Chapter 91 Sipho

Chapter 91 Sipho

A soft knock on the door woke me up the following morning.

“Room service.!" A voice said from outside. Yea, i definitely need it because I'm literally sleeping in a dump.

“Give me some minutes" I lazily replied.

“Okay. Press the button by your bedside when you're ready"

I jumped out of bed into the shower and took my bath, applying light makeup and taking some cash before stepping out.

“Is this idea of carrying cash around good.? Will i get robbed.?" I worriedly thought but shook it off. Pressing the button by the bed, i began to walk out.

Wait.! My hat. The sun here is insane.

I grabbed one of my wide hats and wore it for protection. Thankfully, i had used my sunscreen so i won't get sun burned.

Pictures of a restaurant named the test kitchen caught my fancy yesterday night so i decided to have breakfast there even though the hotel I'm currently at has a restaurant.

I came here to tour, Duh.!

Hailing a taxi on the road, i got in. “I'm going to "the test kitchen” how much will that be.?" I asked the young driver.

“R15"

He simply replied and drove off. Cape town is really beautiful with it's clean roads, roadside stalls, vendors hawking their wares and calling for buyers.

I paid the fare and walked into the restaurant, sitting by a table.

A male waiter walked up to me and tried handing me a menu, but after last night episode.? I'm definitely not choosing food myself anymore.

“Just bring me something light" i ordered without looking up from my phone.

He gently set down the food and i looked up gratefully. It was the same guy from the airport yesterday, now dressed in a waiter uniform.

“You again.?” I teased and he smiled shyly.

" Yes madam. I work here too” he replied turning to leave but I grabbed his wrist.

" Can you be my tour guide.? I learned most of the locals here speak foreign languages. I planned on exploring that cultural aspects but i need someone who can interpret for me” i said.

" But madam.. that means i can't go about my daily jobs anymore so you'll have to pay me…

“Of course I'll.!" I quickly cut in.

“That'll be R500 for a day" he replied. “I'll hire you for one week. Here's your R3500." I added, pulling out some cash.

He counted the money carefully and handed some back to me. “You gave me R5000"

“No need. Keep the rest and use it for something else" i waved him off and began to eat.

By the time I was done, he was already standing by my table, changed out of his waiter uniform and putting on casual wears.

" You look good” i lightly complimented and he blushed. " Thanks madam” he replied and i nodded lightly as we headed out.

" I was to visit the table mountain i saw it online and it looks like fun” I said as we hailed a taxi.

Driving to a not too developed part of the city made me nostalgic.

“This is beautiful" i muttered, staring at the moving cable cars above with people in them. We paid for a car and got in.

The view is simply breathtaking. Huge mountains sprouts all around and the sky feels so blue. Gently waters flowing in-between rocks from up to down. People swimming in the water falling below.

Following my line of sight, he looked down too. “You want to swim.?" He asked. My hydrophobia kicked in instantly.

“No thanks. Maybe later" i replied in between my teeth, knowing fully well i might not swim throughout the tour.

After riding the cable cars, he took the lead and we went to a small thatched hut built with raffia.

An elderly woman and some women were there. Different tourist sat outside too, drinking something strange from a clay cup.

He talked to the women for a while in a foreign language which i interpreted with my phone to be xhosa.

They brought us drinks too and we sat side by side, drinking and watching the mountains.

I felt like spitting out at first but felt it'll be disrespectful to the women and him so i endured and continued drinking.

“What's your name.?" I softly asked him and ue turned to stare at me his brown eyes filled with surprise.

" Sipho” he simply replied, turning away.

" Sipho.?” I struggled and finally pronounced it, but it didn't sound same with his. Well… I'm not a native.

“Yes. It means gift" he explained.

“That's great. My name is Emma." I replied and he nodded thoughtfully.

“Nice name Madam"

“Thank you"

Silence.

“Your English is good" i complimented. “Thank you madam. I went to school. I have a degree in art" he replied, a hint of sadness crossing his eyes.

“Really.? Why aren't you working in somewhere better.?" I pry further.

“I don't know anyone who can help me get in. And.. i need to support my family too. My brothers are still in school and my father has a chronic illness" he replied, subtly wiping his tears.

My heart pricked and i felt pity for the poor boy. “I'll see what I can do before i leave here" i calmly stated and he looked at me in surprise.

“Really.?"

“Yea.. such talent mustn't be wasted" i said and he jumped up in excitement almost hugging me but stopped himself.

“It's alright you can" i permitted standing up too and he hugged me lightly.

“Thank you so much madam. I'll never forget your kindness" he said almost kneeling.

“It's okay.. Sipho. Can you sketch a portrait of me tomorrow.?" I asked. “I'll pay you"

“Of course madam. No need for the payment, you've done enough for me" he happily replied.

“Sipho.!" A voice suddenly thundered from behind and we turned back simultaneously.

It was a girl with a huge scrowl on her face. His features lit up as he saw her.

“Awii meet Miss Emma. She's my employer" he introduced, crossing his hand across her shoulders.

She looked at me with contempt. “Nice to meet you"