Chapter Forty-Nine
It's been four days since Shirley visited me. The last time, I saw her face and felt a sense of familiarity. Now, I was missing it again. I wanted to see Shirley again. I wanted to know what was going on in school and if there was any update. I was so overwhelmed by seeing Shirley here four days ago that I completely forgot about asking if I could use my phone now. In fact, since the day I came here, I had completely forgotten the fact that I had my phone with me.
Now the urge to switch on my phone and check to see if she had sent any message was getting the best out of me. I tried to think if I should check my phone or not. I did not know if it was a good reason or not when suddenly an idea struck me. I could use Nel's phone. Four days ago, I had been calling Nelson Nel and he did not raise any objections, so this was his name now.
I was about to walk out of the room to the kitchen where Nel was cooking dinner for us when I suddenly realised that I did not remember Shirley's phone number and that the only way to get the number was through my phone. And all my hopes came crashing down. Seemed like there was no other way than to just switch on my phone for once. I would just instantly check this phone for any updates and if there are none then I would just switch it off right away. Not to mention, I had a serious doubt that Ergor could track a phone but you could never know for sure.
So, finally gathering all my courage, I pulled my bag out of my bag and held it in my hand for a few seconds. Staring at it. Shaking my fear away, I pushed the power button and switched on my phone. It took a minute for my phone to switch my phone back up but when it did I saw that Shirley had sent me messages. Even though she told me to switch off my phone. I opened the first message and saw what she had sent me.
"Viri. If you switch on your phone then I wanna inform you that everything is alright here. However, it is still not safe enough for you to return. I will tell you more later."
Reading her message sent a shiver down my spine. The things that happened that day flashed right in front of my eyes. I closed my eyes and shook the images away from that day. I wanted to read the other message but I thought about calling Shirley instead. I did not have much time so I needed to hurry.
I searched for Shirley's number and called it. To my utter surprise and shock, the ringing of the phone sounded just behind me. The moment I turned around the door of the room opened and Shirley walked in, with Nel right behind her.
"Viri." Shirley said, disconnecting the call and looking at me. I did the same before I walked over to her and hugged her like last time. Feeling the familiarity of her hug.
We both pulled apart and laughed a little. Suddenly, my gaze went back to Nel who was standing right behind Shirley and was looking at the floor. It was then I finally realised that I had not yet made a proper introduction between Shirley and Nel. Last time we did not have the time, nor did it ever occur in my mind as after meeting Shirley Nel had disappeared from view.
I pulled Shirley to my side and pointed to Nel.
"Shirley. He is Nel, I mean Nelson. The current caretaker of this restaurant. He was the one who helped me." I introduced Nel.
Then I pointed to Shirley. "And Nelson, she is Shirley. My best friend and the very reason that I am still alive." I told Nel. Shirley gave me a side-eye but I ignored it. Yeah, he knew everything. And yes, I did not care in admitting that she was the very reason for my survival.
"It's very nice to meet you." Nel said, extending his hand for a handshake.
"It's very nice to meet you too." Shirley said, shaking Nel's hand.
Retracting his hand, Shirley smiled at him. "Thank you for taking care of Viri and letting her stay here for free." She said,
Nel waved off his hand in the air, dismissing the matter completely. "Oh, it's nothing."
"However, now that I'm here I could pay rent on her behalf if you want. It would be no problem." She said, Nel and I met each other's eyes before I looked away, a little embarrassed. Did Shirley think I was living here for free? I was providing full labour for three meals and a place to stay here.
"Oh, no. Not at all. That would not be needed. Shirley is waitressing here to pay her rent. And not just that, she helps around with the house chores and cooking to fill in any bill that she might have received for staying here. I think she is doing more than she needs to." He told Shirley. A hint of pride ...?
Internally, I shook my head. What was wrong with me?
Shirley looked at Nel with surprise. "Really?"
"Yup." He said.
Shirley turned to me, looking more than a little proud. Grinning at me, she said, "See, I told you. You could do a job and do it well. You should have listened to me." She said,
Nel cleared his throat before taking a step back. "Yeah, so, I think you both should go and sit down and I will bring something to drink for both of you. He said, not looking at either of us.
Shirley shook her head. "No, I can't stay here. I have a night shift at work and I can't skip it. I just came here to tell Viri to switch on her phone, which she just did and that our class teacher has agreed to teach you through the phone."
"What?" It was my turn to be a little shocked.
Shirley nodded. "He was worried about you since the ... incident took place in his classroom." She said, glancing at Nel.
I nodded my head. "He knows it. I told him everything." Shirley's shoulders sagged a little and she seemed relieved.
"He would visit you sometimes here to teach you, so you should be prepared and should read all the notes that I gave you. He can't visit you regularly but when he can he will teach you and clear all of your doubts. You will give your internals here and hopefully by the time the exam arrives this situation will be sorted." Shirley told me.
Placing a hand on my shoulder, she squeezed it. "Try to learn as much as you can Viri. He is going out of his way to teach you." I squeezed Shirley's hand on my shoulder and nodded.
Finally, she turned to Nel and smiled. "Please take care of her. Especially knowing her condition." She told Nel. I was about to tell her that I can take care of myself but I did not.
A question entered my mind. "Isn't he tracking my phone?" I asked Shirley. Shirley shook her head.
"I don't think so. I don't think that he has that skill. So, keep your phone on and we will be in touch." She told me. This information set me at ease.
I walked Shirley to the door and hugged her. She reminded me about keeping my phone on again before giving a smile to Nel.
At last, Shirley waved and left.