Confession #20
2427 Words
Confession #20
Aaron and I had just begun talking.
It is imperative that I mention that before saying anything else. I enjoyed the fact that Aaron and I could have a conversation over coffee or text or even call without me throwing any F-bombs directly at him. It was amazing, just like how my ankle didn’t hurt as much as it did at the party. So you can imagine just how odd it was that on this day, the morning right after taking Aaron’s measurements for his traditional attire for the ceremony, how shocked I was to be called into my boss’ office.
Now this is at the studio. I don’t really have a boss at the theatre. Londiwe Tisani was a fierce woman. The epitome of an African woman. She had curves and when she walked into a room you could almost taste her presence. With rich thick natural hair, that always seemed to be a lot more tame than mine, and her custom made Thula Sindi attire, she made me emerald with envy.
But for this meeting I was shaken with despair. It’s not that I haven’t been working, it just that in the recent turn of events, focusing on a character’s life instead of your own has been a bit of a challenge. So if my work had been put into question I would give a simple; ‘I’m sorry, I really need this job. Please don’t fire me. Plus if you fire me, you’d have to find another black woman to fill my space quick because you’d be in violation of your company quota.’
That played out very well in my mind. But other things could be questioned. Londiwe and I had a weird pact. Where as long as I handed in my work in on time, I didn’t actually have to walk into the office. That’s why I took the extra job at the theatre. My off days could be put into question but that discussion would go like this; ‘I’m really sorry, but my contract allows flexible hours. I’m not a classic nine to fiver. If you have any problems please contact my lawyer. And please don’t fire. I still need to pay my lawyer at an hourly rate.’
So at this point I had my breathing down to a T and I’d tried to get off the small coffee stain on my chest in a bid to look presentable. Although Londiwe never did regard me as ‘put together’. I was always just, ‘a good writer’. And up until now that was my insurance policy. If the boss likes it, then you can’t get sacked.
That gave me very little assurance now. I remember Kurt Heard, a witty writer from Cape Town who once had an ominous meeting with Londiwe. He entered the room a happy chappie with a Mini Cooper and then exited the office, an alcoholic with a second hand Toyota. Saddest office story ever right next to all my secret Santa’s stories since working here.
We’re going off topic here. Yes, I just had to focus. Londiwe’s fresh faced assistant ushered me into her office. It had the large panel windows with light shining in from everywhere. An elegant glass table and of course the infamous seat from where she’d watch you squirm under her watchful glare.
She was still busy barking out orders when I entered. She’s gestured with her hands for me to sit. While I sat like a child waiting to talk to the principle, I noticed her screen saver. It was her on her wedding day; a traditional wedding day. She’d adorned her traditional Zulu attire with a pearly white smile on her face as her husband hugged her from behind. He was a plump man with a single mole under his right eye. The traditional African wedding your parents have always dreamt of…
I cringed at the thought. And Londiwe hung up the phone without so much as a goodbye. Her eyes scanned over me before giving me a tight lipped smile.
“Thati, I’m sure you’re wondering why I called you in here?” The lioness teased and I wanted to cower away but I simply cleared my throat.
“Yes, Mrs Tisani.”
She shrugged her shoulders a bit. “Well, you know you’re an astounding writer.”
My eyebrows knitted together. Compliments before they release you…. Nice. “Well, I always just thought I was a writer ma’m.”
She rolled her eyes. “Modesty, is a boring trait. Don’t be modest in my presence, you know I don’t hand out compliments.”
“Yes ma’m.”
“Don’t call me ma’m. You’re not in high school. You know my name. Say it.” She ordered.
“Londiwe.” With that a smile appeared on her plump face.
“Anyway, you remember a few months ago, when we had a brainstorming session about a new show. You each made a 20 min pilot episode and plan for one season?”
I remembered. It was hard trying to forget the one time in my life when I didn’t sleep for an entire week. “Yes, I do.”
“Yes well, the studio didn’t really like your idea, “ Great way to lift my spirts. “But I liked it. “ Now I was interested, Londiwe doesn’t just ‘like’ anything. “In fact I liked it so much I sent it to a few friends of mines. And one in particular fell in love with it, and saw greatness for the show. He wants you to come and work for him.”
It took a moment to register all this information, but once it was finally in. I exploded with excitement. “Oh my God! I’d love to!”
Londiwe’s smile was a bit tighter now. “Well that’s great. It’s just that…” He words flattened.
“That?” My eyebrows rose.
“The job’s in Italy.” She spoke flatly.
“Italy?”
“Yes, Italy. I mean it’s a beautiful place. Humid as all hell in the summer but you’ll love it. You ever been?”
“I must admit, I have not.” I smiled nervously.
“And you’re single right? No kids? Dogs?”
I thought about it for a moment. Aaron and I were merely an old flame. There was nothing there. “No nothing at all.”
She clapped her hands. “Well then you’re prefect for the job!”
I chuckled nervously. “I guess I am. So what exactly would I be doing.”
“Well because Gorgio wants the mind of this entire sitcom on set. You’ll be head writer and one of the executive producers. You’ll write and brainstorm each episode then the translators will of course translate-“
“So it’s going to be in Italian?”
“No, some episodes will be in Italian, that’s public TV. And the English episodes will be on something like Netflix or Showmax or something.”
I bit my lip. This sounded great and all but I didn’t want to leave my entire life behind. “How long will I be gone for?”
She pressed her lips into a thin line, studying me. “About six months. They want to test out the first few episodes on the platform then move it onto television.” She paused for a moment. “You’re not having doubts about this are you?”
“Well this is very sudden. It hard not to have doubts. When would I be expected to leave?”
“In about a three to four weeks. They want to start pre-production with you and casting and everything. They really love this idea Thati, they think it speaks to the youth of today and can really make you an award winning writer.” I remained silent, she sighed impatiently. “Get your passport ready. And go for a while, if you don’t like it. Come back to this dump and if you do, make some mixed raced babies with an Italian.” Before I could answer her phone rang. “I should probably take this, we’ll talk soon.”
I was dismissed like an old flake of dried skin as Londiwe resumed her day. While for the rest of the day I still remained dumbfounded by this opportunity. I could live without my family for a few months, hell I could live without them from years. But Dimpho and Nadia would no longer have a free marriage counsellor at their fingertips. And Mpho would have no one to play tea party with. And Thando would have no one to get super hammered with.
And Aaron? As far as I was concerned Aaron and I were just friends. We’d discussed no future with each other after this entire joke of a situation and I was okay with that. Probably because I knew he was having regular coffees with Claudia. Maybe it was time to move on. It’s not like we’re going to get back together soon, or ever. So Aaron doesn’t count this time. He simply doesn’t.
But someone who does count called. I didn’t know the number but I recognised the voice.
“Guess who’s back!” Kea shouted through the line.
“Dolly! I’ve missed you so much my baby.” I gushed. I didn’t realised how much I missed until I heard her voice. She laughed.
“Of course you did. Anyway, we’re at Ryan’s Bistro. Come join us for lunch.”
And without any hesitation I agreed. I missed the one person in the world who understood where I came from. And after leaving work early with barely any reasoning as to why. And weaving through the maze that is Johannesburg midday traffic. I made it to the tiny corner restaurant, with a giddy feeling inside. And there at a little metallic table sat Kea, Sam and….
Aaron.
My smile instantly fell. The happy coupled waved me over while Aaron gave a small smile. I exhaled a deep sigh. And before I could approach my seat which had been next to Aaron. Thank a bunch. Kea mauled me into an epic hug. She squeezed so tight I could feel my spine against my stomach and when she did finally let go, I noticed a glow.
“I missed you so much.” She smiled.
“I’m sure you did.” I turned to the boys. “Hey guys. Sam I hope you took care of my baby cousin.”
He blushed a bright pink. “Trust me Thati, I did.” He winked at his girlfriend who giggled in response.
And soon the conversation flowed like a river into the sea. It felt natural, having the four of us at a table eating food that I was hoping I wouldn’t have to pay for. And Kea gushed about the wonders of Morocco, Germany, Singapore, Mexico and Argentina in such great detail, you’d think you were on the trip with her. One thing she didn’t mention was the beautiful modest rock on her finger. It was gorgeous crystal on a copper band.
“Kea? What’s that ring on your left ring finger doing?” My eyebrows creased.
Kea eyed Sam playfully before bursting with joy. “We got married!”
“What?” Aaron and I questioned in unison.
“Congratulations.” Was Aaron’s reply when the pair told us the elaborate tale about how they bought the ring in Morocco and on limb decided to get married in Mexico under the stars. Yes, yes very romantic but totally impulsive!
“So you eloped?”
“The best decision of our lives.” Sam smiled wistfully at his new bride. Kea could only giggle.
“Wow… You know I’m happy for you guys but I just wish I could have been there to see it.” I sighed.
“Don’t be such a downer. This is a celebration.” Kea gleamed like a fresh porcelain doll. A part of me craved her happiness while another part wanted to through myself out my window.
Soon the conversation switched to a less shocking subject. And we’d all filled up on good food and even better wine. And before I knew it Aaron was walking me to the car. He stayed a good two paces behind me and gave a weak smile every time I turned back.
“What’s up with you?” I finally asked when I reached the car, he tried to open the door for me, but I was too fast.
He kicked an imaginary grain of sand before slowly walking towards me. I was going to be tucked in between Aaron and my car and I didn’t like that sandwich. I held my hands against his chest, blocking him from coming any closer.
“Do you ever miss that?” I asked on impulse when his eyes connected with mine. They held an intense stare.
“Miss what? Being together?” He took the words right out of my mind. I slowly nodded my head as he exhaled a deep breath. His hands dug deeper into his pockets, he was uncomfortable.
“You know what? Never mind. That was a stupid question anyway. –“
“Wait Thati, let me explain-“
“Listen it was good seeing again and I have work to do. So I’ll see you the night before the ceremony?”
His face collapsed. “Yeah.”
“Great. Bye Aaron.”
- Writer
