The Last Time We Said Goodbye

Final day in Grade 9

I'm finally finishing grade 9! I'm super excited but also a bit nervous about starting high school. I've had a tough time recently, especially with Sibusiso. We stopped talking, and it really hurt me because I had strong feelings for him. He was always so energetic and supportive, and it's hard to let go.

Akhanya has been trying to be there for me, but it's just not the same. She's my best friend, and I love her, but my heart still wishes things could go back to how they were with Sibusiso. I know it's not possible, but it's hard to move on.

Today's my last day in grade 9, and I'm making the most of it. We're having a party in class, and everyone is laughing and having fun. We're also choosing our classes for the next three years, and Akhanya and I found out we won't be in the same class. I'm going to be in 10D, and she's going to be in 10A. I'm a bit sad about that, but I know we'll still be friends.

I also got my report, but I'm too scared to open it. I'm worried about what my mom will say if I didn't do well. I'll wait until I get home and show it to her. I hope I did okay.As I walked home from school, I couldn't stop thinking about my report. I was nervous about showing it to my mom. I hoped I had done well enough to make her proud.

When I got home, I found my mom in the kitchen, cooking dinner. She smiled when she saw me and asked about my day. I told her about the party and choosing our classes. Then, I hesitated before pulling out my report from my pocket.

"Mom, I got my report," I said, my voice shaking a little. My mom put down the spoon she was holding and came over to me. "Let's take a look," she said, smiling.

I handed her the report, and she opened it. She scanned the page, her expression serious. Then, she looked up at me and smiled. "You did great, kiddo!" she said. "I'm proud of you." I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and I smiled back at her.It's December, and I'm thrilled to find out that I've been promoted to Grade 10! I'm relieved and happy that I made it through Grade 9. Now, I'm excited to start this new chapter of my life.

I remember the day I got my report card. I was nervous about showing it to my mom, but when she saw my grades, she was proud of me. "You did great, kiddo!" she said, giving me a big hug.

Now, I'm looking forward to starting Grade 10. I've heard it's a bit tougher than Grade 9, but I'm ready for the challenge. I'm also excited to meet new teachers and make new friends. Akhanya and I will still be friends, even though we won't be in the same class. We're going to make sure to stay in touch and support each other through high school. Bring on Grade 10!

It's the festive season, and everyone is spending time with their families. Akhanya is away on holiday in the Eastern Cape, but I'm happy to have my dad home after being away for 6 months. My brother Cwenga is always teasing me, but I love him anyway. My mom is busy cooking delicious food in the kitchen, and the smell of samp and beans is making my stomach growl.

One Friday morning, I woke up to the sound of birds singing outside. The weather was beautiful, with the sun shining brightly through my window. I stretched my arms and yawned, feeling excited for the day ahead. I jumped out of bed and ran to the kitchen to see what my mom was cooking. "Mom, what's for breakfast?" I asked, giving her a big hug.

"Good morning, sweetie! I was thinking of making some delicious amasi and bread," she replied with a smile. My brother Cwenga walked into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes. "Can I have some too?" he asked, grinning at me.

I laughed and playfully pushed him away. "Get your own!" I joked. My dad walked into the kitchen, looking relaxed and happy. "Good morning, family! What's all the excitement about?" he asked, giving us each a warm smile.

I felt grateful to have my family around me, enjoying this special time together. We spent the morning laughing, talking, and enjoying each other's company. It was going to be an amazing holiday season!

We all went out to have an amazing time as a family. Dad took us to Grand West, but since he doesn't have a car, we called an Uber to take us there. As we arrived, Cwenga's eyes widened with excitement. "Can I play games now, please?" he begged Mom. She smiled and took his hand, "Let's go, baby!"

I stayed behind with Dad, and we walked to the Mac café to grab some ice cream. I ordered my favorite flavor, chocolate, and Dad got his usual vanilla. As we sat down to enjoy our treats, I turned to him with a big smile. "Thank you, Dad, for everything. This means a lot to me," I said, feeling grateful.

Dad looked at me with a warm smile and replied, "Don't worry, Langelihle, it's my duty to make sure you're happy, my child." I loved the way he said my name – it always made me feel special.

After finishing our ice cream, I stood up and said, "Okay, Father, let's go join Mom and Cwenga. I'm sure they're having a blast playing games!" Dad chuckled and nodded, and we walked off to find them. As we walked, I could hear the sounds of laughter and excitement from the game area. We finally found Mom and Cwenga, who were both screaming with joy as they played a racing game. We joined in, and soon we were all laughing and having the best time together as a family.

We spent the whole day at Grand West, playing games, eating, and laughing together. Cwenga was super excited, and I loved seeing him so happy. Mom and Dad were smiling too, and it felt great to see them relaxed and enjoying themselves.

As the day went on, we decided it was time to head back home. We called an Uber, and as we drove, Cwenga fell asleep in Mom's arms. I sat next to Dad, looking out the window at the passing scenery. When we got home, Dad gently placed Cwenga on his blanket, and Mom helped me put away the leftover food from our outing.

Our small one-room house was cozy, with Mom and Dad's bed in one corner and mine and Cwenga's blankets in another. As we cleaned up, Dad came over and smiled. "That was an amazing day, wasn't it?" he asked. I nodded, smiling back at him. "Yes, Dad, it was incredible. Thanks for taking us out."

Mom chimed in, "We're so lucky to have you, dear." Dad smiled, looking happy and content. We all sat down together, watching TV and chatting about our favorite parts of the day. As the night went on, Cwenga stirred a bit but didn't wake up. Mom and Dad sat close to me, and we all felt grateful for this special day together.

As bedtime approached, Mom helped me get ready for bed while Dad settled in next to Cwenga. I changed into my pajamas and snuggled into my blanket, feeling happy and full. "Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Dad," I whispered. They both replied, "Goodnight, sweetie. Sleep tight." With a big smile on my face, I drifted off to sleep, already looking forward to our next family adventure.

The next morning, I woke up feeling happy because Christmas was just around the corner. Mom had already made breakfast – eggs and bacon, Cwenga's favorite! I turned to Cwenga and said, "Wake up, I have a surprise for you!" He rubbed his eyes and asked, "What is it?" I teased him, "Mom has made your favorite meal – bacon and eggs!" Cwenga's eyes lit up, and he shouted, "Are you serious?" He jumped out of bed and ran to Mom, hugging her tightly. "Mom, I love you!" he exclaimed.

Dad was still sleeping, but Cwenga woke him up, saying, "Dad, Dad, wake up! The sun is already up, and you're still sleeping!" Dad laughed and got out of bed. We all enjoyed our breakfast together, chatting and laughing. After breakfast, I decided to take a walk alone. As I walked, I bumped into Sibusiso. He just passed by without acknowledging me, like we were strangers again. I thought to myself, "We're strangers again, but this time with good memories."

I continued my walk and decided to visit my childhood friend Ntando. As I approached his house, I saw him sitting on the doorstep. He looked up and smiled when he saw me. "Hey, bestie! Guess who's here to visit you?" I said, opening my arms for a hug. Ntando's face lit up, and he hugged me back. "Yho, my friend! Long time no see! Where have you been?" he asked.

"It's a long story," I replied. "Let's take a walk, and I'll tell you everything." Ntando nodded, and we set off, catching up on old times. As we walked, I told him about my recent adventures and my feelings about Sibusiso. Ntando listened attentively, offering words of encouragement and advice. It felt great to share my thoughts with my old friend. We walked for a while, enjoying the sunshine and each other's company. Suddenly, Ntando said, "By the way, Aza is on holiday too with Akhanya. They're cousins, you know." I smiled, remembering the good times we had together. "That's great!" I said. "I'm sure they'll have lots of fun together."

As we walked, Ntando and I talked about our plans for Christmas. The sun was shining, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. We both loved this time of year, with all the festivities and time spent with family and friends. Ntando invited me to join him for a Christmas party in our neighborhood, and I promised to try and make it.

The sound of laughter and music filled the air as we strolled through the streets. We chatted about our favorite holiday traditions and what we were looking forward to most. After a while, I said goodbye to Ntando and headed back home, feeling uplifted and happy.

When I arrived, Mom was busy cooking lunch in the kitchen, and the aroma of delicious food wafted through the house. Cwenga was playing with his toys, giggling and having a great time. Dad was sitting on the couch, reading a book, and the warm glow of the TV added to the cozy atmosphere.

We had a lovely lunch together as a family, savoring the flavors and enjoying each other's company. The rest of the day was quiet and relaxing, filled with good food, good company, and happy memories. As the day came to an end, we had dinner together and watched TV before bed, feeling grateful for the love and warmth that filled our home.

I couldn't sit still, I was so excited to share the news with Ntando. I pulled out my phone and sent him a w******p message. "Bestie, my parents agreed about the Christmas party, so what time are we leaving?" I asked, barely containing my enthusiasm.

Ntando replied almost immediately. "Don't worry, Langa, Christmas is in a few days. I'll tell you the time as it gets closer." I couldn't help but respond with a flurry of emotions. "Okay, I'm just too excited! I can't wait," I typed, my thumbs flying across the screen.