Scarlett Ngcobo

Chapter 36

Two weeks ago at our academy, we had our in-house competition. I still can't believe that I'll be one of the dancers who will he representing the academy at the Best Dancers SA competition! When they called out my name, I was in shock. I didn't think I still had it in me. Rendani was sleeping over so we were drinking and having snacks, obviously also talking about our partners.
“Chommie, who knew that you're such a graceful dancer?”
“I still can't believe I still had it in me.”
“So if you win at this coming competition, what are you going to win?” Rendani.
“Actually I haven't checked what the winner will be getting.”
“How did your parents take the news of you quitting your job?” Kele has to always dampen the mood.
I sighed.
“You did tell them right?”
“Khanyisile!” they both screamed.
“Chill! I told them. They were shocked at my sudden decision to quit. Heck I'm still shocked about my decision.”
“I thought you loved your job?”
“I did. I still do but something is missing. I enjoyed my time there, I met wonderful people.” I hugged the both of them. “If I didn't get that internship, we wouldn't be sitting here on the carpet drinking wine. You two have shown me the true meaning of friendship. I never thought I would be able to move on from my past but when I met you two. I love you guys a lot! Me not working with you two, doesn't mean we can't be friends anymore.” I poked Rendani.
“We love you too.”
My phone vibrated in my gown pocket. Let me answer this. I got up and went to the balcony.
“Hi lutendo.”
“I was afraid you wouldn't pick up.”
“Why would I not pick up?”
“I've been trying to reach you since you quit but.. am I the reason you quit? Is it the flowers?”
“No it's not the flowers. You did nothing wrong, I just didn't see the reason for me being there anymore. I loved the time I spent there but it's not for me.”
“I was so worried thinking I'm the reason you quit. You were one of our best consultants. You won't believe this but.. even Cass admitted that you were good. Even your clients were happy with your work. Some even left flowers, cards and fruit baskets. You better come here and fetch your flowers.”
“I will come and pop in.”
“Have a great evening. I really hope one day we can have lunch or dinner together. One day.”
“One day...” I heard the girls calling me. “I have to go.”
I turned and looked at Kele and Rendani taking shots and laughing like there's no tomorrow.
“Ladies I have to head to bed now. I have classes tomorrow.”
“Good night babe.” Rendani.

Our instructor has been pushing me to my limits. After our practice, I felt like my body was not mine. Ever since I quit, I have been attending the Wednesday to Saturday classes. They have really helped. My flexibility is back and I can twist and turn like a snake. After my lessons I took a long shower. I'm going to my parents home, I don't know if I'm still welcome or not. They've never called to check up on me after the stunt I pulled. I got dressed and drove home.
Arriving home, there were two cars I was not familiar with. They might have invited friends over. I drove in and entered using the back door. The stares! I felt like a stranger at my parents home. I cleared my throat and greeted everyone. I looked at my mom but I couldn't read her face. I have no clue if she's still angry or not.
“We will discuss the way forward some other time Gatsha.” the man said and got up. “Angelique, as always the food was delicious.”
My mom just nodded.
“Angelique my darling, I'll get my PA to call you to set up that meeting. I really need to give my home that lift it needs.”
My mom just nodded again and hugged the lady. As soon as they left all eyes were on me. Okay now I was nervous. I even forgot why I actually came here in the first place.
“Let's go sit at the garden. It's nice and sunny outside.”
Me and my dad followed my mom out. That awkwardness again!
“I thought you liked your new job my baby?”
She said ‘my baby’ that's a good start. A very good one, I smiled. “I did mom but who am I kidding? Dance has always been my first love. That's all I wanted to do. Open my own contemporary dance school. That was the dream. Not what I was doing.”
“So when and where will this big competition be held?”
“Does this mean you will support my decision and stop treating me like an outsider?”
“If you had said you want to be an engineer.”
“The shade Mah. The shade. You think I can't be an engineer?”
“Don't listen to your mom. You can be anything you want to be.”
“No more career changes. You're certain that this is what you want to do?”
“I'm very sure! It might take me a while to open my school but eventually I will.”
How I had missed having such conversations with my parents. The past week was torture.
“You have a beautiful glow my baby. You're taking good care of yourself I see.”
“I told you to stop stressing mom. I'm a big girl.”

As soon as I opened the apartment door, the smell that greeted me was nauseating. I immediately ran to the bathroom. Everything I ate at my parents, down in the toilet! I kept on puking until I felt like I had nothing more to puke. The dizzy spell returned again. I sat down until I felt better. I washed my face before going back to the kitchen.
“Kele what are you cooking it smells horrible?”
She came from her room. “Since when did chicken start smelling horrible? I'm making chicken stew with dumplings.”
I loved chicken stew, especially with dumplings. Why it smelled like smelly armpits I had no idea. “Did you check the expiry date of the chicken?”
“Yes I did and there's nothing wrong with this chicken.”
I made myself a jam and bacon sandwich. Delicious. Kele was just looking at me as if she's seeing a ghost.
“Sies Khanyi! Jam and bacon with a bit of cheese? Sies!”
I left her in the kitchen and disappeared into my room. Browsing through my Facebook, I saw a picture of Mpumi with a manly hand. I quickly got up from the bed and took a closer look at the picture. Mpumi! I called her immediately.
“Ngani kaGatsha unjani?”
“Who is that man I'm seeing you with?”
“I'm good thanks for asking little sister.”
I rolled my eyes. “Mpumi I asked a question. Who is that yummy man next to my sister?”
“Looks like I followed my sister's advice and before I knew it, I'm on a date with a hot gent!”
“Finally! I'm so happy for you. You better send me his details, I want to know everything about him.”
“Come on, we're not dating.. yet! But I will send you his pictures and his numbers. Happy?”
I took a nap but the nap turned into a deep sleep. I woke up because of that baby dream again. It makes no sense why I would dream about babies...