Iadmi

t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
ntr
oduct
ion
~Nomandl
a~
"haveyoueverhear
dofsomethi
ngcal
led
Condom?"thatwasthef
uri
ousMrsLawson
seni
ort
hemot herofmyfor
merboss
Me:Yesma'am Ihavebutt
her
ewasn'
tany
condomsatthatti
me
Her
:Soy
oudon'
tknowhowt
odayno?
Me:Hedidn'
tl
etmespeakev
ery
thi
nghappened
sof
as..
..
Her
:Ory
ouwant
edt
ohav
ear
ichman'
schi
l
d?
Me:
It'
sal
way
sawoman'
sfaul
t
MynameisNomandl
a.Iam 25y
earsol
d.Iwor
k
asadomest
icwor
keratsomewhit
ebusi
ness
man' shouse.Hei sasupermar ketown.Meand
somegi r
lnamedLondeka, shei smyagewe
wor kasdomest icwor ker
sathi shouse.Ot her
wor kersworkatt hesuper mar ket.His
super marketisar oundhisproper tyweusual l
y
sendhi m coffeeatl unchti
me.Hi swi f
eisa
teacher,shelivesi nEastLondon, shecomes
backonhol i
day s.Somostoft het imethe
husband(MrLawson)i salonei nt hehouse.
Letmet akeyout hr oughmyj ourneyofbei nga
Domest i
cwor ker.

.
~Londeka~
Mynamei sLondeka25yearsold.Iusedto
workwithNomandl aatLawson'shouse.IsayI
usedtobecauseshedoesn'twor khere
anymorebecauseofbetrayi
ngt heLawson's.
Youwill
findoutmor eaboutthatasthestory
unf
olds
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t1

.
~Nomandl
a~
Itisabeauti
fulMondaymor ni
ng.Iam l ooki
ng
forwardtostartworking.Todayi sgonnabemy
fir
stdayatwor k.Iam veryexcited.Not
ev er
yonegetsthatjob.TheLawsonsbr inggir
ls
from EastLondonwher et heyareoriginall
y
from soformet obeabl et owor ki
nt heirhouse
notatthesuper market.
,itisabigdeal .Iam
dressedupi nmyJeanski r
t,awhi t
et .
shirtand
myf latredshoest hatIboughtatj et.Icombed
myl ongaf roandt iedi tatt
heback.Wedon' t
havemuchathome.Mymom wor kasacooki n
alocal school sheget spaidR750r andsa
mont h.Ili
v ewi t
hherandmycousi nbr other
whoi s10y earsold.Bot hhispar ent sdied,So
hisR900f ost ergrantdoeshel pal ot.From itwe
saveR300r andsev erymont ht hat'
swhatt he
socialwor kersaskedust odo.Thi ngswi llbe
betternowt hatIwillbewor king.Iam sohappy
butnotmor et hanmymom, i
t'slikeIam goi ng
tobeadoct ororsomet hi
ng,hernamei s
Nosuki l
e
Mom: Khawuzij
ongemntwanam!Ndiyazi
ngca
ngawe!(Lookatyou!MyBabyIam soproudof
you!
):D
Me:Enkosi
mama(
thanksmom),
doIl
ook
good?:
D
Iam v
eryi
nsecur
e.Idon'
tbel
i
eveIam beaut
if
ul
butpeopl
elikecompl
ementingme,Iev
enfeel
uncomfort
ablewhentheydo.Ihav
ealowself
esteem.
Mom:
Umhl
ebaby(y
ou'
rebeaut
if
ul)
Me:
Thanks:
D
Mom: Babythi
si sali
fet
imeopport
uni
ty!Those
peoplemightl
ikeyouandhelpyoufur
theryour
educati
on.Don'tmessthi
sup:)
Mom canspeakEngl
i
shint
helat
eni
neti
esshe
wor
kedforsomewhitef
amil
yatCof
feeBay
Me:
Iwon'tmom.Iam justhappyIwi
l
lbeabl
e
t
ohelpar
oundthehouse:)
Itookmycl ut
chbagandmyli
tt
leMi
ntmobi
l
e
cellphone.I
thasnocamer
a.
Me:
Letmegomom,
Idon'
twantt
obel
ateon
myfi
rstday:
)
Shet
ookbot
hmyhands
Mom:
Baby
,youar
egoi
ngt
obewor
kingi
nthei
r
mansion.Canyoubelieveit
!Allt
hegirl
sinthi
s
vi
ll
ageworkinthatdustysupermarketnotat
t
hatbighouse!Theychosey ou!Pl
easebeneat!
Don'
tembarrassusokay?: D
Me:
Mom,
whydi
dtheychooseme?:
)
Shesmi
l
ed
Her
:Gowel
lmybaby:
)
Iwalkedoutsmili
ng.Iwi
ll
wal ktothe
supermarket
.It
'sa3km walk.Idon'
thav
etaxi
far
e

.
.
~Londeka~
Iam Londeka.Iam f
rom MdantsaneEast
London.TheLawsonsbr oughtmeheretocook
fort
hem anddoal lt
hechoresaroundthe
house.Theytrustmethat'
swhytheycamehere
withme.Mr sLawsont ol
dmet heyarebri
nging
anothergirlhere.Icandowithli
tt
lebi
tofhelp
aroundher e.Ij
usthopeshei snotfr
om here.I
am sur esheisf r
om EastLondontoo.Lawsons
don'tthinkgir
lsaroundherearegoodenought o
entertheirhome.AndIseewhyt hi
splacei
s
veryrural.
"Londy
!"saidavoi
cefr
om t
heli
vi
ngroom.I
knowwhot hati
s.I
tismybossMrsLawson
Me:
MrsLawson!:
D
Her:
Comeher
edear
!Iwanty
out
omeet
someone!
Me:
Comi
ngMr
sLawson:
)
Iwenttothel
iv
ingroom fast.Isawthi
sgirl
.
WowIhav eneverseensuchanat ur
algir
l.I
don'
tthi
nkthi
sgirli
sfrom EastLondonatall
.
Me:
MrsLawson:
D
Sheputhercupoft
eaont
hecof
feet
abl
e,she
st
oodup
MrsLawson:Dear
,meett
hegi
rlIwast
ell
i
ng
youabout
.HernameisNomandla:
D
Me:
hi:
)
Weshookhands,
MrsLawsonl
ookedat
Nomandl
a
MrsLawson:
Thisi
sLondeka,
youguy
sar
e
goi
ngtobeworki
ngtoget
her:
)
Thegi
rlwaspl
ayi
ngwi
thherhandssmi
l
ing
Nomandl
a:Okaymadam :
)
Me:
:D
MrsLawson:hihi
hiYousosweet,
Londyplease
showheraround.Iam goi
ngdowntotheshop
okay
?:D
Me:
OkayMr
sLawson:
D
Shewal
kedoutgi
ggl
i
ng.Il
ookedatt
hisgi
rl
.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Myimpr essi
onofMr sLawson, sweet!Sweet!
Sweet!Sheisav erynicewhitewomanal ways
smil
ing.ThegirlIwil
lbewor ki
ngwith?Sheisso
ful
lofhersel
f.Icouldjustseeshewasl ooki
ng
downonme.Il ookedatMr sLawsonwal ki
ng
away
Me:
:)
Il
ookedatLondeka,
shewasl
ooki
ngatme
Me:
Londeka:
Wher
eyouf
rom?:
(
Me:
From t
hisv
il
lage,
Kwaai
man:
D
Shel
ookedatmef
rom headt
otoe.Shewal
ked
away
Londeka:
Icant
ell
!Fol
l
owme:
(
Wowokay
?
Me:
uthet
haukut
hini
?
Shet
urnedar
ound
Her
:Excuseme?:
(
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeany
oucant
ell
?
Shewenttot
heki
tchen,
Ifol
l
owed.Shesaton
thehi
ghchai
r
Her
:Honey
,youar
etooy
oungt
oactl
i
keanol
d
mai
d!:
(
Me:Idon'
tunder
stand,
whyar
eyoui
nsul
ti
ng
me?:'
(
Her
:Hehehef
arm gi
rlIam noti
nsul
ti
ngy
ou,
I
am t
ell
i
ngy
ouwhatyouare!:D
Me:
:'
(
Her:
DidyouseeMrsLawson'sr
eact
ionwhen
youcal
ledher"madam "?:
D
Me:
No
Her
:Shel
aughedaty
ou:
D
Me:
Whatshoul
dIcal
lhert
hen?:
'
(
Shestoodupl
aughi
ng.Ihav
enev
erf
eltso
st
upidinmyli
fe
Londeka:
MrsLawson!That
'swhosheis!Not
madam!GoshIhavenevermetagir
lsoslow!:
(
Sher
olledherey
est
henwal
kedawayl
eav
ing
meinthekit
chen
Me:
Oh.
..
..
..Mr
sLawson:
'
(

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t2
.
.
~Londeka~
Youmustbeki ddi
ngme!Thisgirli
sst
il
l
standi
ngther
e.Iwasaskedt oshowherar
ound.
Istoppedwal
ked.Ilookedather.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
her
e!Fol
l
owme!:
(
Shewast
ear
y,shecamet
ome
Nomandl a:Londeka,pleasestoptreati
ngme
l
ikeachi l
d!Wear ebot hhelper
sher e!You
askedmet ofoll
owy ouf r
om theli
vingroom t
o
thekit
chen, youdidn'
tshowmeany thi
ngther
e,
youleftmet herestandingnowy ouaskmet o
fol
lowy ouagain?:'(
Me:Okaysorr
y!If
orgot
,let'
sgoback.Iam
sor
ryi
t'
sjustt
hatIdon'
tlikesl
owpeople:D
Ir
eal
l
yfor
gotIwant
edt
oshowhersomet
hing
i
ntheki
tchen
Me:ThisisMrLawson'
scup,wetakecof
feet
o
hi
mi nthemorni
ngandat11am.Youcan't
makehim cof
feeinanycup.Hel
ovesthi
sone
okay:)
Her
:Okay
Iwentt
othespoons
Me:Youchoosewhicheverspoonhedoesn'
t
mindbutt
hespoonshoul dbeonthetr
aynotin
t
hecupwheny ouservehim okay
?:)
Her
:Okay:
)
Iwar
medwat
er
Me:Wewil
lhav
etot
akecof
feet
ohi
minf
ew
mi
nutes:
)
Shewasnoddi
ngsmi
l
ing
Me:Wheny outakethecof
feetohi
m,make
suret
her
eisnodr opofwateri
nyourt
ray
.Hei
s
suchaneatfr
eak:)
Her
:Okay:
)
Me:
Letmegogetusapr
ons:
)
Her
:Okay:
)
Shewal
kedaway
.

.
.
~Mr
sLawson~
Me:Heyhoney,
thegi
rly
ouaskedmet
ohi
re
hasar
ri
ved:D
hewasbusyonhi
scomput
er.Hest
oodup.He
cametome
Hi
m:That'
sgreat
,Iam sur
eLondekai
shappy.I
meanourhousei
stoobigtohaveonehel
per:)
Me:
Iknowhoney:
)
Iki
ssedhi
m
Me:
Letmegohel
pcust
omer
sdownst
air
s:)
Hi
m:Whatt
imear
eyoul
eav
ing?:
)
Me:
Thi
saf
ter
noonhoney:
)
Hi
m:Al
ri
ghtbaby:
)
Iwal
kedout.Ipumpedi
ntooneofour
empl
oyees
Me:
:D
Her
::)

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Londekacamebackwi t
haprons.Ihadmy
handsonthecount
er.Shelookedatmyhands,
I
sawthelookonherfacewasunfri
endl
y.It
ook
myhandsof ft
hecounter
Her
:Lookwhaty
ou'
vedone!Icl
eanedt
hatt
his
mor
ning:
(
Me:
Myhandsar
ecl
eant
hough?:
)
Her:Lookatyourf
inger
prints!Theyaredrown
onthecounter!Mr
sLawsonhat esthat!You
don'
ttouch!Thewall
,counter!Anythi
nginthi
s
house!Asyoucanseeev erythi
ngisshini
ng:(
Me:
Ohsor
ry:
(
Her
:Dear
,don'
tmi
ndme.Iam j
ustt
oost
ri
ct:
D
Me:
Andabadt
eacher:
(
Her
:Excuseme?:
(
Me:Mr sLawsonsaidshowmear oundnot
shoutatmef ordoi
ngthi
ngsy oudidn'
ttel
lme
nottodo!Ifyousai
dIshouldn'
ttouch,Iwasnot
gonnatouch.Iam notst
upidLondeka
communi cat
ionisi
mportant:
(
Her
:Wowsor
rygi
rl
Me:
:)
Her
:Taket
hecups,
Iwi
l
lbr
ingwat
er:
)
Me:Byt
het
imewegett
her
e,t
het
eawi
l
lbe
col
d
Her
:Theyhav
eami
crowav
eint
heof
fi
ce:
)
Me:
Okay:
)
Wetookever
ythi
ng.Ihadthecoff
ee.Shehad
bi
scui
ts.Wewenttot heSuper
market.
Londeka:
Theof
fi
cei
satt
het
opov
ert
her
e!
:)
Me:
WowOkay:
)
Wewentup.Sheknocked.Thenopenedt
he
door.
Londeka:
Goodmor
ningMrLawson:
D
Me:
Thi
smani sf
earedi
nthisvi
ll
age.Heisone
i
nti
midat
ingman.Iam r
eall
yscar
edofhim.He
i
sinhisl
ate30sorear
ly40sheisnotol
dbut
youknowhowbl ackpeopleare,wer espectand
fearpeopl
ewithmoneyev eniftheyarenotold.
Iwentin.Thi
soff
iceisverysmal l
.Therearetoo
manyboxes.Insi
de.Londekawast al
kingtothe
manIwasl ooki
ngathim notwher eIwasgoi ng.
Itri
ppedandfel
lwit
hat raythathadcof f
ee.
Londeka:
Whatt
he.
..
.?
Me:
Ouch :
'
(
Londeka:YouseeMrLawson!
?Youshoul
dn'
t
havehir
edav i
ll
agegi
rl
!Pl
easefi
reher
!
Me:Iam sosor
rysi
r,Iwi
l
lbuythegl
asses
monthendwhenIgetpai
dpleasedon'
tfi
reme!

Londeka:Whenyougetpai
d!?Thi
sisy
ourl
ast
day!Gi
rlsl
ikey
oudon'tl
asther
e!
ShelookedatMrLawsonwhowasf
umi
ngwi
th
anger
Londeka:
Suchacl
umsyf
arm gi
rl
!:(
MrLawson:
Me:
Iam sosor
ryMrLawson

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t4

.
.
~Mr
sLawson~
Ifel
tli
keIhadtogiv
eLondythattal
k.Shehas
beenworkingf
orusf ory
ear
s,sheiswor r
ied
thatwemightnotgi
veheral
ltheattent
ionwe
gaveherwhenshewasal
one.Iunderst
andthat
.
Sheistheki
ndofper
sonwhodoesn'tli
ket
o
shar
ehershine.
Me:
Honey
,youwant
edt
otal
ktome?
Hest
oppedwor
king.Hel
ookedatmet
hen
st
oodup
Hi
m: Sweet
hear
tdoy
out
hinkt
hisi
sgoi
ngt
o
wor
k?
Me:
What
?
Him:IwishYouwer ehere.Idon'tli
keitwhen
ouremployeesgetsocomf ortablearoundus.
Londekawasf i
ri
ngthatgirl:
(
Me:
No,
youar
ejoki
ngr
ight
?:D
Him: Shewasi nsult
ingherandcal
li
ngheral
l
sortofthings,
Idon'tthi
nkthatgi
rlwi
ll
be
comf ort
ableworkingwithher,
sheisbossy:
(
Me:Ital
kedt
oherbutIt
hinkIneedt
otal
kto
heragai
nsomethi
ngsyoujustt
oldmearet
oo
much:
D
Him:Pleasedo,Iam doi
ngt
hehi
ri
ngandfi
ri
ng
hereandwhenIam talki
ngmyemploy
eesdon'
t
speaktil
lIaskt
hem to:(
Me:
Iapol
ogi
sef
orherbaby:
)
Hi
m:Pl
easet
alkt
oherEl
l
en:
(
Me:
Iwi
l
l:)
Iwalkedout.Myhusbanddon'
tli
kebeing
disr
espect
ed.Hewant st
obefeared.Hehates
whenIam tookindtopeopl
e.I
t'
swhoIam I
can'
tchangemy sel
f.Hej
ustdoesn'
tunderst
and
whereIcomef r
om.

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Londeka:
Excuseme?
Shedi
dn'
texpectmet
osayt
hat
.Shecamet
o
me
Me:Pl
easedon'
tdi
stur
bme,
Icamet
owor
k
her
eLondeka:
(
Londeka:
Nomandl
a
Il
ookedather
Me:
:(
Her
:Doy
ouknowIcoul
dgety
ouf
ir
ed?:
(
Me:
okayshecan' ttal
kaboutmel osi
ngmyj ob.I
needthisjob.Thisgirlhasbeenworki
nghere
foryearsIdon'tknowwher etheconfi
dence
comesf rom.Shemi ghtgetmefir
ed.Mom said
Ishouldn'
tmesst hisup.Ineedthosjob.Iwi
ll
fol
lowheror dersfrom nowon
Me:
Iam sor
ry.Iwantust
ogetal
ong:
'
(
Her
::)
Me: Icameheretowor k.I
fwecan'
twork
togetheratl
eastl
et'
sfocusonourjobsand
i
gnor eeachother
.Ineedthisj
obLondeka
please:'
(
Her:Iam sor
ry.Iwaswr ongforcal
li
ngyou
names,youareani ceperson.Iam j
ustnot
usedtoshari
ngt hi
splace:)
Me:Iam nother
etot
akey
ourpl
ace.Ineedt
his
j
ob
Her
:Iknow,
Ineedi
ttoo.Ahug?:
D
Me:
Hihi
hiy
es:
'
(:D
Wehugged"Il
ovet
his!"sai
dav
oicecomi
ngi
n,
Webroket
hehug
Me:
Mada.
..
.Mr
sLawson:
D
Londeka:
:D
MrsLawson:Myhusbandisworri
ed,hethi
nk
youguyscan'
tworkt
ogether
,Iam happytosee
t
haty ouki
ssedandmadeup: D
Londeka:
Iam av
erypeacef
ulper
sonmadam,
MrLawsonmustrel
ax,ri
ghtNomandl
a?:D
Me:
Yes:
)
OnethingInoti
cedaboutLondekaisthatshe
makesev er
ythi
ngabouther.Iwil
ll
ethertake
al
lthespotl
ightasl
ongIwillbegett
ingmypay
chequemont hend.
MrsLawson:Guy
spl
easeir
onmycl
othes.Iwi
l
l
l
eavewit
hthem i
n2hour
sokay?:
)
Londeka:
OkayMr
sLawson:
D
Shewal
kedout
.
Londeka:
Pl easegotothelaundryr
oom and
i
ronthosecl ot
hes,Iwil
lgogetMrLawsona
newcupf r
om t hesupermarkett
henfi
nishwhat
youaredoingnow: )
Me:
Okay:
)
Sheshowedmethelaundr
yroom.Iwenttothe
room.Somanycl
othestoi
ron.If
oundtheir
on
andironi
ngboardt
her
e.Ipl
uggedt
hei
ronand
star
tedcleani
ng

.
.
~Nosuki
l
e~
Ihopemydaught erisdoi ngwellatwork.We
needt hatjob.It
'shar dathome, beingasingle
mot herisisnoteasy .Irai
sedNomandl aallby
my self
,herfatherdi edwhenshewasv er
y
young.Thenmysi sterdiedlater
.Ihadtotakein
herson.Myj obisnotpay ingatall
.R750rands
i
snot hing.Any wayIam atwor kbusycooking
forteachers,theot herladieswerebusycooking
fortheschool kids.Isawoneoft heteachers
comi ngtous.
Teacher
:Ladi
es:
D
Us:
Hel
l
oma'
am
Shel
ookedatme
Her
:IsNomandl
adoi
ngwel
li
nhernewj
ob?:
)
Me:
Shest
art
edt
odayma'
am :
D
Her
:Ohni
ce:
D
Shet
ookt
hecar
rot
,thenwal
kedawayeat
ingi
t.
Lady
:WhatNewj
obNosuki
l
e?
Me:
Shei
swor
kingf
ort
heLawsons:
)
Her
:Aswhat
?
Me:
Shecooksandcl
eant
hei
rhouse:
)
Her
:Youl
i
e?Whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Her:
Iwanttoknowt
henameoft hesangoma
youwentt
o.Howdidyourdaught
ergetthatj
ob
Icheckedmypot
s
Me:
MrLawsonhi
redher:
)
Her
:Ihopeshei
snotsl
eepi
ngwi
thLawson?
Il
ookedather
Me:
Youdi
dn'
tsayt
hat
!:(
Her
:Thi
ngshappen.Ki
dsdobadt
hingst
oget
moneyandj
obstheseday
s:)
Me:Igotherthatj
ob!Mydaught
erwoul
dnev
er
sl
eepwiththatwhit
eman:(
Her
:Thewayy
ousosur
e!:
D
Shewal
kedaway
Me:
...
..
..
..
..
?nomydaught
erwoul
dnev
erdo:
(
Iwasmumbl
i
ngal
one

.
.
~Londeka~
Ifeel
badali
ttl
eaboutwhathappenedatMr
Lawson'
soff
ice.Ther
easonIreact
edt hatway
i
sbecauseIwasscared.Imi
ghtbet hei
rtrust
ed
employeebutwheni tcomest oMrLawsonIam
notthi
sbubbl e.Thatmanknowshowt otake
youdownf r
om yourhighhor se.Iwasscar ed
thathewasgonnashoutatus.Whenhel ooked
angryIthoughthewasgonnaf i
reher, Idi
dn't
knowhewasannoy edbymet alkingtoomuch.I
sawMr sLawsoncomi ngfrom thesuper market
.
Isawhert hroughthewi ndow.Ir antot he
l
aundryr oom.
Me:
Wowy
ouar
edoneNomandl
a?:
D
Shewassweat
ing,
itwasal
otofLaundr
yIgeti
t.
Her
:YesIam doneLondy:
)
IheardMrsLawson'sfoot
steps.Iwentnextt
o
theIr
oni
ngboard.Iputmyhandont hei
ronso
shecouldseeIwastheonei r
oning
Mr
sLawson:
Ohy
oudonel
adi
es!
?:D
Me:
YesIam doneMr
sLawson:
D
Nomandl
a:
Il
ookedatNomandl
a
Me:
:D
Mr
sLawsonl
ookedatt
hecl
othes
MrsLawson: Londy
,Ithinkthisandthatone
needt obei
ronedagain,youdidn'ti
ront hem
well,Iam l
eavi
nginthir
tymi nut
espl ease
hurr
y: )
Me:Hi
hihi
thoset
wower
eir
onedbyNomandl
a
:D
Nomandl
a::
'
(
Me:
:D
Shel
ookedatNomandl
a
MrsLawson:
Youwi
l
ldobet
ternextt
ime
okay
?:)
Nomandl
anoddedherheadyes.Mr
sLawson
wal
kedout.Nomandl
alookedatMe
Her
:Whydi
dyoul
i
e?Ii
ronedev
ery
thi
ng!:
(
Me:
:D
Nomandl
a:It
houghtwewer
ecool
?:'
(
Me:Weare!Wear
ecoolnowgobackanddo
t
hatworkyouwer
edoi
ngwhil
eIam i
roni
ng
t
hese!:
)
Nomandla:Yousai
dyou'
dfi
nishDust
ingt
he
f
urni
tur
e!:(
Me:
Iwasbusywi
thot
hert
hings:
D
Nomandl
a:Youdi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngdi
dyou?:
'
(
Me:
:D

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t5

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
It
'sbeenacoupl eofday sworki
ngfort he
Lawsons.Mywor kingrel
ati
onshi
pwi t
hLondeka
i
shotandcol d.Shei ssounpredict
able.Butwe
getalongnowt hatMr sLawsonisgone.She
can'
timpressany onenowt hatsheisgone.Mr
Lawsonishar dl
yar ound.Heisalwaysatthe
supermarketandhedoesn' tseem i
nterestedi
n
anythi
ngthathassomet hi
ngtodowi thus
maids.Hedoesn' tseem li
kehereall
ycares
aboutusasl ongwegi vehim hi
scoffeeand
cookhisdinner
Mom:
Readyf
orwor
k?:
)
Me:
..
..
..
..
Mom:
Nomandl
a!:
(
Il
ookedup
Me:
Mom?
Shel
ookedconcer
ned
Me:
Youwer
esay
ing?:
)
Mom:
Ain'
tyoul
atef
orwor
k?!
It
ookmyphone
Me:
ohGod!Iam l
ate
It
ookmybag
Mom:
Nomandl
a
Me:
Mom?
Her
:Ther
eisaladyatwor
kwhosay
syoumi
ght
besl
eepi
ngwit
hLawson
Me:
What
!?
Mom:Shesay
sthatmandon'
thi
repeopl
efr
om
her
etoworki
nhi
shome.Itol
dherIgotyou
t
hatj
ob
Me:
Shei
sjustj
eal
ousmom!
Mom:
Yesshei
s..
..
.
Me:YesbutIseey
ouhav
esomet
hingel
set
o
say
?
Shet
ookmyhand.Whatiswr ongwi
tht
his
woman.Iam l
ate,
Idon'
thav
et i
mefort
histal
k
Mom:
Comesi
t
Wesatdown
Mom: Ihopeyouwon'
tsleepwi
thyourboss
becauseIwouldbet
helaughofthi
sVil
lage
Me:
Iwoul
dnev
erdot
hatmot
her
!
Mom: Iknowbaby,Ijustdon'
twantyoutomake
suchmistakesandruinthi
ngs.Youknow
peopl
etalk
Me:Iknowmom,
don'
twor
ry.Iam l
atel
etme
got
owor k
Mom:
Takeher
e
Shegav
emeR7r
ands
Her
:Takeat
axi
baby
Me:
Thanky
oumama:
D
Shesmi led.Iwalkedout .Mom wor r
yt oomuch.
Iwouldnev ersleepwi t
hmyboss.Hedoesn' t
evenlookatus.Heshowsnoi nt
erestin
whateverwedo.Forhert ot
hinkMrLawson
wouldsleepwi thmei sjustri
dicul
ous.That
manl oveshiswi feandhei stoobusyt othi
nk
aboutsucht hings.Peopleli
kesnoopi ngint
o
otherpeople'sbusiness

.
.
~Londeka~
Nomandl
aisnother
e.Shewassupposedtobe
her
e10minut
esago.Idon'
tknowwhatis
keepingher.Iam busymakingbreakf
astforMr
Lawson.Ihav etoreporther
.Shecan'
tdot hi
s.
Wear esupposedt omakef oodtoget
her.I
heardfootstepsbehindme.Itur
nedaround
Me:
:D
I
t'
sMrLawson
Hi
m:Goodmor
ningLondeka
Me:
Mor
ningMrLawson:
D
Iwasl
ooki
ngathi
m smi
l
ing.Hel
ookedatme
Hi
m:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Het
ookwat
erf
rom t
hef
ri
dge
Me:MrLawson,
Nomandl
aisl
atef
orwor
kthat
i
snotaccept
abl
e!:
(
Hel
ookedathi
swr
istwat
ch,
het
ookabot
tl
eof
wat
er
Hi
m:15mi
nut
esl
ate?That
'
snotbad
Hewal
kedout
.
Me:
Itookoutmyphone,Icall
edMr
sLawson.Her
phonerang.Sheanswered
Her
:Londeka,
Iam i
ncl
ass.
..
.
Me:
MrsLawso.
..
.. :
D
Her
:..
..
.(t
utut
u)
Il
ookedatmyphone
Me:
MrsLawson.
..
.?
Shehunguponme."MrsLawsonNomandl
ais
l
ate"sai
davoi
cebehi
ndme.Itur
nedar
ound
Me:
:D
Nomandla:
Sorr
yboss,
Iam l
ate,
whatshoul
dI
st
artdoi
ng?:(
Me:
Iwasnotcal
l
ingherf
ort
hat:
D
Shelookedatme.Thenwentt
other
oom t
oput
herbag.
Me:
:(

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iam sot ir
edoft hisgirlacti
ngl i
keachi ld.Iam
sureshet hinksshei stheirdaught er,may be
sheNeedt ol ookatt hecol ourofherski norgo
tomirror.Shei sblack.Amai dnotMr sandMr
Lawson' sdaught er
.Iputmyhandbagdown.I
tookmyapr on.Iwor eit.Iwentt otheki t
chen.
Shewaspr epar ingEnglishbr eakfast.Mr
Lawsonpr eferitwi t
hjuice.Iwentpassher .I
tookjuicef r
om t hef r
idge.Iputitinat r
ay.Itook
aglass.Iputi tthenwai tedforher .
Me:
:(
Ifol
dedmyar
ms.Wearenotgoi
ngt
otal
k.And
thi
ngsar
ebet
tert
hatway.
Londeka:
Iam done,
let
'sgo:
(
Me:
:)
Itookmytray
.Shet
ookthepl
ateandputi
tin
hertr
ay.Wewentout.Of
fwewenttothe
supermar
ket.

.
.
~MrLawson~
Somet imeswheni t'
shect icandt here'
sliket wo
trackswi t
hgroceri
es.Ihel pmywor kers.Icar r
y
groceriesand50kgmai ze.Idon'twantt hem to
thinkIam doingthistot hem becauseoft his
andt hat.Iwantthem toseet hatIcandot hi
s
too.Ili
ket ohel
par oundwhenIam notbusyi n
myof f
ice.I
t'
shardt oconnectwi thmywor kers
becauset heyarescar edofme.Sowhenwe
car r
ygroceri
estaket hem inside.It
'sfun.Isee
them l
aughsomet i
mesi treall
ymakest hem
happytoseemehel pt hem andshowt hem that
Icandothismyself.Thismor ni
ngwasoneof
thosedays.WhenIleftthehouse.Ihel pedto
offl
oadsomegr oceri
es.Iam sweat y.Ihaveto
got ot
hehouseandt akeanot hershower .Isaw
LondekaandNomandl abr ingmybr eakfast.
Me:Youcant
akeittomyoffice.Iwi
l
lgot
akea
qui
ckshower
.Iam superdi
rt
y
Londeka:
OkayMrLawson:
D
Nomandl
a::
)
Iwentpasst
hem t
henheadedt
omyhouse

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Wejustcamebackfr
om thesuper
market.We
wenttofeedt
hedogthenwentbackt
ot he
house
Londeka:
Letmegogi
vet
hecati
t'
smi
l
k:)
Me:
Okay
Iwait
edforheraf
terabout5minut
esshecame
back.Iwasint
heleavi
ngroom.Weareaboutt
o
doourdail
yduti
es
Me:
Sowhatshoul
dIst
artdoi
ng?:
)
Londeka:
Iwil
ldothedishesri
ghtnow.Iwant
youtogotothebathr
oom andcleanit
.Iam
sureMrLawsonlef
tamessi ntheret
henwe
wil
lseewhatwedoaf t
erthat:
)
Me:
Greatt
hen,
doy
out
hinkhei
sdone?:
)
Londeka:Yeah,
hedoesn'
twast
et i
mewhenhe
takesashoweratt
histi
me.Iam surehei
s
backtotheoffi
ce:
)
Me:
OkayLetmegocl
eant
hen:
D
Iqui
ckl
ywenttot
hebat
hroom.Iopenedthe
door
,Iwenti
nIwasl
ooki
ngdown.Iclosedthe
doorthenlookedup.MrLawsonwasnakedin
fr
ontoft hemirr
orIwasalr
eadyinsi
dewi
tht
he
doorclosed.Iwasseeinghisbehi
nd
Me:
MrLawsonIam sosor
ry
Het
urnedar
ound.Isawhi
speni
s
Hi
m:Nomandl
a,whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
?:(
Me:
Ohmygod!Sor
rysi
r:'
(
It
urnedar
oundf
ast
,Iopenedt
hedoor
Hi
m:Nomandl
a!
Me: :
'
(

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t6

.
.
~Londeka~
IsawNomandlacomi
ngtotheki
tchenr
unni
ng.
Shelookedl
i
kesomeonewhohasseenaghost
.
Idri
edmyhands
Me:
whati
sit
?Ther
eisaf
rogi
nthebat
hroom?

Nomandl
a:Iam l
osi
ngmyj
obt
oday:
'
(
Me:Tell
mewhathappened?Di
dyoubr
eak
somethi
ng
Shewasbreat
hingheavi
lyl
ooki
ngv
eryscar
ed,
shel
ookedatthebathr
oom
Nomandl
a:MrLawsoni
sint
her
e
Me:
Thenwhydoy
oul
ookscar
ed?:
)
Shecamet
omyear
Her
:If
oundhi
m naked
Me:No!No!Pl
easedon'
ttel
lhim Iaskedy
out
o
cl
eanj
ustsayy
outhoughtheleft:
'(
Her
:OkaybutIcan'
tfacehi
m!Whenheget
sout
oft
her
ehewi l
lwanttotal
ktome:'
(
Me:
Okaybr
eat
hin
Her
:
Me:
Andout
Her
:
Me:
Ihav
eapl
an:
)
Her
:What
?
AsmuchasIam scar edforher.Iam scaredfor
myselft
oo.Iaskedhertogothere.Ithoughthe
l
eft.Nomandlai
sscaredofhim.She'llsayIsent
herther
eandMrLawsonwi ll
thinkIdidthison
purpose
Me:Gotaket
hedogforawalki
nthegar
den
andcomebackwhenheisgone
Her
:Goodi
dea:
'
(
Sher
anout.Isi
ghed
Me:

.
.
~MrLawson~
Ididn'
texpecttoseeany onecomi ngin.I
alwayswal karoundmybat hroom naked.Iwas
reall
yhot.Ineededabi tofrel
axing.Nomandl a
caughtmeatav eryawkwardtime.Sheisv ery
shyIdon'tthinkthepoorgirlwil
lbeabletol ook
mei ntheey eagain.Iwil
lmakeherl i
fehard
aroundhere.Shewi l
lbefi
ne.Idoneedt otalkto
herthough.Justt oassureherthatever
ythingis
okay.Iwasal ldressedup.Iwenttothekitchen.
Me:
Londeka:
(
Shej
umpedup,
shewasdoi
ngdi
shes
Her
:MrLawson
Me:
Wher
eisNomandl
a?:
(
Her
:Shet
ookGi
psyf
orawal
kMrLawson
Me:
Tel
lherIwantt
oseeheri
nmyof
fi
ce:
(
Iwal
kedout
Londeka:
MrLawson!
It
urnedar
ound
Me:
Yes?:
(
Londeka:I
t'
smyfaul
t,Iaskedhertogoclean
thebathr
oom.It
houghtyoualreadyl
eft
.Please
for
giveher.
.me: '
(
Ismi
l
ed
Me:Iam gl
ady ouguysgetalongnow.It
'sgood
toseeyoutakeresponsi
bil
i
tyanddefendher.
Keepitup:
)
Iwal
kedaway
Londeka:
So.
..
.
Il
ookedather
Me:
So?
Shewaspl
ayi
ngwi
thherhands
Londeka:Doest
hatmeanshei
snotint
roubl
e.
Youdon'twantt
oseeheri
nyourof
fi
ce
anymore?:D
Me:
Tel
lherIwoul
dli
ket
ohav
eawor
dwi
thher
i
nmyoff
ice:)
Londeka:
Yoh!OkayMrLawson
Iwal
kedoutshaki
ngmyhead
Me:
:D

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
IsawMrLawsongobackt othesupermarket
.I
wentbacktothehouse.Iti
edthedog.Iwentin.
IneedtoknowwhatMrLawsonsai d.Hisnaked
bodyisinmyhead.Isti
ll
seethepictur
eofhim
naked.Howam Igonnawor kforamanwhom I
knowwhathel ooksl
i
kenaked?Wel lonl
yIfI
sti
ll
havethej
ob.
Londeka:
Hei
sgone
Me:
Whatdi
dhesay
?
Shelookedatme.Ohno,
Iam f
ir
ed.Shei
s
scar
edt osayi
t
Me:
Igotf
ir
eddi
dn'
tI?
Londeka:
No!Noty
et!He.
..
..
Me:
He.
..
..
..?
Londeka:
Want
stoseey
ouASAP
Me:
OhNo!
Londeka:
Nomandla,
don'twor
ryi
fhewant
edt
o
fi
reyouhecoul
d'
vestar
tedwit
hme:)
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?:
'
(
Londeka:
Itol
dhi
mitwasmyf
aul
t
Me:Whywoul
dyoudef
endme,
youdon'
tev
en
l
ikeme:(
Shesmi
l
ed
Her:IknowIhav ebeennast
y.Iknowyouneed
thi
sjob.Ican'
tforgi
vemysel
fifyou'
dgetf
ir
ed
becauseofme: )
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Iguess.
..
..
..
.:'
(
Iwalkedaway.Il
ookedather.LondekaTakea
bl
amef orsomeoneelse?Idontbeli
eveher.
AnywayIwenttotheoffi
ce.Iknockedthen
wentin.
Me:
MrLawsonl
ookedup
Hi
m:OhNomandl
a:D
Me:
MrLawsonIam s.
..
..
MrLawson:
Whywer
eyoul
atef
orwor
kthi
s
morni
ng?
Me:
MrLawson?
Hi
m:Thismor
ning,
youwer
e19mi
nut
esl
ate
what
'sup?
Hesai
dty
pingonhi
scomput
er
Me:Iam sor
ryMrLawson,
itwi
l
lnev
erhappen
agai
n
Hi
m:St
il
lnotanswer
ingmyquest
ion:
(
Me:Iwal
kfr
om homet
owor
ksi
r.Iki
ndof
..
..
.
:'
(
Hest
oppedwor
king
Hi
m:Youki
ndof
?:(
Me:Ov
ersl
ept
.Iwi
l
lsetal
armf
rom nowon
:'
(
Het
ookouthi
swal
l
ets.Het
ook5R100not
es
Hi
m:Iam sur
eR500wi
l
lbeenoughf
orat
axi
t
hismont
h
Me:Thanky
ousi
r.Iwi
l
lpayy
oubackmont
h
end:
D
Hi
m:Youdon'
thav
eto:
)
Me:
Sir
,Ican'
tacceptt
his
Isai
dgi
vi
ngi
ttohi
m
Hi
m:Youseet
hef
lat
snextt
oourgar
den?
Me:
YesMrLawson
Him: Londekastaysther
ef orf
ree.Sheisnot
paying.Youdon'tl
ivefarIcan'
tasky outocome
stayhere,j
usttakethemoneyandusei tfort
axi
fare
Me:
Oht
hanky
ouMrLawson:
)
Hi
m:Youcango
Me:
MrLawsonabou.
..
Hi
m:Nomandl
ayouar
eex
cused:
(
Me:
OkayMrLawson
Iwentt
othedoor
Hi
m:Don'tt
ellLondekaIgav
eyoumoneyokay
?
I
twil
lbeourli
ttl
esecret;
)
Inodded,
Iwal
kedout
Me:
...
..
..
.?
SoIshouldn'
ttel
lLondekaabouthi
sgenerosit
y
andwenotgonnat alkaboutwhathappenedin
thebat
hroom?Wher eist
hisgoi
ng?Idon'tl
ike
thi
s.

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong
.
I
nser
t8

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Icantel
lherthepartofthet ruthbutnotthe
wholetr
uth.Shesuspectst hatIam sleeping
withMrLawson.IfItell
hert hisisagiftf
rom Mr
Lawson,sheisgoingtoov err eactand
i
nsinuat
ethatIam sleepingwi t
hhimforreal.I
havetoli
eandlyingwillmakeherbackof fIsee
shehadabaddayt oday.
Me:
Oht
hisi
smymoney:
D
Mom:
Weknowi
tisy
our
s,wher
edi
dyougeti
t?
:(
Me:
From MrLawson:
D
Mom st
oodupcl
appi
ngherhands
Her
:Shewasr
ight
!:(
Me:
Mom!
Shel
ookedatme
Her
:WhatNomandl
a?:
(
Me: Areyougonnaaskwhatthi
smoneyisfor
oryouwillsi
dewithyourf
ri
endsandconcl
ude
thatIam sl
eepi
ngmyboss?: (
Her
:Tel
lmewhyi
shegi
vi
ngy
oumoney?
Me:Your
ememberIwasl
atet
hismor
ningr
ight
?
:(
Her:
Yesbecauseyousneakedoutandwentt
o
sl
eepwit
hthatXababoy!:
(
Oht
hat
'swhyshei
sgr
umpy
.Whot
oldher
?
Me:No!Ourchattookf
orev
er,It
oldy
ouIwas
l
atebutyouwantedtot
alk:(
Her
:Tal
k!:
(
Me: Thegi rl
Iam wor ki
ngwithli
veinLawson's
backf l
ats.SoIwasaskedt ochoosebet ween
stayi
ngwher eLondekai sstayi
ngorget ti
nga
mont hl
yt axifare.Ichosetaxif
air.Iwanttoli
ve
withyouguy sifyouhav eaproblem withthi
s
money ,Icant akei tbackandpackmybagsand
golivethere:(
Mom:NoBaby
,Iam happyyoudi
dn'
tagr
eet
o
t
hat
.Peopl
eweregonnatal
kagai
n:)
Me:
Exact
ly!:
(
Il
ookedaway
Me:
:)
IhopeMrLawsoni snotupt osomet
hing.
Becauseifheis,
Iwil
lbeintroubl
ewit
hmy
mom andhernoseyfriend.She'
dgoaround
spreadl
iesaboutme.
.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
IloveNomandl abutIcan'thav eagi r
lf
ri
endof
mi neworkingasamai d.Iam i nvarsi
ty.Iknow
shei spoorbutwor kingasamai datherage?
No.Il ov
ehersomuchbutIj ustwishshehad
thesamel i
fet hatIhave.YesIam ashamedt o
hav eamai dgi rl
fr
iend.Iam sor ryIknowt his
soundssel fishbutIcan' thaveagi rl
fri
endof
mi neworkingt here.Iwilltr
yconv i
ncingher
againbuti fshedoesn' twantt henIwi l
lhaveno
choicebutl eav eher.Iheadedhomewhenshe
l
ef tmest anding
Mom:
Iwantt
ospeakt
oyou!
Me:
Oldl
adywhat
'sup?:
D
Her
:Nosuki
l
e'sdaught
er!:
(
Me:
Mom gi
vemeabr
eak:
(
Iwal
kedaway
Her
:Heywena!
!!
Me:Mom doyouwantmetogobackto
Mthat
habecauseIcandot
hatnow!:
(
Mom:
Noboy
Me:
Thent
hisconv
ersat
ioni
sov
er:
(
Iwentt
omyr oom.Mom issuchasnob.Iknew
shewouldneverappr
oveourr
elat
ionshi
p.

.
.
~Londeka~
Iam alwaysthefi
rstper
sontoarri
vebecauseI
l
iveclosetowork.Iam busyopeni
ngallt
he
windowsf orf
reshair
.MrLawsonisabouttogo
towor k.
MrLawson:
Londeka!
Me:
MrLawson:
D
Ir
ant
othel
i
vingr
oom
Me:
MrLawson:
D
Hi
m:Tomor
rowy
oucant
akeadayof
f:)
Me:Nomandladon'
tknowev
ery
thi
ngsi
r,she
can'
twor
kalone:D
MrLawson:
Noshei
snotcomi
ngt
oo,
Itol
dher
:)
Me:
Oh,
okay:
D
Hewal
kedaway
Me:
MrLawson
Het
urnedar
ound
Hi
m:YesLondeka?:
(
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ort
hedayof
fMrLawson:
D
Hi
m:Youguy
swor
ksohar
d,y
oudeser
vei
t:)
Me:
ThankYouMrLawson:
D
Hewal
kedout
Me:
Youar
esoni
cet
oday:
)
Idi
dn'
tsayt
hatoutl
oud

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iwokeupabitl
aterthanIusedt
o,Ihav
emoney
fort
axi
now,Idon'thavet
owakeupearly.
Me:
Odwagobuybr
eadIneedchange:
)
Het
ookt
hemoney
.Hewentout
Mom: Wil
li
tbeenoughfort
hemont
hwhyar
e
youusi
ngy ourmoneyf
orbr
ead?
Me:
Mom,
int
woweekst
imei
tsmont
hend:
D
Mom:
Okay
.Letmemakecof
feet
hen
Me:
Iwon'
teat
.Idon'
twantt
obel
ate:
)
Her
:Okaybaby:
)
Odwacamebackwi
thbr
ead
Me:Getr
eadyforschool
youwill
eatwhenYou
ar
edone.Iam l
eavi
ngmom! !
!!
Mom:
Okaybabe,
hav
eagoodday
!
Me:
Thanks,
yout
ooguy
s!
Itookmybag.Iwentout.Iheadedt
othest
op
tocatchat
axitowork.
"Nomandla!Nomandl
a!"sai
dsomeonebehi
nd
me.Il
ookedatthem
Me:
Iam l
atef
orwor
kQaqambi
l
e:(
Hi
m:Ij
ustcamet
oapol
ogi
se
Me:
Doest
hatmeany
ousuppor
tme?
Hi
m:Ial
way
ssuppor
tyou:
)
Me:
Andmyj
ob?.
Hi
m:Whydon'ty
ouwor katthesuper
marketat
l
east
,si
tatt
heti
llorchecksl
ipsnotwor
kasa
cook!:
(
Me:
Wow:
(
Isawataxi
.Ist
oppedi
t.Igoti
n.Isatdown.I
l
ookedathi
mt hr
ought
hewi ndow
Me:
:'
(
Heshookhishead,
hewalkedaway.Ial
ways
t
oldhi
mi fmyli
feembarr
asseshim,hecan
l
eavemebuthedoesn'
t!Idon'
tknowwhathe
want
sfrom me.

.
.
~Londeka~
Nomandlajustar
ri
ved.Iguessshel
ear
nther
l
esson.Shewon'tbelat
eagain.
Me:
Youar
eear
lyt
oday:
D
Her
:Idon'
twantt
obecal
l
edt
otheof
fi
ceagai
n
:
D
Me:YeahIknowwhatyoumean.Everyti
methe
Lawsonssi
tmedownIalwaysexpecttheworst
butt
heyareagoodfamil
y,goodpeople:
)
Her
:Yes,
letmegogetr
eadyf
ort
heday:
)
Me:
Okaygi
rl:
)
Iturnedonthekett
lethenwai t
edf orhert
o
comeback.Sincetomor r
owi t'
sourdayof fwe
shouldgotothebeachandenj oyoursel
ves.I
j
usthopesheagr ees,
shel ookslikesomeone
whodoesn'tli
kegoingoutt hough.Ihopeshe
agrees.Shecameback
Me:
Sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odot
omor
row?:
)
Nomandl
a:Iwi
l
lcomet
owor
kasusual
:D
Okay
?MrLawsonsai
dhetol
dherwenot
comi
ngt
omorrow,whati
sshet
alki
ngabout
?
Me:
Sowear
ewor
kingt
omor
row?:
)
Nomandl
a:Londekat
omor
rowi
t'
sThur
sday
!
Wear
ewor
king:
D
Me:
Hihi
hi,
ithoughti
twasFr
iday:
D
Nomandl
a:Youl
oveweekendsgi
rl
!:
D
Me:
Hehehe,
don'
tj
udgemegi
rl
!:
D
Il
ookedaway
Me:
..
..
..
..
..?
MrLawsonwhat '
sgoingon?Ihavet
of i
ndout.
Clear
lythi
spoorgi
rlknowsnothi
ngaboutt
his
ormay behefor
gottotel
lher
?Nosomet hi
ngis
up.Whywouldhewantheralonehereandwhy
di
dhel iet
ome?

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t7

.
~Nosuki
l
e~
Iam atschoolbusycooking.Oneofthe
l
earnerscamet omet el
l
ingmet hatMsXaba
wantstoseeme.TeacherXabai sfrom t
his
vi
ll
age.Sheteachesatthisschool
.Iwenttosee
her.Maybeshewant smet odosomet hi
ngin
herhouse.
Me:
MsXaba:
D
Her
:Nosuki
l
eunj
ani
?(howar
eyou)
Me:
ndi
yaphi
l
aMs:
)(Iam f
ine)
Shewasmar
kingpaper
s.
Her
:Iwantust
otal
kabouty
ourdaught
er:
(
Me:
Mydaught
er?OkayMs:
)
Ipul
l
edachai
r,Isatdown
Me:
Whatabouther?:
)
Shel
ower
edhergl
asses.
Her
:Pleaseaskyourdaught
ert
ost
ayaway
f
rom myson: (
Me:
MsXaba?
Her:Mysonisinv ar
sit
y.Heiseducated.Hi
s
fat
heri
sinthear my.Iam ateacher
.Iam
expect
ingagir
lwhosl eepswithmysont ohave
educat
edparents!Shemustbeeducat edand
comefrom agoodhome.Iam notsay i
ngyour
homeisnotgoodbutmysonandy our
daught
er!?:
(
Me:
umnt wanam akanamakhwenkweMsXaba!
(
MydaughterhasnoboysmsXaba: ))
Her:Yourdaught
ercameoutofmyson'
sroom
wit
hmysont hi
smorni
ng!:(
Il
ookedaway
Me:
That
'swhyshewasl
atef
orwor
k?
Her
:Whatwast
hat
?
Me:No!Iam j
ustsur
pri
sed.Yousayyoursoni
s
i
nuniv
ersit
y.Howcomehei snotatsch.
..
.
Her:Wal
terSi
sul
uuniv
ersi
tyisstr
ike.Heisback
home!Idon'
twantt
oseey ourdaughteri
nmy
houseagai
nNosuki
le:(
Me:
Iwi
l
ltal
ktomydaught
erMsXaba
Her
:Good,
youcango:
(
Shepul
leduphergl
assesandcont
inued
marki
ng
Me:
Iwalkedaway .Nomandla!Whatareyoudoing
wit
ht hatsonofasnob!Iwentoutf uri
ousl
y.I
headedt othekit
chen.IsawNozazicomingto
me.Remembert hewomanwhoaskedme
aboutmydaught erdati
ngMrLawson?That '
s
her.
Nozazi
:Whatdi
dMsXabawantt
otal
kabout
?
:
D
Me:
Shewasj
u..
..
.:D
Nozazi
:ebesi
thii
ntombiy
akhomay ohl
ukaneno
Qaqambil
e?(Aski
ngy out
otel
lyourdaughtert
o
st
ayawayf r
om Qaqambil
e)?:D
Me:
Nozazi
!Doy
ouhav
etoknowev
ery
thi
ng?:
(
Nozazi:hay
i!Ekusenibendiy
ochamandambona
uyanyanawakhenent ombi yakhobephuzana
(no!Thismor ni
ngIwentt opee.Isawherson
andyourdaughterkissi
ng)
Me:Hay i
besi
ngathet
hingal
onto!Hlukanaf
uthi
nam Nozazi
!(no!Wewer enottal
ki
ngabout
that
!,l
eavemealoneNozazi)
Shecl
appedonce,
thenwal
kedawayt
alki
ng
Her:I
zol
oibiyi
ndodayomlungu,namhl
anj
e
nguQaqa?heeeee!:D.(y
esterdayi
twasa
whit
eman, nowit'
sQaqa?)
Me:
:(
.
.
~Londeka~
IwanttoknowwhathappenedatMrLawson'
s
off
ice.Nomandl
aist
akingfor
ever
.Isawget
comingin
Me:
:)
Her
::D
Me:
Atl
easty
oucamebacksmi
l
ing:
D
Her
:Idi
dn'
tgetf
ir
ed,
thanky
ou:
D
Me:Ofcourse,It
oldy
ou,
sowhatdi
dhewant
t
otalkabout!
?:D
Nomandl
a:Huh
Me:
MrLawson:
)
Shet ookaglass,shepouredwaterfr
om t
he
tape.Shedrank.Iwaslookingatherwai
ti
ngfor
hert
otel
lme
Her:HeaskedmewhyIcamet oworkl
ate,I
di
dn'texpectt
hatquest
ionandIdi
dn'
thavean
answerforit:
)
Me:
Whatdi
dyousay
?:D
Her:It
oldhi
m Iov
ersl
ept
.Hesai
ditshoul
dn'
t
happenagai
n
Me:Youdi
dn'
ttal
kaboutwhathappenedear
li
er?
:D
Her
:It
ri
ed,
heav
oidedi
t:D
Iwentcl
osert
oher
Me:
So,
howbi
gishe?:
D
Her
:HowBi
g?
Me:
Downt
her
einhi
sunder
wear:
D
Her
:Londeka!:
D
Shehitmeplayf
ull
y.Welaughed.Todayther
eis
nojob.Thehousei
sclean.Wewi l
lcookand
gossi
p.Iam gl
adwegetal
ongnow.

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
It
'sj
ustaf
terwork.Iam wal
kinghome.Iheard
someonerunni
ngbehindme.It ur
nedaroundit
s
Qaqa,whati
shedoi nghere
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?:
D
Him:
Icametomyf
ri
endher
ethenwai
tedf
or
yout
oknockof
f
Me:
Oh:
)
Hi
m: Lastni
ghtyoudi
dn'
twantustotal
kabout
t
hisstupi
djobofyour
scanwetalknow?:(
Iwal
kedawayfast.Qaqambi l
eismyonandof f
boyf
ri
end.Hei
smyboy fr
iendwhenhei sher
e.
WhenheisatVarsit
y,heforgetsaboutme.
Nowhewant smet ost
opworkingf ort
he
LawsonsbecauseIam hi
sgir
lf
riend.Hesays
hecantakecareofme.Heisnotev enworki
ng
Me:
:(
Hi
m:Youar
eyoung!Youcan'
tbeamai
d!
Me:Idon'
thav
eparent
sli
keyour
s.Idon'
thav
e
moneytogotoschool
whatdoyouwantmet o
do?:
'(
Hi
m:Iwi
l
ltakecar
eofy
ou
Me:Wil
lyougi
vemetheR3000t
heLawsons
ar
egiv
ingmeev er
ymont
h?:'
(
Hi
m:
Me: Itol
dyouIam notgoodenoughforyou.
Yousai dIwasnowy ousayyoucan'
thavea
gi
rlf
riendwhoworksasamai d!Youare
ashamedofme: '(
Hi
m:Iam not
!Ther
ear
eot
herj
obsy
oucanf
ind
:(
Ikeptwal
ki
ng,
Ilef
thi
m st
andi
ng
Hi
m:Nomandl
a!
Me:
:(
Hi
m:Baby
Me:
...
..
..
.:(
Iignor
edhim.IwalkedhomeIt ur
nedar
ound
checki
ngifheisfol
lowingme.Hewasnowhere
tobefound.If
inal
lyarr
ivedathome.
Me:
Hel
l
omom :
)
Her
:Hel
l
o
Mymom hasabubbleper
sonali
ty,butt
oday
shehassomethi
ngi
nhermind.Sheisnot
happyatal
l
.Iputmybagdown.Ilookedatmy
cousi
nbrot
her
Me:Odway i
zaneshi
rty
akhoyesikol
o
ndi
zoyi
hlamba(Odwabri
ngyourschool
shi
rtI
wil
lwashit):
D
Odwa:
ndi
yi
hlambi
l
e(I
'
vewashedi
t):
)
Me:
Okay
,letmepol
i
shy
ourshoes:
D
Iwenttot
akepolish.Iam t
ryi
ngtoavoidmom.
Shewantstot
alkt omeaboutsomet hi
ng.I
kneeddowntopickupOdwa' sshoes.Idr
opped
theR500MrLawsongav eme.Ilookedatmom.
Me:
Odwa:Yoh!I
mal
engaka?Ubuyi
that
haphi
?
(Yohsomuchmoney ,
wheredi
dy ougeti
t?)
Me:
I..
..
..
..
.
Mom:
Yeswher
edi
dyougeti
tNomandl
a?:
(
Me:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong
.
I
nser
t9

.
.
~Londeka~
Ihav etocallNomandla.May beMrLawsont ol
d
herbef oreshelef
ttoday .Ican'tassumet here
i
ssmokewi t
houtgetti
ngmyf actsstr
aight.I
don'tthinkMrLawsonwant shert hat
'
swhyI
havet omakesur e.Imeanbet weenNomandl a
andI ,hewouldgof orme.Nomandl aisaf arm
girl
.Shehasnost y
le.Shei sjustasweetgi r
l.I
j
ustf i
nishedwashingmy self.Itookmyphone.I
dial
ledhernumber .Itrang
Nomandl
a:Hel
l
oLondeka!
Me:
Heygi
rl
!
Ist
oodup,Iwaswalkingaroundt
heroom.I
don'
tknowhowIwillgetwhatIwantoutofher
butIwon'
tendt
hiscallwit
houtget
ti
ngwhatI
want.
Nomandl
a:Idi
dn'
texpecty
ourcal
l
Me:
Imi
ssy
ouf
ri
end!:
)
Nomandl
a:Iwi
l
lseey
ouear
lyi
nthemor
ning!
Me:
hihi
hiIcan'
twai
t
Her
:Met
oogi
rl
Aknockcameatt
hedoor
Me:
Ihav
etogogi
rl:
)
Her
:By
e!
Ihungup
Me:
MrLawson,
whatar
eyouupt
o..
..
..
?
Iwenttothedoor,Iopenedthedoor.It
'soneof
thetel
l
ersatthesupermarket.Sheisal
sof r
om
EastLondon.It
oldherwear egoingtoCoffee
BayBeacht
omor r
ow,
bef
oreIl
ear
nedaboutmr
Lawson'
sagenda.
Me:
Chomi
e!
Her:Hi
gir
l,t
omor
rowwear
egoi
ngt
othebeach
r
ight?
Me:
Aboutt
hat
..
..
..
..
Ishowedheri
n
Her
:Iam l
ooki
ngf or
wardtothi
spl
easedon'
t
t
ell
mey ouchangedyourmind?
Me:MrLawsonwantsmeatwor
ktomor
row.I
can'
tgof
ri
endIam sor
ry
Her
:Iwassolooki
ngfor
war
dtot
hisbutIwi
l
l
gowit
hothergi
rl
s:)
Me:
Enj
oyguy
s:)
Shewentt
othedoor
Her
:Iam sor
ry:
)
Me:
No,
it'
sokay:
)
Shewalkedout
.Icl
osedt
hedoor
.Ir
est
edmy
headonthedoor
Me:
Ihav
etowat
chMrLawsonandNomandl
a

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
I
twasv er
yniceofLondekat ocallmelastnight
.
Shehasbeensweett omel atel
ythatmakesme
l
ookforwardtoworknowt hatwegetal ong.I
j
usthopewewon'tfightagain.Iam apeaceful
gi
rl
.Idon'
tli
kefi
ghti
ng.
"heyNomandl a!"IheardQaqambi l
ecal l
i
ngmy
name.Iwalkedf ast.Idon'
twanttotalktohim.
Heisasnobj ustlikehismother.Mymom t old
aboutwhatMr sXabasai dtoher.Iwil
lleaveher
sonalone.It
houghtIwast oofastbuthe
caughtupwi
thme
Hi
m:Youar
etoof
asthey
,Iguessi
t'
syourl
ong
l
egs:
D
Me: Someofushavecleani
ngandcooki
ngj
obs
todo,wedon'
thaveteacher
sandsolder
sas
parents:
(
Isai
dthatwal
ki
ng
Hi
m:Wher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom now?:
(
Istoppedwalki
ng.Iwasatt
hest
opnowwai
ti
ng
forthetaxi
Me:Yourmotheraskmymom totel
lmet ost
ay
awayfr
om you,It
hinki
t'
sti
meIsendthatsame
messagetoyourmom :'
(
Hi
m:Shesai
dthat
!?
Me:Shemustt
ell
yourmom Isai
dyoumust
st
ayawayfr
om me:(
Hi
m:YouknowIl
ovey
ou
Me:
Buty
oudon'
tl
ovemyj
ob?
Hi
m:Heyt
hatj
ob
Isawat axi,Istoppedi t
.Igoti n.Ididn'
tlooked
athim.Il ookedi nfrontofme.Thet axit
ookme
towor k.Iar r
ivedin15mi nutes,it
'snotfar.I
paidandgotoutoft het axi
.Iheadedt othe
Lawson' shouse.Iwentt othedoor .Iknocked
thenwenti n.Idi dn'
tseeany oneint heli
ving
room.Iwentt ot hekitchen.IfoundMrLawson
havingcof feesitti
nginahi ghchai r
Me:
MrLawson?
Hi
m:Heymor
ningNomandl
a,howar
eyou?:
D
Heneverhascof
feei
nthehouse.Whati
s
goi
ngon?
Me:
Iam goodMrLawson,
howar
eyou?
Hi
m:Good:
)
Hest
oodup
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lbehel
pingt
heguy
sof
fl
oadi
ngt
he
bagsofcement
,pl
easedon'
tsendmecof
fee:
)
Me:
OkayMrLawson
Hewal
kedaway
Me:
MrLawson?
Het
urnedar
ound
Hi
m:Yes?:
)
Me:
Wher
eisLondeka?
Him:Oh,
Iaskedhert
ohelpatthesuper
mar
ket
.
Don'
tcal
lhershei
sverybusy:
)
Me:
OkayMrLawson
Hi
m::
)
Hesmi
l
edt
henwal
kedout
Me:
..
..
..
..
..?

.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
Me:
Mom whatdi
dIsayt
oyouaboutmeddl
i
ng
i
nmybusi
ness?:
(
Shesi
ppedonhercof
fee,
shegav
emet
hecup.
It
ookit
Me:
Shetookhercel
lphone,
carkey
sandhandbag,
shewenttothedoor.
Mom:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutQaqa?:
(
Isi
ppedonhercof
fee.
Me:
Whatdi
dyousayt
oMam'
Nosuki
l
e?
sheputherhandbagatt
hebackseat
.Shewent
tothedr
iver
sseat
Her:
Iaskedhert
otel
lherdaught
ert
ost
ay
awayfr
om myson:(.
Me:
Whymom?:
(
Her
:Shei
samai
d!:
(
Il
ookeddown,
Ihat
ethatt
oo
Her
:Doy
oul
oveherj
ob?:
(
Me:
Shest
art
edt
heengi
ne
Her
:Hav
eani
cedayson:
(
Shedr
oveof
f
Me:
thi
swoman:
(
Isi
ppedagai
ninhercof
fee

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Theti
mei s10am, Ican'tli
eIam r eal
lyl
ost
wit
houtLondeka.Imissher ,Iam soboredin
thi
sbi
ghouse.Ihear dthewat eri
nt heshower.
MrLawsonisdonehel pingthewor kers.Iwi
ll
makesureIdon'tgetany whereneartheshower.
Idon'twantt herepeatofwhathappenedt he
otherday.Any way,Ijustf
ini
shedironingMr
Lawsoncl othes,Iam eati
ngasandwi ch.Iheard
waterstop.Istoodup.Ipour edmy selfaglass
ofjui
ce.Idrankal lofit
.IsawMrLawson
comingt othekitchen,hewashal fnaked.He
hadonlyat owel aroundhislowerbody .I
washedmygl ass.Hewentt ot hefr
idge.Hehas
absforday s.Hei saf i
nemanbuthei smyboss.
Ihavetoav oidlookingathim.
Hi
m:Cany
oupassmeagl
asspl
ease:
)
Me:
YesMrLawson:
D
It
ookagl
ass.Iwentt
ohi
m .Ipassedt
hegl
ass
Me:
Her
..
..
..
..
Thet owelfel
l.Myeyeswentst
rai
ghtt
ohi
s
penis.Ihidmyf acewi
thbot
hmyhands
att
empt ingtorunaway
Me:
MrLawsonIam so.
..
..
Hegrabbedmyarm.Hepul
l
edmecloser
.He
hadbothhi
shandsar
oundmywai
st
Hi
m:Don'
tapol
ogi
se:
p
Me:
If
elthi
shardsi
xpackagai
nstmyt
ummy
,He
l
eanedforaki
ss
Hi
m:I
t'
sokay:
p
Me:
MrLawson
Hi
m:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t10
.
.
~Londeka~
Me:No!No!MrLawsondon'
ttakethi
slong
whenhegoestoshoweraf
terhel
ping
worker
s..
..
.?
Iwaswalkingaroundout sidemyf l
at,yesIhave
beenwatchingev ery
thi
ng.IsawNomandl a
whenweshegott owork.Shei satwor k.
Somethi
ngi sgoingont here.Iam sotempt ed
togoandcheckbutIdon' twanttolosemyj ob
thatmanwoul dfiremeont hespot
Me:
:(
"you'
vebeenst
andi
nghere"saidavoi
ce
behi
ndme.Itur
nedaround.I
t'
soneofthe
worker
s.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?:
)
Her
:Icamet
oeat
,it
smyl
uncht
ime:
D
Me:
oh:
)
Her
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
est
andi
ngal
one?:
)
Me:
Iam j
ustbor
ed:
D
Ianswer
edl
ooki
ngatt
heLawson'
shouse
Her
:Letmegobackt
owor
k
Il
ookedather
Me:
Bye:
D
Il
ookedatt
hehouseagai
n
Me:
..
..
..
.?

.
.
~Nosuki
l
e~
Iam atwork,
itisver
yhottoday
.Iam sodown.I
am j
ustnotmy sel
fbutIhavenochoi
ce.Ihav
e
t
ostandontopofthepot
sandcook.Thi
sismy
j
ob.Ifel
tsomeonetapmyshoul
der.Il
ookedat
t
hem.It'
sNozazi
.
Me:
What
'st
hegossi
pnowNozazi
?:(
Her
:Subanj
aloke(don'
tbel
i
ket
hat
)
Me:
Doy
oubl
ameme?:
D
Sheholdbothmyshoul
der
s.Sheturnedme
around.Shewasshowi
ngmeMr sXaba.She
wantstospeaktomeagai
n.Iwonderwhati
sit
now.
Nozazi
:Uyawenzeni
uNomandl
a?(whatdi
d
Nomandladonow?)
Ii
gnor
edher
,Iwal
kedt
oMr
sXaba
Me:
Ms:
D
MrsXaba:
arey
out
ryi
ngt
ocausepr
obl
ems
bet
weenmeandmyson?:(
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand?
Her:
Yout
oldy
ourdaught
erexact
lywhatIsai
d!
:(
Me:Isn'
tthatwhaty
ouaskedmet
odoMr
s
Xaba?:(
Her:Youareherparent.Youshoul
dhavesai
d.
Youdon'tli
kemyson, shemustendthi
ngsnot
tel
lherexactl
ywhatIsaid:(
Me:
YouknowTeacherXabaIam t
ir
ed:
(
Her
:Excuse
Me:Iam t
ir
edofbei
nghar
assedbyy
ouatwor
k!
:(
Her:
HeeeeNosuki
l
e?"har
assed"
,youspeak
bi
gwords:D
Me:Imightnothavetheeducat
ionyouhavebut
atl
eastIhavetheaccent
.Ican'
tsaythesame
aboutyouTeacher:
(
Iwal
kedaway
Her
:YeeNosuki
l
e!
It
urnedar
ound
Me:
Yint
oni
?(what
?):
(
Her
:Doy
ouknowIcangety
ouf
ir
ed?:
(
Iwentcl
osert
oher
Me:DoyouknowIcangotot
hepri
nci
pleand
SGBandtel
lthem y
ouar
ehar
assi
ngmeatwor k?
:(
Her
:
Me:Keepprovoki
ngme, Iwil
lgotopeople
aboveyou!Youboastaboutyoureducat
ion!
Younoteventeachi
ngseniorphase!Youteach
A!:(
Her
:It
'sact
ual
l
yGr
ade1:
(
Me:Samet hing!Nextt
imey oudothis,Iwi
ll
go
topeopleaboveyou!Imightnothaveyour
educat
ionbutIam notstupi
dmi st
ress!:
(
Her
::(
Shewal
kedaway
Me:
:)
Someoneputt
hei
rhandonmyl ef
tshoul
der
,I
knowwhoiti
s.It
'sThenosyNozazi
Her:i
ntombiyakhomay i
wuncameumnt shato
sozeiwuveaft
erlent
etha?(Yourdaughtercan
ki
ssmar r
iagegoodbyeaftert
hewayy oujust
spoketoher?)
Me:
Mydaught
ercandobet
ter
!:(
Nozazi
:Yoh!
Shecl
appedoncet
henwal
kedaway

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
MrLawsonl
eanedf
orakiss,iwassti
ll
shocked
wi
thmymouthwideopen.Isawmy sel
f
meet i
nghi m halfwayweki ssed.Iwaswear i
ng
asummershor tdress.Hegr abbedmyass.I
gothoti nasecond.Hi speni swasj umpingup
anddownwi t
hexci tement.Hel if
tedmeup, he
l
iedmeont hekitchencount er.Wewer eboth
breathingheavilydrinki
ngeachot her.Hewas
kissi
ngmesogoodandhungr il
y.Hepul l
edmy
underweardown.IwassoweakIl ethi
m do
ev er
ything.Iwontl i
keandsayIdi dn'twanthim.
MyVj aywasf l
ippingwet .Ifelthi
mr ubhisD
aroundi t.Iwasletti
ngoutsof tmoans
Me:
ohy
eah
Hewaski
ssi
ngmyneckwhil
erubbi
nghi
sDi
ck
ar
oundmyvj
ay.Iwassohot
.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
oubaby
Me:
Di
dhej
ustsayt
hat
?,If
elthi
m ent
erme.
Me:
ahh
Heki
ssedmyl i
ps.Hetr
iedagai
nwithsome
ef
for
thesucceeded,
Hemov edinandout
sl
owly
.Itf
eltsogood
Me:
Yes:
)
Hemov
edi
nandout
Hi
m:Yeah?:
p
Me:
ohy
eah:
)
Icl
osedmyey
es.Heuppedt
hepace.Iwas
moaning
Me:
ohMrLawson:
)
Hel i
ft
edmeup.Wewentt othefloor
.Hetur
ned
mear ound.Heent
eredmef r
om behi
nd.He
fuckedmehard.Iwascall
i
nghisname"Mr
Lawson!MrLawson!" .
Hegrabbedmyboobs.Hefuckedmesohard
andgood.Heholdontomesot i
ght
.If
elthi
s
hotsemen.Shooti
nsi
deme
Hi
m:Ohy
eahbaby
Hewasbr eat
hinginmyear.Hewassti
l
l i
nsi
de
me.Het urnedmear oundwhil
est
il
li
nside.I
fel
thisDickgrowagain.Heli
ft
edmeup.We
headedtot heguestbedr
oom.Helai
dmedown.
Helookedatme
Hi
m::
p
Me:
:)
Iwassoweak,
andt
urnedon.Hewhi
sper
edi
n
myear
Hi
m:Stayti
ll
6pm.Iwantust
ospendal
lday
t
oget
her:p
Inoddedmyheadbl
ushi
ng.Hest
art
edmov
ing
agai
n
Me:
ohy
eah:
p
Hi
m::
p

.
.
~Londeka~
Somet hingisdef i
nit
elyhappeni
nginther e!It
'
s
j
ustapi tythatIdon'thaveanexcuset ogetme
there.Ireal
lywantt oknowwhati sgoingon.
What everthatisgoingoni snotgoodandi ti
s
whatIsuspect ed.Thoset woaresleeping
together.Ican'tbetr
ayMrLawson.Butt hereis
onet hi
ngIcando.Ist oodup.Iwaspaci ngup
anddown.It ookmyphone.
Me:
Ihav
etocal
lMr
sLawson
Idi
all
edhernumber
.Herphoner
ang
Mr
sLawson:
Hel
l
oLondy
Me:
Hel
l
oMr
sLawson,
howar
eyou? :
D
Mr
sLawson:
Iam gr
eat
,howar
eyoudear
Me:
Good,
Ijustmi
ssy
ouMr
sLawson:
D
Her:Wel
lIguessyouar
eluckybecauseIj
ust
passedMqanduli
now
Me:
..
..
.
Her
:Ar
eyout
her
edear
?
Me:
Yes!Youar
ecomi
ngback?
Her
:Yes,
Iwi
l
lspendt
heweekendwi
thy
ou
guy
s
Me:
Wonder
ful
:D
Her
:Seey
oui
n30mi
nut
es,
iam dr
ivi
ngby
e
Me:
Bye:
D
Ihungup.
Me: :
)

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t11

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Thisiswr ongbutitfeelssogood.MrLawsoni s
soamazi ng.It'
sgoodt oknowt hi
ssideofhim.
Thesof tl
ov i
ngsideofhi m.Heisagr eatguy
.
Heknowshowt otreataladywell
.Any waywe
areintheki t
cheneating.Iam weari
nghisshirt
.
Hei sonlywearingapr onnounderwear,no
nothing.Heissonaught y
.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
oucancook:
D
Yeshecookedf
ormepast
a.I
t'
ssodel
i
cious.
Hi
m:Ionl
ycookf
orpeopl
eIl
ove:
)
Ibl
ushed
Me:
ohIsee:
)
Hel
ookedatme
Hi
m:Youknowwhatt
hatmeansr
ight
?:)
Me:
NoIdon'
t:
)
Hel
eanedf
oraki
ss.Weki
ssed
Hi
m:Thatmeansi
lov
eyou:
)
Me:
Hi
m:Earli
eryout
houghtIsai
ditbecauseofsex
di
dn'
tyou?:)
Inoddedy
esbl
ushi
ng.Het
ookbot
hmyhands
Him:
Iknowy ouareworri
edaboutt
omywi fe.
Shei
salwaysinEastLondon.Wehaveal
lthe
ti
meforeachother
.Iwantustotr
ythi
s:).
Heforget
swecan'tkeepdoingthi
s,get
ti
ngr
id
ofLondeka.Shewi
llbesuspi
cious
Me:
Hi
m:Don'
tyouwantt
obei
nar
elat
ionshi
pwi
th
me?
Ist
oodup,
Itookourpl
ates.Iwentt
othesi
nk
Me:
It'
snott
hat
Hi
m:Whati
sit
?
Me:
Whati
fshef
indsout
?Iwi
l
llosemyj
ob:
'
(
Iwaswashi
ngt
hedi
shes
Hi
m:Hey:
)
hecameme
Hi
m:Wewi
l
lmakesur
eshedoesn'
tfi
ndout:
)
Il
ookedathi
m
Hi
m:Doy
oul
oveme?:
)
Me:TodayIfeltspeci
alandIhav edonet
hingsI
haveneverdonebefore.Iam happyt
hatt
oday
happened:'
(
Hi
m:But
?:)
Me:
Nobut
,It
hinkwecant
ry:
'
(
IhopeIam makingari
ghtdecisi
onhere.He
kissedme.Wekissedforaminute.Hecarr
ied
met otheguestr
oom agai
n.Wewer ekissi
ngall
thewaytotheroom..

.
.
~Londeka~
Mr sLawsoncal l
edme.Sheaskedmet omake
herf avourit
emeal .Shedoesn'tknowwear enot
wor kingtoday.Thisisagoodoppor tunit
yf or
met ogot hereandseewhati sgoi
ngon.At
l
eastwhenmrLawsonaskswhatIam doi ng
thereIwi llt
ellhi
m.Iar r
ivedatthehouse.Iwent
totheki tchen.Thereisnoone.Iheardmoans
comi ngf rom t
hebedr oom, t
henerve,sheis
moaningoutloudinanotherwoman'
shouse.I
wenttothebedroom.Ifoll
owedthev
oices.The
doorwasnotclosed
Me:
MrLawsoni sontopofNomandl a,t
heyare
havingsex.Imovedbackwards,Thenfor
ward.I
stoodwhereIcouldseethem onl
y,t
heycan't
seeme.Theywer eenjoyi
ngeachother
Me:
:'
(:p
Isawmy sel
ftouchi
ngmybodytomybreast
.I
wishitwasme.IwishMrLawsonwasdoi
ng
thatt
ome
Me:
Shei
ssol
ucky:
p:'
(
Ihear
dmy sel
fsayi
ngthatoutl
oud.Icameback
tomysenses.Il
ookeddownmyhandwasi n
mypants,
finger
ingmysel
f
Me:
Thef
uck!
It
ipt
oedt
otheki
tchen.Iwashedmyhands.I
st
art
edcooki
ng

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Lawson:
Ilov
eyou:
p
Iwasoutofbreat
h.Wej
usthadsex.Il
aidmy
headonhischest
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo:
)
Hekissedmyf or
ehead.Iwassmi
l
ingl
ooki
ng
outt
hewi ndow.
Me:
:)
Hi
m:Iwi
shy
oucoul
dst
ayher
efort
heni
ght
Me:
Mymom woul
dki
l
lme:
)
Hi
m:Iunder
stand:
)
Me:
Thank.
..
..
..
.
Ij
umpedoutofbed
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:
Isn'
tthatMr
sLawson'
scar
?:'
(
Hesatup,
hel
ookedatt
hecar.Hej
umpedof
f
t
hebedtoo
Hi
m:No!No!Whatt
hehel
li
sEl
l
endoi
ngher
e!?
:(
Me:
Iam dead!Whatam Igonnado
Hi
m:Dr
essupf
ast!:
(
Ir
ant
omycl
othes,
Idr
essedup
Hi
m:Runt
othel
aundr
yroom.Washcl
othes.
Me:
Shei
sgoi
ngt
oaskaboutLondeka:
'
(
Hi
m:Iam goi
ngt
ocal
lher!Run!:
(
Ir
ant ot
helaundr
yroom.If
oundf
ewdir
ty
cl
othesIputt
hem int
hewashi
ngmachi
ne
Me:
Idri
edmyt ears,Isatdownonachair
.Ohmy
god.Iam goingtolosemyjobtoday
.Howam I
gonnaexplai
nt hi
st omom.

.
.
~MrLawson~
Iranoutoft
heguestr
oom.Ir
antomy
bedroom.Iwor
eshort
sandt.
shi
rt
.Iwentt
othe
ki
tchentogetmyphone
Me:
Londeka?
whatt
hehel
li
sthi
sgi
rldoi
ngi
nmyhouse
Londeka:
MrLawson:
D
Me:
Howdi
dyougether
e?
Her:MrsLawsoncal
l
edme,sheaskedmet
o
cookherfav
ouri
temeal
MrLawson:)
Me:
Hahahani
ce,
sodi
dyout
ell
hery
ouwer
e
of
ftoday
?:D
Londeka:
Shedoesn'
tknowMrLawson
Me:Youknow,Iforgott
ot el
lNomandl
a,she
cametowork.Icouldn'
tsendherhome.Isai
d
shecoul
dstay,nowShei sdoingl
aundr
y:D
Londeka:
Shameshemustbet
ir
ed:
D
Me:Sheis,pl
easedon'
ttel
lmywifeIgaveyou
dayof
f.Shewil
lthi
nkIam spoi
l
ingyouokay:)
Londeka:
Iwon'
tMrLawson:
D
Me:
:)
Il
ookedaway
Me:
"honey
!Iam home!"It
urnedar
ound
Me:
Baby
?:D
Her
:Sur
pri
se!:
D
Me:
Her
:Ai
n'
tyougonnahugme?:
)
Me:
Heybaby:
D
Ihuggedandki
ssedher
Her:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eint
hehouseso
ear
ly?:
)
Me:
Icamet
otakeashower:
)
Her
:Imi
ssedy
ou:
)
Ihuggedher
,
Me:
Imi
ssedy
out
oo
Il
ookedatLondeka
Londeka:
Me:
:)
Ihopeshei
snotsuspect
ingany
thi
ng

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iwassit
ti
ngli
steningtothem t
alki
nginthe
l
ivi
ngroom.Ilookedattheti
me.Ican'twai
tto
l
eave.Howam Igonnal ookatMr sLawson
aft
erwhathappenedtoday.Iwaspacingupand
down.Il
ookedatt hedoor
Me:
Londeka?
Shewasstandi
ngatt
hedoorl
ooki
ngatme.I
di
dn'
tseeherther
e
Her
:Ar
eyouokay
?:)
Me:
Yes,
Iam gr
eat:
D
Her
:hi
hihiIcani
magi
ne:
D
Me:
Huh?
Her
:Not
hing:
)
Il
ookedaway
.Iwhi
sper
edt
omy
sel
f
Me:
OhmyGod,
sheknows:
'
(
.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t12

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
MrsLawsoncamet ous.Shewant edtoseeme.
Thisisgoingt
obesohar df orme.Thisladyis
thesweetestpersononearth.Idon'
tknowwhy
Iam doingthi
stoher.Thereisnogoingback
now.Iloveherhusband.Iwilll
iv
ewiththisgui
lt
all
myl if
e.Iam notsur
eifLondekaknows.I
don'tknowhowt oreadHermi nd.Sheis
unpr
edi
ctabl
e.Ican'
taf
for
dtobepar
anoi
dnow.
Ihav
etoactcool.
Mr
sLawson:
Nomandl
adear
Il
ookedather
Me:
MrsLawson:
D
Her
:Howar
eyoudear
?:)
Me:
Iam f
inet
hanksMr
sLawson:
)
Her
:Whyar
eyoudoi
ngl
aundr
yatt
hist
ime?
Me:
MrLawsonaskedmet
odoi
tMr
sLawson:
)
Her:Okay,gohangthel
aundr
y.Andgohome
ear
lytodaydear:)
Me:
Thanky
ouMr
sLawson:
)
Shewal
kedout
.Il
ookedatLondeka
Me:
:)
Her
:Mr
sLawsoni
sver
yni
ce:
)
Me:
Yes:
)
Londeka:
Iwouldneverbet
rayher.Imean
i
maginehurt
inganicewomanl i
ket hat:
(
Il
ookedather,
shesmi
l
ed
Me:
Whoi
shur
ti
ngher
?
Her:Noone,
Ioncewantedt
oqui
tbutIt
hought
ofher,
howcanyouleav
esomeonewhoisthi
s
ni
ce?
Me:
Yeahshei
sni
ce:
'
(
Itookt
hecl
othes,
Iwal
kedout
.Iwentt
ohang
them
Me:
Sheknows:
'
(

.
.
~Nosuki
l
e~
Ij
ustserv
edteachersthei
rfood.MrsXaba
di
dn'
ttakethefood.Thiswomant hi
nksIwant
t
okill
her.Iam notawit
ch.Iam notakil
l
er.I
wentbacktothekit
chenwithoneplat
e
Nozazi
:Hay
bo?Ley
opl
ate?(andt
hatpl
ate?)
Me:
Whydon'
tyouguesswhoi
tbel
ongst
o?:
(
Her:
Akakufuni
ukut
yakwakho?(
Shedoesn'
t
wantyourf
ood?):
D
Me:
:(
Nozazi
lookedawaysmi
l
ing
Her
::)
Me:
What
?
Her:umsebenziwakhoubhatal
angcobo.Xa
bekugxothi
l
e.Bazoqeshamna:)(Yourjobpay
s
bett
er,whenyougetfir
ed,
theywil
lhi
reme)
Il
ookedather
Me:whatareyougonnacookthem?Whatyou
arecooki
ngfort
hekids?Youknownot
hing
aboutcooki
ng!:
(
Nozazi
:Yebafazi
!Ni
mvi
leNank'
umfazi
esi
thi
asi
kwaziupheka!(l
adi
es!Nosuki
l
esayswe
can'
tcook)
Me:
Nozazi
Iwast
alki
ngt
oyou!:
(
Lady1:Nozazi
sheisri
ght,t
heonlythi
ngyoudo
hereiswalkar
oundtal
kingaboutpeopl
e!You
don'twor
k:(
Il
ookedatNozazi
Me:
Nje!:
(
Lady2:Nosuki
l
ewasnotlying,whoisgonna
gossipwhenyoubusycookingfort
heteacher
s?
:)D
Il
ookedatNozazi
Me:
Nje!:
(
Nozazi
:Mxm :
(
Shewal
kedaway
.Il
ookedatt
hel
adi
es
Me:
ThankYou:
)
Lady
1:Shei
saf
tery
ourj
obt
hatone:
(
Me:
:(

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Ij
ustarri
vedathome, thankGodImanagedto
l
eavewor kwithoutseei
ngMrLawson.Iam so
gui
lt
y,Ican'
tev enpret
endtobeokay.Mrs
Lawsonissoki nd.Sheissonicet
obe,she
doesn'
tdeservethis.Iam gl
adshesentme
homeear l
y.Igothomet hesametimewith
mom
Me:
Mom :
D
Her
:Whyy
oubackhomeear
ly?:
(
Me:
Whyar
eyougr
umpy
?
Her
:ThatXabawomani
sst
il
li
nmycase!When
areyouleav
ingt
hatboy
?Shedi
dn'
teatmyf
ood
today:
'(
Me:Okay,t
hishast
ostopnow.Iam notwit
h
herson.Heist
heonewhoischasi
ngafterme!
:(
Mom: Thatwomanismakingmywor
king
env
ironmentunpl
easant
!:(
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
her
e:(
Mom:
Don'
t!
Me:Noma, thi
shasbeengoi
ngonf orfarto
l
ong.Shemustdealwit
hQaqambile.Youdid
whatsheaskedyoutodowhyisshestill
on
aboutt
his?
Ithrewmybagi nsi
de.Iwal kedout .Shei
s
goingtoknowmet oday .Idon'tcareabouther
orhersonf ort
hatmatter.Iwil
l showherwhere
togetlost.Iar
ri
vedatherhouse.Thedoorwas
opened.Iknockedthenwenti n.Greatsheis
withherson.Theybothlookedatme.Mr sXaba
l
ookedatmef
rom headt
otoe
Me:
Mol
weni
:((hel
l
o)
MrsXaba:Hey!Leav
eyourshoesont
hest
oep!
Youdon'
tcleanmyhouse!:(
Qaqambi
l
e:Real
l
ymom?Nomandl
acomei
n
Me:
:'
(:(
Iwal
kedout
.Ist
oodatherdoor
step
Me:Idon'
thav
etogeti
n.Youwi
l
lhearmef
rom
her
e:(
MrsXaba:Whatdoy
ouwant
?Youneeda
cl
eani
ngjob?:(
Qaqambi
l
e:Mama!:
)
Me:Iwoul
dn'
tworkfory
oueveni
fyourj
obof
fer
wastheonl
yopt
ionIhad:(
Her
:
Me:
Iam her
etoasky
ouni
cel
ytol
eav
emy
mot
heral
one:(
Il
ookedatherson
Me:hei
stheonewhoi
saf
terme!Idonotwant
hi
m!
Mr
sXabal
ookedatherson
Her:
Yousee?Thi
schi
l
disdi
srespect
ful
.You
nee.
..
.
Me:
Respecti
sear
nedMr
sXaba!
!!:
(
Iwal
kedaway
Qaqambi
l
e:Nomandl
a!
It
urnedar
ound
Me:
YouseeMrsXaba?Idealwi
tht
hisever
y
mor
ningonmywaytomycleani
ngj
ob:(
Qaqambi
l
e:
Her
:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
.

.
If
orcedmy
sel
ftowr
it
e.Ihat
ebei
ngunr
eli
abl
e
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t13

.
.
~MrLawson~
Imustsaymywi fe'sarr
ivalwasr eall
y
unexpected.Mywifecan'tjustsurpri
seme.
Somethingisup.It
'sei
therLondekat oldher
somethingorEll
enisupt osomet hing.Ij
ust
havetofindoutwhatitis.Iwasi ntheli
vi
ng
room al
one,mywif
eisintheki
tchenwi
th
Londekacooki
ng.Itookoutmyphone.It
ext
ed
Nomandla
"Iam sor
ryaboutwhathappened.Shedi
dn'
t
tel
lmeshewascomi nghome"
Me:
...
..
.:)
Ihear
dfootst
epsbehi
ndme.Iputmyphonei
n
mypocket.It
urnedar
ound
Me:
Honey:
D
I
t'
smywi
fe
El
l
en:Honey
,isi
tmeorNomandl
awasact
inga
bi
tst
ranget
oday?
Me:
Wasshe?
Ell
en:
Yeah,i
tlookedli
keshewasav
oidi
ngme.i
knowsheisshybut..
..
..
.?
Me:Don'
tYouthi
nkyouareseei
ngthi
ngsthat
ar
enotther
e.Thatgi
rli
sshybabyandyousai
d
i
tyour
sel
f:D
El
l
en:
Shemustf
eel
freear
oundus:
)
Me:Butbabyy
oucan'
texpecthert
obel
i
ke
Londeka,
shei
snewhere:D
El
l
en:
YeahLondyi
sfei
sty:
D
Iwentt
oher
.Iputmyhandsar
oundherwai
st
Me:Shei
s,nowTel
lmet
her
eal
reasony
ouar
e
back:
)
Her:
Myf amil
yisatHol
einthewall
.Iwil
lbe
goi
ngthereearl
yint
hemorningt
omor r
ow.Iwi
l
l
comebackonSunday:)
Me:Ididn'
tknowtheywer
ear
ound,
Iwoul
d'
ve
pr
eparedmy sel
f:)
El
l
en:
It'
saf
ami
l
yaf
fai
rsweet
hear
t:p
Sheper
kedmyl
i
pst
henwal
kedaway
Me:
Okay:
D
Shewasgi
ggl
i
ngwal
ki
ngaway
Me:
:)

.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
Mymot heri
ssuchasnob,itannoysme.Ihate
whatshejustdi
dtoNomandla.Iam l
osingher
now.AndIdon'tt
hinkshewil
leverwanttobe
wit
hmeagai n.Il
ookedatmymot her
Me:
Whatwast
hatmama?:
(
Mom:Soy
ouar
etheoner
unni
ngaf
tert
hepoor
gi
rl
?:(
Me:Isn'
tthatwhataguyshoul
ddo?Bet
heone
af
teragirl?:(
Her:Youcallt
hatagi
rl
?Iwantgrandchi
ldr
en
fr
om awel l
educat
edgir
lnotNosukil
e'
s
daughter
!:(
Me:
T..
..
..
..
..
Mom:
Thatpearofsneaker
syouaskedf
or.
?:(
Me:
Her
:YoucangoaskNosuki
l
etobuyy
ou:
(
Me:
Comeonmom!:
(.
Shewal
kedaway
Mom:
Don'
tfol
l
owme!:
(
Ist
opped
Me:
:(
It
ookoutmyphone.It
ext
edNomandl
a
"Youknowwhat
?Iam si
ckofy
ouandmom!I
am done!"
Me:
Sent

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Ijustrecei
vedatextfr
om Qaqambi l
e.Heis
dumpi ngme.IthoughtIdumpedhi mtheother
day .Maybeitmakeshimf eel
goodwhenhei s
theonedoi ngi
t?Iignoredthetext
.Igothome
Mom:Ihopeyoudi
dn'
tEmbar
rassusi
nthat
woman'
shouse:(
Me:Ij
ustt
oldhert
oleavey
oualonemom.You
won'
tbeuncomfor
tabl
eatwor
kbecauseofher
:(
Mom:
Ihopeshel
i
stened:
)
Me:Ifshebot
her
syouagai
n,y
out
akehert
othe
pr
inci
pal:(
Mom:Ididt
hreat
enherwi
tht
hatt
oday
.She
l
ookedscar
edabit:
)
Me:
Whatar
eyoucooki
ng?
Mom:
Papandchi
cken
Shewasbusychecki
ngt
hepot
s
Me:
Wher
edi
dyougetmoneyt
obuychi
cken?:
)
Mom:
Thel
eft
over
sfr
om school
:D
Me:
Okayi
tsmel
l
sni
ce:
)
Arecei
vedatextf
rom MrLawson.Apol
ogi
sing
f
orwhathappened.Isomisshi
m.
Me:
:p:
)
Il
ookedatmom
Me:
:D
Mom:Ithoughty
ousai
ditwasbet
weeny
ou
andt
hatboy:(
Me:
iti
s!:
)
Her
:Thenwhoi
smaki
ngy
ousmi
l
eli
ket
hat
?:(
Me:
Noone!:
D
Mom:
:(
Me:
It'
sLondy
,wear
etal
ki
ngaboutgi
..
..
Myphoner
ang.Il
ookedati
t,i
t'
sLondeka,
per
fectt
imi
ng.Ishowedmom
Me:
Yousee?:
D
Shef
akedasmi
l
e.Iwal
kedout
.Ianswer
ed
Me:
Londy:
D
Londeka:
Iknow
Me:
Londy
?:D
Her:
IknowaboutyouandMrLawson!St
opi
tor
Iam goi
ngt
otell
Mr sLawson!:
(
Me:Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
?
:'
(
Londeka:Comeonst opactingi
nnocenther
e.I
knowbehindthatshyinnocentgi
rlt
here'
sa
naughtyawil
dloosegirl
!
Me: :
;
(
Londeka:
Endt hi
ngs,
don'tt
ell
mrLawsonI
askedyouto,i
fyoudoIam tell
i
ngMrsLawson
abouthowy ouwerescr
eamingMrLawson'
s
namei
ntheguestr
oom
Ihungupf
ast
Me:
ohmyGod!Shesawus

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t14

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Whatam Igoi
ngt
odo?IknewLondeka
suspect
edsomet
hing.Thewayshel
ookedat
met oday ,l
aughingatev eryt
hingIsaidli
keI
wascr ackingajoke.Ishoul dhaveknownshe
wasupt osomet hing.Idon'tknowwhyIdi dthi
s
.Iam goi nggoendt hings.Icannotl
osemyj ob.
Icannotlethert el
lMr sLawson.Ihav etoletgo
ofthisrelati
onship.Thiswasnev ergonnawor k
anyway.Ihav etodot her i
ghtthi
ng.Endt hings
beforethatwhi t
ewomanf i
resmeandt el
l
everyonei nthi
sv i
ll
ageabout .whatIdid.I
dial
ledMrLawson' snumber .Idroppedit.Ican'
t
becal l
i
ngmybosswhi l
ehiswi f
eisaround.I
sentat ext.
"LondekaKnows,shet
hreat
enstotel
lMr
s
LawsonofIdon'
tendthi
ngswithyou"
Me:
Iwaswal
ki
ngar
oundout
sidet
hehouse
Nerv
ous
Me:
Comeon!Atl
eastt
extback:
'
(
Iat
tempt
edt
ogobackt
othehouse.Myphone
r
ang.Iqui
ckl
yanswer
ed
Me:
Hi:
D:'
(
MrLawson:
lookIcan'
tbel
ong.
..
..
Hi
sv oi
cei
ski
l
li
ngme.I
tmakesmemi
sshi
m
more..
Me:
:)
Hi
m:Rel
axshei
sbl
uff
ing.
Me:
Whati
fshei
snot
? :
'
(
Hi
m:Letmegomakesur
eshedoesn'
t
Me:
Whatar
eyougonnado?
Hi
m:Justr
elaxandenj
oyy
ourweekend(t
utu
t
u)
Hehangup
Me:Thewhol
eweekendwi
thoutseei
ng
hi
m...
.?:
'
(
.
.
~MrLawson~
IknewLondekaknowssomet hi
ngbutIdidn'
t
wanttoactunt i
lIam sure.Iknowexact l
ywhat
sheknows.Iseeshewant st oknowme.Iam
goingtoplaythi
sgamebet terthanher.Thatgi
rl
i
st oocomf or
tableinmyhouse.Ineedt o
remindhershei sjustamaidher enotmybody
guard.Sheisnotgonnacont r
ol myl
ife.She
mustt el
lmeifmywi feputherintothi
s.
Me:
Baby
,letmewal
kthedog.Iwi
l
lbeback:
)
El
l
en:
Okayhoney:
)
Iwalkedout
.Iunt
iedt
hedog.Il
ookedat
Londeka'
sfl
at
Me:
Iam goi
ngtohur
tthi
sgi
rl
.Shedoesn'
tknow
me.Ipul
ledmydog.Wewenttothei
rfl
ats.Igot
atherdoor,
Iknocked
"comi
ng!
!!
!"
Me:
:(
Sheopenedt
hedoor
Londeka:
MrLawson
Me:
HeyLondeka,
canIcomei
n?:
)
Her
:Ofcour
seMrLawson
Iwenti
n
Me:
Yourf
lati
sneat:
)
Her:
ThankYouMrLawson,
canIhel
pyou?Am
Ii
ntroubl
eMrl
awson?
Me:Relax,
Ijustcamet oletyouknowthatMrs
LawsonwillbegoingtoHol eInTheWall
tomorr
owt i
llSunday.Iwantyoutocomet o
work.Nomandlawi l
ltakeadayof f:
)
Her
:OkayMrLawson:
D
Me:
Hav
eagr
eatev
eni
ng:
)
Her
:Yout
ooMrLawson
Iwal
kedout
Me:

.
.
~Londeka~
Iclosedthedoor.Il
eanedoni t
.DidNomandl a
tel
l MrLawson?Howcanshebesobr ave,I
thoughtImadeitcleartoherthatifshetell
s
him Itel
lMrsLawson.Itlooksli
ket hatdi
dn't
scareheratall
.Sheisreall
yislovewi t
hour
boss.ButwhyMrLawsoni ssoni ceandsmi li
ng?
Ineedt ocal
lNomandl aandaskifshet oldhim
ornot.Idial
ledhernumber
Nomandl
a:Hi
Me:
Didy
out
ell
MrLawsonwhatIsai
d?
Nomandl
a:How?BecauseIdon'
thav
ehi
s
number
!
Me:
Oh:
(
Ihungup
Me: Bit
chhewasjustusi
ngyou,hedi
dn'
teven
giveyouhisnumberaft
erhefuckedy
ouli
ke
thattoday:
D
Wait
?Whywoul
dMrLawsonwantmeatwor
k
al
onewi
thhi
mtomor
row?
Me:
Itookmycl utchbag.Iwentout .Iclosedmy
door .Ineedsav anna.Ihavetodr i
nk.Idon't
wantt ot hi
nkaboutt hisall
night.Iwentt oa
l
ocal t
arvenitisnotfarfrom whereIst ay.Igot
there.Iboughtt wo.Isatdown.Idr ankt hefir
st
onef ast.Ifi
nishedit.Iopenedthesecondone.I
tookasi pthenputi tdown.Ipickedi tupagai n.
Isi
pped.
Me:
"heybeauti
ful"sai
dadeepboldvoi
cebehind
me.Ilookedathim.God,Ihav
eneverseen
suchahandsomeguyi nt
hisvil
l
age.Ibl
ushed
l
ookingathim
Me:
hi:
)
Him:Ihavenev
erseensuchabeaut
if
ul gi
rli
n
thi
splace,
whereyoufr
om?Iam sur
ey ouare
notfr
om here:p
Me:Iam notf
rom her
e,Iam gl
ady
oucansee
t
hat:p
Ifl
ippedmyhair.Iam sohot
,Idon'
tknowifi
t'
s
thesavannaorhisl
ooks.Myheadwasspinni
ng.
Thesav annawaskicki
ngi
n
Hi
m:Iam Ci
ko:
p
Hesai
dgivi
ngmehishand.Ismiled.Ishookhi
s
handl
ooki
ngathi
shandsomef ace
Me:
LondekaLawson:
D
Hi
m:
Me:
:D

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t15

.
.
~Nozazi
~
Mydaughterisnotwor
king.Sheisjustathome
doi
ngnothingwhil
eNosukil
e'sdaughtergot
thatjobnotjustanyj
ob,shei
scookingf orthe
Lawsons.Mydaught erandheraref r
iends.I
don'twantmydaught ert
ofeell
eftout.Mr
Lawsonmusthi r
ehertooandNomandl awi l
l
maket hathappenformydaughter.Shemust
helpherfri
end.
Me:
Lit
hakazi
!:
(
"mama!"Shei
sout
side.Ihear
dfoot
steps.She
ent
eredt
hedoor
Me:Whenarey
ougoi
ngt
oasky
ourf
ri
endt
o
gety
ouajob?:
(
Her:
Inevert
houghtoft
hatmama,
doy
out
hink
shecangetmeone?:)
Me:Whynot
?Youar
eherf
ri
end.Goaskher
baby:
)
Her
:Okay
,letmegot
her
ebef
orei
tget
sdar
k
out
side:
D
Me:
Okaybaby:
)
.
.
~Londeka~
Ihav enev erseenahotguyl ikethisinthisplace.
Ili
ket hef actthathecameal onet othetarven.
Thatmeanshei ssingle.Inev erthoughtIwoul d
fallforanyguyi nthisruralplacebutt hi
sone,
Hei ssohandsome.Idon' tknowi fi
t'
sthe
alcohol butIdon'twantt osleepi nmyf lat
tonight .Wewer ehav i
ngani ceconv ersati
on.
Insi
deIwasshout i
ng"t akemehomewi thyou
baby"het oldmeev er
ythingabouthi m.Ihadt o
l
ie.Idi dn'twantt oturnhim of faboutmyj ob.I
l
iedandsai dIam study i
ngatwi t
s.Icant el
l he
i
sf rom ar ichfamil
y.Ihadt ol i
esot hatIcan
snatchhi mf orthenight.
Ci
ko:It
hinky
ou'
vehadenoughal
cohol
now.Let
metakeyouhome:
)
Iki
ssedhi
m.Imademy
sel
fdr
unkev
enmor
e
Me: Iheardmom ar
ri
ved.Iwantt
oseeher
t
omor r
ow.CanIgospendanightwi
thyoui
f
yourgirl
fr
iendwon'
tmind?:)
Mywayofaski
ngi
fhewassi
ngl
e
Hi
m:Idon'
thav
eagi
rl
fr
iend.Let
'
sgo:
)
Hestoppedat
axi
.Wegoti
n.Of
fwewentt
ohi
s
home.

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Wej ustfi
nishedeati
ngsupper
.Iwaswashi ng
thedisheswhenIhear dmom speaki
ngt o
someoneout si
de.Iheardt
hevoi
ce.I
t'
s
Lit
hakazi.Ihaven'
tseenheari
nawhi l
e.Ialways
comebackt i
red.That'
swhywedon'tseeeach
other
Mom:
Nomandl
aLi
thakazi
wannat
alkt
oyou!
Me:
Okaymom!:
)
Ist
oppedwhatIwasdoi
ng.Iwentout
Me:
Hey:
)
Li
thakazi
:Heyhowar
eyou?
Me:
Iam goodandy
ou?:
D
Her
:Good,
pleasewal
kmehome:
)
Me:
Okay:
)
Wewal
kedoutofmyy
ard.
Her
:Howi
swor
k?:
)
Me:Yourmom say
sIam sleepi
ngwi
thmyboss,
wher
edidshegetthat
?:(
Her
:Youknowmom,
shesay
sthi
ngsshedon'
t
mean:D
Me: Iwoul
dn'thaveaprobl
em i
fsheonl
ysays
thattomom.Knowi ngyourmom.Iam sur
e
everyonet
hinkit'
str
ue.Anywayworki
shecti
c
t
her
eisnof
un
Her
:Cany
ougetmeaj
obt
her
efr
iendpl
ease
Me:Howdoyouexpectmetodothatfr
iend.I
j
ustgott
hej
ob.Idon'
tknowthem t
hatwell
Her
:Soy
ouwon'
thel
pme?
Me:Iwil
lbey ourear
s.WhenIheart
heyar
e
hi
ri
ng.Iwil
ltelly
ou:)
Her
:Thingsarenotgoi
ngwellf
orme.Yougota
j
ob.Idon'
thaveajob.Iwant
edQaqambil
e.He
wasnotint
erest
ed.Hewantedyou:
(
Me:Comeonfri
end,ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbeokay
.
Youwil
lgetaj
ob:)
Her:
Iwantt obeat el
l
er.Ican'
tbecooki
ngand
cl
eaning.That
'snotmyst yl
e:(
Li
thankazit
hinksshei
sbet t
erthaneveryone.
Shealwaysmakessur e.Sheisbet
terthanme.
Nowshei sundermini
ngmyj obandy etshe
wantsmet ohelphergetajob
Me:
Youwi
l
lnev
erwor
kify
oupi
ckygi
rl
Her
:Ican'
tbeamai
dsor
ry,
Iam t
ooy
oungf
or
t
hat:(
Me:
Ihav
etogobackhome:
(
Her
:Comeon,
west
il
ltal
ki
ng:
)
Me:No,youar
eunder
mini
ngmyj
ob,
wear
enot
t
alki
ng.Bye:
(
Iwal
kedaway
Her:Iam j
usttel
l
ingyouit
snotforme.Thatj
ob
sui
tsy ougi
rl
.Iam happyf
oryoubutmehellno!
:D
Anotherinsult
.Iam notgoingtowastemy
energyont hi
sgirl
!.Walki
ngawayi st
hebest
thi
ngtoav oiddrama.Iwillnothel
pherf
inda
j
ob.Ev enwhenIheart heyarehiri
ng.

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Iam v eryprotecti
veofmyson.Hei smyonl y
childthat'
swhyIwantwhat 'sbestf orhim.I
wanthi mt osucceedandsuppor thismot her
.
Withapoorgi rll
ikeNosukile'sdaught er.Hewi l
l
alway ssuppor therandherf ami l
yandf orget
hismot her,Icannev erstandt hat.Iheard
voicesspeaki ngoutside.Iwentt ocheck, it'
s
Xabi sowithsomegi r
l.Ihavet ochecki fit'
snot
thatNomandl agirl
.Iranafterthem
Me:
Hel
l
o:D
Qaqambi
l
e:Real
l
ymom?:
(
Ii
gnor
edhi
m,Il
ookedatt
hisbeaut
if
ulgi
rl
Me:
Whoi
sthi
sbeaut
if
ulgi
rl?:
D
Qaqa:
Mom go!:
(
Me:
Don'
tber
udeson:
D
Qaqa:
Thi
sisLondekamom,
mynewgi
rl
fr
iend:
)
Me:
HeyLondeka,
howar
eyou?:
D
Londeka:
Iam goodma'
am,
howar
eyou?:
)
Me:Good.Ihavenev
erseensuchagor
geous
gi
rli
nthi
svil
lage,
whereyoufr
om?:)
Londeka:
Iam f
rom EastLondon,Iwasadopt
ed
bytheLawson'
swhenIwas5y earsol
d:D
Me:Wow!Youar
ethedaught
eroft
heLawsons?
:D
Londeka:
Yes:
D
Qaqambi
l
e:Shei
sst
udy
ingatWi
tsmom :
D
Il
ookedather
Me:
Wow!Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
her
e?:
D
Londeka:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
.
Sor
ryforposti
ngear
ly,
.Ihaveeari
nfect
ion.I
j
usttookpil
l
sIwannasleep.Haveagoodday
<3
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t16

.
.
~Londeka~
Me:
Psy
chol
ogy
!:D
Ci
ko:
:D
Mr
sXaba:
Youar
easmar
tgi
rl
!Pl
easest
ayi
n
school
!Iam sur
eMrLawsoni
sver
ypr
oudof
you:D
Ilookeddown.Shej ustsai
dIam smart.I
droppedoutin11thGr adeno,If
ail
ed2t i
mes
thendroppedout.IdontknowwhyIam l yi
ng
l
ikethis.WhatiftheyfindoutwhatIam tothe
Lawsons?
Me:
Hei
s:D
Her
:Comehav
edi
nnerwi
thus:
D
Me:
Iam f
inet
hanksma'
am
Her
:ar
eyousu.
..
.
Ci
ko:
Mom,
goodni
ght
Het
ookmyhandwewentt ohisroom.Thi
s
f
amil
yisr
ich.Hi
sroom i
ssobeauti
ful
andclean
Ci
ko:
Wel
comet
omyr
oom :
)
Me:
It'
sbeaut
if
ul:
)
Hel
ockedt
hedoor
,hecamet
ome
Hi
m:Notmor
ethany
ou:
p
Iblushed.Hekissedme.Ij umpedi n.I
undressedhim.Ij ustcan'twai ttomakel oveto
him.HepushedmeIf el
lonhi sbed.Hej umped
onmeandst artedt ouchingandki ssingme.I
don'tremembert helasttimeIf eltlikethis.Just
todayIwaswat chi ngmybossandmy
coll
eaguehav i
ngsex.Iwi shedi twasme.I
didn'
tknowIwoul dgetittoolater.Wehadsex.
Itwasamazi ng.Hewassogoodandcar ing.
Thisismyboy friend,Ican'tbelievei t.Myst ayin
Mqandul ii
sstartingtobegr eat.Iwasj ust
l
ay i
ngonhi schestsmi li
ng
Me:
:)
If
oundmy sel
fav
erydecentf
arm boy.Iam not
l
ett
inghi
m go.

.
.
~Nozazi
~
Isawmydaughtercomingi
n.Ist
oodupfast
.I
hopethi
ngswentwell
withNomandl
a.Ir
eall
y
wanthertowor
k.
Me:
Howdi
ditgobaby
?:D
Her
:Cany
oubel
i
eveNomandl
amom?:
D
Me:
whatdi
dthatgi
rlsay
?:(
Her:
Iaskedhertogetmeajob,shesai
dshe
wouldt
ry,guesswhatj
obsheistal
ki
ngabout
?
:D
Me:
Yes?
Her:
Shethi
nkIwantthesamej obshehas,
whatani
nsul
t!Itol
dhercl
eaningandcooki
ng
ar
enotmything.Shegotof
fended:D
Me:
Youdi
dwhat?
Her
:
Me:
Youdon'
twantt
obeamai
d?:
(
Her:Ohpleasemom!Youcan'
tworkasacook
andexpectmetodothesame.Iwantt
obea
tel
l
er:D
Me:Tomorrowmor ningyouwi
l
lGotothatgi
rl
andtel
lheryouar
et aki
nganyj
obtheyare
off
eri
ngyou!:(
Her
:Nomom!Ican'
tdot
hat
!
Me:
Lit
hakazi
!!
!
Her
:Mom!:
(
Me: Thisisarur
alarea.Irai
sedyouhere.You
havenev erst
ayedinthecity.Wehavenothing!
Othergirl
sgowor ktherewhentheyfi
nish
school.Youarenotbetterthant
hatgir
l!Youwill
gothereandwor k:(
Li
thakazi
::
'(
Me:
Doy
ouhearme?
Her
::'
(
Me:
Isai
dyouwi
l
lwakeupandgot
oNosuki
l
e's
daught
erandt
ell
hery
ouwoul
dlov
etobea
maid!:
(
Her
:Yesmom :
'
(
Me:
Good!:
(
Iwal
kedout
.

.
.
~Londeka~
Iopenedmyeyes.Dammi
tit
'smor
ningAl
ready
.
Ij
umpedoffbed
Ci
ko:
Mor
ningbeaut
if
ul:
)
Me:Whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup!Iam l
atef
or
wor
k!:
(
Ci
ko:
Wor
k?
ohshi
t!If
orgotIl
i
ed.Al
cohol
canmakey
oudo
cr
azythi
ngs
Me:Athomey oudon'tj
ustsi
tar
oundbaby
,I
hel
patthesupermarket:
)
Hi
m:Ohokayba.
..
..
..
"morning!
!!"Ohno!Thewomanofthehouse
openedthedoorwithatr
aywithbr
eakf
ast.She
doesn'
tknockinhisson'
sroom?Whatifshe
foundusnaked?
Me:
MrsXaba:Mor
ningLawson,
pleasesi
tdown
andeat:
D
Me:
Ihav
etogo!
Mr
sXaba:
Lawsonwai
t.
..
.:D
Isl
ammedt
hedoorbehi
ndherandr
anf
ormy
l
ife
Me:

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iam sleepingpeacef ul
ly.I
t'
sSaturday.Iam not
goi
ngt owor ktoday .Ihatewakingupear l
y.I
am reall
ynotamor ningperson.Butbecauseof
myjob.Ihav etowakeupear l
y.Iam gladi
t'
s
Sat
ur day.Icansleepal ldaybecauseIam not
working"Nomandl a!Nomandl a!"
Me:Yi
ntoni
ndi
sal
ele?(whati
sit
?Iam st
il
l
sl
eepi
ng)
I
twasmom knocki
ngatt
hedoor
Mom:
Yourf
ri
endi
sher
etoseey
ou!
Me:
l
astni
ghtshemadefunofmyj obnowshe
di
stur
bsmysleep?Li
thakazi
istest
ingme.
Mom:
Nomandl
a!
Me:
Ihear
dyoumama!:
(
Ist
oodup.Iwenttothedoor
.Iopenedand
wal
kedout.Iheadedtot
hekit
chen.
Me:
Mor
ning:
(
Mom:Mor
ningbaby
,Li
thakazi
isher
etot
alkt
o
you:
D
Il
ookedatherwai
ti
ngf
orhert
ospeak
Li
thakazi
:Let
'st
alkout
sidef
ri
end:
D
Me:
Whynother
e?:
(
Her
:
Mom:
Nomandl
a!:
(
Me:Nomom.Li thakaziaskedmetogethera
j
ob.Abetterj
obthanmi ne.Shecan'
tbeamaid
i
t'
snotherstyl
e!Idon'tknowwhyshewants
hel
pfrom amaid.Iam notinthemoodtobe
i
nsult
edagain!:
(
Mom l
ookedatHer
Mom:
Yousai
dthat
?
Li
thakazi
:Isai
dIwantt
obeat
ell
er,
Ican'
tcook
andclean
Mom:
Why
?:(
Her
:Iam notgoodatt
hatma:
)
Me:That
'snotwhatshesai
dtome.Shesai
d
i
t'
snothersty
le!:
(
Mom:
Doy
ouhi
repeopl
ether
enow?:
(
Me:Nomom :
(
Mom: Youheardher,sheisjustamaid.She
doesn'thi
repeopl
e.Ithi
nkyouneedt ogotalk
tothatwhiteman.Mydaught eri
sjustaworker
ther
e,amai dasyousay: (
Li
thakazi
:Okay:
(
Shewal
kedout
Me:
Nxa!:
(
Mom:
Shei
sjustl
i
kehermot
her:
(
Me:
Letmegobackt
osl
eep,
Ican'
tbel
i
eveI
wasdi
stur
bedf
ort
his:
(
Iwal
kedoutbef
oremom coul
dsayany
thi
ng

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Qaqa:
Mom l
ethergo!:
D
Me:
Isi
tsomet
hingIsai
d?
Him:No,
shesaidshei
shelpi
ngar
oundatt
he
super
market
,shei
slat
e:D
Me:Oh,Iwasstar
ti
ngt
oworr
y,Idon'
twantt
o
r
uinthi
ngsfory
oumyson:D
Qaqa:
Iwon'
tl
ety
oudoi
tagai
n:D
Me:
Youcan'
tbl
amemewi
thNomandl
a!Shei
s
amaid!:
(
Hi
m:Iknowmom :
D
Il
ookedawaysmi
l
ing
Me:
:)
Qaqa:
Mom whati
sit
?:D
Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
Iam pr
oudofy
ouson!
Qaqa:
Thanksmom :
)
Me:
Youwony
our
sel
faj
ackpoti
nher:
D
Hest
oodup
Hi
m:Yout
hink?:
D
Me:Thedinnerinv
itesthatwewil
lget?Sit
ti
ng
acr
ossthetablewiththatweal
thyfamil
y?:D
Qaqa:
Nomom!I
t'
snotgonnahappen!:
(
Me:
Whynot
?:D
Hi
m:That
'st
oomuch:
)
Il
ookedaway
Me:
Monday
,Iwi
l
lgoi
ntr
oducemy
sel
ftohi
m
andtel
lhi
m Iam t
hemot
heroft
hespeci
alman
i
nhisdaughter
'sl
i
fe:
)
Qaqa:
Mom no!Wej
ustst
art
eddat
ing!Don'
tdo
t
hat!:
(
Me:
:)
Qaqa:
Mama!:
(
Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
Iwon'
t:
)
Qaqambi
l
e:Thanky
ou:
)
Iwal
kedoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
Me:
:)

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong
.
I
nser
t17

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Mysat urdayisbor i
ng.Theonl ythingt hatison
mymi ndri
ghtnowi sMrLawson.Thatmanhas
stol
enmyhear t.Iknowwej uststarteddat i
ng
butthewayhet reatsme, makel ov etomei s
j
ustmagi cal.Noot hermanhasev ermademe
thi
shappy .OnlyMrLawsondoes.Whenhe
speakst ome, hespeakst omel i
keIam a
normal person.Idon'tfeelpooraroundhi m.I
feell
ikethisiswher eIbelong,wear eequal s.
Peoplespeakt omel i
keIam noone, IknowI
am anobodybutt heydon' thavetot reatmel i
ke
that
.Amanwhohasev erythi
ngmakesmef eel
l
ikesomeone.Iam bl essed.Li t
hakazi willnev er
getajobf r
om theLawson'sifsheisbehavi
ng
thewayshedoes.Thatgi r
lthinkssheisbet
ter
thaneverybody.Ihopesheli
stenedtomom and
goaskf orajobfrom MrLawson.Theymakei t
l
ooklikeit'
smydut ytofi
ndheraj ob.
"Gir
ly!
"saidavoi
cebehi
ndme.Iam onmyway
fr
om buyingbr
ead.I
t'
sMrsXaba,shei
sinher
car,
itl
ooksli
kesheisgoi
ngsomewhere.
Her
:Iam gl
adyoul
eftmyson,
hef
ounda
womanofhisst
andar
d:D
Me:
Congr
atul
ati
onst
ohi
m Mr
sXaba:
)
Her:
Iam sor
ryyouarepoor,
may beyouwi
l
lfi
nd
someoneyourst
andardtookay
?: D
Me:
Oht
rustmeIhav
e:D
Her
:Youpoorgi
rl
sdon'twast
eti
me!You
movedt
oanotherunder
wear!
?:(
Me:
Andwhataboutyourr
ichson?Hedi
dn'
t
movet
oanot
herski
rt?:(
MrsXaba:
Pret
tysoon.Youwi
l
lbecooki
ngf
or
us:
D
Me:
Iwi
l
lnev
erwor
kfory
ou!
!:(
Her
:Nobabygir
l,y
ouar
eworki
ngformyin
l
aws,v
erysoonwewil
lbei
nvi
tedf
ordinner:
D
Okay
?
Me:Wait.
..
.?TheLawson'
shavea9y earol
d
daught
er,i
sQaqambiledat
ingDi
nah?:D
Her:
Iam t
alki
ngaboutt
hegir
ltheyadopt
ed
whenshewas5y ear
sold.
Me:
...
..
..?
Her:Shespentani
ghtinmyhousel
astni
ght
.
Londekai
ssobeauti
fulhi
hihi
whatan
upgrade:
D
Me: :
D
Londekar
eal
l
ygi
rl
?
Mr
sXaba:
From amai
d,t
odat
ingaweal
thy
gi
rl
fr
iendwhoisawitsst
udent
!Li
fei
sso
amazingNomandl
a,Iam sopr
oudofmyson:
D
Me:
Met
oo:
D
Her
:Li
fei
samazi
ng!:
D
Shedr
oveof
f
Me:
...
..
.?:
)
Iwal
kedhome
Me:
Lif
eisamazi
ngi
ndeed
Iam sonotgonnat ell
them whoLondekaisto
theLawson's.Iwanttoseet hel
ookonthei
r
faceswhent heyfi
ndoutShei samore
experi
encedMai d.Iam speaki
ngYear
sof
experi
ence.
Me:
Thi
sisamazi
ng!

.
.
~Nozazi
~
Mydaught
ercamei
nlooki
ngangr
y.Don'
ttel
l
meitdi
dn'
tgowel
lagai
n.
Me:
Andnow?:
(
Li
thakazi
:Hermot hersaysIshoul
dgoandask
MrLawsonf orthejob.Shesaysherdaught
eri
s
j
ustanemploy eethere:(:
'
(
Me:
Nosuki
l
esai
dthat
?:(
Her
:Yesmama:
'
(
Me:
Thatwomandon'
tknowNozazi
!:
(
theythi
nktheyarebett
erbecauset heyare
workingforawhit
efamily?Iam goingt o
remindthem whotheyare!Iwasr unni
ngt o
thei
rhome.Iarri
vedthere.Iam notgoingin.
Shemustcomeout !
Me:
Nosuki
l
e!:
(
Nor
esponse
Me:
Nosuki
l
e!:
(
Shecameout
.
Nosuki
l
e:Whati
sitNozazi
?:(
Me:
Whatdi
dyousayt
omydaught
er?:
(
Nosuki
l
e:Whydon'
tyouaskher
!?:
(
Me:
Iam her
etoasky
ou!:
(
Hermedaught
ercameout
Nomandla:Li
thakazidon'
twantajob,
Idon'
t
knowwhyy ouarewast i
ngyourti
meonher!She
i
nsul
tedmel astnight
.Thismorni
ngshecame
andsai
dt hesamet hi
ng!:(
Nosuki
le:Li
thakazisaysshedoesn'
twantthe
j
obmydaught eri
sdoing.Shewantsabetter
j
ob.Isaidshemustgospeakt oMrLawson
her
self
,mydaught erisjustanempl
oyeethere!
:(
Me:
Thi
schi
l
d:(
Nomandla:Soshetol
dyouthel
astpar
t,she
di
dn'
ttel
lyouevery
thi
ng?:
D
Nosuki
l
e: Sheknowshermot
herwasgonnar
un
l
ikeacrazywomanandshoutatusf
orthe
vi
ll
agetohear!:
(
Me:
Arey
oui
nsul
ti
ngme?:
(
Nosuki
l
epi
ckedupast
ickandr
angome
Nosuki
l
e:Whatar
eyougonnado!
?
Me:
YhuYhu!
Iranformyli
fe.Iwi
l
lnevergetmysel
fbeatby
anotherwomaninherhouse,nev
ernotwhil
eI
havefoot

.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
Isawmymot
her
'scardr
ivi
ngi
n.Shehasbeen
gonefor4hour
s.Shedi
dn'
ttel
lmewher
eshe
went.
Mom:
Qaqa!
!!
!
Ir
anout
Me:
Mom!
Her
:Comet
aket
heset
hingsi
nsi
de:
D
Iwentt
otakethepl
ast
icsandshoppi
ngbags,
wewentinsi
de.
Me:Mom i
t'
snot20thbutal
readyy
ouar
e
spoi
l
ingy
oursel
f?:
D
Isai
dtaki
ngouthercl
othes
Mom:Itooksomemoneyfr
om mysav
ings.I
wantt
olookgoodwhent
heLawsonsi
nvit
eus
:D
Me:
Real
l
ymom?:
(
Shesear
chedherhandbag
Her
:Igoty
ousomet
hinghi
hihi
:D
Me:
Whati
sthat
?
Shetookoutasmal
lnav
ybox
.Il
ookedather
,
thentooki
t
Me:
Whati
sthi
smom?:
(
Mom:
Openi
t!:
D
Iopenedi
t
Mom: I
t'
saR6500di
amondr
ing!Pr
oposet
o
her
!:D
Shewassoexcited,
Iwasn'tlooki
ngattheri
ng,
Iwaslooki
ngather,shewastedthatamountof
moneyonanengagementr ing?Ismymot her
l
osinghermind?
Me:
R6500r
andsmom?:
(
Mom wal
kedaway
Her
:Whynot
?Shei
swor
thi
t!:
D
Me:
.
.
~Londeka~
Me:OhMrLawson,i
fIknewyouwant
edtosee
mefort
his,
Iwoul
dhavewornmysexyli
nger
ie
:p:
)
MrLawson:
Youal
way
swant
edt
hisdon'
tyou?
:(
Me:
All
myl
i
feMrLawson:
p
Hewasf ucki
ngmehar dinthekitchen.Yeswe
arehav ingsex .Igott
owor k.Hecamet ome, he
didn'tsayany thi
ng.Heundr essedme, Ididt he
samet ohim.Thi siswhatIalwayswant ed.He
camepr epared.Hehadcondomswi thhi m.He
turnedmear ound.Heaskedmet oholdt he
fri
dge.Idon' tknowwhywear edoingthisatt he
samespot .Ithoughthewoul dtakemet ot he
bedroom.Butno.Hei schangingpositionsi n
thesamespot .Hedidmehar dIwashol ding
t
hef
ri
dgescr
eami
nghi
sname.
Hi
m:Youar
emaki
ngnoi
sebi
tch!
!!
Me:
Yes,
sor
ryMrLawson:
p:)
Hef i
nall
ycame.Het ookoutthecondom
walkingtotheothersi
deofthekit
chen.Ididn'
t
payat t
enti
ontohim.Iatt
empt edt
ogoget
dressed.Hegrabbedmyar m.Itur
nedaround
smili
ng
Me:
:D:
p
Hi
m:Let
'swat
chsomet
hing:
)
Me:
Whati
sthatMrLawson:
D
Hi
m:Thi
s:)
Hepr
essedpl
ay.OhmyGod
Me:
:'
(

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t18

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Ifthingsgowellmysonwi l
lgetmar r
iedsoon.I
willhavegrandchi
ldr
en!Iam sohappy .Ican'
t
evenhel pit
.Idon'
tregretspendi
ngR10000
randsonmynewf or
mal wearandt hatringI
boughtf ormyson.Thatgi r
lisri
chandsmar t.
Shewi l
lbethebestdaughterinl
aw.Wear e
sit
tinginmyki t
cheneat i
ngPizzaIboughti n
town.
Me:
Sowhenar
eyoupr
oposi
ng?:
D
Qaqa:Mom,Ij
ustmett
hisgi
rly
est
erday
,why
t
herush?:
(
Me:Shewil
lfi
ndanotherman!Youdon'
twant
t
oloseherdoyou?:(
Him:Idon'
t,
butIdon'
twantt
olook
desper
ate:(
Me:
Iam desper
ate:
)
Isai
dlooki
ngatmypi
zzasmi
l
ing
Hi
m:Wel
lthi
sisnotabouty
oumom!:
(
Me:
Okayokay
!Hav
eity
ourway!:
D
Hi
m:Thanky
ou:
(
Me: Youshould'
veseenthelookonNomandl
a'
s
facewhenItoldheraboutyournewgi
rl
,
Pricel
ess!Hi
hihi:
D
Hel
ookedatme,heputhissl
iceofpi
zzaont
he
t
abl
e.Hestoodupshaki
nghishead
Hi
m:Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ou!:
(
Hewal
kedaway
Me:
:)
It
ookoutmyphone.Ihav
etocal
lLondekaand
i
nvi
teherf
ordi
nner.

.
.
~Nozazi
~
Me:
hey
!Heygety
ourassher
e!:
(
IsawLit
hakazir
unaway .SheknowsIgotthe
tr
uthf
rom Nozaziandherdaughter.Thi
schi
ld
i
snotseri
ousaboutli
fe
Me:Iact
edli
keafool
inf
rontoft
hatwoman
whydidyoul
ie?:
(
Li
thakazi
:It
oldy
ouwhatshesai
dmom :
(
Me:
Doy
ouwantt
obeamai
d?:
(
Her
:Idon'
twantt
owor
k:(
Shewal
kedaway
Me:
Chi
l
d!Li
thakazi
!
Shet
urnedar
ound
Me: Mom,Iam notgoingtoworkt
herebecause
youarej
ealousofyourfri
endandherdaught
er!
Ineedadecentjob:(
Me:
Nosuki
l
eisnotmyf
ri
end!:
(
Her:
Thenwhyy
oual
way
swantt
ohav
ewhat
shehas?:
(
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout:
(
Her:Mom goforcookinglessons,may
bey
ou
mightgetherj
ob,justleavemealone:
(
Me:

.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
Mymom i stoomuch.Idon' tknowwhyshei s
sopushyaboutt his.Sheistryi
ngtogetcloser
tothatfami l
y .Whati fMrLawsondon' tapprov
e
ofthi
sr elati
onshi p?Mom i sgoingtomess
thi
ngsupf orme, shethinkssheishelpi
ngme,
shehasnoi deashemi ghtbepushingLondeka
away .Thatgi rl
leftrunningbecauseofher.
Whati fsher efuset ocomebackbecauseofher ?
Ican'tevenspeakt omom andmakeher
understand,shei sal waysright.
Anywaywespokeont hephone.Shei sokay .I
waswor ri
ed,Il
oveher.Anditwouldbeni cet o
marryherbutnotnow.IsawNomandl a's
motherwithotherwomen.Theywer egoing
somewher e.Nomandlamightbeal oneather
house.Ihavetogot al
ktoher.Ineedtoknow
moreaboutLondekabef or
eIputar i
ngoni t.I
havetoknowwhatIam get ti
ngmy selfinto.I
am walki
ngt oherhouse.Mom boresme.Ihat e
stay
ingwithherallday.Wetalkaboutthe
Lawson'
salldayl
ong.IsawLithakazicomi
ng
tome, t
hisgi
rli
sannoyi
ng,i
tlookslikeshei
s
stal
ki
ngme
Her
:Heyhandsome:
p
Me:
Hi,
bye:
(
Li
thakazi
:youar
egoi
ngt
oth.
..
..
.
"hey!Hey!Leavemysonalone!"sai
dmy
motherlooki
ngthrought
hewindowathome.I
can'
tbeli
evethatwoman.
Li
thakazi
:
sheranaway ,
mom isfearedinthi
svi
ll
age.She
taughtall
thekidsaroundhereatschoolt
hat'
s
whyt heyrespecther
.Ilookedatmom shaki
ng
myhead
Mom:
Lev
elsmysonl
evel
s:D
Me:
Icont
inuedwi
thmyjour
ney
.Iar
ri
v edat
Nomandla'
shome,
Iknockedatthedoor.
"I
t'
sopen!"sai
dNomandl
ainsi
de.Iwal
kedi
n
Nomandl
a:
Me:

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Whati
sQaqambi l
edoi
nginmyhouse?He
cametot
ellmeaboutLondekat
oo?Idon'
thav
e
ti
mefort
his.Ist
oodup
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?:(
Hi
m:Iam nother
etof
ight
Me:Youar
eher
etot
ell
meabouty
ourgi
rl
fr
iend
?:D
Hi
m:No,
bu.
..
.
Me:Yourmothert
oldmeIwil
lbeserv
ingy
ou
guy
sdrinkswit
htheLawson'
ssoon
congr
atul
ati
ons:
D
Hel
ookeddown
Hi
m:Iapol
ogi
sef
ormymom
Me:Youdon'
thavetoapol
ogiseforyourmother
,
shei
snotsorryf
oranyhur
tfult
hingshesaysto
me.Nowtell
mewhyar eyouhere?:(
Hesatdown
Hi
m: Iwant
edtoknowmor eaboutLondeka,
whatdoyouknowabouther?:
)
Me:Youareaski
ngy
ourexabouty
ourcur
rent
gi
rl
fr
iend?:
D
Hi
m:Pl
ease
Me:
Not
hing,
Iknownot
hingabouther:
(
Hi
m:Comeon.Shei
syourbosses'
daught
er!:
)
Me:Exactl
y!Mybosses'
daughternotmyfr
iend.
Idon'
tknowanythi
ngaboutLondekaLawson:)
Hest
oodup
Hi
m:Idon'
tknowwhyIcamet
oyou:
(
Me:
Met
oo:
)
Hi
m:
Hewal
kedout
Me:
:)

.
.
~Londeka~
OhmyGod, whowasIf ool
ing?MrLawsonhas
beenmybossf oryears.Hehasnevershown
anykindofi
nteresti
nme, Ishoul
dhaveknown
hewasplayi
ngme.Hewasl ooki
ngatme,
smil
ingbuthi
ssmi lehassomuchangeri ni
t.
MrLawson:
Whoy oudothi
nky
ouar
e
t
hreat
eni
ngthatgi
rl
?:(
Me:
Him:Youareamai di
nthi
shouse!WhatIdoi n
myprivat
eli
feisnoneofy
ourbusiness!Youare
notmydaughter!:
(
LastnightIli
edt
oahandsomemanandhi s
family,
IsaidIwasLawson'
sdaught er.Hearing
him say"youarenotmydaughter"makesme
real
isehowmucht roubl
eIputmy selfin.That
familywil
lknowprett
ysoonthatIam nota
Lawson
Me:
Him:Yout el
l El
l
en, Ideny,aft
erthatIgive
Nomandl athisvideo,sheshowsmywi f
eand
tel
lheryouliedbecauseshef oundyouandI
havi
ngsex.Thenwewi ll
seewhowi ll
endupon
thestr
eets.Whodoy outhinkshewillbel
iev
e?
HerorYou! ?
Me:
Hi
m:YouaretheoneIsleptwi
th!Idi
dn'
tsl
eep
wi
tNomandla!Ther
eisnoproof!:
(
Me:
Him:Mywi f
elovesme.Justbeagoodmai d
anddowhaty ougoodatandshutyourst
ingy
mouth!
!:(
Hewalkedawayt
henst
oppedhal
fway
,he
t
urnedaround
Hi
m:Youcangohome,
seey
ouonMonday:
(
Ipi
ckedupmycl othescr
ying.Idressedup.My
phonerang,Il
ookedatit
.Idon'tknowt hi
s
number.Ianswered
Me:
Hel
l
o
Cal
l
er:
Hel
l
ogor
geous,
it'
sMr
sXab.
..
..
Me:
Notnow!
Ihungup
Me:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t19

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Me:
Mom y
ouwon'
tbel
i
evet
his:
D
Mom:
What
?:)
Me:
Your
emembert
hegi
rlIam wor
kingwi
th?
Mom:
Londa?
Me:
Londekamama!:
D
Her
:Samet
hing:
D
Me:
Shei
sdat
ingQaqambi
l
eandshel
i
edt
ohi
s
mot
heraboutal
otoft
hings:
D
Mom:
Whatdi
dshesay
?
Me:
Thatshewasadopt
edbytheLawsonsat
t
heageof5andshe'
sstudy
ingatWi
ts:D
Mom:
Hay
i!:
D
Me:Don'
ttel
lany
oneaboutt
his.IwantMrs
Xabatogoandmakeafoolofhersel
finf
rontof
MrLawson:D
Mom:Doy outhi
nkshewi
l
lgot
her
eand
i
ntr
oducehersel
f?
Me:Mom,shesai
dsoonIwil
lbeser
vingt
hem
atMrLawson'
sdi
nnert
abl
e:D
Mom:Hehehe!Iwantt
oseet
hel
ookonher
f
ace:
D
Me:
met
..
.
myphoner
ang.Il
ookedatcal
l
eri
d.I
t'
sMr
l
awson
Me:
Ihav
etot
aket
hismom :
)
Iwal
kedout
Me:
Hel
l
o:)
Hi
m:Hey
,Imi
ssy
ou
Me:
met
oo:
)
Hi
m: Iwil
lcomef
etchy
ou,
Iwantust
ospenda
ni
ghttoget
her
Me:
Wher
eisMr
sLawson
Hi
m:Shei
satHol
eint
hewal
l
Me:
Ohokay
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lcomef
etchy
ouatni
ght
Me:
Okaybaby:
)
Hi
m:Lat
er
Hehungup
Me:
:p
.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Londekahunguponme, Ihaveabadfeeli
ng
aboutthis.Sheisrespectful
.Idon'
tknowwho
wasont hatphone.Say ing"notnow"tome?Her
motherinl aw?Ihavet ospeaktomyson.Isaw
hi
m wat chingTVatl ounge.Iwenttositnextt
o
hi
m
Me:
Baby
,ar
eyouandLondekaokay
?
Hi
m:Yeswhy
?
Me:
Whenl
asty
ouguy
sspoke?
Hi
m:Thi
smor
ningbef
oreshel
eft
Me:
Ical
l
edher
,shewasr
ude
Hi
m:Mom,
wher
edi
dyougett
henumber
?:(
Me:
Ist
olei
tfr
om y
ourphone:
)
Hi
m:Mom y
ouar
esomet
hingel
se!:
(
Hest
oodup
Me:
Bef
orey
oul
eav
e..
..
..
Hi
m::
(
Me:Ithi
nky
ouneedt
ocal
lherandf
indouti
f
she'
sokay:
)
Hewal
kedout

.
.
~MrLawson~
Me:
Ohshi
tthatwasamaz
ing:
p
Isai
dthatki
ssi
ngherforehead,
shewasl
ayi
ng
onmychest.Shelookedatme
Nomandl
a:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
ebaby;
)
Shel
ooki
ngdownbl
ushi
ng
Me:
Youneedt
ost
opt
hat:
D
Her
:What
?
Me:
Bei
ngshyar
oundMe:
)
Her
:Iam notshy:
D
It
ickl
edher
Me:
Arey
ousur
e:D
Her
:Hahahababyst
op!:
D
Me:
Youj
ustcal
l
edmebaby:
p
Shet ookapill
ow,shehi tme.Itookmine.Ihi
t
her,shejumpedonme.If el
lonmyback.I
pull
edherclose.Ikissedher.Shejumpedoni t
andst ar
tedkissi
ngmehungr i
ly
.Igrabbedher
butt
.Wewer esti
llnaked.Shewasont opofme.
Ienteredher.
Her
:Ohy
eahbaby:
p
Shewasr i
dingmewithherr
ighthandonher
breastt
heotheroneonmychest.Ihadmy
handsonbot hherbut
tcheeks.Thi
sgi
rli
s
amazing,t
heshyNomandl agoesawaywhen
wehav esex.Sheissofl
exi
ble.

.
.
~Londeka~
Ifeelli
keIam suchahy pocrit
e.Iwasjealousof
Nomandl aIdidn'treal lycareaboutMr sLawson.
Iwasj ealousbecauseIwant edMrLawsont o
my self
.Thatt alki hadwi thNomandl aabout"
betrayi
ngsuchagr eatwoman"wasj ustme
tryi
ngtomakeherf eel bad.Ididn'
treall
ysay
thatbecauseIcar edf orthepoorwoman.I
want edthemant omy self.It
'ssosadtoknow
thathedoesn' tfeel any t
hingforme.Itexplai
ns
thehar dcoresex .Hedi dn'tcareatall
.Hewas
hurti
ngme, Ididn'tf eel t
hatthoughbecausei t
's
whatIal way swant ed.Idi dn'
tknowhewas
takingav ideo.HowdoIt ellMr sLawsonwhen
Iam theonewi thasext apeandshedoesnot ?
MrLawsont houghtthislongandhar d.That
bitchtoldhim Ithreatenedher .Iwasaf oolto
thi
nkshewoul dbescar ed.Qui etgi
rlslovea
Dick.Shemadesur eshef oughtforit
.Wel l
done
Nomandl a.Youwi l
lhav ehi m whenev eryou
wanthi m andt her
ei snot hingIcandot ostop
you.Any wayIam l ayingi nmybedt hinki
ng
aboutt hi
s
Me:
:'
(
Myphonerang.Il
ookedatcal
l
erI
d.I
t'
smy
manCiko
Me:
Hey:
):'
(
Hi
m:Heybaby
,howar
eyou?
Me:
Iam okaybabyhowar
eyou?
Hi
m:Iam good,
Londeka,
areweokay
?
Isatupst
rai
ghtr
Me:
Ofcour
sebabywear
egr
eat:
D:'
(
Hi
m:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:
Yesbaby
Hi
m:Thenspendt
hedaywi
thmet
omor
row
Me:
Hi
m:Baby
?
Me:
Iwi
l
lspendt
hedaywi
thy
ou
Hi
m:Ipr
omi
semom won'
tdi
stur
bus
Me:
Hihi
hiokaybaby:
D:'
(
Hi
m:Il
ovey
oumyLawson
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooCi
ko
Hest
art
edcoughi
ng
Me:
Arey
ousi
ckbaby
?
Him:NoIam f
ine,
wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
row.Il
ove
you,
goodni
ght
Me:
Lov
eyout
oo,
night:
):'
(
Hi
m:By
e
Me:
Bye:
)
Hehungup.IwonderIwi
l
lli
eti
l
lwhen.

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
GodIam i nlovewiththisman, Ican'thel
pit
.I
am sohappyr i
ghtnow, Ihopenothingrui
nour
rel
ationshi
p.Wer eal
lyloveeachot her.Il
ove
him andIbelievehelovesmet oo.
Lawson:
Letmegogetusi
cecr
eam downst
air
s
:p
Me:
Okaybaby:
)
Hekissedme.Hewalkedout.Isatupstr
aight
.I
cov
eredmy sel
fwi
thawhitesheetsmili
ng
Me:
:)
Ifeell
ikeIam i nadream.Ifeelli
keIam ina
beauti
ful dream t
hatIam gonnawakeupi nand
real
iseitwasj ustadream.IloveMrLawson.I
wishwemeetbef or
eheMar ri
edMr sLawson.I
knowt hissoundsselfish,
Idon'tcare.Iam j
ust
agirli
nlov e."Nomandl a!Nomandl a!
Nomandl a!"saidMrLawsonr unningtothe
room.Ijumpedoutofbed
Me:
whati
sitBaby
?
Hi
m:Takey
ourcl
othesandcomewi
thme!
!
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Him:
Mywif
eandherf
ami
l
yjustdr
ovei
n!
Come!!
Me:
No!:
'
(
Ir
anwithhi
m wi
thmyclot
hesi
nmyhands,I
pi
ckedupmyshoes.Ir
andownthest
air
s.
Hi
m:Her
e!:
(
Hegav
emet
hecarkey
s
Hi
m:Runtothatdoor
!Openit
!Thatdoorwi
l
l
t
akeyout
othegarage,geti
nthecar:(
Me:
Okay:
'
(
Irantothedoor,Iopenedit
.Ipr
essedthekey
thecarunlocked.Igoti
nthencl
osedthedoor
Me:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t20

.
.
~MrLawson~
Me:
Baby
,whatar
eyouguy
sdoi
ngher
e?:
D
Hermom: I
sthathowy
ouwel
comey
our
guest
s!?:
D
Me:
Sor
ry!Comeoni
n:D
Iki
ssedhermot
her
'scheekandev
ery
oneel
se.
Theywere5oft
hem
El
l
en:
Imi
ssedy
oumybaby:
D
Shehuggedme
Me:
Ithoughty
ouwer
ecomi
ngt
omor
row:
D
Hermom:Andl
eav
et hi
stownwi
thoutseei
ng
mysoninl
aw?Never:)
Me:
Iam happyy
ouguy
sar
eher
e:D
Am I?NoIhaveapoorgir
linmybloodycar
!I
am pissedashel
latt
hem f
orbei
nghere
Hermom:
Letmegot
otheguestr
oom.Iam
t
ir
ed
Shecan'
tgot
her
e!Ther
oom i
samess
Me:No!No!Justsi
ther
e!Babymakethem
cof
fee.Iwi
l
lgochangethesheet
s:D
El
l
en:
Oht
hat
'ssweetofy
ouhoney:
D
Iranupthestai
rs.Iwenttothatroom.Iopened
thewindows.Imadethebed.Ilookedaroundif
ther
e'sanyt
hingsuspi
cious.Icl
osedthedoor.I
call
edNomandl a
Her
:Hel
l
o
Shewaswhi
sper
ing.Mypoorbaby
.
Me:Justr
elax.Iwi
l
ldr
ivey
ouhomewhent
hey
ar
egonetobed
Her
:Okay
Shesai
dwi
thacr
yingv
oice
Me:
Pleasedon'
tcr
y:(
Shehungup.Iopenedthedoor
,Icl
osedt
he
windows.Iwentdownst
air
s.If
oundHermot
her
st
andi
ngwi
thhercof
fee
Her
:Iwi
l
lfi
nisht
hisi
ntheguestr
oom :
)
Me:
Okaymom :
D
Shewalkedupst
air
swithot
hers.It
urned
around,
Ell
enwasstandi
ngbehindme
Her
::p
Me:
:)
Her
:Let
'
sgoupst
air
s:p
Me:
Gobaby
,Iwi
l
lfi
ndy
out
her
e!:
D
Shecamet
ome,
sheki
ssedme
Her
: Baby,earl
yint
hemorni
ngIam l
eav
ing.I
am notlet
tingyouoffmysi
ght:
p
Me:
Iwi
l
lcomeupbaby:
D
Her
:Whatareyougonnadodownst
air
s.Let
'
s
doi
ttoget
her:
p
Me:
Iwantcof
fee:
D
Her
:Mypoorhusband,
Ishoul
dhav
emadey
ou
acup,
come!:)
Shepul
l
edmet
otheki
tchen.
Me:
:(
Wemadecof f
ee.Ihadtodri
nkit
.Ididn'
twant
coff
ee.Wewentt obedaftert
hat.Shewasall
overme.Idon'tknowhowmanyt imeswehad
sex.Shewascuddl i
ngmeallni
ght.Shewasnot
l
etti
ngmego.Thepoorgi rli
sgonnasleepi
n
thecartoni
ght.

.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
I
t'
sverycoldt
onight
.Icoul
dn'tsl
eepalone.I
hadt
of i
ndalocalgi
rlwhil
eLondekaisonher
moods.Ican'
tsl
eepalone.Iknowallt
hegirl
sin
myvil
l
ageloveme.Theonl ygir
lIev
erloved
her
eisNomandla,
it'
sapi
tywehadtobr
eakup.
AnywayIj
usthadsexwi
ththi
sgi
rl
Her
:Whyy
oudon'
twantust
odat
e?:
)
Me:ItoldyouIwant
edsomeonet
owar
m upmy
bed.Stopaski
ngquest
ions:
(
Her
:admi
tit
,youenj
oyoursex:
D
Me:
Doy
ouwantt
ogohome?:
(
Her
:Fi
ne!Iam sor
ry:
(
Shelookedt heotherway.Il
aidmyheadonthe
pi
ll
owwi t
hbot hmyhandsont hebackofmy
head.Ilookedup.Iwantedsex.Igoti
t,nowI
am disgustedbyher.
Me:
:(

.
.
~Nosuki
l
e~
Me:
Odwa!
Herai
sedhishead.Iam waki
ngupthepoorboy
.
I
ts4am i
nthemor ni
ng.Hesleepswi
th
Nomandl
a.
Me:
Wher
eisNomandl
a?
Odwa:
Shewashedandl
eftMakazi
(aunt)
Me:
What
?:(
Odwa:WhenIcamet
osl
eep,
shewasal
ready
gone
Me:
Youar
etel
l
ingmeshedi
dn'
tsl
eepher
e!?:
(
Odwa:
EweMakazi
(yesaunt
ie)
Me:Ihav
etogotoNomboni
so'shouse!She
sai
dsheendedt
hingswi
tht
hatXababoy !:
(
Odwa:Whyuvukeear
lyaunt
ie?(whyar
eyouup
soear
lyaunt
?)
Me:
Idi
dn'
texpectt
hatquest
ion
Me:
Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepboy:
)
Hi
m:Oh:
)
Hecoveredhi
mself
.Ihav
etogotothatXaba
housenow!Iwentt
omyboyfr
iend.That
'
swhyI
am upearl
y.

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iheardaknock.Iopenedmyey esdamnIcan'
t
bel
ievehedidn'tcome!ISlepti
nhisdamncar!I
can'tbel
i
eveit'
salreadySundaymorning.I
quickl
yunlockedthecar.I
t'
sMrLawson
Me:
:(:
'
(
Hegoti
nthecar
Hi
m:Li
edownbaby
Il
ookedathi
mfumi
ngwi
thanger
Hi
m:Iam sor
ryokay:
(
Hepull
edme, Il
i
edmyheadonhist
highscr
ying.
Hestar
tedtheengi
nebrushi
ngmewi
thhis
ot
herhand.Hedroveout.
Me:
Isl
epti
nyourcar
!
Him:Iknowbaby.Mywi
fewassosuspi
cious.
Shecouldn'
tl
etmego:(
Me:
Iam notcomi
ngher
eagai
n!
Him:Wewi l
lgospendaoneni ghtatCof
fee
Bayeveryweek.Ican'
ttaket
heseri
sks
anymore:(
Me:
Hi
m:Youcansi
tupnow
Isatup,Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.Hegav
emecoupl
eof
hundrednot
es
Me:
Somuchmoney
?
Hi
m:I
t'
smywayofsay
ingsor
ry.Got
otownand
buyyousomethingni
ce.Iwantt
odropy ouher
e,
Ican'
tbeseeninyournei
ghbour
hood,herei
s
R10tohick
Me:
Thanky
ou
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou,
bye:
)
Iwal
kedoutoft
hecar
Me:
Lov
eyout
oo:
):'
(
Hetur
nedthecarar
ound.Idi
dn'
tgodownon
themai
nroad.It
ookashotcuthome.Ican'
tbe
seenwal
ki
ngdownt her
oad.Icount
edthe
money.
Me:
R1500:
D:'
(
Wow,Iwil
lhavetokeepthi
sti
ll
monthend.My
mom wil
lbesuspici
ousandaskquest
ionsI
don'
thav
eanswer sfor
.

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
"Nomboniso!Nomboniso!Nomboniso!"said
someoneshoutingmynameout sidewakingme
upinmybeautysleep.Istoodup.Iworemy
morninggown.Iwentoutofmybedr oom.I
openedtheki
tchendoor
Me:
Whati
sitNosuki
l
eear
lyi
nthemor
ning!
!!
?:(
Nosuki
le:
Opent
hegat
e!Yoursonhasmy
daught
er!
!:(
Me:
What
?
Nosuki
l
e:Opent
hisgat
eorIwi
l
ljump!:
(
Thi
soldwomani scrazy,
asforherdaught
erI
wil
lbr
eakherneckifIfi
ndherinmyson'sroom
Me:
Iam notMr
sXabanow?:
(
Nosukil
e:Yeymfazi
ndi
niakhos'
eSi
kol
weniapha
vul
a!!
!!(heywoman!Wearenotatschool
open
up!)
Iopenedt
hegat
e.Il
efthert
her
eheadi
ngt
omy
son'
sroom
Me:Iwil
lki
l
lthatl
i
ttl
esl
uti
fIf
indheri
nmy
son'
sroom!:(
Nosuki
l
e:Youwi
l
lgot
hroughmemi
str
ess!:
(
Ihi
tthedoor,
mysondon'
tsleepi
nthemain
house.Hehasasi
xcor
nerroom onthesi
de
Me:
Boyopenup!
!!:
(
"mom whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e!?"sai
d
Qaqambi
lei
nsi
de
Me:I
fyoudon'
topenup,
Iwi
l
lbr
eakdownt
his
door
!
Qaqambi
l
e:Okay
!Okay
!Iam comi
ng!
Nosuki
l
egotatt
hedoort
oo
Me:
Openup!
!!
Thedoorhandl
etur
ned.Heopenedt
hedoor.I
pushedhi
m outoft
heway.Youwon'tbel
i
eve
t
his!
Me:
Lit
hakazi
?
Li
thakazi
:MSXabaIcanexpl
ai.
..
..
.:'
(
Bef
oreshecoul
dn'
tfi
nishNosuki
l
est
art
ed
l
aughi
ng
Nosukil
e:Hehehe!Ndazendakuv
azwi
ndi
ni!
(Ican'
tbel
iev
ethi
s )
Il
ookedatNosuki
l
e
Me: Uhl
ekanikewena?i
phint
ombiyakho?
(andwhatarey oul
aughi
ngat?Whereisy
our
daughter
?)
Nosuki
l
e:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong
.
I
nser
t21

.
.
~Nosuki
l
e~
Whati swr ongwi thchi l
drenoftoday ?Thatboy
wasdat i
ngmydaught er,howcanLi t
hakazi do
thistomydaught er?Nomboni soact slikeher
soni sami ll
iondol lar
showdoy ouexpl ainwhat
hedi d?Exchangi ngf r
iends?Hei scheap.Now
start
ingt othinkhedi dn'tdeservemydaught er.
Hismot herkeepsgoi ngonandonabouthow
poormydaught erisandhowhi ssondeser ves
abet terwoman.Youcan' tdeserv ebetterwhen
youbehav i
ngl i
ket hatboy .Thi
sr eal
lyshocked
me, seeingLi t
hakazi there.ButIenjoyingseei ng
thelookonMr sXaba'sface.Any waynowIjust
gothome.Ihav et
of i
ndoutwher emydaught er
sleptl
astni
ght.If
eelbadt hatIhadt ogot
ell
thexabasthatmydaught erdidn'
tsleepat
home.Theywi l
lneverstopcalli
nghercheap.
Shewi l
lbereal
lymadt oknowt hatIwentther
e.
Nomandl
a:Mama:
D
Me:
Oh,
youar
eback:
(
Shel
ookeddown
Me:
Whoi
she?:
(
Her:
NotQaqambi
l
e.Youaskedmet
odump
hi
m, Idi
d:(
Shet
ookt
hebucketshewal
kedout
Me:Youwi
llgetpr
egnant
,youcan'
tchange
menli
kePanti
es!:
(
Nomandl
a:Mamay outreatmeli
keIam a
t
eenager
.Iam ol
d,Icantakecar
eofmyself
!:(
Me:
Hmm :
(
Shewalkedaway.Ifoldedmyarmswatchi
ng
herwal
kaway .Idon'
twanttogi
vepeopl
eof
thi
svi
ll
agesomet hi
ngtotal
kabout
.
Me:
Ihopey
oucant
akecar
eofy
our
sel
f:'
(

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iam notgoingtobeaskedwher eIcomef rom
attheageof25.Mom needst ochi
ll
.Iknow
howt otakecareofmy self
.Ir
espectherand
herwishes.Ibrokeupwi t
hQaqambilebecause
shewant edmet o,shemustbehappyImov ed
on.Ideservetobehappyt oo.Iwaswal ki
ngto
fetchwaterfr
om theriv
er.Myphoner ang.I
tookitout
Me:
:)
I
t'
sMrLawson.Ianswer
ed
Me:
Hey:
)
Hi
m:Howar
eyoubabe?
Me:
Iam goodt
hanks,
howar
eyou?
Hi
m:Iam good,
mywi
fei
sleav
ingt
oday
Me:
Ohokay
Hi
m:Youcancomei
fyouwant
?
Me:No,
Iam nevercomi
ngt
oyourhouseat
ni
ght
.Iwil
lseey
ouatworkt
omorrow:(
Hi
m:Iunder
stand,
it'
sokay
Me:
Thanks
Hi
m:Tal
klat
er,
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Hehungup.IsawLit
hakazi
withabucketi
nher
headshewascomingfr
om theri
ver
Me:
Weneedt
otal
k:(.
shewentpassme
Her
:Aboutwhat
?:(
Me:Don'
twalkawayy
ouknowwhatIam
t
alki
ngabout:(
Sheignoredme,
Iwentt
oher
.Ipushedt
he
bucket.I
tfel
l
Li
thakazi
:Whatt
hef
uck!
?:(
Me:
Weneedt
otal
..
..
..
Sheslappedmesohardonmyface.Igr
abbed
herhair
,Ipul
l
edi
ttr
yingt
ohur
ther.
Her
:Letgoofmyhai
r!!:
'
(
Shepushedme,Isl
appedher
,shegrabbedbot
h
myhands,Iwasfi
ghti
nghert
ryi
ngtotakeher
handsoffmi
ne.Sheki
ckedme
Me:
Ouch:
'
(
Ifel
lonmybutt.Shecamer unningtotake
advant
age,Iki
ckedher ,
shef el
l.Irant
oher,I
satonherchest.Ipunchedherf acesomany
ti
mes.Shewaski ckingtr
yingtost opme."
Nomandl
astopthi
s!!
!".saidsomeonepull
i
ng
meup.Il
ookedattheperson,it
'sQaqambi
le
Me:
Letgoofme!:
(
Ipushedhi
m.It
ookmybucket
.Iwal
kedaway
Hi
m:Real
l
y!?Ai
n'
tyouguy
sol
dtobedoi
ngt
his?
:(
It
urnedar
ound
Me:Ain'
tyoupr
oudt
wogr
ownwomenf
ight
ing
about
?:(
Hi
m:
Me:Iwonderwhathappenedt
oLawson'
s
daught
er!:
(
Iwal
kedaway.Her
anaf
terme
Hi
m:Pl
easedon'
ttel
lmygi
rl
fr
iend!
Iwal
kedawayIdi
dn'
trepl
ytot
hat

.
.
~Londeka~
Igotacal l
from MrsLawson.Shewant stosee
me.Iam soner vous.IhopeMrLawsondi dn'
t
tel
lherwhatwedi d.Thatwomant r
ustsmewith
herli
fe.Shewouldber eal
lydisappoi
ntedi
nme
i
fshe'dfindoutIhadsexwi thherhusband.
Mr
sLawson:
Dar
li
ng!Youar
eher
e:D
Me:
YesMr
sLawson,
goodmor
ning :
D
Her:
Morni
ngdar
li
ng,
Iwant
edt
oseey
oubef
ore
Igo:D
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
eback?:
D
Her
:Wecamebackl
astni
ght
,mymom want
ed
t
oseemyhusband:
D
Me:
Oh:
D
Her
:Pl
easehel
pmemakebr
eakf
astdar
li
ng:
D
Me:
OkayMr
slawso.
..
..
.
IsawMrLawsoncomi
ngi
n
Hi
m:Mor
ningLondeka:
)
Me:
Mor
ningMrLawson:
'
(
Isai
dlooki
ngaway.Thisissoawkwar d.Thi
s
mansleptwit
hmeonSat urday.Nowheis
smil
ingact
ingli
keever
ythingisokay?

.
.
~Nozazi
~
Me:Nosuki
l
e,Mr sXabawant
stoseeme,
I
wonderwhy.
..
..
..
.?
Nosuki
le:
Sheisyourf
ri
end,
Idon'
tknowwhy
youseem wor
ri
ed?:(
Me:Youarej
eal
ousbecauseIam f
ri
endswi
tha
t
eacher
!:(
Nosuki
l
e:Iwasgonnabej
eal
ousi
fitwasone
ofotherteacher
s.It
'sNomboniso.Wel i
vewith
heri
nt hi
sv i
ll
agethere'
snothi
ngspecialabout
her,
justgogossip,that
'swhatyouaregoodat
anyway:(
Shewal
kedaway
Me:
TheNer
ve!
!:(
"Nozazi
!!
!"sai
daf
umi
ngv
oicebehi
ndme.I
tur
nedaround
Me:
OhMr
sXaba:
D
Ir
ant
oher
.
Mr
sXaba:
:(
Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokayMi
str
ess?:
D
Her:WhatIsaidtoNosukil
eaboutherdaught
er
goesforyoutoo!Yourdaught
ermuststayaway
fr
om myson!:(
Me:Theyar
edat
ing?That'
swonder
ful
news!
Ourf
ri
endshi
pwi
llbestr
on..
..
.
Her:Shutup!
!YouandIar
enotf
ri
endsandwe
wil
lneverbefr
iends!:
(
Me:
Oh.
..
..
Isai
dlooki
ngdowndi
sappoi
nted
Her:HoneynooffencebutyouandI ,
we
di
ff
erent.Iam ateacher
,youarecookingf
or
l
earners,doyouseethediff
erence?:
)
Me:
Yesmi
str
ess:
(
Her:Yourdaught
ercan'
tbewithmyson.My
sonisdati
ngLawson'sdaught
ersot
ellhert
o
stayawayfrom mysonorIwil
lmakeher!:
(
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
..
.
Her:
Rightnow,Iam goi
ngt
otheLawson'
sto
t
alkaboutthef
utur
eofourchi
ldr
en:D
Shewalkedtot
hestaf
froom l
eav
ingmeso
di
sappoint
ed.Il
ookedaway
Me:AsmuchasIhatet
oadmi
titbutNosuki
l
e
i
sri
ghtabouty
ou!:
(
Idi
dn'
tsayt
hatoutl
oudt
hough.

.
.
~Nosuki
l
e~
IsawMr sXabaspeakingtoNozazi.Thosetwo
arei
nseparabl
e.Sheleftherst
andi
ngalone.I
wenttoher.Shelookedreal
lysad.
Me:
Whatwer
eyout
alki
ngabout
?:)
Nozazi
:Noneofy
ourbusi
ne.
..
..
..:
(
Me:
Abouty
ourchi
l
drensl
eepi
ngt
oget
her
?:D
Her
:Howdoy
ouknow?:
(
Me:BecauseIwasther
ewheny
ourdaught
er
wastol
dtoleave:
D
Her
:Chi
l
drenl
oveeachot
her
!Whysepar
ate
t
hem?:(
Me:
Funnyy
oudi
dn'
tsayt
hiswhenQaqambi
l
e
waswi
thmydaught
er?:
)
Her:Notever
ythi
ngisaboutNomandla!Your
daughteri
samai dandIam sur
esheisgoingto
serv
eNomboni soteatodayhi
hihi:
(
Iwil
lactli
kethatdi
dn'
toffendme,butthepart
ofservi
ngteatodaycaughtmyatt
ention.She
walkedaway
Me:
Wai
tNoz
azi
:)
Shel
ookedatme
Her
::(
Me:SoNomboni
soi
sgoi
ngt
othesuper
mar
ket
?
:)
Her:Yestotal
kaboutt hefut
ureofthei
r
chil
dren.Mydaughterisnotgoodenoughf
or
herson!Youshouldhav eseenthesmir
konher
facewhenshesaidt hat:'
(
Shewalkedaway.IlookedatStaffr
oom door
.
Sotodaysheisgoi
ngt ogetasurpri
seofher
l
ife.Isawhercomingoutwi
thherhandbag.
Thiswomani sgoi
ngtothesupermarkett
o
social
ise.Whoist
eachi
ngourkids?.Iwentt
o
her
Me:
MrsXaba:
D
Her
:Whoi
sNomandl
asl
eepi
ngwi
thnow?:
(
Me:
Noty
oursont
hankGod:
)
Her
:Youspeakasi
fmysoni
sbadnews:
(
Me:
Heisnot,hei
sjustat
tract
edt
opoorgi
rl
s
t
hat
'swhyIl
i
kehim alot:
D
Her
:Goodby
e,Iam l
ate!:
(
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngmi
str
ess?
Her
:Notl
ikei
t'
sanyofy
ourbusi
nessbutIwi
l
l
t
ell
youanyway.
..
..:
)
If
oldedmyarmswi
thasi
l
lysmil
einmyface
wait
ingf
orhert
omakeafool
ofher
sel
f
Me::
)
Her
: Mysonisdat
ingMrLawson'sdaught
er.I
am goi
ngther
etointr
oducemyself:
)
Igi
ggl
ed
Me:
Hihi
hiy
oumustbeexci
ted!:
D
Her:Ohtr
ustme,Iam.Mysoni
sfi
nal
l
ydat
inga
gi
rlofhi
scali
bre:
D
Me:Mydaught
erandIar
esohappyf
ory
ouMr
s
Xaba:
D
Mr
sXabal
aughed
Her
:Thatonei
sgoi
ngt
omakemecof
feei
n
j
ust
..
..
.
Shel
ookedatherwr
istwat
ch
Mr
sXaba:
15mi
nut
eshi
hihi
:D
Shegotinhercar
.Shedroveoffmaki
ngasi
l
ly
gi
ggle.It
urnedar
ound.Il
ookedonthi
nai
r
smil
i
ng
Me:
Youar
einf
orasur
pri
seNomboni
so:
)
.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.

.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t22

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
TodayIam ver
ylate.I
t'sal
ready8andIam sti
l
l
athome.Ihavetogett owork,Ican'
ttake
advant
ageofmyr elat
ionshi
pwi thMrLawson,
mebei nghisgi
rlf
ri
enddoesn' tmeanIshoul ddo
asIplease,hei
sst i
l
lmyboss.Il ockedthedoor
thenheadedtothest optocat chat axi
.Isaw
thefamousboyoft hev i
ll
ager unningafterme,
I
thoughtwewer eoverthi
sr unningaf t
erme
nonsense.Webot hmov edon.Hemov edon
withmyf r
iendandmycol league, Imean
Lawson'sdaughter
Qaqambi
l
e:So.
..
..
..
Hesai
dthatr
unni
ngaf
terme
Me:
Sowhat
?:(
Isai
dwal
ki
ngaway
Hi
m:Youhav
eanewboy
fri
endnow?:
(
Me:I
fyoudon'
ttur
naroundandgobackhome,
Iwi
ll
gettowor
kandt ell
LondekaLawsony
ou
ar
emyexandy ousti
l
l wantme!:(
Hi
m:Heydon'
tyoudaref
lat
teryour
sel
f.Idon'
t
domai
dsImadeitcl
eart
oy ou.Iwasj
ust
cur
ioust
oknowt
hel
osery
ouar
ewi
thnow:
(
At
axi
came,
Ist
oppedi
t.Igoti
n
Me:
:'
(
Iwentt owor k.Idon'
tknowwhyhekeeps
comi ngtome.Ibr okeupwi t
hhi m butstil
lheis
botheredbymyj ob.Hismot herwhenshesees
me.Shet ell
smeaboutmy selfasifIdon' tknow
whoIam orwhatIam.Iam si ckofthis.We
mightbepoorbutwedon' tsleephungr y.Ireal
l
y
don'tknowwhati swrongwi ththesepeopl e.My
l
ifeisnotinteresti
ng,Idon'tknowwhyi t
bothersthem.Iar ri
vedatwor k.Iquicklywentin.
Me:
Ihaven'tseenLondekaeversincethedayMrs
Lawsonar ri
ved.Idon'
tevenknowwhatMr
Lawsonsai dtoshutherup.Thisisgonnabea
l
ongday .Wewer efi
nal
lygetti
ngalongbut
today,Ihaveaf eel
i
ngwewi llbebackwherewe
star
ted.Ibreathinandout,Iatt
emptedtoopen
thedoor,
Ihear
dfoot
steps.It
urnedaround,
iti
s
oneoftheworker
satthesupermarket
Him:Hel
loNomandl
a,Mhl
ekazi
(si
r)want
shi
s
coff
eesentt
otheof
fi
cenow
Me:
Okay:
)
Hesmi l
edthenwal
kedaway
.Il
ookedatt
he
dooragain
Me:
Iopened.

.
.
~Londeka~
Thi
sf arm gir
lisl
ate.Sl
eepi
ngwi t
hMrLawson
doesn'tmakehert hebossladyofthi
shouse.I
don'
tcarei fshet
ellshi
m butIthi
nksheneeds
toknow.Thedooropened.
Me:
OhMr
sLawson,
youdeci
dedt
oshowup
Her
:Excuseme?:
(
Me:
Youcar
ryonl
i
ket
hisi
syourhouse,
ist
his
t
heti
metocomet
owork?
Nomandla:Iam sorr
yIam lat
e,Iov
ersl
eptI
don'
tknowwhyy oumakingabigoutofthi
s.I
t'
s
notl
ikewehaveal ottodo.AnywayMrLawson
wantscoff
ee:(
Me:OhIshoul
dhav
eguessed,
youwentt
ohi
m?
:(
Her:
No!Ibumpedintosomeguywhowas
comingher
etotel
lus!:
(
Me: Youknow,Iwouldappreci
atei
fwedon't
tal
kt oday
.Doyourjob,Iwil
ldomine!Let
'
sjust
stayoutofeachothersspace:(
Shet
ookat
ray
Her
:Iwoul
dappr
eci
atet
hatv
erymuch!:
(
Shet
ri
edt
otaket
hecupsIj
ustwashed
Me:
Iwi
l
lbecar
ryi
ngt
het
ray
!:(
Shel
etgoofi
t.Shewentt
otakeapl
ate
Me:MrLawsondon'
teatfoodthi
sear
ly.You
ar
enotgoi
ngtotheOff
ice,Iam :
)
Her
:Fi
ne,
IguessIwi
l
lgodol
aundr
ythen:
(
Me:
Youdot
hat
!:(
Shewal
kedaway
Me:Iwil
lmakesureyoudon'
tseey
our
boy
fri
endtodaybi
tch
Isai
dthatbet
weenmyl ips.Iwenttot
hemir
ror
,
Il
ookedatmy sel
f.Il
ookgood.Itookt
hetr
ay
Me:
:)

.
.
~MrXaba~
Ijustarr
ivedatthesupermarket.Iwasl ooki
ng
aroundsmi l
ing.Ift
hingsgowell,Iwillbepartof
thisever
yday .Iwil
lbearegul
arher e.Iwon't
hav etogotot hequeue,Iwi
llgostraighttothe
tell
erandbehel ped
Me:
Iam pr
oudofy
oumyson:
)
"canwehel
pyouma'am?"sai
dsomeone
behi
ndme.It
urnedar
ound
Me:
:D
Her
:
Me:
Iam her
etoseey
ourbossdear:
)
Her
:Letmegot
ell
uMhl
ekazi
:D
Me:Tel
lhi
mit
'sat
eacherf
rom t
hel
ocal
school
:D
Her
:Al
ri
ght:
)
Shewal
kedup.Isawt
hepr
inci
pal
ofmyschool
comi
ngIn
Me:
Ir
anandhidbehi ndashelfwher
etheypack
gr
oceri
es.IsaidIwasgoingtothedoct
orwhen
Il
eft
.hecan'tseemeher e.
Me:

.
.
~Li
thakazi
~
Nomandl aisfighti
ngmef oramanshesay s
shedoesn'twant .Sher eal
lysurpri
sedme
yester
dayatt her i
ver.Inev erthoughtt
hequiet
Nomandl awoul dfightf oraman.I twassocute
toseeQaqambi lestandupf orme.Iam i nl
ove
withthatguy.Ijustwi shonedayhewi llsee
goodi nmenott hesext oy
, t
hedildoheuses
whenhef eelslikehav ingsex.Iam mor eofa
woman.Icandot hingsNomandl acan'tdofor
him.Nomandlaiscluel
ess.Shedoesn'
tknow
howtotreatorhandleaman.Iam abettergi
rl
forhi
m.Isawt hedooropen
Mom:
Whyt
hedoori
scl
osed?:
(
Me:Whyar
eyouhome,
theki
dshav
en'
teat
en
yet
Her
:Icametospeaktoyou,
soy
ousl
eptwi
th
t
hatXababoyyest
erday
?:p
Me:
Mom!:
D
Iwal
kedout
,Iam notdi
scussi
ngt
hiswi
thher
.
Mom:
Sheconf
ront
edme!
It
urnedar
ound
Me:
Who?:
(
Her:Hi
smot her
,thatwomandon'
tl
ikey
oumy
daught
er!:
(
Me:Thatwomandon'
tl
ikeanygi
rli
nthi
svi
l
lage
:(
Her:
Baby,i
sthi
sthi
ngser
ious?Icanhel
pyou
gett
hatboy:)
Me:
Hedoesn'
twantany
thi
ngser
ious:
(
Her
:Andy
ou?
Me:Iwanthi
m mabuthej
ustwant
stosl
eep
wi
thme: (
Mom:
:)
Shesmi
l
edl
ooki
ngawayohboy
,whati
ssheup
to?
Me:
Okay
..
..
..
.? :
)
shel
ookedatme
Mom:Herhusbandmi
ghthavemoneyand
ev
ery
thi
ngbutheisat
radi
ti
onalman:)
Me:Idon'
tknowwher
eyouar
egoi
ngwi
tht
his?
:)
Mom: I
fyoucoul
dgetpr
egnant
,hewi
l
lbe
f
orcedtomarryy
ou:)
Me:
Her:Thi
nkabouti tbaby,
heisdoinghi
slast
yearinvarsi
t y
,heisgoi
ngtowork.Iwi
llbe
enjoy
ingthel obol
atheywil
lpayf
oryouandy ou
babygir
l..
...
..:
D
Shesai
dputt
ingherhandsonmyshoul
der
s.I
l
ookedather
Me:
Iwi
l
lbeMr
sXaba:
D
Shel
aughed.
Her
:Yesbaby:
D
Ihuggedher
.Thenbr
oket
hehugf
ast
Me:
Ineedt
ogetpr
egnantf
ast
!:D
Mom:
Hei
sal
onenowgo!;
)
Me:
HowdoIl
ook?:
D
Mom:
Gor
geousbaby:
)
Me:
Lat
er!:
D
Sher
anaway
,Iwassmi
l
ingf
rom eart
oear
.
Thi
spl
anmustwor
k
Me:
Ithast
owor
k:'
(
If
eltonet
earescapemyl
eftey
e.Iwi
pedi
t
Me:Nomboni
so,Ij
ustrui
nedy
ourdr
eam of
get
ti
ngari
chdaughteri
nlaw:
)

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t23

.
.
~Li
thakazi
~
Mymot her'
splanisamazi ng.Idi dn'tthi
nkof
this.IloveQaqambi le.Whatabet t
erwayof
trappinghi mthanabeaut i
full
ittl
ebaby ?Wewi ll
bet iedforeverwhetherheorhi smot herl
ikesit
ornot.Hi sfatherwil
l f
orceust ogetmar ried.
Thatmani sverytr
aditi
onal.Thisi saper fect
ti
me.Qaqambi lewon'tbeher eforl ong.Whata
bet t
erwayt ohavehim alltomy sel fthan
spendi ngtimewi thhim whileev eryoneisat
school .Iarri
vedatQaqambi l
e'shouse.Ihear d
l
oudmusi ccomi ngfrom hisroom.
Me:
:)
Iheadedt
ohisroom.Thedoorwasopened.I
walkedi
n.Thi
sbastardisdeadasl
eep.Isl
owly
cl
osedthedoor.It
ookoffmydress.Isl
owly
wenttohi
sbed.Hei ssosexywit
hhisshir
toff.
Hewasonlyinhisshort
s.
Me:
:p
Ipl
ayedmyhandsonhi
ssi
xpack.Heopened
hi
seyes,
Iwasal
readysi
tt
ingonhi
spr
ivat
e
ar
ea
Hi
m:Thef
uck?:
(
Ishookmybut taroundhi sMrD.If el
titgett
ing
biginhisshort
s.Ileanedforakiss.Hedi dn'
t
fi
ghtit.Heletmeki sshim.If
elthishands
touchmypant i
es.Ipulledoutofthekiss.I
smiledathim
Me:
:p:
)
Hegr abbedthebackofmyheadandpul l
edme
i
nf orakiss.Ihel
pedhimtakeoffmypanties.I
don'tknowhowhet ookof fhi
sshor
ts,
hewas
nakedalready.Hegrabbedbothmybuttcheeks.
IgrabbedhisMrD
Hi
m:Letmegetacondom
Me:
Iam i
napi
l
lbaby:
p
Isai
dkissi
ngandbi
tehi
sear
,teasi
nghi
m.If
elt
himinser
ti
nghi
mself
Me:
:)
Ismil
ed.WhatIwashopi
ngf orishappeni
ng.I
can'
twaitt
obepregnant
.Ican'twaitt
obeMr s
Xaba

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Ican'tbeli
eveLondekadeci dedt ogoal one.
WhenIsai dIdon'tmindst ayingbehi ndwhile
she'sgoingtoMrLawson' sof f
ice,Iwaslying.I
am angryashell.ImissmrLawsonandt hisgirl
hasanagendaorst r
ategy .Idon'tknowwhati t
i
sbutIknowshei supt osomet hing.Sheis
tr
y i
ngtoseparateus.Ican' twaittoseewhat
shewi l
ldoat11am whenwehav etosendhi m
l
unch.Mr sLawsonl eftalotofdi rtyclot
heswi th
sand.Iam busywashi ngthem.Myphoner ang.
Itookit.It
'smymot her .
Me:Hel
l
omama:
)
mom:Nomandl
a,Nomboni
soi
saboutt
o
di
scov
erwhoLondai
s!
Me:Hi
hihi
!Londekamama,whatdoy
oumean
shei
sabouttodiscov
..
..
.
Shedi
dn'
ttel
lmef
ini
sh
Her
:Shelef
theresayi
ngshei
sgoi
ngt
her
eto
i
ntr
oducehersel
ftoy
ourboss
Me:Thi
swomani st
oofor
ward,
didshet
alk
wi
thhersonbef
oredoi
ngthi
s?:
D
Mom: Whocar
esbaby ?Iwanthert hr
ownoutof
thatsuper
market.Iam wait
ingforhertocome
backlooki
ngdefeated.Herdream ofhavi
nga
rel
ati
onshi
pwithTheLawsonswi l
ldietoday
Me:Londekai
sther
easwespeak.Shesent
cof
feetoMrLawson
Mom:
Per
fectt
imi
ng
Me:
Hihi
hi.Mom Ihav
etogetbackt
owor
k:D

Mom:
Byebaby
!
Ihungup, Ishookmyheadl aughi ng.Idon't
wantt obey oul ondekat oday .Whatwer eyou
thi
nking?Ly inglikethat?Thisgi rldon'twantto
acceptherl i
fe.Shet hinksshei sbet ter.That
's
whatInot icedaboutherwhenIgother e.She
carri
edher selfli
keshewast heirlastborn.Ifeel
sorryforhert hough.Theembar rassmentshe
puther sel
fin,poorgi r
l.Shewi l
lfeelashamedof
herselfeverytimesheseesMrLawson

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Pr
inci
pal
justleftIcameout,
Isawthel
adywho
wentt
o"Mhl ekazi"ast
heycall
him.
Her
:Ihav
ebeenl
ooki
ngf
ory
ou:
D
Me:
Sor
rydear
,Ihav
ebeenl
ooki
ngar
ound:
)
Her
:Mhl
ekazi
iswai
ti
ngf
ory
oui
nhi
sof
fi
ce:
)
Me:
ThankYou:
D
Iconf
ident
lywentt
omyfut
ureI
nlawsof
fi
ce
wit
hasmi l
einmyface
Me:
:)
Iknockedatt
hedoort
henopened
Me:
:D
MrLawson:
..
..
..
.?
Me:
Hel
l
oMrLawson:
D
Igav
ehim ahandt
oshake,hedidn'
ttakei
t.He
j
ustshowedmethechai
r.Isatdown
Me:
Thanky
ou,
howar
eyou?:
D
Hi
m:Iam goodt
hanks
Me:
Iam Mr
sXaba.
..
..
.,
Nomboni
soXaba:
D
Hi
m:Hi
Me:
Iam Qaqambi
l
e'smot
her:
D
Hi
m:AndI
'
m supposet
oknowt
hisQaqambi
l
e?

Me: Oh,maybeyourgorgeousdaughterhasn'
t
i
ntroducedyouguystoherboyfri
end.Iam the
mot heroft
heboythatstol
eyourdaughter'
s
heart:D
Hest
art
edl
aughi
ng
Hi
m:
Me:
DidIsaysomet
hingMrLawson?
Hi
m: Ma'
am mydaught
eri
snotev
ent
eenager
,
whatar
eyoutal
ki
ngabout
?:D
Me:
Youdohav
eanot
herdaught
er!:
D
Hi
m:Noma'
am :
D
Me:
Thegi
rly
ouadopt
ed?Imeanher
!:D
Hi
m:I
syoursondat
ingoneofmydogs?
Becauset
heonl
ythi
ngmywi
feandIadopt
edi
s
twodogs?
wai
t?Don'
ttell
met hi
sgirll
i
edt
ous,
whati
fshe
i
snotevenfrom her
e..
...
?
Me:
No,i
tcan'
tbe!Iam supposet
obey
ouri
n
l
aw:'
(
Hi
m:Whoi
sthi
sgi
rl
?:D
Me:
LondekaLawson:
'
(
Iwasget t
ingtear
y.IhavebeenGushingabout
thisgi
rl
!Every
oneknowsIhav eaLawsonf ora
daughteri
nlaw!,nowIjustdi
scover
edShei s
fraud!
?
Hi
m:Hahaha,t
heLondekaIknowhasbeenmy
mai
dfory
ear
s
me: No!No!Shesai
dshe'
sy ourdaughter
.A
studentatWit
s!Doi
ngpsychology!Youadopt
ed
herwhenshewasachi l
d
Hi
m:Ma'
am,
Londekadi
dn'
tev
engot
omat
ri
c
:
D
Thatwasast
abI
nthehear
t
Me:
Him:mymaidsarebri
ngi
ngmemycoffee.Why
don'
tyouwai
t,maybeshewi
ll
expl
aint
histo
you:
D
Me:
Okay
Thatbi
tchwil
lneverbewi
thmyson!Iwil
lmake
sur
eofit!MrLawsonGavemeatissue
Me:
ThankYou

.
.
~Londeka~
IwanttoseeifMrLawsonwil
lhaveaproblem
withmebringi
ngcoff
eeal
one.Imeanit'
sjust
tea.Wedon'thav
etocometogether
.Igotat
Lawson'
sdoor
Me:
:)
Iknockedthenopenedt
hedoorwi
thabi
gsmi
l
e
onmyf ace.
Me:
:D
Ohmygod!Il etgoofthet
rayi
tfel
l
,thecup
broke.Il
ookedatthi
swoman!Whoj ust
becamemyni ghtmare
Me:
MrsXaba? :
'
(
Mr
sXaba:
LondekaLawson!
Il
ookedatMrLawson
MrLawson:
Ohmygod,
Itur
nedar
ound,
Iranf
ormyl
i
fe
Me:
OhmyGod

.
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t24

.
.
~Londeka~
Ishouldhav eguessedt hi
sannoy ingwoman
wasgonnacomeher e.Iwi shIcamecl eanthe
dayshewal kedi
nonusi nherson' sr
oom.I
should'veknownshe' ddot histome.Iwi shshe
call
edandt ol
dmeshewascomi ngtospeakt o
myda. ..ImeanMrLawson.Whogoes
i
ntroducet hemselvestothepar entsofher
son'sgirl
fr
iendwithouttalkingtot he
gir
lf
riend?.Shemi ghtbeat eacherbutshei s
damnst upid.Ihavenevermetastupidwoman
l
ikethat.Shecostmeal ot
.Ihavetopayt
he
glassesIbroke.Ihavetodealwit
hMrLawson.
Howam Igonnal ookathim now?Ili
edand
saidIwashi sdaughter
.
AnywayIam standi
ngatthedoor,outofbr
eat
h.
Iranfrom t
hesuper
marketthat
'swhyIam so
ti
red.Iopenedt
hedoor.Igoti
n
Me:
Iwashol
dingontothedoorwi
thmyot
herhand
onmychest.Il
ookedup
Me:
Nomandl
a
Shewasst
andi
ngf
oldi
ngherar
mssmi
l
ing
Her
:Ar
eyouokay
?:)
Me:
Her:
Okayi
t'
sfi
nei
fyoudontwantt
otal
ktome
:D
Shewal
kedaway
Me:
Nomandl
a!!
Shet
urnedar
ound
Her
:Yes?:
)
Me:PleasemakeMrLawsonanot
hercupof
cof
feeandtakei
ttohi
m pl
ease
Shel
aughed
Her
: Yousai
dyoudon'
tneedmeinthekit
chen.I
am sti
ll
busywi
thmylaundr
ysor
rygir
l:)
Shewal
kedaway
,Ir
anaf
terher
Me:
Nomandl
apl
ease!
Nomandl
a:Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
Me:
Nomandl
a:Iwant
edtohel
pyoutakecof
feeto"
MrLawson"yousai
dyoudon'
tneedmyhelp
nowy.
..
.:(
Me: Okay!It
ri
ppedandf
ell
justli
keyoudi
don
yourfi
rstdayhere,
nowIam scared,
MrLawson
mustbemadatme.Ij
ustr
anout
Nomandl
a::
)
What
'supwi
thherandt
hesmi
rkonherf
ace?
Me:
What
?
Her
:Not
hing:
)
Me:Nomandl
apl
easet
akecof
feet
oMrLawson
:'
(
Her
:Okay:
)
Me:
Thanky
ou :
'
(
Shewal
kedaway
.Isatdownont
hecouch.
Me:
Whathav
eIdone?

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Howcoul
dthi
sgi
rldot
hist
ome!Tomyson!
!.I
spentR10000r andsforwhat ?Forapoormai d?
Herprett
yfacefooledus!Wet houghtshewas
somebodyonl ytofi
ndoutshei snobody?Af t
er
IspentTenThousandr ands.OhmyGodIhav e
neverfel
tsostupidinmyl i
fe.Iam notleaving
thi
splacewithoutmymoney .Iturnedaround.I
l
ookedatMrLawson
Me:
IspentR10000r
andsont
hatgi
rl
MrLawson:
Shame,
why
?:D
Me:
Ithoughtshewasy
ourdaught
er!
Him:Evenifshewasmine,
whatmakesyou
spendsomuchmoney ,
whatareyou?A
mill
i
onair
e?: D
Me: From nowon,
thatgi
rldon'
tgetherpay
cheque.Yousenditt
omeunt il
IgetmyR10
000r ands!:
(:'
(
Hest
oodup
Hi
m:Letmegett
hisst
rai
ght
...
..
Me:
Hi
m:Youaregoi
ngt
otel
lmehowt
opaymy
empl
oyee?
Me:
:(:
'
(
Him:wher
ewasIwheny
oumadeadeal
wit
h
her?:
(.
Me:
IwantmyR10000r
andsMl
ungu!
!!
Hi
m:Getoutofmyof
fi
cebef
oreIcal
lsecur
it
y!

Me:
:'
(
Hi
m:Out
!!
!!
!
Me:
Iranf ormyli
fe.Thi
smani sscaryashel
l
.I
don'tknowwhyIwasev enexcit
edtohavea
rel
ationshi
pwi t
hhisfamil
y.Idon'
tevenl
ikehi
m.

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Me:
Iam standingwatchi
ngMr sXabar unningout
ofMrLawson' soffi
ce.Shelooksupset .
Londekadidn'tt
ri
pandf all
.Idi
dn'
tt el
lherI
knewbecauseshewasgonnat hi
nkIam t he
reasonMr sXabacame.Thepoorgi rl
was
shockedtoseehermot heri
nlaw.Iwal kedt
o
theoffi
ce.Iknocked.Thenopenedt hedoor.Mr
Lawsonst oodupwhenhesawme
Hi
m:Oht
hanky
ouf
ort
hecof
feebaby:
D
Me:
Stopcal
l
ingmet
hather
eMrLawson:
)
Hi
m:Noonecanhearus:
)
Me: Iam notgoi
ngt
otakeany
mor
eri
sksi
n
yourhouse:)
Hi
m:Thi
sisnotmyhouse:
D
Me:
Thi
sisy
ourpr
oper
ty,
any
waywhatdi
dyou
dot
oLondeka'
smot
heri
nlaw?:
D
Igav
ehi
mthecup
Hi
m:Thanky
ou,Youknew?
Me:Your
emembermet
ell
i
ngy
ouaboutmyex?
:)
Hi
m:Yes?
Me: Iwasdat
ingherson.Shef
orcedusto
breakupbecauseshedidn'
twanthersont
o
dateamaidandhissonwasal soashamedof
myj ob
Hi
m:Di
dLondekaknowy
ourex?
Me: No.MrsXabametmet heotherday,she
sai
dIwi l
lbeser
vingheratyourdi
nnertabl
e
becausehersonisdati
ngyourdaughter
LondekaLawson:D
Him:Iwi
l
ldealwi
thherf
orsl
eepi
ngar
ound
usi
ngmylastname:(
Me:
Baby
,shei
sashamed,
thi
sisembar
rassi
ng
f
orher,Icoul
dseewhenshegott
othehouse.I
l
efthercry
ingpl
easef
orgi
veher:
(
Hi
m:Whyarey
oudef
endi
ngher
?Shedoesn'
t
ev
enl
ikey
ou:(
Me:
Iknow.ButIf
eel
sor
ryf
orher:
(
Hi
m: Iwil
lconf
rontherbutwhatIwil
lnotdoi
s
whatthatwomanaskedmet odo: (Me:Whati
s
t
hat?
Him:ShesaysIshoul
dgiv
eheral
lLondeka'
s
paychequemonthend.
Me:
What
?:(
Hi
m:Shesay
sshespentR10000onher
Me: I
n3day soft
hei
rrel
ati
onshi
pal
readyshe
spentthatki
ndofmoney?
Hi
m:Myquest
ionexact
ly:
(
Me:Shewashopi
ngt
ogetsomet
hingf
rom y
ou
:D
Hesi
ppedonhi
scof
fee
Hi
m:Poorwoman,
shei
sat
eacher
?:)
Me:
Yes:
D
Hi
m:Ver
yst
upi
dforaneducat
edwoman:
)
Theyrubbedthi
sinmyface.Iam goi
ngt
odo
thesamet ot
hem.TheymustprayIdon'
tbump
i
ntothem
Me:
:)

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Iam angryashell.Ihavetostar
tafreshand
save.Iwastedmymoney .Iboughtunnecessar
y
thi
ngstoimpresst heLawsons.ThatNomandl a
gir
lknewaboutt his.Shewatchedmeactl i
kea
foolshedidn'
ttel
l me.Ihateherforthi
s.I
arri
vedinmyhouse.Iparkedmycar .Ihear
d
l
oudmusi ccomingfr
om myson'sroom.Iwent
tomyl i
vingroom.Iputmyhandbag.Iwentt o
hisroom.Iopenedthedoor
Me:
Whatdoest hi
schil
dwantfrom myson?Didn'
tI
askhertostayaway?Iwalkedout.It
ook20
l
itr
eofwat er
.Iwenttohi
sr oom.Ispl
ashedt
he
wateronthem.Theyjumpedof fbed
Qaqa:
Whatt
h..
..
Li
thakazi
:Mr
sXa.
..
..
.
Isl
appedhersohar donherface,shef
ell
onthe
fl
oor.Iki
ckedher.Mysonheldmeback.I
pushedhim hefel
lonthebed.Irantot
hissl
ut.
Me:
Lit
tl
eWhor
e!Nondi
ndwa!
!!
!!
! :
Li
thakazi
:Yohy
oh!
Igrabbedherhai
r,Iki
ckedher
.Shepushedme,
Ifel
l
Li
thakazi
:
Sher
anout.
Me:
Msunu!
!!
!
Qaqambil
e:Mom howcany
oubeatt
hatpoor
gi
rll
iket
hat!
?:(
Ist
oodupbr
eat
hingheav
il
y
Me:
Qaqambi
l
e:Mo.
..
..
.!!
Idi
dn'
tl
ethi
mfi
nishedIl
osti
t
Me:
Londekai
samai
d!!
!!
!!
!
Isatdownonthechai
rnextt
ohi
sbed,
Iwas
cryi
ng.Qaqambi
l
elookedatme
Hi
m:Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Il
ookeddowncr
ying
Hi
m:Whatdi
dyousaymama!
?:(
Me:
Shehasbeenamai
dfort
heLawsons
f
or.
..
..
..
..
.
Qaqambi
l
e::
(
Il
ookeduptry
ingt
opr
eventt
het
ear
sfr
om
comingout
Me:
She'
sbeenamai
dfor5y
ear
s!!
!
Ist
oodup.Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
Mysonf
ell
inl
ovewi
thy
etanot
hermai
d!

Hel
ookedaway
Qaqambi
l
e:Thatl
i
ar!
..
..
.
Hel
ookedatme
Me:
Shef
ool
edus
Hi
m:Shesai
dyes:
'
(
whati
sthi
sboyt
alki
ngabout
?
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout?:
'
(
Qaqambi
l
e:Ipr
oposedt
oherl
astni
ght:
(
Me:
Youdi
dwhat
!!
!?
Qaqambi
l
e::
'
(

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t25

.
.
~Li
thakazi
~
Ir
espect
edMr sXabaasmyf ormerteacherbut
af
terwhatshejustdi
dt omer i
ghtnow?Thi s
makesmel osetheli
tt
lerespectIhadforher.
Thatwomani scrazy
.Iwasl ookingupt oher
becauseshei stheonlypersonwhomadei ti
n
ourvil
lage.Af t
erthatbeati
ngIam l ookingfora
newr olemodel .Thatwomani snol ongermy
rol
emodel .Sheisacr azyRatchetwoman.She
i
snotdi fferentfr
om mymot her.Shei sj
ustli
ke
anyot hervil
lagegrownwoman.Al oudcrazy
Ratchet.
Mom:
Whathappenedt
oyou?Whyar
eyouwet
?

Me:
Takeaguess :
(
Mom:Sheisatt
hesuper
mar
ket
.Don'
ttel
lme
shei
sbacksosoon?
Me: Wefel
lasleep.Wewer
ewokenupbya
bucketofwater.
..
..
..
Mom:
Shepour
edwat
erony
ou? :
(
Me:
Yesandshebeatmeup:
(
Mom:
That
'si
t!
!!
Me:
Mamadon'
t!
Iranaf
terher
,shepi
ckedupast
ick.Shel
ooked
atme
Her
:Youdar
efol
l
owme!
Imov
edback
Me:
Shest
art
edr
unni
ngagai
n.
Mom:
Me:
Ir
anin.It
ookmyphone.Ical
l
edQaqambi
l
e.He
di
dn'
tpickup
Me:
Mxm!:
(
Ihungup

.
.
~Londeka~
Me:Yourmothercoul
dn'
twai
ttot
ell
you
ev
eryt
hing:
'
(:(
Isai
dthr
owingmyphoneont
hecouch.Iam not
taki
nghi
scall
s!
"isthatQaqambi
l
e?"sai
dav
oicebehi
ndme,
I
turnedaround
Me:
Nomandl
a:D:
'
(
Her
:Iam sor
rygi
rl
Me:
Whoi
sQaqambi
l
e?:
'
(
Her
:Mr
sxaba'
sson:
)
Il
ookedaway
Me:
Soheal
sol
i
edt
ome?:
'
(
Il
ookedather
Nomandl
a:Whatdi
dhecal
lhi
msel
f?:
D
Me:
Ciko:
'
(:(
Nomandl
a:
Me:
:(
Her:
Sorry.Idi
dn'
tmeantol
augh.I
t'
sjustt
hat
t
hisisSuchauniquename
It
ookmyphone
Me:Webothli
ed!Nowwear eeven.Wecan
cont
inuewi
thourrel
ati
onshi
p:(
Nomandl
a:Gir
l,youar
esti
l
lamaid.That
womanwon'tal
lowhersontodat
eamai d:
D
Me:
Andy
ouknowt
hathow?:
'
(:(
Nomandl
a:
Itookmyphone,Iwalkedaway.Sheisjust
j
ealous.Shemustfocusonsleepi
ngwithher
bossandstayawayf r
om mybusiness.

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Qaqambi
l
e:Iam sor
rymom
Hisphonerang,
hel
ookedati
t.Heswi
tchedt
he
phoneoff
Me:
Whoi
sit
?:(
Hi
m:Noone:
(
Me:
Okay
.Qaqambi
l
eIl
ostR10000:
'
(
Hi
m:Sor
rymom.
Me:Ther
e'snothi
ngspecial
aboutt
hatrude
Lawsonman.Idon'tknowwhyIwantedtobe
cl
osetothem :
'
(
Hi
m:Whatdi
dhesay
?
Me:Hedoesn'
twantt
ogi
vememymoneyback
Qaqa!
!!:
'
(
Him:Thepoormandi dn'
taskyoutospendy
our
moneyonLondeka.Youdi dt
hatfr
om the
goodnessofyourheart
!
Me:
Goodnessofmyhear
t?Whatam i
?
Hi
m:
Me:
APr
esi
dent?
Hi
m:I
t'
snothi
sfaul
t!:
(
Iwentt
ohi
m
Me:
Yeah,
youar
eri
ghtaboutt
hat
,it
'snothi
s
f
aul
t!:
(
Hi
m:
Me:
It'
syourf
aul
t!
!!
!!
Him:Idi
dn'tsaydothoset
hingsf
orher
.Ieven
beggedyoutostayawayfr
om theLawsonsyou
sti
l
lwentthere!:
(
Me:Doy outhi
nkwe'dknowshei
snot
hingbuta
poorsl
utifIdi
dn'
tgo?:(
Hi
m::
(
Me:Youdat
edamai
d!,
youcameher
ewi
thher
andl
iedt
ome!
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tknowmom!:
(
Me:
Gogetmyr
ing!
Hi
m:
Iwasbr
eat
hingheav
il
y,t
alki
ngonhi
sface
Me:
NowBoy
!!
!!
!
Hi
m:Ihav
etogochange,
Iam wet
Me:
Iwenttothekitchen.It
ookoutorangejui
ce
fr
om thefri
dge.Ipourediti
naglass.Igul
pedit,
Ipouredanotherone.Iputonmykitchentabl
e.
Iputbothmyhandsont hetabl
e
Me:
Myt
ent
housandr
ands!
!! :
'
(

~Nomandl
a~
If
oll
owedLondeka.Iwanttohearthi
s.Herl
iei
s
bi
ggerthanhi
s,Idon'
tknowwhyshet hi
nkshe
i
sgoingtofor
giveher
.Ican'
tbeli
eveshesti
l
l
wannabewi t
hhim af
tersheli
edtohisfamil
y.I
guessshedoesn'
tknowt hewomanshei s
deal
ingwit
hhere.AnywayIli
stened.Thephone
wasonspeaker
Qaqa:
Howcoul
dyou?
Londeka:Youl
iedaboutyourname.Iknewwho
youwere!Ihadtol
iebecauseyouli
edtoo:(
Lies!Shedidn'
t.Somanyli
esbetweenthese
two.Idon'tseeanyf
utur
ebetweenthem.Ikept
onl i
steni
ng
Qaqambi
le:
Toni
ght
,Iam comi
ngt
oyourf
latt
o
gett
heri
ng!
Londeka:
Youcan'
tdot
hat
!
Hi
m:I
t'
sov
erbet
weenus!
Londeka:
Youpr
omi
sedt
omar
..
..
.
Shel
ookedatherphone.
Londeka:
Didhej
usthunguponme?
Shef
ell
.Ir
ani
n
Me:
Londeka!
!!
Igott
oher
.Ikneeddown.Ishookher
Me:
Ohmygod,
shef
aint
ed!
!!:
'
(
Ist
oodup.Iwaspaci
ngupanddown
Me:
Thi
nkNomandl
a! :
'
(
It
ookherphone.I
t'
slocked.Ir
anout.Ibumped
i
ntoMrLawsonatthedoor .Hehuggedme.
Hi
m:Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Ibr
oket
hehug
Me:
Londekaf
aint
ed!:
'
(
Hi
m:What
?
Me:
Shewasont
hephone,
shef
aint
ed!:
'
(
Isai
drunni
ngbacki
n.Hecar
ri
edher
.
Him:Fol
l
owme, y
ouar
ecomi
ng.Iwi
l
lleav
eyou
guysatt
hecl
i
nic:(
Me:
OkayMrLawson!
Hi
m:Youhav
etost
opcal
l
ingmet
hat
Me:
:D:
'
(
Wer anout.Wegottot hecar.Heputherat
backseat.Iwentintoo.Hedroveof f
.Thecl i
nic
i
snotf ar
.Londekareallyl
ovesQaqambi le.She
fai
ntsbecauseofhim? .Wegottot hecli
nic.He
carr
iedherin.Thenursescamer unning.They
tookherin
Nur
se:
MrLawson,
whathappenedt
oher
Me:
Shef
aint
ed!
Theyopenedadoorandshuti
tinourf
aces.i
l
ookedatMrLawson
Me:
Isshegonnabeokay
?:'
(
Hi
m: Idon'
tknow.Letmegot
owor
k.Cal
lme
whenshewakesup
Me:
Okay:
'
(
Hewal kedout.Isatdownonachai rNexttot
he
door.Istay
edf orabout30mi nut
es.Thedoor
opened.Istoodup, anursecameout
Her
:whatar
eyout
oheragai
n?:
)
Me:
Fri
endandacol
l
eague,
issheokay
?
Her
:Shei
sspeaki
ngt
oadoct
or,
youcancome
i
n:D
Me:
ThankGodshei
sawake!:
D
Irani
n,shewassi
tt
ingupst
rai
ghtl
ooki
ng
upset
Doct
or:
Yes,
youar
epr
egnant:
)
Me:
Londeka:
Buthowcomedoct
or?
Doct
or:
Wel
lyouhadunpr
otect
edsex:
D
Me:
:D
Stupi
dquesti
on.Londekal
ookedatme,
atear
escapedhereye
Me:
Londeka:ButIt
houghty
ouar
etheonewhoi
s
pregnant
? : '
(
Me:Me!?Noway
s!Iam notpr
egnant
,Ican'
tbe
pr
egnant:
D
Londeka:
Youar
eglowi
ng,
yourbr
east
sar
e
gett
ingbi
gger :'
(
Me:
No!Iam notpr
egnant
!:(
Doct
orl
ookedatme
Hi
m:Whydon'
twet
esty
oual
so?
Imov
edbackwar
dsshaki
ngmyhead
Me:No,shei
stheonepr
egnant
,youconf
ir
med
i
tdoct
or!!
! :'(:
(
Doct
or:
Okay
,noneedt
obewor
kedout:
D
Il
ookedaway
Me:
Ican'
tbepr
egnant
.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
.

Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t26

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iwasstil
ll
ooki
ngawayt
hinki
ngaboutt
his.Not
asingl
edayweusedacondom.Whatisis
wrongwithme?Whatam It
oMrLawson, El
len?
Iam nothi swife,Ishouldhaveusedprotect
ion.
Ican'taffor
dt hi
s.Ican'thaveababy.Nota
whitebaby .Thiswillpr
ovewhatNozazi has
beenpr eachingaboutme.
Londeka:
Nomandl
a?
It
urnedar
ound.Il
ookedatheranddoct
or.
Me:Ihadmyperi
odsl
astweek.Ihav
en'thad
sexsi
nce,
doct
or,doy
outhi
nkIam pregnant?
:'
(
Hi
m:No,
youcan'
tbepr
egnant:
)
Il
ookedatLondeka
Me:
:D
Londeka:
...
..
..
.?
Myphoner
ang.I
t'
sMrLawson.
Me:
Ihav
etot
aket
his:
)
Iwal
kedout
.Icl
osedt
hedoor
Me:
MrLawson?
Hi
m:Howi
sshe?
Me:
Shei
spr
egnant
,wear
ecomi
ngback
Him:
Wowcongr
atul
ati
onst
oher
.Someonei
s
comi
ngt
ofet
chyouguys
Whitepeopl
eandbabi
es.Hei
shappyshei
s
happythebaby
,fewminut
esagohewasangr
y
ather.
Me:
Thanky
ouMrLawson:
D
Hi
m:Lat
er
Hehungup.It
urnedar
ound
Me:
:'
(
Ididn'
thaveperiodsl
astweek.Iam l
yi
ng.
Londekacan'tknowIam pregnant
.Ihavetodo
somet hi
ng.Ineedtofi
ndoutifIam pr
egnant
fi
rstthenmakeadecision.

.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
Iam abouttogoseeLondeka.Ij
ustf
ini
shed
fr
esheningup.Iwentt
ospeaktomymot her
.
Me:
Mom,
wher
eam Igonnasl
eep?:
(
Mom: Don'tbedramaticQaqambile.Yourf
ather
bui
ltusabi ghouse.Idontknowwhyy ou
sul
king.Youhaveabedr oom int
hemai nhouse
don'
ty ou?:
(
Me:
IdobutwhenIwantt
o..
.youknowwhat:
(
Mom:Whenyouwanttosleepwit
hamai
d?I
wi
ll
beatt
hehel
loutofthem!:(
Me:
Mom,
Iam donewi
thLondeka!:
(
Her:Soar
ey outalki
ngaboutLi
thakazi
?Idon'
t
thi
nkshewil
l setherfooti
nmyhouseagain
aft
erwhatIdidtoher: (
Me:
Mom,
whodoy
ouwantmet
obewi
th?:
(
Her:
YourVar
sit
ygi
rl
fr
iend!Leav
ethesev
il
lage
gi
rl
s!:(
Me:Sheisf
rom Lusiki
siki
,Idon'
tev
enknow
whenthest
ri
kewillend!:(
Mom:Yourmotherhasmoney
.Youcanaskher
t
ocomehere:D
Me:
Thesamemot
herwhoj
ustl
ost10k?:
(
Iwalkedt
othedoor.Isawhershoehitt
hewal
lI
tur
nedaround.Shewastry
ingtohitme
Me:
Shetookof fanotherone.Iranout.Iwalkedout
ofouryardlaughing.IsawLi thakazi
'
smom
hol
dingast ick.Igreetedherandpassed.Iwent
tothestop.Igott here.Whil
eIwasst andi
ng
waiti
ngforthet axi
Me:
No.
..
..?
Nozazi
isgoi
ngtomyhouset
oat
tackmy
mother
.Ir
anbackhome
Me:

.
.
~MrLawson~
NomandlaandLondekaar ri
v ed.Ithinkit
'st
ime
Igospeakt oher
.Sheisnotsi ck.Shei s
pregnant
.Shecan'tgetawaywi thwhatshedi d.
Iwalkedtomyhouse.Igoti n.IsawLondeka
si
tti
ngont hecouch.Shestoodupf astwhen
shesawme.
Londeka:
Me:
Sit:
(.
Nomandl
a:If
orgotmyphoneatt
hehospi
tal
.I
hav
etogotakeit:
(
Me:
It'
snotst
olennow?
Nomandl
a:NoMrLawson,
Idon'
tthi
nkany
one
woul
dst
ealaR100phone,
besi
desIl
efti
tin
t
hatwar
d.Iwi
ll
beback:)
Sher
anout
.Il
ookedatLondeka
Londeka:
Iam sor
ryMrLawson:
'
(
Isatdown
Me:
Forwhatexact
ly?:
(
Her
:Forbr
eaki
ngy
ourcup:
'
(
Me:
And?:
(
Shel
ookeddown
Her:MrLawsonIwasdr unk.Iwasshocked
whenIwast oldthatIsai
dIwasadopt edbutI
couldn'
tchangedmyst ory,InfactIt
ri
edbut
theydidn'
twanttoli
sten:'
(
Me: Li
stenhereLondeka,Iam t
ell
ingyouthi
s
forthelastt
ime.Stopobsessi
ngaboutbeing
partofthisf
amily
.Ihaveonechild!Myli
tt
er
daughterisi
nEastLondon.Stopcalli
ng
yoursel
faLawson!: (
Her
:Yessi
r,i
twon'
thappenagai
n:'
(
Me:
Good!:
(
Istoodup.Iwal
ked.Ist
oppedt
hent
urned
around
Me:
Iheary
ouar
eexpect
ing.Congr
atul
ati
ons:
(
Her
:Thanky
ouMrLawson:
D:'
(

.
.
~Nozazi
~
Nomboni soi
sr eal
lytesti
ngme.Thi swoman
thi
nkshecanbeatmydaught erupandget
awaywi t
hitjustli
kethat?Shei sdisrespectful
.
Howcanshebeatmydaught er?.Lithakazihas
amother.Iam notl et
ti
ngt hatwomangetaway
wit
hthis.ThankGodhersoni sgone.Iam
goi
ngtodeal withheraccor di
nglyandnoone
wil
lst
opMe.Iwantt oseeifsheisal lthetalkor
shecanf
ight
.Iknockedatt
hedoorwi
thmy
sti
ck.
Me:
Sheopenedt
hedoor
Nomboni
so:
Sheatt
emptedtocloset
hedoor,Ihi
therhands,
sherani
nleavi
ngthedooropen
Me:Yemf
azi
ndi
niumbethel
eni
umntwanam?
(womanwhydi
dyoubeatupmydaughter
)
Isai
dhitt
ingherback,
shewasr
unni
ngt
othe
ki
tchen
Her
:Shedi
dn'
ttel
lyou? :
'
(
Me:
Arey
ougonnasl
eepwi
thy
ourson!
?:(
Her
:Shei
snothi
sty
pe!
Me:Whatdoyouknowabouttypewheny
ou
hav
eauglyhusbandl
i
kethat!
?:(
Her
:St
ophi
tt
ingme!
!!?
Me:
From nowony
ouwi
l
lrespectme!:
(
Isai
dhi t
ti
ngherwi thast i
ck.Shet ur
nedar ound,
shegrabbeditandpul ledittoher.Sheis
powerful
.Imov edclosert oher.Shebrokemy
sti
ck.Shegrabbedmywashi ng(blouse).She
pull
edmecl oser.Shepushedmet othecor ner
ofherbuilti
nkitchen.Sheputherhandi nt he
si
nkandcameupwi t
h...Waitno!Ican'
tdie.
Shecameupwi thabi gknife.Thiswomani s
evi
lsheisgoingt okil
lme
Nomboni
so:
Me:
No!No!No!Wecant
alkaboutt
his

Isaidr
aisingmyotherhandwi
ththeot
her
tr
yingt
ot akeherhandoffmybl
ouse
Nomboni
so:
Iwar
medy
ouandy
ourdaught
er!
!!
:'
(
Sher
aisedherkni
fehi
gh
Me:
Pleasedon'
tki
l
lIam beggi
ngy
ou!

Nomboni
so:
Shepoi
ntedherbi
gkni
fet
omychest
.Ir
aised
myhands
Me:OhThixowasemazuluwi
ni!Wena
waqhawul'
i
misedar
eyaseLebanon!Ndi
ncede
bawo!Thet
hel
elamdali
!(pr
ayi
ng)

Nomboni
so:
Goodby
eNozazi
:'
(
Me:
Yooooh!
!!
!!
!!
!

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t27

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iwalkeddownl eav i
ngLondekaandMrLawson.
Iam headi ngtothecl inic.Ihav et oknowi fIam
pregnantornot .Thiscan' tbehappeni ngtome.
Ican'tbepr egnantwi thmyboss' chil
d.Ican't
humiliatemyf ami l
y.Ican' tmakeourenemi es
happy .Thiswouldbet het alkofthev i
ll
age.
Event hewor kerswoul dt akeittoMr sLawson.I
couldlosemyj obher e.I fIam pr egnantIhav e
todosomet hingt ogetr idofi tbef oreeveryone
noti
ces.Iunder standwhyLondekanot i
ced.We
spendmor etimet oget her .Peoplei nmyv il
l
age
hardl
yseeme.Igohomel ate.Istayi ndoors.I
onlygooutt ofetchwat er.Thismi ghtchange
myl i
fef orgood.Iam af raidnotf ort hebett
er.
Thatwonder fulwomanwast ooki ndtome,
whatdi dIdot orepayher ?Isleptwithher
husbandandgotpr egnant .Iam alsoconv i
nced
thatIam pr egnant.Ihadsexwi thhim somany
ti
meswi thoutcondom.Iam noti napill
.Ifheis
fert
il
et henIam pr egnant .HowcanIbeso
stupid.Hehasbeengi vi
ngmemoney .Iam
savingit.Iwantt ogot ocol l
egenexty ear.Iwil
l
getNSFASl oan.Ijustneedmoneyt otakecar e
ofmewhenIam t here.Iwi l
lneednewcl othes,I
havet obuygr ocer
ies.Mymot hercan'ttake
careoft hat.Nowt hisbabywi l
lruinever
y t
hing.
Wi l
lIevergot ocoll
eget hough?
Me:
:'
(
Isawapr
egnantwomangoi
ngt
othe
super
mar
ket
Me:
Yohherst
omachorsobi
g:'
(
Iwasbreat
hingheav
il
ywithmyhandonmy
chest
.Iam goi
ngtobeli
kethatt
oo?Iam not
goi
ngtothecl
i
nic.Ican'
tknow.Iam notr
eady
toknow.
Me:
:'
(
"Nomandl
a"someonecalledmynamebehi nd
me.Iknowwhot hati
s.I
t'
sMrlawson.Idi
dn't
knowhist
alkwit
hLondekawil
lbethi
sshort.I
wipedmytear
sfast
Me:
MrLawson:
D
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
,di
dyougety
ourphone?
Me:
i.
..
..
..
..
Him:Don'
ttel
lmeyouwentt
her
eatt
hisshor
t
peri
odoft
ime?:)
Me: Iwant
edt
ogi
vey
ouandLondekasome
space:)
Hi
m:Come:
)
Hewal
kedt
othesuper
mar
ket
Me:
Wher
ea.
..
.
Hi
m:Justcome!
Ifol
lowedhi m.Wewentt ohisoff
ice.He
openedt hedoor.Iwal
kedin.Hefollowedme.
Hecl osedthedoorandlockedit
.Iturned
around
Me:
:)
Hepul l
edmecl oser,hekissedme.Iputmy
handsar oundhisneck.Wewer eki
ssingeach
otherhungril
y.Helif
tedmeup, helaidmeon
hisdesk.Hecl i
mbedme.Heki ssedmyneckI
wasl et
ti
ngoutsof tmoans.Ijustcan'tsaynoto
thi
sman.Hemakesmeweak.Hewentt omy
underwear.Hequicklytookitoff
,Iwrappedmy
l
egsar oundhiswast e.It
ouchedhisbut t
.Heis
naked,whendi dhetakeof fhi
sshorts.Ifel
thi
m
rubMrDar oundmyVj ay
Me:
Ohy
eah:
)
Heent
eredme
Me:
OhGod,
nocondom agai
n:'
(
Hecamet
omyear
..
Hi
m:Ar
eyousay
ingsomet
hingbaby
?
Hi
swarm br
eat
hmademesoweak.Ican'
trui
n
t
hismoment
Me:
Nobaby:
'
(
Hemov edi nandoutslowly
.Het ookmet o
cl
oudni ne.Heuppedt hepace.Iwasmoani ng
i
npl easure.Hewasdoi ngmesogood.He
fi
nallycum.Iwashol dingont ohi
m sotight
.We
haven'thadsexaf t
erthatnighthi
swifecame.I
missedt his.Hepul
ledout.Iletgoofhim.He
ki
ssedmyl i
ps.Hestoodup.Istoodupt oo
searchingf ormyunderwear.Pull
eddownmy
dress.Iputmyunder wearinmybr a.
Him: Tel
lLondekashecangohome.Sheneeds
torest.Whensheisgone.Youcant
akea
shower:p
Me:
Okay:
)
Iwentt
ohim.Iki
ssedhi
m.Iunl
ockedand
wal
kedoutandcl
osedthedoor
Me:
:)

.
.
~Londeka~
Iam tryingtogetal ongwithNomandl abutshe
keepspushi ngme.Whogav ehert herightto
tel
lMrl awsonaboutmybusi ness?Ishoul dbe
theonet el
li
ngpeopl eaboutmypr egnancy .
Whodoesshet hinksheis?Thi sgirl
don'tknow
herplace.Any wayIam st i
llsit
ti
ngdown.If eel
soweak.I fMrLawsonwasnotangr ywi thme.I
wasgonnaaskf oradayof f.It
'salr
eadyi nthe
aft
ernoon.Ther eisnowor kNomandl adi d
every
thing.Isawt hedooropen.I t
'sher
Me:
:(
Her
:Howar
eyouf
ee.
..
..
.?:
D
Me:
Howdar
eyou?:
(
Her
:Excuseme?
Me:Whydidyout
ell
MrLawsonaboutmy
pr
egnancy
?:(
Shel
ookeddown.
Me:
Howcoul
dyou?Whati
fIl
osemyj
ob!
?:'
(
Shel
ookedatme
Her
:Londeka,
whot
ooky
out
othecl
i
nic?
Me:Iam gr
atef
ulyoutookmet
othecl
i
nicbut
st
il
l,
youhadnor i
g..
..
..
.
Nomandl
a:MrLawsondr
oveust
othecl
i
nic:
(
Me:
Hedi
d?
Her:
Yes!Idon'
tknowwhatt
hedoct
ort
oldhi
m.
Maybehecall
edandthedoct
ort
oldhi
m why
youcol
l
apsed:(
Shewal
kedaway
Me:
Iam sor
rygi
rl
Her:
It'
sfi
ne,
MrLawsonsaysyoucangohome
andcomebackt
omorrowifyoufeel
bet
ter:
(
Me:
Thanky
ou!:
D
Her
::(
Me:
Soy
ouwentbackt
othecl
i
nict
otest
?:D
Her:No,itwasanexcuset
ogi
vey
ouguy
s
space.Iam notpr
egnant:
(
Me:
Okayi
fyousayso:
)
Her
:Iam not
!:(
Shewalkedaway.i
feel
badforaccusi
ngher.I
seesheisangr
y.It
ookoutmyphone.Itext
ed
Ciko
Me:
Hei
snotCi
ko.Whathi
snameagai
n..
..
.?

If
orgoti
t.Isentat
ext"heybaby
.Ihav
enews
t
hatwi
l
lchangebot
hourl
i
ves"
Me:
Sent
!:)
Ibr
ushedmystomachsmi
l
ingal
one.Iam goi
ng
tobeamother
.
Me:
:)

.
.
~Nozazi
~
Li
f eisshort
.Itcanendinabl inkofaney e.
TodayIam wi tnessingt
hati t'
ssadt hatIwon't
beher etotell
becauset hisisdonet ome.Iam
dyinginfewseconds.Myl i
feisabouttoend.
Ther ei
snowayNomboni soisgoingtoletme
wal koutofthatdoorunhur t.Sheisgoingto
stabmet odeat h.Isawt helookinherey es.
Shedoesn'twantt odot hisbutIthinkshei s
hadenough.Ihav ebeenIpai ninherlif
e.She
wantstofini
shmeonceandf orall
.Sherai
sed
thekni
fe.Sheaimedmychest.Thisistheend
ofme.IprayedtoGod.Ical
ledhisname.I
prai
sedhim.It'
sisi
nhishandsmay bethi
sis
thewayIwasmeantt oleavethi
sworld.
Nomboni
so:
Isawahandgr abbingherarm.Herarm was
shaki
ng.Shewasf i
ghtingthepersonwhowas
holdi
ngit
.Icouldn'
tseetheperson.Di
dGod
comedownhi mselftosaveme?Ihav etopl
ay
mypar ti
nsavi
ngmyl i
fe
Me:
Whatam Igonnado.Ilookedup.I
t'
sherson.I
ki
ckedNomboniso,sheletgoofthekni
fe.I
tfel
l
downonhercleanti
ledfloor
Nomboni
so:
Ouch
IguessIki
ckedherhar
d.Iqui
ckl
ypi
ckedupt
he
kni
fe
Me:Onest
epcl
oserIwi
l
lcuty
ourt
hroaty
ou
wi
tch!
Iwaspoi
nti
ngt
hekni
featherandherson
Qaqambi
l
e:Mam'
uNozazi
putt
hekni
fedown!:
(
Me:
Mov
e!
Isai
dpoi
nti
ngathi
m,hemov
edbackwar
ds
scar
ed
Qaqambi
l
e:EasyMam'
uNozazi
easy

Hehadhi
shandsi
ntheai
r
Me:
Youandy
ourmot
herdon'
tknowme!
Nomboni
so:
Leav
emyhouse!
!! :
(
Me:
Iam war
ningy
ourmot
her!
!!
!!
Isai
drunni
ngt
oher
Qaqambi
l
e:Mamar
un!
!!
Nomboni
so:
Yoh!Yoh!
!!
Theyboughtr ant otheli
vingroom.Iopenedthe
kitchendoor .Ir
anout .IthrewtheKnifei
nand
ranf ormyl i
fe.Ijustneededawayout .Ialmost
diedher e.Idon'twanttospendanot herminut
e
i
nt hi
shouse.Idon' twantt oki
llher
.Iam nota
kil
ler.Ididthattogetawayf r
om her.
Me:
"nextti
mey ouwon'
tbelucky!"t
hatwas
Nomboni soshouti
ng.Suchacoward.Shewas
notshoutingwhenIwast her
e.

.
.
~Nosuki
l
e~
Nozazileftworkbef
orewecoul dfeedthe
l
earners.Shemadeal ameexcuse, shesai
dshe
wascomi ngbackbutshedi dn'
t.Wejust
knockedof ff
rom work.Iwaswalkinghome
whenIsawherr
unni
ng.
Me:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?:
D
Her:
Ial
mostdi
ed,
thatwomani
saser
ial
kil
l
er!
:'
(
Shewasoutofbr
eat
h.Whoi
sshet
alki
ng
about
?
Me:
Whi
chwoman?:
D
Her:NombonisoXaba!Shewant
edtostabme,
i
fitwasn'
tformysoninlawIdon'
tknowwhat
wouldhavehappened:'
(
Me:Soni
nlaw?Don'tanswert
hat
.Ai
n'
tyouand
Nomboni
sofri
ends?:)
Her:Stopact
ing!Youknoweversi
ncemy
daughterdat
edhersonthi
ngshavebeenr
ocky
betweenus:(
Me:Oh,t
hankGodmydaught
ergotoutwhi
l
e
shecoul
d:D
Her
:Youandy
ourdaught
erar
ecowar
ds!Me
andmydaught
erwear
efi
ght
ingf
orherl
ove!:
(
Me:i
'drat
herbeacowardthanduckingkni
ves
i
nthatwoman'shouse.Whatwer
ey oudoing
t
hereanyway?:
(
Her
:Ul
igwal
alomf
azi
!(y
ouar
eacowar
d
woman)
Me:
ButIam notscar
edofy
ou!
Her
:Huh?
Iwentcl
osert
oher
Me:
Youhear
dme!
!!
Her:
Youwoul
dnev
ersayt
hisi
fIhadmyst
ick!
:(
Me:Whydon'
tyougot
akei
tandf
oll
owmet
o
myhouse?:(
Her
::(
Me:Iwonderwhatwil
lpri
ncipalsaywhenitel
l
hi
my oul
eftear
lyatworkjusttogoandfight
wi
thoneofhi
sschool
teacher
s:(
Her:Myfr
iendy
oucan'
tdot
hat
!YouandIcome
alongway:D
Me:
Ican!AndIwi
l
lify
oukeepi
nsul
ti
ngme
Her
:OkayIam sor
ry:
D
Me:
Iam war
ningy
ouNozazi
:(
Her
:Ndi
xol
i
sil
ewet
hu:
) (Isai
dsor
ry)
Il
eftherst
andingther
e.Igottomyhouse.My
si
ster'
ssonissti
ll
atschool.Nomandlai sat
work.Thi
schil
dalwayscleanthishouse.Idont
knowwhatishappeninglat
ely.Sheislazy.I
wenttoherroom
Me:Look?Shedi
dn'
tmakeherbed!Whati
s
wr
ongwi t
hher?:
(
Istar
tedcleani
ngherr oom.Itookherblankets,
Iputthem onachair.Itookhersponge.Iputit
down, Icl
eanedtheBase.Apl ast
icf
ell
.Ipicked
i
tup
Me:
What
'si
nher
e?
Icheckedwhatwaswrappedinsi
deit
.Whatt
he
hell
isgoingoninmyhouse.Iletgooft
he
paper,i
tfel
ldown
Me:
Somuchmoney
?
Ipi
ckeditup.IsatonherBase.Icount
edt
he
money.Ifi
nished.Ist
oodup
Me:
R11450r
andsf
orat
axi
far
e?:
(
It
urnedar
ound.Il
ookedatt
hismoney
Me:Youwi
llt
ell
mewhyt
hatwhi
temangi
ves
yousomuchmoney
!

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
IAdmi
t,Iwaswr
ong
.
I
nser
t29

.
.
~Londeka~
Hi
m:Ar
eyougonnaopent
hisdoor
!?
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s
Me:
Comi
ng!:
'
(
Ihol
dthedoorhandl
e,t
het
ear
sst
reameddown.
Il
ookedup
Me:
IOpenedt
hedoor
Hi
m:
Me:
Iam sor
ry
Hi
m:Whydi
dyoul
i
eyouusLondeka?:
(
Me:
Wear
egoi
ngst
rai
ghtt
her
e?:
'
(
Hi
m:Yout
houghtIcameher
etochi
tchat
?:(
Me:
Iwasdr
unk,
Iwasj
oki
ng.Idi
dn'
tmeant
o!

Isai
dwal
ki
ngbacki
nleav
inghi
m att
hedoor
.
Hi
m:Youwer
ejoki
ng?I
smymom y
ourf
ri
end?
:(
Me:Manup!Whyar eyoual
way smamathis
mamat hat
?Iwasgonnatelly
outhetr
uthbut
youandyourmom madeabi gdeal
outofit
.
AndIdi
dn'twantt
oloseyou.Il
oveyou
Hi
m:Youl
oveme?Lov
emakey
oul
i
e?:
(
Me:
Iam sorry
,Tel
lme,didyouf
all
inl
ovewit
h
t
heideaofdati
ngLawson'
sdaught
erorwi
th
me?
Hi
m:If
ell
inl
ovewi
thy
ou!Youar
..
..
Me:
Thenwhyar
eyoul
eav
ingmeaf
tery
ou
f
oundoutIwasn'
tLawson?:
'
(
Hi
m:Becausey
oul
i
ed!Ican'
tbewi
thal
air
!:(
Me:
Whati
syourname?:
(
Hi
m:
Me:Whati
syourname?Webot hliedhere.
Don'
tcometomyflatandshoutatme: (
Hi
m:Londeka,
Icamet
otakemymot
her
'sr
ing
:(
Me:Tell
herwear
eengaged!Shei
snotget
ti
ng
t
hisri
ng!:(:
'
(
Him:Mymotherspental
otofmoneyf
ory
ou.
Shewant
sitback:(
Me: Yourmotherisagolddi
gger.Iam st
art
ing
tothinkyouaretoo.Shedi
dallt
hoset hi
ngs
becauseshethoughtshewill
ber epai
d:(
Hi
m:Iam notagol
ddi
gger!Ican'
tdat
eamai
d!
:(
Il
ookeddown.
Me:Youcan'
tdat
eamai
dbuty
oucanmakeher
pr
egnant
! : (
Hi
m:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?:(
Me:
Tel
lyourmot
hery
ougonnabeaf
ather:
'
(
Hi
m:What
?That
'snotmybaby
!
Me:What ?Ihaveneversl
eptwit
hanyoneinthi
s
vi
ll
age.Isleptwi
thyou.Iam pr
egnantwi
thyour
baby
Hi
m: Nonono!Youarelyi
ng.Thi
sisoneofyour
st
untsIam notf
all
i
ngfori
t!Iam notgoi
ngt
o
l
etyoutri
ckme:(
It
ookt
hecar
d.Igav
ehi
m
Me:
Iam car
ryi
ngy
ourbaby
,wegonnaget
mar
ri
ed:
D: '
(
Het
hrewt
hecar
datme.Heopenedt
hedoor
Hi
m:Youar
esi
ck!:
(
Me:
i.
..
..
Heshutt
hedoori
nmyf
ace.Iputmyhandsi
n
myhead
Me:Heisgoi
ngt
omar
rymeorIam l
ayi
ng
char
ges

.
.
~Li
thakazi
~
Idon'tknowwhatIwoul dbewi t
houtmymot her.
IfshediedtodayIdon'tthinkI '
dbealiveright
now.Mymot herismyev er yt
hing.Shepr otects
me.Shepr ovidesforme, shemakessur eIhav e
everythi
ngIneed.Ifanyt
hi nghappenedt oherI
don'tthi
nkIwouldf or
giv
et hatwoman.Idon' t
knowwhyshei swastingherener gytr
yingt o
protectherson.Qaqambi l
ei snotat eenager .
Hei soldandhecant akecar eofhimself.Iwant
t
oseethelookinherfacewhenmom andIgo
t
heret
oannouncemypr egnancy.Shewon'
tget
r
idofmethateasi
ly.Shewi l
lhav
et odeal
withi
t.
Mom:
Tomor
rowy
oushoul
dgot
othecl
i
nic:
)
Me:
Todowhat
?:D
It
'sgoodtoseehersmi l
e,earl
i
ershereal
l
y
scaredme.Mypoormot heral
mostdi
ed.She
wasscared.Isti
llt
hinksheshoul
dn'
thavegone
ther
ebutIcan'tsaythattoher
.
Mom:
Tochecki
fyouar
enotpr
egnant:
)
Me:
Don'
tyout
hinki
t'
sear
lyf
ort
hat
?
Mom:
Thesoonerweknowt
hebet
ter:
)
Me:
Iwi
l
lgot
omor
row,
letmegobuyai
rt
ime:
)
Mom:
Okay
,don'
ttakel
ong
Me:
OkayMama
Iwal
kedout.Iwentt
otheshops.Iboughtmy
ai
rt
ime.Ihear
dsomeonecallmyname.It ur
ned
ar
ound
Me:
:)
Justt
hemanIwant
edt
osee.I
t'
sQaqambi
l
e
Hi
m:I
syourmom okay
?
Me:
Shewi
l
lbe,
thanky
ouf
orsav
ingherl
i
fe:
)
Hi
m:Anyonewoul
d'v
edonethat,
Iam sor
ry
mom di
dthatt
oyourmo.
..
Ishuthi
m upwi
thaki
ss.Hebr
oket
heki
ss
Hi
m:Whatt
hef
uck!
?:(
Me:
Bab.
..
.
Hi
m:Baby
?:(
Me:
Qaqambile:Li
thakazi,y
ouknowwherewest and,
wejusthelpeachot her,
nostr
ingsat
tached:
(
Me:
Iwantt
obemor
ethant
hat
!:'
(
Hi
m:Thengof
indsomeoneel
set
ogi
vey
ou
whatyouwantbecauseIdon'
tseet
hat
happeni
ngbet
weenus.Wehav enofut
ure:
(
Me:
Howcany
ouknowi
fyoudon'
ttr
y?:
'
(
Hi
m: Younotmytype,yourt
ypei
soutt
her
e
wai
ti
ngforyouokay;)
Hewinkedandt
appedmyshoul
dert
henwal
ked
away
Me:
Ihear
dmenl aughi
ng,Il
ookedbehindme,some
boyswhower esmokingattheshopwer
e
l
aughingatme.Iwipedmyt ear
s.Iwal
ked
home
Me:
Onl
yPr
egnancycanhel
pmer
ightnow:
'
(

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Ij
ustfinishedcooking.Mymot herhasbeen
l
ookingatme.Thi si suncomfortable.
Tomor rowIhav etogot othecli
nicandt est.I
fI
am pregnant.Iam aborti
ngthisbaby .Ican'
t
havemymot herlookingatmel i
ket his.What
wil
lpeopl esaywhenmyownmot herlooksat
mel i
ket hi
s.Icanseeshei sjudgingme.It ook
aglanceather
Mom:
...
..?
Me:
:'
(
Thiswomanseesthroughme.Ifel
thot.I
balancedont
hetabl
e.Iwasstandi
ngdishi
ng
up.If el
tmor
ehot,t
heroom wasmov i
ng.I
cl
osedmyey est
henopenedthem.Icouldn'
t
see.
Mom:
Nomandl
a
Me:
Mama:
'
(
If
elthert
ouchmyhand
Mom:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
Ifeel
hot
,It
hinkIcat
chi
ngf
lue:
'
(
Mom:
Gol
i
edown.Iwi
l
ltakei
tfr
om her
e
Iqui
cklywentoutofthekitchen.Iwentbehind
thehouseIthrewupev er
ythingthatisat
eat
Lawson'shouse.IsatdownIwasbr eat
hing
heavi
ly
,thecoldwindwasdoi ngmegood.Iam
real
l
yhot.
Me: :
'
(

.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
Iam si
ckofthisplace.Iam sickofthesegir
ls
thr
owingthemselvesatme.Ineedt obesingl
e
now.Londekacanbepr egnantbutshewill
neverbemyQueen.Iwi l
lmarryasmar t
educatedgi
rl
.Lit
hakazi,Nomandl aandthi
s
Lawsonwannabecangot ohel
l
.Igothome.I
openedt
hedoor,Idi
dn'
tclosei
t.Iwenti
n,
mom camefrom t
hekit
chen.
Mom:
Myr
ing:
(
Me:
Shedoesn'
twantt
ogi
vei
ttomema
Mom:
What
!?
Me:SheisPregnant,shesaysshewon'tgiv
e
metheri
ngbecausewear eengaged.Idon'
t
wanther
.Ijustgotpi
ssedandleftaft
ershetol
d
meaboutthepregnancy:(
Mom:
SomyR6000r
ingi
spay
ingherdamages?
:(
Me:
Mom: Howdoy
ouknowshei
scar
ryi
ngy
our
baby?:(
Me:
Iam n.
..
.
"whoi
spr
egnant
?"sai
daf
ami
l
iarmal
evoi
ce
behi
ndus.Wet
urnedar
ound
Me:
Tat
a?
Mom:
Sanuse?
Dadl
ookedatme
Hi
m:Whoi
spr
egnant
?:)
Me:
It.
..
..
.
Mom:
NooneXa.
..
..
..:
D
Dad:
Iam nott
alki
ngt
oyouwena!
Mom:
:(

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t30

.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
Iam sohappymydadi shome.Hewor ksin
Bleomf ontein.Hestayst herefor6mont h.
Hav inghim athomei sgr eat.Mom don' ttr
eat
mel i
keaboywhendadi sher e.Ihavemy
freedom now.Mom i salway sinmybusi ness.
Or deri
ngmear ound.Whendadi shereIf eel
mor eofaman.Her espectsmyr oom.He
respectsmyspaceandmom i snotall
owedt o
ordermear ound.Myf atherdon'ttakenonsense
from anyoneev enmom knowsi t.Whatmy
fatherssay sgoes.Noonequest ionshis
decisions.
Mom:
Myhusba.
..
..
Dadgav
eherahand
Dad:Iknowyoudon'
twanthi
mt otel
lmet
his,
gotothekit
chenmenhavetotal
k!:
(.
Mom:
Shewentt
otheki
tchen,
dadl
ookedatme
Hi
m:Whoi
sshe?:
(
Il
ookeddown
Hi
m:Qaqambi
l
e?:
(
Me:Londeka,
shewor
ksatt
hesuper
mar
ket
Tat
a:(
Hi
m:Wher
eisshef
rom?
Me:
Heydad.
..
.:)
Isatdown,
hesatdownt
oo
Me:Iam notsur
e,t
hatgi
rli
scr
azy
.Shel
i
edt
o
us:
)
Hi
m:whatdi
dshesay?:
D
Me:Shesai
dshewasadoptedbytheLawsons,
onl
ytofi
ndoutl
atert
hatshei
stheirmai
d:D
Dadputhi
shandonmyshoul
derl
aughi
ng
Hi
m:It
hinkIl
i
ket
hisgi
rl
.Inv
iteherf
ordi
nner
t
omorr
ow:D
Hest
oodupt
henwal
kedaway
Me:
Tat
a?
het
urnedar
ound
Dad:Londi
wei
sinv
itedt
odi
nnert
omor
row:
)
Me:
Butda.
..
..
.
Hegoti
nhi
sroom andcl
osedthedoor
.Ihad
myhandsi
nmyheadinfrust
rat
ion
Me:
Hernamei
sLondekanotLon.
..
..:
(
Thedoorwasal
readycl
osed.Iki
ckedt
hecouch
Me:
Ahhhhdammi
t!:
(
Mom camer
unni
ng
Her
:Whati
sit
?:(
Me:
Dadwant
stoi
nvi
teLondekaf
ordi
nner
t
omor
row:
(
Mom:
What
!?:
(
Me:
Yep:
(
Mom squeezedt
hegl
assshewashol
ding
Mom:
Iwi
shIcoul
djustpoi
sonhi
m once!:
(
Me:
Hey
!That
'smydad!:
(
Mom:
YouknowIdon'
tmeani
t!
Isatont
hecouch
Me:
:(

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Mydooropened.Mom wal
kedi
nwi
thmypl
ate.
Shecamenexttomybed.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
thav
etomom
Her
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Iboughtmedlemonandgr
andpa.Iam
f
eel
i
ngalit
tl
ebett
ernow:)
Iam l
yi
ng.Iwanthert
othi
nkIhav
efl
ue.
Her
:Okay
,her
eisy
ourf
ood
Me:
Thanks,Iwi
llsl
eepear
lyt
oday.Idon'
twant
t
owakeuplateandleav
emyr oom di
rt
y:D
Mom:
Good:
)
Shewal
kedt
othedoor
.Shet
urnedar
oundand
l
ookedatme
Me:
Mom:
:)
Shesmi
l
edt
henwal
kedout
Me:
..
..
..
.okay
?
It
ookmyphone.Ical
l
edLawson
Hi
m:Iwasaboutt
ocal
lyou
Me:
Ohr
eal
l
y?
Hi
m:Yes,
howar
eyou?
Me:
Ifeel
sick
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Iwi
l
lbef
ine.
Hi
m:Comespendani
ghtwi
thme
Me:
Baby.
..
..
Hi
m:El
l
enwon'
tcomepl
ease
Me:No,Ican'
tbaby.Mom i
ssuspecti
ng
somet
hingisgoingonbet
weenus: (
Him:Whydoyout
hinkshei
ssuspect
ing
somethi
ng?
Me:
Shesawt
hemoneyIam sav
ing
Hi
m:Hahaha
Me:
whati
sfunny
?:(
Hi
m:Howcany
ousav
emoneyathome?Don'
t
y
ouhav
eabankaccount
?
Me:
Do,
howdoIgetmysal
ary
?:)
Him:Ohyeah,Tomorrowgot ot
ownandopen
savi
ngaccount.Youcan'
tkeepmoneyathome,
i
tmightbestol
en
Me:
Okay
Hi
m: andIwon'
tgiv
eyoumoneyany
mor
e.Iwi
l
l
j
ustsenditt
oyourcar
d
Me:
Okay:
)
Him:Fr
om t
owny
ouwi
l
lcomest
rai
ghther
e
r
ight
?
Ir
oll
edmyey
es
Me:
Yes
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo:
)
Hehungup.Ihuggedmypi
l
lowsmi
l
ing
.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
Whywoul ddadwannaseeLondeka?Idont
under
standhim somet i
mes.Iwantt omov eon
andfor
getthatgir
l.Ican'
tdot hatwithdad
home.Ihopehei snotstayingforlong.Thatgi
rl
shoul
dknowwher ewest and.Iheardfootst
eps
behi
ndme.It ur
nedar ound.It
'smom
Her
:di
dyoucal
lyourgi
rl
fr
iend?:
(
Me:
Shei
snotmygi
rl
fr
iend!:
(
Her
:Wel
li
tlooksl
i
key
oudonthav
eachoi
ce.
..
Me:Yeah,
Ijustwi
shdadst
ayedi
n
Bl
eomfontei
n:(
Her
:Youdontl
ovet
hiswoman?:
)
Il
ookedatmom
Me:
Shel
i
edt
ous.Shecan'
tbet
rust
ed!:
(
Mom smi
l
ed
Her:Iagreewi
thy
ouandIdon'
tthi
nkshei
s
yourtype:)
Me:Aftertomor
row,
Iwil
lmakesur
eshenev
er
setherfooti
nmyhouseagai
n:(
Mom satononeoft
hechai
rsar
oundt
he
ki
tchent
abl
e
Mom:
What
'st
hepl
an?:
)
Me:
Iwi
l
ltel
lherIwantnot
hingt
odowi
thher:
(
Mom:
Doy
out
hinkt
hatwi
l
lmakeherst
ayaway
?
:(
Me:
...
..:
(
Mom:
Youwantmyhel
p?:
)
Me:
Whatar
eyougonnado?
Mom: Leavet
hatt
ome,cal
lherandt
ell
herwe
cantwaitt
oseeher:
)
Shewal
kedout
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougo.
..
..
.
Shesl
ammedt
hedoorbef
oreIcoul
dfi
nish
Me:
...
..
..?

.
.
~Nozazi
~
IsawNombonisocomingt
omyhouse.Ir
ant
o
Lit
hakazi
'
sroom.Ibar
gedi
n
Li
thakazi
:What
'swr
ongmom?
Me:
Thatwomani
scomi
ngt
omyhouse?:
(
Shest
oodupf
ast
Her
:Mr
sXaba?
Igr
abbedt
heBr
oom
Me:
Yes:
(
Iwal
kedout,sher
anaf
terme.Aknockcameat
thef
rontdoor
Li
thakazi
:Mom don'
tbeather
,let
'shearherout
!

Il
ookedather
,Ibr
eat
hinandout
.Idi
dn'
topen
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantNomboni
so?:
(
Nomboni
so:
Icamei
npeace,
pleaseopent
he
door
!
Il
ookedatLi
thakazi
,shenoddedherheady
es.
Iopenedt
hedoor.
Me:
Nomboni
so:
Icamei
npeace :
D
Shesai
dgi
ggl
i
ngwi
thherhandsi
ntheai
r
Lit
hakazi
:Youwantedtokil
lmymot hernow
youcomeheresmilingandlaughi
ngli
ke
every
thi
ngisokay?:(
Shel
ookedatme
Her:Iam sor
ryf
ri
end,
Iwant edy
outostop
hit
ti
ngmewi tht
hatst
ick.Iwasnotgonnaki
l
l
you:)
Me:
Her
:Comeonol
dfr
iend:
D
Shewassmil
i
ng,t
hiswomani
sgoi
ngt
obemy
i
nlaw,l
et'
smakepeace
Me:
Comei
n:)
Shecamein.Icl
osedt
hedoort
hent
urned
around.
Nomboni so:YouandIhav
ebeenf
ri
endsfor
years.Yougetme.Therei
snowomaninthi
s
vi
llageknowsmel i
keyouknowme,pl
easemy
f
riendforgi
veme: '
(
Li
thakazi
lookedatme
Li
thakazi
::
(
Me:
Youwant
edt
oki
l
lme!:
(
Her
:Iwasnotgonnaki
lly
ou,youar
emybest
f
ri
end!Il
oveyoucanyoufor
giveme?:
'
(
Li
thakazi
:Mr
sXabawhatdoy
ouwant
?:(
Nomboniso:St
rai
ghtt
othepoi
nt,
Ilov
eyour
daug.
..
..
.:D
Me:
Ufunani
!!
!?(
Whatdoy
ouwant
!?)
Nomboni
so:
Idl
i
so(
poi
son):
)
Us:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t31
.
.
~Nomboni
so~
Nozazi
:
Li
thakazi
fol
dedherarmsonherchest
.She
l
ookedangryaswell
.
Her:
Whati
sthi
swomansay
ingt
oyoumot
her
?
:(
Nozazi
:ThatIam awi
tch!
Me:Noguyshihi
hi,Ihav
eratsi
nmyhouse,I
wantsomet
hingthatIcanusetoki
l
lthem :
D
Nozazi
:Ohhi
hihi
no,
wedon'
thav
eit:
D
Li
thakazi
::
)
Me:
Okayy
hu!y
ourmi
ndsar
efastgi
rl
s:D
Nozazi
:Iam sor
ryf
ri
end,
wet
houghty
oumean
t
heotherpoi
son:D
Me:
Hihi
hiIam abi
blewoman.Iwoul
dnev
erki
l
l.
St
aywi
thgodguy
s:D
Li
thakazi
:By
e:)
Nozazi
:Yougowi
thhi
mtoo
Iwalkedout
.Iclosedthedoor
.Il
eanedont
he
doorthenwhispered
Me:That
'sexact
lywhatIwant
ed,
apoi
son
:'
(

.
.
~Londeka~
Iam onmywayt oMrl awson'
sof f
ice.It
'stea
ti
meandNomandl ai
snothere.Idon'tknow
whyshedidn'tt
ell
meshewasn' tcomi ngto
work.Iwon'
tevencal
lher.Iknockedatt hedoor
thenwentin
Me:
Mor
ningMrLawson:
D
Hi
m:Goodday
,pl
easeputi
tov
ert
her
e
Me:
OkayMrLawson,
Nomandl
ais.
..
..
.
Hi
m:Let
'st
alkabouty
ou,
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng
t
oday
?
Me:
GoodMrLawson:
D
Hi
m:Youar
eexcusedLondeka:
)
Iwal
kedout
Me:
Okay
?
Doesheknowwher
eshei
s?

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iam i
ntown.Idi
dwhatIcameher etodo.I
deci
dedtosaveR7000randsofthemoney .I
boughtmysel
fafewclot
hes,Iboughtmy
cousi
nsomeclothest
ooandf l
atshoesfor
mom.Iboughtaf ewgr ocerieswer anoutof .I
can'tgot owor kwi ththeset hi
ngs.Ihav etogo
homef i
rstandl eavet hese.Thet axipassedt he
supermar ket.Ipai dt hetaxi.Hedr oppedmeat
myst op.Iwal kedhome.ThankGodIdi dn'
t
meetanyoft henoi synei ghbours.Ileft
everythi
ngi nmyr oom.It ookgr oceri
est othe
kit
chen.Il ockedt henheadedt owor k.Iarr
ived
atwor k.Iwentst raighttothehouse.Iopened
thedoor .It'
ssohott oday.Ijustwantt osit
down
Me:
Heygi
rl:
)
Londeka:
Youar
elat
e!:
(
Isatdown.
Me:Londekait
's12pm i
ntheaft
ernoon.YesI
am l
ate.Don'
ttel
lmewhatIknow.Iwentto
town:(
Her
:Inwor
khour
s?
Me:
Yest
erdayy
oucol
l
apsed.Youwer
egi
ven
aft
ernoonoff.Iwasnotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
.Iwentt
o
thedoctor
!:(
Her
:Okay
,howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?:
D
Me:
Thi
rst
ypl
easegetmewat
erorj
uice
Her:
Gir
l,y
ouactl
i
key
ouar
etheonepr
egnant
:D
Idon'
tknowwhyt heyremindmeaboutt
hisal
l
theti
me.Iboughtthetest
.It
'si
nmyhandbag.I
am notr
eadytotakethetest.
Shewentt ot
hef r
idge.Shet ookoutor
ange
j
uice.Shepouredmeagl ass.Shecametothe
l
ivi
ngr oom.
Me:
ThankYou:
)
Her
:Guesswhat
?:D
Me:
what
?:)
Her:
Babydaddycal
l
edIam i
nvi
tedt
odi
nner
t
hiseveni
ng:
D
Me:
..
..
..
..?
Isippedonmyj ui
ce.Ilookedather.Mr
sXaba
i
nvitesamai d,
notjustamaid.Amai dwho
makeherl ookli
keaf ool
?Somethingis
defini
tel
yup.Ihavebeenneighbourswit
hthem
all
myl i
fe.
Her
:Whati
sit
?:D
Me:
Theyknowabouty
ourpr
egnancy?:
)
Her
:It
oldhi
myest
erday:
)
Me:
And?:
D
Her:Hewasmadatmeforly
ingtohi
m.He
cametofet
cht
heri
ng,
Ididn'
tgiv
ehim.Hecan'
t
dothatt
ome!:(
Me:
Sor
ry:
(
Her
:Don'
tbe:
)
Me: :
)
Hi
m:Nowt
heyar
einv
iti
ngmet
odi
nner:
D
Me:
Londekat
hatf
ami
l
ywi
l
lnev
eraccepty
ou:
(
Her
:Ohpl
ease!Youar
ejeal
ous!:
(
Me: Theycametofet
chtheri
ngbecausey
ou
arenotwhattheyt
houghtyouwer
e!What
changedthei
rmind!:
(
Her
:Hi
sfat
herwant
stoseeme:
(
Idi
dn'
tknowheisback.Thi
sisTat'
uSanuse'
s
i
dea.IknewMr
sXabawoul dneveri
nvit
eher.
Me:OhIgetitnow.I
t'
snotMr
sXabawho
wannaseeyou:)
Her:
Iwasn'
tgonnabei
nvi
tedi
fshedi
dn'
t
appr
ove:
(
Me: Londeka,Iam notjealousofyou,Iam j
ust
l
ookingoutf oryou,Ibr
okeupwi t
hQaqambi l
e
becauseofmyj obdescripti
on.YouandIare
thesamet hing!:(
Londeka:
Hahahaha
Me:
Her
:Youar
ejoki
ngr
ight
!?:
D
Me:
WhenIsaywhat
?:(
Her
:You?Dat
ingCi
k..
..
..
..
Me:Qaqambil
eyes!Idumpedhi
m becausehe
wasashamedofme!Ev enhi
smotherdi
dn't
appr
ovebecauseIam amaid:(
Her:Honeyyouar
enothist
ype!Youshoul
d'
ve
beenwithhi
mi nt
hefi
rstpl
acegosh
Me:It
hinkIam mor
eofhi
sty
pet
hany
ou
act
ual
ly!:
(
Her
:What
'st
hatsupposet
omean?:
(
Me:Iam notj
eal
ousofyou.Iam j
ustlooki
ng
outf
oryou.MrsXabawouldneveral
lowamai d
tobeherdaught
eri
nlaw:(
Her
:Andy
ouar
eabet
termai
dthanme?:
(
Me:
No,Iam goi
ngt
oVarsi
tynexty
ear
.Ihav
e
mat
ri
candyoudon'
t!:
(
Shel
ookeddown
Her:
howdoy
ouknowt
hat!
?Whot
old
you?:(
Me: You'
vebeenamai dforf
iveyours.yourl
ife
i
snotmov i
ng.Youdon' tseeyoursel
fany where.
Youar et
oor el
axed!NextyearIam goi ngto
schoolwhatarey ourpl
ansfornexty ear?:
(
Sheswal
l
owedhar
d
Her
: :
'
(
Shewaspl
ayi
ngwi
thherengagementr
ing
Me:Youneedtostopl
ooki
ngdownonme!Iam
ony
oursidehereIwantt
ogiv
eyouadv
ice.
..
..:
(
Her
::(
Me: IknowMrsXabaisagai
nstyougoi
ngther
e.
ShehasnosayinthathousewhenQaqa's
fatheri
shome.Pl
easebecareful
!Whenyouare
there!:(
Shesatdown
Her:
Friend,
doy
outhi
nkshecoul
ddo
somethingt
ome?
Iam now"
Fri
end"?
Me:Ili
keyou,all
Iam say
ingis,
got
hereand
openyoureyes.Qaqambi
leandTat
'uSanuse
mightmeanwel lbutt
hewif
e?:D
Ishookmyheadst
andi
ngup.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkso:
(
Itookt
heglass.Iwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.Isaw
hercomingin
Her
:ThankYou:
'
(
Me:Youdonthav
etosayi
tify
oudon'
tmeani
t
:(
Her
:Ido
Me:Howmanytimesy
oul
ookeddownonme
andapol
ogi
sed?:(
Her
:
Me:
exact
ly:
(
Iwal
kedout

.
.
~Nozazi
~
Me:
MrXaba,
comeoni
n:D
Him:Thanky
ou,
Iwaspassi
ngby
,It
houghtI
shoul
dcomeandgr
eet:
)
Hel
ookedatLi
thakazi
Hi
m:Hel
l
oyoungl
ady:
)
Li
thakazi
:Hel
l
oTat
a:D
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
eback?:
D
Hi
m:Iar
ri
vedy
est
erday
.Howar
eyou?
Me:
Wecan'
tcompl
ain,
howar
eyou?:
D
Hi
m:Good:
)
Me:
Babymakeuscof
fee:
D
Hi
m:Iam notst
ayi
ng.Iwi
l
lseey
ouguy
ssoon:
)
Me:Sayhell
otoyourwi
feandy
ourboy
.Hei
s
suchalov
elyboy:)
Hi
m:Iknowt
hanks,
Iwi
l
lsendy
ourl
ovet
othem
:)
Me:
Whenar
eyoul
eav
i.
..
Li
thakazi
:Mom!
Me:
What?:
D.
Sanuse:
Letmeleav
eyouNozazi
,ther
eisa
famil
ydi
nneri
nmyhouse,Idon'
twanttobe
l
ate:)
Me:
Soundsl
i
keanOccasi
on?:
)
Him:Iwi
l
lbemeet
ingagi
rlwhoi
scar
ryi
ngmy
son'
schi
ld
Li
thakazi
:Excu.
..
..
..
Me:
IgaveLi
thakazi
thel
ook,shestoppedtal
ki
ng.
Isshecr
azy?Sheisgoi
ngt or
uinthingsf
orher
.
Li
thakazi
:Iam goi
ngt
omyr
oom,
excuseme:
D
Me:
Youar
eexcusedbaby:
D
Sanuse:
Okayy
oungl
ady:
)
Il
ookedatSanuse
Me:
Whoi
sthi
sgi
rl
?:)
Hi
m:Shei
swor
kingf
ort
heLawsons:
D
Me:YoumeanLawson'
sdaught
er?Theonehe
adopt
ed?:
)
Hest
art
edl
aughi
ng
Hi
m:Thegi
rli
sjustamai
dther
e:D
Me:
Soshel
i
ed?:
)
Him:
Thepoorgi
rlpr
obabl
yfel
tashamed,
Iwi
l
l
seey
oulat
er
Me:
Byeby
e,i
twasni
ceseei
ngy
ouXaba:
D
Hi
m::
)
Hewalkedout
.It
urnedar
ound.Li
thakazi
was
st
andi
ngoutsi
deherdoor
Li
thakazi
:Whati
fIam pr
egnantmama?:
'
(
Me:
Bab.
..
..
.:)
Her
:Ican'
tbeasi
ngl
emot
her
!:'
(
Me:
Didy
ouhearwhathesai
d?:
)
Her
:No?
Me:
TheLawsonadopt
eddaught
er?:
)
Li
thakazi:
OhmygodImustkissQaqambi l
e
goodby e,shei
stheonewhoi
spreg.
..
..
.:'
(
Me:
Wil
lyoushutup!
!!:
(
Her
:
Me:Yessheist
hegir
lwhoi
spr
egnantbutshe
i
snotadoptedt
her
e:)
Her
:Whatar
eyousay
ingmama?:
'
(
Me:
Shel
i
ed,
thatgi
rli
samai
dther
e:D
Li
thakazi
:Mamay
ouar
ejoki
ngr
ight
!?:
D:'
(
Me:
Thepoi
sonshecameher
efor
..
..
..
.?:
)
Li
thakazi
lookedaway
Her
::)
Me:
:)
Shel
ookedatme,
shei
sget
ti
ngi
tnow
Li
thakazi
:Sot
heRati
nherhousei
sthi
s
maid?:D
Me:
Gomakesomemi
xtur
e,Iwi
l
lcal
lyour
mot
heri
nlaw;
)
Li
thakazi
:Hi
hihi
okaymama!:
D
Sher
anaway,It
ookmyphone.Idi
all
ed
Nomboni
so'
snumber
Nomboni
so:WhenIcal
l
edy
ouf
ri
endIdi
dn'
t
meanweshou.
..
..
..
..
Me:
Yizot
hat
haI
dli
so:
)
Her
:What
?
Me:
Ihav
eyourpoi
son:
)
Nomboni
so:
Iam onmyway
Ihungup
Me:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t32

.
.
~Nozazi
~
Isawmydaught
ercomi
ngi
nrunni
ng.
Me:
Whati
sitLi
thakazi
?
Her
:Shei
scomi
ng:
D
Me:
Who?Nomboni
so?:
)
Her
:Yes!:
D
Me:Okay!Thisiswhatwegonnado!Takeyour
phoneand..whatdoyoucal
lthatt
hingyoudo
when..
.:(
Li
thakazi
:Recor
dher
?
Me:
Yes!:
D
Her
:Whyma?
Me:Becausekill
i
ngthatgi
rldoesn'
tmeanshe
wil
lacceptyouasherdaughterinl
aw!Sheis
j
ustusingus!Iknowsheisactingbecauseshe
needshelp!:
(
Li
thakazi
:Mamay
ouar
esmar
t:D
If
ixedmydoeksmi
l
ing."knockknock!"sai
d
Nomboni
soatt
hedoor
.Il
ookedatmydaught
er
Me:
:(
Shenoddedherheady
est
aki
ngherphone.
Me:
:)
Il
ookedatt
hedoor
Me:
Comeoni
nfr
iend:
D
Li
thakazi
::
D
Shewal
kedi
nsmi
l
ing.
Her
:Fr
iendhi
hihi
:D
Thiswomanthi
nkssheissmar
t.Icansee
thr
oughherf
akegiggl
e.
Me:
Youcamehi
hihi
:D
Her:
Ithoughty
ouguy
sdi
dn'
thav
ethepoi
son?
:D
It
ookitoutofmyapr onpocketsmi
li
ngand
wavi
ngitintheai
r.Sherantomeexcited.She
at
temptedtosnat
chi tf
rom myhand.Imov ed
myhandaway
Her
:
Me:
Notsof
astf
ri
end:
D
Her
:It
houghty
o..
..
Me:
Wear
efr
iendsr
ight
?:)
Her
:Ofcour
t:D
Me:
Ithoughtaboutt
hisl
ongandhar
d..
..
.:)
Iwaswalkingar
oundt
her
oom.Il
ookedat
Li
thakazi
Li
thakazi
::
D
Il
ookedatNomboni
so
Me:
Myf
ri
endi
sri
ch.
..:
)
Nomboni
so:
Youwantmoney
!Ican.
..
.
Igav
eherahand
Me:
Idon'
tmakef
ri
endspay
!:)
Her
::D
Me:Ibuil
tmyhousewi
thjustmud, mywalli
s
notstr
ong,r
atsdoast
heyplease.Ican'
tcont
rol
them f
rom r
uini
ngmyr
ound(house):)
Her
:Iam sor
ryf
ri
end
Me:Butmyf ri
endherehasastr
ongwal
l.A
beaut
ifulbi
g,cl
eanhouse,t
her
eisnowayshe'
d
haveratsinherhouse:
D
Nomboni
so:
Idon'
tthi
nkuf
oll
ow?:
'
(
Me:
Wear
efr
iendsr
ight
?:)
Her
:Ofcour
twear
e!:
(
Shewasget
ti
ngannoy
ed
Me:
Doest
hisr
athav
etwol
egs?;
)
Shel
ookeddown
Me:
Comeonf
ri
end,
youcant
ell
me:
D
Nomboni
so:
:(
Me:Sayi
t,Iwi
l
lgi
vethi
stoyou!Yoursoni
snot
r
eadytocommitr
ight
?: )
Nomboni so:
ThatLondekagi
rli
scomi
ngtomy
house!Iam goi
ngtokil
lher
!Mysoncan'
tbe
wit
hapoorgi rl
!
Iheadedt
hepoi
sont
oher.Myj
obi
sdoneher
e
Me:Ourfr
iendshi
pisst
rongnowt
hatweshar
e
secr
ets:
D
Nomboni
so:Thankyouf
ri
end!Pl
easedon'
ttel
l
any
oneaboutthi
s:D
Me:
Notawor
d:)
Shel
ookedatmydaught
er
Li
thakazi
:myl
i
psar
eseal
ed:
D
Nomboni
so:
Lat
erl
adi
es:
D
Me:
Hihi
hil
ater
!:D
Sher
anout
.Iwat
chedherwal
kaway
Me:
:(
Mydaughterst
art
edpl
ayi
ngt
her
ecor
ding.I
l
ookedather
Me:
Don'
tl
osei
t:)
Li
thakazi
:Thi
sismyt
icket
..
..
.:D
Me:
Tomar
ri
age:
D

.
.
~Londeka~
Iam wi t
honeofmyhousemat es.Sheissit
ti
ng
whileIam bathing, Iwasf inishi
ngup.Iam so
excit
edt ogother e.Thi sdinnerwilldet
ermine
myf uturewit
ht hatf ami l
y.From todayIwi l
lsee
i
fIwi l
lbeasingl epar entormychi l
dwi l
lhavea
fat
her.Ciko.
..
.ImeanQaqambi l
eismadatme.
Hismot herhatesmef orlyingtoher.Thisi
s
goingtobeuncomf ortableandawkwar d.
Fri
end:YousaidthisguyisinNomandl
a'
s
nei
ghbourhood.Ithoughtyou'
dknockof
fand
gowithher?:)
Me:Someti
mesIfeel
li
keNomandl
aisj
eal
ous
ofme,youknowf
arm gi
rl
s:D
Her
:SheLooksdi
ff
erentf
rom t
her
estt
hough:
)
Icombedmyweav
e
Me:Ther
eisnot
hingdi
ff
erentabouther
.Onher
f
ir
stdayshecal
l
edMr sLawsonmadam :(
Her
:Hahahar
eal
l
y?
Il
ookedathert
hent
othemi
rr
or
Me:
Imagi
negi
rl
!
Her:Shame,shewil
lbestr
ong,mycoll
eaguei
s
j
ustlikehert
oo.Whensheisspeaki
ngtoMr
Lawsonsheisalwaysl
ike"Yesmhlekazi
!Hay
i
mhlekazi"
Sherol
ledherey es.Il
aughedmylungsout.At
super
mar ketthereisacl
othi
ngshop,thi
sgir
l
worksthere.Sheisalsofr
om EastLondon
Me:Weworkwit
hwei
rdpeopl
eint
his
super
mar
ket:
D
Shest
oodup
Her
:Gi
rl
,goodl
uck,
Ihav
etocook:
)
Me:
Byef
ri
end:
D
Shewal
kedout.Icat
wal
kedar
oundt
her
oom
feel
i
ngmysel
f
Me:
:)
Ihav
etomakehi
mlov
emeonceagai
n

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iknockedof
f30mi nut
esago, Ist
ayedinMr
Lawson'sof
fi
ceforabit.Ihav
et ogohomenow.
Idon'
twantpeopl
et ogetsuspici
ous.
Me:
Ihav
etogobaby:
)
Hi
m:Ki
ssme:
)
Ileanedf
orwar
donhi
sdesk.Iki
ssedhi
mfora
fewseconds
Me:
Bye;
)
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo:
D
Iopenedt
hedoor
.Iwal
kedout
Hi
m:;
)
Me:
Iclosedthedoor.Iwentt
ot hest
op.Ihi
ked.A
taxitookmetomyl ocati
on.Thetaxi
dropped
me.Isl owl
ywalkedhome.
Me:
Ohno:
(
IsawMr sXabacomingoutofLit
hakazi
'
shome.
Ipret
endedli
keIdon'
tseeher,
Iwalkedfast
er.
"hey
!Nosuki
l
e'sdaught
er"
Me:
Don'
tyouknowmyname?:
(
Idi
dn'
tsayt
hatoutl
oud.It
urnedar
ound
Me:
:D
Her
:Wai
tforme!:
(
Ifol
dedmyarms.What
evershehast
osay
,Iam
notgonnal
i
keit
.
MrsXaba:
Whyy
oudi
dn'
ttel
luswhoLondekai
s?
:(
Me:Youdi
dn'
task.Youcametomeandtol
d
mehowIwill
beservi
ngyoucoff
eeanddi
nner
l
ikeasl
ave:
(
Her:
Lit
tl
egi
rl
!Youshoul
dhav
etol
dus!Don'
t
youcar
eaboutmyson?:
(
Ishookmyheadno
Me:
Idi
dbuti
don'
tany
mor
e:(
Her
:Doy oureal
i
sehowmuchmoneyi
spenton
t
hatgi
rl
!?:(
Me:
Andi
sthatmyf
aul
thowMr
sXaba?:
(
Her
:Youar
edi
sgust
ingl
i
key
ourmot
her
!
Me:Thanky ouMr sXaba.Ijustwantedy
out o
seethatyoucanlovesomeoneev enwhenthey
havenothing.I
t'
snotaboutwhatsomeonehas,
i
t'
sabouthowy oufeel
!It
'sabouttheper
son!
Youguy sl
ov edLondeka,whatchangednow?: (
Her
:Shei
snotaLawson!Shei
snoti
nvar
sit
y!:
(
Me: Al
lyoucareabouti
sLawson'
smoney !I
f
yoursonwillmar
rysomeoneofyourchoi
ce
t
henhewi ll
neverbehappy:
(
Her:
Youdontknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout
!
:(
Il
eftherst
andi
ngt
her
e.

.
.
~Nosuki
l
e~
Aft
erworkIar
riv
edinmyhouseandsawBoxer
shoppi
ngbags.Nomandl
adi
dn'tt
ell
usshewas
goingt otowntoday.Thi
sgirli
schanging.Isaw
hercomi ng.Iwanthertoexplai
nallt
his.Wedid
needt hethingssheboughtIam happybutIam
wor r
iedabouther.
Nomandl
a:hel
l
omama:
D
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwentt
otown?:
(
Her:Oh,IthoughtIshoul
dgoopenasav i
ng
account.Mymoneyi snotsav eathome.Isaved
R8000t henboughtf ewgroceri
esandIgotyou
pairofshoes.Iwil
lgogetthem :D
Shewal
kedout
Me:
:)
Il
ikethatsheisbeingresponsi
ble.Shemust
save.Shecan'
tjustspentmoney .Iwanthert
o
geteducati
on.Shecameback
Her
:Doy
oul
i
ket
hem?
Me:
Theyar
ebeaut
if
ult
hanksmychi
l
d:D
Her
:Pl
easur
emom :
)
Me:
Ihopey
ougoty
ourcousi
nsomet
hing:
)
Her
:Yes.Idi
dwher
eishe?
Me:
Play
ingwi
thot
herki
ds:
)
Nomandl
a:Letmest
artcooki
ng:
D
Me:
Okaybaby:
)

.
.
~Londeka~
Iam abouttogoi nthere.Bei nginaroom wi t
h
twopeopl eIli
edtoandnowwi t
hwiththeman
oft hehouseisreal
l
yt err
if
y ing.WhatifIam
calledheretobeconfrontedandhumi li
ated?
Fathersarethemostscar iestpeopleinaf amily
.
Cik...
.ImeanQaqambi lehasnev ermentionhis
fathertome.Idontthinktheygetal ong.Ifthey
didhewoul d'
vesaidsomet hing.Whatam I
say i
ng?Ihavebeenwi ththisguyf orthr
ee
weeks.Thef i
rstdayImethi m Ili
edaboutmy
l
ife.Ipretendedt obesomeoneIam not .Ari
ch
person.Ift heytell hi
m Iwilll
ooklikeapsycho
tothisman.Iam out si
delookingaround.I
regretcomi ngher e.Ishouldn'
thav ecamehere.
Iturnedar ound, Iat t
emptedt orunaway "
Don'ttell
met hi
si sLondiwe!?"sai damale
voicebehi ndme, atleasthei sexcitedt
osee
me
Me:
:'
(
Isl
owl
ytur
nedar
ound
Me:
Yes,
it'
smeMrXaba:
)
Isai
dpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyf
inger
slooki
ngdown
Him:Call
meTata,Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
ethi
s
beaut
if
ul,mysoni
slucky:D
Me:
Thanky
ouTat
a:)
Heopenedt
hedoorwi
de.
Hi
m:Comei
n:D
Iwal
kedin.Iwasf
lashi
ngmyr
ingabi
tsot
hat
hecanseeit
Hi
m:Honey
!Honey
!
Mr
sXabacamer
unni
ng
Her
:Baby
?:D
Shesawme,
thesmi
l
eonherf
acedi
sappear
ed
Mr
sXaba:
Me:
Shehadanapr
ononandaclothinherhandsi
t
l
ooksli
keshei
scooki
ng.If
li
ppedmyhai r
showi
ngoffmyri
ng
Mr
sXaba:
Londeka:
D
Me:
Hel
l
oMr
sXaba
Mr
sXaba:
Hihi
higoodt
oseey
ou:
D
Shesaidt
hatgi
ggl
i
ng.Al
lthatwasafakegi
ggl
e.
Icoul
dseeshewasboi
li
nginsi
de.Nomandl
a
wasri
ght
Me:
Hihi
hiYout
ooMr
sXaba:
D
MrXabawassmil
i
ngl ooki
ngatme.Il
ookedat
hi
swif
e.Shewasgiv
ingmei nt
imi
dati
nglook
Mr
sXaba:
Me:
:D
MrXaba:
Wai
t,y
ouhav
ear
ingont
hatf
inger
?

Ismil
ed,i
ttookhi
mf or
evert
onoti
ce.Il
ooked
atMrsXaba.Sheshookherheadno,
Iguess
shedoesn'
twanthimtoknowIam engaged
Me:MrsXabaBoughti
t,andgav
eitto
Qaqambi
letopr
oposetomeTat a:
D
Shebi
therl
owerl
i
p,shewasf
umi
ngwi
thanger
Mr
sXaba: :
'
(
MrXaba:
Per
fect
!Iwi
l
lber
ightback:
D
MrXabar
ant
othebedr
oom.Il
ookedatMr
s
Xaba
Me:
:D
Her
: Igav
ey out
hatr
ingbecauseIt
houghtyou
wereaLawson!Mysondon'twanttomarryyou
any
mor e!
!!
Me:Whynot
?Iam st
il
lthesameper
sonai
n'
tI?
:D
MrsXaba:Bi
tch!Youar
epoor
!Youar
enot
educat
ed!:
(
Me:
So?:
D
Shecameclosertome,
shewasbreat
hing
heav
il
y.Shepoint
edafi
ngeratme
Her:Youar
eplayi
ngadanger
ousgamel
i
ttl
egi
rl
,
Isweartoy
o..
..
.
Iputmyhandonmychest
Me:Iam scar
ed.Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
othr
eat
enme
MrsXaba?
MrsXaba:
Youarenotgoi
ngt ol
asther
e!Iwi
l
l
per
suademyhusbandtochangehi
smind.By
t
omorrowIswearhewi
l
lwantnot
hingt
odo
wi
t.
..
..
.
"l
adi
esareyoust
il
lokay
?"Wet
urnedar
ound
andl
ookedathi
m.Ohmygod
Me:
:D
MrXaba:
:D
Mr
sXaba:
Whati
sthi
sSanuse?
Sanuse:
Whatdoesi
tlookl
i
kemybaby
?:)
Me:
:D
Qaqambi
l
ewalkedi
nrunni
ng.Hestoppedwhen
hesawwhathi
sfat
herhadi
nhishands
Qaqambi
l
e:TheFuck?
Sanuse:
Languageboy
!:(
Qaqambi
l
e:UXol
oTat
a
Il
ookedaway
Me:
:)
.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nset33

.
.
~Nar
rat
ed~
I
t'scl
osi
ngti
meatthesuper
mar
ket
.Two
femal
eworkersar
ewalki
ngont
het
arroad
headi
nghome.
Lady
1:Di
dyouseeNomandl
atoday
?:)
Lady
2:No,
Ionl
ysawLondekat
aki
ngcof
feet
o
Mhl
ekazi
alonewhi
chi
sst
range,
why
?:)
Theotherl
adykeptqui
t.Shef
ocusedont
he
road
Her:Shecamet oworkattwel
ve,l
ookingall
goodlikeshewasgoingsomewher e.Shedi
dn'
t
spendmor eti
meattheapartment.Shewentto
mhlekazi'
soff
iceandst
ayedthereformore
thananhour:(
Lady2:What?Whywouldshespendsomuch
ti
mewi thuMhlekazi
?Shehasbeenwor
king
hereforli
ke.
..
..
..
?.
Lady1:Amont
hortwo,we'
vebeenher
efor
year
sbutwefeart
hatmanli
kewestar
ted
yest
erday:
(
Lady2:Doyouthi
nkt
her
eissomet
hing
happeningbet
weent
hem?
Lady1:Wit
houtadoubt,Imeanev enherget
ti
ng
thatj
obitwasquesti
onable!TheLawsonsbring
peoplef
rom t
hosefancybigtownst ocomeand
workattheirapartment.Weareonlyworki
ngin
thatdust
ysuper marketwhati
sspecialabout
her?Shegrewupi nfr
ontofoureyespoorli
ke
us!Thatgir
lissleepi
ngwi t
hhim:(
Lady
2:Fef
ekazi
thosear
eser
iousal
l
egat
ions!

Fef
ekazi
:Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ouThobeka!:
(
Theycont
inuedwi
tht
hei
rjour
ney
Thobeka:Youknowwhat
?Nomandl
ali
kes
me..
..
..
.:)
Fef
ekazi:
Londekal
ikesme.Tomorr
owYougo
askNomandlaaboutherl
ongvi
siti
nhi
sof
fi
ce.
Iwil
laskLondeka:
)
Thobeka:Okay
,butIst
il
lthi
nkwear
ewr
ong
aboutthi
s
Fefekazi
:Wearej
ustaski
ng,
wear
enot
accusingany
one:
)
Thobeka:
Okay
.
.
~Nozazi
~
Lit
hakazi:
Somom, nowthatwehav
ethi
s
recor
ding,what
'st
hepl
an?:)
Me:Obvi
ousbyt
omor
rowt
hatLondekagi
rlwi
l
l
bedead:
)
Li
thakazi
::
D
Me:Iwantyoutogot est
,ifyouarepregnant
,
wearegoingtheretoannouncethepregnancy.
Sanusewil
lbehappyandsuggestmar r
iage.
Thatbi
tchIcall
af r
iendwil
lfi
ghtthi
s..
.:(
Li
thakazi
:Shewi
l
l:(
Me:
That
'swher
ethi
srecor
dingcomesi
n:)
Li
thakazi
:Iam l
i
steni
ngMama:
D
Me:
Iwi
l
lfor
cehert
oaccepty
oui
fshedon'
t
wantt
o,It
ell
ever
yoneaboutwhatshedi
d:)
Lit
hakazi
:Letmegof
etchwat
er!Ican'
twai
tfor
thi
s!:D
Shet
ookabucket.Shewal
kedout.I
t'
sgoodt
o
seemydaught
ersohappy
Me:
:)

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Wej ustfi
nishedeating.I
t'sgoodt oseemy
mom backt oheroldself.Ihatethelookshe
hasbeengi vingmel atel
y.TodayIdeci dedto
cookf ort
hem, t
heylovedthef ood.Iwashed
thedishesaf t
ereating.NowIam goi ngto
fet
chwat er.Iam lazybutIam pushi ngmy sel
f
becauseIdon' twanthert othi
nkIam pr egnant
butsoonerorl ater
,Ihavet ousethatclearBl
ue
i
nmyhandbag, theladyatthatpharmacy
advancedmetogett hi
spregnancytestert
hey
sayit
'snew,i
ttel
lsyouhowmanymont hsor
weeks.Ihav
etoknowi fIam reall
ypregnantso
Icanplanmyfuture.
Mom:
Ain'
tyout
ir
ed?:
)
Me:
Iwanttogonow,
Imi
ghtwakeupl
azyi
n
t
hemorni
ng:)
Her
:Okay
Iwal
kedoutandheadedt
other
iver
.Isaw
someoneatt
heri
ver.
Me:
Iwonderwhot
hati
s:(
Isaidtomysel
f.Thepersonstoodup.I
t'
st he
gir
lIusedtocal
lfri
end.Sheputherbucketin
herhead.Sheapproachedme
Li
thakazi
:Ifi
t'
snott
heex:
D
Me:
AndWhoi
sthecur
rent
?:)
Iwi
l
lsmi
l
e,Iam notl
ett
inghergett
ome.She
r
oll
edherey
es
Her
:Youmeant
hesoont
obewi
fe?:
D
Me:
Yes,
whoi
sshe?:
)
Her
:Youar
elooki
ngatherhi
hihi
:D
Shewal
kedawaygi
ggl
i
ng
Me:
Int
erest
ing:
)
Ishookmyhead,
Iwal
kedt
other
iver

.
.
~Londeka~
Wewer est i
llst
andingshockedbywhatMr
Xabahadonhi shands,wellIwasnotshockedI
wasex cit
ed!Thisismyki ndofaman.Amanof
act
ion.IthinkIwil
lgetalongwithmyfatheri
n
l
aw.Thi smani sreall
yfondofme.Ithoughthe
wouldhatemef orwhatIdidbutno,hedoesn'
t.
Ithi
nktheydi
dn'ttellhim whatIdid.Thi
s
womansai dshewoul dpersuadehimt ohat
e
medi dshemeant ell
inghim aboutwhatIdidto
thi
sfamily
?Whati fhechangeshi smi ndand
hateme?Ican'tcelebratejustyet
.
Me:
:'
(
Nomboni
so:
Sanusewhendi
dyoubuyt
hese?

Hehadt he"makoti
"att
ir
e.Hehadbeauti
fulnew
sishweshwecl
othes,aminibl
anketandbl
ack
tekki
esonhishands
Tat
a: Iboughttheset
odaywhenyouwentto
work.Idecidedtogotothesuper
mar
ketinthei
r
cl
othingshop.Isawthese:D
Hel
ookedatQaqambi
l
e
Him:Mysonisgoingtobeafather,
thi
sbaby
can'
tbeUmgqakhwe( abast
ard)toastr
ange
fami
lydon'
tyouagreeson?:
D
Qaqambileshookhi
shead, Isawateardropon
hi
sfelteye.Nombonisolookedathi
m, she
gavehim a"don'
tyourdare"look
Nomboni
so:
Qaqambi
l
e:Dad,
Idon'
twantt
ogetmar
ri
ed
:'
(
Me:
:(
That
'sdi
sappoi
nti
ngbutexpect
ed.Nomboni
so
l
ookedawaysmili
ng
Her
::)
Tat
a:Whatdi
dyouj
ustsayboy
?
Qaqambi
l
emov
edbackwar
ds
Qaqambil
e:Iam y
oungdad,
Ican'
tgetmar
ri
ed,
I
am notr
eady:'
(
Nomboni
so:
Tak'
aQaqi
hei
sri
gh.
..
..
.:D
Hegav
eherahand
Tat
a:What
'st
hatsmel
l
?Ar
ewegonnaeatbur
nt
meal
toni
ght
?
Nomboni
so:
Sherantotheki
tchentocheckonherpot
s.She
i
sreall
yscaredofherman
Me:
:)
Sanusel
ookedathi
sson
Tat
a:Yousayy
ouar
eyoung?
Qaqambi
leswal
l
owedhard.Iwasnexttot
he
door
.Thi
smanisgoi
ngtorunout.Icl
osedthe
door
Me:
:)
Tat
a:Goodmakot
i:)
Me:
:D
Qaqambi
l
egav
emedeat
hst
are
Tata:Didyout
hinkoft
hatwheny
ouhad
unprotect
edsex?:(
Hi
m:Nodad:
'
(
Tata:Aft
erdinner,t
hisgi
rlwear
stheseoryou
takeeveryt
hingthatbel
ongstoyouandleave
myhousef orgood!
Qaqambi
l
e:What
!?:
'
(
Heputthecl
othesont
hecouch.Het
ookhi
s
phone
Tata:OrMybrot
hercangetyouajobi
nthe
mines,youar
eamannow, y
ouknowhowt o
produceahumanbeing.Sosonwhati
sitgonna
be..
..
.?:
(
Qaqambi
l
e:i
..
..
..
.:'
(
Tata:
Youmar ryt
hisgir
l,webecomeabi g
happyfamil
yorYouleavemyhouse.Inev ersee
youagainorYouquitschool,
gowork
undergr
oundandsuppor ty
ourchi
ld!
..
..
..See?
Youhavesomanyopt ions:)
Qaqambi
l
e:
Tat
a:Chooseson?:
)
Me:
:)
Qaqambi
l
elookedatme
Hi
m:
Me:
:'
(:D
Iwascry
ingandexci
tedatthesameti
me.This
i
stoughforhi
m.Theonlyeasywayoutisbei
ng
wit
hmeandIcouldn'
tbehappier
Tat
a:Son?:
(
Hel
ookedathi
sdad
Qaqambi
l
e:Iwi
l
lmar
ryherdad
"Nooooooo!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!"sai
dMr sXabai
ntheki
tchen
wealll
ookedatthekit
chen
Tat
a:Nomboni
so!
,ar
eyouOkay
?
Nomboni
so:
YesTak'
aQaqi
.It
'sj
ustt
hat
..
..
Tat
a:I
t'
sjustwhatwoman!
?
Nomboni
so:
Mynai
lbr
oke
Tat
a:Mmhmm
Il
ookedont
hinai
r
Me:
:)

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nset33

.
.
~Nar
rat
ed~
I
t'
scl
osi
ngt
imeatt
hesuper
mar
ket
.Two
femal
eworker
sar
ewal
ki
ngont
het
arr
oad
headi
nghome.
Lady
1:Di
dyouseeNomandl
atoday
?:)
Lady2:No,Ionl
ysawLondekataki
ngcof
feet
o
Mhlekazial
onewhichi
sstr
ange,why?:
)
Theotherl
adykeptqui
t.Shef
ocusedont
he
road
Her:Shecamet oworkattwel
ve,l
ookingall
goodlikeshewasgoingsomewher e.Shedi
dn'
t
spendmor eti
meattheapartment.Shewentto
mhlekazi'
soff
iceandst
ayedthereformore
thananhour:(
Lady2:What?Whywouldshespendsomuch
ti
mewi thuMhlekazi
?Shehasbeenwor
king
hereforli
ke.
..
..
..
?.
Lady1:Amont
hortwo,we'
vebeenher
efor
year
sbutwefeart
hatmanli
kewestar
ted
yest
erday:
(
Lady2:Doyouthi
nkt
her
eissomet
hing
happeningbet
weent
hem?
Lady1:Withoutadoubt ,Imeanev enhergett
ing
thatj
obitwasquest i
onable!TheLawsonsbring
peoplefr
om thosef ancybigtownst ocomeand
workattheirapartment.Wear eonlyworki
ngi n
thatdust
ysuper marketwhati sspeci
alabout
her?Shegr ewupi nfrontofoureyespoorli
ke
us!Thatgirli
ssleepingwithhim:(
Lady
2:Fef
ekazi
thosear
eser
iousal
l
egat
ions!

Fef
ekazi
:Iam t
ell
i
ngy
ouThobeka!:
(
Theycont
inuedwi
tht
hei
rjour
ney
Thobeka:Youknowwhat
?Nomandl
ali
kes
me..
..
..
.:)
Fef
ekazi:
Londekal
ikesme.Tomorr
owYougo
askNomandlaaboutherl
ongvi
siti
nhi
sof
fi
ce.
Iwil
laskLondeka:
)
Thobeka:Okay
,butIst
il
lthi
nkwear
ewr
ong
aboutthi
s
Fefekazi
:Wearej
ustaski
ng,
wear
enot
accusingany
one:
)
Thobeka:
Okay

.
.
~Nozazi
~
Lit
hakazi:
Somom, nowthatwehav
ethi
s
recor
ding,what
'st
hepl
an?:)
Me:Obvi
ousbyt
omor
rowt
hatLondekagi
rlwi
l
l
bedead:
)
Li
thakazi
::
D
Me:Iwantyoutogotest
,ifyouarepr
egnant,
wearegoingther
etoannouncethepregnancy.
Sanusewi
llbehappyandsuggestmarriage.
Thatbi
tchIcal
laf
ri
endwi
l
lfi
ghtt
his.
..:
(
Li
thakazi
:Shewi
l
l:(
Me:
That
'swher
ethi
srecor
dingcomesi
n:)
Li
thakazi
:Iam l
i
steni
ngMama:
D
Me:Iwi
llf
orcehertoaccepty
ouifshedon'
t
wantt
o,It
ellev
eryoneaboutwhatshedi
d:)
Lit
hakazi
:Letmegof
etchwat
er!Ican'
twai
tfor
thi
s!:D
Shet
ookabucket.Shewal
kedout.I
t'
sgoodt
o
seemydaught
ersohappy
Me:
:)

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Wej
ustfini
shedeat
ing.I
t'
sgoodtoseemy
mom backtoherol
dself
.Ihat
ethelookshe
hasbeengi v
ingmel ately.TodayIdecidedto
cookf orthem, theyl ovedt hefood.Iwashed
thedishesaf t
ereat i
ng.NowIam goi ngto
fet
chwat er
.Iam l azybutIam pushi ngmy sel
f
becauseIdon' twanthert ot hi
nkIam pregnant
butsoonerorl at er,Ihav etouset hatcl
earBl
ue
i
nmyhandbag, t heladyatt hatpharmacy
advancedmet ogett hi
spr egnancytestert
hey
sayit
'snew, ittellsy ouhowmanymont hsor
weeks.Ihav etoknowi fIam reall
ypregnantso
Icanpl anmyf ut ure.
Mom:
Ain'
tyout
ir
ed?:
)
Me:
Iwanttogonow,
Imi
ghtwakeupl
azyi
n
t
hemorni
ng:)
Her
:Okay
Iwal
kedoutandheadedt
other
iver
.Isaw
someoneatt
heri
ver.
Me:
Iwonderwhot
hati
s:(
Isai
dtomy
sel
f.Theper
sonst
oodup.I
t'
sthe
gi
rlIusedtocal
lfr
iend.Sheputherbucketi
n
herhead.Sheappr
oachedme
Li
thakazi
:Ifi
t'
snott
heex:
D
Me:
AndWhoi
sthecur
rent
?:)
Iwil
lsmi
le,
Iam notl
ett
inghergett
ome.She
rol
l
edhereyes
Her
:Youmeant
hesoont
obewi
fe?:
D
Me:
Yes,
whoi
sshe?:
)
Her
:Youar
elooki
ngatherhi
hihi
:D
Shewal
kedawaygi
ggl
i
ng
Me:
Int
erest
ing:
)
Ishookmyhead,
Iwal
kedt
other
iver

.
.
~Londeka~
Wewer est i
llstandingshockedbywhatMr
Xabahadonhi shands, wellIwasnotshockedI
wasex cit
ed!Thi sismyki ndofaman.Amanof
acti
on.IthinkIwi l
l getalongwi thmyfatherin
l
aw.Thi smani sr eallyfondofme.It houghthe
wouldhatemef orwhatIdi dbutno, hedoesn't
.
Ithi
nktheydi dn'ttellhim whatIdid.Thi
s
womansai dshewoul dpersuadehimt ohate
medi dshemeant ell
inghi m aboutwhatIdidto
thi
sfami l
y?Whati fhechangeshi smindand
hateme?Ican' tcel ebratejustyet.
Me:
:'
(
Nomboni
so:
Sanusewhendi
dyoubuyt
hese?

Hehadt he"makoti
"att
ir
e.Hehadbeauti
fulnew
sishweshwecl
othes,aminibl
anketandbl
ack
tekki
esonhishands
Tat
a: Iboughttheset
odaywhenyouwentto
work.Idecidedtogotothesuper
mar
ketinthei
r
cl
othi
ngshop.Isawt
hese:
D
Hel
ookedatQaqambi
l
e
Him:Mysonisgoingtobeafather,
thi
sbaby
can'
tbeUmgqakhwe( abast
ard)toastr
ange
fami
lydon'
tyouagreeson?:
D
Qaqambileshookhi
shead, Isawateardropon
hi
sfelteye.Nombonisolookedathi
m, she
gavehim a"don'
tyourdare"look
Nomboni
so:
Qaqambi
l
e:Dad,
Idon'
twantt
ogetmar
ri
ed
:'
(
Me:
:(
That
'sdi
sappoi
nti
ngbutexpect
ed.Nomboni
so
l
ookedawaysmili
ng
Her
::)
Tat
a:Whatdi
dyouj
ustsayboy
?
Qaqambi
l
emov
edbackwar
ds
Qaqambil
e:Iam y
oungdad,
Ican'
tgetmar
ri
ed,
I
am notr
eady:'
(
Nomboni
so:
Tak'
aQaqi
hei
sri
gh.
..
..
.:D
Hegav
eherahand
Tat
a:What
'sthatsmel
l
?Ar
ewegonnaeatbur
nt
mealt
oni
ght?
Nomboni
so:
Sherantotheki
tchentocheckonherpot
s.She
i
sreall
yscaredofherman
Me:
:)
Sanusel
ookedathi
sson
Tat
a:Yousayy
ouar
eyoung?
Qaqambi
leswal
l
owedhard.Iwasnexttot
he
door
.Thi
smanisgoi
ngtorunout.Icl
osedthe
door
Me:
:)
Tat
a:Goodmakot
i:)
Me:
:D
Qaqambi
l
egav
emedeat
hst
are
Tata:Didyout
hinkoft
hatwheny
ouhad
unprotect
edsex?:(
Hi
m:Nodad:
'
(
Tata:Aft
erdinner,t
hisgi
rlwear
stheseoryou
takeeveryt
hingthatbel
ongstoyouandleave
myhousef orgood!
Qaqambi
l
e:What
!?:
'
(
Heputthecl
othesont
hecouch.Het
ookhi
s
phone
Tata:OrMybrot
hercangetyouajobi
nthe
mines,youar
eamannow, y
ouknowhowt o
produceahumanbeing.Sosonwhati
sitgonna
be..
..
.?:
(
Qaqambi
l
e:i
..
..
..
.:'
(
Tat
a:Youmar
ryt
hisgi
rl
,webecomeabi
g
happyfamil
yorYouleavemyhouse.Ineversee
youagainorYouqui
tschool,
gowork
under
groundandsupporty
ourchi
ld!
..
..
..See?
Youhavesomanyopt i
ons:)
Qaqambi
l
e:
Tat
a:Chooseson?:
)
Me:
:)
Qaqambi
l
elookedatme
Hi
m:
Me:
:'
(:D
Iwascry
ingandexci
tedatthesameti
me.This
i
stoughforhi
m.Theonlyeasywayoutisbei
ng
wit
hmeandIcouldn'
tbehappier
Tat
a:Son?:
(
Hel
ookedathi
sdad
Qaqambi
l
e:Iwi
l
lmar
ryherdad
"Nooooooo!
!!
!!
!!
!!
!"sai
dMr
sXabai
ntheki
tchen
weal
ll
ookedatt
heki
tchen
Tat
a:Nomboni
so!
,ar
eyouOkay
?
Nomboni
so:
YesTak'
aQaqi
.It
'sj
ustt
hat
..
..
Tat
a:I
t'
sjustwhatwoman!
?
Nomboni
so:
Mynai
lbr
oke
Tat
a:Mmhmm
Il
ookedont
hinai
r
Me:
:)

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t34
.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
I
tlookslikedadgetal ongwi thLondeka.Il
eft
them andheadedt ot hekitchentocheckif
mom i sokay.Shewascr yi
ng.Idon'tknowwhat
i
swr ongwi t
hher .Ican'tbeli
evedadwentand
boughtthoset hi
ngswi thoutspeaki
ngt ome.I
fai
ltounderstandt hi
sman.
Me:
Mom ar
eyouokay
?
Shestoodupwi pi
nghertears.Shewalkedto
thepots,sheopenedthefi
rstoneandhi tt
he
l
idonthepot.Shewenttoanot heranddidthe
samething.
Me:
Mom,
canIseey
ournai
l
?
Her
:Whatnai
l
?Mynai
l
sar
eshor
t!:
'
(
Me:
:D
Shel
ookedatme
Me:
:(
Mom:Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ouagr
eedt
omar
ryher
!
:(:
'
(
Me: Ihadnochoi
ce.Doy
ouwantmet
oqui
t
school?:(
Her
:No!:
(
Sheopenedt
hef
our
thpott
hencl
osedi
t
Me:
Thatwast
heonl
ychoi
ceIhad:
(
Mom:
Hav
eyouev
erhear
dofcondoms?:
(
Me:I
t'
sdonemom!Youcan'
tl
ect
uremeabout
t
hatnow!:
(
Mom: Idon'tknowwhenisy ourf
atherl
eav
ing!
ButIpromisey ouonet
hing.Youdeserv
ea
hi
ding!:
(
"Iam t
ransf
err
edtoMt hat
ha,youknowwhat
thatmeansri
ght?:
)"saiddadcomingin
Mom:
Youar
ebackf
orgood?
Dadki
ssedmymom'
scheek
Hi
m: Yessweetheart
,Iwil
ltr
avel
toMt
hat
ha
ev
erymorning.I
sn'tt
hatgr
eat?:)
Il
ookedatmom
Me:
Mom:
Iguessi
tis:
D
Dad:
:D
Me:
:D
Dad:
Iam pr
oudofy
ouson.Ihopey
ourmot
her
i
stoo:)
Mom:
:D
Dadwal
kedout
Mom:
:(

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Me:Mom,Li
thakazi
issoconf
identt
hat
Qaqambi
l
eisgonnamarryher:D
Mom:
Shesai
dthat
?:D
Me:Yes,
shesai
dshei
sgoi
ngt
obehi
swi
fe
soon:
D
Mom:Maybeafterfi
ndi
ngoutt
hetr
uthabout
t
hatgi
rl
.Theydecidedt
ogiv
eheratry:
)
Me:
Goodl
uckt
oher:
D
Mom:
Arey
ouokayaboutt
his?
Me:
Yes,
Iam nol
ongerwi
thhi
m:D
Mom: Idon'
tunderst
andyouchi
ldrenoftoday
.
Sheisyourf
riend,
whatisshedoingwit
hy our
ex?
Me:
Idon'
tknowmom,
letmegot
omyr
oom :
D
Shecl
appedonce.Iwal
kedout
.Openedt
he
door"Nomandla"sai
daf
ami
l
iarv
oicebehi
nd
me.Itur
nedaround
Me:
Qaqambi
l
ewhatdoy
ouwanther
e?:
(
Hi
m:Ineedt
ospeakt
oyoupl
ease!
Me:
Ihav
enot
hingt
osayt
oyou!:
(
Iwal
kedi
n.Iat
tempt
edt
ocl
oset
hedoor
.He
bl
ockedi
t
Hi
m:Justt
womi
nut
es!:
(
Iopenedt
hedoor
Me:
Tal
k!:
(
Hi
m:Pl
easet
alkt
oLondekaf
orme?
Me:
Ist
hisaboutmywor
k?:
(
Hi
m:I
t'
saboutmei
..
..
.
Me:LondekaandIdon'
ttal
kaboutourper
sonal
st
uff
.Wet al
kaboutdi
shes!Cof
fee,
cl
eani
n..
..
..
Hi
m:Thi
sisnotaj
oke!:
(
Me:
Whoi
slaughi
ng?:
(
Hebreat
hinandout
.Ifol
dedmyar
ms.He
wal
kedaroundt
heroom.
Hi
m:Iwoul
drat
herbemar
ri
edt
oyout
hant
o
t
ha.
..
Me:Wait!Don'tyoudareinvol
vemei nyour
mess!Idon'twantyou!Idon'tl
ikeyourmother,
shedoesn'tl
ikeme!AndIf eelsorr
yforwhoever
yougonnamar r
ybecauseshewi ll
bemar r
ying
amama' sboywhowi llbefoll
owingwhatever
hismothertell
shim!:
(
Qaqambi
l
e:Idi
dn'
tcomeher
etobei
nsul
ted:
(
Me:Youcameforhel
p,youar
enotgetti
ngit
f
rom me.Youaresl
eepi
ngwit
hmyf ri
end,and
mycoll
eaguenowyoucomehereforadvi
ce?:(
Hi
m:Mxm!:
(
Hewal
kedt
othedoor
.Heopenedi
t.
Me:
Londekai
sabeaut
if
ulgi
rl
.Congr
atul
ati
ons
:
D
Hesl
ammedt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m
Me:
:D

.
.
~Li
thakazi
~
Iam onmywayt oNomandla.Iwantherto
borr
owmesomemoney .Iam goi
ngtot he
cl
ini
ct omor
row.IsawQaqambil
ecomi ngoutof
herroom.
Me:
:(
Sotheyar
esti
l
lsleepi
ngtoget
her
!?Thatbit
chi
s
al
waysacti
ngl
ikesheisGod.Sheisaslut
!
Me:
Qaqambi
l
e:(
Hi
m:Li
thakazi
Me:
Arey
ousl
eepi
ngwi
thher
?:(
Hi
m:Who?
Me:
Nomandl
a!Isawy
oucomi
ngoutofher
r
oom
Him: Notever
yoneisli
keyou.Shedoesn'tt
hrow
herselft
omen.wear enotdat
ing,shedoesn'
t
sl
eepwi thpeopl
esheisnotwi t
h,Ican'
tsaythe
sameabouty outhough:(
Hewal
kedaway
Me:
Mxm :
'
(
Icl
ickedmyTongue.Iwalkedtoherhome.I
knockedonce.Thedooropened
Nomandl
a:Qaqambi
l
eIsai
dno.
..
..
..
.ohi
t'
syou

Me:
Whatdi
dhewant
?
Nomandl
a:I
tdoesn'
tconcer
nyou!:
(
Me:
Youar
esl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
m!:
(
Nomandl
a:Iwoul
dnev
ersl
eepwi
thhi
m ev
eni
f
Iwant
edt
o:(
Me:
Whyi
sthat
?
Her
:Hesl
eptwi
thy
ou,
youar
emyf
ri
endwel
l
...
..
Shesai
ddown
Nomandl
a:It
houghty
ouwer
e!:
(
Me:
Nomandl
a:Idon'
tsl
eepwi
thpeopl
ewhosl
eep
wi
thmyfri
ends:(
Me:
Whatdi
dhewantt
hen?:
(
Her
:Heaskedmet
otal
ktoLondekaf
orhi
m:(
Isatdown,
Ilookedather
Me:
Aboutwhat
?:)
Her:
Hedoesn'
twantt
omar
ryher
,Iguesshi
s
dadisf
orci
nghi
mto:)
Ist
oodup,
thi
scan'
thappen.Hecan'
tmar
ryher
Me:
Hecan'
tmar
ryher
!:'
(
Nomandl
a:It
houghty
ouwer
esoont
obehi
s
wi
fe?:
)
Me:
That
'showi
tsupposet
obe!:
(:'
(
Nomandl
a'
sphoner
ang
Nomandl
a:I
t'
sher
,pl
easedon'
tspeak:
(
Me:
Okay:
'
(
Nomandl
a:Londy
?:D
Londeka:
Tomor
rowIwi
l
lbeMr
sXaba!
Me:
:(
Nomandl
a:What
?:D
Londeka:
Aft
erthi
sdinnerwear
eaboutt
ohav
e.
Iwil
lwearmakoti
clot
hes!
Nomandl
a:Congr
atul
ati
ons!:
D
Londeka:
thanksandLat
er!
Nomandl
alookedatme
Nomandl
a:I
tlooksl
i
key
ouwi
l
lbet
hesecond
wi
fe:
D
Me:
Pleasehel
pQaqambi
l
e
Her
:It
oldhi
m Ican'
t:
(
Me:
Please
Nomandla:Shei
scar
ryi
nghi
sbaby
,she
deser
vestobehiswi
fe!:
(
Me:
Whataboutme!Iam y
ourf
ri
end!:
'
(
Nomandla:Fri
endshi
pdidn'
tstopyoufrom
sl
eepingwit
hmyex!Don' tpl
aythatcardwit
h
me.Gof i
xyourmess,that'
swhatItol
dy our
boyf
ri
end!Youloveeachotherri
ght!?
Me:
Nomandl
a:Ri
ght
!?:
(
Me:
Yes!Ofcour
sehel
ovesme!:
(
Nomandla:
Youwil
lfi
ndawaytogetback
t
oget
her.Youdon'
tneedmyhel
p:D
Me:
Youar
eusel
ess!:
(
Nomandl
a:Leav
e
Iwalkedout.Sheslammedt hedoor .Iwi
shI
knewhowt osendli
ghteni
ng!IswearIwould
star
twi t
hherthenthatLondeka!.Ican'
tpoi
son
Nomandl a!Iknowshewoul dnev ereatmyfood.
Mom' switchcr
afti
sweak.Sheonl yhaspoi
son.
Notev er
yonewantt oeatourfood.

.
.
~Nar
rat
ed~
AtXaba'shouse.WeseeNomboni sowal
king
aroundinthekitchenwithanaromatcontainer
i
nherhand, everyoneissit
ti
nginthedini
ng
tabl
ewaiti
ngf orthefood.Shedishedupont he
kit
chentable,
afterthat
.Shepickedupher
phone.Shediall
edanumber
Nomboni
so:
:'
(:(
.
.
Li
thakaziarr
ivesathomeshefi
ndshermother
si
tti
ngdownwi t
hherphonei
nherhand.She
waswai t
ingfortheupdat
efr
om MrsXaba
Li
thakazi
:And?
Nozazistoodup,shewenttothewi
ndow.She
openedthecurtai
ns.Shel
ookedatMrsXaba'
s
house.
Nozazi
:Amagqobhokaay
ity
ani
nidi
nner
?:(
Li
thakaziwalkedt
ohermot
her
,sheal
sol
ooked
atXaba'shouse
Li
thakazi
:Ri
chpeopl
eeatatsi
xmom :
)
Nozazi
lookedatLi
thakazi
Nozazi
:Iwoul
dbehungr
yby9pm :
(
Li
thakazi
:Hi
hihiMet
oomama:
D
Nozazi
lookedatherphone
Nozazi
:It
'
sal
mostt
ime:
(
Shewaspacingupanddown, hi
tt
ingherhead
wit
hhercel
lphone.Shel
ookedcurious,
nerv
ous
andworr
ied
Li
thakazi
:Anyt
hingcanhappent
oni
ghty
ou
knowthatri
ght?:)
Nozazi
:Tel
lmesomet
hingIdon'
tknow:
(:'
(
Li
thakazi
:Weshoul
dmur
derNomandl
a:(
Nozazil
ookedatherdaughtert
henont
hinai
r
shaki
ngherheadindisbel
i
ef
Nozazi
:Yout
hinkInev
ert
ri
ed?:
(:'
(
Li
thakazi
:Youhav
e?:
D
Nozazi
:Thatgi
rli
sstr
ong.Shedoesn'
tli
ke
ever
yone.I
t'
snoteasytosendt
hingstoher
Li
thakazi
lookeddi
sappoi
nted,
shesatdown
Li
thakazi
:Londekai
sgoi
ngt
obet
hei
rdaught
er
i
nlawaf
terdi
nner:
'
(
Nozazi
:Howdoy
ouknowt
hat
!?:
(
Li
thakazi
:Shecal
l
...
..
.
Nozazi
'
sphoner
ang.Li
thakazi
jumpedup
Li
thakazi
:Whoi
sit
?
Nozazi
:It
'
sher:
(

.
.
Nomboni
so:
Answer
!Answer
!:(
Shewaswal
kingar
oundthekit
chenwai
ti
ngf
or
Nozazi
topi
ckupthephone.
Nozazi
:Isi
tdone?
Nomboni
so:
No!Ineedi
nst
ruct
ions!:
(
Nozazi
:Whati
sthat
?:(
Nomboni
sol
ookedar
oundt
henf
ocusedont
he
phone
Nomboni
so:
Liset
yenzi
swanj
ani
!!
!!
Nozazi
:Oh!Justpouri
tinherpl
ate!
Nomboni
so:
All
ofi
t!
?
Nozazi
:Hal
fofi
t,i
ncasey
oumessup!
Nombonisolower
edherphone.Shelookedin
thel
i
vingroom.Shewaswat chi
ngherhusband,
sonandsoontobedaughterinl
awtalki
ngand
l
aughing
Nomboni
so:
It'
snowornev
er!:
'
(
Sheputfourpl
atesinatray.Shepour
edthe
poi
soninLondeka'spl
ate.Shebreat
hinandout
Nomboni
so:
:'
(
Shewi
pedhert
ear
s
Nomboni
so:
Thi
sisi
t!
Shewalkedt
othel
iv
ingr
oom,
sheheadedt
o
thedi
nningt
abl
e.
Nomboni
so:
Dinneri
sready:
D
Sanuse:
Oh?:
D
Nomboni
so:
Yeshoney:
D
Shest
art
edgi
vi
ngt
hem t
hei
rpl
ates
Nomboni
so:

.
.
~Londeka~
Thi
swomani sfocusi
ngonmypl ate.Shel
ooks
ner
vous.Nomandl a'
swordsplayedinmyhead.
"Becaref
ul.Thatwomanwi l
lneveracceptyou.
Youareamai d!"Ifel
tat
ear.Iquickl
ywipedit
Tat
a:Weusuallydishher
eont
hedi
nni
ngt
abl
e,
whatchanged?:)
Hesai
ddi
ggi
ngi
n
Nomboni
so:
Iwant
edust
oseeeachot
her
whenwetal
k,wehaveanewaddict
iontot
he
f
amily
,besi
desBr
ingi
ngever
ythi
ngheregi
ves
mealotofwork:
D
Tat
a:Youar
eri
ghtmywi
fe:
)
Tat
alookedatme
Hi
m:Yourf
oodi
sget
ti
ngcol
dmydaught
eri
s
l
aw:)
Ican'
teatt
hisf
ood.Iputmyhandonmy
mouthpret
endi
ngtobeholdi
ngbackv
omi
t
Tat
a:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Mybabydon'
tl
ikesomet
ypeoff
oodt
ata:
)

Nomboni
sogav
emei
nti
midat
ingl
ook
Nomboni
so:
Me:
Nomboni
so:
Tryi
tdar
li
ng,
it'
sdel
i
cious:
D
Tat
a:mywi
fei
sagoodcook:
D
Me:
No,
itwi
l
lcomeup,
letmej
ustdr
inkwat
er
Tat
a:Mor
efoodf
ormet
hen:
D
Hetookmyplat
e,Nombonisoj
umpedup,
Nomboni
so:Iam t
hir
sty:
D
Shereachedforthej
uice,shesl
appedt
hepl
ate
i
tfel
lont hef
loorandbroke
Tat
a:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?:
(
Nomboni
sor
ant
othebr
okenpl
ate
Her:Sor
rybaby,Iwastakingjuice.Ther
e'smore
foodint
hekitchen,
Iwilldishforyouwheny ou
aredonewit
ht hi
sone!:D
Tat
a:Okay:
)
Nomboni
so:
Iam socl
umsyhi
hihi
:D
Shel
ookedatme
Nomboni
so:
Me:
...
..
..
.? :
'
(
Thi
swomanwant
edt
oki
l
lme!
Tat
a:Youar
emi
ssi
ngoutmakot
i:D
Me:
Hihi
hii
t'
sokayTat
a:D
Nomboni
so:
Me:
:D

.
Tobcont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t35

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
It
'ssi xinthemor ni
ng.WhenIopenedmyey es,I
feltlikethr
owi ngup, Iranoutandt hrewup
behi ndthehouse.Il etallout.Myst omachwas
l
ef tempt y.Iwentbackt omyr oom.It ookwat er
,
Icleanedmy sel f.Iwentt omyhandbag.It ooki t
.
Ilookedatmycousi nbr other.Heisst il
lasleep.
Itookoutt hecl earBl uepregnancyt ester.Ihave
tot estnow.Ineedt oknow.Iputi tinapocket
ofmygownt hatIboughti ntowny esterday.I
wal kedt othetoi let.Wehav eat oil
etout side.It
wasbui l
tbyt hegov ernment .Igotin.Ipeed.
Andwai tedint her ef orfiv
emi nut
es.
Me:
:'
(
Iam scar
ed,Iam notr
eadyf
ort
his.It
ooki
t.I
l
ookedatit
Me:
Posi
ti
ve:
'
(
Il
ookedup.Withmyey esclosed.Isearchedfor
mypocket.It
ookoutmyphone.Idi al
l
edMr
Lawson'
snumber .I
trang.Heanswer edi n3r
d
r
ing
Hi
m:sweet
hear
t
Me:
..
..
.:):
'
(
Hi
m:Baby
,ar
eyout
her
e?
Me:
Yes
Hi
m:What
'sony
ourmi
nd?
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
Ijustwant
edt
osayIl
ovey
ou

Him:Il
ovey
out
ooandIcan'
twai
ttoseey
ou
Today
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s
Me:
Met
oo:
D:'
(
Hi
m:Seey
oul
ater
Ihungup.Ican'
ttellhi
m,whatifheleavesme.
Whatifheasksmet oabortthenmov eto
anothergi
rl
.WhatifIabor
tthenaborti
ongoes
wrong.Ineedt
ogot ocoll
ege.Ihavetobe
successful
.Myfamil
yisl
ookinguptome.Iam
theonlypersonwhocanchangeourwayof
l
ivi
ng.
Me:
Evenifheagreestosuppor
tme.Howl ongwil
lI
hidemybabydaddyf or
?Ihaveacolouredki
din
myst omach.Iputt
heclear
Bluebackinmy
pocket.Iwal
kedoutofthetoi
letwi
pingmy
tears
Me:

.
.
~Londeka~
WhatcanIsayaboutl astnight?Lastnightwas
theni
ghtmymot herinlawwant edmedead.
YesIam weari
ngthecl othesMrXabaBought
me.Isl
epthungrylastnight.Icouldn'
teat.I
don' ttrustt hiswoman.Idon' ttr
ustev enher
wat er.Iam j usthappyt hatatLawson' shouse
wear eal lowedt ohav ewhat everwewantt oeat
.
Iwi l
l eatt hereandcomeher etosl eep.Idon't
trustmymot heri nlaw.Isl epti
nQaqambi le'
s
room.Hi sfat herinsist edthatwesl eepi nthe
samer oom.Hel ookedt heotherwayf orabout
anhour .Ifelthimt ouchi ngme.Hecan' tstop
l
ov ingmebecauseofwhatIdi d.Ly ingcan't
changehowhef eels, hisfeeli
ngf ormecan' t
disappearov erni ght.Wemadel ove.It hi
nkwe
aregood.Ihopehewon' tchangedur i
ngt heday
whenhespeakst ot hatmonst erhecal ls
mot her .Wehear dal oudknockatt hedoor .
Qaqambi
l
e:Goaway
!:(
Me:
Hihi
hi:
D
Hepul
l
edmecl
osert
ohi
m andcuddl
edme
Me:
:)
Ihear
dfoot
steps.Theper
sonwaswal
ki
ng
away.Il
ookedatmyhusband.Hi
seyeswer
e
cl
osed.Il
aidmyheadonhischest
Me:
:)
Ican'tbeli
evethi
s.Hesti
lll
ovesme.Hewant s
tobewi thme.Iam soblessed.IneverthoughtI
woul dbemar r
iedri
ghtnowwi t
hachi l
dont he
way .Iheardourkeysf
allf
rom thedoor.Ilooked
atthedoor
Me:
Thedooropened,
Iwassti
ll
inhi
sar
ms.It'
s
motheri
nlaw.Ican'
tbel
i
eveshewentt
otake
herownkeys
Me:
Mama?
Her
:Hey
!Iam noty
ourmot
her
!:(
Qaqambi
l
est
oodup
Hi
m:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
emom!
?:(
Shel
ookedathi
m
Mom: Youhypocri
te!Youar
eallov
erher!Di
dn'
t
yousayyoudon'twanttomarr
yher?youhave
yourar
msallaroundherti
nybody!!
!:(
Istoodup,Ist
arteddressi
ngupwhil
etheyar
e
exchangi
ngwor ds.Idon'
tneedt
hisdr
ama.This
i
samadhouse.
Qaqambi
le:
Sodadisgonetowor
kthat
'swhy
youcometomyroom anddoasy
ouplease?:
(
Shel
ookedatme.
Her
:Gof
etchwat
erf
rom t
her
iver!:
(
Qaqambi
l
e:What
?Mom wehav
etwoJoj
o
t
anksher
e!:
(
Mom:Qaqambil
e,makotiwakesupint
he
morni
ngandgofet
chwat erf
rom t
heri
ver
!We
ar
enotint
hecit
yhere!:
(
Qaqambi
l
e:But
..
Me:
It'
sfi
nebaby
,Iwi
l
lgo:
(
Mom:
Don'
tbabymyson!
!!:
(
Qaqambi
l
e:Mom !:
(
Iwalkedout.Iwentt
otheki
tchen.It
ooka
bucket.IsawQaqambil
ecominginwithhi
s
mom.
Him:Howdoyouexpecthert
ogett
her
e.She
doesn'
tknowt
heri
ver!:
(
Mom:
Lookdar
li
ng:
)
Il
ookedwhereshewasshowi
ngme.Isaw
womengoingtother
iver
Her
:Fol
l
owt
hosewomen:
)
Me:
OkayMama
Her
::)
Iwentpassher
Her
::(
Iwal
kedout
Her
:Fixy
ourdoek!Youl
ookl
i
keanol
ddr
unkar
d
l
ady!
!!
!
Shey
ell
edi
nsi
de
Me:
Fucky
oubi
tch!:
(

.
.
~Li
thakazi
~
It
'sear
lyinthemorning,Iusual
lywakeupat10
am becauseIhavenothingtodobutt odayIhad
towakeupat6becauseIneededt ot akeapee
sobad.Isatdownanddi dmything.Istoodup
andsawast r
angergoingtotheri
ver.
Me:
Sot
heyr
eal
l
ymadey
ouhi
swi
feheh?
Ipulledupmyunderwear
."ni
ceassbaby
!"I
turnedaroundit
ssomeNyaopeguyi
nour
vil
l
age.Hi snameisXi
l
ongo
Me:HeygotohellwenaXi
l
ongo!Whatdoy
ou
knowaboutass!:
(
Xi
l
ongo:
Iwentt
omymot
her
'sr
oom.Ibar
gedi
n
Mom:
Whydon'
tyouknock?:
)
Me:
Howl
ongdoesy
ourpoi
sont
aket
oki
l
l?
Mom:
1hourt
o2hour
swhy
?
Isatonherbed
Me:
:'
(
Mom:
Whati
sitbaby
?
Me:
Shedi
dn'
tki
l
lherma
Mom:
What
?Howdoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Me:Becausethatpr
ett
ygirl
isdressedup!She
i
sgoingtotheriv
ertofet
chwater!Sheishis
wi
femama!
Mom: Thenwhyarey
oucr
ying?Youf
orgot
whatwehave?:)
Ist
oodup
Me:
Mama!Iam nobody
'ssecondwi
fe!
!!
Mom: Baby,
Iam suresomet hi
nghappened.I
tr
ustNomboniso.Sheisgoingtomakeapl an
andgetri
dofthatgir
l.Youneedtobepatient
okay!:
D
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s
Me:Letmegototheri
ver
.Iwil
lcomeback,
washandgotothecl
i
nic:):
'
(
Mom:
That
'smygi
rl:
D
Iwal
kedout.Itookthebucket .Ir
antotheriv
er.
Isawhercomingbackal one.Shewas
appr
oachingme.Ididn'
tmov e.Shemoved.I
wenttoherdi
recti
on.Shet ookanotherone.I
didt
hesame.Shest opped
Her
:Gi
rl
,ar
eyouokay
?:)
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom myQaqambi
l
e?:
(
Shest
art
edl
aughi
ng
Her
:What
?:(
Me:
Qaqambi
l
eismi
ne!Leav
ehi
m!Hei
sgoi
ng
t
omarr
yme!:
(
Her
:Li
stenher
eFar
m gi
rlandl
i
...
.
Ipushedherbucket
.Itf
ell
Me:
Whatdi
dyouj
ustcal
lme?:
(
Her
:Ar
ural
rat
chetgi
rl
!:
(
Iat
tempt
edt
osl
apher
Her
:Iwoul
dli
ket
oseey
out
ry
Il
ower edmyhand,l
ooksli
keImetmymatch
here.Shei
spret
tybutcanbescar
ywhensheis
angry
Me:
Shet
ookherbucket
.Shewal
kedhome
Me:
Ithinksheisbet
terdead.Ican'
thav
eher
f
orasisterwi
fe:'
(
Iwast
alki
ngal
one.It
ookmybucket
,Iheaded
tot
heri
ver
Me:
Shei
sst
rong

.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
Ihadt ofoll
owLondeka.Shei snewhere,Idon't
wanthert ogetlostonherwayt otheri
ver.She
can'
tgetl ostonherwaybackbecauset hisisa
rur
alplace.Housesarefarfrom eachother,she
canfindherwayhome.Iam j ustworr
iedshe
won'tfindherwayt ot
heriv
er
Me:
Wai
t?:
D
Sheiscomi
ngback,
thebucketi
sempt
y.I
shookmyheadl
aughing
Me: Mama,don'
tsendEastLondongi
rlt
othe
r
iveragai
n:D
Igott
oher
,shel
ookedangr
y
Me:
Whati
swr
ongbaby
?
Londeka:
Yourgi
rl
fr
iendpushedmybucketaf
ter
aski
ngmet ol
eaveyou:'
(
Me:
Nomandl
aismyexnotmygi
rl
fr
iend
Her:Anot
hergi
rl
fr
iend!Shehasbr
aids!Di
rt
y
br
aids:'
(:(
Iputmyhandsi
nmyhead
Me:
Lit
hakazi
!
Londeka:
Whati
sshet
oyou?:
(
Me:
Ifuckedheraf
ewt
imes,
Idon.
..
.
Londeka:
OhmyGod!Youar
eawhor
e!:
'
(:(
Me:Iknow!That
'
swhyIthi
nkweshoul
dn'
tbe
t
ogether
!Weshouldn'
tbemar
ri
ed:
(
Londeka:Waitri
ghtt
her
esmar tpant
s.Il
ove
you!Iam notgoi
nganywhere!It
houghtl
ast
nightmeantsomethi
ngtoyou!:'
(
Me:
itdi
d,comeon.Let
'sgobackt
other
iver
,
wecan'
tfi
ghtont
hest
reet
s
Shel
eadt
heway
Her
:Iseenost
reether
e!:
(
Me:
:D
WesawLi
thakazi
comi
ngback
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
oDeal
wit
hthi
sbi
tch:
(
Li
thakazi
:Heyboo:
D
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
omywi
fe?:
(
Li
thakazi
:wi
fe?:
D
Me:
Iaskedy
ouaquest
ion:
(.
Li
thakazi
:Idi
dnot
hing
Londekapushedherbucket
Li
thakazi
:Whatt
hef
uck?:
(
Londeka:
Thatwasnot
hing,
let
'sgobaby:
)
Me:
:D
Wegott
other
iver
.Weshef
il
ledherbucket
.We
headedhome.Wegothome, mom wasdressed
upforschool
.Ihel
pedLondekawi
thabucket.
Mom:
Daught
eri
nlaw,
Imadey
oucof
fee:
D
Me:
That
'sv
eryni
ceofy
oumama.
..:
)
Her
::D
Me:
ButIdon'
tdocof
fee:
D
Her
: :
(
Me:
:D
Her
:Okayl
etmet
hrowi
tawayt
hen:
(
Qaqambi
l
e:Letmehav
eitmom :
D
Mom:
Yourcof
feei
sont
heki
tchent
abl
e!:
(
Shewal
kedout,moreli
kerunningout
,she
cameback.Shewashedtheglass.
Her
:Iam goi
ngt
owor
k:(
Shewalkedout.Il
ookedoutsidethroughthe
window.Isawthei
rdoglicki
ngt hegrass,
I
guessthat
'swhereshethrewt hecoff
ee
Qaqambi
l
e:Mamai
supset:
(
Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
Why
?:)
Qaqambil
e:Youdontwantt
oeatany
thi
ngshe
makes!Sheist
ryi
ngyouknow!:
(
Me:ThenWhyev er
ythi
ngshemakesf ormeis
al
waysthrownawayifIdon'twanti
t?Firsti
t
wasyourdad,hewantedtoeatmyf oody our
mom jumpedupandsl appedthepl
ate!:(
Him:Ar
ey outr
yingt
osaymymom istr
yingto
poi
sonyou?Thatwasamist
ake!Doyouthink
shewantsyoudead?:(
Me:Whatdoyouthi
nkQaqambil
e?Youwanted
mycof
fee.Sher
anoutandthr
ewi taway
!:(
Igr
abbedhi
sar
m .Wewentt
othewi
ndow
Me:
Youseet
hatdog?
Hi
m:Whatabouti
t?:
(
Me:It
'sli
cki
ngthecof
feef
rom t
hegrass,
Iam
goi
ngt oshowernowandl
eave.
..:
(
Hi
m::
(
Il
ookedathi
m
Me:Let
'sseeift
hatdogwi
l
lbeal
i
vewhenI
comebackfrom wor
k
Qaqambi
l
e:
It
appedhi
sshoul
der
.Iwal
kedaway
Me:
:'
(

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t36
.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Ijustarri
vedatwor k.Iam notint hemoodt o
wor ktoday.Idon'
tknowwhymay beit'
s
becauseofwhathappenedi nthemor ni
ngat
home.Thev omiti
ng, Ihopeitstopssoon.Thi s
i
sgoi ngtomakemymom suspi cious.Iwas
smi l
ingateveryoneatsuper mar ketheadingto
thehouse.I t
'sl
ikeever y
onecanseei am
pregnant.Iam sopar anoidri
ghtnow.I f
Londekacanseei t
.Whoel senot i
ced?
Iheardsomeoner
unni
ngbehi
ndme.It
urned
around
Thobeka:
Heyf
ri
end!:
D
Thobekai
saol
dl ady,
Ilikeher
.Shehasbeen
ni
cetome.Iam surpr
isedbywhatshecal
lsme
t
oday
.Whendi
dIbecameherf
ri
end?
Me:
Hi:
)
Her
:Youl
ookgood:
D
Me:
Thanky
ou:
)
Her:Yest
erdayyoust
ayedformor
ethanan
hourinMhlekazi
'
soff
icewhatwer
eyoudoi
ng
ther
e?:D
Me:
ohno!t
heynoti
ced?Ihavetomakeupal
i
efast
bef
oreIgeti
ntr
ouble.Il
ookedather
Her
::D
Me:
Ohi
ntheaf
ter
noon?:
D
Her
:Hi
hihi
yes:
D
Me:Heaskedmet
ocl
eant
heboxesi
nhi
s
of
fi
ce
Her
:Ohy
ouwer
edust
ingt
hem ?:
D
Me:
Yes:
D
Her
:Okaydear
.Ithoughtmay
bey
ougota
bur
sar
yorsomething:D
Me: Iwoul
dlovetogett
hatbutno.Inever
tal
kedtohim aboutmyeducat
ion.Iam scar
ed
ofthatman
Thobeka:
Ain'
tweal
lgi
rl
?Seey
oul
ater
!:D
Me:
Lat
er:
D
It
urnedar
ound.
Me:
Ohboy :
'
(
Iwal
kedfastt
othehouse.Iopenedt
hedoor
.I
wal
kedin
Me:
Londy:
D
Iwaslooki
ngar
ound.Myphoner
ang.Il
ooked
ati
t.I
tsher
Me:
Gir
l!:
D
Londeka:
Gir
l,Iam l
atebutIam onmywaynow!
Me:
Nopr
obl
em,Iwi
l
lboi
lwat
err
ightaway
Her
:Thanks!
Shehungup.It
houghtaboutwhatj
ust
happened
Me:
...
..
..?
Peoplearegett
ingsuspi
cious.Iam notgoi
ngt
o
thatoff
icewit
houtLondyev eragai
n.

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Thatgirl
knowsIhateher .Shewi l
lnev ereatmy
food.Iam angr
ybecauseIam r unni ngoutof
thi
spoisonandIam v eryanxi
ousr ightnow.I
wanthergone.Ican'thaveabulldogl ikemein
myhouse.Icanseeshef eel
sathomei nmy
house!Sheenjoysseeingmeangr y.Sheknows
Iwanttopoisonher.It
'sonlyamat teroft i
me
shetell
smyhusband.AndIdon' tthinkshe
wouldhesitat
et or atmet omyhusband.It hi
nk
Ineedtostopt hi
sbef oreanyoneget s
suspi
ciousinmyhouse.Idon' twantt ol
oset wo
i
mpor t
antmeni nmyl i
fe.Il
iveforQaqambi le
andSanuse.Ilov et hem andIhat ethatSanuse
seesIam nottheni cestpersontopeopl e,
he
seesIdon'ttr
eatt hem wel l.Thatisnotagood
thi
ngforahusbandt opickup.
Me:
:'
(
"ar
eyouokayMrsXaba?"saidavoi
cebehi
nd
me.Iwasst
andi
ngoutsi
dealone
Me:
Yes!Iam gr
eat:
D:'
(
I
t'
smycol
l
eague
Her
:Ar
eyousur
e?
Ifuri
ousl
ywalkedtothet
oil
ets.Tearsrunni
ng
downmyf ace.Ihear
dherheels.Sheis
foll
owingme
Me:
Justwor
ri
edaboutmom,
shei
sal
way
ssi
ck!
Whenweheal
thi
s!Anot
hert
hingcomes:
'
(:(
Her:Ohhoney,weneedt
oprayf
orher
.So
whereisshe?Icangowi
thy
outoyourhome
overtheweekend:(
Il
ookedather
.
Me:
:'
(
Mymom i
snotsi
ck!Shei
sper
fect
lywel
l
Me:
Shei
snoti
nCof
imv
aba:
'
(
Her
:Wher
eisshe?Don'
ttel
lmeyourbr
other
t
ookhert
oCapet ownwit
hhim?:(
Me:That
'si
t!Sheisthere!Mybrot
heral
ways
t
akemymom!That '
swhyIam soemot i
onal.I
wi
shIcouldbethereforheryouknow:D:'
(
Shehuggedme
Her
:Iknowbabe:
'
(
Ir
oll
edmyey
es
Me:
Ihaveser
iouspr
obl
ems!Youknownothing!
Canyouputabull
eti
nmydaughterinl
aws
head?No!Soyouknownothi
ngbi
tch!

.
.
~Nar
rat
ed~
WeseeLondekar unninginev ery
oneat
supermarketwereshockedt oseeheras
makoti.Somewer esmil
ingsomeshocked.She
rantothehouse.Shewal kedin.Shewasoutof
breat
h.Shet hr
ewherselfont hecouch.
Nomandl
acamef
rom t
heki
tchen
Nomandl
a:Wow!Youl
ookamazi
ngLondeka!:
D
Londekast
oodup.ShejusthuggedNomandl
a,
Nomandlawasshockedbythis
Nomandl
a:Okaygi
rl
,youar
escar
ingme:
D
Londekabr
oket
hehug
Londeka:
Ihavebeenhorr
ibl
etoyou.Youcar
e
somuchaboutpeoplebutpeopl
etreaty
ouli
ke
tr
ash.Iam oneoft
hosepeople:
'
(
Nomandl
a:It
houghtwegotov
ert
hat
?:D
Londeka:WhenyouwarnedmeaboutMy
motherinl
aw,It
houghtyouwerejeal
ous.To
seeyousohappyforme.ItMakesme...
..
.
Shebr
okedown
Nomandla:Heywhati
sgoi
ngon.What
happened?
Londekawi
pedhert
ear
sfast
Her
:Iwi
ll
tel
lyouever
ythi
ngbutnotnow.Let
'
s
got
othesupermar
ket:):
'
(
Nomandl
a:Fi
xyourface,youdon'
twantt
o
messupyourgl
owingface:D
Londeka:
Am Igl
owi
ng?
Nomandl
a:Youar
ebeaut
if
ulgi
rl:
D
Londeka:
Canwebef
ri
ends?:
D:'
(
Nomandl
a:It
houghtwewer
efr
iends?:
D
Londeka:Iam abadper
son!Iwaspretendi
ng.
From nowonIhav ey
ourback.Al
lyoursecr
ets
aresafewithme:D
Nomandl
a:Thanky
ou!Pl
easet
aket
hemuf
fi
ns.
Iwi
ll
carr
ythetr
ay:
D
Londeka:
Okay:
D
Theyheadedt
otheof
fi
ce.Theyknockedand
walkedi
n
MrLawson:
Mor
ningguy
s:D
Londeka:
Mor
ningMrLawson:
D
Lawsonl
ookedatNomandl
a
Nomandl
a::
)
Hel
ookedatl
ondekaf
rom headt
otoe
Hi
m:Wowcongr
atul
ati
onsLondeka.Di
dyout
ell
El
l
enaboutt
hegoodnews:
D
Londeka:
Iwi
l
lcal
lhert
odayMrLawson:
D
Lawson:
Thanky
ouf
orbr
eakf
ast:
)
Them:
Pleasur
eMrLawson
Theywentt
othedoor
Lawson:
Nomandl
aami
nut
e!
Nomandl
a:WhenIcomet
otaket
het
raypl
ease
:)
Hi
m:Okay
Thewal
kedout
Londeka:
Whydi
dyoudot
hat?:
D
Nomandla:Thobekaissuspi
cious.Shesawme
her
ey est
erday
.Afterweknockedof f
.Icameto
seeMrLawson.SheaskedmewhyIst ayedt
hat
l
ong,Isai
dIWascl eani
ng
Londeka.Theyar
esonosy
,youhav
etobe
car
eful:
(
Nomandl
a:Yea.
..
..
"Londy!"t
heytur
nedar
ound.That
'
sFef
ekazi
runni
ngtothem
Londeka:
Hey:
)
Fef
ekazi
:canIhav
eami
nut
ewi
thy
ou?:
)
Nomandl
a:Youwi
l
lfi
ndmei
nsi
de:
)
Londeka:
:D
Nomandl
aleft
,londekal
ookedatFef
ekazi
wai
ti
ngforhertotal
k
Fef
ekazi
:Tel
lme,yourcoll
eague.Whatwasshe
doi
nginMrLawson'soff
icealoneyest
erday
?:)
Londeka:Shewascl
eani
ng,Iwaslatet
oday,
I
can'
taffor
dtomissanymoreminutesofwork,
Letmegetbacktowork:D
Londekawal
kedaway
Fef
ekazi
:Whoi
syourhusband?:
D
Londekat
urnedar
ound
Londeka:
Qaqambi
l
eXaba:
D
Fef
ekazi
:
Londekawal
kedaway
Fef
ekazi
:Wai
.
...
.:D
Londekawasal
readydi
sappear
ed
Fef
ekazi
:Thatmeansonet
hingr
ight
..
..
.?
Fef
ekazi
wasl
ooki
ngar
ound
Fefekazi:
Sanusedidn'
ttel
lmehewascomi ng
back.Nomboniso'svagi
naissuddenl
ybet
ter
thanmi nenow!?
"Youar
esleepi
ngwit
hSanuse?"sai
dav oi
ce
behi
ndFef
ekazi
,shet
urnedar
oundfast
Fef
ekazi
::
D
Thobeka:
Fef
ekazi
:Londekaishidi
ngsomet
hing,
Iknowi
t!
Shewasverysecret
ive!:
D
Thobeka:
:)
Fef
ekaziwal
kedawayf
astbef
oreshei
sasked
morequesti
ons
Thobeka:
...
..
..
.?

.
.
~Londeka~
Nomandl ai
sr i
ght.Thesewomenar e
suspecti
ngsomet hing.Shemustbecar eful
fr
om nowon.Thosewomenwi l
ltel
l Mrs
Lawson.Wear eget ti
ngal ongpr ett
ywellnow.I
don'
twanthert ogetf ir
ed.Itwoul dbesadt o
seehergo.Shei sani ceper son.ittookmea
l
ongt i
met oseet hat.Ij
ustt oldNomandl a
every
thi
ngt hat
'shappeni ngi nmyhouse.When
Isaymyhouse, ImeanTheXabahouse.Shei s
shockedtoheart hesethings
Nomandla:
Sheisgoi
ngt
oki
l
lyou.Whatar
e
yougonnado?:
(
Me:Iwil
ltal
ktoTata,Iwil
ltel
lhi
m.Iwil
lst
ayin
myflatweekdayswhenQaqambi l
eisgonethen
gohomeov ertheweekends
Nomandl
a:Andmyhousei
sver
ycl
oset
oyour
s.
Comeeatatmyhouse:
D
Me:Youareri
ght
!Idon'
tknowwhyIdidn'
tthi
nk
t
hatyest
erday
.Iwasreal
lyhungr
y:)
Nomandl
a:Youar
ewel
comeany
time:
D
Il
ookedaway
Me:
:'
(
Ican'
tsayIam notworr
ied,thisi
srisky.Ij
ust
hopethatdogdies,
becausei fi
tdon't
Qaqambilei
sgoingtohatememor e.Hewi ll
thi
nkIam tr
yingtomessthingsupbet weenhi m
andhismother
Me: :
'
(
Nomandl
a:I
t'
sokay
Me:
Iam scar
..
..
. :
'
(
Myphoner
ang.It
ooki
t.I
t'
sQaqambi
l
e.I
answer
edf
ast
Me:
Baby
?:D
Qaqambi
l
e:.
..
..
..
..
Ihear
dhi
ccups.I
shecr
ying
Me:
Baby
,ar
eyouokay
?
Nomandl
a:
Qaqambi
le:
Baby,Iam sor
ryIdi
dn'
tbel
i
evey
ou,
t
hedogisdead!
Il
etgooft
hephone,Nomandlarantoit
.She
pi
ckedi
tup.Isear
chedf
orthecouch.Isat
down
Nomandl
a:Whati
sit
?
Shel
ookedatmyphone
Nomandl
a:Qaqambi
l
e,ar
eyoust
il
lther
e?
Me:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t37

.
.
~Fef
ekazi
~
Thatsonofabitchwassl
eepingwi
thmethe
wholeDecember.Hecomesbacknowandat
l
ikeIdon'
texi
st?Hedoesn'
ttell
meheisback?I
wenttothet
oil
et.It
ookoutmyphone.Ical
l
ed
Sanuse.
Sanuse:
Fef
ekazi
Makei
tfast
,Iam atwor
k
Bast
ard!Hedoesn'
tev
ensayhi
?
Me:
Youar
egoneal
ready
!?:
(
Hi
m:Gone?Gonewher
e?
Me:Bl
eomf
ont
ein!I
sn'
tBl
eomf
ont
einwher
eyou
wor
k?:(
Him:Iworki
nmthat
haandIdon'
tappr
eci
ate
yourt
one!Youar
enotmywif
e!
Me:Doessheknowy
ouar
esl
eepi
ngwi
thme?
:(
Hi
m:Wassl
eepi
ngwi
thy
ou!,
notany
mor
e!
Me:
Thener
ve!Ar
eyoubr
eaki
ngupwi
t.
..
Il
ookedatmyphone,
thenputi
tbacknextt
o
myear
Me:
Sanuse?:
(
Sanuse:
..
..
..(
tut
utu)
Me:
:'
(
Hehunguponme.Hemetsomeoneel
se.Now
Idon'
tmat
terany
mor
e.

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Qaqambi
l
e:Nomandl
aist
haty
ou?
Nomandl
a:Yes,
shei
sshocked.Whatdi
dyou
sayt
oher?
Qaqambi
l
e:I
ssheokay
?
Me:
Yes,
shei
sfi
ne,
arey
ouokayLondy
?
Londeka:
Tel
lhi
m Iam f
ine
Qaqambi
l
e:Icanhearher
Hehungup,
Isatnextt
oLondeka
Me:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Londeka:Your
emembert
hecof
feeIr
efusedt
o
dri
nk?:'
(
Me:
Yes,
theonet
hedogl
i
ckedf
rom t
hegr
ass?
Londeka:
Thedogi
sdeadf
ri
end
Me:No!Thi
swomanisawit
ch!Idi
dn'tknow
educat
edpeopl
ecanbel
i
kethi
stoo?!:(
Londeka:
ifIdidn'
tgett
hatadvi
sefr
om y
ou.I
'
d
bedeadrightnow,Iowey oumyli
fe
Me:
Yousavedyoursel
f,Iwasnott
her
e.Iam
r
eal
l
yhappyyouli
stened:)
Her
::'
(
Ifeelsor
ryforher.Iam j
ustgl
adIgotoutof
thatdramaont i
me.Mr sXabaisamonst er
.
Thispoorwomani sgoi
ngtodiebecauseshei
s
noteducated?Wowt hatwomaniscrazy
.
.
~Li
thakazi
~
Mymom j ustar
ri
v edhome.Shei sf rom school
.
Iwanttoknowwhathappened.Whyi st
hat
Londekagi r
lsti
l
lal i
ve.Unfort
unatelyIam not
pregnant.Thatonei sdisappoi
nti
ng.ButIam
notwor r
ied.Wehav earecordi
ng.Wear egoi ng
toforcehertogetr idofLondekat henIam in.I
willbeMr sXabaandt heonlyone.Wewi l
lseei
f
shewi l
lfi
ndawi tcht okil
lmet oo
Me:Mama,
didshet
ell
youwhyshedi
dn'
tki
l
l
her
?:(
Mom putt
hel
eftoversshegotfr
om schoolon
t
hetabl
e.Wewon'tcooktoday
.Thisi
sal otof
f
ood.
Her:
Shewasavoi
dingme,Icouldseethat
.
Ever
yti
meshesawme, shewalkedtheother
way:(
Me:That
'sherdr
ivi
ngtoherhouse,
cal
lherand
t
ell
hertotur
nthecararound:
(
Mymom t
ookt
hephone.Shecal
l
edher
Mom:
Nomboni
so,
wehav
eapr
obl
em :
(
Nomboni
so:
..
..
..
.
Mom:Justturnt
hecarar
oundandcome!I
t'
san
emer
gency!:(
Me:
:)
Mom hungup,
Isawt
hecart
urnar
ound
Me:
:)
Mom:
Shesay
sshei
sonherway
.
Me:
Iam l
ooki
ngather:
)
Shewi
l
lregr
ett
hedayshebeatmeup

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
ThisisbetterbegoodbecauseIam r unni ngout
ofoptions.Apar tofmewant stogiveupbuti f
theyhavepl anBf orme,Iam opentot hat.The
wayIam sodesper ateIcandoany t
hingt osee
thatgir
lgone.Mysoncan' tbewit
hanyoft hem.
Iam reall
yhopi ngtheyhavesomethingf orme.
Thismor ni
ngIwassosur eshewasgonnahav e
thatcupofcof fee.Idon'
tknowwhyIexpect ed
hertoeatany thingaft
erwhatIdidinthe
mor ni
ng.Ifmyhusbandwoul dknowIwentt o
thei
rroom.Hewoul dki
ll
me.
AnywayIjustar
ri
vedatNozazi
'spl
ace.Igotout
ofmycar.Iwenttothehouse.
Nozazi
:Youwer
eav
oidi
ngmet
oday:
)
Me:No,
Iwasbusy
.Sowhatdoy
ouhav
eforme?
:D
Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.
Me:
Whati
sit
?:D
Nozazi
:Youdonthav
eany
thi
ngt
otel
lus?:
(
Me:
No:
D
Li
thakazi
:Wow:
D
Me:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?:
(
Nozazi
:"Thankyou,
shei
sdead!"t
hat
'
swhat
wewanttohear!:
(
Isi
ghed
Me: Shei
sver
ymuchal
i
ve.Shei
satwor
kaswe
speak:(
Li
thakazi
:Youdi
dn'
tdoi
t?:
(
Me:Nozazi
,whyar
ewedi
scussi
ngt
hisi
nfr
ont
oft
hechil
d?:(
Li
thakazi:
SoIwasn'
tachi
l
dwheny
oucame
hereforhelp?:
(
Me:Yourchi
ldi
sdisrespect
ful
!Whathappened
t
othatli
tt
legi
rlIt
aughta,e,
i
,o,
u!?:
(
Li
thakazi
:Whaty
oudi
dtoheraty
ourhouse
changedher
!Shehasnor
espectf
ory
ou!Now
tel
luswhatyoudi
d!:
(
Me:
Iam soshockedbyhowthi
sgir
lspeakstome.I
l
ookedathermotherthi
nki
ngshemightsay
somethi
ng
Nozazi
:Whyi
ssheal
i
ve!
?
Li
thakazi
:Why
!?
Me:ThereissomethingIdon'
tunder
standher
e?
Whyisitthatyouguysaretheoneswhoare
f
uri
ousaboutt hi
s.Ishoul
dbetheangryonein
t
hisroom?: (
Them:
:(
Me:
Why
?:(
Nozazi
:Nomboni
so,
didy
oupoi
sonher
?
Isatdown
Me:
Thatgi
rlhat
esme!Shedoesn'
twantmy
f
ood!Iam gi
vi
ngup!Iam st
oppi
ngal
lthi
s!:
(
Ist
oodup.Il
ookedatt
hem
Me: Thanksbutnot
hanks!Iam done!Iam
accepti
ngherasmydaught eri
nlaw.Havea
goodday !:
(
Iat
tempt
edtogotothedoor
.Nozazi
grabbed
myarm.Itur
nedar
ound
Me:
Nozazi
:Youar
enotgoi
ngany
wher
e!
Me:
Excuseme?:
(
am Imi ssingsomet hi
nghere?Whatdi dIdot o
them?Somebodyt ell
me, maybeIf orgot.Idon'
t
rememberdoi ngany t
hingormay beherpoi son
can'tgot owast e,
wheny ousaidyouwi llki
llyou
shoul ddoi t
? Idon'tknowrightnow.Iwasj ust
l
ooki ngatt hem.Theywer enotthef r
iendlytwoI
walkedi nto.Theyareangryandr eadytoeatme
ali
ve
Nozazi:
Youhaveadaughterinl
awandthat
Londekagi
rli
snotone,
getridofhersothat
youcanbehappywithyourdaught
erinl
aw:)
Il
ookedather
,shewassmi
l
ing.Il
ookedat
Li
thakazi
Li
thakazi
::
D
Me:
Andwhoi
sthi
sDaught
eri
nlawofmi
ne?:
)

Li
thakazi
star
tedpl
ayi
ngwi
thherbr
aids.I
l
ookedathermother
Me:
No!:
(
Nozazi
:Yes:
D
Me:ThereasonIdon'twantLondekaist
he
samewhyy ourdaughtercanbewithmyson!
Mysonisgoi ngtomarryagir
lfrom t
heci
ty!
Educat
edcitygir
l!Notyour
..
..
..
Nozazi
:Mywhat
?:(
Iwasmov
ingbackwar
ds.Shewasappr
oachi
ng
me
Me:Yourdaught
erwi
l
lnev
erbemyson'
swi
fe
ev
er!
Nozazil
ookedatLi
thakazi
.Li
thakazi
tookout
herphone
Nozazi
:Wewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
.Hi
titbaby
!:)
Li
thakazi
::
D
Shestar
tedplayi
ngsomet hi
ngonherphone.Oh
mygod.It'
smyv oice.Thesewi
tchesr
ecorded
me.Iunderest
imatedthem!
Me: :
'
(
Nozazi
:Ar
eyouokayFRI
END?:
D
Shesaidthatwi
thsarcasm.SheknewIused
her.SheknewIwasl y
ingwhenIsaidwewer e
fr
iends.Idi
dn'
tknowtheyarethi
ssmart.Ihave
tomakeadr ast
icdecisi
onandIam af
raid,i
t
won'tbegoodforthem.
Me:
Youusedme!
Nozazi
:NoFRI
END,
youcamet
ousr
ight
?:)
Li
thakazi
:Andwegr
abbedt
heoppor
tuni
tywi
th
bothhandsmama!:
D
Me:
Youbi
tc.
..
..
.
Nozazi
:Wat
chi
t!Youdon'twantust
otaket
his
t
oSanusenowdoy ou?:
(
Me:
Ofcour
senot
!
Iwaspacingupanddownwi t
hmyhandsinmy
head.Thi
sisf r
ustr
ati
ng.It
rymybesttogetmy
sonabetterfutur
e.Ial
waysfai
l.Heal
ways
endsupwi t
hpoorwomen!
Nozazi
:Canyoust
andst
il
landstopwal
ki
ng
ar
ound!Youaremaki
ngusdizzy
Ihaveaplan.Ist
oppedpaci
ngup.Il
ookedat
them .Iwi
pedmyt ear
s
Me:Ithi
nkIhav
eaplanladi
es,Li
thakazi
is
gonnabemydaught
erinlaw:D:'
(
Li
thakazi
::
D
Nozazi
:Whatpl
ani
sthat
?:(
Me: YouNozazi
,cometomyhouset his
afternoonwhenmyhusbandar ri
ves.Wegonna
keept alki
ngabouthowwellr
aisedLithakazii
s
andhowshewoul dmakeagoodwi fef ormy
son.ThenIwi l
lfi
ndawayt ogetri
dofLondeka
afterthat.Hewil
lnotl
ookanywhereel sefora
girltomar r
yourson.Hewil
lchoosey ou
hihihi:D
Isaidplayi
ngwithLit
hakazi
'scheeks.Shewas
giggl
ingtoo.Shelookedathermom
Her
:Il
i
kei
tmama,
whatdoy
out
hink?:
D
Nozazi
:Metoo!Ican'
twai
ttohav
edi
nnerwi
th
youguys:
D
Me:
Great
!Letmegohome!:
D
Nozazi
:By
e:D
Iwal
kedout
,Icl
osedt
hedoor
.Immedi
atel
y
whenIwal
kedout.Igotr
idofthatfactsmi
l
e.I
wentt
omycar.Istart
edtheengine.
Me:
Wewi
l
lseewhowi
l
lhav
ethel
astl
augh

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t38

.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
Ihav
ebeenwaiti
ngf
ormymot her
.Isawher
coming,
shet
urnedt
hecarar
oundandwentto
Lithakazi '
shouse.Idon' tknowhowandwhen
theybecamef ri
ends.Justt heot herday .Isaw
mom ont opoft hatpoorwomanwi t
hakni f
e,
nowt heyv i
siteachot herlikenot hinghappened?
Iam r eallyangryatmymot her.Iam ashamed
tocal lhermymot her.Shei sawi t
ch.Idi dn'
t
wantt oMar yLondekabutshei scar r
yingmy
child.Ev enifshewasn' t
,shedoesn' tdeser v
eto
die.Whenshewaspl anningt oki l
lher,didshe
thinkabouthergr andchi l
dorshedoesn' tcare
aboutmychi l
d?Theday sofl i
steningtoherar e
over .Iam donebei ngcont roll
edbyher .The
dogdi edinfrontoft hehouse.Iwanti ttobet he
fi
rstt hingsheseeswhenshedr ivesin.Speak
oft hedev il
.Iheardhercar .iwal kedout.She
smi led
Mom:
:)
Me:
:(
Shest
oppedt
hecar
.Shewal
kedoutoft
hecar
Mom:
Goodaf
ter
noonmyboy:
D
Il
ookedather,
Ishookmyhead.Iwal
kedin.I
heardherhi
ghheel
smaki
ngnoisecomingin.I
satdown
Mom:
Ijustgr
eet
edy
ou!:
(
Shet
hrewherhandbagont
hecouch.
Me:Wel
li
t'
snotagoodaf
ter
noont
osomeofus
:(
Her:
Whyist hat
?Isev
erythi
ngokay?Didthat
l
ondekagir
ldosomethingtoyou?IswearIwil
l
getr
idofhe..
..
.
Me:Whatdomeanwheny
ousayy
ouwi
l
lgetr
id
ofhermom?:
(
Mom:
Ist
oodup
Me:
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?:
(
Mom:
Iwi
l
lexposeherf
orwhoshei
s!:
(
Me:
Whoi
sshe?:
(
Her
:Iwi
l
lconv
i.
..
..
..
.. :
(
Me:
Shutupmom!
!!
!
Mom:I
sthatmyboyr
aisi
nghi
svoi
ceathi
s
mama?:
(
Me:
Youwi
l
lpoi
sonherr
ightmom ?:
(
Mom: OhmyGod!Shei
sal
readyt
urni
ngy
ou
agai
nstme!:
(
Me:Youtri
edt opoisonheratDinneryester
day.
Shedidn'
teatthefood.Whendadwant edher
pl
ateyouslappedit!If
eelsostupidthatIdi
dn'
t
not
icethi
sy est
erday!:
(
Mom: Thatgirli
sly
ingQaqambil
e!Isweart
o
you!Wit
ht hatgi
rli
nthi
shouse.Ourli
veswi
ll
neverbethesame: (
Me:Iwant
edt
hecof
feey
oumade"speci
all
y"
f
orher:
(
Isai
dcr
eat
ingbr
acket
sint
heai
r
Mom:
Me:
Your
anoutwi
thi
t.Yout
hrewi
taway:
(
Mom:
Idi
dn'
trun!Youhady
ourcof
fee:
(
Il
ookedout
sidet
hrought
hewi
ndow
Me:IwatchedOurdogl
i
ckt
hecof
feeont
he
gr
ass:'
(
Mom:
Il
ookedather
,sher
emov edherhandsf
rom her
mouth.Shet
ri
edtoactst
rong.
Me:It
ookachai
r.Isatout
side.Iwat
chedi
tdi
e
:'
(
Mom:
OhMyGod :
'
(
Me:Dad'
sdogisdead,
itatesomet
hingt
hat
wasmeanttoki
ll
mywi feandmyunbornchi
l
d
:'
(
Mom:Babyplease!Don'
ttel
lyourfat
her.Hewil
l
ki
ckmeout!Pleasemybaby .Iam sosorr
y.I
pr
omi
seIwi
l
lnotdoi
tagai
n
Shewentdownonherkneescr
ying
Mom:
Hewi
l
ldi
vor
cemebaby
Me:
Didy
out
hinkabouty
ourgr
andson?:
(
Her
:Iwast
ryi
ngt
opr
otecty
oubaby
!Iswear

Me:Pr
otectmef
rom what
?Londekai
snota
monst
ermom!Themonsterher
eisyou!AndI
hat
eyou!
Mom:
Babyy
oudon'
tmeant
hat
Me: Imeanit
!Ihateyou!Ihatehow
di
srespect
fulyouaretomeandmychoi ces!
Bargingi
ntomyr oom l
ikethat
!Yourespectmy
space!Iam aman!
Mom: Pl
easedon'tt
ellLondeka.Thatgi
rli
s
goi
ngtotel
l myhusbandpleasemychi l
dplease
baby,
giv
ey ourmotheranotherchance
Me:Sheknows,shei
stheonewhoopenedmy
ey
es.Sheistheonewhotol
dmethesethi
ngs:
(
Shest
oodup
Mom:
Youseeshei
str
yingt
o..
..
.
Me:Mom!Youdi dpoi
sonher!Whatdoy ou
suggestsheshoul
dhavedone?Eatyourpoi
son
anddie?
Mom:
No
Me:Sheshowedmet hedogl
ickingyourcoff
ee.
ShesaidifIdon'tbel
iev
eherImustwat chthat
dog.Ididn'
tbeli
eveher.Mymot heri
snota
wit
ch!Shecoul dn'
tdosomethingsocrueland
heart
less!.
Ithoughtshewasbei ngpar
anoid:(
Mom:
Iam notawi
tchba.
..
Me:Yeahr
ight
!gothr
owt
hatdogaway
.Iam
notgoi
ngt
odoi t:
(
Mom:
Promi
semey
ouwon'
ttel
lyourf
ather

Me:
Iwon'
t:
(
Mom:
ThankY..
.
Me:
Noty
et:
(
Mom:
Me: Youdontcomet omyroom everagai
n!You
don'taskLondekatogotother
iver.Youdoone
ofthosethi
ngs.Itel
ldad
Mom:
Thanky
oubaby
Me:
:(
Sheranout.Shetookar ope.Iguesssheis
goingtouseittopull
thedog.Thiswomani sa
wit
ch.IthoughtIcoul
dtrustherbutIwas
wrong!Idon'
tknowmyownmot her.Idon'
t
knowthewomanshegav ebir
thtome.
.
.
~Nomandl
a~
RightnowIdon' tcarewhathappens.Iam
tel
li
ngMrLawsonaboutt hepr egnancy .Iam
scaredIwon' tli
ebutithast obedone.Ican' t
keepi tf
rom himf orever.Iam onmywayt o
takethet r
aywel eftinthemor ning.Isaw
Thobekal ookingatme.Isi ghed.Iwentt oher .
Shei soldbutIam notgoi ngt okeepqui et.Iwil
l
confronther.Idon'tli
kepeopl egossipi
ngabout
me.Idon' tknowshecan' tmi ndherown
businessandl eavemeal one
Thobeka:
:D
Me:I
tseemslikeIhav
et or
eportt
oyouever
y
ti
meIgotoMrLawson' sof
fi
ce.Welef
tacup
andatr
ay.Iam cametofet
chthem :
(
Thobeka:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutgi
rl
?:D
Me: Si
s'Thobeka,
youar eold,Ir
espectyouand
youandIwenotf r
iends.Iknowy outhi
nkIam
sleepi
ngwi t
hMrLawson: (
Thobeka:
What
?
Me:Don'tactsur
pri
sed,y
ourfr
iendasked
Londekathesamethingyouaskedme: (
Shel
ookeddown
Me:I
t'
snotmyf
aul
tyourfr
iendcan'
tdoherj
ob
wel
l
.Iwentt
her
etocl
ean!:
(
Thobeka:
Iam sor
ry,
wewer
ejustcur
ious:
D
Me:Don'
tyout
hinky
oushoul
dfocusonwhat
youpai
dtodoandstopmi
ndi
ngmybusiness?
:(
Thobeka:
Nomandl
a!
Me: Iwonderhowwill
hefeelwhenIwal
kin
thatoffi
cecry
ing,
sayi
ngt
wool dwomenare
accusingmeofsleepi
ngwithhi
m:(
Thobeka:
Ineedt
hisj
obpl
easedon'
t!:
'
(
Me:Londekaispr
egnantshecan'
tdo
ever
ythi
ng.Youshoul
daskbeforeyoust
art
gossi
ping!:(
Thobeka:
NotGonnahappenagai
n!:
'
(
Me:Ineedmyj
obtoo,
itwoul
dbereal
l
ysadi
f
MrsLawsonwoul
dheart
hisandf
ir
eme:'
(
Her
:Iknow:
'
(
Iwal
kedaway
Me:
:)
Iknockedatt
heof
fi
ce.Iopenedt
hedoor
.I
walkedin
Lawson:
Hey:
D
Icl
osedt
hedoor
.Il
eanedoni
t
Me:Ican'
tst
ay,
peopl
ear
est
art
ingt
oask
quest
ions:
(
Hi
m:Whatquest
ions?
Me:
Theysawmey
est
erday
.Ihadt
oli
eandsay
Iwascl
eani
ngt
hat
'swhyIst
ayedl
ong:
(
Hi
m:okay
,Ij
ustmi
s..
.
Me:
Ther
eissomet
hingIwantt
otel
lyou
Hi
m:Whati
sit
?:)
ItookoutCl
earBl
ue.I
twasinmyapronpocket
.
Iputitonhi
stabl
e.Hetooki
tandl
ookedatit
Me:
Hel
ookedatme
Hi
m:Youar
epr
egnantbaby
?
Isatdown
Me:Yes!Howcanwebesostupid!Iworkhere,
i
getpr
egnantwi
thawhit
echi
ld.Peopleare
goi
ngtotal
k!Whydidn'
tweusecondom :'(
Hi
m:Iknowpl
easecal
m down!:
(
Het
ookbot
tl
eofwat
er.Hegav
eitt
ome
Hi
m:Dr
ink
It
ooki
t.Idr
ankhal
fofi
t
Hi
m: Iwi
l
lmakeaplan.Thi
sisgonnabey
our
l
astmonthwor
kingher
e:(
Me:
Arey
ouf
ir
ingme?
Hi
m: No!Youwon' tbeathomeeither
.Canyou
l
eaveme, Iwanttothi
nk,Iwi
llcal
lyouwhenI
t
houghtthist
hroughokay?:(
Me:
Okay:
'
(
Hest
oodup,
het
ookt
het
ray
.Hegav
eitt
ome
Hi
m:Gobef
oret
heygetmor
esuspi
cious:
)
Iatt
emptedt
otur
naround.Heputbothhi
s
handsonmyshoul
ders.Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
:'
(
Hel
eanedforaki
ss.Weki
ssedf
orf
ewseconds.
Hebr
okeit
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou:
)
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo:
'
(:)
Hewipedmytear
s.Heopenedthedoor.I
wal
kedout.Hecl
osedi
t.Il
ookedaround
Me:
Thatwentwel
l:
'(
Iwal
keddown.Il
ookedatThobeka
Me:
:(
Shelookeddown,sheconti
nuedwithwhatshe
wasdoing.Sheisweighi
ngthi
ngs.Maki
ng
bunchesofpotat
oes,oni
onsandtomatoesso
shewatchesevery
thi
ngthat'
shappeni
ng
aroundhere.

.
.
~MrLawson~
Myf amil
yisv er
yraci
st.Theydon'
tli
keblack
peopleatall
.Igrewupwi tht
hattoo.ButasI
becameol derandwiserasabusinessman.I
gottoknowbl ackpeoplebecauseIworkwith
andar oundt hem ev eryday.Irealisedt her ewas
nothingwr ongwi tht hem.Butmyf ami l
ywi ll
nev erunder standbecauset heydon' twantt o
givebl ackpeopl eachance.I magi net ell
ing
them Imadeabl ackgi r
l pr
egnant .Itwoul dbea
war .IloveNomandl a.Iwantt hebestf orher.I
wanthert ogot oschool nextyearandf urther
herst udies.FornowIwanthert ol ieandsay
shei swor kingononeofmybusi nessesi n
mt hatha.Ihav eShar esatKFC, butIdon' twant
hert owor k.Iwanthert ojustrelaxandf ocus
onherpr egnancy .Mywi feandIhav ebeen
try
ingf oranot herbabyf orawhi l
ebutnol uck.I
can'taskNomandl at oabort.Iwantanot her
child.Iwantababyboy .Iam pr ay ingshegi ves
meone.Ist oodup.Ical l
edsomeone.
Hi
m:MrLawson
Me: HeyJacob,Ineedyoutofindmeaf l
atto
rentthathas,
bathroom,bedr
oom,loungeanda
kit
chen: (
Jacob:
Her
einMt
hat
ha?
Me:
Yes:
(
Hi
m:Letmegoonl
i
neandcheck,
pleasehol
d
on
Me:
Alr
ight:
(
Iwaswal
ki
ngar
oundt
her
oom
Him: Ther
earebeaut i
fulf
latsbutt
heyarenotin
agoodnei ghbourhood.Theyarebigbeaut
if
ul.
Thisonehasat oileti
nsi
de,ashowerinthe
bedroom.It'
sneat.Thekitchenandli
vingr
oom
areinthesamer oom butseparate
Me:Thatsoundsgood,
howmucha
month?:(
Hi
m:R5000
Me:
Isi
tav
ail
abl
e?:
(
Him:Yes,
updat
edtheinf
ormat
iony
est
erday
.It
hasabed,andf
urni
tur
e
Me: Iwi
ll
sendy oumoney
, gopayf
ori
t
i
mmedi ately
.Theper
sonisgoingt
omovei
n
nextmont h:)
Hi
m: Thefi
rstpaymenti
sR6000,
R1000t
hey
wi
llgetwhentheymoveout
Me:
Nopr
obl
em :
)
Jacob:
Tal
ksoon
Ihungup.Isatdown
Me:
Ell
en,
Iam sor
rysweet
hear
t

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Idon'
tknowhowtofeelatthi
spoint
.Londeka
knowsforsur
eIwantedherdead.HowdoI
l
ookatthatgi
rl
.HowdoIf aceherever
yday
whensheknowsIwantedherdead?Idon't
thi
nkshewi l
leverwantany thi
ngIcook.Idont
thi
nkshewoul deatmyf ood.Iam donet r
ying
togetr
idifher.Thereisalott ol
ose.Whatifit
wasmysonormyhusbandwhodi edofthi
s
poi
son?Iam accept i
ngLondekaasmy
daught
erinlaw.Iwi l
ltr
yandl oveherasmy
ownchil
dbutIhav eaproblem.Ineedtodeal
wit
hNozazi fi
rst
.Godwi ll
hav etoforgi
vemeon
thi
sone.Myhusbandcan' tf i
ndoutaboutthis.
Thatwomanandherdaught erwil
lmakesur e
heknowst hatItr
iedtokil
lLondeka.
Any wayIam pulli
ngthisdogtot heforestcry
ing.
Ilov edmydog.Idon' tknowwhyIwasso
car eless.Ishoul
dhav ethr
ownt hecof f
eeinthe
toiletlikeIdidwi
ththatfoody ester
day."
Mi stress!"saidavoicebehindme.It urned
around
Me:
Xil
ongo:
D
Him:Letmehel
pyou,
Iseei
t'
sheav
y.What
happenedt
oit
?:D
Me:
Idon'
tknow,
itf
eltsi
ck:
D
Xi
l
ongo:
itwasf
iney
est
erday:
)
Me:Yes,t
hat'
swhyIam sur
pri
sed,
Idon'
tknow
whatki
ll
edit
Hewal
kedawaywi
thi
t.It
ookouthundr
ed
r
andsnot
e
Me:
Xil
ongo
Het
urnedar
ound
Hi
m:Mi
str
ess?:
)
Me:
Iwanty
out
odosomet
hingf
orme:
)
Hi
m:Any
thi
ng,Whati
sthat
?:)
Me: Nozaziwi
llbeatmyhousearound4pm.
Makesur ewhensheisatmyhouse, y
outake
yourknif
e,wearabalacl
avaandgoget
Lit
hakazi'
sphoneforme:)
Hi
m: Eyt
hat'
seasymi
str
ess!ButIneedsome
weedyoukn.
..
.:D
It
ookouttheR100r
ands.Hesnat
chedi
tfr
om
myhand,heki
ssedi
t
Hi
m:Consi
deri
tdone:
D
Me:Remember
!Makesur eyouwatchNozazi
l
eave,t
hengot
oLithakazi
.Wheny ougett
he
phone,
gohome.Iwil
lcomegetitokay;
)
Hi
m:YesMi
str
ess:
D
Me:
Youcanpul
lthedognow,
offy
ougo:
D
Hewalkedawaypul
li
ngit.It
urnedaround.I
l
ookedatNozazi
'
shouse.Shemessedwi t
hthe
wrongwoman.Iam f
rom Cofimvaba.Iam
goi
ngtofini
shwi
thher.Shewillr
egret
bl
ackmail
ingme
Me:Assi
gnmentt
wo,Iwi
l
ldoi
tbymy
sel
fat
4pm i
nmyhouse:'
(

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t39

.
.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
Icannotbeli
evethi swoman.Soaf tereverything
thathappenedshei sbusyont hepot scooking.
Whodoesshet hinkwi l
ltrustherafterwhatj ust
happened?Awomanwi thasecr etwoul ddo
anythi
ngtokeepi teveni fitmeanski l
li
ngy our
own.Idon'twantherf ood.Whati fshewant st o
sil
enceme?Iam sor rytheday sofmeeat i
ng
herfoodareover .Iam notgoi ngtor i
skmyl ife.
Ihavealottoli
v ef or.Ihav eachildont heway .
Ihaveawi f
e.Iam notl etti
nghert akethataway
fr
om me.Ican' trecognisethewomanwhogav e
bir
thtomeany mor e.Sheisacompl ete
str
anger .Sheisawi tch.Sheisamur derer
.Iam
j
ustwor riedbecausei fIdon'
teat.Iwil
lhaveto
explai
nt odadwhyandIdon' thavetheanswer
tothat.YesIhatemom buti twouldbreakmy
heartt
oseeheranddadsepar at
e.
Any wayIam st
andi ngatt
hekit
chendoor
watchinghercookingandhummi ngasong.In
myheadIwasl i
ke"whoar eyouki l
li
ngtoni
ght?
"forsomeonewhowascaughti nanactshe
shouldbeinadifferentmood.Thiswomani s
goingtokil
lsomeonet odaybutitisnotgoi
ng
tobemeormywi fe.Shel
ookedatme
Mom:
Myboy:
D
Me:
Whoar
eyoucooki
ngf
or?:
(
Shesmil
edhersmi l
ewaswri
tt
enguil
tal
loveri
t.
Ihat
eher.Idon'
tknowwhysheist
hisper
son
Mom:
Whatquest
ionki
ndofi
sthatQaqi
?:D
Me:It
'sasi
mplequest
ionmom,
whoi
sgoi
ngt
o
eaty
ourfood?:
(
Her
:Younev
eraskedt
hatbef
ore?:
(
Me:Yes,Iknewy
out
hen,
Idon'
tknowy
ou
any
mor e!:
(
Mom: Qaqambi l
e,yesIwantedtokillLondeka.I
apol
ogisedIwi l
lal
waysapologise.Iknowshe
wil
lnevereatmyf oodagain.Iwil
lprovemy sel
f
ever
yday.AllIam aski
ngforisachancebaby: '
(
Me:
Idon'
ttr
usty
ourf
ood:
(
Mom: Howar
eyougonnaexpl
aint
hatt
oyour
f
ather
?:'
(
Me:
Ihavebeenaski
ngmy
sel
fthatquest
ional
l
mor
ning:
(
Mom:
Iwoul
dnev
erki
l
lyou!Youar
emybaby
!:'
(
Me:
Youwant
edt
oki
l
lmybaby
!:(
Shepul
ledoutachai
rfr
om t
heki
tchent
abl
e,
Shesatdown
Mom:
Isai
dIwassor
ryokay
!!
!
Shest
art
edcr
yinghar
d
Mom:
Iam sor
ryQaqambi
l
e
Me:
Seey
oul
ater:
(
Shel
ookedup
Her
:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me: Goi
ngtofet
chmywi
featwor
k.Wher
ear
e
yourcarkey
s?:(
Shest
oodup
Her
:Inmyhandbagonmybed:
D:'
(
Me:
Thanks:
(
Iwenttoherroom.It
ookt hekeys.Iam goi
ng
todr
ivehercarwheneverIwannago
somewhere.Iknowherbigsecretnow,she
can'
tsayno.

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iam notsur eaboutwhatIam goi ngt odobutI
am goi ngtodoi tanyway .Myr elationshi pwi th
Londekai sbetterthanbef or e.Ifeel l
ikewear e
fri
endsnow.Iwantt ot el
l heraboutmy
pregnancy .Iam agoodhear tedper son, atleast
Ithi
nkIam.I fyoutreatmebad, Idon' tl i
ke
doingt hesamet oy ou.Iwi l
l beagoodf riend,if
youar eplayingmei t'
supt oy ou, Idon' tcar e.I
j
ustcamebackf rom theof fice.Iam t hi nking
aboutwhathesai d.Hesai di willleav emyj ob
andit'
spossi blethatIwillleav emyf ami lytoo.
Wher eam Igoi ng?Ican'tst ayawayf r om my
famil
y .Ihavenev erbeenawayf r
om myf amily.
It
'sgonnabehar d.Iknowt hisi sagoodi deaf or
met ol eavebeforeeveryonef indsoutaboutmy
pregnancy .
Londeka:
Fri
end,
you'
vebeenqui
etev
ersi
nce
youcameback?
Il
ookedather
Me:
:'
(:)
Her
:Youar
ecr
ying?Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Shehuggedme.Idon' tknowwhyIam
emot i
onalbecauseIhaveknownaboutthi
sfor
afewday s.Ibroket
hehug.Itookoutt
he
pregnancytest
Me:
Her
e:'
(
Shel
ookedati
t.Shet
ooki
t
Londeka:
Me:
Yeah:
'
(
Isatont
hehi
ghchai
r
Her:
Iknowit
'sast
upi
dquest
ionbutIwi
l
l
ask.
..
..
.:)
Me:
:'
(
Her
:Isi
tMrLawson'
schi
l
d?
Me:
Yes:
'
(
Her
:Di
dhedenyi
t?Youl
ooksad
Me:
No,
hedi
dn'
t:
D:'
(
Il
aughedal
i
ttl
e
Me:He'sbeenamazi
ngLondyaboutt
hewhol
e
t
hing.Heiscal
m:'
(:)
Her
:Thenwhati
swr
ong?Youj
ustf
eel
li
k..
..
Me:
It'
swr
ongy
es!:
'
(
Ist
oodup,
Ist
art
edr
unni
ngwat
erf
ordi
shes
Me:Isl
eptwit
hmybosshusband.Iam a
hor
ri
bleper
son:'
(
Londeka:Don'
tsayt
hat!Youdidn'twear
bumshortsandwenttobendov erforhi
m!He
askedyouout.Youarenotgoingtoletpeopl
e
j
udgey ou!Nobodyi
sperfect
!:(
Me:
Bum shor
ts:
D:'
(
Wel
aughev
enwhensomeonei
sdead.Thi
sis
not
imef
orl
aughi
ngbutIcan'
thel
pit
.
Her:Youdon'
thavei
tinyout oseduceaman
stopcry
ingandfi
ndsolut
ions.Whatarey
ou
gonnado?:)
Me:hesai
dIshoul
dleav
ehi
m al
one.Hewant
ed
t
othink
Londeka:
Ifhewant
syout
oabor
tsayno,
that
thi
ngisri
sky:
(
Me:Iknow,fr
iendcanyoupleasekeepthi
sto
your
self
.Don'
ttell
yourhusband.Hi
m andhis
motherhav
ebeensonast ytome.Idon'twant
t
hem toknow: '
(
Londeka:
Iam goi
ngtosupportyouinwhat
ever
decisi
onyoumake.Thi
sstaysbetweenuswell
fornowbecauseyouwil
lbebigsoon:D
Me:
Iknow:
D
Londeka:
Let
'sdowhatwear
epai
dforgi
rl:
D
Icont
inuedwi
thmydi
shes
Me:Areyounervoust
oseeyourmom i
nlaw
af
terwhathappenedt
oday
?:)
Londeka:
Honest
ly,
Idon'
twantt
hisdayt
oend
:(
Me:
It'
sunderst
andabl
e.Whowouldbeexci
ted
t
ogotothathouseaft
erwhatal
mosthappened
t
oyou
Londeka:Igetalongwit
hmyhusbandand
fat
herinlaw.Thewi f
ewantsmegone.Idon't
knowhowIwi l
lsurvi
veint
hathousehonest
ly.I
am justgl
adIam wor ki
ng:
(
Me:
yeah.
..
..
Wear ebothintri
ckysituations.Wedoneed
eachother.Everybodyneedssomeonet otalk
to.Someonewhowon' tjudgey oubutjustl
ist
en
toyou.Keepingthingstoy ourselfi
snotheal t
hy.
Wheny outellsomeoney ouf eel al
it
tlebett
er
butyoudon'ttell
justanyone.I thastobe
someoney out r
ustandr i
ghtnowIt rust
Londeka.IjusthopeIdi
dt her
ightt
hing.Fi
ngers
arecrossed.Sheseemslikeadiff
erentgenui
ne
person.

.
.
~Li
thakazi
~
Mymot herisabouttogot oQaqambi l
e'shouse
tohopef ul
lymaket hatfami l
ylikeme.Iknow
thisisgoingtobehar d.Maki ngmel ookperfect
forQaqambi le'
sfathertolikeme.Heknowsme.
Thatmanl i
kesgirl
swhoar etot al
lydiff
erent
from me.Bet weenmeandNomandl a.Hewoul d
chooseNomandl aanyday ,Becauseshei sy
our
typical
innocentresponsiblegirl.Sheisalway s
athome.I fnotcleaning,cooking.That '
swhat
MrXabawant st
osee.I t
'sgonnabehar dto
makehi mt hinkIam thatbecauseIam notand
heknowsi tbutwehav eanweaponwi t
hus,
Whichi
sNomboniso'
svoi
cer ecordi
ng.Even
whenThisdon'
twor
k.Iam mar r
yingQaqambil
e
andshei
sgoingtomakeithappenf orme.
Me:
Mom,
itst
imef
ory
out
ogot
her
e:)
Mom: Iam sol
azy
,Idon'
tfeel
li
kemy
sel
ftoday
Idon'
tknowwhy:(
Me:
Whati
swr
ongmom?Soy
ounotgoi
ng?
Shest
oodup
Her
:Thi
sisabouty
oumybaby
.Iam goi
ng
t
here:
D
Me:
Thanksmom :
D
Her
:Letmego,
shei
swai
ti
ngf
orme:
D
Me:
Okayby
e:D
Shewalkedout.Iwatchedherwalkto
Qaqambile'
shouse.Mymom i snotherbubbl
e
sel
f.Sheisqui
et.I
t'
ssounlikeher.If
eell
ikeI
putheri
naawkwar dsituat
ionsbutthi
swasher
i
deanotmi ne.
Me:
Ihopei
tgoeswel
l:
D
Ithrewmysel
fonmybed.Iputonearphones.I
l
istenedt
otherecor
ding.Wi
thmyeyesclot
hes.
Iwasholdi
ngmyphoneonmychest .
Me:
:)
Ifel
titmov
eli
kesomeonewast
aki
ngi
t.I
openedmyeyes
Me:
Yuuuh!
!!
! :
'
(
Man:
Youshutupbi
tch
Me:
I..
..
.:'
(
Hi
m:Isai
dshutup!
!
Whoi sthi
sperson.Hehasakni feont opofme
readytostabme.Hewaswear ingbalaclava,
i
couldn'
tseehisface.Iwasholdingont omy
phone.Hehadhi shandont opofmi ne.Ami ne
workerboughtmet hisJ5lastyearDecember
beforehewaschosenawi febyhisfamily.Now
heismar r
ied.Wherewill
Igetitagain?
Me:
Pleasedon'
ttakemyphone
Her
aisedhi
sknif
ehi
gh.Il
etgooft
hephone.
Her
anout.Ist
oodupfast
.
Me:
Somebodyhel
p!!
Ir
anout
.Il
ookedar
ound
Me:Ohmygod!Heisgonewi
thmyphone!
Wherewi
l
lIgetanewphone?
Ilookedaround.Wher
edidthi
sthugdi
sappear
to?Hej ustvani
shedi
ntot
hinai
r
Me:
Il
ookedatQaqambi
l
e'shome
Me:Waitami
nut
e?Thatbi
tchpl
anned
t
his!:
(
Ir
ant
othehouse.Icl
osedt
hedoor
Me:
Shewant
stodel
etet
hisRecor
ding:
(
.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Nozazi i
shere.Theconv ersat
ioni sgoi ngwel l
smoot hl
y.Thef oodi sready.Wear ewai tingfor
myhusband.Ihopehedoesn' tcome.Iam
delayi
ngt hi
s.Ijustwantt obuyt imet othink
aboutthis.Thisisridicul
ousev enifLi thakazi
waseducat editwasgonnabeabadi dea.
Qaqambi le'
sfatherwentacr osst hecount ryto
fi
ndme.Iwant edmysont ogot opl acest of
ind
thr
oughl ove.Iwantt omeeti nlaws, compl ete
str
angers.Iam notgoi ngtohav ethatbi tch
sit
tingonmycouchaspar tofmyf ami ly
.Iam
goingtodoev er y
thingIcant omakesur ei t
don'thappenandt hatbeginsnow! !!
Me:
:(
Ipi
ckedupt
wopl
ates.Iwentt
oher
.
Nozazi
::
D
Me:Sanusei
staki
nghist
imeIam hungr
y!Let
'
s
eatf
ri
end.Hewil
lfi
nduseat
ing:
D
Nozazi
:Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul!Youwental
lout:
)
Idugi
n
Me:
Wai
tunt
il
lyout
ast
eit:
)
Isai
deat
ingpr
ett
yfast
.Shedugi
n
Me:
:)
Shel
ookedatme
Me:
And?:
D
Her
:mmmmm.
..
.del
i
cious!:
D
Me:Iwil
lteachLi
thakazi
fewt hi
ngsabout
cooki
ngwhenshei smarriedhere:
D
Nozazi
:Shei
sgoi
ngt
ogohomeandt
eachher
mama: D
See?Lifei
nr uralareasi
slikethis.Theymarry
here.Seetheirmotherseveryday.Goingt
otheir
homesev erysingleday,somet aki
nggrocer
ies
andgof eedthei
rfamili
es.I
t'
snotgonna
happen.Noti nmyhouse!Shewaseat i
ngfast
j
ustlikeme.Iwassmi li
nglookingatmyplat
e
eati
ngt oo.Atleastwear egett
ingal
ong.I
t'
sa
greatstart.Wherewillt
hisend?Wehav et
o
watchandsee.Li thakaziwil
lnevermar
rymy
son.
Me:
I..
..
.
Li
thakazi
bar
gedi
n.Nozazi
andIst
oodup.We
l
ookedather
Me:
Whati
sgoi
..
..
Shegav
emeahand
Li
thakazi
:Youshutup!:
(
Me: :
)
shel
ookedathermot
her
Li
thakazi
:Mom,
let
'sgohome!Weneedt
o..
..
.
Shel
ookedatmegi
vi
ngmedeat
hst
are
Li
thakazi
:.
..
..
.Tal
k!
Me:
:)
Nozazi
:Iam st
il
lwai
ti
ngf
orSanuse!
Li
thakazi
tookherhand,shewal
kedoutwi t
hher.
Itookmyphone.Iwenttothewindow.Iwas
watchi
ngthem wal
kingaway.Idial
ledXi
longo'
s
number
Xi
l
ongo:
Ihav
ethephone!
Me:
Keepi
t.Iwi
l
lcomegeti
ttoni
ght:
)
Ihungup
Me:
Bri
ngt
hepr
oofont
het
abl
e!
Isatdown.It
ookmypl
ate
Me:
Whatdoy
ouhav
eonmenow?Hi
hihi
:)

.
.
~Nar
rat
ed~
WeseeLithakaziandhermotherrushi
nghome.
Theyar
ri
ved.Lithakazi
openedthedoor
Nozazi
:Whati
sitt
hatcoul
dn'
twai
tforl
ater
!?:
(
Me: ThatBi
tchwasusi
ngyou!Shesentaman
totakethephonef
rom me!Mom thephonei
s
gone.Themanhadabi gshar
pknife!
!!
Nozazi
lookedangr
y.Shel
ookedat
Nomboniso'
shousethr
oughthewi
ndow
Nozazi
:Thi
sExpl
ainswhyshewantedustoeat
bef
oreSanusear
ri
ves!Thatev
ilwomanused
me!
Lit
hakazi
:Mom!Toni
ghti
stheni
ght
.Wear
e
exposi
ngher!:
(:'
(
Nozazi
:
Shejustl
ookedint
ospace.Li
thakazilookedat
her,shedi
dn'tr
espondtoheratall
.Itlooked
l
ikeshewaslist
eningt
osomet hi
ng.
Li
thakazi
:Mom?
Nozazi
:Ouch!
Nozazi
hol
dherst
omach.
Li
thakazi
:Mama!Ar
eyouokay
!?:
'
(
Nozazi
washol
dingherst
omachlooking
ar
oundtear
sst
reamingdownhercheeks.She
wasinpai
nandthepai
nwasinherstomach
Li
thakazi
:Mama!Mama!Mama?:
'
(
Nozazi
:Iunder
est
imat
edSanuse'
swi
fe :
'
(
Li
thakazi
:Mamay
ouar
escar
ingme!
Nozaziwasscreaminginagony.Shewas
feel
i
ngneedlesstabbingherst
omach.Shewas
i
nsomuchpai n.Nozazi l
ookedatherdaught
er,
Shelookedatherwithpit
if
uleyes
Nozazi
:Baby,y
ouareonyourown,
arey ou
readyt
ostandonyourownandbeindepe.
..
..
Ahhhh!
!!Ahhhh
Li
thakazi
:Mama!Mama!
?
Nozazi
col
lapsedi
nLithakazi
'
sar
ms.Li
thakazi
wasonherkneescry
ing
Li
thakazi
:Mama!Hel
p!Ineedhel
p!Mamast
ay
wi
thmepl ease :
(
Nozazi
:Myownweapo..
..
.nt
urnedandst
abbed
meinthehear
..
..
..
.t:
'
(
Li
thakazi
:Mama?Mama!Wakeup!:
(
Nozazi
:Nomboni
sopoi
sonedme:
):'
(
Li
thakazi
:No!
!!
!
Nozazi
letgo,
herheadhangedonLi
thakazi
'
s
ar
m
Li
thakazi
:OhmyGod!No!
!!
!Mamadon'
tdi
eon
me!!!

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t40

.
.
~Fef
ekazi
~
IsawMhl ekaziwalki
ngoutoft hesuper
market
goingtohishouse.IlookedatThobeka.Sheis
busyhelpi
ngt hecustomers.Shewasalso
weighi
ngbunchofuni ons.Iwenttoher
.I
tappedhershoulder.Shelookedatme
Her
:Yes?:
)
Itur
nedherar
ound.Wel
ookedatexi
tdoor
.We
sawMhlekazi
walkaway
Me:
Bef
orey
ousayi
t'
snoneofmybusi
ness,
I
knowiti
snotbutdon'
tyouthinkMhlekazi
is
goingt
ohishousealotl
atel
y.
...
.?:
)
Thobeka:Iseewhaty
outalki
ngaboutbutyou
wereri
ghtaboutwhatyousai
dfi
rst.I
t'
snoneof
yourbusi
ness:)
Shewal
kedt
oashel
vebehi
ndus.If
oll
owedher
Me:
Comeonf
ri
end.Can'
tyouseet
his?:
(
Thobeka:Gotowork!Iam heretoworkIdon'
t
wanttolosethi
sjob!Idon'
thaveamili
tar
y
marri
edmant osendmoneyf ormykidswhen
Mhlekazif
ir
esme! !
!:(
Me:
Thobeka:
:(
Iturnedaround.Iam shocked.Mybestf
ri
ends
speakslikethi
stome?Herbestf ri
end?Il
ooked
aroundthendidthewal kofshametomy
section
Me:
Onl
yify
ouknewIhav
en'
tseenhi
m ev
er
si
ncehecameback:
(:'
(

.
.
~Nar
rat
ed~
WeseeNosuki l
estopswalki
ng.Shewas
hear
ingsomeoneaski ngf
orhel
p"Help!
!
Somebodyhelp!!
!"thevoi
cecamefrom
Nozazi
'shouse
Nosuki
l
e:i
t'
sLi
thakazi
!
!!!
Nosuki
leputdownherboxandpl
asti
c,i
tlooks
l
ikesheiscomingbackf
rom wor
k.Shegotto
t
heroom
Nosuki
l
e:OhmyGod!Whathappenedt
oher
?

Li
thakazi
:Tel
lmeshei
snotdead?
Nosuki
l
e:Howdi
dshe.
.?Okay
!Ther
eisonl
y
oneper
sonwit
hacari
nthi
svi
l
lage!Letmego
Cal
lNombo.
..
.
Nosuki
l
eat
tempt
edt
orun,
Lit
hakazi
stopped
her
Li
thakazi
:Don'
tcal
lthatwi
tch!Shei
stheone
whopoisonedmom!
Nosukil
e:Thoseareseri
ousal
legat
ions
Li
thakazi
,areyousureaboutt
his?
Li
thakazi
:St
opwithyourbi
gEngli
shwor
ds!
Helpmecarryhert
othestop!
!!
Nosuki
le:
Lit
tl
egir
lther
eisnoti
mefory
our
pr
idenow!Yourmotheri
sdyi
ng!!
!
Nosukil
eranout
.SherantoNomboni
so'
s
house.ShesawSanuse'
scarshewav
edathi
m.
Hestoppedthecar
Nosuki
le:
Pleasehel
pus!Nozazi
isdy
ingwe
don'
tknowwhatiswrongwit
hher!
Sanuse:
Geti
nthecar
!:(
Nosuki
l
egoti
nthecar
.Sanusedr
ovef
ast
Nosuki
l
e:Becar
eful
ofmyt
hingsov
ert
her
e!!
!

Hewasaboutt
ohi
ttheboxwi
tht
hecar
Sanuse:
Sor
ry:
(

.
.
Nombonisoiswatchingev er
ythi
ng,
shewasat
herhouse.Shewaspaci ngupanddownwi tha
gl
assofwat eri
nHerhand.ShesawNosuki le
stoppi
ngSanuse.Sheisnothappyatallabouti
t.
SheknowsLi t
hakazi
mi ghtsaysomethi
ngto
herhusband
Nomboni
so:
Yif
a!Yi
fa! (
diedi
e)
Shewentt
othewi
ndow.
Nomboni
so:
Iwentt
oyouf
orhel
p!Yout
ook
thatasanopportunit
ytosneaki
ntomyfami
l
y!I
wasnev ergonnasitbackandwatcht
hat
happen!Thishadt obedone:'
(:(
Shedr ankherwater.Shewasbreathi
ngheav il
y.
Lookingaround.Shewascur i
ous.Shewant ed
toknowwhati shappeninginthathouse.She
wantedt oknowifthatwomani sdeadorstill
ali
ve.Shesatont hecouch.Shegulpedthe
glassofwater
Nomboniso:
Yourpoi
soni
sfastImustsay!
..
..
..
i
Justwi
shitwor
kedonmydeardaughteri
n
l
aw!: (

.
.
SanuseandNosuki
l
eranoutoft
hecar
.They
headedtot
heroom
Sanuse:
Nosuki
l
e::
'
(
Theygott
ot her
oom.Lithakazi
wassitt
ing
huggi
nghermothercr
ying.Sanuseputhis
handsonhiswaist
Sanuse:
Li
thakazi
:
Nosuki
le:MrXabatakehertot
hecl
i
nicpl
ease!
Sheisbeenunconsci
ousforal
ongti
menow!
:'
(
Hewasj
ustst
andi
ngmot
ionl
ess
Nosuki
l
e:Sanuse!
!!
!!:
'
(:(
Sanuse:
Ther
eisnot
hingt
otaket
othecl
i
nic.
..
.
:(
Nosuki
l
e:Whatdoy
oumean?:
'
(
Lit
hakazi
lookedathi
m wai
ti
ngforhi
mto
explai
nwhyhecan'tt
akehermother
Sanuse:
She'
sgone:
(
Nosuki
l
e:No!
?
Li
thakazi
:
...
..
Theyheardasound.Theyl
ookedatLi
thakazi
.
Shecoll
apsed.
Nosuki
l
e:Li
thakaz
i!!
! :
'
(
Sanusecar
ri
edher
Sanuse:Iam t
akinghertot
hecli
nic.Pl
easecal
l
herfuner
alparl
our!Doyouknowit?
Nosuki
l
elookedatNozazi
,shecan'
tbel
i
evei
t
Sanuse:
Nosuki
l
e?!
!?
!!
Nosuki
l
e:Yes!Iknowi
t:'
(
Her
anout

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Me:Youdidn'
thav
etol
eav
ewor
ktobewi
thme.
Iam f
ine:
)
Lawson: Iknowy ouar enot.Iam nottoobut
youhav enot hingtowor ryabout ,
li
keIsaidIwi l
l
sortthi
sout .Thisisy ourlastmont hworking
here.Youwi llstayinMt hatha.Igotyouaf lat
.It
hasabat hroom, bedr
oom ki tchenandli
ving
room.Youwi llbefine:)
Wear
eatthehouse.Londekai
sintheli
vi
ng
r
oom,wearet
alki
ngattheguestroom
Me:
Whatwi
l
lIsayt
omymom?:
'
(
Hi
m:Youwi
l
ltel
lher
,youwi
l
lbewor
kingt
her
e
Me:
Wil
lIbewor
king?
Him:No,nexty
ear
.Iwanty
out
ogot
o
Univ
ersi
ty:
)
Me:
Real
l
y?:
'
(
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lpayf
orev
ery
thi
ng:
)
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch:
'
(
Ihuggedhi
m
Hi
m:Youar
ewel
comebaby:
)
Hebrokethehug.Hekissedme.Iki ssedhim.
Westart
edtaki
ngeachot hersclot
hesof f
.He
r
antothedoorheclosedit.HecamebackI
wassit
ti
ng.Heliedmedown, hecamet omy
f
ace
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo:
)
Heki ssedme.Wewer ebot hnaked.Hest art
ed
fi
nger i
ngme.Thi sfeelssogood.Iev enf orgotI
am atwor k.Thisi ssor elaxingandthebest
feel
ingev er.IwishIcoul dj ustsl
eeponhi s
chestallafternoonaf terthisbutIcan't.Hei s
someoneel sehusbandandIwi l
lhavet oli
ve
withthatmyent ir
el i
fe.Hewasmov i
nghi s
fi
ngerar ound.Iwashol dingont othesheet s
l
etti
ngoutsexymoansl ikeIwasowni ngt his
house.Youcan' tblameme.Qaqambi lehas
nevermademef
eel
thi
sway
.Thi
sist
hebest
feel
ingev
er
Me:
Ohbaby:
):p
Hi
m:Ihav
etogobackt
owor
k:)
Il
ookedathi m.Ishef orrealnow.Helaughed.
Hecamet omyl ips.Heki ssedme.Ifel
thim
tr
yingt oopenmyl egstogetaccess.Iopened
myl egswide.Imi ssedhim.Iwanthimi nside
meal ready.Ifel
thim enterme
Me:
Ohy
eahbaby:
p:)
Hest
art
edmov
ingi
nandout
.
Me:
Oh:
)

.
.
~Londeka~
Nomandl
aist
alki
ngt
oMrLawsoni
ntheguest
room.Iunder standtheirsituati
on.Iwoul ddiei f
wouldbei nhersit
uation.Seeingt hefatherof
yourchildinsecretplaces.Wheny ougot ohis
offi
cey oucan'tstaybecausepeopl ear
e
watchingy ouorhav east opwat chcount ingt he
minutesy ouspendwi thhi m.IfIwasherIwoul d
dieofmi ssingmyman.Thoset woneedt ot alk
aboutthewayf orwardbef orethingsgetugl y.I
am happyMrLawsoni stakingar esponsibil
it
y .I
hatemenwhoj ustsl
eepwi thwomenandl eav e
them pr egnant.
AnywayIam busydoingnothi
ng.Tobehonest
ther
eisnoworkinthishouse.Wejustcome
becausewehaveto.Myphoner ang.It
ooki
t.
I
t'smyhusband.Ianswered
Me:
Heybaby:
D
Him:CanIspeakt
oyouf
orami
nut
e.Iam her
e
atsuper
market
Il
ookedar
ound
Me:
Iam comi
ngdown!:
D
Ir
anout.Iwentt
othesuper
mar
ket
.Isawhi
m
st
andi
ngalone
Me:
Heybaby:
)
Hehuggedme.Thenbr
oket
hehug
Hi
m:Whenar
eyougoi
nghome?:
)
Me:
Around16:
30why
?:)
Hi
m:Icamewi
thmymom' scar
,youwi
l
lfi
nd
meher
ewhenyouknockof
f:)
Me:
Okayba.
..
..
..
Waitami nut
e.Idi
dn'
tknowshewascomi
ng
backtoday!Nomandl
a!!
!!
!!
Qaqambi
l
e:Whati
sitbaby
?
Me:That'
sMrsLawsondri
vingtot
hegar
age!I
am goi
ngtot
alktoyoul
ater!!
Qaqambi
l
e:Okaybaby:
)
Ir
anasfastasIcan.If
eltsomeonegr
abmy
ar
m.It
urnedaround,i
t'
sFefekazi
Me:
:'
(
Fef
ekazi
:Runni
ngtot
ellt
hel
ovebi
rdst
hel
ady
oft
hehouseishome?:D
Me: Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Ican'
tbe
tal
ki
ngtomyhusbandinworkhour
sMrs
Lawsonwon'tl
i
kethat
!:(
Fef
ekazi
:Ify
ousayso:
)
Me:
YouknowwhatFef
e?:
(
Fef
ekazi
:What
?:)
Me:Getal
i
fe!:
(
Fef
ekazi
:
Me:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t41

.
.
~Londeka~
Ican'
tletMrsLawsonseet hi
s!Ihavetogetin
thehousebeforeher.Ipul
ledupmyl ongskirt
.I
wasrunningformylife.Myf r
iendcan'tbe
caught,notwhenIhav eawayt ostopi t
.Ithr
ew
theblanketonthecouch.Iranupt hestair
s.I
gotupstair
s.It
urnedthedoorhandl e.
Lawson:
Thef
uck!
Theywer
ecuddl
i
ng.Theyj
umpedoutof
fbed
naked
Me:
Iam Sor
rysi
r!Mr
sLawsoni
sher
e!:
'
(
Lawson:
What
?
Nomandlast
art
eddressi
ngupf
ast
.MrLawson
openedt
hecurt
ains
Hi
m:OhmyGodt
her
eshei
s!
Me:
Let
'sgodownst
air
sfr
iend!:
(
Wer
anout
MrLawson:
Londeka!
It
urnedar
ound
Me:
MrLawson
Hi
m:Thanky
ou:
)
Inoddedmyhead.Ir
anout
.Ir
andown
Nomandl
a:Idon'
twantt
ofaceher
!Whatshoul
d
Ido?:
'
(
Me:Gocleant
hebathr
oom!Iknowi
t'
scl
ean.
Justdosomet
hing!
Sherantothebathroom.Iputtheblanket
aroundmeshoulders.Iwenttothekit
chen.I
pouredmysel
fagl assofwater.Igul
pedit
.I
si
ghed
Me:
"That'
saheav
ysi
gh!Busyday
?"It
urned
around
El
l
en:
It'
syouLondy
?Youar
emar
ri
ed?
Me:
MrsLawson?:
D
Her
:Cometothel
iv
ingroom.Iwanty
out
otel
l
meall
abouty
ourhusband:
D
Me:
Iam comi
ngmr
sLawsonhi
hihi
!:
D
Shedi
sappear
ed
Me:

.
.
~El
l
en~
It
'sgoodt obehome.Imi ssedmyhusband.I t'
s
hardr unningmypr i
vateschool f
arawayf rom
him.Ihav et ostayther e.Ihat ethisdistancebut
thereisnot hingIcandoabouti t
.Iam
passionateaboutmyj ob.Il oveteachingand
thatschool ismi ne.Imakeal otofmoneyf r
om
i
t.Wear ebusi nesspeopl e.Wedoev erything
wecant ohav eabetterl i
f e.Iam justgl admy
husbandi sunder standi ng.Ihav enothingt o
worryabout .Therearenowhi tewomenIcanbe
worriedabouther ewhomi ghttakehimf rom
me.Theonl ywhi tewomanwhowor ksatt he
supermar keti smarried, herhusbandwor ks
heresoIam notwor ried.Iknowwear ecloseto
theseabutmyhusbanddon' thavetimet ogo
toCof feeBaysochancesofhi m messi ngup
withanot herwomanar ef ewbesi desIt rusthim.
AnywayIam si
tt
ingwi
thLondeka,
shewas
tel
l
ingmeaboutherhusband
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?:
D
Londeka:
It'
sbeentwoday s.Iwasgonnat
ell
youovertheweekend.Ihavebeensobusy:)
Me:
Sowhat
'sgonnahappent
oyourf
lat
?:)
"Ihavebeenmeaningtoaskhert
hat"sai
dmy
gorgeoushusbandcomingdown
Me:
Honey:
D
Hi
m:Anot
hersur
pri
seIsee:
D
Me:YouknowwhenImi
ssy
ou,
Ijustgeti
na
caranddr
ivehome:
D
Heki
ssedme
Hi
m:Wel
comehomebaby:
D
Me:
Wai
t?Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
esoear
ly?:
)
Hi
m:
Me:Andthereisnoor
deryoumadeorat
rack
wit
hat r
ail
erImetonther
oadwhenIwas
cominghere?
Him:Igothot,Iwasworki
ngwit
htheguysat
Hardware,Idecidedt
ocometakeaquick
shower:D
Me:
Oh.
..
..
?
Il
ookedar
ound
Me:
Wher
eisNomandl
a?
Hi
m:Letmel
eav
eyoul
adi
es:
D
hewal
kedout
.
Me:Andwhyisherunni
ngwhenIam aski
ng
aboutNomandl
a?Ihopehedi
dn'
tfi
reher?:(
Londeka:
NoMrsLawson,
shei
scl
eani
ngi
nthe
bathr
oom :D
Me:
Oh:
D
Her:
Ev enwhenwedon'
thaveany
thi
ngt
odo,
shealwaysfi
ndssomet
hingt
odo:D
Me:
That
'sgr
eat
,shei
ssosweet:
D
Il
ookedatt
hebat
hroom
Me:
Nomandl
a!!:
D
Shecameout.Shedi
dn'
tl
ookatme.Thi
sgi
rli
s
shy
Her
:Hel
l
oMr
sLawson:
)
Me:Hidar
li
ng,y
ouneedt
ost
opwor
kingso
har
d,comesit:
D
Her
:Letmegof
ini
shMr
sLawson:
)
Me:
Okaydear:
)
Shewal
kedaway
.Il
ookedatLondeka
Me:Canyousmel
lthat
,howl
onghasshebeen
i
nthebat
hroom?
Londeka:
whyMr
sLawson?
Iwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.Shef
oll
owedme.
Me:Idon'
tknow,
itsmel
tli
keawomanwho
di
dn'
twashherpri
vat
epartorasexsmel
l
Londeka:
MrsLawson?
Me:
For
giv
eme!May
bei
t'
sbecauseoft
he
sweatinthebat
hroom.Pl
easeopenthe
windows.Youguyscangohome,Ican'
tst
and
thi
ssmell:(
Londeka:
OkayMr
sLawson
Shewal
kedt
othewi
ndows
Me:
Londekadear
!
Shet
urnedar
ound
Ne:It
'snotyoudear,
Ihopeyouarenot
off
ended.Andpleasedon'
ttel
lthepoorgi
rl
okay?:D
Londeka:
OkayMr
slawson:
)
Me:
:)
Thi
sgi
rll
ooksneat
,whathappenedtoday?Why
di
dshecometoworksmelli
ngli
kethat?
Me:
...
..
..
.?

.
.
~Nosuki
l
e~
Thisissosad.IknowNozazi wasnotoneof
thenicestpeopl eint hisVi l
l
agebutnobody
deservestodi e.Idon' tknowwhatLi thakazi
meantwhenshesai dhermom waspoi soned
byNomboni so.Iam goi ngt oaskherwhenshe
comesbackf rom thecl ini
c.Ihopet hepoorgi rl
i
sokaywher ev ershei s.Shei sonherownnow.
Hermot herisgone.I t'
sgonnabet oughf orher.
Shehasnof riendsshepushedmydaught er
away .Shepushedev eryoneaway .Thatgi r
lis
meant oev eryone.Idon' tknowwhati sgonna
happennow.Herbestf riendi sgone.Nozazi
l
ov edherdaught er
.Theywer ebestf r
iends.It
wasv erysadt oseeherdaught ercryli
ket hat.
Atwor ktoday ,Nozazi leftj
ustaf t
erthe
teachersleft.Sheonl ywor kswhenshesees
theteachers,whent heyl eav esheleavesand
that'
swhathappenedt oday .Sheleftus
washi
ngthedi
shesandthebigpot
sweuse
whencooki
ngfort
helear
ners.
Anywayherbodywast
aken.Iam wi
thabunch
oft
hevil
lagewomenandmen.
Man:
Nosuki
l
e,whathappened?
Il
ookedatNombi ni
sowhowassi tt
ingont
he
matwit
hherdoekar oundherhershoul
der
acti
ngl
ikearespect
fulvi
ll
agewoman.Weal l
knowshelooksdownonal lofus.
Me: Ihear
dherdaught ercr
yingandaski
ngf or
help.WhenIwalkedin.Nozazi wasnot
breathi
ng.Ir
ant ot
heXabaf amil
ytoaskthem
totakehertothecli
nic.ImetSanusehalfway
onmywayt ohishouse.Icameher ewithhim.
Hesai dshealr
eadypassed
Man2:
Didherdaught
ert
ell
youwhathappened?
Il
ookedatNombi
nisowi
thacor
nerofmyey
e
Me:
No,
shef
aint
edaf
terSanusesai
dshewas
nomor
e
Man1:
Thisisst
range.Thi
swomanwasokay
t
hismorni
ngwhenIbumpedintoher:
(
Me:Iwasatwor
kwi
thher
.Shewasherbubbl
e
sel
f!:
(
Woman: Nobodyknowswheniti
syourt
ime.
Nozazi
wasagoodwoman: '
(
Ibr
ushedherback
Me:
Shemadeev
ery
onehappy:
'
(
Iam ly
ing.Shemademyl i
feali
vi
nghel
lbutshe
didn'
tdeserv
et odi
esti
ll.Ahumanbei
ngisnot
ananimal,i
t'
snoteverydayweseeadead
humanbody .Whensomeonei sdeadyouhave
toli
eandsayt heyweregoodjustt
okeeppeace.
Notasingledaythatwomanwasgoodt ome.

.
.
~Nomboni
so~
Ifeell
ikeNosukileknowssomet hing.Shewent
toanot herr
oom.If ol
lowedher .Ifsheknows
somet hingIhavetodosomet hingt osil
ence
her.Idon'thaveanythingtouset okil
lnow.Iwi
ll
j
ustbr i
beort hr
eatenher .Iopenedt hedoor
Nosuki
l
e:
Me:
Suki
:D
Her
:Mr
sXaba:
)
Me:AreyousureLit
hakazidi
dn'
tsayanythi
ng?
Anyt
hingatall
?Imeanit'
sstr
angethatshejust
di
eddon'tyouthi
nk?:)
Shel
ookedatme
Her
:
me:
Ther
emustbesomet
hing!:
)
Her:
LikeIt
oldever
yone.Ifoundthegir
lcr
ying.
WhenIcamebackwi t
hy ourhusband.She
f
aint
ed.Ij
ustcan'
twaitf
orhertocomeback
andt
ell
uswhatr
eal
l
yhappened:
(
Il
ookedaway
Me:
Yeah.
..
..
..
.Ican'
twai
ttoo:
(
Iwal
kedout
.It
ookmyphone.Ical
l
edXi
l
ongo
Hi
m:Mi
str
ess
Me:Br
ingt
hephonet
omenowatLi
thakazi
'
s
home:(
Hi
m:Okaymi
str
ess
Ihungup.Ical
ledmycousin.Sheisanur
seat
thecl
ini
c.Ij
ustprayshei
swor ki
ngthi
sweek
Cuz:
Cuz,
Iam ondut
y!
Excel
l
ent
!
Me: Mzal
a(cousi
n).Iwon'
ttakeally
ourt
ime,
rememberthemotheranddaughterwhowere
blackmai
l
ingme?:(
Isai
dlooki
ngar
ound.Idon'
twantany
onet
o
heart
his
Her
:Yes
Me:
Arey
ouhel
pingt
hegi
rlwhof
aint
ed?
Her
:Yes,
yourhusbandi
sher
..
.
Me:
List
en!Pl
easeCuz,
Ineedy
ourhel
p!
Her
:Any
thi
ngMzal
a
Me: WhenThatgi
rlwakesup,
shei
sgoi
ngt
o
t
alk!:(
Her
:Youar
enotaski
ngmetoki
l
lherar
eyou?,
ohmyGodyouki
ll
edhermot
her
?
Me:Awomanwhol ef
thernewbor
nbabyi
na
dust
bini
sjudgi
ngmenow?: (
Her
:Fi
ne!Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:Giveheraninject
iont
hatwi
l
lmakeher
f
orgetever
ythi
ng!!:(
Her
:Ev
ery
thi
ng?
Me:
Absol
utel
yev
ery
thi
ng!
!!
!
Shesi
ghed
Her
:Fi
ne!
Ihungup
Me:
:(

.
.
~Fef
ekazi
~
IsawSanuse'
scarpassus.Wef oll
owedit.Iam
cert
aini
t'
shim!Wesawt hecargotothecl i
nic.
Wear ef
oll
owingi
t.Wejustknockedoffatwor k.
Thobeka:
Arey
ousur
eitwashi
m?:
)
Me: Iam sur
e!Iknowhiscar.Thi
sistheonl
y
chanceIhavet otal
ktohim.Witht
hatannoyi
ng
wifeofhisaround.Iwi
ll
nevergetthi
schance:(
Thobeka:Idon'
tknowf
ri
end.Thi
sisr
isky
.We
aret
alki
ngaboutamarri
edmanhere:(
Me:
Thobeka,
Doy
ouwantt
ogohome?:
(
Sher
aisedherhands
Her
:Sor
ryf
ri
end :
)
Me:
:(
Wegott
othegat
e
Secur
it
y:Weclosedf
ort
heday
.Weonl
ytake
emergenci
es:
)
Me:Wecamet
otheowneroft
hatcar
.Wenot
si
ck:
)
Secur
it
y:Youcancomei
n:)
Wewal
kedi
n.Weheadedt
othecar
Thobeka:Ther
eisnoonei
nthecar
.Let
'
swai
t
forhi
m here:)
Me:
Wear
egoi
ngi
nther
e!:
(
Her
:Ar
eyououtofy
ourmi
nd?:
(
Ii
gnor
edher
.Iwentst
rai
ghtt
othedoor
Me:
May
beIam!:
(
Shefol
lowedme.Wegotin.Wef
oundhi
m
si
tt
ingdownwit
hhishandsonhi
shead.
Me:
Themanwhor
anaway
!:(
Hel
ookedup.Hest
oodup
Sanuse:
Fef
ekazi
?
Me:Rememberme?Thewomany ousl
eptwi
th
Thewhol
efest
iveseasonl
asty
ear?:
(
"Doesmycousinsisterknowthi
s?"sai
da
voi
cebehindus.Weal lt
urnedar
ound.I
t'
sthe
nur
se.Whatdoesthiswomanmeanwhenshe
sayscousi
nsis?
Me:
Nur
se:
D
Nurse:hi
,Iam nur
seZembe,Nomboniso's
motherismymom' sol
dersi
stersoDoy ou
mindtell
i
ngmewhathappenedi nDecember?:
(
Me:
Not
hing!Not
hingatal
l:
D
Il
ookedatSanuse
Me:
RightMrXaba? :
D
Helookedatme,Icouldseehischestmoving,
hewasbreathi
ngheav i
l
y.Helookedscary
.I
l
ookedatthedoor.IsawThobekaslowlygoing
tot
hedoor
Sanuse:
Fef
ekazi
Leav
e!!
!!
!!
!
Me:
Excuseme:
'
(
Ir
anout
.Il
eanedont
hewal
lout
side
Thobeka:Doyouseet
hecl
ouds?It
'saboutt
o
rai
n,Idon'
twantt
obeyour
ightnow!:(
Ihadbot
hmyhandsonmychest
Me:
Imessedupdi
dn'
tI?:
'
(
Thobeka:
Itol
dyout
hiswasabadi
dea
Me:
Nomboni
soi
sgonnabr
eakmyneck:
'
(

Myphoner
ang.It
ooki
tout
Me:
It'
sMhl
ekazi
Thobeka:
Mor
etr
oubl
e?Whathav
eyoudone?:
(
Ianswer
ed.Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
Me:
Mhl
ekazi
:D:
'
(
Him:
Ear
lyi
nthemorningt
omorr
owIwantt
o
seey
oui
nmyof f
ice,
weneedtotal
k!
Me:
IfImayaskwh.
..
..
.
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
row!
Hedi
dn'
tl
etmef
ini
sh,Hehungup
Me:
Hesoundsangr
y..
..
..
.?:
'
(
Whati
fLondekat ol
dhim whatIsaid?Iam i
nso
muchtr
ouble.IhaveNombonisot oworryabout
andmyjobisont heli
neandIjustputtheman
ofmydreamsinsomucht r
oubleohmyGod
Me:
Thobeka:
Whati
fyouar
eget
ti
ngf
ir
ed?
Me:Ihav
ethr
eechi
l
drent
ofeed,
Ican'
tl
osemy
j
ob!
?
Thobeka: :
'
(

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t42

.
.
~MrXaba~
Idon'
tknowwhatgoti
ntome.Fefekazi
was
hel
pingi
nmyhousewhilemywifewasi n
Cofi
mv abat akingcar eofhermot her.Shewas
i
nhospi talforthewhol efesti
veseason.I
messedupwi t
ht hatcrazywoman.Iwasl onel
y.
Sheknewi twaswr ong,Idon'
tknowwhyshe
can'
tmov eonandf orgetit
,aft
erallshe
betr
ayedherboss.whyi ssheofgoingar ound
acti
nglikeacr azybabymama.Idon' thaveno
chi
ldwithher .Wej usthadf un.Shewas
warmingmywi febedwhi lemywi fewasaway .
AnywayIsawt henur secoming
Me:
Nur
seZembe!:
D
Shet
urnedar
ound.Shel
ookedatme
Nur
se:Youdon'
thavet
obesoformal
youknow?
Wearecousi
nsaft
eral
lri
ght
?:D
Me:
Howi
sshe?:
)
Nurse:
Sheisstabl
e.Butshehastosl
eepher
e,
Wewi l
ldi
schar
gehertomorrow,y
oucango
home:)
Me:
CanIseeher
?
Her
:Shei
sheavi
l
ysedated,
ify
ouwantt
ospeak
t
ohersl
eepi
ngsuref
oll
owme
Shewal
kedaway
,wi
thherheel
smaki
ngnoi
se
Me:No!Idon'
twantt
oseeher
,thi
sisabout
wha.
..
..
..
..
Shedi
dn'
tl
etmef
ini
sh
Her:
Whathappenedear
li
erwi
thy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?
:(
Me:
She'
snotmyg.
..
..
Her:NotyourGir
lf
ri
end!
?Whati
sshet
hen.
..
..
yourSexpart
ner?:(
Iputmyhandi
nmypocket
s,Il
ookeddown
Her:Wel
ldon'
tworr
y.Iwon'
tsayanyt
hingtomy
cousi
n.NowIhaveapati
enttoat
tendto:)
Il
ookedather
,shewon'
tsayany
thi
ng?
Me:
ThankYou!Thanky
ou:
D
Shesmi
l
edt
henopenedt
hedoor
.Shewal
kedi
n
andcl
osedi
t.It
urnedar
oundandl
ookedatt
he
exi
tdoor
Me:
:)

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Iam waiti
ngf orXil
ongotobr ingthephone.I
don'tknowwhati skeepinghi m.Heshoul dbe
hereIam tir
edofsi t
ti
ngout sidewhi l
eother
womenar einsidesitt
ing.Ineedt ogoj oi
nthem
andcr ywit
hev ery
one.Nozazi wasagood
woman.Shedi dn'
tdeservetodi e.Iwishmy
tearscoul
dcomeoutbutno, Ihav eacoldheart.
Iam notanemot i
onalperson.Thi sistheti
meI
shouldbecryingandact i
ngl i
keIam hur tso
thatpeoplewon'tbeli
eveLithakazi i
fithappens
thatsheremember sev er
ything.Ijusthopeshe
won'tremembernot hing.
Any
wayIsawXi
l
ongocomi
ng.Imethi
m hal
f
way
Me:
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong!:
(
Xi
l
ongo:
Isol
dthephone:
D
Me:
Youdi
dwhat
?:(
Hi
m:Rel
ax:
D
Het
ooki
tout
Hi
m:Iwentt
otakei
t:)
Me:Youmeanyoutookoutakni
feand
snat
chedi
tfr
om t
heperson?:
)
Xil
ongo:That
'st
heonl
ylanguagepeopl
e
underst
and:D
Ishookmyheadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef
Me:ThankGodyougoti
tback!Remember
,thi
s
st
aysbetweenus!:
(
Hi
m:Okaymi
str
ess
Me:
:)
Hewal
kedaway
.Il
ookedatt
hisphone
Me:Dammit!I
thasapasswor
d!Iguessshe
won'
tgeti
tthen:
(
May
beIshoul
dguessherpasswor
d.It
ri
edher
mot
her
'sname
Me:
dammi
twr
ong:
(
It
ri
edhername,
sti
l
lwr
ong.l
etmet
ry
Qaqambi
le
Me:Unbel
i
evabl
e!Thi
sli
tt
lebi
tchi
sobsessed
wi
thmyson:(
Itwor
ked.Iwentt
hroughherf
il
es.Il
i
stenedt
o
ever
ythi
ng
Me:
Her
eyouar
e
Il
ist
enedtoit
.Therei
snowayIwasgonnaget
awaywiththi
s.Iwasl
ist
eni
ng.If
eltt
ear
s
st
ream downmycheeks
Me:
:'
(
Iwipedmyt
ear
sfast
.Il
ookedatNozazi
'
s
house
Me:
Iam notsor
ryIdi
dit

.
.
~El
l
en~
Iwalkedoutofmyhouse.I tsmell
ssobad.Iso
wishwhenIcomebackt heyaregone.Ican't
standthatsmell.Shel
ookedli
keaneatgirl.She
i
st oocomf or
tableinmyhousenow, shecan
comei nandoutsmel l
ingl
ikethat
?Igott omy
husband'soff
ice.
Me:
Honeywehav
etot
alk!:
(
Hewasl
ooki
ngathi
scomput
er.Hel
ookedup
Hi
m:What
'sgoi
ngonhoney
?:)
Isatdown
Me:Ihat
ewhatIam aboutt
odo,
buti
thast
o
bedone.
..
.:(
Hi
m:Whati
sithoney
?
Me:Thatgi
rly
ourecommend, Nomandl
aisnot
f
ittobeinmyhouse,especi
all
yinmykit
chen!
:(
Hi
m:Why
?Shei
sani
ceneatgi
rl:
D
Me:Didyouseehert oday?Ialmostthrewup!
Thesmell.Shesmellsreal
lybad.Ican'
thave
someonewhodon' tbathinmyhouse! .Idon'
t
wantyoutogetsick.Thatisourspace!Our
home!:(
hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
Hi
m:Whatdoy
ousuggestwedo?Fi
reher
?
Ist
oodup.Iwal
kedar
oundt
heof
fi
ce
Me: Idon'
tknowmaybeweshoul
dfi
ndhera
spacesomewhere.Maybecl
eant
heyar
d?:(
Hi
m:Baby
?Ay
oungper
soncl
eani
ng?Youknow
wegivet
hatj
obt
ool
derwomen.Let
'
sjustf
ir
e
her:
)
Me: That'
sharshbaby.Howwi l
litellherthat
?I
am scared,sheissuchasweetgi r
l.Tell
ingher
shehasnoj obany more?Idon'
tthinkIcando
that:'
(
Hi
m:Andwoul
dyoubeablet
olookather
ev
ery
daypi
cki
ngupwast
eoutsi
de?:)
Il
ookedaway
Me:
ohGod!Ican'
thav
eheri
nmyhouse

If
elthi
m hugmef
rom behi
nd
Him:That
'swhyIthi
nkweshouldj
ustf
ir
eher
andsaywedon'tneedanot
hermai
danymore:
)
Me:
OhIf
eel
sor
ryf
orher:
'
(
Hi
m:Yout
hinkshei
snotr
ightf
ort
hatj
obr
ight
?
:)
Me:
She'
snot
!:(
Him:Thenl
et'
scal
lherandaskhert
ocome
here:
)
Me:No!Cal
lherwhensheishome!Idon'
twant
hert
osuff
ocateuswit
hthatsmel
l:(
Isatdown
Hi
m:Okay:
D

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iheardevery
thi
ngEl l
ensaid,thi
swomanhas
beenactingl
ikeasaintallal
ong.Idi
dn'
tknow
shecouldtal
kdirtaboutotherpeopl
e.Icar
ry
my sel
fli
keasainttoo.Peopledon'
tknowIam
sl
eepingwithaboss.Peopl ewhoarealways
l
ookingdownandinnocentdoshocki
ngthings
andIam thet
est
imonyoft hat
.Myboss'chil
dis
growingi
nmystomach, Iam abadper
son.
Any
wayIwal
kedoutoft
hebat
hroom
Londeka:
fri
endwe.
..
.
Me:
Ihear
dev
ery
thi
ngshesai
d,l
et'
sgo:
(
Londeka:
Iam sosor
ryf
ri
end
me:
Thanky
ouf
orwhaty
oudi
dear
li
er:
)
Her:
Youarewel
comefri
end.Let
'
sgo,
Qaqambi
l
eiswait
ingf
orus,hecamewit
hacar
:D
Me:
uhuhgi
rl
.Iam t
aki
ngat
axi
:(
Londeka:
Don'
tbesi
l
ly.It
oldhi
m Iwi
l
lcome
wit
hy ou:
)
Me:
Fri
end:
(
Her
:Pl
ease:
)
Me:
Fine:
)
Wewal kedout.WesawEl
l
encomi
ngoutoft
he
super
mar ket
Me:
Thener
veont
hatwhi
tewoman:
(
Londeka:
Isthi
sempl
oyeet
alki
ngort
he
gi
rl
fri
end?:)
Me:
Abi
tofbot
h:'
(:(
Shel
aughed.El
l
encamet
ous.
El
l
en:
Ladi
es:
D
Thi
sbi
tch!Shei
sgoi
ngt
oactal
lcool
now?
Londeka:
MrsLawson:
D
Me:
:(
El
l
en:
Iwentpassher
El
l
en:
Londeka!Shehear
dmedi
dn'
tshe?
Londeka:
unf
ort
unat
elyshedi
dMr
sLawson
El
l
en:
OhMyGodNomandl
a!!
Iheardhercal
l
ingmynamer
unni
ngbehi
ndme.
Itur
nedaround
Me:
:(
El
l
en:
Dear
,Iam so.
..
..
.
Me:
Youcant
akey
ourj
obandshov
eit
,Iqui
t!
!!

El
l
en:
Dar
li
ng?
Me:
Dar
li
ngMmhmm?:
(
Ishookmyheadwal kingaway.Idon' tknow
whyIam ov err
eacti
ng.Ismel lsex.Isl
eptwit
h
herhusband.Ishouldbeashamed.Iguessmy
hormonesar eskyhigh.May bethisisthe
perf
ectwayt oleavehere.IheardLondekarun
behindme.Iwai t
edforher
Londeka:
Youj
ustqui
tyourj
obNomandl
a!:
'
(
Me:
Idi
d!Shei
sget
ti
ngonmyl
astner
ve:
(
Londeka:
NowIwi
l
lhav
etobewi
thast
ranger:
'
(
Me:
Iam sor
ryf
ri
end:
(
IseesheissadthatIqui
t.Iwasl
eav
ingany
way
butIam notgonnatel
lher.
Londeka:
Let
'sgot
othecar:
'
(
Wewentt othecar.Iopenedthebackdoor.
Londekatookthefrontseat
.Qaqambil
elooked
atMet hr
oughrearv i
ewmi r
ror
Hi
m:Hi
Me:
hi:
(
Hel
ookedatLondeka
Hi
m:I
ssheokay
?
Londeka:
Busyday:
)
Qaqambi
l
e:Wow

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Ijustarri
vedi nmyhouse.Il eftt
hatcellphone
there.Ihopeshewi llseeitwhenshecomes
back.Idelet edtheaudi o.Theyhav enothingon
me, SHEhasnot hingonme, hermot herisno
mor e.Ican'tbeli
ev eNozazi isgone.Shedi d
thistohersel f
.Thingsdi dn'thavet oendlike
this.Shedeci dedtopl aydirty,shesuf f
eredt he
consequences.That '
showl i
feis.Iam wai t
ing
formypuni shmentf orkill
ingher .Shegother s
forkill
i
ngt hepeopl esheki lledinthepastwi th
herst r
ongpoi son.Thedooropened.Qaqambi le
andLondekawal kedin.Ist oodup
Me:
Mychi
l
dren:
D
Londeka:
:(
Me:Iknowy ouknowwhathappened.Iam sor
ry.
YesIadmi t
,Iwantedy
ougone.Iwantedtodo
ever
ythingIcoul
dtodothatbutGoddidn'
t
appr
ov e.Pl
easebabyfor
giv
eme.From nowon
Iwi
llt
rytogett
oknowyou.Maybet
her
eis
somethi
ngImightl
i
keabouty
ou:D
Londeka:
Whati
sthat
?Money
?Wel
lIdon'
thav
e
money!:(
Me:
Idon'
tl
ovemoney:
D
Her
:Youlov
edmebecausey outhoughtIwas
t
hei
rdaught
er.Onlymoneywi l
lmakey oul
ike
meandIdon'thav
eit.That
'swhy..
..
..:
'
(
Shesatdown
Londeka:That'
swhyIt hi
nkyouwi l
lhatemef or
therestofmylif
e.Theonl yt
hingIshoulddoi s
j
ustbecar ef
ulandstayawayf rom y
ourf ood,
waterandnotforget
tingthecoffeethatkil
led
thedog:(
Me:
:'
(
Londeka:
Ilov
ey ourson,
Ijustsuggesty
oust
ay
outofmyway ,Iwi
llst
ayawayf r
om you:(
Me:
Itdoesn'
thav
etobel
i
ket
hat
.Ipr
omi
se.I
wi
l
lbeabet
t.
..
..
.:'
(
"famil
y!"Iqui
ckl
ywipedmyt
ear
s.Thati
smy
husbandcomingin
Me:
Tak'
aQaqi:
D
Hel
ookedatmesmi
l
ing
Him:Iseey
ouareall
good,whenarey
ou
namingmybeaut
if
uldaught
erinl
aw?She
needsname:D
Me:
Howaboutwecal
lher"Nongant
o?":
D
Qaqambi
l
e:
Londeka:
Excuseme!
?:(
Me:
It'
sani
cename!Don'
tyout
hinkguy
s?:
D
Londeka:
IknowIhav
enot
hingbutcal
l
ingme
that
?
Qaqambi
l
e:Mom,
Idontl
i
kei
ttoo:
(
Sanuse:
Apol
ogi
seToy
ourdaught
er
Nomboniso:
(
Me:
I..
..
.:)
myphoner
ang
Me:
Excuseme,
Ihav
etot
aket
his:
D
Iansweredlooki
ngawaywit
hasmil
einmy
face.Nongantoi
saperf
ectnamef
orthi
sli
tt
le
slut
Me:
Hel
l
o:D
Itur
nedaround,Il
ookedatev
ery
one.I
t'
smy
cousinsi
stercal
li
ng
Cuz:
Whoi
sFef
ekazi
?
Me:Howdoy ouknowher?She'
sasweetpour
womanfrom t
hisvi
ll
age,
Ilef
therher
einmy
housewhenmom washospital
i
sedwhy?:
D
Sanuse:
Sanusequi
ckl
ywentt
othebedr
oom
Cuz:
Shewassl
eepi
ngwi
thSbar
i(Br
otheri
n
l
aw!)
Me:Repeatwhaty
ouj
ustsai
dNozi
qhephey
i?
:(
Her:Theent i
ref
esti
veseasonshewassl eepi
ng
wit
hy ourhusbandmzal a!Iwal
kedinonher
confr
ontingSanuse,apparent
lyyourwhor
ing
husbandi snott
alki
ngtoheranymor e
Me:
Wewi
l
ltal
klat
erNozi
qhephey
i
It
hrewmyphoneont
hecouch
Qaqambi
l
e:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokaymo.
..
Me:
Tal
ktot
hehand!
Wher ewashewhenhi sfat
herwassleepi
ng
wit
ht hati
ll
it
erat
ebit
ch!Iwalkedt
othe
bedroom .Iopenedt
hedoor
Sanuse:
Answer
!Answerdammi
t!:
(
Me:
Try
ingt
ocal
lyourt
rash?
Het
urnedar
oundf
ast
Hi
m:Baby:
D
Me:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
.
I
nser
t43

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Soherantomybedr oom t
ogivehi
sbit
ch
handsup.Iam sogonnaki
llt
hatwomanoh
hel
pmeGod.Ihav ebeenplayedmyhusband
andmymai d.Myhusbandactsl i
kea
responsiblefaithf
ulman!Idi
dn'texpectt
his
from him.Whoknowshowmanywomenhe
sleptwithinBl eom?Heisuseless!Heisnever
gonnast andi nmyhouseandgi veordersli
ke
hei sanythingbettert
hanme!Hei sabastard
Me:
Arey
oucal
l
ingy
ourbi
tchSanuse?:
(
Him:No,Iwascal
l
ingt
oaskhowLi
thakazi
doi
n..
..
Isnatchedt
hephoneoutofhi
shand.Il
ooked
atit
Me:
Fef
ekazi
isanur
senow?:
(
Hi
m:Babyl
et'
ssi
tdownandt
alkaboutt
his!
Iwal
kedoutwi
thhi
sphone
Hi
m:Babypl
ease!
Qaqambi
l
e:Whati
sgoi
ngonmama?
Me:Asky
ourfather
!Youwereher
ewhenhe
st
abbedmeintheback!:
'(:
(
Londeka:
Qaqambi
l
e:St
abbedy
oui
nthebackhow?
Me:Fefekazi
!Hewassl
eepi
ngwi
thheri
nmy
house!
!!:
'(
Qaqambi
l
elookedathi
sdad
Qaqambi
l
e:December
?
Sanuse:
Not
hinghappenedson:
(
Me:Heisl
ying!Every
thi
nghappenedthewhol
e
December
!!
!Every
t hi
nghappened!
!!
!:'
(
Hel
ookeddown
Me:Shei
sgoi
ngt
opay
.Iam goi
ngt
oherhou.
..
..
:(
Qaqambi
l
e:MamaIt
hin.
..
.
Iwentt
oQaqambi
l
e'sf
ace.
Me:
Yout
hinknot
hing!Iam goi
ngt
her
enow!
!!:
(
Qaqambi
l
e:
Me:
Ther
e'snot
hingy
ou!
!!
!
Il
ookedathi
sfat
her
Me:
Yourf
ather
!!
!!
Il
ookedatLondeka
Me:
OrNongant
ocandot
ost
opme!
!
Londeka:
Iam notNongant
o!:
'
(
Me:Youar
et i
l
lheget
syouabet
ternameorwe
shoul
dcal
lyouFef
ekazi
howi
sthatSanuse?:
(
Hi
m::
(
Iwal
kedout
Me:

.
.
~El
l
en~
Ihav
enev
erbeendi
srespect
edbymyempl
oyee
thewayNomandl ajustdid.Thi
sinnocentli
ttl
e
chil
dstanduptomeandt ol
dmet oshov ethe
j
ob?Wher edidshegett henerv
et ospeakt ome
l
ikethat?Af
tertheylef
t,Ihadtogobackt omy
husbandandaskaboutherbehav i
our.Iknow
whatIsaidaboutherwashor ri
blebutwast hat
ali
e?No!Shedi dsmell
Baby:Honey
,It
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
othe
house?:)
Me:
Ijustgotdi
srespect
edbyNomandl
a,what
i
swrongwithher?:(
Hest
oodup
Hi
m:Whathappened?
Isatdowni
nfr
ontofhi
stabl
e
Me: Iki
ndoftal
kedt oLondyabouthersmel
l.I
t
tur
nsoutshewasl isteni
ng.Iwastr
yingt
o
apologi
setoherforgossipi
ngtoLondyabout
her,
shewassodi srespectf
ulbaby:
'(
Hi
m:Whatdi
dshesaybaby
?
Me:"Takeyourj
obandshov
eit,
Iqui
t"t
hat
'
s
whatshesaid:'
(
Hi
m:That
'sunl
i
keher
!:(
Ist
oodup.
Me:
Arey
ousay
ingIam l
yi
ng?:
'
(:(
Hi
m: nobaby,whatIam sayi
ngis,
shel
ooksso
i
nnocentandshy.I
t'
sunlikeher
Me:
Iwasassur
pri
sed:
'
(
Hecamet
ome.Hehuggedme
Me:Youshoul
d'v
eseent
hef
ir
einherey
es.I
t
wasful
lofhat
e
Him:
Ssshhh,
wewer egonnaf
ir
eherany
way
.
Shemadeourjobeasy:
(
Ibr
oket
hehug
Me:
Yeah,
youar
eri
ght:
'
(
Hi
m:Don'
tcr
y,y
ouar
eagr
eatper
sonbaby
.You
di
dn'tmeant
ohur
therwheny
out
alkedt
o
Londeka:
)
Me:Ididn'
tbutIunderst
andwhereshei s
comingfrom.Ij
ustdidn'
texpecthersudden
behavi
our:(.
Iwal
kedar
oundt
her
oom .Il
ookedathi
m
Me:I
twasli
keshewaswai
ti
ngf
ort
hatmoment
si
nceshegother
e:'
(
Him:
Hahahababyy ouar
ebehi
ndpar
anoi
d
nowdon'
tyout
hink?:
D
Me:She'
sbeenati
cki
ngt
imebombt
hewas
r
eadytoexpl
odeandi
tdi
d:'
(
Iwasbr
eat
hingheav
il
ycr
ying
Hi
m:Babyy
ouar
epar
anoi
d.Justf
orgett
hatgi
rl
!
:(
Me:
May
beIam.
..
..
..?
Hi
m:
.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Ij
ustarr
ivedathome.Isawmom t
aki
ngher
bl
anketgoingoutoft
heroom.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngmom?:
D
Mom:
BabyNozazi
isnomor
e:'
(
Me:
No?
Mom:
Yesbaby
,If
ou.
..
Me:
mom!No
Mom: Shedi
edinherdaught
ersar
ms.Nobody
knowswhathappened:'
(
Me:
Ohmygod,
wher
eisLi
thakazi
now?:
'
(
Mom: Whenshef
oundoutshewasdead,
she
f
aint
ed,shewastakent
othehospi
tal
.
Me:
Shame
Mom:Letmego.Iwi
l
lsl
eept
her
ewi
thot
her
women
Me:
Okaymama:
)
Shewal
kedaway
.Il
ookedatmycousi
n
Me:
Heyboy:
)
Hi
m:Hi
:D
Me:
Idi
dn'
tbr
i.
..
Myphoner
ang.Itookitout
.Il
ookedatcal
l
eri
d.
I
t'
sMrLawson.Iwalkedoutanswer
ing
Me:
Hel
l
o:)
Hi
m:Ar
eyoucr
azy
?
Me:
Excuseme?
Hi
m:Howcany
oudi
srespectmywi
fel
i
ket
hat
?
Heisangr
y.Icoul
dhear,hewasbreat
hing
heav
il
yandtrembl
ing.Idon'
thav
etimeforthi
s.
Hi
m:Youact
edl
i
keaj
eal
ousgi
rl
fr
iend!
Me:
Ain'
tI?:
(
Him:Youaresleepi
ngwit
hamar
ri
edman!You
shoul
drespectmywi f
e!
Me:
Soi
t'
sokayf
orhert
omakef
unofme?:
(
Hi
m:Iam notsay
ingi
tis.
..
Il
ookedar
ound
Me:Whatar
eyousay i
ng?Iaskedyoutostop
aski
ngf
orsexinyourhouse,y
oudidn'
tli
sten.
Yourwi
fesmel
tthesexshecalledmeclumsy
andnowyoucall
met odefendher?:'
(
Hi
m:Pl
easecal
m down
Me:Don'taskmet ocal
m down!Youknowwhat ?
Iam ti
redofthis!Maybeabort
ingt
hisbabyi
s
thebestdecisi
on!Youandy ouwif
earegett
ing
onmyl astnerve!:
(
Hi
m:What
..
..
.!
?
Ihungup.Isatdown.
Me:
Hecal
ledmeagain.Idecl
inedhecall
edagai
n.I
i
gnor
edthephone.Istoodup,Iwenttomy
r
oom.Ithr
ewmy selfonmybed.Odwawal ked
i
n
Hi
m:Mamasai
dyouwi
l
lcook
Il
ookedathi
m.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s
Me:
Youar
ehungr
y?:
):'
)
Henoddedhi
sheady
es
It
ookR50r
andsf
rom myhandbag
Me:
Gobuysouppack.Iam goi
ngt
ocookpap
Hi
m:Okay:
D
Heranout.Ir
ecei
vedamessagenot
if
icat
ion.I
openedt
hemessage
Text
*"Pleasedon'
tki
l
lmybaby.Iam sor
ry
babypl
easeforgi
veme.Don'
tcal
l,
Iam wit
h
El
l
en.Justdon'
tdoi
tokay
?"
It
hrewmyphoneaway
Me:
Mxm

.
.
~Fef
ekazi
~
Iam busycooki
nginmyRDPhouse.Isawmy
sonruntomewi t
hmyphone.
Me:
Whoi
sit
?:)
Thephonestoppedr
ingi
ng.It
ooki
t.Il
ookedat
themissedcal
l.
Me:Dammitboy!I
t'
sav
eryi
mpor
tantcal
l
,why
di
dn'
tyouanswer?:
(
Him:Mom y
ousai
dIshoul
dnev
eranswery
our
phone
Me:
Boyy
oudon'
tunder
stand!
!!
!:(
Isnapped.Helookedscar
ed.It
ookbot
hhi
s
hand,wesatdown
Hi
m::
'
(
Me:
Iam sor
rybabyi
t'
sjust
..
..
..:
)
Iwi
pedhi
stear
s
Me:Thatt
hephonecal
lwasi
mpor
tantt
omom
okay
?:)
Hi
m:HowdoIknowwheni
tisi
mpor
tantmama?
:'
(
Me:
Ohmybaby:
'
(
Ihuggedhi
m.Ibr
oket
hehug
Me:From nowon,
youanswermama'
sphone
okay
?:D
Hi
m:Okay:
)
Ist
oodup.ItwasSanusecall
ing.Iknewhe
wouldcometohissenses.Whatwehadi n
Decemberwasspecial
.Ineedtogot el
l
Thobekaaboutt
hisgoodnews.
Me:Boy,
lookaf
tery
oursi
ster
s,Iwi
l
lber
ight
back:
)
Hi
m:Okaymama:
)
Iwenttothedoor.Ican'
twaittoBragto
Thobeka.Mymani sgivi
ngmeat tenti
on.I
openedthedoor.Itookonestepout.Ohmy
God
Me:
Miss
Nomboni
so:
Me:
:'
(

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong
.
I
nser
t44

.
.
~Londeka~
Wowt hewomanoft hehousei sonf irethis
afternoon.Ipr aysheget sabeati
ngwher ever
shei sgoing.Mymot herinlawisv ery
disrespectful.Nowonderhermansl eptwi thher
mai d.Itservesherr i
ght.If
eelbadf ormyf ather
i
nl awt hough.Thi swomani scrazy .Shewi ll
fi
ghtwi thhimt heenti
reweekaboutt his.She
l
ef tusallshocked.Iwonderwher ei sshegoi ng.
Iturnedar ound, Il
ookedatmyhusband
Me:
Wow,
isshegoi
ngt
othel
ady
?
Qaqambi
l
elookedathi
sfat
her
Qaqambi
l
e:
Fat
heri
nlawwal
kedt
othebedr
oom
Qaqambi
l
e:Dady
ouwon'
tfol
l
owmom?
Father
:Idon'
twantt
oinv
olv
emy
sel
finwomen
drama:(
Heopenedt
hedoorandwal
kedi
n
Me:Wow!Thingshav
eal
way
sbeenl
i
ket
hisi
n
t
hishouse?:
D
Qaqambi
le:Mom isalway sliket
hisbutt
his
t
imeIdon'tblameher,shef eel
sdisr
espect
ed.I
meanwhosl eepswit
ht heirmaid?:(
Me:
Ilookedaway .Iam amai dtoo.Hebet terthi
nk
twicebeforesay i
ngnastythingsaboutus.And
anotherthi
ngt hatmakesmef eelgui
lt
yis
becausemyf riendi sdoi
ngthesamet hingthat
Fefekaziwomandi d.Sothi
sj usthit
shomebutI
can'ttel
lQaqambi le.Ipr
omisedNomandl ato
keept hi
sasecr et.AndIint
endt odoso.Ifelt
Qaqambi
l
etouchmyback.It
urnedar
ound
Me:
:D:
'
(
Him: Nooffencebaby ,
Iknowyouareamaid
too,anyempl oyeeinanydepar
tmenti
snot
all
owedt odat ethei
rboss:
)
Me:
Youar
eri
ght:
)
Hehuggedme.Ibr
oket
hehug
Me:
Looksl
i
kepeopl
ewer
eeat
ingher
e:)
Qaqambi l
e:I
twasmom andLi thakazi
'
smother
.
Ilef
tthem aboutt
oeat.Lastt
imeIchecked,
theyhatedeachother
,todayt
heywer ebest
fri
ends: )
Me:
Yourmom i
swei
rd:
D
Hi
m:Iknowr
ight:
D
Me:Letmegot
oNomandl
a'
shouse.Iwi
l
lbe
back:
D
Qaqambi
l
e:Okaybabe
Iwalkedout
.El
l
enchasedusawaybef or
eI
coul
dmakesomet hingtoeat
.Iam hungry.I
headedtoNomandla'shome.Iar
ri
ved.I
knockedatt
hedoor.Sheopenedthedoor.
Nomandl
a:Youcame!:
D
Me:
Yesandi
tlooksl
i
kemyt
imi
ngi
sper
fect:
D
Nomandl
a:Si
tdown.,
Icookedpapandchi
cken
:D
Me:
Iam hungr
ygi
rl
!:D
Isatdown.Shewentt othet
able.Il
ooked
around.Theydon'thav
ealotbuttheroom i
s
spotl
ess.It
'sver
yneat.

.
.
~Fef
ekazi
~
Nomboni
so:
Me:
Miss:
'
(
Thi
sisnotaf ri
endlyvisi
t.Ihavetoclosemy
doorbeforet
hiswomanhumi l
iat
emei nfr
ontof
mykids.Iatt
empt edtoclosethedoor .She
ki
ckedit,t
hedoorhi tmyf ace,
Ifell
onmyback
Me:
Ouch:
'
(
Myson:
Mama!
!!
Me:
Wecant
alkaboutt
his! :
'
(
Nomboniso:
Youthi
nkIhav
etimetotal
kwith
l
awclasspoorwomenli
keyourwhor
ingsel
f!
!!

Sheki
ckedmyst
omach
Me:
Ouch
Shegrabbedmybroom.Shebrokeiti
ntotwo
wit
hherknee.Thenst
art
edhit
tingmewi t
hit
.
Shehadnomer cyonmybodywi t
hthesti
ck
Me:
Yhu!Yhu!Yhu!Yhu!
Son:
Mama!St
opMi
ssXaba!
Il
i
ftedmyl
egsup,
shehi
tmyankl
es
Me:
Yoh!Yoh!
Ihearddrawer
s,spoonsandkniv
esmaking
noise.IsawNombonisolooki
ngatmyson
Boy
:St
ophi
tt
ingmymama :
'
(
Hesai
drunni
ngtoherwi
thakni
fe.Isaw
Nomboni
sorunni
ngout
Nomboni
so:
Me:
Lethergoboy
!!
!:'
(
Hest
oppedr
unni
ng,
het
urnedar
ound
Hi
m:
Me:
Iam sor
rymyboy:
'
(

.
.
~Nur
seZembe~
Iam sti
ll
hereattheclini
c.Iam inar oom with
thi
slit
tl
egirl
.Sheissti
llout.Ihopeitworked.I
hopeshef or
goteveryt
hingt hathappened
betweenhermot herandmycousi nsist
er.Iwas
pacingupanddown.Thedooropened
Nurse:
Nur seZembeyourshi
fti
sov
er,
whatar
e
yousti
lldoingher
e?:
D
Idi
dn'
tl
ookather
,inst
eadIt
urnedar
oundand
l
ookedatt
hepati
ent
Me:Your
emembermycousi
n'
shusbandr
ight
?
:'
(
Isai
dwithmylef
thandonmychi
nshowi
ng
concer
nfort
hepoorgi
rl
Her
:MrSanuseXaba?
Inoddedmyheady
est
ear
sfal
l
ingdown
Me:
Mybr ot
herinlawBroughtt
hisgir
lher
e.He
i
sworr
iedabouther.Hewantsmet okeepan
ey
eonher
shebr
ushedmyback
Her
:Ohsi
ster:
'
(
Me:
Shel
osthermot
hert
hisaf
ter
noon
Ibr
okedown,
shet
ookherhandsof
fme
Her:
Letmeleav
eyou,
pleaseletmeknowwhen
youwantt
ogohomeokay ?:
)
Me:
Thanky
ousi
ster:
'
(
Shenoddedherheady es.Thenwal
kedout
.She
closedt
hedoor.Iwentdownonmyknees,Ihit
thebedhar
dwithmybot hhands
Me:Youbet
terwakeupr
emember
ingnot
hing!
!!
!
:'
(
Iwasbreathi
ngheavi
ly
.Myphoner ang.Ist
ood
up.Ibr
eathinandoutthenanswer
ed
Me:
Sanuse:
(
Hi
m:Youpr
omi
sedt
okeepy
ourmout
hshut
!!
!
Il
ookedatt
hepat
ient
.Thenwi
pedmyt
ear
s
Me:Pr
omi
sesar
emeantt
obebr
okenr
ight
?
:(:
'
(
Sanuse:Soy
oumeanIcant
ell
heraboutour
ni
ghttoo?
Iswal
l
owedhar
d
Me:
Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e!:
'
(
Sanuse:
whynot
?
Me:
Becauseshewi
l
lleav
eyou:
'
(
Hi
m:Wewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
!..
.(t
utut
u)
Hehunguponme.Ohmygod.Ipul ledachai
r.I
satdown.Iwasbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.Idial
l
edhis
number.
Me:
:'
(
Heanswer
ed
Sanuse:
Whatdoy
ouwant
!?
Me:
Iam sor
ry
Ist
oodup.
Me:
Iam sor
ryokay
!!Iam sor
ry
Sanuse:
Yourcr
azysi
sterwentt
obeatupt
hat
woman!
Me:
Iam sor
ry
"Ndi
phi
?Ndiphi
?Kuphiapha?"sai
dav
oice
behi
ndme.Itur
nedar
ound
Me:
Sanuse:
IsThatLi
thakazi
?
Me:
Iwi
l
lhav
etocal
lyouback:
(
Sanuse:
Isi
the.
..
.
Ihungup
Me:
Hidar
li
ng:
D:'
(
Li
thakazi
:Wher
eam I
?Whathappenedt
ome?
:'
(
Me:
Youdon'
trememberany
thi
ng?
Li
thakazi
::
'(
Isawatearescapeherey
e.Ohboyshe
rememberssomethi
ng
Me:
Tal
kdammi
t!
!:(
Li
thakazi
:Iam st
il
lthi
nki
ng!Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sbl
ank!

Ismi
l
ed,Ir
ant
oher
,Ihuggedher
Me:Iam sorr
yforsnappi
ng.Youwi
l
lbef
ine
babygi
rlokay?:)
Li
thakazi
:

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iam st
il
latNomandl
a'
shome.Iwaswashi
ng
t
hedishesforher.Wewer ejusthav
inga
r
andom conversati
on.Ihaven'
tseenhermot
her
.
Me:
Wher
eisy
ourmot
her
?:D
Shest
oodup
Nomandl
a:Oh,mom isatLi
thakazi
'
shome.She
i
sgoi
ngtosleepther
e.Whathappenedt
o
MamaNozaziissad:(
Iputdownt
hepl
ate
Me:
Whathappenedt
oher
?
Nomandla:
Todayshewasatwor kwit
hmom
andShewasfi
ne.Thisaft
ernoonshedi
ed.No
oneknowswhathappenedtoher:(
Iputmyhandont
het
abl
e,wi
thmyot
herhand
onmymout h
Me:
Nomandl
a:Londywhyar
eyoubr
eat
hingl
i
ke
t
hat?di
dyouknowNozazi?
Itookacup,
Ipour
edmy
sel
fagl
assofwat
er.I
gulpedi
t.
Nomandl
a:
Itookoutmyphone.Idi
all
edQaqambi
l
e's
phonenumber.Iputi
tonspeaker
Qaqambi
l
e:Baby
?
Me:Thewomanwhohadl unchwi
thy
ourmom
t
hisaft
ernooni
sNozazi
?:'(
Nomandl
a::
'
(
Qaqambi
l
e:Yeswhat
'sup?
Nomandl
a: :
'
(
Me:
BabyShei
sdead
Qaqambi
l
e:Babyar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?
Me:Nomandla'
smot
herissl
eepi
ngov
erat
Nozazi
houseaswespeak
Qaqambi
l
e:Dammi
t!Sheki
l
ledherdi
dn'
tshe?
Me:
:'
(
Nomandl
a:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t45

.
.
~Thobeka~
Idon'tl
iv
efarawayfrom Fef
ekazi
'
shouse.I
heardtheshout
ing.WhenIwalkedoutofmy
house.IsawMrsXabar unni
ngaway.Myfri
end
i
sacowar d,
howdi dshemaket hatwomanrun
l
ikethat?Ihavetogettoherhouseandask.
Earl
iershewasscar ed,nowthewomansee
fear
edi sr
unningoutofherhousescared?Thi
s
Ihavetofindout.Ihavetoknowwhat
happened.Igottoherhouse.Iknockedatt
he
doorthenopened.
Me:
Icameasf
astasIcan,
whati
sgoi
ngon?

Fef
ekazi
::
'(
Shewasl ooki
ngatherarmsthathardred
marks.Herlegstoohardredmarks.Thi
s
womanr eall
ybeatherbutIam noti
nter
estedi
n
that
.WhatIwantt oknowishowdi dshe
managet omakeherr unf
orherli
fe.
Me:
Iam sor
ryf
ri
end
Fef
ekazi
:Ifi
twasn'
tformyson.Iwoul
dbedead!
Me:
Got
other
oom boy:
)
Hewentt
other
oom.Il
ookedatmyf
ri
end.Isat
down
Me:
Whatdi
dyoursondo?
Fef
ekazi:
Thatwomani sevi
l.Shewasbeat
ing
meupi nfrontofmychi
ld.
..
..
Me:
Iam sor
ryFef
e
Her
:Mysonaskedhert
ost
opshedi
dn'
t!
..
..
..
Shelookedatme, sheiscryingsohar d.Ifeel
real
lybadev enthoughIf eelli
keshedeser vedi
t,
Itol
dhert oletthisgo.Fefekazi i
sv erystubborn.
Shewascar ryingonl i
keSanusewasasi ngle
manwhoi sav ai
labl
etobewi thany onehe
wants.Thatmanhasaf amily!Hei smar ried.To
arespectedwomani nthev il
lage.Youknow
hereinVil
lages.Ifyouhav eeducat ionwe
worshipyoul i
keay ou'r
ear oy alt
y,that'
show
peopletr
eatNomboni so.Wher edidshegett he
ner
vet
osl
eepwi
thherman?
Fefekazi:Mysontookakni
fe.Her
ant
oher
,
thatwitchranout
Me:Iam gladyoursonwashere!Whodoesshe
t
hinksheis?Comingtoyourhouseandassaul
t
you?:
(
Shest
oodup
Fefekazi
:fri
endyouar
eright
!Ishoul
dhavebeat
thehelloutofher
!Thi
sismyhouse!Nobody
comest omyhouseandbeatme!
Me:
Nangokuf
ri
end!:
(
Fef
ekazi
:Shet
hinksshei
srunni
ngt
hispl
ace!

Me:
Shewoul
dnev
err
unt
hispl
ace!:
(
Fri
endshi
psendswi th"Itoldy ouso"Iam not
gonnadoit.Iwarnedher ,shedidn'
tli
sten,she
gotbeatr
ightnowIwi l
l sayy estowhatever
madnessshei sgett
ingher selfi
n.Somet i
mes
j
ustsuppor tast upidfr
iend.Don'tt ellherwhat
todobecausey ouwi ll
endupt heirenemy
numberone.Justsuppor tandmov eon.Ihav e
noeducation.Iam dat ingadr unkar d.Hei sin
myleaguewebot harepoor ,Ilovehi m, Iwon't
goaroundsl eepingwi t
hr ichmar r
iedmen
becauseofmoney .TheLawsonf ami lygav eus
j
oboppor tunit
ies.Wear emaki ngal iving
becauseoft heirsupermar ket.Speaki ngof
Lawson,tomor r
owHewant stoseemyf riend,I
can'
twaitfort hatone.
Me:Maybet
hisi
sover.Youj
ustneedtostay
awayf
rom t
hatman.Youseenow?Yourson
al
mostcommitt
edacrimebecauseof
..
..
..
. .
Shel
ookedatme,
Iswal
l
owedmywor
ds
Fefekazi:
becauseofwhat?Sayi
t!Iwanty
out
o
sayit!BecauseIam awhore!
?Ahome
wrecker!?:(
OhGodIsai
dIwon'
tgi
veadv
ice,
whatam I
doingnow?See?Sheisangr
y,st
upi
dfr
iends
l
ikehershoul
dbelef
talonet
ohandlet
heir
business
Me:Ofcour
senotmngani
,Iwoul
dnev
ercal
l
yout
hat
Fef
ekazi
poi
ntedatt
hedoor
Me:
Mngani
?
Her
:Leav
e!!
!!:
(:'
(
Il
ookedather,
Iwenttot
hedoor
.Iopenedand
walkedoutt
hentur
nedar
ound
Me:
Goodl
uckwi
thMrLawsont
omor
row
Fef
ekazi
::
'(
Icl
osedthedoor
.It
urnedar
oundwi
thasmi
l
e
onmyf ace
Me:
Thi
sbi
tchf
orgot:
)

.
.
~MrXaba~
Idon' tknowwhatIwi lldowi t
hmywi fe
situat i
on.IknowIr eall
ydisrespectedherwi t
h
this.Ishoul dn'
thavesleptwi t
hawomanf r om
myv i
ll
age.Thiswomanwast rustedbymywi fe
tot akecar eofherhousewhenshewasaway .I
can' timaginehowshemustbef eeli
ngright
now.Shemustf eel bet
rayedandhumi li
ated.I
knowIam t oohardonmywi f
esomet i
mesand
shei sscaredofmebutwhenIcheatshej ust
becomessomeoneIcan' trecognise.Shedon' t
fearmeany moreandIcan' tevenst andupand
trytoi nti
mat eherwhenIknowv erywellthatI
didherwr ong.Iwalkedoutofmyr oom.If ound
Qaqambi lewalkingout
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngson?:
)
Qaqambil
e:Togetsomef r
eshai
r.Mymom i
s
comingovert
her
e, Idon'
twantt
obeher
ewhen
y
ouki
l
leachot
her:
(
Me:
Iam sor
ryson
Hi
m:Fef
ekazi
real
l
ydad?:
(
Me:
Il
ookeddown.Heshookhi shead,heis
di
sappointedIknow.Iam amanofprinci
ples
nowIdot his.Imessedupdi
dn'
tI?Isatdown.
WhileIwasf eeli
ngsor
ryf
ormyself
,mywi f
e
walkedin.Istoodup
Me:
Baby
,Iam sosor
ry,
pleasef
orgi
veme
Shel
ookedatme,
shewal
kedaway
Me:
Babysaysomet
hingpl
ease
Nomboni
so:
fine:
(
Me:
Justl
i
ket
hat
?
Shel
ookedatme
Her
:Whatdoyouwantmetodo?Ki
cky
ouout
?
NoIcan'
t,
Iam awomanr
ight
?:'
(
Me:
Bab.
..
.
Her:No!Don'
tbabyme!Ifthi
swasme, Iwas
gonnafindmyluggageoutsi
de!Iwasgonnabe
sentbacktoCofi
mv aba:
'
(
Me:
Iam sor
rymywi
fe
Nomboni
so:
Ineedt
omakedi
nner
Me:l
etmegodri
nkoneort
wobeer
satTar
venI
wi
ll
bebackl
ater
Nomboniso:Andgochecki
fIdi
dn'
tki
l
lyour
gi
rl
fr
iend?:(
Me:
Her:
Go!Shei
snotdeadbutIam notdonewi
th
her
!Shemessedwi
thawrongwoman!: (
Iwalkedout .Thiswomanisnotbluf
fi
ng.
Fefekazidi
dt hi
st oher
sel
f.Howcanshebeso
stupi
d!Wal karoundconfr
onti
ngmei npubl
i
c.
Whatwasshet hi
nki
ng?Idon'
trepor
ttoher
!I
am mar r
ied!
AnywayIdecidedtocal
lNoziqhephey
i.Ineedt
o
knowhowLi t
hakazii
sdoing.Herphonerang.
Sheanswered
Nur
se:
Sanuse?
Me:
Howi
sshe?:
(
Nurse:Shewokeup.Butshei
snotfi
ttogo
home.Igavehersomepill
sshef
ell
asleep
again
Me:
Iwill
sendsomeonet
ofet
chhert
omor
row
mor
ning:(
Nur
se:
...
..
.(t
utut
u)
Il
ookedatmyphone
Me:
O-kay
?
That'
srude,shet
hinkwhatshedi
disr
ight
?She
tr
iedtorui
nmymar r
iage.

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iam stil
lsoshockedbyt his.Mr
sXabaki l
led
Mam' uNozazi j
ustli
kethat?Whyt hough,thi
s
doesn'tmakesense.Mom sai dTheywer ebest
fri
ends.Ther emustbesomet hi
ngt hatmade
hereliminateNozazi.Nothi
ngstayshidden
forever,
wewi l
lfi
ndoutthereal
reasonsoon.I
am justdyingtoknow.Whatwi l
l beLithakazi
withouthermot her?
Londeka:Looksl
i
key
ouwer
ecl
osewi
tht
hat
famil
y?:)
Iwasstandingnextt
othewindowlooki
ngat
Li
thakazi'
shome.Londekai
sstil
lher
e.It
urned
ar
ound, Il
ookedather
Me:Theyhat
edus,shehatedus.Sheal
way
s
t
houghtshewasbett
erthanus:)
Londeka:
Whatwasshedoi
ngf
oral
i
ving?:
)
Me:
Shewascookingf
orl
ear
ner
s.Mom cooks
f
ort
heteacher
s:)
Londeka:Soundsl
i
key
ourmom i
sabet
tercook
thanher?
Il
aughed
Me:IfNozazi
washereandheary
ousaythati
t
wasgonnabewar.Shewasalwaysr
eadyfora
f
ight:D
Londeka:
Andherdaught
er?Whati
sshedoi
ng?
Me:Judgi
ngme?looki
ngdownonmebecause
Iam amaid?t
hat
'swhatshedoesf
oral
i
ving:
)
Londeka:
Noonel
i
kesy
ou:
)
Isatdown
Me: Ial
way saskmysel
fwhytheydon'
tl
ikeme.
Peoplejusthateme.Shewasmybestfri
end
thi
ngschangedwhenshest ar
tedgoi
ngafter
myex: (
Londeka:
myHusband?:
)
Me:
Ye.
..
..
.
"whataboutme?"sai
dQaqambil
ecomi
ngi
n.
Londekarant
ohim.Sheki
ssedhi
m
Londeka:
Heybaby:
D
Hi
m:Let
'sgohomeImi
ssy
ou:
)
Londekast
art
edbl
ushi
ng
Me:
:)
Shel
ookedatme
Londeka:Thanky
ouf
ordi
nner
,Ihav
etogo
homef r
iend:D
Me:
Bye:
D
Theywalkedout.Myphoner
ang.Il
ookedati
t,
i
tsLawson.Ilookedamycousi
nbrother
.I
walkedoutansweri
ng
Me:
hel
l
o?:
(
Him:Pl
easet
ell
mey
oudi
dn'
tmeanwhaty
ou
sai
d
Me:Iwil
lneverki
l
lmychi l
d.Isai
dthatbecause
Iwasangry.WhenIheardyourwifesayIam
cl
umsyIwasembar rassedIam sorr
yIsnapped
ather:
'
(
Him: Iunderst
andandIam sorr
ytoof
oral
way
s
putt
ingy ourli
fei
nsuchsi
tuati
ons.
Me:
It'
sokay
Hi
m:Sl
eepwel
lmywi
fei
sbat
hing,
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooBy
e
Ihungup.Iam beingnicebecauseIam not hi ng
wit
houthim.Ineedhi m mor ethanheneedsme.
Iam goingtotakethi
soppor tunit
yandmake
sureIputiti
ngooduse.WhenIgett oMt hat ha,
Ihavetofindschoolandst udy.Iwil
lapplyat
UNISAIcan'tstayathomeanddonot hi
ng.I
havetostudy.Hewi l
lbuymebooks.Iwi llturn
myl i
fearound.Iknowsoonerorl aterEl
lenwi ll
fi
ndoutaboutmeandshewon' tbehappy .She
wil
ltryt
ohur tme.Butrightnowt hatisthel ast
ofmyworri
ed.Whatl
i
ewil
lItel
lmom whenI
don'
twakeupandgotoworktomor
row?

.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Myhusbandl eftanhourago.Ihopehewon' t
comehomedr unk.Weneedt otalkaboutthi
s!I
can'tbel
i
evehesl eptwi
ththatwoman!Iam st i
l
l
i
nt hekit
chen.Mypot sareready
.Iheardthe
dooropen.Irantot hef
rontdoor.
Me:
Mybabi
es:
D
Qaqambi
l
e:
Whyismysonsoangr y?Ithoughthewason
myside.It
houghthewasmadathi sdadf
or
cheat
ingonme.Ilookedathiswife
Londeka:
Okay,
somebodybet
tert
ell
mewhati
sgoi
ngon
her
e.
Me:
Okayguy
s,y
ouar
escar
ingmummy
?:D
Qaqambi
l
e:Whydi
dyouki
l
lNozazi
?
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?:D
Il
ookedatLondeka
Me:
Isheokay
?Whati
shet
alk.
..
..:
D
Qaqambi
l
e:Cutt
heactmot
her
!
Me:
:'
(
Qaqambile:
Shewasher ehav i
nglunchwit
hyou!
Iwassurpri
sedtoseey oufri
endsagainaf
ter
ever
ythi
ngthathappened!Youinvit
edthat
womant othishousetopoisonher!:
'(:
(
Me:Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
:'
(
Qaqambi
le:
Fine!Iam goingtot
hathouse!Iam
goi
ngtoaskelder
soft hatfami
l
ytoinvest
igat
e
andf
indoutwhatki
l
ledher
!Let
'
sgobaby:
(.
Heat
tempt
edt
owal
kout
Me:
No!
!!
Theyt
urnedar
ound
Them:
Me:
Shewasbl
ackmai
l
ingme!:
'
(:(
Qaqambil
ewalkedbacki
nslowl
ylookingatme,
hewasshocked.HeknewIdidi
tbutitlooks
l
ikeconf
ir
mingitmakesthi
ngsworse.Myson
don'
tknowmeany more.
Me:Comeguys!Let
'ssi
tdown.Iam goi
ngt
o
t
ell
youever
ythi
ng:'
(
Qaqambi
l
e:Idon'
twantt
osi
tdown,
tal
k!:
(
Me: NozaziknewIhat
edLondeka,sheof
fer
ed
tohelpmegetr i
dofher.Shegavemeapoison.
Ikeptputti
ngiti
nherfoodbutyourwi
fewas
verysmart
Londekashookherheadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef
Me: Iwentbacktothem, It
oldthem Ican'
tdo
thisanymore.Idi
dn'twantt olosemyson!They
playedarecordi
ng.ther ecordi
nghadmyv oi
ce
askingforapoison.Theyaskedmet ogetr i
dof
yourwifesothatLithakazicanbey ourwif
e.
Theywant edtogot omyhusband
Qaqambi le:
Soyoudeci
dedt
oki l
lher
,doy
ou
thinkki
ll
ingherwi
ll
maketherecordi
ng
disappear?
Me:Iacceptedyourwife!Idi
dn'twanttogetri
d
ofher
.Iinvi
tedherhere.Xil
ongogothi shands
onLit
ha'sphone,Idel
etedther ecor
ding.Then
poi
sonedNozazi wit
hherpoi son
Qaqambi
l
e:OhMyGod:
'
(
Londeka:
Yout
hinkLi
thakazi
won'
ttal
k?:
(
Istoodup,
Ilookeddownwhi
l
ewal
ki
ngar
ound
theroom.
Qaqambi
l
e:Whatdi
dyoudomom?:
(
Il
ookedatt
hem
Me:
Qaqambi
l
e:Tal
k!!
!!:
'
(:(
Il
ookedatt
hem .Ihopet
heyunder
standwhyI
di
dthis
Me:IaskedYouraunttoinj
ectherwi
th
somethi
ngthatwil
lerasehermemory
Londeka:
OhMyGod:
'
(
Thi
sbi
tchi
sgonnamakemysonov
err
eact
Qaqambi
l
e:Youar
eev
il
!:(
Londeka:
Youar
eamur
der
er.HowdoIt
rust
you!:
'(
Me:Londeka,doyouwantt
oshar
eyourman
wi
ththatgir
l?Idi
dthi
sfory
ouhoney:
'
(:D
Il
ookedatQaqambi
l
e
Me:
Idi
ditf
ory
oumychi
l
drenokay
?:D:
'
(
Londeka:am Isupposetobegrateful
?You
wantedtomur dermetoo!Whati sgonna
happennow?What '
syournextassi
gnment.Ar
e
yougonnashutmeupt oonowt hatIknowwhat
youdid?
Me:
:'
(:
Londeka:
Rightnowitl
ooksl
ikeyougetr
idof
ever
yonewhoget si
nyourway!:
'
(:(
Me:
No!Youar
emyf
avour
it
edaught
eri
nlaw!
:D:
'
(
Londekal
ookedatQaqambi
l
e
Londeka:
Innocentsoulsar
edyi
ngandweknow
whoisdoingthi
s!BabyIlovey
ou,butIhav
eto
movebackt omyf l
at:'
(
Me:
What
?No!Whatwi
l
lmyhusbandsay
?:'
(
Londeka:Thest
ri
keisover
!Qaqambi
l
ei s
l
eavingtomorr
ow,Iam movingt
omyflat
.Iwi
l
l
makeanexcuse!Idon'
ttr
usty
ourmot
herbaby
:'
(
Me:
Icanchange.Iwast
ryi
ngt
opr
otectmy
f
amil
y!:
'(:
(
Londeka:
Iam scar
edofyou,andIknowalot
,I
am sureyouar
eskimmingaswespeak:'
(
Il
ookedatQaqambi
l
e
Me:Baby
,bel
i
eveme,
Idi
dal
lthi
sbecauseI
l
oveyou:'
(
IsawSanuseatt
hedoor
Qaqambi
l
e:Ar
eyousay
ingi
t'
smyf
aul
tthaty
ou
k.
..
..
Me:
Shutup!
!!:
'
(
Isai
dlookingatSanuse,Qaqambi
l
eand
Londekalookedathi
mt oo
Them:
Me:
Baby:
'
(:D
.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t46

.
.
~Nomboni
so~
Wewer el
ooki
ngatmyhusband, hewas
standi
ngatthedoor.Idon'
tknowhowmuchhe
heard.Ipr
ayhedidn'
thearanythi
ng.Londeka,
Qaqambi l
eandmycousi naretheonl
ypeople
whoknowaboutt hi
s.Hecan'tknowt oo.I
fhe
heardme.Iam intr
ouble.Iwaslooki
ngathim,
guil
tyandsmi
li
ng.Iwasn'
treal
l
ysmi
l
ing.Iwas
tr
yingtohi
dehowguil
tyIam.
Me:
Honey:
D
Sanuse:
Whatdi
dyoudof
orhi
m?:
(
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutbaby
?:D
Godt el
lmethismandi dn'
thearmor ethant
hat.
Ineedtomakeupal i
e.Ihavet of
indawayt o
getoutofthi
s.Iknowmysonwon' tratmebutI
am worri
edabout"mydaught eri
nl aw"she
hatesme.Whatifshet el
lshim everythi
ng.I
l
ookedatLondekawi thpleadi
ngey es.Sanuse
l
ookedatQaqambi le
Sanuse:
Iknowshewon'
ttel
lme,
boyt
ell
me.
..
..?
Il
ookedatQaqambi
l
e
Me:
:'
(
Qaqambile:
Iwast
ryi
ngtofi
ndoutwhyshe
doesn'
tli
kemywif
edad,shesaidshewas
prot
ect
ingme.ShesaysIam y
oungtobe
mar
ri
ed
Il
etoutasi
ghofr
eli
ef.Sanusel
ookedatme
Me:Iunderst
andthesit
uat
ionbaby
,Iaccepther
andIfoundheranicename:D
Sanuse:
Excel
l
ent
,let
'sher
eit:
D
Il
ookedatLondeka
Me:Ihopeyouwil
ll
ikei
t.I
tsforyoungbr
ideand
i
tdescri
besyouandyourbeaut
y:D
Londeka:
:(
Myhusbandl
ookedather
Londeka:
:D
Me:Youyoungpeopl
edon'twantnamest
hat
st
art
swit
h" No"howaboutBuhl
e:D
Qaqambi
l
e:Il
i
kei
t:)
Sanuse:
Met
oo,
whatdoy
out
hinkmakot
i?:
D
Londeka:
Ilov
eitf
ather:
)
Shel
ookedatme
Her
:ThankYoumot
her:
(
Me:
It'
smypl
easur
edaught
eri
nlaw:
D
Sanuseat
tempt
edt
ogo
Hi
m:Letmegol
aydow.
..
..
Londeka:
Bef
orey
ougof
ather:
(
Ohno,
thi
sgi
rlbet
tert
hinkt
wicebef
oret
aki
ng
onme.
Qaqambi
l
e:Baby
?
Sanuse:
Lethert
alkson:
(
Me:
:'
(
Londeka:Thegirl
Iwaswor kingwithr
esigned
today
,Iwill
hav ealotofwork.Ifi
t'
sokaywith
youFather.
..
..
.
Wher
eisshegoi
ngwi
tht
his?
Me:
:'
(
Londeka:
Withmyhusbandgoingbackt
o
school
.Iwasthi
nki
ngofstay
inginmyfl
atweek
daysandcomehereonweekends:)
Me:Pleasesayy esbaby,shecomeshome
r
eall
ytir
ed, Iunder
standandbesi
desitwi
l
lbe
l
onel
ywi thoutQaqihere:D
Londeka:
Thanky
ouf
orunder
standi
ngmot
her:
)
Me:
Hihi
hii
t'
sokaysweet
hear
t:D
Sanuse:
Ili
ket
his!I
t'
sokayMakot
i:D
Londeka:
ThankYouFat
her:
D
Hewal
kedt
oourBedr
oom
Me:Si
tdownguy
s,f
oodwi
l
lber
eadyi
nfew
mi
nutes:
D
Qaqambile:Mama, whatj
usthappeneddoesn'
t
changeanythi
ng.Youbettertakedad'
spl
ateto
yourroom f
oryourowngoodbecausewear e
notgoingtoeatyourfood:(
Me:
Baby:
'
(
Qaqambi
l
e:Let
'sgot
oourr
oom baby:
)
Londekast
oodup.Theywal
kedout
Me:

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iam notl ookingforwar dtot hi
sday .Mom i s
gonnaaskmewhyIam notgoi ngt owor k.I
haven'tthoughtaboutmyanswert othat
question, butIthi
nkIwi llj
usttellheraboutt he
fakejobof f
ertheLawsonf amilygav eme.Iwi ll
tel
lhert hatIgotabet t
eroffer,theysaidI
shouldst ayathomeunt i
li
t'sti
mef ormet ogo
toMt hatha.Ihopeev eryt
hingwi llgointoplan.I
am reall
yscar ed,thisisabi gchange.Iam not
usedt of ancyli
fe.Knowi ngLawson, Iknowhe
wental lout.Hei stalki
ngaboutbedr oom,
bathr
oom andki
tchen.Aoneroom f
latwould
beokayforme.Iam nott
oobigofapr obl
em,
butIwil
lhaveachil
d,maybeIneedt
his.
AnywayIsawmom comi
ngi
n.Shei
scomi
ng
fr
om Li
thakazi
'
shome
Me:
Mom :
D
Her
:Yesbaby
,yousl
eptwel
l
?:)
Me:
Yes,
Ihear
daboutLi
tha'
smom i
tssad
Mom satdown
Her
:Iti
sreal
l
ysadbaby
Shelookeddownshaki
ngherhead.Thisis
bother
ingmom morethanIt
hought.Isatdown
nexttoher
Me:Mom, Iseey
ouar
esad.AndIcr
ied
yest
erday:
D
Isaidgi
ggl
i
ng.Iam j
ustt
hinki
ngabouthow
theyhat
eus.
Me:
Mam'
uNozazi
didn'
tl
ikeusbuti
t'
ssosad
Mom: Wear egoodpeopleNomandl
a.Keepi
ng
grudgesisnotheal
thy.I
norderf
ory
outobe
happy,youshouldf
orgiv
e
Ist
oodup
Me:There'
ssomethingIwantt
otel
lyouabout
hersuddendeat
h..
..
.
Mom st
oodup
Mom:
Iwant
edt
otel
lyousomet
hingt
oo?
Me:
Yougof
ir
st:
)
Mom:Befor
eLi t
hakazi
fai
nted,
shesai
d
somet
hing.
..
..
.
Me:
Whati
sthatmom?
Mom:Shesai
dNombonisomurder
edher
mot
her,
Idi
dn'
taskwhy.Ir
antogetacar:
(
Me:Londekawasherey
ester
day,
Qaqambile
t
oldherthatt
heyhaddi
nnert
ogethery
est
erday
.
Weputoneandtwotoget
her.It
hinkwhat
happenedt
othedog,
happenedto
Mam'uNozazi
Mom putherhandsonherhead
Mom: Li
thakazi
wasr
ight
,thatwomanki
l
led
Nozazi
..
..
.?
Me:
Mom.
..
..
?
Shel
ookedatme
Her
:Yes?
Me:Wedon'tmenti
onthistoanyone,
and
pl
easedon'
taskLi
thakaziaboutwhatshesai
d.
Idon'
twanttol
oseyou:'
(
Mom:
Iwon'
t,
thatmi
str
essi
sawi
tch:
(
Me: That'
swhyweshoul dn'
tassociat
e
ourselveswi
thher.Sheisdangerousmom!We
don'tknowwhathappenedt oNozazi!Thi
s
staysundert
hisroof:(
Mom:
okaybaby
,letmegetr
eadyf
orwor
k
Me:
Okay
Thisworkt
hingmakesmenervous.Iam not
readyt
otel
lmom.Letmejuststar
tcleani
ng.

.
.
~Londeka~
Ijustgott owork.Ican' tbeli
ev eNomandl a
resigned,didthi
sgi rlthinkthisthroughorshe
l
etj eal
ousycont rolher ?Ihopeshewon' tregret
this.Sheseemedt or eallyenjoywor ki
ngher e
andt hisjobwaswhatsheal way sdreamtof .I
hopeshehasot herplanst hatshei ssur eofor
elseshewi l
lbeoutt her eont hestreetsdoing
not hi
ng,pregnantwi thnof oodi nherst omach.
Hermot her'
sjobsdon' tpaywel l
.Shecan' t
dependonhershei sol dnow, shemustwor k
forherself.Shecan'
tt r
ustaman.MrLawson
mi ghtchangeandbecomesomeoneel se.Men
changewhenagi rlgetspregnant,wel
lthisone
i
swhi t
e,may beheisnotliketherest
.Iam just
prayingthateveryt
hinggoeswel lf
ormyf ri
end.
Shei sagoodper son.Idontthinkshecant ake
humi li
ati
oni nt
hev i
ll
age.Sheistoosweetand
fragil
e.Iwishherallthebestthough.
"youseem di
stur
bed?"sai
dMr
sLawson
behi
ndme.Ilookedather
Me:
MrsLawson:
D
Her
:Ar
eyouokaydar
li
ng?:
D
Me:
Yes:
D
Shel
ookedatt
heki
tchent
henatme
Her
:Ar
eyoual
one?Wher
eisNomandl
a?:
)
Me:
Shequi
tma'
am :
D
Shel
ookeddownt henbehi
ndher
,shewentt
o
si
tonthecouch.
Me:
Arey
ouokayMa'
am?
Shelookedatme,Isawtearsi
nhereyes.Idon'
t
l
iketoseeherli
kethi
s.Sheisagoodhearted
woman, j
ustl
ikeNomandla.MrLawsonalways
pickt
hegoodones
El
len:I
t'
smyf
aul
tshei
sgone!I
t'
smyf
aul
tshe
quit
Isatnextt
oher
,Ibr
ushedherback
Me:it
snotyourfaul
tMrsl
awson.Maybeshe
gotembar
rassedanddeci
dedtoqui
t.Youdi
dn'
t
fi
reher
shest
oodup
Her:No!It
'smyf ault.Ishouldn'
thav
etreated
herl
ikethat.Iam ther easonsheisgone.That
poorgir
lneededt hisjob..
..
..
Shewi
pedhert
ear
sthenl
ookedatme
Ell
en:Ir
uinedherl
i
fe.Thi
scommuni
tywi
l
lthi
nk
Iam abadpersonLondy!
Me:
Ma'
am :
'
(
Isai
dgoi
ngt
oher
,shegav
emeahand
Her:
Don'ttr
ytojusti
fywhatIdi
d!Iwaswr
ong
okay!Iwaswrong!!
!
Sheranupthest
air
scry
ing.It
ookoutmy
phone.Ical
l
edNomandla.
Nomandl
a:HeyLondy
Me:
Fri
endpl
easedomeaf
avour
Her
:whati
sthat
?
Me:MrsLawsoni sbeat
inghersel
fupabout
whathappened.Canyoucomeandapol ogi
se.
Justmakeherseethatyouarenotmadather
pl
easefri
end
Her:Ineedtobuyafewthi
ngsf
rom t
he
supermarket
,Icanpopi
nandapol
ogise
Me:
ThankYousomuchgi
rl
!:
)
Her
:Lat
er
Ihungup.Il
ookedupt
hest
air
s
Me:
:):
'
(

.
.
~Fef
ekazi
~
Ihavealotinmymi nd.IknowWhathappened
i
nmyhousey ester
dayst il
lgonnahappen.We
haveunfi
nishedbusiness.Weneedt oputthe
weaponsdownandt alk.Ididn'
trapeSanuse,he
camet ome.Ijustwisht hatwomancanbe
decentandtalktomenotwhatshedi d
yest
erday.
AnywayIam onmyt oseeMrLawson.Iam
scared.IhopeLondekadi dn'
ttel
lhim whatwe
tal
kedabout ,
ifshedid.Idon'
tthinkIwil
lwalk
outoftherewithajob.Iknockedoncet hen
walkedin
Me:
Goodmor
ningMhl
ekazi
:D
Isai
dat
tempt
ingt
osi
t.Her
aisedahand
Hi
m:Don'
tsi
t!:
(
Me:
him:Iheary
ouhav
esomequest
ions,
whydon'
t
youaskmewhatyouwantt
oknow?:(
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkIf
oll
owMhl
ekazi
Hehi
tthet
abl
ehar
d
Hi
m:Don'
tpat
roni
seme!
!!
Me:Ij
ustaskedwhyNomandlast
ayedthatl
ong
i
nyouroff
ice.Theysai
dshewascl
eani
ng
Mhl
ekazi:
'(
Hi
m:Andy
oudi
dn'
tbel
i
eveherwhy?:
(
Me:
Icl
eanedt
hesamedayMhl
ekazi
Him:Fefekazi,youareanemploy
eehere.Idon'
t
answertoy ou!Imov edt
heboxesitgotdi
rt
y,I
askedhertocl ean!:
(
Me:
Iam sor
ryMhl
ekazi
:'
(
Het
ookanenv
elope.Hegav
eitt
ome
Hi
m:Thisi
sawrit
tenwarni
ng.Iam y
ourboss!
St
ayoutofmybusi
nessdoyouhearme?:(
Me:
Yes!YesMrLaw.
..ImeanMhl
ekazi
:'
(
Hi
m:Getoutofmyof
fi
ce!
!!
Me:
:'
(
Iranout
.Isawt
hatsni
tchwi
that
rayi
nher
hands
Me:
Howcoul
dyou?:
'
(
Londeka:
Excuseme?
me:
Youwentr unni
ngandt
oldMhl
ekazi
what
wet
alkedabout!:
'
(:(
Londeka:
Youhav
esomener
ve!:
(
Me:
Excuseme?:
'
(
Her
:Yout
ri
edt
odest
roymyi
nlawsmar
ri
age
andnowy ougonnast
andt
her
eandshoutat
thei
rdaught
eri
nlaw?
Me:
:'
(
Idi
dn'
tseet
hatonecomi
ng
Londeka:
Youar eahomewr ecker!Youbet
ter
mindyourbusinessfr
om nowonandst op
sti
cki
ngyournosei nt
othi
ngsthatdonot
concernyou!
Me:
Arey
oudone?:
'
(:(
Londeka:
Homewr
ecker
!!
!
Me:
Iwal
kedaway.Idon'thavet
imefort
his.Ij
ust
gotawri
tt
enwarning.Ican'
tri
skl
osi
ngmyj ob.

.
~Nomandl
a~
Ihav edecidedt ocomeher eandapol ogiseto
Mr sLawson.Icanbeangr y,di
srespectfuland
allthatbutthef actremains,Iwrongedt hat
woman.Isl eptwithherhusband.Ij usthope
thingswi l
lgowel l.Ieasi
l
ygeti r
ri
tatedand
angr y.I
fshepi ssesmeof f,Iam notgoi ngto
standt hereandsayy esMrsLawsont oher .
IsawFefekazi.Icouldseeshewantedtotal
k.I
walkedawaypassi ngthesuper
market."
Nomandla!!
!!"Istoppedwalki
ng
Me:
:(
It
urnedar
ound
Me:
SisFef
ekazi
?:(
Her
:Youdi
dn'
thav
etot
ell
himt
hat
!:(
Iwentcl
osert
oher
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?:(
Her:
Don'tyoudar
eactdumb!Youknowwhat
youdid!:
(
Me:Howdoyouexpectmet
oknowi
fyoudon'
t
t
ell
mewhatIdi
d?:'
(
Idi
dn'
tmeantocr
y.Sheismakingmeangr
y.I
coul
dseeshewassurpr
isedt
oseetear
s
Fefekazi
:Youtol
dMhl
ekazit
hatIwas
suspecti
ngthaty
out
woar edat
ing
Me:
Yout
houghtIwasdat
ingMrLawson?
Iam j
ustact
ing,IknowwhatsheandThobeka
hasbeensaying
Her
:Soshedi
dn'
ttel
lyou?
Me:
Fef
ekazi
:Iam sor
ry,
Ihav
etogo!
Sheranbackt owor k.Thiswomanwant sto
l
oseherj ob.AnywayIt urnedaroundand
headedtot hehouse.Iknockedt henopenedthe
door.IsawMr sLawsoncomi ngtoanswerthe
door,wellIam sor
ry.Iletmy sel
fin
El
l
en:
Nomandl
a!Whatasur
pri
se!:
D
Me:
Goodmor
ningMr
sLawson:
(
Her
:Mor
ningdar
li
ng!Pl
easesi
..
..
.
Me:
Iam notst
ayi
ng:
(
Ell
en:
Iam sor
ryf
orever
ythi
ng.Howaboutyou
comeandworkaroundt
hey ar
dcleani
ng?:
D
Ican'
tbel
ievet
hiswoman, shemakesmeregret
evencominghere.Shewantsmetoworkinthat
dustypl
ace?Whatani nsul
tear
lyi
nthemorni
ng
Me:
Excuseme?:
(
El
l
en:Wedon'tneedtwopeopl
eint
hehouse.
MyhusbandandIdec..
.
Me:
MrsLawson!:
(
El
l
en:
Dar
li
ng?:
D
Me:
Icameher etoapol
ogi
senott
oaskf
ormy
j
obback.Iqui
tremember?:(
El
l
en:
Honey
,yourmot
hersai
dyouneededt
he
money
.What
'sgonnahappennow?
IsawLondekacomi
ngi
n.Il
ookedatEl
l
en
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
olookf
orabet
terj
ob:
(
Il
ookedatLondeka
Me:
Byef
ri
end:
)
Londeka:
Byef
ri
end:
D
Iat
tempt
edt
oleav
e.Shest
oppedme
El
l
en:
CanIgobuyy
oucof
feeatbaker
y:D
Me: Ihavecof
feeathomeMr sLawson.Thank
youf ort
heopport
unit
y.Ienj
oyedworki
ngin
yourhouse:)
Ell
en:Ienjoy
edhavi
ngyouher
esomuch.Iam
sorr
ythingshadtoendt
hisway:
'
(
Me:
:)
Iwalkedout.Ther
eissomethingshadyabout
thi
swoman.Shekeepssay ingsheregret
swhat
shedidthensuggest
sthatIshouldworkinthe
dump!Inthedust
bin.Thi
swhi
tewomanr egr
ets
nothi
ng.Iwal
keddown.IsawLit
hakazi
goingto
thesupermar
ket
Me:
Lit
hakazi
?
shel
ookedatme
Her
:Nomandl
a:)
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Li
thakazi
:Good!No!Gr
eatact
ual
l
y!:
D
If
oldedmyar
ms,
whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?
Me:
O-kay
..
..
..
?
Li
thakazi:Anursegavemesomemoneyt hat
wasleftbyQaqi e'
sdadforme.Icamehereto
buychicken,Iwanttosurpri
semom whenshe
comesbackf r
om workhi hi
hi:
D
Shegi
ggl
edwal
ki
ngi
n
Me:
Shedoesn'
tremember?
.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t47

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Icoul
dn'tholdbackmytearswhenIsawmy
formerbestfri
endwalki
ngawaysoexci tedto
seehermot her.Shewastryi
ngtogett omeas
alwayswithwhatshesaid.Idon'tknowwhyI
am sad.Whenshej ustr
ubbedthati nmyf ace.I
guessit
'sbecauseIam overhercr ush.How
comeshedoesn' tknowhermot herdied?This
i
sst range.Thi
ngsli
kethi
sdon' thappeninreal
l
ife.Theyonlyhappeninnovels.Ireadalotof
books.Iam shocked.Idon'
tknowwhet herI
shouldr unaft
erherandtel
lherorj ustl
etherbe.
Me:
:'
(.
If
eltsomeonet
ouchme.It
urnedar
ound.I
t'
s
Qaqambil
e.
Me:
Hi:
):'
(
Hi
m:I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
,youar
ecr
ying
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s
Me:
Yes:
):'
(
Hi
m:ComeonNomandl
a!:
(
Me: Okayfi
ne!Li
thakazij
ustwal
kedint
here,
shesay sshecamet obuyafewthi
ngstocook
forhermom :'
(
Qaqambi
l
e:What
?
Me:
Exact
lymyr
eact
ion.Icoul
dn'
ttel
lher
Qaqambi
l
e
Hehuggedme
Hi
m: Heydon'
tcr
y.Icoul
dn'
thavedoneitt
oo.I
am l
eavi
ngevennow.Idon'
twanttoseeher:
(
Ibr
oket
hehug
Me:
Whyar
eyouher
e?:
'
(
Her:IcametopayourTVl
i
cence.Iwi
l
lgosi
tat
Bakeryti
l
lshel
eaves
"Nomandl a!"sai
dav oi
cebehi
ndme.Iknow
thatvoi
ce.Onlyonepersonwhocan'
t
pronouncemynamewel l
,I
t'
sLawson.
Qaqambi l
ewashol di
ngmyhand.Il
etgoofhis
hand
Me:
MrLawson
Hi
m:Myof
fi
cenow:
(
Hesaidwalki
ngtothesuper
mar
ketf
rom t
he
baker
y.Il
ookedatQaqambil
e
Hi
m:It
houghty
ouwer
enol
ongerwor
kingher
e?
Me:
Whot
oldy
out
hat
?
Hi
m:Londekament
ionedi
t:)
Me:
Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
tlat
er:
)
Qaqambi
l
e:IwonderwhyLit
hakazi
can'
t
r
ememberwhathappened.
..
..
..
?
Me:
Il
efthi
m.Ican'
tanswert
hatandIdon'twant
hi
mt oaskmoreaboutmyjob.Ihopethatman
don'
tthi
nksomethi
ngisgoi
ngonbet weenme
andQaqambil
e.

.
.
~Londeka~
Okayi
fIdidn'
tknowbet
terIwoul
dsayMr s
Lawsknowswhatishappeni
ngbetween
Nomandl aandherhusband.Li kehowcanshe
suggestsshegoesandwor kint hatkindof
placeint hi
ssuper mar ket.Pickinguppaper s.
Turningdust binsatherage?Unl i
keme
Nomandl ahasmat ric.Ev enthiscooki ngand
cleaningjobi snotforher .Sheshoul dbeout
therestudy i
ngorwor kingasasal esper sonor
somet hing,forMrsLawsont osuggest sthi
s,
thatwasv er
yshadyofher .Ididn'tknowshe
canbel ikethis.
El
l
en:Londyt
hatgi
rlkeepsdi
srespect
ingme!
Di
dyouseethat
?:(
Me: MrsLawsonIdon' tt
hinkshemeantthat
.
Shejustfel
tinsult
ed.Imeanfrom worki
ngin
yourdoublestorytoworki
nginthatdustand
sunoutsi
de?: D
El
l
en:
Iwasdoi
ngheraf
avour
!Besi
des.
..
..:
(
Me:
El
l
en:
Thatdayshedi
dlookandsmel
ll
ikea
dust
bin!
!:(
Me:
Shewal
kedout
.
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hiswhi
tewoman?:
D
Ishookmyheadl
aughi
ng
Me:Wecalledy
ouagoodwomansosoon.
..
..
.?I
wanthert
okeepsl
eepi
ngwi
thyourman:
(
Icannotbeli
ev eEll
enLawson.Howdareshe
i
nsultmyf r
iendlikethat?NowIseewhy
Nomandl adon'trespectheratal
l
.Myphone
rang.It
ooki tout.I
t'
smyhusband
Me:
Hubby:
)
Hi
m:Iam atbaker
y,canwehavelunch.Iwant
t
ospendsometimewi t
hyoubef
oreIleave
Me:
Iwi
l
lhav
etot
alkt
omybossf
ir
st:
)
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lbepat
ient
lywai
ti
ng
Me:
Okaybaby:
D
Hehungup.Il
ookedar
ound.Ist
art
edl
aughi
ng
andcl
appi
ngmyhands
Me:
Hehehe,
Ican'
tbel
i
eveEl
l
en

.
.
~MrLawson~
Ididn'
tmeant obehaveli
kethat.Ij
ustcoul
dn't
standseei
ngt hatboyhol
dingmywoman' s
handliket
hat.Shemustt el
lmewhatt hehell
is
goingonwitht hetwoofthem.Iheardasoft
knock.Ist
oodup.Thedooropened.Nomandl a
walkedin
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?:
(
Nomandl
a:Icamet
odot
her
ightt
hing:
)
Me:Whati
sthat?Hol
dinghandswi
thaboy
her
einmypropert
y?:
(
Shest
art
edl
aughi
ng
Me:Youthi
nkthi
sisf
unny
?Ishet
hef
atherof
t
hatbaby
?: (
Nomandl
a:What
!!
!?:
'
(
Isawateardr
op.IhopeIam wrong.Icouldsee
shewashurtt
ohearmesayt hat.Ir
egretsayi
ng
i
talr
eady
Me:
Iam sosor
..
..
.
Shegav
emeahand
Nomandla:
ThatwasLondeka'
sHusband!I
can'
tbel
i
eveyoujusti
nsul
tedmel
ikethat!:
'
(
Me:
Iam sosor
rypl
e..
..
..
..
..
Shet
urnedar
oundandopenedt
hedoor
Nomandl
a::
'
(
Mywi
fewasaboutt
oopent
hedoor
Me:
El
len:Whatt
hehel
li
sthi
sdi
srespect
ful
gir
l
doingher
e?
Me:
Sh.
..
..
..
El
len:Andwhyi sshecr
ying,
shequi
tonher
own,Ididn'
tfi
reher!:
(
Shecl
osedt
hedoor
Nomandl
a:Mr
sLawson,
canIexcusemy
sel
f?:
(
El
l
en: Notunt
ily
outel
lmyhusbandhowy
ou
di
srespect
edmer i
ghtnowi
nmyhouse!:
(
Me:
Nomandl
a?:
(
Sheletoutasi
gh.Icouldseeshewasangry.
Hereyeswerered.IguesswhatIsai
dbrokeher
.
Iwi
shIcouldgot oher,hugherandtel
lher
howsorryIam
Me:MrLawson,af
terwhathappenedyester
day
,
Ihadtocomeandapologi
se.Idi
dapol
ogise
:'
(:(
Me:
Thatwasv
erynobl
eofy
ou:
)
El
l
en:
:(
El
l
engav
emeadeat
hst
are
Me:
Nomandl
a:MrsLawsondi
dn'
tacceptmy
apol
ogy:
'
(:(
Ell
en:Ioff
eredheraj
obbaby
,thatshowsI
acceptedherapol
ogy
!:(
Iputmyhandsi
nmypocket
.Thi
sbet
ternotbe
thej
obIsai
dnoto
Me:
Whatki
ndofj
obi
sthi
s?:
(
El
l
en:
:)
Nomandl
a:Tol
i
tterout
side:
(:'
(
Il
ookedatEl
l
en
Me:
Babydidn'
tweagr
eethatwedon'
thav
ea
j
obforheri
nthi
spl
aceanymore?:
(
El
l
en:
Ijustf
eltsor
ryf
orhert
hat
'
sal
l:
)
Shesatatt
heedgeofmydesk
Me:Wetal
kedaboutthatposit
ionandIt
oldy
ou
i
twoul
dbeaninsultt
oher !:
(
Shel
ookedatme
El
len:
Arewegonnadi
scusst
hisi
nfr
ontofher
?
:(
Shel
ookedatNomandl
a
El
l
en:
Youar
eexcused!:
(
Nomandl
a:Thanky
ou!:
(
Shewal
kedoutandsl
ammedt
hedoorhar
d
El
len:
OhmyGod!Doy
ouseewhatIam t
alki
ng
about
?:(
Me:Ellen,
thatgi
rlover
heardyougossi
ping
abouthertohercoll
eague.Thenextt
hingwe
suddenlydon'
tneedtwowor ker
satthehouse.
Doy outhi
nksheisthatstupi
d?
El
l
en:
Me:
Sheknowswhyy
oudon'
twantherher
e!
Andforyout
ogoaheadandoff
erherthatki
nd
ofj
obthatwasani
nsul
t!Anddi
srespectt
ome!
:(
El
l
enst
oodup
El
len:
Myhusbandi
staki
nganot
herwoman'
s
si
de:'
(
Me:Ell
en,Ist
ayhere!Iam deal
i
ngwithpeopl
e
oft
hisvil
l
age!Ican'tmakeenemiesar
ound
her
e!Didyouforgetwhyweboughtthispi
ece
ofl
and?
El
l
en:
:'
(
Me:Wehav et
oputbusi
nessf
ir
st!Whatift
hat
gi
rlt
ell
speopl
ehowshewastreated?:
(.
El
len:Iam sor
rymyhusband,bl
ackpeopl
ear
e
dangerous.Wedon'
tneedenemies.Ihav
eto
apolo.
..:
'
(
Me:
Youhav
etodonot
hing!
!!
!!:
(
El
l
en:
:'
(
Me:
Youwi
l
ldoabsol
utel
ynot
hing!:
(
Her
::'
(
Me:Youst ar
tedal
l t
his!Shereact
edonwhat
happened!Thepoorgirlcamebackand
apol
ogised,somethi
ngt hatshoul
dhavebeen
donebyy ou!
..
..
.whatdidy oudotothankher
?
Youinsult
edheragain!:(
El
l
en:
Iam sor
ryokay
!
Ipul
l
edheri
ntoahug
Me:Youar
egoi
ngtodonothi
ngsweet
hear
t.I
wi
ll
dealwi
tht
hismysel
f:(
El
l
en:
Iam sor
rybaby
Me:
Sssshhhdon'
tapol
ogi
sebabyi
t'
sokay:
(
El
l
en:
ShebettergobacktoEastLondonbeforeshe
rui
nsmyr elat
ionshi
p.Ihav
et of
ixt
hings.I
accusedNomandl aofcheati
ngonme.
.
.
~Nomboni
so~
Ineedt ospeakt omysi ster.Beingagrade1
teacherisaneasyj obev ent houghyouhav eto
deal wit
hdiffi
cultkids.Youhav etobepat i
ent,
andIam notgoodatt hatbutIt r
ybecauseI
havebeendoi ngt hisfory ears.Grade1
teachersdon'tteachal lday.Igot oclassinthe
mor ningandthat '
sit,f
rom 11am t o3am, Iam
j
usti nthestaffroom sleepingI nmydeskdoi ng
nothing.Ideci
dedt ogooutandcal lmycousi n
sist
er.Istoodnextt ot
heki tchenwher ethe
womenar ecooki ng.Idiall
edhernumber .She
answer edin4thr ing
Nozi
qhephey
i:Mzal
a?
Il
ookedar
oundt
ochecki
fnoonei
sli
steni
ng
Me:
Mzal
ahowi
sshe?:
(
Her
:Shel
eftanhourago,
shei
scompl
etel
ywel
l
Me:What?Whatdoy
oumeanshei
s
compl
e..
..
..
IsawLit
hakazi
enteri
ngt
heschoolpr
emi
ses
withasuper
marketpl
ast
ici
nherhand
Me:
Nozi
qhephey
i!:
(
Her
:Cousi
..
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lhav
etocal
lyouback:
(
Ihungup,
Ihidi
nt hecornerofthebuil
ding.I
sawhergoingt
othewomenl ookingal
lexcit
ed
whichi
sveryst
rangeforsomebodywhoj ust
l
osthermother
.
Me:
Li
thakazi
:Hel
l
oladi
es:
D
Nosuki
l
e:Hel
l
oLi
thakazi
:)
Theot
herl
adi
esgr
eet
edherback.Shest
art
ed
l
ooki
ngar
ound
Li
thakazi
:Wher
eismymom?:
D
Ladi
es:
:'
(
Il
ookedaway
.
Me:
:)
Idi
all
edMzal
a'
snumberagai
n
Nozi
qhephey
i:Mzal
awam
Me:
Thanky
oumyf
avour
it
ecousi
n:)
Her
:hi
hihi
Any
thi
ngf
ory
oumzal
a
Ihungupt
henl
ookedi
ntospace
Me:
:)

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..

.
Bepat
ientwi
thme.Iam notwel
l<3
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t48

.
.
~Nosuki
l
e~
Whatisgoingonhere?Thischi
l
dwi
tnessedher
motherdieinherar
msnowshecomesher e
l
ookingforher?I
sshelosi
nghermi
nd?We
wer
el ooki
ngathershocked.
Us:
Li
thakazi
:Guy
s!Whati
sgoi
ngon?:
D
Thel
adi
esl
ookedatme
Woman1:
Nosuki
l
e,pl
easet
akeherhome
Li
thakazi
:Takemehome?Iknowwher
emy
homei s,
wherei
smom?:D
Me:
Letmegetmyt
hi.
..
Woman2:
Yourl
i
ttl
eboywi
l
ltaket
hem :
)
Me:
Okay:
)
Il
ookedatLi
thakazi
Me:
Let
'sgohome
Li
thakazi
:Wher
eismymom?:
'
(
Ladi
es:
:'
(
It
ookherhand,
shey
ankedi
t
Li
thakazi
:Don'
ttouchmewi
thy
ourdi
rt
yhands!
!!
:(
Me:
Imovedawayfrom herIl
ookedatl
adi
es.They
st
ruggl
edthei
rshoulder
s.Wesawthewitch
comer
unni
ng
Nomboniso:
Hey !Leavemygi
rlal
one!Come
honey
,letmetakey ouhome:
D
Li
thakazi
:Mr
sXaba:
D
Her
:Comehoneycome!:
D
Sher
anaft
erher
.Theywentt
othecar
.Ishook
myhead
Me:Ihopey
ouwon'
tki
l
lherl
i
key
ouki
l
ledher
mother:
'
(
Ididn'
tsayt
hatoutl
oud,
ifel
toneoft
hel
adi
es
brushmyback.Il
ookedather
Her
:Don'
tmi
ndher
,shei
shur
ti
ng
Me:No,Iam j
ustsur
pri
sedbywhatMr
sXaba
sai
d:(
Woman2:
Don'
tmi
ndt
hatwoman:
(
Me:
:(
.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
Ihadt otakeherawaybeforetheytellherwhat
happenedi ncasesheremember ssomet hi
ng.
Wej ustgottoherhouse.Whatevermycousi n
usedwor kedmagicall
y.Thi
sgirlhated
everyt
hingaboutme, nowIam herf avourit
e
personinthewor l
d.I
fIhadmor eoft heirpoison.
Iwasgonnashutt hisgir
lup!!
!Il
ookedather
Me:
Let
'sgoi
nsi
de:
D
Her
:Okay:
D
Shewal
kedout
Me:Youbet
ternotr
emembernot
hingl
i
ttl
egi
rl
!
:(
Igotoutoft
hecar
.If
oll
owedher
Me:
Shegoti
n.Shewaslooki
ngar
ound,Iguessshe
di
dn'
texpectt
oseeherwhol
efamil
yaround.
Li
thakazi
:Gr
andma?Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
:'
(
Iwal
kedi
n.Hergr
andmal
ookedatme
Her
:Akazi
? (
Shedoesn'
tknow?)
Ishookmyheadno,It
ryi
ngbyall
meanst
oget
tear
stocomeoutofmyey es.
Me:
Hay
i,akazi
:'
((No,
shedoesn'
tknow)
Li
thakazi
:Somebodyt
ell
medammi
t!
!!
Me:
Lit
hakazi
,yourmom di
edi
nyourar
ms,
t
hat
'swhyyouwenttot
hehospi
tal
sweethear
t
:
'
(
Li
thakazi
:What
?
Me:
Iam sor
rybaby:
'
(
Il
ookedatsomel
ady
Me:
Pleasebr
ingherwat
er!:
'
(
Hergr
andmotherhuggedher
,shewascryi
ng.I
wal
kedout,
Ibumpedi nt
otheladybr
ingwat
er
Me:
Takei
ttoherdar
li
ng:
)
Shenoddedt
henwenti
n
Me:
Iwentt
omycar
.Idr
ovehome.

.
.
~Londeka~
Iam sitt
ingwithQaqambi l
e.Hejusttoldme
whatNomandl atoldhi
m.Thisisstrange.How
canshenotr ememberbecauseherbei ng
admittedattheclini
cwasbecauseofher
mother '
sdeath.Thisdoesn'
tmakesenseatal l.
AnywayWear eeat i
ngandmymi ndi snotin
thi
slunch.Iam notpay i
ngattent
iontot hi
sfood.
Iam justthi
nking
Me:
..
..
..
..?
Qaqambi
le:Idon'
tknowhowIwi l
ll
ookather
knowi
ngwhatmom di dtohermother
.Thank
godIam l
eavingt
hiseveni
ng:(
Me:
...
..
..?
Qaqambi
l
e:Baby
!
Me:
...
..
..
.?
Hecal
l
edmynameagai
n.Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
Huh?
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Yourauntwor
ksatt
hecl
i
nicr
ight
?:(
Helookedatme.Hehadquesti
oni
ngl
ooki
nhi
s
f
ace,Icoul
dseehewast r
yingt
ofi
gur
eout
whatIam aboutt
osay.
Qaqambi
l
e:Yes
Il
ookedar
ound.Il
eanedont
het
abl
e
Me:Don'tyoufi
ndthi
sst r
ange?Thatpoorgir
l
wit
nessedhermother'
sdeat ht
henfai
nted,and
shewast akent
othehospitalt
henextdayshe
don'
trememberany t
hing?:(
Qaqambi
l
e:
Me:Iknowthisi
saser i
ousthingt
oaccuse
someonewithbutIthi
nktheygaveher
somethi
ng.Iam notadoctorbutt
hiscanbe
donebaby:(
Qaqambi
l
e:.
..
..
..
..
.?
Me: Imeanthinkaboutitbaby,shekill
edher
becauseshedi dn'
twantthetruthtocomeout .
ShedeletedtheevidencebutLithakazii
ssti
ll
hereandsheknowswhathappened, don'
tyou
thi
nkmom woul dalsofi
ndawayt oshutherup?

Qaqambi
l
est
oodup.Heki
ssedmycheek
Hi
m:Iwi
l
lseey
ouathomel
aterbef
oreIl
eav
e
f
orMt
hat
ha!Il
ovey
ou:
(
Me:
Wher
ear
ey.
..
..
..
her
anoutbef
oreIcoul
dfi
nish
Me:
..
..
..
..
ougoi
ng?

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
IknewLawsoni snotdiff
erentf rom othermen!
Howcanheaccusemeofcheat i
ngonhi m.He
hasdoubt saboutt hi
sbaby?i fhekeepsgoi ng
onaboutt his.Iwil
lendthi
ngs.Rai set hi
sbaby
alone.Whenhef i
nall
yseest hebabyi shi s,i
t
willbetoolate.Iam notgoingt obet hosegi rl
s
whogot hr
oughpr egnancyal onewhent hebaby
i
soutsomeonecomesandcl aimt obeaf at
her .
Iam veryangr yri
ghtnow.Andl eavi
nghi m wi th
hisannoy i
ngwi f
einthatofficemakesmesi ck!I
wantedtoslaphert henwal koutbutIwas
rai
sedbetterthanthat.Irespectmyelders.I
knowIhav edonet hemostandi t
'shar
dtoqui t
now.Iam indeep.Ther eisababyont heway .
Heisthefatherofmychi l
d.Ican'
tleavehim but
Iam wil
l
ingt oifhekeepst alki
ngnonsense
aboutmybaby .Thi
sishischi l
d.Heistheonly
manIhav ebeensl eepingwith.
Any wayIgotoutoft hetax iwit
hmypl astics.I
walkedhome.Idi dseeLi thakazi atthe
supermarketwhenIwasbuy i
ng.Ididn' twant
hertoannoymeagai n.Iletherl eavef i
rst .I
foll
owedbehindher .Iwantt osuppor therbut
supporti
ngheri shard.Shewi llthrowmy
supporti
nmyf ace,soit'
sr eall
yhar dt obeni ce
toher.Iarri
vedathome.Ihav enot hingt odo.I
cleanedbeforeIlef
t.Iwilljusttakeanapand
waitformom andcousi nt ocomehome.Il aid
downonmybed.Igotamessagenot ificati
on.I
tookmyphone.Iopenedi t
.R5000was
deposi
tedi
nmyaccount.Myphoner ang.I
t'
s
MrLawson.Ishookmyhead.Ianswered
Me:Soyouthi
nkgi
vingmemoneywil
lmakeme
f
orgett
haty
oudeniedmypr
egnancy
? : '
(
Hi
m: Iam sor
rybaby,Ij
ustgotj
eal
ous.Idon'
t
wanttoseement ouchi
ngyou
Me:Wewerejusttal
ki
ng.We'
veknowneach
ot
heral
lourl
i
v es.Heismar
ri
edtoLondeka!
:
(
Him:Iam sorr
ybaby ,
whendoy ouwannaleav
e
thatmoneyisforcosmeti
cs.Yourf
lati
sready
.
Todaymyguyboughtgr ocer
ies
Me:
:'
(
Hi
m:Hel
l
o?
Me:YesIam sti
ll
here,l
ookIwil
lfi
rstt
ell
my
mom, shedoesn'
tknowIam notatworktoday
.
CanIcomebackt oyou?:'
(
Hi
m:Ofcour
se
Me:
Thanky
ou:
)
Hi
m:Pl
easur
e,Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
Me:
Okaybaby
Hi
m:Takecar
e,Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo:
)
Hehungup.Ididn'
tknowthi
swasgonnabeso
soon.Iam scar
ednow.Thi
sisreal
.Iam l
eav
ing
myhomenotmont hend.Iam l
eavi
nganyday
fr
om today.

.
~Qaqambi
l
e~
AuntNoziqhepheyiagreedt odosomet hingthi
s
sick?Doesshev al
ueherj ob?Shehasnoi dea
thiscoul
dr ui
nnotjustherbuthercar eeras.
Howcanshebesost upid.Idon'
twantt o
concludethatshedidit.Iwanthertosayi t
.It'
s
possibl
ewhatLondekasai d.Shei
sv erysmar t
,
thi
sdidn'tcrossmymi nd.Igottothehospit
al.I
gotinandl ookedf orher.Anurset
oldmeshe
wasinherof fice.Iheadedtoheroffi
ce.A
pati
entcameout .Iwalkedin.Shewaswr i
ti
ng
somethingont hebigbook.Shelookedup
Her
:Qaqi
e!:
D
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
oLi
thakazi
?:(
Shest
oodup,sheputherpeni
nagl
ass.She
l
ookedatme
Her
:Whoi
sthatQaqambi
l
e?:
D
Me:AuntNozi
qhepheyiwhatdi
dyoudot
othe
pat
ientmydadbroughther
e!!
!!
Isnapped
Her
:Notsol
oud!Youar
ecausi
ngascene!:
'
(
Me:
It'
sonl
yyouandIi
nthi
sof
fi
ce!
!:(
Her:Theycanhearout
sideboy
!Pl
easel
ower
yourvoi
ce:'
(
Iwentcl
osert
oher
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
oasky
ouonemor
eti
me.
..
..
.
Iwasbr
eat
hingi
nherf
ace.Shel
ookedner
vous
Her
:Bo.
..
..:
'
(
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudo?:
(
Her:
Yourmom askedmet
odoi
t!Iej
ect
ed
her
..
..
.!
Ilookedaway.Ican'
tli
eandsayIcan'
tbel
i
ev e
this.Ibel
i
eveshedid.Mymotheri
samonst er
.
Me:
Mymot
heri
sadev
ilhi
msel
f
Her
:Idi
dn'
twantt
odoi
t,Iswear
!Youknow
howshecanbeboy
Thedooropened.Mymom wal
kedi
nlooki
ng
down.
Mom:Mzal
a!Wehav
etocel
ebr
..
..
..
Shedi
dn'tknowIwasheredidshe?.Shel
ooked
atme,Igaveheri
nti
midat
inglook
Mom:
Qaqi
e?:
)
Me:
Mom:
Idi
dn'
tknowI
'
dfi
ndy
ouher
..
..
..
.?:
D
Me:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t49

.
.
~Fef
ekazi
~
Iam goi ngt ost ayawayf r
om ev eryone's
businessf rom nowon, Idon' twantt ogetinto
troubl ethoughImustsayIcoul dn'thelpbut
not i
cehowupsetNomandl awaswhenshegot
outoft hatof fi
ce, sheev ensl ammedt hedoor .I
washopi ngMr sLawsonwoul dgot here!And
fi
ndt hem t heret ogether.Mhl ekazi gav emea
wr i
ttenwar ningf orwhat ?Idi dn'tbr eakany
wor kr ules.Ijustsawsomet hingt hatmademe
cur i
ous.Ihadt ogett othebot tom ofi t.Idon'
t
knowwhyhei smad.May behehassomet hi
ng
tohi deaf terall.Itwil
l comeout .Ihi d
relati
onshi pwi thSanusef oral ongt i
me.Inev er
thoughti twoul dcomeout .Iftheyal sohave
somet hingt ohi de.It
'sgonnacomebackand
bitet hem.Iwentt oThobeka
Me:
:D
Thobeka:
:(
Me:
Didy
ouseewhatj
usthappened?:
D
Shekeptdoingwhatshe'
sdoi
ng,
whi
chi
s
packi
nggroceri
es.
Me:
Thobeka!:
(
Shel
ookedatme
Thobeka:
Youshowedmethedooraty
our
house!Whatt
hehel
ldoy
ouwant?:(
Me:
Youst
il
lther
e?Comeonf
ri
end:
D
Her:Fef
ekazi,
Iam wor
king!I
fyoudon'
tl
eav
e,I
wil
lgoreportyou!
!!
Icl
appedonce
Me:
Yoh!Idon'
twantanot
herwr
it
tenwar
ning

Iwalkedtomyworki
ngsect
ion.If
oundtwo
customerswai
ti
ngformetoweighthei
r
potatoes
Me:
Sor
ryGi
rl
s!Iwasbusyt
her
e:D
Them:
:)
Il
ookedatThobeka
Thobeka:
Me:
Peopl
ear
eint
hei
rfeel
i
ngst
oday
.

.
.
~El
l
en~
Idecidedt
ogobackt omyhusband.Iam bor
ed
i
nt hehouse.Iwantt
ospendsomet i
mewi t
h
hi
m.Iopenedt hedoor.Hewasonthephone
Me:
:)
Ry
an:
...
..
.t
akecar
e
hegotj
umpyandhungup.Whatt
hehel
li
s
goi
ngon.Whowasthat?Thi
smandi
dn'
twant
metoheart
hisconv
ersat
ion
Me:
Whowasi
t?
Ry
an:
Who?:
D
Me:
Theper
sonont
hephoneRy
an:
(
Hi
m:Oh!Noonebaby:
D
Me:
Mmmhmm :
(
Hi
m:ComeonEl
l
enwhydon'
tyout
rustme?
Me:Whyyousojumpyl
ikesomeonewhoi
s
gui
l
tyofsomet
hing?:
(
Hesatdown.Hel
etoutasi
gh
Me:
Giv
emey
ourphone!:
(
Hi
m:What
?
Me:
Yourphone!:
(
Him:
Ther
eisnoneedf
ort
hat,
iam goi
ngt
otel
l
you:
(
Ipoutmymout hfoldi
ngmyar msonmychest .
Somethingi
sdef i
nit
elygoi
ngonher e!My
husbandisnotthesameper son.Hetri
estobe
ni
ceandsweetbutIseei t'
sallfor
ced.Iknow
hi
m.Wearehighschoolsweet
hear
ts.Iknow
whensomet
hingi
swr ong.
Him:RememberwhenIsai ddon'tgoapol
ogi
se.
IwantedtodoitmyselfbecauseIknewyouwil
l
maket hi
ngsworseforus
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
Iam notl
aughi
ng:
D:'
(
Il
ookedont
hinai
r
Me:
:(:
'
(
Hest
oodup
Hi
m:Ical
ledherandapol
ogi
sedt
oherf
ort
he
waywetr
eatedher:
)
Iturnedaround.Ilookedathi
m.Whoi sthi
s
man?Thi sisnotmyhusband.Myhusbandi sa
strong,angry,arr
ogantmanwhodon' twanthi
s
wor ker
stofuckwi thhim.Whathappenedto
thatman?Thatmeanmant urnedmeon.This
softcari
ngbast ar
di nfr
onti
fmei snotmy
husband
Me:
Letmegett
hisst
rai
ght
..
..
..
?
Ry
an:
Yesbaby
?
Me:Sowhenyousai
d"t
akecar
e",
youwer
e
t
alki
ngt
othatcl
umsygi
rl
?
Hi
m: Baby,Iapol
ogi
sedf
orusandwi
shedher
al
lthebestin.
..
..
Me:
Yesorno!Yousai
d"t
akecar
e"t
oher
?:(
Hi
m:Yes!El
l
enIsai
dthat
!:(
Me:
Wow:
'
(
Il
ookedaway
Hi
m:Baby
,Idi
dn'
tmeant
oshoutaty
ou
Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
Whydoy
oucar
esomuchaboutt
hisgi
rl
?:(
Hi
m Baby
?
Me:
"Takecar
e"?:
'
(:(
Hi
m: ComeonEl
l
en!Iwast
ryi
ngt
obeni
cet
o
t
hatgir
l!:
(
Me:
fine!:
(:'
(
Him:Whati
sgoingonEl
l
en.Yout
hinkIwoul
d
datet
hatgi
rl
?:(
Me:Whatcoul
dpossi
blyst
opy
ouf
rom dat
ing
her
?:(:
'
(
Hi
m:Thef
actt
hatIam mar
ri
edt
oyou!:
(
Me:Ohplease!Youdi
srespect
edmei
nfr
ontof
t
hatgi
rl
hi
m:Whatdi
dIdo?:
(
Me:
Confront
ingmei
nfr
ontofheraboutwhat
wet
alkedabout?
hesatdown
Ryan:
Soyouar eaccusi
ngmeofsl
eepi
ngwit
h
myemployee.That'
showli
tt
ley
outhi
nkofme?
:(
Me:
Arey
ou?:
(:'
(
Hi
m:Youar
emaki
ngmesoangr
yri
ghtnow
Me:
:'
(
Hi
m:Iwantt
owor
k,pl
easeexcuseme!:
(
Me:Iwi
shyoucar
edf
ormet
hesamewayy
ou
car
eabouther
!
Him:Whatareyouonabout
?Eversi
nceyou
cameback.Iam al
wayswit
hyouwhenIam not
worki
ngit'
susallt
het
ime!Babywhati
s
happeni
ng?:(
Me:
Ifeel
li
key
ou'
vechanged:
'
(
Hestoodup.Hecametome.Iwascr yi
ngso
hardbutsi
l
entl
y.Idi
dn'
twantpeopl
etohearour
fi
ght
Me:
Him: Iam embarrassedbythewaywetreated
her.Ifearthatwemi ghtl
osebusi
nesswit
ht he
school.Remember ,
hermotherist
heonewho
dotheirorder
s.Ican'
tl
osethatbusi
ness.Tel
l
meEl l
en.HowdoIl ookatthatwomaninthe
eyewhenshecomesher eknowingwhather
daughterknowsaboutyou?:(
Me:
Him:Ifyouwantmet ogoyell
fine!Icancall
her
daughterandshoutatherf
orrefusi
ngy ourj
ob
off
er!:(
Me:
Ther
eisnoneedf
ort
hat
.Iam sor
ry
Him:Iam sorr
yifyoufeel
li
keIam notthe
same.May beIshoul
dslowdownabi t
.Iworka
l
ot:)
Me:
It'
sokaybaby
.Ineedt
ogot
othehouse
Heki
ssedme.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.Iwal
kedout
Me:
Idon'
tbuyal
lthat.Ineedt
oseeLondeka.She
doesn'
thi
deanythi
ngf r
om me.Shewi
llt
ellme
whathasbeengoi
ngoninthi
shouse.Igott
o
myhouse.Iwal
kedin.If
oundhercl
eani
ng
Me:
Londy
,comesi
t:)
Shecameandsatdownont
hecouchopposi
te
me
Me:Youwouldn'
tkeepanyt
hingf
rom mei
f
you'
dseemyhusbanddoingsomethi
ngI
wouldn'
tl
ikewoul
dyou?:(
Her
:Ofcour
seMr
sLawson:
)
Me:WhatwasMyhusbandandNomandl
a'
s
r
elat
ionshi
pli
ke?:
(
Londeka:
MrsLawson?
Me:Youhadneverwal
kedinont hem t
alki
ngor
doi
nganyt
hingt
hatisi
nappropr
iate?
Londeka:
Noma' am!MrLawsondon'
ttal
kalot
wit
hus.Iam..
.ImeanIwasalwayswi
thher.Not
asingl
edayshewasleftal
onewi
thhiminthe
house
Me:
Ist
hatso.
..
..
.?:
(
Londeka:
YesMr
sLawson:
)
Me:
..
..
..
..?
Ist
oodup.Wai
t.
..?Il
ookedather
Me:YoumeanExceptthedayIcamebackf
rom
EastLondonr
ight
?:(
Londeka:
MrsLawson?
Me:Londeka,Isawy ourunni
ngf r
om t
he
super
mar kett
ot hehousethatdaywhi
chgot
meabi tsuspi
cious?:(
Londeka:
:'
(
Isawatear.Sheist
ell
i
ngmet
het
rut
htoday
.
Thetr
uthiscomingout!
Me:Iam goi
ngtoaskyouf
orthever
ylastt
ime,
Ar
ey ouhidi
ngsomet
hingf
rom me?
Londeka:
Oh!
..
..
.:D
Me:
Oh.
..
.?:
(
Londeka: Myhusbandwasher e.Irantosee
him att hesupermar
ket.Iwassti
llonduty
.
WhenIsawy ouma'am.Igotscared.Idi
dn't
evenknowMrLawsonwasi nt
hehouse.Iwas
runningbecauseIdidn'twanty
out oseeme
doingmyownt hi
ngsinworkhours.Iwas
surprisedtoseehim here:D
Il
ookedaway
Me:Iwonderwhatwashedoi
ngher
eindoor
s
al
onewit
hher..
..
..?
Londeka:
Iwondert
oo.
..
..
..
..?
Me:
...
..
..
.?

.
.
~Nomboni
so~
Iam sosi
ckandt
ir
edofdet
ect
iveQaqambi
l
e.
Whatishedoinghereandhowdi dhefoundout
aboutt
his?Thisboywil
l nev
erfor
giv
eme.I
keepdi
sappointi
nghim ever
yday.
Me:
Bo.
..
.
Qaqambi
l
e:Di
dyouaskhert
odoi
tornot
?
Isatont
hechai
r
Me:
Yes,
Idi
d:'
(
Qaqambi
l
e:Mot
her
!!
!!:
(
Ist
oodup.Il
ookedather
Me: ComeonQaqambi l
e!SheknewwhatIdi
d!
Whatdidy ouexpectmet odo?Kil
lhert
oo?At
l
eastIdidn'tki
llher.Ij
ustmadeherfor
getaf
ew
eventsnobi gdeal!:(
Qaqambi
le:Nobigdeal
?Hermotherdi
ed!And
t
hepoorgir
ldoesn'
tknowthat
!:(
Iwenttohimtr
yingt
otouchhi
shands.He
yankedthem
Me: Baby,thisisamessIknow!Ipr omi
sey ou
thi
sisthel astti
meIam doi ngsomethi
ngli
ke
thi
s!Iwi l
lneverdoitagain.Ihadt
omakesur e
ther
ear enol ooseends.Comeonbabypl ease
understandwhyIdi ditordoy ouwantt
omar ry
her?
Hi
m:Thi
sisnotaboutmemom!
!!:
(
Me:
IknowandIam sor
ry:
'
(
Qaqambil
e:Iknowalotofyoursecr
etsandI
havetokeepthem.WheneverIseet
hatgir
lI
wil
lrememberwhatyoudidtohermother
Mysonbr
okedown.Iwentt
ohi
m.
Hi
m:Don'
ttouchmel
eav
e!!
!!
Il
ookedatNozi
qhephey
i
Me:
Thanky
oucousi
n.Taket
his
Igav
ehert
hecampai
gn.Iwal
kedout
Me:
:)
Nowi t'
sti
meImessupFef ekazi'
sli
fe.You
thoughtIwasgonnaleti
tgojustli
kethat?The
cli
nici
s10t o15minutesawayfrom the
supermarket
.Iam goi
ngther
et omessherup.I
arri
vedther
e.Iwentin
Fef
ekazi
:
Me:
:)
Itookapaper.Ihave10KGbagofonionsinmy
house.Iam buyingabunchjustt
obeclosert
o
her.It
ook3oni ons.Iwentt
oherforapri
cetag.
Me:
Pri
cet
agpl
ease:
)
Shet
ookt
hepl
ast
ic.Shedi
dhert
hingt
hengav
e
i
ttome
Me:
Homewr
ecker:
(
Fef
ekazi
:
Il
ookedaround.Thesuper
mar
ketisfull
.Noone
i
spayingatt
enti
on.Ifor
medafi
st.Ipunched
hersohar
donherst omach
Fef
ekazi
:Ouch.Youbi
tch!:
'
(:(
Shesl
appedmesohardonmyf ace.Thesl
ap
madealotofnoi
sepeopl
etur
nedaround
Peopl
e:Yoh
Me:
Ist
hishowy
out
reaty
ourcust
omer
s?
"yohyohyoh!
!!"t
hatwascust
omer
s,some
werebooi
nghersomeshocked.
Me:
Howcanshesl
apmel
i
ket
his?
Fef
ekazi
:Youpunchedmei
nmyst
omach!:
(
Me:
Youar
ely
ing!
!!
"whatisgoi
ngonher
e?"Ismi
l
edi
nsi
de.Thati
s
herboss
Customer
1:Thi
sladysl
appedt
hiswomanout
ofthebl
ue!:
(
Fef
ekazi
:Shest
art
edi
t!:
'
(:(
Lawson:MrsXaba?Ar
eyouokay
,ohmyGod
yourf
ace!:
(
Me:Iwant
edhert
oaddmoreOnionsf
orme
shesai
dIwaswasti
nghert
ime
Fef
ekazi
:Shei
sly
ingMhl
ekazi
!!:
'
(
Me:
Shesl
appedmewhenIsai
dit
'sherj
ob
Lawson:Fef
ekazi
!YouareFi
red!!
!!Iam si
ckand
ti
redofhear
ingever
yonecomplai
nabouty ou!

Me:
Fef
ekazi
:ButMhl
e..
..
.
Lawson:
Getoutofmysuper
mar
ket
!!
!
Fef
ekazi
:
Sher
anout
.MrLawsonl
ookedatThobeka
Lawson:Thobeka,
giv
ethi
slady10Kgof
Onions:
(
Hel
ookedatme
Him:Iam sosor
ryMr
sXaba.Youdon'
thav
eto
payf
orthem
Me:
Thanky
ouMrLawson.Youar
eagoodman

Hi
m::
)
Thobekacamewi thmyonions.Iwal
kedout.I
goti
ntomycar .Ist
art
edtheengine,
Idrov
eout
wipi
ngmyt ear
s
Me:
Thatwasf
un!

~Nomandl
a~
Iam sti
l
l al
one.It
'sti
memom comesbackf r
om
school
.Idon'tknowwhati skeepingher
,maybe
shewentToNozazi '
shouse.Iheardmyphone
ri
ngs.Itookit
.IlookedatCall
erid.I
t'
sRyan
Lawson, hi
swi f
eishome.Whyhekeepscal li
ng
me?Istoodupt henanswer ed
Me:
Hel
l
o?:
(
Hi
m:Baby
,mywi
fei
sget
ti
ngsuspi
ciousofus
Me:
Whatdi
dshesay
?
Him:Shewalkedinonmesay i
ngt
akecar
eto
you.Shedi
dn'tl
i
kethatatal
l
.
Me:
OhmyGodt
hisi
snotgoodf
orme
Hi
m: Baby,
Iknowshedidn'
tbeli
evemet
hat
'
s
whyIthi
nkyoushoul
dleavetoday!
Me:
Ican'
tl
eav
etoday
Him:Babypl easedothi
sforme.Il
oveyouand
ourchi
ld.Idon'twantdr
amaaroundyouguys.
Thatpl
acei ssafe.Noonewil
lknowyouare
ther
e!
Me:Thisi
shar
d!Idi
dn'
tthi
nkIwoul
dleav
eso
soo.
..
..
.
If
eltl
i
kesomeonei
sbehi
ndme.It
urned
ar
ound
Me:
Ihungup.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sfast
Me:
Mom :
D:'
(
Mom:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngNomandl
a?:
(
Me:
Mom:
Andwhyai
n'
tyouatwor
katt
hist
ime?:
(
OhboyIam i
ntr
oubl
eai
n'
tI?
Mom:
Answerme!
!!
Me:
I..
..
.
Myphonedist
urbedme.Il
ookedati
t.I
t'
sa
messagef
rom Londeka
"Fri
end,
MrsLawsonisaski
ngquest
ionsabout
youandMrLawson!Pl
easebecaref
ul"
Me:
OhMyGod!
Mom:
Whati
sitNomandl
a?
Me:
Iam sor
rymom!
Mom:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?Whatar
eyousor
ryf
or?
Ihavenochoi
ce.Ihav et
otellmymothert
he
tr
uth,t
hewholetrut
h.Idon'
tknowhowshei s
goingtot
akeitbutit
'sti
me.It
stimemom
knowsIam notthatperf
ectdaught
ersherai
sed.
Me:
Mom:
Tal
ktome!
!!
It
ookadeepbr eat
h.Iwi
pedmytear
s.Isaton
mybed.Iputbothmyhandsbet
weenmyt hi
ghs
Me:
Mom:
Iwon'
tasky
ouagai
nNomandl
a!!
!
Il
ookeddown
Me:
Mama,
Iam pr
egnant
Mom:
..
..
..
..
.
Whyisshequi
et?Ilookedather
.Icoul
dsee
shewassurpr
ised.Myphonerang,i
t'
sMr
Lawson
Mom:
Youwi
l
lanswert
hataf
tery
out
oldme
whodi
dthi
stoy
ou!
Ist
oodup,Iat
tempt
edt
otakemyphone.She
gott
oitf
ir
st.
Me:
Mom:
Whoi
sthef
ather
?:(
OhmyGod.Shemustsi tdownf orthi
s.Idon't
thi
nkIhavetheenergyt
otellherbutIhaveto.I
havetotel
lherbef
oreEll
endoes.Ilookedather.
Playi
ngwit
hmyhandsner vous
Mom:Youar
estart
ingtomakemeangr
yli
tt
le
gi
rl
!Whodamagedy ou?
Me:
I..
..
.i
ts.
..
..
Mom r
ant
otheBr
oom.Shecamet
ome
Me:
It'
sMrLawson!
!!
Shel
etgooftheBr
oom.Itf
elldownherbot
tom
l
ipwashangi
ngontopofherchin
Mom:
Thi
xowamazul
u! (Heav
il
yFat
her
)
Me:

.
Tobecont
inued.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..

.
Seey
ouatFi
nal
e
Iadmi
t,Iwaswr
ong

.
I
nser
t50

.
Fi
nal
e

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Iknowmymot heri sshocked.Idon' thav et i
me
toexplaineveryt
hi ng.Ihavetoleav e.Nowt hat
sheknowsev erything.Thereisnot hing
preventi
ngmef rom leaving.I
t'
st i
meIl eavet his
placeandgoasf arawayaspossi ble.Idon' t
wantt oseeEllen.Iwasact i
nglikeav i
ctim
l
ooki ngherintheey ewhiledeepdownIknewI
wr ongedher.Thatwomani scrazy.Shemi ght
comeher e.Itol
dmom ev ery
thi
ngf r
om howi t
startedandaboutt hemoneyandl eav ing.Ican
seeshei sdisappoi ntedbutshei stryingt obe
strongforme.
AnywayIam packi
ngmycl ot
hes.Iam leavi
ng
andsheissupport
ive.Iam bl
essedt ohavea
motherl
ikeher.Ry
ancal l
ed.Hegav emet he
numberoftheguywhogotmeapl acet ost
ay.
Iam al
lpackedupandr eadytogo.Il ookedat
mom
Me:
Iam sor
rymom :
'
(
Mom:It'
sdoneNomandl
a.Go,asl
ongy
ouwi
l
l
besaf
ewherevery
ouaregoi
ng:(
Me:Ithoughty
ou'dshoutatmeorsomet
hing.
Yousocalm butminut
esagoy ouwer
eangry
aski
ngmet otel
lyouthetrut
h:'
(
Mom: Iam yourmot her
!Idon'twanty out o
keepsecretsfr
om me!Tel lmesomet hi
ngev en
i
fit'
sbad!Iam yourmot herIwon'tjudgey ou.
YesIam disappoint
ediny ouforsleepingwi t
ha
marri
edmanbutwhatcanwedonow?Ther eis
achil
dinvolvedandshoutingatyouwon' tundo
thi
s!:
(
Ihuggedher
Me:
Enkosi
mama:
'
(
Shebr
oket
hehug.Shet
ookmybag
Her
:Go!
Me:
Iwi
l
lsendy
oumoneywhenIar
ri
vei
n
Mt
hat
ha:
)
Mom: Youwil
lbeoutt
her
eint
hewor
ld.You
can'
tbesendi
ngmemoneywhenyouhaveno
j
ob!:(
Me: Wedon'tkeepsecretsf
rom eachot her
anymor e.WhenIam str
uggli
ng.Iwil
ltellyouso
pleaseletmehelp.Yoursal
aryi
slesst hana
thousandmom :):'
(
Her
:Ther
e'sal
soy
ourcousi
nmoney
Me:
Mom pl
ease
Her:Okaypl
easego!Bef
orepeopl
eoft
his
vi
l
lageseeyou!:
(
Me:
OkayBaby:
):'
(
Iwal
kedoutwi
thmybag.Il
ookedatmyhouse
onemoreti
me
Me:
Iam l
eavi
ngmyhomeforgood.Iam star
tinga
newjour
ney,
ajour
neyIam scar
edof.Thisis
notgonnabeeasy.Iam scaredbutIhav etodo
thi
s.Ican'
tstandt
hehumi l
iati
onandbei ng
j
udgedbyt hepeopl
eofthisvil
lage.Ihopemom
wil
lsurvi
veit
.

.
.
~Li
thakazi
~
"Li
tha!Litha!Lit
ha!"t hatwasmygr andma.I
j
umpedup.Idozedof finherarmsaf t
erIfound
outt hatmom di ed.Thisdoesn'tmakesense.
Mymom l eftforwor k.Iwokeupi nhospi t
al.
Thiswhol ethingi sconfusi
ngme, If eell
i
keI
havebeensl eepingforyearsIdon'tknowwhatI
wil
l bewithoutmymom.Shei smyev ery
thing.I
don'tknowl ifewithouther.Idon'
tknowwhatI
wil
l bewithouther .Whoi sgoingtosuppor tme?
Ihav enothing.Ihav enoone.
Me:
Whydi
dyouwakemeupgr
andma!
!!
Gran:
Youwer
ecr
ying.Whatwast
hedr
eam
about
?
Ist
oodup.Ist
art
edt
hinki
ng.
Gr
an:Doy ourememberany
thi
ngmy
gr
anddaughter
?
Il
ookedather
Me:
Gr
andma:
It'
sokayi
fyoudon.
..
..
Me:Ir
emember
,Ij
ustdon'
tknowwhati
t
means.
..
..
..
Her
:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutbaby
?
Isatdown.Il
ookedather
Me: I
t'
sli
keIwaschasi
ngsomeonewhowas
runni
ngawayfrom mewit
hsomethi
ngt
hat
seemedsoprecioust
ome
Gr
andmabr
ushedmyback.
Her
:May
bei
t'
slosi
ngy
ourmot
herbaby
Me:
Idon'tunderst
andwhyIcan'tr
emembermy
mother'sdeath.Ineedsomeanswer
sandI
won'tsitdownunt i
lIf
indt
heanswer
s.

.
.
~El
l
en~
AsIam speakingtoLondekasomet hingcame
i
nmymi nd.Ifoundthi
sgirlcleani
ngthe
bat
hroom.She' sdonethatbef or
eshenev er
smeltofsex!Ifoundmyhusbandi nthehouse.
Myhusbanddon' tcomet othehouseunl esshe
waswor ki
ngandgotsweat y .Hesleptwiththat
gi
rl
!Hei sbeendoingitforal ongti
mehasn'the?
Me:
OhmyGod,
Ihav
ebeenaf
ool
Londeka:
Ma'
am?
Il
ookedather
Me:Howlongwerey
ouwi
thy
ourhusbandt
hat
dayIar
ri
ved?:
(:'
(
Londekal
ookedaway
Me:
Londeka!
!!
Shel
ookedatme
Londeka:Iam sor
ryMr
sLawson.I
twasabout
30mi nut
es:'
(
Me:Hehadsexwit
hherwhi
l
eyouwer
eatt
he
super
market
!:'
(
Londeka:MrsLawson.Idon'
tthinkthat
'swhat
happened.Nomandlai
sav er
yr espectf
ulgi
rl
Me:Shewasn'tsorespect
ful
tome!Thi
s
answer
severythi
ng!Heravoi
dingmeev
eryti
me
Icomeback.Hersuddenbadbehavi
our
!:'
(
Londeka:
:'
(
Isatdown
Me:
Myhusbandcheat
edonmewi
thabl
ack
gi
rl
?Amai
d..
..
..
..
?:'
(
It
ookmyhandbagandmycarkey
s.Ist
oodup
Londeka:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngMr
sLawson?
:'
(
Me: :
'
(:(
Iam goingtofi
ndoutwhatisreal
l
yhappening
butfi
rstIneedtotal
ktomyhusband.Hemust
tel
lmewhati sitt
hathewasdoinginthehouse
twoday sagoatthatt
imeoftheday.
Ry
an:
Baby:
D
Me:Ryanwhatwer
eyoudoi
ngi
nthehouset
hat
dayIar
ri
ved?:
(
Hi
m:Babyt
hati
smyhousewhatdoy
oumean?
:D
hesai
dst
andi
ngup.
Me:Idon'
thavet
imetoplayRyan!Whatwere
youdoi
nginthehouseatthatt
imeoftheday
!:(
Hel
ookedatme.Icoul
dseehewast
hinki
ng
Hi
m:Iwentt
ogetsomef
il
esi
nther
e
wow,
IhopeIam nott
heonlyonewho
r
ememberswhathesaidt
hatday.
Me:
Doy
ouknowwhaty
ousai
dthatday
?:(:
'
(
Him:Ify
our
ememberwhatIsai
dwhyar
eyou
as.
..
.
Me:
Yousai
dyouwer
ewor
kingathar
dwar
e!
Him:Soyouweret est
ingme!Youdon'ttr
ystme!
Howdoy ouexpectmet orememberev er
ythi
ng
El
len?YesIwas!thenIthoughtIshoul
dgobath
andtakethef
il
e
Iopenedt
hedoor
.Iwal
kedout
Me:
Right
Icl
osedthedoor.Iwal
kedout
.Iam goingt
o
fi
ndNomandl a'
shomenottomorrownotnext
weekbutatthisminut
e!Myhusbandcheat
ed
onme.Hesl eptwiththatli
tt
lesl
ut.Iwon'
tget
thetr
uthoutofhim, butIwil
lgeti
tfrom t
hat
l
itt
lei
nnocentwhor e.Iwanthermothertosee
thedi
sgusti
nggirlsheraised

#3MONTHLATER#
Mymar riagehadupsanddowns.Ican' tbelieve
Iam aboutt osayt hisbutIwi l
lbecausei ti
st he
trut
h.Iam gl adwewentt hrought hatbecausei t
madeusst ronger.Wel oveeachot hermor e
thanbef ore.YesRy anfinall
ytoldmet hathe
sleptwi t
ht hatgirl
.Nobodyknowswher eshe
went .Threemont hsagowhenIwentt oher
house, hermot hersaidshet ookal lherclothes
andl eft
.Nobodyknowswher esher ant oeven
myhusband.Iam gl adshei soutofourl i
vesf or
good.Wef oundani cegi r
l.Itr
usther .Shei s
wor kingwi thLondeka.Thatgi r
lishelpingme
fi
ndoutwher eNomandl arant o
.
.
~Mr
sXaba~
WhatcanIsay ?Igetawaywi thev erything.Igot
awaywi t
hev eryt
hi ngIdi dthreemont hsago.
Thatl i
tt
legirldon'tremembernot hing.Shewas
soshockedwhenshewast ol
dQaqambi l
ehas
awi fe.Speakingofmyson.Hedoesn' tcallme.
Hiswi fedon'tcomehomeunl essMyhusband
forcehert o.Myr elationshipwi tht hem i snot
goodatal l.Iam wi ll
ingt ogivet hem t ime.I
hopet heywi l
lforgiveme.AboutFef ekazi l
osing
herjob, y
essher epor tedmet oMyhusband.I
showedmyhusbandmyf ace.Hesawshe
attackedme.Hebel iev edmeov erher .That
bit
chi sunempl oy ed.Shedoesn' tmakeal i
ving.
Shemustt hankgov ernmentf orgi vi
ngher
grandf orherthreechi ldr
en.Nobodyget sinmy
wayandwal kawayunharmed.Youwr ongme,I
comef oryou.There'
snothingmor etorepor
t
aboutmyl if
e.Iam st
il
lateacher.Webur i
ed
Nozazi,everyonemovedon.Wef or
gotabout
her.Ihopeherdaughterdidtoo.

.
.
~Londeka~
Ithasbeenal ongthreemonth.Mr sLawsoni s
convincedthatNomandlawashav i
nganaf fai
r
withherhusband.Iam sti
ll
lyi
ngi nherface.
Mr sLawsont r
ustsmesomuch.I tishardfor
met olietoher.Idon'
tknowforhowl ongwi ll
I
keepdoi ngthi
sforNomandla.Thiswoman
tookmei nandchangedmyl i
fe.Shedoesn't
deservethi
sf rom me.Il oveNomandl asomuch,
shesav edmyl ifewhenmymot heri nlawwas
try
ingtokil
l me.Ican' tbet r
ayher .Ibet rayed
Mr sLawsonbysl eepingwi t hherhusband.One
fri
endIhaven'tbet rayedi sNomandl aandI
wantittostayt hatway .Ibet r
ay edMr sLawson
once.Ihavebeenl ookingheri nt heey esal l
thesemont hs.Icankeept hissecr ett o.Iam
goingtochoosemyf r
iendov ermyempl oyer.I
hopeitdoesn'tbackf ireinf uture.My
rel
ati
onshipwi thQaqambi l
ei samazi ng.The
weekendsIpr omi sedt ospendi nQaqambi le'
s
house,Iam spendi ngt hem i nMt hatha.Hei s
notashamedofme.It oldhi m ev erythingabout
me.Hest il
llovesme.Iam sohappyr i
ghtnow.
AndIam gr atefultomymot heri nlawf orhat ing
me.Sher eall
ymadeusst ronger ,shebr ought
usclosertoeachot her.Iam 5mont hpr egnant
now.Lifeisamazi ng.Wear eexpect ingababy
gir
l.Myhusbandi sv eryhappy ,hecan' twai tto
beadad.Asf orNomandl a?Thel astt imeIsaw
herwaswhenIwal kedi ntoherspeaki ngt oMr s
Lawson.Idon' tknowwher eshewent .She
changedhernumberandThatmakesme
wonderi fIam t hatimpor tanti nherli
fel i
keshe
i
st ome.Youcan' tdisappearandnott elly
our
fr
iend.Mr sLawsonhi redLi t
hakazi.IthoughtI
wasasnob, thatgi rltakest hecup.She
under minesme.I t'slikeIfoundherher e.Shei s
closet oMr sLawsonmor ethanmeandIdon' t
l
iket hatabi tandIam scar edofherbecause
shei sawi tch.Mr sLawsonhasn' tbeent he
samesi ncet hisNomandl adr ama.Shedoesn' t
givemeat tention.Herf avour i
teemploy eeis
Lithakazi.It
'sLithat his,Lithat hat
.Iwantmy
husbandt ofinish, whenhei sdone.Iam goi ng
tost opwor kingher e.Thingsar enotthesame
any more.Nomandl ar uinedt hingsforme.Ij ust
wishshecoul dcont actme.Imi ssher.

.
.
~Nomandl
a~
Idon'tknowwher et obegin.Imov edt o
Mthat ha,Iwasscar ed,Ididn'tknowany one
here,well Isti
lldon't.Idon'treallyl
ikepeopl eor
shouldIsayIam notgoodandsoci alisi
ng?Wel l
youcandeci dewhi chonebecauseIdon' tknow.
WhatIknowi sIam ani ntr
ov ert.Iam inVar sit
y
yesy ouhear dr i
ghtandIam 5mont hsPr egnant.
MrLawsonpul ledsomest rings.Igotaccept ed
atWSU.Iam f oll
owi ngmydr eams.Iam a
universit
yst udent.Iliveinoneoft hemost
Expensi veflatsintown.Myl ifeisgoodr i
ght
now.MrLawsonmakessur ehecomesatl east
Threet i
mesaweekbutatni ghtandl eaveint he
mor ningar ound4: 30sohecanbehomewhen
thesuper mar ketopens.Mt hathai snotf arfrom
Mqamdul i.Wear egood.Hei sv erysuppor ti
ve.
Hesuppor tsmeandmyf ami ly.Lif
ehasbeen
amazi ng.Ihav en'tcontactedLondekabecauseI
am scar ed.Shemustbemani pul atedbyEl l
en
andt ellherwher eIl ive.Ican'tt aket hatr i
sk.I
haveseenQaqambi lear oundcampus.Wedon' t
got othesamecampust hough.Iguesshe
wentt ov i
sitaf ri
end.Imadesur ehedi dn'tsee
me.Idon' twantany onet oknowwher eIam.
Theycoul dr ui
nmyl ife.Iwantabet t
erlifefor
meandmyf ami ly.IfEllenwoul df i
ndoutI
woul dendupdr oppi ngout .Ipassedal lmyf irst
tests.ImeanIam notdoi ngany thing.Idon' t
havef ri
ends.Idon' tdoany thi
ngIj ustst ayat
homeandgot ocl asses.Iwoul dn' thav eany
reasonf orfail
ing.IknowwhatIcameher efor .
Imetamanwhowaswaswi l
lingt omakemy
dreamscomet hrough.Iknowsl eepingwi tha
mar ri
edmani swr ongandIhav enoexcusef or
doingi t
.Iprayt oGodev erynightt of orgiveme
event houghIam st il
lsleepingwi tht heman.At
l
eastadmi tt
ingt oy ourwr ongscountf or
somet hingright ?
.
.
~Fef
ekazi
~
Thingsar ev eryhardforme.Gr antmoneyi s
nothingwheny ouhavet hreechildren.Ifeell
ike
Ifail
edmychi l
dren.Mysal aryfrom the
super marketcont ri
butedal otinmyhouse.My
twoki dshadpocketmoneyal lthetimewhen
theygot oschool nowIdon' thav enot hi
ng.I
tri
edf i
ndingot hersmal ljobsnoonewant sto
hireme.Nomboni sotoldev ery
onewhatIdi d.I
am t hetalkoft hi
sv i
ll
age.Noonewant stohire
me.Wher everIgopeopl earetalkingbehi ndby
back.Iam al aughoft hev i
ll
age.TodayIdon' t
hav eany t
hingt ocookf ormychi l
dren.Thobeka
want snothingt odowi thme.Ican' tgoaskf or
somet hingt ocookandshei sactwor k.Iwas
standinglooki ngaroundmyhouse
Me:
:'
(
Thedooropened.Mysonwal
kedi
n
Hi
m:mol
omama:
D
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sfast
Me:
Yesboy
,hel
l
o:D
Het
hrewhisbackpackonthechai
r.Heranto
t
hepots.Heopenedeachandever
yoneofthem
Me:
:'
(
Het
urnedar
ound.Hel
ookedatme
Hi
m:MamaIam hungr
yyoudi
dn'
tcook?
Cookwhat?Wedon' thavefood.Wefi
nished
thegr
ocer
ies.Idon'
thaveacentinmywal let
.
Mykidsar
egoi ngtodieofhunger.
Me:
Iwi
l
lber
ightbackbaby
!
Ididn'
twai
tforhi
mtosayathi
ng.Islammed
thedoorbehi
ndme.Il
eanedonit
.Ilooked
around
Me:Ishoul
dhav
edonet
hisal
ongt
imeago!
:'
(
Iletgooft hedoor.Iheadedt otheXabahouse.
Sanusei sactingl
ikehedoesn' thavea
responsibil
it
y.Iam hearsweat i
ngev ery
day
tryi
ngt omakeal i
v i
ng.Thisishisfaultasmuch
asitismi ne!Hecallshi
msel famanwhatki nd
ofamanwhodon' ttakear esponsi
bili
tyforhi
s
actions?
Iar
ri
vedathi
shouse.Ihi
tthedoorhar
d
Me: :
'
(
Thedooropened.Sanusei
sinl
i
ve.Hi
swi
fei
s
atschool
.
Sanuse:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Whati
fmy
wif
efindsyouher
e?
Me:
Mychi l
drenar
ehungr
y!Wedon'
thav
efood
t
oeat.
..
..
.!:
'
(
Hi
m:Don'
tyouhav
eaboy
fri
end!
?Mywi
fewi
l
...
..
Me:
Shei
sther
easonIdon'
thav
eaj
ob!
Him:Youassault
edmywife!Thi
sisy
ourfaul
t!
Don'
teversetyourf
ooti
nmyhouseagaindo
youhearme?
Wi
ththatsai
d,heat
tempt
edt
osl
am t
hedoori
n
myface.Ibl
ockedi
t
Me:DoesNomboni
soknowt
woofmyy
oungest
ki
dsareyour
s?
Sanuse:
Me:
Doesshe!
!!
!? :
'
(
Sanuse:

.
TheEnd.