Chapter Twelve

An old man with greying hair who looked like he was in his mid-fifties dressed in a very weird but sophisticated attire was standing at the door, I noticed while I was standing outside that he kept opening and closing the door when people came in and left, I wondered if he was hired for just doing that, frankly his job occupation didn't really matter I suppose as long as he could put food on the table for his family at the end of the day was fine with me. I approached the man in a steady pace since I was kind of getting nervous again and got distracted by this girl that passed me. She looked my age and was dressed in a very beautiful sea blue coloured dress that was above her knees, her neck was draped in expensive jewellery, she looked as if she was used to coming here since she was conversing with the door man and he seemed to be amused by what she was saying as if they were old time acquaintances, that gave me a terrible ache in my chest and I really felt small.

I recalled that here I was with nothing from a dusty place while people my age lived the life I’ve always dreamed of; I mean I couldn't even afford to take my mother to a decent restaurant for food but a girl my age could afford to live here I guess life was just really cruel. When I was done with my pity party, I approached the door and greeted the man before he could open the door for me, he simply answered with a smile and a nod ushering me inside the hotel with a small bow. I felt like I was important for a second there before I recalled that I didn't know where to go from where I was standing. I started glancing around the place and noticed that I was in a huge hallway that was covered in red and gold walls, there was a huge chandelier sparkling in the middle of the beautiful, decorated ceiling which was mirror made as I could see my reflection in it. I just stood there in awe since this was the most beautiful place that I has ever seen my entire life. Before I could embarrass myself even further, I heard someone clearing their throat behind me to get my attention. Glancing at the left side of the room that’s when noticed that there was a desk there and a lady occupied it with a serious look, she was watching me with an amused look. She motioned with her hands for me to come closer and I quickly obliged with my shaking legs, my adrenaline was now kicking in, I was a nervous wreck and scared I would be out of words or worse what if my English betrayed me to be honest it had been quite some time since I had to speak English solely my home language was after all Zulu.

I was happy to learn that the lady at the reception was quite nice and spoke to me in a calm manner I think she could tell that I was nervous, she only asked for my name and gave me a register to fill before giving me directions to where I was supposed to go. I entered the lift as I was instructed and pressed the fifth button with shaking hands since I was scared of it frankly and before I knew it, I was at my destination, funny part was that there was another reception there and a different lady with short hair and a broad smile greeted me and ushered me to a room where she informed me that her boss was not around to attend me, but I would be attended by someone else. This lady was nice enough and assured me that there was nothing to fear before she told me to take a seat behind a huge brown desk with a shiny leather seat and smelled of expensive perfume. There was also a large comfortable white couch positioned right behind me, I wondered what it was for, I was busy glancing around the office when an old lady with golden hair entered and greeted me in a professional manner by shaking my hand and told me to be comfortable.

I had been all too scared for nothing because Mrs lancewood was actually a very nice lady and she only wanted to know more about me rather than paying interest at my non work experience state. The only question that caught me off guard was when she asked if I knew how to use a computer and I answered honestly by saying no and she just nodded and said it was fine as long as I was willing to learn. I was then shocked afterwards when she told me what I would be hired for, this was just the last thing I was expecting to hear. God had truly answered my prayers this time for real. I was going to be a personal assistant for one of the bosses because apparently, he was just all over the place and needed someone to constantly remind him of his duties and meetings since apparently, he always forgot them. My job also included making him tea or taking his suites to the cleaners but overall, I had a good job and only had to pray that my boss wouldn't be a grumpy old man that’s all.

The moment I set foot outside the building I was so exhilarated I was afraid my heart would stop beating from excitement, I just got hired for a fancy job at a fancy hotel working as a personal assistance and to me that was like winning the jackpot. After I matriculated, I got stuck at home and had almost lost hope that I would get the chance to do something with my life until now. I was giggling to myself outside the door, I’m sure I looked like a mad woman, but I didn't care, the old man at the door simply gave me a warm smile and bid me goodbye before telling me that he would see me on Monday. I hadn't even though about how he knew I would be coming back because I waved at him with a huge smile before taking out my broken cell phone in my bag to text Nick. All thoughts about me being mad at him flew out the window as I dialled a number to borrow advanced airtime, once I was done, I sent him a message simply saying I got the job and adding a smiley face afterwards.

I knew Nick would be as happy as I was, He always encouraged me never to lose hope as long as I lived. I found myself overwhelmed about today's events and how things turned out for me. Finally, I would be able to take care of my mother, who knows maybe from now on when she got sick, she would only go to private hospitals. It hadn't been long since I sent the message and my phone started ringing with Nick 's name flashing on the screen, I pressed the green button and brought the phone to my face as I was using loudspeaker on the damn thing.

"Baby”. Nick said

"Hey babe uhm… I hope I didn't disturb you".

"Of course, not love, how could you even think that, where are you?"

"I'm at Rosebank, looking for taxis to go to Joburg now but I'll be home soon"

"I'm really happy for you my love, and I'm happy that you called. I tried asking father about the job and he refused to tell me anything apart from that you'll be working in Rosebank. How did you get there, Can I come fetch you?”

"I'm fine Nick you don’t have to fetch me, I guess I was just excited and really wanted to share this with you, now stop stressing yourself about me and go back to work".

" And who said I was working?"

"I know you, what else would you be doing this time of the day besides slaving yourself off Hmm?"

" I’ll have to disappoint you today then since I’m actually preparing something special for a very special person in my life and it’s supposed to be a surprise but now, she's ruining it."

"Oh okay, I guess whoever it is better hurry up and get home then". I replied hearing my heart accelerating.

"You better hurry up Zizwe, because I’m very eager to see you and I'm taking no excuses baby. I've missed you so much, thank you for calling me again even though I must confess, today I was planning to drag you out of your house kicking and screaming".