The Widow's Helper

10

The next morning, I woke up and went to freshen up, opting for sweatpants and a t-shirt since I was going to be in the kitchen, hoping the stove's heat would warm the whole area. After ensuring my room was tidy, I headed to the kitchen, noticing no one had come down yet. I started boiling water for porridge, preparing all the ingredients and a cup for my coffee. I sensed bad weather from the way the trees outside swayed, indicating it was windy despite the sun.

"Good morning," I heard, startling me as I turned around to face a very handsome man in a navy blue suit, looking different from the man I spent the previous day with. "Morning," I replied. "Want me to make a cup of coffee for you? I was about to make one for myself." He looked at me strangely, and I wondered if he noticed something on my face. He glanced at the cup and everything on the counter. "Looks like you're going to be busy. It's okay; I'll make it." I chuckled, rolling my eyes. If that's what he wanted, okay. "What's wrong?" he asked, sensing my attitude. I fixed my face, trying to look professional like him. Well, I couldn't; it was early in the morning, and living with my boss was not what I had in mind.

He made coffee for the both of us after asking how I liked my coffee. I noticed the way he made his – three spoons of sugar, while I only took one. I made sure to memorize it for the next time I made a cup for him.

I drank my coffee while stirring the pot of porridge, and Anele sat on the couch in the living area, watching the news on TV. I glimpsed the time on the corner of the TV, showing 06:45. When I finished, sealed the pot, and finished my coffee, I went to my room to call my sister before she started work.

Returning after talking to Belinda, I checked on the porridge. Anele had his laptop bag and some files with him. "I'll see you guys later. I might not be early; I have a meeting in Pretoria in the afternoon," he informed me, and all I could do was nod as he went through the kitchen to the garage. I realized I hadn't seen him make any lunch, or maybe he usually handled it at work. I once heard from his mother how he worked, having no time for lunch.

I wished there was something I could do, but I didn't know how he would feel if I made lunch for him. While we had become close when I was in East London, it was different in person. I was always cautious, afraid he would scrutinize me, even though I had shown him who I am the day before during the altercation with his son.

Anele is the type that would make you squirm without saying anything; he is strict, and you could see just looking at him that he is not the kind that plays around. I felt sorry for the people working for him. I was still thinking about him when Liyema came to the living room, followed by an angry Akhanani.

"Nelisa wet my bed again," she complained as she sat on the stool next to her brother. "Where is your brother now?" I asked, smiling after they greeted me. "Still sleeping," she said. I could see she already freshened up, wearing warm clothing.

"Okay, you guys eat while I go up. I'll take your bedding to the laundry room and wash them," I said, giving them their bowls. Then I went upstairs for the first time since I arrived. The first thing I saw was a big window showing the green field away from the houses meant for the golf course. A console with a vase and photo frames was below the window. There was a living area with couches and bookshelves on the opposite wall, and a hallway led to the rooms – three on the left and two on the right side. I noticed the first room's door was ajar, so I checked and saw Nelisa waking up, a hand on his eye as he searched the room.

"Hey, my little boy," I said, and he smiled. "How about I give you a bath, then take you downstairs so you can eat?" He nodded. Whenever he wet the bed, he would be shy the next morning, as if he expected to be scolded. I didn't do that; I understood that he was still young. Even my nephew back home still wet his bed.

When we got to the bathtub, I sang for him, hoping he would join me. I kept changing the songs he sang at school until he finally joined in. Then we went, and I got him into warm clothes before taking him downstairs where Liyema was washing the dishes. The only one left was Nelisa's.

"Baby girl, can you please help me feed him?" Akhanani obliged. Then I went to clean their room, taking all the dirty clothes. Their father must have washed the bedding that Nelisa ruined the day before because I didn't see it. I went to the laundry room downstairs and put the clothes in the machine separately. I went back to the kitchen.

"Liyema, I didn't check your room. Can you please get me your laundry?" He smiled and went upstairs. I also went up and stood outside his room. "And please check if your dad has any so I can wash them," I said. I remembered he said his cleaner didn't come while the kids were around. "You can go and check," Liyema said, standing in front of me with his basket. "No, I can't," he looked at me, giving me a strange look. "Why?" This is why I shouldn't be so close to the kids; now they were so used to me. "Because I can't," I said, he then laughed. "Back home, you clean all the rooms without any help," he stated. "Not the same; your dad doesn't live there, and he didn't give me permission to go to his room." Liyema didn't say anything; he just left me and went to the second room on my right, the last room since there were only two rooms on the right. I waited where I was.

Shortly after, Liyema stepped out of the room, chuckling, "I didn't spot a thing, but this room definitely needs some TLC." I couldn't help but puzzle over his laughter and his claim of no clothes. As I descended the stairs with him, it dawned on me that Anele's clothes were nowhere to be found in the laundry room. Determined to solve the mystery, I initiated the washing process, separating the light-coloured garments into one machine and the others into a different one. The bedding, however, deserved a solo spin in its own cycle.

The kids cozied up in front of the TV, engrossed in cartoons. Thankfully, the room was warm with the gas fireplace in the dining area, courtesy of Anele's earlier assistance. Embarking on a cleaning spree, I swept and dusted throughout the house, avoiding the sanctuaries of Liyema and Anele. By 11:30, all the laundry adorned the backyard, flaunting itself beside the swimming pool and the expansive deck merging with the patio. I strategically placed the portable washing line on the deck, bracing against the gusts of wind that sent leaves swirling eerily. Thankfully, the swimming pool was shielded, dodging a potential leafy invasion.

After finishing the chores, realizing it was lunchtime and my culinary skills were lacking, I summoned Liyema downstairs with a plan in mind. "How about dining out today? I forgot to grab samp yesterday, and I'm in the mood for something warm for super. What do you think?" Akhanani seemed delighted with the idea, and Liyema agreed. As I prepared to call for a taxi, he suggested, "Why not take the car?" I hesitated, knowing Anele hadn't given permission, but Liyema, never one to hold back, pressed, "Dad wouldn't mind. He's wary of taxis." Defending my choice, I explained, "I've been using taxis for years. I'll stick to it until your father gives the green light." Aware of the kids' presence, I proposed, "If you prefer, I can handle the errands and lunch without the taxi hassle." Embracing open communication, I sought Liyema's opinion, who eventually agreed, understanding my perspective. It was a small victory, teaching him the importance of dialogue over confrontation.