JOYS OF LIFE -2 [NOT EDITED]

01

Bafana Mesuli Majola

I take off my apron and gather all my things including the money box and go leave it in the boss's office then I go to the lockers so I can change. It's my knock-off time now and I couldn't be happier. Today seemed to be dragging and I just couldn't wait to get to my house, shower, eat, and then play some video games.

Ntokozo: "Fana, hey." she greets in her low voice.

Me: "Sure sure."

Ntokozo: "Knocking off already?!"

Me: "Yeah, I have a lot to do."

Ntokozo: "Can you please drop me off at the bus stop?" she asks giving me puppy eyes which really make me sick.

Me: "Shesha." I tell her heading to my car. I'm probably one of the few people who work at Spar, as a general worker and drives a car. Sure, it is because I come from a financially stable home but that's just it.

Ntokozo: "Thank you." she says already getting comfortable in my passenger's seat.

Me: "Please get in the back?"

Ntokozo: "Oh sorry." she switched seats, I smiled at her and then started the car and drove off. Most of my colleagues think I'm this 'trust fund' kid nje who is doing a job he doesn't need which is so not true. When I first got here, I was a joke, people threw shade at me while the others even went as far as saying I got this job because of a tantrum because that's just how 'rich kids' behave.

Ntokozo: "So... what are your plans for this weekend? I mean it's payday weekend." I chuckle.

Me: "Mxa! I'll probably go home this weekend, I miss my family or just spend it with my girlfriend."

Ntokozo: "You have a girlfriend?!"

Me: "Why do you sound shocked?!" I ask her chuckling.

Ntokozo: "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."

Me: "It's cool. What are your plans?"

Ntokozo: "Partying!" she says then laughs making me laugh too. I park the car outside the call center building where she works. Right on cue, she walks out walking fast with her handbag clutched under her arm.

Me: "Look, I will be back." I tell Ntokozo as I take the key out of the ignition and rush out. I jog behind her and lightly tap her shoulder. She jumps and screams.

Remy: "Bathong wena!" she punches my chest.

Me: "Ouch!"

Remy: "U ntšositse! Bothata ba hau ke eng?!"

Me: "I'm sorry Matla."

Remy: "Why are you following me anyway?!"

Me: "I was hoping that I could give you a ride home."

Remy: "A na u utloile ke re ke hloka ho palama? Ungangijwayeli kabi." she clicks her tongue and walks off. Her Zulu accent is so cute.

Me: "No, I was just being kind." she sighs.

Remy: "Fine. I will wait here." I nod and quickly rush to my car. I start it and drive to her but she isn't there anymore.

Me: "Hawu!" I get out and look around but I don't see her until a taxi passes by me and she waves at me, sitting in the backseat. I sigh and get back in the car.

Me: "Uthe where should I drop you?"

Ntokozo: "Bus station, please."

Me: "Yazini, I will drop you off at your house, give me the directions."

Ntokozo: "Oh thank you so much."