Scarlett Ngcobo

Chapter 22

“You back from the funeral babe?” Kele.
“Yeah. And I'm so tired. Where's everyone?”
“Ladies there's a meeting in the boardroom in five minutes.” Kieran.
The boardroom was so full. Well it is small so it couldn't accommodate all of us.
“Thank you all for coming at such short notice. I'll try to be short as possible. You all were informed about the possibility of us moving to another building. As you all can see this space is small, and our lease agreement has expired. This week will be our last week here. You will all receive emails to inform you were our next home will be. I know this is not ideal but we have shown some growth and as you can see we are squashed like sardines in here.” Everyone laughed. “You can all get back to work.”

“You know he could have just emailed that entire meeting.” Rendani mumbled.
“Come on Rendz. He wanted to address us personally.”
“I'm just glad no one is getting fired.” Kele said.
We all went to our work spaces.
By lunchtime all I wanted was to go home and sleep. Than I remembered that Zodwa would be there. I suddenly felt energized. I got a call from Indigo telling me that, she wants to spend a few days at her parents house. I really wish she didn't have to leave but that would be selfish of me. I enjoyed her company. At least she is coming back before she returns to Germany. The weird thing is Jas has not even texted or called me. It's so unlike her. I decided to call her. Just when I wanted to give up she picked up.
“Hey.”
I removed the phone from my ear to see if I actually called the right number. It is her number.
“Are we fighting or something?”
“No. Why would you think like that.
Besides that cold greeting. You didn't get back to me last night.”
“Oh that. I didn't hear my phone ringing. By the time I saw your missed calls it was late. I assumed that you're sleeping.”
“So you were home the entire day?”
“What's with the questions? Yes I was home. You haven't forgotten about the 21st right? It's this weekend.”
If she was really home as she says. That means she heard me knocking. If she didn't hear my calls. She must have heard the knocking.
“I was just asking. To answer your question. No I didn't forget about the 21st. Listen I have to go. I'll see you at the gym then.”
“I don't think I'll be there. I'm knocking off early. I want to make some changes and show them to the client.”
“I see. Okay no worries. Bye.” I cut the call.

That was one cold call I have ever had. Wow.
I used the few minutes I had before my client arrived to browse the internet and look for a place to stay. It's time I moved out and have some sort of independence. Who would have thought that apartments are so expensive. I made notes in my diary to continue this search. I can't believe I almost forgot that, Kele’s birthday is in a few weeks time. I texted Rendani that we need to talk about Kele’s upcoming birthday.
My client made her way to me.

“Hey. I got your message mentioning something about Kele’s birthday.”
“I can't believe I nearly forgot. It's in a few weeks time.”
“Wow. Time really flies. I thought it's next month. What do you have in mind?”
“I have two ideas. We could have a girls night out. Just us girls and paint the town red. Or we can have a girls weekend away.”
“I like the weekend away idea. Hotel, massages, champagne, good company, fresh air... You get what I'm saying?”
“Okay. I'll see what to do and send you our options.”
“I can't wait! It's going to be lit. I need to get new...”
“New what?” Kele asked standing behind us.
I could feel my heart beating so fast. I hope she didn't hear anything.
“Kele where you coming from?”
“Where you two talking about me?”
“No. No. Why would you think like that?”
“Since when do we have conversations without me being there?”
I nervously laughed. “Babe. Okay, Rendz was telling me that she wanted to buy something nice for Kieran. But she's not sure if he will like it. Oh and she's planning on buying new lingerie for us. She actually wanted to spoil us.” I saw Rendani looking at me with shock..
“Yeah... I said that. Everything she said.”
“Okay. I thought you were gossiping about me. So what are you planning on buying him?”
“That's the issue. I'm not certain what to get for him.”
“Why are you buying him something in the first place?”
“Because. Wait a minute. I need a reason to buy a gift, for my future husband?”
Wait. When did we get to Kieran being her future husband? “Bitch. Did you just say future husband?”
We all laughed and went where the boys were sitting. The minute I saw Kieran I could not help it but, burst into laughter. I could feel eyes on me. I didn't care. I continued to laugh. Kele ended up joining me. “Come on guys it's enough now.” Rendani.
“What are they laughing at?” Khumo asked.
“Nothing. Actually it's none of your business.”
I managed to get up from the floor and stopped laughing.

On my way home, I stopped by at Dischem to buy a few toiletries. Then I went to Mr Price to buy a few jeans and dresses. I saw a hoodie that would look great on Jas. I smiled and paid for everything. On my way out, I saw a baby boutique. I found myself in it. The clothes were so beautiful. I bought more than I had intended to buy. I couldn't help myself. I bumped into someone, as I got out.
“Sorry.” I looked up and it was Keamogetse. She still looked beautiful. A bit of weight gain from the last time I saw her.
“We meet again khanyi.”
“I see. One would think you're stalking me.”
She rolled her eyes. Still a habit of hers.
“I have no business stalking you. I tried apologising to you. Months ago but you didn't want to listen to me. So life goes on sweetie.”
You know what Keamogetse. I don't have time for this. Bye.
“Bye mngani.”
I saw her walking to the new born baby section. She must be pregnant.

I drove home. I couldn't wait to show Indigo the baby clothes.