by Unknown
CHAPTER THREE
Nobuhle needs a proper job
Nobuhle stepped out of her bathroom in the morning and put on a red sexy blouse that matched her short skirt. Meanwhile Mr. Noel was still on the bed exhausted. He admired her though he was a bit surprised with her sudden course of action. "You know that's quite a dress you nearly have on? What if I say I've been saving some money, enough to have you all day?" he asked "Keep your money for next time, now I need a job, a proper job." Nobuhle replied. "What job is going to pay you two grand for an hour?" "I have to look after my future." Nobuhle responded staring at herself on the mirror. Obviously she was ready to leave for her important meeting. With make-up applied to give an innocent, younger look, she set out hoping she could make the one big effort that hopefully can change her life forever. 8:00am in the morning, the streets of Hilbrow were already very busy. Nobuhle went up with Mr. Noel cruising through the crowd of people, some of which were rushing to work, others going about their various businesses. She was looking very good except for Mr. Noel, the old man walking beside her. "Nobuhle, I tell you what? I'll match whatever they're paying you. Come work for me. In the store. You get whatever you want" He said "You don't need me in your supermarket. You need someone decent not me." Nobuhle replied “I don't need anyone. I need you!" He continued "Well you know where to find me when you want me." "So what exactly do you want?" "What every woman wants." "Okay honey if you insist. I had the best morning of my entire life." The old man admitted as he finally gave up on his hope of spending more time together. Nobuhle called a metertaxi on the street side and stepped inside while Mr. Noel crossed over the street to his supermarket. Inside the taxi Nobuhle sat directly behind the driver and began to listen to the talk show on the radio. "So is it okay if black people are unemployed? Losing your job is one problem; not getting a job is another" The radio continued. After some time of having heard enough of it, Nobuhle arrived at her destination. A local hotel centrally located along Main Street of Marshalltown in central Johannesburg, not too far from Hilbrow. On top of the building was a large sign, "JoziStar hotel". Without waiting too long, Nobuhle met a well-dressed manager of the hotel. A perverted business minded Afrikaans man with strong interest in marketing and good customer services. "Nobuhle Phumlani, you mind telling me one more time, why do you want to work with us?" he asked as he led Nobuhle to the elevator. The both stepped in and stood face to face to each other. "I understand you were secretary at a Law firm which relocated to Pretoria. I'm not quite sure if you have passion for hospitality." The manager continued in a very friendly manner. Nobuhle smiled and replied with some remarkable confidence. "Sir I believe I have a unique passion for hospitality. If you must know my biggest mistake isn't sleeping with my boss; is my previous job” "That's quite interesting." The manager responded regarding her cleavage and then her face. "Sir the truth is I like this job. I like it as much as I like men with big penis," Nobuhle added exploiting the manager’s apparent weakness for woman. Ping. The elevator opens in the ground floor. The manager moved out and led Nobuhle to the hotel reception office where Debbie, a well-tanned, white woman around 40-years old was on duty. "Hello Debbie, meet Nobuhle Phumlani, she has tremendous hospitality experience. So I’ve come to a decision, lets give her the job." Debbie was a very nice woman who had been working in the hotel for nearly ten years. Thoughtfully, Nobuhle kept quiet as the manager continued to speak with her. Few minutes later Nobuhle was assigned a desk in the office and told to start work the following day. Though she was not sure how she would do on the job, she looked self-assured and pleased with herself that she could turn her attributes for something she really wants. On her way home, she decided to stop by at Mr. Noel’s supermarket. "Hello mister." She greeted leaning forward with a beautiful smile. "I thought I'll never see you again. How did it go?" Mr. Noel asked. "One step ahead." Nobuhle smiled and looked at the two fat women selecting vegetables in the shop. She turned to Mr. Noel and sarcastically told him she also wanted to buy vegetables. Mr. Noel regarded the joke and his whole face suddenly brightened with hope that maybe he could get another chance to be with a real woman, especially one that made him feel so good like he had never felt in a long time. Against all odds, Mr. Noel got back in the apartment with Nobuhle but this time there was more to their relationship. It was obvious Nobuhle liked him. It was as if she could see herself through him. When she looked at him she saw an old man running a supermarket all by himself. But when she got closer to him she saw a helpless man like her late father doing his best to get his life back. This was what moved Nobuhle and she decided to fully welcome Mr. Noel into her apartment showing him her photographs, photos of herself when she newly arrived in Johannesburg. Then the photograph with her mother and late father. Nobuhle was very beautiful and innocent when she was young. Mr. Noel admired the photographs while Nobuhle left to make super for the both of them. In the morning Nobuhle’s bathroom was filled with steam as she showered. Mr. Noel noticed the outline of her naked body through the smoky glass and decided to step away. He moved over to a desk in the apartment and typed "earlymooners.co.za" on Nobuhle’s small desktop computer. The webpage opened up displaying photos and tabs. Mr. Noel scrolled down and found a tab with the words "girls in Joburg". He clicked on the link and another page opened up like a bonanza. He quickly clicked from one page to another and finally a profile of Nobuhle dressed half-naked in photos. She looked so hot daring the old man to stare more at her. On the spur of the moment, Nobuhle appeared from behind in her bath towel striking a seductive pose. "You think she is attractive, don't you?" She asked. Mr. Noel got up and turned to her. "Who took the photos? You?" He asked casually. "You like them?" "Well they're pretty. I thought I should have a look again." He mumbled swallowing his saliva. "So you like them!" Nobuhle startled as the grin on her face widened into a smile. "Okay Nobuhle, now that you have a job, what’s going to happen next?" He asked "I'll keep you. As a friend." Nobuhle replied “Am afraid. Am afraid sooner or later you’ll be a complete different person. You might not even want to set your eyes on me." The old man mumbled. "So what’s your story? What happened to you?" Nobuhle asked staring at the old man and eagerly wanting to know why he was the way he was. Suddenly his thoughtful face deepened into sadness. He sank back to the chair thinking about his life. "I ruined my life... I lost everything, my wife, my son. I lost everything to drugs" Mr .Noel started to cry. "Where is he? Your son?" Nobuhle asked in a soft voice moving closer to him. "I don't know where he is." Mr. Noel replied looking at Nobuhle like a sheep. "Please believe me. I've changed. I don't do drugs anymore. I want to be happy again" he added. "That's good" Nobuhle responded taking his hands and helping him to stand up. "You’re the only friend I have" he said "It’s okay. Nobuhle comforted him. "So we can still be seeing each other?" He asked with a bit of relief. "As long as it makes you happy," Nobuhle replied, and finally the sheepish look on Mr. Noel’s face brightened. Since his wife, he had never been so close to any woman. Nobuhle switched the computer off, kissed him on his neck, and left to get ready for her new job.
CHAPTER FOUR
Meet the Italian Traveler
One month later a handsome Italian man dressed in a smart grey suit arrived at O.R. Tambo international airport. His name was Rossi, not bad looking except the beard, resembling Italian mafias in New York back in the 80s. He was calm and elegant. He approached the customs officials gracefully and handed over his passport. "Holiday. Is this your first visit to South Africa?" The official asked with a welcoming smile, and Rossi replied "Yes" "Anything to declare?" The official continued. Rossi looked confidently at his luggage on the trolley and then the official asking the questions. "No. Nothing to declare." He said "Thank your sir. Enjoy your stay in South Africa" The official stamped his passport and handed it back to him. Without any stress, Rossi got into an airport taxi and arrived at his hotel. A booked accommodation that was not too big or small to satisfy the very personal reasons for his visit to South Africa. "Welcome to JoziStar hotel"
Nobuhle appeared gesturing his reception. "What would I do without you" He replied wondering, who is this woman looking all excited. Nobuhle quickly moved over to retrieve his luggage with the help of the hotel porter. "So what’s your name?" Rossi asked with calmness and elegance. "My name is Nobuhle, but you can call me anything you want." Nobuhle replied walking him inside the hotel hallway. "So where do I find you when I need something? Do I call the reception?" He asked. "Yes" she replied stopping at the door of room 28. She opened it, handed Rossi the keys and went back to her desk at the reception. Later in the day after work, Nobuhle met up with Mr. Noel at his supermarket as usual. They both returned to her apartment only for them to find Jay-Jay seated in the apartment with his men. The Nigerian man sat geared up on a chair supervising the table where his boys were busy servicing two white guys that looked like Rock musicians. "Let me give you some advice. This is white chocolate." Jay-Jay said, "I want you to pass the message. Tell your friends, and your family. The more you buy the better the price." He added staring at the light blooded white guys as his boys continue to service them. Somehow Mr. Noel recognised JayJay from couple of years back when he was an addict. "Honey I think is better I leave and come back later." he muttered in a low voice "Okay. Sorry for the inconvenience." Nobuhle replied. She really wasn’t expecting to meet the drama in her apartment. "Thank you honey, I understand. Let me get going, please." Mr. Noel responded in an effort to leave immediately before he is tempted to join in on the drama, something he sworn never to do again. "Okay, so I'll see you around right?" Nobuhle asked and the old man replied "Yes" Nobuhle shut the door and crossed over to the busy table. "Who is that man!?" Jay-Jay asked staring at her as if she had just committed a terrible sin. "Let me tell you, we cannot just let customers walk away when we have business on the table." Nobuhle turned to the white guys who already were too doped up to notice anyone. She stared at them, the thugs and then called Jay-Jay to the corner. "Look I don’t know how you got in here and I don’t want to know. I want everyone out. How's that going to happen?" She asked looking at him confidently. "You need everyone out? What's that supposed to mean?" Jay-Jay responded "It means I want you out of my house." She added. "You're still working for me remember?" he asked "Not now." "Oh. So now, you want to work for yourself, huh? You want to make more money, abi no be so?" Jay-Jay got upset. But clearly, Nobuhle didnt care. "Say whatever you want. I'm going to take a shower, when I return I need everyone out. Those two guys, call an ambulance if you have to." She said and walked away. Jay-Jay pretended as if the conversation never happened. He precisely ordered his men to clean the mess on the table and pick the two white guys up. Quickly the boy did as told and off they went leaving the Nobuhle in peace.
CHAPTER FIVE
A day at JoziStar Hotel
Inside the hotel restaurant, the Italian traveler Rossi sat comfortably having breakfast in the morning. He looked up and noticed Nobuhle walking over to her post at the reception. A minute later he approached her across the desk. "Hi. How are you doing?" he asked. "I’m okay," Nobuhle replied. "I'd like to speak with you, in private" he continued. "I'm busy. I’m here to work, not to flirt," Nobuhle replied still yet to recover from the upset back at her apartment. "Well it’s my first time in South Africa. I'm going need some help." "Then you shouldn't be here. It's nice outside." she added dismissively "You don't want to spend the entire two weeks in bed, do you?” she asked "If this is flirting as I now understand, then that makes me someone who travels for pleasure, isn't it?" Rossi replied "What’s that supposed to mean?" she asked. "Exactly why we should talk in private,” he added. "You want me in private?" "What if I tell you I'm an artist, say a photographer?" Rossi responded knowing fully well that a woman as charming as Nobuhle would not be scared of exposure. "Why don't you try talking to my boss about it?" Nobuhle replied coyly. Rossi considered that, then went to see the hotel manager who luckily for him was nearby. After a quick chat with the manager Rossi returned to his table in the restaurant, from where he saw the manager speaking to Nobuhle. Moments later he smiled as Nobuhle left the reception and approached his table. "Is this, what you call private?" she asked. "Thanks to your boss. I think he's very kind." "So what's up?" "A couple of things," Rossi replied. "Tell me about photography." Nobuhle asked trying to avoid the couple of things Rossi seemed to have on his mind. "It’s something that could cause you to look at the universe, in an entirely different way." he responded. "Would it make me rich and famous?" she asked starting to smile "Yes, if you're talented." "You know I once considered fashion? I wanted to be a fashion model," she told him. "Did you push for it?" he asked. "Yes I did. I did my best." "Then what happened?" Nobuhle suddenly grew cold. "It didn't work out. I guess it was just a dream, I spent every single day of my life, hoping it would happen, but it never did." Nobuhle admitted "In life people normally don't get what they want. Its either you learn to fight for things that keep you alive or get stuck trying to live a dream, I consider myself fortunate because I at least have one thing that I want. This is what I want. I wanted to be in Africa, talking face to face with a human being. A black woman with possibly some misery in the finest things she has. That's what you are. You're a human being aren't you?" Rossi asked staring at Nobuhle. She was unable to say a word. A look of distress suddenly grew over her face, overwhelmed with thoughts about her struggles and the condition she was in. Moments later, Nobuhle hit the street walking very rapidly. People on the sidewalk, out of concern, parted to let her pass. She got home and took off her shoes. Quickly she lurched through to the bedroom, sitting there with her heart pounding and mind racing. She rushed to the bathroom moving for her cabinet, searching through it and couldn’t find what she wanted but recognised something, another photograph of her and her family together. She looked at the photograph, then turned to watch herself on the mirror, reflecting her life and her lost dreams and aspiration of becoming a fashion model. Tears began to fall from her eyes. Nobuhle started to cry with hands over her face. She moved to sit in the lounge where she continued crying. Outside, Jay-Jay and his thugs pulled up in his Mercedes. They climbed out and proceeded inside Nobuhle’s apartment like they own the building. "What is the problem with you prostitutes?" Jay-Jay asked moving closer to Nobuhle.. Her eyes looked red, tired of crying as she managed a look at the men. "Okay come here." The Nigerian took her hands. "You need some help. What do you want me to do?" he asked allowing his boys the go ahead for some dope. "Nobuhle you know I don't like it when you're like this?" he said "Okay now the more money you make, the more you get. How about that?" he asked Nobuhle didn’t answer. She kept on looking at the men but the look wasn’t saying a thing. Jay-Jay turned to receive a needle from his boys who already looked to have prepared a cocktail of dope for their friend Nobuhle. "Baby you look hungry. You need to eat something" he took her right arm and held it carefully. "You see? You need a hand like this, someone that can take good care of you." he calmed Nobuhle as the needle pierced her arm. "Get some rest baby. Now it’s time to sleep. Tomorrow we can talk about money.” He said rubbing his hand around her pretty little face and in a flash, the dope kicked in. As Nobuhle completely lose consciousness, the men took her to sleep inside the bedroom and pulled a cover over her body. Jay-Jay stopped for a moment staring at her. He had never seen Nobuhle look so vulnerable. Undoubtedly there was something about her. Something no one knew. Something that always made Nobuhle to think that maybe she was destined to be a victim in everything she does. The following morning, Nobuhle woke up to find herself lying in bed very tired. Her eyes could not see clearly but she noticed the two packets of cocaine next to her face. Her hand reached the piece of paper next to the items. The note had the words-- SELL THEM – written on it in big capital letters. Angrily, Nobuhle grabbed the two packets of cocaine and furiously moved over to the bathroom spilling the entire white powder into her toilet sink.
CHAPTER SIX
Nobuhle puts her problems aside
At JoziStar hotel, Nobuhle’s manager entered the r
eception office looking for her. He realised her computer was still off meaning she hadn’t arrived in the office. He got worried and turned to Debbie her co-worker in the office. "Where is Nobuhle?" he asked. “I doubt she's coming today?" Debbie replied. "Why is she not coming to work? It’s just middle of the week!" The manager exclaimed. Suddenly Nobuhle rushed inside the office frightened to a standstill seeing the manager. "Sorry I'm late" she said catching her breath. "Nobuhle I'm sure you have a good excuse." The manager responded moving closer to her. "I'm really sorry sir." She continued making an effort to calm her boss "Okay. I learnt you left early yesterday. What was the matter?" he asked out of respect for Nobuhle’s look of remorse. "I was sick sir. But am feeling okay now" Nobuhle replied. In that moment, the office telephone started to ring getting the manager’s attention. Debbie took the call. "Hello, JoziStar hotel, how may I help you?" "Thank you. May I please ask to speak to the lady by the name Nobuhle?" A distinctive voice on the phone uttered. "Okay sir" Debbie responded turning to Nobuhle with the phone. She received it and realised it was Rossi the Italian man calling. He requested specifically that Nobuhle deliver a bottle of whisky to his room. The manager regarded this and smiled considering the fact that many guests in the hotel actually prepare to be served by Nobuhle. With a cosy bottle of wine placed in a tray, Nobuhle stepped inside the elevator and moved upstairs to Rossi. "Here's your order" she ambled inside his room glaring at him. Rossi crossed his legs, seated on an armchair in the room.Nobuhle placed the tray next to the armchair, then stopped to take a good look around the room. To her surprise the room looked altered to more of a workroom than a sleeping accommodation. She glanced at the bed, then back at Rossi urging the Italian to stand up and went all out at her, putting his hands on her shoulder. "What do you want?" Nobuhle asked with a bit of fright. Rossi hesitated and moved over to a desk. He returned with a piece of photograph in his hand. "I want you to think about this" he said handing the photograph to Nobuhle. "Sleep on it. Do whatever you want with it, but remember I gave it to you." He added. Nobuhle glared at the photo, a rough painting of semi-nude African woman. It was impossible to tell what the painting was about but Nobuhle didn’t seem to care much, all she wanted at moment was to get out of the room. She took the photograph and quickly stepped out while Rossi return to work turning the hotel room into his mini photography studio. Later in the day, Nobuhle decided to put aside her problems and the uncomfortable relationship with Rossi. She remembered her family, the news of one of her step sisters getting married over the weekend. Although Nobuhle was not in good terms with her family, a part of her kept telling her to make herself present at the weeding and be happy with the family like back in the days when they were young. With that Nobuhle grew restless in the office waiting eagerly for the day to come to an end. Just in time, she wrapped up her desk two hours later. Without waiting any longer, Nobuhle dashed out of the office and continued down the street, walking past some street side traders and all of a sudden entering a boutique in about ten blocks from the hotel. A clothing store that sold a large range of negligees, summer and wedding wears from different designers. Nobuhle moved on admiring one of the loose dressing gowns in the boutique. The white stylist explained to her that the price is on the high side seeing that Nobuhle is not the type that could afford it. Nobuhle didn’t argue, she allowed the stylist to show her to the other section where they both selected a cute negligee which Nobuhle really liked and decided to buy it together with a pair of affordable Foschini shoes. Three days later Nobuhle arrived at a Baptist church at Gugulethu in Cape Town where she grew up. A large crowed of people gathered towards the church entrance. There was a nice car decorated with ribbons pulled in front of the church. Nobuhle appeared looking stunning and adorable in her newly purchased dress. She approached her mother who to her surprise had become a sensation in the township. "Hi mama" She greeted with a smile on her face. But unfortunately the mother wasn’t interested. “How are you, Mama? Good to see you.” Nobuhle continued forcing the mother to answer her. "I’m okay", the mother replied, asking if Nobuhle had lost her job again. This hurt her but still she tried to stay calm as if the mother is just kidding. "No I didn't lose my job mama" she responded respectfully "Then what is your problem?" The mother asked staring angrily at her "Mama what do you mean what is my problem?" Nobuhle responded out of frustration. "Please just say what you want to say and leave me alone… am busy!" The mother grumbled as she noticed some of her beautiful bride’s maid waiting for her at the church entrance. Without taking any more time the mother rushed inside the church with her girls leaving Nobuhle embarrassed. Inside the church, a young man and the reverend father continued to wait expectantly for their bride. Nobuhle found a seat in the hall while her sister, the bride appeared with their overly excited mother and the maids. The congregation kept on looking at them in admiration. Nobuhle also admired them with smiles. On the high altar, the groom put on his yummy smile as the mother in-law drew closer with his wife. He took her hand and turned to the clergy reverend father. The mother returned to her seat where Nobuhle tried regarding her but she didnt care. Nobuhle suddenly gew cold, looking around herself; it seemed as if non of her family member cared about her except one elderly woman sitting behind her. The woman tapped Nobuhle gently on her back. "So what are you waiting for? You want us to die before you get yourself a man?” The woman asked in a sharp coarse voice. Nobuhle ignored and kept looking as her younger sister is worn her wedding ring then pulled forward to kiss her equally excited groom. The entire church continued to cheer them. Nobuhle turned to her mother, then her other sisters and step brother. No one really cared about her. Nobuhle couldn’t bear this she started to feel bad about herself. Minutes later the wedded couple were led outside the church. Both families started coming together for group photos. The bride then realized she had not seen Nobuhle her sister. She quickly glanced around and stepped over to her mother. "Mama. Where’s Nobuhle?" She asked out of her wish to have everyone in the group photo. "Please my daughter, forget about Nobuhle for now." The mother replied. "This is your time to shine." She added and walked the daughter back into the group where they all posed and smiled for different photos without Nobuhle in any of them.
