Prologue

I had a very bad headache and didn't like what

was going on.

I didn't understand why we had to move,

everything in me was slowly crashing down and
changing. New school, new neighborhood and
new lifestyle.

I wasn't ready for that.

I was seated on the couch watching them pack

away, nobody had the time for my tamper
tantrums. I don't know if we downgrading or
upgrading.
Mom: Yanela are your things packed and loaded

Me: Mom I don't want to go

Dad comes through carrying his t-shirts neatly

folded.

Dad: Pumpkin please

I pout.

Aniza: Here take these to the car and stop

sulking, manje (now) Yanela

That's my big brother Aniza, he always bosses

me around like I am little. Okay I am little, our
relationship is the best we have this cute love
and hate relationship. Always pranking each
other and enjoy being brother and sister.

I take the box and place it inside the boot and

close it. They come out with the rest of the
things remaining and load them in the truck, it's
really happening. I am saying goodbye to the
lovely memories we shared in this house, my
friends.

My friends, I am probably going to be visiting

them every weekend. Ain't no way in hell am I
going to be stuck in some town or city I don't
know.

We get in the car and I look out the window

sobbing, bye home I will miss you....
After what felt like a decade, we finally arrive at
the new place oh my God! We rich..

Dad opens the door to our new home, its big

enough and empty. We have a beautiful
backyard with a pool, I see mom hosting a lot of
her society friends. Aniza girls coming in and
out, dad will probably be at work most of the
time and I am getting ready to start my matric
year.

I am Yanela Smith and this is the story.

Few months later

[YANELA]

01
Yanela
I just turned 18 and looking to starting at my
new school.

Ay man who am I kidding, things have been

horrible..

Me: Mom why can't we go back

Mom: Yanela we talked about this a million

times. Dad moved us here so he can be closer
to work, now that he has gotten a promotion.
Get ready for school or do you want me to call
Aniza

I put all my things in my school bag and head

out. Aniza already has the car engine warming
up, I say nothing and get in the backseat.

Aniza: Usakwatile namanje (You still angry)

Me: I wouldn't expect you to understand

Aniza: Whatever

He drives of.

Me: Brother whose car is this

Aniza: My friend's

Me: Your friends have nice cars

I am just asking because I don't remember him
having a car. But he has been contributing a lot
in this house, and my parents are very happy
and proud of him.

He looks at me from the rear view mirror

frowning, than continue staring ahead.

I am not looking forward to this day.

Ntokozo Mhlongo
Last night one partied hard.

I don't think, I remember who I am. I get up and

it fucking smells in here, I look around and my
head is too heavy for me to lift.
I lay back down.

The door opens.

"Ey Vukani, khemani up, up" (Wake up)

Me: Mmm

Does he not realize he is making loud noise,

does he not know what I am going through.

"Call us"

With the way I am so drunk I won't even

remember who they are.
He opens the curtains and lets fresh air in.

"Uzokhula nini Ntokozo" (When are you going to

grow up)

Me: I run a gang, that's all the growing up I need

in life

I laugh.

I am so hangover, I can't even open my eyes.

Me: Talk to me, aw Phiri

Phiri is my best friend, my ride or die and

extraordinary right hand man.

Phiri: Snakho is coming back

Me: The deal went good

Phiri: More than good as per his words

Me: Okay let me bath and get ready

Phiri: Yeah you stink

Me: Bitch if I had my gun I would have popped

you

The door closes.

I am Ntokozo Mhlongo those who know me call
me Ntk. I have two elder brothers, one is a
teacher and using a different surname. The
other one well runs the streets with me I guess.
Our parents died, not anything tragic or major.

We live one fucked up lifestyle.

Yanela
He drops me off at school and drives of, ah not
even a goodbye or R200 nyana for lunch since
he has money now argh. I roll my eyes and
enter the school grounds, as a bunch of other
kids are arriving as well.

As I am walking to the assembly, I feel eyes on

me. They probably staring at me and thinking I
am a freak, curly hair, blue eyes in a dark brown
complexion. Hello I am a Smith, even Aniza has
blue eyes. Our dad is half white and half black,
their got some strong gene's.

Back in the day his grandparents didn't approve

of the relationship his parents. You know white
people always saw color, they may believe they
have changed and convinced themselves of
that lie but deep down inside. They evil and
cunning like the devil.

"Hello there"

Me: Hey

Him: I am Kwazi
Me: Yanela

Kwazi: Wow I couldn't help but notice your

beautiful

Me: Thank you

I look at him and he is smiling like a retard.

Kwazi: Friends

Hey would you look at that, I made a friend

already.

Phiri Mlaba
I was waiting for him in the car, we got
somewhere to be and he is taking forever..

He finally steps out of the house wearing all

black, black jean, combat boots, black top and a
black long sleeve underneath. Its a hundred
degrees outside, who the fuck is he trying to
impress.

He gets in the car.

Ntokozo: What

Me: Are you sick, do I need to take you to the

hospital

Ntokozo: Just shut up and drive, uyeke ukubuza

imbuzo engasile (Stop asking ridiculous
questions)

I start the car and drive off.

Ntokozo: Where is Charmaine

Me: She had the time of her life

Charmaine is our little butter cup, you touch her

we come for your life. She is best friends with
the whole crew, and happens to date Snakho.
They in a very healthy loving relationship, we
annoy him all the time when it comes to
Charmaine.

Me: She will be so happy her man is coming bac

-
I look at my mirrors someone is following me.

Me: Get your gun

I turn left, I look again the car is still following

me.

I press the brakes hard, Ntokozo opens the

door and opens fire.

I get out with my gun and start shooting, it gets

hot we run and hide in the front of my car.

Me: Fuck... You guys we are cornered

He pulls out something from his boots.

Me: Is that a

He pulls out the pin and throws the bomb.. The

car exolodes.

We get up and the car was burning, he gets in

the car.

Ntokozo: Phiri get in the fucking car and drive

Why is he shouting at me now.

Yanela
I got through the day pretty well, my friend
Kwazi familiarized me with some parts of the
school. The teachers are not so bad, but every
leaner in school had a problem with me being
around kwazi.

It didn't really bother me that much, I came here

to study and not focus on things that don't
concern me. The period is almost over and I
can't wait to go home.

This wasn't totally bad as I anticipated, I just

hope I can make it through without any
distraction. I want to become a doctor or lawyer,
and no I was not influenced by my parents.

Kwazi: Sweetheart

I look up.
Kwazi: Love school already that you don't want
to leave

I chuckle.

I pack my stuff and get up, he takes my bag.

Me: I can carry it myself you know

Kwazi: How can I let such a beautiful lady like

you hold heavy stuff, no miss

My brother is probably waiting for me outside

and will surely smack anything next to me...
[YANELA]
O2

Phiri
I wonder where he got the grenade from, but
nothing shocks me anymore with Ntokozo. He
is pissed off and when Ntokozo is angry, he can
be angry till the Jesus comes back.

Ntokozo: Kanjani ngihlaselwa abantu

nikhona(How do I get attacked under your
watch)

Khize: Hade boss

Ntokozo: Fokof
He walks in his office and bangs the door.

Khize: Usumenzeni (What have you done to him

now)

Me: I don't have the energy man

He walks out slamming the door.

They better find out who just attacked us,

otherwise he will have our heads for breakfast,
lunch and dinner.

Yanela
As predicted my brother is outside waiting for
me. I quickly grab my bag, bid him goodbye and
run to the car.
I get in and sigh.

Aniza: Zisuka nje usuyajola Yanela (Already you

have a boyfriend)

Me: He is a friend I made this morning

Aniza: There's no girls in your school

Me: Niza

He frowns.

Me: He is just a friend

Aniza: Next thing yall be sucking faces and
making appointments with doctors

Me: How can I even date with such a tyrant like

you breathing down my neck. Ah suka just drive
and you didn't even give me lunch money

He starts the car and drives off.

Phiri
We came back to welcome Snakho back.
Charmaine just arrived and she is trying her very
best to look sober.

We laugh.

Charmaine: Stop laughing because I was

partying with you guys.

We laugh and she laughs.

She has gold eye patches under her eyes.

Ntokozo is still mad, we decided to stay out of
his way. He comes down and looking ready to
leave.

Charmaine: Where you going

Ntokozo: Out

Charmaine: Njomane is coming back

Ntokozo: Okay
He grabs his car keys and leaves.

"Yaa uyaphi" (where you going)

And he is back.

Yanela
Mom: So how was school

Me: Not bad actually

Dad: Pumpkin

I cover my mouth.
Me: My apologies, it wasn't bad except for the
kids weirdly looking at me like I am some freak

Aniza: You are a freak

Dad punches him.

Me: You also have blue eyes

Aniza: And moms light complexion you on the

other hand, look like some AI

Me: Ah

Mom: Stop it
I chuckle.

Dad: I am happy you have a good time my baby

It will take a while from me to adjust properly,

but I am slowly making progress.

Ntokozo
Snakho: I asked you a question where you going

I sniff my nose and walk back inside.

Snakho: I thought so

Charmaine runs to him, he picks her up and

they kiss.
Snakho: Glad I was missed

Charmaine: You have no idea

He lets her down and spanks her ass.

Me: Okay I saw you goodbye

Snakho: Ntokozo sit down

Me: For what, for what ay fuseg hau

I leave slamming the door.

I am happy he is back, but I got stuff to do.

[YANELA]

03

Yanela
I was looking forward to going to school the
next day. My brother driving me to school in
another fancy car, I won't bother asking him
what he is doing or why he is doing it.

Aniza: Alright kiddo we are here

Me: Already

The ride was so fun, jamming on old school

music. He takes out his wallet and gives me
R300.
I smile.

Aniza: Have a great day

Me: Thank you

I kiss him and step out of the car. I will save

some of this money, so I can be able to visit my
friends this weekend.

Kwazi: Aw kodwa blue blue

I chuckle.

He takes my bag and we enter the school

grounds.

Ntokozo
I only come back this morning.

I don't know why but I was super angry, really

angry. I am calm now but my insides are still
boiling, I want to know who had the fucking
guts to come after me.

I enter my house and the gents are fucked up,

at least there are no hoes around otherwise I
would have lost my mind.

I head upstairs to my room.. Along the way I

hear lots of moaning and groaning.
Me: Njomane

I whistle and enter my room. He will probably

punch me for the attitude I pulled, but I don't
care.

Yanela
Break time came and Kwazi invited me to chill
with his crew...

If I didn't know better, I would think he is into

me. The way he is so caring and gentle with me,
like I am the most important person in the world.

Friend 1: So blue blue, where you from

Kwazi: Heaven
They laugh.

I shake my head and tell them everything.

Friend 1: Well welcome to our school

I smile.

Ntokozo
"Ah ah ah, ihee"

I couldn't sleep so I decided to clean my house,

putting all my frustration and anger into
cleaning.
Snakho: Wow Ntokozo kudala ngabona ukuth
ziyantringa la kuwena (I long seen you were
crazy)

Me: I am crazy for cleaning my house

Snakho: You never clean, instead you punch

people to clean for you

Me: Well today is different, I am cleaning my

H.O. U. S. E

He chuckles.

Me: Everything went well

Snakho: I couldn't secure the deal

Me: I thought, Snakho we have hot stuff rotting
away in the warehouse

Snakho: I know that

He exclaims.

Me: Ay and I am the crazy one

Charmaine: Really yall shouting at each other

already

He turns around and they kiss, couple goals

these two. They don't care as long as they have
each other.
Charmaine: Should I make anything

Snakho: Wee I do not want to be fighting with

this thing

I leave the bucket out and mop to dry, now I can

shower and try to sleep. I have exhausted
myself enough.

Phiri
After a nice hot shower I wanted to sleep some
more, but I craved something juicy and greasy.

Snakho: What is up with your friend

Me: A car was tailing us and opened fire

Snakho: What

Me: You know how he is but yeah, we managed

to get rid of them though

Snakho: Here I am thinking, he is on some

drugs or something

Me: Uyacava uNtk akathintwa (You know he is

untouchable)

Snakho: Suka he must stop acting like a baby

and man up, what did he think this was pretty
Pegasus (Unicorn)

My jaw drops.
He laughs.

Snakho: I will look into it

That will be good because I don't have the

strength for his tantrums.
[YANELA]

04

Yanela
Me: Okay guys before I go, I would like to say its
the weekend and I will be visiting my friends

Dad: The walls in your room haven't even tasted

your smell
Me: But daddy

Dad: Give it a week or month than you can do

sleepovers

What

Dad: Don't take this the wrong way okay

pumpkin

Me: But dad

Dad: Yanela no, do not make me repeat myself

Me: Yebo
He kisses the top of my head and leaves.

Mom: Yanela

I take my phone and exit the door, I get in the

car and text my friends.

I knew coming here was a bad idea.

Aniza: Cheer up babe its not the end of the

world

Me: I can walk to school you know

Aniza: Weee
He chuckles.

He starts the car and drives of.

Ntokozo
Snakho had the guys who planned an attack on
me the other day, I lit my cigarette and look at
them.

Me: Ngoba ngithi iyntwana lezi (They look

young)

Snakho: Nithunywe ubani (Who sent you)

The keep quiet.

Me: Uthe nithunywe ubani (He said who sent
you)

I grab my gun and shoot one of them in the

head.

"Brian"

Me: Brian who

"Brain Ngo-"

I shoot him before he even finishes the

sentence.
Snakho: That guy is still around

Me: You because of you Snakho

Snakho: Mina, oh right me

Me: You going to go back there and finish the

deal before my hot head loses it

I get in my car and drive off.

Phiri
We look at the dead bodies oozing out blood.

Me: Does anyone impress Ntokozo

Snakho: Nope

Me: Snakho we need to move those guns

Snakho: I know that, I thought you guys killed

him so that we move in

I look at him.

Snakho: Oh right

He laughs.

Me: What were you doing actually, you said

everything was okay what happened
Snakho: I didn't like their terms and conditions

Me: I see

Snakho: I will get a good deal somewhere

Me: I will call them to clean this up

At least we know who is after us, Brian

Ngobese took over his father's business of
smuggling guns. Snakho was supposed to take
care of that, I don't know what happened but
little Brian will wish he never started this war.

Yanela
"Blue blue"
I inwardly roll my eyes. I was actually avoiding
him, because I needed a moment to myself.
Dad just refused me to go visit my friends.

Kwazi: There you are, I have been looking all

over for you

He says with a worried tone. I don't care even if

he was searching for me all this while, so that
Michelle Obama could see me.

Me: I just wanted to be with myself

Kwazi: Aw what's wrong

Me: Kwazi
Kwazi: Okay okay how about we go to the mall
and grab something to eat after school

That could work.

Me: But we need to go fast before my brother

comes to fetch me

Kwazi: Text him and say you going to the mall

Me: You really making it hard for a person to

stay mad

He kisses my cheek and runs away.

I laugh.
I bet he has been waiting to do that since I
came here.

I shake my head.

Ntokozo
I wanted a moment to myself and this buggers
can't let me have that.

Thobeka: Hey babe

She kisses my cheek.

I give her a faint smile.

Phiri: Yeah we will take your platters and beer

Me: Ay niyabhora shame, niyakwazi ukuzikhipha

emtwini (Yall are so boring shame)

Thobeka: I missed you

Me: Been busy

Thobeka: Can I come over

I look at them, they look away.

Me: Sure but.. Sure

I don't understand the concepts of being in a

relationship, its not worth my time. I am beyond
toxic and this girl shame is so desperate to be
loved by me and I am afraid I can't give her that.

Yanela
After school we did go to the mall. I did text my
brother and he didn't have a problem, so long I
don't stay late. I won't say I am happy in fact the
whole time we been here I just wanted to go
home. I guess this cheer me up the way I
thought it would.

Kwazi: Okay wow its the first time seeing you

this depressed

He has no idea.

Me: You know what Kwazi actually I just want to

go home, if you don't mind

He looks at me and smiles.

Kwazi: Okay let's get ice-cream and leave

Ice-cream really now, I have to bare the torture

of eating ice cream...

We get his ice-cream and leave. He also bought

me some, I am not a fan of ice-cream but oh
well...

I accidentally bump into someone and the

whole thing gets smudge on his maybe
expensive jacket. I try to wipe it off and I am
making things worse, he turns around and
grabs my hands so strong and hard.

Me: I am so sorry please

He was raging fire, but his face seems to be

relaxing.

Me: I am sorry sir, I can wash your jacket sir

please forgive me

His gaze on me is very uncomfortable, but I am

more concerned about his jacket to pay
attention.

Him: Next time ubheke la ohamba khona

Me: Yebo
He pops his eyes out..

I may be weird looking but I know Zulu, he

walks away taking off his jacket and shoving it
on someone else. They laugh and get in the
cars and take off.

Kwazi: Blue

I gasp.

Me: I thought he was going to hit me

Kwazi: He wasn't going to do that

Me: Please take me home

Kwazi: Of course let's go

I sigh.
[YANELA]

05

Phiri
Something was happening to Ntokozo, he was
mesmerized by that school girl. I didn't clearly
see her, but she had blue eyes.

Snakho: I saw her and she is the one

We laugh.

Me: Your brother has too much pride, he won't

degrade himself like that and I don't mean it in a
judgmental way. But like nothing impresses that
guy

Snakho: She's black and she has blue eyes Phiri

blue eyes

We laugh.

Charmaine: Hello ladies

Me: Mama

Charmaine: Yall must have scored big if he is in

a good mood

Snakho: Not us baby, Ntokozo

Me: Stop counting your chickens before they

hatch

He comes down in the middle of us making

breakfast.

Ntokozo: Mama

She smiles.

Charmaine: You okay

She checks his temperature.

Ntokozo: I am fine baby

He is not fine.

Snakho: So

Ntokozo: Drop it

We laugh.

We shall see.

Yanela
Aniza: You been quiet since this morning
I am mad, I can't visit my friends and I am
thinking about the guy I bumped into.

Aniza: Nela

Me: Bro what part of my silence says I want to

speak to you

Aniza: Ah

He walks away.

Dad: Pumpkin

I get up and head to my room.

Dad: You can't ignore me forever

I ignore him and enter my room. I already

cleaned the house and I don't want them
disturbing me.

Yanela!

I really don't want to talk to my dad. I won't

disrespect him, but I don't want to talk to him.

"Smith leave her alone"

I lay down and think about that guy. He looked

dreamy and scary at the same time, wait why
am I thinking about him.
I sigh.

Ntokozo
She was not like anything I have ever seen
before in my life. I don't know if those were
contact lenses or her real eyes, but she looked
heavenly. Her lips I never craved anything this
bad, fuck man.

Khize: Hola hola (Hello)

Snakho: Camtha (Talk)

Khize: Ey skhulu angazi noma uzoyincanyiswa

yini yilokhu (Boss I don't know if this will
impress you)
I look at him.

Khize: Manje kunethesho laphaya egalofini

mfethu, uchweba luvuka sterek. Ngikhuluma
nawe nje ngithunywe izona izingamula, ukuba
ngifuna abantu abazothwala imidicane lena
yokudica igalofu (So now, we got a job to do
there by the gold course. There's a lot of money,
as I am talking to you right now. I have been
sent by the white bosses to recruit people who
will carry golf clubs)

We laugh.

Khize: Ey zifike ngenkani izingamula namuhla.

Ngathula kancane ngimamele lento eshiwo
ilotsotsi ( They came in numbers, I remained
quiet for a moment to what this man is saying)

Phiri: Yini imidicane (What is that)

Me: Golf sticks, those people who carry golf

sticks

Phiri: Khize

We laugh.

Phiri: Uyahlanya ekhanda (are you crazy) do we

look like caddy boys to you

Khize: Cava ingasisebenzela lento, babamba

imidicane, sithatha ama lahla ngala (This could
work, yall hold the sticks and steal their cars)
He lost me already, my mind is on blue eyed girl.

Yanela
I was just about to doze of when my phone
rings.

Me: Hey

Kat: You still sleeping

Me: Dad refused me to come, say I must give it

a week or month than I can come

Kat: Wow you still on that

Me: obviously I miss you guys

Beyonce: Shame

We call her beyonce because she is the

beyonce in the group.

Kat: Ah sweetheart don't cry forget about king

kong, at least you not that far away we can visit
you

Me: Thank you girls, I don't want it to seem like I

am abandoning you guys

Kat: You can never abandon us, listen we have

to go talk later
Me: Bye

They hung up, another call comes through. I

don't know this number, I answer and keep
quiet.

"Blue blue"

Me: Kwazi

Kwazi: Hey angel

Me: How did you, you know what doesn't matter

Kwazi: Want to go out today or tomorrow my

treat
I am not in the mood for anything really, but I
think some fresh air will do.

Me: Okay let me get ready

Maybe this will take my mind off things.

Phiri
We have our own way of discussing heist and
what not, we go out and have drinks than
discuss the way forward.

Me: Let us go we going to be late, what the fuck

are you guys dressing up for

Snakho: Hey we might meet blue

Me: No the fuck we won't

Ntokozo: Wena Khize lento yakho ike

ingasebenzi nhizokuphihliza (Your thing better
work otherwise, I will kill you)

Me: In the car lets go

Snakho: Charmaine

Me: She went home, I wonder where did it say. I

am your guys girlfriend's keeper

Ntokozo: You the sane one and keep us

together without you shame we would be lost in
life
I chuckle.

Me: Asambe
[YANELA]

06

Ntokozo
As they were discussing the plan, the girl with
blue eyes passes by with a bunch of boys. I
clench my jaws and get angry, what the fuck is
she doing with boys.

I get up and follow them.

I put my hands on my back and bump into her.

Her: Hey wa

I grab her hand and pull her out.

Her: Hey let me go

I grab my gun and shoot in the air three times,

everybody screams.

Her: Okay please don't hurt me, I am sorry for

running your jacket

Me: Get in the car

Her: Ple-

Me: Get in the fucking car now

I shout startling her.

Her: Okay okay

She gets in the car and I get in with her, Phiri

drives off.

Her: Please let me go

Me: Angiyincanywi lento yakho yokuhamba

nabafana (I don't like this thing of yours being
around boys)
Her: Please

She wipes her tears, she is hurting me now.

Me: Ngena eroundini (take us to the hood)

My phone rings.

Me: Sho.. Correct

I hung up.

Me: I am not going to hurt you, so stop crying

She pinches her lips together and look out the

window.

Yanela
Surprisingly they drop me off two houses away
from home. This man gets out and walks
around the back, than opens the door extending
his hand out. I take it because he has a gun and
I don't want to die.

Him: Your beautiful

Me: Thank you

Him: What's your name

Me: Yanela, Yanela Smith

Him: Ntokozo ntk Mhlongo but you can call me
baby

What.

Ntokozo: So you will stay away from boys right

He brushes my hair back.

Ntokozo: Right

Me: Yes

He smiles and kisses my cheek.

Ntokozo: Ngikufoje unama jita futh nonke

nizofa (I see you again with boys, all of you are
dying)

He gives me a smirk and gets in the car.

I watch it drive of... I breathe out and run home.

Ntokozo
He was busy stealing looks and I am not going
to say anything.

He clears his throat.

Phiri: You like her

Me: Don't we have a heist to plan

Phiri: Its okay you can be weak and vulnerable
with me, I won't tell anybody

I grab my phone and call Snakho.

He laughs.

Snakho: Hello

Me: Its me

Snakho: Oh Yebo baba

Me: Fokof, zithini kuhamba kanjan (Fuck you,

what is going on)
Snakho: We scouting and investigating the
place, now stop calling me. I am already in
suspicion

He hung up.

Me: Bloody hell

Yanela
I get in slamming the door.

Thank goodness nobody is at home.

My phone rings.
Me: Hello

"Blue"

Me: Kwazi hey

Kwazi: You okay what did he do to you

Me: Nothing, but I am back home

Kwazi: You sure

Me: Yes everything is okay, I have to go bye

I hung up.
Me: I need to shower

I felt all kinds of emotions back there.

Ntokozo
Snakho and the gents are back.

Khize: It will work even if you look at me like

that

Phiri: Talk to us

Snakho: Okay so the golf course is heavy

guarded

Me: Golf courses are guarded

Snakho: This one is

Me: Mmm extra fun

Snakho: Okay getaway will be smooth, we can

get lost here and spread out. High, rich people
come here

Me: We might not get anything

Snakho: Everything is accounted for in their

membership, however there's an event going on
and

Me: Being caddies is a perfect disguise

Khize: Now you getting it

Me: So when do we hit

Snakho: Monday

I look at them.

Khize: Trust me this will work

He hands me a glass of whiskey, it better work.

[YANELA]

07

Yanela
The weekend passed and it was Monday. I was
on edge, but somehow had butterflies in my
stomach. I really thought he was going to hurt
me, but he was so intimidating and charming,
telling me to stay away from boys. That was
cute.

"Miss Smith"

I snap out of my thoughts and look at her.

Teacher: You miles away, everything okay

I clear my throat.

Kwazi: She was kidnapped by that gangster

Ntokozo
Teacher: What did he hurt you are you okay

Oh they know him, of course they know him

Yanela you just moved here.

Me: I am fine it happened so fast, my brother

came to my rescue

I lie.

Teacher: That boy one day is one day, I am

sorry my child

He is a gangster.
Teacher: Okay lets continue

I fail to pay attention.

Ntokozo
I can't believe one agreed to be a caddy.

Snakho lifts up my chin with a golf stick.

Snakho: Cheer up babe, it will all be over soon

I wish to hit him badly with that stick, because

he is enjoying this. Who the fuck plays golf on a
Monday, oh rich people do..

Charmaine, Charmaine what is she doing here. I

look at him, she grabs a stick and hops away.
He got Charmaine involved is he stupid or what.

Me: I thought we agreed imama won't be a part

of this anymore

He walks away, ooh I am going to kill him. She

stands next to those white man, twisting her
hair and flirting with them.

Phiri: Go Charmaine

She giggles and wiggles her ass, than hits the

ball. I am so tempted to rush over there and pull
her away.

Me: Oh my my fucking God

Another caddie boy hands me a bottle of water,
its one of my guys.

I nod.

He walks away, now I am stressed out. We

agreed never use Charmaine again because she
once got hurt, I need to get her out of here.

Yanela
I come out of the toilets, kwazi and his friends
were waiting for me. Like really as if Ntokozo is
going to come here guns blazing, they acting
dramatic and I have stopped fantasizing about
him.
Me: Thank you

Kwazi: I am taking no chances with you

He didn't do anything while he dragged me out,

but its okay.

We go sit down and join a group of girls.

Kwazi: This is Simphiwe and dudu and Zoleka

Me: Nice meeting you

Simphiwe: You Ntokozo's girlfriend

Kwazi frowns.
Me: No I don't even know who that is, I just
moved here

Simphiwe: Come we just going to the tuck shop,

we will be back come

They pull my hand and we go to the school tuck

shop. I bump into someone oh wow this habit
of mine, he gives me a piece of paper and walks
away. I open and read it "Why am I still seeing
you around boys"

I look up and search for the man who gave me

this paper, he is long gone. He is stalking me
now, I start hyperventilating.

Ntokozo
I headed out and went to my car the sun is
burning really bad, is this what its like to be a
caddie boy.

I turn on the AC..

Me: Fuck

My phone rings.

Me: Sho

"She fainted"

Me: Good next time she will listen to my

warnings, because I will kill him her and those
boys
I hung up.

My phone rings again.

Me: I

Snakho: Where the fuck are you

Me: The coast is clear

Snakho: You see Phiri this dumb bitch of yours,

when I hit him so bad than I will turn into a bad
guy. Finish the mission than go fuck your
mermaid don't play with me man
He hungs up.

Me: What the

I step out of the car.

Yanela
Dad was called and he quickly came to fetch
me..

I am back home sitting on the couch and a hot

towel on my forehead. I don't feel good and he
is busy screaming at me.

Dad: Do you know what people do to your kind.

Rape, kill, chop up and in your case used for
riches
I didn't think I had to tell anyone seeing as we
just moved here.

Me: Its cold now, can you make it warm again

He gives me a stink eye.

Me: Smith

He raises his hand, I duck.

Dad: Ngizokukhahlela mina (I will kick your

backside)

I laugh.
Ntokozo
I climb on the counter and start shooting,
everyone screams.

Me: Heads down and put even in the bag now

I shoot in the air again.

Me: You open here

"I don't know how"

"I shoot him in the head.

I open the till, they come and take out the

money.

Me: Akusheshwe lapho (Make fast)

I set up the smoke grenades.

One tries to act smart... He grabs me from

behind trying to disarm me. I hit him with the
back of my head, he groans.. I punch his groin
and he goes down holding his crotch. I aim at
his head and take him out.

Me: Any of you dumb bitches want to be a hero

like him try me, you will be dead. Keep your
head down and I won't have to kill you

I finish up with the smoke bombs and release

them and head out...

I meet with the team underground.

Snakho: I never ask you for anything, the one

time I need you to have my back. You decide to
leave

Me: I came back didn't I

Snakho: That's beside the point

Charmaine: Fight at home, lets go

Snakho: Ngizokuthola yezwa

He clicks his tongue and gets in the car.. I get in
my car as well and drive of.

When we are a bit far from the golf course, I

take of my mask.
[YANELA]

08

Yanela
I didn't go to school today, the principal saw I
was close to death and gave me a two days off.
I will probably go back tomorrow, I can't stand
being bored and stuck with my parents.

I am already done with my house chores and

was listening to music trying to dance, shame
me and my two left feet. I don't know why they
decided to put a huge mirror in the living room, I
am so going to annoy them.

As I am dancing, I get the biggest shock of my

life coming towards me. I stop and look at him
through the mirror, he looks angry.

Ntokozo: Yazi Mfethu angithandi ukucasuka,

bengithi siyikhulumile lento yakho nokuhlala
nabafana. Yini ungezwa noma hlampe
bengikhuluma ichayina, ungazihluphi ngokuthi
ngingene kanjan (You know I don't like to get
mad. I thought you and I talked about this thing
of yours being around boys, why don't you listen
or maybe I was speaking Chinese. Don't bother
asking how I got in)

He stands behind me.

"Hey look what I found"

He puts his hand on my waist and I don't know

my body got chills.

Ntokozo: I am on my way now, ngalokothi

mama ngikubone nabafana yezwa, yezwa na (I
better not see you around boys again, you hear
me)

I nod.

Ntokozo: Angizwa (I can't hear you)

Me: Yebo (Yes)

Ntokozo: Ntombazane

He kisses my cheek and they leave.

Ntokozo
Fuck!

Yanela is one beautiful girl. I think, I am going to

lose my mind. I thought, I was going to pick her
up from school but I was told she got days off
school. Wow some children are very lucky these
days.

Phiri: This taste good

Me: Why did you steal his drinks, what if there's

poison in there
Phiri: At least I would die having a good drink

We laugh.

Me: I want you to

Phiri: Way ahead of you

He hands me a brown envelope.

I chuckle.

Me: Fine, deliver some goodies to her

Phiri: Ay ay captain, you know this is the first

time I see you patient with a girl

Me: Ingelosi leya ngayihlukumeza kanjan nje

kodwa (That angel how can I possibly, mistreat
her)

I laugh.

I will take my absolute time with her.

Yanela
"Yanela"

I get startled.

Mom: Your father must remove this because its

going to drive you crazy

I head up to my room.

I breathe out and lay down. This guy is

determined to taunt me and stalk me, its no use
reporting him. The police are probably on his
payroll and that will just make things harder for
me.

My phone rings.

Me: You guys, yoh I miss school already

Kwazi: We miss you more, what's wrong you

looked spooked
I think about Ntokozo's words.

Me: Just feeling a little bit light headed

Simphiwe: Text us your location and we will

bring you homework

Me: Okay can you text me with your number

Simphiwe: No problems

Me: Thank you for calling I appreciate it

Them: Bye

I hung up.
Phiri
Charmaine: Why we here

Me: I need to impress someone, so I am setting

up a package. What should I buy and what I
shouldn't

Charmaine: You catched feelings

Me: You and Snakho can't be the only ones in

love

She laughs.

Charmaine: Okay we in the right aisle chocolate

Me: Is it a stretch if I get one of each

Charmaine: Go crazy

I am helping Ntokozo here but I won't mention it

to anybody.

Charmaine: Biscuit oreo woman love oreos,

chockits a must

Me: These are your favorites

Charmaine: Good next time when I am down,

you know what to buy me
I laugh.

Ntokozo
He walks in slamming the door, I look up at him.

Me: Yazi Snakho

Snakho: Fuck you

Me: Bitch we still got stuff sitting around in the

warehouse and you complaining about a minor
thing

Snakho: Oh is that why you left

Me: What the fuck is wrong with you, ay man

pull yourself together or should I go and fix your
mess

He looks at me.

Me: Shut up than

Phiri: Mlungu wami (Boss)

Me: After that book a flight for us, I will probably

be back in a week or few

He laughs.

Phiri: Sure
Me: Who you with

Phiri: Mami

Me: Okay

I hung up.

I am going to miss, miss Smith I hope she

behaves.

Yanela
Later in the day Simphiwe and Zoleka came by
already changed.

Simphiwe: Wow your house is so beautiful

Me: Thank you, I made snacks and drinks. We
can head up to my room

They help me with the stuff. I open my door and

there's a huge basket on the bed.

Simphiwe: NTK, wow cheating on kwazi already

Me: What

Simphiwe: He telling everyone in school that

guys smashed and in love

Zoleka: Simphiwe
Simphiwe: What

I grab the card from her.

It's written NTK and a small heart below.

Simphiwe: Who is ntk, wait a minute oh my God.

You dating thee Ntokozo Mhlongo aka NTK

Me: I don't know who that is

Simphiwe: You naughty hoe, why you being

defensive. The kidnapping story was a lie

Me: Simphiwe can we mind the books please

Simphiwe: You didn't miss anything

Me: Thank you

Simphiwe: So tell us more about Ntokozo

Why would he send me such a gift that's if it is

from him. I smile on the inside, no Yanela this
guy will break, chop, fry and slice your heart.
[YANELA]

09

A week later

Ntokozo
I am jet lag.

I put my suitcases next to the stairway and sit

down. We managed to get the deal and was
able to smuggle the parcel without it getting
caught and traced back to us.

Snakho: Thank you

He hands me a glass of whiskey.

Me: Are you sure we brother's

Snakho: You know I hate failure and won't admit

to being wrong

I sigh.
Snakho: You can focus on mami now

Me: Who is mami

Snakho: Oh come on future wife is waiting for

you

Me: I decided not to bother her anymore, this

trip gave me some introspection. She is young
and probably naive, I am bad for her very bad

He laughs.

Me: No she got a bright future ahead of her. I

am a dark cloud and she doesn't need that
Snakho: Wow, ay some of us do have girlfriends
so later bitch

Me: Fuck her good man

Snakho: You know it

We fistbump and blow it out, than laugh.

Yanela
I was free from Ntokozo aka Ntk shackles.

I forgot about him, but still looked over my

shoulder. My father discovered the package, I
told him. I won a raffle ticket and he has been
chowing every piece of chocolate in that basket,
I am afraid he will get sick and I will be the one
blamed for it.

School well... Kids have been mean to me and

mocking me. Apparently someone spread some
rumor that, I bought myself junk and pretend it
was from Ntokozo. We all know who that was
and they were at my house, like the nerve of
them. I decided to just sit by myself and not
entertain them.

A few girls pass me and laugh.

"Shame wannabe gangster girlfriend"

They laugh hard.

I know my truth and I won't let this bother me or

affect me.

Ntokozo
Phiri: I bought the files you asked

Me: How is everything going

Phiri: A bit quiet but when they know you around,

it gets hectic

Besides the dark side of me. I run a successful

club, restaurant and a small eatery in the hood.
A good front to clean some of my money.

Me: Can I open another one

Phiri: If you want that stress and everything yes

Me: Mmm

Phiri: You know kids have been teasing her and

calling her a liar

Me: Who

Phiri: You were serious

Me: Ay Phiri please, we totally of different

world's that's enough, can we talk about
something else like business

He looks at me.
Me: Fine

Phiri: I will go grab the car keys

I sigh.

Yanela
After school came as I am heading out kids are
still laughing at me. Really can they move on
from, its not that deep.

Simphiwe: Shame I didn't mean to girl, I was

simply talking about the gift you got. You know
when it gets to the third person, they twist it and
add their own spices before you know it. It
spreads like wild fire
Cars pull up in a convoy, a familiar car stops in
front of me. Everyone now was watching this..

Ntokozo ntk Mhlongo himself steps out of the

car, he opens the back door and leans on it. I
shouldn't be doing this, but let me rub it in, in all
of them.

Me: Oh you shouldn't have

I kiss his cheek, he smiles.

I get in and gets in with me, the other cars leave

first and this one drives of.

Ntokozo
That was a surprise I did expect.

Yanela: Just so you know I am scared of you, I

only did that because the kids at school have
been mocking me. I am sorry if I over stepped

Me: For you

Yanela: Thank you

She takes the box of wings I bought her.

Me: You not eating

Yanela: I don't want to leave any crumbs on

your expensive car
Me: Aw mami

I look behind me and see a box of tissues.

Me: Here so you won't leave any crumbs on my

expensive car

Yanela: Here

Me: No they for you

Yanela: Want some

Phiri: Yes please

He takes one wing and bites the hell out of it
and laughs.

I look at her.

She didn't ask me why am I doing this or why I

bought her wings. Why am I after her, you know
all those things. She just gone and impressed
me.

Yanela
The car stops two houses away from home, the
driver gets out.

Me: Thank you

He sits sideways and stares deep in my eyes.

Ntokozo: Buka ne, ngiyakuncanywa kakhulu
futh. Ungichazile ngempela kodwa manje mina
nawe (Look I like you a lot and I taken by you,
but you and I)

The way he was talking charmed me to death.

Ntokozo: Ngiyinkinga yomuntu angilungile,

singahlezi sixabana. Nami ngizohlezi
ngikuphoxa, ngikuphula nenhliziyo ey kodwa
ungenza omunye umuntu (I am a troubled
person, not right. We will always constantly
fight, I will always disappoint you and break
your heart. But you turn me into a different
person)

Me: Thank you for being honest with me,

because I think I like you too. But you right we
very wrong for each other and I still a kid in
matric

He bites his lower lip, I lean forward and kiss his

cheek.

Me: Have a good day, thank you for the trip

I open the door and he grabs my arm, I fall on

him and we kiss.
[YANELA]

10

Phiri
Watching Ntokozo prepare food for us was like
watching a movie. Never have we seen him this
happy, I saw them kissing and it looked really
sensual and everything nice.

Khize: And than

He turns around and looks at us, we quickly

disappear from his face and laugh. We know he
will pop of and throw all that food on us.

Charmaine: You made food

Ntokozo: You can dish up for them

Charmaine: Why

Ntokozo: Okay
Charmaine: Who is responsible for that smile

He smiles some more.

She hugs him from behind and they look at

something.

Charmaine: Wow, that's you she's beautiful

Ntokozo: Okay get off me, you making me blush

when I want to angry

My phone rings.

Me: Talk to me, okay I am on my way

Things are looking good.

Yanela
I gave them something else to talk about and I
am bored.

My phone beeps.

Ntokozo: "Can I pick you up"

I smile.

Him and I exchanged numbers after that kiss, I

was on cloud nine.
Me: "No you can not my brother is back"

Ntokozo: "Okay"

Zoleka: I stole this one and my mom is going to

flip

Me: Thank you

I take the Danone from her.

Zoleka: She's just jealous of you, its been long

since she had a crush on Ntokozo

Me: She is not a friend that one, but hey that's

just me
Zoleka: So you really dating the hottest the guy

Me: I am not, lets not talk about that

Zoleka: Why you sitting by yourself

Me: He doesn't want me around boys, so I am

respecting that and don't want any commotion
you know

Zoleka: Oh wow

Me: I am just focusing on my books

Zoleka: Maybe we can form a study group, just

you and me

Me: I would love that

My phone beeps.

Ntokozo: "Ngiyabonga mama

ngokungihlonipha" (thank you for respecting me)

I chuckle.

Ntokozo
We enter the warehouse and they were loading
the guns.

Me: You break, you pay

Snakho: Nizo, aw don't tell me you still mad I
smashed that girl

We laugh.

Aniza is a part of the clique, a blue eyed freak..

Blue eyed Haibo, I look at Phiri.

Snakho: I am sure you have a wife now and a

beautiful family

Aniza: You still not knowing about my family

Me: Hlampe owangare nje (Maybe you are a

foreigner
We laugh.

Aniza: Speaking of family, I need to go pick up

my sister at school

He can't be her brother.

Phiri: Is she blue eyed like you

Aniza: Yes, dark brown in complexion and curly

hair

Fuck! What am I going to do.

Aniza: Bye
Snakho: Ha Ntokozo

Me: Shut up, how many we got

Phiri: About three delivers than we do the heist

Me: Okay lets do two deliveries, than heist and

lay low

Snakho: Aw having a girlfriend gives you the

right to dictate what we do now

Me: I don't really care what you think, that's

what's going to happen

Snakho: Mmm
I head to my office.

Yanela
Aniza: Mom tells me something weird going on
with you

Can he return back to where he came from.

Me: I am still a virgin and focusing on school

Aniza: Do you have a boyfriend

Me: I do

He looks at me.
Me: And we agreed we not good for each other

Aniza: In what way

Me: I am in school and that's the important

thing

Aniza: I see

Me: Yeah he knows and yeah

Aniza: You not pregnant or

Me: The only thing is that I am being bullied and

mocked because of this person
Aniza: They bullying you now, wow this person
must be special

Me: I won't say who it is, because nothing is

going on

Aniza: I hope you focus on school and leave all

these relationship, boyfriend behind

Me: And that's exactly what I am doing, I have a

friend who will be coming over after school. Of
course we will have to switch

He nods.

I don't want to lie and cause even bigger

problems. Yes I admitted but nothing is going
on between, unless we decide something is
happening between us.
[YANELA]

11

Ntokozo
I head down to see the noise that's annoying
me.

Me: Guys, guys come on

Snakho: What is this

I look at this tall package.

Me: Oh my mirror came

Snakho: You ordering mirrors now

Me: Yes I am ordering mirrors

He laughs.

Snakho: Where you going to put it

Me: Here

Snakho: There's no space

Me: These guys will make space for me

Snakho: Ntokozo

Me: Enough this is my house and I do whatever

the fuck I want to do

Snakho: Yoh

He laughs.

Snakho: Ay ngiyayisaba le ntombazane (I am

scared of this girl) wow

Phiri: Leave him alone

Me: Yes leave me alone

They laugh.

Yanela
We were given a science project everyone
chose their partners. Zoleka and I teamed up
and I kind of enjoy being around her, she is
something else always humble and doesn't like
fights.

I look at my phone again. Ntokozo hasn't texted

me. I enjoy our text and him not saying anything,
rubs me of the wrong way.

Zoleka: You keep staring at that phone, what's

wrong expecting bae to call
Me: Maybe, maybe not

We laugh.

Kwazi: Yanela

I look at him.

Me: H-

My phone beeps.

Ntokozo: "Not ignoring you just busy, tell that

fool to bounce or I am coming there and it won't
be fun"
I text him back.

Me: "Are you watching me"

Ntokozo: "I always watch whats mine"

Me: Hi, uhm we got something to do please

excuse us

We walk away and he grabs my hand.

Me: Hey

Mr Lephalale jumps in.

Sir: What are you doing

Kwazi: Nothing sir

He lets go of me, than walks away giving me a

really cold look.

Me: Thank you sir

He smiles and walks away.

Phiri
Snakho: What is it now

I think he is changing the house to look

somewhat like Yanela's house. I am not sure
though, but why would he buy such a huge
mirror.
Me: I don't know what's wrong with him

Snakho: Ileya cherry emhlanyisayo (Is it that girl

driving him crazy)

Me: Snakho I don't know

Snakho: Lies you know something, they dating

now

Me: I don't know but ask brother himself

Ntokozo: I am going out, make sure you give

these gents food
He grabs his things.

Snakho: I am coming with you

Ntokozo: Okay

He takes his things and follows him out, than

stops.

Snakho: Ah you swine flu, you lucky this time

around

Me: What's wrong

Snakho: I never bath

We laugh.

Yanela
Simphiwe: You stole my best friend

No you just mad she is not following you

around bully.

Simphiwe: And you allowed her to steal you

I sigh.

My phone beeps.

Ntokozo: "Look up"

I look up and our lips smash into each other's. I
push him back, what is he doing here and how
did he stand in front of me without me noticing
or feeling his presence.

Sir: I always wondered why was I being shouted

at, ilona mama leli

Ntokozo: Muhle ne

Sir: Ngashweba

He tries to hit him, sir lifts up the books

covering himself.

Sir: Ngiyadlala
He leans forward bitting his lower lip. Kwazi and
his crew decide to join in the fun. Ntokozo
instantly gets annoyed, he clenched his jaws
and got this cold look on his face.

I clear my throat.

Me: Uhm ladies lets go get something from the

shops

Zoleka: Yeah I want some flyers

He grabs my hand.

Kwazi: Aw nahamba manje kusemnandi

Me: Let go of me please

He kisses the back of my hand. I look at
Ntokozo, his look sends shivers down my spine
oh God he is going to kill me. I yank my hand of
Kwazi and run away. Oh God I am in trouble.

Ntokozo
This boy is disrespecting me and poking the
bear. When I put my hands on him, my baby will
be blamed hmm my baby.. And she doesn't
need that kind of stress in her life.

I smile.

Thuso: And the boy has teeth people

I chuckle.
Thuso: You can't be visiting me at school

This is my second eldest brother, the teacher.

Me: I know but I need you

Thuso: No

My phone beeps.

Yanela: "I am sorry that happened, please

forgive me"

Me: No, Thuso please mtaka ma

He looks at me.

Me: I wouldn't ask it wasn't important, you going

to leave your young brother out the cold

Thuso: Haibo

Me: Thuso please

Thuso: Fine if it will make you leave me alone,

okay

Me: Ntwana

Thuso: You know I am older than you right

Me: Yes but I am the smart and handsome one
duh!

Thuso: Goodbye

I chuckle..
[YANELA]

12

Yanela
Before we sit down and revise, we needed some
fuel to lit us up.

We were walking down the street going to buy

some cool drink and snacks. Even though I still
have that big present from Ntokozo, which
reminds me I never thanked him.

I text him.

Simphiwe: There is the party happening an we

have to attend

Me: It's not even the middle of the year and

already you think about parties

Zoleka: I agree

Simphiwe: Oh come on grandma's live a little,

every cool school kid will be there. But Zo you
can't come with us dressed like that

I stop.
Zoleka dresses like hmm, Zoleka hides her body,
never seen her in pants. I don't know if its
because she is not stylish, obeying her parents
or simply does not like showing any parts of her
body.

Zoleka: What's wrong with the way I dress

Simphiwe: Its giving grandma vibes with a

hundred grandchildren

Me: That's not nice

Simphiwe: I came across this meme neh that

says sometimes you not ugly, you just broke
Me: Simphiwe cut it out

Simphiwe: Its the truth she clearly has no style

How are these two even friends.

I sigh.

Me: Cela icoke nama fried

"Fake nenyama lapho boy" (Put some meat also)

I know that voice, I turn around and he is

standing in front of me.

Ntokozo: How about you give me a proper

thank you

He is definitely watching me.

His lifts my chin up and kiss me, he pulls me

closer to him and grabs my butt with both of his
hands and squeeze it.

I push him back.

Ntokozo: Yini vele nalento yakho yokungidusha

(What's up with you always pushing me)

I never done this before and am I even kissing

him right.

"Hello love birds"

Ntokozo: uPhiri lo best friend wami

Me: Nice meeting you

He kisses my cheek and walks away. Ntokozo

and I kiss again this time, I grab his arms and
he smiles...

He kisses my neck and carries on walking. I sit

down and compose myself, I think he made me
wet.

Zoleka: You okay

Me: Is there a bathroom here

She laughs.

Zoleka: Come

I get up and follow her, we walk pass them and

he spanks my ass.

Me: Ntokozo

I shout and cover my ass.

Ntokozo
When I see her my whole world stops.

Me: Put it here, they will take it

People love it here, I didn't think it was going
make money but people actually love coming
here and chill.

When she sent me that text, I tracked her down

on where she was and it happened to be the
same place I was headed to.

They come back after a while, were they licking

each other's pussy.

I chuckle.

Me: Yanela

She comes over.

Me: Your stuff

Yanela: Oh thank you

Me: Did you pay for this

Yanela: Yes

I give her back the money.

Me: On the house

Her friends grab the drink and takeaway.

Me: Can I trouble you

Yanela: Haven't you troubled me enough

Me: No, ngakubona (Can I see you)

Yanela: Ntokozo

Me: I won't even get you in trouble

Yanela: You know some people say please and

don't just demand

Me: Demand, if I was demanding you would be

sleeping in my house every night. This is as
gentle as I can be

"Yanela"
Me: I will text you when I have arrived

She sighs.

Yanela
I don't understand now we both agreed to this
not working out, now he wants to see me later.

What am I going to do.

Dad: Pumpkin

I ignore him.

Dad: You still angry fine you can visit them this
weekend

Me: I won't fall for it

Dad: I just want you to adjust to this place

Me: I got a science project to do and I need

money

He sighs.

Mom: Hello Smith

Dad: Mrs Me

They kiss.
I was now nervous, how am I going to sneak out
without getting caught.

Mom: How Yanela iphi idrink

Me: We finished it

Ma: Three skinny girls finished a whole 2L coke

Me: Ah what is that suppose to mean

Dad laughs.

Dad: I am going to go freshen up

He kisses her cheek than mines and heads
upstairs.

Phiri
Me: You ready

Ntokozo: For what

Me: Udakwe ukiss usukhohliwe (Drunk in being

kissed that you forgot)

Ntokozo: Ay ngeke Phiri hamba no (go with)

Snakho noma (or) Khize or Aniza

I wanted to scream but these days I am just not

in the mood.
Ntokozo: Bro I am sorry but I have to go, sharp

He leaves.

Snakho: Come

Me: You guys are really testing my patience

Snakho: It's a just a girl Phiri he won't get

distracted and lose sight of what's important

Me: Let's go we got a really important deal to

close

Snakho: Do you need to fuck, I can hook you up

because I don't know you giving anger and
bored vibes lately
Me: I am glad you noticed

I grab my gun and we leave.

Ntokozo
Its dark enough now, I park two houses away
and than call her.

Yanela: Hello

Me: Wee Yanela wena

Yanela: I think I am coming up to your car

The door opens and she gets in.

Me: UsuZula ebusuku manje (You roaming the
streets at night now)

Yanela: I am here now right

Me: Eh joe ungalinge ungizele ne attitude,

soxabana ngeke kube mnandi (Don't come at
me with attitude, we going to fight and it won't
be nice)

Yanela: Ngiyaxolisa (I am sorry)

Me: You know what

I start the car, she quickly jumps on top of me.

Yanela: I am sorry please don't take me away

I pull the seat back a little bit and make her sit
properly.

Me: What you should have done when you got

here, instead of giving me attitude

Yanela: I am sorry

Me: So mami how was your day

Yanela: I thought we agreed we not good for

each other

Me: Maybe if someone stops texting me, we

wouldn't be in this position. We clearly can't
stay away from each other, so how was your
day

I sneak my hand inside her pants and grab her

ass.

Me: Angeke ngize ngikwenze lutho (I won't do

anything to you)

I pull down her top and expose her boobs, fuck!

Yanela: It was... It was okay

Me: Really... Fuck you have nice boobs

I flicker my tongue on her nipple, her breathing

picks up.
Me: Go on I am listening

I let go of her ass and grab the other boob, in a

minute she is going to push me back.

And she does.

Me: Yanela I said I won't do anything

Yanela: You getting really excited and I don't

want to fall weak in your hands

Me: Okay you can leave

She looks at me.

Me: Yeah you can go

She looks at me confused, but takes her things

and gets out of the car.

I am certainly not going to fuck her in the car. I

don't like repeating myself and I get annoyed,
why does she think I want that from her.
Eventually at some point we will do it but argh.

I start the car and drive of.

[YANELA]

13

Yanela
I don't know but I think he was hurt by what
happened yesterday. He usually texts me good
night and good morning, I didn't get both texts
and that hurt me.

Aniza: Can you bake those cakes again

Me: I didn't bake them, Zoleka's mom made

them. She sells them and you know the story

Mom: They were very delicious, you must go

and buy maybe a bucket because when I
wanted to nibble on them and drink tea. Some
vacuum cleaner came and cleaned out
everything, but made one mistake leaving all the
crumbs behind

We laugh.
Aniza: Let's go

I laugh.

We get in the car.

I seen this car before, but where.

Aniza: So Yanela

Me: Aniza

Aniza: Who is the gentleman you sneaked out

for, I saw you getting in his car
Me: What if its a she

He looks at me.

Aniza: Don't try to act smart with me, you dating

Ntokozo

Me heart starts racing, what did he just say.

Me: Ntokozo

Aniza: There's a video of you sliding your

tongue down his throat, really a gangster thats
the guy you were talking about

A video what is he talking about.

Aniza: You said you focusing on school and that
this man is not right for you.. The fuck you quiet
for

He is screaming at me and I don't know what to

say.

Aniza: Fuck man I really want to punch you so

bad right now

He starts the car and drives off.

Ntokozo
I know no one in my circle is capable of pulling
this stunt. What this person did by uploading
this video not only lowers my dignity and
respect around the hood. It's an invasion of
privacy and I am fucking pissed off.

Snakho: They saying she can't kiss and wiping

all her spit on you

They laugh.

Snakho: Wow people are not afraid of you

Phiri: Is that why you came back early

Me: No I only seen the video now. I just wanted

the boob

Phiri: Ibele (The boob)

Me: The boob mfethu, just the boob. It was so
creamy and everything nice. She annoyed me, I
know it was wrong of me to get mad. Between
the two

Phiri: It won't be the nun

Me: Nun

I laugh.

Me: You can't be calling people nuns what the

fuck is wrong with you

Phiri: Anyways we will check the footage

Yanela
Never thought I would be bullied like this,
everywhere I turn they laugh at me and call me
names.

Zoleka comes and laughs at me.

Me: You would swear I am dating the president

Zoleka: You are, he is the most feared person

here and every girl in this school fantasies
about him. They just jealous he only has eyes
for you

Me: I can't believe this

Zoleka: Welcome to high school

Me: Let me see the video

Zoleka: It's edited obviously

She shows me.

Me: Oh my God that, I wasn't even doing that

I sigh.

Simphiwe: Shame someone must not like you

Me: I can't tell

My phone beeps.
Me: Oh at least

Zoleka: What

Me: They will look at the security footage and

find the devil who did this

Zoleka: I feel sorry for that person. Ntokozo

doesn't play, wow this was some good editing

Me: Nawe stop looking at it

She laughs.

Ntokozo
I don't want school kids thinking they can
disrespect me like that. I don't like what she did
and she will feel the wrath of my not liking what
she did.

"Where is he"

"Ntokozo you bitch how dare"

I was going to let this go but now she called me

a bitch.

Thobeka: You kissing toddlers now, you son of

a bitch

She tries to slap me.

I grab her hand and twist her arm.

Me: Uwu number bani wena uzokhuluma nami

kanjalo (Who the fuck do you think you are
talking to me like that)

Thobeka: You hurting me

Me: You and I are nothing for you to start

questioning what I do

I twist her arm even harder, she screams.

Me: Do not fuck with me I am not your friend,

get the fuck out of my house

I pick up her bag and throw her out.

Me: Nxi bloody hell, find that bitch and bring her
to me right now

Yanela
This day was tortures but I got through it. We
walk out and my brother is not here, oh wait he
is here. I cross the road, but stop on my tracks
and move backwards.

He was furious with me and didn't give me any

lunch money and seeing as he drives different
different cars, that might not be him.

Phiri, Ntokozo's friend steps out, so my brother

has been driving Ntokozo's cars. I knew they
looked looking familiar, just couldn't tell.
He crosses the road and walks up to us.

Phiri: Ladies, Ntokozo would like to see you

Simphiwe: Me

Phiri: Follow me

Another guy comes behind her with a gun.

Him: Walk

Simphiwe: Okay it was me who leaked the video.

I am sorry Yanela, I am the one who recorded
you at the eatery please. Yanela I am sorry..
Yanela
They shove her in the car.

I grab my phone and call him.

"Hello"

A female answer's the phone.

Me: May I please speak to Ntokozo

Her: He is not available can I take a message

Me: Yeah tell him if he doesn't stop this. I will

cry rape and won't care how much influence or
power he has to control and rule the world
She laughs.

The door opens, they grab her and toss her to

the ground.

The car drives off, I hung up.

Simphiwe: Oh my God thank you so much

Yanela I am sorry

Me: I think its best you two stay away from me

Zoleka: Yanela

I walk away from them.

[YANELA]

15

Ntokozo
I am no longer angry about her switching of her
phone.

We enter my spot and he is sitting there eating

me.

We laugh.

Me: Hlukana nezinto za Ntokozo

Zuko: Mxm
We laugh.

I get in face and laugh at him.

Me: I am in love, I am in love. Like what the fuck

where you thinking

We laugh.

Me: She's mine

Zuko: I am still going to fuck her

Me: You wish

I laugh.

Me: Yo my baby just made my day

Zuko: Since when do people leave when they

want to

Me: You let me worry about that

I continue laughing at him.

Aniza will come back, because the money is

good.

Yanela
Mom: You late today
Aniza: Angithi useyajola yena

Me: Mngani wena angeke uzukholwe ngeke

uzukholwe, oh sendiyajola, jola

Mom: Yanela

I laugh.

Me: I am taking public transport now. I am not

familiar with the stops, its also a long walk from
school to the stop, where the taxi will take me
to the taxi rank. I got down there by the shop
and walked home forgive me for coming late, I
will wash my uniform than start with the pots
Mom: Aniza kodwa ingane yami ihamba ngama
taxi (My baby though, taking public
transportation)

Me: Excuse me

I have to wake up extra early tomorrow.

Aniza: Not so fast Missy don't you have friends

and stop lying

Me: I don't care if you believe me or not and I

don't have friends

Mom: Haibo bashonephi Zoleka no Simphiwe

Aniza: Exactly
Me: Because of them you guys saw that video
of me kissing another man and yes we did kiss.
But I didn't know someone I called friend was
recording me

Aniza: Izwa nje yes we did kiss, hee Yanela

Me: Ngiyaxolisa

I head to my room.

My phone beeps.

Ntokozo: "Pride killed many relationships, why

didn't you tell me you don't have anyone to take
you to school. I would have at least worked
something out"

Me: "I am sorry"

Ntokozo: "Thank you, where should the car pick

you up because my woman is and never will
ride a taxi"

I am his woman now, wasn't he mad at me

because I didn't hear anything from him.

Ntokozo: "I was mad, I just wanted the boob

and you refused me the boob"

Me: "You read minds now"

Ntokozo: "Yes"
I chuckle.

I text him, I will be busy for a couple of hours

than we can talk if he wants to.

Aniza Smith
I was pissed of and there's honestly nothing I
can do to stop this, because I seen it in the
mother fuckers face. He is in love with my
sister.

I been working with Ntokozo for a while now,

hence why we moved. I bought a house and put
it in Yanela's name, it also happens that dad got
a promotion and we closer to his work place
and my line of business. Little did I know that
business will be crawling its way in my house
and under my sisters panties.

Dad: You know I never approved of this

I did open up to dad about my shenanigans and

he wasn't happy. I felt bad him working
tirelessly and taking care of us, I wanted to ease
the load on him.

Me: I know I haven't made you proud

Dad: Haibo what are you talking about, boy we

live in a mansion now and I am closer to work.
Listen we may not approve of this but we can't
stop it

Me: I want to punch the both of them so bad

Dad: I know what's its like being an outcast
granny didn't like us. She separated my sisters
and I, because they were more white and I was
black

Me: She's 18 and he is 40

Dad: Yall in your late twenties stop it

Me: Dad

We laugh.

Dad: I trust my baby and she won't make stupid

decisions, they were smart enough to know
they not good for each other. But we can't stop
it now

Me: Am I the only sane one in this house

Dad: Let's kidnapped him, rough him out and

bury him alive

I look at him and he laughs.

Dad: Cheer up

He is crazy this one.

Yanela
Ntokozo: You know I want to come over there
now and just kiss you
I was on video call with Ntokozo eating my
chocolate. The door to his room opens and
some lady walks in, she jumps on the bed next
to him.

Ntokozo: This is Charmaine, the lady you talked

to the other day when you threatened to have
me arrested for rape

Charmaine: You very beautiful, your eyes are

something else

Me: My father is white and black

Charmaine: No wonder you look like you not

from this planet earth
His door opens again, another man enters and
gets on top of Charmaine and they kiss. My
heart kind of relaxes a bit.

Him: Hello blue

Ntokozo: This is my big brother Snakho and his

girlfriend Charmaine

They kiss again.

Ntokozo: What is wrong with you guys really

The door opens and they shove him down and

snatch his phone away.
Ntokozo: Yewena

I hear a lot of running and laughing.

"Hello beautiful"

It's Zuko.

Zuko: You want to date that over me look at me

him

About four of them are holding Ntokozo against

the wall.

Me: You know what I was told, I am not allowed

to be around boys and you a man so byee
I hung up.

Ntokozo
Zuko: Ah she hung up on me

I take my phone back and laugh.

Me: Bro how much more embarrassment must

you endure for you to get the picture, blue is
mine

We laugh.

Zuko: Mxm
I text her.

Me: Nizokhala nina and Zuko don't you dare

Zuko: You know you my bro hawu and we are

going to take care of baby girl

Me: I can't with you guys

I enter my room and lock the door this time, I

lay on my bed and call her.

Yanela: Ntk

Me: Mama
Yanela: What was that all about

Me: I hope you be offended by this

Yanela: Not at all

"Yanela"

Me: Okay pick you up tomorrow bye

I hung up.
[YANELA]

14

Yanela
Aniza told my parents and showed them the
video, dad was so livid. I did nothing wrong at
some point, I will date. I understand I am young
and still have a lot to focus on and that's exactly
what I am doing.

Mom: If you keep them apart they will just run

after each other and that will cause even more
problems

Dad: You condoning this shit

Mom: Don't speak to me like that

Me: I am going to be late for school, since I am

walking please excuse me
He gives me a stink eye, I grab my things and
head out.

I have to catch a taxi now, how will I survive.

Those taxi man are going to be feasting on me,
do I even know where the taxis are.

Ntokozo
She was going to cry rape, wow.

Charmaine: Shame I feel like you two are just

going to be so obsessed with each other

Me: She was going to cry rape

She laughs.
Me: Do I look like someone who is capable of
rape

Charmaine: Calm down

Me: My heart literally stopped and now she will

ignore me because of you argh. I have to
introduce you now

Charmaine: Introduce wow

The door opens.

Me: Aw izonja madoda (The big dogs)

Zuko: Phiri ngisathi ngizobuza lesaskole

sesineyingane ezibaba kanje, ey loya blue eyes
Phiri: Is taken

Zuko: By who

Phiri: Who you think by who

He looks at me.

Zuko: Ntokozo ujola naleyathekeni

He laughs.

Zuko: Nice one, just for that ngizomshela

angigqome. Sibhebhane mase ngiyambuyisela
kuwena senginethezikile ngaye (I will court her
and she will agree to be with me, than we fuck
each other and I bring her back once I am
satisfied with her)

They laugh.

Me: You want to go there

Zuko: I am already there honey

Me: Well good luck

Zuko: Game on

We laugh.
Yanela
I didn't know what to feel and honestly I didn't
care, I just needed Ntokozo.

They come and sit in front of me.

Simphiwe: Okay, I am sorry for being the one

responsible and the cause of you being bullied
in this school

I meant what I said, they both should stay away

from me. At this point I am not sure if Zoleka is
innocent in all of this.

"Yanela"

I look up, he waves at me.

Me: Excuse me

I take my things and walk away from them.

"Bitch"

I chuckle and walk on.

Me: Yes sir

Sir: It looked like you needed some rescuing

Me: You have no idea

Sir: Why don't you help me stapling these

papers for the next period

Me: Ah sir

He laughs.

My phone beeps.

Ntokozo: It upgraded to chilling with a man

now"

I ignore it and switch of my phone.

Ntokozo
My cars are back, that can only mean one thing.
Aniza drives my cars all of them, I didn't have a
problem with it at all and he takes my lady to
school.

Snakho: Ubafo la uthi ulethe imoto, kanti futh

ufuna ukuphuma

Me: Udakiwe

Snakho: That's what I said

Me: You want to leave, you know you can't leave

Aniza: Your car keys and everything else,

goodbye

Me: Aniza
Aniza: Don't fucking expect me to smile in your
face, if you want to kill me go right ahead. But
don't think, I will sit around and watch you use
my sister, throw her out like trash when you find
the next best thing

Me: Its not-

Aniza: Fuck you

He chuckles.

Aniza: Just promise me this don't let her come

home in a body bag

Me: Aniza
He walks out slamming the door.

Me: Fuck

Snakho: What was that about

Me: He is Yanela's brother

Snakho: For real

Me: And he is one of my best guys, but if my

cars are here. How did Yanela get to school

Yanela
After a long long day, it was a struggle going
back home. I am not familiar with the stops,
because I have always been driven to school.
My heart was racing so bad, the taxi passed by
the shop and some lady asked to jump of. I
decide to jump of with her, because from here I
can walk.

All this struggle because of Ntokozo wow.

"Aw sawubona Ntokazi" (Hello)

I look up.

Its the guy who pointed the gun at Simphiwe.

Me: Hi
Him: I am Zanozuko but you can call me Zuko

Isn't he friends with Ntokozo or Phiri, what is he

doing courting me.

Zuko: Doesn't pretty lady have a name

Me: Yabona asiyibambe lanake, (Hold it right

there) uyamazi (Do you know) uNtokozo ntk
Mhlongo angani (Right)

He chuckles.

Zuko: Ngiyamcava sweetheart (I know him)

Me: Hlukana neyintozakhe (Stay away from his

things)
I walk away from him.

I don't know what game they playing but I am

not in the mood...
[YANELA]

16

Ntokozo
I am here to pick up my baby, I parked just
down the corner and waiting for her. I hear
some foot steps, she opens the door and gets
in the back.

Me: Haibo
Yanela: Good morning

Me: Good morning your ass to the front seat

now

Yanela: I thought

Me: Who asked you to thought

She sighs.

She steps out and gets in the front.

Me: Good morning

She looks at me, I smile.

I start the car and drive of.

Me: You don't mind if I play music neh

Yanela: No

Me: Okay why you mad

Yanela: I ain't mad

Me: Did you fight with your family about me

Yanela: The fights haven't even begun

Me: True but if its going to upset you

Yanela: I am not upset

Me: Okay what are the rules of this relationship

Yanela: Why does it have to have rules, ones

you might break later

I chuckle.

Me: Is that like your perspective in life

Yanela: Yes

Me: Ay no ngiyakuthola sweetheart

She blushes.

Me: We I have a rule and its one thing you can't

fuck with

Yanela: I am with it

Me: Good that means every term I will be seeing

100 and 90's and not our relationship or what I
do be used as an excuse for you failing

Yanela: I been focusing on my books, a scary,

hot, sexy gangster like you got nothing on my
grades

I stop the car and kiss her.

Me: Don't fuck up really I will kill you

Yanela: Noted

Me: Well miss Smith lets take you to school

I am definitely going to lose my marbles here.

Yanela
We arrive at school.

Me: Thank you

He searches for something in his pockets and

comes out with a wallet. He opens it and gives
me all the cash in there.
Ntokozo: I don't carry wallets, I did this for you

He laughs.

Ntokozo: Uthenge uchokolate lapho noma yini

oyifunayo

I am pretty sure, I don't need it but I will take it.

Ntokozo: You sure you okay

I lean forward and kiss him.

We look at each other.. I hold his cheek and we

kiss each other till I hear the bell ring.
Than I hear him cocking a gun.

I pull out and laugh. I grab my school bag and

run to the gate.

Damn that was good.

Ntokozo
Phiri: What's up

Me: I saw something it's black and mude no

mald no whats that color again

Phiri: Matt
Me: Matt and a super fast machine

Phiri: Okay I am on top of it

Me: Sharp

I hung up and call my brother.

"Aaaah"

Me: Yini kodwa

Snakho: Camtha ndoda ngibusy (Talk I am busy)

We laugh.
Me: I have plans today kodwa ngifuna ukulanda
imama futh (I want to pick up Yanela again)

Snakho: What am I supposed to do

Me: Ulande impahla (pick up the product)

Snakho: Into engizoyenza njalo leyo (Is that

something, I will do on a regular basis)

Me: Snakho stop being dramatic

Snakho: I see no problem after I am finished

here

He groans.
I hung up.

Me: I am so going to get him back

I chuckle.

Yanela
Science period and everyone is sitting with their
partners. I want ask if I can do this project solo
or find another person who would switch with
me. But when the period is over, I want to by all
means avoid Simphiwe and her toxicness.

Zoleka: Yanela I am sorry

Me: Don't sweat it

Zoleka: I think you are a cool person and I still
want to be friends with you

Me: I can't Zoleka and please respect that

She nods.

Zoleka: Do we discuss the project now at home

or

Me: If we want to pass than, everywhere but

only for the project nothing else

Another learner enter the classroom, he hands

something to miss Xaba.
Miss X: Yanela the principal wants to see you

The class gasp.

Miss X: Okay enough

What have I done now.

Ntokozo
Snakho can't depend on him on anything, why is
my brother like this kodwa.

Me: I asked you to do one simple thing what the

fuck is this, shut up

Khize: Mlungu wami

Me: Lalela mengaqedi la khona umuntu
engidinga ungilandele yena

Khize: Okay

I hung up.

Me: Ay fuck man yini anifuni ngijole, shut up

They laugh.

Me: Yini ehlekisayo (What's funny)

Phiri: You just been pranked son

The dead not so dead bodies get up, I take out
my gun and aim at them.

They duck.

Me: What the fuck is wrong with you bullshit

Snakho: Hey you got a lot of baggage following,

before you can even make it serious with this
girl. We can't afford her to get involved in our
shitty lifestyle

"Is it safe to come out"

Phiri: Yeah

Patrick: Hello Mhlongo

Me: Fuck you

Patrick: I came up with the idea good to see you

back

I sit down.

Patrick: Don't be this is business

They laugh.

Patrick: I specifically asked it be you fetching

the things, why you involving other people. What
will happen if I decide to switch things up, you
won't like it right
Me: Can we be quick, I need to rush somewhere.
I just want the rifles

Yanela
Mr lephalale is in the principal office, my heart
starts racing.

Principal: Sit down

Me: What's this about

Principal: It has come to my attention that you

two are somewhat romantic with each other

I look at sir.
Principal: You new in this school and you
already bringing shame to the school, with your
whoring behavior

Sir: Mind your words principal

Me: I don't know what you heard

Principal: I heard a lot, first it was the gangster

boy, we felt sorry for you little did we know you
in love with this dirty man. Now you have
moved on to another pray a teacher in school

I chuckle.

Me: I should have let him kill her

Sir: You think

Me: Sir I do not appreciate that and if you don't

stop I swear you will see flames

Principal: What you going send your boyfriend

to harras us

Me: No, I will have this school shut don't you

know I am a Smith, I wonder what Tabatha and
Aston Smith would say. You mistreating their
grandchild

He looks at me.

Me: How are you a principal when you should

be advising me and leading me. Ay man I am
tired of this, you make it seem like I am dating
some Angel from the Bible

I get up and leave.

[YANELA]

17

Ntokozo
Why is her phone off now.

Me: Yo Yanela pick up your phone

The door opens.

Me: Really
She gets in the car sniffing.

Me: What's wrong why you crying, Yanela

She cries even louder.

Me: Okay I am sorry my love what happened

Yanela: Don't get mad

Her voice is breaking.

Me: What happened

Yanela: They accused me of being in a

relationship with Mr lephalale

Me: What

She tells me everything that went down.

I sigh.

Yanela: Nobody likes me here, its even worse

with you around. I am always going to be bullied

Me: Do you want to go to another school where

nobody knows who I am

Yanela: What's the point

She looks out the window, wiping of her tears.

Me: Yanela lephalale is my elder brother

She looks at me.

Me: Its Snakho him than me

Yanela: Oh so that's how you been keeping tabs

on me

Me: Only because incase of an emergency

She chuckles.

Me: Do you regret meeting me

Yanela: No, I guess this will always be
happening

Me: Do you want to go home

Yanela: No I want ice-cream and a burger

Me: Don't cry mami

My phone rings.

I will talk to him later.

Yanela
I can't believe this is happening, since I been in
this school the amount of attacks I am getting
on a daily basis is shocking. I did nothing to
nobody and yet I am the bad guy how.

He drops me off at home and waits for me to

enter the house than drives off.

Aniza: Aw ikushiyile iboyfriend njalo (He left you

already)

He takes my burger and opens it.

Me: None of this would be happening if we

didn't move

Aniza: No none of this would be happening if

you didn't get involved with Ntokozo
Me: If I wasn't here he wouldn't know I exist

He looks at me.

Me: I am picked on and called names all the

time, today I was accused of the worst possible
thing you can imagine

Aniza: What

Me: They said I left Ntokozo now to be with a

teacher

He laughs.
Me: I am glad you find this funny

Aniza: No this burger is good

Me: This is a nightmare

Aniza: Who is the teacher

Me: Ntokozo's brother

He laughs even harder.

Aniza: Thuso wee ay shame

Dad: Oo burger, sidla imali ya sbari njalo (We

chowing son in laws money already)
They laugh.

I take my things and head upstairs.

Aniza: Yanela come back

They laugh.

I wipe my tears.

Ntokozo
Me: Thuso how can you let this happen

Thuso: I don't know how it got to that point

Melody: Muhle yena lo blue (she's beautiful)

Thats his wife.

Thuso: She said she is a Smith

Me: Yes it's true

Thuso: Are you ready for this she is probably

going to be suspended

Me: I know her great grandparents don't get

along with them. I have all the dirt I need on
them, I won't use it but should anything happen.
I am protected

Snakho: Ubani lo Smith enikhala ngaye ey

kodwa wena

We all lovey dovey with each others partners.

Charmaine: I know why I am so happy today

They scream and run to each other and jump

like little kids.

Melody: We have a new wife, she's young

though

Charmaine: And fiesty do not get it twisted girl

They laugh.
Yanela
I put on a cap and tie my shoes.

I head downstairs and walk pass them.

Dad: Yanela

I head out and start running.

If they want Ntokozo that much, why couldn't

they ask him out. I knew ever since we came
here this was a bad idea, now look what's
happened.

They judging me based on lies, I don't lack in

anything nor trying to get any attention. But the
spotlight is on me, bloody hell.
I will show those people who I am, I ain't the
first kid to date an older guy.

I probably shouldn't have mentioned the Smith

part because great grandma doesn't like dad,
but hell I am sick and tired of people coming at
me can it stop already.

I run faster, I don't know where I am headed but

I need to clear my head.
[YANELA]

18

Yanela
Why did this have to be our first period. I ran so
much, that I hurt my ankle. Ntokozo of course
was angry, he was the one I called to take me
back home because I didn't know where I was.

Miss X: Hello class sorry I am late

Her strong perfume hits my nostrils, that's

weird I know that smell.

Me: Uhm ma'am

Miss X: Yes blue

I didn't get to ask her yesterday because I was

in shambles.

Me: Is it possible if I could do the project on my

own

Miss X: It was specifically designed for two

people

Me: But

Miss X: If you old enough to open your legs for

the likes of gangsters

They laugh.

Miss X: Than you capable of doing the project,

or is school beginning to be tough on you. You
want to join the gangsters and become
Guluvakazi
Kwazi: Hau

They laugh.

Me: My apologies

Miss X: Good lets continue and since you

brought it up, lets see where you guys are

Wow Yanela if people don't like you this much

you must be doing something right.

Ntokozo
I so stressed out about Yanela, I wanted to be
there and hold her hand. But she told me she
will be okay, I been texting her but haven't
gotten a reply. She must still be in class, how I
wish to kill all those ugly humans with no sense.

Snakho: Ay yabona lento yakho yesibuko (This

mirror of yours)

Me: It's there because of Yanela

Snakho: If you need anything, you know I am

with you

Me: Thanks

Snakho: How is she

Me: I
Snakho: Wee ungalokhithi uyiqale lento ofuna
ukuyenza (Don't even think about it)

Me: Maybe she is better of without me, what

kind of a man am I to allow people to treat my
woman like this ain't I hurting her

Phiri: You Ntokozo ntk Mhlongo, banomona nje

laba (They just jealous)

Snakho: I mean have you seen her she's

different and you getting cold feet

Charmaine: Invite her over for the weekend, we

will have a braai and cook for her. I am sure she
will love and appreciate that
I sigh.

Snakho: Stop being crazy you love her and she

loves you

At what cost though.

Yanela
Miss X: Wow if only you were this smart when it
comes to boyfriends

Kwazi looks at me.

They laugh.

I hold my pages up, put my phone on silent and

text Ntokozo.

Ntokozo: "Kodwa my love yazi ngikhathazeke

Kanjani ngawe" (I am so so worried about you)

Me: "Now the teachers are joining in the fun"

Ntokozo: "Yini mama kwenze njan" (What

happened)

Me: "I asked if I can do the project solo, know

what she said.. If I can open my legs for
gangsters I can do the school project"

He calls me.

I decline.
Me: "I am in class baby"

Ntokozo: "Who is that teacher"

Me: "Miss Xaba"

Ntokozo: "Stop texting me"

I chuckle.

They look at me.

Miss X: Everything okay

Why wouldn't it be.

Me: Yes everything is fine

She carries on with her lesson.

Ntokozo
I arrive in this school, holding my gun behind my
back. I have had enough of people attacking
Yanela it ends now.

The bell rings..

I stand outside the class and watch as these

pupils step out.

Yanela: Ntokozo
I smile.

Yanela: What are you doing here

She looks down and notice my gun,than miss

Xaba.

Yanela: Baby please

Phiri: Kancane nje mama

Yanela: Phiri

"Call the police and principal"

Thuso: Yanela

Yanela: Sir but

I close the door behind me and lock it.

Miss X: You will be arrested for what you about

to do so don't even try it

Me: Hello Miss Xaba or should I say Mrs Smith

Her cheeks fall down.

Phiri lays down the pictures on her table.

I chuckle.
Me: Manje unesibindi sokugwajisa imedi yami
kodwa wena ubusy nobaba wayo (You have the
nerve to mistreat my woman, but you on the
other hand is sleeping with her father)

She takes the pictures and tears them up.

Me: Noma ungadabula ziningi (Tear them all

you want, there's more)

Miss X: What do you want

Phiri: Grovel, beg for our mercy

Miss X: No not my kids please, I beg

Me: Yanela is going to work solo on this project
and you are going to do everything she says or
else that is making her way to her mother

Miss X: Please

Me: I would have judged you for having an affair,

but you sleeping with your husband. I wonder
really

Miss X: Please don't tell her

Phiri: You know

He chuckles.

Me: I think she should be her personal

bodyguard, she's fit and sassy in the mouth
don't you think

I raise my gun up and she screams.

Miss X: Please don't hurt me I sorry

"Ntokozo"

Me: Ay man Yanela yini

Yanela: I love you and please don't go low like

them, rather kill your gangster friends

Me: You love me

Yanela: I love you baby so much, please come
out. The police are called and it's already a
circus around here

I head to the door and unlock it.

Me: Touch Yanela again next time I won't show

you any mercy

I open the door and she is outside smiling, she

hugs me and our bodies just melt away on each
other.

Me: This time I am getting the boob and you are

not going to say a damn thing

Yanela: You getting the boob baby, just go

home

Me: I love you too

Yanela
No more telling him anything that troubles me,
why was he here carrying a gun like nobodies
business.

"Yanela"

The principal calls me.

What is it now.

I follow him and we enter his office.

Principal: Don't bother sitting down, as of today
you are suspended with immediate effect for
two weeks. I called the Smiths and they don't
know you, take your things and get out of my
school. Security will escort you out, sign here
and give your parents or boyfriend whatever

Me: You sure you want to take me on

Principal: Sign

Me: Okay sir, and also you sir as of today are

without a job

I take my bag and head out.

[YANELA]
19

Ntokozo
I hadn't quiet left, I was busy making calls and
making sure everything is running smoothly.
The stupid prank they set up was stupid, but
maybe I am not to focused on Yanela.

Speaking of Yanela I see her coming out, is she

bunking school.

Me: Phiri

Phiri: I see

He reverses the car and stops in front of her.

Me: Haibo Yanela

She opens the door and gets in.

Phiri: Why you bunking school

She hands me some papers.

Me: You joking right

Phiri reads the letter.

Phiri: Aw this is a stretch this principal is

reaching
Yanela: Can you please take me home

Me: Yeah sure

We look at each other.

Yanela
We passed by every fast food outlet and they
bought me some food and their food as well.

The car parks right in front of my house.

I grab my stuff and head out.

Ntokozo: Call me
Me: I will my love

As I am approaching the house, I hear a lot

laughter. I open the door and enter, they stop
laughing and look at me.

Aniza: Aw Yanela madoda

Dad: He is making you bunk school already,

what kind of a son in law is he

They laugh.

Dad: You remember your aunts right rasheeda

and Mimi Smith

Me: A little bit

Mom: What's wrong why you back early

I hand her my suspension letter.

Mom: You busy laughing here and my daughter

got suspended

Dad: What

Mom: Angani you too busy making jokes and

not giving a dam about your daughter

Dad: Ma

Mom: Thula vele uthule

She clicks her tongue.

She hugs me.

Me: Mom I really didn't want to go look what

has happened

Mom: Did you fight

Me: No

Mom: Why did they suspend you

Me: I may have mentioned that I am Smith

Dad: You are a Smith

Aniza: You got suspended because of that

rumor

Me: Apparently I am bringing shame to the

school

Rasheeda: You said you would stop this... It

doesn't look like it your grandchild got
suspended, Tabatha you can't change anything.
Lets go

Mom: Yeah go, my child is telling yall she is

being bullied and you guys just laugh

Rasheeda: Wee siyokulungisa njena (We going

to fix it)

They laugh.

Dad: Take your things lets go

Me: But

Dad: But what

I sigh.

Ntokozo
Snakho: You ordering more mirrors

Me: No what is this oh, these are for my

bedroom

Phiri: Since when are into interior design

Me: It's for my room only how

Snakho: By the time this girl gets here, the paint

outside will be a different paint

Me: Stop being dramatic

Snakho: You dramatic

I want to make it comfortable as possible for

her, when she does sleep overs.
I check my phone.

Melody: Yihuu

They enter with a lot of shopping bags.

Me: Wee Charmaine, Thuso will kill you teaching

melody to go rob a store

Charmaine: What mxm these are for Yanela,

you told her right

Me: Eish, I will talk to her some other time. They

suspended her

Charmaine: What
Me: Mmm

Melody: In all my time being in this family never

have I ever seen a girl bring you guys to your
knees

We laugh.

Snakho: His knees mama his knees

Melody: I bet if she say go kill that person

everyone is grabbing their guns and killing that
person

I smile.
Yanela
I didn't know my family was this rich, why did
dad act like oh right he was isolated.

I think it was the fifteen minute break now.

Every learner was watching and admiring the
car. Aunt Resheeda drives a Maserati and it
parked close to the office area.

They step out of the car, I don't want to come

out but I have to. I am going to be bullied for
this as well.

We head straight to the principals office...

Dad: On what grounds do you have to suspend

my daughter
Principal: Miss Smith

Rasheeda: He asked you a question

Dad: Did she fight

Principal: No

Dad: Okay than on what grounds was she

suspended for

He yells.

I get startled.
Aniza starts packing up his stuff.

Principal: What are you doing

Rasheeda: You sir are without a job

Principal: You can't do this

Rasheeda: We just did

She pushes him aside and sits on the chair.

Rasheeda: I should have been principal of this

school no nepotism, nepotism my ass

The bell rings.

Rasheeda: Let's take you to class, what is your
next period

Me: Let me check, ah science again

This day is just not my day..

Rasheeda: Why you, ah ah get in

She shoves me inside.

Me: Ma

Rasheeda: Go sit down

They besides themselves and I am loving every
minute of it.

Rasheeda: Hello everyone yall know me right

Them: Yes

Rasheeda: You see blue eyes over there my

niece lay of her, if I ever hear that any of you
learners are bullying her or spreading false
rumors about her. I will make your life a living
hell, its not wrong for a teacher to ask a learner
to help with something small as stapling papers,
yall are ridiculous really and you

She turns and looks at Miss Xaba, she swallows.

Rasheeda: I got my eye on you

I chuckle.

Rasheeda: Alright happy studying

Ntokozo
I receive a cute selfie of Yanela with a back to
school caption.

Charmaine: Bro stop smiling you giving me

butterflies in my stomach

Me: Yeah, yeah

Charmaine: I told you guys are going to be so

obsessed with each other

Me: Than after that we face millions of

problems and challenges

Charmaine: So long you love each other and

trust each other, whatever hardship yall come
across yall handle it together and if you love her
don't treat her as a kid, she is a kid. But she is
young respect that enough about her, and if you
don't want her anymore. Let her go before you
guys get to deep in it

Me: Thank you mama

[YANELA]

20
Yanela
The school situation was sorted now they on
my case about, Ntokozo.

Mimi: First of all is he cute

Dad: Mimi

Mimi: Hawu yini

Rasheeda: We must meet him, he needs to

know you are a Smith if he hurts you in any kind
of way

Me: You won't hesitate to shoot him in the ass

Rasheeda: You know what

We laugh.

Dad: You two

Mimi: Awukahle leave the child alone

Dad: You right child

Resheeda: Lets go sort out the school situation,

we need a acting principal and than put out a
post

Mimi: You said you should run the school

Rasheeda: I am all over the world honey I can't

I grab my school bag and we leave.

We get in the car.

My phone rings.

Me: Hello

Ntokozo: Aw kabuhlungu kanje ain't you going

to school

Me: Eish ngikhale kakhulu ngakhohlwa (I cried

too much and forgot)
Even if I speak Zulu or English or whatever
vernec they will hear me.

Me: I am ridding with my aunts you can pick me

up afternoon, I will talk to them

Ntokozo: Won't they mind

Me: They actually intend on seeing you and if

you not hot in their eyes I am sorry we have to
break up

He laughs.

Ntokozo: Okay text me

I hung up and text him "I love you" with lots of
heart emoji's.

Ntokozo
A car passes me, I check the number plates Its
written Smith.

I chuckle.

Me: Nice wheels

I start my car and drive of, another car comes in

full speed and we bump into each other.

Me: The fuck

They get out and start shooting at me, I duck.

I look for my phone, fuck I just had it.

I hear other shots coming from the back, oh my

God never have I been in this situation... The
shooting stops, I get up.

Aniza is standing beside my car, I open the door

and step out.

He saved my life.

Me: Thanks bro

Aniza: I am not your bro

Me: Aw Aniza

He points the gun at me, I surrender.

Aniza: I am not your bro

He walks away.

I hear my phone ringing.

Phiri: Where you at

Me: They just attacked me, I am here by

Yanela's place get here quickly
I am an easy target now and the entire crew will
bite my head off.

Yanela
I am so glad everyone is moving on with their
life, or maybe they just scared off Rasheeda.

"Yanela"

I look up, she got two Danone's tubs. I can't say

no to that, I take it and she sits next to me.

Me: You stole this again

Zoleka: No this time, I politely asked and

wanted to say sorry to my friend
Me: Mmm, Zoleka you know I didn't want drama
okay

Zoleka: And yet you the most dramatic person

in school

Me: Bro like it hasn't even been five seconds

and you guys worship me like this

Zoleka: I am sorry if I couldn't have your back or

make it seem like I am part of something
Simphiwe fabricated. To tell you the truth and
you will probably hate me even more, but her
and Kwazi you know

I look at her.
She does the eyes.

I laugh.

Me: I have a family honey and a man who loves

me, little do I care what happens. They can do
whatever and attack me all they want at the end
of the day its only going to affect them because
they got evil hearts

My phone beeps.

Ntokozo: "Mama something came up, ride back

with your aunts and don't leave the house stay
in doors. If you need anything text me"

Zoleka: You okay

Me: Yes don't worry

I text him back.

Me: "Okay I love you"

Zoleka: Truce

Me: Truce, I know they will probably worm they

way back into our lives now that you know

Zoleka: Kwazi was angry

Me: He is the first person who introduced

himself to me
Zoleka: I also think they wanted to use you and
pass your around

Me: Thank goodness for Ntokozo

We laugh.

Zoleka: I am having a difficult time with this

hypothesis

Me: Oh yeah show me

Yes this is more important our books.

Ntokozo
He saved me when I could have died, it was
impossible to reach for my phone because I
was being gun down.

Zuko: Ubusy no blue la ingakho (You busy with

blue that's why)

Snakho: What do we do

Me: Find him and burn him alive

It seems like people are not scared of me

anymore.

Me: In front of everybody, I want all of them to

burn to ashes
Phiri: Is he coming back

Me: He will forever be mad at me, but I am

grateful he saved my life

Zuko: Why did he leave vele

Me: He is Yanela's brother

Zuko: Haa oh both of them have blue eyes okay

I see, and you still alive

I get up.

They hold me back, he laughs.

Phiri: Zuko uzokhala (You going to cry)

They laugh.

I don't care about me or what happens to me. I

was thinking about Yanela if she was in the car,
she could have gotten hurt and now this part is
scaring me.

Yanela
Rasheeda enters the classroom.

Sir: Ay miss Smith please

Rasheeda: You perfect for the position

Sir: There's so many people who can do it

Rasheeda: You going to do it whether you like it

or not, blue I am leaving now

Me: Who's going to pick me up

Rasheeda: Don't you.. ay you will figure it out

yourself

She leaves.

Sir: Rasheeda

She starts running, we laugh.

He looks at me and frowns, now that I know
they siblings. They look alike.

I text him shee mom can't go with me after

school.
[YANELA]

A few days later

21

Yanela
Its been a good couple of days. I enjoyed being
with my aunts, we all did. They have a strong
inseparable relationship with mom, she is a
Smith Makoti and they love their brother to the t.
Ntokozo and I are still good I heading over to
his place today for a braai, I know he is going to
introduce me. I am nervous, but excited at the
same time.

Me: I am sad that you guys are leaving

Rasheeda: I am sad to

Mimi: By the way, we seen mkhwenyane

Rasheeda: Not bad

I look down.

Mimi: When we come back he owes us a date

Me: I am scared of that date

Mimi: If he wants to be with you than he gotta

work for it

Mom passes by, her perfume hits my nostrils.

Wait a minute I have smelt that scent before.

Me: Mom

Mom: Yes my baby

Me: Did daddy buy you a new perfume

Mom: Yes why you don't like it

Me: Smells horrible

They look at me.

Me: I actually want to puke

I laugh.

Me: I am joking, I just smelt it before

Dad stops walking, than comes to join us. I

don't want to possibly think dad is stepping out
of his marriage.

I text Ntokozo.
Ntokozo
Me: I don't like how it looks

Snakho: Stop it

He holds me.

They laugh.

Snakho: Let go of the plates.. Ntokozo let go of

the plates

I hesitantly put them down, we move away from

the table.
Snakho: What is wrong with you

Me: I just want everything to be perfect

Snakho: No calm the fuck down or we canceling

everything

I look at him.

Snakho: Yeah bitch sit your ass down

My phone dings.

I get up, he shoves me back to the couch.

Charmaine: I am on my way my love

I sigh.

Zuko walks in.

Zuko: Ngafika (I have arrived)

Thuso pushes him inside.

Zuko: hawu yini manje

They laugh.

These fools if Yanela doesn't like them, I will

abandon them for sure.
Yanela
On their way to the airport they drop me off at
Ntokozo's house.

Mimi: Okay not bad

Is this even a house, gangster money is good.

Uhm what do I do.

Rasheeda: Bye pookie

Dad: I am coming back to pick you up after

dropping them off

Mimi: Yo awukahle (Stop)

The gate opens.

Oh my goodness my eyes, I look at this

mansion and I feel under dressed. The cars
parked in the driveway are something else,
some of the cars Aniza used to drive. A breath
taking walkway its green and clean and the air
blowing smells rich.

The door opens, Ntokozo runs to me and lifts

me up. I wrap my legs around his waist and
arms around his neck.

We kiss.

Me: Put me down

Ntokozo: Mami

We kiss again.

Ntokozo: Okay come on in

Me: Ntokozo

He sighs.

Me: Breath, okay

He opens the door...

Open plan kitchen dining area and lounge in one

space, the dinner table set up oo that's cute. I
notice a mirror, is this like a rich thing to have
big huge mirrors.

Everyone is chilling in the lounge, I grip onto his

hand tightly.

Ntokozo
Moment of truth she is here let's have fun.

Me: Ladies, gents this is Yanela Smith, baby

these are my brother's, friends and wives. You
know Charmaine, that's Melody. My two
younger brothers Snakho and Thuso

They laugh.

Me: Phiri and everybody else

Yanela: Nice meeting you

Zuko: She's beautiful

Me: You I am going to punch you

They laugh.

Me: Shall we eat and just get to know each

other

They get up and to the table, Zuko caresses her

face and blows her a kiss.

Than laughs.
Me: When I punch him it won't be nice

She smiles.

Me: You look beautiful

Yanela: How's about we get you a drink

She pours me whiskey and gives me the glass.

Yanela: You making it really hard for me to be

nervous as well

Zuko: Eyo love birds

I throw the glass his way, he ducks.

They laugh.

Me: I am sorry honey

We sit down.

Snakho: No sis blue ay shame umuhle

Yanela: Ngiyabonga

Melody: Oh you speak Zulu

Yanela: Dad is colored

Snakho: Who's white

Yanela: His dad

Snakho: I see, so we have a question neh please

don't get angry

Zuko: What the fuck are you doing with this guy

They laugh.

Snakho: Are you a real person

She chuckles.

Yanela: I know, I am weird but I was created to

be this beautiful

They snap their fingers.

Yanela: But I am white and both genes are

strong

She is calming me down a little bit.

Yanela
Everything is great the conversations are
flowing. Zuko is annoying Ntokozo but in a fun
way, the food prepared was delicious is
delicious and scrumptious.

Melody: So blue what have you done to my

husband, he complains about you all the time
I also think he is perfect for the principal
position. I may not know him that well but his
work ethic is on another level and kids love him.

Me: I am not sure but I think he should take it,

he would be perfect for it and people respect
him

I don't know if I should call him bhut Thuso, sir

or principal.

Thuso: Okay I got offered the position to be

acting principal

Melody: What congratulations

Thuso: I turned it down

Ntokozo: You what

Thuso: I don't want to be bullied like Yanela, not

long ago I was accused of being in a
relationship with her. Imagine sitting on the
principal chair

Snakho: You smoking something

Me: The post is available for everyone to apply

and Rasheeda is gone, you going to have to
start your job

Thuso: What
Me: Shee ma doesn't play, when she tells you to
do something, it will be done. Whether you like
it or not and I think you good for this job

Thuso: Excuse me

Ntokozo: Thuso

He walks out.

Me: Did I say something wrong

Snakho: Ah always sulking this one don't mind

him

Me: I do apologize for stepping on anyone's

toes
Zuko: So Yanela

Phiri: Stop

He laughs.

Phiri: What is wrong with you

He wiggles his eyebrows at me.

They laugh...
[YANELA]

22
Ntokozo
Apart from Thuso everything went well. I still
have the nerves, but my family accepted her
and she fits right in. I think she is what we been
missing and she came at the right time.

I open my door.

Me: After you

She laughs.

Yanela: Do I take of my shoes

I chuckle.
I close the door and lock it.

She takes off her shoes and gets comfortable,

she looks around the room. I hope she notices
the changes I made.

I down my drink and sit down, lifting her legs

and placing them on mine.

Yanela: Ntokozo

Me: Mami

She smiles.

Yanela: This looks like my room, I am in my

room
Me: I am glad you notice

Yanela: The mirror downstairs

Me: I made a couple of changes just so when

you do eventually come over, you comfortable

She takes the glass from my hand and kisses

me, I grab and squeeze her boob.. Than a knock
interrupts us.

Me: What

"Yanela"
We look at each other than laugh.

Yanela: Oh my God this man has no chill

She gets her legs off and put on her shoes, I lay
on my back and sigh.

She straddles me, I grab her ass.

Yanela: You behave now okay

I chuckle.

We kiss.

"Yenina niyabhebhana lapho"

"Zuko awukahle"

They laugh.

Yanela: I will call you later

Me: I love you

Yanela: I love you too

She leaves.

I get up and rush to the bathroom.

Yanela
I approach the Maserati, I open the door and get
in. I didn't think dad was serious, he gave me
like two or one hour to spend the Mhlongo's. I
can't believe him right now, I really can't.

He starts the car and drives off.

Dad: What took you so long

Me: Its a big house

He looks at me.

His rings, I see an X pop up on the screen.

He declines the call.

I look at him.

Dad: Want to get something to eat

Me: No I am full

I get a whatsapp notification, Mhlongo wives.

I laugh.

I send them a text,

"Ain't I too young for that"

They reply back with laughing emoji's.

Dad: Yanela

Me: Dad come on now

My phone rings.

Me: Hey, she did what unbelievable. I am with

my dad can we pass by and pick you up, yeah
just pack your stuff okay thanks for letting me
know.. Wow

Dad: What's wrong

Me: Our teacher added more things to the

project
Dad: See why I had to pick you up

Me: He would have sent me back home

anyways. Books before boys uhm can we pass
by this location

I put on the coordinators.

Me: I can't believe her right now, just when its

due she's gives us more

Ntokozo
I head back downstairs jerkerd off. I am super
drunk and horny.

Zuko: I hope you don't mind, I invited people

over
Me: You can do whatever you never going to get
Yanela

Zuko: Haa you think I am going to let go of a

challenge never

We laugh.

Me: So how is she, did you like her am I

believing in myself too much

Zuko: You got a good thing going on there, the

only people who can destroy it

Phiri: You
We laugh.

Zuko: Is the both of you guys

Me: I hear you.. Best friend

Phiri: I am happy for you, you know we come a

long way just please don't hurt her

Zuko: And if you feel like it, let her go

Me: And you take her

Zuko: But of course

Me: Never
We laugh.

The bell rings.

Zuko: Be nice now

He gets up and attends the door.

"Hey babe"

Didn't I break up with this girl.

I look at him, he pulls his girlfriend to the side..

Yanela
I thought it was something hectic but no, its
doable.

Zo: How did things go

Me: It was okay and funny half of the time, his

hand never left my thigh

Zo: Nervous

Me: I am sure he is drunk now, because I he

didn't eat that much. Just kept drinking

Zo: Ncoo love

We laugh.
Mom: Here is some snacks

Me: Thank you ma

Aniza: I hope you can keep this up and forget

about Ntokozo

Me: Bro I don't want to fight with you anymore

and I don't want a boy getting in between us

Aniza: Hold on, hold on lets be clear ain't no

mother fucker is going to come between us. I
don't like the choice of boyfriend you chose to
have but he ain't never gonna come between us

I get up and hug him.

Aniza: Okay, okay and plus he is going to fuck
up. You just wait and see

I am aware of that and our age difference is

really going to play a factor on our relationship.
I wonder if he has a girlfriend, I have been drunk
in love and his kisses that I forgot to ask
important questions.

Ntokozo
Me: Is this some kind of a test

Thobeka: Okay baby I am sorry for lashing out

on you but I miss you and

Me: Haibo
Snakho: Zuko ungadlali ngengane yase kahya
kanjalo (Don't mess with my brother)

Zuko: I am not that malicious and Ntokozo

knows

Snakho: Than what is she doing here

Zuko: I don't fucking ask her

Snakho: Yewena ufunani la (What are you doing

here)

They laugh.
Snakho: Inumber ka Makoti is on speed dial
njalo, washo wafona.. Mami ncooh phakathi
wena nzena, no I will make sure he eats okay
bye

Me: Yall excuse me, I will be back

Phiri: I will drive you

Me: No you stay there

I take my drunk self upstairs.

I enter my room and head to the bathroom. I

take off my clothes and get in the shower, I
open the tap and start jerking..
I hear the door opening.

Fuck.
[YANELA]

23

Ntokozo
My life was over Yanela is going to break up
with me and its going to be over for me.

Zuko: Nkosi yami sengilungele ukuthatha

umami hmm (I am ready to take Yanela from
you)

They laugh.
Thuso: You are such a fool a small moment of
weakness and you give in

Me: It ain't like all of you are faithful, he is the

one who brought her around

Zuko: Ah now its my fault hee

They laugh.

Me: She is going to hate me

Zuko: Wow that dick is

Phiri: Amazing
They laugh.

Thuso: Zuko speak the truth did you send her

Zuko: Yes

Me: Its someone who is close to me or an

enemy of mine

Zuko: Why didn't you lock the door

Me: I been drinking and that is not an excuse, I

am responsible for all that happened. Thanks
Bro for locking my room
Phiri: You know I got your back

Thuso: Why you not calling her

Me: That will anger her even more

Thuso: Ay man sukuma, sukuma (Stand up,

stand up)

He hits me.

Me: Bhuti musa ukungishaya (Brother stop

hitting me)

Thuso: Fuseg, ungabuyi la ungamphethe

uYanela gowan (Fuck of, don't come back here
without her, go)
He throws me out and locks the door.

Yanela
My phone has been blowing up ever since some
provocative pictures and videos of Ntokozo and
some bimbo or his girlfriend whatever were
posted.

Dad: And this is the kind of person you want to

be with

Me: Yes

They laugh.

Mom: You two don't have a hand in this

Dad: Mina nkosikazi

Mom: Yes you Smith and your son

I also think its them, but I don't care.

Me: Asthembe umuntu owenze lento ngeke afe,

isbindi esingaka kwamina ngimsaba kanje (Lets
hope whoever did this won't end up dead, such
guts even I am scared of Ntokozo)

They look at me.

Mom: You not mad

Me: I am mad, but what is the point we never
talked about such things who knows maybe I
have a boyfriend

Aniza: I also hated that about you, your

perspective in life

Dad: Ay you clearly weird, ngazala islima

sentombazane (I gave birth to a stupid girl)

Me: And I also like the perfume you bought

mom, you know some t

My phone rings.

Me: Hello
Ntokozo: May I please speak to you, I am here if
that's okay

Me: I will see you only for a few minutes

I hung up.

Me: I don't mean to be rude ne but I will be back

in 30 minutes

I clean the table and wash the dishes.

Aniza
Me: I told you this dumb idea of yours won't
work
Dad: Shut up

Me: I thought you liked him, now you want to

break them up

Dad: You also helped me so shut up

Me: Kanti what is going on and what is up with

the perfume story

Dad: A lot, lets not talk about it

Me: Ntokozo is going to kill you

I laugh.
Yanela
I enter his car and fold my arms.

Ntokozo: Yanela

Me: Why ungangishiyi uma ngizokuxaka (Why

don't you leave me, if I am going to be too much
for you)

Ntokozo: Baby

Me: Ungangithinti (Don't touch me)

Ntokozo: Okay ngiyavuma iphutha ngilenzile,

ngivumele utshwala ungenze ngibebuthakatha.
Zuko angisho ukuth ngisola yena, kodwa uyena
omeme abantu intombi yakhe izwana naye lo
sisi (I take accountability for thing that happend.
I allowed alcohol to weaken me, Zuko I am not
saying it's his fault. But he had invited people
over, his girlfriend is friends with this girl)

Me: Who is she

Ntokozo: Umuntu nje engilala naye (A person, I

sleep with)

Me: Oh ulale naye kwi kamero leli obuthi

ulenzela mina (You slept with her, in the room
you made for me)

Ntokozo: Cha, besiphuza impela kodwa uPhiri

kade elikhiyile (No, we were drinking and Phiri
had locked my room) Mama
Me: Mangikuxolela mase uyaphinda futh shuti
yimina islima (If I forgive you and you do it
again, than I am stupid)

Ntokozo: It won't happen again

Me: Don't make promises you can't keep, how

about this we take a break you go, and have fun
enjoy yourself. Than when you serious about
me, we can try this again

Ntokozo: Yanela please don't do this to me

I open the door.

Ntokozo: Yanela
I head back.

I am young but such disrespect, I won't tolerate.

He will do it again that I am sure of, but for now
I am the boss.

Ntokozo
I lower the car seat and sigh.

I don't know if I should cry, be mad or kill

somebody.

My phone rings.

Me: Sure
Phiri: How is everything going

Me: She broke up with me

They laugh.

Phiri: Stop it, what happened

Me: Honesty isn't always the best policy

Phiri: Was she mad

Me: I don't know

Phiri: You crying

They laugh.

Me: I

Phiri: Okay I will call you back later

Me: Sho

I hung up.
[YANELA]

24

Yanela
I approach his car with a toothbrush, tooth
paste, water. My face towel and some Vaseline.
He spent the whole night, sleeping in his car.

I bang on the window, he wakes up... He opens

the door and steps out.

Me: Thatha (take)

He looks at me and takes the things, I walk

around and jump on the front seat. He does his
things and gets in the car.

Ntokozo: Thank you

Me: You welcome

He lotion his face and apply some on his lips.

My phone rings.

Me: Yellow

Zo: They will be waiting for you

Me: I don't care

Zo: Where you at, maybe we can ride together

Me: I am with Ntokozo

Zo: You didn't kill him

Me: No but I should have

We laugh.

Ntokozo: I can pick her up

Me: No you going to deal with my quietness and

let it eat you up inside and just destroy you

He starts the car and drives off.

Ntokozo: Baby I am really sorry

Me: I know you are

Ntokozo: And I would do anything to fix whats

wrong between us
Me: We shall see

The car stops by the shop.

He steps out and gets in another car, Phiri

enters the car.

Phiri: Mami

I chuckle.

He starts the car and drives off.

Ntokozo
I know she is about to come out and go to work.
She will tell me who did she team up with and
pulled that kind of stunt.

She comes out and locks the gate, I step out of

the car.

Me: Ekse

She stops walking.

I walk up to her.

Me: Wenziwa yini ungidalele ama flop

Thobeka: Ntokozo
I place my gun under her chin, she gasp.

Me: Wenziwa yini ungijwayela kabi

Thobeka: Ntokozo ngiyaxolisa

Me: Ubani

Thobeka: Ntokozo

Me: Ubani

Thobeka: Okay okay, I don't know they just told

me to do it

I grab her hair.

Thobeka: Ntokozo please please don't hurt me

I let go of her she falls.

I get back in my car and drive off.

Yanela
Thuso accepted the acting principal position
and not much had changed, people are still
warned though if they so much spew rubbish. I
am calling shee mom and Ntokozo's whole clan
to sort them out.

Thuso: Blue mxm I mean miss Smith

He said he is going to punish me for the

duration he spends as acting principal.

Thuso: When you done lapho nakhu okunye

Me: But sir

Thuso: Angith abantu ba kini bangibeke la (Your

people put me here)

He was filling in for miss Xaba, she is a little

late. Almost all the times she is late that one, I
wonder.

Thuso: Everything good

We look at each other, I nod.

His phone rings, he stands up and steps out.

Simphiwe: So gal what is that

Me: Test, ay Simphiwe

Simphiwe: Aw its just a peek

Me: I am not a bitch anymore

Simphiwe: Ah usalapho, I am sorry. You didn't

say you was from the infamous Smith family,
your rich and a rich boyfriend

Me: Which are not important

Simphiwe: You broke up

Me: Who says we broke up

Simphiwe: The pictures on the net of him

Me: Did you post them

Simphiwe: What no

We laugh.

Ntokozo
Thobeka doesn't even know Yanela, neither do
my people so I have an idea of who is
responsible for this. But I really fucked up, and
that was not cool.

Me: Lalela uzoya la uyolanda imama (You going

to this place to fetch my woman)

Khize: Imama usuyajola hee (You dating now)

He laughs.

I look at him, he keeps quiet.

Me: Ngizobe nginilinde enzasi, kodwa kuqala

ngifuna uyelana ubheke iuniform yakho mase
ubuya nayo (I will be by my shop, but first I need
you to go here. Look for her uniform and bring it
back here)
Khize: Boss

He leaves.

I take my plate out of the microwave and eat

standing.

Melody and Charmaine stand beside me.

Melody: We don't know you be a fool and this

irresponsible

Me: I am not

Melody: Good
They point guns at me.

Charmaine: We don't care what you what you do

Melody: But we like her

Charmaine: And we going to protect her

Me: If yall don't get these guns out my face,

namhlanje ngiyolala ejele (I will sleep in prison)

Charmaine: And don't ever let us have this

conversation with you again

They walk away.

Yanela
It can't be just Zo and I everybody has to bug us.

Kwazi: You know I wanted you so bad and you

hurt me

Me: I am sorry

Kwazi: Its okay you dating king pin of the

streets now

And king pin doesn't want me around boys, but

he will live.

Me: Kwazi you are the first person I knew here,

you didn't say anything to me
Kwazi: True

I grab my phone and text Ntokozo.

Ntokozo: "Tshela lo ohlezi eduze kwakho" (Tell

the one next to you)

Me: Ah okay... Can we have things delivered

here or its not allowed

Kwazi: I think so

Me: Okay

Ntokozo: "It will be waiting for you at home"

[YANELA]

25

Ntokozo
He throws the bag of money in front of me.

Me: Haa is this how you disrespect my money

wena sarn, open

Him: What

I point my gun at him.

Me: Open it
He sighs and opens the bag.

Him: Its money we wouldn't bullshit you

Me: Don't care, pick it up

Him: Are you crazy

I hit him with the back and my gun, he falls.

Me: Dammit I said pick it up, you wasting my

time sweetheart

He picks up the stack of cash and takes out a

single paper, and holds it up.
Me: Good boy now was that hard, excuse me
was that hard

Him: No

Me: Pick up the bag and put it in my car

Him: Yes

I look at my phone, I have about 30 minutes to

make it back to the hood.

Yanela
School is out and I can't wait to go home and
have some pasta. I hope Ntokozo bought it or
else I will go crazy and dump him for real.
A man walks up to us.

Him: Ladies, you must be Yanela right

I look at him.

Him: I am Khize, Ntokozo sent me to come pick

you up

Me: I never seen you before

Khize: Your friends can come with us if

Me: No

He takes my bag.
Me: Bye ladies see you tomorrow.. No its okay I
will sit at the back incase you try something and
I can easily jump out

He laughs.

I get in the car and gets in as well, I just want

my pasta.

He starts the car and drives off.

His phone rings.

Khize: What I am driving

"Perfect can you come pick me up"

Khize: Ukuphi

He takes it off speaker.

Khize: Okay ngiyeza (I am coming)

He sighs.

Khize: Mama khona usisi esiyomlanda

ungayitsheli indoda yakho please, izongibula

I chuckle.

Me: No problem
...

A while later we almost home, but Khize takes a

left and heads straight down, than stops
somewhere and the lady enters. I see Ntokozo's
eatery, he lady leans in for a kiss.

Her: Thank you baby

She looks over and sees me, she instantly gets

annoyed.

Her: Khize who is this

He drives.
Her: Khize who the fuck is this

Khize: Ey awukahle

Her: Yewena sfebe ujola nendoda yami

She attacks me, Khize tries to get her of me.

The car stops, he gets her off me and she
screams.

I look up, somebody is gripping her hair from

outside.

Khize: Ntokozo

He drags out throw the window, she screams.

Khize steps out of the car and begs him.

Khize: Ntokozo bra

Ntokozo: Ngitheni kuwena (What did I say to

you)

Khize: Uthe angilande imama (You said I must

pick up Yanela)

Ntokozo: Imama leli (Is this Yanela)

She screams.

Khize: Okay Ntk let go I am sorry, Ntokozo let

her go

He does and he stands in between them

begging.

Khize: Ngiyacela bra wami

Ntokozo: Musani ukungijwayela kabi ngoba

nginikhonzile (Stop disrespect me because I
like yall)

Khize: Ngiyaxolisa (I am sorry)

The lady is crying now, what the fuck just

happened.

He gets in the car and drives.

Me: You going to leave them

Ntokozo: Sawubona nawe aw kunjani, ngyaphila.

Aw ngyaphila nami

Me: Ngiyaxolisa (I am sorry)

Ntokozo: Bazozibonela ukuth bahamba ngani

(They will figure it out themselves)

I keep quiet.

Me: Ain't you taking me home

Ntokozo: I am taking you home

Me: But home is up there and it looks like you
going-

He looks at me.

I sigh.

Okay sweet Ntokozo is gone now.

Ntokozo
The gate opens and I drive in.

Me: Welcome home honey.. Mmm I always

wanted to say that
I smile and step out, I open the door for her.

My phone rings.

Me: Hello, ngiyishiye kini nje ini udakiwe ay

zenzele wena.. Bye Snakho

I hung up.

Me: Okay see when you here, you use your

thumb to open. I will soon put your thumb into
the system, if its not working you use your key
card

Yanela: Can you open already

Me: Aw mami njalo wena ngisathi ngiba

romantic nawe uyangithethisa, (Every time I try
to be romantic with you, you shout at me) okay

I open and she walks in.

Me: Your pasta, I ate some of it neh don't bite

me but I didn't like it

Yanela: Why am I here

Me: Isn't it obvious you spending the night

Yanela: What

Me: I been patient enough, tonight you going to

sleep in my arms
Yanela: Ntokozo you can't just do that these
things are planned

Me: Are we not in relationship

Yanela: That's not the point

She yells.

I look at her.

Yanela: Ngiyaxolisa (I am sorry)

Me: You sleeping in daddies arms tonight, you

can go freshen up than eat do homework and
then we can have our lovely dovey time

My phone rings.

Me: Sho

Phiri: It has arrived

Me: Good package it and ship it off

Phiri: Mlungu wami (boss) be gentle

Me: Eww gross

We laugh.
I can even wait for her till she is 21 or old
enough for us to be intimate with each other.

Yanela
I had freshened up and got into some clothes
that were bought for me, (sweats) now I am in
the dining table eating. The pasta is good and I
am really trying to enjoy it, but now Ntokozo
was being unfair.

I look at him and he was focused on something

on his laptop and going through some papers.
What am I supposed to do now or say to my
family, but this is what I signed up for right and
its not like he was going to be gentle with me
forever.

I grab my phone and look at it.

I have millions of messages and calls, I could
have said something hours ago.

Ntokozo: You not leaving, so I suggest you

cheer up and accept the situation sweetheart

I gawk at him in frustration.

I send my mom a text and grab my books, I

hope they believe it.

Aniza
Mom: Sorry I forgot to say something, I am
going to be late or sleep over at Zo, Zo will
borrow me her other uniform, we revising for a
test
Dad: Bullshit, let's go

Me: Ay

I chuckle.

Mom: Where you going

Dad: Solanda lesfebe sengane yakho (We going

to fetch that bitch daughter of yours)

We leave and get in the car.

Dad: Ngizokubulala lokho okuwusisi wakho

ngoba akuzwa (I am going to kill your sister,
because she is being disrespectful now)

I sad and disappointed in Yanela, she is too

young to be focusing on such things.
[YANELA]

26

Ntokozo
She stopped being angry and we made food
together, than the psycho's decided to invade
my privacy.

Me: You can go sleep if you want to

I told her she was going to sleep in my arms.

She was slowly dozing off.
Yanela: I am going to give Zo a call read some
more than sleep

I pick her up and head to my room.

Yanela: You seriously turning me into a bad kid

Me: If I was you would bouncing your ass on my

dick

She laughs.

I place her on the bed.

There's this thing between where we look at

each other and just fall in love with each other.
Her eyes sparkle, I don't know if mines sparkle
also. But when I am with her, I feel at home, at
peace and than we seal it with a kiss.

Me: Wena ngiyakuncanywa blind (I love you so

much)

She smiles.

Me: I will be downstairs if you need anything

from me

I head out.

Me: Okay guys please don't make any... Noise,

please don't make any noise
Her father springs out and attacks me, I won't
fight him, but I also won't back down without a
fight.

Snakho: Okay, okay things don't need to get

physical. I am sure we can talk it out as grown
adults.

Smith: Angizudelelwa nguwe mina usithathaphi

isbinidi sokuthatha ingane yami ngaphandle
kwe mvume yami (I won't be disrespected by
you, where do you get the nerve to take my child
without my permission)

Me: She's 18 isn't that old enough for her to

make her own decisions
Smith: Uthini (What)

He grabs things from the table and throws them

at me, Zuko is laughing his ass off.

Yanela
The door opens.

Me: You back already

"Get your stuff lets go"

I jump up from the chair.

Aniza: IKwa Zo la, huh ikwa Zo (Is this Zoleka's

house)
Me: Bhuti (Brother)

Aniza: Get your fucking stuff and lets go

He shouts startling me.

Me: Okay

I grab my things shaking, how did he argh. I was

a fool to believe that they were going to believe
that text.

Aniza: What else did you come with

I enter his walk in closet and grab my uniform,

he takes my bag and pushes me out. This is
probably the most embarrassing thing to ever
befall upon me.

We get downstairs and Dad and Ntokozo are

fighting, oh this is embarrassing.

Ntokozo: Fuck you hawu yabona namhlanje

mina nawe sobulalana (Today we going to kill
each other)

They turn and look at me.

Dad: Wena emotweni manje, (You in the car

now) nxi usu-

Aniza: Baba (Dad)

Ntokozo: Ucabanga ukuth uyaphi (Where do you
think you going)

Snakho: Ntokozo let her

Ntokozo: You shut up, Yanela where are you

going

My heart feels like its about to drop, they

looking at me and I have no idea who to please.
If I leave Ntokozo will surely run of to another
woman, if I stay Dad and Aniza will disown me
and I can't have that. Even if we are fighting, we
still communicate with each other and I love my
family.

Me: This wasn't planned anyways its best I go

home

Ntokozo: Is this not your home are you not at

home

Me: I will call you later

Ntokozo: Yanela

Me: I am sorry

Dad roughly grabs me and pushes me out.

Ntokozo
Zuko: That was nice and entertaining
He laughs.

Snakho: Ungenwe yini vele, ufuna kubonakale

ukuth awusile ekhanda (What has gotten into
you, you want to show your craziness)

Me: I am done, I am so done please get the fuck

out of my house

Snakho: You

Me: Now

They leave.

I put my house on lock down and start cleaning.

My phone beeps.

I take it and read the message.

Yanela: Ngiyaxolisa ngalokwenzekile, kodwa

izinto asizihlelanga kahle. Kodwa ngibekwe
endaweni ebucayi, ngiyaxolisa ngiyathemba
lokho angeke kube nomthelelo omubi phakathi
kwethu (I am sorry about what happened, but
we did not plan this out. You guys put me in a
difficult position, I am sorry. I hope this won't
come in between us)

I close it and continue picking up the broken

pieces.

Yanela
We arrive home.

We get inside and dad smacks the hell out of

me, I scream.

Dad: Usukwazi ukulala ama out wena ngane

ekhohlakele, manyala mani lawa owenzayo
Yanela (You sleep out now huh, what is
nonsense is this)

Aniza: Yanela why did you lie

Me: You think I wanted this, what was I going to

say

Aniza: Uvumela indoda manje ikushayele

umthetho (You letting men now tell you what to
do)

Me: He is a gangster my life is at stake here,

you made me a joke in front of all those people

Dad: You made yourself a joke by dating an old

man, nakhona how sure are you, you are still a
virgin seeing how deeply obsessed you are with
him

Me: You are a fine one to talk

Dad: Shut up, your grounded try me Yanela and I

will kill you now go upstairs to your room.

I head upstairs to my room, I check my phone.

No messages from Ntokozo or a response.
I sigh.

He hates me now at this point, there's nothing I

can do. I will always have my family even
though they disappointed with, they will always
be there. Ntokozo men come and go but family
is forever.

Ntokozo
I pour myself a glass of whiskey and sit down.

Voice: Access granted

I sigh.

The door opens and they enter making noise.

Phiri: I would not be a best friend if I let you go
through this by yourself

Zuko: You were wrong first and foremost

Phiri: Shut up, whatever you need I am here for

you so let's drink party and forget who we are

Zuko: We may not be able to give you what you

want

Snakho: But we going to always be there for you

Phiri: Bottoms up
Thuso: Wee angilokothi mm hm nifakeni la
(What the hell did you guys put in here)

We laugh.

Thuso: I am going to sleep bye wee ay

Bottoms up.
[YANELA]

27

Yanela
I didn't sleep well, I was worried about Ntokozo
and the test we writing.
Aniza: Yanela

Me: What yall won right

Aniza: What is going on, from my understanding

dad sort of liked this man. Whatever you two
know is making him lash out

Me: Cela ubuze ubaba wakho ungiyeke mina,

angith kwawena ujabulile (Please ask your
daddy and leave me alone, you even happy as
well right)

Aniza: Pookie

Me: I can take taxis if its going to be a problem

for you taking me to school
He starts the car and drives out.

Again something came out, but it was Zuko

Ntokozo and some girl dancing. I guess that's
the girlfriend because they were dancing very
sensual. But the comments ay, they came at me
saying a school girl like me stood no chance.

I sigh.

Ntokozo
I kept hydrating myself man we drank and drank
a million times. I got a banging headache, but
work is calling me.

Me: Snakho
Snakho: Yindab

Me: These aren't the guns they ordered

Snakho: What

Me: These are not the guns are you guys trying
to sabotage me. I am paying attention now to
the business kanti yini Zuko, Zuko

Zuko: Okay don't shout

I grab him and pin his head down.

Zuko: Okay okay

Me: Yini le (What is this)

Zuko: Aniza nje owenza lenzinto mina

ngingenaphi

I let go of him.

Zuko: Hau

Snakho: Zuko

Zuko: Yinkinto imina nje layikhaya (Everything is

my fault here)

This what happens when you familiar with you

guys, they walk all over your head. I am going to
kill Aniza and that stupid dad of his.

Yanela
Miss Xaba hasn't arrived and we have a free
period. They were talking but not making much
noise. I don't know why but I had my head on
kwazi's shoulder and he was enjoying.

Kwazi: You really want to be with this guy, he

has zero respect for you

Me: Can we talk about school and something

else like how you guys party

Simphiwe: Really there's a party again want to

come
Me: Why not I need a little break

Mr Thuso walks in concentrated on his, he

stops half and turns around folding his arms.
Everyone gets back in their seats, he looks at
me.

I lift my head up and sit properly.

Thuso: Your teacher again is not around and I

got time to kill how about we do some English

Kwazi: Aw sir

Thuso: Yes my boy, go on take out your books.

Pass this around, do you guys still remember
where we left off. Miss Smith

Me: I don't know

Thuso: You don't know

Me: Yes sir I don't know

Thuso: But you writing a test

Me: Exactly one you should let us study for

Thuso: Didn't look like yall were studying

Me: Maybe I just needed to rest from all the

crying and trauma I experienced yesterday
Thuso: Will you pass

Me: I expect to see lips curve

Thuso: We shall see

I look at my phone to see if there's any

message from Ntokozo and nope there is
nothing from him.

I sigh.

This can't be good.

Ntokozo
I asked Aniza out to lunch, I don't want anything
from him just my stuff and why he felt the need
to change my order.

He comes and sits down opposite me.

Aniza: You look mad

Me: Cela istuff sami noma ungigaye inyuku

yami (Can I have my things back or give me my
money)

Aniza: What makes you think I have your stuff

Me: Eh Joe don't annoy me okay

Aniza: Okay forget what happened and just tell

me why are you guys fighting like this, what do
you have on my dad

Me: You should ask your dad

Aniza: Ntokozo

Me: You made it very clear that you and I are

nothing. What makes you think I owe you
something, or you deserve an explanation

Aniza: I forget sometimes when one deals with

you, they dealing with a kid

Me: My stuff

He takes out his phone and makes a call.

Aniza: Okay sure

Me: I think you should bring back my contacts,

if you not going to work for me I don't see the
need for you to have them

Aniza: And while you are still after my sister

that ain't never going to happen

He is one guy who is not scared me apart from

my brother's, Anzia is the third person not
scared of me.

Aniza: You really not going to tell me

Me: You should speak to your daddy

Aniza: Is it going to-

Me: Listen goodbye

I get up and leave.

Yanela
I needed people who can really advise me on
what to do.

Kat: Is this dude even hot

Me: Yo you should see him, he is charming

intimidating and all things
Kat: Than what is the issue, you a virgin

Me: That, age difference and more

Kat: We can't clearly advise you without seeing

umnini ndaba (Ntokozo) so we are going to
come over there and you have to cater for us
and give us transport money

Me: Done

Kat: Shame you in love

Me: And people keep separating us

Kat: Is it people or you guys, I mean every time

someone tried to make a move on your ass.
You would give them some philosophical
reason why they can't be with you

I laugh.

I didn't even get warning messages, that's how

bad it is.

Oh Yanela what are you going to do.

[YANELA]

28

Yanela
The door opens.
Me: If you going to harass me please than leave

Aniza: You are going to tell me what the fuck it

is that your man has on dad, now Yanela

Me: I don't know what it is

Aniza: Okay what is up with the perfume thing

I look at him.

Aniza: Yanela

Me: Our science teacher has the same scent

Aniza: Oh come on woman where the same

perfume

Me: You not dumb Aniza, mom has the same

perfume

Aniza: Dad is cheating on mom

Me: It looks like it

Aniza: Yanela are you sure

Me: I have to go to school oh and a few of my

friends back home are coming to visit me,
please tell your parents

I head downstairs.
Ntokozo
Me: Ain't you late for school

Thuso: Got a meeting somewhere

Me: Right

Thuso: Are you hurt

Me: What happens when real problems come

our way

Thuso: Nawe you were wrong for just hijacking

the girl like that, you should have politely asked
her to spend the night
Me: And she refuse oh my parents this and that

Thuso: You went after her knowing she is

school girl

Me: Ey awukahle kancane (Enough)

He laughs.

Me: I won't ever see her at the rate we going,

there's no time I am spending with her. We
might as well break up, and she can be with
Kwazi and he uses her taps that ass and moves
on

Thuso: You know I don't have anything to say

maybe it is for the best, but don't like give up
now because. What are you fighting for with her
father

Me: Miss Xaba and Smith are married

"What"

We look up.

Thuso: Miss Xaba the science teacher

Snakho: Eish that woman I almost had her

Me: Yes it was something arranged, the Smiths

were hiding something and they made him
marry her
They whistle.

Thuso: oh I see, how does Yanela know

Me: I don't know, but she must have run off to

him and he is breaking us up

Snakho: Yoh man are trash

We laugh.

Me: I just want to be with Yanela, I only

threatened her because she was coming
sideways at my girl. I had to cheek her, I don't
know what he thinks I will do
Snakho: Don't hurt the girl now, she is going to
fail

Me: Didn't he just write 48 out of 50

He hides his papers.

Thuso: Why you looking at my stuff

We chuckle.

Thuso: She actually got 50 but you know

He does that evil laugh.

Snakho: They will get back together, they still in

the love honeymoon stage

I sigh.

Yanela
Miss Xaba was here and my insides are boiling
eating themselves up.

Miss X: Forgive me guys, its been hectic how

far are you guys with the project. You can hand
over if its done and we can proceed, Yanela you
done

I am not the only person here in class.

Me: I
Zo: It's done ma'am

I look at her.

Miss X: Okay, Kwazi, Simphiwe you guys done

They laugh.

Zoleka hands her our assignment, she sits on

the table and goes through it.

Miss Xaba: Wow ladies, this is much better than

paying attention to gangsters and boys. I hope
all of you put in the effort and work as much as
these two did

She didn't have to say all that.

I check my phone again, nothing from Ntokozo.
I must do something that will grab his attention
and anger him, and I know just what to do.

Ntokozo
"Ntokozo"

I sigh and turn around.

She walks up to me and kiss me, but I don't

respond.

Thobeka: Aw I thought everything was cool

between us

Me: Where in the world did you get that from

Thobeka: We were dancing and all over each
other not so long ago.

Me: Haibo sisi ukuth awufile akusho ukuth mina

nawe sigrand bengidakiwe kanti ke intombi
yami ikhulelwe angisidingi istress sakho (Just
because you not dead doesn't mean we cool. I
was drunk and my girlfriend is pregnant, I don't
need you stressing me out)

Thobeka: Haibo Ntokozo ingane leya, usungazi

umithise into esadla ipurity ay cha shame
awuzithandi. Awuyilutho isfe (Thats a child, you
got a child pregnant are you kidding me, wow
you must not love yourself. You nothing but a b-)

I look at her.
Me: Asingajwayelani kabi, dlalela le kude
kunami soxabana (Don't fuck with me, stay
away from me otherwise it won't be nice)

Zuko: Bafo, ah its my turn to pick her up

He grabs my car keys and runs out.

Who said I want him to go pick her up.

Yanela
I am so tired I want to go home.

Me: Simphiwe
Simphiwe: Yes girl

Me: Some of my friends are coming over and

you spoke about some party, we can provide all
the booze you need

She sarcastically laughs.

Me: What's wrong you don't want to invite me

Simphiwe: Your boyfriend literally owns those

parties and seeing as

Me: Perfect you send me the details unless you

don't want to

Simphiwe: I do not enter anywhere when you

two decide to fight, he better not take it out on
me

Me: You let me worry about that, thank you bye

I run and catch up to Zoleka.

[YANELA]

28

A few days later

Yanela
Its Friday and I am expecting my girls, any
minute now Aniza is going to come with them.
I have drinks and snacks sorted out for them,
the principal said go the fuck home. I am tired
of you people, so there was no point in going if
we were coming out early.

This afternoon we meeting up with Simphiwe

and its about to go down.

Dad: Where is your brother we have to leave

They going to the states to visit our aunts and

that Tabatha and Aston want to see him.

I ignore him.

Dad: Lindiwe le ngane yakho (This child of

yours)
Mom: Where is your brother honey

A car hoots.

Me: Outside

I run and open the door.

They step out of the car and we run around the

yard.

Kat: Bitch

We compose ourselves and hug each other.

Me: Oh my God I am so happy you guys are
here

Mom: Baby take us to the airport

Aniza: I just came back, yoh okay

Me: bye mom I love you

Mom: Behave now

Me: I will partially

Dad: You not going to say goodbye to me

You slapped me and made me fight with my

man, I don't think so.

Me: Come girls

Ntokozo
Snakho: Yoh Ntokozo you are so petty bra

They laugh.

Snakho: Call blue already I miss her

We laugh.

Me: You don't even know her

Snakho: You do
Me: Ay animeni kancane (Stop)

Snakho: Phiri talk to your boy

Phiri: They grown and know what they are doing

Snakho: Mxm ufuna ulokhe ugijimisana no

Thobeka, sifuna umakoti thini ungalokothi futh
ucabanga ukuth uzoqoma enye intombi (You
want to keep on playing hide and seek with
Thobeka. We want our blue back and don't think,
you are going to find someone else)

Phiri: You going out tonight

Me: I will pop in for a few minutes, check things

out than come back home

Snakho: Charmaine you going sweetheart, ah

kombe naye akangikhulumisa yabona wena
indaba yakho. Angazi mina ngingenaphi ngoba
phela uwena okhethe ukuziba ublue (I forgot
she is also not speaking to me, you see you. I
don't know how I got involved because you
chose to ignore Yanela)

My phone beeps.

Me: Why do I have these things

Snakho: Obani laba

Me: Must be her friends

Snakho: They cute.. My baby hee

He laughs, I laugh.

Yanela
He commented.

Me: Ladies he commented on my picture

Beyonce: My baby

I blush.

Kat: Has he forgiven you

Me: Ah he has his moments, you will see when
we get back. We didn't break up, he is just mad

Beyonce: What do people do here, I am bored

already

Me: We going to a party

Beyonce: Ah why didn't you tell us, we could

have gotten our short stuff girl

Me: Didn't I tell you guys

Them: No

Me: I thought I did, I am sorry

Beyonce: Let's go shopping than, argh you
broke

We laugh.

Me: After tonight we will do all the shopping we

want

Beyonce: So lets see Ntokozo

The door bell rings.

I get up and open the door.

I sigh.
Me: Girl its 200 degrees outside, come on in
ladies this is Zoleka my friend Zo these are my
favorite best friends

Beyonce: And than lo gogo oe haibo

They laugh.

Beyonce: Girl its hot outside anyway

Me: This is Kat and Beyonce

Beyonce: Sicela ukubona lo Ntokozo

Me: Okay, there

Kat: Wow

Beyonce: Oh my God

They put the phone down.

Beyonce: Yanela

Me: What

Beyonce: Does he have friends

Kat: Brothers and you going to let other bitches

claim whats yours
Beyonce: No make up eish our bags are in the
car

Nobody is claiming anybody.

Ntokozo
A lot of high school kids and students are going
to be there, and amongst them better not be
Yanela and her friends.

Me: Iphi imoto yami

Phiri: Igusheshe

Me: Yeah bring out, take it for a wash

Phiri: Fuck it's about to go down

Me: You know it

My phone rings.

Me: Wola lapho

Zuko: Awuze la ey

Me: You can't even do one simple thing I ask

nicely of you

Zuko: Fuck you

He hungs up.
Me: Fuck

I need Aniza back on my team.

Aniza
After a few hours I am back home after and its
a circus up in here.

Me: What are you guys doing

Yanela: Picking out clothes for the party

Me: You want your man to smack you

Yanela: I don't have a man

She laughs.

Yanela: And you are going to be our driver

This is the last thing I need.

Me: Wow Yanela

Yanela: We have to take every advantage of our

parents being gone

Me: I am not your friend don't get it twisted

Yanela: This is a one time thing, plus I passed

my test and the project 90 percent
Me: Oh really you sure Zo is not the one who did
all the work

Zo: I wish I can take all the credit, but she is

actually a smart chick despite everything

Me: Hmm good to know I will be sleeping, wake

me up when you guys have to go and you
cooking don't even think about it nje

She laughs.

I am exhausted.
[YANELA]

29
Yanela
It was time to go, I tried waking up Aniza and he
was just sound asleep. I don't want to go and
than we fight, I get up from the bed.

Aniza: Give me a few minutes and I will take you

guys

Me: If you not done in 30 we calling our friends

and they will pick us up

Aniza: Did you cook

Me: Obviously I cooked, Aniza

Aniza: Call your boyfriend

I leave and head to the lounge.

Beyonce: Ntombazane asambi yini uNtokozo

ngaze esiphuthe

We laugh.

Me: He will be out, let me dish out

Kat: No wait, I will do it

Me: Good because I am nervous and if he

doesn't come than ladies we are going to sleep

Beyonce: You crazy, stop doing that

Zo: I don't think I want to go

I head upstairs to my room and find something

comfortable but cute.

Me: You can change into this

Beyonce: Your friend is boring

Me: It is what it is

I am glad they getting along and like Simphiwe

who bullies her and brings her down.

Beyonce: And than put the belt, bring it up a

little

Me: You good

Zo: I am okay now

Aniza: Okay lovies lets go

Me: Damn who are you trying to impress

Kat over there is drooling.

Me: Let's go

I text Simphiwe.
Ntokozo
Marquee is up, dj's booked and ready. Kids and
everyone else came to play, I try to switch up
these events. Sometimes it would be a benefit
event some of the proceeds get donated, I keep
some. Some its to help children further their
studies see I am not that bad, just don't get on
my bad side. I will flip and its not going to be
nice.

I meet up with the dj and we exchange a few

words, he tells me he makes most of his money
through these gigs. I am happy to make a
difference in someone's life.

I also go through the food stands, I don't charge

them but after every event they have a bag,
where they put in half of whatever they made
and hand it to me.
Ma: Aw Ntokozo mfana wami, bamaba la
(Here's something to eat)

Me: Kodwa ma

Ma: Thatha (Take)

Me: Nonke senizongiphake kodwa (All of you

now are going give me food)

Ma: Sibonga okukhulu okwenzayo kithi (We

thank the good that you do for us)

Zuko: Inyama mm cela ne roll (Meat, ooo can I

have a bread roll)
Me: Ukudla okwami (The food is mine)

He takes my take away and the rolls and walks

away.

I shake my head and continue with my

observing.

Yanela
We get here and its already a vibe, beyonce and
Kat are already out the car dancing.

Aniza: You kids behave now

Me: You not coming with us

Aniza: I will stay here and wait for you guys,
take a picture of where I parked

Kat: Got itk

Me: Let's go

Simphiwe says they somewhere right by the

entrance.

Me: Simphiwe

They all turn around, she comes up to us doing

some dance.

Simphiwe: Ha Zo
Me: Don't start, these are my friends Katlego
and Beyonce

She laughs.

They give me the eye, I smile.

Simphiwe: Well come join us, guys guys

Kwazi: Okay I got sho.. Shots for everyone

Yanela

Me: Hey

I grab a tot, I don't drink and don't even want to

attempt to. But tonight the idea is to piss off
Ntokozo as much as I can.

Me: Bottoms up

"Bottoms up"

Beyonce: Now you talking

Kat: Keep them coming

I look around and see if I can't spot any of his

crew.

Ntokozo
I leave my boys in their fun, I am not in party
mood and the dj is doing the things that need to
be done.

On my way to the car, I notice a very familiar car.

I look around and walk over to it, the door opens
I stop walking.

Aniza: Just you think about stealing it mother

fucker I am in the car

We chuckle.

Me: Good to see you out and about

Aniza: I didn't want to be bored

Me: Cool well have fun

He nods.

Didn't want to be bored.

I can't ask him if his sister is inside.

Me: Eh Joe uYanela ungaphakathi

Aniza: Yes

I breath out.

Yanela
Shots after shots I was getting drunk because I
am not used to drinking. Kwazi feeling himself
with me. I haven't had this much fun in well
forever, so this is what its like being a
disobedient child. But my parents are out of the
country, however this is what kids get up to on a
daily basis.

Beyonce: Go easy on the drinks honey

Me: You always tell me to live a little and that's

exactly what I am doing

A cool song plays and the whole crowd goes

insane.

"Uma ngicabanga ngawe mababy mmm

umhlaba wami uyama mangibona wena"
I stop and carefully listen to the lyrics.

"Ngithola ukuthula mawukhona, ngifuna wena

wedwa eduze kwami uthatha inhliziyo yami darli
and for that I want to thank you"

My mind disappears for second, oh Yanela this

is not working just go and talk to guy.

I see Zuko walking up to me, big brother Snakho

gets in the middle of Kwazi and I. Zuko takes
my hands and place them on his his chest.

I laugh.

We dance.
Snakho: Ay unganyakazi kakhulu, phela hamba
kahle

Ntokozo
Aniza and I we fixed things but we need like a
proper sit down and I must explain myself. I
walk up to them dancing, Zuko was in heaven
dancing against Yanela.

I stop and look at them.

Yanela: Hi baby

What the does she have on her hand, they

making her drink now.

I look over, Zo gets up and grabs her two

friends.

I make my way out, looking at this boy. If he

didn't get her now, he will never ever be this
close Yanela ever again.

Snakho: Yanela kodwa yindab ukhawathisa ubra

wami (Why you hurting my brother like this)

All of them are probably drunk, I am leading

them out and they making noise.

"Yanela bo ingasishayi indoda" (Your man better

not hit us)

They laugh.
Are drunk people loud by nature or its the
alcohol doing it's magic.

"Yanela"

Yanela: Yeah

She laughs.

"Is he mad are we going home"

Yanela: Obviously he is mad, he is probably

wondering what is a place like me, doing in a
girl like this

I stop walking and turn around.

What the fuck.

They laugh.

Snakho: Wee mami ungaphinde uphuze yezwa

(Don't ever drink again)

They laugh...

I get outside, these four are going to ride with

me and Phiri, they not big they can all fit.

Yanela: Guys this is Kat and beyonce

Them: Samba nge vura skrrrrr skrrrrr

They are a mood.

I at least thought Zoleka would be the good kid,

I chuckle and shake my head.

Aniza: Sho

Me: We all going home

Snakho: Singena kwi Maserati angani (We riding

in the Maserati right)

Aniza: Akungene Melody no Charmaine nina

noma ningasala
Snakho: Udakiwe

They laugh.

Everybody gets in the cars and we leave...

[YANELA]

30

Yanela
We riding in the car, igusheshe. Phiri was
driving, music was playing but not to loud.

A song comes on and Kat and beyonce scream.

Beyonce: Driver misa imoto, misa imoto bo

He looks at Ntokozo, he nods. The car stops,
they turn the volume up and step out of the car
and start dancing.

The rest of the cars catch up to us, they stop

come out and turns into a street party. I watch
them dance, Principal Thuso does the dladla
mshunqisi dance than picks his leg up and
finishes off with a shuffle. Melody goes crazy,
screaming for her husband.

I look over, Ntokozo is sitting by himself.

I sigh and go over there.

Me: Ntokozo
He opens the door.

I kneel down and loose my balance, he holds

me and I perfectly kneel.

Me: Ntokozo I am sorry, you were wrong though.

You may not have liked what I did, but baby you
shouldn't ignore me after we just fixed things. I
understand more tough situations will have to
make me take hard decisions, and choose
between you and that situation. But I love you
isn't that enough, why you torturing me like this
baby no

I crawl closer to him and wrap my arms around

his neck.
Me: I am going cry and I don't want to be weak
like this for you, please.. Please.. Ple-

We kiss.

He gently grabs my waist and squeeze it, he

takes my hand and makes me grab something.
Its warm big and I pull out and look at him, his
eyes are half closed.

Ntokozo: Please stroke it

Won't that turn him on even more...

We continue kissing and I stroke his dick. I take

it out and give it more room, his breath picks up.
He holds my hand and helps me stroke his dick,
he moves from my lips and nibbles on my neck.

I tempted to do something, but I think people

are watching us even though they are dancing,
oh what the heck.

He will just have to guide me on how to do this...

Ntokozo
I pull her head up she may find my cum
disgusting, what the fuck. Does she want her
brother to kill us... Me.

I keep towels somewhere in this car.. I wipe her

face than my dick. If that was good, I wonder
how fire and tight it would down there.
She raises her pinkie up.

Yanela: We go all the home now, no more

arguments, we working on our relationship and
spending time together what happens, happens

I lift her chin up and kiss her.

Yanela: Wait you supposed to pinkie promise

Me: Kudala ngaba owakho mami (I been yours

since forever) asambe siyekhaya ke (Lets go
home)

I wait for her to fix herself, I turn on the

flashlight and check for possible evidence that
might put us in a grave.
I lower the volume.

Me: Zidakwa asambeni (Drunkards lets go)

Zuko: Oh ngoba nakhu usubhebhile wena

sesiyahamba (Now that you fucked, we leaving
now)

Yo this guy has no chill, how the fuck did we

cross paths.

They laugh.

I shake my head.
Phiri looks at, I give him a small smirk and look
away. We do our handshake, he chuckles and
starts the car.

He drives off.

Me: Wasn't the real deal but

Phiri: Ungabe usasho bra wami (Say no more)

"Wee bae, Ngiyaxolisa ukukphaphela cela ama

wings no ungakwazi ukusithengela ama wings.
Angisumuntu othanda ukuhlupha kodwa
ngiyacela, I am beyonce" (Bae, I am sorry for
being forward but can you buy us some wings.
No may you please buy us some wings, I don't
like causing problems but please. I am beyonce)
Doesn't beyonce have a name,they going to
annoy me so I will buy it. I look over, Yanela is
fast asleep wee she must never drink this one.

Phiri
We finally arrive home after so many stops and
everyone still wants to party some more,
Ntokozo enters with Yanela in his arms snoring.

We laugh when she goes loud.

Ntokozo: Hey

We laugh.

I head to the kitchen and look for booze, I don't

think beyonce, Rihanna and Michelle should
drink anymore.

I laugh.

"Can I please get a glass"

I look at her.

Me: If you want to sleep say so don't argue with

them, they alcoholics

Zoleka: I am not even that sleepy you guys

intimidation sobered me up

Zuko: Yewena ungabe usubhebha ingane

yabantu lapho (Hey don't be fucking the poor
child)
They laugh.

Me: You hungry

Zoleka: Just water

Me: Okay

I give her a glass and than grab my phone.

Me: Ufunani

Zuko: Inyama bra noma ungenza ama wings,

since nizithengele awenu nodwa (Meat and
some wings, since you guys decided to buy
your own meat)

Snakho: Unesicefe yezwa (You so annoying)

They laugh.

Ntokozo
I had to bath her in her sleep, and put her in on
of my tops. She is sleeping now shame miss
what is a place like me doing in a girl like this"

I chuckle.

I grab my phone and take a picture of her.

Me: Ulale kahle Sthandwa sami, ngiyakuthanda

yezwa

I kiss her cheek and head out.

Me: My people

Aniza: Wola sfebe

Me: Wola mpintshi

We laugh.

Me: You good why you sitting by yourself

She smiles, but looks terrified.

Me: Want to go home or sleep

Zo: No I am good here

I look at her.

Me: Okay, Zwakala

He follows me out the back.

We grab stools and sit down, I pull my 20 and

grab a cigarette. I have three left, haibo must
have the stress from Yanela.

Me: Ya ke Nizo, ngiyabona mfethu ngonile lapho

kuwena
Aniza: Why did it have to be my sister

Me: Uhlukile

Aniza: Why because she has blue eyes

Me: And she's fucking beautiful

He takes my cigarette.

Me: Ngiyamncanywa blind umntana kini,

ngiyazazi nginjan. (I love your sister very much I
know the kind of person I am) Angeke kodwa
ngimzwise ubuhlungu, hlampe kancane (I won't
hurt her, maybe a little bit) kodwa (But) nothing
hectic
Aniza: I don't know how to feel about this

Me: I will allow you to have a bullet on my name

incase I fuck up

He laughs.

Me: Bros

He sighs.

Aniza: Bros

We fistbump, than blow it out.

Aniza: Okay let's go looks like I am getting laid

Me: Don't you always get laid

We laugh.
[YANELA]

31

Ntokozo
Phiri: How is she

Me: Puking, why the fuck did you allow her to

drink

Phiri: Ntokozo
"Ntokozo"

I head up.

I look at her laying down on the floor crying.

Me: What a sad excuse to get my attention look

at you now

Yanela: Please make it go away, I am sorry. I

didn't mean to, I just wanted to get you mad

Me: Well congratulations you succeed

Yanela: Ntokozo please, I need you

Me: There's no cure for vomiting honey, you
vomit everything out till it stops on its way

Yanela: Water

Me: Will make you vomit some more

Yanela: Lemon than

Me: Wi- okay I will get you a lemon

She turns around and faces the other way.

I laugh.
Aniza
Me: When will you guys leave

Kat: Around one

Me: Okay

Ntokozo comes back down.

Ntokozo: Charmaine

She look at him.

Ntokozo: What is it a lemon

Zuko: Give her a shot of vodka and everything

with be fine

My phone rings.

Me: Hello

Dad: What are you demons up to, is Yanela

behaving

Me: She's okay

Dad: Guluva

Me: That's the least of your worries

Dad: We going to remain here another week,

you two please don't make me fuck you up

Me: Why

Dad: Grandma and grandpa want me to stay a

little bit longer

Me: What about work and us, how do you two

expect us to survive really

Dad: Okay Mr Smith bye

He hungs up.

He heads up with the lemon, I follow him.

Yanela
I feel like shit.

I get up and run to the bathroom and vomit. It

feels like my insides are tying themselves up in
strong knots, why did I even drink.

Stupid me.

I get up and flush, than wash my mouth.

I look at the mirror, I got tears in my eyes and

my face looks swollen.

"Yanela"
I wipe my mouth and head out. I get inside the
bed and cover my face with a towel.

Ntokozo: I got your lemon, Charmaine said dip

this in salt and eat it

Me: I don't think, I can down anything

"Why does this room look like yours"

Me: Aniza

Aniza: Ja

Me: He made it look like it, where are you

He removes the towel and laughs.

Aniza: So your friends say they leaving at one

Me: Oh my God

Aniza: The rents are going to remain in the

states for a week

I sigh.

Aniza: Lento yenu ayingangicasuli ne (This

relationship of yours, let it not piss me off)

Me: No sleep over

Aniza: 9 is your curfew while they away, use this
time to get your freak on. Here drink water it
has lemon in it

Me: I think, I just want to sleep you can put it

here

I cover myself with the towel again and close

my eyes.

Ntokozo
I don't want to leave her alone, but I also can't
let the boys take these girls without my
supervision. At least Charmaine and Melody are
around to look after my baby.

Me: I am sorry girls, she will probably text you

later
Beyonce: Well it was lovely spending time with
you, thank you for the breakfast and our lovely
evening

Snakho: Wee beyonce awunalo igama

We laugh.

Beyonce: Igama liyabiza bhuti

He takes out his wallet and gives her money.

She takes it and counts it.

Beyonce: Thank you for the change

Thuso grabs his wallet and gives her money as
well.

Beyonce: The temperature is picking up a bit

Snakho: We kanti

Beyonce: Bye boys

I laugh.

Charmaine: I like her

Me: Okay

I give her my roll of money.

Beyonce: A

Me: It better be a cute name otherwise we

going to pop you

Beyonce: A whole me wow Yamihle Zondo

Me: Aw that's a why call yourself beyonce

Yami: I am a diva honey okay

We laugh.

Me: Yami hmm cute let's go

Kat: Is she really asleep wow bitch brings us all
the way here

Her phone rings.

Kat: Mom.. What how, oh my God

She sits down.

Kat: Is everyone okay

She is crying.

Yami: Whats wrong

Kat: Okay I am going ask them

She hung up and hugs her.

What happened now.

[YANELA]

32

Yanela
I think I need about a year to recover. At least
Ntokozo has been by my side and taking care of
me.

Me: Let's talk

Aniza: Sure
Me: You didn't sleep with Kat did you

Aniza: Who I fuck with is none of your business

The door opens, Ntokozo enters.

Ntokozo: You awake

Me: I am awake honey, yewena being

nonchalant about this is not going to help

Aniza: I didn't sleep with her

Me: Aniza
Aniza: Okay nothing happened she is the one
who offered

Ntokozo: Why what's wrong

Me: Igqitshiwe leya ntombazane her family is

crawling with traditional healers

Aniza: What

Ntokozo laughs.

Aniza: The fuck you should have told me that

Me: What the fuck are you doing with school

kids, already you have a problem with what's
happening here
Ntokozo: Do not compare the two

Aniza: But I didn't fuck her

Ntokozo: Wenzeni

Aniza: What you did

We look at each other.

Aniza: What you think I didn't see you two by the

way sies.. Okay back to Kat

Ntokozo: But you white nothing is going to

happen to you
Me: And black

Ntokozo: I doubt, if they say her room burned

down than that means whatever that's
supposed to happen when you touch her, was
sent back to them

Me: You sure

Ntokozo: Yeah, yall white and white people

don't believe in witchcraft

Me: We need to take him to some waterfall, just

to make sure

Ntokozo: He was busy shouting at us here kanti

yena uzowenza the same thing

Me: Stay away from Kat

Ntokozo: Ay mama you should stay away from

Kat

I sigh.

Ntokozo
We head out.

Aniza: Yo you sure, what if something happened

to me

I laugh.
Me: If something happened than maybe worms
would be coming out of you or you would die or
she would die

Aniza: Fuck

I laugh.

Snakho: Ngazile (I knew it)

We laugh.

Aniza: Hey she's the one who did all the work, I
was going sleep and than boom
Snakho: Your whole face would have been
rotten by now

Me: Stop

We laugh.

Snakho: You going to leave us again

Aniza: The house won't pay itself, gotta keep

the lights on

Me: Good because we definitely killing you next

time

He chuckles.
Snakho: Uphi umiss what's a place like me
doing in a girl like this

Yanela: Right here

We laugh.

Me: You can't miss school again

Yanela: I know

Snakho: Have something to eat

Her phone rings.

Yanela: Wena, how can you be so irresponsible
like this

"Are they there"

Yanela: No, Kat really

Kat: Apparently he must cleanse me

Yanela: Cleanse you for what you know what, I

will make things easier for you. Both of you
were responsible, please send me your banking
details

Kat: Yanela

Yanela: No Kat you know how your family is

Kat: I didn't think

Yanela: Send your banking details, we will

forward the money and that's it. You guys can
do the cleansing process yourself goodbye

She hungs up.

We laugh.

Yanela: I dare you to go there and I will go home

and set up a mattress and light candles for you

We laugh.
Yanela
If there's one thing I am good at, cutting people
of. I don't need anything that will bring me
unnecessary drama, I do protect my peace and
sanity and if our friendship needs to end than
let our friendship end.

Beyonce calls me.

Me: Hey

Beyonce: What is going on, she is busy calling

you a bitch and that she wish Ntokozo to cheat
on you and bring you harm

Me: What
Beyonce: I don't like my friends fighting what is
going on

Me: Ay its best you ask her, as far as we are

concerned we done. She fucked up and
Ntokozo is not stupid he knows what's at stake

Beyonce: Oh God ay ay

Me: Where you at

Beyonce: Spending money hee your husband's

really blessed me shame. I can buy the
textbook that I need

Me: They gave you money

Beyonce: They wanted to know my name

Me: No you did not

We laugh.

The door opens.

Me: I have to go

Beyonce: Bye bitch

Me: Bye

I hung up.
He leans down and kiss me, he pulls out and
looks at me. We kiss again, hmm that always
gets to me. The way he looks at me and I blush
like a little girl wait you are a little girl.

Ntokozo: You too grown for your age, most kids

your age are clumsy and get up to who knows
what. Myself included

Me: I don't like nonsense okay anyone who

threatens my peace and sanity ay shame
goodbye

Ntokozo: Even your parents

Me: No one's safe

We laugh.

Ntokozo: I am proud of you

Me: Thank you

My phone beeps.

Me: Ah homework

Ntokozo: Phezukwayo ntombazane (Get on top

of it girl)

Me: I love you

Ntokozo: I love you more

He leaves.

He brought my books over, so I am not

escaping anything with him when it comes to
school.

Ntokozo
Me: Alright what do you guys have for me

Zuko: There you go

Me: What is it carrying, you can't just hit any

Some of these cars don't always carry the same

thing. Sometimes one might be carrying just
coins, another would be carrying cash and
that's the one we should hit. Even so still
depends on how much cash its carrying.

Zuko: I spoke to my guy and he wants a share

obviously

Me: Okay, Aniza.. Aniza

Aniza: Mmm

Me: Hey focus, you gave them the money right

Aniza: I am afraid they might come back asking

for more

Me: We kill them phela and don't even dare

think about confronting that girl
Zuko: What girl, what happened did you rape
someone

He laughs.

Phiri: Yabona wena ngelinye ilanga shame (You

see you one day is one day)

Me: This guy

We laugh.

Me: Okay lets get to work, Phiri asambe (lets go)

We head out.
[YANELA]

33

Yanela
Thuso: Miss Smith pass these out please

Me: Aw sir

Thuso: Sukuma ntombazane

Me: Sir kodwa you very wrong do you realize the

trauma I went

Thuso: You were absent right

Me: Not enough

Thuso: How many traumas does one go

through, pass these out

He chuckles.

Me: See

He laughs.

Thuso: Girl

Everyone is making jokes now about what I said

and they backward talk.
Thuso: You know I also wonder, what is a place
like me doing in a man like this

Zoleka laughs.

Thuso: You know you just gave me an idea

Me: Sir please no

He laughs.

Thuso: Would have been a great assignment to

test your guys ability, to write something that
makes sense

Me: No
We laugh.

Everyone wishes to be a part of this

conversation but only, Zoleka Bhuti Thuso and I
know about it.

Ntokozo
I miss her now, you know its nice to have
someone around to spend time with. Yes I took
her school and it was an amazing ride, but I
want her back in my arms. The love and peace I
felt having her in my arms, is unlike anything I
have ever felt before.

I adore her and would do anything for her.

I call Aniza.

Aniza: No

Me: Aw mfethu

Aniza: No

Me: Okay you around I want something

delivered

Aniza: Yes I am around

Me: Sho

I grab my laptop and search for flower shops.

Caller:.... How may I help you

Me: I am looking for flowers like big, big flowers

Caller: Okay

Me: I see her wait can you guys like send many
flowers like a bunch of bouquets and stuff

Caller: Yes sir

Me: Awesome, so

Yanela is the first girl I am doing stuff like this,

never really bothered with you know who. Yes I
gave her money and all, but I didn't give her my
time huge difference.

Yanela
I keep watching the videos I took of Ntokozo
and I this morning. I don't feel the need to post
our relationship because, the vultures out there
are cruel.

Simphiwe: You left Ntokozo for the principal

Me: Wee ay you like news shame

She laughs.

I post it.
Zo: There you go

Me: Thank you

My phone rings.

I smile.

Ntokozo: Mami

Me: Hey

Ntokozo: I miss you when you coming back

Me: Put like 6, 7 eight hours

Ntokozo: Haa mami kanti unjan (How is you)

Me: I am joking

Ntokozo: I got you something, I hope you love it

Me: What's not there to love about you, my

dreamy handsome guy

He chuckles.

Ntokozo: I think, I won't be able to pick you I will

send my brother than I pick you up later. I asked
your brother and he was no, no, no, nope

Me: I also wish to spend more time with you

Ntokozo: I have to bounce see you I love you

He hungs up.

Me: Hau

A very fabulous woman struts her way through,

wow that's a ridiculous heel and I mean that in a
good way. She stops and turns around, aw
Melody. I get up and run to her, she gives me a
big warm hug.

Me: Wow

Melody: You look different

Me: You look different too, hold on I gotta snap
these they sick. Bye

The bell rings.

Aniza
I received the flowers and than boom mom and
dad showed up, didn't they say they were
coming back in a week.

Mom: Oh my baby you shouldn't have

Me: These are for Yanela

Mom: Wow spoiling your sister

Me: No

Dad: So I was right, you allowed your sister to

go back to that man

Me: They decided themselves, so why you guys

back

Mom: You

Me: Me what did I do

She hands me her phone.

Just when I thought my problems are over.

He punches me.

Dad: You out of your mind

Me: I am sorry

Dad: You should be, you should be sorry I leave

for a few days and these is the shit you guys
get up to. Your kids Lindiwe, your kids

He walks away.

Mom: You didn't

Me: Mina ma angeke ngize nginze into efana

nalena (Mom I would never do something like
this)
Mom: We taking the matter to court, if you did
rape this girl

Me: Mom

Mom: I know my baby

She walks away as well.

I grab my phone and call Ntokozo.

Ntokozo: Sho

Me: I need you my life is over man

I hung up.

Ntokozo
I grabbed my car keys and leave..

What does he mean hi life is over..

Two hours later I arrive and he is standing out

the yard, he gets in the car and I drive off.

Me: What's wrong

He hands me a phone, I read the message and

hit the breaks.

Me: What the fuck

He sighs.

Aniza: I would never do this, even if I prove it

statutory rape

He looks at me and he is in tears, my heart

breaks as well. We going to always fight
because of Yanela but I will have his back no
matter what.

Me: You know what fuck that ain't no mother

fucker accusing you of rape

I send a code red, they just messed with the

wrong people...
[YANELA]
34

Yanela
The principal told me he will be the one taking
me home, Ntokozo is busy and he needs all his
guys. I told him I am going out to grab a few
snacks than go back in the office.

Zo: I can sit with you if

Me: No girl go home, I will be fine.. I just want to

get a few snacks and go back he will surely
bore me in their and tell me to do some of his
paperwork

We laugh.
We head over to the aunts that sell, I must have
Ntokozo try these out they good.

Me: Cela awu2 maybe 3

Incase he bugs me for it.

"Wuye lo" (Is this her)

I turn around.

"Yes uyena kanye lo" (Yes this is her)

I know this girl, she is Khize's girlfriend. I don't

know the other girl, they look mad and wearing
tennis shoes.

"Uyamazi uNtokozo" (Do you know)

I chuckle.

I take my snacks and walk away from them.

"Yewena sfebe esincane" (You little bitch)

They grab my hair and start hitting me.

"Ujola nendoda yami sfebe ndini" (You bitch,

you dating my man)

They hit, slap and kick me. I want to fight them

but I don't know how.

"Ungijwayela kabi awubazi abantu wena" (You

disrespect girl, you don't know people)

"Mshaya uyajwayela lento ezenza ncono" (Hit

her, she thinks she is better than everyone)

A gun goes off three times.

"Ngiyeka man" (Leave me alone)

"Yanela"

She helps me up and we head inside.

"Eyami nawe ayika pheli" (This is not over)

We get to the office, Thuso follows in right after.

Thuso: Charmaine I need you to come pick

Yanela up, Lento ka Ntokozo iqeda ukumhlasela
manje

Zo: I am sorry, I didn't know what to do. I quickly

came to tell him

Thuso: Fuck

Ntokozo
It fucking smells in here, I don't know whether
it's bums or what but its smelling.
Kat: Ntokozo

Me: Ah just the person I wanted to see

She smiles.

Why is she smiling.

Kat: Tired of Yanela already

Me: Tired of my woman never sweetheart

Kat: So why you here than

Me: You don't look like someone who is raped

I point my gun at her.

Me: Sit down

Kat: Ntokozo

Me: Voetsek

I smack her.

Me: Angazi iyiphi le nsango oyibhemayo kodwa

namhlanje elamaqamu (I don't know what weed
your smoking but today its going down)

"Do you know who I am"

Zuko: Shut up old man

Him: Kat

Me: Who between you two thought is was great

to accuse my friend of rape

Zuko: Be careful what you say neh you don't

want to anger him

Me: Mengathi (If I)

I shot her one knee, she screams in agony.

Him: Okay
Me: I am listening

Phiri: Next one going through her skull

Me: There would be no evidence right, right

"Imihlola emzini kababa" (What is going here)

I shoot him in the head.

Me: Now

Kat: Okay I am sorry, they said I must do it. But I

also wanted to do it but not like this, I had

Me: You the one who wanted to fuck him, on

top of the 10 million he gave you. That wasn't
enough for you psycho's, you wanted to suck
him dry

Kat: I am sorry

Snakho: Vula la (Open here)

She unlocks her phone, he sits down and goes

through it.

Snakho: Haa what is beyonce saying, did you

see the video what video

Me: Find the stupid video

Snakho: Hold on, fuck

He stands up.

Me: What

Snakho: Thobeka attacked Yanela

Zuko: Ini (What)

Snakho: Sho, yeah we on our way out

I look at her and shoot her other knee.

Me: I ain't scared of you come after him again

and I will slaughter your whole fucking family,
nxi you ugly monkeys
I head out and call Thuso.

Thuso: Hello

Me: What the fuck is wrong with you, what part

of keep Yanela safe didn't you understand nxi
fuck you

I hung up.

They start the car and we leave.

I look for the video, it already got a million

views..
They slap her, I close my eyes.

Yanela
We arrive home and my face is hard and
swollen. I can't even begin to understand what
just happened, my body is in shock. I just got
involved in my first cat fight.

Charmaine opens the door, she is boiling inside

her and Melody came to fetch me.

I am met by a beautiful picture of flowers, that's

soon ruined by the sight of seeing dad they
back.

My heart starts racing.

Dad: What happened to you

Mom: Oh my God Yanela

Dad: Who are you

Me: This is Charmaine and sis melody they

Ntokozo's in laws

Dad: Ntokozo, Ntokozo Yanela angishongo

ngathi hlukana nalomfana. Uyena okwenze nje

Me: Cha, amanye amantombazane

Dad: Ajola naye lomfana

Me: Yebo

He almost hits me, but backs away chuckling.

Me: Baba

He walks out slamming the door.

Ntokozo
Aniza: Dad wants to see you

Me: Not until I see Yanela

Aniza: What the fuck man

Me: I didn't
Aniza: Didn't what, didn't what

Snakho: Stop screaming phela we just helped

you

He looks at him.

Snakho: Okay, mama

Me: Charmaine where is my girl

She turns the camera around, Melody was

helping her out her uniform.

Melody: Oh come on she didn't even beat you

that much

I guess we on mute.

They laugh.

Yanela: It's this what it's like

Melody: We fight hoes like that all the time, but

that ugly girl will get what's coming to her

Charmaine: We will make sure of it

She hungs up.

Me: Stop the car

Aniza: What

Me: Aniza stop the fucking car

He stops on the side of the road, I don't even

wait for him. I get out of the car.

Snakho: Haibo Ntokozo

I punch the car and walk on, Phiri gets out.

Me: Don't tell me its okay because its fucking

not okay

I walk away from him, I don't know where we

but I just need to cool off.

I just need to cool off.

Aniza
Dad keeps blowing up my phone, I will ignore
him. No one could have predicted that was
going to happen, I text him we on our way there.

He approaches us, with bloody hands. What

was he doing, punching the road.

Me: Ntokozo

He opens the door and gets in the car.

We look at each other...

We get in as well, I start the car and drive off.

Zuko: Can I touch you

He doesn't answer.

He grabs one hand, he looks at him. He lets go

of it than picks it up again and starts cleaning it.

And Snakho laughs.

Me: Stop it

Snakho: Wee Zuko

Zuko: Angiphinde ngimdlalise

They laugh...
[YANELA]

35

Yanela
I won't run nor will hid every time something
happens that concerns Ntokozo. This is now
the dynamics of our relationship, war all around
and the fact that they hit didn't serve them
anything. Ntokozo is still mine, and he will
forever be mine.

I keep my book's in check and leave the rubbish

out of the door.

Simphiwe: You in school

Me: Don't act like you not happy, you very much
happy

Simphiwe: And you still want to be with that guy

Me: We going to get married and have kids

They laugh.

Thuso: Okay settle down

He looks at me.
Thuso: Books out lets continue

He looks at me again.

Me: Why you looking at me, I know I am

beautiful

Thuso: Okay miss beautiful how about you read

Me: You seriously want me to read

He still keeps a straight face.

Me: Yoh
I open my book and start reading.

Aniza
Shee mom and Mimi came back and they were
breathing fire. I was too but I just got out of a
deep serious situation.

Dad: I am going to kill that boy, he is

disrespecting me and letting my only baby get
attacked

Only baby, haibo what am I.

Rasheeda: I am disappointed in you, you the

grown up

Me: Ma I got to many problems right now to be

worried about nonsense

Mimi: Nonsense and what you call raping a little

girl

Me: I didn't rape her, they must have found out

how wealthy and settled I am and they wanted
more

Mimi: We shall see

Me: I didn't do anything

Dad: Why did you stop me

Rasheeda: There's plenty of time to hit the boy,

there's a lot we got going on
They talk with their eyes, they definitely hiding
something and I am going to find out sooner or
later.

The bell rings.

Ntokozo
The door opens.

Aniza: Ntokozo, come in

He makes way for me.

Me: I heard you were looking for me

Smith: You got a lot of balls showing yourself in
my house

Rasheeda: Hold on brother we got this

Mimi stands before me, I look down.

She smacks.

Mimi: You got a lot of balls showing yourself in

my house.. Ouch! I think I broke my hand

She laughs.

Rasheeda: You know Ntokozo if you the man

you claim to be, how did my niece get attacked
She hits me with something on my back, I fall
on my knees.

Mimi: You this is not how we expected to meet

you so

He grabs me and we head out.

Smith: We will show you who the Smith's are

Even if I die, I don't care.

Yanela
Thuso: Let me speak to you for a few seconds
Zo: I will wait for you outside

Me: Great lesson today sir

Thuso: You don't have to act strong or suppress

the way you feeling

Me: Whats the point of that, they hit me today.

They shoot him the next and then I am also
going to go crazy

Thuso: What did my brother see in you

Me: Beauty and brains

Thuso: I want you sitting here in class break

time
Me: Sir

He raises his eyebrow.

Me: Yes sir, Zo

She comes in and helps me out.

Thuso: Yanela

Me: I will be here sir

Thuso: Good

Zo: What was that about

Me: You know big brother being over protective

Zo: How I wish to be you

Me: No you don't

I had a very comfortable peaceful life before I

moved here.

Ntokozo
We arrive in some fields, I see men digging up a
grave.

Smith: Still want to play tough

Me: I don't really care what you do to me

He pushes me.

Rasheeda: Boy he has been complaining about

some back pain please

They stop digging and come panelbeat my ass,

okay these smith's don't play...

After I can't feel myself anymore they stop.

Rasheeda: Get up

Aniza: Is this really necessary

Rasheeda: Yes of course get up

How am I going to get up.

Rasheeda: Quick now I don't have all day

I use the little bit of strength that I have to get

up, and I am pushed inside the grave. I lift up
my body and spit the dirt out that's mixed with
my blood...

I chuckle.

Rasheeda: Whats funny

Me: You want to kill me fine, but look at your

phone Aniza
I spit out blood.

Aniza: Ntokozo mfethu

Me: You kill me Rasheeda and my guy will tell

Mrs Smith about Mrs Smith junior, who
happens to be Miss Xaba Yanela's Science
teacher

Aniza: What

Me: I will also go to the feds and tell them about

you killing Mimi's husband, and burying him
under the house you guys built, not only that. I
will
I chuckle.

Me: Should I continue

Rasheeda: Impressive

Mimi: You two are dumb siblings anyone can

have

Smith: It was a business transaction which you

guy told me to do it to save precious Tabatha

Rasheeda: Why should we believe

Me: I will do almost anything to protect Yanela,

and that teacher having the balls everyday to
say shit about Yanela wasn't on the cards. What
its going to be Shee ma

Mimi: Oh you two are so dumb, I hate you

She goes back in the car.

Me: It wasn't my business still not, but no one is

going to come at Yanela anyhow

Rasheeda: This never happened and I don't

know who you are

She walks away to and gets in the car. I climb

out the grave and lay down.

Smith: Son
Aniza: Awuhambe tu, hamba nabo ubusy ubiza
abanye abantu ngezifebe kanti ushadile umuntu.
Aw vele eskhulu sazi esincane (Please go, leave
with them busy calling other kids bitches and
you married. Obviously a big bitch, knows a
small bitch)

I close my eyes and blackout.

[YANELA]

36

Yanela
Apparently a lot happened yesterday haven't
seen Aniza and Shee ma and Mimi are back,
they got some things to sort out than head back
to the states.
What in the Smith is going on really.

Dad: Pumpkin

I sigh and turn around.

He comes over and hugs me, okay I hug him

back.

Me: Everything okay

Dad: No I just needed a hug

I look at him.
Me: Did you sleep

Dad: I am fine enjoy your day

He walks away.

Me: That's weird

I exit the door, hau who is taking me to school.

A car reverses, the window rolls down its
Ntokozo. I look around and run to his car, I get
in and hide.

Ntokozo: Yini manje

His voice is raspy.

I look at him and he is badly beat up.

Me: Haibo

He kisses me.

Me: Awume what happened to you

Ntokozo: Your father

Me: What

Ntokozo: And aunts

I pop my eyes out.

Ntokozo: I deserved it what happened to you
shouldn't have happened at all

Me: Oh, I thought a deal went wrong and they

took it out on you

He kisses me again.

"Ey fuseg maan"

I pull out.

It's Aniza drunk as fuck, he tries to balance

himself but doing a very bad job. He walks
inside, the other leg locks with the other and
down he goes.
He laughs.

Me: Is he laughing

Ntokozo starts the car and drives off.

Me: Ntokozo

Ntokozo: He will be fine

Me: What happened

Ntokozo: He didn't appreciate that his father is

married to another woman
Me: Married to another woman haibo what are
you talking about

Ntokozo: Miss Xaba, she's Mrs Smith

Me: Eww

Ntokozo: How did you figure it out

Me: His dumb ass went and bought the same

perfume for mom

Ntokozo: Waa

Me: You in pain

Ntokozo: They fucked me up girl

Me: I am sorry even your hands

Ntokozo: When I saw the video, I got so angry.

The monster in me wanted to kill everybody, but
I walked it off and started punching the road
really bad

Me: Did you go to the doctors, I am sure they

painful

Ntokozo: You have no idea, I just want to be

with you and all the pain will go away

I get butterflies.
Ntokozo: And no you not skipping school, I told
you don't let this relationship or what I do get in
between you and your books

Me: But if you hurting, how can I not hurt

He grabs my hand and kisses it.

Ntokozo: You going to school and that's it

His phone rings.

Ntokozo: Can you answer that for me please

Me: Ntokozo's girlfriend hello

He chuckles.

Me: Hello

Ntokozo: Who is it

Me: Ah probably one of your hoes

I hung up and block the number, I don't care

who it is.

Aniza
I have never been this hurt in my life. Where is
the love if two people who loved each other for
years and one of them decides to break their
vows. What kind of a person does that, why get
married if later on you going to hurt your
spouse.

Dad: Aniza

Me: Yabona wena, wena you

I point at him.

Me: Want to see you the person last

I laugh.

Me: I am speaking like Yanela now ooh that was

priceless

I grab my phone and call Ntokozo.

Ntokozo: Sho

Me: Bra wami ngiyakuthanda neh,

ngiyakuncanywa (I love you) you probably the
best thing that's happened to us

Ntokozo: Hambo lala bafo

Me: Ah ah in the words of I don't know where I

heard this from but, when the friends are the
dark the days are the few. Wena mpintshi
awukho njalo yabo, ay musa ukungibamba (You
my friend are not like that, don't touch me) okay
bye

I see the couch and make my way there, my

bedroom is too far and I won't make it.
Ntokozo
Me: Kini vele English iyintozeni (English is your
thing

Yanela: Siskhipha ngamakhala (We speak it

fluently)

We laugh.

Me: Yanela Smith I love you

Yanela: I love you too Ntokozo ntk Mhlongo

I open the door and try to get out, its impossible.

She lifts her skirt up and straddles me, I grab
her ass and squeeze it.

Me: You don't where a tight

Yanela: No

Me: Makuphephuka kuvele iyintozami zonke

( When the wind blows, my things show)

She giggles.

Me: Yanela go to school

We kiss.
Me: Yanela please stop and get off me hawu

She laughs and gets out the car, she comes

over to my side and opens the door. She kisses
me, than my groin.

Me: Imma have you right here, right now broken

ribs and all if you don't stop.

Yanela: You the best bye

She grabs her bag and enters the gate.

Yanela
I get to glass and sit down, Zo sees me and
waves. I am just like a few minutes late, but I
don't care Rasheeda and Mimi and here.
Miss X: If you done waving take out your books
and don't make it a habit of coming late to class

Me: I ha-

Rasheeda: Zip it, your secret is out. She knows

who you are

Me: She is the worst shame the worst

Rasheeda: Don't worry she doesn't compare or

come close to what Lindiwe is

Me: It must have been on a drunk night

Rasheeda: Alright learners we have a new
principal. I hope everyone can welcome the new
principal with open arms, work with the
principal and not against the principal. I am
telling you this because, from what I have
learned this is the savage grade of all grades. I
do warn again if any happens to miss Smith or
the new principal, I will shut the school down
and blame it on you kids alright happy learning

She leaves.

Simphiwe: It better not be some tyrant who will

rule with an iron fist

I look at Miss Xaba and click my tongue, I want

to go and poke my pen in her eyes. Oh poor
mom, I hope Aniza doesn't say anything that will
upset mom. Her heart will just stop, she loves
dad too much and this is going to break her
apart.

Aniza
I couldn't sleep.

I felt bad, my mother doesn't deserve this at all,

how dare he do something like this.

"Can we talk"

I sigh.

Dad: I know I wrong you guys but you have to

understand I was pushed into a corner. I didn't
love her, but I grew to love her
Me: Not you confessing your love for another
woman to me

Dad: If I could go back in time I would

Me: Do you have kids

He keeps quiet.

Me: Ah fuck man what if I slept with them

Dad: You gay

Me: That's not the point

Dad: I have two sons they also have blue eyes

Me: My age or Yanela

Dad: They two years younger than you

Me: You are sick and I hate what you did to

mom

Dad: Please don't

Me: Don't what Smith, don't tell her. I know I am

not supposed to talk to you like this but fuck
that and you making me mad

Dad: I got a message from the girls family, they

sorry for finding out the wrong end of the stick
and won't bother you anymore
I want to punch him so bad.
[YANELA]

37

Yanela
Me: Come in

Aniza enters.

Aniza: Wow still a virgin

Me: You didn't trust me

Aniza: You didn't hide your body from me

Me: Ah what do you want

Aniza: I want us to talk to each other

Me: Okay be quick

Aniza: How do you feel about this whole thing

Me: I don't really care yazi, I am just worried

about mom if she ever found out about this

Aniza: Can you believe him, he is like it was a

business transaction I didn't love her. But I
learned to love her
Me: The nerve

Aniza: He is like I have children

I look at him.

Aniza: I am like what if I slept with them, his like

are you gay. I'm like dude

Me: That's not the point

Aniza: Exactly two boys younger than me

Me: I don't want to know them and quiet frankly

if mom wants to go, I am leaving with her
Aniza: I am very disappointed in him

Me: What if you slept with them if they were

girls

Aniza: I don't think I would have because he

says they got blue eyes

Me: That's not the point

Aniza: I can't believe dad has another wife with

kids

Me: Ugly science teacher

We laugh.
The door creeks open.

Aniza: Mom

She runs out and closes the door.

I grab my tank top and we chase after her.

Aniza: Mom.. Mom

We hear the car starting...

Aniza: Mom

She is out the yard and speeds off.

Me: What the fuck is wrong with you didn't you
close the door

Oh my God this is a disaster.

Ntokozo
My phone rings.

Me: Sho

Aniza: Track your car, mom left in it

Me: Why whats wrong

Aniza: She over heard us talking

Me: Really what am I not surprised, you always
were the sentimental type ah shut up

I hang up and call my guys.

"Sho"

Me: I need you to track my car and find out

where it is

"Okay hold on, its passing by your hood"

Me: What

I grab my gun and run out. Before I can even do

anything it speeds pass me, what do I do. Shoot
the tyre's but that would be killing my mother in
law.

Me: Listen track its movement and talk to Aniza

"Boss"

I call him back.

Aniza: Found her

Me: She just passed by on three thousand, keep

your phone on

Aniza: And you let her go

Me: I am not stupid like you so whatever bye

Snakho: What's wrong

Me: Mother in law gone rogue

Snakho: Ncooh what happened

Me: She knows the truth

Snakho: Wee I don't not want to be that bad guy

right now

Yanela: Sthandwa sam

Me: Kodwa mami yini nidala iflop engaka

Yanela: Ey

Me: Who is taking you school

Yanela: Aniza

Me: Alright I will pick you up after school

Yanela: I love you

Me: I love you more

"Can we come in"

Snakho: Oo lala obani laba

Me: This bad girl attitude doesn't suit you

shame

Rasheeda: Whatever we want something from

you

Me: Didn't you hear

Rasheeda: What

Me: Makoti now knows about young Makoti

They look at each other and laugh.

Rasheeda: We didn't come here for that, find us
your bitch so we can talk to her

Charmaine: Oh sanibonani

Me: This is Rasheeda and Mimi

Charmaine: Nice meeting you

Rasheeda: Your cute

Charmaine: Thank you you cute yourself

Rasheeda: Do you have a man, because you

would look good on this table. With my tongue
flickering all over your pussy
Me: Damm

Charmaine: We can have a threesome

Rasheeda: Is he packing

Charmaine: We could show you if you want to

Mimi: Make it a foursome

My jaw drops.

Snakho chokes.

I laugh.
Their sister in law is out missing and they
thinking about foursomes wow.

Yanela
I was so worried about mom why in the hell did
we even discuss this.

"Yanela"

Me: Hmm, yeah sorry what happened

Miss X: Pay attention please

Me: You going to make fun of me again yazi

your insults. I don't care about them anymore,
they give me ambitious to really fuck up your
life but I am not a rude of disrespectful child.
My apologies for not paying attention, by the
way ay futh never mind

I forgot to mention our new principal is none

other than Thuso Lephalale Aka Mhlongo, who I
think is perfect for the job. They held virtual
interviews and no one came close to him and
his expertise, a well deserved promotion.

Melody wants to throw him a party more like a

Thanksgiving, she is a happy wife right now.

Miss X: Ah Principal

Thuso: Thank you hello everyone, miss Smith

He goes and talks to evil step mother. Thuso is
the brother you can't act anyhow with him, even
his brothers don't try him. We may laugh and
joke at some point, but he always keeps it stern.

Thuso: Haa I will tell him

Me: Wee you don't even come close

He chuckles.

Thuso: I will take that

He takes my phone.

Me: Sir please I really need my phone

I run after him.

Me: Bhuti please uma udukile ngiyayidinga

phone yami (Mom is missing and I need my
phone)

Thuso: Ncooh that's really sweet, get off me in

class now, now Yanela

He shouts startling me.

Ntokozo
I call my baby.

"Hello"
Me: Yewena sfebe (Bitch)

Thuso: Sfebe uwena (The bitch is you)

Me: Wenzani ne phone ya muntu wami (What

you doing with my girlfriends phone)

Thuso: She was busy with it in class and I took

it

Me: Usuyayifuna yini intombi yami ngoba aybo

uyimisele ngokumhlukumeza (Do you also want
my girlfriend, because you determined to make
her life miserable)

Thuso: She said that

Me: Asingaxabani mfethu don't do this

He hung up.

My phone rings.

Me: Hello

Aniza: I can't find her kanti is your car super

turbo or a ghost

Me: Just give it a few hours, if nothing happens

than we sending out a search and rescue team.
Shouldn't be hard finding her
Aniza: Bro

Me: We will find her, I will fetch Yanela and we

will go look for your mother

Aniza: Mmm

He hungs up.

How about they just let her cool off and allow
her to soak her bruises due to finding out the
hurtful truth.

Yanela
Sir gets in, it was his period. Him and I are not in
good terms.
He puts the phone on my desk, I look at him
than my phone.

I hope he didn't speak to Ntokozo, he will kill me

and I don't need that.

Thuso: Okay you guys choose speech or essay

Simphiwe: None sir

Thuso: Both it is than, I will let you choose your

speeches than your topic for the essay

He grabs a chalk and starts writing on the board.

Me: I am sorry
He stops writing for a second and continues.

Yo Ntokozo is going to give me an accident.

Thuso: A 50 for the essay and 10 for the speech,

now don't just write for the sake of writing.
English is good if you understand it be creative,
think out of the box use your imagination no
matter how wild it is. Spell check your words

Teacher: Oh sorry to disturb

He frowns.

Her: I really need your signature

Thuso: Couldn't this wait after my lesson

They look at me, haibo I didn't do anything.

Her: My apologies principal

I want to go home now.

[YANELA]

38

Aniza
Me and my big mouth.

Me: Fuck
I down the drink and pour more.

Dad: Aniza

I fill the glass way up.

Dad: I know you still mad but

Me: I don't even care about you okay, I don't

care

He sighs.

Dad: Have you seen your mother

Me: Yeah she went out

Dad: Okay I guess I will start with the pots

I grab the bottle and glass and walk away.

Yanela
I told you guys Ntokozo was going to kill me.

Me: It was a mistake and I didn't mean to, I was

just checking if there's any word on mom

Ntokozo: Let it be last time you do that, it

doesn't matter if you don't like her. Phones in a
classroom

Me: Okay baby stop shouting at me you scaring

me
He looks at me.

I smile.

Me: What are we doing here

Ntokozo: You shall see

He steps out of the car, my phone beeps.

He opens the door for me.

Ntokozo: Everything okay

Me: Yeah Aniza is telling me that dad's home

and I shouldn't mention anything about mom
being missing

I step out of the car and we enter the eatery.

Ntokozo: Aw zigqila zami (My slaves)

They laugh.

Me: You know people are going to say one and

two

Ntokozo: I don't care

We kiss.
I sit down next to Zuko and this time he is very
reserved, okay that's weird usually he will be all
over me just to annoy Ntokozo.

The ladies that attacked me enter, Ntokozo

comes out from the back. He comes to me and
puts his arms around me kissing me and
grabbing my boobs, the ladies decided to walk
up to us.

Thobeka: Iwona msangano ongibizele wona la

I look at him.

Ntokozo: You not that special and why would I

waste my time calling you when I have all this
He grabs my neck and kiss me.

Friend: Asambe, sosithola lesfebe (Let's go, we

going to get this bitch)

My aunts show up looking real bad ass.

Mimi: Why you leaving when your guests of

honor have arrived, this is them right

Ntokozo: Ibona mami

Mimi: Sicela ukukhuluma nani bo sisi

Rasheeda pulls out her gun and points it at

them.
Rasheeda: You try anything unyoko uyafa (your
mother dies)

They walk out, they get up and follow them out.

He takes my hand we walk out. We find Melody
and Charmaine fixing some whips.

Rasheeda: Nina ngempela ngathi ninje

nicabange ngempela nizoshaya ingane yami,
intombi ka Ntokozo ngempela ngempela (Yall
really thought yall can beat up my child,
Ntokozo's girlfriend really, really)

He prepare themselves also, Charmaine throws

in the first whip.

Charmaine: I didn't like you than, still don't like

you

They repeatedly hit them.

Melody: We don't care what you do with

Ntokozo

Charmaine: What you will not do is touch our

princess

An eye for an eye that's what these people live

by. You hurt one, you hurt them all... Ntokozo
makes me face him, he lifts up my skirt a bit
and kisses me.

Ntokozo: I love you

Me: I love you too

We turn around, his hand moves up and rubs

my clit, I gasp.

.....

Aniza
Its getting late now mom isn't back, Yanela
texted me she is with Ntokozo but coming back
home with Shee ma and Mimi.

Dad: Where is Yanela now and your mother

Me: She is with Rasheeda

The door opens.

They walk in laughing and lots of shopping

bags.

Dad: Is Lindiwe behind you

Rasheeda: No

Dad: Haibo

Me: Where you guys been

Rasheeda: Out shopping

Dad: Her phone is off

I sigh.

Me: I have something to tell you, mom

accidentally heard us talking and she ran out

Dad: What, heard you talking about what

Me: You being married and having kids

Rasheeda and Mimi stand in front of me.

Dad: You did what

Me: My sister and I were talking and she heard

us
He holds his head.

Me: I don't know where she is and could be

dead or something, I don't know

He goes and sits down.

Me: I hope she leaves your sorry ass and takes

everything you own

I grab my things and leave.

Ntokozo
We arrive home after a great day and someone
is waiting for us.
How did she get in.

She stands up and looks at me.

Me: Yo now I get this when you love someone,

you love the whole family and when you get
married you marry the whole family

They open the door and we get.

Me: Have a sit

I hand her a throw, she sits down and puts it

over her shoulder.
I pour us a drink.

Me: Here

Ma: Thank you

Me: Why did you run away, you should have

thrown some hot stuff on him and beat the hell
out of him

She laughs.

Ma: I knew he was cheating but married with

kids, how is that possible. How did he marry
without my consent, because according to our
marriage license. I have to go to court and
dissolve our marriage in order for him to take
another wife

Me: Isn't he a Smith

Ma: I should have known

She downs her drink, I grab the bottle and pour

her some more.

Ma: And my kids knew about this and didn't

have the decency to tell me about it. Okay
maybe its wrong for them to know about this,
Yanela smelling the perfume oh my God

Me: She's not that beautiful and you got nothing

to worry about
Ma: She's a teacher I am nothing but a glorified
housewife

Me: And my mother in law do you the honor that

comes with that

We laugh.

Ma: I am not happy about this relationship as a

mother I have to put my foot down, but you
guys are okay. I don't know about the future but
I hope you respect her enough

Me: I may make a mistake or two but I love her

and I love her

Phiri: There you go

He places food for us on the table.

Me: Thank you

Let me get to know my mother in law, who

knows some of her secrets might come in
handy in the future. No I am joking.

Yanela
I head down.

Dad is still up, should I tell him.

I turn around and go back upstairs.

Dad: Yanela

I sigh.

Me: Ntokozo text me she is at his house, its

best you let her cool off

He sighs.

Dad: Thank you

I head back to my room.

[YANELA]

39
Yanela
I am getting ready for school its Friday. I don't
know where Aniza is and I doubt that dad or my
aunts will be able take me school.

I sigh and call Ntokozo.

Ntokozo: Mami

Me: I don't have anyone to take me to school

Ntokozo: Okay I will send one of my guys and

than pick you up late, you spending the
weekend right

Me: The whole weekend

Ntokozo: No the whole month

Me: fine

Ntokozo: Cool pack some things he will be

there in five minutes

Me: Okay thank you

Ntokozo: And no phones in class

Me: Yes sir

Ntokozo: You know

Me: Ay Ntokozo bye

He laughs.

I know where he wants to go and I am not ready

nor do I want his dick to be all up in my vagina.
But it does look good, if not great. I wonder how
long he can wait.

Ntokozo
I gave her some of my clothes which was weird,
but she is not the same size as Charmaine and
Melody is tall, her clothes will be short on Mrs
Smith Lindiwe.

Me: Yo manje what are you going to do

Lindiwe: Haven't thought that far

Me: You going to have to sort out your issues,
what is the way forward. At least your kids are
grown

Lindiwe: This is all happening to fast, I can't

catch a break

Me: You welcome to stay here but, when I want

to tongue kiss Yanela. I will tongue kiss her in
front of you

Lindiwe: And than we will be tongue kissing our

way to the delivery room

Me: Not bad I could use a few juniors

We laugh.

Me: No but seriously Yanela is coming over and

Lindiwe: You kicking me out

Me: No ma'am I just don't want any

awkwardness you know

Lindiwe: It will be like I am not even here

Me: There's food in the fridge, this is my

number, incase of an emergency fight. Because
they will probably think we together

My phone rings.
Me: Hello

Its my tracking company, she gets up and

comes to the kitchen and opens the fridge.

Me: No, thanks for letting me know okay bye..

Wee Lindiwe

She looks at me.

Me: You dumped my car in the river

She laughs.

I shake my head and leave.

Yanela
English period oh my God, I don't think I have a
favorite subject. I just love to learn and do my
level best to pass and make my parents proud.

Simphiwe: Yanela I am the favorite now

Me: Of what

They laugh.

Simphiwe: Sir wants me now

We look at her.
Simphiwe: Okay that did not come out right

Me: Girl bye I will always be favorite, don't get it

twisted

Thuso: Okay settle down, right I am going to be

busy for like 30 minutes tops. You children
behave when I come back please have those
answers ready and don't even dare piss me of
you won't like my reaction

Us: Yes sir

I am pretty sure that was a warning for me, but

it's cool let me just do my work.

Aniza
Why am I drinking vele why oh I know l. Yanela's
fucking a grown man, the grown man I came
out of is cheating on my mother. I almost went
to jail for something I didn't do, I am going
through the most guys and nobody is paying
attention.

Crime was a cover up of my deep feelings, nope

I was doing okay until secrets started coming
out.

Me: Ah not you

Dad: Can you call your mother to check if she is

okay she's at Ntokozo's house

Me: Ain't you her husband

Dad: Aniza please

I sigh.

Me: My phone

I search for it everywhere.

Me: I think I lost it, give me yours

Dad: I just

Me: Do you want to hear from her or not

I take his phone, I think I know Ntokozo's

number by head.
Me: 081234

I laugh.

Me: No okay, okay

I make a call.

Me: Hey its ringing

Ntokozo: Hello

Me: Hello

I imitate his deep scary voice.

Ntokozo: Aniza

I laugh.

Me: Wait how do you know she's at her house

and I don't

Dad: Aniza

Me: Can you give mom the phone

Ntokozo: I am not home call Phiri

Me: I lost my phone

Ntokozo: You drunk

Me: I am happy

I hear it ringing somewhere and laugh.

Me: Bro its really far

Ntokozo: Okay

I close my eyes, I feel myself sleeping. The

vibration of the phone wakes me up.

Me: Phiri.. "Hello" give mom the phone I lost

mine please
I hear some shuffling.

Phiri: You can speak

Me: Ma, mommy

Dad: Lindiwe please I just want to know if you

are okay, Lindiwe please let's talk ngiyakucela.
Lindiwe

Mom: I am fine

Dad: Lindiwe

The call disconnect.

Dad: Aniza

Me: Bye

I grab my drinks and give him back his phone.

Ntokozo
I was doing some shopping after picking up my
package.

"Hello hi, how may I be of assistance"

Me: I want a few pieces that will make her shine

Her: Okay do you have an idea of what you want

Me: A watch, is she even pierced okay earings.
necklace and a wrist chain in small

Her: Okay have a seat, I will bring you a few

pieces

I only have eyes for one, I don't know what is

she flirting with me for. I will pull out my gun
and kill her.

My phone rings.

Ah why is video calling me.

I decline and call her.

Yanela: Wee Ntokozo wena

Me: Mami

I chuckle.

Me: You going to ruin the surprise in fact I made

a mistake coming here and I have to pick you
up

Yanela: How is mom

Me: Ay she's done with him, if they really loved

each other she would be terrorizing that woman
and attack them everyday. I know I would

I chuckle.
Yanela: Ay ay

Me: Don't chose sides already Aniza is losing

the plot

Yanela: I don't want to be dragged into this

Me: Don't be dragged into it than

Her: Okay I there we go

Me: Can you step away I am talking to my

girlfriend

Her: I am sure she won't

Me: Angizwa (Excuse me) nxi suka there's other
stories that sells better than these cheap knock
offs you have here

I put my gun away and leave.

Bloody bitch.
[YANELA]

40

Yanela
I tell Zo to wait for me, I quickly run to his car. I
get in and kiss him.

Ntokozo: Bring her over

Me: You sure

Ntokozo: I don't have a problem but it seemed

like you didn't want to

Me: Of course your friends are your friends and

my friends are my friends we may joke and click
here and there but

He chuckles.

Me: Since I will be at your house we do have

study sessions

Ntokozo: Two hours in between the weekend

I kiss his cheek and run back to Zo, I grab her
hand and run back to the car.

Me: May I sit with her so that it doesn't feel

awkward okay I love you

We get in he starts the car and drives off.

Ntokozo: Hey Zo

She nods and smiles.

Me: How was your day

Ntokozo: I almost killed someone, haibo I am

trying to buy something and this stupid girl is
flirting with
Me: I am sure she was being friendly

Ntokozo: No she was flirting with me, before I

can even talk to her. She fixed her shirt, flicked
her back and came to me thinking I am going to
be attracted to her

Zoleka: I think you should stop talking

Ntokozo: You right

They laugh.

Zoleka: So are we of today

Me: I want to say yes but eish maybe an hour

Zoleka: Okay

He turns somewhere and stops the car. The

passenger door opens and Phiri gets in.

Me: See why I had to sit in the back

He looks at me and smirks.

Phiri: Oh afternoon ladies

They eye each other and laugh.

He starts the car and drives of.

Ntokozo
We arrived home and something smells really
divine, oh man she didn't have to do that but I
guess she was bored.

Me: Mommy we home

I laugh.

She's wearing something else more fitting of

her.

Yanela: Mom

Lindiwe: Hello my baby

They hug.

Yanela: Why are you here and not at your house

Lindiwe: The only place I know, I won't be found

and what are you doing here

Yanela: He okay fine

Lindiwe: Go change and we can have a good

meal

She heads upstairs.

Me: Uhm wee Lindiwe eh your husband knows

where I live so just throwing it out there

Lindiwe: Well you just better make sure he

doesn't find me

I sigh.

I enter my room just on time, she looks at me

and smiles.

Yanela: Can we shower together and you won't

feel a tingle

Me: I don't know

She walks up to me and grabs my waist.

Me: Ah ah Mami

I bite my lower lip.

She takes of my top, than runs her fingers down

my abs. She turns around and pulls my hand to
the bathroom.. she gets on her knees and pulls
down my pants down.

Shit brother man is up, she strokes. I pull her up.

Yanela: You don't like that

She cups it in her hands and strokes it, we kiss.

Me: Fuck Yanela

Yanela: Okay

She giggles and enters the shower.. I turn and

look at myself in the mirror.

Yanela: Come on in Njomane the water is warm

I chuckle.

Yanela
I didn't realize how much I missed her cooking,
after eating. Ntokozo and I chilled watching
movies, it wasn't possible for me to call Zoleka
over. I knew I wasn't going to pay attention and I
am not thinking about books right now.
Ntokozo: Movie over what should we do

Me: Watch another one

Ntokozo: Aw ngeke baby ngizolala (I will fall

asleep)

Me: I will give you the boob

Ntokozo: You know that's how I fall asleep nje

And its the truth, he sucks on them till sleep

evades him.

Me: What will happen if we reach a point where

we cannot help ourselves now

Ntokozo: I don't know Yanela I guess I am going

to fuck you

Me: Okay why haven't we done it

Ntokozo: Are you ready for that

Me: No but like you don't even complain like,

you do this and that for me but I can't give you a
simple thing

Ntokozo: I understood what I was getting

myself into, and I been listening to the advice I
am being given. I was told to respect you and
that's exactly what I am doing. I like this, for
once I am not getting what I want. I am
adapting to a new norm and I am trying to
nature our relationship as best as I can

He kisses me.

Ntokozo: You special, idark dindili elinamehlo

ablue (A dark beauty with blue eyes)

Me: What is that

Ntokozo: Dark beauty and plus when I do get to

tap that ass, imma have you anywhere I want

Me: And I am going to be riding with you all the

way
He chuckles.

My phone rings.

Me: Its dad.. Hello

Dad: Can I please speak to your mom, please

baby girl

I look at him.

Me: Okay hold on let me call you back

Dad: Okay princess

I hung up.
Me: I hope she doesn't kill me

Ntokozo: She will kill you

Me: Mom

Mom: Just grabbing water and going back

Me: Dad would like to speak to you

Mom: I don't want to speak to your father, I can

disappear if its suddenly too much for you
sharing your boyfriends house

Me: Mom you know I didn't mean it like that

Mom: Than stop bugging me, I will talk to him
when I want to talk to him

She walks away.

I sigh.

Me: I don't want it to seem like I am talking

sides

Ntokozo: You focus on school that's the only

thing that matters, you doing good so far. Don't
let anything distract you

Me: Hey is Phiri

He laughs.

Me: Ah so its true

Ntokozo: When a man cares you ladies assume

its something else

Me: Phela I

Ntokozo: Ay hawu

His phone rings.

Ntokozo: You know I don't want to be disturb so

what the fuck do you guys want, ini. Mama
kancane
I get off him, he storms off.

Ntokozo
Where do they get the nerve to lose my stuff.

Snakho: You look drunk

Aniza: Shut up, what is wrong now

Me: Where are my things

He yawns and does something on the laptop.

Me: What is this now

Aniza: Sometimes I feel like my brain works
when I am fucking drunk so

Guns go off..

We take cover.

Me: Fuck

I grab my gun and start shooting, this is a

planned attack. But how did they know we here,
fuck Yanela.

Me: I have to go

Snakho: Haibo Ntokozo

Yanela and her mom are alone, my house might
be under attack as well.

Yanela
I don't know what happened, but there were
people inside and started shooting. Mom found
some secret back room behind Ntokozo's
closet and we are hiding there.

Mom: Stop breathing heavily this room might

not be sound proof

It was dark cold and scary.

Me: How do you know this part

Mom: Gangsters always have secrets buried
around, in case he can't keep me away from
your father. I will blackmail him with whatever is
in the secret room

Me: Wow am I the only one who is not gangster

in this family.

She sits down next to me.

Mom: It is cold here

Me: Mom what do you plan on doing

Mom: Quiet honestly I don't know, I do love your

father he is the only man I have ever loved. He
seemed to be this decent loving man
Me: He says it was a business transaction and
that he learned to love her

Mom: Yall believed him

Me: We don't know what to believe with dad

anymore

Mom: All I ask is some space, please give me

time to process all of this. I will speak to your
father when I want to and you go back home

Me: Of course its weekends only Monday I go

back home

Mom: Good don't let him control you otherwise

you would end up like me

Me: I don't think I will be calm like this. I may

have inherited your humbleness but ay, I would
kill him

We laugh.

Me: Oh mom I am sorry

Mom: Its okay honey

We hug.

I hope they don't find us here.

[YANELA]
41

Ntokozo
Whoever it is I am going to make him pay.

I arrive home, the door is open.

At this point I don't care if anyone's inside my

concern now is Yanela and her mom. I run
inside and frantically look for them.

Me: Yanela

This whole place is trashed, have I made myself

an easy target.
Me: Lindiwe

"Ntokozo what the"

Me: Yini le Snakho yini, ngakutshela ngathi

cisha le bhari le wena wenzani. (I told you to kill
this fool and what did you do) Iphi intombi yami
(Where is my girlfriend)

Snakho: Sobathola (We going to find them)

Me: Kephi, kephi (Where, where)

Snakho: I should call maybe

Me: Leave Thuso out of this

"Dad"

"Where are they"

Great this is just what I needed.

Aniza: Dad calm down

Smith: Don't fucking tell me to calm down, look

at this place

I leave them and head to my room. I sit down

and hold my head, I will hurt those fools so bad
if they touch her.
I look up in the mirror and see my closet, I get
up and head in there. They couldn't possibly be
inside, I touch the wall and the secret door
opens. My house has certain censor, as a
gangster you can't never be too safe.. And there
they are sleeping on the floor.

I sink down to the floor and sigh. I am going to

kill Lindiwe for snooping around, but I am happy
they safe and unharmed. I grab my gun and
shoot inside, they scream.

Me: Get the fuck out

They get and step out.

I will deal with her later, for now I hug my baby.

Me: Oh thank goodness your okay, I thought I
lost you and that would have made me very
angry. I would have killed everybody

Yanela: It happened so fast, mom made it look

like we escaped through the back and we
quickly came to hide in there. I don't know how
she found that creepy room

I hug her again and look at her, she shrugs and

walks out.

I kiss her.

Aniza
This is a shit show.
I sobered up the minute those guns went off.

Me: Mom

Dad gets up and runs to her.

Dad: Oh my God you alive

He hugs her tight.

Dad: You know what let's go yes

He takes her hand and drags her out, she turns

around and looks at me like help me. Ntokozo
comes out of nowhere and grabs her hand.
Ntokozo: She's not going anywhere with you

Dad: Excuse me

Ntokozo: She doesn't want to talk to you nor be

around you

She is able to pull out from his hold and stands

behind Ntokozo.

Dad: Lindiwe its not safe here

She turns her back away, I see the hurt in dad's

eyes.
He scratches his head and than leaves, Ntokozo
shuts the door.

Me: Mom please don't tell me you fucking this

guy now eww

Ntokozo: I let you stay here no questions asked,

and you got the nerve to snoop around my
house. Where the fuck do you get of doing that

Me: Ntokozo

Ntokozo: Thula wena (Shut up) I catch you

snooping around my house again, fireworks will
explode do you understand me

Mom: It won't happen again

He walks away.

Me: Haibo ma

She ignores me than starts cleaning the house,

what the fuck is going on.

Yanela
I had this sudden urge to just take him in and he
refused and said its not right. The torture I was
going through, he doesn't even finger me. He
just rubs my clit and I get the most pleasure out
of it, he is skilled in that department obviously.

He walks back in and enters the bathroom, he is

angry and horny. I want to relieve all that stress
but what if I am not ready, and its just being
horny that's getting the best of me.

Me: Yanela snap out of it

After a while he comes out of the bathroom

butt naked, I sit up right and hug my knees. He
stands in front of the mirror and I am previewed
to live show of his machine dang.

He lifts it up and massages it a little bit, my toes

curl.

He strokes it a little bit and blows me a kiss,

now Ntokozo is well built. He does got to the
gym I don't know how many times, maybe he
has an indoor gym. He got a nice firm butt the
one that's amazing to look at, he is not tall but
tall enough. He is cute and everything nice.

I look at him and he is staring at me while

masturbating, I must be proud of this man. My
tempting ass doesn't get to him, he is chilled
and I know he is not getting it from somewhere.
Otherwise he would be irritated by me, no man
Ntokozo just loves me.

He turns around and comes to me still stroking

his dick, he grabs my legs and pulls me to the
edge of the bed.. I gasp.

Ntokozo: Worry yourself not, I just want to

please myself by just looking at you

Is this man alright.

Ntokozo
The old me would have disappeared and went
to fuck someone else, but I am slowly changing
and I do love this young lady.

We sit down on the dinner table.

Yanela: Mom you don't have to do all of this you

know

Zuko: Khuluma Ntokozo uyababhebha na (Are

you smashing both of them)

They laugh.

Me: You know nobody can get away from

njomane
Lindiwe: Its the least I can do for him allowing
me to stay here

I need to find a new house this one ain't safe

anymore.

Lindiwe: And honey cleanse your mouth I don't

roll like that

We laugh.

Zuko: Aw ma ngiyaxolisa (I am sorry)

Lindiwe: Thank you

Me: Just fix your problems before they worse
and than the Smiths don't allow me to take
Yanela as my wife

She looks at me.

Phiri: Cheers to you

They lift their glasses up.

Phiri: The old you ay shame

Zuko: We like the more composed you, even

though you scare the hell out of us

Snakho: Even I was beat down imagine a grown

man like me ay shame, siyabonga wee blue
(Thank you Yanela)

Me: I promise to do my best

The thought of losing Yanela is not on the cards.

Phiri: Cheers to that

Me: Cheers
[YANELA]

42

Yanela
We thought the drama was over, ay we get a
call. Mr Smith has been involved in an accident,
the trauma I am experiencing. Why can't he
accept he fucked up and give mom the space
she needs to deal with everything.

Thuso: Alright settle down, are we ready

Ready for what.

Thuso: Do you want me to start according to

the register or anyone's ready, can come up say
your speech

I pick my hand up, I totally forgot about.

Simphiwe: Yanela yini manje

Thuso: Yes miss Smith

Me: Sir can we perhaps postpone or do it
tomorrow

Thuso: You had the whole

Me: I understand sir but a lot happened and

Thuso: If school is going to be to hard for you

quit or stop hanging around boys

Me: Sir you

Thuso: I will start with who's first on the register,

whenever you ready
Wow.

Everybody is going to kill me.

Aniza
Dad planned this out ain't no one just gets in an
accident he wants mom close to him and he
would do just about anything for this woman
not to leave.

The door opens, we look up.

This must be Miss Xaba and her two sons.

They have blue eyes and weird looking, like

those hot boys. I ain't gay neh but that's how
they look like.
Me: What are you guys doing here, listen as far
as we are concerned we don't know who you
are. Please have the decency to respect my
mother

Mom: I was leaving anyways, the thot and her

can thot away

She grabs her handbag and gets up looking at

her up and down, she clicks her tongue and
leaves.

Them: We don't mean any disrespect

Me: I ey sala nendoda yakho (Stay with your

man)
I leave.

Yanela
I rushed through my speech and everyone
seemed to enjoy even the mean angry Thuso. I
don't know what happened between us, he is
suddenly mad at me and just disregard me and
puts me down.

I can't even check on things, I decided to

continue with my essay.

Zo: Babes what happened

Me: Mxm he can go somewhere else with that

nasty attitude
Zo: They didn't fight

Me: I don't know and I don't care

Zo: You looked spooked

Me: There was a shoot down at the house and

my dad got into an accident this morning

Zo: What

Me: You can imagine the trauma I am going

through

Zo: How is your dad

M: I don't know, I don't even want to ask anyone.
Ntokozo will kill me

Zo: Oh wow I am sorry friend

Me: Its a complete mess

Zo: Have something to eat than calm down,

everything will be fine

He did mom wrong but he is still my father and I

would hate for anything to happen to him or
mom.

Zo: No don't cry baby its okay

She hugs me.

Aniza
As soon as we walked in she cried and
disappeared to her room.

Ntokozo: I take it things didn't go well

Me: They look weird like Yanela, but they light in

complexion. I don't know what to say

Ntokozo: What did the doctors say

Me: He is in a coma

Ntokozo: I bet you wish he died

Me: Haibo that's my father, awuze la kancane
khona engifuna ukukhombisa khona

I pull out my phone and punch him.

Me: You ever speak to my mother like that I will

kill you

Ntokozo: You hit like a bitch

Me: Says the blood dripping down your nose

He laughs.

Ntokozo: Take your mother and leave

Me: She's perfect here

Ntokozo: Go fetch my guns ouch!

We laugh.

Yanela
Break is over we head back to class.

Not this guy again.

Thuso: Okay settle down miss Xaba will not be

coming, she has a family emergency

I sigh.
Thuso: Miss Smith I am sorry for earlier, I heard
what happened

I ignore him.

Than take my books out and continue with my

essay.

Simphiwe: Oh my God Yanela how are you at

school, I would die if I heard my father got
involved in an accident

Zo: Simphiwe leave her alone you can see she

is not okay

Simphiwe: Maybe some of your gangster

boyfriends enemies decided to kill him

I don't even want to engage with her, I wipe my

tears and focus on my books.
[YANELA]

43

Ntokozo
The ladies and my girl is grumpy, what
happened now.

Zo: Sawubona

Me: Mami, what has Simphiwe done now

She wipes her tears.

Me: Ah ha Yanela I will do something to your

friend and you not going to appreciate it

Yanela: Can you buy us lunch and we talk at

home please

Me: Mase ngishaya umuntu imina omubi (When

I hit somebody, I will be painted as the bad guy)

I start the car and drive off.

I pick up Phiri on the way, he gets in the back

with Zo.

Phiri: And wakhala mama kwenzekeni,

uSimphiwe futh soyibulala leya ntombazane

Me: Zoleka what happened

Zo: She's just sad about her father being in

hospital, the rest she will talk to you because
well its family

Me: Family did Thuso do something and you

didn't like it okay I am going to fuck up that son
of a bitch

Phiri: So did you have at school

Zo: It was okay, we did speeches. Simphiwe's

loud mouth, definitely better than most days
Phiri: Thats good to hear

Yanela turns around and looks at them.

Yanela: Since when do you blab like that

She smiles.

Me: Ah she has teeth, she has teeth you guys. I

was beginning to think its just gums all in there

I look at Phiri through the rear view mirror, he

smirks and looks away.

Lindiwe Smith
"What's a beautiful lady like you sitting all by
herself"

This hunk of man sits down across me.

Me: I am not by myself you just came

Him: Sihawukele, kele for short

Me: Lindiwe, that's different

Kele: I am different so more coffee or whatever

concoction you hiding in that cup

I chuckle.

Kele: So whats up
Me: My husband is laying in a hospital bed

Kele: You killed him

Me: I wish, I was responsible for it

Kele: Mistress

Me: Is it that obvious

Kele: Every woman has that look when a man's

fucked up

Me: He did more than just fuck up

I can't believe Shareef Smith would do this to
me. If I start telling my story now you will be
shocked, I am beyond hurt and the only thing I
want is to disappear. But how when the Smiths
have such a tight leash on me.

Kele: What would you do if I told you, I was

going through the same thing

Me: I would say run and enjoy your life

Kele: Can I run and enjoy life with you

Me: Okay kele pause, I don't even know who you

are waga bietjie

He smiles and leans back. I get up and leave he

will pay for my drink.

Yanela
I am not going to say anything to Ntokozo that
might make him and Thuso fight, I will speak to
Melody if there is a problem.

Me: It was a lot, it totally slipped my mind that

we had speeches. I tried to like push the date,
he totally refused and almost chewed my head
off

He looks at me.

Why did I say that.

Me: But I did it and I don't know if he passed me

or not, but I saw a smirk on his face

Ntokozo: It was nothing bad

Me: No I know, I lost the ball and please don't

kill me

Ntokozo: I understand he is the principal now

and can't keep on being too sweet on you

Me: We have our limits, it's a little khikhi. Than

we get on with it

Ntokozo: Mawuthi ngayingeni (If you don't want

me to interfere) than its fine

Me: Where is Aniza, who is going to take me to

hospital

Ntokozo: I will

Me: Thank you

Ntokozo: Your brother met with your brother's,

they better not think they will come in between
our relationship

Me: If our parents weren't able to break us up

and that dumb hoe couldn't get you back, some
vezandlebe's (Bastard children) don't stand a
chance

He laughs.
The door opens Phiri enters all smiles.

Me: You want them to accuse you of rape to

He laughs.

Phiri: That's the thing when your best friend

falls in love and than you fall for the skeem

The door opens, mom enters.

Me: Mom

Mom: Hello my sweet babies

Me: Are you from the hospital how is dad

She frowns.

Mom: How would I know

Phiri: You met someone

Mom: Oh my God he was handsome, big buff

and just handsome

I look at Ntokozo.

Me: Mom ay never mind

I don't want to aggravate her.

Ntokozo
I knock and she lets me in.

I cover my eyes.

Me: I am sorry

Lindiwe: It's okay I am decent now

I peek and she's dressed.

Me: You have kids you have to think about,

Yanela is still young even though she's 18. What
are you doing

Lindiwe: She's my sister

Me: Your what now

Lindiwe: Mpume Xaba is my sister, she was the

smart one and really dedicated to school. I was
the dumb and slow one. Shareef saw me and it
was love at first sight, of course she is older
than me and my parents wanted her to marry
him because he was from a very wealthy family.
Little did they know he was an outcast

Me: I don't think its right for me to hear this

Lindiwe: This business transaction

Me: Lindiwe
Lindiwe: The business transaction was because
his grandparents felt, I didn't fit the image. The
Smith image

Me: If she's your sister and they got married

how

She gets up and undress, what is this woman

doing. She turns around and holds down her
robe, I see her tattoo.

Me: Oh my God, oh my God

Lindiwe: He went to his family for help and

She dresses up, I get up and run out door.

Lindiwe: Ntokozo

Yanela: Haibo, mom

Lindiwe: Ntokozo wait.. Ntokozo

Me: You want me to die

Lindiwe: He won't find me

Me: Won't find you bitch you were sold

Lindiwe: So long I am with the Smiths, I am

good as a person who doesn't exist

Me: Why you telling me this what makes you

think I can protect you

Lindiwe: You killed one of their own

Me: Lindiwe

Lindiwe: I guess it was a blessing in disguise

meeting with you

Me: The fuck you ain't no blessing in disguise,

you are a bomb waiting to explode, you were
sold to a man that runs the table what if he sent
people to look for you

Lindiwe: He already did

Me: He is going to find me and we all dead,

dead, who sold you ahh never mind

Snakho: Yeah

Me: Nonke edlaleni manje (Everyone come over)

get away from me

I head back inside.

Yanela
What's going on with these two some weird
mother in law and son in law vibes going on.

"Haibo bakhona abantu endlini" (Is there anyone

home)
I get up and step out through the door leading
to the garage.

Me: Sis Melody

Melody: Hi baby help me please

Me: You going all out

Melody: My husband deserves every bit of it

Me: Speaking of husband can I talk to you about

him

Melody: What is it now, you two

She laughs.

Me: Does he hate me or something

Melody: Hunty they all attracted to you

Me: What

Melody: Exactly and this enthusiastic energy

and outlook in life mesmerize them

Me: You sure because he is like, impossible.

Ntokozo did reprimand me as well about
cellphones in class. I don't want them fighting

She laughs.
Melody: The fact that he is principal and the
kids are whispering

Me: I get that and I won't even think about it. I

thought we got along because I am smart and
you know

Melody: Everything is going well, but if he is too

harsh on you I will speak to him

Me: Thank you

Ntokozo: Yanela

Me: Excuse me
Ntokozo
Zuko: What we done now, you here to tell us
you moved on from Yanela

Aniza: Stop

The laugh.

Me: Show them, show them go on

She sighs and gets up.

She turns around and lifts up her top a little.

Me: Look at the screen

Zuko: Ahh

They get up and run away, Aniza is left jaw

hanging.

Aniza: Mother

Me: Good everyone knows this mark

I don't know this guy's name neh but he is

hectic. He runs some table, they call it the table.
Ruthless men with ruthless hearts, some of
them are politicians, businessman a few
women, people who make a difference in the
society. The table gets things done, I killed
somebody in the table, or was related to
someone in the table to get my guns going.
They haven't found me yet thank God but now
Lindiwe is a table lady and they don't let those
things slide.

Lindiwe: I know its a lot but you guys are my

protection now

Aniza: Didn't you kill someone from the this

table

Zuko: Ha ha Mamzo the table

Me: Now I get it the Smith are keeping you safe

but in order for that, Shareef had to marry this
lady

Lindiwe: That's the business transaction, I didn't

think it would be someone this close. Of course
I was kept out of the dark

Me: If it was someone else

Lindiwe: I probably would have accepted it and

forgave him

Me: This needs a family meeting, I can't do

anything without you sorting it out and talking
to your family

Snakho: Haibo we not going after the table are

you mad

Me: Either that or we all face death

The table is not to be messed with.

[YANELA]

44

A week later

Yanela
It was taking my all not to get up and leave, dad
woke up and was out of the hospital against
doctors orders. Mom's back and guess what,
Miss Xaba and her kids will be staying with us.
First of all who even fucking agreed to that,
second I don't want to be looking at dads
infidelity like come on.

Miles: Are we going to talk to each other or play

the we hate each other roll
Me: We definitely don't like you

Miles: Sorry

Me: Oh I am texting my boyfriend, I miss youuuu

I chuckle.

Than we hear commotion upstairs.

"Enough"

The door bangs.

Mom comes down the stairs running, she

leaves banging the door and screams. The
glorified wife comes down with her husband,
she gently helps him sit down.

Dad: Boys

Them: You good do you need anything

Dad: I am okay.. Pumpkin, Yanela

I don't want to be a part of this.

The door opens, Aniza is back. He left me to

deal with this bull.

Aniza: Hlala phansi (Sit down) Yanela sit down

please
He sits down as well, wow this ought to be
good. Mom walks in a few minutes later.

Lindiwe
Aniza: Mom dad its time you guys explained
yourself, because right you guys are thinking
about yourselves and not us

I look at her, she looks down and scoots closer

to Shareef.

Me: She and I are blood sisters

Yanela: What

Me: We share the same mom and same dad.

Okay here's how things go. Our parents loved
her more than me, they appreciated her and
saw her as this hot shot child who was going to
give the best life money can buy. We were
young, I met Shareef in varsity. A cool boy with
blue eyes, that was the only attractive thing
about him. He had two siblings Rasheeda and
Mimi, we fell in love fast forward he came to my
house with his family and he wanted to pay
dowry for me. Dad was like no, I can't get
married without Mpume getting married first
and they were sent packing. After dad found out
who he was, he called them back and offered to
marry her off.

I was so angry because everything with them

was a competition on who is the better sister,
and she didn't mind because she was enjoying
every minute of it. Until she lost her virginity to
some guy in the village and I was able to marry
my man, Shareef Sphamandla Smith. But also
that wasn't a good marriage, so Mpume got her
shit together and went to school.. Studied got
her degrees and I was the wife of a broke man,
because they had disowned him for marrying
someone who doesn't fit in. Okay gwiqiqi (all of
a sudden) there's people coming and taking me
away. Dad borrowed money from them, so he
can give a better future to his crown jewel. Okay
they take me somewhere than mark me with a
burning iron and tell me, I am collateral damage.
I am owned by the most powerful and
dangerous syndicate in the world

With no possible way out, I was out more like

mulled out. I come out to my man and he tells
me, he got me out through a business
transaction. Okay I am living life and enjoying
myself, I reconnect with my sister we forgive
each other and move on. The Smith's had built a
school and I got her a job there and she was
living the extravagant lifestyle now, and a new
man. Trip after trip haibo and he would
disappear and says it business, all along he is
disappearing to go meet my sister

Aniza: Okay so wena baba ushade usisi wakhe

ngenxa yokuthi wahamba wacela ugogo wakho
nomkhulu bekusize ekubuyiseni, ngoba
bamthanda babona ukuth ufanelwe ukuba
owakwa Smith. Ngoba ehlakaniphile (You dad
married her sister because you went to your
grandparents, and asked for help in bringing
back mom. Because they liked her sister more
and thought she's worthy of the Smith surname,
because she is smart and well educated)

Shareef: And the only way to keep her safe and

for the table not being able to reach, so as she
stays married to me and I stay married to her
and that's still the case

Aniza: Her sister really her sister you gotta be

fucking kidding me

Shareef: Its was like that also with mom and

dad, Tabatha and Aston had a problem with
black people. I didn't get to spend my father's
inheritance because it was snatched away by
them, I wasn't going to allow another thing I
love so much be taken away from me. I love
your mother with all my heart, probably the only
woman I will ever love

I close my eyes and look down.

Yanela
I get up and sit next to her.

Me: Mom don't cry

Mom: Okubuhlungu mntanam ulokhe engitshela

nge ndoda yakhe kanti angazi usho eyami.
(What hurts the most my child, is that she me
about her man. What I didn't understand she
was talking about my man)

I have to be strong for me.

Mom: Wangiphoxa yezwa, umuntu

engimthanda ngenhliziyo yami yonke no sisi
wami. Imina slima sonke leskhathi kwenziwa
mina islima (He hurt me so much, the man I
loved whole heartedly with my sister. I am the
fool, they made me their fool)
Me: Mom you not

Mom: I am so confused, I stood by his side. I

held him down, ngamnika konke yena manje
ukwazi ulungenza nje (I gave him all of me and
he does to him) You look so fucking stupid with
my sister, bengith uyangiyhanda, kanti
uyangikhohlisa (I thought you love me but that
was all a lie)

Dad: Lindiwe

Mom: Oh shut up, shut up a real man would

have bought a bitch better than me not this 3.
You even have children with her, I wasn't
enough
Mom and Aniza never cry, but today I see them
shed a tear.

I hope Ntokozo doesn't ridicule me like this, in

fact do I even want to be in a relationship.

Ntokozo
Okay now I understand.

I am grateful our parents didn't subject us to

that bull and we didn't allow ourselves to be
consumed by the fact on who does what. I think
that's a common problem in every household,
you get one that's really really rich but refuses
to give their family money. Than its one sibling
working and the parents pay more attention to
that child, and than the parents who hate one
child because whatever past traumatic
experience they went through, than love the
other child more because it brings value to their
household.

Snakho: What do we do

Me: Ay its simple baba shoot to kill, that's of

course if lindiwe chooses to walk away. If not
than we carry on with our lives

Snakho: I almost feel her pain

Me: Money is the root of all evil

A very strange guest enters from the door

separating the garage and kitchen.
Snakho: Hee we see you

Me: We definitely see you

Phiri: Don't sit with them lets go

They walk away.

Snakho: Yini neyingane ezincane nina (What's

up with you and kids)

Me: They got too much sauce

I laugh.

Yanela
Mom and dad went somewhere..

Ay so this is our aunt but why didn't mom tell us

about her, I never seen her busy. Oh she
avoided coming here because she would clash
with mom and her husband, wow.

My phone rings.

Me: Hey baby

Ntokozo: Mama lami

Me: I am thinking of breaking up with you

Ntokozo: Ngobani kodwa Sthandwa sam

Me: What you find someone else or turn out to
be like my father

Ntokozo: That will never happen

Me: I am scared

Ntokozo: Can I see you

Me: Of course but you can't come empty, I want

some meat please

Ntokozo: Okay what meat you want

Me: Surprise me
[YANELA]

45

Yanela
Ntokozo lets me know he is outside. I text him
okay I am coming out right now.

Miles: Going somewhere

Me: Listen here okay do not and I mean do not

think you have a say in my life

Miles: Aw I just asked are you going

somewhere is there a crime in that
Me: Yes ah save it

I leave.

Who said I want to make friends with them and

be siblings.

Ntokozo: Haibo who you running away from

Me: Those cousins brothers of mine, so

He leans forward and we kiss.

Me: Did you bring my meat

I mumble in between the kiss.

Ntokozo: Oh I bought it alright

He grabs my hand.

Me: Ntokozo

Ntokozo: Mami

We laugh.

He starts the car and drives off, I look behind

me and grab my takeaway.

Me: Thank you

Ntokozo: You know anything you want, I will do
it for you

Me: You the best

He looks at me and smiles.

Ntokozo: Manje mama uMelody wenza lezinto

zakhe zoma party cela ube khona, uze
nomngani wakho nimsize yabo

Me: I can help her but I ain't doing any wife

duties

Ntokozo: Already nje usuwumfazi wami

Me: Yeah but I ain't wearing any ring and no

lobola has been paid

Ntokozo: That can be arranged

Me: Until than I remain a girlfriend, wait is that

He drives slowly.

This guy siting on his car and mom in between

his legs, wasn't she helping dad.

Me: Stop the car

Ntokozo: What

Me: Ntokozo stop the car

Ntokozo: Okay

He stops the car, I get out and head over to

them.

Me: Lindiwe

They look up she moves from his legs.

Me: I don't want to hear it, if you don't want dad

anymore pack your things and leave. But what
you will not do is this get in the car and you stay
away from my mother. I don't care who you are,
if she is done with her affairs than you can get
her got it
Him: Yes ma'am

I walk away from him and get in the car.

Ntokozo
I park in the car and they both get out and storm
inside.

I laugh.

Yanela for president.

Lindiwe: What is the big deal really

Yanela: Mom I get dad hurt you but don't get

back at him this way, for your peace of mind
move on knowing there's no feelings behind left
for him. Mom no I don't care how I sound but
what you will not do is this, dad wronged you
don't degrade yourself like him. Find a house
get job or ask half of his estate and than move
on with your life

Me: You know she's right mommy, you roaming

around with another man without fixing your
things is not a good look.

Yanela: Leave as a queen not a bitch

Lindiwe: Yanela

Yanela: I am sorry but its the truth dad will

always have this hold over you its up to you to
break it
Lindiwe: Would you be mad if I moved on

Yanela: Yes

They laugh.

Me: Okay I am taking my girlfriend now that fool

better not have followed me

Yanela: I am watching you

Me: I am watching you as well

Aniza
Dad: Have you seen your mother
Me: She is with Yanela

Mazwi: The same Yanela tongue kissing a

grown man

Me: Okay generation's stay in your lane

Miles: Really why is our sister dating a grown

man almost our age of dads age

I look at dad.

They came in 5 seconds ago and they think they

have a say in our lives. Bitch but the fuck out.
Dad: It's out of our control now all we need to
do is accept it

I chuckle.

Miles: Can you make us some as well

Me: Why not

Its clear they want to be a part of our lives and I

am not about to betray mom like that. If she
says we burning them, I will bring the fuel.

Miles: Do you have a girlfriend

Me: I don't have a girlfriend

Miles: Oh right you almost got accused of rape

I leave everything I am doing in the kitchen and

walk.

Dad: Aniza

I wish I can say fuck you but he is my dad.

I need to get the fuck out of here.

Yanela
I wish I can move in with Ntokozo there's peace
and calmness in his house.
Melody: Ntokozo

Ntokozo: Mami

Melody: Will you allow me to have the party

here

Ntokozo: Ask Yanela

Me: Ah me

Melody: Yanela would you allow me to have the

party here

Me: I don't know your man is kind of mean to

me
We laugh.

Me: Haibo sis Melody uwena umakoti la

kukhala esakho iscathulo (You the wife here,
you call the shots)

Charmaine: You know I always wondered why

you calling her sis Melody and address me by
name. I got jealous like did Ntokozo tell you
something about me, than no man she's old and
married to this family

I chuckle.

Me: I can call that to if you want

Charmaine: I ain't no sis hun, I'm a hoe. I drop it
down like it's hot

We laugh.

Mom: Do you do anything like traditional

Ntokozo: See talk to them, babe I am leaving

are you guys staying or should I take you home

The door opens.

Aniza enters and heads straight to the bar, he

fills the glass up and gulps down the entire
drink.

Me: Aniza stop it now

Anize: Yo that generation and distance had the
nerve to tell me that oh I don't have a girlfriend
because I was accused of rape

Mom: He is discussing our personal family

matters now

Me: Wait who is generation and distance now

Aniza: Mazwi and Miles

We laugh.

Me: No guys lets go, Ntokozo is not

bombarding me with his family drama let me
not do the same
I don't want this toxicity anywhere near the
Mhlongo's.

Ntokozo
We dropped off the ladies and went to pick up
the guns.

Me: Kodwa Aniza

Aniza: Ay suka hawu

Generation and distance wow that is epic.

Aniza: I got us this

Me: You want us to hit this

Aniza: Iningi imali la (There's a lot of money)

with you around and dad around. I want to
secure a calm future for Yanela and mom,
anything can happen and I need to be prepared

Me: Mmm now you got me thinking

Aniza: I still have a problem with you guys being

together but I feel like I need to step it up

Me: That's amazing

Aniza: I don't want to see them struggling,

because I feel like things are about to get
bumpy
Me: I feel you man

Maybe I also need to set something up for

Yanela.
[YANELA]

46

Yanela
Miss xaba: I can take you to school

Its bad enough she moved in here with her sons

now she wants to take me to school. No, we
won't do anything unless mom has given us a
way forward.
Me: No

I grab my things and leave.

I see Ntokozo, he finish his cigarette bud and

stomps it with his feet. He looks different today
wearing black jeans and a mustard top, black
Nike sneakers.

I stand back and admire him.

He smirks.

Me: You look cute

Ntokozo: Thank you

He kisses my cheek, I get in the car he closes
the door and goes to his side.

Me: Who are you trying to charm

Ntokozo: My woman obviously

He starts the car and drives off.

Ntokozo: Are we picking up Zoleka

Me: Isn't she riding with Phiri now

He laughs.
Me: Mornings are for us baby, maybe in the
afternoons

Ntokozo: Okay Sthandwa sam, how are things

Me: Its awkward and hectic, generation and

distance wants

He chuckles.

Me: Yeah its catching on... Wants to have a

relationship with us and we not about to hurt
mom like that

Ntokozo: I understand you guys should allow

your mother to cool down than start building
relationships. Also I am a little too concerned
about your mother though

Me: Why

Ntokozo: What if she kills them, or the

heartbreak drives her into insanity

Me: You think so

Ntokozo: I don't want to do this but I think, I

should live with her or your aunt moves out

Me: I think she is taking care of dad

Ntokozo: They going to clash guarantee

I sigh.

Me: Ay baby let me be stressed by our

problems before I deal with my parents, and
focus on school

I don't want to be stressed by them.

Lindiwe
Shareef: Can we talk

I was changing his bandage, the nurses could

be doing this but no he chose to discharge
himself.

Shareef: Lindiwe
Me: What is there to talk about sphamandla

Shareef: I am sorry

Me: I am sorry too

Shareef: Baby

Me: Why did it have to be her, why my sister.

You know the hardship I went through with my
family

Shareef: If I

Me: You can't okay you can't why is she here.

Why are they here, doesn't she have a house of
her own argh
I walk out slamming the door.

I scream.

My phone rings.

Me: Hello

"Someone's angry"

I sigh.

Me: This is not a good time can we talk later

okay bye
I hung up and hug my phone.

I walk back in and he looks up, I go and help

him put on his shirt.

Me: You really hurt me and I am expected to

forgive you, move on and put this family
together

Shareef: Ngiyazi ngonile kakhulu futh, bekumele

ngikutshele

Me: But you fell in love with her and you thought
let me hide the Lindiwe will never find out

Shareef: Benganjalo Sthandwa sam, ngangithi

ngiyakuvikela kodwa ngadala omkhulu
umonakalo

Me: Are we

I sigh.

Shareef: What

Me: Never mind don't worry about it

Shareef: I am really sorry I hurt you like this, I

needed you back home and there was no way I
could get you back

I probably wouldn't be here right, it will make it

seem like I am ungrateful. I think he should
have left me there than to do it with my sister. I
am not sure how we are going to move forward.

Yanela
There is two subjects I dread, science and
English even though I think I enjoy English. Wiii
brother Thuso and miss Xaba I can't with those
two.

Thuso: Okay I am somehow very swamped, I

don't know how that happened so read this
poem and break it down for me. Second a
summary of the first 15 chapters we have read
so far

I bow my head and sigh.

Simphiwe: Sir are you torturing us because you

for whatever reason had an argument with miss
Smith

Thuso: I do not appreciate your tone or the

question you are asking, didn't you guys come
here to study

Simphiwe: But s-

Thuso: Young lady 20 chapters of what we read

I chuckle.

Me: Thank you Simphiwe, thank you very much

This chick doesn't know how to shut her mouth,

she has pissed him off and he is taking it out on
us.
His phone rings.

Thuso: Mama, they busy okay

He hangs up.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, the urge to

take it out troubles me but I can't because we
going to fight.

Thuso: Its okay, its Melody

I take it out and indeed its Melody.

Me: Yo
I am in charge of the decor wow, what is wrong
with her.

Me: These people don't like me neh ay but its

fine

Thuso: What are you guys doing

Me: You talking to me now

He gives me that look and goes back to his

work. All Mhlongo brothers have that look, that
angry smirk and its cute on all of them.

Lindiwe
After putting him to sleep, I walk out and call
Ntokozo.

Ntokozo: Mkhwekazi (Mother in law)

Me: I need your help

Ntokozo: What do I get in return

Me: I don't know

Ntokozo: The weekend with my lady

I roll my eyes.

Ntokozo: I am listening
Me: I want you to find out if I am still married to
this guy and how much does he have hidden
away, or how much will get if we part ways

Ntokozo: Alright you will have your information

before the day ends

Me: Thank you

I hung up.

"So this is what we doing"

I gasp.

Kele: We ignoring each other

Me: What are you doing here

Kele: I can't stay away from you

Me: Did they send you to come and fetch me

Kele: Yes, I would have brought you back a long

time ago but

Me: How old are you

Kele: Old enough, the table always find its

people and you

He comes closer to me and run his hand up my

thighs and all the way to my breast and
squeeze them.

Kele: Are mine

"Yeah"

He enters Yanela's room.

Miles: Ma.. Lindiwe

Me: Sorry distances

Miles: What

I snap out of it.

Me: I am fine thank you

I walk away from him.

[YANELA]

47

Ntokozo
I am shocked at what I found, those Smiths
have her on a tight leash.

Lindiwe: That bad that we had to have a

breakfast date

I chuckle, than kiss her cheek.

Me: I don't want you blowing up, I sacrificed my
mornings with Yanela

Lindiwe: I will take coffee and what he is having

She looks at me.

Lindiwe: You can't have breakfast with beer

Me: You stressing me out

Lindiwe: Okay tell me what it is

I hand her the envelope.

Me: You not getting out and if you did hmm

The guy she was with the other time, enters and
sits on the far end of the restaurant.

Me: Your boyfriend just walked in

She looks over and back at me.

Me: Who is he

Lindiwe: They sent him my way

Me: They found you

Lindiwe: Yes
I get up.

Me: Come on

Lindiwe: We can't leave now

I look at her, she grabs the envelope and her. I

find my Waiter and tell him to send our bill to
his table.

Lindiwe: Ntokozo this is not allowed

We enter the kitchen and exit through the back.

Lindiwe: I am sorry everyone

We get in the car, Phiri drives off.

Phiri: You sac

Me: Phiri

Phiri: This is our lives, what has she done for us

to risk it all. You may have her daughter that too
is not guaranteed

I close my eyes and pinch my nose.

Phiri: That better some good pussy because

Me: Just drive

Yanela
He grabs my phone, I jump up and snatch it
from him. How do these Mhlongo brothers walk
up to you without you sensing anything, or is it a
guy thing to sneak up unheard.

Me: Your period hasn't even started

Thuso: Pass these around

He almost caught me.

Thuso: My favorite color is not green so

whatever that is better not

Me: Whatever it is not your business

My phone rings.

Me: Hey yeah he almost caught me, I know not

using my phone anymore okay bye school is
starting

I hung up and the bell rings.

Thuso: Okay welcome my lovely impossible

growing human beings. Miss Smith

Me: I am sorry

I put it on silence.
Ntokozo
We head to the top of the heel.

Lindiwe: A nice pair of sandles would have been

nice you know

Me: I told you nothing is nice about you

Lindiwe: I am sorry for putting you in such a

difficult position

Me: I have never been a bitch, I am a big boy I

can handle it

Lindiwe: What does it say

Me: Pretty much you fucked, its best you read it
yourself. The Smiths own

Lindiwe: Everyone has skeletons no matter how

rich, powerful successful businesses all over.
They got skeletons buried deep deep down
somewhere

Me: You going to cry sis like its bad

She sighs.

Me: I come here whenever I want to clear my

mind, and like figure out what to do with people
who piss me off. I look at this rich suburb and
think of a strategy that will benefit me and my
people
Lindiwe: I need to think long and hard about this

Me: Yeah you do

How far would you go Ntokozo, how far would

you go.

Yanela
Me: So Zo I need your help, does your mother
know how to make cupcakes and ice them you
know the works

Zoleka: Yes she does

Me: Can she do like a cake tasting for me, every

flavor in town
Zoleka: Okay whats the big occasion spoiling
Ntokozo

Me: No I can't trust you with the secret but I

know you will be there

She laughs.

Zoleka: Okay I will tell her this afternoon, when

do you

Me: Preferably this weekend but I will find out

with some people

This group joins us.

I am so over these people and there's no way to

escape them.

Me: If you guys want to pass down more

judgment on me, please just find another spot
to chill

Simphiwe: We once sat like this

Me: Who was it again that made fun of me and

turned me into the joke of the school

Simphiwe: Aw Yanela

She so badly wants to be a part of what's going

on and we don't want her.

Me: Ay doesn't matter

I look up and I see this man our eyes meet,
what is he doing here. I see Thuso he takes one
look at him and goes back in hiding.

He smiles and waves at me than proceeds

straight to the offices, I look at Thuso again he
is like I am not here. The guy meets up with
Miss Xaba, she sees me and motions me to
come over.

I breathe out and head to them.

It would definitely be a huge upgrade okay

maybe not huge Mr scary man is not so bad
looking.

Miss Xaba: Have you seen the principal he is

usually in his classroom or the office

Me: I saw him leaving just a moment ago

Him: Mmm thats sad I was looking forward to

seeing him

Me: May I be excused

Him: Hmm you have manners hmm who would

have thunk, oh well you ladies have a good day

He leaves, something off about this man.

I call Ntokozo.
Ntokozo
Both Thuso and Yanela are trying to call me. I
decline both their calls.

My phone beeps.

Yanela: "Baby that creepy man that was with

mom, was just here at school looking for Bhuti
Thuso"

Snakho: Yewena umthetho wakho zithini ngawe

ufuna sonke sife (What is wrong with you, do
you want all of us to die)

Me: She needs me okay and I can't drop her

now, how will that look like
Snakho: It's not like you fucking her, Ntokozo
you don't owe her mother nor Yanela anything

Me: Ningangisize maningafuni hawu,

ngizolekhe ngincengana nawe angisilo ivaka,
mekumele ngife angife (Don't help me than if
you guys don't want to, I won't keep on begging
you guys. I ain't a coward if I have to die than let
me die)

Snakho: Ey ngiyamsaba uYanela, ngiyamusaba

(I am scared of Yanela, very scared)

I text Thuso.

Snakho: He has lost his damn mind

I will help Lindiwe and not because of Yanela.
[YANELA]

48

Yanela
Its always a somber morning in this house,
those three arguing mad crazy and us having to
listen to them bicker all the time. I don't know
how much more I can take of this.

"Stop pushing me"

Mom: You have no business being in my room,

this is my house and you fucking nothing

Miss Xaba: You not allowing me to

Mom: Allow you with my husband

Miss Xaba: Stop

She misses a step and down she goes.

"Mom"

They rush over to her, we look at each other and

than Mom, she walks away and shuts the door.

I take my things and walk out yeah this house is

very toxic for me and I need to move out.

I don't even see Ntokozo he looks cute, this

time he has a white top black jeans and white
sneakers. But I am too puzzled to think about
his handsomeness, I open the door myself and
get in.

He gets in also and looks at me.

I turn around look at him.

Me: May I please stay with you for a couple of

days or weeks, tensions are rising. Mom

I sigh.

Me: An accident happened and miss Xaba

rolled down the stairs. I can't leave like this, how
am I supposed to be focusing on school when
such things are happening

He starts the car and drives off.

Aniza
This has turned into a murder scene real quick,
they pick her up and head out.

Mom comes down all dressed up.

Me: Hold it right there Missy

She turns around.

Me: Mom what is wrong with you, sit down.. Sit

down. Ain't nobody is expecting you to be cool
with the situation going on. Yanela is in matric,
the only person who cares about her well-being
is Ntokozo, come on you guys as grown as
adults is this what we doing

She cries.

I sigh and go over to her.

Me: Stop doing this, why you still in this house

torturing yourself like this. No mom don't do
this to yourself, we love you okay and not going
to be mad with the decisions you will about to
make. I am with you okay all the way, if you
want us to go hit that man upstairs, I will bring
in whips and everything else

Mom: I can't, I can't

Me: Yes you can and you will

Her love for dad is what's making all of this

hard on her, but she has to make a decision a
tough one fast.

Mom: Why did he do this to me, why did he do

this to us

Me: For you mom

That dumb man is not doing anything about all

of this he is just quiet.

Yanela
Thuso: Okay settle down, down
Kwazi: Ay miss Xaba no longer wants to be a
teacher anymore

Thuso: She's in hospital

Simphiwe: Oh my God what happened to her

Thuso: We not sure but you can get on with

whatever science thing you have

Simphiwe: Why can't you teach us

Thuso: I got a lot on my plate young lady

I sigh.
Thuso: Miss Smith you okay

Me: I am fine sir

Thuso: I ain't tryna be nosy but

Me: She rolled down the stairs

Thuso: What

Me: Yeah, I think its best you start looking for

substitutes we in grade 12 and she is going to
fail us

He sighs.
Thuso: Thats a lot of admin, you right we have
to maintain the pass rate of this school

My phone beeps.

I take it out and check it.

Me: Oh Zo this

I look at him.

Me: We will talk later

Thuso: I will find out what you up to

Me: In your dreams

I must leave that house.

Aniza
Just when we thought the fall was bad, we read
her papers and two trucks collided with each
other and caused a major accident.

Me: In a case whereby Miss Lindiwe Xaba

dissolves the marriage she will be held liable
and responsible for her own safety, she is also
liable for re payment the fuck in installments or
the whole amount

She looks at me.

Lindiwe: This is what Ntokozo meant, I am
fucked

Me: Why would dad, yoh did he really think this

was never going to come out nothing stays
hidden forever. What happens in the dark
always comes out

Lindiwe: I am fucked

Me: Stop saying that

Lindiwe: There's no way out

Her phone chimes.

I grab her phone and look at it. Its a text

message from Ntokozo.

Me: Now that you know the truth, who is it

going to be Sihawukele or me. Haibo ubani
uSihawukele

Lindiwe: I am fucked

Me: Who is Sihawukele

Her phone chimes again.

Me: "Yanela is spending a few days at my

house" okay I can't say no to that, her number
one priority is school

Lindiwe: I am Fucked
Me: Stop saying that you annoying

Maybe its time I talked to this man. Man to man.

Ntokozo
I see cars pulling up in front of mine, I sigh.

Zuko steps out of the car.

Zuko: You are the hill we willing to die on

I thought they were going to let me do this on

my own, not that I had a problem but like I need
my team on this.
Zuko: Let's go get this son of a bitch

My phone beeps.

"How far does the knife run deep"

Me: Not today boy

Zuko: I practiced all that for nothing wow, wow I

feel betrayed used, used

Phiri: Shut up

I call my brother.

Thuso: Hello
Me: Anything out of the ordinary

Thuso: Nope just trying to figure out a way for

these kids to learn, because apparently Miss
Xaba is in the hospital

Me: Yanela

Thuso: She's been quiet since this morning

Me: Listen she will be staying with me, I ain't

saying anything but please just go easy on her.
Make sure she focuses on school, we going on
a war between the Smiths and the table

He whistles.
[YANELA]

49

Yanela
I am all packed and ready to go to my mans
place, with miss Xaba back and hurt all the
more reason to leave this drama.

Me: Okay mom

Mom: I am going to miss you

Me: You know you more than welcome to visit

Dad: Where are you going

Mom: She's going to live with Ntokozo

Dad: What

Aniza: Let's go I will drop these off at his place

Dad: Excuse me what the hell is going

Mom: What the hell is going on, what the hell is

going on shareef she's a child and this is the
most important year of her life. As it is the
science teacher is not teaching them and you
got the balls to ask what is going l, you want to
subject her to this bull

Me: This is exactly why I am moving out with

the rate that you guys are going, I will fail at
least your boys are old there's no stress. I got to
think about school and than this mess at home

Dad: You won't

Mom: We'll have you know the most important

thing to him is Yanela focusing on school, she's
been doing well so far

She takes my suitcase.

Me: Have a good day

I take my bag, maybe leaving is a bad idea.

Aniza, Mazwi and Miles are boys, they don't
have much compassion. They will fight and they
won't be around to stop it.

Me: Aniza please promise me one thing, don't

leave mom alone

Aniza: Uma uyajola sisi wami so

Mom: Angijoli

Aniza: Ubani pho uSixolele wakho

Me: Sixolele

Mom: Sihawukele

Aniza: Ha she's even correcting me

I laugh.

Yo Aniza and giving people names.

Ntokozo
Snakho: So what is your plan throwing us in a
lions den

Me: Why must I keep explaining this to you

Snakho: I don't know you killed the guy and

apparently he didn't dies

Zuko: Awukahle nawe sonke sambulala

Snakho: And he is alive unless he is a ghost
from hell

Zuko: Or they were prepared for our attack and

he had a bullet proof vest. Uyabona nawe
umntana kini uzihlalele akakhathazekile (You
can see your brother is chilled)

Me: Or maybe its his twin

Zuko: The business is running we well of relax,

Ntokozo is not going to do anything that will put
us in harms way

Snakho: Ey Yanela's pussy better be worth it, I

want to see you lose your mind this pussy is
going to get us killed
I laugh.

Snakho: I need to fuck as much as I can, I don't

know when this might be my last day on earth

Zuko: No a party

Me: Come on you know Yanela is coming over

Zuko: Even better

They leave.

Yanela
Thuso: Okay as you guys know Miss Xaba is on
leave, she broke her neck and what not. To
accommodate you all, classes that miss Xaba
teaches will be combined with miss Naidoo's
class. Its going to be a lot, I plead and beg with
you guys not to be impossible miss Smith

Me: Ay sir hawu

Thuso: You in charge of this class, if they fail to

behave than that means you guys don't need a
teacher. Yall can learn science by yourselves
and pass, your time tables are going to change

Me: Why not bring in a substitute, you talking

about 50 learners in one class. Half of them
ain't gonna pay attention

Thuso: Its only for a few days, why must I get a

sub
Me: She got that thing around her neck its not
going to be a few days, miss Naidoo ay sir you
go back to the office and figure things out

Thuso: That bad

Me: Why you think I am leaving

Thuso: First of all I didn't even want to do this

ay shame its fine, I will look for a sub just one
thing ne nobody better come and start
demanding things

Me: You the principal sir if anyone has a

problem with your decisions, they more than
welcome to take it up with whomever is
superior
Thuso: Take out your English books I will be
right back

Simphiwe: You Yanela are very very close with

the principal

Thuso: I said take out your English books,

where in that does it say talk about me when I
am gone

Thuso is savage.

Simphiwe: Sorry sir

I chuckle.
She will learn to mind her business.

Ntokozo
Aniza arrives.

Aniza: Wola sfebe

Me: Wola mpintshi

Aniza: What's happening braai stand out

Me: You know Zuko

Aniza: Why you hiding things from me you

barely know my mother and her daughter
Me: I am not hiding anything from you, you just
need to be prepared to go to war. I also did
some things to piss of the table

Aniza: Its not

Me: Nope you mother is the one that

determines the way forward

He sighs.

Aniza: Yanela's suitcase is in the car

Me: Aw

I chuckle.
I head out..

Me: Yabona nje its nothing to be worried about

Aniza: Ntokozo Ntk Mhlongo

Me: They can touch me I don't care, but when it

comes to me people I don't play

Aniza: Hello, isn't she your wife. I don't know I

dropped her off somewhere haibo akumina
othe iba nomuye umfazi byee

Me: What is going on

Aniza: I think uma uja ujola no forgive us (Mom
is dating forgive us)

Me: Forgive us

Aniza: Hmm Sixolele (Forgive us)

Me: Who is

I laugh.

Me: Sihawukele

I laugh.

Aniza: Yeah that guy who is he

We laugh.

Me: I can't with you

He laughs.

Lindiwe
My life is pretty much over right now, there was
a reason why the Smiths didn't like me and
here's why. Even if Ntokozo can get me out of
this shit I am toast.

Me: You sure this is you can't stay away from

me

Kele: A small time kid like him don't scare

Me: What do you want

Kele: I want you

Me: Ay some point this was cute but now you

beginning to bug me

Kele: I am bugging you

He chuckles.

Kele: If I was you would be dead

I get up and leave..

He grabs my hand.

Kele: Okay Lindiwe please can we at least talk,

we will talk

I see one of Ntokozo's guys, he is drinking beer

and having lunch.

I sit down.

Kele: They can all be here, they still won't touch

me

Me: I hate cocky dudes

Kele: My apologies, get to know me if I am that

bad than I will stay away from you
This is a bad idea.

My emotions are all over the place right now.

[YANELA]

50

Ntokozo
These two decided to meet me halfway, usually
I am already waiting for Yanela if I am picking
her up.

They get in the car.

Me: Bobaby
Zo: Sawubona

Me: Wee Yanela

Yanela: Hey baby

Me: What are you doing

Yanela: Girlfriend duties

I look at her.

Yanela: Joking

She laughs.
Yanela: Uyaphila sthandwa sami (You good my
love)

Me: Ngiyaphila mami, ama jita ngale enza ibraai.

Manje ngithe niyafunda bagoloza ibhadi, bathi
its fine funda than ntambama benza lento. Ay
okay ngavuma kodwa ngakhumbula ukuth
usuzolala kwakho (I am good my love, so the
boys want to do a braai. I said you studying,
they protested and said its fine you can study,
than later in the day they have the braai. Okay I
agreed but than remember, you coming home)

She chuckles.

Me: Manje ngithini (What must I do now)

Yanela: Phela abangani bakho sthandwa sami,
kuzothiwa ngimama elinjani elinqabela ubafo
ahlahle nabangani (Its your friends honey, they
will say I am keeping you away from them)

We laugh.

I stop the car, Phiri gets in.

Phiri: For you

Zo: Me, thank you

Yanela: Mina uphi owami (Where's my

chocolate)

Phiri: Awunayo indoda (Don't you have a man)

Yanela: Ah (Wow)

I chuckle.

Lindiwe
I am caught in the middle now, kele shed some
light on this whole thing. I don't know who to
trust and believe except myself, after this lunch
I need to allow myself to bleed cry and be
vulnerable.

I unlock the door and get in, the husband and

his wife are comfortable each other.

Shareef: Lindiwe
Me: Ay qhubeka

He comes over to me.

Shareef: Don't be like that

Me: I am going to go shower and start on dinner

I look at my sister, she looks down.

Me: I am sorry

I am not sorry, I should have killed this girl but I

don't care.

I enter my room and my phone rings.

Me: Ntokozo

Ntokozo: You good

Me: I am okay

Ntokozo: I am a phone call away

Me: Thank you

He hangs up.

Ntokozo
We get home and these people are already
having a ball.
Me: Guys guys come on nenzani

Yanela: Its okay I will be in my room, your room

Me: Cha usho kahle ikamero lakho (Yes your

room)

Yanela: Sanibonani (Good day)

She heads up.

Zuko: Let's go guys we will pick it up later

Snakho: Ntokozo iphixiphixi (Is a hypocrite)

Zuko: Elikhulu leli (The biggest hypocrite)

Me: Get the fuck out my house

They laugh.

Zuko: Siyabuya (We'll be back)

I enter my room.

Me: You good in there

Yanela: Yeah just trying to not mess up your

closet

I get in there and her clothes are scattered all

over.

Me: Yanela

Yanela: I know my love I know

I chuckle.

I take down my t top section.

Me: Your clothes should fit here, I will just fold

this see and your school uniform is here

She gets up and jumps on me.

Yanela: Have I told you how much I love you

Me: Not today you haven't

Yanela: I love you

Me: No I love you

We kiss.

Lindiwe
I am done with dinner, everybody can serve
themselves.

Mpume: We not eating

Me: Are your hands broken too

Mpume: No but

Me: But what

Mpume: When are you going to stop being mad,

you safe from that syndicate shouldn't you be
grateful

I wanted to slap her so bad, but Shareef held my

hand.

Mpume: Really you very impossible no wonder

he married me to get away from you

He lets go of my hand, I walk away.

Shareef: I am tired of you, if its going to be hard
for you to respect this house than please leave
nobody threw you out of this house

Mpume: Shareef

Shareef: This ain't a five star hotel get it

together enough

I enter my room and grab my phone.

Ntokozo: Ndlovukazi (My queen)

Me: I need more information on my sister, I

want to know if I lived a somewhat poor life on
purpose
He laughs.

Me: Nothing wrong with my old house, but like

you know

Ntokozo: Okay

Me: Beside her teaching money how much do

the Smiths really spend on her

Ntokozo: You know you can leave and not turn

into a stalker

Me: Ntokozo

Ntokozo: Okay fine

Me: Thank you

I hang up.

Yanela
The party was underway, the music playing but
not not loud.

Zoleka opted for us to study via video call. I

don't know why because she always comes
home and here whenever I am visiting Ntokozo.
That little desk in our room will be our best
friend, I love how this man is all about me he is
just something else.

I was chilling on the couch, minding my

business on the phone. I know if I leave, he will
follow me and it looks like he is having a good
time. The meat smells good and I am hungry.

I flag him and he happens to be looking at me

with a huge smile plastered on his face, he gets
up and comes over to me.

He sits on the arm rest and kiss me.

Me: I am hungry and I don't want to be rude and

just go dish up

He gives me a kiss on the cheek and heads to

the kitchen.

He comes back with a tray and everything nice

on the plate oh my God, is this what love feels
like.

Me: Kodwa sthandwa sam

We kiss.

Me: You the best

Mr Principal grabs a stool and sits next to me.

Thuso: How in the hell do you deal with this girl

Ntokozo: She's the best

Thuso: She's so philosophical and all I can't

We laugh.

Thuso: Mami I want to apologize, its not

everyday I am this lucky. I am a teacher and
now principal, its a huge responsibility

Me: Hey I get it, I been bullied and teased so

many times. I would hate for that to happen to
as well

Ntokozo: Okay suka usukhulumile (You have

talked you can go now)

We laugh...
[YANELA]
51

Aniza
I been watching Ntokozo and Yanela. He has
been by her side since the guys arrived, I don't
know if its because he is scared of some of
them, they might steal Yanela from him or its
just pure love.

I have never seen him like this before in my time

of knowing. Zuko on the other hand shame, the
poor is dying deep inside just watching them
and they all surprised Ntokozo showing so
much love and care.

Me: Wola sfebe

He looks away, I chuckle.

Me: Okay gents I need to go

I left mom all by herself with that lot and I am

afraid of what they doing to her.

I call her.

Mom: Hello.. Stop it

Me: Haa uno-Sixolele lapho haibo njalo

"Ubani, uSixolele"

Mom: Its a song don't you know it ngixolele

ngixolele ububi bami, ngixolele izono zami
Me: Nice save, what are those four doing to you

Mom: Please don't drink and drive I am a big girl

I can handle myself

Me: Ugeneration no distance bengalinge njalo

ngizobalimaza kabuhlungu kabi (Mazwi, Miles
better not try me, because I will hurt them so
bad)

Mom: I am fine honey give Yanela a kiss for me

Me: Byee

Ntokozo: Wola mpintshi

Charmaine: Kwathuleka kangaka nje akuyona
yini iparty (Why is it so quiet ain't this a party)

Yanela
Charmaine just came got on top of the table the
volume turned up and she made the circle go
bigger. They going crazy now dancing, I am the
cute girl exhausted now and I want to go sleep.

Snakho: Ehlika manje (Get down now)

They laugh.

The music stops.

"Aw yini manje"

I look up, Ntokozo has stopped the music.

Ntokozo: Okay guys its time to go imama

likhathele vayani

I am not that tired but it has been a long day.

Zuko: Cha wena thatha imama niyolala its fine

sohlala thina siphuze (Take Yanela upstairs and
go sleep, we will continue drinking)

Ntokozo: Udakiwe

They laugh and look at me.

Me: I am sorry
I get up laughing and head upstairs.

Me: I am sorry

Lindiwe
I grab the lotion and lotion my body.

"You look sexy"

I scream and drop the bottle.

Me: What are you doing here, there's cameras

here

Kele: Good than he will see how great I fucked

you

He stands behind me and presses me against

the counter, I gasp.

"Lindiwe"

He undoes the towel wrapped around me and it

falls to the floor, he bites his lower lip.

Shareef: Lindiwe

Me: I am fine okay, I am fine

He bends me over and spanks my ass.

Shareef: What was that you okay, why is the
door locked

Kele: Tell him some guy is fucking you

Me: Shareef I am okay, I will be out just now

He pulls his pants down and spreads my legs.

Me: Please don't

I feel it brushing up and down my pussy ain't I

too old for this, he gently puts it in and groans a
little.

Oh my God is he raping me, I laugh.

He pushes in further I hold the mirror and gasp.

Kele: You a little tight but I can work with that

He holds my waist tight and pushes in further.

Kele: I will be gentle

He starts moving.

Me: Oh! God

Yanela
I was changed and settled in the bed, Ntokozo
took a shower before joining me.
Me: You didn't have to cut their fun time like
that

Ntokozo: It was an ambush party and they knew

you were coming over

Me: They not to loud

Ntokozo: Will you be able to fall asleep

Me: In your chest, I sleep like a baby

He sighs.

Me: You seem worried whats up

Ntokozo: Ay those are my problems don't worry
about it

Me: Thank you for letting me stay here, I need

this break and I promise to just focus on my
studies and forget about things that don't
concern me

He turns around and we kiss.

Lindiwe
I can't believe I just had sex with another man,
in the bathroom with Shareef and his stupid
family around. My body is shaking and he is
probably confused why I am taking so long in
the bathroom.
Thank goodness I didn't use the ensuite.

I breath out and walk out.

Mpume: Mmm I wonder what he would say

Me: Who says what about what

She drinks her drink and walks away. Who cares

what she saw, I am going to have a good night's
sleep.

I enter my room.

Shareef: You okay

Me: I think I was having a panic attack and
wanted to be by myself

Shareef: You know you can talk to me, when

you ready of course for us to talk

Me: I know

I get in the bed and face the other way, he turns

around and puts his arm over me.

I sigh.
[YANELA]

52
Sihawukele Sibisi
I was peacefully enjoying my sleep, when the
dark heavy cloud enters. He opens my curtains
and opens the windows, is this guy for real.

Dad: Uyasebenza la noma ulala nabafazi

abadala (You working here or busy sleeping
with older woman)

I sigh.

Dad: Letha letha mfana (Give it to me)

Me: What are you going to do with it, no I am

not going to give you if you going to do
something ill with it. I am also in there and you
going to expose me
Dad: That's why I said bring her to me I don't
know what's gotten into you

Me: Than I am not giving it to you

His hand finds my cheek.

Dad: Mengithi enza into uyenze ungalokhe

ungisanganela nxi (When I tell you to do
something, you do it)

He gets up and search for the USB himself, he

finds it and leaves my room.

Me: Fuck
As if I don't have a lot going on, now I have to
settle dad's scores.

My phone beeps.

I grab it and look at the text.

Lindiwe: "Hey"

I am tempted to reply but things are about to go

south, I block and delete her number.

The door opens.

Me: Sandra
Sandra: Just the way you like it

I sigh.

Me: Oh Sandra I am going to need more than

coffee

Ntokozo
Zuko: Damm

I sigh.

I don't know what to do anymore I am at my

witsend.

Snakho: Yo bamenza nje lo mama

Me: Can yall stop watching that

My phone rings.

Me: Hello

Aniza: Please tell me that's not my mom and I

am just hallucinating and having a horrible
nightmare

Me: Aniza does it look like I know your mother

Aniza: How the fuck did this happen

Me: Please you stressing me out

I hung up.

Snakho: Some people are actually loving this,

she has nice boobs

Zuko: Obviously the older it is, the mature and

tasty it is wow this shit is making me horny.
You want to watch

He laughs.

Lindiwe
I was looking forward to the day and just
looking forward to life in general.

Shareef: This is what you fucking excited about

He throws the tablet on my face.

Shareef: You know Lindiwe if you don't fucking

want me anymore, get the fuck out but don't be
fucking another man in my house you piece of
shit

Me: I am a piece of shit you are a fine one to

talk seeing as you married my sister

Shareef: I only married her because I wanted to

get you back

Me: Okay run with that shareef convince

everyone that you married my sister because
you wanted to buy my freedom, you know what
you should have left me there
Shareef: I am starting to think so as well

I look at him.

He walks away.

What is he talking about.

I grab the tablet and open it

Me: Oh my God

I sit down.

Sihawukele
Me: You posted the video

Dad: Somebody else beat me to it

Me: The fuck is wrong with you

He looks at me.

Siphesande: Damm bro you the man, you the

man

They laugh.

Siphesande: Haa umenza nje umam wabantu

Me: I am not doing this anymore

Dad: Why you fallen in love with her

Me: No

Siphesande: He has fallen in love with her

Me: I am not in love with her, anyways

remember the boy that killed me

Dad: Yeah

Me: They all part of the clique

Dad: How sweet

He gets up and walks away.

Siphesande: What is dad up to really

Me: He let go of her only because of the money

they paid him. The contract is over

Siphesande: He really thinks by humiliating her

the Smiths will renew their contract

Me: Its no longer about that once you enter his

table, there's no way out

Siphesande: I see so are you in love with

magogo

I sigh.
He laughs.

Lindiwe
I asked to see Ntokozo, and everyone here was
now noticing who I am. As if I am first person
with a sex tape out there, yes it doesn't look
good on my image but you know what I don't
care anymore. What did I expect from a young
man whose father runs a dangerous syndicate.

He sits down opposite me with a very bored

look.

Me: You must be mad

He is staring straight into my eyes.

Me: I know, I bought this upon myself. I
entertained the guy and this what happened to
me, but Ntokozo you can't turn your back on me
now. I know this is a lot for you and you really
not responsible for my life and what I choose to
do with it. But please

The reason why Ntokozo and I are so close he

sees me as his mother or I think so. He is very
protective of me and my daughter, also he
adores her very much.

Me: Please

He gets up and walks away.

I bow my head down and sigh.

[YANELA]

53

Yanela
I have no control of the situation mom has been
put through, in some cases its understandable.
Dad hurt her and maybe this was a way of
getting back at him, or maybe finding comfort in
someone's else's dick I don't know. I am glad
nobody knows my family except for the fact
that I am a Smith.

All I can do is be there for her and show her love

and support, because she's clearly getting a lot
of backlash. However I do not want to be seen
with her, because that will spark another
bullying moment oh your mother is a pornstar.
First it was your boyfriend now its your mother,
blah blah blah.

Speaking of boyfriend Ntk must be livid

wherever he is, he loves mom and this might
have hurt him a little bit or a lot. I haven't heard
from him the whole day.

Phiri: Hello girls

He is picking us up, he gives Zoleka chocolate.

I snatch it from her.

They laugh.

Me: We share everything why wena njalo

umphathela uchocolate

Phiri: Yayazi indoda yakho

Me: Yes

Phiri: Cela yona

He snatches the chocolate back.

She laughs.

Zo: Stop it you two

Me: Where is he, you picking him up

Phiri: No yall riding with me

Me: I am going to be spending the 2 hours at

Zo's house

Phiri: You asking me or Telling me

Me: We both know what I mean

He chuckles.

Phiri
I dropped the girls off and leave...

I arrive at Ntokozo's house a couple of minutes

later. Ntokozo has gone mute, this by far has
awaken the monster in him. I don't like it when
he is quiet, we don't like it when he is quiet
because we can't get through them.

I enter inside and mam Lindiwe is around, she

doesn't look pressed or going through the most.
I know I would be an entire me blasted all over
the internet at her age hmm, but that was a
good fucking sex tape.

Whether it was intended to be a sex tape or

somebody is out to get her, we will never know
okusalayo she's a milf. I laugh when our eyes
meet.

She sighs.

Me: Girl
Ma: Pornsites are sending me messages

I chuckle.

Me: I am sorry you went through that

Ma: I will be fine

Zuko: Wasidalela enkulu inkinga le

Me: You pissed him off and the next best thing
for him is kill people, he is very impossible to
deal with when he doesn't speak at all and
dangerous
Ma: I am really sorry boys where's Yanela

Me: Off to study at Zoleka's house

Ma: I hope none of this will come in between

her and her books

Me: She's very focused that one anything that

brings her stress and causes her pain she cuts
it out her life

Ntokozo: Asambe

He leaves, leaving the door open.

Me: Let's go mama

Yanela
Zoleka's mother was so nervous, she didn't
have to do the cakes now. But I can take them
to Melody if she is at home.

Me: Kodwa ma bengamele ngempela

Ma: Ayikho Inkinga ngane yami, nazoke

Me: Mmm this smells amazing what do we

have

Zo: Caramel, red velvet, chocolate, vanilla and

like chocolate mouse kind of cake

Me: All the delicious flavors okay

I taste the Caramel and imagine Ntokozo's lips
on mine, I go for seconds. Its so soft and
caramelly but not to sweet.

Me: I love this a lot

Next up red velvet.

Me: I don't like this not because its not nice but
like ay not my favorite

I try the other three and they just as amazing as

the other two.

Me: Ma I love them all neh, but I am sold on the

Caramel. The others may like the other flavors
but I will surely have them taste it

Ma: Okay I will pack it up for you

Me: Cela wonke ngoba loya mndeni ay shame

We laugh.

The door opens a man walks in, I am guessing

that's Zoleka's father she starts fixing her
clothes and sitting properly.

Him: Sanibona

Ma: Oh lo umntana ka Smith lapha phezulu

bazofunda, ucele namakhekhe
He looks at me with a very wired look on his
face, almost like he is desired by the sight of
me. Its making me feel very uncomfortable, but
I will act cool.

Me: Asidleni uchocolate phela (Lets eat the

chocolate)

She laughs.

Zo: Sengikhohliwe

Me: Ngahamba nawo wonke angani uzothola

omunye vele kusasa (Can I leave with it, you will
get another tomorrow anyways)
I look at the father he frowns.

Phiri
We were gathered in the middle of some dead
end road, a man and a woman were bagged.

A car pulls up and the people come out, it's Mr

Smith and his boys. Ntokozo grabs a canister
filled with something and goes around pouring
it all over these two.

Man: Do you know who I am, you will be dead

son

He goes around pouring the liquid and some all

over their heads and clothes.
He throws the canister and lits up a cigarette,
he throws the lighter and the ring of fire burns
around them.

Me: Ntokozo

He is standing inside the ring of fire.

Snakho: Uyahlanya lo mfana yewena sfebe,

awukambhebhi ngisho nokumbhebha
uyasangana wena ekhanda (This boy is crazy,
bitch you haven't even fucked this girl and you
already crazy in the head)

They laugh.

He removes the bags of their heads.

Ma: Mpume

Ntokozo: Angazi noma nicathi ngiyanisaba yin,

(I don't know if yall think I am scared of yall)
yimi ophethe la (I run things here) I run this
mother fucker

He pulls out a gun.

Ntokozo: There's two people dying here and it

ain't me, Lindiwe sondela mami

She looks at us.

Snakho: Phiri stop this foolish

He shoots in the air, Mpume screams.

Ma steps forward, he goes around and stands

behind them.

Ntokozo: Look at them in the eye and tell me

who you think did it

Ma: Ntokozo this is really not wor- okay okay

Ntokozo: I won't miss again, now tell me who

you think it is between the two

Zuko: Call Yanela that will stop him

The fire is nearing close to them.

Me: That will amp up his anger, Lindiwe talk

Lindiwe: I don't know

Ntokozo: Okay

The fire catches on to Mpume.

Mpume: Okay it was me, it was me. I saw him

sneaking in the house, and than I went to the
office and saw what you guys did. I am sorry

Snakho shows up with a fire extinguisher.

Zuko: Aw Snakho yini manje

Snakho: I am not crazy hawu

Lindiwe: And this is the kind of lady you Smiths

choose to be the perfect Makoti

Mpume: At least I don't cheat and never will

Ntokozo: I wouldn't this confident if I were you

He pushes her face.

Yanela
Me: Okay ma thank you for the lovely afternoon

Zoleka's father answers the door, he gets

pushed aside. Ntokozo walks in with Phiri, Phiri
grabs my bags and books okay.

Me: Uhm bye see you tomorrow at school

I grab the box, Ntokozo comes and takes it.

Me: Okay phela you don't have to be angry I am

sorry

I close the door on my way out.

Me: Daddy

He turns around and looks at me, I strut my way

walking pass him and grab my ass.
Phiri: Yanela uzofa

I giggle.

We get in the car and he drives off.

[YANELA]

54

Ntokozo
I developed a headache while being this angry. I
did good, didn't hit anyone, didn't kill anyone and
didn't sleep with anyone that's my biggest
achievement. Resisting temptation and
respecting my woman.
Me: Don't hug me

Lindiwe: You the best you know that, not

everybody says that a lot

She reminds me of my mother we were this

close most of the time and she fills the void, I
been missing my whole life.

Melody: Vele Kade sabona ukuth nina, nina (You

two)

I laugh.

Melody: Ah and he laughs

Me: Yanela bought over some cakes for you to

taste

Melody: Yall probably finished the whole thing

Lindiwe: Aniza, what

She laughs.

Lindiwe: You what I don't care, lets get this over

and done with. Its clear things between your
father and I will never be the same, after what
happened. I know what needs to happen, okay
baby bye

Me: Excuse me

I need to sleep.
Yanela
Thuso: Miss Smith

Me: Principal Sir

He chuckles.

Thuso: I am also tired but lets continue, Zoleka

not present

Me: I don't think she came to school at all

Thuso: Call her

Me: Call her

Thuso: Yes call her

Me: You want me to use my phone in class

He crosses his arms.

Me: Okay.. Voicemail

Thuso: Okay do check on her

That is strange we have never missed a day in

school, except for when Ntokozo was
tormenting me but we never missed a day.

Thuso: Uhm so I been rounding up your marks,

not impressed

Simphiwe: That's because you don't pay

attention to us now

Kwazi: Yeah all about miss Smith

Thuso: Ave ngizoniphoxa njalo, akusilo iphutha

lami ukuth nizidomu. (Its not my fault yall dumb)
Miss Smith actually studies which is more than
I can say for some of you. Matric is definitely at
the end of the year I won't be marking your
papers and you will blame me and Miss Smith
for not studying, because why you too busy
paying attention to things that are not important,
FYI Simphiwe and Kwazi I was talking about the
the school as a whole, and I am going to call a
parents meeting
He lost me, my mind is on Zoleka.

Lindiwe
This is the next big step, I will either come back
victorious or end up in a body bag.

Shareef: Come sit

He has the table all decked out, the house is

awfully quiet. He really did kick them out, that
was wrong but okay.

Shareef: She left my kids, I would still like to be

with them if that's okay with you

Me: Shareef
He grabs my hands.

Shareef: I know I pushed you to it, I am sorry for

ever hurting you. I love you so much, you mean
the world to me and I would hate to lose you
again. I was the one who went and married your
sister when I could have married another one. I
allowed my grandmother, I allowed myself to go
and approach another woman. But baby I swear
all of this was made just to bring you back

Me: Shareef

Shareef: I am not mad at you, and won't get

back at you. I won't lie its painful seeing the
woman you love being fucked like that
Why didn't he speak like this from the beginning?
Why did he wait till all this nonsense happened.

Shareef: Please a do over I promise to be a

better husband and better father to our kids

I look at the envelope on the chair than him

again, he kisses my hands.

Phiri
I knock and enter his room.

I put the tray down and sleep next to him.

Ntokozo: If you not Yanela get the fuck out my

room
Me: Aw mina ngenzeni (What did I do)

He sighs.

Me: I have to check on you are you okay seems

like a lot is stressing you out

Ntokozo: I am trying to cool off

Me: Ntokozo its me

He turns around and snuggles under my arm

and cries.

There's two things that make him cry broken

heart and losing his family, which one is he cry
for.
Me: Wow Ntokozo

Ntokozo: What why did you come here for than

He continues crying, I laugh.

Ntokozo: How did I get here, going crazy over a

school child. Loving her mother as if she was
my own the thought of losing them scares me
to death and this sex tape ah. I want to kill that
bitch, like how could she be so stupid I want to
punch her till she bleeds. But I can't

Me: You scared because you are happy and you

don't want to lose all of that
Ntokozo: She makes me happy, she makes me
feel like I am the only man in the world, she
gives me life

Me: And you don't want anything happening to

her

Ntokozo: I almost killed both of them, but they

not worth me killing them. I am good and
secured in my life angishodi ngalutho

Me: Is she turning you soft

Ntokozo: Soft no, I will still kill you if you fuck

me up. I am definitely controllable and kept

I chuckle.
Lindiwe
We ate and he was very happy now what am I
going to do. I have the divorce papers with me
and he is talking the talk right now

My phone rings.

I look at it, Shareef comes with two bowls.

Me: Cookies and ice-cream

Shareef: Still your favorite right

Me: I remember you bought me this and I was

the happiest woman in the world
Shareef: You said I love you Shareef
Siphamandla Smith

Me: I did didn't I

I sigh.

Shareef: Lindiwe I am sorry

I don't know if I should believe this or run with

both my legs as fast as I can. I don't want to
push him to far and he kills me, yeah Shareef
has that ugly side of him and is not afraid to
use it.

Oh I am one fucked woman.

[YANELA]

55

Yanela
Is there food in this house, I am hungry.

"YANELA"

Me: I am back

I feel hands wrap around me.

Me: Hello my baby

Ntokozo: You missed

I turn around and scream he laughs.

Me: You are not my Ntokozo

Ntokozo: Wow Yanela I am angry for two

minutes and you already moving on to my
buddies

Zuko: I got you good

Me: Argh

He kisses me.

Ntokozo: You good

Me: I am fine my love

Phiri: What happened to Zoleka

Me: She wasn't at school

Ntokozo: Why what happened

Me: I don't know, yazi yesterday over there. Her

father gave me weird vibes

Ntokozo: Weird vibes how

Me: I don't know, it seemed as if like kade

engihalela yabo. And she kept fixing her clothes
looking down most of the time, ay man that
explains it all

I look at them.

Phiri is the first one out, I am still in my uniform

but I am not staying behind.

We all get in the car and Phiri speeds away.

In no minute we arrive at her place, I get out

first and run to the front door.

Me: Zo, Zoleka, Zoleka babe open the door

I bang on the door, Phiri moves me to the side

and shoot the door he kicks it.
Phiri: Zoleka

Me: Zo oh my God Zoleka

I run to her side and pick her up.

Me: Zoleka, Zo open your eyes, Zoleka, Zoleka

please

She is badly bruised up and bleeding

everywhere.

Zuko: Fuck Ntokozo

They head outside.

Me: Zo open your eyes

Zoleka: Mmm

Me: Zoleka

Ntokozo: Zoleka

She gets a fright and starts hyperventilating.

Me: Zo it's okay it's me listen to my voice, its

me Ntokozo is here. We hear to help you,
Zoleka please

He says nothing and takes her from me, I get up

follow him out.

Ntokozo: Listen up I will send you a location get

there now

Lindiwe
Me: I should get going

Shareef: Wait why this is your home

Me: Shareef our marriage has run its course

Shareef: Baby we can still fix it

Me: I can forgive another bitch, my sister. The

woman you knew did not care about me and
you still went ahead and got married to her. I
love you and I will always love you, you the
father of my kids and that will never change

Shareef: What about

Me: If I have to pay all my life than so be it

Shareef: Lindiwe please don't do this to me, I

love you

Me: I know you do, but I think you know this is

over

I get up and leave the papers next to him. I don't

even want to say goodbye, because that will
lead to something else.
I open the door and leave with a new found
freedom.

Yanela
What kind of a sick monster that would do
something like this. That horrible man I hope he
dies in hell.

Me: Doctor please whats going on

Dr: Both patients suffer some heavy bruising,

the most lost a lot of blood it seems as if she
was repeatedly stabbed and left to die

I hold my stomach.
Dr: They going to be fine we managed to stop
the bleeding, they still beat down so it will take
time for them to wake up. I am sorry but I have
to report this

Ntokozo: You will do no such

Dr: Its

Ntokozo: Your job is to make they stay alive and

I don't care, I see any police lingering around
you will be sorry you met me

Dr: Sir the little girls shows massive signs of

forced penetration

Ntokozo: Fokof didn't you hear what I said

I sit down and sigh.

Ntokozo: We good

He has been silent since we arrived here.

Ntokozo: Its okay we going to find him and

make him pay, baby come lets go

Me: I don't want to leave her alone

Ntokozo: I'm here nobody is going to touch

them

Me: Ntokozo
Ntokozo: I know let's go, you got to change and
study. Wena keep an eye on him, make sure he
doesn't disappear lets go Yanela

He takes my hand and we head out.

Lindiwe
I arrive back, the house is empty. I must get
myself a house now, see if I can't get a job.
Maybe after this I will be blacklisted, I am
already famous maybe I should go that route.

I chuckle at the thought of that.

My phone rings.
I look at it and decline the call.

Me: Oh no buddy, leave me alone

I enter my room and take off my clothes.

I charge my phone.

I also need to sit down with my kids and talk to

them, I hope they can understand mommy's
decisions and know that we are up for war.

Shareef is very angry right now and well I don't

care.

Sihawukele
I wait for her to step out of the shower,
something just doesn't want me to stay away
from Lindiwe. And now that she is an almost
free woman I can shoot my shot.

She steps out of the shower and screams.

Lindiwe: You have some nerve showing up here

I get up and head over to her.

Lindiwe: Kele please leave

Me: I can't

Lindiwe: You brought me so much drama in just

a short space of time
I step closer to her she gasp and moves away.

Lindiwe: You ruined my life

Me: I didn't know you planned on getting back

with him

Lindiwe: This is Ntokozo's house and he will kill

you

Me: I don't care

I pick her up and place her on the counter top.

We kiss.
Me: I told you, you mine

I undo her towel and grab her luscious boobs.

Lindiwe: Kele

I brush my fingers up and down her pussy.

Lindiwe: Mmmm
[YANELA]

56

Lindiwe
Kele: I can just disappear and we don't have to
this now

Me: I have a son now and he will fuck us up, so

let's go

Obviously he was going to disappear during the

night and I couldn't allow that, because they
were going to kill him.

They stop eating and look at me.

Me: This is Sihawukele we not dating or

anything but you might be seeing us from time
to time, to time, to time

Melody: Have a seat I will dish out for you guys

The door opens, Phiri enters with bloody hands.

Ntokozo: What the fuck did you do

He takes him to the sink and wash his hands

off, he walks away.

Ntokozo: Phiri, Zuko yini manje

He sighs.

Zuko: Ingane ivukile yasitshela iqiniso

Ntokozo: Zuko

He gets up and heads out crying, what's going

on.

Yanela
I couldn't hold back the tears, I was dying inside
and I didn't know how to consol myself. I arrive
in class and its the English period, I came to
school late because I wanted to go see my
friend, and the things she told us.

Thuso: Miss Smith was wrong

I crouch down balancing on the desk and cry.

Thuso: Yanela what's wrong

He picks me up.
Thuso: Did that fool hurt you

We head outside.

Thuso: Take out your books

He closes the door.

Thuso: What happened sweetheart

Me: Its not fair

Thuso: What's not fair okay honey you got to

pull yourself together or go back home, should I
call them to come pick you up.
I step away from him and head to the sink and
wash my face.

I have a towel somewhere in my bag.

Me: I am fine, Ntokozo didn't hurt me. Zoleka is

in hospital with her mother, she was stabbed
and Zoleka was badly injured

Thuso: Oh my God did they catch the

perpetrator

Me: We don't know where he disappeared to, its

her father turns out he has been sexually
abusing the both of them

Thuso: What
I breath out and open the door..

Thuso: Yeah where are you, okay. Ntokozo naye

uvumela kanjani ukuth ahambe, I don't know I
will hear from her okay I love you to okay bye.

I will be fine.

Ntokozo
I don't understand what is going on, so I took
Melody and Lindiwe with me to the hospital. I
have never seen Zuko crying and I don't know
what the hell Phiri did, that gave him bloody
hands.

Me: Hey pumpkin, how is my favorite girl doing

Lindiwe: Oh my God sweetie

I grab her hand, she finches a little bit.

I let go of her.

The doctor ask to speak to me on the side.

We step out of the ward.

Me: Is everything okay

Dr: Sir this matter is very sensitive I am afraid, I

had to report it sit down please.. Uhm she told
us from a very mature age I would say from 12
to 14 she has been sexually abused by her
father. Her mother tried to stop all of this but, if
she fought him. He would beat her up and rape
her

I sigh.

Dr: This has been going on for years now,

whereby this man sexually violates his daughter
and mother and if they dared to speak out or
escape

Me: He would find them, beat them and rape

them

Dr: I would propose constructive therapy,

mentally she maybe scarred for life
Me: This explain her over dressing up even on
hot days

Dr: I am sorry but such matters can not be

taken lightly. I will keep them here for a few
days, her mothers situation has gone critical the
next coming hours are going to be touch and go.
I am really sorry, excuse me

Yanela
Life just has its own way of doing things, you
don't get to prepare for it. It just hits you in face,
sometimes it knocks you down, sometimes lifts
you up. But no matter what you do nothing
prepares you for what life throws at you.

Kwazi: He better not have hurt you because I

will punch him in the face
I chuckle.

Me: No guys

I sigh.

Me: Zoleka and her mother have been

hospitalized they got into a very bad incident
and they fighting for their lives

Simphiwe: Oh my God

Me: Yeah we just have to pray for them that

they make it out alive
Simphiwe: When did this oh no, that's why she
didn't come to school. Oh my Zoleka you know
even though you stole her from me, I still love
her and she's the sweetest girl ever

Me: Yeah

She didn't deserve what happened to her.

"Yanela"

He calls me over.

Me: Excuse me

Ah why is he going to the office now.

I sigh.

Me: What is this now

"Yanela"

Me: Hey baby

Ntokozo: You good

Me: I will be fine

Ntokozo: You want me to come get you

Me: No I will stay in school and gather as much

as I can for Zoleka and I

Ntokozo: You sure because I don't want him

calling me again

Me: Where are you

Ntokozo: At the hospital but I am leaving now,

Melody and your mother are going to stay with
her

I breath out.

Me: Ngizoba right njomane

Ntokozo: Okay ngiyakuthanda yezwa

Me: Ngiyakuthanda nami

The call drops.

Me: You not injecting me with that right

Thuso: Either this or you go home, its not drugs

or anything. Its just a shock control

Me: Yo

Ntokozo
I want them to hit Phiri with an injection that will
knock him out for days, he is more dangerous
than I am. He will try to fight off the sleep but
eventually fall, when he wakes up I better have
the rapist dad in front of him.

Snakho: What is going on

Me: A fucking mess, please find this man

otherwise Phiri is going cut my body in half

Snakho: The dangers of falling in love with

school kids

Me: Wasn't Charmaine a school kid when you

guys met

Snakho: Yeah because I got loose screws in my

head. I thought you won't follow in my footstep

Me: Guess its a Mhlongo thing than

Snakho: Mxm

I laugh.

Snakho: I got my guy fresh out of prison he can

one two tap that ass

He laughs.
[YANELA]

57

A few days later

Ntokozo
He wakes up pulling out his gun, always on
guard mode.

I get up and leave, now that we found that

stupid pig. Phiri can deal with him however he
sees fit.

Me: Okay everybody fucking stop what you

doing, vele who agreed to this

Melody: Haibo Ntokozo the party is tomorrow

and you suddenly have a problem now

Me: What party

She walks away.

Me: Hawu no really what party, you sure you
should be doing that

She was out of the hospital and recovering in

my house, her mother unfortunately is still not
out of the woods. We hoping and praying she
wakes up.

Charmaine: No ngempela hambo hlala phansi,

ufuna ukusixabanisa no Phiri (Yeah no go sit
down, we don't want to fight with Phiri)

Zoleka: I just

Me: Sit down

As she is walking, she meets with Phiri. We run

out the door and slowly peek through.

Phiri: You back

Zoleka: Don't worry as soon as I heal I will be

out of your way

We look at each other.

Okay that's not the kind of response we were

expecting.

Phiri: Zo

Zoleka: No I perfectly understand I am just a kid

and I would hate to ruin your reputation
Phiri: I didn't mean those things, I was

She pushes him and goes to the couch.

When did these two fight now.

Yanela
I was so excited about Thuso's party. Melody
pulled out all the stops, the people are setting
up now. Apparently its going to be a very big,
big party to celebrate and honor Thuso for
being a principal.

Simphiwe: Yanela we going out tomorrow can

you come with Zoleka of course
Me: I wouldn't love to but I can't, I already got
plans with Ntokozo and Zoleka is far from
recovering and going out

Simphiwe: But it will be a good distraction for

her since her mother is still at the hospital

Thuso: Yeah Yanela why don't you take her out

and give her some fresh air

Me: like I said Ntokozo and I have plans

Thuso: Your boyfriend is more important than

your friends

Simphiwe: Yeah Yanela

Me: Unfortunately

Simphiwe is the last person I want to hang

around with. I am going to be with my family
and people who actually love me.

Simphiwe: You know just because you dating

Ntokozo doesn't mean you better than all of us.
I am doing you a favor by inviting you and you
spitting it back in my face, than you will cry
bullying

Me: Ah why you so aggressive boo boo, please

don't play yourself. Does it look like I give a fuck
about what you guys think of me

Thuso: Ladies
Me: Cha uyangijwayela wena, I ain't your fucking
friend and never will be

Thuso: Yanela

Me: Ah suka hawu

He laughs.

Ntokozo
Me: Hau and than I thought you

Phiri: You can do it, its fine but me really look at

me. I am just fucked up as you are

Lindiwe: Zoleka
She wakes up.

Lindiwe: Vuka sisi udle khona uzophuza

amaphilisi (Wake up eat, so that you can take
your medication)

Me: You think, no you care about what people

say

Phiri: You losing respect, people are just

dancing around your territory

Me: Wee I can't tell you what to do mina I love

Yanela, whether she is young or not I have
accepted the things I will face being in a
relationship with her
Phiri: It wasn't even that deep, we were just
talking and I said those things without even
thinking that it will hurt her feelings

Me: I think its best you two stay away from

each other. She went through a very traumatic
experience and if you can't be her security
blanket, than stop giving her mixed emotions. I
have to go

Aniza
Me: How is you going away going to fix your
situation

Dad: I am not needed here, you don't know me.

Yanela listens to another man, your mother I
lost her
Me: At least tell them you leaving

Dad: No my flight is already booked nothing

keeping me here

Me: Haibo your kids generation and distance

Dad: What

Me: Mazwi and Miles

He chuckles.

Me: Dad don't go

Dad: Yall fine just make sure Yanela doesn't fall
pregnant and she passes school

Me: You such a bore, I never knew you to be a

coward

I punch him.

Me: Maybe that will knock some sense into you

I leave him.

Me: I am sorry for punching you

Mazwi: Generation and distance

We laugh.

Me: You guys are not so bad but I don't want to

upset my mother

Miles: We get it mom isn't exactly a Saint, of

course we didn't know they were sisters

Me: We both cousins and brothers ay. Hey

there's something happening want to tag along,
as long as you don't ruin the fun

Miles: Yeah its kind of boring in this house

Me: I know

He comes with his suitcases, why is he leaving

vele.

Ntokozo
When Thuso is tired school comes out early. I
figured okay let me pick my baby up and we got
together to pick up the cake for tomorrow,
those people in my house better be finished.

She gets in the car.

Me: Wee they always make you angry

Yanela: Your brother

I chuckle and start the car.

Me: Do you mind if we go pick up the cake

Yanela: Zoleka's mother was supposed to have

made the cake

Me: And those were great cakes she made. I

remember having one, along came Zuko the
vacuum cleaner and ate everything

She laughs.

Me: I don't ever want to see you mad ever again

She leans forward and I meet her with my lips.

Yanela: How is Zoleka

Me: She's doing alright, it's a little bit hard for
her to walk. But she's been keeping busy and
moms is really taking care of her

Yanela: Hee that's good because these days ay

shame

Me: One day I will hit the both of them

especially that guy, that disrespectful piece of
trash

Yanela: You met your match there

Me: Wee match my foot

Yanela: Can we go cuddle, I miss you

My heart smiles.

Phiri
I unlock my room and get in and lock again.

Zo father: Where am I let me go

Me: You in heaven old man

I don't know what I am going to do with him but

I am going to have fun. I sit down and remove
the bag over his head.

Zo father: You.. do you know who I am

Me: Rapist, pedophile, pig, dog fucking
disgusting piece of shit

I punch him.

Me: What kind of a father rapes his own

daughter

I punch him again, he groans and laughs.

Zo father: Sh... She told you that

He coughs out blood.

Zo father: She enjoys it just as much as I do

hmm and that tight ass vagina, argh shame I
tasted it and no man will ever be able to go in
there ever again

Hitting him isn't going to do anything, this sick

pervert is sick in the head.

This sick deranged old man is going to get a

taste of his own medicine.
[YANELA]

58

Yanela
I enter my room I just come from checking the
decor outside it is to die for.

Me: Ntokozo
Ntokozo: Ngivukile nje

Me: You can't be sleeping whole day you to go

meet up with bhuti Thuso and keep him busy

He turns around covering himself.

Me: Ntokozo

Ntokozo: Mami

Me: Khona intombazane oyimithisile

He gets up from the bed and heads to the

bathroom. This room is so big, there's his closet
at the back. On the left side is a bathroom and
than on his right is like a cozy chill area.

Ntokozo: Umuntu nginaye nsuku zonke kodwa

uthi ngimithisile (I am with her everyday but she
accuses me of impregnating someone)

I laugh.

His phone rings, I take it.

Me: Your phone is ringing

He sighs and answers it.

Ntokozo: Ufunani (What do you want)

Me: Oh my God

Ntokozo: What you piece, I am going to kill you

He screams.

Ntokozo: What's wrong

Me: I just remembered something, I don't have

anything to wear

Ntokozo: Oh I got something its in the closet

Me: Really, thank you

I kiss him.

Ntokozo: Haibo

Me: Oh sorry

I take his phone and leave him, I charge it and

than go to the closet I wonder what he has in
store for me.

Phiri
I can't even open my eyes, I finish my drink and
open the door. She looks up, she rolls her eyes
and lays back down. But she sits up and folds
her arms.

I take of my clothes and climb on the bed, her

body language changes. I get off and climb
from the side.

Zo: What are you doing

Me: Ngiyalala (I am sleeping)

Zo: Excuse me, oh you sleeping with a child

now. You not afraid of your reputation

Me: Its already ruined can I kiss you, I promise

to be gentle

She grabs a pillow and place it in between us,

than scoots down and sleeps facing up.. I
remove it and put my around her.
Zo: Phiri get off m-

I kiss her.

Me: I am sorry

I continue kissing her with no care that she's

not responding to me. I interlock you hands and
she finally respond back by caressing my face.

Ntokozo
We pick up Thuso, I wonder what lie we going to
come up with.

Thuso: I am very tired, this better be fast and

clean I want to go sleep
Snakho: Stop it we barely see you and you still
don't want to be around us

Thuso: There's my house where its always been

for years, do yall visit me or just park outside
and wait for me to come out

I laugh.

Thuso: Where we going

Me: I am not sure but we going somewhere

Snakho: Did you talk to your friend

Me: No why
Snakho: Phela uzalo oh God. Okay he is like get
me your friend that's out, I get him the friend
and

Me: He fucked the old man

Thuso: What

They laugh.

Snakho: Bro like now he is telling me that they

fucked him, like fucked him and fucked him

Thuso: Phiri is not gay

Snakho: No but he has been to jail and like we
know what happens in there

Me: Take it as anal sex, I would have fucked

him to. This pervert has no remorse he like
fucking enjoyed what he was doing, raping his
own daughter and wife come on

Snakho: Wait you would have fucked him to

They laugh.

Phiri did what he had to do and I commend him

for doing that, obviously these people are going
to joke around with it. But he is giving that man
a taste of his own medicine.
Phiri
I fall back and catch my breath, and he says no
man will ever touch her except for him.

Me: You have any regrets

Zo: No

Me: He didn't take anything away from you, you

still beautiful. You still have a bright future
ahead of you, and multiple possibilities out
there for you to live life as best as you can. Us
having sex was me introducing myself to you,
making you feel comfortable with me not that
this should happen all the time and you use as
your coping mechanism

She gets of my chest and looks at me.

Zo: I had the time of my life

She chuckles.

Zo: I didn't know what to do or who to turn to. I

couldn't even talk with mom because we were
both going through the same thing

Me: I am down with whatever you want me to

do. I won't belittle you anymore

She chuckles.

Me: If you need therapy I will call the best

therapist in town, we can also be your therapy if
ever you in danger call me whatever time of day.
I will be right there, I can't promise to be good
because I am bad boy but I think you can kind
of own my heart

Zo: I think I am going to start with therapy and

then think about relationships later

I nod.

Me: Just so you know, I am killing everyone and

everything that comes close to you

Zo: No doubt about that

She gets up.

I get in now, she just needs us to be there for

her. Her father so long as Mrs Mngadi is still in
hospital, he will enjoy every minute of my
torture and than maybe I can think about killing
him or not.

Yanela
Melody was losing herself, she keeps checking
everything and disapproving of everything she
ordered.

Melody: What is this, this is not even the food I

ordered

The catering company was here setting up.

Me: Darling we have enough going on with just

one Thuso, we don't need another one
Mom: Everything is okay you calm down and go
start with your make up, all of us are done now

Charmaine: Melody yini manje

Melody: Okay, okay I am going to go change

We laugh.

Me: Wow look at you, finally we get to see some

skin and damn girl

She has a great body and a great standing

structure.
Me: You and Phiri fixed things.. okay we will talk

Mom: I am so happy you embracing yourself

and know you got a mother for life in me

Charmaine: A big sister for life in me

Me: A best friend for life in me

Charmaine: Okay shots everyone before we get

emotional Mommy you oh never mind, I will
drink one for you

Me: The dj is here

We cheer for him, he smiles and brings in his

equipment.
[YANELA]

59

Ntokozo
Thuso: Why do you guys have to blindfold me

Me: Calm down

Thuso: Ningabeke seniyongibhebha njalo

Snakho: Wouldn't hurt

Thuso: Haibo

He springs off.
Snakho: I am joking

We laugh.

Me: Let's go

We head out to my backyard, I must say never

ever has it looked this glamorous. I see my
baby and leave these two.

Snakho: Aw Ntokozo

Me: Nibadala vele

They laugh.
Thuso: Aw there's people

I kiss her.

Yanela: Ntokozo

Snakho: Okay 1..2..3

"Surprise"

He holds his fist up, I laugh.

Thuso: Haibo

Melody: Surprise baby

Thuso: Haibo maMhlongo kodwa uyenzani
indoda (Mrs Mhlongo what are you doing to
your man)

Melody: Okuncane nje lokhu ukubonga

umsembenzi wakho omusha. Sibungaze
siwumndeni, siphinde sibonge nkosi kuleya
ntokazi enamehlo ablue. (A small party to say
thank you for your new promotion, to celebrate
as a family and give thanks to Yanela)

Zuko: Aw kodwa blue blue ukube owami nje

(Yanela if only you were mine)

Me: Ay owakwa Mhlongo lo sorry (She's my

wife)
We laugh.

Melody: Ngaphandle kwayo ngabe asikho,

nkosazane ngiyabonga siyabonga. Njomane
akukho (Without you we wouldn't be here. My
deepest gratitude to you, babe is there
something you would like to say)

Thuso: Aw kodwa mama wangibukanisa

nabantu kanje yini. Wee ngizoba mfushane
nami, eh ngiqale ngokubonga ublue blue. Zuko
eyakwaMhlongo leya basobha, yebo
ngaphandle kwayo ngabe ayikho yonke lento.
Angazi ngempela bafuna ngithini wee (Baby
why you putting me on the spot like this. Okay I
will be short, yes I would like to first say thank
you to Yanela. Zuko she's our Makoti back off,
yes without her I would be here today. I don't
know what I must say now)
We laugh.

Yanela: To Principal Mhlongo

"To principal Mhlongo"

Me: Njomane

We whistle.

Yanela
I was the camera lady taking videos, short
videos of us dancing eating and having fun.

The phone rings "Thobeka" why does he still

have her number. I am going to kill him, I
decline the call and continue taking videos.

Aniza arrives late with our cousin brothers, I

laugh and head to them.

Me: Hi your late

Aniza: I am here now

Miles: Can we get a hug

Me: I don't know can we

We laugh and hug each other.

"Wola sfebe"

Aniza: Wola mpintshi

Ntokozo: Izini manje lezi ezithinta umfazi wami

(Who are these things touching my wife)

Phiri: Nizo

Aniza: Mm hm

They laugh.

Me: Baby this is ge- I mean

We laugh.
Me: Mazwi and Miles

They take my brother and walk away with him.

Me: I guess your with me come

Mazwi: This is for Mr party

Me: Thank you.. There's food here I don't know

if you guys are healthy freaks or what, there's
meet, some salads drinks lots of them or you
can just sit down and I will bring things to you

I lead them to their table.

Me: Boys be nice this is for you

Thuso: This is what you have been planning

Me: Yeah and you kept being nosy

Thuso: Thank you miss Smith

Me: You welcome sir

Ntokozo's phone rings again, this time I answer

it.

Thobeka: Hey baby

Me: Listen here you deranged girl if you don't

want a repeat of last time, I suggest you stop
calling this number. Who knows I might be
watching you and ready to put a bullet through
your incomprehensible head

I hung up.

I look at him.

Ntokozo: I did do anything

"Yanela"

I walk away from them.

Ntokozo
Whoever that was clearly has been trying to get
a hold of me and I don't care if I am
unreachable. My family is having a big
celebration today.

Me: If only mom and dad were around

Snakho: They always liked him even before you

were born

Aniza: Bafethu omzala bhuti bami laba, ba right

bona ikona nje ukuth banesicefe esincane
kodwa ba right (Gents, these are my cousin
brothers. They okay just a little bit annoying, but
they okay)

Me: Welcome to the family

Aniza: Have you eaten or you getting sloshed
already

Me: Ngihappy

Aniza: Ay akusho wena (You don't say) haibo

ubani manje loya girl ome kahle kanjeya (Who is
that girl with a nice body)

She turns around.

Aniza: Zoleka

She waves.

Aniza: I would have fucked him too damn

We laugh.

Aniza: Mami

He gets up.

Me: Do you want to talk about it

Phiri: I am not ashamed or weird out if that's

what you think

Me: No phela ukuthinta enye indoda yabo

(Fucking a man isn't easy)

Phiri: You know what I fucked him and it was

good

We die in laughter.

He gets up and walks away, he goes and

pushes Aniza and grabs Zoleka's hands.

He laughs.

Yanela
Things were happening outside no hiccups and
unwanted guests trying to kill us. Usually 90
percent of the time, when people like Ntokozo
have parties. There's always someone in the
party not invited and someone outside ready
and waiting for the perfect moment to attack.
Me: There you go

Mazwi: Siyabonga (Thank you)

Me: I been trying to reach dad where is he

They look at each other, than me.

Me: Did something happen

Miles: I think its best big brother tells you guys

tomorrow or whenever

Me: Okay

Ntokozo: Mami kodwa angenzanga lutho

Me: I know

Ntokozo: Why ungidinelwe pho

Me: Ay okwakho loya lalela cela ningadakwi

kakhulu mase nixabana nabantu, inina
abaphathi bomcimbi (That's your business,
listen don't get drunk and than fight with people.
You guys are the hosts) why do you still have
Thobeka's number

He finishes his drink and extend his hand out,

he holds the phone in my face and it opens. He
looks at me. I keep my stern face, he chuckles.

He searches for her number, blocks her than

deletes her number.
Ntokozo: I don't want us have fights or have
secrets between us, if you don't like something I
did please tell me

"Ntokozo"

I turn around mom is with who is this guy again.

Mom: Ntokozo wait

She chases after him.

Aniza: Haibo nangu uforgive us Sixolele nana

ububi bami we Dj awudlale leyo ngoma
He dances and the people join him, ah man you
got to love my brother.

Ntokozo
Ma: Ntokozo ima phela

Me: Ufunani lo lana yazi ngizokugqema ingozi,

we fucking enemies and you keep bringing him
to my house. Why ma why

Ma: I gave Shareef the divorce papers

Me: So, oh you need your Ben 10 to comfort you

now

She looks down.

Ma: Please just try to accept him, I know there
is bad blood between you and him. But I don't
know where this is going

Me: You can do whatever it is that you want, but

not in my house

Ma: Ntokozo, Ntokozo please my son okay,

okay

She hugs me.

Ma: I know you wish to kill me, but my pretty

boy won't do it right

She pinches my cheeks and smiles.

I sigh.

She walks away.

Thuso: We killing him

Snakho: I say we dropped a pill in his drink

boom

Thuso: Bobs your uncle

Our eyes meet.

Me: His time will come and I won't be the one

responsible for killing him
This war is far from over.
[YANELA]

60

Yanela
After all is said and done it was a beautiful party.
I think they partied till the sun came out, it was
a beautiful moment to experience.
Mom was cordial with the boys, although every
time she sees them. She is reminded of the
pain dad put her through, speaking of dad he
left back and went to the states without a single
goodbye.

I things are still rocky between us, but it

wouldn't have killed him to pick up the phone
and say goodbye.
The house was being cleaned this morning, the
decor people fetching their things as well as the
catering company.

I was busy in the kitchen making myself and

Ntokozo something to eat. I wonder where
everyone is, Aniza the star of the show that one
you can always count on him for a good laugh.

I laugh just thinking about how he was making

jokes about everyone.

I grab the tray and head upstairs..

Me: Oh you up
Ntokozo: My phone was vibrating

Me: Ah it worked

Ntokozo: Why

Me: To check if you are not dead

He sighs.

Me: Come on eat, shower and then you can

sleep

Ntokozo: Thank you.. Hawu

Me: I made it for the both of us

Ntokozo: I didn't see you with your books at all

Me: Hopefully by mid-day once everything is

done, we will pull through a few hours of
studying

He nods.

Me: How was last night did you enjoy it

Ntokozo: It was definitely memorable but ay

Me: Aniza

Ntokozo: Was he involved in some accident or

I laugh.

Ntokozo: Everything turned out good, wait go

back. When were these pictures taken

It was me Zoleka and the boys.

Me: I don't know at some point I think I gave

someone else your phone

Ntokozo: I must enlarge them

Me: And frame them

Phiri
Zo: Good morning

Me: Good morning

Zo: Where did you disappear to

Me: I had some business to take care of

Zo: Was it taken care of

Me: No its far from being taken care of

Zo: I see

Me: Did you sleep good

Zo: I dreamt of him coming back and finishing
of what he started

Me: The police and everybody else is looking for

him

Zo: You have him don't you

Me: Yes I do.. Who is it

"Its me"

She puts on her gown and goes to open the

door.

Yanela: Phiri
Me: Yanela

Yanela: Your boyfriend doesn't like me anyways

can you ask him to go fetch your books and
then we get it on

Zo: Yo I been wondering what I am going to do

in this house

They leave.

Me: Hawu Zo

Wow.
At least she didn't question what I am doing and
why I have her father.

Yanela
Snakho: We have never had such warmth and
happiness in this house

Ntokozo: What is that

Snakho: Oh somebody bought it said it's for Mrs

Smith

Mom takes the envelope from him.

Mom: Thank you

She opens it.

Mom: That was fast

Me: What's that

Mom: Divorce papers

Me: This is happening all to fast for me, I can't

She goes through the papers.

Mom: That's new, I am leaving with just my

body

Ntokozo: Did you expect to get something

Mom: No but like haven't I been wronged
enough, he never loved me.. Excuse me

She walks away.

Me: What if he turns his back on us as well, me

Ntokozo: Even I would be a fool for turning my

back on you. Listen you and your mother will
never suffer while I am still around

Me: You two fight and love each other all the
time

Ntokozo: Yeah and one day I will kill her

because she's acting irresponsible
He shouts that part.

Me: Where you going now

Mom: I need some fresh air

Me: That's why he left you with no money

Mom: Does it look like I care, he can have it all

let him keep his dirty money

Ntokozo: Lindiwe yini vele wena yazi

uyayichukuluza lendoda, izombulala lo Ben 10
wakho (What is wrong with you, you keep
provoking your man and he will kill your
boyfriend) sit your ass down
I look at him.

Ntokozo: You know your husband, hawu sign

the damn papers before I punch you

He laughs.

Phiri
I unlock my room and get in.

He was curled up in the floor shaking.

Him: Please.. Please stop

Me: Why the fun has just begun

Him: Ngiyakucela ndodana (Please son)

Me: I ain't your fucking son you pervert

He cries.

Me: Did you stop when they begged you or did

you have fun, you were enjoying it right, right

Him: Please

Me: Maybe I should

The door opens.

Zuko: Kwanele hawu yini usuyahlanya nawe (Its
enough now, are you crazy)

Him and Snakho get in.

Zuko: Fuck

They push me out of the room and lock it.

Snakho: Phiri ah ah hawu

Zuko: We don't want to lose you now snap out

of it, let these people keep doing what they
doing

Snakho: Let's go before you kill us

They take Zoleka's bag and we head out.

Zuko: We understand you want to torture him

and inflict more pain on him, but girl we not
going to allow you to do this to yourself

Snakho: Stop talking we just put our foot in a

snakes mouth

They laugh.

Yanela
I see here with a glass of wine and a lot of
tissues on the floor.

I sigh.
Me: Mom

She looks at me and tries to hold it in but cries.

Me: Mom

Mom: I don't mean anything to him, I didn't do

anything to him but I am the bad guy here. So
what if I am with another man so what if he
gives me comfort, so what yall must judge me

Me: No one's judging you

Mom: You are all of you are judging me, your

father married my sister and gave her kids do
you come down on them like you do with me.
No you judge me like I am supposed to be this
good girl, fuck you and fuck everyone else. If I
want to sleep with him, I will sleep with him. If I
want to sleep with other men I will sleep with
other men, stop putting these labels on me.
Who knows maybe he has a third wife, I am
here all the time. I take care of you guys and
you turn your back on me

Me: Yo forgive us really makes you happy

Mom: You not even trying to get to know him

Me: Phela ma you are the one who has to

introduce us to your life now

Mom: How when all of you spend half your time

trying to please Ntokozo
Me: Mom Ntokozo has nothing to do with what
you got going on

I laugh.

Me: Do you want to be with him because he is

good in bed or

Mom: I don't know Yanela it's still a little too

early for all of that. I accept everything yall do
why can't you do the same for me

Have we been hard on her, no. She is a mother

and okay I am the last person to judge look at
who I am dating.
I laugh.
[YANELA]

60

Yanela
After all is said and done it was a beautiful party.
I think they partied till the sun came out, it was
a beautiful moment to experience.
Mom was cordial with the boys, although every
time she sees them. She is reminded of the
pain dad put her through, speaking of dad he
left back and went to the states without a single
goodbye.

I things are still rocky between us, but it

wouldn't have killed him to pick up the phone
and say goodbye.
The house was being cleaned this morning, the
decor people fetching their things as well as the
catering company.

I was busy in the kitchen making myself and

Ntokozo something to eat. I wonder where
everyone is, Aniza the star of the show that one
you can always count on him for a good laugh.

I laugh just thinking about how he was making

jokes about everyone.

I grab the tray and head upstairs..

Me: Oh you up
Ntokozo: My phone was vibrating

Me: Ah it worked

Ntokozo: Why

Me: To check if you are not dead

He sighs.

Me: Come on eat, shower and then you can

sleep

Ntokozo: Thank you.. Hawu

Me: I made it for the both of us

Ntokozo: I didn't see you with your books at all

Me: Hopefully by mid-day once everything is

done, we will pull through a few hours of
studying

He nods.

Me: How was last night did you enjoy it

Ntokozo: It was definitely memorable but ay

Me: Aniza

Ntokozo: Was he involved in some accident or

I laugh.

Ntokozo: Everything turned out good, wait go

back. When were these pictures taken

It was me Zoleka and the boys.

Me: I don't know at some point I think I gave

someone else your phone

Ntokozo: I must enlarge them

Me: And frame them

Phiri
Zo: Good morning

Me: Good morning

Zo: Where did you disappear to

Me: I had some business to take care of

Zo: Was it taken care of

Me: No its far from being taken care of

Zo: I see

Me: Did you sleep good

Zo: I dreamt of him coming back and finishing
of what he started

Me: The police and everybody else is looking for

him

Zo: You have him don't you

Me: Yes I do.. Who is it

"Its me"

She puts on her gown and goes to open the

door.

Yanela: Phiri
Me: Yanela

Yanela: Your boyfriend doesn't like me anyways

can you ask him to go fetch your books and
then we get it on

Zo: Yo I been wondering what I am going to do

in this house

They leave.

Me: Hawu Zo

Wow.
At least she didn't question what I am doing and
why I have her father.

Yanela
Snakho: We have never had such warmth and
happiness in this house

Ntokozo: What is that

Snakho: Oh somebody bought it said it's for Mrs

Smith

Mom takes the envelope from him.

Mom: Thank you

She opens it.

Mom: That was fast

Me: What's that

Mom: Divorce papers

Me: This is happening all to fast for me, I can't

She goes through the papers.

Mom: That's new, I am leaving with just my

body

Ntokozo: Did you expect to get something

Mom: No but like haven't I been wronged
enough, he never loved me.. Excuse me

She walks away.

Me: What if he turns his back on us as well, me

Ntokozo: Even I would be a fool for turning my

back on you. Listen you and your mother will
never suffer while I am still around

Me: You two fight and love each other all the
time

Ntokozo: Yeah and one day I will kill her

because she's acting irresponsible
He shouts that part.

Me: Where you going now

Mom: I need some fresh air

Me: That's why he left you with no money

Mom: Does it look like I care, he can have it all

let him keep his dirty money

Ntokozo: Lindiwe yini vele wena yazi

uyayichukuluza lendoda, izombulala lo Ben 10
wakho (What is wrong with you, you keep
provoking your man and he will kill your
boyfriend) sit your ass down
I look at him.

Ntokozo: You know your husband, hawu sign

the damn papers before I punch you

He laughs.

Phiri
I unlock my room and get in.

He was curled up in the floor shaking.

Him: Please.. Please stop

Me: Why the fun has just begun

Him: Ngiyakucela ndodana (Please son)

Me: I ain't your fucking son you pervert

He cries.

Me: Did you stop when they begged you or did

you have fun, you were enjoying it right, right

Him: Please

Me: Maybe I should

The door opens.

Zuko: Kwanele hawu yini usuyahlanya nawe (Its
enough now, are you crazy)

Him and Snakho get in.

Zuko: Fuck

They push me out of the room and lock it.

Snakho: Phiri ah ah hawu

Zuko: We don't want to lose you now snap out

of it, let these people keep doing what they
doing

Snakho: Let's go before you kill us

They take Zoleka's bag and we head out.

Zuko: We understand you want to torture him

and inflict more pain on him, but girl we not
going to allow you to do this to yourself

Snakho: Stop talking we just put our foot in a

snakes mouth

They laugh.

Yanela
I see here with a glass of wine and a lot of
tissues on the floor.

I sigh.
Me: Mom

She looks at me and tries to hold it in but cries.

Me: Mom

Mom: I don't mean anything to him, I didn't do

anything to him but I am the bad guy here. So
what if I am with another man so what if he
gives me comfort, so what yall must judge me

Me: No one's judging you

Mom: You are all of you are judging me, your

father married my sister and gave her kids do
you come down on them like you do with me.
No you judge me like I am supposed to be this
good girl, fuck you and fuck everyone else. If I
want to sleep with him, I will sleep with him. If I
want to sleep with other men I will sleep with
other men, stop putting these labels on me.
Who knows maybe he has a third wife, I am
here all the time. I take care of you guys and
you turn your back on me

Me: Yo forgive us really makes you happy

Mom: You not even trying to get to know him

Me: Phela ma you are the one who has to

introduce us to your life now

Mom: How when all of you spend half your time

trying to please Ntokozo
Me: Mom Ntokozo has nothing to do with what
you got going on

I laugh.

Me: Do you want to be with him because he is

good in bed or

Mom: I don't know Yanela it's still a little too

early for all of that. I accept everything yall do
why can't you do the same for me

Have we been hard on her, no. She is a mother

and okay I am the last person to judge look at
who I am dating.
I laugh.
[YANELA]

62

Yanela
I think if we didn't grab our books, school would
be boring right now. It was that dinner, it started
good until baby opened his mouth. I still don't
get it how is my dad dangerous, which bone of
his shows he is dangerous and a killer.

I did say I am the only one not gangster.

Thuso opens a bottle of water and gulps down

the entire bottle.
Thuso: Miss Smith

Me: Not in the mood

He chuckles.

Thuso: Zo good to have you back

Zo: Thank you sir

Simphiwe: Apparently you were in a car

accident, you don't look injured. In fact you look
brand new is that a weave

She does look hot if I may say so myself.

Simphiwe: You also ditched the long pants and
over sized jackets

Zo: It wasn't a car accident but something did

happen to me

Simphiwe: I knew it, I

Thuso: Simphiwe

I look at her, she is bending that pen trying to

break it and its not breaking. I hold her hands,
she looks at me.

Thuso: Yeah, no its not working she's not ready

alright sho.. Zoleka he says he is outside, if you
can't make it he will come and take you home
I give her water.

Me: Sir do you have a stress ball

He looks for it than throws it at me.

Me: Here hold this every time you see him,

squeeze the ball and say its not really him and
its not really happening

She closes her eyes and squeeze the ball, she

opens them and sighs.

Me: You good

Zo: Hmm

Me: Okay

Thuso: I must look different from my work and

casual clothes, okay let's get on with it

I hug her, I will be with her every step of the way.

Ntokozo
I am back to work, haven't done anything in a
while now. People are wondering where did I
disappear to now, I will tell you I am taking care
of a bunch of crazy people.

Aniza: What did you mean he must kill my

father
Me: You sit back and watch the fireworks

Aniza: Are you going to help him, mom out

Me: I got no beef with the Smiths

Aniza: I am just asking what kind of advice is

that

Me: Aniza don't ask any questions and see what

your father does

Aniza: I don't like you keeping secrets from me

now
Me: There's two many eyes and ears open now

Aniza: Will he hurt my mother

Me: Her heart maybe I don't know

Aniza: I see

Me: Listen you may trust your cousins brothers

I don't, your mother may trust forgive us I don't.
I am doing my best to protect you guys, and if it
means hiding things from you than boy I am
sorry

Aniza: I feel like a failure

Me: You not you got your contacts find out what
is happening

I really wish I can tell him, but they expecting

that and Aniza crazy as he is. One mistake he
takes you out even if you didn't wrong him.

Sihawukele
Siphesande: What did he mean by that

Me: Exactly that if I want to be with Lindiwe I

must kill her husband

Siphesande: That's deep, this is a mess

Me: An even bigger mess

Siphesande: They back in the table

Me: If he kills me there's no way dad can get

back at him

Siphesande: Bhuti leave this woman alone

Me: I can't

Siphesande: If you die now what will become of

us

Me: You have to help me kill him

He tries to say something but sighs.

Siphesande: What about Ntokozo, put bugs and
cameras in his house. Use what he has against
this Shareef, your name may be Sihawukele but
you far from showing mercy. Better yet talk to
your girlfriend oh my God and figure out a way

I sigh.

Yanela
Zo: I don't think I can do this, I was able to
ignore the outside world and move on because
nobody knew. Now it's like everyone can tell, the
girl that was raped by her father. Yanela I can't
do this

I hug her and she cries breaking my heart.

Zo: I can't do this, I see his face everywhere. I

really don't know what to do

The door opens, Phiri enters.

Phiri: Zoleka

Zo: I can't do this, I can't

Phiri: Can you guys give us a minute

We step out closing the door.

Thuso: They going to fuck in my office

Me: They not that stupid

He looks at me.

Me: Ay bhuti hawu

He chuckles.

Thuso: Break time we can have the therapist

come here as well

Me: And its only us who are aware of what is

going on

We see Miss Xaba making her way up, can this

day get any worse.

Miss Xaba: I always wondered like everyone

else why are you guys so close, didn't get it but
than

She shows us something on her phone.

Miss Xaba: He is your boyfriends brother

Me: Really oh my God I didn't know that

Miss Xaba: I think I been on the sidelines for far

too long and I am taking my place

She gives him paper's.

Miss Xaba: I will give you time to think about it,

toodles
She walks away.

Me: What is that

Thuso: Apparently my resignation letter

Me: What give me that, what the fuck is this girl

crazy. The fuck in hell she will be appointed as
principal of this school, not while I am still
around

Who does she think she is.

Lindiwe
Kele asked to see me I get up when I see him
approaching the table.
Kele: Hey

Me: Hi

We sit down.

Me: I ordered food already, I was kind of

nervous about this meeting

Kele: In my mind I am like, I have to let you go.

Your family is back in the table if anything
happens to me nothing is going to happen to
them

I hope he is not going to say what I think he is

going to say.
Kele: But my heart is like content with what is
happening between us. I am really caught in
between a rock and a hard place

Me: What are you saying to me

Kele: I am sorry but what we had can no longer

continue

Me: You breaking up with me

Kele: Lindiwe if things were normal honestly I

would fight for you, for us. But we live in two
different worlds, your family paid us to stay
away from you

I am not hearing what he is saying but I grab my

bag and leave him.

Ntokozo is outside waiting for me, he opens the

door I get in he closes the door.

He gets in and drives off.

[YANELA]

63

Yanela
No way in hell am I going to allow anyone take
the title of principal away from Thuso, unless he
be the one who resigns. She is crazy thinking
she got any rights or privileges, I will deal with
her just like how I deal with everybody else.
Mom: What's going on

She got puffy eyes, has she been crying?

Me: I am trying to get a hold of dad

Mom: Why

Me: Your sister wife wants to take the position

of being the principal

She laughs.

Mom: Why am I even laughing

Me: He is not taking my calls

Mom: Call your aunts they run the school

Me: No I want to talk to him first and give him a

piece of my mind

I take her phone and video call him.

Me: Oh wow its ringing and he answers

He sighs and looks the other way.

Me: You not what I know you disappointed in

me and all but to ignore me. I haven't even done
anything wrong, I am still a virgin and I pass at
school. You very wrong like we do matter to you
anymore
Dad: You all went and chose that guy

Me: Yeah because of you, you did that I didn't

even know until you bought mom that same
nauseating perfume

Mom: What

Me: You said nothing and left us to deal with

your mess

Dad: What is going on

Me: You little princess now wants to be

principal of the school. She is blackmailing the
principal if he doesn't step down she will
expose his secret

Dad: Rasheeda

He shouts her name.

Rasheeda: Yini

Dad: This is your mess

Me: Dad haibo

Rasheeda: Hi pumpkin what is going on

I hung up.
Phiri
I get a call from the hospital, while waiting on
Zoleka.

Me: I hope its good news because I can't take it

anymore

"Mrs Mngadi has woken up"

I sigh.

Me: Thank you, I am on my way

I hung up, Zoleka gets in the car.

Me: How was it, is it something you keen on

doing

Zo: Not bad although they start slow who is

Zoleka and why is she here. But I think by the
end of this week, I will be able to process my
feelings

Me: That's good

Zo: Yeah lets go

Me: I have stop by somewhere than we go

home

Zo: Okay

Me: Can I get a kiss

Zo: No your kiss always lead us to one thing

Me: I won't do anything I just want a kiss, please

She leans forward and kiss me.

Zo: See, see

I chuckle and start the car.

Ntokozo
Me: See what's happening and you want me to
tell you the truth

I will be damn if those Smiths try my brother.

Aniza: I thought they were cool

Me: Yanela doesn't even post anything with

Thuso, because we protecting his image

Aniza: Argh mxm so what happened

Me: I think they broke up

Aniza: Pussy

We laugh.

Me: We got work to do

My phone rings.

Me: My beautiful blue eyes

Yanela: Hey

Me: You crying why you crying

Yanela: I called dad a while ago and he just

seemed to not care about me

Me: Aw Sthandwa sami ngiyaxolisa

Yanela: He was so bored and just uninterested

and that hurt me a lot
Me: He thinks I am going to play with his flower
and I will just not at the moment

Yanela: He doesn't believe that, to him I a little

bitch

Me: You not, look I am with your brother see he

is angry

Yanela: When you coming back home

Me: I might see you in bed, I am going to be

held up a little bit all of us are

Yanela: Okay bye see you soon

Me: I love you and make sure your mother

doesn't sneak out okay

Yanela: I love you too

I hung up.

Me: What

Aniza: How do you deal with an erection, and

how come you are able to keep your cool like
this

Me: No listens to me and that's why yall fuck up

and I have to fix your mess up

They don't listen I been saying this a thousand

times. I am happy, I understand what I got
myself into and I am respect Yanela. Why don't
these fools get it I love her and its not about the
sex.

Phiri
The door opens.

Me: We leaving

Zo: She would like to see you

Me: Me, okay

I get up and walk inside.

Ma: Woza ndodana anginaso iskhathi esiningi

(Come son I don't have much time)

What does she mean.

Ma: Ngiyabonga ngane yami ngakho konke

osungenzele kona. Mudedele (Thank you my
son for all that you have done for me.. Let him
go)

I look at her.

Ma: Mudedele uphile impilo enhle nengane yami,

angisho ukuth niyohlala nindawonye inina
kuphela eningathatha lesosqhumo kodwa
mudedele. Ngizoyinakela indodakazi yami,
ngiyabonga (Let him go and live a good life with
my daughter, not saying you guys will end up
together. Only you can make that decision, but
let him go. I will take care of my daughter thank
you so much)

Voice: Phiri, Phiri

I wake up gasping.

I unlock the car.

She gets in.

Zo: What's wrong

Me: I uhm how is your mom

Zo: She's okay uhm, she fell asleep though but I

am happy she woke up

Was I dreaming.

What did this dream mean.

Yanela
I texted Rasheeda and apologized for hanging
up. I won't let this woman anywhere near the
principal position, never.

Mom: Isn't Zoleka coming back

Me: She's doing therapy

Mom: Oh that's nice

Me: I hope it helps her, she suffered a anxiety
attack. I want her to get through this and I will
be with her every step of the way

Mom: That is also nice

Me: Okay let's talk this topic is boring you

Mom: No I am happy for her, I also want her to

get the help she needs

Me: You miss him

Mom: Who
Me: Forgive us

Mom: No he broke up with me so it is what it is

Me: You know what I say fuck the Smiths, fuck

your protection go out there and find your man
honey

"Stop encouraging her"

Me: I thought you said you would be late

Ntokozo: Yes I am just popping in and I am

leaving again. Phiri is on his way back, they
went to check on Zoleka's mother she woke up

Me: Oh wow, that's great news

Ntokozo: Its probably for the better you know
leave him, start afresh get a new man you know

Me: She wants forgive us

We laugh.

Mom: Mxm

She walks away.

Me: Mom come back

We laugh.
We kiss..
[YANELA]

64

Ntokozo
I don't know if it's God's way testing your
strength or capabilities or the devil provoking
you. Nothing is as painful as losing a parent, I
can't begin to imagine what this young lady is
going through right now.

We were just about done with our gig. Phiri gets

a call, Mrs Mngadi is no more. Thing is now
these stupid people called the house and
Zoleka answered, her world is crushed and over.
While we figure out the logistics and stuff, the
ladies went to Zoleka's house.

Zuko: Well at least this good for nothing pervert

had funeral policy

Phiri: You sure

Zuko: Yes she's covered for 50 thousand

Me: That's good, listen we probably going to

deal with crazy aunts and uncles. We not going
to touch that money, I will cater to all the
funeral cost

Zuko: Wenana
Me: Shut up, you okay

Phiri: I don't know what to make of this, the

doctors said she was fine. I had a dream or a
vision, she was very beautiful and glowing. She
told me let him go and live a beautiful life with
her daughter

Me: What

Phiri: Yeah when she got in the car, she said her
mother fell asleep

Me: She visited you in your dreams

Phiri: I don't know

Me: Maybe she got tired and her wounds were
deep

He sighs.

Me: It's going to be fine we got each other

Yanela
Why is the world so cruel why does it have to
hurt so much to be a human being.

Thuso: Yanela

Me: Sir

Thuso: Why you in school I thought

Me: I will go later, they all there

Thuso: Okay you idiotic demons an unfortunate

situation happened, our beloved Zoleka lost her
mother this morning

I wipe my tears.

Thuso: I ask that you freaks don't trouble her

and be there for her

Simphiwe: Haibo why didn't she tell me

Me: Can I take this, it's melody. Hey text me I

am in class okay bye
Thuso: What is it

Me: Uhm, oh she wants us to buy juices

Thuso: I think you should have been there for

her

Me: Sir

Thuso: Right okay lets get on with it

I don't want to get in trouble with Ntokozo, yes

Zoleka is much more important right now and I
am going to be with her every step of the way.
My grades and school come first.

Phiri
I should have known that dream vision meant
her death, how am I going to make her cope
with all of this. This is too much for one person
to be going through.

We came down with the juices, the neighbors

had already been informed of the sickness.

Me: Ntokozo

We head out.

Me: I don't think we should be here, they will say

we got involved somehow

Ntokozo: We not here for people we here for Zo

Me: Ntokozo

He walks away from me and heads back in the

house.

Me: So help me God

I head back inside, our eyes meet.

"Aw kodwa sisi"

Here comes the dramatic aunts and uncles.

"Sisi"

She cries.
I look at Zoleka, at this point I want us to switch
places.

Yanela
Immediately when the bell rang I was the first
one out of the class, I found a quiet spot before
it gets round and called Ntokozo.

Me: Hey baby

Ntokozo: Mama

Me: How is she, how is everything going

Ntokozo: Ay mama kubi her family just came

and they put out the mattress, they now sitting
on it. We can have an agreement of something

Me: No we will talk about that some other time,

I just want to know how is she

Ntokozo: Breaking, lucky your mom Melody and

Charmaine are here

Me: I wish I can be there for her

Ntokozo: We here and we are going to fuck

anyone who tries her

He is the most loving and caring man I have

ever come across.

Ntokozo: Mcwaa I love you neh

Me: I love you more

He hangs up.

Simphiwe: Yanela

I sigh.

Simphiwe: Why didn't you tell me you know I

love Zoleka and want the best for her

Me: Zoleka is going through the most right now

Simphiwe: I think we should have a box where

we put in money, and donate to those learners
who lost their loved ones

Kwazi: Wow

Simphiwe: What

Me: That was the smartest thing you have ever

said

They laugh.

Me: Only if its genuine, Zoleka right now needs

people who will be there for not to judge her
and look down on her

Kwazi: We heard she's dating your boyfriends

friend
Me: See that, that is what she doesn't need

Kwazi: So it's true

Me: No its not true whoever told you that is a

liar

These people like to poke their nose in other

people's business.

Ntokozo
See I said this, now they arguing about who is
going to bury her when they don't have money.

"Ngathi ibingenamali kanje le ndoda yakhe" (Her

husband didn't have a cent to his name)
"Anikahle senibheke iphakethe lakhe usisi
esanda kushona animeni" (Stop it, it has been
that long our sister passed on and yall already
discussing his pockets stop it)

Nxi bloody family members, some more are

going to come and claim what's not theirs.

"Sicabanga ukuth uZoleka abuyele nathi

emakhaya" (We must take Zoleka back with us
to the village)

What.

"Ngiyacabanga uyiphuze yonke imali udoti nxi"

(I think he drunk all of his money, bloody
bullshit)
Does she know something.

"Engalinge elinyathele la (He must not dare set

his foot here) ungakhali sisi ngiyacela (Please
don't cry my child)

I step out, I feel my anger building up and I am

going to punch these people. Zoleka is taken
care of.
[YANELA]

65

Phiri
The funeral is set to be in two days. Ntokozo
had done everything that was needed to be
done, the body is paid for at mortuary and will
arrive tomorrow.

I know black people wait a week or some days

after a person died, but I feel like things are
rushing because Zoleka's mom is pushing
things in the spirit world.

She can see the danger that's about to happen,

the aunts are like angry, they say one uncle is
about to come and call the shots blah blah.
That ain't never going to happen.

Melody and Moms went for grocery shopping,

Charmaine was around helping making tea and
giving people food. That's a must got to give
people food, when there's a death even if its
just tea, juice and biscuits.
I was here for Zoleka, I haven't seen her cry that
much only when neighbors come to pay the
condolences. I am pretty sure she is feeling
broken inside mom left me and I am alone,
she's not alone. I am here together with
everyone of my people.

"Nxi"

"Yini manje"

"Banqamba amanga ngobhuti"

Charmaine looks at me.

I let that nasty ass go and he was sent to jail

immediately, the judge wasted no time and
sentenced him to life in prison. Good thing
about the prison he went to, I was God in there
one call from me my boys will have fun.

"Phinda lento oqeda ukuyisho manje" (Repeat

what you just said)

When did he get here.

Ntokozo: Angizwa uthi kwenze njani obani

abaqamba amanga ngobani. Ingane iyadlwengu
uthi wena inamanga, inamanga (I didn't quite
here you, who is lying about who now. A child
gets raped and you say she is lying, lying)

"Indoda ehlisa umoya, akudingi kube kubi

ngiyacela" (Son calm down, it doesn't have to
get ugly please)

That's the only Aunt who has sense, she and

another feisty one are beside Zoleka. I don't
know who this one is, probably Zoleka's fathers
sister now she any day might get popped.

Ntokozo: Uzosindela lokho wena mubiza (It's

your lucky day, you ugly thing)

He laughs after that.

He puts his gun away and heads to Zo, he hugs

her.

Yanela
The news about Zoleka was all over the news.
The judge didn't even go on trail, he sent the
men straight to prison with life and no chance
of parole. I am super excited about that, he will
take the easy way out and kill himself. But I
wish they rape him and rape him till he can't
take it anymore.

Kwazi: This explain her dressing up and

covering up her body

Can't they talk about the quantum of physics,

the poem sir gave us to break it down in our
own words or the math test that's coming up.

They bore me shame.

A heavy object falls on my desk, I look up he is

pissed off.
Thuso: Cela uphakame uye office ubone into
elaphaya mase uyabuya uzongitshela ukuth
kwenzakalan (Please get up and go to the office,
see what's in there and tell me what is going on)

His look sends chills all over my body, I get up

and head out.

What is he talking about...

The door is open, I walk in when did she find the

time to do all of this.

She turns around and our eyes meet.

Miss Xaba: Hey honey, you good

I head out scratching my forehead.

"Yanela"

I turn around.

Miss Xaba: He left this behind

I head back to class, it's very silent and he is

writing on the board.

Me: Its pink

I chuckle, he looks at me.

Me: It's pink, it is fucking pink

I don't believe my family would do this to Bhuti

Thuso, no there is some mistake here.

Ntokozo
Phiri and I take turns in being here. I can't
neglect my business always gotta stay focused
and on guard, so I am around. He leaves and
continue with whatever I left unattended.

They come back with the grocery, nxi I almost

killed one of them. This one, there's always that
one person that one person in the group that
spits word vomit. With the rate of woman and
children being killed and raped, this useless
aunt has the audacity to say Zoleka is lying, why
the fuck is she even here.
The funeral is in two days, I know we rushing
but the woman is rushing herself to be laid
down to rest. I was able to secure a grave with
no hassle, paid for her coffin. The funeral parlor
will come with the tents and what not, that fifty
thousand I changed my mind anybody dares
and claims it. I will fuck them up.

My phone was buzzing, I take it out and look.

Lots of messages from Yanela, what did I do
now.

I call her, she declines.

I text her.

Me: "I didn't do anything"

Yanela: "Babe I can't take this anymore, your
brother is mad at me. The situation has gone
from crazy to weird, she went and painted the
whole office pink"

I chuckle.

Yanela: "He is blaming me now and punishing

me"

Me: "You punish him some more, if he shits on

you vomit on him"

Yanela: "Baby this isn't funny"

Me: "As far as we know, Thuso is the principal

of that school and it will never change"

Yanela: "How is Zoleka"

Me: "She has her moments, but she is doing

alright. You coming over and studying helps her
a little bit"

Yanela: "Okay dragon man is looking at me, I

have to go I love you"

Dragon man, I chuckle.

I am starting to think if Aniza and Yanela don't

give you a nickname you not part of the clique.

Yanela
I was going through the most, she may have
asserted herself as principal but the signature
on the papers that is needed is of Thuso
Mhlongo.

Kwazi: Blue blue

I look at him and smile.

He is probably up to something, I wonder if they

teased him.

Kwazi: How can we see Zo

Me: As long as you not about the bull, you can

text either me or Simphiwe because I think you
know where she lives. Simphiwe
Simphiwe: Yeah sorry

Me: I am saying they can either text you or me

and we meet up at Zoleka's

Simphiwe: Okay no problem

Me: You okay

Simphiwe: I am fine Yanela, excuse me

Okay that's weird, I didn't expect her to be

affected seeing as how she used to treat
Zoleka.
Ntokozo
Ma: Awufuni ukudla (Do you want some food)

Me: Cha ma (No)

Ma: Yazi nkosi yami ngiyafisa umhlaba

ungagcwala amadoda afana njengawe (You
know I wish the world had more guys like you)

Aunt: Ngiyavuma lapho, indodana yakho (I

agree, your son)

Ma: Ungaphekwalokho (He is more than that)

Me: This what happens when you listen to me

okay good things happen
She laughs.

Aunt: Kodwa yini

The savage aunt got a can of brutal fruit in her

hands.

Aunt 2: Ay ngomiwe futh bayangicika labantu

abala angazi usisi wayeshadelani le mfene
yendoda

She looks at me, wee I got a girlfriend mina.

She has been checking me out, I see it but

honey my girlfriend completes me. I don't lack
in anything.
Charmaine: Unentombi (He has a girlfriend)

Aunt 2: Haibo

Okay this is my que to step outside, where is

Phiri cougar on the rise I repeat cougar on the
rise. I need to leave, I need to go fetch my baby.
[YANELA]

66

A few days later

Yanela
Ma Mngadi was beautiful laid to rest. I have
never seen Zoleka be this strong, she did not
shed one tear while I on the other hand was a
hysterical mess.

A funeral isn't a funeral without any drama. A

few of her dads brothers, sisters and family
came and turned things up. They started saying
this and that, demanded money. Using this as a
way up some stupid family hierarchy, it was a
total mess. Did my baby and Phiri not fuck them
up, they chased them out and gave them a
whipping of their life, and told them if they want
to live in life they must never ever think about
abusing Zoleka.

Speaking of abuse Ntokozo told me that one of

Zoleka's aunts made a move on him, and he
didn't like that. I am not a disrespectful child
and talk to my elders anyhow, but I did speak to
her in a respectful manner. I don't care if I am
young, Ntokozo is my man and I will be damned.
Ntokozo: Yanela

Me: I am ready baby waiting for you

My phone rings.

Me: Phiri

Phiri: Yanela

We laugh.

Phiri: You guys don't have to pass by here we

already on our way
Me: Awesome because I don't know what is
wrong with your boy and we already late

Phiri: Alright sharp

Ntokozo: Who was that

Me: Phiri he says they already on their way, we

don't have to pass by them

Ntokozo: I am sorry I don't know where my head

is at

Me: It better come back honey because I will kill

you

He chuckles.
Phiri
Zo and I just taking things slow and I am okay
with that.

Me: You good

Zoleka: I been better, therapy is really helping. I

am a lot calmer and trying to control my
emotions

Me: You don't have to be strong you can just cry

in front of me, and I will cry with you and we will
be ugly by the time we fall asleep

She chuckles.
Me: You know go through it with me. I am with
you a hundred percent

Zoleka: I don't know how I can ever repay you

back and Ntokozo

Me: Healing that's how you can repay us back,

by healing. You know a lot of people deal with
such differently

Zoleka: I know but I am very very grateful to

each and every one of you. I am truly grateful

I grab her hand and kiss it.

Zoleka: Why are you calling me

"uzohlukana naloyo muntu hmm"

Yanela: I am preparing you, you know

Zoleka: I am not bothered by those people, I

attend therapy now and I have a huge support
system around me. I am good

Me: You picking them up or I will

Ntokozo: Hawu mfethu uyacava ngibusy kanjani

Me: Okay

Zoleka: Bye
Ntokozo
We arrive at the same time.

Me: Baby I am really busy okay

She leans forward and we kiss, we kiss for a

while until a knock interrupts us.

Me: I know but I am fucking busy okay

Yanela: Okay I love you

Me: I love you more

The door opens.

Zoleka: Come phela, hey Ntokozo

Me: Mami, oh nithenge uchokolate (Buy

chocolates for yourselves)

Zoleka: Thank you bye

Me: Happy studying

She closes the door.

I look at them through the mirrors they cross

the road holding hands, and enter the school
gates.

My phone rings.
Me: Sho

Aniza: Eh baba zwakala

Me: Hold on I am coming

I hang up.

Phiri: What's up

Me: I thought I saw something, anyways let's go

Yanela
The eyes, you know the eyes piercing through
your skin. That is how I felt at this very moment,
and Zoleka was just okay with that. She didn't
mind and I was feeling so scared for her. These
kids are vicious and savage, but I don't think
they dumb enough to start a rumor or tease her.

Me: Friend

Zoleka: Calm down Yanela I am good

Me: You sure

Zoleka: Positive

Me: I see

Sir enters and sits down, his phone rings.

Thuso: Hello, Rasheeda how the fuck am I
supposed to know that well than you should
have done a thorough background check. I don't
care, I really don't care what you and your stupid
family does ay suka

He drops the call.

My phone blast, ah didn't I put that on silent.

Me: Sorry sir

I decline the call and put it on silent.

His phone rings again.

Thuso: I can't really talk.. What, okay I will be on
the lookout sharp okay

He sighs.

Thuso: Zoleka

Zoleka: Yes sir

Thuso: Miss Smith

He is talking to me, he is talking to me guys.

Me: Yes sir

Thuso: You know what I don't feel like teaching

you guys, so you welcome to do whatever just
have your books out and don't make any noise.
You two are riding with me

Me: Ah but

He looks at me.

That means we will be leaving at 4.

Me: Why you quiet

Zoleka: You know your man is Ntokozo ntk

Mhlongo right

Me: His moody

We laugh.

Ntokozo
I am dealing with a lot orders and other stuff.
Never have I ever reached this stage of being
this busy, might it be some force is behind my
back. What force would want to protect a man
like me.

They all drop the bags by my legs.

Me: Mase nginibulala njalo (When I kill you guys)

I crouch down and open the bags, the door

opens.
We grab our guns.

Kele: Relax its just me

Me: What do you want

Kele: What rightfully belongs to me

Me: Which is

He looks down at the bags.

Me: You outnumbered and even if you take

them you won't get very far

Kele: Oh I will get very far honey

Me: Are you crazy or high on something

Kele: I have a request for you

Me: You broke up with her, why the fuck must I

help you

Kele: I don't need your help, I need your

protection

I laugh.

Me: Give us a sec

He sits down and puts his legs on top of the

table.

Me: What is your plan

Kele: I am going to kill him and you are going to

protect me

Me: And why would I do that

His brother appears and hands me an envelope,

I open it.

Kele: You not the only one who is smart and has
access to certain damaging information

I look at them.
Kele: If anything happens to me I will make sure
you never see her again, and please forget
about killing me. I don't die

They leave.

They come back in.

Zuko: What was that about

Me: This bitch thinks he can threaten me

I chuckle.

I will show him whose boss.

[YANELA]

67

Yanela
I was craving those chips that aunts sell outside
the school and broken cakes, hmm.

Me: Bhuti we just going to buy some snacks

and come back very fast please, please

Thuso: Why do you children eat those crap

things, last time you went out two girls attacked
you

Me: But sir

Thuso: Ay Yanela hlala phansi hawu (Sit down)

Me: Yoh you are the worst brother ever, cute for
nothing

He chuckles.

Thuso: There's something in my car go check it

out and immediately come back, syezwana (got
it)

Me: Yes sir, come lets go

Zoleka: You go I am kind of tired

Me: Aw
Zoleka: Whats going to happen with my therapy
sessions

Thuso: You have to ask your boyfriends for that

Me: Okay I will be back just now

I head out of the classroom almost falling, they

laugh.

I hope he has something very nice..

I look over it feels like someone is following me,

that's weird.
I shrug and head to his car, he drives a
Mercedes Benz obviously. Feared brother and
he is a teacher make that principal.

I unlock his car and get in.

Me: Okay moody Thuso what do you have

I look all over his car.

Me: Eww panties eww, ah he did this on

purpose

I get out of the car, lock it and run back to class.

I accidentally bump into some man, next thing

he shoves a knife deep in my stomach. I
scream.

Me: Thuso

He repeatedly stabs me, I hear a gun shot.

Zoleka: Yanela

I go down holding my stomach.

Phiri
Upon my arrival at school, I hear gun shots.
Ntokozo let me go just to come pick the girls..

I pull my gun out a man is running, Thuso right

behind him shooting at him. I say nothing and
follow them, we chase after this guy. Who is he
and what did he do.

He disappears somewhere in the houses.

Me: Thuso, Thuso what is going on

Thuso: Call an ambulance they stabbed Yanela

Me: What

Ntokozo: Sho

Me: Mama baligwazile (They stabbed Yanela)

I hung up.
We run back up to the school.

Me: Zo

Zoleka: She's bleeding we got to take her to the

hospital

Thuso: Yall go I finish up here and follow you

Me: But my car is outside

Thuso: Take mine, give me yours

We exchange keys, I pick Yanela up and rush to

his car.
Thuso: Go I will bring your bags

Zoleka meets up with me, she opens the door. I

carefully place her inside.

Zo: Yanela don't close your eyes

I get in and reverse out, than speed out.

Mpume (Miss Xaba)

My phone rings, I get up and answer it.

Me: Hello

He is breathing heavy.
Me: Is it done

Him: Yes although those brothers whoever

chased after me

Me: I will transfer the rest right now and you lay
low for now

Him: Boss

"Whats done"

I gasp.

Me: Shareef, I mean husband

Shareef: Whats done and who needs to lay low

Me: A friend of mine hiding from her abusive

boyfriend

I kiss him.

Me: You back, I thought you given up on us

Shareef: I had business to take care of, and had

to look like I abandoned my family

Me: Well welcome back I missed you

Shareef: Did you now

We kiss again, I move away from his lips and let
him nibble on my neck.

I am sorry baby, its my turn now to claim the

Smith empire.

Shareef: Are you good let's go out

Me: Okay let me go change now, now

Ntokozo
Lindiwe: Oh my God, not my baby who would do
such a thing

My world came crashing down on me, When

Phiri called me I was on my way out of the
country. With no idea as to how I was going to
explain this to my baby, and than I am told she
was stabbed. Broke crashed every part of me,
it's not Kele because this mother fucker just
showed up.

Lindiwe: What are you doing here

Kele: I

Lindiwe: I what

Aniza: Vele vele what fuck are you doing here,

no so long ago you were threatening him now
you after my sister

Me: Voetsek nonke maan. uYanele ulwela

impilo yakhe nina nizikwebana la. (Yanela is
fighting for her life and yall busy arguing) fuck
you puss say one word, I fucking dare you

Lindiwe: Aniza where is your father

Aniza: My calls are not going through

Lindiwe: Great his daughter is stabbed and he

doesn't care

Kele: Do you know who did this

Lindiwe: Please be quiet okay thank you

Phiri: Zo lets go home and change we will come

back
Zoleka: I am not going anywhere, Yanela was by
my side and I am not leaving her alone

Me: Zo go home sisi, we will be right here

She's covered in blood and needs to go change,

just looking at her breaks my heart. My baby
lost all that blood.

They get up and leave, I grab his hand and give

him something.

Lindiwe: What is wrong with you, you left me

and now you want to hug me

He holds her in his big strong arms.

I get up and charge at him.

Snakho: Ntokozo no

He pushes me.

Snakho: Let it go, you were the one

reprimanding us us right now and you want to
fight. Calm down Yanela

I look at him.

Snakho: Yes Yanela needs you to be strong for

her
I yank his hands off me and walk away.

Miss Xaba
I thought we were going to some expensive
restaurants, but we at school.

Me: Shareef

Shareef: Yes my love

Me: Why are we here

He stops the car, Rasheeda's Maserati is

parked on the opposite direction.

Me: What's going on

Shareef: Step out

Me: Sha-

He has a gun pointed at me.

Shareef: I said get out

Me: Shareef we have kids together

Shareef: Get the fuck out of my car woman

She shouts startling me.

I open the door and get out, he gets out with me.
The Maserati doors open Rasheeda and Mimi
step out, Shareef comes behind me and tie both
of my hands on my back.

He slaps me so hard my cheek instantly feels

the sting.

Me: Shareef

Shareef: I love you woman don't you get that

He slaps me again, this time I fall. He picks me

up and sends me back to the ground.

Me: Shareef I am sorry

I look at him my cheeks are burning and my

eyes are watery, he is wearing gloves oh that's
why it hurts so bad.

Shareef: Because of you I lost the love of my,

fine she was going to leave me. But the fact
that you keep messing with my daughter, like
that's so dirty who the fuck do you think are. My
kids Mpume my kids, you got the nerve to hurt
my kids

Me: Shareef

Shareef: And whats this nonsense about you

being principal

Me: Shareef I am your wife and the mother of

your children
Shareef: You don't fucking mess with my kids, I
don't want to be this person but you did this

Me: Shareef please don't

Shareef: And since you want to be principal so

bad sweetie we are here to ordain you

I feel a bullet plunging through my stomach,

another one through my neck. That should
instantly kill me right, but my husband is last
thing I see before he raises his arm and shoots
me right in the head.

Shareef Smith
I would have tried my best to fix this situation,
even though I hurt the woman I love with my
whole entire life. I would have tried to make
amends, but this woman just kept bugging and
bugging.

She probably thought oh I am winning this crazy

war and competition she developed in her mind.
I don't understand what was the purpose of her
having my daughter killed, does she not know
the kind of man she is with or she thought just
because her last name is Smith she's
untouchable.

My kids nobody messes with my kids, that's

where I draw the line. I am not sorry for this, she
deserves every bit of this and I was going to kill
her anyways.

I drag her body and carefully place it by the

school gates.
Mimi: Without these nobody will find out what
happened to her

Mimi is going at digging out bullets, I don't

know how she got the one in the head.

Rasheeda: Let's go to the hospital

Me: Smith forever

Them: Smith forever

I hope my baby makes it.

We get in our cars and drive off.

[YANELA]

68

Ntokozo
It's the next day and Yanela is still in ICU. I have
never been so scared like this in my life, Yanela
better pull through or I swear to God. I am going
to kill myself.

My phone rings.

Me: Hello

Thuso: You stupid bitch why the fuck would you

put her body right outside the school gates
Me: What are you talking about

Thuso: I have to close school there's police and

forensic people now, what the fuck Ntokozo

Me: What are you talking about

Thuso: Naze nangonela iskole some

I hear some shuffling.

"Sho"

Me: What is this psycho talking about

Phiri: Well just like you said Shareef and his

sisters killed X

Me: You got everything

Phiri: I have everything on tape

Me: Good why did they put her body on school

premises

Phiri: She wanted to be principal so, she got her

last dying wish

I chuckle.

Me: I am trying really hard to stay calm okay my

girlfriend still hasn't woken up
Phiri: I am going to take Zo home drop her off
there and go deal with business

Me: Sho

He hangs up.

If I didn't know the Smiths like I do, I would have

killed her. But I figured since killing and
covering up is their thing, I let them handle it.

Lindiwe
I have multiple scenarios on who could have
possibly harmed my baby. Number 1- Ntokozo
and his enemies, number 2- Sihawukele and his
syndicate, number 3- the Smiths.
I don't know what I would do if she dies, I can't
imagine life without my kids. This is wrong on
so many levels.

I arrive at the hospital, I only left this morning to

go change.

Me: Here's something to eat

Ntokozo: I don't want to eat

Me: Ntokozo

He sighs.
I take out the takeaway and place it on the
paper bag.

Ntokozo: Do you know your sister is dead

Me: What

Ntokozo: She is the one responsible for Yanela

laying in that hospital bed

Me: He killed her

Ntokozo: And dumped her body by their school

Me: Oh my God
Ntokozo: You are going to be number one
suspect

Me: I killed her because she is my husband's

second wife oh my God

Ntokozo: Nothing is going to happen to you, if

you trust me. I won't let anything happen to you

Me: You think he might use this against me

Ntokozo: If you continue with forgive us

Me: But he ended things with me

Ntokozo: Did he now

Me: Okay fine

Ntokozo: Thank you for the food

I look up, there they are the three of them.

Ntokozo: Rasheeda

Rasheeda: Mhlongo

She says it in a English way.

Just than Sihawukele shows up, oh my God.

Ntokozo: Aningizame yazi nginilindile (I dare

you to try me, I am waiting for yall)

I sit here quietly.

Yanela
I open my eyes and look around where am I. Am
I dead, a old woman approaches me.

Me: Sawubona ma (Hello ma)

Ma: Sawubona mntanam (Hello my child)

Me: Ikuphi la (Where is this place)

Ma: Ngicela bengasize wena Makoti (I want

them to introduce you to me)
Makoti.

Ma: Ilokhe nje kuphela, bona ngeke ngisakwazi

ukubavikela kodwa wena. Ngizohlala
ngikuvikela, qha nje ungenzele into eyodwa nje
nomfana wami uvale la ungabuzi lutho uphile
impilo emnandi (That's all I want, I can no
longer protect them. But you I will always
protect you, just do one thing with my son ask
no questions hear no lie and live life to the
fullest)

She walks away.

Me: Ma, ma

My legs get stuck to the ground.

Me: Ma don't leave me

I wake up gasping, than get a seizure.

Ntokozo
Yanela's doctor approaches us, I stand up.

Dr: I still get to live my life

Me: Doc I am sorry, I was paranoid and worried.

My apologies

Dr: She is awake

Lindiwe: Really can we see her

Dr: One at a time, but I am going to allow just
two of you in the ward

Lindiwe: You go I will stay behind

Me: No you two go as her parents and we can

always see her later

I grab my phone and call everyone.

Me: Yeah she's awake

Dr: Follow me

Kele: I will wait for you here

He kisses her cheek.

Can I stab him as well nxi.

Yanela
The door opens.

My eyes are slightly open but I clearly see who it

is.

Me: If you guys are going to fight I suggest you

turn around and go back

Dad: Pumpkin
I sigh.

He kisses my forehead.

Mom: Oh my baby, I am sorry happy you alive.

Did you at least see who did this to you

Me: I don't know but his face looked familiar, I

don't know

Mom: Its okay my baby the important thing is

that you safe

I am not safe, I need to speak to Ntokozo. He is

the only person I wish to speak to.

Mom: We can leave if maybe you prefer

someone else

Me: No I like seeing you two get along, even

though somebody decide to abandon his
children

Dad: Abandon honey I would never do that to

you. I just had some things to sort out, I am
sorry this happened to you though and I wasn't
there to protect my little pumpkin

Me: I don't wish to know who did this because it

will probably hurt me

Mom: Don't worry about that focus on

recovering
Damn that man really stabbed me.
[YANELA]

69

Ntokozo
I don't agree with the doctors decisions to
discharge Yanela, but she says she is fine and
ready to go recovery at home. What kind of a
doctor is this one, I bet she bribed her way
through medical school.

Yanela: I have to talk to you about something

Me: Yanela

Yanela: No this is really important

My phone rings.

Me: Yeah

Phiri: You alone

Me: No

Phiri: I am going to send you a picture and you

put two and two together okay bye

He hangs up.

My phone chimes, I open the picture.

Immediately I call him back.
Me: Stop

Phiri: He has them cornered

Me: This is the mark the table lives by, what is

Smith playing at

Phiri: That's the million dollar question

Me: Okay I am on my way

Phiri: Vele nathi sinilindile (We waiting for you

guys)

Me: Sharp
I look at Yanela she is fast asleep, I turn of the
car's AC and drive slowly.

Sihawukele
I drank my whiskey and minded my business.

Dad: I thought we agreed that you were going to

let go of this woman

Me: I can't and I won't

He tries to hit me but stops himself.

Me: Your greed and power got you to this point.

Why did you want to team up with the Smiths
again, huh! You thought those magogos still run
things

I laugh.

Me: I see why he told me in order to enjoy my

relationship I need to kill Shareef

I chuckle.

Dad: Talk to your brother

Lindiwe's sister was found with a very particular

mark sacred to the table. If the authorities are
able to trace that mark, its over for the table
and it's people. Shareef Smith is smart and
calculated, I will give him that and right now he
has us by our balls but I don't care.
Siphesanda: Ay baba what we need to do now is
ensure that this is not going to affect the table,
your partners are going to be panicking and
worried

Me: Serves you right because you know very

well I wasn't going to stop

He slaps me.

I laugh.

Yanela
I finally start to feel myself now after entering,
through Ntokozo's house.
Ntokozo: I thought you were sleeping

Me: No I had my eyes rested

He gets out and comes to open the door for me.

Me: Thank you

Ntokozo: I don't want you to get a fright but they

inside waiting to shout surprise

I smile.

He opens the door for me.

"Surprise"
Me: You guys

Mom: Come sit down

Me: I am to tired guys, I just want to rest

Zuko comes and hugs me and squeeze my butt

a little bit.

He laughs.

Ntokozo: Noma ungenzani lo ngeke umnuke

I really need to talk to him.

He holds my hand and helps me up the stairs.

Ntokozo: Can we do this

Me: You might have to put a lift in the house, I

am joking

Oh man I missed my comfortable bed.

Me: This is much better than the hospital bed,

woza Ntokozo

Ntokozo: Yoh

Me: oNjomane bafuna ungasize kubona

He looks at me.

Me: This is just the start of my journey in this

family

Ntokozo: What you mean oNjomane

Me: I don't know who she is, but she called me

Makoti. She also said she can no longer protect
you guys her son's, but she will always protect
me

Ntokozo: Haibo Yanela

Me: I don't know much about ancestors and

what not, but for my protection I need you guys
to do some msebenzi for me and please
discuss this as brother's maybe the other
girlfriends might get jealous or something

He smiles at me.

Ntokozo
Confused as I am. I am really happy to know
oNjomane approve of my relationship, wow this
is by far the best news I have ever heard.

Thuso: When last did we see that smile

Snakho: Five years old, what are we celebrating

Me: Let's go somewhere, you driving

Thuso: Just like the good old days

We head out.

Snakho: Kids at the back

Me: Musa ukungiphaphela wena

We laugh and get in the car.

Thuso: So brada what is it

Me: Ey angazi nami sifike kanjani la, abaphansi

bafuna ukwazi uYanela (I don't know how we
got here, but the ancestors want to know
Yanela)
He stops the car.

They both turn around and look at me.

Thuso: Say what now

Me: This was the first of her attacks, if we don't

do this than more bad things are going to
happen to her

Snakho: Aw blue blue

Me: As the big brother I really need your help

They laugh.
Me: We all know I should have been the eldest

Thuso: In your dreams

We laugh.

Thuso: Well than we have to talk to

Me: Let's keep your wife and girlfriend out of

this

Snakho: Fine we going to do a ritual for blue,

soqala emathuneni mase senza into encane
(start at the graveyard, than do a small ritual)
Thuso: Waze wanenhlanhla bo (She's so lucky)

Me: Another thing she said was they can no

longer protect us, but will always stay
protecting her

Thuso: That's basically them indirectly telling us

we fuck up its over

Me: You will help me

Thuso: We will help you

Yanela Mhlongo wow.

No we not getting married, she will do what she

wants to do until she is ready to be tied down to
me.

Thuso: Now why dump the body at school

Me: Baba ka Yanela didn't need a reason to kill

her, he was going to kill her regardless

Thuso: How did he know it was her

Me: The school has cameras

Thuso: What

Me: Yeah

They can threaten me all they want, I don't care.

I am always, always a thousand steps ahead of
my enemies.

Yanela
Zoleka was telling me shocking news. Aunt is
dead wow, I can't say I feel anything for her.

Her arrival came and messed things up for

everyone.

Me: Why does it seem like you know more than

you telling

Zoleka: Of course I do

We laugh.
Me: How are things going

Zoleka: Things are going good. Some days are

good some days and bad, some days are just
so super hard. But I am getting there

Me: Your relationship with Phiri

Zoleka: Its not a relationship okay we uhm

Me: Don't understand what you guys are doing

She laughs.

Zoleka: Let me heal first and than him and I can

think about having a relationship, one I won't be
toxic for it and one he won't constantly feel the
need to nurse my feelings and than we fight
blah blah

Me: You know sometimes I wonder if our

relationship will last

Zoleka: A whole blue doubting, hasn't this man

shown you the world and more. Wait don't tell
me you want to...

Me: Whats the wait

Zoleka: Ntokozo is going to dump you

Me: I know

We laugh.
Me: But in all shame ain't we the luckiest girls in
the world

"Never forget that"

We look up.

They enter carrying, packets, alcohol and

sweets.

Zoleka: Thank you

He gives Zoleka a slab of chocolate, I pout

where's my chocolate.
Phiri: You want to cry

He evil laughs.

Ntokozo: Here

He gives me a big box of chocolate.

Me: Hey Phiri in your face

We laugh.
[YANELA]

70

A few years later

Yanela
The girl is 22 now, can I get a round of applause.

Okay lets break it down.

A lot has happened, not that much but it

happened. After being introduced to the
ancestors, things got a little sketchy. Melody
and Charmaine didn't take a liking to that, but
had no choice to accept it. Was our relationship
affected because of that absolutely, but it is
what it is..

Zoleka and I both passed with flying colors and

decided to take a gap year, of course Ntokozo
and the fam wasn't happy about it. But we been
through a lot of pressure from studying and
other things..

I decided to study supply chain and logistics,

even though I said I aspired to be a doctor or
lawyer, this course is much more fun and
interesting I love it. Zoleka electrical
engineering, they tease her all the time that
when she gets angry. She will electrocute us all
and she would agree to it..

Life has been good for her, still attending

therapy and living life. I am still with Ntokozo
and he is still keeping me a virgin. All the
necessary ceremonies were performed, my
being a girl and coming of age ceremony were
held. Such big beautiful ceremonies took place
and lots of money was spent on blue..

We moved to a bigger and more homely house,

when you enter there is a big sketch portrait of
me hanged by the stairway. Ntokozo still kept
his open plan, the huge mirror hold on this
house is in my name which means it's my
house anyways..

Mom and dad are trying to fix things, but it ain't

working. After the police did their work, mom
was the number one suspect. She was the only
one who had a motive to kill her, dad and my
aunts didn't think about that. But Ntokozo as
always looking out for us, got the case thrown
out due to no substantial evidence.

I have never seen my mom so defeated to a

point where she almost took her life. She is also
attending therapy now, or maybe her big brain is
planning to drop a huge bomb on us. I think
mom really likes forgive us and their separation
affected the both of them. Dad is cruel and has
a bad heart, anyways I hope things work out in
the end.

Ntokozo: You ready

He kisses my cheek, each day this man looks

more and more handsome. He works a lot now,
says its to scare anyone who thinks of
approaching me.

Me: I should have studied abroad and let you

miss me

Ntokozo: That would have been good because

you would be safe from my enemies
I shake my head.

I pack up my books and school lunch, I am also

trying to keep my weight. After school I just
gained a lot, and Ntokozo loves every bit of my
body. Why can't he fuck it though, or he is being
celibate and waiting for us to get married haa
what if we break up and I never get a chance to
feel what its like being hammered by him.

He snaps his fingers.

Ntokozo: Why you drooling mama

I give him my bag and walk out.

He chuckles.
Phiri
Her hands were against the wall and her sweet
moans were driving me insane.

Zo: Mm... Aaah... Aaah Phiri

I spank her ass a few times and pound my dick

deep down her pussy.

Zo: Aaaah... Just like that

Me: Just like that

Zo: Yeessss... Aaaaah

I pull out my dick and take off the condom
wrapper and she turns around. We kiss while
she's gentle playing with my dick, she bends
down and puts it in her mouth. I close my eyes.

Zoleka and I have been sexually attracted to

each other since I known her. I am most
definitely not sexually attracted to anyone other
than her, we come a long way. Our relationship
is still not something solid, but we good for
each other.

I did however give her a promise ring that I will

always be there no matter. I don't know myself
what's the hold up but things are just great
between us, therapy has helped a lot. I
sometimes attend sessions with her, yo guys
this therapy thing really works. I didn't know I
had so much bottled in and how much I needed
to offload, it has helped us understand our
situation better and appreciate all the things in
life.

Fuck my breathing was unstable now. I grab her

hair and fucked myself in her mouth.. As I am
about to come, I pull out but she deep throat me
and I end up exploding deep in her throat.

Me: Are you mad

Zo: Maybe

She says in a low seductive voice.

Me: Okay we have about two minutes to get

ready before
The car honks.

Me: Okay we have no minutes at all

We laugh and run to bathroom.

Ntokozo
And just like that we are waiting for them, like
how we waited for them all these past years.
These morning glory have been antagonizing,
everyone is asking me why ain't I tapping that
ass.

Quite frankly I am scared, not that I can't do it. I

just haven't felt the need to touch her and she's
been asking for it like, can't she focus on school
and than like when she's done I tap that ass and
give her multiple babies. Don't get me wrong I
love Yanela more than I love myself and my
family, she's too sweet and too cute to be
corrupted by my bazooka.

I chuckle.

She looks at me.

Yanela: Ngabeke usuzocosha amaphepha

I laugh.

Me: No I am just thinking

My phone rings.
Me: Mom

Ma: Where you at I need you

Me: Phiri's house why

Ma: I am coming of with something and I need

you to take me to the hospital

Me: Isn't Shareef Smith there

"I am here but than nami I am lost as too why

she is calling you"

Ma: Never mind forget I said anything I will take

myself to the doctors

She hangs up.

Me: Haibo Yanela what is going on with your

mother

I chuckle.

Phiri and Zoleka finally come out.

Zo: Hey friend, Ntokozo

Me: Mami

They both get in the back.

Zo: I am so sorry

Me: You putting make up

Zo: Duh!

I start the car and drive out.

Zo: Which eyeshadow

Phiri: Orange

Zo: Sunset I like it, see Yanela you won't shout

at him again. I got a cloth now to catch my
make up
She laughs.

Me: Ey kodwa ngoba uke wangiqhatha ne

mama mmm

That day Yanela lost it, she didn't have any

classes that day and I was picking up Zoleka as
usual late. She got in the car and started doing
her make-up. I hit the brakes too hard and
somehow her lipstick or whatever got smudge
on my shirt. Yo Yanela almost killed me that day,
I have never been that scared of my baby.

We laugh.

Yanela
We arrive on campus, they didn't want us to be
separated so we in one vicinity studying two
different things.

Zoleka: Come on Yanela one more year than we

done

I sigh.

Zoleka: Okay boys see you later, don't forget my

session is in three

Ntokozo: Three what

Phiri: Eish I forgot, okay I send someone to

come pick you up
She smiles.

Ntokozo: Yanela

Me: Oh I am sorry

I walk over to his side and lean in for a kiss.

Ntokozo: Ngisakuncanywa yezwa

Me: I love you too

Ntokozo: ufunde kahle

I smile.
We hold hands and walk inside, I turn around he
has left. He flickers the car lights, I smile and
continue to walk.

Ntokozo
I drive off once I don't see them.

What can I say its been a bumpy few years, my

businesses and everything are still going strong
that I have a big. Big big surprise for Yanela,
everything I do. I do it for her.

My phone rings.

Me: Wola sfebe

Aniza: Wola mpintshi

We laugh.

Aniza: I am running late can you go pick my

girlfriend

Crazy man Aniza has a girlfriend everybody she

is hot, but I don't think they in the same picture.
She already sees herself as Makoti, but Aniza
on the other hand isn't looking for something
serious. I think the nightmare of him once upon
a time being accused of rape still haunts him,
that's why in this relationship he is loving it but
keeping it arms length.

Me: I will try

Since they do the work now l, I sometimes have

a lot of time on my hands. I do assist them on
big heist and shipments, but other than that I
am mostly home.

Me: Okay

Aniza: Wola sfebe

He hangs up.

Phiri: I didn't think he would love again

Me: Yeah

Phiri: Tapped her yet

Me: Nope

Phiri: She will think you getting it from

somewhere else

Me: Look whose talking

Phiri: Since when are you celibate

Me: Since I was with Yanela, I don't even crave

or have the urge to sleep with someone else

Phiri: Almost to good to be true

I will fuck her when I want to fuck her.

[YANELA]
71

Yanela
"Boo"

Me: Hey

Zoleka: What is your problem, still upset about

Ntokozo not sleeping with you

Me: Maybe something wrong with me

Zoleka: Do you understand the term love

language are you still in high school baby girl
Me: Love language

Zoleka: Phiri's love language is no matter what

time of day, he will always give me a slab of
chocolate. That's his love language, honey the
fact that Ntokozo isn't intimate with anyone
child that's his love language

Me: So there is nothing wrong with me

Zoleka: No why do you want to prove

something to a man who is all for you. You
moved to a bigger, every corner of that house
has you in it

Me: I never looked at it that way

Zoleka: You should be proud he hasn't taken
your purity kanti yini ngawe

Me: Maybe I have been stressing about nothing

Zoleka: Stop it and just enjoy your relationship,

he has never wanted anything from you. Except
for focusing on school and keeping you pure

Me: You right okay you right I am tripping

Zoleka: Have fun bitch and stop obsessing over

Ntokozo's dick those things are toxic

Me: Like you and Phiri

Zoleka: Hey whats that

I look up, she gets up and runs away.

I laugh.

Ntokozo
I took moms to the doctor now I am waiting on
her, I got Aniza's girlfriend with me ah the bitch.
I hate it when females look at me like that, she
is probably thinking she chose the wrong friend.
I will kill her and save Aniza from the misery.

Me: Sho, ey yazi Angazi ubani ophuma kuqala.

You wait there and find out from them, sho

Lindiwe steps out of doctors office crying.

Me: What's wrong

She starts hyperventilate.

Me: Lindiwe kwenze njani

She buries her head on my chest and cries.

Me: Lindiwe stop this now

I laugh.

Me: Ma, okay lets go

I hold her hand and we leave.

Me: Lindiwe

Phiri: Whats wrong

Me: I don't know

Phiri: Missing Forgive us

"Lindiwe"

We turn around, speak of the devil.

He approaches us, Lindiwe throws her bag at

him. She takes off her shoes and throws it at
him, than runs away.
I grab his hand.

Me: Ayidumi kanjalo

Kele: Listen you idiot that woman is pregnant

with my child so can you let go of my hand

She what.

I let go of him and he chases after her.

Phiri and I look at each other and laugh.

Me: Shareef is going to kill him

When how, they were still fucking when did they

rekindle their love and how is she hee.

Lindiwe
He catches up to me and stops me.

Me: Let me go

Kele: Lindiwe cut it out, what are you afraid of

Me: What am I afraid of, I was fixing things with

my husband and you showed up

Kele: Ah it's not like I pointed a gun at you and

told you to come to my hotel room

Me: I was drunk and you took advantage of my

drunken state

Kele: Are you listening to yourself

Me: I can't be pregnant

Kele: You not the first 50 year old woman

pregnant, this is a blessing

Me: Blessing for who and I am not 50

Kele: Doesn't make a difference to me

Me: I can't have this baby, I am sorry

Kele: What
Ntokozo's car shows up, he lets go of me. I
walk away from him and get in the car, he
speeds off.

I sigh.

I thought I could do it, but as the years went by.

Slowly I fell out of love with my husband,
believe me I really tried. But my heart and soul
was somewhere else, I didn't think I would ever
bump into Sihawukele. But I did, I left the house
and went to a bar.

I had been so angry and mad at myself that I

didn't want to take it out on Shareef and his kids,
they blamed and scrutinized me for their
mothers death until one time Shareef
confessed the truth. Even after that, I was
blamed because I am the one who pushed him
to do it, as if I fucking cared about my sister at
that time.

Just recently Sihawukele and I hooked up, well I

followed him to the hotel he was staying in and
we had sex and never stopped since than.

I sigh.

Oh God how am I going to explain this.

Ntokozo
My phone rings.

Me: Sho
Aniza: Umlandile (Did you pick her up)

Me: She said she doesn't feel safe being alone

in your house

Aniza: Is it

Me: Fuck her than dump that ass

Aniza: Where are you now

Me: She can't stay here, I am leaving something

wrong with your mother. She is crying really bad

Aniza: Mom
Me: Yes we at my house

Aniza: Okay I will pass by there on my way back

Me: Cool

Londeka: Beautiful art up there

Me: Thank you

Londeka: Who is she, I am not familiar with

celebrities

I chuckle.
Me: You know who that is

Londeka: Yanela oh my God I didn't see her up

there

The door opens.

Snakho: Big brother in the hou- haa who the

fuck is this

Me: Aw Njomane

Thuso: Yithi labo mm nangu loya sisi Makoti

wethu

He says looking at blue's picture.

Me: What brings yall by

Charmaine: Aw phela enye intokazi yakhethwa

manje mele senze imisebenzi

Snakho: Yall promised not to make this

impossible

Charmaine: I am just stating the facts

Me: Wenza engath upresident womhlaba, haibo

sekuphele iminyaka namanje usadiniwe. (You
make it seem like she is the president of the
world, its been years now and you still mad) She
still can't do anything because Melody is the
wife here, that was done for Yanela's protection.
You know what I don't even know why I am
explaining myself to you

Thuso: No fighting okay we here for Makoti so

stop it

Melody: Charmaine be nice, Ntokozo

Me: What is her issue really

Snakho: Shut up all of you, ubani lo

Me: Aniza's girlfriend

Thuso: What

He laughs.
Thuso: I ain't laughing at you

Me: Yeah lalela I will pick them up myself don't

sweat it, sho

It's about to be a long hectic week.

[YANELA]

72

Yanela
After dropping off Zoleka we came back home
and to my surprise. Ntokozo didn't let me know
his family was around, I could have at least
prepared myself mentally smh.
I head downstairs after freshening up.

Thuso: Aw kodwa Makoti woza uzohlala la

I don't know if they mocking me or they

genuinely happy about the fact that, the
ancestors acknowledge me.

Me: Ay ngikahle la bhuti

Thuso: Angiyena phela umkami akuve

ngikukhumbula ukukhlupha iskole siyabhora
manje

We laugh.

He is still principal and has maintained 100

percent pass rate, our school being the highest
matric students to pass. That was a proud
moment for everyone.

Me: I don't miss you

Thuso: Lies

We laugh.

Charmaine and Melody join us, I don't know

how it got to this point. I don't remember ever
having bad vibes with them.

Charmaine: Makoti onjan ongenzeli abantu

basemzini ukudla
What is wrong with her, she can't project her
relationship problems on to me.

Ntokozo comes down refreshed as well, he sits

down next to me and kisses my cheek. I get
butterflies in my stomach.

Ntokozo: Don't make me hate you okay, don't

do that. Don't make me fight with my brother
please because it will get ugly

Charmaine: I am just teasing

Ntokozo: No you being condescending

I brush his arm, because he is getting heated.

I smile at him and get up.

I text Zo, I need her in my house for these

couple of days.

Ntokozo
I moved far away from them because I wanted
to avoid this kind of bullshit, its been like a long
time now and she is holding some stupid
grudge. Why don't she asks her boyfriend what
is he doing, so that she can also get the title of
Makoti.

She brings a beautiful platter to the table.

Thuso: Siyabonga Makoti

At least I can't count on Thuso, he is not to be
messed with and quickly put Melody in her
place.

Yanela: Yellow

"Hey you busy, I can't find my notes and I know

we wrote them down together"

Yanela: You always miss place things, excuse

me

They laugh.

Thuso: So how are things

Me: Things are good

Thuso: Am I supposed to eat this, Melody

Melody: Its just a biscuit baby

Thuso: I know but

The door opens.

Zuko enters with his beautiful family, my mood

picks up again. He is now a daddy to a cute
baby girl.

Me: Hi baby can I take you

She's a toddler now wild toddler, she clings on

her daddy and looks away.

Zuko: Yes wena mami

Melissa: Sanibonani

Snakho: Kanjani kodwa uzwane naloluhlanya

(How did you fall in love with this psycho)

Princess wants her mother now, Yanela comes

back down and her face sparkles.

Yanela: Mcwaa sawubona gogo, hello wena

Zuko: Too bad ngabe eyami nawe (Could have

been yours and mines)
She takes princess and rocks her.

Yanela: You wish

Zuko: Hawu mami

We laugh.

Yanela: You are cute, so cute

Me: Woza phela mami hawu

She is not having it.

Yanela
Melissa I love her, she's not judgemental and
has a good thing going on with Zuko.

He is the last person we expected to be tied

down, he broke up with his than girlfriend
because she was messy. She would always
bring around Ntokozo's ex, every time there was
a an event and Ntokozo didn't take a liking to
that.

I put princess on my back and make jump up

and down my back, she loves that because
every time I do it. Her sweet laughter fills every
corner of the house.

Me: Ay Ntokozo stop making the baby cry hawu

Ntokozo: I wonder if my baby will be this mean

Me: Your baby will be obsessed with you and
drive me crazy

He kisses me.

Me: Okay enough now there's a kid on my back

Ntokozo: Saya eroundini, if anything happens

that upset you please don't hesitate to tell me

Me: But I don't want you to go

Thuso: You ready

He looks at them than me.

Zuko: Yanela hide our baby I don't want her to
see me and than she cries

Me: I am joking you can go, just don't come

back late otherwise all of are sleeping outside

Ntokozo: I love you

I love him more.

Lindiwe
My phone rings.

I sigh and answer it.

Me: Shareef

Shareef: Hey, what's going on where are you

Me: I had a little melt down, I am with Yanela

Shareef: Do you want me to come pick you up, I

know we still taking things slow but

Me: Its fine, I will be waiting for you

Shareef: Okay I am coming there now

He hangs up...

Me: What do you want

Sihawukele: Don't think someone else is going
to raise my baby

Me: Who said I am even pregnant, who said it's

your baby

Sihawukele: It's mine and stop trying to

convince yourself otherwise

Me: I curse the day I met you

Sihawukele: There was the devil, Shareef and

than me. Honey if you dare, if you dare I will
fuck you up

He drops the call.

Me: God why, why give me a baby

Let there be some complication where I can't

keep this baby.

Ntokozo
They fill up the table with alcohol and whatnot,
did they not hear Yanela's warning or they
thought she is bluffing.

Me: Guys I thought we were going to be chilled

Zuko: We are chilled

Me: Yall getting sloshed

Zuko: It ain't like you sleeping with the girl

Me: Touché

We laugh.

The ladies approach our table, oh my God. I

want to go home, Lindiwe call me anybody.

They leave again.

Thuso: Phiri

We laugh.
Phiri: Okay okay

Zuko: Ushaya ndawo zombile (Sleeping with

both of them)

Phiri: Technically I never broke up with her, Zo

was just something special. She touched my
heart and I am torn, I don't want to hurt them

Zuko: Who is at the top

He looks at us.

We laugh.

Love, lies and more, that's what we made up of.

[YANELA]

73

Yanela
I hate seeing my friend down, I sit down next to
her on this big couch. I don't know why Ntokozo
bought these couches, because everyone ends
up sleeping here.

Me: Whats up

She sighs.

I snuggle close to her and she shoes me

something on her phone.
Me: Eww is that eww is that Phiri kissing
another girl eww

Zo: You know how Charmaine tags us on posts

whenever they go out, now this one is different.
I feel like it was purposefully done to get my
attention, or who does miss pretty face think
she is let me show her

Me: So what you going to do about it

Zo: They look like they been together for a long

time, what upsets me he didn't have the
decency to tell me

Me: Eww
Zo: I am not going to allow him to be with
another woman, while he is with me. I
understand what I have been through, and
probably no other man will treat me like he does.
But the disrespect honey no, you ain't going to
do that to me

I stopped paying attention to Charmaine's

theatrics.

Me: Something wrong with that girl

Zo: You can say that again

Me: Phiri will never leave you, he rather lose the

other girl than you no matter how long they
been together
Zo: Or he wants to be with the both of us

Me: What would you do if that was the case

Zo: I am leaving

Me: Where you going to go

Zo: That's another thing they might use against

me

Me: Just act like it doesn't concern you

Zo: It doesn't vele

We laugh.
Lindiwe
A baby is the last thing I need right now, I really
pray there be some health complications that
makes me not keep this baby. However I did
decide to just let everyone know what is going
on with me.

Shareef and I really did try, sometimes it was

really good, sometimes it felt really forced and
sometimes I felt like it wasn't going to workout.
I felt something missing in my life and that was
Sihawukele, he may or may not have loved me
but he showed me love in every kind of way.

I felt peace and power with him, it was

excitement and lust. Yes lust, but its more than
lust now. I am carrying his child and it is what it
is.
Shareef: You love that house more than
anything, why can't you have the dinner here

Me: Trust me it's best I have it there, in a neutral

place

Shareef: Neutral, nothing neutral about Ntokozo

I sigh.

Shareef: Tell all of them to come here hawu and

we can all have a good family dinner

He kisses my cheek and walks away.

I feel defeated.

Phiri
I don't even want to think Zo has seen the
pictures, of course she has and is choosing not
to confront me about it.

What the fuck Charmaine.

Ntokozo: You scared

Me: What do you think

Ntokozo: Just tell her or do damage control

Me: Charmaine kodwa akagcwali loyo, she

knows what's going on and for her to throw me
under the bus like this

Ntokozo: She's just jealous

Me: She must fucking go get jealous

somewhere else

Ntokozo: Well whatever you do, I am always

going to be by your side

Me: Can you find out from Yanela if there's

something

Ntokozo: Yanela is mad at me

Me: Aw
Ntokozo: She told me not to come back home
later, and what happened we came home later
and all of you used Charmaine to get in

I laugh.

Ntokozo: So nje she won't even dare tell me if

they do know something

I sigh.

Yanela
Mom calls me.

Me: Aw Lindiwe
I laugh.

Mom: I have a problem

Me: I am listening

Mom: Your father insist on having the dinner

here, but I am planning on also inviting
Sihawukele

Me: Haibo forgive us is still in the picture

Mom: It's worse now but please I need to have

the dinner there otherwise my life is over
Me: Mom really, if you want to leave dad you
don't have to go through these lengths. We
seen you it's not working and we okay with that,
walk away

Mom: Yanela I am pregnant

Me: What

Mom: Find a way for me to have that dinner

there

She hangs up.

Me: What the yoh

I go look for Ntokozo.

Me: You got to be kidding me, Ntokozo.
Ntokozo

Ntokozo: It wasn't me

Me: Phiri

Phiri: Yanela

He doesn't say it like how he does, shame.

Me: I need to talk to you mom told me

something, and dad preferred to have the dinner
at his house. Whats the damage control what
are we going to do
Ntokozo: Have it at your father's place

Me: She's inviting forgive us

Ntokozo: Have it at your father's house

Me: You sure because things will get ugly

Ntokozo: Either way but tell her we meeting at

your father's house

Me: Wow

I sigh.

How did she fall pregnant, that means she got a

good womb and this man's dick work.

Lindiwe
I look at the text "Sorry mom your son said we
coming there"

Me: Oh my God

I call Sihawukele

Kele: Mawengane yami

Me: The location has changed I will send it to

you, please leave your cockiness out the door

Kele: Kulungile Mawengane yami

I hang up.

Shareef: Need help

Me: Your table won't be enough for tonight

Shareef: Where there's a will there's a way

I wish I didn't have to do this, but its best I do it.

I wish there was a reset button.

I am dead.
[YANELA]

74
Phiri
I was scared to death, we were getting ready to
leave and she was dancing doing a video. Zuko
and his daughter join her, I can't tell if she is
angry or happy no she is angry I know my
woman.

Yanela joins them.

Zuko: Ay mama hawu ufuna ukungiqhatha no

bafo manje (No Yanela you want to get me in
trouble with Ntokozo)

Charmaine: Hi guys, so I have an idea. Why

don't you boys drop off the girls and come
clubbing with us
She stops dancing and looks at us.

My heart beats fast.

Zuko: Yazi you right we haven't kicked it in a

long time

Charmaine: Yes like the olden days, what you

say Phiri

Me: Moms invited us and unfortunately we have

to honor her invite

Charmaine: Oh come on its not she is your

mother in law, anyways have you seen Snakho
by any chance
I hope he is fucking some other bitch, hard.

Yanela
We riding in the car with Ntokozo driving.

Me: Sour jelly

Zoleka: Thank you

Me: You good

Zo: Oh come on it's not like she's your mother in

law

We laugh.
Zo: Girl is so spicy, I thought I had a sister for
life in her

Me: This whole thing is ridiculous

Zo: She is ridiculous, something that happened

a long time ago. Baby move on

Me: Move on

Ntokozo looks at me.

Me: You want some

Ntokozo: Of course I want some hawu

I was nibbling on smarties, I pour some in his
hand. He shoves the whole thing in his mouth. I
was very nervous about this dinner, mom
pregnant ay dad will kill us all today.

I call her.

Mom: Yanela

Me: We on our way

Mom: I am dead

We laugh.

Me: Just keep it cute, we all going to be there

supporting you
"Lindiwe the pots"

Mom: Stop shouting at me

Me: Are you crying, no that's a bad idea he will

think it's his

She hangs up.

Me: No mom, fuck

I sigh.

Sihawukele
I am overjoyed and just filled with a lot of
happiness. I thought it was over between us to,
but the fire and spark was too much to ignore.

Sande: I don't need to hold your hand on

everything

Me: Its me against a million dudes

He rolls his eyes.

We on our way to Shareef's house, not looking

forward to the that.

Sande: Mom has probably seen someone is

having a baby, but she hadn't said anything

Me: Actually
Sande: She knows

Me: That's how I knew and I happen to have had

people follow her around

Sande: Damn she is probably preparing for a

beautiful Makoti kanti

We laugh.

Me: Hey leave my baby mama alone

My phone rings.

Me: Mawengane yami

Lindiwe: Don't come

Me: What

Lindiwe: Don't come, just don't come please

Me: Sengilapho mawengane yami

Lindiwe: Oh my God, I am dead

She hangs up.

Sande: Hormones driving her crazy already

I smile.
Yanela
I buzz the door bell.

We see dad looking all macho, holding a

whiskey glass. Shareef Smith ay go dad, he
takes the few steps down and comes to open
the door.

Me: Daddy

Dad: Pumpkin

We enter inside.

Dad: Where is your crew

Me: We chased them away

Dad: Aw we prepared so much for people who

decided to cancel last minute

Me: Yes, hey big bro

He kisses our cheeks.

Aniza: Yall know Londeka right

Me: Hey girl

Ntokozo did tell me about this one too, she

looks disappointed not to see him.
Aniza: Where did these fools go to now

Me: Charmaine and them went to a club

Aniza: I see

"Yanela"

Ntokozo: Yanela okay baby I am sorry I

disobeyed you and got super drunk please,
please forgive me

He squeeze me tight.

Aniza: I knew it, no way this one can stay away

from you

They all come in.

Ntokozo: I will not do it again I promise, and I

will always listen to what you tell me to do

I shake my head.

Lindiwe
This supper was going smooth so far, I was
blank. I didn't know what, I was going to say.
Sihawukele is on his way, my palms are
sweating my heart feels like its about to drop to
the floor. I want to cry so bad right now, but I
am keeping my composure.
Shareef: Are there more people coming..
Lindiwe

Me: Yes

Shareef: Are there more people coming, there

are two empty chairs

The door bell rings.

Me: I will go get it

I say a little prayer heading to the door, dammit

there had to be a huge mirror door in the front.

I open the door, and my heart sort of calms

down.
Kele: Sorry I am late kodwa bengithengela
umawengane yami izipho (I was buying gifts for
my baby mama)

I look at him.

Kele: Come on, don't ask it you not impressed

I shove the flowers back in his chest..

They stop laughing and look at us.

They take their seat and I sit down as well.

Aniza: Aw forgive us
Kele: Son

Aniza: Boy I ain't your son pshh

They laugh.

Aniza: What you doing

Kele: Mawe- uhm your mother invited me

Shareef: You invited him

Me: Yes, I have something to tell you guys

[YANELA]
75

Yanela
I grab my juice and take a sip.

Mom: I have something to tell you guys, I know I

should have had the decency and respect to say
this privately. But you can't keep things privately
with this family

Aniza: Lindiwe talk damn

They laugh.

Mom: I am pregnant
Everyone's face hangs.

Mom: I am well over two months pregnant

Aniza: Haa

Dad smiles, but his cheeks fall down. He starts

counting in his head and realizes something
ain't adding up.

Aniza: Umithi haibo (You pregnant)

He laughs.

Aniza: Mom
He laughs.

Aniza: Waga bietjie, Forgive us is not the father

of that baby right

Mom: For two months straight I have been

sleeping with this man

Suddenly his mood changes, he puts down the

glass and covers his mouth.

Mom: Remember the night I came back home

drunk after disappearing for two days. I was
with Sihawukele in his hotel room

Aniza: How sure are you that its his

Kele: Its mine

Aniza: Ain't nobody fucking talking to you bitch

Sihawukele chuckles.

Dad: You knew about this didn't you

Aniza: Yes

They break out in laughter.

Aniza: I wanted to see if I can still scare

someone

Is he for real right now.

Me: You okay

Mom: Shareef, I am really sorry

He holds his hand up.

Dad: Now that yall have stuffed yourselves with

my food, please take your belongings and leave
my house

Me: Dad

Dad: Now

Me: Okay let me use the rest room

I get up and everyone follows, I drop something.
I pick it up.. When my eyes came back up, dad
pulled out his gun and started shooting.

Me: Mom look out

He pulls the trigger multiple times, until he is

out of bullets. He drops the gun and pulls out a
machine, Sande grabs his brother and the rush
out. Dad chases after them while shooting at
them.

I quickly run to the bathroom.

Shareef
I drop the magazine and slide in another one,
and continue shooting at this mother fuckers
car. How dare he my wife, got impregnated by
another man.

A light shines bright on my eyes and I faintly

see this bitch getting away. I fire at them until I
am out of bullets.

Me: Bloody dog

I head back inside..

Yanela: Daddy please don't do this

She stands in front of her mother.

Me: Ukhulelwe Lindiwe, ukhulelwe. Ngiyavuma

iphutha ngalenza kodwa wena doti muni lo huh!
Ubungahambi ngani mekukuthi ngiyakucika,
ubusy unika abafana iyintozami ay cha sisi
uyangijwayela (You pregnant, pregnant. I admit I
messed up, but you what rubbish is this. Why
didn't you leave me if I repulse you that much,
instead you busy giving boys my things. You are
really disrespecting me)

My phone rings.

Me: Listen here you hoe, I don't pay you to

fucking think. Find me that stupid car

I hang up.

Me: Nakhu ngizojwayelwa abantu emzini wami,

(I won't be disrespected by people in my house)
fucking go upstairs to your room right now

Yanela: Come lets go

Me: What

Rasheeda: Its me

Me: Can you believe it, she brings her fuck

buddy here in my house to tell me. She is
fucking pregnant by that imbecile

Rasheeda: What

Me: I am so hurt right now, I want to cry but I

want to see that son of bitch buried six feet
under. I want to walk, jump and piss on his
grave

Rasheeda: Lindiwe wouldn't do that

Me: Aw she do that, she do that

Rasheeda: Okay we taking the first flight out

Me: Cool

I hang up.

Me: Get out of my house, you upstairs now

Sihawukele
We leave the car in the middle of the road and
get in another car.

Sande: The fuck

I laugh.

Sande: And he is laughing, why didn't you fight

back

Me: I was outnumbered, Ntokozo is a force to

be reckoned with. Until mami says otherwise
they will side with him

Sande: Ay I never known you to be this

irresponsible, forgive us this ain't going to work

He sighs.
Sande: Come on man either you kill this dude or
you never going to live a happy life, not to
mention your parents. They will hurt
umawengane yakho, and no amount of safe
house will protect you from their wrath

I stop the car.

Sande: Two months she can still get an

abortion

I look at him.

Me: You crazy

Sande: Listen
Me: No are you fucking out of your mind, she is
carrying my first child and you want me to kill
my baby. Shut the fuck up

His phone rings.

Sande: Yeah, what okay okay start the car they

on to us.. Give me your phone

He takes it and throws them out the window.

Yanela
I expected him to blow out, like kill him right
there and than, not wait for him to turn his back
and than start shooting who does that.
Moms busy crying, why I don't know she put
herself in this mess. On this one don't hate me,
but I have to side with dad. It was one mistake
that left a wound in her heart, but she should
have said you know what Shareef I can't do this.
Dad may not have accepted it but its better than
this.

I head downstairs, I see him on his single couch

reclined up.

I sigh.

I go and snuggle next to him.

Me: Daddy, its okay don't cry

Dad: I know I did her so wrong, but she chose to
stay with me. We both agreed to make it work,
attended therapy why pumpkin why

His tears drop on my arm.

No matter how much he loves her, this cuts

through deep. His three boys come and join us.

Aniza: You probably hate me too right

Miles: You one crazy mother fucker

They laugh.

Aniza: I had to look out for my father okay and if

things went left than baby, baby Chile
Me: You are a bad son

Aniza: And you a good daughter

Me: Yes I only found out about this today and

yall knew like days ago

He gets of me and wipe his face.

Aniza: Dad I am so sorry, yabona nje uwaiting

no forgive us

Me: You calling mom uwaiting

We laugh.
I wonder what he will nickname the baby.

Lindiwe
Oh God what was I thinking.

My phone rings.

Me: Hello

Caller: Mawengane yami

Me: Sihawukele

Kele: You good

Me: I am fine

Kele: I am fine too your husband is looking for

me high and low

I sigh.

Kele: We will have this baby and nothing is

going to come between us. We destin to be
together

Me: I don't know, I might as well die and save

everyone

Kele: Don't speak like that, if he throws you out.

Don't worry I will know and come get you, I am
going to lay low for a couple of days. Please
take care of yourself and our baby, I love you
okay

He hangs up.

Shareef probably hates me wherever he is. If I

wasn't in serious danger back than, now the
gloves are off, both families will make me lose
this baby one way or the other.
[YANELA]

76

Sihawukele
I didn't sleep all night why am I in hiding.
Lindiwe needs me right now, that man is
probably torturing her. I turn around and some
chick is on my bed.

Her: Hello there

The door opens, I grab my gun.

"Don't bother its empty"

Me: Rasheeda

Lady: How come everyone knows you and

nobody knows me

Me: How did you find me

Rasheeda: The table finds anyone, anywhere,

any time

Fuck!

Lady: Not bad, I wouldn't mind dropping it down

like its hot. We see why Lindiwe can't get away
from you

They must be his sisters.

Lady: I am Mimi

Me: What are you doing here, he couldn't do the

job himself

Rasheeda: You know I am very tired for this

bullshit, the two of you think yall can hurt my
brother

Me: What are you doing here

Rasheeda: We not going to do anything, of

course we will tell him where you are even if you
disappear. We going to find you, but oh do enjoy
your stay. You never know who is watching you

Mimi does the gun gesture at me, and blows me

a kiss.

Me: Fuck!

I fire my gun and shoot blanks, I take out the

magazine there's no bullets inside.
Me: Great just great

Yanela
The sound of my ringing loud wakes us up.

"Hmm Yanela turn it off"

Me: I am sorry

I answer it.

Me: Hello

Ntokozo: Hello

Me: Oh hey
Ntokozo: Hey really Yanela hey

We stayed up the whole night, ordered drinks

and food. I promised, I wouldn't drink no more
but I did and it was just a good moment for dad
and his kids.

Me: I am sorry

Ntokozo: You have school Yanela

Me: My classes are in the afternoon

Ntokozo: Are you drunk

Me: A little bit honey, I am fine though. I am
going to go sleep wake me up at 10 or 11:30

He chuckles.

Me: Okay I love you too bye

I struggle through keeping my eyes open, I hope

I set the alarm and not the calculator because.

I laugh.

Sihawukele
I arrive back home, how is it really that I am
intimidated by this man. The Smiths as a whole,
how really. Is it because I let my guard down or I
simply can't take him down.
A mean punch lands on my face.

Dad: I told you to let that woman go, what do

you do. You fucking impregnate the bitch ass

Me: Bro

Sande: I didn't tell him anything

As old as I am, I still get a beat down and I don't

get angry about it because I fucked up

Dad: For once sihawukele for once listen to

what the fuck I am saying
Mom: You should be ashamed of yourself

Me: I wouldn't expect you to understand you

always sided with Samke

Samke: Why you bringing me into your fucked

up life

Mom: That woman is old enough to be your

fucking mother, what were you thinking

She sighs.

Me: Well she's pregnant now, what are we going

to do your husband brought the Smiths back

Dad: We there's no we here, you on your own

He walks away.

Me: Dad.. Dad

Mom gets up and walk away as well.

Samke: Than yall say I am the most

troublesome

Us: Shut up

She laughs and walks away.

Sande: I got you bro

I sigh.

Shareef
I was lost for words, shocking here is an
understatement.

Rasheeda: Shareef please don't do this

Mimi: You know we don't like it whenever you

crying

Rasheeda: He never cries

Mimi: Exactly

Rasheeda: So what are you saying

Mimi: Oh Rasheeda shut up

I chuckle cry.

Rasheeda: What do we do what is the way

forward

Me: I think its time to walk away

Mimi: You sure we can just kill them both

Me: They not worth it

I sigh.
Me: I am going to come back home, the things
Yanela needed to achieve she done it. They can
visit me any time, I will be good

Mimi: Oh my favorite sibling in the world, mom

and dad would have been so proud of us

Rasheeda: Err

We laugh.

Mimi: Forget that, but the fact that we didn't

allow grandma and grandpa to separate us.
They tried but our bond was too strong

Me: Can you pass me my phone

I take it and text Ntokozo.

Ntokozo
Why is this man giving up so easily, he can't let
that nigger called forgive us win.

I sigh.

Charmaine: Ntokozo

I look at her.

Charmaine: Did you send Snakho somewhere

Me: No
Charmaine: Do you perhaps know where he is

Me: Snakho has his own dealings. I am sure he

is sorting that out, you know what it means
when he is off the grid

Charmaine: He usually tells me if that's the case,

but anyways thank you

She walks away.

My phone rings.

Me: Speak of the devil

Snakho: Sure
Me: Where are you

Snakho: Not far

Me: Your girlfriend is asking about you

Snakho: Something wrong with that one

Me: You the one doing it

Snakho: I never gave her a reason to doubt me,

ever since there was a mention about Makoti
yoh. She's the devil

Me: You know what if you love this girl, lets just
do a ceremony for her because she is annoying
now and I really like Charmaine

Snakho: Fine, let me finish up here and I will

come back

Me: Cool

He hangs up.

They driving me crazy again.

[YANELA]

76

Sihawukele
I didn't sleep all night why am I in hiding.
Lindiwe needs me right now, that man is
probably torturing her. I turn around and some
chick is on my bed.

Her: Hello there

The door opens, I grab my gun.

"Don't bother its empty"

Me: Rasheeda

Lady: How come everyone knows you and

nobody knows me

Me: How did you find me

Rasheeda: The table finds anyone, anywhere,
any time

Fuck!

Lady: Not bad, I wouldn't mind dropping it down

like its hot. We see why Lindiwe can't get away
from you

They must be his sisters.

Lady: I am Mimi

Me: What are you doing here, he couldn't do the

job himself
Rasheeda: You know I am very tired for this
bullshit, the two of you think yall can hurt my
brother

Me: What are you doing here

Rasheeda: We not going to do anything, of

course we will tell him where you are even if you
disappear. We going to find you, but oh do enjoy
your stay. You never know who is watching you

Mimi does the gun gesture at me, and blows me

a kiss.

Me: Fuck!

I fire my gun and shoot blanks, I take out the

magazine there's no bullets inside.

Me: Great just great

Yanela
The sound of my ringing loud wakes us up.

"Hmm Yanela turn it off"

Me: I am sorry

I answer it.

Me: Hello

Ntokozo: Hello
Me: Oh hey

Ntokozo: Hey really Yanela hey

We stayed up the whole night, ordered drinks

and food. I promised, I wouldn't drink no more
but I did and it was just a good moment for dad
and his kids.

Me: I am sorry

Ntokozo: You have school Yanela

Me: My classes are in the afternoon

Ntokozo: Are you drunk

Me: A little bit honey, I am fine though. I am

going to go sleep wake me up at 10 or 11:30

He chuckles.

Me: Okay I love you too bye

I struggle through keeping my eyes open, I hope

I set the alarm and not the calculator because.

I laugh.

Sihawukele
I arrive back home, how is it really that I am
intimidated by this man. The Smiths as a whole,
how really. Is it because I let my guard down or I
simply can't take him down.

A mean punch lands on my face.

Dad: I told you to let that woman go, what do

you do. You fucking impregnate the bitch ass

Me: Bro

Sande: I didn't tell him anything

As old as I am, I still get a beat down and I don't

get angry about it because I fucked up

Dad: For once sihawukele for once listen to

what the fuck I am saying

Mom: You should be ashamed of yourself

Me: I wouldn't expect you to understand you

always sided with Samke

Samke: Why you bringing me into your fucked

up life

Mom: That woman is old enough to be your

fucking mother, what were you thinking

She sighs.

Me: Well she's pregnant now, what are we going

to do your husband brought the Smiths back
Dad: We there's no we here, you on your own

He walks away.

Me: Dad.. Dad

Mom gets up and walk away as well.

Samke: Than yall say I am the most

troublesome

Us: Shut up

She laughs and walks away.

Sande: I got you bro

I sigh.

Shareef
I was lost for words, shocking here is an
understatement.

Rasheeda: Shareef please don't do this

Mimi: You know we don't like it whenever you

crying

Rasheeda: He never cries

Mimi: Exactly
Rasheeda: So what are you saying

Mimi: Oh Rasheeda shut up

I chuckle cry.

Rasheeda: What do we do what is the way

forward

Me: I think its time to walk away

Mimi: You sure we can just kill them both

Me: They not worth it

I sigh.

Me: I am going to come back home, the things

Yanela needed to achieve she done it. They can
visit me any time, I will be good

Mimi: Oh my favorite sibling in the world, mom

and dad would have been so proud of us

Rasheeda: Err

We laugh.

Mimi: Forget that, but the fact that we didn't

allow grandma and grandpa to separate us.
They tried but our bond was too strong
Me: Can you pass me my phone

I take it and text Ntokozo.

Ntokozo
Why is this man giving up so easily, he can't let
that nigger called forgive us win.

I sigh.

Charmaine: Ntokozo

I look at her.

Charmaine: Did you send Snakho somewhere

Me: No

Charmaine: Do you perhaps know where he is

Me: Snakho has his own dealings. I am sure he

is sorting that out, you know what it means
when he is off the grid

Charmaine: He usually tells me if that's the case,

but anyways thank you

She walks away.

My phone rings.

Me: Speak of the devil

Snakho: Sure

Me: Where are you

Snakho: Not far

Me: Your girlfriend is asking about you

Snakho: Something wrong with that one

Me: You the one doing it

Snakho: I never gave her a reason to doubt me,

ever since there was a mention about Makoti
yoh. She's the devil
Me: You know what if you love this girl, lets just
do a ceremony for her because she is annoying
now and I really like Charmaine

Snakho: Fine, let me finish up here and I will

come back

Me: Cool

He hangs up.

They driving me crazy again.

[YANELA]

78
Yanela
Rasheeda: Can we eat like there is no point in
waiting for u-waiting

We laugh.

Me: Can yall stop hawu

Dad: Okay kids uhm

Me: You leaving again

He sighs.

Me: Really Shareef really, wena njalo izinto

mazingahambi ngendlela yakho. Uqoqa
imthwalo yakho uhambe

Dad: Pumpkin it's

Me: It's not what

They look at me and sip on their drinks.

Me: You didn't fight for her, you didn't fight for
your marriage you allowed this man to fuck her
and give her a baby and you living. Daddy why,
why don't we need you, don't I need you and
don't tell me I don't understand. I understand
perfectly fine, if you fucking killed him the
moment that sex tape came out we wouldn't be
here. One wonders if you really loved mom, us.
It's fine leave we clearly not that important to
you

My phone rings.

Me: Hello

Ntokozo: Is your mother home

Me: No

He hangs up.

Aniza's watch turns on, he gets up.

Dad: What's going on

My phone rings again.

Me: Baby

Ntokozo: I will kill you okay, never in your life

talk like that ever again, give your brother the
phone

Me: Aniza

Aniza: Hello, what no it's still in one place. Ah

fuck you what kind of a son you are not telling
me mom has been kidnap. Ay suka

Dad: Lindiwe's been kidnap

Moms kidnapped oh my God!

Sihawukele
Me: Why the fuck are you guys sleeping

Sande: They won't hurt her

Me: Won't hurt her, won't hurt her how ladies

have those two killed, paid intimidated, how
many

Sande: Okay okay they going to kill her

I am not even seeing cars in front of me. I need

to find Lindiwe before mom and Samke do
something stupid.

Me: It didn't hurt me back than, but now things

are different they have crossed the line

Sande: This Ntokozo dude is dangerous

Me: I don't know how a small time crook like

him, knows so much. Something deep that
could get us locked up

Sande: Dang

Me: Move out the fucking way

I press on the accelerator.

My phone rings, I look at it and sigh.

Sande: Hello

Ntokozo: Eh baba.. What, boy I am giving you

five seconds. Five fucking seconds you got that
or you going to wish you never fucked with me

The call disconnect..

Lindiwe
I am hungry and frustrated these people left me
and I got a baby to feed.

The door opens.

Me: Oh God thank you

He has something good smelling in that paper
bag.

He unties one hand, he brings the table forward

and takes out the food.

Me: Mango oh my God, why ain't you guys

rescuing me

Phiri: This is not our fight, once they hurt you

than it becomes our fight

Me: Its stuffy in here and I can't breathe

He chuckles.

Me: What is it that you put in my stomach is it a

tracker

Phiri: No, me seeing you was not a coincidence.

Ntokozo keeps tabs on us

I sigh.

I dip the mango in the deep and eat it.

Me: Mmm, I needed this. Ntokozo I want to go

home

Voice: Your baby father is the one that needs to

rescue you

Me: Mxm
I want to go home, Sihawukele will never find
me.

Me: Hey I have an idea can you help me

He chuckles.

Sihawukele
Sande: Shouldn't we be looking for
umawengane yakho

Me: Call mom

Sande: What
Me: Call mom

Sande: Okay okay

He makes the call and puts it on speaker.

Mom: Hello my favorite boy

Me: I will do whatever you want

Mom: Kele

Me: I will do whatever you want just don't kill

her

Mom: What are you on about

Me: Mom

Mom: What are you talking about

Me: Mom please don't patronize me

Mom: Haibo what is this kid talking about

Is she serious right now.

Lindiwe
Phiri left a while ago, I was full now but I want
to go home.

The door opens, a tall figure enters and bangs

the door.

Me: Please just let me go or give me food to eat

He sits down across me.

Me: Please if you not going to hurt me than

what. I am pregnant and need to eat

He takes off his balaclava...

Me: Shareef

Shareef: Hey mama

Me: You kidnapped me

Shareef: Impressive right, although I wonder
how Ntokozo caught on so fast

Me: Shareef

Shareef: You want to keep this baby and leave

me

Me: Are you crazy

Shareef: I am crazy, in love

Me: Shareef let me go

Shareef: I asked you a question

Me: And I think you crazy let me go, how did you
get them to work with you

Shareef: I work alone, a few masks here and

there Bob's your uncle

Me: Shareef please let me go

Shareef: Lindiwe why, why you hurting me like

this

Me: Shareef please let me go

Shareef: I know marrying her was stupid of me

but who was I supposed to marry, was I
supposed to let you get trafficked and then we
wouldn't have these beautiful children

Me: Please

My cries fall unto deaf ears.

Shareef: Maybe if we get rid of the baby we can

be happy again. You can be with child again, but
mine, a Smith what do you say

Voice: I say you mad

Kele: Untie her

Shareef stares deep in my eyes, they untie me.

Sande: Are you hurt

Me: Get me out of here

Shareef: Lindiwe

Me: Shareef you need help this isn't going to

work, stop convincing yourself of that. Okay I
hurt you too, a lot and I am sorry but this is not
the way

Shareef: Lindiwe

Me: Get me out of here

[YANELA]
79

Ntokozo
Am I surprised no.

They sit down on the couch.

Kele: Clearly you had your facts wrong

Me: Did I

I laugh.

Me: All I said was they better not hurt her

Kele: I don't know what game you playing but its

not funny

Me: Damn you really thought Shareef Smith was

going to let you go just like that

Kele: Lindiwe don't cry

He hugs her.

Me: Shame

Here's what I think he was going to do. Number

one, he was going to leave and kill that baby
and nobody would suspect him. Two, he was
going to ship Lindiwe off to some facility where
she fully carries the baby and gives birth
without her being aware of it and than give the
child up. Three, he was going to blackmail
forgive us family into doing his dirty work
because his mother and sister are used to
scaring his girlfriends away. But now things are
different, Lindiwe is pregnant.

Kele: You see why we need to kill this man

Me: My father in law njan mfethu

Kele: He is a threat to our lives

Me: Our, no bitch your life. She knows what her

husband is capable of, that's why she is crying.
She could have died

Lindiwe: Can he spend the night, please

Me: Good night

I head to my room.

Me: Blue

Yanela: Let's just sleep, I am very exhausted

I kiss her cheek.

Yanela
The next morning things sort of went back to
normal. You this saying love can make you do
some crazy things, is true. But in dad's and
mom's case is that even love like its obsession
now, the dangerous type of obsession. The
stories we watch on ID Channel.

He is showing us how sick and twisted he can

get, and right now mom's safe because of
Ntokozo. He knows what and how a mind of a
monster works like, because he himself is a
monster.

His warm arms wrap around me.

I breathe out.

She nibbles on my neck and grabs my boobs.

Me: You don't want to fuck me, but you want to

torture me
Ntokozo: I myself am tortured

We laugh.

Me: This is just crazy

Ntokozo: Tell me about it

Me: I want to thank you for everything really like

you go above and beyond, and there's just not
enough to thank you

He lifts me up and places me on the counter.

Zuko: Gross that's where we eat

Ntokozo: Bro what is wrong with you

Me: Mel come on girl

Melissa: He is bugging me for a pancake

Ntokozo: Are you pregnant again

Melissa: I don't think so, do you know how hard

it was to push his big head out. No we far from
having another baby

We laugh.

Lindiwe
I don't know what got into Shareef, his mind has
left the building.

He sits next to me and kisses my cheek.

Kele: So

Me: It is what it is

Kele: No that man is a psycho, no is what it is

Me: No matter what happens all of us are

going to feel it

We can't kill each other because, they will make

us hate each other. We scared of each other,
but once one is pushed over the of off a ledge.
They will crack and one of us will die.

Me: We fucked up

I chuckle.

Me: But you know baby, mommy is not going to

let anything or anybody hurt you. We going to
have this baby until some health complications
come and we have to get rid of you

Kele: Hey don't talk to our baby like that

I am starting to love my baby now and nobody

is going to hurt him or her.

He grabs my neck and kiss me, we fall on the

bed and the door opens.

Ntokozo: Ah forgive us, forgive us. Get the fuck

out of my house, get the fuck out of my house,
get the fuck out of my house, get get the fuck
out of my house

He sings that part grabbing Sihawukele and

pushing him out.

Sihawukele
This song turns into a musical, they banging
objects and clicking spoons.

Me: Okay I get it

Ntokozo: Good job boy

Me: I don't understand you man

Ntokozo: You don't need to understand me man

Me: You said it was mom and my sister

Ntokozo: I don't remember saying that, I just

said if anyone touches her you dead

Me: I don't see you threatening that man are

you scared of him

Ntokozo: Forgives us goodbye, I told you what

you need to do. You decided to threaten me and
I didn't appreciate that
I sigh.

Lindiwe's protection is this guy, he won't let

anyone touch her and I guess I have to dance to
his tune.

Ah ah in fact, I push him aside and head back

upstairs.

He will just have to deal.

Ntokozo
Its not that I am scared of Shareef, no but he is
the father of the woman I love and hold close to
my heart. I choose my wars and plus I can leak
the video of them killing mpume amongst other
secrets they have, and it will be over for them.
It will honestly take Sihawukele to kill Shareef
so that he can live a happy life, other than that. I
don't know what can convince him otherwise.

Phiri: Check this out

I open the file and read through it.

Me: He already chose an adoption agency

Phiri: Hectic, how do you know these things

Me: I may have manipulated the truth a little bit,

but Sihawukele needs to wake up
Phiri: Is it even possible for a woman to carry a
child without them being conscious

Me: Put her in drips, quarantine and keep the

baby alive

Phiri: Shareef Smith

If he wants to go they should let him go,

because this is going to be on going and quite
frankly I am not with the bull. I have something
very exciting to showcase and I want everyone
to be in positive moods.
[YANELA]

A few weeks later

80

Sihawukele
I need to do one thing in life and that is to kill
Shareef Smith the untouchable. If not for the
sake of our baby than he will continue bringing
misery to our lives, this isn't over not by a long
shot.

Dad: Moms favorite

I keep quiet and continue eating my breakfast.

Dad: Okay I will talk and you listen. Mom and I

have come into agreement, I mean this will be
our first grandchild even though an older
woman is carrying him or her. We have agreed
to do a ritual ceremony for her and introduce
her to the ancestors

I look at him.

Dad: Yes if you are destin to have this baby,

than only the ancestors can protect it. Son I
would never ever do something to hurt any of
my children, you should have stopped

The pussy was good, I say that to myself.

Dad: Look at the mess you created he is using

my business to get back at you and honestly. I
don't want to be shouted at mom for losing her
favorite child so we will accept umawengane
yakho
I sigh.

That is all I needed from them, maybe I can

breathe again.

Aniza
Dad ended up not leaving, because Ntokozo got
in the way of his plans. I wanted to talk to him,
but he kept drinking and drinking and drinking.
Something wrong and twisted with the old man,
he loves mom and wouldn't hurt her or that's all
just a front.

Me: Dad, okay that's enough drinking are you

sure its all mom, and not you going through the
most because your other wife died

He looks at me.
Me: Look at yourself, you look crazy Shareef.
Dad please don't do this to us. You were on the
right path now you went left

Dad: Do you know what's love

Me: Ah ah don't blame this on love, it was you

Dad: Have you ever been in love

Me: I don't need to be in love to know that you

are a psychopath

Dad: Right, I am the psycho but your girlfriend

every time she sees Ntokozo she fixes herself.
Hoping to the God's that the poor man will
notice her

Me: Oh no you didn't

Dad: At that time he doesn't even see her poor

thing is in love

I look at him.

Dad: Wena Aniza, wena o batla hore ke tele ka

mmao jwalo feela (You want me to give up on
your mother just like that)

He screams in my face.

Me: Okay Lesotho calm down

Dad: Find someone that you deeply love than
see what happens, until then you and everyone
else has no right to judge me.

He walks away.

I look at him.

Yanela
It was a great day at the Mhlongo household.
Ntokozo has some event coming up, he got us
suits, dresses you name it. We haven't noticed
any psychotic behavior from dad, mom is
glowing and happier than before.

Charmaine: Do you want to go now or

Charmaine loves me again, this bitch. The
brothers did do a cleansing for all of us and
introduced her to the ancestors, now here is
where all this came from. I told Ntokozo not to
involve Melody and Charmaine into this
because, they might feel otherwise. But by the
time it reached Charmaine, whoever delivered
the message to her was being conniving
unaware.

Ntokozo's mom visited me again and said she

was rushed and didn't like that and I told them.
But she is cool with her, all of us actually.

Me: Did he tell you what its about

Charmaine: No just that everyone is going to be

blown away

Me: Mmm doesn't he blow us away all the time.

I don't feel like going out, can everything
perhaps come here

Charmaine: Noted

Melody: Oo I love this, TLC oh my goodness

anyone wearing this no

She pulls out a red dress.

Melody: What is the occasion really, where is

Ntokozo
He has been busy lately, but he always sleeps
next to me every night even if he may or may
not be fucking someone else. I don't care the
boy is mine and if I do find out I will slaughter
both him and that girl.

Me: Its a surprise, we don't know ourselves

The pregnant bunny joins us and lay on the

couch, should we even be calling her a pregnant
bunny.

Me: You okay

Mom: Morning sickness

Me: Do you want us to call forgive us

Mom: No, you people are the one's who should
be pregnant not me

Her phone rings.

Mom: Hello, lunch. I can't even reach my

bedroom door, how am I supposed to make it to
lunch. Plus I can't just leave you know that

She smiles. You know that genuine smile that

warms your heart, that's her right now.

Ntokozo
Me: Stop all of you just stop

Phiri: Man calm down every thing is good, we

almost finished

Today is the grand opening of my surprise to

my one and Only Yanela. I think this might be
my greatest investment so far. I hope Yanela
and everyone else will be happy and excited just
as I am.

Zuko: Are you going to use this as a front

Me: I don't know, but first I have to see if it

needs to be a front

Snakho: Sicela umbhebhe ke namhlanje (Please

fuck her)

They laugh.
Snakho: We need to hear your craziness

I chuckle.

Snakho: Haibo ngeke phela hawu, bhebha

umtwana Ntokozo

He shouts.

Me: Haibo

He smirks.

Me: Okay guys I want to thank you, for all that

you do. this isn't only for Yanela, you guys if you
will open the envelopes next to you. Gentlemen
each of you own a portion and are shareholders

Zuko: Okay I see you

Me: I know a behind the desk, 9-5 type of

situation is not your thing. But with that a little
thank from me can help make this a successful
business venture. and as of today I am your
official first big client

Zuko: I will drink to that

Me: So what do you guys think

Snakho: Let's go change and open this mother

fucker
Sihawukele
I stand up when I see her approaching me, why
is she walking like a penguin already. I hug her
and kiss her cheek.

Me: What's wrong, do we need to go to the

hospital

Lindiwe: I am tired

I help her sit down.

Waiter: May I take your order

Lindiwe: Is it possible to get like Mango and

some hot concoction
He looks at me.

Lindiwe: Or pineapple if you don't have any

Waiter: That can be arranged, I will check and

see if they have

Lindiwe: Thank you, I will have a strawberry

daiquiri

I look at her.

Lindiwe: Virgin, I am pregnant

Waiter: Congratulations
Lindiwe: Thank you

Me: I will have another one of this

He walks away.

Me: You flirting with boys now in front of me

Lindiwe: It's not flirting I am just beautiful

Me: Okay

We laugh.

Lindiwe: This has to be quick neh, Ntokozo is

having some function

Me: Of course well mom and dad have

accepted you carrying my baby and want to do
a ceremony for you, letting the ancestors know
you carrying my child

Lindiwe: That's nice

Me: I know, the best thing ever

She smiles.
[YANELA]

81
Yanela
I never seen Ntokozo in anything formal, and he
always looks good in his clothes. But tonight he
is all kinds of extra yummy and sexy, wearing a
suit accentuating his physical. Damm he is
looking rather mighty fine.

He comes and stands in front of me.

Me: I never seen you in a suit

Ntokozo: The first and last time I will ever wear

this nonsense

I tie his tie.

Ntokozo: Stop drooling

Me: I can't help it my man is looking extra
delicious

He pulls me closer to him and breathes warm

air against my neck, than kisses my cheek.

Me: You know what I should rape you

He cracks in laughter.

Ntokozo: Put these on

Me: What's that, aw but I already okay

I seductively lower my pants staring straight

into his eyes, he smirks.

I put his panties on.

Ntokozo: You look very beautiful

I smile.

I grab my purse and feel a tingle down there, its

good but.

Me: Ntokozo

Ntokozo: Mami

He heads out, I feel another vibration and hold

on to the wall.

Shareef
I wasn't in the mood for seeing people but, I
have to attend the stupid party.

Aniza: Aw modimo a le teng, hayo mathata is

awake

This boy did not just give me a name.

They laugh.

Mimi: See you my kind of fun, chilled relaxed

and funny as hell
Me: I don't think I gave birth to him

Aniza: You didn't hayo mom did

Me: No I think we adopted you

We laugh.

Aniza: I am glad to see you smiling

I put on my bow tie.

Me: I need a little help otherwise something

wrong going to happen to me

He helps me put on my bow tie, the door opens.

Mazwi and Miles enter.

Them: Wow look at you

Me: Boys

Miles: Come on dad look at yourself, you are a

handsome man and can do just about anything

Me: Distance shut up

Mazwi: He is right dad look at yourself

It sort of looks like we got in some formation

and photoshoot pose. I look down, Mimi is
laying on the floor taking a picture.
I shake my head and chuckle.

Mimi: This will make her change her mind

We didn't really break up, she just told me she is

pregnant. I never heard the words its over
between us Shareef.

Me: Let's go

Yanela
We arrive at our location, its an office building.
The sign is covered by a black draping.

Me: You into corporate now

Ntokozo: Just a little something, something

He steps out of the car and comes to my side

and opens the door.

Me: Wow, something special about this place

Ntokozo: Anything ground that you walk on is

special

Me: No I see your family so this must be a really

special occasion

Ntokozo: My family
He looks around.

Ntokozo: There's no oh you mean the dead

people

I ain't spiritual in any kind of way. Ntokozo's

mom lets me see what, she can show me.

Ntokozo: Shall we

I put my arm under his and we head inside.

We get inside and its a brawl. The inside is also

covered in black drapes and waiters are moving
around serving everyone.

Me: Boys
All of them are looking sexy and cute in their
suits.

Me: Hawu kanti niyakwazi ukuba amadoda (I

didn't know yall could look like men)

They laugh.

Melody: Makoti

Me: Mamkhulu (First wife)

We laugh.

Me: What are you guys eating I am starving

baby do you want some-hmm oo you tried it

He smirks.

We walk away from them, the cameras flash.

What is Ntokozo really up to.

Voice: You really thought our friendship is over

I turn around.

Me: Beyonce

We jump and hug each other.

Me: Girl
Beyonce: He tracked me down, sent some
dresses over and

She turns around.

Me: Okay now you are looking good

And plumpy.

I didn't have a problem with her, just that, that

girl accused my brother of something and I
didn't appreciate that.

Beyonce: Hey I get it, it was wrong what she did

and I figured let me not bother you and cause
even more friction
Me: Well I am happy you came even though I
am not sure what is going on here

I hope she is being genuine because, I will cut

anything that brings me drama.

Ntokozo
You know black and their ridiculous bantu time.
My hands are sweating everything is covered
and waiting to be revealed, I see Yanela and
Yamihle have rekindled their friendship.

Lindiwe arrives.

Me: Really
Lindiwe: I am sorry, I got a little caught up and
no we will see each other later. I will head to the
girl's bye

Mr Shareef and his family arrive, way to make

an entrance.

Me: You guys are not serious

Aniza: We were waiting for Lesotho we didn't

know he was going to make it or not

Me: Lesotho

He looks at his father, they laugh.

Me: I can't you know what

I click my glass, the room quiet down.

Me: Ladies and gentlemen if we could just head

outside for a moment please thank you

They shake my hand one by one and head out.

I sigh...

I head out and the put the ribbon, I down my

drink and Phiri takes the glass away. I breath
out again and go.

Me: Welcome
They hand me a mic.

Me: Thank you, Welcome everyone to the grand

opening of this building behind me. Blue can
you come here

Yanela: Me

Me: Yes you my love

Yanela: Okay

Me: This wouldn't be possible or have come to

life without you. A while ago when there was
drama in our family, I had a very interesting
conversation with your brother
Aniza: Wola sfebe

Me: I had to hide from you bro because it was a

surprise, so my brain started working overtime
and boom. Yanela Smith I want you to know
that every thing I do, I do it for you. You are
priceless a one in a million and I love you with
all my heart, I am not going to get deep about
anything but

I turn her around.

Me: Everybody I present to you

The drapes go down.

Me: Nela logistics

She crouches down.

Me: Baby your company

Beyonce: Yenza njena ke indoda (This is what a

man does)

She ululates.

Beyonce: Wadla Yanela (Go Yanela)

They whistles, the engines rave. The fireworks

go, I pick her up she is crying. Everyone is happy.

There you have it guys. I built Yanela her very

own company, after the conversation I had with
Aniza. I got in touch with a few of my people, I
bought the land and started building
immediately. It took a lot of work, because I
think I made thousands of changes before I got
to this. I feel like this is more her and she is
about to finish with her supply chain course,
and would be perfect to run her own company.

Yanela
Oh my God this man is about to give me a heart
attack. I can't believe I got this lucky, no guys I
must be dreaming because this is not really
happening.

We got the whole tour of the building, I can't my

body is shaking and I am horny as fuck because
my mans been busy with the vibrator.
Zo: Girl

Me: Tell me about it, its all here the title deeds.
Everything I need to do and pay to keep this
place up and running. This is not real, its not
real guys

Mom enters my office.

Me: Can you believe this

Mom: I know right

Me: I must be dreaming because this ain't real

She hugs me.

Mom: Congratulations my baby you deserve it
all

Me: Oh this is a lot to take in

Dad comes in also.

Dad: Mami

I hug him.

Dad: Congratulations pumpkin, see if a man

wants to do it. He will do it no matter what the
cost, I am proud of this union even though I
didn't approve of it. But he is something worthy
of to hold on to, be his woman and support him
and don't ever, ever take his bull okay

Okay.

I still don't believe this is happening to me. I

know I am dreaming.

Zo: Okay let's go down and party

[YANELA]

82

Phiri
I am supper proud of my boy representing men
who ain't afraid to spend a lot, and more on
their girlfriends.
Zo: Where's my company

We laugh.

Zo: Wow Ntokozo is out here making every

nigger look bad

Me: Mfethu, like mother fucker is out staging all

of us

We head back to the crowd and its just

happiness galore.

Zo: Hi guys
Zuko: Don't you two get tired of fucking

Zo: Want to join us

Zuko: Please

Me: Haibo

We laugh.

Charmaine and her friends join us.

Me: Wow Charmaine

Charmaine: Oh my God I really thought you guys

left
Xoli: So this is your girlfriend, can we talk
outside

Zo: No

Zuko: Guys I think you should take this outside,

Ntokozo will kill you

Xoli: Exactly Phiri

Zo: Phiri who is this

Xoli: His girlfriend, lets go

Zo: Where you going

She has her fingers up in my face.

Me: I am not going nowhere

Xolie: You what

Zo: If you want to talk than we can have this

conversation together, because everything we
do, we do it together

Xoli: Little girl, you can move

Zo: Don't touch me

Me: Okay okay

They fight oh my God.

Zo: I don't know what lies he told you, but

whatever it is, its a lie

Xoli: Bitch you ain't nothing come outside so we

can talk about this. I was just at your house late
last night, what is wrong

Zo: Oh really you was at his house but I was

fucking his face this morning

Their jaws hang.

Xolie: Phiri
Zo: Get the fuck out girl there's no place for you
her

I am a dead man.

Yanela
A fight broke out between Zoleka and some girl,
what the hell. This is a very big day and they
ruining it.

Me: What's going on

Zuko: We don't know but it was fun to watch

They laugh.
Me: Zo you okay

She grabs her purse and leaves.

Ntokozo pass by walking out.

Zuko: Asambe mami

Oh man.

I look for beyonce, she is wrapped up in Aniza

and it looks like they have a very serious
conversation. They way she is motioning her
hands.

We head out.
Zo: Does it look like I care, take me home right
now

Phiri: Just let me explain

Zo: Explain what, you know what go console

your girlfriend. I will walk

Phiri: Fine, fine I will take you home

Beyonce: Everything okay what's happening

Ntokozo: Get in the car lets go

We get in and he is just so mad. If he doesn't

pound my ass tonight, it is over between us.

No ways I am joking.

Lindiwe
My rides here.

I promised him that I am going to spend the

night with him. I don't wait for him to come out,
I quickly get in.

Kele: Its not like he will hurt us in a public

setting

Me: Need I remind you that he staged my

kidnapping and got people who look like your
mother and sister
He laughs.

Me: Exactly

He drives of.

Kele: Nela Logistics

Me: Ntokozo built Yanela her own company

Kele: What

I am so happy right now, despite everything

shareef and I we cordial tonight. I don't know
though for how long it will last.
Me: Yeah her very own logistics company

Kele: Hee so your daughter inherited your good

pussy

Me: I know that's not what you mean but it

sounds like it and no she's still a virgin

He whistles.

Me: I will call Ntokozo and he will beat you

down

He chuckles.
Kele: Ngiyaxolisa mama

Ntokozo
I can't believe they embarrassed me in front of
everyone. Zoleka's actions are justified, but
couldn't they see they were wearing black tie.

Fucking ugly people.

Yanela: let me show you where you going to

sleep

Beyonce: Thank you Ntokozo for a lovely night,

keep it up

Me: Mami
Yanela: You going to fall

And she does, falling a few steps down.

They laugh.

Me: Its fine open the door for me

I pick her up and she heavy as fuck.

Me: Damn girl

She laughs.

We put her in the guest bedroom.

Me: You heavy girl

I head out.

Phiri: Zoleka

She shuts the door in his face, I will deal with

this tomorrow.

I enter my room and take off my jacket, I roll up

my sleeves than pour myself a glass of whiskey.

I sit down.

The door opens.

Me: Yanela I am tired I want to sleep

Yanela: Sleep haibo

She takes the glass from me and drinks the

whole thing and stick her tongue out.

Yanela: Okay this is not as good as you guys

make it

I chuckle.

She turns around and I help her pull the zip

down.

Yanela
We have been patient enough and I love and
appreciate him, for being patient and
understanding. But now daddy needs to claim
his price.

He pulls my dress down and squeeze my. He

helps me sit down on his lap, we kiss.

His hand slowly trails down my stomach, I put

my legs over his. He smiles and gently rubs my
clit in circular motion, he stops and places me
on the bed.

He gets up and takes off his clothes.. He pulls

me to the edge of the bed and lifts my legs up,
he goes down on his knees and flickers his
tongue on my clit.
Me: Mmmm

His finger goes in, I gasp.

He moves them up and down, an earth

shattering unexplainable feeling rushes through
my body. He picks up his pace, he body arches.

He stops.

Me: Ntokozo

Ntokozo: Mami

I look at him and he is stroking his monster, he

taps it against against my clit than slides down
and slowly thrust in.
I wince.

Ntokozo: Relax your body, I am not going to

hurt you

I breathe out.

He brushes it around my entrance and tries

again.

Ntokozo: Look at me

I do.

He slowly pushes in and stops.

Me: No don't stop

He thrust in and I allow myself to adjust to his

size. I pinch my lips together, he rubs my clit.

Ntokozo: Fuck

Me: Oh God

Ntokozo: Should I move

Me: Yes please

Ntokozo: I love you

Me: I love you too

Ntokozo: Fuck

He has been depriving me of something that

feels so good. He lays on top of me, I wrap my
arms around his neck.

Me: Aaah baby

[YANELA]

83

Yanela
We didn't sleep at all, my body feels good and
different. I am a woman now, and by the way we
were doing it. He waited and his wait was worth
it, I hope so.

Ntokozo: Yanela sleep

Me: I don't want to sleep

I snuck my hand inside the covers and grab his

d*ck, I see him swallow.

He turns his head around and sucks on my

nipple.

Me: See

You know how babies suck on breast, that's

what he was doing but in a cute charming way.
I get on top of him, he pushes me down a little
bit and slowly insert his shaft in.

I gasp.

Ntokozo: Dammit

Lindiwe
Kele's family was not so welcoming, his mother.
I could feel her stink eye cutting deep through
my skin.

We were in an ancestral room, the was a

sangoma was called. I am not sure this is good
for my baby, but his family looks okay with it.
Which is something I barely expected them to
be in sink with.

Him: Ya ya ngiyanizwa (I hear you)

Ms Sibisi: Please tell us its not our

granddaughter, what

Him: Cha gogo ingane eyalayikhaya impela,

nawa amadlozi ayiletha phambili (No the child
is a Sibisi, the ancestors have acknowledged
him)

My heart skips a beat.

Him: Kepha kuningi okubi okusekele ingane

nomawayo (Although there is a lot of darkness
that surrounds the mother and child)
Kele: Sengenze njan makhosi (What can we do)

He looks at me.

Him: Bazoyivikela ingane kodwa mele uxolise,

kunomphefumulo onolaka kabi ohambe
kungesona iskhathi sakhe (They going to
protect the child, but you must seek forgiveness.
There is a soul roaming around that's very angry)

Me: What

Him: Kune nsizwa futh la engiyibonayo

lomphefumulo usebenza ngayo ukuze
azolimaza wena (I also see a man here, this
soul is using him to push its agenda)
This is not happening right now.

Him: Inhliziyo yakhe ibuhlungu ayisoze

yamukela ukulahlekelwa uwena, kanti ke.
Akuvamisile neze ngempela ukuth ngibone
idlozi elimhlophe (His heart is broke, it won't
ever accept loosing you and it's highly unlikely
that I am visited by white ancestors)

They should have killed me the minute they had

a chance to do it.

Yanela
I was still on top of him and his thrusts set my
soul on fire, I lean off his shoulder as he pounds
hard.
Me: Aaah.. aaah oh baby

He spanks my ass and increase his pace.

He holds me still.

Me: Ntokozo

Ntokozo: Mami

He spanks my ass again and shakes my ass.

He stops moving than, I lift my ass up and

bounce up and down. I place my hands on his
chest and increase my pace, I never knew this
would take my breath away.
Lindiwe
I was now in some corner seated like a Makoti,
his mom comes and stands over me. She is one
of those rich mean housewives.

Ms Sibisi: I know woman like you, husband left

you high and dry and now you chasing after
little boys trying to trap them

Me: Are you calling me a gold digger

Ms Sibisi: Your words not mine

Me: You know what it takes one to know one,

listen here. I got a rich son ne, one phone call.
One phone call, your head will roll
Ms Sibisi: You threatening me

Me: Back of grandma

She chuckles.

I walk away from her, he is the one who killed

Mpume why isn't she haunting Rasheeda and
them. Seems like the drama in this family will
never end.

Kele: Lindiwe

He calls for me, I turn around and head over to

him sulking.
Kele: Bamenzani manje umawengan yami, okay
my baby don't cry

I can't even enjoy this pregnancy.

Yanela
My mind was running wild, I have never
experienced such pleasure. I am going to take
advantage of this while we still in this room,
because once we out we will be busy.

He taps his d*ck on my clit and insert it back in,

my body melts away. He takes it out and pulls
me further down the edge and insert back in.

He spreads my leg apart and fucks me.

Me: Aaah! aaa

I wet my fingers and rub my clit.

I increase my pace and he does as well.

Me: Aaa Ntokozo

Ntokozo: Fuck Mami you so good

[YANELA]

84

Lindiwe
The Sibisi were in preparation for my ritual. I
was happy and angry at the same time, I will not
speak to Shareef about this. in fact I am going
to stay here with Sihawukele till the ceremonies
is over.

Kele: Lindiwe

Me: Hey

He kisses my cheek.

Kele: What are you thinking about

Me: Well I also need to perform a ritual myself, I

don't know if we buried her or not. I have to go
fetch her from the school gates

Kele: What is superman son saying

Me: I don't know, I am not able to reach him

Kele: Yanela

Me: I am not able to reach her to

He looks at me pouting.

Me: Chile

I almost say something but smile and laugh.

Me: How are things going

Kele: This weekend things should be over, we

can't be intimate and are you going to leave

Me: I will stay here, I don't want Shareef to see

me and he can just bust down in her

Kele: He will leave us with no choice but to take

him out, calculated and smart as he is

Me: I hate him

But I love him also, what was I thinking.

I look Sihawukele, I am happy he made me

pregnant. He smiles, I think after giving birth I
will know what to do.

Yanela
One thing about Phiri and Zoleka they will never
show us they arguing, even though they are
fighting they cuddled up like two peas in a pot.

Me: Foods ready

Ntokozo and I are taking a break I don't know

where he went, but he said he is running away
from me. Whatever the hell that means, he
needs to come back though.

My phone rings.

Me: Mawengane yakhe

Mom: Shut up
I laugh.

Mom: Where is Ntokozo, I been trying to get a

hold of him

Me: He went out, but you can talk to me

Mom: No you might go and tell your daddy,

anyways tell him its really important we need to
talk

Me: Okay mom I love you

Mom: I love you to baby

"I love you to"

Mom: I love you to babakhe

I hang up love, is that even love what they have.

Me: I am glad you guys are enjoying it

I say joining them on the table.

Snakho: Congratulations miss CEO

Me: Oh my God

I even forgot Ntokozo gifted me with my own

company.
Me: Oh wow

Zuko: We expect our money girl

We laugh.

Charmaine: Who knows maybe you can hire us

Zuko: Bad bad decision

They laugh.

Zuko: I wouldn't hire you, your messy and you

need to pick which side your on

She looks at Snakho, he grabs a sausage and

shoves it in his mouth.

Zuko: Pick a side, pick a side bitch

We laugh.

Zuko has no chill.

Ntokozo
Aniza: Okay we have 50 shotgun, 50 rifles and
another 50 pistols

Me: I don't understand this shipment

Aniza: Neither do I but its money

Me: Talk I am busy

She keeps quiet.

Me: Lindiwe I am busy what do you want

Lindiwe: Its really important we talk

Me: Lindiwe

Lindiwe: I need to know where is mpume's body

and I must give her a proper funeral. The
sangoma said she is adding fuel to the fire,
shareef won't stop

Me: You believe in that

Lindiwe: It makes sense he said it wasn't time
for her to go

Me: Than you need to speak to Shareef

Lindiwe: Ntokozo please

Me: I will see what I can do

Aniza: Everything good

Me: Just another normal day cleaning your

mother's mess, hold this off until you get
confirmation. I will go fetch my money
My phone rings.

Me: Makoti

Yanela: When are you coming back

I get in my car.

Me: Ngisabusy Sthandwa sam, I can pick you up

and we can be together

Yanela: Would you want me to

Me: Of course, although I am going to hide you

because I do dangerous things. But I really can't
be at home right now
I hear the door closing and running.

I chuckle.

Me: Okay I am on my way

Lindiwe
Mr Sibisi: Phuza la

Me: What is this

Ms Sibisi: Just drink it and stop asking stupid

questions

Kele: Mom you don't have to be so mean

Mr Sibisi: Ngizonishaya nobabili (I will smack
the both of you)

They become quiet as a mule, he takes a sip

and hands it to me. I take the calabash, its not
traditional beer. I hope it won't affect me in any
kind of way.

I take a sip and hand it back to him, he smiles

than walks away.

Me: What was that

He smiles as well.

Ms Sibisi: Next time you are asked to do

something just do it

"Samke"

Samke: Baba

He is clearly a tyrant this man, they all scared of

him and respect him so much.

Me: Your dad is something else

Kele: Aw if he has to smack us, he will smack

us. He won't hit mom she is his world, but us
me in particular my jaw is starting to pain
because of his hand

I laugh.
Kele: Don't love baby

I take his hand and place it on my belly.

Me: Well soon you going to have a little you and

you can hit him or her all the time

Kele: You would just smack me in the face if I

ever were to do that

We laugh.

Yanela
He parked somewhere and I couldn't wait to
ride it.
Ntokozo: You didn't really miss me you missed
the d

I laugh.

Me: I missed you

His phone rings.

Ntokozo: Yeah okay, no I will take care of it cool

He looks at me.

Ntokozo: You are a distraction because I never

want to do anything when I am with you
Me: take me home, I have to be one with my
books anyway so that I can run the company
my man bought me

He smiles.

Me: I know nothing about running a company

Ntokozo: Sometimes getting someone to run a

business for you can get messy. Take your time

Me: What does mom want

Ntokozo: Wee
We laugh.

He tells everything, I don't need to ask. His

mother told me to keep shut and just enjoy our
relationship.

Ntokozo: You know what now that you

mentioned it, I have to see her seeing as you
spiritually inclined. Nobody stresses me like
your mother

Me: Can I ask you something, does mom

resemble your mother

Ntokozo: I don't know if its dejavu or what. I

guess I have this soft spot for her and my dad
lived for mom, so I also want to be that man
He is that man and more.

Ntokozo: Okay

He pulls his pants down, I get on top of him. I

lift my ass up and he guides it in carefully, I
buried my head on his shoulder.

Me: Mmm

Ntokozo: I love you

I start moving.
[YANELA]

85
Ntokozo
I knock on their door and let myself in.

I take off my shoes and climb on the bed, you

can tell she is exhausted and they haven't
spoken about this.

My friend was wrong for hiding this. I guess he

got to caught up with too much happiness and
excitement, that he forgot to say he had a
partner.

Me: How are you feeling

Zo: I will be fine

Me: I don't know what to say mama, everyone
has choices. But I would hate to lose you, I hope
you guys can fix it

Zoleka is feisty okay and she is not afraid. I

think Phiri lost it here, I am afraid of the person
he might turn to if she leaves him.

Zo: Can you give us a moment

Me: Of course, oh and remember even if you

leave we going to find you and bring you back
home. just throwing it out there

I take my shoes and leave.

My phone rings.
Me: Sho, okay ta.. Yanela

Yanela: Ay why you calling my name like that

I watch her from the stairs setting up the table.

Snakho: Yeah no I will call you later

He chuckles.

Snakho: Bye

Yanela: You know cheating is never the answer

I laugh.
Snakho: Oh and your man doesn't cheat

Yanela: Hmm lets see, there's Shee ma, Mimi.

My dad, Aniza where in the world does he have
time to cheat, oh and one phone call from the
underground gang

She evil laughs.

He chuckles.

I am not the old Ntokozo, I just hadn't found the

right one.

Phiri
She gets off the bed and heads to the Vanity.
Me: Baby I am sorry

Zo: How long have you been with her

Me: She was here before you, I never thought it

would get serious

Zo: My situation made you love her more

Me: Zo

Zo: You kept quiet when she was running her

mouth. She spends nights at your house, the
same house I also sleep in
I get up.

Zo: If you and I are on that level, than your hoes

whatever should know who I am.

Me: Please don't mention it, don't bring it up.

Don't compare the two, it's not because of that

Zo: You not about to do that to me, you need to

choose and I am fine with just being by myself

She gets up and heads to bathroom.

Me: Fuck

The door opens.

Thuso: Listen you can not loose her okay

Zuko: I agree, so honey you better work it out.

time for playing games is over, we old now and
it doesn't matter if we meet new people. at the
end of the day these girls are holding us down,
and we mess up with one captain. The ship
sinks down, in her case she will electrocute the
shit out of us

They laugh.

Lindiwe
I don't do much in this house except sit and
look pretty.
Kele pops in here and there just to check on me,
while his mother doesn't miss the opportunity
to show me how much she despises me. Lady
has anger issues she should be happy I am
giving her a grandchild.

Mr Sibisi: You know thinking to much leads to

heart attacks

Me: Maybe you joining me now will lead to my

heart attack

He chuckles.

Mr Sibisi: that is my son, that is my son and I

love him to death. I would hate for anything to
happen to him, he is very happy the happiest I
have seen him
Me: Mm

Mr Sibisi: Are you happy with my son

I look at him.

Mr Sibisi: Okay don't answer that question. I see

you and him there is a lot of undeniable
chemistry there, I can only hope its real

Kele: Please I know yall disowned me but

please stop troubling her, if you want me to
leave say so and I will go

Mr Sibisi: You have a good day

He gets up, Kele steps back.

I laugh.

Yanela
Zoleka and I are out for lunch, I want to take her
mind off things.

Me: Girl

Zo: I won't relapse if that's what everyone is

worried about

Me: You done so good for yourself and this

might break you. He has been beside you
through it all
Zo: I get that but I am strong and I can handle it

Its good she's still attending therapy otherwise

ay Phiri would be dead.

Me: I am craving for some wings

Zo: Hee now that you tasted the d, you already

pregnant

We laugh.

Me: Girl I ain't pregnant and he can have as

many babies as he wants to. Man has done
more than I ever did for him, if I am pregnant
than hello njomane junior
We laugh.
[YANELA]

86

Ntokozo
I wanted to, I don't know get a better
understanding and try to make sure things
between Zo and Phiri don't escalate.

Me: So you decided on what you going to do

Phiri: I am not going to choose

I knew it.
Phiri: I love them both and it wouldn't be fair on
me to hurt either of them

Me: Phiri

Phiri: Just like you said, if she leaves I will find

her and bring her back home

I laugh.

Me: Poor Zo

Xolie: Ntokozo

She sits down next to me, I look at Phiri.

Xolie: I am surprised you called

I don't want to be a part of this, so I excuse

myself. Yanela is going to kill me.

Yo this boy must be wanting Zoleka to kill him.

Yanela
I came to visit dad, Mr Shareef Siphamandla
Smith. But to my surprise there is someone
here, making him smile from ear to ear.

Me: This looks cozy

Dad: Pumpkin
Me: Who are you

Her: I

Dad: She is not important

She looks at him.

He laughs.

At least he is not obsessing over mom.

Dad: Don't you know the man always introduces

first why uphapha

My phone rings.
Me: Njomane

Ntokozo: Wee sengikunike yonke imali

I chuckle.

Me: I am at dad's house

Ntokozo: Okay I am out with Phiri, we will fetch

Zo and you

Me: Okay I will text you

Ntokozo: Ngiyakuncanywa yezwa

Me: I love you more

I hang up and call my brother.

Aniza: Smith

Me: Where you at

Dad gets up.

Me: Listen stop what you doing

Dad: Yanela

I run away.
Aniza: I am on my way

I laugh.

Ntokozo
Me: You two done I would like to go home. Phiri,
Phiri be a man

He looks at me.

Me: I am not getting in trouble with Yanela

Phiri: I will meet you at home

He gets up and leaves.

Me: Wow

I sigh.

We head to my car and get in..

Me: This bitch, God I am going to kill him

Xolie: Its surprising how you guys choose young

girls over us

Me: Mami angisiye umngani wakho,

ungangiphapheli

I chuckle.
My phone rings.

Me: Baby

Yanela: you won't beli-

She laughs, I look at her.

Yanela: What is that

Me: Its nothing

Yanela: Ntokozo Mhlongo

Me: Ok fine, Phiri got me picking up his stupid

girlfriend. I can't pick you up because he will
pick you up, and then we meet at home

Yanela: There's a girl sitting in your car

Me: Yes

Yanela: You trying me right now, he is trying me.

Okay okay, I will see you at home

The call drops.

Xolie: Mm kids

She laughs.

Lindiwe
Me: Makhosi is there a way where I can do this
without letting my family know

Makhosi: Ay sisi mase ungikhulumela isingisi

esingaka (I don't understand what you just said)

Me: Thokoza mkhulu, ngithi mina hlazimpe

ayikho yini enye indlela yokwenza lento
ngaphandle koktshela umndeni wami

Makhosi: Cha mntanam kepha ungakhuluma

naye anduba niyomlanda (No, but you can
communicate with her before you fetch her
spirit)

I sigh.
Makhosi: Sondela ke

Me: Forgive us I ain't comfortable with this, we

never done stuff like this

Kele: After this we done baby

I sigh.

Ms Sibisi: In this family we do rituals so suck it

up and deal with it

Me: Oh get a some cucumber and look at the

moon

They chuckle, she looks at them.

I am tired of this woman, she is exhausting. I
don't know what is wrong with her, I am not
even after Sihawukele's money or their empire.

I don't trust this sangoma whatever if he leaves

his animals and stuff on me.

He chuckles.

Yanela
Shareef is sort of moving on, but you don't
know with dad this might be another plot of his
to hurt mom.

Aniza: so this thing of yours serious

Dad: We shall see where it goes

Aniza: Oh well congratulations, Ntokozo coming

Me: No Phiri is

Her: Are they always like this

Dad: They never needed me

Me: That's not true, you want to run away all the
time

My phone chimes.

Me: Hmm it's mom, she says she wishes to talk

to the whole family

Dad: I don't wish to see your mother

I text her back.

Me: she says it really important

I call her.

Mom: What is he saying

Me: What is the meeting about, he is not

budging

Mom: Yanela please talk to him its really urgent

Me: Is it about Forgive us

Mom: Yanela

Me: Okay

She hangs up.

Ntokozo will do the convincing, the perfect and

amazing son in law.
[YANELA]

88

Phiri
I have no choice but to respect Zoleka, we
made a baby can it get better than that.

Xolie: So where does this leave us

I sigh.

As much as I love her, Zoleka is the one. I was

going to beg her for Xolie but now there is a
baby involved and I am not taking any chances.

Me: I am sorry but I have to end things with you

I am breaking her heart and the universe has a

way of getting back at the one's who do wrong,
and hurt others.
Xolie: Phiri you going to let a child tell you what
to do

Me: She's not a child and I don't appreciate your

insinuation, and if that's the attitude you going
to have than it's best we separate.

She chuckles.

Me: Its her word or I am dead, please try to

understand I didn't know things were going to
turn out like this. It's crazy but exciting at the
same time, she is pregnant with my baby. The
car is her to take you wherever you want to go, I
am sorry really

She grabs her things and walk out slamming

the door.
Ntokozo: Girl this ain't his house, you made the
right decision

Me: Did I

Ntokozo: Yes and Zo is crazy, she will kill you

Me: I know

We laugh.

Ntokozo: You were seriously being ridiculous

Me: I was in love

Ntokozo: hee

He laughs.

Me: I am going to be a father

Ntokozo: Cheers to that

I smile.

Yanela
Here she is mentioning pregnancy to me kanti
the bitch herself is pregnant wow. I hope this
baby brings a lot of happiness and joy into their
hearts.
Ntokozo comes back.

Ntokozo: Do you also want a baby

Me: Yes but like it will come when it wants to

come

I pick up my brush and dust my face.

Ntokozo: Where you going

Me: Just looking pretty

Ntokozo: Really

He slowly lifts of my dress.

Me: Yes

He spanks my ass and rips of my panty, he

pulls up the dress and squeeze my breast. He
takes it off than stands back licking his lower,
he spanks my ass again.

Me: Oo

He bends me down and goes down on his

knees.

Me: Aaah

He puts his middle finger in and fingers me

vigorously.
Me: Ntokozo

He flickers his tongue on my clit.

Me: Oh fuck! Yes baby

He stops and gets up.

He bends me down again and separates my

butt cheeks. He pushes it in groaning, I hold on
to his thigh as he goes in.

He grabs my waist and fucks me hard.

Me: (moaning) Njomane

Phiri
We came to the hospital and indeed she is
pregnant. this is the best news I have heard, me
a whole father amazing.

Dr: Everything is looking good, you just need to

take care of yourself eat healthy and come see
after 3 weeks

Zo: Thank you

We leave.

Me: Do you want to go somewhere, we hungry

perhaps
Zo: Did you fix your situation

Me: Okay Zo I am sorry, it won't happen again

She laughs.

Me: I chose you hawu isn't that enough

Zo: Wow Felicia

I laugh.

My phone rings.

Me: Hello
Aniza: Ntokozo kanti uphi

Me: Yewena sfebe

Aniza: What

Me: I am pregnant

Aniza: I am pregnant, haibo Zo le

Zo: Yes Aniza I am pregnant

He gasps and whistle.

Aniza: Haibo
Me: I will get her some things drop her off and
come to you okay bye

She laughs.

Me: I know him and he is not about to nickname

my baby

We laugh.

Yanela
He picks me up and pins me against the wall,
he balance me very steady. He wet his finger
and rubs his dick and goes back in.

We kiss.
He starts moving giving me slow deep strokes.

Me: Aaah

His phone rings.

He thrust harder.

Ntokozo: I probably didn't tell them not to

disturb me

He pounds harder and sounds of our bodies

slapping together turns me on even more.

My body jerks off.

He goes and lays me on the bed, his d springs
out with all my cum all over it, my body shivers.

Ntokozo: Hello, okay I will be there. I said I will

be there

He drops the call and stands against the bed.

Ntokozo: Things are not looking good and I

need to go, come here

He takes my hand and turns me around bending

me.

Ntokozo: but I am not finished

He spanks my ass and goes in.

[YANELA]

Season finale

89

Ntokozo
Me: These are wrong, these are all fucking
wrong

I flip the table in frustration, someone very

smart is trying to sabotage me and he or she is
getting on my nerves.

Me: get out

Aniza: Bro

Me: I said get out

I make a phone call.

Me: I need to see you where are you, I will have

one of my guys pick you up. I don't care

I hung up.

Me: Why are you still here

Aniza: because you need me, listen open shop

you run it while she is still finishing her degree
Me: The company is not meant to be used as a
front

Aniza: Its what collecting dust how much more

money are you going to take out of your pocket.
You will be broke and those mafia's will come
for your life

I sit down.

Aniza: You smart you run three successful

businesses, this you can handle. come on ntk,
come on

This is the last thing I need, using Nela logistics

as a front. Yanela is not going to appreciate this.
Me: Fine

I sigh.

Yanela
Between exams and everything else I am super
exhausted.

Ntokozo has given me some space, he is

impossible nowadays. The sex is rough but
good rough, I let him take out his frustration
and it helps me to focus.

Khize: Mama ungalali phela ufuna kuthiwa

ngenze ukuth

I chuckle.
Me: I am tired shame

I yawn.

My phone rings.

Me: Hey

Ntokozo: Mami

Me: Mm

Ntokozo: Ngathi awukho kahle yenzani leyo

mfene
Khize: Yabona (See)

Me: I am tired thats all

Suddenly a stone from nowhere bust through

the glass door, I scream.

Khize gets up with a gun already in his hand, he

grabs me.

Khize: Ungasuki eduze kwami

We head out him inspecting and pointing his

gun.

"What's going on"

Me: They threw a brick inside, I don't know

Phiri: Come back let him go check

He picks up the blocks, it has a letter.

Me: What does it say

Phiri: You

Me: Me

Phiri: No the letter u

Me: U
His phone rings.

Phiri: Yeah, no I am here. Its a brick with a letter

u, I know sharp

That scared me.

Shareef
I grab the tray and the doors bell rings.

I sigh and attend to the door.

Me: Are you fucking kidding me

Miles: Our hands are tied

I walk away from them, what are they even
doing here.

Mazwi: Oh dad the delivery guy delivered this

I take out the envelope, its three cards with

letters.

Me: F. O. R. P what the fuck

Miles: Mm secret admirer

What the fuck does this mean.

Lindiwe
I feel like a huge weight has been lifted of my
shoulders, I am fully staying with Kele now, he
is my rock and I love him to death.

Mr Sibisi joins us.

Him: For you

Me: Mee, ncooh yall love me already

They look at me, I laugh.

I open the box.

Me: Did you buy me a watch, I love watches

I look at what's inside and is shocked.

Me: Okay very distinct and interesting gift

Kele: M who the fuck is M

Me: I

I sigh.

Me: Must be shareef and his shenanigans

What is wrong with this man.

Mr Sibisi: M who is M
Me: Beats me, let me call Ntokozo

He will definitely shout at me for abandoning

him.

Ntokozo: Lindiwe

Me: You still can't be mad at me

Ntokozo: Lindiwe

Me: Okay I just received a package with a letter

m but its made out of glass

Ntokozo: What
Me: I think Shareef is back to his way

"You got E"

Ntokozo: What the fuck

Aniza: Hey ma

Me: Hey my baby

Ntokozo: Listen tell forgive us to bring you

home

Me: Is everything okay

Ntokozo: No ma not everything is fucking okay

call your father, I am serious njalo

Me: Okay

He hangs up.

Kele: Ah we should have killed him

Me: This time we will

They look at me.

Ntokozo
Everyone was here now, they fucking broke my
window it's getting fixed though.
Shareef: I don't have time for stupid games

He is here with another woman, she is fire okay

go Psycho.

Me: We got these Stupid letters and we don't

even know what they mean

Yanela: Hold on

She tries to piece the letters together.

Yanela: Guys

Me: For Mpume

Shareef: What

After that my house explodes...

[YANELA]

90

Miles Smith
Her: It was a pleasure doing business with you

She puts on her glasses and leaves.

Mazwi walks in.

Mazwi: Well its done

I pour him a shot and drink up.

Mazwi: You sure they dead

Me: Those were three powerful explosions so I

made sure

Mazwi: Who did we meant to kill

Me: Anyone who had a hand in mom's death.

and this lady killing the mother of her sons child

Mazwi: Mamncane

Me: She didn't like us so, sorry not sorry. She

also pushed mom down the stairs
We had to do it like that because individually
they smart and baddass, together they had no
time to take precautions.

Mazwi: I see

Me: Let's go

I finish my drink and grab my bags, Mazwi

opens the door a gun goes off.

Me: Mazwi

I look up.
Aniza: Any last words

Me: Take your best shot

A gun goes of, sending me to the floor.

Aniza
Before he collapse to the floor, I catch him.

Me: Its okay, I got you

Zoleka and I and the rest of the team didn't get

hurt. Ntokozo must have followed me, injured
and all. His face dripping blood, I need to take
him to the hospital.
Ntokozo: Yanela, don't leave me girl

I let my tears fall.

It's a mess.

Mom and Yanela are fighting for their lives. Dad

is okay and his woman I don't really know, Phiri
is okay I think so. I really don't know, the time
the explosion happened we saw the flames, by
the time I got there everything was rubble.

Its a safe community so the ambulance and

police got there fast.

I am beside myself.
Sihawukele
"Sihawukele"

Mom: Kele

Me: Mom

Mom: Oh my baby are you okay, what happened

What is she doing here, I hadn't called any of my

family members.

Mom: I am at the hospital, our son is hurt the

tracking company called me. Yes rush to the
hospital now
Tracking company.

I sigh.

When the explosion went off, it blasted the

entire neighborhood. My car flew and hit a tree,
it's by God's grace I am alive and I got away
with a fractured arm. My car had to be cut in
half just to get me out, the community oh man.
We would have been dead.

Lindiwe and Yanela are fighting for their lives in

there.

Shareef and others join us in the waiting room.

It couldn't be him, or is it. Him and his woman
are injured, the only thing I can think about is
my baby and Lindiwe. ain't no way my baby
survived, the whole house crumbled before
them. I don't really know, who would do such a
thing.

Shareef: Its not me

Mom: What's stopping you, didn't you

kidnapped your own wife

Shareef: What would I gain hurting my own

children, my daughter is fighting for her life

He did kill his wife for having Yanela stabbed.

Lady: Its okay they going to be fine

My head is pounding.
Aniza
We arrive at the hospital, Ntokozo doesn't want
to be treated. I understand but he needs some
medical attention.

Ntokozo: Ngiyeka wena man (Leave me alone)

Nurse: Sir

Ntokozo: Awungizwa ukuth ngithi (Don't you

hear me)

They scream.

Ntokozo: My girl and mother are fighting for

their lives you go and save their lives. I can die, I
don't care but you make sure they alive okay

I take his gun and hid it behind my back.

Me: Let's go

Ntokozo: They can't die

Me: They won't die

He cries.

Ntokozo: I will die okay, I can die let me take

their place

I never seen him cry like, he is defeated and

can't walk properly.

Ntokozo: Wait, we can't tell your father we killed

his kids

Me: What

Ntokozo: He won't hesitate to kill us, he would

have killed them guaranteed. But me, he will kill
me

Me: You scared now, I don't give a fuck because

he is the cause of all this

We reach them in the waiting area.

Ntokozo: You okay

They hug.

Sande: Bro, what happened

Shit mom and the baby.

Sande: Okay don't cry, they going to be fine

Dad: Where were you, did you find the person

who did this

The doctor appears, they stand up.

Ntokozo: Doc I don't care you can take any

organ of mine and save them
Dr: Uhm

Ntokozo: Doc no please

Phiri: Ehlisa umoya (calm down)

Dr: We managed to stabilize them, the young

lady lost a lot of blood but she is stable

Me: Mom and the baby

Dr: One child didn't make it

Me: What she was carrying twins

Dr: triplets

Me: What, but hee

Dr: We also don't know how we missed it, but as

she got to her second trimester some babies
were not going to survive, we lucky the two are
healthy and okay

Ntokozo: They not dying

Dr: It was touch and go, but they will be fine, I

wish to see yall back

She walks away.

Sihawukele
Aniza: Triplets

They laugh.

How did the scan not pick up the other babies.

I chuckle.

Dads phone rings.

He gets up and answers it.

He comes back looking angry.

Dad: What did you do

Mom: What

Dad: What did you do

He strangles her.

Sande: Dad

He let's go of her vigorously, she falls down.

Dad: Don't touch her

He pulls out his gun.

Dad: What did you do, you wanted to kill his

babies our grandchildren
I sigh.

Dad: I warned you didn't I, were you a part of

this

Samke: No

Dad: What is wrong with you all the time you do

this, why why

Mom wow she must not like me

Aniza: You the woman who left my brother's

house. You conspired with my brother's to kill
all of us
Dad: Sihawukele kwenzelen

Me: The house exploded more like an earth

shattering explosion

Mom: I only gave them

He doesn't let finish the sentence, he blows her

head.

Dad: Nxi fucking bitch

His phone rings.

Dad: You idiots all of you are dead, come

fucking clean this mess up
Sande: Dad

Dad: Nyad wani masimbakho voetsek. Samke

Samke: Dad I swear I didn't anything

Dad: I will deal with you at home

Me: Dad

Dad: I know

He is the only one I know with those kinds of

explosives and he sells them to bad guys. Mom
almost wiped everyone and everything out,
Samke knows how to make the blow less
effective.

Oh God.
[YANELA]

Finale

91

A few months later

Lindiwe
He tickles their bellies and they make those
baby sounds.
I gave birth to twin boys, I never imagined I
could still get pregnant and have so much
babies. My little munchkins they look like their
daddy an undeniable spitting image of him.

Our relationship is beyond amazing, he is an

amazing father to our boys and...

Mr Sibisi: Mam Sibisi

An amazing husband, yes we tied the knot. I

didn't need any convincing, once I held my boys
I knew I wanted to be with Kele for the rest of
my life.

Mr Sibisi: No sit down Makoti

They don't let me touch anything, or do anything

Kele: Dad I been doing this for months

Mr Sibisi: You doing it wrong right, you always

doing it wrong

And they always fight on who changes the boys.

I think he never got a chance to raise his kids,
so he is taking advantage of every moment of
this.

My life is good and I am enjoying every single

minute of it.

Yanela
It has been a long tough journey, when things
seemed to be looking good. it goes on a down
hill. I was able to make it, Ntokozo and I are still
going good and he is so ecstatic. that is the
exciting part of my life.

The sad part is I can't bare children or carrying

them to full term, in between getting stabbed
and the whole house collapsing on us. I got
affected, there is scaring in my uterus.

I experienced two miscarriages so far. The

hardest thing a woman has to go through,
Ntokozo has been so supportive and very
understanding. If we meant to have kids we will
have kids.

He has done so much for me that I feel like I am

failure everyday, but he assures me everyday I
am every and all the woman he needs in his life.
The family have been supportive and loving
towards me, Thuso is finally going to be a dad.
Snakho and Charmaine broke up, ay that one
became weird all over again and Snakho had
enough of her.

I have been going through the most but I am

taking it easy and slow day by day.

Melody: Here

I look up, she got chocolate in her hand.

Me: Who is pregnant here

Melody: I hate seeing you like this

Me: Hey I am fine, there is a lot to look forward
to. The company and graduation

I smile.

Ntokozo
There's been ups and downs, but mostly ups. I
love and appreciate where I am at in life right
now, my businesses are going great and I am a
happy happy happy man.

Aniza: That smile better not be about another

bitch

Me: Wola sfebe

Aniza: Wola mpintshi

Me: You worry a lot, your sister on the other

hand is suffering, suffering

I love Yanela with all that I am and I wouldn't

change it for the world.

Me: Her eggs work we can go through

surrogacy, ivf again. but I don't need no baby
talk around us

Aniza: It won't be the same, everyone around

her is pregnant and expecting or has baby

Me: I know and I am there for her

Aniza: You look like a true businessman

Me: And leaving soon as

Aniza: Thank you man for everything

I smile.

Phiri
We hours away from seeing our baby girl. I am
so happy that day she wasn't around and her
and my were saved, now she about to give me
the greatest gift of all. My little princess, that
was made with love.

I got over my ex very quickly and focused on my

woman. Our relationship is blossoming and
tighter than before, I love her to death and I will
stay loving her. She is my world and more.

Zo: Aw

She screams.

Me: Is it time

Zo: Phiri

Me: Okay okay

I open my door.

Me: Okay everyone we are giving birth

Zo: Phiri

I hung the baby bag over me and help her.

Zo: I hate you

Me: I hate me too, don't cry you can do this

She screams.

Thuso: Okay sesikhona ungakhali

Zo: Stop

Me: Baby we got to get to the hospital

Zo: I don't think I can make it Phiri something is
wrong

Me: What

Thuso: Stick your fingers in

Me: What

Them: Phiri

Me: Okay

I drop the bag and lift her dress up.

Me: Fuck!

He puts his fingers in also, I look at him.

Thuso: You got to deliver the baby now, her

head is out

She screams.

Thuso: Okay baby we going to take the baby out,

Phiri

I faint.

Yanela
He fainted not even before he can see the head
coming out of the vagina.

Thuso delivered our little princess, we were now

at the hospital. I am so happy for my best friend,
she is now a mother.

Ntokozo: Wee wenza ingane ujike uyaquleka

(busy making babies and you faint)

We laugh.

Ntokozo: Congratulations boy

They handshake and hug.

He comes over to me.

He kisses my shoulder I lean on him.

Ntokozo: Can we go, they will be fine

Me: Okay, Phiri congratulations

Phiri: Thank you mami

He gets up and hugs me.

Me: Where we going

Ntokozo: To paradise

Me: Paradise
Ntokozo: Yes I am going to fuck you and no one
and I mean no one will disturb us

I smile.

***********THE END************