Tom stared at his reflection in the pool. He saw his light long curly afro wobble with the waves, his chipped tooth and his father’s unusual eyes. What will I do? He thought to himself, just then Chongo excitedly shook him out of his daze. “Party at the Chifulos tonight, we gotta go. End the YEAR RIGHT!” Chongo exclaimed with laughter, stretching his arm to help Tom up and away from his refelction in the pool.
“You’re too excited, we are getting bounced, remember last time” Tom laughed at Chongo’s excitement.
***
School was finally done, Tom could sleep and not apply effort to anything for a while. Tom smiled at his reflection, eyeing the neatly laid white shirt tailor made for his body and just this occasion over grey pants that were pointy in the middle. He was ready to go to the Chifulos. Chongo walked in, deep sea blue pants hanging onto suspenders. Tom smiled watching his friend grace the room.
“I know right, even your mum thinks I clean up nice” Chongo spoke noticing Tom’s stare.
“It can’t be helped, don’t hate, but you’re not so bad yourself” Chongo said taking in Tom as he adorned his sapphire cubed pendent.
“Thanks, I figure if I look good, I’ll have fun tonight. Then carelessly sleep for a year, or your favourite one, I’ll finally fall in love” Tom laughed eyeing himself one last time in the mirror before the duo departed for their evening.
***
Tom and Chongo were earliest to start their night. The plan was dinner, visit some clubs and end the night in a forgetful state. As soon as they settled into the pub, They ordered their drinks, watching for the rest of the graduates to flow into the restaurant.
The model, Mutinta walked in with a guy on her arm, Chongo mumbled under his breath as Tom noticed the reason for his demeanor. Behind them a steady stream of people followed. Jack, Tom’s other best mate, walked in with two ladies on his arm. Jack winked towards Tom as he settled down on the table putting the lady in between Tom and himself.
More people started filing towards their table as Tom and Chongo started on their third round of drinks. The twins walked in wearing identical dresses, one white, one black. A guy wearing a bolo tie and a snapback gathered himself a seat. Peter walked in with his girlfriend, pulling themselves a seat to chongo’s left.
Tom’s glass had just kissed his lips when he saw her, she wore her hair like a crown, long and natural. A body consisting of long legs that met the most incredible hips Tom had ever seen. Dark chocolate skin walking on air and she was joining their table.
“Chongo, who is that girl” Tom grabbed his friend directing his gaze towards the beauty positioning herself next to the twins unable to find a seat.
“Hi, you can have my seat,” Tom was on his feet offering his chair before his legs could stop him. This act caused laughter to descend on the table as everyone was momentarily enjoyed the unfolding spectacle.
“Thank you,” The lady said rising from her squat to stare Tom directly in his face.
“But you’d have to seat here, next to me” Tom heard himself speak over the discussions taking place immediately regretting his move but he couldn’t stop himself. The table returned to their segmented chats, as more people joined Tom and Chongo in drinking.
“I’m Tom,” Tom stretched his hand over the table smiling at the girl. She simply stared at him, walked round the table until she stood in front of him.
“I’m Takuzwa,” She spoke shaking Tom’s hand. The rest of the table had long forgotten about the two by now. Takuzwa sat, as Tom popped his eyes towards Chongo, as if to say scoot over. Chongo and his date scooted seats, creating space for Tom to seat next to Takuzwa.
Tom and Takuzwa started to talk as the food was placed on the table. With food ready everyone got carried away with the eating, few people talked around the table. Tom kept stealing glances at Takuzwa all throughout their meal, wondering what he should say to break the ice.
“You saved me from dinning on the floor, now you can’t talk, just my luck.” Takuzwa said disappointedly taking a bite into her chicken.
“I’m bad at small talk” Tom shrugged his shoulders in response. Returning her glance, Takuzwa choked reaching for her drink.
“I’ve noticed?” Takuzwa laughed. “Don’t give me that small talk nonsense when you just really shy” Takuzwa finished of her thought off wiping her lips, after every bite.
“Lets start small” Takuzwa said spending the rest of dinner teaching Tom how to gather his confidence.
“We’ve got IN!” Mpundu, the eldest twin, shouted in ecstasy. “We got into UNZA” she continued as everyone gathered round to give her hugs and congratulate her. Talk of after school plans ensued with the excitement of the news.
“What will you do with yourself,” Takuzwa asked Tom as they watched everyone surround the twins, with hugs and good cheer. A round of shots was ordered to celebrate the twins success.
“I don’t know, I’ve never thought about it” Tom shrugged in response. A silence placed itself in between Tom and Takuzwa. He turned to find Takuzwa with her mouth hanging open from surprise.
“I like lots of things okay. I’ve never thought about it seriously. I just live my life day to day, whatever happens, happens,” Tom shrugged trying to not be bothered by her shock.
“Fine! What exactly do you want to do with yourself?” Tom asked his face plastered with resignation.
“Takuzwa!” Mpundu called out, waving Takuzwa over as they stood to leave.
“If you can figure out what you want from life. Give me a call.” Takuzwa said handing Tom a napkin, standing up, giving him her best smile before joining her cousins by the door to the pub.
Tom simply stared at the napkin, red lipstick stain matching her red lips next to a number. What a way to kick off a party, Tom thought to himself.
