Zeny continued ignoring me until we got home.
"Don't be late tomorrow morning, I'll pick you up."
Well, he finally broke the silence between us, but whatever…
I grabbed my McDonald's takeout and got out of the car without responding. When I stepped inside the house, I found Tebby busy on her laptop.
She immediately rushed toward me and took the bag from my hands.
"If you knew who bought—"
I didn't even let her finish. "I'm going to take a bath," I said, already heading to my room.
Before going to bed, I checked my phone and found a text from Lloyd:
{Why are you giving my driver an attitude, and why did you keep him waiting? If you don't want him to drive you, you should've said so, Zinzi.}
I sighed, already exhausted from the day, but there was no way I was letting him boss me around. So I texted back:
{You should've asked before assuming, Lloyd. I didn't have a choice since you gave an order, not a suggestion. I never asked for a personal chauffeur, and you can tell your driver not to bother coming here anymore. That also applies to you—delete my number. And ouch, thanks for being a controlling ass in my life.}
I hit send and buried myself under the covers. My phone rang almost immediately—it was him. I didn't bother answering. Instead, I blocked his number, deleted the chat, and went to sleep.
What an ass.
The Next Morning
I woke up, did my usual hygiene routine, and went to the kitchen, where Tebby was already leaving.
After making myself breakfast and eating, I got ready, grabbed my bag, and requested an Uber. While waiting, my phone rang—it was an unknown number.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Zinzi, it's me, Katie. I miss you! You don't call me anymore… do you still love me?" she said in a creaky little voice.
I smiled to myself. This had Lloyd written all over it.
"Hey, baby, I miss you too. I've been busy, but I promise I'll start calling you more, okay? I love you, and I'll never stop loving you." And I meant it—I truly missed her.
"Please come visit us this weekend, pleeaase?"
"I'm sorry, babes, I already have plans, and I need to study."
"Okay, cc… bye. I love you."
"Love you too, baby—" Before I could finish, I heard Lloyd's voice in the background:
"Zinzi, I want to—"
I hung up before he could continue.
Just then, I noticed a familiar car approaching. My heart sank. It was Zeny. I glued my eyes to my phone, put in my earphones, and turned up the music.
A tap on my shoulder made me look up.
"I don't have time for this," Zeny said, staring at me. "We need to leave now, or you'll be late."
"You're wasting your time," I shot back. "Didn't your boss tell you I won't need your services anymore?"
I glanced at my phone—a notification popped up: Your Uber will arrive in 2 minutes.
"I don't take orders from anyone except my boss, so get in the car, Zinzi," he said firmly.
Damn. That was manly.
I ignored him and got into my Uber, but before I could close the door, he blocked it and yanked me out. My heart raced—I didn't know what to do.
"Zeny, please let me go."
He didn't respond. Instead, he pulled me toward his car, opened the passenger door, and shoved me inside. I tried to get out, but I wasn't fast enough—he locked the doors before I could escape.
He started the engine, but before we could drive off, the Uber driver knocked on his window.
"My brother," he said, "that's not how we treat our special somebody. She doesn't want to go with you—respect that."
Zeny scoffed. "Kanye ungubani? Abantakwethu abajongeka njenge crap kanye awuzukundixelela ukuba mandenze ntoni. Can you leave?" (Who are you? My brothers don't look like crap, and you won't tell me what to do.)
The poor man backed away.
I sighed, accepting defeat. I had no choice but to let this arrogant man drive me. He was silent the entire way, so I did the same.
When we arrived at campus, he parked, walked around to my side, and opened the door.
"The sooner you accept that I'll be your driver, the better. I don't want to fight with anyone. Have a good day—I'll pick you up later." His tone was calm.
I didn't respond. I just got out and walked away.
Later That Day
After my classes, I met up with Ntokozo at McDonald's. We ate there, catching up on life.
"Babes, about yesterday… what was that all about? And you seem a bit down—what's wrong?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.
"I'm fine, man," I lied. I didn't want to worry him. "And about yesterday, that was just my 'driver.' Also, I have night school lessons for law."
"You tried, but nah, I don't believe you." He stared at me.
"I'm serious."
"How do you manage?"
"I make time. My favorite scientist once said, 'It's easy to be successful. The rule is: don't sleep.'"
"Wow."
"Yeah, man…"
I glanced at the time—6 PM. I was running late.
"Friend, I have to leave."
"Let's go. I'll drop you off."
I put the coordinates in, and he dropped me off at my night school. After my classes, Zeny was already waiting. I just got into the car without a word.
"I thought I was your driver, not some random guy," he said as we drove off. "Who was that man who dropped you off?"
I ignored him.
"I'm talking to you."
I sighed. "I thought you were just my driver. Your job isn't to talk to me or ask questions."
"I only ask questions when it's necessary, and I'd appreciate it if you answered me."
Silence.
He dropped me home, and I went straight to bed.
Thursday
Zeny was still annoying as ever.
After my lessons, he took me to a restaurant, claiming it was Lloyd's orders. I ate while he watched.
"So you won't even buy water for yourself?" I asked.
"Do you ever stop talking?"
I just ate in silence.
That night, he dropped me home, and I spent time with Tebby before going to sleep.
Friday
I wore my black jumpsuit, grabbed my bag, and went outside—Zeny was already waiting.
"I'm so glad I won't be seeing your face for the next few days," I said as I got out of the car at campus.
"The feeling is mutual," he smirked. "But who's gonna pick you up after your lessons?"
"I have legs. I'll walk home. Don't worry."
"Bye, have a great day. Oh, and you'll still find me here," he added before I walked off.
I rolled my eyes.
Nighttime
Ntokozo invited me to a party. I agreed—I needed a break.
I got ready in my ripped vintage jeans, lace crop top, and a big denim jacket. When Ntokozo picked me up, I offered him some juice and cake before we left.
At the party, he introduced me to his friends.
"You don't look like someone who doesn't party," one of them laughed.
"Ouch," I said, faking offense.
We had drinks, danced, and had fun. Ntokozo dropped me home at 3 AM. I showered and collapsed into bed.
I woke up exhausted…