THE RISE OF TUMELO By Author’s Voice Chapter 24

THE RISE OF TUMELO
CHAPTER 24
ZIBUYILE
Before reading, Tap link & like my comment. If we reach 500+ likes I’ll add a bonus chapter.
Vuyi’s trying to play it cool, but I can tell she’s excited about something. She’s wearing a silky dress that’s catching the sunlight, making her look like a mini-version of a runway model. The dress is fitted at the waist, accentuating her growing curves, and flares out slightly at the hem, giving her a playful, youthful look. She’s paired it with heels that make her look taller, more confident, and I can’t help but notice the way she’s styled her hair, with a few loose strands framing her face.
“Vuyi.” I call out to her as I’m sitting in the verandah, sipping a cup of coffee, and she comes out, looking like a million bucks. The verandah’s shaded, but I can see the excitement radiating from her, like she’s bursting to share some secret.
“What?” she asks, laughing, like she’s not sure what’s wrong. I snap my eyebrows at her, trying to look stern, but it’s hard to hide my amusement.
“Where are you going dressed like that?” I ask, my voice a little softer than I intended, and she just shrugs it of.
“I’m going to the mall with my friends.” She says, I assume, they’re the ones she’s been texting nonstop on her phone, the ones she’s been giggling with in her room.
But I don’t trust her. She’s got that look in her eye, like she’s up to something. The same look she got when she convinced me to let her join the school choir, and ended up winning first prize at the inter-school competition. “Dressed like that phoo?” I ask, trying to sound unimpressed, but she’s not having it.
“Haww Ma, we want to take pictures Ma. Please allow me to go out with my friends and enjoy, we’re no longer in Botswana,” she says, giving me those pleading eyes, the ones that make me want to give in to her every whim. I sigh, remembering how I used to be so strict with her back in Botswana, how I used to worry about her fitting in, about her making friends. She’s 14 turning 15 soon, and I guess it’s time to loosen the reins a bit.
“Alright but don’t come back late,” I say, trying to sound firm, but she’s already nodding, bouncing back inside to grab her mini pink bag. She’s back out in a flash, looking like she’s ready to take on the world, and I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. She’s growing up, and I’m not sure I’m ready for it.
———
NARRATOR
Vuyi’s sitting in Galito’s, sipping on a drink, trying to look casual, but her eyes keep darting towards the door, checking if Andile’s arrived yet. She’s lied to her mom, telling her she’s going to the mall with friends, when really she’s meeting a boy. The air conditioning in the restaurant is a welcome respite from the scorching sun outside, but Vuyi’s too nervous to enjoy it.
Her phone rings, breaking the silence, and she answers, trying to sound nonchalant. “Andile, where are you?” she asks, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings. The sounds of laughter and chatter fill the background, and Vuyi feels a pang of anxiety. She’s not quite familiar with this place, and her drink is running out.
“Almost at White river,” Andile says, his deep voice sending a flutter through her chest. Vuyi’s eyes light up, and she glances at her watch. “Alright, you’ll find me outside Galito’s,” she says, trying to sound cool.
“Alright, bye,” Andile says, and the line goes dead. Vuyi sighs, watching people pass by through the window, she stands up and sits outside. Some stare at her, probably wondering what a young girl like her is doing alone, while others mind their own business. The minutes tick by slowly, and Vuyi’s anxiety grows. What if he’s not who he says he is? What if he stands her up?
Just as she’s starting to worry, a white Toyota Corolla pulls up, and Vuyi’s heart skips a beat. A smile spreads across her face, and she can’t help but feel a little excited. He did tell her he was driving a white Corolla, which belongs to his father.
Andile steps out of the car, and Vuyi’s breath catches. He’s even more handsome face to face, with his chiseled features and charming smile. Now she’s feeling self-conscious, wondering if she’s good enough for him.
Andile approaches her with a charming smile, his eyes cr crling at the corners as he opens his arms for a hug. Vuyi’s face lights up, and she stands up, feeling a bit self-conscious, but he wraps his arms around her, making her feel at ease. He’s so tall, towering over her petite frame, and he smells nice, a subtle mix of cologne and a hint of weed that’s not overpowering. She wraps her arms around his waist, feeling the soft fabric of his shirt, and the warmth of his body.
As they hug, Vuyi’s senses are on high alert, taking in the way he feels, the way he smells, and the way his voice rumbles in his chest. “You’re more beautiful in person,” he says, pulling out of the hug, and Vuyi’s face flushes as she looks away, trying to hide her blush. She can feel her heart racing, and she’s grateful for the shade of the Galito’s sign that’s casting a shadow over them.
“Thank you, you’re more handsome in person as well,” she says, trying to sound casual, but her voice comes out a bit softer than intended. Andile smiles, his eyes sparkling with amusement, and takes her hand, making Vuyi’s heart skip a beat. His hand is warm and strong, enveloping hers, and she feels a jolt of electricity as he leads her back into the restaurant.
As they walk, Vuyi’s aware of the people around them, the sounds of laughter and chatter, and the smell of food wafting from the kitchen. She’s trying to keep up with Andile’s long strides, her heels clicking on the pavement, and she’s grateful when they reach the counter and he orders for her.
A few minutes later, they walk out, Andile holding a paper bag containing her meal, and a can of Sprite in his other hand. He’d wanted them to stay in and get to know each other better, but she’d refused, saying she wasn’t comfortable inside, so he’d compromised, getting her food to go. As they walk, Vuyi’s aware of the warmth of his hand on hers, the way he smiles at her, making her feel like she’s the only person in the world.
They reach the car, and Andile opens the door for her, gesturing for her to get in. Vuyi hesitates for a moment, feeling a flutter in her chest, but Andile’s smile is reassuring, and she slides into the passenger seat, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. She buckles her seatbelt, and Andile gets in beside her, his arm brushing against hers as he starts the engine.
As they drive off, Vuyi’s feeling a mix of emotions, excitement, nervousness, and a hint of uncertainty. She’s not sure what the future holds, but with Andile by her side, she feels like she can take on anything.
Vuyi clears her throat, trying to get Andile’s attention as they drive down the deserted road. The trees blur together outside the window, and she’s starting to feel a sense of unease. “Where are you taking me?” she asks, her voice a little softer than she intended.
Andile turns left, and Vuyi’s eyes widen as they drive down a narrow path, the woods closing in around them. He pulls over to the side of the road, parking the car, and kills the engine. The sudden silence is oppressive, and Vuyi’s heart starts to beat faster.
“Andile, what are we doing here?” she asks, her voice tinged with nervousness. Andile unclips his seatbelt and leans back in his seat, his eyes fixed on her. “I’m just parking here,” he says, his voice calm, but Vuyi can sense a hint of tension.
He studies her, his gaze piercing, and Vuyi feels like he’s seeing right through her. “Are you okay? You seem uncomfortable,” he says, his voice l lowing, and Vuyi forces a smile, trying to play it cool.
But Andile’s not buying it. “Come on Vuyiswa, do I look like a murderer or something? You’re not comfortable, and you’re being really quiet,” he says, his voice tinged with frustration. Vuyi feels a pang of guilt, realising she’s making him feel unwanted.
“You regret being here?” he asks, his eyes searching hers, and Vuyi’s quick to deny it.
“No, no… I… I am just shy, that’s all,” she says, trying to reassure him, but Andile’s not convinced.
He sighs, his shoulders sling, and Vuyi feels like she’s let him down. “Vuyi, please, can you be comfortable? We left town because you said you didn’t want us to stay there. And now that we’re together, it’s still the same?” he says, his voice lowing, and Vuyi can sense the hurt beneath the surface.
Begging isn’t his thing, and he’s not about to start now, but he wants her to be comfortable with him, to want to be with him.
The silence between them is oppressive as Andile decides to stay quiet, regretting the wasted petrol and the wasted time. He opens his Sprite, the hiss of the can breaking the silence, and steps out of the car, the cool air a welcome respite from the tension. He leans against the back of the car, watching cars pass by, his eyes narrowed in thought. 18? He’s not yet sure if that’s truly her age, she’s way too childish for that.
After a few minutes, Vuyi steps out, her movements hesitant, and stands next to him, her eyes downcast. “I’m sorry, can you please take me back?” she says, her voice barely above a whisper. Andile’s expression darkens, a vein pulsing in his forehead. Now he really regrets coming here, perhaps he’s way too dark for her likings.
Without a word, he nods, his jaw clenched, and throws the can of Sprite into the nearby trash, the clang of the metal loud in the silence. He gets into the car, his movements stiff, and Vuyi follows, her eyes fixed on the dashboard.
The drive back is tense, the only sound the hum of the engine and the rustle of the trees outside. Andile’s anger and frustration simmer just below the surface, his mind replaying their conversation, wondering what went wrong. He can’t believe he drove for an hour just to be rejected.
Vuyi sits beside him, her eyes fixed on her lap, her heart heavy with regret. She knows she’s hurt him, and she doesn’t know how to fix it. The silence is suffocating, and she’s desperate to break it, but she doesn’t know what to say.
———
As Tumelo and Itu finish getting ready for dinner, the clock ticks down to 6 pm, and the evening sun casts a warm glow over the scene. They’re both dressed simple, with Tumelo looking sharp in his black golf shirt, sleek black pants, and his trusty G-Star raw slides. Itu, on the other hand, is a vision in her black and white dress, her small curves accentuated by the fitted garment that almost reaches her feet, paired with her Foschini scandals that add a touch of elegance to her overall look.
As they approach Tumelo’s car, Itu notices the tension in his shoulders and says, “You seem nervous.”
Tumelo’s eyes cloud over, and he lets out a low sigh, “I just don’t feel good about this whole dinner thing. I know my mother, Itu.” His voice is l lowing, filled with a mix of apprehension and frustration.
Itu’s face lights up with a warm smile, and she wraps her arms around him, pulling him into a comforting hug. “You’re with me, I’m as nervous as you are, but when I’m with you, I’m calm because I know you have my back, Tumelo. Don’t you?” She looks deep into his eyes, her gaze piercing, and Tumelo feels a surge of affection wash over him.
“I do,” he says, his voice low and reassuring, and they share a warm, lingering hug. As they pull back, Itu’s hands start to wander, playfully teasing, and Tumelo’s eyes widen as she reaches for his totolozi. “Aww Madoda,” he says, laughing, and jumps into action, getting into the car in a second. Itu bursts out laughing, following him into the passenger seat.
The tension broken, they buckle up, and Tumelo starts the engine, the purr of the car filling the silence. “You know, I have your back too,” Itu says, her voice soft, and Tumelo glances at her, a smile playing on his lips.
As they pull out of the driveway, the evening sun casting a golden glow over the landscape, Tumelo feels a sense of calm wash over him. Maybe this dinner won’t be so bad after all, not with Itu by his side.
No stickers & emojies allowed.
80+ comments & 15+ shares.