No Love

07 - Janell

I never thought much of what taking care of him entails until after what he's just told me. Janell didn't mention this. I look at him, hoping that his mouth cracks into a smile before laughter erupts then he curses me out as per usual. However, it doesn't seem like this is a joke. His creased forehead and his lips that are turned into a scowl tell me he isn't joking.

"W-what?"

He sucks his teeth.

"You heard me and you're wasting my time. I have a class I have to attend," he quips.

"You're going to campus?"

He glares at me.

"Do I look like I want to be made a joke? Hell no. I'll be joining online. COVID-19 helped with its blended learning"

I heave a sigh.

"OK. Lift your hands so I can take off your shirt."

He does. I help him out of his pants after, leaving him in his briefs. This is kind of weird. The only person I ever bathed is myself yet here I am. I hope he's not going to be weird.

"You ready?" I ask.

He's calmer about this than I thought he'd be. I'm not freaking out per say but I'm not into this.

"People get naked when they bath, Diso or you bath with underwear?"

"Why are you acting like your hands don't work? You can remove your own briefs," I say.

He chuckles.

"What are you afraid of?"

Afraid?

"I'm not afraid," I say. "But your arms work, bro. You seem to enjoy being taken care of way too much."

"Who wouldn't? I get to sit while everything is brought to me on a platter. That's king treatment"

I snicker.

"I'm doing this because Janell is nice and seems to really care about you."

He sucks his teeth.

"She's crazy and abusive. She hit me when I was in hospital. If I wasn't good with my landlord and didn't like living here, I'd move to res where she won't be allowed."

He sounds really irritated. I chuckle.

"You deserve it. It's payback for all the times you've been rude to me. Anyway, I'm going to get some gloves," I say.

I'm not about to touch his underwear with my bare hands.

"You're pathetic. I'll do it myself," he quips.

When he's nude, I help him into the tub. It's not an easy task. I'm panting after he's inside. I'm not a weightlifter. I shouldn't be dealing with this. Janell and I are more or less the same built so, I wonder how she manages.

"Go drink some water then come," he says.

I nod then walk out. Coming back, I lather his rug with soap and begin washing him.

"Why are you staring me like that?" I ask.

He's been looking at me through out. He bites his lip.

"You're pretty"

I cough.

"W-what?"

"You are. I'm seeing it more upfront."

I clear my throat.

"Thanks, I guess. You're being very weird, Tshego."

I move to his lower body, not knowing how to go with this.