Nalenhle. His obsession, Her secret

For two weeks, Nalenhle had found strange notes in her bag, folded neatly and hidden. At first, she thought they were just a joke, maybe from a friend. But they kept showing up, one after the other, each note more mysterious than the last. Simple words, but enough to make her feel uneasy. “You are perfect, Nalenhle.” “I see you, even when you don’t see me.”

The handwriting was clear but soft, as if it was meant only for her. She never told anyone about the notes—Zara, Lelo, her mom, or even Anthony. They were her secret, something just for her.

Tonight, she found another note while reaching into her bag to grab her phone. Her heart skipped when she read it: “You are the queen of my thoughts. I wonder if you feel my eyes on you.”

The words seemed to make the room feel heavier, like they carried something important. She read it again, letting the words sink in. It was strange. Every time she read these notes, something inside her stirred. She felt it in her stomach, a mix of excitement and confusion. She never told anyone how it made her feel.

Even though she had Anthony, who was kind and caring, Nalenhle couldn’t ignore the pull she felt when she read the notes. With Anthony, everything was easy, calm. But sometimes she wanted more than that. She wanted someone who would watch her all the time, someone who couldn’t take his eyes off her. Someone who would make her feel important, like she was the only person in his world.

She looked in the mirror, her fingers tracing the edge of the note. She couldn’t help but smile a little. The attention from the unknown person made her feel powerful, like someone really wanted her. She wanted to feel that. The idea of someone being obsessed with her, thinking about her constantly, made her heart race.

She shook her head, trying to focus, and put the note back in her bag. But the feeling didn’t go away. It was there, tugging at her, making her want more. She imagined the person behind the notes, someone strong and sure of what he wanted. It felt exciting, but also a little dangerous.

As she left the room, her body felt restless, as if something was pulling her towards this unknown person. She paused by the door, wondering how he always managed to leave the notes in her bag without her noticing. She smiled to herself, shaking off the thought. It felt strange, but it also made her feel good. She liked the mystery, the secret attention. Maybe this was something she wanted to keep.

She chuckled quietly as she left, thinking about how she had a crush on the person who was watching her, leaving the notes. It felt a little silly, but it was exciting too.

Nalenhle’s phone buzzed, interrupting her thoughts. She glanced down at the screen, seeing Anthony’s name flashing.

“Hey, baby,” she answered, her voice soft, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

“Happy anniversary, love,” Anthony’s voice came through, warm and familiar. “Don’t be late tonight, okay? I’ve got something special planned for us.”

She smiled, her heart fluttering at the thought. “I won’t, I promise. Can’t wait to see you.”

He chuckled, a playful tone in his voice. “Good. I’ll be waiting.”

The line went quiet for a moment before he added, “We’ll make tonight unforgettable.”

Her chest tightened a little as his words lingered, but she quickly pushed the feeling away. “I’ll be there,” she said, her voice steady.

As the call ended, Nalenhle sat there for a moment, her fingers lightly tapping the edge of her phone. She couldn’t shake the mix of excitement and uncertainty that had settled in her chest. But tonight was about them, about celebrating their love—she would push everything else aside.

Nalenhle’s heels clicked loudly on the wooden floor as she paced up and down her room. The clock on her bedside table glowed with the time: 7:47 p.m. She grabbed her phone again, but Anthony’s name still sat in her “recent calls” list. He hadn’t answered, not even once in the past hour.

She sighed, pressing her lips together. The burgundy dress she wore, which fit her perfectly before, now felt tight and uncomfortable. Her stomach churned as she took a deep breath and glanced out of the window. Maybe he’s stuck in traffic, she thought, trying to imagine his white Mercedes coming down the street. But outside was quiet. The road was empty.

Without thinking, she picked up her phone again and dialled his number. It rang and rang before going straight to voicemail. Her chest tightened. It’s our anniversary, she reminded herself, feeling a sting of bitterness. He wouldn’t just ignore me, would he?

She looked around her room, her eyes landing on the mirror. The woman in the reflection didn’t feel like her. She looked stunning in the deep burgundy dress, her lips painted and her eyeliner sharp, but the confidence in her appearance didn’t match how she felt inside. Tonight, she felt small and unsure, like a stranger in her own skin.

Her phone buzzed. It was a message on WhatsApp from Lelo Babe, what’s going on? You good? Nalenhle stared at the screen, typing a reply and deleting it several times before finally settling on something simple I need you guys tonight.

After pressing send, she pulled the dress off and tossed it onto the bed. She grabbed her favourite comfy clothes—black sweatpants and an oversized hoodie—and quickly changed. The soft fabric made her feel safer, like she was building a shield around herself. She wiped off her makeup, removing the day’s frustration with each swipe until she finally felt like herself again. Her phone buzzed, and Zara’s face popped up on the screen as she answered the video call. He greeted her with his usual dramatic flair. “Girl, we’re on our way! Don’t think you’re getting rid of us that easily,” he said, raising an eyebrow while his perfectly styled curls bounced. “So, what’s the deal with Mr. No-Show? Still ignoring you?”

Anthony’s name caught in her throat, the hurt she’d been trying to bury bubbling back up. She forced herself to keep it light. “You two were probably bored anyway,” she teased with a smirk. “Come over. Let’s drink some wine. I’ve got snacks, obviously.”

Lelo’s face popped into view next to Zara’s, a playful grin spreading as she held up a pizza box. “We’re on our way. And look—we’ve got reinforcements. Don’t even pretend you didn’t need this.”

As the call ended, Nalenhle let out a small sigh of relief. Some of the tension in her shoulders eased. She couldn’t fix whatever was going on with Anthony right now, but at least she could count on her friends.

She quickly headed downstairs to let her mom know they were coming over. The house was quiet, almost too quiet, except for the faint sound of Brenda’s voice coming from her office. Nalenhle peeked inside.

Brenda was at her desk, leaning back in her chair, her blouse unbuttoned just enough to draw attention. She laughed softly at something the person on the other end of her call had said.

Nalenhle smiled to herself and stepped into the room. “Mom?” she called gently.

Brenda looked up, her face lighting up with a playful smile as she ended the call and adjusted her blouse. “What’s up, sweetheart? Here to steal me away?”

“Just letting you know that Zara and Lelo are coming over. We’re having a wine night, so I’ll be raiding your stash,” Nalenhle said with a mischievous grin.

Brenda raised an eyebrow, her expression knowing. “My wine, huh? Alright. But I’m guessing there’s more to this night than just drinks.” Her voice softened as she added, “Are you okay, Nale?”

Nalenhle shrugged and leaned against the doorframe. “It’s nothing. Just… plans changed,” she said casually.

Brenda held her gaze for a moment, clearly seeing through her words but choosing not to press. “Alright, but don’t let those two turns you into a wild party animal,” she teased. The warmth in her voice was undeniable, even as she let Nalenhle go.

Back in her room, Nalenhle took a deep breath. The excitement she had felt earlier started to return. Tonight wasn’t going to be about Anthony. She would focus on her friends—the ones who always stood by her. Her phone buzzed with another message from Lelo: On our way!

As she shut the door, her eyes caught her reflection in the mirror again. This time, there was a spark of determination in her gaze. On her nightstand, her diary lay open, its pages filled with thoughts about the kind of love she wanted—gentle, steady, and safe. A love that lasted.

Why is love the one thing I can never seem to get right? she wondered, closing the diary.

She thought about Zara and Lelo. They’d bring laughter, comfort, and their usual chaos. A small smile crept onto her face as she pictured their loud entrance. Right on cue, her phone buzzed again, Zara’s name lighting up the screen.

“Girl, we’re outside!” Zara’s voice rang through the speaker, full of energy and warmth.

“Hurry up, Nale!” Lelo shouted in the background, laughing.

A grin spread across Nalenhle’s face. Who needed a boyfriend when she had friends like these? She raced downstairs and opened the door just as Zara and Lelo walked in, acting like they owned the place.

“You guys…” Nalenhle shook her head, laughing as they immediately raided the cupboard, grabbing glasses, snacks, and a bottle of wine. Zara held up the bottle with a playful wink. “Tonight’s all about you, babe!”

Back in her room, the mood became light and joyful. Lelo turned up the music, and soon they were dancing, laughing, and toasting with every silly story they shared. Nalenhle felt the day’s stress melt away, replaced by the warmth of their company and the calming buzz of good wine.

The music pulsed, blending with their laughter. Zara leaned back on her bed, his wine glass resting on his knee, a mischievous look in his eye. “So…” he said with a sly grin. “Any updates on Mr. No-Show?”

Nalenhle raised an eyebrow, pretending not to care. “Anthony? Nothing worth talking about,” she said, swirling her wine glass like his absence didn’t bother her.

Lelo smirked knowingly. “Come on, Nale, it’s your anniversary. You can’t tell me you’re not at least a little annoyed. Especially after you got all dressed up for him.” She nodded toward the dress draped over Nalenhle’s chair—a quiet reminder of the night’s ruined plans.

Nalenhle sighed, rolling her eyes. “Maybe a little,” she admitted softly. “But if he can’t see what he’s missing, that’s his problem.”

Zara let out a whistle, raising his glass. “Cheers to that. Any guy who doesn’t appreciate you doesn’t deserve you. You’re a queen—he’s lucky just to breathe the same air as you.”

They clinked glasses, the sound like a promise of better moments ahead. The conversation shifted to lighter topics: school gossip, weird professors, and campus drama. Lelo acted out a hilarious story about a presentation gone wrong, making Nalenhle laugh harder than she had in weeks.

Time slipped by easily until Zara glanced at his phone. His smile faded as he stared at the screen, his mouth slightly open.

“What’s wrong?” Lelo asked, noticing his change in expression.

Zara didn’t answer right away. His thumb hovered over the screen before he looked at Nalenhle, worry clear in his eyes. “Have you checked the news tonight?”

Nalenhle frowned, her laughter fading. “No, why?”

Zara hesitated, then handed her the phone. “You need to see this.”

A sense of dread settled over Nalenhle as she took the phone from Zara. Her heart pounded as her eyes locked onto the headline:

Missing Student Found Dead by the Sea—One Year Later, Ntando Returns in Tragedy

The words blurred, but the photo beneath them was unmistakable. Ntando. His smile—a familiar, haunting reminder of a love she had lost—stared back at her. He had been her boyfriend, the one who vanished without explanation, leaving behind unanswered questions and a hollow ache. And now, a year later, he was truly gone.

Her grip tightened around the phone, the hard edges biting into her skin, but she barely noticed. Her chest felt heavy, her breath shallow as a hot rush filled her ears. She stood abruptly, her body moving without thought.

“Nala, where are you going?” Lelo’s voice broke through, sharp with concern.

Nalenhle didn’t answer. Her mind swirled with memories—his laughter, their quiet moments, the pain of his sudden absence—all crashing into the cruel reality that he was never coming back. She stumbled out of the room, Zara and Lelo’s voices fading into the background.

The cool night air hit her like a slap, grounding her just enough to stop. She closed her eyes, letting the breeze wash over her, but it couldn’t soothe the raw ache in her chest.

“Nale!” Zara’s voice snapped her out of her daze. She turned to see him and Lelo catching up, their faces etched with worry.

“Are you okay?” Zara asked softly, his tone careful, like he feared his words might shatter her.

Nalenhle took a shaky breath, her fingers trembling as she tried to steady herself. A whole year of waiting, wondering, hoping—and now this. But instead of breaking, a strange calm washed over her, numbing the sharp edges of her grief.

“I’m fine,” she said, her voice quieter than she intended. She managed a strained smile, glancing between her friends. “We… still have wine, right?”

Zara and Lelo exchanged hesitant glances but didn’t push her. Relief softened their faces as they followed her back inside.

The three of them sprawled across Nalenhle’s bed, wine glasses in hand, the soft glow of the bedside lamp casting a warm light over the room. Lelo balanced a bowl of popcorn on her lap while Zara recounted his latest dating disaster.

“Oh, I thought he was different,” Zara groaned, his hand to his forehead in mock despair. “But no—he’s another ‘Mr. I-Know-It-All.’ And guess what? He talked about cheese for two hours. Two!”

Lelo burst out laughing, nearly spilling her wine. “Stop! Cheese guy needs a Netflix special!”

Nalenhle chuckled, shaking her head. “You really should write these down, Zara. They’re comedy gold.”

The warmth of the moment seeped into her, filling the cracks left by the day’s news. Here, with Zara and Lelo, she felt something no one else could give her—comfort, understanding, and an unshakable bond.

“Alright, enough about me,” Zara declared, waving a hand. “This music is depressing. It’s like I’m back at my aunt’s awkward reunion.”

Nalenhle grabbed her phone, quickly finding a more upbeat track. As the music started, Lelo jumped up, holding out a hand. “Dance break, Nale!”

Laughing, she took it, letting him spin her in a circle. Zara joined in, snapping his fingers dramatically as they turned the bedroom into a makeshift dance floor.

For a little while, the weight of the day lifted. Laughter filled the room, their movements syncing with the music as they danced like no one was watching. The wine dwindled, the hours slipped by, and in that fleeting moment, there was no pain—only joy, the pulse of the music, and the grounding presence of her friends.

By morning, sunlight poured into Nalenhle’s room, illuminating the aftermath of their night. Empty wine glasses sat tipped over, popcorn kernels dotted the blankets, and the air was thick with the remnants of shared laughter.

Nalenhle sat quietly in the back of the Uber, noticing the driver sneaking glances at her through the rearview mirror. His eyes lingered, a mix of awe and curiosity, as if he had never seen someone like her before. She turned her gaze to the city lights outside, feigning indifference, letting their glow blur the moment.

When the car pulled up to Lelo’s house, her friend was already waiting at the gate, looking radiant in a pink dress that balanced modern chic with a touch of tradition. Her heels clicked softly as she opened the car door, giving Nale a playful curtsy before sliding in beside her with a grin.

The ride to the event was short, the air between them filled with light conversation and bursts of laughter. But just as they were nearing their destination, both their phones buzzed simultaneously. They glanced at their screens—a video call from Zara.

They picked up, and Zara’s stressed face filled the screen, his wide eyes betraying desperation.

“Girls, where are you? I need your help!” His voice was tight with panic. “Two of my models cancelled last minute, and my fashion line is up in less than ten minutes. Please, I need you to model for me!”

Nalenhle and Lelo exchanged stunned glances, their mouths slightly agape. Zara, sensing their hesitation, pleaded further. “Nalenhle, I know you’ve always loved modelling. Please, just this once!”

The urgency in his voice left no room for refusal. Almost in unison, they nodded.

“Alright, Zara,” Nale said. “We’re on our way. We’ve got you.”

Relief washed over Zara’s face as he mumbled a quick thanks before the call ended.

The venue buzzed with energy, the atmosphere electric as models strutted down the runway, their confidence radiating. Nalenhle and Lelo stepped inside, dazzled by the scene, but there was no time to linger. Zara met them at the entrance, his expression a mix of gratitude and nerves. He hurried them backstage, handing over two stunning dresses.

“These were meant for the others, but they’ll fit perfectly,” he said, ushering them into a dressing area.

Minutes later, Zara’s segment began. Lelo took her turn first, her steps graceful and sure, her presence commanding the crowd’s attention. The audience responded with audible admiration; the room alive with excitement.

Then it was Nalenhle’s turn.

She took a deep breath, stepping onto the runway. The lights were blinding, the music pulsing, but she focused on the rhythm of her steps. Each stride became more confident, her nerves dissolving as she sank into the moment she’d dreamed of for so long.

But halfway down the runway, her heel caught.

It happened so fast—a stumble, a brief gasp, and then a fall. She hit the stage with a soft thud, her cheeks flaming as the room fell into a tense silence.

For a moment, she froze. Then, from the front row, a man stood. He was tall and composed, his presence commanding. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and extended a hand.

Nalenhle looked up, meeting his eyes. They were dark, intense, and strangely comforting, holding her gaze like an anchor. She placed her hand in his, feeling the steady warmth of his grip as he gently pulled her to her feet.

The murmurs in the crowd faded as he guided her off the stage, his calmness enveloping her like a shield. His scent—spicy and rich, with notes of sandalwood—lingered as he released her hand backstage.

“Thank you,” she murmured, barely able to find her voice.

He gave her a small, private smile, nodding once before disappearing into the crowd.

Zara rushed to her side, his face full of concern. “Nalenhle, are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she said, though her voice was shaky. Her thoughts lingered on the mysterious man who had helped her, his intense gaze still etched in her mind.

Lelo returned backstage moments later, glowing from her walk, her confidence radiating. She embraced Nalenhle warmly, whispering, “You were amazing out there.”

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of celebration. Drinks flowed, compliments poured in for Zara’s designs, and laughter filled the air. Despite the unexpected twists, they ended the night in high spirits, toasting to friendship and the power of showing up when it mattered most. Nalenhle’s heart skipped when Anthony’s name lit up her phone screen, piercing the evening’s excitement like a sudden storm cloud. Her breath caught as she opened the message, her eyes scanning the words that sank heavy in her chest:

“I’m sorry for not showing up last night for our anniversary dinner… There’s a lot happening, and I’m sorry for wasting your time.”

Her fingers hovered above the screen, her jaw tightening. “Wasting your time.” The words echoed, sharp and dismissive, reducing their shared memories to a passing inconvenience. A familiar ache clawed at her, but she pushed it down, refusing to let it overwhelm her.

She hit the call button, her fingers trembling. The ringing seemed endless, but no answer came. Her chest tightened as she tried again, gripping the phone harder, only for the line to cut off once more. Desperation rising, she typed a quick reply: Then pick up my call.

The message failed to send.

The notification stared back at her like a closed door she couldn’t force open. She lowered the phone, her hand trembling as the sting of rejection washed over her. A prickling warmth rose behind her eyes, but she blinked it back, unwilling to let tears fall.

This wasn’t new. Relationships always seemed to end this way for her. Yet, each time, the pang was just as sharp, slicing through the fragile hope she clung to. She swallowed hard, trying to shake the gnawing thought that had haunted her for years: Maybe you’re just meant to be alone.

Her mind wandered to her father—a shadow more than a memory. He’d left so early in her life that his absence had become a constant ache. It was a void she’d tried to fill with others, but they always left too, one by one, like leaves caught in a breeze.

Straightening her shoulders, she exhaled slowly, forcing the vulnerability to pass.

The room around her pulsed with life. Laughter and chatter wove together, punctuated by the soft clink of glasses and bursts of camera flashes. Friends leaned into each other, arms draped over shoulders, their faces lit with joy. Sequins sparkled under the bright lights, adding a magical glint to the vibrant atmosphere.

Nearby, Zara and Lelo were lost in laughter, their expressions carefree and glowing. Nalenhle watched them, her lips curving into a faint smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Their ease felt foreign, like a language she couldn’t speak.

The music shifted to something more upbeat, and the crowd began moving to the rhythm. People paired off, bodies swaying and twirling, their laughter blending with the music’s thrum.

Nale stayed seated, tracing the rim of her glass absentmindedly. Her phone lay face-up on the table, its screen dark and unyielding, mocking her with its silence. She tried to focus on the energy around her—the swirling dresses, the infectious music—but a knot of unease refused to loosen.

Her gaze fell on the couples scattered across the room, their hands intertwined, their gazes warm and intimate. A sharp pang cut through her, and her mind returned to Anthony’s message, to the way his absence felt like another door shutting her out.

She let out a soft sigh, willing herself to let it go, but the weight of the past clung to her. Her father’s departure, Anthony’s indifference—it all felt connected, an unbroken thread of abandonment weaving through her life.

Her fingers tightened around the glass as she resolved to push the pain aside. The night was still young, and her friends were here, their joy an anchor pulling her back from the edge of her thoughts.

For now, she would try to lose herself in the moment, even if the shadows lingered just beneath the surface.

Maybe that’s why no one stays. Maybe it’s why Anthony didn’t bother to show up, didn’t bother to explain, didn’t bother to make it right.

Her grip tightens around the glass, the cool surface biting into her palm as her thoughts spiral. She’s always the one left behind, always the one picking up the jagged pieces of her heart. The pattern feels endless, like a curse she can’t escape. And she’s tired. Tired of hoping, tired of believing things could be different. It’s easier, she’s learned, to expect nothing than to hold onto a hope that dissolves like smoke.

“Nale!” Zara’s voice cuts through the storm in her mind, sharp and clear. It jolts her like a splash of cold water, and the room around her snaps back into focus. She blinks, realizing she’s been staring at her phone, lost in thoughts too heavy to share.

Zara’s standing beside her, his hand on her shoulder, his expression full of concern. “Are you okay, chomi?”

Nale forces a smile, tucking the ache deep down where no one can see. “I’m fine,” she says, her voice steady but hollow. The words feel like a lie even as she speaks to them.

Zara’s eyes narrow slightly, searching her face for cracks in her mask. He knows her too well to be fooled, but he doesn’t push. Instead, he offers her one of his signature grins, lifting his glass and tapping it gently against hers. “We’ll get you back on your feet, hey? You’re here, you’re stunning, and we’re going to have a damn good time tonight. Promise me?”

Nale nods, though her heart isn’t in it. She takes a sip of her drink, the burn of the alcohol doing little to dull the ache inside. Around her, the room hums with life—music pulses, laughter rises and falls, and cameras flash, capturing moments she feels too disconnected to be part of.

The music shifts to a slower, softer tune. Couples drift onto the dance floor, moving together in easy rhythm, their bodies close, their movements intimate. Nale watches them, the sight tugging at something deep inside her. It’s a cruel reminder of what she craves but has never been able to hold onto.

She looks away, forcing her gaze back to Zara and Lelo. They’re laughing, radiant, lost in their own carefree bubble. Nale tries to absorb their energy, to let their joy pull her from the depths of her thoughts. But the weight inside her is relentless, pressing down like an invisible hand she can’t shake off.

No matter how loud the laughter gets, no matter how many toasts are raised or pictures taken, there’s a hollow space within her. It lingers, a quiet void that no amount of distraction can fill. And no matter how much she tries to push it aside, that voice creeps in again, whispering the words she fears most: You’ll always be left behind.