Chapter 9

I settle on the bed adorned with my matching black lace bralette and lace half panty and heave a deep sigh. What a day it was yesterday! Did I make the right decision by relocating? Remembering my mother's words.

"You do not have to relocate, you can get a job this side with your majors. You do not have to leave"

But I was adamant about leaving. I sigh again. Isn't it too early to regret my decision, it is day two. What was I expecting? A smooth sailing ship, obviously I have to also sail on the rough waves of the sea.

I alight the bed and slowly dress myself up with a floral print wrap-around dress just reaching my knees. I put on my peach platform sandals. I need a few accessories to create a youngish look, I don't want to look like Mrs Windhoek. I wear my white round bead bracelets and some silver twisted loop earrings. Now, this it is, I am looking more lavish, Ntshuxeko would complement this view.

I pack my lunch, water, and an apple into my backpack which is already cramped by my preparation books. I say my small prayer.

"God I invite you as I walk out of this room and go to work, please protect me, give me wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Help me to be patient and observe before I react. Amen!" I pick up my bag and carry it. I walk out of the room and lock it. I wear my earbuds and select my favs playlist. The road will be smoother.

I check to see if Ntshuxeko is out, but I don't see him. Should I knock on his door since he didn't knock on mine? Or just leave him alone after ditching him for a lift. I hope he is not mad but even if he is, why should he? We are just acquaintances.

I open the gate and join the sandy gravel road. I try to walk at an average pace so that I am not late for work but ultimately, not sweaty when I arrive at work. Learners wearing different uniforms pass me by staring at me with curiosity. They are probably wondering who is this person with colour fulness, colourful hair, shoes, and a floral dress. Is this too much colour? Argh! I curve with the corner wary of the sudden appearance of a brown fluffy big door. I saw that the corner house had a dog yesterday when Lucas was so kind to drop me off exactly next to where I live. He is so thoughtful.

I smile. And in a minute I join the crowded tarred road. Cars are hooting and learners are swaying about the road, to the left, to the right avoiding oncoming cars. The pedestrian road is green and brown grass that has been stamped on when people had to move from the road. I follow the pattern, I decrease the volume so that I am alert of cars.

A Suzuki Swift GLX car slows down and the window goes down.

"Get in..." I meet the soft gaze accompanied by a warm smile. I return his smile and take off my bag.

He halts the car and I open the passenger door. I get in and settle on the passenger seat.

"You are heavenly sent" I utter.

"And you are ravishing. I see today, that we are in a happy mood outfit. I think you will be the reason why I will stick around for a while" He revives the engine and the car moves.

"What do you mean?" I ask intrigued by his statement "Are you leaving? "

"Considering it, but something has occurred, so I want to stay around to see how things turn around" He smirks.

"Okay...If you leave I would be heartbroken and alone" I put a mopping face.

"Heartbroken, yes, there is no one like me there, however, alone, I doubt, isn't Marvin there? " He peeps at me and focuses his gaze as he curves his car on the T-junction.

"Marvin?..." I frown "Oh...yes, yes. But I would be alone when he hangs with Ayanda" I point out.

"Oh..." He cracks a small chuckle. "So that is why you are scared to make your move?"

"What! What move? " I turn my body to face him but when the car drives into the school gate passing the little high-levelled ground my body jerks and loses balance. My upper body flung in his direction he quickly brakes the car and tries to hold me from hitting the gearbox. Our eyes meet. His eyes are so beautiful.

"beep!beep!" "Beeeeeeep!"

I pull my body back to the seat as we are both brought back to life by the car horn. He quickly starts the car and drives off slowly on the paved road that leads to the parking lot. As we drive past, I see Ntshuxeko turning and walking away. My lips part, and my heart sinks. I fixate my gaze forward and try to think about the next class. As the car slowly moves, every minute feels like forever, I just want to jump off the car and say it is not what it seems like to Ntshuxeko.

"You are in deep thought"

"Huh!" I blink to realise the car is off and parked. I turn my gaze to look at him. "Yeah..." I smile sheepishly.

"It's him? " He raises a brow.

"Who? " I ask surprised by his question. Can he read minds?

"Marvin? I saw him as I drove off. My advice is if you like him pursue him because I think he does too. But if you give it too much thought, I will pursue not to. " He purses his lips. "Make up your mind and be sure of your decision. Time waits for no one" He alights the car.

I glance at the windscreen and grab the door handle. I open the door and alight.

"Lucas..." I glance at him.

"Yes"

"I love daring men. Who takes what they want" I smirk and walk away slowly, the average then faster.

What the fuck!!!! I want to bury myself right now because what the hell is that Vutomi? We both know, we like the timid, meek ones. We can't handle ambitious men, especially at work. And we both know that Ntshuuxeko is off limits for a lot of reasons and so is Mr White guy. They are your co-workers. Focus! Focus! Stay focused and breathe. Whew!

"Good Morning" I softly greet the receptionist and admin clerk with my Colgate-pasted smile. "Morning..." They return my smile. "You look beautiful this morning" A voice compliments me "Oh thank you. " I reply and I turn my head. I freeze, it's the lady in Red in another Red outfit. Seriously, does she have a closet full of red clothes? I try not to express myself facially and walk away as fast as possible.

I open the door to the staff room and the voices quiet down and heads turned in my direction. What did I do wrong now, I am just the new kid in town.