Apparently the ladies like winter. Their argument is that it’s better to dress up in winter, wearing boots, jackets, scarves and stockings. The scene on the platform depicts exactly that.
It’s high-fashion for Metrorail to be late. Whenever the voicemail lady announces that “trains are running 5 minutes late” she is true to her word. You can bet your money on that.
Exactly 5 minutes later the train pulls into the station. We rush aboard in an attempt to escape the cold and dampness.
Regular commuters greet each other and settle into normal conversations about work, the children and everyday happenings.
One conversation has a different tone and urgency to it and the following is under discussion.
“I know I wasn’t supposed to but was tempted to the max. I regret it now but what is done is done,” a guy in his early 20’s says to a lady friend also in her 20’s.
“I don’t know how you’re going to explain yourself but my friend isn’t very happy. She’s shattered, disappointed and very angry. That’s why you can’t reach her at this stage. Djy het opgemos mister,” the young lady says looking quite stern.
They are quiet for a moment but the young lad is burdened and says: “We were still courting that time 6 months ago and I wasn’t sure that we were gonna hit it off, and that chick was an old stukkie of mine. She was there for the taking.”
“Now look what it brought you; a moment of indiscretion. You might end up paying a high price tjomma,” the lady snaps back.
He frowns again, looks concerned and remains quiet for a moment.
“You are my only hope now. Only you can save the day and you know both of us and know how we feel about each other,” he says after a while with a desperate look on his face.
She in return remains quiet for a while as if she’s listening to the “tuk ketuk tuk ketuk” coming from the wheels of the train.
“Things are not looking good. That girl claims she’s pregnant and you have to prove you are not the father, which I sincerely hope you are not. Until such time, our hands are tied. Sort djy ma’ die goete yt,” she says casually.
“Why didn’t you use protection? What if she’s HIV positive?” She continues but with a more serious expression
“I don’t want to lose Zinzi. I’ll meet with that chick’s family and I’m sure they will conclude that I’m not the father of the child,” the young man says confidently.
“I have news for you,” the young lady says looking at him without blinking an eye.
The young man looks back at her with question marks all over his face.
“Zinzi is seeing a doctor today. She never got sick in the past two months.”
In total shock, the only thing he manages to utter is “OMW”.
The train silently enters Salt River station …
***
Urban Dictionary
opgemos – The Afrikaaps version of “opgemors” which is the past
tense of “opmors” which is Afrikaans for “mess up”.
stukkie – The Afrikaans word “little piece” and is also an
Afrikaans slang term for “girlfriend” and in most
contexts it is not offensive.
tjomma – A version of the Afrikaans slang term “tjommie” which
means “friend”.
goete – The Afrikaaps version of “goed” which is the
Afrikaans word for “things”.
The Afrikaans word “goed” also means “good”.
“Djy het opgemos mister.”
“You have messed up mister.”
“Sort djy ma’ die goete yt.”
“You should rather sort these things out.”