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Chapter Twelve.

Chapter Twelve.

"A man is not a necessity, a man is a luxury." x CHER.

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There's a saying I once read on the internet. A horse may run quickly but it cannot escape its tail. I never got to search for its meaning but it feels like it's stating the fact that you can run, but you can't hide pretty well. There are two things I hate, pressure and lies.

Today I'm facing that one thing. Pressure. I don't know how many times I've filled my glass with water, staring at the clock ticking away on the wall. I didn't even go to church yesterday maybe that's why I feel so abandoned.

It's 09h00. An hour since I've been summoned to the principal's office and I wanted nothing more than to just vanish and pretend as if nothing happened Kwa Zwane. Honestly I thought ignoring what people were saying about me by avoiding my phone would help, but it only made me more and more on edge about how far it has spread.

I look back and see the two mannequins behind me. Yes, Bangi preached about my safety over a long voice note I got on WhatsApp. I couldn't say no to them cause I did need them since things were an utter mess.

The red door on my far left shoots open and Mrs Phakade walks in with a thicker than life book jammed between her arm and bust. She closes the door, staring at my mannequins for a good second before gradually making her way to her seat. I'm filling my glass up again. At this rate, I'll be making frequent trips to the toilet.

"Miss Dlamini." She sits down and pulls her seat forward. The book resting on the table.
"Principal Phakade." I answer. Dammit. Why didn't I clear my throat.
"Gentlemen."

When I eye them they're bowing ever so slightly at the greeting.

"Miss Dlamini, I'm sure it is of no surprise why I've called you here."

Okay, now I want to act dumb.

"I think...I think I do." I take in a deep breath.
"There's an inappropriate video circulating the community. Also a few I assume rumours about you and the Prince."
"Ma'am" a mannequin from behind me warns.
"Please. Let her finish." I sigh.

"As you wish Miss." He replies.
"Do you have a drinking problem Miss Dlamini?" Phakade asks me. I gawk at her.
"I do not."
"Then how do you explain the video of you drinking in a public area"
"That was the first time, ever, in my life taking alcohol, and it's only because I thought it would help me deal with everything I've been faced with."
"So you, a whole Life Orientation's teacher didn't think for a second that one of her lessons may apply to real life? Drinking doesn't solve your problems miss Dlamini. Even a two year old knows that."

"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that if you are unable to follow your own teachings then maybe you shouldn't be regarded as one of our best teachers in this school. Look Dlamini, I have no care what you do outside of this school premises as long as it doesn't affect this school in whichever way."

I sigh. I know all of this. What I can and cannot do, but to be crucified for this dumb decision is really breaking my heart.

"Are you firing me?" I ask.

"No Miss Dlamini. Not yet. There's procedures in this thing and I can't let you go without following them."

"Okay..." I say not so sure anymore about what I should think cause I could actually be losing my job.
How can I mess up so bad?

How can I fall victim to such a stupid decision.

"I'm going to have to suspend you for a minimum period of at least a week."