I Can't Let You In

Chapter 2

The one nearest to my place is in Midrand and it's called, Guthries Shooting Range. So I book an appointment stating that I will be there around two in the afternoon. The lady that made an appointment for me was kind enough to tell me about their happy hour as well and I was very appreciative of the help. It's very rare to find receptionists that actually do a good job.

I take a shower and dress up in nothing fancy, just a pair of shorts and a golf t-shirt as well as loafers. I'm not sure if sneakers would be suitable at such a place but then again, I don't think there is an appropriate attire. As soon as I'm done, I go to the kitchen to grab an apple before I leave.

I fire up the ignition as soon as I'm inside the car and wait for the engine to heat up a bit before I leave. The TV was still on in the living room so I run inside to switch it off and make sure other appliances that don't need to work while I'm away, are off. That would just be a waste of electricity and especially since we experience loadshedding here in South Africa almost everyday.

It sucks honestly and we have no choice but to adjust to what is our new norm. I think it's not as bad here in the suburbs because I awlays hear Mthunzi talking about how the township experiences power outages. Some last for hours if not days so I really do feel for people in townships. More especially, children who go to schools and get home to do homeworks in the dark but that is something we are definitely working on improving, my brothers and I.

I drive out of my place and rush to the shooting range so I can get there in time. There is no traffic seeing that it's the weekend and most people are resting at home. And for some, the fun only begins at night so there is no need to be busy in the streets at this time. It's crazy how some people are able to party all night and wake up the next day with no hangover. I, on the other hand find it hard to stay up past midnight.

The shooting range is not flooded with people as I had expected but there are quite a few people here. Most of the people are white and only a few people are of colour which I totally understand why. Some people of colour can't afford to do anything as a hobby because they usually have bigger responsibilities to take care of.

There are just some things people have to endure in order to have necessities. I really wish I could do more but that is not something that I can single handedly fix. Our government is the one that is supposed to look after citizens and thrive to end poverty and debt, but I feel that is just a far-fetched dream.

As soon as I'm in, I go to where the shooting happens and settle in my booth. I put my goggles on and hold the already loaded gun in my hands. It's been a while since I went to something like this so I hope I don't flop much.

***********

It's later in the evening, seven p.m. to be exact and my brothers just arrived. I am not sure if they planned on arriving at the same time or what, but I'm just glad we don't have to wait for anyone to get here. Though I think it is because of Nkosiyabo that they are all here on time.

Of all my brothers, I know that Phila is never punctual so it couldn't have been his idea. Then there is Mthunzi. He's not much of a talker to be honest, same as I and he usually has this 'Whatever' persona. I doubt that it would have been his idea though. As soon as they are out of their vehicles, we share hugs and greetings then head to the living room.

Phila brought four boxes of pizza with him and I'm guessing each one of us will have their own. He places them on the coffee table and heads to the kitchen to fetch some beers. I know that we're family and all that but this boy has no respect for me whatsoever. He does as he pleases in my house and doesn't care how I, the owner of the house feel about his actions.

I know he knows how I feel about this but like I mentioned, he doesn't care. Which is why he has a smirk on his face as he makes his way back to where we're seated. If only I could get myself to smack some common sense into his huge head so he can finally have some manners. But it's unfortunate that I have a soft spot for him and that I cannot do anything to him.