The Swirl

Ep. 11

Hectic. That's how this Saturday was going. Oratile was throwing a party-his first ever and they had to clean the house thoroughly which ended with them both exhausted. Mabea had allowed him to have this one because seeing that she had been paid and a bonus had been added, she could afford to splurge. She was going out as well to take her mind off the issues she was facing with her mom, Hiroto and her job.

"Look, I know you're definitely going to drink so don't buy anyone alcohol. They should all bring their own," she said. "I have cooked some Pap and chakalaka, you will have to braai (grill) your own meat. There's plenty of it in the fridge and I have marinated it. What's left?"

"Money for my drinks," Oratile said. "My outfit is ready, music is sorted because I'll be on the decks myself. Kabelo, this friend of mine agreed to lend me his mixing deck."

"And my rules are?"

"No one-except the girls that will be serving food-is allowed in the house. I should make sure that there's plenty of toilet paper in the toilet and..." he looked away in embarrassment.

Mabea tried not to smirk. She knew what had him so embarrassed. "And...?"

"Do I really have to say it-"

She nodded.

"I should wrap it before I tap it," he recited, face palming himself.

"You forgot something-"

"I should also keep the condom boxes in the toilet well stocked for my guests. Why are we even discussing this? You're my sister...eewww, Mabea."

Mabea burst out laughing as she adjusted her wig and put the final touches to her makeup which she had gone all out to make sure it was popping. Her white cropped hoodie paired with a black pair of cargo pants and some black and white training Pumas. She counted some paper for her brother then put the rest in her pocket. It was almost 8pm now and she had to get going.

"Have fun," she said to her brother as a knock came on the door. She answered.

"Ola, sis Mabea," Nthabi said in her high pitched voice. Mabea smiled at her, told her to have fun then walked out.

Megalodon was already on high vibe as Mabea alighted from the cab. The whole building was vibrating from the mega sound as she stared at the shark skeleton mounted on the front of the entrance. She grinned and walked to into the building.

Weed. That was the smell that hit her the hardest upon entry then a mingle of perfume, cigarettes and colognes as she walked further in towards the bar. She needed to get a drink...make that drinks, she thought as she passed a circle of people that had one in the middle of the dancefloor throwing that ass back. She grinned. In five minutes, that was going to be her.

She waited for the barman to bring her her tonic and when he came over, he gave her the smile that he usually gave her when she looked yummy.

"Raspberry and lemon tonic. I added a bit of sprite for that zing. Just the way you like it," he said, biting his lip, trying to flirt.

She winked at him with her long faux eyelashes. "Oya, thanks, Oluwa."

He stared in surprise at her. She knew his real name. OK.

"Um...if ever you need someone...you know...to 'take care' of you, I'm here. You just gotta say the word and I'm game," he said boldly.

"I'll keep that in mind." She smiled, took her tonic and gulped it down. Then she joined the crowd as an amapiano song came on.

Throughout the night, she danced and went back to the bar to get a juice so that she wouldn't get too drunk. She sat on a stool as a new barman served her. He brought her a daiquiri.