JOYS OF LIFE -2 [NOT EDITED]

23 (2)

Cont...

XOLISA MUTHOMBENI

I literally could feel my heart beating faster with each passing minute. We were now on our way to our lunch 'date' and I was so nervous. He first drove his wife and my friends home before driving us to wherever he is taking us. I was more anxious of what he'd say, I mean he might even ask me to understand his distance and ask that I keep far away from him and his kids. Okay, maybe i'm exaggerating but my nerves are letting me overthink.

Mr Majola: "We are here." he says startling me but I quickly gain my composure but he already noticed.

Mr Majola: "Do I really scare you that much?" uhm yes sir.

Me: "No." He chuckles and gets out of the car before opening my door and helps me out of the car. He holds my hand and locks the car then leads me inside the mall.

Mr Majola: "I don't bite Xolisa, loosen up." I nod still looking down as we keep on walking. I look up when he finally stops and I hear him talk to a waiter.

Mr Majola: "Lizwilenkosi Majola, a booking for a table for two."

Waiter: "Oh yes sir. Please follow me." the waiter leads us to a nice booth by the big window, showing a very succulent view of a very beautiful garden.

Waiter: "I will be back to take your orders."

Mr Majola: "Can you bring us drinks for now?"

Waiter: "Sure, what will you be having?"

Mr Majola: "Please get me a glass of sparkling water and bring my little lady here, a glass of cranberry juice." he tells him my drink while giving me a small smile as if asking if i'm okay with it, I nod blushing.

Waiter: "I will bring your drinks shortly."

Mr Majola: "Swelihle told me you love cranberry juice."

Me: "It's my favourite." he smiles and sighs, brushing his face softly.

Mr Majola: "I may not show it but i'm nervous too."

Me: "Why?"

Mr Majola: "I think pretty much the same reason you are nervous." he says with a little laugh in the end making me smile.

Mr Majola: "Tell me about your course."

Me: "I'm doing a bachelor's degree in audiology."

Mr Majola: "Do you love it?" I nod. The waiter places our drinks in front of us before walking away again.

Me: "Yes, I love it so much. I had severe hearing problems when I was a still a baby and after getting all the help i needed, I was inspired to do the same job."

Mr Majola: "You had hearing loss?"

Me: "Yes but it was when I was still a baby."

Mr Majola: "Aybo, aren't you still a baby kanti?!"

Me: "No." I say laughing.

Mr Majola: "Bhatata. So what really do you want to major in?" Talking about my choice of studies really seems to be working in calming me down.

Me: "Psychology."

Mr Majola: "Mmh, I'm impressed girl." he says lifting his hand up and I high-five him smiling.

Me: "Thank you."

Mr Majola: "Are you ready to eat?" I nod and then sip on my drink. He calls the waiter over so he can take our orders. The waiter notes our orders and promises to return shortly with our food.

Me: "What did you study?" he sips his water and leans back on his chair before responding to me.

Mr Majola: "I never got to finish school because of my father's death. I had to man up and look after my sister and mom. I had to take on bigger responsibilities so I decided that school can wait and well I never went back since I already had my hands full with my father's businesses." I nod in understanding.

Me: "I'm sorry about that." he smiles.

Mr Majola: "Hey, some things are blessings in disguise. Look, now I can afford my wife and kids." he says smiling.

Me: "Do you think..." I bite my tongue before I can finish that question. The waiter places our food on the table and walks away.

Mr Majola: "Continue."

Me: "Do you ever think things would be different if you finished your studies?"

Mr Majola: "I know that's not what you wanted to ask but to answer you, no. I don't ever think about the possibilities because I grew up to understand that everything has a reason. What I'm saying is, it's best to let the past be in the past and just focus on the present. Just like they say, Never forget yesterday, but always..."

Me: "... for today. Because you never know what tomorrow can bring." he smiles.

Mr Majola: "My girl." he says high-fiving me again.

Mr Majola: "You're very smart."

Me: "Thank you."

Mr Majola: "With that being said, I am asking you to please give this old man a chance to be a father to you too. I know it might be late but I really would appreciate it if we both worked on our father-daughter relationship."

Me: "I would love that."

Mr Majola: "Thank you."