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Chapter Fourteen.

Chapter Fourteen.

"Pretty words aren't always true and true words aren't always pretty."

••

"Guys...grade nines, please settle down." I walk into my classroom and instead of it being quiet, it gets even more chaotic. They rush to me. All of them. Attacking me with a ground shaking hug. I try to hug them all but to no success. They must've been informed of my return then cause I see some cake and balloons.

"Ma'am, we missed you." Mbali says, followed by the rest of them when they finally let me go. I was overwhelmed. I didn't think these kids would miss me this much.
"I missed you guys too."
"We bought you cake."
"You mean I bought the cake." Siya says.
"It's a class effort."
"Okay guys, relax. Thank you guys for this. Its so sweet of you. How about we eat after I see how far your substitute got with you?"

When I came for the hearing, I highly doubted the fact that I would be allowed to work here again. Not even the slightest. But all I got were two warnings. One written, the other verbally. The only reason I was not fired was because they didn't actually see me drinking in the video but they know I'm intoxicated judging by my actions and instability.

Siba wasn't at work today. Apparently she has been coming down with the flue.

•••

I arrive at home to find Zonke and her father playing cards on the table. I can't believe they both have been around for almost a week now. I was obviously happy about Zonke, but the man... not so much especially since he's adding more to my expenses. The man finished almost half of the tray of eggs in a matter of two days. That's all he does. Eat our food the moment the sun rises, up until the chickens start clucking at midnight. He was pissing me off, but I wanted to tolerate him for Zonke's sake.

She hasn't called me Gimba once, and she's been...nicer.

I liked her like this. Everyone else too.

"Sanibonani." I greet and head to the kitchen for a glass of water.
"Nonozi, how was work?" He asks.

"Okay, I guess." I down my water in almost one go before placing my glass on the sink. Who the hell used so many dishes? The bread is finished too?

I sigh.

"Nonozi, we've run out of cheese...and polony." He says. I turn to face them as he dealt Zonke her fair share of cards.

I don't even eat those. They're for Khaya and Buhle's lunch boxes. "How do you...you know what never mind." I grab my bag and head to my room. I literally bought those the time they went on their outings. When Khaya went to his soccer trip and Buhle went to her friend's sleepover.

I change into one of my rags for comfort before getting my phone out to text Bangi, an essential thing that has become a part of my routine now.

'Stuck in a meeting, can I call you later?' He replies about a minute later. That did hurt, but I understood. He is a busy mam.

'Okay, I love you.' I send him my reply with a heart emoji.

'I love you more.' He replies, before going offline almost immediately.

Must be really serious then.

I get up and grab my car keys from the inside of my handbag. I was planning on going to see Nyiso. It's been a while and I'm pretty sure she missed me too.

Soon, I'm on the road with the mannequins following behind me. The drive to Nyiso's house is not so far. The moment I get to her gate I realise I haven't been here in ages. I think I just avoided coming here because of her husband. It was awkward being around him, also it felt like I'd be invading their privacy if I kept coming here everyday.