12

SOLEIL

I had asked Char to come over to my dorm room to get ready. I did not need the unnecessary anxiety of bumping into Hailey or her clan if we were already spending the evening at her party. But according to Char, they would be getting ready at the house not their dorms because they also needed to set up. Either way, I still needed her to come over and help me with my hair. If I'm being honest, I'm keen on meeting these malenated cool kids that Mark is vouching for.

Char switched off the flat iron and ran a wide toothed comb through my tresses. I didn't let many people touch my hair, but my bestie had a gift in this department you know. The kinks and curls had been straightened but my hair had body.

Charlondra on the other hand was wilding out. Her coils were fluffed out to the max. She shook the hell out of me when I invited her over to the Halloween party and she immediately agreed. She had a Dora Milaje outfit on hand. Apparently, she had snagged it at a Durban market over mid-term break.

I looked between myself clad in a two piece and Char's bad ass military outfit that covered her from neck to toe.

"Explain to me how these two items can exist in your wardrobe, again?"

"Well when my mom was buying some Zulu sandals at the market she asked if they could make custom orders and since they already work with leather and beads, it gave me an idea for the harness and belt. That," she points at my outfit as I touch my exposed mid-section and thigh, "I got off the rail from a different stall." She shrugs her shoulders. "If I'm feeling cute I might wear it."

Charlondra moved over to stand beside me, now looking at herself in the mirror. She crossed her arms over her chest then snapped the heels of her boots together and stood straighter, mimicking a soldier at attention.

"Well, you look like you understood the assignment and I look like I'm trying too hard. Bohemian princess meets African dashiki?"

"Exactly! You look hot. You are totally pulling off the Wakanda princess that I must protect from the wild hyenas that are masquerading themselves as suitors. If there was enough time, I would have made you a crown."

"Overkill." I deadpan.

I still can't believe she's roped me into this charade. And what's up with her accent? But I'm trying to focus on the positives like her agreeing to come and actually having fun.

"Ooo Killmonger. Now there's another fine specimen."

I quirk my brow in surprise. Make that two men Chalondra found appealing, albeit both were fictional. Move over Kal-el.

"So you and Mark... What happened to Brice? There's a 99% probability that he'll be there tonight."

I reached for my phone after hearing the ping of a text. Mark was downstairs.

"Mark invited us and other friends of his to this party. We're just friends. By the way he's outside waiting. We're going to socialise for a change."

I led the way out locking the door behind me with every intention of having a good time, Brice be damned.

Mark pulled up in a black Range sporting edition. My smile mirrors his as we make our way over to him. He has the front and back door open and waiting for us. He holds out his hand to me but before I can make contact, Char separates us with that damn spear of hers. She managed to put it together in the D&T lab in less than a day.

"Tread carefully. You are in the presence of royalty," she warns Mark in that accent she keeps using.

"She's in character," I offer to him in explanation.

I don't know whether to laugh or roll my eyes at the theatrics but Mark's a good sport and nods. He helps me in and closes my door before doing the same for Char.

"This is nice," she comments as she checks out the bright white interior.

"He's nice too."

"We'll see. And don't think I didn't notice you avoided my question on Brice."

"Duly noted," I say, hoping she'll get the hint and drop it.

"Ladies you look stunning." Mark comments once he's in. He adjusts his rear-view mirror to look at Char and asks, "Wakanda?"

"Actually its the Dora Malaje - the elite-female royal warrior guard. There are other armed forces in Wakanda like the City Guard and Midnight Angels. What are you supposed to be?" she throws back.

"Victor before he became Cyborg."

"DC fan. Cool. Explains the football jacket."

"And you Soleil?" he asks looking at me.

"She's Xolisa, a princess from Wakanda - 300 years before T'Challa was even born. It's a fanfic I'm working on," Char responds for me.

This time I do roll my eyes.

"Apparently I'm Xolisa. Haven't read the novel in question though. What do you think? Am I pulling it off?" I cross my arms and mean mug him before I cross my legs and bat my lashes.

Mark laughs then tips his hand from side to side in a so-so manner.

"Don't worry about it though. You both look great and it's just a party."

He winks at me and pulls off.

He's a confident driver and holds easy conversation with both Char and I. His playlist is pretty cool and we're soon rapping along to Lil Wayne. He indulges our music requests and listens to SUM41 which he's never heard of. He's not into rock but thinks they're cool.

All too soon, we're parking at La Table D'Olivier. It's a cute French bistro we've come through a few times and order in a lot more from over the weekends when the food from the dining hall just doesn't cut it.

"We're meeting up with the Saints kids here. I thought it would be easier logistically," Mark lets us both know.

"Right. Who exactly are these people?" Char interrogates.

"Some friends I met in primary school in Joburg and some of their friends. I'll introduce you when they arrive so you can put a face to the name."

Char nods her head and stares out the window.

"St Barnabas or St Phoebe's?" I ask.

"Both, I met Tumi and Zanele in Grade 5 and they started dating at the beginning of the year. They've been inseparable since. So ja... he's bringing his boys. She's bringing her girls. It'll be a time," he reassures us.

"I'm gonna go get us a table. Food is a good ice-breaker. I'll order us some starters," Char offers getting out of the car.

"Good idea. Lemme come with. I'm craving some snails."

My tongue salivates at the prospect as I ease out of the car. We're inside ordering food at our table that has been joined with a couple others to make room for 10 when a Beamer and Merc pull up next to Mark. I'm not surprised. Everyone who goes to Milton or Saints is monied. I seriously need to get my licence though. I envy how everyone seems to be driving these days.

"How these white folks going to feel about you pulling up squad deep?" I hear an unfamiliar voice ask.

He walks in through the door in a full black panther suit with the helmet in one hand and his arm thrown around Mark's shoulders trailed by 3 girls and 2 guys. Everyone is chattering excitedly, and three different conversations seem to be going on at once. It brings the quiet restaurant to life.

"We've gone to school together for the past 5 years," Mark gestures to the three of us once he reaches our table. "So it's just your black asses that need a pass. We're good."

He laughs at the frown that creases his friends face.

"Keep playing if you want to catch these hands Markie," says the girl with a black blazer thrown over blue jeans and what appears to be a press pass around her neck. She playfully jabs him in the stomach a couple times.

"Tumi, get your girl. Seriously though, it's no big deal. The house is huge, and it'll probably be packed. I'll introduce y'all to the hosts and I did let them know I would be bringing some friends. Charlondra, Soleil, meet Tumi and his girlfriend Zanele. Friends from way back. Petros and Bandile," he points to the two guys at the back, "Gale and Tshego," he concludes with the other two girls.

We shuffle around the table sharing warm hugs before we take our seats. I have Mark on my right and Char on my left who's seated beside Gale also rocking some Wakanda regalia. It seems that my girl has found her tribe.

Tumi and Zanele sit directly in front of us with Bandile and Petros flanking their sides. Tshego is dressed casually and is already in hushed talks with Petros as they sit across each other.

We discuss Halloween with its myths and legends. Other than Tumi, Gale, and Zanele who's portraying Iris West, no one felt the need to put on a costume.

"We have an All Souls Mass scheduled for the 2 November in honor of the dead. The night before was considered All-hallows Eve, all-hallows being Middle English for all souls, which eventually became known as Halloween," says Bandile.

"That's the catholic rendition but according to history, All Souls was originally All Martyrs Day which Pope Gregory III expanded to incorporate all saints. He also moved the feast/mass (whatever it is you call it) from sometime in May to 1 Nov. Which stands to reason that Halloween is in fact the Celtic festival of Samhain."

"I actually remember an episode of Supernatural on this. Samhain marked the day where the boundry between the living and dead was blurred and it was possible to see people who crossed over return. Argh! I remember the scene where Sam and Dean smear themselves with blood to disguise themselves from the dead," adds Zanele with a shiver.

"That's creepy... when I went trick or treating with my cousins in the States, we just dressed up in white sheets with holes cut out for our eyes and mouth, and went knocking on peoples doors collecting sweets," I chime in.

"Eish if you ask me, this sounds like the European traditions of appeasing their ancestors. I mean we honour Amadlozi to keep things peaceful and they have their saints day and festivals to keep the dead people at bay, you know."

"That's actually an interesting perspective," says Petros who has come out of the little tete-a-tete he was having with Tshego.

The conversation shifts when the food arrives and we discuss the holidays over drinks. When the bill comes, everyone has their wallet at the ready.

"I'm hosting y'all. It's only fair that I pay," Mark insists.

"And since I insisted we sit down to eat, let me get it." Chalondra reaches over for the folder.

"Boy, you always get the bill. I'm starting to feel bad now," says Tumi.

The bill volleys around the table and our waiter looks on patiently waiting with the card machine. I wave her over and ask what the total is.

"R3 500 Ma'am."

"Make it R5k."

She nods and grins as she punches in the total and I tap my card.

The table has gone quiet.

"Ungenapi wena Soleil?" Tumi asks shaking his head in amusement. Where do you enter, Soleil?

"Mark invited me up to Jozi and I trust I'll be seeing you two? So, this is my opportunity to chip in because I doubt any of you will give me a chance." I answer.

I never get the chance to spoil anyone other than my family when I see them or Char. Nor do we get the chance to hang out in a group as big as this. It's been great meeting everyone and a pleasure on my end.

"Ah Mark, uMakhoti lo. Babes you see Soleil doesn't mind paying for dinner."

My vernac is two streets up from the gutter but I know enough to know that a Makhoti is a bride. My cheeks heat in embarrassment. Damn. I think Mark like-likes me. I never saw this coming.

"Yay wena, relax. I bought you that damn Play Station you ignore me for the first week it was out. Thanks Soleil!" Zanele blows me an air kiss over the table and a round of thanks echoes around as we get up and ready to head out.

Tumi and Zanele argue like an old couple but are making up within minutes. Shame, it's actually cute and gives me a real life glimpse into that black love social media is always harping on about. Black Panther and Iris West, huh? Loving the crossover.

We get to the location and know we've arrived based on the cars lining the cul-de-sac street. We park on a bank of grass along the pavement and make the long trek to the house at the end of the road. We know where to go based on the muted but distinct thud of music that shakes the neighborhood.

The walkway leading to the front door is lined with jack-o-lanterns and all the windows give off an ominous red glow. There are a few people in the front yard of the house who increase in number as we make our way up.

Mark takes a hold of my hand as we ascend the stairs. I feel the pace of my heart rate pick up with the gesture.

Inside there are giant cobwebs and spiders hung along the walls and in corners. Bats, lanterns, and all sorts of Halloween decorations are strategically placed to match the spooky setting. I can see that a lot of effort has been put into the theme.

A few feet from the door there is a board that reads, 'ENTRY FEE – 1 SHOT'.

Antonela and Jessica Howes man the table as we gather around with Mark introducing the Saints. They hand us each a small cup of only god knows what. It's an unpleasant brown and smells like acid.

"Not so fast. You're not 18," I hear Hidde say out of the blue and watch him take the cup out of Charlondra's hand.

"You can't be serious. Have you honestly checked everyone's age at this party?" she sputters.

"Just the ones that go to Milton. Them? Not my business. You..."

"Bottoms up!" Tumi calls out, throwing his shot back after toasting with Zanele.

Everyone tips their heads and the contents back.

I follow their lead.

A shiver runs through me. That was horrible.

I feel bad for Char. She's a December baby. How does Hidde know that?

When his back is turned, Char grabs a cup in each hand from the table, swallows one shot down after the other and screams.

Oh. my. god.

Who is this girl?

Is she the same friend I geek out with?

I'm not the only one staring at her in shock. Gale high fives her and they walk past Hidde grinning like the cat that ate the canary. As if she hasn't done enough, Char turns around and sticks her tongue out at the head boy.

I shake my head in amusement. It's going to be one helluva night.

We move further into the house to the source of the sound. There is a sea of people dancing and we join in. There is no rhyme or reason to the music, just bass. I feel Mark move behind me and we bop to the sound grinding against each other.

He tries talking to me over the music but I can't hear him. Eventually I give up and take his hand, moving us out of the crowd to one of the exits.

"You were saying?" I ask once we're in the cool outdoors.

"I was complementing your moves."

"Flattery will get you nowhere. I don't have any moves."

"Well, you were a great dance partner in there. Would you like to be my date to the Matric Dance?"

I'm momentarily at a loss for words as I open and close my mouth trying and failing to give a straight answer.

"I don't even have a dress," is what comes out.

"You weren't planning on coming?" He looks shocked.

"No I wasn't... I mean the organising committee made it after exams. It's technically outside the school calendar."

"I can help you get a dress. You would honestly look stunning in anything." He gives me a quick once over and I blush sweeping the hair off my shoulders as a wave of heat runs down my neck. I feel flushed.

"Mark..."

"Soleil..."

"I don't know."

"Well, I do and I know it's going to be a night neither of us forget. Trust me."

And for some reason I do.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yes, I'll come as your date," I qualify giving into the idea as I mull over possible dresses. "It'll be a tight squeeze-"

"-But it will be worth it."

Mark's smile is bright highlighting his dimples. He's so charming. How can I say no?

"We were wondering where you two wandered off to," Tumi says emerging from the door followed by everyone else.

"Fresh air and to find some drinks. They should be further back," Mark says taking the lead and my hand.

"You can say that again. It's humid as hell in there. My hair is already frizzing up," Zanele moans trying to smooth it down.

We walk through the mini jungle of plants in the back yard and find our way around the pool. There is a projector playing a horror movie on screen. We congregate around a table where everyone is getting refreshments. There are only two options: beer or gin.

The gin is pre-mixed and sits in two dispensers, one green with apples and the other pink with strawberries. I fill a cup of pink and surprisingly enjoy the taste.

The chatter on this side is hushed as those lazing in the pool are fully engrossed in a chase. I focus on the film and quickly realise its A Nightmare On Elm Street. I watched it when I was way too young and had trouble falling asleep for a few months. What kind of monster kills you in your dreams?

Freddy Kruger - that's who.

Two forms walk in front of me obstructing my view of the movie. I shift my focus and meet Hailey in a red body suit with devil horns. Jessica Andrews is in a bikini top made of sea shells and a sequined green skirt. Their bodies are snatched. My earlier complaints to Char seem unwarranted in comparison.

They greet Mark who introduces them to the Saints. He must be tired. I know I'm running out of social gas.

"Soleil, Charlondra, didn't expect to see you two here. Welcome!" Hailey says in a chipper tone.

"Thanks," we reply in unison.

"Yes, what an unexpected surprise."

I know that voice.

I was sincerely hoping I wouldn't bump into Brice tonight, but I guess I was asking for too much.

"Mark," Brice says in greeting, tipping a bottle back

"Brice," Mark echoes in turn.

The tension is palpable but only a privy few notice.

"A monk. Interesting choice," Bandile quips.

I've been trying to avoid Brice's grey gaze which at this point is burning through my profile as I focus on the movie. I relent and look at him, taking notice of the brown rags. What is he wearing? He looks like a pauper.

"Not just any monk. The monk. Dom Perignon." He tips the bottle back and flashes us the blue label.

"Nice!" Tumi puts his fist out and Brice gives him dab.

Everyone's getting to know each other and I make my way over to a pool chair preferring to settle into the movie. I see movement in the corner of my eye and catch Brice throwing off his brown robe and diving into the pool.

He emerges from the water with a fresh bottle of Dom is hand.

I can't take my eyes off his body as he climbs out with ease, the water droplets running rivulets down his abs. He's wearing black trunks today and not the school Speedo's that leave nothing to the imagination. He runs  a hand through his dark hair and catches me staring. He has everyone's attention so I don't feel like a complete dork.

"This may be the last one," he states handing the bottle to Bandile.

"Sweet! Thanks Chief." He gets another round of dabs.

They pop the bottle and Brice hands me a fresh cup. We're drinking champagne out of plastic. My aunt would be mortified. What am I even saying? They have champagne at the bottom of this pool. Ntombi would be dumbfounded.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Brice asks, taking the seat next to mine.

"I didn't think we had anything to talk about if it wasn't school related."

I take a sip and focus on the screen. Homeboy is in the drug store and falling asleep on his feet as he tries to get a prescription that'll keep him awake. Unfortunately, I'm wide awake and experiencing my own private hell.

"Since this is my house, I would think it's only courteous."

Seriously? This is Brice's house? This is his/Hailey's party and I wasn't one of the expected guests. Ouch.

I decide to play it cool though.

"Oh, I had no idea. Nice spot much more homier than the last one you showed me."

An awkward silence falls over us and I busy myself with my drink and the movie. Zanele comes over and sits next to Brice and across from me. "You have a beautiful home. Thanks for having us."

"You're welcome."

"Zanele Mkhize."

"Brice Le Roux."

"So you two know each other?" Zanele pries.

"No."

"Yes."

We say at the same time.

"We go to the same school. We don't really hang out much," I add, attempting to substantiate my no. I take a long sip.

"I would say we know each other rather intimately. We've been spending almost every day with each other over the past few weeks."

His eyes bore into mine and I can't help but take note of his sharp jaw and the single, dark, wet strand that's dripping water. He looks like a sporting ad come to life. I don't know what Brice is doing but he makes it sound like we're more than what we are.

"Yeah, I'm tutoring this ass for finals. Going to get a refill." I excuse myself and head over to the table.

The pink dispenser is empty and a fresh keg is set down by Xavier and Brandon.

"Want a refill?" Brandon asks after pouring himself a cup. It looks like beer.

"No thanks. I'll just check for something else in the kitchen."

"Alright, just follow the path to the french doors on your left," Xavier offers.

They're both part of the swim team and Brice is their captain so of course they're here and know their way around.

The island is filled with bottles and various cups, some empty and some filled. I hope no one is dumb enough to leave their drinks unattended only to collect their cup later. A few people are milling about having their own chats. I find a bottle of vodka and pour myself a shot.

Cool fingers brush along my spine and a shiver runs through me. The hand that rest on my exposed stomach sets the butterflies aflutter. I'm pulled flush against a tall, firm body. I don't even have to turn around. I know his scent.

Goosebumps break out underneath the long sleeves I'm wearing when he whispers in my ear, "Did you wear this to please him or upset me?"

2022/10/11 | WC 3906

With Halloween looming, I want to know what are your thoughts on the festival and holiday? What do you think happens?