FLATMATES

A Family Affair, a novel by Bernard Preston.

C. JANSEN, THOMAS AND HANSEN, Attorneys-at-law.

(Keywords: FLATMATES, lesbianism, Bernard Preston, A Family Affair)

FLATMATES sees the two young attorneys getting settled. On bicycles and around the tennis court they start exploring their new relationship.

Book 1 (of 3): A FAMILY AFFAIR

FLATMATES

The first six months at JTH passed in a flash with the young women finding that they had much in common. Janet had let things slide whilst at university, particularly her swimming, but in her last year she was runner up to the tennis champion. With all her triathlons Santie was super-fit but flatly refused to play tennis at Janet’s suggestion.

‘I won’t play tennis, Janet; it brings back too many old memories. What about some cycling?’

‘Oh! Well, okay. I’ll have to start by buying a bike; they don’t come cheap, do they? Mum gave me two thousand Rand for Christmas. She suggested I buy a microwave or something, but since the flat has one… would that be enough for a bike?’

‘Yes, we could get something second hand for that. Let’s watch the newspaper.’

FLATMATES
Getting Janet onto the road and back into the pool wasn’t difficult, but Santie stubbornly refused to venture onto the court. ‘I don’t understand why you are being so evasive about a game of tennis, Santie? This is quite a nice racquet. A bit old-fashioned but it’s good enough. Hardly used,’ she said after rummaging around in Santie’s cupboard.

‘I’m sorry, Janet. I really don’t want to play tennis!’ Santie said tersely. ‘Let’s stick to swimming and cycling.’

‘But why, Santie? Tennis is a lovely game. You teach me to cycle, and I’ll teach you to play tennis!’ Janet was equally emphatic.

FLATMATES

Santie just shook her head and it was some weeks before Janet finally got it out of her. ‘I used to play with my mum before she died. In fact, I was playing in a tournament the day she was taken to hospital; I never saw her alive again.’

‘Gosh, that’s awful. How old were you?’

‘Nearly twelve. I’ve only played once or twice since. I just choke up,’ she said averting her eyes, and staring out the window.

‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.’

Santie nodded, turning to her newfound friend. ‘Mum was quite good actually. We played nearly every day.’

Janet was silent for a few minutes lost in thought. ‘Perhaps then it would be good to honour her memory by starting again. I have a feeling she would approve.’ Nothing more was said but within a couple of weeks they were playing floodlight tennis after work twice a week.

‘Gee, you can hit a ball, Santie. Not too accurate but that’ll come.’

oOo

FLATMATES

A couple of young men called across from the adjoining court: ‘Hey, wouldn’t you girls like a game of doubles?’ Santie quickly turned her back to them, sauntering towards where their racquet covers were lying, but Janet answered enthusiastically, ‘We’d love to.’ Santie looked to make an irritated retort but held her tongue as the lads strolled across.

‘I’m Hans,’ the good-looking one said, eyeing Janet, and obviously approving of what he saw. His hair was carefully groomed with a sticky gel and he had ‘lover boy’ written all over him. He walked over to her side of the court ignoring Santie.

Hans’s friend waited awkwardly and it was Santie who ended up, reluctantly, introducing herself. ‘I’m Santie; do you play here often?’

He nodded hesitantly.

‘It looks like those two have hit it off. So you’re stuck with me.’ Santie tried to be friendly. ‘Come on. Would you like to face first?’The awkward young man walked nervously onto the court, nodding, still not having said a word.

‘Your name is?’ Santie asked impatiently.

‘Sorry, I’m Anton Stander. Yes, I’ll face; I’m a little stronger on the forehand,’ he continued diffidently.

In fact, lover-boy was a strong player and they whipped Santie and Anton. By the time their drinks were over, Hans had secured a date with Janet.