~~Shennie POV~~

I only took 4 steps and Lenti stopped me by blocking my way.

"NayNay stop (Low tone) I'm sorry babe. I don't know what came over me", he said rubbing his fore head.

"Nothing came over you Lenti, you are just a guy who wants to intimate with his girlfriend but unfortunately I'm different and I just can't give it to you", I bellowed poking his chest.

"Ok, ok, I get you babe, I won't push it anymore. Please just don't leave me just like that. I love you NayNay and I don't think that I can ever survive knowing that I let you go. I promise I'm going to respect your views on this matter", he assured touching my hands.

"Are you sure", I ask just to make sure.

"I've never been so sure in my life babe", he said with those puppy eyes.

"I believe you then, just please don't cheat on me because I can't give you what you want", I pouted.

"I won't, I promise please don't ever walk away from me like that ever again", he said hugging me.

"I'm sorry", I apologised.

"Please don't ever shout at me like that NayNay", he commanded holding my face.

"Only if you don't snap at me", I said looking at him with an intimidating look.

"Ok, so you refused to go to the lodge with me, what are we going to do now", he asked.

"Ummm, we can go to the lodge but after you promise to not do anything to me", I smiled giving him the green light.

"Yes! I promise I'll only cuddle you and that's all", he promised and we walked hand in hand to the lodge he had booked for the night.

We got in and the bed was made so romantically for the night with white and red roses every where. He had surely made this for my first time, but no I wasn't going to give in so easily.

"This is so beautiful", I said looking all around the room.

"I'm happy you like it, I'm sorry for trying to....", he said and I cut him by putting my finger on his mouth.

"No babe, don't apologise. I'm happy that you understood my views and you are ready to wait for me", I said giving him a straight gaze.

"I'm happy if you are happy NayNay", he said giving me a peck on my lips.

Since it was early to sleep we decided on watching a movie on his laptop. We debated on what movie to watch but at the end we both went with my movie. As much old as I was I still liked Titanic and that is what we watched. I texted my mom that I was going to spend the night at Vee's place and I told Vee too so it was all on track. I disliked lying to my mom but at the same time I disliked disappointing my Lenti. He just can't pay this Lodge for nothing, unless I wanted another girl to come here. So I put one in one and I chose Lenti.

Lenti took out some snacks and we kept on watching Titanic until that sad part came again. I cried as I watched Jack dying and Juliet carrying his dead body to the boat.

"Huh, NayNay why did you suggest on watching it if you knew you were going to cry", he soothed my back.

"You are so heartless Lenti, I mean like literally most of the people cry seeing this movie but your eyes are so dry even a desert is much better", I mumbled in between my soft sobs and he started laughing at me.

"Babe, like seriously. I don't even find this movie that emotional to an extend of crying. You see this guy served the girls life by giving her the only life jacket that was left. If I were in his shoes I would've done the same for you. I would rather save your life than to save mine. I could choose you over me anytime and any where NayNay", he assured holding up my chin and I could see how frank he was.

"Awn, (more sobs) I'm so fortunate to have you in my life", I murmured hugging him and I ended up falling asleep whilst listening to his heart-beat.

***next morning***

I woke up in Lenti's arms, I could feel the muscles of the hand and I opened my eyes just to meet with his eyes. He has been looking at me for a while and I could feel it.

"That's so creepy", I said moving a bit.

"You are so unromantic my love, instead of waking up and give me a kiss you are saying I'm creepy", he faked a frown.

"Haven't you ever heard that staring is bad Mr Me", I chortled and he moved closer to me.

"I've heard but they never said staring at such a beautiful creature is bad", he smirked and I blushed.

"Don't do that, you going to make me ummm... you know", I blushed and he chuckled.

"Make you what, just say it babe. I'm your future husband no need to feel shy with me", he smirked pulling me closer to him and I felt his erection, I gulped.

"Mmm, babe you are, your thing, I mean your....", I stammered.

"My what NayNay, give it a name", He chuckled and I felt it getting even harder on my stomach.

"Ummm, your Mr J", I said moving a bit.

"Oh, I like it, the Johnson's Mr or just Mr J (smirk). It's all yours NayNay so you must say my not your", he said with his eyes slightly open.

"Mmm, uh we have to bath babe, I'll go first", I tried to change the topic getting off the bed.

"The day I get you NayNay you going to be sorry for doing this to me", he shouted while I was running to the bath room. Phew that was so close, I felt my panties all wet down there.

I took a long bath and Lenti was complaining so I cut it. We got all ready and he had to drive me back home early so we hit the road. He dropped me off at home and I only found aunty Betty awake mom and dad were still in bed. I greeted Aunt Betty and she gave me a look I didn't understand but I ignored it and ran upstairs to my room. I got a text from Lenti:

Mi Amor***

Thank you so much babe for the night and please don't forget about tonight. Take care.

****

OMG! I had forgotten all about the dinner at his place. No, I wasn't ready for this but knowing Lenti very well he won't take no for an answer. Those nerve racks started kicking in, God help.

Lanton POV

I feel like saying that tonight was an amazing night is an under-statement. I mean spending the whole night holding NayNay in my arms felt prodigious, it was just unbelievable. Even though nothing happened between us but the feeling of waking up next to her felt unbelievable. I was on cloud 9 no one could reach me there. It's sad that the night had to end so soon but still I will treasure every moment I share with my NayNay.

I got home in the morning and texted NayNay, I was looking forward to introducing her to my mom. I just hope that everybody likes her but I'm so certain that she will win over everyone's heart, NayNay is just lovable. I got to my room and fell asleep again since I hardly slept last night staring at NayNay.

I finally woke up and walked downstairs. I found the whole family there watching these soapy movies I don't even understand.

"Good morning fam", I greeted sitting next to Kaylin.

"Morning", they all said like a choir.

"How is my daughter in-law', mom asked raising her eyebrow.

"Oh, she's good mom", I answered hesitatingly.

"So it's true brother, but I really liked sis Shennie. She was so cool and she loved me", Kay frowned, she didn't know that I was back with Shennie.

"Oh, really just wait and see this one baby sis, you'll like her without any doubt", I chuckled and she pouted.

"So she's still coming", grandpa asked.

"Yes grandpa, she'll be here at exactly 5pm", I smiled nervously.

"Ok, muzukuru wangu atokura soo (my grandson has grown up)", grandpa commented and mom was quiet all this while.

"Yes, grandpa", I said and got up. I went to the kitchen and made a late breakfast for myself.

I ate and spent some time with my baby sis sulking about meeting my girlfriend. I thought of not telling her anything, she's going to be alarmed knowing that Shennie is actually the girl in my life again. It was now around 4pm and I was starting to get a bit anxious but I know that everyone is going to like my NayNay, I mean I love her so much so why wouldn't my family love her too and besides she is sweet, kind, intelligent and just unique. I got ready and wore my casual cloths. I drove off to pick NayNay up and mom was already slaving herself in the kitchen.

****NARATION****

Shennie was feeling nervous and she shared her worries with Vee. They talked for a while and she felt a little better. She was worried about her constant nights not at home and knowing her father well he will be so suspicious but anyways she had to take the risk. She couldn't just let her Lenti down. So she wore her blue knee length fled floral dress and white sandals. She was going on simple but cute look. She went downstairs and found her mom having a conversation with Betty. They were so close that you wouldn't even think that Betty is their helper.

"Pickle!", mom yelled looking at me from head to toe.

"Mommy!", she also yelled back going towards her.

"Afternoon aunty Betty", Shennie said going to sit next to her mom.

"Hy baby", Betty greeted back.

"Am good, mom....", she answered back and then looked at her mom with a quizzical smile.

"You looking good Pickle where are you off to", her mom asked and she kept on smiling along with that puppy eye look.

"Mom, I hate lying to you please don't freak out", she said that looking down and biting her fingernails. Vee had told her to come clean to her mom after all she was old enough to have a boyfriend, I mean she was 21 for crying out loud.

"Umm, Pickle (raising her chin up) you can tell me anything baby I'm your mom and your friend too, tell me what's wrong", her mom said with a concerned look, she was nervous of what was going on with her daughter but she already knew what was coming her way.

"Umm, I'm seeing someone", she said with her eyes frozen open afraid of her mother's response to this.

"Oh, Pickle I'm so happy baby. But I'm also afraid at the same time that my baby has grown up so much. I, I mean who is the guy? I'm so sure he's from the congregation is it that handsome James?", her mom asked feeling happy and scared at the same time. She really wanted her daughter to date someone from church, a God fearing man.

"N...no mom, he's not from the congregation and definitely not James", she answered looking down, she wasn't about to tell her mom that her boyfriend is the famous young musician YV. She planned on telling her maybe next week or so.

"B...but Pickle you know the church rules, you are not allowed to date anyone outside the church", she stated that and Shennie's worst fears were coming true she knew exactly what the church rules stated and she over looked all that in the name of love. She knew exactly what she was getting herself into.

"Mom I know but I truly love this guy and I can make him start coming to church", Shennie convinced holding her mom's hand.

"Shennie Arti Zhloy!! (standing up) how many people tried doing that and at the end their marriages didn't work out. You can't change a person Arti, you are disappointing me right now. What will my fellow women say when they get to know that their own leader woman's daughter is dating an out sider huh!", her mom shouted with crinkled eyes.

"Mrs Zhloy calm down that is not how you do things", Aunty Betty said calmly going to sit next to a crying Shennie.

"No aunty don't tell me to calm down, she wants to make me a laughing stoke in this society", Shennie's mom was yelling pacing up and down in the lounge making Shennie feel so defeated.

"Mrs Zhloy if you respect me as your elder then calm down and seat down", Aunty Betty commanded and she listened.

"You see what you are doing right now is going to make your daughter to not tell you anything in the future, you get angry too easily and you always think negatively my daughter and that is wrong. I'm not saying what Shennie is doing is right but try to see things from her own perspective. She is in love and we all know that love is blind you overlook some things just because of love and that is exactly what Shennie is doing. We are all sinners and we can't be perfect all times even the bible says that no one is perfect. You must be grateful to God that your daughter is still here with you many other children out there are roaming around carrying children and some vakatizira (eloped). Be proud that your daughter is giving you news about her boyfriend not pregnancy my daughter", Aunty Betty explained everything looking deep into Shennie's mom's eyes.

"But aunt, the guy is not from the church and you know what I preach every day at church. I encourage every girl child to date within the congregation and to marry a God fearing man one day", she sobbed thinking about the embarrassment she will go through if her daughter doesn't marry within the church.

"I understand my child but everybody has his or her destiny and no human can control that. It can be a guy from the church or not everybody deserves a chance to love, a chance to happiness and a chance to have what his or her heart desires. You must not do things that you will regret in the future child", Aunty Betty said boldly and MaZhloy was just looking down as every word of Betty's was sinking in her soul. She knew that she was right but the thought of being humiliated was just taking her mind backwards.

"Mom please I'm begging you, allow me to have what my heart desires", Shennie pleaded wiping away her tears.

"No, this is just not rig......", before her mom could finish her sentence a car hooted outside and Shennie looked at her phone which had 15 missed calls from Lanton. She was already panicking.

"Who is that?", her mom asked down turning her lips.

"Ummm, m.......mom it's Lanton he's here to get me. I.....I'm supposed to meet his family today and he told me to first tell you that I will be there. He lives here in Biltong mom", Shennie stammered looking at her mom.

***Back in Lanton's car, he was busy cursing hitting the steering wheel. He thought maybe Shennie has backed out from tonight's plan. He was getting very angry because it was already 10 minutes past 5.

Back in the house things were very tense and Arti Senior was angry at this whole thing since she always thought that her daughter will surely choose to date someone from church but no here she was dating an out sider. She loved her daughter and she never wanted to see her cry but at the same time she couldn't stand humiliation and embarrassment from her fellow women.

"Mom please let me just go, we'll talk when I get back", Shennie said standing up with a heavy heart she didn't think that her mom would drag this whole church thing into this matter. She thought she would be happy to know that her daughter is happily in love with someone. She thought she would feed her sweets and wish her the best before going out but clearly she cared too much about other people and their opinions.

"Just know that when you come back you are packing your things and you are going to live with Ellain for the rest of the holiday at least you'll be far from that non-believer of yours", her mom gushed out seriously and she went upstairs leaving Shennie sniffing and Betty just shook her head in defeat.

"Look child I'm happy that you are finally with someone, I even thought that you are a lesbian (laughs) your mom loves you Shennie and she will understand everything just don't think too much about it. Right now let's steal the mother In-laws heart", Aunty Betty encouraged Shennie and she felt a bit at ease. Atleast someone understands her.

"Thank you so much aunty Betty", Shennie hugged her and she walked out.

Shennie closed the gate and her eyes met with Lenti's red shot eyes. He looked scary as hell.

"B....babe", Shennie stuttered taking a baby step back seeing how angry he was.

"Don't you dare babe me Shennie! What did I say about punctuality huh! You just decide to not pick up my calls and took so long. You made me fucken wait for you for 30 good minutes woman", Lenti just took out all his anger at Shennie and he regretted it all later when he saw Shennie's tears.

"Look NayNay I'm sorry (taking a sigh) I was just mad babe.....", Lenti apologised and Shennie just gave him an empty stare.

"You know what it's ok, I'm going back inside and delete my numbers", Shennie said opening the gate and Lenti held her hand tightly.

"NayNay don't even try that shit on me, I'm sorry that I over reacted but you can't just walk away from me like that", Lenti said trying so hard not to let his beast wake up. He can't stand the thought of losing NayNay, not in this life time. He loves her deeply and hearing her saying that made him as angry as fuck.

"Lenti I'm going through a lot right now and instead of you asking me why I was late you shout at me. No man, I didn't just walk out on my mom to come for this bullshit", Shennie snapped at Lenti and he got so angry.

"We swearing now huh!", Lenti shouted back and that gave Shennie cold shivers.

"Y...you started it", Shennie stuttered looking at this scary Lenti in front of her.

"Look NayNay I'm not going to argue, we are already late. Get in the car and we'll talk on our way", he said calming himself down.

"Look Lenti I can't...", before Shennie could finish her sentence Lenti grabbed her hand forcefully and threw her in the front seat.

"You going to be a good girl and stop arguing with me ok", Lenti roared and Shennie nodded slowly. Lenti closed her door and walked to his driver seat. He drove off in high speed and he was now parked in front of their house. Shennie was sniffing all the way here, she even thought that maybe her mother was right about this whole thing. Lenti is just wrong for her but her heart was telling her otherwise.

"Look Babe, I'm sorry but I'm so nervous about this whole thing and when you didn't pick up my calls I got pissed off and thought that you backed out from our plans. I got so mad at you that the moment you closed the gate I was on my way to get into your father's house. I'm so sorry that I lost my cool NayNay. I love you so much and I just want this whole thing to work out. I want my family to love you just like I do. Even if they don't like you I will always love you always babe", Lenti said looking remorseful and Shennie's heart was melted no lies. She loved him so very much.

"I'm also sorry for snapping at you I'm just hurt about what happened at home. I'll tell you everything after the dinner babe, we can't add more minutes to being late", she said and Lenti chuckled at the last sentence.

"Add more minutes? You so funny (chuckle) I think that whatever happened is so serious look your eyes are a bit swollen (cupping her face) So before you tell me I just want you to know that I'm always here for you no matter what happens I'll be there for you. I am ready to fight dragons for you and fight against the whole world just to end up with you my NayNay", Lanton assured looking deep in Shennie's eyes and she knew how serious he was. This was just what she needed right now.

He opened the gate and they drove in. They walked inside Lenti's house hand in hand. NayNay was just looking around and a few things had changed since she came here those many years ago. The house looked a bit new to her and the change of colours and the interior too. It was just beautiful more than it was before. They both walked to the lounge and there was only Kaylin there watching Are You The One? Lenti cleared his throat to have her attention and when Kaylin set her eyes on Shennie she started screaming happily. She ran towards Shennie like a kid seeing her mom after a long time, she hugged Shennie still screaming.

"Oh my goodness, sis Shennie!", she screamed and Shennie was so happy at this sight. She never thought she left a place in her heart they only spent time together when she was only 7 or 8 and only saw her at the Creamy Inn the other day.

"What happened!", Lenti's mom screamed coming downstairs, she was panicking she thought maybe something had happened to Kay.

"Mom, remember the girl I told you about years back. The one that brother came with and we spent the whole day playing with her?", Kay asked excitedly and Shennie was now looking down nervously.

"Umm, I don't really remember baby. Many years have passed. Good evening my daughter", Lenti mom greeted Shennie with a warm hug.

"Good evening Ma'am", she greeted back and they broke the hug.

"Oh no, call me mom or ma my child, feel at home", Lenti's mom said with a smile on her face and she let them all take seats.

"I think I'm invisible now", Lenti pouted sitting next to Shennie and everyone just laughed.

"Oh, my daughter you brought a visitor here. Who is he?", Lenti's mom teased making the shy Shennie comfortable and they were laughing.

"I'm the visitor now mom (Laughing) anyways where is grandpa so that I can introduce you all to my future wife here", he asked looking around and grandpa came out siting in his electrical wheel chair and he controlled in till he got to the lounge.

"I'm here, I see you already missed me", grandpa said making everyone smile.

"You are always missed sekuru", Lenti said.

"Can you please start with the introductions or else I'll do them brother", Kaylin said happily, she was just too excited.

"You are so forward hawu!", Lenti's mom said and Kay pouted whilst everyone busted in laughter.

"Ok baby sis, umm, I don't know how to since this is my first time doing this. Family this is Shennie Arti Zhloy I've known her for many years now and....", Lenti didn't get to finish the intro his mom cut him.

"Sorry son but do you mean Zhloy like the daughter of Mr Zhloy who lives just down the road, who is the CEO of The Zhloy Investments and her mom is the owner of The Beauty Queens in town?", Lenti's mom asked curiously. The Zhloy family was very popular since they were filthy rich.

"Umm, yes mom", Lenti answered raising his eyebrow.

"And her mom is the women's church leader at our church", Lenti's mom said her eyes popping out and Shennie's heart was beating so fast now. She was just asking herself why was this whole church thing tailing her like this.

"Umm, I don't know about that mom but she is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Zhloy", Lenti said confused.

"Me I know bro, I always go to church with mom and I know Mrs Zhloy she is the women's leader there. That woman can preach woh, you can't even believe that she is that filthy rich, she treats everyone the same and she doesn't look down on people. She is truly deserving of being a leader and also Mr Zhloy he is one of the church elders there, he preaches too. I've always told you to come with us to church bro but you are always refusing", Kayling explained dramatically and Shennie just swallowed hard. Everything that Kay said was true but she was that much of a church goer since she started varsity but her parents were so much in spirit.

"Yes son, and what are you doing with the elders daughter. You don't even go to church son and the church rules state that a believer must date a believer. Don't you know that my daughter", Lenti's mom stated that and Shennie just nodded fighting back her tears bringing back the memories of what just happened at her place a few minutes ago.

"Haibo, you people are nuts. There's no such thing don't you know that opposite attracts a believer and a non-believer shuu", Grandpa said and Kaylin busted laughing at grandpa's expression.

"Umm, I don't know about all that mom let me finish with the introductions will you let me now?", Lenti asked looking at his mom with that "like really mom" look.

"Yes son proceed but we'll talk about this later", she said nodding her head.

"Ok I think that now all of you know about Shennie here, as I was saying I've known her for years now we went to Pri-School together and also half of the High School too. And we were good friend but I only found out that I love her and now we are dating . And Shennie this is my beautiful mom, her father who's my grandpa and you know this crazy case here", he said and they all laughed at the last sentence.

"It's a pleasure to meet you mom and Grandpa", Shennie said shyly.

"The pleasure is all ours child, I mean a precious gem is being introduced in our family", grandpa joked and everyone smiled at that.

"Can you help me set the table daughter", Lenti's mom said standing up and Shennie followed her lead.

"Musukuru mukuru (big Grandson) you've chosen well my son", grandpa said smiling at him.

"Thank you so much sekuru, I'm happy you approving of her", Lenti smiled.

"You snitch, why didn't you tell me that Shennie is the girlfriend I wouldn't have wasted my time frowning all night", Kaylin pouted folding her arms.

"I wanted it to be a surprise dumby", Lenti teased and she laughed.

***In the kitchen***

"Child I hope that you know what you are doing because I don't want any trouble with your mom", Lenti's mom said lighting the stoves to heat the stew.

"M....Ma", Shennie mumbled looking down as a tear dropped on her right cheek.

"Don't cry child I'm just trying to look out for you and my family. You are such a lovely daughter and your family is so great but as you know my son child I don't think your family will ever approve of him. Your parents are high in spirit and having a musician as a son in-law will just make them lose people's respect",she warned and Shennie just sniffed. She didn't see this whole thing coming. She thought that she'll at-least take a break from the church thing after coming here but no here she is.

"Ma I do understand everything but I love your son and I do not picture myself in the future without him. I'd rather die than to live knowing that I lost him", Shennie said exactly what was deep in her heart.

"Awn, you know what I am going to support you and my son every step of the way. I've never seen Lenti so happy before and knowing that you are the reason for that happiness makes me like you for him", Lenti's mom said calmly meaning every word she said. She was truly a good person and she understands forbidden love more than anyone else.

"Thank you so much ma, I wish my mom would understand me just like you do", she said wiping away her tears.

"I know your mother very well, she always preaches that girls should marry within the congregation and just imagine what she is going through that you chose someone who is a non-believer and moreover a famous musician", she said trying to make shennie also see things from her moms view.

"This is so complicated than I thought", Shennie mumbled thinking harder.

***Hey fam buckle up your seat belts things are about to get real for Shennie**
**Don't forget to put some fuel in the car by liking, loving, sharing and COMMENTING**