Black & White

- 04 -

C H A P T E R  F O U R

"Well the house looks very spotless Ayiza." No matter how many times you correct them, they will always pronounce your name incorrectly.

"Thank you Ma'am. I also did the laundry as well." Immediately after that small interview, I got to work. I had to impress her.

The sound of a door opening caught my attention.

"Oh they are home. You should meet them." She gently grabbed my elbow and led me to the living room. She left my side to go greet her husband with a kiss on the cheek. Her husband was a policeman. I could tell by the uniform he was wearing.

"Nog 'n kaffer? God, wanneer sal jy ophou om hierdie mense na ons huis te bring?" Her husband mumbled. (Another kaffir? God, when will you stop bringing these people to our house?)

"Haai, wees lekker. Sy is Miriam se dogter. En buitendien, het jy al ooit 'n wit bediende gesien?" Mrs Bosman responded. (Hey, be nice. She is Miriam's daughter. And besides, have you ever seen a white maid?)

And I just stood there, pretending not to hear their little conversation.

Mrs Bosman turned to me and smiled before turning to her family," Everyone, please meet Ayiza. She's Miriam's daughter and will be working for us for a short while. Ayiza, meet my small family. This is Joseph, my lovely husband."

"Nice to meet you sir." I held my hand out for him to shake. After a few minutes, I slowly retreated my hand back into my pocket.

"I'll be in my bedroom, bring my food upstairs." Mr Bosman ordered, and with that he was out of our sight.

Did I say something wrong? No. Does my skin colour bother him? Yes.

"I'm Norman, nice to meet you." A boy with dark blonde hair, light blue eyes, pearly white teeth and a small dimple on his right cheek, held his hand out for me to shake.

I stared at his hand shocked, before placing my hand in his grasp. His hand was so warm, and as soon as I let go, I felt cold.

"Likewise." I smiled politely.

"Ayiza, this is my son. You guys are the same age." Mrs Bosman announced.

"It was lovely to meet your family Ma'am but I have to get going." I quickly gathered my stuff, shoving my new uniform inside my bag.

"Norman please walk her to the door. Travel Safely Ayiza." Mrs Bosman said, while disappearing into the kitchen.

Norman did as he was told. When we reached the door, he gave me a soft smile before opening the door for me.

"Thank you." I said.

"You welcome. See you tomorrow."

As soon as the door closed behind me, I let out a loud sigh. Who knew pretending and plastering a fake smile on your face was this exhausting.

~*~

Kaffir/Kaffer:
- a profoundly offensive and racist term used to refer to a black South African during Apartheid.