Azalea The Queen

Foreword

I tried scrubbing the dirty and stubborn stains on the counter, but it was like trying to pin down someone who weighed over 200 pounds with my weight. I huffed, bringing the back of my hand to wipe the sweat off my forehead. God, talk about wanting to work and being an adult.

The front door opened and closed as footsteps approached the kitchen. I felt the presence of Laila before I could see her. I didn't bother to look up, instead continued to clean the counter.

"Oh hi, didn't know you were here," her overly squeaky and annoying voice said, making me roll my eyes. Thank God she didn't see me. I didn't say anything but nodded my head in her direction.

"Aren't you working so hard, it's cute." You could just hear the condescending tone in her words which made me want to wring her neck. But if I did that, I would be fired and I couldn't afford that.

"It's not like I have a choice" I muttered low enough so she couldn't hear the sneer in my words. But luck was not on my side as she turned her head to glare at me. God, she was so annoying.

"Getting a little cheeky there, are we? Well, I would suggest you drop the attitude missy before you find yourself without a job." she clicked her tongue. I heard the fridge open as she pulled a jug of juice and poured a glass.

THE LITTLE BRAT DIDN'T EVEN PUT IT BACK!

After she departed from the kitchen I sighed and put the jug back in the refrigerator and rinsed the glass she used.

"Little shit!" I wanted to yell.

"Ohh watch your language Azi, Micheal could hear you." Mrs. Rivers said in her nonchalant and just as squeaky as her daughters' voice.
I bowed my head in apology, cringing at the nickname I hated ever since I started working here.

Why couldn't she just say my name right? Ugh!

Michael wasn't even around to hear me. Not like the 13-year-old was any saint anyway, bet the kid swore more than anyone in this house. And actually, he did.

"Azi, you know sweetheart you shouldn't be so grumpy all day, you'll get wrinkles." Mrs. Rivers said. Annoyance gnawed at my bones. I wanted to shout out loud that I hated my job, but instead...

"Like the ones on your face?" I muttered lowly.

"Mhmm, did you say something?" Thank God she didn't hear me. I smiled at her, more like a grimace, and shook my head. "Thought so," she said.

"Madam, can I get off early today, it's my brother's birthday so-" I couldn't even find the tiny hope inside of me because I knew what I was asking for was far-fetched.

"Ok Azi sweety, sure." I blinked. Then I blinked again in horror.

"Really Madam?" I was surprised, so unlike her.

My boss smiled and came to stand next to me. "Of course. Come on now, why you gotta make me outta be a bad person Azi? I'm not cruel you know." she chuckled before patting my shoulder. I gave her a skeptical look.

"Well, thank you, madam, I guess." I found myself feeling lost and confused. She smiled and left the kitchen after telling me to at least cook before I leave.

I was happy. I wanted to surprise my little brother today.

I started to get the ingredients to cook something light and quick. Lasagna was going to have to suffice.

___

I arrived at the taxi rank and started to head to my usual taxi line when I saw a mother with her child. They were sitting and leaning against the wall. They seemed like they haven't had anything to eat today. Reaching in my bag, I took out the lunchbox which had some lasagna I had dished up for my little brother.

"Sawubona ma," I kneeled in front of her and smiled.

Hello ma

"Sawubona ngan'yam" she smiled back at me. I took out my lunchbox and handed it to her. "Ngiyabonga ngan'yam" her smile grew into a grin as she took the food with both hands. I felt bad that such an elder had to show so much courtesy to someone young like me.

Hello my child.

Thank you my child.

"Malahleni! Malahleni! Asambeni!" I got up and said my goodbyes to the mother and child before running to the taxi that headed to Malahleni. I was the last one in the taxi.

Malahleni! Malahleni! Let's go!

"Ahhh Ma'Azana, save the best for last uyazi nawe," The taxi driver, Sbu said. A lanky guy with dreadlocks that looked too long for his own good. He winked, and I shook my head but I couldn't stop the smile from my face.

"Ngiyabonga Sbu" he saluted before getting inside the taxi and starting the engine.

Thank you Sbu

Soon enough I was getting off the taxi and heading towards the shops at the shopping center that the taxi dropped me at. I found a very nice and quite expensive must I say Spiderman cake for my little brother. Even as I took out my money, my heart was content to know that I was buying something nice for my brother.

Thanking the cashier once again, I exited the bakery and headed to the toy store. I really hoped nothing happened to the cake. This place was always full and you just never knew what would happen. I paid a lot for this.

I saw that there was a commotion that was happening at the Pep store. A group of people were gathered around whispering and holding out their phones. My curious eyes and mind pushed me into the uproar. I pushed through some people, the cake was clutched safely in my chest.

I gasped upon seeing what the uproar was about.