Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Mmabatho's room. She stretched and got up, making her way to the mirror. There it was â a small, noticeable bump. She touched it softly, a smile spreading across her face. It was real now, more than ever. Excitedly, she grabbed her phone and took a picture, sending it to Ona first. Before she could put her phone down, it rang.
"Look at you!" Ona's voice was loud and thrilled. "You're starting to show! I'm so excited for you."
"I know, right?" Mmabatho laughed. "It feels so surreal."
As they were chatting, her phone pinged with a text from Sandile: Saw the picture. Incredible. Hope you're feeling good. She responded with a quick Yes, I am!, smiling at the thought of how supportive he was.
Feeling the energy for a day out, Mmabatho rummaged through her wardrobe. She slipped into baggy blue jeans, a contour rib racer bodysuit, and threw on a neck gradient button knitted long-sleeve top. Completing the outfit with her Nike Dunks Low in teal pink, she gave herself a nod of approval in the mirror. Ready.
Ona pulled up outside with her music blasting. "Come on, superstar!" she called as Mmabatho locked her door and walked to the car.
They spent the drive catching up and laughing, heading to one of their favorite spots â a restaurant known for its laid-back vibe and amazing brunch. They snagged a table near the window, where they could people-watch as they ate.
"So, when am I planning your baby shower?" Ona teased, sipping her iced coffee.
"Let me get through today first," Mmabatho chuckled. "The idea of a whole party makes me tired just thinking about it."
Mid-laugh, a tall, handsome man walked up to their table. He had deep brown skin and an easy confidence. His eyes met Mmabatho's, and he smiled.
"Sorry to interrupt. I'm Andile Bayise," he said, voice smooth and warm. "I noticed you from across the room and couldn't leave without saying hi. Is it okay if I ask for your number?"
Ona's eyebrows shot up as she tried not to grin. Mmabatho felt a rush of heat to her cheeks. She hadn't been approached in a while, especially not by someone who looked like him.
"Hi, Andile," she said, trying to play it cool. "I'm Mmabatho. Sure, why not." She handed him her phone, and their fingers brushed as he entered his number.
"I'll text you soon," Andile said, giving her one last smile before heading back to his table.
As soon as he was gone, Ona's mouth dropped open. "Okay, did that just happen? I mean, I know you're glowing and all, but wow."
Mmabatho laughed, the sound bubbling up in her chest. "Yeah, it did. And I wasn't ready for it."
"Well, ready or not, here he comes," Ona said, giving her a playful nudge.
The rest of the day went by in a blur of conversation, laughter, and a lot of "what-just-happened" moments. Life was getting interesting, and Mmabatho wasn't sure how she felt about it