There’s this excited vibe in the workshop. I can feel it the moment I walk in. They don’t notice me, the others. I’m used to that. It’s the way I like it.
Most mornings, I’m the first at the work-bench, but today Ma had phoned to check that I’m still coming home this weekend, so I hung around outside. I don’t like people hearing my private conversations.
“You girls,” Zwelakhe is mocking Nosicelo and Jacqui. “Going crazy because Lwazi Mthethwa is here. You know, if he thinks of you at all, it’s as side-chicks for when he has to come to Umjindi. For sure he’s got a babe there in Gauteng.”
“You’re just jealous, Zwelakhe,” Nosicelo says.
She’s right, I think. He has always got something to say about them having the hots for our benefactor’s son and heir. The other boy in our group doesn’t seem so bothered; Bigfoot, everyone calls him. And most of the time it’s like he’s out of it – stoned or just sleepy – I wouldn’t know.
There are five of us getting our basic training in jewellery design and manufacture, this project started by Lwazi’s father. It’s just one small class for this year, but he has big plans. It seems sort of right that the course is happening here in Umjindi, because this whole Barberton region used to be famous for gold mining.
Not that we’ll get to work with real precious metals and stones for ages yet. This is just the first step in our apprenticeship. Of course, everyone is hoping to be apprenticed in future to Lwazi at the Mthethwa studio in Gauteng – the girls especially.
“Hey, it’s Phindi!” The thing I don’t want happens – Jacqui notices me. “I didn’t realise you were here. Girl, you so need to come out of your shell, or we’ll forget you exist.”
How many times have I heard that? Only since I was a little kid, and all through school. And it’s not going to change, now I’m starting out in the adult world.
I smile at her and say, “You know, in nature things like tortoises and snails and sea creatures have shells for excellent reasons. I like mine.”
“But they do poke their heads out, every once in a while,” Nosicelo says.
“So do I,” I answer her.
It’s true. I’m not a hermit. I like people – up to a point. But there are some things I’m not. I’m not a party animal or a team-player. I don’t have people skills.
I live under the radar, and I like it that way. That’s how come jewellery design and manufacture seemed like the perfect career for me when I heard about this programme – especially as I’ve always loved working with my hands. I’ve already come up with beading designs people like, so making other kinds of jewellery is like the natural next step.
The classes and apprenticeship are just things I have to get through, until I’m qualified to work on my own. That will be the best thing, not having to be with other people.
“You others should be grateful Phindi is such a silent mouse,” Zwelakhe says. “Less competition for Lwazi’s attention, I mean. He never notices Phindi.”
“Thula! Ssh! Here he is.” Jacqui touches her braided coronet and fixes her expression into a flirty smile. “Kunjani.”
He strides into the workshop. I feel his energy and enthusiasm for life, and see how his face is lit with health and enjoyment. Lwazi Mthethwa, young, handsome, people-person, and playa.
And, falling in love with him has to be the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.
***
Tell us what you think: Should Phindi try to change her personality to attract Lwazi? Or would that be a form of dishonesty?