Life Of A King

Chapter 84

1 YEAR LATER
-IMIBONGO CRYSTAL KING

"Dad, I'll be fine," I declare, rolling my eyes playfully. His chuckle echoes in the air, and Mom joins in with a warm smile.

"And you will call us every day?" Mom inquires, her concern evident. I let out a chuckle of my own.

"Yes, Mom, I will call every single day. Now, can you please leave?" I tease, prompting laughter from both of them.

"Why? So you can go out and meet boys? I still don't understand why you didn't just study at UP," Dad remarks, a hint of curiosity in his tone. I furrow my brows in response.

"Because UP responded late, Dad. Come on, I'll be fine here, and you guys still need to book a flight home," I remind them, emphasizing the practicality of my decision.

"She'll be okay, honey. Walk us out," Mom suggests, and I comply, locking my room behind me.

"He's cute," Mom remarks, nodding toward a boy approaching us. Dad shoots her a playful death glare.

"Wow, Mom. I am not looking for a boyfriend," I declare, my eyes inadvertently meeting the gaze of the cute stranger.

"That's my girl," Dad says proudly.

"Boys bring babies. Look at me to your mother. We didn't even know each other for 24 hours before we made you," he adds, and we all burst into laughter as Mom lightly shoves him.

"You are corrupting my daughter's mind!" Mom teases, and I shrug, walking between them as we head out.

"What? How, when I'm the one saying she's not allowed to date?" Dad retorts, his tone playful.

"How is she going to meet her husband if she doesn't date?" Mom questions, and I interject with a smirk.

"I am not looking for a husband, and should I meet a potential one, he will have to respect me and my schoolwork, you know? Thank you for coming to my talk, because we are done talking about this," I assert, and they share a knowing look before bursting into laughter.

"If this is what Cape Town is going to do to my daughter, then I don't feel comfortable leaving you here, child!" Dad exclaims, a hint of protective concern in his voice, as we approach their car. I can't help but chuckle at his overprotective nature.

"Guys, thank you. I am going to miss you so much," I express, a genuine warmth in my voice. Mom pulls me into a tight hug, and I relish the comfort of her embrace.

"We're going to miss you too, baby," she says, holding me a little longer before letting go. As I turn to Dad, he imparts words of advice and love.

"Take care of yourself, okay, and behave," Mom adds, her maternal concern evident. I nod in acknowledgment, appreciating their love and care.

"I love you, baby, and if ever you need anything, call us, okay? I don't want you becoming another statistic of these kids that date older men for money. We are here, and if you don't want to ask us, then call your grandfather, because he won't even talk to me first before sending you money," Dad warns, his protective nature shining through. I chuckle at the mention of Grandpa's straightforward approach.

"I love you too, Dad, and I will call," I assure him, reciprocating the hug with genuine affection.

"It's not easy in varsity, especially since you are far from home, but Imi, please don't hesitate to call. Should you find yourself having a mental breakdown, pick up the phone and call us," Mom advises, brushing my back with a soothing touch. I still find comfort in Dad's arms, securely held.

"I promise to keep in touch," I reassure them, grateful for their love and guidance as I prepare to embark on this new chapter of my life.

.
.
-TSHEPISO MHAGA

"What happened to your last relationship?" My roommate inquires, curiosity etched across his face.

"We just decided to end it. Distance and all, but we get along. She and I are friends," I explain, attempting to provide a succinct summary. However, my roommate seems puzzled.

"How are you friends with your ex?" he questions, his frown deepening.

"Because she's an amazing person. High school relationships are not the easiest to maintain. I love Imi, I really do, and if we are meant for each other, then someday we'll find our way back to each other. But until then, this is just how things between us are going to have to be," I share, trying to convey the complexities of relationships.

He nods, processing my response. Eager to reciprocate, he decides to share his own story.

"And what's your story?" I ask, prompting him to delve into his own experiences.

He chuckles before admitting, "I cheated, and she broke up with me."

I can't help but chuckle in response. "And you didn't try to win her back or something?"

He shakes his head, a sense of nonchalance in his demeanor. "Nah, it's whatever. Besides, she's studying in the Eastern Cape, and I'm here, so it just wasn't going to work out anyway."

Taking a more lighthearted turn in the conversation, he suggests, "Let's go out and grab something to eat." I agree with a nod, both of us rising from our seats, ready for a change of scenery and perhaps some good food to accompany our chat.

Imi and I breaking up wasn't planned; it's something that just happened. After our last conversation about Varsity and our relationship, things were never the same again. I sensed that she started pulling away from me, and when I finally sat her down to talk about it, her reasoning was that she's learning to get used to not being with me all the time, believing that it would help her cope with the distance. Childish and lame, right? That's exactly how I felt.

I asked her what she wanted, and she told me friendship. When you love someone, you find yourself respecting every little decision they take without any question. It wasn't what I wanted, but if that was what was going to make her happy, then so be it. She moved to Cape Town, and I am here in Joburg, studying at Wits, pursuing a business course. I did, however, take her advice to live my life as I should, and I am looking forward to the journey ahead.

"Watch where you're going," she says, crouching down to pick up her phone that fell face down.

"I am so sorry for that. Is it okay?" I ask as she turns it over, getting up.

"It's fine. Next time, watch it."

.
.
-KAMVELIHLE DANE KING

Everything I endured in the previous year has found a way to shape my life and impact me in some way. Through therapy and the unwavering support of my family, I am pleased to say that I am making progress. I still grapple with nightmares about the past incidents, but more than anything, I find myself grappling with confusion about my sexuality. I am eager to explore and understand it further.

To prevent a recurrence of what I went through, I knew I had to work on rebuilding my confidence and redefining myself. Thankfully, rebranding myself is progressing well, and while my confidence is not perfect, it has improved. I am no longer as closed off as before. If I don't want to do something, I speak up now, consequences be damned.

Violence was never my nature, but I've learned that in today's world, it's sometimes the only way to be heard. I don't initiate fights, but I won't hesitate to end them. Our parents took a proactive step by enrolling us in self-defense classes, ensuring that none of us has to endure what I experienced, especially given that they will soon be living far from home.

As for me, I continue to live with them, and so far, it's been a positive experience.

"When are you leaving?" I ask Kiernan, walking into the lounge.

"I don't know yet. It's not like classes are starting anytime soon," he replies.

"Yeah, but don't you want to get to know your roommate and stuff?"

.
.
To Be Continued