I miss Skeem

I miss Skeem,
He was simply known as Skeem. In 2004, Skeem would pick us up every morning from Elmfield Avenue Apartments, all the way to the Midrand Graduate Institute, for the day’s lectures, about 15 minutes drive. He would be driving a white, perhaps red Toyota Venture; the model is commonly used as a taxi in South Africa, second to the famed Siyaya combi, atleast in Midrand, at that time. 
 Our relationship with Skeem was only inside the taxi. Inside the Venture, there were always animated conversations: football debates, admiring ladies, and jokes, together with Skeem. Skeem was a very cheerful man. 

 In 2005, one hot Saturday evening, Skeem drove us to Soweto, just outside Midrand. About 45 minutes later, we arrived at the not so crowded bar, part club, recommended by Skeem. Skeem pointed out that he lived only a few houses from the bar.  We pulled up a couple of stools and ordered 1 coke and 2 Black Label beers. Inside the bar, Skeem was as cheerful as inside the Venture. Although at times he would keep quiet and stare at the red, white and black beer label. 

 Later on, the sleepy Skeem ‘flew’ us back to Midrand.

 I miss Skeem.