Scarlett Ngcobo

Chapter 35

Starting classes at the Penelope Dance Academy, was the best thing to happen in my life. Dance has always been my first love. That's all I did until high school. I stopped doing the things I love. I don't know why but one morning I woke up and decided that, you know what I don't want to do this anymore. Two weeks ago, when I passed by the academy I felt alive again. It reminded me of that young girl who was always at dance practice. Raining or not! I was there.
My relationship with Jas has been so amazing. Better than it was before. I'm thinking of introducing her to my parents. I was not sure of what we were doing, months ago but now I see progress. She slept over last night and the things we got up to. I hope these walls are not paper thin. I sat upright and looked at her sleeping. She looked so gorgeous. Mlungu wam’ madoda! I snapped a few pictures and changed my WhatsApp profile image.
“Stop that, you look like a creep.”
I laughed as I got off the bed. “Who wouldn't be a creep with a girl like you?”
“What time is it? I have to go home and change before going to work.”
“You wouldn't be doing all this back and forth had you left some of your clothes here.” I kissed her with my morning breath before going to bath. On my way to the bathroom I bumped into Kele. Judging by her look she heard me. “Next time keep the noise and screaming low.” With that said she left. Awkward! There was no time for breakfast. We quickly left for work and ordered something to eat.
On my desk there was a bouquet of roses. Now that's strange it's not my birthday.
“Who are the flowers from?” Kele and Kieran said behind me, as I was about to open the card. I quickly closed the card and looked at them.
“They're from no one. Well the card doesn't have a name on it.” after they left, I opened the card;

Beautiful roses for a beautiful rose. Have a wonderful day Ms Ngcobo.

I shook my head and laughed. I have no idea what game Lutendo is playing, but the bitch in me is enjoying this so much. Since Kieran and Kele were watching me like a hawk, I sent him a text instead;
Thank you for the flowers . They're beautiful, like their owner.

After a few consultations, I got an email from the dance academy. Tomorrow's lessons would be a bit earlier and there is an announcement to be made.
“Chommie, I need your help.”
“Help with what?”
“I need something decent to wear tomorrow.”
“What's happening tomorrow? Did I forget someone's birthday?”
“No! Refentse wants me to meet his parents and siblings.”
My eyes widened. “Damn that nigga is not here to play is he?”
“This is not the time to be making jokes Khanyi. I really need your help. What if his mom doesn't love me?”
“Relax babe. Breathe and relax. From a few encounters I've had with Mrs Tlou, she's a wonderful woman. I don't know about his siblings though. But no worries, if Refentse loves you, no one else matters.”
“Yeah. You're right! If they don't like me, that's on them.”
“Who wouldn't love you babe? You're the whole package. Any dude would kill to have you as their girlfriend. I have a consultation now...” I looked at the time. “After this consultation, we'll go and get something. A gift from me to you.”
She came around my table and squeezed me into a coma. “I love you chommie!”

During our lunch break, we went to Donatella. This boutique has become my favourite.
“I need new lingerie.” Rendani.
“Weird how suddenly we're all in relationships ladies.”
“Right!” Kele.
“So what are we looking for again?” Rendani.
“Madam over there is meeting Refentse’s parents and siblings tomorrow.”
“No ways!” Rendani looked at a nervous Kele.
We kept on looking for decent dresses that Kele kept saying no to. “If you say no one more time, I'm leaving you here.”
“I've found the one.”
“Great now go and fit the dress. Where is your friend now?”
“I'm here. I told you I needed new lingerie.”
When Kele came out of the dressing room, I was blown away. She's not a fan of dresses or skirts but this one! It was made for her and her body. A brown body hugging dress.
“You look stunning!”
“Serious? Not too tight?”
“Can you breathe in it? If yes than buy the damn dress.”
“That dress looks good on you. If you can find a pair of nude stilettos. Trust me that look will be everything.” Rendani.
On our way back to work, Kele asked Rendani if they've never seen Jas before.
“Now that you mention it mngani, I feel like I've seen her before just don't know where.”
“I think it was at our old offices but Khanyi was off on that particular day.” Kele.
“Maybe you guys saw someone who looks like her. Jas doesn't even know where I work...”
“Wait! Your girlfriend doesn't know where you work? What kind of spaza relationship are you two in?” Rendani asked with her eyes popped out.
We arrived at work with them hot on my heels, trying to figure out why Jas doesn't know where I work. I just kept quiet because I had no idea why my girlfriend doesn't know where I work. Just when I think my relationship with Jas is progressing, another hurdle!
I looked at the roses on my table and smiled. I went to Lutendo’s office, he was on a phone call. Judging from how he was smiling, it was a female. I shouldn't be jealous but I felt my chest tightening from jealousy.
“Ms Ngcobo?”
“Lutendo what game are you playing?”
“Games?” he chuckled. “I don't think I understand what you're talking about.”
“These flowers that you keep sending? Don't get me wrong, they're absolutely gorgeous but why?”
He got off his table and smiled. He walked towards me, with every step he took it felt like I would stop breathing. I'm so sorry for the comparison but Lutendo makes me feel like a teenager in love. I just want to breathe the same air as him. Just be close to him 24/7. I had my back against the door. “Ms Ngcobo.” he chuckled softly. “I'll stop with the flowers. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable at your work environment.”
“No don't get me wrong, you're not making me uncom...” he stopped me before I could finish.
“You don't have to explain yourself Ms Ngcobo. I overstepped. You're in a relationship and I shouldn't be sending you flowers. You're off limits.”
Now I regretted coming here. I didn't mind the flowers, yet again he has a point. I'm seeing someone, I shouldn't be entertaining someone who is not Jas. “I'll get back to work. Thanks again for the flowers.”

The following morning I had to wake up a bit earlier than usual. My classes usually start at 08h00 but because of whatever announcement they had to make. I was at the academy at 07h40.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I'm sorry for getting you to come a bit earlier but I have some good news I have to share with everyone.” Valencia, our contemporary instructor said.
“What good news?” a student asked.
“You all know, especially those who have been here for years. We strive for excellency here at, Penelope's Academy of Dance. We produce the best of the best. Our school has been handpicked to compete at the ‘Best dancers SA’.” there were loud cheers from the room. I couldn't believe it. Best dancers SA is one of those competitions you don't want to miss as a dancer. They put you on the map of dancing.
“Well since our academy is versatile, they chose contemporary and hip hop to represent our academy. And there is a lot of us. So here is what I'm going to do. We are going to have an in-house competition. Amongst yourselves, you will choose whether you want to dance in a group or as a solo artist. There can only be five people in a group. Only four people can represent the academy.” more mumbles across the room. It's hard to choose who would be the perfect person to represent us. “There will be two from the contemporary and two from the hip hop team. Understood?”
Another awkward thing is that most of the people here have already created bonds. Some are friends, so most of them were already pairing each other up and creating schedules on when to meet. I was going to dance on my own. Better that way. Our lessons where an extra hour long today. I just wanted to shower and sleep!