"Sharpo, next week Friday or this coming Friday?
Oh, really?
Nkare wang demela, we'll talk later when you're not being a superstar.
Bye don't forget to dream about me when taking that nap.
Bathong, drop the call before you say I left you hanging.
We are not having this talk argument about who's going to drop the phone call, so I'll drop," Jabu smiles and shortly ends the phone call he had with Zamo. Only to find all four pairs of eyes full of curiosity and amusement on him.
"Yini, guys?"
"Who's the lucky lady?" Llyle asked.
"No one."
"Is that what they call them, nowadays?" I joined in with the teasing because I, as well was very curious about the person who turned Jabu into this bashful, smiling guy.
"Abo 'no one', heh Jabu?" Declan teased Jabu.
"Abo 'no one' he spends more than thirty minutes talking to, neh?"
"He even said he'll FaceTime her tonight."
"With or without clothes," Llyle sang quoting Slum Village's song Closer.
"Public or closed doors," Sibu joined in.
"Qubekani, bafethu. Sizobona ubani ozokusiza ngokuthenga utshwala," Jabu threatens. ("Continue and you'll see who'll be buying the booze for this party of yours.")
We all kept quiet, thrown off by him speaking Zulu until we finish deciphering his 'threat'.
"Besidlala, nje Zulu guy," I said jokingly to lighten the mood. ("We were just playing…")
"Whatever," Jabu said taking the controller from Llyle who was playing for him in absence.
"Love is for the foolish and bored,"
"Isn't that for one-night stands and fucking random huns?"
"That too,"
"How the fuck did a conversation about your house party escalate to masepa a?" I asked my friends.
"You okes are the perfect definition of if lacking focus was a group of people," said Llyle.
"Just invite everyone you fuck with so we continue playing this video game," I added.
"And den o," said Jabu nudging Benjamin.
"La re bora," said Llyle.
"Oh," both Benjamin and Jabu teased Llyle and I until they realised that we were gatvol of the already-done conversation and wanted to resume our video game.
"I'm heading back to the house to get us some drinks and snacks, Jabu lets go," Declan said whilst handing me the controller so I can continue playing the game for him.
"Mess it up and you're buying the liquor we will need for the party," he threatened.
"Just say you're broke and I'll be happy to help, my outie," Llyle teased.
My phone pings loudly catching the guys' attention.
"Le wena, wa jola?" Declan asks. ("Are you dating as well?")
"I don't participate in childish nonsense," I respond while pausing the game so I can take my phone out to check the text from my mom.
Please pick up Enelo from her friends' place, I've sent you the address on WhatsApp.
Smiling at the spelling mistake, I text back It is *WhatsApp not "WhatsApp".
"I need to dash, I will see you when I see you."
I stand up and give Llyle my controller whilst taking a few snacks lying on the table and head out.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
masepa a- sPitori for "this shit"
Outie- one of many South African variations for "dude" or "bro".