Silent Wounds(on hold)

chapter 7|Twist of fate

Ntsiki

The online classes were challenging, but slowly, I was starting to get the hang of it. The rhythm of study sessions and assignments was becoming familiar, though there was one subject that I was struggling with more than the rest-physical science. No matter how much I read the textbook or tried to watch videos explaining the concepts, it felt like the information just wasn't sinking in.

Mrs. Mbatha, who had been so supportive of my studies, noticed how often Mrs. Mdlalose would interrupt me while I was trying to concentrate. Whether it was a demand to do more housework or a scolding for not completing tasks fast enough, she seemed determined to make sure I never had a moment of peace. But, surprisingly, Mrs. Mbatha intervened. She told me I could attend my online classes in her study, away from the distractions and noise.

It was a small act of kindness that I didn't take for granted.

So, there I was, sitting in the study, trying to wrap my head around physics formulas that might as well have been written in another language. But despite the quiet and the peaceful environment, my mind kept drifting... and not towards science.

I couldn't stop thinking about Vusi.

Every day, we were getting closer, and with every conversation, with every laugh, I found myself pulled deeper into this strange feeling I wasn't ready to admit. The more I tried to focus on my studies, the more his face popped into my mind, the sound of his voice, the warmth of his presence. It was ridiculous. I couldn't be falling for him... could I?

I was startled out of my thoughts when the door creaked open. Precious, Vusi's twin sister, walked in carrying a plate of snacks-a sandwich, some fruit, and a juice box.

"Here, you must be hungry. You've been in here for hours," she said with a kind smile, placing the plate on the desk in front of me.

"Oh, thank you so much, Presh. I wasn't even thinking about food. Maybe that's why I can't focus," I replied, giving her a grateful smile.

Precious raised an eyebrow and gave me a sly grin. "What were you thinking about then?" she teased, wiggling her eyebrows at me.

"Uhm... physics," I lied, not even convincing myself.

"You're lying," she said, leaning closer with a playful glint in her eyes. "I can see right through you. You're in love!"

My heart skipped a beat. "Oh no! No, Presh, you're wrong. I'm... I'm not."

"You're..." Precious paused, squinting at me before a mischievous smile spread across her face. "Is it Vusi?"

I opened my mouth to deny it, but I felt a smile betray me as soon as I heard his name. A soft warmth bloomed in my chest at the thought of him, and I could feel my cheeks heating up.

"Gotcha!!! It is him!" Precious practically squealed. "Wow, Ntsiki, what do you even like about that big head? He's such an idiot!" she teased, laughing and playfully nudging my shoulder.

I couldn't help but chuckle along with her. "He's not... He's a good person," I said softly, realizing how true it was. He was a good person. And that was part of the problem.

"Mm-hmm, if you say so," Precious teased, giving me a wink before heading for the door. "I'll see you later."

As she left the study, the playful energy left with her, and I found myself sitting alone again. But now, it wasn't physics formulas running through my head. It was Vusi. His smile, his voice, the way he made me feel seen in a way no one else did.

I leaned back in the chair and sighed, staring blankly at the laptop screen as my mind wandered. Was Precious right? Was I... falling for him? I shook my head, trying to push the thought away. No. I couldn't let myself think like that. He was part of the family I worked for. And I was just a maid, right?