New Beginnings

The new house is crazy, the suburb we're in is super crazy. All this is a bit much to take in. Mom says she's been meaning to make this move for a long time but because we stopped her from divorcing my dad, he held her back. So here we are, in a golf estate in Sandton and learning to live the new lifestyle. My estate is a few blocks from Tony's, but he doesn't know it yet. My brother and I will be in the same private school, so that's another adjustment I need to make. I guess moving out here really is a good idea, a fresh start after Dad's departure.

I'm getting geared for school and Mom walks in to let me know Uncle Tshepo will drive me to school because she has to leave. I text Tony to tell him I have big news for him and I'd call him during break. I'm a bit nervous about telling him we're in the same area, considering how crazy things have been with Dad's death. Tony and I haven't spoken about anything else but how I'm doing and if I'm holding up. Maybe the news about my move would cheer things up again.

Uncle Tshepo rocks up, we're driving to school and he's so excited about the move. I'll be over at his place every weekend and we'll have more time to spend together. He wanted to play an active father role in my and my brother's life so I guess it's worth the shot. He kept asking about Tony, wondering when he'll see him again and perhaps catch a soccer match with him. For some reason I'm starting to think Uncle Tshepo has a crush on Tony, which worries me for a second and then I realise he has the most beautiful wife ever, so that's not possible.

We approach the institution and before me stand a group of guys who look familiar but I can't really make out who they are until I move out of the car and walk towards the gate with my uncle. When I walk, I look down, making my hair fall across my face. We walk towards the office and meet the principal in the foyer. My brother is shown his side of the school and I'm shown mine. My homeroom teacher looks friendly, as though she's never shouted in her life. She gives me a brief introduction and explains how the homeroom system works. I'm given my timetable and assigned a buddy to help me find my way between classes until I find my feet.

Homeroom time is pretty awesome because we pray before doing anything else. Announcements are read and we get to chill for the rest of the period before school begins. My buddy for the month is Meagan Sherwood. She's like the white version of me. Her sense of humour is wicked cool and her sarcasm is unmatched. She doesn't have many friends because of this so I proposed that we give our friendship a shot. The first day of school was okay, even though I didn't get to attend Physics class because there was admin to sort out. I get home, having not called Tony during break (admin time) and he sends a text reminding me that I should have called.

Tony: " Hey babe, I waited for your call during break time. Were you busy with your new friends? "

Me: "I had admin to sort out in the office and I missed my first physics class. I'm sorry for not letting you know. I have some news and I don't know how you'll take it... "

Tony: " How bad is it? Did someone die? "

Me: " It could go either way... Uhm, I've moved from the East Rand to Bryanston. We stay over at the Eagle Canyon Golf Estate, the same as Uncle Tshepo. You and I are in the same hood, so chances are we'll see each other more often - "

Tony: " Oh my Gosh, are you serious?! Which school are you at? I'm so happy you're here babe, you don't understand! "

Me: " *laughs* Calm down babe, just calm down... I'm at The Kings - "

Tony: " Wait, The Kings School?! That's where I go! This is too good to be true Lee, no way...! "

Uh, this is turning out to be a nightmare. I was excited about being in the same suburb as Tony but not the same school! I mean, now we'll see each other every day and he'll probably even walk me home from now on. We kept talking about the move and that's when he suggested walking home with me the next day so he can see my house. I agreed, and told him to hop on Skype so he could see my room. We have a short Skype session because I had to head downstairs for dinner with Uncle Tshepo and Aunt Botlale.

Later that night, Tony sends me a good night text telling me he can't wait to see me tomorrow and show me off to the rest of his friends. I asked him not to make it obvious that we were dating as I was the new girl and didn't want to make any enemies yet. He agrees and we head to sleep. In my dream that night I dreamed we were in class, and he walks in with his entourage singing some corny love song with a bouquet of roses in his hands. I'm totally floored and embarrassed by this that I wake up as he holds my hand to kiss it. This is going to be a long-ass year...

To be continued...