Scarlett Ngcobo

Chapter 29

A week later and everyone has forgotten about our strip videos. I couldn't be more happier. I was so tired of the sly comments at the coffee station. Kieran was still giving me the cold shoulder. Probably blaming me because I organised the trip in the first place. As for my relationship with Jas. I don't know if I have one. She's just a weird person. Today we're okay, tomorrow she's cold. I've decided to give her space to breathe. I'm done running after her!
Indigo had to go back to Germany. She really missed her fiancé. I finally got the courage to tell the parents that I'm planning on moving out. Angelique was more shocked than uBaba. I think she got so used to having me around, she forgot that sooner or later I would be my own woman. Maybe someone's wife as well. I laughed at the silly thought of me being someone's wife.
“Someone needs to be sent to the looney bin.” Rendani said, passing my cubicle going to Lutendo’s office. She came back and sat on my desk. “So what's so funny?”
“Nothing honestly. Just a silly idea. So how's things between you and.. I pointed at Kieran?”
“We talked and I made him see reason. He was being unfair.” she turned and looked at him. Is he still not talking to you?”
“Yeah.”
“Still nothing from Jas?”
“Don't mention her. I don't understand her.”
“Kieran is just stubborn. I'm going to him and he will talk to you. Whether he likes it or not.”
I grabbed her arm before she hopped off my table. “Don't do that. Kieran will talk to me when he feels like it. Just let him be.”
“Are you sure? I don't like this tension.”
“I'm certain.”
I decided to not join the crew and go shopping instead. Maybe retail therapy would do the trick. It's one thing having Jas ignore me but having to deal with Kieran ignoring me as well is just another blow. I miss my friend and I definitely miss Jas. I walked into the boutique and went to the dress sections. Next month it's my birthday and I need something to wear. I saw an orange, bright orange below the knee dress. I liked the crisscross at the back and the low plunging neckline. Anything that shows skin is a definite yes from me. Another little red number caught my eye. It was a mini dress that had slits on both sides. A one shoulder dress. I decided to fit them both and they both looked amazing. I was still admiring myself when my phone started ringing. It was Kele.
“Where are you chommie?”
“A little retail therapy.”
“Haah!”
I laughed. “Keng chommie? I didn't feel like having lunch so why not shopping?”
“I would've came with you tlhe.”
“Next time babes.”
Next I went to the shoe section. “For a finance consultant you spend a lot.”
I turned to look who it was. I smiled at the person. An old client of mine. “How are you Mrs Tlou?” I shook her hand.
“I'm very well my baby. I recommend my son to come for a consultation with you. Did he make an appointment?”
“Your son?”
“Yeah. His name is Refentse.”
“I'm not sure I have an appointment with a Refentse.”
“He probably forgot. He just came out of a messy relationship. Look at me going on and on. Have yourself a lovely day okay my baby.”
“You too Mrs Tlou.”
I bought a pair of red block heels. I still had time so I went to the coffee shop opposite the boutique. I enjoyed my blueberry and carrot cake with chocolate sauce, with a cup of coffee. I snapped a few good pictures and posted them on Instagram. Indigo called me immediately.
“Someone is enjoying herself. Why aren't you at work again?”
“I'm good thanks and you?”
“Cut the crap Scar. Has Jas gotten back to you or she's still sulking?”
“Still no reply from her. So how are you and baby AJ?”
“We good and daddy is spoiling us rotten. Obviously he should I mean he got me pregnant in the first place right?”
“I'm glad he is treating you two well. Listen babe there's another call coming through. Please hangup I'll call you later.”
I looked at the caller ID and it was Jas. I should be excited but now I'm not.
“Hi.”
“Hi baby.”
Hi baby my nonexistent ass! Am I dating a crazy bitch?
“How can I help you Jasmin?”
“Wow. From babe to Jasmin? That's wild.”
“What did you expect Jasmin? Did you really think after ignoring me I would be excited to hear from you?”
“I was a bit selfish I realise that now. I know you wouldn't cheat on me.”
I felt a little bit guilty about what happened between me and Themba. “I'm glad you know that.”
“So when are you coming for a sleepover?”
“I'm not sure. I'm still trying to find myself an apartment remember?”
“Still no luck?..”

After my conversation with Jas. I went back to the office with my shopping bags. I found Kieran sitting on my chair. I put my bags down and quickly rushed to the bathroom. When I returned he was still where I had left him. I left him there and went to Kele. I asked her if she maybe had a client called Refentse Tlou. I left her cubicle when her client arrived. Kieran was no there anymore. I sat down and he came to my cubicle. See what happens when you count your chickens before your eggs hatch? “I'm sorry.”
I looked up from what I was doing and looked at him then went back to what I was doing. “Khanyi come on, I'm trying here.”
“Now that Kieran decides to talk to me I should do the same? Keep on ignoring me like you have this entire time.”
“I was a jerk. I admit that. I had no right being angry at you in the first place. Asseblief my vriendin praat met my. Ek is baie jammer. Ek mis jou baie.” ( please my friend talk to me. I'm really sorry. I miss you a lot.) I smiled a little.
“Fine. Fine, I forgive you. And I have missed you too. Don't ever ignore me like that ever again. Understood?”
“Loud and clear.” he came for a hug.

When I arrived home, I was welcomed by loud maskandi music. I slowly opened the door and Zodwa was singing along and cooking. I just stood there and laughed looking at her. “Manje wena, zishaphi?”
She looked at me. “Guess who found a job?”
Judging from her excitement, her interview went well. “Congratulations mzala.” I gave her a hug before going to my room. I changed into my gym gear and went downstairs to grab my water bottle. “Mzala I'm going to the gym!”
I was shocked to see Jas at the gym. She said she won't make it. She is meeting a client in Pretoria. Or did I get the dates mixed up? I went through our messages on WhatsApp and I was right. She was helping someone, so I did my warm-ups by myself. Minutes later she came to me. She poked my shoulder. I turned and looked at her. “I've missed you so much baby.”
“Same here.”
“Are you good? You don't look like someone who is happy to see me though.”
“I'm just surprised to see you here. I thought you're meeting a client in Pretoria.”
I saw her scratching her head. That's not a good sign.
“The client? Oh yeah. She cancelled, I'm meeting her over the weekend.”
“I see.” I continued doing what I was doing. After an hour of working out I went home. I sent Jas a text. I didn't see her when I left.