My time at home was difficult. Each and everyday the past experiences were threatening to resurface and people still treated me the same, as if I am nothing. The only thing that would make me forget about it, was our daily group call. To be frank enough, my friends were there for me especially Sarah.

Just like what Chris said to me the other day, that Sarah is like a mother hen. I could clearly see that now. She was incredibly caring and that was exactly what I needed. Though I was with my mom, who was also very caring. She wasn't always available.

Moreover, the fact that I grew up without a dad, made my life a bit challenging and to struggle with relationships. However, Sarah would call me everyday just to check on me, despite having spoken through a group call. She would take the time to call me individually showing her genuine care and concern.

At the end of the semester break, I left home joyfully knowing that, at last I am going to be with my friends and also you know. Seeing Thando. As we arrived at school, my friends and I planned to have a braai as a way of catching up.

That time, I wanted to ask Stanley to bring along Thando her friend, but I thought it won't be good. I might embarrass myself in front of others. So I let those thoughts go.

While at the braai, Sarah grabbed my hand and we walked a few yards away from the rest of our friends. She made a deep sigh and said, "Cedric about last time. I didn't tell you why I said I won't vouch for Thando, but here is why." Before she could tell me, Peter called out with a loud voice, "guys come up here, I have something for you." Then we walked back.

Peter had brought smart wrist watches for all of us as a gift. We could not contain our joy as we received those wrist watches. It was kind of Peter to think of blessing us this way. Sarah was the first to receive it and she squealed with delight and jumped up and down, already excitedly strapping the watch onto her wrist.

Peter beamed with pride, obviously delighted by his friends’ reactions. Took another watch and gave it to Chris. Chris, being the more reserved one, gave a slight smile but secretly felt pleased with the gift.

He took the other two and gave it to me and Stanley. Stanley before taking the gift from Peter, touched his mouth with both hands, surprised, at the same time filled with joy. He said with a gentle tone that sounded grateful and emotional,“Guys, I’m still the new guy and you’ve already given me a gift. I don’t know what to say… this is so thoughtful. Thank you.” He said that while tears were slowly dripping.

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As for me, this was the first time to get a gift in my life. That was something very big for me and I cannot describe how I felt that time. I was speechless for some time and with a cracking voice while tears dripping too. I said thank you and hugged Peter.

Stanley could not contain his joy. He called Thando to come witness this, because he wanted to just share with someone what had just happened to him. Thando's phone could not get through, then he called Charlotte and within few minutes, she arrived.

Charlotte, witnessing the gift exchange and the evident emotion in the air, smiled and gave Stanley a warm hug. “I’m so happy for you,” she said, patting him on the back. “I wish Thando could be here to see this.”

Cedric, hearing Thando’s name, stiffened slightly. “Thando?” he asked, a hint of anxiety in his voice. “Is she coming?” Charlotte filled with jealous, gave a fake smile as she knew how Cedric feels about Thando and said. "Well she is kind of occupied at the moment. I am not sure if she will come."

Cedric felt a bit relieved after hearing those words, at the same time disappointed. He wanted to see Thando, though he was nervous.

After the braai we dismissed. As I was going back to my place, I saw Thando with her other friend Cindy. They seemed to be catching up and they looked happy. I approached them and asked if I could speak to Thando alone. She came and without wasting any time. I asked her out.

She didn't say anything, and I didn't care about her responding to my proposal, since I was taken away by her gaze. She blushed brightly as she looked at me, and gave a slight shy smile. She looked down, began to fiddle with her hair. She gave me a bright, beautiful smile again and without a word she left.

I was left puzzled, and wondered, did she hear what I just asked her or not. What is she going to say. I went back home with no energy at all, with sweat all over my face as if I just came from a jog.

Meanwhile, Thando was confused, she was beginning to like me after seeing my kindness towards others and my gentle spirit. But she Loved her boyfriend that much. She called Cindy and Charlotte, so they could meet and chat.

The girls quickly gathered, and they were looking forward to hearing the news, that Thando had just promised to share with them. Thando, with her soft soothing voice said, "Guys my heart is troubled. Cedric asked me out. You know I have a boyfriend and we have been together for 7 months. I love him, but I am also starting to like Cedric. Tell me guys what can I do?"

Charlotte, while smiling and patting softly on Thando's back. She said, "you know, what your heart likes matters, and we can't tell you what to do." Thando quickly stoodup and said outloud. "Guys I like my boyfriend, he is smart, intelligent, rich, and handsome. Unlike Cedric, he has nothing, only intelligent."

Sarah happend to be passing by, and she overhead what Thando said. Her complexion became pale, tears began to slowly fall, and had difficulty in breathing because of what Thando said about Cedric. She recorded the words so Cedric would hear it himself.

Now, that she has the recording and and previously was interrupted when she wanted to tell Cedric why she did not vouch for Thando. Was she going to tell Cedric this, if Cedric hears it, will he still continue to love Thando or listen to her caring friend? Or will she be misunderstood as being jealous, not wanting Cedric to be in a relationship?