Chapter 4

This induction of theirs took longer than I had anticipated. I just sat there watching everybody attend their classes, and finally, when Mrs Windhoek remembered that I need to sign my contract, I signed while prying for information on what kind of a contract is it. She was uncomfortable about it and finally gritted out the words "permanent" with a forced smile. I am confused about it however I am relieved that I won't be job hunting anymore. Right after, I was released to go home because she was leaving and so no need for me to stay since I was doing nothing, however, tomorrow I must clock in.

I mean that worked in my favour because I was able to unpack and sort the furniture in my room. Even though right now, I am unable to freely walk around at least two people can move around at the same time, I can also be able to do my yoga with somebody around.

"whew!" I throw myself onto my clean bed. It smells good and it looks clean too. I close my eyes just to rest a bit and wake up later to prepare some food to eat.

*

I jerk my body up when I hear the distant sound of my name on the floor.

"Paris!"

I rub my eyes and stagger my way to the door. I open the dawn, covering a bit of my face. I hate my morning look, I look different.

"Hello..." I greet this familiar face with my morning squeaky low voice.

"I thought as much that you might be asleep, so I wanted to wake you up" He moves the bucket from one hand to another. "I am going to fetch some water from the tap so I can make myself some warm lemon water to drink. I am trying to stay healthy and keep the fat in check" He smiles a little.

"What?" I raise one eyebrow "It's morning. Oh, God!" I pull my messy colourful braids down.

"Yes, get ready" He cracks a chuckle and shakes his head as he walks away.

"Damn it!" I hurriedly go back and take my toiletry bag so I can go to the communal shower.

*

"You look beautiful today" He compliments me as we walk to work.

"Is it because I am wearing a dress?" I raise my eyebrow with a daring look.

"No, no, it's not like that. I am not that guy" He shakes his head.

"What guy? What type of guy are you? " I urge him on, maybe I will get more than a droplet of juice this time, some seeds to plant a little something that can be something to work with.

"I just thought the dress suits beautifully. You looked beautiful yesterday but today you look more astonishing. You have the body for it" He peers in my direction and quickly back at the road.

"Oh wow! Now that sounds like a perv to me" I clasp my hands

"Come on...I feel like everything I say is going to be twisted into something else which is the opposite of what I am trying to say" He defends himself.

I secretly look at him, he has beautiful smiley eyes. Ayanda is such a lucky girl. He looks more beautiful in this state than when he keeps his monotone facial expression.

"Are you and Ayanda a thing?" Fuck! Did I just blurt that out? Come on Vutomi it is too early for us to ask that. Look at him, he is not the kind who overshares, not everyone is like you, ready to spill all the details of their lives because it feels like a bag of stones on your chest if you don't share.

"Ayanda...No, we are just close" He clears his throat.

"Clear white lie, bruh you lying. I saw the look yesterday. You were like..." I recede my eyes smaller trying to look sexy.

"No" He chuckles.

"Sparks were flying. Poof! Poof! And I was standing there feeling the heat bruv" I shake my head and laugh at what I am saying.

"What heat? There's no heat" He smiles and slowly his lips retort to a flat smile. "We used to date back in days, while in university" squinting his eyes a bit.

"Oh...I am sorry" Ouch! That seems like there's a painful ending there. "But it is obvious you guys are still in love with each other" I grin trying to rekindle the happy side of him that I saw a few minutes ago.

"Love is not enough if both don't want it" He clears his throat. "What about you? Single or taken? "

"Single and unavailable" I raise my voice. What the hell! Why did I say that?

"Oh really? What is the story? " He turns his head in my direction.

We cross the grass field following the path that leads to school. Learners are walking and shouting. Some greet Ntshuxeko and look at me with questioning eyes.

"I am single because I am on a break" I grasp. The truth is I am still healing. The girl in me just wants to start bawling. Fuck you Sipho, fuck you for breaking my heart, for cheating on me with my best friend. I clear my throat.

"Okay, that is an interesting story I would love to hear it later" We walk into the schoolyard. "Good Morning sir" An entourage of female learners sing together with innocent smiles. "Morning" He greets them back.

"Ntshuxi..." A voice echoes behind us.

"Fuck! I hate it when somebody uses my name in front of these learners. Soon they will be calling me by my name. Argh!"

"Hey!" She slides her arm around his arm. "Morning baby Paris" she smiles.

"Morning" We unanimously greet her.

"mmh... it's a lovely morning, isn't it? " She waves her other free arm in the air.

"It is" He agrees.

Awkward...What do I do? Walk faster? Or slower? Pretend to rush to do something.

"I am sorry guys" I clutch my stomach, " I think something is bugging me" I walk faster leaving them behind.

What the hell! This is going to be a tricky predicament. One has to carefully handle it. I don't think I will be able to pull it. I must find a new table. I open the staff room door.