I brushed a few strands of my afro that had came off and tied my hair into a bun. I took my bag and phone. I went downstairs for breakfast feeling like any other day, gloomy.

Mbali had tried to cheer me up for the whole three weeks, but unsuccessfully. He just left and said he would be back, then nothing. He didn't come back, he didn't call, I mean sure I didn't give him my number but Sanele could've right? If he had them.

Okay, I doubted it would have been that hard for him to get my numbers, which brings me to the conclusion that he didn't want them.

Not wanting to dwell on the matter so early in the morning, I took an apple instead and made my way out, Mbali had no class today. I didn't bother waking her up. Campus was a 10 minutes walk which I gracefully took with my headphones on.

Some random car hooted at me, freaking the hell out of me. I immediately whirled in time for it not to hit me, the driver just sped off, dick!

I fixed my earphones and tucked my phone in my pocket, I have a thing with cars for sure.

Just as I thought about that, Siyabonga popped in my mind, I groaned as I thought how we had met, how he almost ran me over and now some dick didn't even stop to see if I was okay, at least he had stopped. Maybe it was fate but why hasn't he called if it's fate. I remembered him asking me if I believed in Fate.

Siya: Do you believe in fate Sinoxolo?

My campus came in view and I thanked heavens for rescuing me from thinking too much about the man.

***

I threw my bag on the couch as soon as I closed the door to my apartment.

I took off my shoes, walking up to Mbali's room with them in my hands, I was tired. I barged in her room and tossed my weak body next to her.

Mbali: You look dead.

I smiled showing her my gratitude for such an unnecessary compliment. She had her laptop in her crossed legs, typing busily on it.

Me: What are you doing!?

I groaned on the pillow, turning to look at her.

Mbali: Well, some of us have assignments due.

Me: Sheesh, what's up with you?

She closed her laptop and set it aside, turned around to look at me. I sat up and mimicked her sitting position.

Mbali: For three weeks you've been off, I tried talking to you but you shut me out.

Yeah, I've been feeling bad about that, I really don't like fighting with her. I sighed and told her everything about Siya from the beginning. To which she listened to attentively.

Mbali: Oh shit, now it makes sense how you guys were acting kinda weird at the event, I had wondered how he knew you.

Me: Yeah, now he ghosted me, I've been ghosted by the first guy I've actually liked.

I threw my head back while my hands covered my face, I groaned loudly. I felt Mbali place her hands on my thigh, I looked at my friend with a pout.

Mbali: Maybe something came up, don't think too much okay, I can ask Sanele-

Me: No no no, I'm definitely not coming off like I'm desperate, his loss if he ghosted me.

Mbali hugged me and I smiled at her gesture to lighten my mood.

Me: Lemme leave you to your work okay, I'll be in my room.

I kissed her cheek and left after she nodded. I decided to take a shower and get into my pajamas since I had nothing to do anyway. I wrapped a shawl on my head. I took my laptop, maybe I should just Netflix and chill really, what do I do on a Friday anyway. My phone rang, I stretched my arm out to grab it on the nightstand. Unknown number? I answered it hesitant.

Me: Hello?

Man: You think you can hide from me? You little bitch!

My phone slipped from my hands and landed on the bed barely making a sound.

Tears burned my eyes, I gasped, feeling like the walls were closing in on me. I looked around, I quickly ran to the windows to see if I was being watched. I saw nothing unusual.

I closed it and the curtains too. I knew that he would find me somehow, it was a matter of time before he did, why did I think I would hide from him forever but then again, I left KZN a long time ago.

It's been years, why now? I put my hand on my chest to calm my beating heart. I panted in the room, walking around like a maniac.

A knock had me startled, my eyes went wide, my mind had many thoughts skimming through, has he found me yet. I walked to my door slowly and held to the doorknob.

Mbali: Babes?

At the sound of her voice, I relaxed and wiped my tears. I opened the door and pulled her inside and closing it after.

Mbali scrunched her face in confusion. I walked to my bed sitting down.

Mbali: Are you okay? You seem weird.

I smiled slightly at her and nodded, not meeting eye contact.

Me: Yeah, sup?

Mbali: I was gonna ask what should I order, pizza or-

Me: Pizza, order pizza.

Mbali: Okay, are you sure you good?

I tried to smile sincerely at her, I didn't need her getting worried about me. If she knew she would go overprotective like the first time.

I don't want her worrying about me to a point where she doesn't eat. She nodded skeptically and walked out. After she left I ran to the door and locked it, just as a reflex.

I sighed and sat on my bed anxiously, I hoped to God that this was not happening to me right now. Again.

***

The following morning, I slept in, Mbali had asked if I was okay a thousand times that I ended up telling her about the call and like I expected she went excessively protective. She had been by my side the whole night and even slept with me in my room. Which I was thankful for.

Mbali: We should go to the police.

Me: We can't do that, he'll know and what then, he'll kill me before we say 'ah' at the police station.

Mbali sighed, she knew that the police was a no no, he had connections everywhere.

I just had to sit and pray he spares my life.