Written By: Hannah Tayla
She sank deeper into her seat while tucking and tightening the scarf around her head. The old yellow Toyota hatchback coughed and spattered as it crawled down the road. His hand grazed hers, resting on the seat, for a split second before he changed gears and then retired it to the wheel again. It was dangerous move, having her in his car was bad enough. Even he, a usually overzealous and cocky young man, was experiencing the pang of condemnation from touching her hand. His stomach was swirling with intolerable nervousness and giddy excitement. Fireworks were exploding in his arms and hands.
They had agreed to meet up at the petrol station just after four. He would have his tank filled up while she slid into the front seat. She told her parents she was dropping off some koesisters at her aunt’s house before visiting a friend. She dropped off the sticky desserts before hurrying to the petrol station two roads down. It was not all a lie after all.
She was panting when she reached the car. He pointed to an icy bottle of coke propped up on the floor before continuing to chat to the petrol station attendant. She gulped a few mouthfuls, wiped her forehead with her scarf then adjusted it again before he could turn to see her ears and hair.
The car moved off without hesitation. The worst was over, and they both exhaled a sigh of disbelief and relief at the heinousness of the crime they had committed.
“You look beautiful,” he finally ventured.
“Thanks Connor. You don’t look too shabby either.”
He smiled. He was committed to making this the best date ever. He could not wait to be alone with her underneath galaxies of stars, away from prying eyes and sneaky looks. It was her idea to go to the planetarium. It was safe, quiet… intimate.
They found a parking lot just behind the Iziko Art gallery and walked across the manicured lawns of the Gardens. Their hands touched again and this time she grabbed it. Time held its breath. He nearly tripped when he realized he had not exhaled. Her eyes twinkled and she turned to face him. Then she froze. Her eyes locked with something behind him. They immediately lost its lustre.
He turned. There, beyond the clearing, stood three men. Their kufis stood immaculately erect and formidable upon their neat heads. Uncle. Father. Older brother. They didn’t look like they wanted to go out for drinks – then again, of course they wouldn’t! Connor swallowed hard, let go of her hand and wiped his sweaty palms on his chinos. He slowly walked towards them.
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