.jpeg)
16
16THE FOLLOWING DAY
THE MOHLALA HOUSEHOLD
Boipelo enters the kitchen and finds Seipati already up and cleaning. She greets her and sits on her favourite chair. She contemplates whether to ask what last night was about but decides against it.
Seipati: I made some porridge aunty, or would you prefer your tea?
Boipelo: do we have vinegar?
Seipati: I made sure.
Boipelo: give me a bowl then.
Seipati: coming right up.
Seipati hums happily while scooping out he porridge for her and her aunt. She stops as she picks the third bowl, she puts it down and sighs making sure she’s heard by Boipelo. She adjusts her face and tone and serves her aunt before taking her bowl also and sitting next to her.
Boipelo: this is good.
Seipati: thank you, it’s mother’s recipe… I don’t know if you noticed.
Boipelo: oh, I did… I certainly did. I knew I knew the taste.
Seipati: is it good?
Boipelo: way better than hers… but don’t tell her that.
Seipati: my lips are sealed.
Boipelo: your mother is so lucky to have you. You’re such a responsible daughter and cheerful kid. Do you know how many times I wished I’d at least pass a recipe to my daughters too--- or at least have them ask for it. but they never did. They probably just didn’t care, or my food never tasted so good that they’d ask for one.
Seipati: well, that’s on their poor taste buds and judging for what’s good and what’s not. Ever since I came here, I’ve been having good food repeatedly. The stew you made last time, I don’t know how many bowls I had of that… and also, I have been gaining a little weight! I’m a very picky eater but when it comes to your hand, aunty, I cannot put my spoon down. Hell, I even wanted to ask for the recipe but was too scared.
Boipelo: I’m flattered.
Seipati: you really do know your way around the kitchen… my uncle was certainly a fool for leaving you.
Seipati looks up too late and puts her hand over her mouth. She looks at Boipelo and then back at the table fidgeting with her fingers. She keeps her eyes glued on the table and starts sniffing.
Seipati: I’m so—sorry aun-ty. I shouldn’t have. It is none of my business I know. I let my tongue run wild when--- I am sorry. I will pack my things and leave--- I don’t deserve to---
Boipelo: its okay… he did leave me. You saying it is not going to change the fact that he did leave. It was not your place to say, yes. But it’s the truth. There’s no need to be hasty, we still enjoy your company here so please--- don’t leave. Stay. I understand you.
Seipati: no, I disrespected you, aunty. I can’t take---
Boipelo: leaving would feel more like a disrespectful act than what you’ve just said. Now, sit up and let me see your pretty face. Pretty girls don’t cry.
Seipati: i—I’m sorry.
Boipelo: stop apologizing and eat, please.
Seipati sighs out loud and smiles a little to the side. She lifts her head and looks at Boipelo with puppy eyes and continues to eat.
Boipelo: now, Patty, about last night--- I’m really sorry to bring this up but I could not sleep. What happened between you and Reitumetse, really? Is there something I should know?
Seipati: no, aunty. I certainly don’t remember having any problems with her, but she must have some with me. I mean, I came here right after ausi Itu’s passing… maybe to her it seems like I am trying to replace her sister. But I am not… I know I’m only 2 years older than her, there’s no way I can ever be ausi Ituemleng. I know that and I wish she’d know that too.
Boipelo: you mentioned the police station--- did you guys perhaps fight? I know you’re not teens anymore but---
Reitumetse appears out of nowhere ready for work and answers her mother’s question, the question she has been avoiding since last night.
Reitu: we did not fight!!! I went there for a totally different thing. I will talk to you later MA, alone.
Boipelo: oh, Reitu. Morning…
Reitu: morning MA, I’m sorry for last night.
Seipati: cuz, I made some porridge, you can have some before you leave.
Reitu: no, I’m good. I don’t usually eat breakfast.
Seipati: come on, you’re a working lady now. You must! We don’t want you getting sick.
Sepati stands up and fixes a chair for Reitu. She pulls her to the chair and immediately prepares a bowl for her. Boipelo smiles to herself looking at the two girls bond. Reitu can’t hide her annoyed expression but decided to obey for her mother’s sake. She accepts the bowl and takes a few spoons before standing up. She looks at her phone and excuses herself.
Reitu: I can’t stay any longer. I’m already late. Bye.
She rushes out of the house as if she’s being chased and ignores the following comments as she disappears out of sight.
Boipelo: she didn’t even take 5 spoons of that.
Seipati: now I’m worried.
Boipelo sighs and stands up from her chair clearing her bowl and Reitu’s. She puts them in the sink and disappears out of Seipati’s sight.
THE HOLY GRAIL MINISTRIES
Reitu enters her office walking a little discretely praying no one is in yet and no one notices her. She puts her bag on the table sighs out of relief finding the place empty. She sits down already drained and say a little prayer before starting the day. She makes a mental note to meet the detective after work to talk about what they couldn’t finish yesterday. She rummages through the files in front of her but can’t fins exactly what she’s looking for. She stands up and geos to the small storage room this this office has but is frightened as she finds Ntando sinking his face on some girl’s neck who seems to quiet and reactionless for a person receiving such stimulation.
Reitu: oh my God, I’m sorry… I’m sorry. I did not know you were here.
Ntando turns a little flustered too and a little annoyed. He makes sure to hide the girl from Reitu’s sight at all costs as he turns.
Ntando: I apologize. Sorry.
Reitu: no need, I was just here for--- the--- the… please get me the box on the top shelve if you can, I’m here for it.
Ntando: oh, this one… okay.
He struggles to get the box as his amin goal is to hide the person from Reitu. After a few seconds of multi-tasking, he finally gets the box and slides it across the floor for it to reach where Reitu is currently standing.
Reitu: oh… yeah… thank you.
Ntando: and please--- don’t say a word about this.
He says pointing at the girl whose face is deeply buried on his chest. Reitu makes a gesture zipping her mouth and throwing away the key. Ntando nods as she leaves the confined room. He kicks one the shelves in anger and plops the body to the ground thinking of a way to sneak her out of the place.
Please log in to submit a comment.