Lion of Soweto

Chapter 48

Sheline returns home and throws her shopping bags on the floor of the sitting room. "Auntie, see!"

Margaret rushes out of the kitchen, her eyes almost popping out of their sockets on glimpsing the bags. Unsure which to check first, she grabs one and examines the clothes and accessories, wondering if any of them is hers. "Do you even know the size of my clothes?"

Sheline covers her face, revelling in the imagination of how she'll dazzle her classmates, many of whom look down on others. Soweto is turning out an interesting place to live after all. Everyone won't have the same story to tell about a place. "You didn't tell me about the size of your clothes. I might have mentioned it to him." Sheline gets up, pacing around, her lips sucked in.

Margaret's face dims, but she keeps on assessing the clothes nonetheless. Bandele might have overlooked her this time.

Gleeful Sheline narrates the shopping spree experience, carefully itemizing the places they visited, praising Bandele with terms that twitch Margaret's ears. "He was so attentive and understanding."

"Really?" Margaret crosses her legs listening to what sounds like soulful music. The young lady is gradually opening her eyes. If only Sheline can quicken things up, her sufferings in this country will turn out good. The future looks bright for her kids, anyway.

"Bandele is a blessing in my life." Sheline continues. "I never thought someone like that will take care of me this way." The young lady raves on about the joy she felt hanging out with him and his gentleness of heart.

"Did you ask him for money?"

"No. Why should I?" Sheline's hands spread out, creases lining her forehead. "He doesn't need to give me money. These things are more than enough for my three-year stay in Soweto. Now I have a chance to show my schoolmates that I'm fashionable."

Margaret's eyes narrow as her lips curved downwards. "Lucky you."

"I'm sure he won't refuse if I ask for money. Maybe I'll do that when I visit him on Saturday,"

"Ehn!" Margaret pushes to the edge of the chair. "He asked you to come to his place?"

"Yes, he did." A broad smile settles on Sheline's face.

"Oh, perfect...perfect." Musing over the likely fallout of the visit, Margaret itemises her immediate needs and those of her kids. "At least you can take this relationship further."

"Which relationship, aunty?" Sheline's eyes widen.

"What do you think you're doing? You think these clothes, shoes and gifts are for fun?" Margaret's hands flail.

"Bandele is a gentleman. He can't start asking me to sleep with him now. He knows I'm married and he's okay with it."

"That's true." Margaret flaps sarcastic eyes. "You know him very, very well."

"I just want to know where he lives. Such a man can help one get a job in future. He's my confidant."

"Okay." Margaret reels in a mix of admiration and envy, wishing she was in Sheline's shoes. By now she should be carrying his baby. But this young lady is slow at everything, just like her mother. Well, when she sees the affluence in Bandele's house on Saturday, her brain will swerve into the fifth gear. Margaret returns to the kitchen. Some people with fancy hats lack heads.

***

With a burgundy gown extending to the ankles, bracelet glittering around the neck, a watch whose leather matches her beige handbag, Sheline steps out of the house with panache. As if she's been rehearsing this moment all her life, she struts with poise towards the bus stop. Her gaits justify the two-hours spent in front of the mirror making sure her satin apparel sits right with her make-up.

Is this a resident of Princewill? People turn heads to catch a glimpse of the supposedly reserved schoolgirl. While busybodies spin gossips, the hoodlums mark her out as their next target. Many acknowledge the impact of Bandele's money on her, a notion that draws general ire. But they manage to sheathe their swords for now. The right time will come.

But Princewill residents aren't the only ones commenting on Sheline's attire, her classmates raise eyebrows the moment she steps into the classroom. This is no longer the beautiful but timid mama's girl they've always known. That she arrives late doubles their shock.

Sheline sits at the back ignoring Grace-reserved front seat, an off-putting act to many. Ragged-jeans wearing blokes and sassy ladies welcome her with twinkling eyes. The not-too-impressed flare their nostrils.

Grace, missing her friend, buzzes Sheline's phone and then traces her to the back seat. "Wow, you look regal."

Sheline blows herself with a notebook. "Say that again, please."

The two chat for a while before the lecturer shows up. But Grace resumes praising her friend's attire after the lecture. Guys make endless passes at her. She soaks in the attention, making new friends. Yet, some see her as a one-day wonder. She'll soon return where she belongs.

But Sheline disappoints naysayers. Through the week, she dons designer wears to school and her colour combinations impress many. That she's not a dull head heightens the respect accorded her. Amid the brainy, she has a say; when with the fashionable, she's trendy. She'll soon observe that the book yarns which dominate front seats contrast with topics discussed behind the class.

Champagnes, fast cars, hip-hop stars and entertainment in America are fascinating topics Sheline needs to catch up on if she must keep going out with Bandele. The Soweto man shouldn't think her rusty. She ought to invite him to school to show him off.

Thursday evening, a girl approaches Sheline. "Your top is pretty cool. Why have you been dodging us all these decades?" She gets a feel of the fabric.

"Gucci stores in Randburg." Sheline raises her shoulder, barely peeking at the questioner. To further prove her point, even if unnecessary, she dangles her phone to check the clothing store's website.

Having to move to the back every time she wants to chat with Sheline, Grace hopes their friendship won't give way soon. "Now that you've upgraded, we need visas to see you."

Sheline laughs. "Stop talking like that. Mere clothes won't make me lose a friend."

"Glad to hear that. Your husband must be spending a fortune on these things you wear to school."

"Husband?" She waves both hands dismissively. "He's there back home, somewhere in Bulawayo."

Grace's lower jaw slackens, but she pockets her opinions. Marriage issues can be sensitive to discuss.

With this newfound respect amid peers, Sheline catches a whiff of a better future in Soweto. Things can only get better from here onwards, because Bandele is enamoured with her, transforming her life in ways she never thought possible.

She owes him a big appreciation. So doing, he'll do even more. Saturday's visit is unavoidable. She must dig deeper into his world. What stops her from demanding a car. Of course, the man won't say no.