“Mbuso, can you come up here and solve this equation?” Mr Manzini, my math teacher asks me in class.
I like math. I’m good at math. I stand up confidently and solve the equation, he looks at me impressed.
“You guys should take pointers from this guy” Mr Manzini smiles, as I sit down.
***
“I liked how you solved that equation back there. Can you tutor me?” Ofentse asks me, during lunch.
I try to tear my eyes away from her lunchbox. She has toasted bread, Vienna, cheese and fresh fries. I look down at my food, that I got from the school’s feeding scheme. Pap and canned fish.
“Sure.” I say.
She smiles. “I’ll pay you. How does R500 a month sound like?”
My heart beats faster. Is she serious? I’d be able to help out with that money!
“Yes.” I squeal
She laughs and walks away, winking.
I’m happy.
**
“Come in, Mbuso.” Ofentse impatiently says.
“Let’s just sit out here” I say
“Dude, we can’t work outside.” She opens the door wider.
I see the spacious and modern kitchen behind her. Is this how rich people live. I walk in, heaven.
She pours me cool drink and makes a quick sandwich for me. I watch as she walks to her bedroom to get changed and I quickly wrap the sandwich in a tissue and put it in my school bag. For Lizo, I think.
When she emerges, she looks at my empty plate.
“You must’ve been hungry. I should make you another sandwich.” She says.
“No thanks..I’m full.” I pat my tummy, just then it grumbles.
“I don’t think your tummy agrees.” She makes me another sandwich.
After we eat, we start doing the math