It’s 7:55am and the train is not too bothered to make up for lost time. It’s just running as if nothing’s happened; late as usual.

Three high school kids dressed in school uniform about 18years old are standing in the corner of the carriage.

“That guy Mr Frieslaar is on a man’s case for being late. I can see it’s detention again. I really don’t smaak that today,” one of them tells the other two.

“I’m a taking a taxi in town and hanging in Camps Bay for the day,” he says, again looking at his friends for a reply whilst they are silently looking at each other.

Meanwhile an elderly gentleman who is sitting right behind them busy reading the morning newspaper, looks up for a moment at the three young boys and continues reading the paper.

The train arrives at Parow station almost ten minutes late.

Commuters show their disgust by hurriedly entering the carriage thinking that it would influence the lost time.

“What are you guys going to do? Are you’s staying till 5 tonight and then still have to wait till 6 for one of your parents to fetch you after detention?
No ways. No thank you. It’s the last of the lekke days. The sun and sea on my body today; Add beautiful blond chicks to that and it’s perfect eksê,” he tries to entice his friends.

The elderly gentleman looks up again.

“I’ll join you,” replies one of the two. “I also don’t smaak Mr Frieslaar and detention today,” he adds.
The third guy looks at them knowing that he is being pushed into making a decision. Four eyes are staring at him in silence; their gaze fixed on him.

The elderly gentleman turns the page of the newspaper.

“Guys I’m not too sure. I’m sure Mr Frieslaar is not a monster. He must understand that this train is almost fifteen minutes late,” he explains with urgency in his voice.

“I can text my mom and explain and get her to call Mr Frieslaar. That should solve the problem,” he says confidently looking at his friends for a reply.

After a few seconds of silence the ‘sun and sea’ guy mumbles.

“You are fine. I’ve had many brushes with Mr Frieslaar and every time I get off worse. He’s turning up the heat on me. He told me to my face. If I weren’t a good rugby player he would’ve personally thrown me out by the scruff of my neck.” This time his voice lacks enthusiasm but he gathers himself and adds, “I still smaak the beach ouens.”

“Guys this is our final year. There’s just no time for bunking. A few more weeks and Mr Frieslaar is history. I think I must still text my mom,” the friend replies and takes out his phone.

“We are one station away from Salt River station and have to make a decision guys,” the ‘sun and sea’ guy reminds his friends.

“I’m busy texting my mom. She’ll handle this,” the friend replies.

“Chad is right. Let’s rather go to school,” the third guy in the group says while looking at his friend texting his mom.

The train maintains a no-rush attitude whilst the elderly gentleman slowly folds the newspaper.

“My mom says she’s gonna call him straight away. No problem; it’s sorted,” Chad says whilst shoving the phone into his blazer pocket as we approach Salt River.

The elderly gentleman gets up and walks up to the three young lads. He starts to address them by saying, “Excuse me gentleman. I’ve been listening to this conversation all along. I couldn’t help overhearing what was said. Allow me to say; never back off or try to go around or avoid a challenge. Find a way to go through it. It might hurt and be uncomfortable but the result is always going to benefit you. It’s part of life and part of character-building. Decide to make the right choices as far as possible; as young as possible, and you’ll come out tops most of the time.”

Chad looks at the elderly gentleman with a look of amazement on his face.

“By the way guys,” the elderly gentleman adds at the door of the carriage as we enter Salt River station, “I am Mr Frieslaar Senior. I can get you in. I’m paying my son a visit today. We have a lunchtime appointment but I thought I’ll come through early and browse around at school. I’m a retired principal.”

Absolute silence falls on the party of four.

***

Urban Dictionary

smaak – The Afrikaans word for “taste” or “flavour” which is also
a South African slang term used in different languages
to denote having a “yearning” for something. It can also
be used to indicate a romantic interest in someone.
ma’ – The Afrikaaps version of “maar” which is Afrikaans for
“rather” or “instead”.
you’s – A Cape English slang for “you” when someone addresses
a number of their peers unnecessarily adding the ‘s’ to
indicate plural but also a shortened form of “you guys”.
lekke – The Afrikaaps version of “lekker” which is the
Afrikaans word for “nice”.
ekes – The Afrikaans slang term as an exclamation from “ek sê”
which literally translates as “I say”.
ouens – The Afrikaans plural for “ou” which means “guy” thus it
means “guys”.
bunking – “Bunk” is a term used for playing truant, skipping
individual classes or skipping whole days of school.