The Swirl

Ep. 5

She didn't really notice it but slowly, Mabea and Hiroto started to spend time together and Oratile completely hated it which was why on the off chance that Hiroto came to their house, he would 'conveniently' disappear. He didn't understand why the man wanted to force himself into their lives and it was as clear as day that the guy was attracted to his sister.

"You alright?" Mabea asked as she switched off the TV and looked at him. "I have been talking to you for like the last five minutes but I've been talking to a wall. Skhiphani nja (what's up)?"

"China likes you," he blurted. He was not pleased.

"He's allowed to like me," Mabea shrugged. "He's a nice guy also."

"But do you like him? Y'all are spending just too much time together. It started with you babysitting, you went on city tours and once you even invited him for lunch!" Oratile was incredulous. "Do you like him?"

Mabea stared at her brother. "I like him but not like that," she said. "And even if I did, you obviously know that nothing can happen between us. We're just...too different. Different cultures, races, beliefs...all of it."

"I was just saying. I mean look at MK. China seems to like the swirl, you know. I have nothing against his child...he's here but he's going to grow up being teased wherever he goes-this country or any other Asian country. He's half black and half Asian-Blasian I believe it's called. And you...if you got together with China, we'd be the clowns of this place we live in and I'd get teased or maybe even bullied in school. He's Asian and you're black. I'm not racist or anything but Mabea, even if you like him, deal with your feelings alone. Please."

"You've really thought long and hard about this, haven't you?"

"I mean people are already talking and you know me, I don't like the spotlight. We're the talk of our street just in case you haven't noticed, what with China parking that expensive car of his outside and him coming here practically almost every month. I mean it's great when he brings MK but him alone...truthfully, I don't feel comfortable."

Mabea exhaled. "Is that why you've been cold towards him?"

"I like the guy if I must confess, OK? He'd make a great brother but only if we were in America or some other country. Here...it's weird for that kind of interracial couple. I don't hate either him or his son but I'd prefer it if y'all just stayed friends."

"I hear you loud and clear, sergeant," Mabea teased, saluting him.  "I'm not gonna promise you anything but I'll try my best not to put you in the middle of my affairs with Hiroto. Frankly he's a good man and a good friend and I would rather keep him close but I'll keep him out of your way."

Oratile shrugged. "It's close to good enough I guess. Can I ask you a question?"

"Shoot."

"Why do you not have friends?"

Mabea laughed. "The one friend I had, she went overseas and I've never thought to befriend anyone after that. You know me, I do like my space."

"So you deemed Hiroto wor-"

Mabea feigned shock. "-you know his name?! Oh my goodness!"

"-worthy!" Oratile rolled his eyes and they conversed late into the night.

Some days later, a text came from Hiroto.

So my sister decided to take MK all weekend. Do you maybe wanna visit?

She texted back: Is this like a booty call because it's almost 7pm.

No! No. I just assumed that since its Friday, you might not be busy. Also I could drive you back when you've had enough of me.