Dating a Gangster

Chapter Two: Irresponsible

I dial my dad whilst fully knowledgeable that that man’s phone is on silent. One thing about him is he won’t compromise on his sleep at all. It rings and eventually goes to voicemail. My best bet right now, is dimple man over here. I say a little prayer and knock on the passenger window. He walks out of the car. “You ready?” He asks. “Sure. But I’ll have to try and move the car back into the parking space so that other cars can be able to drive past.” I signal to the boot of the car that is overlapping. “Let’s move your friend to my car first together with all your other important belongings then we’ll push it back into the parking space, how about that?” He smiles. How sweet and convenient of him. What if he robs me? Even worse, what if he assaults us in some way or kidnaps us and we get trafficked to another country and never see our families again? My mind is racing. I take a deep breath and nod.

After moving Babalwa to Dimples’ car and transferring our stuff there, we eventually push the car back into the parking space and lock it. I climb in the passenger seat, not because I like things, no but only because I have no choice. Babalwa is out like a light at the back and she’s sleeping horizontally. So no space for me there. Dimples climbs in, starts the car and off we go. I give him directions to Babalwa’s place and try to keep our conversation to an absolute minimal. I’m drunk, a lot has happened and I have to go home and explain to my mom why her car is not in the yard. Let alone how a random man is taking us home and we basically don’t have much of a choice. I have to say though Zinzi is very unreliable. She has never showed up in serious times of need at all but she always shows up in times of celebration.

“My name is Lukhanyo by the way.” He turns and smiles at me. There goes that attractive smile, my God! “Nice to officially meet you.” I turn and stare out of the window. This maintaining eye contact thing whilst he’s driving is going to drive me crazy. And honestly if he thinks one ride home will turn into a one night stand then I’m sorry, this will definitely be a one night sitting my brother. Ain’t nobody entering these pants of mine anytime soon, might as well become a nun at this point.

“I’d love to know your name as well, pretty lady?” Pretty lady? How corny and so 1980’s of him. “I’m Mandy.” I fold my arms across my chest. I’m really trying to show him that I’m not willing to be receptive in any way, shape or form. “That’s a beautiful name. Where are you from?” He asks. “I’m from around, can you please take the left turn at the four way stop?” I signal with my hand. “Sure. I’m from Port Elizabeth by the way, I just stay in East London for work. I also like this place because it’s a small city and it’s pretty chilled, I won’t lie. Definitely suits what I’m into.” says Lukhanyo. I continue staring out of the window. “You’re not quite a talker, are you?” He turns and looks at me. “Please turn left into that complex. I’ll speak to the security guards so we can drive closer to Babalwa’s block and carry her up the stairs.” I catch a glimpse of him and turn my head back to the window. This man is so God damn fine. It’s even worse that I can see he takes very good care of himself. His cologne? His small beard? The way he’s dressed? And sweetheart, I forgot to mention that he’s got a Rolex on his wrist! I obviously picked that up from the beginning because I have a strong love and adoration for luxury watches. I’m not talking about your same old Fossil, Michael Kors etc, those are entry level watches. I’m talking Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, Tudor just to name a few. A watch that would require you to be followed around by bodyguards to the mall if you’re dramatic enough…haha.

“So your plan is to ignore me the whole ride? I mean all I did was offer to give you a ride home safely, not forgetting that you spilt my drink all over me a while before that.” He gestures with his hand while turning the steering wheel with the other. “I’m not ignoring you, I don’t understand why you’re thinking that.” I shrug. “Even a blind person would see that. If you want us to sit in silence the whole time then that’s okay with me. Just say it so I can find a good radio station, bump the volume up and not say a word.” Says Lukhanyo in frustration. He opens my window just as I’m about to, argh! “Good evening Sisi how can we help you?” The security guard asks while staring at both me and the man next to me. “I’m Amanda bhuti we came to drop off Babalwa she’s not well. She even took a nap at the back. Can you please open the gate for us so we can get closer to her door and be able to help her up the stairs?” He walks to the window at the back to verify what I’m saying then comes back and nods. “Thank you. Enjoy your night.” I smile at him.

The gate opens and we drive in. “Park by the third block on your right please, right next to that yellow Toyota.” I point with my right hand. Dimples keeps quiet and gently parks the car, then he gets out and opens the back door. I look at him and slowly climb out of the car to help. Babalwa is still fast asleep and honestly I have no idea how we’re going to carry a grown, voluptuous and thick woman up two flights of stairs. “Babalwa, wake up dude. You’re home now.” I whisper while gently tapping her on her cheeks. Babalwa grumbles and turns. “Babalwa dude!”, I exclaim while slapping her face with a bit of aggression and open her eyes go. “What Mandi?” She mutters, clearly annoyed with me. “Get up, come let’s go to your place so you can get in bed and sleep all you want.” I say. I help her out of the car and Dimples grabs her bag. I take the bag from him “You can wait for me here, thank you.” I snap and he stares at me. Honestly I’m not about to take a stranger into my drunk friend’s apartment. Not a chance.

We successfully climb up the stairs and go into her place. She’s walking all over the place and I literally have to grab her hand and show her to the bedroom. We take her clothes off and she successfully climbs in bed. Girl gotta sleep naked because I’m not about to be hunting her sleepwear down and have to dress her all by myself. No ways. “Thank you friend. Love..ooo” She mutters while drifting off to sleep. “I love you too” I tap her on the shoulder and walk out of the bedroom. I stand by the main door wondering whether do I lock her in or do I leave the door unlocked? Eish. This thing of dealing with blacked out people is a lot. Wait, what if I lock and try to slide the key underneath the door so that when she wakes up she sees it on the floor, Bingo! I walk out then lock the door and slide the key underneath. One thing down, one more to go. I have to get home and be prepared to answer to an infuriated old lady who wants her car in the morning. Most likely, she will wake me up from my slumber which will induce the mother of all hangovers.

I get inside the car and he starts the car and drives off. The entire ride just consists of me telling him to drive straight, turn left, turn right and all he does is exactly what I’ve told him without responding to a single thing. We finally get to my place and he parks the car and stares outside his window. I grab my bag and look at him, “Thank you for your kindness even though I wasn’t too welcoming. I guess I’ll see you around then.” I smile. He’s still staring through his window without flinching, okay. At least I don’t have to go through the awkwardness of feeling obliged to give him my number knowing fully well I’ll block him as soon as he texts or calls me. I climb out of the car and walk up to the door. I ruffle through my bag for the keys and accidentally drop them on the floor. As I’m picking them up I turn and notice that he’s still parked there, weird. I open the door, walk inside and lock it. I then quickly run to go peep through the window and I see him starting the car and driving off. How sweet, he wanted to make sure I was inside before leaving but couldn’t even say goodbye when I was walking out. Haha, interesting. I climb up the stairs to my bedroom, throw everything on the floor, get into my pajamas and throw myself on the bed. All that make up on my face which will end up on my bedding? Aargh I drag myself up so I can wipe the face beat off with facial wipes. I’m not about to do a full skincare routine honestly, my face will have to make it through until the morning. When I’m done I climb back in bed and drift off into dreamland.

“Haybo! Where’s Amanda? She’s still not back even now? You know what Baby, I thought we were dealing with a grown lady here but clearly she still thinks and wants to behave like a child! Does she know that she has responsibilities now? She’s supposed to be sleeping at home so that she can wake up and go to work like everyone else her age!”,shouts Mrs Nzwane. She storms up and down the stairs frustrated while getting ready for work. “This is really unusual of her though. She’s never been a problematic child. I’m sure there’s a very good explanation for this. Let’s calm down okay? I’ll get my phone and try calling her to find out why she’s not home.” Says Mr Nzwane in a soothing tone. “Do you think I haven’t done that? Do you think I’d walk up and down the house losing my wits without thinking of calling her? Don’t stress me even more I’m not stupid!” Exclaims Mrs Nzwane. “Okay, okay I didn’t say you were stupid. I was just coming up with a solution to our problem. Did you check her room?” Says Mr Nzwane, calmly. “If the car is not outside Tatakhe why would her body be in her bedroom? All she did was leave me with a bunch of missed calls in the middle of the night instead of coming home with my car! Now I’m the one who will be stressed at work the whole day!” Says a frustrated Mrs Nzwane. “I’ll go check her room just in case. We’ll find her mama don’t worry. Whatever the reason is, I’m sure it can’t be that something happened to her nor the car okay? I’m coming back now.” Says Mr Nzwane as he walks up the stairs to Amanda’s room. He knocks on the door once and opens, to his expectation, there lies his daughter on the bed peacefully with the car keys on the bed side table. The room reeks of alcohol. “Amanda! Haybo Sisi wake up! What’s going on here?” Says Mr Nzwane. The room is a complete mess with items all over the floor. Mrs Nzwane flies up the stairs, into the bedroom and past Mr Nzwane, and in just mere moments a loud, hot slap wakes Amanda from her slumber. “You will know who I am today Amanda!” Seethes Mrs Nzwane…