Three years have past by quickly.... but to Leseli it felt like decades. She couldn't believe that she was now used to her surroundings very well. Her friendship to Petro did not change, but instead got stronger. She felt they way a family away from home. Her parents too tried their best not to worry her even when one of them got ill.
Two of her older cousins had already married off well. Although she had no time to attend their weddings, she had talked to the from time to time, thanks to technology .
She liked cooking a lot, one of the reasons that she visited Petro's family often. Her schoolwork was marvellous. She had so much will driving her, she wanted to get back home with a price; not only for herself but for her family. They had sacrificed a lot and she wanted to make it up to them.....
One day as she hurried off to one of the nearby clinics, she met Petro who was with two young men. She didn't have to go to the clinic but it was her free time and she wanted to do something worthy.
"Petro, gentlemen."
"Uh Les, you are always punishing me. Now your Spanish is really good, why can't we communicate through It?"
"hmmmm...I like your point dear brother... but I think since I'm a guest here and your Sesotho is really good then we should use it instead."
"So Petro this is the amazing Leseli you've been bubbling nonstop about?" one of the two guys with Petro asked in Sesotho....
"!!!!...Your Sesotho is very fluent; who are you?
Leseli asked analysing the man before her.
Handsome felt like an understatement to describe him. He was dark brown in complexion, he was a few inches taller than Petro. He looked confident and arrogant but his tone contrasted the looks, soft and respectful. When he smiled Leseli felt her world melt into a frenzy... "perfect" she said without realizing.
It felt like her whole world had frozen. She had never seen a man so handsome in her life. looking into his eyes, Les sensed adventure, wonder, fun, danger and beauty.
She jumped when she felt a shoulder nudge... it was Petro. She quickly recovered her senses ans realised that this man had extended his hand towards her...
She shook his hand and felt bolts of electricity coursing through her veins... this feeling, what was this?
She felt ashamed that words failed her; instead of saying anything she turned around and ran towards the campus.
"What was that?" Petro asked the man...but he got no reply. He was looking towards the direction Les took, he hadn't even bothered closing his mouth or retracting his hand.
"Hey, Teboho," his friend shouted kicking his foot, "what the heck? have you seen thokolosi? [1]"
"Ouch," Teboho exclaimed rubbing his foot."I think you want to kill me. why could you kick me?"
His friend laughed hysterically, "Man!! what was that? I've never known you to get cold feet towards women."
"Oh that? come on man. I was just . .... just .... damn look at the time," he looked at his watchless wrist, "Petro, sorry we are to leave you right here. I forgot I have an errand to run." He warned towards the car parked nearby in long strides. "Idiot, are you coming or not?" he said without turning his head.
"Oh Man! I'm sorry Petro I have to go with him,seems I'm not good at picking friends"
"...but what was that? I've never seen him act so strangely." Petro asked. He couldn't shake the shock he just witnessed.
"You ask me? I'm just as surprised. Now that Leseli girl is surely interesting. we don't even have anywhere to go. this idiot is already done with his work;" the guy shook his head, "I don't even think he knows where he wants to go."
"Oh!! Now that was worth it.... He likes to joke about how much we can't restrain from women but now..." Petro wanted to continue talking but when they heard the sound of the horn he knew he had to stop. " Leave before he comes here. no one knows what would happen if he is in this mood."
The car was hurriedly driven away, Petro watched it until it disappeared into the traffic. He shook his head and mumured something to himself and quickly went his way.
Meanwhile, Les was in her room trying to calm her heart. She ran like a mad woman and wondered what spectators thought of her...
"urghhhh...Now I feel like a complete idiot. But what on earth was that? why couldnt I handle a handshake"
She looked at her reflection in the mirror, her cheeks were flushed. Even with her light brown complexion, she could see the rosy pink colour on her cheeks.
She felt ashamed of the way she reacted but she couldn't have done otherwise.... those eyes!! So clear and pure....they reminded her of pools of water on a rock after spring showers...and he smelled like home...
She felt a chill up her spine as she drank a glass of water. Even an hour later the feeling hadn't left; for someone who had never been in any romantic relationship, she felt as if her entire world was a joke. She had to find the meaning of this the only way she knew how, the scientific way!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Teboho on the other hand kept driving in circles...He had no specific reason but what he felt was strange. His heart was dancing to the music he has never been accustomed to. what made his mind to be clouded was that he was engaged!!
He was known to be a carefree soul, not minding other people's opinions. That's why when his mother introduced him to this beautiful woman he had to oblige. at least she was the only person he really respected...Now his world was shattering in his mind.
He couldn't get Leseli's smile out of his head. He lost track of time and just drove around the city. Two hours later his friend felt exhausted and urged him to stop for some fries and drinks at one restaurant. when Teboho exited the restaurant with food in his hand, he realised that his buddy has taken the driver's seat. He had no power to argue...and kept his thoughts to himself..
"Man, we need to watch a sunset today, in two days time we will be back home." He tried to cheer his friend with a weary smile.
Teboho looked distantly ahead and said: " business is business. we have a company to run Lehlohonolo."
The guy jumped out of surprise...He was used to being called "This Idiot, Hloni or Lucky", he couldn't remember the last time he heard Teboho call his name.
He frowned, paused for a moment and said " uh, the beach." with that he drove away
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1. A mythical being said to be created out of soghurm, extremely short and muscular. it is said to be so ugly that one can fall unconscious from the scary looks. it is also known to wear an very huge grass hat for invisibility. It us said to be used by witches for evil purposes.
I think I need an editor...having to do all this work gets to me. please bear with me if there are any typing errors, otherwise enjoy the change and growth of Leseli.