Broken Clocks

The Client

Two months have  passed and I've never been happier. Mnqobi eventually stopped making contact , i know i should've given him a chance to explain himself but I'm really not interested in his lies.Work is hectic but i didn't mind because i love what i do. It was refreshing but i was only human right and i was allowed to get tired . It was a Thursday afternoon and i was packing up to go home.  I lifted up my head up and Thabi was standing in front of my desk . She looked awful these past few days she had complained about being  nauseous.

Me : But then no friend it's time you see a doctor you look terrible man

Thabi: yeah i have a doctor's appointment scheduled for tomorrow

Me: finally ! Thank you!

Thabi : Thank Thami he's been on my case about it

Me: you lucky to have a man like Thami

She rolled her eyes

Thabi : Anyways since I'm taking the day off tomorrow i need a favour friend

Me : sure...

Thabi : there's a case at a school in Dalview

Me : oh no Thabi no

Thabi: please chommie ngiyakcela please

Me : What's in it for me ?

Thabi : uhm , I'll get you those designer red bottoms we saw at Shoes  Cotoure?

I squealed in excitement! I've been eyeing those shoes for a while now and they cost a fortune ! I could never afford them but Thabi on the other hand could definetly afford them .

Me : now you talking! Give me your case file so i can go through it overnight

Thabi reached for a grey file that was in her bag and handed it over to me

Thabi : oh and i made some notes for you

Me : Awesome. Let's go i have a long night ahead of me and hubby is waiting for you wena

Thabi : let him wait

I chuckled softly as i placed the file in my bag. We left , as soon as i got home  i took a shower and slipped into my silk night gown. I climbed on the bed and went through the file.

                               ***

I woke up early as to get ready plus iy was an hour drive to Dalview. I wore a pink fitted dusty pink suit with a white shirt and nude heels . My hair was now in black and freshly cut. I looked as professional as i could get. As soon as i was done i heard my phone ring from the living room . I sighed who could that be. I walked to the living room and . It was Alwande , i picked it up .

Me: My favourite sister in the whole wide world

Alwande: I'm your sister only when it suits you why haven't you checked in

Me : Sorry Lwande I've just been caught up with work i don't even have time for myself

Alwande : You need to stop overworking yourself and take a break . Plus the kids miss you

Me : and i miss them too speaking of which I'll be in Dalview today so if i finish quick i might pass by your house for a few hours

Alwande : oouuu yessss please ! That would make me so happy i miss you mntase plus there's something i want to talk to you about

Me : okay sounds serious...

Alwande: not really just ge- Oratile stop it ! Lethabo please buckle up Kea we leaving in 10 , Tshiamo get off that phone ! As i was saying sisi just get here wena.

Me : Sounds like a madhouse in there

Alwande: You have no idea these children are driving me crazy . Look i have to go we'll talk later keh

Me : Alright sisi bye

I hanged up and had breakfast as i went through my notes for the last time. After 30 minutes i was on the road .  My meeting was scheduled for 09h00 . If i could get there at 08h45 and go through my notes for the last time i will be good.  I know I've went through them countless times but I'm a perfectionist and i strive on making sure that my work is done well.  I drove into the school at 08h50 alright not bad , it was a beautiful school.  A private school with tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pools and all that. It must cost a fortune. I walked into the building and smiled at the receptionist, she was white and had the brightest smile . " Hello how can i help you?" She asked. " I'm here for the 09h00 o'clock with Mr Barker "  she typed something on the computer  , "You from EPE?" , "Yes" i replied . "Last floor, first office on your right !" She handed me a VISITOR badge . I smiled at her and walked towards the elevator  . I got in and pressed on the button for the last floor .

Finally i reached the last floor. It had seemed like it had been ages . I would've taken the stairs but climbing fifteen flights of stairs is really not my idea of fun and i didn't want to be late. I got out and went to the first door . I knocked and i heard a come in . I opened the door and i walked in and there was a white man sitting behind a desk probably in his 50s . I'm guessing it was Mr Barker. He got up from his chair with a confused look . "Uhm you aren't Mrs Greene?" He said . "Mrs Greene wasn't feeling too well so i was asked to stand in for her i hope it's not a problem" i threw him a smile as he looked a bit septical but smiled back. "No problem i just wish Mr Khoza had informed me Miss.." . "Miss Mahlangu , Ndaloenhle Mahlangu " . "Miss Mahlangu please take a seat" . I did as Mr Barker also sat down and called for a Mr Makhoba on his office phone. He turned back to me

Mr B : i believe Mrs Greene briefed you about everything

Me: oh she did sir

Mr B : then i guess we'll work just fine.

The door opened and someone walked in , "You called for me ?" It was a man's voice. The voice got closer and i felt a figure stand next to me.

Mr Barker : Yes i want you to meet Miss Mahlangu our new psychologist. Miss Mahlangu this is Mr Makhoba and he's the school psychologist you'll be working closely with

I lifted my head up to look at this man standing next to me and he looked down on me as i stood up to shake his hand. He shot me a smile as his grip tightened around my hand. 

Me : Mr Makhoba

Mr M: Please call me Themba

Me : Themba i hope we'll work well together.

I smiled at him as he let go of my hand. I turned back to Mr Barker who was looking at Themba with an arched eyebrow then chuckled softly.

Mr B : Miss Mahlangu you'll be working with Mr "Themba" here in his office i hope you'll settle in well

Me : thank you.

Themba glanced at me.

Themba : shall we ?

I nodded and he thanked Mr Barker , we got out and got in the lift. Themba is a very chatty person he kept talking the whole way to his office , i didn't mind though. We got to his office and there was a pile of files on his desk. He moved them as i took a seat. We went through the case together. It was about a 12 year old boy , Thato. His parents are going through a nasty divorce and he was caught in the middle of it all. His grades were dropping and he was starting to bully other children at school.Divorce can be messy especially if there are children involved. We were meeting with his parents today to find ways to solve this problem . We first talked to Thato and when he walked in he looked like someone i know but i couldnt really tell who. He's a very sweet child and this whole divorce did a huge number on him.

The clock struck 13h00 it was time to meet with the parents. We were now in the boardroom Themba was compiling a report and i was fiddling with my phone when it slipped out of my hands and fell to the floor under the table. I dropped down to pick it up when the door opened and walked in the lady from reception i assume , "Mr Makhoba your 13h00 'o clock is here sir " 

Themba : Thank you Violet

I was still under the table when i saw two people walking in, i couldn't see their faces though. I quickly grabbed my phone and got up. I fixed myself and i lifted my head up . Not this again...