Not A Phase

CHAPTER 3

The following day I am woken up by loud noises. It's not something I am not used to because that’s how Anelisa wakes me up everyday. I am confused though because the noise is coming from outside my room. Then I remember that Ndoni is here. She is an early bird. She probably woke Anelisa up and helped her prepare for school. One of the things I love about my sister. I don’t have to worry about my daughter when she's around. I get up, make the bed and then take a shower. I put on my robe and head to the kitchen.

“Good morning my baby.” I kiss Anelisa on the forehead and she turns to wrap her arms around me.
“Hey mommy. You slept well?” she asks and I smile at her.
“Yes, I did. How about you? Did the bed bugs bite you?” she laughs and shakes her head. I look at Ndoni. “Hey sis. How are you this morning?”

“Superb. I have a meeting at 7:30 in town. So I will drop off Annie for you and proceed to it.”
“Thank you.” She smiles and nods. “Well I have to go to work early today because I knocked off early yesterday.”

“Here's your coffee.” She hands me a mug and I smile at her. “What are your plans after work?” I shrug. I don't usually have plans because I have a child which I love spending time with. The only time I make plans alone is when she is visiting my mother or her father.
“Not that I know of. Why?”

“I got us ticket to this theatre play. All three of us. It starts at 6pm.” Lisa screams almost immediately and I laugh. This child dear God.
“You can go and get dressed now.” I tell Lisa and she places her bowl in the sink before heading out. I give Ndoni a serious look and she instantly comes to sit next to me.

“What is it?” I huff and pinch my nose. “You are worrying me, Zana. What happened?”
“I think I have feelings for someone.” Her eyes pop out and she gives me a creepy smile.

“You lie. When did that happened? Okay. First things first. Who is he? Where is he from? What does he do? Which car does he drive?” Fuck. This is going to be harder than I thought.
“It's a she.” I mumble and she frowns.

“Sorry. I didn't get that. I just saw your lips moving but no sound coming out. I hope it's not what I think or imagined hearing.” I exhale loudly and place the mug on the counter.

“I think, no, I know I have feelings for a woman named Asante. I have been crushing on her for a year now and yesterday I actually spoke to her. I think she was flirting with me or something. Then she bonded with Lisa, and before you ask, I did not plan for them to meet. It just happened. Now I don't know what to do. Should I approach her or shall I just be cool and try to bury my feelings?”

Ndoni fixes her invisible glasses and I chuckle. “I am saying no to both suggestions. You should play it cool for the whole week, see if she is interested or not. If she doesn’t ask you out by Thursday next week, shoot your shot mtakama. I am one hundred percent behind you. I don’t know if this is just a phase or anything else but you have my full blessing to explore your sexuality. Who knows? Maybe Asana is your soulmate.”

“It's Asante.” She laughs.
“Who cares? Anyways, take my advice. I want feedback Friday night.” I smile.
“I knew I could count on you.”

…
As I climb off my car, locking it, my phone rings. It’s Ceba calling, Lisa’s father. My relationship with him was good, I suppose. We met in varsity, fell head over heels in love with each other. Lisa was the product of our love. Then on our final year, he told me he was moving to Upington and asked me to come with him. By that time, Lisa was already a year old. I said I would consider it but I knew I wasn’t going to move to another province because of a guy.

On my graduation day, he proposed and I said no. I knew he was actually forcing me to come with him. If I was his wife or fiancé I would’ve went where ever he went. He was heartbroken and he broke up with me. My family was disappointed in my decision but when I told them the real reason behind it, they were happy I didn’t leave.

I answer the call as I make my way inside the shop. “Hey Ceba.”
“Hi, Miss Thingo. How are you doing this morning?”

We are not bitter exes and we have gotten our closure. What I can say is that we are in the place where we are happy if one of us is in a successful relationship and we don’t live life with regrets. But we are also not friends. So the only time we talk, is when it involves our angel.

“I am doing okay. How about you?”
“I am great. I wanted to tell you that I am coming there next week. I will be staying at a hotel, so can I please have Ane?”
“I will speak to her and then get back to you.”
“Thank you so much. There is also some important things I need to discuss with you face to face. How about dinner or lunch when I get there?”

“No problem. Just let me know as soon as you land.”
“See you then, baby mama.” I hang up and head inside the shop.

I start working, serving and making nice short conversations with customers. Mrs. Williams, one of the regular clients, stop by at the counter.

“Good morning, Rainbow.” I smile at her.
“Hey, Mrs. Williams. Same order?” she shakes her head.
“I want something really sweet with my camomile tea. Bring it at my booth.” I nod.
“Okay then.”

“You look happy today. Did something happen? Is there a man in your life?” she asks and I chuckle.
“It could be a woman, Mrs. Williams. Life is very unpredictable.” I shrug.
“Ow wow. Let me stay out of your business then.” She raises her hands and walks away. I laugh. This old woman is really dramatic.

I prepare her order and quickly serve her. Just as I am heading back to the till, the door opens and Asante makes her way in. she is dressed in Puma tracksuits and push-ins. Keep it cool. Breathe and continue with your way. I do just that and as soon as I reach the counter, she comes to me. She smirks while her eyes travel from me to the menu at the screen above me.

“You’re looking more beautiful today.” She starts off and I force myself to calm down.
“Good morning, Miss Asante. What can I get for you today?”

“I am wondering why have I never took notice of your beauty. It stands out. It makes a statement. It’s the kind of beauty that will distract you and make you cause an accident.” I swallow hard. This isn’t part of the plan. She is not supposed to come to my work and make me speechless like this.

“Anything on the menu?” I ask using my professional voice. She snorts.
“Is burying my head between your legs on the menu? Because that’s what I feel like having.” I huff.
“Asante, at some point you have to order something or just go read one of your naughty books.” She laughs.

“My kind of woman. I love your courage. Anyways, I will have your cookie, your juice and muff you.”
I groan. “ASANTE! NEXT CUSTOMER PLEASE!” she continues laughing.

“Damn mami, you are feisty. I will have my usual. How is my princess doing?” for the first time since the conversation started, I allow myself to smile. Single mothers know that when someone shows concern with regards to your child, it warms your heart.

“She is fine.” She nods.
“You will find me in my booth.” She winks before walking away and I allow myself to finally breathe. Fuck.

…
I knock off and head to the parking lot. Just as I close the back seat after placing my bag there which is a habit I can’t seem to shake off, I hear footsteps nearing me. I freeze.

“I have a gun and I am not afraid to use it.” I state in a chilled tone. I have heard and seen many hijacking cases. I don’t wanna be no victim. Well I do have a pepper spray but the person sneaking up on me doesn’t know that. The person chuckles and I immediately turn. “So you have become a stalker now? You wait for me till I knock off and then sneak up on me? For what?” she laughs.

“That’s not the case. And I didn’t wait on you. I just asked one of your colleagues your knock off time.” I sigh.

“I am tired. What can I do for you?” she smiles before stepping closer to me. She wraps her arms around my waist and plants a soft kiss on my forehead. Our eyes meet.

“Saturday night I am taking you out on a date. Be ready by 6:30.” She perks my lips and then walks away. What the fuck just happened? Did I allow that to happen? What is wrong with me?