshecouldn'
t
bel
ieveit
..

Al
f:Youl
ie!
Me:Obvi
ousl
yAi
shai
snotdoi
ngagoodj
obi
nbed
Al
f:I
tlookst
hatway
Me:I
twassodamneasyt
ogethi
minbed
Al
f:But
..Thisguyi
saj
erk,
your
eal
lywannadot
hat
t
oyourself
?
Me:Vir
goisalit
tl
eboywithabi tofsometant
rums,
Ij
ustneedthecashfr
om him andhegivesmet he
papert
hat'
sasfarasourrel
ationshi
pgoes
Fut
hij
oinedus.
.

Fut
hi:Ladi
es
Me:Hey
Fut
hi:TheQueuei
slong
Me:I
t'
sfastt
hough
Fut
hi:Letmet
ry
Shewentt
othequeue.
.
Al
f:Sheseemsni
ce
Me:She'
sokayatl
eastshe'
sthel
eastbor
ing
Per
sonincl
ass
Al
f:Shedoesl
ookl
ikeshe'
sagoodvi
be
Me:Thatshei
s

AI
SHA

Imetupwi
thJonat
han,
act
ual
lywebumpedi
nto
eachot
herasIwaswal
kingt
ogetAse.

Jo:Hey
Me:Hi
Jo:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ult
oday
Me:Thankyou
Jo:Seeyouar
ound
Me:Uhm.
.Jo
Jo:Yes?
Me:Thisthi
ng.
.Imean,Idon'
tthi
nkusbei
ngt
his
f
ri
endlyisagoodthi
ng
Jo:Iam notunder
standi
ng
Me:Idon'tt
hinki
t'
swiseforustobethi
sclose,
especi
all
ysinceyouandVirgoar
efri
ends
Jo:Ohwyes..I'
m sor
ry,Idi
dn'
tmeantomakeyou
uncomfor
tableorcauseanyissues
Me:I
t'
sokay.
.Justgl
adweunder
standeachot
her
Jo:I
tiswel
l
Icont
inuedwal
kingt
ocl
ass.
..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Af
tereat
ingl
unch,
wedr
ovest
rai
ghtt
otheMor
gue.
.

Ihadhi
scl
othesandabot
tl
ethatweboughtf
or
hi
m..

Bomiwasher e,
Ijustwant
edhert
oseet
hedept
hof
thesi
tuat
ion.
.

Hisbodywast i
ny,
hewasn'tl
ooki
nggoodatal
l.I
'
ve
neverseensuchatinyhumanbei
ng.

Bomi:Youguysareaver
yluckygener
ati
on,
backi
n
ourdayswewouldn'
tbedoingthi
s
Me:Inevergott
ohol
dhi
m
Bomi
:I'
m sosor
ryaboutt
hat
Me:Neverhear
dhi
m cr
y
Bomi
:It
'snoteasy,
butI
'
llgetbet
ter

Tear
sst
reameddown.
.

Bomi
:I'
mtr
ulysor
ry

VI
RGO

Igothomeandf
oundourhel
pedMam'
Khosi
.
Khosi
:It
houghtyouwoul
dcomewi
thAi
sha
Me:She'
svi
sit
inghomet
omor
row
Khosi
:Ir
eal
lyl
ikeher
,she'
sasweetgi
rl
Me:You'
veneverevenmether
Khosi
:I'
vehear
dal
otaboutherandIf
oundt
he
ki
tchencl
ean
Me:OhwnowIsee
Khosi
:Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s..
Me:I
'
m notsur
e
Khosi
:I'
m sor
ry
Me:Wasn'
tevensur
ethati
twasmi
ne
Khosi
:Isawthatgir
l,she'
salotofwor
k.Woul
dn'
t
besur
prisedi
fit
'snotyours
Me:Ei
therway,
Ihavet
ogot
othef
uner
alt
omor
row
Khosi
:Yayouhavet
oo
Me:Letmegoandnapf
orawhi
le
Khosi
:I'
l
lpr
epar
eforyou,
yourf
avor
it
edi
shi
nthe
meanti
me
Me:Thankyou

AI
SHA
Ourl
astcl
asswasOralheal
th,
can'
tdodget
hatone.
Thel
ectur
eral
waysshowsup..

Myphonebeeped,
itwasat
extf
rom Vi
rgo:

"Justgothome,
wannanap.Cal
lyoul
ater
,Il
ove
you"

Ir
epl
i
ed:

"
Okay,
Iloveyout
oo"

Ase:I
'
m sosl
eepyandt
ir
ed
Me:Just1hourt
hat
'sal
l
Ase:Wheredoyout
hinkPogott
hemoneyt
obuyus
br
eakfast
?
Me:Iser
iousl
ydon'
tknowbutshesai
dthatshehas
aguyshe'
sfool
ingwi
th
Ase:Ihopeshe'
susi
ngpr
otect
ion,
she'
sal
ways
sl
eepingaround
Me:Ican'
timagi
nemysel
fhavi
ngr
andom sex
Ase:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou,
she'
sbr
ave
Me:Wayt
oobr
avef
ormyl
iki
ng
Ase:Justgl
adwenott
hatt
ightwi
thheranymor
e
Me:Met
oo

PoandFut
hiwal
kedi
ntocl
ass.
.

Me:Speakoft
heDevi
ls
Ase:Hai
!

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Hewasduet
obebr
oughthomeat16:
00,
Bomiand
Il
eftr
ightaf
terIhadbat
hehi
m

Me:Thankyouf
oraccompanyi
ngme
Bomi
:It
'sokaySweet
ie.
.Thef
uner
ali
satwhatt
ime?
Me:8am wel
eavi
ngf
ort
hecemet
ery
Bomi
:Ear
lyf
uner
ali
sbet
ter
,wewi
llbet
her
e
Me:Iappr
eci
atei
t
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
59] :SEASONFI
NALE

41

VI
RGO

Thefol
lowi
ngmor ni
ngwewokeupandsetofft
o
thef
uneral
..Idi
dn'
tknowhowt
ofeelabouti
tal
l,
I
don'
tli
kefuner
als.Allt
hepeoplecr
ying,t
he
suff
ocati
onandallthat.I
t'
stoomuch..

Itwascol dthismor ning,t

heser vicewasn' tl
ong.It
was20mi nlongandhel dinthebedr oom.Ar ound
10peopl ewer epr esent,herfami lymost l
y.Onmy
sidei twasj ustMyMot herandI ..Ithoughtt hat
Ket socamef rom agoodhome, beaut i
f ulhome.I
didn'tthinkshewasr ichbutIdi dt hi
nkshewas
mi ddleclass, onl
yt ost umbleintodi sappoi ntment.
Howdoesabeaut if
ulandal wayswel ldressupgirl
l
ivei napl acel i
ket his?Thest andar dsshehol ds
her selfon,Ididn'texpecthert oliveher e..

Thecof
fi
nwassmal
landwhit
e,Iwasal
lowedt
o
seehi
m onl
yMewhenIcame.
.

I
twasdi f
fi
cultseei
nganyt
hingthatresembl
edme
i
nhim, maybeifhewasgiventi
mei nhisworl
dwe
woul
d'veseen..
Ketsowascryingsomucht hatitwasdr amati
c,she
hadtobeheldshewasj ustdramatical
lyacti
ngyou
couldcl
earl
yseeit.Iwant
edever yt
hingt obedone
andIwanteftogetoutofhere..

Ihear
dthatshehadnamedhim Kat
leho,t
hat
's
what'
sgoingtobeputonhi
sTombst one.
.

Whenwewer ebackfrom t
hecemeter
y,wewashed
ourhandsatthegat
eandwewer eusher
edinsi
de
tothel
ivi
ngroom t
oeat.
.

Wewer eservedRice,
Beefst
ew,cabbage,mashed
pot
atoesandsomecar r
otmi
xedwithgreenbeans
andchutneysalad.
.

Me:I
'
m okayt
hankyou
MyMot
herl
ookedatme.
.
Bomi
:Vi
rgo
Aunt
y:I
t'
sokay,
losi
ngachi
ldi
snoteasy.Food
won'
tgodownwell
Me:Thankyouf
orunder
standi
ng
Shewal
kedbackt
otheki
tchenwi
tht
hef
ood
Bomi
:Thatwasr
ude
Me:Il
ikemyf
oodpr
epar
edacer
tai
nway
Bomi:Thi
sisnotar
est
aur
ant
,it
'saf
uner
al.Your
Son'
sfuneral
Me:Al
legedSon
Bomi
:Youar
egoi
ngt
ohel
lIt
ellyou
(
Sil
ence)
Bomi
:Youhaven'
tspokent
oKet
so
Me:What
'st
her
etot
alkabout
?
Bomi
:Idon'
tknow,
maybe"
I'
m sor
ryf
orourl
oss"
Me:Whatdi
ff
erencewi
lli
tmake?Thebabyi
sgone
Sheshookherhead.
..
AI
SHA

At8am Iwasal
readyont
heroadhome,Iwant
edto
getther
eear
lysi
nceIwon'
tbespendi
ngmuchtime
athome..

By11am, thetaxihomedr oppedmeatt hecor nerof

myst r
eet.Igotoffandlookedar ound,i
twasal lnot
thatqui
et.AsIwal kedhome, afewgr eeted, afew
askedabouthowschooli sgoing.Acti
ngl ikethey
sincer
elyaskingbutinactualfact,t
heyhi dingtheir
snakenaturebehindtheirSmiles..

Igothomeandknocked.
.
Ma:Ngi
yeza(
I'
m comi
ng)
Iwai
tedforhertocomeandopen, thi
swomanruns
ati
ghtsecuri
tyaroundherhouse.Dooral
ways
l
ocked.
.
Sheunl
ockedt
hedoorandopened.
.
Ma:Sont
oki
!
Me:Ma
Sheopenedt
hedoorandIwal
kedi
n..
Ma:Idi
dn'
texpectyounow
Me:Il
eftear
ly
Ma:Whataboutcl
asses?
Me:Wedi
dn'
thaveany,
SRCmeet
ing
I
fIt
oldherIski
ppedcl
asses,
shewoul
dmur
derme.
.

Shehi
tmeont
heshoul
der
..
Ma:Youshoul
d'vecal
ledIwoul
d'vecooked
Me:I
t'
sokaywecangot
othemal
landget
somet
hing
Ma:I
t'
sgoodt
oseeyou
Shehuggedme.
.
VI
RGO

Iexcusedmysel
fwhenIgotacal
lfr
om Po.Iwent
outsi
detopi
ckitup.
.

Me:Hi
Po:Hey.
.
Me:Yeah?
Po:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngtomorr
ow?Thoughtwe
shoul
dgoandhavesomefunl
ateron,
youknow?
Getdownabit
Me:Thoughtyouwer
egoi
ngt
oaweddi
ng
Po:Iwon'
tsl
eepI
'
llbebackl
ater
Me:Whatdoyout
hinkt
hisi
s?
Po:Huh?
Me:Gooutandhavef
un?Whatdoyout
hinkt
hisi
s?
Po:Iwast
hinki
ngt
hati
twoul
dbeni
ce
Me:Am Iyourboyf
ri
end?
Po:No
Me:Thendon'
taskmetogooutwi
thyou,ar
ewe
goi
ngtohaveprobl
emswit
hourar
rangement?
Po:Uhm no
Me:Sodon'
tcal
lmeunt
ilIdo,
youunder
stand?
Po:Iunder
stand
Ihungup.
.

Ket
so:Hi
It
urnedbackandl
ookedather
..
Me:Wer
eyoueavesdr
oppi
ng?
Ket
so:NoIj
ustgother
e
Me:Whatyouwant
?
Ket
so:Ookayt
hatwasabi
trudeandunnecessar
y
Me:Thatwasver ynecessar
ybecausewhat
connect
edyouandI ,i
snomor e.I
'm goi
ngt
oleave
andIdon'twantyoucontact
ingme,wedoneand
t
hat
'st
hat

Iwal
kedbacki
n..
.

AI
SHA

MyMot herandItookataxit
oourlocalmall
,Iwas
goingtobuyheranythi
ngshewanted.IhaveR1500,
I'
lluseR500andgobackt oReswithR1000.Itcan
takemef ort
heremaini
ngweeksifI'
m caref
ulabout
i
t..

Weboughtherfavorit
eNandos,snacks,
jui
ce,a
cake,Par
malatcustar
d,i
cecream.Whatevershe
wantedIgother,
thenwhenwewer edonewewent
backhome..

I
twasaf
ullchi
cken,
rol
ls,
chi
psandasal
ad.
Wewi
lleatnowandl
ater
,pl
usIdon'
teatmuch.
.

Ma:Sohowi
sschoolgoi
ng?
Me:Schooli
sgoi
ngwel
l,
I'
mreal
lydoi
ngwel
l
Ma:I
'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
Il
ookedather
..

Ma:Uhm.
.Ma.
.
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Idi
dn'
tknowhowt
oaddr
esst
his.
.

Me:Awhil
ebackmyboyf
ri
endt
ookmet
ohi
shome
andImethi
sMother
Ma:Ohw
Me:Tomorr
owhewoul
dli
ket
ocomeandseewher
e
Icomefr
om
Shedi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.
Me:Ifi
t'
sdisr
espect
fulIunder
stand.
.I'
l
ltel
lhi
m we
cancancel
Ma:I'
vehear
dt hatmostpeoplegetmarr
iedafter
gr
aduati
ngIdidn'tbel
ievei
t,het
ookyoutomeethi s
Mothert
hat'
sgottacountforsomethi
ngright
?
Inodded.
.

Ma:Sol ongyoupromisemethatnobabyunt
ilyou
graduate,wor
katleastf
or3year
sorsobefor
e
consideri
nghavi
ngababy
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Shesmi
led.
.
Ma:Thenl
et'
smeett
hisMrt
alkedabout
Ismi
ledt
oo.
.
Me:Thankyou
Ma:Whatcanwesay, t
hisnewgener
ati
onis
dif
fer
enti
nmyt i
meamancomest omeetyour
famil
yist
odiscussLobol
a
Me:Ohwwel
lwei
nadi
ff
erenter
a
Ma:That
'st
rue
It
ookmyphoneandt
ext
edVi
rgo.
.

VI
RGO

Ir
eadhert
extmessage:

"
Mom sai
dit
'sokay,
shewoul
dli
ket
omeetyou
t
omor
row"

Ismi
led.
.
Ma:What
?
Me:Tomor
rowI
'
m vi
sit
ingAi
shaandherf
ami
ly
Ma:Real
ly?
Me:Yes
Ma:WooooowcanIcomet
oo?
Me:Todowhat
?
Ma:Yousai
dyouwer
eser
iousabouther
Me:I
'
llt
alkt
oher
Ma:Pl
easedo
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
21:
59] :SEASONFI
NALE

42

AI
SHA

MySi st
ercamebacklateronfrom wor
k,Inoti
ced
thatthi
ngswerest
il
loffbetweenherandMom.We
chil
ledinherr
oom soIcouldaskwhat'
swr ong.
.

Si
s:Nothi
nghappened,
IjustwentoutandMom
wasinherfeel
s
Me:Di
dyout
ellher
?
Sis:Yes..Idon'
tunderst
andwhyshehasapr obl
em
withmegoi ngoutbutdoesn'
thaveaprobl
em wi
th
youbr i
ngingoveraboyfriendt
omorrow
Me:I
t'
snotl
iket
hat
Sis:Weal
lknowshelovesyoumor e,
youher
favor
it
eI'
m adi
sappoi
ntment.Ishoul
dupandleave
Me:Mom i
snotl
iket
hat
Si
s:Younother
ehalfoft
het
ime,
youdon'
tknow
whatgoesdownher
e
Me:Ohw
Sis:Sorr
yIwon'
tbemeet
ingyourboyf
ri
end
tomorrow,I
'
m goi
ngtosl
eepoveratmyboyfr
iend'
s
housejustt
ogetfr
eshai
r

Ihat
eitwhent
her
e'squar
rel
ingi
nthehouse.
.

VI
RGO
Itookthedishest
othekit
chen,whent
hedoor
opened..Someguywalkedin.
.

Il
ookedathi
m..

Hi
m:Ei
ta
Me:Yeah?
Hi
m:Mynamei
sBonga
Me:Howdi
dyougeti
n?
Him:Iam MsSwar t
booi
'sPer
sonalAssi
stant
,I
deli
vert
hingsher
eeverynowandthenandpick
them up
Me:Ohw
Hi
m:I
sshei
n?
Me:Whatyouwant
?
Hi
m:I
..Am her
etodr
opof
fsomef
il
es
Me:Coul
dn'
ttheywai
tunt
ilMonday?
Hi
m:No.
.Icoul
d'vebr
oughtt
hem ear
li
erbutshe
ment
ionedsomet
hingaboutaf
uner
al
Me:Okay
Ist
ret
chedmyhandoutf
ort
hef
il
es,
Itookt
hem.
.
Me:Thankyou
Henoddedandwal
kedout
,Ishookmyhead.
.

MyMot
herwal
kedi
ntot
heki
tchen.
.
Ma:ThoughtIhear
dvoi
ces
Me:YourPAbr
oughtt
hesef
il
es
Ma:Ohw
Shet
ookt
hem.
.
Ma:Uhm he'
sjustanassi
stant
Me:Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing
Ma:Yesyoudi
dn'
t
Me:Letmegot
obed,
wehavet
ravel
ingt
odo
t
omorrow
Ma:Yesofcour
se.
.Goodni
ght
Me:Goodni
ght

AI
SHA

MyMother
'shear
twasbrokenbywhatmySist
er
di
d.Sheal
waysmanagestoupsetmyMother.
.

Ma:Idon'
tmindhergoi ngovert
oherboyfriend'
s
pl
acebutSontokisheoverst
aysanddoesn'tpickup
herphoneIam aMot herwhatam Isupposedtodo?
Me:Iunder
stand
Ma:Let
'sgopr
ayandt
hengot
obed
Me:Don'
tlethergett
oyou,
youknowhowshe'
sli
ke
Ma:Ngi
zozama(
I'
llt
ry)

VI
RGO

Icommuni
cat
edwi
thAi
shat
hismor
ningbef
ore
dri
vingouttoherpl
ace,myMotherandIhadno
i
deawher eweweregoi
ng.Neverhear
dofherhood,
butGoogl emapswashelpi
nghereandther
e..Bomi
wasdr i
ving.
.

Bomi
:Atl
easti
twasa45mi
n-1hourdr
ive
Shel
ookedatme.
.

Bomi
:Notaf
fect
edt
hatshest
aysi
nahood?
Me:Ther
e'snot
hingIcandoabouti
t
Bomi
:Kasivi
bei
sni
ce
Me:Beent
her
e?
Bomi
:Yesmyf
ri
endswer
efr
om t
hehoods
Inodded.
.

AI
SHA

Iwasner
vousaboutt
hiswhol
ethi
ng.Iwokeup
earl
yandcleanedt
hehousewi t
hthehelpofmy
Mother.Vi
rgocomesfrom acl
assynei
ghborhood,
hishousei
sbeauti
ful
.I'
m scar
edhemi ghtl
ook
downonmeandmyhome. .

Tobesaf e,Iprepar edl

asagne.Wehaveatwoplat
e
smallovenst ove,Ididgreensal
adtooandIput
chi
ckenpi ecesint heoven..

Themealwi
llgowi
thacr
anber
ryj
uice.
.

Ma:Theymustbever
yimpor
tantf
ormyexpensi
ve
pl
atest
obeused
Me:Justwanti
ttogowel
l
Ma:Ifhelovesyou,hewil
lloveyout hr
oughyour
ci
rcumstances.Whereyoucomef r
om andwhere
yougrewupshoul dn'
tbeani ssueforhi
m
Me:That
'st
rue
Ma:I
fhehasapr
obl
em t
henmaybehe'
snott
he
one.Neverbeashamedofwher eyoucomefr
om,a
realmanthatl
ovesyouwil
lloveyoujustt
heway
youare
Me:Ihearyou
Ma:Whatel
sewoul
dyoul
ikedone?
Me:Wel
lever
ythi
ngseemswel
lfornow
Ma:Okaycan'
twai
ttoseemeett
hesei
mpor
tant
guest
s

Iwassoner
voust
hatIhadananxi
etyat
tack.
.
Tobecont
inued

Bonuscomi
ngl
ater
[
03/
14,
22:
00] :SEASONFI
NALE

43
AI
SHA

Theyendedupar ri
ving,
theyweremeantt ohave
arri
vedawhilebackbuttheygotlostaf ewtimes.
Theyshowedupi nBomi '
sflashycar,Inoti
cedshe
hadt woguyslastt
imewhenIvi si
ted.Ar angeanda
Tiguan.
.

Theyar
ri
vedi
ntheRange.
.

Bomi waslookingfl
ashyasalways,Virgowasa
snacktoo.Thehoodcameal ive,nei
ghbourshad
somethingtotalkabout
,Theyjustdidn'
tknowwhat
washappening..

Bomi madet hewholesi

tuat
ionbet
ter,
shewasher
bubblyfr
iendlysel
fandIwassurpri
sedtheywere
eati
ngmyf ood.MyMot herandBomijustki
ckedit
offasifl
ikethey'
veknowneachotherforalong
ti
me.
Itwasbeaut
if
ul,
allt
hefearsandanxi
etywentaway
asthi
ngsIwaswor r
iedaboutdi
dn'
tmat t
ert
othem.
.

IkeptmyeyesonVi r
go,hefi
nishedt
hewholeslice
ofthelasagneandsalad,notmuchonthechicken
thoughbutatleastheateandhewasn'tf
orci
ng
through.
.

Bomi
:Thi
swasdel
i
cious
Me:Thankyou
Ma:Ai
shareal
lydedi
catedhersel
fintheki
tchen
t
oday,
Ihaveneverseenherthisdedi
cated
Theyl
aughed.
.

Me:Idocookever
ynowandt
hen
Bomi
:Youhaveal
ovel
yDaught
er,
Ihearshe'
sver
y
smar
t
Vi
rgo:Shei
s,shei
sver
ysmar
t
Ma:Shetakesaft
erherFat
her,
Lor
dresthi
ssoul
.
HerPat
ernalfami
lyt
heyverysmar
t
Bomi
:Thenwel
ucky
Ma:Ohhshedoesn'
tcomecheap
Bomi
:If
igur
edmuch

Vi
rgowi
nkedatme.
.
Me:Howwast
hef
uner
alyest
erday?
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
..

Bomi
:Itwassadbuti
twentwel
l
Ma:Ohmy.
.I'
m sor
ryf
oryourl
oss
Bomi
:It
'sokay
Ma:Whopassedon?
Bomi
:Myni
ece
Ma:Shamewhathappened?
Bomi
:Mycousi
ngavebi
rt
htoast
il
lbor
n
Ma:That
'ssad.
.I'
m sor
ry
Bomi
:It
'sokay

Vi
rgo:Thankyouf
ori
nvi
ti
ngust
oyourl
ovel
yhome
Ma:Youwel
come.
.Thankyouf
orcomi
ng
Me:I
'
llt
aket
hedi
shest
otheki
tchen
Vi
rgo:I
'
llhel
pyou

POZI
SWA

Thiswasgoingt
obeaboringSaturday,Ihadhoped
thatVi
rgoandIwewouldchi
llorsomet hi
ng.Ihave
noplansandIcoul
dn'
tgototheweddi ngbecause
thePersonwhowasmeanttopickmeupbai l
edon
me..

Ihadj
ustf
ini
shedshower
ing,
Iappl
iedmakeupand
thentooknudepi
ctur
esandsentVi
rgoj
ustt
oshow
him whathi
smissi
ngouton.
.

AI
SHA

Soyougott
hroughmeal
?
Vi
rgo:I
twasdel
ici
ous
Me:Thankyou
Hi
sphonebeeped,
hetooki
toutandchecked.
.He
wasoni
tforawhil
e..

Me:Ever
ythi
ngokay?
Vi
rgo:Uhm yeah
Heputhi
sphoneaway.
.

Me:Ispoket
oJonat
hanandexpl
ainedt
ohi
m
ever
ythi
ng
Vi
rgo:And?
Me:Hehasagr
eedt
onotbeanui
sance
Vi
rgo:I
'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
Me:I'
m sorr
y..Didn'tmeantoputyouinthat
posit
ion,
especiall
ysinceyou'
veneverputme
thr
oughsuch.I'ddieifyoucoul
dbet hatwit
h
someonecloset ome
Vi
rgo:Youdon'
thavetowor
ryaboutt
hat
..Tel
lme,
ar
eyouandPof ri
ends?
Me:Weokay
Vi
rgo:Idon'
tli
keher
Me:Why?
Vi
rgo:She'
sjust
..Idon'
tli
ket
hePer
sont
hatshei
s
Me:Funnyyoushoul
dsayt
hat
,AseandIf
eelt
he
samewaytoo
Vi
rgo:Beingfr
iendswi t
hherwilldef
ini
tel
ytaintyour
i
mage, shedoesn'thavesel
frespectwhatsoever
Me:Hai
boVi
rgo.
.Youdon'
tknowhert
hatwel
l
Vir
go:Fr
om whatI
'veseenIdon'
tli
keherandIthi
nk
youshoul
dstophangi
ngwithher,Idon'
twanther
i
nfl
uenci
ngyou
Me:Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
,wenotcl
ose
Vi
rgo:That
'sgoodbecause.
.
Me:Because?
Virgo:Af
tert
oday,whathappenedi
nthel
ivi
ng
room..It
hinkIcanhaveawor dwit
hmyUncles

Idr
oppedt
hepl
atet
hatIwashol
ding.
..
Me:What
?
Ma:Sont
oki
?
Me:I
t'
sokayMa,
thepl
atej
ustsl
ipped
Il
ookedatVi
rgo.
.
Me:Idon'
tunder
stand
Vi
rgo:Let
'sgetmar
ri
ed
Me:Asi
ngetmar
ri
ed?
Vi
rgo:WecanpayLobol
afornow,
thenaf
ter
gr
aduati
onwecangetmarri
ed
Me:Youser
ious?
Vi
rgo:Il
oveyouandwhat
'st
hepoi
ntofwai
ti
ng?
Me:I
'
m onl
y22you24
Vi
rgo:So?
Me:West
il
lyoung
Vi
rgo:Ther
e'snoaget
owhenaPer
sonshoul
dget
marri
ed
Me:Thi
sisbi
g
Vi
rgo:Youcant
hinkabouti
t
Me:YesI
..It
hinkIshoul
d

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

MyMotherwal
kedupt
ome,
Iwashangi
ngt
he
bl
anket
s..

Ma:Ket
so
Me:Ma
Ma:It
hinkweshoul
dputwhathappenedbet
ween
usandstar
tover
Me:YeahI
'
dli
ket
hat

Idon'
thaveababyt
hatwasmyATM,
soI
'
m
tr
appedheref
ornow.
.

Ma:Lookonthebrightside,
nextyearyoucan
f
inal
lygotoschoolwithoutababyholdingyouback

Shewassayi
ngt
hatasi
fli
kemybabywasacur
se.
.

Me:Iam l
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtot
hat
Ma:Sol
ong,youcanappl
yforbur
sar
iesandappl
y
f
oraschool
Me:I
'
lldot
hat
Ma:That
'sgood
AI
SHA

Vir
goandIweresi
tt
ingonthestoep,myMot her
andBomiweregat
heredar
oundt hedinnert
able.
MyMotherwasshowingherphotoalbums..

Iwasl ostdeepinmyt houghts.Thi

nkingabout
whatVi r
goaskedme.I tallseemsquickbutImean
everygirlhasthatwi
shf orthei
rbet
terhal
ftotake
them seriousl
y,t
akethatnextstep.
.

IknowBomiwil
lpayt
helobol
amoney,andmaybe
j
ustmaybethi
sismydesti
ny.Abl
essi
ngfrom God.
.

Hesqueezedmycheek.
.
Vi
rgo:Tal
ktome
Il
ookedathi
m..
Vi
rgo:What
'swr
ong?
Me:I
fwedot
his,
Idon'
twantat
rai
lofabuse
Vi
rgo:Youwon'thavet
hat
,Ipr
omi
se.
.RememberI
am goi
ngfort
herapy
Me:FoundaTher
api
styet
?
Virgo:Yes..Washopi
ngyoucoul
dcomewi
thonmy
fi
rstsession
Me:I
'
dli
ket
hat
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Okayl
et'
sdoi
t
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Me:Let
'
sgetmar
ri
ed?
Hesmi
led.
.
Vi
rgo:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:I
'
m sur
e
Hel
eanedoverandki
ssedme.
.
POZI
SWA

Hedi
dn'
trepl
ybuthedi
dseet
hem.
.

Thiswasbad,i
twasverybad.Whichguycant
urn
thi
sdown?Ithoughtwehadagreatti
me

Il
aidbackonmybed,
whathol
ddoesAi
shahave
onthi
sguy??

.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
00] :SEASONFI
NALE

44

AI
SHA
Lat
eSunday,
Vir
gopassedbyt
ofet
chme.
.
Webi tmyMotherGoodbyeanddr ovebackt
o
Pret
oria.
.Heaskedmet osleepoverathi
spl
ace,I
deci
dedt ogi
vehim achancesincethi
ngswere
bett
erbetweenusnow..

Wepassedbyatarest
aur
antandgotsomef
ood,
t
hendrovet
othefl
at.
.

Me:Whocl
eansf
oryou?
Vi
rgo:Ido
Me:Idon'
tseeyoucl
eani
ng
Vi
rgo:Ther
e'sal
otyoudon'
tknow
Me:Iam guessi
ng
Vir
go:I
'
llpr
epar
ethef
ood,
youj
ustmakeyour
sel
fat
home
Me:Okay
KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Iwaspr
epar
ingdi
nnerwhenmySi
sterwal
kedi
n..

Si
s:Hel
lo
Me:Hi
Si
s:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m wel
landyou?
Si
s:I
'
m good
Iwentt
otocooki
ng.
.
Si
s:Ket
so.
.I'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappened
Me:I
t'
sokay
Si
s:I
twasanacci
dent
Me:Sucht
hingshappen
Si
s:You'
l
lst
il
lhaveki
dsi
nthenearf
utur
e
Me:Iknow
Si
s:I
'm actual
lyher
etof
etchThami
,hear
dhi
s
ar
ri
vingtoday
Me:Hei
s
MyBrot
herhassincebeenatsomeschoolcamp,
t
heycomingbacktoday.
.
Si
s:Youcancomewi
th
Me:I
'
m busyst
il
lcooki
ng
Si
s:Okay.
.I'
l
lgot
oseeMom
Me:Cool

AI
SHA

Af
tereat
ing,
Ideci
dedt
ogoandt
akeashower
..

Vi
rgo:CanIj
oinyou?
Me:Doyouhavecondoms?
Vi
rgo:Youwer
eusi
ngt
hepi
ll
sri
ght
?
Me:Ist
oppedwhenwe.
.
Hef
oldedhi
sar
ms.
.
Vi
rgo:Wowsoyour
eal
lydi
dn'
twantuswor
king
t
hingsout
?
Me:It
houghtwewer
ereal
lydone
Vi
rgo:Wedi
dtr
ythepul
loutgamer
emember
?
Me:Idon'
twannaf
allpr
egnant
Vir
go:Iknowandyouwon't
,si
ncewehaven'
tbeen
sexualact
iveIwasabl
etodoali
tt
lebi
tofpr
act
ice
withmyhand
Il
aughed.
.
Me:Wel
lthenl
et'
ssee

POZI
SWA

Iwaswi
thAsewewer
ecat
chi
ngup.
.
Wewer
ecompar
ingQout
as.
.
Me:Howcomeyouhave20Pat
ient
s?
Ase:Iwor
kedover
ti
me
Il
ookedatmyQout
a,Ihad5pat
ient
s..
Me:Radi
ogr
aphyi
sdr
aini
ng
Ase:Wel
lyouhavet
ogett
hroughi
t
Me:HowmanyPat
ient
sdoesAi
shahave?
Ase:21
Me:Howcome?Imeandat
ingandbookst
heyhave
nevermi
xedt
oget
her
Ase:She'
sdedicat
edtoherschoolwor
k,wedo
over
ti
met oget
heratt
imes
Me:Andyounevert
oldme?Suchf
ri
ends
Ase:Youdon'
thangwi
thust
hatmuchnomor
e,you
hangwithFut
hi
Me:Ohwsot
hat
'swhy?
Ase:AghPoi
t'
snott
hatdeep
Me:Yeahwhatever
,maybeI
'
llkeeponf
ucki
ng
Ai
sha'
sboyfr
iend
Ase:What
?
Me:Wehooki
ngup
Ase:Butyouknowhe'
swi
thAi
sha
Me:Lookhedoesn'
tloveher
,ifhedi
d..Wewoul
dn'
t
havehookedup
Ase:HowdoIknowt
hatyounotl
ying?
Me:Icandescr
ibehi
sfl
at,
plusher
e
Ishowedhert
henudesIsentVi
rgo.
.
Ase:What
?
Me:Nowyoubel
ieveme?
Ase:Youar
eevi
l!Ai
shai
sourf
ri
end
Me:Ohwsonowwef ri
ends?Weonl
yfr
iendswhen
i
tsuityouguysr
ight
?WhenQoutaisi
nvolvedI
'
m
notafri
end?
Ase:Getoutofmyr
oom!
!!
Me:Wi
thpl
easur
e

AI
SHA
Sexintheshowerwould'
vebeengreati
fthet
il
es
weren'
tsli
pper
y.Thematcouldn'
thelpusmuchit
wassmal l
,sohepickedmeupandwewentt othe
bed..

Hisheadwasbur i
edi
nbetweenmylegs.Hesucked
myclitwhi
lsthi
stwofi
ngersr
ubbedagainstt
he
openi
ngofmycoochie..

Me:OhhVi
rgo.
.

Ir
ubbedmyhandagai
nsthi
swethai
r.
.

Imi
ssedt
his,
thepl
easur
eofi
tal
l.
.

Heconti
nuedunt
ilhenot
icedt
hatIwasaboutto
come,t
henhecamebackupandki ssedme..He
knel
tonthebedwithmykneesup.Hegrabbedhi
s
st
if
fcockandr
ubbeditagai
nstmycl
ital
ltheway
downtomyopeni
ng..

Hisot
herhandheranitonmythi
gh,al
lthewayup
tomybreast
.Hegentl
ygrabbedi
tandshookit
.Hi
s
handcoul
dn'tcupi
tal
l.
.

Vi
rgo:I
'
vemi
ssedyou
Me:I
'
vemi
ssedyout
oo
Hepenet
rat
edmeandIgasped.
.
Hetookitoutandt
appedi
tagai
nstmycl
it
,thenhe
penet
rat
edmeagain..

Me:Ahhhh!
Hef
urt
her
edinandIgr
abbedhi
sar
m,hel
ookedat
meandIl
etgo.
.

Hest
art
edof
fsl
owmaybef
or10secondsandt
hen
pickedupt
hepace.Hepumpedmehar dert
hanhe'
s
everdonebef
orei
nourhist
oryofhavi
ngsex..

Me:Vi
rgo!
!!
!
Her
anhishandfr
om mytummyallt
hewayupt
o
myneckandti
ght
enedhi
sgri
p..

Fir
stexper
ienceinchoki
ng,f
ir
stexperi
encewith
roughsexbutitwasn'
tbad.Wasn'tbadatal
l.
.I
l
oweredmyhandandst ar
tedrubbingmycli
t.
.

ASENATHI

Ical
ledmyFriendfrom hometotalkt
oherabout
whathappened..HernameisZikhona

Zi
khona:It
hinkyoushoul
dst
ayoutofi
t
Me:Ai
shai
smyf
ri
end
Zikhona:Someotherpeopl
egetangr
ywi
thyouf
or
tel
li
ngthem thet
ruth
Me:SoImustactl
ikenot
hinghappened?
Zikhona:Theaffai
rsoft
woPeopl
eyoudon'
tmeddl e,
al
lIknowi sthatthet
rut
hal
wayscomesout.Lether
fi
ndoutf orher
self
Me:Ican'
tbel
ievePowoul
ddot
hat
Zi
khona:Podoesn'
towet
hisAi
shagi
rll
oyal
ty,
her
boyf
ri
enddoes.
Me:ButPoknowst
hatAi
shai
swi
thVi
rgo
Zi
khona:Ei
therway,
Podi
dn'
tgot
ohi
sfl
at.Hewas
i
nvi
tedin
Me:Boys
Zi
khona:St
ayoutofi
t

AI
SHA

Thef
ir
str
ound,
hedi
dpul
loutandcameonmy
tummy.Thesecondr
oundhewasl
aidbackont
he
couch,
Iwasontopofhi
m.

Hishandsonmybut t,mynippleinhi
smouthand
hewashel pi
ngmewi thpumping.Iwoul
dholdonto
thesupportbackst
ructur
eofthecouch,
hewould
grabbedonmyassandst ar
tfucki
ngme
underneat
h..
.

Thesadpartaboutarel
ati
onshi
ptur
moi
list
hatyou
don'
tgett
oexperiencet
his.
.

Hegrabbedonmyl
ockswhenIst
art
edt
opumpon
hi
m harder
..

Vi
rgo:Ohhhhhhf
uck.
.Yesdon'
tst
opbaby

Iwentonandhegr
abbedonmyassandsqueezed
medownt ohi
mrel
easi
ngadeepmoan.
.
Iconti
nuedpumpi
ngonhi
m unt
ilhet
oldmet
o
stop.
.

Vi
rgo:It
hinkweshoul
dtakeabr
eak
Me:Butyoudi
dn'
tcome
Heki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.
Vi
rgo:We'
l
lgoagai
n,you'
ver
eal
lywor
kedme
Me:Okay

It
ri
edt
ogetof
f.
.
Vi
rgo:Wai
tasecond.
.Justsi
tforacoupl
eof
mi
nutes
Me:Why?
Vir
go:I
'
vemissedyouandI
'
vemi
ssedt
his,
Ireal
l
y
don'
twannal
etgo

Ihuggedhi
m..
VI
RGO

Af
teraf
ewmi nutesshegotof
f,Iwaspr
ayi
ngt
hat
mycum doesn'
trundownonher

Ai
sha:Ineedt
opee
Me:Okay
Shet
ookt
het
owelandwentt
othebat
hroom.
.

Poisaveryf
orwardgir
l,Iknowthatwhenyouturn
agir
ldownsheusuall
yrevengesbytell
ingyour
gi
rl
fri
endwhathappened..

Themarri
ageproposalmightt
akel
onger,somaybe
ababymightbeagoodway.Ababyi salengthy
sent
ence,
Aishawillbest
ucktomeforever.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
00] :SEASONFI
NALE

45

Iwastiresomef r
om allthesext hatwewer ehavi
ng.
Thelatelast2rounds, hedidcomeandIsawhi s
cum..Thatwasar el
ieftome, t
hel astt
hingIwantis
fal
li
ngpr egnant
.That '
stheWor stofital
l,t
hefail
ure
anddisappointmentofi tal
l.
.

Itwasaround1am whenwedeci dedt osleep,

even
sowedidn't.Ther
ewasalotoft al
king,Iwaslayi
ng
onhischestwithmylegacrosshim andhewas
runni
nghishandonmyt high..

Vi
rgo:I
'
mtel
li
ngyou
Me:Thatdoesn'
tsoundr
ight
Vi
rgo:Iam ser
ious
Iyawned.
.
Vi
rgo:r
eti
ri
ngt
osl
eepal
ready?
Me:I
fIdon'
tsl
eepnow,
Iwon'
twakeupt
omor
row
f
orschool
Vi
rgo:Ihearyou
Heki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
.
Vi
rgo:Goodmor
ning
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:Goodmor
ning

ASENATHI

Iwentt
oAisha'
sroom l
astni
ghtandshewasn'
t
ar
ound.It
ri
edtext
inghernot
hing.

Maybeshedeci
dedt
ost
ayathomeandwi
llcome
backt
oday.
.
Igoti
ntot
hebusandmademywayt
otheback.
.

Itwasver ystr
essful
formet okeepalloft
hisf
rom
her,wil
litaff
ectourfr
iendshi
pshouldsheknow
thatIknewaboutVi r
goandPo?

Thi
swashar
dert
hananyt
hingI
'
vewentt
hrough.
.

AI
SHA

Thefoll
owingmorni
nghedr ovemetoRessoI
couldchange.Hewasverycli
ngyt
hismorni
ng.I
tol
dhimI '
l
ltaket
he9am bus,meani
ngI'
llmi
ssour
fi
rstcl
ass..

Ihadal
readyshoweredathi
spl
acesowhenIgott
o
myroom Idressedup.
.
Inot
icedthatIhadmissedcal
lsf
rom Aseandt
ext
messages.Icall
edher.
.

Ase:Hey
Me:Hi
..Gotyourmi
ssedcal
ls?
Ase:Ar
eyoust
il
lathome?
Me:Noj
ustgott
otheRes,
I'
llcat
cht
he9am cl
ass
Ase:Okay,
Ihopeyouenj
oyedhome
Me:Idi
d,t
hankyou.ButIwasVi
rgol
astni
ght
Ase:Ohw

IknowAsedoesn'
tli
keVir
goafteral
lthathappened,
butwebackt
ogetherandIwanthertogetusedt o
i
t..

Ase:Seeyouat9am
Me:Okaynopr
obl
em
Ihungup.
.
VI
RGO

Idrovetoschool
,Iwasabi
tlat
e.30minl
atef
orour
fi
rstcl
ass.
.Onmywayt ocl
assIcall
edBomi.
.

Bomi
:KodwaLudwe,
Itr
iedt
ocal
lyouyest
erday
Me:Iwaswi
thAi
sha
Bomi
:St
il
lyoucoul
d'vet
ext
ed
Me:IknowI
'
m sor
ry
Bomi
:It
'sokay.Gl
adyouar
ri
vedsaf
ely
Me:Met
oo
(
Sil
ence)
Me:Bomiweneedt
otal
k
Bomi
:Thatsoundsser
ious
Me:I
tis
Bomi
:Tal
ktome
Me:Howwoul
dyouf
eel
aboutAi
shaf
all
ing
pr
egnant
?
Bomi
:What
?
Me:Wel
lwehavebeensexual
Bomi
:Youdi
dn'
tusepr
otect
ion?
Me:Wel
l
Bomi
:Ludwe!
!Youcan'
tjustkeeponmaki
ngbabi
es
Me:I
t'
sAi
sha
Bomi:Yesbut
..Whataboutschool
?Coul
dn'
tyou
guyswait
?
Me:Aishawil
lcont
inuewi t
hschool ,
ababyisnota
fai
lur
e.She'
sasmar tgi
rlverydedicatedwe'
llgi
ve
herever
ythi
ngsheneedswi thregardstothebaby
soshecanfocusonschool
Bomi
:Youhavet
hisal
lfi
gur
edout
Me:HerMot
heri
snotworki
ng,
shecanl
ookaf
ter
t
hebaby.
.Wecanevenpayher
Bomi
:Ar
eyouhear
ingyour
sel
f?
Me:Yes
Bomi
:Isentyout
oschoolt
ost
udy
Me:Bomi.
.Ai
shai
s..Myfr
iendi
spoachi
ngherI
don'
twannal
oseher,
shemakesmehappy
Bomi:Aishaseemsgr
ounded,
Idon'
tseeher
cheat
ingonyou
Me:I
nthi
sli
feyou'
l
lneverknow
Bomi
:Yougi
vingmeaheadache
Me:Sor
ry
Bomi
:Wewi
llt
alk
Me:Okay
Bomi
:Il
oveyoubye
Me:Bye

AI
SHA

It
ookt
he9am bus,
itact
ual
lyar
ri
vedat9:
15am.
.
Imadewayt
ocl
ass.
..

Wewer eat
tendingAnat omy,whenIwal
kedi
n
everyonewasi nclass.Iqui
cklymademywaytosi
t
nexttoAse..

Me:Hey(
Whi
sper
ing)
Ase:Hey
It
ookoutmymanualast
hecl
asscont
inued.

Weat
tendedt
hecl
assandwewer
eoutby10:
00am.
.

Ase:Can'
tbel
ievenextmont
hwest
art
ingwi
thmi
d
t
ermt est
s
Me:Ther
e'sgoi
ngt
obeal
otofst
udyi
ng
Ase:Atl
eastwegetaweekof
fforst
udyi
ng,
we'
l
l
onl
ybeattendi
ngcl
ini
cal
s
Me:Yaamet
oo
Pocamet
ous.
.

Po:Gi
rl
s
Me:Hey
Po:Youcamei
npr
ett
ylat
e
Me:YaIgothel
dupbysl
eep
Po:Di
dn'
tseeyout
hisweekend
Me:Iwasathome
Po:Hopeyouenj
oyed
Me:Idi
d
Po:Letmel
eaveyougi
rl
s,wannacat
chupwi
th
Vi
rgoonsomethi
ng
Shewal
kedupt
ohi
m..

Me:Ohkt
hat
'swei
rd.
.Si
ncewhendot
heyt
alk
Ase:Theycl
assmat
es
Me:YaabutI
'
veneverseent
hem t
alki
ngl
ikeoneon
one
Ase:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?
Me:Yeahl
et'
sgo

VI
RGO

Po'
spresenceboredme.Shewaswal
kingwi
thme
toournextcl
ass.
.

Po:SoIwasthinkingthatwecangooutt
his
af
ternoonaf
terclass
Me:No
Po:ComeonVi
rgo,
youwer
egonet
hisweekend.
.I
missedyou

Shet
ri
edgr
abbi
ngmycr
otchImovedback.
.
Me:Ar
eyoui
nsane?
Po:Scar
edofgi
rl
fr
iend?
Me:List
en.
.Whathappenedthatdayshoul
dn'
thave
happened,
honest
lyspeaki
ngIwasinabadspace
andIneededsomeonetocheerupmymood
Po:Wel
lyourmoanssai
dot
her
wise
Me:Mymoanssai dother
wisebecauseitwasa
sexualact
,ofcour
seIwasgoingtoaroused
Po:Sowhatar
eyousayi
ngt
ome?
Me:I
'
m sayi
ng.
.Wedone
Po:It
houghtwehadanar
rangement
?
Me:Thear
rangementi
sdone
Po:WowIwonderwhatAi
shawoul
dsayaboutt
hat
ni
ght
Me:Ar
eyout
hreat
eni
ngme?
Po:NoI
'
mjustsayi
ng
Me:Youcangoaheadandt
ellher
Shel
ookedatmeshocked.
.
Me:Ai
shai
snott
hef
ir
stgi
rlI
'
vebeenwi
th,
Ican'
t
f
indanot
heronei
nabl
inkofaneye
Po:Ohw
Me:Ifyouwannatellheryoucangoahead,
mat
ter
off
act.Icaneventellhermysel
f
Shedi
dn'
texpectt
hat
..
Me:ByePo
Shewal
kedaway.
.

Thethi
ngaboutemoti
onalbl
ackmaili
sthatyoucan
robt
heculpr
itoft
hei
rpowertoblackmai
lyou..
.

AI
SHA

AseandIwewal kedt
otheAdmi
n,Ineededto
enqui
rei
ftheappli
cat
ionf
ormswereoutal
ready.
.

Ase:MaybeI
'
llt
akesomet
oo
Me:Youwannaappl
ytoo?
Ase:BDSwoul
dn'
tbebad
Me:Youshoul
dappl
ytoo
Ase:MaybeIwi
ll
(
Sil
ence)
Ase:Schoolst
il
lcomesf
ir
str
ight
?
Me:Yesofcour
se
Ase:Okay
Me:I
sther
esomet
hingwr
ong?
Ase:No..Notatall
..Justmaki
ngsur
ethatyour
pr
iori
ti
eshaven'tchanged
Me:Okaynot
heyhaven'
t
Ase:Okay

Thatwasver
yawkwar
d..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
00] :SEASONFI
NALE
46

AI
SHA

[
2MONTHSLATER]

Wewer einthemiddl
eofthesemester
,midyear
test
s,cl
ini
cals,
assi
gnments.I
twasthewor st
experi
ence,l
imit
edti
meandal otofworkgoingon.
.

I
'venoti
cedthatmybodywasnotadj ustingver
y
wellt
ot hepressure,
Iwasn'tf
eeli
ngwell.Haven'
t
f
eltwellinawhi l
e.Ithi
nkt
hepr essur
ewast aki
nga
t
ollonmeandi twasdepressi
ng, t
houghIwas
worki
nghar dbutmybodywaswor ki
ngagainst
me...

Ihadt
ocutt
hedayshor
tbecauseIwasn'
tfeel
ing
well
,af
terourlunchti
meIspentthenextminut
esi
n
ther
estroom vomiti
ngnonstop.Asshadtocome
andcheckuponme.

Ase:Youhaven'
tbeenf
eel
ingwel
lforawhi
lenow
Me:It
hinki
t'
sthecont
racept
ivepi
ll
s
Ase:Fi
rstt
imeusi
ngt
hem?
Me:No.
.I'
veusedthem bef
oreandst
oppednever
r
eall
yexper
iencedsuchheavysi
deef
fect
sfr
om
t
hem
Ase:Idon'
tthi
nkyouwi
llcont
inuewi
thcl
asses
Me:Idon'
tknowwhat'
shappeni
ng,
thesi
cknessI
can'
tevendescr
ibe
Shel
ookedatt
het
ime.
.
Ase:I
t'
s14:
00andt
hebuscomesat16:
00
Me:Ican'
tAse,
I'
m si
ck
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Me:It
hinki
t'
sthepr
essur
e,t
hest
ressIj
ustcan'
t
Ase:Wel
lyou'
veal
wayscopedwel
lunder
cover
Me:Idon'
tknow.
.Iam br
eaki
ngdown(
cryi
ng)
Ase:16:
00i
sst
il
lfar
Me:Letmet
extVi
rgo

It
ext
edhi
mthatI
'
m notokay.
..

West ayedi
ntherestr
oom foratleast10mi
nbef
ore
hetextedmeback,thenAsewal kedmeout.Hewas
st
andingbytheentrance.
.

Me:Il
ongt
ext
edyou,
whydi
dn'
tyoucomeout
?
Vi
rgo:Ionl
ysawi
tnownow
Me:Howcome?Yourphonei
sal
waysonyourhand
Vi
rgo:I
twasi
nmypockett
hist
imear
ound
Hel
ookedatme.
.
Vi
rgo:What
'swr
ong?St
il
lfeel
ingsi
ck?
Me:Yes
Vi
rgo:Thi
sisget
ti
ngser
iousnow
Me:Iknow

SinceIst
art
edgett
ingsick,I
'
vebeenstayingwi
th
him.Hewant edmeclosersoIdon'
tbothermy
roommate..
.

Vi
rgo:Whatyouwannado?Wannagot
othef
lat
?
Me:It
hinkso
Vi
rgo:Okayl
et'
sgo
Het
ookmybag.
.
Vi
rgo:ThankyouAse
Ase:Takecar
eofher
Vi
rgo:Iwi
ll

Asewal
kedbackt
ocl
ass,
Vir
goandIl
eft
..
ASENATHI

Iam suspect
ingthatAishamightbepr egnant
,she'
s
beenshowingallthesymptomsofpr egnancy.I
don'
tknowhowshecan' tseei
tnorthinkofit.
.

Iwentbackt
ocl
ass.
.

Iwasscaredonherbehal
f,wit
hhowdiffi
cul
tschool
i
s.Ther
e'snoroom f
orpregnancyatal
l.
.

AI
SHA

Vi
rgo:Howar
eyouf
eel
ingnow?
Me:Idon'
tknowmaybeIhavei
nyongo(
bil
e)
Hewasdr
ivi
ng.
.
Me:MaybeIshoul
dcl
eancl
eanmysyst
em
Vi
rgo:That
's.
.Let
'snotmakeourowndi
agnosi
s
Me:Ihavet
hesympt
oms
Vi
rgo:It
hinkyoushoul
dgot
otheDrf
ir
st,
whati
f
i
t'
snotBil
e?
Me:Coul
ditbesomet
hingser
ious?
Vi
rgo:Let
'sbesaf
ethansor
ry
Me:Wel
lIdon'
thavemoneyt
ogot
otheDr
Vi
rgo:Whatam Iher
efor
?
Me:I
'
veneverbeent
hissi
ckbef
ore
Vi
rgo:That
'swhyIthi
nkweshoul
dgot
otheDr
,
t
omor r
owmor ni
ng
Me:Okay.
.That
'sbet
ter
Vir
go:Nowwe'
l
lpassbyatt
hemal
landgetyou
somethi
ngt
oeat
Ishookmyhead.
.
Me:SomehowIf
eel
foodi
sthecause
Vi
rgo:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:Maybeyor
gut
,somet
hingl
ight
Vi
rgo:We'
l
lgetsomet
hingl
ight
Me:Thankyou
Hehel
dmyhand.
..

BOMI

Ir
eadhi
stextagai
n:

"
Ithi
nkAi
shai
spr
egnant
"

Hesentmet
hist
extaboutaweekago.
Aishahasbeensaidt
ohavebeensickforawhi l
e
now..Al
lI'
m prayi
ngf
orist
hatshedoesn'tabort,
if
shefeel
sli
keshewon'tbeabl
etohandleababy.I
canoptforthebabyt
ocomestayhere,getalivein
Nanny..

I
fshe'
spr
egnantI
'
m hopi
ngf
orababygi
rl
,I
've
alwayswant edaDaught
er.Justt
hataf
terVi
rgo,
I
focusedmor eonmycareerandwasneverablet
o
ful
fil
lthatgoal
..

AI
SHA

Heboughtmeeveryt
hingthatIwant
edatt
hemal
l,
r
atheral
lthef
oodIwanted..

Virgoshowedmeasi detohimthatIwishIhad
seenwhenwef ir
ststart
eddati
ng.Si
nceI '
vebeen
sickhe'sbeenverysupporti
ve,
pati
entwithme,and
alwayswant edtobethereforme.Henever
compl ai
ned,neverquesti
onedanyt
hingjustal
ways
there.
..

Me:Iknowit
'sdi
ffi
cultonyout
ooconst
ant
lyhavi
ng
t
omi sscl
assesbecauseofme
Vir
go:Idon'tmindatall
,j
ustwannagett
othe
bott
om ofthis.
.It
'sbeenawhil
enow
Me:Ij
usthopei
t'
snotsomet
hingser
ious
Vi
rgo:Met
oo.
.Nowl
aydown
Igoti
nbed.
..

Vi
rgo:I
'
llpr
epar
esomet
hingf
oryou,
forl
ateron
Me:Okayt
hankyou

Can'
twai
ttogoseet
heDrt
omor
row.
..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Imanagedt
ogetmysel
fapar
tti
mej
ob.
.

Iwaswor ki
ngatFoschi ni
.Ionlygoti
tbecauseI
didn'
twannast ayathomeanddonot hi
ng,i
t'
s
depressi
ng.Whi l
stI
'm sti
llt
ryi
ngtoapplyf
ornext
yearajobwillkeepmebusy
Iam atempIworkatl
east4t
imesaweek,
Sundays
arecompul
soryf
orme..

I
t'
saverybori
ngjobandmyfi
xedpaymenti
s
R1600,
IgetR2000whenI'
veputi
nover
ti
me.

VI
RGO

Ilookedatherasshewaspeacefull
ysleeping.I
've
Googledhersympt omsandshe'
sdefinit
ely
pregnant.Thi
shasbeengoingonfor2mont hsnow
foll
owingthelastt
imewewereinti
mat eandIcame
i
nsideofher ,
evenwhensheaskedIwasabl eto
convinceherthati
twasherowncum. .

Clear
lyshehasn'
tbeenaroundt
hatmuch,
because
Ibeli
evewomenwoul dknowwhenyou'
vecome
i
nsideofthem..
Idon'tknowhowshe' sgoingtofeeltomor
rowwhen
theDrconf i
rmst hatshe'spregnant
,Ihopeshe
won'tbedepr essedaboutt hewholethi
ngand
possiblychooseabor t
ion..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
01] :SEASONFI
NALE

47

AI
SHA

Thefol
lowingmorningwesetof
ftogoseet
heDr
.
Vir
gosatattherecept
ionasIwentt
otheDr
's
consul
tat
ionroom..

Her
:Whenl
astdi
dyougoonyourper
iods?
Me:I.
.Ihaven'
tthoughti
twast
hepi
ll
s,I
'
m on
Or
alcorn
Her
:Haveyoubeenhavi
ngunpr
otect
edsex?
Me:Yes
Her
:Whendi
dthesesympt
omsst
art
?
Me:2mont
hsagoorso
Her
:Isee.
.Wehavet
orunapr
egnancyt
est
Me:I
'
m notpr
egnant
Shel
ookedatme.
..
Me:Ican'
tbe,
myboyf
ri
enddi
dn'
tcomei
nsi
deof
me
Shechuckl
ed.
..
Her
:Doyouknowhowmanysper msgetr
eleased
byasi
ngl
eejacul
ati
on?Evenasmal
lej
aculat
ion?
Me:No
Her
:We'
l
ldot
het
est

VI
RGO
Isati
ntheemergencyroom ner
vousaboutwhat
mightbehappeni
nginsi
de.
.

Bomi
cal
led.
.
Me:Weatt
heDr
's
Bomi
:Howi
sitgoi
ng?
Me:Iam att
her
ecept
ioni
stshe'
sinsi
de
Bomi
:Yousur
eshe'
spr
egnant
?
Me:Ver
ysur
e
Bomi
:Howdoyout
hinkshe'
sgoi
ngt
otakei
t?
Me:Wellitmi
ghtbedif
fi
cultbutshe'l
lbefi
ne,
it'
s
notl
ikeshe'
sgoingt
ogot hroughallofi
tbyhersel
f
Bomi:Ij
ustpr
ayi
tdoesn'
tcausehert
oomuch
st
resstoapoi
ntwher
eshewi l
lgi
veuponschool
Me:I'
m notworri
edaboutt
hat
,she'
sstrong.Idon'
t
seeherqui
tt
ing.I'
m wor
ri
edaboutherwantingto
Abort
Bomi:I
'
m notthebestpersontojudget
here,I
'
ve
hadmyownmi st
akesinthatdepart
ment.I
'mthe
l
astPersont
ogoagai nsti
t
Me:Idon'twanthert
oabortBomi,thi
sst
art
edof
f
asjusttotr
apherandithaspr
ogressedt
ome
act
uallywanti
ngtobeaFather
Bomi:Ludwe,
Ketsowaspr
egnantandyoudi
dn'
t
seem t
ocareevenwhent
hebabydied
Me:Ther ewasahi ghpossibil
ityi
twasnotmi ne,
Ketsowasvi ciousandbei ngtiedtoherfort
he
l
ongesttimewasdr ai
ning.Shehadnohopesi nl
if
e,
nogoals,definit
elynotawomanIwoul dset
tlewit
h.
Aisha,i
t'
sdifferent.Il
oveherandIcanbui ld
somethingstabl ewithher.She'sreser
ved,r
espects
hersel
fshe'l
lbeagoodmot her
Bomi
:Thatist
rueshecomesf
rom aver
ygood
homeandfamil
y
Me:Soyounotangr
y?
Bomi:What'
sther
etobeangr
yabout ?Sol
ongyou
won'
tbegivi
ngmeasecondGr andchil
dfr
om
anot
hergi
rl
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Bomi
:Wewi
llt
alkwhenyouguysar
edone
Me:Okay
Bomi
:Il
oveyouBye
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

AI
SHA

Dr
:Thet
esti
sback
Il
ookedather
..
Dr
:Youdef
ini
tel
ypr
egnant
Thewor
d"Pr
egnant
"echoedt
hrough.
.
Me:Ican'
tbepr
egnant
Dr
:Youar
e
Me:No.
.Youdon'tunder
stand,Ican'
tbepr
egnant
.
I
t'
simpossi
blehetol
dmet hathe..
Dr
:Manyl
adi
esf
ellf
ort
hatt
rap,
neveri
nyourl
if
e
t
rustamanwhenhesayst
hat

Myheadfel
tli
ght
er,
myhear
tracepi
ckedup.Igot
di
zzy.
..

Igotupfr
om thechairandwalkedoutwi
than
anxi
etyat
tackcreepi
ngin..
..

Iwal
kedtot
herecept
ion,andVi
rgogotupf
rom hi
s
chai
rwhenhesawme. .

Vi
rgo:Ai
sha
Il
ookedathi
m ast
ear
sfor
medi
nmyeyes.
Vi
rgo:What
'swr
ong?Whathappenedi
nther
e?
Hewal
kedupt
ome.
.

TheDrshowedup.
.
Dr
:Iwaswor
ri
edaboutyou,
thoughtyouwoul
d
passoutatt
her
ecept
ion

Shehel
dmeandhel
pedmet
osi
tdownont
hef
loor
..

Vi
rgo:Whathappenedi
nther
e?
Dr
:Ar
eyouwi
thher
?
Vi
rgo:I
'
m herboyf
ri
end
Dr
:Pl
easegetusagl
assofwat
er
Vi
rgowal
kedovert
ogeti
t.
.
Dr
:Doesheknow?
Ishookmyhead.
.
Dr
:Doyouwanthi
mtoknow?
Me:Yes
Dr
:Okay
Vi
rgogotbackwi
tht
hegl
assofwat
er.
.

Dr
:She'
sabi
tinshock
Vi
rgo:Why?
Dr
:She'
spr
egnant
Heexhal
ed.
.
Dr
:She'
sgoi
ngt
oneedal
lthesuppor
t
Vi
rgo:Yesofcour
se.
.ThankyouDr
Dr
:Sheneedst
ogot
othecl
ini
c
Vir
go:Wefarfr
om home,
canshecomeher
efor
appoi
ntment
s?
Dr
:Yes.
.

Theyconti
nuedt
alki
ngandIwasnotevenpayi
ng
att
enti
ontowhatt
heyweresayi
ng.Mymindwas
faraway.
..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Ist
art
edchatt
ingwi
tht
hisot
herguyonInst
a,i
nthe
DM.He'snameisNj
abul
oandhewasn'tbad
l
ooking.Nothandsomebutcleanandseemstobe
f
inancial
lyst
able.Notr
ich,
butfi
nanci
all
yst
abl
e..

Iwasstrol
li
ngdownthemall
,I
'veexcusedmysel
f
sayingI
'
m goingtot
hebat
hroom.Hehadaskedto
givemeacal l
..

Nj
abs:Youhaveabeaut
if
ulvoi
ce
Me:Thankyou.
.Your
sisnotbadt
oo
Nj
abs:Thankyou
Me:Thankyouf
ort
hecal
l
Njabs:Iwasact
ual
lycal
li
ngtoseei
fIcant
akeyou
outthi
sweekend?OnSaturday

Luckyf
orme,
I'
m notwor
kingonSat
urday.
Me:I
'
dli
ket
hat

Nj
abs:I
'
m atwor
ksoI
'
llr
ingyoul
ater
?
Me:Lat
eri
tis
Nj
abs:Bye
Me:Bye

HeworksatSABC,
Ijustdon'
tknowwhathedoes
t
her
e..

AI
SHA

Wewer
equi
eti
nthecar
..
Me:Howdi
dthi
shappen?
Vi
rgo:I
'
m notsur
e
Me:Didyoucomei
nsi
deofme?Thatwasn'
tmy
di
scharger
ight
?
Hekeptqui
et.
.

Me:Youcamei
nsi
deofme!
Vi
rgo:Ai
sha
Me:Howcoul
dyou?
Vi
rgo:Iwasreal
lyenj
oyi
ngyouandIcamei
nsi
de
pr
emat ur
ely
Me:Prem-whatdoyouevenmeanbythat
?Why
di
dn'tyousayso?Wecoul
d'vegot
tenamorni
ng
af
terpil
l!
Vi
rgo:Idi
dn'tthi
nkapr
emat
ureej
acul
ati
oncoul
d
l
eadtoapr egnancy
(
Sil
ence)

Vi
rgo:LookI
'
m sor
ry
Me:I
'
m pr
egnantandyousor
ry?Howcoul
dyou?
Howcoul
dyou?

Ist
art
edhi
tt
inghi
m..

Me:Ihat
eyou!
!!Ihat
eyou!
!Ihat
eyouwi
thal
lmy
hear
t(cr
ying)

Hehel
dbot
hmyhandst
ight
..

Me:Howcoul
dyoudot
hist
ome?(
cryi
ng)
Hepul
ledmecl
osert
ohi
schestandhel
dmet
ight
..

Me:Howcoul
dyou?(
cryi
ng)
Vi
rgo:I
'
m sor
ry.
.I'
mreal
lysor
ry

ASENATHI

Po:Wher
eist
heot
herMr
sgoodyt
ooshoes?
Me:Real
ly?
Po:I
'
venot
icedshehasn'
tbeenwel
l
Me:Asi
fli
keyoucar
e?
Po:Iwasj
ustaski
ng
Me:Wel
ldon'
t,
becauseyoudon'
tcare.Youthe
same"
Fri
end"whosleptwi
thherboyfr
iend
Sher
oll
edhereyes.
.
Me:ByePo!

Iwal
kedt
ocl
ass.
.

VI
RGO

Aishacri
eduntilshepassedoutonthepassenger
's
seat.Iwasexcit
edbutalsoworri
ed,thewayshe
wascr yi
ng.Idon'tknowi
fshewillgothr
oughwith
thepregnancy.

Ineedtobeext
rasuppor
ti
vesoshecanpassthe
Abort
ionst
age,bef
araheadandnotevenbeabl
eto
abort
..
Wewer edr
ivi
ngbacktot
heflatandIwaslostdeep
i
nmyt hought
s,t
hinki
ngaboutwhenthebabyis
al
readyher
e.Iwantaboy

Iser
iousl
ywantababyboy.
.
.
Tobecont
inued

Wehadaf ewsponsor
s,sponsor
edbonusi
nser
ts
wi
llst
artt
omorrow
[
03/
14,
22:
01] :SEASONFI
NALE

48

AI
SHA

Iwokeuplat
eronatni
ghtfr
om aheavypeaceful
sl
eep.WhenIwokeup,Ir
eali
zedt
henight
mar ethat
Iwasi n..Somet hi
ngwassmell
ingni
ce,Vir
gohad
prepareddi nnerandci
rcl
edi
taroundthesmal
l
coffeetable..

Vi
rgo:Hey
Me:Hi
Vi
rgo:Pr
epar
eddi
nnerf
oryou
Il
ookedatt
hef
ood.
.
Virgo:Ipr
epar
edMac&Cheese, st
eak,gr
eensalad.
There'sMangojui
ce,Oreocakeandicecream i
nthe
fr
idgewi t
hchocol
atesauce
Thatsoundedyummy.
.

Isatupst
rai
ghtonthebed.
.Hecameandknel
t
befor
eme,heheldmyhand..

Virgo:I
'm sosorryforwhathappened,I'
l
ltakef
ull
responsibi
li
ty.Iwantyoutoknowt hatyouwon'tgo
t
hr oughthisalone,
I'l
lal
waysbeher e.I
fyoukeep
thebaby, youwon'tevenhavet ospendacentallup
untilthebabyisborn.Evenafterthebabyisborn,
youwon' tspendacent ,
you'l
lstil
lcont
inuewit
h
studiesandyou'l
lgetallthehelpyouneed
Me:Whatdoyoumean"I
fIkeepthebaby"Iam a
Chr
ist
ianIdon'
tbel
i
evei
nabort
ion
Vi
rgo:Soyoukeepi
ngt
hebaby
Me:MyMotheri
sgoi
ngt
obedi
sappoi
nted,
thi
swas
nott
hepl
an
Vi
rgo:Shewi
llbeangr
ybutast
imegoesonshewi
ll
beokay
Me:WeyoungVir
go,I'
m 22youwhat
?24?Howcan
webeParent
satthi
sage?
Vi
rgo:Wewillmakei
twor
k..Ipr
omi
sej
ustal
lowme
t
obet her
eforyou
It
houghtf
orawhi
le.
.
Vir
go:Let
'snotover
thi
nkit,
let
'sj
ustgowi
tht
he
fl
owokay?Seehowi tgoes?
Me:Okay
Heputhi
shandonmycheek.
.
Vi
rgo:Wegoi
ngt
omakei
t
Me:Okay
Vi
rgo:Canwet
ryandeat
?
Me:I
'
dli
ket
hat

Iwentandtookashower .
.Ihadti
metothinki
nt he
shower,
ifwecanmaket hiswork?Wil
lIbeableto
beaMot her?I'
vedisappoi
ntedmyself
,myMot her.
Allmyenemi esar
egoi ngtobehappy,t
hisisa
night
mare..

WhenIwasdoneshower
ing,
wesatdownandat
e..

Vi
rgo'
sphoner
ang.
.

Vi
rgo:I
t'
smyMot
her
Heanswer
ed.
.
Vi
rgo:Mi
sspr
ett
ythang
Bomi
:Heyyou
Vi
rgo:Yougood?
Bomi
:Yesandyou?
Vi
rgo:I
'
m goodtoo.
.I'
m havi
ngdi
nnerwi
thMi
ss
Pr
ettyt
hangjnr
Bomi
:OhwheyAi
sha
Me:Hel
lo
Vi
rgo:Wehavesomet
hingt
otel
lyou
Bomi
:Okay?
Vi
rgo:Ai
shai
spr
egnant
,wewer
eatt
heDrt
oday
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Vi
rgo:Ma?
Ihear
dhersni
ff
ing.
.
Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Bomi
:Ar
eyousur
e?Imean.
.Ar
eyouguyssur
e?
Me:Yes
Bomi
:Wow.
.SoI
'
m goi
ngt
obeaGr
andmot
her
?
Vi
rgo:Younotmad?
Bomi
:Whywoul
dIbe?Atl
eastyouguysar
enoti
n
hi
ghschool
Idi
dn'
texpectt
hatr
eact
ion.
.

Vi
rgo:Ai
shai
swor
ri
edaboutherMot
her
Bomi:Iunderstand..Ai
shaIdon'
twantyout oworry
muchaboutt hat,schooli
shecti
cenoughjust
concent
rateonschoolandyourhealth.Idon'twant
youtoworryaboutanyt hi
ng,Dr
'sappoint
ment sand
whatnot
Me:Thankyou
Bomi
:Vi
rgoIr
eal
lyneedyout
oactr
ight
Vi
rgo:Ipr
omi
se
Bomi:Idon'
twantyouwor
ryi
ngaboutyourMot
her
ei
ther
,it
'l
lbesor
tedIpr
omise
Me:Okay
Vi
rgo:We'
l
lcal
lyouagai
ntomor
rowmor
ning
Bomi
:Okay.
.Il
oveyouguys
Vi
rgo:Wel
oveyout
oo
Hehungup.
.

Vi
rgo:Atl
eastonePer
soni
shappyf
orus

Okaythi
smi ghtact
ual
lywork,
Ijustneedmy
Mother'
ssupportandI
'l
lbeokay..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Ikeptongoi ngbacktohi
spost,hehadpostedon
hisInstagr
am.Api ct
ureofhersl
eepi
ngwiththe
caption:

"
Mommyt
obe "
Peopl
ewerecongr
atul
ati
nghim,around1k
comment
sand10kl i
kes/
react
ions.

Myhear
tinst
antl
ybroke,
byhowhewasr epl
yingt
o
t
hecommentsitshowedhewashappy.
.

Tearsst
reameddown,
Ilostourbabyandhedi
dn'
t
evencar
e...

AI
SHA

Aft
erourdi
nner,
Vir
gowentt
oshower
.Iwasont
he
cal
lwit
hAse..

Ase:That
's.
.Wow
Me:Iknowr
ight
Ase:Sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Me:I
'
m keepi
ngt
hebaby
Ase:Isuppor
tyoui
never
ydeci
siont
hatyout
ake
Me:I
'
m scar
ed,
Imean.
.Awhol
eent
ir
eMot
her
?
Shechuckl
ed.
.
Ase:I
t'
snott
heendoft
hewor
ld,
justkeepon
pushi
ngwit
hschool
Me:That
'snotevenupfordiscussi
on,
I'
ve
di
sappoi
ntedmyMot herenough
Ase:Youhaven'
ttol
dmeabouther
?
Me:Idon'
tknowhow,
I'
m pr
obabl
ygoi
ngt
otel
lmy
Si
sterf
ir
st
Ase:Shemightnotevenbeangr
y,Par
ent
swi
ll
sur
priseyou
Me:Iknowshe'
l
lbever
ydi
sappoi
nted
Ase:That
'st
rue
Me:Letmesl
eep
Ase:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Me:Nowt
hatIknowI
'
m pr
egnantt
hesi
cknessi
s
gone
Ase:Fearcandot
hat
Me:Yaa
Ase:Wewillseeeachot
heratschoolt
omor
row,
you
comingr
ight?
Me:Won'tmi
ssschoolanymor
e,especi
all
ynotaf
ter
t
his.
.Ihavet
obeseri
ousnow
Ase:Okayt
hen.
.Seeyouatschool
Me:Okaybye
Ase:Bye

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Ididn'
tknowhowt oreact
,myheartwasvery
broken..Thi
sgoestoshowthati
faguylovesyou,
hewi l
lbecommi t
ted.
.

Thi
sAi
shagi
rli
sver
ybasi
c,notevenwow.Idon'
t
knowwhatVi
rgosaw.
.

I
'
m mor
ebeaut
if
ult
hanher
,it
'scr
azy!
!

EvenBomihadupl oadedsomethi
ngaboutthi
s,she
wasn'tthishappyaboutmybei
ngpregnant
.Bunch
oftr
aitors.
..

AI
SHA

Vir
go:Areyousur
eaboutt
his?Especi
all
yaf
tert
he
harddaywehad?
Me:Can'tcontrolmyhormonesbeingi
nsane,
plus
youwerelookinglikeasnackaf
terget
ti
ngoutof
theshower..

Hei
nser
tedi
tin.
.
Vi
rgo:Won'
tcomi
ngi
nsi
deofyouhar
mthebaby?
Me:Googl
esai
dno
Vi
rgo:Yougoti
tal
lfi
gur
edouthuh?
Me:Maybe

Hel
eanedoverandki
ssedmewhi
lstst
il
linsi
deof
mepumpinginandoutsl
owl
y.

Vi
rgo:Il
oveyousomuchbaby
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

ASENATHI

Ipumpedint
oPoatt
heki
tchenwit
hFut
hi,
Iwas
goi
ngther
etowashmydi
shes..

Po:OhwAse
Me:What
Po:I
sAi
shapr
egnant
?
Il
ookedather
..
Po:Vi
rgopost
edi
t
Me:Soyouneedval
idat
ionf
rom me?
Po:Ijustdon'
tknowhowshewi
llf
eelaboutt
hef
act
thatVir
goandIhookedupawhi
leback
Me:That
'snotmybusi
ness
Fut
hi:Fi
rstyearandwealr
eadypr
egnant
,whatar
e
her
et omakebabiesorst
udy?
Po:Howmuchaf
oolcanyoube?
Fut
hi:Samecl
ass,
var
sit
yrel
ati
onshi
p,f
ir
styear
Po:I
twi
llendi
ntear
s
Fut
hi:Hewi
llbest
rol
li
ngwi
thanot
herdownt
hel
ine
Po:We'
l
lther
ewi
tht
issues
Theyl
aughed.Iputonmyear
phonesandl
ist
ened
tomusi
cloud..
.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
03/
14,
22:
01] :SEASONFI
NALE

49

AI
SHA

Foll
owingthedayofusf i
ndingoutthatI'
m
pregnant,
itgotabittougherforme.Thef i
rst
tr
imesterplusschoolwasj ustunbear
ableforme..
Thewor kl
oad,thepregnancyandkeepi ngitf
rom
myMot herwasj usttoomuch. .

Ineedtot
ellhert
hatI
'
m pr
egnantbef
oremytummy
showssohomecanbeasaf epl
acetogotoo
knowingmeandherarei
ngoodterms..
Iwasnow3mont hspregnant
,coul
dn'
twaittoget
onmysecondtr
imester.TheDrsai
dthefi
rstand
the3r
dtr
imest
ersarethehecti
cones.
..

VirgoandBomiwer everysupport
ive,honestl
y
speakingIdidn'
tthi
nkVirgowoul
dbet hi
s
supportive,
buthewas..Sosupporti
veandover
protect
ivethati
twasactuall
ydri
vingmei nsane.
.

Hedidn'
tli
kemeeat
ingatthecaf
eter
ia,hewoul
d
dri
veoutwhenweatschoolt
ogetmel unchor
rat
hercomewit
hameal..

OnweekendsIwaswithhim,dur
ingweekdaysat
t
imeswewouldchil
lattheResinmyroom...
.

Ase:Youshoul
dgetpr
egnantmor
eof
teni
fwe
goi
ngtobeeati
ngli
kethi
s
Ichuckl
ed.
.
Me:St
opwi
tht
hedr
ama
Imost
lyshar
emyf
oodwi
thher
..

Ihear
daknockatmydoor
..

Me:Iwonderwhot
hati
s

I
twasl
ateatni
ght
,atRes.
.
Iwentt
oopen,
itwasPo.
.
Me:Hi
Po:Hey
Me:Hi
Po:Thenot
es
Me:Ohwyes

Iwentt
ogett
hem,
shecamei
n..
Po:Wowal
arget
ri
pledecker
Igott
henot
es.
.
Po:AndIwasn'
tinvi
ted?
Me:Wellsi
nceyouhangingoutwit
hFuthi
,I
assumedwewer en'
tfr
iendsanymore
Po:SoIshoul
dn'
thangar
oundwi
thot
herPeopl
e?
Ase:Ohwpl
easePo!
Me:Her
ear
ethenot
es
Shet
ookt
hem.
.
Po:Your
eal
lyar
efeel
ingyour
sel
far
en'
tyou?
Me:I
'
m sor
ry?
Po:Si
nceyouf
ellpr
egnantnj
eandst
il
ldat
ingVi
rgo
Me:Idon'
tknowhowthatmakesmef
eelmysel
f,i
t'
s
notl
ikeI
'm br
aggi
ngabouti
t
Po:Soweirdhowli
ghtski
nguyst
hei
rdi
cksai
n't
complet
elyl
ight
Me:I
'
m sor
ry?
Po:OhwIknowhi
sdi
ck
Ase:It
hinkyoushoul
dleavePo
Po:YeahIshoul
d
Me:Wai
t.
.Wai
t.
.Whatdi
dyoumeanbyt
hat
?
Po:Imeanthathiscouchisbl
ue,redsmegtoast
er
andkett
le.
.Greyduvetandpil
lowswit
hpurewhit
e
sheet
s,afl
atscreen,aPS5
Me:Howwoul
dyouknowt
hat
Shegotherphone,
wasoni
tforawhi
le.
Po:Her
e
Sheshowedmethenudesshehadsenttohim,i
t
wasVirgo'
snumber
.Thoughheneverr
epli
edbutit
washisnumberwhywouldshehavehi
snumber?
Po:Oopst
hatwasn'
tevenl
ongago
Ase:Okayt
hat
'senough.
.Leave!
Po:Eyyamadodawi
llHur
dyou(
menwi
llhur
tyou)
Asewal
kedoverandpushedherout
..
Ase:Gooutnow!
!
Asecl
osedt
hedoor
,shet
henl
ookedatme.
.
Ase:Ai
sha
Me:Hecheat
edonmewi
thPo?
Ase:I
'
m sor
ry
Me:He.
.Hecheat
edonme
Shecameoverandhel
dme.
.
Ase:Okayl
et'
sgoandsi
tdown

POZI
SWA

Ifel
tgoodaboutwhatIdid,qui
tefr
anklyIdi
dhera
favour
.Shehastounderstandthetypeofmanthat
she'swit
h..
.

I
twasaboutt
ime!
!

VI
RGO

Iwasdi
stur
bedbyAisha'
stextasIwasbusy
pl
ayi
ngagame.Ipausedandr eadt
hrough:
"
Outofever
yoneyouhadt
ocheatonmewi
thPo?
"

Myhear
tal
mostst
opped.
.Ical
ledher

Shedidn'
tansweratf
ir
st,
Ical
ledagai
noverand
overunti
lshepi
ckedup.
.

Me:Babywhat
'supwi
tht
het
ext
Aisha:Pl
easedon'
tdenyi
t,don'
tmakemeabi
gger
foolanddenyi
t
Me:OkayAi
shal
ist
en.
.Itwasnot
hing
Ai
sha:Soi
t'
str
ue?
Me:Babypl
ease.
.It
'snotwhatyout
hinki
tis
Aisha:Don'
tevert
alkt
ome, everagai
n!Wedone
youhearme?Wedonef orgood!
!

Shehungup.
.
Me:Ai
s-

Il
ookedatmyphone.
.
Ical
ledPo.
.

Po:Wowt
houghtyouwoul
dnevercal
l
Me:Whatdi
dyout
ellAi
sha?
Po:Not
hingbutt
het
rut
h
Me:I'
m goi
ngt
oaskthi
sandyou'
l
lthi
nkI
'
m pl
ayi
ng,
doyouknowwhoyoumessi
ngwith?
Po:Uhm.
.Pl
easedot
ellme
Me:Ihopeyouunder
standwhatyouhavegot
ten
your
selfi
nto
Po:Iam soscar
ed(
Sar
casm)

AI
SHA
Ase:OhhAi
sha
Shewasl
ayi
ngont
hebedbehi
ndme.
.
Me:I
'
llnevercat
chabr
eak
Ase:Youj
ustf
elli
nlovewi
thaj
erkt
hat
'sal
l
Me:I
'
m carr
yinghi
sbaby.I'
mtiedt
ohim!
,Ieven
f
eell
ikehegotmepregnantonpur
poset
otrapme
Ase:Poi
sanevi
lPer
son
Me:Vir
godidn'
trapePo,
Vir
goknewwashewas
doingt
oo.Hehadachoicet
onotdoi
tbuthedi
dit
anyway
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s..
Ase:I
'
m sor
ry
Me:Whatam Igoi
ngt
odo?I
thur
tssomuch(
cryi
ng)
Ase:Iknowi
tdoes,
Iknowi
tdoes

VI
RGO

Shehadswi
tchedherphoneof
f,andi
twasmaki
ng
megocr
azy.
.

Bomi
:OkayVi
rgocal
m down
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
ocal
m downBomi
!
Bomi
:Idon'
tunder
stand,
whydi
dyoudoi
t?
Me:Thi
sisnott
het
imet
obepoi
nti
ngf
inger
sBomi
Bomi:Youcheat
ed,whatdoyouwantmet
odo?
Youdidthi
stoyour
self

Shewasn'
tmaki
ngi
teasi
er.
.Ihungup.
.

Iwoul
ddr
ivet
herebutIwon'
thaveaccesst
ogot
o
herr
oom,
she'
llhavet
ocomedownandsi gnmei
n..

Iwascompl
etel
ylosi
ngmymi
nd.
.

.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
01] :SEASONFI
NALE

51

AI
SHA

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:Aft
ereveryt
hingt
hatyouhaveputmethrough,
youser
iousl
ygoingtost
andhereandthr
eatenme?
Vir
go:I
'
m nott
hreat
eni
ngyou,
I'
m bei
nghonestwi
th
you
Iyankedmyar
m hi
sgr
ip.
.

Me:St
ayawayf
rom me
Vi
rgo:Ican'
tdot
hat
Me:Haven'tyouhurtmeenough?Haven'tyou
causedmepai nenough?Haven'
tyouhumi li
ated
meenough?Outofever yone.
.Po?SiesVirgo!
Everyoneknowshowl oosesheis!Youcouldn'
tat
l
eastf i
ndsomeonewor t
hit?Youdisgust
ing!You
disgustme!Didyouevenuseprotecti
on?You
could'
vegott
enmesi ck

Vi
rgo:Hey!
..That
'senough!
!(shout
ing)
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Virgo:I
fyouwer
en'
tpl
ayi
ngbestfr
iendswi
thmy
fr
iendthenPoandIwoul
dn'
thave.
.
Me:Ohwsoi
t'
smyf aul
t?I
'
m sosor
ryt
hatI
somehowmadeyoucheat
!
Vir
go:Cal
m downbecauseyoucause
compli
cat
ionswi
thmybaby
Me:Asi
fli
keyoucar
e?Ifyoudi
dyouwoul
dn'
tbe
put
ti
ngmethrought
hispai
n!

Vi
rgo:I
twasbef
oreyouf
ellpr
egnant
Me:Thatmakesi
tbet
ter
?
Vir
go:Dammi tAisha!SoIsleptwi
thPo,soIhidit
fr
om youthatmyexwaspr egnant
..Noneofthese
womenmat teranymor e,
I'
m notwit
hthem!I'
m with
you!!Il
oveyou!

Me:Thenyouri
deaofl
ovehur
ts,
andIdon'
twantt
o
exper
iencei
t
Hekeptqui
et.
.
Me:GoodbyeVi
rgo

Iwal
kedaway.
..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Nj
abul
otookmeoutf
orbr
eakf
astt
hismor
ning.I
t
wasmydayoff
..
Me:Honestl
yspeaking,Iwouldn'tsayIhavefal
len
i
nlovewithhim.Ijustl
iketheideaofhim bei
ngwel l
of
fstabl
eandt aki
ngcar eofmeandmyneeds,
ot
herthanthat.Ir
eall
yain'
tfeeli
nghim..

Nj
abs:Thi
srest
aur
anti
sexpensi
ve
Me:I
t'
snotl
ikewegoi
ngt
oeather
eever
yday
Nj
abs:That
'st
ruebut
..
Me:Thi
sisni
ce.
.Thankyou
Nj
abs:Youwel
come

He'
saver
yni
ceandl
ovi
ngguy,
tool
ovi
ngf
ormy
l
iki
ng.
.

Me:OhwIam pl
anni
ngondoi
ngmyhai
rthi
s
weekend
Nj
abs:Howmuch?
Me:R500
Nj
abs:R500j
ustt
odohai
r?
Me:Hai
risexpensi
vet
hesedays
Nj
abs:ShuuuuuuR500
Me:Ifi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeapr
obl
em Icanal
wayst
ryand
budget
Nj
abs:Noi
t'
sokay.
.I'
l
lgi
veyou
Me:Areyousur
e?Idon'
twantt
oputyouunder
pr
essure
Nj
abs:Noi
t'
sokay
If
akedasmi
le.
..
.

AI
SHA

Ase:Cal
m down,
don'
tlethi
m gett
oyou
Me:Whot
hehel
ldoeshet
hinki
s?
Ase:He'
sVirgoandi
nhi
sownt
wist
edmi
ndhe'
s
al
waysright
Me:Af
teral
lthepai
nhe'
sputmet
hrough
Ase:Aishadon'
tlethi
m gett
oyou,
that'
swhathe
wants.Togettoyou,i
fyouall
owhim hewi
llwi
n
Me:Ihat
ehi
m,Iwi
shIneverdat
ehi
m
Ase:Whathappened,
happened.Nowthat'
slef
tist
o
j
ustmoveonf r
om thesi
tuat
ionbynextyearal
lof
t
hiswil
lbebori
ngnews
Me:Ipr
ayso

VI
RGO

Iwasi
nthecardr
ivi
ngt
oAi
sha'
spl
ace.
.

Iwasonacal
lwi
thBomi
..

Bomi
:What
?
Me:I'
m goingt
oherpl
acet
otel
lherMot
hert
hat
's
she'
spregnant
Bomi
:Ludwe!Doyout
hinkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea
Me:It'
snotaboutitbei
ngagoodideaornot,i
t'
s
aboutdoi
ngwhat '
sbest.Ai
shaisangry,
she's
hurti
ngandshehat esme.Shewoulddefi
nit
ely
wanttoberidofthebaby,i
fherMotherknowsthen
i
t'
llbehardforhertoabor
t
Bomi
:Idon'
tthi
nkshewi
llabor
t
Me:That'
sri
chcomingfrom you,you'
vebeen
t
hroughthi
syouknowbet t
er..Youwantedtoabor
t
meaftert
heonenightst
and
Bomi
:That
'sdi
ff
erent
Me:How?
Bomi:Vir
goyoucan'tj
ustgotoherhouseand
announceshe'spr
egnant
,whatareyoutr
yingt
odo?
Ruinthegir
l'
sli
fe?
Me:I
'
mj usthopi
ngherMotherwoul
dbeangr
yto
t
hepointofki
cki
ngheroutt
henwewi l
lwi
n
Bomi:Youar
ecausingmepr obl
emsatschoolt
han
youdidwhenyouhereathomenowI '
m aski
ng
myselfi
fIdi
dgoodbysendingyoutoschool
Me:What
everBomi
..Bye
POZI
SWA

Fut
hi:Po
Il
ookedather
..
Po:Youhaven'
ttouchedyourf
ood
Me:I
'
m nothungr
y

Howcanoneenj oyameal aft

erallthewordsthat
Virgosai
dt ome?Thet oi
letcomment .Iknowthatat
ti
mesyesIdon' thaveagoodsmel lar
isi
ngfrom
therebutIalwaysmakesur eitdoesn'
tgetinmy
wayofbei ngsexual.Ibathusingthepur esoapand
putincanexvcr eam...

Futhi
:Snapoutofi
talr
eady,sohesaidallt
hatshi
t
toyouthenwhat?Thi
nkingaboutitwon'
tchange
thesi
tuati
on.Hest
il
lwould'
vesaidthosewords
Me:Iam j
ustnothungr
yokay?That
'sal
l
Fut
hi:Ehhokay

AI
SHA

Seei
ngPoatt
hecaf
eter
iawashar
d,AseandIl
eft
..

Me:Ihat
ethi
sli
fe,
Ihat
ehowI
'
mli
vingnow
(
Sil
ence)
Me:NotsolongagoIwasnot
hingt
onobodyand
nowhereIam
Ase:Aishai
t'
sli
fe,you'
vemadet
hemi
stakeyou
can'
tli
vether
eforever
Me:Iknow
Ase:Justcont
inuewi
thschool
,cont
inuest
ri
ving.
.
That'
sallt
hatyoucando
Me:Ver
ytr
ue
KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Af
terbr
eakf
asthebr
oughtmeaf
ewsnacks.
.

Me:Ienj
oyedt
his
Nj
abs:Idi
dtoo
Heheldmyhand.We' veonl
yslept3t
imessi
ncewe
star
teddat
ing.
.Notbecausethesexi
sbadbut
becauseofourhect
icschedul
es

Me:Weshoul
dtakeaweekendaway.

Nj
abs:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sgoi
ngt
obepossi
ble
Me:Justgospendi
tatal
odgeorsomet
hingi
t'
snot
soexpensi
ve
Nj
abs:I
'
llt
hinkabouti
t
Me:OkayBabe
VI
RGO

MyMot
hercal
led,
Ipi
ckedup.
.
Me:Bomi
Bomi:Ludwet
hinkaboutt
his,
Aishami
ghthat
eyou
evenmore
Me:Onl
yherf
ami
lycanhel
pint
hissi
tuat
ion
Bomi:Youmightthi
nkli
ket
hatbuti
tmi
ghtcr
eat
e
moreprobl
emsf orher
Me:I t
'sther
iskI
'mtr
yingtot
ake,
she'st
hreat
eni
ng
toleaveme..She'
sbreaki
ngupwithmeandIcan't
havet hat
Bomi:Thisi
snotaboutyou,
whyyoumaki
ngi
t
aboutyou?
Me:I
tisaboutme!I
'
m notl
ett
inggof
ort
hesecond
t
ime
Bomi
:HaiLudwe!
!
Me:Speakt
oyoul
ater
AI
SHA

Wewalkedbackt oourlastcl
ass,Inot
icedVi
rgo
wasn'
taround.Idi
dn'tcare,
butIdidcareatt
he
sameti
me. .

PoandFut
hiwal
kedi
n..
Igl
anceddownatmyManual
..

Futhi
:Forsomer easonI
'
m get
ti
ngsleepy,hear
d
thati
fther
e'ssomeonewhoispregnanti
nt her
oom
youwillf
eelsl
eepy

Me:That
'schi
ldi
sh
Ase:Whatdi
dyouexpectf
rom t
hoset
wo?

.
Tobecont
inued
Noedi
ts
[
03/
14,
22:
02] :SEASONFI
NALE

52

VI
RGO

Itt
ookalli
nmedeepwi thi
nmet otel
lherMother
aboutt
hepr egnancy.Thereact
ionwasconf
using..

Her
:Whyi
sAi
shanott
heoneher
etel
li
ngme?
Me:Becauseshe'sscaredandyounotknowi
ng
depressesherever
yday.Yourreact
iont
owar
dst
he
si
tuati
on,she'
sscaredthatyouwouldbe
di
sappointed
Her
:Howf
aral
ongi
sshe?
Me:3mont
hs
Her
:OhhNkosi
yami
Me:I
'mter
ri
blysorryaboutthi
sandpleaseknow
t
hatIwon'
tleaveher,
Iwillbesuppor
ti
vethroughout
Her
:Ai
shapr
omi
sedt
hatt
hiswoul
dneverhappen
Me:I
'
mtr
ulysor
ry
Her
:Pl
easel
eave
Me:Yes,
I'
mtr
ulysor
ryt
oo
Ist
oodupandl
eft
..

AI
SHA

WewerebackatRes, thi
sdaywast heworst.Fut
hi
wasact
ingli
keaki d,
Idon'tunder
standagrownup
act
ingl
ikeakid!
!!

Myphoner
ang,i
twasmyMot
her
.It
ookadeep
br
eat
handanswered.
.
Me:Ma
Ma:Ai
sha
Me:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?
Shekeptqui
et.
.
Me:Ma?

Ma:Ai
shai
sitt
rue?
Me:What
'st
rue?
Ma:Ar
eyoupr
egnant
?
Myhear
tal
mostst
opped.
.

Ma:I
sitt
rue?
Me:Howdi
dyou?
?
Ma:Vi
rgowasher
e
Me:What
?
Ma:Ar
eyoupr
egnant
?
Me:NoI
'
m not
Ma:Ai
sha!
!!
Me:Iam not
Ma:Thenwhywouldhecomeher
eandsaysuch?
Dr
iveallt
hewayt
osaysuch?

Me:Webr
okeup,
thi
sishi
swayofget
ti
ngbackt
o
me
Ma:Ai
sha.
.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryMaf
orput
ti
ngyout
hrought
his
Ma:Youweremeantt
ogotoschoolAi
shanot
ever
ythi
ngI
'
m hear
ingnow
Me:I
'
m sor
ryf
orput
ti
ngyout
hrought
hisMa
Ma:Doyoupr
omi
se?
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Ma:I'
m gl
adt
ohearthatt
hen,what
'swrongwi
th
t
hisboy?Whodoessomethi
ngli
kethi
s
Me:Iknow.
.He'
sinsane,
he'
scr
azyandobsessi
ve
Ma:St
ayawayf
rom t
hatboy
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Ma:Okayt
henwewi
llt
alk
Me:OkayMa
Ihungup.
.

Whatt
hehel
l?Whodoest
hat
??Vi
rgoi
scr
azy!
!!

POZI
SWA

Todaywastheworstdayofmyli
fe,f
oundoutt hatI
fai
ledmymidyearbiol
ogyexam.I
t'
sa6mont hs
module,
youfai
lit
.Youcomebackandr epeatnext
year.
.

Ineeded50%andIgot45%.
.

Iam evenusi
ngNSFAS,
hear
ditdoesn'
tcome
t
hroughwhenyouhavef
ail
ed.
.

Il
aidbackonmybed,
thi
swasadi
sappoi
ntment
..

AI
SHA

Ical
ledVi
rgo.
.

Vi
rgo:St
il
lmadatme?
Me:Whati
swr
ongwi
thyou?
Vi
rgo:Mom cal
ledyoual
ready?
Me:Whatgaveyout
her
ightt
ogot
omyMot
herand
pul
lthi
sshi
t?
Vir
go:It
'snotli
keyouwer
egoi
ngt
okeepawhol
e
enti
rebabyfrom her

Me:Iwasgoi
ngt
otel
lheratmyownt
ime!
Vi
rgo:Yeahwhatt
imewast
hatgoi
ngt
obe?Atl
east
i
t'
soutnow

Me:YouaPsychopat
h
Vi
rgo:That
'sabi
gter
mtouseonsomeone
Me:St
ayawayf
rom me!
Vir
go:Iwoul
dlovet
oo,
butyouhavemybabyi
nsi
de
ofyou!
!

Ihungup.NowIreal
lyneedtodothatabor
ti
on,
I
real
lyneedt
otakeoutt
hisbaby.

Isatont
hechai
randGoogledt
hingsIcanuset
hat
canmakememi scar
ry.
..
.

BOMI

Iknockedi
nhi
sof
fi
ce.
.
Hi
m:Comei
n
Thedoorwaswi
deopen.
.

Ist
oodt
her
ehel
ookedatme.
.

Me:Hel
loSi
zwe
Si
zwe:Nobomi
Me:I
t'
sbeenawhi
le
Si
zwe:That
'sver
ytr
ue
(
Sil
ence)
Si
zwe:Youst
il
llookver
ybeaut
if
ul
Me:Thankyou
Si
zwe:Whatbr
ingsyouher
e?
Me:That
..
.Ineverabor
ted
Si
zwe:Ohw
Me:He'
s24
Hesl
owl
ynodded.
.
Me:Andheneedst
oknowhi
sfat
her
Si
zwe:You'
veabort
edatleast2ofmyki
ds,
what
wasdi
ffi
cul
taboutt
hisone?
Me:Wedon'twantyourmoneyokay?Wedon'
tneed
anyt
hingf
rom you
Si
zwe:Thenwhyar
eyouher
e?
Me:Heneedst
oknowwhohi
sfat
heri
s
Si
zwe:He'
s24i
sn'
the?
Me:Yes
Si
zwe:Sohe'
ssur
vivedwi
thoutme
Me:Si
zwe.
.Youowehi
mthatmuch
Sizwe:Idon'
towehim not
hing,Ial
sodon'
toweyou
anythi
ng!He'
s24,he'
ssurvivedwit
houtme!He'
sa
grownassman
Me:Youar
ear
uthl
essman!
Sizwe:Goodni
ghtBomi
,pl
easecl
oset
hedooron
yourwayout
AI
SHA

Ifoundapr i
vategrouponFacebookt hatdealswit
h
aborti
on.ThePersonissell
ingpil
ls,saystheyare
R800.Hehadaf akeaccount,
saiditwast oprot
ect
hi
s" I
denti
ty"becausethi
sisil
legal.
.

Igavehi
m mynumber
,andhecal
ledme.
.

Me:HowdoIknowt
hatyounotscammi
ngme?
Hi
m:Doyouwantt
hepi
ll
s?
Me:Ineedt
obesur
e
Him:YousendR400i
ntomyaccountandt
hen
R400uponmeeti
ng
Me:Youst
ayar
oundher
e?I
nPr
etor
ia?
Him:Johannesbur
gbutIcanmaket
het
ri
pifyou
seri
ous
Me:Tomor
rowaf
ter
noon?
Hi
m:14:
00?
Me:Okay
Hi
m:Okaybye

Ihad2kinmyaccount,Vir
gosenti
ttomeawhile
back.Ihopet
hisi
slegi
t,R800i
salottowast
e..
.

VI
RGO

Apartfrom thedaybeingscrewed, i
tgotmore
screwed.Inourwhat sappgrouptheyhadsentthe
l
istofourbiologyresult
s.Igot35%, soI'
vef
ail
ed.
.I
knowt helast4digit
sofAisha'sstudentnumber.
Shepassed, shegot68%. .

Thi
sisbad,Ionl
yhavet hepr
egnancyt
oholdhert
o
me.She'
sgoingtosecondyearandI'
m not
,I'
m
goi
ngtoloseherbecausewewon'tbeseei
ngeach
otherasmuchanymor
e.Thepr
egnancyi
stheonl
y
thi
ngthatwi
llhel
pme.
.

AI
SHA

Iwasonmykneespr ayi
ng.Aski
ngforforgi
veness
bef
orehand.Hear
daborti
oniswrong,
it'
smur der
andyoucouldgotohell
.

Aft
erprayi
ng,Icheckedt hegroup.Ihadpassed
bi
ology,Vi
rgofai
led..Thisi
sr edempt i
on,
nowt hat
he'
sfail
edandwhent here'
snobaby.Icanf i
nally
moveonf r
om himf orgood...Ijustneedtot
olerat
e
hi
mf orthi
snext4mont hsthenf i
nalexams.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
02] :SEASONFI
NALE

53
AI
SHA

ThenextdayIwenttoschool,gott
hroughtheday.
Itwaspeacef
ulbecauseVir
gowasnotar ound,f
or
somereasonhedidn'tcometoday.
.

Il
eftdur
ingl
uncht
imet ogomeetupwit
htheguy,
I
hadsenthi
m R400lastni
ghtandIhadt
heR400.

Ioptedthatweshoul
dmeeti
napubl
icpl
acef
ormy
safety,
wemetatNandos.
.

Me:Thankyouf
orcomi
ng
Hi
m:Busi
nessi
sbusi
ness
Me:Doyouhavet
hem?
Hi
m:Doyouhavemymoney?
Ihandedi
ttohi
m.Hehandedme4pi
ll
s..
Him:Youdrink2,
thenput2under
neath.Youwil
lbe
i
npain,alotofpai
nsoIsuggestyoudrinkt
hese
pai
nkil
ler
smybulli
ne.

Hegaveme4oft
hem.
.

Hi
m:Onl
ywhenyouf
eel
pai
n,anddon'
tmi
xupt
he
pi
ll
s

Me:Thankyou

Hi
m:Pill
saresaf
e,t
heywon'tdamageyourwomb
t
hey'
l
ljustt
akeever
ythi
ngoutofyou

Me:Thankyou,
Thankyousomuch

Iputt
hepi
ll
sinmybag.
.
Hi
m:IfwedoneIwoul
dli
ket
oeatandt
henwecan
l
eave

Me:Okay.
.Let
'seat

Hi
m:Sohowdi
dyougett
othi
spoi
nt?

Me:Longst
ory

Hi
m:Tel
lmeabouti
t

VI
RGO

Il
ookedatt hem tal
kingandeat
ing,
Iwastai
li
ng
Aisha.Iactual
lycameher et
otheRestot
alktoher
,
Iwaitedforherandwhenshegotof ft
hebusshe
wentt oNandos..
Ithoughtshewasgoi
ngt oeatl
unchbutshewas
meetingupwithsomeone.Sothatmeansshe'
s
beenseeingsomeoneallt
hiswhil
e..

POZI
SWA

Idi
dn'tevenknowi fIshouldcont i
nuewithschool
orjustleaveandcomebacknextyeart orepeat
.
What '
stheuseofat t
endingot hermoduleswhenI
knowt hatIhaveal
readyf ai
led..

Iknockedatourl
ect
urer
'sof
fi
ce.
.

Hi
m:Comei
n
Iwal
kedi
n..

Me:Si
rMayIt
alkt
oyou?
Hi
m:Yespl
ease

Iwal
kedi
nandsatdown.
.
Hi
m:WhatcanIdof
oryou?
Me:Iam i
ntheBDTPr
ogr
am
Hi
m:Okay
Me:If
ail
edmyexam
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hat
Me:Idon'
tknowhow
Him:Ifyouhadwrit
teni
tmanual
lyIwouldgi
veyour
scri
ptbutitwascomput
eri
zedandthecomputer
markedit
Me:Ican'
tfai
lSi
r
Hi
m:Youshoul
dhavest
udi
ed
Me:Idi
d
Hi
m:Thenyoudi
dn'
tst
udyhar
denough
Me:I
sn'
tther
esomet
hingIcoul
ddo?
Hi
m:Li
kewhat
?
Me:Youknow
Him:Theresult
shaveal r
eadybeensubmit
tedtothe
cour
secoordinator
,ther
e'snot
hingIcando..I
fyou
don'
tmind,Ihaveal ott
odopleasecloset
hedoor
onyourwayout

AI
SHA

Aft
ereat
inghel
eftst
rai
ghtaway,
Iwastol
eavet
oo
butIwassur
pri
sedtoseeVir
gowalki
ngi
n..

Vi
rgo:Hey
Me:Hi
Vi
rgo:Smal
lwor
ld
Hesatdown.
.
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Vi
rgo:Iwasi
nthenei
ghbor
hoodandIsawyouher
e
wi
thyourboyf
ri
end
Me:Youst
alki
ngme?
Vi
rgo:Iwasi
nthenei
ghbor
hood
Me:Canyoupl
easel
eavemeal
one?
Vir
go:Youknowt
hatcan'
thappen,
wehavi
nga
babytoget
her
Me:Thet
ort
ure
Vi
rgo:Bet
tergetusedt
ome
(
Sil
ence)
Vi
rgo:Ar
eyousl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
m?
Me:He'
snotmyboyf
ri
endVi
rgo
Vi
rgo:Af
ri
end?
Me:No
Vi
rgo:Then?
Me:I
t'
snoneofyourbusi
ness

Hehi
tthet
abl
e..
Vi
rgo:I
tismybusiness!
!Youcar
ryi
ngmybabysoi
t
i
smybusi ness!
!

Il
ookedar
ound.
.

Me:Youembar
rassi
ngme
Vi
rgo:Thenmaybeweshoul
dgetoutofher
e
Me:Iam notgoi
nganywher
ewi
thyou,
ifIl
eave
her
eI'
m goingtotheRes

Vi
rgo:Noyouar
ecomi
ngwi
thmet
othef
lat
Ilookedathim,t
hismi
ghtworkwellf
orme.Ican
takethepil
lsandwheni
thappens,
I'l
lbl
amethe
stressonhim..

Me:Okay.
.Ij
usthavet
opackabag
Hel
ookedatme.
..

Vi
rgo:Justl
iket
hat
?

Me:Idon'
twantyoubusybot
her
ingme

Vi
rgo:Let
'sgot
hen

Me:Let
'
sgo

POZI
SWA

Ical
ledmyMot
herandt
oldhernow,
soshecanget
madnow..

Ma:Pozi
swa!
Me:Schooli
sdi
ff
icul
tMa,
var
sit
yisdi
ff
icul
t

Ma:I
sit?Oryouj
ustdi
str
act
edbyyourwhor
e
t
endenci
es

Me:I
'
mreal
lyt
ryi
ng

Ma:Iknewt
hiswasgoi
ngt
ohappen,
Isawi
t
coming

Me:Idi
dn'
tdoi
tonPur
poseMa

Ma:Haijustforgetaboutlentoyeskol
oandcome
backhome, youwi l
llookforajobinret
ailandsave
usmoney.Themoneyf orgroceri
esIsendyou
ever
ymont h,Icoulddosomet hi
ngbett
erwi t
hit
.
Justcomebackhome, packandcomebackPo
Thatwasdi
scour
agi
ng,
myownMot
hernot
bel
ievi
ngi
nme...

AI
SHA

Iwentupt
omyr
oom andpackedupabag.

Ilookedatt
hepi
ll
s,Vi
rgowal
kedi
n,Iputt
hem i
n
thebag.Hecameupwi t
hmetomakesureIcome
down. .

Vi
rgo:Ready?
Me:Yes

Izi
ppedt
hebag.
.

Vi
rgo:I
'
llcar
ryi
tforyou
Hecameandtooki
t,Il
ookedathi
m..Hehasno
i
deawhatawai
tshi
mt oni
ght.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
02] :SEASONFI
NALE

54

AI
SHA

IthoughtVirgowoul dharassmeorsomet hing

whenwegott otheflat
,hedidn'
t.Hel
ikedtheidea
ofmebei ngher e,andignoredmebypl ayi
nghis
gamesal lthroughout.Iwaschill
edwatchi
nga
seri
esunt i
llate,whenheor der
edsomet hi
ngtoeat
forus..Weat eandt henIwenttobath..

Igoti
ntot
hebat hroom wi
thmytoil
etbag,i
nsi
de
weret
hepil
ls.Istart
edoffbybat
hingfi
rst
,whenI
wasdoneIsatont hetoi
letseatandthoughtfora
whil
e.Ihavealr
eadyassuredmyMot hert
hatIam
notpregnant
,can'
tgobackonmywor dnow.
There'
snocomi ngbackfrom thi
s.Ihavemywhol e
l
if
eaheadofme, al
ottoachieveandIdefini
tely
don'
twantVirgoasmybabydaddy. .

Hesayshe'sgoingtobesuppor
ti
vebutwetal
king
aboutVi
rgohere,hecanmakethewholepr
ocess
i
mpossiblef
orme. .

Idon'
tknowwhi chgir
lcan'
tfeelwhenaguycomes
i
nside,
I'
m smartbutclear
lynotthatsmar
t.Thi
sis
myownmi stake,andIhavetofixit
..

Idrankthet wopil
ls,t
heninsert
edtheot
herones
deepinside.Iwasscar edoftheout
come,somuchI
gotananxi etyat
tack.

Ij
ustwantt
hist
owor
ksoIcanf
orgetaboutt
his
ni
ght
mar
e..
..

POZI
SWA

Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om myMot
her
..

Ma:Pozi
swa
Me:Ma
Ma:Packup,t
omorr
owmor
ningyourUncl
eandI
wecomingtofet
chyou
Me:Why?
Ma:Whatdoyoumeanwhy?You'
veal
readyf
ail
ed
what
'sl
eftf
oryout
her
e?
Me:Ineedfi
nishof
fmyot hermodul
essoIcan
r
epeatonlyt
hisonenextyear
Ma:Youwi
llcomebacknextyear
,ri
ghtnowt
her
e's
nohope
Me:Ma
Ma:Idon'twannahearmore,
youwannaremai
n
t
herejustbecauseyoust
il
lwantt
oenter
tai
nboys
Me:That
'snott
rue
Ma:Wecomi
ngt
ofet
chyout
omor
row,
pleasepack

AI
SHA

Il
aiddownont
hebed,
hecameandl
aidnextt
ome.
.

Vi
rgo:Ai
shaIknowImessedup,
I'
m sor
ry
Me:Youdi
dn'
tjustmessup,
youbr
okeus.Br
oke
whatwehad
Vi
rgo:Wecan'
tcountKet
so,
she'
smyex
Me:Youshoul
d'vet
oldmeaboutherandt
he
pr
egnancy,
youshould'
vet
oldmeaboutyout
wo
meeti
ngup
Vi
rgo:It
houghti
twasn'
timpor
tant
Me:Po?
Vir
go:Thatwasami st
ake,Ievenusedpr
otect
ionto
showthatitmeantnot
hing.I
twaswhenwewer e
havi
ngproblems
Me:Yousai
dyouwi
lll
etmego,
nor
eper
cussi
ons
Vir
go:AllI
'm aski
ngispleasel
et'
sbeci
viltowar
ds
eachotherthenfort
hesakeofthebaby.Thebaby
i
st hebestt
hingthathascomeoutofthis
rel
ati
onship
Ikeptqui
et.
.

Vir
go:I'm sor
ryforal
lthepai
nI'
vecausedyou,I
understandyourangerandfr
ustr
ati
on.Maybeone
daythingswillbebet
terandI
'l
lpr
ovetoyouthatI
l
oveyou

Me:Iam t
ir
ed.
.Iwannasl
eep
Vi
rgo:Il
oveyou

It
urnedt
otheot
hersi
de.
.
Vir
go:OkayI
'
llgoandshower
,I'
l
lgi
veyousome
space

Hegotof
fbed.
.

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Myl
it
tl
ebr
otherhel
pedherwi
thherl
uggage.
.

Sei
pat
i:ThankyouThami

Ma:I
t'
sthatbad?Somucht
hatyouhadt
oleave
hi
m?

Sei
pat
i:It
houghtIcoul
dtakehi
scheat
ingMa,
but
i
t'
sget
tingworse
Ma:Sei
pat
iyou'
vebeenmar
ri
edf
oryear
s

Seipat
i:He'
snotevenchoosi
ngmeMa,
hei
s
choosingher

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Sei
pat
i:Youenj
oyi
ngt
hisr
ight
?

Me:Quit
efr
ankl
ythi
sisnot
hingcompar
edt
oyou
ki
ll
ingmybaby!

Sei
pat
i:Youat
tackedmyMot
her
!

Ma:Shutup!Bot
hofyou,
younothel
ping

Weal
lkeptqui
et.
.
Ma:Sei
patiyouwi
llsl
eepi
nThami
'
sroom,
Thami
youwil
lsl
eeponthecouch

Thami
:Thecouch?

Ma:Yes..Nowhel
pyourSi
stert
akeherbagst
o
yourbedroom

AI
SHA

Iwaswokenupl
ateronatni
ghtbycr
amps.

Morel
ikei
ntenseperi
odpai
ns.IgotupandVi
rgo
wassoundasleep.
.

Iwenttomybagtookoutapadandthepai
nkil
ler
s
thenwentt
othebathr
oom.YesIhavest
art
ed
bl
eedi
ng.Iputont
hepadthenwentt
odr
inkt
he
pai
nkil
ler
s,t
woofthem.
.

It
ookadeepbr
eat
h,Iwasf
eel
inghot
..

Ithenwentbackt
obed,
hopi
ngt
hatt
hecr
ampswi
ll
go..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Iwokeuptogogetmeaglassofwat
er,
Mysi
ster
wassit
ti
ngatt
hetabl
edr
inkingwi
ne.

Igotthegl
assandwentt
ogetmewat
er,
shewas
cryi
ng..

Me:That
'smywi
ne
Si
s:OhwI
'
m sor
ry.
.I'
l
lpayi
t

Me:Pl
easedo

Iwal
kedt
omybedr
oom.
.

Sei
pat
i:Youhat
emet
hatmuch?

Il
ookedather
..

Seipat
i:Youhatemethatmucht
hatyouwoul
d
rej
oiceatthedownf
allofmymar
riage?

Me:Youki
ll
edmybaby,
ther
e'snocomi
ngback
f
rom t
hat

Icont
inuedwal
kingt
omybedr
oom.
.
VI
RGO

Iwokeupthefol
lowi
ngmor
ningver
year
ly,
Aisha
wassleepi
ng.
.

Ipull
eddownt
hebedcover
sandsawbl
oodont
he
sheet.
.

Me:Ai
sha

Ishookher
..

Me:Ai
sha!
!

Sheopenedhereyes.
.
Me:Youbl
eedi
ng

Shegl
anceddown.
.

Ai
sha:What
?

Me:Youcoul
dn'
tfeel
it?

Aisha:Ihadcr
ampsl
astni
ghtbutt
heygotabi
t
better

Me:Andyouneverwokemeup?Ar
etheyst
il
lther
e?

Ai
sha:Justal
it
tl
e

Me:WakeupI
'
mtaki
ngyout
otheDr
Ai
sha:OhhGod

Me:Comegetdr
essed,
I'
mtaki
ngyout
otheDr

POZI
SWA

Iwaswokenupagai
nthi
smor
ningbymyMot
her
's
cal
l.
.

Me:Ma

Ma:Wel
eavi
nghome

Icheckedt
het
ime,
itwas7am

Ma:Ihopeyouhavepackedup,
wewi
llseeyou
soon
Shehungup.
.

AI
SHA

Iknowthecrampswerehecti
clastnight,
theywent
onforhour
sandIhadtodrinkthelasttwothat
's
howIwasabl et
opassout.
.

Nowt heywerebackagai
n,andtheywerei
ntense.I
wasabouttoshowerbutIfoundmyselfsi
tt
ingat
thetoil
etwi
thbl
oodcomi ngout
.Ikeptonpushi
ng
outforsomereasonunti
lsomethi
ngcameoutand
fel
linsi
de.

Thepainswer
eexcr
uci
ati
ngandIcoul
dn'
tst
op
cr
ying.
.

Vi
rgo:Ai
sha
Me:OhhmyGod(
cryi
ng)

Vi
rgo:Shoul
dIcal
ltheambul
ance?

Het
ri
edt
oopenbutt
hedoorwasl
ocked.

I'
veneverf
eltanythingli
ket
his,
notevenper
iod
painsar
ethispainful.
.

Islowlygotupandlookedt
hrough,
thet
oil
etwas
bloody.Bl
oodclot
s,myheartsankasIf
lushed.
.

Isatont
het
oil
etseatt
oo.
.

Vi
rgo:I
'
m cal
li
ngt
heambul
ance!
.
Tobecont
inued

Noedi
ts
[
03/
14,
22:
02] :SEASONFI
NALE

55

AI
SHA

Hospi
tal
sthissidear
emadexpensive,butwhatcan
oneexpectbecauseweli
veintownandthe
Ambulancetookustothenear
esthospit
al.
.

Dr
:Yourt
oxi
col
ogyr
epor
tcameback
Me:Okay
Dr
:Youdi
dn'
tmi
scar
ry,
youwer
eabor
ti
ngr
ight
?
Inoddedshamef
ull
y..
Dr:It
'sil
legalforanyonetohavethesepil
ls
especial
lyi fi
t'
snotamedi calper
sonnelandthe
pil
lsarehi ghl
ydangerous.Ifyouwantedtoabort
whydi dn'tyoucomeher eorseeaDr ?

Me:Am Iget
ti
ngar
rest
ed?

Dr
:No

Vi
rgoknockedandwal
kedi
n..

Hegr
eet
edt
heDrandt
henl
ookedatme.
.

Vi
rgo:Ar
eyouokay?

Me:I
'
m okaybutt
hebabydi
dn'
tmakei
t
Vi
rgo:What
?

Dr
:I'
l
lgi
veyout
wosomepr
ivacy

Vir
go:WhatcausedtheMiscar
ri
ageDoc?Shewas
doi
ngokay,theDrsaidshe'
sdoingokaywhenwe
wentforacheckup

Dr:Itcoul
dbeanumberoff act
ors,t
hefi
rst
tri
mesterisverycr
it
ical
.That'
swhyweur ge
pregnantwomen, whoareintheirf
ir
stt
ri
mestert
o
takecareofthemselves

Vi
rgo:Ij
ustdon'
tgeti
t

Dr
:I'
m sor
ryl
osi
ngachi
ldi
snoteasy

TheDrwal
kedout
..
.
BOMI

It
ookadayof ftodaybecauseIwasn'
tfeeli
ngwell.I
wasver
yt i
red,Idi
dn'tgetagoodni
ghtsleeplast
ni
ght
.Idreamtofmysel fwhenIwasabor t
ing.
.

Khosi
:Youdi
dn'
tgot
owor
k?

Me:No

Khosi
:Ar
eyousi
ck?

Me:NoIj
ustdi
dn'
tgetagoodni
ghtsl
eep

Khosi
:Whathappened?
Me:Justanunset
tl
ingdr
eam

Khosi
:Whatwasi
tabout
?

Me:I
t'
snot
hingr
eal
l
y

Khosi
:Okay.
.I'
l
ljustst
artwi
thwor
k

Itr
iedcal
li
ngVi
rgot
hismor
ningbuthedi
dn'
tpi
ck
up..
.

VI
RGO

Iwal
kedoutofthehospit
alt
omycarandIcoul
dn'
t
hol
dmyselfbuttearup.
..

Ireal
lywant
edt hi
sbaby,
Iwasl ooki
ngf
orwardt
o
beingafat
her.Couldi
tbethatmyownactionsl
ed
t
oAi
shal
osi
ngt
hebaby?

Ibl
amemyself,
Ican'tseem t
ogetanyt
hingr
ight
.I
rui
never
ythi
ng,I
'm ascrewup..

AI
SHA

Ididthi
s,Imadethedeci
siont
odoawaywitht
he
pregnancy.It
houghtt
hatIwoul
dber
eli
evedbut
guil
twaseat i
ngmeup...

I
thasn'
tbeenaYearatschoolandI '
vedoneso
manythi
ngs,t
hingsthatcoul
d'vepotenti
all
yst
ood
i
nthewayofmeat tai
ningmydegr ee..

Myhear
twassor
e,t
hiswasnott
hepl
an.
.

ASENATHI
Iwassurpri
sedt
oseePowit
hherbagsdownst
air
s
asIwasgoingoutt
obuysomet
hingfr
om t
heshop
nextdoor
..

Me:Po
Shel
ookedatme.
.

Me:Areyouvi
sit
inghome?I
sn'
titacr
it
icalt
imet
o
vi
sithome?

Po:I
'
m act
ual
lymovi
ngbackhome

Me:What
?

Po:I
'
vef
ail
edbi
ology

Me:Shoul
dn'
tyoubewr
it
ingever
ythi
ngt
hat
'sl
eftt
o
makei
teasi
erf
oryounextyear
?

Po:I
t'
sfi
neWet
hu,
I'
llcomebacknextyearpr
epar
ed

Me:Po

Po:Asepleasedon'tputmor ef
rustr
ati
ononme,
youpassedyoudon' tknowwhatI '
m goi
ngthr
ough
andhowI '
mf eel
ing,sopleasedon'
tmakethis
hardert
hanhowi talreadyis

VI
RGO

Ical
ledBomiandt
oldher
..

Bomi:Idon'
tunder
stand,
Ithoughtshewasdoi
ng
wel
l
Me:It
houghtsot
oo

Bomi
:Howi
sshehol
dingup?

Me:Sheseemsst
rong

Bomi:She'
spr
obabl
yst
il
linshock,
ithasn'
tsunki
n
yet

Me:Iwannacomebackhome

Bomi
:Huh?

Me:Ijustwannaf
orgetaboutever
ythi
ngandcome
backhome

Bomi
:That
'sai
mpul
sivedeci
sion
Me:BomiIwannacomebackhome, I'
llapplyt
oa
dif
fer
entvar
sit
ynextyear.Ij
ustwannaf or
getabout
thi
soneandeveryt
hingthathashappenedhere

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Iopenedthedoor
,itwasmySi st
er'
shusbandSi
zwe.
Idon'
tknowwhySei pat
ichosetosett
ledownwi
th
anoldman..

Si
zwe:HiKet
so

Me:Si
zwe

Si
zwe:I
syourSi
sterhome?

Me:Yes.
.Comei
n
Thismanisbadnews, hecheat
s,Healsohasa
churchofki
dsthathedoesn'
tevensupport
.He'
sa
deadbeat.
.MySi st
erf
oundoutaboutsomeofthe
ki
dsaf t
ermarr
iage.
.
Tobecont
inued

Noedi
ts
[
03/
14,
22:
02] :SEASONFI
NALE

56

AI
SHA

Iwasinthehospit
alforatl
east3daysbeforeIgot
di
scharged.Iwasfeel
ingabitbet
ter
,thanhowIfel
t
whenIfir
stgothere.
.
Ihaveneverkeptanyt
hingf
rom myMot her
,keepi
ng
thi
sawayf r
om herewasdif
ficul
tenough.
.

IwentbacktoReswhenIwasdi scharged,
the
downpartofitwasthatVir
gohasn'
tcomet osee
meeversincethefi
rstdayIcamehere..
.

Ididn'
twannacar ebutIdi
d,myheartwassore.I
neverthoughtabort
ingwasthi
sdif
ficult
.WhydidI
feelgui
lt
ywheni twasmyowndeci sion?WhenIdid
Igethere?

Ase:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
obeokay?

Me:It
hinkso

AseIj
ustt
oldherImi
scar
ri
ed,
nevert
oldhert
he
t
rut
h..
HowwouldsheseemeknowingImi
scar
ri
ed?
Peopl
eusual
lyj
ustj
udgeyou.
.

Ase:I
fyouneedanyt
hing,
knowI
'
m her
e

Me:Thankyoumyf
ri
end

Ase:Ai
shaI
'
mtr
ulysor
ry

Me:I
t'
sokay,
itwasnotyourf
aul
t

Ase:Idon'
tknowhowi
tmayf
eelt
oloseachi
ldbut
..

Me:Asei
t'
sokayyoudon'
thavet
oo

Ase:IguessI
'
llseeyoul
ater
Me:Okay

Shewalkedout.
.Af
tershehadgoneoutIwentt
o
l
ockthedoor.
.

VI
RGO

Iwashome,
cameher
e2daysago.
.

Ihadgivenuponschoolf ornow, I
'
m planningtogo
toschoolnextyearbutadiff
erentuniver
sit
y.The
univer
sityt
hatIwasinhabour edalotofpainthatI
wast r
yingtofor
get.Pai
nthatIdidn'twanna
remember .
.

Ihaven'
tspokent
oAishaeversi
ncewhathappened,
Idi
dn'tknowwhattosayt
oher.
Bomi
:Ai
shaneedst
odoacl
eansi
ng

Me:Why?

Bomi
:Ami
scar
ri
agei
tneedsacl
eansi
ng

Me:Idon'
tunder
stand

Bomi
:Youwoul
dn'
tunder
stand

Me:Idon'
tknowBomiabouti
t

Bomi:It
'showit
'ssupposedt
obe,
orunl
esst
he
babyisgoingt
ohaunther

Me:Canyoucal
lherandt
ellher
?
Bomi
:Vi
rgo

Me:Bomiwenoti ngoodter
msandyouwantthi
s,
pl
easetalkt
oher.Wetryi
ngtodealwi
thwhat
happenedsepar
atel
y

Bomi
:I'
l
lcal
lherandsee

Me:Thankyou

AI
SHA

Iwasonacallwit
hmySi st
erbutdidn'
tknowhow
tot
ell
heraboutwhathappened.
..

Ineededsomeonet
otal
ktoo,
someoneIcal
l
off
loadtoo.
.
Me:Howar
ethi
ngsbet
weenyouandMom?

Si
s:YouknowMom

Me:Tel
lmesomet
hing,
Ihaveaf
ri
endwhor
ecent
ly
di
dabort
ion

Si
s:Okay?

Me:Shef
eel
sgui
lt
y

Si
s:Why?

Me:I
t'
sherf
ir
stsoshesai
d

Si
s:Whyi
sshef
eel
inggui
lt
y?
Me:She'
sneverdonei
tbef
ore

Si
s:I
twasherdecisi
on,sheshouldn'
tfeelguil
ty.
Abor
ti
onisnormaloneshouldn'tf
eelgui
lty.
.It
'sli
fe,
manygir
lsabor
tedit
'snotl
ikeitwasanact ualbaby.
I
twasjustbl
ood

Me:OhwIsee

Si
s:Sheshoul
dn'
tfeel
gui
lt
y

Me:I
'
llt
alkt
oher

POZI
SWA

Wewer
eonourwayhomeandIwasl ostdeepi
n
myt
hought
s..Ideci
dedt
oshyawayf
rom whatmy
Mot
herandUncl
ewer
etal
kingabout
..

Theywer
et al
kingaboutme,
abouthowmuchofa
di
sappoi
ntmentIwas..

Uncl
e:Bot
hmyki
dsar
esuccessf
ul

Ma:HowcanPobesuccessf
ulwhenal
lshechases
i
sMen?

Uncl
e:Boysandschooldon'
tmi
x

Ma:She'
soneofmyki
dst
hatI
'
mthel
eastpr
oudof

Uncl
e:Var
sit
yisver
yexpensi
ve

Ma:Tel
lmeabouti
t
Uncl
e:Ther
e'snot
hingpai
nfull
ikehavi
ngausel
ess
chi
ld

Ma:Idon'
tknowwhatIdi
dtodeser
vesuchachi
ld

It
'sf
unnyhowshe'
stalki
ngl
ikethi
sbutshe'
snot
evenpayi
ngmyfees,
NSFASi spayi
ng.

AI
SHA

MyphonerangitwasBomi
..Ihesi
tat
edf
ir
stbut
t
henIanswered.
.

Me:Hel
lo?

Bomi
:Hel
lobabyhowar
eyouhol
dingup?
Me:I
'
m bet
ter

Bomi
:Ai
shaI
'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappened

Me:I
t'
sokay

Bomi:Idon'
tknowifthi
swil
lbeinappr
opr
iat
eor
whatbut.
.Acleansi
ngisneeded

Me:Ohw

Bomi:I
'
m sorr
ytojustspr
ungitonyou,
Ididn'
t
wannatal
ktoyourfamil
ybef
oreItal
kedtoyou

Me:Noi
t'
sokay

Bomi
:Soyou'
l
ltel
lmewhenyour
eady?
Me:Iwi
ll

Bomi
:Iwi
llpayf
orever
ythi
ngt
hat
'sneeded

Me:Okayt
hankyou

Bomi
:Justknowwewi
thyouever
yst
epoft
heway

Me:Thankyou
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
02] :SEASONFI
NALE

57

AI
SHA
Icouldn'tsleep,Ikeptont ossingandt urning.Ihad
alotgoingt hroughmymi ndandIwasver y
dist
ractedt ostudy.Mymi ndwasi nvadedwi t
h
negativethought s,guit
,andshame. .
Ilai
donmy
backandst aredatt heceil
ing.Thiswholecl eansing
processIal sodon'tunder standit,
howwi llIexplain
tomyMot hert hatIwasact uallypregnantand
aborted?I'vedisappointedherenoughal ready..

Ithoughtforawhi
leandt
hent
ookmyphoneand
call
edVirgo..

Hesi
ghedf
ir
stuponpi
cki
ngup.
.

Vi
rgo:Ai
sha
Me:Hi
Vi
rgo:Yougood?
Me:I
'
m okay
Therewasamomentofawkwardsil
ence,andwhat
I'
m abouttodoismywayoft
ryi
ngtomaket hem
backoffforgood,
hat
emeandthenleavemealone.
.

Me:Ineedt
otal
ktoyouaboutsomet
hing
Vi
rgo:Whati
sit
?
Me:Idi
dn'
tmi
scar
ry,
Iabor
ted

Hekeptqui
et.
.

Me:ThatguyIwaswi
thatNandos,
hesol
dmet
he
pi
ll
s

Vir
go:Soyoucameintomyf l
att
hatnight
,murdered
mybabyandt hensl
eptnextt
omet hewholenight
knowingver
ywellwhatyou'
vedone?
Me:Af
tereveryt
hingyou'
veputmet
hrough,
Idi
dn'
t
wantt
obet i
edupt oyoufor
ever

Vir
go:Ifyouhatedmet hatmuchyoucoul d've
waitedfor9months,youcould'vejustgivenmemy
babyAisha.Idon'tt
hinkther
e'sawomanwhohas
everhurtmelikeyoudid,youkill
edme. .Yesyou
hatedmebutwhatdi dmybabydo?Iwi llnever
for
giveyouforthis!

Af
tersayi
ngt
hathehungup.
..

BOMI

Khosi
:Aishalooksyoungt
ohavegonet
hrough
somethi
nglikethi
s
Me:Vi
rgoi
snotcopi
ngt
oo
Khosi
:Abant
wanaNkosi
Vi
rgocamei
ntot
heki
tchen,
hel
ookedmad.

Me:Hey.
.Hey.
.Heyar
eweTombst
ones?

Vi
rgo:NotnowBomi

Me:What
'swr
ong?

Vir
go:Bythewaywewon'
tbedoi
ngt
hecl
eansi
ng
anymore

Me:Idon'
tunder
stand

Vi
rgo:Ai
shaabor
ted!Shedi
dn'
tmi
scar
rysheki
ll
ed
mybaby

Me:What
?
Khosi
:Ndi
qal
auyi
vakel
e,i
neneyif
air
ytal
e"once
uponati
me"

Me:Nowwher
ear
eyougoi
ng?

Vi
rgo:I
'
llber
ightback

Hewal
kedout
..

Me:Vi
rgo!
!!

AI
SHA

Asecamet oseeme,shefoundmecryi
ng.I
thurt
s
seei
ngmyf ri
endsadforme,whenIact
ual
lyki
ll
ed
thebaby.
.
Ase:It
hinkyoushoul
dseet
hepsychol
ogi
stat
school

Me:Idon'
tneedt
oo

Ase:Youinpai
n,Idon'
tthi
nkdepressi
onwil
lbe
goodatthi
sti
meseeingweappr oachi
ngexams

Me:Iabor
ted

Ase:That
'snott
ruer
ight
?

Me:I
tis.
.Iabor
ted

Ase:Yooh!

Me:IknowI
'
m amur
der
er,
aki
ll
er,
anevi
lPer
son
Ase:Nodon'
tthi
nkl
iket
hat,
Idon'
tknowyour
reasonf
ordoi
ngthi
sbut.
.

Me:Idon'
tknowhowIendedupher
e

Ase:I
t'
sokayf
ri
end.
.It
'sokay

VI
RGO

IdrovestraighttoherMother
'shouseagai
n.Thi
s
ti
me, t
hedoorwasopenedbyal adyt
hatIt
hinki
s
herSist
er..Iint
roducedmysel
fandsheletmein,
shecalledherMot her.
.

Ma:Dowehavet
ocal
lthePol
icenow?

Me:YourDaught
erabor
ted
Thesi
sterl
aughed.
.

Ma:Thi
sisget
ti
ngr
idi
cul
ous

It
ookoutmyphoneandpl
ayedt
her
ecor
ding,
all
mycal
lsar
erecor
ded.
.

Theywer
elef
tdumbf
oundedandspeechl
ess

Il
ookedatt
heSi
ster
..

Me:Notf
unnynow

Ma:Th..Thobekacomehelpme,myst
rengt
hjust
l
eftme.Myhear ti
snotbeat
ingwel
l
Me:Yourprocl
aimedgol
denDaughteri
samur
der
er,
shesl
eptnexttomeknowingwhatshedid

Si
s:Youmadeyourpoi
ntnowl
eave

Il
ookedatt
heMot
her
..

Me:Iwishyourhear
tstopsandyoudi
e,soshecan
f
eelthepai
nI'mfeel
ingnow

Si
s:Isai
dleave!
!Bef
oreIt
hrowyouout

Me:You?Thr
owmeout
?

Si
s:Leave!
!

Me:Iam al
readyl
eavi
ng,
butknowy-
TheSi
stercamet
ome.
.

Me:Da..Da.
.Da..Don'
tevent
ouchme!Youdi
sgust
me,al
lofyoudisgustme!!

Icl
ickedmyt
ongueandwal
kedout
..

AI
SHA

Asesuggest
edwegogetI
cecr
eam,
justt
akeawal
k
andgetfr
eshai
r.
.

Ase:Li
feisdi
ff
icul
tmyfr
iend,wefindour
selves
doi
ngthingst
hatweneverthoughtwecoulddo

Myphoner
ang,
itwasmySi
ster
..
Me:Thobeka

Thobeka:I
fMom di
esi
t'
sal
lyourf
aul
t

Me:I
'
m sor
ry?

Thobeka:Thatscumbagboyfr
iendofyourswas
her
etell
ingusaboutyouraborti
onscandal

Me:What?Notagain.
.Vir
goislyi
nghe'
sdoi
ngt
his
becausehecan'
tacceptourbr
eakup

Thobeka:Her ecor
dedyouAi
shaonthecal
l,
stop
wit
ht hel
ies!
!YouscrewedupandMom'sBPi s
spi
kingIjustcall
edanAmbulance

Ist
oppedwal
king.
.
Thobeka:I
fMom di
es,
I'
llneverf
orgi
veyou

Shehungup.
.

Me:OhhmyGodVi
rgowhatdi
dyoudo?

Ase:What
'
swr
ong?

Ical
ledhi
m..

Vi
rgo:What
?
Me:Whywoul
dyoudosomet
hingl
iket
hat
?(cr
ying)

Vi
rgo:Whyshoul
dn'
tI?

Me:YouseewhyIabor
ted?I
magi
nemebei
ngwi
th
someonel
ikeyou
Hel
aughed.
.

Virgo:Thatstatementshoul dbei nrever sebecause

theonlythinggoodaboutyoui syourbr ai ns!Of
whi chweren'tgoodt histimearound,howcana
womannotf eelwhenaguyhascum i nsi deofher?
Youar estupidlysmar tanddon'tevert hinkIdi dall
ofthatbecauseIl ovedyou, Iwasj usttryingt opush
ti
meunt ilIgetsomeonewor t
hy!Iwast hebest
thi
ngt hathaseverhappenedt oyou, evenyour
fri
endsar ebetterlooki ngthanyout hat'swhyI
fuckedoneoft hem. .Thesadt hingaboutt hi
sis
thattomor r
owI 'l
lhavet henextbestthing, andyou.
Youwon' tgetaboyf riendwannaknowwhy?
Becauseyouai n'tshitbi t
ch!
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
02] :58
VI
RGO

Iwasbackathomepacki
ngandpr
epari
ngtogo
backtoschool
.Iwant
edt
omakeAisha'
sli
fe
di
ffi
cul
t.
.

Bomi
wal
kedi
n..

Bomi
:Andnow?
Me:I
'
m goi
ngbackt
oschool
Bomi
:CanIt
alkt
oyoubef
oreyoul
eave
Me:Whati
sit
?
Bomi
:Imaynotknowhowyoufeel
,becauseIonce
di
dwhatshedi
d.Moret
hanonce
Me:YaaBomihowi
sthi
saboutyou?
Bomi :I
t'
snotbutI'
m sayi
ngt
hatdon'
tdot
hingst
hat
wil
llandyouintroubl
e
Me:Li
ke?
Bomi:Ai
shat
extedme,toldmewhathappened.Do
youknowyoucould'
vekil
ledherMot
her
?
Me:Idon'
tcar
eatl
eastshe'
l
lknowhowI
'
mfeel
ing
Bomi:Youhadnori
ghtt
odot hatVi
rgo,i
fAi
shahad
tot
ellherf
amil
yshewould'
vedoneitonherown
Me:Shewasnevergoi
ngtodoit,
shewasgoi
ngt
o
keeponl
yingt
hatshemiscar
ri
ed
Bomi:Maybeifyoudidri
ghtbyher
,shewoul
dn'
t
havethoughtofdoi
ngthat
Me:Whyareyoudefendi
ngher
?Isi
tbecauseyou
r
elat
e?Whyareyoudefendi
ngabaddeed?She'
sa
murder
erj
ustl
ikeyou
Bomi:Virgoseri
ouslyyouratti
tudeisbori
ngnow,
andwhatyoudi dwaswr ong.Youneverdidlove
Aishadidyou?Becausei fyoudi dt
henyouwoul dn'
t
havehurtthatpoorgirlsomuch.Justletgoofher,
l
etherfindsomeonewhowi l
lloveherr
ightsi
nce
youfai
ledtoo.Notever yt
hingisaboutyouthewor l
d
doesn'
trevolvearoundyou, l
ooknow.Youwer e
supposedtogot oschoolandgetadegr eenotall
thi
snonsenseyoubr i
ngingme
Me:Aishaki
ll
edmybabyandI
'
m supposedt
obe
okaywitht
hat?
Bomi
:It
'sl
if
e,deal
wit
hit
!

AI
SHA

Iwasshatt
ered.Scar
ed, br
okenandt hi
nki
ngal
ot.I
don'
tknowhowmymot herishol
dingup,mySi
ster
doesn'
tpi
ckupmycal ls..

Idon'
tthinkI'
l
leverhat
eanyonethewaythatIhat
e
Vir
gorightnow.Whodoest hat
?Iunderst
andthat
he'
sangr ybuteachti
mewhenhedi dhisshi
tI
neverr
ant ohisMotherandsni
tchedonhim.
.

Igotacal
lfr
om Bomi
..

Me:Hel
lo
Bomi
:Ai
shahowi
syourMot
herdoi
ng?
Me:Idon'
tknow
Bomi
:Di
dyoucal
landf
indout
?
Me:Myfami
lycur
rent
lyhat
esmebecauseofwhat
Vi
rgodi
d
Bomi:AishaI'
m sorr
yabouthisbehaviorbutIalso
dofeell
ikeyoucould'vepr
eparedhimf ort
his,
I
knowhe'simpossibl
ebutthiswasnott hewayt ogo
becauseIfeelyoudidthi
sonpur pose
Me:SoyourSonact
ingt
hiswayi
smyf
aul
t?
Bomi
:Ineversai
dthat
Me:Iam notgoi ngtogobackandf orthwithyou,al
l
thatI'
m askingispl easetel
lyourSont ostayaway
from me.I'mt i
red,emot i
onall
y,physical
lyand
ment al
ly.Vir
goi sabusiveandI '
mt i
redofbeinghis
victi
m.Ijustwantpeaceandheneedshel pbecause
wi t
hthi
sbehavi orhe' sdefi
nit
elygoingtofind
himselfinjail
Bomi
:
Ai-
Me:ByeBomi
Ihungup.
.

VI
RGO

Beforedri
vingof
fIbl
ast
edAi
shaont
henet
,al
lover
socialmedia.
.

Ineededtheworl
dtoknowwhatshehasdone, how
evi
lsheisunder
neath.She'
sanevil
Personand
peopleshoul
dnotbefooledbyheri
nnocentgi
rl
Persona.
.

ASENATHI

Me:Whatt
hehel
l?
Vi
rgohasbustedAishaonsoci
almediaevent
he
Uni
ver
sit
y'spr
ivat
eFacebookgroup.
.
Hewascal l
ingheral
lsort
sofshitt
ynames,
most
guyswhower ecomment i
ngdefendedhi
m.Cal
led
Aishaevi
l,
itwashorr
ible.

Hei ncl
udedherpi ctures,hereal
lywentalloutt
o
deform hercharacter.Witheverythi
ngthat'
s
happening,Ifeell
ikeAi shawon'ttakethi
s.She'
s
goi
ngt obemor edepr essedbyt hi
s..

AI
SHA

WhenIwentonFacebookIhadalotofnot
if
icat
ions.
Vi
rgoputmeonblast
,eventaggedme..

Peopleweresayi
ngal
lhor
ribl
ethings,
Futhiwas
ther
einthecommentsect
ionalsosayingshi
tabout
me..

Howam It
oshowmysel
finpubl
icnowi
fthewhol
e
schoolknowswhatI
'
vedone?

It
hrewmyphoneawayandst
art
edcr
ying.
.

Me:Whywon'tyouleavemeal
one?
?Pl
easel
eave
mealone!
!(cr
ying)

Thi
swasneverpar
toft
hepl
an.
.

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Whatwashappeni
ngonsoci
almedi
abl
ewmy
br
ainsout
..

SoVi
rgo'
sgi
rl
fr
iendabor
ted?

Iwentont
heledget
odefendher
,Idon'
tbl
ameher
.
Vi
rgoisahor
ribl
ePer
son:
"I
t'
seasyforyouguystoj
udget
hisgir
lwhenyou
don'
tknowhowabusi vet
hePer
sonbehindt
hispost
i
s.Iam hi
sexandt r
ustmeheishorr
ibl
e"

Ihadcomment edundert
hepict
ureheupl
oadedon
Inst
agram ofher
sandtypedawholel
otofshi
t
abouther.
.

AI
SHA

Asekeptonknocki
ngatmydoor
..

Ase:Ai
sha?
Me:Pl
easel
eavemeal
one!
!Justl
eavemeal
one!
!
Goaway
Ase:Pl
easeunl
ockt
hedoor
Me:Idon'
twannaseeanyoneAsepl
easel
eaveme
al
one!Justl
etmebe
Ase:I'm sorr
yAi sha,youdon'tdeservewhathe's
doingtoyou. .Youcanhavehi m arr
ested,geta
protect
ionor deragainsthim.Ifnot,t
henfighthi
m
thewayhe' sf i
ghti
ngyou.Tel lyoursideofthestor
y
becausei tseemst hislanguage,ist
heonl y
l
anguageheunder st
ands..Igotupf rom t
hebed
andwentt oopenf orher..

Ase:Tel
lyourt
rutht
oo,Iknowyoudon'
thavetoo
butpeopl
eshouldknowtootheki
ndofPersonheis

Me:Ij
ustwanthi
mtol
eavemeal
one

Ase:Thi
sisouronl
yhopet
omakehi
m backof
f,
comeon

Shewal
kedt
othebed.
.
KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Iwasgoingbackandfort
hwithpeopl
ewhorepli
ed
tomycomment ,I
'
m surpr
isedVi
rgohasn'
tbl
ocked
meyet.
.

Whatheis,orwhoheisr
atherneedstostop.Thi
s
t
hingofhim abusi
ngwomenitshouldst
op..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
03] :59

AI
SHA

Asenat
hil
ookedatme.

Ase:You'
vebeent
hrought
hemostAishawitht
his
guy,sowhenyousai
dyouhadarunningst
omach.
Hehadl
ockedyouup?

Inodded.
.

Ase:Vi
rgocoul
d'veki
ll
edyou

Me:RightnowIwantpeacewithmyf
ami
lyandI
wanthim outofmyl
if
eforever

Ase:Thi
sisdet
ail
ed

Me:Ver
ydet
ail
edandt
rut
hful

Ase:Ar
eyour
eady?

Me:Yes
Ipostedthest
ory,
Asehelpedmet
oobypostingi
t
onherFacebookaccountandt
hevar
sit
yFacebook
group..

Wepost
edi
tever
ywher
eonsoci
almedi
a..

VI
RGO

Iwasbacki nmyf l
atandarguingonInstagr
am wit
h
Ketso.Whatrightdoesshehavet ospeaknonsense
undermypost ,thatI'
vepostedaboutAisha.
Somet hi
ngthatshedoesn'tknowaboutnort hati
t
hasanythingtodowi thhim..

Ical
ledher
..

Ket
so:Whathappenedt
obei
ng"
Str
anger
s"ona
pl
ane?
Me:St
ayoutoft
his

Ket
so:St
ayoutofwhat
?

Me:Myaf
fai
rswi
thmyex

Ketso:Vir
goIdon'tunderst
and,howdoyousayyou
l
ovet hi
sgirlbutdosuchtoher?Whyembar r
assher
l
ikethat?Yessheabor t
edandIsuppor ther
becauseyouar eashitt
yPerson.Iknowyougoi ng
thr
ought hepainofnotknowingyourFat herbuti
t'
s
noexcuset obethisshi
ttyandtreatpeopleli
keshi
t

Me:Thi shasnothingt odowi t

hyou, Ketsothe
reasonwhyIdi dn'tevenf eelanythingwhenyour
babydi edisbecauseIgi vezer ofucksaboutyou
andt hechil
dyouwer ecar r
ying.Hewasawast ed
spermt hatIgavenot hingabout ,
qui t
efrankl
yhedid
wellbydyingsavedhi mselffrom growingup
withoutafather
Ket
so:Wow!Youar
eanevi
lPer
son

Me:St
ayoutoft
his,
ithasnot
hingt
odowi
thyou

Ihungup.
..

AI
SHA

Comment
scamein,
somewomenwer
esuppor
ti
ve,
somewer
ebashi
ngme.
.

Ase:I
tdoesn'
tmatterwhosayswhat,
whatmat
ter
s
i
sthatyougotyoursideoft
hestor
yout

Me:CanIwakeupt
omor
rowandever
ythi
nggoes
backt
onormal
Myphoner
ang,
itwasmySi
ster
..

Me:Thobeka

Thobeka:Mom hasbeenadmi
tt
ed

Me:Howi
sshe?

Thobeka:She'
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine

Me:ThankGod

Thobeka:ThoughtIshoul
dletyouknow

Me:Thankyou

Thobeka:Bye
Me:Bye

Ihungup.
..

VI
RGO

Inot
icedt
hatAi
shahadpost
edsomet
hing.

Icomment
ed:

"IfIwassomuchofanabusi veboyf r
iendtoyou
thenwhydi dn'tyouleaveme?I fIlockedyouupi n
thebat hr
oom forthewhol edaywhydi dn'
tyougo
outandhavemear restedthef ol
lowingday?Di dn'
t
youhavear unningstomacht hatdayt hatyou
couldn'tcomet oschoolbecauset hat'
swhat
everyoneknowsandt hat
'swhatyout oldmeand
them, youweren'tevenatmyf l
atthatday,youonly
visitmeonweekendsandl eaveSundayneveron
schooldaysdon' tli
e.Cabat her easonwhyIhadt o
tellyourfami lyaboutt hisi sbecausewewant edto
doacl eansingf oryoubutcoul dn' tdoi tunderf alse
statement sasmi scarriagei nst eadofabor ti
on.
Didn'tyout ellyourownMot hert hatIwasl yi
ng, you
wer en'tpregnant ?Sowhyi sshesi ckifyouwer en't
pregnant ?Iwast heresi ncef rom whenwef ound
outyouwer epr egnant ,Ipai df oryourDr 's
appoi ntment sandIwasgoi ngt obet her e
throughout .Ijustwi shyoucoul d'vecar r
iedt he
babyf ul
lterm, Iwasgoi ngt or aisemybabyIhadno
problem.Igr ewupwi thoutaf atherandImadea
promi setomysel fthatI '
llneverbeadeadbeat
father..Myexwhoi sbusyt alkingont hingsshe
doesn' tknow, didn' tevenknowwhot hebabydaddy
wasandt otopi tof fIbur iedt hebabyevent houghI
didn'tknowi fitwasmi neornot .Shest ayedatmy
housewhenshegotki ckedoutmadeherown
Mot herseem evi l..Ketsocan' tsaynot hingIst il
l
havet her ecordi ngwher eshewasswear ingatmy
mot herandher s. .Sheevenat tackedherown
Mot herphysi cal l
ysopl ease. .Iunder standt hatit'
s
yourbody,yesapparentl
yit
'sri
ghtforyout
oabort
becauseit
'syourbodybutifIwastheonewho
didn'
twantthebabyandendedupbei ngadead
beatfat
herIwasgoi ngtobedragged.Abort
ioni
s
onlyri
ghtwhent hedeci
sionissol
elybasedonthe
womanj ustbecauseit
'syourbodyandusMenwe
havenosay!!

Howwi llItr
ustanotherwoman?Iwoul dunderst
and
i
fIwant ednothingtodowiththebabybutIwas
ther
e..TheR500appoi ntments,R1500sonarscan.I
evengaveyoumoneyever ynowandt hen.Iwas
alwaysthere!Youhadnor easontodot his,ot
her
womenonl ywishtohavethesuppor tyouhadf r
om
me.Butt henit'
syourbodysoi t
'sokayf uckhowI
feel
"

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Vi
rgohasabril
li
antwayofmaki
nghimsel
flookl
ike
avict
im.If
eelf
orthi
sgir
lAi
sha,Vi
rgohasheri
nhis
hand.Iwishshedidn'
tdot
hisonl
ybecauseVir
go
wil
ltur
nthissit
uati
onandmakeitabouthi
m,she'
s
goi
ngt obedepressedmor
e..

NowMenar egoingt osupporthim onwhathesai d,

sheshould'veletitgo.Afterreadi
nghi sreplyhe
had30r eactionsalreadyinjustami nute.Ichecked
hisFacebookandhehadchangedhi spr ofi
le
pict
ureandputoneofaguywhoseemsdepr essed,
hiswholeTLwasf i
ll
edwithhi ssor
rowspost sli
ke:

"Ineverknewl osingachildwouldbet hi
sdi f
fi
cult.I
buriedonenotl ongagot henmycur rentgi
rlfr
iend
abor t
ed.Iam broken,Ievenfeelli
keendingmyl i
fe.
Ievenf ai
ledmyexam nowIhavet orepeattheyear
allbecauseoft hepainanddepr essi
onI'm going
through.Theabor ti
onwast henailtothecoffi
n, I
feelsuici
dal.Ij
ustwantt hepaintoend"

Ilaughedwhi
lstshaki
ngmyhead.Hepr
obabl
y
typedthi
swhilstpl
ayi
ngagame.Vir
goi
stoxi
c..
AI
SHA

Il
ookedathisreplyonmypost
.Hewasgett
inga
l
otofreact
ions,andafewr
epli
esi
nsuppor
tofhi
m..
Thi
swasgoi ngbad..

Ase:Damnhe'
sgood

Me:It
hinkweshoul
ddel
etet
his

Ase:Ar
eyousur
e?

Me:Yes

Ase:Okayl
et'
sdel
ete
Idel
eted.
..

VI
RGO

Icheckedagai
nandshehasdel
eted,
lucki
lyIt
ooka
screenshot
.It
henupl
oadedi
tonmyTL:

"
Whydel
etei
fyoucl
aim ever
ythi
ngyoupost
edi
s
t
rue"

Shereal
lydoesn'tknowthegamet hatshe'spl
ayi
ng,
tomorr
owI '
mr el
easingt
her ecor
dings.Bothof
Ketsosweari
ngatmymot herandAi shaadmit
ti
ng
onthecallt
hatsheaborted.
.

Iwannadri
vehertosomuchdepr
essionthatshe
commitssui
cide,
Iwannabr
eakherandthelast
sani
tyt
hatshehas..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
03] :60

AI
SHA

Idon'tthinkthere'
sapar tofmet hatwil
levermake
medat eagai n,aft
erwhatVi r
gohasputmet hr
ough.
.
Itfel
tli
kebackwhenIusedt obebodyshamedand
discri
mi natedupon.Itwaskill
ingme, more
especiallybecauseItri
edt el
li
ngmysi deoft he
storyonl yf
orhi mtotwisteveryt
hingandmadei t
abouthi mself,pl
ayedvicti
m andmademel ook
stupid.
.

Awhil
ebackIwouldbeexci
tedaboutgoi
ngt
o
cl
assbutnow,
it'
sadraganddepressi
ng.

Iwasdeepi
nmythought
sfrom t
hebust oschool
,I
hungmyheadi
nshamethroughoutunt
ilIgott
o
cl
ass.Iwaslate,butthel
ecturerwasnother
eyet.I
am notusual
lylatebutIdi
dn'twannagetupthi
s
morningsoIhadt odragmysel ft
oclass.
.

I
twentabi
tquietwhenIgoti
ncl
ass,
Imademy
wayt
oAse.Vir
gowassi t
ti
ngatt
hebackwi
thFut
hi.
.

Af
tersi
tt
ingdown,
ever
yonewentbackt
otal
king.
.

Ase:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:Idon'
tknow

Ihear
dFut
hi'
svoi
cef
rom t
heback.
.

Fut
hi:Ai
shahi

Iknowshewasj
ustt
ryi
ngt
obevi
ndi
cti
ve.
.
Fut
hi:Tj
o

Vir
go:Your
eal
lyexpectamur der
ert
ogr
eetyou
back?I
fIwasyouI'
dber el
ieved

Fut
hil
aughed.
.

Futhi:I
t'
sfunnyhowpeopl
eactal
lper
fectbut
behindthescenes,
thi
ngst
heydo

Ase:Butwear
eol
dtobedoi
ngt
his,
ser
iousl
y

Fut
hi:Ohwumt
het
hel
eli(
Thespokesper
son)

Vi
rgo:ShameuBubbl
es

Theybot
hlaughed.
.
Ase:YouknowVi r
gochannelthatat
ti
tudet
oyour
studieshey.
.Youfai
ledbi
ology,
asimplest
udyof
ti
ssues.AndIdon'
tmeant heoneyouuseatthe
toil
et

Thecl
assl
aughed,
IlookedatAse.
.

Vir
go:Howdoesi tfeelt
oget5minoffameAse?
Seri
ouslyIdi
dn'tevenknowyouexist
edunti
ltodayI
eventhoughtyouwer easpeci
alki
dbecauseyou
saynothingt
onone, goodtoseeyouhaveamout h
keepitup

Ase:Andi
t'
sgoodt
oseet
hatyoust
il
laj
erk

Vir
go:I'drat
herbeajerkt
hantokissass,actual
ly
youanassl icker
.You'
vebeenli
cki
ngAisha'sass
eversi
nceI '
veknownyouatleastI
'm apr
oudj er
kI
don'tl
ickass
Ase:Bet
teranassli
ckert
hanwhatyouar
e,i
fIwer
e
you.Iwoul
dn'tbepr
oudofmysel
f

Vir
go:Theonl
ydi ff
erenceaboutyouist
hatatl
east
tomorr
owIcanwakeupandbef ri
endswit
hanyone
Iwanttobefr
iendswi th,
andyougoingtowakeup
asAsetheasslicker

Fut
hi:uBubbl
esshamekant
ishehasavoi
ce

Ase:Ani
sebadal
aforl
enonsense(
Youar
eol
dfor
t
hisnonsense)

Vir
go:Andawusemubiforl
ewayoyenzayo(
And
youareugl
yforwhatyoudoing)

Me:Justl
eavet
hem,
theyai
n'twor
thi
t
Vi
rgo:Li
stent
othemur
der
er,
sheknowswhatshe'
s
t
alki
ngabout

Fut
hi:Kahl
ekahl
eumbul
ali(
themur
der
er)

Ase:ShameFuthii
sVirgo'
sassni
ce?Causei
t
seemslikei
t'
salotofuswhoareki
ssi
ngass

Isi
ghed.
.

AnunexpectedPersonwal
kedin,
itwasJonat
han.
.
Heisprobablyher
eforVi
rgo,
helookedar
oundand
sawme.Hesmi l
edatmeandmadehi swaytome.
.

Jo:HeycanIt
alkt
oyouf
orasec?

Me:Uhm Yes
Igotupandwewal
kedout
..

Jo:Sor
ryt
ojustbot
heryoul
i
ket
hisespeci
all
yin
cl
ass

Me:Noi
t'
sokay

Jo:Iwant
edt
ogi
veyout
his

Hetookoutandenvel
opef
rom hi
sbag,
abi
g
envel
ope.
.

Jo:I
fyougett
hrought
hisday,
openi
twhenyouget
toRes

Me:Ohw.
.Uhm t
hankyou
Jo:Haveal
ovel
yday

Me:Yout
oo

Iwal
kedbacki
nandsatdown.
.

Ase:Whatdi
dhewant
?

Me:Idon'
tknowhej
ustgavemet
hisenvel
ope

Ase:Openi
t

Me:Notnow,
itcamewi
thi
nst
ruct
ions

Ase:Ohw

Fut
hi:SoAi
shahowdi
dyoudoi
t
Ase:Nott
hisagai
n

Fut
hi:Iwasn'
ttal
kingt
oyou

Ase:AndIwast
alki
ngt
oyou

Thel
ect
urerwal
kedi
n..

Lect
urer
:Goodmor
ningCl
ass

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Igotami
ssedcal
lfr
om Nj
abul
o,Iexcusedmysel
f
fr
om wor
ktogoandcal
lhi
m back.
.

Nj
abs:Hi
Me:HeyIgotyourmi
ssedcal
l
Nj
abs:Want
edt
otal
ktoyouaboutsomet
hing
Me:Iam atwor
kwecant
alkl
ater
,dur
ingourdi
nner
dat
e

Nj
abs:Thatwon'
tbepossi
bleanymor
e
Me:Busy?

Nj
abs:Idon'
tthi
nkwecancont
inueanymor
e

Me:Why?
Njabs:Ir
eadyourfi
ghtyest
erdayandwhatyourex
said,
didyoureal
lyat
tackyourMother
?

Me:I
t'
sal
ongst
ory
Nj
abs:Di
dyou?
Me:YesbutIwasonl
ypr
otect
ingmysel
f
Hehungup.
.

Me:Nj
abul
o?

Wowhehunguponme?

AI
SHA

AfterclassIwenttothebat
hroom t
opee,Ial
sofel
t
l
ikecr yingabit
.It
'sgoi
ngtobealongdayIswear.
.I
l
ookedatmysel fi
nthemirr
or,t
henstar
ted
breathinginandout.

Me:Youcandot
his

Itookmybagandmyt extbookt
henwalkedtot
he
door,whenIopenedVi
rgowasstandi
ngther
eatthe
door.Hef
reakedmeoutt
hatIevendr
oppedmyt
ext
book..

Thesadpar taboutourbui
ldi
ngisthateveryfloor
hasrestrooms, t
heonesonthesecondf loorare
mostlyquietbecausei
t'
snothingbutoff
ices..

Hepi
ckedi
tup.
.

Vi
rgo:Youdr
oppedt
his

Me:Thankyou

I
nst
eadofgivi
ngittome,hehi
tmewi t
hitacross
t
hefacet
henpushedmebacki n.Hedraggedme
i
nsi
deofthefi
rstt
oil
etandl
ockedthedoor.
.

Me:Vi
r-
Heplacedhi
shandovermymouthandhi
sother
ar
m aroundmyneck.Hewasst
andi
ngbehindme..
.

Vir
go:DoyouknowthatIcanki
llyouher
eandthen
walkoutandnoonewil
lknowwhathappened?
Lectur
ersar
edownlect
uri
ngsomear eatthecl
ini
cs?

Nowmybr
eat
hingwasunst
abl
e..

Vi
rgo:I
t'
llbeaquickbutpainfuldeat
h,yourMother
won'
tknowwhathappenedt oyounoonewi l
lknow
whathappenedeveniftheydo, Iwoul
dn'tcar
eyou'l
l
behist
ory

Icoul
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.
.

Vi
rgo:OrIcangoaf
terMommyDear
est
Heki
ssedmeonmycheek.
.

Vi
rgo:Iwil
lremovemyhand,i
fyoudarescr
eam I
swearAishayouwil
lbesor
ry.
.Under
stand?

Inodded.
.

Hesl
owl
ylower
edhi
shand.
.

Vi
rgo:Whatdi
dJonat
hanwant
?

Me:Hewasj
ustgi
vingmef
ormst
oappl
ynextyear
f
orBDS

Hemovedhi
shandandpl
acedi
tonmybr
east
s..
Vi
rgo:Whatdi
dJonat
hanwant
?

Me:Ial
readyt
oldyou

Virgo:Youar
elyi
ng,
that
'swhyyourhear
tisbeat
ing
fast

Me:It
'sbeati
ngfastbecauseIhaveananxi
ety
at
tack,youscar
yingme

Vi
rgo:Letmeseet
heenvel
ope

Me:I
t'
snotwi
thme,
it'
swi
thAse

Vi
rgo:Ai
shadon'
tli
etome

Me:I
'
m notl
yingt
oyou
Het
urnedmear
ound.
.

Vir
go:Whyareyoudoingthi
s?Isthi
swhyyou
abort
ed?Becauseyouandhim ar
ehavi
ngathi
ng?

Me:No..Youcancheckmyphone,
youcanaskhi
m..
I
'm notseei
nganyone

Hekeptqui
et.
..

Me:Il
oveyou

Hel
ookedatme,
Ipl
acedmyhandonhi
schest
..

Me:Ist
il
lloveyou
Hehel
dmyhandandIgotacol
dshi
ver
..

Vi
rgo:Yousayi
ngwecanst
artover
?

Me:Yes

Vi
rgo:Tr
yandgetpr
egnantagai
n?

Me:Yes

Vi
rgo:Getmar
ri
ed?

Me:Yes

Hegr
abbedmyl
ocks.
.

Vi
rgo:Doyout
hinkI
'
m af
ool
?Iknowyoucansay
anyt
hingr
ightnowt
ogetoutoft
hissi
tuat
ion

Me:Whatdoyouwantmet
odo?Iwi
lldoanyt
hing

Vi
rgo:Wegoingtowal
koutofher
etoget
herandgo
t
omycar ,t
henwegoingt
odrivet
omyhousenot
myflat
..Myhouse

Iswal
lowed.
.

Me:Okay

Vir
go:Remember
..Iknowwher
ehomei
s,i
fyout
ry
anythi
ngst
upi
d

Me:Iknow

Vi
rgo:Let
'sgo
Hehel
dmyhandandwewal
kedoutoft
her
est
r
oom..
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
03] :61

AI
SHA

InthemistoffearIreal
lyhadhopedt hatIwould
tal
kVirgofr
om beinganAss, atther estroom no
partsofwhatIsaidweretrue.Idon'twannagoback
tohim,Idon'twantusfixi
nganything.Ijustwanted
tofoolhi
m, sohedoesn'thurtme..

Whenwewalkedoutoft
hebathr
oom t
othefi
rst
f
loor
,webumpedint
oAse.ThankGodwedid.
.
Ase:HeyIwaswonder
ingwhatwast
aki
ngt
ool
ong

Shel
ookedatVi
rgo.
.

Ase:Whatt
hehel
l?Iknewthatyouwer
euptono
goodwhenyouwerealsomissi
ngfr
om cl
ass.
.Get
awayfr
om her
!

Asepushedhi
m of
f.
.

Ase:St
ayawayf
rom her
!!

Vi
rgol
ookedatme.
.

Vi
rgo:Don'
tfor
getwhatwet
alkedabout

Hewal
kedaway.
.IhuggedAse.
.
Me:Thankyou

Ase:Di
dhehur
tyou?

Me:NoI
'
mfi
ne

Ase:Okayl
et'
sgot
ocl
ass

Me:Ihavet
ogot
oResf
ornow,
I'
m notsaf
ear
ound
her
e

Ase:Whatdi
dhedo?

Me:I
'
lltel
lyoual
labouti
t,Ineedyout
oaccompany
metothebus
Ase:Okay,
let
'sgo

Me:Thankyou

BOMI

IdrovetoAi sha'
shouse,
toseewhathasbeen
happening..SeehowherMotheri
sdoing.
.Ifound
theSist
er,andboydoessheknowhowt orunher
mout h.
.

Me:I'
m sorr
yaboutwhathappenedt
oyourMot
her
,
I
'm al
sogladthatshe'
sdoi
ngwell

Her
:YourSoni
scr
azy

Me:Idon'
tdenythathewaswr
ongbutAi
shadi
d
hur
thim wi
ththeabort
ion
Her:MySi st
erwouldneverdoanyt
hingimpul
sive,
forhert
oabor tshehadagoodreasontoo.
.I'
m glad
shedid,yourSonisshi
t

Me:MySonisnott
heonewhocommi
tt
edsui
cide
andhur
tAi
sha

Her:Ireall
ydon'
tcareabouthi
m,Idon'
tcare!He
hadnor ightt
odowhathedi d,
cominghereand
bl
astingmysi st
erl
ikethat
?

Me:Wewant edtodoacl
eansingforhersi
nceshe
abort
edandwecouldn'
tbecausesheleduswith
fal
sepret
enses

Her
:Whyar
eyouher
e?

Me:Ij
ustwant
edt
oseei
fyourMot
heri
sokay
Her
:Justl
eaveusalonepl
ease,i
fyourSonshows
upher
eagainI'
m goi
ngtostabhi
m Iswear!

Igotup.
.

Her
:Yeahgo.
.Anddon'
tevercomebackher
eagai
n!!

AI
SHA

Thebuscameaft
er10min,
itwai
tedf
oratl
east
30minbef
oret
aki
ngoff
..

Iwasrel
ievedwhenIgottoRes,hecan'
tjustwal
k
i
nhere.Securi
tyi
sti
ght,
soI'm saf
ehere.
.

Igott
omyr oom andthef
irstt
hingIdidwasto
opentheenvel
ope.It
ookthelet
teroutfol
lowedby
ani
dent
if
icat
ionnamet
ag,
whi
chr
ead:

"
Aisha
BACHELOROFDENTALSURGERY1"

Icl
osedmyeyes..Thisi
smydr eam f
ornextyear
si
nceI'
veappl
ied.
.Ireadthel
etter

"
Ifyour
eadingthisthatmeansyoumadei
tthr
ough
t
heday,I
'm happy..

Isawandr eadwhathappened,
thefi
rstt
hingI
thoughtaboutwashowitwasaffect
ingyou

Onethingyoudon'
tknowisthatIam goodat
readi
ngpeople,
andI'
vereadyourrel
ati
onshi
pwi
th
him.Hewasneversincer
e
I'
m sorr
yyouhadtogothr
oughthi
s,eveni
fyoudid
aborthehadnori
ghtt
ohandlei
tinthatmanner
.

I'
m notexcusi
ngwhatyoudi d,I
'
m notjust
ifyi
ngit
alsoI'
m notcondemningyou.Youseem li
keani ce
personandIdon'tt
hinkyoudidthati
ntenti
onall
y
j
usttodisshim,youarenotavindict
ivePerson.

Hecanonlyhur
tyout
oanext
entt
hatyouall
owhim
too,
ifyougi
vehi
mtoomuchpowerhewil
ldest
roy
you.

Ili
keyoual otbutatt hesamet i
meI'm notdoi ng
thi
sbecauseIwannagetyou, atl
eastnotnow.
Maybeaf ter5year sinyourl
astyear.IfIapproach
now,Iwillbear ebound.There'
salotofshadow
heali
ngthatyouneedt odoallonyourown.Icanbe
hereasaf riend,afri
endthatcanhelpyouget
thr
ought hisbutonlyifyoudon'twantar elati
onshi
p
withhim anymor e.Thelastt
hingIwanti stohelp
youandt hent omorrowyougobackt ohim. .
Wear eallher
echasingthesamegoalwhichis
graduat
ing,don'
tlethi
mt aket
hatawayfr
om you.
Thatisonegoalheshouldnevertakeawayfr
om
you..

Hereismynumberandi fyoutextme, I
'
llalwaysbe
ther
etoprot
ectyoufrom hi
m Ihateabuser smore
especi
all
ybecausemyMot herwentt hr
oughsuch
andshemadei tout
.Youcant ooifyoufight.
.

Ihopeyouhaveagooddayanddon' tbehar don

yourself
,don'
tdwel
longui
ltandhypot hesi
s.You
didwhatyoudid,ownuptoit,
for
giveyour self
,
forgi
vehim andmoveon.Yousti
llhaveagoalt o
achieve"

Thatwasabeauti
full
ett
ert
oread,
Ievenf
ound
myselfcr
ying.
.
JONATHAN

ReadingthroughaboutAishaandVi r
go'sscandal,I
don'tsupportnorcondemnwhatshedi dbutIf eel
l
ikeheshoul dn'
thaveputitoutthere.It
'ssomet hi
ng
thattheywerebothmeantt odiscusspr i
vatel
y..

Iwaswal
kingt
omycarwhenhecal
ledoutt
ome.I
wai
tedf
orhim.
.

Vi
rgo:HeyMan

Me:Hey

Ireadthroughherpostwhenheupl
oadedit
,andI
don'tt
hinkshehadar easont
oli
eonhim..

Heext
endedhi
shandf
orahandshakeIl
ookedati
t.
.
Me:Idon'
tshakehandst
hatabusewomen

Hechuckl
ed.
.

Vi
rgo:Youdon'
tknowwhat
'sgoi
ngon

Me:Iknowenough

Vi
rgo:I
thasnot
hingt
odowi
thyou

Me:I
fthatwast
rue,
thenyouwoul
dn'
thaveputi
t
outt
here

Vi
rgo:St
ayawayf
rom mygi
rl
fr
iend

Me:Whatat
it
leconsi
der
ingshewant
snot
hingt
o
dowi
thyou!

Vi
rgo:St
ayawayf
rom her
,I'
m war
ningyou!

Hepushedme.
.

Me:Whatawast
e

Vi
rgo:Whatwast
hat
?

Me:Whatawast
e

Hecamechargingatmetryi
ngtopunchme,hi
sfi
st
l
andedinthepalm ofmyhand.It
wist
edi
tand
pushedhi
m off
..

Me:Thi
sisnotonl
yembarr
assi
ngbutchi
ldi
sh,
I'
m
notgoi
ngtof
ightwi
thyou!
AI
SHA

Iwast
ornbet
weencal
li
nghi
m ornot
.

Idon'
twantanythi
ngtodowi t
hMenanymor e,
he
mightseem genui
nebuthecouldbeanot
hercrazy.
.
Iwannafocusonschool,andseedat
ingpr
obablya
fewyearsofmewor ki
ngnotnow..

Ifol
dedt
helet
terandputi
taway,Ipi
ckedupt
he
nametagandlookedati
tagai
n..

I
twasagoodgest
ure,
agoodmot
ivat
iont
oo

.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
03] :62
AI
SHA

Themostdi ff
icultt
hinginlif
ethatonehastogo
through,ispublichumi l
iat
ion.Howdoyour ecover
from thatwhent hewor ldonlybel
ieveswhatthey
seeont heout side,butneverwhathappensbehind
closeddoor s.

Almosteveryonewasforandsupporti
ngwhatVi
rgo
said,
noteveryonewantedtounder
standmysideof
thestor
y..

Iwi
llwal
kar
oundcampuseverydaywi
thpeopl
e
j
udgingme,
becausetheynowknowmynakedness,
myshameandIcan'thi
dethat
..

Ihadbeendebat i
ngwithmyselfi
fIshouldcontact
Jonathanornot.Idon'
thaveaBrotheroraFather
thatwoulddef
endmef rom such,t
hatwouldscare
VirgoawayandIneedtogotoschool.Iwon'
t
functi
onifhe'
sconst
ant
lyt
herepressingmedown
withfear

Iwaswor r
iedaboutmyf ami l
y,al
lthethreatshe
pul
led.Hewasl i
terall
ydri
vingmei ntoinsanit
y,a
par
tofmewant edt ojustl
eaveever yt
hing.Go
homeandendi tal l
,I
'mti
red,I'
m barelyholdi
ngon
andhe'sgotmer ightwhereheneededme. .

Itext
edJonat hanwhenIgott oschoolthefol
lowi
ng
day,becausewhenIst eppedmyf ootdownont he
groundalreadyfearwasalreadycreepi
ngin..
Anxiet
yskyr ockethi
gh

MaybewhenheseesmewithJonat
hanhewi l
l
f
inal
lybackof
f,i
t'
sal
ongshor
tbutI
'm hopi
nghe
wil
l.
.

Me:IhopeIdi
dn'
tdi
stur
byouf
rom at
tendi
ngyour
f
ir
stcl
ass

Jo:Noi
t'
sokay.
.Ar
eyouokay?

Me:I
'
mtr
ying

Jo:YouknowAi
shayoucanonl
yal
lowpeopl
eto
hurtyouupt
oacer
tai
nli
mit

Me:Vi
rgogetssomadandhet ur
nsint
osomethi
ng
t
hatIdon'
tknow,somet
hingscar
yanddanger
ous

Jo:He'
sdoi
ngi
tbecauseyoual
lowhi
mtoo

Me:Idon'
tknowhowt
ofi
ghthi
m

Jo:Haveyout
ri
edst
andi
ngupf
oryour
sel
f?
Me:I
'
veneverbeenabl
etoo

Jo:Ohwwel
lher
ehecomes

Iturnedandhewalkedinwi
thFut
hi,
wal
kedi
n
throughtheent
rance.
.

JoandIkeptqui et,Vir
gowasn'thappywhenhe
sawus. .Theypassedbyus,didn'tgr
eet.Vi
rgo
l
iter
allypushedmef or
wardmakingitlookl
ikehe
was" acci
dental
ly"bumpingi
ntome. .

Icol
li
dedwi
thJo,
hehel
dmest
eady.
.

Jo:Ar
eyouokay?

Me:Thi
siswhatIgot
hroughever
yday
Jo:Idon'
tknowhowt
ofi
ghtki
ds,
it'
sabuse

Ichuckl
edandshookmyhead.
.

Jo:Ihavetogotoclass,we'l
lcont
inuet
his
conversat
iont
hroughtexti
ng

Me:Okay

Jo:Gi
vemeahug

Me:Huh?

Jo:Doi
t

Wehugged,
forawhi
le.
.
Thenwebr
oket
hehug.
.

Jo:I
'
llseeyoudur
ingl
uncht
ime

Me:Okay

Hewalkedaway,Iwentt
ocl
assandIsawVir
go
wal
kingin.SohesawMeandJohugging.
.

Iwalkedinandwenttositnextt
oAse,Iexpect
ed
theslycommentsagainbutitwasqui
et.
..

JONATHAN

Imetupwi
thMor
gan.
.
Me:Hey.
.Di
dyoudomet
hatf
avour
?

Mo:Yeahwhati
sitf
oragai
n?

Me:Longst
ory

Hegavemet
hedocument
..

Me:Doestheabusehavet
ovi
sibl
e?Br
uisesand
whatnot
?

Mo:Anyf or
m ofAbusei sfr
ownedupon, thevict
im
wi l
lhavetot alktotheschool psychol
ogistthen
theyfilearepor tandt heculpr
itwil
lbeexcluded
from thecour seandt heschoolasawhol e,t
hey
alsoatat hreatofbei ngblackl
istedfr
om all
varsit
iesiftheyexhi bitanabusivebehavior
Me:ThankyouMan

Mo:Youwel
come.
.Let
'sgett
ocl
ass

VI
RGO

AsmuchasAi sha'sactionspissmeof fbutthey

alsohur
tmeher eandt here.Seei
nghert hat
comfort
ableint hehandsofanot herguyknowi ng
verywellwhatsheputbot hofusthrough?She's
notevenremor sefull
if
ei smovingonf orherasif
l
ikeshedidn'tdoanything..

Ilookedatherasshecont i
nuedtalki
ngtoAseasif
l
ikethatpushwasn' tmeanttor
uinherday,worse
shewasanswer ingbacktoquestionsthatt
he
Lecturerwasasking..

I
twasser
iousl
ypi
ssi
ngmeof
f!
!!
..
KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Icamebackfrom workemoti
onall
yexhausted,Igot
homeanditwasquietunti
lIgott
ot hepassage.I
hear
dmySi st
ertal
kingfr
om thebedroom,sounded
l
ikeshewasonacal l.
.

Seipati:Your eall
ywantmet obeli
evet hat ?That
yel
lowboneofawomanonl ycamet otal ktoyou
aboutyourSon?He' s24can'thecomet alktoyou?
Yousai dyouwant ednot
hingt odowi t
hhi m!!Do
youknowhowt hissit
uat
ionisdiffi
cultforme?Your
Sonusedt odat emySi st
er,theyhadababyandI
hadt okeepqui etabouti
t,actedli
keIdi dn'tknow
anythingSi zwe!!

Iwal
kedi
n..
Me:What?SizweisVi
rgo'
sfat
her
?Sei
pat
iwhyyou
neversai
danythi
ng
Sei
pati
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngeavesdr
oppi
ng?Get
out
!!

Me:Whydi
dyoukeept
hisf
rom me?

Sei
pati
:Becausei
thasnot
hingt
odowi
thyou!
!Get
out
!!

Shepushedmeout
..

Sei
pat
i:Anddon'
tuset
hatt
oyouradvant
age!
!!

Shebangedt
hedoor
..

AI
SHA
Lectur
er:Iwi
llseeyouguysnextweek,
don'tfor
get
nextweekisourlastweekbef
orethefi
nalexam..
Wewi l
lbedoingrevisi
on!

Shet
ookhert
hingsandl
eft
..

Me:Cl
ini
csyouknowwhatt
hatmeans

Ase:Vir
gouDom,heneedsyoumoreint
hecli
nics
thanyoudowit
hhim.Plusi
t'
sapubli
cspacehe'l
l
bemor est
upi
dtotr
ysomething

Wegotup.
..

Me:Ihopeso

It
ookmyt
hingsandwewal
kedout
..
Wetookthestai
rs,t
henIfeltsomeonesqueezi
ng
mybutt
.Iquickl
yturnedaround.

Vi
rgo:I
'
mjustf
ixi
ngyourcoat

Me:Ohwt
hankyou

Ase:Th-

Vi
rgo:ByeAsewewi
llseeyouaf
teranhour

Ase:I
'
llseeyougi
rl

Me:Okay

Wewal kedsi
debysidetothecl
ini
c..Qui
etl
yso,
he
wasjustfor
cingsi
tuat
ions.
.Act
ingli
kehewasnot
anassawhi l
eback..
Hest
art
edwal
kingi
nmypat
h..

Me:Vi
rgo

Hest
oppedt
oo.
.

Vi
rgo:Yout
heonewhoi
sinmypat
h

Me:Yougi
vingmeaheadachecanyoupl
easest
op

Vi
rgo:I
'
m notf
ight
ing,
Idon'
twannaf
ight

Me:Pl
easej
ustl
eavemeal
onet
hat
'sal
lI'
m aski
ng

Hegl
anceddown.
.
Vi
rgo:Youl
ovehi
m?

Me:I
'
llseeyoui
nourst
ati
on,
Iseeaf
ewpat
ient
s

Iwal
kedovert
othest
ati
on.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
03] :63

JONATHAN

There'sthi
stheorythatsayswhit
emenl ovewomen
wit
hbi gboobs, part
sofi ti
str
uebutthat'
snotthe
onl
yt hingthatatt
ractedmet oAi
sha.Ireall
yli
keher
andIhat etoseeherbei ngmadetobelievethatal
l
Menar eevil.
.

IwantVi
rgooutofherl
if
eforal
ongt
imesoshe
canhaveasaf eenvironmentatschool.Idoubtt
hat
shewoul dbeeviltoli
eonhi m,hermessageor
ratherpostent
ailedalotofgruesomedetail
s.He
l
ockedherupf oraday?Whodoest hat
?Whi chMan
thatloveshiswomandear lywouldhurtherl
iket
his?

Iwanthi mt obeatherup, publi

clyso.Thatwil
lgive
morel everagef orhimtobebl ackli
stedandhavea
caseat t
achedt ohisreputati
on.Iknowi t
'sevi
l,I
knowi t'
sgr uesomebuti t
'stheonlywaywecannai l
him andr uinhislif
esonextt i
mehewi llt
hinktwice
byput ti
ngt hroughanot herwomanwhathe' sbusy
putt
ingAi shat hrough..
..

AI
SHA

Hewaswel lcomposedatthecli
nic.Hewouldbe
j
ustlikethatbecausei
t'sapubli
cplace,t
her
e's
people.Iwasgl adt
hatIworkedinpeacewit
hout
hi
m br eat
hingdownmyneck. .Asef et
chedme,we
walkedoutt othebustoget
her.
..
Whenweweredrivi
ngt oRes,Ir
ecei
vedacallf
rom
myMother
.Igotscared,don'
tknowwhatshe's
goi
ngt
osay..

Me:Ma
Ma:Ai
sha
Me:Howar
eyou?
Ma:I
'
m bet
ternow
Me:I
'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
Ma:Weneedt
otal
k
Me:Iam sosorryf
orever
ythi
ng,I
'
m sorr
y.Imessed
upwit
hthewr ongguyandhealmostrui
nedmylif
e
Ma:Abor
ti
onkodwaAi sha?Ithurt
smemor
ethan
f
indi
ngoutthatyouwerepregnant
Me:Idi
dn'
twannadi
sappoi
ntyou,
thoughtIcoul
d
t
akecareofi
tal
lonmyown
Ma:Iknowt
hatIwoul
d'vebeendi
sappoi
ntedbutI
woul d'
veaccept edt hebaby,wewoul d'
vemadea
plan.Ididhavear oom inmyhear tforsuchwhen
youst art
eddat i
ng, abort
ionwhati ft
hiswasyour
onlychild?Theonl ychildyou'llhave?Iknowand
haveseent hatthisboyi sdisrespect f
ulbutyou
don'thateani nnocentbabybecauseoft hei
r
father'
ssins.Ifitwasl i
kethat,Iwoul d'
veabor t
ed
youandThobeka.Yesi twashar dbutnikhuli
le,you
arefortunatebecauseyouhavet heBr ai
ns.You
woul d'
vestil
lattai
nedyourqual i
ficati
onandwor ked
Me:Ijustdi
dn'
twanthi
mt obeapar tofmef orever
Ma,thisguyhashur
tmebeyondanyt hing.He
scar
esme, heisamonsterandIdon'ti
magi ne
myselfhavi
ngachil
dwithsomeonel i
kethat
Ma:Akusenanikebutyouhavetodothecl
eansi
ng
sot
hischil
ddoesn'tbl
ockyoursuccess
Me:Okay
Ma:You'
l
lcomeovert
hisweekendandwewi
llsee
Me:Thankyou
Ma:Ihopethi
sisalesson,Ihavef
ait
hinyou.You
ar
etheonlychil
dthatatl
easthaspotent
ial
.Idon'
t
hat
eThobekabutever
yPar
entdeser
vesachi
ldt
hat
candor
ight
Me:I
tisal
essonl
ear
ned
Ma:Pleasefocusonschool,youwi l
lseeMenaf ter
.
Theyarealot,t
heyareoutthere,andwhenyou
pati
entGodwi l
lbr
ingtheonet ai
lor
edf oryou.Buti
f
yougooutchasinglove,you'
llbehurtallt
hetime
Me:Iunder
standMa
Ma:Iwi
llgetdi
schargedsoon,t
here'
snopoi
nti
n
bei
ngangryaboutthi
ssit
uati
on,it
'l
lmakememore
si
ck
Me:Iknow
Ma:ByekeNana
Me:Bye

Thatwasbet
ter
,al
lIneededwasherf
orgi
veness.
.

VI
RGO
Iwaswalki
ngtomycarwhenIrecei
vedacal
lfr
om
Koket
so.Idon'
tknowwhatshewant
s..

Me:Whatdoyouwant
?
Ket
so:That
'sr
ude
Me:Whatdoyouwant
?
Ket
so:Ihavei
nfor
mat
ion,
aboutyourFat
herI
st
opped..

Me:What
?
Ket
so:IknowwhoyourFat
heri
s
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatsi
ckgameyoupl
-
Ket
so:Youtwokindalookt
hesame,j
ustt
hathe'
sa
bi
tdarkandyourcol
ouredgeneswor
kedf
oryou
Me:Youal
owl
if
eyouknowt
hatr
ight
?
Ket
so:Agh
Shehungup.
.
WhenIgoti
ntot
hecar
,Ir
ecei
vedat
extf
rom her
..

Itwasapictur
eoftheguyandal
lhi
sinf
ormat
ion,
addressandever
ythi
ng.
..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

MySi
stercamebur
sti
ngi
ntomybedr
oom.
.

Me:Whatt
hehel
l?
Sei
pat
i:Iknowyouwi l
lusewhatyouhear
dforyour
ownadvantagebecauseyouhateme!
Me:Voet
sekgetoutofmyr
oom!
Sei
pat
i:I
t'
snoneofyourbusi
ness!
Me:Getoutofmybedr
oom!
!
Sei
pat
i:I
fyoul
eakt
hisout
,Iwi
llki
llyou
Igotupandoutofbed.
.

Me:Getout
!!Youmur
der
er
Sei
pati
:I'
m gl
adyourSondi
ed,
whatchi
ldwoul
d
wantsuchanevi
lMother
Me:Can'tevenholdupamar
ri
age,
can'
tevent
ame
yourhusband!Getout
!!

Sei
pat
i:Idon'
tknowhowyoubecamemysi
ster
!
Me:Getout
!!Out
!!

Ipushedheroutandcl
osedt
hedoor
..

VI
RGO

Ical
ledBomi
..
Bomi
:Baby
Me:Bomiwhoi
smyFat
her
?
Bomi
:We'
vehadt
hisconver
sat
ionbef
ore
Me:Hi
snamei
sSi
zwer
ight
?Si
zweHl
atshwayo?
Shekeptqui
et.
.

Bomi
:No
Me:Bomihel
ooksl
i
keme!
Bomi
:Howdi
dyou?Vi
rgowher
edoyougett
his
fr
om?
Me:Ihear
dtof
indoutf
rom Ket
soi
magi
neKet
so!
!
Bomi
:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:Isear
chedhi
m,hersi
steri
smar
ri
edt
omy
f
ather
!
Bomi:Vi
rgol
ist
ent
ome,
Sizwewant
snot
hingt
odo
wit
hyou
Me:Sosaysawomanwhosebeensayi
ng"
Idon'
t
knowyourf
ather
"
Bomi:Ikeptthisfrom youbecauseIdi
dn'
twantyou
tobedisappointed,hedoesn'
twantnothi
ngt
odo
wit
hyou
Me:I
'
drat
herheari
tfr
om yout
hanhi
m!
Bomi
:Iam yourMot
herl
ist
ent
ome!
Ihungup.
..

BOMI

Isl
ammedmyphoneagainstt
het
abl
eand
scr
eamedi
nfr
ust
rat
ion.
.

Whot
hehel
ldoest
hisKet
sogi
rlt
hinkshei
s?

It
ookaf
ewdeepbr
eat
hs.Shedoesn'
tknowwhohe
i
smessi
ngwi
th.
.

Ipi
ckedmyphoneagai
nandcal
ledsomeone
Ace:Ehhl
ongt
ime
Me:Ace
Ace:Ugr
and?
Me:JongaIneedyout
odosomet
hingf
orme
Ace:Okay?
Me:Ineedyout
oki
llsomeonef
orme
Ace:Sebakwenzenimanj
e?(
whatdi
dtheydot
oyou)
Me:Canyoudoi
t?
Ace:10k

Acei salowli
fet
hatspecial
izesi
nsuchcri
mes,t
his
Ketsohasgonetoofar.I
'vebeenpat
ientwi
thher
forlongenoughnow.
..

AI
SHA
ItookashowerwhenIgott
oRes, t
henaf
terIcal
led
Jo.I'
vebeendownpl
ayi
ngcall
inghim

Jo:Hel
lo?
Ikeptqui
et.
.
Jo:Hel
lo?
Me:Hi
Jo:Hi
Me:I
t'
s.
.It
'sAi
sha
Jo:HiAi
sha
Me:HiJo
Hel
aughed.
.
Me:Thankyouf
ort
hel
ett
erandt
henamet
ag
Jo:Youwel
come.
.Howwast
her
estofyourday?
Me:I
twasnotbad,
your
s?
Jo:I
twasokay
Me:Thankyouagai
nJo
Jo:Youwel
come
Me:Lookuhm.
.Iappr
eci
atewhatyoudoi
ngbutId-
Jo:Ij
ustwannabef
ri
endst
hat
'sal
l
Me:Justf
ri
ends?
Jo:Ipr
omi
se
Me:Okaywe'
l
lsee
Jo:Thankyou
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
04] :64

VI
RGO

Idr
ovestr
aightt
ohi
shouse,
from t
headdr
esst
hat
Ket
soprovi
dedmewith.

Iwaspar
kedont
heot
hersi
deofhi
sst
reet
,just
opposi
tehi
shouseandlookedati
tforhour
s.
Debati
ngwit
hmyselfi
fIshouldgoi
nornot..

Helivedi
nahoodbutt hebondsideofhouses,
his
housewasbeauti
fuloutsi
de.Notbi
g,notsmall
ei
therbutver
ybeauti
ful.
.

AsIwassi tt
ingthere,
Isawacarpulli
ngup.Itcoul
d
behim.Indeeditwashi m,whenhegotouttoopen
thegate.That'
swhenIgotouttoo,Ineededtotal
k
tohim.Ineededt ounderst
andwhathappened,
from hi
m..

Isl
owlyappr
oachedhi
m,whenhet
urnedbackt
ogo
tohi
scar.Hesawme..

HelookedatmeandIdi
dn'
tknowwhattosay,
it
washim.Thepi
ctur
eIsaw,i
twasexact
lyhi
m..
Me:Hi

Heshookhi
shead.
.

Dad:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Me:Youknowme?

Dad:Of
causeIknowyou!Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?

Me:I
..Ineededt
oseeyou,
tal
ktoyou

Dad:Forwhatexact
ly?Doyouwantmoney?You
seem l
ikeachi
ldwelltakencar
eof

Me:Idon'
tneedyourmoney,
myMot
heri
sdoi
nga
pr
ett
ygoodjobonherown
Dad:Thenwhyar
eyouher
e?

Me:Ijustwantedtoseethemanwhowasinvol
ved
i
nmycr eat
ion.Whatdi
dIdotoyou?Whyyou
never
..Whatdi dIdo?Whatki
ndofaFat
her
abandonshi sKid?

Dad:Thet
ypet
hatdi
dn'
twantt
heki
d

Hewal
kedcl
oser
..

Dad:Thismi ghtstingandI'
m sorr
ybutInever
wantedyou, see..YourMotherwasahoe!Wi thmy
fi
rstmarriaget herewasal otofst
ressandIneeded
astressrelieverandshewast her
e,i
twasnever
meantt obeser i
ous.She'shadalotofaborti
ons
beforeyou, Idon'tknowwhyshekeptyou.Maybe
shewant edyouIdon' tknowbutthefamilyIhave
now, t
heki dsIhaveandwant edI'
mt her
eintheir
l
ives..I
'm sorrysheputyouthr
oughsuchbutI
neverwant edyou.Notbackthen,
notevennowand
that
'sthebi t
tertr
uth.Sogobacktoyourcarand
don'tevercomebackher e!

SoBomiwasn'tl
ying,thi
sMant r
ulydidn'
twantme.
I
tbrokemyheart,i
tbrokemyhear tdeepl
y.Idon'
t
wanthismoneyjustwantedtoknowhi mthat'
sall
,
wantedtohaveafathert
hat'
sall
!!
!!

BOMI

Thi
spl
acewasshaddy.
.Il
ookedar
ound.
.

Ace:Rel
axyousaf
eher
e

Ihandedhi
mtheenvel
ope.
.
Me:Iwrot
eheraddressandputthepieceofpaper
i
nsi
de,yourmoneyisalsoi
ncludedinther
e..5k,
and
t
heother5kwhenthejobisdone..

It
ookoutmyphoneandshowedhi
m herpi
ctur
e..

Me:Thisi
sher
,memor
izet
hepi
ctur
e,hernamei
s
Koket
so

Ace:She'
sbeaut
if
ulandYoung,
howdi
dthi
ski
d
pi
ssyouof f
?

Me:Thedet
ail
sar
enoti
mpor
tant

Ace:Justmaki
ngconver
sat
ion

Me:Canyoudoi
tornot
?
Ace:Icandoi
t

Me:Idon'
twanti
ttr
aceabl
ebackt
ome

Ace:Bomingiwunj
andi
ni(I
'
m adog)
,she'
snotmy
fi
rstki
llandnotmyl
astonetoo

Me:Okayt
henI
'
llhearf
rom you

Het
ookt
heenvel
ope.
.

Me:Wal
kmeout
,Idon'
tli
ket
heeyest
heygi
vingme

VI
RGO

Idrovehal
fwayt
henpull
edover
,keptt
hinki
ngabout
whatthatmansaidandt
ear
scouldn'
tstop
str
eamingdown..
Ical
ledBomi
,shet
ookf
orevert
opi
ckup.
.

Bomi
:Iwasbusywi
thsomet
hing

Isni
ff
ed.
.

Bomi
:What
'swr
ong?Whathappened?

Me:Idr
oveupt
ohi
shouseandconf
ront
edhi
m

Ihear
dherexhal
ing.
.

Bomi
:Whathappenedbaby?

Me:Youwereri
ght
,hedoesn'
twantmeBomihe
sai
dtomyface.Hedi
dn'
tfli
nch,
showedno
emot
ion.He.
.Hedi
dn'
tcar
e

Bomi
:OhhhhhhLudwe

Me:Youwer
eri
ght
..I
'
m sor
ry

Bomi:Wedon'
tneedhi
m Baby,
we'
vedonesowel
l
wit
houthi
m

Me:I
thur
tsMa,
Ijustwant
edar
elat
ionshi
pwi
th
hi
m

Shest
art
edcr
ying.
.

Bomi:Iknow..I
'
m sor
ry,
hedoesn'
tdeser
veyou
baby.
.He'sthemymostregr
ett
abl
emi st
ake

(
Sil
ence)
Bomi
:Comehomethi
sweekend,
Rememberyou
want
edanupgr
ade?ABMW?

Me:Anewcarwon'
tmakei
tbet
ter

Bomi
:Iknowbuti
t'
sgoodwheel
s

Me:Yamaybe

Bomi:Il
oveyousomuchbabyandithurt
smemor e
tohearyousobbi
ngl
iket
his.Youdi
dn'
thavet
ofi
nd
outl
ikethi
s

Me:Atl
eastnowIknowt
het
rut
h

Bomi
:Atl
east
Me:Letmedr
iveback,
Iloveyou

Bomi
:Il
oveyoumor
e

AI
SHA

Iwasst
udyi
ngwhenJo'
scal
li
nter
rupt
edme.

Me:Hey

Jo:Hey

Me:Howar
eyou?

Jo:I
'
m goodandyou?

Me:I
'
m good
Jo:Justwant
edt
osaygoodni
ght

Me:That
'sni
ce.
.Thankyou

Jo:GuessI
'
llseeyout
omor
rowatschool
?

Me:Okay

Jo:Goodni
ght

Me:Goodni
ght

Ihungup.
..

BOMI
Ihi
tthewheelr
epeat
edl
y..

Me:Fuck!
!Fuck!
!!Fuck!
!

Igr
oaned.
.

Me:Fuck!
!!
!

Ihavealott
ol oseifIgoafterKet
soonmyown,I
hopeAcewilldeli
ver.Thatskunkwon'
tknowwhat
hi
ther.
.

AI
SHA

Sur
pri
singl
yIgotacallf
rom Vi
rgo,
Idi
dn'
tpi
ckup.I
l
eti
tri
nguntili
tst
opped..

I
twasf
oll
owedbyat
ext
:
"
Pleasepi
ckup,
Ineedyou"

Idel
etedt
hemessageandbl
ockedhi
scal
ls
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
04] :65

AI
SHA

Iwasoptingf oranot
herPeacefulday,sincemy
MotherandImadepeace.If eltli
keIcoul dconcuri
t
al
l.Idon'
tcar eanymoreaboutwhatot herssay
aboutme, Icannotchangehowpeopl eseemeand
vi
ewmebasedononl yonesideoft hestory.Idon'
t
careanymor e,Ij
ustdon'
tcare.
.

Ar
ri
vingatschool
,Igotacal
lfr
om Jowi
shi
ngmea
gooddayahead.Atl
eastevenwi
thal
ltheshi
tIst
il
l
haveafr
iend.
.

Weat tendedt heourmor ningclasses,Virgocamei n

l
ate.Hedi dn'tlookokay.Youcanj usttellwhenyou
l
ookatsomeonei nt hefaceandyoucancl earlysee
thattheynotokay. .Ididn'tcareaboutwhathewas
goingthr ough, he'snotmyr esponsibil
it
y.Ifi
t's
aboutt hebr eakupt henIdowi shheget soveri t
prett
ysoon, onet hingforsur e.Onet hi
ngIst andby
i
st hatI'm notgoi ngbackt ohim...
.

BOMI

Ididn'tgotoworktoday,Iwastoomuchi nmy
feeli
ngsandver ymuchwor r
iedaboutmySon.I
haveneverhear dhi
mt hatbrokenbef
ore,andIpray
hedoesn' tdoanyt
hingthatmightbedetr
imentalto
him..
Khosi:Ineverl
ikedt
hatgi
rl
,she'
snotagood
Person.Itwasnotherpl
acetodothat
.Itwasnot
herbusinesstodothat

Me:Idon'tknowwhyshewoul ddothat,shewas
dati
nghim.Shelivedher
e,Iwaswill
ingtobether
e
forherever
ystepoftheway.Isupport
edher,t
hen
shegoesanddoest hi
s?

Khosi
:IhopeLudwei
sokay,
Ihopeheget
sthr
ough
t
his

Me:Met
oo.
.Ican'
tlosemySon

Khosi
:Youwon'
t,
thatchi
ldi
sver
yst
rong

Me:Ipr
ayso
AI
SHA

Ourlastclasswewer efree,ourlect
urerwas
supervi
singatthecl
inic.Itwasaokaybecause
we'vecoveredalmostever yt
hing.

Thedownpar taboutthi
sdaywasthatAsedi
dn'
t
comet oschool
,shewasn'tf
eel
ingwell
.Shehad
star
tedonherperiods.

Iwassi t
ti
ngatthepark,
rightcl
osetoourDental
buil
ding.Iwassit
ti
ngont hegroundandreadi
ng
thr
oughmymanual .
.

Voi
ce:Mi
ndi
fIj
oin?

Il
ookedup,
itwasJo.
.
Me:Yes

Hesatnextt
ome.
.

Jo:Sawyousi t
ti
ngher
e,deci
dedtogogetpi
esand
j
uice.Idon'
tknowwhatwould'
vehappenedi
fyou
moved

Ichuckl
ed.
.

Me:Goodf
oryout
hatIdi
dn'
tmove

Jo:Tr
ue.
.Her
e

Hehandedmet
hepi
eandj
uice.
.

Jo:Cheese&Sal
ami
Me:Il
ikeCheese&Sal
ami
,Ial
sol
ikepepperst
eak
pi
e

Jo:ThenI
'
mlucky

Me:Thankyouforbei
ngt
her
eforme,
thankyouf
or
notj
udgingme

Jo:Weallnotper
fect
,I'
m notatl
iber
tyt
ojudge
anyone

Me:Howdoyouf
eel
aboutexamscomi
ngup?

Jo:Ner
vous

Me:I
'
m sur
eyou'
l
ldogr
eat
Jo:You'
l
ldogr
eatt
oo

Hetookouthistextbookstoothenwestudi
ed,
especial
lyMi
crobiol
ogybecauseit
'sacombined
course..

Me:Il
ikemi
crobi
ologybuti
tlooksdanger
ous

Jo:I
tisbutsaf
etypr
ecaut
ionar
ymeasur
esar
e
al
waystaken

Me:Tr
ue

Vi
rgomadehi
swayt
ous.
.

Me:Whatnow?
Jo:Thi
sisgoi
ngt
ogetbor
ing
Hehadhi
shoodyhaton.
.
Hest
oodi
nfr
ontofus.
.
Vi
rgo:Ai
sha
Il
ookedupathi
m..
Me:Yes?
Vi
rgo:Canwet
alk?
Me:No
Vi
rgo:Why?
Me:YouandIhavenot
hingt
otal
kabout
Vir
go:Thel
astt
imeIchecked,
youandIar
est
il
l
dati
ng.
.Weneverbr
okeup
Me:Youser
iouslythi
nkthatyouandIar
estil
lan
i
tem?Aft
ereverythi
ngyou'veputmethr
ough?
Vi
rgo:Wehadpr
obl
emssowhat
?
Me:Probl
ems?Si
ncewhenhasabusedbeena
pr
oblem?
Vi
rgo:Abuse?Ar
eyouser
ious?
Jo:I
sthi
sgoi
ngt
otakef
orever
?Wehavi
ngl
unch
andst
udyi
ng

Vi
rgo:Getup!
Me:What
?
Isai
dgetup!
!
Her
oughl
ypul
ledmeup.
.
Jogotupt
oo.
.
Jo:Leaveheral
one!

VirgopunchedandthenpushedJoback, Jof
ell
.He
grabbedmeandf orcedmet owalk.Iyankedmy
armf r
om hisgr
ip.Heslappedme, thensl
appedme
againandtackl
edmet otheground.WhenIwason
thegroundhestart
edkicki
ngmer epeat
edlyj
ustal
l
overmybody.Iwasscr eamingforhelp.
.

Itt
ookawhilebef
oreJocamet omyrescue,
bypasser
swerenowscreamingandcomingover
.
JothrewVir
goontheground,t
heyact
uall
ybothf
ell
t
othegr
ound.
.

Iwasst
il
linont
hegr
oundi
npai
n..
Somegi
rl
scameupt
omet
ohel
pmeup.

Astheywerehel
pingmeup,Vi
rgopushedJoof
f
hi
mt hengotupandranof
f.
.

Gi
rl
1:Ohhmygoodnessar
eyouokay?

Icoul
dn'
tst
andupst
rai
ght
,Iwasi
npai
n..

Gi
rl2:Weneedt
ogethert
otheNur
se'
sof
fi
ce

Theot
hergi
rlt
ookmyt hi
ngswhil
stt
heotherone
hel
pedmetowalk.Il
ookedatJoontheground.
.
Me:Jo?
Gi
rl2:He'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay,
let
'sgo

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Iwentt
ofi
sh&chi
psf
orl
unch.
.

Gotmyselfasmallpacketofchi
ps,
halfaloafof
bread.At
chaarandacanofcoke.Isataloneatt
he
chair
soutsi
detoeat.
.

Thi
sot
herguycameandsatopposi
teme.

Hi
m:Ekse
Me:Hi
Hi
m:Sor
ryf
orj
ustdi
stur
bingyoul
iket
his
Me:Noi
t'
sokay
Hi
m:Wel
ltoobadyoual
readypai
dforyour
Lunch
Me:Yeah
If
akedasmi
le.
.

Him:IknowI'
m bori
ngyouri
ghtnowbut
,I'
m her
eto
saveyoufr
om theguysi
tt
ingbehi
ndyou
Me:Huh?
Him:Don'ttur
naroundasyet,he'
sbeenf
oll
owi
ng
youeversincefr
om thecl
othi
ngstore

(
Sil
ence)

Hi
m:Nowyoucant
urn
It
urnedar
ound,
hedi
dlookunsavor
y..
Him:Don'tf
reakouthemi
ghtj
ustbeaf
teryour
purseandyourphone
Me:That
'si
nsane
Hi
m:Iknow.
.I'
l
lsi
ther
eunt
ilyouf
ini
shedwi
thyour
l
unch
Me:Yes.
.Pl
easeI
'
dli
ket
hat
Hi
m:Youwel
come
Me:Koket
so
Hi
m:Ace
Me:Youcanshar
einmyf
ood
Hi
m:TaNgwana(
Thankyou)

AI
SHA

Theyatt
endedtomever
yqui
cklyattheof
fice.The
Nursecheckedme,
Iwasbr
uisedprett
ybad..

Nurse:Wegoingt ohavet otransferyoutothe

hospit
alnextdoor,sotheycandoanXr ay.Seei
f
youdon'thaveanybr okenribsandal socheckfor
i
nternalbl
eeding.Youbr ui
sedpr ett
ybadevena
t
endert
ouchyouf
li
nch

Me:Am Igoi
ngt
obeokay?Ihaveexamscomi
ngup

Nurse:Ihopeso,I
'
llwr
it
eyouar
efer
rall
ett
erand
cal
lanAmbul ance

VI
RGO

Idroveoutofschooll
ikeamadPer
son,
Idr
ove
str
aighthomenottothefl
at.
.

Itwasn'tsupposedtohappenli
kethat
,notinpubl
ic
atleast.Iat
tackedt
wost udent
sandther
ewer e
witnesses,t
hisdoesn'
tlookgoodforme..

AI
SHA
Theambulancedidn'
ttakel
ongtocome,
par
amedicstransf
err
edmeont hestr
etcherbed
andwheeledmeout .
.

Att
her
ecept
ion,
Jowassi
tt
ingt
her
e..

Hecameupt
ome.
.

Jo:Hey
Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Jo:I
'
m good.
.Let
'swor
ryaboutyou
Hehadmyt
hings,
thi
nkt
hegi
rl
sgavet
hem t
ohi
m..

Jo:CanIgowi
thhert
othehospi
tal
?
ThePar
amedi
csagr
eed.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
04] :66

AI
SHA

JoforcedthroughthatIneededt oopenacase.
Somehowher ecordedthealter
cation, nowIsee
whyhet ooklongtodef endmeagai nstVir
go.Idon't
knowi ft
hiswasr i
ght,ImeanBomii swel lof
f
fi
nancial
lyandwhati fVirgodoesn'tgetarrested?
He'sgoingtocomebackandf i
nishof fwhathe
star
ted.

Jo:Wehaveenoughevi
dencet
obur
yhi
m,hewi
l
lbe
bl
ackl
ist
edandgotojai
ltoo

Me:Thi
sguy,
hisMot
heri
sri
ch

Jo:Hedidn'
tat
tackyouonly,
heatt
ackedmetoo.
ThereasonwhyIdidn'
tat
tackhi
m backful
lyi
s
becauseIwanthi
mtobebur
ied

Ilookedathim,he'
swhit
e.Itchangeseveryt
hing,
thiscount
ryissensi
ti
vetowardswhitepeopl
ebutat
thesamet i
meVi r
go'sMotheri
srichshecanmake
thecasegoaway. .

Me:Ij
ustdon'
twantt
ofi
ndmysel
finamor
eheavy
si
tuat
iont
hanthi
sone

Jo:Aishadon'tlookatt hi
sasagl asshalff
ull
.You
sayi
nghi sMot hercanmaket hisgoaway, butwhat
i
fhegoesdown?You' l
lneverknowunt i
lyoudoit.
Don'tletf
earcrippl
eyoui ntofi
ghtingbackthebest
wayyoucan, hehumiliatedyou, i
t'
stimepeople
knowt herealhim.Thisi syoursideofthestory,
the
si
det hatwil
ltellt
hetruthf oryou

It
houghtf
orawhi
le.
.
Me:Okay.
.Let
'st
ry

Jo:Thankyou..I
'l
ltalktotheDrt
ocal
lthecopsi
f
youstrongenought otalktot
hem

Me:I
'
llt
ry

VI
RGO

Igothomeandt oldmyMot herwhathappened,she

fr
eakedout .
.Iwaspani cki
ngtoo.WhenIat t
acked
Aisha,
Iblackedout .Evenherscreamsdidn'
thold
meback, IonlystoppedwhenJocamet hrough.I
f
Jowasn'tthereoranyot herPerson,
Icould'
vekil
led
her

Thisist
helowestI
'vewent
,Idon'
tknowwhyIdi dit
.
Iregr
etdoi
ngitandIdon'
tthi
nkI'
llmakeitri
ght.
Therehasbeensomany" I
'
m sorr
y",Idon'
tthi
nk
she'
l
leverf
orgi
vemef
ort
his.
.

Bomi:Vi
rgot
her
ewer
ewi
tnesses,
youbeatheri
na
publ
icpl
ace?

Me:Idi
dn'
tmeant
oo

Bomi
:Ther
ewer
ewi
tnesses

Me:Ij
ustdon'
twannagot
ojai
l

Bomi:I
twould'
vebeenbett
erifyoudidt
hispr
ivat
ely
j
ustthetwoofyou,buti
npubli
c?Notonlydoyou
haveacasebutyou'l
lbebl
ackli
sted

Me:Idon'
tcareBomiokay?Idon'
tcar
eifanyTom
andDickofauniver
sit
ybl
ackli
stmeIjustdon'
t
wannagotojail
Bomi:Ai
shamightbeeasytomanipul
atebuta
whit
eboywasinvolved?Youknowhowt hecount
ry
pr
eferst
hatki
nd?

Me:Canyoumakei
tgoaway?

Bomi
:I.
.Idon'
tknowVi
rgoI
'
m notpr
omi
sing

Ibr
ushedmyf
acewi
thmyhands.
.

AI
SHA

Me:Thankyou
Nur
se:Youwel
come

TheotherPati
ent
sinthewar
dcoul
dn'tst
opl ooki
ng
atJo.Probabl
ywonderi
ngi
fweinarelat
ionshipor
what
..

Me:Thankyouf
orbei
ngher
e
Jo:Youwel
come
Me:Thecopsar
ecomi
ngwhen?
Jo:Theywi
llbeher
e
Me:Howar
etheX-r
ays?Idi
dn'
twannaknowabout
howmuchdamagewasdone
Jo:You'
l
lbefi
ne,
noi
nter
naldamagewasdone.
Howi st
hepai
n?
Me:Wi
tht
hepai
nki
ll
erst
heybet
ter
,I'
mjustsl
eepy
Jo:Letmeal
lowyout
orestt
hen
Me:Okay
Jo:I
'
llcomebackaf
teranhourorso
Me:Thankyouf
orever
ythi
ng
Jo:Youwel
come
KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Rightaf
terworkasIwasgoingt
ocat
chat
axihome,
Ibumpedi nt
othi
sAceguy..

Ace:I
fIdi
dn'
tknowbet
ter
,I'
dsayyouar
efol
lowi
ng
me
Me:Ormaybei
t'
stheot
herwayar
ound
Hewashol
dingapackofnappi
es.
.

Ace:I
t'
sformyDaught
er,
she'
sonl
y8mont
hsol
d

Me:Apr
esentFat
her
,that
'si
mpr
essi
ve

Ace:Yesshe'
smywor
ld

Me:Ar
eyouandt
heMot
herst
il
lani
tem?
Ace:No.
.She,
shecheat
ed

Me:I
'
m sor
ry

Heseemedtobeabitrougharoundtheedges,
but
al
sowarminsi
de.ApresentFathert
hat'
s
i
mpressi
ve.
.

Me:Ihavet
ogethomet
hen

Ace:Icangi
veyouar
ide

Il
ookedathi
m..

Me:Okay.
.Youdr
oppi
ngmeof
fathome
Ace:I
fmybabyMamaseesyoui
nthef
rontsi
t,you
mydistantcousi
n

Ichuckl
ed.
..

VI
RGO

Bomi
:Okayl
ook,
youneedt
opackandl
eave
Me:What
?
Bomi
:Gohideoutatcapet
own,Durban,
freest
ate
j
ustf
arawayfr
om hereunt
ilt
hedustset
tles
Me:Bomi
Bomi:ComeonpackupVi rgo,I
'llgetyouapl
ane
ti
cketbefor
ethiswholethi
ngspi ral
soutofcont
rol
..
I
'l
lgetyouapl acether
euntilIf
igureouthowtoget
ri
dofthissit
uation

Inodded.
.
Me:It
hinki
t'
sagoodi
dea
Bomi
:Wher
edoyouwannago?
Me:East
ernCape,
wannagobackhome
Shel
ookedatme.
.
Me:IknowGrandma'
shousei
snomor
ebutI
wannabethatsi
de
Ma:Okaypi
ckandchooseapl
acet
hatsi
deand
we'
llt
akei
tfr
om t
here
Me:Thankyou,
IknowIdi
sappoi
ntyoual
otbut
t
hankyou

Ma:I
t'
sokay.
.We'
l
lgett
hrought
his

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Hewasdr
ivi
ngaCI
TIgol
f.
.

Ace:Wehal
fwayt
hrough
Me:Idon'
twantBabyMamadr
ama
Hechuckl
ed.
.
Ace:Don'
twor
ryabouther
,Icanhandl
eher

Me:Haveyoudat
edaf
terher
?
Ace:No.
.Don'
twanthi
stor
ytor
epeati
tsel
f
Me:Shame.
.Youneedt
oletgo
Ace:Ar
eyouhi
tt
ingonmer
ightnow?
Me:What
?Don'
tber
idi
cul
ous!

Hechuckl
ed.
.
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
04] :67

AI
SHA
Iwasscar
ed,whenVirgocameouttosoci almedia
aboutmyaborti
on.WhenIputoutmysi deofthe
stor
yever
yonebeli
evedhi
mt hanme, sotalki
ngto
thecopsr
ightnowIdon'
tknowiftheywi l
lbel
ieve
me..

Offi
cer1:Youarei nasafeplaceIwantyout oknow
that.Al
lwewant ,
ist hetr
uthfr
om thebeginningso
wecanhel pyou,helpust oputhim away.Youare
here,he'
soutthere.West ar
tedfr
om theschool
becausetheyreportedtheinci
dentalr
eady,that
's
whyweher etoalsogetyoursi deofthestor
y

Il
ookedatJo,
henodded.
.

Me:We..Weweredati
ng,hewasmyboyf r
iend.Thi
s
i
snotthefi
rsti
nci
dent
.Heoncel ockedmeupinhis
f
latf
orthewholedayt
hatImissedschool

Of
fi
cer
:Ist
hist
hef
ir
stt
imehe'
shi
tyou?
Me:No.Itwasusual
lyasl
ap,
apushnot
hingso
evi
dent
Of
fi
cer
:Youdi
dn'
trepor
thi
m?
Me:Ididn'
tthi
nkitwasserious,
plushehasar
ich
Motherwhobailshim out
Offi
cer:Iunder
stand.
.Coul
dyoupl
easedomea
favour
?
Me:Yes
Offi
cer
:Wr
it
edownhisaddr
essforme,bot
hhis
homeaddr
essandwherehest
aysoutsi
deof
school

Me:Idon'
tknowhishomeaddressbutIknow
wherehestayst
hetown.Icandescr
ibet
hehouse
f
oryou
Of
fi
cer
:That
shel
pful
Me:Hi
srent
ingatWonder
par
k,f
lat32
Of
fi
cer
:That
'shel
pful
,youdi
dwel
l
TheDrwal
kedi
n..

Dr:Her
eistherepor
tont
heext
entofheri
njur
ies
andtheX-
rays

Of
fi
cer
:Thankyou
Me:Youwi
llcat
chhi
mri
ght
?I'
mti
redofl
ivi
ngi
n
f
ear
Offi
cer:Youareastrongyoungwoman, mostofthe
ti
meweonl ygetacallwhenawomanhasal r
eady
beenkill
edbyherlover.Ipromi seyout
hatyou
won'tbeast at
icyoudeservet oli
veinaharmless
fr
eeenvi r
onment.It
'syourright
Me:Thankyou
Of
fi
cer
:Wewi
llbei
ntouch
Me:Thankyou
Theywal
kedout
..
Me:Thatwentbet
tert
hanIt
hought
Jo:Youdi
dver
ywel
l
Me:Ihopeso
Me:Thankyouf
oryoursuppor
t
Me:Youwel
come

VI
RGO

MyMom want edtoputmeonaf li

ght,
butIdeci ded
todri
ve.I
ncaseAi shahasal
readysnit
chedtot he
cops.I
t'
sgoingt obealongdri
veyes,butIneeded
togetawayfrom thispl
ace,
myl i
feandmyf reedom
dependedonit..

Ij
ustdr
oveandkeptondrivi
ng,Idon'
tknowwhich
par
tofEast
ernCapeIwasgoi ngtomakemynew
homebut.
.Anygoodplacetherewil
ltof
ornow
Ist
oppedhal fwayt
ogetsomet
hingtoeat,when
youont herunever
yeyeonyoulookssuspici
ous.I
won'tbeeatingher
e,I
'
llmakei
tatakeaway.I'
l
leat
i
nthecar .
.

Iwasn'
tusingmycar,Iwasusi
ngoneofBomi'scar
.
Shesai
dshewi l
lhavemycsrdri
venanddumped
somewhere.Shewasreal
lygoi
ngoutofherwayto
hel
pme..

KOKETSO(
KETSO)

Me:Whyareyoudoi
ngt
his?Youdon'
tevenknow
me(cr
ying)

Ace:Fur
theraway

Hehadhisgunpointedatme.Wewereina
deser
tedar
ea,anareawitht
allgr
assandawat
er
t
ank.Themai
nroadwasfarf
rom whereheledme.
Heledmedeep,
wherei
twasquietandoutofsi
ght
..

Iknel
tdown.
.
Me:Pl
easewhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
Ace:Okayyoudeser
vet
oknowatl
eastt
hePer
son
youpissed

Il
ookedathi
m..
Ace:Bomi
,Vi
rgo'
sMot
her
Me:What
?Why?
Ace:Youent
eredaff
airst
hatdi
dn'
twantyou,
tel
li
ng
t
hatboyabouthisFather
Me:Idi
dn'
tmeant
ocauseanypr
obl
ems.
.Iwasj
ust
t
ryi
ngtohel
p
Ace:Ohwwel
llookwher
ethatgotyou
Me:Pl
easedon'
tdot
his
Hewal
kedcl
oserandputt
hegunonmyf
orehead.
.
Me:Pl
ease(
cryi
ng)
Hepul
ledt
het
ri
gger
..

BOMI

IhadVi
rgo'scart
akenawaytobelef
tabandoned
somewhere.Havi
ngmoneyhelps,
ithel
psvery
muchbecauseyoucangetanyonetodoajob..

Iwasstressedandner
vous.Kil
li
ngAi
shacanopen
acanofwor ms,Vir
gohasalr
eadyatt
ackedherand
i
fIhaveherkill
edmySonwi l
lhaveamurdercase
at
tachedtohim..

Thi
swould'
vebeeneasi
eri
fthewhit
eboywasnot
i
nvol
ved,
Ican'
tmakeitgoawayjustl
iket
hat
..

Hesai
dhewouldcal
l,
cal
lever
yhourandI
'
m
wai
ti
ngcl
osel
ybymyphone..
AI
SHA

Iwantedt
ogetoutofhere,t
heyt
oldmeatleasti
n
twodaysti
me..Ical
ledmyMother,
Idon'
twantto
keepanyt
hingfr
om hernow.

Ma:Kodwaur
ight
?
Me:I
'
m okayMa
Ma:I'
m gl
adyouopenedacaseagai
nsthi
m Nana,
t
hisboysoundst
roubl
ed.Unst
abl
e
Me:Thatheis.
.Ij
ustwanthi
m putawayMasot
hat
Icangetbacktol
if
easnormal
Ma:Iknowbaby..Aishapleasebefor
eyouconsi
der
dati
ngagainprayonit,
rightnow.Iwantyout
o
focusonschool
Me:Ipr
omi
se
Ma:Youdoneedacleansing,t
hisdar
kcl
oudhast
o
goandpl
easedon'
tforgettopray
Me:Iwon'
tMa.
.Ipr
omi
se
Ma:Okayt
rytogetsomerestt
henI
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
onort
omorrowmor ni
ng
Me:OkayMa,
thankyou
Ma:Pr
ayeveni
nyourhear
t
Me:I
'
lldoso
Ma:Il
oveyou.
.Bye
Me:Il
oveyout
oo

BOMI

Myphoner
ang,
itwasAce.Ipi
ckedup.
.
Me:Ace
Ace:I
t'
sdone
Ievenf
orgotaboutt
hat
,Iwasbusywor
ryi
ngabout
mySon
Me:Ar
eyousur
eshe'
sdead?
Ace:Doyouwantmet
otakepi
ctur
es?
Me:Noi
t'
sokay.
.I'
l
lgi
veyouyourmoneyt
omor
row
Ace:Pl
easur
edoi
ngbusi
nesswi
thyou
Me:Li
kewi
se

VI
RGO

Igotbacki nthecarwi t
hmyf oodandacanofan
energydrink.Iwasn'tangry.Iwashurt
,Iwas
broken.Ihadnor easont odot hat
..

Thi
ssi
tuat
ionIwon'tbeabl
etof
ixi
t,howdoyou
comebackfr
om t
his?

Ican'
tgotojai
l,j
aili
scr uel
.Fullofcri
minals,
true
cri
minal
s..Cr
iminalsthatarethereforser
ious
cri
mes,aprett
yboyl i
keme.Idef i
nit
elywon't
survi
ve.
.
Aishamightbest
upi
denoughnottoopenacase,
butJo.Hewouldwantt
onailme.
.

Ift
hishappenedprivat
ely,
Iwould'
vemanipul
ated
herbutinpubli
c.Shehasastrongcase.
.

AI
SHA

Me:Youdi
dn'
thavet
ocome
Ase:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ng?I
t'
sal
loverFacebookandour
gr
oup
Me:Idon'
tevenwannacheck
Ase:Actuall
ytheyar
eonyoursi
de,
hispi
ctur
eisal
l
oversocialmedia
Me:Real
ly?
Ase:Joputt
hest
oryout
,thevi
deoandhi
spi
ctur
e
Me:Real
ly?
Ase:Yes,atl
eastmadethebadpr
essgoaway.The
abort
ionscandal
.Ever
yoneisi
nyoursuppor
t
Me:Wow
Ase:Ijusthopetheylockhi
m up,
Ithi
nkthat
'swhy
thecopsar eeagert
of i
ndhi
m.Socialmedi
ais
putt
ingpressureontheSAPS
Me:Atl
east
,onet
hingi
sgoi
ngmyway
Ase:Ver
ytr
ue,
I'
m gl
ad

BOMI

Ical
ledhi
m,hepi
ckedup.
.
Me:Yousai
dyougonnacal
lever
yhour
Vi
rgo:Iknow,
Iwasj
ustl
osti
nmyt
hought
s
Me:Howf
aral
ong?
Vi
rgo:St
il
lfar
Me:I
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
Vi
rgo:Ihopeso
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
04] :68

BOMI

[
AMONTHLATER]

Ittookabi tofawhi leforKet so'

sbodyt obe
discover ed,from whent hatincidenthappened.She
wasdi scovered2weeksago, andherstorymade
thenews.Onebul letinherhead, 2i nthetummyso
thenewsout l
et srepor t
ed.Itwasasadsi tuati
onf or
thosecl osestt oher .WhenIhear d,Iwentt ovisitt
he
familyandact ual
lyhel pedbypayi ngf ort
hef uneral
arrangement s.Ket so'ssisterwassomewhatr ude
unpr ovokedandIunder standwhy.Si zweisaj erk,
hisfirstmar ri
agedi dn'tl
astandi tseemsl ikethis
oneal soi shittingr ockbot t
om.Sei patimi
ght '
ve
toler
at edhi ml ongenough.Shei shissecond
mar r
iage.Shewasnoti nthepi ct
urewhenSi zwe
andIhadanaf fai
r,butI
'm suspecti
ngthatkids
foll
owedaf tert
hat.Hehasal otofkidsthathe'snot
taki
ngr esponsi
bil
ityfor
..

ItwasaSunday, wewer eatt hechur chbuildi

ng
weret hefuneralservicewashel d.Theyhadabi g
pict
ureofhernextt ohercof fin,fl
owersandwhi te
candles.Itwasabi tful l
,anditwasasadser vice.
Thepeopl ewhower espeaki ng, somecoul dn'thold
backtheirtears.HerMot herwasst r
ugglingmor e
withherpai nandemot ions.Ididn'thavet odot his,
I
didn'
twannadot hi
sbutshe' st hereasonwhymy
Sonisi nthissituat
ion.Hadshenott oldhim,Vi rgo
wouldn'thavel osthistemperagai nstAishaandhe
wouldst i
llbeher e.
.Ifixedmyshadeswhenmy
phonevi brat
ed.Igotupandwal kedout..

Me:Hel
lo?
Of
fi
cer
:It
'
sdone
Isi
ghed.
.
Offi
cer:Idest
royedt
hecasefil
e,i
t'
llbel
ikeshe
neveropenedacaseagainsthi
m
Me:Thewhi
teboy?
Offi
cer:Thevideoonl
yshowedyourSonatt
acki
ng
t
hegi r
l,nevershowedhi
m andthewhit
eboy
fi
ghti
ng.It'
shiswordagai
nstyourSons
Me:CanmySoncomebackhome?
Of
fi
cer
:Yes
Me:Thankyouver
ymuch,
atl
eastt
hat
'sgoodnews
Of
fi
cer
:Youwel
come
Ihungup.
.Ihadtogettheof
ficerinchar
geoft
he
casetomakeitgoaway,Idi
dn'tthi
nkwewere
goingt
osucceed.
.

Isatdown.
.

AI
SHA
Iwasathome.Yest
erdayIwentf
ort
hecl
eansi
ng,
it
waslongover
due.
.

Iwasr ecoveri
ngverywel lorhaverecoveredwel l
fr
om thebeat i
ng.Ihaven'theardfrom Vir
go.Hi s
numberi snotworking,Ican'tfi
ndhim onsoci al
media.It'
sli
keheneverexi stedinmyl if
e..Itwas
peacefulandIwashappywi t
hit.Iwasver yhappy
wit
hit,becauseitgavemet i
met oconcent rat
eon
myst udiesespeci
all
ysincewest art
ingwi t
hexams.

Iwasgoi ngbackt oschoolt omorrow, myfirstexam

i
sonTuesday.Unf ortunat
elyIwasn'taccept edfor
BDSnextyear ,
buti t
'sokay.I'
l
lcontinuewithmy
currentcourse,maybeaf t
ergraduati
onandser vi
ng
mybur saryfor3year sIwi l
lgoback. .JoandIwe
sti
llverygoodf r
iends, wenotdatingjustfr
iends..

MyMom keepsonsayingImi ghtnotgoback,t

he
paymentscal
eofaDentalTherapi
stdependi
ngon
thepr
ovincei
t'
sR16000-R23000amont h,
Gaut
engbeingthemostpayi
ngandLi
mpopobei
ng
t
heleastpayi
ng.
.

Mybursar
yisfrom Gaut
engsoI
'
m hopi
ngf
orat
l
east18ksal
arypermonth.
.

Thobeka:Her
e'syourcof
fee
Me:Thankyou

Thobekahasqui therj
ob,shesaysitwasn'tgoing
wellanymor e, t
heenvironmentwast oxi
c.Shesel l
s
amagwi nya( vetkoeks)
,sandwiches,muffi
ns,pizza
breadslicesthatshemakesher sel
fandjuiceinthis
areathat'sfulloffir
msandcompani es.Thatcer t
ain
secti
ononl yhasf i
rmsandcompani es..
.

Shestar
tedthi
smont handshe'smakinggood
money.Inthef
irstweekshemademadeR800.
R1500thesecondand3r dweek.Wewi l
lseehowit
goest
hisweek.Shewor ksfr
om Mon-Fri
.7:00-
15:
00
Me:Thankyou
Sincethisnewfoundbusiness,she'
sbet
ter.She
doesn'tevenstr
essMom t hatmuchanditseems
she'l
lbemakingmor emoneyt hansheusedt oo
whenshewasst i
llwor
king,andshe'
sworkingalone
withnoonebr eathi
ngdownherneck..

Thobeka:SoIwast
hinki
ng
Me:Yes?
Thobeka:Iwannaaddot
hert
hings
Me:That
'sgood
Thobeka:Iwannadopl
atesf
orl
unch
Me:Yourbusi
nessi
sreal
lydoi
ngwel
l
Thobeka:Ahhhhhmostoft
hoseMenl
ikemeso
Me:Thatwor
kst
oyouradvant
age.
.I'
m pr
oudofyou
Thobeka:I
'
m proudofmysel
f,maybewhen
busi
nessisboomingI'
l
lbuyasecondhandcara
r
eall
ycheaponetogetmebyal
sot
oot
herpl
aces
whereIcansel
l

Me:Bynextyearyou'
l
lbef
ar
Thobeka:Ver
y
Ma:I'
mj ustproudofyougi
rl
s,nowIcandie
peacef
ully.Oneispr
omisi
ngtobeagoodbusi ness
woman, oneispromisi
ngtobeaDentalTher
apist
Thobeka:Younotgoi
ngt
odi
eMa,
atl
eastnotnow
Ma:I'm ver
yproudofyouandIwi
shyounot hi
ng
butthebest,Ipr
ayGodonlymul
ti
plesyoursuccess
bothofyou
Me:Yousoundl
ikeawomanwhoi
sgoi
ngt
odi
e
soon
Ma:MostParentscur
setheirChi
ldr
en,despi
tebot
h
yourmist
akesbutyouguyspickedyoursel
vesup
andkeptmoving.
.Iam aproudParent
ThobekaandIsmi
led.
..
VI
RGO

Ihel
dherwai
stt
ightasIcame.
..
Me:Ohhf
uck!
!!Ohhf
uckbaby!
!
Sheki
ssedme.
.
It
ri
edt
ocat
chmybr
eat
h..

Sheki
ssedmeagai
n..
Af
ri
ka:Thatwasgood
Isl
idoutofher
,andt
henr
oll
edof
fthecondom.
.

WhenIgother e,Ididn'
tknowwher etosett
ledown.
Unti
lafewdaysl aterofmygettinghere,Ui
tenhage
wasacomf ortableplacenott
oment i
onthatImet
thi
sbeauti
full
adybyt henameofAf ri
ka.Herfl
atis
nextdoormine,she's2yearsolderthanmeand
worksatCapit
ec..
Myphoner
ang.
.
Af
ri
ka:Now?
Me:I
tcoul
dbeani
mpor
tantcal
l
Ist
ret
chedmyhandt
ogeti
t,i
twasmyMom.
Me:I
t'
smyMom
Ianswer
ed.
.

Me:Ma
Bomi
:Ihavegoodnews!
Me:Yeah?
Bomi
:Youcancomebackhome,
I'
vemadei
tal
lgo
away
It
urnedandl
ookedatAf
ri
ka.
.
Me:Uhm aboutt
hat
Ma:What
?
Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
ost
ayher
e,Il
ikei
ther
e
Ma:What
?
Af
ri
kal
ookedatme.
.
Me:Il
ikei
ther
e
Ma:Vi
rgo?
Me:I'
m st
il
lgoi
ngtovi
sityoudon'
twor
rybutI
wannastayher
eforawhile
Sheexhal
ed.
.
Me:Maybeayearort
woseehowi
tgoes
Ma:OhwIsee
Me:I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
,I'
mtaki
ngawal
k
Ma:I
'
m atKet
so'
sfuner
al
Me:Ohwyeahhowdi
ditgo?
Ma:I
twassad
Me:I
t'
ssadwhathappenedt
oher
Ma:Iknow
Me:I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
Ma:Okaybaby.
.Il
oveyou
Me:Il
oveyout
oo
Ma:Bye
Ihungup.
.

Af
ri
ka:Youst
ayi
ng?
Me:I
'
m st
ayi
ng
Af
ri
ka:Il
iket
hatver
ymuch

BOMI

Il
ookedatmyphoneandchuckl
ed.
.
Idi
dthist
hinki
nghewillcomebackbuthedoesn'
t
wannacomeback,Iguessmylit
tl
eboyisgrowing
upaft
eral
l.
.

Igotupf
rom t
hechai
randwentt
omycar
..
.
Tobecont
inued
[
03/
14,
22:
04] :69

AI
SHA

[
3YEARSLATER]

Thelecturehallwasfull
,itwasourOatht akingday.
Ourclassf i
ll
edthefi
rstrow,second,andt hir
drow.
Parents,rel
ati
veswhoevercamewassi tt
ingont he
othersideofthechair
s.Theschoolhadhi red
graduationgownsforusbutwewer en'twear i
ngthe
hats,i
twasj ustoat
htaking.

Pr
ofessor
:Ournextcandi
dat
eisAi
shaNgwenya

Igotup.
.
Professor:shepassedallhermodulesandobt ai
ned
3distinct
ionsinthefoll
owingmodules:Maxil
lo-
faci
alandor alsurger
y,Oralmedi
cine&Per
iodontoly,
aswel
lasi
nPubl
icheal
th

Ever
yonest
art
edcl
appi
ng.
.

Il
ookedatmyMot herandSist
er,t
heywer
e
cl
appingwit
hsmil
esont hei
rfacesandmy
l
ectur
ersseemedproudtoo.
.

Isatdownagai n.Theprof
essorwentont ocallthe
other
s,IlookedatAseshesmi ledatme.Shegot
only1disti
ncti
on..Weweretaki ngOathwithOral
healt
hstudentstoowhocompl etedt
heircour
se.
Thegraduationceremonywillbeheldnextyearin
May..

Ial
readyknowwher eI'
m goi
ngtowor
k,I
'
m goingt
o
beworkinginPret
ori
a..I
t'
snotf
arawayf
rom home
butnottoocloset
oo.
Idi
dn'
twannawor
ktoocl
oset
ohome.
.
Dean:MayourGraduat
espl
easest
andupsowe
cansaytheOat
h

Weal
lst
oodup,
Ipl
acedmyOat
hinf
rontofme.
.

Dean:Pl
easer
ead

West
art
edr
eadi
ng,
eachr
eadt
hei
rname.

Me:"IAi
shaSont
ozi
leNgwenya,
her
ewi
thsol
emnl
y
decl
aret
hat:

Aboveallel
semyfi
rstconsider
ati
onwillbethewell
-
beingofmyPati
ents.I
rrespect
iveofRace,Gender,
Rel
igi
ousandPoli
ti
calPersuasi
on,aff
il
iati
ons,et
c.

Iwi
llexer
cisemypr
ofessi
ont
othebestofmy
knowl
edgeandabi
li
tyfort
hesafet
yandwelfar
eof
mypati
entsandf
orthehealt
handwell
-bei
ngofthe
communit
y.

Iwi
llact
ivel
yguar
dagai
nstal
lhumanr
ight
sabuses.

Iwil
lst
ri
veforgoodrel
ati
onshi
pswithmypati
ent
s
basedonrespect
,communicat
ionandt
rust
.

Iwi
llnoti
mpr
oper
lydi
vul
geanypat
ient
sconf
idence.

Iwillgivemypati
entscompletei
nformati
onabout
thei
rt r
eatmentpossi
bil
it
iesandmaintai
ntheval
ue
ofinformedconsent.

Iwil
lconsul
twi
thorr
efert
omycol
leagueswhen
necessar
y.
Iwil
lconst
antl
ymaint
ainandi
mpr
ovemy
prof
essi
onalski
ll
s.

Iwil
lpromot
eethi
calst
andar
dsi
ncommuni t
y
engagementi
ncl
udingr
esear
ch,
educat
ion,
trai
ning
andservi
ce.

Iwi
llal
waysuphol
dthegoodnameandtradi
ti
ons
ofmyuniver
sit
yandpr
omoteit
swelf
are.

Imaket
hesepr
omi
sessol
emnl
y:f
reel
yandupon
myhonour
"

Everyonegaveusast andupovat ion.Parentsand

rel
ativeswereproud,thismomentmat t
eredmor e
thananything.Thisi
swhatIcameher efor ,
thisi
s
whatIwasst r
ivi
ngfor..For3year
s.WhenIwasat
i
twithVi r
go,ital
lseemedi mpossibl
e.Iwant edto
quit
,Ididn'
twannagoonanymor ebuther eIam
now.Imadei t
.Mademysel fandmyf amilyproud.
.
Wewal kedoutofthelect
urehall
,Iwashol di
ngthe
universit
yenvelopecoverwithmyOat hand
declarati
oninside,
alsoadocumentaboutt he
graduationceremony..Outsi
deattheentrance
everyonewashuggi ngsomeone, peoplewere
taki
ngpi ctur
es..

Ma:I
'
m sopr
oudofyou
Shehuggedme.
.
Thobeka:Mom cr
ied
Ma:Asi
fli
keyoudi
dn'
t
Thobekahuggedmet
oo.
.

Me:Thankyouf
orbei
ngher
e
Ma:Comeon
Thobeka:Weshoul
dgooutandt
akepi
ctur
es
Me:Yespl
ease
IsawJost
andi
ngandl
ooki
ngatus.
.
Me:I
'
llf
indyouguysbyt
het
ree
Theyl
ookedathi
m..

Thobeka:Mal
et'
sgo
Ma:Awhi
teboy,
dot
heydol
obol
a?
Me:Ma!
!He'
sjustaf
ri
end
Ma:Hmmmm wedon'
tknow
Thobekahel
dherhandandt
heywal
kedt
othet
ree,
Jowalkeduptome..

Jo:Congr
atul
ati
ons
Hehuggedme.
.
Me:Thankyou
Jo:Youdi
dit
Me:Idi
dit
Jo:Letmenotkeepyou,
Ijustwant
edt
o
congr
atul
ateyou
Me:Okaywe'
l
ltal
klat
erovert
hephone
Jo:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
Me:Thankyou
Jo:Lat
ert
hem
Me:Lat
er
Iwat
chedhi
m wal
kingaway.
.

Thobeka:Ai
sha
Iwal
kedupt
othem,
thenIwasst
oppedbysome
gi
rl
..

Her
:Hi
Me:Hi
Her
:Ar
eyouAi
sha?
Me:Yes
Her
:Her
ethi
sisf
oryou
It
ookt
hesmal
lenvel
ope.
.
Her
:Someonesai
dIshoul
dgi
veyou
Me:Who?
Her:Sai
dhi
snamei
sVi
rgo,
hewasatt
hegat
e
whenIcamein
Il
ookedatherwi
thmyhear
tbeat
ing.
.
Shewal kedaway.Iopenedtheenvelope,
itwasa
pi
ctureofasonarscanpi ct
ure.Notmine,def
ini
tel
y
notmi ne.Ir
eadthename" Afr
ikaZwane"shewas8
mont hspregnant
.It
urneditaroundanditwas
wri
tten:

"
Our
scoul
d'vebeen3
Congrat
ulat
ionst
houghonyouroat
htaki
ng,
3
di
sti
ncti
ons.Youdeser
vethem"

Iputitbackwi
thmyhandsshaki
ng.Ichecked
around..
Thobeka:Ai
sha?
?

VI
RGO

Af
ri
kar
anherhandonmyhai
rasIwasdr
ivi
ng.
.

Afr
ika:Idon'
tunder
standwhyIhadt
ost
ayi
nthe
carfor2hours?
Me:Thehallwasfulldi
dn'
twantpeopl
epushi
ng
youoff
,it
'snotsaf
e
Af
ri
ka:Sodi
dyourf
ri
endmakei
t?
Me:Yesshemadei
t
Af
ri
ka:Andwemaki
ngi
tsoon

YesIam goingtobeafat
heragain,Af
ri
kai
s8
monthspregnantwi
thababygirl
..

Iam nol
ongerst
ayi
ngi
nUi
tenhage.Wemoved
downherel astmonth.Afr
ikahadresignedandi
t'
s
goodthatherf ami
lyli
vesthi
sside,she'
sfrom
Gautengjustwentthatsi
det owork.

I'
m st
il
lnotatschool
,st
il
lver
ymuchblackl
ist
ed
eventhoughthecasehasgonecol
d.

SoBomisuggest edIcomewor kforhersoIcan

l
earnabouthercompanysi nceI'
l
lbet aki
ngover
aft
erher.Westayingwithherbothf amili
es
approved.BomiandAf r
ikagetalongwel l
,and
Afr
ikahasmademeabet termansi nceAisha.I
don'twannarui
nt hi
s,Idon'twannar ui
nus..

AI
SHA

Ididn'tt
ellmyMot
herandsi
ster
,Ij
ustputthe
envelopeinmybag.Aft
ert
aki
ngpict
ures,wewent
totownt oeat.
.
Iwasawf
ull
yqui
et,
mymi
ndwasf
araway.

Thobeka:What
'swr
ongwi
thyou?
Aft
ert
hataborti
oninci
dent,wepromisedeachother
t
hatwe'l
lneverkeepanyt
hingfr
om eachother.I
t
ookoutthepictur
eandshowedt hem..

Thobeka:I
ni?(
what
)
Me:He'
sbackf
rom what
everhel
lhol
ehewasi
n
Ma:Howdi
dhegeti
nsi
det
heschoolpr
emi
ses?
Me:Idon'
tknowbuthe'
sback
Thobeka:Thi
sisamess
Ma:Hewon'thurtyou,
won'tcomeaf
teryou.Pl
us,
youl
eavingnextmonthforworki
npr
etori
aIdoubt
hewil
lfi
ndyou
Thobeka:Pret
ori
aispr
ett
ybi
gsol
onghedoesn'
t
knowwher eyouwork
Ma:That
'st
rueandal
sodon'
tpostabouti
ton
soci
almedi
a
Me:Iwon'
t

Itookmyphoneandt extedJot oget

herwit
hAse.
Asewe'llbeworki
ngthissidetoobutherein
Johannesburgatsomesur ger
ysowe' l
lsti
llsee
eachother.
.

"
Vir
goi
sback"
.

BOMI

Khosi
:Thi
sonei
sador
abl
e
Il
ookedatt
hevestshewashol
ding.
.

Me:Ver
y

I
'
m sopr
oudofmySon.Si
ncehi
sst
ayi
nEChedi
d
nothaveanyscandals.Instead,hemetaver ylovel
y
gi
rlandtheymakingmeaGr andmother.I
'm so
happyhe'staki
ngresponsibil
it
ybecausenowhe
wil
lbewor ki
ngformet oprovideforhisfamily.
.

Me:I
'
m sopr
oudofhi
m youknow?
Khosi
:Hehasgr
own,Idi
dn'
tknowal
lithadt
otake
forhi
mtogrowupwasababy
Me:Iser
iousl
ycan'
twai
tandherf
ami
lyi
slovel
y
Khosi
:Ver
ylovel
y
Me:Andtheymustknowwewil
lbepayi
ngf
or
damages,t
hisbabyi
saSwar
tbooi

Wehear
dthemoni
torgoof
f.
.
Khosi
:I'
l
lgocheck

Wehaveputallt
hebabyclot
hesweboughtt
his
morningont
hecouch.Iwasmadlyi
nlovewi
ththe
smallTut
uski
rt.
.
Khosicamebackwi
tht
woof
fi
cer
s..

Khosi
:Bomi

Il
ookedatt
hem.
.

Me:Whati
sit
?IsmySonandhi
sgi
rl
fr
iendokay?

Of
fi
cer1:Ar
eyouBomiSwar
tbooi
?
Me:Yes
Het
ookouthi
shandcuf
fs.
.

Offi
cer1:Bomi Swartbooiyouareunderarrest
ed
forochastrat
ingthemurderofKoketso,andfor
bri
bingapol i
ceoffi
certodestr
oyani mport
antcase
fi
leagainstyourson
Me:What
?

Officer:Yourhi t
manAceconf essedwhenwe
arrestedhi m andhepr ovidedpr oof,t
extsyout wo
beensendi ngbackandf ort
h,r ecor
dedphonecal ls
hekepti tal
lasi nsurance.Hedi dn'
twannagodown
alone.Theof fi
ceryoubr ibed, hewasar restedfor
temper ingwi t
hevi denceanduponi nvesti
gationyou
wasoneoft hepeopl ewhoaskedhi mf orfavours
andbr ibedhi m heal soconf essed..

Khosifai
ntedr
ightt
her
e,Ihear
dkeysdr
oppi
ngt
o
t
hefloor.
.

Af
ri
ka:OhhmyGod!
!

IlookedatVir
gostandi
ngther
e,hehaddr
oppedthe
keys.Helookedatmeshakinghi
sheadwit
htear
s
i
nhi seyes.
.
Me:BabyI
'
m sor
ry

Theof
fi
cercuf
fedme.
.

Me:I
'
llmaket
hisgoaway

Off
icer1:Nott
hist
imear
ound,
yougoi
ngst
rai
ghtt
o
hel
l!
!

Heusher
edmeout
..

Me:Vi
rgoI
'
m sor
ry!
!

Hewalkedmeout
,thegat
ewaswi
deopen.Medi
a
per
sonnel
sweret
here.
.

Jour
no:Bomi..Bomi.
.Isi
ttruethatyouochast
rat
ed
themurderofayounginnocentgir
l?Whatfor?
Me:Whocal
ledt
hem?

Offi
cer1:Idid,
becausepeopl
eli
keyoumakeme
si
ck!!Thinki
ngmoneycanbailyououtf
rom
everyt
hing!AndI'
l
lmakesureyouneversee
dayl
ightagain!

Me:Whoar
eyou?

Off
icer
:Oneoffi
cialyoucan'tbribe,Icl
eanupand
putpeopl
eli
keyouaway. .Theyknowmeast he
cl
eaner"Det
ecti
veKi ngNkambul e"neverforgett
hat
namebecauseI'mthedet ecti
vewhobr oughtyou
down!Ohhandt hecaseassaul tcaseagainstyour
Son,wil
lbere-
openedt oo.Solongt hevideosti
ll
exi
stsevi
denceneverr ot
s!

Me:Notmysonplease!
!Hehadnothingt
odowit
h
t
his!
!Pl
easenotmySonhe'sabouttobeafat
her
!!
Theytookpictur
esofmebei
ngputatthebackof
thepol
icecar.Heshutt
hedoor
,Ibur
iedmyheadin
mycuf f
edhands..

Me:OhhmyGodwhatdi
dIdo?
.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.THEEND.
..
..
..
..