I

nser
t1
.
.
Bei nginpri
sonisnotachi ld'splay.Ihavebeeni n
her efor10yearsiwasar restedwheniwas20
year soldandnowI '
m 30.Myex-gi rlf
ri
endwel lshe
i
sanenemynow.shepl anteddr ugsinmysui t
case.
Iwasagangst erstil
lam.Butshewaswor kingwi t
h
myenemi es.Thedayigotar restedivowedt onever
fallinl
oveandt r
ustaper sonagai n.Anywaywe
wer einORThamboAi rwaysaboutt odepar tt
o
Col ombiawhent hepol icecamei nwiththei
rdogs.
Theydi dtheyjobandt heyf ound1mi l
li
onwor thof
drugsi nmybag.Iwassent enced10year sinprison.
Att hatti
meever yoneknewaboutmeiwasi n
newspaper sandont het elevision.MyFat her
disownedmehedi dn'tevenwantt ohearmysi deof
thest or
y.Heevenf orcedmymot hertonevercome
andseemeagai nshewoul dcomeher eandcr yand
Ijusttoldhertonevercomeher eagai ncozshe
woul dcryeverytime.I '
m ashor ttemper edperson.
Wel lmynamei sSiyamt handaPl aatji
esmy
mother'snameisAkhol i
wePl aatji
esandmy
fat
her'
si sLi
yemaPl aatj
ies.Ihavesibli
ngswi
tch
aretwinsMihlal
iisaboyandMi nentleisagi
rlt
hey
aretur
ning18ithink.Iwaschi ll
ingwithmymate's
i
npr i
sonwhent hewar dencame
Warden:
"Pl
aat
ji
esmasambendoda(
let
'sgoman)
"i
st
oodup
Me:
"xap.
inimaj
it
a(Shar
pboys)
"
Them:"
yeahyeaht
aPlaat
ji
es"mostofthepeople
cal
lmebutmysurnameigotusedtothat.The
wardencuf
fedmehetookmetothechangi ngr
oom.
Him: "
youar efr
eelikeabi rdnowher eareyour
clothes"heuncuffedme.Ichangedi nt
omycl othes
thet -
shir
tswast osmal lsinceiwasaski nnyni gga
backt hennowI '
m buildedupihavemuscl es.Ijust
wor ethejeanandt hehoodi e.Wewentt ot heoffice
isignedaf orm.Wheniwasdoneiwal kedout .I
yell
edout' woah'it
'sbeenawhi lesi
nceiwasout
nowI 'mfree.Iwalkedtillifoundataxiranki twas
becomi ngdark.Iclimbedi nthetaxieveryone
lookedatmesomewhi spered'bel
itshi
loiphepha
l
athiuyaphumanamhl anj
e(t
henewspaperdid
mentionthatheisgett
ingout
)"ij
ustsatdownthe
taxit
ookoffwithpeoplest
eal
ingglancesatmeigot
paranoi
d.
Me:"
exeifunomqundunam itshongokuni
yekeube
ni
ndibaaphangat
hindinit
yal
aamasende( ifyou
havesomethi
ngagainstmesaysonowandst op
l
ookedatmel i
ket
hat.li
keiownyouallbal
l'
s)"they
j
ustgaspedandkeptquiet
.
Me: "sol
umi saaphadrive(driverstophere)
"he
stoppedigotoft hetaxi,Ididn'tevenpay.Iwasin
Alex.Idon'twanttogohomeandf acemypar ent
s.i
wal keddownt hegravelroadi twasf i
ll
edwit
h
shacks.Isawal adygett
ingi nhershackipicked
throught hewindowshewasl i
vingaloneigotinher
shack.Shescr eamed.Iqui cklyrantoherand
closedhermout h.
Me:"
shhh.Iwon'thar
m youcalm downandiwi lll
et
yougo"shenoddedanddidbreathingexer
cises.I
l
etgoofherslowlyshetur
nedaroundandshewas
hol
dingaknif
eisnatchedthekni
fe.
Her:
"abhut
i,Idon'
thavemoneyyoucant
ake
ever
ythi
ngyouwant "ij
ustsatdownont
hecouch.
Me:"
clam downIdon'
twantmoneyjustneeda
pl
acetostay"shest
art
edbreat
hingheavi
ly
Me:"
phol
aandizokwenzant
omar n(
calm downI
won'
tdoanythi
ngtoyou)don'
tyouhavesomethi
ng
t
oeathere?
"
Her:"
letmepr eparesupperquickly"shewenttoher
2platestoveshepr eparedpapandchi ckenfeetshe
wasdonei nl essthan40mi nutes.Weat ewil
l
steal
ingglancesateachot hershei sabeauti
ful
woman.Idon' tunder
standwhyshei sl
ivingi
na
shacklikethese.
Her:"
Siyamt
handaPl
aat
ji
esne?
"Shebr
oket
he
si
lence
Me:
"yeahhowdi
...OohI
'
m al
lovert
henewskanene
.Andyouare?"
Her:
"AyamthandaNzungu"inoddedwefini
shedof
ourf
oodinsilenceagai
n.Shetookthepl
atesand
washedthem
Aya:
"1bedaphathi
nii
ntoyakho?
(thei
sonl
yone
bedherwhatar
eyougoingtodo)"
Me:"
iwillsl
eeponthecouch"shesmiledrevi
li
ng
her1dimpleiret
urnedt
hesmi l
erevil
ingmy2
di
mple's.Shechangedi
ntohernightdressand
cl
imbedonherbedandsl ept
.Ialsoclosedmyeyes
andslept.
I
nser
t2
.
.
Si
ya
Amont
hlat
er.
Isti
lll
ivewithAyamthanda.Wedon' ttalkthatmuch.
Allwedoi swakeupi nthemor ningeatbreakf ast
shegoesoutt oworkt oputfoodont hetabl ecome
backlater
,eatsupperandsleep.Iont heot herhand
j
ustsitinthehouseandwat cht vnalaphoiwat ch
theSABCchannel ssincethereisnodst vher eI'm
notcomplainingbytheway.AndIcan' tf
indaj obto
helpAyaar oundsi
nceihaveacr imi
nalrecor dnot
thatieventri
edto.Ial
readyknowthatever
yonewill
l
ookdownonmesi nceicomef r
om pri
sonbutiwil
l
makesur ethatifi
ndjusti
ce.Iwokeupearl
ytoday
madebr eakfast
.Idon'
tevenknowwhatI '
m doi
ng
coztheegg'swer eburnt
.
:
"Soluyekarhaafunaunditshi
sel
atyotyombelam
(st
opwhatyoudoi ng.Doyouwanttobur ndownmy
shack)"il
ookedbackitwasAyastil
linbedsleepi
ng
wellhereyeswereclosedsoyeah.
Me:"iwasj
usttr
yingtomakeyousomet
hingspeci
al
butyeahndi
lit
shisi
leqanda(
Ibur
ntt
heegg's)
"
Her:"
yekasukandizoyenzangokwam( l
eaveitiwi
ll
doitonmyown)butiwi llt
eachyouhowt ocook
youcan'texpectmet ocookokokoko(everyti
me)on
topofthatyoucan'tevenfryeggs"shelaughedi
alsolaughed.Shegotupf r
om bed
Me:"l
eaveitiwi
lldothebedingt
oday"shesmiled.
Shehast hemostbeauti
fulsmil
eeverwellAyais
wellbui
ldshehaships,anass,smallt
it
s,shortgi
rl,
chubby,yel
lowboneandshehasaf adebutit'
snot
fr
esh.
She:"
hol
akuninindi
khubiza(hel
loihavebeen
cal
li
ngyouforawhile)
"shesnappedherfinger
s.I
snappedoutofmythoughts.
Me:
"aski
es(
sor
ry)
"
Her:"
her
ei syourf
oodlet'
seat
"weatei
ncomplet
e
si
lenceasalways.Butshedeci
dedt
obreakt
he
si
lencetoday
Her:
"IKnowtherear
ealways2si de'
sofast
oryso
whenbufanantonnedrugse'
airport(
whatwer
eyou
doi
ngwi t
hdrugsattheai
rpor
t)"
Me:"whatt
ookyousol
ongt
oaskmet
hat
questi
on?"
Her
:"
eishiwaski
ndascar
edofyou"il
aughed
Me:"
ain'
tyouscar
edofmenow?
"Sheshookher
head
Me:"soiwasagangst erbackincapeTowniwas20
yearsoldatthatti
mesonai veandst upi
d.Iwas
dati
ngthisgirlhernameisYamkel ayabo.Shewas
workingformyenemyandidi dn'tknowiwassoin
l
ovewi thherthaticoul
dn'
tseet hroughhert
hatshe
wasusi ngmeil ovedhersomuchidi deverythi
ng
forheryoucanname.Boughtherweaves, clothes,
shoes, paidherrent, gaveheramont hlyAll
owance
, et
c.Sot hi
sdayshehadt heurgetogot o
Colombi asinceitoldhert hatihavetogoandmeet
mycl ient
stherelateront hatweekbutshewant ed
togoassoonaspossi bl
e.Sowel ef
tfor
Johannesbur gsinceiwant edtocomeandsay
goodbyet omypar ents.Whenwegott oORt hambo
policecamet heysni f
fedmybagandf ound1
mi l
li
onwor thofdrugsandshewast heonewho
plantedthem inmybag"byt hetimeiwasdone
tell
inghermyst oryiwasi ntearsiquickl
ywi ped
them off.
Her:
"i
t'
sokaytocr
y"shecamet ositnexttomeand
gavemeahug.Ifeltsaf
einherarmsif el
tthat
connect
ionbet
weenus.Shebrokethehug.
Her
:"whowastheonewhopackedyourcl
othes?
"I
l
ookedather
.
Her
:"
mhhhhhh?
"Shegavemeaquest
ioni
ngf
ace
Me:
"idi
dthenwehadami
nipar
tyatmyhouseaf
ter
2drinksipassedoutandI'
m notsomeonewhoget
s
drankaft
eraf ewgl
asses"shekeptqui
etmor
eli
ke
thi
nking.
Her:
"doyousomehowhavecamer
asar
oundyour
house?"
Him:
"yeah,idohavethosebutwhati
fthepeopl
e
t
hatli
vethereremovedthem i
thasbeen10years
Aya"
Her
:"
whati
ftheydi
dn'
tyouneverknowunt
ilyout
ry"
Me:
"yeahIguess"
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Mynamei sAyamt handaNzungu.Il eaveinAl exi n
ashackasyoual lknow.I '
m anor phansi nceidon' t
havepar entsmymot herdiedwhenshewasgi ving
birt
ht ome.Il ivedwi thmydadmyent ir
elifein
theseshackbutheevent ual
lydiedr i
ghtaf t
eri
passedmymat ri
chesuf feredf r
om lungcancerhe
usedt osmokehehat edalcoholbuthewoul dstill
smokeknowi nghi sconditi
on.Istil
lrememberi tli
ke
yesterdaywhenhedi edr i
ghtinf r
ontofmyeyesbut
i
twas10year syearsago.I '
m 28year soldnowmy
mot her'snamewasNomphel oNzunguandmy
father'snamei sSikhelel
aNzungut heywer e
mar ri
ed.WhenSi yacamei ntomyshackiwasso
scaredofhi m sti
llam butI'm gett
ingusedt ohim.
Whenhef inal
lyopenedupt omeif eltsorryforhi m
i
magi nespendi ngt i
mei nprisonforsomet hingyou
didn'tevendoyooh.Iwasst i
llsi
tti
ngwi thhi m well
t
odayiaskedf
oral
eaveatwor
k.Iwor
katMc
Donal
ds.
Him:
"sowenat
hinii
ntoyakho(
soyouwhati
sitwi
th
you)
?"
Me:
"whataboutme?
"
Hi
m:"whydoyoul i
vehereain'
tyousur
posetobe
marr
iedli
vinginSandtont
ravel
ingt
heworl
dhave
t
oddler
srunningaroundyourmansi
on?"
Me:
"st
opdr
eami
ngaboutmeandf
acer
eal
it
y"
Hi
m:"
sowhathappened?
"
It
oldhi
m ever
ythi
ng
Me:"
soyeahthat
'st
hestoryofmyli
fe.Li
fei
snota
bedfi
ll
edwit
hRose'siguess"hewi
pedmytear
s
away
Him:
"sukhal
akl
kuzobambi(
don'tcr
yyourgoi
ngt
o
beugly)
"ihi
thi
sshoul
derpl
ayfull
y.
Him:"
seri
ousl
y"Ij
ustl
aughedathi
m andhe
chuckl
ed
Hi
m:"
soai
n'tyousur
poset
obeatwor
kor
somet
hing"
Me:
"nopeit
ookasi
ckl
eave"henodded
Me:"
sozoyani
niekapa?
(whenar
eyougoi
ngt
o
capeTown)
"
Him:"
idon'
tknowidon'
thavemoneyr
ememberand
ican'
taskyoutobor
rowmemoneyyouhavedone
alotf
orme"
Me:"Idon'tmindit
'scal l
edUbunt husoyouknowi t"
hestoodupandt ookt heplateswer eeatingwi th.
YouseeuSi yahast hesebi gabsl i
kehewas
exer
cisingorsomet hing.Hei sblackincol ouruno
mhlantla,poutedli
pshei sjustabeautifulmar n
yenahei ssohandsome.I 'm usuall
yintoyel l
ow
bonenigga'sbuthei st hebestdarkchocol atei
haveeverseendon' tgetmewr ongi'
m noti nt
ohi m
l
away( thatway).Hesnappedhi sfi
ngersi nfrontof
myf ace
Me:
"mhh?
"Iwi
denedmyeyes
Him:"
meandyouhavesomet hi
ngi
ncommon.I
guessyoulovebei
nginyourownworl
dnam (
i)on
theot
herhand"Ijustchuckl
ed
Him:"semakhuluamehlomntakabawo(
youreyes
aresobig)"igavehi
m adeadstar
eandhelaughed
revi
li
ngbothhisdimples.
Me: "
yatshoklomehloakhomanci ncit
shongobu
futshaneapha( youwi l
lsayt
hattoyoursmal leyes,
youshor tthi
ng)"wellhehassmal lcut
eeyesandhe
i
sshor tnotthatshortthoughifyouknowQaphel a
forIsi
baya'sheightthenyeahhim.Hegavemea
deadst areandilaughedathim.
Hi
m:"asozet
hethelont
owenaumf ut
shanenawe
(
youwon'tspeakli
kethatwhenyou'
real
soshor
t)"i
l
aughedhejoinedi
n
Me:"
mxm kechi
na"hest
oppedl
aughi
ngandl
ooked
atme
Me:"
xolokeXolo(I
'm sor
ry)
"hejustl
aughedatme
anddidwhateverhewasdoi ngandial
solaughed.
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t3
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Hadalongf undaywithAya.Wekepteachother
companiedwedi dn'
tevenbathi
magine.Sonow
shewasmaki ngdinnernot
hingf
ancyjustri
ceand
souppackchicken.Shemakesthebestfoodever
.I
boil
edwatersothatIcantakeaqui
ckbat h
Her:
"ngamanzio'
vasaanga?(
Areyougoi
ngt
ouse
t
hiswatert
obath?)
"
Me:
"Yeah.Why?
'
Her:
"nothi
ngI'mjustaski
ngundibekelenam ke
(
alsoboilwaterforme)"Inodded.Ipouredwateri
n
t
hevaskom andt hehotwat erf
rom thekett
lej
ust
t
hant heelect
ri
cityswi
tchedoff.
Us:
"f
uck!
"
Her:
"checkbyt
heel
ect
ri
cit
yboxifi
t'
sjusteskom at
faul
torme"Iwentt
ocheckbyt
heelectr
ici
tyboxit
showed0.00
Me:
"youratf
aul
tbabe"
Her:"
Iforgottobuyelect
ri
cit
yyest
erdayIt
houghtI
wasgoi ngtobuyittodaywhenIgot owor
kbut
thanIdidn'tgotoworksowewi l
lstayi
nthedark
unti
ltomor rowmorning"
Me:
"wher
earethecandl
es"shet
ookt
hem outt
hen
wel
ightt
hem up.
Her:
"Ial
sowantt
otakeabat
hIcan'
tsl
eepwi
thout
washing.
"
Me:
"youtakeabat
hIwi
llj
ustwasht
ommor
owI
'
ma
manafteral
l"
Her:"t
hatwon'tbenecessar yl
et'
sjustbatht
oget
her
wear eusedtoeachot her'sbodiesmoc"wellwe
alwaysinfrontofeachot herIhaveseenherbut
t
nakedshehasal soseenmebut tnakedshe
basicall
yknowseverythingaboutmeIal soknow
everythi
ngabouther.
Me:"
okayke"wet ookabathtoget
hersheworeher
ni
ghtdressandIjustset
tl
edinmyboxer swedidn'
t
l
oti
onsinceitwashot.Idi
sposedthewaterout
side
andwalkedinsi
dethehouseshewasdi shi
ngout
t
hef
ood.
Her
:"
ina(
her
e)"
Me:
"t
hankyou"west
art
edeat
ing
Her:"
sowhenyougettocapeTownwhatar eyou
goingtogetupt
oaft
eryouhopefull
yfi
ndsoli
d
proofthatt
hedr
ugsdon'
tbelongtoyou"Ishr
ugged
Me:
"andi
yaznam (
Ial
sodon'
tknow)
"Isai
dthatwi
th
amouthful
l
Her:"
siesf
ir
stswall
owt
hantal
ktome.Didn'
tyou
oncehavehopesanddreams?
"Itookaf
ullspoon
offoodthenchewed
Me:
"yeahIonce.
."Iwast
alki
ngwit
hamout
hful
lof
f
oodonpurposeIwantedtoannoyher
Her:
"uyolal
abauzophelel
weyintokwenza(
goand
sl
eepifyoudon'
thavesomethingbett
ert
odo)"I
l
aughedandswallowedthefoodlef
tinmymouth.
Me:"asIwassayi ngIalsooncehaddreamsof
becomingagynecol ogi
sthelpi
ngmother'sto
del
iverthei
rbabiessafelybutt
henIwasscar edto
getlawsuit
sfrom famil
ieswhenyoudeliverbabi
es
i
nawr ongwayleadi
ngt hem t
odeathsoIt hen
wantedtobeanCharter
edaccountantsinceIwas
goodinnumbersIstudi
edAccounting.Ienjoyedit
somuchIwasl ef
twithonly2yearstil
lIfi
nished
mycourseandbeingthecharter
edaccountantI
wantedtobe.
"
Me: "
mhhi nteresti
ngIal sostudi
edAccount ingbut
thenlifehappenedIevengotadi stinctioninit.But
azikongam ngoku( it'
snotaboutmenow) .Why
don'tyouf inishyourcour set
henorst artallover
againwi thi tagainit'
snevertoolatetobei ngwho
youwantt obe.Ever yonehasadi r
tbackgr oundnot
havingmoneydoesn' tmeanyoushoul dn'tchase
yourdr eamsyouhavet ochangeyoursel f
-concept
andr enouncet hatideaofyounotbecomi ngwhat
youwantbe, setgoal sandbeanenemyt oyoursel
f
chall
engeyour sel
fandnevergi veupunt i
lyoumake
i
tinlife."Thosewor dshi thomesher eal l
yinspir
ed
mebysayi ngt hosewor ds.
Me:"
myancestorsandmyGodwer ereall
yonrush
hourwhentheyleadedmetoyou"Isai
dthat
smil
ingsheret
urnedthesmi
le
Her:
"sowenahambof undafunauvasekuthiwauyi
Chart
eredaccount
antnotenyeint
oyandivaSwine
(soyougoIwanttohearpeoplesayi
ngthatyouran
Chart
eredaccount
antnothi
ngelse)
"Ij
ustsmi l
ed
andnodded
Me:"
suf
ostel
aklkt
chini
i'
xo(
don'
tfor
ceme)"she
l
aughedandIchuckl
ed
Her:
"youful
lofjoke'
s"welaughedItookthepl
ates
pl
acedthem nicel
yinthesinkthencover
edthem
wit
hadi shcl
oth.
Me: "
ndizozivasangomsowet hu(Iwi
llwashthem
tomor r
ow) "shenoddedshewentt oherbedandI
settl
edont hecouch.Ikeptt
ossingandt ur
ning
sinceIcoul dn'
tgetanysleep
Her:
"yourgoi
ngtotur
ntil
lmycouchgetsahol
e"
shewasn'tsl
eepi
ngalsoandi
twasinthemiddl
eof
thenight
.
Me:
"Ican'
tsl
eept
hat
'swhy"
Her
:"
Nam yazi
(meal
so)
"Ist
oodupandwentt
oher
Me:
"bekel
a(move)
"
Her
:"
ngoba?(
Why?
)"
Me:"yathandubuzakendakwazi( youlikeaskingI
knowyou)youshoul dconsiderbei
ngaj ournali
st.
"
Shegaspedandsai dmxm.Il aughedathercozI
knowshepr obabl
ywi denedherbigeye's.i
t'
sjust
thatit
'
st odarktoseeher .
Me:"
bekel
amarn(move)"shemovedIli
tt
lebi
tI
cl
imbedonherbedgotundercover
sandpull
edher
cl
osetome.Sheshi
fteduncomfort
abl
y
Me:"r
elax,Iwon'
tdoanythi
ng"shenodded.And
rel
axedourheart
beatswerebeat
ingi
nthesame
patt
ernIfel
tconnect
edtohermyspiri
twasatease
shegavemegoosebumps
Me:
"yakwazucul
a?(
canyousi
ng)
"
Her
:"
aawena?
(nopeandyou)
"
Me:
"ndakwaziiumnakesanqa( Ican)
"Isaidthati
n
agi
rlsvoi
ce.Shel i
ft
edherheadupandl ookedat
me.Iknowforaf actthatshewi
denedhereyes
Me:"
val
alomehlo(cl
osethoseeyes)
"Isai
dthat
hi
tt
ingherf
oreheadsli
ghtl
y.
Her:"
ouch"welaughed.Sheplacedherheadontop
ofmychestmyhear tski
ppedabeat.shest
art
ed
drawingci
rcl
esont opofmybearchest
Her
:"
singf
ormet
hen"
Me:
"notnamhl
anj
e(nott
oday)
"
Her
:"
when?
"
Me:"
whenwegetmar r
ied"thatsl
ippedoutofmy
mouthshewasabouttoli
ftherheadupt henIheld
i
tandplacei
tontopofmychestagai n.Ihel
dher
f
ordearli
fet
heseti
meandki ssedherforehead.
Me:"
masil
aleyaphangel
angomso(let
'ssleepyour
goi
ngtoworktomorrow)"Iki
ssedf
oreheadone
moreti
meandsl ept
.
Morning.Shewast r
yingt
ofr
eehersel
ffr
om me
butIheldhert
ight
ly
Her:
"Siyandaphangel
atch( si
yaihavet ogotoo
work)"Igr
oanedasIletgoofher .Shegiggl
ed,
ki
ssedmycheekt henstoodup.Ismi ledand
coveredmyselfwit
habl anketagain.
Her
:"
sayocel
akumakheandibekel
eamanzi
ndebuya( I'm goi ngt oaskt heneighbort oboilme
waterIwi llber ightback) "Ijustli
ftedmehandup
signaling" sho"t oherIsl eptagai nwhi l
eshewas
doinghert hings.Bef oreshel eftsheki ssedmylips
thenshel ef t.Iwant edtoki ssherbackbutke.I
smi l
edl ikeamadper son.Igotof ffr
om badmadei t
neatly.WhenIwasdoneIwentout sidet obrushmy
teethwhenIwasdoneIwantbacki nside.Washed
thedi sheswi t
hcol dwat er.WhenIwasdoneIwas
famishedIat etheleftover sfrom lastnightshe
alwaysl eavesl eftoversforme.Shei ssuchagood
heartedper son.Ialsowashedt hepl ateIwaseating
on.Int heaf ternoonapost mancamei nandgave
mel et t
ers.Onewasf rom Wi twaterstrandUniver
sity
andt heot heronewasf rom NSFAS.Iwonderwhat
aretheyf orj ustthenAyacameback
Her
:"
heyyourst
il
linboxer
s?"
Me:"
ther
eisnoelect
ri
cit
yremember
.Anywayt
hese
ar
eforyou"Igavehert
helet
ter
s
Her:
"herei
stheelect
ri
cit
y"shegavemet herecei
pt.
Ipunchedinthenumbers.Theel
ectri
cit
ywentback
on.Iboi
ledwatersothatIcanwash.Ayajust
scr
eamedoutofnowhereIl
ookedbackatherand
shewasreadi
ngthel
ett
er
Me:
"andt
henwavuya?(
whyyourhappy?
)"
Her:"
justgotacceptedfr
om theUniversi
tyIwi llbe
start
ingtherein5daysont opofthatIwillbe
l
eavinginRes"shesai dexcit
edl
y.Iwasabi thur t
thatshewi l
lbegoingawayf r
om meandt hat
meansIhavet ogobacktocapeTownagai n.Iwas
alsohappyt hatshewil
lfi
nall
yfol
lowherdr eams
Me:"
sowhichcoursear
eyougoi
ngt
odo"Isai
dthat
pour
ingwateri
nthevaskom.
Her:"youknowt hatIl
ovemat hssomuchsoi n
Mat ri
cIsetgoalsthati
fIgetlessthen80%i n
mat hsI'm goi
ngtobeanChar t
eredaccountantand
i
fIget80%ormor eIwil
lstudyactuari
alscience
andsi nceIgot88%backt henIwi l
lbestudying
actuarialsci
ence"Iwaswashi ngmyf acethenI
gavehert hatquesti
oni
nglook
Me:
"whatt
hef
ucki
sacu.
.whateveryousai
d"
Her:
"Actuari
alsci
enceanal
yzet
hef i
nanci
alcostof
uncert
aintyofri
sks.t
heyusemathemati
cs,
stat
isti
csandf i
nancialtheor
ytoassesstoriskof
potenti
aleventsandt heyhelpbusi
nessandclient
s
developpolici
esthatmi ni
mizethecostofr
isks.
Actuari
eswor kinessent i
alt
otheinsur
ance
i
ndust r
y"Ijustwidenedmyeyes
Me: "
Ididn'thereawor dyousai dbutyeahsho"she
j
ustl aughedatme.If i
nishedwashi ng,loti
oned
wor emyboxer ssincethesunwasal r
eadygoingto
thewest .IhelpedAyacooksuppert onightweate
oursupperandwat chedamovi eoneTVwi thus
cuddl i
ngshesl eptont opofmeIpi ckedherupi n
bridalstyl
eandpl acedheront opoft hebedI
swi t
chedof ftheTVandcl imbedont opoft hebed.
PlacedAyaont opofme, kissedheral loverher
faceandsl ept.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
I
nser
t4
.
.
.
.
4daysl
ater
Si
yamt
handa
Iwon' tcompl ai
nandsayI '
m notenjoyingmyst ay.I
enjoyspendi ngt imewi t
hAyasheevent ookl eave
atwor kj usttospendt i
mewi thmebef orewegoour
separ ateways.Iwon' tsaywear edatingbutwe
havesomet hinggoi ngon.WhatImeani sthatwe
actl i
kewear edat i
ngbutwenot .Wear enot
i
nt i
mat ewi theachot heryet.Weonl ygettot hat
l
evelwer eIf i
ngerf uckherandt akehertomuf ft
own
sheal wayscr avesf ormor ebutIwantherf i
rsttime
tobespeci al.Yesshei sstil
lavirgi
nIwasal so
sur pri
sedatf i
rstthatawhol e28yearol disst i
lla
virginbutI '
m gl adIwi l
lbeherf ir
stti
me.I '
m
planningonspoi li
nghert odaybutIdon' thave
moneybutIwi l
lmakeapl an.Thatwomanhasdone
alotf ormet hel eastIcandoi sspoilherbef ore
goi
ngoursepar
ateways.SoIwokeupandshewas
st
art
ingatme.
Me:
"st
ari
ngi
srudeyoungl
ady"
Her:
"st
art
ingatwhati
syourshasneverbeenr
ude"I
chuckl
edandkissedherf
orehead
Me:
"oohI
'
m your
snow?
"
Her:"
secace(isn'
tthatobviously)
"shesaidt hat
giggl
ing.Shecameupt omyf aceandshegaveme
akissIdippeditturningitint
oal ongpassionate
kiss.Shegivesmet hebestkissesever.Igrabbed
herassandshemoanedi nmymout h.Shebr oke
thekiss.
Me:"
fuckyouwoman"Isai
dopeni
ngmyeyes
sl
owly
Her:"
ngeskewangawavul icozmanci
ncikakade
(youshouldn'
thaveopenedyoureyestheyare
small)theyarebl
oodyready"shesai
dkissingmy
eyes.
Me:"
nguwewonkelomfazi(
youratf
aul
twoman)
"
shegiggl
edt
hant
ravel
edherhandsdownmeti
ll
shecameacrossmycock,
Ihadaboner
.Shehel
dit
andgasped.
Me:
"l
ikewhatyouhel
d"Isai
dwi
thasmi
rkonmy
f
ace.
Her
:"
semkhul
u'xowam (
yourt
obi
g,ohmyGod)
"
Me:"
suvul
amehlokl
k(don'
twidenyoureyes)
"she
gavemepunchonmyst omach.Iactedasi
sIwas
i
npaindon'
tgetmewrongherfisti
ssosmall.
Me:"ouchSwine!!"Guysyouhavetoactt
omake
yourgirlf
eelgoodsincethei
rfi
stsar
esmalland
theydon'thurtt
hatmuch.Shelaughedatme
Her:
"t
hatsui
tsyoubest
"Ichuckl
edt
hangavehera
peck.
Me: "
let
'swakeupIhavet odosomethingf
oryou
beforeIleaveIcan'
tjustl
eavewi
thoutmakingyou
feelspecial
"shesmil
ed
Her :
"your
eall
ydon'thavethoughyoucanmakeme
feelspeci
alwhenyouhavemadei tinli
feplusyou
alreadymakemef eelspecialanywayyoudon' t
havet ogi
vemet hi
ngst hatwillcostunnecessar
y
dept
'swecr
eat
edmanymemor
iesi
nthi
spast
month"
Me:
"Ii
nsi
stssuwar
a(Don'
twor
ry)
"Igaveherapeck.
Her
:"
butyoudon'
thavet
o'shef
rowned
Me:
"butIwantt
o"Icopi
edhervoi
ce
Her:
"ngazbeuphindendakubethaunyeumna(
Don'
t
youeveragai
n, Iwil
lhi
t)"Il
aughedather
Me:"tshongamanqi ndiamanci nciapha(youeven
havesmal lfi
st's)
"shewasaboutt ofr
ownwhenI
ti
ckledandki ssedheral loverherface.Shewas
giggli
ngallthet i
mewhi chmademyhear tj
umpi n
j
oy.Ist oppeddoi ngwhatIwasdoi ngandl ooked
herbusyl aughedherassout .Shestoppedl aughi
ng
andl ookedatme.
Her
:"
whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
iket
hat
"
Me:"nevert
houghtthatt
hisdaywouldcomewhereI
fal
linlovewit
hsomeonewi thoutdoubt
ingmysel
f.I
vowedt oneverf
alli
nloveagainbutwomanyour
doi
ngyourt hi
ngstome.AndI 'mlovi
ngit"she
smiled
Her:
"Il
oveyouthat
'swhy"shegavemeapeck.
Thenstoodup.
Her:"
standIwantt omaket hebed"Ismi l
edt hen
stoodupIboi ledwat erthantookabat h,brushed
myt eeth,loti
onedt hanwor emybl ackjeanandmy
Dustypinkt -
shirtwithablackleatherjacket.She
boughtmef ewcl ot
hesand1pai rofnickkicks.You
seewhyIsayshei sagoodhear t
edper son.WhenI
makei tinli
feshewi l
lbethefir
stIwi l
ltakecar eof.
phoffIwi l
lworkhar dinlif
esot hatIcant akecar e
ofher.Shesmi l
edlookingatmeasif oldmyj ean.
Me:
"what?
doIhavesomet
hingonmyf
ace"
Her
:"
nopei
t'
sjustt
hatyourhandsome"Ismi
led
l
ooki
ngather
Me:
"t
hankyou"Igaveherapeck
Me:"
canyoupleaser
oughenmyhai
r"Igavehermy
washingcl
oth.
Her:
"I
zakehlal
aphantsi(comeandsi tdown)
"Isat
down.shedidwhatIaskedhert odoIlookat
myselfont
hemi r
rorIwasi ndeedhandsome.
Me:"
thankyoubabe"Iki
ssedhercheek.Shesmi
led
andnodded.Shegavememyf ood
Me:
"dankisi
yabonga(
thankyou)
"Iat
emyf
oodf
ast
Aya:"haiwat yangathikuzothathwaokokut ya(why
areyoueat ingasifsomeonei sgoi ngtakeyou
food)"shesai dwithamout hf
ulloffood.Iburped
thantookmyl astspoonf ood,gulpeddownmy
strongcoffee.
Me:"
ndal
aqamf
azi(
I'
minahur
rywoman)
"Ihave
heraki
ss
Me:"
bonal
ate(
seeyoul
ateron)canyoupl
ease
bor
rowmetaxifar
e"
Her:
"gi
vemepur
se"Igaveher
,herpur
seshet
ook
outt
hemoneyandgaveitt
ome.
Me:
"bye"Igaveheranot
herki
ss
Her
:"
shoIl
oveyou"
Me:"Il
oveyoutoo"Isaidthatrunni
ngout.Istopped
ataxicl
imbedin.Asusualpeopl ewer
egivingme
st
aresbutdidn'
tgivethem theti
meoffdayIwasi n
goodmoodt oday.Ipaidwhenwecameacr ossthe
cl
ini
cmymot herwor
ksthereIam payi
ngheravi
sit
andI'
m goi
ngtoaskherforMoney
Me:
"cl
inic"t
hedri
verstoppedatthecli
nic.Igotof
f
t
hetaximymot herisanursehere.Igotinandit
wasmyl uckydaybecauseshewasatt he
r
ecepti
onistar
ea.Iapproachedher.
Me:
"olady"shel
ookedatme,
shest
art
edcr
ying.I
mentall
yroll
edmyeyes
Her:
"Siyamt
handamntanam"shewalkedar
ound
herstati
ont
ogivemeahugIhuggedherback
sham nozal
awam (mypoormother
).
Me:
"howyoudoi
ngMom?
"
Her
:"
let
'sgoandt
akeasi
t"wesatdown
Her
:"
I'
mfi
neandyouwhendi
dcomeoutofpr
ison?
'
Me:
"amont
hagoma"
Her:
"whichmeansyoucameouti nFebr
uar
yand
youdidn'tevencomeandcheckuponus"
Me:"
youknowhowdadisevennowIcamet
otel
l
youthatI
'
llbegoi
ngt
ocapeTown"
Her:
"youdon'
tevenhavemoneyPl
aat
ji
eswher
e
haveyoubeenstayi
ng?"
Me: "
Iam st
ayingwithAyamt handa,shedoes
everythi
ngforbutsheisgoingtor esnowsoI
decidedtogot ocapeTownandf i
xmyl i
fetooand
stopbeingabur dentohereventhoughshel oves
beingaroundme"
Her:
"youri
nloveIcansee"Ismi
ledanl
ookedather
shewasalsosmili
ng
Me:
"youdon'
thaveani
deaIwi
llal
waysbei
ndept
t
oher."
Her:
"dosomet
hingspeci
alf
orhert
hanbef
oreyou
l
eave"myjobj
ustbecameeasi
er.
Me:"
yeahIhavet
oit
'sj
ustt
hatIdon'
thavemoney
now"
Her:
"youcamet otherightper
sonthenIwil
lgive
you10kt ospoi
lherbuyhersomet hi
ngnicethat
shewillkeepandEveryti
meshelooksatitshewill
remembert hemoment sshespentwit
hyou"Ilove
mymot hersomuch.Igaveherahug.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t5
.
.
.
Si
ya
Mymot hergavemet hemoneyt hatIneededand
mor e.It
'
st r
uewhent heysay" alukhouthandoolu
fananelomzal i
"(
youwi llnevergetl ovesuchas
parentslove).Iwentt oahot elnear bybookeda
room forani ghtandat ablef or2att hei
rrestaurant
.
Iwentt otheMal lsinceIwant edtobuyher
somet hingprecious.IgotwhatIwant edthan
walkedt othetaxi.Icli
mbedi nt het axit
han
someonewhi spered" l
ookathi m heisholdinga
plasti
cbagf rom theexpensi vest orehereatthe
Mal l
"Isatdown.Thet axitookof f
.Theystarted
t
alki
ngagai
nandIgotpar
anoi
d.
Me:"ngaskeumtuabuzeayekut het
hikaka
ngabantundanipoxani.
.(youguysshouldrat
her
askthantalkshi
taboutpeople.
)"Thi
ssangoma
nexttomehel dmyhand.
Sangoma: "
leavet hem al onemychi l
dtheydon' t
knowwhatt heytal ki
ngabout .Yourti
mewi l
lcome
andtheywi l
lbeashamedoft hemselves.Phola
wenalungisei ntozakhoqa( calm downandf i
xyour
thi
ngs)"Inoddedt het axistoppedatmyst opIpaid
andgotoft het axi.Ijoggedt othehousesi nceit
wasget t
ingl at
e.Iopenedt hedoorandAyawas
packi
ngherbagssheal sopackedmi neinasmal l
bag.Shewascl osi ngthel astbag.
Me:
"I
'm back!
!"Iwantt
oherandgaveherahugand
aki
ssal ongone.
Me:"
Iseeyoualr
eadypackedourbagshowIwi sh
wecouldspendtherestofourl
ivesherebutkeI
wil
lcamemakesur eIcamebackf oryouwhenI
makeiti
nlif
ewewi l
lbuil
dourownhousehaveour
l
it
tl
efamil
ybeineachot her
'shandsforeverwewil
l
growoldtogetheranddieineachother
'shands
that
'sapromise.Don'tcrybabythi
sisnottheend
ofourlovestoryyeva"shenodded.Iwi
pedher
tear
sthanIkissedhereyesandpackedherl i
ps.
Me:"
let
'senj
oyourl
astdayt
oget
herbef
orewemeet
agai
n"Igaveherapack.
Her:
"I
'mjustscar
edofl
osi
ng"It
ookoutthegi
ftI
gotf
orheritwasaneckl
aceandabracel
etwi
tha
hear
torgan.
Me:
"Iboughtyout
hese"Igavehert
heneckl
ace
Me: "
thisisforyou, t
hisoneisformet heybothhave
heartorganswhenyoul ookatitIwantyouto
alwaysr emembermeaboutt hetimeswespent
together.Iwantyout oknowThatyouwi llal
ways
bepar tofmyhear tandsoul.AndIwillal
waysdo
thesame"It ookthenecklaceinherhandand
helpedherputi ton.Sheal sotookthebracel
etand
helpedmeweari t
Her
:"
nevert
akei
tof
f"Inodded
Me:"Iwil
ldothatasl
ongasyoual
sopr
omi
set
o
nevertakei
toff"shesni
ff
ed
Her:"
Iwi l
lneverIpr omise"shewi pedmyt ear
sI
al
sor eturnedt hef
avorbywi pingher.Wemadeeye
contactforaver ylongt i
meshecl osedhereyes
andIj ustkissedher .Thekisswasf ullofemotions
weki ssedlikeitwast heendoft hewor ld.Whenshe
ki
ssesmeIal waysf eell
ikethereisnothingthatcan
hurtme.
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t6
.
.
.
Si
ya
Shebrokethekissasusual.Shegotdressedina
miniski
rtwhichisblackandredandabl ack
pol
oneckwi t
hAdi daski
cks.Shefi
nishedherlook
wit
hshor tweave.
Her:
"i
nanxibasifanisel
ane( her
ewerethissowe
canlookthesame) "shegavemeabl ackpoloneck
aswell.Iworeit
.Iwasst i
llweari
ngmybl ackjean
andmybl ackleatherj
acketontopwiththenick
ki
cks.
Me:"
givemeyourphonewearegoi
ngt
ousean
Ubertogett
her
e"shetossedt
ome
Her
:"
wher
edi
dyougett
hemoney?
'
Me:"
amanhast ohust
let
omaket hi
ngshappen"I
sai
dthatsmi
li
ngsheshookherhead.Idi
dwhatI
hadtodoandtheUberwas15minutesaway.
Me:"
sosi
zohambanempahlamoc?(soarewe
goi
ngtogowit
hthecl
othes?
)"Shenodded
Her:"
wewoul dbewast i
ngmoneyi fwecomeback
hereagain"Inodded.Acarhoot edoutsidewewent
outwithourbagsshel ockedthedoorandt hesmall
gate.Wegoti nthecarittookoff
.Wel ookedbackat
theshackandr eali
sedaheavysi gn.Wegottothe
hotelIwanttocheckint heygavemet heroomskey
Me:"
let
'sgoplacet
hebagsi
nther
oom t
hanhave
di
nner"shenoddedwi
thasmil
eonherf
ace.We
wentt
otheroom andjustplacet
hebagsont opof
t
hebed.Wewentdownst air
st ot
herestaur
ant.We
weret
akentoourtabl
ewi t
houthesi
tati
on.We
l
ookedatourmenus
Her:
"andi
yazinobakubet
haabaphiaphabutyeah(I
don'
tknowat hingher
ebutyeah)
"Ilaughedather
Me:
"Iwi
llor
derseaf
oodumnababe"
Her:
"Iwi
llj
usthaveT-
bonest
eakwi
thext
ral
arge
chi
ps"Ical
ledthewai
ter
Wait
er:
"af
ter
noonsi
randma'
am whatcanIgetf
or
you"
Me:
"t
heseaf
oodpl
att
erf
orme"
Wai
ter
:"
okaysi
randyouma'
am?
"
Aya:
"T-bonesteakwi
thext
ralar
gechi
ps"hewr
ote
ever
ythingdowninhi
snotebook.
Wai
ter
:"
dri
nk'
s?"
Me:
"Cor
onaorHei
nekenyoudeci
de"
Aya:
"f
lyi
ngfishnon-al
cohol
icIdon'
twanttoget
dr
unktoday"wellAyadri
nksfl
yingfi
sh.ever
y
Satur
daywhenshewouldknockoffear
lyshewoul
d
comebackwithi
nguduzeflyi
ngfi
shandwewoul d
dri
nktoget
her
.Iwil
lsur
elymisst
hosedays.
Me:"cher
ryyam ngengudu(mygi r
lfr
iendandbeer
)
sameWhat sAppgroup"shelaughedatmeIalso
l
aughed.Thewai t
erwalkedawayandcameback
withourdri
nksfi
rstwechattedwithmybabe
sharedourchi
ldhoodmemor i
es.Ourfoodcamewe
ate.
Me:
"her
etast
e"
Her:
"youknowI'm api
ckyeat
erdon'tknowwhyyou
gi
vingmet hi
s"shesai
dplayi
ngwiththeprawns
Me: "
yournotgoi
ngtodiej
usttasteandstopbei
ng
sil
ly"shetookt
heprawnandat e.Herfaci
al
expressi
onschangedshelookedlikeshewasgoi
ng
tovomi t
.
Me:"
v't
sek,
swal
low"Isai
dthatl
aughed.Sheshook
herhead
Me:"
pleasedon'tembar
rassmei nfr
ontofpeople
j
ustswallowyouwon'tdie"shel
ookedaroundthan
t
ookthet i
ssuesonthetableandspi
tethefood
t
her
e.Il
aughedatheragai
n.
Her
:"
Iwi
llnevereatseaf
oodeveri
nmyl
if
e"
Me:"youdon'
tknowdelicioust
hingsthat'
swhyI'
m
here"Isai
dthatl
aughed.Shejustsaidmxm and
giggl
ed.Wecontinuedeatingwhil
elaughingour
assesout.Whenwewer edoneeati
ngwewentback
toourroom.
Me:
"l
et'
sgooutsi
deandt
akeaswi
m ndi
vat
shut
shu
mar
n(I'
mfeel
inghot
)"
Her
:"
Idi
dn'
tbr
ingmyswi
mmi
ngcost
ume"
Me:"youwi l
lswim withyourbr aandunder wear
babenoonewi l
lseeyout hereisbarel
ynoone
downt here"shetookof fherclothesIal
sot ookof
f
mine.Wewentt otheswi mmi ngpool.weswam wi l
l
dancinginsidethewat erl
ikethereismusicwe
wouldstealkisshereandt her
ejustthan'Backto
sl
eepbyChr isBrown'played.Isangalongshe
l
ookedatmet hansmirked
Her:
"fuckyakwazucula(
youcansi ng)"Iconti
nued
si
ngingthanpull
edherclosetomeIki ssedher
sl
owlyIwasn'tinarushafteral
l.Grabbedherass
andl i
ftedherup.Isl owlywal kedoutoft hepool
withherst il
linmyar m.Iwantst raightt oourr oom
whenwegott her e.Ipl acedhercar eful
lyont opof
thebedwi thoutbr eaki ngt hekiss.Iuncl i
ppedher
braandt ookitof f .Istar tedmassagi ngherni pples
andpl ayedwi tht hem.Iwentt othem andsucked
them wi l
ltakingof fherunder wear .wentdownt o
hercast l
eandki ssedi tfirstbeforet akinghert o
muf ft
own.Shecum i nmymout handshet ast esso
goodIwantupt ohermout hsot hatshecant aste
herself.Shehel pedmet akeof fmyboxer s.Irubbed
mycockonhercl it.Atf irstIcoul dn'tgetinandshe
wasr eadyt ogi veupbutIdi dn'tgivehert het imeof
day.Ther estwashi stor y.Tot opi toffwedi d4
rounds.Wesl eptaf t
ert akingabat ht ogether.
Mor ni
ngcameandIwi shedi tnevercamesi nce
earthispul li
ngupapar t
.Bef orewegotof fbedwe
hadaqui ckie.Tookal ongbat htoget her.Thenwe
helpedeachot herl ot i
on.Room ser vicecamebef or
e
wegotdr essed.
Me:
"l
et'
seatbefor
eget
ti
ngdr essed"shenodded.
Wewerefeedi
ngeachother
.
Her
:"
whatar
eyougoi
ngt
ouset
ogett
ocapeTown"
Me:"I
'l
lbetr
aveli
ngbybus,Iwillr
equestaUberto
takeyoutoschoolt
hat'
stheleastIcandoforyou
befor
eIleave"shenoddedandsmi l
edlight
ly
Me:
"Iwi
llcomebackt
houghasIpr
omi
seyou"
Her
:"Bet
terkeepyourpr
omi
se"Inodded.We
f
ini
shedeating
Me:"yeahIwill
"Igaveherapeck.Weworeour
clot
hes.Tookourbel ongi
ngsandwentt
othe
recepti
oni
st.Icheckedout.
Aya:
"gi
vemenot esothatIcanwrit
emynumber
down"Igaveherahundrednote.Shewr
oteher
numberdown.
Her:
"don'tloseitcal
lmewhenyougettocapeTown
,don'tforgetthatIl
oveyousomuchcomebackt o
f
etchmewhenyouhavemadei ti
nli
fe"shetouched
mybr acelet.
Her:"
andnevertakei
toffit
sasymbolofourlove.
Everyt
imeyoulookatitIwantyoutorememberall
thoseti
meswespentt ogether
.Andfort
helastti
me
Il
oveyou."Shesharedat
ear.Iwipedt
hem of
fand
ki
ssedhereyesthanherf
orehead.
Me:"
Iwil
lneverforgetyouandIwil
lcomebackt
o
youaspromisedIloveyoutoobabyandnevert
ake
offt
hatneckl
ace"wehuggedf ordearl
if
eand
shar
edourlastkisswewer edi
stur
bedbyacar
hooti
ngitwastheUber .
Me:
"Il
oveyou"
Her
:"
Iloveyout
oo"
Thanshel
eft
.Icr
iedt
hanqui
ckl
ywi
pedofmyt
ear
s.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
I
nser
t7
.
.
Ayamt
handa
I
twasanemot
ionalmoment
.Itwashar
dtosay
goodbyebutIwi l
lgrowabackboneandbest rong.I
havest ayedwi t
hSiyaforamont handitalready
feelsl
ikeit'
sbeendecadesIcoul dn'
tletgoofhi m
soeasi l
yIf el
tthi
skindaconnecti
onwi t
hhi m.Just
hopet hatitwasn'tt
heendofourl ovestorybutwe
willwaitandsee.Iwasbr oughtbacktor eal
it
yby
thedriver
Him: "wehavear ri
vedma' am"Inoddedandwi ped
myt ears, tookoutadeepbr eathbef orewal kingout.
Siyahasal r eadypai dthedri
versoIj ustt ookmy
bagsandwenti ntheUniversity.Ilookedatmy
neckl aceandhel dtheheartorganpi eceIt earfall
outofmyeyesIqui ckl
ywi pedmyt earsandst ood
att helongl ine.af t
eranhourorsoIwasal readyat
thef ront.Theygavemeever ythingIneedf il
ledin
necessar yf ormst heytoldmewhenIwi l
lgetmy
moneyf rom NSFAS.Theyal sogavemekeysf or
accesst omyr esroom andmyst udentcar d.Iwent
tomyr oom If oundt hedooropenandt herewer e
already2l adi est hereI'
m sharingt her oom wi th3
peopl e.
Me:
"mol
weni(
goodaf
ter
noon)
"
Gi
rl
¹:
"Ayabongaf
unanton'
aphawena(Ayabonga
whatdoyouwanther
e)"Il
ookedbehi
ndmeand
t
herewasnoonebehindme.
Gir
l²:"ayonguAyabongawenal oAyabonga
useDubait heniphambene(t
hisi
snotAyabonga.
Ayabongai sinDubaiareyoumad)"justt
han
anothergirlcame.Ithi
nkshecomesbackf r
om t
he
bathroom
Gir
l³:
"AyabongabungekoseDubaina
wena? (
Ayabongawon'tyoui
nDubai?)"Ist
art
edt
o
getannoyedwhyar et
heyCall
ingmeAyabonga.
Me: "
I'
m notAyabonga.I'
m Ayamt handa.Noba
kufanakwabant hu(maybeit
'sbecausepeopl el
ook
thesame) ."Theylookedatmeliketheyhaveseen
aghost .Thi
sisgoingtobeawkwar dIswear.I
clearedmyt hr
oat
Me:"canyouguysshowmet heroom Iwillbeusing"
theypoint
edtheroom formeIwantint here.The
otherbedwasalreadymade.Luckymi newast he
onenearthewindow.Istart
edunpackingmyst uff
didthebeddi
ng.Iheardthem ar
guingabout
somethingbutIcoul
dn'theart
hem cl
earl
y.Il
aidon
topofmybedt ookafleeceandcover
edmysel fI
wastir
ed.Ifir
stl
ookedatmynecklacethankissed
i
tbeforeclosi
ngmyeyes.
.
.
.Notedi
ted
I
nser
t8
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Igott ocapeTownt hefollowingdayi nthe
aft
er noon.Itwasi ndeedal ongr ideI'
m usedt o
fl
yingi nprivatej etsandnowt hatIhavet otake
publictranspor tati
onIdon' tknowwhatt osaybuti
definit
elyneedt ocl earmycr i
mi nalrecordIhavet
o
fi
ndsol idpr oof.Iwoul dn'tbeabl etocontinue
l
eavi ngliket hi
si t'
snotaboutusi ngpubl ic
tr
anspor tationbuti t'saboutt hel ooksIget
ever ywher e.Sowhenwegott ocapeTownIwentt o
thet rai
nst at i
ont het rainst oppednearKhayel itsha.
Iwentt othenear byf orest .Si ncet hewar ehouseI
usedt ousewast here.Iwal kedal ongdi stancet illI
gott here.Iwanti nsi
deandt herewasnoonet he
placewasf il
ledwi t
hdustandspi derwebsi tlooks
l
iket hegent shaven' tbeenher eforqui teal ongt ime
afterallIwast hegangst erl eaderandIwast heone
whohel dt hegr oupt oget herwi thoutmet heboys
wer enot hingIt hinkthat 'swhyt heyqui t
tedbutt hey
willallcomebackwhent heyher et hatI'
m back.I
wantupst ai r
st ot her oom weusedt owashi naf ter
kil
lingpeopl e.Itwasst illthesamewayasi twasI
cleanedar oundwher eIwi l
lbesl eepi ng.ThenIt ook
ashoweri nt hecol dwat er .Iwor et heblackcl othes
thatwer et her e.Lucki lyther ewer eal sobi gclot hes
therer ememberIwasaski nnyni jja.Wor et he
clothest hanwentout sidet ot hebackoft he
war ehouse.If oundaspadeneart hegr aveImade
whenIl efther e.Int hatgr avet herei sabl ackbi g
bag.Idi ggedi touti thasmyi mpor t
antdocument s
i
d, passpor tetc.Ther eisal somoneyi nthereIl eft5
mi l
lionint hatbag.Ther ei sal sogunsdi f
ferent
kindsofguns.Weaponsweusewhenwef i
ghtand
acel l
phone.Don' taskmewhybutyeaht her eis
alsoacel lphoneher eIdon' tknowwhatIwas
thinkingwhenIpl acedi tther e.Nextt omybl ack
bagt her ewasal soanot heronenextt oit, aleat her
brownbagIopenedi tandi twasf ullofgunsbut
handgunswher emi ssingmaybet hegent st ook
them f orper sonaluse.Ther ewasal soal aptopt hat
weuset ohack.It ookbot hof fthebagsandwent
i
nsi de.If i
rstswi tchedont hephonet henchar gedi t
Iwantupst airstomybagandt ookoutt henot et hat
Ayawr otehernumberon.Iwantdownst air
st ot he
cellphonel uckyi tst i
llhasNet wor k.Ichangedt he
pleasecal lmenameandwr otet her e
"SIYAMTHANDA"IsentAya7pl easecal lme.I
madet het her i
ngt onetobel oudsot hatIcanher e
thephonewhenshecal ls.Ist artedcl eani ngar ound
thewar ehouseIwoul dn'tbest ayingi nadi rtplace
whati fIgetLungcancerorTBf r om thedustsoI
cleanedar oundf ixedever ythingandpl acedi tini ts
ri
ghtf ullpl acewhenIwasaboutt ogoandf reshen
upandst ar ttr
ainingt hephoner angIqui cklyrant o
i
tandi twasAyamyhear tjumpedi njoy.Ianswer ed
t
hephone.
Me:
"baby"Ihear
dsni
ff
's
Her:
"st
handwasam.Howar
eyou?Didyouar
rive
ther
esafel
y?Wherear
eyou..
"shewasbr
eat
hing
heavi
ly
Me:"
woahsthandwasam (myl
ove)f
ir
stbr
eat
h"she
di
dbreat
hingexer
cises.
Me:
"ar
eyouf
inenow"shewentqui
te
Me:
"baby"
Her:
"yes,yesI
'mfineIj
ustf
orgott
hatyouwere
overthephoneyoucan'
tseeme"thatmeansshe
noddedwhenIaskedher.
Me:"t
oansweryourquest
ions.YesI
'
mfinebaby,
I'
M
atthewarehouseIusedt
ouse.Andyouhoware
thi
ngsthatside?
"
Her
:"
I'
mfi
nej
ustmi
ssi
ngyout
hough"
Me:"
Imissyout
oo"Isai
dthatl
ooki
ngatmy
br
acelet
.
Me:
"whatar
eyouupt
o?"
Her
:"
Ijustcamebackf
rom campus.I
'
m onmyway
t
oresnowandyou?
Me:"Iwasj ustcleaningar oundt hewar ehousesi nce
therewasdustever ywher e.ButIwi l
lhitthegym
nowdoal itt
lebitoft r
aini
ng"wechat tedforalong
ti
meweevenshar edal augh.I'm sohappyt hatI
madeher elaughal itt
leshesoundr eli
evedaf t
erour
30mi nutecal lshewassohappyt ot alktomeandI
wasal sohappyt otalktoher .Ijoggedar oundt he
War ehouseIbumpedi ntoacart hatwascover ed
withabi gplasticthatisblackIpul l
edt heplastic
down.Happywasanunder statementatt his
moment .I
twasmyr edGTIwi thtintedwi ndows.
Godandmyancest orsarer eall
yi nar ushhour
today.Istartedhavingf ait
ht hatever ythi
ngwi l
lgo
well.Icheckt hecaratt hecarbonnetIf i
xedwhat
neededt obef i
xedandpour edwat erinitwhenI
wasaboutt ocloset hebonnetIsawanot ei
twas
writ
ten'iknewonedayyouwi l
lcomebackher e.I
l
eftthecarkeysatt her oom wer ewekeepourf uel
i
n.
Fr
om TT'
.Ishar
edat
ear
.TTi
smybestf
ri
endwe
havebeenf ri
endssi ncecr eche.Iwantt othef uel
room sear chf orthekeysIf oundt hem Ial sosaw
petrolItook.Iwentout si deagai nrefil
ledmycar .I
goti nitandst artedit.Itwasact uall
ywor king.I
shout edout' woah' Istoppedatt heFr ontgat eand
wenti nsidet hewar ehouseIt ookaf ewhundr ed
notesIr ant ot hecaragai n.Idr ovet othenear by
mal lasdi rtasIwas.Idi dn' tcaresinceIwashungr y.
IstoppedatKFCsi ncet heyopen24/ 7.Iboughta
bucketofchi ckenandpot at oechips.Iwentt oa
shopnear byandIal soboughtal oafofwhi tebr ead,
50rai rt
imeand2Lofst oneycooldr inkpl uscups.I
drovebackt ot hewar ehousei twasal readyl ate
becauset het imenowwas10.Ipar kedmycart han
wenti nsidewi thmyst uff.Il oadedt heai rtimei n
anddi aledAya' snumberIj ustwantt osay
goodni ghtt hat '
sall.Sheanswer edont he3r dring.
She:
"baby"
Me:"
heymyloveIhopeIdi
dn'
tdi
stur
byouf
rom
st
udying"
Her:
"notatal
lbabyIj
ustcamebackf
rom t
he
shower"
Me:"
IwishIcouldseeyounowIseri
ousl
yneedto
buyasmartphonesothatwecanfaceti
me"she
gi
ggled.
Her
:"yeahyouhavet
ofi
rstt
hingt
omor
rowmor
ning
nor
h"ichuckled
Me:"Iwil
lyuuhanywayIj ustwantedtosay
goodnight.Sl
eepwel lbabyanddon'tf
orgett
o
dream aboutusget t
ingmarri
edandhavingkidsi
n
ourli
tt
leparadise"shegiggl
ed.
Her
:"
Iwi
llbabedon'
twor
ry.
"
Me:
"Il
oveyou"
Her:"
Iloveyoutoocanyoupl easesi
ngmesongso
thatIcansleepIdon'tt
hinkIwil
lbeabletosi
nceI
j
usthear dyourvoiceIwil
lst
artimagini
ngthi
ngs
andovert hi
nk"Ichuckl
edandshegi ggl
ed.
Me:"gotakeyourearphonessothatyourr
oommat e
doesn'tt
hinkthatyourcrazywhenyoufal
lasl
eep
whileli
steni
ngtome.Whenyouwearyour
earphonesitwil
lbelikeyourl
ist
eni
ngtomusic"she
l
aughedIj oi
nedin.
Her:
"yeahri
ght.Wel
lI'
m doneyoucanst
artsi
ngi
ng
andforthelastt
imeIl
oveyou"Ist
art
edsingi
ngfor
her'
IntoyoubySydneyRanae'
Me:
"baby?
"Nor
eason
Me:"wel
lIguessyourasl eepnowIloveyouso
muchandIwi llal
waysloveyou"Icancel
ledthecal
l
whil
esmili
ng.Iwashedmyhandst hanate.Aft
er
eat
ingIwentbackt ot
raining.
.
.
.
Aya
Thingsapr ett
yawkwar dinmyr oom Idon'teven
knowmyr oommat esnames.Wej ustexchange
greeti
ngsandi t'
sjusttheseconddayher e.Ihada
greatdaytodaybasi cal
lyafterthecal l
swi t
hSi ya.I
sleptwhil
elisteni
ngt ohim hei ssuchahear t
keeper.Iwokeupar ound10am si nceIdon' thave
classesinthemor ningbutint heaf ter
noonat2Idi d
mymor ni
ngr outi
ne.Itl
ookedl ikeIwasl eftalone
aft
ermyr outineIat
emybr eakfastwhilebr owsi
ng
thr
oughsoci almediaIwashedmybowlt hanwent
tomyr oom.Igotacal lfr
om Siyawechat tedforan
hourandIwashappy.I twasnow13: 30.Itookmy
bookst hanwal kedtocampusIhadmycl assthanI
wentbackt oreswhenIgott hereIf oundthegi r
ls(
I
sti
lldon'tknowt hei
rnames)chi ll
ingwithagayguyI
thi
nkcozhehadmake- upon.AFadewhi chhas
dabraids.Andhewaswear i
ngapi nkvestwi t
hpink
shortswi t
ht hoseal
mostf ormalshoes.
Me:
"Goodaf
ter
noon"
Thegay:"Bit
chyouhavethegutstogreetusaf
ter
youblockedusonsocialmedia"herewegoagai n
healsothinkst
hatI
'm Ayabonga.I
'
m sickandti
red
ofthi
s.
Me:
"fort
hehundr
edt
htimeI'
m notAyabonga"I
r
oll
edmyeyesandatt
emptedtowalktomyr oom.
Gi
rl
¹:
"Ayamt
handar
ight?
"
Me:
"yeah"
Gir
l¹
:"
pleasecomeandjoi
nusyoudon'
tevenknow
ournamesbutwelivi
nginthesamepl
ace"
Me: "
letmegoandchangemyshoesI '
l
lbeback"
theynodded.Iwentt ochangemyshoest hen
walkedtot heli
tt
lekit
chenItookanAppleanda
glassfullofcooldr
ink.Iwenttot
heloungetojoi
n
them.
Gi
rl
¹:
"I
'm Ayol
a"
Gi
rl
²:
"Let
habo"
Gi
rl
³:
"Zi
minat
hi"
Gay:
"Ret
habi
lebutyoucal
lmeRi
ridar
li
ng"I
l
aughed.
Me:
"andI
'
m..
."
Them:
"Ayamthandasayazi
"theyr
oll
edt
hei
reyes
andIl
aughed.
Me:"
soyourYol
a,LeJoy,nat
hiandofcour
seRi
ri
"I
sai
dpoi
nti
ngatthem t
heynodded
LeJoy:"(
scr
eami ng)youalr
eadygavemea
nickname.(
screaming)"sheisf
ullofdr
amaIcan
see.Ijustl
aughed
Them:"usst
upi
d"theyrol
ledt
heireyes.Isatwi
th
them t
hewholedaytheyareafuckenmoodyooh.
Especi
all
yRet
haIwasl
aughi
ngmyassoutt
he
wholeday.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Sor
ryf
ornotwr
it
ingt
hewhol
eday.
I
nser
t9
.
.
.
Si
ya
Todayisthedayiwi llbeworkingoutmymi ssi
on.I
gotachancet ogoandcheckmyhouseandi t'
ssti
ll
thewayitis.Forthewholeweekiwaschecki ngout
onthehousekeeper sandat2pm t hewif
egoest o
workandatni ghtthehusbandgoest owork.They
don'
thaveki dsormai dsi
tlooksli
keit
'sj
ustthe2of
them i
nhouse.t heti
menowi s7pm meaningthe
husbandwi llbegoi ngt owor kin30mi nutes.Dur i
ng
thet hirtymi nutesofwai ti
ngimanagedt ohacki nto
theirsecur itypasswor ds.Thehusbandf i
nal l
ywal ks
out.iwai tf orabout15mi nutesbef or eget tingi n.
Usual lyt hewi fecomesbackat10meani ngihave2
hour st ogeti nandoutoft hehouse.Andi tt akes1
hourt odownl oadt heol ddocument s.Iwal kedi n
thehousel eavingmycarout side.Iopenedt hegat e
usingmyl apt opwal kedt othef rontdooroft he
houset heyuseAut ol ocksso.Ial sousedt hel aptop
toopent hedoor s.Iswi tchedof ftheADTbef ore
walki ngt ot hemast err oom.Not hinghaschanged
herei t'
sj ustt hattheymovedmypor tr
aitandpl aced
theirweddi ngpi cture.Imovedt hepi ctureandmy
secr etroom i sst il
lther e.Ipushedt hewal lt hatl ead
met ot heot hersi deoft heroom ist artedcoughi ng
sincet her ewasdustever ywher e.Ir ant ot heol d
l
apt op.Andt omysur priseever ythingwasst i
ll
wor king.Isl ippedi nmyusbt ot hemot her boar d.I
starteddownl oadingol dstuff.Itstopped
downl oadi ngwheni twasat80%.Ist ar t
ed
pani ckingcauset hetimenowwas21: 30.Itsl owed
downasi tcont i
nueddownl oading.Justt hanIonl y
hadami nutel
eftbeforegetti
ngoutofthehouse.
Welli
tseemedl i
keitisn'
tmyl uckydaytodayi
qui
cklytookmyusbandl aptop.Icl
osedtheroom
andslowlywalkedoutofthehousewi thaguni n
myhand.Isawt hewi feholdi
ngakni f
e.Slowl
y
Walki
ngupt hestair
s.Shecur sedunderherbreat
h
asshewashol dinghercell
phone
Her
:"
bloodynet
wor
k"iwal
keddownqui
ckl
y
Me:"v'
tsek, puttheknifedown"isai dthatpoi nti
ng
herwitht hegun.Shedr oppedthekni feandir an
outoft hehouseandwentt omycar .Iinser t
edthe
usbinmyl aptopandisawt hefootagewher e
yamkel apl acedt hedrugsi nmybagi nt hepassage
ofthehouse.Thanshecal l
edsomeoneandt old
thatpersont hatthejobi sdoneandshedr ugged
me.Idel etedal ltheotherf oot
ageandkeptt heone
showingt hatYamkel apl antedthedr ugsi nmybagi
start
eddr ivingtot hepol i
cestation.Justt han
shootingst artedsomeonewasai mingmycar
wheels.Cur sedasi lookedbackisawDi amond( my
enemy)andyamekel aint hecar.Itookmygunand
start
edshoot ingback.Ikneel edonmycarsi twhil
e
drivi
ngthecargotoutt hewindowai medforther
e
wheelsandshott hem.Theyl ostcontr
olandthecar
hitthetr
ee.Isatproperl
yanddr ovetothepoli
ce
stati
on.Isawaj unkiesit
ti
ngthereiwrote
somet hi
nginapi eceofpaperattachedtotheUSB.
Me:
"exesar
ni(
sor
ryboy)
"hel
ookedup
Me:"pl easet aket hisinheariwi llgiveyou200r "he
noddedandt ooktheusbiwal kedbehi ndhim and
sawt hathegavet hepolicet heUBSwhenhecame
outigavehi m 400r .Andwentbackt omycarand
drovet othewar ehouse.ical ledAyabef oreIslept
i
nt hemor ningidr ovetot hemal ltobuysomet hi
ng
toeat .Iwal kedpastsomeonesel l
ingnewspaper
andsomet hi ngattract
edmet oi t.Iboughtoneandi
wasont hef rontpagewi thDi amondandYamekel a.
Theheadl inesai d"10year sbackSi yamthanda
Plaatjieswasf oundwi t
hdr ugsatORThamboonl y
tofindoutnowt hattheywer epl ant edbyYamkel a
Dunj wawhoi swor ki
ngfort hebi ggestCapeTown
Gangst erSi nethembaLanga" .Ismi l
edj ustt
hani
gotacal lfrom Aya.
Her
:"
babedi
dyouseet
henewsyoural
lovert
he
news"il
aughed
Me:
"yesbabeidi
dseet
henews"
Her:"
I'
m sogladyouf oundpr oof"wespokef ora
l
ongt i
mebef oredisconnecti
ng.Iboughtwhati
wantedwithasmi leonmyf ace.Idecidedtotakea
l
ongdr i
veli
steningtomusi ciwasi nhappymood
j
ustthanmycargotst uck.Igotoutt ocheckwhat'
s
goingonjustthansomeonest artedshooti
ng.Iwas
abouttorantomycarwhenigotshotonmy
stomach.Thanl i
ghtsoff.
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t10
.
.
.
Aya
9mont
hsl
ater
..
ItisnowDecember .Ifini
shedwr it
ingmyexams
andIdi dpr ettygood.Iassur eyou.Andi t'sbeen9
mont hssi nceSi yawentmi ssing.Il astspoket ohi m
thedayt hetruthcameout .Hedi dn' tevengot o
cour ttocl earuphi sname.Buti swassai dt hathe
hasacl eancr i
mi nalr ecordnow.Iwaswor ri
ed
abouthi m atf i
rstt hatsomet hinghappenedt ohim
stillam t hough.Justhopewer eeverhei shei sfine.
Ievencr ymysel ftosl eepsomet imes.Imi sshi m so
muchweshoul dbecel ebrati
ngourf estiveseason
toget herbuthei snother eandi t
'st he15t h.Iwillbe
spendi ngmyf estiveseasonAl onei nt hisf ucken
flat.YesIl i
veinaf latnow.Igotagoodpayi ngjob
i
nar estaurantint own.Imanagedt obuyoneIcan' t
best ayingi nashackf or
ever .IknowIgr ewupt her e
butyouhavet oleavehomesomeday.Ihavea
beaut i
fulflatIli
veal one.Il i
kemyownpr i
vat e
spaceIgett odowhat everIwant .Ievenwal k
ar oundt hehousenakedi fIwantt oo.I 'mj ustjoking
Iwoul dneverdot hat .ButIwi l
lbegoi ngbackt or es
whenschool sopenl ikeIhavebeendoi ngandIwi l
l
comebackt omyf l
atwheni t'
sweekends.Iwokeup
wi thmi xemot i
onst oday.Ihat et hef actt hathe
doesn'tevencal lmeatl eastt ellmehei sfi
ne.Just
toher ehisvoi ceandhavehi mt ot ellmet hathe
l
ovesme.Myabdomenwassor eIdon' tknowwhy
butIbr ushedt hatf eeli
ngof f.IthinkI 'm goingt oon
myper iods.Thinkingoft hati t
'sbeenqui t
eawhi l
e
sinceIhavebeenonmyper iods.Idon' tknowhow
manymont hsIhavemi ssedbutt heyar equiteal ot
.
Iignoredt hat.Iwantt otakeawar m bat hIpour ed
saltandf oam bat h.Ienj oyedmybat hwhi l
e
l
isteningt omusi c.Phor at obespeci fic.Whent he
wat erwasget ti
ngcol dIgotoutoft hebat ht ub.
Driedmysel fupwal kedtomyr oom but tnaked.I
haveanen- suitinmybedr oom.Il ot i
onedwhi le
l
ooki ngatmybody.Ihavest retchmar ks.Andi t
's
unusualcauseIneverhadt hem.Ij ustwor emy
blackshor tdress.I tisnott i
ght.I t
'slikeI'm wear i
ng
abi gt-shir
t.Ialsowentf orDust ypinksandl es.I
wor emyweaveandsungl asses.Appl iedlipgloss.I
tookmymoonbagandi nser tedmycel lphone,
l
ipgloss, ti
ssuesandmoney.Iwantt ot hemal lto
getaf ewt hings.Wheniwasdoneshoppi ngIwant
tospurIwascr avingf ort heirribs.WhenIwasdone
eatingIr equestedf oranUberi n5mi nutesi twas
al
readyt heretofetchme.Whenwewer eonour
waytot hef l
atIfeltawar
ml i
qui
dcomi ngoutofme.
Il
ookedatmysel fandIi
ndeedpeedonmysel f
.
Justthant hatpaincamebackIscreamed
Me:"
takemet othefuckenhospi t
alandstopdrivi
ng
sl
ow"henoddedanddr ovefast.i
n5mi nuteswe
wereinthehospit
al.Hehelpedmegetoutt henurse
camewi t
hawheel chai
r.Iscreamedagain
Me:"
herei
s(scr
eam)your(scream)money.
"Iwas
sweati
ngandbreat
hingheavi
ly.
Uberguy:
"noneedma'am"Ij
ustnodded.Hewal
ked
outt
henur setookmetot
hedel
iver
yroom.Wait
.
what?I
'm pregnant
.
Me: "
howcome( screamed)idi dn'tIknowIwas
pregnant"sheshrugged.Theypl acedmeont opof
thebedthedoctorcamei nrunning.Theyt ookof
f
mycl ot
hesandgavemet hehospi t
algowns.
LabourpainsareextremelypainfulIhat e
Siyamthandaforputtingmet hrought hi
s.The
doctori
nsertedherfingerinmyVi r
ginia
Doct
or:
"t
hebabyi
s10cm awayyoucanst
art
pushi
ngma'am"Ipushed.Nothi
ng.Pushed.
nothi
ngsti
ll
.WhenIwasaboutt ogiveupIf
elt
somethi
ngcomingoutmyVi r
ginia.Ther
oom was
fi
ll
edwit
hthescreamsofababy
Nurse:
"i
t'
saboy"Ismi
ledtearsfal
loutofmyeyes.
l
ikeI'
m someone'
smotherforheaven'
ssake.
Me:"
canIholdhim"theygavememychi l
d.Yeah
youhear
dmer i
ghtMYCHI LD.Il
ookedathi
m he
hadsmalleye'
sli
kehisdaddy.
Me:"
ChumaniOwet huPlaat
ji
es"Isaidt
hatsmil
ing
t
hroughtears.Don'
taskmewhyIdeci dedtogo
wit
hhisfather'
ssurnamebutitf
eltsori
ght
.Iki
ssed
mybabiesforehead.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Cheer
stobabyChumaniAyandaPl
aat
ji
es
.
Inser
t11
.
.
Aya
Thenur set
ookmybabyt ocleanhi m up.Iasked
oneoft henursest ogoandbuymybabyst uf
fjust
forthedayandt omorrowsot hatmychi ldcanhave
somet hingtochange.Ialsoaskedhert obuyme
sweatpant sandahoodi esinceimessedonmy
dress.Shewaski ndenought othatforme.She
camebackwi tht hest
uffasrequested.Theydi d
whatt heyhadt odot omeandt heymovedmet o
anotherWar d.Thedoct orcamei nthewar dwith
Chumi le.
Doct
or:
"helookssoadorabl
e"shegaveme
Chumani.Ismil
edlooki
ngathim.
Doct
or:
"i
t'
sti
met
obr
east
feedt
hel
it
tl
eChamp"
Me:"
Idon'
tknowhowt
obreast
feedhim"she
showedmehow.AndIt
hankedher.
Me:
"whycoul
dn'
tIseethatIwaspr
egnantDoct
or
DuPreez?
"Shegiggl
ed
Her
:"
Ithappenssomet
imest
hatyoudon'
tknowt
hat
youpr egnantuntilyougivebi
rth.Somebabiesfi
nd
placest ohi
de.Andi nyourcaseChuman( she
struggledpronouncingthename)wasal sohidi
ng
awayf rom you."Ismiledandnodded.
Me:"i
sther
eanyt
hingt
hatIshoul
dbewor
ri
ed
about?"
Her:
"nopeever
ythi
nglooksfi
netome.thebabyi
s
heal
thyandyouralsoheal
thyImightaswel
l
di
schargeyouallt
omorrow"
Me: "thankyoudoct or"shenoddedandl eft
.This
i
sn' thowIpi cturedmyf i
rstpregnancytobel i
ke.I
alwayswi shedt ohavemybabydaddynextt omei n
thel abourr oom.Mywhol efami l
ytobeher ebutkeI
don' thaveaf ami l
yI'
m anor phanandmybaby
daddyi sn'tevenher e.From nowonmybabywi l
lbe
myf irstpriori
ty.Iwil
ltakecar eofhim andgivehim
ever ythingi nthewor l
d.Iwi l
lbethebestmot her,
father, grandma, grandpa, aunt,etc.Tomybaby.
Youcannamet hem all.Isharedatearandsmi l
ed.I
sawanur sepassi ngbyIwant edtot akeapicture
withmybaby.
Me:"
sor
rysi
ster
.!
"Shest
oppedwal
kingandl
ooked
atme.
Me:"
sorr
yforkeepi
ngyououtofworkbutcanyou
pl
easetakeapict
ureofmeandmychild"she
smil
edandcamet ome.IgavehermyHuaweip20.
Shetookmanybeauti
fulpi
ctur
es.
Me: "t
hankyousomuch"Isai dsmi l
ingl ooki ngat
thepi ctur
es.Shesmi ledandwal kedoutcl osi ngthe
doorbehi ndher .Thepi ct ureIlovedt hemostwas
theonewewer ebot hsl eepingi nandhewasont op
ofme.Ipost edi tonmyw/ ast atuswi ththecapt i
on
"myf irstpri
or i
ty.ChumaniOwet huPl aat j
ies
".LeJoy( shei st heoneI 'm closewi thinour
group)r epli
edt omyst atussayi ng"Fakef riendyou
are.Youdi devent el
lust hatyourpr egnant .ButI
willcomeandseeyoual ltomor row.Andyoubet ter
ber eadyt oexpl ain,kisst heli
ttleManf orme"I
repli
edwi t
hhear temoj is.Myot herfriendsal so
repli
edwi t
ht hesi milarmessageLeJoysentme.I
wentt oFacebookandI nstagram andpost edt he
samepi ctureandIgotmanyl ikes.Somepeopl e
congr atul
atedme.Iswi tchedof fmyphoneand
gavemybabyf ullattenti
on.If el
tsoconnect edto
him.Can'twaittospendt herestofmyl i
fewi thhim.
Can'
tbel i
eveIhavesomet hi
ngt hatismine.Ilove
mysonsomuchIl ovehim mor ethananythingin
thewor l
d.IjustprayGodpr otectshimformeI
won'tbeabl etoli
vei fsomet hinghappenst ohim.
Everyoneinmyl ifeseemst ojustupandl eaveIjust
hopeIwi l
lbeabl etokeephi m.Iki ssedhisforehead
andt hanclosedmyeyes.
.
.
.
Unknown
Sowewer einRussiawhenwehear dSiyaisback.
Wet ookthefir
stt
hef l
ighttoSouthAfri
ca.Wegott o
thewarehouseweusedt ouseandi twascleanthat
meaninghehasbeenst ayi
ngher ewetrackedhim
downwef oundhi
m att hefreewaywhenwegot
ther
ehewasshot .Scottt
heol dRussi
anCar t
erwe
workwith.Heistheonet hattrai
nedus.
Scot
t:
"l
et'
stakehi
m wi
thust
oRussi
awedon'
t
knowwho' safterhim andwecan' tr
iskhisl i
fehere.
Heisunf i
thehast obet rai
ned"hesai di nhis
Russianaccent .MeandCaget ookhi m.Wel eftf
or
Russianagai n.It
'sbeen10year ssincewehave
beenher eaft
erSilencer(Siya)wasar restedwe
couldn'tconti
nuewi thgangster
ism butourol dman
(Scott
)t oldustocomet oRussi a.Andwehave
beenlivinghere.st i
lldoi
ngourgangst er i
sm things
andwear et
hebaddestnow.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
I
nser
t12
.
.
Si
ya(
whathappened9mont
hsagot
hispovi
slat
e)

IwokeandIwasi naroom Ididn'

tevenknow.The
fi
rstpersonIt
houghtaboutwasAya.Istar
ted
panicki
ng.Justt
hanthedoorflewopenandTT
walkedi
n.Il
ookedathi
m andIcoul
dn'
tbel
ievemy
eyes.
TT:"
broyourupIt
houghtyouweredeadit'
sbeen4
weekssinceyouwerei
nthiscondi
ti
onyoueven
heal
edfrom t
heshooti
ngyougot"hi
saccenthas
changed.HenowhasanRussi anaccent
.
Me:"
broI'
m di
ehardyououtofal
lpeopl
eshould
knowthat
.Andthanwhat'
supwiththeaccent
"
TT:"i
t'
sbeen10year
sbr
o.Af
tert
heyar
rest
edyou
grandpac..
."
:
"Heyboywat chyourmout h.Whoi syourgr andpa.
YouseeSi lencernowandyoucal lmelikethat "t
hat
defi
nit
elyhast obeScot thegotinfoll
owedbyCage
, Mamber, karma, snakesandTai l
or.Theyal lbro
huggedme.t heywer eallbuffguysnow.Wespent
thewhol edaycat chingupoveragl assofScot t'
s
expensivewhi skey.WhenIaskedt ocallsomeone
i
mpor tanttheysaidnocel lphonesdur i
ngtraining.
Woah!!whoagr eedi ntr
ainingbutthatdoesn't
mattercozI '
m stil
ltrai
ningandIhaven' tbeenabl e
togetholdofaphone.Ever yt
imeIseeacel l
phone
andt empt edtotakeitsomeonehast oseeme.t hey
arewat chingmel ikeHawks.Andi t'
sbeen9mont hs
sinceIl astspoket oAyashepr obablythi
nksI
negl ectedher.Andi tfeelsbadwor separtisthat
thist rai
ningtakes3year smeani ngIwi l
lbegoing
backt oAyai n2year stime.Istil
lhaveherbracelet
thought hat'
swhatmakesmef eelconnect
edt oher.
Todayseemsl ikeit'
smyl uckydayIsawa
cellphoneIwentt oitIdialedAya'snumberi t
'sri
ngs
andsheanswer saft
erthef i
rstri
ng.
Her
:"
Ayamthandaspeaki
nghell
o"myheartj
umped
i
njoyasIheardhervoi
ceaf
teralongf
uckenti
me.
Her
:"
hel
lo"
Me:"
Idon'thaveenoughti
mebutIwant
edt
otel
l
youthatIloveyouokay?
"
Her
:"
Siya!
!"Ihear
dababycr
yingatt
hebackgr
ound
Her:
"sukhal
aklkbabyndi zo.
..
(Don'
tcrybabyI
wil
l.
..)
"Icoul
dn'thearwhatshesaidafterwards
becausesomeonet ookt
hephonewhenIt ur
nedI
wasmetmyScot tManhimself.Asl
aplandedon
myf aceandIfalldown.heleftmejustli
kethat.
Who'sbabywasAyat alki
ngtocouldi
tbehersor
herFri
ends.Ineedtogett oSouthAfr
icabutIcan'
t
Scottrunsthesestr
eetsIwil
llandonthehospit
al
bedinsteadifIdi
sobeyhim and2yearsareso
fuckenLong.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
I
nser
t13
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Iwassohappyt hatSi
yacal l
edmebutal sosadt hat
hehangeduponme.Atl easthei ssaf ewer eever
heis.Morni
ngcameandi twast hedayI 'm getti
ng
dischar
gedandmyf ri
endsar ecomi ngtoseeme.I
tookashowerthanbathedChumani .Aft
erIwas
donemyf ri
endscameinhol dingal otofpresents.
AndRi r
ibei
nghimself
.Hewashol dingal otof
bal
loonsandhehadthemostpr
esent
s.Ij
ust
l
aughedastheywerecomi
ngin
LeJoy:
"umdl
ezane(
amot
her
)"Ismi
led.
Yol
a:"
canIpl
easehol
dhi
m"
Nathi
:"
nopeIwil
lhol
dhimfir
st"t
heyal
lstar
ted
argui
ngaboutwhoisgoi
ngtoholdhi
mf i
rst
.Rir
i
camet omeasIwasholdi
ngChumani.Hetookhim.
Riri
:"
mzekelowet ypezam bethunaakamhlemarn
(thetypeofpeopleIdat
ewi t
hhei ssobeauti
ful
)"
theylookedathim.Theyallwenttohim and
admi redChumani.Thedoctorcamewi tht
he
dischargepaper
s.Wewentt omyf l
at.Usi
ngZimi'
s
Caddy.
Lejoy:
"sotelluswhydidn'
tyoutel
lusthatyour
pregnant?
"Wewer ei
nmyr oom tr
yingtobuil
dthe
cottheyboughtforChumani.ButIwas
breastf
eedinghim.
Zi
mi:
"yeahspeakupwear
eli
steni
ng"Il
aughed.
Me:
"Ial
sodi
dn'
tknowIwaspr
egnant.Youal
lsaw
t
hatIhadmynor
malbodyandIdidn'
tshowany
si
gns.Ialsofoundoutyest
erdaywhenIwasi
n
Labourpains.
"
Ri
ri
:"
imi
hlol
oiyashi
yana(
mir
acl
eshappen)
"
Yol
a:"
sowhoi
sthef
ather
?"
Me:"
SiyamthandaPl
aatj
ies"t
heywentqui
etmor
e
l
iket
hinki
ngwhohei s.
Them:"THEGUYTHATWASFOUNDWI THDRUGS
INTHEAI RPORTBUTTHEYWEREN' THIS.THE
WHOLEMOTHERFUCKENHUNK! !"t
heysaid
shouti
ng.Mybabycr ied.Imadehim cl
am down
andheslept.Ipl
acedhi minthecot.Swit
chedon
thebabymoni t
or.Ichasedmyf r
iendsoutwesatin
thel
ounge.
Nat
hi:
"youhaven'
tanswer
edourquest
ion"
Ilaughed
Me:"
yeshimtheoneandonl
ySiyamthanda
Pl
aatj
ies"t
heycl
appedt
hei
rhands.
Rir
i:
"butIdon'
tblameyouthoughhaveyouseen
howhothei s"hesai
dbit
ti
nghislowerl
ip.
LeJoy:
"br
o"t
heyal
lst
art
eddaydr
eami
ng.
Me:
"aaguyshi
smyboyf
ri
endst
opi
magi
ninghow
hei
s"
Nat
hi:
"Iwonderhowhei
sinbed"
Me:"
I'
m nothavi
ngt
hisconver
sat
ionwi
thyouguys"
Isai
dlaughi
ng.
Zimi:
"wher
eishebytheway?I
sn'
thesupposet
obe
herewit
hyou"Ideepl
ysi
gned
Me:"Ial
sodon'tknowIlastsawhi m whenhewas
goingtocapeTownt oprovehisinnocence.After
thathewentAWOLbuthedi dcallmeatmi dni
ght
anditwasn'tanumberfrom hereitwasaf or
eign
number."
Them:"maybeheisover
seasorsomet
hing"I
nodded.Wechil
ledt
herethewhol
edayhavingf
un.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
IjustwanttogobackhomebutIcan' tI'
m st
uck
herenow.It'
saSaturdayandusuallyIdon'
ttr
ain.
Wej ustchi
llanddr
ink.Iwokeat1pm didmydai l
y
routi
ne.Andwentdownst ai
rs.Thegentswere
havingadri
nk.Iwenttot
hekitchenmademyself
someeggs, beaconandVienna'
swit
htoast
ed
bread.Ayataughtmehow.ItookacanofCoronain
thefri
dgeandwenttojoi
nthegents.
Me:"
Yeahshomaji
ta"t
heynodded.Iat
emyf
ood.
Theywerewat
chi
ngsoccer.
Scot
t:"
sinceyoudi
dn'
tobeymyrul
esyournot
comingwi t
hustocl
ubtoday"
Me:"hainoskebuyelekwicherr
yyam umna
ndayaziingesisel
inguduzethunamhlanj
esive
kamnandi( Iwouldrat
hergoandst aywi
thmy
gir
lfr
iendIknowwewoul dbedrinki
ngourbeer
s
todayandhavi ngfun)
"
Them:"
Huh?Whatdi dyousay?
"Ifor
gott
hatthey
don'
theari
sXhosa.Isai
dwhatIsai
dinEngli
shthi
s
ti
me.Iwasalr
eadyannoyedIhater
epeat
ingmyself
.
TT:
"youandgi
rl
fr
iend?Never
"theyal
lagr
eedt
ohi
s
st
atement
Me:
"beli
eveitornotIdohaveoneIl
oveherso
much."Theyclappedthei
rhands
Scott
:"
ooh.Isshethegirlyoucal
ledyester
day.
"He
saidl
aughing.Ij
ustkeptmyser i
ousface.The
other
slaughedaswel l
.
Me:"ent
lek.WhencanIgobackt
oSAiseri
ously
needtoseeher.It
hinkwehavechi
ldt
oget
her"t
hey
al
llookedatme.
Tai
lor
:"
howdoyouknowthatyouhaveachi
ldwhen
youhavebeenher
eforni
nemonths"
Me:"
ninemont hsagowehadunpr ot
ect
edsex.And
sheisn'
tpreventi
ngaswel l
.WhenIgaveheracall
yest
erdayIhearababycr yi
ng"theywentsi
lentf
or
amoment .JustthanMadam camei n.Madam is
Scot
t'sgi
rl
friendifnothi
sbootycall
.
Madam:"
BABY!!
"Sheissofuckenl
oud.Shewentt
o
ki
ssScot
tal
loverhi
sface.
Her:
"oohhel
loguys"wenodded.Sheki
ssedScott
.
AndScottbei
ngScott.hegr
abbedherassandshe
rel
easedamoan.
Snakes:
"I'
m notabouttowatchpornli
vel
et'
sgo
guys"weallstoodup.Ipl
acedmypl at
eontopof
thecoff
eetable.WewenttoourblackCaddy.Iwas
t
heonedr
ivi
ng.Wewenttoarest
aurant
/pubi
n
t
own.Weatewil
ldr
inki
ngandchat
ti
ng.
Me:
"br
o'sIwi
llbebackIneedt
hel
oo"
Cage:
"pleasecomebackwit
hti
ssuesorwipes"I
nodded.Iwaswalki
nglooki
ngatmybracel
et.Than
Ibumpedi nt
osomeone.
Me:"
i'
m so.
.Ayamt
handa"Iwi
denedmyeyes.She
l
ookedaround.
Her:
"areyout al
kingt
ome"shehadadi f
fer
entvoice
fr
om Aya's.Shewal kedpastl
ikenothi
nghappened.
Iwasconf usednow.CoulditbeAyaoram Ijust
i
magi ni
ngt hi
ngs.Themoment sIspentwit
hAyaal l
camebackandIst ar
tedtomissherevenmor e.
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t14
.
.
(
2year
slat
er)
Ayamt
handaNzungu
It'
sbeenf ucken2year ssi nceIlastspoket o
Siyamt handa.Andican' tkeepcr yingmysel fto
sleepever ytimehechoosest odi sappearonme.I
haveal otoft hingst odealwi t
h.myl i
fedoesn' t
revol vear oundhi m af teral l
.Ievenst oppedcar i
ng
abouthi m hisangr ownassmanaf terall.Ist i
lllove
himt houghIdon' tthi
nkt hatIwilleverst opl ovi ng
himt hef eelingsar ejustt ost r
ong.Manypeopl e
havet riedaski ngmeoutbutIj ustt urnt hem down
allthet i
meIcan' tbr i
ngmysel ftol oveanot her
per sont hewayIl ovehi m.Thatper sonwi lljustbea
reboundt ome.AndIj ustcan' tbr i
ngmysel ftodo
thatt oanot herhumanbei ngsoIwi lljustbea
singl epar ent .Speakingofbei ngapar ent.Owam ( I
callhi ml i
ket hatsincehi smi nehei snotour s)isa
heal thybabyandhei st ur ni
ng2year sol dt hisyear .
Hei s1year1mont hnow.Imadeabi gbi r
t hday
par tyf orhim.Youshoul dhaveseenhowhappyhe
was.Thesmi leonhi sfacewi t
hhi s2t eet hwasso
pricel ess.Hei sbecomi ngnaught ynowsi ncehe
cancr awlandt akeaf ewst eps.Hi sf i
rstwor dsi s
'
mama' IswearIcr i
edt hatday.Enoughaboutmy
babynow.Wel lschooli sschoolIl iveinmyf lat
permanent lynow.Ihaveababyt ot akecar eofand
Ican'tst ayatr eswi t
hhi m.I t
'sagai nstt her ules.
ThankGodIusedt osavemoney.Iusemysavi ngs
formyt ranspor tation.Itakemybabyt oadaycar e
neart hef l
atwhi chi s1bl ockf rom myf lat.Ist i
ll
wor kthough.Don' taskmehowIj uggl ebei nga
mot her, gotoschoolandwor kbutI 'm ast rong
womanImakei thappen.Ial waysgett iredatt he
endoft hedaybutt her eisnot hingIcandoIhavet o
makei tinlifethr oughmyUPSandDOWNS.Lucky
formei t'
sJanuar ynowandt heschool sar ecl osed
bonusi t'
smydayof faswel l
.ThatmeansIwi llbe
spendi ngt imewi thmybaby.Thi syeari sMyl ast
yearandIwi llbedonewi thmydegr ee.YeyI '
m so
happyt hatIwi llfinall
ybeandAct uar y.I'M
graduat ingt hisyear .StudyingAct uarialscience
ain'
taj okeyouhavet oknowyourbusi nesswhen
youst udyi ngi t
.WhenIwaswr i
tingmypaper sI
didn'tsleepatni ghtIst udiedmyassout .Ihadt o
wor kext rahar dwhenI '
m doingt hesof twar epar tof
theexam.Imanagedt obuyasecondhandl aptop
sot hatIcanpr acticeext rahar d.Letmet ellyoua
secr etI 'm notgoodwi tht echnol ogyt hingsbutIam
withMat hsandIf indt hatpr ettyawkwar dbecause
mostoft hepeopl ewhoar egoodwi thMat hsar e
alsogoodi nt echnol ogybutyeahi t
'slife.Meand
myf ri
endsar ef i
ne.I t'
sof ficiall
yt hatLeJoyi smy
bestf riendnow.Myf ri
endsar et hebestpeopl eever
wesuppor teachot heri never ything.Ilovet hem so
much.Ideci det hatIwi lltakemybabyoutt odayI
savedmoneyf ortoday.Wewi llbegoi ngt oa
phot oshoott hangot oCar nivalMal li
nDal par k.I
wokeupi nahappymoodt odayandmybabywas
stillsleepi ng.Hewasupatmi dnightt hat '
swhy.I t
gavemet i
met ocleanar oundt hef lat
.Ispr ing
cleanedmyf latwhi l
el isteni ngt omusi c.Imade
breakf astf ormysel fwhenIwasaboutt omake
Owam hi sbr eakf asthewokeupIwantt ohi m and
changedhi sNappyf irst.Iwentwi thhi mt ot he
kitchenIpl acedhi m ont opoft hecount erwhi le
maki nghi spor ri
dge.Isatont hebarst ool st henI
star tedf eedinghi m whi l
eeat ingmybr eakf ast.
Hi
m:"
mama"
Me:
"owam"hepoi
ntedatmybeacon.
Me:"
semncincibabyforbeaconklk(youst il
lsmall
babyforbeacon)"hefr
ownedIquicklygavehi m his
mil
k.Whenhef rownsIknowf orafactt hatheis
goi
ngt ocr
yandi twil
lbeWorldWarI IIIbet.Aft
er
wewer edoneeatingIpl
acedtheplatesi nthesink.
Me: "l
et'sgot akeabat h"hecl appedhi shands.He
l
ikespl ayingi nwat er.Itookhi m offthecounter.I
madeabubbl ebathf orus.Ist ri
pedhi m nakedI
alsost ri
pednaked.Wet ookabat handdi dour
routine.Wewor eourwhi t
et -shirt
sandbl ackjeans.
Iopt i
onedf orbl ockhi l
lsandImadehi m wearhis
takkies.Ifinishedmyl ookwi thmyBobweaveand
l
ipgloss.I '
M noti ntomake- up.It ookhisbabybag.I
alreadyr equestedf oranUber .Thedaywentas
plannedIaskedt hephot ogr aphert omakeabi g
por t
raitofourpi cturesIal sosenthi m myot her
pictureswi thChumani .Hesai dIshouldcomeand
picki tuponMondayandi t'
sFr i
dayt oday.Ial
so
askedhi mt omakei tblackandwhi te.Whenwe
wer eonourwaybackhomeIgotacal lfr
om an
unknownnumberIignor
edi
tatf
ir
stbuti
tcal
led
agai
nandIanswered
Me:
"Ayamt
handaspeaki
nghel
lo"Iwentqui
et
Chumani
:"
mama"
Me: "
mhh( Igavehim quest
ioni
ngeye'
s)l
ookidon'
t
havet opl
ay.Ihavebettert
hingst
odot hant
his
chil
dishgameofyour s"Icl
ickedmytonguethan
disconnectedthecal
l.Iwonderwhocall
edme.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
I
nser
t15
.
.
Si
yamt
handaPl
aat
ji
es
It'
sbeen2year sanditfeel
sli
ke10yearsawhole
decadeoftraini
ng.I'
m morebuffnow.Iam goodin
thesegangsterthi
ngsagain.I
'm bet
tert
hanmy
crewmember sasalways.I
'm backi
nSAnowwi t
h
allmycr ewmember sihavebeenher eforamont h
now.Il eaveinLochner hoflocat edi ncapeTown.
Butwear eplanni ngtol eaveCapeTown.Wedon' t
fi
ndt heplacei nterestinganymor e.Wewi l
lbegoi ng
toJohannesbur g.Speaki ngaboutJohannesbur gI
haven'tspokent oAyamt handaf oral ongasst i
me
andi thurtsmet hati tlooksl ikeIhavenegl ectedher.
everydayIsl eepwonder i
ngi fshei sokaywher e
evershei s.Iwi l
lmakesur ethatshei sthef i
rst
personIgot owhenwear ethatsi de.Wear eleaving
today.I'M st
illwonder ingwhot hatgi r
listhatlooked
l
ikeAyamt handa.Il astsawt hatdayandInever
paidmuchat tentiont oher .Iwasdonepacki ngmy
bagsr eadytogot oJohannesbur gwear ehavinga
roadt r
ipmeandmyboyswedeci dednott otakea
fl
ightjustbondasf r
iendsandhaveagr eattime.
Theyal lcamet omyhouse.
Me:
"Guysl
et'
sgo.Johannesbur
gisf
ar"
Cage:
"wher
eist
hecool
erbox?
"
Snakes:
"herei
tis"i
twasf
ullofbeersandal
lthat
shi
tandCageaddedmor ebeers.Trustmyguysin
get
ti
ngdr unkandwenevergetint
oanaccident
whenwedri
nki
nganddr
ivi
ngt
hat
'showgoodwe
ar
eindr
ivi
ng.
Me:"Ij
ustcan'
twai
ttoseemygi
rl
fr
iend"t
hey
chuckl
ed
TT:
"sot
hisgi
rl
fr
iendi
ssueofyour
sisser
ious?
"
Me:"
Idon'
twantt
oevenbetwi
thyoucauseyouwi
ll
bebrokebr
o"
Mamber
:"
wewi
llseewhenwegett
her
e"
Tai
lor
:"
let
'sgo"wear
egoi
ngt
ousemyNavyCaddy.
Cage:"I
'm dr
ivi
ngfirst
"hesnat chedt
hekeyf
rom me.
Ijustchuckl
ed.Wepl acedourbagsatthebackand
thanwet ookoff.Wewer elist
eningt
omusicwhil
e
drinki
ngIwashavi ngagr eatti
me.
Me:"
majit
a.Ineedt
otal
ktoherorj
usthearher
voi
cethat
'sall
"
Mamber:
"doyouknowhercel
lphonenumber
"Ij
ust
smi
led
Them:"
dawgyouwhi
pped"Ij
ustt
ookmyphoneand
cal
ledher
.
Her
:"
Ayamt
handaspeaki
nghel
lo"Ikeptqui
et
:
"Mama"
Her:
"mhh.Lookidon'thavetimetoplay.Ihave
bet
terthi
ngstodot hanthi
schildi
shgameofyour s"
shecli
ckedhertonguethandisconnectedthecal
l.
TheguyslookedatmeasIwasst il
ldigest
ingwhat
j
usthappenedshehasaki d!!Iwenttosobermode
i
nasecond.
Them:
"what
!!
"
Me:
"br
o'sshehasaki
d"t
heyl
aughed.
Me:
"t
hisi
snotf
unnyatal
lmar
nni
na(
you'
l
l)"
Tai
lor
:"
let'
scheckwhot
hemot
herf
uckeri
s."They
wer
est i
lll
aughi
ng
Cage:
"yeahl
et'
sst
alkheronsoci
almedi
a"
TT:"
let
'screat
eaf akeaccount"mambercr
eat
edt
he
account.Iwasjustqui
etthiswholet
ime.
Snakes:
"br
owhat
'shername"Ikeptqui
et.
Them:
"Si
lencer
!!
"
Me:
"mhh"Igavet
hem quest
ioni
ngeye'
s.
TT:"
theyarestil
lsmal
leventhoughyouwidened
them"theylaughedandIgavehim adeadstar
e.
Snakes:
"what
'shername?
"
Me:
"Ayamthanda.YeahAyamthandaNzungu"
mambertypedthati
n.Hecursed.
Him:"f
uckbrosheissofuckenhotdoesshehavea
si
sterorsomethi
ng?"Hewasl ooki
ngatAya's
pict
ure.Theyal
ltookt
hecell
phonefrom hi
m and
cursed.
TT:
"guyslookattheboysheistaki
ngpict
ureswith
helooksli
keSiyahealsohassmalleye'
sjustl
ike
hi
m"It ookthephonequickl
y.Il
ookedattheboy
andindeedhelookedli
keme.Iwenttoherold
pi
cturesandsawt hatt
heboywasbor n2yearsago.
Me:"
sheNamedhim ChumaniOwethuPlaat
ji
es.
Sheusedmysur
namedawg. "It
earfal
loutofmy
eye.
TT:"
broyouevencr yi
ng"Ishowedhi
m afuckyou
si
gn.Isavedthepictur
esandsendthem tomy
cel
lphone.Imadeonemywal l
paper
.Iwasso
happythatI'
mfinal
lygoingtobeafamil
yman.
PhoffIam af
ami
lymanalready.Ihadagr
eatti
me
wit
ht hecr
ewgoi
ngtoJohannesburgIam sohappy.
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t16
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Chumanihasbeencr yingthewhol enight.Hewas
hot.Hist emperatur
ewasonanot herlevel.Itookoff
hisclothesplacedawar mt owel onhi sforehead.
Thatalsodi dn'
thelp.Iwaswor ri
edaboutmybabyi
don'tevenhaveacart otakehimt othehospi talto
checkwhat '
swr ongwi thhim.Iwaswor ri
edt othe
pointwher eievencr i
ed.Iwokeupear l
ytodayso
thaticant akehimt othedoct or.Wedi dourdai ly
routi
ne.It ookhisbabybagt otheki tchenwi thhim
onmybackipl acedhim ont opoft hecount er.I
madehi sporri
dgequi cklybutimadei tlit
tlethis
ti
me.Wheniwasf eedinghi
m hevomi
tedonmy
blouseandonhi
msel f
.
Me:"
Chumanimarnj
ongalent
oyenzi
leyo(
lookwhat
youhavedone)
"hef
rownedandicl
ickedmyt ongue
Him: "mama"t hanhecr ied.Itookof fhisclothesand
mybl ouse.Iwentt othebedr oom wi t
hhimi nmy
hands.Ipl acedhi m ontopoft hebed.It hrewt he
clot
hesi nwashi ngbasket .Iwor emybl ackr elay
golft-shirt
.It ookoutawhi teT- shi
rtandShor t
sfor
Chumani .Wheniwasdonedr essinghi m.TheUber
wasal r
eadyher e.Iwentt oit.Ittookmest raightto
thehospi tal.Iwasi nthewai t
ingr oom neart he
recept i
onistwhenaguycomei nbleedinghewasal l
buffandshi t.Thenur sest ookhi mf rom hisf ri
ends.
Hiscel lphonef alloutofhispocket .Iknewt hati t
washi sfri
endsbecauset heirt-shir
tswer ef ullof
bloodipi ckedupt hephoneandwentt othem.I
pattedoneonhi sshoul der.Theyal llookedatme
l
iket heyar eseei ngaghost .
Me:"her
eit'
stheguycell
phonethatcameinher
eit
f
alloutofhispocket
"theywerealll
ooki
ngatme
l
ikeI'
m crazy
:
"ChumaniPlaatji
es"igavethem thecellphoneand
wenttothedoctor.Wewentt oheroffi
ce.Shedi d
hert
hingsandt oldmethatChumanihast eeth
comingonitsway.shegavememedi cineforhim
andIwentbackt otheflat
.Isti
llhavetogot owork
soilef
thim athisnannywhol i
vesont he8t hfl
oor.
.
.
.
Unknown
Isti
llr
emembert hef i
rstdayimetheratt he
hospital.Iwashergynecol ogist
.Shegavebi rt
htoo
2kidst hroughC- section.Herhusbandwasso
happybuticoul dseepor vert
ywr i
tt
enalloverthei
r
faces.Andicoul dn'tstandthatabeauti
fulwoman
l
ikeherwasl ivi
ngi npor vert
y.Thehusbandt hought
sheonl ygavebi rthto1chi l
dbuttheyweretwins.I
gavethehusband1chi ld.Shethangavebirthto
anotherchi l
dbutIhi dit.Shethanwent
unconsci ous.Iinjectedhersot hatshecanbeas
coldasi ce.Everyoneboughtt hestoryt
hatshei s
dead.atni ghtit ookhert omyl abi nmyhousewi t
h
herki d.Imadeherr ightagai n.Whenshewokei
toldhert hatherhusbandt ookherot herkidand
saidi t'
soverbet weent hem andshecankeept he
secondki dhedoesn' twanti t
.Atf i
rstshedidn't
believemeshewoul dcryher sel ftosleepatni ght
but2year sl ater.Shegavei nandagr eedtobemy
wifeandherchi l
dusedmysur name.Lat eronshe
becomei nlovewi thmeandibecameobsessed
abouther .Ever ytimesomewoul dlookatheri na
differentwayiwoul dbeatherandwhenshet alksto
anot hermaniwoul dbeatherupandgi veherrough
sex.Herwombbecamedamagedatsomepoi nt .5
year sagoshewant edt ogoandl ookf orherother
childandt hehusband.Ist artedbeatherupandt ol
d
hert hatshei snotgoi ngt oleavemet ogoandl ook
foranybody.Soideci dedt hatweshoul dgost ayin
anot hercount r
ywi t
hherspoi lbratchi l
d.She
doesn' tevenseet het hingsidot ohermot hershei s
justusel ess.ButnowI '
m pl anningongoi ngbackt o
SAsi nceitseemsl ikeshegott hemessage.Noone
messeswi thmeandimeannoone.Onceyour
mi neyourmi nef orever.
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t17
.
.
TT
Mynamei sThapeloVice.I
'mturni
ng32year sold
thisyear.Iwasbor ninLimpopobutmypar entsare
bot hXhosa's.Ihaveanoldersist
er.Ir
anawayf rom
homewi thSil
encer.Wewentt ocapeTownf orthe
gangst ershit
.Wehavebeenf ri
endssincecr eche.
You' l
lknowwhathappenedsoiwon' tbewast ing
myt i
met el
li
ngyouguys.Sowear ri
vedin
Johannesbur g.Wealreadybookedaguest house.
Wewer eonourwayt oitwhenCagesai dishould
stopwewer edrivi
ngont hefr
eeway.Iwast heone
drivingnow.
Me:
"whyshoul
dist
op?
"Isai
dst
oppi
ngt
hecar
Cage:
"l
ookovert
her
e"hesai
dpoi
nti
ngatacar
comi
ngourway.Buti
twasst
il
lfar
.
Snakes:
"t
hat
'
sthemoneycardawg"cagenodded.
Mamber:
"ar
eyouguyst
hinki
ngwhatI'
mt hi
nki
ng"
hesai
dwithasmi
rkonhisface.Weal
lchuckl
ed.
Us:"moneyhei st!
"Wewentoutt hecartookoutt he
bigsuitcasethathasourt ools.Caget ookouta
sharpchai nthatwillSpi
ket hecar swheels.I
draggedi twi
thmyf eett
ot heot hersideoft heroad
sothatt heydon'tseethechai n.Imadei tseem l i
ke
I'
m goingt opee.Thanwentbackt othecar .we
l
oadedourguns.Thecarcameandi t'
sTyresBur st
asplanned.Wequi cklyr
ant oitt hanshooting
star
tedweshotal loftheguysi nt hatvan.Wewent
toopent hedoort hewas1guar dt herehewas
abouttoshootmewhenSi l
encerj umpedi nf r
ontof
me.Hewasshotonhi sshoulder .Ishottheguar d
Left
Sil
encer:
"t
akethemoneyandl
et'
sgo"hewasin
painandhewasl osi
ngal
otofbl
ood.Ir
antoohim
andpickedhim up.
Me:
"guyst
aket
hemoneyiwi
llt
akesi
yat
othecar
"i
carri
edhimt heretheguyscamebackwi thbagsf ull
ofmoney.Wer ushedtothehospi
tal
.Whenwegot
therehewasal readyout.Weal
ltookhimi nside.
Thenur sestookhim wewenttothereceptionistt
o
openaf il
eforhim.Someonepat t
edmyshoul der
weal lt
urnedaroundtobemetbyAyamt handa
herself
.
Her:
"her
eit'
stheguycel
lphonethatcamei
nherei
t
f
alloutofhi
spocket"wecouldn'
tutt
erwor
ds.
:
"ChumaniPlaat
ji
es"andthani
twasconfi
rmedi
tis
her.Shegavemethecell
phoneandwenttot
he
doctor.
Tai
lor
:"
shei
smor
ebeaut
if
ulnowt
hatIsawherf
ace
tof
ace"
Us:
"br
o"
Mamber:"
nomarnguysSilencerr
eal
lyscor
edt
her
e
sheevenhasanassfordays"
Us:
"br
o"wewereal
ldaydreami
ngabouther
.We
wer
eboughtbackt
oreal
it
ybyanurse.
Nur
se:
"ar
eguyswi
thSi
yamt
handaPl
aat
ji
es"we
nodded
Her:
"pl
easef
oll
owmehisawake"wefol
lowedher
whenwegotthereSi
yawasf
ight
ingwit
hthenurse.
Me:
"Rel
axbr
o"hel
ookedatus
Him:"khanixel
eleniezinursendir
ytumna(tel
l
thesenursesthatI '
mf i
ne)"wel
lSi
yataughtus
i
sixhosaandi twasf astforustol
earni
tcozwe
usedt ospeakisixhosa.
Cage:"
ladi
esyoucanbeexcusedwewillt
alkwit
h
thegentl
emanoverher
e"theynoddedandwalked
out.
Snakes:
"guesswhowesaw"hesai
dexci
tedl
y.
Si
ya:
"God"her
oll
edhi
seyes
Us:"
nosheisevenbett
erwesawtheoneandonl
y
Ayamthanda"hegotof
fthebedasqui
ckas
l
ightni
ng.
Cage:
"phol
abr
ouyaphi(
cal
m downbr
owher
ear
e
yougoing)
"
Siya:
"suri
ngulwat
hawenaaphandi
yakwecherr
y
yam (don'
ttal
kshi
ther
eI'
m goi
ngtomygir
lf
ri
end)"
Cage:
"bonusshewaswal
kingwi
tht
heoneandonl
y
Chumani"
Mamber
:"
hel
ookedsi
ckt
hough"
Si
ya:
"ndahambaumnamaj
it
abaphi(
I'
m goi
ngbr
o's
wher
earethey?
)"
Snakes:
"haihaihaiawunancosiwena(
nonono
youdon'
thaveaki d)"
Siya:"
nagul
aaniybonil
alai
tiyaf
ananam(youmad
can'tyouseet
hattheboylooksli
keme)
"
Tai
lor
:"
yourasper
m donorbr
o"wel
aughed
Si
ya:
"ni
phume(
getout
)"
Us:
"zi
zal
elowakhhhho(
givebi
rt
htoyourown
chi
ld)
"wesaidthati
nagirl
svoi
ceandwelaughed.
.
.
Notedi
ted

Apeaki
nthef
utur
e
Him:"bri
ngayamthandaforme"t heytookme
roughlytohi
m.Hemademet oucht hegunheuses.
Andpl acedi
tinanevidenceplasti
c.
Him:"
ifidi
sappeart
hant
hiswi
llgost
raighttothe
pol
ice.I
maginehowmanypeopleiki
ll
edusingt his
gun"helaughed.Mymot
herwascryi
ngal lt
histime.
I
nser
t18
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Igotdischar gedfrom thehospi talI'mj ustwaiti
ng
formyf r
iendst ocomeandf etchme.Idon' teven
knowwhyiaskedt hosemot herf ucker stocome
andf etchme.Iknowf orafactt hattheywi llcome
attheirownt i
meher e.AndI '
mr i
ghti t'
sbeen2
hour sandt heyhaven'tshowedupyet .Iwillj
ust
requestedf oranUber .Iknowt heGuest housewe
willbest ayi
ngi nforawhi l
etillwef inished
renovatingourhouses.Iwi l
lbest ayingwi t
hAyaI
don'tcareaboutt hosevatensi tshi t
.Asl ongasI
havemywi feandchi l
dnextt ome.Iwi llmakesure
thatIgetAyabacknowmat t
erwhatt he
circumst ancesare.Job?Wel lIforgottotellyou
guysIf inishedmydegr eeinRussi a.I'
m aqual if
ied
Char teredaccount antnow.Igotaj obinsome
companyandIwi l
lstartworkingtherenextmont h.
ButIwon' tbeanempl oyeeforeverIwantt obemy
selvesboss.Myphonebeepedt ell
ingmet heUber
i
sout side.Iwantoutofmywar dandwentt ot he
Uber .Ihaveal r
eadysi gnedthedi schargepaper s.
TheUbert ookmet otheGuest housei nSandt on.I
paid.Isomehowhadmywal letwithme.The
secur it
yopenedt hegat eforme.WhenIgoti nt he
houset heguyswer epl ayi
ngFI FA.Theydi dn'teven
hearmeget t
ingin.Ishockmyhead.Iwentupst ai r
s
wor eabal aclavachangedmycl othestookmyAK-
47gunandwentdownst ai
rs.Icrackedmygunt hey
alllookedbackatme.Youshoul dhaveseenhow
scar edt heywer e.
Me:"
holakuphaniMalindayazi
ininiabar
obe
l
amottoizol
o(heytakeoutthemoneyIknowyou
guysaretheonesthatstol
eityester
day)
"ichanged
myvoice
Cage:"t
aGodndayaziiumnanaweasibonani
nagali
soelinye(
godIknowyouandIdon' tseeeach
othereyetoeye)butpleasepr
otectusnow"hesaid
thatcl
osinghiseyes.
Mamber:
"haimarnv'
tsekwena(nomanv't
sek)can'
t
youseet
hatthi
smotherfuckeri
srobbi
ngus"
Me:
"Idon'
thavet
hewhol
eday"
TT:
"okayokaylookwedon'
thavethemoneybyus
nowSilencerhast
hemoneyyoucangotohimif
youhaveadeat hwi
sh"t
heyallagr
eedwi
thhim.
Me:"
Idon'
thaveti
mef
orthesechi
ldi
shgames
your
stakeoutt
hemoney"
Tai
lor:
"aamarnt
azkuphanimal
i(nomanguyst
ake
outthemoney)I
'
m st
il
lyoungtodie"
TT:
"me'
stoo"
Mamber
:"
me'
sthr
ee"
Snakes:
"me'
sfour
"
Cage:
"me'
sfi
ve"Icr
ackedt
hegun
TT:
"okayokaywewi
llt
akei
toutj
ustdon'
tshootus
west
il
lneedt
orepentandbegood"
Cage:"t
aGodIpr omi seI'
llgot ochurchI'
l
lstartby
goingtoSundayschoolsi nceIusedt oskipthem"
theyallagreedwi thhim.Icoul dn'
thol
ditanymor eI
j
ustbur stedintolaugher .Itookoffthebalacl
ava.
Snakest hrewakni f
et owardsmeIduckedi tandit
hitthewal l
.Icontinuedl aughing.
Me:
"shoul
dhaveseenyourf
aces"
Tail
or:
"beseksel
ekancanenjeukut
hingi
zicamel
e
besekselekancanenje(
Iwassocloseinpeei
ngon
myself)
"hesang.Weal ll
aughedathi
m.Mxm I
havethebestbr o'
sever
.
Me:"t
hat'
swhatyougetformakingmewai
tatt
he
hospit
alf
or5hours"Iexagger
ated.
Snakes:
"haitahaitasuxokav'
tsek(
nomannoman
don'
tli
ev'tsek)i
t'
sbeen2hours"
Theothers:
"nj
ayaphil
enaweuyaxelaSbanxa
(weredoesthi
sdogbelong.Youar
etel
li
nghim
stupi
d)"Il
aughed.
Me:
"l
et'
spl
ay"wepl
ayedFI
FAwi
llsi
ngi
ngamagwi
jo
andIwast hesingingwi t
hMambert heot herswere
j
ustf ol
lowing.Tailorcamewi t
hpopcor nsand
dri
nks.Wekeptonsi ngi
ngIwashavi ngagr eatti
me.
WhenIwasst i
llonthehighnotesinging"wemama
ngivumel endif
unugoduka"someoneknockedat
thedoor .Weignor edthatper
sonhopi ngtheywillgo
awaybutt heknockbecamel oud.TTwentt oopen.
Hecamebackwi t
ht hesecur
it
y.
Securi
ty:
"af
ter
noongentl
eman"wenodded" your
nei
ghborsarecomplai
ningsayi
ngthatyourmaking
anoisesocanyoupleasekeepitdownbeforethey
cal
lthepoli
ce"wenoddedthanhewentout .
Mamber:
"fuckenmoodspoi
ler
"weal
lcl
ickedour
t
ongues.
Cage:
"l
et'
sgosomewher
eel
se"
Snakes:
"si
yephi(
wer
eshoul
dwego)
"
Cage:
"andi
yazinam (
Ial
sodon'
tknow)
"
Tai
lor
:"
let
'spaySi
yamt
handa'
sgi
rl
fr
iendavi
sit
"
Me:"
asozekl
knobasewunxilel
easozeundibize
ngenumberplat
e(youwi
llnevereveni
fyourdrank
youwil
lnevercal
lmebymyf ul
lname)
"they
l
aughed.Mamberr anupst
air
sandcamebackwi
th
hisl
apt
op.
Mamber:"
numberyakhe(hercel
lphonenumber
)"I
gavei
ttohim.Hetr
ackedherdown.
Mamber :
"let'
sgoIfoundherpl ace"weallwentout
l
eavingthepl acemessy.Wewentt oherplaceand
sheisstayinginafl
atwewentt oherflat
.We
knockedont hedoornor esponse.
Me:
"ar
eyousur
ethi
sist
her
ightl
ocat
ionbr
o"
Tai
lor
:"
callherman"Ical
ledherandwehear
dher
phoneri
ngingbutshedidn'
tanswer.
Cage:"
looksl i
keshedoesn'twanttoseeust oday
butwewi llonedaythat
'sapr omise"wel aughed.I
st
artedsinging"ngi
zohlalandikuthandast handwa
Sam"(gwi jo)andmybro'ssangal ong.Wet hanleft
onourwayhomewesawast adi
um f ul
loffpeople.
Mamberdr oveinwewentt ojoi
nthepeopl et hat
weresinging.
Me:"guyswoahklktheki
ng'sareherenowyouwel
l
al
lfoll
owafterourl
ead"everyonewasgivi
ngus
t
hei
rat
tent
ionnow.
TT:"
funeket
yebengomaxanicul
aibi
tyi
leleyenu
(whenyousingyoumustsi
ngwithef
fortnotwhat
youdoingnow)
Us:"sanusjongaingathisi
nityal
aamasendekl k
(Don'tlookatuslikeweoweyou' l
lbal
ls)
"everyone
l
aughed.West ar
tedsinging"wemamangi vumele
ndifunugoduka".Andever yonewassi
nging.We
reall
ydi dbri
ngavi bether
ecausepeoplewere
enjoyingthemselves.Someoneevengaveusa
bottleofHennessy.
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t19
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Iknockedof
fear
lyt
oday.It
ookmychi
ldbef
ore
goingtot hefl
at.Iwassl eepingwhenIhear dpeople
knocking.Iwentt opeakatt hewi ndowonl ytobe
metbyt heguysIsawatt hehospi talwi
th
Siyamthanda.Andt hatexplainsitwhyt heywere
l
ookatmei nawei r
dway.Ij ustcoul dn'
tbring
myselftoopent hedoorIwasn' treadytof aceSiya.
theywer ealsodrunkIcoul dseeI nt hei
reyes.They
sangbeaut if
ull
y.Ismi l
edandshar edat earatthat
moment .Andl ookedatmyneckl ace.YeahIstil
l
haveit.Ikeepmypr omises.Theywentawayand
ChumaniwokeupwhenIwasaboutt ohaveacan
offlyi
ngf i
sh.BEERALLTHEWAYI NTIMESOF
BEINGRI CHORPOOR.It ookhi m.
Hi
m:"
mama"
Me:
"Owam"hethanplayedwi
thmyneckl
ace.He
wasaboutt
opulli
twhenIqui
ckl
ypul
ledi
taway
f
rom hi
m.
Me:
"youranaught
yboyman"hef
rowned.Ij
ust
r
oll
edmyeyes
Me:
"sor
rykest
handwaSam (mylove)
"Iwenttot
he
l
oungewit
hhim.Iswi
tchedoncart
oonsforhi
m.I
placedhi m onthecoucht hanwanttot
hekitchento
makehi mf ood.Itookoutabananaandyogur tand
mi xedthem toget
her.Itookoutmeatoutformyself.
Iam goi ngtocookitforsupper.It
ookChumani '
s
foodt othelounge.
Me: "comebaby.Youmusteatyourf oodnow. "I
tookhi m andpl acedhim onmyl apthanfedhi m.I
gavehi m hisdr i
nk.Andhedr anki twil
lwat ching
cartoons.Ist art
edpr eparingdi nnerformysel f
nothi ngfancy.Justmeatandpot atoechips.I
mashedt hechi psforChumani .Ifedhimf irstthanI
atemyf oodwi thacanofbeer .Chumanif allasleep
ont hecouchIt ookhi mt other oom Ichangedhi s
clothesanddr essedhim upi nhisPJs.Ipl acedhi m
neat l
yonhi scot .Itookmycel lphone.Iwashedt he
dishest hanwentt owat cht heTV.Orshoul dIsay
thet vwaswat chingmecauseIwasf ocusedonmy
cell
phone.Icameacr ossavi deoofSi yaandhi s
fri
endssi ngingatt hest adium ithadmanyl i
kesand
views.Ideci dedt owat chit.Siyawast heone
singing.Thesongwentl i
ke" f
unint ombi
engt handayoengazodl al
angam f unintombi
engt handayoengazodl alangam.Babypl ease
forgivemecel auxol o.Ayapl easef orgivemecel a
uxol o".Thevi deoact uallytouchedmyhear t.
Especi all
ytheonet hathewassi nging" ngifuna
wenamybaby"heevencr i
edi nt hatone.Al cohol
doeswonder s.Andgi rl
swer eal lovert hem.Igot
j
eal ous.Imeansi yai smi neevent houghI '
m goi ng
togi vehi m ahar dtime.Toseei fhei sser i
ous
aboutme.Iwat chedt hevi deof ort he7t ht imet han
Iwantt osleep.Fort hef ir
sttimei n2year sIsl ept
peacef ulmyhear twasr el
ieved.EvenChumani
wokeuponce.Iwokeupear lytodayIj ustwantt o
cleanar oundt hef l
at.Iwal kedt ot heen- sui tand
brushedmyt eet h.Iswi tchedonmusi cst ared
cleani ngar oundwhi l
edanci ng.Iwasi nagood
moodIhaveaf eeli
ngt hatt odayi sgoingt obet he
bestdayever .WhenIwasdoneImadeaf ull
Engl ishbr eakf astformysel fandpl acedi ti
nt he
mi crowave.ImadeChumani 'sNest l
epor ri
dge.I
wentbackt ot her oom t ocheckwhathei sdoing
andhewasj ustsucki nghi st humbl ooki ngatt he
ceili
ng.Ir anf ormyphoneandt ookapi ctureofhi m.
Iupl oadedmypr ofil
epi ctures.Ipl acedmy
cell
phoneonthebedthantookChumaniwewentto
thekit
chen.If
edhim hi
sporri
dge,wi
pedhismouth
hewaspout i
ngal
lthi
stime.Igavehi
m apeckon
hisli
ps.
Hi
m:"
mama"hepout
edagai
nIpeckedhi
sli
psagai
n
Hi
m:"
mama"hepout
edagai
n
Me:"haiv'tsekyabanxangoku( no,yourf oolingme
now) "Isaidthatticklinghi m.Hewasgi ggl i
nghi s
l
ungsout .Hisgigglesar ethebest .Itookhi m of f
thekitchencount er.madeabubbl ebat hforus.we
tookabat htogether.Wel oti
oned, wor eourwhi tet-
shir
tsmi newasanover sizedt -
shirt.Wewor eour
shorts.Icombedhi sf luffyhair.Iwor emywi gthat
i
s15i nchlong.Iappl i
edmyl ipgloss.Ipackedmy
thi
ngsi nhi sBabybagwear egoi ngt othemal l
today.Ineedt obuygr oceri
es.Iqui cklywor emy
sandlesandIal somadeChumaniwearhi s.Itook
thebagandchumaniwhowaspl ayingwi thmy
phone.Wewentt ot hel oungeIpl acedhi mt here
andIat emybr eakfast .WhenIwasaboutt otake
myl astbitemyphonebeepedt elli
ngmet heUber
hasar ri
ved.Eatt hef oodl eftandpl acedt hepl atein
thesink.It
ookChumaniwi ththebag.Il
ockedt he
doorthanwentoutt ot
heUber .I
ttookustothemal l
.
Wef ir
stwenttopicknpay.Chumaniwant ed
everythi
nghecouldgethishandson.Ipai dthan
wentt owooli
es.Chumaniwast ryi
ngtofr
eehi mself
from mebutIheldhimtightl
y.Hefrownedandhe
wasgoi ngtomakeonehel lofanoisesoletgoof
him.
Me:"
Don'tgoanywherejuststandthere"Iwas
l
ookingformyfavori
teicecream here.If
oundit
andplacedi
tinthebasketIhad.Ilookeddownfor
ChumaniandIcouldn'tseehim Il
ookedaroundand
Isawhim cr
awli
ng
Me:"Chumanimar n"doyout hinkhel ist
enedt ome.
Hej ustkeptoncr awli
ng.Ifoll
owedhi m het ookhis
l
eftSanaowam mt hana(mychi ld).Iquicklyranto
him whenIgott ohim hewast ryingtogetupusi ng
someone' sleg.Thatpersonpickedhi m up.Ilooked
uponl ytobemetbyt heoneandonl ySiyamt handa
Plaatj
ieshewaswal kingwithhisf ri
endst hatIsaw
atthehospital.Hewasst il
lwear inghisbr acelet
.
Hisf r
iendswhi st
led.
Them:
"goal
s"wewer
ewear
ingwhi
tet
-shi
rt
s.
Si
ya:"
nit
shobanozelandizozanebedni
lal
e(sayso
i
fyouwantt osl
eepIwil
lcomewi t
habedandyou
wil
lsl
eep)"
Them:"
ifsi
zolal
anayethanungazanayo(
ifweare
goingt
osleepwithhert
hanyoucancomewi t
hit
)"I
chuckl
ed
Si
ya:
"ni
yanya(
yout
alki
ngshi
t)
"
Guy¹:
"canyoupleasehookmeupwi t
hsomeoneas
beaut
ifulasyou"theywereal
ldaydr
eami
ngli
ke
l
astti
me.Ichuckledagain.Si
yawasadmi
ri
nghis
son.
Me:
"Chumanimasambewena(
Chumanil
et'
sgo)
"
Siya:
"soyournotgoi
ngt
otal
ktome"Il
ookedathi
m
foralongti
me
Siya:"okf
ineIadmitIwaswrongforl
eavi
ngyouto
raiseOwam aloneandforl
eavingyou"woahwai
t
heal soknowshissecondname.
Me:"
youdidn'
teventr
ytocont
actme"Iwasal
ready
i
ntears.Oneofhisf
ri
endsqui
ckl
yrantomeand
kneel
edhet
ookoutat
issueandgavei
ttome.
Him:"nyembezizecherr
yaziwelipant
si(
gir
lstear
s
don'tfal
ldone)
"Igiggl
edandwi pedmytear
s.His
otherfri
endspull
edhim awayfrom meandthey
wereswear i
ngathim.Ijustl
aughedcozitl
ooked
real
lyfunny.
Hi
m:"
whatcanIdof
oryout
ofor
giveme"
Me:"bl
ackRosesandacar "don'taskhowt hebl
ack
Rosesideacamef r
om butIwantt oseeifheis
ser
iousaboutmeornot .Iwanttoseeifhewi l
lgo
onextramil
esjusttobewi t
hme.Andt hecarpart
j
ustcameoutofmymout hbutIreal
lydoneedacar.
Them:"blackRoses"Iwi
nked.Thant
ookChumani
From him.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Aft
eragreatnightwehadlastni
ghtwit
htheguys.
Wewentbackt otheguest
houseandslept
.Wewer e
onanot
herlevelofdr
unk.Somegi r
lswant
edtogo
homewi thus.Wej ustl
eftthem ther
e.Wokeup
earl
yinthemor ningwi t
habangi ngheadache.I
brushedmyt eeth,tookacol dshower.Il ot
ioned
andwor emywhi teplai
nt-shirt
,uzzi
bl ackjeans
fi
nisheditoffwi
thmyt ekkie.Iwentdownst airsand
mybr o'
swer ealreadyupdr inkingami xtur
et hatwe
usuall
ydrinkwhenwehavehangover .Itookagl ass
andpouredsomef orme.
TT:
"Ir
eal
lyhadagr
eatt
imeyest
erday"
Us:
"br
o"
Snakes:
"t
hosegi
rl
swer
eal
loverus"
Us:
"br
o"wel
aughed.Mamberwasonhi
slapt
op.
Mamber :"
Ayaisgoingt
ot hemallnow"hesai d
focusedonlaptop.Wewenttohi m andshewas
i
ndeedgoi ngtothemal
l.Tail
ortookt hecarkeyson
topofthekit
chencounterandranout .Theother
guysalsofoll
owedhim.Ichuckledandwentoutt oo.
Igottothecar.
Me:"whyyouallr
ushingasi
fshei
syourgir
lfri
end"
theywidenedt
heyeyesandheldt
hei
rchests.They
aresodramati
cIrol
ledmyeyes.
Them: "sheisbr o"Ichuckled.Tai
lordr
oveoff.We
gottot hemal landmambert oldusshei sat
wool i
es.Wewentt hereandsearchedforherin
everyai sl
e.Itseemedt obemyl uckydaywhen
Chumanicr awledt omeandt r
iedtostandup.You
allknowt heconver sat
ionmocandCagewast he
onewhogavehert hetissue.
TT:
"bl
ackr
oseshai
mabat
shi
swe(
no,
theymustbe
bur
nt)
"
Snakes:
"sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odobr
o"
Me:"l
etmet el
lyousomet hi
ngyoucanbewi th
someoneatt hewr ongtime.Thenyoubr eakup.Not
becauseyouwantt o.butbecauseli
feforcesyou
apart.It
'snotwr ongtogobackwhenyou' remature.
Andf ixthi
ngswi thyourwomani fshewasagood
personf oryou.Andi nthiscaseAyai st
her i
ght
personf ormeIwi lldowhateveri tt
akestowi nher
back."Theyal lgavemef istbumps.
Snakes:
"guyslet
'sgoIhaveaplanabouttheblack
rosespartwewillbuyfoodcol
ori
ngorspraycolour
thati
sblackandspr aycol
ourt
heroses"weall
l
ookedathi
m wi
thasmi
le
TT:
"Wewil
lgoandbuythecar.
"HepulledTai
lor
.
Andtheyr
anout
.Ihavethebestbr
o'sever
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t20
.
.
Ayamt
handa.
Iwentbacktomyflat
.AndwhenIgott hemy
fr
iendswereatmydoorst
epexceptforRet
ha.His
proper
lyathi
sBeautySal
onorathisboyfr
iends
pl
ace.Igottomyfri
ends
Me:"xanibonabaakhomtut
henini
ngagoduki
(whenyouseet hatt
her
eisnoonewhydon'tyougo
home? )"
Zimi
:"
don'
tshitwit
huswenasizekubabyboy(we
comehereforbabyboy)
"Ichuckl
edandgaveher
Chumani
'
sbag.
Me:"opent hesidezipandt akeoutthekeys"she
tookthem outandopenedt hedoor.Theyt hr
ew
themselvesont hecouch.Ipl acedChumanii n
betweent hem.Itookthepl asti
cbagsandst art
ed
unpackingt hegroceri
es.Itookoutabottleofwine
andf ourglass.Ipl
acedt hem ontopofthecof f
ee
tabl
e
Lej
oy:
"nowyout al
kingourl
anguage"Il
aughedand
wentbacktothekit
chentotakeChumani'
spuri
ty
andhisdri
nk.Iwantbacktothel
ounge.took
Chumanifrom Yol
a.
Her
:"
siesunomonakewenandakwazi (
Iknowyour
j
eal
ous)"shesai
dlaughi
ngandIj
oinedin.
Zi
mi:
"di
dyouguysseet
hatt
heoneandonl
y
Si
yamthandaPl
aat
ji
esi
sback"
Lej
oy:
"di
dyouseet
hei
rvi
deoatst
adi
um yest
erday"
Yola:
"chomi
ieIwast
hereiwasst i
llhavingagr eat
ti
mewhenPhapama- hermother-decidedt ocallme.
WhenIgothomeandwat chedtheot hervideosI
wantedtocr
y.YouguessknowhowmuchIl ove
bei
ngi
nthatki
ndofvi
be"
Lej
oyandZi
mi:
"bi
tchwhydi
dn'
tyout
ellust
hatyou
weregoi
ngt
her
e"
Yola:
"Idi
dandyouguysblueti
ckedmewhenIt ol
d
you'l
lweshouldgoandwatchthemat ch"we
l
aughedcozwedi dblueti
ckherei
therwayIwasn'
t
goingtogo.Ihaveachi
ld.
Yol
a:"
andhekeptsi
ngingaboutt
hisAyagi
rl
"I
smi
ledandchuckl
ed.Zimil
ookedatme.
Zimi:
"washesi
ngi
ngaboutyou?"Theyal
lshi
ft
ed
thei
ratt
ent
iont
ome.Ijustsmi
ledli
keamadper son.
Them:
"BI
TCH!
!"Il
aughed
Lej
oy:
"Sf
ebei
nfactyoudi
dn'
tevent
ellus"Il
aughed
Zimi:
"kaycophisecc(tel
luswhathappened)"Iwas
abouttoanswert hem whensomeonestart
ed
si
ngingoutside.Notatmydoormor el
ikeatthe
parki
nglot.
Them:"yuuhIwonderbaniloculelwayomasambeni
i
(Iwonderwhosebeingsangf or,
let'
sgo)"we
l
aughedatt hei
rsi
ll
iness.LeJoytookChumanif
rom
me.Itooktheleftpur
it
ytothekit
chenastheywere
get
ti
ngout.Wel lIl
eaveonthe3rdfl
oorandwhen
youstandoutsideatmyflatyoucanseeever
ythi
ng
att
hebottom.
Them:
"Ayamt
handa!
!"
Me:
"haiyi
ntoni
inandibi
zangat
hindi
nit
yal
imali
r
haa(no,whyareyoucall
ingmeli
keIoweyou
money)"
Them: "
comeandseebi tch/ sf
ebe/ hoe"Ilaughed,
l
ef twhatIwasdoi ngandwantout side.Ilookat
theirdirecti
onandIsawSi yasinging' herheartby
Ant honyHami l
ton'hewasst andingnextt oacar
cover edwi thagreyclot
handar edribbon.Hewas
holdingbl ackrosesasr equested.Icried.His
fri
endswer estandingnexttohi m.Myf ri
endswer e
takingavi deoifnotbeingliveonI nstagram.Ir anto
him.Myf r
iendswer er
unningbehi ndme.LeJoy
wasatt hebacksi nceshewashol dingChumani .I
j
umpedont opofhim andhehel dme.Hehanded
ther osesovert ooneofhi sfri
endst hanhehugged
met i
ghtly.Hisfri
endgaveusabot tl
eof
champagne.Si yaopenedt hebot tl
e.
Al
lofus:
"WOAH!
!!
"Chumanigiggl
edandcl
apped
hi
shandsandwelaughedathi
m.
Me:
"youst
il
lhavet
oexpl
ainyour
sel
ftoughandt
his
t
imeIwa..
."
Theguys:"
oohnkosiyam (
ohmyGod)"theypl
aced
thei
rhandsonthei
rheads.Wel
aughed
Me:
"I
'mj
ustj
oki
ngnowcaniseet
hecaryougotf
or
me"
2ofhi sfri
ends:"
youme.."siyagavet
hem adead
stareandt heykeptqui
et.Il
aughedtaki
ngthecl
oth
ofandt heyboughtmear edrangeRoverI
screamedj umpingupanddown.Iwasovert he
moon.Happywasanunder stat
ementatthi
s
moment .
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Weboughtever
ythi
ngweneedandcoloursprayed
t
herosesbl
ack.TTandTai
lorcamebackwiththe
car
.Wentt
oherf
lat
.Weal
readycover
edt
hecar
Me:
"yoohsizombi
zanjanikengoku(howar egoi
ng
t
ocallher
)"t
heyl
ookedatmelikeI'
m crazy.
Me:
"what
?"Isai
dlaughi
ng
Them:
"who'
swe?
"
Snakes:
"useyourt
alentbroandstopt
alki
ngshi
t
her
e"Ifr
ownedandt heylaughed
Them:"cul
amar nwenayekunyaaba(justsingand
stopshit
ti
ng)"Ichuckl
ed.Youknowwhathappened
moc.Iwassohappyt hatshewashappy.Seei ng
hersmileagainmademyhear tj
umpinj oy.Weall
wenttoherflat.It
ookChumanif r
om herfriend
whenwegott oherfl
at.
Her:
"kudal
lawanjekewenakwasehighschool(
you
havealwaysbeenli
kethi
ssincehi
ghschool)
"we
andmybr o'
slookedatherwit
hquest
ioni
ngeye'
s.
Her
:"
youguysdon'
trememberme"wewer
eal
lst
il
l
l
ooki
ngather
TT:"asoze,neverndi
thiasozeibenguwelorha
(never,neverIsaynever .I
tcan'tbeyou)
"
Tail
or:"
isshewhoIt
hinkshei
s"wel
ookedatherf
or
thelastti
me.
Meandmybr
o's:
"Let
habo!
!"
Her
:"
int
hef
lesh"
Aya:
"howdoyouguysknoweachot
her
"
Me:
"l
ongst
orybaby"
Cage:
"butt
ocuti
tshor
tsh.
."
Let
habo:
"ndakubet
haLuvuyosundiqel
a(Iwi
llbeat
youupLuvuyoshutup)
"
TT:
"l
et'
srat
herl
eavei
tbr
o'sshei
sal
lgr
ownup
now"
Aya;
"Ist
il
lwantt
oknowt
hough"
Me:
"Iwi
llt
ellyoubabydon'
twor
ry"
Theot
hergi
rl
s:"
nat
hisi
funuyazit
chi
nii(
weal
so
wantt
oknow)"
Tai
lor
:"
Iwi
llt
ellyouguyssoyouseel
etha.
..
"
Let
habo:
"aa(
no)neLuvol
wet
hu"
TT:
"youst
il
lrememberournames"
Let
habo:
"hehakeThapel
o"sher
oll
edhereyes
Snakesandmamber :
"youdon'
tknowour
sdon'
tli
e"
sherol
ledhereyesagai
n.
Her
:"
Ayakha-
snakes-Mxol
isi-
mamber
-hehake"
Mamber:"
don'tmakenoisedon'tmakenoisenda
kupayonkeintoumna.(Iwi
llt
ellt
hem everythi
ng)
younowt hatIdon'
tli
kemynamer athercallme
Mamber"Lethabofrowned.
Cage:
"ni
ngobaniNi
nagi
rl
s"
Gi
rl
¹:
"Zi
minat
hi"
Gi
rl
²:
"Ayol
a"
Snakes:
"Zi
mii
smineIdon'
twanttofi
ghtwit
hyou
guys"zi
miwasgi
ggl
ing.Andwejustl
aughed.
Cage:
"Ayol
aismi
ne"hemadehersi
tont
opofher
Tail
orandmamber:
"asozenobasesinxi
li
lekl
k
(nevereveni
fwear
edrunk)"
Aya:
"wenaThapel
oawuzothet
ha?(
Andyou
Thapel
oain'
tyougoi
ngtot
alk)
"
Let
habo:
"ngubabyTTwena(
TTi
smybaby)
"TT
f
rowned
TT:"suqalapleaseokowandibambi silahlaesgel
la
andifuninokobona( Don'tstar
t ,
eversinceyou
madeaf ulloutofmeatschoolIdon' twantt oeven
seeyou) "wel aughed.Wechi l
ledtherethewhol e
dayhavi ngfunbutIwasn' tpartoftheir
conversationIwaspl ayi
ngwi t
hmyboy.Lat eron
theguysandt hegirl
swentt otheclubl eavi
ngme
withAya.
Her
:"ai
n'tyouhungr
y"sheaskedMaki
ngChumani
'
s
por
ri
dge.
Me:
"Iam baby"
Her:"
okayIwi
llmakeyousomet hi
ngt
oeataft
er
feedi
ngchumani"Inodded.Shecamewi
ththe
porri
dge.
Her
:"
Izababy(
comebaby)
"Chumanidi
dn'
twantt
o
l
etgoofme
Her:
"suchabet
rayerst
aywit
hyourf
athert
hanand
nevercomebacktome"il
aughed
Me:
"l
etmef
eedhi
m baby"
Her:
"mxm"shegavemet hepor r
idgeandIf edmy
boywhileAyawasmaki ngsomet hingt oeatforus.
Hedidn'
tgivemepr obl
ems.Chumanif i
nal
lyfal
l
asl
eepleavingmeandhi smot heralone.Iwantto
Aya,Ipl
antedkissesonherneckshel etoutasoft
moanbef or
egivingmefullaccesstoherneck.
Me:"Iseeyoukeptyourpr
omi
se"Isai
dtouchi
ngher
necklace.
Her :
"youal sokeptyour s.let'seatfirst"Inodded.We
atewi llIwasbusyexpl ainingmysel fandbei ngt he
bestgi rl
fr
iendshei s.sheunder stood.Ipl acedt he
platesi nthesi nkthanwentt oher.Ipul l
edhercl ose
tomeIki ssedhersl owlyIwasn' tinar ushaf terall.
Grabbedherassandl i
ftedherup.Isl owl ywal ked
theguest room wi thherst i
llinmyar m.Ipl acedher
carefullyont opoft hebedwi thoutbr eakingt heki ss.
Itookofhercl othest hanIuncl ippedherbr aand
tooki toff
.Ist art
edmassagi ngherni pplesand
playedwi ththem.Iwentt othem andsuckedt hem
willtakingoffherunder wear .wentdownt oher
castleandki ssedi tfirstbef oretakinghert o
muf ftown.Shecum i nmymout handshet astesso
goodasal waysIwantyout ohermout hsot hatshe
cant asteherself
.Shehelpedmet akeof fmy
cl
ot hes.Irubbedmycockonhercl i
t.Atf i
rstI
couldn'tgetinandshewasr eadyt ogiveupbutI
didn'tgivehertheti
meofday.Cozi t
'sbeen2year s
si
nceIhadsex.Ther estwashistory.Tot opi toff
wedi dhadsomanyr oundsIlostcount .Wesl ept
aftertakingabathtogether.
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t21
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
IwokebeforeAyadi djusttopreparebreakfastfor
her.Idi
dmydai l
yroutinethanwor etheclothesI
waswear i
ngyest erday.I'
m sohappyt ohaveher
backinmyl i
fe.Ijustcan'twaittospendt herestof
myl i
fewit
hher .ExcusemeIwant edtosayt hem
notforgetChumani .Ijustwantt owifeheral r
eady.
ButIwon' tbeabl et opayl obolaandt hedamages
forher.Ibetshedoesn' tknowherot herf amily
member sbutIwi llaskaboutt hem Ial sohavet ogo
andseemyf ather.Ihopehewi l
lacceptmebackso
thatIcanaskhi mt ohel pmeoutwi t
ht hedamages
andt helobolat hi
ng.Iwi l
lhavet ogot ohi mt his
after
nooni t
'sbeen12year ssi nceIwentbackhome.
Ifi
nishedmaki ngt hebr eakfastbutIwi llf
ir
stfeed
Chumanibef or ewaki ngupmywoman.Iwantt othe
room.Luckyf ormehewasj ustwaki nguphewas
abouttocr ywhenhesawmehest oppedf rowning.
Itookhim.Hi sNappywasf ullItookitof f
.I
preparedabat hforhi m andbat hedhi m hedi dn't
wantt ogetoutoft hewat erthischildt hough.
Me:
"haimarnChumaniI zaphumangokuAzobanda
l
amanzi(nomanChumanicomegetoutnowt he
wat
erisgoingt
obecol d)"doyouthi
nkheli
stened
t
omehej ustcont
inuedpl ayi
ngi
nthewater
.
Me:"
mxm yahambatat
ake(mxm yourdadi
s
goi
ng)"st
oodupat
tempti
ngtogo.
Hi
m:"
dada-
tat
a-"hesai
dli
ft
inguphi
shands.Il
ove
myboysomuchhedoesn' tevencr ywhenhi swit
h
meheevenf orgetst hathismot herexsi ts.Ihavea
feelingthatmeandmyboyar egoi ngt ohavea
closer elat
ionship.It ookhi m outoft hewat erand
wipedhi m beforel oti
oninghi m.Ihadapr oblem
put t
ingt henappyonsoIj ustwentt oYouTubeand
i
tshowedmehow.I tlookseasi ert hanIt hought
causeImanagedt oputi tonhi m.Idr essedhi m up
i
nhi sbl ackgol ft-shirtandbl ackj eanswi thhis
blacksneaker s.Icombedhi sfluffyhai r.myboy
l
ookedhandsomel ikehisf atherhaindi zali
leapha.I
tookhi m andwewentt ot hekitchenhermot her
wasst i
llsleepingshemustbet ired.Yest er daywe
wer eridingeachot herl i
kenobodi esbusi ness.Isat
ont opoft hebarst oolspl acedChumaniont he
kitchencount erthanmadehi spor r
idge.
Me:"
mamakhoyaligal
elabi
siapha(
doesyour
motherpourmi
lki
nhereornot?)
"Hejustsucked
hi
sthumb
Me:"andi
zol
igalel
aumnabai mbingeyakonaleyo
cozwenaawuf unuthetha(I
'm notgoi
ngtopourit.
Ift
heporri
dgeisn'
tniceit
'syourprobl
em because
youdon' twantt
ot al
k)"hej ustgi
ggledandIsmi led.
Ifedhim anditseemedl i
kehewasenj oyingit.I
cheri
shever ymomentIspendwi t
hmysonsi nceI
wasn'ttherewhenhewasbor n.Iwipedhi smout h
whenhewasdoneeat ing.Itookhismot her'
s
breakf
astf r
om themicr owaveandpl acedi tona
tr
ey.Itookoneoft herosesf rom yesterdayand
gaveittoChumani .
Me:
"l
et'
sgot
omommy"
Hi
m:"mama"hesai dj umpi
ngupanddown.We
wal
kedtother oom andshewasst i
llsl
eepi
ng.I
pl
acedthetreybesidesher.TookChumaniand
pl
acedhim ont opofher.
Me:"
let
'sgi
vemommyawakeupki ss"Iki
ssedher
andChumanij
oinedi
n.Hewasevenslappi
ngher
Me:
"haiwenasuqwabunyoko(nodon'
tsl
apyour
mot
her)"Ayaopenedhereyessmi
li
ng.
Her
:"
goodmor
ning"
Chumani:
"mama"hecl
appedhi
shands.Meandhi
s
mothersmil
ed.
Me:
"mor
ningbaby.
"Shesmi
l
ed
Aya:
"l
emmegoandwashmymout hfir
stIseeyou
madebreakf
astf orme"shepeckedChumani'
slips.
Shepeckedmi netoobutItur
nediti
ntoadeepkiss.
Chumanidecidedtogetjeal
ousandpullhi
s
mother
'shai
r.Ilaughed
Aya:
"Chumani!
!"Hejustgi
ggl
ed.Ayast
oodupand
wenttobrushhert
eeth.Shecamebackandat
eher
br
eakfast
.
Me:"
I'
vebeenthinki
ngthatIshouldgoandvisi
tmy
par
entsit
'sbeenquietawhil
ebabyIlastsawthem
12yearsago"Iwaslayingnextt
oherwithChumani
ontopofmegi vi
ngmesl apshereandther
e.
Aya:
"yeahyoushoul
dbef
orei
t'
stool
atebaby"
Me:"
Ishoul
dgi
vet
hem avi
sitt
odayf
orsupperor
somethi
ng"
Aya:"
wellyouaregoingtogot othem.Idon'twanta
maybe.Yaziiyourl
uckyt ohavebothparentssti
l
l
al
iveyoushouldcher i
shthel i
tt
leti
meyouhave
witht
hem beforeli
fedecidestotakethem away
fr
om you.Theywon' tl
iveforeversoyourdefi
nit
ely
aregoi
ngtothem t
oday"t
hosewor
dshi
thomeI
shoul
dreal
lygotothem
Me:
"t
hanI
'
mtaki
ngyouandChumaniwi
thme"
Aya:
"but
..
."
Me:"
nobut'
syouwer
egoi
ngt
omeett
hem anyway"I
gaveherapeck.
.
.
.
Luvol
wet
hu(
Tai
lor
)
Mynamei sLuvol wethuZul u.Ther eisnot hing
muchyoushoul dknowaboutmej ustthatI '
ma
qualif
iedlawyerbutI 'M cur r
ent l
ynotwor king.My
fir
mi sgettingfixedwel litwillbemi neandLuvuyo' s
-cage-.webot hst udi
edl awanddeci dedt odo
partnership.Theot herguysdon' tknowwewantt o
surpri
set hem whenwear eaboutt oopen.Soaf ter
thegreatt i
mewehadatAyamt handa'sflat.We
decidedt ohittheclubwewentt hereandal sohada
greattime.TTwaspi ssedof fbyLet habocauseshe
wasal l
overhi
m.ButLet habodi
dn'tgi
veaf uck.We
tookt hem homet hanwenttoourGuest house.I
waswokenupbysomeonecal l
ingthehouse
telephone.Thetelephonewasalsomaki ngonehel l
ofanoi se.Iopenedmyeyesandr eal
izedthatwe
sleptont hecouchstil
lweari
ngyesterday'sclothes.
Cagepi ckedupt hetel
ephone.
Cage:"thi
sbett
erbeagoodr easonforwaki ngusup
..
..Car s?Whoor der
edcar s?"TTquicklytookthe
phonef rom hi
m.Wellyesterdaywebought7car s
withthemoneyf rom themoneyheist.1wasf orAya
whichwegavet oher.Theother6aref ormeand
mybr o's.TTsaidweshouldbuyt hecar sfrom Audi
andweboughtR8' sforal
lofusbutdi ffer
ent
colours.
TT:
"l
ett
hem i
n"hepl
acedt
het
elephoneaway
Them:"whatt
hef
ucki
sgoi
ngon?
"Wepushedt
hem
outsi
de.
MeandTT: "Surpri
se!!
"Theysawt hecar
sand
star
tedwhistl
ing.Weal lr
antothem wetookt
hecar
keysfrom t
hepeopl ethatwer
edr i
vingt
hem.
Mamber :
"areyouguyst hi
nki ngwhatI 'mt hi
nking"
weal lsmi r
kedaswewer elooki ngatthecarkeys.
Wequi cklygoti nsideoft hem l eavingSiya'sbehind.
Wegotout1by1.Wef ormedast rai
ghtrowont he
road.West artedourengi ne'st hanstartedracingI
wast hef astest.I
'M alwaysf astwheni tcomest o
dri
ving.Iwasst il
ldri
vingf astwhenIal mosthi t
someonei twasast reetgirlnor hIquicklystopped
thecar.Maki ngherrealizet hatshewasday
dreami ngwhi l
ewalkingont hest reet
.Ifumml ygot
outofmycar
Me:"
can'
tyouseethatyourwal
kingontheroadand
youbusydaydreamingherewhati
fsomeonehits
youwit
hthei
rcardoyouhaveadeat hwish"
Her
:"
I'
..I
'
m s.
..sor
ry"shesai
dthr
oughsobbes
Me:
"l
ookatme"shesl
owl
ylookedupt
ome.
Me:"heyI
..
."Wemadeeyecontact.Ist
artedfeel
i
ng
thi
ngs.Wemadeeyecontactf
oral ongt i
me.Ibroke
i
tandgotinmycaranddroveoff.Idon'tknowwhat
happenedbackt
her
e.
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t22
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Intheaf t
ernoonIwentbackt otheGuest house
promi si
ngAyaIwi llcomebackl ater.Chumanicr ied
whenIwasgoi ngsoIt ookhi m withme.Aya
packedever ythingheneedsi nhisbag.Foronce
Ayai staki
ngabr eaksher eall
yneedsi tIevengave
hermoneyt ogopamperher sel
fatt hespa.Andshe
agreed.Iwentt ot heGuesthouseusi ngaUber .
Whenwegott hereIsawar oyalblueAudiR8.I
wonderwho' sher eIt ookmyboyandwal kedt othe
car.Iwalkedar oundi tandchumaniwascl apping
hishandsaswewer ewalkingar oundit.Ilaughed
athim.Justt hanot herR8'scamei nandmybr o's
cameoutoft hem.
TTandTai
lor
:"
sur
pri
se!
!"Theysai
dtomeandI
l
aughed
Me:"
IKnowyou' l
larecrazybutIdidn'tknowthat
youhadi tinyou.Awhol efuckencarbutI '
m not
complainingthecarlooksgreat.Evenmyboyl oves
i
t"t
heyl aughedwhi l
echumaniwasgi ggli
ngand
cl
appinghi shands.Cagetookhi mf r
om meandwe
wentinsidethehouse.
Me:
"sowhatdi
dImi
ssouton,
yest
erday?
"
Them:
"br
o,i
twasl
it
."
Me:"mxm aslongasIhadagr eatti
mewit
hmywi f
e
I
'm notcomplai
ning"Isai
dsl
ippingont
hecouch
t
hinkingaboutyest
erday.
Them:"
siesl
ent
wana(
siest
hisboy)
"Il
aughedt
hey
al
solaughed
Mamber:"Let
habowasalloverTT.Doyouthi
nkhe
gaveherthetimeof
fdayhewassopi ssedoffby
her"welaughed
TT:
"mxm"hemadeadeadst
are.
Snakes:
"youst
il
lhol
dinggr
udgesf
orwhat
happenedbackt
hen"
TT:
"mxm"
Me:"onaseri
ousnoteguysIhavetogoandseemy
parent
sandsibl
ingsitbeenqui
etawhil
eandIwant
topaydamagesf orAyaandnottof
orgett
opay
l
obolaforher
"Isaidsmili
ng
TT:
"br
oyouwantt
owi
feheral
ready"
Me:
"Iwantt
obeaf
ami
lymannow"
Them:
"nt
wanayet
hu(
ourboy)
"theyf
istbumpedme.
Cage:"
iphipur
it
yyakhel
ambi
lengoku(
wher
eishi
s
puri
tyhishungry)
"
Mamber:
"hai
bot
amazel
aphi
iwena(
howdoyou
know)
"
Cage:
"If
eelhi
minmyblood"wel
aughed.It
ookout
hi
spurit
yandhefedhi
m.Hekeptonpouti
ngwhil
e
Cagewasfeedi
nghim.
Cage:
"pl
easer
emindmetoneverpl
antmyseedi
n
someone"wel
aughedathi
m.
Cage:
"vul
akl
kboy(
openup)
"hef
edhi
mther
estof
hi
spuri
ty.Wechill
edtheret
hewhol
edaybutTai
lor
wasn'
tpartofourconver
sat
ionhewasi
nhisown
worl
d.
TT:
"hol
atheniwakude(
whyar
eyouf
arf
rom her
e)"
Tail
or:
"ei
shnt
wanangomnyeumt hanaendidibene
nayengokusi
race(ei
sh,boyi
t'
sanothergi
rlImet
whenwewer eraci
ng)"wechuckl
ed
Snakes:
"youcaughtf
eel
ingsf
orsomeoneyouj
ust
met?"
Us:"
hiswhi
ppeddawg"wel
aughedandTai
lor
chuckl
ed.
TT:
"sodi
dyougethernumberorsomet
hing"
Tai
lor
:"
she'
sast
reetgi
rldawgs"wel
ookedathi
m
Us:
"st
reetgi
rl!
!"
Tail
or:
"shel
ivesonthestr
eetbro.Shewasday
dreamingwhenIalmostknockedheroff
.Andwhen
shelookedatmeIhadt hi
sfeel
inginmeandIjust
ranaway."
Us:
"Ranaway.
iwena(
you)
"henoddedandwe
l
aughed
Us:
"youwhi
ppeddawgbyast
reetgi
rl
"
Cage:
"sohowareyougoi
ngt
ofi
ndherwhenyou
sayshe'
sastr
eetki
d"
Tail
or:
"Iwil
lgotowhereIfoundher.Iwantt
o
changeherlif
eDawgs.Iwanttomakeherl i
febetter
somethingkeepsondraggingmet ohert
hereis
somethingaboutt
hatgir
l"weallpatt
edhisshoulder
Snakes:
"youshouldgoandlookoutf
orher
.You
knowit'
sdangerousouther
e"
Tai
lor:
"Iwi
llbutnotnow"wenodded.Ir
anupst
air
s
tochangemycl othesandwor
ewhatmychildwas
weari
ng.
Me; "
IhavetogoguysIst i
llneedtogotomy
parentshouse.CanIhavemycarkeysneAux"I
saidsmili
ngandt heychuckl ed.TTgavememy
keysandt heaux.ItookChumaniandhe' sbag.I
placedhiminthepassenger ssit
.Hewasjumping
upanddownIcoul dn'tputhissafet
ybelton
Me:"Chumanimar nstopjumpi
ngupanddown"do
youthinkheli
stenedtome.ButIeventual
lyput
ted
thesitbel
ton.Iclosedthedoorandjoggedtomy
sideconnect edtheauxf i
rstthandr oveof f.Wewere
l
isteningtomusi conourwayt oAya' sf l
at.Chumani
wasj umpi ngupanddowni nhi ssitmychi ldwas
havingagr eatti
mesham.It ookavi deoofusand
postedi tonsocialmedia.Ithadmanyvi ews.We
gottot heflat.It
ookChumanii nsidej usttof et
ch
hismot heri t
'sal
readyl
ate.Wegoti nside.
Me:"masabebaby( let
'sgobaby)i
t '
sal
readylat
e"
shecameoutwear i
ngamaxidr esswithadoek
matchi
ngt hedress.Ismil
edlookingather.She
wassobeaut i
ful.Chumanievenclappedhishands
forher
.Andwesmi led.
Me:
"semhl
emar
ni(
yoursobeaut
if
ul)
"shesmi
led
Her
:"
let
'sgoi
t'
sal
readyl
ate"
Me:
"whi
chcarar
ewegoi
ngt
ousemi
neoryour
s?"
Her
:"
youhaveacar
?"
Me:
"yeahThapel
oandLuvoboughti
tformebuti
t'
s
a2sit
tercar
"
Her:
"l
et'
srat
hertakemine"sherantot
heroom and
camebackwi t
hthekeys.Shelockedt
hedoorand
wewentt ohercar.It
ookChumani'
sbagfrom my
car
.Wet ookoff.Wegottothehouseandther
eare
ali
tt
lechanges.Iwasnervousphoffwewereall
ner
vous.
Me:"
relaxI'
m heref
oryou"shenodded.Wewalked
outofthecar.Ayawaswalkingsl
owlybehi
ndme
wit
hChumanii nherhandsIknockedonthedoor.
Mihl
aliopenedthedoor.
Him:"
bhutt
'!
!"Hesaidhuggi
ngmeandIhuggedhi m
backit
'sbeenquietawhil
esinceIsawthem t
oo.He
al
sohuggedAyaandt ookChumanifr
om herwegot
i
nsideandMi nent
lewaswatchingTV.
Mihlal
i:
"akasaf
aniNam mar
ni(
hel
ooksl
ikeme)
"we
chuckl
ednobaby
Mi
nent
le:
"who'
sthat
?"
Mihl
ali
:"
look"shet
urnedback.Shescr
eamedwhen
shesawme.AndIl aughed
Mi
nent
le:
"bhut
t'
!!
"
Me:"
Minni
e"shequi
ckl
yst
oodupandgavemea
bonecr
acki
nghug.
:
"WasolokouyangxolaMi nentl
eyere(youral
ways
makinganoiseMinentle)
"thatwasmom comi ng
fr
om theki
tchenwearingwi dowclot
hes.Iwas
shockedkengoku.
Me:
"Mama?
"Igaveherquest
ioni
ngeye'
s.
Her:
"Si
yamt
handamnt
anam (
mychi
ld)
"shecr
ied
asshewashuggi
ngme.
Her:
"Iseeyoubroughtguest
swi
thyou"shesai
d
l
ookingatAyamthandaandChumaniwithasmil
e.
ShewenttohugAyaandAyahuggedherback.At
l
eastshelovesher.
Mom:"akasemhlemarningumakot
ilo?
(shei
sso
beaut
if
ulissheyourwif
e?)"
Aya:
"Enkossimama(
thanksma)
"
Me:
"yesMom"
Mom:"myfi
rstgr
andchi
ld"shesai
dtaki
ngChumani
f
rom Minni
e.
Mom:"t
hankgodheisn'
tadwarfcausebot
hofhis
par
entsareshor
t"welaughed"
lemmegofini
sh
di
nnerqui
ckl
ysothatwecanhavesupperI'
m sur
e
you'
l
lar
ehungr
y"
Aya:
"nol
eavei
tmaIwi
llf
ini
shof
f"
Minent
le:
"Iwi
llhel
pyou"shesai
dsmi
li
ng.They
wenttotheki
tchen.Wesatdownket
hina.
Me:
"wher
e'sdad?
"Theyheavi
lysi
ghed
Mom: "
hedi
edafewmonthsagosonhehadlung
cancer
"shewasal
readyi
ntear
s.Icomf
orther
.
Mom: "heleftyouthis"shet
ookoutalett
er"he
wroteyout hislet
tertosayhi
ssorr
y,wet r
iedt
o
contactyoubef orehediedbutwecouldn'
tgeta
holdofyou"
Me:
"I
'm sor
ryMom"t
hat
'swhatImanagedt
osay.
Mom: "
it
'sfi
nemychil
daslongasyourbackbonus
youcamebackwithawif
eandachi l
d"shesaid
smil
ing.Ismil
edt
oo.Wechatt
edke.
Aya:
"di
nnerisr
eady"west
oodupandwentt
othe
di
nni
ngr oom.
Mom:
"t
hedi
nnerl
ooksgr
eat
"
AyaandMi
nni
e:"
thanksmom/
ma"
Mihl
ali
:"
let
'seatguysyoohekishonger(
I'
m
hungr
y)"wechuckled.Mom fi
rstpr
ayedthanweat
e.
Minni
e:"
isshethesameAyathatyouweresi
ngi
ng
about
"shesaidlaughi
ngandayachuckl
edasshe
wasfeedingchumani
Me:
"yesshei
s"
Mihl
aliandMi
nni
e:"
mnandiiubanguwemntase(i
t'
s
ni
cetobeyou)di
dn'tknowyouhaditi
nyoubro"
Me:
"v'
tseki
ni"wel
aughed
Mom:
"l
eavemychi
ldal
oneni
na"wel
aughed
Me:
"oohwer
ear
emymannersAyathi
sismyl ovel
y
mot
herandmysi
bli
ngsMi
nent
leandmihl
ali
"
Aya:
"ndayazi
i(IKnow)
"sher
oll
edhereyes.Andwe
l
aughed
Me:"
andmot herandsi
bli
ngsthisi
sAyamt handa
andChumanimyson"t heysmil
edwehaddi nneri
n
ali
ghtchatandlaught
erwehadagr eatt
ime
motherevenaskedustosleepoverandwedi d
.
.
Notedi
ted
I
nser
t23
.
.
.
Luvol
wet
hu(
Tai
lor
)
•
Mont
hlat
er
.
Alothashappenedt hispastmont h.Wef i
nally
foundawar ehousewiththeboysandi t'
sapr et
ty
coolwar ehouse.Ourhousegotr enovat edanddone
weal ll
eavei nourhousesnow.Idi dn'tgof or
somet hingbigIwantf orsomet hi
ngl i
kea
penthousebutt hatisont heground.I '
m abachel or
afterall
.MeandCagehaven' topenedourf i
rm yet .
Theyar edoner enovati
ngi t
.Wewi l
lbeopeni ngon
Mondayt odayit
'sSaturdayso2daysbef or
et he
grandopeni ngI'
m sohappyt hatIwillfinall
yhave
myownf i
rm.Can'twaittobeatcour tt hough.We
haven'ttoldt heguysabouti twewi l
ltellthem on
Mondaywhenwear eopeni ng.Let '
sdr opt hetopic
aboutwor knowI '
m sur eyou' l
lar ewonder i
ngwhat
happenedt ot hatgirl
.Wel lIlastsawheront hatday.
Iwantbackt heretolookf orherbutIdi dn'tgetany
l
uckIevensear chedf orheratt hebr idge.Igot
worriedabouther .Buti fI'
m notboundt obewi t
h
hertherei snot hi
ngIdoabouti t.Justhopeshei s
fi
newher eevershei s.Iwaschi l
li
ngwi tht hebro's
atthewar ehousepl ayingFI FA.Iser iousl ymiss
wakingupt ot heircrazinessI '
m usedt owaki ngup
withthem i nt hesamehouse.Isomet imesget
boredinmyhouse.Butil ovemypr i
vacyi tgivesme
enought imet owor kthingsout .Ital
sohel psmet o
getthingst hroughwi ththef ir
m.Ievengott imeto
recheckt heCV' soft hepeopl ewor kingt herebefore
wegobackt owor k.Andever ythingseemsf i
neto
met heremi ghtbeaf ewpeopl eImi ghthavet o
pusht hem i ndoingt heirbest .
Si
ya:"
eversinceyoumetthatgi
rlyouhavechanged
br
o"theyalllookedatmeandagreedtosi
ya's
st
atement.
Me:
"kaniyekeniTaz(
justl
eavei
tbr
o's)
"
TT:
"haveyout
ri
edf
indi
nghert
hough?
"
Me:"
Idi
dbroandIdidn'
tfindherIevenwentt
othe
br
idgebutnot
hingatal
l"
Mamber :"i
fyouwer esodet er
minedaboutt hisgirl
youwoul dhavef oundherbynowandst op
stressingaboutherbecauseyourl osi
ngyour selfi
n
thepr ocessi nf
actlet
'sgotoacl ubwewi l
lsurely
getsomesl ayqueenst heresit
yeubusukubonke
sibemnandi isi
yekeeziwayzi dyolayo(havesext he
whol enightandl eavetheonest hataredating)"he
saideyei ngthebr o'
s.TheychuckledandIl aughed
TT:
"excl
udi
ngmeofcour
se"
Us:
"Let
habov'
tsek"wesai
dlaughi
ng.
TT:"
wearenotdatingNalamntana, sheistheone
whowant sustodatebutIwil
lneverrhaa.AndI'
m
tel
li
ngyouallf
orthelastt
imenow. "Welaughedat
him ashewaskeepingastrai
ghtface.
Siya:
"i
t'
snotl
ikeyoudon'tl
ikei
twhensheisal
lover
youstopfi
ght
ingyourfeeli
ngsdawg"hesai
d
l
aughi
ng
TT:"mxm"wel aughedathi m.Wecont inuedplayi
ng
FIFAhavingadr i
nkweal sogottothelevelof
si
ngingandwewer ehavingagreatti
me.Ther eis
neveradullmomentwi ththesepeople.From bei
ng
fr
iendstobrothers.Iwillal
wayschooset hem over
everyt
hing.TheymademewhoIam t odayandIwi l
l
alwaysbegr eat
fulforthat.
Me:
"gent
sIhavet
ogo"
Snakes:
"youdon'
tevenhaveawifeweshoul
dbe
theone'
sleavi
ngfi
rstmybra"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"
mxm v't
sek.
ini
.Iwanttosl
eeptommor
owI
havetobesomewhereveryear
ly"
Cage:
"met
ooyazil
et'
sgont
wana"wewal
kedout
af
terwebr
ohuggedever
yone.
Me:"
havetogoandseet hebui
ldi
ngtommor
owI
haveal
readycheckedt
heCV'sandtheyl
ookfi
ne"
Cage:
"Ial
socheckedt
heonesIhadandt
heyalso
l
ookfi
netome.Iguesswearereadyt
orol
lbr
a"
Me:
"Ican'
twai
tforMondayt
houghmyf
ir
stdayat
wor
k"wechuckl
ed
Him: "
met oo."Webr ohuggedbef oregoi ngour
separ at
epaths.Idecidedtot akealongdr ivejustt
o
digesteveryt
hing.Iwaspl ayingmusi ci talways
relaxesme.I tdi
dact uall
yclearmymi nd.Iwas
havingagr eatti
meIwasst i
llenj
oyingmyt i
me
whenIal mosthitsomeone.Notagai n.Andt hi
s
ti
met hi
spersonlookedl i
keshewasr unningaway
from someone.Itwasaf emal eagain.Ent lekwhat'
s
i
twi thmeandal mostknocki ngoffwoman.Igotout
thecart oseeifsheisf i
ne.Shewashol dingher
chestt r
yingtocatchherbr eath.Andshewas
l
ooki ngdownhol dingherknees.I twasdar kandI
couldn'tseeherproperly.
Me:
"heyar
eyouf
ine?
"Shenodded
Me:"
whyareyourunningatthisti
meofthenightdo
youhaveadeat
hwi sh,whatifyougetki
ll
ed"
Her:
"Iwoul
drat
hergetki
ll
edt
hanl
eavet
hishor
ri
ble
l
if
e."
Me:"
heyl
ookatmewhywoul
dyouwantt
oendyour
l
if
e"
Her:"
it
'seasyf oryout osayyoudr iveexpensi ve
carswhi l
ewesl eepont hest reets.Wi t
honeeye
open.Doyouknowhowi tisliket owonderi ft here
i
sn'tsomeonecomi ngtor apeyou.Luckyf orme
theyhaven't.Doyouknowhowi tisliketogot o
eachdustbi ntosear chf orfood.Not oal lofthe
questi
onsIhaveasked.Sodon' taskmeshi ther e.I
havegr ownmywhol eli
fei nthesest reetsandI '
m
22year soldnowi magi neawhol e22yearol don
thestreet
sshedoesn' tevenhaveMat ri
cbecause
heronlyparentleftchasedheroutofapl acecal led
homej ustbecauseofaf uckenst r
angeshet rusts
mor ethanme.Thatmanwassocl oseinr apingme
thankGodshecamei ntime.Butshebel i
evedhi m
overme.t hi
nkingt hatIseducedhermanIwasonl y
17year soldbackt han.Ial sohadhopesand
dreamsl i
keever ybodyel sebutl ifeturnedi t
'sback
onmeandIendedupher e.Sot oansweryour
questi
onyesIdohaveadeadwi shIwoul dreally
l
ovet ojoinmyf atherupt here"shesai dpoi ntingat
theskycr yi
ng.Thosewor dsr eall
yhur tmesomuch.
Iwantt opullherandgi veherahugt otellhert hat
everyt
hingisgoi ngt obef inebutt hesmel l
.I'
m not
sureabouti tyou'l
lwi l
lforgivemer haa.Shewas
sti
lll
ookingdownsoIcoul dn'tseeherf aceproperly.
Itookmyphoneandswi t
chedont hetouchsot hatI
canseeher .Shei st hesamegi rlfrom lastti
me.We
l
ookedateachot herf oral ongt i
me.Doyout hinkI
caredaboutt hesmel lnow.Ipul ledherandIgave
herahug.I twasal ongonei star t
edf eeli
ngthingsI
hadGoosebumps.shecr iedinmyar ms.Ipulledout
andwi pedhert ears.
Me:"
I'
m sorr
ythatyouhadtogothr
oughal
loft
hat
.
ButI
'm her
enowyoudon'thavetoworr
yabout
anyt
hingIwil
ltakecar
eofyou.
"
Her:
"Ican'
tleavewithyouwhatify..
."Ij
ustli
ft
ed
herupinbri
dalstyleandplacedheront he
passenger
ssi t
.Iknowshewasgoi ngt orej
ectmy
off
ersothat'swhyItookher.Il
eftheratfir
stI
'm
notdoingt
hesamemi staketwi
ce.Idroveofftomy
house.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Sor
ryf
ort
heshor
tinser
t .
I
nser
t24
.
.
.
Luvol
wet
hu
Wewenttomyhouseshelookedli
keshewas
uncomf
ort
abl
ebutIwi
llsortt
hatoutsoon.Ipar
ked
mycari
nthegar
age.
Me:
"l
et'
sgo"shenodded.Wewal
kedoutandwent
i
nthedoort
hatleadsustot
heki
tchen.
Me:"
goandtakeabat
hfi
rstIwi
llpr
epar
efoodf
or
you.
"Shenodded
Me:"r
atherusewor
ds.
."Igaveherquest
ioni
ngeye'
s.
Idon'
tknowhernameklk.
Her
:"
Thandol
wet
hu"
Me:
"i
'm Luvol
wet
hu"
Her
:"
okayl
wet
hu"Ismi
ledcozshei
sthef
ir
st
per
sontocal
lmelwet
hu.Myhear
twassohappyi
t
wasjumpi
nginj
oy.
Me: "
lemmeshowyouyourr oom thandolwam"she
blushed.Ishowedher,herroom.Shedeci dedto
takeshowerIgavehert owelsandt oi
let
ries.Iwant
tomyr oom togetherhermyol dsweat pantsanda
t-shi
rtwit
hanewpai rofboxers.Iwentt oherroom
shewasadmi ri
ngtheroom wit
ht owelaroundher
body.Iclearedmythroat.Shelookedback.
Me:"
Ibroughtyout
hesesi
nceIr
eal
izedyoudon'
t
havecl
othes.
"Shetookt
hem
Her
:"
thankyoul
wet
hu"Inodded
Me:
"l
emmegopr
epar
esomet
hingf
oryout
oeat
"
Her:
"leaveitIwil
lpr
eparesomethi
ngforustoeat
j
ustgetmesomet hingt
otiemyhairwit
h"shesai
d
exci
tedly.Justsoyouknowitshehaslongnat
ural
hair
.
Me:
"l
emmegol ookf
orsomethingt
han"Isaid
smi
li
ngIwenttomyoffi
ce.If
oundaredribbon.I
j
oggedbackt
ooherroom.
Me:"
hereIfoundyouthi
s"shewasalreadydr
essed.
Shetooktheri
bbonandtiedherhai
r.
Her:
"l
et'
sgo"shewassti
llexci
tedIcanseethatshe
l
ovescooking.Wewenttothekit
chen.Ishowedher
wereeveryt
hingi
s.It
ookabeeroutofthef r
idge.
Her:"
sincei
t'
salr
eadylat
eIwi l
lprepar
esomethi
ng
quickl
y.Sothatwecaneatandsleep"shesai
d
wear i
nganapronIwassitt
ingonthekit
chen
counterwat
chingher.
Me:
"letmeguessyouwantt
obeachef?
"She
smi
ledlooki
ngatme
Her:"
ithasal waysbeenmydr eam.I magi neopeni ng
myownr estaurantandacat eri
ngbusi ness.Iwoul d
l
ovet ocookatpeopl e'sweddingsandot herevents
to.Ihaveal waysl ovedcookingsi nceIwassmal lI
wouldr eadcooki ngbooksandwat chcooki ng
shows.Wr it
et herecipesdownbutt hanl i
feturned
i
t'sbackonme. "Sheheavilysighed.It ookapi cture
ofherwhi l
eshewascooki ngshel ookedsocut e.I
madehermywal lpaperandpost edi tonmysoci al
mediawi tht hecapt i
on"I'
m sohappyt hatIf i
nally
foundher
"peopl
ereact
edont
hepi
ctur
eIswi
tched
offmyphone.
Me:"
thanworkformeIwi
llgi
veyoumoneyt
ogo
backtoschool
"
Her
:"
chi
ll
iorbeef
?"
Me:
"beef
"shet
ookt
hebeefspi
cef
rom t
hecabi
net
s
Her
:"
areyouof
fer
ingmeaj
ob?
"Shesai
dsmi
li
ng
Me:"yeahwhynotyoucanst
il
lmakei
tinl
if
eit
's
nevertool
ate"
Her:"
thankyousomuch"shecamet ohugmeby
standingonhert
oessincesheshort
.Ihuggedher
backandpeckherf or
ehead.Shepul
ledoutand
wentbacktocooking.
Her
:"
sot
ellmemor
eaboutyour
sel
f"
Me:"
I'
m agangst
er"shel
ookedmeshockedandI
l
aughed.
Her
:"
ain'
tyougoi
ngt
oki
llmet
o."Il
aughedather
Me:"
noI'm notgoi
ngtokil
lyou.Idon'
tki
llwoman
andIki
llwhenit'
snecessar
y.ButanywayI'm al
soa
qual
if
iedl
awyerIwil
lbeopeni
ngmyfir
m on
Mondayit
'smineandafri
endofmineyouwil
lsee
hi
mt omorr
owwhenhecomesher e"
Her:"oohthat '
sgreat
.I'
M donecookingpl
easeset
upt hetable."Inoddedandsetitup.Shedishedup
forusi twasspaghet t
iandmincewi thmel
ted
cheeseont op.Sheplacedtheplat
esonthet abl
e
andwest artedeati
ng.Thefoodtastesgr
eat.I
closedmyeyeswhi l
eeati
ng.
Her
:"
doesi
ttast
ethatgood"wechuckl
ed
Me:"
broi
tist
hebestIhaveevereat
eni
nmyl
if
e."
Shesmil
ed
Her
:"
wai
tunt
ilyout
ast
emyt
ri
peorst
ew"
Me: "
nowyourt al
kingmyl anguaget omorrowI'm
givi
ngyoumybl ackcardyouwi llbecookingoneof
thosephof fyouwi llbecooki
ngt ri
pesinceit'
smy
favori
te"shel aughed.Wecont i
nuedeat i
ngina
random chat .Wewashedt hedishestogetherthan
call
edi tanight.Inthemor ni
ngIwokeupear ly
sinceIhadt ogocheckoutt heof f
icer
s.Ididmy
dailyrouti
neandwor emycasualcl ot
hes.Imade
breakfastformysel fandthandolwam.Haingowam
ngoku( noshei smi nenow)notour sanymor e.I
placedher sintheoven.At emine.Itookoutmy
blackcar dandwr otethepin.Iplacedmycel l
phone
withit.Andwr otethepasswor d.Onthesamepaper
Iwr otethatshemustr equestanUberwi thittogo
andbuywhatsheneedsandcl othestoo.Iwentto
thef i
rm andCagewasal r
eadyt here.
Me:
"yeahboss"
Hi
m:"
yeahnt
wana"
Wecheckedthepl
aceandwechoseourof
fi
ces.A
not
if
icat
ioncamet
hroughhi
sphone
Hi
m:"
AyaandSi
yaar
einvi
ti
ngusf
orl
unch"
Me:
"oohbutIal
readyhavepl
ans"
Him:
"haykentwanacancelandwho' sthatwoman
youpostedyester
day,andwhydidn'tyougeta
messageentlekwhereisyourcel
lphone"
Me:"onequest
ionatatimebrobuttoanswert
hem
al
l.Sheisthestr
eetgi
rlIhavebeentel
li
ngyou
about."
Hi
m:"what??Youneverment
ionedt
hatshewas
t
hathotbro"
Me:"
I'
mt el
li
ngyoushei
swell
buil
tntwanaandI
gavehermycell
phonesot
hatshecanrequestf
or
anUber"
Hi
m:"youdi
dwhat?Yougaveheryourcel
lphone?
"
Il
aughedathi
sshockedf
ace
Me:
"yeahidi
d"
Him:"haithi
sgir
lisdoingwonderstoyoubroyou
areonanot herl
evelofbei
nginlove.I
nfact
ucatch.i
leyouarewhipped"Il
aughedasIwas
thi
nkingaboutthandolwam.
Him:"Ihavet ocheckheroutlet'
sgot oyourhouse
thangot osiya's"wewentt omyhouse.Hegotout
fi
rstandr antot hehouseIjustl
aughedathim and
foll
owedaf terhim.WhenIgoti nthehousehewas
busydr ooli
ngatt handolwam whowascooki ng
l
isteningtothemusi cfrom mycellphone
Me:"
heyLwamiI'
m backnow"cagesnappedoutof
hi
sthought
s.Andthandol
wam gavemeher
at
tent
ion
Her
:"
oohheyl
wet
hu"
Cage:
"youdidn'
ttel
lmethatshewast
hishotbr
o"
hewhisper
ed.Ilaughed
Me:"
oohThandolwam meetmyfri
endLuvuyohis
ni
cknameiscage.BafomeetThandol
wethuthegi
rl
Iwasgoi
ngallcrazyabout
"
Cage:
"nowIseewhyyouweregoi
ngcrazyabout
herdawg"Il
aughedandt
handol
wam smil
ed.
Lwami:
"1ofyourf
ri
endssentyouatextaboutl
unch
so.Iwi
llcookt
hetr
ipef
ordinner
"shesaidsmil
ing.
Me:"
okaythat
'sfi
nebymeIwi
llmakesur
ethatI
don'
teatalot
."
Cage:
"Al
sol
eavesomef
ormepl
ease"
Lwami
:"
okayIwi
ll
"shesmi
led
Me:
"di
dyougot
othemal
l"
Her
:"
yesIdi
d"Inodded.
Me:"okaywear
eleavi
ngnowwej ustwant
edto
checkuponyou"shenoddedandsmiledIr
etur
ned
thesmile.
Me:"
masambewena( l
et'
sgo,you)
"wewentout
bumpingeachot her.Wewenttosiya'
scr
ibraci
ng.I
gott
herefi
rstasal ways.Wewentinsi
dethehouse
l
aughingandever yonewasinther
e.Cagewentto
si
tnextAyola.Theyaredati
ngnow.
Mamber:
"br
oyourglowingnowisitaboutt
hatvrou
youpost
edyest
erday"Ismil
ed.Andtheyal
llooked
atme.
Cage:"
kamendi yicopisengomkwam lent
o(lemme
tel
lyouaboutthisthing)soyourboyherefi
nall
y
foundherst
reetgirl.
."
Them:
"st
reetgi
rl
?!
!"
Cage:"
yeahtheonethathewasgoi ngcazyabout
l
eyabim gowisa(t
heonet hatwasmakinghim
st
ressed)hefoundhertookherin.Askmewhathe
di
dtoday."
Them:
"whatdi
dhedo?
"
Cage:
"hegavehi
m hi
sbl
ackcar
d..
"
Them:
"what
?!"
Cage:
"t
hat
'snotal
lheal
sogaveherhi
scel
lphone
andt
hepasswor
d"
Them:
"i
ntoni
i(what
)!
!?"
Cage:
"ndi
kuxel
elukxelel
a(I'
mtel
li
ngyou)
"theyal
l
l
ookedatmeandcl appedthei
rhands.
Me:
"what?
"
Zi
mi:"
yourwhi
ppedbr
o"Ij
ustsmi
ledandt
hey
l
aughed.
:
" Yesesu'Mikeyi
njakanj
ani
irhaanakoyondi
dyol al
angapheDubaingeqeyanor hrhaaamadoda
zizinjasham (
Mikeisadog,howcoul dhecheaton
mewi thawhitel
adyinDubai,manar etrash)you
coul dneverkl
knobasendinxil
il
e(eveni fI
'm dr
unk)
yuuh"agayguycamei nandthegirlslaughedand
jumpedont opofhi
m.Wewer esoconf used
namaj i
ta.
Aya:
"oohguyst
hisRet
habi
leourot
herf
ri
endand
Ri
rit
hisis.
..
"
Ri
ri
:"Iknowthem al
ldarl
ingIf
oll
owthem on
I
nstagram"wechuckled.Wehadlunchke
Me;
"Ihavef
oodwai
ti
ngf
ormeathomeIwon'
tbe
f
ini
shi
ngl
uncht
oday"
Cage:
"met
ooIf
orgott
hatThandol
wam.
..
"
Me:"
it
'sThandol
wethutoyoubra"Isai
dgi
vinghi
m
adeadstareandever
yonelaughed.
Siya:
"youalr
eadygaveherani
cknamedawg"he
saidl
aughing
Me:"
mxm"theylaughed.Theyf
ini
shedl
unchand
wenttot
helounge.
Aya:
"I
'm sur
eyou'
l
lar
ewonder
ingwhywecal
led
youguyshere.
"Wenodded
Si
ya:
"wel
lwear
eget
ti
ng.
"
Aya&Si
ya:"marri
ed"wecheer
edforthem.Whenwe
weredonecheeringChumanicl
appedhishands.
Andwel aughed.
Aya:
"butwewi l
ljustbesigni
ngoffathomeaf
fai
rs
si
nceyou'l
lknowt hest or
yIcan'
tfi
ndmyfamil
y"we
al
lgavethem sadf aces.
Ret
habi
le:
"Iwasalr
eadypl
anningyourweddi
ngG.
Howcouldisyou.
"Welaughed.
Me:"mei syouwenaRiriIwasalr
eadygoingtofi
nd
someonef orthecat
eri
ngpart.
"Isai
dfrowningand
theylaughed.
Siya:
"wewi
llhaveaweddingl
ateronguysjustnot
nowandyou'llcangocr
azywit
hi t
."Wecheered
Snakes:
"butwearehavi
ngluncht
ocelebr
ateyou
guys.Tai
loryoucancont
actt
hecat
eri
ngperson.
"I
smil
ed
Me:
"whenar
eyouguyssi
gni
ngf
ir
st?
"
Si
ya:
"t
hisWednesday"hesai
dsmi
li
ng.
Cage:
"wel
ltomor
rowwehaveasur
pri
sef
oryou
guys.
"
Yol
a:"
youandwho?
"
Me:
"me"
Snakes:
"youf
ullofsur
pri
seswena.
"Theyl
aughed.
Cage:
"you'
llmeetusatthetal
lbuil
dingtommorow
morning"t
heynodded.Wechilledther
ethewhole
dayandIhadagr eatti
me.Lateronmyselfand
Cagewentt omycrib.Seemsli
kewegott her
eat
ther
ightti
me.Lwamiwasj usttaki
ngouttheplat
es
t
odi
shup.
Cage:"
wehaveperf
ecttimingbr o"wel aughedand
satonthedi
ningt
able.Lwamisever edusourf ood.
Anditsmell
edgood.IfI'
m goingt oli
vewi thhermy
wholeli
fet
hansobei tcozf uckthisgirlcancook.
Shemadet r
ipewi
thdumpl ings.Shemademy
favor
it
emeal.
Me&Cage:
"canIwif
eyoual
ready"wesai
dandshe
gi
ggl
ed.IgaveCageadeadstar
e
Me:
"Idon'
tevenknowwhyyouhere.Who'ssl
eepi
ng
wi
thAyolawhenyourher
e"Isai
dlaughi
ng.
Him:"
mxm"weateourfoodanditreal
lyt
astedas
goodasitl
ookst
hisi
sthebestt
ripeIhaveever
eat
en.Icl
osedmyeyeswhil
eeatingit
.
Me&cage:
"mhhf
uck"wecur
sedandLwami
just
l
aughed.
Cage:
"wereyoutalki
ngaboutherwhenyouwer
e
tal
kedaboutthecater
ingf
orthewedding.
"
Me:
"yesbr
o"
Lwami
:"
whatweddi
ng?
"
Me:"
mybr oisgett
ingmarri
edsowewi l
lbehavi
ng
l
unchaftert
heysignedthepaper
sit
'snot
somethi
ngbig.It
'sonlyf
or11peopl
eormor eand
i
t'
sthisWednesday."Shenodded
Cage:
"don'
twor
ryt
heywi
lll
oveyourf
ood"she
smil
ed.
Lwami:
"whyaretheysi
gni
ngimeanyouar
e
gangst
eryouhavemoney.
"
Cage:"
youtoldheraboutthatli
fetobroyou
ser
iouslyneedhelp"hesaidlaughi
ng.Wealso
l
aughed.
Me:"
toansweryourquestionyesheisagangster
j
ustthatvr
oul akamj
itadoesn'
tknowherfamil
yto
paylobol
a."Shenodded.Wecontinuedeat
ingover
asli
ghtchat.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
I
nser
t25
.
.
.
Luvol
wet
hu
Iwokeupt ot heamazi ngaromat oday.Iqui ckly
stoodoutofmybed.WhenIqui cklyr eali
zedwhat
dayitisIsai dlit
tleprayerhopingt hatever yt
hing
goeswel l.Imademybedandwentt odomydai l
y
routi
ne.WhenIwasdonebat hingandl ot
ioningI
wentbackt omyr oom.Ther ewasat hreepiecesuit
thatwasgr eyandi twascheck.t her ewasal soa
blueshirtmat chingmyshoeswi t
hat ie.Ismi l
ed
l
ookingatt heout f
it
.Iwor ei
tqui ckl yandIact ual
ly
l
ookedgr eatIfeltli
keabosst hatIam.Ismi ledand
tookmybr iefcase.Iwentt otheki tchen.Iwas
welcomedbyt hi
samazi ngaromat hatwokemeup.
Ismiled.Thandol wam waspl acingt heplatesont he
tabl
e.Iwentt otakeasi t.
Me:"
goodmor ni
ng"Isaidwitht
hebiggestsmileon
myface.AsIwaslookingatthebreakfastIdi
dn'
t
knowwhatitwasbutitlookedappeti
zingand
smell
edgood.
Her
:"
hey.Hopet
hatyourr
eadyf
oryourbi
gday"
Me:"SinceIwokeupt othi
samazingbreakf
astand
youtookoutasui tformethankyoubytheway.I
wasgoi ngtobelateonmyf i
rstdayofworkifyou
didn'
t"shegiggl
ed
Her
:"
noneedt
othankme"Ismi
led
Me:
"sowhatar
ewehavi
ngt
oday?
"
Her
:"
ImadeSweetpot
atoandKat
efr
it
tat
a"
Me:"
Ihopei
ttast
esgoodasi
tlooksl
et'
sdi
gin"we
at
eandboyohboythefoodt
astesgr
eatasitl
ooks.
Her:"
aboutthel
unchwi thyourfr
iends.CanIhavea
notebookorsomet hi
ng.Iwil
lhavetogot ot
hemall
todaysothatIcanwr i
tethepri
cesdownandt han
sendyoutheinvoice.
"
Me:"dojustt
hatandsendmet heinvoi
ce.Buy
yoursel
facell
phoneatt hemallandsendmet he
i
nvoiceassoonaspossi bl
ecausemyf ri
endwil
l
alsobetheretoday"shenoddedandt ookmylast
bit
Me:
"t
hankyouf
ort
hedel
ici
ousbr
eakf
astIneeded
t
hat
."
Her
:"
goodl
uckwi
thever
ythi
ngt
han.
"Ismi
led.
Igavehermybl ackcar dandanot ebookplusapen.
Iwrotemynumberdown.Iaskedherf orsomel ef
t
oversforwor kandshegavet hem tome.Ipecked
herforeheadbef oretakingmybr i
efcaseand
walki
ngout .Iwentt othelawf i
rm.Everyonewas
al
readyt hereevent hemediaIwentt othefront
wereCagewasst anding.Il
ookedacrossthecrowd
andspot tedmyf riends.
Cage:
"ar
eyoureadybro"hewhisper
ed.Inodded.
Westeppedi
nfrontofthemic
Cage:
"1,
2,
1,
2"ever
yonegaveust
hei
rat
tent
ion
Me:"
justsoyouknowithi
spri
mar
yrepor
tusedt
o
sayso."Ever
yonel
aughed.
Me:
"Happythatyoual
lar
erel
axednow.
"Wemadea
l
ongspeechtaki
ngtur
ns
Me&Cage:"
Start
ingf
rom t
odayandonwordswewi l
l
bethenewShareholder
softhi
sLawfir
m"everyone
cheer
edforus.Butt
hemostnoisecamefr
om our
f
ri
ends.
Me:"
andwewoul
dli
ket
othankyouf
orcomi
ng
her
e."
Cage:"
Ihopewewi llworkgreatwithyouguys.
Pleasegetbacktowor kwehavecase' stodeal
with.
"Everyonewenttothei
rwor ki
ngpl ace.Andme
andmyf ri
endswentt ocage'soffi
ce.They
congrat
ulatedustheladi
esleftf
orwor k.Ayawent
toschool.
Snakes:
"t
hisof
fi
cel
ooksgr
eati
tevenhasanen-
sui
t"
TT:"
lookatthisbigcouchdawgj ustdon'
tbri
ng
Ayolahereandf uckher"welaughed.Justt
hanmy
phonebeepedi twasamessagef r
om anunsaved
number .Ivi
ewedt hemessageandi twasan
i
nvoice.IsentittoSiyabef
orethankingLwami.
Siya:
"andt
hanwhati
sthi
sinvoi
cef
or?
"Theyl
ooked
atme.
Me:
"oohit'
sfort
hel
unchwewi
llbehavi
ngon
Wednesday"
Cage:
"canIseewhat
'sonthel
istIknowThando
makesthebestf
oodever"
Theot
her
s:"
wereyoutal
kingaboutyourgi
rlal
lthi
s
ti
me"t
heywidenedt
heyeyesandInodded.
Cage;
"youshouldtast
eherf
oodTazt
rustshei
s
bet
terthanal
lyourwomen."
Me:"youshouldhavesl eptoverbr
o.Thebreakfast
sheser vedmet odayfuck.Lemmer at
hershowi tt
o
you'
ll"Itookoutmyl unchboxandshowedi tto
them.
Mamber;"
brayoucan'tshowassomet hingsmelli
ng
l
iket
hisandnotexpectustoeati t
"It
ookoutaf ork
f
rom mybagandgavei ttothem.Theyfinishedmy
l
unchworsepartt
heywer efight
ingoverthefood.
Them:"
canyoupleaseaskhert
omakeussome
more"Il
aughed
Me:
"l
et'
swai
tfort
hel
unchTaz.
"
Them:"mxaahaihaihai
"Il
aughed.Anot
if
icat
ion
camethroughanditwasfr
om thebankt
ell
ingme
Siyat
ransfer
redmoney.
Me:
"t
hankyoui
nbehal
fofLwami
"theyl
aughed.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
-
2daysl
ater
-
Todayi sthedayI '
m of fi
cial
lysigningt hepaper s.
I'
m happyt hatI '
mf inallybecami ngMr s.Plaatjies.I
knowt hati t'sbeenqui etalitt
lewhi l
esi ncewe
starteddat ingbutwhynotgetmar ri
edwhenyour
bothi nl oveandknowwhatyouwanti nlif
e.Ij ust
hopeIwon' tregr etmydeci sionlateron.Mar riagei s
abi gst epi nl ife.Ijustwi shIcoul df i
ndmyf ami ly
member ssot hatIcanhaveapr operweddi ng.ButI
willbepat ientever ythingtakest i
me.SoIwasatt he
hotel withmyf ri
endspr eparingmef ortoday.Even
i
fit'snotapr operweddi ngt heysai dIshoul dl ook
asbeaut ifulasever .Theymademewearabl ack
dresst hathasr edandwhi t
er osesal loverit.It
wasn' ttight .Itwasl ikeaweddi nggownbutwi thout
thet hi
ngt hatmakesi tbigint heinside.Theymade
myweavebeaut i
full
y.
Ri
ri
:"
canIpl
easegetaroundofappl
ause"we
l
aughedandcl
appedforhi
m
LeJoy:"
youwi
lll
ookmor
ebeaut
if
ulonyourr
eal
wedding"
Ayol
a:"
hai
bowhati
sthi
sthan'
npopi
hui
s?"We
l
aughed
Zimi:
"let'
sgoguyst hegent lemanar eal
ready
waiti
ngf orus"t heywer ealsol ookinggreatwith
thei
rbl ackshor tdresses.Ri riwaswear ingblack
shortsandabl ackT-shirt.Wewentt othe
DepartmentofHomeAf fairsandt heguyswer e
alr
eadyt her e.Theywer eallwear i
ngsui t
swi t
h
polonecksj ustthatSiyahadhi sblazeronandt he
othersdi dn'tweart hei
rbl azers.Wedi dwhatwe
cameher et odoandIwasof fici
all
yMr s.Plaatji
es.
Wet ookpi ctur
esout sideasagr oupandpost ed
them onI nstagram.Peopl econgr atulat
edus.We
droveof ft omyhousewer ewewi llbehavingl unch.
.
.
.
Thandol
wet
hu
Mynamei sThandol wethuNzungu.I '
m 22year sold
you' llknowmyst orymocsoIwon' tberepeat ingit.
Yest er dayLwet hugavemet hemoneyandIwentt o
buyever ythi ngthatIwi l
lbeneedi ngf orthel unchI
wi l
lbedoi nga4cour semeal .Finger scrossedt hat
theywi l
llovei t
.Idi dsomeoft hethi ngsbef oreI
slept .Wewokeupear l
ynoLwet huandhet ookme
tot hisbeaut if
ulhouse.Hel eftkeyena.Ist arted
doi ngmyt hi ngs.Iwasdonei nnot ime.Isetoutt he
tabl eLwet husai dt herewi llbe13peopl e.Imagi ne
thehar dwor kbut13i sasmal lnumbercompar ed
towhatIwi l
lbedoi ng.Iwi llsavet hemoneyIget
from l wet huf orcleani ngar oundt hehouse.Iwant
tof inishmyMat r
ict hangot oacul inaryschool .
Openmyownr est aurantandacat eringbusi ness.I
wi pedt hegl assesandpl acedt hem neat l
yont he
tabl ejustt hancar '
sgoti n.I '
m sof uckenner vous
whati ft heydon' tlikemyf ood.Butt hereisnot hingI
candoi ftheydon' t.Iwilljustst andupanddust
mysel fbef orewor kinghar der .Theygoti njustasI
placedt hel astchampagnegl ass.
:
"Your
eal
lyoutdi
dyoursel
f"Ismi
ledlooki
ngupand
Isawabeaut
if
ulcoupl
eIguessit
'sthenewlyWeds.
Me:"
I'
m sureyou'
l
larehungr
ypl
easesi
tdownIwi
ll
br
ingouttheAppeti
zerf
ir
st.
"
Them:
"woahareweeat i
nga4cour
semeal
"they
sai
dsmil
ing.Inodded
Lwethu:
"gogett
hef oodbabe"Iwentt
otheki
tchen
tot
aketheAppetizers.Iser
vedeachoneoft
hem
Me:
"wellwhatyouhaveinfr
ontofyouiswhatical
l
But
ter
nutsquashravi
olir
osemarybrownbutt
er"
Thebr
ide:
"I
'm apeakyeat
ersoi
fI.
..
"
Theot her '
s:"katyeyekuthet ha(j
usteatandst op
talking)"t heysai dwiththeirmouthsfullIwentback
tot heki tchent ostartprepar i
ngasalad.Ihardthem
compl ement ingmyf oodsayi ngit
'sgreatasmi l
e
cripesonmyf aceinst
antly.WhenIwasdone
prepar ingt hesal ad.Iwentbackt othem totakethe
platesandt omysur pri
set heplat
eswer eclean.I
wassur prisedandhappywasanunder stat
ement .
Thegayguy:
"canIj
oinf
orceswi
thyou,
youwi
llbe
theper
soncater
ingi
ntheevent
sIpr
epar
efor
peopl
e"Ismi
led
Guy¹:
"canImakeyouper
sonalchef
"Il
aughedwi
ll
t
akingtheplat
es
Lwethu:"
asizovananekaniyekenuvrou(
wewon'
t
getalongleaveheral
one)"Iwentbacktothe
ki
tchenandt ookthesal
adtot hem
Me:
"andt
hisi
sBabykal
egr
eensAsi
anpea.
..
."
Them: "
kawumecc( holdonasecondgi rl
)wedon' t
carewhati ti
s"Ilaughedandwal kedbackt othe
kit
chenwi t
ht hebiggestsmileonmyf ace.I
preparedthemai nwhi chwaswhi tebeanpur eewith
balsamicglazedlampchops.Thegi rl
sevenasked
forthereci
pet hi
st i
met heywerer eall
yenj oyi
ngmy
food.Iwenttoser vethem dessertandyouhada
choicebetweenul ti
mat eGooeybrowni esandmi nt
Oreocake.Theydi dn'tevenchoicet heyat e
everyt
hing.
Lwet
hu:
"okayLwamit
hisi
s..
."
Luvuyo:
"Luvuyosheknowsmebr
o"
Guy¹
:"
Thapel
obutyoucancal
lmeTT"
Guy²
:"Ayakhayoucancal
lmesnakes"
Guy³
:"Mamber
"
Theother
s:"
hehakeMxol
isi
"hegavet
hem adead
st
areandwel aughed
guy⁴
:"Mi
hlal
i"
Guy5:
"Si
yamt
handa"
Gi
rl
¹:
"Let
habo"
Gi
rl
²:
"Zi
minat
hi"
Gi
rl
³:
'Ayol
a"
Gayguy:
"andI'
m Rethabi
lebutyoucancal
lmeRi
ri
dar
li
ng"welaughed
Gi
rl⁴
:"Mi
nni
e"
Theother
s:"
hehakesihl
elinabant
hwanaapha
o'
minniemouse(wesi t
ti
ngwi t
hkidsher
e,Minni
e
mouse)"welaughed
Gi
rl
5:"
andl
astbutnotl
eastI
'
m Ayamt
handa"
Me:
"wat
showaf
ananomal
umewam (
youl
ookl
ike
myuncl
e)"
Aya:
"who'
sthatuncl
e?"
Me:
"hedi
edal
ongt
imeago.
"
Aya:
"oohokay"
TT:
"ungowakwabaniwena(
what
'syoursur
name)
"
Me:
"I
'm Thandol
wet
huNzungu"
Them:"Nzungu!!
"Theyl
ookedatmewi
th
quest
ioningeye'
s
.
.
Notedi
ted
26
.
.
TT
Everyoneleft
.Atthetabl
ether
ewast oomuch
tensi
onIswearyoucoul dcuti
toutwi t
hakni
fe.I
hadt otakeLethabohomeimagine.Lemmetel
l
you'l
lwhat 'st hehi stor ybehi ndLet haboandIwel l
backinhi ghschoolshewasi ngr ade8andIwasi n
grade11.Wewer edat i
ngandi twasaser i
oust hing
Itookhervi r
gi ni
tywhenshewasi ngr ade9andI
grade12wewer eonanot herl evel ofhappy.She
wouldgetj ealousEver yti
mesheseesmewi th
anothergirl.Shehadsomuchi nsecur it
ies.Iended
thi
ngswi t
hherandmovedonqui ckly.Shedi dn't
l
ikethef actt hatImovedonqui cklywandibambi si
l
ahlalamt hanawat hiumi thi( shesai dshewas
pregnant).IwassohappyIdumpedmygi r
lfri
end
andwentbackt oher .Snakesover headhert alking
toherfriendssayi ngt hatshei sn'tpregnantIdi dn't
beli
evehi m atf i
rst.Ideci dedt hatweshoul dgot o
thegynaecol ogistshedi dn' twantt ogoshewoul d
alwaysmakest upidexcuses.That 'swhenI
remember edwhatSnakest oldmeandIconf ront ed
her.Shet oldmet ruthbehi ndt hef akepr egnancy
andIendedt hingswi thher .Idon'twantt oevensee
herandshei sal waysr ighther einf r
ontofmewhen
everwear esomewher eshei salwaysnextt ome
andthati rri
tatest hef uckoutofmeIt hi
nkt hisis
theperfectt i
met ot ellhert of uckof f
.Butshei s
sl
eepingsoIdeci det
ol etherbe.It
akemy
cell
phoneandconnecti ttoBluet
oothtothecar
.I
wanttocallAyaandcheckhowshei s.Meandher
arepret
tyclose.Icar
eaboutherl i
kemyl i
tt
lesi
ster
.
Sheanswer edthecallaft
erthesecondri
ng.
Aya:
"t
boy"shesaidlaughi
ngsheknowsf
oraf
act
t
hatIdon'
tli
kethatname.
Me:
"I
'm notboyAyaandI
'
mtel
li
ngyouf
ort
hel
ast
t
ime.
"
Aya:
"youwil
lal
waysbet
-boyt
ome"shel
aughed
andIchuckl
ed
Me:"
Ijustwant
edtocheckifyourokayaf
teryou
knowwhathappened"sheexhaled.
Aya:
"yeahI'
mfineatl eastIwi
llhaveali
nktomy
fami
lybutthefactthatshewaschasedawaybyher
motherIdon'
tthinkIwi l
lbeabletogetahol
dof
t
hem. "
Me:
"don'
twor
ryever
ythi
ngwi
llwor
koutsoon.
"
Aya:
"enoughaboutme.Sotel
lmewhathappened
bet
weenyouandLeJoy? "
Me:"
soneyabo- itol
dherever
ythi
ng-
"shewas
l
aughingal
lthi
st i
me
Her:
"butthathappenedalongti
meagot-boy.You
shouldforgi
veher.Shewasjusti
nlovewithyou.
Youcan'texpecthertobefi
neaboutyoumovingon
sofast.Butnayeshewaswr ongforf
ooli
ngyou."
Me:"t
shiandyou'
llexpectmetodatehernow.Rhaa
never.Andpoi
ntofcor r
ect
ionshewassti
lli
s
Obsessedaboutme. "Shechuckl
ed
Aya:
"Ir
estmycase"
Me:
"Iwil
lwakeherupr
ightnowandt
ellhert
oleave
mealone"
Aya:
"butyouwi
llhur
tthepoorgi
rl
"
Me:
"sheal
sohur
tmewhatdoyouexpectmet
odo"
Aya:
"asIhavesaidbefor
eIrestmycase"she
l
aughedwebi dgoodbyes.Iwakeupt
hisonenext
t
ome.
Lethabo:
"mhh"shewassocoldit
'sl
ikeshehear
d
myconver sat
ionwi
thAyabutIwil
ltel
lherhowI
feel
.
Me:
"Iwant
edt
otel
lyout
h..
."
Let
habo:
"i
t'
sfi
neIgett
hemessageyoudon'
twant
meanymore"
Me:
"don'
ttaket
hisi
nabadwayb.
."
Let
habo:
"j
ustst
opthecarIknowyouwantnot
hing
todowit
hmeIwi l
lcal
lacab."
Me:
"butwear
eint
hemi
ddl
eofnowher
e"
Let
habo:
"l
ookidon'
tcar
ejustst
opt
hecarorIwi
ll
j
umpout"
Me:
"ar
eyouser
iousr
ightnow"shet
empt
edt
oopen
t
hedoor
Me:
"okayf
ineI
'
m st
oppi
ng"
Let
habo:"
okaythankyou.
"I'
m notgoingtoleaveher
her
eIjustwanttoseewhatsheisgoi ngt
odo.Me
andhermightnotgetal
ongbutIcareabouther .
SheopenedthedoorgotoutandtookherbagIsaw
atr
uckcomingbybutshewassof ocusedinthecar.
Shetur
nedaround.
Me:
"Lethabothetr
uck!!"IguessIwastolat
ecause
t
hetruckhitheral
ready.Iquickl
ygotoutoft
hecar
andr antoherside.Shehadsomuchbl oodcomi ng
outofher .Icr
iedcari
ngherinsidethecarIspeed
offtothenearesthospit
altel
lIcouldn'tevendri
ve
properl
y.Iwascr yi
ngallthewayt he.Ili
ftherup.
LeavingthecardoorsopenIdi dn'
tcar eaboutthem
al
lIcar edaboutwasLet haboatthispoint.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Sor
ryf
ort
heshor
tinser
t .
27
.
.
TT
Iwant edtoper f
ormt hesurgeryonmyownbutt he
doctorsdidn'tall
owmet otheysai
dIdon'twor k
here.IforgottotellyouthatI'
m aRheumatologist
.I
cal
ledever yonetocomet othehospi
tal
.Ialsohave
toi
nf orm herfamily.It
ookherphoneandl ookedf or
afamil
ymemberbutdidn'tseeanymot herorfat
her
t
hereIsaw'
li
lbro'
.Heanswer edthecallbutt
here
wasmusiconthebackground.Everyonecame.
Them:
"whathappened"Inar
rat
edt
hest
oryt
othem.
Zi
mi:
"Let
haboandherst
ubbor
nnessmar
a"
Mamber:
"t
hisi
snott
heper
fectt
imet
opoi
nt
f
inger
s"
Ri
ri
:"
haveyoui
nfor
medherbr
other
."
Me:"
Itr
iedt
obutt
her
ewasl
oudmusi
catt
heback
gr
ound."
Si
ya:
"weshoul
dgocheckuponhi
m"
Snakes:
"j
udgi
ngf
rom hi
slocat
ionhi
satt
hehouse.
"
Me:
"Ishoul
dgot
her
eIneedsomef
reshai
r"
Ayol
a:"
youreyesar
ebl
oodyr
edbr
owhi
leyoube
abl
etodri
ve?"
Theot
her
s:"
yeah"
Me:
"I
'LLmef
ine!
!"Isnapped.
Me:
"j
ustst
ayher
eandi
nfor
m mewhenshei
s
awake. "Istormedout .Isomehowf il
lli
keit'
smy
faultthatshei sfighti
ngf orherl if
e.Ishoul dhave
givenheranot herchance.Ishoul dhaveatl east
showedheri nterest.IguessIl ovedherchasi ng
aftermenowt hatshei sfightingf orherli
feI
reali
zednowhowmuchIl oveherbutIwasi gnor i
ng
thatfeeling.Shehast owakeupsot hatIcanmake
hermi neagai n.Ihopeshewi l
lbeabl etoforgi veme
forallthosebadt hingsIsaidt oher .Didthingshave
toturnoutt hiswayf ormet or ealizehowmuchI
l
oveher .Iscreamedoutandbr okedownasI
parkedmycari nfrontofherhouse.Ipul l
edmysel f
together.Ilookedatt hehouseandi tl
ooksl ikehi s
Lilbroishavi ngapar t
yforr eal.Itookoutmygun
undert hepassenger ssitandt her ewasbl oodal l
overthesi t.Ibrokedownagai n.Ipul l
edmysel f
togetherbef oretakingthegun.I t'
shar dtogetdr unk
peopleoutoft hehouse.Iwenti nandwentst raight
tothedj .
Me:
"execi
maleKakayomcul o(swi
tchofthi
sshi
t
musi
c)"doyout
hinkheli
stenedtome.Itookout
mygunandshowedittohim hequi
cklyswit
ched
of
fthemusi
c.Bl
oodyasshol
e.
Thecr
owd:
"haaa"
:
"Haint
on'ngokuwenaNeo(whati
sitwi
thyouNeo)
don'
tyouwantthi
sjobdar
n?"Thi
sneoguyli
ftup
hi
shands.Likehi
sgivi
ngup.
Me:
"hol
laiphil
elai
tiyal
apha(
wher
eist
hel
ilboy
f
rom t
hishouse)"
Thesameboy:
"sudeundibi
zei
lai
tikl
kta(
don'
tcal
l
meaboy)"
Me:
"t
hepar
tyi
sovernowgett
hef
uckout
."
:
"Chomii
ehi
sTTtheoneyourcr
ushi
ngonIwonder
werei
shisf
ri
endSi
ya"bl
oodyhoe'
s
Theboy:
"t
hisi
smypar
tydawg"It
ookoutmygun.
Me:"
Ihat
erepeat
ingmysel
fgett
hef
uckout
."They
al
lwentoutr
unni
ngandtheboywasst
andi
ngthere
amazed.
Hi
m: "
didLet
habosendyouhere.Coul
dn'tshedeal
wi
thmeher sel
f.Shel
ikest
othi
nkthatsheismy
mother.Myparent
sdi
edalongti
meago. "
Me:
"ungr
atef
ulbr
at"
Hi
m:"
mxm.TellherthatIwantt
othecl
ub"he
t
emptedt
ogo.Icrackedmygun.
Me:"
hol
a,si
tthef uckdownordoyouwanttoland
att
hehospi
tal.Icanarranget
hatf
ast
."Hesatdown
acr
ossme.
Me:
"baniGamal
akho(
what
'syourname)
?"
Hi
m:"
Sizwe"hegavemeat
ti
tude.Mxm.
Me:"whyar eyout alki
ngbadaboutyoursi sterdo
knowthet hingsshedoesf oryoutosurvivet omake
endsmeetwi thyouyesshei sn'
tyourmot herbut
sheistryi
ngherbestt omakeyourl if
ebet t
er.Yet
yourheardoi ngpar ti
es.Icanimaginetheot her
thi
ngsyoudobehi ndherback.Sheal sol
osther
parent
sshei salsof i
ghti
ngforherfuckenl i
feand.."
hewentsoberi nasecond.Hehadt earsinhi seyes.
Him:
"whatdoyoumeanwhenyousayshei
s
f
ight
ingforherl
if
e?"
Me:"
IthoughtyouheardmewhenIsai
dsheis
f
ight
ingforherli
fe.Shei
stheonl
yper
sonyourl
eft
withyetyoust il
ltr
eatherl i
ket rash.Youso
ungratefulyouhaveshel ter, f
ood, cl
ot hes, etc.You
cannamet hem butyoust i
llselfishbygi vinghera
hardtime.Doyout hinkaboutherf eelingshowshe
feel
s.Nocauseyout hinkaboutyourbl oodysel f.I
wonderwhatyouwi lldowhenshedi esi nt hatbedI
betyouwi llbecomeadr unkar d.Justbegr at ef
ul
andst opbei ngungr atefulatl eastyouhave
someonewhot akescar eofyou.Somepeopl edon't
evenhavewhatyouhaveandyoubusycr yi nghere
thatshei sn'tyourfuckenmot her .Atl eastshecar es
aboutyoushewant swhat '
sbestf oryouandyou
ca..
."Don' taskmewher et hatal lcameFr om.Ij ust
sawt hatt hisboyisgi vi
ngLet habopr oblemsand
theyar edeal i
ngwi t
hal otsoIact edoutasi fIknow
everything.
Him:"justst
opokayj ust.
.st
op"hesai
dwithaf
aint
voicehewasr eal
lybraki
ngdownli
kehewascryi
ng
forreal.It
hinkIknockedsomesenseint
ohim.
Me:"st
opcr yi
nglikeyoucar ewhenallyoucare
aboutisyoursel
fi fyoulovedyoursi
steryou
wouldn'tbedisr
espectingherli
kethi
syourselfi
sh
i
'm sur
eifsheisbackyouwil
lbegivi
ngherahard
ti
meagainstopitwit
hthesef
aketears.
"Someti
mes
youhavetospeakrudel
ytosomeonet ogi
vethem
thei
rsensesback.
Him:"
Iloveher,sheismyever yt
hing,
Icar eabout
her,
Ipromi seyouIwillstopdoi
ngbadt hingsand
bethestarboyshehasal waysseeninme.I '
M
sorr
yfortreati
ngherbadl y.
"Hesaidsincerel
y.If
elt
thepai
nbehi ndhisvoice.Myphonebeepedi twasa
messagef rom Cagetell
ingmeLethaboi sincoma
sheissafe.
Me:
"I
'm nottheonewhoyoushoul
dbeapol
ogizi
ng
t
o.ThatpersonisComanow.
"Henoddedcr
ying.
Me:"goandf echacl ot
horsomet hi
ngandlet'
sgoto
yoursist
er.
"Hej oggedupst airs.Lethabonever
sharedwithust hatsheisgoi ngt hr
oughthispai
nful
jour
ney.Sheal wayshast hatpowersmi l
e.Star
ti
ng
from nowonIwi l
ltr
eatherliket hequeensheis.
Someonecl earedhisthroat.Ilookedupaf t
er
pull
ingmysel ft
ogether.
Hi
m:"
Groot
man,
her
eist
hecl
oth"Inodded.We
walkedoutaft
erhelockedthedoor
.Itookthecloth
fr
om him andwipedthecarsit
.HesteppedinIalso
steppedi
n.
Me:"putyoursafetybel
toncauseboy.Thi swi llbe
thefastestcaryoueverhadar i
deon. "Hechuckl ed.
ThandidwhatIaskedhi mt odo.Idroveof ffastto
thehospi t
alwhenwear r
ivedtherehequickly
rushedt othedustbi
nandvomi ted.Alcohol.I
l
aughedandgavehi m abottl
eofwat ertorinsehis
mout h.
Me:"t
ywal
asoyintangayakho(
alcoholai
n'tf
oryou)
youshoul
dst opdri
nki
ng"henodded.Wewal kedin
thehospi
tal
.
Hi
m:"
Idi
dn'
tcat
chyourname"
Me:"
dil
iphosi
leumnadar
n(di
dIt
hrowi
t)
?"We
l
aughed.
Me:"
justj
oki
ngI
'
m Thapel
obutyoucancal
lmeTT"
henodded.
Hi
m:"
mindst
art
ingaf
resh"
Me:
"Idon'
tmi
nd"weshaki
ngourhandssmi
li
ng
Me:"
stopt
hatshi
tyourdoingi
tai
n'tcoolyoul
ook
l
ikeasmartboy"
hesmiled
Him:"
Iwi l
lIpromise"wewentt othewar
d.Cage
al
readytoldmewer etheyare.Wewentther
eshe
wassleepingsopeacef ulwithscar
esal
loverher
beauti
fulface.Iwantedtobreakdownbutnotknow
Ihavetobest rongforSizwe.
Me:"chil
lbroshewi llbealr
ight
"henoddedthanwe
steppedin.Sizwer ushedtohissist
er.Weal
ll ef
tthe
room givi
nghi m somet i
met ohersi
ster
.Iwi
llcome
backlaterforherwhenever yoneisgoneIwillbe
spendingthenighther e.Il
ovethatwomanaf teral
l.
.
.
Notedi
ted
28
.
.
Lat
eronwehadtogohomethel
adiesdi
dn'
twant
tol
eavet
hei
rfr
iendher
ebutt
heguyssai
dthey
mustr esttheywi llcomei nt hemor ning.Af teri
madesur et hatSi zwei ssaf eIwentt omyhouset o
changemyt -
shi rtandwor emywar m hoodi e.Iwent
toMacDonal dt obuyabur gerI 'm sof ami shed.I
boughtt hebur gerandsatdownsot hatIcaneat
beforegoi ngbackt othehospi tal.Iatewhi lel ooking
atthest ol
enpi ctur esLet habot akeswi thmeand
theylookawesome.Ist il
lhaveherphonewi t
hme
remember .Ial sowentt hroughherot herpi ctur es
andt heyal sol ookedgr eat.Isentt hest olen
pict
ur est omycel lphoneandsomeofherpi ct ures
too.Ipost edt hest olenonesonal lmysoci almedi a
account sthanl oggedout .Iwi pedt het earsf rom
myeyes.If inishedmybur ger .WhenIst oodupmy
eyeswentst r
ai ghtt oAyamt handaandshewas
walkingwi thagr own. ishladyandman.Butwhati s
shedoi ngher eatt histimei sn'tshesupposet obe
withSi ya.Butshewaswear ingdi fferentclot hes
now.That 'sawkwar d.Theywentout .Icoul dn' teven
gotoherIwasst illdigestingwhatIsaw.Iwi llask
herint hemor ningwhenIseeher .Iwentt ot he
hospitalst illwonder i
ngwhatAyawasdoi ngt her e
orI'
mj usti magi ningt hings.YesIam.Gott ot he
hospi
taltowhereLet
habowasIf i
rsthadtobri
be
thenurseandaskhertolockthedoorformeand
shedid.Shewasactual
lyfli
rt
ingwit
hme.Istood
nextt
oLet haboandhol
dherhand.
Me:"Let
haboI '
m sor
ryIshouldn'
thaveletyouget
outofthecaryouwoul dn'
tbesleepi
ngint hi
sbed.I
knowyoupr obablywantnothingtodowithme.But
Iwanteverythi
ngtodowi t
hyounow.Let 'sstar
t
overandhaveababyf orrealthi
stime"Isaid
l
aughingthroughtears
Me:"Ineverknewyouhadi tinyout osayyour
pregnantj usttobewi t
hme.Am It hathotdar n.But
idon'tblameyouwewer esoinloveatt hattime.
Lemmet ellyousomet hingafterwhatyou.Di dI
neverhadagi rlf
ri
end.Causeal lIdidwast hink
aboutyou.It riedtounloveyoubutt hef eeli
ngsar e
tostrong.WhenIsawyouatAya' splaceapar tof
mewast ohappybutIdi dn'twanttoshowi t.Iloved
howyouwer echasingmear oundandi r
ri
tati
ngt he
fuckoutofme.WakeupImi ssyourcr azi
ness.
Wher ewi l
lIfindanothercrazyassgi rl
fri
endl ike
you.Yesyourmygi r
lfr
iendnowIdon' tcareifyou
don'thavef eel
ingsformeanymor e.Wewi l
ljust
sharemi ne-chuckl
es-.Pleasewakeupsot hatwe
canbet hecrazycoupleofal l
.Ievenpost edthe
stol
enpi cturesyoutookandsai dyourmygi r
lf
ri
end.
PleasewakeupLet haboi fnotformet hanforSizwe
hest i
llneedstomakeyoupr oud."Itookofmy
shoesandgoti nbedwi thher .
Me: "whenyouwakeIwi llbuyusahospi talIheard
thatyoual sodidadegr eeinmedi cine.Itwillbe
Calledthe'ViceNetcare'becauseyouwi l
lsoonbe
Mr sVice.Wewi llr
unt hehospitaltogether.Just
wakeupandyouwi llseebyyour self.Iloveyouso
muchpl easewakeup. "Ikissedherf orehead.Than
fal
lasleep.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
It
'sbeenqui
etawhi l
ehey.I'
M sureyou'
l
lmissed
me.Wellyou'
llknowthatI
'm marr
iednow.I
'm so
happythatI
'mf i
nal
lymarr
iedtotheLoveOfMyLi f
e.
Iremembervowi ngt oneverf allinloveagai nbut
l
ookatmenowIevenhaveason.Iguess
unplannedt hingsar eal wayst hebest .Ijusthope
thatwewi llbei nhoneymoonphasef oreverbut
you'l
lnowhowl ifei s.Lifeisnotabedf ullofroses.
ButIl i
vetomakemysonandmywi fehappyandI
willmakesur ethatt heyar ealwayshappy.Wel lI
am af ullt
imechar t
er edaccount antnow.I '
m so
happyt hatIf i
nal lybecamewhatIal sowant edt obe.
Ihaven'ttalkedt oAyaaboutwhatThandol wet hu
toldus.Wewer edi st r
actedbywhathappenedt o
Lethabo.Hopet hatshewi llbef i
ne.I'M gladthat
shei soutofdangernowhopet hatshewakesup
soon.It'
ski l
li
ngThapel ot hatshei sfighti
ngf orher
l
ife.Ididtellyou' l
lthatTTi sstil
linlovewi t
h
LethaboIdon' tknowwayi thadt oturnoutt hisway
forhimt oact uallyreal i
zehowmuchhel ovesher .
Butanyni ggawoul dhavedonewhatTTdi d.Hope
thatLethabowi llwakeupsot hatmyguycanshow
him somel oveagai n.Iwasi nbedwi t
hmywi fenow
wej ustplacedChumanii nbed.
Me:
"I
'm happyt
hatwear
efi
nal
lymar
ri
ed"Isai
d
l
ooki
ngatmyweddi
ngr
ing.
She:
"metoohey.I
'
mr eal
lyhappybaby.
"Shesai
d
smil
ingshowi
ngherdimple.
Me:
"Il
oveyouokay?
"
Her
:"
Iloveyout
oost
handwa.
"
Me:"sent
lizi
yoyam"welaughed.Shebitherl
ower
l
ip.Ismirked.Wehadsexthewholenight.
.
.
Notedi
ted
29
.
.
.
Thandol
wet
hu
Thingsdidn'
tendthewaythatIhopedtheywould.
Atleastt
heylovedmyfood.I'
M sti
llwonder
ingwhy
theyaskedaboutmysurnamebutLwet huwasn't
her etogi vemeanswer s.Hewentt othehospi tal.I
didn'twantt ogo.Il iedandsai dI'
mt ired.It
'snot
l
ikewear efri
endsanyway.Theyseem l i
kenice
peopl e.Iwokeupl ikeanyot hermor ninganddi dmy
dailyrout i
ne.Iwentt othekitchent omake
breakf ast.Ididpapt odaysi nceIwasn' tinthemood
ofoutdoi ngmysel f.Ihaveal readytookoutcl othes
forLwet hu.SoIdi dn'tworryaboutt hat .Isetupt he
table.Lwet huhast i
mi ng.Causehecameoutand
hei shandsomeasal ways.Ipr eferhimi nsuitst han
anyot herclothes.Hehast hat..
.Ialsodon' tknow
butyeahhi shandsome.I '
M gratefulthatImethi m.
Ifitwasn' tforhim wewoul dbet alki
nganot her
storynow.
Hi
m:"youshouldrat
hertakeapi
ctur
etheyl
ast
l
onger"Isnappedoutofmythought
s.
Me:
"goodmor
ningt
oyout
oo.
"
Hi
m:"
goodmor
ninghowdi
dyousl
eep.
"
Me:
"sl
eptwel
landyou"
Him:"
besi
desLet
habo'
sissueyeahIsleptf
ine"I
noddedandgavehi
m hi
sbr eakf
ast
.Ialsowantto
si
tdown.
Hi
m:"
not
hingspeci
alt
oday"
Me:
"youmustlear
nnott
ogettheuseoft
hings.
Whatwil
lyoudowhenI'
m gone"
Hi
m:"
whosai
dyourl
eavi
ng.
"
Me:"Ican'
tst
aywi
thyoumywhol
eli
fewhenIhave
enoughmoneyIwil
lmakeal
eavi
ngoutofmyli
fe.
"
Him:"
whatifIdeci
det
owi
feyou?
"Il
ookedathi
m
shocked.
Him:"
thi
nkabouti
t.
"Hest
oodupandgavemea
peckonmyf or
ehead.
Hi
m:"
haveagr
eatday"
Me:"youtoo"hesmi ledandwal kedout.Iwasst i
ll
shockedaboutwhathesai d.Yeahhi sact
ions
showedt hathehasat hi
ngf ormebutInevert ook
him seri
ouslyImeanl ikewhowoul dloveagi r
lli
ke
me.I '
m astreetgi
rlaft
eral l
.Idon'tknowwhatl ove
feel
slike.I
'm notusedt othatfeeli
ng.Idon'tknow
whatIhavef orLwethubutyeah.Icl eanedaround
thehouse.Wat chedmyf avori
teshows- cooking
showes- .Lat eronIpr epar eddinner.Hesentmea
texttell
ingmehewi l
lcomehomel ateIshouldn't
waitf orhim.Iat emyf ood.Andpl acedhi sinthe
oven.Iwashedt hedi shes.Isawt hatFastand
Furiouswi llbepl ayingsoIt ookoutapacketof
popcor nalongsi dewi t
hpeanut s,bilt
ongandj uice.I
wat chedthewhol emovi e.Andi twasactuallygreat
Ilovecar slikewheneverIseeaf astcarIbecome
happy.Iswi tchedof fthelightsthanwalkedt obed.I
tookofmycl othesandwor emyni ghtdress.Islept.
Ifeltsomeoneget ti
ngi nbedwi thme.Iqui ckly
wokeupt ol ookwhoi tis.Theper sonplacedmeon
topofhi m agai n.ItwasLwet huIknowhi scologne.
Hi
m:"
shh"Ir
elaxed.
Me:
"whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e"
Hi
m:"
coul
dn'
tsl
eep.
"
Me:
"mmhokay.Ihavebeenmeani
ngt
oask?
"
Hi
m:"
yeahask"
Me:
"whydidever
yoneactshockedwhent
heyhear
d
mysurname.
"
Hi
m:"
youseeAya?
"
Me:
"yeah"
Hi
m:"
Shei
sal
soaNzungu"
Me:
"t
hatexpl
ainswhyshel
ooksl
ikemyuncl
e."
Hi
m:"
isi
tthef
ir
stt
imeyoumeet
ingAya"
Me:
"maybeIdon'
tknowtheonl
ypersonIr
emember
i
smyuncleIwasstil
lsmal
latt
ime"
Hi
m:"st
il
lar
e"Ihi
thi
schestpl
ayf
ull
yandhe
l
aughed.
Hi
m:"
youar
eqa"
Me;
"andyourol
d"Isai
dlaughi
ng
Hi
m:"
haveyouseenagr
ownassmanhotl
ikeme.
"
Me:
"don'
tfl
att
eryour
sel
f"hehel
dhi
schest
Hi
m:"
I'
m hur
tyousai
dInothot
"Il
aughed
Me:"
didyouhearmetel
li
ngyout
hat
.Causet
hose
ar
eyourownwor ds"
Hi
m:"j
ustadmi
tt
edt
hatI
'
m hot
.Andst
oppl
ayi
ng
ar
ound."
Me:
"what
ever
"hechuckl
ed
Hi
m:"
youhavelonghai
r"hesai
dst
roki
ngmyhai
r.
Wewerecuddl
ingnow.
Me:"
howwoulddreadslookonme?I'
mti
redof
combingt
hem orshor
tcutnyana?
"
Him:
"don'
ttheysui
tyouper
fectl
yfineyouwil
lbe
ugl
ywhenyoudodr eadsorshorthai
r.Whowill
wantauglygir
lf
ri
end.
"Ihel
dmychest .Helaughed
Me:
"I
'm hur
t"
Him:"don'
tworryIwi l
lbetheret ol
oveyouwhenyou
areugly.Uglygi
rlf
riendsaret hebestyoudon'thave
towor r
yaboutsomeonewant ingyourgi
rl
fr
iendor
not.Tomel ooksdon' tmatteraslongasthereis
l
oveandaf fecti
on."Wel aughed
Me:"
soyouwouldlovesomeoneeveni
ftheyar
e
ugl
y?"Welaughed
Him:"yeahwhynott heyareal
sohumanst hey
deservelove.Okaysoimaginethatyourinan
accidentyougetburntbyyourface.Andyourf ace
i
sr earr
angedyout urntobebad.Iwon'tstoploving
youasl ongasyourt hesameper sonIfal
linlove
with.Yourpret
tymucht hesamet omeit'
sjustthat
yourappearancehaschanged.Youmustnever
judgeabookbyi tscover.Thel essgoodlooking
guysar eal
wayst hebestcompar edtousgreat
l
ookingguys.Theyhavegenui nehear t
sthanus.
ButIneversaidthatIdon'thavegenui neheartI'
m
realastheycomest handwa."Hechuckl ed.AndI
smi l
e.
Me:"
haindakuvake(
Ihearyou)
.Yourl
it
tlemanis
poki
ngme."Ishi
ft
eduncomfort
abl
y.Helaughed.
Him:"dealwi
thwhatyouhavedonewomanandithi
Ninanizimbokot
o(you'
llar
estones)
"Il
aughedand
healsolaughed.
Me:"
yourf
ullofj
oke'
s.CanIf
eelhi
m"Iwasr
eal
ly
cur
ious
Him:
"zobayidi
sasteryonkelennt
o( t
hiswil
lbea
di
saster
).Lemmeswi tchont hel
ights.
"Hestoodup
andswitchedt
hem on.Isatupst rai
ght.Hecameto
si
tnextme.Het ookoffhisboxer
ssi ncehewas
weari
ngt hem.
Him:
"Bambake(hol
dit)
"fuckhewasbi
g.I
swal
l
owed.HelaughedasIhadmyeyesfi
xedon
hi
scock.
Him:"
utshobaawufunicozndagodol
aumna(
say
soifyoudon'
twantto,I
'm get
ti
ngcol
d)"
Me:"okaysunxama(wait
)"Isatontopofhi
m.I
touchedhiscockandhesmi r
ked,bl
oodyfool
.I
gavehim str
okesasscaredasIwasbutIdid.He
groaned.
He:
"Tha.
.ndo.
..
lw..
.am"hesaidwit
haf ai
ntvoi
ce
wit
hhiseyesclosed.Ist
oppeddoingwhatIwas
doi
ngashewasbecomi nghard.
Hi
m:"
whydi
dyoust
op"hehadbl
oodyr
edeye.
Me:"yourbecomingharderandIdon'
twantt
omake
youmor ehardercauseIwon'tbeabl
etosol
vet
he
problem."
Him:"andyouwon'tbeabl
etonowgetupsot hatI
cantakeacoldshowertogetridofthemessyou
made. "Hechuckl
edandIgiggled.Igotoffhi
m and
hewal kedt
otheshowerbuttnaked.Ilaughedat
him andheshowedmet hemi ddlefi
nger.
Me:"
sentl
impundu(youhaveabeaut
if
ulbut
t)
"I
sai
dlaughi
nghealsojoi
nedin
Hi
m:"
mbonya"Il
aughed
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Iwokeupsi nceIf
elteye'sonme.Mybeaut if
ulwife
wasst ar
ti
ngatmesmi l
ing.Ireturnedt
hesmi let
han
closedmyeyes.Shepar tedmyl i
psusi
ngher
tongue.Ishoul
dstopteachi nghernastyt
hinks
causeshenowknowshowt oturnmeoni nstant
ly.
Shebitmyl owerl
ipsoftly.Iki
ssedher.Wekissed
foralongasstime.Iwasaboutt ogoontopofher .
Her:"
noI '
mi nchargetoday."Shesai dinaseduct i
ve
way.Ialsol aiddown.Shef i
rstwentf ormyneck
whiletakingofmyboxer s.Shegavemest r
okes
beforegivingmeabl owj ob.IswearIwasgoi ng
crazyshegi vest
hebestbl owj obsever .Icum st
il
l
i
nhermout h.Sheswal l
owedbef or
ecomi ngtoki
ss
me.Iwasact uall
yhappyt hatsheswal lowedt hem
that'
sthebestf eeli
ngever .Shei nsertedher self
.We
hadmanyr oundsbef oredoi ngoutdai l
yr outi
ne.
TodayI '
mt heonebat hingChumaniandshei s
makingbr eakfastforus.Wet aketur ns.Tome
those'wif
emustdoal lt
hehousedut ies'Don't
mat t
erinmywor l
d.Wear ei nthistoget hersowhy
notdoever ythi
ngt ogetherthan.Il ovehel pingmy
wifearound.Igott oChumani '
sr oom andhewas
suckinghisthumb.Looki ngatt hecei li
ng.Iwonder
whathei sthinkingabout .Ichuckled
Me:
"Chumani
"hel
ookedatme
Hi
m:"
dada-
tat
a-"
Me: "i
zovasandoda( comeandwashboy) "Itook
him ashewascl appinghishandsIt ookoffhis
clothes.Imadeabat hf orhim.Idi
dhi sdail
yr out
ine
thanwentdownst ai
rs.Wi t
husplayingont hestai
rs.
Hewasl aughinghisintesti
nesout.Heendedup
havinghi ccups.Ipl
acedasmal lpaperonhi s
foreheadandmadehi m dri
nkwater.Wesatdown
ont hetable.
Me:"
sowhenareyougoingtot
alkt
oThandosi
nce
i
tseemsl
ikeyourcousi
n's"
Her:
"Iwi
llwhenIseeherorIwi
llgot
oTai
lor
s
apar
tment"
Me:
"youshoul
dgot
her
erat
her
."
Her:
"whenI'
m notgoi
ngtoschoolIwil
l.t
odayIhave
t
ogot othehospi
talt
oLeJoyIjusthopethatshe
wil
lbefi
ne."
Me:"
Lethaboi
sastr
ongwoman babydon'tworr
y
ever
ythi
ngwil
lbef
ine"sheexhal
edt
hannodded.
Her
:"
areyoual
sogoi
ngt
othehospi
tal
?"
Me:
"yeahbefor
eIgot oworkIhavet
ocheckonTT.
Hedidn'
tlookf
ineyest
erday.
"
Her
:"
let
'stoget
hert
hanIwi
llt
akeacabbackorwai
t
f
oryourlunchti
me"
Me: "
Iwouldratherf et
chyouonmyown. "She
nodded.Wef inishedhavingbreakfastoveraslight
conversati
on.Wepl acedthedishesinthe
dishwasher.ItookChumani 'sbag.Wef ir
stdropped
him offathiscr echethanwentt othehospit
al.We
gottothewar
dandever
yonewasstandi
ngout
side
Lethabo'
swar
d.Ayahel
dmetight
lywegott
othe
guys
Me:
"what
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Cage:
"t
hedoori
slockedf
rom t
hei
nsi
deandwe
can'
tgeti
n."
Aya:
"wher
eisTT.
"
Zi
mi:"
hist
heonewholockedcausehei
sinsi
deand
sl
eepi
ng,bl
oodyf
ool
"wechuckled.
Aya:
"di
dyouguyst
ryt
ocal
lhi
m?"
Them:
"ooht
hat
"
Rir
i:
"Iwil
lcallhi
m onLethabo'
sphonewhil
eoneof
youcallhi
m onhi ssothatabenokot
uka(
he
becomesf r
ightened)
"
Mamber :
"Iwi l
lcal
lhim."Nyani
itheydid.Wot
uka
(fr
ight
ened).Wel aughedathim.Herubbedhiseyes.
hegotofthebedanddi sappear
edsomewher e.I
thi
nkthebat hroom.Hecamebackaf t
er10minutes.
Heopenedt hedoor .
Ayol
a:"
youevenl
ockedyour
sel
fher
e.Yourmad
abouthernow.
"Shesai
dlaughi
ngweal
sol
aughed.
TT:"
mxm"wel aughedaswesur
roundedLet
habo'
s
bed.Ihopeshewil
lbefi
ne.
TT:"
lemmegoknowIwi
llseeyou'
l
latt
he
aft
ernoon.
"
Us:
"shont
wana"het
ookhi
sthi
ngst
hanst
oppedat
t
hedoor
TT:
"oohandsor
ryaboutsnappi
ngatyouyest
erday"
Us:
"weunderst
andwhyyoudid"hechuckl
edand
wal
kedout.Wesatther
eincomfort
abl
esil
ence
l
ooki
ngatLethabo.Meandmybr o'
swenttowork
l
eavi
ngthegirl
sther
e.
.
.
.
TT
Iwalkedoutt
hehospit
alandwenttomyhouse.I
fi
rstmademysel
fsomet hi
ngt
oeat.Iat
ewatching
TVort heTVwaswatchingmecauseIwasthi
nking
aboutLethabo.Sher eal
lyhast owakeupsothatI
canshowherhowmuchIl oveher.AndIhopeit
i
sn'ttoolat
e.Ididmydai lyrouti
nethanwentto
Let
habo'shouse.Iwant edt ocheckuponSizwe.He
hasbecamemyr esponsi
bili
tynowthatLet
habois
atthehospit
al.Igotthereandknocked.Hecamet o
openafter5mi nuteshewaswear i
ngagown.He
l
ookedl i
kehejustwokeup.Igoti nandwenttothe
l
ounge.Heal socamet othelounge.
Me:
"hey,
howar
eyout
oday?
"
Hi
m:"
I'
mtr
yingt
obeok"
Me:
"whydi
dn'
tyougot
oschool?
"
Hi
m: "
Idon'
twanttogobacktot
hatschool
.Iwantt
o
st
artafr
eshinanewschool,
newenvir
onment"
Me:"
howwi
llyougetschoolatt
hist
imeoft
heyear
i
t'
sFebr
uar
y"
Him:"
Iwi
llaskforatransfer.ButIst
il
lhavet
owait
formysi
ster'
sapproval.Andyourwi l
lhel
pmein
convi
nci
ngher."Hechuckl ed,Ial
sodid
Me:
"youshoul
dlear
ntoaskdawgyoucan'
tjustt
ell
methatpl
usmeandyoursi
sterst
il
lneedst
ofi
x
t
hings"
Him:
"butIt
houghtyouwer
eherboyf
ri
endor
somethi
ng"Il
aughed
Me:"
weusedt odat
ebackinhighschool.Wandi
bambisil
ahl
asist
erwakhobra(yoursisterf
ool
ed
mebra)"
Hi
m:"
mysi
sterwoul
dneverdot
hat
."Wel
aughed
Me:"
youbet t
erbeli
eveitIdon'
twanttotel
lyouwhat
shedid.Butsheisallgr
ownupnow. "Ichuckl
edmy
phonerangitwasAya.
Her
:"
t-
boy"
Me:"
uzokhalaAyamthandauyeva(Ayamt
handa
youwil
lcr
y)"shelaughedandIchuckl
ed.
Her:
"youbet
terr
ushtothehospi
talcauseLeJoy
wokeupscreamingyourname"
:
"V'
TSEKsuxokaMakaChust
ar(
don'
tli
e)"t
hatwas
Let
habo.Theyl
aughed.
Me:
"i
ssheawake?
"
Aya:
"hehakeyouevenhear
dhervoi
ce"t
heyl
aughed
Me:"I
'
llbetherein5minut
es"Iswi
tchedof
fmy
phoneandl ookedatSi
zwehewasgi vi
ngme
questi
oningeye's.
Me:"
ifIwereyouIwouldbedonebat
hingnowand
beonmywayt othehospi
talt
oseemysist
er.
"I
sai
dwi t
hthewidestsmil
e
Hi
m:"
issheawake"
Me:"
youhave2mi
nut
esbr
oorel
seI
'
mleavi
ngyou
her
e."
Hi
m:"
issh.
."
Me:
"1minute40seconds"Isaidl
ooki
ngatmy
wat
ch.Heranupstai
rs.Ichuckl
ed.
.
.
Notedi
ted
30
.
.
TT
Wewentt othehospi
talnoSi zwe.Ifi
rstaskedAya
i
nwhi chwardsheisnowandshet ol
dme.Wegot
thereandshehadabr okenlegandar m.Si zwe
quickl
yrantohi
ssist
er .Ever
yonewasher e.
Let
habo:
"ouchSi
zweyourhur
ti
ngme.
"
Si
zwe:
"oohsor
rysi
sIj
ustmi
ssedyousomuch.
"
Lethabo:
"youmi
ssedme?
"Shewasshockedbyhi
s
statement.
Si
zwe:
"yesIdi
d.Bhutt
'TTknockedsomesensei
nto
meIguess.
"Weallchuckl
ed
Sizwe:
"pl
easepr
omi
set
oneverl
eavemeal
one
again.
"
Let
habo:
"IpromiseyouIwon'
tLeaveyou.
"He
ki
ssedherforehead.
Aya:"
nankuket -boyuvukesi
thiThapel
o-shecopi
ed
hervoice-(her
eshei st-
boyshewokeupsaying
Thapelo)"wealllaughed.
Let
habo:
"mxm Ayai
slyi
ngguys"
Rir
i:
"Nam bendikhonangekeuli
ngeuphikeubengu
Mikeapha(Iwasal soheredon'
tevendaredenyit
andbeMike)"wel aughed.
Mamber :
"kubekoloMikewasolokoukal
azangaya
(t
hanthere'
st hi
sMikeyoural
wayscompl ai
ning
about
)"wel aughed
Us:
"t
chi
"wewer
est
il
llaughi
ng
Siya:"
noskeamadump.eqasi di
kiwekuvanano
Mi kethi
na(youshoul
dratherdumphim wearesi
ck
andt i
redofhear
ingaboutMike)"
Us:
"t
ch"wel
aughed
Riri
:"
a.aneguysdon' tt
akel
ikeI'm nothere.Ontop
ofthatyoutal
kingaboutmypr oblemswi t
ha16
yearoldint
hebui l
ding"hef
rownedwel aughedat
him.
Si
zwe:"
myear sar
eclosed"hesai
dcl
osi
ngt
hem.
Welaughed.Thedoct
orcame.
Her:
"sor
ryt
ospoi
lthef
unbutvi
sit
inghour
sar
e
over
."
Cage:"
vel
eyouspoi
ledourfun.
"Welaughed.Weal l
walkedouti
twasalr
eadylat
eatni
ghtnowI '
mj ust
goingtodr
opSizweandgobacktothehospital.I
droppedhi
m of
f.
Me:
"behave.
"
Him:"
yeahshoTaTT.Anddon'
tfor
gett
otel
lher
aboutmyrequest
."
Me:
"wewil
ltal
ktoherTomor
rowaboutt hat
.I'
M not
t
heonewhowant stogot
oanotherschoolaft
erall
."
Hef
rowned.Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"okayIwi
llt
alkt
oher
."
Him:"enkosstaTT( thankyou) "Inoddedandwent
backt othehospit
al.Ibribedthenur sesagai
n.
Lethabowasl ooki
ngatt hewhi t
eceili
ng.Deepi
n
herthoughts.It
ookapi ctur
eofhercauseshe
l
ookedcut e.Imadei tmywal l
paper.
Her
:"
Ihopeyoutookapi
ctur
etheyl
astl
onger
."I
wasstar
ingather
.
Me:
"yeahidi
d.Ast
olenonel
ikeyoual
waysdo.
"
Her
:"
what!
!Youwentt
hroughmyphone.
"
Me:"
what'
swrongwearedati
ngmoc."Isai
d
l
aughingsheal
sol
aughed.Iwentt
ocli
mbonthe
bed.
Her:
"onemi
nuteyoucol
dtowar
dsmet
henextyou
i
ntome.Ent
lekwhatdoyouwant.
"
Me:
"Iwantmycr
azygi
rl
fr
iendf
rom hi
ghschool
."
Her:
"youcan'
tbl
amemet
hough.Yousai
dit
your
self.
"
Me:
"youhear
dmewhenIwast
alki
ngt
oyou.
"
Her
:"
yesIdid.Br
oyouevencr
ied.
"Shesaid
l
aughi
ng"butIdon'
tbl
ameyouI'm hot
."Webot
h
l
aughed.
Me:
"nowyout
aki
ngmyl
ine'
s.
"
Her:
"Ial
soheardyoutalki
ngaboutrealbabi
esanda
Hospit
althatwewil
lruntoget
her
."Shegiggled.
Me:"
oohboynowIhavet
obuyaHospi
talandgi
ve
youkids.
"
Her:
"andyoubet
terkeepyourpr
omise.I
'
m sti
llmad
atyouthoughf
orallt
hosethi
ngsyousaidabout
me."
Me:"hai
boIthoughtyoufor
gavemeaf tereveryt
hing
Ihavedoneforyou.Ievenslepthere.Evenbet t
erI
knockedsomesensei nt
oyourbr ot
her."Isaid
l
aughing
Her:
"Ineverknewyouhadi
tinyou.ButIdi
dn'
task
you.
"Shel aughed
Me'
"mxm I
'
M goi
nghome.
"
Her:
"noyournotaft
erchasi
ngyouf
orsol
ongyou
wanttoleaveagai
n."
Me:"youareangr
yatmekl
k.Iwi
llcomebackwhen
yournot.
"
Her
:"
Ifor
giveyouke.
"Il
aughed
Me:
"good.Butl
ovedi
twhenyouchasi
ngaf
terme.I
t
waskindacut
e."
Her
:"
manhoe"Il
aughed.
Me:
"what
?"
Her
:"
asshol
e"wel
aughed
Me:
"Il
oveyoutoobaby."Isaidki
ssi
ngher
.She
r
espondedt
othekiss.Webr okei
t.
Her:
"st
il
lagoodki
sserIsee"Ichuckl
edandshe
gi
ggled.
Me:
"Ifi
twasn'
tforyourlegandarm.Iwoul
dhave
f
uckedyoubynow. "Shesmirked
Me:
"pl
easedon'
t"
Her
:"
youwi
llbedoi
ngever
ythi
ngbyyour
sel
f.
"
Me:
"Iwantustodoever
ythi
ngt
oget
heri
t'
stomuch
wor
kfor1person.
"Il
aughed
Her
:"
mxm"
Me:
"howi
syourl
egandar
m byt
heway.
"
Her:
"t
heyhurtj
ustali
ttl
ebutIwi
llmanageandI'
m
get
ti
ngdischar
gedin2days.AsmuchasIl ove
bei
ngadoctorIdon'
tlovebei
ngapatient
."
Me:"
youandmeusbot hBaby.Ohhsi zweaskedme
t
oaskifhecanattendanotherschool
.Hesaidhe
wantst
obeinanewenvi ronment.Hewantstobe
t
hestarboyyouknow."
Her:
"Iwi
lll
ookf
oraschoolwhenI
'
m outofher
e."I
nodded.
Me:
"Il
oveyouokay.
"Iki
ssedherf
orehead
Her:
"Il
oveyoutoo.
"Wespoket
hewhol
eni
ghtt
il
l
shefel
tasleep.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
-
2daysl
ater
-
Weallwenttofet
chLethaboatt
hehospi
taland
wenttospurforl
unch.
Cage:"
heebesesi
fau'
TTnguweLethabo(TTwas
diei
ngwit
houtyouLet
habo)
"welaughedandTT
showedhim hi
smiddl
efi
nger.
LeJoy:
"l
eavemybabyal
oneLuvuyo.Anddealwi
th
Ayolanextt
oyou.
"
Ayol
a:"
wher
eismei
sent
er?
"Wel
aughed.
Ri
ri
:"
don'
tcopymyEng.
..
"Hi
sphoner
ang
Rir
i:
"Ihavet
otaket
his"hest
oodupandt
ookhi
s
bag.Hewentout
Mamber:"
thi
siswr
ongI
'
mtheonl
yonesi
ngl
eher
e."
Welaughed
Tai
lor
:"
met
obr
o.Let
'sr
atherl
eavet
hel
ovebi
rds.
"
Me:
"speaki
ngaboutt
hatIhavetogot
oThando
t
oday.
"Theystoodupandleft
.
Zi
mi:
"Iwonderwer
eRi
rii
slemmegocheckupon
hi
m."
Snakes:
"i
t'
snotsafeouther
ebabylemme
accompanyyou."Theyal
sostoodupandl
eft
.
TT:
"babyyouhavetoresti'
m sur
eSizwehasbeen
wai
tingforyouwesti
llhavetofi
ndaschoolf
or
hi
m."Theyalsost
oodup.
Cage;
"l
etmehel
pyouwi
tht
hebags"
Ayol
a:"
Iwillgowi
thyoubaby.
"Theyal
lst
oodup
andl
eft.I
twasmeandmybabynow.
Us:"
hol
donasecondt heypr
ankedus.
"We
chuckl
edunbel
ievabl
y.
Si
ya:
"bl
oodyt
rai
tor
sIwi
llgett
hem f
ort
his.
"
Me:
"nowewi
llgett
hem baby.
"Thewai
tr
esscame
wi
thbil
l.
Us:
"5000rr
haabazonyaaba"wepaidandwantt
o
t
heparki
nglot
.Theywereal
lstandi
ngther
e
l
aughi
ng.
Let
habo:
"I
'm sor
ryf
ri
end.
"
Us:"mxm"weendedupl aughi ngtoobutwewi llst
il
l
getthem forthis.Idr oppedSi yaathiswor kplace
sincewewer eusi ngmycar .Ionlyhaveal earner'
s
l
icense.Stil
lwor kingonget tingadr i
ver'
slicense.I
wasgoi ngtoTai lorsapar tmentIwantt otalktomy
cousin.Istoppedatt her obot s.Andsomeone
bumpedi ntomycar .Ooh' xowam.Ipl acedmy
headont hest ari
ngwheel .Igotoutfumi ng.Iwent
tocheckmycar .Theper sonal sogotofthecarasI
wasl ooki
ngatt hecarwi thmyhandsont opofmy
head.
:
"I
'm sosor
ryIpr
omi
seIwi
llcoveral
lthecost
s."
Me:"
veleyouaregoi
ngtopayf
orthecosts.Whyar
e
youevendri
vingi
fyoucan'
tdr
ivebl
oo..
."Itur
nedt
o
l
ookather
.Shel
ookedexact
lyl
ikeme.
Us:"
kuthakathwanasemi ningokuumt uUzibona
kabi
nihaimandihambe( t
hereiswitchcraf
tin
dayl
ight.Peoplest
artseei
ngt hemselvestwi
ce.
Lemmego) "webothclimbedi nourcars.Ir
ubbed
myeyesandwentoutagai nshealsocameout .
Us:"
youismemei syou.
"Wel
ookedateachot
her
shocked.Iwal
kedbackt
omycaranddroveof
f.
.
.
Notedi
ted
31
.
.
Ayabonga.
Mynamei sAyabongaJones.Mymot her
'snamei s
NompheloJonesandmyf atheri
sVusumziJones.
I
'M 30year
sold.WellIdoMechanicalengineer
ing.
Pret
tyawkwardri
ght.ButIl
ovegetti
ngmyhands
dir
ty.Andt hosebl ueover allssui t
smeyou' llshoul d
seemewhenIcr eatethingsf rom spacecr aftt o
micr oscalesensor sandcarpar t
s.Ijustlovemyj ob.
Fami lywi se,whatcanIsaybesi desmyownf ather
maki ngmyl i
feandmot her sl i
femi ser
able.I
somet i
mesaskmywhyt r eat susl ikesheept hat
mustf oll
owhi sor ders.Hechangedandshowedus
histruecol or
si n2year s.Justnotsol ongaagowe
wer ehappi lylivi
ng.Orshoul dIr athersayIwas
happi lyli
vingcauseonmymot her'ssideitlooks
l
ikeshehasbeengoi ngthr ought hisforyear s.He
alwayshasawayonsat isf yi
nghi msel fonme.Li ke
whot hef uckdoest hat.Whor apeshi sown
daught er
.Ont opoft hatwhenhef oundoutIwasno
l
ongeravi rgi
nwhent hisal lst art
edhebeatt hehel l
outofme.Andhedoesal loft heset hi
ngsi nf rontof
mot her .Heal wayst i
esherupandmakeherwat ch.
Hedoeswhathedoeswhenheseesust alkingt o
anot hermanormanar el ooki ngatas.He
somet i
meski l
lthem wi t
ht hisonegun.I 'm sickand
ti
redoft hisli
fe.Wor separ tist hathehaspol ice
wor kingf orhim Itri
edr epor t
inghi m butthatdi dn' t
help.Causeweeatt hatever yday.Wecan' tevenr un
awaycauseher unsthesestr
eetshehasli
nks
everywhere.Isomet i
mesdoubtmysel ft
hatheis
reall
ymyf ather.Whowoul ddowhathedoesathi s
owndaught er.Iwasbr oughtbacktomythoughts
whenIhi tacarIbur ymyf aceinmyhands.I
quicklywipemyt ear
sandwal koutthel
adywas
l
ookingathercar .
Me:
"I
'm sosor
ryIpr
omi
seIwi
llcoveral
lthecost
s."
Her:"
vel
eyouar egoingtopayf ort
hecost
s.Why
areyouevendrivingifyoucan'
tdri
veblo.
."shewas
i
nsulti
ngmei fsheonl yknewthetr
uthwhyIhi ther
car.Shetur
nedt olookatmeandIcouldbel i
evemy
eyes.
Us:"
kuthakathwanasemi ningokuumt uUzibona
kabi
nihaimandihambe( t
herei switchcraf
tin
dayl
ight.Peoplest
artseei
ngt hemsel vestwi
ce.
Lemmego. )
"Iwenttomycarst i
llt
ryingtodigest
whathappenedIwentoutagai n.
Us:"
youismemei syou."Iwasshockedr
eal
ly
shocked.Ineedanswersfrom mymom.Ihope
Vusumziisn'tathome.Whenshespokeherbroken
Englishsher emindedmeofmyf ri
endRiri
.Vusumzi
tookourcel lphonesbef oregoingt oRussia.Hesaid
socialmedi ai smaki ngmecr azy.Idrovehomeand
l
uckyf ormeVusumzi '
scarain'tatthehouse.It
'sno
l
ongerahomebutahouset omenow.Igoti nand
mymot herwassi t
tinginthelounget rappedtoher
ownt hought s.Idon'tblamehert houghshehas
beent hroughal otmanl i
keVusumzineedt oburnin
hell
.Ican' tevenlookatmysel fthesameanymor eI
seenot hingbutar apevicti
m.
Me:
"mom.Ihavebeencal l
ingyouf
ort
hepast5
mi
nutes"Iexagger
ated.
Her
:"
sor
rybabyyouwer
esayi
ng?
"
Me:
"Ibumpedi
nto.
..
"
Her:
"whywer
eyousocarel
essAyabongayouknow
Vusumzii
sgoingt
oexagger
ateaboutt
his.
"
Me:
"mom l
emmef
ini
shpl
ease.
"Shenodded.
Me:"t
heladygotoutofherandinsul
tedme.Butshe
didn'
tcont
inueinsul
ti
ngmecauseshewasmyl ook
al
ike.Mawel ookedthesame.Sheisshortl
ikeme
sheisli
keaphot ocopyofme.Shewasl i
kemyt wi
n.
Icoul
dn'tbel
ievemyeyes.
"Shewasi
ntear
s.I
t'
sli
ke
Iopenedaoldwound.
Her
:"
didyousayyourt
win?
"
Me:
"yesMom what
'swr
ong?
"
Her
:"
shei
syourt
winbaby.
"
Me:
"whydi dn'
twegr
owupt
oget
herwhathappened
ma!
!"Iyel
led.
Her :
"Iwasmar ri
edt oyourfathert hanwewer e
expectingt wins.Ihadt odoC- sectionorIwasgoi ng
toloseyouguys.Vusumzihappenedt obemy
gynecol ogist.WhenIwokeupIwokei nanot her
room.IaskedVusumziwher eam Iandhet oldme
thatyourf atherleftmewi t
hyourt win.Hetoldthat
hesai dImustmoveonwi thmyl i
fehewant s
nothingt odowi thmeIshoul dkeepyouandhewi l
l
keepyourt win.Ittookme2f ul lyearstoheal.ThanI
gotmar r i
edt oVusumzi .Hesuggest edthatyoualso
usehi ssur nameandIagr eed."Shebr okedown.I
alsobrokedownmyl if
eisaf uckenmess.Ican' tdo
thisanymor eIthinkIshouldrat herendmyl i
feand
restinpeace.NowIseewhyhedoesn' tcareabout
mei t
'sbecauseI'
m nothisbiol
ogi
caldaught
er.Ir
an
outofthehouseandt ookmycarkeys.Idroveto
nearestbr
idge.Ist
oodt her
eandclosedmyeyes.I
thoughtaboutever
ything.Howthi
ngschangedin
j
ust2year s.AndnowIhaveat win.
:
"Jumpofft
hebridgeIwanttoseehowyouwi l
lend
yourl
if
eyouhavebeenstandingtherefor20
minut
esnow."I
twasanunf amil
iarvoice.
Me:
"Iwoul
dmi
ndmyownbusi
nessI
fIwer
eyou.
"
Him:"youj
ustwasti
ngGod'st i
meI '
m surehi
sbeen
wait
ingforyouforalongasst i
menow.Ordoyou
wanteasydeath.Ratherpl
ayatt hemainroadat
l
eastyourparent
swhi l
egetsomet hingf
rom RAF
andtheycanenjoythemselves."Il
aughedhealso
l
aughed
Me:"whatareyoudoi
nghereanyway?"IsaidI
haven'
tlookedathi
m Iwasjustl
ooki
ngatthevi
ewI
wasgoingt oj
umpat.
Hi
m:"
dest
ressi
ng"
Me:
"gi
rlpr
obl
ems?
"Iaskedl
ooki
ngathi
m
Him:"Ayamthanda.
"Hewidenedhiseyes.Iguess
that
'smyt winsname.Wai
titai
n'tt
hefir
sti'
m
heari
ngi t
.
Me:"Iguesst
hat
'smyt
winsname.
"Hel
ookedatme
shocked
Him:"Ayahasatwi n.Wel
lshewasn'
twearing
overall
stodaywhichmakesmebel i
evet
hatshe
does."WellIwasstil
lwear
ingmyoveral
l.
Hi
m:"
Iwonderwhyshenevert
oldusaboutyou.
"
Me:"shealsof oundoutaboutmetodaybutwe
di
dn'tgetachancet ot
alk.Webumpedi nt
oeach
other'
scarsandwewer eshockedtoseeeachot her
.
Thatwegoti nourcarsanddroveof
f.Mymot her
cl
earedever ythi
ngtomenowoneoft hereasons
whyI '
m here"Isighed.
Hi
m:"
Aya'
smom di
ed.
"
Me:
"shei
sal
ivenow.
"Hewasst
il
lshocked.
Hi
m:"
what
'syourname.
?"
Me:
"Ayabongaandyour
s?"
Hi
m:"
Mxol
isibutyoucancal
lmeMamber
."
Me:
"mxowillbefi
ne.
"Hef
rowned.Il
aughedcause
hel
ookescute.
Him:"
canIhaveyournumber
."Isi
ghed.Thi
nki
ng
aboutwhatVusumzidi
d
Me:
"Idon'
thaveacel
lphone.
"
Hi
m:"awholemechanic.Whyar
eyouonebythe
wayain'
tyousupposetobeweari
ngapowersui
ts.
"
Me:"cell
phoneissueit'
sastoryforanotherday.And
Iprefergett
ingmyhandsdi rt
ythansitt
ingand
stari
ngatascr eenthewholedayandgot o
meet i
ngs.Iwouldratherfi
xacarorbuildacarpar t
.
Ital
sohel psmet odestr
ess."
Hi
m:"
that
'sawkwar
dforagi
rl
."
Me:
"bet
terbel
ievei
tbr
o.Lookihavet
ogo.
"
Hi
m:"wer
en'
tyougoi
ngtoki
llyour
sel
f.
"Hesai
d
l
aughi
ngandIjoi
nedi
n.
Me:
"mxm"
Him:"
canItakeapi
ctur
eofyouIhavetoshowmy
guysthi
s.Andyoul
ookcuteint
hatoveral
l.
"I
gi
ggled
Me:"t
hankyou"het ookapict
urewit
hmeand
pi
cturesofme.Iwentbackt othehousethi
nki
ng
aboutMxo.Idon'tevenknowwhyI '
mt hi
nki
ng
abouthim.Ichuckl
ed.
.
.
.
Mxol
isi
Mynamei sMxol i
siKuzwayo.32year sold.I'ma
phar macistIownmyownPhar macy.Enoughabout
i
nt roducti
onsnow.Shel ef
tmet her est i
llsurprised.
LikeAyaneverment ionedshehasat win.
Ayabongadi dment i
ont hattheysaweachot her
today.Idon'tknowwhybuti tf eltli
keAyabonga
wasgoi ngthroughal ot.I'
m gladIgother ei ntime.I
didn'taskwhat 'sgoingonwi t hhercauseIdi dn't
wantt omakeherf eeluncomf ortabl e.Shel ooked
cutei nherover al
l.Ifeltsomet hi ngf orhert hat
attachedmet oher .Iwasst i
lllooki ngather
pictures.Ipostoneonmyst atus.Theonewet ook
togetherwi t
ht hecapt ion'nevert houghtIwoul d
comeacr ossawomant hati samechani c.'thegirl
s
andmybr o'
sr epl
iedtomyst atusbutIi gnor edthem
andswi tchedof fmyphone.Iwi lldealwi tht hem
tomor r
ow.Idr ovetomyhouse.Imademysel f
somesausageandpap.Iat elooki ngatAyabonga' s
pictur
es.Shei sreall
yfuckencut ewi thherover al
lsI
don'twantt ol i
erha.Ther eissomuchgoi ngi nher
l
ifeIcanseet hroughhereyes.Iwi llaskherwhen
wemeetagai n.Ididn'
tevenaskhersur nameso
thatIcant rackherdown.Fuck.If inishedeat ing
andwat chedt hedishes.Iwentt omybedr oom.I
tookashowerbef oresleeping.Iwaswokenupby
peoplemaki nganoi seout si
det heywer eal so
bangingmydoor .Igroanedandwentt ot heen- sui
t
towashmymout handmyt eeth.Iwentdownst air
s
wear i
ngmyboxer s.Holathisismyf uckenhouse
afteral
l.Iopenedt hedoor .NDi twast hegi rlsand
mybr o's.
Me:"
yint
on'nanqonqozangat hindi
beMaliyenuye
st
okefel
a(whyareyouknocki ngli
keownyou
moneyforstokef
ela)
"theychuckledandgotin.
TheywenttotheloungeIfol
lowedaf t
ert
hem.
Ri
ri
:"
himakengokuwenadi
benephinoAyabonga
(
wait
,wheredi
dyoumeetAyabonga)"
Aya:
"t
hatexpl
ainswhyyou'
l
lcal
ledmeAyabonga
whenwemetatRes."
Si
ya:
"IalsosawheratRussi
aandIt
houghtIwas
i
maginingthi
ngs.
"
TT:
"met
obr
oatMacDonal
donWednesday.
"
Zi
mi:
"andyou'
l
ldi
dn'
ttel
lus"
Siya:"
li
kewesai
dwet
houghtwewer
eimagi
ning
things.
"
Aya:"Ial
sothoughtIwaswhenshebumpedi nt
omy
car.Ievenwentbacktothecartorubmyeyesand
walkedbackoutandwewer elike'
youismemei s
you'andwal kedbacktomycarnotbel
ievi
ngwhatI
saw."Wel aughedather
Cage:
"onaser
iousnot
ethoughwer
edi
dyoumeet
her
?"
Me:
"shewant
edt
oki
llher
sel
f..
."
Them:
"what
?"
Itol
dthem everyt
hingthathappenedIbasi
cal
ly
narr
atedt
hest orytothem.
Ayol
a:"
butbef
oreshel
eftshewasahappybundl
e
ofj
oy."
Ri
ri
:"
andshewas.
"
Snakes:
"howaboutwegocheckuponher
."
Aya:"
inot
herwor
dsyoumeanmymot
heri
sst
il
l
al
ive.
"
Me:
"t
hat
'
swhatshesai
dtome.
"
Tai
lor
:"
weshoul
dgot
her
e."
Me:"
giveme5mi nut
esIwil
lberightback.
"Ir
an
upst
airstooka2mi nut
eshower.Loti
onedandwor
e
myclothes.Iwentdownst
air
s.
Me:"l
et'
sgo."Weallwalkedoutandt ookof
ftoher
housewewer eallf
oll
owingCagesi nceAyolawas
dir
ecti
nghim.Wegoti nthereandknocked.Some
shoutedcomeinweal lwalkedin.Andwesawher
withhermotherandfatherIthi
nk.
Us:
"molwenit
atamol
oma(
goodmor
ningma'
am
andsi
r)
"
Rir
i:
"bi
tchyoudi
dn'
tevencar
etoment
iont
hatyour
back."
Ayabonga:
"Iwasgoi
ngt
ogot
oyou.
"
Mamakhe:
"mol
wenini
ngobanini
na.(
Goodmor
ning
whoar
eyou)"
Siya:"Ayamthandaehl
eli
guys(shei
sAyamthanda
sit
ting).WeareAyabonga'sf
ri
ends.
"Weallagr
eed
tohi sstat
ement
Tat
akhe:
"banuAyamt
handa(
whoi
sAyamt
handa?
)"
Aya:
"oohmolwenita(oohgoodmor
ningsi
r)
"sai
d
comingfr
om theback.
Mamakhe:"oohmnt anam (
mychi l
d)"shesai
d
huggingher.Tat
akhewaspi ssedoff.Theyf
inal
l
y
brokethehug.
Tai
lor
:"
oohwher eareourmanner
s.I
'
m Luvol
wet
hu.
"
Weallint
roducedoursel
ves.
Ayabonga:
"you'
l
lknowmethisismymother
Nompheloandthisi
smyfatherVusumzi
"shesai
d
wit
haf ai
ntsmil
emorel
iket
heVusumziname
di
sgustsher.
Cage,
Snakes,
SiyaandTT:
"Vusi
i!
!"
Us:"
ohhnoohnoo"wesai dplaci
ngourhandson
topofourheads.Sal
alayi
ntsi
ni(
welaughedout
l
oud).Vusumziwaspissedweallgotoutoft
he
houselaughi
ng.
.
.
Notedi
ted
32
.
.
Ayabonga
Iwassogl adtoseemyf ri
endsIwonderhowt hey
metAyamt handa.AndImetnewguyst heylooklike
greatguystohungoutwi t
hIcan'twai ttobewi t
h
them.Ialsowanttohaveagr eatrelati
onshipwith
mysi st
erIwanttoknowhermor e.Ihavespent30
yearsofmyl i
fewit
houther .Iwantt obewi t
hher
now.Iwassohappyt oseeMxoher eto.Hekepton
eyeingmeandIcoul dn'
thelpbutsmi le.Therei
s
somet hi
ngaboutt hatguy.MightIbef al
li
nginlove
forhim?Noi tcan'tbeIjustmett heguyafteral
l.
Vusumzil eftheref umingandIknowf orafactt
hat
hellwil
lbreakl osewhenhecomesback.Iwonder
whatwi l
lhappenIhopehewi llspareus.Mymot her
ont heotherhandi ssof uckenhappyt omeet
Ayamt handa.Imeanshenevergott hechancet obe
withher.Iwaswashi ngthedisheswi thmymom.
Mom: "
aret
heguysal
soyourfr
iends?Youknow
howVusumziishewil
lsur
elymakeussufferf
or
thi
s."
Me:"
Mom Ialsomettheguystoday.Ionlyknowone
oft
hem whichisMxot heot
hersIdon'
tknowbutit'
s
poi
ntl
esstosaythatcauseVusumziwillmakeus
suf
feranyway.
"
Mom:"Iwonderwhatwi
llhedot hi
stimeI'm si
ck
andti
redofthi
smanIwi shIcouldjustf
indpeace
andbehappyforoncei
nmyl ife."
Me:"wewil
lfi
ndpeacema.Everyt
hingtakestime.
Let'
sbepati
entmanli
keVusumziwi l
lsufferfor
everyl
it
tl
ethi
ngtheydi
dhewi l
lburninhell.
"
Mom:"
Ijustwisht
hatwi
llhappensooni
'
m si
ckand
t
ir
edofthis.
"
Me:"
lookonthebr
ightsi
demayouf
oundyourl
ong
l
ostdaught
er."
Mom:"
speaki
ngaboutherIneedtogooutwi
thherI
needt
obondwit
hmydaught er.
"
Me:"
howwi l
lyoucontacthermar
ememberwe
don'
thavecell
phones.
"
Mom:"Iwi
llhavet
ogatherallmystr
engt
handask
Vusumzif
oracell
phone."Inodded.
Me:"
lookmaIwillhavet
ogot owor
know.Bye.
"I
sai
dkissi
nghercheekrunni
ngoutwit
hmyback
packonmyhandandcarkeys.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Thatwassouncal
ledforustol
aughbackt hen.
Lemmetellwer
ethatallcamef
rom wel
lthereisthi
s
oneoldsongt hatwelistenedt oandtheladywas
l
ike"vusi
.Ohnoohhno" .Wet houghtaboutthat
songandwebur st
edi ntolaughedcausewe
soundedgayish.Ididn'tgotowor kchumaniand
Ayaalsodidn'
tgot oschool .Wewer ejustchil
li
ng
outsi
deatthepoolitwassohot .
Me:"
youseem t obefindi
ngyourfami
lypieceby
pi
ece."Isai
dswi mmingtoherdir
ecti
on.Sheonly
hadherfeetin.NB:shecan'
tswim.
Aya:"
I'
m sohappybabynothavi ngaf amilyisn'
t
coolatal
landfindi
ngitnowi t'
sgreat.JustthatI
didn'
tgetachancetotal
kt omymot herthatwasso
uncall
edofustolaughli
ket hatatagr ownupnor h.
"
Shesaidlaughi
ngIalsolaughed.
Me:"t
ellmeabouti
t.Ineversawt
hatcomi
ng.
"We
chuckl
ed.
Chumani:
"dada"hesaidl
if
ti
nguphi
shands.It
ook
hi
minsidethewater.
Aya:"
makesurehedoesn'tdr
ownpl
ease.I
'
m not
readytobeawidow.
"Ilaughed
Me:
"hewon'
t.
"Iswam wi
thChumani
.Hewashavi
ng
agr
eatt
ime.Hedi
dn'
tevenwantt
ogetout
.
Aya:
"r
ytmpokoqone(
isAf
ri
cansal
adal
ri
ght
?"
Me:
"yeahi
tisIwil
ltakeabat
hwi
thChumaniso
l
ong.
"Isai
dgetti
ngout .
.
.
.
Mxol
isi
Iwassohappyt oseeAyabongat oday.Iam goi ng
tobespendi ngthenighttherebutshedoesn' tknow.
Iwillsneakinherroom.IhopeIgeti ntotheright
onet hough.theli
ghtswereswi t
chedof f.Ij
umped
overt hefancywit
hmyl adder.Ther ewere2r ooms
thathadlightson.Iusedmyl addert opeakint he
fir
stoneandIsawAyabongal oti
oning.Iknocked
ont hewindow.Shet ookapoi nt
yt hingfrom t
he
tableandcamet ot hewindow.Sheopenedi t.She
wasaboutt oscr
eam.Ihel dhermout handjumped
i
nsi detheroom.Iwenttol ockthedoor .
Her
:"
whatt
hef
uckar
eyoudoi
ngher
eMxo.
?"Iwent
t
ost
andaf
ewi
nchesf
rom her
.
Me:
"Sandibi
zikamnandi(
Ili
ket
hewayyoucal
l
me.
)"Sheblushed
Her
:"
I'
m ser
iouskesana"
Me:
"butyoursmi
li
ng.
"Shel
ookedaway.Imadeher
f
aceme.
Her
:"
justgoI
'
m noti
nthemoodf
orseei
nganyone.
"
Me:
"t
hanwewi
llsl
eep.
"
Her:
"youwellgetmei
ntot
roubl
ewhati
fsomeone
seesyou?"
Me:
"Idon'
tcar
e.Pl
usthedoorislockedandIwi
l
l
makesureat4am I
'
m outofhere."
Her
:"
lookt
hatsi
deIwantwearmycl
othes.
"
Me:
"Ihaveal
readyseenyourbodysoIdon'
tsee
whyyourhi
dingit
."
Her
:"
mxm"sheworeherclot
hes.WegotinbedI
t
ookofmycl
otheswi
llsheislooki
ngatme
Me:"
don'
twor
rywehaveal
if
eti
met
oget
her
.Don'
t
dr
oolonmenow."
Her
:"whatl
if
eti
meareyout
alki
ngaboutcauseI
t
hereisnooneoutt
her
ewhowi l
lwantagir
lli
ke
me.
"
Me:
"whatdoyoumean?
"Shesi
ghed
Her
:"
let
'sr
atherl
eavei
t.
"
Me:
"okaybutwear
est
il
lgoi
ngt
ospendal
if
eti
me
t
ogether
."
Wespoket
hewhol
ewhi
lecuddl
ing.
.
.
Notedi
ted
33
.
.
Ayabonga
Thebedf el
tcold.Ipatt
edt hebedandhewas
alr
eadygone.IheavilysighedandopenedmyeyesI
thoughtaboutyester
day.Ismi l
edthi
nki
ngabout
thegr eattimewehad.Can' tbel ievet hatgoodman
sti
llexi sts.I'
mj ustafraidt ot ellhi m aboutmyl if
e.I
willkeepwhatVusumzidoest omeasecr ettil
l
deat h.Idon' twanthi mt ohar m Mxo.Iknowmxoi s
agangst erhetoldmeyest erday.Buthei ssmal lto
Vusumzicauseher unst hest reetImeanhehas
policei nhi sConner .Soatt hedi nnert able
yester dayVusumziwassocal m buthedi dmanage
tosayt hathewi l
lgetusf ort hisandhewi llnotgo
forushewi l
lgoforAyamt handa.MeandMom
wer esof uckenst r
essaboutAyamt handa.She
managedt oaskhimf oracel lphoneandhegave
hert hephonesayi ngt hatshemustbui l
da
relati
onshi pwithherdaught erf orwhathi spl anning.
Heal sogavememi ne.Hedi dment iont hatever y
l
ittl
et hingwedowi l
laffectAyamt handanotus
anymor e.Isofuckenwor riedaboutmysi st er
.Why
didhehavet odr agheri ntot hi s.Ist oodupand
not i
cedt hatMxol efthisvesther e.Itooki tand
sniffedi twhi l
ehuggi ngi t
.Ismi l
edcl osi
ngmyeyes
thinkingabouthi m.Il ookedatt het ableandt here
wasasmal lpaperwi thhisnumberon.Iwentt o
takeashowerf i
rst.Didmydai l
yr out i
neandwor e
myoverall
s.It
ookmycel
lphoneandthepieceof
paperpl
acediti
nmybackpack.Iwentdownstai
rs
forbr
eakf
ast.
Me:
"mor
ning"Isai
dsi
tt
ingdown
Them:"
Heybaby/Yeah"Iateconcernedonmyf ood.
Ever
ymorningnoonet al
ksweal waysfocusedon
ourf
ood.Iwentt
owor kandatl unchti
meIt ext
ed
Mxohecall
edmei mmedi at
ely
Hi
m:"
baby"
Me:
"hey,
youlef
tear
lyIt
houghtIwasgoi
ngt
owake
upnextt
oyou."
Him:"
weren'
tyout
heoneworr
iedaboutget
ti
ng
caught?
"Hesaidl
aughi
ngIl
aughedtoo
Me:
"what
ever
"wel
aughed.
Hi
m:"
Ireal
lyl
ovespendi
ngt
imewi
thyou"
Me:
"met
oo"
Hi
m:"
don'
twor
rywehaveal
i
fet
imet
oget
her
."
Me:"
yourseri
ousaboutt
hisl
i
fet
imet
hingofyour
s."
Isai
dgiggl
ing.
Him:"
yeahyouwillsee.
"Hechuckl
ed.Wespokef
or
aboutanhourorso.
Him:"
lookiloveyouokayandt
hatwi
llnever
change."Ismil
ed
Me:"
wewi
llseeaboutt
hat
.Lookcanyoupl
ease
sendmemytwinsnumber.
"
Hi
m:"okayIwi
ll
,haveagr
eatdayIl
oveyou"he
di
sconnect
edthecal
l.
Me:"Il
oveyout
oo."Isai
dlooki
ngatthescr
een.He
sentmeAyamthanda'snumberandIsenti
ttomy
mother.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Ihavebeendelayi
ngmyvi sittoThando.Ever
yti
meI
tel
lmysel
fthatIwil
lseemycousi nsomethi
nghas
tohappenbutIwil
ldefini
telygotoday.Ij
ustcame
outofmyclassesIwillbemaki ngmywayt oher
now.Justt
hanmyphoner angitwasanunsaved
number
.
Me:
"Ayamt
handaspeaki
nghel
lo.
"
:
"I
'm gl
adi
tisyoumntanam.
"Iwentqui
etf
ora
momenttr
yingtot
hinkwhoi
tis.
Me:"
oohmahey."Isai
dwi
tht
hewi
ldestsmi
le.Ist
il
l
needanswer
sthough.
Mom:"
Iwaswonderingi
fyoucoul
dcomeoverfor
l
unchIwil
lpr
eparesomethi
ngqui
ckl
y."Anot
her
del
ayi
ntomeeti
ngthando.
Me:"okaymaIwi l
lcomeover
.Inabout15mi
nut
es
I
'm dri
vingr
ightnow."
Mom: "okaylemmenotdi sturbyou"she
disconnectedthecall
.Isighed.Idrovet omy
mot herspl
ace.Idon'tknowhowt of eelaboutmy
mom.Iser iouslydon'
t.Imeanshel eftmef or30
yearsIneedanswer sasi nli
keyest erday.Aft
er15
mi nut
esofsi t
ti
nginthecarIdeci dedt ogetout.
Ayabonga'scarwasal soher e.Iknocked.Ayabonga
camet oopent hedoorforme.Sheat t
ackedme
withahug.Ihuggedherback.
Her
:"
heysi
s"
Me:
"hey.I
t'
sgoodseei
ngmeagai
n."Wel
aughed.
Her
:"
it
'sgoodseei
ngmeagaint
oo.Inevert
hought
t
hatIwouldfi
ndsomeonel
ooki
ngli
keme. "
Me:"
metoohey.
"Wewal kedi
nwesatatthelounge
Il
ookedar
ound.Theyhaveabeaut
if
ulhouse.
Me:"
itsl
ippedmymindever
yti
mewhyyouwear
ing
over
all
s?"Shegi
ggl
ed
Her:
"I'
m aMechani
calengi
neer
."Il
ookedather
shocked
Her:
"Iknowi
tsur
pri
singbutIl
oveget
ti
ngmyhands
di
rt
y."
Me:"
Ithoughtwehadthesamepersonali
tyIwas
goi
ngtopr unkmyhusband"If
rowned.Shelaughed
Her
:"
hol
donyoural
readymar
ri
ed.
"
Me:"
yesIam doyouseeSi
yat
hatcameher
e
yest
erday?
"
Her
:"
yeah"
Me:
"wegotmar
ri
edaweekorsoago.
"
;
"Youaremarr
ied?
"Thatwasmymom comi
ngf
rom
t
hekit
chen.
Me:
"yesIam"Isai
dwi
tht
hebi
ggestsmi
le
Mom:"can'
tbeli
eveImissedsomanyyear
sofyour
l
if
e.Come,lunchisready.
"wewentt
othedinni
ng
r
oom.
Me:"
Idon'
tunder
standma.Dadsaidtomethatyou
di
edgivi
ngbir
thtome."Theysuddenl
ysi
gnedand
l
ookeddown.
Mom:"Ineverdi
edit'
sjustt
hat
."Tear
sfal
loutofher
eyest
hisisreal
lydeep.
Me:"
whathappenedma.
"Shetoldmeever
ythi
ng.
Fr
om whenIwasbornti
llnow.
Me:
"whathowcoul
dhedot
hat
?"
Ayabonga:
"herunst
hesest
reet
ssishedoeswhat
everhewants.Andyoumustnott
hinkwedon'
ttel
l
thepol
icewedobuttheyal
soruntohim.
"
Mom:"pl
easedon'
ttel
lanyoneaboutt
his.Hewi
ll
har
m youandyourfamil
y."
Me:
"butmamyhusbandi
sagangst
erI
'
m sur
ehe
canhel
p"
Mom:"youmar r
iedtogangst
erIhopehewil
ltr
eat
youbett
er.Idon'twantmychil
drent
ofal
lundert
he
samefateasme. "
Me:
"hedoesMaIcanassur
eyouaboutt
hat
."
Ayabonga:
"andyourhusbandi ssmalltohimjust
don'
ttel
lanyone.Hewon'tli
vet otel
lthet
alehisday
wil
lcomeandhewi l
lsuf
ferforallhi
sdoings"Iwent
tohugthem both.Wegrouphugged.
Mom:
"sot
ellmeaboutyourl
if
e."
Me:"wheredoIbegin"It ol
dthem everythi
ngabout
myself.Ichi
ll
edtherethewhol edayIr eal
lyenj
oyed
myself.ButIfel
tsorr
yf orthem IwishIcoulddo
somethingtohelpthem getr i
dofthatmonst er
cal
ledVusumzi .
.
.
Notedi
ted
34
.
.
Luvol
wet
hu
Lifehasbeengr eati fIcansay.Havi ngtowakeup
tothemostbeaut ifulpersonever ysinglemor ningis
great.Butwear enotof fi
cial
lydatingI'
mt oaskher
tobemygi r
lf
riendt odayIhavepl annedagr eatday
forus.Iknowshei syoungert hanmebutagei s
j
ustanumber .Thandol wam hasbeent reati
ngme
l
ikeaki ngandt hat '
swhatIl ovedabouther .We
haven'tbeeni ntimat etoeachot heryet .Idon'tthi
nk
thatshei sreadyf ormej ustyet.Itoldhert otellme
whenshei s.Iwi l
lbepat i
entwi t
hherwear enotina
rushaf terall
.Itookadayof fatwor kjusttospend
ti
mewi thher.Wewi l
lbegoi ngtoa5st arrestaurant
thatisinahot el.Ihaveal r
eadybookedt hechef
theretogui deust hroughever yt
hing.Hewi l
lbe
showi nguswhathedoesandal lt
hoset hingsand
preparef oodforus.Ij usthopet hatThandol wam
willenjoyherday.Iopenmyeyeandf indher
stari
ngatme.Icl osei tagainandsl eep.
Her
:"
heywakeupnow,
ain'
tyougoi
ngt
owor
k."
Me:
"mor
ningt
oyout
ooLwami
"
Her
:"
goodmor
ningLwet
hu.Myquest
ionst
il
lst
ands
t
hough?"
Me:
"noI
'
m noti
nfactI
'
mtaki
ngyououtt
oday.
"
Her:"
ther
eisnoneedfort
hatimeanyouhave
alr
eadydonealotformeIdon'
tknowhowtorepay
you."
Me:"
Iwantaki
d"If
elteye'
slooki
ngatmeandI
l
aughed
Me:"I
'mj
ustjoki
ng.Butyoucanal
waysfi
ndwayst
o
repayme.Justl
etmebeamanandt akecar
eof
you."
Her
:"
butst
il
l.
"
Me:
"nobut
's.Justpr
epar
eyour
sel
fwear
egoi
ngout
t
oday.
"
Her
:"
okay,
Iwi
ll,
l
emmegomakebr
eakf
ast
."
Me:"
makesur
eit
'ssomet
hingl
ight
.Youmusthave
anappet
it
ewhenwego."
Her
:"
Iwi
llmakej
ungl
eoat
sthan.
"
Me:"
okayungayenzif
ancy(
don'
tmakei
tfancy)I
f
eelli
kei
eat
ingi
tnor
malt
oday.
"
Her:"
theniquntyweperfumendakendayenzani
ni
fancypapa( ar
eyoumad?Whendi dIevermake
porri
dgefancy.)"Iopenedmyeyeswhil
elaughi
ng.
Me:
"whatdi
dyousayt
ome.
"
Her:
"l
eaveit
"shesai
dlaughi
ng.Iwentont
opofher
andti
ckledher
.Shewasgiggl
ing.
Me:
"whatwher
eyousayi
ng?
"
Her
:"s.
.or
..
rykl
ku"shewasst
il
lgi
ggl
ing.Shel
ooked
socuteandadorabl
e.
Me: "
mxm ndakut hanndawena( Il
oveyou) "Isaid
kissi
ngher .Shekissedmeback.It r
aveledmyone
handt oherbuttandgr abbedit.Shegaspedand
reali
sedasof tmoanwi llwewer ekissing.Ismi led
throught heki
ss.Sheal sosmil
ed.Bestf eeli
ngever
whensomeonesmi lesduri
ngaki ss, sheisal soa
goodki sserIbet
.Shehadal readypl acedherhands
aroundmyneck.Igr
indont
opofher
.Ipul
ledoutof
thekiss.
Me;"Iwantyoutoknowwhatyourdoingandbe
sureaboutit
.Okay"hereyesscr
eamedformor
ebut
nottodaybaby.Shenodded.
Her:
"l
emmegopreparebreakf
astt
han."Igotofher
.
Shegotupwi
thherfatassandIspankedher.
Her:"
Swine"wel aughed.Imadet hebed.Ididmy
dail
yrouti
ne.Andwor emyj eanshortswit
habl ack
ell
esset-
shirt
.Ialsowor emyl ongell
essesocks
withmyblackai rf
orce.Iroughenmyf adewithmy
tenni
sracket.Iwenttot hekit
chenandshewas
dishi
ngup.Isatdowncauset hetabl
ewasal r
eady
made.Shepl acedthepl atei
nf r
ontofme.Sheal so
camet ositdown.Weat eoveraconversati
on.
.
.
.
Thandol
wet
hu
Af
tereat
ingIpl
acedt
hedi
shesi
nthesi
nk.Lwet
hu
saidhewi l
lwasht hedishes.Iwentt omyr oom and
didmydai lyroutine.Iworemyboyf ri
endjeanitwas
ri
ppedandmybl ackplaint-shirt
.Iwentformy
Adidastekkiewi thalsolongsocksf rom Adidas.I
appli
edlipgloss.Itookmyphoneandwentt othe
l
ounge.Lwet huwasbusyonhi sselfphone.Imust
sayhelooksgr eatshortssuitshim perf
ectl
yf i
ne.
Hisdickprintwassobi gwitht hoseshorts.
Me:"
i'
m done"hel
ookedbackatme.Hewas
dr
ooli
ngatme.Myt hi
ghsshowedabit
.
Him:"
wow"Ilaughed.Hest
ooduphol
ding2bucket
hatsf
rom el
lesse.
Hi
m:"
youcopi
edmyout
fi
t.
"Il
aughed
Me:
"noIdidn'
t"welaughed.Hehandedmeoneof
t
hosebuckethats.Il
oosenedmybraidsandwor
e
t
hebuckethat.Healsoworehis.Wewentout
.
Hi
m:"
ait
a.Tamoses"
Gar
dener
:"
yeaht
atai
lor
"
Lwethu:
"kasondel
ekanci
ncit
ata(comeher
efora
whil
e)"bramosescamekenyani.Wewerestandi
ng
out
sidet
hedoornow.
Lwet hu:"celausif otet ata( canyoupl easet akea
pict
ur eofus) "br amosesnodded.Lwet hugavehi m
hisphone.Wet ookpi ctur esandt heyl ookedgr eat
.
TheoneIl ovedt hemosti st heonewer eIwas
huggi nghi m wi t
hmyeyescl osedwi t
ht hecr aziest
smileandhewasl ooki ngatmel ikeI 'm crazy.The
onehel ovedi st heonet hatwewer eposi ngl i
kewe
aredoi ngadoggyst yle.Suchaf ool .wet hanked
bramosesandt ookof f.Ir eallyenj oymyst aywi th
Lwet hu.I'm alwayshappywhenI 'm ar oundhi m.He
alwaysf indsawayt omakemef eelhappy.Weact
l
ikewe' redat ingwedoever ythingt oget her
somet i
mes, andi tf
eel sgr eat .IthankGodever yday
formeet ingsuchagr eatsoul .Iwi llforeverbe
gratefulforwhathedi df orme.Forgi vingmea
secondchancei nlif
e.Inevert houghtIwoul dhave
agr eatlife.Aftersomuchpai nIhavebeent hrough.
IthoughtIwasgoi ngdi eont hest reets.It hankGod
formaki ngLwet husaveme.Someonewi pesmy
tears.Ilookupandsmi le.ItwasLwet hu.
Hi
m:"
heyar
eyouf
ine.
"
Me:"I
'mfineIwasjustt
hinki
ngofhowgr at
efulIam
forhavi
ngasecondchancei nl
if
e."Isai
dsmi l
ing
andhealsosmiles
Him:"ever
yonedeservesasecondchance.Nowl et
's
go."Wegotoutofhiscar .Wewereatahotel
.He
hel
dmyhandaswewal kedi
n.Heleadsusstr
aight
totherestaur
antar
ea.Wewer ewelcomedbyachef .
Chef
:"
Ial
mostt
houghtyouwer
enotcomi
ng.
"
Lwet
hu:
"sor
ryf
orbei
ngl
ate.
"Hesai
dsmi
li
ng
Chef:
"i
t'
sokaycomewehaveal
ott
odo.
"Hel
ead
thewaytotheki
tchen
Me:
"whyar
eweher
e?"
Lwet
hu:
"sur
pri
set
odayyouwil
lbecooki
ngal
ong
si
dewit
hchefRamshimsel
f.
"
Me:"What
?"Isai
dsurpr
ised.Imeanli
kechefRam'
s
foodisamazi
ngandhei sawellknownchef
.I
att
ackedLwethuwi
thahug
Lwethu:
"doyouwantmedead? "Ipul
ledoutoft
he
huglaughi
ng.Wewenttower echefRamswas.He
taughtmelot
softhi
ngs.Ievenaskedfora
notebookandtheygaveittome.You'llseewhyI
sayLwethuisthebest.Hebookedmeasect i
on
wit
hchefRams.Icoul dn'
tbehappier.Thisisthe
bestdayofmyl i
fe.Ihaveneverbeensohappy.We
hadlunchwithLwethuwi t
hthefoodpr epar
edby
meandchefRams.Iwassmi l
ingli
keacr azy
person.
Him:
"youreal
lyenj
oyedyourday?
"Wewer
est
il
l
havi
nglunch.
Me;
"morel
ikehadt
hebestdayofmyl
if
e."He
smi
led
Hi
m:"I
'
m gl
adt
hatmysur
pri
sewor
ked.
"Ismi
led
Me:
"yourt
hebestpersonIhaveevermetinmyli
fe
t
hankyouforever
ythingyouhavedoneformeI
r
eal
lydoappreci
ateityouneverf
ail
edtoamaze
me.
"
Him:"i
nthatcaset hancanyoupleasemakemet he
happiestmanaliveandbemygi rl
fri
end.Look
Thandolwam -holdsmyhands-Il ovedfrom t
heday
Ialmosthityouwi thmycar.If
eltforei
gnfeeli
ngs
foryou.IwentcrazywhenIcoul dn'tfi
ndyou.But
I'
m gladIdi
dcauseyouhavebeennot hingbutthe
besttome.Iloveyoubits.Pleaseall
owmet oshow
yousomel oveandbet hereforyou.Iwantust o
buli
daf ut
uretoge..
"Idi
dn'tlethi
mf i
nishIattacked
him wit
hakiss.It
'sli
keit
'sbeenalongt imewai t
ing
forhimtosaythosewor ds.Ialsohadt ear
s.Bloody
emotions.
Me: "
yesIagr eetobeyourgi
rl
fr
iend"ournoseswere
sti
lltouching.Wewerelooki
ngdeepineachother'
s
eyes.Ifeltconnect
edtohim.Ihadbutter
fl
iesi
nmy
stomach.Shi ver
sdownmyspi ne.Goosebumpsall
overmybodyandmykneesbecameweak.
Us:"
Iloveyou"weki
ssedagai
n.Nothavi
ngacar
e
abouttheworld.
.
.
Notedi
ted
35
.
.
.
Let
habo
You' l
lknowmynamebutndi ngowakwaSmi t
h.I 'm
27year sold.Ili
vewi t hmyl ilbr other.You' l
lknow
thathis16year sol d.Wel lI'
m adoct or.Mypar ents
depar t
edwhenIwas25.I twaspr ettyhar df ormet o
forgetaboutt hem.Butt heywi llalwaysbei nmy
hear t
.TTandIar edat ingI'
m sur eyou' llknowt hat .
Hisbeent reati
ngr eallygood.Wehaveal r
eadybeen
i
nt i
mat ewi theachot her.Weal wayshavesexl ike
thereisnot ommor owhei sthebesti nt hi
ssex
game.Hemakesl ovet omei nt hemostgr eat est
way.Ial solovehimt hough.Il ovehi m somuchI
j
usthopehewi l
lbewi thmet i
llf orever.Idon' twant
tolosehi m.Ohhsi zwehaschangednowImoved
himt oanot herschoolandhi sper formancei sgr eat
heevendoesspor tsnow.I 'm sohappyt hatThapel o
spoket ohi m.Iwasathi shousej ustknockedof fat
wor k.Itisreall
yt i
ri
ngi nbeingadoct ort hankGodI
hadhal fadayt oday.Fat i
guehasbeendoi ng
wonder stomet hesedays.Iwentt othecabi net sto
takepeanutbut terIal sotookbananasont opoft he
count
er.TTi
sdoingwhatsoeverupst
air
s.Isi
ton
topoft
hecounterandst
arteat
ingmypeanutbut
ter
withmybananas
:
"Rhaasi
es"Il
ookedatwhowassayi
ngt
hati
twas
myfri
endswit
hthebro'
s.
Me:
"what
?"
Siya:
"whyt
hehellar
eyoumi
xingbananawi
th
peanutbut
ter
?"
Cage:
"i
nenepi
pii
namandl
a(t
rul
y,adi
cki
s
power
ful)
"
Us:
"whatdoyoumean?
"
Cage:
"youradoct
ordot
hecal
cul
ati
ons"
Us:
"mxm keuLuvuyoLayi
"wel
aughed
:
"Mxm uLuvuyoLayi "thatwasmybaby.Wel aughed
athisstupidit
y.Hecamet ositnexttomeandtook
abananaandat ewithpeanutbutter
.Weate
togetherwillt
heotherswerelooki
ngatus
disgusted.
MeandTT:
"what
?Doyouwantsome?
"
Them:"haii
nenepi
pii
namandlaNyan'
wena
nant
sika(tr
uly,
adi
ckispower
ful,
you,whoever
youare)"
Ri
ri
:"
niyi
thepopi
(doyouseeit
)"t
heywer
elooki
ngat
usdi
sgusted.Wealll
aughed.
TT:
"i
namandl
aent
weningoku(
inwhatpowerdoes
i
thave)
"
Aya,Ayol
aandZi
mi:
"ar
eyou'
l
lsur
ethatyour
doct
ors?"
Mamberandsnakes:
"babuzenigi
rl
s(askt
hem)
"
MeandTT:"yesweareImeanl
ikewewi
llownour
ownhospi
talsoon.
"
Si
ya:
"bayekeniguys(
leavet
hem guys)
"
TT:"
let
'sPS"t
heyal
lagr
eed.Wewentt
oj oi
nthem at
thel
ounge.Westar
tedpl
ayi
ngFI
FAtakingturns.
TT:"
babycanyoupleasemakemeasandwi chwi t
h
banana,
cucumber,
jam ,peanutbut
terandcunner.
"
Me:"
Iwasalsocravi
ngforthose.
"Ist
oodupand
wenttomakethesandwich.
Snakes:"
bayekeniguys(l
eavet
hem guys)"t
hey
concernedbackatthegame.IgaveTThis
sandwichwest ar
teati
ngandthesandwichwas
del
ici
ous.
Rir
i:
"nomarnguysno.Meisgonet
ellt
hem bef
oreI
vomit"hel
ookedatusdi
sgust
ed
Them:"
val
umlomoorsizokusakuMiket
hina(cl
ose
yourmout
horwetaki
ngyout oMike)
"welaughed
MeandTT: "
telluswhat.
"Siyaj ustsangandthe
ot
her sfol
lowed.Wekeptsi ngingIwashavi nga
greatti
mepl ayingPSwhi l
ehavi ngsnacksandal l
.
SuddenlyIfeelnausea.Iranupst ai
rsbutnot
hing.
TTcamei nwi thajugfulloffwat er
Hi
m:"
babyar
eyoual
ri
ght?
"
Me: "
yesbabet hereisnothi
ngyoucanwor r
yaboutI
wasj ustfeeli
ngnuasea."Isai
dstandi
ngup.He
placedthej ugdownandgavemeahug.Weended
upkissing.Hest ar
tedmessagingmyni ppl
esbut
theywer esour.
Me:"
yuuhaababyyekaundibambakabuhl
ungu
(
stopbabyyourhur
ti
ngme)"Isai
dpull
ingoutoft
he
ki
ss.
TT:
"what
'swr
ongbabe"
Me:
"i
t'
sjustt
hatmyni
ppl
esar
esor
e."
TT:
"l
emmesee"hesai
dli
ft
ingupmyshi
rt
.
TT:
"yuuhbabyyouhavet
enderbr
east
s."
Me:"
Ihavet
oseet hedoctorbabywhatifi
t'
s
somethi
ngser
ious."Ist
artt
ogetemotional
.
TT:
"don'
tcr
ybabylet
'sgo.
"Hewi
pedmyt
ear
s.We
wentdownst
air
s.
Aya:"
t-
boywhatdi
dyoudot
oLeJoywhyi
sshe
cr
ying."
TT:
"nothi
ngI '
mj ustt
aki
nghert
othedoct
orshehas
swall
owbr easts"
Them:"
Isti
lldon'
tknowhowyou'
l
lgotmedi
cal
degr
ees."
Cage:"
wear
eri
ghtbehi
ndyou.
"Wewentoutsodi
d
they.
.
.
TT
Wearri
vedatthehospi
talwewenttot
hedoctorI
haveal
readycal
ledhi
m.Wewenti nwil
ltheot
her
s
werewait
ingi
nthewaiti
ngroom.
Doct
or:
"Dr
.Vi
ceandDr
.Smi
th"wedi
dahandshake.
Doct
or:
"ai
n'tyousupposetobeheal
ingeachot
herI
meanli
keyouar edoctor
s."Wel
aughed.
Doct
or:
"sohowcanIhel
pyout
oday.
"
Me:"wel
lmywomanoverherehasbeenf
eel
ing
nuaseaandhast
enderbr
easts.
"
Doctor
:"
areyouseri
ousri
ghtnow?-gaveusabor ed
l
ook-haveyouguysbeenusingprot
ect
ion?"Thanit
homethatshemightbepregnant
.Welookedat
eachothernoLet
habo.
Us:
"no"t
hedoct
orl
aughs
Doct
or:
"l
emmer unsometest
st omakesur
ethatI
'
m
ri
ght
"shegaveLethaboacyl
inder
.
Hi
m:"
youknowwhatt
odo"Let
habot
ookt
hecube
nervous.Inoddedlooki
ngather
.Asner vousasI
am.Ihaveal wayswantedtobeafatherbeaf ami
ly
man.Ihopeshei spregnant
.Shecomesbackand
thedoctordoesthetest
s.Aft
erafewmi nuteshe
comesback.
Hi
m:"congrat
ulati
onsguysyou'
l
lar
e1week
pr
egnant"Ismiledandhuggedmybabywhowas
al
sohappy.
Him:"
Iwil
lsetupanappoi nt
mentwit
ha
gynecol
ogi
stf oryouguystogoanddot
hecheck
upsecti
onat."WenoddedandgotoutSizigusha
(smil
ey)
.Theguyswer esitt
ingt
her
eint
hewai ti
ng
room.
Them:
"and"
Us:
"wear
epr
egnant
"wesai
dsmi
li
ng.
Tai
lor
:"
pleasegobacktoschoolIdon'tknowhow
youguysgotdegreesi
nmedication.
"Wel aughed
Us:"
v't
sek"wesaidlaughi
ng.Itur
nedt
olookatmy
baby.Iatt
ackedherwithakiss.
Them:
"heygetar
oom.
"Wesmi
ledst
il
lki
ssi
ng.I
'
M
t
hehappi
estmanal
i
ve.I
'
M goi
ngt
obeaf
ather
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
36
.
.
Ayamt
handa
I'
M sohappyf ormyf riend.Imeant hatshef i
nally
foundl ove,Ijusthopet hattheywi l
lsti
cktoget her
forever.Theyar eperfectforeachot her.Meandmy
husbandar edevel opinglovef oreachot herdayby
day.Chumanii saheal thyboyIl ovehim somuch.
Meandsi st
erhavebeenkeepi ngincont actalong
sidewi thMom.Isowi shIcoul dhelpthem getout
ofthathel lplacecalledhomebutyou' l
lknowt hat
Vusumzii stheson' sdevi lhimself
.Noact uallyhis
thedevi l
'sfather.Butnoonegoesunpani shedhi s
daywi llcomeandmyMot herandsisterwillbef r
ee
Ijustthatcanbesoonenough.Ican' timaginet he
thi
ngshedoestheyjustdi
sgustmebyjustt
hinki
ng
aboutthem.Iam f
ixmysel
fupsinceI
'
m goingto
Thando'spl
ace.
Me:"whi
chdressshouldIwear?
"Iaskmylovel
y
husbandwho'spl
ayingFIFAonl
inewi
thTT.
Him:"
sun.
..
.Yesssss!
!!"I
'm sur
ehewonthegame
causehestar
tsdancing.Akaqinemnt
akabawo
ngumleqwa(hecan'tevendance).
Me:"r
atherst
ickwithsi
ngi
ngandletus-doi
nga
vosho-omajaivanedot
hedanci
ng."Isai
dlaughi
ng.
Healsolaughed.
Hi
m:"
fuckyoubi
tch"hesai
dlaughi
ng.
Me:
"i
ttakes2t
oof
uckhunny.
"
Hi
m:"
Idon'
tmi
ndaqui
cki
eri
ghtnow.
"
Me:
"noIhavet
ogo.Whi
chdr
ess?
"
Hi
m:"
aaahthepeachone"Iworemydr ess.Wor
e
mypeachst
il
ett
oswit
hr osesatback.
Him:"t
herei
snowaymywi f
eisgett
ingoutl
ooki
ng
l
ikethat.
"Hesai
dwrappi
nghisar
msar oundmy
waist.
Me:"
it
'snotl
ikeIwi
llberoamingaroundthest
reet
,I
wi
llgotoThandoonlybaby."Isai
dgiggl
ing
Hi
m:"youbetter
"It
urnedar
oundandki
ssedhi
m.I
br
okethekiss.
Me: "
see(-peck-)you( -
peck)lat
er(peck)and(peck)
please(peck)look( peck)aft
er(peck)my( peck)son
(peck)don't(peck)get(peck)up(peck)to(peck)any
(peck)mischief(peck)."Hekissedme.
Hi
m: "
Iwon'
t"Itookmybagandhi scarkeys.Itook
of
ftoTail
orsplace.Hiscarwasn'
tinthedr
iveway
meaningheisn'
there.Igotof
fthecarandwent
i
nsidesi
ncethedoorwasopen.
Me:
"nankumt
u(her
eissomeone)
"
:
"Comi
ng"t
hatwast
hando.Iwentt
osi
tatt
he
l
ounge
.
.
.
Thandol
wet
hu
WhatcanIsayr atherthanI 'm happil
yl i
ving.Lwethu
i
st reati
ngmel i
keaqueen.I '
m sohappyt hatImet
him.Heal waysfindsawayt omakemehappy
withoutmeaski nghi mt o.Thesmi l
ethatIseeon
hisfacewheneverwear et ogetherispriceless.I
j
usthopet hatwewi l
lgrowol dtogether.Idon'twant
anybodyel sebuthi m.Heevenappl iedf ormeata
schoolt ofini
shmyMat ri
csot hatnextyearIcango
toculinaryschool.Hei sal lshadesofhappi nessI
l
ovehi m somuch.Ineverknewwhatl ovewasbut
nowIknow.Lwet hut aughtmehowl ovei s.Ihave
neverlovedsomeonesomuchexceptmyf ather.I
willnevergettir
edofsayi ngt hat.Iwentt othe
l
oungesi nceAyawasher e.
Me:
"hey"Isai
dhuggi
ngher
.
Her:
"youlookhappy"Ibl
ushedt
hinki
ngabout
Lwethu.
Me:
"i
t'
snot
hing"
Her:
"l
emmeguessLuvoist
reat
ingyouwel
l.
"I
bl
ushed.Get
ti
ngmycheeksbur
nt.Shel
aughed
Her
:"
don'
twor
rymzl
.Igetwer
eyourcomi
ngf
rom
j
ustmakesur
ehetr
eatsyouri
ghti
fhestepsoutof
l
inecometomeIwi
lldealwi
thhi
m myself
."We
l
aughed.
Me:"
inthatcasethanIwi
llmakesuret
hatIcome
andcrytoyou."Weweresti
lll
aughi
ng.
Her:"
justdon'
texagger
atei
tnawekemzl ."We
l
aughed.Ispentthewholewithhersheissucha
caref
reeperson.Il
oveheralr
eady.Atl
eastIhave
famil
ynow.I '
M soHappythatIfi
nal
lyfoundlove.
.
Notedi
ted
37
.
.
.
Ayol
a
IgobythenameofAyolaDlamini.I
'
m 28year sol
d.
I'
m aful
l-
ti
meManagerataHot el
.Ilivewithmy
fat
herandmybeaut
if
ulstep-mother.Likeshei
sthe
best.Shehast hatmot hersloveInevergotf r
om my
realmot her.Itakeherasmybi ol
ogicalmot her.She
caresaboutmeandl ovesmesomuch.Ir eallydo
appr eci
ateallofherl ove.Lovel i
fe?WherecanI
startIlovemymansomuch.Luvuyoi stheonef or
meI 'mt el
li
ngyoual l.Hegoesext ramilesjustto
seeasmi leonmyf ace.Heal waysmakesmel augh
sincehei sfullofj oke's.Helikesjokingaroundbut
whenhi sserioushei s.IfeelsafewhenI '
m ar ound
him.Hecompl etesme.Iwasathi shousethewhol e
weekendandnowIhavet ogohome.I shehappy?
No.Hedoesn' twantmet ogoever yweekIhavet o
dealwi thhimt omakemegohome.
Hi
m:"
soser
ious?
"
Me:"
noI'
m not
,ofcour
seIam.Weseeeachot
her
dur
ingt
heweeknjena.
"
Hi
m:"
Iwantyout
oli
vewi
thmeper
manent
ly.
"
Me:"
myf at
herwi
llt
otal
lydi
sagr
eewit
hthatIsti
ll
don'
tknowhowIgotachancetoli
veatRes."We
l
aughed.
Hi
m:"
justt
ellyourf
atheryourl
ivi
ngwi
thyour
husband.
"Il
if
tupmyr
ingf
inger
.
Me:
"doyouseear
ingher
e."
Him:"wel
lthatcanbear
ranged.
"Het
ookhi
s
cel
lphone.
Me:
"mxm uyisayl
onkanj
ani
i(yourmad)
"
Hi
m:"
yourmaki
ngmecr
azywoman.
"Wel
aughed
Me:"
Icomeher
eEve.
..
."Iwasdi
stur
bedbyaknock
downst
air
s
Him:"l
eavei
ttheywil
lgiveupandgoaway.
"Hesai
d
part
ingmylips.Theknockwentl
ouder
.Ial
sot
ook
mybag.
Me:"l
emmeputmybagdownst air
swhi l
eIcheck
whoi tis.
"HenoddedIki ssedhim.Thingswer e
getti
ngheat edwhentheknockbecamel ouderthan
before.Luvuyogroan.Ipull
edoutandwent
downst ai
rswithmybag.Ipl aceditonthecounter
tabl
eandwentt oopenup.I twassomeonewhi te
l
adywi thababy.Shepushedmeasi de.Iwasjust
shocked.
Me:
"okay.
"
Her
:"
гдеcage?
!!(
wher
eiscage)
"
Me:"haij
ongabaUzof i
kaunditukekwam goduke
ccrhaalenj
akazii
thi
ni(l
ookhereladydon'
tcame
her
eandswearatme, getoutofmyhousebitch.
)"
Her
:"
wher
ethef
ucki
scage.
!!
'
Me:
"ahhedali
,don'
tmakenoi
se.Whatdoyouwant
f
rom hi
m anyway."
Her:
"Idon'
tanswert
oyou.CAGE!
!!
"Hecame
downstai
rs.Hewasshockedt
oseethi
swoman.
Hi
m:"
Star
fi
rewhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e."
Her
:"
heyloverboy,
Icameher
etoshowyout
he
wonder
fulgi
ftwecreat
ed.
"
MeandCage:
"what
!!
"
Her
:"
hisnamei
sSekani
."
Me:"youknowwhatI '
m outofhere"Isai
dlookingat
Cagedisgusted.Bl
oodyman.Howcanhenott el
l
met hathehasaki dawholefuckenhumanbei ng.2
handsand2l egs.Worseparttheboylooksli
kehim
hecan'tevendenyhim.Can'tbeli
eveItr
ustthi
s
manwi thmyal l
.Igavehi
m everythi
ngIhadandhe
i
st reat
ingmel i
kethi
s.UmnaIhavebeenI nso
manyr elati
onshi
pswereIgetcheatedonbutI
fuckenr ef
usethi
stimecausether
ei salsoahuman
beingnow.I '
M donewit
hmannow.It ookmybag
andmycarkeysont opofthecounter.
Cage:
"babeIca.
..
"
Me: "
justdon' t
."Het ri
edhol dingme.It ookmybag
andst romedoutwi thCagescr eami ngoutmyname.
Igotint hecaranddr oveof f.Iconnect edmyphone
tother adi
ooft hecar .Ifir
stswi tchedonAi rpl
ane
mode.Thef irstsongt hatplayedwas' Phor a-
SinnerPt .
3'.Ipul ledoverandcr i
edl ist
eningt othe
song.WhenPhor asai d'whot houghtl ovingyou
wasmyonl yweakness' .Itjustbr okemyhear tmore.
Itookal ookdr iveli
steningt oot herPhor asong's.I
fi
nallydrovehomel uckymydad' scari sn'there
meani nghisatwor k.Iwal kedi nt hehouseand
mom wasj ustchecki ngupi nherNi gerianshows.I
threwmysel font opofher .Icr i
edt il
licalmeddown.
Shewasmaki ngmecal m down.Sheal socame
withsugarwat er.Idrankit.
Her
:"
tal
ktoyourmot
herwhat
'swr
onghunny?
"She
sai
dmaki
ngmef
aceher
.Il
aughed
Me:"Ibelievehi
m whenhesai dhel ovesme.Today
awomancamebywi t
haf uckenhumanbei ng-
shouting-.Hehaseyes,nose,2hands, 2l egs.A
wholehumanbei ngMaandIt r
ustedhim wi t
hmy
al
l.Sexi sseri
ousxakuphelelapho"Icried.
Mom: "oohmntanam sukhal
akl k.Konkekuzol unga
(oohmychi l
d,Don'
tcryeverythingwillbeal r
ight)
don'tstr
essaboutthatgoodfornothingboy.You
willhaveaheadacheandyounohowpai nf ul
headachesaretoyou"sheshushedmet i
llidoze
off.
.
.
.
Luvuyo
Igobyt heNameLuvuyoLayi .I'
m 31year
sold.
You'l
lknowt hatI
'
ml awyer.SoStarf
ir
ewasthatno
Str
ingsattachedtypeofpersonbackinRussi
a.I
nevercheatedonAyola.Ilovehersomuchsheis
myeveryt
hing.Ican'ti
maginemylif
ewi t
houthim.I
woulddoanythi
ngf orher
.Shedidn'
tevenl etme
expl
ainmyself
.Itri
edcall
ingbutsheitwentstrai
ght
tovoi
cemail
.Ihopeshei sfi
newhereevershei s.
Worseparti
sthatthelooksli
keme.Ididn'teven
knowabouthim.
Me:
"whatdoyouwanther
e."
Her :
"Icameheretogi
veyouyoursoni t'
sbeena
yearsi ncehewasbornIcan'tbetaki
ngcar
eofhim
allaloneheneedsafatherf
igure.
"
Me:
"youcanl
eaveIwi
llt
akecar
eofmyson.
"
Her
:"
heneedsbot
hhi
spar
ent
s."
Me:
"youf
ullofj
oke'
swenane?
"
Her
:"
wecangobackt
owher
ewewer
ebaby"
Me:"
thereisno'we'hereIwillbemyson'
sMot her
andfather
.Justleavehim andgett
hehelloutofmy
pl
ace!!
"Iyell
ed.
Her:
"Il
ovethem r
ough"IwonderweredidIgetthi
s
madperson.Iranupst
air
sandcamebackwi t
hmy
gun.Ir
anbackdownstair
sshealreadyplaced
Sekanionthecouch.Shewaspouri
ngwinef
or
hersel
f.Bl
oodyhoe.Icrackedmygun.
Me:"Isaidgetthehelloutofmyhouse.Ihat e
repeati
ngmysel f
."Shewasscar edallofasuddenly.
Slut.Shetookherhandbagandr anout.sheleft
Sekani'sbag.Iopenedittherewereclothesandhis
i
mpor t
antdocuments.It ookmysonf rom the
couchandl ookedathi m.
Me:"
thi
sisgoingt obeonehel lofari
de.Butyouwi l
l
al
waysbemyr easontoliveanddie.Sekani
YonwabaLayi.Iloveyoual r
eadyson.Iwil
ldie
prot
ect
ingyou."Heclappedhi shands.Il
aughed.I
don'
tknowashi taboutraisi
ngbabiesbutIwilldo
mybesttorai
semyboyatl easthi
snotanewbor n
hi
sjust14mont hsold.
.
.
Notedi
ted
38
.
.
.
.
Cage
Itri
edcal l
ingAyol abutst i
llnor esponse.Isenther
zil
lionoft ext sandcal lsandcal l
ssendsmest r
aight
tovoi cemai l.Igaveup.Imeanl ikeIwi l
lneverstood
sol owandhi det hingsf rom Ayol a.Iloveherso
much.Iwi l
lwai tforhert ogi vemeachancet o
expl ain.Wel lSekanihasbeenagoodboy.Funny
enoughIl ear ntever ythingaboutt akingcareof
babi esont heinter net.From changi ngdiapersto
feedi nghi m, thet hingshi ssupposet oeat
ever ything.AndIgoti t,i'
m af astl earner.Hedidn't
givemeanyt roubl elast.Hewokeupt wice.Iwish
hecoul ddot hatever yday.Iwokeupear l
yand
wentt ohisr oom.Hel ookedsohandsomel i
kehis
father ,meofcour se.Ir antomyr oom t otalemy
phoneandr anback, tookapi ct
ur eofhi m.I '
m not
goingt owor kt odayphof fdiehel eweek( t
hewhol e
week) .Iwentdownst airstomakehi spor r
idge
beforehewakesup.Thewasal it
tl
eleft
.Wehaveto
goshoppingtoday.Ipour
edmi lkinthepor
ri
dge.I
don'tknowhowt omakeit.Iwentbackupstai
rsto
takehim.Luckyhewasup.It ookhim.Hesmiled
willhi
s4teeth.
Me:"Izakwedi ni(
comeboy) "helift
eduphi shands.I
tookhi mt hanwentdownst air
s.Isatonthehigh
chairsandpl acedhim ontopoft hecounterand
tookhi sfood.Istart
edfeedinghim.Hespi t
e
everythingonmyf ace.
Me:"Sekani!!
"Hel aughed.Ichuckl ed.Icheckedon
theinter
nethowi ti
smade.Imadei tproperlythi
s
ti
me.Heat eitproperl
yhedi dn'tspi t
ei t.Ipl
acedthe
bowli nt
hesink.ItookSekaniupst airs.Iranabat h
fort
hebot hofus.Itookofhi scl othesandmy
boxers.Wegotint hewat er
.Ipl acedmycel lphone
neatlyneart
hebat hsot hatitdoesn' tfalli
nside
water.Isatati
mer .Wet ookmanypi cturesbefore
gett
ingoutofthewat er.Ididwhatneededt obe
doneandIal sodidmydai l
yr outi
ne.Wewor eblack
j
eansandmar oont -
shi
rtwi t
hsneaker s.Wet ook
pict
uresandIpost edthem inal lmysoci almedia
platforms.It ookmycarkeys, walletandSekani
downst ai
rs.Wef i
rstwentt oWi mpysi nceIdi dn't
eatbr eakfast.Ior deredfri
esforSekani .Weat e.We
boughtever ythingweneeded.Hewant edever y
singlecarhesawandIhadt obuyt hem forhim.
Children.WewentbackhomeandIf oundcar si n
thedr iveway.Myf r
iendsareher e.Theyknowmy
gatepasswor d.IplacedSekanidownhewal ked
slowl ytothedoor .Itookthegrocer i
esandwal ked
i
nl i
ftingSekaniupwi th1handhewasl aughingasI
waspl aci
nghi m downandup.wegoti nandt he
guyswer ether ewi ththegirl
sexcl udi
ngAyol aof
cour se.Thandowasal soherewhatasur pri
se.
Theywer epl ayingFI FAasal ways.
Me:"Thandonaweulapha(t
handoyoualsoher
e.)
"I
sai
dt aki
ngoutapurit
yfr
om thegr
ocer
iesanda
spoonf r
om t
hedrawer.
Luvuyo:
"uYesu.
..
"hesai
dlooki
ngatme
Theothers:
"ngumelusiwam.
"Wealllaughed.It
ook
Sekaniandplacedhi
m ontopofLet
habo.
Let
habo:
"hai
bounomnt
ananyaniwena?
(you
ser
ioushaveachil
d?)
"Theyal
llookedatmeIgave
Let
habothepuri
ty.
Me:
"i
napr
act
ice"t
hewer
est
il
llooki
ngatme
Snakes:
"l
ait
iyakhol
e(i
sthi
syourboy)
"
Siya:
"nayibuzikakaani
yibonininal
elai
tiyaf
anano
Cage( youallar
easkingshi
tyoucanseet hatt
he
boylookslikehim)"wechuckled.
Me:
"yeahmnt
anam (
hei
smychi
ld)
"
Aya:"
mi t
heNiniAyolakengoku.(
WhendidAyol
a
getpregnant
)haiinenepi
piinamandl
a(no,adi
cki
s
powerful)
"welaughed.
Me:
"Maji
ta,
doyourememberStar
fi
remyboot
ycal
l
t
hatdi
sappear
edbacki
nRussia?"
Them:
"yeahwedo"
Ladi
es:
"whoi
sthat
."
Me:"babymamma.Soyeahyest
erdayshecame
overandAyol
awas..
"
Them:
"'
xowam (
ohmyGod)
"Il
aughed.
Me:
"asIwassayi
ngshewasher
e.AndSt
arf
ir
e
madeaf ussabouteverything.Ayolatookherbag
bendi
sezotyakemaj i
ta(Iwasaboutt ogetsome) .
Tookherbagandl eft
.Starfi
resaidthattheboyis
mineIcouldn'
tevendenyi tcauseitlooksexact
ly
l
ikeme.ButI'm gr
atefulf
ort hegif
tgodgaveme. "
Si
ya:
"wel
comet
ofat
her
hooddawg"hebr
ohugged
me.
Ri
ri
:"
himawoahAyol
ayena(
whataboutAyol
a)"I
si
ghed.
Me:"
shedi
dn'
tlemmeexpl
ain.Herphonesendsme
st
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemail
."
Zimi
:"
that'
swhyshehasbeenof
fl
inesi
nce
yest
erday.
"
Ri
ri
:"
Iwo.
..
"Hi
sphoner
angheanswer
ed.
Riri
:"
Fr i
end. .
..
what...
.wherear etheynow. .
..I'
M
comi ng...
rhaazonyami ke.
...Boilwatersol ong..
..
okaypul lahosepi pef r
om yourhouset ohi s..
..
"We
l
aughedathi m ashet ookhi scarkeysrunni ngout
saying" ndizombulalaMi kenamhl anjeyiistrurhaa
(Iwillki
llMi ketoday)".Welaughedourl ungsout .
Let
habo:
"wher
earehi
swipes.Iwantt
owi
pehi
s
mouthandchangehi
sdi
aper.
"
Thando:
"gi
vehi
mtome.
"
Aya:"
takeChumanit
oo,
hisal
soneedst
obe
changedmzl."
Thando:
"okaygi
vemehi
sbag.
"
Tai
lor
:"
you'
l
lar
eabusi
ngmywi
fe.
"
TTandmamber :"
tchi
"welaughed.Thandot
ookthe
boys.Theywer
elaughingal
lthei
rwayupstai
rs.I
hopeAyolaisf
inewhereeversheis.
.
.
.
Ret
habi
le
I'
m yourGeeRi r
iGeorge.I
'm 30year
sold.Ili
vein
myownapar t
ment.Iownmyownbusi nessit'
sa
beautysal
onandIpl anevents.Youguysknowt hat
Iam dati
ngMi ke.WellwhatcanIsayaboutMi keI
don'tr
eall
ylovehaihaiu'mlungundi
zomthiniumna
(no,noawhi tewhatwi l
lIdowi thhi m).It'
sjustt hat
hisgoodi nhi ssexgameandhel ovesspendi nghi s
moneyonmesowhynot .Justthathekeeps
cheati
ngonmeandI '
m dumpi nghi mt histi
me.Iwi ll
neverletamanmakeaf ul
loutofmendi nguRi ri
Kay1.Shi tisgoi ngtohappen.Nomsai sMi ke's
neighbor.Shet ellsmeever ythi
ngt hatMi kedoes.
Shedi dasr equired.Luckyherhosepi pei slong
enough.Igoti nwi t
hthehosepi pei nmyhands.I
heardmoansandgr oanscami ngf rom upstair s.
Yabonangokuyanyauzangecal arhaabazonya
namhl anj
ef unubal eqangal epipebadebaphume
phandlebehambaze( Iwanttochaset hem wi t h
thi
spipet i
lltheygetoutwal ki
ngnaked. )Iwal ked
upstairswiththehosepi peleakingwat eralltheway
up.Igottot her oom andopenedt hedoorsot hat
theycanseeme.Mi kewasshockedt oseeme.
Ubanindabat si
tsangawosana.
Me:
"nj
akaziyaphil
eMi
ke(
wher
eist
hisbi
tchf
rom
mi
ke)"
Hi
m:"
babepl
easecal
m down.Icanexpl
ain.
"
Me:
"expl
ainwhat?Iaskedyounj
akazi
yakwabani
le
(
whoi
sthi
sbi
tch?
)"
Her:
"YakwaGeor gedal
izandit
hini(
aGeorgebi
tch,
babewhatwillyoudo?)"IwasshockedIpl
acedthe
hosepipedown.
MeandMi
ke:
"Geor
ge!
!"Wewer
ebot
hshocked.
Her
:"
yesGeor
ge"shesai
dwear
inghercl
othes.
Mi
ke:
"ar
eyouguyssomehowr
elat
ed.
"
Me:
"r
haar
elat
ednehomewr
ecker
."
Mi
ke:
"i
twasami
stakeRi
ri
."
Her
:"r
haayandiqel
ael
ibul
u(yourshi
tt
ingwi
thme
whi
te)"
Me:
'
noti
smyboyf
ri
endkl
kgi
rl
."
Him:"notnowAsemahle.Ineedyouguystosay
yourmot herandf
ather'
snameatthesametimeto
seeifmaybeyou'rerel
atedt
oeachotherorwhat
."
Meandt heAsemahlegir
l:
"Mabatho/
Conni
eand
Xol
ela"welookedateachother
Meandher
:"
Xol
elaGeor
ge!
!!
"
Mi
ke:
"Hol
lyshi
t"
Me:"hi
bir
iyewenasidlubutshabet
huyewenasidl
u
butshabethu.
"Isaidsingi
nganddoingthedance
touchi
ngthewetfloornow.Theylaughed.
Mi
ke:
"sot
hatmeansyou2ar
erel
ated"
Me:"can'
tbel
ieveyoucheati
ngonmewi
thmyown
si
ster.Myfuckenbit
ch,si
ster
."
Mi
ke:
"Idi
dn'
tknowt
hatyou2wer
erel
ated.
"
Asemahle:"
Nam Iwil
lneverdatemysi bli
ngs
boyfr
iend.Wejustf
oundoutnj ena."Meand
Asemahlewenttomydad' splace.Mydadwas
surpr
isedtoseehersi
ncehermot herranawaywi
th
her.Webondedkeasaf amily.Ireall
yenjoyedmy
day.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
39
.
.
.
Ayol
a
Ihavebeengoi ngt hroughhel lforthepastt wodays.
Ireall
ydol oveLuvuyobutIj ustcan' tbaret hepain
ofknowi ngthathehi dawayachi ldfrom me.ButI
willstandupanddustmysel f.Ican'tbecr yingover
abr okengl ass.YesIneedanswer sbutIj ustcan't
bringmysel ft
ogot ohi m andf indoutwhy?I
decidedt opampermysel ftodayIneedt orelax
beforeIl andonahospi t
albedbecauseofasever e
headache.Igetupofbedandmadei tbefore
di
sappear ingtomyen- suit
.Ididmydai l
yr outi
ne
andwor emywhi t
eshor t
swi thabl ackvestandmy
whi t
ebl azerthatmat chest heshor ts.Iwor emy
bl
ackLoubout i
nredbot t
om heel .Ididmysi mple
makeupandappl i
edl i
pgloss.Iwor emy36i nch
weave.It ookmysl inginsertmycel lphone, ti
ssues
andmybl ackcard.Iwentt ot het able.
Mymom anddad:
"nowthat
'smydaughter.
"They
sai
dsmi
li
ngIdidali
tt
let
wirlf
ort
hem beforesi
tt
ing
down.
Dad:
"youl
ookyoursel
ftoday.
"Hesai
dsmi
li
ng.
Me:
"l
if
eistoshortdadIhavet
ocher
ishever
y
momentIhavelef
t."
Them:"
areyoudyi
ngdowehavet
obewor
ri
ed?
"I
l
aughed
Me: "
me?Di enever.Ijustwanttobehappyt hat'
s
all
."Theysmi l
edweat ebr
eakfastmakingjokesas
always.Lat eronIwentt oaspai nthehotelIwork
at.Itookal eave.Idideveryt
hingyoucannamei t
facetreatment, bodymassage, nai
ltreat
mentet c.
Mybodywassor elaxedplusIgotadiscountsince
Iwor kthere.Iwentt oMuggandBeanIwascr aving
fortheirchocolatecake.
Wai
tercamet
ome.
Hi
m:"
mor
ingma'
am canIpl
easet
akeyouor
der
."
Me:
"Iwil
lhaveasl
iceofchocol
atecakeandgr
een
t
eaplease.
"Henodded
Him:
"comi
ngr
ightup"helef
taf
ter4minuteshe
camebackwi
thmyor der
.Iwasreal
lyenj
oying
myself.WhenIsawCagecomi nginwi thSekani.
Sekaniwasl aughinghisintesti
nesout .Cageisa
greatf
ather.Ifoundmysel fsmi l
ing.Iquickl
yfrown
whenhel ookedatmesmi l
ing.Hecamet omytable
andsatdownIj ustfocusedonmydel icious
chocol
ate.Foodi sli
fenomat t
erwhatmoodI '
minI
eat.
Hi
m: "
soyouj ustgoingt
oignor
eandletmeexpl
ain.
"
Ii
ndicatetohimthathemustcont
inuewil
lI'
m
dr
inkingtea.Hesighed.
Him: "yesIagr eet hathei smyson.ButIneverknew
abouthi m.If oundoutt hedayyoual sofoundout .
Starfirewasmyboot ycallbackinRussi ashe
disappear edint hinairandIdi dn'tpaymuch
attentiontoher .IloveyouAyol asomucht hatIwill
neverhi dethiski ndoft hi
ngsfrom you.YouKnowI
tellyouever ythi
ng.Ihavebeenhonestwi t
hyou
from t hebeginning.Il oveyouAyol aandIwi llnever
gett i
redofsayi ngt hat .Yourmyl i
fepleaseaccept
meback.Phofcanyoupl easeacceptusback? "He
saidl ooki
ngatSekanihel ookedsoador abl
e.He
i
ndeedi shandsomel ikehisfather.
Me:"
canIpleasehol
dmyson."Yesyouheardme
myson.Imightnotshar
ethesamebloodtypewit
h
hi
m buthi
smysonsi ncehi
smyl i
fepart
nersboy.
Hi
m:"
youar
eaccept
ingus.
"Hesai
dsmi
li
ng
Me:
"mnt
anam Luvuyo(
mychi
ldLuvuyo)
"Isai
d
smi
li
nghegavemeSekani
.
Me:"Il
oveyouall
"Sekanicl
appedhi
shands.We
chuckl
ednotatakhe.
Cage:"weloveyout oomommy. "Ichi
ll
edwit
hthem
thewhol eday.Sekanii
sagr eatsoncan'twai
tto
growol dandwat chhim gr
owi ntoagreatmanhe
willbe.Il
ovethem somuchal ready.
.
.
.
.
Ayakha
I'
m AyakhaBooi
.I'
m 31yearsol
d.Ihavemyown
const
ructi
onbusi
ness.Il
iveal
oneIsti
llhavebot
h
mypar ents.You' l
lknowt hatI'
m dat ingZimi nat hi
.
FuckIl ovet hatgirl.Shehasawayt omakeme
happy.Shedoesever ythinginherpowert omake
mehappyandIdot hesamef orherIcan' timagi ne
mysel fwi t
hanybodyel sebuther .That '
swhyI
thoughtmaybeIshoul dt akeheroutonaweekend
awayImeanIhavet hemoneyIdon' tknowwher e
tospendi tthat'
swhyIdeci dedtotakehert oPar is
that'
st heper fectplacet otakehert o.Ihaveal r
eady
forherpar entsper mi ssi on.Ialsoaskedf orl eaveat
herwor kplace.Wel l thisisasur prisef orher .To
showherhowmuchIappr eciateher .Wewi l
lbuy
clothest hereIwantt ospoi lherrot
t en.That '
smy
FirstLadyaf t
erall.Ihaveal readytol dmyf ri
ends
andt heyar esohappyf ormeevent hel adies.It's
2pm andwear edepar ti
ngat3pm.Wewi llbegoi ng
therewi thapr ivatejet .Thepasspor tsever ythingis
set.Iwentt oherwor kpl acet opickherupasusual .
Sheget sinandki ssme.
Me:
'
Fir
stl
ady.whowasyourday.
"
Her
:"
hect
icasalwaysyouknowhowt
hese
Sof
twar
esgo."
Me:"
goodt hi
ngt
hatwearegoi
ngonavacat
ion.
"
Shelookedatmeshocked.
Her
:"
What
!!
"
Me:
"apr
ivat
ejeti
swai
ti
ngf
orusr
ightnow.
"
Her:
"butIhaven'
tevenpackedyet
.Myf
atherwi
ll
t
otal
lydis.
..
"
Me:"worr
ynotwewi l
lbuyclot
hest her
e.AndIhave
alr
eadyaskedpermissi
onfrom yourparent
scan
youpleasetr
ustyourmanonce."Shewasst il
l
shocked.Shest
artedcr
ying.
Her:
"t
hankyousomuchbabyIcan'
tbel
ievei
tcan
youpleasepi
nchme.
"Idi
d
Her
:"
Swi
ne!
!"Il
aughed.
Me:
"weareal
readyher
efi
rstl
adyl
et'
sgot
hepr
ivat
e
j
eti
salr
eadyhere.
"Wegotout.
Her
:"
sowher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"
Me:
"Pari
s"Isai
dwithenthusiasm.Shejumpedon
t
opofmeIhel dher.Wehuggedt i
ghtl
y.Sheki
ssed
meallovermyfaceIlaughed.
Me:
"l
et'
sgobabyPar
isi
swai
ti
ngf
orus"
Her
:"
let
'sgost
handwasam."Wedi
dwhatneededt
o
bedone.Wegott
othejet
.
Her
:"
butwhybaby?
"
Me:"Il
oveyoust handwasam Ihavemoneybutyou
Don'tknowwher et ospenditsowhynotspoi lthe
l
oveofmyl i
fe.IloveyoubabyandIwi llalwayslove
you.Iknowyouranotaf anofmat er
ialthings.But
notont hi
svacationbabypl easeall
owmet ospoil
you."Shehadt ears.Iwipedthem andki ssedher
eyes.
Her
:"
IloveAyakhasomustnor
h."
Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"
:
"Wear eaboutt
otakeoffpleaseputonyoursaf
ety
bel
ts."Ihelpedherwit
hher '
sIalsoputonmine.
Thepl anetookoff
.Buti
tlookedlikei
twasgoingto
fal
l.
Zi
mi:
"whati
shappeni
ng?
"
Me:"
Ial
sodon'
tknowbaby."I
twentunst
eadyagai
n.
Nextt
hingt
hepl
anecrushes
Zi
mi:
"Ayakha!
!"Thanboom l
i
ght
sof
f.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
40
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
WhatcanIsayl i
feisgood.Ihaveawi feandason.
Ilovebraggingaboutthem Ijustcan'tbel i
evemy
l
ifetur
nedoutt obel i
kethi
s.I'm sogr atefulformy
past.I
fYamkel aneverbetrayedmeIwoul dn'thave
foundAyaandChumaniwoul dn'texist.Ilovehow
myl i
feturnedouttobe.LikeiDyanihappy.Iwake
upnextt othemostbeaut i
fulli
vingthingIhaveever
seen.Womant r
yt ofl
ir
twithmebutIj ustgi vethem
acoldshoul der
.Ilovemywi feandIwi llneverhurt
herinsuchaway.Ivowedt ohert hatitwi l
lalways
bemeandherovert hewor l
d.Ifsheseesmedoi ng
somet hing.Shemustaskbef orefreaki ngout .She
mustal wayst rustme.CauseIt rusthert oo.
EverythingIhaveeverdr eamtabouti shappeni ng.
Justt hatIst i
llneedt oopenmyownbusi nesses.I
willopent hem al lonmybi rt
hday.That '
sthebest
giftIcangi vemysel f.Wel lmeandAyashar ethe
samebi r
thdaymont hi t'
sj ustt hatt hedi f
ferencei s1
dayshei sont he29t hofJul yandIont heot her
handt he31st .I'
m sohappyt hatweshar et hesame
mont h.Ilovemywi feandsonsomuchIneverget
ti
redofsayi ngt hat .Sot odayIwi llbevi sit
ingmy
fathersgravewi thmymot herandsi bli
ngs.I twillbe
myf irstti
megoi ngt her e.Ir eadt hel etterandhe
soundssi ncer e.If orgavehi m al ongt i
meagoIj ust
don'tknowhowt of eelabouthi m.Let 'sletthedead
restinpeace.I t'
ssadt hatINevergott hechancet o
sayt hatIfor givehi m.Butyeahi t
'sl i
fe.Meandmy
fathershar edagr eatrel ationship.
:
"Baby!"Isnappedoutofmyt
hought
sandgaveAya
quest
ioningeye's.
Her:
"don'
topenthem babytheyar
est
il
lsmal
l.
"She
sai
dlaughingandIchuckled.
Me:
"f
uckyou.
"Wel
aughed.
Her:
"Don'
tgi
veitmuchthoughtbabyj
ustgo.
Ever
ythi
ngwil
lbefi
ne."Inodded
Me:"
lemmegot
han.Il
oveyouokay.
"Iki
ssedher
f
orehead.
Her
:"Il
oveyoutoobaby.
"Iki
ssedt
il
lChumani
pul
ledmyleg.
Aya:
"si
esChumaniunomona(
yourj
eal
ous)
"we
l
aughed
Me: "Leavemychi l
dalone."Ikissedboththei
r
foreheadst hanwalkedout .Mymom sai dtheyar
e
alr
eadyatt hecemet ery.IdrovethereandIsaw
theircar.Iapproachedthem.Iwal kedoutofmycar
andwentt othem.
Minni
e:"
almostthoughtyouwer
enotcomi
ngbr
o."I
j
ustfai
ntl
ysmiled.
Me:"
Iwouldhavet
oldandIkeepmypromi
ses.
"I
huggedt
hem.West ar
tedcl
eani
ngar
oundthe
tombst
oneandpl
acedfr
eshf
lower
s.Mom pr
ayed.
Theyal
lgavemespacet
otal
ktodad.
Me:"Yeaht aima.Iknowwewer en'ti
ngoodt erms
whenyoudi edandIunder st
andwher eyouar e
comingf rom.Ij ustwantedtotel
lyout hatIl
oveyou
popsandIwi l
lalwaysdo.Pleaseguidemeandmy
family.I
t'
ssadt hatyoudiedbeforeyousawmy
wifeandson.Ihopet hatyouwatchi
ngovermeand
canyoupl easepr ot
ectme.AndIf or
giveyoupops.
Andf orthel astti
meIl oveyouPops."Itstar
ted
rai
ning.Ilookedupandcl osedmyeyes.
.
.
.
Vusumzi
Noneedf ort
hef ormali
ties.SoIseethatmywi f
e
anddaughterareusedt ot hepani
shmentIgi ve
them.ThankGodt hat
,thatAyamthandagirlcame
here.NowIhaveanewsour ceofpaintocour se
them i
ftheyst
epoutofl i
ne.IaskedmyI Tguyt odo
aresearchonher .Anditturnsoutthatsheis
Mar ried, hasasonandshei sdoingherl astyearin
Act uarialscience.Whi chmakesi teasierforme.I
willmakehermyt ranspor t
ershewi lldel
iverthe
number st omypeopl ef orthecar&moneyhei st
.
Shewi llbasicallygi vet hem number sandt heywi l
l
seei fshecal culatedr ightandgodot hehei statthe
placest heyget .Andt hepl acesIwi l
lbesendi ngher
toar enotqui etgoodSt atesf orwomen.Theyar e
dodgy.Ever ytimehermot herandsi sterdoes
somet hingIwi lljusttel lmyboyssomakeherf eel
mor euncomf ortable.
.
.
Notedi
ted
41
.
.
.
Vusumzi
If
eeli
tinmybl
oodt
hatt
odayi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obea
greatday.Wokenextt omybeaut if
ulwi f
e.Il ovethi
s
womansomuchi t'
sjustt
hatshel i
kespr ovoki ng
me.Shej ustneedstofoll
owmyor dersandIwi l
lbe
thegoodhusbandsheknows.Iki ssedhercheek
andwentt otheen-suit
.Ididmydai l
yr outine.Iwent
tothekitchen.Idecidedtopr eparebreakf astf or
them thenewsI 'm abouttobr eakdownt ot hem wil
l
needaf ullstomachs.Isetupt hetableandpl ace
thefoodont hetabl
eImadeaf armhousebr eakf
ast
.
Justthant heycamedownst airs.Isatdown.
Them:
"goodmor
ning.
"
Me:
"Goodmor
ning.
"Theysatdown.Weat
e
Me:"Iwantyoutoi
nvi
teyourdaught
erand
grandsonfordi
nnert
oni
ght.
"Theywereshocked
thatIal
soknowshehasachi l
d.Il
aughed.
Me:"
Irunthesest
reet
sdarl
ingsdon'
tfor
gett
hat
."
Theyclear
edthei
rthr
oat
s.
Me:
"pr
eparet
hosefamousmeal
sofyour
s."
Nomphel
ofakedasmil
e.
Nomphelo:
"Iwi
lldojustthat
."Iki
ssedhercheek
andherdaught
er'scheek.Iwenttowork.
.
.
.
Ayabonga
Myl if
ehast urnedoutt obet hebest .I'm nowdat ing
Mxo.Nooneknowsaboutourt hing.Wemeeti n
secret.Idon' twantVusumzit of indout.Hewi l
lkil
l
Mxo.Ist i
llhaven' ttoldhim ofwhatVusumzi does
tome.Ican' tbr i
ngmysel ftot el
lhim.Hemakesme
forgetofwhatVusumzidoes.Idon' thave
nightmaresofhi m anymor e.Theycomeandgo.I
l
oveMxosomuch.Ij ustwantt obef reet obef r
ee
from thi
slife.Nowhei nvolvedanot herpar t
y.I'
m
wor ri
edabouther .Isomet i
meswi shInevermet
hee.Shewoul dn'tbegoi ngt hroughwhatshei s
aboutt ogot hr ough.I '
m wor ri
edofwhathewi l
ldo
tonightatthedi nnertable.Mom hasal readycalled
her.Wewer ej ustdoi ngthef inishingtouches.
Vusumzicamei n.
Vusi
:"
goodaf
ter
noon.
"
Us:
"Heyyourbackear
ly.
"Wel
lheal
wayscomesl
ate
t
hat
'swhy.
Vusi:
"wehaveguest
scomi
ngt
odayr
emember
."We
fakedasmil
eandnodded.
Vusi
:"
lemmegot
akeashower
."Hewentupst
air
s.
Mom:"
IwonderwhatwillhedotoAyamthanda,ooh
mypoorbabyIjustf
oundher.AndI'
mlosingherto
amonster
."Shecri
ed
Me:"mom calm down.Wewillhavet
oseeatt he
dinnert
abletoday.
"Shenodded.Wefini
shed
everyt
hingandVusumzicamedownst ai
rs.Just
thanAyamt handacameinal
one.Iwonderwher ei
s
herson.
Ayamt
handa:
"goodeveni
ngIhopeI
'
m notlate.
"She
camet
othedinningr
oom wi
thabott
leofwine.
Vusi
:"
youj
ustcamei
nti
mepl
easecameandj
oin
us.
"
Aya:
"Ibr
oughtt
hiswi
thme.
"
Mom:"
youdidn'
thavet
o."Shesai
dsmi
li
ngAya
camet
ositwithus.
Me:
"wher
eisChumani
?"
Aya:
"heiswi
thhisfat
hert
heywentoutonason
andfat
herdat
e."Shesai
dsmil
ing.If
rowned.
Mom:
"Isowant
edt
omeethi
m."
Aya:
"youwi
llMa.Iwi
llcomewi
thhi
m someot
her
t
ime."Wenodded.
Vusi:
"l
et'
seatwomanl ambi
lidyani(
themani s
hungry)
"welaughed.Weateinal i
ghtconversati
on
l
aughing.Iwasenjoyi
ngmyselfIevenf or
gotabout
Vusumzibeingcruel
.Wewer enowj ustsi
tti
ng
havi
ngt heWine.
Vusumzi
:"
Ihaveanannouncementt
omake.
"We
gavehi
m ourat
tent
ion.
Vusumzi:
"soIhear
dthatAyamthandaisgoodwit
h
Mathsandsheisdoingherfi
nalyeari
nActuar
ial
sci
ence.
"
Aya:
"YesIam."Shesaidwithastr
aight
.i
shface
wait
ingforwhateverVusumzii
sgoingtothr
owat
us.
Vusumzi:
"Ihavedeci
dedt
omakehermynew
t
ranspor
ter.
"Hesaidsmil
ing.
Us:
"What!
!!
!"Wewer
eal
lshocked.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
43
.
.
.
.
Ayabonga
Wear
est
il
lshockedsi
tt
ingatt
het
abl
e.
Vusi
:"
Boysbri
ngheri
n."Heyel
led.2pol
iceoff
icer
s
cameinwit
hawoman.Whowasbadl ybrui
sed.
Vusi:
"youseeNatashahereismyTr ansporterno
waitwasmyt r
ansporterunti
lshebetrayedby
givi
ngmyenemi esmyt ransact
ions.Theytookmy
carsandmoney.Nowshei sgoingtomeether
ancest
ors.
"Het ookoutthesamegunthathe
al
waysusest okil
lpeopl
e.Heshotthegi
rlmult
ipl
e
ti
mes.Wecl osedoureyesandear
s.
Vusumzi
:"
Ihopethatyou'
l
lgott
hemessage"we
wereal
lcr
yingt
hepolicet
ookthebodyout
.
Vusumzi:"soAyanameyourpr icewhatamountdo
youwantt ogeteverymont h.Anddon' tyoueven
thi
nkaboutt el
li
ngSilenceraboutt hi
s.Iwil
lwipe
him andhisfamilyouttheywilldisappeari
ntothi
n
air
."Ayajustlookedathim.Andr anout .
Mom: "
Vusumzipleaseleavemydaught er'
soutof
t
his.I
fyoulovemepl easeletAyabongaand
AyamthandagoIpr omiseIwillobeyyouror dersI
wil
ldoeveryt
hingthatyouwant .Pleasesparethei
r
l
ives.
"Shewaskneel i
ngdown.Vusil aughed.
Him:"Itoldyou'
llIwillgetyouf orwhathappened.
It
'spaybackt imewhatwer eyout hinkingwhenyou
broughtboysher e."Her oared.Wej ustcried.He
stor
medupst ai
rs.Ialsowentupt omyr oom and
l
ockedi t.Ican'
tbelievewhatj usthappened.Ineed
Mxolisinowt oclam medown.Iwentt osi tatthe
chairnearthewi ndow.Il
ist
enedtosof
tmusicsince
i
talwayscal msmedown.Ihear daboom soundI
gotfri
ghtened.Iheldmychestandlookedup.Isaw
Mxo.Iqui ckl
yrant ohi
m.Ihuggedhimtightl
y.He
ret
urnedthef avour.
Hi
m:"
tal
ktoyourmanbaby.
"Isni
ff
ed.
Me:
"i
t'
snot
hingbabyIj
ustgotf
ri
ght
ened.
"
Hi
m:"
it
'smor
ethanthatAyabongacomeont
alkt
o
mest
handwasam."
Me:
"I
'mf
inebabyIpr
omi
seyou.
"Hesi
ghed
Hi
m:"Iwi
lll
ett
hissli
pasidefornow.Camelet
's
sl
eepyouneedit
."Inodded.Wegottobed.
Me:
"Il
oveyouokay?
"
Him:"
Iloveyoutoobaby.
"Weki
ssedbef
ore
cuddl
ingtosleep.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
MeandChumaniwentoutyest erday.Wewentt oa
gamecent er.IthinkthateveryFri
daywewi llbe
doingt hat.Mysonwassohappyhecr i
edwhenwe
wentt oeathewant edtoplay.Hemost l
yl ovedt he
cargames.Wegothomel ateandAyawasal ready
there.Chumanidozeof fassoonasIchangedhi m
tohisPJ' s.Hedi dn'twakeupatni ght.WhenIgott o
myr oom.Mywi fewascur l
edont hebed.Iwonder
howt hedi nnerwentdown.Ipul l
edhercl oset ome
andi tlookedlikeshewaswai ti
ngf ormet hewhol e
ti
mecauseshehel dmet ightl
y.Wewokeupt his
mor ning.Mywi fehadr edeyes.
Me:
"babywhat
'swr
ong.
"Iaskedconcer
ned.
Her
:"
I'
mfi
nebaby.
"
Me:
"whyar
eyoureyesr
edt
hanwer
eyoucr
ying.
"
Her:
"i
t'
snot
hingbabymaybeIwil
lhavesi
ght
pr
oblems.
"IKnowwhenmywi fei
slyingt
ome
Me:"Don'
tli
etomeAyamt handaIKnowforafact
that,
that
'snottruetal
ktomewhatHappenedLast
night.
"Shejustbrokedown.Ihuggedhert
ight
ly.
Me:
"t
alkt
omebaby.
"Sheshockherhead.Imade
l
ookatmewewerest
il
linbed.
Aya:"i
t'
sjustt
hat .
."shesighed"i
t'
sjustt
hatmom
tal
kedaboutdadyest er
dayandImi ssedhim so
muchIhaven' tvisit
edhisgravethi
syear.AndIfeel
bad."I'
m notconvincedaboutherstatementbutI
willtr
yandbelievehersomet hi
ngdeephappened
there.
Me:
"wewil
ldr
ivetothecemeter
yt odaybabydon'
t
wor
ry.
"Shenodded.Iki
ssedherforehead.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
44
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
ThankGodSi yabel ievedme.Iknowf oraf acthe
willwantt ofightf ormebutI 'm notreadyt obea
widowatt heageof29.Iwi llj
ustdowhatneedst o
bedone.Ibadl ywantt otellSi
yabutIcan' triskhis
l
ife.Ifitmeanspr otect i
nghi mt hanIwillkeep
secretsfrom hi m.Il ovet hatmansomuchI '
m not
readyt olosehi m.Hedoesever ythi
ngtopr otectme
andIwi l
lalsodoever ythingtoprotecthim.Wear e
i
nt histogetheraf teral l
.That '
swhatheal wayssays
tome.Idon' tthinkIwi l
leverforgettheeventIsaw
yesterday.IthinkIwi llhaveni ghtmaresmyent i
re
l
ife.Ijustwantt oeraset hememor i
esoutofmy
headbutIcan' t.Itwi l
ltakemet imetohealf rom
thatsight.
:
"Babywehavet ogot heweatheri schanging.Wai
t
yourtrappedinyourownt hought sagain.
"I
snappedoutofmyt houghts.Ihavebeenzoni ngout
today.IhavetopullmyselftogetherbeforeSiya
noti
cest hatIl
ied.
Me:
"Iwasj
ustthi
nkingofhowmyl
ifewasback
t
hanIcan'
tevenrememberhowhi
shugsare.I
l
ovedthatmanwithmyal l
.Butl
if
etookhimfrom
me."That
'swhatImanagedtosay.Tobehonest
t
houghImeanteverysingl
ewordIsaid.Imi
ssmy
f
athersomuch.
Him:"
it
'sagoodthingwear egoi
ngt ovisi
thi
m now.
Let
'sgobefor
eitrains.Chumaniisalr
eadyatmy
mother'
spl
ace.Minniecamet ofechhim."Ismi
led
Me:"
wehavetogoandhavel
unchwi
tht
hem i
t'
s
beenqui
etawhi
lehey.
"Hesmil
ed
Him:"
whenwear ebackf r
om thecemet
erywewi l
l
surel
ygot her
e."Istoodupfrom t
hechairt
hatisin
fr
ontofmymi r
ror.Iwenttofoldmyhandsaround
hisneck.hewrappedhi sarmsaroundmywai st
.
Me:
"st
handwa.
"
Hi
m:"
sent
li
ziyoyam.
"Igi
ggl
ed
Me:
"Il
oveyoubaby.
"
Him:"Il
oveyout oobaby"wekissed.Wewer
enow
atthecemetery.Iser
iousl
yneedt omakeabet
ter
tombstoneformydad.
Me:
"It
hinkIshoul
dbuyabet
tert
ombst
onef
ordad.
"
Isai
dcl
eani
ngar
oundi
t.
Him:"youdefinit
elyhavetobaby.
"Inoddedwe
fi
nishedcleaningaround.Myhusbandgaveme
spacesot hatIcant al
ktodad.
Me:"idon' tknowwher etost art.Butit'sbeenqui eta
whilehey.Imi ssyoudadIj ustwi shyoucoul dbe
heret oseemeal lgrown.Ievenf oundyourwi f
e.
Shei snotal ri
ghtatal l
.Weneedyoudadt oprotect
usf r
om t hatdanger ousmanVusumzi .Yourl ovely
wifeissuf feri
ngandweasyourchi l
drenar ealso
sufferingpleasedadshowusl i
ghtandpr ot
ectus
sothatwecanbr eakf reef r
om t hecr ueltyVusumzi
i
sput t
ingust hrough.Pl easegui deusi never ythi
ng
wedo.Andcanyoupl easepr ot ectmeandmyl i
tt
le
family.It'
sapi tythatyournother etoseemy
husbandandyourgr andson.I '
m sur et hatyou
woul dhavebeenf ondoft hem.ButIknowyouar e
l
ooki ngupt ous.Iwi l
lsooncomebackandmake
suret hatyougett ohaveapr opert ombst one.Ilove
youDadandIwi l
lalwaysl oveyou.Pl easegui deme.
Ireallyneedyourgui dance.Il oveyouDadandI
missyou. "Icl
osedmyeyesandi tst
artedr ai
ning.I
guessSi
yawasri
ghtaboutt
heweat
her
.Hequickl
y
camewit
htheumbrel
la.Wewal
kedtot
hecar
.
Hi
m:"
areyouf
eel
ingmuchbet
ternow?
"
Me:"yeahI'
mfi
nenow."Isai
dgivinghi
ma
convinci
ngsmi
le.Heheldmythigh
Hi
m:"l
et'
sgomom i
swait
ingforus.
"Inoddedand
wetookofft
ohi
smother
'shouse.Wewentin
MeandSiya:
"Mama"wehear
dChumaniscr
eami
ng.
Heappr
oachedus.
M'
si
ya:"
senilaphaizani(youal
readyher
e,come)
"
wewenttothedinnertable.
Minnie:"
yoursuchat r
ait
orChumaniyouwereall
overusj ustasecondago.Nowyouseeyour
parentsyoudon'tevenknowus."Welaughed.
Chumani
:"
mamat
ata.
"Hecl
appedhi
shands.We
l
aughed.
Si
ya:
"l
eavemychi
ldal
onewenaMi
nni
e."
Mihl
ali
:"
zizal
elowakho(
bir
thyourown.
)"We
l
aughed
Minni
e:"
kunyakwakokengoku(
yourshi
tt
ingr
ight
t
here)
"
M'
SIYA:
"Mi
nent
lel
anguage.
"Wel
aughed.
Me:"
bakwenzant
on'
Minni
e(whatar
etheydoi
ngt
o
youMinni
e)"
Her:
"bayandil
wasbali
kazi(t
heyar
ef i
ght
ingme)
"
weatelunchhavingagreatti
meIalwaysenj
oy
bei
ngatmyi nlawstheyaresuchamood.Avery
wel
comi ngfamil
y.
.
.
.
.
Zi
mi
Istar
tedpanicki
ngasIr ememberaboutwhat
happenedIwaswor ri
edaboutAyakha.Iheard
beepingsoundsasIcoul dn'
topenmyeyes.If el
t
unconsciousagain.Iopenedmyeyesandt hel i
ght
s
bli
ndedme.Someonecl osedthewindowIfinall
y
openedmyeyest obemetbymypar ent
s.
Me:
"w.
.at
.er
"theygavemewat
er.Icr
ied.
Me:
"wher
eisAyakha?
"
Mom:"
don'
tcrybaby.Cal
m downf
ir
st.
"Idi
d
br
eat
hingexer
cises.
Dad:
"Ayakhai
sinI
CU.Youguyshavebeenheref
or
aweeknowwehavebeenprayi
ngthatyouguys
wakeup."
Me:
"i
shegonebef
ine.
"
Mom: "
let'
swaitandseebabythedoctorsareal
so
notsure.Theplanecr
ushedreal
lybad."Icr
ied.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
45
.
.
.
Luvol
wet
hu
Whatmor ecanamanaskf or .Ihaveabeaut if
ul
woman.Thandol wam isever ythingamanneeds.
Shedoesever yt
hingformesheevensat isfi
esme.
Shedoeswhatshedoesi t
'slikeshehasdonet his
bef or
e.Butshewasseal edwhenIgotat ast
eofher .
Ilovehersomuch.Iwi llneverst oplovingher .She
i
sn' tj
ustoneinami l
li
onbutshei soncei nal i
fet
ime
typeofper sonforme.Shei sper fecti
nherownway.
Shej ustgavememor ningGl orywhatawayt o
wakeup.ButIsl eptagainsincei t'
sSundayt oday.I
waswokenupbysomeoneki ssi
ngmeal lovermy
face.IsmiledcauseIknowt hati t'
sThandol wam.I
finall
yopenmyeyes.Whatabeaut if
ulsighttosee
whenyouwakeup.
Me:"
goodmorni
ngbaby."Shepeckedmyl
ips
bef
oregi
vingmebr
eakfast.
Her:
"morningl
oveIhopet
hatyouwi
llenj
oyyour
br
eakfast.
"Shesmil
ed.
Me:
"youdi
dn'
thavet
othough.
"
Her
:"
Ilovespoi
li
ngmymant
hat
'sal
l.
"Webot
h
smi
led.
Me:
"can'
twai
ttowi
feyoual
ready.
"Shegi
ggl
ed
Me:"
lemmegowashmyf acefir
st.
"Shenodded.I
st
oodupandwenttotheen-sui
tbuttnaked.She
l
aughed.Sheal
waysl
augh'satme.
Her:"
haimarnzisexymarn,zi
sexymar
n(t
heyar
e
sexy)"shesang.Welaughed.
Me:
"f
uckyou.
"Wewer
est
il
llaughi
ng
Her
:"
it
'sacompl
iment
"Ibushedmyt
eet
h
Me'"
fuckyousti
ll
."Welaughed.Iwentbackt
obed.I
at
emybr eakf
astmyf avor
it
e.
Me:
"haveyoueat
en"
Her
:"
no"
Me: "
whydidn'tyousayso?"It
ookmylastsi
pInmy
strongcoffee.Sheknowshowtomakeit
.Ial
so
tookmyl astbite.
Her:"
youwer eenjoyi
ngyoursel
fsoIdidn'
twantto
botheryou."Shesaidbusyonhercel
lphone.Iknow
forafactthatifshei
sn'
tplayi
ngcandycrushsheis
pl
ayi
ngt
hatt
alki
ngcatofher
s
Me:"
makesur et
hatIdon'tgetmyhandsonthat
phonecauseIwil
lfuckendelet
ethosegames.
"She
l
aughedtit
li
ngherheadback.Shealwaysdoesthat
anditt
urnsmeon.Shel ookscute.
Me:"
Thandolwam mar
n"Isai
dcl
osi
ngmyeyes.She
cametocli
mbont opofme.
Her:
"what
?"Ij
ustkissedherthi
ngsl
eadt
othenext
andwehadast eamysection.
Her
:"
thatwasgr
eat
."Shesai
dbr
eat
hingheavi
ly.
Me:"
yeahitwascomel et'
sgotakeabathand
Net
fli
xandchill
."Ipickedherupinbri
dalstyl
e.Ir
an
abathforus.Wet ookabat handdidourdail
y
r
outi
ne.Shewor emyt -
shir
titi
soversi
zetoher.I
woremygr eyshortsandmywhi t
evest
.Wewentt o
t
hekitchen.
Me:"
lemmeprepar
esomethingf
oryousi
nceyou
di
dn'
teat.
"Ipl
acedherontopoft
hecount
ertabl
e
Her:
"yat
handundenzumntana(
youl
ikemaki
ngme
yourchi
ld)
"welaughed.
Me:
"youar
eachi
ldI
'
m 10year
sol
dert
hanyou.
"
Her
:"
I'
m andadul
tqa.
"
Me:"t
henprovei
tbygivi
ngmeal
it
tl
eyouIwanta
gi
rlnorh.
"Welaughed.
Her:
"NoIwantaboy.Agi
rlwi
llbeDaddy'
sLit
tl
eGir
l
shewil
ltakemypl
ace.Sohel
lnoaboywi l
lbefi
ne.
"
Me:
"who'
ssper
msar
ethese"
Her
:"
who'
seggs.
"
Me:
"whodoest
hehar
dwor
k."
Her:
"whokeepshim safef
orni
nemont
hs,
whogoes
t
hroughlabourpai
ns? "
Me:
"Igi
veupbutIwantagi
rl
."Wel
aughed.
Me:"
hereisyourfood.PhofI
'm goi
ngt
ofeedyou.
"
Shegiggl
ed.Istar
tedfeedi
ngherbutwasdi
stur
bed
byaknockont hedoor.
Me:
"Iwillgeti
t.
"Igaveheratheplat
ethanwi
ped
myhands.Iwentt oopenthedoorandBraMosses
wasstandingther
e.
Me:
"br
amoses.
"
Him:
"yeahboss.Ij
ustwant
edt
osayt
hatI
'
m goi
ng
now.
"
Me:
"okaybr
amosesar
eyoucomi
ngt
omor
row.
?"
Him:
"YesIneedtocutthegrass.
"Il
ookedatt
he
newspaperhewasholdingsomethi
ngsaidImust
l
ookatit.
Me:"
canIseethepaperpl
ease.
"Hehandedi
ttome
Ial
mostfai
ntedwhenIsawZimiatt
hefront
.
Me:
"whendi
dthi
spl
anecr
ushhappen?
"
Hi
m:"aweekagosi
r.
"Thanitcamebackt
hatt
hey
wer
egoingonavacat
ion.
Me:
"Thandobringmemycarkeys,
cel
lphoneand
wal
let
."Iyel
led
Mosses:
"what
'swr
ongsi
r.
"
Me:
"thepeoplethatwher
eont
heplanecr
ushare
myfriends.
"ThandoCamewit
hthethi
ngsIasked
f
or.
Her
:"
what
'swr
ong.
"
Me:
"Iwi
llexpl
ainont
hewaycomel
et'
sgo.
"We
r
ushedoutIdr
oveof
f
Me:"
gotow/aorsomethingandinf
orm myfr
iends
t
ocomet ot
hehospi
tal.ZimiandSnakeswer
e
i
nvol
vedinapl
anecrushaweekago. "
Her
:"
what!
!"
Me:"yeah."Shedi
dasrequested.Wegott
othe
hospitalandwenttot
herecepti
onist
.
Me:
"AyakhaBooiandZi
minat
hiJol
a"
Her
:"
areyouper
hapsaf
ami
lymembersi
r"
Me:"Iwi
llgetyoufi
redwherethef
uckar
ethey.-l
ook
athernamet ag-BusidoyouknowwhothefuckI
am?"
Her:
"l
ooksiri
t'
sagai
nstthehospi
talpol
icyt
ogi
ve
suchinf
ormati
onwhatifyourki
ll
ers.
"
Me:
"yewet
huBu.
..
."
Thando:
"calm downbaby.Sor r
ysisterbusi.My
husbandoverhereisstr
essedoutabouthi sbest
fr
iendhejustfoundoutthattheywer einvolvedina
pl
anecrush.Socanyoupl easet el
lusthewar d
numberandi fwewerekill
ersthesecuritywoul dn'
t
haveletusin."Wai
tdi
dshesaymyhusband.I
l
ookedatheramazed.Shejustnodded.Ikeep
fal
li
ngforthiswomanever
yday.
Busigi
rl:
"Wel
laccordi
ngt
omyBooksAyakhaBooi
i
sstil
linICU.
"Iburi
edmyheadi
nmyhands.
Busigir
l:"
andZimiwokeupyesterdayasyousaw
onthenewspapersheisinward."Shetol
dusthe
wardroom.Wef ir
stwenttoAyakha.Hehadso
manypi pesar
oundhim.Thandohel dmyhand
ti
ghter
.Ihadtearsinmyeyes.
Thando:"
hei sgoingtobefi
nebaby."Inodded.She
wipedthetearfrom myeye.Wehar danoisefrom
theback.Wel ookedbackandwesawourf r
iends.
Theywer ebeingchasedawaybyt hesecuri
tybut
theywerefighti
ngthem.Ichuckl
edbeforewalking
tothem.
TT:
"soonIwil
lbet
heownoft
hispl
aceandIwi
llf
ir
e
youall
.Rhaa.
"
Let
habo:"
tel
lthem babyt
heywi
llbet
hef
ir
stpeopl
e
wefir
e."Wechuckled.
Me:
"pl
easeexcuset
hem.Theyar
ewi
thme.
"
Ri
ri:
"r
haaleminqundu"t
heywentout
.Wewal
kedt
o
Ayakha'
sroom.
Aya:
"whathappened?
"
Me:"
Ialsodon'
tknowbutZi
miisawakeshewoke
upyester
day.I
t'
sbeenaweeksincet
heywere
her
e."
Siya:
"ai
n'tt
heysupposet
obei
nthi
ermi
ni
vacati
on?"
Thando:"
yestheyhadapl
anecr
ush.
"Theyal
lhel
d
thei
rknees.
Cage:
"howcomewedi
dn'
tpi
ckupt
his.
"
Ayola:"
let
'sgot oZi
miguysshehastheanswers.
"
Wewal kedt oherwardshewaslooki
ngatthe
ceil
ingcrying.Thegi
rl
squickl
yrantoher
.She
wipedhert ears.
Ri
ri
:"
chomi
iear
eyouf
ine?
"
Zi
mi:
"I
'mf
inej
ustwor
ri
edaboutAyakha.
"
Si
ya:
"whathappened?
"
Zi
mi:
"hewentt
ofet
chmef
rom mywor
kpl
aceas
usual
.Wewenttot
heair
por
ttheplanetookofbuti
t
wasunst
eady.
"Shest
oppedtal
kingandclosedher
eyes.
Zi
mi:"t
henextthi
ngt
hejetcr
ushes.Andi
tfal
lon
Ayakhasi
de."Shecr
ied.
Aya:
"hei
sgonnabeal
ri
ght
."
Me:"
YeahAyakhai saf i
ghterhewil
lwakeupIcan
guarant
eethattoyou."Theyallagr
eedtomy
st
atementandZi minodded.Wechi l
ledt
her
ethe
wholeday.Atleastshewasf i
newhenwewent
home.
Thando:
"i
twasahect
icdayhey.
"
Me:
"Isecondthat.
"Wewer ei
ntheloungechoosi
ng
amovietorentatNet
fl
ix.Wejustat
edinner
.
Thando:
"hewi
llwakeupyouwi
llsee.
"
Me:
"whi
chmovi
e?"
Her
:"
thehat
eyougi
ve.
"
Me:"
yeahhisaf
ight
er.Ij
usthopet
hathedoesn'
t
havebrai
ndamageandhaveismemoryerased.
"
Her
;"
Ihopesot
oo.
"Shegavemet
ighthug.
Her:
"ever
ythi
ngisgonebeal
ri
ght
.Il
oveyouokay?
"
Shealwayssoft
ensmewhenshesaysthat
Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo."Ipeckedherf
orehead.We
wat
chedthemovi
e.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
45
.
.
.
.
Vusumzi
Ihavegi
venhersomucht
imenow.Ifshethi
nks
shecanrunawayfr
om meshehasanothert
hing
comingt
han.
Iwil
lmakesur
ethatt
ommorowshedoesherf
ir
st
j
ob.Welostal
otofmoneyal
ready.

Hermot herhasbeenbaggingmenonestop.ButI
'
m
notshakenabi t
.Il
ovethatwomanbutIwon'tl
et
hergettomet hi
st i
me.

Iwil
lhavet
ogiveheracal
ltocomet omyhouse.
Shehastoprepar
efort
ommor ow.Ifi
tmeans
shaki
ngherabitt
hansobeit.Iwi
lldojustt
hat
.

Wear erunningabusi
nessher
eafteral
lthi
sisnota
playground.Plust
hemoneyIwil
lbegivi
ngheris
tr
icethemoneyshewi l
lbeget
ti
ngwhenshei sa
Actuary.

Iwokeupasusual.Shewasn'tnextme.Af t
ert
hat
di
nner.Shemakessurethatshewakesupbef ore
me.Idon'tknowi
fshethinksthatwi
llchangeme
f
rom mydeci
sion.

IfhardtofindaTransporterwi
thbrai
ns.Andone
j
ustl andedonmydoor step.AndIheardshei
sanA
studentatherdegree.Butshecomessecondifnot
thir
d.

Idi
dmydai l
yr out
ine.Wentdownst
air
s.Foundmy
l
ovelywi
fetherebutAyabongawasn't
.That'
swhat
shedoeseveryday.

Ifshet hi
nksI '
m goi
ngtolethercl
imbontopofmy
head.Thansheal sohasanothert
hingcomingt
his
evening.Igivethem si
mpleorderandtheycan'
t
evenf oll
owt hem.

Oneoft
hereasonswhyAyamt
handai
sal
so
i
nvol
vednow.
Me:
"goodmor
ning"isai
dki
ssi
nghercheek.
Her
:"
mor
ning.
"

Me:
"howdi
dyousl
eep?
"Isai
ddi
shi
ngup.

Her:
"sameasever
yni
ghtIguess.
"Sheshr
ugged
hershoul
der
s.

Her
:"
andyouhowdi
dyousl
eep?
"

Me:
"gr
eat
."Shenoddedandf
orcedasmi
le.Weat
e
i
ncomfor
tabl
esil
ence.

Me:"
makesureyourbr
atsar
eher
eint
heeveni
ng.
AndwhenIsayBRATSImeanthebot
hofthem."

Her:
"pl
easevusumzileavemydaught
er'
soutofthi
s.
Dealwit
hmeyoul ovemenotthem.Pleasel
ett
hem
go.Il
oveyou.
"Shesai
dthe'
il
oveyou'
har
d.

Sothatmeansshedoesn'tloveme.Thi
soldragi
s
soungrat
eful
.Idoever
ythingforher
.Senther
daught
ertotopnot
chschool s.

Me: "nextti
mewhenyousayi t.Youshouldmeani t
ratherbutthatwon'tchangemymi nd.Callyour
daught ershereI
'm noti
nt hemoodf orthischatit
's
stil
learlyearl
yinthemor ningforf
ights.
"Ikissed
herbutshedi dn'tr
espondatf ir
stbutendedup
givingin.

Iwenttomyworkplace.Ifi
rstst
art
edatthe
recept
ioni
stt
ocl
ockin.I'
m adoctorremember
.

Me:
"heyLi
zzyanymessagesf
orme.
"

Li
zzy:
"mor
ningsi
r.Unf
ort
unat
elynott
odaysi
r.
"I
smi
ledandnodded.Iwentt
omyof
fi
ceandst
art
ed
wor
kingonsomef i
l
es.

Someonejustgoti
nmyoffi
cewit
houtknocking.I
hat
ethat
.Ididn'
tevenl
ookupt
oseewhoi tis.
Me:
"gogetyourmannersoutsidewhenyoucol
lect
t
hem al
lthancomeinsi
de."Isaidf
ocusedonmy
l
apt
op.

Theper
songotoutt
hanknocked.
Me:"
comein.
"Myexbootycal
lcamein.ButI
st
oppedf
uckingwi
thhert
hedayIgotmarried.

Me:"
Phi
ndi
le.
"I'
m sur
pri
sedt
hatIst
il
lknowher
name.

Her
:"
Vusumzi
."
Me:
"Idon'
thaveanappointmentwit
hyouthelast
t
imeIchecked.
"Isai
dgivingherquest
ioni
ngeye'
s.

Her:
"canwepl easegobacktotheolddays.
"Wel lI
usedtofuckandgi vehermoney.I
'm sur
eshe
desperat
elyneedsmoneynow.ButI '
m notshakena
bi
t.Ihaveawi feIsati
sfymysel
fon.

Me:"l
et'
sleavet
hepasti
nthepast
.Wehadagr eat
ti
met hanbutnotnow.I
'
m amarri
edman.
"Shet ook
ofherlongcoat
.Shewasweari
ngali
nger
ie.Iwas
notshakenabit.

Me:"
wearyourcoatI
'
m noti
nter
est
ed.
"Iwor
ked
agai
n

Her:
"comeonmziIknowyouwantt hi
s.Youdon'
t
evenloveyourwifef
orheaven'
ssake.
"Ichar
gedto
heri
mmedi atel
y.Ist
rangl
edher.
Me:"neversayt
hatagai
n.Il
ovemywi
fe.
"She
coughed

Her:
"hai
kusaidi
ikunipondawewet uuli
yekuwana
wasiwasinaehaumpendi( itdoesn'
thelpyou
st
rangli
ngme, youonlyobsessedwi thheryoudon'
t
l
oveher.)"Shelaughedsti
llcoughing.Il
etgoofher
.

Me:"getout!!Getthefuckout!!
"Iwasfumingwit
h
anger.Howdar eshe.Shetookhercoatandwalked
whil
el aughing.Shehast henervet
ocomeher eand
i
nsultmel ikethat.Ineedtorel
easemystressnow.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
I
'
m soworri
edaboutzimiandsnakesIhopethat
t
heywi
llhealsoon.IhopeSnakesdoesn'
tdi
e.Zi
mi
wi
llbei
ntr
aumat
izedshel
ovesSnakessomuch.

ButIknowforafactt
hatSnakesi
saf
ight
erhewi
ll
wakeupfrom t
hatbed.

Ij
usthopet
hathewil
lnotgetabrai
ndamage.We
di
dn'
tgetachancet
oaskforfeedbackf
rom t
he
doct
or.

Iwasnowchill
ingwi
thmyhusband.Chumaniwent
outwit
hSekaniandhi
sfat
her
.Atleastmychi
ldhas
foundabestf
ri
end.

Me:"
whenar
eyougoingt
otheMal
l?
"Hewas
pai
nti
ngmynai
lsbuti
twasadi
sast
er.

Me:"
yohbabywhatt
hef
uckar
eyoudoi
ng.
"He
l
ookedatme.
Hi
m:"pai
nti
ngyournai
ls.Duuh"herol
ledhi
seyes.I
l
aughedcausehewasal sosoundi
nggay.i
sh

Me:"
haveyoueverbeendi
vor
cedf
orbei
nggay?
"He
l
aughed

Hi
m:"
oohdar
li
ngworr
ylesscauseIwillsur
elyf
ind
at
oughmanli
kevi
ndiesel
."Welaughed

Me:
"wi
eisdi
t(whoi
sthat
)"wewer
est
il
llaughi
ng.

Him:
"oohmygoshyoudon'tevenknowhi
m.Gi
rl
youl
eaveundert
herock.
"Laughing

Me:"
akandaziNam Andimazisoyeah(hedoesn'
t
knowmeIalsodon'tknowhim.)
"Welaughed

Hi
m:"
yoohyoursomeoneel
se.
"
Me:
"j
ustst
opact
inggayi
shorIwi
lldi
vor
ceyou.
"

Him:"
rhaawenadivor
ce.
amnaundit
handakanga
haaa(youdi
vorci
ngme?Neveryoul
ovemeso
much.)"

Me:"
Iwil
lfi
ndar
ebound.AndIt
hinkIknow
someonewhowil
lbeone.
"Isai
dthinki
ng

Him:"yeybanil
oponidi
yibulal
engokurhaamf azi
kabanibanganya(
whoist hatboy,
Iwil
lki
llhi
m now.
Who' swif
edoeshewant)"hesaidtempti
ngtoleave.
Ilaughed

Me:"j
ustj
oki
ngbabyyouknowthatIwi
llnever
cheatonyou.Il
oveyousomuch.
"Isai
dsmi li
ng.

Hi
m:"
sayt
hel
astpar
tagai
n."
Me:
"haimbonya"het
ickl
edme.

Hi
m:"
saythatagai
n.Ihat
erepeat
ingmysel
f.
"Iwas
gi
ggl
ing.

Me:
"Ial
..
..
soha.
..
t
.
..
erepe.
..
ati
..
ngmys.
..
elf
."

Him:"
wakewadi vor
ce.
waf orungat
hethi(haveyou
beendivor
cedfornott
alki
ng.)
"Hesaidlaughing
copi
ngmyvoi ce.

Me:"
ok.
.a.
.yfi
n..
..
eIl
ov.
.eyo.
.usomu..
ch."he
st
oppeddoingwhathewasdoingandki
ssedme.

Him:
"Il
oveyoutoo"hesai
dthr
ought
heki
ss,
Ijust
smil
edwepull
edout.
Me:
"sowhenareyougoi
ngtothemal
lIneedanew
makeupset
."Heopenedhi
seyes

Me:
"cl
oset
hem Baby.
"Il
aughedhel
aughedt
oo

Hi
m:"
mxm kene.
"Hef
rowned.Il
aughed

Me:
"sakt
handikengoku.
"

Him:"
mxm.ButyeahIwi
llgot
odaybutt
hatshi
tis
expensi
ve.
"

Me:
"i
t'
snotl
ikeyoudon'
thavemoney.
"

Him:"
phoffzi
zothi
niungabiduruxaini
thif
rom
NtombitoBeyonce(oohIgetwhytheyare
expensi
veitgoesf
rom you'
llbei
ngNtombito
Beyonce)
"Ibur
sti
ntolaugher
.Tearsevencameout
ofmyeyes.Hewasalsolaughing.

Me:
"I
'm hur
tri
ghtnow.
"Isai
dst
il
llaughi
ng.

Hi
m:"
buti
t'
str
uebabynoof
fence.
"Hel
aughed

Me:
"al
ltheof
fencet
aken.
"Il
aughed.

Hi
m:"
sham healbabyheal
."

Me:
"mxm"wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
let
'sgoI
'
mtaki
ngyououtt
oday"

Me:
"youal
wayst
akemeout
."Isai
drol
li
ngmyeyes.
Him:"t
hat
'st
hethingwi
thyou.Youdon'
tall
owmet
o
f
inishmysentence.
"Heal
soroll
edhiseyesI
l
aughed

Me:
"okayf
ini
shyoursent
encet
han.
"

Hi
m:"
yourpayi
ngt
hebi
llwoman.
"Hesai
dsmi
li
ng

Me:
"me?
"

Him:
"myoneandonl
ywi
fe.
"Hesai
dwi
tht
hewi
dest
smil
e.

Me:"
okayfi
ne.
"Iroll
edmyeyes.Iwaswear ingabig
hoodi
ematchinghis.ButIwasonl yweari
ngithe
wasweari
nghi sj
eans.Myhoodi ewaswr i
tten"hi
s
wif
e"andhiswaswr it
ten"herhusband"
Me:
"l
emmechange.
"

Him:
"nopeyou'r
egoingt
ogooutli
kethat
.It
rust
youwit
hmyal lIknowyouwon'
tcheatonme."

Me:
"whatwi
llpeopl
esay?
"

Him:"womanIdon'tcareaboutwhatpeoplesay.
Let'
swearoursneakers."Wewor eoursneaker
s.He
deci
dedt hathewantstogot oMcDonald.Heheld
mywai stwhenwewer ewal ki
ngatthemall.Mxm I
l
ovemyhusbandandIwi l
lalwaysl
ovehim no
matterwhat.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
46
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Siya:"
west
illneedt
ogetmar r
iedbabyi
t'
sagr eat
thingyouf
oundyourmot her
."Weweresti
llatMc
Donaldeat
ingmcf l
urr
y's.

Me:
"mor
eli
kei
t'
sacur
se.
"Imumbl
ed

Hi
m:"
mhh?
"

Me:
"I
'm sayi
ngitisi
ndeedagr
eatt
hing.
"If
akeda
smi
lel
yingthroughmyteet
h.

Ican'
ttel
lhi
mthetrut
hhewil
lcausemor
etr
oubl
e
andIdon'
twantt
olosehi
m andChumani
.
Him:
"Icanpaythel
obol
anowandgetmar
ri
edt
o
yout
radit
ional
."

Me:"
butThandoi
snotingoodt ermswi thher
mother
.Sothatt
heybet heonesnegot i
ati
ng.Since
t
heyaremyuncle'
s.ButIwillaskforthei
rcontact
i
nformat
iondon'
tworr
y."Isai
dsmi li
ng.

Hi
m:"
yoursmar
tKant
i"If
rownedandhel
aughed

Me:
"Iwon'
tbef
ini
shi
ngschoolnow.
"

Him:
"Iwi
llhavet
omakeabi
ggr
aduat
ionpar
tyf
or
you.
"

Me:
"f
ami
lywi
llbef
inest
handwa.
"

Hi
m:"
sent
li
ziyoyam.
"Wel
aughed.
Me:
"mxm Il
oveyousham.
"

Hi
m:"
wer
edoessham ent
erkengoku.
"

Me:
"ever
ywher
e."

Him;"Ipref
eryousayingndakut
hannda(Il
oveyou)
thanIloveyou.Whenyousayi ti
nisXhosaIfeel
youwhenyousayi tinEnglishi
t'
sli
keyoursayinga
random thi
ngyabo."Inodded

Me:"yoursodramat
ic.ButIwil
ldoanyt
hingf
ormy
baby."Ismil
edhealsosmiled.

Him:"
ndakut
hanndavakakulunorh(Il
oveyouso
much)"heki
ssedme.Weki ssedbutwasdist
urbed
bypeoplecl
appi
ngIpul
ledoutandhi dwi
thhis
chest
.
Hi
m:"
nton'
nimenzai nt
lonimfazwam (
yourmaki ng
mywif
eshy)"ever
yonelaughed.Mxm I'
m mar r
ied
t
oamadper sonhere.Myphonerang.Ipickedupit
wasmom

Me:
"Ma?
"

Her:
"heybabycanyou"Shesi
ghed"pl
easecome
over
."Icoul
dheartheworr
yinhervoi
ce.

Me:"
okaymaIwillber
ightt
her
e."Isi
ghedbef
ore
di
sconnect
ingt
hecall
.

Si
ya:
"i
sever
ythi
ngal
ri
ghtst
handwa.
"

Me:
"yesi
tisbaby.Canyoupl
easet
akemet
omy
mot
her'
splace.
"
Hi
m:"
ofcour
sebabyl
et'
sgo.
"Wewentt
her
e.

Him:"
cal
lwhenyouneedmet
ofet
chyouokay.
"I
nodded.

Me:
"Il
oveyou.
"Weki
ssed

Him:"
Iloveyout oo.
"Iopenedt
hedoorandwalked
outsl
owl y.Idon'
tknowwhattoexpectt
oday.

Defi
nit
elyhastodowit
htheTr
anspor
teri
ssue.Iwi
ll
havetodoitformyf
ami l
y.

Iknocked.Ayabongacamet
oopenthedoor
.She
huggedmeandIhuggedherback.

Mypoorsi
sterhast
ogot
hroughal
loft
hiswhen
shei
ssupposet
obeenj
oyi
ngherl
if
ewi
thki
dsand
ahusband.

Me:
"heysi
showar
eyou.
"

Her
:"
notgreatatal
lbutI'
m gett
ingt
her
e."Inodded
wewalkedin.Theyweresit
ti
ngonthecouch
wat
chingTV.

Me:
"af
ter
noon.
"

Them:
"baby/hey.
"

Vusumzi
:"
it
'sagoodthi
ngyoucameIjustwanted
t
ogiveyouthi
s."Hegavemeapaperf
ullofsums

Vusumzi
:"
yourancestor
sandyourgodar
ei nrush
hourt
oday.Iwasgoingtodosomethi
ngcrueltoal
l
ofyoui
fyounevercame.
"

Me:
"sat
anawena.
"

Hi
m:"a.
adear
.I'
mthedevi
l'
sfat
her
."Icl
ickedmy
t
ongue.

Mom wascr
yingt
her
eandmysi
sterwasal
so
cr
ying.

Itookthepaperandwal
kedout.Ir
equest
edfora
cab.Itcameandtookmestr
aightathome.

Ther
ewasnoonet
her
emeani
ngSi
yai
swi
tht
he
gent
s.

Whatagreatr
eli
efmeani
ngthatIwi
llbeabl
eto
addupt
hisnumberswit
houthavi
ngtobe
quest
ionedbyhi
m.

Iwenttohisst
udyandaddedupthenumbers.I
evenredi
dthem t
omakesuretheyar
ealr
ight.

Idon'twantt
oriskanyt
hingtommorow.Iwon'
t
for
givemyselfi
fsomethinghappenst
omyf amil
y
member s.

Isaidal
it
tl
eprayerbef
oregett
ingoutofthestudy.I
tookashowerbefor
egoingtobed.I
'm nothungry.

AndI'
m surewher eevermyboysar
etheyat
e.I
sl
eptphoffIdidn'
tIwasthi
nki
ngofthepl
acesIwi
ll
begoingt
ot heysounddodgy.

I
nthemiddl
eoftheni
ghtwhi
l
et ur
ningandt
ossi
ng.
Si
yagoti
nbed.Hepull
edmeclosetohim.
Itwaslikehei smysleepingpil
lcauseIslept
i
nstantly.Someonestartedkissi
ngmeal lovermy
face.Ismiledbefor
eopeni ngmyeyes.Itismorni
ng
alr
eady.I'm notr
eadyfort hi
sday.

Me:
"heybabe.
"Heki
ssedme.

Hi
m:"
howdi
dyousl
eep.
"Ismi
led

Me:
"gr
eat
.Wher
ewer
eyouguysyest
erday?
"

Hi
m:"wewerej
ustchil
li
ngatTail
orshouse.Butwe
wentt
othehospi
talf
ir
st."Hesi
ghed.

Me:"
hisgoi
ngt
owakeupbaby.Iknowf
oraf
act
j
ustgivehi
mti
meokay.
"

Hi
m:"
okay"hegavemeaconvi
nci
ngsmi
le.
Wemadet hebedbeforedoi
ngourdai
lyr
outi
ne.We
al
soatebreakf
ast
,tookChumanit
oschoolIwas
l
eftal
oneatthi
shouse.

Thatgivesmet i
met ogodr opt henumbers.Ir
an
upstai
rs.Saidalongprayert his.Il
ookedforSiya'
s
gunandpl acedi
tonmywai st.Itookthepaperand
carkeys.

Idrovetothefi
rstpl
aceitwasahost elf
ullwi
th
prosti
tut
es.Iwentintotheroom numberIknocked.
Aguyopenedup.Hi sfl
atwasgoodit'sl
ikehe
doesn'tl
ivei
nthishostel
.Iti
sdir
tyoutside.

Hi
m:"wantajobasaprost
itut
e?"Hesai
dbi
tt
inghi
s
l
owerli
p.Ir
olledmyeyes.

Me:
"t
ranspor
ter
."Isai
dbol
dly.
Him:"
mzisurel
ytookhi
sti
me.Ial
mostthoughthei
s
outofbusi
ness.Lemmegofet
chapaperandpen
qui
ckly.
"Inodded.

Hewentinandcamewi
tht
hepaper
.It
oldhi
mthe
number
s.

Him:
"uhmmm.Yeahthisnumber
sarealr
ightyou
canl
eavenow.
"Inoddedandwalkedout
.Iexhal
ed.

Idi
dn'tevenreali
zeIwasholdi
ngmybr eath.Iwent
totheotherpl
acesaswell.Iwassonervousbut
endeduppul l
ingitatt
heendoftheday.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
47
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Ihadalongdayatwork.Ij
usthopemywi
fecooked.
Sincei
t'
smyturntoday.

Phof
fwecookt
ogetherwheni
t'
smyt
urn.Iwoul
d
l
iket
omakeherahousewif
e.

Shedoesn'twantt
obeoneshewantstobe
i
ndependent.Ij
ustdon'
tli
ket
hef
actt
hatmywi
fe
goesaroundpeople.

Itr
ustherbutnee.Thef actt
hatothermanwillbe
thi
nkingabouther
.Givesmeshi versdownmy
spine.AyiKhoCutet
ul ento(t
hist
hingain'
tcuteat
all
).
Butwor
rylesscauseIknowforaf
actthatAyais
cr
azyaboutme.Webot hcr
azyabouteachother
.

Igothomeandhercarwast heremeaningshe
di
dn'tgoanywhere.Iwal
kedinthehouseandshe
washaveherflyi
ngf i
sh.Il
aughed.

Me:"
forri
cherandf
orpoornt
anga."Shel
aughed
andli
ft
edupherbeerl
ikesheissayi
ngcheer
sto
someone.

Her
:"
andi
twi
llal
waysbel
iket
hat
."Wel
aughed

Me: "
IalsoneedoneIhadal ongday.Canyou
pleasecookforme. "Ihaveherpuppyeyes.She
chuckledandwal kedtothefridgeshecameback
withthebeer.Igulpeditdown.
Shegotbusywi
thherphonef
orasecond.

Her
:"
I'
m al
soti
redsoIor
der
edonli
ne.AndDon't
wor
ryIwil
lbepayi
ng.
"Shesmi
rked.mxm sayl
onlo.

Me:
"youcr
azy.
"Isai
dlaughi
ng

Her:
"aboutyou"welaughedt
hedoorwentopenand
Chumanicamei n.

Him:"
mamam tat
am l
ambi
le(mommyanddaddy
I
'm hungr
y.)
"Wel
lhehast
ranspor
tat
ion.

Aya:
"cel
akutat
ababydi ni
wemama(
askDaddy,
mommyi st
ir
ed.)"Il
ookedather
.

Chumani:
"daddy.
"Hesaidsmi
li
ngwi
thhis4teeth.
Fuckt
hischil
dlooksl
ikeme.Gi
rl
swi
llberunni
ng
af
terhi
m.

Me:"
haihaikwedi
nicel
umamakhof i
leumna(nono
boyaskyoumom.I '
m dead.
)"Isai
dsleepi
ngontop
oft
hecounter.

Chumani:
"mommy.Daddyi
ssl
eepi
ngandI
'
m
hungr
y."Hefr
owned.

Aya:"yuuhyadikanalotat
akhoizandi
zokwenzel
a
custard(yourfat
herisannoyi
ngcomeIwi l
lmake
youcust ar
d.)
"Her antohismotherl
eavi
nghisbag
atthedoorway.Thi schil
d.

Lateronwewentt
obedaf
terr
eadi
ngChumania
bedti
mestor
y.

Ayawasgi
vingmeabackmassage.
Me:"
Ithinkever
ydayI
'
m goi
ngt
ocomebackt
ir
ed.
"
Shegiggled

Her:
"yanya.Anywayt
ommor
owZi
mii
sget
ti
ng
di
scharged."

Me:
"i
nthemor
ningoraf
ter
noon?
"

Her
:"
mor
ningbabyat9am.
"

Me:
"okaywewi
llgot
her
eai
n'tyougoi
ngt
oschool
t
omorrow?"

Her
:"Iwi
llbegoi
ngt
oschoolbutIhavecl
assesat
12.
"Inodded.

Her:
"al
ldonenow.Yourbodyshoul
dberel
axed.
"
Shecli
mbedofmesi nceshewassit
ti
ngontopof
me.

Me:"
thankyoubaby."Iki
ssedher
.Shedi
sappeared
tot
heen-sui
t.It
hinkshewenttowashherhands.
Shecameback.

Wewereundercover
snow.Wewer
elooki
ng
t
hroughweddi
ngmagazines

Her
:"
weshouldgetmarri
edatTheMoonand
Si
xpence"t
hepl
acelookedgr
eat.

Me: "
yesweshoul d.Butwewi llt
alkaboutpl
aces
afterthet
raditi
onalweddi ng.Iwantyout owear
thoseMakot iatt
iresforthosemont hsthanhavea
whi t
eweddingaf tertheyall
owyout ot
akethem of
f
andt hangof orourhunnymoon.Idon' twantyou
wear i
ngthosebl anketsoverseas."
Her
:"youhavei
tal
lpl
annedoutIseebutIgetyour
poi
ntofview.
"

Me:"
youalwaysgeti
tsoyeah.
"Ir
oll
edmyeyes.
Shelaughed.

Wesl
ept
.Butwasdi
stur
bedbysomeoneopeni
ng
t
hedoor
.Theper
songotin.

:
"Mommydaddyf unipapa(
Iwantporri
dge)
"we
qui
cklywokeupnomamakheandl ookedathi
m.He
gi
ggled.

Aya:
"howdi
dyougetdownfr
om yourbed?
"He
st
oppedsl
eepi
ngonacotnow.

Hi
m:"
papa.
"
Ishookmyheadbef oregoingintheen-suit
.Idi
d
mydai l
yrouti
ne.Woremybl ackuzzijeansandmy
whiteuzzit
-shi
rtwi
thmyl eatherj
acket.Iworemy
blackki
cksandwakeddownst ai
rs.

Ayaj
ustf
ini
shedf
eedi
ngChumani
.

Me:"Iwi
llmakebr
eakfastwhi
leyoubathChumani.
Thanwecangot othehospit
al.
"Shenodded.They
walkedupst
air
swithChumanigiggl
inghi
slungs
out.

Afewminut
eslat
ertheycamedownst
air
s.Imadea
f
armhousebr
eakfast
.

Aya:
"mmhitsmel
lsgr
eatoverher
eandyoumade
myfavor
it
e."

Me:
"ourf
avor
it
e."Weat
eChumaniwasj
usteat
ing
eggs.

Lateronhist
ransportcame.Wealsowentt
othe
hospit
alandeveryonewasalreadyt
her
e.

MeandAya:
"si
phakat
hi(
wear
einsi
de)
"

Them:
"i
nsi
de"wel
aughedal
sozi
mil
aughedatl
east
.

Zi
mi:"l
et'
sgocheckAyakhabefor
ewego.
"We
noddedbefor
egoingtoAyakha'
swar
d.

WewentthereandZi
miwentt
osi
tnexthi
m.We
j
ustsur
roundedhi
sbed.

Zi
mi:
"pleasewakeupbabyj
ustf
orme.
"Heki
ssed
hi
sforehead.
Themachinesst
art
edgoi
ngcrazy.Thedoct
ors
cameinandChasedusout.Mi
nuteslat
ewewer e
tol
dtogetin.

Doct
or:
"doyouper
hapsknowt
hesepeopl
e."What
t
hefuck?

TT:
"whatdoyoumeandoc?
"

Doctor
:"
hehasabrai
ndamagehedoesn'
t
rememberathi
ng.
"Wewereal
lshocked.

Zi
mi :
"what?
"Thatcameoutasawhi
spershewas
cr
ying.

Snakes:"
Ionl
yknowheryesherNamei sZi
mishei
s
myPA. "Welookedathi
m st
il
lshocked.
Doctor:
"heforgothisli
feheisli
vingsomeoneelse'
s
l
ifenow.Itwilltaketi
meforhimt oremember
everyt
hingpleasebepat i
entwithhim.I
fyouput
pressureonhi m hemightlosehismindforgoodor
worsedie."
Wewer
est
il
lshocked
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
48
.
.
.
.
-
9mont
hsl
ater
-
Let
habo
I
t'
snowNovemberandI
'
m 9Mont
hspr
egnant
.It
's
beenmont
hsofhel
l
.

TTisfedupwi
thme.Butwefacedever
ythi
ng
toget
her
.Henevergi
vesuponme.

Heal
waysmakesuret
hatI
'
m al
right
.Hemademe
st
opworki
ngwhenIwas7monthspregnant
.

I
magine.Hewantsourki
dtobeheal
thy.Hedoesn'
t
wanthi
mt ohaveanydif
fi
cul
ty'
s.

ButIunder
standwhereheiscomi
ngf
rom cause
thi
sishisf
ir
stkidaf
teral
l.

Ihavebeenhavi
ngcr
ampseversi
ncet
hismor
ning.
Iwokeupwithhi
m bymysi
de.

Wel
lIl
ivewi
thhi
m nowsi
nceSi
zwei
sataboar
ding
schooli
nCapeTown.

Buthewillbebacksoon.Hehasbeenper
for
ming
real
lygr
eat.

Heevenwentt
oBotswanaf
orasoccert
our
nament
.
Butt
heyl
ostatt
heend.

Mybrot
heri
ssohappyevenhismarksimproved.
Hecameoutsecondl
astt
erm.Phoffi
fhedoesn't
comeoutf
ir
sthecomesoutsecondinthet
op10.

Hehasgreatf
ri
endsthatsi
de.IonceSur
pri
sedhi
m
andyeahhisf
ri
endsareri
ghtforhi
m.

I'
m sur
ehewi l
lmakemepr oudandbecamewhat
hewants.Justcan'
twai
ttoseehim.
Lemmecallhi
m andseewhenhewil
lbebackI
misshi
m somuch.Heansweredont
hesecondri
ng.

Hi
m:"bi
gsi
s.Hey."Hewasbr
eat
hingoutheavi
ly
maybehewastrai
ning.

:
"Si
zwegetbackont
hefi
eldI'
m sur
eyoudon'twant
asl
osi
ngagainwehaveatournamentnextweek.
"

Sizwe:"
givemef i
vemi
nut
escouch.Mysi
steri
s
call
ing.
"Ilaughed

Me:
"youdi
dn'
teventel
lmet hatyouar
egoi
ngona
t
our
namentagainnextweek."

Him:
"Iwaswai
ti
ngf
oryourcal
lsi
sanywayi
t'
sa
homegamenotagoawaygamesodon'twor
rysi
s."
Me:
"mmhanywayhowar
ethi
ngst
hatsi
de?
"

Him:"greatsi
sjustt
hatIhavet oj
ugglesport
sand
schoolwor kbutIhaveever
ythingundercontr
ol.I
sti
llneedtogot oachessmat chtodayi
nt he
aft
ernoon.AndI '
m wri
ti
ngexamsnextweek. "

Me:"
justdon'
tputmuchpr
essureonyourselfbr
o.I
knowyouwi l
lbeablet
opul
lthr
oughallofthisI
havefai
thinyouokay.
"

Hi
m:"
thankyousi
s."

Me:
"whenar
eyoucomi
ngbackImi
ssyou.
"

Hi
m:"ImissyoutoosisIwil
lcomebackonceIget
myresul
ts.Iwanttobether
ewhenmynephewor
ni
eceisborn.Can'
twaitt
obeanuncle.
"Welaughed
Me:"
semncincif
orbanguuncl
e(yoursosmal
ltobe
anuncl
e)"welaughed.

Him:
"I
'm anuncl
eqa.Looksi
sIhavet
ogo.Il
ove
youguys."

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oobye.
"Idr
oppedt
hecal
l.

TTwassnoringnextt
ome.Ishookmyheadt
han
wentbacktosl
eepsinceIwast
ir
edandt
hecramps
weregone.

Someonewaski
ssi
ngmeal
lovermyf
ace.Iopened
myonlyt
obemetbyTT.

Hi
m:"
mor
ninghunny.
"

Me:
"heypumpki
nhowar
eyou.
"
Hi
m:"
I'
mfi
nehowar
eyouandmyl
it
tl
eChamp.
"

Me:"
hadcr
ampsear
lyi
nthemor
ningbutI
'
mfi
ne
now."

Him:"
lemmecheckmyphonequi ckl
y.Seei
fther
eis
anyemergenci
esatwor
k."Inodded.Hegavemea
peck.

Het
ookhi
sphonef
rom t
hechar
ger
.

Hi
m:"
damnyoueskom.
"

Me:
"t
her
eisnoel
ect
ri
cit
y?"

Him:
"yeah.
"Iwasact
ual
lyHappycauseitwi
llgi
ve
usti
met obondnopumpki
nwithouthavi
ngt
odo
anyt
hingel
ect
roni
c.

Me:
"washa.
"Isai
dsmi
li
ng.

Hi
m:"
whyyouhappy.
"hesai
dconf
used

Me:"
stoplooki
ngatt
hebadsi
deandl
ookonthe
goodsidethi
swil
lgi
veussomet
imetobond
pumpkin.
"

Him:"
weal
waysbondnj
enaweseeeachot
her
24/7.
"

Me:
"yeahbutt
hist
imewit
houtel
ect
roni
cs.
"Isai
d
smi
li
nghealsosmil
ed.

Hi
m:"
that
'sgr
eatwhatar
eyoucr
avi
ngf
or?
"
Me:
"f
riesfrom McDonal
d's,
spurr
ibs,
chi
ckenf
eet
f
orm hil
lbr
ow...
"

Hi
m:"
hil
lbr
ow?
"Heopenedhi
seyes.

Me:
"yeah"

Hi
m:"
womandoyouwantmedead?
"Il
aughed.

Me:
"maybe.Butj
ustgetmethei
rchi
ckenf
eetand
t
hat
'sal
l.
"Hetookhisgunout.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llneedi
t.
"Hedi
sappear
edt
otheen-
sui
t.

Pr
obabl
yt aki
ngacoldshower
.Si
ncether
eisno
el
ect
ri
cit
yandt hegeyseri
sal
soof
f.

Hecamebackandl
oti
oned.Iwentt
othecl
osett
o
t
akeoutcl
othesf
orhi
m.

Iwal
kedbackt
other
oom wi
thhi
scl
othes.

Hi
m: "
youraStarhunny.
"Hesaidkissi
ngmy
f
orehead.Igavehi
m hiscl
othes.Heworet
hem.

Hi
m; "
Iwil
lbebackj
ustnowokay?Il
oveyou.
"We
ki
ssed.

Me:"
Iloveyoutoo.
"Hewalkedout
.Imadet
hebed
bef
orecleani
ngaroundt
hehouse.

I
ttookmeanhourtocl
eanandIwasexhausted.
Andthecrampscameback.Iwal
kedupst
air
susing
t
hestai
rcase.

Wer
eal
lyneedamai
dar
oundher
e.Shecanmaybe
comeher
etwi
ceort
ri
ceaweek.

Igototheen-sui
t.Fil
ledt
hebatht
ubwi
thcol
d
water
.It
'sbeenquiteawhile.

Ienjoycol
dbat h'
sbutThapelodoesn'twantmet o
takethem.HesaysIwi l
lfreezehischi
ld.I
magine.
HaiAndidyoliphayana(no,I'
m notdati
ngther
e).I
stri
pednaked.Andgotinthebat htub.

Irel
axedinthewat erhol
dmybi
gbel
ly.St
il
lcan'
t
beli
eveI'
m pregnant.

If
eltwar
mli
qui
dcomi
ngoutofme.

Me:"
oohmygod.I'
minlabour
"Ist
art
edpani
cki
ng.I
gotoutandwor
emyrode.
Iwal
kedt
othebedr
oom.

Me:"
Lethabocomedowneveryt
hingisgonnabe
al
ri
ght.
"Itri
edtoconvi
ncemysel
f.Ical
ledThapel
o
i
twentstrai
ghttovoi
cemai
l.

Me:"
stupi
del ect
ri
cit
y.Ahhhh"Iscr
eamed.It
ri
edt
o
cal
lmyf r
iendsbutthewasnonet wor
k.

Me:"
aahhhhhh"Iscr
eamedoutl
oud.Iwascr
ying
whenthedoorfl
ewopen.
.
.
.
.
Thapel
o
Snakeshasn'
tgott
enhismemoryback.ButZi
mii
s
taki
ngcareofhi
ml i
kehis'
pa'
.
Ij
usthopet
hatmyfri
endwil
lbeal
ri
ght
.Ij
ustwant
hi
mt obehi
soldsel
fagai
n.

Mylif
ehasbeengoodbutLet
haboi
sgi
vingmea
har
dtime.

Thispregnancyisdri
vinghercr
azy.Butenjoy
havingherpregnanti
tjustmakesmef al
linlove
wit
hhermor e.

Ist
il
lwantmor
eki
dssoyeah.

Icamebackf rom buyingherthi

ngs.Ihear
dher
screaming.Iqui
cklyranupstair
sdroppi
ngthef
ood
ont hef
loor.

Me:
"babyar
efi
newhat
swr
ong?
"
Her
:"
howcanIbef
inest
upi
dwhenyourbabyi
son
t
heway.
"

Me:
"wehavet
orusht
othehospi
tal
."

Her:
"wewon'tmakeitbabymywaterbr
okealong
ti
meagoahhh."Istar
tedpani
cki
ng.Shewaseven
sweati
ng.Iswi
tchedontheai
rcon.

Me:
"wehavet
ogobabyIcan'
tdot
his.
"

Her:"
stopbeinguselessandgetthi
sbabyoutyou
haveamedi caldegreeforheaven'
ssake.
"She
yel
ledandscr eamed.

Ir
ant
oherandi
nser
tedmyf
ingeri
nherVi
rgi
nia.
Me:"your10cm awaybaby.I
'
m comingnow."Iwent
tothekitchentoabi
gbowlwithwat
eriranback
upstair
st oooutt
owel
sandwalkedbacktoher.

Ipl
acedonwettowelonherf
orehead.Anot
herone
under
neat
hher.

Me:"okaybabyIneedyout
opushok.
"Shenodded
vi
rgously.

Me:
"okaybabypush.
"

Her
:"
ahh"shesai
dpushi
ng.

Her
:"
Ican'
tmqundu"

Me:"
yesyoucandoi tf
ormecomeonnowpush."
Shepushed.AndIsawababiesHead.at
earf
all
out
ofmyeye.Thebabyfi
nal
lycameoutandi
t'
scr
ies
fi
ll
edt
heroom.Itookmybabyitwasaboy.

Me:"
it
'saboybaby.
"Isai
dlooki
ngatLethaboshe
gavemeaf ai
ntsmi
leshewasAlsointears.

Her
:"
Sli
ndokuhl
e."

Me:"Nt
lakani
pho"Il
ookedatmysonwhowasst
il
l
cr
ying.Hismotheral
readydozedof
f.

Me:"
welcometothewor
ldSl
indokuhl
eNt
lakani
pho
Vi
ce."Ismi
ledt
hrought
ear
s.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
49
.
.
.
TT
Icleanupmybabymadesur ethatI'
m gent
le
aroundtheumbi
li
calcor
d.Ialsocleaneduphis
mot her
.

Ntl
akani
phowassl
eepi
ngwhichgavemeper
fect
t
imetotaket
hem t
othehospi
tal
.

ThankGodmyGar denerwasatwor ktoday.Iplaced

Ntl
akani
phocar
efull
yont hebed.Ial
readywr apped
hi
m upwithababyclothandnottoforgetadi aper.

It
ookLet
habof
ir
stt
othecar
.
Me:
"br
aSt
icks!
!"Iyel
led.Hecamet
ome

Hi
m:"
BraTT"

Me:
"canyoudr
ive?
"

Hi
m:"
yessi
rIcan.
"

Me:
"wai
ther
eI'
m comi
ngj
ustnow.
"Henodded.

Iranupstai
rsandt ookNt
lakani
phoandhi sbaby
bag.Ial
sot ookmycarkeysandwal let
.Iwalked
downstair
slookingatmyboy.Ikissedhisforehead.
I'
m al
readyinlovewi t
hmyboy.

Igotout
side.

Me:
"br
aSt
ickspl
easedr
iveust
othehospi
tal
."
Him:"
oohsiryoualr
eadyhaveababy
congr
atul
ati
ons."Hesai
dshaki
ngmyhand.Ismi
led
athi
m.

Hedroveust
othehospi
tal
.Hehel
pedmet
akei
n
Let
habo

Dr.Thompson:
"congrat
ulat
ionsman.Youeven
deli
ver
edyourchild.
"Wewer eint
hewar dnowhe
al
readydi
dacheckupont hem.Andtheyarebot
h
fi
ne.HesaidLethabowil
lwakeupi nafew.

Me:
"Idon'
thaveamedicaldegr
eef
ornot
hingmy
man.Andthankyou.
"

Hi
m: "Dr.Smit
hhastowakeupbeforet
he
Ntl
akani pho-
hestr
uggl
edsayi
ngthename-does.
Orelsehewi l
lcr
ynonestopheneedst
obe
br
east f
ed."
Me:"
let
'spr
ayshewakesupbef
orehi
mthan.
"He
noddedandIsmil
ed.

Hewalkedout
.IkissedLethabo'
sfor
eheadand
Ntl
akani
pho'
sbeforegoingtomyof f
ice.Iwantt
o
char
gemyphone.

Igotthereandt
ookmyspar echar
gef r
om the
drawer.Iwantt
oinf
orm ever
yonethatI'
m afat
her
.
Thewhol eme.

AndI
'm af
atherf
orrealt
hist
ime.If
ir
stcal
ledSi
ya
hemustbewithAyait
'saSat
urdayaft
eral
l.

:
"T-
boy"t
hat
'sdef
ini
tel
yAya.

Me:"
Iwil
lleti
tsl
ipeasidet
odaysinceI
'
m af
ather
."I
coul
dn'
thelpbuttel
lheral
ready.
Her:"
yourwhatwaitLeJoyal
readygavebi
rthwhy
didn'
tyouguyscallus.Weareonourwaybye. "She
droppedthecal
l.Asifshei
stheonethatcall
ed.I
chuckled.

Icall
edallourfr
iendsandnott
of or
gettoi
nform
Sizwe.Hewassohappybutdi sappoint
edatthe
samet i
mehewant edtobeher
e.ButImadesur e
thatIl
efthiminahappymood.

Iwal
kedbackt
othewardaf
terl
ocki
ngmyof
fi
ceat
l
eastmyphonewasat20%.

LethabowasbreastfeedingNt lakaniphowiththe
hel
pofanur se.It
ookapi ctureoft hem and
updatedal
lmysoci almedi aplat for
mswi ththe
capti
on'st
il
lcan'
tbelieveIwast heonewho
del
iveredmyson.Wel comet ot hewor l
d
Sli
ndokuhl
eNt l
akaniphoVi ce.'
Peopl
ewerecongr
atul
ati
ngmeIswitchedof
fmy
phoneandwal
kedinfur
theri
nther
oom.

Me:
"heyhowar
eyouguys.
"Thenur
sewal
kedout
.

Lethabo:
"wear
eal
rightbaby.Justt
hatyoursonis
suckingmeli
kehi
slif
edependsonmybr east
."

Me:
"l
etmysonhaveal
lthemi
lkhewant
s."

Let
habo:
"oohyouguysar
ealreadygangi
ngupon
meIneedadaughter
."Welaughed

Me:
"l
et'
str
yforonenowcauseyourmor
efer
ti
le.
"

Her
:"
yagulayazibubuhl
ungukanjanii(
yourmadyou
howpainf
uliti
s)andIsti
llhavesti
tchessonosex
forsi
xweeks.
"Shesai
dlaughi
ngIl
ookedatherl
ike
sheiscr
azy

Her:
"youshouldhaveseenyourf
ace.Her
emake
hi
m burp.
"Ilookedatheragai
nbefor
echuckl
ing.

It
ookNt
lakani
phoandmadehi
m bur
p.
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Ithasbeenninemont hsofhel
lonmyside.I'
m st
il
l
Vusumzit r
ansport
er.Ionceki
ll
edoneofthepeopl
e
Itranspor
tto.Si
yamthandaisteachi
ngmehowt o
fightandshoot.
Vusumzididn'
tevengivemeproblems.Si
yaonce
caughtmedoingsums.Ihadtoliedandsay'i
'
m
doingext
raworksothatIcanpass'.Andhe
bel
ievedmeeversince.

Iwon'
tri
skt
ell
inghim andgetgethi
m andChumani
ki
ll
edi
ntheprocess.Iwoul
dn'tbeabl
etofor
give
mysel
f.

SoIwoul drat
herkeept
hingstomysel
fthanhave
hi
m kil
led.Vusumziiscapabl
eofever
ythi
ngand
anyt
hing.

Ont hegoodsi
demybabyi stur
ning2year
sol
d
nextmonth.Heisbecaminganaught
yboynowand
Siyaisal
waysonhissideimagi
ne.

Speakingofhi
m onthe31stofJul
yonhisbirt
hday
heopeneduphisbusinesses.Mi
newasont he29t
h
Idi
dn'twantsomethi
ngbigsoitwasj
ustlunchwit
h
myf
ami
lyandf
ri
ends.

SoSiyaboughtsharesi
nabank.Heopenedup3
cl
ubs,2rest
aurant
s, 1l
ogi
sti
cscompanyand2
hot
els.I
'
m soproudofmyman.

Hehasbeennaggi
ngmet obeahousewifesi
nce
weownmanybusinesses.Idon'
tli
ket
hatabi
tsoI
deci
dedt
otakeopenoftheclubs.

I'
M goi
ngtograduatesoon.Ican'twai
tthough.I
haveworkedsohard.Iwil
lwor kforani
nsurance
companysinceI'
m doingmyi nter
nshi
pthere

I'
M worri
edaboutsnakeshedoesn'
tremembera
thi
ngevenwhenwegot ohim ashi
sfri
ends.Hesti
ll
doesn't
.AndZimiisst
ressi
ngoutabouthim.She
evenlostal
it
tl
ebitofweight
.
Butl
et'
shavef
ait
hthathewi
llbehi
snor
malsel
f
agai
n.

Iwassit
ti
ngwi t
hmysiya,Ayol
aandCage.Chumani
i
sinhisroom pl
ayi
ngwithSekani
.

Si
ya:
"wewillbehavi
ngabi
gbi
rt
hdaypar
tyf
or
Chumani
."

Cage:
"t
hat
'sgr
eat
.Whendowest
artpr
epar
ing?
"

Me:
"NgoDecember.West
il
lhavet
oinvi
tehi
s
f
ri
endsfr
om school
."

Ayola:
"i
t'
sni
cetobeChumanit
hisishi
ssecond
bi
rthdaypar
ty.Whi
chmeansever
yyearther
ewil
l
beapar t
yWOAH! "Wel
aughedather
Siya:
"wejusthavingthisonesinceIwasn'
therelast
yearforhi
sfirstbir
thdaypart
y."Welaughed.Iwas
abouttospeakwhenhi sphonerangitwasonme.

Siya:
"answeri
t."Ianswer
edi
t.I
twasTTyouknow
theconversat
ionmoc.

Me:
"l
et'
sgoguysLethabogavebir
th.
"Theyal
l
j
umpedofft
hei
rsit
s.Ilaughed.

Cage:
"l
et '
sgotaket
heki
dsdawg."Theyjogged
upst
airs.Andcamebackwi
ththekids.Theywere
fr
owning

Ayol
a:"
whyar
etheboysf
rowni
ng.
"

Siya:
"t
heywer
eaboutt
opl
aywi
tht
hebaby
powder."
Wet ookofftothehospital.Whenwegott here
Tai
lorwast al
kingtother ecept
ioni
st.Theother
s
wer
et hereaswel lexceptSnakes.

Tai
lor
:"wearelooki
ngforDr.Vi
ceandDr.Smith'
s
Ward."Shetel
lsustheward.Ubani?Myfri
ends.We
al
lrantothewar d.

Wegoti
nthewar
dlaughi
ngandbr
eat
hingheavi
ly.

LeJoy:
"andt
han.Ar
eyoubei
ngchased?
"

Si
ya:
"akhont
icut
ewet
huwewer
ejustr
aci
ng.
"We
l
aughed.

TT:
"youguyswi
llnevergr
owup.
"

Ri
ri
:"
rhaaUzibonaungut
atangokuuyasinyel
a
(youseeyoursel
fasaf
atherandyourshi
tt
ingwi
th
us)"

Thando:
"t
chnayengebal
ekanat
hike(hewasal
so
goi
ngtorunwit
hus)"weallagr
eedtoher
st
atement

LeJoy:
"sanul
wakl
k(Don'
tfi
ght
)"wel
aughed.

Zi
mi:"
sowhydi
dn'
tyoucal
luswhenyouwer
ein
l
abour?"

Lethabo:"Noelect
ri
cit
ynonetwork.
"Ievenfor
got
thatthereisnoelect
ri
cit
y."
Igavebir
thatthehouse"
shesai dlaughi
ng.

Us:
"what
?"Wewer
eshocked.
TT:
"yeah.SoIwentt
ogetchi
ckenf
eetf
orherf
rom
hi
ll
brow...
"

Theguys:
"i
sever
ythi
ngokayathome?Doyouwant
tobeki
ll
ed?"Welaughed

TT:"cr
avingsmaj i
ta.SowhenIgothomeshewas
screaming.Igotthereandherwat eral
readybroke.I
tr
iedgettingherhereandshewasl i
ke'stopbeing
uselessandgett hisbabyoutyouhaveamedi cal
degreeforheaven'ssake.'
"welaughed" soI
checkedhowmanycm bef or
eheget soutandhe
wasnear .Ideli
veredmyownsonmaj i
taimagine."
Theguysbr ohuggedhim usgirl
shavehi m ahug.

Wesatt herethewhol
edayador i
ngt hebaby.I
'm so
pr
oudofT- BOYhedel i
veredhisownson.Thatmust
begreat.Ihopetheywil
lbetogetherfor
ever.
Sl
indokuhlehasgreatparent
s.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
50
.
.
.
Ayabonga
It
'ssaf
etosaythatt
hesepastfewmonthshave
beengreat
.Vusumzidoesn'
ttr
eatust
hesameway
anymore.

Buttheper
sonI'
m worr
iedabouti
sAya.Andshe
al
readyassur
edusthatshehasever
ythi
ngunder
contr
olweshoul
dn'
twor r
yabouther
.

Sheal
soki
ll
edoneoft
hepeopl
eshegoest
oandt
o
mysur
pri
seVusumzidi
dn'
tevent
alkmuchabout
t
hat
.

Ij
ustwi
shAyacoul
dbesetf
ree.Meandmymot
her
al
so.

Heevenst
oppedabusi
ngmymom.Whatar
eli
ef.

MeandAyahaveagr eatrel
ati
onshi
pshei
sthe
bestsi
stereverIl
ovehersomuch.Whenwear e
fr
eeweal wayschil
ltogether.

Relat
ionshipwise?I'
m weari
ngsunglassesdri
nki
ng
themostexpensi vewinei
nHawaii.Sit
tingona
campchai rwearingmyyell
owswimmi ngcost
ume.

That'
showgreatMxoist
reat
ingme.Het
het
ypeof
persont
hatIhavebeenl
ongi
ngfor
.
HemakessurethatI'
m al
wayshappywi t
houta
r
eason.Tr
eatsmelikeakid.Healwaysmakessur
e
t
hathechecksuponmeever ydaysomet i
mesIgo
t
ohishouseandwehaveagr eatt
ime.

Wehaveal
readybeensexual
lyact
iveandt
heway
hemakesl
ovetome.Fuck.

Isomet
imesdaydream abouthi
m atwor
kthat
's
howdeepl
yinloveIam wit
hhim.

Heisthegr
eat
estthi
ngafterbr
eadt oeverhappen
tome.ThewayIlovehi
m Ievenr unoutwords
someti
mestodescri
bethefeel
ing.

IfIcoul
dIwoul
devenmaket
hesunr
evol
vear
ound
him.

I
t'
sjustt
hatwecan'
texpr
essourl
ovej
ustyet
.I
haven'
ttol
dhi
m whywecan'
t
.

I'
M si
ckandtir
edofthesegamesit
'sl
ikewehigh
schoolt
eenagersr
unningawayf
rom t
heirpar
ents.

FunnypartisthatheAlsoagr
eestot
hisshi
t.He
doesn'
tgivemepr obl
emsbuthealwayssay'iwi
ll
l
etitsl
ipeasidefornowbutonedayIwil
lfi
ndoutI
swear.
'

Thatsendsshi
versal
lovermybody.Thefearoft
he
personyoul
oveleavi
ngyoufort
hefateyounever
chose.

I'
m voicel
ess.Itr
ybyal
lmeanstonotf
alldeepf
or
him butIcan'
t.Il
ovehi
m somuch.

I
twil
lbehardformetoheali
fheeverleavesme.I
j
ustwishi
tcouldbeabedful
lofr
edr osesfor
ever
.
Butever
ysecr
etdoesn'
tgount
old.Ever
ythi
ng
al
waysfindsi
tswayout.

Iprayever
ydayt hatgodkeepsthissecr
etf
orme
butagainIrepeatever
ysecretdoesn'
tgountol
d.

I'
mjustprotect
ingMxof r
om Vusumzibynott
ell
ing
him.Vusumziisdangerousphoffdanger
ousi
sa
underst
atementforhi
m.

Ihaveseenhim doingmanyt hi
ngs.Ican'
tri
sk
Mxo'sl
ife.Iwi
llnevereverr
iskhisl
if
e.

Il
ovehi
m somuchtodoanyt
hingst
upi
dtoputhi
s
l
if
eonthefi
ri
ngl
ine.

Il
ovet
hatman.IknowIhavebeent el
li
ngyout he
samet
hingbutIwil
lnevergetbor
edneithert
ir
edin
sayi
ngt
hat
.

Mxo:
"Ihopeyout
hinki
ngaboutme.
"

Iwasathishouse.Ididn'
tgot owor ktoday.Iwent
outofthehousesayingthatI'm goi
ngt oworkIwas
weari
ngmyf ulluni
form.Litt
ledidtheyknowt hatI
am goi
ngtomymanzz.I tfeelsgoodsayingthat.

Me:
"whoel
sewoul
dIt
hinkabout
."Isai
dsmi
li
ng.

Hi
m:"
maybeyourot
herboyf
ri
endswhoknows.
"

Me:
"comi
ngt
othi
nkabouti
tIwast
hinki
ngabout
t
hem."

Hi
m:"who'
sthatbastard.I
'
m sur
eheisugl
yIwil
l
r
earr
angehisface.Fastandqui
ck.
"Il
aughed
Me:"youlookcut
ewhenyourjealous.Youknowt
hat
I'
m notthecheat
ingt
ypeofpersonr i
ght.
?"He
smirked

Him:"
yeahIknowIl oveyousomucht oshareyou
wit
hsomeoneel se.Iwil
lbeatyouupwit
hthat
boyf
riendofyours"Ismil
edIlovehowhelovesme
hedoesn'thi
dethattomeheshow' sme.

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oobaby.Iwi
llnevercheat
.Pr
omi
se
t
oneverl
eaveme.
"

Hi
m:"Ipr
omi
seyousthandwasam.Butyouhavet
o
pr
ovetomethatyoul
oveme."Isatupst
rai
ght
si
nceIwasl
ayingontopofhi
m.

Me:
"howbaby?
"
Him:
"l
et'
sgetmar
ri
ed.
"Il
ookedathi
m conf
used
andshocked.

Me:
"what
?"

Him: "
Lookgummi ebearIl oveyouandyouknow
thatisaf act .Iknowi tmi ghtseem likewear e
rushingt hingsbutt hinkabouti tgummi ebear .We
willgetmar ri
edandt hatwi l
lmeanwewi llnever
l
eaveeachot her.I
twi l
lbel i
kewear esecur i
ngour
futuretoget her.Iknowwear edat i
ngi nsecret
peoplewi l
ltryt oseparateuswhent heyfindbut
l
itt
lewi l
ltheyknowt hatwear eal r
eadymar ri
ed.
PleaseGummi ebearmar rymenow.Ial r
eadycalled
apast ortogetusmar r
iedhi sjustwaitingforusat
thealtar.Ial soboughtaneckl acef oryout omake
yourr i
ngl i
keasymbolf orit
."Ilookedathi m
shockedandIwascr ying

Hehadeverythi
ngpl
annedheisal
sot
hinki
ngabout
t
hefut
ure.Ili
kehowhethinks.
Me:
"youhaveever
ythingpl
annedout?
"Hewi
pes
mytear
sbefor
ekissingmyeyes.

Hi
m:"yesIdobaby.Iwantwhat
'sbestf
orus.Idon'
t
wantpeopl
ebreaki
ngusdown."

Me:
"l
et'
snotkeept
hepast
orwai
ti
ngt
hanl
et'
sgo.
"
Hej
umpedup.

Him:"
soyouragreei
ngt
hatweshouldgetmar
ri
ed.
"I
nodded.Heki
ssedthedayl
ightoutofme.

Wewor
edecent
lybef
oregoi
ngt
othechur
ch.

Him:"
areyouready?
"Hegavemet hat'
don'
twor
ry,
ever
ythi
ngisgoingt
obefi
ne'ki
ndasmile.
Me:
"neverbeensor
eady.
"Ismi
ledt
oo.Wewal
ked.

Thepast
orwasreal
l
yther
ewi
thaf
ewpeopl
efr
om
chur
chIthi
nk.

Past
or:
"haddoubt
sthatyouwer
est
il
lcomi
ng.
"

Hi
m:"
sor
rypast
or.
"Thepast
ornodded.

Past
or:
"canwest
artwi
thasongf
ir
st.
"

Theystar
tedsi
nging.Meandmxower ejust
standi
ngbythealt
ar.Aft
erthesingi
ngthepastor
readsomefewscript
ures.Toblessourmarri
age
andsomet ogui
deus.

Itwasnowt
imefort
hevows.Wedidn'
tprepar
efor
ourownsowhi
lebesayi
ngtheBi
bleones.
Thepastorsai
dweshoul
drepeataf
terhi
m.Mxo
wentf
irst.

Mxo: "IMxoli
siKuzwayo, takeyouAyabonga
Jones, t
obemyweddedwi f
e.withdeepestj oyI
receiveyouint omyl i
fethattogetherwemaybeone.
Tohaveandt ohold,f
rom thi
sdayf orwar d,for
better,f
orwor se,forri
cher,forpoor erforsickness
orinheal t
h,toloveandcher ishyout i
lldeathdous
part.Andher etopledgeyoumyf aithfulness."He
sli
ppedi nther i
ng.Oneoft heblackwomanul ul
ated.

I
twasmyt
urnnowiwasal
sor
epeat
ingt
hepast
or'
s
wor
ds.

Me:"
i,AyabongaJones,
takeyouMxol i
si
Kuzwayo,tobemyweddedhusband.wi thdeepest
j
oyIreceiveyoui
ntomyl i
fethatt
ogetherwemay
beone.Tohaveandt ohold,
from t
hisdayforward,
forbetter,f
orwor se,forri
cher,
forpoorerf
or
sicknessori nhealth,t
oloveandcherishyout
il
l
deathdouspar t
.Andheretopledgeyoumy
fait
hfulness."
Islippedintheri
ngin.Thesameblack
womanul ulated.

Pastor:
"Ipr
onounceyounowasMrandMr s
Kuzwayo.Youmayki ssthebr
ide."Didwenotsmi
le.
Weki ssedthanpull
edoutweal sosignedthe
papersfrom thedepart
mentofhomeaf f
air
s.

Wewal kedoutofthechur
chsmi
li
ngwi
tht
he
paper
si nourhands.

Me:"
Bestdayofmyli
fengiyakut
handababa
Kuzwayo(Il
oveyoumr.Kuzwayo)"heki
ssedme.

Him:"
Ngiyakut
handanam mamuKuzwayo(Il
ove
youtooMr sKuzwayo)
"wegiggl
edbef
oreget
ti
ngin
thecar.
I'
m sohappyri
ghtnowthi
shastobet
hebestday
ofmylif
e.I'
m marr
iedt
othel
oveofmyli
fe.

Iwi
llsl
eeppeacef
ull
ytoday.

Wewentt ohi
shouseanddidf
ir
stt
imemar
ri
age
sex.That
'swhathecal
lsi
t.

Aft
erchil
li
ngatt
hehouseIwenthomemadesure
t
hatItakeofmyringandbuti
t'
sli
keasymbolon
t
henecklaceMxobought.

Ilovethatmanwi t
hmyall.Ican'
tbel
ieveI
'm
mar r
iedtohim.Justt
hatwehavet ohidei
tfrom
everyone.Isi
ghed.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted (
^^)
.
51
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Iti
snowDecember.I'
m gr
aduat
ingsoonandwear
e
sti
llpr
epar
ingf
orChumani'
sbir
thdaypar
ty.

Ihavealr
eadysendoutt
heinvit
estohisschool
mates.Soever
ythi
ngisundercont
rol
.

Vusumziisst
art
ingt
obeapainintheassnow.
Whowor ksonDecemberhol
i
days.

OohIf
orgothedoeshei
stswhatabet
tert
imet
han
nowonDecember
.Peopl
ehavemoneysoyeah.

AtleastIdothetransport
ati
ont
wiceamonth.I
haveal r
eadydoneitjustonemorer
oundt
hanI'm
donef ortheyear
.

Siyahasbeensi
ckforthepastfewdays.Who
becomessickonthefest
iveseason.

Heal
wayshast
heurget
ovomi
tandhesl
eepst
he
whol
edayi
fhewant
sto.

Whodoesthat
.Weshoul
dbecel
ebr
ati
ngnot
get
ti
ngsi
ck.

Onet hi
ngthati
rr
it
atesmet hemostisthathe
alwayssnapsatme.Ubani( who)
?SipoxaneSana
(weanswereachot her
).Sozenyelwendodaumna
(Iwil
lneverl
etamanshi twit
hme) .
Chumanii
sasnaughtyasever
.Heal
wayshast
o
getupt
omi schi
ef.

Andheislooki
ngmor
el i
kehisfather
.It
'sl
ike
Chumanii
sayoungversionofSiyamthanda.Orl
ike
theyar
etwins.

Speaki
ngoftwinsmeandmysi
sterar
ecl
ose.We
l
oveeachothersomuch.

Ilovebeingaroundher
.It
'sl
i
kewehaveknown
eachotherforalongti
me.Shei
sthebestsi
ster
ever.Il
ovehersomuch

Mymom andIhavethatmotheranddaught
er
rel
ati
onshi
p.Ial
sol
ovehersomuch.Shefeels
sorr
yfornotbei
ngt
heref
ormebutIassuredhert
o
notworry.
Ilovehersomuchalready.Ihavealwaysyear
ned
formother'
sloveandI'
m gett
ingitnow.

Her
ewegoagai n.ThatwasSiyamt
handarushi
ng
oft
othetoi
let.Iwasjustsi
tt
inginf
rontoft
he
mir
rorsmil
ingthinki
ngaboutthegr
eatthi
ngsinl
if
e.
Awkwardri
ght.

Chumanii
satt
hePl
aat
ji
eshousehol
d.

Me:"
weshoul
dgotothehospi
tal
."Isai
dbehi
ndhi
m
hol
dingaj
ugful
lofwat
er.

Him:"
I'
mf i
neokaynoneedt
owor
ryaboutme.
"He
snapped

Me:"r
haandakutshi
zaunyengal
amanziumna
sundiqel
a(Iwi
llt
hrowthi
swateronyoudon'
tshi
t
wi
thme.
)"Igavehi
mthej
ug

Him:
"mbonyacoolcat"welaughed.Wealways
l
aughwhenwear ei
nsult
ingeachother
.We
basi
cal
lydon'
ttakethi
ngsseri
ously.

Me:
"hehakeBenson.
"Wel
aughed.

Him: "zokhalaSt
acey(
Staceyyouwil
lcry)
"wewere
sti
lllaughing.Whenweareboredwealwayswat
ch
cartoonsandmockeachot her.

Il
ikei
twhenwear
echi
ldi
sh.

Me:"
Chumaniisn'theresohowaboutwegoanddo
amoneyheistjustthe2ofus."Hest
opped
br
ushinghi
steethandsmi rked.
Weal wayssomoneyhei st
sjustf
orfun.Funnypar t
i
st hatwesendthemoneyt oOrphanages,disabi
li
ty
schools,
publi
ccli
nicsandhospit
als,
localschools
andbuypadsf orgi
rlst
hatarepoor.

Him:
"your
eal
lyenj
oydoi
ngt
hem don'
tyou.
"I
smir
ked

Me:"t
hereisneveradullmomentandthemoney
goesongoodcour ses.Pl
usit
'sthef
esti
veseason.
Orphanagesneedthatmoneyt omakethekidsfeel
speci
alandwecanal sosendsomet ooldage
homessot hattheol
dpeoplecanenjoythei
rfesti
ve
seasonto.
"Hewasst il
lsmir
king.

Hi
m:"
weshoul
dalsotakeChumanit
ooDi
sneyl
and.
Weshoul
dal
sospoilourki
d."

Me:
"wespoi
lhi
m alr
eadybutIdon'
tseewhynot
.A
f
amil
ytr
iphadneverhur
tanyone.
"EishIj
ustwi
sh
Vusumzicangi
vemet
hesumssoon.

Him:
"wewi
lldot
hehei
stt
han.
"Hef
ini
shedof
fwhat
hewasdoi
ng.

Weshower edtoget
her.Wehad4r oundsint
he
shower.Ienj
oyitmoreintheshower.Wit
hthe
waterhit
ti
ngusitfeel
skindacuteandromanti
cto
me.

Wewerei
ntheki
tcheneat
ingnow.I
t'
sal
readyl
ate
sowewil
lbedoi
ngthehei
st.

Me:
"sowehi
tt
ingt
hebankr
ight?
"

Him:"
yeahwewil
lbeusi
ngt
heMotobi
keas
al
ways."Weal
waysuseaMotobi
kewhenwedo
hei
sts.
Theydoitforme.Whenyouareonthem andthe
col
dairhit
syourface.Mxm Il
ovegangst
eri
sm
sham.Butsiyadoesn'
tli
ket
hefactt
hatIdo.

Me:
"nopr
obl
em byme."Wef i
nishedofeat
ing.And
j
umpeddowntheki
tchencounter.Weweresitt
ing
oni
t.

SeewhenIsayweal
waysactchi
ldi
sh.Il
ovet
he
vi
bebetweenus.

Wejoggedupst airs.Hewasgivi
ngmeapi ggyri
de.
Wewor eourblackj eans,
blackT-
shi
rts,bl
ack
l
eatherjacket
sandourbl ackNickki
cks.Andnotto
f
orgetthebalaclavasandourguns.

Hi
m:"mxm Il
ovethegangst
erl
ovet
hatweshar
e."
Hesai
dchuckli
ng,Igi
ggl
ed
Me:"
thatmakestheboth"wesmil
edbef
oreki
ssi
ng
eachother
.Ipul
ledoutaft
eral
ongti
me.

Hi
m:"
let
'sgo"het
ookt
heMot
obi
keskeys.

Wewal kedhandinhanddownst
air
s.Weusedthe
ki
tchendoorthatl
eadsustot
hegarage.Wewore
ourhel
met s

Wetookof
fusi
ngtheMotobi
ke.Hewast
heone
dr
ivi
ngIwasatt
hebackhol
dinghi
m.

Healwaysdri
vesi
nspeedandthat'
swhatIl
ove
aboutdr
ivi
ngwit
hhim.Wegotnearthebankand
l
uckyforusthemoneycarwasther
e.

Thisj
obkeepsgett
ingeasi
er.Heslowsdownwhen
weapproachthecar.Ij
umpofftheMotobikeand
shoott
hesecuri
tybefor
etaki
ngthemoney.
Peopl
ewer
escr
eami
ng.

Someone:
"haiInesbindil
entombazabakurobanabo
ngokumabat shisweayekweyena(thi
sgir
lisbrave
theyal
sodohei stnow.Notheymustbebur ntand
l
eaveher.
)"Thatwasdef i
nit
elyagay.Il
aughed.
Whenwast ojumpont hebikeagainsomeone
shootmeonmyar m.

Si
yaquickl
ytookmeusingonehandandpl
acedme
atthef
ront.Heshotwhoeveranddr
oveof
f.

Woahthatwasclose.wegothome.Wewer eat
l
oungehewast akingt
hebulletouthewi
llt
akeme
t
othehospit
alafterheisdone.

Me:
"sbar
oughswi
ne(
Don'
tber
ough)
"
Hi
m:"
sor
rybabeI
'
m al
mostdone.
"

Him:"
anddonelet
'sgonow.Wedon'twantyougo
getaninf
ect
ion.
"Wewentt ohospi
tal
.

Thedoct
orsquickl
yhelpedus.Siyawasoutsi
de
i
nfor
mingeveryonethatI
'm att
hehospit
al.

Thi
smanlikesexagger
ati
ngt
hings.I
'
m sur
ethi
sis
j
ustaf
lashwound.

Lateronthedoct or
sgotdone.Andever yonecame
i
nexceptf orLeJoy,TT(t
heyhaveababyr emember
sotheyarepr obabl
ywithSl
indokuhle)andSnakes
hestil
ldoesn'trememberathing.Buthewi l
lbefi
ne.
EvenVusumziwasher e

Mom:
"whathappened?
"
Me:
"Igotshot
."

Them:
"shot
."

Si
ya:
"not
hingmaj
orwewer
ejustt
rai
ningwebor
ed.
"

Cageandmamber :
"sexyenzel
wenton'(whati
ssex
madef or)
"wel aughedexceptforVusumziof
cour
se.Inoticedavi bebetweenmamberandmy
dupl
icate(t
win).Iwillaskhersomeotherti
me.

Si
ya:
"haihaimakwedi
ni(
nonoboys)
"

Ri
ri
:"
theyr
ightt
oask.
"

Tai
lor:
"akhont
icut
ewenanant
sika"wel
aughedt
he
doctorcamein.
Doct
or:
"oohhey.
"

Us:
"heydoct
or.
"

Doctor
:"her
ear
ethedischargepaperst her
eisno
needtokeepyouhere.I
twasj ustaflashwound
andyoushouldbecarefulespeci
all
ypeopleinyour
si
tuati
on."

Us:
"whatdoyoumeandoc.
?"

Doctor:
"congrat
ulat
ionsyour2weekspr egnant
."
Siyalookedatmesmi l
ingwi
thglassyeyes.
Everyonewashappyexceptf orVusumzi.Heeven
Stromedout .

Siya:
"I'
m goi
ngtobeafat
heragai
n."Hehuggedme.
Everyonehuggedme.
Cage,
tai
lorandmamber
:"
ser
ioussexmoc.
"We
l
aughed.

Mom:"congr
atul
ati
onsmybaby.
"Sheki
ssedmy
f
orehead.

I
'
m goingtobeamotheragain.Icanwait
.Chumani
i
sgoingtobeabigbrot
her.I
'
m sohappyatleast
t
hist
imeIhavethepeopleIl
ovear oundme.

Siyawillal
sobet her
etoholdmyhandwhenI
deli
vere.Ican'
twaitfort
hispr
egnancy.I
'
m much
mor epreparednow.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted (
^^)
52
.
.
.
.
.
Vusumzi
Whodoesshet
hinkshei
sHuh?

Aft
ermaki
ngsurethatIt
reatherf
ami
lygr
eatt
hese
pastf
ewmonths.

Shehasthegutst
ofal
lpr
egnant.Shet
hinksshe
canescapemygri
dsoeasil
ythanshehasanother
thi
ngcoming.

Imadesurethatherfami
lyfeel
slovedagai
n.Igave
them aBr
eakfor9-10months.
Ilethersist
erandmot
herbe.Butmadesur
ethat
theysti
llobeyme.

Ididn'
tevental
kwhensheki
ll
edoneofmypeopl
e.I
keptquiet
.Sheshowedbr
aver
y.

Whi
chmademet hinkt
hatshewil
lbet
hebestf
or
t
hejob.Idon'
tneedanyone.Shei
sper
fectf
ort
he
j
ob.

Nowthatshei
spregnanti
twi
llr
uineveryt
hingt
hat
babyhastodi
e.I
twil
lmakeherlosefocus

Ihavet
osetanexampl
etheyf
orgotwho'
ski
ng.

Theyevencamebackhomel
ate.Cl
ear
lyt
heydon'
t
Knowmeanymor e.
Ihavet
odosomethi
ngbefor
etheyt
hinkt
heycan
cl
imbontopofmyhead.

Theyar
eget
ti
ngt
ocomf
ort
abl
enow.Ican'
thave
that
.

Iwokeupandmywi fewaslookingatt
hewhite
cei
li
ngsmil
ing.Pr
obabl
ythinki
ngaboutthat
bast
ardgr
andchil
dofhers.

Ihavetomakeapl anaboutt
hatkid.WerewillIget
aTranspor
terinsuchashortwhi
le.Itwi
llal
somake
Ayamthandalosefocus.

Me:"
setupameeti
ngwi t
hyourbrat
s.It
'sli
kethey
f
orgotwho'
sbossaroundher
e."Shelookedatme
wit
hfearwr
it
tenal
loverherf
ace
Her
:"
pleasel
eavemychi
ldr
en.Wear
eobeyi
ngyou.
"

Me:
"ar
eyousur
e?"Shekeptqui
et.

Me:"
thoughtso.
"Iwentt
otheen-
sui
tanddi
dmy
hygi
eneprocess.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Si
yahasbeentr
eati
ngmegreat
.Eversi
nceIwas
di
schar
gedyest
erdayni
ght
.

HemakessurethatI
'm comf
ort
able.Il
iket
he
t
reat
mentbutIwil
lsoongeti
rri
tat
ed.

Isohopet
hati
tcoul
dbeagi
rl
.Si
yaal
sowant
sa
gi
rl
.Sof
inger
scr
ossedt
hati
tisagi
rl
.

Wear ej
ustchil
li
ngdiscussi
ngbabythi
ngs.How
theroom wi
lll
ookli
keandeveryt
hingaboutt
he
baby.

Si
ya:
"pl
easemakesur
ethati
t'
sagi
rl
."

Me:
"l
et'
sprayt
hati
tisone.Soi
fiti
sagi
rlwhatar
e
wenamingher
."

Siya:
"Nkanyezimeani
ngSt
ar-
Light
.Youcangi
ve
herthesecondname."

Me:
"t
hat
sagreatnamebaby."Ikissedhi
m
"
ummmhSiyandawillbehersecondname."

Hi
m:"
allmychi
ldr
enwi
llhavegr
eatnames.Soi
fit
's
aboy?
"

Me:"Uvuyomeani
ngJoy.Youcangi
vehi
mthe
secondname."

Hi
m:"
Ayanda.
"Ismi
led.

Me:"
soitwi
llbeNkanyeziSi
yandaorUvuyo
Ayanda.
"

Hi
m:"
yeah"hesmi
led.

Me:
"t
hebabywi
llhavegr
eatnames.
"

Him:"
yawabonababy( doyouseebaby)pl usIwill
beherethi
stime.Ican'twai
tforthebabysot hatI
canseehim/hergrow.His/herfir
stword,step
ever
ythi
ng.I'
m soexcit
ed.Iwillmakesureyou
enj
oyt
hispr
egnancybaby.
"Igotemot
ional
.The
hor
monesarest
art
ingtoki
ckin.

Me:
"I
'm gl
adthatyouar
eherebaby."Hewipedmy
t
ear
sthankissedmyeyesandforehead.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyouokay.
"

Me:"Il
oveyoutoo.
"Wekissedandt
hingsgot
heated.Wehad4roundsbefor
ebat
hing.Wewer
e
i
nt hebedr
oom.

Mymot
herdeci
dedt
ogi
vemeacal
l.

Me:
"mom hey.
"Isai
dwear
ingmysneaker
s

Her:
"heybabyhowar
eyouandt
heki
d."Shedi
dn'
t
soundalr
ight
Me:"wearegreatmom howareyou.Youdon'
t
soundalr
ight
? "Shesi
ghed.

Her
:"
hisati
tagai
n."Myhear
tski
ppedabeat
.

Me:
"whatdoyoumeanma.
"

Her :
"youKnowwhatImeanI '
m sickandt i
redofthis
l
ife.IwishIranawaywhi l
eIstil
lcould.You
woul dn'
tbeint hi
smessnowweal lwouldn'tbein
thismess.I'M sorr
ymnt anam fordraggingyouinto
thiskindofli
fe.I'
m sososorry."Shebr okedown.
Thatbr okemyhear tknowingthatshei svoicel
ess
shecan' tdoat hi
ng.

Me:"Don'twor
rymom ever
ythi
ngwil
lbealr
ight.
Everyt
hingcomestoanendatsomepoint.Please
don'
tblameyoursel
f.I
t'
snotli
keyouweregivena
chance."
Her:"
youdon'tunderst
andbaby.Hewantsyouhere
now."Ifr
ozef orasecond.Andbreat
hedheavi
ly.I
didbreat
hingexerci
ses.I'
m notsur
eofwhatto
exceptbutit
'sdefi
nit
elygoi
ngdown.

Mom:
"babyar
eyoufi
ne.
"Iswal
lowedt
hehuge
l
umpi
nmyt hroat
.

Me:"Iwillbet
her
enow."Idi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l
beforegoingdownst
air
s.Si
yawasmaking
breakfast.

Me:
"pl
easet
hrowawayt hoseeggst
heysmel
l
r
ott
en.
"Theydidsmel
lrottent
heyar
eold.

Hi
m:"butbabeweboughtt
hem yest
erday.Butf
ine.
"
Hethrewthem
Hi
m:"
whatar
ewehavi
ngt
han.
"

Me:
"chi
ckenl
iverpl
ease."Henoddedt
hanmadei t
whi
lewewerechatt
ingMaki ngf
unofever
ythi
ng.I
wassit
ti
ngonthebarstools.

Hefinishedmakingthefood.Wefedeachot
her
bef
orebei ngdi
stur
bbyt heguysget
ti
ngintomy
sur
priseSnakeswasal sohere.

MeandSi
ya:
"Mr.Booiyoural
soher
e?"Iguesswe
wer
ebot
hshocked.

Snakes:
"yeaht
hisguy'
swentt
odr
agmef
rom my
house.
"Wenodded

Theot
hers:
"Yeaht
opdeck"t
hat'
swhattheycal
lus.
Si
nceI'
m ayel
lowboneandSi
yaisablackbone.
Us:
"yeahshosbal
i.
"

Me:"
lemmeleavegent
sIhavepl
acest
obe.See
you'
l
lwhenIseeyou."

Si
ya:
"pl
easebesaf
e."

Me:
"Iwi
llbaby.
"Iki
ssedhi
m.

Mamber
:"i
zaninebed.
imaji
ta(comewi
tht
hebed)
"
wel
aughedwhilepul
li
ngout.

Me:
"xap.
inigent
's.
"

Them:
"byemommy.
"Ichuckl
edbef
oreget
ti
ngout
.

Idrovetot
heKFCdr
ivet
hru.Iwascr
avingf
orthei
r
wings.Idr
ovet
omymom' shousewhi
leeat
ing.
Igotoutofthecarandtherewasapolicevan
outsi
de.Myhear tst
art
edbeati
ngfast
.Idid
breat
hingexerci
sesbefor
egetti
ngin.

Vusumzi:
"si
t"It
ookasi
tnextt
omom.Shehel
dmy
handti
ghtl
y.

Him:"Iknowthatyouwi l
lwanttotellyourhusband
aboutyourjob.Andhewi llpr
obablybeher et obar
k
soIcan'thavethatnotli
keIcare.Hei sjustasmal l
boytome.Ont opofthatyouwentt ogetpr egnant
sothatIcansetyouf reenever.
"Iwasal readyin
tear
s.

Him:"bri
ngayamthandaforme"t heytookme
roughlytohi
m.Hemademet oucht hegunheuses.
Andpl acedi
tinanevidenceplasti
c.

Hi
m:"
ifidi
sappeart
hant
hiswi
llgost
rai
ghtt
othe
pol
ice.I
maginehowmanypeopl
eikil
ledusi
ngthis
gun"helaughed.Mymot
herwascr
yingallt
hist
ime.

Iwasalsocr
yingandmysist
ertoo.Imagi
neget
ti
ng
ar
rest
edforsomethi
ngyouneverdid.

Thi
swillbehardestpr
egnancyever
.Worsepar
tthe
pol
iceareher
e.Isobbedsopainful
ly.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Nandit
yaf
isaguysthat
'swhyt
hisi
nser
tissmall
.
Youdon'
treactanymor
eli
keyouusedt
o.I'
m so
hur
t.
53
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Whatcanisayr
athert
hanthefactt
hatI'
m happy.
Phof
fHappyisanunderst
atementr
ightnow.

I'
m notafanofprayerandthatshi
tbutit
hankGod
everydayfort
helit
tl
ethingshedoesforme.They
arebigthi
ngsformephof f.

Heblessedmewithawif
ewholovesmewi
thmy
f
lows.Ihaveasonandanot
herki
donit
sway.

Themomentthedoctorsai
dweareexpecti
ngi
sweari
twasoneoffhebestdaysofmylif
e.
It
'st
ruewhentheysayatt
heendofaever
ydar
k
cavether
eisal
waysli
ght.

Whenigoti
nAya'sshackiswearmyAncestor
sand
Godwereworki
ngdoubleshi
ft
s6-6andtheywere
i
nrushhour
.

Ifineverwentt
ojai
liwoul
dn'
thavemetAyaiwoul
d
beincapeTown.Lordknowswhatiwoul
dbedoing.

Iwassi
tt
ingwi
thmyf
ri
endsaf
terAyal
eft
.God
knowst
owhere.

Ihopesheissafeweresheisisomehowwas
worri
edabouther.Ever
yti
mewhensomet hi
ngbad
happenstomybabyial waysgetafeel
ingthatshe
ai
n'tal
ri
ght.Il
ovethatwomanwi t
hmyal l
.

Shei
swher
eif
indpeaceandl
ove.Shei
s
ever
ythi
ngineedandwant
.Not
hingmor
enot
hing
l
ess.

TT:
"youalwayst
hinki
ngaboutAyadawgyourt
rul
y
whi
pped."Hewit
hdrawmef r
om mythought
s.

Iwasal
lsmi
ley.

Me:
"br
oyoudon'
tunder
stand.
"

Mamber:
"whoknewt
hatt
hemi
ght
ySi
lencerwi
ll
everbei
nlove.
"

Snakeswasqui
etal
lthi
sti
me.Asal
ways.

Theot
her
s:"
bro!
!"

Me:
"ishoul
dbuymywi
feahouse.Outsi
det
heci
ty.
Bonemar nibeyodwalikesi
sef ar
m orsomething
nazibonaphof fezizi
ndluzakwaTopbi l
li
ngzizi
melezodwawi t
ht r
eesaroundthem (i
tmustbe
al
onelikewear elivi
nginaf ar
m orsomethinglike..
doyoual lseethehousesfrom topbil
li
ngthatar e
al
one.)"

Theynodded.

Cage:
"sohaveyouf
oundapl
aceout
sidet
heci
ty?
"

Me:"
YeahI'
m sti
lldr
awingupapl
an.Andt
hepl
ot
hasari
verattheback.
"

Tail
or:
"t
hangoonwi t
hyourhousemanIt hi
nkit
'
sa
greati
dea."Wenodded.Wekepttal
kinghavingfun
asalways.Maki
ngjokesaboutever
ything.

Me:
"l
etspl
ayXbox.
"Theyal
lagr
eed.West
art
ed
pl
ayi
ng

TT:"
whatr
eal
lyhappenedt
oAyaweallknowt
hatu
don'
tuser
ealbul
let
swhenyoutr
ain.
"

Tai
lor
:"
theydi
dahei
st.
"

Me:
"howdoyouknow?
"

Tail
or:
"eversincemydawgl osthi smemoryandwe
neverknewsi ncewedon'tfoll
ownews.Iwat ch
them nowt hat'
swereisawt hatther
ewerepeople
thatdi
dahei st.Anditwasawomanandaman.
That'
swer eifigur
edoutitwast he2ofyou."

Cage:
"Topdecki
smyfavor
it
echocol
atenow.
"We
l
aughedcausehewasmockingmeandAya.
Mamber
:"
youandyourwi
fehavebal
ls.2peopl
e
mi
ssi
onwithawomannorh.
"Welaughed.

Me:"l
eaveusal
one.Andsheistheoneshooti
ngand
taki
ngthemoney"t
heywhist
ledclappi
ngthei
r
hands.

Them:"
danm t
hatwomanhasbal
ls.Sambawel
i
."We
l
aughed

TT:
"youar
ecoupl
egoalsrhaa.Iwantt
ogr
owup
andbeyou.
"Welaughed.

Me:"
bengubanikengokuumnakwedin(whoam i
goi
ngtobeboy)?"Wewerest
il
llaughi
ng

TT:
"mxm.
"
Weconti
nuedpl
ayi
ngt
hanoutofnowher
e.Snakes
scr
eamed.

Snakes:
"Zi
mi!!
"Thanheheldhi
sheadli
kehei si
n
pai
n.Nextthi
nghefai
nts.Wewereal
lshocked.

TT:"
hisgett
inghismindbackweshoul
dtakehi
mt o
thehospi
talsothatwecanbesure.
"Wenodded.

Cage:
"whoi
sli
ft
inghi
m upkengoku?
"

Tai
lor
:"
cebolepl
an.Weal
lli
fthi
m up.
"Wel
aughed
bef
oreli
ft
inghi
m uptomyCaddy.

Wewerenowatthecor
ri
dor
soft
hehospi
tal
.
Paci
ngupanddown.

TT:
"phol
aniTazzobar
ytmj
it
a(cal
m downment
he
guywi
llbeal
ri
ght
)"

Cage:"
whatifhel
oseshismindfor
ever
."Hesai
d
thatsi
tt
ingdownthanburi
edhisheadi
nhishands.

TT:"iknowwhatI'
mtal
kingaboutl
etskeepour
thoughtsposi
ti
ve.
"Wenodded.Ayola,
thandoand
Zimicamei n.

Lethabowenttofet
chhisbrot
herinCapeTownwit
h
ntl
akaniphoandRir
iwenttoDurbanwit
hhisfami
ly
for
.

Iwasworri
edaboutmywi feagain.Iguessiwas
ri
ghtsomethi
ngishappeningtoherrightnow.i
wonderwhat.I
'm sonotal
right
,ri
ghtnow.Not
knowingi
fmywi feissaf
eornot .

Zi
mi:
"wher
eishe?
"Shewasal
readysobbi
ngi
n
Ayol
a'
sar
ms.

Tai
lor
:"
theyj
ustt
ookhi
min.Hewi
llbef
ineokay?
"
Zi
minodded.

Me:
"haven'
tyouguysseenmywi
fe.
"

Them:"
no.
"Iwasnotf
inenow.Iwasst
ared
pani
cki
ngthi
nki
ngwhereshewent.

TT:"
calm downmanshei
sprobabl
yonherway.
"I
nodded.Justt
hant
hedoct
orcameout.

Dr
.:
"AyakhaBooi
."Weal
lrant
oher
.

Zi
mi:"
canweseehi
m doct
or.Howishe.
?"The
doct
orsl
eadt
heway.Hewassi t
ti
ngonthebed.
Snakes:
"quiêt
es-
voustous(whoareyoual
l)
"he
spokefr
ench.Wellwealll
ear
ntfr
enchinRussi
a.

Meandt heguys:
"quevoul
ez-
vousdi
renenous
connaissez-
vouspas.(Whatdoyoumean?Don't
youknowus) "thegir
lswer
elooki
ngatusl
ikewe
arecrazy.

Snakes:
"oohbendinicheck.
abanisaykwazi
l
anguagekaScot t(iwaschecki
ngifyoustil
lcan
tal
kScott'
slanguage.)
"Welookedathim shocked
thathehashismemor yback.Helaughedatus.

Snakes:
"I
'mf
inenowguys.
"Zi
mir
ant
ohi
m.

Snakes:"
oohmt uwam awubi
tyebaby(
yoursot
hin
baby)"welaughedwil
lZimigavehi
m adeadst
are.
Weallwenttohughim.
Wechill
edatthehospit
alt
her
estofouraf
ter
noon.
I
'm gl
adthathegothismemor
yback.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted(
｡ŏ﹏ŏ)
.
54
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Af
tert
hedr
amaVusumzicause.Ir
anout
.

Ican'
tbel
ieveIwi
llbegoi
ngt
ojai
lforsomet
hingI
di
dn'
tdo.

Butmyfingerpr
int
sareallovert
hegun.Hemade
sur
ethatItoucheversi
nglepartofi
t.

I
'm scar
edf
ormyl i
fewor
separ
tisthatIcan'
ttel
l
myHusband.Idon'
twantt
ogotojail
.

Ican'taff
ordt
ogot oj
ail
.Whatwi
llchi
ldr
enbe
withoutme.IhaveoneonthewayIwanttobether
e
forher/hi
m.

Idon'
twantt
ogi
vebir
thinj
ailoranyt
hing.Ij
ust
wantedt
ohaveaheal
thypr
egnancy.

Iwanttoenjoythispregnancy.Especi
all
ynowt
hatI
havethepeoplethatIhavealwayswant edt
obe
ther
eforme.
Owethuwasmucheasiercausehewasint
he
hi
ding.If
oundoutl
astminut
ethatIwaspr
egnant
.

Istr
uggledabitbutIgoti
tint
heend.NowthatI
'
m
showingIhavetohaveabadexperi
ence.

IjusthopeIwon'
tlosemychi
ld.Iwon'
tbeabl
eto
l
iveahappylif
e.

Siyawil
lhaveanemoti
onalbreakdownonet hi
ngI
don'twant
.Andtheworstpar
tisthatIcan'
ttel
lhi
m
anythi
ng.

Ihat
ebeingdi
shonestwi
thhusband.Butwheni
t
comestohisl
if
eIguessIwil
lhaveto.

Ican'
taf
for
dtolosehi
m.Hi smyli
fewhatwil
lIbe
wit
houthim.Iwoul
dratherkeept
hisasecr
et.
I'
M prot
ecti
nghim.YesI
'
m pr
otecti
nghim.Not
hem.
Itr
iedtoconvi
ncemysel
fusI
'mr ocki
ngmyupand
down.

Sit
ti
ngonthefl
oorwi
thmyheadbet
weenmyknees.
Idon'
tknowhowIgother
ebutt
hankGodIdi
d.

Ican'
taf
for
dtoloset
hisbaby.I
twi
llbet
hedeat
hof
meIwon'tbeabl
etocope.

Chumanii
sstil
lbyhi
sgrandmot
herpl
ace.Hewi
ll
becomingbacksoonsi
nceIwil
lgr
aduat
ingi
n3
days.

1posi
ti
vet
hingi
nmyl
if
efornow.I
fIcansayso.

Iwasst
il
lrocki
ngmysel
fsobbi
ngwhensi
yacame
i
n.
Hi
m:"
Baby!
!"

Idi
dn'tanswerhi
m.Iwasj
ustcr
ying.Heswit
ched
onthelight
sthanhesawme.Hequickl
ycameto
me.

Siya:
"babywhat
'swr
ongtal
ktome.
"Hewassi
tt
ing
nextwithmyheadonhi
schest.

Iwassti
llcr
yingt
hinki
ngoft
hef
actt
hatI
'
m goi
ng
toj
ail
.

Me:
"I
'm pr
otect
ingever
yone.
"Isai
dthr
oughsobs

Hi
m:"f
rom whatt
alkt
omeAya.Tal
kbabyf
rom
what
."

Me:
"I
'm pr
otect
ingever
yone.
"Iwasst
il
lcr
ying
Him:"
areyougoingtot
ellmeorwhat
.youKnowI
hatesecr
et.
"Ishookmyhead.Hewaslosi
nghi
s
tempernow.Hestoodup

Him:"Ayacanyoupl easetel
lmewhati shappening.
Youwal kedoutofherefineandyoucameback
cryi
ng.What '
sgoingwhatar eyouprotect
ing
everyonefrom.Ineedanswer ssothatIcangetyou
outofwhateveri sgoingon.Pleasej
usttellme
what '
sgoingon."Hehalfyel
led.

Whichfr
ight
enedmeabi t
.Ihaveneverseenhi
m
t
hisangr
ybutcalm att
heSametime.

Me:
"i
t'
sv.
..
.Ahhhh"myabdomenbecamepai
nful
.
Hequi
ckl
yranbacktome.

Hi
m:"
whatwr
ongbaby.
"
Me:"Ahhhh.I
'M g.
..
.oing.
..
.tol
o..
.seth.
..
eba..
.by
tak.
..
em. .
.et
o..
.th.
..ehos..
.pi
t.
..
alaaahh"Iwasin
somuchpai n.

Heli
ft
edmeupinbr
idalst
ylebef
orer
unningtothe
car
.Hedr
ovel
ikeamadper sont
othehospi
tal
.

Iwasscreamingal
lthewaysti
lli
npai
n.Hetookme
andraninsi
dethehospi
tal
.Thedoct
orsqui
ckl
y
att
endedme.

Thedoct
orsmanagedt
ocal
m medown.Hecal
led
Si
yainsi
de.

Si
ya:
"doct
orwhat
'swr
ongwi
thher
?"

Dr.
:"
sheisst
ressingtomuchshewascloseto
l
osingt
hebabyt hankGodyoubroughtheri
nti
me
otherwisewewi llbetal
kingaboutanotherstor
y
now.Pl easemakesur ethatshedoesn'tstr
essto
muchi twillaff
ectthebaby.Shehast obestress
fr
eeal lherpregnancyper i
od.
"Wenodded.The
doctorwal kedout.

Si
ya:"
what '
smaki
ngyoust
resssomucht
hatyou
wereclosetol
osi
ngmychil
d."

Me:"I
'
m prot
ecti
ngyoufr
om t
his."Hecl
osedhi
s
eyesbef
oreclenchi
nghi
sfi
sts.Hewalkedout
.

Ical
medmysel
fdownnotwant
ingt
ocr
yIdon'
t
wanttol
osemybaby.

Hecamebackaf
teranhourorso.

Him:"
Idon'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thyouifyouwon'ti
n
dangerIwoul
dhavemadeyouspeak.YouKnow
howmuchIhat
esecr
ets"Inoddedwhi
lecr
ying.

Hecl
imbedi
nbedwi t
hmeandpl
acedmyheadon
hi
schest
.Hest
rokedmyhai
r.

Hi
m:"pl
easet
rustmebabyandbehonestwi
thme.I
l
oveyouhunny.
"Inodded

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oopumpki
n."
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
55
.
.
.
.
.
Ayabonga
I
'
m notokay.Whenwi
llweevergetachancet
obe
i
npeace.

Ican'
tli
vethi
sli
fenowher
e.Ithinki
t'
sbestifIdi
e.
Butst
il
litwon'
tsol
veanyproblemsinli
fe.

Ican'
tleavemysistert
osuf
ferher
eonEar
th.Shei
s
theonesuffer
ingnow.

Worstparti
sthatshei
spr
egnant.I
fsheisalways
undert
hispressur
eshemightl
oosethechi
ld.

Shewil
lbetr
aumat
izedifshel
osest
hechi
ld.She
can'
taf
for
dtogotopri
son.
That'
snotokayIwon'
tbeabletoli
vewit
hthef
act
thatshei
sgoingtogotopr
isonifoneofusmess
up.

Ayashoul
dn'
thavebeeni
nvolvedwit
hourl
if
e.She
shoul
dhavest
ayedawayfrom thi
s.

Ijustwi
shItol
dherbefor
eshecamet ouswhat
typeofper
sonwelivewit
h.Andt
ellhert
ostay
away.

Il
ovemysi stersomuchIdon'twantanyt
hing
happeningtoher.Ij
ustwi
shthatl
ifewasabedful
l
ofredroses.

Notonthi
sli
fet
imeIguesscausei
t'
sful
lofdead
r
oses.

Buti
tdoesn'
tgol
iket
hat
.I'
m bet
weenar
ockanda
har
dpl
ace.

Idi
dn'
tsl
eepawinkl
astni
ght
.IaskedMxot
onot
comeandheagr
eed.

Iwasn'
tinagoodmoodtoseeanyone.AndMxo
wasgoingtomakei
thar
dforme.

IwasgoingtobreakdownbutIcan'
taf
for
dhim
aski
ngmewhati shappeni
ng.Iwon'
tbeablet
o
answerhisquest
ions.

I
'
m alsopr
otect
inghim here.Wegotmar ri
ednotso
l
ongago.SoIcan'tgethim ki
ll
ed.Iwi
llnever
f
orgi
vemyselff
ort hi
sit
'stomuch.

Iwassitti
ngi
nmyr oom t
hinki
ngofhowIwil
lget
thatgun.Hedeci
dedtokeepiti
nthesaf
einhi
s
study.
Worstpar
tist
hatthesafeisopenedbyhi
sfi
nger
pr
intandapassword.Iknowthepasswor
d.

Ij
ustdon'
thavehi
sfi
ngerpri
ntot
her
wiseIwoul
d
havet
akenthegunalongti
meago.

Isearchedontheint
ernetf
orhowyouget
fi
ngerpri
ntsofsomeoneitshowedmeever
ythi
ngI
neededt odo.

Luckyf
ormemymom hasacheckupt
odayand
Vusumzii
sgoi
ngt
owork.

Iwal
kedtotheen-
sui
tsayi
ngal
it
tl
epr
ayert
hatmy
pl
anworks.

Idi
dmyhygieneprocessbeforegoi
ngdownstai
rs.I
satwi
tht
hem.Withnoonet alki
ng.Idi
dn'
teven
gr
eet

Itwasthatuncomfort
abl
esi
lencewi
thf
orksand
knivesdoi
ngthetalki
ng.

Vusumzi
:"
let
'sgo.
"Hesai
dwi
thast
rai
ghtf
acet
o
mymom.

Shest
oodupwithouthesi
tat
ion.Theyl
eft
.Iwentt
o
makesur
ethatt
heyaregone.

Iranupst
air
stoweart
herubbergl
ovesIusewhenI
dyemyhair.It
ookacl
eanpairandworei
t.

It
ookmybabypowderwhi chIusewhenI'
m not
wear
ingant
ight
s.Ialsot
ookthebrusht
hatIuse
whenImakeupbutitwasnew.
Itookmyt
hingsandr
andownst
air
stot
hedi
nni
ng
room.

It
ookt
heglassVusumziwasusingandDi
pmy
br
ushcar
eful
lyi
ntothebabypowder
.

Then,
tapt
hebr
usht
oremoveanyexcesspowder
.
Gent
lysweepthebrushcar
eful
lyovert
hear
ea
wher
ehisfi
ngerpr
intswher
e.

Madesur et
onotapplytoomuchpressuresothati
donotwipethepr
intaway.Isawt
hefingerpr
int
devel
opi
ng.

WhenIwasdone,igent
lyblowoffexcesspowder
f
rom t
hesur
faceandcheckedoutther esul
t.Isaw
t
hefi
nger
pri
nt.Andsawi t
'spat
ter
n.

Iusedapi
eceofcl
earsel
lot
apeandcar
eful
lypr
ess
thetapedownontothesur
faceont
opoft
he
developedf
inger
pri
nt.

Iscr
eamedoutofexci t
ementasIsawt he
fi
ngerpr
int.Ial
sodidbreathi
ngexer
cisessinceI
washoldingmybr eat
hal lt
hist
ime.

Ir
untothest
udymakingsur
ethatt
hef
inger
pri
nti
n
myhanddoesn'
tfal
l.

Ipunchedint
hepasswordwhichwas
'
Jones0517Ki
ng'
.Idi
dal i
tt
leprayeraski
nggoodt
o
bewithmeasIdothis.

Itookthefi
ngerpr
intandpl
aceditonthescanner
andclosedmyeyes.Keepinmi ndifi
tdoesn'
topen
Vusumziwillbenoti
fi
ed.

It
hinkGodandmyancest
orswer
einadoubl
eshi
ft
causeitopened.Ij
umpedi
nexci
tement
.ISawt
he
gunItookitoutqui
ckl
y.

Irantothekit
chent
otakeMr.
Minandacl
oth.Igot
them andranbackt
othest
udy.

Iwipedthegunusi
ngMr .
Minandtheclot
h.Ipr
ayed
toGodandsaidthankyouforbei
ngwithme.When
Ithoughtt
hatt
heguniscleanenough.

Iplaceditbacki
nthesaf
einsi
det
heevi
dencebag.
Closedthesafe.

Itookever
ythingt
hefinger
pri
nt,
Mr .
minandthe
cl
oth.Checkedift
hereisn'
tsomethi
ngwrong.I
doubledcheckedbef
oregetti
ngout.

Ibur
ntthef
ingerpri
nt.Tookmythi
ngstomyroom.
Wentbackupstair
stoclearar
oundthet
abl
eand
t
hepowderont
het
abl
e.Imadesur
ethatever
ythi
ng
i
sfi
ne.

I
'm notgoingt
ot el
lanyoneaboutwhatIdi
dtoday.
WhatiftheyburstouttoVusumziandhedoes
worse.

IfIt
ellAyashewi
llj
ustbecoolandwhensheloses
hertempershemi
ghttellhi
m andshewi
llbei
n
moredanger.

Ihavet
okeepthisasecretunt
ilVusumzii
sn'
t
anymor
e.Iwi
llactoutl
ikeIdon'tknowashit
.

It
'sbesti
fnooneknows.Yeah.AslongasAyaisn'
t
goingtoj
ailt
hannoneedforthem t
onoathingat
l
eastsheissafenow.

I
t'
sthebestdeci
sionever
.Ibel
ieveso.Yeah.I
'
m
prot
ecti
ngthem.Vusumzii
sdanger
oussoIcan'
t
tel
lthem.Weshoul
dactoutli
kewescar
edunti
lhe
i
snomor e.

Iwashedt
hedi
shesbef
oregoi
ngt
oMxo'
s
Phar
macy.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
56
.
.
.
.
Thandol
wet
hu
I
t'
sbeenal
ongt
imehey.Myl
if
eisgr
eat
.
Ial
waysthoughtIwoul
ddiei
nthest
reet
sbutno
godhadotherpl
ansforme.

Bei
ngwithLwet
huisthebestthi
ngever.Het
akes
car
eofme.I'
m evendonewithmyMat r
icnowsoon
Iwi
llbegoi
ngtoaCuli
naryschool.

ThankGodit'
sa2yearcourseIdon'
twanttobea
burdentoLwethu.Event
houghhedoesn'
tcar
eof
whatIthi
nk.

Heevenwentasfart
owant i
ngtobuymea
Rest
aurant
.Imagi
neI'
m notevendonewi
thschool
st
handwasam.

AndIt
oldhi m Iwantt
obuymyownrest
aurantI
wantt
of eelhowit'
sli
ket
orewar
dyour
selfwit
h
somet
hing.
Andheagr
eedcausehewasn'
twi
nning.Idon't
wantt
obedependentonamanwhatifheleaves
me.

Butheassur
edmethatheisher
etost
ay.He
doesn'
twantt
opl
ayaround.Hewant
sandneeds
me.

Il
ovehi
m somuchcan'
twai
ttospendt
her
estof
myli
fewit
hhi
m.Itsomet
imesscar
esmeofhow
muchIl
ovehi
m.

Ij
usthopet
hathewi l
lal
wayslovemeandnever
cheatonme.CauseIswearIwil
lloosemymi
nd
andbecomeabipolar
.

Don'tlookatmeli
ket
hatIloveLwethuIcan'taf
ford
toloosehim.If
oundagoldinhim.Ifoundlovein
him.
Ijusthopet
hatwewillal
waysbetoget
herIl
ove
thatman.Ij
ustgavehim abl
owjobnowandwent
totakeabath.

Hecamei
naf
teraf
ewseconds.

Hi
m:"
babyyoucan'
tleavemel
iket
his.
"

Me:"
that
'
swhatyougetforcomeathomel at
e."Wel
l
hecomebackhomelateyester
day.Andhedidn'
t
i
nfor
m me.I
'm soi
nsecureabouthi
m.

Him:"mhhhh.Ndi zoxel
elumamam umna(Iwil
ltel
l
mymot her)"Il
aughedathim.Wellwewenttohis
parentsjustafewdaysago.Hi sparent
sareso
welcomi ng.Tatakheisamoodwel aughEver
yti
me
whenwear ewi ththem.
Me:"
andim sabhiyayaziPam veskenj
endi
thiHi
bir
i
set
aka(I
'm notscaredofPam IjustsayHi
bir
iand
shejumps)"welaughed.

Him:
"ndi
zom xel
elaPam (
Iwi
llt
ellPam)
"hecamet
o
geti
nthewaterbehi
ndme.

Me:"
Iwasjustj
oki
ngkodwamyl
ove"wewer
e
l
aughing.

Hi
m:"
I'
m st
il
ltel
li
ngher
."

Me:"mxm yeki
leukuphipussyumna(iwi
llst
op
gi
vingyoupussy)"welaughedIknowhowmuchhe
l
ovessex.

Him:"
oohmt uwam Iwasjustj
oki
ngbabyIwoul
d
nevert
ellonyou.
"Igiggl
ed.
Me:"
let
'smakei
tfastIst
il
lhaveawhol
emealt
o
pr
epare."

Hi
m:"
haveyouboughtt
hei
ngr
edi
ent
syet
."

Me:"
Isentt
hel
istoft
hingsIwil
lneedtoAya.And
shesai
dsheal
readyboughteveryt
hing.
"

Hi
m:"wehavet
ogett
here.Iwil
lbehel
pingyoucook
whi
letheot
her
sgototheGraduat
ion.
"

Me:
"howar
etheygoi
ngt
oent
er?
"

Hi
m:"
wehaveconnect
ionsbaby.
"Ishookmyhead.

Wegotoutoft
hebath.Andlot
ionedItookouthis
whi
teChi
nowithhi
sblackpoloneck.Toppeditoff
wi
thhi
sredbott
om shoes.
Iwor
emyboyfr
iendj
eanwi
thawhi
tepl
ainShi
rt
al
ongsi
dewi
thmypumakicks.

Him:
"youalwayspickoutt
hebestoutf
it
sIshoul
d
gi
veyoucr edi
tfort
hat
."Hesai
dfixi
nghispol
oneck.
Igi
ggled.

Me:"
let
'sgobef
orewearelat
e."Iki
ssedhim bef
ore
get
ti
ngout.WewenttothecarIconnectmyphone
tot
hecarandfir
stpl
ayedDemiLovato-tel
lmeyou
l
oveme.

Him:"soI'm supposetotakeyourbull
shi
tforbet
ter
andf orwor se.I
sthatt
hewayi tworks.
"Hewas
tal
kingalongsi dewit
htheguyweal wayssingthe
songt ogether.

Me:
"yeah"Isai
dgi
ggl
ingl
iket
hel
adyi
nthesong
Me:
"Il
oveyou.
"

Me:
"hey
,
hiwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
I
'
Mjusthangi
ngouti
nthehousechi
ll
ing.
Whatahhbabe.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyou"

Hi
m:"
Iloveyout
oo"

Hi
m:"
who'
sthat
."

Me:
"nobody"

Hi
m:"
Real
lywho'
sthat
."
Me:
"hi
soneofmybestf
ri
ends.
"

Hi
m:"
that
'sf
uckenconveni
ent
."

Me:
"ar
eyouj
eal
ous.
"

Him:
"Idon'
thavet
obej
eal
oust
onotl
ikei
t.Idon'
t
l
ikei
t.
"

Me:
"I
'm notdoi
ngt
his"

Hi
m:"
heshoul
dn'
tbet
ext
ingyouatal
l.
"

Me:
"i
'm notf
uckenhi
dingi
t.
"

Hi
m:"
areyougonnaj
ustkeepgoi
ng.
"
Me:
"I
'm gonnakeepgoi
ng.
"

Hi
m:"
Idi
dn'
tfuckendoorsayanyt
hing.
"

Me:
"youl
ookedatheryoul
ookedatherchestI
wat
chedyou.
"

Him:
"maybeifIgethernumberandt
extherat2am.
Thanyouwil
lbehappier.
"

Me:
"Don'
twal
kawayf
rom me.
"

Hi
m:"youarebargi
ngmei nthef
uckenr est
aur
antin
t
hefuckencarinthewalkinourfuckenhouse.You
wannajustf
ightpi
cksomebodyelse."

Me:
"Idon'
twannapi
cksomebodyel
seIwantyou.
"
Hi
m:"
babe.
"

Me:
"t
ellmeyoul
oveme.
"

Him:
"Ican'
tdot
his.Ican'
thaveaf
uckenmar
ri
age
l
iket
hat."

Me:
"I
'm sor
ry.
"

Hi
m:"
youcangoplaythatgameoryoucanbewi
th
mebutt
heclockst
icki
ngonthat
"

Me:
"t
ellmeyoul
oveme.
"

Hi
m:"
it
'spossi
blewenotr
eady.
"
Me:"
I'
mready.Ihaveneverbeenmor
eready.
"We
l
aughedatourstupi
dit
y.Ial
waysenj
oymyself
whenI'
m wit
hhim.Hisforkeeps.
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
WellEver
yti
mesiyaasksmeaboutt
hatday.Ij
ust
i
gnorehim.I'
m notr
eadyf
oranot
heremoti
onal
br
eak.

I'
mt ryi
ngsohardtopushthi
satthebackofmy
headI '
m gr
aduat
ingandit
'sChumanibi
rthdaypar
ty
i
nj ustafewdays.

Iuset
hattodi
str
actme.Andi
thasbeenwor
kingon
myfavour
.
Mymakeuparti
stjustdidmymakeupIwas
wai
ti
ngformyexportdressSi
yaboughti
tforme
f
rom UK.

Me:
"babyar
eyousur
ebat
hedr
esswi
llcome.
"I
waspani
cki
ng.

Him:
"ewemakaNkanyeziIjustsentadr
ivert
ogo
andcol
lecti
tatt
heai
rport
."

Me:"
buti
thasbeenanhourbaby.
"Iwaspaci
ngup
anddowninthel
ounge.

Hi
m:"
cal
m downbabyi
twi
llgether
esoon.
"

Me:
"kaxubephaGi nnet
oni
cwater(mixginand
t
oni
cwat er
)"Isai
dcauseIr
eal
lyneededitnow.
Hi
m:"tshayi
we.
(yourhigh)
"Il
aughed.Hedoesn'
t
wantanythi
ngeffect
inghi
schil
d.

Justt
hant
her
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.Iwantt
o
openit
.

Dri
ver
:"
Mr.Pl
aatj
ies.
"Inodded.Hegavemeapaper
t
osignandabigbox.Isignedbef
orehel
eft
.

Iopenedtheboxandther
ewasmydressitwasa
Chryst
alshi
nningsl
eevel
essdr
esswi
thaspli
t.My
Chri
sti
anLoubouti
nshoeswereal
sot
here.

It
ookmyt hingsandr
anupst
air
sChumaniandSi
ya
werel
aughingatme.

Al
ltheotherFamilymember
sareal
socomi
ngi
t'
s
j
ustSiya'
smot herwentt
oPE.
Idressedupqui ckl
yandthedr essfit
tedme
perfectl
ywiththeshoes.I
t'
sliketheyweremadef or
me.It ookofthedoekandl etmyKi nkystr
aight
vi
rginBr azi
li
anRemyHumanhai rext
ensi
onloosen.

Ijusthopemymortar
boardwil
lfi
tperf
ect
lyf
ine.I
tookmyt hi
ngsandwentdownstai
rs.

Iheardwhistl
esasIwentdownever yonewas
l
ookingatme.Si yamouthwashangi ngopen.TT
cl
osedhismout handweal ll
aughed.Hecamet o
meashewasal r
eadydressedi nhi
snavysuitwit
h
whitebl
ockst r
ipes,whi
teshirt,
aredt i
eandanavy
hat.Nott
of orgethissunglassesandhi sl
eat
her
brownsli
ngbag.

IswearIbecameweti
naspl
itsecond.

Weal
lwentt
othecer
emonyexceptf
orLet
habo,
Thando,Lwet
hu,Chumani,Sekani,Ntl
akani
pho(of
course)
,Si
zwe,Minni
eandherTwi n.Vusumziwas
al
sonotherenotli
keIcar
e.

Rir
iisn'thereasyoual
lnow.Buthehesai
dhewill
bewat chingonli
neal
soever
yonewhowel ef
tatt
he
house.

Idon'
tknowhowTheymanagedt oletever
yonei
n
causeyouareal
lowedt
ocomewi th2peopleonl
y.
Theguyshaveconnect
ionsaf
teral
l.

Wegottower ethecer
emonywashel d.Wesai
da
l
it
tl
eprayerbeforeget
ti
ngin.Iwentt
owerethe
ot
herstudent
swer eIworemygownandmy
mort
arboard.

Thecer
emonywasbeaut i
ful
.IgotAPhDin
Act
uari
alsci
ence.WhenIwascal ledonst
aget
he
noi
secomingfrom ever
yoneIknowwasonanother
l
evel
.Butt
hemostnoi
secamef
orm myf
ami
ly.

Itt
ookabout2minut
estomaket
henoi
sel
evel
down.Iwasalsoemoti
onal
.

Me: "
inePhDgirlyenu.
"Iyel
ledandt
henoi
sestar
ted
alloveragai
n.RhaaIwassohappy.Ican'
tdescr
ibe
thefeeli
ng.

Theceremonywentonandontil
llat
e.Wewal
ked
out
sidepeopl
ewerecongr
atul
ati
ngme.

WhenIappr
oachedmyf
ri
ends.

Them:
"nantsimbhoza(her
ecomestheboss)
"they
sai
dclappi
ngandyelli
ngnott
ofor
getthei
r
scr
eaming.
Iwassohappyrhaa.Wewentoutsi
deandt
ookalot
ofpict
ures.MymotherwassoHappyf
orme.She
evencried.

Younowthatf
eel
ingwhenaparentisproudoft
hei
r
ki
disthemostpr
eciousmomentever.

I
'
M sur
emyf at
herislookinguponmewer
eeverhe
i
sI'
mthankf
ulforhi
sgui dance.

Notfor
get
ti
ngtothankGodforgi
vingmet he
st
rengt
hforEver
ythi
nginl
if
e.Foralwaysprot
ect
ing
me.

AndmyHusbandwhoal wayspushesmet odothe

bestgi
vingmeassurancethatIwi
lldogreat
.
Helpi
ngmei never
ywayhecanIl ovethatman.

Wegothomewel
comedbyt
heamazi
ngar
omaof
f
oodwhi
chwascookedbyThando.

Thedinnert
abl
ewaspl
acedatt
hebacki
nthegr
een
grassnextt
omygar
den.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
57
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Fi
rstofal
lIwantt
osayI'
m proudoft
hemot
herof
mychildr
en.Sher
eal
lyoutdi
dhersel
f.

Theki
ndofwomant
hatIwi
llbespendi
ngmyf
utur
e
wit
histhebest
.

ChumaniandNkanyeziwhoi
sonet
hewayhavet
he
gr
eatestmom ever
.

Atnightwhenever
yonewasgone.It
ookherout
bookedthewholerest
aur
antf
orus.Mywif
ewas
happythewholeday.

Nothi
ngmakesmehappyt hanseei
ngmywif
e
happy.Shewi
llal
waysbepartofmyli
fe.

Il
ovethatwomanandIwi l
lal
waysloveherno
matt
erwhathappens.Sheismyli
fe,hear
tandsoul
.
Ican'
timagi
nemyl
i
fewi
thouther
.

Sotodayi
t'
sthe15meaningit
'sChumani
'sbi
rt
hday
part
y.Mychil
dhasbeenhyperthewhol
eweekit'
s
l
ikeheknowswearegoingtohaveapart
yforhi
m.

Aya:
"babypleasegoandfet
chthecake."Wewer
e
busydecorati
ngthewhol
ehousewiththehel
pof
ourfr
iends.

AsalwaysThandowasatt heki
tchenmakingf
ood
butnot
hingfancysincet
herewi
llbechi
ldr
enand
theyar
epickyeater
's.

Me:
"haveyoupai
d?"

Her:"yeah"Itookthecarkeysthegent
sfollowedme
theywer esickandtir
edofbeingsentaroundbyt he
girl
s.Theysur el
yknowhowt osendpeoplearound
especi
all
yRi
rir
haa.

Theladi
es:
"hai
bowaargaanj
ull
e(wer
eyouguys
goi
ng.)"

Thegents:
"cake.
"Wecl
imbedi
nmyCaddy.Iwas
thegoi
ngtodr i
ve.

Tail
or:"
sapha(gi
vemet hekeys)you'l
ldri
velike
pussies"weheldourhear
tsbeforelaughing.He
l
ikesteasingussi
ncehisthefastestdri
veramong
us.

Cage:
"l
et'
sal
sobuyboozef
orl
ateron.
"Weagr
eed
wit
hhim.

Tai
lordr
ovetot
hecakewhi l
ewearelaughi
ng
makingj
okesoutofever
ythi
nghavi
ngfun.
Wegotther
eandweal
lwal
kedout
.Wegott
othe
r
ecept
ioni
st.

Me:
"goodmor
ning.
"Isai
dtaki
ngofmysungl
asses
whi
chseemedtochar
m her.

Hey:
"heyhowcanIhel
pyou.
"

Me:"
Ayamt handaPlaatj
iespl
acedanor
derherefor
abir
thdaypartycakeformysonChumaniPlaatj
ies
canyoupleasegetitforme."

Her
:"
theMi
ckeymousecake?
"

Me:
"yeah.
"Wellt
het
hemeisMickeymouseand
Mi
nniemouse.Hisf
avor
it
ecar
toons.

Her
:"
letmegof
etchi
tforyou.Thepaymenthas
alr
eadybeenmade.
"Inoddedshewentt
otheback
tofecht
hecake.

Itwasa3layer'
scake.Theywer
eint
hreedi
ff
erent
boxesIt
ookthemiddleone.TTt
ookt
helar
gestand
Snakest
ookthesmallone.

Mamber,CageandTailor:"
yesboysthinasizo
Bambaintoeziser
ioustywalamfondinii(
wewi l
lbe
hol
dingseri
ousthi
ngs,alcohol
)"wel aughedwhen
IwasabouttostepoutItri
ppedandt hecakefel
l.

Weal
llaughedwhi
leIpl
acedmyhandsont
opof
myheadmakingasifI
'm cr
ying.

Cage:
"waf
angumf aziwakwaPlaatj
iesbawo(your
deadbyMrs.Plaat
ji
es)
"welaughed.Iranbackto
ther
ecept
ioni
st.
Me:"
canyoupleasebakethemi
ddl
ecakef
ormeI
wi
llpaywhateverpr
ice.
"

Her:
"i
twi
llcostyour
600si
rifyouwantt
hecake
now."

Me: "
nobabi yir
1000girlyenzaasl
ongndi zotyi
mpundunamhl anjeengazondiqumbel eMamu
Plaatj
ies(nomat t
erifiti
sr1000girldoso.Aslong
asI'm eati
ngpussyt odayandMr s.Plaat
jiesnot
beingangr yatme.)"Keepinmindshei sawhi te.
MyFr iendslaughedatme.

Her
:"
sor
rysi
rwhatdi
dyousay.
"

Me:"
Mamberkandihot spot
.iseTaandinadat
afor
Engl
ish(Mamberpl easehot spotmeIdon'
thave
dat
af orEngl
ish)justjokingpl easemaket
hecake
assoonaspossi ble."Weal llaughed.
Wechill
ingatt
hechai
rsthatwerether
elookingat
theot
hercakes.Maki
ngonehellofanoiselaughed
andal
lthatshi
t.

Aft
er2hoursorsoshecamebackwitht
hecake.I
gaveher1k.Shethankedme.Wewal
kedout
.We
wenttotheMallt
obuybooze.

Wef il
led2troll
eyswit
halcohol
.Anditwas
expensivethingsonl
y.Wealsocall
edthegir
lsand
askedwhatt heywouldli
ketodri
nk.IboughtAya
unalcoholi
cchampagne.Zopopangayoyena
wethu.

Wegothomet
ookever
ythi
ngoutandwenti
nsi
de
t
hehouse.

Wealldressedupaccordingtot
hetheme.Wewere
basi
cal
lyforced.Thegir
lswereweari
ngtut
uski
rts
wit
hMi nni
eorMi ckey'
st-
shir
twit
hheadbandsthat
haveear s.Wehadt
owearshort
sandwhi
te
Mickey'shoodi
essi
ncewedidn'
tli
ket
het
-shi
rt
s.
Wel ookedgoodbytheway.

Mysonandotherki
dswer
ealsowear
ingl
ike
Mi
ckey-andMinni
emouseoutf
it
s.

Thethemewasgr eatever
ythi
nglookedgreat
.The
ki
dswentt osi
tonthetheirl
it
tl
echair
s.Chumani
wassitt
ingatt
hefrontwit
hSekaniandbaby
Ntl
akaniphoi
magine.

RiriwastheMc.Her eall
yknowshi sthingshedid
everyt
hingint heprogr
am.Chumanigotmany
present
sr haa.Therewasal soacamer aman.
Takingpicturesofeverything.Thegi r
lsreal
lydi
da
greatajobi ntransf
ormingt hisplace.Iwashappy
toseemysonhappyphof feveryonewashappy.

Theki
dswentt
opl
ayout
sidei
nthej
umpi
ngcast
le
aft
ereati
ng.Wechi
l
ledkethi
nabanthubadal
aby
thepoolwhil
ewebraait
hemeatanddri
nki
ng.

Lat
eront heki
dswenthome.I
twasmeandf r
iends
wit
htheirki
ds.AlsoAya'
smot
herl
eftl
eavi
ng
Ayabongabehind.

TT:"
cebolepl an.Let'
sgoplayatt hejumpingcast
le.
Wepai dforthatshitaft
eral
l guys."Welookedat
eachotherbef or
erunningtot hefrontt
othe
j
umpi ngcastle.Ayabonga,Mi nni
eandLet habo
werethefir
stonet ogetthere.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Vusumzi
Whodot heyt
hinkt
heyar
e.Comi
nghomel
ate.Iwi
ll
ki
llChumanit
oday.

Theymustbetaughtal
esson.t
heyt
akeadvant
age
wit
hthel
it
tl
ethingsIdofort
hem.

It
ookthesamegunAyamt handat
ouchedandwent
weret
hepartywasheld.ImadesurethatIwearmy
bl
ackl
eathergl
ovesbeforeusingt
hegun.

Idon'twanttorui
nAya'sfingerpri
ntonthegun.I
gotthereandtheywereallplayinthejumping
castl
ewi t
hthekidssi
tt
ingi nli
tt
lechai
rslaughi
ngat
thei
rstupidpar
ents.

Istoodbythegat
e.Ai
medf orChumanibutinst
ead
anotherboyst
oodinf
rontofhim Icur
sedbefor
e
rushingof.
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Wewer ehavi
ngfunwhenwehear dagunshotwe
wereallf
ri
ght
ened.Whenwelookedatt
heboys
Sekaniwasdownbleedi
ng.

Ayol
a:"
Sekani.!
!!
"Sheyelledwhilequi
ckl
yrushi
ngt
o
hi
m.Weal lrushedthere.Igottomysonwhowas
al
sofri
ghtened.LethaboalsotookSli
ndokuhl
e.

Wewer eallcr
yingespecial
lyCageandAyola.Ayol
a
l
ovesSekanilikeherownchi l
d.Shesometi
mes
takesSekanif
orsleepoversatherhousewhen
Cagegoesoutwi ththeguys.

Weal
lrushedt
othecar
sandspeedoft
othe
hospi
tal
.Chumanicoul
dn'
tst
opcr
ying.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
58
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
I
t'
sbeenhourssi
nceSekanihasbeenadmi
tt
ed.
Manydoct
orswenti
nandout .

TTandLet
habot
ri
edt
ogeti
nbutt
heywer
etol
dto
st
ayoutcausetheywer
egoi
ngt
ogetemot
ional
doi
ngtheoperat
ion.

ChumaniandNtlakani
phower
ealsoadmit
tedsince
t
heywerefr
ight
enedandtheycoul
dn'
tst
opcrying.

Wewerepaci
ngupanddowni nt
hecorri
dors.Iwi
ll
al
sobeadmit
tedl
ateronsinceChumaniishere.I
'
m
j
ustwai
ti
ngforwhatevernewswewillget
.

Ayolai
sn'
tri
ghtatal
l.Cagealsotheyhavebeen
cr
yingthi
swholeti
me.I'M pr
ayingthatSekani
makesitout
.

Me:"wher
edi dt
heyshoothim?"Iaskedcurious.I
real
lywantedtoknow.Icoul
dn'
tseehim properl
y
backthansincemyeyeswerecoveredintears.

Mi
hlal
i:
"st
omachi
fnoti
nhi
sar
m.Hewascover
ed
wi
thbl
oodal
lover
."Theywer
eal
soher
e.Inodded.

Justt
hanawhi
teol
dmanappr
oachedus.

Hi
m:"whathappenedwhogotshot
."Theaccentwas
di
ff
erent
.

Theguys:
"Scot
t.
"

Him:"yeahIwantedtosurpri
seyou'l
lbutwhenIgot
toSiya'scr
ibIsawblood.Iknewrightther
et hat
you'l
lwherehere.I
'm st
il
laski
ngyou.You'llknowI
haterepeati
ngmyself."

Cage:
"myboygotshot
."

Scot
t:
"newenemi
es?
"
Siya:
"wehaven'
tdoneanyt
hinginvol
vingt
hatl
if
e
exceptmoneyheist
ssoIdon'tt
hinkit
'sanew
enemy."Scot
tnodded.

Iknewr
ightt
herethi
shasVusumziwrit
tenal
loverI
l
ookedatAyabongawhowasalsolooki
ngatme.

It
'sl
ikesheknewwhatIwast hinki
ngabout .She
camet ome.Shewasnextt oMamber .Theywere
comf ort
ingeachot
her.Ther
ei sdefi
nit
ely
somet hi
ngbetweenthi
s2oram Ij ustseeingthi
ngs
?

Shepul
ledmeawayf
rom ever
yone.

Ayabonga:"
thi
shasVusumziwr i
tt
enalloverwe
shouldt
ellt
hem AyaIcan'
tleavel
iket
hisanymor e.
Maybetheycandefeathi
m."Shewasshaki ng.I
pull
edhercloset
omeIgaveherahug.
Me:"
youknowt hatwecan'
thewi l
lgetmearr
est
ed
andhewil
lcomeaf termyfami
ly.Ican'
taf
for
dto
l
oosethem."Shebrokedown.

Zi
mi:"
whyareyouguysstandi
ngther
ewhi
sper
ing.
"
Il
ookedatAyabongaandshookmyhead.

Me:"
it
'snot
hing.
"TheynoddedSi
yalookedatme
sear
chingf
oranswersinmyeyes.Ibr
oketheeye
cont
act.

Scott:
"af
terwegetf eedbackwewi llgosearchf
or
thatMOTHERFUCKERnoonemesseswi t
hmy
familyandlivestot
ellthefai
ryt
ale."Theguysall
agreed.Il
ookedatt hescaredAyabonganextt ome
whowasal solooki
ngatmewi t
ht earyeyes.

Justt
hanadoct
orcomesout
.
Doct
or:
"SekaniYonwabaLayi
."Weal
lappr
oached
hi
m

Ayol
a:"
wher
eismybabydoct
or?Howi
she?
"

Cage:
"answert
hequest
ionsdammi
t.
"

Doctor:"
Yoursoni sst il
lali
ve."Wesighedi nrel
ief
"Thebulletluckyhi thi
sar m.I'
m notsurei fhewill
everbeabl etousehi sarm everagain.Wear estil
l
runningsomet ests.Thebul l
etreal
lyaffectedhis
arm.Hemi ghtalsogetani nf
ectionandwewi l
l
havet ocuthisar m.Sot hathedoesn' tsufferi
nthe
futur
e."Ayolacr i
edal loveragain.

Cage:
"l
et'
sgofi
ndt
hatMOTHERFUCKER."Hesai
d
st
ormingout
.Hewasinpai
n.Theguysf
oll
owed
hi
m.Wecomf or
tAyol
a.
Ri
ri
:"
doct
orbaecanweper
hapsseehi
m."

Doc:"
westil
lrunni
ngsometest
sIwil
laskanurseto
comeandf et
chyou'l
lwhenwearedone.Buthi
s
outofdanger.
"Wenodded.Hewentbackinsi
de.

Me:"
Ineedsomefr
eshairdoyouguysneed
somethi
ngfr
om t
heCafe?"Theshookthei
rheads.

Iwal
kedsl
owl
yout
sideAyabongaappr
oachedme.

Ayabonga:
"t
heywi
llf
indoutt
het
rut
handwewi
l
lbe
i
ndeepshit.
"

Me:"
whataboutmemyhusbandwi l
lsayI'
m
unf
ait
hfultohim hewil
lnevert
rustmeagain.What
i
f..
..
..
.whatifhekill
ssiyaorChumaniIcan'
tli
ve
wit
houtthem."Ibrokedownshehuggedme.
Thi
sisamess.WhatifIl
oosemyhusbandor
chi
ldr
enIcan'
tlooset
hem Ican'
t.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Iknowforaf
actt
hatthi
shassomet
hingt
odowi
th
Ayacominghomecryi
ng.

Ij
ustdidn'
twantt oconfrontherinf
orntofever
yone.
Iwon'
tletanyoneseet hatIhaveproblemsinmy
marr
iage.Irespectmyr elat
ionshi
psomuch.

ButtodayIwillbeget t
ingtothebot
tom ofthi
s.I
sawitalloverherfacet hati
thassomethi
ngtodo
withmeal mostloosingmychi l
d.Shecouldn'
teven
keepeyecont actwit
hme.
SheknowsIhat
esecr
ets.Iwonderwhat
'sgoi
ngon.

Cageisfuminghewantstoki
llwhoever
.Ij
usthope
thatSekaniwi
llbef
ine.

Wegott
othewar
ehouse.Wewentt
othecamer
a
r
oom.

Mamberhackedmygat
ecamer
a'sandt
heone'
s
outsi
det
hehouse.Wesawt
hecarcomi
ng.

Me:"pause.
"Hepaused.Il ookedatthenumber
plat
eandwr oteitdown.Wewat chedt
hewholecli
p
anditshowedt hepersonwant edtoshootChumani
.
ThankGodi tdi
dn'thithim.Phoffnott
hankGod
completel
ycausei thitSekani
.

Wecouldn'
tseet
hefacepr
oper
lyt
heper
sonwas
wear
ingabighoodi
e.
Me:"let
'scheckwhothenumberplatebelongst o.
"
Theynodded.Everyonewenttotheircomput er
.We
star
teddoingwhatwear ebesti
n.Mi hl
aliwas
behindmecheckinghowIhackt hings.Irol
ledmy
eyes.Hechuckled.

Us:
"VusumziJones!
!"

Mamber :
"Ayabonga'sfat
her
."Wealllookedateach
ot
hershocked.Wi t
hmanyt houghtsi
nourmi ndis
Ayabongaperhapspl ayi
ngusall
.Isshealso
pl
ayingus?

Mambergulpeddownhi
sdr
ink.Hewasf
umi
ngwi
th
angerwhi
chmademewonderedwhy.

Cageont
heot
herhandwasr
eadyt
oat
tack.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Tar
get80comment
s
59
.
.
.
.
Vusumzi
Alit
tl
ebi
rdtol
dmesomeonei
sdi
ggi
ngi
nfor
mat
ion
aboutme.

Meaningt
hatthel
it
tl
eboysar
ediggi
nginf
ormat
ion
aboutme.Ihavet
obereadyf
orawar.
Icont
act
edmymenandtol
dthem t
ocomeguard
myhouse.I
'
mtir
edIwon'
tbeabl
etosleepwi
thon
eyecl
osedt
oni
ght.

WhenIgotheremywifewasalr
eadyherei
t'
sjust
thatherbr
atdi
dn'
tcome.Atl
eastIdi
dn'
tshootf
or
nothi
ng.

Iwi
llalwaysliveunapol
oget
ic.Ihat
ebei
ng
di
srespected.Youneedtoal
waysbowdowntome.

WhenIsayj
umpyoushoul
daskhowhi
gh.Ir
un
t
hesest
reet
s.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Weallranouttot
hecar.Wewant
edt
ogett
o
hospi
talasSoonaspossi
ble.

Weneededanswer sf
rom Ayabonga.Whydidher
fatherwantt
oki
llmychi
ldbutendeduphi t
ti
ng
Sekani.Wegott
othehospit
alandlit
eral
lyr
anin
side.

Mamberwast
heoneatthef r
ont.Whenwegot
t
her
ehewasalreadyhol
dingAyabongar
oughl
y.

Me:"
whydidyourfatherwanttokil
lmyson? "The
gi
rl
slookedatusshocked.TheAt winswerecryi
ng.
Ayabongalookedatherdupl
icat
escared.

Cage:
"doyouwantust omaket
het
rut
hfl
owoutof
yourmouth.
!!
!"Shecr
ied.

Ayamt
handa:
"l
et'
srat
herl
eavei
tguysyouwon'
t
makeitoutali
ve.
"Shesaidlooki
ngatthecei
li
ng
wit
htearsinhereyes.Shewastryi
ngherbestt
o
cal
m hersel
fdown.

Me:
"i
t'
seitheryout
alknoworwewi l
llett
hetr
uth
f
lowoutofyourmouths.Justf
uckenspeakup."I
wasl
oosingmyt empernow.Shebrokedown.
MamberletgoofAyabonga.

Ayola:
"canyouguysjustspeakupwhyt
hatbust
ard
shotmysonandst opmaki nganoi
sewi
thyour
cryi
ng."Shewasfuming

Ayabonga:
"AyaI
'
mtel
li
ngt
hem umna.
"

Aya:"
hewillgetmearr
est
edAyabongaandki l
lmy
husbandandchild.
"Shebur
stout
.Wealllookedat
hershocked.That'
swhyshehasbeensayingshei
s
prot
ecti
ngme.
Scott
:"
whatdoyoumeanwhenyousayhei sgoi
ng
tosendyoutoj
ailandki
llSi
lencerandChust
ar?
"

Ayamt
handa:
"youmi
ghtaswel
ltel
lthem"shesai
d
br
eaki
ngdown.

Ayabonga: "
itallstartedout2year sagowhenwe
l
ef tSAandwentt oRussi a.Hef ir
sttookmyphone
sayingit'
smaki ngmecr azy.Itleadtorapingmei n
frontofmyhel plessmot her .-
wegasped-Ever yti
me
whenamanl ooksinourwayhewoul dalwaysbeat
usupf orthat .Keepi nmi ndt hatweoncer epor tt
o
thepoliceandt heyjustlaughedatus.Vusumzi
foundoutanddi dwor set hatnight
.-
chuckles-Istil
l
hearmysel fscr eam atni ght.Therapeleadt ome
l
osi ngmywombIcan' thaveki ds.I'
m damaged.
Whenwemovedbackher ewhenyouguyscamet o
thehouset heabusest opped.Hesai dhewi llgetus
forhavingot hermeni nthehouse.Buthewi l
lnot
comet hroughushewi l
luseAya. .
..
"
Ayamt
handa:
"yooooh"shesai
dcr
ying

Ayabonga: "hel aterf oundoutt hatAyai sgoi ngtobe

Actuar y.Hei nvit
edherf ordinner .Heki l
ledhi s
previoust ranspor terinf rontofusandt herewer e
police.Heal wayski llspeopl einf rontofmeandmy
mot her.Theguyst hatal wayst ryt omakeamove
onus.Hesai dAyawi llbehi snewTr anspor terif
shet ell
sSi yaheknowst hathi sagangst erhewi l
l
trytosavehi swif e.Hesai dhewi llkillSiyaand
Chumanii sshei nf ormsanyoneort riestodecl i
ne
theof f
er .Her unst hesest reet
s.Hesai dyouguys
aresmal ltohi m.Ayabecamehi st r
anspor tershe
kil
ledoneoft hepeopl eshewasdel iver i
ngt o-we
l
ookedatAyashocked- .Vusumzidi dn'tsayawor d
hewasi mpr essedbyAya' swor k.Whenhehear d
thatAyamt handawaspr egnant .Hef reakedout
sayingAyamt handawi l
lloosef ocusandhewon' t
beabl et ofindanot hertranspor terinashor tperiod
oftimeoneasgoodasAya.Hecal l
edAyat othe
house.Het ookt hesamegunt hatheusedt okillthe
Transpor t
erandever yoneel sehewi pedi tand
orderedthepolicet obri
ngAyaf orhim.Hemade
hertouchthegun.Andsai di fshet el
lsSiyaorifhe
disappearsthegunwi l
lgost rai
ghtt othepol
iceand
shewi l
lgetarrestedforallthepeopl ekil
ledwithit
.
Het hanplacedt heguni ntheevi dencebag.Idon't
knowwhat '
sther easonwhyhewant edtoki
ll
Chumanit odayIswear ."TheAt winscr i
edmor e.

Aya:
"Iwasprotect
ingyouf
rom him."Weal
llooked
att
hem shockedtohearal
lthethi
ngsshej
ustsaid.

Idon'tknowi
fitwasmebutIwassti
llt
ryi
ngt
o
processever
ythi
nghappeni
ngher
e.

Ri
ri
:"
ntwemdaka(
it
'sadi
rtt
hing)
"

Mamberst
ormedout
.What
'supwi
thhi
m?

I
smywi
fegoi
ngt
ogot
ojai
l.noi
tcan'
tbe.Wehave
Nkanyeziont
heway.Shecan'
tgot
ojai
l.

NowIseewhyshehasi gnori
ngthist
opi
cbutIwant
toknowwhythough.I
'
mt raumati
zedIst
il
lcan'
t
bel
ievet
hatmyhearti
sstil
lbeat
ing.

Iranout.TookmycarkeysIwantt oaopenplaceI
screamed,cri
edhiteveryhit
tabl
ethingl
ateronI
wenttothenearestclub.Idr
ankmysor r
owsout .
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
60
.
.
.
.
Aya
Iregretnott
ell
ingSi
yaaboutt
his.IguessIwas
scaredofVusumzi'st
hreat
s.

Buthewaslegi
t.Iwasprot
ect
ingthem af
teral
l.
Aft
erAyabongatol
dthem t
hetrut
h.

Itwaslikethecrosshasbeentakenoffmy
shoulders.Iwasreveal
edbutatthesameti
me
scared.Wonderingwhatwil
lhedonext .

Ij
ustdon'
twantt
olooseanyone.Especi
all
y
Chumaniandsi
ya.Those2aremyl i
fe.

Ial
sohopethatMymotherandSi
sterdon'
tdie.I
j
ustmetthem.Phof
fIdon'
twantt
ol ooseanyone
myfri
endstoo.
Aft
erSiyaandMamberSt
ormed.Ir
antothe
bat
hroom.Igott
her
eanddrankwatert
ocal
m
myselfdown.

Me:"okayAyabr eathi n-i

nhale-breathout- exhal e-
.
Breathin-i
nhale-br eathout- exhale-.Thinkabout
Nkanyezi.Shest illneedst oli
ve.Siyawi llforgive
youit'
sjustthathei sstil
lfrust
ratedheneedst ime
todigesteverythingi n.Breathin-inhale-breat hout-
exhale-
.Calm down.AtDon' tstressnowi tmi ght
causecompl icationsf oryourpr egnancybr eath.
"I
saidtomysel flookingatt hemi rror.

Idrankthewateragain.Washedmyfacebef
ore
dryi
ngitwithti
ssues.Iwal
kedoutandwenttomy
chil
d'sward.

Hewassleepi
ngther
esopeaceful
.Iguesst
he
medici
nehel
pedhim.Itookof
fmyshoesbefor
e
cl
imbingi
nbedwithhim.
Icuddl
edwit
hhimthewhol
enight
.If
eltasl
eep
samesecondasIpl
acedmyheadonthepil
low.

Thesunshinnedbr
ighti
nmyeyes.Icoul
dn'
tfeel
Chumaninexttome.Iopenedmyeyesandl
ooked
besi
desmehewasn' tt
here.

Istar
tedpani
cking.Di
dVusumzit akemyki
d.Ohh
no.Ijumpedoffthebed.Notcar
ingofhowIlook.I
didn'
tevenwheremyshoes.

Ir
andownt hecor
ri
dors.Shout
ingChumani'
sname.
Checki
ngeachandeveryward.Iwasevencryi
ng.

Thenursestri
edcal
mingmedown.IjustYankt
hem
offandkeptonsear
chingf
ormychi
ld.

If
eltsomet
hingst
ingi
ngmeonmyneckandI
bl
ackedout
.

Myeyeswhereheavy.Il
ookedbesi
desmeandSi ya
wasstandi
ngwit
hChumanibyt hewindow.Isi
ghed
i
nrel
ief.Ast
ear
scomeout .

Iclam myselfdown.Idrankthewaterbesi
desmei
n
theJug.Iguessthatbroughtsiyabackfr
om hi
s
thoughtscausehelookedatme.

Hi
m:"
hey"Il
ookeddown.

Me:
"hi
.Howar
eyou?
"

Hi
m:"
I'
m get
ti
ngt
her
eandyouhowar
eyou?
"

Me:
"i
'mf
inej
ustst
ressed.
"
Him:"
Ayawhydidn'
tyoutellmewewouldhave
avoi
dedyougoingtoj
ailyouknowt
hatIvowedto
prot
ectyouandChumani."

Me:"het
hreat
enedtoki
llyouand,hebroughtthe
pol
icetothehousei
maginemor epeoplehehasi n
hi
sConnermaybeevenJudges.Icouldn'taf
fordto
l
ooseyouandChumanibabypl easeforgi
veme. "He
si
ghed.

Him:
"Ihat
esecr
etsAyamt
handayayazi
lont
o(you
knowthat
)"

Me:"
guil
twaseat i
ngmeeveryfuckendaybabybutI
wasprotecti
ngyouIwasscared.
"Henodded.Heis
socalm yetangr
y.

Heneverbecomesangr ywi
thme.Hestayscalm as
possi
ble.That
'swhatwedowenevergetangryat
eachother.Wealwayscal
m downanddiscuss
t
hings.

Hi
m:"
andthat
'st
rue,
butinthatpr
ocessyoumade
menott
rustt
hatmuch."Hesaidl
ookingatt
he
wi
ndow.Ther
ewasthishugelumpinmyt hr
oat
.

Igul
peddownt
her
estoft
hewat
erl
efti
nthegl
ass.

Me:
"Iunder
stand.
"Isai
dlooki
ngatt
hecl
earcei
li
ng.

Him:"
Istil
lloveyouthoughnothi
ngchanged.Iwi
ll
al
waysl oveyout hesamewaynot hi
ngwil
lever
change.Juststophidingt
hingsf
rom me."

Me:
"Ipr
omiseIwil
lnothi
danythi
ngnow.AndIwil
l
makesureIear
nyourtr
ustagai
n."Henodded.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyouokay?
"
Me:"Il
oveyoutoo.
"Hecameandki
ssedmy
for
ehead.Chumaniwaspl
ayi
nggamesonSi
ya'
s
phone.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Mamber
Af
terIst
ormedoutyest
erdayitookal
ongdr
ive.
Pl
ayingmusi
ctocalm mynervesdown.

Ican'
tbel
ieveAyabongakeptthingst
hisdeepf
rom
me.Shehasbeent hr
oughal ot.
That
'swhyshewant edtotakeherlif
ethef
ir
stdayI
sawher.Thatexpl
ainseveryt
hingnow.Whyshe
al
wayshasni ght
mar esher
eandt here.

Doeswantpeopletof
indoutaboutus.NowIget
why.I
t'shardt
otakei
neverythi
ngshesaidatt
he
hospi
tal.I
twashardt
oprocessit.

Shehasbeenthroughal
otbutsheshoul
dhave
tr
ust
edmeasherHusband.Sheshouldhavetol
d
meeveryt
hing.

Andthefactt
hatshecan'tgetpr
egnanthur
tsthe
most.Buti
twasn'therf
ault.Wedon'
tchooseour
Fat
es.

Shehasbeent hr
oughal oticanguar
ant
eeyouthat
.
sheevenlostachanceofbeingaparent
,amother
tosomeonethatshithur
tssobad.
Isowantedtobeafat
hert
osomeone.Butf
ate
doesn'
twantmetobeone.

Thatdoesn'
tchangethefactt
hatIdon'
tloveher
.
I
nfactIl
ovehermor enow.

Iknowi t
'screepybutyeahIlovehermor e.I
tshows
howpower fulsheis.Shehasbeent hr
oughal otbut
sti
llhasthecarri
agetolovesomeoneel se.

SheisthestrongestpersonIhaveevercame
acrosswit
h.Shest i
lll
ovesmeuncondi t
ional
ly
knowingprett
ygoodt hatamanhasvi olat
edheri
n
anubearableway.

Il
ovehermor
ethanbef
orenow.

Iaskedhertocometomyhouse.Inthemor
ning
andI'm wai
ti
ngimpat
ient
lyf
orhernow.
Suddenlysomeoneopensthedoor.IKnowf ora
facti
t'
sher.Shei
stheonlypersonthatgoesinand
outofmyhouseasshewi shes.

Shehasteabagsandr
edeyes.Igetwor
ri
ed.I
wal
kedtoherandembraceheri
ntheti
ghtesthug.

I
t'
slikeshehasbeenlongingformet
hiswhol
eti
me.
Causeshelet
soutallthepain.

Ipi
ckherupandgot othecouch.Isatdownwith
herl
egsaroundmywai st
.Ifi
twasanotherdayI
wouldbedeepinsi
deofherndichanenesazelabut
keyeah.Igetanbonerj
ustbythi
nkofthat.

Me:"i
t'
sgonnabeal
ri
ghtst
handwasam.
"Isai
d
shushingher
.
Her:
"noit'
snot .Ishoul
dhavet ol
dyouf ortheword
getgo.ButIkeptqui et
.Nowyouhavet obewi t
h
someonewhohasbeenr apedt othepointshecan'
t
havekidsandIknowhowmuchyouwantt hem.If
youwant....
.Ifyouwanttodi vorcemeit'sfi
neI
underst
and."Iwasal socryi
ngwi thher
.

Me: "
Iwoul dneverdi vorceyounevert al
kabout
divorci
ngmemamel e? "Shenodded.Iki ssedher
forehead" thefactthatyouhadt hecarr
iagetofall
formeandl ovemeuncondi t
ionallyt
hrough
everythingt hatyouhavebeent hroughIfalli
nlove
withyoumor e.Iseeast rongwoman.Awomant hat
cansmi l
et hroughever yt
hingt hatshehasbeen
through.Loveanot herhumanbei ngthr
ough
everythingshehasbeent hrough.Seeman
diff
erentlythroughever ythingshehasbeent hrough.
Idon'tcar eifyoucan' thaveki dswest i
llhaveother
optionst heymi ghtnotbeour sbutwecanl ove
them likeourown.Il oveyousomuchAyabonga
Kuzwayo.Il oveyoumor ethanevernownever
forgetthat.Pleasepr omiset oshar eeverythi
ngyou
gothroughnow.Iwantt obet hereforyou.Yourt he
l
oveofmyl i
fe.Pleasetrustmewi thyourpainI
wantyout ocryal lt
hepai noutwhenyou' rewithme.
All
owmet obeyourshoul dertocr yonshar eevery
secretwithme.Iwantyout otrustmewi thever y
fi
berinyourskin.Iloveyouokaybutpl easetrust
me.Ineedyout ellmeever ythi
ng.Imi ghtnotbe
abletodoanyt hingfornowbutIwi l
lmakeapl an
okay.IloveyouAyabongaKuzwayo.Il oveyou
mkami .
"Wewewer emaki ngeyecont actthi
swhol e
ti
me.Shehadt earscomi ngdownhereyest hi
s
whole.

Her:"
IneverthoughtIcanf indanunder standi ng
manl ikeyou,It
houghtyouwer egoingt ol eaveme
formypast .Ipromisefrom nowIwi lltellyou
everythi
ng.Iwil
ltel
l youeverysingl
et hingt hat
happens.Iloveyoumor ethananythingnow.Il ove
yousomuch.Il oveyout othemoonandback.
Pleaseforgi
vemef ornott ell
ingyouanyt hingIwas
justscaredmnyeniwam. "Inoddedwi t ht earsinmy
eyes.Shewi pedthem.
Me:
"If
orgi
veyoumylove.
"Shenodded.Iki
ssedher
.
Wehadaroundwit
hsomuchemot ioninit
.

Il
oveherandIwi
llneverst
opl
ovi
nghert
hat
'sa
pr
omise.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
61
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Itishardtodigestever
ythi
ng.Itr
ytocomeupwi
th
plans.ButI'
mf ail
ingdi
smally.

I'
m att
hewar ehousewiththeguystryi
ngto
brai
nst
orm somet hi
ng.Scotti
ssti
llher
e.

Me:"akof
okolet
higqi
nkmaj
it
a(Ican'
tgetanyt
hing
br
o's)"

Them:
"whohasbr
a."

TT:
"Vusumzitheuntouchabl
emnt
akabawo"we
bur
stint
olaugherandhewasseri
oushol
dinghi
s
l
augh.

TT:
"ser
iousmaji
tayoohzenihl
eke(
yourl
aughi
ng)
"
wealll
aughed
Scott:
"HowisMamihol
dingupt
hough?
"Hei
s
tal
kingaboutAya.

Me:
"shei
sfi
ne.Wear
eget
ti
ngt
her
e."Theynodded.

Sheser
iousl
yisf
ine.Wef
ixedouraf
fai
rs.

Tai
lor:
"Iwonderhowhertwiniscopyingt
hatgirl
hasbeenthroughalothey.
"Weal lsi
ghedthinki
ng
aboutAyabonga.Mamberclearedhisthr
oat.Weall
l
ookedathim.

Hi
m:"
what!
"

Snakes:
"what
'supwi
thyouandt
hatgi
rlbyt
he
way."
Mamber :
"not
hingguysthereisser
iousl
ynothi
ng
goi
ngon."Wel ookedathim wit
hquesti
oni
ngeyes.
Hejustkepthi
sser i
ousface.

Weshookourheads.

Me:"
wher
eisSekani?"Wellhei
sdischargednow
hi
sarmisfi
ne.Justt
hatthedoct
orssti
lldon'
tknow
i
fhewil
lhavedif
fi
cul
ty'
swhenhei sold

Cage:
"i
t'
slikehewasnevershott
hatonehei
swi
th
thegi
rl
s."

Scott
:"
thatboyi
sst
rongl
ikehi
sfat
her
."Weal
l
nodded

Us:
"i
ndeedhei
s."Cagesmi
led.
Me:"l
et'
spayVusumziavi
sit
.Icheckedhi
s
schedul
ehisnotgoi
ngtoworkt
oday."

Snakes:
"t
hat
sagreati
deajusttogett
oseehowhe
operat
es.
"Wenodded.Tai
lort
ookthecarkeys.

Wewal kedtothecar
.Wewer ehavi
ngfunas
always.Joki
ngaboutever
ythi
ng.Mxm mybro'
sar
e
thebest.

WegottoVusumzi
'shouseanditwashi
ghl
y
guar
ded.I
t'
sli
kehehasbeenexpecti
ngust
his
whol
etime.

TT:
"f
uckthi
sniggahasthi
sal
lpl
annedouti
t'
sli
ke
hehasbeenexpect
ingus.
"

Us:"
njayam."Thesecuri
tyst
oppedus.Iopenedt
he
windowsinceIwassi t
ti
ngatthedoor
.
Me:
"hol
a.Vul
alegat
e.(
opent
hisgat
e)"

Him:"
Wh..
."Hedi
dn'
tevenfi
nishhi
ssent
enceIj
ust
shothi
minhisbi
gmout hsonofabit
ch.

Secur
it
y²:
"Bo.
..
"

Me:"heyopenthi
sgat eorIwi
llmakeyouwish
nyokoakazangeayivul ei
mli
lenze(
yourmother
neveropenedherlegs)"heopenedthegat
e.We
chuckled.

Wegotoutoft
hecar
.Theguar
dswher
eal
ready
poi
nti
nguswit
hguns.

Us:"cansomeonepleaset
ellt
hisdogstoputdown
theguns.Saniboni
saamabelanamasendewaba
zalibenit
hina(
weshowyouyourmot her
sti
tsand
f
ather
'sbal
ls)
"wel
aughedatourst
upi
dit
y.

:
"Boysit
'sfi
neIcanhandlethi
s."Theyl
oweredthe
guns.Wewal kedi
nthehouse.Vusumziwasthe
onetal
king.

Vusumzi
:"
wemeetagai
nwhatdoIownt
hisvi
sit
for
."

Scott:
"wejustwant
edtoseehowamanl
ikeyou
l
ives.Nothingmuchnot
hingl
ess.
"

Vusi
:"
cutt
hecr
apandt
ellmewhatyouwant
."We
l
aughed.

Snakes:
"noneedtogetal
lworkedoutcal
m yourti
ts
daddy.
"Hesaidinagayaccent.Welaughedhard.
Vusumzi
:"
Iseeyouboysar
eful
lofj
oke'
s.
"

Me:"si
nceyouinsistaboutknowingaboutwhatwe
want.Howaboutyoul etgoofmywi f
eandIwon't
kil
lyours.Andt
rustmeIwi ll
."Isai
dwithaseri
ous
face.

Iwasj ustscar
inghim Iwouldf
akeherdeathand
sendheraway.Iwoul dneverbethereasonwhy
Ayalosthermot her
.Sheloveshersomuch.

Vusumzi
:"
youdon'
thavet
hebal
lst
odoso.
"

Me:"
oohtr
ustmeIwouldgrowthem over
nightt
oki
ll
someonecl
oset
oyou,yourdearwi
fe."Ir
oll
edmy
eyes

Vusumzi
:"
youwouldneverki
llyourmot
heri
nlaw.
Ayawoul
dhateyou."Il
aughed.
Me:"mxm Ayazi nt
oezincanemphosebed. i
nilowo
al
ibalenobabendi kendagcit
shumamakhe. (
Ayais
asmal lt
hing.Iwil
lt hr
owheronthebedandshe
wil
lforgetthatIki
lledhermother
.)
"Isai
dlaughing
andhitti
ngmybackhandont hefr
ontoft
heot her
.
Theguysal solaughed.

Vusumzi
:"
whatdoyouwant
."

Me:"
Ihaterepeati
ngmyself,
leavemywi feal
oneorI
wi
llki
llyour
s."Ipatt
edhi
sshoul derbef
oreki
ssi
ng
hi
scheekandj umpsmi l
ing.

Theguyswer
edeadwi
thl
augher
.Wegotout
.

Theguys:"
dut
yudut
yu.
"Thesai
dshoot
ingsomeof
theguar
ds.Di
dInotl
augh.
Me:"ayi
kocut
etukele(thi
sain'
tcuteatall
)"we
l
aughed.Mxm Iwi
llnevertr
adethesefuckersf
or
anyone.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
62
.
.
.
.
.
Vusumzi
Whodotheyt
hinktheyaretocomeandthr
eat
en
meinmyhouse.Iwil
llett
hissl
ipasi
de.
Iwil
lmakethem f
eell
iket
heywonbutt
heyhave
anot
herthi
ngcoming.

I
'
m notaper
sonyoucanmesswi
th.Howdar
ehe
t
hreat
enmewit
hmyownwi f
e.

Thosebast
ards.Iwi
llgof
orthatAyamthandaand
Si
yamthandafornow.Iwanttogofort
hem 1by1.

Theycameint
omyhouseanddidastheypleased.
Theyki
ll
ed14ofmyHit
man.Bloodyf
oolstheyjust
wenti
ntowarwit
hawrongper
son.

I
t'
sbeen6mont
hs.

Ihavebeenl ow-keyf
indi
ngouti
nfor
mat
ionabout
them ever
ythingtobespeci
fi
c.
Igoti
nthegynecol
ogist'
sroom whi
cht
heyal
ways
cometofort
heirappoint
ments.

Her:
"goodmorni
ngsi
rdoyouper
hapshavean
appoint
ment?
"

Me:
"goodmor ni
ngtoyoutooDr.Dupreezorshoul
d
IDr
.Wilson.
"Shecougheduncontr
oll
ably.

Her
:"
whatdoyouwant
."

Me: "t
hiswaseasi erthanIthought.Sot
herei
sthis
coupl eMr.AndMr s.Plaat
ji
es.Theycometoyoufor
thierappointments.Soast hei
rdoctormydearyou
willtel
lthem thattheymustchoosebetweenMr s.
Plaatji
esort hechildwhenshegi vesbi
rt
hin3
mont hsf r
om now. "ShelooksatmeshockedIwas
playingwi t
hherpeni nmyhands
Her
:"
Icoul
dloosemyl
icence.
"Il
aughed.

Me: "
Idon'tcar eorshouldIsendMr .Dupreezt he
videowher eyouwer eri
dingMr.Wi l
soninhi shouse
andnott of orgetwhenyousai dyouar egoingto
perform asur geryinDurbanonlytof i
ndoutl at
er
thatyouwer ehavingalif
etimeinLondonwi t
h
someoneel se'shusband.IknowMr .Wi l
sonwoul d
neverleavehi swi f
eforyou.Idon'twanttoeven
enterthenewbor nbaby'sinfor
mat i
onitsend
shiversallovermybody. "Shecr i
ed.

Me:"
justdoasIsayandever
ythi
ngwil
lbeper
fect
ly
f
ine.
"Ipatt
edhershoul
derbefor
eget
ti
ngout.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
ya
Ever
ythi
nghasbeenf
inef
ort
hepastf
ewmont
hs.

Meandmywifearebackt
obeingthegr
eatcoupl
e
ever
.Wegr
eatasevernowIcanassur
eyouofthat.

Todaywewillbegoingt
othegynecol
ogi
st.I
thas
beenafewmont hs,
3monthstogoandwewi llbe
readyt
odel
iver.

Ican'twaittoholdherhandwhensheisinLabour
.
Can'twaitforhertoshoutatmeandcallmebyall
ki
ndsofnames.

Thispastf
ewmont hshavebeengreatyethect
ic.I
tr
adedmyl ogi
sti
cscompanyforaAccount i
ngFirm.
Ididthi
satthebegi
nni
ngoftheyear.

Ever
yonewassohappyf
orme.Moneyi
smymi
ddl
e
name.Myhousei
sget
ti
ngbui
ldf
rom scr
atch.

Idon'
twantpeoplehaunti
ngusorbri
ngi
ngusbad
l
uck.Plusther
eisar el
axi
ngri
veratt
heback.Igota
perf
ectplaceout
sidetheci
ty.

I'
m sur
eAyawil
lloveit
.It
'sst
il
lget
ti
ngbui
ld.Idon'
t
knowwhenitwi
llgetdonebutyeah.

Aya:
"babecanyoupl
easeti
emyshoes.
"Shei
sso
bi
g.onewouldswearshehast
wins.

Me:"wearenotgoingtoafancyplacej
ustwear
yoursl
ippers.
"Shefrowned.Herewegoagaint
he
moodswi ngs.Worsepartever
.

Isometi
messleepatt
heguestroom causeshe
doesn'
twantmenearher
.Lateronatnight
.
Shecomescryi
ngintheroom sayi
ngIdon'
tlove
her
.Idon'
twantheranymore.

Ican'
twai
tti
llshegi
vesbi
rt
h.Phel
ami
na
sengi
khat
hel
e.

Me:"
okaybabywai
tIwantt
ofixmybelt
."If
ixedi
t
bef
oregoi
ngtoher
.Iti
edhershoes.

Me:
"anyt
hingel
se.
"

Her:"
myhai rpl
ease"that
'smydailyj
ob.Sheal
ways
getsti
redofmakingherhair.NowIhavetodoher
hair
.Sedikwemnt asekhayandingumsunuka
nyoko(I'
m soannoyed).

Imadeamancancaf i
rst
.ThanIdressedherupi
n
herweave.Ibr
usheditper
fect
lyf
inebefor
emaking
abun.
Me:
"al
ldone.
"

Her
:"
thankyoubabyyouraSt
ar.
"Shesai
dki
ssi
ng
me.Imental
lyr
oll
edmyeyes.

Me:
"l
et'
sgobefor
ewearelat
e."Shesmi
led.We
wal
kedouthandi
nhand.

Chumanii
sathi scr
echesham mnt
anahehastobe
i
nthesamecl assasSekanii
magi
ne.Si
ncehi
sa
Decemberbaby.

TTalsoenrol
ledhissonatthesamecr eche,same
cl
asshewasl ike'
iDon'tcar
eifhissmallornothe
wil
lsti
llbei
nthisclassIwantmychi l
dt ofi
nish
schoolwhenhis17.Plushisfr
iendsarehere.'

Il
aughedt
hatdayhewasevenswear
ingatt
he
pr
inci
pal
.Mxm t
hef
ri
endIhave.

Wegott
othehospi
talandwalkedt
othewait
ing
r
oom weal
readydi
deveryt
hingatt
herecept
ioni
st.

Aya:"whydoIhaveabadf eeli
ngaboutt
his
appointment
."Isqueezedherhandshewasreal
ly
tense.

Me:
"cal
m downbabyokay.
"Shenodded.

Nur
se:
"Dr.Dupreezi
swai
ti
ngf
oryou.
"Wenodded.
Wewalkedin.

Dr
.:
"myl
ovel
ycoupl
e."Wesmi
ledl
ooki
ngather
.

Aya:
"heydoc.howar
eyou?
"
Dr:
"I
'mfi
ne.Ihopeyouguysar
easwel
l
."We
nodded.

Dr:
"okaythanyouknowt heprocessl
etmerun
somet est
sandhopef ul
lyt
odaywewi l
lgett
he
genderofthebaby."Wenodded.sheranhertest
s.
Aft
eraf ewminutesofwaiti
ngshecameback.

Dr:"
IwonderwhyIdi
dn'tpickthi
sup.Thistest
ssay
thatAyaisnoti
ngoodheal t
hmeani ngt
hatYou
havetochoosebet
weent hechildr
enorthemother
.
Sheisnotinagoodstate.
"Wel ookedather
shocked.Wewereevencrying.

Us:
"What!
!"

Dr
:"
sorrybutiti
str
ue.1hast
odi
eorevenbot
hthe
motherandthechi
ldr
en.
"
Me:"
whatdoyoumeanwhenyousaychi
ldr
en?
"I
sai
dcomfor
ti
ngmywife.

Dr:
"wel
lyouhavetwinsonthewayl
etmeshow
you.
"Inodded"pl
easebri
nghertot
hebed.
"I
noddedagai
n.

Il
iftmywi f
eup.Iplaceheront opofthebed.She
pull
supherdr essbefor
ewi pi
nghertear
s.Ihate
seeingmywi f
ei nt
hisstat
e.IwishIcoulddo
somet hi
ng.

ButIcan'
t,
howthehellwil
lIchoosebetweenAya
andthetwi
nsthiscan'
tbehappeningthi
smustbe
somekindofajoke.

Thedoctorappl
iescol
dgelonher
.Shedoesher
thi
ngs.
Her:"
her
eisthefi
rstonewhichisagir
luhmm and
hereist
hesecondonewhi chisaboy.
"They
heart
beatsmadeaver yst
rongnoi
se.

Iwassohappy.Isqueezedmywife'
shand.She
l
ookedatmeandsmi ledwit
htear
sinhereyes.

Isti
llcan'
tbel
ieveIhavet ochoosebetweenmy
kidsandAya.Whatwi llIdoIcan'taf
fordt
oloose
them.

Ij
ustwi
shEart
hcoul
dswall
owmer i
ghtnow.I
'
m
bet
weenarockandahar
dplace.

Ican'
tbehavingthi
s.WhoshouldIchooseandI
havetochoosewisel
y.FuckIhat
ethisl
ife.Can'
twe
fi
ndpeaceforever
.

Ri
ghtwhenIt
houghtever
ythi
ngi
sfi
net
hishappens.
Wow.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
63
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Howthehellwi
llIbeabl
etochoosebet
weenmyl
if
e
andki
dsli
fe.

Thati
stot
all
ybul
l.I
twi
llbesel
fi
shofmet
ochoose
mylif
eovermykidsbuti
twi
llal
sobebul
lifI
choosemychi
ldr
en.

Ij
ustdon'
tknowanymor
e.Ihat
ethisl
if
e.Howwil
l
Si
yasurvi
vewit
houtt
hebothphof
fthr
eeofus.

Hesowantedt
ohaveot
herki
ds.Heal
sodoesn'
t
wantt
olooseme.

Ihatethi
sli
fe.Ri
ghtaft
erhavi
ngt
hebestmonths
everwithVusumziof
fmybackandshitIcome
acrossthi
s.

Thiscan'tbehappeni
ngt ome.Ther
emustbea
mistake.Idon'
twanttoloosemychil
drenIdon'
t
wanttol oosemyli
fetoo.

Ij
ustf
eell
ikeIal
sodon'tknow.Thepai
ncutsdeep.
Ri
ghtwhenIthoughtt
hingsarefi
nal
lygoi
ngmy
wayt
hishappens.

Ihaveal
ltheresourcesthatIwantt
hatIcoul
dn'
t
getinmyfir
stpregnancy.

Myhusbandisher
emyf ami
lyi
sher
ebutthatwas
goodtobetr
uecausenowwehavetol
oosea
personi
nthepr
ocess.

Ican'
tbar
ethi
spainanymor
e.IsGodsti
llt
her
e?
Whywouldhelett
hisbadt
hinghappent
ome.

IknowI
'
m notasai
ntbutwhy?Ihat
eli
fesomuch.

Iwasbr oughtbackt
othi
scr
uelear
thbymy
col
leagueNomt ha

Nomt
ha:
"baby"
Me:
"mhhh"Isai
dgi
vingherquest
ioni
ngeye'
s

Her:
"thebossiscall
ingyou.Youhavebeenzoned
outthewholedayit'
sl i
keuthwel
ezonozet
hu(you
havealloursi
ns)"Isighed

Me:"
I'
m notf
ineatal
lNomt
ha"Ibr
okedown.She
huggedmeashugeasIam.

Her
:"
it
'sgoi
ngt
obeokay.Don'
tst
resst
hinkabout
t
hebaby."

Me:"
howcanIt
hinkaboutt
hem whentheywi
lldi
e."
Ibr
okedownasIthi
nkabouti
tmore.

Her:
"Havefai
thi
nGodr ememberwhatthepastor
sai
dthisSundaythatwemusthavef ait
hinGodno
matt
erhowyourchal l
engesare.Yourchil
drenwi
ll
makei
thavef
ait
h."

WellIgot
othesamechurchasher
.Shel
it
eral
ly
wenttomyhouseanddr
aggedmetogowithherto
chur
ch.

AndIhavebeengoi
ngeversi
nce.Ilastwentto
chur
chwhenmyf at
herwassti
llal
ivethat
'sl
ike12
ormoreyear
sagorhaa.

Me:"
let
'shopesol
etmegoseetheboss.
"She
noddedwhil
ewipi
ngmytear
s.

It
ookasi
pofmyf
lavour
edspar
kli
ngwat
er.

Her:
"stopst
ressi
ngyourbeaut
ifulsel
fokay.
"I
noddedsmili
ngthanIwanttothebossesoffi
ce.I
knocked.
Him:
"comei
n!!
"Heshout
edf
rom t
heot
hersi
de.I
goti
n

Me:
"Af
ter
noonsi
r.
"

Him:"af
ternoonMr s.Plaat
ji
esIdon'
tknowwhyyou
tookyourpr eci
oust i
meyouknowIhat ewai
ti
ngbut
pleasetakeasi t
."Inoddedbefor
esit
ti
ngdown.Mr.
Jamescanbesoi nti
midati
ngyooh.

Him:"
Iseethatyouhavebeenstressedthewhole
day.Youhaven'tdoneyourworkandyouknowhow
workis.Getyouraffai
rst
oget
her.Wedon'tneed
thi
sinthebusiness.Youcan'
tbecalcul
ati
ngwi t
h
somuchst ressyouknowhowmat hsandstat
ics
canbe."Inodded.

Me:
"myapologi
essir.Iwi
llf
ocusonmyjobnow.
"
Henoddedandsignaledmetogetout
.
Rhaarwadal entol
e( t
histhingisrude)
.Igotupand
wentbacktomyof f
ice.Istarteddoi
ngmyl i
steni
ng
t
omusi c.Idon'tgi
veaf uckI fsomeonegetsi
n.

Ihaveahusbandthatmakesmorethana2mi l
li
on
amonthumna.Thesepeoplecanshovethei
rasses
wheret
hesunshinesthebri
ght
est.

Lat
eronIknockedof
fandwenttooneofthehot
els.
Ist
art
edatthedownst
air
srest
aurant
.Isaw
someoneshouti
ngatt
hemanager.

Iappr
oachedt
hem.

Me:
"Thabowhati
sgoi
ngonher
e?I
sever
ythi
ngok
ma'
am ?"

Her:
"notatal
lsi
stheyjustser
vedmewit
hadirt
pl
ateandit'
sli
ketheywerehavingaf
oodfi
ghtl
ook
att
his.
"Shesai
dpushi
ngt
hepl
ate.

Me:"Thaboyouknowt hatwecan'ttreatour
customer slikethis.Wher edoyout hinkyourpays
comef rom.Wecan' tbehavi ngthis.Thisisa
businesspl easet aket hispl
ateandgi vema' am over
hereanewpl at
ei t'
sont hehouseandabot tl
eof
whatevershepr ef ers."Ishi
ftedmyat t
enti
ontot hat
woman" pleasef orgiveusma' am hewi l
lbri
ngyou
properfoodj ustnow. "Shenoddedsmi li
ng.

Her:
"youar
esuchagr
eatwomanmyGodbl
ess
you.
"Ismil
ed

Me:"
thankyouma'am"sheret
urnedt
hesmil
e.
Thabotookthepl
ateIf
oll
owedhimintheki
tchen.

Me: "
hola.List
enher eifyouguysthi
nkthatyoucan
slackoffdur i
ngwor khoursthanyouhaveanother
thingcomi ng.I'
M sureyou'l
ldon'
twanttohavea
super
visort
hewholemonth.Andyou' l
lknowhow
ti
ri
ngtheycanbegetyouraff
air
stogetherand
makememoneynott heotherwayar ound.Next
ti
meI'
m cutti
ngofsomeone'
ssalary.Ipayyouguys
morethanenoughmoneyforthewor kyoudo."
Theywerealll
ooki
ngdown

Them:
"sor
rybossl
ady.
"

Me:"getbacktoworkandlet'
sstopslacki
ngoff
Thabokeepyourteam together
."Ipat
tedhis
shoulderbef
oregoi
ngtot hepenthouseupstai
rs.

Iwantt
obeal
onet
oni
ght
.Ihaveal
readyt
ext
edsi
ya
andtol
dhi
m.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
64
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Todayi
t'
sthe27thofJul
ymeani
ngt
hati
n2days
i
t'
smywi f
e'sbi
rt
hday.

I'
M planni
ngonproposet
oheronherbi
rt
hdaybutI
don'tknowwher
e.

Iwasatmyof
fi
cewi
thmyPA.
Me:"Palesawhi
chplacewoul
dyoulikeyour
boyfri
endtoproposeat?
"Isai
dlookingather
.She
worksinmyof fi
ce.

Palesa:"Butsiryoual readymar ri
edwi tha
wonder fulwifeyoual sohavekidsont hewaywhy
woul dyoupr oposet oanotherperson.Haiumna
ci
ngindi kuxelelesham ndam t handauMr s.
Plaatji
es(Iwon' ttellyousham IloveMr s.Pl
aat
ji
es)
i
nf actIlookupt ot hatwomaniwi llneverhelpi
n
betrayingher.Rhaaasi leamadoda( manar e
crazy)"didInotl aughmxm Pal esaissuchamood.
Itreatherli
kemyl i
ttl
esister
.

Me:"whosai danythingaboutanewgi r
lfr
iend
Palesayouknowt hatIlovemywi f
eIwoul dnever
tr
adeherf oranyone.Ijustwanttoproposetoher
si
nceIneverdi datf i
rstwejustgotmarri
ed.We
si
gnedt hepapers.Ineverpaiddowr yf
orhersince
shedidn'tknowanyf amil
ymemberofher s.NowI
wanttopr opose.Paydowr y.Getmarri
edinfrontof
peopl
eandal
l.
"Isai
dlaughi
ng.

Her
:"
ooohhainawesi
rit
shokl
k(saysosi
r)
"we
l
aughed

Me:"
Yamthandamfaziwam wena(youl
ovemywi
fe)
soyeaht
hequesti
onstil
lst
ands.
"

Palesa:
"umnaIwouldlikemygi
rl
fr
iendnot
boyfri
endtoo.
..
."Welaughed

Me:
"whatyoural
esbi
an?
"Wel
aughed

Palesa:"
mxm v'tsek.AsIwassayi
ngIwouldli
kemy
gir
lfr
iendtoproposeatFranceinPar
is.Att
heEif
fel
towerorinfrontoftheLouvre.
"

Me:
"youraSt
aryazi
.Iwi
llsendyout
hedet
ail
syou
getthePr ivateJetformeready,passpor
ts
everything.Iwillt
ransf
er50ktoyouraccountyou
cant aket hewholeweekof f
.Justcancelmy
meet ingsf i
rst
."Shescreamed.Il
aughedather.
Thisgi rli
sinsane.

Iwonderhowhergi
rl
fr
iendcopes.

Her:
"t
hankyousi
r.
"Il
aughedbef
orepacki
ngmy
st
uff.

Me:
"l
ockt
hedoorwhenyougetout
.ByePal
esa.
"

Her:
"byesi
r.
"Shesai
dwi
tht
hebi
ggestsmi
le.I
shookmyhead.

Iwalkedout.Anothert
hingaboutthi
sproposali
t'
s
becauseIwantmywi f
etoforgetaboutt
he
chi
ldren'
sissue.
Iwanther
etobestr
essfr
eei
thasn'tbeeneasyf
or
usforawhil
enow.Butwear
egett
ingt her
e.

Igott
omyhouse.Mywi
feassoonassheheardme
shutt
hedoor
.Shej
umpedanddisconnect
edt
he
cal
l.

Her:
"heybaby"shehasbeenacti
ngawkwardt
hese
pastfewdays.Iwonderwhat
'supwi
thher
.

Me:
"hey.Ar
eyouf
ine?
"

Her
:"
yeahwhataboutyou.
"

Me:
"I
'mf
ine.
"

Her
:"
goandt
akeashowerIwi
llpr
epar
efoodf
or
you.
"Inodded.Iki
ssedherbef
orej
oggi
ngupst
air
s.

Ist
ripednakedbeforehit
ti
ngtheshower.It
ooka30
minuteshower.Il
otionedbef
oreweari
ngmyshorts
andmybl ackuzzivest.

ItookoneofAya'sLoubout
insmallsui
tcaseand
packedourtoi
let
ri
esandmycl ot
hesshewi l
lbut
hersovert
here.Wewillbebackonthe30th.

Mycel l
phonebeepsandit'
sthefli
ghtdetai
ls.We
wil
lleavi
nginanhour.Ifi
nishpackingandgot o
Chumani '
sroom.Ipackedafewofhi scl
otheshe
wil
lbegoingt omymom' shouse.Shehasal ready
agr
eed.Irequestedf
oranUber .

Igowi
ththebagsdownst
air
s.Ayawasst
il
lmaki
ng
mesomethi
ngtoeat.Mor
elikemaki
ngf
oodfort
he
bot
hofus.
Aya:
"what
'supwi
tht
hesui
tcasesbabywher
ear
e
wegoing.
"

Me:
"youwi
llseebabywhenwegett
her
e."

Her
:"
ain'
tyout
ryi
ngt
oki
dnapme.
"Wel
aughed

Me:
"Idon'
tmindki
dnappi
ngyou.
"Isai
dpl
ayi
ngwi
th
myeyebrows.Wel
aughed.

Her:
"l
et'
seatf
ir
st.
"InoddedIsatont
hebarst
ool
s.
Shegavememyf ood.

Me:"
wewi l
lfi
rstdr
opChumani'
sclot
hesatmy
mother
'shousethanwewil
lgo.ourfl
ightl
eavesi
n
anhour.
"Youshouldhaveseenhersmile.

Her
:"
wher
ear
ewegoi
ngst
handwasam?
"
Me:"
youwillsee.I
nfactl
et'
sgonow."Isai
dfi
nishing
ofmyfood.Shewasal sodone.Shetookt
heplates
andwashedt hem.

Her:
"al
ldonelet
'sgopl
ease.
"Shesai
dwi
thsomuch
ent
husiasm i
nhervoi
ce.

It
ookoursui
tcaseandshet
ookChumani
'
sbag.I
cl
osedt
hedoor.Thehousehasaaut
omati
cdoor
.

Me:"wewil
lbeusinganUberbabe.Idon' twantto
wastemoneyonunnecessaryt hi
ngs.Causepha
ai
rportwewil
lhavetorentndawuyopar k.ayabo.
"
Shenodded.Wewal kedoutthegate.TheUberwas
al
readyher
e.

Wecl i
mbedi
n.I
tfir
stt
ookustomymot her
shouse.
Ididn'
tst
ayf
oralongti
me.Idi
dn'
twantChumanito
cry.
TheUbertookustot
heair
port.Pal
esawaswai
ti
ng
ther
eforustogi
veusourthi
ngs.

Wewal
kedt
oher
.

Pal
esa:
"Mr
s.Pl
aat
ji
es.
"Theyhugged.

Me:"
haiAndibonwaumna.Bhatal
wandim ke(you
don'
tseeme.I'
mt heonepayi
ngyou.
)"Welaughed

Aya:
"sbanoMonababy(
Don'
tbej
eal
ous)
"

Pal
esa:"t
ch'
.Ihaveal
readybookedyouguysi
na
hot
el.Ial
sohiredadr
ivertot
akeyouaroundt
he
pl
ace."

Me:
"youmydearar
east
ar.Iwi
llsendyou70k
now.
"Isai
dki
ssi
ngherf
orehead

Aya:
"youshoul
dstar
tyourowntr
avel
agent
busi
ness.
"Igaveheradeadst
are

Me:
"whowi
llbemyPAkengoku?
"Theyl
aughedat
me.

Palesa:
"t
hat'
swhyIl oveMr s.Plaatj
ies.Ishoul
d
drawupapl anwr i
tenow.Myf avorit
ecouplewill
givemecapitalaft
erall.Letmegonow.Ihavet o
makeapr oposalforthem whent heyComeback.
Byeguysenjoy.IloveYou' l
l.
"Shesai dkissi
ngour
cheeksbeforerunni
ngaway.Wel aughedather

Aya:
"Ilovethatgi
rl
.Sheissoener
get
ic.
"Wewer
e
st
il
llaughingwalki
ngin.

Me:
"t
hatmakest
hebot
hofus.
"Wedi
dever
ythi
ng
t
hatweneededtodo.Ourf
li
ghtwascal
ledandwe
wentt
othepri
vat
ejet.

Aya:
"thi
sist
hefi
rstt
imethatI'
mfl
ying.I
'm so
exci
ted.
"Shesai
dlooki
ngoutsi
det
hewi ndow.

Youseethat
'
sthesmileIl
ikeseei
ngeveryday.Il
ike
i
twhensheissmili
ng.I
'm happyt
hatshehas
for
got
tenaboutt
hebabyissue.

Atl
eastt
hismi
nihol
idaywi
llbegr
eatf
orher
.

Fewhour sl
aterwewereal
readyi
nPari
sitwas
midnight
.Wedi dwhatwehadtodoandwalked
outsi
detoourdriver
.

Hetookusst
rai
ghttot
heHotel
.Wecheckedi
nthey
gaveusourr
oom numberandkeys.
Aya:"Aahhhhcan' tbel i
eveI'minPar i
s.Imeanl i
ke
guysl ookatt her oom.I '
m nott alkingkeaboutt he
balconyl ookatt hevi ew.Lemmeshowyou' llwer eI
willbesl eeping.Sesof tbed.imnt akabawo.Her e'
s
thebat hroom.Lookatt hebatht ubf or2.Allthanks
tothel oveofmyl ife.Thef at
herofmychi l
dren.My
husbandIl ovethismanguyshi smyever ything.I
wonderwhat sthemot i
vebehi ndt hisvacati
on.I
l
oveyoubaby. "Shewasl iveatI nstagram.Goi ng
aroundt her oom.Shehadsomanyvi ewsasal ways.
Ikissedher .

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"Isai
dsmi
li
ngather
.

Shest
oppedbeingl
iveandl
oggedout
.Shecamet
o
meandkissedme.

Me:
"fi
rstsexsessi
oni
ntheci
tyofl
ove.
"She
smi
rked.
Wehadsext hewholenight
.Thet hi
ngIl
oveabout
herpr
egnancy.Herappeti
teforsex.

Thef
ollowi
ngdaywewentshoppi ng.Shetookme
fr
om shoptoshopitwasli
kesheisnotpregnant
.
Woman.ButIenjoyedever
ysecondofit.

Lat
eronthatdaywewenttothehotelandsl
ept
.At
10pm wewokeupt ookabat
h,l
oti
onedandwore
ourmatchi
ngclot
hes.

I'
mt aki
nghert
otheEif
felt
ower.Sheissoexci
ted.
AndI '
m goi
ngt
oproposeatmidnightonher
bir
thday.

Her:
"babymakei tf
astIwanttogoalr
eady."I
twas
15mi nutesto11pm.TheEiff
elt
owerisbeauti
fulat
ni
ghtt hat'
swhyI'
m proposi
ngatmidni
ght.
Me:
"al
ldonelet
'sgo."Itwasa15mi
nut
edr
ivef
rom
t
hehotelt
otheEif
feltower.

Wegott her
eandhadat ourther
ewasal soa
camer aman.Itol
dAyat oleaveherphoneandshe
did.Itwas1minuteto12.Wewer est
andingt
her
e
havingnonalcohol
icbeverages.

Iwasbecomingsweaty.Shewasl
ooki
ngatt
he
Ei
ffelt
owerandIwanton1kneeastheti
me
st
ri
cked12.

Her:
"babycanyo..
."Shesaidlooki
ngatmeandI
hadthe18ktrosegoldengagementri
nginmyhand.
Shewascr yi
ng.

Me:"
Ican'
timaginegrowingoldwithanyoneel
se,
nordoIwantto.Iknowyou' r
etheonlyoneIwantto
shar
etherestofmyl i
fewith.Thestor
yofourl
ove
i
sonlybeginni
ng.Let'
swr i
teourownhappyending.
Therearemanywayst
obehappyi
nthi
sli
fe,
butal
l
Ireal
lyneedi
syou.
WhenIlooki nt
oyoureyes, Icanseear efl
ectionof
thetwoofusandt heli
feIhopewe' l
lsharetogether.
Iknowmyl ifewil
lneverbecompl etewithoutyou
besidemet oshareit.WhenIl ooki ntomyhear t
,I
seeonlyyou.Ipromi seyou, noonewi l
lworkhar der
tomakeyouhappyorcher i
shyoumor ethanme.
WhenIt hi
nkaboutyou, Iknowt hatnooneel sewill
everhol
dmyhear tthewayyoudo.Canpl ease
makemet hehappi estmanal i
veandmar r
yme. "
Shewascr yingandIwasal socr ying.Thecamer a
manwasr ecordingeverything.

Her:
"yes,yesIwil
lmar
ryyou.
"It
ookoft
heol
dri
ng
andslippedint
henewone.

Me:
"andhappybi
rt
hdaybyt
heway.
"

Her
:"
bestbi
rt
hdayever
."Shesai
dki
ssi
ngme.
Us:
"Il
oveyou.AndIwi
llal
waysl
oveyou.
"Wesai
d
t
hroughtheki
ss.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted

TheendofSi
ya'
slovest
ory .
65
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Di
dIt
ellyou'
l
lthatIhavet
hebesthusband/
fiance.

INeverreal
lyexpect
edhimt
odosuchat hi
ng.I
thoughtwewer ej
ustgoi
ngt
ogetmarr
ied.

Buthethoughtot
herwise.Hewant
edt
opr
oposet
o
mefir
stsinceheneverdidatf
ir
st.

Heisthebest
.Ineverthoughthehaditi
nhi
m.I
t
wasthebestbi
rthdayever.Ever
yonewaswi
shi
ng
meahappybi r
thday.

Wewentbackhomeont
he30t
h.

Thedaybef
orehisbir
thday.Iwi
lldosomet
hingf
or
hi
m.It'
shi
sbir
thday.Iwakeupandhei sst
il
l
sl
eepi
ng.
Idomydai lyrout
ine.WoremyLenaAnkar
ainfi
nit
y
dress.Idon'
twearjeansanymor
eI'
m sobig.

Iworemypushsfrom Gucci
.Icompmyf
ade.Wel
l
I'
m aweaveandshorthai
rperson.

Ihavealotofworktodot
oday.Aweavewi l
l
suff
ocateme.Icompedmyhairandroughenitup
wit
ht het
ennisr
acket.

Iappl
ymyredli
psti
ck.Wor
emydiamondearri
ngs
andmyneckl
ace.Remembert
heonesiyaonce
boughtme?

Yeahist
il
lwearitheal
sowearshi
sbr
acel
et.Idon'
t
thi
nkIwi
lleverst
opweari
ngit
.Itr
emi
ndsmeoft he
dayswefir
stmet.

Ipr
efert
hatneckl
acet
hant
hedi
amondr
ing.That
neckl
acei
saspeci
alsymbolofourl
ove.

Iworemywat ch.Tookmybagwit
hmywalletand
carkeys.Iki
ssedmybabybef
oreget
ti
ngout.

Idrovetorest
aur
ant
.Wer
ethesur
pri
separ
tywi
ll
takeplace.

That
'swhyIhavebeenj
umpyt
hesepastf
ewdays.

Rir
iwassendingpeople'
saroundtodot
he
decor
ati
ons.I
fIcansayt hepart
ywil
lbegr
eat
.The
decor
ateisgr
eatifIcansayso.

Me:
"awusebusychomi
ie(
yourbusyf
ri
end)
"

Ri
ri
:"
I'
m doi
ngt
hef
ini
shi
ngt
ouchesmzl
."Inodded.
Iwalkedt
otheki
tchenandt
herestofourf
ri
ends
werether
e.Wel
lweallnowwhowascookingfort
he
par
ty.

Me:
"ngenigi
rlesukePari
s(thegirlt
hatcomesback
f
rom Pari
sishere.
)"Thegir
lsscreamedandcame
t
ohugme.Il aughed.Iwenttohugt hegent
s.

TT:
"Ihopeyoudi
dn'
ttel
lSi
yaaboutt
his.
"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
t.Idi
dn'twi
shhim ahappybi
rt
hday.Il
eft
t
hehousewithhim st
il
lasl
eep.
"

Them:
"good.
"

Me:
"nyoko.
"Wel
aughed

Cage:
"ever
ythi
ngi
sset
.Theal
coholi
sher
eenough
forever
yone.Aya'
snonalcohol
icbeveragesar
e
here.WejustneedtheMainper
son."Inodded.

Me:
"who'
sgoi
ngt
ocal
lhi
m."Theyl
ookedatme.

Me:"
butIpl
annedever
ythi
ng.Ican'
tbet
heone
cal
li
nghim.
"

Them:"whohasadi
amondr
ingonherf
ingerf
rom
Si
lencer.
"

Me:
"ngunyoko.
"Theyl
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Iwokeupandt hebedwascold.Iopenedmyeyes
andmywife/
fiancewasn'
tnexttome.

Iwonderwer
esheis.Shehasbeenjumpyt
hese
daysmaybeshehasanewboyfriend.

Whoknows.Isweari
fshedoes.Iwi
llki
llt
hatsonof
abi
tch.AndseewhatIwi
lldowit
hmywi f
e.

I'
m apersonwhoyoucan'tpl
aywithanymore.I
reachoutformyphoneandreal
izethati
t'
smy
birt
hday.

Wow.Justwow.Iyakhul
idyani.ButIf
rownassoon
asIfi
ndoutt
hatnobodywi shedmeahappy
bi
rt
hday.

Notevenmywife.Thi
sisthewor
stdayever
.Iwoke
t
ooka5mi nut
eshower .
Lot
ionedt
hanworemysweat
pant
s.Iwast
opl
ess.I
l
ookedatmytat
too.

Onmyar mthatiswrit
ten'
reasonstoli
vegi
ve
reasonst
odie'
.Ihavetogobackt her
etohavemy
Wife'
snameandchi l
dren'
snames.

Iknowt hewifepar
tifcr
azy.Whati
fsheleavesme?
.
WellIdon'tcar
easlongasIhadthechanceto
experi
ence.

TheloveIgotf
rom her
.Idon'
thaveapr
obl
em.I
'
m
st
il
ldoingthet
att
oo.

Iwalkeddownst air
s.Shedi
dn'tevenmakeme
breakf
ast.I'
m goingtofi
ndthatboyfr
iendofher
s
andkillhi
mi nfr
ontofher.
Womansomet i
mes.Imadeeggsandbaconf or
mysel
f.Iwentt
otheloungeandwatchedhi
ghli
ght
s.
Dr
inki
ngRemyMar t
inandeating.

Ipl
acedtheplat
eonthecoff
eet
abl
eonceIwas
done.Andconti
nueddr
inki
ngmywhiskey.

Lat
eronaround6Iwasstil
lsit
ti
ngatthelounge
pl
ayingFI
FAbasical
lycr
eati
ngaplayerformyself
.

Ayamthandaistest
ingmenow.WhenIwasabout
t
ocallher.Igotacallf
rom t
hebusi
nessphone.

Thehot
elmanagerwascal
li
ngme.

Me:
"Thabo.
"

Hi
m:"
eveni
ngsi
r.Ical
ledt
oinf
orm yout
hatt
he
pipesatt
hehot
elhasBurst
.Yourbossladydoesn'
t
knowwhattodoshesaidIshoul
dinfor
m you."

Me:
"whydon'
tyoucal
ltheplumbermen.
"Iwasn'
tin
t
hemood.Thi
sistheworstdayever
.

Him:
"wedi
dbutcoul
dn'
tgetahol
doft
hem pl
ease
comesi
r.
"Isi
ghed

Me:
"I'
M onmyway.
"Idi
sconnect
edt
hecal
land
j
oggedupst
air
s.

Iwor emyblackvest
.Joggeddownst
air
s.Tookmy
carkeys,
phone'sandwall
et.

Idrovet
othehotelandmywi
fewaswai
ti
ngf
orme
sexyaseverwi
thherbigt
ummy.
IwishIcouldfeastonherr
ightnow.ButIhavea
businesst
ot akecareof
.Shewaspacingupand
down.

Igott
oher
.

Her
:"
goodthi
ngyourher
eIal
mostthoughtyou
wer
enotcoming.Come.
"Shepul
ledme.

Notevenaki ss.Notevenahowareyou.Sheis
di
fferent
lycheati
ng.AndI'
m goi
ngtofi
ndthat
bastardwhot hi
nkshecantakemypregnantwif
e.

Shepul
ledmeandt
hepl
acewasdar
k.

Me:
"di
dn'
tyoupayf
ort
heel
ect
ri
cit
ybi
ll
."

Her
:"
itmusthavesl
i
ppedmymi
nd.
"
Me:
"yooh.Everyt
hingseemst
ohavesl
ippedyour
mi
ndt hesedays.
"

Shecont
inuedpul
li
ng.Thanwest
oodst
il
l.

Me:"
haimar nnton'
gkusamafunuyolal
aumna
(
whyar ewest andi
ngIwantt
osleep.
)"Shej
ust
wentquiet
.

Me:
"ndadi
kwakemna.
..
.(I
'
m get
ti
ngi
rr
it
at.
.)
"

:
"Sur
pri
se"t
hel
ight
swenton.

Everyonewasst
andingthere.Thepeopl
ethatwor
k
forme.Myf ami
lyandfr
iendseveryoneIknow.My
motheralso.
Il
ookedatmywomanwhowassmi
li
ng.Ihugged
herandki
ssedher
.

Cr
owd:"
asoze(never
)"wel
aughed.t
heysangHappy
bi
rt
hdayforme.

Iwastakent
ositatt
hef
rontatachai
rforki
ng'
s.As
cr
ustyasIwas

Speecheswer
emade.AndIgotpr esents.Mywi
fe
boughtme5diff
erentki
ndsofcuff
st hatar
ewri
tt
en
SP,setofwat
chesfrom Par
isandcologne.

Mywi
fei
sver
ysneaky.Shedeser
vesanOscar
.

Mymoodwentf
rom 0.
00-100.t
hedaywentonandI
wasenj
oyi
ngmyday.Iwassitt
ingwi
thmywifeand
mybro'
s.
Me:"
thankyouf
orthesurpr
isepart
yguys."
Ever
yonewasenjoyi
ngthemselvesdr
inki
ngandal
l.

Them:
"i
twasyourfiance'
sideaal
lthankst
oher
."I
l
ookedatmypregnantwife.

Me:
"t
hankyoubaby.
"Isai
dki
ssi
ngher
.

Her:
"Iwi
lldoanyt
hingt
oseeyousmi
lemyl
ove.
"We
ki
ssed.

Theot
her
:"
ngunyoko.
"

Wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
66
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Itwaslitever
yonewasget t
ingwast
edexpectmeof
course.Icoul
dn'tcar
eless.

Siya:
"thi
sist
hebestpart
yeverbabyyoushoul
ddo
thisever
yeveryyear
."

Them:
"yessheshoul
d."
Me:
"def
ini
tel
ywi
llguys.
"

Mxoli
si:
"ngowphikengokumtuwam kwababay2?
(Whoam Idati
ngbetweentheset
wo)"hesai
d
poi
nti
ngatmeandAyabonga.

Iwasl
ostkengoku.Theal
coholwast
alki
ngnow.

Ayabonga:
"nj
aniungamazimf
azi
wakho(
howcan
younotnowyourwi f
e)"

Us:
"mf
azi(
wif
e)"t
heywer
eal
ldr
unk.

Kuzophuminyanizondwangoku( thetr
uthwil
lget
reveal
ednow.)Ihavebeensuspi
ciousofthem butI
neverpai
dattent
ion.Whataperf
ecttimetoask
them t
hetrut
h.
AyabongaandMxol
isi
:"
wear
emar
ri
ed.
"Theysai
d
l
aughing.

Mxol
isishowedushisr
ingandAyabongat
ookout
t
heri
nghangingintheneckl
acesheal
wayswear
s.

Weal
lgasped.

Us:
"nakwazufi
hlasham butcongrat
ulat
ions(
you
canhidthi
ngsbutcongr
atulat
ions)"

Iwillaskwhenever
yoneissober.Iknowt hatt
hey
wi
llbeshocked.I
t'
sjustt
healcoholtal
kingnow.

Lat
eronweal
lwentt
othepent
houseupst
air
s.I
t
has9bedr
ooms.

Meandmyhusbandchoset
heMai
nbedr
oom of
cour
se.Ever
yoneel
sechoset
hei
rrooms.

Iwokebeforeeveryoneel
seandwentt
okit
chen.I
prepar
edstrongcoffeef
orever
yonemadea
farmhousebreakf
ast.

Setthetabl
e.It
ookabi
gspoonandapot
.Iwi
llnot
getboredumna.

Ipassedbyever
yroom.Hi
tt
ingt
het
hepotwi
tht
he
spoonshout
ing.

Me:
"Vukani,
Vukani(
wakeup,
wakeup)
"Ihear
d
t
hem al
lgroani
ng.

Them:"kayori
de.
ipi
piAyayekungxol
aapha(
go
ri
deadi ckAyaandstopmakinganoi
se)
"I
cont
inueddoingwhatIwasdoing.
Them:"f
ineweareup"Il
aughed.Andwalkedback
tothedinni
ngroom.Iwentt
othekit
chenandmade
5noodlesformysel
f.

Aft
er30mi
nut
est
heyal
lcameoutandsatont
he
t
able.

Them:
"Ineedst
rongcof
fee.
"

Me:
"t
her
e'scof
fee"

Them:"
yousuchadarl
ing.
"Theydr
ankthei
rcof
fee
whil
eeati
ng.Wewerehavi
ngfunasalways
di
scussi
ngthepar
ty.

Si
ya:
"pl
easet
akemebackt
oyest
erday.
"

Us:
"br
o"
SnakesandZi
mi:
"cansomeonet
aket
hehandsof
ti
meback."

Us:
"ndakbet
hal
oveconnect
ion"wel
aughed.

Cage:
"Ri
riawudi
kwakukabamatye?(Ri
ridon'
tyou
gett
ir
edofkicki
ngst
ones)"wel
aughed.

Rir
i:
"IknowI'm nott
heonl
yone.
"Hesaidsingi
ng
andlookingatAyabongaandMxol
isi
.Laughed

Cage:
"If
orgotaboutt
heset
wo.Ithoughttheywer
e
dat
ing.
"ThanIrememberedaboutyest
erday

Me:"heeusathitheyaredati
ngtheyaremar r
ied
bhabha(youst i
llsaytheyaredat
ingtheyare
married)
"theyalllookedatmeshockedand
AyabongaandMxol isiwer
etheshockest.I
fthat
'sa
wor
d.

Them:
"what?
?"

Me:"yekaniutywalaguysi t
hanikuMambermaka
nyusisandl asakheAyabongaakhupheneckl ace
yakhe.Tywal asoyint
angayenuni kuphakwanto
(l
eaveal coholguys.SaytoMambert hathemustli
ft
hishandupandAyabongamustt akeofher
necklace.Alcoholisnotforyou.You'l
ltal
kedabout
everythi
ng.)"Isai
dclicki
ngmyhands.

Thei
rmouthswer
ehangi
ng.AyabongaandMxol
isi
werel
ooki
ngdown.

Il
aughedandst
oodupt
ogoandmakemysel
f
gr
eentea.

Ri
ri
:"
tel
lismei
t'
snott
rue.
"Theygavet
hem
quest
ioni
ngf
aces

Me:"sanundenzixoliguysxel
aninyani(
don'
tmake
meal iarguys.Tel
lthem t
hetrut
h.)
"Iwaslaughi
ng
al
lthisti
me.

Theguys:
"hai
nil
eponi
"

Mxol
isi
:"
fi
newearemarr
iedguysst
opmaki
ngi
ta
bi
gdeal.
"Weal
lgasped.

Zimi,
AyolaandLeJoy:
"haii
nenenakwazuf
ihl
a(no,
tr
ulyyoucanhide)
"

Me:"whyareyouallshockedwhenyou'
l
lwer
eli
ke
congrat
ulat
ions.
"Isaidl
aughi
ng

Si
ya:
"I
'm neverdr
inki
ngagai
n."
Theot
her
s:"
met
oo.
"

Ayabonga:
"especi
all
yme.
"Wel
aughed.

Me:
"butwhydi
dyouhi
ditguys.
"

Them:
"Vusumzi
."Weal
lnodded.

Us:
"butcongr
atul
ati
onsguys.
"Wesai
dhuggi
ng
t
hem.

Them:
"t
hankyou"t
heysai
dsmi
li
ng.

TT:"
haiyi
mfi
hleloyobom mtakabawo(
it
'sasecret
forl
if
e)"webursti
ntolaugher
.Wewereevencryi
ng.
Us:"
it
hininal
ento.Leyoyi
mfihlel
oyobom (what
doesthisthi
ngsay.It'
sasecretforli
fe.
)"We
l
aughedmor e.Iwasevenont hef l
oor.

Thando:
"mxm nadi
kani
na(
youguysar
eannoyi
ng)
"
welaughed.

Us:
"semnci
ncikengoku(
yousmal
l)
"shef
rowned
andwelaughed.

Tai
lor
:"
ngunyokokowam umtu(
notatmyper
son)
"
welaughedandt
heyki
ssed.

Me:"
haihaihaingumtanaloTail
or,
mzlsukaapho
zokugi
nya(no,no, not
hisisachil
dtai
lor
,cuzhe
wil
lswal
lowyou)"theylaughed.

Snakes:
"t
ch.
"Wel
aughed.Thandohi
dherf
aceon
tai
lor
schest
.
Tail
or:
"ni
menzashyguysoohmtuwam (youmaki
ng
hershy.)
"Hesai
dkissi
ngherf
orehead.

Us:
"ncoo.
"

LeJoy:
"t
hat
hit
ipsbaby(
taket
ipsbaby.
)"We
l
aughed.

TT:
"masi
yebed.
inimyl
ove(
let
'sgot
othebed)
"

Us:
"kunyakwenu(
youar
eshi
tt
ingwi
thus)
"we
l
aughed.

Weenj oyedt
herestoft
hedaytoget
her.ImustsayI
enjoyedmyday.Therei
sneveradulldaywi
thmy
fr
iends.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
67
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Iti
snowmi dAugustmeani
ngI
'
m 8mont
hs
pregnant
.

Onl
yonemont hleftbef
oreIpopthebabi
esout
.I
st
il
lhaven'
tchosentosavemylif
eormybabies
Thatal
oneisstr
essi
ngme.Si
yahasbeenavoi
ding
thet
opiceversi
nce.

AndIwon'tpressur
ehiminanythi
ng.Ist
il
lcan'
t
bel
ieveI'
m supposetochoosebet
weenmyselfand
mychildr
en.

That'
sbull.Tot
all
ybull
.Butwecanneverchange
ourFates.Ihavebondedwit
hmykidsandnowt hat
wehavet ochooseithurt
ssobad.

Ijustwi
sht
hingsdon'
tgothatway.Ij
ustwi
shal
l
the3ofuscanleavef
orever
.

Especial
lySiyahewon'
tbeabl
etol
eavewit
hme
nei
therdoeshewanttoloosehi
ski
ds.Hehasbeen
bondingwiththem.
It
ooka6mont
hsl
eave.Si
yamademet
aket
he
l
eave.

Hewasl i
ke'younotgoingt
owor kwhati
fyougive
bir
ththereneit
herareyougoingouti
fyouneed
somethingcallme.Ial
sohir
edmai dtohel
paround
thehouse.'

ButIgetwher
ehei
scomi
ngf
rom.I
'
m huggert
han
awhale.

Iwokesinceihadcr
umps.Igotupwithmyswol
len
feet
.Itwashardt
ogett
othebathroom.

Igott
her
eandsatonthet
oil
etsi
t.Iur
inef
oral
ong
ti
me.Oneoft
hethi
ngsIhat
e.

Ir
anawarm bat
hf ormyself
.Igoti
nandr el
axed.I
wast
enseaboutthisday.Meani
ngthatsomething
i
sgoi
ngt
ohappen.

Ial
waysgett
ensewhensomet
hingbadi
sgoi
ngt
o
happen.

Thedoorf
lewopenandSi
yagoti
n.Hewasn'
tin
bedwhenIwokeup.

Si
ya:
"heyyouwokeupl
ate.
"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tevencheckt
het
ime.What
'st
het
ime?
"

Siya:
"f
ati
guei
spartoft
hepregnancyremember
.
Andit'
s3pm now.Iwaswor
riedaboutyou.
"He
camet oki
ssmeforalongt
ime.

Me:
"I
'mf
inemyl
ove.I
'm st
rongasanox
r
emember.
"Wel
aughed.
Him:
"yesyouar
e.Makei
tqui
ckImadel
asagnaf
or
you.
"

Me:
"Iwascr
avi
ngf
ort
hatj
ustyest
erday.
"

Him:"
comedownandeatthan.
"Inodded.He
hel
pedmetogetoutoft
hebathtub.

Hewal kedout
.Iloti
onedandwor emyunder
wear
exceptformybra.Iwr appedat
owelar
oundmy
bodysinceIwasf eel
inghot.

Iwalkeddownst
air
swi t
ht hehel
poftherai
li
ngs.I
gotdownandwentt ositatthel
ounge.

Si
yawast
her
e.
Me:
"Chr
ist
ina!
!"That
'smymai
d

Siya:
"sunxol
aklkbabyndimamele(
don'tmakea
noisebabyI'
ml i
steni
ng)
"hesai
dfocusedonthet
v
watchingsoccer
.

Me:
"hehake.
"

Him:"
ndibej
il
eklkapha(
Imadeabet
)"Ishookmy
head.Chr
ist
inacame.

Her
:"
sis'
Aya.
"

Me:"canyoupl
easebringmemyl asagnaandacup
ofgreenteapl
ease"shenoddedandwalkedtot
he
ki
tchen.

Me:
"whoyoudi
dbetwi
th.
"
Hi
m:"
Cage.100k100k.
"

Me:
"youl
ovemoney.
"

Hi
m:"
notmor
ethanyouofcour
se.
"Igi
ggl
ed.

Chr
ist
inacamewi
thmyf
ood.

Me:"
thankyousweet
ie.
"Shenoddedandwentt
odo
herwork.

Ipl
acedmyf
oodont
opofmyst
omachandst
art
ed
eat
ing.

Siya:
"ngunyoko.Andinamal
i umnaMandicimekwa
phoneleyo( Idon'
thavemoneyl emmeswi
tchofmy
phone)"Ilaughedcausehelost.Heal
soswit
ched
of
fhi
sphone.

Myphoner
angandi
twasCage.

Me:"
nankuephone.
aaphaKum (
hei
scal
li
ngme.
)"I
sai
dlaughi
ng.

Siya:
"f
akalophonekufl
ightmodebaby(swi
tch
yourcell
phonet
ofli
ghtmode)"il
aughedanddi
d
whathesaidImustdo.

Me:"
uzayf
unau'
Cagemali
yakheqa(
cagewi
llwant
hi
smoney)"wel
aughed

Siya:
"monthend.Ornextweeknge20.
"Ishookmy
head.If
eltasharppai
ninmyabdomen.

Me:
"ahhhh"hequi
ckl
yjumpedt
ome.
Si
ya:
"what
'swr
ongbabe?
"Heaskedpani
cki
ng.

Me:"myabdomeni ssor
ecallt
heambulance."He
reachedoutforhi
sbusi
nessphoneandcalledthe
ambul ance.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Vusumzi
Thi
sisthe8thi
fnot9t
hmont
hmeani
ngt
hatAya
wil
lgi
vebir
thanyt
ime.

Ihaveboysguar
dingtheirhouseandtheyt
oldme
theysawanAmbul anceapproachi
ng.
Thatmeansthati
t'
sti
metoworkoutmypl
an.Isai
d
totheboyst
heymuststopi
t.

Idr
ivequi
ckl
ytowher
etheysayt
heyar
e.

Par
amedics:
"wedon'
thavemoney.Pl
easedon'
tki
ll
us.
"Il
aughed.

Me: "
Idon'twantmoney.Al lIneedyout odoi stell
thecouplethatyouar egoingtonowt hattheyhave
tochoosebet weent hebabiesorthemot her .Ifthey
choosethebabi esmakesur et
hatthemot herget s
kil
led.I
ftheychooset hewi f
ekil
lthechi l
dr en.Idon't
wantanymi st
akes.Ifyoudon'tdoasIsay.
Ncncncncyourl iveswil
lbeal eavi
nghel l.Iwi l
l
hauntyouandmakesur eyouhaveasl owpai nf
ul
death.DoasIsayandnot hingwi l
lhappen.Youwi l
l
gethalfami ll
ioneachonest hejobisdone. "They
noddedwi thfear."Nowbringyourselvest ogether
anddoasIsay"t
heynodded.

Iwal
kedbacktomycarbutf
ir
stpl
acedsomet
hing
i
nthewheels.

Ismi
lebef
oregoi
ngaway.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Theparamedi
csgotinwithastret
cher
.Ayawas
l
yingonthecouchscreaming.

Iplacedawarm cl
othonherf
aceandswi
tchedon
thefanforher
.Shewassweati
ng.
Thepar
amedi
csdi
dthei
rthi
ngs.

¹ofthem:"sheisabouttogi
vebirt
h.Butonly1can
survive.I
t'
seithert
hetwinsorthemother.Youhave
tochoosesi r.
"Mywi f
ewascr yi
ngsowasI .Never
thoughtthisdaywouldcome.

Me:
"howcanIchoosebet
weenmywi
feandki
ds?
"

Him:"
youhavet
osi
roryouwil
lloosethethreeof
them.
"Iburi
edmyf
aceinhandswhilepacingup
anddown.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
68
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa.
Iwasst
il
llyi
ngtherehelpl
ess.Thewor
dsoft
he
par
amedicskeptri
nginginmyhead.

Me:
"choosethe..ki
dsbaby.Iwi
llal
waysbewit
h..
.
Youspiri
tualt
oguideyou.
"Heshookhishead.

Siya:
"noI
'
m notl
oosi
nganyonet
rustmeI
'
m not,
that'
sapromi
se.
"

Me:"
butbaby..
..youcan'
t..
..
.youhavet
omake.
..
.a
deci
sionj
ustchoosethem."
Si
ya:
"AyamthandaIsai
dI'm notl
oosi
nganyone.
"he
wasl
oosinghistempernow.

Par
amedi
c:"
butsi
..
..
"

Siya:
"st
optal
kingbullher
e.Isai
dI'
m notl
oosi
ng
anyoneyouwillsee.
"Hesnapped.

Me: "
babywer unn...
.i
ngoutoftimemywa. ..
terwi
ll
breakanyt i
mef r
om now.Please..
.choosethem.
Andpl easetakecar eofmychi l
dren.AndDon't
forgetthatIloveyouoka...
.y.AndIwi l
lal
waysbea
partof...
..
thef amil
yitmightnotbephysicall
y
present...
..
butIwi l
lbespir
itual
.Pleasechoose
them."Isaidcr ying

Siya:
"il
oveyout oobabybutpl
easehanginther
e
I'
m notl
oosinganyonethat'
sapromi
se."Ij
ust
sobbedloudlyt
hroughpain.
Si
ya:"
pleaset
akehert
othehospi
tal
."Theynodded.
Theyplacedmeonthest
ret
cher.

Justt
hanmywat
erbr
oke.

Me:
"aaah"

Them:
"wehavetot
akehertothehospi
talfast
."
Theyl
it
eral
lyr
anwi
thmet otheambulance.

Si
ya:
"I
'M comingf
oryoumyl
ovehangi
nther
e."He
wasgoingtousehi
scar.

Wedroveofwitht
heAmbulancef
astasexpect
ed.
NextIf
eelt
hecargetupabit
.Morel
ikeajumpthan
Iseefl
amesthan'
boom't
heambulancebombed.

Me:
"Si
ya!
!!
"
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Iwasdr
ivi
ngwi
tht
heambul
ancei
nfr
ont
.Nextt
hing
i
tbombs.

Me:
"Aya!
!!
!!
"Ist
oppedthecarandrant
othef
laming
ambul
ance.Iwi
llnotl
oosemywifeandki
dsnever.

Shewil
ldi
ewhenshehasgr eyhai
randhasseen
hergr
andchi
ldr
en.Nott
odaynotever
.Ican'
tloose
mywife

Igott
her
eandopenedt
hebackDoor
.Notcar
ingi
fI
getbur
ntornot
.

Ayawasunconsciousl
ysl
eepi
ngt
her
ehelpl
essl
y.I
t
ookherr
eal
lyquickandwentt
omycar.

Shewasst
illi
nmyar ms.Butshehadbl
ackmar
ks
onherwhi
tesoftski
n.Sheal
sohadbrui
ses.

Thedri
vetot
hehospit
alisl
ongwhenIgotther
e.I
pi
ckedherupwit
houtevenchecki
ngi
tthehand
brakei
sdown.

Thenursesapproachedmewithawheelchair
.They
tookherandIsatatthewai
ti
ngareaaf
tergivi
ngin
herinf
ormati
ontocreateanewfi
le.

Iwakedoutsi
detocheckont
hecar.Il
ockeditI
walkedbacki
n.Ii
nfor
medeveryoneaboutwhat
happened.
Ihaveneverbeensoweakeveri
nmyl i
fe.Ij
ust
hopethatmyWi f
ewil
lli
veandcan'
tli
vewithouther
.

Sheismysoul,ot
herhal
f,myever
ythi
ng.Wi
thout
herI
'
m not
hing.Ij
ustneedhert
owakeupf r
om t
hat
bed.

Iwon'tbeabletol
ivewit
houther.Shehast
owake
up.Isaidcr
yingburyi
ngmyf aceinmyhands.

Whoeverbombedt
hatambul
ance.Hesur
elyhasa
pr
icet
opay.

Noonemesseswit
hmyli
feandl
ivest
otel
lthet
ale.
Imeannoone.NOONE.

Justt
hanmyf
ri
endscamei
nrunni
ng.Theycamet
o
me.
Ayabonga:
"whereismysi
sterwhathappenedt
oher
?"Shesaidshakingt
hedeadme.Theywer eal
l
cr
ying.

Tai
lor
:"
whathappenedman.
"It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Me:"
shewasinLabourt
heparamedicscame.They
t
oldusthesamethi
ngthedoctort
old.
..
"

Them:
"whi
chi
swhat
."

Me:"t
hatIhad..
.Ihadt ochoosebetweenthetwins
andAyaonl yonewi l
lli
ve."Theygasped"t
heysaidI
mustchooseandAyasai dImustchoosethet
wi ns.
Itol
dherIwon'tlooseanyone.Isaidtothe
paramedicstotakehertohospital
.Asthe
ambulancewasdr ivi
ngf asti
tbombed."
Them:
"what
?"Inoddedwi
tht
ear
sinmyeyes.They
al
socr
iedmore.

Thegi
rls:
"yooooh"t
heysai
dsobbi
ngi
nthei
rman'
s
arms.

Ayabongaevenfaint
ed.Wegasped.Herhusband
t
ookherandr antothenur
ses.Thenursest
ookher
wit
hhimf ol
lowi
ngbehind.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
69
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Iwasstil
lpaci
ngupanddowni
nthecor
ri
doroft
he
hospi
tali
nthewait
ingr
oom.

Nodoctornornur
sehascameout
.Justt
hatmor
e
doct
orswentin.

Lethabo:"
I'
m goinginther
e.Ican'
tloosemybest
fr
iend."Shesaidcryi
ng.

ShethangaveTTt
het
hingsshewashol
dingand
ran.

TT:"
babyyouknowtheywon'
tall
owyouinthere.
Theywil
lsayyouar
et oemot
ionalf
ort
hiscase."

Let
habo:
"youneverknowunl
essyout
ry"shesai
d
yel
li
ngf
rom t
hef
arendatt
heCor
ner
.

Aft
eraf ewsecondsshecamewear
ingt
he
operat
ioncl
othes.

Me:"
pleasemakesur
eshecomesoutal
ive.
"She
noddedbefor
egoi
ngin.

Ayol
a:"
Lemmegobuysomethi
ngtoeat
.Doguys
per
hapswantsomet
hing?
"Weshookourheads.

Cage:
"l
et'
sgoi
t'
snotsaf
eouther
e."Theywent
away.

Zimi:
"Siyapleasecallwhenyouhavehear
dwhat
happened.Wej ustwantt
ocheckuponAyabonga
andMxol isi
."Inodded.Shewentawaywit
hSnakes
andRi r
i.
Aft
er30minutesorsoAyol
aandCagecameback
j
ustthanLet
habocameout.Weal
lstoodup.

TT:
"whatHappened?i
sshef
ine?
"

Let
habo:"
sor
rytosayt
hisbutshel
ostt
hebabies.
Thebombaffect
edherbrai
nshewasbleedi
ng
i
nside.
..
"

Iswearmyheartwenttost
omachandst opped
beati
ng.Ihel
dmychestwit
honehandandt he
otherwasonmyknees.Iwascr
ying.If
eltmy
oxygenleavi
ngmyl
ungs.

Me:
"what
?"Thatcameoutasawhi
sper
.

Let
habo:"
wemanagedt ostopt
hebleedi
ng.Westi
ll
don'
tknowifshewillgetabrai
ndamageornot.We
wil
lhavetowaitunt
ilsheisawake.Shealsobr
oke
af
ewr
ibs.Shei
sinI
CUnow.
"Inoddedvi
rgousl
y

Thando:
"canweseeher
?"

Lethabo:"onlyonepersonatati
me.Thenursesare
sti
llcleaningherup.Iwil
laskoneoft
hem tocome
andf etchyouwhenwear edone.
"Weallnodded.

Shewentinagai
n.TTpul
ledmei
nhi
sembr
ace.I
sobbed.

TT:
"gqi
nandoda(best
rongman)Ayai
saf
ight
er
shewil
lbef
ine.
"

Me:
"Il
ostmyki
ds.Andsheal
mostdi
edbr
a."

Tail
orandCagecametoj
oint
hehugwhi
let
hegi
rl
s
wherecr
yingoutl
oud.
Tai
lor:
"TTisri
ghtmanAyai
saf
ight
ershewi
llwake
upfrom t
his.
"Inodded.

Cage:
"best
rongmanforher
.Shewi
llneedyou
whenshewakesup.
"Inodded

-
weekl
ater
-
Ayahasn'
twokenup.Thateat
smeever
yday.She
i
soutofICUnow.

Justthatshehasn'twokenup.Ican'
tli
vewi
thout
her.I
tisthehardestthi
ngever
.

Ij
usthopet
hatshedoesn'
tgetabr
aindamage
whenshewakesup.I
'm notr
eadyf
orthatshi
t.

I
tcut
sdeepi
nsi
de.Leavi
ngyourhear
tbr
oken.ButI
havet
obest
rongf
orChumani
.

Ij
ustgavehim hi
sf ood.Hesai
dhewi l
leatonhi
s
own.wewillbegoingtothehospi
tal
.

Chumani
:"
tat
am (myf
ather
)"Ismi
led.Il
ikei
twhen
hecal
lsme't
atam'

Me:
"Owam?
"

Chumani:
"soyamamam ngok(
arewegoi
ngt
omy
mothernow? )
"

Me:"
ewei
tyasi
benohamba(
yeseatsot
hatwecan
go)
"

Chumani
:"
okayt
atam"
Chumani:
"uzovukaNini
.Ndam khumbul
aumna
(whenisshewakingup?Imissher)
"hesai
d
fr
owning.

Me:"
namhl
anjebabysuqumbaklk(t
oday,
Don'
tbe
sad)
"hesmil
edandconti
nuedeati
ngMakinga
mess.

Chumani
:"
qibi
le(
I'
m done)
"It
ookhi
m.

Me:"Chr
ist
inapleasecomeandcleanupthemess
Chumanicreatedwear egoi
ngt
ot hehospi
tal
."I
yel
led.

Her
:"
Yessi
r"wewentout
.

Me:
"whi
chcarboy?
"
Chumani
:"
odi-
audi
-"Il
aughed.

Andwentt omyAudiRs3.Ipl
acedhim ont
hesi
t.
Fakisaf
etybel
t.Ij
oggedt
omysi de.

Connectmyphonetother
adi
o.Ipl
ayedi
sgubhu
si
nceitishi
sfavor
it
e.

Hewasjumpingupanddownont
hesi
tenj
oyi
ng
t
hesong.Iwaslaughi
ng.

WhenIwastoparkatt
hehospi
talmyphoner
ang.I
par
kedandansweredt
hecal
l.

Me:
"Si
yamt
handaPl
aat
ji
eshel
lo.
"

:
"Mor
ningsi
rwecall
edt
otel
lyout
hatAyamt
handa
Pl
aat
ji
eshaswokenup.
"
Me:
"okayt
hankyou.
"Idi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.

Me:
"masambenyokovuki
lekwedi
ni(l
et'
sgoyour
mot
herisawake)
"hecl
appedhishands.

Hi
m:"
mom,
mom.
"

Me:"
zobayiMof
fi
ev'
tsek(
youwi
llbegay)
"Il
aughed.
Andhegiggl
ed

Wewal
kedi
nandwentt
oherwar
d.

Me:"
baby."Isai
dasoonasIsawher
.Tear
scame
outofhereyes.

Her:
"wel
ostt
hem t
atabo.
"Il
ookeddownandat
ear
cameoutofmyeye.
Iwenttoher
.Pl
acedChumaniont
hebedand
huggedher.

Me:"
ever
ythi
ngisgonebeal
ri
ght
."Wesobbed.
Chumanij
oinedthehug.

Chumani:
"sankhal
amamam (don'tcr
ymymot
her
)"
welookedhim.Wewipedourt
ears.

Aya:
"asi
khal
ibaby.
"

Hewipedhi
smot
her
st ear
s.Andhuggedher.What
abeaut
if
ulvi
ewt
owatch.Myheartwasatease.

Me:"
everyt
hingi
sgoi
ngt
obeokayal
ri
ght?
"She
nodded.
Aya:
"whenam Iget
ti
ngoutofher
e."

:
"Tommorow"saidLethaboget
ti
ngi
n.Shewas
weari
ngherworkunif
orm.

Aya:
"gr
eat
.Ihat
ehospi
tal
s."Wel
aughed.

Let
habo:
"youwi
llhavet
oat
tendt
her
apysessi
ons.
"

Aya:
"Iwi
llbef
ine.
"Let
habol
ookedatme.

Me:
"Iwi
llmakesur
eshedoes.
"

Aya:
"butI
'
mfi
ne.
"

Lethabo:
"youstil
lhavetot houghwhatyouwent
thr
oughisn'tachildsplay.Youmightgetbrai
n
damage.Itwillbegreatwhenyout al
kaboutit
.
Therapywillhealyou.Pl
easef
ri
end.
"Ayasi
ghed
beforenodding.

Me:
"Iwi
lldot
hebooki
ngs.
"Theynodded.

Let
habo:
"oryoucanbot
hat
tendt
hesessi
ons.
"

MeandAya:
"t
hat
'sf
inebyus.
"

Chumani
:"
Nam (
met
oo)
"wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
70
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
I
t'
shardtogetsomesleepatni
ghtasIal
wayshave
f
leshbacksofwhathappens.

Si
yasaysIshoul
dattendtherapysessi
ons.ButI
al
waysrunawayfrom thatt
opic.

Iwon'
tatt
endthem.Iwi
llhealonmyown.These
fl
eshbacksar
emessingupwi thmybr
ain.

ButIwon'tat
tendther
apysessionst
hosepeopl
e
shr
inkyourmind.Idon'tl
iket
hatonebi
t.
Isti
llcan'
tbeli
evethatIlostmychi
ldr
en.I
t'
sli
ke
thei
rarestil
lal
ive.Cryi
ngoutther
eformetocome
tothem.

Somet
hingdeepinsi
desaystheyar
eal
ivebutI
al
waysbrushawaythatf
eeli
ng.

Buti
t'
shardtobr
ushitof
.It
'sact
ual
lyhar
dtodo
anyt
hingt
hesedays.

I
'm bet
weenar ockandahardplace.Ican'
tevendo
mywi f
eduti
es.Wor separ
tIgaveChrist
inaenough
moneytolastherfor3monthsandfiredher.

I
'
m notpr
egnantanymor
eaf
teral
l.

Ijustpl
acedsoftpor
ridgeonthest
ove.Myhead
waspainful.Oneoft
het hi
ngsIal
waysget
.And
theyarefuckenpai
nful.
Iplacedmyhandsont hehotpotinf
rontofmef or
balance.Icl
osedmyeyestodigestt
hepainin.Igot
fl
eshbacksoft heacci
dent
.

Iheardthebombsounds.Iwasscr
eamingasIsaw
myselft
here.Someonetapedmyshoul
der
vi
gorouslyandcal
li
ngoutmyname.

Ij
ustlosti
tandpur
redthepor
ri
dgeontheperson.I
openedmyeyesonlytoseeSi
ya.I
twasalloverhi
s
barechest
.

Ihel
dmymouthandquickl
ytookacl
oth.Iwentt
o
wipeashewasf
li
nchi
nginpain.

Me:"
sorr
ybaby.Iwasat
otalmi
stake"Isai
dcr
ying
andwipi
nghim.
Hi
m:"hl
ll
ll
llaahhh"hesaidcl
osi
nghi
seyesbi
ti
ng
hi
scheeksi nthei
nside.

Me:
"I
'm sosor
ry.
"Hej
ustnodded.

Iwassti
llwipi
nghim.Igotdone.Iwentt
ot hedeep
fr
eezer
.Itookoutthemixedvegetabl
epackage.I
pl
aceditonhischest.

Hischestwasredluckyitdi
dn'
tmakeanydamages.
WhenIsawt hathi
schesthast ur
nedint
ohisdark
chocol
atecol
ourItookthecoldpackageaway.

Me:"I
'
m sorr
yIjustgotf
ri
ght
enedmymi
ndi
sal
l
overthepl
ace.
"

Siya:
"i
t'
sokaybabyanywayIcameher etoi
nform
yousomethingaboutyourepi
sodes."Inodded
hopinghedoesn'
ttal
kaboutatherapist.
Him:"
wel lIbookedyouinat herapyr
ehabcenterfor
5-6mont hs.Babypleasegetwher eI
'm comingfr
om.
Youwi l
lendupl oosingyourmind.Pleasegothere.
Iknowt heywillhel
pyoudoi tformeandChumani
andalsof oryourhealt
hssake."Inoddedvigor
ously.

Me:"
Iwi l
lgo.
"Henoddedbef
orewi
pingmyt
ear
s
andkissi
ngmyeyes.

Him:
"Iwi
llvi
sityoutwi
ceaweekwi t
hChumani
.I
canonl
ygot heret
wicetoseeyou.
"

Me:
"Iunder
stand"henodded.Weki
ssedf
oraver
y
l
ongti
me.

Me:
"l
emmegopackmybags.
"

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llbedr
ivi
ngyout
her
eint
heeveni
ngt
hen.
"
Weki
ssedf
ort
hel
astt
ime.

Iwentupst
air
s.It
ookmysuit
caseandst
art
ed
packi
ng.Notmyexpensi
vecl
othes.

Ial
sopackedmypi
ll
s.Iwascr
yingal
lthi
sti
me.

Lateronmyhusbandtookmet othether
apycent
er.
Itwasn'
tasbadasIthoughti
tlookedli
ke.I
'
m goi
ng
tohavevacat
ion.

I
talsohasabeauti
fulpooloutsi
de.I
tiscl
ean.
Hygieni
cal
lycl
eani
fIcansay.

Wecheckedi
n.Iwasgi
venmyr
oom keys.

Si
ya:
"Il
oveyouokay.
"
Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo"weki
ssed.

Siya:
"Iwil
lbewai t
ingforyoutoheal .Iknowi twill
behar dbutpleasedoi tf
ormeandChumanibut
mostlyyourself
.Iwillbewait
ingpl easeheal.Ilove
yousomuchandIwi l
lal
waysl oveyou"Inodded.
Hepeckedmyf or
eheadandki ssedmyl ips.

Me:"Iwi
llheal
.Il
oveyout
oo.
"Weki
ssedf
oralong
ti
met hi
stime.AndIwast
akent
omyroom bya
nurse.

Her:
"t
hiswil
lbeyourroom unt
ilyouheal
."Inodded
bef
oregett
ing.Icl
osedthedoor.

Icri
edwhil
esli
ppingdownatt
hedoor.Aft
eran
houror2ofcr
yingIst
oodupandobservedthe
room.
Therewassingl
ebedi tl
ookedfine.Asli
dingdoor
thathadaperf
ectview.Anaircon.Alsoasmal l
desk.Andabuil
d-inwardrobe.Theroom looksfi
ne
tome.

Ij
usthopeIwi
llbeabl
etoheal
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Fort
henextt
woi
nser
ts:t
arget90comment
s
71
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
I
thasbeen2mont hssi
nceIhavebeeninthis
t
herapycent
er.It
akei
tli
keI
'minami nivacat
ion.

I
nthisplacether
e'speaceandIhavebeenenj
oyi
ng
myself
.I'
m heali
ngeachandeveryday.

Thether
apysessi
onsaregr
eat.I
twashardforme
toopenupatfi
rst
.ButImanagedtoopenupabout
ever
ythi
ng.

Ithoughtt
hatitwasabadplacebutneeiti
s
actual
lyagreatpl
acei
thel
psyout ohealand
forgi
ve.

I'
m notsayi
ngthatIhavecomplet
elyheal
edbutI
'
m
gett
ingther
e.I
'
mt akingthepai
nli
keawoman.
Ihavebeengett
ingvisitf
rom mychil
dandSiya
twi
ceaweek.Oneoft hethi
ngsthatpushesmeto
healandgetoutofhere.

2ofthepeopl
eIli
vefor
.Iknowtheyarenotcopyi
ng
wit
houtme.Butsi
yaassuredmehei sabl
eto
manageandhehiredChri
sti
naback.Ist
il
lhaveto
getoutt
hough.

Myfri
endsal
socomeher
etheyal
waysmakemy
day.

ButIwi
llnotputpr
essur
eonmyself.Itwon'
tbe
goodonmyheal t
hasthether
api
stsaysEveryt
ime
wemeetup.

Istoppedgett
ingni
ght
maresandjustzoni
ngout
.I
stoppedthi
nkingmuchaboutt
heaccident
.
WorsepartIsti
llfeelmychi
ldrenspr
esence.Idon'
t
rememberclearlywhathappenedbackthenbut
somethi
ngdef i
nitel
yhappened.

AndIwil
lgett
othebot
tom ofi
twhenI'm out
.Al
so
oneoft
hereasonswhyIneedtogetout.

Iwil
lal
sofi
ndwhobombedt heambul
anceand
tr
ustme.Thatper
sonwi
llsurel
ydi
e.

Theymi
ghtaswel
lconsi
dert
hemsel
vesasdead.

I
'm sti
llt
hinki
ngofwaystoki
llt
hatper
son.Buti
won'tstr
essmyselfnow.

I'
Minthiscent
erf
orareasonand1ofthem i
sto
notst
resssomuch.Solemmestopstr
essing
mysel
f.
Iwasbr oughtbacktoeart
hbysomeonemaki
ng
that'
hli
phlip'soundwit
hher/
hist
ea.

Il
ookedupandi twasJade.Thi
swhiteguymar
a.
Apparent
lyhehadanhorri
bleupbr
ingi
ng.

Hewasseverelyr
apedbyhisaunt.Hewit
nessed
hi
sfat
herkil
li
ngherbrut
all
y.Andthatl
etal
one
madehim gr
ewupt r
aumatized.

Hef uckedmanygir
lshardtoapointwheretheyl
ost
thei
rwombs.Thant heguyheisdatingnow
changedhim.Andsaidhemustcomeher eandheal
thantheywil
lbeabletoconti
nue.

Hecan'tcont
inuehurt
ingwomanl i
ket
hat
,li
kei
t'
s
okay.Andhedecidedtojoi
nther
apycent
er.

Andt
hatguycomest
oseehi
m ever
yday.Theyar
e
i
nlovesham.I
fIcansay.

Me:
"haingunyokoJade.
"Ever
yonel
aughed.

Wewer ej
ustchi
ll
inghavi
ngt
ea.Theyar
ejust
peopl
etochi
llwi
thnothi
ngmuch

Jade:
"butI
'
m enj
oyi
ngi
tthi
sway.
"Hesai
dlaughi
ng.

Gugu:"
goandenj
oyi
tsomewher eelseyou'
re
makinganoi
se.
"Weallwentl
ike't
ch'.

Weconti
nuedchi
ll
inghavi
ngf
un.Theyar
enotbad
peopl
e.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
ya
2whol
emonthsandImissmywif
esomuch.I
t'
s
l
ikemyl
if
ehadbeenputonhol
d.

It
'shardtoadjustt
henewli
fewi
thouther
.Sheis
alwaysallovermymind.Myki
ngsizebediscol
d
withouther.

Ever
ytimeIli
stent
omusicandourfavori
tesongs
'
You&IbyJohnLegend','
Surethi
ngbyMi guel
'and
'
int
oyoubySydneyRanae'playsIj
ustthi
nkabout
ourgreatmomentsandIal
waysshareat ear.

Al
sohavingthebracel
etmakesi
tmoreharder
.That
br
aceletwi
llal
waysbedeartome.Ihavebeen
wear
ingiteversi
ncewestar
teddat
ing.
Whengir
lsthr
owthemselvesonmeIj ustlookati
t
andandrememberthepersonIshar
et hi
slif
etime
wit
h.Mysoulmat
eifIcansayso.

Sheismyweakness.Doyou'l
lknowthatsong'
The
WeaknessinmebyKeishaWhite'
.Makesmeshare
tearever
yti
meIl
ist
entoitandwanthersobad.

Ireal
lysharedbeauti
fulmoment
swi
thher
.It
'sl
ikeI
havelosther.ButIdi
dn't
.

Ont opofthatIhavet
othi
nkaboutChumani
'
s
wel
lbeing.

Ican'
tnegl
ectourson.HeisalsoMyson.Ayat
ook
careofhi
m mostofhisli
fe.I
t'
smytur
nnow.

AndI
'm ki
ndadoingmyjobgr eat
.Iwi
llneverbeli
ke
Ayawhenitcomestoparent
ingbutherteachings
wi
llal
wayswi
thhol
dme.

I'
m sur
eyouallhavebeenwonder
ingwhatI
'
m
doingaboutt
heAmbulancei
ssue.

Maybeyouhaveeventhoughtt
hatIhavel
ett
hings
goandI'
m wait
ingforj
udgementday.

Never
.Ir
epeatNEVER.wi
thacapi
talN.

SoAf t
ertheDecemberst
untVusumzipul
led.I
havebeenwatchinghi
mli
keahawk.

Myteammateshavebeenrepor
ti
ngtomeevery
si
ngledayonwhathedoes.Ial
soknowabouthi
s
deal
ingswi
tht
hedoctor.

Icoul
dseet
hroughhert
hatsomet
hingai
n'tr
ight
.
Alsot
heParamedics.Iwi
lldealwi
tht
hem af
terI
havedeal
twit
htheirl
eader.

Iplayedal
ongtomakehimthi
nkthathehaswon.I
knewIhadt omakeaplanandImadeapl an.You'
ll
wil
lknowwhatIdidonceVusumzii
s8f eetunder.

Haihedeser
vest
obe8f eetundernot6.6i
ssmal
l
f
orhim.HewoketheBeastinmewhenbebombed
t
hefuckenambul
ance.

It
'sbeensi
xdayst
hatIhavehi
ml ockedup.Beat
ing
him andt
ort
uri
nghi
m uptothepulp.

Healwayspleadsmetostop.Buti
t'
sli
kehei
s
sayi
ngthatIshoul
dcont
inue.

Ialwaysdot
hewor
set
ohim.Justi
magi
ningt
he
tr
aumahehasputmyWif
ethr
oughandhermother
andsi
ster
.

Ialwaysi
magineAyabongaandhermot
herpl
ead
forhi
mt ost
opbutheconti
nues.

Hemakesmemor eruthlessandIpuni shhimfor

thefactt
hatmywifeisinat her
apycent erbecause
ofthethi
ngsshewentt hroughallbecauseofhim.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
72
.
.
.
.
.
Si
ya
TodayisthedayI'
m wipi
nghim outoft
hesur
face
ofear
th.ButIwil
lfi
rstgoandvi
sitAya.

Chumanii
sathi
sgr
andmot
her
spl
acehavi
nga
weekendt
her
e.

Ir
oll
edoutofbed.Madethebedasmi l
ecripeson
myfaceasIremembertheunnecessar
yfightsI
al
wayshavewithAyawhenwehavet ofixthebed.

Shewouldbeli
ke:
"Si
yamthandaandiyazinoba
ci
fanbaunemaidwena.xavukemasgqi t
shiuthi
ila
beduyishi
yanabani
i(Si
yamthandaIdon'tknowi f
youthi
nkyouhaveamaidorsomet hing.Whenyou
wakeuplastwhoareyouleavi
ngthebedf or?
)"
AndIwouldbelike:
"l
emmethink.
..LastTi
meI
checkedIhaveawifewhodoeseverythi
ngforme.
"

Her:
"unyer i
ghtt
her
ekengokuyenzal ebedsundi
phambani sa(
youar
eshitt
ingrightt
here.Makethi
s
beddon'tmakemeangr y.
)"ThanIwoul ddoas
i
nstr
ucted.Nextthi
ngshei sscreamingin
fr
ustrat
ion.

Andbel i
ke:
"yeke,
yekesukauselessmarn(l
eavei
t
j
ustleaveit
.Youareuseless.
)"Iwoul
dlaughand
say

Me:"xandi
kut
yangokuungathindikuzumilekecoz
ncncnc(whenIfuckyoudon'tsayIdidn'
twarnyou
becausencncnc.
)"Shewouldjustsaymbonya.

Imi
ssmywi
feshemusthealngokuyoooh.
Imadet hebedandwenttotheensui
tet
otakea
shower.Igoti
ntheandrememberedtheback
scrabswegiveeachot
her.

teaseeachot
herandendupl aughi
ngatour
stupi
dit
y.Westi
llactl
ikehi
ghschooll
over
s.

Igotdonewithmydai l
yrouti
ne.Iworemybl ack
pol
oneckwi th,bl
ackhemispherej
eansandmy
for
malredbot t
omsshoes.Roughenmyf adeand
woremyr oundsunglassesandmyRol exwat ch.

Iwalkeddownstai
rsmademysel
fcer
eal
.Chr
ist
ina
doesn'tcomeonweekends.

Ipour
edwateri
nmybowl .It
ookmybl
ackl
eather
j
acketandmyhelmetnotfor
get
ti
ngmybi
keskeys.

Ismi
ledt
hinki
ngaboutt
hehei
stsIdi
dwi
thAya.
Mxm shei
sthebestgi
rlyoucaneveraskf
orr
hha.

Iworshi
pthegr
oundthatgi
rlwal
ksonshei
sa
goddessinmyeyes.

Whyam Ievental
kingaboutherli
keshegoi
ngdie
bytheway.Maybeit'
sjustt
hatImisshersomuch.
Butworr
ylessI
'm goi
ngt ohernow.

Idri
vef astassheal
wayswantsmet o.If
eelher
presence.Herhuggi
ngmet i
ghtl
yli
kesheisgoing
tofall
.Ilaughthi
nki
ngaboutt
hat.

Igett
othecent
er.Igot
oher
.

Me:"pleasedomeaf avourandstopmessingwit
h
myhead.Li keeveryt
hingIdoj ustr
emindsofwhat
weal waysdot oget
her."Shejustgi
ggl
es.Best
soundi ntheenti
reuniverse.
Her:
"i
t'
snotmyf aul
tthatI
'
m missedpl
usIhave
goodnews."Il
ookatherhopi
ngshewillsayshe
wil
lbeoutsoon.

Me:
"I
'm al
lear
s."

Her:
"Iwil
lbegetti
ngr eleasedsoon.Peoplesayt hat
oncethetherapi
staskswhatar ethefir
st5t hi
ngs
wil
lyoudoi ntheoutsidewor l
d?I tmeansIwi llbe
gett
ingoutinadayort wo."Yessssssss!!
!!
.I
punchedtheairinvi
ct ory.

Me:"Iwil
lst
artt
opr
epareafeastforyou.Andwe
arehavingsext
hewholeday.Ican'
twaittohave
yousleeponmychest.
"

Her:
"can'
twai
ttocuddl
ewi
thyou.
"Wecont
inued
t
alki
ngplanni
ngwhatwewil
ldowhenshei
sout.
Ibi
dmygoodbyes.Iwentt
othet
att
oopl
aceI
al
waysgoto.Iwr
oteAya'
snameonmychestatt
he
l
eftsi
de.

Youknowwhy?Becausemyhear
tisonmyl ef
tsi
de
ofmychestandt
hat'
swher
eshebelongs.I
NMY
HEART.

Thetat
toowassobeauti
ful
.Iwasgoingtowri
te
Chumani'
snamealsobutnott
oday.Ihavehad
muchpainfort
heday.

Buti
twasn'
tthatpai
nfulsi
nceIaskedf
or6shot
s
bef
oredoi
ngthetatt
oo.

Iwal
kedoutsmil
ing.Mydayisj
ustbl
issful
.Idr
ove
tot
hewarehousereadyt
okil
lVusumzi.
Igott
ot herecommanded1ofmywor ker
stobring
mear atfrom Al
ex,
metalbuckett
hati
ssmallanda
l
ight
er.

Af
ter15mi
nut
eshecamewit
hthethi
ngs.We
wal
kedtot
her
oom wer
eVusumziwas.

Hewassl
eepi
ng.

Me: "
holat hat
halempukuuyi bekeaphakuye
esfubeniqi bakwakouvalengelobucketul
ight
.e
i
lighterkuyokengokui zovukalenjekengoku'(
take
theratandpl aceitonhischest,pl
acethebucketon
topandl ightitwi
ththeli
ghter
.Thisdogwillwake
up.)"

Hi
m:"
butbosst
her
atwi
llbescr
atchi
nghi
m."

Me:
"Si
lencerdoesn'
tanswert
oanyoneheonl
y
answerstohi
swife.It
houghtyouknewIhat
e
repeat
ingmysel
f"Isai
dboldl
y.

Theydidasinst
ruct
ed.AsIwasexpecti
ngthisthe
ratwasscr
atchi
nghim.Ratsdon'
tli
kesmal lspaces
andtheheattocausi
ngitt
oscrat
chfasterand
morepainf
ul.

Thi
sol
dmanwakesupscr
eami
ngl
ikeabi
tch.

Vusi
:"
pleasemakeitst
op.Thisrati
sKil
li
ngme."
Aft
er5mi nut
esofbegging.Isi
gnalt
heboyst
ostop.

Theyst
oppedt
ookt
her
atandwal
kedout
.

Me:"anyl
astwords.
"Isaidtaki
ngoutmygun.He
coughedbloodandlaughed.
Him:"Ialwaystol
dyourwi f
ethatyournomat cht
o
me.Remembermywor d.I
fIdieordisappearmy
boyst hatwearsthebl
ueuni f
orm wil
lbeoutt her
e
taki
ngyourwi fetopri
sonforalmostkill
ingSekani
andKi ll
ingever
yoneelseIkil
led.
"Hesai dlaughi
ng.

Ij
ustgotfr
ust
rat
ed.Itot
all
yforgotaboutt
hegun.
Fuck.NowIcan'
tki
llt
hisasshole.

Ist
ormedoutpissedof
fandangry.Fuckhepl
ayed
meallt
histi
me.Hewaspl ayi
ngmei nmyown
game.Ican'
tbeli
evet
his.

Ri
ghtwhenIt
houghtI
'
m donewi
thhi
m.Fuck.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
73
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Ihavegoodnewsandbadnewsf
oryoual
l.

Thegoodnewsfir
st.I
'm get
ti
ngdischar
gedfrom
thecent
ermyther
apistsaysI'
m goodtofacethe
outsi
deworl
d.

I
'
mt hankfulf
orherhel
psher
eal
lydi
dhel
pme.And
I
'
m gratef
ulfort
hat.

Enoughwi
tht
hepr
aisesnow.
WellbadNewsi sthatIwon'
tbegoi
nghome.My
fi
ancedoesn'tevenknowthatI
'
m gett
ing
di
schargedtoday.

Iwillr
etur
nonceIhavemast
eredmyplan.Ist
il
l
needtof i
ndoutwhoist
hemastermi
ndofbombi ng
oftheambulance.

If
orgott
otel
lyoual
lwhenIwascomingher
eI
managedtot
akemyMacBookpro,gunandafew
st
acksofmoney.

Aknockcamet
hroughmydoor
.Iwentt
oopen.

Me:
"hey"wi
thasmi
l
e.

Him:"
hell
o,Ibr
oughtthedischar
gepapersf
oryou
asrequest
edsinceyoudidn'twantust
oinf
orm
yourhusbandyouwantt
osurpr
isehi
m."That
'st
he
stor
yImanagedtoocookup.

Inoddedwi
thasmi
lewhi
lesi
gni
ng.

WhenIwasdoneIwalkedoutofmyr
oom.Ihave
al
readybookedf
oranUber
.Iwil
lbel
ivi
ngatahot
el.

Idon'
twantanyonet
raci
ngmenotevenmy
husband.

Iwanttoaccompl
ishmymi ssionbef
oregoingback.
Noonemesseswit hSi
lencer
'swif
eandlivestot
ell
thet
ale.

Ihavebecamerut
hlesslikemyhusband.Igett
o
hotel
andpaythedriver
.Iworeascarfand
sungl
asses.
Iwalkedinpull
ingmysui t
case.Iwenttothe
recept
ioni
st.Bookar oom f
or3-4days.Shegives
mekeysandIwal kedtotheel
evator
.

Igotonthe10thfl
oorandwentt
omyroom.Ifi
rst
tookalongshowersi
nging'
sur
ethi
ngbyMiguel
'.

Il
ot i
onedt
hanwrappedatowelar
oundmybody.A
knockcamethr
ough.thathast
obether
oom
servi
ce.

Iwentt
oopenanditwastheroom ser
vice.I
twasa
wel
comemealforme.Itookt
hefoodandt hanked
hi
m.

Iat
emyfoodli
steni
ngt
omusi cfr
om myMacBook.
WhenIwasdoneIwassti
llf
amished.

Ical
ledr
oom ser
viceagai
nforf
ood.I
tcameaf
ter
30minut
es.Iat
eandIwasf ul
l.Iwentt
othe
bal
conyt
orelaxandt
hink.

Isattherewatchi
ngthesunsetdeepinmyown
thoughts.Iwasgett
ingcol
dsinceIwasst
il
l
wearingthetowel
.

Iwasst
il
lful
lsoIwon'
teat
.Ij
ustcl
imbedont
opof
mybedandtookmyMacBook.

Isi
gnedi
n, i
nNet f
li
x.Iwat
chedmyfavor
it
eser
ies
MoneyHeist.Ionl
ywatched5epi
sodes.

Ial
sowat
chedTwi
li
ghtti
llIf
eltmyselfdosi
ngof f
.I
char
gedmyMacBookbeforesleepi
ngpeaceful
ly.

Iwokeupat2pm onthefol
lowingday.Ihavesl
ept
sopeacef
ulandf
orthelongesthourseverinmyli
fe.
IorderedforFarmhousebreakf
astmyf avori
teI
don'tcareevenifit
'si
ntheaft
ernoon.Iwenttotake
abat hthati
sfil
ledwit
hfoam bathandsalt.

Ir
elaxedi
nthebat
hforal
ongt
ime.Iwasr
elaxed
whenIwasdone.

Ilot
ionedbef
oreweari
ngmysweat pant
sandmy
maroonvest.Aknockcamet hroughIwentt
oopen
thedooranditwasroom ser
viceItookmyfoodand
gavehimthedirt
yplat
es.

Iatemyf ood.WhenIwasdoneIgotdownt
o
businessthemainreasonwhyI
'
m here.

Il
earnedmanyskill
swhenIwasatschool.Canyou
i
maginethatIwentfrom notl
iki
ngC.
A.Tt
oactual
ly
bei
ngit'
sbestfr
iend.
I'
m amast
erwit
hcrackingupthi
ngsnow.Itookmy
MacBookandhackedinthest
reetl
ight
sinmy
str
eet
.

Theyhavecamerasmocsoyeah.I
tgaveme
di
ffi
cul
ty'
satf
ir
stbutwi
thabrai
nli
kemi neI
managedtohackit
.

Isawt heAmbulanceapproachi
ngbutlat
eron
stopped.Izoom i
nsothatIcanseethepersoni
n
thecar.

Ir
ecogni
zet
hecari
t'
sVusumzi
'
scar
.

Me:"
shi
thowdidInott
hinkabouthi
m. "Icur
sed.
Lat
eronhewalkst
ohiscaraft
ertal
kingtothe
Par
amedics.

Ial
sosawhi
m putsomet
hingont
hewheel
s.I
zoomedi
nandsawt
hebomb

Me:"bl
oodyfool.Youmessedwi ththewr ongper son.
Youkill
edmyki dsIwi llkil
lyou.Idon'tcareifIgot o
pri
sonf ormyfingerpri
nt sbeingont hatgunasl ong
asjusti
ceisservedf ormychi l
drenthepolicefai
led
todosobutIwon' t.Manypeopl et r
iedki
llyoubut
neversucceededbutIwi ll
.Idon'tcareaboutrotting
i
njailaslongasIgett oki l
lyouf ir
stthat
'swhat
matterstome.I'mreadyt ogot ojail
."

Ireal
lyam r
eady.Idon'tcar
eanymor
easl
ongasI
gettoendhisl
ifeforgood.

Thatmanhasdoneal
ot.Herapedmysisterand
mother
.Mademehist
ransport
er.Tr
iedt
okill
Sekani
.Ki
ll
edmybabi
es.

Hest
eppedonmyf eetwhenheki
ll
edmybabies
t
heydi
dn'tevengetachancetoseethesun.I
'
m not
t
alki
ngaboutget
ti
ngamot
her
'sl
ove.

I'
m notaf
rai
dofpr
ison.notl
ikeIwi
llgot
opr
ison
anyway.

Seewhenyouhaveamindli
kemineyoual
ways
havetothi
nkaboutt
hef
utur
e.I
fyou'
rei
nacri
ti
cal
si
tuat
ionornot
.

Ihaveal r
eadyt houghtabouthowIwil
lli
ewhenI
getarrested.Iwilll
ieandsayVusumzisentmet
o
fet
chmysumsathi ssafe.Si
ncehef
orcedmetobe
histr
anspor terheevent hr
eat
enedme.I
acci
dent all
ytouchedt hegun.

Andwhent hepol
icetrytotal
konhisbehalf
.Iwi
ll
j
usttel
ltheJudgethattheyareal
soinvol
vedint
he
hi
jacki
ngVusumzi does.
Theyal
sohelphi
minhisi
ll
egaldoi
ngsandIwil
l
makesuret
hatmyhusbandfi
ndsevidence.

Seesmart.SoI
'm chi
ll
edwi
thever
ythi
ng.but
Vusumzihastodienomatt
erwhat.

Ir
equest
edf
oranUber
.Itnot
if
iedmet
hati
tisher
e.
IWal
kdownstai
rs.

TheUbert
ookmet
ohi
ll
brow.Don'
tlookatmel
ike
that
.

Me:"
canyoupleasewaitf
ormeher
eIwi
llbeback
andIwil
lpaydoublepl
ease.
"

Hi
m:"
butmi
ssi
t'
stodanger
ousher
e."

Me:
"pl
easeIwi
llbebacki
nfi
vemi
nut
es.
"Hesi
ghed
bef
orenoddi
ng.Iwalkedi
nthehost
el.Ihavebeen
her
ebeforemorethanonce.

Iwalkedt
otheper
sonthatsel
lsdrugs.Ihave
scannedt
hispl
acesoIKnowqui t
eal otabouti
t.

Vusumzii
sther
easonbehi
ndmyknowl
edge.

Me:
"hey"Isai
dshaki
ng

Him:
"yeahwhatdoyouwant?
"Sor
ude.Ij
ust
swal
l
owt hel
umpi nmythr
oat.

Him:
"missIdon'thavealldayifyouheret
odig
i
nfor
mat i
onaboutusisuggestyout urnar
oundand
l
eaveyourjustwastingyourti
meordoyouwantt o
beaprosti
tut
em. ..
"
Me:"IneedChinaGirlorMurder8.moneyisnota
problem."Helookedaround.Checki
ngift
herei
sno
onear ound.

Hi
m:"
10k"

Me:
"9"

Hi
m:"
10"

Me:
"8"hesi
ghed

Hi
m:"9kiti
s."Hegotinhisplaceandcameback
wi
ththedruginabot t
le.Iqui
ckl
ytookitandki
ll
ed
hi
m wit
hmysi lentgun.

Idon'
twantstonesunt
urned.Maybehispoli
ceman
knowsthi
splaceandtheywillaskaboutme.
Il
ookedar
oundchecki
ngi
fnoonesawmebef
ore
goi
ngbacktheUber
.

Iwon'tt
ellYou'
l
lwhatIwil
ldoyouwi
llf
indoutaf
ter
I'
m donewi t
hmymission.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
74
.
.
.
.
.
Nar
rat
e
Siyacouldwaitt
ogoandfetchhiswife.Ashe
remember edt
hatshewi
llbedischar
gedi nt
he
after
noon.

Thei
rfr
iendsdecidedtothr
owali
tt
lewel
come
homepartyforAya.Evenhermot
herwasther
e.

Theyareexci
tedt
oseeherandbewithherfora
l
ongtimetheymisshersomuch.Nottofor
get
Chumaniwhohasbeenhyperthewholeday.

Si
yaontheot
herhandcan'
thel
pbutsmi
leli
kea
madper
son.Imeanhiswif
eiscomi
ngback.

Theyal
lwenttoSi
ya'
shouset
oprepar
eforAyaas
al
waysThandowastheonecooki
ngherf
ancyfood.
Phel
ahercousini
scomi
ngback.
Si
ya:
"i
t'
sbeenawhi l
etazlemmegocheckuponher
maybethesi
gnaldoesn'
tworkt
her
e.I
'm get
ti
ng
i
mpati
entnow."

TT:
"yeahyoushoul
dbrotheyshoul
dhavecal
led
youbynow."Theyal
lagr
eedtothestat
ement
.

Si
yatookhi
scarandj
oggedouthammi
ngagr
eat
Melody.

Hedroveof
ftot
hecent
erhegoti
n.Andwentt
othe
r
ecepti
oni
st.

Si
ya:
"goodaf
ter
noon.
"

Her
:"
aft
ernoonsi
rhowcanIhel
pyou.
"

Si
ya:
"I
'ml
ooki
ngf
orAyamt
handaPl
aat
ji
es.
"
Ther
ecepti
onistl
ooksthr
oughherbooksbutf
inds
noAyamthandaPlaat
ji
es.

Her:
"sor
rysi
rther
eisnoAyamt
handaPl
aat
ji
es
her
e."

Siya:"
whatdoyoumean.Youlostmywi fe?Woman
don'tmakemeangryIwillt
urnt
hiscenterupsi
de
down.Mywi fewassupposetobedischargedt
oday
Ifnotyest
erday.
"

Justthananurset
hatknowsSi
yamt
handa
approachedhi
m.

Nurse:
"Iwil
ltakeitf
rom her
e.Mr
.Pl
aat
ji
eswhata
l
ovelysurpr
ise."

Si
ya:
"Ij
ustcameher
etof
etchmywi
feMandymi
nd
hel
pingme.
"Mandyhast
hatwor
ri
edl
ook.

Mandy: "whatdoyoumeanwhenyousayyoucame
tofetchyourwi f
e.Shehasalreadydischar
ged
herselfsayi
ngshewi l
lsurpr
iseyouandt hat
happenedyest erdayi
fI'
m notmistaken.
"

Si
yawasnowget t
ingangr
ytowhyt heyletgoofher
wi
thoutinf
orminghim.Hewasthinkingaboutthe
worsenowt hatmaybeshehasbeenkidnapped.

Siya:
"oohsnap.
"Hejustrunsoutoft
hecent
erand
speedsoftohishouse.

Asheent erseveryoneshout
ssur
pri
se.Theyar
e
surpri
sedt hemselveswhent
heydon'
tseeAya
besidessiya.

Ri
ri
:"
wher
eisher?
"
Siya:
"appar
entl
yshewasdi
schargedyest
erdayshe
wantedtosurpri
semeyest
erdayandshenever
came."

Theguys:
"shecan'
tbekidnapped.Noway"t
heal
l
shookt
heirheadsi
ndisbeli
ef.

Nomphel
o:"
ahhhh"shescr
eamedhol
dingherchest
.

Shewashavi
ngahear
tat
tack.Ever
yonef
acedher
andqui
ckl
yrant
oher.

Ayabonga:
"Mama!
!"

Shewastakentot
hehospi
talwi
thAyabonga
sni
ff
ingal
lthewhol
ewaytothehospi
tal
.
Thedoct
orst
oldthem i
twasduet
ost
ress.She
shoul
dnotst
resssomuch.

Ever
yonewasst i
llnotwel
lastowhyt
heycan'
tget
Ayamthanda.Theyarethi
nki
ngofhowsheis.

Si
yai
sdevast
ated.
.
.
.
.
#not
edi
ted
Sorr
yfortheshor
tinser
tIj
ustwant
edt
ogi
veyou'
l
l
somethi
ng .
75
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Lateront
hatdaywealllef
tthedoctor
'sassur
edus
thatshei
sfi
ne.Theyevendischar
gedher.Even
Vusumziwashere.

Hedidn'
tlookl
i
kesomeonewhoki
dnapped
someoneIwonderwher
emywifei
s.I'
m st
art
ingt
o
pani
cknow.

Whoevertookmywifeisgoingt
ofacehell
.Ihadt
o
staywi
thChumaniIcoul
dn'tgooutandsear
chfor
her.

Mymotherwentt
oPEt herei
sacer
emonythere.
Myfat
herssi
desti
llt
reat
smymotherl
iket
heirown
t
heyador
eher.
IhavetotakeChumani
'andmywifedownt her
e.To
i
ntroducethem t
omyotherf
ami
ly.I
'm sur
emkhul u
wil
lbefondofher.

Hehasbeenlongingtoseemegetmarri
ed.He
oncesai
dtomet hathewil
ldi
eaft
erseei
ngme
gett
ingmar
ri
ed.

I
maginethatguyisold.i
fhei snot90somet hing
t
hanIdon'tknow.I'
m hisfavori
tegrandchi
ld.AndI
l
ovehim morethanIlovemypar ents.Nocap.

Iwokeupabitl
atesi
ncei
twasSunday.Chumani
ai
n'tgoi
ngt
oschoolandI
'
m notgoi
ngtowork.

Idi
dmydai l
yrouti
nebef
oregoi
ngtohi
sroom wi
th
aheavyheart
.Imisshi
smothersomuchI'
m sur
e
hemissesherto.
Igott
ohisr
oom andhewasgett
ingofhisbed.
ThankGodIwokeupbef
orehi
m orelsehewas
goi
ngtowakemeup.

Him:
"t
atam."Iwentt
ohi
m andki
ssedhi
sfor
ehead
andcheek.

Me:
"zotyant
on'
namhl
anj
e(whatar
eyoueat
ing
t
oday)"

Hi
m:"beacon"Inoddedandkissedhi
sfor
ehead.I
f
ir
stdidhisdail
yrouti
nethanwewalkeddownstai
rs.

Justt
hanaknockcamet hr
oughasIwaswashi
ng
thedi
shes.Wehaveal
readyeat
en.

Me:
"comei
n."Ayabongacamei
n.
Me:
"sbal
ikazi
.(Si
steri
nlaw)
"wesmi
led.

Don'
taskmehowIseet
hedi
ff
erencebet
ween
t
hem.Iknowmywif
e.

Her:
"sbal
i(br
otheri
nlaw)howyou'
l
l?"Shesai
d
si
tt
ingonthehighchair
splayi
ngwi
thChumani.

Me:"wegoodj
ustst
ressedoutChumani
'smother
.I
j
ustwishshecoul
djustcomethrought
hefr
ont
al
ready.
"

Her:
"whatifVusumzii
stheonet
hathasher
."Igave
hert
hatlook.

Me:
"Iwi
shki
ll
edhi
m whenIhadhi
m capt
ured.
"

Her
:"
soyouwer
etheonet
hatki
dnappedhi
m you
shoul
dhaveki
ll
edhi
m."

Me:"
thepr
obl
em i
sIcan'
t.Si
ncet
her
eist
hatgun
i
ssue."

Her:
"Ihaveal
readytakencareoft
hegunyourwif
e
wil
lnotgetar
rested.
"Iwidenedmyeyeslooki
ngat
hershewasconcent r
atedonChumani.

Thosear
ethebestnewsever
.

:
"Onel
esspr
obl
em f
orme.
"

Chumani
:"
mamam!
!"Wel
ookedatt
hedoorand
ther
eshewas.

Shewasholdi
ngal
otofgr
ocer
iesandpul
li
ngher
sui
tcase.
Il
it
eral
lydr
oppedtheglassandrant
oher
.She
dr
oppedtheplast
icsandhuggedme.

Wewerebot
hcr
ying.Il
ookeddeepint
ohereyes
andki
ssedt
hel
ivi
ngshitoutofher
.

Ayabonga:"
incaseyoufor
gott her
eisaki
dint
he
room.Haibo"welaughedbreakingoft
heki
ss.

Shewentt
okissChumanial
loverhisface.Hewas
gi
ggl
inghesurel
ymissedhi
smot her
.

Me:"
Iwaswor r
iedsi
ckaboutyoust
handwa
sent
li
ziyoyam.Buphi
(wher
ewereyou).
"

Shehuggedhersist
erandki
ssedher
.Thanshe
camet ost
andnexttomewrappedherhands
aroundmywaist
.Shewasholdingmetight
ly.I
pl
acedmi
near
oundherneck.

Ayamt handa:
"Iwasatt
hehot
elbabyt hi
nkingofa
wayt oavengemykids.Myki
dsdidn'tevengetto
experi
encehowgoodapussyanddi ckt ast
esli
ke.
"
Wel aughed.Mystomachwasevensor e.

Shesur
elyknowshowt
oli
ghtupsomeone'
smood.

Ayabonga:
"youcamebackmorefunnier
."Wewer
e
st
il
llaughi
ngAyabongawasevenintears.

Aya:
"ser
iousguysyooh.
"

Me:"
andthant
hegr
ocer
ies.Ihaveal
readybought
gr
oceri
es.
"

Aya:
"t
hosear
efort
oni
ght
'sdi
nner
."Wegaveher
quest
ioni
ngeye'
s.

Aya:"
justi
nvi
teeveryonefordi
nner.Twindon'
t
for
gettoalsoinvi
teVusumziitwi
llberudeifwe
don'
tinvit
ehim."Welookedathershocked.She
l
aughed.

Her:
"Don'twor r
ybyt hemi dnightyouwi l
lknowwhy.
Don'tdoanythingst upidSiya.Ihavegoteveryt
hing
undercontrol.From tomorrowonwar dsyouand
Mamberwi l
ldatefreely.That'sapromise.Best
Advicegot otruworthstheysel lt
hebestblack
cl
othesithasbeenl ongsincet hosedoll
shavebeen
wearingthoseclothessham. "Shepattedmy
shoulderbeforegoingupst airs.

IlookedatAyabongawhowasalsolooki
ngatme.
Wewer ebothsti
llwonder
ingwhatwil
lhappen
tonight
.
Ayabonga:"
lemmegopreparefortoni
ghtIhavea
goodfeel
ingabouti
t.Whateveryourwif
eplanni
ng
ncncnc.
"Sheshookherhead.

Me:"yoursi
ster
.Shecamebackfeist
y.Whichis
att
racti
ve"shelaughedasIwasdaydreamingof
thesexI'mtogivehernow.
.
.
.
.
.
#not
edi
ted
76
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Iwentupstair
stotakeashower
.WhenIwasabout
togetoutSiyagotinandpi
nnedmeagai
nthewall
.

Ismirkedandhechuckl ed.Iwentdownonmy
kneesandhavehi m handst r
okes.Hegr
oanedand
becamehar deri
nasecond.

Igavehim ablowj
obwhil
elooki
ngathi
m st
rai
ght
i
nt heeyeplayi
ngwi
thhi
sball
s.

Hekeptonclosi
nghiseyesmoaningandgr
oani
ng
att
hesamet i
me.Hecum i nmymouthandI
swal
lowsti
llmakingeyecont
act
.

Di
dhenotsmil
eandgr
oannott
oforgett
hemoan
t
hatcameoutofhi
smout
h.Swi
ne.I
thasbeena
l
ongti
mehey.
Him:
"v'
tsekandi
zokhal
iswanguweumna(I
'
m not
goi
ngtomoanbecauseofyou)"hel
if
tedmeup.

Pi
nnedmeagainstt
hewall
.Wekissedwil
lhe
gr
abbedmyassIwrappedmylegsaroundhi
swai
st.
Heenter
edhi
mselfwit
houtwar
ningme.

Me:
"dose"hel
aughedandt
hrusti
nandout
.

Wehad2r oundsintheshowerand3att
he
bedroom.Thatwasthebestwel
comebacksexever
.
Imissedhim somuchrhaa.

Him:"i
thasbeenal ongt
imehey.Ihavebeen
missingmyprincess.menst
rubat
ionwasjust
f
inishingmysperms."Il
aughedhealsoj
oinedin.

Me:
"Imi
ssedmypr
incet
ohey.
"Hel
aughedandwe
ki
ssed.Welot
ioned.Iwor
ehi
sshi
rtonl
yandhe
woreshor
tsonly.

Hi
m:"
youcompl
eteme.
"Il
aughed.

Me:"
youweari
ngshort
sformeandI'
m weari
nga
shi
rtf
oryousoyeahwecomplet
eeachother
."We
l
aughedatourst
upi
dit
y.

Me:"
Iseeyoual
sogotatattooandit
'smyname.
Ncoo"Isai
dhuggi
nghim beforet
ouchi
ngt
hetat
too
ofmyname.Itwasbeaut
iful.

Hi
m:"
whatdoyoumeanIal
sogotat
att
oo.
"

Il
if
tupmyt -shir
trevi
li
ngthet
att
ooofhisnameon
myleftt
opbr east
.AndChumani'snameonmy
abdomenont heleftsi
de.I
twasn'tt
hatbi
gnor
small
.Fi
rstbornyam klk.
Het
ouchedmewi
thasmi
leonhi
sface.

Hi
m:"
azisentl
ebaby.(
theyarebeaut
if
ul.
)"Ismi
led
t
heywereindeedbeauti
ful
.

Me:
"al
ifi
kangakwel
ilakho(
notmor
ethanyour
s)"

Him:
"Idon'
twantt
oarguewi
thyoutoday.I'
mina
goodmoodlet'
sgopr
eparef
orthedinner
."

Me:
"ar
eyouhel
pingme?
"Isai
dsmi
li
ng.

Hi
m:"yeahwhynot
."Her
etur
nedt
hesmi
le."
But
tt
t"I
f
rowned.

Me:
"whatdoyouwant
."Hel
aughed.
Him:"
piggybackri
de."Igavehim adeadstar
eand
helaughed."I
'
m ser
iousoryouonyourown.Iwi l
l
j
ustplaywithmyson."Ifrownedbeforet
urni
ng
ar
oundsot hathecanpiggybackr i
de.

Heclimbedon.Rhaayasi
ndal
omqundu(
hei
s
heavy).

Me:
"aasi
yayourmoreheaviert
hanbef
ore.
"Wel
l
,I
dogi
vehi
m piggybackr
ides.Justf
orf
un.

Him:"
I'
m notcl
imbi
ngofmommyyoubettergo.
"He
saidpl
aci
nghishandsar
oundmyneckandplaci
ng
hisheadonmyback.

Igowithhim sti
llonmyback.Istruggledgett
ing
downt hestai
rsbutIeventual
lydid.Ayabongawas
l
aughingatus.Shei ssti
llher
ealsoMamber .They
werebothlaughingatus.AndChumanihewasal so
cl
appinghishands.
Chumani
:"
Nam mamaNam (
met
omom met
o)"we
l
aughedathi
m.

Mamber:
"babythat
hiti
ps.Ayi
ncumeleponi(
baby
t
aketi
ps.Thisguyi
ssmi l
ing)
"Ayabongawastaki
ng
avi
deoofus.Weal ll
aughed.

Ayabonga:
"ncameuziboni
lebanjanphoff(forgeti
t
di
dyouseehowyoul ooklike.
)"Welaughed.Siya
gotofmyback.AndIstret
chedout.

Si
ya:
"yeahshosbal
i
"hebr
ohuggedMamber
.

Mamber:
"Andihlel
angakeaphabendi
zothat
halo
weUber.
(I
'm notheret
ostayIcameheretot
ake
t
hisonet
hatusesanUber )"

MeandSi
ya:
"i
phimot
to(
wher
eishercar
)"
Ayabonga:
"smashedbutIboughtaGTIwhi
chi
s
bei
ngsported.
"

Wellshehasherowncompanynowapanelbeat
er
thatmakesalotofmoney.Uyangenel
wake(
she
hasmanycust omer
s).

MeandSiya:
"mnandibaneMal
i(i
t'
sni
cet
ohave
money)
"

Them:
"sayst
hepeopl
ethathavemanycompani
es.
"

Us:
"rhaangathethiwenapharmacyzakhozi
gcwel
e
kwezizbedlel
e(don'tevent
alkyourphar
maci
esar
e
al
loverthesehospital
s)"welaughed

Mamber
:"
mxm weout
.Wewi
llseeyoul
ateron.
"
Si
ya:
"yeahsho.
"Wehuggedt
hem

Me:"let
'sgetdowntobusi
ness.Chumanithinii
nto
yakhozohlalaaphoorZoyafront(
Chumaniwhat
aboutyouar eyousi
tt
ingther
eorareyougoi ngto
thelounge)"hewassit
ti
ngont hebarst
ools.

Chumani
:"
phone"si
yagavehi
m hi
sphone.He
st
art
edpl
ayinggames.

West
art
edcooki
ngke.

Me:
"l
et'
staket
het
abl
eout
side.
"

Him:"
yeahi t
'swar
mt here."Wet
ookthet
abl
e
outsi
de.Placednametagst owher
eever
yonewi
l
l
besit
ting.i
twasmi neidea.
Wesetuptherestoft
hetabl
e.Madesur
ethatt
he
l
ight
swork.I
twasbeauti
fuloutt
her
esham.

Wet ookthepl
atesout
sidet
o.Wef
ini
shedt
he
cooking.

Me:"t
heguestwil
lbeher
einanhoursogofreshen
upwithChumaniIwil
lWashthegl
assesandplaced
them out
side.
"

Hi
m:"
okay"hekissedmebef
oret
aki
ngChumani
wi
thhi
m upstai
rs.

Iwashedthegl
assesmakingsuretheyar
eCr
ist
al
cl
ear.bef
oret
aki
ngthem outsi
de.

Ialsowentupstai
rst
ookmyKi
tt
yBowandFl ar
e
dressthati
sblackwi
thmybl
ackheelBoot
s.I
placedt
hem ont
opoft
hebedandwentt
otakea
shower.

Il
oti
onedandappl
iedsi
mplemakeup.Ii
ronedmy
bl
ondweavethati
s30inchl
ong.

Idressedupinmyout
fi
tandIl
ookedgr
eat
.I
appli
edmyl i
pgl
osswi
thmycol
ogne.

Il
ookedatmyselfonthemi
rr
oronemor
eti
meand
di
dbreat
hingexerci
ses.

IwalkedandIhear
dnoi
sedownst
air
smeani
ngmy
guestshavear
ri
ved.

Me:"
molweni(goodeveni
ng)
"theyallt
urnedtol
ook
atmethegir
lsrantome.Wegr oupedhugged.
LeJoy:
"kuni
nindi
kumiss.asemhl
e(Ihavebeen
missi
ngyou,yourbeaut
if
ul)
"

Ri
ri
&Thando:
"sehot
.i
"

Ayol
a,Zi
miandAyabonga:
"Per
riPer
i"wel
aughed

Me:
"Ineverdisappointbutt
hankyou.Youguysalso
l
ookgreat.AndI'm backnow."Theysmil
edgiggl
ing.

Me:
"l
emmegogr
eett
heot
her
s."Theysul
ked.

Me:
"hai
boguysIwi
llcomeback"t
heyj
ustsai
d
mxm.Il
aughedandwalkedaway.

Iwentt
omymotherwhowasst
andi
ngwi
th
Vusumzi
.Ar
ghh.
Me:
"mol
wenimama.
"Isai
dhuggi
ngher
.

Them:
"yeah/
hel
lobaby"

Me:"
Ihear
dthatyouhadaheartatt
ackI
'
m sor
ryf
or
st
ressi
ngyouout.
"Iki
ssedhercheek

Her
:"
it
'sokaysweet
hear
t.
"Sheki
ssedmyf
orehead

Me:"
lemmegogr eatt
herest
."Shenodded.And
Vusumzikepthi
sseri
ousface.It
oldmyselfnot
t
odaysatana.

Iwentt
othegent
sandt
heki
ds.

Me:
"yeahshoshomaj
it
a"Ihuggedt
hem.Isaton
myhusband'
slap.
TT:
"nt
ombazanayol
ahl
eko(
thegi
rlt
hatgotl
ost
.)
"
Welaughed

Si
ya:
"ndakabakekweyam vr
ou(Iki
ckpeopl
ewhen
i
tcomestomywi f
e)"wel
aughed.

Me:"
tel
lthem myl
ove"Isai
dwi
thsomuch
ent
husiasm.

Siya:"
aamabakgezele(
notheymustteaseyou)
"I
sulkedlooki
ngathi
m.Theylaughed.

Cage:
"t
rait
orkendamazi
i(hi
sat
rai
torIknowhi
m)"
welaughed.

Theywentoutsi
defordinner.Idi
shedupfor
everyoneandwentwit
ht hei
rplat
esoutsi
de.Ial
so
sett
leddown.
Vusumzi :
"Idon'
ttr
ustyouwhatifyoudruggedmy
food.Iwanttoswipe."Theyal
llookedatt
he
sweatingmenow.Iswal lowedthelumpinmy
throat
.

Me:
"yeahwhynot
."

Vusumzi:"
let
'sseewhoyoulovethemost.Ummh
SiyaIhopeyoudon'tmi
ndswi pi
ngatl
eastyour
deathwil
lbeonyourwife'
shands"heshr
ugged.

Si
yagavehi
m adeadstar
e.Iheldhi
shand.He
l
ookedatmeandInodded.Theyswipedpl
ates.

Thedinnerwentonwi t
hVusumziswipingpl
ates
aroundimagine.nowwewer ejusthaving
champagne.Wewer ehavi
ngchatsamong
oursel
ves.Iwast al
kingwi
thmycousi n.
Thando:"
Ineedt
herecei
ptf
rom t
oday'
sfood.Ihave
anassignmentt
odo."

Me:"Iwi
llki
ndlygiveittoyoubutkeepinmindthat
youoweme. "Shelookedatmef r
om thecornerof
hereyesIlaughed.

She:"
whatever
.Ithoughtwewerecousi
nsbutIwas
wrong."Il
aughedathersul
kingsel
fnow.

Me:
"okayfi
neIwil
lgi
veitt
oyouforfr
ee.
"Ir
oll
ed
myeyes.Shesi
dehuggedmegiggli
ng.

Me:
"t
hischi
ld.
"Imumbl
ed.Shel
aughed

Her
:"
Ihear
dyou.
"Webot
hlaughed.

Wecont
inuedchat
ti
ngbutwasdi
stur
bedbya
per
soncoughi
nghar
d.Weal
llookedatt
heper
soni
t
wasVusumzi.

Hecoughedoutbl
ood.

Mom: "
cansomeonepl
easecomewithwater.
"
Snakescamewithwat
er.Iwasj
ustchi
ll
ingdri
nki
ng
champagne.

Si
yalookedatmeandIshr
ugged.Icont
inued
dr
inki
ng.Vusumzi
fel
lfr
om hi
schair
.

Ever
yonej
umpedt
olookathi
m.

Mom:"
someonecall
theambul
ance.
"Ayol
aCal
ledi
t.
TTandLeJoywentt
ocheckhi
m up.Hi
seyeswas
wi
deopen.
Theycheckedhi
spul
se.Theyl
ookedatt
hei
r
watches.

TT&LeJoy:
"Ti
meofdeath11:
49"Ismi
ledanddr
ank
ther
estoft
hechampagne.

SiyaandAyabongalookedatme.Il
ooked
everywher
eelsebutthem.

Theambulancecame.Andcoveredthebodywitha
si
lverf
oil
.Mom didn'
tevenshar
eat earshewas
j
ustlooki
ngatthem l
ikether
estofus.
.
.
.
.
.
#Not
edi
ted
77
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Aftert
heparamedi
cswentout .Weal lwal
kedi
nsi
de
thehouse.Meandtheladiesmadet eafor
oursel
vesandwhiskeyforthegent
leman.

Weservedeveryonemom wasst i
llher
e.Icoul
dn't
readherexpr
ession.Idon'
tknowwhethersheis
happyorsadbutyeah.

Weal lsatdown.Ialsoswi
tchedontheheat
erso
thateveryonecanfeelwar
m.Thekidswere
sleepi
ng.
Tai
lor
:"
whathappenedoutt
her
e."

Them:
"Iwonder
"

AyabongaandSiyalookedatme.Who'
sme?I
l
ookedeverywhereel
sebutthem.

Ever
yonesawt
hatt
heywerel
ookingatmeand
ever
yonewasl
ooki
ngatme.HaiSowetoGospel
Choi
rsana.

Me:"
tr
uwort
hssel
lst
hebestbl
ackcl
othes.
"They
l
aughed.

Me:
"Ihopeyoudon'
tthi
nkiti
sme.Youbet
terer
ase
t
hatnegat
ivet
houghtaboutme.
"
Cage:
"weallnowthatyouar
eFi
nisher
.Youf
ini
sh
peopl
e."Wealll
aughed.

Them:
"Iagr
eewi
tht
hat
"

Me:"
maybehedi
edf
rom hi
sthi
ngswhoknows?
"I
shr
ugged.

Mom:
"Vusumziwasheal
th.
"

Idr
ankmyt
eamaki
ngt
hat'
hli
phl
ip'
sound.

Them:"
yolal
abaunesthukut
hezi(
gosl
eepi
fyou
aret
ir
ed)"welaughed.

Me:"
youtheonesbori
ngme.Idi
dn'
tpoisont
hefood
i
fIdidSi
ya,AyabongaandMom woul
dalsobe
deadbynow."Theygasped.
Them:
"soyoupoisonedhi
m."Ij
ustdr
ankmyt
ea
wit
houtlooki
ngatthem.

Siya:
"Iknowyoupoisonedhi
m buthowIdon'
tknow.
Maybeyoudowi tchcraf
tnow.CauseWow."I
chokedonmyt ea

Me:"
that
'
snott
rue.
"Helookedatmewi
tht
hat'
i
knowyouar
elyi
ng'f
ace.

Me:"okayf
ineIpoi
sonedhi
m."Isai
dscr
atchi
ngmy
eyebrowsandneck.

Them:
"weknowbuthow?
"

Me:
"hehakeSowet
oGospelchoi
r"weal
llaughed.
Ayabonga:
"pr
aat
(t
alk)
"

Me:
"j
ull
eal
malnuuski
eri
g(youal
lcur
ious)
"

Them:
"v'
tsekt
het
ha(
tal
k)"Isi
ghed.

Me:"okayfi
ne.Soyou'l
lknowt hatIwenttothe
center.WellwhenIwentther
eIki ndapackedmy
MacBook, gunandmoney. ..
."Theygasped.I
chuckled.

Si
ya:"
ndit
henqashotmalam (Iwaswonderi
ngwhy
mymoneywasmi ssing)haingunj
a(youradog)
"
welaughed.

Me:"asIwassaying.IgotreleasedbutIdidn'
twant
tocomebackhomeyetsi nceIwant edtoavengefor
mybabi es.Ist
ayedatthehot el.Fol
lowi
ngdayI
usedmyski ll
sandhackedi nt hestr
eetcamera'
s.I
gott hefoot aget hatIwant ed.Hewast alkingtot he
par amedi csf i
rstthanplacedt hebombont heback
wheel .SoIwentt oHill
browt ooneoft hehost elsI
usedt ogot o.Iwentt otheguyt hatsellsdr ugs.He
demanded10kbutIdebat edwi thhimt illwe
reachedanagr eementof9k.Hecamewi t
ht hedr ug.
Ididn'ttrusthi m soIkill
edhi m.Igother eaf t
er
buyi nggr oceriesfortonight.IaskedSi yat ohelpme
withcooki ngandhedi d.Setupt het ableandi twas
mi neideat oplacenamet agsont het ablei norder
formypl ant owor k.Ididn'twantthewr ongper son
todi e.Weal lsatonthedi ningtable.Heswi ped
dishes. .
..
"

Rir
i:"
butyouwer
esweat
ingandyoul
ooked
nervous.
"

Theot
her
s:"
yeah"Ichuckl
ed.

Me:"
thatwaspartoft
hepl
an.Thepoi
sonwasi
nhi
s
champagneglass.
"
Mom:"
whatdoyoumeaninthegl
asstheywer
e
cl
eanandt
hewasnothi
nginther
e."

Thando:
"Ial
sosawt
hesamet
hingaunt
."Ichuckl
ed.

Me:"
whil
eIwascleani
ngtheglassesdoyou
rememberSi
yaIsentyouawayt ogoandfr
eshen
upandIwil
lcl
eantheglasses?"

Si
ya:
"yeah.
"

Me:"
wellIcl
eanedhiswithpoi
sonar
oundtheedges
att
hetop."Theyal
llookedatmeamazed.

Me:
"what
?"Il
augheddr
inki
ngmyt
ea.

Snakes:
"Fi
nishernyani(
she'
str
ulyFi
nisher
.)
"We
f
istbump.

Theot
her
s:"
Isecondt
hat
"theyal
lfi
stbumpedme.

Them:"
butI
'
m nevert
aki
ngagl
assf
rom you.
"I
l
aughed.

Me:
"doyoual
lthi
nkthatIwil
lletgoofsomeone
whodest
roymyfamilynever
.AndIwant edt
oset
mom f
reeandl
etAyabongad..."

Ayabonga:
"nooo.
"Ever
yonel
aughed.

Mom:
"Ayabongawhat
?"

Ayabonga:
"Ayamthandahai
.Si
yamthandanqandi
fi
anceyakho(Si
yamthandawarnyourfi
ance)
"we
l
aughed.
Mom:"ayat
alkmybaby.Andni
theninango
Mthandanobabi
ni(
whyareyou2Mt handa)
"we
l
aughed.

MeandSiya:
"soul
mateconnect
ionmom'
s"wesai
d
smi
li
ng.Theother
slaughed.

Me:"
mom lookbesi
desusne.Youwil
lseewho
Ayabongai
sdati
ngandIwill
tel
lyoutherest
."

Mamber:"
whyareyoutheonet
oal
wayst
ellpeopl
e
t
hings.
"Hesai
dlaughi
ng.

Me:"
ndim newspaper(
I'
mthenewspaper
)"we
l
aughed.

Mom:
"okayl
emmel
ook.
"Shel
ookedatever
yone.
Igotclosert
omyhusband.LeJoyhel
dTT,Zi
mit
o
Snakes,CagetoAyol
a,Thandot
oTail
or.

Ri
ri
:"
lemmecal
lMi
ke"weal
llaughed.

Mom:
"soshei
sdat
ingMxol
isi
?"

Us:
"sat
hidat
ingtheyaremar
ried(yousti
llsayi
ng
t
heyaredati
ngtheyaremarr
ied)"shegasped.

Mom:
"what?
"

Us:
"I
'mt
ell
ingyou.
"

MamberandAyabonga:
"butwewer
egoi
ngt
otel
l
her
."Theyf
rowned.Wel
aughed.
Mom:
"whydi
dn'
tyout
ellme?
"

Ayabonga:
"1wor
danswer
s.Vusumzi
."

Mom:
"butst
il
l.Butcongr
atul
ati
ons.
"Shehugged
t
hem.

Wechil
ledt
her
ethewhol
eni
ghthavi
ngf
unl
ike
al
ways.
.
.
.
.
#not
edi
ted .
78
.
.
.
.
Nar
rat
ed
Dayspassedandi
twast
hedayoft
hef
uner
al.

Ever
ythi
ngwentwel
lforthepr
epar
ati
ons.
Vusumzi'
sfami
lywasalsoher
e.Hi
sfamil
ydoesn'
t
l
oveNomphelo.

Shecouldn'
tcar
eanyl
ess.Shewasactedt
ocar
e
aboutVusumzisoshecr
iedthewhol
eweek.

Andsomepeopl
eboughtthetheactexceptf
or
Vusumzi
'
sfamil
ytheydi
dn'twantt
obelieveherone
bi
t.

Att
hefuner
alt
heser
vicewentgreat
.Ayabongaand
Nomphel
ospokedhi
ghlyabouthi
m.
Everyonespokehighl
yabouthim.Theyonlyspoke
aboutthegreatthi
ngshehasdone.Notthebadit
wasaf uneralaf
teral
l,notJudgementDay.

Atthecemeterywhenclosepeopl
ewheret
oldto
poursoi
linthewhole.Nomphelowant
edtojumpin
thewholeasshewassobbi nghar
d.

Shewashel
dint
imebyhersoni
nlawsSi
yaand
Mxol
isi
.

Siya'
sfr
iendswereallher
etoseet heenemygetti
ng
burri
edtheyevenwenttoseehisdeadsel fj
ustt
o
makesur ei
t'
shim notadollf
rom china.

Lat
eront
heyallwentt
othehousef
orl
unch.That
al
sowentwel
l.
Thefol
lowi
ngday.Vusumzi'
ssi
ster
swer epacki
ng
Nomphelo'
sclot
hesandAyabonga'
s.Theywere
savedbyalawyercomi
ngin.

VS¹
:"I
'
m sur
etheyarenotneededher
e.Sogett
he
hel
loutofmybrot
hershouse."

Lawyer
:"
wellt
heyareneededma'
am.Canyoual
l
pl
easesett
ledown.
"

Ayabonga:
"bl
oodyf
ool
s."Shecl
ickedhert
ongue
si
tt
ingdown.

Lawyer
s:"
wel
lIcameher
ewi
thVusumziJoneswi
ll
."

VS²
;"mybr
otherdoesn'
thaveawi
llt
hat
'sf
ake.
"

Theyl
ookedner
voussi
ncet
heywant
edt
otake
everyt
hingVusumzi
ear
nedanddi
videi
tamong
themselves.

Lawyer:
"youcanevencal
lyourownlawyeri
fyou
wanttoma'am he/
shewillt
ellyout
hesamethat
thi
sWilli
slegi
t.
"Thecougheduncontr
oll
abl
y.

Nomphel
o:"
cont
inue.
"

Lawyer:
"t
hereisnothi
ngmuchher e.Hebasical
ly
l
eftever
ythi
ngtoNomphel oJonesHi sHospit
al,
busi
ness,car
sandhouse.Hesai dheknewhe
wouldsomehowdi ebefor
eyouthat'swhy"
NompheloandAyabongawer eshocked.

Thesi
sters:"
nevermybr
otherwoul
dneverl
eaveus
wit
hanything."

Lawyer
:"
wel
lhedi
d.Youbet
terbel
ievei
t.Youcan
callt
hetopDawgst
heywi
llt
ell
yout
hesame.
"He
stoodup.

Lawyer
:"
I'
m out
"hegavet
hepaper
stoNomphel
o
bef
oreshaki
nghands.

Nomphelo:
"pl
easecal
lthepol
icetogett
hesethi
ngs
outofmyhouse.Andthankyou."Thel
awyer
noddedbef
oretaki
ngouthisphone.

Nomphelo:
"you'
llbet
tergetoutbef
oret
hepol
ice
Takeyouout."

VS¹
:"
youki
ll
edhi
m nowyouar
echasi
ngusaway.
"

Nomphel
o:"
Iwoul
dneverki
llmyhusbandI
'
m not
t
hatgr
eedy.
"Shefakedt
ear
s.
Thesi
ster
s:"
nxx"t
heal
lst
oodup.

Theywentt ot
hebedroomsandpackedtheirbags.
Justthanthepol
icecameandtheyweretakenout
roughly.

NompheloandAyabonga:
"f
reeatl
ast
."Theywer
e
happy.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
79
.
.
.
.
.
Ayabonga
Iwasj
ustchi
ll
ingwi
thmymom cl
eani
ngt
hehouse
whenmyfri
endgoti
n.

Mom: "
uzoclean.anabondahambaumnando
khangel
ibuyer(youwil
lcl
eanwiththem.I
'
m goi
ng
now.Iwanttosearchforabuyer
.)"

Them:
"whatbuyer?
"

Me:"
oohshewant
stosellVusumzi
'
shospi
talshe
wi
llonl
yrunt
hebusi
ness."

TT&Let
habo:
"Di
dyousayHospi
tal
."

Mom:
"yeah"
TT&Lethabo:
"wewi
llbuyi
twhat
'st
hepr
ice.
"We
l
aughedatthem.

Wellt
heyalr
eadyhaveahospit
al.TTrunst
hewest
si
dewil
lLet
haborunseastsi
de.These2mar at
hey
ar
enotevenMarri
ed.

Mom:"l
emmecal
lmyl
awyer
.Youguyscanal
socal
l
your
s."

TT&Lethabo:"
hereismylawyerwereisyour
s"
Let
habowashol dingCagewil
lTTwashol di
ng
Tai
lor
.Wel aughed.Thi
s2arecrazy.

Mom:"Iwi
llgoandfetchmine.Lemmegonow."She
wentupst
airst
ofreshenup.IplacedMr
.Mini
nits
r
ight
fulpl
aceandIwenttositnexttoMxo.

Me:
"whatbr
ingsyouher
e?"Isai
dwi
thasmi
le.
Ri
ri
:"
ngasnyelit
hinarhaasizekuwe(
don'
tshi
twi
th
uswecamet oyou)"Ilaughed.

Me:"sor
ry.WhatcanIgetyou?
"Theygaveme
questi
oningf
aces.

Me:
"dr
inks"Ir
oll
edmyeyes.

Aya:
"gr
eent
ea"

Ri
ri
:"
ginandt
oni
cwat
er"

Ayol
a:"
cof
fee"

Zi
mi:
"champagne"
Let
habo:
"r
ooi
bos"

Thando:"
governmentj
uice"wel
ookedatherand
shelaughed.

Thando:
"I
'm ser
iousmzl
"Inodded.Il
ookedatt
he
guys.

Them:"Whi
skey.RemyMar
ti
norJackDani
el'
s"I
nodded.

Cage:
"r
atherbr
ingthegl
assesher
eIdon'
ttr
ustyou
andyourtwinmaybeyouswipedpl
aces.
"We
l
aughed.

Aya:
"Igi
veup.
"Sheli
ftherhandsupi
nsur
render
.
Welaughedather
.
Iki
ssedMxo.

Them:"
getaroom r
haazif
unuzekanaaphaezi
ngoku(t
heywanttohavesexher
enow)"we
l
aughedbefor
epull
ingout
.

Me:
"Il
oveyou"Iwhi
sper
edt
ohi
m.

Him:"
Iloveyout
oo"hesai
dkissi
ngme.Ipul
ledout
befor
etheother
scomplai
n.

Iwenttodowhatevert
heyr
equest
edf
or.Andgave
i
ttothem.

Siya:
"coul
dn'
tyouchoosesomeoneelsedawgi
t'
s
l
ikeyourdati
ngmyf iance.
"Hesai
dfr
owning
l
ookingatMxo.Wel aughedathi
m.
Mxo:"
theymightlookthesamebutt heyhave
di
ffer
entper
sonalit
iesdawg.Fi
nisherfini
shes
peopl
emywi feiskind.
"Weburstedi nt
olaugher
.

SiyaandAya:"wegotthegangst
erl
ovenot
hingcan
comebet weenus."Theysangki
ssi
ngeachother
.
Wel aughedatthem.

Cage:
"ndakbet
ha(
Iwi
llhi
tyou)
"wel
aughed.

Aswewerehavi
ngourdr
inksl
aughi
ngt
hepol
ice
camei
n.

Pol
ice:"
wehaveasearchwarr
antt
osearchthi
s
pl
ace."Ial
readyknewwhatt
heyweret
alki
ngabout
.

Mymot hercamedownstai
rsweari
ngher
epower
sui
t.Shewassobeaut
if
ulwithherBobweave.
Mom:
"what
'sgoi
ngoni
nmyhouse?
"

Poli
ce:"
wehaveasear chwarrant.
"Theygaveher
thesearchwarrantbef
oresearchi
ngtheplace
tur
ningeveryt
hingupsidedown.

Theywenttot
hestudyandcamebackwi
tht
hegun.
Wealll
ookedateachot
her.

Ayamthandawaschil
leddrinki
nghertea.Thisgi
rl
mara.Doessheevercare.PhoffsheknowsthatI
wipedherfi
ngerpr
int
sthat'swhysheischil
led.

Pol
ice:
"cantheforensi
cscomei
n."Theycamei
n
anddidthei
rstuff
.

For
ensics:"
ther
eisnof
inger
pri
ntsont
hegun.
"The
pol
icecursed.
Mom:"Iwillsuethewholestati
onIswearnonke
ni
zobuyel akwezamat chesbenihlal
akuzo
Li
mpopor haaezizi
ntozi
mnyanazi shi
yindl
uyam
i
mdaka( youwi l
lallgobacktothoseshacksyou
werel
eavingati nLimpopotheseblackthi
ngs)"t
hey
wereallscared.

Mom:"v'
tsekendli
niyam.(
outmyhouse)
"theyal
l
wentout
.Wef ixedthehouse.

Mom:"
rhaaezant
ozi
mnyana(
thosebl
ackt
hings)
"
wel
aughed.

Cage&Tai
lor
:"Ial
mostthoughtIwi
llhavet
ogoand
fi
ghtf
orFi
nisheratcourt
."

WelaughedandlookedatAya.Shewasst
il
lchi
ll
ed
dr
inki
nghertea.
Snakes:"
dohavesomet hingtodowi ththi
sAyaI
Knowyoudi dsomething.Thef i
ngerpri
ntcannot
j
ustdisappear
."Theyallagreedwithhim.

Aya:
"Iswearitai
n'tmet
histi
meitwasAyabonga.
"
Shel
iftherhandsupinsurr
ender
.

Mom:"
youareful
lofsecr
etst
hesedays.
"Il
ooked
awayf
rom her
.

Zi
mi:
"buthow?
"

Inarr
atedthest
oryonhowIgotr
idoft
he
fi
ngerpri
nts.

Si
ya:
"andyousti
llsayshei
ski
nd?
"Hel
ookedat
Mxo.Mxolookedaway.
Wel
aughed.

Me:
"i
twasaonceoft
hinghawu.
"Wel
aughed.

Mom:
"anymor
esecr
et.
"

Me:"
nopet
hereisnot
hingl
eft
."Sheshookherhead
bef
orewal
kingout
.

Ayola:
"you2areful
lofsurpr
isesyoual
waysr
eady
foranythi
ng.
"Theyallagr
eed.

Me:"Isweari
twaslastt
imeIdidsomet
hingil
legal
.
Fi
nisherisst
il
lgoi
ngtofini
shpeopl
ewil
lSil
encer
si
lencepeopl
e."Welaughed.

Aya:
"mxm you'
l
lar
emaki
ngmest
opgangst
eri
sm.
"
Theguys:
"haawhowi
llf
ini
shpeopl
eforus.
"We
l
aughed.

Aya:
"Si
lencer
"hel
ookedather
.

Si
ya:
"phambene(
yourmad)
"wel
aughed.

Siya:"
Iwil
lsendyouallal
ocat
ion.Wewil
lmeet
theretomorr
owAf t
ernoon1onthedot
."

Aya:
"whatf
or?
"

Siya:
"t
rustmeyouwi
lll
ovemeaf
tert
his.
"Heki
ssed
hercheek.

Ri
ri
:"
wher
edoweent
erkengoku.
"

Si
ya:
"cal
m yourt
it
sri
ri
.Wewi
llhaveapar
tyt
her
e
sot
hat
'swer
eyouent
er.
"

Us:
"par
ty.Wear
ein.Si
phakat
hi.
"

AyaandSi
ya:
"i
nsi
de.
"Wel
aughed.

Wechi
ll
edt
hewhol
edayatt
hehouse.
.
.
.
.
#Not
edi
ted
80
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Af
tert
helovel
ydaywehadatmymot
her
'spl
acewe
al
lwenthome.

Iwasjustmakingsupper.Chumaniwasplayi
ng
wit
hhisFatheratt
hefront.Theywerepl
aying
soccer
.

Me:
"pl
easedon'
tbr
eakmyst
ufft
her
e."Iyel
led

Siya:
"Ipl
acedever
ybr
eakabl
ethi
ngaway.
"He
yell
ed.

Me:
"xapbhut
t'
."Theyl
aughed

Iconti
nuedcooki
ng.WhenIwasabouttof
ini
shI
cal
ledthem t
ocomeandsetupthetabl
e.
Idi
shedupandwentt
ojoi
nthem.Wesai
dgr
ace
bef
oredi
ggi
ngin.

Me:
"sowhat
'st
hespeci
aloccasi
ont
ommor
ow.
"

Si
ya:
"i
t'
sasur
pri
se.AndIknowf
oraf
actyouwi
ll
l
ovei
t."

Me:
"youknowIdon'
tlovesur
pri
ses"Isul
ked.

Si
ya:
"youwi
lll
ovet
hem af
ter1"wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm.I
zot
yawena(
comeandeat
)"

Chumani
:"
aat
yel
amnandiyndoda(no.Iwi
lleaton
myownI'
m aman)"wel
aughedathi
m.
Si
ya:
"ngeneboy.
"Theyf
istbumped.

Me:"
hereal
lydidbetr
ay.Heisnotevenl
ightski
n
ke.
"Isul
ked.Theylaughed.

Chumaniser
iousl
ylooksl
ikehi
sfat
herl
ikeser
ious
ser
ious.

Si
ya:
"l
eavemechi
ldal
one.
"These2wi
llbet
rayyou
whenever
.

Chumani
:"
tch"hesai
dsmi
li
ngwi
thhi
steet
h.

Me:
"nizovasizi
tyake(youwil
lwasht
hedi
shes)
"
t
heylookedatme.Ilaughed.

It
ookmyl
astbi
t.
Me:"I
'm outf
am.Washthedi
shes.
"Iki
ssedt
hei
r
cheeksbeforer
unni
ngupst
air
s.

It
ookaqui
ckshowerbef
oresl
eepi
ng.Af
teranhour
orsoSi
yaj
oinedme.

Iwastossingandturni
ngthewhol
enight
.Icoul
dn'
t
getanysleep.Iwassomehowexci
tedabout
tomorr
ow.

Idi
dn'
tgetanysl
eep.Isl
eptattheear
lyhour
s.I
wokeupat10.Si
yawasst ar
ingatme.

Me:
"Goodmor
ning.
"Hel
eanedi
nforaki
ss.

Si
ya:"
morning.Youcoul
dn'tsl
eepl
astni
ghtyou
weretur
ningandtossi
ngthewholeni
ght.
"
Me:"
sorryIdi
dn'
tmeantowakeyouup.IguessI
'
m
exci
tedaboutt
oday.
"Hesmil
ed.

Him:"
Icouldn'tgetanysleept
oo.Iguesswear
e
bothexci
ted."Weki ssed.

Him:
"comelet
'sgo.
"Aswewer
eaboutt
ost
andup
Chumanigoti
n.

Chumani
:"
lambi
le(
I'
m hungr
y)"

Us:
"huuu"hegi
ggled.Wel
li
t'
sSat
urdayt
odayhe
i
sn'
tgoingtoschool.

Me:"
Iwil
lmaket
hebed.Youcanf
eedhi
m."He
l
ookedatme

Me:
"Don'
tEvenl
ookatmeyouknowwewi
llf
ight
."
Hel
aughedbef
oregoi
ngt
otheensui
te.

Imadethebed.HecameoutandtookChumani
wit
hhim.Igotdone.Idi
dmydai
lyrout
inebutwor
e
mygown.

Iwi
llcl
eanar
oundt
hehouse.I
t'
snotdirty.Theonl
y
pl
acesdir
tyi
smyroom,Chumani'
s,ki
tchenandthe
l
ounge.

Iwentdownst
air
stomakebr
eakf
astf
ormy
husband.

Me:
"whatar
eweeat
ingt
odayhunny.
"Hewas
f
eedi
ngchumani
.

Si
ya:
"oat
sBunny"Inoddedbef
oremaki
ngi
t.
Imadeoatsandweat emocki
ngeachother
.
Chumaniwaslaughi
nghisi
ntest
inesout
.Heeven
hadhi
ccups.

Siya:
"Idon'tseewhyyouevencleani
ngar
ound.
Leaveever yt
hingl
et'
sjustbondasafami
lybef
ore
goingout."Inodded.

Chumani:
"sambenidl
alisoccer(
let
'sgopl
ay
soccer
)"weagreedwit
hhi m.

Wewalkedoutsi
de.Weplayedsoccert
hewhol
e
mor
ning.IswearIhadt
hebesttimeever.

Wewalkedi
nandtookbat
htoget
herasaf
ami
ly.
Mxm Il
ovemyfamil
ysomuch.

Si
ya:
"l
et'
shavethesekindsofmoment
sever
yday.
"
Weweresti
llchi
ll
ingi
nt hebat
h.
Chumani
:"
e.e"hesai
dclappi
nghi
shands.We
l
aughedbeforeki
ssi
nghim.

Me:"
ther
eis30minutesbefor
e1sol
et'
sgetout
now."Wedri
edoursel
ves.

Wewor eourmatchingcl
othes.Bl
ueJeans,whit
e
plai
nt-shi
rtsfr
om g-st
arraw,Logo-Pri
ntLeat
her
sneakersfrom Ver
saceandourwhi t
ehoodies.

Minewaswri
tt
en'theirQueen'
,Si
ya'
s'thei
rKi
ng'
andChumani
'
s'theirPri
nce'
.Weroughedourfades.
Theysai
dnoweavet odayandIagreed.

Ionl
yappl
iedl
ipgl
oss.Il
ookbeaut
if
uli
nmynat
ural
l
ook.

Wel
ookedhotr
haa.
Me:"
let
'stakepict
ures.
"Wetookmanypict
ures.I
post
edt hem onmysocialmedi
apl
atf
orms.

Igotmanyl
ikesasal
ways.

Siya:
"l
et'
sgo.
"Wewal
kedout
.Wet
ookmyCart
his
ti
me.

Wedrovetoaqui
etar
ea.Ther
ewereafewhouses
i
nthatar
eaandtheywer
emansions.

Me:"whoarewevisiti
ng?"Doyouthi
nkIgota
respond.hej
ustdroveandstoppedi
nfrontofa
beauti
fulmansi
onr haa.

Itwasmostl
yglass.Hepunchedi
nthesecur
it
y
code.Thi
sguy.
Me:"
youevenbreaki
ngi
npeopl
e'shousesnow"he
l
aughed.Icl
appedmyhandsonce.

Wedrovei
nandourfri
endswer
eal
readyher
e.We
st
eppedoutandwal
kedin.

Thehousewassof uckenbeaut
if
ul.I
twasfull
fur
nit
ured.IswearIneversawabeautif
ulhousel
ike
thi
s.

:
"BabyuphiiI'
m ki
ndal
ost
"thatwasAyabonga.So
t
heyaretakingatouri
nsomeone'shouse.We
l
aughednoSi ya.

Ther
ewer
emai
dsgoi
ngupanddown.

Me:
"who'
shousei
sthi
s?"
:
"Hambal andl
elabuyahambaorphone. l
esiya
umnandi sadlalangokumyl ove.Ndilostmnaqala
yi
lendlunkuluqithi(t
akethewayyoucameher eor
callsi
yaI'm st
il
lplayi
ngheremyl ove.Ialsodon'
t
knowt hewaydownt hishouseisbig.
")"Siya
chuckled.ThatwasMxol isi

Si
ya:
"canyou'
l
lpl
easegetdownher
e."Heyel
led.

Them:
"how?
"

Siya:"
Chri
sti
naandMavi spleasegoandfetcht
hose
foolsupst
airs.
"Waitwhatishappeningher
e.I
l
ookedathi m andhewasjustsmi l
ing.

Me:"
what'
shappeni
nghere.
"Hejusthuggedme.
Chumaniwasnowheretobeseenalso.
Chumani
:"
mamam"heyel
ledf
rom wher
eever
.

Me:"wher
ear
eyou."Hegotoutundert
het able
l
aughinghewaseati
ngthefoodonthetable.Thi
s
chi
ld.

Af
ter5minut
esorsotheyallcamedownusingt
he
el
evat
or.Hol
donther
eisalsoaelevat
orher
ewow.

Cage:
"whoeverownsthi
shousei
slucky.Ot
her
peopl
eli
vehappil
y."

Rir
i:
"didyouseethejacuzzit
ubIwouldskipwor
k
j
ustsitther
ethewholedaydr i
nki
ngchampagne
darl
ing."Hesai
dsippinghischampagne.We
l
aughedathi m.

TT:"
I'
m nott
alkingaboutt
her
oom t
hathasthe
syst
em.Likeall13ofuscanpl
ayatonce.
"
Theguys:
"br
o"

Ayol
a:"
didyouseet
heindoorci
nemaIwouldwatch
movi
esandcuddlewit
hmybabyt hewhol
eday."

Snakes:
"babe.
"

Snakes:
"i
tal
sohasapoolnotswi
mmi
ngpool
."We
l
aughed.

Thando:
"haykethekitchen.Iwoul
dhiremyt eam
andtheywouldn'tcomplainaboutspace.Therei
s
al
soapent r
yfulloffood."Theywere
complementi
ngt hehouse

Zi
mi:
"ent
lekSi
yawho'
shousei
sthi
s?"Hesmi
led.
Si
ya:
"mywif
e'shouse.
"Il
ookedathi
m openi
ngmy
bi
geye'
s.

Me:"what
?"ThatcameoutasawhisperIwas
al
readyintear
sImeanthehousei
st herealshi
t.

Si
ya:
"sur
prise!
!"Ij
umpedontopofhim andhugged
hi
mtight
ly.Theguyswerecheer
ingupf orus.

Them:"
topdeckl
antsosebahl
e(youal
llook
beaut
if
ul)
"wegiggl
ed.

Si
ya:"
wellthat'
snottheonl
ysurpri
seIhave.
Chri
sti
nabr i
ngthem in.
"Waitwer
edidshegetout?
I
'm sogoingtogetlosther
e.

Chri
sti
nawalkedt
hroughthefr
ontdoorwi
th2
babi
esinacarseathuggi
ngeachothersl
eepi
ng.
Thatwasthemostbeauti
fulsi
ghtt
oeverwit
ness
t
heyl
ookedcut
e.

Waitt
heseki
dsl
ookexact
lylikemeandSi
ya.I
l
ookedathi
m.Hewassmiling.

Me:
"si
yangobaniaba(
whoar
ethey)
"

Si
ya:
"ourchi
ldr
en"

Us:
"what
.Ai
n'tt
heydead.
"

Siya:
"deadbant
hwanabakhabaninever(who'
s
chil
dren?)"Wealll
ookedathi
m shocked.

TT:
"buthowbr
o."

Us:
"yeahhow?
"Ij
ustwentt
omyki
ds.It
ookt
hegi
rl
.
Me:
"whatdi
dyounamet
hem.
"Hewasal
lsmi
ley

Si
ya:
"NkanyeziSiyandaandUvuyoAyanda.The
wayyouwant edtonamet hem.
"Ismil
edlooki
ngat
mybabieswithtearsinmyeyes.

Theybot
hcr
ied.Si
yacamet
otakeUvuyo.

Si
ya:
"t
heycan'
tsl
eepwi
thouteachot
her
."

Us:
"what
?"

Siya:
"yeahtheyfeeli
twhenoneisnotnextt
othe
other
.Theyshar eati
ghtbond.
"Wemanagedt o
calmt hem down,wefedthem.

Cage:
"buthow?
"Wewer
eal
lhavi
ngt
hef
oodand
dr
inksser
vedbyt
heChr
ist
inaandMavi
s.

Siya:
"r
ememberwhenwewenttothedoct
orand
shetoldust
hatwearegoi
ngt
oloosethem oryou.
"

Me:
"yeah"Inodded.

Siya:"
wel lIknewt hatsomet hi ngwasn' tright.She
wasact uall
ywor kingforVusumzi .Thedaywhen
yougavebi rt
hIknewsomet hi ngwasgoi ngt ogo
wrong.Ior gani zedagynecol ogistoneofmyol d
ti
mef riendst ogot othewar ehouse.Af t
erthe
bombi ngoft heambul anceIqui cklytookyouout
andwentt othewar ehouse- remembert hel ong
drivehet ook? -youwer esti
llconsci ousthatt i
me.
Youdel iveredthebabi essaf elyandt hedoct ortook
them.Aus' Mavi swast heonet akingcareoft hem
thiswhol etime.Yeaht hat'
swhathappened. "Weall
l
ookedathi m shocked.Ican' tbelieveIdon' t
rememberdel iver i
ngmybabi es.
Ayol
a:"
youguysar
etr
ulyf
ullofsur
pri
sesr
haa.
"

Theot
her
s:"
bro"wechuckl
ed.

NowonderIf
eltmybabi
espr
esence.

Me:
"howcomeIdon'
trememberat
hing"

Siya:
"ohhthedoctorsuggestedshegivesyouan
i
njecti
ontonotrememberat hi
ngsinceIwant edt
o
getri
doftheenemyf irstIdi
dn'twantourchil
dren
todieforr
eal.Andyouwer egoi ngt
owantyour
chil
drenASAP"heshr ugged.Wechuckl ed.

Me:"
v't
sek"wel
aughed"
butt
hankyout
hough"I
ki
ssedhim.
Let
habo:
"anymor
esecr
ets"shel
ookedatus.

MeandSiya:"
nothi
ngfrom me.
"Wel
ift
edourhands
up.Theyl
aughed.Thekidswer
egoi
ngaroundsana
hee.

Me:
"Il
oveyou"

Si
ya:
"Il
oveyoumor
e"weki
ssed.

Theguys:
"nott
odayt
opdeck"wepul
ledoutand
l
aughed.

Wehadagr eatt
imeatt
henewhouse.Itwasa
smallhousewar
mingpart
y.Ienj
oyedmyself
.No
cap.Neveradul
lmomentwithmyfri
ends.

Can'
twai
ttobondwi
thmyki
ds.
AndChrist
inaandMavi scamebackwi t
hallour
cl
othesandthings.Siyaist
hebestIswear
.Ilove
hi
m somuch.Iser iousl
ycan'ti
magi
nemyl if
e
wit
houthim.

IswearIwi
lldi
e.Il
ovehi
m somuch.Thatmani
s
myeveryt
hing.

NowIhave3ki dsChumaniOwethumyf
ir
stand
NkanyeziSi
yandaandUvuyoAyandamylastbor
ns.
Il
ovemyki dssomuch.

Iwi
lldi
eprotect
ingthem al
ongsi
dewi t
hSi
ya.Can'
t
wai
ttoli
vetherestofmyl i
fewi
ththem.

Il
ovemyf
ami
lysomuch.Nocap.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
.
81
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Happy?WhatcanIsayhappyi
sanunder
stat
ement
.
Inevert
houghtl
if
ewoul
dbethi
sgood.

Ihaveagoodhusband.Mykidsaret
hebestt
hing
ever.Theygetal
ongj
ustf
ineevenChumanil
oves
thetwins.
Siyaismyever yt
hing.Iwon'
tgett
ir
edofsayi
ngt
hat
.
Ifitwasn'
tforhim Idon'
tknowhowmylif
ewould
bel i
ke.

Happinessil
eft,
rightandcenter
.HowdidIbecome
solucky.IneverthoughtIwouldupendl
ikethi
s.

IalwaysthoughtIwouldendupinmyown
apartment.Jumpingf
rom boyt
oboymendi
ngmy
brokenheart.

Buti
nst
eadI
'
m happywi
thoutar
eason.

ThedooropenasIwassti
lli
nthei
ndoorgym.Thi
s
housei
sthebestI
'mtel
li
ngyou.

EveryFr
idaywewatchmovi
esasaf amil
y.Wedon'
t
waistmoneyingoi
ngout
.Wejustenjoyour
sel
ves
i
ndoors.
Thetwi
nsareal
waysineachot
her'
shandsi
magi
ne.
Theyonl
ysepar
ateoncet
heyareawake.

Theylookador
abl
ewhentheyar
etoget
herthough.I
l
ookedatthedoor
.Myhusbandwasstandi
ngthere
l
ookingatme.

Me:
"hunny"

Hi
m:"bunnyIcameher
etotel
lyout
hattommor
ow
wegoingtoPEfort
hechi
ldr
en'
sceremony.
"

Il
it
eral
lyj
umpedoffthebi
kegym.Imeanhedi
dn'
t
i
nform me.Thi
shusbandofmine.

Me:"
what ?Youdidn'
teveninf
orm me.Ihaven'
teven
boughtanout f
it
.Ineedtodomyhair.Nottofor
get
p.
..
"Hel aughed
Him:"cal
m downbaby.Ial readyboughtyouan
outf
ityouwillseei
ttomor row.AndAus'Mavishas
al
readypackedourbags.Al lyouneedtodoatthe
endl
essl i
styouweret al
kingaboutistodoyourhair
.
Thought her
eisnothingwr ong."

Me:"
wellther
eis.MoveIhavetogo."Ishovedhi
m
agai
nstthedoorfr
ameandr anout.Hewas
l
aughingatme.

Thi
sguy.Ial
sogotl
ostt
ryi
ngt
ofi
ndmyr
oom.Thi
s
housei
sbigNocap.

I
t'
saFri
dayaft
ernoonsoI
'
m hopi
ngit
'snotf
ullat
t
hesal
on.Ical
meddownandwalkedtomyroom.

Itookaquickshower .Lot
ionedthanwor
emy
sweatpant
swi thSiya'
sShirt.Iwor
emytekki
eand
rantotheelevator
.
Thekidsareatschool
.UmnaI
'
m sti
llonmy6
monthsleave.Si
yaishi
sownbosssohehadan
ear
lyday.

Igotdown,It
ookmyl
eat
herj
acket
,hel
metandt
he
mottobi
ke'
skeys.

Iusedthedoort
hatl
eadsyout
othegar
age.Igoti
n
andtookthebi
ke.

Ispeedoft
oRir
i'
ssalon.Ihopehi
sinsot
hathecan
squeezemeini
fit
'sf
ull.

Igoti
nandletoutahugesi
gh.Ther
ewer
eonl
y5
peopl
e.I
t'
ssti
llwor
khourst
hat'
swhy.

Myti
mecameandIdidmyhair
.Idi
dbrai
ds.They
r
eal
lydosui
tme.Theyar
enotl
ongones.
Itwasget
ti
nglat
esoIwenthome.Ihear
danoi
se
comingfr
om t
heinsi
de.

WhenIgotinthekidsweregi
ggl
ingpl
ayi
ngwith
siya.Whatacutesi
ghtt
owatch.It
ookapict
ureof
them andpost
edit.

Wel
lChr
ist
inaandMavisar
enotstayi
nmaidst
hey
gohomeat5.Theycome4timesaweek.

Me:"
havi
ngfunwi
thoutme?
"Theyl
ookedatme
andsmil
ed.

JealousdownIhavethemostbeautif
ulki
dsever
.
Nott of
orgetmyhandsomehusband.Mykneesgo
weakeveryti
meIseehim smi
le.Ibecamewetina
spl
itsecond.
Thet
winsclappedthei
rhandsandChumanicame
tome.Ipi
ckedhim up.

Wepl ayedsoccerl
ikeol
dti
meswi l
lthetwi
nswere
si
tti
ngt her
echeeri
ngforusgi
ggl
ingclappi
ngthei
r
hands.

Weor der
edi
nthat
'swhyI
'
m notcooki
ng.Thewasa
knock.

Si
ya:"
mustbet hedel
iver
yguybabycar
dlakho
pl
ease."Igavehi
m mycar d.

Hecamebackwitht
hediffer
enttypesoffood.I
or
deredri
bswi
thchi
pslargechipsforthekidsal
so.
Si
yaorder
edtr
ipl
edecker
.Wewi llshar
ezobona.

Me:
"l
emmedi shup.
"Hegavemet
hef
oodIwal
ked
t
otheki
tchen.
Siya:
"whi
chani
mat
ionar
ewechoosi
ngt
oday?
"He
yell
ed.

Me:"
nope.Wehaveanear l
ymorningtomorrow.We
can'
tbesleepy.Soaf
terdi
nnerweareret
ir
ingto
bed.
"Iyel
ledback.

Them:"
huu"Iknowthat
'ssi
yaandChumani
.See
whatIsai
d.Il
aughed.

Ifini
sheddi
shingupandcall
edthem.Mademash
forthetwi
ns.Chumaniyenahewilleat1sl
iceof
pizza,f
ri
esandli
tt
lebi
toftheri
bs.

Weweresitt
ingatt
hetablenow.Iwasf
eedi
ng
Uvuyowi
llSiyawasfeedi
ngChumaniandNkanyezi
.
Wewerealsofeedi
ngoursel
ves.
Siya:
"l
et'
shaveanotheronesot
hatwecanhavean
oddnumber .
"Il
ookedathim wi
tht
hatyourcr
azy
l
ook.

Me:"
ifyouwi
ll
ingtocarr
yhi
m Idon'tmind.
"I
shr
ugged.HelookedatmeandIlaughed.

Si
ya:
"mxm ke"Il
aughedathi
ssul
kingsel
f.

Me:"
whenarewecomi ngbackandIhopeweare
notgoi
ngt
ot hevi
ll
ageside.Iwon'
tbeabl
etogo
andfet
chwaterEver
yti
me."Helaughed

Him:"
weit'
sabasical
lyarur
alar
eabuti
t'
sli
keyour
l
ivi
ngekasiyabo.
"Inodded.

Me:
"bet
ter
.Whatt
imear
ewel
eavi
ngat
?"
Siya:"
wellwear eneededtherei
nthemorni
ngfor
theslaughter
ingoft hegoat
s.Sowearedepart
ing
at7am wewi llgettherear
ound9am addi
ngthe
drivetothehouse."

Me:
"youhavei
tallcal
culat
edIsee."Hechuckled.
Hekissedmycheekbeforecol
lect
ingt
heplates.

Me:"Iwi
llt
akegogi
vet
heki
dsabathsol
ong.
"I
yel
ledsi
ncehewasatt
heki
tchen.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llj
oinyoui
nbedi
naf
ew.
"Heyel
ledback.

Ipl
acedNkanyezionmyback.TookUvuyoalsoand
hel
dhim att
hefront
.Chumaniwil
lwal
k.I'
M nothi
s
fat
her
.

Heal
wayshol
dsal
l3oft
hem atonce.Fi
tlaKaka.
Chumani
:"
Nam mama(
met
oomom)
"

Me:"
haiklkandongutat
akhoumnaandabakwazu
hambao'Nkanyezi(
I'
m notyourdadandthet
wins
can'
twalk)"hej
ustnoddedfrowni
ng.Thi
schi
ld.

Bef
orehecr
iedIgat
heredal
lmystrengt
handl
if
ted
hi
m upal
so.Thesmirkonhi
sface.

Thi
sli
tt
ledevil
.Iwal
kedt
otheelevator
.Ifther
e
wasn'
tanelevat
orIwasgoi
ngtostraggle.

Aft
ermakingsur etheyar
eallasleep.Iwal
kedto
myr oom.Iheardthewaterrunning.Ist
ri
pped
nakedandwal kedinthebi
gen- sui
t.

Trustmeiti
sbi
g.I
thas2shower
s.Iwal
kedi
nthe
shower.
Me:"
youdidn'tevenwaitforme.I'
m soangryright
nowIdon'tevenwantt ogiveyouablowjob."Isai
d
weari
ngmyshowercap.Hi smanhoodbecamehar d
i
naspl i
tsecond.Ilaughed.

Il
ett
hewaterhi
tmewil
lwashing.Nextt
hing
someonet
urnedmegent
lyyetroughl
y.

ThatwasSi
yamt
handaIknowhist
ouch.Hewas
behi
ndmeIwasholdi
ngthewetwal
l.

Hebreat
hedheavi
lyonmyneck.Thatsentshi
ver
s
downmyspine.Heenter
edf
rom behi
ndwi t
hout
warni
ng.

Wehadacoupleofrounds.Wedi
dever
yexi
sti
ng
st
yle.Weevensl
eptnaked.

At5am Iwokeup.Idi
dmydai
lyr
out
ineandwor
e
mygown.Iwi
llwearmycl
othesbef
oregoi
ng.

Iwalkedouttothekitchentomakefarmhouse
breakf
astourfavori
te.Ipl
aceditint
hewarmer.I
madesof tpor
ridgeforthekids.

Iwal
kedwi
thi
tupstai
rs.I
twas5t
o6.Ihavet
o
wakeSi
yaupf
irst
.

Ipar
tedhisli
pswit
hmyt ongue,
bit
ehisl
owerli
p
gent
lyandsuckedit
.Iki
ssedhimti
llher
esponded.
Ipul
ledoutandhegroaned.

Me:"
wakeupbabywehavet
ogo.
"Henodded
bef
oreopeni
nghi
seyes.

Hi
m:"
goodmor
ning"hegavemeapeck.
Me:"
morni
ngmyl ovenowst
andupsot
hatwecan
l
eave.
"Henodded.

It
ooktheporri
dgeandwal
kedi
nChumani
'
sroom.I
wokehim upandfedhi
m.

Af
terfeedi
nghim Ibat
hedhim andwentt
opl
ace
hi
m atmyr oom si
ncehisf
atherist
her
e.

Iwal
kedt
othetwi
nsroom andt
heywer
est
il
l
sl
eepi
nghuggi
ngeachot
her.

OnthingIloveaboutt
heirbondi
st hatt
heywakeup
onceatnightsotheykeepeachotherwarm atni
ght
wil
lcuddl
ing.

Iwoket
hem upanddidthesameasIdidwi
th
Chumani
.Theywereal
ldressedupnow.
Al
soSi
ya.

Me:"
Iplacedyourf
oodinthewar
mermyl
ove.
"I
sai
dthatdoingmysimplemakeup.

Hi
m:"
haveyoueat
en.
"

Me:"
nopeIwi
lleatonceI
'
m done.
"Hewal
kedout
l
eavi
ngtheki
dswi l
lme.

Theywereplayi
ngwit
hourphones.Si
yacameback
wit
h2plates.Heal
sobroughtmyfood.

Si
ya:
"come.Iwi
llf
eedyou."Inoddedsmi
li
ngathi
m.
SeewhenIsayhisthebest
.

Hefedmegivi
ngmekissesher
eandt
her
e.Wher
e
bot
hweari
ngxhosaat
tir
es.
Iwaswearingawhit
edresswi
thbl
ackstr
ipesanda
bl
ackdoek.Siyawasweari
ngal
lbl
ackIworemy
penci
lheelwhil
ehewasweari
nghi
sformalred
bott
oms.

Me:"
youreal
lydoknowmysi
ze.Thanksf
ort
he
dr
ess"Isai
dkissi
nghi
m.

Him:"
IKnowmywif
ethat'
swhy."Whenwewere
donewewentt
otheai
rportandtookoft
oPE.

WeusedhisPri
vat
eJetasalways.Wegotther
eand
ther
ewasacaralr
eadywait
ingforus.Wegott
oit
andwhoeverwasinther
ewasul ul
ati
ng

Anol
d/youngwomanwal
kedout
.

Si
ya:
"dabawo(
aunt
)"Iguessi
t'
shi
saunt
.They
hugged.

Shelookedatmesmi
li
ng.Iret
urnedt
hesmi
le.She
huggedmeIhuggedherback.

Shebentdownt
oki
ssChumanit
hansheki
ssedt
he
twi
ns.

Ij
usthopet
hatever
yonewi
llt
reatmet
hesame.

Siya:
"besingazot
hathwatancina?
(wasn'
tuncl
e
theonewhowasgoi ngtofetchus?)
"Wewere
placi
ngthebagsintheboat.

Hisaunt:
"oohmxm lowoyamazinj anixakuko
abanthu(oohthatoneyouKnowhowhei sli
ke
whenheseespeopl e)yourdri
vingmyf eetar
e
hurt
ingrhaa.Wehavebeengoi ngupanddownf or
thekidsceremony.
"Siyarol
ledhiseyes.
Hi
m:"whysuf
fercausei
t'
saceremonyf
ort
heki
ds
i
t'
snotawedding.
"Auntchuckl
ed.

Aunty:
"welli
tlooksl
iket
her
ewi l
lbeaweddi
ng.You
knowhowbi gyourfamil
yisther
eisevenat
ent
outsi
de."Wetookoff.

Wedrovehavi
ngali
ghtchat
.Thi
saunti
sact
ual
ly
cool
.Meandhergotal
ongsowell
.Si
yawashappy.
Nocap.

Wewentt oUitenhageactual
ly.Whenwegottot he
houseitwasbigandt her
ewasal soatentout
side.
HaiboIthoughtitwasakidsceremonynota
wedding.

Ther
ewerepeoplegoi
ngupanddown.Bl
ackpots
ever
ywher
e.Neversawsuchabi
gandbeauti
ful
fami
lyi
noneplace.
Whenwegotoutoft hecarever
yonelookedatus.I
washoldingChumaniwhil
eSiyawasholding
NkanyeziandAndi
swa-theaunt-Uvuyo.

ForamomentthereIt
houghttheydon'
tloveusbut
theyj
ustsangasongthatgoesli
ke'
kanibajongeni
yooohhalal
aKanibaj
ongeniyooohhal
ala'.

Ulul
ati
onsandt hesongfil
ledthewholestr
eet.I
wassohappyyoooh.Thi sf amil
yissowelcoming.
Thepeoplefr
om thestreetwherelooki
ngatus.
You'
llknowhowXhosa' sare.Ibetthewhole
communi t
ywillbehere.

Weweresmi
li
ngnoSi
ya.Hisfamil
ysur el
ydoes
l
ovehi
m.Wewalkedi
ngreet
ingeveryone.

Si
ya:"
let
'sgoIwanttogreetMkhulu"Inodded.
Peopl
ewant edt
otakethechil
drenbutSiyasai
dhe
wi
llcomebackwi
tht
hem wewantt
ogr
eetMkhul
u.

Wewal kedinhi
sroom.Iswearthemomenthefelt
ourpresencehebecamehappy.Hewasjustsi
tt
ing
attheroom wat
chingout
sidet
hewindow.

SiyaplacedNkanyeziont
opofthebedandwentto
greetMkhulu.Ial
sowenttogr
eethi
m.Hewasal l
shadesofhappy.

Mkhulu:"
bendici
fanbazof angatshatangakwedi
ni
zothi
ywandi mloGamal omzi(
Ithoughtyouwhere
goi
ngt odiewit
houtgetti
ngmar ri
ed.Iwillnameher
whenyougetmar ried.
)"welaughed.

Me:"
kamendokwenzel
ait
eat
ata(
lemmegomake
youteaMkhul
u)"

Mkhul
u:"
okaymol
okazanahaiket
hil
ekwedi
niumhl
e
yenai fbendingekomdalabendizokut yel
a(you
choseher eboyshei sbeauti
fulifIwasn'
toldIwas
goingt otakeherformyself
)"siyagavehim adead
stare.Wel aughedathi
m.

Si
ya:
"Andisakuni
..
.(
I'
m notgoi
..
)"Iwal
kedoutwi
ll
hewasthreat
eni
nghim.

Ihadtogreetever
yone.Theoldwomanatthef
ront
wantedhugs.Whoam It onothugt
hem.Theyare
welcomi
nganyway.

Iwalkedtot
heki
tchenwhi
chi
sbi
g.Thewi
fe'
s
ul
ulated.

MIL-motherinl
aw-:"
nankukeguysMalokazana
wam lobendiniqayi
sel
angayemfazi
kaSi ya(her
e
sheguysmydaught erinl
awtheoneIwasbr aggi
ng
about.Si
ya'swif
e)"
Igottoknowthei
rnames.Si
ya'
smot
herwasalso
herealsoThet
wins.Ther
ear
emanywif
e'sher
e
rhaa.

Si
yoli
ce:
"umhl
enyankuninisi
kil
indi
le(sheis
i
ndeedbeaut
if
ul.Wehavebeenwai t
ingforyou)
"

Smamye: "
hopeyouwi llenjoyyour selfandwelcome
tothefamil
y.Weloveeachot herkethinaapha.We
tr
eateachotherl
ikesistershopeyouwi l
lenj
oy
beingherewit
hus.Pleasef eelfreethisi
salsoyour
home."Inoddedandwi pedmyt ears.

I
twast
ear
sofj
oyguys.

Me:
"Enkosinif
orwel
comi
ngmeher
e(t
hankyou'
l
l)"
t
heyallcametohugme.

Ineverf
eltsomuchl
ovef
rom st
ranger
s.Imadet
ea
forMkhuluandwechattedabi
t.Hei
ssuchagr
eat
person.Hei
sfreespi
ri
tedal
so.

Ienj
oyedmyt i
mewi t
hhim.WhenIwasdone'
gossi
ping'wit
hMkhuluaboutmyhusbandIwentt
o
theki
tchentohel
ptheladi
es.

Thekitchenwasfil
ledwit
hlaugher.t
hekidswhere
outsi
dewi t
hSiya.TheyareneededattheFronti
t'
s
thei
rceremonyafteral
l.

Everyonewasgushi
ngallovermeandmyki
ds.
Siyawasevenjeal
ous.Rol
li
ngmyeyes.

Hehuggedmef
rom behi
ndbenukaumsi
.

Lat
hitha:
"WTFbazal
wanaaaphandl erhadebe
ani
sozenizobangol
ovieydovi
eysikhona( no
out
sideRhadebeyoucan'tbel
ovi
eydovi eywillwe
ar
eher
e)"weal
llaughed

Siya:
"sunxamaLathit
handizokuHoyangoku.Ser yt
mocbabyawuneed. into(
waitLat
hit
haIwi l
l
answeryounow.Ar eyoustil
lfi
nemyl ovedon'tyou
needsomet hi
ng)"Ishookmyhead.Weki ssed.They
start
edcomplaini
ng

Minni
e:"bayekeniabaguysniziwai
stel
axetshaqa
Ni
ni(leavethem guysyouallarewaist
ingyour
t
ime)"weal ll
aughed.

Siya:"
haiwet huguysbendi zocheckmf aziwakwa
Rhadebeandi novakamnandiyenaengavi
kamnandikungakubikl k(noguysIwant edt o
checkt heRhadebebr i
deIcan' thavefunwillshe
i
sn't.I
twi l
lturnoutugly)
"weal llaughed.

Hewalkedoutandweconti
nuedhavingfun.I
t
wasn'
tmuchwor ksi
ncet
hereisalotofus.
Theceremonywentwel
l.Ther
ewasalsoali
tt
lebi
t
ofr
ain.Youshoul
dhaveseenever
yonebei
ngjoyf
ul.

Rai
ntothem meanst
hatt
heancestor
sar
e
wat
chi
ngoverthem.Ir
eal
lydi
denjoymysel
f.

Goodthi
ngsseem t
obefol
lowingmethesedays.
Bei
ngaccept
edbyyourhusbandfami
lyispr
icel
ess.
I
'mtel
li
ngyouall
.

Il
ovesiyaandthel
astt
hingIwanti
snotbei
ng
accept
edbyhisfami
ly.

LI
FEISGOODHEY.NDIHAPPY.HAPPI
NESSALL
OVERGUYS.NDI
NOMNYENIONOTHANDO.
ABANTHWANATHATAREADORABLE.WHAT
MORECANIASKFOR.MYHUSBAND' SFAMI
LY
ALSOLOVESME.
NDIHAPPY.
.
.
.
#not
edi
ted
82
.
.
.
.
.
.
Thando
Lwet
huhasbeentr
eat
ingmegr
eat
.I'
m gr
atef
ulf
or
thel
oveheshowsme.
Hesuppor tmei neverythi
ng.Idon'tknowhowIwi l
l
everrepayhim.Thoughhesayshedoesn' twant
anythi
nginr et
urnhei sdoingthisfrom t
he
goodnessofhi sheart.AndIwillnevermakethe
mistakeofleavinghim.Hehasbeenwi thme
thr
oughmywor se.

Heknowsmebet
tert
hananybodyel
se.Iwi
llal
ways
bet
heref
orhi
m.

MaybeIshoul
djustgi
vehi
m kidsher
eall
ywantsto
havet
hem.ThankGodionlyhave1yearl
eftnow.

SothatIcangi
vehi
m whathewant
s.Heal
ways
doesaphaKum sowhynot.

Iwi
llt
hanworkandgetmoney.Iwoul
dreal
lyl
ovet
o
hel
pLwethuaround,
it'
sonl
yfai
r.
Ijustgotbackfr
om schoolIhavest
art
edwi
thmy
examsi t
'sNovembernow.

Istart
edatthecli
nicjusttogetmyi
nject
ionf
or
preventi
on.Icomeher eevery3mont
hseversinceI
havebeensexuallyactive.

Igett
othehospit
alandtheyfir
sttestmeforSTD'
s
andforpr
egnancy.Iusual
lycomewi thLwet
hubut
hehasbeenincourtthewholeday.

Iwaitt
her
eimpat
ient
lyf
ort
hedoct
or.Shecomes
back.

Dr:
"sorr
yforkeepingyouwai
ti
ng.1ofthenew
nur
seswher elostsoihadt
ohelpout
."Inodded
smili
ng.

Me:
"noneedt
oexpl
ain.Iunder
stand.
"Shenodded
Her:
"Iseeyouareonyourownt
odaywher
eisyour
husbandifyoudon'
tmindmeaski
ng.
"

Peopl
eaddressusashusbandandwif
eimagi
ne.
ButIdon'
tseesomet
hingwrongIl
ikei
twhent
hey
cal
lmehiswife.

Me:"
oohIdon'tmi
ndatall
.Hehasbeeni
ncour
tthe
whol
eday."Shenoddedsmil
i
ng.

Her:
"l
et'
sgett
obusiness.Wellt
hereisnoside
ef
fectsi
nSTD's.Andyourpregnant.
"Myhear t
st
oppedforasecondthereandIlookedather.

Me:
"what
?"Thatcameoutasawhi
sper

Doct
or:
"yeahyoursti
llonyourfi
rsttr
imesteryour
12weekspregnant.
"Ilookedather.Idon'
tknowif
i
t'
sgoodnewsofnot
.

Ij
usthopeLwet huwil
lbehappy.Ilookedatmy
body.FuckIhavegainedweight
.Thesecooking
cl
othesareabi tbi
gmaybethat'
sthereasonwhyI
neverreal
ized.

AndwhenIgethomeIal
waysset
tl
einf
orLwethu'
s
t
-shi
rt
s.Ipokedmyst
omachandi
twashard.

Me:
"howcomebecauseI
'
m ont
heneedl
e."

Her:
"t
heyarenot100%saf
e.Didyouwai
taf
ter
havi
ngyourNeedle3monthsback.
"

Me:
"noIdi
dn'
twai
t.
"

Her
:"
thant
hat
'
swhy.Pl
easepl
aysaf
e.Yournext
appoint
mentisin2weeks.Ihavealr
eadybookeda
gynecologi
stf
oryou.Hewil
ltakeyouthr
ough
everyt
hing.
"Inoddedwi
thasmi l
e.

Me:"
thankyoudoc.Canweperhapsdoascanyou
knowIwanttoshowmyhusbandwhenIgethome."
Shenoddedandtookmetothegynecol
ogi
st.

Shegavemet hescans.Iwenthome.It
ookoutthe
col
ourst
ickyminipagesinmybagandst ar
ted
wri
ti
ngont hem.

Iwon'
ttel
lhi
m di
rect
ly.Thef
ir
stonewentl
ike.

'
pleaser
emoveyourfeetoft
hecof
feetabl
eandgo
t
akeashower.
'Ipl
acedthatont
opoftheremot
e.

'whenyourdoneshoweri
nggotakeyourf
avori
te
sandwi
chinthefr
idge'
Iplacedt
hesecondoneon
t
heshowerdoor
.

'aft
erfeedi
ngyoursel
fpl
easegot othel
astpl
ace
wehadsexat .Iknowyourprobabl
ysickoft
he
gamenowbutIl oveyou'Ipl
acedthethi
rdoneon
theplat
e.

'
hopeyournotti
redbynowthisisthelastst
icker
bef
orefi
ndingoutwhyI'
m doingthi
s.Pleasekindl
y
gotothesparer
oom yousaiditwil
lbeforourfir
st
bor
n.'Ipl
acedthesti
ckerontopofthestudytable.

Iwenttot
heroom andtookasmallbox.Ipl
aced
thescani
nitandwrappeditwi
llar
edr i
bbon.

'
hopeyourreadytowakeupi nt
hemiddl
eofthe
ni
ghttofeedyourbaby.CausewePr
egnantmy
l
ove'Ipl
acedthesti
ckerinbox.
Ihopeeveryt
hinggoeswell.Iwentout
sidet
omy
favor
it
eplacethegarden.

Ial
wayscomeheret
oreadcooki
ngbooksand
l
ist
entomusi
c.I
t'
salwaysr
elaxi
ng.

Aft
er15minutesorsoIhear
dhi
scarpul
li
ngup.hi
s
her
eearl
y.His,hi
sownbossaft
eral
l.

Iwaitpat
ient
lyf
orhi
m.Heknowswher
etof
indme
ever
yday.

Aft
er30mi nut
es.Iwasl
ookingatt
heki
tchendoor
.I
wasnervousnow.Whatifhedoesn'
twantthi
s
chi
ld.

Iwil
lhavetowor khar
dandf eedmychil
dyeahi
f
that
'sthecase.ButI
'm def
ini
tel
ynotdoi
ngan
aborti
on.
Itouchmystomachandcri
edthi
nki
ngabout
negati
vet
hingsonl
y.MaybeIshoul
djustgoand
packmybagsandleave.

YeahIshoul
ddot
hat.AsIwasaboutt
ostandup
andgopackmybags.Lwet
hucameoutrunni
ng.

Hecamet omeandhuggedmel i
ketommor
ow
doesn'
texi
st.Hewasal
socr
ying.Hehasal
ways
wantedababy.

I'
m gl
adIwasthefi
rstper
sont
opr
ovi
dehi
m wi
th
one.ICan'
twai
t.

Nextt
hinghi
sonhisknees.Hetookoutaredbox.
Myeyessparkl
eswit
htear.I
'
m cryi
ngknow.

Lwet
hu:
"Ihavebeenpl
anni
ngt
opopt
hisquest
ion
nowi ntheaf t
ernoonbutwhynotpopt hequest i
on
nowwhenwej ustr eceivedgoodnews.Wear e
goingtobepar ents.I'
m goi ngt obeaf atherto
someoneonesoon.I 'm sohappyr ight
.Ihadal ong
speechprepar edf ortoday' sdinnerwhatIj ust
foundoutmademeevenf orgetaboutit.Letme
stopbeati
ngar oundt hebushcauseI '
m noteven
Makingsenser ightnow-Igi ggled&hechuckl ed-
canyoupl easemakemet hehappiestmanal i
veby
mar r
ingme. "Inoddedvi rgously.

Me:"
yesIwil
lmar
ryyou.
"Hesl i
ppedt
hedi
amond
r
ingin.Hest
oodupandkissedme.

Ibecamehornyi
nabli
nkofaneye.Ij
umpedand
wrappedmylegsar
oundhi
swaistwit
houtbr
eaki
ng
theki
ss.Ibi
tehi
m.

Hi
m:"
ouch"
Me:
"sor
ry"wesai
dthr
ought
heki
ss

Hegrabbedmyassandwal
kedi
nthehouse
undr
essingeachot
her
.

Youknowthedr
il
l.Iwasnowl
ookingatt
hecei
li
ng
wit
hLwethuwrappingar
msaroundmyabdomen
andhi
sheadontopofmystomach.

Me:"
takaozayopleaseremoveyourbi
gheadonmy
st
omachyouwi llhurtmychil
d."Heki
ssedmy
st
omachbef or
elookingatme.Hechuckledt
han
wanttothesameposi t
ionagai
n.

Him:"I
'
m sti
llbondingwit
hmybabygi rlheredon'
t
bejealousplease.
"Heconti
nuedtal
kingtomychi l
d
orshouldIsayour s,
yeahsoundsgr
eatt hatway.I
l
aughed
Me:"
shehasal
readyt
akenmypl
acear
ghh"he
l
aughed.

Him:"
noonewi l
levertakeyourpl
acemyl ove.I
'm
j
ustbondingwiththebeauti
fulcr
eatur
ewecr eat
ed.
I'
m goi
ngt obeafathercabanga.
"Ismiledknowi ng
howmuchhappyhei snow.Iwantnothi ngbutto
seehim happy.

Me:"f
oramomentthereIt
houghtyouwon'
taccept
theki
dIwasreadytol
eaveandgobacktomy
mother'
spl
ace.
"Isai
dthelastpar
thar
d.Tear
s
cameoutofmyeyes.

Heunwr
appedhi
shandsandcamet
ohugme.

Him:"
it
'sokaybaby.Youhavemeandourunbor
n
chi
ld.
"Weki ssed.
Me:"
yourr
ight
"hemademesi
tupst
rai
ghtandl
ook
athi
m.

Him:"
Iknowitwillbehardforyoubabybutyou
havetogohomebabyatl eastaskforyouruncle's
number.Iwanttopaylobolaandt hedamagesat
theendoftheweek.Pleasebabygetatl eastyour
uncl
e'snumber.Iwanttodot hingstherightway.I
don'
twanttheancestorstobemadatusandour
marri
agetoend.Iwanttobehappywi t
hyou."I
noddedunderst
andwher ehei scomi ngfrom.

Me:
"Iwi
llgot
her
etomor
row.Af
terschool
."

Him:"Iwi
llgiveyoumycarsothatyoucanshowof
f.
Iknowyoul oveshowi
ngoff.
"Hesai dr
oll
inghi
s
eyes.Wel aughed.

Sincehisagooddriverhet
aughtmehowt
odr
ive
andI'm qui
tegood.
Me:"andIwillbewearingmyf ul
lunif
ormfrom
school.Iwantourneighborswhousedt olaughat
mewhenIwasl eavi
ngatthestreett
obeleftwit
h
somet hi
ngtotalkaboutandleavetheirmouths
hanging."Welaughed.

Him:"
Myf i
ancewit
hshowingoff.Your23f orcryi
ng
outl
oud.Imaginewhenyourol
der .Idon'
twantt o
eventhi
nkaboutit
."Hesai
dholdinghiswai st
.I
l
aughed

Me:"
haiboIdon'
tshowoffthatmuch.Butiwi
llst
op
showingof
fke."Welaughed.

Him:"yeahl et
'sgetr
eadyIbookedthewhol
e
rest
aur antforusandyourfavor
it
echefi
scooki
ng.
"
Ismiledl ooki
ngathim.

Her
eal
lydoesknowhowt
omakemehappy.
Wedidourdail
yrouti
neandworefor
mal .Wewent
t
othedinneranditwasi
ndeedbeaut
ifulther
e.

Thesetupwasgr
eat
.Lateronaf
tert
hebl
issf
ul
di
nnerwehad.Wewenthome.

Iwasreal
lyhappy.ThenextdayIwokeupdid
ever
ythi
ngIneededtodo.Mybabywasn'tgoingt
o
worksoheletmeusehi scar.

Imadesur et
hatIl
eftbr
eakf
astandlunchf
orhi
m.I
don'twantmybabytobehungryorstr
uggl
ewhen
I'
m gone.

Af
terschoolIwentt
omyhood.

Igotther
eandst
aredatmyfather
'shousef
oran
hour.Thegr
assi
slongthest
oopisdirt
yEventhe
wi
ndows.I
'
m sur
eit
'
swor
sei
nsi
de.

Theneighborshavebeenpicki
ngthr
oughthei
r
windowslookingatt
hecar.Ifi
nal
lygat
her
edmy
st
rengthandgotout.

IswearIsawpeoplemakingasift
heyareopeni
ng
windowsorsomething.Iwant
edtoshoutandsay.

'
ndim bi
tchescomeoutandseeforyour
sel
ves.Di
d
youallt
hinkIwil
lenduponthestr
eetsr
haa.
'Iwas
weari
ngmychefcl ot
hes.

Iwal
kedi
nwiththatpowerWal
kofmi
ne.Igott
othe
ol
ddoorandknocked.

:
"Come-cough-i
n-cough-
"that
'smymot
her
'svoi
ce.
Shedoesn'
tsoundalr
ight
.
Idon'
thesit
atetoopenther
edoor.Ir
ushedinand
foundmymot heronthebedint
hemostt er
ri
fyi
ng
wayever.Sheissick.

Her:
"Thandol
wethu.
"Shecough.Andt
ear
scame
outofhereyes.

Thehousewasevensmel
li
ng.

Me:"whathappenedher
e.What'
swr
ongwi
thyou.
"I
askedworri
ed.AndIwascryi
ng.

Thesmellwast
obadt obeignor
ed.Ir
ushedt
othe
toi
let
.Andvomi
ted.Iwasevencryi
ng.

Pr
egnancyi
stest
ingme.I
t'
sanRDPhouse.I
wal
kedbacktoher.
Me:
"sor
ryaboutt
hat
."Shenoddedcr
ying.

Her
:"Iunder
standitsmell
sher
e.Andyourpr
egnant
att
hesamet ime."Il
ookedatmybel
ly.

Me:
"whatHappened?What
'swr
ongwi
thyou?
"
.
.
.
.
.
#Not
Edi
ted
83
.
.
.
.
.
Thando
Her:"
IhaveTBandBunt ulef
tmewi t
hHuman
Papil
lomavi
rus"It
urnedtolookatherf
ast
ert
han
thought
scomi ngi
ntoyourmind.

Me:"TBandHPV"Iwi
denedmyeyes.Shenodded
cr
ying.

Her:"
I'm sor
ryforchasi
ngyouaway- coughing-I
wasj ustprot
ecti
ngyouf r
om hi
m- cough-.IknowI
shouldhavechasedhi m away-
cough-insteadbut
hepromi sedtocomeandki l
lus-cough-thewayhe
ki
ll
edyourf ather
."Il
ookedatherwithtearsinmy
eyes.

Me:
"what?
"Shenodded.

Her
:"
Iwasonl
ypr
otect
ingyou.IKnowIwaswr
ong
forchasi
ngyououtbutIdidn'
twanthi
mtor
apeyou
orkil
lyou.
"Shecoughed.Icri
ed.

Me:"
Iwasstar
vingal
ltheseyear
shat
ingyoubut
nowthi
s."

Her :
"Iwaswor r
ied- cough-aboutyou- cough-.I
thinkabout- cough-youever yday.-cough-I '
m sorry
that-cough-Ihadt ochase- cough-youawayi twas
never- cough-myi nt enti
onst o-cough-chaseyou
away.- cough-Yourmyonl y-cough-chi ldandIl ove
you- cough-.Idon'twantyou- cough-t othinkthat
I'
m- cough-sayi ngal lthi
s-cough-becauseyou
have- cough-moneynowbutI '
m- cough-sayingt his
from thebott om ofmyhear t-cough-I'mr eall
ysor r
y
forleaving-cough-youi nthest reet
s.-
cough-Il ove
youokay.AndIwi ll-cough-alwaysl oveyou.- cough
-For gi
vemepl ease. "Shecougheduncont r
oll
ably.
Nextt hingshei sdown.

Il
ookedatherwi
thmyeyeswi
deopen.Iwasst
ack
i
noneplace.Isnappedoutofever
ythi
ngand
qui
ckl
ycall
edtheambulance.

I
tcameaft
er30minut
esIwasl
oosi
ngi
tbi
tbybi
t.I
f
oll
owedbehi
ndi
t.

Iopenedaf i
lef
orher.Iwentwi
thhert
oapr i
vat
e
Hospit
al.Thi
sisgoi
ngt ocostmeafor
tune.She
doesn'
thaveamedi calai
d.

ButIdon'
tmindshei
smymot heraf
teral
l.Buti
t
doesn'
tmeanIhavef
orgot
tenwhatshedid.She
coul
dhavemadeaplanasamot her
.

Butthanagainshewasstil
lnotf i
neaf
termyfat
her
andherbrother
sdeath.Havingtodealwit
h
someone'sdeathandthanlateronbei
ngbeing
sexual
lyassaul
tedbyyourpar t
nerski
ll
eri
sn'
tajoke.
Wellmymot
herandfat
herwer
enotmar
riedthey
weregoi
ngt
ogetmarri
edbutt
hanhedi
ed.I'
m
usi
ngmymotherssur
name.

Shewasprotect
ingmeaf
teral
l.Iwasdi
stur
bed
fr
om mythoughtsbymygrumpytummy.

Iwal
kedtot
hecaf et
eri
aandbought2bur ger
s,
Spr
it
eand2sl abchocol
ates.Iwal
kedbacktothe
wai
ti
ngroom eati
ngmyf ood.

Iwai
tedf
orabout5mi
nut
es.

:
"NomzamoNzungu"Ist
oodupandwal
kedt
othe
doct
or.

Me:
"I
'M herdaught
er.
"
Dr .
:"wellyourmot herwasnott akinghert r
eatment
forTB.Shehast otakehert r
eatmentornextt ime
shewon' tbelucky.Shewasal sogr owingWar ts
sinceshehasHPVshewasal sonott aki
ngthat
treatment .Sorr
yt osayt hisbutyourmot herhas
Cer vicalCancer.Luckilyshei sst i
lli
nstage1t he
tumori snotgreaterthan40cm i ndiameter
meani ngthatit
'streatable.Wehavet oper f
ormt he
surger yassoonaspossi blebef orehercancergoes
tost age2.Her ear ethefor msf oryout osignifyou
wantast operformt hesur gery.ButIsawt hatshe
doesn' thaveamedi calaidifyoudeci detopayit
wi l
lcostyoual ot
."Iplacedonehandonmyknee
andt heotheronmyhear t.

Ican'
tlooseher
.Shei
stheonl
ypar
entIhave.

Me:"
howmuchwil
litcost
."Iaskedl
ooki
ngdown
cl
osi
ngmyeyes.

Ionl
yhave200000ri
nmybankaccount
.Isaved
moneyforCapi
tal
.thatIwi
lluset
obuymyown
r
est
aurant.

WheneverLwethugivesmemoneyIsavei
tup.I
buywhateverIneedwhenIneedi
t.

Ahumanbei ngismorei
mport
antt
hanmat er
ial
t
hings.Andinthi
scasei
t'
smymothersli
fe.No
matterhowshetreat
edmeint
hepastsheissti
ll
mymot her.

Ihol
dmyst omachtryi
ngmybestnottost
ress.I
don'
twanttoloosemychil
d.SheandLwethuare
myfir
stpr
iori
tyaft
eral
l.

Dr.
:"
25000r
"Inodded.Wi
thmyeyesst
il
lcl
osed.At
l
east.

Me:
"gi
vemet
hepaper
sIwi
llsi
gn.
"Hegavemet
he
paper
s.Ir
eadthepaper
sbef
oresi
gni
ng.Idon'
t
tr
ustt
hesepeopl
e.

Him:"
thedoct
ori
ssti
llcomingt
hesur
ger
ywi
llbe
perf
ormedin2hour
s."Inodded

Me:
"canIper
hapsseeher
."

Him:
"yesyoucanpl
easefoll
owme. "If
oll
owed
behi
ndhim.Wegottotheroom andheexcused
hi
mself.

Mom: "
theysayIhavecancer
."Ir
ushedt
oherand
huggedher.

Me:
"ever
ythi
ngwi
llbeal
ri
ghtdon'
twor
ry.
"

Mom:
"Idon'
thavemoneyf
orsur
ger
ysoIwon'
t
makei
t.
"

Me:
"Ipai
dforyoursur
ger
ydon'
twor
ry.
"

Mom: "
wheredidyougetthatkindofmoneyyousti
ll
havetofeedyourunbor
nchi l
d.Pleasedon'
twor
ry
aboutmeIdeserveeve.
..
"

Me:"
nodon'tsayt
hatyoudeser
vet
oli
ve.Ihave
beensavi
ngmoneytobymyownr est
aurantIt
ook
moneyfrom i
t.
"

Mom:"Iwon'
tal
lowyoutodothat.Wher
ewillyou
getmoneyagai
npleasekeepyourmoneyIwillbe
fi
ne.
"Ishookmyhead.

Me:
"Iwi
llmakeapl
an.
"
Mom:
"Iwi
llhavet
orepayyout
han.
"

Me:"t
hereisnoneedforthat
.Let
'sst
opt
alki
ng
aboutdepressi
ngthi
ngs.I'
m get
ti
ngmar
ri
edsoon.
"
Shesmiled.

Her
:"
real
ly.
"Inoddedvi
rgousl
y.

Her
:"
Ihopehewi l
ltr
eatyougr
eat.Idon'
twantyou
t
osufferandyouhaveakidontheway."

Me:'
hetr
eatsmegreatact
uall
y.Weloveeachother
somuch.Youhavetobreakthr
oughthi
ssothat
youcanseeyourgr
andchil
dandseemeget t
ing
marri
ed.
"

Mom:
"i
t'
sal
linGod'
shandsmychi
ld.
"Inodded.
Me:
"Ial
mostforgot.DoyourememberAyamt
handa.
Mal
umuSikhelela'
schil
d."

Mom:
"oohmybr
other
schi
ld.
"Shecr
ied.

Me:"wel
lifoundher
.Iwasactual
lycooki
ngather
housesinceshegotmarr
ied.
"

Her
:"
shei
smar
ri
ed.
"Inoddedwi
thasmi
le.

Me:
"yeahshealsohascut
e3ki ds.If
oundherwi
llI
wascooki
ngatherhouse.Lateronwef oundout
t
hatyoursi
steri
nlawissti
llal
ive."

Mom:
"Nomphel
o?"Shewasshocked.

Me:
"yeahtur
nsoutyourbr
otherhast
wins.Meani
ng
t
hatauntNomphel
owaspr egnantwi
thtwi
ns.She
waskidnappedbythegynecologi
stthatwas
hel
pingher.t
hepersonyouallburi
edwasadol l
.
Butthegynecol
ogi
stisdeadnowwebur i
edhim
week'sago.
"Shewasstil
lshocked.

Her:
"what?Mybrotheri
shappywhereeverheis.I
needtoseet
hem"mymot herwascl
osewithAya's
motherfr
om whatIhear
d.

Me:
"af
teryoursur
ger
y."Shenodded.

Wespokeforalongtimeli
keol
ddays.Mymom i
sa
gr
eatper
son.ButIloveDadmoret
hanher.

ThedoctorcameinsoIhadtowaitatt
hewait
ing
room.Iwenttot
hecafet
eri
asinceIwashungr
y.

Iboughtthesamethi
ngsbutIaddedchipsthi
sti
me.
Itwi
llbealongt
imewait
ingaf
teral
l.Ihopeshewil
l
br
eakt
hroughal
loft
his.

Ist
il
lneedher
.

Ical
ledLwet
huhemustbewor
ri
edaboutme.I
t'
s
8pm now.

Cal
lconv.

Him:"
babeheyareyoual
ri
ght?
"Ishoul
dhave
cal
ledhi
m ear
li
eronhemusthavebeenworr
iedI
'
m
suchabadwife.

Me:
"yesbabyIam.I
'
m att
hehospi
talr
ightnow.
..
."

Him:
"whatI
'm onmyway.
"Hedi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.
ButI
'
mt heonewhocal
ledhi
m.
Ienjoymyburgerswithoutaworryi
ntheworl
dthi
s
pregnancywi
llworkinmyf avour
.Il
ovefoodsoI
willeatt
hewholeti
me.

AsIwasaboutt
oopenmyspi
ri
tLwet
hucameand
t
ookitawayf
rom me.

Me:
"heyIwasaboutt
odr
inkt
hat
."Isul
ked.

Him:"yournotsupposetodri
nkthi
s.Yourpregnant
.
Givemet hechipstoo.Oi
lyst
uffarearenotgood
foryou.Yoursupposetobeeatinghealt
hystuff
only.
"Igavehim puppyeyes.

Him:
"it
'snotgoi
ngtowor
kthist
ime.Gi
ve."He
snat
chedthem awayf
rom me.Heissoevil
.

Me:"yousomean.
"Tear
sbur
nedmyeyes.He
chuckled.
Him:"
Iwil
lbemeanthi
swhol eti
memydearour
babyneedstobeheal
th.Okay?
"Inoddedcr
ying.

Hi
m:"Don'
tbel
iket
hatyouIhat
eitwhenyoucr
y.I
l
oveyoumakaozayo.
"

Me:"
Iloveyout
oo"hehuggedmeaki
ssedmy
f
orehead.

Hi
m:"
tel
lDaddywhat'
swr
ongkwenzekent
on'
?(
whathappened)
"

Inoddedbef
oret
ell
inghi
m ever
ythi
ng.

Him: "
it
'sgoi
ngt obealri
ghtbabydon' twor
ry.Your
mot herwil
lbreakthroughthi
s.Nothingisgoingto
gowr ongokay? "Inodded.Hekissedmyf orehead
beforeplaci
ngmyheadonhi schestandhol ding
myst
omach.

-
aweekl
ater
-

Itwasnowt
hedayt
hatLwethu'
suncl
eswould
comeandpayl
obol
aandforthedamages.

Icleanedthehouseboughtneweveryt
hing
basical
lysothati
tcanfeell
ikehomeagain.Ial
so
askedbr aMosestocutthegrass.I
twasbeauti
ful
thanbefore.

BeforeIf
orget
.Mymot heri
sf i
ne.Shei
sstr
ong.
Shedidmeetupwi t
hAyamt handaandhermother
nottofor
getAyabonga.

I
twasahappyday.Theyal
socameher
etoday.
Theyhaveat
ightbond.
Myuncl e'
sfr
om bot
hsidesoft
hefami
lyal
socame.
I
'm sohappy.Whenthi
sdayendsIwil
lbeMrs.
Zul
u
t
radit
ional
.

Ican'
twait
.Il
oveLwethusomuch.Ihaven'
tseen
himfort
helast2daysandwehavebeenkeeping
tabs.

Hepromisedtocomeandseemeaf
tert
hel
obol
a
negot
iat
ions.

Iwassi
tt
ingattheroom nowwithmycousinsThe
Ayatwi
ns.I
'm sonervousTheyhaven'
tcameyet.

Mrs.Plaat
ji
es:"
cal
m downcuztheyar
ecomi ng."I
nodded.WellIcal
lthem byt
hei
rmarr
iagesurnames.

Me:
"bekuNi
ningoko(
ithasbeenal
ongt
ime)
"
MrsKuzwayo:"
yoohwhatifhedoesn'twantyou
anymor
e."Il
ookedather
.Wel aughed.

Me:
"mxm Lwethuwillneverdot
ha.
."Iwasdi
stur
bed
byanoi
seoutside.

Wewenttolookwhoi
satt
hegat
e.I
twast
heZul
u's
sayi
ngourcl
anname'
s.

Me:
"seeItol
dyouLwet
huwoul
dneverdot
hatt
o
me.
"Wel aughed.

Aya'
smom goti
n.

Her:
"st
ayhere.Iwi
llcomeandcallyouwhent
hey
wanttoseeyouokay."Inodded.

Me:
"yesaunt
"
Her:
"Il
oveyoual
lbye.
"Shecl
osedt
hedoorandwe
chuckl
ed.

Iwasner vousthatt
heymightnotreachan
agreementbutmycousi nsassur
edmet hat
everyt
hingwillbefi
ne.

Wechi
ll
edtogetherhavi
ngf
un.Theydi
dli
ght
enup
mymood.Nolie.

Wehear
dul
ulat
ions.Il
ookedatt
het
wins.

Them:"
congr
atul
ati
onsst
handwayouroff
ici
all
yMr
s.
Tai
lor
"wehuggedeachotherwhi
lel
aughi
ng.

Thedoorf
lewopenandmyauntwal
kedi
n.
Her:
"I
zabafunaukubonababy(
comet heywantt
o
seeyou)
"If
ixedmydressandwalkedoutwi
thher
.

Iwaslooki
ngdownasasignofr espectasIwas
answeri
ngthei
rendl
essquest
ions.

Weser vedthem wit

hf oodthatwascookedbyme
ofcourse.Theyenjoyedit.Astheyweredr
inki
ng
now.Igotacallfrom myhusbandt el
li
ngmet ogo
outsi
de.

Iwalkedout
sideli
ter
all
yrunni
ngtohim.Hemetme
hal
fway.Hespinedmear oundwhil
eweare
hugging.

Hi
m:"howareyoutodayMrs.Zul
u.Thatsounds
gr
eatdoesn'
tit?
"Igi
ggled.

Me:
"yeahi
tdoesIcan'
tbel
ievet
hatI
'
mfi
nal
lyMr
s.
You"

Him:
"It
oldfr
om t
hefir
stdaywemett
hatIwi
llmake
youmine.
"Welaughed

Me:
"t
hingshappenf
asthey.I
t'
sbeenayearcl
oset
o
2now."

Hi
m:"
youbet
terbel
ievei
tmyl
ove.
"

Me:
"soonwear
egoi
ngt
ohaveababyhopeyour
r
eady.
"

Hi
m:"
Ihavebeenwai
ti
ngf ort
hisoppor
tuni
tyf
ora
l
ongt
ime.I'
m gl
adIwi
llhaveonenow."

Me:"
asl
ongasyourhappyI'
m happy.
"Wesmi
led
l
ooki
ngdeepi
neachother'
seyes.
Hi
m:"
MrsZul
u"

Me:
"MrZul
u."

Hi
m:"
Iloveyou.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Weki
ssed.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
84
.
.
.
.
.
Thando
I
'
m nothappyanymore.Myf
iancehasbeen
i
gnor
ingmeimagine.

It
'sbeen3daysnow.HesaidIshoul
djustgoand
spendti
mewi t
hmymot her
.Ididthi
nki
ngthati
tis
comingfr
om theki
ndnessofhi
sheart.

WhenIgothome.West
oppedtal
king.I
'
M even
scaredofgoi
ngt
ohi
shouse.Whatifhi
sbusywit
h
hishoe'
s.

Imi
ghtbeont
hesecondt
ri
mest
erandt
her
isksar
e
l
ownowbutIwon'
tevent
akeachance.

Iwokeupf eeli
nggreattoday.Iwokeupat8inthe
morning.Iwanttocleanthehouseandwasht he
cl
othes.AtleastIal
soboughtawashi ngmachinei
t
al
sodr ystheclot
hes.

SoIwon'
tworkthatmuch.I
'
m donewr
it
ingj
ust
wai
ti
ngformyresult
s.

Iopenedthewi
ndowsandcurtai
ns.Imadethebed
andItookmyclot
hes.Iwi
llt
akeabathaft
erIhave
donethewashi
ng.

Iwalkedtot
hekit
chenandmymot herwas
whisperi
ngonthephone.Shehear
dmecloset
he
doorandshejumped.

Her
:"
heybabyher
e'sbr
eakf
ast
."Il
ookedatherf
ora
whi
le.

Me:"
hel
lo.Thankyou.
"It
ookmyf
oodandwentt
o
si
tdown.

Her
:"
areyougoi
ngt
owasht
hecl
othes?
"

Me:
"yeahbutIwi
llcl
eant
hehousef
ir
st.
"

Her:
"ummhther
eisnoneedf
ort
hatwehavet
ogo
somewher
etoday.
"

Me:
"wher
e?"Iwascur
ious.

Her:
"i
t'
sasurpri
se.Here'
sthedressyouwi l
lwhere.
Basi
call
ywearegoingt oatr
aditi
onalevent.
"Iwas
ki
ndalostkengoku.ButIwon'tdi
sappointherIwil
l
go.
Me:
"okay.
"Shegavemet
hedr
ess.I
twasbeaut
if
ul.

Iti
satradi
ti
onaldr
essit
'swhit
ewit
hblackf
lower
patt
ernbel
owthebreast
s.Ital
sohadadoek.

Me:
"i
t'
sbeaut
if
ult
hankyou.
"

Her
:"i
t'
snothi
ngreal
ly.
"Shehasbeenact
ingwei
rd
f
orthepastfewdays.

Me:
"whenar
ewegoi
ng.
"

Her
:"
gotakeabathIwi
llcal
lthemakeupat
ti
resso
l
ong.Iwantyout
obebeauti
fulwhenwegothere.
"I
smi
led.

Me:
"l
emmet
akeabat
hthan.
"Shenoddedsmi
li
ng.
Shetookt
heplatesandwashedthem whi
leIwas
taki
ngabath.I
twassorel
axing.

WhenIwasdoneIwenttomyr oom andlot

ioned.I
wor
emyunderwear.Exceptf
ormybr a.Thedressi
s
r
evi
li
ngatt
hetop.

AsIwasabouttogetouttogetmydr esst
hedoor
fl
ewopen.IwaswearingLwethu'sgown.Hi
sscent
smel
lsgreatandi
tkeepsmecl osert
ohim.

Mymom goti nwi

thawomanthati
sholdi
ngal
it
tl
e
sui
tcaseIguesst
hat
'st
hemakeupart
ist.

Entl
ekwhati
shappeni
ngher
e.ButIwi
llseewhen
theti
megoes.

Mom:
"her
eist
hemakeupar
ti
st.Iwi
llchangeso
l
ong"Ismi
ledandnodded.Shewal
kedout

MUA:"
lemmemestartwit
hmywork.Iwasgiven
st
ri
cti
nstr
uct
ionst
hatIshoul
dbedoneby10."

Me:
"whati
shappeni
ngdar
n."

Her:"not
hingmuchyourgoingtoatradit
ional
ceremonyandyouhavet olookgreat.
"Peopledon'
t
evenmakesenset hesedaysbutIwilll
etitsl
ipe
aside.

Me:"
Don'
tmakemedollpl
easemynat
ur all
ook
woul
dbegreat
."
.Shenoddedandsmi
led.

Her
:"
okayl
emmegetst
art
ed.
"

Shest
art
edDoi
ngherj
ob.Af
ter30mi
nut
esshewas
done.

Her
:"
wowyoursobeaut
if
ul.Her
elookatyoursel
f.
"I
smi
ledl
ooki
ngatmysel
fIwasindeedbeauti
fulr
haa.

Me:"t
hankyousosomuch."Shenoddedbefor
e
packi
ngherthingsmymot
hergotinulul
ati
ng
holdi
ngthedress.

Mom:"
youmor ebeaut i
fulnow.Comeweart he
dr
essI
'm sureitwi
llbemor ebeauti
fulonyou.
"I
wi
pedmyt earsbef
or ewearingthedress.

Itsui
tsme.WowIhaveneverbeensobeautif
ul.The
dresslooksli
keitwasmadeforme.I
t'
sli
keI'
m
getti
ngmar r
iedbutphiwhenmyfi
anceisnowhere
tobeseen.

I
tfi
tt
edmeper
fect
lyf
ine.Wi
pedt
het
ear
sinmy
eyesasIwascryi
ngIser
iousl
ycan'
tbel
ievet
hat
I'
mthisbeaut
if
ul.

Mymot
herul
ulat
edmor
e.

Mom:"
yourevenmorebeauti
fulnow.Letmehel
p
youwi
ththedoek.
"Inodded.

Shehel
pedmewit
hit
.Iwasmor
ebeaut
if
ulnow.I
coul
dn'
tst
opadmi
ri
ngmybeaut
y.

Onlythingt
hatdi
dn'
tworkonmyf avourismy
breast
.Idon'
thavebr
eastsguys.Idon'
tbut
akhonto.

Mom:"
let
'sgoourl
if
thasar
rived.
"Inodded.I
qui
ckl
yworemyblackheel
.
Wewal
kedoutandt
her
ewasaGwagonout
side.

Me:"
areyousell
ingmeoff?" Iaskedmymom.
Sherol
ledhereyesl
aughi
ng

Her:
"whywoul
dI,don'
tbesi
l
ly.Let
'sgeti
nthecar
peopl
earewai
ti
ngforus.
"

Me:"
ifyou'
resel
li
ngmethanyoushoul
dknowthat
Lwethuwil
lcomeaft
eryou.
"Isai
dgett
ingi
nthecar
.

Her:
"whywouldIsellmychil
d?Don'tbest
upi
d.
Dri
veryoucandrive.Wehave30minutest
oget
t
here."Il
ookedatherandshookmyhead.Thedr
ive
t
ookof f.

Mom:"stopsul
kingIl
oveyou.
"Shet
ookmyhand
i
ntohers.
Me:"Il
oveyout
oo.
"Ipl
acedmyheadonher
shoulder
.

Thedri
vetowhereverwasquiet
.Wewer
eli
steni
ng
toMert
oFM songsit'
sSatur
daymeani
nggreat
songsarepl
ayi
ng.

Wegott
oavi
neyar
d.

Me:"
whatarewedoi
ngatavi
neyar
d."Doyout
hink
sheanswer
edme.

Wegotinthehallt
her
e.Whenweenter
edeveryone
st
oodup.Lwethuwasstandi
ngatt
hefrontweari
ng
atr
adi
ti
onalatt
ir
etoo.

Basi
call
yever
yonewaswear i
ngatr
aditi
onalat
ti
re.
Thehallwasf
ullofpeopl
e.Mymom gavemea
bout
ique.
Woahwoahwoah.I
'
m get
ti
ngmarri
ed.Il
ookedat
Lwet
hu.Hemout
hed'sur
pri
se'
.Iwipedt
hetear
sof
myface.

Mymot herwalkedmedownt
heaisle.Thehal
lwas
beaut
if
ulthethemewasWint
erdecorati
on.

Therewer ewhiter
osesallover
.Thedecor
ati
onwas
great.NeverknewthatLwethuhaditi
nhim.
Everythi
ngwasgr eat
.

AsIwaswalki
ngdownt
heai
slethepeopl
ewher
e
si
ngi
ng.Thesi
ngi
ngwasgr
eat.Noli
e.

Igotothefront
.Mymom handedmeovert
o
Lwethu.Ist
oodinf
rontofhi
m.Hewipedmytear
s
bef
orekissi
ngmyeyes.
Theul
ulat
ionswentl
ouder
.

:
"Mnt
anakelowongam phuzi(
that
'sachi
lddon'
t
ki
ssher
)"welaughed.

Lwethu:
"hopeyouli
keyoursur
pri
se.
"Ismi
led.We
werewhisperi
ng.

Me:"
Ilovet
hesur
pri
se.Eventhehalli
sgr
eatInever
knewyouhaditi
nyou.Thankyou."

Hi
m:"
youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway.
"

Me:
"youl
ookhandsomeyour
sel
f.
"

Thepastorst
art
ed.Hesai
daf ewver
ses.Guidi
ng
usinourmarri
ageandall
.Itwasnowtimeforour
vows.Webothdidn'
tpr
eparefort
hem sowesaid
af
tert
hepast
or.

Lwet
huwentf
ir
st.

Lwet hu:
"ILuvolwethuZul u,t
akeyouThandol wethu
Nzungu, tobemyweddedwi fe.wit
hdeepestj oyI
receiveyouint omyl i
fethattogetherwemaybeone.
Tohaveandt ohold,f
rom thisdayf orwar d,f
or
better,f
orwor se,forri
cher ,
forpoor erforsickness
orinheal t
h,toloveandcher i
shyout i
lldeathdous
part.Andher etopledgeyoumyf aithfulness."He
sli
ppedi nther i
ng.Theyul ul
ated

I
twasmyt
urnnowiwasal
sor
epeat
ingt
hepast
or'
s
wor
ds.

Me:"i
,Thandol
wethuNzungu, t
akeyouLuvolwethu
Zulu,
tobemyweddedhusband.wi thdeepestj
oyI
recei
veyouintomylif
ethattoget
herwemaybeone.
Tohaveandt ohold,
from t
hisdayfor
ward,for
bett
er,
forworse,forri
cher
,forpoorerforsickness
orinheal
th,t
oloveandcherishyout i
lldeathdous
part
.Andheretopl
edgeyoumyf ai
thfulness."
I
sl
ippedintheri
ngin.Theyulul
atedagai n.

Past
or:
"Inowpr
onounceyouasHusbandandwi
fe.
Mr.Zul
uyoumykissyourWif
e."Weki
ssed.

Lwet
hu'
sfri
ends:
"haimnt
anal owokwedi
ni.(
That
's
achi
ldboy)
"welaughedbreakingoft
heki
ss.

Wewentt
otakepi
ctur
esout
sideont
hevi
neyar
d.

Wewal kedbackinandther
ewheretablesnow.The
tabl
eshadt r
eeswithsnowandcandlesont hem as
centerpi
eces.Ther
ewherefai
ryl
ight
sal lover.

Itwasawint
erdecorf
orr
eal
.Theper
sonr
eal
ly
knowshi
sorherjob.
Everyoneenter
ed.MeandLwethuent
ered
aft
erwards.Theysangweddi
ngsongsaswegoti
n.

Don'
twantt
oevent
alkaboutt
hecake.

Idon'
tknowhowmanyti
erswher
ether
ebutt
he
cakewasbigi
twaswhi
te.

Me: "wowthisplacelooksgreat.Howdi dyoupl an

allofthi
s.Idon'tevenknowhowIwi lleverrepay
youImeanal lofthi
sforme.Youdi dn'thavet o
baby.Thisist omuch.Youhavebeent akingcar eof
meeversi nce."Wewer esit
tingatthefrontnow.
Whi sper
ing.

Lwethu:"
pleaseletmebebaby.Iwantt
otreatyou
good.Yourmyqueen.I fIwon'
tspendmymoneyon
youthanwhowi l
lIspendi
ton.Il
oveyouafteral
l.
"
Hewi pedmyt ears.
Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo"hegavemeapeck.

Thecer
emonyst
art
edRi
riwast
heMc.Ever
ythi
ng
wentwel
l.

Myuncl
e'sf
rom myf
atherandmot
hersi
dewer
e
al
soher
e.

Ihadtotakeatierfrom t
hecaketomyinlaws.I
gaveittohismotherandasalwaysshehuggedme
andkissedmeal lovermyface.Il
ovet
hatwoman.
Healsot ookat
iertomymot her.

Weenjoyedtherestoft
hedayther
e.Thi
swas
def
ini
tel
ythebestdayofmyli
fe.

Awholesur
pri
seweddi
ng.I
twast
hebestI
'
mtel
l
ing
youal
l.
Lat
eronwewher egoi
ngtoourhoneymoon.We
sai
dourgoodbyesbef
oregoi
ngtotheair
port
.

Wegoti
nthepr
ivat
ejet
.

Me:"thankyouf orever yt
hingyouhavedonef orme.
From picki
ngmeupFr om thestreet
stowelcoming
mei ntoyourlovelyhome.Guysl i
keyoucould
chooseanywomant heywantbutyouchosemeout
ofallthegir
ls.Idon' tknowhowIwi llr
epayyou.No
onehaseverdonesuchgr eatthingsasyoudof or
me.Ir eal
lyappr eciateever ythi
ng.Iwil
lcher
ishyou
aslongasIl iveIr eallydol oveyou."Iwasintears.
Hewi pedmyt earsandweki ssed.

Him:"
thefi
rstdayIsawyouIal waysknewt hatyour
theoneforme.Ilovedyoufrom thewordgo.Itreat
yougreatbecauseIloveyouandIwi l
lal
waysl ove
you.Yourmymi ssi
ngr i
b.ThatIhavenow.
Somethinginmewant stotakecareofyousot hat'
s
why.Youralsogivi
ngmeal itt
lepri
ncesssoon.I
t
aket
hatasmyt
hankyou.
"Igi
ggl
edandhel
aughed.

Me:
"Il
oveyouMr
.Zul
u."

Hi
m:"
Iloveyout
ooMr
s.Zul
u"weki
ssed.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
85
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Ialwaysful
lf
il
lmypromises.RememberwhenI
promisedtotakecar
eofAyaf ort
her
estofmyl
ife.

That'
sexactlywhatI'
m doi
ngnow.I
'
Mtaki
ngcar
e
ofher.NotbecauseIoncesai
dsobutI
'
m doi
ngi
t
becauseIloveher.

Icar
eforher
.Shei
smyeveryt
hingandshewi
ll
al
waysbemyeveryt
hing.

Wealsohavekidsnowwhi chisabonus.Ij
usthope
wewillbetoget
herf
orever
.Idon'
twanttosee
mysel
fwi t
hanybodyelsebuther
.

Sheismyl if
e.Weweresi
tt
ingont
hebednow.All
ofust heywerewat
chi
ngTVIwasbusybooki
ng
fl
ightsforuswewil
lbegoi
ngtoDi
sneyl
and.I
t'
sthe
festi
veseasonnow.
Aya:
"Tai
loroutdi
dhi
msel
fyest
erday.Nocap.
"

Si
ya:
"hereall
ydi
d.Thethemet
hecakeever
ythi
ng
wasgreatevent
hesoundsyst
em.
"

Her:
"butwehel
pedhim.I
'
m gladt
hatThandowas
happy.Di
dyouseethesmil
eonherface.
"

Me:"i
twaspricelessbaby.Shedeser
veseveryt
hing
Tai
lorisdoi
ngf orhershehasbeenthroughalot.
"
Wealwaysgossi pwhenwegetachancet o.

Her:
"yeahshedoes.AtleastnowAunti
sher
eand
shewillhavesomeone.Shedoesneedamother
fi
gur
e."

Me:"yeah.AndI'm al
sogladthatTai
lori
sfi
nal
ly
happyt heydeserveeachother
."
Her:
"andhei
s.t
her
eisal
soababycomi
ngsoon
now."

Me:"Tai
lorwassohappywhenhetol
dus.You
shouldhaveseenhi
m.Hehasalwayswantedki
ds
that
saf act
."

Her:
"Ial
waysseehi
m howhei
swhenhei
sar
ound
ki
ds."

Me:
"meandmyguysar
ehappynow.
"

Her
:"
Icanseet
hat
."Shegavemeapeck.

Me:
"soIsentt
hel
ett
ert
oyourmot
her
."

Her
:"
whatLet
ter
"Ir
oll
edmyeyes.Shel
aughed
Her:
"semanci
nci
ingel
oxetsha(t
heyaresosmal
l)
"I
gaveheradeadst
areandshelaughed.

Her:
"oohmt
uwam Xol
okl
kRadebe(
I'
m sor
ry)"she
tur
nsmeonever
yti
meshecal
lsmebymycl an
name.

Me:"
ther
ear
eki dsher
e."Isai
dlooki
ngatmy
er
ecti
on.Welaughed.

Me:"
anywayI'
mt al
kingaboutthelet
tert
opayl
obol
a
andthedamages.Myf amilywil
lgotoyour
swhen
wearebackfr
om Disneyland.
"

Her
:"
whatwear
egoi
ngt
oDi
sneyl
and.
"

Me:"
yeahIhavealr
eadybookedt
icket
s.Wear
e
l
eavi
ngin2days."Shescr
eamedj umpi
ngont
opof
me.Theki
dsl
ookedatus.

Chumani
:"
ntongok(
whatnow)
"

Aya:"
siyobonuMi ckeymousebaby.( Wear egoing
toseeMi ckeymouse)"itwasli
ke.Uvuyoand
Nkanyezialsoknewwher ewear egoingtheywer e
soexcited.Youcannevertel
lthediff
erence
betweenUvuyoandNkanyezit heylookalike.I
t'
s
j
ustthattheyhavediffer
entgenders.

WhatIl
iket
oseeever
yday.Seei
ngt
hem happy.

Chumani
:"
masambeni(
let
'sgo)
"wel
aughedno
mamakhe.

Aya:
"nott
odaymyl
ove"hesul
kedandnodded.
Wecont i
nuedwatchi
ngTV.Lat
eronwenttoagame
centerandwentt
oSpurfordi
nner
.Theywereso
ti
redwhenwewenthome.Theyhadagr eatt
ime
playi
ngallt
hegames.

Especi
all
ythecar
s.

Thefol
lowingdaywewer
ewokenupbyt
hecr
ying
Chumani.Istoodup.

Aya:"l
eaveitmyloveyoucangobackt osl
eep.You
needalltherestyoucanget
."Inoddedbef
ore
gett
inginbedagai n.

Mywifei
sthebest
.Af
teranhour
.Shewokemeup
agai
n.

Her
:"
babyI'
mt aki
ngChumanitot
hedoct
or.Hi
s
t
emperat
ureishighandhevomit
edj
ustnow."
Me:
"wi
llyoubeabl
etomanage.
"

Her
:"
yesmyl
ove.
"

Me:
"okayIwat
chovert
het
wins.
"

Her:
"Ihavealreadygiventhem abat
h.Theyarei
n
theplayi
ngroom.Imadebr eakf
astf
oryou.t
hekids
havealreadyeaten.
"Istoodupandgaveherakiss.

Me:"
youraStar
.Letmerunabat
hforussol
ong.
"
Shenoddedbefor
ekissi
ngmeagai
n.

Il
efthert
omaket hebed.Iwenttor
unabathforus.
WhenIwasdone.Ibr ushedmyteet
h.Ayagoti
n
andalsobrushedherteet
h.
Her:
"Il
oveyou"shegavemeapeckaswewer
est
il
l
br
ushingourteet
h.

Me:"
Iloveyoutoo"Ial
sogaveherpeckwi
llIwas
br
ushingmyt eet
h.

MeandAyadot hemostawkwardt
hingsever
.And
thatmakesusHappyalways.Weal
wayssayt hat
wearecr eat
ingcr
azymomentstol
aughatwhenwe
areold.Thatmakesmehappy.

Whenwewer
edonewet
ookabat
handhadaqui
ck
qui
cki
e.

Ayalef
twit
hChumaniandIwaslef
twi
tht
het
wins
now.Theyhavebeenr
est
less.

Me:
"ni
theniNanini
yagul
a(ar
eyoual
sosi
ck)
"
Iwaspl
ayi
ngwi
tht
hem i
nthepl
ayi
ngr
oom.

Somethi
ngsmell
edrott
enIcheckedthei
rnappi
es
andfuckt
heyhadrunnytummies.Thebothoft
hem
nor
h

Ichangedthei
rdi
apersandtheywer
egivi
ngmea
hardti
me.Theyalwaysgivemeaneasyti
mebut
nottoday.

Af
ter30minut
est
heyagai
nhadrunnytummi
es.
Wherei
sthei
rmot
heronti
mesli
kethese.

Bytheti
meAyacamebackIhadal
readychanged
them 6t
ime'
simagi
ne.I
'
m sot
ir
edyooh.

Aya:"
andthantheningathithwelizonozet
hu(
why
dolookli
keyouhaveal loursinsonyour
shoulder
s.)
"Welaughed
Me:"
songabant
hwanabakho(
isn'
tityourki
ds)t
hey
haverunnyt
ummies.
"

Aya:
"oohIfor
gott
otellyout
heyar
egr
owi
ngt
eet
h
att
hebottom"Isi
ghedinrel
ief
.

Me:"
Ithoughti
t'
ssomet
hingt
heyat
e"sheshookher
headandlaughed.

Aya:"i
t'
snot,theywi l
lbefinebytheendoft heday
anywayChumanibeqal wayihighfeverbutthe
doctorassuredmet hathewillbefi
nebyt heendof
thedayheal soinjectedhimit'
sjustthathisasleep
now.Hewi llbefinewhenhewakesup. "Inodded.

Me:"
Ial
mostt
houghtwehadt
ocancel
thet
ri
p."We
l
aughed.
Her:
"besendi
negxal
a(Iwasalmostwor
ri
ed)l
emme
packourclot
heswarm st
uffonl
y."

Me:"l
etmehelpyouwi
ththat
."Ipl
acedt
hetwinson
thei
rbedtheywher
esl
eepingandcuddl
ingl
ike
always.

Ispankedherass.

Her
:"
ouch"shesai
dgi
ggl
ing.Il
aughed.

Me:"pi
ggybackr
idepl
easeI
'
mtired.Ihavebeen
changi
ngyourki
dsthewhol
eday."

Her:
"I
za( come)-Ipi
ggybackrideher-yourheavy
now.butyoursayingtheyaremykidsnowbutyou
al
wayscl aimthatt
heyareyours.
"Welaughedwe
werewal ki
ngtoourroom now.Iwasplayi
ngwi t
h
herbreasts.
Me:
"nott
oday"Isqueezedherbr
eastshemoaned.

Her
:"
aamar
nwena(
stopwhatyoudoi
ng)
"Il
aughed

Her:
"heispoki
ngmeonmyback.
"Ial
readyhadan
er
ection.Shet
hrewmeont
opofourbed.

Ipul
ledherandshef
allont
opofme.Shel
aughed.

Me:"canyoupl
easemakel
ovet
ome.
"Isai
dcopi
ng
hervoice.Wel
aughed

Her
:"
mxm"shet
ri
edt
ogetof
fbutIhel
dher
.

Me:"
kayenzabhabha(
please)
"sheki
ssedmeyou
al
lknowwhatthewhathappenednext
.
Justthatshewasinchar
gethi
stime.Af
terourlove
makingsessionwepackedourbagsandthekids
bags.Makingsurei
t'
swarm st
uffonl
y.

I
tmi
ghtbesummerher
ebuti
t'
swi
ntert
her
e.

Lat
eronwer eti
redt
obedaft
ermakingsur
ethatt
he
ki
dsaref
ine.Itwasli
ket
heywerenotsi
ck.

Thef oll
owi ngdaywewokeup.Di
dourdai
lyr
out
ine.
Wel eftfortheair
por
taft
ermaki
ngsur
ethatt
he
securit
yal arm ar
eon.

WegottoCal
if
orni
aanditwasi
ndeedcol
dther
e
wassnowever
ywhere.

Aya:
"f
ir
stt
imeseei
ngsnow.
"Shesai
dwi
thawi
ld
smil
e.
Me:"IhavealwaysseenitwhenIusedtol
ivei
n
capeTown. "weadmiredthepl
aceItwasl
ateat
night.Iwonderhowitisi
ndayli
ght
.Wewentt ot
he
hotelIbooked.

Aya:"
babyhaveyoucheckedoutt
het
oil
et"Iwas
checki
ngoutamovietowatchwit
hmykids.

Me:
"what
'ssospeci
alaboutt
het
oil
et.
"

Aya:
"whenyousitonthem youj
ustneedtopressa
fewbutt
onsandthesitiswarm.Weseri
ouslyneed
t
oget1"Ilaughedather.

Me:"yeahwehavet omylove.Ial
soneedt
obuy
thatglassphone.
"Shewasabouttotal
kbutI
dist
urbedher.

Me:
"don'
twor
ryIwi
l
lal
sogetyouone.
"Wel
aughed.
Shetur
nedontheheat
er.Weal
lcuddl
edwhi
le
eat
ingandwat
chingTV.

Weallsl
epti
nonebedwi t
hthekidsinthemi
ddle.I
t
wasagreatexper
ience.ButIwantedtobewarm
i
nsi
demywi fe.

Thef
oll
owingdaywewentt
oDi
sneyl
andandhada
ti
meofourli
fe.

Myki
dsandwi fewer
esohappy.Meani
ngthatIam
al
sohappy.Ir
eall
yenj
oyedmytimewit
hthem.

Wedideverythi
ngthere.Thesmil
esonthei
rfaces
waspricel
ess.Iwoul
ddoanyt hi
ngjustt
oseethem
happy.That'
sapromise.

Il
ovemyf
ami
lysomuch.AndIwi
llal
waysl
ove
t
hem nomat
terwhat
.I'
m ahappyman.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Tar
get70commentsbef
ore9pm andIwi
llpost4
i
nsert
stomor
rowandonSaturday .
86
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
I
t'
sthedaybef
oremyl
obol
anegot
iat
ions.I
'
m
packingmybagssi nceaft
erthenegoti
ati
onsIwil
l
begoi ngtoPEforthetr
adit
ionalweddi
ngbutI
won'tgot oUit
enhageIwil
lbegoingtomycousin'
s
house, Qhawe.

Mywhol ef
amil
ywillbet
here.Icouldn'
tbeany
happi
er.Myfat
her
sf ami
lysupportsmeandt hey
l
oveus.

Si
ya:
"t
il
lwemeetagai
n."Wel
aughed.

Me:"
wewil
lmeetonourweddi
ngdayi
magi
ne.
That
'si
nli
ke3days.
"

Him:"
that'
saf
uckenl
ongt
imesowher
ear
eyou
guyslocat
edi
nPE."

Me:
"Wal
merremembermycousi
nQhawest
ays
t
her
esothewholef
amil
ywil
lbether
e."
Hi
m:"
haveyoucal
ledhi
m."

Me:"
fl
ipIt
otal
lyf
orgot
."It
ookmyphoneandcal
led
Qhawe.

Qhawe:
"Iwasaboutt
ocal
lyou.
"Il
aughed.

Me:"IguessIbeatyoutoi
t.Jongacznsorryfor
tel
li
ngyounowbutyouknowt hatI'
m get
ti
ng
marriedsothewholefamil
ywillbecomingtoyour
housesoi fyoudon'
tmindcanwepl easecome."

Qhawe:"
Yourmothethasalr
eadycal
ledmesodon'
t
worr
yeveryt
hingi
ssortedIhave3guest
srooms
her
e."

Me:
"yuuhatl
eastokaywewil
lbether
eaftert
he
l
obol
anegoti
ati
onsIhopeyouhaveyouroutf
it
s
r
eadymyweddi
ngi
sin3days.
"

Qhawe:"don'twor
rymeandQhama' smom have
alr
eadyboughteverythi
ngwewer ej
ustwaiti
ngfor
theinvi
tat
ionssanaziNi
nabanthubaseSandton
whenwewantt ogetinaweddi
ngwehavet ohave
aninvit
ati
onorwenotget t
ingi
n."Welaughed.

Me:"
thatwi
llonl
yhappenatthewhit
eweddi
ng.So
phol
a."Welaughed.Myhusbandcal
led.

Me:"
lookihavetogomyhusbandi
scal
li
ngme
gr
eetyourfamil
yforme.
"

Hi
m:"
okayshoalsogreetyoursformedon'
tfor
get
t
ocomewiththekids"welaughed

Me:"Iwi
llbye"Idi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.Il
ookedatmy
husband.
Si
ya:"
ithasbeenalongtimer
haaIal
soneedyour
at
tent
ion."Welaughed.

Me:
"hai
bo.
"

Hi
m:"
yebocanInowgetmygoodbyesex.
"

Me:"nopeyouwillhavetowaitt
il
lyourancest
ors
knowsmeasyourwi fe.
"Helookedatmel i
keI'
m
crazy.Il
aughed

Hi
m:"
youcan'
tbeser
iousr
ightnow.
"Ij
ustl
aughed.

Iwentonmykneesandt
ookouthi
sdi
ck.

Hi
m:"
whatyoudoi
ng"hegr
oaned.Ihavehim abl
ow
j
obhewasgroani
ngandmoaningatthesametime.
Iwai
tedforhi
mtocum.Iswal
lowedthant
ookhis
di
ckoutofmymouthandputhisdi
ckbackinhi
s
j
eans.

Me:
"t
hat'
sallyourget
ti
ngfornow.Nowdr
ivemet
o
mymother'
splace.
"Wekissed.

Him:"
let
'sgo.
"Het ookmysui
tcase.It
ookmyki
ds
bagsandweal lwenttot
hecar.

-f
oll
owi
ngday-
Iwassitt
ingwi
thmytwi
nandThandoatt
hebed
room.Thando'
smom i
salsoher
ewit
hmyuncle'
s
downstai
rs.

Wear edepart
ingaf
tert
henegot
iati
ons.Weheard
pr
aisesoutsi
dewecheckedthewindowitwasthe
Radebe'
s.
Me:
"let
'shopethatmom doesn'
tdemandamil
li
on.
"
Welaughed.Chumaniandthetwinswer
esl
eepi
ng.

Thando:"
shewi
lldemandi
tther
ear
e3ki
ds
i
nvolved.
"

Ayabonga:
"andshewi
ll
."Wel
aughed.

Weconti
nuedchat
ti
ngt
il
lthedoorf
lewopenand
myauntcamein.

Aunt
:"
comet
heywoul
dli
ket
oseeyou.
"

Me:
"butt
heysawmel
astyear
."

Welli
t'
sJanuar
ynow.Theylaughedatthesul
king
me.Ifi
xedmyselfandwal
kedoutwithAunt.
Asalwayst
heywer
efondofmeIser
vedt
hem wi
th
dr
inks.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
ya
Iwaswaiti
ngformyuncle'
sattheai
rpor
ttheysai
d
theyar
e5mi nut
esaway.Igavethem amil
li
onto
payforAya.

Ifoundherasavi r
ginandIgaveher3kidsandI
gotmar r
iedtoherwithoutpayi
ngsoyeahthey
deserveit.

Isawmyuncl
e'
sappr
oachi
ngme.
Me:
"sohowdi
ditgoMal
ume.
"

Malume:
"i
twentaspl annedtheychar
gedus600
000rf
oreveryt
hingandyeahyou'resett
hatwoman
i
syourwifenow."Whatar el
ief
.

Me:
"t
hankyouMal
ume.
"Ibr
ohuggedt
hem.

Wel
eftf
orPE.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Af
tert
heyl
eft
.Lat
eronweal
sol
eftf
ort
hePE.
Wefoundacarwai t
ingforusQhaweor
ganizedit
.
Hisal
if
esaver.Myuncl e'
swenttot
hei
rhouses.So
i
twasme, Ayabonga,Thando,
hermom,mymom
andmykids.

Wegottot
hehouseandNokwakhawascooki
ng
di
nner
.

Us:
"mol
weni
.(Goodeveni
ng)
"

Them:
"hey.
"Theycamet
ohugus.

Qhawe:"ni
njaniaunt
?(Howareyouaunt
)"wewer
e
sit
ti
ngatthelounge.Aqhamacamewith
ref
reshments.

Thando'
smom: "saphi
laenkossakhont
oakuncedu
khal
akanjani
ikuni(wearefinet
hankyouhoware
you)
"

Qhawe:
"haisaphi
lanat
hi.(
Wear
eal
sof
ine)
"

Me:
"uphiZumbonge(
wher
eisZumbonge)
"

Qhawe:
"and.
..
"

:
"NdimloMolweniMakhul
u(I
'
m heregoodeveni
ng
gr
andma)"shecametohugallofus.Shet
ook
Uvuyo.

Zumbonge:"
kwekweornt
ombil
e(i
sitaboyorgi
rl
)"
welaughedather
.

ThandoandAyabonga:
"bayaf
anane(
dot
heyl
ook
thesame)
"
Her:"
yeaht heydo.Theyar ehandsomeslash
beauti
fulbasical
lytheycutejustt
hatyoucan'tt
ell
thedif
ferenceIdon'tevenknowwhi choneisthe
gir
landtheboy. "Wel aughed.

Aqhama:
"qal
il
ekendakwazi
i(youst
art
edIknow
you)
"welaughed.

Nokwakhacal
ledusfordi
nner
.Itwasaf
eastyoooh
andherfoodwasgreat
.
Thando:
"Ineedt
her
eci
pef
ort
hepumpki
n."

Me:"
don'tgivetohershewil
ladditont
hemenuf
or
herr
estaurantandyouwon'tgetacent
."We
l
aughedThandof rowned.

NokwakhaandQhawe:"
menzantoniThando(what
ar
eyoudoingtoThando)
"welaughed.Weatewhil
e
l
aughi
ngandhavingagreatt
ime.
Lateatni
ghtweal
lwentt
osl
eepaf
terhavi
nga
greatt
imeasafamil
y.

-2daysl
ater-

Iwassleepi
ngwhenIheardanoisedownstai
rs.I
openedmyeyesandlookedatt
hewat chonthe
wall
.It
's5am.

Whyt hef
uckaret heymaki
nganoi
se.ThenI
rememberedthatit'
smyweddi
ng.Ij
umpedofft
he
bed.Iwokethekidsup.

Wellt
heare3guest
roomssoumnaIsleepwit
hmy
ki
dswhil
emymot hersl
eepswi
thAyabongaand
Thandowit
hhermother
.

Thedoorf
lewopenandmyf
ri
endsgoti
nmaki
nga
noi
secausi
ngt
heki
dst
ocr
y.

Me:"
whatthef uckbazalwana"Ayabongatook
Nkanyezi
,ZimitookChumaniandThandot ook
Uvuyo.Ayolawashol di
ngSekaniandLethabowas
hol
dingNtlakanipho.

Them:
"v'
tsekyourgett
ingmar
ri
edbutyoust
il
l
sl
eepi
ng.
"Wel aughed.

Me:
"haikeSowet
oGospelchoi
r.
"Wel
aughed.

Me:
"wher
eisRi
ri?
"

Ayol
a:"
doingt
hef
ini
shi
ngt
ouchesatt
het
ent
eTi
narha"

Thando:
"whendi
dyouguyscomeher
e."
LeJoy:
"yest
erdaynightwesl
eptatt
hehot
el.The
guyswenttoUi t
enhage.
"

Zimi:
"Ishoul
drel
ocat
eher
e.Haveyouguysseen
thi
splace."

:
"Sabawelihl
aleJoziumnangel
oxet
sha(
Iwantto
l
iveinJohannesburg)
"sai
dAqhamaandZumbonge
gett
ingi
n.Wel aughed.

Zimi:
"don'
ttherei
snoseat
here.Andit'
sabusycity.
Ialsowon'tmindcomi
nghereatleasti
t'
snotbusy."

Me:
"weallknowthat
,thatwon'
thappen.Youguys
l
oveJohannesbur
g."

Them:
"andke.
"
Me: "
butsanuwaraNinindizazonit
hathamaybenge
Junehol i
dayyaboxakungekoschoolqani zozi
celel
akuQhaweke( don'tworryIwil
ltakeyouguys
theremaybeonJunehol i
day'sbutyouwi l
lask
Qhawe, Iwon'
t)"

Aqhama:"I
'
m definit
elycoming.Ial
sosawyour
housesoIwon'tmi ndevenl i
vingt
her
eandre-
regi
ster
edtoWits."Wel aughedather
.

Ayabonga:"
youshoul
dseeherbarr
oom.Youwil
l
onl
yseeexpensivebot
tl
est
here.Noact
ual
lyt
he
j
acuzzitubist
odiefor
."

Us:
"br
o"wel
aughed.

Zumbonge:"
youcan'tl
ivethi
splaceyourbaby
daddyli
vesher
enott ofor
getyourki
dsosezohlal
a
PE."Aqhamasulked.Welaughed.
Nokwakha:
"ni
hlel
inononqovukant
i(yousi
tt
ing
wit
hthem)"welaughedAqhamaandZumbonge
sul
ked.

Me:"kazeshotklkmylovebefor
evase(canIhavea
shotpleasebeforeIwash)
"shetookoutabott
le
andweal lscr
eamed.Wel ookedatAqhamaand
Zumbonge.Theyst oppedwelaughed.

Aqhama:
"babydaddyi
scall
ingsobye.
"Shesai
d
pul
li
ngZumbongewelaughedatthem.

Us:
"ki
ds"wel
aughedatour
sel
ves.

Wealldrank2shotsofRussianBear
.Iwantt
otake
abath.Iworemyshott i
ght
sandbraonlysi
nceI
havetoputablanketovermyheadwhenIgothere.
Icoveredmywhol ebodywithahotbl
anket
.Home
choicemntanam azit
shutshu(
theyar
ewarm).My
motherwast heoneholdi
ngmet ogodown.

Ul
ulat
ionsandthesongswentl
ouderastheysaw
megetti
ngdown.Mywhol ef
amilywashereitwas
af
ullhouseI'
m sohappy.

Myheadwasst i
lloutI
'
m goingtocoveritwhenI
'
m
ther
e.WewalkedoutasIsteppedoutthehouseI
fel
t3dropsofwateronmyf or
eheadIlookedupthe
skywasclear
.

Me:
"i
sitmeordi
dIj
ustf
eel
3dr
opsonmyhead"
mymom smil
ed.

Mom:"
thatmeansgoodl
uckmychi
ld.
"Ismi
ledwe
wal
kedtothecar
.
WegottoUitenhage.TheRadebe'sshowedust he
housewherewewi llbeusingfort
heday.Iwas
si
tt
ingattheroom changingtoatradi
ti
onaldress
sothatt
heycanintroducemet otheancestor
s.

Me:
"mom didyoubuyallt
hegift
sforthem i
sn'
t
t
hereanyt
hingmissi
ng.Idon'
twantthingst
obe
messedup."

Mom:"
yesIdidever
ythi
ngisher
e."Inodded.Idon'
t
wantt
hingst
ogowr ong.

AfterIwasdone.TheRadebe'
scametofet
chmeso
thattheycani
ntroducemetot
heancest
ors.Iwas
holdingmygrassmat

IsawSiyawesmiledateachotherwewentt ot
hei
r
househol
danditwasfull
.Wewentt ositdown
ebuxhani
thi
.Iwassi
tt
ingont hegrassmatsi
yawas
si
tti
ngnexttomeonachai r
.
Themandi dwhattheyneededtodo.Iwassentt
o
gositwerethewif
e's(
omakoti)wher
etheyal
sodid
whattheyneededtodo.

Iwalkedbackt othehouse.Ichangedtomyat
ti
re
fort
her ecept
ioni
st.Myfri
endswher emy
bri
desmai dssotheywalkedinfrontaswewal
ked
outofthehouse.

Everyonewalkedt
othei
rman.Thebr
idesmai
dsand
groomsmenwal ki
nfrontIwal
kedwi
thmyHusband
attheback.

Therewassingingfrom bothsidesoft
hefamil
y.
Andbothfamili
essangst rong.Itwasl
ikeawarfor
songs.I
twasf ullI
'
mt el
li
ngyouguys.

Me:"
waqondbauzoceba(
youcutyourhai
r)
"we
l
aughed.
Him:"I
'
m st
il
lhandsomet
hough"heki
ssedmy
cheek.

Wegott otherecept
ioni
st.I
twi l
lbel
ikeawhi
te
weddingwerewegett osaytheBi bl
evowsandget
ascri
pturefr
om thepastorsincewehaven'
tgot
ten
marr
iedproperly

Sowewalkeddowntheaisl
e.TheysangaXhosa
chur
chsong.Thepast
orprayed.

Her
eadscr
ipt
ureske.

-sor
ryf
ornott
ransl
ati
ngnow-

Pastor
:"aphakut
hiukhonaonezizi
zat
uzokubaaba
bangatshati?
"Welookedatever
yone.
Past
or:
"haykesi
ngaqubekeka.
"Hel
ookedatSi
ya.

Pastor
:"
SiyamthandaUyayitabatanalent ombi
ubukaibengumf aziwako,ukuzeni hl
alenobabini
ngokomtetokaThixoentl
alweniengcwel e
yomTshato?Uyayi t
andana, uyonwabise, uyi
beke,
uyi
gcinexaingapil
anganaxai phil
il
eyo,uti
uwayekekaonkeamanye, uhlalenayoyodwal onke
i
xetshaeniyakudl
aubomingal onobabi ni?"

Siya:
"Ndenj
enj
alo"t
heyul
ulat
ed.ThePast
orl
ooked
atme.

Pastor:"
Ayamt handauyayivumanal endodaukuba
i
beyi ndodayako, ukuzenihl
alenobabini
ngokomt etokaThixoentlal
weniengcwele
yomTshat o?Ukukuyi t
andana, uyonwabi
seuyibeke
uyi
gci nexaingapilanganaxaiphil
il
eyouti
uwayekekaonkeamanyeuhl al
enayoyodwal onke
i
xet
shaeni
yakudl
aubomingal
onobabi
ni?
"

Me:
"Ndi
yayi
vuma"

Hemadeusholdeachother
'sl
efthands.Hesai
d
Si
yamustf
oll
owafterhi
m.

Siya:
"MnaSi yamthandaPl aatj
iesndi yakutabata
wenaAyamt handaPl aatji
esukubaubengumf azi
wam endi mtshati
leyo,ukuvandi benawendi kugcine
namhl anangexetshal onkeel i
zayo, ngexetsha
l
okonwabanangexet shal obunzi ma, ngexetsha
l
okwananangexet shal okuswel a,xaungapi langa
naxauphi l
il
eyo,ndikutande, ndikondle,ngokomt et
o
ongcwel ekaTixo,
sidesahl ulwekukuf a,ngokoke
ndikunikel
ainyanisoyam. "

I
twasmyt
urnnow.
Me: "
MnaAyamt handaNzungundi yakutabata
SiyamthandaPl aatji
esukubaubeyi ndodayam
endiyit
shati
leyo,ukubandi benawendi kugcine
namhl anangexetshal onkeelizayongexet sha
l
okonwabanangexet shalobunzi mangexet sha
l
onwanel anangexet shalokuswel axaungapi l
anga
naxauphi l
il
eyondi kutandendi kondl
endi kupulapul
e
ezuntwenizonkeezi f
aneleki
leyingokomt eto
ongcwel ekaTixo,sidesohlukwekukuf a, ngokoke
ndikunikel
ainyanisoyam. "

Weletgoofeachother
shands.Thepast
ort
ookmy
r
ingsothathecanprayfort
hem.

Pastor
:"
Wusikelelelomsesane, Nkosienenceba,
wenzeukubaezi zicakazakozisigcine
ngokunyani
sekil
eyoi si
fungosazo,zihl
alezizal
isi
we
l
utandonobungcwel e,ngoYesuKristuiNkosiyetu.
Amen."Hegavet her i
ngtoSiyaandhesai dhe
mustsayafterhim ashesl i
ppedther i
nginmy
fi
nger.
Siya:
"ngawol omsesanendiyakutshat
aukubaube
ngumf aziwam, ndi
tingomzimbawam ndikubeke,
ndizendidlel
anenawengempahl ayam yonke.
Egamenil oYi
se,neloNyana,nel
oMoyaoyiNgcwele.
Amen. "Theyululat
ed.

Ial
sodi
dthesamet
hing.ThePast
orpr
ayedf
orus.

Thefoodcameinaswewer esit
ti
ngatthefr
ont.
Theoldpeopl
ewer eadvisi
ngusaboutmarri
age.
Whentheyweredone.Wewal kedinthehouse.
Si
ya'
smom andheraunt '
sweretheoneschangi
ng
meintothebr
idalcl
othes.

WhenweweredoneIt
ookmygr assmatandwent
t
ositatt
hef
ront
.Whereever
yonewassitt
ing.

Siyacametositnextt
omeonachai
rMi
nniecame
tositont
hegrassmatwit
hmeandmyki
ds.She
gavemesourmi
lk(amasi
)andmeatwi
thoutsal
t.
Theyhel
pedmeeatit
.

Iwaseati
ngthemeatwit
hthesourmilkwhilemy
motherandnomzazaweregi
vingoutpresent
sto
myin-l
aws.

Nowitwastimef
orMkhul
utogi
vemeGama
l
asemzini(
namefr
om myi
n-l
aws)
.

Mkhul u:
"i
gamaesi mphal onakenguNi zi
bone
Izibel
e.Unobubelekelennt osiqondbamasi m nike
eli
gama.Sat hembaukubauzohl alaunobubele(the
Namewear egivingherisNi ziboneIzibel
e.Shei s
kindthat'
swhywear egivinghert hisName.We
hopeyouwi llal
waysbeki nd)"Ululat
ionswentloud
andt heysangani cesong.

Il
ikethenameal
ready.Ismi
ledMkhul
ugavemea
gr
eatname.Nocap.
Thewentongr
eat
.Ir
eall
ydi
denj
oymysel
f.Mkhul
u
evengavemeagr
eatname.

NowI'
m Ayamt handaNizi
bonePl
aat
jies.Icoul
dn'
t
beanyhappier
.Idon'twantt
obecal
ledby
Ayamthandanow.

Iwasatt
heki
tchenmakingt
eawitht
hebri
de'
s.
Theywer
egushingovermel
ikeal
ways.

Si
yacal
ledmeout
side.Iwentt
ohi
m.

Hi
m:"Nizi
"Ibl
ushed.Ir
eal
lyl
ikemynameMkhul
uis
myfavori
tenow.

Me:
"Radebe"
Him:
"ndakuthanndaNiziwam (
IloveyoumyNi
zi)
"I
smil
edmor eli
keI'm ki
dseei
ngcandy.

Me:"
ndakut
handaNam Radebe(Il
oveyout
oo
Radebe)
"weki
ssed.I
twasdarkoutsonoonecoul
d
seeus.

Ourf
ri
ends:
"er
oom.
init
opdeck"weal
llaughed.
.
.
.
.
.
#Not
Edi
ted
87
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ni
zibone
Weki
ssedagai
nnoRadebe

Ourfri
ends:
"notagain.
"Justthanitr
ained.We
br
oket heki
ssandl aughed.ThewomanUl ul
ated.
Goodluckrememberandt heancest
orsare
watchi
nguponus.

Si
ya:"
fort
helastti
met
hanwecangobacki
nsi
de.
"I
ki
ssedhim agai
n.

Ourfr
iends:
"ndakbet
hakissingi
ntherain"we
l
aughedpulli
ngoutweallwenttositatSiya'
sfl
at
buti
tlookedli
keabachel
or'shouse.
LeJoy:
"sobesti
ewhenar eyoutaki
ngofamadaki
(t
radi
ti
onalat
tir
e)"ever
yonelookedatme.Wewere
si
tti
ngatthelounge.

Me:"
Aft
er2months.Wearesupposet
ostayher
e
butt
hebusi
nesseswon'
trunthemsel
vessoweare
l
eavi
nginaweekor2."

Them:"2monthsrhaaIwoul
dtakethem of
f.
Akutshut
shulangali
qat
shubhobhoy(i
t'
sextr
emel
y
hot)
"welaughed.

Me:
"ndingumfaziwakwaRhadebekl
kumna(
I'
ma
wi
fefrom t
heRadebe's)
"

Them:
"butt
heysui
t.
"

Me:
"t
hankyouguys.
"
Siya:"
Iwil
lhavetotal
ktotheelderstol
etyouwear
them fort
hewholeyearyabo? "Igavehi
mt hat
i
nt i
midati
nglookever
yonelaughed.

Justt
hanmyphoner
angi
twasQhawe.

Me:
"mzl
"

Hi
m:"
hey"hesoundeddown.

Me:
"heywhat
'swr
ong?
"

Hi
m:"
Mygr
andchi
lddi
ed"

Me:
"what?Whathappened?
!"Ever
yonel
ookedat
me.

Hi
m:"
shehadanast
hmaat
tack.
"
Me:
"what?Iwi
llt
her
enow.
"

Hi
m:"
youcancomet
omor
rowt
hough.
"

Me:
"Iwi
llnotst
ayf
oral
ongt
ime.
"

Hi
m:"
it
'sal
ongdr
iveandi
t'
sdanger
ousouther
e"

Me:
"i
t'
snotupfordi
scussi
on.Wel
ostaf
ami
ly
membersoIhavetobether
e."

Him:"
IguessIwon'
twi
nThi
sbat
tl
e"webi
dour
goodbyes.

Me:
"Hf
orHect
ic"Iheavi
lysi
ghed.
Them:
"what
'sup?whodi
ed?
"

Me:"Qhawe'
sgr
andchi
ld.
"Theyal
llookedatme
shocked.

Siya:
"i
nomzukhulwanal
aponi?
(doest
hatdude
haveagrandchi
ld)
"

Me:
"yeahhi
sfi
rstbor
nhadachi
ld.
"

Them:
"Aqhama"

Me:"
yeah"Iroll
edmyeyes."Didn'
tyouguyshear
whentheytalkedaboutherbabydaddy?
"

Thegi
rl
s:"
oohnowIr
emember
."

Me:
"Iwi
llbedr
ivi
ngt
her
eI'
m notsur
ewhenIwi
llbe
backbutyeah.BabecanIhavet
hecarkeys"wel
lhe
rent
edacar.

Si
ya:
"nopeIwi
lldr
iveyout
her
e."

Theot her
s:"
weareal
socoming"well
knowi
nghow
crazythesedudesar
eusual
lyrent
edaQuantum.
Imagine.

AswestoodupChumanicameoutoftheroom
rubbi
nghi
seyes.Wel
lthet
winswentt
oWal mer
withmymother
.Iwasbusytol
ookaft
erthem.

Chumani
:"
Nam ndahamba(
I'
m al
sogoi
ng)
"

LeJoy:
"l
emmegof
etchNt
la.
"

Me:
"pl
easecomewi
thhi
sjacket
."ShenoddedAyol
a
f
oll
owedher
.

Theycamebackwi
tht
heki
ds.

Wel
eftf
orWal
mer
.

-
fewdaysl
ater
-

MeandSiyadeci
dedtocheckuponAqhamabef
ore
weheadbacktoJohannesbur
g.

Wedecidedt
oTakeChumaniandSekaniwi
th.
Nt
lakani
phookot
hef
a.Sowel ef
thi
m.

Thet
winswer
ewi
thmymot
heri
nlaw.

WegotthereSi
yawaschat
ti
ngwi
thQhaweandI
waschatt
ingwi
thAqhamaIwast
ryi
ngtoconvi
nce
hert
ocometoJohannesbur
gsot
hatshecancl
ear
hermind.

Suddenlysomeonecall
sherandshej ustscr
eamed
breaki
ngdown.Irushedtoher.Ithr
ewt hebl
anket
ar
oundmyshoul derstotheback.

Me:"
what'
swrongbabe?
"Shecr
iedevenmor
e.
Ever
yonecametous.

Chumani&Sekani:"
thenimom (what
'swrongmom)"
i
fwewer ei
nadiff
erentsi
tuat
ionIwoul
dlaughat
them butnott
odaysatana.

Qhawet
ookhersel
fphoneandl
ookedati
t.

Qhawe:
"whatdi
dLi
yemasayt
oyout
hatmadeyou
cr
yli
kethi
s?"Hewaswor
ri
ed.
Aqhama:
"u.
..
"Shecoul
dn'
tcont
inuet
alki
ngshej
ust
br
okedownMor e.

Qhawecal
ledsomeoneonAqhama'
sphone.

Qhawe: "
Liyema..
..
whyismydaughtercr
yingl
ike
thiswhat'
swr ong?..
..
.whatdoyoumeanwhenyou
sayyoursondi ed.
..
.Wewi l
lbether
enow"he
disconnectedthecal
l.

Qhawe:
"I
'm sobuti
t'
str
uemybabyhei
snomor
e"
Aqhamashookherhead.

Mom:
"whodi
ed?
"

Qhawe:
"herBabydaddy"Iwasshockedmysel
f.Li
ke
shej
ustlostherbabynowthi
s.
Thi
schildisgoi
ngt hr
oughal
ot.Ever
yonewent
qui
te.Theywerelooki
ngatAqhamawi t
hpi
ty.

Aqhama:
"I.
..Ine.
.ed.
..
so.
.mef
reshai
r.
"Shewi
ped
hert
ear
s.

Nokwakha: "yournotgoinganywher e.Iknowyou

wil
ltr
yt okillyour
selfdon'tevengooutt hatdoor .
Goddidt hisforareasoni tdoesn'tmeanyoumust
endthi
ngsj ustbest rongEverythi
ngwi llbef ineit
mightnotbenowort omor r
owbutt hingswi llbe
fi
neast i
megoes.Yournotgoi nganywher e.Iknow
thi
sishar dbuteverythingwi l
lpassmybabyj ustbe
str
ong."Theybot hbrokedowni neachot her'
sar ms.

I
twasabadmomenttobeat.I
fsomethi
nghappens
t
omyhusbandIswearIwon'
tbeabl
etocopethat
mani
smyeveryt
hing.

Idon'
tthi
nkIcanl
ivewi
thouthi
m.
-
aweekl
ater
-

Wewer
enowatt
heairpor
twai
ti
ngf
orourf
li
ght
.It
wasmeandmyl
it
tl
efamil
y.

Si
ya:
"Ij
usthopeshewil
lbefi
ne.Icani
magi
nel
if
e
wi
thoutyourhaa.
"Heshookhi
shead.

Me:"
sheisastrongwomanshewi l
lbefine.Ij
ust
hopeshewillf
ocusonschoolandheal
ingnothing
morenothi
ngless.
"

Him:"
yeahshehast
ohealbutI
twi
llt
aket
ime
baby.
"

Me:"t
hat'
swhyIoffer
edhertocomet o
Johannesbur
gatl
eastther
eshewon' tseet
hings
thatwil
lremi
ndherofthem butkeyouknowhow
ki
dsar
e."weshr
ugged.

Him:"
itwasgoi
ngtohelpher.Butkidst
hesedays
arest
ubbornoncetheysett
heirmindsto
somethingt
heysti
cktothat
."

Me:
"andke.
"

Hi
m: "
let
'sst
optal
kingaboutdepressi
ngt
hings.Our
weddingwasgreatdon'
tyouthink.
"Ismi
led
t
hinki
ngaboutourwedding.

Me:"
itwashey.Surel
yoneofmybestdaysever
.I
st
il
lcan'
tbel
ieveIgotmarr
ied.
"Heki
ssedmyhands.

Hi
m:"youbett
erbel
ievei
tNi
ziwam ndendwa(
my
Ni
zialone)
"Ibl
ushed.
Chumani
:"
nowam (al
somine)
"welaughedathi
m.
Hewassitt
ingbet
weenusthetwi
nsweresit
ti
ngon
ourl
aps.

Me:
"wenuke(
your
s)"

Them:"
Niziwam (
myNizi
)"Iki
ssedmychi
ldr
en'
s
for
eheadsandgavesi
yaapeck.

Justt
hanourf
li
ghtwascal
led.West
oodup.

:
"Aunt
ysanundishi
ya(
Auntdon'
tleaveme.)
"We
l
ookedbackandsawAqhamarunningtoour
di
rect
ion.

Si
ya:
"Iguessshetookyouradvi
ce.
"Hesmi
ledat
mebeforeki
ssingmycheek.
Shegott
ous.

Me:
"heywhatchangedyourmi
nd?
"

Her
:"
IguessIdoneedabr
eakf
rom t
hispl
ace.
"

Si
ya:
"haveyour
e-r
egi
ster
ed?
"

Her
:"
a.abhutt
'butIhaveal
lthef
ormsneeded.I
t
ookthem t
oday."

Siya:
"okaywewi l
lhelpyouwit
hthatwehave
connections."Ismiledathi
m.

Me:"
let
'sgobef
orewemissourfl
ight.
"Shetook
ChumaniandwewentJohannesburgthebusyci
ty.

WeusedaUbert
ogett
othehouse.
MeandSi
ya:
"homesweethome"Aqhamal
aughed
atus.

Aqhama:"
it
'smor
ebeaut
if
uli
nreall
if
e."Shewas
l
ookingar
ound

MeandSi
ya;
"weknow"wel
aughed

Me:
"l
etmeshowyouyourr
oom.
"

Si
ya:
"Iwi
llwasht
heki
dssol
ong.
"Itwasl
ateat
ni
ght
.

Me:
"Iwi
llor
deri
nI'
mt i
redIdon'
tthi
nkIwi
llbeabl
e
t
ocook.Sowhatshoul
dIorder.
"

Them:
"pi
zza.
"Inodded.
IshowedAqhamaherr
oom.

Her:"
thanksforever
ythi
ngauntbutIwon'tbeabl
e
toli
vehereforever.
"Isatont
opoft hechestof
drawer.

Me:
"whatdoyoumean?
"Sheshr
ugged

Her:
"Ikindali
kemyownpr ivacy.Andyouguyshave
doneal otal
readyforme.Andatsomepoi ntyou
wil
lneedpr i
vacyIcan'
tbealwaysher e.Iwas
thi
nkingmaybeIf i
ndaapar t
mentnearschooli fI
getaplaceandyoucanbr ingthekidsanytimeyou
wouldlike.
"Igotwheresheiscomingf rom.

Me:"
okayIhaveaf l
atyoucanuse.Thepeopl
ethat
wererent
ingther
eareleavi
ngatresnow.
"WellIst
il
l
havemyf l
at.Shesmil
ed.
Her:
"t
hatwouldbegr
eat
.EnkossiAunt
y(t
hankyou
aunt
)"shecametohugme.

Me:"
Pleaseemai
lmeyourdet
ail
s.Iwi
llr
e-r
egi
ster
youtommorow"

Her
:"
okayIwi
ll
.Thankyouagai
n."Wehuggedagai
n.

Iwal
kedtomyr
oom andprepar
edabubbl
ebat
hfor
mysel
fandmyhusband.

Ifel
thandsar
oundmywai stIlookedbackitwas
myhusband.Wekissedbeforegetti
nginthewat
er
andwemadeoutint hewater
.

Aft
erbat
hingweateasafami
lyAqhamawas
l
ooseni
ngupcauseshewaslaughi
ng.Neverabl
ur
momentwithmyfamil
y.
Fol
lowi
ngdayIwoke.Iki
ssedSi
yaal
loverhi
sface

Si
ya:
"mmhh"

Me:
"wakeupbabeyouhavetogotoworki
t'
sbeena
mont
hsnow."Hegroanedbef
oreopeni
nghi
seyes.
Wel
lit
'sFebr
uar
ynow.

Iwentt
obr ushmyteeth.Itookashowerandwor e
mygown.Iwentt owaket hekidsuptheyaregoing
tocr
eche.Theymissed2-3weeksof fschool.What
abadslat
et ost
arton.

WhenIwasdonewi ththem.It ookthem downst

air
s.
Imadebreakf
astforeveryone.IplacedAqhama's
onthewarmerI'
m notsurewhenshewi l
lwakeup.

If
edt
heki
ds.Thei
rdr
ivercame.It
ookt
hem out
.I
t
ookt
heel
evat
orbackt
omyr
oom.

Siyawasgetti
ngdressed.Ii
ronedourcl
othes
yester
day.Iworeamadakiwam.

Si
ya:
"whatwi
llyoubedoi
ngt
oday?
"Wewer
eeat
ing
br
eakf
ast

Me:"
Iwil
lgototheoff
ice,r
e-r
egi
sterAqhamaatwit
s
andgotoacardealer
ship.
"Helookedatmewith
hi
seyebrowsup.

Hi
m:"
cardeal
er?Forwhat
."

Me:
"whatdowedot
her
e?"

Hi
m:"
buycar
sobvi
ousl
y"her
oll
edhi
seyes.
Me:
"uya.
..
"

Him:
"youl
ikemocki
ngmekendakwazii
.(Iknow
you.
)Butnott
odaysat
ana"Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
sti
llhaven'
tanswer
edmyquest
ion.
"

Me:
"Iwil
lbebuyi
ngacarIhavebeensavi
ngmoney
f
ori
t."Hesmir
ked.

Him:"
Ihat
esecret
syouknowt
hat
."Il
ooked
ever
ywhereel
sebuthi
m.

Me:"youknowyouwoul
dhavesaidIshoul
djust
keepthemoneytomysel
fyouwi l
lbuymethecar
."I
saidcopi
nghisvoi
cewelaughed.

Hi
m:"
yeahyour
ight
.YouknowIl
ikespoi
li
ngyou.
Youdi
dal
otf
ormebackt
han.
"

Me:"
youusedtoscaretheshi
toutofme.Youwer
e
soi
ntimi
dati
ngsti
llar
ebutIgotusedtot
hat.
"We
l
aughed

Him:"yeahyouwere.Butweendeduphavinga
baby.Samet i
me.Ihavetocongrat
ulat
eyouyourso
fer
ti
le."Welaughedheclappedhi
shands.

Me:"noMryourgetti
ngi twrong.Youdi
dn'
tgetitf
or
solongthatyouendedupknocki ngmeonf i
rst
touch.
"Webur sti
ntolaugher.

Hi
m: "
mxm l
et'
sgoIwil
ldr
opyouoff
."Wel
eft
.I
ki
ssedhi
m befor
eget
ti
ngint
heoff
ice.

Peoplewerehappytoseemeback.Onmylunch
breakIr
e-r
egist
eredAqhamaandshewasaccepted
shej
ustneededt
ogot
her
eandgetever
ythi
ng
tommorow.

Iknockedoffear
lyt
odayandwentt
othecar
deal
ershi
p.Ihavealr
eadybeeni
ncont
actwi
thhi
m.
OnwhatcarIwant .

Him:
"Mrs.Pl
aat
ji
es"Ismi
ledr
eveal
ingmyCol
gat
e
smil
e.

Mr
:"
Mr.Andr
ew"weshookourhands.

Him:
"i
t'
snicetofinal
lymeetyouinper son.Let
'sget
downtobusiness.Igotyourcaryoujustneedto
si
gnhereandmaket hepayment."Inoddedand
si
gned

Iwentt
opay.
Hetookmet
omycari twascover
edwi
thasheet
.
Mr.Andr
ewuncover
editf
orme.

I
twasj ustthewayili
kei
t.itwasbl
acki
ncol
our
wit
htintedwindows.Numberplat
ewaswri
tt
en'Ni
zi
2GP'.Icouldn'
tbehappi
er.Ial
sohavet
ochange
myBeastt o'Ni
zi1GP'

WellIboughtaPor
sche718Cayman.Il
ovef
ast
car
ssoyeah.

Me:
"Ican'
tbel
ievet
hisi
sal
lmi
ne.
"

Him:"youbett
erbel
ieveit
."Welaughed"herearethe
keys."Hegavemet hekeysIrantoopenthedoor .I
gavehi m myphonetotakepi
cturesIpostedthem
i
nal lsoci
almediaplat
for
ms.

Idr
ivedout
.Iconnect
edmyphonet
othecarand
droveoffinhighspeedl
ist
eni
ngtomusic.Idon'
t
careifIgett
icket
saslongasI'
m dr
ivi
nginspeed.

Igothomeandopenedt hegat
e.Justt
hanSiyawas
al
socomi ngoutofhi
scar.Iwal
kedout.Hecameto
checkoutmycarwhistl
ing.

Si
ya:"
Iunder
minedyourhaa.Didyouseet
he
wheel
s."Hewasbusyadmiringit
.

Ourfavor
it
esongthatweliketoli
stenanddanceto.
Welookedateachotherandstart
eddancing.The
ki
dsgotoutaswewer edancing.Theywere
cl
appinghands.Aqhamawasmaki ngavideo.

Wegotdoneandhi
ghf
ived.Weal
llaughed.

Hi
m:"
inneedtot
akethi
sforaspi
n.Carkeys.
"He
di
dn'
tevenwai
tformetorepl
yhesnat
chedthem
fr
om me.Welaughed.Hedr
ovespeedi
ngof
fIcoul
d
heret
hewheels.

Mxm myhusbandi
scr
azy.Nocap.ButIl
ovehi
m.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#Not
Edi
ted
88
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Lif
eisgreatIcan'
tbeli
eveIgotmarr
iedtoherf
or
realt
histi
me.Icouldn'
tbeanyhappier
.

Il
ovethewomanI'm mar
ri
edt
o.Shetreat
sme
gr
eat.Shet
akescareofmeal
lthet
ime.

Sheisselfl
essthat
'swhatIl
oveabouther.She
cares.Wearenowchi l
li
ngwit
hourextendedfami
ly.
(Ourfri
ends).

WhenAqhamagoti n.Shetooktheki
dswithher
.
At
leastshehassomethingkeepi
ngherbusy.

TT:"
weshoul
dprobabl
ytakehert
othehospit
al
babyandl
etherseehowbeingadoct
oris.I
twil
l
al
sohelpi
mprovehermarks.
"

Let
habo:
"mor
eli
keani
nter
n?"
TT:
"yeah"

Lethabo:"weshoul
ditwi
llhel
pherf
orgetmostof
thethings."

Ni
zi:
"Iwi
llt
alkt
oheronyourbehal
f.
"

TT:"
yeah1weekshewillbeont
heeastsi
det
he
nextonthewestsi
de.
"

Ri
ri
:"
ngaskebenguye(Iwi
shIcoul
dbeher
)"we
l
aughedathi
sstupi
dit
y.

Shemovedtoherownapar
tmentwhichisgr
eat
don'
tgetmewrongil
ovehavi
ngheraroundbut
.

Havi
ngt
ohavesexi
nthebedr
oom onl
yisbor
ingI
enjoyhavi
ngsexwi
thmyWi
fei
neverl
it
tl
ecor
nerof
thehouse.

Shegotoutofthemusi croom aft

ersigni
ngto
beaut
if
ull
y.Shereall
ycansi ng.If
eltsorr
yforher
.
Shewaspr obabl
ythinki
ngaboutherbabydaddy.
Maybetheyusedt osingtogether
.

Me:
"zekaunyewenasundiqel
a(Ifuckyoudon't
f
uckwithme)"weweresti
llar
gui
ng.Wel aughed.

Ni
zi:
"Iwil
lmakeyoumoanandcursemynamedon'
t
st
art
."Shetur
nedmeoninaspli
tsecond.

Iwentt
olockt
hedoorandpi
nnedheragai
nstt
he
wal
l.

Shegi
ggl
ed.
Her:
"notnowwehaveki
dsdownst
air
s."Doyou
t
hinkIli
stenedt
oher
.Wemadeoutinthemusic
r
oom.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Thando
-3mont
hsl
ater-

It
'snowMay.Meani
ngIwil
lbegi
vingbi
rt
hanyti
me
soon.Myhusbandt
ookl
eaveatworkj
usttot
ake
careofme.

Idi
dn'
tmindhim atf
ir
stbutnowhissuffocat
ingme.
HemakessureIeatheal
thy.Ican'
teveneati
ce
cr
eam.

Itr
ytocr
ybuthedoesn'tgi
vemet hedayofl
ight
.
Evenonourhoneymoon.ButIenj
oyedmysel
fthere.

Wecr eat
edbeauti
fulmemor
ies.Meandmymot her
arenowf i
ne.Sheaskedmetogoandli
vewithher
onceIgivebir
thbutLwet
husaidshewi
llcomeand
l
ivewithus.

Sheagr
eed.Shesai
dshewi l
lli
veher
efor2mont
hs.
Wecouldn'
tbeanyhappi
er.

Lwethuandmymom getalongsowel
ljustl
ikeIget
alongwit
hhi
sfami
ly.Not
hingmakesmehappy
thanthat
.

I'
M nowsit
ti
ngatthestudydoingmyschoolwork
onli
ne,
lear
ningever
ythi
ng.Idon'twantt
obebehi
nd
whenIgoback.

I'
m graduati
ngthi
syear
.Idon'
twanttorepeatmy
year.Lwethugoti
nsti
rr
ingsomet
hing.Itookofmy
readinggl
asses.

Me:"
pleasedon'
ttel
lmeI'
m supposet
oeatagai
n."
I
t'
sthethir
dtimethatI
'
m eati
ngnow.

Lwethu:
"whodoyout hi
nkthi
sisf
orme.A.
aYouso
openup."Hekneeleddownandki
ssedmystomach
thebabykicked.

Lwethu:
"sost
rongforagir
l.
"Welaughed.Wewent
forascantoseethegenderandi
t'
sagirl
.

Sheal wayskickswhenshefeel
sherfat
her'
s
presence.Shemakesitworseatni
ghtwhenLwet
hu
cuddleswithmyt ummy(wrappi
nghishands
ar
oundmyabdomenandpl
aci
nghi
sheadont
opof
mystomach.I
magi
ne.
).

Wepl
acedourhandsonmyst
omach.

Me:"
ahhh"If
eltashar
ppaininmyabdomen.
Lwethupl
acedthesouponthet
abl
e.

Him:"
what'
swrongbabe?"IshookmyheadI
suddenl
yfel
twetIl
ookeddownonmyself.

Me:"
g..
ofe..
.t
chth.
.eba.
.byba.
.gm..
ywa..
ter
br
..
oke"Isai
dbreat
hingheavi
lyIwassweati
ng.

Lwet
hu:
"i
t'
salr
eadyinthecarcomelet
'sgo."Hel
if
t
meupinbri
dalst
yle.Hewasalsopani
cking.

Hedr
ovef
astt
othehospi
tal
.Hewentt
otheboott
o
t
aket
hebag.He'
sal
wayspr
epar
ed.

Hecamet ot
hecryi
ngmenow.Hel
if
tedmeupand
westeppedi
nsi
dethehospi
tal
.

Hi
m:"nur
se!!
"Theycamewi
thastr
etcher
.Wewent
t
otheward.MyGynecol
ogi
stgoti
n.

Me:"
whenam It
aki
ngherout
."Lwet
hugoti
n
weari
ngscr
ubs.

Thedoct
orl
ookedi
ntomyVi
rgi
nia.

Dr:
"st
il
lhavetowaitmaybeanhouror2.
"IfIwasn'
t
i
nsomuchpai nIwoul
dhavegivenher
,hernews.I
j
ustnodded.Shewalkedout
.

Me:
"c.
..
any.
..
ou.
..pl
easer
u..
bm.
.yba.
..
..
ck"i
twas
sof
uckenpai
nful
.Hepani
ckedandcamet
orubi
t.

Me:"ny..
.ukkamq. ..
und..
u(goup)"hechuckl
edand
wentup." Ti.
.gh.
..t
enyo..urf
is.
..
taaaaah"myback
wasr eal
lypai nf
ul.Minutesl
aterthedoct
orcameto
checkmeupagai n.

Dr:
"i
t'
stime"nursescamei n.Theytol
dmetopush
andIdid.Lwethuwashol dingmyhandbei
nga
bl
oodymot i
vationalspeakernextt
omesayi
ngIcan
doit
.

Imademy5t hpush.Iwasser
iousl
ygi
vingup.Why
doesn'
tthi
schi
ldwanttocomeout.

Theroom wasfil
ledwit
hababiescry.Itear
escaped.Lwet
hucutthecor
d.Iwasgi venmybaby
shewascoveredi nt
henast
ything.
Lwet
hucamet
oki
ssmyf
orehead.

Hi
m:"
Khanyi
siweZul
u"Ismi
ledbef
orebl
acki
ngout
.

Iwokeupandl
ookedatt
hesideoft
hebed.Lwet
hu
wassit
ti
ngont
hecouchwit
hKhanyiinhi
shands.

Me:
"canIhol
dher
."Hesmi
ledl
ooki
ngupatme.

Hecamewi
thherandgavehert
ome.

Me:
"heybaby.
"If
elli
nlovewi
thhert
hever
ysame
moment.

Lwet
hu:
"mypr
incess"hesai
dhol
dingherhandwi
th
hi
sfi
nger
.

Me:
"Icanal
readyseet
hatshewi
llbeadaddy'
sgi
rl
.
Sheevenhasyourl
ookslookatherearstheyare
bl
ackmeaningshewil
lalsobeblack"hesmirked
andChuckl
edwhil
eIsulked.

Lwethu:"
it
'snotmyf aul
tthatmypri
ncesslooksl
ike
me.Shei smypr i
ncessafteral
l.
"Heshruggedhi
s
shoulder
s.Wel aughed.

Lwet
hu:"
thankyouforthegif
tyougavememyl
ove.
Il
oveyouokay."Inoddedandwekissed.

Me:"
Iloveyout
oo."Hepeckedmyl
ipsandki
ssed
hi
sdaughtersf
orehead.

:
"Goodthi
ngyou'
reawakeyouneedtobr
east
feeds
her
.Andmakesureyoumakeskintoski
nwit
hher."
Sai
dthedoct
orcomingin.

It
ookoutmybr
eastsheshowedmehowandIdi
dit
.
Shewassucki
ngmybr
eastl
ikeherl
if
edependson
i
t.

Lwethu:"
canImakeherbur
pplease.
"Hesai
d
smil
ing.Igavehi
m asmall
clot
htoputonhi
s
shoulder
.

ItookmybreastoutofKhanyi
'
smout
handgave
hertohi
sfatherbef
oreshecri
es.

Hemadeherbur
pandmadehersl
eepatt
hesame
t
ime.

Me:"pl
aceheri
nthecotmyl
ove.
"Heshookhi
s
head.

Him:"
canshepl
easesl
eepinmyarmsfornow
befor
ethewhol
efamil
ycomeshereandtakemy
pri
ncessawayf
rom me."Her
oll
edhi
seyesandI
l
aughed.

Me:"
Icanalr
eadyseewhenshest art
sdat
ingand
youbeat
ingthefuckoutofherboyf
ri
end.
"He
fr
ownedandIlaughed.

Him:"Iwantnot
hingbadwithmyprincess.If
somet hi
nghappenstoherIwi
llmarkthewhol ecit
y
red.YouKnowhowIam wi ththi
ngsthataremi ne.
"
Ilaughbecausetometoohisoverprotect
ive.

Me:
"overpr
otect
ive"Ir
oll
edmyeyes.hechuckl
ed.

Him:"
I'
m onlyprotect
ingwhat'smi
ne.Ther
eis
nothi
ngwr ongwiththat.Il
oveyouguysokay.
"He
ki
ssedprincessesforehead.

Icanseethathei
shappywit
hthelit
tl
eli
feIgave
him.I
treal
lymakesmehappythatheishappy.I
al
wayswonderedwhathewantsandnowt
hatI
gavehi
m apr
incessheishappy.

TheSmi l
eonhi
sfaceispri
cel
ess.Hehasal
ways
mademehappyI'
m alsohappythatIal
somade
hi
m happy.

Hecamet
oki
ssme.

:
"NotinmyHospit
alpl
ease"wepull
edoutand
l
ookedatt
hedoor.TTandLethaboweretheones
t
alki
ng.Al
lourf
ri
endswereattheback.

Ri
riwashol
dingal
otofbal
loonsi
magi
ne.

Lwet
hu:"
Ipai
dfort
hispr
ivat
esui
tdoct
ors.
"We
l
aughed.
TT:
"st
il
l,
whatar
eyoulet
ti
ngthechi
ldseear
ggh"we
l
aughedathi
sdramat
icsel
f.

Snakes:
"r
haaar
eyout
heonet
alki
ngnow?
"We
l
aughed.

Let
habo:
"dut
ycall
slet
'sgobabeIknowt
heywi
lleat
usali
ve.
"Welaughed.

TT:
"yeahwehavet
o."

Ayabonga:
"ai
n'tyouguysbr
eaki
ngt
hecodeof
conduct?"

Us:
"yeah?
"

Them:"t
echnical
lyyesbutwedatedbef
orebuying
thehospit
alsotherei
snothi
ngtheycando"they
shr
ugged.

Ni
zi:
"haykeSowet
oGospelchoi
r.
"Webur
sti
nto
l
augher.

Me:
"It
rustr
ir
iwi
thexagger
ati
ngt
hings.
"

Them:
"t
ch"wel
aughed

Ri
ri
:"
jeal
ousyi
syouguyst
heyar
enotf
oryou'
s.
"We
l
aughed

Weallchi
ll
edatt
hehospit
alhavi
ngf
unl
ikeal
ways.
Theywerebusywit
htheki
dthewhol
eti
me.

Wel
comet
othewor
ldKhanyi
siweZul
u.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Mi
hlal
i
Mynamei sMihlal
iPlaatj
ies.I'
m 22year
sol d.I
haveatwinMinentl
ewegetal ongsowell.AndI
haveanolderbr
otherSiyamt handaNayazimoc
(you'
l
lnow).

I'
m doi
ngmyfinalYearinHRmanagement.Mi
nni
e
i
sdoingherf
inalyeari
ndesign.Meandherar
eso
cl
ose.Weshareatightbond.

Wealsoshareati
ghtbondwit
hourbrother
Si
yamthanda.Welivei
nourownapart
ment s.Si
ya
wastheonethatboughtt
hem f
orus.

Ol
edihesi
tat
edatf
ir
stbutsheendedupgi
vingi
n.
Si
yawast
heonewhoconvi
ncedher
.

Wealsoneedourownpr i
vacywecan'
tli
vewi
th
Mom ourwhol
elif
e.Wel oveourmot
hersomuch
butneeweneedprivacy.

Iat
tendschoolatWi
tswit
hmytwin.Iwenttothe
caf
eteri
atoMeetupwit
hmyfri
ends.Weal ways
meetthere.

Me:
"yeahshoshomaj
it
a?"Wedi
dourhandshake.

Ihave3f
ri
endsLunga,
Hloml
aandQhamani
.

Hl
omla:
"i
seonpartykl
eweekendmoc?
(ist
hepar
ty
st
il
lonf
ortheweekend)
"

Me:
"yeahnt
wana.Qaayi
zobaaphakum edl
aleni
sendi
ybook.
il
ecl
ub(yesboy.Butwear
enotgoi
ng
tomyhouseIbookedacl
ub)"

Them:"
haiyathet
hakengoku(
nowyouar
etal
king)
"
welaughed.

Lunga:"ngabaphibanthwanaabazobaIhope
anizozanoSt aceykudall
asit
yabanthwanamaj it
a
(whichgirlsar
ecomi ng?Ihopeyounotbringing
Staceyithasbeenal ongtimewehavebeenhavi ng
sexwi t
ht hem)"wellwedoONS( onenightstand).

Me:"mabazebonkeasl ongaskukof
reepussy
ndi
pha( theymayallcomeaslongasther
earefr
ee
pussies.I'
mther
e)"

Them:"
sipha(wearethere)
"welaughed.Weall
st
oppedlaughingl
ookingatanothergi
rlpassi
ngus.
Hl
oml
a:"
banil
omaj
it
a(whoi
sshe)
"

Qhamani
:"
thenewgoddess.
"

Me:
"l
emmet
rymyl
uck.
"Theyl
aughed.

Lunga:"
sheisli
kethose'iam notl
ooki
ngfora
rel
ati
onshi
p'typeofgir
lsplusyouwon'tgeti
tfr
om
hershewil
ljustbuzzyouof f
."

Me:"
banibet
hefunuumt
ya( whosai
dIwanttohave
sexwit
hher)shel
ooksl
ikesomeoneIcanset
tl
e
downwith.
"

Them:
"set
tl
edownr
haa.
"Wel
aughed.

Me:
"l
etmecal
lher
."
Them:"i
ffumani10numberssizokut
hengel
akut
ya
vekiyonke(i
fyougethernumberwearebuyi
ngyou
foodforthewhol
eweek.)"

Me:
"okaysho"wel
aughed.

Me:"
Xolobabygirl(
sor
rybabygir
l.
)"Shewassi
tt
ing
onatablenextt
ous.Sheli
ftherheadupshewas
busyonherphoneeati
ng.

Me:"nj
anihl
alewedwaumhl
ekangaka( whyareyou
si
tt
ingalonewhenyouaret
hisbeauti
ful
)"she
l
aughedandsmi l
edIal
sosmiled.Iwi
nkedatmy
br
o's.

Her
:"
don'
thavef
ri
endsar
oundher
ethat
'swhy.
"

Me:"
I'
m yourfr
iendt
hancomesitwit
hus.Sozebe
l
onelymntasekhayandi
khonai
za(youcan'
tbe
l
onel
ywhileI
'
m her
e,come.
)"Shest
oodupand
cametoourt
abl
e.

Her
:"
mol
weni(
greet
ings)
"

Myfri
ends:"
Hel
lobabygi
rl
/goddess/sweet
hear
t"
shegi
ggled.

Me:"
areyounewherecausesaziwonkeumt
ubutto
kwazi
iwena(weknoweveryonebutwedon'
tknow
you)
"

Her
:"
oohIst
art
edt
hisyeari
nFebr
uar
y"

Us:
"f
ir
styearst
udent
?"

Her
:"
aaIwasst
udyi
ngatNMUbutl
if
ehappenedso
myAuntt
ookmein.
"
Qhamani
:"
howi
sither
e?"

Her:"
bori
ngbutsinceIdon'thavef
riends.Ialways
babysitmyaunt '
schil
drenandherfriendskidsand
theyarenicepeoplet
ochillwi
thcausest hukut
hezi
saphelabawo"wenodded.

Lunga:
"wher
ear
eourmanner
sI'
M Lungaandt
his
i
s..
..
"

Hl
omla:
"Icani
ntr
oducemysel
f.
"Her
oll
edhi
seyes
"
I'
M Hl
omla"

Me:
"Mi
hlal
i"

Qhamani
:"
Qhamani
"shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:"
I'
m Aqhama"

Us:
"beaut
if
ulnamef
orabeaut
if
ull
ady.
"Shegi
ggl
ed.

Me:"oohbeforel
ibal
esihost.
ipartylawayso
awubaweliuzasinceut
hiuyabor ekaphakuwe.And
thi
nasizichomii
ezakhosozesi kuyekebor ekenge
weekend( oohbefor
eIforgetwear ehosti
ngapar t
y
andsinceyousayyougetbor eddon' tyouwantto
come.Asyourf ri
endswewon' tletyougetboredon
aweekend) "

Her:
"aslongasyouwi
llmakesur
enj
akazizenu
haveleashest
hanndi
pha.
"

Us:
"si
pha.
"Webur
stedi
ntol
augher
.

Qhamani
:"
Iloveheral
readybutIwi
llmakesur
ethat
noonebot
hersyou."
Us:
"Nam (
met
o)"wel
aughed.

Lunga:"
whysi
thinj
akazinj
e(whydoyousay
bi
tches)"

Aqhama:"youguysl
ookl
ikef
uckboys"wel
ookedat
our
selves.

Us:"
durumgi
diAqhamaf orusibi
zaamakwekwe(a
man'scer
emonyisexpensiveAqhamat
ocallus
boys.
)"Weal
llaughed.

Her
:"
xol
wenikl
kmaj
it
a(sor
ryguys)
"

Me:
"10number
skl
ksot
hatIcancal
lyoul
ateron.
"

Her
:"
phone.
"Igavehermycel
lphone.Shepunched
i
nhernumber
.

Iwi
nkedatmybr
o's.

Weallchil
ledwit
hhertil
lshehadt
ogowehada
gr
eatti
mewi t
hher.Causewewerelaughi
ngt
he
whol
et i
me.

JusthopeIwi
llgether
.
.
.
.
.
.
#Not
Edi
ted
Sorr
yIwon'tbeablet owri
teanot
her2inser
tst
oday
that
'swhyImadethi sonelongandyouguysdon'
t
commentandlike,
likeyouusedto .
89
.
.
.
.
.
TT
I
t'
sbeenawhi l
ehey.Li
feisgreatwi
thLet
haboby
myside.Thatwomanistheloveofmyli
fe.

Inevert
houghtIwouldeverbei
nlovel
iket
his.And
ther
eismysont hatIl
ovesomuch.

MysonandLet haboaremyever
ythi
ng.Hewi l
lbe
turni
ng2year
sol di
naf ewmont
hs.Lastyearwe
didanepi
cpartyforhi
m.

Sot
odayIwast
hinki
ngofvi
sit
ingpar
ent
sandIwi
ll
gowi
thmyf
ami
ly.

Ihavebeensendi
ngmymom anddadmoneyever y
monthbutIdon'
tvisi
tthem f
requent
ly.Ihopether
e
won'tbedr
amamymot herisdramati
cshel i
kes
pi
ssingmeoff.

Ihave2Hospi
tal
stotakecareof.Yeahweended
upbuyi
ngNizi
'
smot herhospi
tal
.Webothhave50
50sharesi
nbothhospi
tal
s.

Idi
dn'
twantLethabotospendhermoneyi
nbuyi
ng
bot
hthehospi
talsbutsheinsi
sted.

Shesaid'
idon'twanttobelikeI
'm hereforyour
moneysopl easel
etmepayIhaveal otofmoney
thatmyparentsLef
tmewi th.Sowewi l
lbuyit
toget
herf
inishandklaar
.'
Il
etherbeandweboughtt
hehospi
tal
stoget
her
.
Andwearemakingmoney.

Anotherreasonbehindthi
svisi
tIwantt
opr
opose
toLethabo.it
'sbeenalongti
mesincewehavebeen
dati
ngsoIt hinkit
'snowti
me.

Weloveeachot
hersomucht
hatI
'
m af
rai
dtol
oose
hert
osomeoneelse.

Ij
ustcamebackfrom mybestfri
endshouse,
Siya.
Wewer ecat
chi
ngupasal ways.Let
habowasalso
cat
chingwit
hherbestfr
iendNizi
.

Wejustgotbackatthesamet
imeasNtlakanipho.
Hewenttocreche.Wewerewatchi
ngourfavorit
e
showDragonBallZSuper.

Nt
la:
"mxm ncol
il
eFef
e(Fef
eisevi
l
)"Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:
"banil
owoboy(
whoi
sthat
?)"Hesul
ked.

Hi
m:"
cher
ry.
am(
mygi
rl
fr
iend)
"Il
aughed.

Me:
"i
sn'
tyourgi
rl
fr
iendSange?
"

Him:
"nayekl
k(alsoher)
."Icanal
readyseet
hatmy
boywil
lbeaplayer.Il
aughed.

Me:"
haikwedinibazol
wangaweke(
nomant
hey
f
ightforyou)
"

Him:"
cherrykaChumaniawalwayonotwam no
Sekani(Chumani
'sgi
rl
fr
iendfi
ghtnotmi
neand
Sekani'
s).
"Il
aughedathim.

I
fhi
smot
hercoul
dher
ehi
mtal
kingl
iket
hisshe
woul
dsayl
ikef
ather
,li
keson.

Me:"gci
nuSangekl
k(keepSanget
han.
)"Hesul
ked.
Ichuckl
ed.

Him:
"umbiSangengoku(
Sangei
sugl
ynow)
."Di
dI
notl
augh.

:
"Li
kefat
her
,li
keson.
"Thatwasmybaby.SeeIt
old
youshewoul
dsaythat.

Me:"
pleasesundif
akapumpki
n(don'
tinvol
veme
pl
ease)"

Her:
"l
ikefat
herl
ikesonqa.Fuzewenalomt
hana
kuzezawumncinci(hei
slikeyouwhenyouwer
e
young)"
Me:"
atl
eastIgotmypumpkinnow.Myownqueen
sophol
a."Shepeckedmyl
ips.

Nt
la:"
ewwzobanomnt
ana(
youwi
llhaveachi
ld)
"
welaughedathi
m.

Baby:
"kut
shoba(
whosai
dso)
?"

Nt
la:
"CagenoSnakes.
"Laughedathi
m.

Me:"
saf
unanj
ena(
wewantt
ohaveachi
ld)
"he
sul
ked.

Hi
m:"
a.aa.
a"wel
aughed.

Baby:
"ndi
m ngokubukeli
itv,
lyt.
aBluey(i
t'
smyturn
nowtowatchTV,switchonBl uey)
"welookedather
.
Wealwayswatchcar
toonsi
nmyhousejustf
orf
un.
Butal
waysfi
ghtonwhichshowt
owatch.

Ntl
a:"
phel
akoBal
lZ(
whenDr
agonBal
lZi
s
f
ini
shed)"

Her:
"mxm ke"shef
rowned.Wewer
esi
tt
ingont
he
samecouch.

Herheadwasonmyl
ap.

Me:
"sunxamakl
kbaby(
whatmyl
ove)
"weki
ssed.

Nt
la:
"eww"wepul
ledoutl
aughi
ng.

Baby:
"whatmustIcookt
oday.
"

Nt
la:
"l
asagna.
"
Me:
"noneedtocookwewi l
lbemeeti
ngupwithmy
f
amilyt
oday.Iwantyouguystomeetbef
oreIpay
l
obol
aforyou."Shel
ookedatmeshocked.

Her
:"
what?whydi
dn'
tyousayso?Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
m
r
eadytomeett
hem.
"

Me:
"i
t'
snoworneverbaby.
"Igaveherapeck.

Her
:"
yooh.
"

Me:"don'
tworryIgotyourback.Iwil
lbewit
hyout
il
l
theendnotjustanyendbutdeat hokay?
"She
nodded.Igaveheranotherpeck.

Her:
"Ihavealr
eadysentt
heemai
ltoAqhamato
i
nfor
m herthatshecancomeanddoaninter
nshi
p
att
hehospital
."
Me:"
Iwaswor
ri
edaboutt
hatf
orasecondt
her
eI
f
orgot.
"

Her
:"
Igotyoudon'
twor
ry.
"

Me: "
babywearegoingtoanundergroundpart
y
todaymeandt heguys.Wejustwanttomakeit
cleartoever
ygangstert
hatwearetheruler
snow.
"

Her
:"
Fini
sher
?"Wel
aughed.

Me:"
Yayazi
ibestf
riendyakhonjenazobapha(
you
Knowyourbestfr
iend.shewil
lbethere)
"

Her
:"
that'
swhyshepull
edmetogowithhertot
own
t
oday.Andsheboughtbl
ackcl
othesf
ort
onight
."
Welaughed.
Me:"yeahwear egoingthere.Butnoneedt owor r
y
aboutyoursafetywewon' tsellourident
it
ieswewi l
l
j
ustgot hereandstatethatTheSt acks-meaningall
themaf i
a.Wewer etrai
nedbyaMaf iaaf
teral
l.
-
havear r
ived.
"Shenodded.

Her
:"
makesuret
hatI'
m pr
otect
edunderyourname
i
ncasesomeonesear
chsyou."

Me: "
everyt
hingissetbaby.Nowonewi lleverfind
outaboutus.Iftheydot han.Wef ol
lowr ulenumber
3&4NoMat terhowmuchi nf
ormat i
onthatper son
knowsaboutyouki l
lthem makesur eyoushootat
theheartorheadyouneverknowwhatt heyar e
planningtodo.Rule4neverl eaveanyst one
unturned.Kil
lattheverysamemoment ."

Let
habo:
"what
'sr
ule1&2"
Me:"
nousei ntel
li
ngyout hoserulesmeandmy
boysbr
oket hem al
ready.Wear esupposetonot
l
oveatallbutli
fehappened."Igaveherpeck.

Wecont i
nuedchatti
ngIwastel
li
ngt
hem aboutal
l
thegangstert
hings.Nt
lawasal
sogi
vingmehis
att
enti
on.

Lat
eronweal
lfr
eshenupandt
ookoft
omydad'
s
house.

Baby:
"Ihavet
ochangent
la.Iwi
llber
ightbehi
nd
you.
"Inodded

Me:
"babepleasedon'
ttakeanyt
hingmymom says
t
oheartshecanbehushsomet imes.
"

Her:
"Ial
readyhavemybul
letpr
oofvestonmyl
ove.
"
Ipeckedgetli
ps
Me:"
butIgotyourbackpumpki
ndon'
twor
ry.
"Isai
d
get
ti
nggetti
ngout.

Mypar ent
slivei
nBraam now.Iboughtt
hem a
housethere.Myfat
heral
readyknowsweare
coming.

Weusual
lymeetf orgol
fortenni
sonSunday
mor
ningsjusttocheckup.Iam mor
eclosert
ohi
m
t
hanmymot her
.

Iknockedonthedoor.Il
ookedatmycar.As
LethabowaschangingNtl
a.Iwasn'
tpayi
ngmuch
att
entiont
othepersonopeni
ngthedoor.

:
"Sor
rysi
rcanIhelpyouwit
hsomethi
ng.
"Thatwas
mySist
erThabi
so.Il
ookedather
.
Her:
"l
ilbr
oaaaah.
"Shejumpedontopofme.I
spi
nedheraroundki
ssi
nghercheek.

Me:"
don'
tcloset
hedoorIhavepeopleinthecar
."
Shenoddedsmil
ing.Iki
ssedhercheekagain

Wegoti
nmyparent
swer
esi
tt
ingatt
hel
ounge
wat
chi
ngnews.

Me:
"ol
edit
aima.
"Theyl
ookedbackatme.

Mymom r ant
ocomeandhugme.Shewaski ssi
ng
meallovermyface.Myf
atherandSi
sterwer
e
l
aughing.

Me:"
yuhaaaaol
edibeworsevr
ouyam i
lapha(
no
mom mywomanishere).
"Iwentt
obrohugmy
Fat
her.
:
"Thepel
othecarkeyspl
ease.
"Shesai
dget
ti
ngi
n
wipi
ngNtla'
snose.

Baby:
"yoohwherear
emymanner
s.Mol
weniTat
a."
Shesaidsmil
ing.

Tai
ma:"
tchi
niinguyelokwediniakamhl
e(i
sither
shei
sbeauti
ful.
)"Theyhugged.

Thabiso:"
myInstagram hasbeendr yt
heyneedto
seethis.Mom l
ookt heboyl ooksl
ikeme.Hell
osis.
"
ShehuggedLet habo.Ntlareall
ydoeslookl
ikeher.

1thi
ngaboutmysi
stershei
sal
wayswel
comi
ng.
Thanshet
ookNtl
afrom her
.

Tai
ma:
"what
'st
heboysname.
"
Let
habo:"
Ntl
akani
phoSl
indokuhl
eVi
ce.
"Shesai
d
smil
ing.

Mom:"
rhaaubeungubaniwena?(
Whoar
eyou?
)"
Shest
art
ed.

Let
habo:
"Let
habowakwaSmi
thma.
"

Mom:
"Smi
thr
haandat
sho.Nxx"Mydadl
aughed.

Meandmysi
ster
:"
nott
odaymapl
ease.
"

Mom:"
sheist
hesamepersont
hatmadeyoutonot
comeathomeformor
ethan10year
sThapel
o."

Me:"t
hatwasmychoi
cema.ImetLet
habo3year
s
ago.Event
houghwekneweachot
herbackt
han.
"
Mom:"soyourdefendi
ngherri
ghtnowoveryour
ownmot her
."Shesaidcr
yingandgoi
ngaway.See
whatIhavebeentalki
ngabout?

Dad:"
don'
tworr
yshedoesn'
thateyouchil
d.Were
yourpar
entsMzoxol
oandPhindi?"Let
habofai
ntl
y
smil
ed.

Her
:"
yest
heywer
e."

Dad:
"youlookli
kePhindiIcant
ell
.Butshedoesn'
t
hat
e.Justthatshehatedyourmotherbackt
han."

Us:
"butwhy?
"Mydadl
aughed.

Taima:"
meandyourparent
swerebestfr
iendsso
thi
stime.Wewerechil
li
ngatashi
sanyamal i
ke
always.Soyoutmot
hersawyourf
atherwith
anotherwoman.Nowshewasangry.Shecamet o
si
tont opofmyl ap.ThanFezeka- mymom-saw
her.Shewasst i
llnewekasisoshedi dn'tknowt hat
yourparent sweremybestf ri
ends.Shej ustcame
andhitPhi ndi
.AndPhi ndibeingherself.Shebeat
Fezekaupt othepulp.Shehadt hegut st osay
'
ndakut yelaunyeumnasundiqel a(Iwi l
lt akeyour
boyfri
enddon' tshitwit
hme) 'wehadt ocal lmore
peopletotakeyourmot herofher.From t hatday
onwardst heyhat edeachother.
"Wel aughed.

Lethabo:
"soyouwer
emyparent
sbestfri
endsbutI
neversawyouwitht
hem.
"DadChuckled.

Hi
m:"youwerealwaysbusywit
hSizweoryour
f
ri
endsifnotbooks.Andyouwerest
il
lsmall
"

Thabiso:
"soyoutryi
ngt otel
lmemom hat esher
becauseofami sunderstandingshehadwi t
hher
mother?"Shesaidplayi
ngwi thNtlamysisterl
oves
ki
dsqai t'
sjustt
hatshecan' thaveherown.Sheisa
soci
alwor ker
.
Dad:
"exact
lyt
hat
."Wel
aughed.

Dad:
"i
t'
ssadt heydied.Wewer esocl
osebackthan
andbefor
et hei
rdeath."Wenodded.Myfather
l
ookedhurt.Hereall
ylovedhisbestf
ri
ends.

Goodthi
ngisthatmyf
atherandherpar
ent
swer
e
bestf
ri
ends.

Thabi
so:
"wai
tdi
dyousayLet
haboSmi
th.
"Babe
noddedwhi
lesmi
li
ng.

Thabi
so:
"waiti
sshet
heLethabothatmadeyoucr
y
atni
ghtwhenyouwerest
il
linschool?"Meand
Let
habolaughed.

Me:
"yesshei
s."
Dad:
"whathappened?
"

Thabi
sost
art
ednarrat
ingthest
orytodad.Byt
he
ti
mesheisdonewearedeadwi t
hlaugher
.Let
habo
i
sevenavoi
dingeyecontactwi
thus.

Dad:
"yougotyourmot
her'
spersonal
it
y.Sheal
ways
hadthegutst
odowhatevert
okeepwhat '
sher
s."
Welaughed.

Me:"
li
kemotherl
ikedaught
er.
"Wel
aughed.That
's
whatsheal
wayssaystomeandmyson.

Let
habo:
"mxm.
"Wel
aughed.

Thabi
so:
"whatdoyoudoMakaNt
laf
orl
ivi
ng?
"
Let
habo:
"oohI
'
m al
soadoct
orl
ikeThapel
o."

Thabi
so:
"metatt
hehospi
talagai
n?"

Let
habo:
"nowemetatmybestfri
endshouse.She
i
sdati
ngSiyaThapel
o'sf
ri
end.
"

Dad:"
thesamesi yathatyour
anawaywi t
h
kwedini
?"Inoddedlaughingt
hinki
ngofhow
naughtywewer e.

Thabi
so:
"akevakel
aSi
ya.
"

Let
habo:
"It
hinkhi
sbet
tert
hanhi
swi
fe.
"We
l
aughed.

Dad:
"hehast
ocomehereithasbeenalongtime
si
ncewesawhim.I
'
M surekuli
lengokul
alai
ty."
Me:"heevenhas3ki
ds.
"Theylookedatme
shocked.MeandLet
habolaughed.

Thabi
so:
"youl
ie.
"

Meandbaby:
"I
'mt
ell
ingyou.
"Wel
aughed.

Tai
ma:"Ineedt
oseehim.Alsoyourot
herf
ri
ends.
I
'm sur
etheyareal
sogrownup."

Me:
"wehaveal
lgr
ownupdad.
"

Weconti
nuedchat
ti
ngandweat
e.Weevenf
orgot
aboutMom.

Lat
eronIwenttotheWar
ehousewi
llLet
habowent
tot
hehospi
talwit
hNtl
ather
ewasanemer gency
t
hatsheneededt
oat
tend.

Shehastoperfor
m anoper
ati
on.Shewi
llgohome
ti
redyouwi
llsee.

ButiI
ovehersheismyever
ythi
ng.Shei
s
ever
ythi
ngIneedi
nawoman.
.
.
.
.
.
#Not
Edi
ted
90
SeasonFi
nal
e
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Li
feisgreatifIcansaysoever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ng
accor
dingly.

Mybabi esar
eheal t
hytheywillbeturni
ng1inaf
ew
months.Wear eplanni
ngonhavi ngour
engagementpartyontheirday.Bir
thdayint
he
morning,par
tyattheevening.

Iwassit
ti
ngwi t
hmybabyt
ryi
ngt
oheckt
he
gangst
ersaccount
s.

Wehaveaundergr
oundhouseinourhousei
nthe
bedr
oom.Theroom i
sful
lofcomput
ers.
Thecomputer
saccessust
oever
ythi
ngi
nthewor
ld.
I
t'
seasytoevenf
indpeopl
ewi
thit
.

Me:
"whydoyoumi
lkever
ygangst
ersmoney?
"

Siya:
"wearegoingt othisundergr
oundpar t
yt oday.
Vusumziwast her ul
erhissecondhandmanwi llbe
tel
li
ngtheothergangst erl
eadersthathewillbei n
chargenow.Insteadofhi m bei
ngtherulerIwi l
lbe
therul
er.
"Ilookedathi m wit
hagr i
nonmyf ace.

Me:"
soyourmi l
kingthem drysothatyoudon'
t
seem l
ikeyounotjust,
tal
king,butyoumean
busi
nesshere?"Hesmi rked

Him:
"you'
reafastl
ear
nert
hat
'swhatIl
oveabout
you.
"Wekissed.
Wef i
nishedmi l
kingthem dr
y.Il
eftt
hem eachwit
h
10000r .Bet
terthannothi
ng.Wemadesur ethat
theydon'tgetnotif
ied.

Me:
"wher
ear
ewesendi
ngt
hesebi
ll
ionsofr
ands?
"

Si
ya:
"aroundt
heworl
dtothepeoplei
nneed.
"I
l
aughedhecanbeevi
l/t
hought
fulsomet
imes.He
al
solaughed.

Me:"
that
'
sgreat
.ButI
'
m comi
ngwi
tht
oni
ght
."He
l
ookedatme.

Si
ya:
"Ican'
tputyourl
if
eindangerbabyyoucan'
t.
"

Me:"wewon'
tbesell
ingourident
it
iesmocf
ort
he
sakeoft
hekids.
"Isaidwit
hpuppyeyes.
Hi
m:"
butst
il
lbaby.
"

Me:
"pl
easej
ustt
hisonce.
"Hesi
ghed.

Hi
m:"
okayf
ine.
"Iwentt
ohughi
m.

Minut
eslat
ermyfri
endLeJoyandmyhusband'
s
bestf
ri
endTTcame.MeandLeJoywenttothemal
l
j
usttobuyanout
fi
tformefortoni
ght
.

Lat
eront
heywenthomeaf
teragr
eatday.

Aqhamaalsocame.Ideci
dedtotakeherhomewi
th
t
hekidst
heyhaveamovi eni
ght.

Iwentt
oAqhama'
sfl
att
odr
opof
fthem of
f.

Igott
her
e.Ihaveal
readydr
essedt
hem upi
nthei
r
war
m pyj
amas.

Her
:"
wearegoi
ngtohavegooddayto.Saybyet
o
Ni
zi.
"Ibi
dMtgoodbyesbef
oregoi
ngtomyhouse.

AsIgoti
nt hehouseSi
yapinnedmeagai
nstt
he
wal
landkissedme.Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"notnow.
"Isai
dst
il
lexchangi
ngspi
tswi
thhi
m.

Hi
m:"
goodl
ucksexmyl
ove.
"Il
ethi
m be.

Wedid5rounds.Whenwewer
edoneIwasso
f
uckent
ir
ed.

Wetookashowert
ogetherandhad2r
oundst
her
e
al
so.Iwor
emyundergarments.
Iworeamyvestthanabulletproofvestontopofit
.
Iworemyblackl
eatherdr
esst hati
soversizeit
's
abovemyknees.

Ithanworemyl ongboatheelt
hatreachesmy
thi
ghs.If
inishedthel
ookofwithsimplemakeup
androughingupmyhai r
.Nousei nwearinga
weavecauseIwi l
lbeweari
ngabal acl
ava.

Si
ya:
"haibabysozephumeumhl eunj
e(nobabyyou
ar
enotgetti
ngoutlookinghotl
ikethi
s)"
Ibl
ush.He
waswearingal
lblack.

Me: "
I'
mjustadvert
isingf
ort
hem t
oseetheki
ndof
foodyoueat.I'
m allyour
sbabynooneel
se'
s.
"We
kissed.

Wet ookourbal
aclavas.Theyarewri
tt
en'FS'
-
Fi
nisherandSil
encer-onthelef
tcheek.
Wetookofft
ot hewarehouse.Wegott
her
eandt
he
guyswer
ealreadythere.

Us:
"yeahshoshomaj
it
a"wesai
dsal
uti
ngt
hem.

Cage:"
qondi
lesozeaphosweu'
Fini
sher(
Iknewit
Fi
nisherwil
lbehere)
"Isul
kedandtheyl
aughedat
me.

Me:"
justwant
edt
oseewhatwillhappen.Youal
l
knowthatIl
ovet
hef
astl
if
e."Theylaughed.

Snakes:
"pl
easedon'
tinvolveourwif
e's.Iknowyou
wil
lwanttogotohei
stst oget
her.
"

Tai
lor
:"
pleasedo.mi
nei
sst
il
lyoung.
"Wel
aughed.

Me:
"t
hisi
sthel
astt
imeI
'
m doi
ngt
his.Iwi
llonl
ydo
i
tformysaf
etynextTi
me.
"Theynodded.

TT:"
letmef
etchshot
sbeforewego.
"Hewenttot
he
barandcamebackwithTanquer
ayandshot
gl
asses.

Weal
ldr
ank2shot
s.

TT:
"whatdi
dyoudowi
tht
hemoney?
"

Siya:
"senti
taroundtheworl
dfort
hepeopl
ein
need."Hesaidwithasmir
k.Wechuckl
ed.

Snakes:
"t
hanwhosentmeami
ll
ioni
nmyof
fshor
e
account
?"

Theot
herguys:
"yeahwhodi
d?"
Si
ya:"
Idi
d.Doyout
hinkIwil
lforgetyouguys?
NeverImeanwear
ebrother
sf orli
fe.Weri
de.
"

Us:
"anddi
etoget
her
."Weal
lbr
ohugged.

Wetookourgunsandbal
aclavas.Wewor
ethem
andt
ookoffusi
ngourmott
obike'
s.

SeewhyIlovechil
li
ngwit
htheseguys.Wegott
o
thepri
vat
elocat
ion.Weshotal
lthe guar
dsbef
ore
goingtot
hedoor.

:
"SinceweallknowthatTheBeast-Vusumzi-i
s
deadashisrightnowI.
..
"Siyashottheroof
.Maki
ng
everyonet
akeoutthei
rgunsandl ookatus.

Si
ya:"
Iwil
lchar
gefr
om nowon.Iwil
lranthese
st
reet
s.Theycal
lmeSi
lencerwhentheycallme.
"
:
"Whoar
eyout
ocomeandor
derusar
ound?
"

Us:
"TheSt
acks.
"Theyal
lgaspedbef
orecr
acki
ng
t
hei
rguns.

Me:
"i
fIwer
eyouIwoul
dn'
t.
"

:
"Overmydeadbody.
"Weal
lshothi
m.

Me:
"khonaomnyeoverhisorherdeat
hbody.I fI
wer
eyouIwouldrat
herwor r
yaboutbeingbankrupt
t
hanwantingt
oshootFini
sher.
"Theyallchecked
t
hei
rphones.

Them:"
bloodyf
ool
s"t
heycr
ackedt
hei
rguns,
we
l
aughed.

Si
ya:
"Theydon'
tcal
lmeSi
lencerf
ornot
hing.Bye.
"
Hecametowardsmeandweki ssedsomeone
want
edtoshoothi
m butIshothi
m

Us:"
bye.
"Theywer
eshoot
ingandwewer
eshoot
ing
back.

Wet
ookof
ftot
hewar
ehouse.

Them:
"f
ini
shermar
n."Theyl
aughedaswewer
e
nowdr
inki
ng.

Me:
"qal
il
eke(
youst
art
ed)
"wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#Not
Edi
ted .

91
Seasonf
inal
e
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Wewer
est
il
lchi
ll
ingatt
hewar
ehousedr
inki
ng.

Me:
"sowhat
'sournexthei
st?
"

Ayamt
handa:
"gol
dhei
st.
"
Us:"
v't
sekthiswast
helastti
meyouwer
edoi
ng
gangstert
hings.
"Welaughed.

Snakes:
"butshei
smaki
ngsenseguysl
et'
sdoa
gol
dheist.
"

Mamber
:"
Iwi
lldot
her
esear
chofwhohast
hem.
"

Cage:"
andwemusthaveasol
idpl
an.Peopl
ewi
th
gol
d'saredanger
ous.
"

Us:
"yeahwehavet
o."Wel
ookedatNi
zi

Us:
"goduke(
youwi
llgohome)
"

Her
:"
okayXol
oke(
I'
m sor
ry)
."Wel
aughed.
Tail
or:
"asi
zoyazi
watil
lNi
nikengoku(
unt
ilwhen
aretheynotgoi
ngtoknowus)?
"

Me:"t
il
lweknowhowt heydealwi
ththei
rthi
ngsand
surethatourki
dsar
esafe.Wedon'twanttobur
ry
ourownki ds.
"

Us:"
Iwoul
dr at
herki
llt
hem mysel
fthentolet
anyoneki
llt
hem."Welookedateachotherand
l
aughed.

Mamber:"
oohbythewaymeandmywifeare
adopt
ingachi
ld.
"Hesai
dsmil
ingwel
ookedathi
m.

Weal
sosmi
led.

Nizi
bone:"
itmustbehar
dtonothaveki
dsofyour
ownr i
ght?"Shesai
dsulki
ng.
Mamber :
"yeahi
tisbutwhenIvowedandsai dfor
bet
terorforworse.Imeantever
ysingleword.
"He
sai
dsmi l
ing.Weallbrohuggedourfr
iend.

TT:"
whenareyouknocki
ngZi
miof
?"Weal
llooked
atSnakes.

Us:
"yeahweareal
lfat
her
'sexceptyou.
"Wegave
hi
m quest
ioni
ngeye'
s.

Snakes:
"whosai
dIwon'
tbear
efat
her
."Hesai
d
smil
ingsippi
nghi
sJ&B.

Us:"
youhavealr
eadyknockedherof
f?"Wewer
e
shocked.Hesmil
ed.

Snakes:"
yeahbutwefoundouttoday.Wewere
goi
ngt otel
lyouguys.
"Weallcongrat
ulat
edhi
m.
Snakes:
"thankyouguys.Nizipl
easedon'
tment
ion
anyt
hing.Shewant edtot
ellyouguyswhenyou
meetupt ommor owforbr
eakfast.
"

Us:
"Ust
oo?
"Snakesr
oll
edhi
seyes.

Ni
zi:
"gayt
endenci
es.
"Webur
stedi
ntol
augher
.

Snakes:
"t
oansweryourquest
ionnotNi
namaj
it
a
amamediethu(
notyouguysourwoman) .
"

Us:
"ooh.
"

Nizi
:"
in2weeksti
mewearehavi
nganengagement
part
y.ThemeVint
agel
ook.
"Theyal
llookedatus
shocked.

Them:
"Vi
ntagel
ook?
"
Us:
"yeahwhat
'swr
ong?
"

TT:"
werewil
lwef
indt
hoseki
ndofcl
otheswear
e
notin18'
s.
"

MeandNi zi
:"
youal
lhavemoneyso.Fi
nda
desi
gner
."

Tai
lor
:"
butIl
iket
hetheme.Meandmybabyar
e
goi
ngforashoppi
ngspree.
..
..
"

Us:
"shoppi
ngspree?Susenzasoberwena( don'
t
makeussober)
"Wel ookedathim shocked.Heisn'
t
apersontogooutshoppingkl
k.

Cagest
oodupandpl
acedhi
shandi
nhi
sfor
ehead.
Cage:"
thet
emperat
ureisf
ine.Whichmeanshis
tot
all
ywhippedmaji
ta.
"Weburstedint
olaugher
.

Nizi
:"
sizoyangekariYamadonkimocbaby?( Are
wegoingt ouseadonkeyCartbaby?
)"Welookedat
herandl aughed.

Us:
"dur
uRemyMar ti
n/J&B/Johnni
eWal
ker
/Jack
Dani
el'
sNi
zibone.
"Welaughed.

Mxm thi
soneiscr
azyIwonderwhatmadehert
hink
ofsuchathi
ng.

Me:"
asusathinotnehashimyloveut
hidonki(
you
ar
enotevensayi ngaHorseyousayadonkey).
"We
werest
il
llaughing.

Ni
zi:
"l
onake(
itt
hen)
"wel
aughed.
TT:
"whatabestf
ri
endmywi
fehas.
"

Mamber
:"
whatat
winmywi
fehas.
"

Tai
lor
:"
whatacousi
nmywi
fehas.
"

SnakesandCage:
"whataf
ri
endmywi
fehas.
"We
l
aughed.

Me:"
youallbett
ercauseI
'm mar
ri
edt
othatgi
rl
."
Theylaughedatthefr
owni
ngme.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ni
zibone
Aft
erati
mewi t
htheguysyest
erdaymeandmy
babywenthome.

Iwokeupearl
yinthemor
ning.Idi
dmyhygi
ene
processt
hanworemygown.

It
ookoutmyorangeleatherl
ongsleevedress
Al
ongwithmyblackGiuseppeZanottiBl
ack
Rhi
nest
oneMayLondonSneaker s.

Ialsot
ookoutawhiteplai
nt-
shir
tfor
m hemispher
e
formyhusbandandhisgreycheckchinopant
sand
hiswhit
eGuiseppeZanott
iGol
dPlateWhite
Sneaker
s.

Iwenttowakehi
m sothathedoesn'
tbelat
e.He
hastoatt
endanimpor
tantmeeti
ng.Heisa
busi
nessmanaft
eral
l.
Iki
ssedhi
m al
loverhi
sfacet
hanwentt
othemout
h.

Hi
m:"
mhhni
zi.
"Hesai
dwi
thhi
seyescl
osed.

Ipar
tedhi
slipswit
hmytongue.Ibit
ehi
slowerli
p
gent
lybef
oresucki
ngi
t.Herespondedt
othekiss.

Me:"vukatatamaweleunemeet
ing( wakeupdaddy
ofthetwinsyouhaveameeti
ng.)"Heopenedhis
smalleye's.Iki
ssedt
hem.Hesmi l
edsitt
ingup
st
raight.

Him:
"whatawayt
owakesomeoneup.
"Weki
ssed
agai
n.

Me:"comewakeupyouhavet ogotoameet
ing
todaydon'tf
orgetthat
."Hepeckedmyl
ipsbef
ore
goingtothebathroom.
Imadethebedandopent
hecur
tai
nsal
ongwi
tht
he
windows.

Iwentdownstairstomakebr eakf
ast.Imadesoft
mealmealporridge.Iplacedthepor
ridgeonthe
tabl
einbowls.Ialsoplacedpeanutbutter
,but
ter
,
milkandsugarofcour se.

Ionl
yaddpeanutbut
terandsugari
nmineandmy
husbandaddsbut
ter
,mil
kandsugar.

If
elthandsonmywai
stl
inefol
lowedbyakisson
myneck.Heknowst
hatt
hatsweaknessspot.

Me:
"babe.
"Il
etoutamoan.

Hi
m:"
justmi
ssbei
ngi
nsi
deofyou.
"
Me:
"butwedi
dn'tevensl
eepatmi
dni
ght
."Het
urned
mearoundt
olookathim.

Him:"
sundixelel
angentozangokoumnat het
ha
ngoku(I
'm nottal
kingaboutt
hatI
'mtal
kingabout
now)"

Me:
"zot
hiqiChri
sti
nanoMavi
ske(
Chr
ist
inaand
Mavi
swillcome)"

Hi
m:"
thi
sismyhouse.
"Weki
ssed.
.
.
.
Iwasknowwi t
htheladiesatMuggandBean.Ri
ri
wentover
seas.Hewillbeplanningaweddi
ngt
here.
Seeheisfamousint
ernational
ly.
LeJoy:
"sohowdi
ditgoyest
erday.
"Theyl
ookedat
me.

Me:"youhusband'ssai
dImustnoti nvolveyouguys
si
nceIwi l
linf
luenceyoui
ntodoingit."Isul
ked
eat
ingasliceofbarvonecake.Theylaughed.

Zi
mi:
"i
sitt
hatenj
oyabl
edar
n?"

Me:"
youshouldt
ryi
toutwit
hSnakestr
ustmeyou
wi
llbebeggi
ngtodoaheist
."Isai
dsmil
ing.

Them:
"Fi
nisherman.
!!
"Ever
yonel
ookedatus.

Ayol
a:"
hai
niguyslet
'scl
apf
orher.
"Shesaid
cl
appi
ngherhandsandeveryonef
oll
owed.Weal
l
l
aughedatthecaf
e.
Me:
"youguysar
emad.
"Wel
aughed.

Ayabonga:
"t
alkwear
eli
steni
ng.
"

Inar
rat
edt
hest
oryofyest
erday.

Thando:
"youguyski
ssedatgunpoi
nt?
"Theyal
l
l
ookedatmeshocked.

Me:
"yeswedi
d."

LeJoy:
"t
hat
'sSi
lencerandFi
nisherf
oryou.
"We
l
aughed.

Me:"yayazi
ixasiSenamatshambanot
akaChumani
(youKnowhowwear ewhenweshowoffwi
th
Chumani '
ddad.)"
Them:
"washa.
"Wel
aughed.

Zimi
:"
guysl
ist
en.
"Wel
ookedatt
hehappyZi
mi
know.

Us:
"t
het
hant
ombi(
speakgi
rl
)"

Zi
mi:"
rhaanoskeni
yeke(
rat
herl
eavei
t)
."We
l
aughed.

Shereachedoutforherbagandtookoutababy
romper.Wescreamedcausingeyes.

Us:
"ourfr
iendi
shavi
ngababyaaaaah.
"Thepeopl
e
l
aughed.Wewenttohugher
.
.
.
-
weekl
ater
-
Todaywear
egoingtot
hecemet
eryt
orenewmy
fat
herst
ombst
one.

Itwasasadmomentf
ormeandMom causewe
knewtheki
ndofamanhewas.Al
sohi
sfamil
ywas
sad.

Ayabongadi
dexper
ienceourf
ather
sloveandshe
wassadaboutt
hat.

EvenQhawecame.Ever yt
hingwasorgani
zedwell.
Wewentt oali
tt
leser
viceatmymot her
'shouse.We
spokesohighl
yabouthim.Hewasagr eatperson
aft
eral
l.

Aft
erthatwewenttothecemetery.Everyt
hingwent
well
.Hehadabig,beauti
fult
ombst one.Icr
ied
t
hinki
ngofthegreatdaysIspentwithhim.
Aft
ereveryonewasgoneIst
ayedbehi
ndandspoke
t
ohim crying,
thanki
nghi
mforal
waysgui
dingme.

Ialsotol
dhim aboutever
ythi
nghappeni
ngl
ikeol
d
days.Iaskedforhi
sguidancewhenIwasdoneand
ItoldhimthatIl
ovehim.

Ist
oodupandwentt
othecar
.Si
yawaswai
ti
ngf
or
me.Suchal
ovel
ysoul
.

Hi
m:"
areyouf
inenow.
"Hesai
dki
ssi
ngmyhands.

Me:"
yesI'
mf i
net
hankyouforaski
ngmyl
ove.
"We
ki
ssedbefor
edri
vingof
f.

Wegothomeandat
elunch.Whatadul
lmoment
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
92
Seasonf
inal
e
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Todayi
t'
sthetwi
nsbir
thdaypar
ty.Theyar
etur
ning
1.I
t'
sli
ketheywher
eneversmallt
heyareso
naught
ynowadays.

Theywanttot akeever
ythi
ngt
heycanreacht
o.I
alwayswishthattheycoul
dhavest
ayedsmallf
or
therestofmyl i
fe.

Butt
heyhavet
ogrow.OohbeforeIforgetwear
e
al
sohavi
ngourengagementpar
tytoday.

Thethemeisst
il
lvi
ntage.Everyonewasn'
tsur
e
aboutthet
hemebuttheyallendedupgivi
nginand
l
ovingthet
heme.

Wewer
esti
llset
ti
ngupt het
hemef orthepar
ty.
Whi
chi
sLooneytunes.Thei
rfavor
itecart
oons.

Theengagementpar
ti
esdecor
ati
oni
sdone.
TT:"
didyougetal
lourhoodi
es?
"Wel lwedecidedto
al
lwearhoodiesf
orthepart
ywithacharact
erfrom
Looneytunes.

Me:
"t
heyshoul
dgether
eanysecond.
"

Mamber
:"
Ihopet
hecakei
sher
e."

Theguys:
"Ihopesot
oo.
"Theysai
dlooki
ngatme.

Ri
ri
:"
whyshoul
dthecakebeher
e?"

Us:
"yeahwhy.
"

Them:
"i
t'
sast
oryf
oranot
herday.
"Wechuckl
ed.

Me:"
yeahi
tishereIbroughti
ther
eyest
erday.
"They
si
ghed.Wechuckled.
Zi
mi:
"somet
hingbi
gmusthavehappened.
"

Us:
"somet
hingr
eal
lybi
g."

Them:"youdon'
twanttoevenknow.
"Theshook
thei
rheadswelaughed.

Thei
nter
com f
rom t
hegat
ewentof
f.

Me:
"i
tmustbet
hehoodi
es.
"

Ibuzzedt
hatpersonin.Mi
nut
eslat
ert
her
ewasa
knockonthedoor.Iwentt
oopenit
.

Del
iver
yguy:"
Nizi
bonePlaat
ji
es.
"Inodded"
please
si
gnhereforme."Isi
gned.
Hegavemeabi
gbox.It
ooki
tandwal
kedi
n.

Me:"
kni
fe.
"Isai
dli
ft
ingmyhandup.Someonegave
i
ttome.

Me:"
danki
e(t
hankyou)
"Iopenedt
hebox.I
twast
he
hoodi
es.

Me:"cel
asingaxabanipl
ease.Wonkeumtumaka
that
hel acar
toonbeyfuna(l
et'
snotfi
ghtplease.
Everyonemusttakethecar
toontheywanted.)
"

Si
ya:
"j
ustcal
lthem outmyl
ove.
"

Me:"
ther
emustbe3l
eftf
orAqhama,
Minni
eand
Zumbonge.
"

Si
ya:
"Iwasaboutt
oaskwher
eisMi
hlal
i'
sli
bel
eba
yesgel
a."

Me:
"BugsBunny?
"

Ayabonga:
"sapha(
it
'smi
ne)
."

Me:
"Duf
fyduck?
"

TT&LeJoy:
"saphat
her
emustbe2t
her
e."I
sear
chedagain.

Me:
"oohnant
si(
her
eiti
s).
"Theyt
ookt
hei
rhoodi
es.

Me:
"Tweet
y?"Nooneanswer
edIpl
acedi
tasi
de.

Me:
"Yosemi
teSam.
"
Mamber
:"
mine.
"

Me:
"Leghor
n"

Tai
lor
:"
sapha"

Me:
"por
kypi
g"

Tai
lor
:"
it
'sthando'
ssaphaIwi
llgi
veitt
oher."
Thandoisatherfavor
it
epl
ace.Thekit
chen.

Me:
"El
mer
."

Ayol
a:"
mine.
"

Me:
"Syl
vest
er?
"
Zi
miandCage:
"sapha.
"

Zi
mi:
"nomar
nyouchoi
ceGonzal
es.
"

Cage:
"oohIf
orgot
."Wechuckl
ed.Igavet
hem t
hei
r
hoodi
es.

Me:
"Mar
vin.
"

Snakes:
"sapha.
"

Me:
"Bul
ldog.
"

Ri
ri
:"
sapha.
"

Me:
"onwr
it
tenLooneyt
unes.
"
Them:"
v't
seksinazoi
ntozet
hut
hina(
wehaveour
thi
ngs?
"Wel aughed.

Minehadal
lthecar
toonsfrom Looneyt
unes.I
pl
acedthe3lef
tasi
de.Itookmine.

Wewr appedupeveryt
hing.At11am t
hepart
y
star
ted.I
twasgreatIwassohappyt oseemyki
ds
happy.

Thesmileonthei
rfacewaspri
celess.Everyt
hing
wentwell
.At4pm thepar
ent
scamet ofetchthei
r
ki
ds.Myf r
iendswenthometoprepareforthe
engagementpart
y.

Me:"
babyupromisedtogowit
hmet ot
hespa."I
wanttogot
othespa.Justt
orelaxmybodybefor
e
t
heengagementpart
yat7pm.
Iwasst
il
lwear
ingt
hepart
iescl
othes.Theki
dsar
e
wit
hAqhama,ZumbongeandMinnie.

Weal
lwor
ethehoodi
eswi
thj
eans.

Siya:
"suxoka(
don'
tli
e).
"Hesai
dlooki
ngatme
applyi
nglipgl
oss.

Me:
"ewet
ch.Let
'sgo.
"Idr
aggedhi
m outt
her
oom.

Him:
"t
hisisdef
ini
tel
ydomest i
cabuse.Aqhama!!
Zumbonge!!Mi
nnie!
!Phone.
laniamapoli
cemywi fe
i
sabusingme."Ihear
dthem laughi
ng.Theyal
l
cameout.

Me:"mxm wewillbebackmakesureyourr
eady
causetheengagementpar
tystar
tsat7pm.Not1
secondpast7."
Mi
nni
e:"
whyi
smybr
othercr
ying.
"Theyl
aughed.

Me:"
mxm hedoesn'
twantt
ogot
othespawi
thme.
"
Theylaughed.

Si
ya:
"canyoual
lcal
lthepol
icet
hisi
sabuse.
"We
l
aughed.

Me: "mxm l
et'
s.Anddon'
tfor
gettopackthekids
bagst heyaregoi
ngtomymot her'
shouse.Their
driverwil
lcomeat6andyourdriverwil
lcomeat
halfpast6.Byeseeyouattheevent.
"Idragged
Siya.

Hi
m:"abuseguys.Cal
lthepol
ice.
"Hesul
ked.We
l
aughed

Wewenttothespa.Wedi
deveryt
hingthere.Si
ya
endedupgi
vingi
nandweenjoyedourselves.
At6wewentbackhomet owearourcl ot
hes.Iwas
weari
ngareddresswit
hblackdotsthatisholdsme
onthetopandbigatt
hebottom l
ikeyourdressfor
awedding.

Ialsowor
emyblackl
eat
hergloveswi
tht
hoseol
d
fashi
onheel
sinamoder
nlook.

If
ini
shedt
hel
ookofwit
habigaf
rowi
g,si
mpl
e
makeupandasmal
lredhat
.

SiyawaswearingacheckChinopants,
brownshirt
,
crossbel
ts,
longcream coat
,cr
eam hat
,glovesand
roundsungl
asses.

Hi
m:"
hair
haasexyumna.
"Her
eal
lywas.

Me:
"masi
ngayibaby.
(l
et'
snotgo)
."Wel
aughed.
Hi
m: "
Iwishbutther
ear
eal otofpeopl
ethere.I
t
hinkyoushouldwearr
edcl ot
hesandyouraf r
owig
moreof t
en.
"Hewasdrool
ingovermebi t
ti
nghi s
l
owerlip.

Me:"
yeahmaybeIshoul
d."Isai
dspi
nni
ngar
ound
gi
ggli
ng.

Hi
m:"
yourr
eal
lyl
ookgr
eat
."Heki
ssedme.

Me:
"youl
ookhandsomet
o."Weki
ssed.

Me:"l
et'
sgoourcar ti
salr
eadyoutsi
de.
"Yeahwe
endedupdecidingtogowi t
hitsi
ncemanypeopl
e
wil
lbeusingvintagecar
s.

Hi
m:"
appl
yredl
ipst
ickbaby.
"Iappl
iedi
t.
Hi
m:"
yeahyoul
ookgr
eatnow.
"If
ixedhi
shat

Me:
"youal
solookhandsome.
"Weki ssed.
"
Sunxama(wait
)"Iwi
pedthel
ipst
ickstains.

Wewalkedoutt
othecar
t.Wefi
rstt
ookpict
ures
andmadesuret
hatwehaveanoldfi
lt
er.

Wewi
llpostt
hem whenwegetback.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Mi
hlal
i
I
t'
sbeenafewmonthssi
nceIhavebeendat
ing
Aqhama.Andshei
sthebest
.

Weal
waystogether
.Andweal
waysenj
oyeach
ot
her
'scompany.

Myfri
endssti
llcan'
tbel
ievethatIam dat
ing1
per
son.Idon'
tblamethem though.

Ear
li
erontodayIwentt
oschoolsoIcoul
dn'
tgot
o
mynieceandnephew'
spart
y.

ButIwil
lgotomybrot
her
sengagementpart
y.I
dr
essedaccordi
ngt
othetheme.Theyr
eal
lychoi
ce
agreatt
heme.

IusedaUbertogetther
e.IspotMinni
eamountt
he
peopl
e.Ever
yonelookedgreather
e.
Me:"whydidn'tyoucomeandfet
chme."Thepeopl
e
thatweresit
ti
ngwi t
hherl
ookedatme.Fuckwhati
s
shedoinghere.

MeandAqhama:
"Mi
hlal
i/
Aqhama!
"

Mi
nni
e:"
youguysknoweachot
her
."

Us:
"yeah.
"

Us:
"whatareyoudoi
nghere?"Wesai
dasuni
on.I
pul
ledherawayfr
om ever
yone.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"l
et'
sbeser
ious.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Her
:"
it
'smyaunt
'sengagementpar
ty.
"
Me:
"hol
donyouraunti
sNi
zi?
"Iwi
denedmyeyes.

Her
:"
yeah.
"

Me:
"f
uck.
"

Her
:"
what
'swr
ong?
"

Me:"
IguessI'
m youruncl
einl
awcause.Si
yai
smy
br
other
."Shelookedatmeshocked.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
ya
Wegottothevenueusi
ngacar
t.Whenwegott
her
e
ever
yonewasoutsi
de.

AndasIguessedRi
ghtt
herewher
ediff
erentki
nds
ofol
dcar
s.Theywer
escreami
nglooki
ngatus.

Wegotdownandwentin.Everyonewasdressed
accor
dingt
othet
heme.Andt heylookedgr
eat.

Ther
ewher
emanypeopl
easexcept
ed.

Thepart
ystar
tedCageandSnakesweret
heMC'
s
i
magine.Butwewerelaughi
ngourl
ungs.

Thandowastheonecooki
ngasalways.Theday
wentgreat
.Lat
eronwealldi
dtheol
dendays
dance'
s.
Weal
ldr
ankandenj
oyedourt
ime.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
93
Seasonf
inal
e
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Weweresti
llatt
hepart
yhavi
ngfunasexpect
ed.
Fr
om t
helooksofthi
ngsever
yonei
shappy.
Ever
yoneishavi
ngat
imeoft
hei
rli
fe.Iwassi
tt
ing
wit
hmyf r
iends.

TT:
"seewhenIsaymybr
ohostt
hebestpar
ti
es.
"

Ri
ri
:"
1ofthereasonswhyIdon'
tmissthei
rparti
es.
"
Welaughedcausehelef
thi
sjobundoneoverseas.

Ayol
a:"
reasonwhyyoulef
twor
k.Youarenoteven
af
rai
dthatyoumightl
oosetoabet
terper
son.
"

Zi
mi:
"t
ch"

Ri
ri
:"
haiwet
huIdon'
tgi
veaf
uck.
"Wel
aughed.

CageandMamber:
"t
hiniaphaKum awuwagi
ve
amafuck(
whatar
eyousayingtomeyoudon'tgi
ve
af
uck)
"webur
stedi
ntol
aughed.

Ayabongawasevenont
hef
loor
.

Me:"
mxm nadi
kaNi
ni(
youguysar
eir
ri
tat
ing)
"we
l
aughed.

Tail
or:
"she/
hesaidandiwagiviamaf
uckandI
l
ookedaway. "Welaughed.Lej
oywasal
soont
he
fl
oornow.

Si
ya:"
nomarnGuysst
opi
tIl
ikei
t.
"Haykewewer
e
al
lintear
snow.

Idi
dn'
texpectt
hatf
rom hi
m.

Thando:
"i
t'
stomuch.
"Wewer
est
il
llaughi
ng.
Snakes:
"l
et'
sbeseriousguysalcoholisto
expensi
vetobesoberbecauseofl aughterandI'
m
youngtodiebecauseoflaught
er."Wel ookedatt
he
seri
ousSnakesnowandwebur stedintolaugher
.

Me:
"I
'm donewit
hyouguysIser
iousl
yneednew
f
ri
ends.
"Theylaughed.

Tail
or:
"onaseri
ousnot
ethough.Inevert
hought
Niziwasseri
ouswhenshesaidshewantsacart
."
Theylaughed.

Mamber:"
metooIt
houghtmaybeshewil
lor
ganize
anexpensi
veol
dcarsomewher
eintheworl
d."

Cage:
"met
oohey.Wit
htheset
woyouneverknow
whatt
oexpect
."WeChuckl
ed.

Them:
"t
heyar
enotSi
lencerandFi
nisherf
or
not
hing.
"Wel
aughed.

MeandSi
ya:
"mbanonya.
"Theyl
aughed.

Ever
yonei
sdr
ankbyt
het
imeweal
lgohome.

Iwokeupwit
habangi
ngheadache.Andtheli
ght
comingf
rom t
hewi
ndowwasmaki ngitwor
se.

Me:"
mhhSiyamthandaval
icur
tai
ns(
Siyamt
handa
cl
osethecur
tai
ns).
"

Si
ya:
"a.
aa.
amar
n."Hegr
oaned.

Me:"
Ingat
hbendiselibeerzol
oyer
re(
it
'sl
ikeIwas
dr
inki
ngabeeryesterday).
"

Si
ya:
"shhyangxol
a.(
Youmaki
nganoi
se)
."He
gr
oaned.

Thedoorf
lewopen.

:
"Ni
zi!
!"Thatwasal
lofmyki
ds.Igr
oaned.

Siya:
"Nizi
bonePlaatj
iesthathabanthwanabakho
phumendakcel aplease( Nizi
bonePlaat
ji
estake
yourkidsandgetoutpl ease.)
"IswearIwasfaster
thanli
ghtningt
oopenmyeyesandl ookathi
m.

Me:
"oohngabam namhl
anj
e.(
ooht
heyar
emi
ne
t
oday.
)"

Theki
ds:
"Tat
a."Theywer
elooki
ngatus.

Theywer
ecl
ean.Meani
ngt
heyj
ustcameback.
Me:"
uphi
imakhul uwenu(wher
eisyour
gr
andmother),
"Isai
dclosi
ngmyeyes,myheadon
myhandsitt
ingupstrai
ght.

Chumani
:"
mki
le(
shei
sgone)
"

Me:
"yaniplayr
oom ndi
yezangokugi
veme30
mi
nutes."

Uvuyo:
"aamamafunuphumat
hina(
nomom wewe
wanttogoout
).
"

Me:
"ni
yephi
(t
owher
e)"Isai
dopeni
ngmybi
geye'
s.

Siya:
"waval
ebabyazowa(cl
osethem babyt
heyar
e
goingtofal
l)
"theki
dsl
aughed.

Me:
"mxm wher
edoGuyswantt
ogo.
"
Nkanyezi
:"
gamecent
eremal
l.
"

Si
ya:"
hambanisi
zovasanoNizisibenohamba(go
wewillbat
hsothatwecango.)"Theyallwal
kedout
.
It
hrowmyselfonthebed.

Me:
"whydi
dIevenhavet
odr
inkt
hatmuch.
"

Si
ya:
"I
twasl
itaf
teral
l.
"

Me:"
yeahi
twas.
"Hecameont
opofmeandwe
ki
ssed.

Hi
m:"l
et'
stakeashowert
oget
hert
osaveWat
er.
"I
l
aughedthrought
heki
ss.

Imadet
hebedwhi
lehewentt
otakeoutcl
othesf
or
us.Wet
ookashowert
oget
her
.

Weworeourmatchi
ngoutfi
ts.Bl
ackhoodies,
r
edbatj
eansandadidasanklesneaker
s.We
wal
kedoutandwenttotheplayi
ngroom.

I
twasamessI
'
mtel
li
ngyoual
l.

Me:
"masambeni(l
et'
sgo)
"theyallrant
ous.It
ook
myboyswhi
leSiyatookNkanyezi.

ChumaniwasonmybackandUvuyowasatt
he
fr
ont
.Wewalkedt
othesi
lverAudiQ3.

Wepl
acedt
hem al
lint
hei
rbabyseat
s.

Wet
ookof
f.
Si
ya'
sphonevi
brat
ed.I
twast
hebusi
nessone.

Hi
m:"
Iwonderwhati
sitnow.
"

It
ookt
hephoneandvi
ewedt
hemessage.

Me:"
oohyouareinvi
tedtoaGal
adinnerf
or
t
ommor owaf
ternoon.I
t'
sabusi
nessmantype
t
hing.
"

Hi
m:"
whyam Iget
ti
ngt
henot
if
icat
ionnow.
"

Me:"t
hatPAofyour si
st ol
azyforthej
ob.Andifuni
noxokaandimthandilamthanakhonanjeint
o
ngaye(Idon'
twanttolieIdon'
tli
keher
,thereis
somethingabouther)
"helookedatmeandl aughed.

Hi
m:"
youl
ookcut
ewhenyou'
rej
eal
ous.Justno
thatIwouldnevercheatonyou.Youal
soknowt
hat
Ihatecheati
ng."Inodded.

Hetookmyhandandki
ssedmyknuckl
es.Ismi
led
l
ookingathi
m.

Wegott othemallandf i
rstst
art
edatWi mpyfor
breakf
astIwasfami shedandIstillhadthe
headache.Iwastalki
ngthepainlikeal ady.

Wai
ter
:"
canIt
akeyouror
der
spl
ease.
"

Me:"
justgi
vemeyourspeci
alf
ortodayandst
rong
cof
feenoaddedmil
knorsugar.
"Henodded.

Siya:
"samegoesforme.Andfort
heki
dsjustf
ri
es
andVi enna'
sorsausage'
s.
"Sheal
sowrot
ethat
down.
Hi
m:"
andf
ort
hei
rref
reshment
s."

Me:"
mil
kshakest
hesmal
lones.
"henoddedbef
ore
goi
ng.

Chumani
:"
sizoyagamecent
er(
arewegoi
ngt
othe
gamecent
er)"

Siya:
"yeahgqibakwet
huut
ya(whenwear
edone
eati
ng)"theysmil
edweChuckl
ed.

Si
ya:
"youst
il
lneedadr
essf
ort
ommor
oweveni
ng.
"

Me:
"Ihaveadr
esst
hatIhaven'
twor
ebef
ore.
"

Siya:
"pleasepr
omisemeit'
snotthatexposi
ng.
"He
saidclosinghi
seyesIl
aughed.
Me:"
itki
ndai
sbabyj
ustf
oroneni
ghtpl
ease.
"He
f
rowned.

Thekids:
"umbi(
youareugly)
."Welookedatt
hem
andlaughed.Weal
llaughedbri
ngatt
enti
onto
our
selves.

Theyal
lsmil
edlooki
ngatt
hebeaut
if
ulf
ami
ly
havi
ngagreatt
ime.

Ourf
oodcameandweat
e.Af
tereat
ingwewentt
o
t
hegamecent
er.

Iwaspl
ayingwi
tht
hetwi
nswhil
eSi
yaand
Chumaniwentt
oaddmoremoneyi
nourgamecar
d.

Wewentt ol
ookfort
hem.Chumaniwasexchangi
ng
nast
ylookswit
hanothergi
rlIl
aughed.
Si
yawasj ustl
ooki
ngatt
hem chuckl
ing.Thatgi
rl
's
motherwaslaughi
ng.

Me:
"andt
han?
"Isai
dlaughi
ng.

Thatmother
:"
oohisthi
syourgr
eatwi
feMr
.
Plaat
ji
es.
"Ismil
ed.

Hi
m:"
eweNandi
."Hesai
dsmi
li
ng

Nandi
:"
ndat
shomarnuyaf
ananoChumaniumhle
nobamhle(
Icanseeshei
sevenbeaut
if
ul)
"Ismi
led

Me:"EnkossiwethuNandinaweumhle.BaniGama
l
egirlleyakho(t
hankyounandiyouarealso
beauti
ful.What'
sthenameofyourbabygi r
l)
"Isai
d
kneeli
ngi nfr
ontofChumaniandthatgi
rl
.
Me:"
baniGamal
akhobaby(
what
'syournamegi
rl
)"
shesmil
ed.

Her:
"Eyodwandoni
."Ismi
ledshehasabeaut
if
ul
name.

Me:"
semnandiGamal akho(youhaveabeautiful
name)"Il
ookedathermom." Whatisthemotive
behi
ndherbeauti
fulname."Iaskedsmil
ing.

Nandi:
"shei
stheonl
ygi
rlIhavesi
nceal
lher
si
bli
ngsareboys.
"Ismi
ledandnodded.

Me:
"t
henini
lwakengoku(
whyar
eyou2f
ight
ing)
?"

Chumani:
"undi
tyal
eqala(shepushedmef
ir
st)
"he
gaveheranastyl
ook.Il
aughed.
Eyodwa:
"sxoka(
don'
tli
e)"

Si
yaandNandi
:"
baqal
il
e(t
heyhavest
art
ed)
"I
l
aughed.

Me:"
sanulwaklkhug.
ananinixolel
ane(hugsothat
youcanforgi
veeachother
.)
"Theyf ir
stl
ookedat
eachot
herbeforehuggi
ng.Istoodupagain.

Nandi:"oohl
etmeintroducemyself.I'
m nandiandI
workf orMr.Pl
aat
ji
es, her
e,athisaccountantf
ir
m.
I'
m alsoandaccountantthere.
"Ismiledshealso
smiled.

Me:"ndavuyukwazikamnandisewundaziumnaso
noneedndi kuxel
elebutndi
nguNizi
boneumna
(ni
cetoknowyou.Pl usyoualr
eadyKnowmebut
mynamei sNizi
bone)"wehugged.
Wedidwhatwewant
edt
odoatthel
ineandwent
backt
ohavi
ngfunasaf
ami
ly.

Lat
eronwewentt
owat
chamovi
ethenewver
sion
ofLi
onKi
ng.

Ir
eal
lydi
denj
oymydaywi
thmyf
ami
ly.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
94
Seasonf
inal
e
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ayamt
handa
Af
teralovel
ydaywehadwewentbackhomeand
sl
eptonthesamebed.

IKnowIwi
llr
egretthi
sbecauseoncet
heyar
e
awaket
heywil
lalsowakeus.

Lucki
lyt
odaymeandmyhusbandwakeupbef
ore
them.

Me:"Ihavetodomyhai rf
ortoni
ghtyoualsoneedt
o
shaveabi t
."Isai
daswewer enowhavinga
rel
axingbathinwarm waterwi
thfoam bat
handsal
t.
Hi
m:"yeahIneedashaveandIhavet
ocol
lectmy
t
uxedo."

Me:"whomadeasui
tinl
esst
han24hour
s."He
chuckl
ed.

Hi
m:"
moneyt
alksandbul
lshi
twal
ks.
"Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm.
"Wel
aughed.

Him:"Neverinmyexi st
encehaveIt
houghtIwi
ll
everfal
linlove.Ievenvowedtoneverl
oveahuman
beingagain."

Me:"
umnaIneverthoughtIwouldfi
ndtruel
ovebut
Idi
d."It
it
ledmyheadandl ookedathi
m.

Hewassmi
li
ng.Weki
ssed.Wepul
ledoutaf
ter
whatseemedl
ikeal
ongt
ime.

Me:
"I
'm ondut
ywi
tht
heki
dst
oday.
"

Him:"
andIhavetomakebreakfast
."Wesul
kedand
endeduplaughi
ngatour
selves.

Me:
"whoknewIwoul
dbeamot
heroft
hree.
"

Hi
m:"
afat
heroft
hreef
ort
hatmat
ter
."Wel
aughed.

Me:"li
feisf
ullofsur
pr i
sedheybutIl
ovehow
everythi
ngturnedout.Ijustpr
ayt
hatGodwil
l
alwaysbewi thus.
"

Him:
"thandazawenababy(
youpr
aybaby)
"Il
ooked
athi
m andlaughed.
Wegotdonedoingever
ythi
ng.Iwashedt
heki
ds
wi
llhewentdowntomakebr eakf
ast
.

Me:
"l
et'
sgowear edoneher
e."Iwal
kedwi
tht
hem
t
otheelevat
or.

Wegotdownstai
rsandSiyawasplaci
ngbr
eakf
ast
ontopofthet
able.Hel
ookshandsomewhenheis
ser
iousl
ybusy.

Siya:"
snapapictheylastl
onger
."Idi
dn'
teven
reali
zethatIwasdrooli
ng.

Her
eal
izedhi
sbeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.Ichuckl
ed.

Me:"howcanInotdr
oolwhenyouar
ethi
s
handsome."Hesmil
edagai
n.
Wefedthekidsbef
oret
aki
ngt
hem t
othel
ounge
t
hatdoesn'
thaveTV.

Weat
eourfoodt
alki
ngaboutever
ythi
ng.Wewer
e
al
sol
aughi
ng.

Iwashedt
hedisheswhi
leSi
yawasplayi
ngwi
tht
he
ki
ds.WhenIwasdoneIwenttoj
oint
hem.

Wewentt
oplaysoccerli
keoldt
imes.Thet
wins
wer
ebl
owingthewhist
lesthewhol
etime.

I
twasreal
lyabl
issfulmomenttospendwi
thmy
f
amil
y.Int
heeveningwetookthekidst
oSiya'
s
mot
her.

Shewantedt
ospendt
imewi
tht
hem.Wealsopast
bytheshopwher
esi
yaor
der
edhissui
tat
.
Wegott
hesuitwi
thouthesi
tat
ion.Wegothome
andt
ookashower.

Idi
dmymakeupwhi
leSi
yawaspul
li
ngmyhai
r.

Me:"
aaSi
yasunditsal
a(don'
tpul
lme.
)"Hewas
doi
ngamafr
erha.

Him:
"mf
ondi
niibendi
theceba(
broIsai
dcutyour
hai
r)
"

Me:
"Iwi
llt
ch.
"Hel
aughedandshookhi
shead.

Hecontinueddoingwhathewasdoi
ng.Yeahyou
guessedrighthecandomyhair
.

Il
ovebul
lyi
nghi
m.Heal
sobul
li
esmeFr
om t
imet
o
ti
me.
Hegotdone.IwasAl
sodonewi
thmymakeup.We
gotdr
essed.

Heworehi
sgreyt
uxedo.AndIwaswearingasi
lver
dr
ess.I
twasseethr
oughmater
ialcl
othbutt
he
dr
esswasdoubl
ed.

Ithasspaghettist
raps.I
tal
soheldmeonmybr east
.
Ithadabeltjustbeneathmybreast
.Ital
sohada
sli
tewhichislong.

If
ini
shedt
hel
ookwi
thgr
eyst
rappedheel
s.

Siya:
"youar
enotgett
ingoutlookingl i
kethatnever
.
Yourwholethi
ghisouttopl
ay.Notj ustt
hatjongu
Radebebawo( l
ookatRadebe)."Ilookathiscock
anditwashard.Il
aughed.
Me:"
pleasebehavewewi
llbeoutoft
hef
unct
ionby
9pm."Ilaughed.

Hi
m:"youcan'
taaal
loft
hoseoldmanwi
llbe
st
art
ingatmyfood.
"Il
aughed.

Me:"
likeIsai
dbefor
eI'
mjustadverti
singfort
hem t
o
seethekindoff
oodyoueat.I
'm yoursbabynoone
el
se'
s.AndyouknowIhatecheat i
nglikeyoudoI
woul
dnevercheatonyou."Hesmi l
edandcamet o
ki
ssme.

Ipul
ledout
.

Hi
m:"
canyoupl
easehel
pmewi
tht
hecuf
fs.
"

Me:
"wher
ear
eyourcuf
fs.
"Hegavet
hem t
ome.
Ihel
pedhi
m Putt
hem on.Igavehim apeckbefor
e
weari
ngmyweave.Hebrusheditatt
hebackf orme.

Hi
m: "
let
'sgo.
"Hesai
dpull
ingmet
ohi
m.It
ookmy
cl
utchbagandwewalkedout.

WeusedhisRs3togett
her
e.Ther
ewer
e
Jour
nal
ist
sever
ywhere.

Wewalkedouttoredcar
pet.Theywerealr
eady
aski
ngquest
ionsofwhowear e.Thi
sisourf
ir
st
ti
mecomingtoaGal adi
nner.

Wedi
dn'
tcomel
astyear
.

Me:"Woweveryonei
sgushi
ngoverus."He
chuckl
ednexttomeaswesteppedinside.
Wewer et
akent
oourt
abl
e.Theset
ti
ngwasgr
eati
f
Icansay.

Me:
"whatarewebasi
call
ydoi
ngher
e?"Isai
daswe
wer
eservedchampagne.

Him:"i
t'
sbasicall
yawardsforbusi
nessmanof ft
he
year.DependingonWhomadet hemostmoneyand
all
.Therearealsootherawardswhichihaveno
clueabout.
"

Me:
"Iguesswewi
llf
indoutt
oni
ght
."

Him:"
Idon'
tevenknowwhyI 'mi nvit
edhere.I
t'
snot
l
ikeIwil
lwinanythi
ngI'
m sti
llnewi nthese
busi
nessthi
ngs."Heshruggedil aughed.

Me:
"atl
eastyouwi
llgett
oseewhat'shappeni
ngso
t
hatyoucanworkhardandwinnextti
me."
Hi
m:"
yeahpl
usIneedmorepeopletoacknowledge
menow.Ial
sowannabewellknown."Ismil
ed.

Me:
"yesl
ont
o."Wel
aughedhegavemeapeck.

Mc:"canIgetyourattent
ionplease."Everyone
l
ookedathi m."Iwouldli
ket owelcomeyoual lto
thebusinessgaladinnerforbusi
nessmanand
woman.Thi sisanightwher ewegett ohonoural l
thesuccessfulbusi
nessmanandwoman.Wel ook
athowt heyhavebeenper formi
ngf ortheyearand
all
..
..
."HewentonandIwasn' tpayingattenti
on.

Iwaschatti
ngwithmyhusband.Wewerebasical
ly
whisper
ingandwewoul dcl
aphandsnotknowing
whatwear ecl
appingf
or.

Wewerebusyl
aughingwhenweheard
Si
yamt
handaPlaat
ji
esbei
ngcal
ledtothest
age.
Wequickl
ylookedatthestage.Welookedatt
he
proj
ect
oranditwaswr i
tt
enbusinessmanofft
he
yearSi
yamthandaPlaat
ji
es.

Me:"
hambawal i
belendwenya(goyoubusy
st
ari
ng)"IguessIsai
dthatoutloudcauset
hehal
l
l
aughed.

Si
yachuckl
ed.Hepul
ledmetogowithhi
mtot
he
st
age.TheMcgavehi
mt het
rophy.

TheJournal
ist
swher
eal
readyt
aki
ngpi
ctur
es.Nat
hi
wesmiledke.

Siya:
"Goodeveningladi
esandgent l
emen.Thi sis
myf i
rstti
meattendingsuchanoccasi on.And
beingthewinofthebusinessmanoft heyearisa
greathonour
.Wor stpar
tisIdidn'
tevenpr epar
efor
aspeechcauseIt oldmywi f
ethatIwillnotwin
anyway.- peoplel
aughed-butanywaysthankyou.I
reall
yappr eci
atet
his.Tomakingmor emoneyguys
haibo."Everyonel
aughedclappingthei
rhands.

Wewentbackt
ooursi
t'
s

Me:
"youreal
lydi
doutdoyour
sel
fbabywel
done.
"
Wekissed.

Him:"t
hankyoumyl
ove.
"Hewasal
lsmi
leyl
ooki
ng
atthetrophy.

That'
sthesiyaIwant
.Whenhi
shappyI
'
m also
happy.Ial
wayswannaseeasmil
eonhisf
ace.

That
'sal
lIwant
.Ahappyhusband.

Me:
"youar
emaki
ngt
henewst
ommor
ow.
"He
smi
led.

Hi
m:"
youmustal
sobepr
epar
ed.
"Wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
95
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Weendedstayi
nglongert
hanweplanned.Wewer
e
get
ti
ngtoknowotherbusi
nesspeopl
easwell
.

Iwasdoubt
ingt
hatIwi
llwi
nanyt
hingt
odaybutI
di
danyway.Wewereeveni
nourownbubblewit
h
Nizi
.

Weweremindi
ngourownbusi
nesswhenweheard
myname.Anywayever
yonewascongr
atul
ati
ngme
t
hewholeni
ght.

If
elthonor
ed.Wewenthomejustaf
termidnight
.
Wewer esi
tt
ingatt
hebal
conydri
nki
nglookingat
moonandst ar
s.

Her
:"
sti
llcan'
tbel
ieveyoumadei
tthi
sfar
."

Me:"
justyester
daybabywewher
enobodi
esnowwe
ar
ewel lknown."
ThereasonwhyIkeeponi ncl
udingheri
sbecause
i
fitwasn'tf
orherIwouldn'
thavemadeitthi
sfar.
SheisthereasonIkeeppushi
ngf ormysuccess.

Wi
thoutherbymysi
deI
'
m anobody.

Her
:"yeahjustwantt
oseethenewspaper
sint
his
morning.
"Shesaidsmil
ing.Ial
sosmil
ed

Me:
"t
hemedi
ababy.ButI
'
m pr
epar
ed.
"Wel
aughed.

Wespenttherestoftheni
ghtl
ooki
ngatt
hest
ars
t
alki
ngabouteveryt
hing.

Weslepti
ntheear
lyhour
softheday.Theal
arm
whenoffmeani
ngit'
sworkt
ime.
Wewenttowashtoget
herandhadagoodlove
maki
ngsessi
on.Wealwayssayit
's'
gooddaysex'
.

Iknowwear ecrazybutheywearemaki
ng
memorieshere.Wewannagr owol
dandlaughat
ourst
upidi
ty.

That
'swhatwealwayssaywhenwedocr
azyst
uff
andhavecrazymoments.

Ni
zi:
"Iwil
lbedr
oppi
ngbyatyourwor
kpl
acewhen
i
t'
smyl uncht
ime.
"Wewerenoweati
ngcor
nfl
akes.

Me:"
thatwouldbegreatI
'
m cravi
ngforabunny
chowsopleasegotosomet axir
anktobyabunny
chow."Shenodded.

Her
:"
wit
hsour
cesweetchi
ll
iormonkeydance.
"
Me:
"sweetchi
ll
ipl
ease.
"

Her:
"okaynopr
obl
em.
"Shei
sgoi
ngt
obuyi
twi
th
herownmoney.

Sheevengivesmehercar
dtogocl
ubbi
ngwi
thmy
bro'
s.That
'smywif
e.

Weconti
nuedchatt
ingaboutr
andom t
hings.Bef
ore
wel
eftChri
sti
naandMaviswerealr
eadyhere.

Wewentoursepar atewaystowor k.Ist

art
ed
checkingoutthebusi
nessesthataremy
responsibi
li
ty.

Otherbusinessesar
eNizi
'sresponsibi
li
ty'
s.Asyou
allknow.Everyonewascongratul
ati
ngme
everywhereIgo.
It
hinkIneedper
sonalbodyguar
ds.Chuckl
ing.

Af
terchecki
ngi
feveryt
hingisst
il
lalr
ightIwentt
o
myfir
m.Iwentt
ot herecept
ioni
st.

Me:
"anymessages?
"

Her
:"
congr
atul
ati
onssi
r.
"Ismi
led

Me:
"t
hankyou.
"

Her:
"not
hereai
n'tanymessagessi
r.
"Inodded
bef
oregoi
ngtomyof fi
ce.

Everyonewascongratul
ati
ngmeasexpected.I
smiledforonce.Ial
waysgivet
hem deadst
ares
theyknow.
I'
mi nt
imidati
ngwhenitcomestomywork.Ihave
gotbigclient
sher
e.Idon'
twanttol
oosemymoney
theyallknow.

Theymustmakesur
ethatever
ycli
enti
satt
ended
wearedeal
ingwi
thpeopl
e'
smoniesaft
eral
l.

AndIdon'
twantt
ocreateabadr eput
ati
onf
ormy
fi
rm.Thi
sismychil
dren'
sledges.

Igottomyoffi
ceandstart
eddoingt
hebestt
hing
I'
m goodatf
inanci
alsi
tuat
ions.

Myfatherandmotheroncesai
dIlovemoneyso
muchthatIendedupchoosingt
hingst
hati
nvol
ves
money.

Mymot herevensaidt
hatImustnotstealmy
cl
ient
smoneysi nceI'
mthatst
ingy.Chuckl
es.
Myparentsusedt
obecrazy.Iwasdist
urbedf
rom
mythoughtsbymyphoneringi
ng.I
twasTT.

Me:
"myman.
"Hechuckl
ed.

Hi
m:"
wear
ehi
tt
ingt
hecl
ubl
ateroncar
etoj
oinus.
"

Me:
"i
sever
ythi
ngokayathome? "Ihear
dlaughsat
t
hebackgr
ound.I
t'
smybr ot
her
's.

Hi
m:"
v't
sek.
"

Me:"
haiImeanit
'saMondayyounotevensaying
onWednesdayMondaymajit
ahaindabuzai
s
ever
ythi
ngokayathome?"Theyl
aughedagain.

Hi
m:"
wej
ustwantt
orewi
ndoohwehaveagol
d
hei
stt
oday.
"

Me:
"gol
dhei
st?
"

Hi
m:"okomvebhokwe(
obvi
ousl
y,yeah)
."We
l
aughed.

Me:
"okayshomaj
it
a."

Him:
"awutshonobafumeniawar
dntwana(you
don'
tevensayyougotanaward)si
bonakwisoci
al
media.
"Ichuckl
ed.

Me:"kayekebawoNam bendi ngayazibaexendizo

win.
aphabewor sebesesit
hethaezasebed.i
nino
Fini
sher(leavei
tboyIalsodidn'
tknowIwasgoi ng
towin.Iwasbusyt al
kingaboutbedaffai
rswith
Fini
sher).
"Theyburstint
olaugher.
Hi
m:"mxm kayeket
a."Hedr
oppedt
hecal
llaughi
ng.
Il
aughedl
ookingatmyphone.

Igotbusywi
thmyworkagai
nIcheckedt
het
ime.
Mywi f
eshoul
dpr
obabl
ybeonherwaynow.

10minutesofherl
unchti
mehaspast.Justt
hanmy
PAwalkedinweari
ngtheshor
testdr
essyoucan
buy.

Idon'
tthi
nkthatshewil
levergett
hemessaget
hatI
don'
tli
keher.shecanevenWalknakedi
fshewants
toIwi
llst
il
lnotmindher.

ReasonswhyNi zidoesn'
tli
keher
.Ican'tfi
reher
shehasacontractof2yearsimagine.Ican'
tstand
herforeven2seconds.

Andshei
sgoodatherwor
knotmor
ethanmy
pr
evi
ousPAPalesa.Thatgi
rlwascr
azysheal
ways
mademelaughti
met oti
me.

SheistheonlypersonIhaveeversmil
edtoi
nthis
off
ice.Anywaysheendedupbei nganvacat
ion
agent.Andherbusinessi
ssti
llgrowi
ng.

Ihel
pedherwit
hadver
ti
singandal
l.It
akeherl
ike
mylit
tl
esi
ster
.

Nomso:"l
ikewhatyousee.
"Ir
oll
edmyeyesand
wentbacktowork.

Me:"I
'm notevenshakenbyyou.Pl
easedr
ess
appropri
atel
yyoucan'tbewalki
ngnakedwher
eis
yourpri
deanddi gni
ty.
"

Her
:"
Iknowyouwantme.
"
Me:"l
ookihaveawifet
hatsat
isfi
esmeandall
shapes.YoucanevenWalknakedIdon'
tcar
e."

Her
:"
youevenmor
esexi
erwhenyouar
ecal
m."

Me:
"doyouwantmetofi
reyouwel
lIcanIar
range
t
hat
."Shebi
teherl
owerl
ip.

Her:
"Ihaveacontactt
hatstat
esyoucan'
tfir
eand
youdon'tevenhaveareasonto.
"If
eltmysel
f
fumi
ngi nsi
de.Thi
sgir
listest
ingme.

Shecametomysideoft
hedeskIj
ustsett
her
ewi
th
myeyebr
owsli
ftup.

Me:
"l
eavemyoff
ice.
"Shepl
acedf
ingeronmy
mout
hthener
ve.
Her:
"shhh"asIwasabouttopushhershet
ookmy
handandpl acedi
tonherbreast
s.

Justt
hant
hedoorf
lewopen.

:
"BabyIbro.
..
"Ir
emovedmyhandqui ckl
yNizi
l
ookedatmeandwal kedoutaf
terdr
oppingt
he
paperbagshehad.

Il
ookedatt
hisbi
tchf
ummi
ng.Shewassmi
rki
ng.

Me:"
youbetterpr
ayshedoesn'tbel
ievewhatshe
sawotherwi
sehellwi
llbr
eakloseforhurt
ingmy
worl
d."Sheswall
owedasveinswer enowpopping
out
.

Ist
rangl
edher.Shewassl
owlyloosi
ngherbr
eath.I
l
etgoofherandpackedmythingsbefor
emarchi
ng
outtol
ookformywife.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
96
Seasonf
inal
e
.
.
.
.
.
Ni
zibone
Ican'
tbel
ievet
his.It
rybyal
lmeanst
oer
aset
his
pi
ctur
einmyheadofmyhusbandt
ouchi
nganot
her
woman'sbr
east
s.

Idi
dn'
tevenhavet
hecar
ri
agetogobackt
owor
kso
Idr
oveallt
hewayhomeinspeed.

Idon'tknowhowIgotherebutImanagedtoget
here.Iwentst
raightt
othef
ri
dgeandtookoutmy
chocolatei
cecream.

Ialsotookaspoonandstart
edwalki
ngtotheback
yard.Itookawal
kti
llIgott
other
iveratt
hebackof
thetrees.

Isatdownont herockswi
thmybackleani
ng
againstt
hetr
ee.Iatemyicecr
eam l
ookingatt
he
ri
verandtear
sstreamingdownmyface.

Inevert
houghtSi
yawoul
devercheatonme.Never
i
nmyexi
stencedi
dIt
hinkhewoul
d.

I
'm Evenst
art
ingtothinkaboutthethingstheydo
t
ogetheri
nthatoff
ice.Isthatoneofthereasons
whyhedoesn'twanttof i
reher.

Am Inotwor
thyenoughforhi
m.Wor stpar
tisthatI
neverlef
tar
oom fordi
sappoi
ntmentwhenitcomes
toSiya.

Itr
usthi
m wit
hmyal
l.Wi
llIbeabl
etocont
inuei
n
thi
smarri
age?

Ihaveal
waystol
dmysel ft
hatoncesomeone
cheat
sonme.Iwilll
eave.ThatmeansI'm not
enoughf
orhim.Whywoul dhecheatifhelovesme.

That
sme.Idon'tset
tl
eforl
ess.Idon'
tevenknow
whattodoknow.Idon'
tknowwhattodonow.
Ican'
tful
lyconcent
ratewhenI '
m hur
t.Idon'
t
rememberbeingthi
shur t
.Thelastti
meIwasl i
ke
thi
swaswhenmyf atherdied.

AlsowhenIthoughtIl
ostmykids.Iam al
ways
happythatIf
orgott
hatpeopl
egethurt.

Ican'
tbar
ethispai
n.Thei
magei
sst
il
linmyhead.
IsshemorethanIam?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Iranaf
termywif
eandIcoul
dn'
tfi
ndher
.Iar
ri
ved
athomeandIsawhercar
.

Ili
ter
all
yr ani
nsi
delooki
ngf orheri
neveryli
tt
le
room ofthehouse.Iwonderwheresheis.Fuck.

I'
mloosi
ngmymindbi
tbybi
tnow.Iwentt
othe
gym t
oblowof
fsomest
eam.

Idon'twantt
ocallherbecauseIknowf
oraf
act
thatshewil
ldecl
inemycal l
s.

AsIwast
hrowi
ngsomePunch'saplancameup.I
rant
omyroom andt
ookherl
aptop.

Iaccessthr
oughmyCCTVfootagesinmyf
ir
m.I
savedtheoneinmyof
fi
ce.SentitTomywi
fevi
a
WhatsApp.
Shebl
ueti
ckedmemeaningshesawi twhatar
eli
ef.
Ipr
omisemysel
fthatIwi
llnevercheat
.

Iknowhowthatshi
thur
ts.Iwoul
dneverst
oodso
l
owandhurtNizit
hatwomanismylif
e.

Shei
smywor l
dsheismyever
ythi
ng.Ihat
eitwhen
shei
shur
tit
'sl
ikesomepr
ovokedmeinaway.

Il
ovemywifeandIcan'
taf
for
dtolooseherwe
havebeent
hroughal
otwit
hthatwoman.

Shei
sli
keagoddesst
omeIwi
llal
wayscher
ishher
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ni
zibone
Iwasst
il
lsi
tt
ingt
her
est
uffi
ngmyselfwi
thi
ce
cr
eam.Whenmyphonevibr
atedbet
weenmybreast
.

Don'taskmewhyIplacedi
tther
e.Ooh,
itwas
becauseidi
dn'
thaveahandbagandIcouldn'
tput
i
nt hepaper
bag.

Pocketswerealsonotavai
labl
eandmybr
eastwer
e
theeasytar
get.Chuckl
es.

AnywayIlookedatthemessageitwasfr
om si
ya.I
wasbatt
li
ngwhet herIshoul
dopenhismessageor
not
.

Ideci
dedt
oopeni
tup.I
twasavi
deoofhi
sof
fi
ce
CCTVfoot
age.

Iagai
nhadabat
tl
einmyheadi
nwhi
chIshoul
d
openi
tupornot
.It
ookadeepbr
eat
hbef
ore
openi
ngi
t.

I
tshowedsiyaget
ti
ngaphonewit
hhi
sbro'
s.Aft
er
t
hatitshowedt
hatgi
rlget
ti
ngi
nandwhatshedi
d.

Soshetr
iedtoseducemyhusband.Idi
dn'
tjust
doubtmyhusbandbutIdoubt
edahusbandand
wif
erel
ati
onshi
p.

Fuck.Ishoul
dhavetr
ust
edhim.Imeanhel
ovesme
hewouldneverhur
tmeintent
ional
ly.

Astear
sfal
ldownonmyphoneIsawt hatbi
tch
t
ryi
ngtogetaccesst
hroughSi
ya'
slapt
op.

Li
keaspeedoflightIranbackt
othehousewithmy
i
cecr
eam tube.Igotinthr
oughtheki
tchendoor.
Siyawasj
ustfetchi
ngWat erf
rom t
hefri
dge.I
pushedhi
m asidesothatIcanputint
heicecream.

Si
ya:
"I
'm sor
rybabyshewast
ry.
..
"

Me:"
seduceyouIknow.Sor
ryf
ordoubt
ingyou.
"I
gr
abbedmycarkeys.

Hi
m:"
wher
eyougoi
ng?
"

Me:
"what
'st
het
hir
dandf
our
thr
ule?
"

Him:"
nomat t
erhowmucht hatpersonknowsabout
youkil
lthem makesur
eyoushootatt heheartor
headneverknowwhattheyareplanningtodo.4
neverl
eaveanystoneunt
urned.Killatt
hevery
samemoment .
"
Me:"
okaysho.
"Il
eftmyphoneont
opoft
hecount
er
andranout
.

Igott
otheoffi
ceandt
hatbit
chwasstil
lther
e.I
don'
tunder
standwhySi
yalefthi
slapt
ophere.

Hecanbesocl
umsysomet imes.OohIbethewas
wor
ri
edaboutme.Iunder
stand.

Igott
othatbi
tchasspeedofl
ight
.Iki
ckedt
hat
bi
tchandshefal
loft
hechair
.

Ibeatthefuckoutofher
.Iwasalsohi
tt
ingherf
or
thefactsheseducedmyhusband.

Whodoesshet
hinkshei
s.Shewasbecomi
ngweak
ever
ypassi
ngminut
e.
Me:
"Greatt
hedevi
lforme.
"Shebl
inkedacoupl
eof
t
imes.

It
urnedheraroundndam f
akhicl
utch.Shewas
sl
owlyloosi
ngherbreat
h.

Boom boom!
!Il
ookedupandsawSi
yashoot
ingher
.
Il
etgoofherl
if
elessbody.

I
ncaseyouarewonderi
ngaboutpeopl
e.I
t'
sal
ready
l
ateever
yonewenthome.

Thegat
eswher
esti
llopent
hesecur
it
yguar
ds
wher
ewait
ingf
ort
ogetoutIthi
nk.

Him:"
Idi
dn'
tseehercoming.HadInotsentyouthe
foot
agewewouldbetal
kingaboutadif
ferentst
ory
now."Hesi
ghed.
Me:"
Ialwaystel
lyouthi
ngshappenforareason.
"I
al
sosighed"sor
ryfordoubt
ingyou"Isai
dlooki
ng
down.

Hecamet
oli
ftmeupandgavemeabonecr
acki
ng
hug.

Him:
"neverdoubtmyloveforyou.Nextt
imeplease
l
etmeexpl ai
nbefor
erunni
ngoutyoust r
essedme
outt
here.
"Ilookedathi
m withpuppyeyes.

Me:
"Iam sor
ryf
ornott
rust
ingyou.
"Henodded.

Him:"
it
'sokaybabyeveryonewoul
dhaveactedthe
sameiftheysawwhatyousawt oday.Il
oveyou
okayneverfor
gett
hat."

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo"weki
ssed.
Hi
m:"
Iwoul
dnevercheatonyout
hat
'sapr
omi
se.
"

Me:"
IwouldnevercheatonyouAlsoIpromi
se.
"We
ki
ssed.Theki
sswasf ullofemot
ions.

Us:
"Il
oveyou.
"Wehuggedt
ight
ly.

IguessI
'
m scar
edofl
oosi
nghi
m.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
97
Seasonf
inal
e
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
ThankgodIhavecamera'
sinmyof
fi
ce.Orel
seNi
zi
wouldn'
thavebel
ieveme.

Iknowwher esheiscomi
ngfrom.Iforonei
fwoul
d
actthesamei fIwasi
nhershoes.IKnowhowher
mindwor ks.

Ihavespent4year
switht
hatwomani
fnotmor
e.I
knowherli
kethebackofmyhand.

Aft
ersherushedof
f.Shelef
therphoneont
he
count
ertabl
e.It
ookitandsawwhatmyPAwas
doi
ng.

Ireachedf
ormygunandr
ushedt
otheof
fi
ce.
ThankGodever
yonehasl
eft
.

Ift
her
ewerepeopl
ethantheywouldn'
thavehear
d
usanywaycausemyoff
iceissoundpr
oof.

Af
tershoot
ingher.Andt
hesessi
onIhadwi
thmy
wi
fewhichyouallknowabout
.

Iwi
pedhert
ear
sandki
ssedhereyes.

Me:"
comelet'
scleanupt
hismess.
"Shenodded.We
ki
ssedfort
helastti
me.

Her:
"doyouhavecleani
ngequi
pmenti
nyour
of
fi
ce."Shesai
dlookingar
ound.
Me:
"gotomybathr
oom thei
sasmallcabi
nett
her
e
wi
thever
ythi
ng.
"Shepeckedmyl
ips.

Shewentt
othebat
hroom andcamebackwi
tht
he
cl
eani
ngequi
pment.

Her
:"
whyi st
her
eabi
gpl
ast
icbagi
nyourof
fi
ce?
"
Welaughed.

Me:
"Iguessthi
sdaywascomi ngthat
'sabodybag.
"
Welaughed.Sheshookherhead.

Weplacedthebodyi
nbagandstar
tedcl
eani
ng.
Theplacewassupercl
eanwhenweweredone.

Me:"l
et'
sgo."Wetookt
hebodyandpl
acedi
tinmy
carattheback.
Her
:"
Iwi
lldr
ivebehi
ndyoui
nmycar
."

Me:
"wher
ear
ewedi
sposi
ngt
hebody.
"

Her:
"att
heforestnearbysot
hatt
hepoli
cecanfi
nd
her
."Wekissedbeforegoi
ngtodi
sposet
hebody.

Wecarr
acedgoi
ngbackbutIwon.

Her
:"
yout
ri
ckedme.
"Il
aughed.

Me:"babethegamewasf ai
randsquar
esopl ease
saveyouenergyfort
onight
."Iwi
nkedatherbefor
e
walkingt
owardsthefr
ontdoor.

Her
:"
butI'
m sot
ir
edSiyapl
easenott
oni
ghtmaybe
t
omorrowandyouhavetogotothewar
ehouse.
"
Wellwebeti fIwi
n.Wewillmakelovethewhole
nightandifshewinsshewil
ltagalongwithus
tonight
.Ididn'
twantt
oinvol
veherinthis.

Iwanthersaf
eal
lthet
ime.Idon'
twantt
olooseher
.

Me:"t
ommorowitisandI'm havi
ngyouinal
lshapes
IwantyouevenifIwantyouthewaytheydoiti
n50
shadesofgr
ey."

Her:
"Hel
lnodoyouwantmet odi
e."Il
aughed
bef
oregett
ingi
nthehouse.

Her:
"Radebeyouwil
lnothavemeinthatki
ndof
way.I'
mt el
li
ngyou.
"Shewaswalki
ngbehindme.

Me:"
whoist
heheadbet
weenmeandyou.
"We
l
aughed.
Her
:"
me!
!"Wel
aughed.

Me:"
sul
ibal
abaulipi
khoNi
zibone(don'
tforgetyou
ar
ethewingNizi
bone).
"Weburst
edintolaugher.

It
'sli
kewedidn'tfi
ghtj
ustnow.That'
sthethi
ng
aboutus.Wesol veourpr
oblemsfast
.
Communi cat
ionisthebestt
hingever
.Itsol
vesal
ot
ofthi
ngs.

Her
:"
rhaabanipi
ko?awundiboniwena
Si
yamthanda(whoisawing?Youdon'
tseemy
Si
yamthanda)
"welaughed.

Me:
"Xol
oke.
"Iki
ssedher
.

:
"Ewwh"t
hatwasdefi
nit
elymyol
destson.We
l
aughedpul
li
ngout
.
Nizi
:"
uphiMamuChri
sti
nanoMavi
s(wher
eis
Chri
sti
naandMavi
s)"

:
"Sit
hiabasisbesesili
ndeNina(her
ewearewe
werewaiti
ngforyou)"theysai
dcomingf
rom t
he
ki
tchen.

Me:"
Enkosinimamai zanindinigodusekhonaNam
ndawuendileqakuyo( t
hankyou.l etmetakeyou
home.I
'm alsor
ushingof fsomewher e)
"

Chri
sti
na:
"yuuhusincedi
le(
youhel
pedus)
"Ismi
led.
Ipeckedmybaby'sli
ps.

Her:
"besaf
eiSt
il
lneedyou.
"Shewhi
sper
edi
nmy
earaswewerehuggi
ng.

Me:
"Iwi
llbesaf
e.Il
oveyou.
"Iwhi
sper
edback.I
ki
ssedherf
oreheadbef
oregoi
ngt
omychi
ldr
en.

Iki
ssedal
loft
hei
rfor
eheads.

Wewalkedoutwit
hMavi
sandChr
ist
inaaf
terwe
bi
dgood-byes.

Wewer echatt
ingandl aughi
ngaswewer et
alki
ng
aboutrandom t
hings.Idroppedt
hem of
fbefore
rushi
ngtothewar ehouse.

Theguyswerealr
eadycall
ingmenon-
stop.Igot
ther
eandrushedinsi
de.

Them:"
wealmostsentHi
tl
erandtheNazipar
ty.
"I
chuckl
edt
wicethanwebursti
ntolaugher
.

Me:
"Iwasj
ustf
ixi
ngsomeer
asewi
thNi
zi.
"
Mamber:
"di
dn'
twesaywearenoti
nvol
vingher.
DudeyouknowNi
zicanevencomeher
enow. "

Them:"
tch.Wedon'twantheri
nvolvedher
.She
can'
tdi
e."Il
aughedtheycareabouthersomuch.

Me:"notli
kethatguys.Longstoryshor
t.Shesaw
someonedi ggi
nginformati
onaboutmesoshehad
togetridofherbeforedest
royingme."

Wellwelookedatwhatshewasdoi
ngandmade
surewedestr
oythei
nformat
ionbef
oregoi
ngt
oit
's
sender
.

Tai
lor
:"
good.
"Mxm mydudesar
emad.Ichuckl
ed.

Wet
ookt
hemapoft
hehouse.
Snakes:"
thegol
disonthethi
rdf
loori
nhi
sst
udy.
Thereisabookshel
fther
e.Whenyoupushi
tleads
youtothesafe.
"

Us:
"Thi
rdf
loor
."Her
oll
edhi
seyes.

Us:
"gayt
endenci
es.
"Wel
aughed.

Snakes:
"mxm.Anywayyeahthir
df l
oor.Whowould
havegol
donthefirstfl
oor
.That
'spuremadness
whowouldinthei
rrightmi
nddot hat
."

Cage:
"yeahplushi
sagangst ersoheexpects
peopl
et owanttotakei
t.Bei
ngont hesecondor
fi
rstf
loorwouldbeeasi
er."

TT:
"howareweget
ti
nginthehouse?I
'
m sur
eit
's
hi
ghlyguar
ded.
"Weallwentsi
lent
.
Me:"hard.Weki l
lalltheguar dsr unt othet opf l
oor.
Wellofcour sesomeofuswi llstayont helookout
kil
li
ngever yone.Wewi l
lneedmor epeopl ebutwe
can'tri
skpeopl eknowi ngouri dent i
ti
es.Cagewi llbe
atthebackki l
li
ngever yonet ryi
ngt oentert hehouse.
Snakeswi llbeont heEastki l
lever yone.Tai lorat
thewestKi ll
ingever yone.ThanMamberandTTat
thefrontkill
ingever yonesincemostpeopl ewi l
lbe
comi ngfrom thef ront.Iwil
lent ertheret aket he
kidsorwi fethreatent okil
lthem i fneededt o.Go
upstair
spusht heshel fgettot hesaf et aket heGol d
andr anbackout .Themi ssionshoul dtakeus2
hoursmaxsi nceIwi l
lbebreaki ngdownasaf e."

Them:
"t
hat
'
sapl
an.
"

Snakes:"
her
ear
etheequi
pmentf
orbr
eaki
ngdown
thesafe.
"
Tailor:
"j
ustfoundoutthatthecouplewentto
celebratet
heir10thanniversar
ythei
rphonesare
switchedof f
"weChuckl e"t
hekidsarehomealone.
Ther eare3guar dsatthegate.Butt
heywil
lsur
ely
alerttheotherguards.
"

TT:"worr
ylesswewilloutnumberthem wewere
tr
ainedbyaMaf iaaft
erall
."Wecl
ickedourgl
asses
beforegulpi
ngthem down.

Me:"
nooneisdyingt
odaypl
easemakesur
eweal
l
comeoutal
ive.
"

Them:
"onl
yourmakercant
akeusnotsomepussy
ni
gger
s."WeChuckl
ed.

Wefixedourt
ools.Wehadweaponsal
loverour
bodi
es.Weonlyhadsil
entgunswecan'
tri
skpeopl
e
cal
li
ngthepol
iceonus.
Wedrovetothehousepar
kedafewhousesaway
bef
oreget
ti
ngout.Weworeourbal
acl
avas.

Everyonet
ookt
hei
rposi
ti
ons.Asexpect
edmor
e
guar
dscame.

Ial
sodi
dmypar
t.Theki
dswher
ewat
chi
ngTV.

Me:"haiyi
hloakanithandisaphaniphone(yourdad
doesn'tl
oveyougi vemeyourphone' s)
"theyall
gavemet heirphones.

Me:"
inf
actfol
lowme.
"Theywal
kedi
nfr
ontofme.
Theyweresoscar
ed.

Theeldestsonwastr
yinghisbesttokeephiscal
m
forhi
ssibli
ngs.Wewalkedupstai
rsandwalkedto
thestudy.AsCaget
oldmet hesafeisonthemiddle
shelf
.
Me:"onewrongmove.Youar ealljoi
ningyour
ancestor
s.Ihateki
dsthatdomi schi
efsopl ease
behaveNalantwanayam ndalayayazi (
alsomyol d
sonknows)."Theywer
escar ed.Iusedmyt oolsto
openthesafe.

Asexpect
edi
ttookmeanhourt
oopenit
.Isawt
he
gol
dandsmil
ed.Ipl
acedi
tinmybag.

Me:"t
ellyourfat
herFini
shershusbandSi
lencerwas
here.
"Ismi l
edplacedthei
rphonesdownbef or
e
runni
ngout .

Igotoutandr
ant
othecar
.Ther
ewer
emany
bodi
es.

Me:
"phumaniMaji
ta(getoutman)
"Ispokethr
ough
t
heearpi
ece.Af
ter10mi nut
est
heyallcameout.
Mamberr
ushedoftot
hewar
ehouse.Wegott
her
e
si
ngi
nganddanci
ng.

Us:
"washa.
"Wesai
ddr
inki
ngourwhi
skey.

Snakes:
"manypeopl
edi
est
odaybutwebecame
ri
ch.
"

Us:
"ndakxel
ela(
I'
mtel
li
ngyou)
"

Cage:
"wesoundl
ikepussi
esnow.
"Wel
aughed.

Me:
"whatasuccessf
ulmi
ssi
on.
"

Us:
"Ideser
veaBel
l
's.
"Wel
aughed.
Tail
or:
"ol
okafakeezawayzakhonjayam ndi
ne
fl
eshwound(canyoufixyourthi
ngsformeIgavea
fl
eshwound)"hesaidr
efer
ringtoTT.

TTwentt
otakehi
sfi
rstai
dki
tanddi
dhi
sbusi
ness.

Aft
ercelebr
ati
ng.Weeachtookourgoldandwent
home.Inmygr oupweshar
eeverythi
ngequal
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
98
.
.
.
.
.
Ni
zibone
Icoul
dn'
tsleep.Iwaswor
ri
edaboutSi
ya.SoI
wait
edforhim.

ItookmyGi ngerbi
scui
tsandacupofcoffee4
teaspoonsofsugar,1t
easpoonofcof
feehalfacup
ofcoldmilkandhotwater
.That'
showIloveit.

Iwentbackt
omyroom andeatmyt hi
ngswhile
watchi
ngChi
ld'
spl
ay.I
t'
sscarybutyeah.Ial
soate
mypopcorn.

Justast
hemoviewasaboutt
oendt
hedoorf
lew
openandSi
yacamein.Ir
ushedt
ohi
m.Wehugged.

Me:
"t
hankGodyousaf
e."Weki
ssed.
Him:
"Iwoul
dneverl
eaveyoumyl
ove.
"Weki
ssed
agai
n.

Hi
m: "
comel
et'
ssl
eep.
"Hesai
dtaki
ngof
fhi
s
cl
othes.

Wegotundercover
sandslept
.Iwasdi
stur
bed
f
rom mysleepbyaphonecall
.

Siya:
"phendulababy(answeryourphonebaby)
."I
reachedforitonthechestofdrawer
.

Me:"
thethamnandizolala(t
alkandIwil
lsl
eep).
"
ThepersonChuckl
ed.Ilookedatthephoneitwas
Mamber .

Hi
m:"youneedt
orusht
othehospi
tal
."Isatup
st
rai
ght.
Me:"what'
sup?Never
mindt
hatI
'
m onmyway.
"I
sai
dpanicki
ng.

Iwonderwhat
'swr
ong.Il
ookedatt
het
ime.I
t'
s6:
30.

Si
ya:
"what
'swr
ong?
"

Me:"al
sodon'tknowbutIneedtor
usht
othe
hospit
al.
"Ij
umpedof fbedandworemysweat
ers
andmyhoodi ewithsneaker
s.

Siya:
"youwi
llupdat
emewhenyougetther
e."I
nodded.Igr
abbedmyphonebef
orerushi
ngout.

Igottomycarandrushedoff
.Myphonewas
ri
nging.It
ri
edt
oreachfori
tbutIcoul
dn'
tfeeli
t
wit
hmyhand.
Il
ookedatit
.AsIreachedf
ori
t.Isawl
ightcomi
ng
i
nfrontofme.Il
ookedup.

Me:
"aaahh.
"Iscr
eamedasIsawatr
ucki
nfr
ontof
me.I
thitmeanditwasl
ight
soff
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
ya
Aftermywi ferushedoutIsuddenlyhadabad
feeli
ng.Ineverfel
tsomuchf ear.Li
kesomethi
ng
badi sgoi
ngt ohappenbutIdon'tknowwhat.

Ormaybesomet
hingbadhappenedal
ready.My
mi
nddrif
tsbacktoNiziandIsuddenl
yfel
tfear
.
Whati
shappeningt
ome.

Iwokeupandt ooka5mi nut

eshower
.Ican'
teven
concent
rat
e.Iheavi
lysi
ghed.

Iworemysweatpant
s.Ist
il
lneedt
ofixt
heki
dsf
or
school
.If
ir
stt
ookcareofChumani.

Him:"
uphi
imama(wher
eismom)
"hehasbeen
uneasyt
odayal
so.

Me:
"andi
mazi
i(Idon'
tknow)
"henodded.Igotdone
wi
thhim.

Iplacedhi
mi nt
heplayingroom.Todayhewasn'
t
evenbother
edwithplayingwit
hhisfavor
it
ecart
oys.
NowI'm worr
iedabouther.Iwenttomyr oom t
o
cal
lherbuti
ttookmest r
aighttovoicemail
.Fuck.
Thi
scan'tbehappening.

Ipacedupanddownstil
lcal
l
ingherhopi
ngshewi
ll
answermycall
s.Justt
hanmyMambercal l
edme.

Me:
"yeahshont
wana.
"

Hi
m:"
ngat
hiawukhor
ytnj
engqi
nat
heni(
what
's
wr
ongman)"

Me:"
Nizii
snotanswer
inghercal
landif
eeluneasy
baf
o."

Hi
m:"hol
donshehasn'
tar
ri
vedyetatt
hehospi
tal
t
oo."
Me:
"what
'swr
ong?
"

Him:
"Iwil
ltel
lyouwhenyoufi
ndNizij
ustgoand
l
ookforher.Somethi
ngmusthavehappened.
"I
hungupandwal kedt
othetwi
nsroom.

Itookal
lofthem wit
ht heirneededthi
ngsIrushed
tomymot her'
splace.Ididn'tgett
imetoexplai
nI
j
ustdroppedthem off.

Irushedt
othewaywhichleadsyoutothehospi
tal
.
Theremustbeali
nkofwheresheis.Shewould
neverswi
tchof
fherphoneonme.

AsdriveIappr
oachedmanycar
sandanabundance
ther
e.Somethi
ngcaughtmyeyeitwasni
zi'
scar
.
Fuck.

Thi
scan'
tbehappeni
ngr
ightnow.Myeyes
sparkl
edwi
tht
ear
s.Igott
her
eandr
anoutoft
he
car.

Ipassedt
hesel
lot
apet
hepol
icepl
aced.Theycame
topush

Me:
"f
uckyoual
lthat
'smywi
feovert
her
e."Ipushed
t
hem andr
antonizi
.

Shehadbloodever
ywhere.Tear
sstreameddown
myface.ShewashitbyatruckIhopeshesurvi
ves.

Theparamedicstookher
.Ir
ushedt
omycarand
rushedbehi
ndit.

Icoul
dn'tdri
vefastsi
nceIwascr
ying.I
'm also
surpr
isedthatIcoul
dgettot
hehospit
alwithout
bei
ngi nanaccident
.
Theyr
ushedheri
n.Ial
sorushedi
n.AsIwasabout
togof
urt
hersomethi
ngcaughtmyeye.

Al
lmyf
ri
endswher
eher
e.

Me:
"whatar
eyoual
ldoi
ngher
e?"

Let
habo:
"wasthatNizi?
"Shewasal
readyi
ntear
s.I
canseet
hatsheisfondofher
.

Me:"
yeahI.
..
"Shedi
dn'
tevenl
etmef
ini
shmy
sent
ence.

Bot
hLet
haboandTTRushedt
otheER.

Tail
or:
"whathappened?
"Theywer
eal
lpani
cki
ng.I
thi
nktheysawher .
Ibur
iedmyheadonmyhands.

Me:
"shewasi nacaracci
dent
.Shewasal
so
r
ushingher
e."Thegir
lscr
ied.

Cage:
"IwonderwhyMambercall
edusher
e.Hesai
d
i
t'
sasur pr
isehewasexci
ted.
"

Ayola:
"wher
eisAyabongabyt
heway.
"Shewasst
il
l
cr
ying.

Weallshrugged.Wer
ushedtothewai
ti
ngr
oom
wher
eNi ziwas.Wewait
edforanhour
.

Cage:
"l
et'
sgocheckuponMamberj
ustt
ocoolof
f
ourminds.
"Theynodded.

Snakes:
"l
et'
sgo.
"Ishookmyhead.
Me:"
Ican'
tgonotknowi
ngi fmywi f
esurvi
vedor
not
."Thei
reyeswheref
ullofpi
ty.Theynodded
bef
oregoing.

Iwasl
eftal
onepassi
ngupanddownt
hecor
ri
dor
s.
Noonewascomingout.Ther
ewer
enur
sest
hat
werej
ustcomi
nginandout.

Iwasloosi
ngmymi ndbitbybi
t.Ipunchedthewall
.
Iwasintear
s.Idon'
tthi
nkIwil
lbeabletosurvi
ve
wit
houther.

Sheismyever
ythi
ng.Ican'
taff
ordtol
ooseher
.I
wantust
odieoldtoget
hernotyoung.

Iwantt
odiewit
hgreyhai
rnotbl
ackIsti
llneedher
.
Sheismyever
ythi
ng.Whowil
lbether
eformenow?
Noitcan'
tshei
smyeverythi
ng.Justt
hanmy
f
ri
endscameback.Ayabongawasi nawheel
chai
r.

Iwonderwhat
'swr
ongwi
thher
.?

Ayabonga:
"wher
eisshe.
"Il
ookeddown.

Me:"t
heysti
llhaven'
tgi
venmeanyf
eedback.
"They
al
llookeddown.

Cage:
"1thi
ngIknowf orsureisthatNi
zii
saf i
ght
er.
Iknowshewil
lsurvivealloft
his.Don'
tworr
yman."
Hepatt
edmyshoul der.Inodded.

Thegi
rl
seyeswer
epuf
fred.

Me:
"what
'swr
ongwi
thyousbal
i.
"
Mamber:"
shegavebi
rt
h."Ilookedathim.The
happi
nessinhi
seyescouldn'tbeMissed.

Me:
"buthow.
?"

Mamber
:"
godwor
ksi
nmi
racl
esbaf
o."

Ayola:"
wedidn'tevenseet hatshewaspr egnantI
guessitrunsintheirbloodcauseNizial
sodi dn'
t
knowshewaspr egnantwi thChumani.
"Thet hought
ofmychi l
drengrowi ngupwi t
houtamot her
crossesmymi nd.

It
earescapesmyeyebutiwi
pedi
t.

Me:
"i
sitaboyoragi
rl?
"

Them:
"gi
rl
"
Ayabonga:
"shei
ssti
lli
nthosepipes.Icoul
dn'
tcar
ry
aful
lter
m.Youallknowthereason."

Thando:"
wher
eisNat
hi?
"That
'st
hebabyboyt
hey
adopted.

Mamber
:"
byhi
sgr
andmot
her
spl
ace.
"

Me:"
soyouhave2kidsnow."It
rytol
ighten
ever
yone'
smood.Eventhoughdeepi
nsidemyhear
t
i
sbreaki
ng.

Ayabonga:
"yeahLunat
hiandLumi
nat
hi.
"Weal
l
smil
e.

Me:
"congr
atul
ati
onsot
her
wiseguys.
"Isai
dhuggi
ng
t
hem.
Justt
hanTTandLet
habowal
kedoutl
ooki
ngdown
werushedt
othem.

Me:
"what
'swr
ong?
"

Lethabo:
"weallknowshehadanacci dentlastyear
andshehi therheadright
.Thebrainwasst il
l
heali
ngbutnowt hatshehadanacci dentagain.
Theglassesaffectedherbrai
nmeaningt hatiti
s
notfunct
ioningnow."Weal ll
ookedather.My
oxygenwentoutofmyl ungs.

Icoul
dn'
tbreat
hanymor e.Ipl
acedmyhandont
op
ofmychestandbalancedwi t
htheot
heront
hewal
l.
Icoul
dn'
tbreat
hproperl
y.

TT:
"cansomeonepleasebri
ngmewat
er!
!"Heyel
led
hol
dingmyshouldertr
yingt
omakemesitdown.
Hehel
pedmedr
inkt
hewat
er.Af
terIcoughtmy
br
eat
h

Me:
"whatdoyoumeanherbr
aini
snotf
unct
ioni
ng.
"

Let
habo:
"sor
rysi
yabutyeahi
tisn'
t.Shecandi
eany
minut
efr
om now."

Ayabonga:
"no!
!"Thel
adi
escr
iedhar
der
.

TT:"
sheisjusthel
pedbymachinest
ostayal
ive
now.Thebestthingyoucoul
ddoisswi
tchofthe
machinecausethingsl
ookbad.
"Ist
oodupli
kea
speedofli
ght.

Me:"no!!I'
M notswit
chingofthemachi
nesiwil
l
fi
ndt hebestneur ol
ogistint
heworl
d.Mywifeis
defi
nitel
ynotdyingtoday."Myvei
nswerepopped
outnow.

ItookmyphoneandCal l
edmycontact
sfr
om
Switzer
land.Iknowadoct
ort
hatdeal
swit
hthese
typethi
ngs.

Aft
ermaki nganagreementof2mill
ionf
ort
he
operat
ion.Hesaidhewillbeher
einnoti
me.Hewi
ll
betaki
ngt hefi
rstf
li
ghthere.

Me:
"t
hedoct
ori
scomi
ng.
"Theynodded.

Them:
"howmuchwi
lli
tbe?
"

Me:"
2mi l
li
onrandher
eIdon'
tknowhowmuchwil
l
i
tbeinSwitzer
landwhenheconver
tsi
t.
"They
nodded.
Lethabo:"
shebrokeaf ewbonesbutt
hati staken
careof.Shewascl osetonotbei
ngabletowal kbut
sheisf i
ne.Shewil
lalsonotbeablet
oconcei ve
againwef oundli
tt
leglassesi
nherUterus"Inodded.
Idon'tknowifIshouldbesadorwhat.

Wealreadyhave3ki
ds.Wedon'
tneedmor
e.Wear
e
per
fectl
yfi
ne.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
99
Seasonf
inal
e
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Wewait
edforthedoctorf
or6hour
s.Aswespeak
t
heyar
esti
lloperat
ingher
.

Hermothercoul
dn'
ttaket
henewsl
ight
lysheended
uphavi
ngaheartatt
ack.

I
t'
sbeen3hoursnowsi
ncewehavebeenwai
ti
ng
f
orthedoct
or.

Cage:
"Ij
usthopeheknowswhathei
sdoi
ng.
"

Me:"hebetterknowhi
sjobIgavehi
m 2mil
li
onfor
thi
s.Ijustwantmywifeal
iveandki
cki
ng.
"Isai
d
pacingupanddown.
Zimi
:"sheisastrongwomant
hisisnot
hing
compar edtowhatawomansheis.Shewil
lwake.I
canfeelit
."Inodded.

Me:"shecan'tl
eavemej ustl
ikethatwestil
lneedt o
growoldt oget
herandhavegr eyhair
.Shepromi sed
met hatshewillal
waysbewi thme.Shepr omised
met hatwewi l
lgrowoldtogetherandtel
lour
grandchil
drenourcrazymoment s.Shepromisedt o
dieoldwithmeshecan' tdi
enow.Shecan' t.
"Isaid
shakingmyheadgoi ngdownt hewall
.

Iwasconvincingmyself.Aft
er30minutesof
sobbingthedoctorscameout .I
'
mtalki
ngaboutTT,
Lethaboanddoct orPot
ter

Me:"t
ellmeyouhavegoodnews.
"Isai
dwi
thmy
eyesclosed.Don'
taskmewhy.

Let
habo:
"youdi
dgr
eatbybr
ingi
ngDrPot
terher
e."I
si
ghedandl
ookedup.

Pott
er:
"yeahthebr
aini
sfunct
ioni
ngnow.Shei
sst
il
l
unconsciouswearewai
ti
ngforhert
owakeup
now."

Me:"
thankyousomuchdoc.sendmeyourbank
det
ail
sandIwillsendyouyourmoney.
"

-mont
hlat
er-

ItnowOctober
.Nizii
sst
il
lunconscious.Ihaven'
t
beengreat
.Idrownmysel
finalcoholjustt
onumb
thepai
n.

Mykidshavebeenst
ayingwit
hthei
rgr andmot
hers.
Iknowit'
ssel
fi
shofmebutifIcan'
ttakecareof
myselfhowwil
lIt
akecareoft
hem.
I'
m noti
ntheri
ghtst
ateofmi
nd.Li
fei
sext
remel
y
hardwit
houtNi
zi.

Ican'
timagi
nemyl i
fewit
houther.I
magi
neifshe
wasreall
ydead.Iwoul
dhavefoll
owedher.

I'
m deadser
ious.Iwasn'
tgoi
ngtofuncti
onwit
hout
her.Shei
smywor l
d.I
fsheisgone.Thanwhati
s
l
eftofme.

Iknowitwoul
dbeself
ishofmetoleavemykidsbut
Iwon'
tbeabletof
uncti
on.Not
hingwillgogr
eat
.

Ijustcameoutoft
heshowerandmybedr oom isa
mess.Iheavil
ysi
ghedbefor
ecleani
ngaroundal l
thebottl
esofHei
nekenandthebott
leofwhiskey.

Iwentt
oopent hebal
conysl
idi
ngdoorf
orfr
eshair
tocomein.Iwantt
ovisi
tmykidst
oday.Iwi
llbe
t
aki
ngt
hem t
othehospi
talt
heyhavebeenpl
eadi
ng
t
oseet
hei
rmother
.

Iworemyblackjean,
blackpol
oneck,bl
ackj
ean
j
acketwi
thblackankl
eboats.Ir
oughenmyhair
bef
oreput
ti
ngonmychai n.

Isprayedmyselfwi
thmycologne.Ial
soworemy
watch.Irushdownst
air
s.Iusedthest
air
sifyouar
e
wonder i
ng.

Ispr
eadpeanutbutt
erandbut
teronwhi
tebr
ead.I
al
somadecoffeeformysel
f.

Af
tereati
ngIrushedtomymot her
spl
acet
hat
's
wheretheki
dsarefortheweek.

Ij
ustst
ayedf
orj
uicebef
oregoi
ngt
othehospi
tal
wi
ththeki
ds.
Me:'
nizobambanazandl
ane(youwi
llhol
deach
ot
her'
shands).
"Theynodded.

Itookthem outoft
hecar.ItookNkanyeziinmy
hands.Sheismypr i
ncess.Ikissedhercheek.Ihel
d
Uvuyo'
shands.

Andhehel
dChumani
'
s.

Me:
"masambeni
isobonumama( l
et'
sgoseeyour
mot
her)
"theycl
appedthei
randsmil
ed.Ichuckl
ed.

Wewalkedinandwentstr
aightt
oherwar
d.The
r
ecept
ioni
stal
readyknowsme.

Whenwegott heret
hedoorwascl
osedwhatthe
fuck.Ilookedt
hrought
hesmallwi
ndowatthedoor
andt hedoctor
swheredoi
ngwhateverwi
thher.
Theywer egoi
ngupanddown.Pleaset
ellmewe
arenotloosi
ngher.I
'
m notaper
sonwhopr aysbut
todayIsaidali
tt
lepr
ayer
.

Aft
er5mi nut
esofwai
ti
ngt
hedoct
orwal
kedout
smil
ing.Si
gh.

Hi
m: "
thankGodyouarehereMr.Plaat
ji
esyourwife
j
ustwokeupandshei sfi
ne.Shedoesn'thaveany
si
deaf f
ects.Shewasj
ustaski
ngforyou.Youcan
goin.
"Inoddedandwipedthetearinmyeyewi t
h
myshoul der.

Wewal kedi
nandshewaslooki
ngattheceil
ing.
Shenowhasanohai rshehasaboldhead.I
chuckl
edtwiceshel
ooksawkwardbutcuteatthe
sametime.

Theki
ds:
"sembi(
youugl
y)"wel
aughed.
Ipl
acedNkanyeziont
opoft
hebedandki
ssedmy
wif
efordearl
if
e.

Theki
ds:
"ewwh"wel
aughedpul
li
ngout
.Iwi
ped
awaymytear
s.

Me:
"IthoughtIl
ostyouf
orasecondt
her
e."Iwi
ped
t
hetearsinhereyes.

Her:
"Imadeapr omisetoal
waysbewi
thyoumy
l
ove."Igaveherpeck.

Me:"
neverscar
emel
iket
hatagai
nokay?
"She
nodded

Her
:"
Iwi
llnever
."
Chumani:
"Nam f
unuthethanomamam ( Ial
sowant
total
kwit
hmymot her)
"wel aughed.Theyhave
alr
eadycl
imbedontopofthebedwi thUvuyo.

Ni
zi:
"ni
njanibaby?(
Howar
eyou)
"

Uvuyo:
"si
rytwena(
wear
efi
neandyou)
"

Ni
zi:
"Nam r
yt(
I'
m al
sof
ine)
"

Nkanyezi
:"
ziphinwel
eni
zi(
wher
eisyourHai
rNi
zi)
"

Her
:"
banicebi
lemnt
anam (
theycuti
tmychi
ld)
"

Chumani
:"haikodwatat
afunekesibaBet
he(
dadwe
musthi
tthem) "hef
rowned.Welaughed.

Me:
"yabonanj
ayam f
unekesi
baBet
henyani(
you
seemychi
ldwemustt
rul
yhi
tthem.
)"Wel
aughed.

Wecont
inuedhavi
ngagoodt
imeasaf
ami
ly.
Whi
chImissedsodear
ly.

Ineverreal
izedhowmuchIlovet
hem t
il
lIal
most
l
ostone.Starti
ngfr
om nowonIwil
lal
wayscher
ish
theli
tt
lemoment swehave.

Youwillneverknowwhatcouldhappennext.They
saycherishtheli
tt
lemomentsyouhavecauseyou
wil
lneverknowt heimpactt
heyhaveinyourli
fe.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ni
zibone
-2weeksl
ater-
I
t'
sbeenaweeksi nceIhavebeendischar
ged.Lif
e
i
shardespeci
all
ynowt hatIhaveaboatonmyl eg.

Buti
t'
sheal
ing.I
thast
ohealcausenextmont
h
monthendi
t'smywedding.

Yeahyouheardmer i
ght
.It
'smywhiteweddingday.
Icoul
dn'
tbeanyhappier
.Ihavebeenwait
ingfor
thi
sdayallmyli
fe.

Asagi r
lyoual
wayshavedr eamsofhowyour
weddingwil
lbeli
ke.Justgl
adthatIwil
lbewear
ing
awhitegownandgodownt heai
sletomeetmy
handsomeman.

Heishandsomewithhi
sdar
kskin.Youallknow
whatt
heycallust
heTopdeck.Thatchocol
ateeven
becamemyf
avor
it
e.

Cr
azyIknowbutyeah.I'
m sit
ti
ngatthelounge
whichhaschai
rsonlywait
ingformywedding
pl
anner.Youguessedr
ightRir
iist
hegir
l.

Hewil
lcomewit
hherteam her
etomyhouse.You
mustbewonder
ingwhytheycometomeinst
eadof
megoingt
othem.

Wel
lsi
yaoncesai
dMONEYTALKSANDBULLSHI T
WALKS.MoneydoesWonder
s.I
'
mtel
li
ngyoual
l.

Idon'tknowhowIwi
lldomyhai rsi
ncei
tsgrowing
slowl
y.NowIhavetohideunderweavesandstuff
l
ikethat.

Worseparti
sthatI
'
m notevenafanofthem.but
yeahtheyar
eneededontimesl
ikethese.Nott
hat
I
'
m ugl
yanywayi
t'
sjustt
hatIdon'
ttr
ustmyhead
t
hatmuch.

Siyaassur
edmeIlookcut ebutnopeI
'
m not
tr
usti
nghim onebi
t.Chuckles.

AsIwaslooki
ngatwhi
chweddi
ngdr
essIwi
llbe
wear
ingaus'Mavi
scomesi
nwit
hthenoi
syRir
i.
Rol
li
ngmyeyes.

Ri
ri
:"t
chiini
ichomii
eandiyazinobabali
bal
anj
ani
materi
alforlokhwe(howcant heyf
orgett
hedr
ess
materi
als)"Il
aughed.

Me:
"yousentsomeonet
ofet
chi
tri
ght?
"

Ri
ri
:"
yandazikl
k(youknowme)Imeant hi
sisabi
g
weddi
ngthatI'
m planni
ng.
"Il
aughed.
Sheli
ter
all
ydroppedeveryt
hingshewasdoi
ngand
si
gnedittosomeoneelse.

Me:"
it
'sareal
lybi
gweddi
ng.Ihopeinvit
ati
onuze
nazo(ihopeyoucomewi
ththeinvi
tat
ions)
"

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llneverf
orgett
hem.
"

Westart
eddiscussi
ngthewedding.Fr
om t
heki
nd
off
lowersIwanttothevenue.

Themater
ialIwantformydr ess,
caket
hatIl
ove,
caket
asti
ng,decor
ations,
kindofchai
rsandt
ablesI
want.

ThemusicIwanttobepl
ayedwhenIgodownthe
aisl
e.Thet
hemeoftheweddi
ng.Thedr
essesf
or
thebri
desmai
ds.
ThemenuIwantThandotocook.Thewai
tressand
wait
ert
hatwi
llbeneededt
oservedri
nksandfood.

Per
sonwhowi llr
untheminbarwhil
ewet aki
ng
pi
ctur
es.Ideci
dedtoassi
gnthepeoplet
hatworks
i
ntheclubfort
hat.

I
twouldhavebeenawast
eof
fti
mei
fial
sohadt
o
l
ookforot
herpeopl
e.

WeBasicall
ydiscussedever
ythi
ngIcouldn'
tbeany
happi
er.Can'
twaittoseethefi
naloutcomeof
ever
ythi
ng.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
100
Fi
nal
e
.
.
.
.
.
Ni
zibone
I
t'
sthe30t
hofNovembermeani
ngt
hati
tsmy
weddi
ngday.

Thedayt
hatIhavebeenwai
ti
ngf
or.Ican'
tbel
ieve
thatI
'
mreal
lyhavi
ngawhit
eweddi
ng.

Ijusthopeeveryt
hinggoessmoot
hlyandaccordi
ng
toplan.Idon'
twantthi
sdaytohavehiccups.
_:
"Hal
alahal
ala.Umakotingowwet
husi
yavuma"
_
t
hosearemyfriendssi
nging.

Il
if
tupmyheadandopenmyeyes.Ihavea
massi
veheadache.Yest
erdaywehad1hel
lofa
wi
ldpart
y.

Tocel
ebr
atemylastdayofbei
ngsi
ngl
e.Notli
keI
'
m
si
ngl
eanywayIhavebeenmarri
edt
oSiyafor2
ti
mesnow.

Firsti
nt heDepartmentofHomeAffai
rst
hanthe
tradit
ionalweddingbackinhi
shousehol
d.Soyeah
thiswi l
lbemyt hir
dti
me.

Cr
azyr
ightbutIdon'
thaveapr
obl
em.

Mom:
"hai
boUSALel
e(youar
est
il
lsl
eepi
ng)
"I
smi
ledbef
oreget
ti
ngof
fbed.

Aunt:"
youaresogrownup.Goandtakeabathyou
needtobeatthevenuei
nlessthan3hours.
"I
quickl
ystoodupandwenttothebat
hroom.

Ifir
stt
ookpill
sfortheheadacheIhavebef
ore
taki
ngarelaxi
ngbat h.Af
ter45minut
esorsoI
walkedoutwearingagown.

Me:
"wherei
sthemakeupar
ti
st?
"Isai
dsi
tt
ingon
t
opofthebed.

Mybridesmai
ds(
myf r
iends)wher
eplacingthei
r
dr
essesontopofthebed.Theywereallst
il
l
wear
ingthei
rgownstoo.

Thando:
"hasn'
tar
ri
vedal
soyourdr
ess.
"
Me:"whatthi
scan'
tbehappeni
ng.Haveyouguys
cal
ledRiri
?"

Ayola:
"hei
ssti
llchecki
ngifever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne.He
i
sn'tanswer
ingourcall
s."Iwaspaci
ngupand
down.

Me:"
givememyphoneIneedtocal
lthemakeup
ar
ti
st.
"Ayabongagavei
ttome.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Todayismywhi t
eweddi
ngdayIcoul
dn'
tbeany
happi
er.Yest
erdaymeandmybro'
shitt
hest
ri
p
cl
ub.
Pleasedon'ttel
lmywife.Shewouldkil
lme.ButI
enjoyedmyl astsi
ngl
edayt heysaybutIai
n'tsi
ngl
e
I'
m alreadymarri
edtoher.

Iwokeupthismorni
nginagoodmood.Ihavea
feel
ingt
hatever
ythi
ngwil
lbef
ine.

Ever
ythingwil
lrunsmoothl
y.Wear
eallint
he
Guesthouse.Wewillbeget
ti
ngmar
riedher
e.I
thas
agreatgardenandall.

Iworemydarkoli
vegreentuxedo3pi
ecesuit
.The
pocketi
sontheri
ghtsidewit
hachaincl
ippedoni
t.
Andonthelef
tIhaveawhiterose.

I
'
m alsowear
ingawhi
teshi
rtwi
thabl
ackt
iebow.I
f
ini
shedthel
ookwi
thmyredbott
omsandawatch.
Ihaveanewf
reshf
ade.

_Whistl
es_thosearemybr
o'sget
ti
ngi
nwear
ing
navytuxedo.t
hethemei
sNavyandwhit
e.

Tail
or:
"yi
ihstru zokhal aFi
nisherxaekhubona
(f
ini
sherwillcr
ywhensheseesyou) "Il
ookedat
myselfonthef ul
llengt
hmirr
or.

Iwasi
ndeedhandsomerhaa.Ni
nganya.It
urned
ar
ound.Theywhi
stl
edagai
n.

Them:
"washamnt
ana.Sel
otshamba.
"Wel
aughed.

Wewalkedtothel
oungeandthewomanUl ul
ated
si
ngi
ng.Meandmybr o'
swenttogetdr
inkssothat
wecantoast
.
Us:
"t
othegoodli
fe.
"Wel
aughedbef
oregul
ping
downthegl
ass.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ni
zibone
Themakeupar t
istar
ri
vedwi
thhercr
ewwi
thmy
dressIcoul
dn'
tbeanyhappi
er.

Theydi
dmagicwit
hourf acesandhair
s.Iwasl
ike
someoneel
seandIlookedbeauti
ful
.

Thebri
desmai dswor
etheirSpaghet
tist
rapshalt
er
Navybl
uedr esseswi
thblackLoubouti
nheels.They
l
ookgorgeous.
Af
tertheygotdr
essedt
heywalkedoutsi
ncemy
motherandaunt
swanttotal
kt ome.

Af
tert
headvicest
heygavemeIalsogotdr essedin
myBallGownLongSleeveTul
leV-neckCourtTrai
n
Dr
ess.Itwassobi
gandbeauti
ful.

I
treall
ydidl
ookgoodonme.Nocap.Ican' tbel
ieve
t
hatI'mthi
sbeaut
if
ul.Iwi
pedmyt earsasI'
m
l
ookingatmysel
fonthemirr
or.I
tisfulll
engt
h.

Iworemyheel
s,di
amondcrownandear
ri
ngs.The
doorfl
ewopenandmyfr
iendsgoti
n.

Them:
"shutt
hef
rontdoor
."Theyscr
eamedj
umpi
ng
upanddown.

Igavet
hem af
aintsmi
least
heycamet
ohugme.
Let
habowi
pesmyt
ear
s.

Them:
"i
t'
sti
me.
"

:
"Wit
houtevenhavi
ngagl
assofchampagne.
"We
l
ookedatthedoori
twasRi
ri
.

Hescreamedassoonashiseyeslandedonme.We
l
aughed.Hewaswear i
ngasui
twithshort
sitwas
navyhealsohadbr
aidshewasalsogorgeous.

Ri
ri
:"
weddi
ngof
fcent
ury'
s.
"Wel
aughed.

Hepour
edchampagnei
nourgl
asses.

Us:
"t
othegoodl
if
e."Wet
oast
ed.
.
.
.
.
.
Nar
rat
ed
Si
yamthandaandhi
sbigfamilywal
kedt
owher
ethe
weddi
ngwillbet
aki
ngplace.Mkhul
uwasal
soher
e.

Looki
nghandsomeasol
dasheis.Ri
rit
rul
youtdid
hi
mselfaspeopl
ewher
eadmir
ingt
hedecorat
ions.

Attheendoftheaisl
etherearethr
eearchesthat
arecover
edwithwhiteroses.Healsodeci
dednot
toaddawhitecarpetbuthavefl
owersont heai
sle.

Atthefr
ontther
ewerealsot
hreear
chesbutnotone
behindt
heotherli
keatt
heendbuttheywer
enext
toeachother
.
Therewherewhi
techair
sforeveryonetosi
ton.
Nizi
bone'
sfamil
yalsostar
tedarr
ivingasbi
gas
theyar
e.

Itwasindeedabigpart
ycausebothfamil
iesar
e
extended.Thebr
idesmai
dsstar
tedcomingin.

Aft
erallthebr
idesmai
dscameinever
yonest
oodup
sothatthebri
decancomein.

SiyatooktheMi cfrom t
hePastorashewillbe
si
ngingwhenhi swifecomesin.Thei
rki
dswal ked
i
nf i
rst.UvuyoandChumaniwear ingOli
vegreen
suit
sliketheirf
atherandNkanyeziawhit
eweddi ng
gownl ikehermother.

Si
ya:
"Youf
ixyourmakeup,
justso
Guessyoudon'
tknow,
thatyourbeaut
if
ul
Tr
yonever
ydr
esst
hatyouown
Yourf
inei
nmyeyes,
aHal
f-
hourago

I
fyourmi
rr
orwon'
tmakei
tandcl
eer
erI
'
LL
Bet
heonet
oletyouknow

Outofal
lthegi
rl
s
Youmyoneandonl
ygi
rl
Ai
n'tnobodyi
nthewor
ldt
oni
ght

Al
loft
hest
arsyoumakeshi
nel
iket
heywer
eour
s
Ai
n'tnobodyi
nthewor
ldyouandI
YouandI
Ai
n'tnobodyi
nthewor
ldbutyou.
..
."Hesang6
moreli
nesofYouandIbyJohnLegend.

Hecouldn'
tsi
nganymoreashesawhi
sbeautif
ul
wif
e.Theybot
hwereamazedbyeachother
's
beaut
yastheywerecr
yingnow.
NomphelogaveAyamthandaovert
oSi
yaatthe
alt
ar.Si
yawipedhi
swife'
stear
sandki
ssedher
eyes.ThewomanUlul
ated.

Si
ya:
"yousobeaut
if
ul.
"Hewhi
sper
edhuggi
ngher
.

Ni
zi:
"youar
eal
sohandsome.
"Shewhi
sper
edback.

Theprogr
am star
tedthepast
orsaidafewver
ses.
Heprayedfort
hecoupleastheyfol
lowthe
scr
ipt
uresinEngl
ish.

I
twasnowtimefort
heirownvowssi
ncetheysai
d
t
heyhavet
heirownvows.Si
yawentf
irst
.

Siyamthanda:
"I
tal
lstart
edout4year
sago.Iwas
walki
ngdownt heroadofAlexwhenIsawthi
s
beauti
fulwoman.Ididn'
thaveapl
acetost
aysome
beingmeIdeci dedt ost aywi thhersi ncei tseemed
l
ikeshel eavedal one.WhenIgoti nherhouseshe
wasr eadyt ost abmewi thabr eadkni f
ei magi ne-
everyonel aughed- .Butt hatni ghtt omewas
precious.Iwi llalwayst hankGodt hatImethert hat
day.Shewoul dal wayst ellmet hingshappenf ora
reasonandIbel i
evet hatnow.Ourj ourneywasn' t
asper fectast heyt hinkitiscauseIhadt oleaveher
withababyf or2year s.Imadesur ethatIf ullfi
lled
thepr omi set hatImadet oyou.Lookatwher ewe
are.Itoldt hatwewi l
lget .Ilivedupt omypr omi se
withnor egr etswhat '
ssoever .Youar ethef irst
personIseewhenIwakeupandt helastwhenI
sleep.Andt hati st hebestt hi ngever .Youar emy
otherhal fyouar et heonet hatmakesmel augh
whenI '
m sad, makesmeconsi derwhenIwantt obe
rash,andf indmewhenI '
ml ost .Youar emygui de,
teacherandonet ruel ove.Youar et hecul mi nat ion
ofadr eam comet r ue.Ican' tbel i
eveI 'm standi ng
hereaboutt ost ar tawonder fullifetoget herwi thmy
bestf ri
end, mygr eat estmi racl eandt heper sonI
l
ovemosti nt hewor l
d.' Mymi stressar enot hingl i
ke
thesun. .'saysShakespear e,'andyetbyheaven, I
thinkmyl oveasr are.Asanyshebel i
edwi thf alse
compar e.' Hemeantt hatmet aphor sar eallwel land
goodbutt hel oveweshar ebyheavenandi nf ront
ofGodandourpeopl ei srareandi sasper fectas
whohaveeverl oved.Letust aket hisdayt oaf firm
ourlove.I nfrontofal lthesepeopl e, l
etmesayI
wantyout obemywi f
e, t
obewi thmeal ways, to
l
oveyouwi thaf idelitythatwi l
lneverbebr oken.I
wantt obewi thyoual ways.Ourl ovei sunique,
causewear euni que.Toget herwemakesomet hing
thathasneverbeenseenbef ore.Toget herwemake
af orcet hatmakest hepowert ost andagai nstany
disast er,anengi neofl ovet helikesoft hewor l
dhad
neverseen.Ivowt oputyoubef oremei nal lt
hings,
andl iveourst orywi thloveandf i
delit
yf orwe
becomebot honei nbodyandi nspi ri
ttoday.Thi s
bondi sonet hatcancl eavei nTwai n.I'm notper f
ect
butIwi l
lloveyouper fect l
y.Iwillneverl etyoudown
orgiveupi nyou.Iwi llcherishyouf orever.I'ma
betterper sonwi thyourl oveandaf fecti
on.Ther eis
nomanoutt her et hatIwoul dchangepl aceswi t
h.
I'
m per f
ect l
yf i
newi thyoubymysi de.LeonaLewi s
oncesai d.
'
ther
egoesmyhear
tbeat
ing
Causeyouar
ether
eason
I
'
mlosi
ngmysl
eep
Pl
easecomebacknow

Ther
egoesmymi
ndr
aci
ng
Andyouar
ether
eason
ThatI
'
m st
il
lbr
eat
hing
I
'
m hopel
essnow

I
'
dcl
imbever
ymount
ain
Andswi
m ever
yocean
Justt
obewi
thyou
Andf
ixwhatI
'
vebr
oken
Oh,
causeIyout
osee
Thatyouar
ether
eason
.
..
..
.-hesangt
hewhol
esong-
'Imeantever
ysi
ngl
e
wordIj ustsangr ightnow.Youar et her easonwhyI
am her etodayi t'
sbecauseoft hel oveyougi veme.
Itwasn'tami stakef orfalli
ngi nlovewi t
hyoui nfact
I'
ml ovingever ysecondofi t.Yout her easonf or
everythinghappeni ngi nmyl i
fe.Youar emywor ld,
myever yt
hing, myuni ver se.Todayyoubecomemy
family,myf leshofmyf lesh, mybl oodofmybl ood,
forallti
meandunderGod.Iwannat hankyouf or
everythingyouhavedonef orme.Iwannat hank
youf orthe3l ivesyoubi rthedf orme.Il ove
Ayamt handaNi ziboneNzungu- Plaatji
esandIwi ll
alwaysl oveyou.If i
nal l
yf oundl oveint hiswoman
andIwi l
lalwayscher ishyou.I ncaseyoudi dn't
real
izeIal sosangf oryouasIpr omi sed4year s
back."Thechuckl edsmi li
ng.Byt het i
mehewas
donemanypeopl ewer etouchedbyhi swor ds.

I'
m nottal
kingaboutNi
zibonewhowascrying
l
isteni
ngtoherhusband.Thisisthef
ir
stt
imehe
saidsuchtouchi
ngwordst oher.
Nowitwasni
zi'
sti
metosayherweddingvows.Her
mai
dofhonorLeJoygaveher
,herphone.

Nizibone:"letmest artoffbysayi nghel aughedat

mewhenIwaswr iti
ngmyvowsdown"ever yone
l
aughed" I’vecal l
edyoumyboyf r
iend, mypar tner,
mysi gni f
icantot herandmyf iance.Now, Ivowt o
l
oveyouf oreverasIgett ocal lyoumyhusband.I ,
standingher einf rontofyouandt hepeopl et hatwe
bothlovesodear ly,promi setoal waysl oveyou.
Heart hat:Iwi llal
waysl oveyou.Tome, yourl oveis
l
ikewat er
.I tisshapel essandi tisf ormlessbuti ti
s
alsopeacef ul,yetso, sost r
ong.Youcannotl ive
withoutwat er–andIcannotl i
vewi thoutyou.You,
mydar li
ng, aremyhear t
.Ipromi set osuppor tyou,
throught hickandt hin.Icannotwai ttowal kback
downt hatai sl
esot hatcanst ar tther estofmyl i
fe
withyoubymysi de.Mydar li
ngSi yamt handa,
remembert hever yf i
rstdaywemet ?Fr om t he
momentIsawyouevent houghIwasscar ed-
everyonel aughed-, Iknew, Ijustknewt hatyou
wer eTheOne, theoneIMUSTspendmyl ifewi th.
Ourcour t
shiphasbeent hehappi estper i
odofmy
l
ifebecause, inthatt ime, youbecomenotj ustmy
l
overandcompani on,butal somybestf riend.I
wantt obeyourl over,yourcompani onandyour
bestfriendf orther estofmyl if
e.Ipr omi set ol ove
andcher i
shyou, tokeepyoucl oseand, wi th
fai
thfulness, tobeyoursuppor tandhel pint imesof
need, t
omakeyoul aughandt ohol dyouwhenyou
cryandt oalwaysshowyout her espectandhonor
yousodeser veunt ilIclosemyeyesont hi sEar t
h
forthever ylastt ime.Si yamt handa, todayIt ake
yout obemyhusbandToget herwewi llcr eatea
homeandl i
fet hati strulybeaut i
fulandf il
ledwi t
h
l
oveandl i
ghtandl ifeandl aught er.Ivowt olove
youasyouar eandnothowImaywantyout obe
andt ogr owol dbyyoursi de.WhatcanIsayt hatI
haven’tal r
eadysai d?WhatcanIpr ovi deyout hatI
haven’tal r
eadygi ven?Mybody, mymi nd, mysoul
andmyhear t.They’ reallyour s.Ever ythingt hatI
haveandever ythingt hatIam, belongedt oyoul ong
beforet oday.AndIpr omi sethati tshal lal lbebe
yoursfor ever.Iwi llbeyour sf orever.Iwi llfollow
youanywher eyougoandanywher el eadmet o.
Handi nhand.Hear ti nhear t.Let ’
sgetonwi ththis
sot hatwecangr owol dt ogether !From t hisdayon,
Ichooseyou, mybel ovedSi yamt handa, t
obemy
dear esthusband.Tol ivewi thyouandl aughwi th
you;t ost andbyyoursi de,andsl eepinyourar ms;
tobej oyt oyourhear t
,andf oodf oryoursoul ;to
bringoutt hebesti nyoual ways, and,foryou, tobe
themostt hatIcan.Ipr omi set olaughwi thyoui n
goodt imes, tost r
uggl eandsuppor tyoui nt hebad
ti
mes;t oof feryousol aceyouwhenyouar e
downhear ted;t owi peawayyourt earswi thmy
handsandmyl ove; toshar ewi thyoual lmyr iches
andhonour s;topl aywi thyouasmuchasIcanunt i
l
wegr owol d;and, sti
lllovingeachot hersweet lyand
gladly, untilourl ivesshal lcomet oanend.Your
beaut y, hear t,andmi ndi nspi r
emet obet hebest
personIcanbe.Ipr omi set ol oveyouf oret er
nity,
respect ingyou, honour i
ngyou, bei ngfaithfultoyou,
andshar i
ngmyl i
fewi thyou.Thi sismysol emn
vow.You, myl ovear emybestf ri
end, mypl aymat e,
myconf idant e–andmygr eatestgi f
t.Youar et he
l
oveofmyl ife,someonewhoal waysmakeme
happi ert hanIcoul deverhavei magi nedandyou
havemademeabet terper sont hanIevert houghtI
couldbe.If eeltrulyblessedt hatyouchosemeand
thatIgett oshar emyl ifewi thyouandt hatyou
havechosent oshar eyour swi thme.I 'm happyt hat
youar estil
lwear ingthebr aceletthatsymbol sthe
startofourl ove.AsyoucanseeI 'm alsost il
l
wear i
ngt heneckl ace.Thi sneckl acet omeansal ot
.
Ithasbeenwi thust hroughever yt hing.Event he
diamondr i
ngI '
m wear ingmeansnot hingcompar ed
totheneckl aceI'm wear ing.Iwi llneverevent akei t
offcausei tremindsmeoft heourl ovef rom the
shackweusedt ol i
veint ot hemansi onwel i
vein
now.Il oveyoumyl ove."Si yawast ouchedbyher
wordsashi seyesspar kledwi t
ht ears.

Al
soever
yonestar
edbel
ievingi
ntr
uelovet
hose
t
hatdi
dn'
tbel
ievei
nit
.Everyonewasf
ondofthem.

Past
or:
"Doyou, Si
yamt
handaPlaatj
iestake
AyamthandaNzungu,tobeyourweddedWi f
e.vow
tobeherbiggestf
anandpar
tnerincrime.promise
tosuppor taf amilywit
hheri nahomef i
ll
edwith
patience,l
oveandunder standing.vowt
ogrowold
withher .willloveherfait
hfull
yanduncondi
ti
onall
y
throughdi f
fi
cul tandeasyt i
mes.Whatmaycome,
promi setoalwaysbet her
ewi thherAsshehave
givenherl i
fet oyou.”

Si
yamthanda:"Ido."Hesaidsl
eepi
ngintheri
ng.
Ni
zibone'
sringwaswr it
ten'Si
ya ' -
thesi
gh
st
andsforinfi
nity-I
ntheinsi
de.

ThewomanUlulat
edandsang.Ever
yonewas
happy.AndNi
ziwassohappy.

Pastor:
"doyouAyamt handaNzungut ake,
SiyamthandaPlaatji
est obeyouweddedhusband.
vowt obehisbiggestf anandpar tnerincri
me.
promisetosuppor tafami l
ywi t
hhi minahome
fi
ll
edwi t
hpatience,l
oveandunder st
anding.vowt
o
growoldwi t
hhi m.willlovehimf ai
thful
lyand
unconditi
onal
lythroughdi ff
icul
tandeasyt i
mes.
Whatmaycome,promi
setoal
waysbet
her
ewi
th
hi
m.Ashehavegivenhi
sli
fet
oyou.
”

Nizi
bone:"
sunxamaut
hini
i?
(wai
twhatar
eyou
sayi
ng)"ever
yonel
aughed.

Nizi
:"
justj
okingIdo.
"Shesl
ippedint
hering.Si
ya'
s
r
ingwasal sowrit
ten'
Nizi 'int
heinsi
de.

Past
or:
"iknowpronounceashusbandandwi f
eyou
maykissedthebri
de.
"Siyaf
ixedhi
stie.Ever
yone
l
aughed.

Hepul
ledhercl
osert
ohi
m bef
oreshar
ingaki
ss.

Theirf
ri
ends:
"Topdeckmarn."Theyl
aughedand
thecoupl
epulledoutl
aughi
ng.
Ar
ainbowont
hei
reastsi
decameout
.

ThewomanUlulat
edandeveryonesang.They
walkeddownt
heaisl
ehandinhand.

Theywenttotakepi
ctur
es.Thandohadt
orusht
o
theki
tchent
ocheckifever
ythi
ngisfi
newit
hher
team.

Aft
ertaki
ngpi
ctures.I
nthemeanti
metheother
guest
swherebeingservedwi
ththeal
coholoft
hei
r
choi
ceintheminbar.

Ever
yonewashappy.

Let'
ssayRi rir
eal
lydi
doutdohi m.Thepl acewas
great.TheywentTotherecepti
onist.The
centerpi
eceswhereNon-
f l
oralCenterpi
eces.They
hadwhi tefeat
her
s.
Thet abl
eswherer oundwitht
wocenterpi
eces.
Everyonehad3gl asses.Theunderpl
ateswhere
goldandt hecut
lery.

Thebridesmai
dsandgr
oomsmenwalkedinfi
rst
doi
ngt hei
rweddi
ngst
ep.Thent
hepowercouple
walkedin.

Rir
iwasthei
rMc.Hedi
deveryt
hingi
nthepr
ogr
am.
Theycoupl
edidt
hei
rdance.

TheydancedtoThi
nki
ngoutLoudbyEdSheeran.
Whentheyweredonetheyseal
edthedancewi
tha
ki
ss.Theygotl
osti
nthemoment .

Theystoppedki
ssi
ngwhenpeopl est
art
edclappi
ng
thei
rhands.Ni
zihi
dherfaceonherhusband's
chestasshewasalit
tl
ebitshy.
Siyakissedherf
orehead.Theywal
kedbackt
othei
r
chair
s.Foodwasser ved.

Whi
leever
yonewaseatingthecoupl
esaidt
hei
r
wor
dsofthankyou.Af
tereati
ngtheywentt
osl
ice
t
hei
r4tier
sofcake.

Theydidn'
twental
loutonthecaketheyjust
wantedsomethi
ngsimple.Aft
ereat
ingthecake.
Theywentbacktothei
rchair
s.

Ri
riwentonwiththepr
ogram asexpect
edhewas
al
sojoki
ngaround.Aft
erever
ythi
ngwasdonethe
ol
dpeoplewentout.

Theyout
hpart
iedt
hewholenightunf
ort
unat
elyt
he
coupl
ehadt
ogot othei
rhunnymoon.
Theyki
ssedast
heywalkedoutoft
hevenue.They
werest
oppedbyarai
n.

Si
yaandNi
zi:
"If
inal
l
yfoundl
ove.
"theyki
ssedagai
n.

-
TheEnd-
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted