Black & White

-13-

C H A P T E R T H I R T E E N

Today was my last day working for the Bosmans. This means that I could go back to school full time and spend more time with Khumo.

"Hey." A voice came from behind me. I turned around only to see Norman in his usual rugby uniform.

I couldn't control the anger that suddenly came over me, "Hi, how can I help you?"

He looked at me puzzled, "Are you okay?"

I stared back at him, crossing my arms, "Why wouldn't I be?"

He cleared his throat and took a step closer, "You don't sound okay."

"Well I'm fine." I turned away from him and proceeded to clean the kitchen counter.

"Um, how did your Afrikaans essay go?" He asked, scratching the back of his neck.

"Good actually, even got accused of forcing a white kid to write it for me." I sneered.

"What? Why would someone think that?" Norman asked.

"Because I'm black." I stated.

The air suddenly got thick. You could cut it with a knife.

"Well, if you need help again you know where to find me." He spoke again, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"I won't be needing your help anymore." I said

His smile slowly turned into a frown, "Oh? Why?"

"I'm leaving. Today is my last day here."

"Wait what? Why are you leaving? Did my mom fire you?"

"No, your mom didn't fire me. My mother wants me to focus more on school, so she's coming back here tomorrow."

"That's okay. I can come to your house and help you with Afrikaans. I don't mind." He suggested, shrugging his shoulders.

I looked at him shocked, "Norman, I stay in Soweto."

"So?"

I snorted, "Clearly someone doesn't read the newspapers."

"I do, but I just think Soweto is not as dangerous as the journalists make it out to be."

I shook my head at him, "You wouldn't understand."

He stood infront of me,"Then make me understand." His blue eyes were so gentle and sincere.

"No." I said, looking away from him.

"Ayize, everytime I try to be friendly towards you, you push me away."

"Why would you want to be friends with a maid. I'm here to work, not to make friends." I said.

"It's the first time we have had a worker that is the same age as me. I just thought we could be friends."

"Oh I see what is happening. Your parents sent you here, didn't they?"

"What? Why would they-

"Didn't they send you to 'help me with dinner the last time'." I said quoting the words with my fingers.

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh please Norman." I snapped. "Your father won't eat food that has been cooked by a kaffer, right? Which is why you pretended to help me with dinner, right?

"Ayize, I can explain." He began.

"No, don't bother."

I took off my apron and walked towards him. I stood infront of him while I spoke, "I may not be that good in Afrikaans but I can hear and understand all your little conversations." And with that I shoved the apron in his hands and walked away.

When I got home Mama had just finished cooking dinner. Zenande was seated on the couch with her school books on her lap.

"How was your last day at work?" Mama asked.

"Good." I muttered.

"Mntanami, I only want what is best for you."

I sighed, "I know mama and I understand. I just wanted to take care of you and Zenande."

"Mntanami, you are too young for that kind of responsibility."

"I know and I'm sorry mama." I said giving her a slight smile.

"Sit down. I cooked all of your favourites."

That's the thing about mama. Whenever we have an argument she would apologize by cooking my favourite food.

"Mama, since you are going back to work does that mean you won't be able to help me with my homework." Zenande asked with a sad voice.

"Don't worry mntanami, Ayize will help you with your homework and I will come back early to tell you a bedtime story."

Mama told us great stories. Stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. Stories that I will tell my children and grandchildren one day.

~*~