Life Of A King

Chapter 10

-IMIBONGO CRYSTAL KING

"So where do you want to eat?" he asks, and I shrug, feeling a sense of casual spontaneity in the air.

"I don't know, surprise me," I say, and he chuckles, the sound carrying a light, teasing tone.

"I don't know you like that," he responds, and I playfully roll my eyes, a hint of amusement in my expression.

"I eat anything nice," I declare, and he chuckles again, a warmth in his laughter.

"And what if I said I was a vegetarian?" he teases, and I respond with another eye roll.

"Say what you will, but I saw you eating meat at the party, so there's no way you are a vegetarian," I retort, a smirk playing on my lips.

"So you noticed me?" he says with a cocked eyebrow, and I shrug, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance.

"I didn't notice you, I just noticed that you eat meat," I say, and he laughs, the sound echoing in a lighthearted manner.

"Ayt," he says, then takes out his phone and types. "I'm taking you to my favorite burger joint. Hope you like burgers," he announces, and I smile, a genuine warmth in my expression.

"I love burgers that come with nice fries," I reply, and he laughs again.

"I guess you and I will get along," he comments, and I nod, a sense of anticipation building.

A car stops in front of us, and he opens the door for me before sliding in beside me.

"I have to make a quick call," he informs me, and I nod, watching as he talks to his mother on the phone. After the call, he returns his attention to me, and we engage in a conversation about school, creating a connection that seems surprisingly engaging.

"So tell me about yourself, Imibongo," he asks, using a name only my parents typically use in moments of scolding or teasing.

"Like what? I'm a virgin and have never had a boyfriend before. My mom had me at 16; it was her first time, and I was the product," I share, and he laughs, the conversation taking an unexpectedly candid turn.

"Well, talk about diving right in. Well, that's not what I had in mind when I asked, but I guess I should have been specific about what I wanted to know," he comments, and I chuckle, a sense of openness settling between us.

A waitress takes our orders, and after she walks away, I turn the inquiry toward him.

"What's your story?" I ask, seeking to unravel the layers of his experiences.

"Well, I had a fling with someone in school, but then she became a little too much, so I called it quits. My family is not perfect; I have two siblings, both girls," he shares, and I nod, absorbing the fragments of his life.

"And were you originally born here or?" I inquire, delving into the details of his past.

"Born and raised here, actually. Never had an actual relationship before, never even considered it before," he confesses, revealing a layer of vulnerability.

"Why?" I ask, intrigued by the complexity of his experiences.

"Personal issues, I guess," he replies dismissively, leaving a sense of mystery.

"Honestly, having seen how my father treats my mother, I decided that it was best I don't do a relationship for the sake of whoever I date. I fear that I might turn into my father," he admits, and I find myself reaching out, placing my hand on his.

"That's not true. We are not our parents. It's up to you whether or not you want to follow in his footsteps and become whatever monster he is. You can't live your life in fear of what you might turn into. What if you're nothing like him? You can't deny yourself the opportunity to love all because of your father. You're not him, and it's up to you how you turn out," I reassure him, and he looks at my hand, then up at me, a genuine smile forming.