Normal With You

Chapter 11

Hey.

You asked me to write to you every second Tuesday. I guess I should let you know that I've found a place to stay. I'm no longer living at the hostel but this room is about the size of a closet. 

But it's fine.

Riaz.

...

Hi.

I'm so glad you actually wrote me. It seems odd not having to worry about going to school anymore. My mother wouldn't hear of a technikon so I've signed up at a culinary school. Are you okay in Joburg? I've never been out of Bloemfontein. What's it like?

Tasneem.

...

Joburg is busy. It's full, there's always traffic and there's always people everywhere. I don't really like it but the university is okay. I had to register for my classes so I went in today.

Culinary School huh?

What are you leaning to cook?

...

How many classes have you registered for?

I've only recently started and so far I've only been chopping and dicing tomatoes and onions. That's all that I've done for hours at a time. It's not very nice but I've gotten used to it I suppose. I haven't gotten used to crying over onions though. It really is just the most unpleasant feeling to have to cry continuously for two hours at a time.

Please tell me that you're doing okay?

...

I'm doing okay. It feels strange being by myself.

If I asked you a question, would you help me?

...

Yes. Of course I would.

...

How do you make decisions?

The first decision I've ever made was trusting you that day in the auditorium. My dad has always made my decisions for me. I don't know how to choose anything. I had to walk out of a restaurant because I couldn't even choose what to eat.

...

I always close my eyes and the first thing that pops into my head is the one that I choose.

I miss you, Riaz. I miss talking to you every day and I miss holding your hand and I miss waking up every Monday knowing that I'm going to see you again.

Do you remember the time Mnr. Vosloo slammed the door into Mr. Pereira's face? It was the first time I ever saw you laugh- but do you remember the massive bandage over his nose the next day?

...

Yeah I remember. And do you remember when Mr. Pereira stood in front of the assembly the next day and he spent the entire 20 minutes glaring at Mnr. Vosloo.

I hated Mnr. Vosloo though. He used to spend every period trying to look down all the girls' uniforms.

I've started boxing at this place a few minutes away from my house. It keeps my mind quiet for a little while.

And I miss you too little Bee. It's been 9 weeks since I last saw you and I still want to kiss you as badly as I did then. There are thousands of people around me every single day and I've met a few people but I still can't stop thinking about you.