A Parent's Sacrifice

02: Demands

"Wait till I get my money right"- Kanye West  

My work called to inform me that my co-worker, Zano, has suddenly fallen ill and I need to report  to work tomorrow. 

MaZungu and my dad were very upset at the news but I had stayed home long enough now, it's been three days. After the date, Wandile dropped me off at my dad's place. He parked a few house away from mine and he didn't enter the gate. At least he still had his manners intact. 

He said he was joking about knowing where my biological mother lives, his uncles just discussed my terms with him and he wanted to confirm if it was true. 

We agreed to meet up at least once a week to try and get to know each other. 

My dad offered to drive me to my flat back in Hillcrest and I could not deny the offer. It was 18:36 and I know that it's not going to be easy for me to find a taxi. 

I gave MaZungu one last hug before placing my bags in the back of my dad's Amarok. I promised her that I'm going to visit more often. 

My dad started the ignition and off we went.

"You know that the Yaris is yours, I really want you to take it," he said looking at me from the corner of his eye. My dad was a good driver, he's never caused an accident ever since he started driving. 

"I know dad, and I really appreciate it. Let's work towards fixing our relationship first before I accept expensive gifts from you," I said.  

"I understand, but if you change your mind just know that it's there for you" he said. I saw him taking a different route from the one I know. 

"I don't live this side baba" 

"I just want you to buy a few groceries. That's the least I could do my child." he said. A few minutes later we arrived at our local shopping centre and he gave me his FNB Platinum Credit card. I took the card and went straight to Woolworths, Thabile will be shocked because we usually buy groceries at Shoprite to try and save money. 

After shopping for close to an hour, I went back to the car with a trolley filled with groceries. I gave my father his card back, including the slip. The groceries amounted to R8963.90. I know that he won't be happy with the amount of money that I've spent but I have to take advantage of the situation. He did miss out on a full year of parenting so groceries close to R9000.00 are nothing. 

My dad finally dropped me off at my place after 20:00. I found Thandiswa sitting on the couch watching her favourite show, Date My Family. 

"Hey chom'am, I'm so drained." I said as I plopped myself on the couch next to her. I took the bowl of popcorn that was on the coffee table and started snacking on it. 

My dad left the groceries in front of the door, I didn't want him to enter the flat. After a catch up session, I stood up from the couch so I could unpack the groceries. I then went to take a shower and sleep in my room after setting my alarm for 4am. 

The next morning, I woke up at 06:32 and I had to be at work by 07:00, this is one of the reasons why I need a car. I knocked on Thandiswa's room and found out that she was also asleep. I couldn't blame her, it was her off day. Thandiswa usually works night shifts as a call center agent. As much as the pay at her workplace is not that bad, there were no tips. I made most of my money from the tips that I received from work. 

I took a quick shower and wore a sundress, I was going to wear my uniform at work because I didn't have enough time now. I left the house at 06:53 and I still had to catch a taxi. I couldn't afford to be late because I was literally on my last warning. I know the morning rush is almost over around this time, so I'm going to have to wait for quite some time for the taxi to fill up before it leaves the rank. 

After some time, I arrived at work. I was a few minutes late so I don't think the manager was going to mind. Luckily, he was no where to be seen. I signed in and went to the bathroom to change into my uniform. Just as I plopped my bag on the sink, I saw Wandile's reflection on the mirror and for a second I thought I was hallucinating.

"Hello MaDoncabe, uyaphila nkosazane?" he greeted, chilled as ever as if what he is doing is perfectly normal. I was still shocked out of my mind and I could not forma response. I ALMOST UNDRESSED IN FRONT OF HIM. 

"What are you doing here?" I asked him. 

"That's not how you're supposed to be speaking to your future husband." he said, smirking. 

He took a look at my outfit and shook his head. 

"Do you have clothes baby girl, I'm worried about you" he asked. I was wearing the same dress that I wore on our date and this time its justifiable,

"I was late." I said simply. 

He walked towards me and extended his arms, I'm assuming for a hug. I just stood still and watched as he awkwardly placed them back by his sides. 

"Let's go, I'm taking you out for breakfast." he said, defeatedly walking in front of me.

"My manag-"

"I already spoke with Rochelle, she doesn't have a problem" I followed him out of the bathroom. My colleagues had now stopped working and they were looking at me. 

The reason why I didn't say no to his offer was because I didn't want to come to work in the first place and I can't deny the fact that I was hungry. This time he was driving a black Porsche Cayenne. He instructed me to sit in the front seat and I watched as he put on his seat belt. I mirrored his action, and off we went. 

The way to the restaurant was very quiet. Soft RnB was playing on the stereo. He asked if I wanted to connect my phone to his car's radio but I denied. I know not to mess with the driver's music, plus I was enjoying his songs. 

After a twenty minute drive, we arrived at this restaurant in Durban North. It was by the beach. The place had a light blue wallpaper and had a wall of fame with all the people who have worked in the restaurant. There was a surfboard right outside of the restaurant, there were seats at the back of the restaurants which overlooked the beach. It was still 08:00, but the place was already packed. Luckily, Wandile called in advance and made a reservation. 

They led us to our table and gave us the menus. It feels good to be on the receiving end for once, I definitely would not recommend working as a waiter if you have mood swings or social anxiety. One terrible customer could ruin the rest of your day. 

I decided to have a simple English breakfast and some orange juice. Wandile had a chicken salad and whiskey, who has whiskey so early in the morning?  

"I brought you here so we could talk about the upcoming ceremony at home. I want you to attend my cousin's memulo with me, you'll be required to arrive on Friday.-"

"Wait, I have work to do, you can't force me to attend your family-" He cut me off whilst I was still talking. 

"Kahle nje Phiwo, ungangingeni emlomeni. Hand in your resignation letter for all I care, I don't want you working as a waiteress vele. You have a whole restaurant waiting for you to manage."

"But-"

"No buts, talk to your manager after breakfast and resign with immediate effect. My dad would kill me if he found out that you're still working in  that restaurant and living in that two bedroom flat in town." he said with no expression on his face. 

This is not what I signed up for, how dare he. He just prances into my life and starts making demands, what has my father gotten me into. I've been avoiding this my whole life, this is the reason why I chose to move out at home and become independent.

I will make his life a living hell. I will make sure that he does not want to make me his wife.