Scarlett Ngcobo

Chapter 26

“Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you.
Happy birthday to you Kele...” I sang to her holding a cupcake. Better than nothing right? She hid her face with a pillow.
“Hip, hip?”
“Hooray!”
“Did you sleep well?”
“Like a queen. I must come for sleepovers more often.”
“Not happening anytime soon. I'm planning on moving out.” I snuggled next to her.
She raised a brow. “Do your parents know what you're planning?”
I shook my head no.
“Because Angelique won't like that idea.” Indigo said standing by the door. “Good morning birthday girl.”
“Good morning Indigo.”
“Why are you up at this time?”
“I heard your ugly voice from my room. That's why I'm up.”
Kele laughed. I pinched her.
“Is Indigo joining us?” I looked at her. She just met her last night and I'm already being side lined. Talk about friendship hijacking!
“Why are you looking at us like that?”
“You just met Indigo last night and already you two are best friends. I feel like a stray cat right now.” they burst into laughter.
“Out of everything. You had to feel like a stray cat right?”
I threw a pillow at them. “I only booked three bedrooms. But we could share.”
“It's settled then. You're coming with us.”
“I'll be there. Won't you two be late? Get moving.”
I went back to my room. Indigo followed me there.
“So have you found a place yet?”
I exhaled. “Not yet. Most of the places I like are very expensive. Or way to far from work.”
“So when are you planning on telling your parents this? After you find an apartment or what?”
I looked at her through the mirror. “Before I find an apartment obviously.”
“I don't think I'd still be here. I miss my man badly.”
“It's not a big deal. I'll just take pictures and a video when I move in.”
“I'll hold you to that. Kele seems like a good person.”
“She is. She and Rendani are the best. I can't paint everyone with the same brush because of the past right?”
“I guess you right.” she passed me my ringing phone. “Look who's calling first thing in the morning.”
I snatched the phone from her hands. It was Themba. I looked at her and signalled for her to get out with my head. She shook her head no. I pushed her out, while we both laughed.
“Hey Themba.”
“Mapholoba.”
I giggled. “Unjani bafo?”
“Imihlola. Ubani ubafo manje?”
We both laughed. “Unjani Themba?”
“Angikho kahle ntombi.”
“Why? What's wrong?”
“A certain Zulu lady was supposed to have dinner with me before I left but that didn't happen.”
Jesu! Why do I keep on forgetting my promises to people? I didn't promise to have this dinner with him though. That's a pass right? “Ngiyaxolisa. I forgot to get back to you. But there's always a next time right?”
“I guess so. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't blocked. You probably have to get ready for work.”
“Why would I block you? We didn't fight.”
“I'm glad you didn't. Bye.”
“Bye.” I cut the call. I showered, got dressed then went to join everyone in the lounge.
It looked pretty. My mom loves birthdays. “You out did yourself Mrs Ngcobo.” I kissed her on her cheek.
“I wouldn't be Angelique Ngcobo if I didn't. ” she winked.
“Moet jy drama hê altyd tannie?” ( Must you always have drama aunty? )
There was laughter around the table. Even Zodwa was laughing. It was nice seeing her being free. “So Zodwa when is your interview?”
Angelique and her husband, Gatsha looked at me as if I spoke Spanish. How I wish I could though. “Nang’ buka yini manje?”
“Simangele ukuthi ubuza uZodwa nge interview yakhe. Anizwane phela nina.” my dad said.
“Ihaba kodwa Ngcobo.” I said to him. “Wakhuluma ngathi siyalwa manje. Me and Zodwa are okay. Angithi ntombi?” I looked at her.
“Yebo Babomncane. We talked and fixed things.”
“That's good. Very good. I didn't like the tension that was around the house. You two looked like you were ready to get into a boxing ring.”
Kele joined us at the table. She looked so nervous. A weird expression to see on her face.
“There comes the birthday girl.” my mom said smiling.
She smiled before sitting down. “Good morning everyone.”
“Relax ntombazane.” Baba said. “We won't bite.” I rolled my eyes looking at my dad.
“Yekela umngani wam’ Baba.”
After breakfast I drove us to work.