Time comes and goes … Boxes come and go to the little zinc shack, only to be replaced by new ones each week. Thabo still hasn’t opened them, and he doesn’t want to, but the fact that Max threatens him not to tell anyone, every time he arrives in the blue beemer makes him certain it’s not legal. Melusi, who soon suspected something, has also been sworn to secrecy and often helps Thabo unload the boxes.
Anyway, there’s plenty to be happy about: home is brightening up and food is in abundance. Scar hasn’t been around lately either and even Mam Thobeka seems less worried. He’s applied for the NFSAS grant and things are looking up.
But one day, as he’s waiting in line at the corner store, he hears a conversation between two mothers in the queue ahead of him.
“Do you know I found dagga in Vuyo’s backpack?” Mrs Simelane complains.
“I know, it’s got so bad recently,” replies Mrs Mokoena. “My nephew was suspended the other day for selling drugs to his classmates!”
“My husband says if he sees that good-for-nothing drug lord in his blue BMW, he’s going to kill him… and anyone who deals with him too!”
Mrs Mokoena laughs. “Surely your man is too old for that! But yoh, it’s a problem…”
For Thabo it’s no laughing matter. Max is far from reach. He wouldn’t catch fire as easy as Thabo if the community decided to raid the area for drugs…
***
Later, Thabo and Max park at the end of the street as per usual. Before the latest boxes are unloaded, they sit on the bonnet, while Max smokes his own dagga. The silence is peaceful, until Thabo remembers why he came to see Max this afternoon. He builds up courage to break it to him.
“I can’t continue with the business, it’s too risky.”
His words land on Max with a sting. “What… what do you mean?” Max says.
“Take your business elsewhere, Max, I’m out!” Thabo shouts at Max.
Max strikes Thabo across the face with a hot slap and the streets seem to stop moving. Thabo loses his balance and waltzes around before leaning against the side of Max’s car.
“Boy, I’ll sell this last batch and I’ll be out of your life then…” Max tries to soothe Thabo.
With his face red and swollen, Thabo holds back tears and nods at Max’s command.
“You know, I don’t like going hard on you boy… you’re sweet. But when you shout at me… you irritate me like a fly. Know how it feels?” Max pulls him closer to him and hugs him tight.
The moment is awkward and Thabo pulls away, still feeling the sting on his face. Max stretches his lips towards Thabo’s. Thabo’s heart races, head spins and he can’t feel reality until a familiar laugh creeps slowly into his ears.
Was it just about the money? Or was there more?
Reality hits him hard and he realizes that he has just kissed a man in public.
Suddenly, a whistle shakes their nerves. Thabo’ s big eyes almost fall out when Melusi appears in front of him, smoking dagga. Natasha laughs till her knees knock against each other.
“What are you doing here?” Melusi smacks Thabo on the head. “Not only are you a drug dealer, you’re a fuckin’ gay too!”
Melusi spits on the ground.
Max runs and locks himself in the car. He speeds off. Melusi throws a brick at the BMW, and it hits the boot.
Thabo prays for his brother’s mercy. Melusi loves the smell of money but is disgusted at his brother.
“This is the last time you do this… you have to stop these gay tendencies of yours!”
Tell us: Max is sometimes violent, sometimes kind, and now in an unexpected twist he seems to be attracted to Thabo. How would you describe the overall effect he has on Thabo?