Chapter 2 - Orlando Streets

I currently work as a receptionist at a Netcare hospital. I have my own place now - a bachelor room. It's not much, but I had to move closer to work because of transport.

I have a younger sister and brother, Mbali and Ronald. They're both teenagers.

It was my second month on the job. The staff were good to me, and most of the patients were too.

It was raining again, and I got soaked on my way in. I was late, and already having a bad day. When I got to my station, the girl I worked with was already packing up to leave.

"Can I go change and make coffee before you leave?" I said. Thembi looked annoyed.

I always keep spare clothes at work for days like this, or when we're short-staffed. I went to the kitchen to boil water, changed quickly, then came back to make coffee and head to reception.

Thembi: "You need to buy a car. You can't keep arriving at work soaking wet. Or better yet, get yourself a good man."

Me: "I'm not as financially stable as you think, and a man? I don't know… all the good ones are taken."

Thembi: "Not all of them. Go out more often. You'll meet someone."

Me: "I'm not in a rush. I'm still getting over a messy breakup, remember?"

Thembi: "Yeah, that stalker. I've always hated that guy."

Me: "And you're telling me now? What a great friend you are!"

Thembi: "I couldn't tell you who to love, but he wasn't worthy of you."

Me: "Just go. Bye, bitch!"

She left laughing. I started sorting the papers she'd left behind. She hated filing, so we agreed I'd handle it my way and she'd leave it alone.