Gabsile

chapter 20

****Siyanda khumalo****

I prepared myself for an interview that wasn't conducted because Mr Buthelezi spoke highly of me and I was offered a very modern , bright and airy office and if you ask me , his money spoke volumes on my behalf and you know what ? I'm not complaining. I'v been introduced to the staff and most importantly the lovely learners.

I'm not good at holding conversations or even initiating conversations with my peers but It's been easy talking to Miss Bogatsu. She teaches grade 7 maths and physics  and doesn't look at me funny or try to sneak in questions about Duduzane or Mpilo. I found her in the staffroom during my free period and we clicked immediately.

I'm certain Duduzane paid for me to be given less work because im going through my dark times and maybe its a good thing. Hear me out , I don't miss Akhumzi like I used to. If anything I thank the Universe and the good lord for giving me this opportunity , I don't think I would go back to Akhumzi even if he walked in right now. Duduzane isn't only attractive , he is funny , goofy , well mannered and kind hearted. He has self control too because I have seen the hunger in his eyes but he isn't acting on it.

****Duduzane Buthelezi****

I  stare at her car drive out into the street and my phone rings.
' Weh Duduzani what did I tell you about staying off our essential worker's lives? Didn't I tell you to stay away from the family doctors , lawyers and even police officers lives?huh?" My brother asks
'U khuluma ngani?how does this have anything to do with Khumalo?"
' Khumalo is miss L's boyfriend "
' Miss L as in Gosiame Lefetlho our advocate?"
'Do we have another family advocate that we call miss L?"
'No but-"
'Hlukana pantsi naye , if you feel like you'v been with all the girls in Gauteng move to another province' my brother says.
I end the call and drop my phone on the bed so I can gather my thoughts and think properly.  I  like Siyanda a lot. Everytime I look at her I see something I haven't had in the past 5 years , peace. She is slowly changing my life , first she brought life to my house by simply just being there and now I feel like I have to look my best at all times because she lives here.

I won't tell her about my connection to missL knor will I tell her about Gosiame's connection to Akhumzi but I'm worried that when she has gathered the money she will know and maybe then we might be in a relationship and it might complicate things. I'm not ready to let her go .

On my way from work I stop by the mall for some groceries and I spend some time on the flower isle trying to decide on the right ones for her while also thinking if my confidence will allow me to actually give them to her. I pick out a squat vase and some lilies and head back home . I find her sitting on the couch watching soccer highlights with Mpilo and my heart does a little happy dance.

She offers to help me with the groceries but I refuse and instruct Mpilo to take them out of my car because I am trying to buy time so I can give her the flowers without my brother saying something awkward or embarassing or her declining because of some dumb allergy . I chicken out when I see her unpacking the paperbags and instead set them on the dinner table.

'Uthenge imbali?" Mpilo asks infront of her and I shoot her quick glance so he can actually shut up but you know what he does ? He asks more questions
'Is there a special somebody that you'v invited for dinner or drinks tonight?"
'No"
'Manje why would you bring these home?"
'My therapist said I should find a hobby tha-"
'Haibo ndoda you have a therapist?since when?"
And I run my hand over my face and say a short prayer. Mpilo seriously needs to move out and nextime im going to send them here under a fake name or something , I don't know why I didn't think about it before.

She cooks mouth watering beef stew and instant samp and Mpilo and I lick our plates clean.  Not only is she a good cook , but she is smart , independent , hot , sexy , funny and down to earth. I still say that Akhumzi is a dumb fuck. I would never let someone like her go.

I ditch the kitchen and head off to the poolside and settle on the chairs. I could have any girl that I want except for Siyanda and that kills me. I'm not as confident as I look in suits and on interviews , I can't bring myself to give her lilies , I'm probably going to die before asking her out and even confessing my feelings to her.
'How did you go from baddies to plane janes?" Mpilo asks pulling me away from my thoughts
'What?"
'You went from influencers , rich girls & baddies to Plane janes in 6 days , so I'm asking how you did it "
'I don't know what you're talki-"
'You couldn't even give her the damn flowers'
'Oh detective where is Courtney?"
'You like her and you're sitting here because you're afraid of telling her and asking her out because of God know what and someguy will take her , mark my words"
'U yam funa?"
'Really?" Mpilo asks and I get up and head straight to my bedroom. Mpilo must find his own apartment, ngeke ngi khone.