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  • Ndabuko Her Yardner-1

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    Magadaline Hamukwani
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    1K views1,490 pages

    Ndabuko Her Yardner-1

    Uploaded by

    Magadaline Hamukwani

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Flag for inappropriate content
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 1490

    NdabukoHerYar

    dner

    Pr
    ologue

    Everydayhesatundert heshelt
    erbui
    ltafewyar ds
    awayf r
    om wherethetaxisrankedinthemor nings.
    Itwashisfavour
    it
    espot ,heli
    kedwatchingthe
    mor ni
    ngtraf
    fi
    candpassenger spushingeachot her
    i
    nt hequeuesandthet axiconduct
    orstryi
    ngt o
    i
    nterveneandcalm everyonedown.
    Thefir
    sttimehesawhershewascl i
    mbingoutofa
    schoolbus.Therewasafeudbetweent
    he
    municipali
    tybusesandt
    hem,theMkhubataxi
    associ
    ation.
    Hefi
    redshotsinfr
    ontofthebusandthedri
    ver
    hast
    il
    ypull
    edupatt hesi
    deoftheroadandasked
    hi
    spassengerstoali
    ght.

    Mostoft
    hem wer
    eschoolchi
    ldr
    enbuthedi
    dn'
    tfeel
    bad.Theyhadwarnedt
    hepar
    ent
    s,i
    twastheir
    stubbor
    nnesst
    hatputt
    hei
    rki
    dsi
    nthemiddleofa
    war.
    Butbef oret
    hebusdr i
    verclosedthedoor,agir
    l
    holdingherbackpackcloselytoherchestandher
    braidsletdownoverherleanshoulders,cl
    imbed
    outandl ookedaroundfearful
    ly.

    Shelookednothi
    ngovereight
    eenandbyt
    helook
    onherface,shehadneverbeentot
    heMkhubataxi
    rankbefor
    e.
    Shewasinmatri
    c.Shehadanamet agl
    oosel
    y
    hangi
    ngbeneat
    hherblazer
    ’spocketand
    somewher
    eneartheschoolbadgewaswr i
    tt
    en;
    Matri
    cCl
    assof2010.
    Hedi dn'tfeelbadwhenmostoft hem scatt
    eredon
    theroadandt r
    iedtofi
    nddir
    ecti
    onst
    ot hei
    rschools.
    Butwi thheri twasdiffer
    ent
    .Hewantedtogocl oser
    toherandmaybeof f
    erherali
    fti
    nhi
    sGol f6,but
    shedi dn'tlooknaive.
    So,
    hej
    ustf
    oll
    owedsl
    owl
    ybehi
    ndherandsenta
    threateni
    nglookt
    othedagga-
    boyswhower e
    starti
    ngtothrowt
    heirdi
    rt
    yeyesatherdi
    rect
    ion.

    Hedidn'
    tspeaktohert
    hatday,buthehad
    somethi
    ngtotakehome;hername,NdondoSibi
    si.
    Agrade12studenti
    nGreenl
    akeSecondarySchool
    .
    Hewant edt ogotoherschool,maybejustpar k
    outsidethegateandwat chherfr
    om adi stance,but
    thatwould'vebeencreepy.Hewasbad, everyonein
    theindustr
    ywas, itwasanessenti
    alelementt o
    survivet
    hest r
    eets.Buthewasn'tastalkerandhe
    wasdef i
    nitel
    ynotaper ver
    t.

    Itwasonl yamont hlaterwhenhesawheragai n.


    Shewaswi thherpar ents,wearingchur chuniforms
    andcar r
    yingBi bl
    es.Theywer ewal kingon
    Magagul aStreet,comi ngfrom chur ch.Ri ghtther
    e
    andthen, heknewt hatitwasgoi ngt obehar dtoget
    closetoher.Achur chgirlwasgoi ngt oaskhi mt o
    quoteaf ewBi bleversest osuppor thisl ove
    confessi
    onandhewasn' tachur chper son.Inhi s
    l
    ifeti
    mehehadbeeni nsidet hechur
    chtwice, t
    hat
    wasdur ingtheEast erseasonwhengoodi eswere
    servedaf t
    erchurchser vicesandhewasst i
    llali
    tt
    le
    boy.Hewasf amiliarwithpastorsonlybecausehe
    attendedal otoffunerals.Peopledi
    edlikeantsin
    hisindustry.

    Hehadmethert wice;att
    het
    axirankandon
    MagagulaStreet
    .Butsheonl
    ymethi mfort
    hefir
    st
    t
    imeadayaf terhesawherwithherpar
    entscoming
    f
    rom church.
    Hi
    staxihadaleaki
    ngpipeandhewasstandi
    ng
    wi
    thafewothertaxiowner
    str
    yingt
    ofi
    xthe
    pr
    obl
    em.
    Shel
    ookedaroundt
    her
    ankaf
    ewt
    imesandt
    hen
    wal
    kedstr
    aightt
    ohi
    m.
    Asdanger ousashisli
    neofwor kwas,somepeople,
    especial
    lywomen, f
    ounditsafetobearoundthem.
    Andshesawhi m,outofallpeoplei
    ntherank,
    and
    deci
    dedt hati
    twashi m whowasgoi ngtoshowher
    thetaxit
    oMangethewi thouttr
    yinganyfunnymove
    onher
    .
    “
    SawubonaBhuti.Canyouhel
    pme?I
    'mlooki
    ngfor
    ataxit
    oMangethe,
    ”shesai
    dandi
    nnocent
    lyl
    ooked
    i
    ntohiseyeswi
    thhope.
    Hedi dn'tsayanyt
    hing,hejustt
    ookherhandand
    crossedt heroadwithher.I
    twasabattl
    et obreat
    he
    andactnor malwhi
    leshewasj ustaf
    ewi nches
    awayf rom hisski
    n.
    “
    Whoar
    eyouvi
    sit
    ing?
    ”hef
    inal
    lymanagedt
    oask.
    “
    Studygr
    oup,
    ”shesai
    dbr
    ief
    ly.
    “
    Oh,
    goodl
    uck.
    ”
    Awkwardsil
    encef
    ellbet
    weent
    hem af
    tert
    hatshor
    t
    conver
    sat
    ion.
    Hewishedtosaymorebuthedi
    dn'
    tknowwher
    eto
    st
    artorwhatt
    osay.
    Maybeast hedaywentbyhewasgoi ngtosum up
    thecouragetoaskherout.Hecl
    earedhist
    hroat
    andstoppedjustafewfeetawayfr
    om thetaxit
    hat
    wasloadingtoMangethe.
    Sheal
    sost
    oppedandl
    ookedathi
    m.
    “CanIhaveyourcel
    lphonenumber
    ,pl
    ease?
    ”he
    asked.
    Shesi
    ghed;‘
    Ther
    ehewasbei
    ngat
    ypi
    calt
    aximan.
    ’
    “
    Idon'
    thaveaphone.Byt
    hewayt
    hankyouf
    oryour
    t
    ime.
    ”
    Itwasj
    ustacommonli
    neal
    lgi
    rl
    susedt
    oavoi
    d
    givi
    ngoutt
    hei
    rnumber
    s.
    “Whenareyoucomi ngback?I'
    dli
    ket ofetchyou.
    ”
    Hisquesti
    onwasmetbyf urrowedeyebr ows.He
    swall
    owedasher eali
    zedhowi mpossibl
    ei twas
    goingtobetoevengetachancet ointr
    oduce
    himsel
    ftoher.
    Sheturnedaroundandwal
    kedtowar
    dsthetaxi
    .The
    conductorr
    antoherandhel
    pedherwit
    hthebags.
    “
    Il oveyou,
    ”hesai
    dbreathi
    ly,
    wi t
    houtevenreal
    izi
    ng
    i
    t.Hehadneversaidthosewor dstoanygir
    linhis
    l
    ife.Hisli
    fewasal
    laboutworkingandsurvi
    vingthe
    i
    ndust r
    y.
    Herheadtur
    nedbacktohimforl
    essthant
    wo
    secondsandthenshecar
    ri
    edonwithherl
    if
    e.She
    coul
    d'vehear
    dhim andshecoul
    d'vej
    ustt
    urnedher
    headtoseeifhewassti
    llt
    her
    e.

    Hewasn' tapatientmanbutwi t
    hherhewasgoi ng
    tot ry.Nomatterhowl ongitwasgoi ngtotake.One
    thinghewassur eofwast hatshewasgoi ngtobea
    Mngomezul uwi fe.Ngidiwasevent empt edtotake
    himt othedoctorforament alanal
    ysiswhenhe
    star tedpl
    anninghi sfutur
    e.Hi sfut
    urethathadher
    att hecentreofever yt
    hing.
    “Nhlanzekothiswassupposedtobeyourl egacy.
    Youwor kedthislongandthi
    shardtogetoutof
    here.Toleavethi
    sl i
    feandstar
    tafr
    esh.”Hewasi n
    disbel
    iefandhewasmad.Hel ovedhimlikehisown
    sonandi tdrovehim cr
    azytoseehim wastehis
    ti
    meandmoneyonsomeonehewasn' tevensur e
    thathewasgoi ngtoget.

    Nhlanzekot
    appedhi
    sfi
    ngersandlookedatthe
    documentsinhi
    shandscar
    eful
    ly.Hehadno
    regr
    etsandhehadnodoubtinhisheartt
    hatthi
    ngs
    weregoingt
    owor
    kout
    ,inhi
    spr
    esenceori
    nhi
    s
    absence.
    “Thingsaregett
    ingworsearoundhere.Ndabukoi s
    sti
    lltooyoung.I
    fanythi
    nghappenstomeIwant
    yout orunthi
    scompanyandwhenshe' sreadyt o
    takeoveryou'l
    lstepdown,
    ”hesaidinhisunf azed
    commandi ngvoiceandlookedupatNgi di
    .
    “Youcannotspeakl
    ikethat
    ,son,
    ”Ngidipl
    eaded.He
    didn'
    tli
    kepeopl
    ewhor andomlyspokeofdeath
    becausemostoftheti
    mest hei
    rwordstur
    nedinto
    reali
    ty.
    “YouknowIl ovebeingt wost epsaheadof
    everyt
    hing.IwantNdondot obecomf or
    tabl
    e,t
    olive
    theli
    feofherdr eamsevenwhenI '
    m nolonger
    around,
    ”hesai dandst aredi ntospacefora
    moment .Hisli
    pscur vedi ntoasmi leasthoughts
    crossedhismind.Hegl ancedupatNgi diwhowas
    sti
    llworri
    edabouthisear lierstatement.
    “
    IfI
    '
    m nother
    eshe'
    l
    lli
    vet
    hatl
    if
    ewi
    thNdabuko.
    ”
    “Nhl
    anzeko!”Ngi
    diexcl
    aimed.Whatwaswrongwi
    th
    him?Fi
    rstitwasthebursar
    y.Hecreat
    edt
    he
    bursaryforagir
    lthatdi
    dn'tevenknowhi sname
    andbr i
    bedwhoeverhebr ibedatherschoolto
    rewardittoherunderpretense.Thenitwasthe
    company, Bant
    wanaHol dings,regi
    ster
    edunder
    Ngidi’
    snamebutbel ongingtoher .

    12Januar y2011,hegotinhisGol f6andheadedto


    KwaNdamase.Someonehadseenhersi t
    ti
    nginthe
    tuck-
    shopwi t
    hagr oupoffri
    endsandal ert
    ed
    Nhlanzeko.Hewasgoi ngtoconf esshi
    sfeeli
    ngs,
    hewasn'tgoingtoholdanythingbackandhewas
    goingtoproveitt
    oherr i
    ghtthereandthen.
    Tenmi nut
    esawayf rom r
    eachi
    ngKwaNdamasea
    taxistoppedinfrontofhi
    scar.Shotswerefi
    red
    direct
    lytohisseat.Theonethattookhi
    ssoulwent
    throughhisskullandhediedwithinsi
    xseconds.
    Hewas26year soldwhenhediedanditonl
    ytook
    onebul
    letandsixsecondsf
    orhimtosuccumbto
    deat
    h.

    Si
    xyear
    slat
    erhevi
    sit
    edhi
    sbr
    other
    ,Ndabuko,
    in
    hissleepjustadayafterhi
    shuge26thbir
    thday
    celebrat
    ion.Therewassomeoneheneededt obri
    ng
    home…. hiswife,
    NdondoyamahlasePr
    incessSibi
    si.
    NdabukoHerYar
    dner

    Chapt
    er1

    Ialwaystrymybestt oavoidhost ingpeopl ei


    nmy
    house.HavingKhosial oneforagl assofwi ne
    alwaysleavesmewi thapi l
    eofdi shest owash,
    misplacedcushionsandmagazi nesl yi
    ngont he
    fl
    oors.Ican'ti
    maginehowi twoul dbel ikehosti
    ng,
    notjustherandhercr azytwinsisters,butthewhole
    BantwanaHol dingsstaffmember s.Butt hey
    i
    nsisted;“
    Ndondoyou' renowt heCEO, we'recoming
    tothrowyouamot herofallpart
    ies.”
    Mot herofallpar
    ti
    es?Iseemycupsbei ngbroken
    byt heever-
    so-cl
    umsyNseletwi
    ns,dir
    tyf l
    oorsand
    l
    ipsticksal
    lovermycouches.Mykitchenwi l
    lbe
    turnedupsidedownandI '
    m get
    ti
    nganxi et
    yjust
    from thi
    nki
    ngaboutit.
    “Theiceguyishere,”Andiswa’sjoyfulscream
    comesf r
    om thekit
    chenpassage.Theonl yti
    meshe
    getstodri
    nkisduringgat her
    ingslikethese.She's
    alr
    eadydressedupandr eadytosloshi tdown.
    She'sbeenrunni
    ngar oundl i
    keaheadl esschi cken,
    makingsurethateverythingissetaccor di
    ngly.
    I'
    m notast ri
    ctdeput y-
    parent,Ijustmakesur ethat
    shedoeswhatshecamei nDurbant odo;st udying.
    IfIseethatt al
    lguyshewashuggi nglastweek
    again,Iwon'tber esponsibleforwhatI '
    lldo.He' l
    l
    getmor ethanj ustaglassofwat erspl
    ashi ngonhi s
    face.Idon'thaveasi sterwho'sgoi ngtobepl ayed
    bytheseDur banhood-rats.Theyi nser
    tst hemsel ves
    undereveryski rtandplanttheirseedsever ywher e.
    Butwheni t'stimetosuppor ttheyr unfasterthan
    CasterSemenyar unningherLondonOl ympi cs.

    Ihavebrokenthefamilycurse;Ibecamet hefi
    rst
    Sibi
    sigr
    aduate,t
    hef i
    rstfemaletoweart hecar
    dinal
    redgown,thefi
    rsttwo-seat
    ercardr i
    verandthefir
    st
    familymembert oaffordamansi
    oninKindlewood
    estat
    e.Obvi ousl
    y,I
    ,alongwi
    thmyChri
    st-cover
    ed
    parents,wantAndiswaandBahletof
    oll
    owupon
    myf ootsteps.
    “LookuptoNdondo, ”–i snowt hechor useveryone
    i
    nt hefamil
    ysings.Mymot her'
    ssisteralwaystell
    anyonewhocar estostopandlistenthat;“The
    Ndondowhodr ivesfancycarswi t
    hnor oofsis
    actuall
    yhernieceandsheusedt ocombherhai r
    everymorningbef or
    eschool.”Ofcour se,Idon'
    t
    rememberal lt
    hatsof t
    nessandpamper ing.I
    t
    must '
    vesl
    ippedmymemor y,t
    heAuntVumi l
    eI
    rememberwhi ppedmyassl i
    kei twasnobody' s
    business.

    “
    Khosii
    sher
    e!”Andi
    swa’
    sscr
    eam agai
    n.
    Ibidgoodbyet
    omysqueaky- cl
    eankit
    chen.Thef
    ir
    st
    thi
    ngKhosidoeswhensheent er
    sistoopenmy
    fri
    dgeanddropthecont
    ainerofmargari
    neonthe
    fl
    oor.
    Ihat
    ebei
    ngt
    hisempl
    oyerbut
    …….
    “Aunt
    ycanyoucomeherewit
    hthemop?”Iyel
    ll
    oud
    enoughf
    orher
    ,theaunt
    y,t
    ohearwher
    eversheis.
    AwomanI 'veseenaroundaf ewt i
    mesemer ges
    withhercleaningequipment.Beforeyoujudgeme
    fornotknowi ngthei
    rnamesj ustknowt hatIhaven'
    t
    beeninthecount ryt
    helasttwomont hsandt hefew
    weeksthatI '
    vebeenbackI'vebeent r
    yingtowar m
    mynewCEOseat .
    I'
    m notgoodatmul t
    i-t
    asking,whichiswhyAndi swa
    i
    si nchar geofal lthedomest i
    cpaper work,hiri
    ng
    andf iri
    ng.Besi desthemi suseoff i
    nances;
    somet i
    messhet akest hemoneywi t
    houtt ell
    ingme
    andi nvestsi ti
    nherobsessi onofsneaker s,other
    thant hatIthinkshe' sdoingagoodj ob.Fort hepast
    twoyear sthatshe'sbeenher eIhaven'thadany
    headacher egardingmyhouse.Ever yoneexcel son
    theirjob.Thecookknowswhatherst orywitht he
    potsi s,whoevercl eansthehousemustbeaneat -
    freakher selfandt hatmanI 'veseenaf ewt imeson
    myyar disf ri
    endlywi t
    hthenat ure.
    “Ithinkyoushoul
    dt aket
    hisorganizi
    ngthi
    ng
    seriousl
    y.Lookatthesefl
    uteglasses!
    ”Khositel
    l
    s
    Andi swawhoseli
    psar estr
    etchedtoherears.My
    sisterandcompli
    ment s!
    “Howmuchar ethey?Wher edidyougett hem?They
    deservetoserveonl yt
    hebestoft hebest est
    .”She'
    s
    nowscanni ngDom Per ignonintot hetul
    ipglass
    wit
    hagr i
    nofsatisfact
    ionbr i
    mmi ngf rom herli
    ps.
    Myf ri
    endlovesflashythingsandmor ethan
    anything,
    shelovesdr i
    nkingandhavi ngfun.
    Andiswastealsaglanceatmyf acewi
    ththecorner
    s
    ofhereyesbeforetel
    li
    ngherthatsheorder
    edthe
    setfrom Houstonandhaditshi
    ppedforthepart
    y
    thathappenedlastmonth,
    inmyabsence.
    “Howmuchwer et
    hey?”Iask.Thischildthi
    nksI
    haveagar denofMandelanotesthatIharvestf
    rom
    everydamnweek.Shippinglousyglassesfrom
    Amer i
    caforwhatexact
    ly?Andwest i
    llhavetofi
    l
    l
    them wit
    hourowndr i
    nks?
    “Thesear
    eReedandBar
    ton,they'
    rewor t
    hevery
    cent,I
    '
    vebeenont
    hehuntforthem eversinceI
    start
    edbreat
    hing.Passmetheice-cubetraythere,
    ”
    Khosisays,wavingawaymyr i
    singanger.Iclench
    myt eet
    hincomposur eandexhalebreat
    hilybefore
    turni
    ngtothefreezer
    .
    “She'
    scar elesswiththemoney, ”Ii
    mplytothe
    organizi
    ngi deashewascomi ngupwi t
    h.Who’d
    wanttheor ganizerthatorderschai
    rsfr
    om the
    Europe?She' sfi
    net hereinthefi
    lmi
    ngindustr
    y.
    Maybewhenshef inall
    ygoest oJohannesbur
    g,the
    cit
    yofso- call
    edgold, t
    opursueherfil
    mingcareer
    she'l
    lunderstandtheval ueofmoney.
    “
    I'
    m ablessi
    ngi
    nyourli
    fe,
    ”shemurmur
    sand
    movesbehindt
    hecount
    erbefor
    eIcant
    urnt
    oher
    .
    “Bl
    essi
    ng?”Iletoutabri
    efchuckl
    eandshakemy
    head.Ablessi
    ngthat'
    sgoingtobankr
    uptmebef
    ore
    Ievengetmyownki ds?
    “Yes,she'
    sablessing.Lookaroundyouand
    rememberhowt hishouselookedlikebefor
    e
    Andiswacameher eanddi dhermagi c,
    ”Khosi
    j
    umpsi nt
    oherdefense.
    Gangi
    nguponmeasusual
    .Ir
    ollmyeyesandpi
    ck
    t
    hei
    mmi
    grant
    -gl
    assandpourmysel
    fadr
    ink.

    WhenNakhoandNal oarri
    vet hepar tyoff
    icial
    ly
    start
    s.Nopar tybeginsbef oretheset wobi r
    dsofthe
    samef eathermaket heirgrandent rance.It'
    salways
    beenlikethat,t
    heybr i
    ngt hegl am andt hevibe.As
    soonast heyent er
    edi ntheirmat chinggli
    tteri
    ng
    blackoutfi
    tsandbl onde-dyeddr eadlocks,Snakho
    demandedt heDJt ochangehi splayli
    stto
    somet hi
    ngmor e-
    Ndondol ike.
    Ihadmyupt i
    ghtassont hechai
    rthewhol et i
    me
    beforetheyar ri
    vedandIwasment all
    yj udging
    everymovementt heguestsweremaki ng,butwhen
    theDJt urnedupPat oranki
    ngmyf eetcar r
    iedmeto
    thedancef loorandIfoundmyselfdanci ngand
    twerki
    ng.
    “YesBoss-Lady,
    ”Snaloscreamswi t
    ht hebottl
    eof
    champagnei ntheai
    r.Everyonestart
    schantingmy
    name,shepopst hebottl
    eandor dersmet oopen
    mymout h.Idopartyfrom ti
    metot i
    mebutIdon' tdo
    thesecr
    azyt hi
    ngs.
    MaybeIcandoitt
    hisonetimet
    ogetthem of
    fmy
    backbecauset
    heywon'tst
    opchant
    ingmynameifI
    don'
    t.
    DJNept uneburststhr
    oughthespeakersandIfi
    nd
    myselfdanci
    ngi nthearmsofmyl eastf
    avour
    it
    e
    associ
    ate,t
    hear r
    ogantXol
    aniMavi mbel
    awho
    thi
    nkstheworldishisoyst
    er.
    Ishoul
    dtakeabreakbefor
    ethewi
    nel
    eadsmei
    nto
    doingt
    hingsI
    '
    llr
    egretl
    ater
    .

    Isitwit
    hKhosiandfewot herl
    adi
    esf rom t
    he
    producti
    ondepartment.Wearecatchingupinthe
    ki
    tchen,leavi
    ngtherestpar
    ty-
    ani
    mal stothei
    rnoi
    se
    i
    nt hebackyard.
    “Doyoustil
    lrememberthatyouowethoseTinder
    guysthei
    rdates?”Khosir
    eall
    yhasnoti
    mi ng.Now
    she'
    sdiscussingmypersonalaf
    fai
    rsi
    nfrontofmy
    employees?Hhayikhona.
    “Senzofrom Tr
    ansnethasbeenpester
    ingand
    beggingmet otel
    lhi
    m whenyou'regoi
    ngtobe
    free,
    ”sheconti
    nuesandeveryone'
    searsare
    shar
    penedup.
    “NotnowKhosi
    ,
    ”Isay,
    hopingt
    hatshe'
    llgett
    hehint.
    Butshe'
    sKhosi
    andtheti
    psyKhosihasnostoppers.
    “Wedon'
    twantt
    ohaveasaltybosswho'l
    lsnapat
    usovermi
    normist
    akes.Youneedtogetl
    aid,
    ”she
    says.
    Theywanttolaugh,she'
    sthei
    rTrevorNoah,butmy
    i
    cystarehasthem sippi
    ngontheirgl
    asseswith
    si
    lentgr
    insst
    retchi
    ngf r
    om t
    heirl
    ips.
    Someonewalksin.ThankGod,
    thei
    rat
    tent
    ioni
    s
    tur
    nedtohi
    mf oramoment .
    “Sanibonani
    ,”hegreetsandlooksatme.I t'
    sthe
    yardman, I'
    m notfamil
    iarwi
    ththeirfaces,I
    'm
    hardlyhome.EvenwhenIam her etheirbossis
    technical
    lyAndiswa,shedealswiththem andIdeal
    withrealwork.
    “It
    hinkt
    hepipeoutsideisblocked,t
    hetaphasn'
    t
    beenworki
    ngt hewholeday.CanIwashmyhands
    i
    nsideand….
    ”Oh, Andiswaneedst oatt
    endtothi
    s
    mattert
    omorrowmor ning.
    “Ther
    e'sabat
    hroom attheendoft
    hispassage,”I
    sayandturnmyattent
    iontothel
    adi
    esont hetabl
    e
    wholookawe-st
    ri
    ckenforsomereasons.
    “
    Hecl
    eansyouryard?
    ”Bett
    yasks,poi
    nti
    ngwher
    e
    t
    hemandisappear
    edwit
    hherthumb.
    “
    Yes,
    ”Inodmyheadandfi
    llmygl
    ass.Ohshucks,
    we'
    veranoutoft
    hei
    ce-
    cubes.
    “
    What
    'shi
    sname?
    ”
    Il
    ookupandf
    indt
    hem st
    ari
    ngatmecur
    iousl
    y.
    “Idon'tknowhi
    sname,
    ”Isayandshr
    ugmy
    shoulders.
    Eyeswi
    den!
    Theyshoul
    dn'
    tlookatmeli
    kethat
    .Ican'
    tknow
    ever
    yhumanbei ngt
    herei
    sunderthesun.I
    t'
    sanot
    compulsor
    y.
    “Hecleansyouryardandyoudon'tknowhis
    name? ”Khosi.Nowshewant stobeJudgeJudy,
    mor ethananyoneonthistabl
    esheknowshow
    crazymyschedul ecanbe.She'
    stheonewho
    arrangesit
    ,duh.
    “
    I'
    m har
    dlyhome,
    ”Isayandgi
    veherast
    ernl
    ook.
    Themanwal ksbackwithhi
    sglovesfol
    dedinhis
    handandwecutt heconver
    sati
    onli
    kechurch-
    gossi
    ps.Helooksarounduncomfort
    abl
    yandthen
    hi
    seyeslandonme.
    “ThankyouHl
    asekazi
    ,
    ”hesays,bowshi
    shead
    sli
    ghtl
    yandwal
    ksoutthedoor.
    Theat mospher eislightagainaf terhisexit
    .Hehas
    savedmef rom the“get-a-boyfriend”t al
    k.Wear e
    nowgossi pingaboutXol aniwhot houghthis
    presencewoul dhaveever yonef alli
    ngdownonhi s
    feet.Hisfat
    heri sashar eholderatBant wanaandI 'l
    l
    seemor eofhisar r
    ogantassf rom nowgoi ng
    forward.He'soneoft hosewhot houghtIdi dn'
    t
    standachanceatt hisposi ti
    onandnowhe' shereto
    celebratemyvi ctor
    y.That '
    st her ealityofl
    if
    e;
    everyonewant st ori
    sewi t
    hyou, event hosewho
    steppedonyouwhenyouwer edown.

    Theyhonormyrequest,ever
    yonel
    eavesbef
    ore
    19h00andtheydon'
    tleavetoomuchmessbehind.
    Xolaniinvi
    test hem t
    ohishousef oranotherr
    ound
    ofdrinks.I
    t'sjustashow-off
    ,Ihear dt
    hathisfat
    her
    recentl
    ybroughthi m amansion.Ihadt odrag
    Andiswaoutofhi scarbackinsidethehouse.I
    knowmenl ikehi m,t
    hetypethatpopsexpensive
    bottl
    esandmakegi r
    lst
    werkf orthem.
    “I
    '
    mt wenty-
    one,
    notfi
    ft
    een.
    ”Shethr
    owsherhands
    upandsinksonthecouchangr
    il
    y.
    “
    Ther
    e'snoneedf
    oryout
    ogot
    her
    e,”Isay.
    “
    Iwantt
    ohavef
    unl
    ikeever
    ybodyel
    se.
    ”
    “
    Andi
    swa!
    ”Myt
    onesendsawar
    ning.
    Sheexhalesandpicksanalmost-
    emptybott
    lef
    rom
    thef
    looranddeli
    berat
    elyempti
    esiti
    ntohermouth.
    “Theyardmansaidthepi
    peoutsi
    dei
    sblocked.Can
    youatt
    endtoitbef
    oreMonday?Tomorr
    owI '
    m
    goingtoseeAuntVumil
    e,
    ”Isay.
    “Whywouldyougot her
    eonaSunday?She' l
    ldrag
    youtochurchandputyouonthespotl
    ight
    .”She's
    ri
    ght,
    butIhavememor i
    zedmyescapest r
    ategy.I
    havenothi
    ngagainstGod,
    inf
    actIpraytohim every
    chancet hatIget,myproblem isthepast orwho
    thinksthathissonandIar eamat ch-madef r
    om
    heaven.EverytimeIgotot hatchur chtheystart
    treati
    ngmel ikeadaughter-i
    n-lawandt heirson's
    egobui l
    dsupi ntomountains.Justl i
    keanyot her
    girl
    ,heexpect smetojumpandt wer kattheideaof
    beingmar ri
    edt oasur
    geon.Theshockonhi sface
    everyti
    meIt urndownhi sextravagantlunchi nvi
    tes!
    “Di
    dMngomezul
    ucompl
    ainaboutanyt
    hingel
    se
    besi
    det
    hebl
    ockedpi
    pe?
    ”sheasks.
    “
    Mngomezul
    u?”I
    '
    mlost
    .
    “
    Theyar
    dman,
    ”shesays.
    “Oh!Itwasonl ythat .Ishoul
    dgetsomesl eep.”Iget
    offthecouchanddr agmysel ft
    ot hebedroom.
    MondayIhaveaboar dmeet i
    ng, t
    herearealotof
    expectat
    ionstobemet ,somehadt hei
    reyesont he
    positi
    onandt hey'llbekeepingtabsonmypr ogress
    l
    ikehawks.Iwon' tbel ongatmyaunt '
    shouse, I
    'm
    onlydeli
    veri
    nghermedi cati
    onsandgr abbingacup
    ofteatoavoidl ookingl i
    kear i
    ch-snobbishcousin,
    thenI'
    m comingbackt ostartdraft
    ingmyMonday
    pr
    oposal
    s.

    WhenIwakeupAndi swai ssleepi ngont hecouch.


    Empt ybot
    tlesarel
    yingallovert hefloor.Thisi
    swhy
    Idon'twanthertodrink,
    onceshest art
    sshedoesn't
    stop.Thecleaneri
    sof ft
    oday, Icleareverythi
    ng
    withthebroom anddustthef urniture.She'
    lldothe
    restwhenshewakesup.
    I'
    m notbigint hekit
    chen,Icookf ort
    hestomach,
    notthetastebuds.IknowAndi swawon’
    teatthi
    s
    foodI'
    ml eavingforher,she'
    llorderi
    norgoeatout.
    Itdoesn'
    tbotherme, youcan' tbegoodat
    everyt
    hing,atleastIknowhowt obakescones.

    Myt i
    mingi
    sperfect
    ,thefamil
    yissti
    llwat
    chi
    ng
    somegospelshow,bythetimetheyready
    themsel
    vesforchur
    chI'l
    lbelonggone.
    You'dsweart hatAuntVumil
    ewasbornin
    Bethlehem nexttoJesusChr
    ist
    .Ihavenodoubt
    thatsheforcedherhusbandandkidstosi
    tand
    watcht hi
    sshow.I '
    m sur
    esheevendreamsofthe
    al
    might
    ysoni
    nhersl
    eep.
    “IsthismyNdondo? ”Sherisesf r
    om t hecouchwi th
    hersmi lewidenedandar msst r
    etched.You'dthink
    thatjustbecauseshe' sadi e-hardChr ist
    ianshe
    walksar oundwear i
    nglongr obeswi th“ Hal
    lel
    ujah”
    boldlywr i
    tt
    enont heback,butt hat'
    snott hecase
    withMar ia'
    scousi nhere.She' sahugef anofskirt
    -
    suitsandpant yhose.I'm notsayi ngherwi gsare
    stil
    linthegame, butwhensheput sthosecurlson,
    wear sherpant yhoseandbl ackpumps, she
    i
    mmedi atel
    ythr owsallthewomeni nthehouseout
    ofthegame.
    “Didn'
    tyouhearmedr i
    vei
    n?”Iaskwhi l
    ehuggi ng
    her.OhLord,herbodysprays!Thiswomani sgoi
    ng
    tobet heBeyonceofheavenwhenshedi es.The
    l
    ikesofMar i
    awi llber
    unni
    ngt oherforfashion
    adviceswhent heywanttocharmt heli
    kesof
    DavidsandHol ySpiri
    t.
    “I
    sitnotyourunclewhohasaheari
    ngproblem?We
    havetoturnthevolumetomaxi
    mum forhi
    mt ohear
    .
    ButItol
    dthepastorabouti
    tandhe'
    l
    lprayforhi
    m.”
    Yeah,
    right
    .Iwasal
    sopr
    ayedf
    orsomanyt
    imes.
    “Ibr
    oughtyourmedicat
    ion.Youhavean
    appoint
    mentnextTuesday,I
    'l
    lfet
    chyoudur
    ingt
    he
    day.
    ”
    Shetakest
    hepackage,thanksGodanddisappear
    s
    i
    ntoherbedroom.Iset
    tl
    eont hecouchandgluemy
    eyesonthescreenwhi
    lethinki
    ngaboutmy
    upcomingmeeting.
    Acupofcof feeandsconesdi st
    urbme.Nomat ter
    whatyourdietici
    ansaid,whenshegi vesyouher
    sconesandcr eamycof f
    eeyoueatl i
    kethere'
    sno
    tomorrow.Bakingdeli
    cioussconesmustbeaski l
    l
    acquir
    edfrom churchbecauseallthesechurch-
    obsessedwomeni nmyf amil
    ycanpl aywiththe
    fl
    our.
    “You'r
    esot hi
    n.You'r
    epayingthosepeopl
    eenough
    moneyt heyshouldcookyourealfood,
    ”she
    compl ai
    nswhileplai
    ti
    ngknotsonherhead;fort
    he
    church'shatt
    of i
    tperf
    ect
    ly.
    “
    Youal
    wayssaythat
    ,aunt
    y.”Imustexcusemysel
    f
    i
    mmedi
    atel
    y,bef
    orei
    deasoftaki
    ngmet ochur
    ch
    fort
    hepast
    ort
    opr
    ayf
    ormywei
    ghtst
    artf
    il
    li
    ngher
    head.
    “That
    'sbecauseyou'
    realwaysthi
    n.Iwil
    lpack
    potat
    oesforyou,youneedtoeatrealf
    ood.Doyou
    havemaizemeali nt
    hatmansionofyours?”
    “AuntyIcanaff
    ordt obuy…..
    ”Shesl i
    desint
    oherfl
    ip
    -fl
    opsandheadst owardsthekit
    chen.She's
    throwi
    ngherhandsupandmumbl ingher
    complaint
    sabout‘theeducatedyouththatdon'
    t
    evenknowhowt odoapr opergrocery,
    allt
    hey
    knowi sbuyi
    ngpizzasandFacebook. ’

    Ihavef r
    eshpot atoesi nmyhouseandIhaveno
    spacet ostorehercr i
    nkly-skinnedones.Iwas
    taughtimpor t
    antlifelessonsgr owingup, oneof
    them beinggrateful f
    orever ythi
    ngt hatyouhave.
    Manypeopl egot obedonhungr ystomachs
    everydayandmymot heralwaysadvi sedusagainst
    throwingawayf ood.Butwho' sgoingtotakeugly
    potatoesli
    ket hese?Itwoul dl ookli
    keani nsul
    t,
    peoplearever ysensitiveoutt here.
    Ileavethem ont hecounterandcollectthebinbag
    from t
    hest orager oom.Ist umbl
    eonapi eceof
    paperneat l
    yf oldedandpl acednexttothelime
    hand-glovesont opofanol dwashingmachi ne.Out
    ofcuriosit
    y,Iunf ol
    dthepaperandr unmyeyesover
    thewor dswr i
    tteninside:“HOPE=Hol d-On-Pai
    n-
    Ends.”

    Icopythesewor dsonmynot ebookandmakea


    mentalnotetohavethem pr
    intedsothatIcanput
    them somewhereinmystudyr oom f
    orwhent he
    goinggetstough.
    Themosti
    mpossibl
    ethi
    ngtodoiswor
    kingwhil
    e
    Andi
    swaispl
    ayi
    ngmusicloudandhor
    ri
    blysi
    nging
    al
    ongtoi
    t.
    Ineedtofindapeacefulspotoutsidewher
    eIcan
    workwithoutanydi
    sturbances.Itakemynotepad
    andlapt
    opandheadout .
    Behindthehouse,hi
    dingont
    heleftsi
    deofthebed
    ofaster
    s,isatr
    eestump.OfcourseI'
    veneverseen
    i
    tbefore,i
    t'
    spaint
    edblueonthebott
    om andcurved
    withaSTARsi gnonitstop.Wherehasthisspot
    beenmywhol el
    if
    e?It
    'sli
    keal i
    tt
    lewor
    ldof
    tr
    anquili
    ty.Thef
    reshscentsfrom t
    hegardenand
    chir
    pingsoundsofthebirdsisol
    atemymi ndfr
    om
    everyt
    hingandabsorbmei nt
    osel f
    .
    .
    .
    I'
    m notaheavysl eeper,I'
    veneverbeenone, not
    eveni nvarsity.InZul utheysay“ ayikhoi nkomo
    yobut hongo"andt hat'
    sbeenmymot toeversinceI
    star tedhunt i
    ngdownsuccess.Butt odayIwokeup
    justsecondsawayf rom 7h35andIr ant othe
    bat hr oom l
    ikeamadwoman.Atni neshar pIhavea
    groupofgr ey-hai
    redmenwho' vei nvest edtheirl
    ast
    cent si ntothecompanyandIneedt oassur ethem
    thatt hecompanyi sont her i
    ghtdi r
    ection.Ican'tbe
    l
    at e.I fitwasanyot herdayIwoul d'
    veaskedAunt y
    toi ronmygr eysui tinst
    eadoft hispenci l
    ,whit
    e
    dress.Toputamor eprofessionall ookIcovermy
    shoul derswithaf ormalbl ackbl azer.
    Ist
    rai
    ght
    enmyweaveandbr
    ushmyeyebr
    ows,
    t
    here'
    snot
    imeformake-
    up.Chop-
    chop!I
    '
    m out
    wit
    hmybagsandrunni
    ngtothecar
    .
    “Hlase…”Nottoday!Theyknowwhot otalktowhen
    theyhaveproblems.Ican'tbel
    ateformymeet i
    ng
    becauseofdomest ici
    ssues.Andwhatmakeshi m
    callmethisway?Nott hatIhat
    eit,i
    t'
    sjustabitoff
    ,
    howeverIpreferi
    tover“madam. ”Thatonemakes
    mef eell
    ikeawhitewomanoft heApar theider
    a.
    “Takei
    ttoAndi
    swa,
    ”Isayandsil
    encehi
    m wit
    ha
    hand.Iunl
    ockt
    hecar,
    thr
    owmybagsatt heback
    andhoponmyseatanddriveout
    .

    Khosihasacupofcof feeandamuf f
    inr eadyf orme
    i
    nt heoffice.Idon'tknowwhatI '
    ddowi t
    houther .
    MrNgi diwasr eluctantaboutherbutIi nsist ed.I
    wantedt hegirlofdeadl ockswho, againstt her ul
    es
    ofeverycompanyi nt hewor l
    d,carri
    edouther
    i
    ntervi
    ewi nZulu.Sheanswer edever ydamn
    questi
    oni nZul uandherr easonwast hatt hewhol e
    i
    ntervi
    ewpanelwer eZul us,soshedi dn’tseet he
    needtouseaf oreignl anguaget ocommuni cate.
    MrNgidi,t
    heformerCEO,wor ri
    edt hatshewas
    goi
    ngtomessupmyschedul esandt urnmyof f
    ice
    upsi
    dedown.Buti fIwasgoingt ogetaPAi twas
    goi
    ngtobeher ,nobodyel
    se!Ilikedher,somethi
    ng
    aboutherconf
    idenceandsteadi nessdrewmet o
    her.
    Sixmonthslat
    erhertwinsister
    s,SnakhoandSnal
    o,
    werehereandwor ki
    ngintheproducti
    on
    depart
    ment.Iswearitwasn'tmewhoshebr i
    bedfor
    them t
    ogetthejobs.
    “HowdidyouknowthatIski
    ppedbreakf
    ast?”Iask
    andbi
    teahugechunkofthemuf f
    in.Del
    ici
    ous!
    “BecauseIknowhowyoubecomei fyouhavean
    earl
    ymeeting.Youl
    ookgorgeouswit
    houtmake-up
    bytheway.Japantr
    eatedyourski
    nwell,
    ”shesays.
    Idoubtmyski ncanbef lawlessashers,nomat ter
    whereinthewor l
    dIgo.Ir ememberbacki nt he
    daysI'
    dgot oherhouseandst ealherfaci
    alskin
    product
    ssot hatIcanhaveaski nbeauti
    fulashers.
    Butshe'sanat ur
    alchestnutandsheonl ydoes
    thoseskinscrubbingrouti
    nesoncei nawhi l
    e.
    “For
    getaboutmyskin,
    thatSenzoguydm’
    edme.
    Didyoutel
    lhi
    mto?’Iask.
    “
    Yes,
    ”shesaysbol
    dly.
    She'
    sunbel
    ievabl
    e!
    “Khosi
    !Ican'
    tgooutondat esri
    ghtnow.Ij
    ustgot
    promoted,mywholeatt
    entionshoul
    dbeont aki
    ng
    thi
    scompanyt oanot
    herlevel,
    notmen.”
    “Nobodyisaski
    ngyout ogooutduri
    ngtheoffi
    ce
    hours.Youneedtochi
    llandli
    veyourli
    feNdondo.
    Soonyou'l
    lbe30andsi ngl
    e.”
    “
    Andwhat
    'swr
    ongwi
    tht
    hat
    ?’Iask.
    Shepicksheri
    Padandswaysherhi
    pst
    owar
    dst
    he
    door
    .
    “Satur
    dayevening.Snakhowilldoyourmake-up
    andIwi l
    lbri
    ngtheoutfi
    t.
    ”Shest r
    idesoutbef
    oreI
    canobject.DoIreal
    lyhavenosayi nmyownl if
    e?
    Andwhyi sthisSenzonotgoingaf t
    ert
    hegirl
    sinhi
    s
    area?Ibetthey'
    reti
    redofhi
    m.Cooki e-
    chaser
    .

    Ther
    e'saknockatt
    hedoor
    .Il
    etoutasi
    ghandput
    awaythedocumentIwastryi
    ngtoreview.The
    meeti
    ngstar
    tsint
    henextthir
    tyminutes,Ir
    eal
    ly
    needthi
    sti
    metomyself.
    I
    t'
    sBab’
    Mbambo,
    thesecur
    it
    yguar
    d.
    “
    Ndondoyegol
    ide,
    ”
    Asmi l
    espr eadfrom myf ace.Thisishowhecal ls
    me.Hehasawar m aura.Hehasal waystreatedme
    l
    ikeadaught er.From t
    hef i
    rstdayIsteppedont he
    groundsoft hi
    scompanyasnot hingmor ethanjust
    amar keti
    ngofficer,
    he'
    dpl ayful
    lytel
    lmet hatI'
    l
    lgo
    fari
    nlife;“
    WenanganeyakwaSi bi
    siuzoyakude
    nempilo.”
    WhenIgotthatcallf
    rom MrNgidisayingthathe
    wassteppi
    ngdownandheneededmet ocatcht
    he
    fi
    rstf
    li
    ghtbackinthecount
    ry,
    hiswor dsranginmy
    earsl
    ikeaprophecy.
    “Baba,
    ”Isayandst
    epasidef
    orhimt ogeti
    n.Buthe
    doesn’
    twalki
    n.Hestandswi
    thafreckl
    edsmileand
    star
    esatmef oraf
    ewseconds.
    “
    Youlookverybeaut
    if
    ult
    oday,
    your
    emi
    ndmeofmy
    l
    atedaught
    er,
    ”hesays.
    Iknowt hathi
    sdaught
    eri
    saheavysubjectsoI
    don'tdi
    gmuchabouther.Ij
    ustl
    ist
    entothosebi
    ts
    thathe'
    swi l
    li
    ngt
    oshareandcel
    ebrat
    ehermemor y
    withhim.
    “
    Weshouldhangoutthi
    sweekend.You'
    venever
    r
    eal
    lyhungoutwi
    ththeCEO,
    ”Isay.
    Hechuckl
    esandnodshishead.Lookatmemaki
    ng
    ot
    herpl
    ansaboutmyli
    fe!Khosiwil
    lki
    llme.
    “Ther
    e'saboyl
    ooki
    ngf
    oryouatt
    her
    ecept
    ionar
    ea,
    ”
    hesays.
    Gosh,notnow.Who'
    sthatboyanyway?Idon'
    t
    ent
    ert
    ainboysinmyworkplace.
    “
    Tel
    lhi
    mtol
    eave,
    ”Isay.
    “Hesai
    dit
    ’sur
    gentandt
    rustme,
    helooksl
    ike
    someonewhojumpedoutoft
    hehol
    eandranher
    e.”
    “
    What
    'shi
    sname?
    ”Iask.
    Hefrownsandclickshi
    sf i
    ngersanumer ousti
    mes.
    SometimesIworryabouthim,heshoul dbesit
    ti
    ng
    athomeandenjoyinghismar r
    iage.He'stoool
    dto
    beguardi
    nggates.Buthistypeisstubborn.He
    brushesof
    fthesubj
    ectever
    yti
    meIsuggestt
    hathe
    ret
    ires.
    “Ndabuko….
    yeah,
    Ithi
    nkt
    hat
    'swhathesaid,
    ”he
    saysandnodshisheadt
    overi
    fyhi
    sthought
    s.
    Idon'tknowanyonebyt hatname.Ipullthedoor
    behindmeandf oll
    owhi mtother ecept
    ionarea.
    Preciousisl
    ateagain,
    she'ssti
    llnotonherdesk.I'
    m
    gett
    ingtir
    edoftal
    kingtoheraboutonet hing,t
    here
    aresomanypeopl ewho'dliketohavethisjob.
    “Ther
    ehei
    s,”Bab’
    Mbambosays,
    poi
    nti
    ngat
    …the
    yardmanf
    rom myhouse?
    He’sweari
    ngthesamedungar
    eeandboots.My
    mindquickl
    yrunstoAndi
    swaandfearcr
    eepsupt
    o
    mybones.
    “Di
    danythi
    nghappen?
    ”Iaskbef
    orehecanshif
    thi
    s
    eyesf
    rom Bab’
    Mbambowho'sstari
    ngathi
    m asif
    he'
    sdari
    nghimtodosomethi
    ngstupid.
    “
    No,youdr
    oppedthi
    s.It
    ri
    edt
    ost
    opyoubutyou
    wer
    einahurr
    y.”
    Myf
    lashdr
    ive!WhatwasIgoi
    ngt
    opr
    esenti
    nthe
    meet
    ing?Ever
    ythi
    ngi
    sst
    oredher
    e.MyGosh!
    “Thankyousomuch.Idon'tknowhowthis
    happened,Il
    osttr
    ackofti
    meandIwas….fuck!
    ”I
    cannotbel
    ievethi
    s.Idi
    dn'
    tevencheckwhenIgot
    here.
    “I
    t'
    sokay,I
    '
    m gladyougotitont
    ime.Ihavetoget
    backtowork.
    ”HeglancesatBab’Mbambo’snow
    meltedf
    aceandthengivesmeanodofgoodbye.
    HemakeshiswayoutasPreciousr
    unsi
    nwi
    tha
    f
    akeapol
    ogeti
    clookonherface.
    “
    Myboyfri
    end'
    scarbroke….
    .”Ireall
    ydon’thaveears
    t
    oli
    stent
    oherexcusestoday.Ileaveherexplai
    ning
    t
    oBab’Mbambo.

    Khosiisintheoff
    ice,appl
    yingpoli
    shonhernai
    ls.
    Trusthertodothi
    st wentyminutesbef
    oret
    he
    meeting.
    “Iwaswonder
    ingwher
    eyoudi
    sappear
    edt
    o,”she
    says.
    Isi
    nkonmychai
    randl
    etoutadeepsi
    gh.
    “Youwon'tbeli
    evewhathappened.Idr
    oppedthe
    fl
    ashdri
    veatt heyar
    dandtheyardmancamet o
    bri
    ngit
    .Idon'tknowwhatIwould'vedone,
    ”Isay.
    Sheblowsonherr
    ighthandtodryupthenai
    lpol
    ish
    andthenl
    endsmeherunbotheredat
    tent
    ion.
    “
    Andt
    hisyar
    dmanofyour
    sdoesn'
    thaveaname?
    ”
    Ican'
    tbeli
    evethi
    siswhatshecaughtf
    rom al
    lthi
    s.I
    l
    eftabloodyfl
    ashdri
    vewithal
    lourhar
    dwor kat
    home,hell
    o!
    “Hi
    snameisNdabuko.Andiswacall
    shim
    Mngomezul
    u,soIguesshe'sNdabuko
    Mngomezul
    uinful
    l.Anyt
    hingel
    seMi ss-
    Know-
    Them-
    All
    ?”
    “Yes.Howdi dhegethereandhowishegetting
    backtothehouse? ”Shest
    aresatme.Mymout his
    hangingopen.Howdi dNdabukogether
    e?And
    mosti mport
    antl
    y,howishegetti
    ngbacktothe
    house?It'
    sabout20mi nut
    esawayfrom her
    e.
    “Callhi
    m andtellhi
    mt owai tf
    orthecarbytheroad.
    Hej ustsavedyourass,theleastyoucoul
    ddois
    providehim wi
    thtransportbacktothehouse.I
    n
    fact
    ,youshould'vegi
    venhim adayoff
    .Thepoor
    guymust'vewalkedallthewayheret
    osavethe
    bosswhohar dlyevertal
    kstohi
    m.”
    I'
    m nott hekindestpersononear t
    h, sometimesI
    thi
    nkl essaboutot her
    s,especi al
    lyifIhaveno
    personalrelati
    onshipwiththem.Ri ghtnowIf eel
    l
    iket heDevil'
    sPA.Heshoul dn'thavecomeher e
    afterthewayIspokeandsi l
    encedhi m whenhe
    tri
    edt ospeakt omeear li
    er.Itbaffl
    esmehowhe
    wasabl etoi gnoremyunki ndgest uresandcame
    here.

    Myhopeofget
    ti
    nghiscont
    actdetai
    lsdi
    eswhen
    Andi
    swa’
    sphoneri
    ngsunanswered.
    “I
    '
    m cruel
    ,ar
    en’
    tI?
    ”Isi
    ghandl
    eanbackont
    hechai
    r
    hopel
    essl
    y.
    “No,
    you'
    resel
    f-
    absor
    bed,
    ”shesayswi
    thamocki
    ng
    smir
    konherface.
    “
    Soundsbet
    ter
    ,you'
    reagoodf
    ri
    end,
    ”Isay.
    Sher
    oll
    shereyesandbl
    owsherl
    efthand’
    snai
    ls.
    “Nowstopsayingyoudon'
    tknowt
    hepoorguy.He’
    s
    Ndabuko,youryar
    dner
    ."
    NdabukoHerYar
    dner

    Chapt
    er2

    Ilookatthedocument sinfrontofmet hatcontain


    theirbackgroundi nfor
    mat ion.Mam’ Zodwast art
    ed
    wor ki
    ngasacookwhenshewasj usttwenty-
    three,
    shehadal ongwor ki
    ngr el
    ationshi
    pwithawoman
    namedMr sPriyankainSt angerandshespeaks
    highlyofher .Shehasf ourki dsandtwo
    grandchildrenandsher esidesinWaterloo.
    Hloniphil
    ehaswor kedinsever
    alret
    ailst
    oresasa
    cl
    eaner .Ther
    e'snothi
    ngmuchabouther .She
    doesn'thavechil
    drenandsheliveswithherparent
    s.
    She'sonly32yearsold,Ihavetostopcall
    ingher
    Aunty.
    Ndabukogr
    aduat
    edi
    naeronaut
    icalengi
    neer
    ing
    f
    rom Wit
    sandhehasact
    uall
    ywor kedwi
    thAirbus
    Industriesf ortwoyear s.Aguyl i
    kehi m woul dhave
    somet hingabi tmor econcr eteonhi snamebuthi s
    pasti sjustbl ank.Al lthere'shereishi seducat i
    onal
    backgr ound, hi
    sr esident i
    aladdresst hatpointshim
    atUml aziandhi sage;he’ s27yearsol d.He'snever
    wor kedasagar denerorayar dcleaneranywher e,
    thisishi sfirstjoboft hi skindandIcan' thelpbut
    feelsor ryforhi m.Bant wanaHol dingshadal ready
    appr oachedmeandof feredmeaj obwhenI
    graduat ed,butIknowt hest r
    ugglemostyoung
    Sout hAf ri
    cansgot hroughevenaf terobtaining
    highereducat i
    onqual ificati
    ons.Educat i
    oni sno
    l
    ongert hekeyt osuccess;connect ionsar e.
    Nowt hatIknowal i
    ttl
    ebi taboutthem maybeI
    shouldtakeKhosi '
    sadvi ceandt rytobef ri
    endl
    yand
    getclosertothem.Af terall,
    thesepeopl etakecar
    e
    ofmyhouseandl ookaf t
    erAndi swawhenI '
    m not
    home.They' r
    el i
    kefami l
    y, Hl
    oniandMam’ Zodwa
    havebeenwor ki
    ngi nmyhousef oroverayearnow.
    It
    'sNdabukowhowashi redaweekaf terIl
    eftf
    or
    Japan.Heper sonallystoodatt hegat eandbegged
    Andiswaf orajobandsheendeduphi r i
    nghimto
    l
    ookaf
    tert
    heyar
    d.
    “Ther e'sast af
    fmeetingatt herecepti
    on, j
    ust
    briefingsf rom themanagementanddi scipl
    inaryfor
    af ewmachi neoperators.”That'sKhosilett
    ing
    her selfinwi thherblabberingmout halreadyloosely
    opened.Il iftmyheadupandl ookather .She
    tossesmycarkeyst ome.“ Otherthanthat,you've
    reachedt heendofyourschedul efortheday, you
    cangohomeandr elax.Rememberyou' regoingon
    adat eaf tert omorr
    ow, youneedt orestsothatyou'll
    glow, ”shesaysandst art
    spacki ngmybag.I '
    m only
    goingont hisdateforher,Ijustwanthert obuzzof f,
    Idon' tcareaboutt hegl ow.
    “What'
    sthi
    s?”Shesnatchesthedocumentsinmy
    handsandbrief
    lyrunshereyesoverthem.Then
    shefr
    ownsandl ooksatmeeyes-widened.
    “
    Hehasadegr ee?
    ”She'saski
    ngaboutNdabuko.I
    wasshockedaswell
    ,Iguessbookscannotbe
    j
    udgedbythei
    rcover
    sforreal
    .
    “Aer
    onauti
    calengi
    neeri
    ng,canyoubel i
    eveit
    ?And
    he'
    scleani
    ngpeople'
    syards!”Ir
    eleaseasighand
    pushbackmychai
    r.It
    'sbeenalongday,
    Ineeda
    col
    dshowerandaglassofwine.
    “I
    ’m notsayingyouryarddoesn'tdeser
    vehim,he’
    s
    doingagr eatjobt
    here,butIthi
    nkyoucanhelphim
    fi
    ndsomet hi
    ngmor edecent.He'
    scapableofmore,
    ”
    shesays.
    “I
    '
    llspeaktoAndiswa,
    mostoft het
    imesIgethome
    aft
    erthey'
    veknockedoff
    ,”Isay.
    “Yoh,somepeopleareunlucky,thepoorguy!
    ”She
    clapsherhandsindisbel
    iefandcollect
    stheempt
    y
    teacupont hedeskanddi sappear
    s.

    Idr i
    vepastMountEdgecombePl azatogetafew
    i
    t emsandt hendri
    vehome.Andi swahasacoupl e
    off ri
    endsoverandthei
    rconversationi
    sheldinr
    oof
    -burstingvoi
    cesasifoneofthem hasahear i
    ng
    pr obl
    em.
    Idr
    opt
    heshoppi
    ngbagsont
    heki
    tchencount
    er.
    “Hell
    oguysandbye,”Isayanddisappeari
    ntothe
    spine-
    glassst
    air
    wayleadi
    ngtotheupperfloor
    .
    Istr
    ipmycl ot
    hesof fandf oldthem i
    ntothe
    washingbasket.Asi fsomeoneknewt he
    exhaust
    ingdayt hatIhad, there'
    sabottl
    eofHogan
    CheninBlancont opoft heFi l
    bookbedsi
    depedest
    al.
    Idownagl assbeforesteppingintotheshower .I
    l
    ovet hefeeli
    ngofcol dwaterrunni ngdownt he
    sidesofmybodyl ikeawat erf
    allanddr enchi
    ng
    ever yinchofmyski n.Mymi ndj ustfadesint
    oa
    differentwor l
    d;everythi
    ngbecomesaf oggyil
    lusi
    on.
    Ittakesmymi ndoffeveryt
    hing.IhaveanOCDandI
    spendmostoft het i
    mewor ryi
    ngaboutt hi
    ngsthat
    don' tmattertomostpeopl e.

    Isli
    deintoaf l
    eece-l
    inedhoodi e,cuffedjoggersand
    sl
    ippers.I
    'm veryluckythatIdi scoveredt hat
    tr
    anquilspotbehindt heyar d,
    thisnoiset hey'
    re
    makingherewoul d'vedistractedme.Igr ababoxof
    grapesandabot t
    leofwat erfrom thef r
    idgeand
    makemywayout side.

    Andt
    hen?Whyi
    sNdabukosi
    tt
    ingonmyt
    reest
    ump?
    It
    houghthehasl
    eft
    .
    Whenheseesmecominghej
    umpsof
    fitandl
    ooks
    atmeabi
    tshakenof
    f.
    “Thi
    sismyspot ,
    ”It
    ease.Buthedoesn’tgeti
    t,
    i
    nsteadhel ooksevenmorefri
    ghtened.Am It
    hat
    upti
    ghtthatevenwhenIt r
    ytocrackajokepeople
    l
    ookf r
    ight
    ened?
    “I
    'm ki
    dding.Ionlyf
    oundthisspotlastweek.Did
    youbringthisstumphere?Wasi tpaint
    edand
    desi
    gnedl i
    kethisoryoudidit
    ?Ir eal
    lyl
    ikei
    t.And
    i
    t'
    snexttot hegarden,i
    t'
    sverycalming…”
    Owkaaaaay.Iclearmyt hr
    oatandst op.
    He'
    sbeenfr
    owni
    ngthewholet
    imet
    hatIwast
    alki
    ng.
    I
    sitt
    hatwei
    rdwhenIt
    alk?
    “Howar eyou?”hefinall
    yasksandf orsome
    reasonsIhavesomanyt hingstotellhi
    m.Likemy
    meet i
    ngwithMrJones, signi
    ngtwonewcl i
    entsand
    HlomukaLogi st
    icsrenewingtheircontr
    actwit
    hus.
    HowcanIf or
    getthefightbetweensomeguyf r
    om
    themai nt
    enanceandhi sbabymamawhoshowed
    upatt hegatewitht
    hebabyi nherar msandyel l
    ed
    athi
    m abouthi
    spoorbedr
    oom per
    for
    manceand
    smallpeni
    s.
    “AndKhosiwantsmetogoonadat ewithsomeguy
    from Tr
    ansnett
    hisSat
    urday,
    ”Isum i
    tal
    lupwit
    ha
    sigh.
    “
    Adat
    e?”Hi
    sli
    piscur
    vedup.Eyebr
    owr
    aised.
    “Yeap,andshe'
    llki
    llmeifIdon'
    tgo.So,I'
    l
    ljust
    postponetaki
    ngBab’ Mbambooutuntilnextweek.
    ”
    “
    Thesecur
    it
    yguar
    d?”heasks.
    “Yes,he'
    sli
    keafatherfr
    om theworkpl
    ace.Ihaven'
    t
    real
    lyhangoutwit
    hhi m si
    nceIcamebackf r
    om
    Yokohama,”Isay.
    “Whoisthisguy?Hi
    sname? ”Hisli
    pisstil
    lcur
    ved
    uptoexpresssomet
    hingIcan'texpl
    ain.
    “SenzoMachi
    ,Ithi
    nkthat
    'swhati
    ssai
    d,”Isayand
    shrugmyshoulder
    s.
    Henodshi
    sheadandcont
    inuest
    ari
    ngatme.
    He'
    snotsi
    tti
    ngonthestump,Iguesshe’
    slet
    ti
    ng
    mehaveit
    .Isli
    deontopofi
    tandopent heboxof
    gr
    apes.
    “Doyouli
    kegrapes?”Iaskandpul
    louttheboxto
    him.Heonlyt
    akesaf ewandretur
    nsitback.I
    guesshe'
    snotreall
    yaf an.
    “Youhavet
    heaer
    onaut
    icalengi
    neer
    ingdegr
    ee?
    ”I
    ask.
    Heclearshi
    sthroatanddoesathi
    ngofscratchi
    ng
    thesi
    deofhisfacewithonefi
    nger
    .Thismanl ooks
    fi
    ne.Imeanit,
    hehast hel
    ooksandbeneaththis
    dungareei
    samodelwai ti
    ngtobediscover
    ed.
    “Yes,Ido.”Helacksthepri
    de.Hehasawhol e
    engineeri
    ngdegree,hel
    lo.ButIunderstand,
    ther
    e's
    nojoyi nbraggi
    ngaboutsomet hi
    ngthat '
    sfl
    oati
    ng
    onthedusti nyourhouseandbenef i
    tingyouwith
    nothing.
    “I
    '
    m notsayi
    ngIhaveconnect
    ionsbutIknow
    peopl
    ewhoknowpeoplefrom hi
    gherplaces,
    ”Isay.
    Hi
    seyebr
    owi
    scockedupt
    hewhol
    eti
    me.
    “Iknowthatyou'
    recapabl
    eofmor ethanjust
    cleani
    ngtheyardanddoingthegarden,
    ”Isay.
    Hopefull
    yI'
    m makingsense.
    “Oh,okay.
    ”Henodshisheadreluct
    ant
    lyand
    scrat
    cheshischeekwi
    thafingeragai
    n.
    “Br
    ingyourCV,
    cert
    if
    iedcopi
    esofyourIDand
    cer
    tif
    icat
    es,
    andI'
    l
    lseewhatIcando,”Isay.
    Hesmi
    lesbuti
    tdoesn'tr
    eachhi
    seyes.Thenhe
    r
    ubshi
    spalmstogether.
    “
    Iappreci
    atet
    hatHlasekazi
    ,Ireal
    lydo,
    butIdon'
    t
    wantanot
    herjob.I
    '
    mf inehereandIenjoydoi
    ng
    whatIdo.
    ”
    Thi
    sisstr
    ange.Whyi
    shegi
    vinguponhi
    sdr
    eams
    soeasi
    ly?
    “
    You'
    l
    lear
    nmor
    emoney,
    Ndabuko,
    ”Isay.
    “I
    t'
    snotaboutt
    hemoney,
    ”hesaysandshr
    ugshi
    s
    shoul
    ders.
    “Whati
    sabout
    ?”I'
    mreal
    lyconf
    used.Ever
    ythi
    ngi
    s
    aboutmoneyi
    nthi
    sworl
    d.
    “
    It
    'sabouthappi
    ness,
    ”hesays.
    “You'
    rehappycleani
    ngsomeone'syar
    dfort
    herest
    ofyourl
    if
    e?”Heneedstobeser i
    ous.We'
    rel
    ivi
    ng
    here,
    notpract
    ici
    ngtobeli
    ving.
    “Maybe,
    ”hesaysandsmil
    es.Hi
    ssmi l
    eis
    cont
    agious,
    Ialsof
    indmysel
    fsmil
    ingandshaki
    ng
    myheadathi sl
    ackofambi
    ti
    on.
    “
    Wher
    edoyoul
    iveandhowdoyougett
    her
    e?”Iask.
    “
    Ili
    vesomewhereint
    ownandaf
    ri
    endal
    wayspi
    cks
    meup,”hesays.
    I
    t'
    stimeIret
    urnt
    hefavour
    .Thi
    sguysavedmyli
    fe
    MondayandIhaven'
    tgott
    hechancet
    othankhi
    m
    wit
    hanythi
    ng.
    “
    Iwi
    lldr
    iveyouhomet
    oday,
    ”Isay.
    Hef
    reezes.Am Ibei
    ngt
    oof
    orwar
    d?
    “
    Ifyoudon'
    tmi
    nd,
    ”Iadd,
    awkwar
    dly.
    Hecl
    ear
    shi
    sthr
    oatandf
    lashest
    hatf
    akegr
    inagai
    n.
    “No,Idon'
    tmindatal
    l,
    infactI'
    denj
    oygett
    ingyour
    l
    ift
    .ButI'
    m notgoi
    ngstr
    aighthome,t
    her
    e's
    somewhereIneedtogofirst
    .Somewherepri
    vate.
    ”
    Oh!Thisisdisappoi
    nti
    ngbutIhavet
    or especthi
    s
    deci
    sion.Maybehe'sgoingtohi
    sgir
    lf
    riendandhe's
    scar
    edt hati
    twillgi
    vehert
    hewrongideas.
    “
    Mor
    egr
    apes?
    ”Iask.
    Heshakeshi
    shead.
    “No,
    thankyou,
    Ineedt
    osaygoodbyet
    oAndi
    swa
    andgo.”
    “Yousaygoodbyet
    oherbefor
    eleavi
    ng?”Iaski
    n
    awe.Ihopehe'
    snottr
    yingt
    omakef unnymoveson
    mylit
    tl
    esist
    er.
    “
    Yes.She'
    sagr
    eatki
    dbyt
    heway.
    ”
    Ibur
    sti
    ntol
    aught
    er.Di
    dhej
    ustcal
    lheraki
    d?
    Andi
    swawoulddi
    e.
    “
    Besaf
    e,”It
    ellhi
    m.
    “
    ThankyouHl
    asekazi
    ,st
    aywel
    l.
    ”
    Thi
    s…whydoesn'
    thecal
    lmeNdondol
    ikeever
    ybody
    el
    se?
    “Whydoyoucallmeliket
    hat?”Myquesti
    onstops
    himfi
    vestepsaway.Helooksbackwithhi
    seyes
    squi
    ntedagai
    nstt
    hesunt hati
    ssett
    ingdown.
    “Nomashi
    ngi
    lakaBango.Doyouwantmetocal
    l
    youNomashi
    ngil
    abecauseyouli
    vetot
    hatone?
    ”
    Hisquestionconf usesmebutI '
    mlaughing.
    Ukushingil
    acanbet ransl
    atedasfl
    ouncingoffor
    modell
    ingi nat r
    aditi
    onall
    yZuluwaywhi chIthi
    nk
    he'sr
    eferri
    ngt o.Idoownt hegroundswhenIwal k
    andIcansel lmyconf i
    denceforamill
    ion.Asa
    younggirlI'
    dfrequent l
    yget;“
    yazeyashingi
    labole
    ntombi,
    ”wher everIgoandpassagr oupofmen.
    Hechuckl
    esandj
    ogson,
    leavi
    ngmebur
    sti
    ngmy
    st
    omach.
    .
    .
    “
    Ndondoyegol
    ide,
    ”It'
    sBab’Mbambomaki
    nghis
    wayt
    owardsmycar .“You'
    rei
    nahur
    ryt
    oday?
    ”
    “
    Urgh!Ihaveadate.Iwasjustdr
    oppi
    ngaf
    ewf
    il
    es
    f
    orMrMavi mbel
    a,”Isay.
    “Naziya!Sibi
    sialsowantscows,youyoungpeopl
    e
    thi
    nkmoneyandcar sar
    eeveryt
    hing.Wewantcows
    forourdaught er
    s,wewanttomar ryyouof
    fandgo
    toourgr avesinpeaceknowingthatwe'
    rel
    eavi
    ng
    youinsaf eplaces.
    ”
    Hewasbor nin1964, mar r
    iagestil
    lmatter
    smor e
    thananyt hi
    ngt ohim.Ir ememberbacki nthedays
    whenMrNgi diwasst il
    ltheCEOandwe' dsitbythe
    gateandgossi pabouthi m.Onet hingheusedt o
    singleoutwast hatNgidiwi l
    lremainaboybecause
    hehasnowi fe.He' dsay;“Idon'tcarehowr i
    chheis
    orhowmanyt axishissonshave, tomehe'saboy,
    uyongcwat shwangot hwalofu,”(
    -he'l
    lbeburi
    edat
    12o'clock-ast andardtimet obur ysomeonewhoi s
    unmar riedbacki ntheruralareas.)
    “Babayoustil
    lcal
    lnowadaysmen‘
    safeplaces’
    whereasthousandofwomendiei
    ntheirhands
    dail
    y?”Iask.
    “I
    t'
    sthi
    st hi
    ngofnotmar ryi
    ng,I
    'mtel
    li
    ngyou.
    Nowadaysmenspr eadt hei
    rseedseverywhereand
    l
    eavechildr
    enbeingr aisedbymotherssingle-
    handl
    edly.I
    nourtimeaboychi ldwasgr oomedby
    men,unclesandhead- chief
    s.Andtherewasi nduna
    yezi
    nsi
    zwai neveryvill
    age.Doyouknowt hejobof
    i
    ndunayezinsi
    zwa? ”
    Ineedt
    oputtheset
    hingsinsi
    dethecar
    ,Imight
    l
    eaveaft
    ert
    wohours.Lord,whydidIst
    artt
    his
    conver
    sat
    ion?
    “
    Hegui
    dest
    hevi
    ll
    agemenandpr
    otectt
    hem,
    ”Isay.
    Henodsandstepscloserwi
    thhi
    shandsposi
    ti
    oned
    f
    orwardf
    orexplanat
    ions.
    “Notonlythat.Youknowwhensel ectinginduna
    yezinsi
    zwawe’ dchoosesomeonewi t
    hdi gnit
    y.
    Someonewi t
    ht herightvoiceandr espectfor
    manhood, cultureandtraditi
    ons.I
    nourt imeinduna
    yezinsi
    zwacal ledmenf orimbizoever ymont hand
    wewoul dgroom eachot herandshar eadvices.
    Let'
    ssaythere'ssomeonewho' shavi ngmar r
    iage
    problems….”Lor d,
    whyar ewesayi ngt hat?Khosiis
    goingtokil
    lmei fI
    'mlateforthisdate, she'
    llt
    hinkI
    diditonpurpose.
    “We'dneveradvisehimt obecomeMi keTysonwi
    th
    thepoorwoman.I nstead,we'
    dgivehim str
    ong
    mixturesofherbsthatwouldkeephim upand
    str
    ongt hewholenight.Umfaziothol
    ainduku
    yethusiakahl
    uphi,umbhulenje.
    ”
    Mystomachisgoi
    ngtobur
    standtheseot
    her
    secur
    it
    yguar
    dswil
    lthi
    nkwe'r
    epl
    anningsomethi
    ng
    againstt
    hem ormocki
    ngthem forsomet
    hing.Most
    ofthem arenewandnotusedtoourrel
    ati
    onshi
    p.
    “
    Butsomemenal
    sor
    apedandki
    llwomeni
    nyour
    t
    ime,
    ”Isay.
    “Itwasn'tfashion.Youragemat esaredoingthese
    barbari
    cact soutoff ashionandthosest upi
    d
    l
    awyer swoul dbeli
    ke‘nywenywehe' snotmental
    stable,
    ’nonsenseman!I fyou'
    rement alunst
    able
    startbypul l
    ingacow' stail
    -donsaishobalenkomo
    thenwe' l
    lseet hatyouneedhel p,
    ”hesays.
    “Onl
    yifsomeonepul
    lsacow'st
    ailyoubeli
    evet
    hat
    he'
    snotokayupst
    air
    s?”Ihavet
    earsrol
    li
    ngdown
    mycheeks.
    “Ni
    yadl alaninaNdondo!Whatki ndofament al
    unstablemanwai t
    sfortherobottoturngr een
    beforecr ossi
    ngt heroadbutwheni nserti
    nghi msel
    f
    i
    nawomanwi t
    houtpermissionhe'sment al
    unstable?Mbhekenil ohulumeni ,Ndondo.
    Mbhekeni !
    ”Hepusheshi sarmsbehi ndhisback
    andwal ksaway.Anot herduty;l
    ookingint
    ot he
    currentgover nment.Heneedst obechecked! !
    !
    Ohhel
    l,KhosiandNakhoar
    eal
    readyher
    e.I
    '
    min
    t
    roubl
    e!
    “
    Ser
    iousl
    yNdondo?
    ”She'
    spi
    ssed.
    “
    Bab’Mbambokeptmewi t
    hhisstor
    ies.Wheream I
    meet
    ingt
    hisSenzoandwhatam Iwearing?
    ”This
    whol
    edatei
    shers.She'
    l
    ldeter
    minewhatIwearand
    wher
    eImeetthi
    sguy.
    “9thAvenueWatersi
    de.Worr
    yaboutget
    ti
    ngthi
    s
    facefi
    xedfornow,I'
    l
    lgett
    heoutf
    itr
    eady,
    ”shesays
    andmar chesoff
    .
    Nakhoimpati
    ent
    lypul
    lsmedownonthecouchand
    st
    artsscr
    ubbi
    ngmyf acewi
    thawetwipe.
    “Nowwedon'thaveenoughti
    me, we'
    llonlydothe
    basi
    cs.By4pm youneedtobeatther est
    aurant
    ,
    Senzowil
    lfi
    ndyouthere,
    ”shesays.
    Ihavet
    odr
    ivemysel
    fther
    e?!
    “
    He'
    snotpi
    cki
    ngmeup?
    ”Iask.
    “Hehadtorushhi
    smothertoasickrel
    ati
    ve.You
    canwaitf
    orhimifyouwantto,
    butknowthatthe
    datewil
    ldel
    ayandyoumaybebackhomeaf
    ter
    seven.
    ”
    What?No.I'dratherdri
    vemyselfther
    ethantobe
    homet hatl
    ate.Idon'twanthi
    mt ogetthe“
    sleep-
    over
    "ideas.
    “Ithoughtasmuch.Fol dyourlipsf orme. ”She'snot
    apr of
    essionalmake- upart
    ist.Somepeopl ejust
    knowhowt odot hesethingsnat urally.Icanputa
    mascar aon,laythefoundationper f
    ect l
    yanddomy
    eyebrows.ButIdon' tknowhowt otrimt hem, Ican'
    t
    gluetheeyelashesonandIdon’ tthinkI'l
    leverbe
    abletodot heeyeshades.
    “
    Idon'
    twantt
    obet
    oobr
    ight
    ,”It
    ellher
    .
    “Iknowbabe.Canyoukeepyourmout
    handeyes
    shut?”
    I'
    m probabl
    ygett
    ingannoying.If
    ollowthe
    i
    nstructi
    onsandsitst
    il
    lforalmosttwentyminut
    es.
    Beautydoesn'
    tonlycomeatapr ice,i
    t'
    stime
    consumingaswel l
    .
    “Done.Lookatthi
    sdol
    l!
    ”She'
    ssati
    sfi
    edwit
    hher
    ownskill
    s.Igr
    abthemirr
    orfr
    om herhandandst
    are
    atthereflect
    ionofmyf ace.Idon'
    trecognizemysel
    f.
    Mynosei ssharper
    ,mycheeksl ooklikesandwall
    s
    andt heeyelashesaretooheavyandmovi ng
    rhythmicall
    ywhenIbl i
    nk.
    “
    Areyouhappy?
    ”sheasks.
    “Il
    ovei
    tbutIwoul
    dn'
    tsurvi
    veonthisheavymake-
    upondail
    ybasi
    s,If
    eell
    ikeawalki
    ngpainti
    ng,
    ”Isay.
    “Womenareartbabe.Thisguybett
    ercompensat
    e
    al
    ltheseef
    for
    twithami nd-
    blowi
    ngorgasm andl
    ot
    ofcash.
    ”
    Iwoul dn'
    tmindt
    he‘lotofcash’butt
    hemj nd-
    blowingorgasm canmissme.I '
    m notopeningmy
    l
    egsf oreveryDi
    ckandTom t hatIgoonadat ewit
    h.
    It
    'l
    ltakemorethanonedat eforustogetthere.

    Khosiforcesmeintoat hi
    gh-r
    eveal
    ingwrapdr
    ess
    andcut -
    outheel
    s.Sheinsist
    sthatI
    'm not
    overdr
    essedandspr aysmewi thaGucciBambooto
    thepointofnose-
    blocki
    ng.
    “
    Gor
    epr
    esentus,
    gir
    l!
    ”Sheki
    ssesmycheekand
    st
    art
    staki
    ngpi
    ctur
    es.Ihaveafeeli
    ngthatt
    his
    won'
    ttur
    noutt
    hewayt hey'
    reexpect
    ing.

    I'
    m notthatpunctualmyselfbutIdor espect
    people'
    stime.Whatki ndofamani nhisrightmind
    makesagi rlwaitforhimforoverthir
    tymi nutes?I
    '
    m
    onmyseconddr inknowandt hisSenzoguyi s
    nowheretobeseen.Tomaket hi
    sevenwor sehe
    hasswitchedhisphoneof faft
    ercalli
    ngmeand
    aski
    ngmet oorder.
    Thefoodishereandtur
    ningcol
    d.Wher
    ethef
    ucki
    s
    he?Ihavebett
    erthi
    ngstodowithmyti
    me.
    “
    Ndondo,
    ”thevoi
    cecomesf
    rom behi
    ndandst
    art
    les
    me.
    Iturnaroundandfi
    ndthi
    ssweatyman,wal
    king
    barefootedandl
    ooki
    ngli
    kehejustj
    umpedoutofa
    movi ngtrai
    n.
    “
    Andyouar
    e?”Iask.
    “SenzoMachi.I'
    m sor
    ryI'
    mt hi
    slat
    e,somethi
    ng….”
    Lord!Lor
    d!Lord!Whatist
    his?Hisheadisahorr
    ibl
    e
    mess.Hishairlookli
    keitwascutwithasci ssor
    andsomepar tswereshavenwithahai r-
    remover .
    DoIlookli
    keaj oke?Whathappenedt otheTi nder
    guyIsawint hepict
    ures?Hedidlooklikethisbut
    hewasadecentman.Hehadacar ,neatafroand
    col
    gate-
    whitesetofteeth.
    “
    Iwi
    llexplai
    nwhathappened.CanIgetsomet
    hing
    t
    odr
    inkf i
    rst
    ?”heasks.
    Igi
    vehim a“suityourself
    ”shrug.Hedownsagl ass
    ofbeerIor
    deredf orhim andproceedstomywi ne
    andgulpsi
    talldown.I tspil
    lsonhiscreasedshi
    rt
    ashetri
    estoswal lowitallatonce.
    “
    Iwashi
    jacked,
    ”hef
    inal
    lysays.
    Ithi
    nkIknowt hisstor
    y.I'
    ver eadi
    tonFacebooka
    coupleofti
    mesi nthosewor stdat
    ethreads;aguy
    getshij
    ackedonhi swayt othedateandthelady
    endsuppayi ngforeveryt
    hingandgivi
    nghi m
    moneyf orthetr
    ansportbackhome.
    “Ataxiwi
    ththreeguyspul
    ledupinfrontofme.
    Theytookmycarkeys,cel
    lphone,wall
    etandshoes.
    Thentheyroughedmeupwi thslapsandshavedmy
    hai
    rli
    ket
    his.
    ”
    “Haveyouevert houghtofwri
    ti
    ngforMzansi
    Bioskop?You'r
    er eal
    lygoodSenzo,
    ”Isayandtap
    myf i
    ngersforthewai t
    er.
    “
    Youhavetobeli
    evemeNdondo.I
    'vebeenlooki
    ng
    f
    orwardtot
    hisdayformont
    hs,
    I'
    m notspi
    nningyou
    astor
    y.”
    Deepbr
    eat
    hNdondo!Il
    if
    tmyeyebr
    owandl
    ookat
    hi
    m whi
    let
    aki
    ngabil
    lfr
    om t
    hewait
    er.
    “Ar
    eyougoi
    ngtopayf ort
    hisf
    ood?Howar
    eyou
    get
    ti
    nghome?”Iask.
    Her
    ubshi
    sneckandgi
    vesmeapuppyl
    ook.
    “
    Iwi
    llpayyouback,
    Ipr
    omi
    se,
    ”hesays.
    Funny!Iset
    tl
    ethebillandt
    osshim aR50not e.I
    hatemenwhodot hi
    s.Iwouldn'
    tbesurpr
    isedifthat
    wholeTransnetst
    orywasal i
    easwell.He'
    sgoi ng
    str
    aightt
    oblockvi
    ll
    e.
    “
    Ndondopleasebeli
    eveme.Iwashi
    jackedbysome
    t
    axii
    diot
    s,Iswear
    .”
    “
    Ibel
    ieveyouandi
    t'
    sokay.I
    '
    mjustgoi
    nghome,
    pleasedoenj
    oyyourmeal.”Ipickmybagupand
    fi
    ndmywayt otheexi
    tdoor.Ican'
    tbel
    ieveIcame
    allt
    hiswaytofeedamanandgi vehi
    mt ransport
    money.He'sneverseei
    ngmyf aceagain,he'l
    lonl
    y
    seeitint
    hepictur
    es.
    [
    03/
    14,
    08:
    57] :Chapt
    er3

    KhosisaysSenzohasbeent ryingtoreachtome
    andhe'saskingt obeunblocked.Apparentl
    y,hiscar
    andallhi
    sbel ongingswereleftoutsi
    dehishouse
    bythehij
    acker s.Idon'
    tknowwhatki ndofapr ank
    hewaspl ayi
    ngonmeandIdon' tcar
    etofi
    ndout .
    Ihaven'tevenheal
    edproper l
    yfrom Sat
    urday’
    s
    embar r
    assmentbutKhosii salr
    eadysuggesti
    ng
    thatIagreetothesecondguy'sdate.Ineeda
    mont horsotocatchabr eak.

    MyWednesdaywasveryshort
    ,Ihavedecidedto
    takemysel
    foutwi
    thBab’
    Mbambof oranevening
    snackandacoupl
    eofdri
    nks.He'
    llknockoffaround
    4pm,solongI'
    l
    lbei
    nthehouseandr efr
    eshingmy
    mi
    nd.
    Ifi
    ndHlonigr
    il
    li
    ngsomet hi
    ngonthestove,
    Igr
    eet
    herandwalkpast.IguessAndi
    swaisn'
    thomeyet
    whichi
    sevengreat.

    Iki
    ckof ft
    hehi ghheels,sl
    ipint
    omysandal sand
    exi
    tthroughthebalconydoort ostandovertherai
    ls
    andwat chthequietstreet
    .Inoti
    cehim worki
    ng
    nexttothepoolinhisdungar eeandinst
    antly
    remembert hatIhaven'tseenhim si
    nceThursday.
    Heprobablywon'thearorseemewavingathi
    m
    overher
    e,Iquickl
    yturnbackinsi
    det
    hehouseand
    fol
    lowdownt hestai
    rway.

    “
    Madam,
    ”
    Gosh,
    nott
    hist
    it
    le!
    “
    It
    'sNdondo….
    isever
    ythi
    ngokay?
    ”Iask.
    Foramomentshelookspuzzled.Obviousl
    ymy
    rel
    ati
    onshi
    pwit
    hherhasn'ti
    mpr ovedasminewith
    Mam’ ZodwaandNdabuko.Ndabukoneverstar
    ted
    onthi
    s“madam"t i
    tl
    e,onourver
    yfi
    rsti
    nter
    act
    ionI
    wasHlasekazit
    ohim.AndMam’ Zodwahasgone
    fr
    om “
    Madam"t omyname, Ndondo.
    “Andi
    swajustcal
    ledafewmi
    nut
    esago,
    she'
    l
    lbe
    homelat
    e,”shesays.
    “
    Whydi
    dn'
    tshecal
    lmedi
    rect
    ly?
    ”Iask.
    “Idon'tknow.”Sheshr ugshershoulders.Ir
    eleasea
    sighofdef eat
    , Ihaveabadf eel
    ingaboutthis.Didn’
    t
    thattallboydisappearasItoldhimt o?Whenwas
    thelasttimeIhad“ t
    hetal
    k”wi t
    hAndi swa?
    Nowadayschi l
    dr enfor
    geteasil
    y,Ineedtoremi nd
    heragai n.
    “
    Okaythankyouf
    orl
    ett
    ingmeknow,
    ”Isayand
    wal
    kout.
    Maybet hi
    stimeIneedani nt
    erventi
    on;Khosiand
    thejoi
    nedforceofhertwinsist
    ers.Ineedt obe
    practi
    cali
    nsteadoftr
    yingtopreventnature,she'
    s
    obviousl
    yinthestageofsexualcravingsandt he
    bestIcoulddoismakesur ethatshe’swell-
    i
    nformedaboutt hewholethi
    ng.Ast heeldestoneI
    nevergotanyoneteachingaboutthosethings,my
    mot her '
    sChristianit
    ydi dn'tallowhert ohol dsuch
    sacredconver sationwi thachi ld.Butf r
    om aver y
    youngageIwasasuccess- hungr ygi r
    l,Ihadno
    ti
    mef orboysunt i
    lthatdayast rangemandeci ded
    topr otectmeatt hetaxir ankdur i
    ngsomet axi
    fi
    ght sandpr ofessedhi slovef ormei nal ow
    whisperamont hlat
    er.Inevergott oseehi m again
    andKhosiadvi sedmet ol etgooff antasies.Myt rip
    toJapanr el
    easedmef rom al otoft hi
    ngs, oneof
    them bei ngaf antasyt hatoneday, somehow,
    somewher e,I'
    llmeett hatmanandwe' l
    lhavea
    fai
    rytalelovest ory.
    “Ndondoyoudon' tevenknowhi sname.He
    probablydi edorgotmar r
    iedorevenl ef
    tthe
    country,”Khosiwoul dsaywi t
    hadef eat
    edl ookon
    herfaceever yt
    imeIt r
    iedt oexcusemyabst enti
    on
    bysayi ngIhadamanwai ti
    ngf ormesomewher e.
    Beforel eavingforDUTbacki n2011t ofurthermy
    studi
    esIwentbackt ot het axirankwhereIhadf ir
    st
    methim andhewasn' tt here.Ididn'
    tknowhi sname
    norhissur name.Findinghi m wasami ssion
    i
    mpossi blesinceIdidn'tevenhavehi spicture.And
    Ikeptaskingmysel
    f;whatki
    ndofagirltur
    nst he
    townupsidedownforamanwhoshowedi nt
    er est
    i
    nheronl ytwi
    ce?I'
    m st
    il
    lbackwardsli
    kethat,I
    beli
    eveinamansweat i
    ngtoinit
    iat
    etherelat
    ionship,
    notme.
    “
    Mngomezulu,
    ”Igreetandl
    iebackont
    hesun
    l
    oungert
    hat
    'sf
    acingthepool.
    Hetakeshi
    sgl
    ovesof
    f,put
    sdownt
    hel
    eafr
    akeand
    j
    oinsme.
    “
    Younevergetdi
    rt
    y?”Iaskandlookupathi
    m wi
    th
    myeyesshi
    eldedbythehand.
    “
    I'
    mjustcar
    eful
    .Howwasyourday?
    ”heasks.
    “Notbad.Ihaveadat
    ewit
    hBab' Mbamboat5pm,
    we'l
    lhaveasnackanddr
    inks.Thatwi
    llbr
    ight
    en
    ever
    ythi
    ngup. ”
    “
    Youl
    ovegoi
    ngondat
    es?
    ”heasks.
    “Il
    ovegoingoutwithBab’Mbambo.Nott
    hese
    Durbanchancer
    s,”Isay.
    He'sl
    ooki
    ngatmewit
    hasli
    ghtfr
    ownonhi
    sface.I
    r
    eleaseasi
    ghandt
    akehi
    mt hr
    oughmydat
    ewith
    Senzo.
    “Maybehereall
    ygothi
    jacked,
    ”hesaysandkeeps
    hiseyenar
    rowedatme.He' saman,obvi
    ousl
    yhe
    wantstodefendhi
    sgender.
    “Ir
    eall
    ydon'tcar
    eNdabuko.I
    'm noti
    nter
    est
    edi
    n
    goi
    ngonaseconddat ewithhi
    m orevenseehi
    m
    again,
    ”Isay.
    Hebalanceshi
    selbowont hetopsl
    atandlower
    s
    hi
    seyest ome.Hiscurvi
    ngli
    pgivesmesome
    bubbl
    yfeeli
    ngthatunset
    tl
    esmyner ves.
    “I
    fIweretoaskyououtonadate,
    showuplooki
    ng
    decentandset
    tl
    ethebi
    ll
    ,woul
    dyousayyes?”
    Oh,hel
    lno.Il
    aughandlookaway.Ihopedhewas
    goi
    ngtolaughalongwi
    thmebuthe'sdeadseri
    ous.
    “Ndabukoyou'
    remyemployee.Obvi
    ousl
    yIwoul
    dn'
    t
    eventhi
    nkabouti
    t,
    ”Isay.
    Foramomenthe' sjustst
    ari
    ngatmeandnotsayi ng
    anything.Bei
    ngar oundhimisst
    arti
    ngtofeel
    di
    f f
    erent.Iwanttolookathi
    m butatthesametime
    Ifeelli
    keifIkeeplooki
    ngathisfacewhateveri
    tis
    thatpull
    smetohi
    m wi
    llbecomest
    ronger
    ,andI
    can'thavet
    hat
    .
    “
    Ist
    hatt
    heonl
    yreason?
    ”Hel
    ower
    shi
    seyel
    ids.
    Inodmyheadbef
    oreIevent
    hinkt
    hrough.
    “
    Letmegetbackt
    owork.Enj
    oyyourdat
    ewi
    th
    Mbambo,
    ”hesaysandl
    eaves.
    Ij
    ustli
    ethereandwat chhi
    m ashewalksaway.I
    haven'
    tbeenatt
    ractedtoanymansince..
    .si
    ncehi
    m.
    Mynextinter
    estcan'tbemyownempl oyee,
    someonewhocl eansmyyar dandgar
    den!

    Idragmyselfbackinsi
    dethehouseandsoak
    myselfi
    nabat h.What'swrongwit
    hme?Khosiwi
    ll
    askifIl
    eftmybr ai
    nsinJapan,Ndabukoi
    smy
    yar
    dnerforChrist'
    ssake!
    I
    t'
    salmost4:30,
    Ilot
    ionupandgetdressed.Idon'
    t
    wantt
    okeepBab’ Mbambowai t
    ingandaf t
    erwhat
    j
    usthappenedoutsi
    de,Ineedal
    otofdrinks.

    If
    indhi
    m si
    tt
    ingbyt
    hegat
    ewi
    thhi
    slunchbag,
    he'
    s
    wit
    hthenightshi
    ftsecur
    it
    yguar
    dsandent
    ert
    aini
    ng
    t
    hem wit
    hhi sst
    ori
    es.
    I
    '
    mi nnomoodt ocli
    mboutanddothegreet
    ings,
    I
    j
    usthootandwaitf
    orhi
    minsidet
    hecar.
    Iknowhe'sgoi
    ngtobeginwithhisstori
    esassoon
    ashegetsinsi
    dethecarandI'
    m notinagood
    spacer
    ightnow.Itur
    nuphisfavourit
    e
    Hhash'
    eli
    mhlopheandhe'sbouncinghisheadas
    soonashegetsin.

    Idri
    vetomyf avour
    it
    ePub&Gr i
    ll,
    asi fGodknows
    thatmysoulistooheavyforcr
    owdst oday,t
    hebar
    l
    oungeisalmostempt y;onl
    yafewcust omers
    sit
    ti
    ngseparatel
    yandmi ndi
    ngtheirownbusi ness.
    “I
    '
    m or
    deri
    ngasalad,
    mil
    dchickenwings,
    waff
    les
    andawholebot
    tl
    eofMoet,
    ”Isay,st
    ari
    ngatt
    he
    menuinmyhand.
    Idon'tdr
    inkduri
    ngworkingdays,
    Itakemyj
    ob
    seri
    ouslymorethananythi
    ng,I
    'm onl
    ymaki
    ngan
    excepti
    onfortodayonl
    y.
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngal
    ri
    ght
    ,ndodakazi
    ?”
    Il
    ookupandf
    indhi
    m st
    ari
    ngatme.
    “
    Yes,
    ”Isayandnodmyhead.
    Hedoesn'
    tbel
    ieveme.Iheaveasi
    ghandsi
    tup
    st
    rai
    ght.
    “
    Isi
    taboutt
    heboyyouwentoutwi
    th?
    ”heasks.
    Il
    etoutachuckl
    eandshakemyhead.Thatonei
    s
    enj
    oyi
    nghiswarm chai
    rinbl
    ockvi
    ll
    e.
    “
    It'
    sjustoneofthosedayswhenIfeell
    iket
    here'
    sa
    f
    lamebur ni
    nginsi
    demeandIj ustwanttoexpl
    ode
    f
    ornor eason,
    ”Isay.
    “Whatdidt heydot oyounow? ”Hel ooksupatt he
    wait
    er,reciteshislongor
    derthenr eleasesasi gh
    andlooksbackatme.Ial waystalkt ohim about
    workrelatedissues,myfamilyandf riends,goals
    andgener algossip.ButI
    'venevertalkedtohi m
    aboutthis,onlyKhosiknowsandshehas
    convi
    ncedmet hatit
    'smadness.
    “
    Ithi
    nkI
    '
    mfal
    li
    ngf
    orawr
    ongper
    son,
    ”Isay.
    Her
    elaxesandbr
    eaksabr
    iefchuckl
    e.
    “Ial
    waysthoughtyou'
    ret
    hoseMiss-
    Know-
    It
    -Al
    l
    Ndondo.Areyouscaredofmen?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Noooo!I
    '
    m notscar
    edofanyone.
    ”
    Hel
    ikesi
    twhenI
    '
    m bossy.He'
    ssmi
    li
    ng.
    “
    Thenwhati
    sit
    ?”heasks.
    “He'smyempl oyee.Andyouknowwhat 'sconfusing
    Baba, thef
    actthatitf
    eelsokay.Idon’
    thavet hat
    softknockinmyconsci enceandIdon't….”Istop
    andt akeahugebr eat
    h.Thisismadness.
    “
    Youdon'
    tdowhat
    ?”Henar
    rowshi
    seye.
    “Idon'tfeelgui
    lt
    yabouthavingthoset
    ypeof
    feel
    ingst owardshi
    m.Theonl ythi
    ngIfeelgui
    lt
    y
    abouti sthathe'
    smyempl oyeeandhe'sathis
    l
    owest .Youknow, he'
    saqual i
    fi
    edengi
    neerandhe'
    s
    notempl oyed.Heworksformet omakeend-
    meet s,
    ”Isay.
    “Butwhywouldyoufeel
    gui
    lt
    yaboutfal
    li
    nginlove?
    ”
    Hesnapshisbrowsandscr
    atcheshi
    shairychi
    n
    withafi
    nger
    .
    Ican'
    ttel
    lhi
    m.I
    t'
    smadness.Ican'
    t!
    “
    Ndondo?
    ”He'
    sst
    ari
    ngatme.
    “I
    …I…Ihave…”No,Ndondoyoucan'
    tdoi
    t.Buthe'
    s
    star
    ingatmeandhiseyesgivemenochoicebutto
    spil
    lthebeans.
    “Iwaskindofholdingontosomeone.Idon'tknow
    hisnameorwher ehelives.
    ”Ther
    eI’vesaidi
    t.My
    deepestsecr
    et.Ili
    ftmyeyesup,expecti
    ngtofind
    himjudgingmewi thhi
    seyes.Khosialwaysdoes
    whenIment i
    ont hi
    s.
    “
    You’
    dfeelgui
    lt
    ywhenyou'
    remi
    ngl
    ingwi
    thot
    her
    men?
    ”heasks.
    “Yes,
    li
    keIwasl et
    ti
    nghim downorsomet
    hing.I
    knowit'
    ssil
    ly,
    ”Isay.Lucki
    lyourf
    oodi
    shere.Iopen
    thebott
    leandfil
    lmyglassup.
    “Whendi dyoumeett hisper
    sonandhowdi dyou
    meet?”Hisfoodisinf r
    ontofhim.Hehasn'
    teven
    touchedhisbeer.Iguesshefindsthi
    s“madness”
    i
    nterest
    ingbecauset heMbamboIknowwoul dbe
    halfwaythroughhismeal bynow.
    “
    Taxir
    ank,backin2010.Iwashopingthathe’
    d
    makemoreeffor
    tsbuthedidn'
    t,
    ”Isay.
    “Tel
    lmeaboutyourr el
    ati
    onships.Irememberyou
    oncehadat hi
    ngwiththatbig-
    headedboywhor ode
    ascooter.”Hepickstheknifeandsl i
    cehissteak.
    Thebig-headedboyi sSphamandl a,theonewho
    tookmyvi rgi
    nit
    ythreeyearsago, Ihateever
    ything
    abouthim.
    “
    Ilef
    thi
    m.Hewasannoyi
    ng,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Annoyi
    ng?How?
    ”
    Deepsi
    gh!
    “Hewasjustannoyi
    ng.Idon'
    tknowwhatIsawi n
    him.Hemademeangr ymostoft het
    imes,
    ”Isay.
    “
    You’dbeangr
    ywi
    thhi
    mfornosol
    idr
    easons,
    r
    ight
    ?”
    Igivehi
    m aninnocentl
    ookandnodmyhead.Idon'
    t
    wanthimtothinkI'
    m amadwoman, itwasj
    ust
    thoseNdondomoment sthatnobodycan
    underst
    and.
    “Wereyou,atanypoi
    nt,
    angr
    ywi
    thhi
    mtot
    hepoi
    nt
    ofgett
    ingviol
    ent
    ?”
    Ichokeont
    hedr
    ink.Ican'
    ttel
    lhi
    mthat
    .Ihavea
    reputat
    iont
    omai
    ntai
    n,r
    eveal
    ingt
    heset
    hings….
    no,
    I
    can't
    .
    “Di
    dyoueverf
    ightboyst
    hatshowedi
    nter
    esti
    n
    you?”
    It
    akeanot
    herdeepbr
    eat
    handnodmyhead.
    “
    Viol
    ent
    ly?
    ”heasks.
    “IdidslapSphamandl a,”Isayandhol dbackt he
    detail
    soft hatevent f
    ulnight.EvenKhosidoesn' t
    know, shet hi
    nkswej ustbrokeupoveranar gument ,
    i
    fshewast ofi
    ndoutaboutt hisshe'dsendme
    strai
    ghtt oapsychi atri
    st.I
    twast hesecondt ime
    afterhebr okemyvi rginit
    y,wedi di
    tbef oregoi ngto
    bed, i
    twasof fbutIl ethimf i
    nishhisrace.I twast he
    nextmor ni
    ngwhenIwokeupt oamant r
    yingt o
    i
    nser thispenisinmewi t
    hhishandscar essing
    everypar tofmybody.If li
    ppedandat tacked.He
    wasn' tsupposedt o.Itwasn'thisplacetodot hat.I
    slappedhi m sohar dthatmyownf ingerj oint
    s
    ached.ThenIgr abbedmycl othes,rantot he
    bathroom anddr essedup, andIranof f
    .
    Iwon'
    tment
    iont
    hati
    nci
    dentwher
    eIscr
    eamedata
    guyf ormerelyaskingf ormycontactdetai
    ls.I
    nearlybit
    ethepoorguy' sheadoff
    .That’
    swhenI
    real
    izedthatthisthingwasbecomi ngmor ethan
    j
    ustaf antasyofat axidriver
    ,Iwasslowlylosi
    ngmy
    abil
    itytofunctionandsoIst art
    edputti
    ngmywor k
    beforeeverythingelse.Idependedonwor kto
    ment al
    lysurvive.
    “
    I'
    m cr
    azy,
    right
    ?”Iaskandl
    ookathi
    m.
    “No,you'r
    enotcrazy,
    ”hesaysandli
    ft
    shisbeerand
    sips.Thenhelooksatmeagain,wi
    thpit
    yli
    ningup
    hiseyes.
    “
    Whyyoudi
    dn'
    ttel
    lmet
    his?
    ”heasks.
    “Idon'
    twantpeopl
    etot
    hinkI
    '
    m cr
    azy,
    ”Isayand
    shrugmyshoulder
    s.
    “Ndondoyegolide!I
    '
    dnevert
    hinkt
    hatofyou.Iknow
    thatI
    ’m oldandbori
    ng,
    butIunder
    standthesekind
    ofsit
    uations.
    ”
    “
    Theseki
    ndofsi
    tuat
    ions?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Car
    ryi
    ngt
    hespi
    ri
    tsoft
    hedead.
    ”
    What
    ?!I
    '
    m notcar
    ryi
    ngdeadspi
    ri
    ts.I
    '
    m si
    mpl
    y
    hol
    dingont
    osomeoneandi
    thaski
    ll
    edmyabi
    li
    tyt
    o
    l
    ove.
    “I
    t'
    sanxi
    etyand…”Heli
    ft
    shishandupbefor
    eIcan
    evenf
    ini
    shtell
    inghi
    m whatDrMakhobat
    oldme.
    “
    You'renotafi
    ghter,t
    here'
    saspir
    itfi
    ghti
    ngmen
    t
    hroughyou.Idon'tknowwhatitmeans,Idon'
    t
    wanttoscareyoubutiti
    sagainstyoufal
    li
    ngin
    l
    ove.”
    “Whatdoesthatmean? ”Iask.I
    t'
    stoolatef
    orhi
    mto
    holdanyt
    hingback,he'
    sal r
    eadyscaredmeby
    assumingthatI
    'm car
    ryingdeadspir
    its.
    “It
    'sei
    theryouhaveacalli
    ngtoti
    eyoursel
    ftothe
    wor koftheancest
    orsbefor
    etyi
    ngyoursel
    finany
    romanticrel
    ati
    onshiporyouhavebeenchosenfora
    specifi
    cperson.
    ”
    Iwasr ai
    sedinaChr i
    sti
    anfamil
    y,t
    heancest or
    sand
    al
    lthese“chosen”thi
    ngsarenotfamil
    iartome.I
    haveneverdismissedmyAf r
    icanroot
    s,Ijusthave
    neverconsi
    deredmysel ft
    obesomeonewho' dbe
    aff
    ectedbysucht hi
    ngs.Workoftheancestors?I
    can'
    tbeasangoma.Chosenf oraspecif
    icsomeone?
    Iwantt
    ochoosemyownhusband.
    “
    Whati
    fIdon'tcommittot
    hosedemands?
    ”Iask.
    Myner
    vesarescatt
    eredal
    lovert
    hepl
    ace.
    “Youwi l
    lpaythousandsforyourwesterndoctors
    andthey'l
    ldiagnoseyouwiththosement ali
    ll
    nesses
    withlong-assEngli
    shnames,”hesaysandt hrows
    theforkdown.He'sdoneactingfancy,hedigsin
    usinghishands.
    Ijustlostmyappet i
    te.Ikeepfil
    lingupmygl assand
    thinki
    ngaboutwhathej usttol
    dme.Ican' taskAunt
    Vumi leforadvicebecauseshe'lltel
    lmyparentsand
    they'l
    ltakeittothepastorandthent hewhole
    Uni t
    edKi ngdom churchwillbr
    ingaspecialprayer
    tomyhouse.
    Khosiwil
    ltakemet oacl ub,f
    orcewhi skyshots
    downmyt hroatandtellmet ogetlaid.Andt he
    twinswil
    lspeakatthesamet i
    me, whateverthe
    otheronethi
    nkstheonewi l
    lagree.Iknowt hey'
    re
    notint
    othese“ancestors”thi
    ngaswel l
    .
    “Thingswi
    llf
    alli
    ntopl
    ace,ndodakazi
    .Don'
    tlett
    his
    burdenyoursoul
    ,don'
    teventhinkabouti
    t,
    ”Bab’
    Mbambosays.
    Ijustnodmyheadandf i
    llupmygl ass.Ihavet
    o
    fi
    ndawayt ogetcont
    rolofmylife.Ican'tbe
    control
    ledbydeadpeople'sspi
    ri
    ts.Thisismyli
    fe,
    I'
    m enti
    tledt
    omakemyownchoi ces.
    It
    akeoutmyphoneandr evi
    ewmybl ockli
    st.Deep
    breat
    h!Icl
    ickonSenzo’snumberandunblockhim.
    ThenIsendhim atext
    ,herespondsi
    nstantl
    y.
    Iwon'tbegoinghomet oni
    ght.What everiti
    sthat
    hauntsmysoulneedst oreali
    zethatI '
    m awoman
    responsibl
    eforherownlif
    e.Itcan'tcontr
    olme.It
    can'tcontr
    olmyemot i
    ons.Itcan'tcontr
    olwhoItalk
    to,whoIsleepwithandwhoIf allinlovewith.
    “
    BabaIwi
    llcal
    lthedr
    ivert
    ocomeandpi
    ckyouup.
    ”
    Hef
    rowns.
    “
    You'
    rel
    eavi
    ngal
    ready?
    ”
    “
    Yes,
    I'
    mti
    red.
    ”
    Henodshi sheadbutthel
    inesonhisfor
    eheadare
    sti
    llcr
    eased.Iset
    tl
    ethebi
    llandl
    eave.Ihopehehas
    shavedallhi
    shairandhe’
    swearingshoestoday.
    NowI '
    mf eeli
    ngt heMoetsettli
    nginmysyst em and
    sl
    owlymessi ngwi thmyhead.If eelabitli
    ghterand
    happyaboutmyupcomi ngnight.I'
    m notgoingtolet
    anyt
    hingspoi lt
    hisnightforme, notevenspiri
    tsor
    whateverthey'r
    e.
    “
    Hlasekazi
    ,
    ”
    WTF!It
    urnaroundsl
    owl
    y.It
    'shi
    minfl
    esh.Whati
    s
    hedoi
    ngherewithMrNgi
    di'
    ssons?Howdothey
    knoweachother
    ?
    “Ndlali
    fawhatareyoual ldoinghere?”He'sthe
    eldestsoIexpecthimt oexpl ai
    n.Aren'
    tthey
    supposedt obeatthetaxirank?MrNgi diwas
    alwayscompl ai
    ningthem.I fthey'
    renotfight
    ing
    withthedriver
    sthey'
    refightingwiththe
    associati
    ons.
    “Wewerehir
    edbysomeladies.They'
    resomewher
    e
    doi
    ngthei
    rthi
    ngsandwearej ustchi
    ll
    ingand
    wai
    ti
    ngforthem,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Ndabuko?
    ”Ilookathi
    m.He'si
    naTom Fordstret
    ch
    -
    li
    nenT-
    shir
    t,Deni
    mjeanandbl
    ackki
    cks.Helooks
    waytoodif
    ferentfr
    om theyar
    dnerworki
    nginmy
    house.Whatbringshi
    m herewit
    htheever-
    havoc
    Hlomukasons?
    “
    Newjob.Newbosses,
    ”hesaysandgl
    ancesat
    Maqhi
    nga.
    “He'sournewdriver,
    ”Maqhingasaysandempt i
    esa
    packetofpeanutsinsidehi
    smout h.Whatar
    ethey
    saying?Ndabukoistheirdri
    ver
    ?Sincewhen?He
    refusedmyoffertofindhim abet
    terj
    obonlytobea
    taxidri
    ver
    ?
    “
    Idon'
    tunder
    stand,
    ”Isayandst
    areathi
    m.
    Hegivest
    hem al
    ookandt
    heyst
    epbackandgi
    ve
    usspace.
    “
    Whati
    sthi
    s?”Iask.
    “
    Ihaver
    esi
    gnedasyouryar
    dner
    ,”hesays.
    “Isee,butwhy?Taxidriversdon'
    tearnt
    hatmuch.
    Allowmet ofindyouanot herj
    ob,somet
    hingyou'
    re
    quali
    fi
    edt odo,”Isay.
    Hechucklesandl
    eansonmycar.Idon'
    tli
    kehow
    he'
    slooki
    ngatme,li
    kehehassomethi
    nghuge
    pl
    annedi
    nhi
    shead.
    “Thegoali
    stogetadatewithyou.Ihopeyou'l
    lgi
    ve
    meachanceaswel lbecauseI
    'm nolongeryour
    employee.
    ”
    “
    Ndabuko!
    ”Ican'
    tbel
    ievet
    his.Het
    ookmywor
    ds
    wayt
    oopracti
    cal
    .
    Myphoneri
    ngs.I
    t'
    sSenzo.Ir
    ejectt
    hecal
    l,
    sil
    ence
    t
    hephoneandputiti
    nsi
    dethebag.
    “
    That
    'snotwhatImeant
    ,Ndabuko,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Youcan'tsaythat.Youcan'
    tchangewhatyousai
    d
    whenI'
    vealreadyheldont
    oyourwordandgaveup
    myjobforyou.”
    Ireleaseasi
    ghandi
    gnor
    ethesoul
    -gr
    ippi
    ngst
    are
    he'sgivi
    ngme.
    “
    Takeyourj
    obback,
    ”Isay.
    “
    No,
    Iwantyou.Nott
    hej
    ob.
    ”
    Myhear
    tmight
    'veski
    ppedasecondortwo.My
    moi
    stgr
    ipt
    ight
    ensont hebagandIst
    andfrozenon
    t
    hesamespot.
    “
    Sat
    urday,
    17h30ber
    eady.Ial
    sodeser
    veachance
    t
    oshootmyshot.
    ”
    Sayno,
    Ndondo.Sayno!
    “
    Okay,
    ”-mymout
    h.
    [
    03/
    14,
    08:
    58] :Chapt
    er4

    Andiswaisalreadyrol
    li
    nghereyesatus.Toherall
    thi
    sisunnecessary;“t
    heyweretaughteveryt
    hingi
    n
    pri
    mar yschoolandifsheneedsanyinfor
    mat i
    on
    she'
    lleasi
    lyconsultaprof
    essi
    onal.
    ”
    Wel lI
    '
    m nottakinganyr i
    sk,Iwanttodomypar tand
    Iwantdoi twell
    .Khosiisalreadyhere,Ithinkit'sthe
    twinsthatwerejustdroppedof fbyacabout side
    thegate.She'stur
    ning21i naf ewmont hs, Iknow
    the‘sexbeforemarriage’t
    hreatwon'twor k,it
    's
    probablyalr
    eadytool at
    e,we'rejustgoi
    ngt opr each
    aboutcontracepti
    onandcondoms.
    “Real
    ly?
    ”She'slooki
    ngatdoorwit
    hadef eatedl
    ook
    onherface.KhosiandIbotht
    urntothedoorand
    guesswhat?There'saf
    ift
    hguestspeaker.She'
    s
    carr
    yingherbl ack1885purseandhert hi
    ckBi bl
    e.
    Whywoul dtheyinvi
    teAuntVumi le?Thiswas
    supposedt obea‘ bi
    g-si
    ster
    s-grooming-a-l
    itt
    le
    si
    ster’sessi
    onnotsome“ Paul-
    the-apostl
    e-says…”
    ki
    ndofser mon.
    “Zingane,”shesayscol l
    ecti
    velyandgoesstr
    aightt
    o
    thefri
    dge.Andi swagaspswhent hefr
    idgedoor
    opens.Whati swr ongwi t
    hher ?Thi
    swomanal ways
    fi
    llherstomachf i
    rstwhenevershe'
    sherefor
    somet hi
    ngandt hencompl ai
    naboutallt
    he
    ‘
    unnecessar ythings’Ihaveinthehouse.
    “Isthi
    sabeer?”Sheli
    ft
    sthebott
    leofHennesseyup
    andIt ur
    nmyf acet
    oAndiswa.Sheneedstoexplai
    n
    thisbecauseIal
    sohavenoideawhatabottl
    eof
    alcoholi
    sdoinginmyfri
    dgeeit
    her.
    “
    Ndondousuyaphuza?
    ”sheasks.
    Ofcour
    seIdrink,
    butt
    hisi
    smyf ather
    'ssi
    sterand
    shehasconnecti
    onst
    otheheavens.
    “Ihadacoupleofbusi
    nessassoci
    atesover,
    ”Il
    ie.
    Andiswasighsouti
    nreli
    efandIshootalookather;
    notyetl
    it
    tl
    egirl
    .
    Sheputsitbacki
    nsidethefr
    idge,i
    fithasanyt
    hing
    todowithmemaki ngmoneyt henit
    'sfi
    ne.She
    takesoutt
    heyoghur t
    ,gr
    absaspoonf rom t
    he
    drawerandsit
    sont hechai
    r.

    “So?”Khosil ooksatmeandt henathert wi nsi st


    ers.
    Ialsodon'tknowhowwear esupposedt odot hi
    s
    now.Ihaveast rangedat ewi t
    hmyyar dner
    tomor r
    ow, Ineedt oprepareandcomeupwi tha
    goodl i
    eI '
    m goingt ot el
    lKhosi .ThelastthingIneed
    i
    shavi ngt hi
    sver ysamesi ster-ar
    mygangi ngupon
    meandbashi ngmef orfall
    ingi nlovewi t
    hmy
    empl oyee.Yes, Istil
    lregardhim asmyempl oyee,
    he'stakingbackhi sjobafterthedat e.Ican'tl etmy
    feeli
    ngsorwhat everitisthatI '
    mf eeli
    ngt ost andi n
    thewayofsomeone' sbread.Asmuchashe' s
    attr
    actedt ome, orsimplywant i
    nghisshotasa
    humanbei ngwi thadi €kbet weenhi slegs,Iknow
    thatheneedst hisjobmor ethananyt hing.
    “Andi
    swaareyouseei
    nganyone?”Snakhogoes
    fi
    rst
    .Iguesswe'
    redoi
    ngitr
    ighther
    eintheki
    tchen.
    Thisi
    snothowIimaginedi
    t.It
    houghti
    twouldbe
    formal,ar
    oundt het ablewi thsnacksanddr i
    nks,
    everyonelookingser iousandmat ur
    ed.ButNakho
    i
    sal wayslikethi s;whensomet hingneedst obe
    doneshedoesi tquicklyandget soverwi thit.
    That '
    soneoft hef ewdi f
    ferencesbet weenherand
    Snalo.Theyl ookexact l
    yt hesame, wit
    ht hem
    there'
    snosl i
    m andf attwin,they'reoneper son.
    Everyonest r
    uggl est otellthem apar t
    ,italsotook
    meaf ewmont hst oknowwhoi swho.
    “MaybeIam,”Andi
    swasaysandshr
    ugsher
    shoul
    ders.
    Phewww!Embr
    aceyoursel
    fNdondo,yoursi
    steri
    sa
    gr
    ownupandit
    'sabouttogodownforreal
    .
    “
    Isi
    tthatt
    allboy?
    ”Iask.
    Shenodsherhead.Iguessagl
    assofwat
    erdi
    dn'
    t
    scarehim.Hewantswhat'
    sbet
    weenherl
    egsand
    he'
    llst
    opatnothi
    ngtogetit
    .
    “Sex…?”Snakho.Sheclearsherthr
    oatandglances
    atAuntVumi l
    ewhoi ssurpri
    singl
    yveryqui
    etand
    focusedonheryoghurt.“Areyoualr
    eadydoingit
    ?”
    “
    Alr
    eady?Whyar
    eyoumaki
    ngi
    tsoundl
    ikei
    t'
    stoo
    ear
    lywhereasI
    'm 21year
    sol
    dand…”I
    t'
    sfucki
    n
    ear
    ly!Waytooear
    ly.
    “Ilostmyvirginit
    yat23.You'renoteven21yet,
    ”I
    objectandgetascol dinglookfr
    om Khosi.Well
    ,we
    agr eedt
    hatIwasn' tgoingtobri
    ngtheeNdondoout,
    Iwasj ustgoingtobeaconcer ned,nicebi
    gsist
    er.I
    takeadeepbr eathandpullmyselft
    ogether
    .
    “I
    '
    m onlyafewmont
    hsawaysoi
    tmakesno
    di
    ffer
    ence.
    ”
    Itdoesmakeadi
    ff
    erencebutl
    etmekeepmymout
    h
    shut.
    “Whichcondomsdoyouuse? ”Snal
    oasks.Heal
    th
    staf
    fisherthi
    ng,i
    fli
    fehadamanualshewould'
    ve
    beenaprofessi
    onali
    nthatf
    iel
    d.
    “
    Howisthatnecessary?Themosti
    mpor
    tantt
    hing
    i
    sIknowhowt oprotectmysel
    f.
    ”
    “Doyouusel
    ubricant
    ?Water-
    basedonesaresafe
    wit
    hcondoms.Makesur ei
    t'
    sworncorrect
    lyand
    don'
    tdoanyt
    hingyou'r
    enotcomfort
    abl
    ewi th.
    ”
    Andi
    swar
    oll
    shereyesandr
    eleasesadr
    amat
    icsi
    gh.
    “Don'tsl
    eepwithhimtosatisf
    yhisneeds.Sexisall
    aboutyou, doi
    tforyourownorgasm andbevocal
    aboutwhatyouwantandnotwant ,
    ”Khosithrows
    hertoo-deepopi
    nion.I'
    m al
    souncomf or
    tabl
    enow,
    andAuntVumi lejustl
    if
    tedhereyes.
    “
    Aunt
    ytal
    ktoyourni
    ece,
    ”Snakhot
    ell
    sher
    .
    Sherubsherlipstoget
    herandpushesher
    eyegl
    asseson.Istil
    ldon'
    tknowwhyt heybrought
    herhere.Shemaybeonl y42andmovi ngwith
    ti
    mes,butthisissexwearediscussi
    nghere,aSIN.
    “
    1Cor
    int
    hians6.
    ”Lor
    d,Iknewi
    t!
    Shelooksatmeandt here'
    sthatl
    ookt hatusedt
    o
    getmeof fthecouchandpi cki
    ngabr oom whenI
    wasyounf .IknowthatIhavetofindmyBi ble
    whereveriti
    sandr eadtheCorint
    hians.
    Ipul
    lasi
    det
    hebr
    att
    hatgotal
    lofusher
    e.
    “Wherei
    stheBi
    ble?
    ”Iask,
    pul
    li
    nghert
    owar
    dst
    he
    stai
    rway
    “
    Howam Isupposedt
    oknow?
    ”
    Thi
    schi
    ld!Shel
    ivesher
    eandcont
    rol
    sever
    ythi
    ng
    t
    hat
    'shappeni
    ngi
    nthi
    shouse.
    “AndiswaIspentR175atCUM Bookst
    ogetthat
    book.Ineedtofinditot
    her
    wiset
    hewholef
    ami l
    y
    willbeher
    eandaski nghowwegotobedwithout
    readingasingl
    everse.”
    “
    Ithi
    nki
    t’
    sinyourst
    udy,
    ”shesays.
    Werushtot
    hestudyandt
    urnever
    ythi
    ngupsi
    de
    down,t
    hehol
    ybookisnowher
    etobefound.
    “Andiswat hi
    nk!
    ”Isayi mpat i
    entlyandt apmy
    fi
    ngers,tryingtocollectmymemor y.Iremember
    thatIlastusedi tatmypar ents30t hanniversary
    celebrati
    on.Ihaven' tbeentochur chi nalongtime
    andi t
    'snotbecauseofwor k.It
    'ssomet hi
    ngabout
    beinggr oomedi ntoapar ti
    cularreli
    gionfrom bir
    th,
    whenyougr owupyoust artseeingthings
    diff
    erently;yourfait
    hi sshakenandyouquest ion
    whoyouar easaspi ri
    tualbeing.Itallcomesdown
    to-beli
    evingandt o-betoldtobel i
    eve.
    “
    NowIdon'tknowwhereel
    set
    olook,
    ”shesaysand
    l
    ooksatmedefeat
    edl
    y.
    “
    Wher
    ear
    ewegoi
    ngt
    ogett
    heCor
    int
    hians?
    ”Iask.
    Thi
    sisallherfault
    .Hadshenotdecidedtosleep
    wit
    hthattal
    lboyagai nstmywordwewoul dn'
    tbe
    her
    e.Iwouldn'
    thaveaskedt hetwi
    nstocomeover
    andtheywouldn'thavedraggedAuntVumileher
    e.
    “Wearedownloadi
    ngtheBi
    blefr
    om Pl
    aystor
    e.
    That
    'stheonl
    ychoicewehave,
    ”shesays.
    Thischil
    dissmar t
    .Whydi dn'tIt
    hinkofthat
    ?Soft
    copyoftheBi bl
    e,mostpeopl euseitt
    hesedays.
    There'
    sno‘ openyourBibles’i
    nchurchesanymore,
    i
    t'
    s‘scrol
    ldownyourBi bles.’
    Wear emovingwith
    ti
    mes,Christi
    ansandall.

    They'
    resi
    lent
    lywai
    ti
    ngf
    orus.Chur
    chmode
    act
    ivat
    ed.
    “
    Whi
    chpar
    agr
    aph?
    ”Iask.
    Khosicl
    earshert
    hroat
    .Fuck!Hasi
    tbeent
    hatlong?
    Novelsar
    emessingwithmyhead.I
    t'
    saverse,
    not
    par
    agraph.
    “
    Sor
    ryAunty,whi
    chver
    se?
    ”Icont
    rolt
    hedamage
    t
    hat
    'sal
    readydone.
    Sheblowsoutandshakesherhead.Rot
    ten
    brot
    her'
    schi
    ldr
    en!
    “
    19-
    20,
    ”shesays.
    Iclearmythroatandstar
    treadi
    ng;“Heasks,“
    Ordo
    younotknowt hatyourbodyisatempleoftheHoly
    Spiri
    twithi
    nyou,whom youhavef r
    om God?You
    arenotyourown, f
    oryouwer eboughtwi
    thaprice.
    Sogl or
    if
    yGodi nyourbody.
    ””
    Si
    lence.
    She'sstari
    ngatAndiswa.Il
    ikethedir
    ecti
    ont hi
    s
    sessionistaki
    ng,
    we'reseal
    ingitof
    fwi t
    haBi bl
    e
    verse.Hopeful
    lyt
    hischi
    ldisli
    steni
    ngattent
    ivel
    y.
    “
    Didyouheart
    hat
    ?”Iask,
    deput
    y-par
    ent
    ingasusual
    .
    “
    Thi
    sver
    sei
    sn'
    tforher
    .It
    'sf
    oryouandt
    hem.
    ”
    Huh?Weal
    llookateachot
    her
    .
    “
    Us?
    ”Snal
    oasks.
    “Thefourofyousitdownher e.
    "Shepoi
    ntsdownon
    thefl
    oor.I'
    m notsi
    tti
    ngonthecoldfl
    oorinmyown
    house!Thesechairswereprobabl
    yfl
    ownf r
    om t
    he
    Europejustformetolookli
    kear i
    chsnobbi
    sh
    womant
    hatIam.
    Thet wi
    nssi twi
    thnoquest
    ionsasked.Theydon't
    discussthings,
    someti
    mest heyjustdot
    hingsor
    speakatt hesameti
    measi ftheysharet
    hebrain
    too.
    “
    AuntyyouknowhowfatIam, get
    ti
    ngupf r
    om t
    he
    f
    loorwi
    llbeonej
    obandhalf
    ,”Khosisays.
    “OnthefloorNomkhosi!”Hertoneisn'
    tbeggi
    ng,i
    t'
    s
    dari
    nghert odootherwise.Idon'
    tunderst
    andhow
    thi
    sturnedt obeaboutus.Shewascal l
    edhereto
    hel
    pusgr oom andt
    eachAndi swaaboutgrown
    woment hings.
    Khosisi
    ts.Ir
    emainst
    andi
    ngbecause,wel
    l
    ,I'
    m
    BantwanaHoldi
    ngsCEOandIownt hi
    shouse.
    “
    Ndondo?
    ”Shegl
    aresatme.
    “
    Idon'
    tsi
    tont
    hef
    loor
    ,”Isay.
    “
    AndIdon'tar
    guewit
    hachil
    d,youknowt
    hatver
    y
    wel
    l.Il
    ett
    hebeltdot
    het
    alki
    ng.”
    Shemust
    n'tevent
    hinkaboutt
    hat
    .Hhayi
    -bo!
    “
    I’
    mtoool
    dfort
    his,
    ”Ihi
    sst
    hroughmyt
    eet
    h.
    “Let
    ti
    ngsomeoneinsi
    deyourfat
    her
    'skr
    aalat23
    hasyouthi
    nki
    ngthatyou'
    reanadul
    t?Phansi
    Ndondo!
    ”
    Reall
    y?Nowshe'
    susingmywor dsagai
    nstme.I
    wastryi
    ngt
    oreasonwithherni
    ecewho'schasi
    nga
    t
    allboy'
    sdi
    €kal
    loverDurban.
    Isi
    tbecauseI'
    mti
    redofargui
    ngandi
    twon'tbenef
    it
    mewithanythi
    ngr
    athert
    hanmor eBi
    blever
    ses.
    “
    Sothefourofyouhasgat
    her
    edher
    etopr
    omot
    e
    t
    hedevi
    l'
    swork?”
    Huh?
    “Don'
    tactsoconf used.Iwashereandli
    steni
    ng,
    you'
    reallmoti
    vati
    ngmybr ot
    her'
    schil
    dtosleepwit
    h
    boys;t
    odisrespecttheGod'stempl
    e.”
    Urgh!Ireall
    yfailtounderstandhowt wogr own,
    i
    denticalsexual-
    acti
    vewoment houghtbr
    inging
    Maria'scousinherewasagr eatidea.Wel
    l,
    somet i
    meswhenonedeci desnott ouseherbrain
    theotheronet akesathinking-
    leavetoo.
    “
    Aunt
    y,Andi
    swai
    sayoungadul
    t,cr
    avi
    ngf
    orsex
    andbeingcur
    iousaboutmeni snor
    malatherage,
    wejustwanthertodoitsaf
    ely,
    ”Snal
    oexpl
    ains.
    Bythel
    ookonthi
    swoman'
    sfaceIcant
    ellt
    hatshe
    j
    ustmadethi
    ngswor
    se.
    “Sexhappensbet weentwomar riedpeopl
    e.Noneof
    youar emarr
    ied,butthat'
    sforyouandFatherto
    discussi
    ntheotherwor ld,I
    'mjustgoingt
    oprayfor
    youandhopet hatwhat everdemonsyouhavego
    away.”
    “
    Ser
    iousl
    y?”Khosisi
    ghsi
    ndef
    eat
    .
    Shetur
    nstoher
    .Thehopel
    essnessi
    nhereyes.I
    thi
    nkKhosimi
    ghthavemor
    edemonst hant
    het hr
    ee
    ofus.
    “Idon'tunder
    standhowyout urnedoutthisway
    mnt akaMbongeleni.Yourf
    atherwassuchagent le
    soul,heusedtosellhighqual
    it
    ypot sintown,Ist
    il
    l
    haveoneevent oday.He'dbesodi sappoint
    edto
    hearhisdaughtertalki
    ngaboutorgasms.”
    I
    '
    m notthet
    ypethatmockspeoplebutI
    '
    m goi
    ngt
    o
    l
    aughatKhosif
    orthi
    sonWhat sApp.
    “Holdeachot
    her
    'shandsandcl
    oseyoureyes,
    ”she
    orders.
    I
    '
    llneverf
    orgett
    hisday.Whatat
    urnofevent
    s!
    “Wena?Whyar eyoust anding?They'
    reusi
    ngyout o
    achievetheirevildoings.YouneedGod'sprotect
    ion,
    sithere,
    ”shet el
    lsAndi swa,whohasbeent urned
    i
    nt oavicti
    mi nal lthi
    s,andshequickl
    ysitsnextto
    thedevilagents, that
    'sus,andjoi
    nhands.Mustbe
    nice!
    Myaunti sthetypethatbr eaksther oofwhen
    prayi
    ng.Shewasal wayst helastwomanpr ayingat
    church.Onceshest artsshedoesn' tstop.Eventhe
    foodblessi
    ngpr ayer,
    whi chisn'tsupposedt o
    exceedtwomi nutes,takesupt of i
    vemi nut
    eswi th
    her.
    Bytheti
    mesheendsi
    twit
    hapower
    fulAmenI
    '
    m
    dyi
    ngforagl
    assofwat
    er.

    There'
    ssomeoneatthegate.Idon'
    tknowhowl ong
    thepersonhasbeenpar
    kedt her
    e,hopeful
    lyi
    t'
    snot
    oneofAndiswa’
    sunnecessarydeli
    veri
    es.Thi
    schil
    d
    knowshowt
    ospendmoney.
    “Ineedaglassofwi
    ne,
    ”Snal
    osays,
    pul
    li
    ngdown
    herdreadl
    ocks.
    Iqui
    ckl
    ysnapmybr owsather
    ,gi
    vingherasil
    ent
    warni
    ng.Idon'
    twantt
    obeinanot
    herprayer
    ,for
    al
    coholt
    histi
    me.
    “
    Ndondothi
    sisf
    oryou,
    ”Khosisays,comingf
    rom
    t
    hedoorwit
    hahugeblackboxinherhands.
    “
    Andiswawhatdi
    dyouor der
    ?”Iaskandmakemy
    waytowar
    dsKhosi.Thi
    sbox,whateveri
    tisi
    nsi
    de,
    l
    ooksdodamnexpensive.
    “Idon'tr
    ememberor deringanythingunderyour
    name. ”Shesoundsver yhesit
    ant.We'l
    ltal
    kabout
    thissomeot herti
    me,whenMar i
    a'scousinhasl
    eft
    becauseIdon' twanthertothi
    nkwe' r
    ehavinga
    sibli
    ng-f
    ightandprayforusagai n.

    There'
    sacar d;“WhenIsawthispairofshoesI
    thoughtofyou,”-t
    hat
    'swhatitsays.There'
    sno
    nameofwhot hegeneroussendermi ghtbe.My
    ci
    rcl
    eisverysmal
    l,
    myaddr
    essi
    spr
    ivat
    e,Ihaveno
    oneinmind.
    “Aret hoseSai ntLaurentheel
    s? ”I
    'm sol ostinmy
    thought s,Ihavenoi deawhoaskedt hatbet ween
    NakhoandNal o.Iknowhowexpensi vet hislabeli
    s,
    obviousl ytheyexpectmet ojumpupanddownand
    trythem on.ButIwor ryaboutlessimpor tantdetai
    ls
    ofli
    fe, t
    hat '
    sjusthowIam, ri
    ghtnowI 'm wor ri
    ed
    aboutt hepossi bil
    it
    yofsomeonehavi ngmy
    addr essandbuyi ngmeR18700heel sbecause
    “whenshe/ hesawt hem t
    heyt houghtofme. ”This
    personevenknowsmyshoesi ze!
    Idon'
    tli
    ket
    hisonebi
    t.
    “Ar
    eyouser
    iousl
    ynotevengoi
    ngt
    otr
    ythem on
    Ndondo?
    ”Snaloasks.
    “
    Whosentt
    his?
    ”I'
    mfr
    ust
    rat
    ed.
    “Real
    ly?Thedel
    iver
    ymansaidthi
    swassentt
    oyou.
    Whydoesi tmat
    terwhosentt
    hem?Youhaveapai
    r
    ofYSL.”
    Il
    etoutasi
    gh.Theydon'
    tunder
    stand.Li
    fei
    snotal
    l
    aboutt
    hefl
    ashymater
    ial
    sandgold,somepeopl
    e
    valuepri
    vacymorethananythi
    ngandri
    ghtnowI
    feell
    ikesomeonehasinvadedmypri
    vacy.My
    wholeaddressandshoesize!

    Idon'tknowwhenAuntVumi leandt hetwinslef


    t.
    I'
    vebeenonbedsi nceIreceivedthatgiftf
    rom
    anonymous.Ihaven' tt
    ri
    edt heshoesonandI
    probablywon' t.Ifitwassomet hi
    ngel seIwould'
    ve
    throwni ti
    nt hebi n,buti
    t'
    sanexpensi vepairof
    shoes,soI '
    llwaitf orwhoeveri ti
    stoshowupand
    revealthemsel vest henIwillgivethem back.

    Myphonei sri
    ngingont opofthetable.Khosiand
    Andi
    swaar ewatchingsomeTur kishser i
    esand
    get
    ti
    ngallemot i
    onaloverit
    .Idon'trecognizet
    he
    number,
    insteadofturningdownt heTVvol umeand
    gi
    vethem anotherreasontocry,Iexcusemysel f
    .
    “Whoareyou?
    ”Yes,Iknowhowbi tterIcansound.
    Thi
    sisnotawaytogreetaperson,butI'vehadone
    hel
    lofadaywithmyauntthi
    nkingI'm possessed
    bydemonsandsomeoneIdon' tknowsendi ngmea
    pai
    rofexpensi
    veshoes.
    “
    WhatifIwasacl
    ient
    ?”I
    t'
    saman.Thel
    astgenderI
    wantt
    otalkt
    owhenI'
    minamoodliket
    his.
    “Thi
    sismyper
    sonalphone,Idon'
    ttakebusi
    ness
    call
    sher
    eandIdon’
    ttakethem att
    hishour.
    ”
    “
    Oh,
    ”hemut
    ter
    sandgoessi
    l
    entf
    oraf
    ewmi
    nut
    es.
    “
    Whoar
    eyou?
    ”Iaskf
    ort
    hesecondandl
    astt
    ime.
    “
    Ndabuko.
    ”
    Igl
    ancearoundandqui ckl
    ydisappearbehindt
    he
    bathr
    oom door.Myhear ti
    spoundingagainstmy
    chest
    ,whi
    chi sstrangebecauseI'
    m NdondoSibisi
    andpeopl
    edon' tscareme.
    “
    Ndabuko,
    hel
    lo.
    ”WhydoIsoundl
    ikeasi
    ckcat
    ?
    “
    Yousound…al
    it
    tl
    ebi
    trough.I
    sever
    ythi
    ngokay?
    ”
    Si
    gh!
    “Someonej
    ustsentapairofshoest
    omyhouse
    andIhavenoideawhoitwas.”
    “
    Ist
    hatal
    l?
    ”
    Obvi
    ousl
    yhet hi
    nkst
    hisi
    snot
    hingt
    owor
    ryabout
    ,
    j
    ustl
    ikeever
    ybodyel
    se.
    “Ndabukosomeonesentapar celtomyaddr
    ess.
    Exactl
    ymyshoesi ze!
    ”Isay,somehowevenmore
    fr
    ustr
    atedthathe,
    outofallpeople,f
    ailt
    o
    underst
    andme.
    “
    Igeti
    t,
    ”hesays.
    Isi
    ghouti
    nrel
    ief
    .Atl
    eastsomeoneunder
    stands
    me.
    “
    Iwil
    ljustkeept
    hem i
    nmyclosetandwai
    tfor
    whoeveriti
    stoshowup,
    ”Isay.
    “Youwon'
    twearthem?
    ”Hesoundsabitsur
    pri
    sed
    andwounded.Washeli
    steni
    ngwi
    thhi
    sball
    s?
    “I
    '
    m nottaki
    ngagif
    tfrom someoneIdon'
    tknow,
    Ndabuko,
    ”Isayf
    ir
    ml y.
    “
    Whati
    fyouknowhi
    m?”heasks.
    “
    Idon'
    tcar
    e,Icanbuymyownshoes.
    ”
    Ther
    e'sadeepsi
    ghf
    oll
    owedbyabr
    iefsi
    lence.
    “
    Am Igoi
    ngt
    oseeyout
    omor
    row,
    Hlase?
    ”Hi
    s
    hopelesstonegashesthroughmyhear t.I
    'l
    lnever
    breakmypr omisesjustbecausehe'snotonthe
    samest andar
    dasme.I '
    l
    lgoonadat ewit
    hhim butI
    don'tknowifI’
    l
    lactonmyf eel
    ings.
    “
    Yes,
    ”Isayandi
    nhal
    eashar
    pbr
    eat
    h.
    There'ssomet hingbetweenus.SomethingthatI
    can'tputintowor ds.Tal
    kingtohimiseasy,
    heonl y
    needt oaskonequest i
    onandIopenmychestt o
    him.I'm notthatpersonwhoopeneasi l
    ytopeople,
    thatpartscaresmemor et hant
    hefeel
    ingsI
    've
    secretl
    ydevel opedforhim.
    “Namhl anjengi
    sacel
    aulal
    ewaziukut
    hi
    ngiyakuthanda.
    ”(Todaypl
    easegotobedknowi
    ng
    thatIloveyou.)
    Hedoesn'tendt hecall,hestaysont hephoneand
    l
    istenstomysi lence.Idon'tknowwhatt osay
    becausenobodyhassai dt hesewor dstomet he
    wayhej ustdid.Theway“ he"alsodidyearsago
    anddisappeared.That“ ngiyakuthanda"that
    'smore
    thanjustwords.Theonecar ryi
    ngaman' swhole
    soulandhisbar eness.
    “Areyougoi
    ngtodi
    sappear
    ?”Iask.Adropoftear
    runni
    ngdownmycheekmakesmer eal
    izet
    hatI'
    m
    cryi
    ng.Awholemecryi
    ng!
    “
    No,
    I'
    llbeher
    e,al
    ways,
    ”hesays.
    Obviousl
    yhedoesn'
    tunderstandwheret
    he
    questi
    oncomesfrom,buthisword,hi
    spromi
    se,
    gi
    vesmeagl i
    mpseofhope.
    “Thankyou,”Isayanddr opthecall
    .NowI ’
    m more
    confusedthanever .He'smyyar dnerandbarel
    y
    makingend-meet s.Ar el
    ati
    onshipcan'thappen
    betweenusbutIal so…. Wait
    ,wheredidhegetmy
    number ?Anotherpr i
    vacy-i
    nvader
    [
    03/
    14,
    08:
    58] :Chapt
    er5

    Ndabuko

    He'
    sbeenawakesi nce3:45,justt ur
    ningand
    t
    ossingonbed.Thingswer en'tsupposedt obethi
    s
    way.Looki
    ngatZamaf uzebr eakshi shearti
    ntoa
    mil
    li
    onpieces.Fouryear
    sdownt hedrain!He
    knowst hatit's“downt hedr ain”becauset hings
    didn'tgoaccor dingtoplan.Ndl alif
    ahadi tall
    fi
    gur edout ,thiswasbet weenl i
    feanddeat handhe
    hadt odoi tforhisbrother.Ndl ali
    fagothim allthe
    i
    nf ormat i
    on, wher eshewasandwhenshewas
    comi ngback.Thepl anwast ochar m her,geton
    bedwi thherandbr i
    ngherhome.I twassi mpl e.But
    no, hejusthadt oinvolvehisst upidheart.OnlyGod
    knowshowt hathappenedbecausehe' shadhi s
    eyesonFuzef orthepastf ouryear sofhislifeand
    she'sbeennot hi
    ngbutagr eatpar tneranyonecoul d
    askf or.EvenwhenNhl anzekowascomi ngt oohar d
    onhi m, affectinghiswor kpr ogressandheal t
    h, t
    his
    womanst oodbyhi m.
    Itmust '
    veal lchangedt hatdaywhenal imopul l
    ed
    outsidethemansi onanddr oppedaf ierce-l
    ooking
    womanwi t
    hherweavebounci ngbel owherneck.
    Ndabukohasal waysbeenahead- turner ,besi
    dehis
    status,hislooksal onehadgi r
    lsdroppi ngt ohisfeet
    .
    Butt hatonewheel edherlargesuitcaser ighti
    n
    frontofhim, whisperedalow“ hel
    lo”wi thouteven
    l
    ooki ngtwiceathi sdi r
    ecti
    onanddi sappear ed
    i
    nsi
    dehermansi
    on.Rightther
    eandt henheknow
    t
    hathewasi
    nforachallenge,buthedidn'
    tknew
    t
    hathewasi
    nfortheheartaswel l
    .
    Hel oveschall
    engesandshechal lengeshi m.She
    sayswhatshewant st osayandwhenshewant sto
    sayi t
    .Shedoesn' tl
    ikepeopl everymuchandshe
    doesn'thaveapr oblem showi ngi t
    .She'sNdondo.
    HerandFuzear edifferent.Wayt oodifferent.He
    knowst hisbecausenowhe' scompar i
    ng.Fuzei s
    notawomanofquest i
    ons, she'
    llneverputhi m on
    thestandandgr il
    lhim wi t
    hquest ionsasi fhe's
    standingincourt.ButNdondowoul d.She’ d
    defini
    tel
    yputhim ont hestandandi nt
    errogatehi m
    aboutamer epairofshoes.That '
    sthepar tNdl al
    if
    a
    doesn'tli
    keabouther .Heal wayssayst hat;“It
    's
    Nhlanzeko'snatureofbei ngat t
    ractedtodangert hat
    gotyouher e,t
    hatwomani sal i
    oness.”
    Him andNhl anzekower efiveyearsapar t
    .Whil
    e
    Nhlanzekolookedexact lyl
    ikethei
    rf ather
    ,
    MnikezwaMngomezul u,Ndabukot ookhismot her'
    s
    ext
    ra-ordi
    narylooks.Ifthere'
    sonet hingtheyshared
    asbrothers,i
    t'
    stheirdaringnatureand
    stubbornness.WhenNgi ditoldtoldhim what
    Nhlanzekohadpl annedbefor ehisdeath,hedi
    dn't
    doubtitonebit,itsoundedexact lyliket
    hebrother
    who'dtellhi
    m whi chshirttowearandwhi chboys
    tohangoutwi th.Backt hen,whent heywereyoung,
    hethoughthewasl ooki
    ngaf terhim asabig
    brother
    ,butitstartedtogett oomuchasher eached
    histeenyears.
    At21year sNhl anzekoalreadyhadt wot axis.Hedid
    whatamandoest ochanget hesit
    uat ionathome
    whenal lotheroptionshavebeenexhaust ed,and
    Ndabukost ar
    tedbeing“justthechild"oft hef ami
    ly.
    Everydeci si
    onhadt obepassedbyt hehandt hat
    fed.Everyeveningchatbet weenhi spar entswer e
    allaboutthebelovedsonwhoownedt axis.Him
    passinghi sMat hswith97%wasnot hingcompar ed
    toNhl anzekocomi nghomewi t
    haf ul lroasted
    chickenandast ackofmoneyf orgrocer y.
    Hisdeathwassupposedtomakehi m happy,but
    that
    'snothowitworkswit
    hsibl
    ings.Nomat t
    erhow
    mucht heythi
    nktheyhat
    eeachother,something
    aboutlyi
    ngont hesamewombwi thapersont i
    es
    youtothem f orever
    .Hewaspul ledoutofthe
    campusbyNdl al
    if
    a, whoatthattimewasveryclose
    toNhlanzekobecauseofhi sfather,andhewasa
    messoft ears.Hedi dn'tl
    ikebei
    ngt hesecondbest
    i
    nthef amilybutbei ngbrother
    -l
    esswassomet hi
    ng
    hehadneveri magined.
    Nhlanzekohadl eftallhi
    st axisunderNdl ali
    fa’scare
    becauseNgi diwasr eti
    ri
    ngf rom t hetaxiindust r
    yto
    chasegr eenerpastures;nowr evealedasBant wana
    Holdings.AssoonasNdabukogr aduatedf rom Wits
    Ndlali
    fatookaf li
    ghtandf etchedhi m.Hi st axis
    werewai ti
    ngforhim.Yes, Nhl anzekol eftallhis
    taxi
    st ohisname.Buthehadgonet oWi tstopur sue
    hisowndr eams, sothreedaysl aterhelef t
    “Nhlanzeko’staxi
    s”andt ookaf li
    ghttoJobur g.
    Hedidn'tl
    astverylongatAi r
    busI ndustr
    ies,heonly
    workedtherefortwoyear sandhi sdeadbr other
    neededhim home.Thi ngsfellapartaf
    terhel osthi
    s
    j
    ob,beinginthetaxiindustr
    ywasn' thisthing,but
    hehadFuzebyhi ssideandshewast heret opat
    hi
    sback.
    Hewassupposedt
    oleavehi
    m al
    oneaf
    terhe
    honoredhiswi shofcontinui
    nghistaxibusiness.
    Butno,theselfishNhlanzekowantedmor efrom
    him.Justafterhis26thbirt
    hdayhecamet ohis
    dream,sti
    llcoveredinbloodwit
    htearyeyes, he
    askedhimt ofind“hi
    swi fe;
    ”NdondoPr i
    ncessSi bi
    si
    andbringherhome.
    Oh,Ndabukowant edt odi e.Hewant edt ogot ohi s
    graveandt ellhi
    mt hathe' sgoi ngtol i
    vehi sli
    fet he
    wayheseesf i
    t,t
    hatt hosedayswer eoverandhe
    nowdi dn'tliveaccor dingt oanyone' srules.Wer en't
    theyallinheaven, gather edasahappyf amily;
    mot her,
    fatherandt heirbel ovedson?Nhl anzeko
    tookeveryt hingawayf rom hi m.Evenwhenhewas
    deadhi spar entsst i
    llchoset hebel ovedsonover
    him.Theychoset odi eandl eavehi m adaybef or e
    hisgraduat ion.Whodi esf rom ami norcaracci dent
    beforehisownson' sgr aduat ion?Andwhatki ndof
    amot herf aintsfrom di scover ingthatherhusband
    i
    sdeadandneverwakesup?Shecoul dn'tholdon
    andl i
    veforhi m.Itwashi st i
    met oshine, atl
    ast,and
    nobodywast heret ocel ebratewi thhim except
    Ngidiandhi ssons.I t'
    snott hattheirtimehadcome,
    i
    twashissuccesst
    hatt
    heydi
    dn'
    twantt
    oli
    veand
    wit
    ness.
    Itsoundedj ustli
    keNhl anzekotowanthi m wit
    ha
    womanofhi schoice.Becauseuyispokiesingafi
    Ndabukohadt ogeti ntoadungareeandgumboot s
    andposeasapooryar dnertomeetthatwoman.
    Andf inal
    lymeet i
    ngherr uinedeveryt
    hing,hispl
    ans
    andr elat
    ionshipwithFuze.

    Shemumbl essomethinginhersleepandsearches
    forhi
    schestwithherhand.She'sabouttowakeup
    andNdabukowi shestovanish.Guil
    tchewsand
    spit
    shim outever
    yti
    mehel ooksintohereyes.
    “
    Hey,
    ”shewhi
    sper
    sandsmi
    les.
    Geti
    ttoget
    her
    ,Ndabuko!
    “
    You'reawake?
    ”heasksandpl
    ant
    saki
    ssonher
    f
    orehead.
    “
    Yes,
    whendi
    dyouwakeup?
    ”
    Hecan'
    ttel
    lherbecauseshe'
    l
    lwor
    ryandt
    hinkhe'
    s
    si
    ck.
    “Ijustwokeup, ”heli
    eswi t
    houtanounceofgui l
    t.
    Ther earebiggerli
    eshe'stoldher.Biggert
    hanhi m
    stayinginMaqhi nga’
    shouseandsayi nghe's
    dealingwiththetaxirouteissuesforthepastthree
    mont hs.Liesbiggerthanapai rofgumbootshidden
    i
    nMaqhi nga’sgarage.
    “Yourbodyf eel
    swar m,”shesaysandsnuggles
    hersel
    fonhi schest.Heknowswhatshewant s,
    it'
    s
    somethinghehasn' tbeenabletogivetoher
    probabl
    yt helasttwomont hs.ButFuzedoesn'
    t
    complain.Shedoesn'tnagandt hatwaswhataZul u
    mani nhim enjoyedbeforemeetingNdondo.
    “Whatdoyouwant?”Helower
    shi
    seyest
    oherand
    sheblushesandl
    ooksaway.
    Hesmi
    lesandl
    if
    tsherchi
    nupwi
    thhi
    sfi
    nger
    .
    “
    Fuzee,
    ”hecal
    lssof
    tl
    y.
    “Ndabuko,Iknowthatyou'
    reti
    redanddeal i
    ngwit
    h
    alotattherank,
    ”shesays,
    stari
    ngathi seyesl
    ike
    she'
    slookingatherownbeautifulpet
    .
    “
    Areyougoi
    ngt
    obebusyt
    oday?
    ”sheasks.
    Yes,
    todayhe'sgoingonadatewit
    hNdondo.That
    's
    whythey'
    rehereinthehot
    el,
    thehousei
    sreadyf
    or
    Ndondo.Ever
    ythi
    ngofFuze’swaspackedand
    hi
    ddeninthegarage.
    “Yes,
    ”hesaysandburieshi
    sheadbehindher
    shoul
    der.Hecan'
    tlookatheri
    ntheeyes,notwhen
    hekeepslyi
    ngtoherli
    kethi
    s.
    Hestar
    tsonherneck, bel
    owherearandgoesupto
    herear
    lobe.Shehatesmorni
    ngkissessoheplays
    farf
    rom herl
    ips.Butheki
    sseseveryi
    nchofherand
    she'
    senjoyi
    ngeverypartofi
    t.
    Whenhi shardshaftrestsonhert highsshe
    i
    nvoluntar
    il
    yopensherl egsandbegshi mtofu€k
    her.I
    t'
    sbeent oolong,event houghsheunder st
    ood
    butshecravedforhim ever ynight
    ,somet i
    meshe
    waslyingnexttoherandl osti
    nhist hought
    sand
    sometimesaway, withMaqhi ngaorwhoever ,
    att
    endingtotheirbusinessmat ter
    s.
    “
    Pleasest
    handwasami
    ,fastandhar
    d.”
    Heli
    ft
    sherlegoverhi
    sshoul
    derandobeys.He
    pumpsfast
    erandharder
    .She'
    sscreami
    nghis
    nameandspeakingintongues.Hi
    sheadi
    sfaci
    ng
    up,hi
    seyesareclosedand…Ndondoi
    sther
    e,bi
    gger
    andboldi
    nhismi nd.
    “
    Ngi
    yakut
    handa,
    ”hesaysandl
    etsoutamoan.
    “Il
    oveyoutoobabe,
    ”Fuzer
    espondsbef
    oreher
    bodyjer
    ks.
    Hegoeshar der.Hi
    sjawsar
    eti
    ghtenedandher
    nameisitchinginhi
    sthr
    oat
    .Eventual
    lyallknot
    sar
    e
    unti
    ed,hefall
    sdownonherchestandl et
    souta
    groan.
    “
    Ndondoyami
    ,
    ”hecr
    ies.
    Fuzeisl
    ostintheworl
    dofherown.HerNdabukoi
    s
    back,
    emotionall
    yandphysi
    cal
    ly.
    .
    .
    Hehatessmokingbutwhent
    hegoi
    ngget
    stough
    t
    hecigaret
    tegetsl
    it
    .
    “Zi
    thi
    nindoda?Youl
    ooktense.It
    houghtyou'dbe
    happygoingonadatewi
    thMr sFierce,
    ”Maqhinga
    says,
    joi
    ninghimint
    hebalconywithaglassoflight
    -
    br
    ownl
    iqui
    d.
    Ndabukot
    akesadeepbr
    eat
    handl
    eansovert
    he
    r
    ail
    s.
    “Ical
    ledFuzebyhername,
    ”hesaysandt
    ake
    anotherpuf
    f.
    “Howar eyoust il
    lal
    ive?”Maqhi ngaknows
    everythi
    ngaboutwomen.He' sbeent o;courtsfor
    childsupport,pat
    ernit
    ycour t
    ,hospi t
    alforahand
    thatwasbur ntwithhotwat erinhi ssl
    eep,pri
    son
    cellforsl
    appingoneort woofhi sgirl
    fr
    iends,under
    thetreewithindunaandbei ngi nterr
    ogatedfor
    fu€kingsomeone' swife.He'sbeent hroughitalland
    he’sonly29year sold.
    “Shewasstil
    loutofit
    ,”Ndabukosays,
    abi t
    annoyedandregret
    ful
    .Maqhingaisthelastper
    son
    youcomet owithyourprobl
    ems.
    “Oh,
    Isee.Sowhat'
    sgoi
    ngtohappen?You'
    llcal
    l
    MrsFier
    ceFuzeandcal
    lFuzebyMrsFier
    ce’s
    name?”
    “
    No!
    ”Thatcameoutbr
    eat
    hil
    ythanhei
    ntended.
    I
    magi
    necall
    ingawhol
    eNdondobysomeoneelse'
    s
    name!
    “Youknowwhat ,minangiwuMaqhi nga,Ial
    ways
    bri
    ngfreshideasandsoluti
    ons.Wheneveryou' r
    e
    aboutt
    osl aught
    erthepu$$ytakeapi eceofcloth
    andwrapi tar
    oundyourmout h.Li
    keaboKr i
    sGr ey;
    50shadesorwhat evert
    heycallit
    ,”hesays,taps
    Ndabuko’sarm andwalksbackinsidethehouse.
    Ndabukof i
    nisheshi scigaret
    teandf oll
    owshi m
    i
    nsi dethehouse.Heneedst odr essup, t
    hel ast
    thingheneedsi stobel ateli
    ket hatidiot,Senzo.
    Tor t
    uringpeoplei snothisstyle,heonl ywant edto
    takehi scarandwal l
    et,heknewt hatNdondowasn' t
    goingt ogiveaseconddat et
    ot heguywhocoul dn'
    t
    evenpayhi sownmeal .ButMaqhi ngai nsist
    edon
    cuttinghishair,tofulf
    ilhisst
    range“ havingf un”
    games.AndNdl ali
    fagotf edupwi t
    hhi swhi ning
    andst artedslappingthepoorguy.
    “Areyougoi
    ngtodri
    veyourcarorIshoulddri
    ve
    youtherewi
    thataxi
    ?”Maqhi
    ngayellsfr
    om the
    kit
    chen.
    “
    Iwi
    lldr
    ive,
    ”Ndabukosaysl
    oudenoughf
    orhi
    mto
    hear
    .
    “Whatifsheasksquesti
    ons?Howareyougoi
    ngt
    o
    expl
    ainyoursel
    fbecausethi
    swomanseemsto
    haveyoubyscr ot
    um? ”Maqhi
    nga.
    Ndabukodoesn'tanswer.Itwil
    lhappenwhenit
    happens.I
    t'
    snotlikehe'severtol
    dherthathei
    s
    fi
    nanci
    all
    ystruggl
    ing,shechosetobelievet
    haton
    herown.
    Headjustshi
    scollarandstar
    esathisown
    refl
    ect
    iononthemi r
    ror.Howdidhegether
    e?How
    didhegettothepointofhurt
    ingFuzer
    epeatedl
    y
    andnow, wi
    ll
    ingl
    y.
    “Bafo,”Maqhingasaysbehindhi m.Nowhe's
    serious,he'
    st hesof
    tbrot
    herfigurehehasatthe
    taxirank.Theybecamehisbr otherswhen
    Nhlanzekodi ed;t
    hey'
    rehi
    sf amily.
    “Zi
    thi
    nikant
    i?Ithoughtitwassomethi
    ngl
    ight
    .Thi
    s
    i
    smor ethanjustscreaminghernameont
    opof
    Fuze,r
    ight
    ?”
    Ndabukonodshi
    sheadandr
    eleasesadeepsi
    gh.
    “
    What
    'sgoi
    ngon?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    “
    I'
    minl
    ovewi
    thher
    ,”hesays.
    Maqhi
    ngagul
    psdownt
    hecont
    enti
    nhi
    sgl
    ass.
    “Iknow,
    thi
    sgi
    rlhasbeenstuckwit
    hyouf oryear
    s.
    Sheputsupwi
    thyourbull
    shitandhothead.”
    “
    Nother
    ,Ndondo.
    ”
    Whaaat
    ??!
    “MrsFier
    ce?”He'
    sindi
    sbeli
    ef.Wasn'
    tNdabuko
    doingthi
    stogetNhl
    anzekooffhi
    sback?What'
    s
    thi
    slovethi
    nghe'
    stal
    kingaboutnow?
    “Ir
    eall
    yloveher
    ,”Ndabukosays,
    breat
    hingheavi
    ly
    betweeneachword.
    “
    Wher
    edoest
    hatputFuze?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    “Ndoda,Idon'tknow.Ir
    eall
    ydon'
    t.
    ”Hegrabshi
    scar
    keys,cel
    lphoneandwallet
    ,andwalksout
    .
    .
    .
    NDONDO
    Al otofthi
    ngsarestrangeher e.Obviously,I
    'm not
    j
    udgi nghim.Heoncewor kedatAi r
    busI ndust r
    ies,
    hecoul d'
    vesavedormaybepai doffhi sinstalments
    beforelosi
    nghisjob.Ili
    kehi mf orr
    espect i
    ngme,
    showi ngupont i
    meandact uall
    ydrivingmei nto
    therestaurant
    ,andforlookingrepresentable.He
    alsosmel l
    sgood.Itshowst hathemadeef f
    or t
    sf or
    thisdayandher espectsthethingcal l
    edawoman.
    Buthel ookssouncomf ortabl
    ystrange.Very
    strangethatevenhiseyesar edark,t
    here'
    snospar
    k
    i
    nt hem, hehasnosmi rk.Ratherhelookssador
    broken,Idon'tknow.I
    tmustbeempl oyment
    problems.Takingawayhi sjobformyst upi
    d
    feeli
    ngswoul dbethemostsel fi
    shthingtodo.
    “Di
    dyouthi
    nkaboutwhatIsai
    d? ”heasks,breaki
    ng
    alongmomentofsi
    lenceandsteali
    ngglancesat
    eachot
    her.
    “
    Whatdidyousay?”Iask,obvi
    ousl
    yfakingmemor y
    l
    oss.I
    t'
    sal
    lI'
    vebeenthinki
    ngaboutsincelastni
    ght
    .
    “
    Isai
    dIl
    oveyouandImeanti
    t.Iknowi
    tmi
    ght
    've
    comeasashockbutI '
    vebeeninlovewit
    hyoufrom
    thefi
    rstdayIsetmyeyesonyou.Itwasn'
    t
    supposedtohappenbutitdi
    d.I
    'dbehonoredt
    oget
    achancet opr
    ovemywor dstoyou.”
    Onelongsip!Anotherone.Il
    iftmyeyestohim and
    fi
    ndhim st
    aringatme.Hel ookswaytoohandsome
    i
    nt hi
    swhiteT-shi
    rtandCargopant.Casualbut
    dri
    ppinghot.
    Oh,
    fuck!I
    '
    m dr
    ool
    ingi
    nst
    eadofanswer
    ing.
    “Wecan'tdoi t,Ndabuko.Youhavetocomebackt o
    worktomor row, ifyouwantustoworkyou'
    llal
    low
    met ofi
    ndaj obf oryouandwhenwehaveno
    prof
    essionalr elati
    onshipbet
    weenusthenwecan
    actonourf eelings,”Isay.
    “
    Ourf
    eel
    ings?
    ”Thespar
    kisbacki
    nhi
    seyes.
    “
    Whattimeisit?”Iaskaftercl
    eari
    ngmyt hr
    oat.I
    wasn'
    tsupposedt osaythat.Idon'
    ttal
    kabout
    f
    eeli
    ngsonaf i
    rstdate,t
    hiswassupposedt obea
    “
    Gettoknowyou”t ypeoft hi
    ngbutwe'real
    ready
    t
    oodeep.
    “
    Ndondo….
    ”He'
    swhi
    sper
    ingnextt
    ome.Whendi
    d
    hegetof
    fhi
    schai
    r?It
    'sagreatt
    hingt
    hati
    t'
    sonl
    y
    thet
    woofusint
    hissect
    ion.
    “
    Iloveyou,
    ”hewhi
    sper
    s
    BeforeIcanpr ocessmyt houghtsandcal m down
    myt hrobbinghear t,hi
    sli
    pshavecapt uredmi neand
    he'
    st enderlysucki ngt
    hem.Ther e'
    ssomet hi
    ng
    abouthiscol ogne…ori si
    tthesoftnessofhi s
    l
    ips…orhi sstronghandsaf elyholdi
    ngt hebackof
    myneck?Idon' tknowbutit'
    ssomet hinginhi m.
    Somet hingIdon' twanttogetawayf rom, atleast
    nottoday.
    “
    Ihaveahot
    elr
    oom…”Isay,
    breaki
    ngof
    ftheki
    ss.
    Hepecksmycheek.
    “
    AndIhaveahouse,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Notf
    ar,
    right
    ?”Iask.
    “
    DependsonhowI
    '
    m dr
    ivi
    ng.
    ”
    Okay,thi
    rst
    ybit€h,bi
    ggestsi
    nnerontheplanet.
    You'r
    egoingtosleepwithhimtonightandthen
    for
    cehi mtotakehisjobtomorr
    ow.Thatwi l
    l
    defi
    nit
    elywork.It
    'sawin-wi
    nsit
    uationfrom ever
    y
    angl
    e.

    Ri
    dgeEstate?Par
    kedinfrontof…i
    sitahouseorjust
    aseri
    esofrect
    anglesconstr
    uctedofst
    eeland
    gl
    ass?I'
    m notsur
    ewher eIam orwhoI'
    m with.
    Whenmyeyesgett ir
    edofstari
    ngatt
    hegeomet
    ri
    c
    piecei
    nfrontofmeItur
    nmyheadt ohim.He
    expect
    edmet o,he'
    swait
    ingformetosay
    somethi
    ng.
    “
    Arewegoi
    ngi
    n?”Iask.
    Hefr
    owns.Ial
    sof
    rown,
    it'
    snotl
    ikeIdon'
    tknow
    howtof
    rown.
    “
    Okay,
    ”hesaysandhol
    dsmyhand.
    Ihavealotofquestions.Nobodycandr i
    veaG-
    cl
    ass,ownahousel i
    kethisandst il
    lworkas
    someone'syardner
    .Somet hingdoesn'taddupandI
    don'
    tknowi fst
    eppingintothishouseisagr eati
    dea
    butI'
    m al
    readyinsi
    deandI 'mf eel
    ingkindofsett
    led.
    [
    03/
    14,
    08:
    58] :Chapt
    er6
    Hel edmet hrought hedoubl efrostedglassdoors,
    upt hearchitecturalstair
    waybet weenst ainl
    ess
    steelbanisterandl eftmesi tt
    ingonbed, myfeet
    sinkingintothei cygreycar pet,withaglassof
    raspberryjuiceandsomef ashionmagazi neI've
    neverhear dofnextt ome.Whosai dIli
    ke
    magazi nes?Iwantt ot al
    k.He'sbeengonef or
    almostanhour .Somuchf oraf i
    rstdate!Heknows
    thatIwillgril
    lhim wi t
    hquest i
    ons, becauseheowes
    meanswer s.Whoi she?What 'shisstory?
    Foot
    steps!
    Atl
    asther ememberedthathebroughtagi
    rlhome.
    Hestandsbythedoorandcl ear
    shisthr
    oat.Icl
    ose
    t
    hemagazi neandsit
    supst rai
    ghtwit
    haglasson
    mylap.Iwaswaiti
    ngfort heminut
    ehestepsinto
    t
    hisroom andI'
    m notgoingtowasteasecond.
    “
    Whoar
    eyou?
    ”Iask.
    Hechuckl
    esandwalksi
    n.Hesi
    tsnexttomeand
    st
    aresatme;st
    udyi
    ngmyfacewhichisobvi
    ousl
    y
    pi
    ssed.
    “NdabukoMngomezul
    u.Youal
    readyknowmy
    background.
    ”
    “Idon'
    tknowyourbackgr ound!”Di
    dIjustsnapat
    him?Thel ookonhisfaceshowst hathehas
    graspedtheseri
    ousnessoft hi
    sconversat
    ion.
    “Ist
    udiedaeronauti
    calengineeri
    ngatWitsand
    workedatAirbusIndustr
    iesfortwoyears.ThenI
    hadtocomebackt oKZNt otakeovermyl at
    e
    brot
    her'st
    axi
    s,”hesaysandst ops,
    asifhe'
    s
    expl
    ainedeveryt
    hing.
    “Whywer eyouinmyhouseNdabuko? ”Thisi
    swhat
    Iwanttoknowmor et
    hananyt
    hing.He'sobvi
    ously
    notshortofanyt
    hingandhe'
    sbeenlyingtomyf ace
    al
    lthi
    stime.
    “Iwashunt
    ingdownt
    hegi
    rlIwasshowni
    nmy
    dreams,
    ”hesays.
    “Soyouchosetodoi ti
    nmyhouse?Di
    dyoufi
    nd
    her?
    ”Iask.Hescratchest
    hesi
    deofhi
    sfacewi
    tha
    fi
    ngerandjustst
    aresatme.
    “
    Ndabuko?”I'
    mt r
    yingt
    obecalm her
    e.AsmuchasI
    wantt
    oleave,t
    ocutwhatevert
    iesImight
    'vehad
    wi
    tht hisman, ahugepar tofmewant stospendt he
    ni
    ghtwi thhim.Withhislies,t
    wol i
    vesandal l,
    he's
    st
    il
    lasnackandoneni ghtonhi sdeceit
    fulchest
    won'tkillme.Aft
    ertonightwecangooursepar at
    e
    ways, befor
    eIgetattachedtot heideaofhim.He' s
    ali
    ar,wecanneverbet ogether.
    “Ididf
    indher
    ,”hesaysandpi
    cksupmyf i
    ngers.He
    rubsovert
    hem wit
    hhisthumbandkeepshiseyes
    gluedtome.
    “She'
    sher
    einf
    rontofmeandshout
    ingatme,
    ”he
    says.
    Okay,fi
    rstofal
    lI'
    m notshout
    ingathi
    m.Secondly,
    I
    wasn'tshowntoanyone'sancest
    orsoranyt
    hing
    l
    ikethat.
    Iputtheempt yglassontopoft hebedsi depedest
    al
    andslideonbed.That '
    sitfort oday,we'redone
    tal
    kingandcover i
    ngupourl ies.We' l
    ldowhatbot h
    ofusleftthehoteltodoandt hengooursepar ate
    ways.Andi swaneedstof i
    ndanot heryardnerand
    nowIneedsomeonepr of
    essi onaltodot he
    backgroundcheckonever yonet hatentersand
    wor
    ksi
    nmyhouse.
    “Let
    'st
    alkNdondo,please,
    ”hesaysaft
    ert
    aki
    nghi
    s
    shoesoff.Ij
    ustst
    areatthemagazinei
    nmyhands
    andwaitforhimtogetonbed.
    “No,Iwanttof
    uck.
    ”I'm al
    soshockedbyt hi
    s
    Ndondo.Butli
    esannoymemor ethanpaperst raws.
    Idon'tcar
    ewhathe'
    llt
    hinkofme,atleastI'
    m being
    honest.
    “Il
    oveyou,
    ”hesaysandl
    ooksatme;hi
    seyes
    burni
    ngwit
    hhope.
    “
    Arewedoi
    ngi
    toryou'
    redr
    ivi
    ngmehome?
    ”Iask.
    Hiseyesshif
    t.Hestar
    esupatthecei
    li
    ngwi
    thhis
    handoverhisfor
    eheadforagoodmoment,
    thenhe
    exhal
    esloudl
    yandturnsbacktome.
    “Iwassi
    ck,r
    eall
    ysick.Iwasn'tcopingatwork,
    the
    dreamswouldn'
    tleavemeal one,Ihadtofi
    ndyou
    NdondoSibi
    siandIf el
    linl
    ovewi t
    hyou.”
    Youknowwhat'st
    hemostconf
    usi
    ngpar
    t?That
    he'
    sdeadser
    ious.
    “
    Youser
    iousl
    ythi
    nkt
    hatI
    '
    m goi
    ngt
    obel
    ieveyou?I
    don'
    tknowwhoyouar eandwhatyouwant edfr
    om
    myhouse.ButIwi l
    lfuckyouandwe'
    llneversee
    eachotheragai
    n,”Isay.
    Hegoessil
    ent
    .Ipul
    lmydressoutandl
    ieonthe
    pil
    lowwi
    thnot
    hingbutl
    acyunder
    wearandbare
    thi
    ghsoutonf
    ulldi
    spl
    ay.
    “
    Angi
    funi
    ,
    ”hesays.
    I'
    mthrownback.Didhejustsayno?Iknowt hatI
    don'
    thaveKim Kardashi
    an'sbodybutI'
    m awoman
    andI'
    m halfnakedforhi
    m.Mendon' tneedyout o
    l
    ookacertainway,notwhenyou'reontheirbed,
    whatmattersiswhat’
    sbetweenyourlegs.
    Hegetsupandstormsoutofthedoor
    .Whatthe
    heckj
    usthappened?He'
    sleavi
    ngmedr yl
    iket
    his?

    Itypeatextandforwardmyl ocati
    ont othedri
    ver
    .
    I'
    m sopissed,byhisl
    iesandhi sabil
    itytotur
    nme
    down.Thef ir
    stmanIeverof f
    eredmyvagi naona
    fi
    rstdat
    e,wi t
    houtanyexpectat
    ions,turnsmedown?
    Ineedacl eansi
    ng,t
    wowhi techickensandaf at
    goat.
    ThehouseishugebutI'
    vebeentopl
    aces,
    Iwouldn'
    t
    getlosti
    nadouble-
    stor
    ey.If
    indmywaytothe
    stai
    rwayandrushdown.
    Ihavemyshoesi nmyhands,Idon'
    tcar
    ewhatthe
    dri
    verwi
    llt
    hink,
    Ijustwantt
    ogetthehel
    loutofher
    e
    assoonaspossible.
    Whi
    chwayt ot
    hemaindoor?It
    hinki
    twasthi
    sone;
    wepassedbyt
    hisGuer
    nicapai
    nti
    ngandtur
    ned…
    St
    ronghandsgrabmywaist
    .I'
    mfor
    cef
    ull
    ytur
    ned
    ar
    oundandfier
    cel
    yst
    aredat.
    “
    Wenzani
    ?”Iask
    “
    Uyaphi
    ?”heasks.
    “
    Imi
    buzoayi
    buzani
    .”
    “
    Abant
    ubayabuzana.
    ”
    Il
    etoutasi
    gh.Thi
    sisr
    eal
    lynotwor
    thmyener
    gy.
    “CanIl
    eave?
    ”Iaskcal
    mlybutmyquest
    ioni
    s
    obvi
    ousl
    ywrappedi
    nawaveofanger.
    “
    Didn'
    tyousayyouwantt
    obef uckedf
    ir
    st?
    ”The
    wayheputsitmakesmef
    eell
    ikesomePointcor
    ner
    -
    slut
    .ButIownupt
    omywor
    ds,
    I'
    mthatwoman.
    “
    Idi
    dandyout
    urnedmedown,
    ”Isay.
    Inchbyinch,
    hisar
    m hasbeenpul
    li
    ngme,and
    befor
    eIcanevenreal
    izehowcl
    oseIam t
    ohis
    chesthescoopsmylegsupandli
    ft
    smeup.
    “
    Ndabuko,
    Iwantt
    ogo!
    ”Iscr
    eam.
    Hekicksoneoft heroomsopenandwalksinwi t
    h
    me.This“scoopingup"thi
    nghappensalotin
    romanti
    cmovi es,somewomenmayf inditcutebut
    Idon'
    t.Angiqukulwanjesdal
    o!I
    fIwanttogo
    somewhereIwal konmyown.
    Heputsme…no,
    scrat
    chthat,
    helit
    eral
    lyt
    hrowsme
    ontopoft
    hebedandchargesbacktowardsthe
    door.
    “
    Ndabukodon'
    tyoudar
    elockt
    hatdoor
    !”
    Hegoesagainstmywordandlocksi
    t.Myphone
    vi
    brat
    esi
    nsidethebag.I
    tmustbethedri
    ver
    .
    I
    '
    mfumi
    ng.
    Hestri
    pshi
    sclot
    hesoffandpushesdownhi
    s
    boxer
    s.He'
    sinhi
    sfinebi
    rthdaysui
    tandmyanger
    seemst
    obesl
    owl
    ydi
    ssol
    ving.
    “
    That'
    svoyeur
    ism,
    ”hesaysasheunhookshi
    swr
    ist
    wat
    ch.
    “Huh? ”I'
    m dr
    ooli
    ngoverhisbodyandmyeyeskeep
    goingt othef
    lesh-
    tooldangli
    ngbet weenhisthi
    ghs.
    IrememberasongbyI zinganeZoma-Wayi gcina
    NiniIndodaInqunu.Gosh,hasi tbeenthatl
    ong?My
    cli
    tisdancingatthemer esightofapenis.
    “Watchi
    ngsomeoneundr
    essesf
    oryourownsexual
    gai
    n,”hesays.
    “
    Huh?
    ”I’
    m st
    il
    llost
    .Whati
    shet
    alki
    ngabout
    ?
    “Voyeur
    ism;t
    hethi
    ngyou'
    redoi
    ng.I
    t'
    saser
    ious
    off
    ence,
    ”hesays.
    If
    ighttheur
    getor
    ollmyeyes.Hechosetoundress
    i
    nfrontofme,i
    fhehasaproblem hecant
    akeitto
    myclit
    .
    Myphonerings.What'
    swr ongwiththi
    sdr
    iver
    ?I'
    m
    deal
    ingwi
    thaserioussit
    uationhere.
    “Soyouplannedthi
    sday?Isawt
    hatyou'
    rewear
    ing
    somelacycutethongs.
    ”
    “Idi
    dn'twearthem foryou,”Isaywit
    hafrown.What
    makesment hi
    nkt hey'r
    esospecial
    ?Ial
    wayswear
    goodunderwear .Ihaven'tbeenwit
    hamanf orover
    twoyearsbutthatdi dn'
    tkeepmef r
    om t
    hesexy
    underwearsecti
    on.
    “
    Oh,
    youonl
    ybr
    oughtmet
    hecooki
    e?”
    Nowhe'sannoyi
    ng.Al
    lthi
    sint
    err
    ogat
    ionf
    ora
    peni
    s?!
    “I
    '
    m notdesperate,Ndabuko.Icanjustmakea
    phonecal
    l,IhavepeopleinmyDMsandt hey'
    dbei
    n
    myhousewi thjustafi
    ngercli
    ck,”Isay.
    He'
    snotworkedup,
    missi
    onf
    ail
    ed.Hechuckl
    esand
    cl
    imbsonbed.
    “
    Ngekeuphisanengesi
    dlosakwaMngomezul
    u,”
    (
    Youwon'tgiveawaytheMngomezulumeal)
    Someoneki
    llmenow!HewenttoWit
    sandmi ngl
    ed
    wit
    hmenfrom ot
    hert
    ri
    bes.Heshoul
    d'vel
    ear
    nt
    manner
    sandhowt obeagentl
    eman.
    “
    I'
    m notameal
    !”Inear
    lybi
    tehi
    sheadof
    f.
    Hel
    aughs.Iwantt
    oscr
    eam myl
    ungsout
    .
    “
    Ifyousaysomethi
    nglikethatagai
    nI'
    m goi
    ngt
    o
    l
    eave,
    ”Isay.Hebet
    terbeli
    evemebecauseImeani
    t.
    “Howareyougoingtoleave?Thedoori
    slocked
    andyourcarhaslef
    t.
    ”
    “
    Idon'
    tknowbutIwi
    lll
    eave.
    ”
    Hestar
    esatmewi
    thhi
    sli
    pcur
    vedupi
    ntoasexy
    smi
    rk.
    “You'
    resost
    ubbor
    n.Ihopeyou'
    rest
    ubbor
    nli
    ket
    his
    onbedtoo.
    ”
    Di
    dn'tItel
    lhi
    mt hatifhesaysonemorestupi
    dthing
    I
    'l
    lleave?What'
    sthis-st
    ubbornonbed-t
    hing?I'
    m
    l
    eaving.
    “
    Ndondo,
    ”hesaysandpul
    lsmebackonbed.
    “
    What
    ?”Isnapandgl
    areathi
    m.
    “Nothing.”Hesmilesandgent
    lypul
    lsdownt hear
    m
    ofmydr ess.Heplant
    sawetkissontopofmy
    shoulderandmyangeri nst
    antl
    yvanishes.Hepul
    ls
    downt hezi patt
    hebackandpushesmeonbed.
    I
    '
    m abitembarrassedwhenhet
    akesoutmysoaked
    t
    hong.I
    t'
    llbeevenmoreembarr
    assi
    ngwhenIhave
    tocomei nt
    oaction,
    yourgirlhasneverdonet hose
    woman- on-
    topandreversecowgirlthings.Even
    whenIseet hosewomen- t
    o-womenpost sshari
    ng
    i
    deasofhowt omasterbedroom stylesIalways
    scrol
    lpast.
    Hepecksmynavelandl
    if
    tshi
    seyesupt
    ome.
    “
    Iloveyou,
    ”hesays.
    Heshoul
    dn'
    tbesayi
    ngthis.Heknowst
    hatt
    hisi
    s
    ourf
    ir
    standl
    astt
    imetogether
    .
    Hedoesn' tt
    akeof f
    encewhenIdon' trespond,
    i
    nsteadhebi teshisli
    ptosuppressthesmi le
    spreadingacrosshisface.Ihopehe'snotthinki
    ng
    aboutsomet hingstupi
    dbecauseI'veheardenough
    ofhisignorantremarksfortheday.
    “Asekhonanj
    eamal
    ahl
    e?Awuvul
    engi
    bone,
    ”he
    says.
    Ipi
    ckapi llowandslam i
    tont opofhishead.How
    dare!Coalsinsi
    demyvagi na?Whywoul dIhave
    coalsinthefir
    stpl
    ace?Heknowshowt oki
    ll
    someone' smood,I
    'l
    lgivehimt hecr
    edit
    .
    He'schoki
    ngwi
    thl
    aughter
    .It
    hinkhe'
    snow
    annoyi
    ngmeonpurpose.
    Helif
    tsmychinwi
    thhi
    sfi
    nger
    ,humouri
    sst
    il
    linhi
    s
    eyes,hegi
    vesmyl
    ipsasof
    tpeck.
    “Il
    ikehowyoumakemef eelwhenI
    '
    m aroundyou,
    ”
    hesaysandhi seyessuddenl
    ygofr
    om humorous
    toemotional
    .
    “Ofallt
    hingshe'sdoneforme,wi
    thandwit
    hout
    consent,choosi
    ngyouf ormewil
    lremai
    natthetop.
    I'
    llbeet
    ernalgratef
    ult
    ohavemetsomeonelike
    you.”
    Idon'
    tknowwho“he”i
    sandI'm noti
    nterest
    edi
    n
    thi
    sancest
    orordr
    eam l
    iehekeepstal
    kingabout
    .
    “
    Getacondom,
    ”Isay.
    Disappoi
    ntmentfl
    ushesacrosshi
    seyesbuthe
    quickl
    ybli
    nksitawayandleansdownforaki
    ss.

    Hetearst
    hecondom f
    oilwi
    thhi
    steethandIwat
    ch
    caut
    iousl
    yasherol
    lsi
    tontohi
    serectmember.
    “
    You'
    rebeaut
    if
    ul,
    ”hesaysbef
    oredeepl
    ysmoochi
    ng
    t
    hel
    if
    eoutofmyl
    ips.
    “
    Areyoucomf
    ort
    abl
    ewi
    thoutapi
    ll
    ow?
    ”heasks.
    Inodmyhead.I
    'm notcomf
    ort
    abl
    ebuthi
    m
    i
    nserti
    nghi
    msel
    finsidemeismor
    eimpor
    tantand
    urgentt
    hanapi
    ll
    owbeneathmyneck.
    Regardl
    essofmyhornynod,
    hepickst
    hepil
    lowand
    asksmet ol
    if
    tmyheadupandplacesi
    tundermy
    neck.
    Aseductivesl
    oppykissl
    eadst
    omylegopeni
    ng
    wideli
    keat ol
    lgat
    eandhi
    m posi
    ti
    oni
    nghi
    mself
    between.Hishandsl
    eavemyboobsandhol
    dmy
    l
    egsup.
    Hepushesin,
    stuckandpull
    sout.Hepushesi
    n
    agai
    n,movesaninchinandthenpul
    lsout.
    “
    Sthandwasami
    ,”hi
    srough-
    croaki
    ngvoi
    cebr
    eaks
    i
    ntomyearinasupposedwhisper
    .
    I'
    m notst
    handwat ohim,butIdon'
    thavetospoi
    lthe
    momentwi t
    ht hat
    ,soIlookathi
    m andflut
    termy
    eyel
    ashesinresponse.
    “
    Ifeell
    ikeIwon'
    tlastver
    ylongher
    e.Pl
    easebor
    row
    methisr
    ound,
    ”hesaysashef
    inal
    lyi
    nser
    tshi
    msel
    f
    i
    nful
    ly.
    I
    '
    m al
    sodoi
    ngthisf
    ormypleasur
    e,t
    her
    e'snor
    ound
    -
    bor
    rowi
    nghappeni
    ngher
    e.
    “
    Your
    swi
    llf
    oll
    ow,
    ”hewhi
    sper
    s.
    “
    No,
    ”Ihi
    sst
    hroughmyt
    eethasIcl
    uel
    essl
    ybuck
    myhi
    psupt
    omeethist
    hrust
    s.
    “
    You'
    repuni
    shingme? ”heasksandpushesmylegs
    t
    omychest.Adeepst rokef
    orceshi
    snameoutof
    myli
    ps.Hefur
    iousl
    ypumpsi nsever
    alstr
    okesand
    t
    henpull
    soutwithaloudgroan.
    “No,Ndondo,
    ”hesaysandr eversesbackonhis
    knees.Mythi
    ghspressonei t
    hersideofhisf
    ace
    andhepeeksint
    omyt hrobbing,wetcooki
    e.He's
    robbi
    ngme, menandtheirt
    ricks!
    Hesweepshist
    onguearoundmysof
    twal
    lsand
    gent
    lysucksmyswol
    lencli
    t.
    Itdoesn'ttakemuch, justhi
    sfingerdi
    ppi
    ngi nsi
    de
    meandhi st ongueplayingar
    oundmycl i
    t,Iexpl
    ode
    anddr i
    ftintoat emporaryworl
    dofmyown.
    I'
    m snappedoutbyamangr
    indi
    nghi
    msel
    font
    op
    ofmeandcur si
    ng.
    “Ndondoyami,
    ”-t
    hesearethel
    astwor
    dstoescape
    hismouthbef
    orehishandsomefacet
    ransf
    orms
    i
    ntoababoon-squeezedf
    ace.
    Hefall
    sonmychestandreleasesbr
    eaki
    ngmoans.
    Event
    uall
    y,hej
    ustl
    i
    essti
    llandbreat
    hesheavi
    lyon
    topofme.

    Hehasr estenoughnow.Ipushhi
    mt ot
    hesi deand
    rollt
    otheothersi
    de.Event
    houghIdidr
    eleasemy
    steam butherobbedme.Thiswasdayl
    ightr
    obbery.
    “I
    '
    m sor
    ry,
    ”hewhi
    sper
    swi
    thhi
    sfacebur
    iedont
    he
    bed.
    “
    You'
    l
    lpaymebackMngomezul
    u.”
    Hechuckl
    esandl
    if
    tshi
    sheadup.
    “
    Comeher e,
    ”hesaysandpull
    southisarm.Idon't
    wanttogetatt
    achedtohi
    m,Ialr
    eadyhavefeel
    ings
    I
    ’m notsur
    eifIwil
    lbeabl
    etoburyasImove
    for
    ward,t
    hel
    astt
    hingIshoul
    ddoi
    sli
    eonhi
    schest
    aft
    ersex.
    “
    Please,
    ”hebegsandIhavenochoi
    cebuttocl
    ose
    t
    hedistancebet
    weenusandli
    eonhischest
    .
    Hestartspl
    ayingwit
    hmyhair.Hissi
    lencei
    stoo
    l
    oud;itspeaksathousandwords.
    Eventuall
    yheclear
    shi
    sthr
    oatandpl
    ant
    saki
    sson
    myf orehead.
    “
    Let
    'sgot
    akeashower
    ,”hesays.
    “Toget
    her?”Mytoneisunnecessar
    il
    ytooshocked
    andhiseyesareli
    ke;“
    duh,wejustfucked.
    ”

    Itwasver
    yawkwar dshoweri
    ngwit
    hamanwhose
    di€kwoul
    dn'tr
    estdown.Ihadtol
    ookovermy
    shoul
    dertheenti
    ret
    imeandhe'dpurposef
    ull
    yget
    toocl
    osetomybut t
    .
    Wej ustf
    inishedthesnackandIwanttoatl east
    wat chthenewsbef or
    edishingi
    toutagain.Buthe'
    s
    alloverme, hecan'
    tsitst
    il
    levenforaminuteandI
    regretsit
    tingont hesamecouchashi m.
    “Let
    'sgowat
    cht
    henewsi
    nthebedr
    oom,
    ”he
    suggest
    s.
    “
    Ndabukogetagr
    ip,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Theonlygri
    pIwantisfr
    om your…”Ishoothima
    l
    ookandhestops.He'
    sunbeli
    evabl
    e,Ionlywant
    t
    hir
    tyminut
    esoftheTV,howhardcant hatbe?
    “Letmet ouchHlasekazi
    ,they'
    resti
    llont
    head-
    break.”Hishandsneaksundert hegownI'm
    wearing.
    WeendupmakingoutonthecouchwiththeTV
    pr
    esent
    err
    eport
    ingsomeimport
    anteconomic
    i
    ssuest
    hataf
    fectever
    yci
    ti
    zen.
    .
    .
    Lord!Whatisthecl
    ockonthewallsayi
    ng?7:22in
    themorning?Ihaveayogaclassatei
    ght.Iwas
    supposedtowakeupbeforethesuncameoutand
    gotomyhouse.
    Andwhereist
    hisman?Idr
    agmyselfoutofbedand
    checki
    nthebathr
    oom.Hedidt
    akeashower,the
    cl
    otheshewaswear
    ingyest
    erdayar
    epeeki
    ngout
    oft
    hebasket
    .
    Iwashmyf aceandbr ushmyt eethwitht
    henew
    toot
    hbrushIsupposewasl eftf
    orme.Butwherethe
    heckismydr ess?Ineedtoleave.Ican'
    tgoal
    lthe
    waytoKi ndlewoodinagown.
    Bef
    oreexi
    ti
    ngthebathr
    oom Inot
    icet
    hatheleft
    wat
    erinsi
    dethebat
    htub.I
    '
    ddieifsomeonedidthi
    s
    i
    nmyhouse.
    Wai
    t…whyi
    sthatthi
    ngsoaki
    ngi
    nsi
    det
    hewat
    er
    l
    ookli
    kemydress?
    Iti
    smydr essandmybr
    aandpant
    y.Hi
    sphonei
    s
    switchedof
    f.

    I
    'm shaki
    ngwit
    hanger.Whatam Isupposedt
    o
    wear?Ishenowalaundromat
    ?
    Igothrougheveryroom,ki
    cki
    ngdoor sopenand
    yel
    li
    ngouthisname.Ican'tcal
    lKhosiandaskher
    tosendmesomet hi
    ngtowearbecausehowwoul dI
    expl
    ainmypr esenceatt
    he“yardner
    ’shouse?”
    There'
    sonemor eroom nexttot
    hegym.Maybehe' s
    i
    nside.It
    'scl
    osed,asifi
    t'
    shardl
    yeveropened,
    and
    unl
    ikeotherdoorsit
    '
    saf i
    bregl
    assdoorwit
    har ust
    y
    l
    ever-l
    atch.
    Idon'tyellouthisnamet histi
    me,Ijustleanbythe
    doorasmyhear tdrenchesi nheavymelancholy
    thatIcan'texplainandlistentomyt hrobbing
    heartbeatwithmyeyescl osed.
    “Hl
    ase…”Iopenmyeyest
    othesoundofhi
    svoi
    ce
    andfl
    ytohisarms.
    “Wher
    ewereyou?”Iask,
    buri
    edonhischest.Idon'
    t
    knowwhat
    '
    sgoingonbutI '
    m notmadathim and
    somehowI
    ’m gl
    adhe'shere.
    “Whathappened?
    ”heasksandgl
    ancesatt
    hedoor
    behi
    ndme.
    “Yousoakedmyclot
    hes,nowIdon'
    thaveanyt
    hing
    towearandIneedtoat
    tendmyyogaclassat
    eight
    .”
    “
    Idon'
    twantyout
    oleave.
    ”
    Il
    if
    tmyeyesupandmeethi
    ssul
    kyst
    are.No,
    he
    can'
    t!
    “Ndabukowearenotdat
    ing.Lastnightwasgreat
    but…”Akissshut
    smeup.Byt hetimehebr eaksof
    f
    I'
    m gaspi
    ngforai
    r.
    “Iwi
    shitwassimplebuti
    t’snot.I
    '
    m sor
    ryIli
    ed
    aboutwhoIam, get
    ti
    ngclosetoyouisnoteasy
    Ndondo,you'
    renotaneasyperson.”
    Il
    if
    tmyeyebr
    ow.I
    '
    m notaneasyper
    son?
    “Ndlal
    if
    aistheonewhof oundyouforme.Not
    exactl
    ythathefoundyoubecausehisfat
    herknew
    youallthi
    sti
    me, buthemadeplansformetoat
    l
    eaststepintoyourhouse.
    ”
    “
    Youreall
    ydr
    eamedofme?”Thi
    sisgetti
    ngscar
    y.I
    t
    houghthewasj
    ustl
    yingsot
    hatI’
    dstay.
    “Nhlanzekohaunt
    edmeever ynight,
    you'
    dappeari
    n
    ayoungver si
    onofyoursel
    fwearingaschool
    unif
    orm andhe'dj
    ustsay;“br
    ingherhome.”
    “
    Whoi
    sNhl
    anzeko?
    ”Iask.
    “Mybrot
    her.Hediedonthe12thofJanuar
    yin2011.
    Theyshothiminhiscaronhi
    swayt o…”Hestops
    andpull
    smyhand.“Idon'twantustost
    andher
    e,”
    hesays.Iguesswe'
    restandi
    nginfr
    ontofhi
    s
    brot
    her'
    sroom andr
    evivi
    ngsadmemor i
    es.
    “
    I'
    m sor
    ryaboutyourbr
    other
    ,”Isay.
    Hesqueezesmyhandinresponseandpull
    sme
    downt ot
    heki
    tchenwher
    eat abl
    eislai
    dfor
    breakf
    ast
    .
    “Si
    t,Iwil
    lgetyourcof
    fee,
    ”hesaysasifheknows
    exactl
    ywhichcoffeeIl
    ikeandi
    t'
    salr
    eadymade.
    [
    03/
    14,
    08:
    59] :Chapt
    er7
    Ndabuko

    Hemanagedt okeep“ MrsFi


    erce”inhishousef or
    twodays.Eventhoughshedi dn'tsaytheimpor t
    ant
    wor ds,hef
    eelsl
    ikehisli
    ecannotst andbetween
    them anymore.I
    t'l
    ltaketi
    mef orhertotr
    usthim
    againandhe'sstil
    lhidi
    ngsomet hingsfrom her,but
    they'l
    lbefi
    ne.Hecanf eeli
    tinhisbones, t
    hey'
    llbe
    okay.
    He'
    shummi
    ngasongashecr
    ackst
    heeggsi
    ntoa
    panont hestove.There'
    snoday-offinthei
    rindustr
    y,
    most l
    yfordri
    vers,buthi
    m andMaqhi ngaonlygot o
    therankifsomethingreal
    lyneedsthem orifthey'
    re
    bored.Unli
    keNdl al
    if
    a,who'ssuddenlyobsessed
    withwor kandwakingupatt hecrackofdawn
    everyday.
    “Long-l
    ostson,you'r
    eback,
    ”Maqhingat
    easesashe
    makeshi swayinsidetheki
    tchenf
    oll
    owedbya
    short,
    biggirlwi
    thblondehair
    .Onl
    yGodknows
    wherehef oundthisone.
    Ndabukol
    if
    tsuphi
    seyebr
    ow.
    “Howol disshe?”Hedoesn'
    tcareift
    hegi r
    lis
    l
    istening.Shelookstooyoungtobedoing
    sleepoversina29yearol dman’shouse.Maybe
    she'sjustavar si
    tyst
    udentchasi
    ngtheflashy
    l
    ifestyle.
    “
    Oldenought
    osat
    isf
    yHl
    omuka.
    ”
    Ndabukoshakeshisheadandwat chesashe
    hoversoverthegi
    rlandi
    nappropri
    atel
    ytouching
    her.Hishandsli
    desinfr
    ontofthegirl
    '
    sskir
    t,she'
    s
    gi
    gglingasMaqhingawhisperssomethingtoher.
    Hel efthi
    sownhousebecausehecannotf aceFuze,
    hecannotst aytherebecauseshe'l
    lcomeoverand
    showerhi m wit
    hthel ovehedoesn'
    tdeserve.
    Wat chingMaqhingachangi nggi
    rl
    severydayand
    l
    isteningtothem screamingathisdi€katnighti
    s
    thepr i
    cehe'
    spayi ngforstayi
    nghere.
    Hefi
    nal
    lyl
    etsgooft
    hegi
    rl,
    hegivesheraf
    ewR100
    not
    esandki
    ssesheront
    hecheek.
    “Don'
    tgiveanyonemycookie,
    ”hetel
    lsherbef
    ore
    shegoesoutoft hedoorandshebl
    ushesandnods
    herhead.
    Hecl
    osesthedooraf
    terherandwal
    kst
    oNdabuko
    who'
    sprepar
    ingbr
    eakfast
    .
    “Whatar
    eweeating?
    ”heasksasheat
    tempt
    sto
    grabapi
    eceofegg.
    Ndabukoyankshi
    shandof
    f.
    “
    Gowashyourhands,
    ”hesays.
    “Ndoda,Ishower
    edwhenIwokeup.
    ”Sti
    ll
    ,Ndabuko
    blockshi
    shandfrom r
    eachi
    ngt
    heeggs.
    “
    She'
    syourgi
    rl
    fr
    iendal
    one,
    don'
    tfeedmeherpu$$y.
    Ial
    sodon'tf
    ingerNdondoandt
    ouchyourf
    ood
    aft
    erwar
    ds.”
    “Ndondo?NotFuze?I
    sshenowof
    fi
    cial
    lyyouronl
    y
    gir
    l?”
    “
    Maqhi
    ngagowashyourhands!
    ”
    BecauseNdabukoisannoyi
    ngandhewantst
    he
    scoop,hej
    ogstothebathr
    oom andqui
    ckl
    ywashes
    hishandsasasked.

    Hegr absthepl at
    epr eparedforhi
    m andaddsfour
    mor ebreadslices,Ndabukot hi
    nkseveryonewent
    toWi t
    sandst udiedwi thwhit
    epeople.Heeats
    sevenslices,notthree.He'snotagir
    landheisnot
    tr
    yingtomai ntainaf i
    gure.
    “ItakeitMrsFi
    erceisal
    sofier
    ceonbed,
    ”hesays
    andst uff
    stheegginsi
    dethemouthwit
    hhiseyes
    gluedonNdabuko.
    “Nobutshe'shooot.Inear
    lyl
    ostmysanit
    yther
    e,
    andyoucanf eelt
    hatnobodyvisi
    tst
    hatpal
    ace
    regul
    arl
    y.”
    “Notnear
    ly,
    youdidloseyoursani
    ty,
    lookathow
    moodyyou'rebecauseshe'
    sgonebacktoher
    house,
    ”Maqhingasaysandtheybothlaugh.
    Maqhi
    ngast
    opsl
    aughi
    ng.Nowhi
    seyesar
    efi
    ll
    ed
    wi
    thpi
    ty.
    “There'
    sFuze, shedoesn'tknowwhat '
    sgoi ngon.
    Don'tyout hi
    nkit'
    sfairtojustcomeclean?Iknow
    thatI'
    mt helastpersonwhocanadvi sesomeoneon
    howt otreatawoman, butbafothat
    'sZamaf uze,
    shehasl ovedyout hroughthinandthick.I
    t'l
    lbe
    bettert
    ohur therby“ movingontoofast”thanto
    cheatonher .”
    Boththeseopt
    ionsar
    ebad,
    he'
    l
    lbr
    eakherhear
    t
    ei
    therway.
    “
    AndyoucouldloseMrsFi
    ercewhi
    leatt
    hisgame,
    ”
    Maqhi
    ngaconti
    nues.
    Ndabuko’
    sappeti
    terunsout .Heknowsthis.He'
    l
    l
    tal
    ktoFuzebefor
    emaki ngthingsoff
    ici
    aland
    comingoutwit
    hhisrelat
    ionshipwit
    hNdondo.But
    Maqhinganeedstounderstandthathe'
    snothim.
    He'sscar
    edtodumpherbecauseheknowswhat
    she'
    sdoneforhi
    m.Unl i
    keMaqhi
    ngawhoeven
    dumpsagirli
    nfrontofanewoneandl
    iveshi
    sli
    fe
    l
    ikenot
    hinghappened.
    “Idon'
    tevenknowwhatI
    '
    m goi
    ngt
    osay,
    ”hesays
    andinhal
    esdeepl
    y.
    “Nothi
    ngbeat s-youdeser
    vesomeonebett
    erand
    I'
    m notthatsomeone-andt henl
    ookl
    ikean
    asshol
    e,”Maqhi ngasays.
    “
    Wear
    etal
    kingaboutFuze.
    ”
    Maqhi
    ngasi
    ghsandshr
    ugshi
    sshoul
    der
    s.
    “Yeah,r
    ight
    .Youhavet
    obeni
    ceandt
    ryt
    omakeher
    underst
    and.”
    Ndabukoexhal esdeepl y.He’sneverbeent hose
    guys,it
    'seasierwhenagi rlbreaksupwi thyou
    becauseyouwal kawaywi thoutanygui l
    ty
    conscience.Buthehast obr eakupwi thawoman
    who'sbeenwi t
    hhi mforf ouryear s,
    hehasn' tbeen
    i
    nl ovewithhert hepasttwomont hsandt hatalone
    breakshishear t
    .Fuzedoesn' tdeservethi
    s…butshe
    doesn'tdeservet obefooledei ther.
    Hetypesandsendsherashor
    ttext
    .Theyhavet
    o
    meetinhi
    shouseinanhourandtal
    k.
    .
    .
    Hersil
    kyhairi
    stiedneat
    lyontopofherhead, she'
    s
    weari
    ngashor tyel
    lowdressandsandals.Herbag
    i
    sclutchedunderherarm andshe'
    slostinher
    phone.
    WhenNdabukopul
    lsupsheli
    ft
    sherheadand
    st
    aresashecl
    imbsoutoft
    hecar.
    “
    Youchangedt
    hel
    ocks?
    ”sheasks.
    Hecl
    ear
    shi
    sthr
    oatandl
    ooksaway.
    “I'
    m…Iwas…Iwasgoi ngt ot
    ellyou.”Thi
    swillbe
    harderthanhethought.Outofalldays,
    todayshe
    choset odressupexactl
    ythewayshel ookedon
    theirf
    ir
    stdate.I
    t'
    sthesamedr essandsame
    hairst
    yle.
    Theyhug.Hishear
    tisbeat
    ingl
    ikeadrum.He'
    s
    i
    maginedhowt hi
    smightpl
    ayout.She'
    llcr
    yandbeg
    hi
    mt ostaywit
    hher.
    “MustIgetyouanythi
    ngtodri
    nk?”heasks,
    sti
    ll
    unabl
    etolookstr
    aightint
    ohereyes.
    “
    Wat
    eri
    sfi
    ne.Whyar
    eyouact
    ingsost
    range?
    ”
    Heignoresherandfet
    chesthedrinksfr
    om t
    he
    ki
    tchen.Heshould'
    vedrankfort
    his.He'
    snotaman
    enoughtojustdoit
    .

    She'swait
    ingf
    orhim onthecouch.Thi
    smightbe
    theri
    ghtti
    metotellhi
    m whatshe'
    sbeenkeeping
    from hi
    m.Hedersevestoknow.
    “
    Fuzeweneedtot
    alkaboutourf
    utur
    e,”hesaysand
    i
    nst
    ant
    lyr
    egret
    shi
    schoiceofwords.
    “
    Ther
    e'ssomet
    hingIneedt
    otel
    lyouf
    ir
    st,
    ”shesays.
    Hegulpsdownhisj
    uiceandl ooksather
    .Herhands
    areshaki
    ngandhe'
    sgetti
    ngevenmor ewor
    ri
    ed
    aboutthebr
    eakupt
    hat'sfol
    lowing.Shewon'
    ttakei
    t
    well
    .
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”heasks.
    “Yes,
    I'
    m okay.It
    hinkI
    '
    mfine.
    ”She'snoddi
    ngher
    headasshesaysbuthermoisteyesspeaka
    di
    ff
    erentl
    anguage.
    “DoyourememberwhenIcal
    ledyouandsai
    dIwas
    att
    hedoctor'
    s?Twoweeksaf
    teryoumovedinwi
    th
    Maqhinga.
    ”
    Henodshi
    sheadbeforeevencoll
    ect
    inghi
    s
    memoryoft
    hatday.He'
    sanxioustofi
    ndoutwhat
    's
    goi
    ngonwit
    hher.Whyshel ookssot
    roubl
    ed.
    Sher
    ubsherpal
    msonhert
    highsandr
    eleasesa
    si
    gh.
    “Iwasinsomuchpai nandheavilybleeding.ButI
    thoughtitwasjustoneofthosemont hswher eI
    get…”Sheshakesherheadandwi pest hewat er
    ing
    cornersofhereyes.Sheisfine,t
    hat'
    swhatshe
    keepstell
    inghersel
    feveryt
    imeaweaki nnerher
    wantst obreakdown.It
    'snotthatdeep, i
    sit?
    “Ihadamiscar
    ri
    age,
    ”shemanagest
    ogetthewor
    ds
    outandt
    henburiesherf
    acei
    nherhands.
    Wordsr ecordslowl
    yinNdabuko'shead.Hewant
    s
    toprocesseverythi
    ng,graspsther
    eal
    it
    yofwhathe
    j
    usthear d,butshe'
    swaili
    ngnexttohi
    m andhe
    needstof i
    ndawayt ocomf or
    ther
    .
    “Whydidn'tyoucallme? ”Hecan'tr
    ecogni
    zehis
    ownvoi ce.Somethinghuge,somethinghedidn'
    t
    evenknowwasapar tofhim,hasbeencutinto
    piecesandt akenawayfrom him.
    “Howfarwer
    eyou? ”heasks.Hecoul
    daskher
    aboutt
    hepil
    lbutnowisnottheri
    ghtt
    imefort
    hat
    .
    “
    Thr
    eeweeks,
    ”shesaysbet
    weent
    hesobs.
    “
    Whydi
    dn'
    tyout
    ellme?
    ”heasksagai
    n.
    “Youwer
    ebusywit
    hwor kandIdi
    dn'
    twantt
    ost
    ress
    youatt
    hatt
    ime,
    ”shesays.
    No,hewasbusywithNdondo.Hewasposi
    ngasa
    yar
    dnerandst
    alki
    nganotherwoman.
    “
    Whatdi
    dthedoct
    orsay?Whatwast
    hepr
    obl
    em?
    ”
    “Ever
    ythi
    ngwasperfect
    lyfi
    ne,t
    hat
    'st
    hepr
    obl
    em
    Ndabuko;not
    hingwaswr ong.
    ”
    Hepullsherint
    ohisarmsandtightlyembracesher.
    He'str
    yingnottobreakdowninfrontofher.Maybe
    i
    fhewashomewi thherthebabywoul d’
    vesurvi
    ved.
    Maybei fhepai
    dattenti
    onanddidn'tf
    allheadover
    heelswithawomanhi sdeadbrotherwantshimto
    mar
    ryt
    hiswasn'
    tgoi
    ngt
    ohappen.
    “Pl
    easef
    orgi
    vemeZamaf
    uze,
    I'
    mreal
    lyr
    eal
    ly
    sor
    ry.
    "
    “
    Itwasn'
    tyourf
    aul
    tst
    handwasami
    .”
    Hecupsherfaceandlooksatheri
    ntheeyes.She'
    s
    broken,
    somethinghehasn'
    tcar
    edtonot
    icethelast
    coupleofmonths.

    Heli
    ft
    sherchi
    nandkissesherl
    ips.Gui
    lti
    spoki
    ng
    hi
    sheartf
    rom ever
    yangl
    e.I
    t'
    sallhi
    sfault
    .
    “Whatdidyouwantt osay?Yousai dwemusttalk
    aboutourf utureandIjustwant edtol
    etyouknow
    thatweoncecr eat
    edasoul .Justincaseyou'
    re
    thinki
    ngofdoi ngsomet hi
    ng,inhlawul
    oshould
    comef ir
    st.”They'r
    etalki
    ngaboutt hei
    rfut
    ure,
    right
    ?
    It'
    ssomet hingshe'sbeenwai t
    ingforyear
    s.
    Ndabukoisshockedbyherconcl
    usi
    onbuthecan'
    t
    showthattoherorobj
    ectwhatshe'
    ssayi
    ng.
    “Iwi
    lldiscussi
    nhl
    awulowit
    hNgidi.Idon'tknow
    howt hesethi
    ngsaredone,
    ”hesaysafterclear
    ing
    hi
    sthr
    oat
    .
    “
    AllIknowi
    sthatt
    hedamagescomef
    ir
    st,
    bef
    ore
    l
    obola.
    ”
    Henodshi
    shead.Thi
    sisnott
    hedir
    ecti
    onhewas
    t
    aki
    ngbuthecan'
    ttel
    lher
    .He'
    sal
    readybrokent
    his
    woman.
    Sheli
    ft
    shereyestohi
    m andfl
    utt
    erhereyel
    ashes
    wit
    haweaksmi l
    eonherface.
    “
    Ihavemi
    ssedhavi
    ngyou,
    allt
    omysel
    f,l
    iket
    his.
    ”
    “
    Met
    oo,
    ”hesaysandpl
    ant
    saki
    ssonherf
    orehead.
    Thedaydidn'
    tgoasplanned,it
    'ssadandsour.
    They'
    rest
    il
    ltoget
    herandli
    vingwiththescar
    s.
    Sheorder
    sthefoodandtheyjustcuddl
    eont
    he
    couchthr
    oughoutt
    heevening.

    It
    's9:
    56pm andFuzeisfastasl
    eeponthebed.He'
    s
    beendoingonet
    hingsi
    ncehef oundoutaboutt
    he
    miscar
    ri
    ageandthati
    stostareather
    .
    Her
    ecei
    vedat
    extf
    rom Ndondoear
    li
    er,
    whi
    chi
    s
    verystrange,andhehasn' tr
    eadit
    .Itfeel
    swr ongt o
    evenhavef eelingsforher.Thesefeeli
    ngsar ewhat
    drovehim awayf rom Fuze,t
    hey'
    rewhatst ood
    betweenhi m andhi sbaby.Hecould'vebeent here,
    protect
    edFuzef rom whateverandsupportedher .
    Buthecoul dn'tbecauseNdondost olehishear tand
    sanity.
    Nowor dscanexpresshowsorryheistoFuze.But
    mor ethananythinghe'
    ssorr
    yt ohi
    mself;t
    o
    Ndabuko.He' ssorryt
    hatherobbedhimselfa
    chancet obeabet t
    erfat
    hert
    hanhi sownfather.He
    robbedhi sbabyachancetobeal i
    ve.Heshould've
    protectedthem.Maybeifhewasher e….

    Hi
    sphonei
    sri
    ngi
    ng.
    It
    'sNdondo.Hi
    shandsstar
    tsweat
    ingashe
    contempl
    ateswhet
    hert
    oanswerornot.
    Helet
    sitri
    ngunti
    lshedr
    opst
    hecall
    .Itwasokay
    whenshewasbeingNdondoandnotgivi
    nghi
    mt he
    benef
    itofadoubt
    .
    Hecl
    icksont
    het
    exthehasn'
    treadsi
    ncei
    tcame
    t
    hrough:

    WHATYOUSAI
    DABOUTMEHAVI NGFEELI
    NGS
    FORYOUWASN'
    TALIE.NDABUKOIHAVEFALLEN
    I
    NLOVEWITHYOUANDI'M SCARED.

    Godknowshowmuchhewant edtohearhersayi
    ng
    thi
    sbutnowhecan' tevenbehappyandcelebr
    ate.
    Hecan'tevenrepl
    ytohertextorr
    etur
    nhercall
    s
    becausethatwoul
    dmakehi m anasshol
    e.
    Hel i
    esnexttoFuzeandwr apshi
    sarm aroundher.
    Nowhe'st or
    nbetweentwowor l
    ds;bei
    ngwi t
    ht he
    womanhi sheartandNhlanzekowantsforhim and
    beingwit
    hawomanwho' dcatchagrenadef orhi
    m,
    themotherofhischi
    ld.
    .
    .
    I
    t'
    sbeenaweeksinceFuzebroket
    henewst ohi
    m.
    Hehasn'
    tbeentoworkandshehasn'
    tlef
    thi
    shouse.
    Hehadtosneakherbel
    ongi
    ngsbackinthehouse
    i
    nt hemi ddl
    eoftheni
    ghtandleavethingsasthey
    are.They'r
    emakingup,he'
    str
    yingtopayf orhi
    s
    si
    nsbutnot hingi
    sgoodenought oclearhi
    s
    conscience.
    Hehasn' tspokentoNdondonorr epli
    edtohertext
    .
    He'sscaredt oevenlogonWhat sAppbecause
    she'
    st hereandshe'l
    lseethathe'sali
    veandjust
    i
    gnoringher .St
    rangely,
    Nhlanzekohasbeenquiet.
    Nobaddr eamsandnopoundi ngheadache.
    “
    Soyou'
    repayi
    ngl
    obol
    aforFuze?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    “
    That'
    swhatshet
    hinks,
    ”Ndabukosaysandheaves
    asi
    gh.
    “ThatmeanstheNgcobosareexpecti
    ngcows
    alt
    ogetherwi
    thi
    nhl
    awulo.I
    sNgi diawareoft
    his?
    ”
    Anot
    hersi
    gh!
    “
    Hewant
    smet
    odoi
    t.
    ”
    “
    Dowhat
    ?”
    “
    Payl
    obol
    aandmar
    ryher
    .”
    Maqhi
    nga’
    seyespopoutoft
    hei
    rsocket
    s.Mar
    ri
    age
    i
    sabigscar
    yanimalt
    ohim.
    “
    WhataboutNdondo?
    ”heasks.
    “Ihavet
    omarryheraswel
    l.Il
    oveherandIhavet
    o
    honourNhl
    anzeko'
    sdemand.”
    “Polygamy?Ndabukoyoudon'tevenloveFuze
    anymor e.Breakupwit
    hher,t
    here'
    snoneedt o
    mar rysomeoneoutofguil
    t.I
    t'
    snotfai
    ronyouand
    i
    t'sverycrueltoher
    .You'
    vealr
    eadywastedthis
    girl
    '
    sl i
    fe.
    ”
    “Idon'twanttohurther.Whycan'tyouunderst
    and
    that?
    ”hebur stsout.Thi
    sisnoteasyforhim.Yeshe
    knowst hathe'
    sbeingselfi
    shandt hechancesare;
    Ndondowi llwalkawayandNhl anzekowil
    lhaunt
    himf orl
    if
    e.
    “Butyou'
    rehurt
    ingher
    .Thedayyoust
    oppedl
    ovi
    ng
    herandconti
    nuedtokeepheri
    nyourl
    if
    ewasthe
    dayyoustart
    edhurti
    ngher.
    ”
    “
    You'
    reaf
    ineonet
    otal
    k,
    ”Ndabukosays,
    annoyed.
    “
    I'
    m anasshol eandever
    yoneknowsit
    .I'
    ma
    f
    uckboywaitingforGod'
    ssent
    ence.Don'tbel
    ike
    me,you'l
    lsl
    eepandnotwakeupt henextday,
    ”
    Maqhingasays.
    “
    Because?
    ”Ndabukoaskswi
    thaf
    rown.
    “Youwon'tbeabletohandl
    etwowomen.Especial
    ly
    notwhenMr sFier
    ceisoneofthosewomen.Have
    youspokentoher?”
    Heshakeshi
    shead.
    “Exact
    ly,youfailt
    oevenf aceoneofthem i
    fyou'r
    e
    busywi t
    hanot herone.Polygamyneedsbalance,
    boy.What everhappensont heri
    ghtshoul
    dhappen
    ontheleft.”
    “Iknowthatbutmybi
    ggestf
    eari
    slosi
    ngNdondo
    alongtheway.Il
    ovet
    hatwomanmf et
    hu.
    ”
    “
    Ifyou'r
    enotscaredofl
    osingFuzewhydon'tyou
    j
    ustloseheronceandforall
    ,
    ”Maqhingaasks.
    “
    Idon'
    twantt
    obeanasshol
    e.”
    “
    Butyou'
    reanasshol
    eal
    ready.
    ”
    “YeahbutI'
    m sti
    llbel
    owyourl
    evel
    ,Idon'
    twantt
    o
    surpassyourshi
    t t
    yass.
    ”
    Maqhi
    ngal
    aughsandat
    tendst
    ohi
    sbuzzi
    ngphone.
    .
    .
    NOMKHOSI

    IknowthatI'
    ml osingheragain.Ireal
    lythoughtshe
    wasdone,thatwast hewholepur poseforher
    Japanvacati
    on;togetoverhi m.ThistimeIdon't
    knowwhatt r
    iggeredit
    .Idon'tknowwhatpushed
    herinsi
    dethi
    sdar kboxagain.
    Thet hingaboutheri sthatwhenshebui l
    dswall
    s
    aroundher selfshemakessur ethatshebuil
    dsthem
    high.Thepr oblem aboutherist
    hatshedoesn'tcry,
    theonl ywayIknowt hatshe'
    sinpainiswhenshe
    buriesherselfwi t
    hwork.Thisweekshe'sbeen
    clockinginat6: 30am, i
    fnotear
    ly.Andiswasays
    somedaysshecomeshomeaf terei
    ght.

    Iputhercof
    feeonherdeskandshedoesn'
    teven
    noti
    cethatI
    '
    m standi
    nginfr
    ontofher
    .
    “It
    houghtyousai
    dyouwerereadytomoveon,
    ”I
    sayandsnapheratt
    ent
    ioni
    nstant
    ly.
    Shetakesasi pfrom hercupandl i
    ft
    shereyest o
    me.Idon'tneedeyegl assestoseethatshe'si
    npain.
    She'
    sempt yandj ustlivi
    ngtogetthroughtheday
    andgetthisthingcall
    edl i
    femoving.
    “
    Idi
    dmoveon,
    ”shesays.
    Ineedtosi
    tdownf
    ort
    his.It
    houghtSenzoandher
    di
    dn'twor
    kout.
    “Wi
    thwho?Andwhathappened?Youdon'
    tlookl
    ike
    someonewho'
    sinl
    ove,
    ”Iask.
    Shechuckl
    esandshakesherhead.
    “Khosiyouknowmyf at
    e.OnceIlovethem back
    theydisappear.He'sgoneaswel l
    .Butthe
    diff
    erencewiththisoneisthatIknowwher ehe
    l
    ivesandIknowt hathe'
    sokaywher everheis.
    ”
    “
    Thenwhat
    ’st
    hepr
    obl
    em?
    ”I'
    mreal
    lyconf
    used.
    “
    Itr
    iedt
    ocal
    landt
    ext
    ,andIgoti
    gnor
    ed.
    ”
    “Mygosh,f
    ri
    endar
    eyousurethatyouwer
    ebot hon
    thesamepage?Maybehej
    ustwantedadishforhi
    s
    sperms,
    youknowhowmenar eli
    keoutt
    here.
    ”
    Sher
    eleasesadeepsi
    ghandl
    ooksbackont
    he
    document
    sinf
    rontofher
    .
    “For
    getabouthi
    m Ndondo.He'
    snotwor
    thyour
    ener
    gy.”
    Youknowwhat ,
    I'
    mtakingheroutonawi ld
    weekendwitht
    hetwinsandagr oupofhotguys.I
    '
    m
    notlet
    ti
    nghergothr
    oughthi
    sagai n,
    notforan
    assholet
    hatpr
    obabl
    ydoesn'tevendeserveher
    .
    Wearegoi
    ngtoHimevi
    ll
    ethi
    sweekend.We'
    l
    lfuck
    ar
    oundandgetwast
    ed.
    [
    03/
    14,
    08:
    59] :Chapt
    er8

    It'
    sactuall
    yfunnythatI'
    vebeeninloveonlytwice
    thewhol e26yearsofmyl if
    eandbot hti
    mesl eftme
    mi ser
    able.Ndabukomademef orgetaboutmyt axi
    rankloverthatgotaway,hetookmeoutoft hat
    mi ser
    yandi nt
    roducedmet oanewone.Ihave
    blockedhisnumberbecauseIcan’ thandlet
    hepai n
    ofseeinghim onli
    neandnotspeaki ngtome.I
    guessKhosiwasr i
    ght,al
    lheeverwantedwast o
    havemeonbedandIwasst upi
    denought ofallfor
    everywor dhesaid.Eventhe-“I
    '
    llbehere,al
    ways. ”I
    thoughthewasr
    eal
    ,heevenbr
    oughtt
    heancest
    ors
    anddreamstocementhi
    sli
    e.I
    '
    m sodumb.
    Andiswai sal
    ldolledupandsmi l
    ingonherphone
    fr
    om eart oear.Justwatchi
    ngherblushi
    ngmakes
    meenvi ousofher .Imaybeagainstt
    herelat
    ionshi
    p
    butIlovehowhappyshei s,andsomehowIwi shI
    hadexper i
    encedthisforonceinmylif
    e.
    “Wear enotchatt
    ingaboutsex,”shesaysandI
    real
    izethatshecaughtmest ari
    ngather.Peopl
    e
    alwaysmi sj
    udgeme, I
    '
    m nott hatupt
    ight
    .
    “Iwasn'
    tstar
    ingbecauseofthat,
    ”Isayandj oi
    nher
    onthecouch.12pm seemst obefar,Ican'
    twaitto
    getoutofDurban,eveni
    fit
    'sfort
    woni ghtsonly,
    I
    wanttobreakfreefr
    om t
    heseagonizingfeel
    ings
    thatar
    ecagingmei n.
    “Anylucki
    nfi
    ndi
    ngsomeonet
    owor
    kont
    heyar
    d?”I
    ask.
    “
    He'
    l
    lst
    artMonday,
    ”shesays.
    “Hopeful
    lythi
    stimeyou'rebr
    ingingsomeonelegi
    t.I
    can'tbel
    ieveyouletNdabukofoolusint
    othi
    nking
    thathewaspooranddesper ate.
    ”
    Hereyesshi
    ftf
    rom t
    hephoneandshelooksatme
    wit
    haf r
    owncreasedonherf
    orehead.
    “Mngomezul
    u?Howdi
    dhemakeust
    hinkhei
    s
    poor
    ?”
    Arethesenewst
    oher
    ?Yesshedoesn'
    tknowhal
    fof
    thestor
    ybutnowwebot
    hknowthatNdabukof
    aked
    hisi
    dentit
    y.
    “
    Hedi
    dn'
    tment
    iont
    hatheownst
    axi
    s,duh!
    ”Isay.
    “Whodoesn'tknowt
    heNkabanhleTaxi
    s?Haveyou
    neverseenMngomezul
    uatthetaxir
    ankinVer
    elum
    orTongaat?
    ”
    Sheknewhi
    m al
    lthi
    sti
    me?
    !
    “No!”Thelastt
    imeIwentt
    oat
    axir
    ankwas
    probablyt
    hreeyear
    sago.
    “Oh,well
    .”Shegoesbackt
    oherphoneandherf
    ace
    bri
    ghtensupasmessagesbeepin.
    Whyam Iat tr
    actedtot
    aximen?Thatpl
    aceismy
    sourceofpain.I
    'vehadsomanysuit
    orswhoarei
    n
    thesamei ndust
    ryasme.Whycan'tIgi
    vesomeone
    dif
    ferentachance?
    Iknowt hatAndi swai sjustwai t
    ingformet oleave
    andt henshe'l
    leithergot othatboyf ri
    endofher sor
    i
    nvi t
    ehim here.I'vebeenadvi sedt obegent leand
    open- mi
    ndedaboutt heirrel
    ationship;younggi rl
    s
    arelikesand,ifyousqueezet oot i
    ghttheysl i
    pout
    bitbybit.Ipackmybagandchangei ntoleggings
    andsneaker s.Thi sweekhasbeenhar d, I
    '
    m scar ed
    toevenl ookatmyf aceont hemi r
    ror,I
    'm sureit'
    s
    evidentofeverythingI'vebeengoi ngt hrough.
    Khosicall
    sandsayst hecarisdri
    vingtowar
    dsmy
    house.It
    'soneofthe“hunks"sheinvit
    edtocome
    wit
    hus, t
    here'
    snof unifyou'
    redri
    ving,sot
    heguyis
    i
    nchar geofthet
    ravell
    ing.
    “Pleasekeepmyhouseclean,
    ”I'
    mindi
    rect
    lyt
    ell
    i
    ng
    hernottohavesexonmycouches.Shegivesmea
    thumbandwat chesasIputmyhatonandexitwit
    h
    mybags.
    Idon'tknowifthistr
    ipwil
    lachievei
    tspurpose,
    it
    hastakenmeyear stogetover“hi
    m"andi t
    'l
    l
    probablytakeotheryear
    sformet ogetover
    Ndabuko,
    butI
    '
    mlooki
    ngf
    orwar
    dtot
    hef
    un.
    .
    .
    Resor
    tSaniPasshot el ,
    wear efi
    nall
    yhere.I'
    ve
    managedt odownt hreeglassesofwineandst il
    l
    remai
    ni nmy“ darkmood. "Ithi
    nkIwasalreadyset
    upwithsomeone, he'
    sbeenaski ngmeusel ess
    quest
    ionsandt ryi
    ngt ochit
    -chat
    .I'
    m onl
    yf r
    iendl
    y
    andentert
    aini
    ngt hi
    scr owdycompanyf orthesake
    ofKhosi.I
    fitwasn'tforherI'dbeonbedal r
    eady
    andgoingthroughmyemai ls.
    “Iwi
    shtocomet
    othi
    spl
    aceagai
    n,wi
    thj
    ustyou,
    ”
    hesays.
    Excusemebut
    …
    “
    Whoar
    eyouagai
    n?”Iask.
    “
    Ade,
    ”hesaysandsmi
    les.
    Inot
    icethathehassil
    vergr
    il
    lz.Yeap,
    I'
    m onl
    y
    seei
    ngthistwohoursaft
    ermeetinghim.
    “
    Canyout
    aket
    hatt
    hingof
    f?”Iask.
    “Doyouhat ethem? ”He'
    ssti
    llsmil
    ing.Honestl
    y,I
    don'thaveanybusinesshatinghi
    sdecor ati
    onsand
    styl
    e,I'
    mj ustcur
    iousbecauseI'
    veseenr apper
    s
    wear i
    ngthisthi
    ng.
    “No.Canyout
    akei
    toutyour
    sel
    foryouneeda
    denti
    st?
    ”
    “Icantakei toff,”hesaysandat temptstotakethem
    out.Iblockhi shandandshakemyhead.Thi s
    wholet r
    ipisaboutmeget ti
    nglooseandhavi ngfun.
    Kissingsomeonewi thsi
    lvergri
    ll
    zalloverhisteet
    h
    hasnevercr ossedmymi nd.Ievensurvivedthe
    “goldtooth”pr essureinhighschool.Buttodayisall
    aboutbur yingt herealNdondo,theuptightonewho
    getdepr essedovert aximen.
    “
    Dot
    heyt
    ast
    emet
    all
    ic?
    ”Iask.
    Hesmi lesandcocksuphiseyebr ow.Hedoesn' t
    l
    ookbad.Al lNigeri
    anmendon' t
    .They'r
    et he
    epit
    omeofAf r
    icanmascul
    ini
    ty,most l
    y.He'svery
    tal
    l,
    Ihavet oli
    ftmyheadupt oseehi sface.His
    espressoskinremindsmeoft hefir
    stmanIf elli
    n
    l
    ovewi th.EventhoughNdabukoi sfai
    rthanthem, I
    thinkdar
    kmenareat
    tr
    acti
    ve.Butthatdoesn'
    tmean
    I'
    mf al
    li
    nginl
    ovewi
    ththi
    sman, r
    ememberIonl y
    givemyheartt
    omenwhoar eassociat
    edwi t
    htaxi
    s.
    “
    Youhavet
    otast
    ethem t
    ofi
    ndout
    ,”hesays.
    Icatchagl
    impseofKhosi'sf
    acesitt
    ingafewfeet
    awayf r
    om uswit
    hthetwinsandotherguys.She
    cracksabri
    efmoti
    vati
    ngsmile.Ir
    efi
    llmyglassand
    shiftmyat
    tent
    ionbacktoAde.
    “Whydidyouleaveyourcount
    ry?
    ”Gosh,
    Isoundso
    xenophobi
    c.
    “Imeanit
    'st
    heri
    chestcount
    ryinAf
    ri
    ca,
    ”Isayt
    o
    suppor
    tmydist
    astef
    ulquest
    ion.
    “Sout
    hAf r
    icaisthemostdeveloped.There'
    sso
    muchpol it
    icalviol
    encewhereIcomef rom,
    survi
    vingisast ruggl
    e,andli
    kemanyot herAfr
    ican
    countr
    ies,there'
    sahi ghrat
    eofyouth
    unempl oyment .
    ”
    Inodmyhead.Il i
    kehowcalm hei sasheexplains
    thi
    s.Obvi
    ously,Ihaveot
    heruselessquest
    ionsI'd
    l
    iketoask,l
    ike;wherei
    sDavidoandwhyi srel
    igion
    suchanissuebacki nNi
    geri
    a…theBokomoHar am?
    “
    Areyoumar
    ri
    ed?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Iwoul
    dn'
    tbeher
    eifIwas.
    ”
    Asi
    fmencar
    eaboutt
    hei
    rmar
    ri
    ages.
    “Ineedmythrow.It'
    sgett
    ingcol
    dhere,”Isayand
    empt ymyglass.Heneedstoreadbetweentheli
    nes
    andf ol
    lowmeinsidether
    oom.
    “
    Letmegowi
    thyou.Ineedabat
    hroom,
    ”hesays.
    Cleverboy!Iheardtheystar
    tschoolatt
    hreeyear
    s
    andf i
    nishhighschoolaroundtwel
    ve.Niger
    iai
    s
    bl
    essed.

    Andt
    henwhoisthi
    sguycomi
    ngoutofmyr
    oom
    l
    ooki
    ngal
    lshakenup?
    “
    Doyouwor
    kher
    e?”Iask.
    Henodshi sheadfast,
    befor
    eIcanevenfi
    nishthe
    questi
    on.Heiswearingsomewhiteover
    allt
    hing,
    so
    Iguesshe'snotl
    ying.
    “
    Whyhelookedsoscar
    ed?
    ”IaskasIwalki
    nthe
    r
    oom.Mybagsareonthefl
    oor
    ,somet
    hingI
    'dnever
    doi
    nmysanesel
    f.
    “Becauseyou'reint
    imidat
    ing,”Adesays.He'ssti
    ll
    standi
    ngbyt hedoor,alsolookingfr
    ight
    ened.I'
    m
    drunkforChrist
    ’sake!Howam Ii nti
    midati
    ng?AndI
    haven'tsai
    danythingtoanyone, i
    nfactI'
    mt he
    fri
    endl
    iestpersonali
    ve.
    “
    Didn'
    tyousayyouneededabat
    hroom?
    ”Iaskhi
    m.
    “Idi
    d,butr
    ightnowIneedyoumor
    ethanIneeda
    bathr
    oom.”
    Ismi
    leandwinkathi
    m.Howf l
    att
    eni
    ng?Heneeds
    memor et
    hanheneedsthebat
    hroom.Final
    ly
    someonei
    schoosingmeoversomethi
    ng.
    “
    Comeher
    e,I
    gboman.Ar
    eyouanI
    gbo?
    ”Iask.
    He'
    sinfr
    ontofmeaf
    teronl
    ytaki
    ngt
    wost
    eps,
    that
    's
    howtal
    lhei
    s.
    “AYorubaman,
    ”hesaysi
    naseduct
    ivewhi
    speras
    hestar
    esdownatmyface.
    It
    hinkIl
    oveYor
    ubamen.
    “Letmet
    ast
    ethegr
    il
    lz,
    ”Isayandhol
    dhisneck
    downtome.Hesmell
    ssoheavenl
    y,somet
    hingthat
    makesamanki
    ssabl
    e.
    Yestheytastemetall
    ic,
    nowhowabouthi
    sli
    ps?
    Aren’
    ttheyjustsof
    tanddeli
    cious?
    Hereleasesamoanandpushesmebackwar ds.I
    don'
    thavet heusualurgetopushamanaway,
    i
    nsteadI'm pul
    li
    nghim closert
    omeandal
    lowi
    ng
    hi
    mt opushhi stonguetomyt hroat
    .
    Eeh?What'
    sthishardt
    hingpoki
    ngmenow?I
    tfeel
    s
    hugeeveni
    nsidehispant.
    “Don'tworr
    y,I'
    m notdoi
    ngthat
    ,”hesaysashe
    breaksthekiss.Ihol
    dhisst
    areandwaitforhi
    mto
    tal
    k.
    “However,
    I'
    dli
    ket
    ohelpyourel
    easesomeoft
    his
    str
    ess.You'
    ret
    oobeaut
    if
    ult
    obeunhappy,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Meani
    ng?
    ”Iask.
    “Helpi
    ngyoubl
    owof
    fbef
    orewegof
    ordi
    nner
    ,”he
    says.
    “
    Blow…bl
    owj
    ob?
    ”Iask.
    “Youlovethesoundofthat
    ,don'
    tyou?LetAdet
    ake
    careofyou,gorgeous.
    ”
    He'sgentl
    eandhiswar
    m smilekeepsassuri
    ngme
    thatheknowswhathe'
    sgoingandhe'samanof
    hisword.Icr
    ackupandlaughwhenhepul l
    smy
    pantyallt
    hewaydownwi t
    hhisteet
    h.
    I'
    veneverhadamanli
    cki
    ngmyl egsbefor
    e.He
    star
    tshist
    onguegamefr
    om myl egsandgent
    ly
    separat
    esmylegsandworkshi
    swayupt omy
    mound.
    Hist
    onguebr
    ushesandsepar
    atesmyfolds.Ishut
    downever
    yunwelcomet
    houghtsandgetlosti
    nthe
    moment.
    “Rel
    axbaby,
    Igotyou.”Ihearhi
    svoicewit
    hmy
    eyescl
    osedandfeelhisfi
    ngersl
    idi
    ngthr
    oughmy
    openi
    ng.WhenIfl
    inchheshushesmeandpr esses
    hist
    humbovermycl i
    t.
    “Tonighti
    sgoingtobet hebestnightt
    hist
    ightbaby
    haseverhad…I'm goingtofuckyousogood…Oh,
    you'r
    esowar m…Gi vemet hosejui
    cesbaby,don'
    t
    holdback.”
    Idon'
    t…ImeanIwanthi
    mtodothi
    sali
    tt
    lebi
    t
    l
    onger…Itf
    eel
    ssodamngood…Butt
    henhist
    ongue
    i
    sati
    tagai
    n,Ican'
    thol
    dbackanymor
    e.
    “Ndabuko!
    ”Thenameescapesmylipsi
    na
    shudderi
    ngscr
    eam asIexpl
    odei
    ntoanotherman'
    s
    mouth.
    Ithi
    nkIhear
    dhim say-“
    Heain'
    tshi
    t,
    ”-butI
    '
    mlosti
    n
    thewaveofanexplodi
    ngor
    gasm.
    I'
    m embarr
    assedwhenIopenmyeyesandf i
    ndhi
    m
    star
    ingatme.Di
    dIreal
    lyhavet
    ocal
    lthatdog'
    s
    name?
    “
    Youwer
    esobeaut
    if
    ul,
    ”hesays.
    Iaf
    for
    daweaksmi
    leofpr
    etence.
    “I
    '
    m sor
    ryabout…”Hedoesn'
    tletmefi
    nish.Heleans
    downtomylipsanddeepl
    ykissesme.Hismember
    i
    sangeredupandhisbodyisstar
    ti
    ngtobetrayhim.
    Hewantsmeandhewant smenow.
    Butthere'
    ssomet hinggoingonoutside.Icanhear
    Nakho'svoiceyel
    lingatsomeone, asifther
    e'sa
    hugefightgoingon.Theyr ar
    elyhavesibli
    ng-fi
    ght
    s,
    butwhent heydoi t
    'sbad.Ihopeit'
    snotNal oand
    Khosi,t
    hosetwocanki l
    leachother.
    “Letmegocheckandcomeback, ”Adesaysand
    rol
    lsof
    fme.Hedashest othebat
    hroom fir
    stand
    comesoutafterami nut
    e.Helookscleanbuthis
    hugegianti
    sstil
    lpokingoutofhi
    spant .
    What everiti
    sgetsevenmorenoi
    sywhenAdeget s
    there.Therearemenvoicesand“msunukanyoko"
    fl
    yingi ntheai
    r.Ineedt
    oseewhat'shappeni
    ng.
    Clearlyit
    'sbi
    ggerthanIt
    hought
    .
    Itakeoffmypanty,wipemyselfanddashtothe
    scene.Atfi
    rstmyeyesareindisbeli
    ef,
    whatare
    theydoinghere?AndwhyisNdabukobei nghel
    d
    backandKhosi standi
    ngl
    ikethat?

    Ndlali
    fagrabsmyar m andpull
    smebehindthe
    crowd.Ijustgotsoberandhim gr
    abbi
    ngmel i
    ke
    thi
    swon' tbegoodforhim.Yeshe'sol
    d,ni
    neorten
    yearsolderthanme,butI'
    m nothi
    schil
    d.
    “
    Whoi
    sthatman?
    ”heasks.
    I'
    m notsur
    ewhathe'st
    ryi
    ngtodo.Thelastt
    imeI
    checkedhewasjustmyex-boss’
    sson.
    “
    Howi
    sthatanyofyourbusi
    ness?
    ”Iask.
    Heglaresatme.He'snat
    ural
    lyi
    cybutIknowhi
    s
    f
    ather.Hewouldn'
    tdoanythi
    ngtome.
    Theyfi
    nal
    lyletgoofNdabuko, t
    hemanIdon' tknow
    andMaqhinga,he'schargi
    ngtowardsus.Idon't
    knowwheret heguyswecamewi t
    hhavegone.
    EvenAdeisnowher etobeseen.There'
    sKhosi,her
    si
    ster
    sandtwosecur it
    yguardsnexttothem.
    “Ndondo,
    ”he'semi
    tti
    ngfire.Idon'
    tknowwhohe
    thi
    nksheis.Hehasn'
    tspokent omei naweek,
    he
    i
    gnoredmycal l
    sandtexts,andnowhe'sshowi
    ng
    uptomyt r
    ipandfi
    ghtingpeople?
    “Sotheybroughtyouheretobef uckedby
    Nigeri
    ans?”He'
    sstil
    lyell
    ingatmeandI '
    mjust
    fol
    dingmyar msandr ehearsi
    ngmyonewor d
    answerthat'
    sgoingtoputhi minhisplace.
    “Yes,
    ”-i
    stheperfectanswer.Isay,
    tur
    nar oundand
    l
    eave.Ndlali
    facall
    southisnamewar ninglyandI
    hearfoot
    stepscomi ngaft
    erme.
    Hewalksi
    nasIat
    tempttopushthedooronhis
    f
    ace.Thebedi
    sal
    lcreasedupandhiseyesar
    e
    gl
    uedoni
    t.
    “Reall
    y?Com’on,mfethu.
    ”Hesoundsdef
    eat
    ed.Hi
    s
    shakinghandscoverhisf
    ace,
    hesli
    desdownand
    sinksonthefl
    oor.
    “Howcanyoudot hi
    stome?”Idon'tknowi
    fhehas
    ashortmemoryorwhat.He'
    sjustaguywhof ucked
    meandf or
    gotaboutme,t
    here'
    sno“ doi
    ngt
    histo
    him.
    ”
    “Whenyou'
    redonepl
    easegetoutofmyr
    oom,
    ”Isay
    andfi
    xthebed.
    “I'
    mt ryingmybesthere.Ialsohadmyownl if
    e,I
    can'tbeanasshol eandleavet hi
    ngshangingli
    ke
    that.IlostmybabyandIdi dn'tevenknow.Myl i
    fe
    waspl annedbyadeadman. ”He'scr
    yingandI'm
    notsur ewhatmynextst epshoul dbe.Idon'
    teven
    under standwhathe'
    ssaying.
    “Hetookmyparentsawayfrom meandt hent
    ook
    mybaby.Nowyou' r
    ealsodoingthi
    stome,
    Hlasekazi
    ?You'
    rehurt
    ingmel i
    kethi
    s?”
    Deepbreath!Isi
    tont
    hebedandbal
    ancemyel
    bow
    onthepil
    low.
    “Thel
    astt
    imeIcheckIdi
    dn'
    tmeananyt
    hingt
    oyou.
    Yousl
    eptwit
    hmeandt hatwasi
    t.
    ”
    “Youhavenoi deawhatI 'vebeengoi ngthroughthis
    pastweek.Mywhol el i
    fe.Undert heshadowsof
    anotherman.Myex- gir
    lfriendwaspr egnantand
    shemi scarr
    ied.Ionl yfoundoutl astweekand
    everyt
    hingjust…”Hebur i
    eshi sfaceagain.Idohave
    aheartandI '
    mf eeli
    nghi spai nri
    ghtnow.Obvi ously
    Ihavequest i
    ons, therear elotofthingsIdon'tknow
    aboutthismanbutt hat'
    sf oranotherday.Rightnow
    he'shurti
    ngandIneedt of i
    ndawayt ocomf or
    thim.
    “
    Isyourbr
    otherr
    esponsi
    blef
    ort
    hat
    ?”Iask.
    “
    Yes,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Why?”Idon'
    tunder
    standwhatt hi
    sdeadbrother
    want
    sfr
    om him.Imeant hewholepurposeofdyi
    ng
    i
    stobut
    toutofeart
    h’sbusiness.
    “
    Becauseyou'
    ret
    heonechosenf
    rom me,
    ”hesays.
    Thi
    sthi
    ngi
    sser
    ious.
    “
    Whyam It
    hechosenone?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Iwi
    llt
    ellyouoneday,
    ”hesaysanddr
    awsi
    nahuge
    br
    eath.Hedust
    shi
    mselfupandstandsinfr
    ontof
    me.Hiseyesar
    ebl
    oodshotandIr
    ealizej
    usthow
    muchpainhe'
    sgoi
    ngthrough.
    “
    Idi
    dn'
    tsl
    eepwi
    thhi
    m,”Isay.
    Hecl enchedhi
    sjawsandl ooksawayf
    rom me.
    Obviouslyhedoesn'
    tbeli
    eveme, t
    heguyl
    ooked
    fuckedupwhenhel eftt
    hisroom.
    “
    IswearIdidn'
    t,
    butwedidki
    ss,”Isayandwi
    thhol
    d
    t
    hedistur
    bingi
    nfor
    mati
    on.Idon'twantt
    ohur
    thim
    mor
    et hanthi
    s.
    “
    Why?
    ”heasks.
    I'
    m notsur
    ewhichr
    easonhe'
    slooki
    ngfor
    .WhyI
    didn'
    tsl
    eepwi
    thAdeorwhyIkissedhi
    m.
    “
    Ithoughtyouhadl
    eftmet
    oo,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Soyouki
    ssedhi
    m?”
    Eer
    …that
    'swhatIsai
    d,mos.
    “
    Ont
    hebed?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Yes,
    ”Isay,
    noddi
    ngmyhead.
    “
    WasInotwor
    thwai
    ti
    ngf
    or?
    ”
    “Idi
    dn'
    tevenknowwher eyourhear
    twas.I
    'mtir
    ed
    ofwait
    ingforpeoplewhonevercomebackt ome.
    I'
    vebeendownt hatroadbeforeandIt
    houghtwit
    h
    youitwoul
    dbedi ff
    erent.
    ”
    “
    I'
    m sor
    ry,
    ”hesays.
    “Doyouwanttobewi
    thmeorit'
    sbecauseyour
    deadbrot
    herwant
    syout
    o?”Iask.
    “Iwanttobewi thyou.Iwantthatmoret han
    anythi
    nginlif
    e.You'reonethi
    ngt hatNhlanzeko
    gavemet hatI'
    llfor
    everbegratef
    ulfor.Iloveyou
    Hlasekazi
    .”
    Rel
    iefwashesal
    loverme.It
    hrowmysel
    finhi
    s
    ar
    msandhehesi t
    antl
    yhugsme.
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo,
    ”Isayandl
    ookupathi
    schi
    n.
    “Ndondo,
    ”hesaysandlooksaway.Ther
    e'sa
    dif
    fer
    enceinhi
    seyeswhenhesaysNdondoand
    whenhesaysHlasekazi
    .
    “What?
    ”Iask,eventhoughIknowver ywel
    lwhyhe
    can'
    tstomachlooki
    ngatmer ightnow.
    “
    Freshenup,
    Idon'
    twantt
    ospendt
    heni
    ghther
    e,
    we'
    l
    lgosomewher
    eel
    se.
    ”
    “
    Khosiwon'
    tal
    lowmet
    oleave,
    ”Isay.
    “Khosi
    ?Thebitchwhobr
    oughtyouher
    eandsol
    d
    youtoafor
    eigner?
    ”
    Yoh!I
    t'
    snott
    hatdeep.
    “
    Don'
    tcal
    lherabi
    tch,
    ”Isay.
    “
    She'sabit
    chandifsheeverdoessomethi
    ngl
    ike
    t
    hisagai
    n…”Myeyesarewi del
    yopened.I
    she
    t
    hreat
    eni
    ngmyf r
    iend?
    “
    Whatwi
    llyoudo?Huh?
    ”Iask.
    Thewayhelooksatmesomet
    imesmakesme
    bel
    ievet
    hati
    nhisheadI
    '
    m amadwoman.
    “Got akeashowerandyou'll
    findmeoutside.
    ”He
    brushesmychi nwi t
    hhisf
    ingers,
    becauseI'
    mt oo
    dirt
    yf orhi
    mt okisssi
    nceIki
    ssedanotherman, and
    thenwal ksout.
    WasIr eal
    lygoi
    ngtosleepwi
    thAdejusttogetover
    Ndabuko?IdoubtIwasgoingtobeabletogetover
    him buti
    twasgoingtobefun.Sadl
    y,hedidn'
    tget
    to“f
    uckmesogood. ”
    Well
    ,ther
    e'sanot
    hersit
    uati
    on.WhenIcomeoutof
    t
    hebat hr
    oom Khosiandthetwi
    nsarewait
    ingfor
    me.Can’ttheyl
    ett
    hisonesli
    de?I'
    vebeenthr
    ougha
    l
    ot.
    “Youryar
    dnerNdondo?
    ”That
    'sKhosiwear
    ingher
    JudgeJudygown.
    “
    Itj
    usthappened,
    ”Isayandshr
    ugmyshoul
    der
    s.
    “How?”Everyoneisstar
    ingatmeandwaiti
    ngf
    oran
    answertothisone.Ican'
    tbri
    ngupthe“
    dream"
    thi
    ngri
    ghtnow, they'
    l
    lgocrazy.
    “Wej ustcl
    ickedandt
    alked.Aftermyf
    ail
    eddate
    withSenzoheaskedf orhisownchanceandfrom
    therewebecamemor et hanjustempl
    oyerand
    empl oyee.
    ”
    Khosif
    rownsandl
    ooksatNal
    othenatmewi
    th
    di
    sbeli
    ef.
    “I
    twashim,
    right
    ?Hei
    stheonewhoatt
    acked
    Senzoandt
    ookawayhi
    scarandwal
    let
    .”
    Honest
    lyIdon'
    tcar
    eaboutt
    hati
    nci
    dentorSenzo.
    “I
    'mleavi
    ng,
    Khosiyou'
    l
    lcal
    lthedr
    ivert
    ofet
    chyou,
    ”
    Isay.
    “Youl
    ovehi
    m?”Khosi
    .Iknowher
    ,shedoesn'
    tli
    ke
    him.
    “
    He'
    snotabadper
    son,
    ”Idef
    end.
    “
    Onl
    yti
    mewi
    llt
    ell
    .Besaf
    e.”
    .
    .
    Hismoodhasi mpr ovedal i
    tt
    lebit
    .Wear ebackin
    DurbanandIhavenoi deawher eHlomuka’s
    di
    sappearedto.They'retaxiowners,theyobviousl
    y
    wouldn'
    tsleepatthesideoft heroom, butthem
    appeari
    ngeverywher eIgodoesn'tsitwellwithme.
    Am Ibeingstal
    ked?
    Andthi
    sone,
    whyar
    eweheadi
    ngt
    otheNor
    th
    Coast
    ?
    “Wher
    earewegoing?
    ”Iask.I
    t'
    slat
    eandIwanthi
    s
    hugewar
    m bed.
    “
    Ibookedusi
    nBel
    air
    e,wecanhavebr
    eakf
    astby
    t
    hebeachint
    hemorni
    ngandmaybeshopsome
    weavesbef
    oregoi
    nghome,
    ”hesaysandsmi
    lesat
    t
    he“weave”par
    t.
    Soundsi
    nter
    est
    ingbutno,
    thankyou.
    “Wear
    egoi
    ngtoyourhouse.Idi
    dn'
    tleaveahot
    elt
    o
    sl
    eepi
    nadif
    fer
    entone,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Myhouse?”heasks.Whyishel
    ooki
    ngsoshocked?
    I
    '
    vebeentohishousebef
    ore.
    “
    Yes,
    dri
    vet
    oyourhouse,
    ”Isay.
    “Ican'
    t…Imean,
    thecleaner
    sdidn'
    tcomet
    odayand
    everyt
    hingi
    supsidedown,”hesays.
    “Idon'
    tcar
    eNdabuko,
    I'
    m notsl
    eepi
    ngi
    nthehot
    el,
    ”
    Isay.
    “
    Let
    'sgot
    oyourhouset
    hen.
    ”
    Thisi
    sget t
    ingst
    range.Why,allofasudden,he
    doesn'twantmetogot ohishouse?Forthisweir
    d
    react
    ionI'
    m notgoi
    ngt othehotelandI
    'm notgoi
    ng
    tomyhouseandexpl aini
    nghimt oAndiswa.
    “Wear egoi
    ngt
    oyourhouseNdabukooryou'
    re
    dri
    vingmebacktoHi
    mevill
    e.”
    Howisi
    tpossi
    blef
    orsomeonet
    osweatundert
    his
    weat
    her
    ?
    Ihatei
    twhenpeopl
    edothi
    swhil
    eI'
    m dr
    ivi
    ngbutwe
    areher
    ebecauseofhi
    m,Ipul
    lupmyjer
    seyand
    l
    eanbackontheseat.
    “WakemeupatI
    lal
    aRi
    dge,
    ”Isayandcl
    osemy
    eyes.

    Iopenmyeyesandr eali
    zet
    hatI'm sl
    eepinginacar
    ,
    i
    nf r
    ontofhi
    shouse.Ilooknexttomeandf i
    ndhi
    m
    sl
    eepingonthest
    eeringwheel.Didn'
    tIaskhimto
    wakemeupwhenwegether e?I t
    's00:
    56at
    midnight
    .
    “
    Ndabukowakeup!
    ”Ishakehi
    sshoul
    der
    .
    I
    ttur
    nsouthewasn'
    treal
    lyasl
    eep,
    justl
    osti
    nhi
    s
    t
    hought
    s.
    “
    Myneckhur
    ts.Whydi
    dn'
    tyouwakeme?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Idi
    dn'
    twantt
    odi
    stur
    byou.
    ”
    It
    houghtpeoplesayt
    hisonl
    yifsomeonewas
    sl
    eepi
    ngcomf ort
    abl
    y.
    “Let
    'sgoinsi
    de,Iwanttosleeponbed,
    ”Isayand
    openthedoor.Iwil
    lleavethebagsi
    nsi
    deandfet
    ch
    whatIneedinthemor ning.
    “Ndondowai
    t,t
    her
    e'ssomethi
    ngIneedt
    otel
    lyou,
    ”
    hesaysbef
    oreIcl
    imbout.
    Ipause,f
    urrowmybrowsbecauseithastakenhim
    hourstotel
    lmewhateveri
    tis,
    andIstar
    edi r
    ect
    lyat
    hi
    seyesashef i
    ght
    st ogetwordsoutofhismouth.
    “
    It
    'scol
    dst
    handwasami
    ,what
    'sgoi
    ngon?
    ”Iask.
    Hegasps.
    Wel
    l,
    Ijustcal
    ledhi
    m“st
    handwasami
    ”fort
    hef
    ir
    st
    t
    ime.
    “
    Iloveyou,
    ”hesays,
    fai
    ntl
    y.
    He'
    sser
    iousl
    yst
    oppi
    ngmef
    ort
    his?
    “Iloveyoutoo.Pleasecomewiththekeys,I
    'm
    freezi
    ng,”Isay.Helooksevenmorepuffedup.I
    climboutandl eavehiminthecar
    .
    [
    03/
    14,
    08:
    59] :Chapt
    er9
    Ndabuko
    Hewasabl etosleepwithNdondoi naguestr oom
    downst air
    s.Hisalar
    m wassetf or4am andhe' d
    wakeupandgot oFuzeupst airs.Whenitgoesof f
    Ndondoopenshereyesandl ooksar oundi n
    conf usi
    on.Heisuponhi sf eetandput t
    inghisT-
    shi
    r ton.WhyhasGodf orsakenhi m?Howi she
    goingt ogetoutofthi
    ssituation?Ndondowasn' t
    supposedt ocomeher elastni ghtandFuzewas
    supposedt ogot oherparentshouseear l
    iert
    his
    week.Whycan' tbot
    hthesewomenl i
    stent ohi
    m,
    j
    ustf oronce?
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ng?
    ”Ndondoasks.
    Whyissheawakeagai
    n?Couldn'
    tshelethi
    mt i
    ptoe
    out
    ,wakeFuzeupandsneakheroutofthehouse
    bef
    orewaki
    ngup?Everyt
    hingi
    samess.
    “Ihaveaheadache.Iwantt
    oeatsomethi
    ngand
    takeapil
    l,
    ”heli
    esandholdshi
    sbreat
    haspity
    swallowsherf
    ace.
    “I
    'm sor
    ry,
    ifyouneedanyt
    hingwakemeup,”she
    saysandturnstosl
    eepontheothersi
    de.
    Rel
    ief
    !Thatwasclose.Nowheneedstocomeup
    wit
    hanotherl
    iet
    ogetFuzeoutofthehouse.
    It
    'sj
    ustafewminut
    esafter4,whyisthisoneal
    so
    awake?She'
    sunderthecoversandwatchingoneof
    herf
    avouri
    teAmeri
    canrichfamil
    yreali
    tyshows.
    “
    Ithoughtyousl
    eptout
    ,”shesayswhenhereyes
    l
    andonNdabukowal ki
    ngthrought
    hedoor.
    “
    Idi
    d,”hesayssheepi
    shl
    yandsi
    tsont
    hebed.
    Wher
    edohest ar
    tnow?
    Shel
    ower
    stheTVvol
    umeandt
    akesahugebr
    eat
    h.
    “
    Itr
    iedt
    ocal
    lyou,
    ”shesays.
    Hel ooksaway.Thingsar en'tgoi
    ngwellbet
    ween
    them, bothofthem knowt hattheyhaveemotional
    ly
    detached, butt
    hey'
    restil
    lholdingon.Theyneed
    eachot herandhecan' tj
    ustdumpher .Notafter
    fi
    ndingoutt hatshemiscar r
    iedthei
    rbaby.
    “Ihadtocallt
    hedoctoraf
    teryouleft
    .Iwasi
    nso
    muchpai n,mywombhasn' tr
    ecoveredandIkeep
    havingthesecrampsandweirddischar
    ge.
    ”
    “
    Ithoughtyousai
    dever
    ythi
    ngwasokay,
    ”hesays
    asguil
    tbl
    indhi
    svisi
    onwi
    tht
    ear
    s.Agai
    n,hewasn'
    t
    ther
    etosuppor
    ther.
    “
    Thedoct
    orsaidi
    twi
    llt
    aket
    imet
    ohealandgave
    mepai
    nki
    ll
    ers.
    ”
    “
    I'
    m sor
    ry,
    ”hewhi
    sper
    sandbr
    ushesherhand.
    “
    It
    'sf
    ine,
    you'
    reher
    enow.
    ”
    Hecan'tdoi
    t.Hecan'
    ttel
    lhert
    oleave.I
    twoul
    dbe
    cr
    uelandunfai
    r.
    “
    Doyouneedanyt
    hing?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Ineedyou,
    ”shesays.
    Hishear
    ttakest
    hej
    ab.Canhegiveherthatr
    ight
    now?WhataboutNdondodownstai
    rs?
    “Ineedtofetchmyphonedownst
    air
    s,”hesaysand
    kisseshercheek.
    Shenodsherheadandincreasest
    heTVvol
    umeas
    hewalksoutoft
    hei
    rbedroom.

    Hecannotdot
    his.Hecannotsol
    vethi
    ssit
    uation.
    Hel
    ovesNdondoandheknowst hatshe'
    l
    lleavefor
    goodifheevent
    riestoaskhertol
    eave.AndFuze
    doesn'
    tdeser
    vethis,
    notaft
    erever
    ythi
    ngshe'
    sbeen
    thr
    oughforhim.
    Yes,he'snotamanenought ostandupf orhi
    sshit.
    Hecannotcont rolhisli
    fe,t
    hat'swhyNhl anzekohas
    tomakedeci si
    onsf orhim eveninhisgr ave.He
    snatcheshiscarkeysandl eavesquietl
    y.Hecan't
    betherewhent heywakeupandmeeteachot her
    .
    Hedoesn'twantt oseeei t
    heroft hem beinghurtby
    hisl
    iesandunf ait
    hfulness.
    .
    .
    Maqhi ngaopensthedoorwit
    hanannoyedl ookon
    hisface.Noneofhisgir
    lscamet hroughforhim.
    He'shor nyandhungover,
    thelastthingheneedsis
    tobewokenupbysomeonebangi nghisdoorat5in
    themor ning.
    “It
    'syou!
    ”hesayswit
    hasighasheopensthedoor
    forNdabukowholooksl
    ikehe'
    sbei
    ngchasedbya
    bulldog.
    “
    Ndoda,
    I'
    mindeepshi
    t,
    ”hesays.
    Maqhingasi ghs;her
    et heygoagain.Hegoest othe
    fr
    idgeandt akesoutacont ai
    neroflef
    tovers.He
    eatsanyti
    meoft heday,hedoesn'
    thavet heeati
    ng
    ti
    metableli
    keNdabuko.
    Het
    hrowsfoodi
    nsi
    dethemi
    crowaveandt
    urnst
    o
    t
    hesweat
    yNdabuko.
    “Whatdi
    dshedo?”That
    'sNdondo,
    she'stheonl
    y
    onewhocanmakeNdabukosweatlikethi
    sbefor
    e
    thesunevencomesout
    .
    “
    They'
    rebot
    hinthehouse,
    sleepi
    ngindi
    ffer
    ent
    r
    oomsandIdon'tknowwhat'
    sgoingtohappen
    whent
    heyfi
    nall
    ywakeupandseeeachot her.
    ”
    Maqhinga’
    seyeswiden.Thi
    sisthekindof
    ent
    ert
    ainmenthesi
    gnedupf or
    .Yesi t
    'saboutt
    ogo
    down!Whyheneverbuyspopcor n?Thiswil
    lbeli
    ke
    amovie,anact
    ionmovie.
    “Waitforme, Ineedtoputmyclot
    hesonandgeta
    camera.”Heat temptst
    ojogawaybutNdabuko
    fur
    iouslyblockshisway.Thi
    sisnotajokeora
    movie.It'
    shislife!
    “
    Thi
    sisnotaj
    okeMaqhi
    nga.Icoul
    dlosebot
    hof
    t
    hem,
    ”hesays.
    “No,you'rejustscar
    edofMrsFier
    ce.BafoI
    honestlyneedt oseethi
    s,maybet
    hey'
    llf
    ight
    physicall
    yandIwantt oseewhoisstr
    onger
    betweent hem.”
    Heshoul
    d'vegonet
    oNdl al
    if
    a,nott
    hisi
    diot
    .He
    l
    eaveshi
    mi ntheki
    tchenandgoesouttothe
    bal
    cony.
    Hecall
    sNgidi
    .He'
    stheonl
    ypar
    entfi
    gurehehas
    andr
    ightnowheneedsthef
    amil
    ytoint
    ervene.
    .
    .
    Ndondo

    Ican'
    tbeli
    eveNdabukolef
    tmeonbedandnever
    cameback.Ionlyent
    eredhiskit
    chentwice,t
    helast
    ti
    meIwasher eweorderedmostofourf ood.But
    todayIhavetowakeupandf i
    ndmywayar oundthe
    kit
    chen.I
    'm wear
    ingagownIf oundherebecause
    mybagsar einhi
    scarandhel eftwi
    ththem.
    Fir
    st,Ineedacupofbl acktea,andthenI
    'l
    lseewhat
    Icancomeupwi th.Maybeeggsmi xedwithtomat
    o
    rel
    ishandtoast
    edbr ead.He'l
    lhavetogetusedto
    mycooki ngorj
    ointhet ake-
    outcrewinmylife.
    Khosiisworried,Ihavet osendpi ct
    uresofmyself
    i
    naman' skit
    chenandwear i
    nghi sgownt o
    convi
    ncehert hatever yt
    hingisfine.I
    tlookslikemy
    bestfr
    iendandboyf r
    iendwon' tgetalong.Khosi
    l
    ikedhim asmyyar dner,notthetaxiownerwhol ied
    togetint
    omyl i
    fe.AndNdabukor ef
    usest osee
    Khosiforanythingothert hanabi t
    chf r
    iendwho
    soldmet otheNi geri
    anguy.

    Therearefoot
    stepsapproachingtheki
    tchen.I
    thoughtIwasaloneinthishouse.IsNdabukoback?
    Ididn'
    thearanycardri
    vingin.
    IsthatI
    sabel
    laGarci
    aI'm smell
    ing?Whois….Oh,
    she'sher
    einhergorgeousselfandstar
    ingatme
    wit
    hherar msfol
    ded.
    Longr
    elaxedhai
    rti
    edatt
    hebackofherneck,
    Chineseeyesandthincurvedeyebr
    ows.Sl
    im wai
    st,
    widehipsandlonglegs.
    Ihaven'
    tbeenint
    hegamet hatmuchbutmy
    i
    nstinct
    shavespoken.I
    'mjustl
    ostforwor
    ds.
    Wher ei
    sNdabuko?Isshethereasonwhyhedidn'
    t
    wantust ocomehereandendedupusingtheguest
    bedroom?
    “
    Whoar
    eyou?
    ”Iask.
    Shewaswai t
    ingf
    ormetoaskthi
    squesti
    on.She
    chuckles,wal
    ksinandst
    andsbytheendofthe
    counter.
    “ZamafuzeNgcobo,Ndabuko’
    sgi
    rlf
    ri
    end,
    ”shesays
    andsmi r
    ks.DeepdownIwanttoscream myl
    ungs
    outandcry,butIdon'
    tgi
    vepeopl
    ethatmuchpower
    overme.
    “I
    '
    m NdondoSibi
    …”Sher
    oll
    shereyesandwaves
    herhandt
    ostopme.
    “Iknowwhoyouar e.NdondoSibisiandyou'
    re
    Nhlanzeko’
    sgi
    rl
    fr
    iend,”shesaysandcocksher
    eyebrowup,asi
    fshe'schall
    engingmet osay
    otherwi
    se.
    Yougoti
    t,gi
    rl
    .
    “
    Notr eall
    y,I
    '
    m Ndabuko’ sgir
    lfr
    iendaswell
    .”Gosh,
    I
    'dneverparti
    cipat
    eint hesetypeofarguments.I
    'm
    t
    oomat ur
    edforthi
    s.Tosayt hatIhateNdabuko
    wouldbeanunder stat
    ement .Hehadt henerveto
    t
    ravelallt
    hewayt ofetchmef r
    om Himevi
    ll
    ewhi l
    e
    l
    eavingawomani nhishouse.
    Sheblowsoutasi ghandwal
    ksaroundt
    hetabl
    e.I
    t
    l
    ookslikeshewasr eadyf
    orme,
    sheknowsexactl
    y
    what'
    sgoi ngonandsheknowshowshe'sgoi
    ngto
    handl
    ei t
    .
    “Nana,yourownmandi ed.He'ssixf
    eet
    undergroundintheMngomezul uburi
    alsite.You'
    re
    notNdabuko' sgir
    lf
    ri
    end,Iam.You'rehisdead
    brother
    ’sso-cal
    ledwifeandyou'reherebecause
    he'sbeenhaunt i
    ngmyboyf ri
    end.”Shesmi l
    esand
    shakesherhead.“ Andyouownwhatbel ongst ot
    he
    Mngomezul us.YouhaveBant wanaHol dings,
    Nhlanzeko'scompany.”
    Handovert
    hef
    orehead.Shebreaksoutachuckl
    e
    t
    hatset
    smywholebodyi nafl
    ameoff i
    re.
    “Youactual
    lyt houghtt
    hatyouworkedfor
    everyt
    hingthatyouhave,MissJapan?No, you'
    re
    whoyouar et odaybecauseofmyboyfriend’
    s
    brot
    her.You'veneverworkedforanyt
    hinginyour
    l
    ife.
    ”
    Fi
    ghtforyourman,
    doanyt
    hingyouwant
    ,butdo
    nott
    akemywor ket
    hicf
    orgrant
    ed.
    “
    Ihaveneverr
    ecei
    vedanyt
    hingforf
    reeinmyli
    fe.I
    wor
    kedmybut tof
    ftobewhereIam today.
    ”
    Sherol
    lshereyesandgoest
    othef
    ridge.Shegr
    abs
    asli
    ceofcheeseandthr
    owsiti
    nhermout h.
    “Reall
    y?Whydon' tyougoupst air
    stoyour
    boyfri
    end'
    sr oom andcheckhi sdrawer
    s.I
    'm sur
    e
    you'
    llreal
    izehowyourso-calledhardworkwasall
    handedovert oyouinasilverplat
    e.”
    Whoi sthi
    sNhlanzeko?Whati sgoi
    ngonher e?I
    'm
    tr
    yingtobestrong,nott
    ogivethisgir
    lsat
    isf
    acti
    on,
    butmybodyi sfail
    ingme.Ifeelweak,myhearti
    s
    poundingoutofmychest .
    “I
    nthemeanti
    me,Iwil
    lgofindmyhusband-t
    o-be
    andtakehi
    m outf
    orbreakf
    ast.Hecan'
    teatt
    his
    Japanesepor r
    idgeyoucookedher e.Maybedishup
    andtakei tt
    othegrave…umh, i
    ncludeboil
    edeggs,I
    heardthatyourmanl ovedthem somuch. ”She
    tur
    nsar ound,swaysherhipsandl eaves.

    Isi
    nkont hef l
    oorassoonasIheart
    hedoorcl
    osi
    ng.
    Idon'
    thavet ears,
    nothi
    ngcanhel
    pmeexpress
    whatI'
    m goingt hr
    oughatt
    hemoment .
    Myphonei sr
    inging.Ihavenodoubtt
    hatit
    'sKhosi
    .
    Shewasr ightaboutNdabuko.Idon'
    tknowwhohe
    i
    s,everyt
    hingIkeept hinki
    ngIknowabouthim
    changesweekl y.
    Wi t
    hmylastdropofenergy,Idragmysel
    fupand
    got ot
    hestai
    rwayleadingmeup.Idon'tknowwhat
    IhopetoachievebygoingtothisNhl
    anzeko’
    sroom,
    thatwoman'swordscan'tgetoutofmyhead.She
    could'
    vej
    ustsaidallt
    hatformet ol
    eaveherman
    alone.

    Thekeywaslefthangi
    nginthekeyhol
    e.Iguessshe
    knewthatIwasgoingtobel
    ieveherandcomehere,
    henceshemadei
    teasyf
    ormet
    oent
    er.
    Myhear ti
    sheavy.Bef
    oreIevenent
    ert
    hisr
    oom i
    ts
    unset
    tl
    ingaurahasmet ear
    ingup.
    It
    urnt
    hekeyandsl
    owl
    ypusht
    hedoor
    .
    Ist
    epinwi
    thmyeyescast
    edont hefl
    oor,
    Idon’
    t
    rai
    set
    hem unt
    ilI
    '
    mint
    hemi ddl
    eoftheroom.
    Deepbreat
    h!Il
    if
    tthem upandt
    heyl
    andont
    he
    pi
    ctur
    ehangingonthewall.
    Blackl
    eatherjacket
    ,brownknee-
    lengt
    hpantand
    Nikecur
    vedcap.Exact lyhowIknowhim.Exact
    ly
    howhel ookedthefir
    sttimeIsawhim.
    Isthi
    showhechosemet ofindhim?Ont hepict
    ure-
    InMemor yOfNhlanzekoMngomezul u?Ist
    hishow
    hewant edustomeetagai n?Everyt
    hinggoes
    aroundincircl
    es,
    Ican'tkeepupwi t
    hmybr eaths,
    eventuall
    yawaveengul f
    smeandt hrowsmeont he
    fl
    oor,facedownwards.Everythi
    ngisblankaft
    er
    that…
    .
    .
    Ndabuko

    HisunclelivesinThul asi,atMandeni .Itwillt


    ake
    him hourstoar r
    ive,that'
    si fhefindsi tinhisheartto
    come.Rel ati
    vesmakeal lkindofspeechesonyour
    parents’
    funer al
    ,allkindofpr omi sesthatt heynever
    keep.Thel astti
    mehesawsomeofhi sfami l
    y
    member swaswhent hewi llwasr ead,afterfi
    nding
    outthateverythi
    ngbel ongedt oNdabukot heynever
    caredtocomebackorcheckonhi m.
    Ngidihasarri
    vedanditl
    ookslikethey'l
    lhaveto
    l
    eave.Ndlal
    ifaandNgidicanhandlethisont hei
    r
    own.They'l
    lexplai
    ntoNdondot hatherlif
    eis
    desti
    nedtobewi thNdabuko.Therehast obea
    gentl
    ewayt hatcanmakeherunder stand.
    “
    Ndabukoyourcari
    soutside,
    ”Maqhi
    ngasays,
    wal
    kingi
    nwithaconfusedlookonhi
    sface.
    “
    Yeah,
    so?
    ”Ndabuko.
    “
    TheLandRover
    ,”hesays.
    Fuzewal
    ksi
    nbef
    oret
    heycanswal
    lowt
    he
    conversati
    on.Shehardl
    yeverdri
    vesNdabuko’
    s
    cars,
    whi chiswhythey'
    real
    lstar
    ingather
    .
    “Babe,
    Icamet
    otakeyouout
    ,”shesays,
    looki
    ngat
    Ndabuko.
    Nor
    eact
    ion,
    justwi
    deneyesst
    ari
    ngather
    .
    Wherear
    ehermanner
    s?Shecl
    ear
    shert
    hroatand
    l
    ooksatNgi
    di.
    “
    Mor
    ningBaba,
    ninj
    ani
    ?”
    “Wearewellndodakazi
    .Whereisyoursi
    sterwif
    e?”
    Ngidii
    snotabouttomincehiswords,t
    heybot h
    l
    oveNdabuko, r
    ight
    ?Polygamyisnotsomet hi
    ng
    newsot her
    e'snoneedfordramaandbeating
    aroundthebush.
    “
    Mysi
    ster
    wif
    e?”Fuzef
    rowns.
    Ndabuko'
    sbreathi
    sheldup.Theypromi
    sedthat
    t
    hiswil
    lbecarri
    edoutsmoothl
    y,wit
    htheut
    most
    r
    espect.
    “
    I'
    m sur
    eyou'
    vemether
    ,”Ngi
    disays.
    “Wel
    l,notr
    eal
    ly.Love,
    let
    'sgo.
    ”She'
    snowlooki
    ngat
    Ndabuko.Hecan'tgooutwit
    hherforbr
    eakf
    ast
    knowingverywellt
    hatNdondoisbackint
    hehouse.
    Whethertheyhavemetornot,t
    hatwil
    lbesor
    ted
    oncethey'
    realli
    nthehouse.
    “Wehavet otal
    k,”hetel
    lsherandl
    ooksatNgidiand
    Nhlanzeko.Theyallst
    andupandfoll
    oweachot her
    outofthedoor.Maqhingawasn'ti
    nvi
    tedbuthe
    wouldn'tmissoutonthedrama.
    .
    .
    Someonewascooking.Ther
    e'sapanonthestove
    andNdabuko'
    ssleeper
    sonthefloor
    .ButNdondois
    nowher
    einsight
    .
    Hecheckstheroom t
    heyslepti
    n.Itshowsthatshe
    wokeupandt ookashower.Hetakesouthisphone
    andcal
    lshernumber.Herphoneisonvoicemail.
    “
    WhereisMaSibi
    si?
    ”NgidiaskswhenNdabuko
    wal
    ksbackwit
    houtNdondo.
    “
    Ican'
    tfi
    ndher,
    ”hesaysandrushest
    othest
    air
    way.
    Maybeshe'
    ssomewhereupst
    airs.
    “
    Hlase?
    ”Heyel
    lsoutsever
    alt
    imesandl
    ooksi
    n
    ever
    yr oom.Wel l
    ,exceptthelockedone.Sheis
    defi
    nitel
    ygone.Ifshedidn'tseeFuzei nper
    sonshe
    must’vesuspectedthatthereisanotherwoman.
    Maybeshecamet othemai nbedroom andsaw
    Fuze’
    sbel ongi
    ngs.

    Hescroll
    sdownf orAndi
    swa’snumberandcallsher
    .
    Hewashopi ngthatshe’
    l
    lsayNdondoisbackinher
    houseandhewoul d'
    vetri
    edtofet
    chher.Butasfar
    asAndiswaknowsNdondoi sinHimevi
    lle.Nowhe
    hastocallt
    hatKhosiwoman.
    Sigh!Andiswaf
    orwardst
    henumberandhemakes
    anotherphonecal
    l.
    “Yeyibhuti
    !Youtookmyf r
    iendandnowyou'
    re
    askingmewher esheis?Iwantherhomeandsafe.
    Donott estme!
    ”Wi t
    hthatsaidshedr
    opst
    hecall
    .
    Hercl
    othesaresti
    lli
    nhiscar,shecouldn'
    thave
    somewherefar.Buti
    t'sst
    rangethatshedidn'
    teven
    sendhi
    m atext,l
    ashingoutonhim orconfront
    ing
    him.
    Fuzehasser
    vedbreakf
    astandthesepeopl
    ear
    e
    happi
    lydi
    ggi
    nginasifever
    ythi
    ngisokay.
    “Babe,si
    tdownandeat,”Fuzesays.He'snot
    surpr
    isedbyhercalmness,she'
    llneverputhi
    m on
    thestand,nomatt
    erwhat.She'sprobablywai
    ting
    forhi
    mt oexpl
    ainwhat'
    sgoi ngoninhisownt i
    me.
    “
    Ineedt
    ofi
    ndNdondo,
    ”Ndabukosays.
    “
    Andwhoi
    sthat
    ?”Fuzewi
    thaf
    rownonherf
    ace.
    “Iwi
    llt
    ellyouever
    ythi
    ng.Ri
    ghtnowIneedt
    ofi
    nd
    herandbr i
    ngherbackhome.”
    Home-doesn'
    tsitwellwi
    thFuzebutshel
    etsi
    tsl
    ide.
    Thi
    sisherhouse,herhome.
    “Ndl
    ali
    fa?
    ”Ndabukosays,looki
    ngatNdlal
    if
    a.He
    fol
    dsthelastsl
    iceofbr
    ead,shovesi
    tinhi
    smouth
    andgetsoffthechai
    r.
    “
    DoIhavetoaskyout
    oo?
    ”He’
    slooki
    ngat
    Maqhi
    nga.
    “Wear
    ealwaysrunningaft
    erher,
    ”Maqhinga
    mumblesashepushesbackthechair.Ndondois
    goi
    ngtobeatask;everyt
    imetheyhavetofoll
    ow
    herar
    oundandf
    ightpeopl
    eforher
    .
    “Babawewillcal
    lyouoncewe'
    vef
    oundher
    ,”
    Ndlal
    if
    asays.
    Ngidijustshakeshi
    sheadandpi
    ckshi
    shatf
    rom
    thetable.Thi
    sisgoi
    ngtobeonehel
    lofaj
    our
    ney.
    Thisiswhyhenevergotmarri
    ed,
    womenarehard
    tokeepupwi t
    h.
    “LaterMaFuze,”hesaysandwalkstowar
    dst
    he
    door .Hehasthingst
    odoandNdabuko’s
    spinelessnessi
    scosti
    nghim money.
    CarsdriveoutandFuzethrowsdownherf orkand
    takeupt hest
    air
    s.SheknowsthatNdabukodi dn'
    t
    botherchecki
    nginNhlanzeko'
    sroom because
    nobodyevergoesinthere.
    Shepushest
    hedoorandi
    topens.Oops!Ther
    e'sa
    si
    tuat
    ioni
    nsi
    deher
    e.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    00] :Chapt
    er10
    Ndabuko
    ThisKhosichi ckiscal l
    ingagain.Itturnsoutshe' s
    mor ecrazyt hanhet hought .Hesil
    encest hephone
    andput sitaway.Heknowswhatshewant sand
    ri
    ghtnowhe' salsot r
    yingt ounderstandever ythi
    ng
    that'
    shappeni ng.Justaf ewhour sagohel efthis
    Hlasekazifineonbedandnowshe' sbeenadmi t
    ted
    tothehospi tal
    ?Howi shegoi ngtoexpl ai
    nt histo
    hercrazyf r
    iendandf amily?Whati fFuzedidn'tfind
    herlyi
    ngunconsci ouslyont hefl
    oori nNhlanzeko’ s
    room?Theywoul d'
    vesear chedforheral lover
    Durbanandmaybebyt hetimetheyf i
    ndher
    would'vebeent ool at
    e.
    It'
    sshockingandconf
    using.Whatmadehergot o
    thatroom?Andwhatmadeherunconsci ous?
    Couldn'tNhl
    anzekopr
    otecther?Orthisisoneofhis
    tri
    cksofpunishi
    ngNdabuko?Really,nobody
    deservestohaveadeadbrotherl
    ikehim.
    Ndlali
    fadroppedoutofschoolingr ade11,
    some
    peoplearejusttoocoolforschoolandreal
    lydon't
    neededucat i
    on,hewasoneoft hose.Hest
    arted
    dri
    vinghisfather'
    staxisatt
    heageof20, onthe
    roadhe'sveryexperienced,
    whichiswhyhe'st he
    oneont hewheelandspeedi ngpasteveryvehi cl
    e.
    They'rei
    nUmhl angaNet careHospitali
    nnot ime.
    Despitehavingot herimportantduti
    esNdl alif
    a
    knowst hatNdabukoneedst hem nowmor ethan
    ever.He'sthetypet hatcareswayt oomuchabout
    otherpeople.Ifitwasupt ohi m he'
    dneverhur ta
    soul,butthat'
    snothowl i
    ferolls,
    peoplehur tthose
    theylovethemost .
    They'rewelcomedbyanIndianmalenurseatt
    he
    recepti
    on.Theyhavetoexpl
    ainhowthey'r
    erel
    ated
    toMi ssSibi
    si,
    ofwhichNdabukoli
    esandsayshe's
    herfiance.
    “Wehadt oadmitMissNgcoboaswel l
    .Herblood
    pressur
    ewasver yhighwhenshecameher ewith
    thepati
    ent,
    thedoctorisst
    il
    lmoni
    tor
    ingher.”
    Ndabukoshut
    shiseyesandexhalesl
    oudly.I
    nst
    ead
    ofget
    ti
    ngbett
    erthi
    ngsareturni
    ngworse.NowFuze
    i
    salsolyi
    ngonthehospi
    talbed,pr
    obabl
    ybecause
    ofhi
    m.
    “
    CanIseeNdondoSibi
    sifi
    rst?
    ”Rightnow,att
    his
    moment,
    hereal
    izest
    hathe'dneversur
    vive
    pol
    ygamy.He'snotgoi
    ngtogetint
    otwomar
    ri
    ages
    wit
    hdif
    fer
    entwomen.Justaweekofdati
    ngt
    wo
    womenhasshownhi mf l
    ames,howwoul
    da
    l
    if
    eti
    mebel i
    ke?
    “
    We'l
    lwai
    there,”saysNdl
    ali
    fa.Hestopsbefor
    ethe
    war
    dentr
    anceandor der
    sMaqhi nga,who'
    seagert
    o
    wat
    cheveryt
    hingunfol
    d,t
    odot hesame.

    Hefeel
    shereyesonhim ashewalksinwit
    hthe
    nur
    se.Hewantstolookatherbuthe'
    safr
    aidoft
    he
    hat
    redhemightseeinhereyes.
    Befor
    egi
    vingthem pr
    ivacyt
    henursetur
    nst
    ohi
    m
    wit
    hasmilespreadacrosshi
    sface.
    “
    Congr
    atul
    ati
    onsMrMngomezul
    u,”hesays.
    Welcomet oUmhlangaNetcar
    eHospi
    talwher
    eyou
    getcongrat
    ulat
    edforhavi
    nganil
    l,
    angrygi
    rl
    fr
    iend
    star
    ingatyou!

    Hefinal
    lyl
    if
    tsuphiseyesandlooksather.The
    hat
    redheexpectedtofi
    ndisnotther
    e,she'sj
    ust
    stari
    ngathim asifhe'
    sast r
    angershe' snevermet
    i
    nherl if
    e.Thelackofemotionsonherf acehurt
    s
    mor ethananythi
    ng.Shelovedhi m,r
    ight ?Thenwhy
    sheisnotangry?Whyi sshej ustst
    aringathiml i
    ke
    this?
    “
    Hlase…”Sher
    emovestheoxygenmaskf
    rom her
    f
    aceandputsi
    tnextt
    oherpil
    low.
    “
    Don'
    tcal
    lmet
    hat
    ,”shesayscal
    mly.
    “I
    'm sor
    ry.Iknowt
    hatIhavedi
    sappoi
    ntedyou,
    ”he
    says.
    “
    It
    'stoolat
    eforapol
    ogi
    esNdabuko.Ionl
    yneedone
    t
    hingfr
    om you.”
    “
    Anyt
    hingyouwant
    ,”hesays,
    noddi
    nghi
    shead.
    “Howdi dNhlanzekodie?”Herquestiongagshim.
    Hedoesn'tknowwhatr eal
    lyhappenedbetween
    NhlanzekoandNdondo.Hedoesn' tknowwhet her
    theybothkneweachot herorifthefeeli
    ngswer e
    mutual.Andthat'
    sthescar ypart
    ;thepossibi
    li
    tyof
    herbeinginl
    ovewi thhisdeadbr ot
    her.
    “
    Theyshothi
    m,”hesaysandkeepshi
    seyesaway
    f
    rom her
    s.
    “Where?”Nott
    hisquest
    ion!I
    twi
    llhur
    ther
    …buthe
    can'
    tli
    etoheragain,
    canhe?
    “
    Wher
    e,Ndabuko?
    ”sheasksf
    ir
    mly.
    “Onhiswaytoyou.12January2011,
    hehear
    dthat
    youwereinacert
    ainshopinKwaNdamase.He
    wantedtoconf
    esshisfeel
    ingsf
    oryouanddi
    dn'
    t
    gett
    hechanceto.
    ”
    Sheshutshereyes,t
    earsstream downherf acelike
    awaterf
    all
    .Hehasnor i
    ghttobejeal
    ous, Nhlanzeko
    metherfi
    rstandhe'sthereasonwhyt hey'r
    e
    toget
    her
    ,that
    'si
    fthey'
    restil
    ltoget
    her.
    “
    I'
    vebeenlooki
    ngf
    orhi
    m al
    lmyl
    if
    e,”shesaysand
    wai
    lsl
    ouder.
    Twonur sesruninandaskhimtostepaside.His
    hearti
    stornintoamil
    li
    onpiecesashewat chthe
    womanhel oveswi
    thal
    lhisheartcr
    yingoverhis
    brot
    her.
    “MrMngomezul
    uwe'l
    lhavetoaskyout ol
    eave.
    Yourpr
    esencei
    snotgoodforourpat
    ientandthe
    baby,
    ”oneoft
    hem says.
    “
    Thebaby?
    ”Hi
    sagoni
    zedvoi
    cecomesouti
    na
    whi
    sper
    .
    Nobodyhast imetobreakthingsdownforhi m.He
    stepsbackwardsandt ur
    nsar oundandleaves.He
    canriphisheartoutandholditinhi
    spalm unt i
    lit
    coolsdownbecausei thurt
    smor ethananything
    he'severexperi
    enced.
    “Howi sshe?”Ndlal
    if
    a’svoicesnapshi
    m outofhi
    s
    misery,r
    emindinghimt hathehadcompanycoming
    here.
    “
    Idon'
    tknow,
    ”hesays.
    Theyknowthistoneandsqueezedf
    ace,
    theydon'
    t
    quest
    ionf
    urther
    .
    Hedoesn'
    ttel
    lthem t
    hei
    rnextstopbutt
    heyf
    oll
    ow
    hi
    m andwaiti
    nanotherpassage.
    FuzehasthatBPthi
    ngaroundherar
    m.Hewai t
    s
    unti
    lthedoct
    ori
    sdonerecordi
    nginhi
    sfi
    les.

    Sheknowshi
    mli
    ket
    hebackofherhand.She
    knowswhatmakeshim happyandwhatbreakshim.
    Thecondit
    ionhei
    sinrightnowiswhatshefear
    ed
    aboutt
    hiswholeNdondononsense.
    “ThankyouZamafuze,
    ”hesaysandsi
    tsont
    he
    chairnextt
    othebed.
    “You'
    rewel
    comebutyouhavet
    otellmewhoshei
    s
    andwhatshewasdoingi
    nourhouse.”
    “That'
    sNdondoSi bisi
    …Il
    oveher
    .”Sayi
    ngitisnot
    hardashet hought.Asmuchashewant stoprot
    ect
    everyone'
    sfeeli
    ngs,thet
    rut
    hwil
    lfr
    eehimf r
    om thi
    s
    tri
    angle.
    “
    Whatwasshedoi
    ngi
    nNhl
    anzeko'
    sroom?
    ”
    He'sabitshockedbyherreact
    ion.Nomatterhow
    softheart
    edyouare,hear
    ingyourpart
    nerofyear
    s
    sayingthathe'
    sinl
    ovewithanotherwomanmust
    evokesomeki ndofwil
    demot i
    ons.
    “
    Idon'tknow.”Hetri
    estokeephi
    svoi
    cei
    ntact
    .It'
    s
    t
    hetruth,hedoesn'
    tknowwhatNdondowasdoing
    i
    nNhlanzeko'sroom.
    “
    Ihat
    eseei
    ngyoul
    iket
    his.I
    fthi
    sishowshemakes
    youfeelthenIwillpr
    otectyoufrom her
    .Youdon't
    deserveallt
    his.Nobodyhasther i
    ghttomakeyou
    feell
    iket
    hesecondbestver sionofNhlanzeko.You
    arenothim andyou'reenoughasyouar e.”
    Shehaspushedt her ightbutt
    ons.Ndabuko'
    sface
    i
    sbur iedinhishandsandhe' ssnif
    fi
    ngbackhis
    tear
    s.Ndondo’ swor ds-“I'
    vebeenlooki
    ngforhim al
    l
    myl i
    fe"-aresti
    llr
    inginginhisears.Hecanstil
    lsee
    thehur tandpainonherf aceassheheardthat
    Nhlanzekogotshot .
    Sheknewhim andshewasi nlovewit
    hhim.Even
    nowshe'ssti
    lli
    nlovewi
    thhim.Again,Ndabukowi
    ll
    bethebestnumbertwo,j
    ustli
    kehewast ohis
    par
    ents.
    .
    .
    NDONDO

    Khosii
    sher
    eagain,
    fort
    hethi
    rdti
    meinoneday.I
    don'
    tknowwhatshewantsmetodo.Cr
    y?
    Ter
    minat
    ethepr
    egnancy?Ki
    llmysel
    f?
    Whathappenedhashappenedandt her e'
    snothingI
    candoabouti t.Mydreamswer ecrushed, alli
    none
    day.ThemanIhadbel ievedwast hel oveofmyl ife
    foryearsdiedsevenyear sago,onhiswayt ome.
    He'sthebr otherofamanwhodat edmef oraf ew
    daysandcr ushedmyhear tint
    oami lli
    onpi eces.
    He'stheancest orthatwant smemar ri
    edt ohis
    assholeofabr ot
    her.Andt ocompl i
    cat eeverything,
    onemi stakeofbei ng“l
    osti nthemoment "hasl eft
    mewi t
    haMngomezul useedi nmywomb.Iwas
    onlyinhishousef ortwodaysandweused
    protecti
    onmostoft hetimes.Itwast hatone
    i
    ncidentont hecouchwher econdomswer ejustt oo
    farandNdabukowasl i
    keahungr yl i
    on.

    Iwast heside-
    chick.I
    magi ne,awholemet urned
    i
    ntoasi dedishbysomet axiidi
    ot!Hehasnot
    fooledmeonce, nottwice,mywhol elif
    ehasbeen
    turnedintoajoke.Ihavetolivewiththeevi
    denceof
    ourr el
    ati
    onship,
    orwhat everitwas.Hischi
    ld.
    Khosihandsmeagl assofwine.Thi
    sonedi
    dn'
    t
    hearwhatthedoct
    orsaid.I
    '
    M PREGNANT.
    It
    aket
    hegl
    assandputi
    tnextt
    ome.
    “
    Imadecal
    lsandi
    t'
    str
    ue,
    ”shesays.
    ThisonethinksIl
    ivei
    nherhead.Whatisshe
    tal
    kingaboutnow?Ijustst
    areatherandwai
    tfor
    theexpl
    anation.
    “Nhl
    anzekoMngomezul uisthefounderof
    Bant
    wanaHol di
    ngs.MrNgi diwasjustafaceandi
    t
    wasknownthatyou'l
    lgraduate,workunderhi
    mfor
    afewyearsandthentakeover .
    ”
    Ineedtost
    aycalm.Ican'
    tal
    lowthesepeopl
    eto
    breakt
    hebrokenmeanyfurt
    her.
    “
    Ican'
    tbel
    ievet
    hatIt
    rust
    edMrNgi
    di.
    ”Mywhol
    eli
    fe
    i
    sajoke!
    “Nhlanzekowasl ikeasont ohim.He'st
    heonewho
    groomedhi mint hetaxiindust
    ryandhelpedhi
    m
    buyhisf i
    rstt
    axi.Ifanyonewasi nthi
    s,i
    t'
    shim mor
    e
    thanNdabuko. ”
    “Idon'
    twantt
    oheart
    hatman'
    snamei
    nmyhouse,
    ”
    Isay.
    “Sor
    ryfr
    iend,
    butyou'
    repregnantwit
    hhi
    schi
    ldand
    yourpar
    entswil
    lfi
    ndoutaboutit.
    ”
    I'
    m notworri
    edaboutmymot her
    ,it
    'smyfat
    herand
    auntIfear
    .Pregnantbef
    oremarr
    iage?Whata
    disappoi
    ntment!

    Andiswawalksi
    n.Earphonest
    uckedi
    ntheearsand
    fi
    ngersswi
    pingal
    loverthescr
    eenofherphone.
    “
    Mngomezul
    uisher
    e.”Wi
    tht
    hatsai
    dshet
    urnsand
    l
    eaves.
    Thi
    snewbehavi
    orisreall
    ystart
    ingtoannoyme.
    ButIhavemyowndramai nli
    fe.Forinst
    ance,
    the
    ugl
    ymani nmyhouserightnow.
    “
    Iwi
    lldealwi
    thhi
    m,”Khosi
    .
    Ist
    opherwi
    thmyhand.Iwi
    llhandl
    ethi
    soneonmy
    own.
    She'
    snotconvi
    ncedbutwhenIpickt
    hegl
    assof
    wineshebr
    oughtherf
    acerel
    axes.
    He'si
    nhisdungar
    ee,bootsandgl
    oves.I
    fthi
    sishis
    tr
    ickt
    henhedoesn'tknowwhoheisdeali
    ngwith.I
    canfr
    eezemyheartwhenIwantto.
    Hi
    seyesqui
    ckl
    ylandonthegl
    assi
    nmyhandand
    hi
    sfacei
    nst
    ant
    lytr
    ansf
    ormsint
    oanger
    .Hemust
    j
    usttr
    yme!
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”Iask.
    “
    Iwantmyj
    obback,
    ”hesays.
    Deepbr
    eat
    h,Ndondo.
    “
    Wehavef
    oundsomeoneel
    se.
    ”
    “
    I'
    llbehi
    sassi
    stant
    …youdon'
    thavet
    opayme.
    ”
    Yeahr
    ight
    ,you'
    reast
    inki
    ngr
    ichswi
    ne!
    “YourgameisoverNdabuko.Ifyouwantmeoutof
    yourbrot
    her
    'scompanyjustsaythewordandIwil
    l
    resi
    gnwithi
    mmedi at
    eeffect
    .”
    “Ionl
    ywantyourloveback.Iknowi
    t'
    stooearl
    yfor
    youtobel
    ievemebutInevermeanttohurtyou.I
    l
    oveyouwi t
    hallmyheart.
    ”
    “
    AndZamaf
    uze?
    ”Iask.
    “She'
    sthemot herofmychi
    ldandshe'
    snotwell
    .It
    ’s
    hardtojustl
    ethergobutI
    'm wor
    kingonit
    .You'
    re
    theonethatIloveandwe'
    redest
    inedtobe
    toget
    her.”
    “Isuggestthatyouwor konyourr el
    ati
    onshi pwith
    herbecauseyouandIar eover.IdidloveyouandI
    didloveyourbrother.Butbothofyouhavehur tme
    i
    nt hewayIcan' texplai
    n.Yourbr otherthoughtit
    wasokayt odr i
    vemyl i
    fetohisowndi r
    ect i
    on,even
    nowhest i
    llwantstodictat
    eme.Youont heother
    hand, you'
    realiarandacheat i
    ngasshol e.Iwant
    nothingtodowi ththeMngomezul usur name.”
    Ihopethi
    sgetsthroughhist hi
    ckskullbecauseI
    meaneveryword.I'm notgoingtobef ooledbythe
    Mngomezulus.They'r
    enotgoi ngtomakemef eel
    l
    essofawomanandahar dworki
    ngper sonthatI
    am.I'
    m notgoi
    ngtoal lowthem totakemypower .
    Hegrabsmyhands.Thatwasexpectedbecausehe
    knowsnothi
    ngaboutrespect
    .Thegl
    assIhadslips
    andcracksont
    hefloor.
    “Ndabukol etgoofme!”I'
    mf uming.Hereallyhas
    thenervetoevenbegmet obewi thhim whil
    ehe
    hasn'tevengrownapai rofball
    stoendhi s
    rel
    ati
    onshi pwithZamafuze.I
    'm notgoi
    ngt obea
    partofthistri
    angl
    e.
    “Il
    oveyouHl
    asekazi
    ,pl
    easegi
    vemeanot
    her
    chance.
    ”
    DoIneedt
    ospeakPor
    tuguesewi
    tht
    hisman?I
    t’
    s
    OVER!
    Onhi
    sknees…ser
    iousl
    y?!
    .
    .
    Thal
    ent
    e

    “Thal
    echopthecabbage,we'
    llr
    unoutofcolesl
    aw.
    ”
    That'
    sSi
    s’Thandit
    hrowinganotheri
    nst
    ruct
    ion.
    Ihavetokeepremindingmyselfthatthi
    sisbett
    er
    thansi
    tti
    ngathomedoi ngnothing.Myaunt'sf
    riend
    gotmet hi
    sjobandI'm gr
    atef
    ul.It
    'sbehindt
    he
    noisyt
    axirankandIhavetoopenmymout hand
    greetpeopleIdon'tknowalldaylong.Buthal
    f
    breadisbetterthannothi
    ng.Likeother27yearolds,
    I'
    l
    lbeabl etotakecareofmypar entsandsibl
    ings.
    Thepensi onmoneyi snotenough,evencombi ned,
    myl i
    tt
    lesisterdeci
    dedtoaddt othefamil
    yandgot
    pregnantforhergrade10classmat e.

    Allt
    hewayf rom Khangel
    anitoVer
    elum t
    axir
    ankto
    cookandsel lfood.I
    'vebeenheref
    ortwodaysonly
    butI'
    m alreadyexpectedtocookst
    ewanddel i
    ver
    foodallovertherank.
    “Thingshappenfastar
    oundhere,
    ”-That'
    swhat
    Hlelo,Thandi
    '
    syoungcousi
    nwhoal sowor ksher
    e
    withme, hasbeensayi
    ngsinceIgother
    e.
    It'
    sjustafoodshel t
    erwit
    htwobenchesf or
    cust omerswhowantt oeati
    n.Wegether ebefore
    5am andcookr ice,papanddiff
    erentstews.Taxi
    driverspl
    acetheirorder
    severymor ni
    ngandf etch
    them, ordemandt hatwebri
    ngtheirfoodtothem,
    ast hedayconti
    nues.
    I
    '
    veneverbeenaf
    anoft
    axidr
    iver
    s,most
    lybecause
    Ibeli
    evethatt
    heyundermi
    newomen.Evenher e,
    theyhavestar
    tedwit
    hthei
    r“mamazi "r
    emarks.I
    wanttodieeveryt
    imeoneofthem demandsthatwe
    bringhi
    sfoodtowhereheisbecauseitendswi t
    h-
    “canIhaveyournumber?”
    Other
    sarekind,t
    heyfetchtheirf
    oodorsend
    someoneifthey'
    rebusy.Li
    ketheonetheycall
    Hlomuka,hi
    shelperalwaysplacehi
    sorderand
    fet
    chesit
    .Andhenevermakeupst or
    ieswhenit'
    s
    ti
    metopay.
    Becausehe'
    sagoodpersontodayIdishhi
    m ext
    ra
    pi
    ecesofmeatbef
    oreIsealhispl
    ate.
    “
    Youneedtolearnhowt osealpr
    operl
    y,
    ”Hl
    elosays.
    I
    nherheadshe'sSi
    s'Thandi'
    sdeput
    yandIhaveto
    t
    akeor
    dersfr
    om heraswel l
    .
    Wel l
    ,I'
    mt heonl yThalent
    ei nt
    heworldwhodoesn't
    haveanyt al
    ent .Ihavedi
    sappoint
    edmyname.I
    remembert akingt he15t
    hspotinadance
    compet i
    tioninhi ghschool.Iwon'
    tevenmention
    howIwaschasedoutoft hechoirpr
    acti
    cefor
    singingtoohi ghandmessi ngthesongforother
    ki
    ds.

    Wehavedi shedal lmorni


    ngordersandnowwe
    havet owasht hepotsandstartcookingforl
    unch
    orders.Yes,taxidriver
    seatful
    lmeali nthe
    mor ni
    ngsandt hroughouttheday.It
    'ssomethingI
    '
    ll
    neverunder stand.
    “
    Thal
    e!Hl
    elo!
    ”
    Whathavewedonenow?
    “
    Whocookedt
    hebeefst
    ew?
    ”sheasks.
    Hl
    elowastesnosecond,shepoi
    ntsatme.Ihave
    t
    heurgetorollmyeyes.Wearesupposedt
    ost i
    ck
    t
    ogetherandIwastaki
    nginst
    ruct
    ionsfr
    om herwit
    h
    t
    hatstew.
    “Hereistheonewhocooked,
    ”Sis’Thandisays,
    dir
    ecti
    ngt ot
    hetr
    acksui
    tguystandinginfr
    ontofthe
    shelt
    er.
    “
    Hlomukasayst
    hisf
    oodi
    stoosal
    ty,
    ”theguyst
    ell
    s
    me.
    Ican'
    tbel
    ievet
    his!ThesameHl
    omukaIsneaked
    ext
    rapi
    ecesofmeatf
    ori
    sdi
    ssi
    ngmycooki
    ng.
    “There'
    snot
    hingwrongwit
    hthefood,
    other
    wi se
    everyonewould'
    ver
    etur
    nedthef
    oodbynow, ”Isay.
    “Thal
    ente!Yeyyey!”Sherai
    sesupherhandandI
    knowthatIhavef uckedup.Thecust
    omerisal
    ways
    ri
    ghtblablabla.
    Ihadreser
    vedaplat
    eofchi
    ckenformysel
    f,wear
    e
    al
    lowedtodoso,nowIhavetogi
    veitt
    othi
    s
    Hlomukaperson.
    “Gi
    vehimthisonebuti
    t'
    schicken,
    ”Isayand
    exchanget
    heplat
    eswiththeguy.
    Wegetbackt
    owork.Lucki
    lySis’
    Thandihast
    orush
    somewher
    e,t
    her
    e'snoti
    mef orhert
    oshoutatme.
    “Ican'
    tbel
    ieveyoumessedupHl
    omuka’
    sfood.Do
    youknowwhohei s?
    ”
    No,Idon'tbutshe'sabouttobri
    efme.AndIdon'
    t
    knowhowshor tone'
    smemor ycanbe.She
    i
    nstruct
    edmeonever ythi
    ng,ift
    hebeefstewwas
    toosalt
    ythenitwasherf ault
    .
    “
    Hisf
    atheri
    saboutt
    obecomet
    heassoci
    ati
    on
    chai
    rmanandt heyownfivet
    axi
    sinthisrankalone.
    You'
    reluckyitwasNdl al
    if
    aandnotMaqhi nga.That
    onewould'vetoldthewholer
    ankthatyoucook
    sal
    tyfood.”
    Thi
    sthingofworshi
    pingotherhumanbei
    ngsi
    s
    bor
    ing.I'
    mluckymyleftf
    oot!
    “TheycangetSisThandioutofthi
    sshelt
    erany
    minutetheywant.Andwherewillt
    hatputus?
    You'r
    egoingbacktoNgudwi nit
    odrinkwaterwi
    th
    thegoatsandploughcrops.
    ”
    DidIsayIhavenot al
    ent?Well,
    notr eall
    y.Ihavea
    goodclap.I
    'm goi
    ngtoslapthisgirlsohar dthat
    she'
    llseeDurbanstat
    ionli
    ghtsfl
    ickeringrightin
    fr
    ontofhereyes.Whosai dwedr i
    nkwat erwiththe
    goat
    s?Ihatebeingundermined.

    “
    Yeysi
    ster
    a!”
    Welookup.I
    t'
    sHl
    omuka’
    ser
    randboyagai
    n.What
    now?!
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fasayshecan'
    teatt
    his.Heor
    der
    edbeef
    becausehewantedbeef
    ,”hesaysandput
    sthe
    chi
    ckenplat
    eIgavehim onoursmallt
    abl
    e.
    Hlel
    oisscar ed.Shewantsmet ogetonmyknees
    andaskf orforgi
    veness.MaybeevenruntoChester,
    usemyl astcentandbuyat rayofmeattospeci
    ally
    cookforthisHlomukaguy.
    “
    Wher
    eishe?
    ”Iask.
    Hef
    rownsasHl
    elo’
    seyeswi
    den.
    “
    He'si
    nthatwhi
    tequant
    um,
    ”hesaysandpoi
    ntsat
    i
    t.
    Itakethebeefplatethather
    etur
    nedearl
    ierand
    makemywayt ot hequantum.Theerr
    andboy
    remainswithHleloinsi
    detheshel
    ter
    .

    He'ssit
    ti
    ngbehi
    ndthest eeri
    ngwheelwit
    hhiscap
    coveri
    nghisf
    ace.Idon'tknowifhe’
    ssleepi
    ngor
    j
    ustresti
    ngbecausehisfatherki
    ndaownsthisr
    ank.
    “
    Hey.Ar
    eyouNdl
    ali
    fa?
    ”Iaskout
    sidet
    hewi
    ndow.
    Hewasn'
    tsl
    eepi
    ng.Her
    emovesthecapfr
    om hi
    s
    f
    aceandfr
    owns.Gum?Ihat
    epeoplewhochew
    gum,t
    heyremindmeofgoat
    s;al
    wayschewi
    ng
    somet
    hingyoucan'
    tsee.
    “
    Yeah,
    ”hesaysfl
    atl
    ybuthisst
    inki
    ngat
    ti
    tudei
    s
    muchevi
    denti
    nhistone.
    “
    Youor
    der
    edabeefpl
    ate,
    didn'
    tyou?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Yeah.
    ”
    Ihat
    ethi
    sfl
    at“
    yeah"ofhi
    s.
    “Wel l,her
    eisyouror der .I
    t'
    st hebeeft hatyou
    order ed.I
    'm notgoingt olosemyj obbecauseyou
    thi
    nkyouhavet herightt ojudgemycooki ngskill
    s.
    Ever yonehaseat ent heirfood,sowi llyou.Ifyou
    feellikethesaltist
    oomuchf oryou, you'
    lleit
    her
    bringyourownf oodorwai tunti
    lI'
    vel ear
    nttocook
    upt oyoursat i
    sfacti
    on.Butyouwi llnotsendpeopl e
    tot urnmeagai nstSis’ Thandi .
    ”
    He'ssti
    llfr
    owni ng.Igivetheplat
    etohim andhe
    hesit
    antlytakesit.Iwipemyhandsont heapron
    andcrosst heroad.I'vecomet oofar,
    twotowns
    away,Ican'tlosemyj obonlyaft
    ertwodays.
    Imaginewheel i
    ngt hesuitcasesandgoingback
    homewi t
    houtadi me!
    Sis’Thandii
    sbackandwear esweatingont he
    stovesandchoppingsal
    ads.Ever
    ynowandt hen
    wehavet owaveourhandsatregularcustomer s
    andcastevileyesatMam'Ntombiacr osstheroad
    becauseshei ssel
    li
    nghot
    dogsandt akingsomeof
    ourcustomers.
    “Hl
    omukawherearetheboys?
    ”Si
    s’Thandiasksi
    n
    anext
    ra-
    cheer
    fulvoi
    ce.
    Il
    if
    tmyheadupandmyeyesmeett heHlomuka
    man's.Myheartstar
    tspoundi
    ngagainstmychest
    .I
    hopehe'snotheretotel
    lhert
    ofi
    reme.
    Hetear
    shi
    seyesawayf
    rom meandl
    ooksatSi
    s’
    Thandi
    .
    “
    They'
    rearound.I
    '
    m br
    ingi
    ngyourpl
    ate,
    thanksf
    or
    t
    hefood.
    ”
    Ir
    eleaseasi
    ghofr
    eli
    ef.
    “Ndlal
    ifabaki
    thi
    !Ther
    ewasnoneedt
    owasht
    he
    plat
    e,theywould'
    vewashedi
    t.
    ”
    Whoi
    s“t
    hey"
    ?Hl
    eloi
    snoddi
    ngherheadwi
    tha
    st
    upi
    dsmi
    leonherf
    ace.
    “
    Whoi
    sthi
    snewl
    ady?
    ”heasks.
    Icr
    easeahugef
    rownonmyf
    orehead.Hemust
    n't
    dar
    e!
    Hegr
    acefull
    yfrownsback.Oh,
    sonowwear
    eina
    f
    rowncontest?
    “Thi
    sisThalenteMbat ha, mynewassist
    ant.Don't
    l
    eaveherst r
    andedi fyouseeheront her
    oad,”Sis’
    Thandisays.Isti
    llcan'tbeli
    eveshehasthi
    s
    cheer
    fulsideinher.
    “Def
    ini
    tel
    y.Her
    e,getyoursel
    vesacol
    ddr
    ink,
    ”he
    saysandhandsSis’ThandiaR50.
    Mostoft
    hem dot
    hisandwenevergetanycol
    d
    dr
    ink.
    Heputshiscapbackonandwalkspastmeand
    Hl
    elochoppingtheveget
    abl
    esattheendofthe
    t
    able.Ihaveacarr
    otinmyhand,hesnatchesi
    tand
    l
    eaves.
    “
    Shhhhh!
    ”Hl
    elosaysandpassesanot
    hercar
    rott
    o
    me.
    I
    tseemslikeIwil
    lhavetokeepmyhear
    tbeat
    monit
    oredinthi
    splacebecause,
    wow!
    Afewst epsawayheturnshi
    sheadandl ooksback.
    He'
    schewi ngthecar
    rotandsomethinginme
    bel
    ievesthathedi
    dthisonpurpose.Expl
    aint
    hat
    smirkonhisface!
    “
    It
    'sj
    ustacar
    rot
    ,”Hl
    elowhi
    sper
    s.
    It
    akemyeyesawayf
    rom hi
    m andr
    eleaseasi
    gh.
    “Yes,butIwaschoppi
    ngi
    t.Hecoul
    d'vet
    aken
    anotherone,
    ”Isay.
    “
    He'
    sNdl
    ali
    faNgi
    di.
    ”
    Si
    gh!

    (Hl
    omukai
    stheNgidicl
    anname.Sorr
    yforthe
    conf
    usi
    on,
    someti
    mesIt hi
    nkever
    yoneisZulu
    )
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    00] :Chapt
    er11
    Zamaf
    uze
    She'sstillhere,doingherbestast hegirl
    fri
    end.
    Ndabukoi stakingt hebreakupt hehardway.It'
    s
    actual
    lyr idi
    culous, he'
    snott hef i
    rstmantoget
    dumpedanddef i
    nitel
    ynott helastone.He'sacting
    asifhiswor l
    dhasendedandFuze' sgoalfrom now
    onwar dismaki ngsur ethather eali
    zesthatNdondo
    i
    snot hingot herthanoneofNhl anzeko’
    smany
    spoil
    t-
    br atentit
    lement s.

    Hehashi sbackagai
    nsther,dr
    owningi
    nhissorrow
    ashe'sbeenthewholeday,Fuzethr
    owsherleg
    overhim andwrapsherar
    msar oundhi
    swaist.
    Hisbodydoesn'
    treactt
    ohertouch.Annoyi
    ng!She
    col
    lect
    safewbreathsandremovesherleg.
    “Ndabukoyouhavet
    ogetyoursel
    ftoget
    her.Ican'
    t
    bearseei
    ngyouli
    kethi
    sbecauseofNhlanzeko,
    ”
    shesays.
    Hedoesn'
    tsayanyt
    hing.Sigh!Shecr
    awl
    soverhi
    m
    andst
    andsinfr
    ontofhisface.
    “I
    '
    m here,
    justl
    ikeIt
    oldyouf
    ouryear
    sago,
    I'
    m not
    goingt
    oleave.
    ”
    Heli
    ft
    shi seyesandl ooksather.Theybothknow
    i
    t'
    sover;shehasl osthim andhehasl osthi
    msel
    f
    onsomeoneel se.Whyi sshesti
    llhere?
    “
    WhyZamaf
    uze?
    ”heasks.
    “
    BecauseIl
    oveyou,
    ”shesays.
    “Yourloveneedstober
    eci
    procated,whyar
    eyou
    sti
    llhere?Youdeser
    vebet
    terFuze.”
    “IfIwantedtobesomewhereelseIwoul
    d'vel
    eft
    threeyearsagowhenyouturnedint
    oavegetable
    andIhadt oputmylif
    eonhol dtobat
    heyou,feed
    youandwi peyourar
    se.”
    Hetear
    shiseyesawayfrom her
    .Shereal
    izeswhat
    shehasdoneandrubsherpalmsoverherthi
    ghs.
    That
    'snothowshewassupposedtotalktohim.
    Shedoesn'
    ttal
    ktohi
    mlikethat.
    “I
    'm sor
    ry,Iknowthatwasthehardestyearofour
    l
    ives.WhatI'mtryi
    ngtodoisshowyouhow
    Nhlanzekokeepsmakingyourli
    femi ser
    able.Thi
    s
    Ndondot
    hingi
    soneofhi
    sst
    unt
    s.”
    “Idon'
    twanttotal
    kabouti
    t,
    ”hesaysandpul
    lst
    he
    coversoverhi
    shead.
    Awaveoff urycrashesthr
    oughherveinsbutshe
    stayscalm.Shemayhavef orgot
    tenhowhappi ness
    tastedli
    kebuthemakeshercomf ort
    able.He
    providesli
    keaman, amanherownf athernever
    was.She' slivi
    ngt heli
    fehermothernevergottoli
    ve.
    What everittakes,shehastodoherbestt okeep
    him.
    “I
    t'
    sbeenoveraweekNdabukoandwej
    ustsl
    eep.
    Youdon'
    teventouchme!
    ”
    Si
    lence.
    “NdabukoIunderstandt
    hatyou'
    reunderalotof
    str
    essandconf usedbyever
    ythi
    ngthat
    'shappening.
    Butthelastt
    hingIwanttodoisseekpleasur
    eelse
    where.
    ”
    That'
    si t
    !Hetoler
    atesherpresencebecauseshe
    doesn'ttal
    k.Shedoesn'
    tnag.ButthisnewFuze;the
    onewhodemandst obetouchedandnoticed,
    is
    i
    rri
    tat
    ing.
    Hetakeshi
    sphoneandpul
    lsonepi
    ll
    ow.Hereyes
    gr
    owwi dei
    nshock.
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ng?
    ”sheasks.
    Hetakesoffwit
    houtsayingaword.Whenhecloses
    thedoorbehi
    ndhim shesinksonthebedandhugs
    herownkneesintears.

    It'
    slat
    e,al
    mostnine,buthermotherwillal
    waysbe
    therewhensheneedsashoul dert
    ocryon.She's
    alwaysther
    e,pat
    tingherbackandtell
    ingherto
    soli
    deron.
    “Dowhat everyouhavetodoZamaf uze.Youcannot
    l
    oset hatman, i
    maginewhatyourcousinswould
    say!Yourunclesarewait
    ingforabakhongi.Pl
    ease
    pullyoursel
    ftoget
    her.
    ”
    Theychatforawhi l
    e,byt heti
    mesheget soffthe
    phoneshe'
    sf eel
    ingbetterthanshewasbef ore.
    Whosaiditwasgoi ngtobeeasy?Shehasputup
    wit
    hthismanf oryears,thiswil
    lbeoneofthose
    phaseswhereshe'llhavet oputherneedsasideand
    makesurethatNdabukopul l
    sout.Sheknowshow
    aggr
    essi
    veNhl
    anzekocanbe.

    Whenshewakesupshegoest ot
    heguestroom t
    o
    checkonNdabuko.Thebedi
    sempty;he'
    sgone.
    She'l
    lapologi
    zewhenhecomesback, pr
    obabl
    ylate
    i
    nt heeveningbecausewhenhewakesupearl
    ylike
    thi
    sitmeanshe'sgonetothetaxir
    ankandwil
    lbe
    backlate.
    Shealsohastoski
    pbr eakf
    ast,themanshewant s
    toseeisabusybee.Sheget soutoftheshowerand
    putsonherdarkgreenpeplum dress,
    scar
    faround
    herheadandlace-
    upsandal s.
    Ngi dii
    saZul uman,hemaynothavemuchi nt
    erest
    i
    nt akingawi f
    ehimselfbuthemusthavesome
    stereotypical“wi
    femateri
    aldresscode”
    expect at
    ions.Byloveandloyalt
    y,he'
    sNdabuko's
    father,andt ocementherpositi
    oninNdabuko'
    slif
    e
    Fuzeneedst hisman'sapproval.
    No, she'
    snotgoingweara“golddigger
    "tagonher
    backbydr i
    vingNdabuko’
    ssportcarseveryt
    imeshe
    stepsoutofthehouse.SherequestsanUberand
    headst
    oNgi
    di’
    shouse.

    Toavoidgoi
    ngt
    hroughsecur
    it
    ychecksandall
    ,she
    deci
    destogi
    vehi
    m acallast
    hecardri
    vestowards
    thegat
    e.
    Itsoundsli
    kehe'sintherushtosomewher ebut
    whenhehear sthatit
    'sNdabuko’
    sl ong-
    ter
    m
    girl
    fr
    iendheordersforhertobeletin.
    Intheblacksoci etywher emostmenheadt o
    Johannesbur gtodi gmi nesandsquatincr owdy
    hostel
    st ohaveashel terabovethei
    rheads, i
    t’
    s
    eyebrow-raisingt oseeamant hi
    ssucessfulwithout
    anythi
    ngt angi bl
    ef rom hisbackground,andont op
    ofthathest aysal one.Whyi shenotmar r
    ied?
    Obviously,thewor disoutt here,
    keptunderbreaths,
    thatNgidipr acti
    cedukut hwalatogetwherehei s.
    Butthat'
    st hest oryf oranotherday.
    He'
    sstar
    ingatZamafuzeasshemakesherway
    t
    owardsthewidel
    yopeneddoor.
    “
    IsNdabukookay?
    ”heasks,cl
    earl
    yconcer
    ned
    moreaboutt
    heabsentper
    sonthantheoneinf
    ront
    ofhi
    m.
    “He'sfi
    ne, baba,”shelieswithasmi l
    eonherf ace.
    It'
    saskillshehasl earnttomast erexcell
    entl
    yover
    theyears.Shecomesf rom averylargefamil
    y;
    auntsandt hei
    rrebell
    iouschildr
    en,unclesandt hei
    r
    diff
    erentgirlf
    ri
    ends.Ever yoneisthereandshe'sthe
    mostst ableonei nthef amil
    y.Withallthemoney
    Ndabukogi vesher,al
    lt hegif
    tsandluxurioustri
    ps,
    she'sexpect edtoalwayshaveasmi leonherf ace.

    Theysett
    leintheloungeandNgi di’
    shousekeeper
    rushesi
    nwi thsnacksanddrinks.Averybeautiful
    womanshei s,
    housekeepi
    ngwi thamudofmake-
    uponherf aceandabody-huggingt i
    ghtunifor
    m.
    Butwearenott here,
    it'
    sastoryforanotherday.
    “
    Whatbr
    ingsyouher
    e?”Ngi
    diasks.
    Aheavysi
    gh!Shewearsaconcer
    nedfaceand
    t
    akesali
    tt
    lesi
    pfrom t
    heor
    angejuicei
    nherhand.
    “Howwastherel
    ati
    onshi
    pbet
    weenNhl
    anzekoand
    hismot
    her
    ?”sheasks.
    I
    t'
    sastrangequest
    ion;she'
    swi
    thNdabuko,
    not
    Nhl
    anzeko.
    “
    Whydoyouask?
    ”Ngi
    dicocksuphi
    seyebr
    ow.
    “IfeellikeNdabukoneedst ot alktosomeone
    prof essionalaboutt hedeat hsofhi sbrotherand
    parent s.Outofcur iosit
    y,Ialsowantt oknowhow
    mymot her-i
    n-lawwas, Ican' tgetanythingoutof
    Ndabuko.Hesayst heywer enotclose.”She
    accompani esherwor dswi thani nnocentsmi l
    e.
    Ngi dican'thelpbutbepl easedaboutt hisyoung
    woman' sdedi cati
    onandl ovef orNdabuko.
    “Ndabukohasal
    waysbeen….”He'sst
    ruggl
    ingwi
    th
    agood,fit
    ti
    ngt
    erm.Cheeseboy?No.ModelCguy?
    Notreal
    ly.
    “He'
    seducated,moreeducat
    edt
    hannecessar
    y.
    Andthathasalwaysbeenthepr
    obl
    em.”
    “
    Thatheiseducat
    ed?
    ”She'
    sconf
    used.Thi
    sdoesn'
    t
    makeanysense.
    “Hewant edt
    obetreat
    edli
    keawhitechil
    d.Hugs,
    kisses,
    bedti
    mestori
    esandallt
    hatnonsense.Whi
    le
    Nhlanzekowasoutther
    e,doi
    ngwhateverheneeded
    t
    odot
    oputf
    oodont
    het
    abl
    e.”
    “Butmothersal
    waysgetcl
    osert
    othei
    remot
    ional
    needychil
    dren.
    ”
    “Therewasnot i
    mef orthat.Heneededt ogr owup
    butherefused.Nhl
    anzekot ri
    ed,hereallydid.He
    eventookhimt ooneoft henightmissions,hopi
    ng
    thathe'
    l
    lseelif
    eofabl ackchildasitis,buthe
    wantedtobuildaeropl
    anes.”
    Herheadisgr
    acedwit
    hcuri
    osi
    ty,
    butnowisnott
    he
    t
    imetofishi
    nfor
    mati
    onaboutni
    ghtmissi
    ons.
    “Sothemotherchosetherebel
    li
    ousson?
    ”Words
    areabitbl
    untbutNgidiseemsnottobeoff
    ended
    onNhlanzeko'
    sbehalf.
    “Nhl anzekogott
    hingsdone.Hedidn'
    tneedt
    obe
    kissedont hefor
    ehead,abasinofwarm wat
    erand
    apl ateoffoodwereallheneededbefor
    egoi
    ngto
    bed.Ahandsqueezeandpackedl unchwere
    enought ogethi
    mr eadyfort
    heday.”
    Hetakesanot
    hersi
    pfr
    om hisdri
    nkandl
    etst
    he
    smi
    leonhisfacebr
    oadensatthememor
    yof
    Nhl
    anzeko.
    “Onemama- boyi
    sht hi
    ngabouthi m wast hat,upt o
    theageoft wenty-si
    xhest i
    llneededhismot herto
    combhi shair.Shewasawomanofper f
    ectionand
    hewasaboyoft hestr
    eets.Hewast heonl yman, in
    thewholetaxirank,who'dcomei nthemor nings
    smelli
    ngofcoconuthai roil
    sandspr ays.”Hebr eaks
    i
    ntolaughter,asifwell
    -kepthairist
    hemost
    ri
    dicul
    ousthingamancoul deverdo.
    “
    WhataboutNdabuko'
    shai
    r?”sheasks.
    “Idon'
    tknow.Hewasaschoolboywhospokebi
    g
    Engli
    shwordsandwor
    eties.
    ”
    “Real
    ly?”There'sasmi leonherface,agenuineone.
    Despiteeveryt
    hingt hathashappenedandt hefact
    thatNdabukonol ongerli
    vestheli
    feheonce
    dreamedof ,she'sproudofhim andwhathe
    accomplished.
    “Yes,ther
    ewasthisoneti
    mewhenawhi t
    eman
    from Germanycamet omeetusforacert
    aindeal
    ,
    Ndlali
    faandNhlanzekohadtogokidnapNdabuko
    from schoolsot
    hathecouldcomeandt r
    ansl
    atefor
    us.”
    “
    Kidnap?
    ”sheaskswit
    hachuckl
    e,t
    hinki
    ngt
    hat
    maybehemisusedt
    heword.
    “Yes, ki
    dnap.Hehadani mpor
    tantsciencethi
    ngto
    att
    endandbl at
    antl
    yr ef
    usedtohelpoutwhen
    Nhl anzekoasked.Hehadnoot herchoicebutto
    forcefull
    ytakehim outofwhatevereventitwas.
    ”
    JesusChrist
    !Whatki
    ndofabrot
    herwashe?
    Kidnappi
    ngyourownbrot
    her
    !
    “Di
    dheloveNdabuko?”sheaskswhatshet
    hinks
    Ndabukoal
    soaskshimselfever
    yday.
    “Boysarenotli
    keyougirl
    s,t
    heydon'tsendeach
    otherbunchesoff
    lowersandgli
    tt
    eri
    ngear ri
    ngs.He
    mayhavenotshowni tthewayNdabuko
    underst
    oodbutmyboyl ovedhisfamil
    y.Hel oved
    hisbrot
    herandhetrust
    edhim wit
    hever yt
    hing.”
    “YoumeanNdondo?”She'sf
    ight
    ingtheurgetorol
    l
    hereyesbutherf
    acesel
    lsoutheremoti
    ons.Ngidi
    's
    eyesareonherassheli
    ft
    sthedrinkt
    oherlipsand
    gulpsdownahugesip.
    .
    .
    Accordi
    ngt owhatshesawt heotherday,her
    competit
    orseemst ol eaveherMi ss-Know-I
    t-
    All
    brai
    nsoutofthekitchen.Thegi rliscluel
    essint
    he
    kit
    chen,evenherownmot hernolongercooks
    tomatoreli
    shli
    keher .Nott oment i
    onherburnt,
    dry
    eggsthatwould'
    ver equiredNdabukot ost
    andup
    andstompshi sfootont hef l
    oorbeforeswall
    owing.
    Shehasgoneoutofherwaywi thdinner
    .Creamy
    samp,Frenchstirfryandchickendrummets.
    Ndabuko’sfavourit
    ecinnamonf l
    avouredbutter
    nut
    i
    salmostr eady,shejustneedtogeteveryt
    hingto
    thet
    able.

    He'ssober,oneofthet
    hingshehatesabouthimself
    ;
    theinabi
    li
    tytodri
    nkhissorrowsaway.Themout h-
    wateri
    ngaromacomi ngf r
    om hi
    shousei sevi
    dence
    enoughthatFuzeissti
    llverymuchpresent.
    I
    t’
    sbeendays,he'ssendi
    ngtextmessagesever
    y
    morni
    ngwit
    houtf ai
    l.Hemakessurethatabunchof
    f
    lower
    sisdeli
    veredtoherof
    ficeever
    yday.Ther
    e
    haven'
    tbeenanyresponsesof
    ar,buthe'
    snot
    gi
    vingup.He'
    dr at
    hermakeafoolofhimsel
    fthant
    o
    l
    etgoofhis“famil
    y.”

    “Mngomezuluyou'r
    ehome.”It
    'sFuze'
    svoi
    cebuti t
    remindshi
    m ofthatdayneart
    hepoolinHlasekazi
    ’s
    housewhenshecal l
    edhimthi
    swayf ort
    hef i
    rst
    ti
    me.
    “Hey,”hesays,
    tryi
    ngnott
    osoundt
    oof
    latand
    bored.
    “
    Howwasyourday?”sheasksasshet
    akeshi
    s
    j
    acketof
    fhi
    sshoul
    ders.
    “
    Busy,
    ”hesaysaf
    tercl
    ear
    inghi
    sthr
    oat
    .
    Shegrabshishandandl eadshi mtowardsthe
    dini
    ngroom.Foodi sthelastthingt
    olight
    enuphi
    s
    moodbutabasi nofwat erplacedontopofthe
    tabl
    ejustf
    orhim causeshishear tt
    oleapup.
    “Washyourhandsandsi
    t,
    ”sheor
    der
    sandgoesout
    oft
    heroom.
    Foramomenthe' sjustst
    andingthereandscanni
    ng
    hiseyesar
    oundthet abl
    e.Thenhesoakshishands
    i
    nsidethebasi
    nofwar m water.I
    t'
    sjustwat
    er,
    ther
    e'snoneedtofeelsohonoured.

    She'sbackatbei
    ngtheFuzeheknowsandhad
    onceloved.She'
    ssit
    ti
    ngqui
    etl
    yathersi
    deand
    focusedonherfood.
    “Oneofthedri
    versgotarrest
    ed.Ihavet
    ogopast
    thepoli
    cestat
    iontomorr
    owandseewhatIcando.”
    Bri
    bewhoeverhef indst
    hereandgethisdr
    iver
    rel
    eased,t
    hat'
    swhathemeans.
    “
    Theyhaveaf inalmeeti
    ngnextWednesday.Ngidi
    wil
    leitherbecomet hechai
    rmanorweareempt ying
    t
    her anks,”hesays.
    “
    Won'
    tthatl
    eadi
    ntoanot
    herf
    ight
    ?”Fuzeasks.
    “
    IfBhengudoesn'
    tst
    epdownt
    hent
    hat
    'swher
    eit
    mightend.
    ”
    She'
    sbeenar
    oundforf
    ouryear
    s;sheknowsthi
    s
    l
    if
    e.Butnomatt
    erhowmanynightsyourman
    comeshomei nonepi ece,youcannothel pbut
    wonderi fonedayyou' llr
    eceiveacalltogoi denti
    fy
    thebody.Itwasbet terwhenNdabukohat edthisl
    ife,
    Ngidididn’tlethim partakeintofi
    ghts,butnowhe' s
    l
    ikeoneoft hem.Hel eaveswi t
    hagunt ucked
    behindhiswai standaGol ff ul
    lofbodyguar ds
    fol
    lowinghi m around.
    I
    t '
    sanormaldinnert
    heyhaven'
    thadinalongti
    me.
    Theconversat
    ionisnot
    hingaboutthemsel
    vesbut
    they'
    ret
    alki
    ng.That'
    ssomethi
    ng,ri
    ght?

    Shewastemptedtoaskgoi
    ngtot
    heshowerwith
    hi
    m butshedoesn'
    twantt
    obepushy.Notwhen
    he'
    sstar
    ti
    ngtocomearound.
    Hecomesbackwear
    ingpyj
    amas,
    clear
    lydenyi
    ng
    hert
    hevi
    ewofhist
    empti
    ngbody.
    Shesmil
    esandgoesoverhim wi
    thabot
    tl
    eofFi
    rst
    Cl
    asscoconuthai
    rf
    oodinherhand.
    “
    Iknewyouwoul
    dn'
    tcombyourhai
    r,
    ”shesays.
    Hef
    rownsasshepul
    lsoutaf
    ine-
    toot
    hcomb.
    “Comeandsi
    tonbed,”sheor
    der
    sasshepul
    lshi
    s
    handt
    owardsthebed.
    “Fuzemyhairi
    sokay,
    ”hesays,
    regr
    ett
    ingwhyhe
    didn'
    tshavewhenhehadt
    ime.
    “
    SitNdabuko!
    ”Hervoi
    cei
    sst
    eadybutt
    hesof
    tFuze
    i
    ssti
    llt
    here.
    Heobeysandsi
    ts.

    Herfingersruntender
    lyonhisscalpassheapplies
    thehairfood.Hiseyesarecl
    osed,allowi
    nghis
    nervestosettl
    edownandt hesmell ofcoconutt
    o
    fi
    lluphisnostri
    ls.
    Hepickshi
    sshorthairwi
    thacombsof t
    lyf
    rom the
    f
    rontandpull
    sital
    lthewaytothebackofhishead.
    Akissont hecheekopenshi
    seyes.Helooksather,
    ever
    ythinginhi
    m hasbeensoft
    en,hejustwantst
    o
    snugglehimsel
    finherarmsandfeelherwarm
    embrace.
    “Youlooksocute,
    ”shesayswi
    thahugesmi
    le
    plast
    eredonherface.
    Hepul
    lsheri
    ntohi
    sarms,theysnuggl
    eint
    owhat
    f
    eel
    sli
    ketheworl
    d'sl
    ongesthug.
    .
    .
    NDONDO

    ~Idon'tknowwher eIam.Ican' tr
    ecogni
    zeany
    famil
    iari
    ti
    esar
    oundme.I t
    'sjustanopenfi
    eldwith
    drygrassandfal
    lentrees.Ishould'
    vewornmy
    shoes.HowdidIleavewi thnoshoeson?Whati fI
    steponsharpthornsorahugesnake?Mybody
    star
    tssweati
    ngasIl ookar oundtoseeift
    here'
    s
    anyoneIcanaskf orhelp.
    “
    Ndondoyamahl
    ase,
    ”thevoi
    cecomesi
    nfr
    ontofme.
    Wher
    edidhecomefrom?
    “Hey,”myvoi ceseemst opresseddownatmy
    throat.Thestateheisinistraumati
    zing.Ican
    l
    iteral
    lyseethebul l
    ethol
    ei nhishead.Hewasshot,
    Idon'tknowhowhe' ssti
    llablet
    ostandonhi sown.
    Hiswhi teUzziT-shi
    rti
    ssoakedi nblood.
    “
    Idi
    dn'
    tleaveyou,
    ”hesays.
    Ireal
    izet
    hatI'
    m cr
    yingwhent
    ear
    sdr
    opdownmy
    neck.ButIhol
    ditt
    ogether
    .
    “Nhlanzeko,
    ”Ical
    lhi
    snamesoft
    ly.Ist
    il
    lcan'
    t
    bel
    ievehe'sri
    ghther
    e,i
    nfr
    ontofme.
    “
    Mkami
    ,
    ”her
    espondsi
    nar
    eli
    evedvoi
    ce.
    “
    Whenar
    eyoucomi
    ngback?
    ”Iask.
    “Iwi
    llbeher
    e,l
    ooki
    ngoveryou.Ndabukowi
    lll
    ove
    andtakecar
    eofyou,
    ”hesays.
    InodmyheadbecauseItr
    usthi
    sdeci
    sion.Hewi
    ll
    keephi
    sword,
    Iknowit.
    “Whyar eyounotgoingt
    othehospi
    tal
    ?You'
    re
    bleedi
    ng,Nhlanzeko.
    ”
    Hetouchesthehol
    einhisheadandlooksathi
    s
    bl
    oodiedhand.I
    'dbescreami
    ngifi
    twasme, buthe
    doesn'
    tseem t
    obefazed.
    “I
    t'
    sjustthi
    sT-shi
    rt
    ,”hesaysandlooksathi
    sT-
    shi
    rtwithdi
    sgust.“
    It'
    sdi
    rtyandsoakedinbl
    ood.I
    wanttochangebutIdon'thaveanycleancl
    othes.
    Ngiyanukanje,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Let'
    sgohome, Iwi
    llr
    unyouabathandgetyou…”
    Whereishenow?Hewasher ej
    usthow.
    “
    Nhlanzeko?
    ”Irai
    semyvoiceandlookar
    ound.
    Howcanhej
    ustl
    eavel
    iket
    his?Iwant
    edt
    ohel
    phi
    m.
    “Nhl
    anzekooooo!
    ”Iscream atthetopofmyvoi
    ce
    andpickupmyf eett
    or unaft
    erhim.~

    Myheadslamsagainstsomethi
    nghardandthe
    painf
    orcesmetoopenmyeyes.I t
    'st
    heheadboar
    d!
    I'
    m onbed?Wherei
    s…?No! !
    !

    (Reminder:TheBelovedMaShengei
    savai
    labl
    ein
    bookstor
    esnationwide)
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    00] :Chapt
    er12
    Thal
    ent
    e

    Hlel
    othinksit
    'sfunnyt
    hatIcompl ai
    naboutwaki
    ng
    uptooearlyinthemorni
    ng,inhermi ndpeopl
    efr
    om
    therur
    alareaswakeupatthecr ackofdawnto
    pl
    oughfiel
    dsandwat
    chcowski
    ssi
    ngoneanot
    her
    i
    nsidet
    hekr aal
    .
    Makingmyhat eofmor ningsworseistheonand
    offel
    ectri
    cit
    yintheseshacks.Ihadtobat hwit
    h
    coldwateragaintodaybecausethepolicehave
    beensnoopingar oundandthefactthatwehave
    i
    zinyokanyokadoesn'tal
    lowustolightourshacks
    whent hey'
    rearound.
    I'
    m soreadytoanswer
    -howisDurban-quest
    ion
    whenIgethome.Theplaceofso-
    call
    edbananais
    actual
    lykaak.

    Onegoodt hi
    ngaboutbeinghereist
    hatnobody
    feel
    senti
    tl
    edtoyourgreeti
    ng.Youcanjustpassa
    50year-
    oldandnotopenyourmout h,andnobody
    wouldcal
    lyououtforbeingdisr
    espectf
    ul.
    .I
    t'
    snoteven5am butthestr
    eetsarealready
    crowded;somearerushingtothetr
    ainstati
    onand
    somear eheret
    ohopi nthetaxi
    s.AtleastI'
    m not
    theonlyonewit
    hacr azybossthatdemandsmet o
    beatwor kby5am.
    Ii
    solat
    emysel ff
    rom t
    hecr owdandstandbythe
    pol
    ewi t
    hmysweat erpull
    edovermyknuckles.I
    t’
    s
    sodamncol d.Wherearethetaxi
    s?They'
    vebeen
    hooti
    ngsincethecl
    ockticked4am butnowthat
    we'r
    eherethey’r
    enowher etobeseen.
    Oh,f
    inall
    yawhit
    equant
    um appr
    oaches.It
    akea
    fewstepsfor
    war
    dandputmyf i
    ngerup.
    Wheni tpassest
    hecrowdwi
    thoutst
    oppi
    ngIreali
    ze
    thati
    t'
    sjustoneoft
    hosepar
    adingonesandstep
    back.

    I
    tsl
    owsdownandst
    opsbef
    oredr
    ivi
    ngpastme.
    “
    Thalent
    e,”I
    t'
    sthatcar
    rotmanwhosef
    atherowns
    t
    hetaxir
    ank.
    Thewindowroll
    sdown,hepeeksoutandasksme
    togeti
    nsidet
    hequant
    um.
    Ist
    eal
    aglanceatthecr
    owdandIknowt
    hatt
    hel
    ow
    mumblesar
    eofdisappr
    oval
    .
    “
    They'
    real
    sowai
    ti
    ngf
    ort
    ranspor
    t,
    ”Isayassoonas
    Icl
    imbi
    n.
    “
    I'
    m notont
    her
    oad.
    ”
    I
    shi
    squant
    um f
    lyi
    ng?
    “Iwasaskednott
    ol eaveyoustrandedonther
    oad.
    Thetaxii
    scominginami nute,
    ”heexplai
    nsandthe
    confusi
    ononmyf acedisper
    ses.
    “Oh,t
    hankyou,”Isayandmakemysel
    fcomfor
    table
    ontheseat.Iputmybagonmylapandconnects
    theheadsetsi
    ntomyphone.
    “
    I'
    m her
    e,”hesayswi
    thhi
    seyesont
    her
    oad.
    “Soam I ,
    ”Isaywhatseemst obet heonlylogic
    response.Iscrol
    ldownmymusi cplayli
    st,
    nowI
    can'tfi
    ndmyf avouri
    tesong.Ican'twaitt
    ohave
    moneysot hatIcanbuymusi cfr
    om realdigi
    tal
    stores,t
    histhi
    ngofrecei
    vingsongsvi aWhat sApp
    as-audio000-isacompleteturn-
    off.
    “
    Whol
    iesont
    hesebr
    east
    s?”heasksr
    andoml
    y.
    Il
    iftmyheadupj
    ustashedar
    tshi
    sgl
    anceaway
    fr
    om meandfocusi
    ngonther
    oad.
    “
    Ibetyourpar
    don?
    ”Ij
    ustwantt
    ohearhi
    mrepeat
    hi
    swor
    ds.
    “
    Youhear
    dme,
    ”hesays.
    Icli
    ckinar andom songandpr ess-play.Fuckthese
    bloodyheadsets.Theotherearisnotwor kingso
    whateverthismansays, Iwi
    llhearit.
    Thenervethi
    smanhas!He'
    sjustl
    iketherestof
    them.Heseeswomenasnothingothert
    han
    breat
    hingsexmachi
    nes.
    “Ushol
    oukut
    hiengangi
    gingqami
    na?
    ”(Doyout
    hink
    hecanknockmeout)
    “
    Who?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Theonewhokeepsyouwar
    m.”
    Idon'thavehi
    m,hefoundsomeoneel
    seandwe
    brokeup.ButIneedt
    ogetthi
    smanoffhi
    shigh
    horse.
    “
    Yes,
    he'
    dknockyouout
    ,”Isay.
    Theloudl
    aughhebr eaksri
    ngsinmyear
    sevenf
    ive
    secondsl
    ateraf
    terhe'
    sstopped.
    “
    What
    'sf
    unny?
    ”Iask.
    Thesmi l
    egr
    owsbackonhi
    sface.Honest
    ly,
    Ican'
    t
    takeanymor
    eofhi
    sinsi
    dej
    okes.
    “
    IlaughwhenI
    '
    m scar
    ed,
    ”hesays.
    Wei
    rdmuch!
    “
    Oh,
    sowhatar
    eyouscar
    edof
    ?”Iask.
    “I
    'm scar
    edofbeingknockedoutbyyourman,
    ”he
    says.Thelookonhisfaceist
    heopposit
    eofwhat
    he'
    ssaying.
    “
    Whywoul
    dheknockyouout
    ?”Iask.
    Hegl ancesatmebri
    efl
    y,j
    usttotakeasightofmy
    face,andthentur
    nshisheadbacktotheroad.He'
    s
    drivi
    ngtooslowformyli
    king.
    “
    Becauseofyou,”hesaysandreachesoutt
    ohi
    s
    r
    ingi
    ngphonefrom thedashboar
    d.
    Idon'
    tgett
    hechancet oaskwhatIdi dsobadlythat
    mightl
    eadintohim beingknockedoutbymyso-
    cal
    ledboyf
    riend.He'sonthecall,i
    nsult
    sareflyi
    ng
    outofhi
    smout hlikeanationalanthem ver
    ses.
    Allofasudden,
    thequant
    um i
    sfl
    yingandthet
    axi
    thatwasafewyardsawayfr
    om usli
    ft
    ing
    commut er
    sisnowspeedi
    ngaway.
    “
    Areyoutr
    yingt
    okil
    lme?”Iaskwhenheover
    takes
    t
    hetr
    uck.I
    shetryi
    ngsomeFastandFuri
    ousshiton
    me?
    “Thi
    sdogisf
    uckingwit
    hus,”hesaysandappli
    es
    morefor
    ceontheaccel
    erat
    or.Ihol
    dontotheseat
    andshutmyeyes.
    Defeaninghootsareeverywhere.Wearejustpast
    thebri
    dgewhenhef i
    nall
    ypullsoveratt
    hesideof
    theroad.Thetaxihewaschasi ngisi
    nfrontofus
    andthedr i
    veri
    soutwi t
    hhishandsup.
    Thisonejumpsoffhisseatandchargestowar
    ds
    him.Iheardaboutt
    hefamoust axif
    ight
    sandIhope
    thi
    sisnotoneofthem.
    Aft
    erafewmi nut
    esofexchangi
    ngwhatl
    ookedli
    ke
    harshi
    nsult
    sNdlali
    fagoest
    otheman'
    staxiand
    opensthedoor.
    Hehasaphoneagai
    nsthi
    searandallt
    he
    commut
    ersthemanli
    ft
    edarenowstandingatt
    he
    si
    deoftheroad.I
    tseemsl
    iket
    hey'
    l
    lbef
    etchedby
    anot
    herone.

    I
    '
    mlat
    eforwor
    k;i
    t'
    sal
    mosthal
    f-
    pastf
    ive.
    “
    Stealourpassenger
    sagai
    nandIwi l
    lbur
    nyouand
    t
    hisskorokor
    oofyours!
    ”Ndlal
    if
    asays.
    Hecomesback,
    sti
    llsi
    ngi
    ngcol
    our
    fulwor
    dst
    othe
    man.
    Hedoesn'tevenapol ogi
    zetome,hejuststar
    tsthe
    caranddrivesoff.Themanhei sandthemanwho
    l
    ift
    edmeupawhi leagoaretwodif
    fer
    entpeople.
    Thisonelookslikehe'dki
    llaper
    sonwithjustafli
    p
    ofhisknuckles.
    ButIwil
    lmakemyf
    eel
    ingsknownwhenIr
    eacht
    he
    taxir
    ank.
    “Youl
    ookangry,
    ”hesays,f
    inal
    lyacknowl
    edgi
    ngt
    he
    uncomfor
    tabl
    epassenger
    .
    “
    Sodoyou,
    ”Isay.
    Hechuckl
    esandhi
    sfacei
    mmedi
    atel
    yswi
    tches
    backt
    owhatIknow.
    “Ihaveareason,
    there'
    sinj
    atryi
    ngtof
    uckwi
    thus
    soearlyi
    nthemor ni
    ng,”hesays.
    Icouldremindhi mthatpeoplearerushi
    ngtowor k
    andit'
    shim andhi scol
    leaguesslacki
    ngattheirj
    ob.
    Whycan' tpeoplestopanytaxithat
    'sontheroad?
    It
    'sveryunfair
    .
    “I
    'm al
    soangr
    ybecausesomeonet
    ri
    edt
    oki
    llme,
    ”I
    say.
    Henearlyl
    oseshisgri
    ponthesteeri
    ngwheel
    .His
    facemightneverr
    etur
    ntoi
    tsposit
    ionaf
    tert
    his
    hugefr
    own.
    “What?Whotri
    edt
    okil
    lyou?”Everheardof“wrong”
    himsel
    faski
    ngyouwhatiswrong?Thisisthesame
    si
    tuati
    on.
    “
    You,
    ”Isay.
    Hi
    sfr
    ownsl
    owl
    ydi
    sper
    ses.
    “
    Me?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Yes.Doyout
    hinkyou'
    reVi
    nDi
    esel
    ?”Iask.
    Thef
    rownagai
    n!
    “
    Whi
    chmonkeyi
    sthat
    ?I'
    m Ndl
    ali
    faNgi
    di.
    ”
    AsruralasIam, IknowwhoVi
    nDieseli
    s.He
    seemssodi sgustedbyt
    hecompar
    ison,i
    nhismind
    hehasal r
    eadypunchedthi
    sVi
    nDieselmonkeyon
    thej
    aws.
    Becausehe'sanasshol
    eIwil
    lnotexpl
    ainwhoVi
    n
    Dieseli
    s.He'
    llboi
    landbur
    sti
    fhewantsto.

    Hedoessomet hi
    ngandthewhi tePol
    oontheother
    l
    aneslowsdown.Thedr i
    verrol
    lsdownthewindow
    andaskifever
    ythi
    ngisokay.It
    'sayoungmanwho
    coul
    dber ushi
    ngtowork.
    “
    Wendoda,
    doyouknowwhoVi
    nDi
    eseli
    s?”
    Icannotbel
    ievet
    his!
    Theguyiscl
    earl
    yconfused.Who,i
    nthei
    rri
    ghtmi
    nd,
    stopsacari
    nthemiddleofther
    oadtoaskabout
    actor
    s?
    “
    It
    'sMar
    kSi
    ncl
    air
    ,”t
    heguysays.
    Thi
    soneseemst
    obemor
    econf
    used.
    “
    Isi
    tVi
    norMar
    k?”heasks,
    frowni
    ng.
    “Markishisname.VinDiesel
    isastagename.He
    wasDomi nicTorr
    etoi
    nFastandFur ious.
    ”He'ssai
    d
    i
    tall,butt
    hismanheredoesn'tseem tohave
    graspedat hi
    nghesaid.
    “Okay,
    dankiebaf o.
    ”Hefinal
    lydr i
    vesof f
    .I'
    m proud
    ofmyselfforcausingthi
    sconf usion,nowIcansay
    Ihaveat al
    entofconfusi
    ngt axidriver
    s.Butthat's
    somethingtocelebrat
    elater
    ,rightnowIhaveSi s’
    Thanditodealwith.
    “Iwil
    lremembernexttimetonevertakeyourl
    if
    ts.
    NowIhavet otake…”Ili
    ftmyheadupandf indhim
    star
    ingattheR20I'm handi
    ngt ohi
    m.Nowhe
    wantsmet obemor elate?Ineedmychangeasap!
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa?
    ”If
    rown.
    Hesmil
    esandtakest
    hemoney.Hethi
    nksIl
    ike
    cal
    li
    ngouthi
    sname?Hhayi
    -bothi
    sman!
    “
    I'
    m sorr
    y,uyezwa?
    ”hesaysashefi
    shesouthi
    s
    wal
    let
    .MychangeisR9,Idon'
    tknowwhattheR50
    i
    sfor.
    “
    And?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Yourchange,
    ”hesays.
    “
    IgaveyouR20,
    mychangei
    sR9.
    ”
    Hehasast
    unnedl
    ookonhi
    sface.
    “Reall
    y?Idroppedoutofschoolatgr ade11and
    Mat hswasn'treal
    lymyt hing.TellThandit
    hatyou
    wer ewit
    hme. ”Withthatsaidher everseswit
    hthe
    dooropened.Whenhe’ si nasaf erdist
    ancehe
    closesthedooranddr i
    vesof f.

    Theext r
    achangei
    ssti
    llonmypal m whereheputi
    t.
    I'
    m stunned.Mygr
    andmotherisnotresti
    nginher
    grave;j
    ustwhenIwasstart
    ingtowor r
    yabout
    moneyshesendsani l
    li
    ter
    atetaxidr
    ivermyway.
    Snap!Ineedt
    ohur
    ryt
    otheshel
    ter
    .
    “Si
    sThandiI'
    m sor
    ry,
    thetaxiIwasindel
    ayed.
    ”I'
    m
    notgoi
    ngtoment i
    onhisi
    mpor t
    antnametogetout
    oftr
    oubl
    e.Icanhandlemyownshi t
    .
    “Thal
    enteifyoudon'
    tgetyour
    sel
    ftoget
    herI'
    m
    goingtosendyoubackhome.ThisisDurban,t
    ime
    i
    smoneyandmoneyi
    sti
    me.
    ”
    .
    .
    NDONDO

    Ihavebeentryingtoforgetaboutt
    hedream Ihad.I
    wasbor naChristi
    an,honouri
    ngdeadpeopl eisnot
    myt hi
    ng.Butthedream cannotgetoffmymi nd.I
    n
    theworldt
    hatIwast oldwasdemoni c,dr
    eamshave
    meaningsanddeadpeopl ecommunicatethrough
    them.
    “
    Areyouokay?”Khosiasksforthezil
    liont
    htime.No
    matterhowmuchItrytokeepittogethershesees
    t
    hroughme.Butthi
    sisnotsomet hingIcandiscuss
    wit
    hher .
    “Ineedt
    oseeBab'Mbambo,
    ”Isayandpusht
    he
    documentsi
    nfr
    ontofmetoher.
    “
    Aboutwhat
    ?He'
    sonat
    ea-
    break,
    ”sheasks.
    “
    It
    'sper
    sonal
    ,”Isayandl
    eavebef
    oreshebombar
    ds
    mewithmorequesti
    ons.
    He'sinthemiddleofstorytell
    ingwithhi
    scol l
    eagues.
    Icl
    earmyt hroatandgr eetthem al
    l.ButtheyknowI
    neverdosmal lt
    alkswithanyoneel seexceptBab'
    Mbambo.Theyqui ckl
    yexcuset hemselvestogive
    usprivacy.
    “I
    severyt
    hingal
    ri
    ght
    ?”heasksashepushesan
    emptychairt
    ome.
    Ineverhavetobeataroundt
    hebushwi
    thhi
    m.I
    knowhe'llneverj
    udgeme.
    “Ihadadr
    eam andI
    '
    m notsur
    ewhati
    tmeans,
    ”I
    say.
    He'
    swai
    ti
    ngf
    ormet
    ogoon.
    “Amanwhodi edsevenyear
    sagocamet omy
    dream.Idon'tr
    emembermostthingswet al
    ked
    aboutbutIrememberhim compl
    aini
    ngaboutthe
    smelli
    ngbloodonhisclot
    hesandthathedidn'
    t
    haveanycleanclot
    hestochangeint
    o,”Isay.
    “
    Howdi
    dhedi
    e?”heasks.
    “
    Hewasshot
    ,”Isay,
    ignor
    ingt
    heachei
    nmyhear
    t.
    Nhlanzekohasnotreveal
    edhi
    mselft
    omeforyear
    s.
    Butnowt hatIhavemetandsl
    eptwit
    hhi
    sbrot
    her
    he'
    scomi ngtomydr eams.
    “Di
    dtheycleanhi
    m beforetheburi
    al?Iknowbadly
    i
    njur
    edbodiesarenottouched,butsomethi
    ngis
    donetoremovetheblood.”
    “Ir
    eallydon'
    tknow.Iwasn'tther
    ewhenhedi ed.”I
    don'twanttogointodetai
    lsandIappreci
    atethat
    he'
    st aki
    ngwhatI'm gi
    vingandnotquesti
    oning
    fur
    ther.
    “Findoutthen.Hecamet oyouforhelp,
    ifhisbody
    wasneverwashedyou' llneedt
    oslaughtera
    chicken,
    sprinkl
    einyongooveracleanshirtand
    presenti
    ttohim sothathecanchange.”
    Ipressdownthelumpf or
    mi nginmythroatandnod
    myhead.Whyi sNhlanzekodoingthi
    stome?My
    parent
    swoulddieift
    heyf oundoutI'
    m promoti
    ng
    thecult
    ureofsl
    aughter
    ingchickensanddreaming
    aboutdeadmen.
    AndnowIhavetospeakt
    oNdabuko?I
    '
    vebeen
    t
    ryi
    ngmybesttoignor
    ehi
    m andhi
    sconst
    antt
    ext
    s.
    Ihaveinstr
    uctedPreciousnottosendanyf l
    owers
    tomyof fi
    ce.Idi
    dn'texpecthimtobackdowneasi l
    y
    sinceheknowst hatI'
    m carr
    yinghischil
    d,buthe’
    s
    overdoi
    ngit.Nowever yoneinthecompanyknows
    thatIhaveapersist
    entexwhowon' tl
    etmego.

    Khosii
    sst
    il
    linmyof
    fi
    ce.Iknowshe'swai
    ti
    ngfor
    metoopenmychestandtel
    lherwhat'
    seat
    ingme.
    “
    Ithoughtyouweren'
    tcomi
    ngback.Whatwer
    eyou
    t
    wodi scussi
    ng?
    ”
    Ican'
    ttel
    lher,mai
    nlybecauseIdon'tneedherwise
    opini
    onsinthi
    ssit
    uati
    on.She’llwantt
    opr ot
    ectme
    underherwingsandgooutofherwayt ogetthe
    bestpast
    orintownwho'llchaseNhlanzeko'
    sghost
    away.
    “
    Didn'
    tyousayt
    her
    ewasal
    i
    mit
    edSpi
    tzsal
    e?”Iask.
    Shegaspsi
    nshockandgr
    absherphonef
    rom t
    he
    tabl
    e.
    “Andyou'
    reonlyr
    emi
    ndingmenowNdondo?”She'
    s
    dashi
    ngthrought
    hedoorandl
    eavi
    ngal
    lthe
    document sonmydesk.Somet
    imesmi xi
    ng
    businesswithf
    ri
    endshipi
    sanext
    remesport.
    Knowi nghowKhosiis,
    shemayonlycomeback
    aroundlunchti
    me.

    Icl
    osethedoorandsi
    nkonmychai r
    .Ihavet
    otal
    k
    toNdabuko,
    thankst
    oNhlanzeko!
    I'
    m hesitantaboutcli
    ckingont hecal
    lbut t
    on,fr
    om
    whatI '
    veseenhei sn'
    tmuchf ondofhislatebrother
    .
    Andknowi ngthatIhadat hingf orhi
    m andhe’ sthe
    reasonwhywemett hiswillcompl et
    elysethim off.
    Butithast obedone, I
    'm will
    ingt oputthebeli
    efs
    asideanddot hi
    sforhisbrot her.Ahugepar tofme
    feelsl
    ikeit'
    smyr esponsibil
    ity.Imeanwhywoul d
    hecomet omei fhedidn'twantmet oor gani
    zethis
    cleansingthing?

    Hisphoneri
    ngsafewtimesbef
    oreheanswer
    sina
    voi
    cesurgedwit
    hrel
    ief
    .
    “
    Hlasekazi
    ,
    ”hesays.
    Shutdownyourhear
    t,Ndondo!
    “
    Ndabukoweneedt
    otal
    k,
    ”Isay.
    Ther
    e'sadeepsi
    ghofr
    eli
    ef.
    “MustIcomeover ?IknowthatIdidyouwr ong
    babeandI '
    m wil
    li
    ngtodoanythingyouwantmet o
    do.Punishmeanywayyouwantbutdon' t…”Iclear
    myt hr
    oatbefor
    eher umblesevenmor e.Iexpected
    thi
    sandt hat
    'swhyIwashesitantaboutmaki ngthis
    cal
    l.
    “
    Ihadadr
    eam,
    ”Isay.
    Hegoessi
    lent
    .
    “Hehascomplai
    nts.
    ”ForsomereasonsIfeell
    ike
    sayi
    nghisnametoNdabukoisoffensi
    ve.
    Hehasn'
    tdr
    oppedt
    hecal
    lsoIknowt
    hathe'
    s
    l
    ist
    eni
    ng.
    “
    Heneedscleanclot
    hes.Hecr
    iedaboutbei
    ngdi
    rt
    y
    wit
    hal
    lthebloodhehasonhisbody,
    ”Isay.
    Event
    ual
    ly,
    hecl
    ear
    shi
    sthr
    oataf
    teranaudi
    blesi
    gh.
    “
    Iwi
    llt
    ryt
    ocal
    lhome,
    ”hesays.
    Idon'
    tknowt herelationshiphehaswi t
    hhis
    rel
    ati
    vesorifhi
    shomest i
    llexi
    stsbackinthevi
    ll
    age.
    IwishIcanbet heretosuppor thim butknowi
    ng
    howhei s,
    he'l
    lmi sreadt hesignals.
    “
    Imi ssyouNdondo,everydaythatpassesby
    wit
    houtyouinmylif
    ef eelsli
    keadecade.”
    Itwoul
    dber udet
    odropt
    hecal
    lonhi
    m,butt
    hisi
    s
    notwhatIcall
    edfor
    .
    “Pl
    easesof
    tenupyourhear
    tandhearmeout
    ,”he
    begs.
    Il
    etoutal
    ongsi
    gh.
    “Idon'
    thaveti
    mef ort
    hisNhl
    anzeko.I
    t'
    snotwhatI
    call
    edfor
    ,”Isay.
    Si
    lence.
    Di
    dIcal
    lhi
    m Nhl
    anzeko?Ohmygosh!
    “
    Ndabuko?
    ”Ical
    louthi
    snamei
    npani
    c.
    “
    Youcal
    ledmeNhl
    anzeko?
    ”heasksst
    ernl
    y.
    “
    That'
    snotwhatImeant
    .It
    'sj
    ustt
    hatI
    '
    vebeen
    t
    hinki
    ngaboutt
    hisdr
    eam t
    hewholemorni
    ngand…”
    Thel
    inei
    sdead.Hedr
    oppedt
    hecal
    lonme?
    !

    Ical
    lhi
    m agai
    nandher ej
    ectsmycal
    l.Isendat
    ext
    andgetbl
    ue-t
    icked.Okay,br
    eat
    heNdondo.
    I
    fhekeepsdoingthist
    omeIswearI'm goi
    ngto
    l
    osemymi nd.JustasI'
    m paci
    ngupanddownwi th
    t
    hephoneinmyhand, someoneknocksatthedoor.
    I
    t'
    sjustaf
    tert
    ea-
    break,
    don'
    ttheyhavewor
    ktodo?
    Iopenthedoorandf
    indt
    hef
    orever
    -cheer
    fulKhaya,
    ouraccount
    ant.
    “Gi
    rl
    ,Ineedyout osigntheseforme.
    ”He'st
    heonly
    employee,exceptKhosiandthetwi
    ns,whoref
    erst
    o
    meas‘ gi
    rl
    .’
    Ibl
    owoutasi
    ghandgoar
    oundt
    hedeskt
    omy
    chai
    r.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”heaskswi
    thhi
    seyesf
    ixedonmy
    f
    ace.
    Idon'
    ttal
    ktomyemployeesaboutmyper
    sonall
    if
    e,
    butri
    ghtnowIneedapairofear
    s.
    “
    Myboyf
    ri
    end…Imeanex-
    boyf
    ri
    end,
    isnotspeaki
    ng
    t
    ome,
    ”Isay.
    “Oh,whydon'
    tyoucal
    landir
    onoutwhateveri
    tis?
    Orevenbett
    er,
    gotohispl
    ace.Youar
    etheboss,
    nobodyisgoi
    ngtobit
    eyourheadof
    f.
    ”
    “Thet
    hingis,Idon'tt
    alkt
    ohim.Itwasjustthi
    sone
    phonecallanditendedwithhi
    m nott
    alkingtome
    aswell
    ,”Isay.
    I
    tlooksl
    ikeI
    '
    m notmakinganysense,
    judgi
    ngby
    t
    hef r
    ownonhisface.
    “Letmegett
    hisst
    rai
    ght
    ,youguyswer
    enoton
    speaki
    ngter
    ms,ri
    ght
    ?”heasks.
    “No,hewastalki
    ngtome.Iwasn'
    ttal
    kingt
    ohim.
    Andnowbot hofusarenott
    alki
    ngtoeachother.
    ”I
    can'
    tbel
    ievethesear
    etheki
    ndofproblemsthatI
    have.
    “Thenit'
    ssett
    led,
    ”hesaysandleansbackonthe
    couch,wait
    ingformetosignthedocumentsi
    n
    frontofme.
    “
    Idon'
    twanthi
    mtonotspeakt
    ome.Idon'
    twant
    hi
    mtobeangr
    ywi
    thme,
    ”Iexpl
    ain.
    Helooksdefeat
    ed,
    li
    kemypr obl
    emsar
    ethemost
    st
    rangestt
    hinghe'
    severheard.
    “Butyou'
    renotspeaki
    ngt
    ohi
    m ei
    ther
    .Whati
    sthe
    probl
    em?”
    Si
    gh!
    Ireadthroughthedocumentsandfi
    llt
    hem wi
    thmy
    si
    gnature.He'saman, obvi
    ousl
    yhewon't
    understandthi
    s.
    YesIdon' ttal
    ktoNdabukobutIsleepti
    ghtatni
    ght
    knowi ngthathe'
    sgoingtosendmeagoodmor ni
    ng
    textandabunchoff lowers.Butnowhe'snot
    talkingtomeei t
    her
    ,howismenott al
    kingtohi
    m
    goi ngtohaunthisl
    if
    ewhenwear eonthesame
    wavel engt
    h?
    Myl
    if
    eisamess,
    babydaddyi
    snotspeaki
    ngt
    ome!
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    01] :Chapt
    er13
    Ndabuko
    It
    'sbeensolongsincehewasi nthisplace.Two
    yearshavepassedandever ythi
    ngst i
    llstandsthe
    same.Hi sbr
    other
    'sbri
    cksix-cornerhousej ust
    besidewhatusedtobeakr aal;itremainsst i
    llwi
    th
    i
    tsdoorshutandgl oom wi
    ndowscover edindust.
    Thegr assi
    slengt
    hyenought ohideasnake.
    Hewal kspasti t
    ,hedoesn' topeni tj
    ustli
    kehenever
    openshi sroom backi nDur ban.Hef i
    shest hekey
    i
    nsidehi spocketandi nsertsitinthedoor.Thi s
    housest i
    llremai nsthemostmoder n,st
    yli
    shand
    biggesti nthewhol evil
    lage.Ther earetwo
    rondavel s,bui l
    tmoder nlyandr oofedwithtiles.I
    t'
    s
    allNhlanzeko' shardwor k,oneofmanyt hingshe
    gotpr aisesf or;renovati
    ngt hehousesandwr ought-
    i
    ronf enci ngt hehomest ead.

    Hi
    sparent
    s’pictur
    eshangi ngont hewalli
    nt he
    l
    oungewelcomehi m andhet ri
    eshisbesttokeep
    hi
    seyesoffthem.Heopensal lt
    hewindowsand
    dr
    agsachairfrom t
    hel i
    vingroom tothebalcony.
    Hi
    suncl
    emaynotevencome.He'
    sbeenonhi
    sown
    eversincehisparent
    spassedon.Maybei fNgidi
    wasn'ttherehewould'vef
    ollowedafterhi
    sparents.
    Ngidiguidedhim andmadesur ethathehonour ed
    allt
    her i
    tual
    sthatfol
    lowaftersomeone'sdeath.

    Heleftt
    hegateopenedbecausehe'ssti
    llgoi
    ngto
    dri
    vetotowntogetachickenandcandlesashe
    wasinstr
    uct
    ed.Twoyoungboysr unt
    hroughthe
    gateandheinst
    antl
    yknowst hathe'
    sopenedacan
    ofworms.
    “Malumecanwewashyourcar ?”oneasksbef ore
    theyevengettohi
    m.Yearsagoi twasNhl anzekoin
    thi
    spositi
    on,hewasthe“
    it"ofthearea.Everychil
    d
    dreamedofbeingli
    keMalum’ Nhlanzekoandt hey
    wouldoffert
    owashhiscareverytimehewashome.
    Hiscarisclean,soheasksthem topickdirts
    aroundtheyardandr ewardsthem wit
    hR20and
    fewcoins.Thewor disabouttogooutt othestreets
    -“Malum' Ndabukoishome,”-andeverychildwill
    wantapi eceofhim.He'snotcomplaini
    ng, heloves
    chil
    dren,buthe'
    snotinagoodspace.He' sal ways
    questionedhimselfasahumanbei ng,mainl
    y
    becausehehasnotbeenabl et oli
    veoutofhis
    brother'
    sshadow, andhear i
    ngNdondomi staki
    ng
    himf orhisbrot
    hercutdeepl yintothose
    i
    nsecur i
    ti
    es.Not hi
    ngcanver ifythatandhecan't
    l
    ivelikethat.Hecan'tl
    ivewithsomeonewho
    mistakeshi mforhisbrother,butthenagain,he
    can'tli
    vewi t
    houtNdondo.Thehor ribl
    ethr
    eeweeks
    he'shadsi ncethei
    rbreak-upar eproofenoughof
    that.

    Hecal lsDl okovuashedr i


    vesoutt ot own,
    confir
    mi ngt helistoft hi
    ngsheneedst obuyf ort
    he
    ri
    tualtaki ngplacel ateintheeveni ng.Unfortunat
    ely
    thi
    stimenoneoft heNgi discouldmakei t
    .He
    knowst heirschedul esandt hattheywoul d'vecome
    i
    ftheywer en'
    ttoobusy.Buthi suncl ehasno
    excusef ornotcomi ng,he'
    sjustlet t
    inghim downon
    purpose.Hef ightst heurgetot aket heoff
    -rampto
    Thulasiandconf ronthi m.He'sgr own, hedoesn't
    needt hem, hecandot hisonhi sown.
    Heneedst ostar
    tatt hemal landgetsomet hi
    nghe'll
    eatthef ewdayst hathe'sgoingt obehere.Tonight
    he'snotevencooki ng, he'l
    lsi
    mpl ybuyt
    ake-outs
    andgr eetthekit
    cheni nt hemor ni
    ng.Hopefull
    y
    Dlokovu’s1960’sappet it
    ewon' thaveaproblem
    withpizzasfordinner .
    Aft
    ergett
    ingeverythi
    nghebuyschi ckeninthe
    marketandgoest opickupDl okovu.Healways
    hel
    pshim withtherit
    uals,he'
    sthesamemanhi s
    fat
    herconsult
    edfortradit
    ionalceremonies,whi
    ch
    makeshimt heMngomezul ulongservingtr
    adit
    ional
    doctor
    .
    “Di
    dyoumanaget ogeteveryt
    hingIt
    oldyouto
    buy?”heasksasNdabukoloadshisbaginsi
    dethe
    car.
    “
    Yes,
    Ihopet
    hischi
    ckenwon'
    tshi
    tonmyseat
    s.”
    St
    il
    lthef
    ancyboyhe’
    sal
    waysbeen!
    “
    Wher
    eist
    hewi
    fe?
    ”heasks.
    Ndabukof
    rowns.
    “
    Thewi
    fe?
    ”
    “
    MaSi
    bisi
    .Ther
    e'snot
    hingwecandowi
    thouther
    .”
    Deepexhal
    ati
    on!
    Theyhaven' tt
    alkedsincethatdayhecalledhim
    Nhlanzeko.Heevenf ailedtoupdateheraboutthe
    ri
    tualproceedi
    ngs.Hecant akeanythi
    ngbuthe
    can'ttakeherchoosingNhl anzekooverhim.As
    stupidasitsounds,hewant sherashisandhis
    al
    one.
    “Sheneedst
    ocome,
    ”Dl
    okovut
    ell
    sthesombr
    e
    Ndabuko.
    Hesti
    llhasst
    ufft
    ofet
    chinsidehi
    shouseandt
    hat
    gi
    vesNdabukothechancetomakeaphonecal
    l.
    Forafewsecondst
    hey'
    rebot
    hsil
    ent
    ,event
    ually
    Ndabukocl
    earshi
    sthr
    oatandsaysalow“hel
    lo.”
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”I
    sherannoyedr
    esponse.
    “
    I'
    m homeandyou'
    reneededf
    ort
    her
    it
    ual
    .”
    Abr i
    efmomentofsi
    lencepasses.He'shol
    dinghi
    s
    breat
    handontheotherside,
    she'schewingonhis
    sull
    entone.
    “
    You'
    rehome?Whoar
    eyouwi
    tht
    her
    e?”sheasks
    wi
    thast
    anceofconcer
    n.
    “
    I'
    m al
    one,
    ”hesays.
    “Idon'
    tknowwher
    eexactl
    yyourhomei
    s,maybei
    f
    youcansendmethedir
    ecti
    onsandIwi
    llcal
    l
    once…”
    “
    Iwi
    llsendthedr
    ivert
    opi
    ckyouup.Pl
    easebr
    inga
    f
    ewclothes.
    "
    She'
    squietf
    oramoment ,
    herindependentwoman
    i
    sstil
    lnegot
    iat
    ingwhet
    hertobowt othi
    sdemandor
    not.
    “
    Please,
    ”hebegs.
    “
    Okay,Ihavet
    ocal lKhosif
    irst
    ,Ineedatl
    eastt
    hir
    ty
    minut
    estogetready,”shesays.
    Well
    ,itwentbett
    erthanheexpected.Nowthe
    pr
    oblem isfaci
    ngher,t
    hey'l
    lhavetotal
    kandtouch
    onthesubjectshe'
    snotlooki
    ngforwardint
    o
    di
    scussing.
    .
    .
    NDONDO

    Andiswaisstart
    ingt obesuspicious.Justafew
    weeksagoIcal l
    edameet ingonherandpr eached
    aboutunplannedpr egnancy.Butlookwhoi s
    pregnantnow!Mi sspreacherherself
    .
    Mybagispackedandhereyesgr
    owwi
    deasIwal
    k
    i
    ntoherwat
    chingTV.
    “
    Andt
    hebags?Ar
    eyougoi
    nghome?
    ”sheasks.
    “No,somewhereelse.Pl
    easetakecareofyourself
    andcallmeifyouneedanything.Noalcohol,
    Andiswa.Noboysinmyhouse! ”Isoundl i
    kean
    i
    rri
    tati
    ngparentandbythelookonherf aceshe'
    ll
    danceinvict
    oryassoonasIst epoutofthishouse.
    “Don'
    ttel
    lthepar
    ent
    sthatI
    '
    m noti
    nthehouse,
    ”I
    saywit
    hast ernl
    ookonmyface.
    “Owkaaaay,”shepullsupherli
    psandIhaveno
    doubtthatshe'sjudgi
    ngmei nherhead.Yeah,
    Miss
    Holyi
    sn'tsohol yaft
    eral
    l.
    Thesil
    ver-
    greyHondaCamr yisparkedout sidebya
    manIdon'tknowandwai t
    ingforme.Idi dn'texpect
    Ndabuko'
    scall.Mecalli
    nghim byhi sbrother's
    nameseemedt ohavebeenadeal -
    br eaker.He's
    beentoosil
    ent,Ihadtostopmyselff rom pulli
    nga
    babymamast untandcalltotel
    lhimt hathisbaby,
    i
    nt hest
    omach, iscoughi
    ng.

    Ithi
    nkt hi
    sdr i
    verwasi nst
    ructednott
    ospeakt ome
    becausewow, themancankeephi smouthshut.
    I'
    m notbigonst r
    iki
    ngconversati
    onswit
    hstrangers
    ei
    ther,butit
    'saver ylongdri
    veandhedidn'teven
    caretoswitcht hemusi con.
    “
    Ineedabat
    hroom,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    Inst
    eadoftaki
    ngtheof
    f-
    ramptoNandoswher
    eI
    canfindt
    hebathr
    ooms,themandeci
    destomakea
    phonecall
    .
    “Mngomezul
    u…shesayssheneedsa
    bat
    hroom…no…yes…okay.
    ”Heendst
    hecal
    l.
    I'
    minawe.IneedNdabuko'sper
    missi
    ont
    opee?He
    hadtomakeaphonecallf
    ir
    st?
    Aft
    ermypeestopI'
    m angr
    il
    ysil
    ent,atthi
    sdriver
    andNdabuko.I
    fthi
    swasn'
    tforNhlanzekoIwouldn'
    t
    havebot
    heredcont
    inui
    ngwit
    hthisjourney.

    It
    'saround7:30whenwedr i
    vethroughthegat eof
    Mngomezul uhomestead.I
    t'
    sverydarkoutside,I
    can'tseeathing,
    butt
    heempt i
    nessofthishuge
    homest eadcanbefel
    teventhr
    ought hedark.The
    grassishuggingmyanklesasIstepont heground.
    Hiscol
    ognef
    il
    lsupmynost
    ri
    lsandthefeel
    ingsI
    haveburi
    edf
    orweekscr
    awlbackandoverwhelm
    me.
    Thisi
    soneoft hemostcompl i
    catedsituat
    ionsI
    '
    ve
    everbeeni
    nto.Iwonderifhedidn'tbr
    ingherhere,
    youcanneverknowwi t
    ht hi
    sone;hehadt henerve
    tofet
    chmef rom Hi
    mevil
    leandmakemesl eepi
    n
    thesamehouseasher .
    Hestandsbehi
    ndme.Idon'
    ttur
    nmyhead,
    my
    ner
    vesarescat
    ter
    edal
    lovert
    heplace.
    “
    ThankyouRobert
    ,”hesayst
    othedr
    iverbef
    ore
    t
    aki
    ngmybagf r
    om him.
    Afterbi
    ddinghisgoodbyesRobertget
    sinthecar
    anddr i
    vesoff
    .Ndabukof ol
    lowsaft
    erhimtolock
    thegate;l
    eavi
    ngmegr oundedinfrontoft
    he
    verandah.

    “
    Let'
    sgoi nsi
    dethehouse,”hesaysandleadsthe
    waytowardsthedoor.Iguesshe'sst
    il
    lwoundedby
    t
    hatinci
    dent.
    Wepasst heki
    tchen,onthecounterther
    e'satr
    ay
    wit
    hslaughter
    edchickenandbloodiedknifel
    ying
    nextt
    oit.
    Iwantt oaskabouttheri
    chsmellofumqombot hi
    butthisisnotsomekindofhousetour.He'
    sslidi
    ng
    throughthepassagesandnoteventakingasingl
    e
    glanceatme.Ihavet opi
    ckupmypacet okeepup
    withhim.
    Acreamypai nt
    edroom wit
    hahugebedand
    i
    solat
    edbookshelffi
    ll
    edwithbooks.Itsmel
    lsfr
    esh,
    thewindowsareopened,youdon’thavetoaskto
    knowt hati
    twascleanednotsolongago.
    “
    Thebat
    hroom i
    sdownt
    hispassageonyourl
    eft
    .
    Whenyou'
    rer eadypleasecometothelounge,
    it’
    s
    t
    hesecondlargeroom from t
    hefrontdoor
    .”Wit
    h
    t
    hatsai
    dhet urnsaroundandleaves.
    Awesome,
    Ifeelsowel
    come!
    Idon'tevenknowifI'm expectedtowearbelowmy
    kneesandcovermyshoul ders.AsfarasNhl anzeko
    knowsI '
    m hiswif
    e,Idon'tknowwhyI '
    m suddenlyin
    tunewiththisi
    dea.Ifeelli
    keit'
    stheleastIcoulddo
    forhim si
    ncewedi dn'
    tgetthechancet oloveone
    another.Myparentswoul dprobablyki
    llmeifthey
    foundout .

    There'
    samanwear i
    ngumqheleandizi
    phandla
    cir
    cli
    nghiswri
    sts.Iwasn'
    ttol
    d,butwhocares
    aboutNdondo?Thesmel l
    ofimpephohasfill
    edup
    thewholeyar
    dandf orsomereasonsI'
    m not
    unsett
    led.
    Il
    owermyselfonthecouchandgreett
    heman.
    Unl
    ikeNdabuko,hel
    ookshappytohavemeover.
    Weevenshakehands.He'scal
    li
    ngmeMaSibisiand
    complement
    ingme.
    “Ionlyneedyoutosprinklethebil
    eoverhi sshir
    t
    andt henNdabukoandIwi l
    ltakeitfr
    om ther
    e.We
    don'twanttoangeryourancest or
    s, t
    hismanhasn't
    paidevenacal ft
    oyourf at
    her ,
    ”hesaysand
    chuckles.Ndabukodoesn'tseem tof i
    ndhumouri n
    anything.Hi
    sdeadexpr essi
    oni sreall
    yknockingme
    i
    nt hestomach.

    Thechickeni
    snotevenpl
    ucked,
    howt
    hehel
    lam I
    supposedtogett
    hebil
    e?
    It
    aketheknif
    eandri
    nseit.Thechicken'
    sbodyi
    s
    st
    il
    lwarm andmyheartbeatisacceler
    ati
    ng.
    “
    MaSibisi,
    youcan'tcuti
    tbef
    oreremovi
    ng
    f
    eat
    hers,”Dlokovusaysandpassest
    othel
    ounge.
    They'
    rebusyandI'
    m supposedtogetever
    ythi
    ngi
    n
    theki
    tchendone,
    allbymyself
    .
    Ipl
    ugthekettl
    eofwat erandwaitf
    orittoboi
    l.I
    havet
    ofindeverythi
    ngonmyown, ri
    ghtnowI '
    m
    openi
    ngallt
    hecupboar ds,l
    ooki
    ngforthebasinI
    canusetopluckthechicken.
    Itt
    akesmealmostthir
    tyminutestogetthechi
    cken
    nakedandnowit’
    stimefortherealhor
    ri
    ficj
    ob.The
    cutt
    ingandski
    nni
    ng.
    Thekni feistremblinginmyhand.Yest here'
    sno
    headbuti t
    'ssti
    llachickenandI'
    llberesponsibl
    efor
    takingit
    si nsideout.Whati fi
    twasamot herchicken?
    Abr eadwi nnertoit
    schi cksandthey'
    rewaiti
    ngfor
    theirmot hertocomehome?Whati foneofthe
    chicksissi ck?I'
    m alsogoingtobeamot her
    .I…I
    can't…Ican'tdot hi
    s.
    “Hlasekazi
    !”Thealarmedvoi
    cecomesfrom t
    he
    doorandqui ckstepsappr
    oachthecount
    erI'
    m
    standingagainst
    .
    “What'
    swrong?Whyareyoucryi
    ng?”heasksand
    grabsmyhands,payi
    ngnoat
    tenti
    ontothekni
    fe
    fal
    li
    ngtot
    hef l
    oor
    .
    “Ican'
    tki
    llachi
    cken,
    ”Isayandsni
    ffbackt
    hedam
    oftear
    s.
    “
    Buti
    t'
    sal
    readydead,
    ”hesays.
    Idon'tknowhowtoexplai
    nitandIhat
    ethi
    slookof
    confusiononhi
    sface.I
    '
    m scared,
    okay!
    “
    Fine,got
    othelounge.Iwi
    llcal
    lyouwhent
    hebi
    le
    i
    stakenoutandready.
    ”
    He'
    sgod-sent.Ir
    insemyhandsi
    nthesi
    nkand
    hur
    ryoutofthekitchen.
    .
    .
    “
    Hlasekazi
    ,
    ”thevoi
    cecal
    lsmymeandmyshoul
    der
    i
    sshakentender
    ly.
    Iopenmyeyesslowlyandlookathim.Fuck,
    Islept
    onthecouch.IwonderhowlongI'
    vebeenasleep.
    “I
    '
    m sorry,
    Idi
    dn'
    tmeant
    ojustdozeof
    f,
    ”Isay
    guil
    ti
    ly.
    “It
    'sokay.Yourmanpr obabl
    ydidn'twantyoutodo
    thewor k.Ever
    ythi
    ngwentwell.Dlokovuwil
    lleave
    earlyi
    nt hemorning.
    ”
    Wow,
    okay!
    “
    Imadeyouf
    oodandl
    efti
    tint
    hemi
    crowave.I
    fyou
    needanyt
    hingel
    sel
    etmeknow.
    ”Hewalksaway
    wit
    hhisheadhungdownandhi
    shandstucked
    i
    nsidehi
    spocket
    s.
    “
    NdabukoIsai
    dImadeami
    stake,
    ”Isay.
    Het
    urnsbackhi
    shead.
    “
    It
    ’sf
    ine.Idon'
    twantt
    otal
    kabouti
    t,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Oh,r
    eall
    y?Youcal
    ledmeher esot
    hatyoucangi
    ve
    mesi
    lentt
    reat
    ment
    ? ”Iask.
    “You'
    renother
    eformeandyouknowit.Sodon'
    t
    actli
    keyou'
    vedonemeafavour
    ,”hesays.
    Hi
    stonei
    ssohar
    sh!Ihavet
    obl
    inkandr
    elookat
    t
    heNdabukoi
    nfr
    ontofme.
    “I
    'm doi
    ngt hi
    stomakesur et
    hatyourbrot
    heris
    okaywher eheis.Yout hi
    nkthi
    sisanicetri
    pforme?
    Nosweet heart
    ,I'
    mt r
    yingtostayfarawayfrom
    Fuze’shusband-t
    o-be.”
    Het
    akesadeepbr
    eat
    handst
    epsbacki
    nsi
    det
    he
    r
    oom.
    “
    Iknowthatyou'
    resendinglobolaandI'
    vebeentol
    d
    t
    hattheonl
    ymanI '
    lleverownliesint
    hegrave.You
    bothdeser
    veeachotherandI'
    m notgoingtolose
    myvoiceapol
    ogisi
    ngforamer emistakeofcall
    ing
    youbyyourbrot
    her'
    sname, whom I
    'venevershared
    evenahugwith.
    ”
    “Whotol
    dyout
    hat
    ?Fuze?
    ”heaskswi
    thaf
    rownon
    hisf
    ace.
    Irol
    lmyeyes,
    becausehe'
    ssoslowandannoyi
    ng,
    andcovermyfacewit
    hascat
    tercushi
    on.
    “Ndondospeaktome.Whosai
    dt hosewor dsto
    you?”Hi
    svoicesoundsver
    ycl
    oset omyf ace.I
    removethecushi
    onandmeethispier
    cingstare.
    “
    Areyoust
    il
    lwi
    thher
    ?”Iask.
    Hiseyesshiftf
    rom meandt hat’
    stheenough
    response.Myhearttear
    sintopieces.Butwhatwas
    Ihopingfor?Il
    efthi
    mf orher.
    “
    Whydidyouchooset
    oli
    etome?Youshoul
    d've
    t
    oldmethetr
    uthandl
    etmedeci
    dei
    fIwantt
    obei n
    t
    hist
    ri
    angl
    e,
    ”Iask.
    “
    It
    'snotat
    ri
    angl
    e,Il
    oveyou,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Butyousl
    eepwi
    thherever
    yni
    ght
    ?”Iask.
    “
    Nextt
    oher
    ,notwi
    thher
    .”
    Well
    ,I'
    veseenhowhighhi
    sdr
    ivei
    sonbed.He
    cannotfoolmeont
    his.
    “Aslongasyou'r
    esti
    llwi
    thherandsl
    eeping“next
    toher”youandIcannotbeanyt
    hingot
    herthantwo
    peoplewhofuckedandmadeababy,”Isay.
    “
    Iwil
    lbreakupwi
    thher
    .Wi
    llyout
    akemeback
    t
    hen?”
    “Wi
    llIbebannedf
    rom ment
    ioni
    ngyourbr
    other
    's
    name?”Iask.
    Thatexpr
    essi
    onisbackonandIknowthatt
    hisone
    i
    snotgoingtobesolvedi
    noneni
    ght.
    “Ndabukoyouhavet ounder
    standwher
    eI'
    m
    comingfrom.Ineedtimetogetusedt
    othisset
    ti
    ng.
    ThemanIwai t
    edforyear
    sdiedandhe’
    sthebrot
    her
    ofthemant hatIl
    ove.”
    Thecor
    nerofhisl
    ipcurvesupandIr
    eal
    izehow
    muchI'
    vemissedhiscutesmil
    e.
    “Themanyoul
    ove?
    ”heaskswi
    thhi
    seyebr
    ow
    cockedup.
    “
    Lovei
    sast
    ranget
    hing,
    isn'
    t?
    ”
    Helowershimsel
    fnexttomeandpull
    smei nt
    ohis
    ar
    ms.It'
    ssowar mlyi
    ngonhischest
    ,cover
    edbyhi s
    st
    rongarmsandsuf f
    ocati
    ngi
    nhis212andshirki
    ng
    smell
    ofnicoti
    ne.
    “
    Tellmeaboutt
    hepregnancy.Howdoesi
    tfeell
    ike?
    Whatar
    eyourcravi
    ngs?”heasks.
    “I
    t’
    stooearlyNdabuko,besi
    dethefat
    igueand
    natur
    almoodswi ngs,t
    here'
    snothi
    ngoutof
    normalcy.
    ”
    “
    Doyoueatenough?
    ”heasks.
    “I
    '
    m sti
    llanor
    malper
    sonNdabuko.IeatwhenI
    '
    m
    hungr
    y.”
    Hi
    sfacemelt
    s.Henodshi
    sheadandpl
    ant
    saki
    ss
    onmycheek.
    “
    IloveyouHl
    aseandI
    '
    m gl
    adyou'
    vecomehome.
    ”
    Home?
    ??
    .
    .
    Thesoundoft
    hedoorshi
    fti
    ngf
    orcesmet
    oopen
    myeyes.I
    t'
    sNdabukowit
    hhispi
    ll
    ow.
    Theli
    ghtcomingthr
    ought
    hewi
    ndowshowst
    hat
    i
    t'
    sinthemorning.
    Idon'tknowhowIgott obed,al
    lIrememberis
    cuddlingwithhim onthecouchandl i
    steni
    ngtohi
    s
    varsi
    tyst or
    ies.Hedidn'
    ttal
    kabouthistimegrowi
    ng
    upher e,nomat terhowmuchItri
    edt opokethe
    subject.
    “Goodmor
    ning,
    what
    'swr
    ongwi
    thyourr
    oom?
    ”I
    ask.
    Hesli
    desinbedandwr
    apshi
    sar
    msar
    oundme.Hi
    s
    handsar
    esodamncold!
    “
    I'
    m col
    d,”hesays.
    “I
    'm notaheat
    er,whatar
    eyouhopi
    ngt
    oachi
    eveby
    comingtome? ”Iask.
    Hepresseshi
    serectmanhoodagainstmybut
    t.And
    you'
    l
    ltel
    lmethispersondoesn'
    tsl
    eepwit
    hFuze?
    “
    Icutt
    hechickenf
    oryouyest
    erday.Bef
    airandl
    et
    meinforaf
    ewseconds.”
    “
    Seconds?
    ”Iaski
    nshock.
    “
    Yes,Iwi
    llonl
    ythrusti
    ntwiceandpul
    lout
    .Ionl
    y
    wanttof
    eelit
    ,pl
    easemyl ove.
    ”
    Slowl
    y,Il
    if
    tmyl
    egup.Heshi
    ft
    smyt
    hongasi
    de
    andholdsupmyknee.
    “
    We'l
    lcount,
    ”Isayasheinser
    tshi
    mself
    .The
    r
    esponseIgetisamoan.Asheful
    lyent
    ershebi
    tes
    t
    hebackofmyneck.
    Hemoves…Il
    ickmyl
    ips,
    itf
    eel
    ssodamngood.But
    I
    'm awomanofmyword,wear
    ecount
    ingt
    hese
    t
    hrust
    s.
    “
    One,
    ”Icount
    .
    “
    No,
    zer
    obaby.
    ”
    Oh…okay!
    Hepul
    lsoutandt
    hrust
    sinagai
    n.
    “
    One,
    ”Isayandr
    eleaseal
    owmoan.
    “
    0.1baby.”Hi
    sfi
    ngersar
    edancingonmycl
    itand
    I
    '
    m havingahardti
    mecontr
    oll
    ingmymoans.
    Weareat0.
    7whenhel i
    ft
    smeupandt
    urnsme
    downonmyst omach.Hepul
    lsupmybott
    om,
    pl
    acesapil
    lowbeneathmyst
    omachandinser
    ts
    hi
    mselff
    rom t
    heback.
    “
    Keepcount
    ing,
    ”hesays.
    Di
    dheneedt
    osmackmybut
    tcheekt
    hough?
    “
    Oh,f
    uck!
    ”Iscr
    eam ashet
    hrust
    sint
    oodeepand
    r
    ubbi
    ngmeincircl
    es.
    “Isai
    dcount .
    ”Hespanksmeagai n.Iwanttoyel
    lat
    him buthisshaf
    tisdoingthethi
    ngst hatkeepmy
    voicebelowmyt hr
    oat.AllIcoul
    ddoi smoan.
    “
    CountNdondo,
    ”hesays.
    “
    1…5…2…Ndabuko…”Anot
    herspank!
    “
    I'
    m notanumber
    ,”hesays.
    Myscream f
    il
    lsupther
    oom.Heslamsinfur
    iousl
    y
    andIknowthatIwon'
    tbeabl
    etoholdi
    nfortoo
    l
    ong.
    “Ndondoyami,don'
    tyouknownumber
    sanymor
    e?
    Countfordaddy,
    ”hesays.
    Myt oesar
    ecurl
    ingup.I
    t'
    scoming.Hi
    sname
    escapesmyli
    psasIlief
    latl
    yonthebedandl
    osi
    ng
    mysensesinthewaveofpinnacl
    e.
    “Ipromiseyou, I
    '
    m goingtodobett
    er,
    ”hewhi
    sper
    s
    ashet urnsmeonmybackandsepar ati
    ngmy
    knees.Ihavenost rengthi
    nme,hecandoashe
    please,allIknowisthatweweresomewher
    eat0.7.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    01] :Chapt
    er14
    NDONDO

    We' vebeenher efortwodaysandt hismani snot


    ment ioni
    ngwhenwear egoingbackt oDurban.I'm
    alsonotpushi ngbecausebei ngher eisf
    ullofbli
    ss.
    Theonl yproblem isthatIhaveacompanyt orun
    andmyper sonalassi
    stanti
    sn'texactlyf
    ondoft hi
    s
    relati
    onship.
    Bytheway, I'
    m star
    ving.Hesaidhewasstarti
    ng
    withdinneranhourago, It
    houghtbytheti
    meI
    wakeupf rom mynaphe' dbedone.Idragmyselfto
    theki
    tchenandwhenIpasst heloungeInoti
    cethat
    thepictur
    esont hewallhavebeentakendown.
    Theyint
    imidat edme, i
    tfeltli
    kehispar
    entswer e
    watchi
    ngus, butt
    akingt hem downisdisrespect
    ful
    .
    However,thisisnotthesubj ectwetouch,Idon't
    knowifhe'lleveropenupabouthi sf
    ami l
    yandI
    havetorespecthisdeci sion.
    “Areyoucookingagoat?”IaskasIwalkinsi
    dethe
    kit
    chen.He'sonl
    ywearingboxers,
    thearomais
    deli
    cateenoughtosendmyhandi nsi
    det hecooki
    ng
    pot.
    Ouch!Ibur
    n.Helaughsatmeandt akesoutapiece
    ofmeat.Li
    keI
    'm hi
    schil
    d,hebl
    owsoveri tunt
    ili
    t
    cool
    sdownandt henpushesi
    tinsi
    demymout h.
    “
    Undr
    essandgosi
    tont
    het
    abl
    e,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Undr
    ess?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Iwantt
    oeatwhi
    lest
    ari
    ngatmybaby,
    ”hesays.
    Thebabyi
    sstil
    linsi
    demyst
    omach,it
    'snotevena
    humanyet.If
    oldmyarmsandchal
    lengehimintoa
    st
    arecont
    est.
    “I
    t'
    sjustthet
    woofus.Ilockedt
    hegat
    e.Whatare
    youscaredof?Iwantt
    ohaveanaked-
    dinner
    .”
    “
    Am Igoi
    ngt
    obeadesser
    t?”
    Heshakeshi
    sheadbutt
    henaught
    ygr
    inonhi
    sface
    saysot
    herwi
    se.
    “
    Isi
    tnotdi
    srespect
    ful
    ?”Iask.
    “
    No,
    thi
    sisnott
    heancest
    ors’
    room,
    ”hesays.
    Ican' tbeli
    eveI'
    m abouttohaveanakeddi nnerin
    hisfami lyhouse.Iwalkbacktomydesi gnated
    bedr oom andst r
    ipmycl ot
    hesoff.Mybodyhas
    pickedaf ewkil
    os,hopeful
    lyI
    'l
    lbeabletobur nt
    hem
    downaf tergi
    vingbirt
    h.FornowI'm goi
    ngt oenjoy
    everybi tofmypr egnancyandnotwor r
    yabout
    thingst hatareoutofmycont r
    ol.

    It
    'sverywei
    rdbeingservedbyanakedman.There'
    s
    aroddancingbetweenhisthi
    ghsashewalksto
    andfrom t
    hekit
    chen,getti
    ngal
    lhi
    sdishes.
    Her eal
    lyt
    ri
    ed.No,scr
    atchthat,he'sabettercook
    thanme.Beefstew,savour
    yr i
    ceandGr eeksalad.
    It'
    ssuchahomel ymealandthef actthatitwas
    cookedbymynakedmanmakesi tevenmor e
    del
    ici
    ous.
    He'sst
    ruggli
    ngtofi
    nishhi
    splatesoIgenerousl
    y
    hel
    phim.Themi st
    akeImakei smovingtohissi
    de,
    nowinsteadofeat
    inghishandsareallovermy
    thi
    ghs.
    “
    Ndabukoourdesser
    tismel
    ti
    ng,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Iwantthehotone.”Hel
    icksthesideofmyf ace;
    l
    it
    eral
    lyrunshi
    stongueovermyflesh!Iknewthis
    wouldhappen.
    “One-t
    woandI '
    l
    lbedone.”He'
    salwayssi
    ngi
    ngt
    he
    same“ one-
    two”songandital
    waysendswit
    hme
    fu€kedtosl
    eep.
    Butthismanknowsmybody, heknowswher et
    o
    touchandr ubtomakemewet .Wedon'tgotothe
    realdesser
    t,i
    nsteadI
    '
    m scoopedtotheloungeand
    putont hecouch.
    Heonsl
    aughtsmewi t
    hakissandpusheshi
    shead
    bet
    weenmyt hi
    ghs.Hist
    ongueagai
    nstmynub
    al
    wayssendsmei nt
    oheavens.
    Heposi
    ti
    onshi
    msel
    fbet
    weenmyl
    egsanddowhat
    healwaysdoes.Myscreamsarebursti
    ngtheroof
    andhopeful
    lyt
    hecoldweatherout
    sideisenoughto
    keepthenei
    ghbour
    sindoors.
    “Babe…sthandwasami…pleasecomeont
    op.”He
    sucksmyl owerl
    ipandfl
    ipsmeoverli
    keIhaven'
    t
    gainedanyweight
    .

    I'
    vejustsnappedoutofdi €k-
    mode.Mychestis
    beati
    ngdr ums.Comeont opforwhatnow?What
    am Isupposedt odo?YesIknowt hatIhavetosi
    t
    onhisshaf tandkindofmovemyass.I t'
    sthe
    rhyt
    hm thatIdon'tget,
    andIhaven'tbeenint
    othe
    gym inweeks.Maybei fIknewhowt otwerkit
    wouldbebet ter
    .I'
    djusttwerkontopofhim.ButI
    knownot hing,t
    hosethingsweretooghett
    oforme.
    “Don'
    tstressyoursel
    f,Iwil
    lhelpyou.Be
    comfortable,
    ”hesays.Inst
    eadofbeingreli
    eved,I
    'm
    embarrassed.MaybeZamaf uzebouncesl
    ikeNicki
    Minajont opofhi
    m andI '
    mj ustadowngrade.
    “Justmoveyourwai
    st…yesst
    handwasami…bounce
    onitbaby.
    ”IguessI
    '
    m notdoingt
    oobad,hi
    shands
    areonmywai
    standhe'
    smeet
    ingupwi
    thmy
    thr
    usts.
    Ihearsomeoneexcl
    aimloudl
    yandqui ckl
    ytur
    nmy
    headaround.Myheartal
    moststoppedbeati
    ng.I
    t'
    s
    Maqhinga.Godknowswhathe'sdoinghereand
    howhegoti n.
    Ij
    umpoffNdabuko,readytorevi
    vetheCast
    er
    Semenyai
    nme, butNdabuko’sstr
    onghandspul
    l
    mebackandpinsmeont hecouchbeneat
    hhim.
    “
    Maqhingagett
    hefuckout
    !”Tosayt
    hathe'
    spi
    ssed
    woul
    dbeanunderstat
    ement.
    “Ist
    hiswhatyoutwogetupt oalldaylong? ”He'
    s
    unbeli
    evabl
    e!I
    'm naked,
    theonlyprivacyIhaveis
    Ndabukolyi
    ngoverme, heshouldbewal ki
    ngoutof
    thescenetogi
    veust imetogetdecent .
    “Maqhi
    nga!
    ”Histonecar
    ri
    esat housandwarni
    ngs
    butMaqhi
    ngastandswhereheiswi t
    hastunned
    l
    ookonhisface.I
    shementall
    yokay?
    “
    HeyNdabukomf
    ana!I
    sthi
    syou?Mr
    sFi
    erce?
    ”
    Whot
    hef
    ucki
    sMr
    sFi
    erce?OnceIgetdr
    essedI
    '
    m
    goi
    ngt
    oki
    ll
    …
    “
    Theparentsarehere,youtwoadjour
    nthi
    sglori
    ous
    meet
    ingforlat
    er.Thatift
    herewi
    llbeanyl
    ater.
    ”
    “
    Thepar
    ent
    s?”Webot
    hask.
    “MrSibisiandMr sSibi
    si.Deepshit
    ,It
    ellyou.Where
    i
    st hegatekey?Ikindofcl i
    mbedoverthef enceto
    getin.Theywantt odri
    vein,”hesaysandwal ks
    towardsthevase.Hummi ngKhuzani'
    ssong, he
    empt i
    eseveryt
    hingfrom thevaseandsear chesfor
    thekey.
    Wereal
    lydon'
    thaveanychoice,
    Ndabukopul
    lsme
    t
    othebedroom but
    t-
    naked.

    Okay,Ineedtobreat
    he.Myfat
    heri
    sher
    e?Idon'
    t
    underst
    andthis.Imean,
    how?Why?Whosoldme
    out?
    Ihearthecardrivinginandl ookatNdabukofor
    answers.I'
    m agr owngi r
    l,Ihavemyownhouseand
    I’
    mt hebreadwinnerathome.Butnoneoft hati
    s
    goingtomat t
    er,ifther
    e'sanythi
    ngmyf ather
    doesn'
    tst
    andit
    'sdi
    srespect
    ingChri
    sti
    ani
    ty.I
    t'
    shi
    s
    chi
    ldcommit
    ti
    ngasinandembar rassi
    nghisname.
    “
    Iwi
    llt
    aket
    hebl
    ame,
    ”hesays.
    Iwishhi
    swordscouldmakemefeelbet
    terbutI
    knowmyf at
    her
    ,thi
    sisbi
    ggert
    hanhethinks.
    “Ndondo,
    ”hest
    opsmebef
    oregoi
    ngt
    hrought
    he
    door.
    Abr
    eat
    htaki
    ngki
    ss!
    “
    Iloveyoumama.I
    t'
    sgoi
    ngtobeokay,
    ”hesays
    wit
    hanassur
    ingl
    ookonhisf
    ace.
    Ireal
    lydon'tknow.Idon'
    t.Al
    lIknowi
    sthatshi
    tis
    abouttohitthefan.

    Thebishop?Mykneesbuckl etogetherandIstar
    t
    l
    osingmyst eps.Myf at
    heri
    ssitt
    ingont hesame
    couchwewer efu€kingon.I
    'm goingstrai
    ghtt
    ohell
    .
    There'
    snoheavenf orme!Notevenasneakpeekof
    Maria.
    “
    Ndondowhatareyoudoingher
    e?”Mymothergoes
    f
    ir
    st.Myf
    atherandthebi
    shoparest
    ari
    ngat
    Ndabuko.Hecouldn'
    tevenbut
    tonuphisshir
    t
    pr
    operl
    y,theyhaveseenhist
    att
    oo.Taboo,
    tatt
    oo!
    “Pr
    incessI
    '
    mtal
    kingt
    oyou!
    ”Secondname?Ihave
    nooneonmyside.
    “
    Sani
    bonani
    ,
    ”Ndabukogr
    eet
    s.
    Sil
    ence.I
    fst
    arescoul
    dki
    llhewoul
    d'vebeenl
    ong
    gone.
    “
    IaskedMi
    ssSi
    bisit
    ovi
    sitme,
    ”hesays.
    “Andyouar e?
    ”Myf atherasks.Amanwhohas
    neverli
    ft
    edhisfingeronanyonebuti sfearedlikea
    l
    ion.Mainlybecausemostpeopl ebeli
    evet hathe's
    rel
    atedtoJesusChr i
    st,anuncleorsomet hing.
    “
    I'
    m NdabukoMngomezul
    u,”hesays.
    “Wherearetheel
    der
    s?Weneedt
    otal
    ktot
    hem
    aboutthi
    s.”
    Evencent
    imet
    ersawayfr
    om me,
    Ifeelhi
    sski
    n
    cri
    ngeatt
    hequesti
    on.
    “
    I'
    m anel
    der
    ,thepar
    ent
    sar
    enomor
    e,”hesays.
    Theat
    tent
    ionshi
    ft
    stome.Myf
    ather
    ’sst
    arei
    sa
    bur
    ningl
    ikeaf
    lame.
    “Whatdi
    dIsayaboutrebel
    li
    ousboyswit
    hno
    dir
    ect
    ioni
    nli
    fe?Di
    dn'tIsaystayawayf
    rom
    demonsli
    kehim?”
    Maqhi
    ngaf
    rownsandstepsfor
    ward.He'
    sbeen
    st
    andi
    ngbytheent
    ranceandgl
    uedtohisphonet
    he
    whol
    eti
    me.
    “BabaIloveyourdaughter.Iwasn'
    tdisr
    espect
    ing
    youoranything.Wehadper sonali
    ssuestosolve
    befor
    einvolvi
    ngfamil
    ies,”Ndabukoexplai
    ns.
    “
    Fami
    li
    es?
    ”Mymot
    heraskswi
    thamocki
    ngchuckl
    e.
    “Di
    dn'
    tyousayyouhavenof
    ami
    ly?
    ”Bi
    shop
    Khawul
    aasks.
    “Par
    ents.Hedoesn'
    thavepar
    ents!Fami
    ly,hehas,
    ”
    Maqhingasays,hi
    satt
    it
    udewrappedineachword
    hespit
    sout.
    Eyesonmeagai
    n!
    “
    Whatareyoudoi
    ngher
    eNdondoyamahl
    ase?
    ”-my
    f
    ather
    .
    Ndabukocl
    ear
    shi
    sthr
    oatandanswer
    sbef
    oreIcan
    f
    indmyvoi
    ce.
    “
    Iaskedhert
    ovi
    sit
    ,”hesays.
    Heshoul
    d'veshutupbecausemyf
    atheri
    saboutt
    o
    j
    umponhi sheathenass.
    “Ukhonzaphiwenamf
    ana?
    ”(Wher
    edoyouat
    tend
    church)
    Thisoneisadet
    erminingquesti
    on.Iwishmy
    mothercanst
    andupf orme.Iwould'veunder
    stood
    i
    fitwasAuntVumile,butwi
    thherIdon't.Mot
    hers
    shouldal
    wayssi
    deandpr otectt
    heirdaught
    ers.
    “
    Ngi
    khonzaemadl
    ozi
    ni,
    ”Ndabukosays.(
    Ibel
    ievei
    n
    t
    heancest
    ors)
    Iguesst
    hisi
    sit
    !Bi
    shopKhawul
    aisuponhi
    sfeet
    .
    Meandmyhouseneedahugeprayer
    .
    “Mam' Si
    bisipleasecal
    lthedeaconandt el
    lhi
    m
    we'r
    eonourwayback.Ndondo, di
    dyoubr i
    ng
    anyt
    hingher e?Getyourbagsandl et
    'sgo.”
    Ndabuko'
    shandgrabsmyar
    m.Iswearmyhear
    tis
    aboutt
    oleapoutofmymout
    h.
    “
    Ngi
    zogezaamagcekeakoSi
    bisikuqal
    a.Ngi
    yawazi
    umonakaloodal eki
    lenokuthingi
    del
    eleumuzi
    wakho.”(I
    'm awareofthedamageandt hefactt
    hat
    Idisr
    espectedthefamily,soI'
    m goi
    ngtocleanse
    thepremises.)
    Thesil
    encethatf
    all
    saf
    terhi
    mist
    hickenought
    obe
    cutbyaknif
    e.
    Thenmyfatherl
    ooksatthehandthat'sst
    oppingme
    fr
    om l
    eavi
    ng.It
    'snotati
    ghtgri
    p,Icouldbreakfr
    ee
    anddoasI'
    mt old,
    butIgother
    eonf reewill
    .
    Icl
    eart
    hedustl
    yingi
    nmyt
    hroat
    .
    “
    Itookdaysoffwork,
    Fai
    thi
    sholdi
    ngtheropes
    whil
    eI'
    m her
    e.”It
    rynott
    osounddisr
    espect
    ful
    .
    They'
    resil
    ent
    ;wai
    ti
    ngformetogetst
    rai
    ghtt
    othe
    poi
    ntIfearmoret
    hananyt
    hing.
    “
    I'
    m notl
    eavi
    ng,
    ”Isay.
    Thedi sappoi
    ntmentonmymot her
    'sfacewil
    lhaunt
    met i
    llIgivebi
    rt
    h.ButNdabukoandt hebabyar
    e
    aboutt obecomemyownl it
    tl
    efamilyandIhaveto
    l
    earnt ostandbythem.
    Il
    ieonbedandli
    stenasthecardri
    vesoff
    .Idon'
    t
    knowhowI'
    llf
    acemypar ent
    sandont opofthat
    ,I
    havet
    oannouncethepregnancy.
    “
    HlasekaziI
    '
    m sorr
    y,Ipr
    omi
    seyouI
    '
    m goi
    ngt
    o
    makethisri
    ght
    .”
    He'
    ssi
    tt
    ingnexttome,wi
    thhi
    shandpl
    acedonmy
    hi
    panddrowningint
    hesamesor
    rowasme.
    “
    Theywon'
    tacceptgoat
    sorwhat
    everyou'
    regoi
    ng
    t
    ooff
    ert
    othem,”Isay.
    Deepsi
    gh!
    “Iknowt hi
    swon'tbeeasy, especial
    lywi t
    hdif
    fer
    ent
    beli
    efsinvol
    ved,butyou'recomi ngtothese
    premisesNdondoyami .Uzongenangebhoki si
    oyophumangal o.Iwillpaylobola,f
    etchyoubyt he
    crackofdawnf rom yourhomeandbi ndyout othe
    Mngomezul uswhereyoubel ong.”Heliesnextt
    o
    meandpul l
    smeont ohi schest.
    “Thankyouforst
    andi
    ngwi
    thme.We'
    l
    laccompany
    youhomet omorr
    owmorni
    ngwit
    hagoat.
    ”
    Iguess“
    we”i
    shi
    m andt
    heNgi
    dis,
    whoseem t
    obe
    nowhi
    sfami
    ly.
    “Idon'tunder
    standwhyAndiswasoldmeout.Yes,I
    doactl i
    keMar i
    a'
    sfi
    rstdaught
    eratti
    mesbutthat
    's
    becauseIwantt opr
    otecther.
    ”Idon'
    tbul
    lymy
    sibl
    ingsbutAndiswaisgoingtowishshewasnever
    bornwhenIgett oDurban.
    “
    Itwasn’
    ther
    ,”hesays.
    Myf
    oreheadgr
    owsi
    ntoaf
    rown.
    “Whowasi tt
    hen?Iknowt hatKhosidoesn'
    tli
    keyou
    butshewouldn'
    t…”Heclearshisthr
    oatandtears
    hiseyesawayfrom me.
    “
    Zamaf
    uze,
    right
    ?”Iaskandhenodshi
    shead.
    Damni
    t!
    !!
    .
    .
    THALENTE

    Thisistoocoinci
    dent
    al.Yest
    erdayIgott
    histaxi
    ,
    againtodayitcomesjustasIstandatt
    hesideof
    theroad.Ineverunder
    standwhyhealwayslooks
    soent er
    tai
    nedtobearoundme.It
    'snotli
    keIsingor
    crackinter
    nati
    onalj
    okesforhi
    m.Ifanyt
    hing,
    Iget
    i
    rrit
    atedbyhispompousass.
    Itwasbett
    erwhenhesentf orhisf
    oodandmade
    demandst hatwedishforhi
    m acertainway.Now
    hepersonall
    ycomest otheshel
    ter
    ,sitsonthe
    benchli
    keabossandspeci fi
    cal
    lyasksmet o
    prepar
    ehispl at
    eandservehim.Obviousl
    y,Idon'
    t
    sayno,notevenwhenheasksmet opourhi swat
    er
    i
    nt hegl
    assf orhim.
    Het r
    eatsmelikehisdesi
    gnatedmai dandtogetmy
    revenge,Idoi
    twithasmileonmyf aceandthen
    punishhim wi
    thsil
    enceinthetaxibackhome.

    Ial
    sodon'tunderst
    andhowI '
    m alwayst
    helast
    passengeri
    nhistaxi.I
    t'
    sli
    kehedoeseveryt
    hingto
    getundermyskin,l
    ikestoppi
    ngthemusicwhileI
    '
    m
    sti
    llenj
    oyi
    ngthesong.
    “
    Iwasli
    steni
    ngtothesong,”It
    ellhi
    m,openingmy
    mout
    hforthefi
    rstt
    imesinceIgotinsi
    dehistaxi
    .
    “Icansingi
    tforyou,
    ther
    adi
    oisf
    ini
    shi
    ngmy
    petrol
    .”
    Oh!Comingfrom ast
    ruggl
    ingf
    ami l
    ythatownsonl y
    awheelbarr
    owwi t
    habrokenhandle,Idi
    dn'tknow
    t
    hattheradi
    ointhecarusedpetr
    olaswel l
    .
    “
    Leti
    tbe.Idon'
    twantt
    ohearyousi
    ng,
    ”Isay.
    Surpri
    singl
    y,hedoesn'tsayanyt
    hingback.Weare
    j
    ustaf ewmi nutesawayfrom mystop,maythi
    s
    si
    lencebef oreverhel
    d!

    “
    Secondcor
    ner
    !”
    “
    Iknow,
    ”hesays.
    Itwasj
    ustaf
    ormal
    i
    ty,
    hemustst
    opact
    ingl
    ikean
    ass.
    Hest
    ops.
    Icl
    utchmybagandopent
    hedoor
    .Heopenshi
    sas
    wel
    l.
    Icl
    imboutoft
    het
    axi
    .Heal
    socl
    imbsout
    .
    Owkaaay!
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ng?
    ”Iask.
    “
    I'
    mthir
    sty,
    doyoumi
    ndgi
    vingmeagl
    assof
    wat
    er?
    ”
    Yes,Idomind.Idon'
    thaveagl
    assinmyshack,
    I
    haveaplast
    icmugt hatIt
    ookf
    rom home.
    “
    No,
    Idon'
    thavewat
    er,
    ”Isay.
    Hi
    seyeswi
    deni
    nawe.
    “Youcanbesti
    ngyal
    lyouwant
    .Butyoucan'
    tdeny
    someoneaglassofwat
    er.
    ”Toosmartf
    ormyliki
    ng!
    “It
    'smywater
    ,Icarr
    iedthebucketal
    lthewayf r
    om
    thetapdowntheroad.Icandenyyoui fIwantt
    o,”I
    say.
    Hedoesn'
    tsayanyt
    hing.Hef
    oldshi
    sar
    msand
    st
    aresatme.
    Si
    gh!
    Hisf
    ootstepsfoll
    owbehindme.Whoevert ol
    dthi
    s
    manthatthewor l
    drevol
    vesaroundhim gotal
    lofus
    i
    nahugepr obl
    em.Nowhecan' tevenr
    espectmy
    deci
    sionofdenyinghim agl
    assofwater?!
    Alltheshackslookal
    ike.Ijustkeepinmindthat
    minehasacr osssignont hedoorandmy
    neighbourisaloudZimbabweanl adywho'
    salways
    shoutingatherboyfr
    iend.
    Myfol
    lowerst
    andsout
    sideasIunl
    ockt
    hedoorand
    wal
    kin.
    Icontemplatewhethert
    ogi vehim wat
    erornot.I
    knowt hi
    sisoneofhi smill
    ionstr
    ategi
    esof-HowTo
    AnnoyThal ent
    e.SomethingIneverunderst
    and.Isi
    t
    sti
    llaboutt
    hebeefplateIforcedhimtoeat?

    It
    akemytime;Ichangei
    ntomyf
    li
    p-f
    lops,t
    hrowmy
    l
    uncht
    ininsi
    dethewashi
    ngbasi
    nandt hengethi
    m
    hi
    swater
    .
    “
    Idon'
    tdr
    inkwhi
    lest
    andi
    ng,
    Ichoke,
    ”hesays.
    Tal
    kaboutgi
    vingsomeoneyourhandandt
    hey
    demandthewholear
    m!
    “Okay,comei
    nsi
    de,
    ”Isaywi
    thmyl
    astdr
    opof
    pati
    ence.
    He'
    stal
    lerthanmydoor .Hebendshi sheadand
    wal
    ksin.I’
    m sorr
    yifhisrich-asshasneverbeen
    i
    nsi
    deashack.Thi sshacki smybedr oom,kit
    chen,
    l
    oungeandbat hr
    oom.I t
    'sanal l
    -i
    n-oneshack.
    “Youcansi tont hebed,”Itel
    lhim andquestionmy
    senseofcaut iousnessasaf emal eli
    vinginSouth
    Afri
    cawher ewomenar er apedandki l
    ledeveryday.
    IjustletamanIhar dl
    yknowi nsidemyl ivi
    ngspace
    andl ethi
    m sitonmybedandl ooklikeashocked
    goat.

    Hesipsthewaterandputt
    hemugonthetabl
    e.Yes,
    t
    hetableisj
    ustanarm awayf
    rom t
    hebed.
    “
    ThankyouMaMbat
    ha,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Pleasur
    e,Hl
    omuka.Dr
    ivesaf
    ely,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    “
    I'
    m notdri
    vingyet
    .Ineedafewmi nut
    esofrest.
    ”
    Wit
    hthatsaidhepull
    sthepil
    low,
    placesi
    tagainst
    t
    hewallandl i
    esonhisback.

    Mi
    nut
    esl
    aterhe'
    ssnor
    ingsof
    tl
    y.He'
    stoobi
    gfor
    metodragoutandknowi
    nghowear lyt
    heywakeup
    ever
    ymorni
    ngtogetustowork,It
    hinklet
    ti
    nghi
    m
    havehi
    snaponmybedi sfai
    r.
    Ialwaysstartbyhavingabathbeforecooking.But
    todayIcan'thavet hi
    ngsmywaysi nceIhavean
    uninvit
    edcompany.Iwasht heri
    ceandputi tonthe
    stove.Ihavenof r
    idgeandI'
    mtoonewt obother
    peopleandaskt hem tokeepmymeat .So,Ili
    veon
    bakedbeans, t
    infishandveget
    abl
    es.
    Icutasliceofcabbagethatwillbeenoughformy
    dinnerandlunchfortomorrow.Onions,garl
    ic,
    cur
    ry
    powderandoxt ai
    lsoup;thesearemyonl y
    i
    ngr edi
    ents.Ther
    e'snomout h-
    wateri
    ngar oma
    comi ngfrom t
    hepotbutmyf oodisstil
    ltast
    y.

    There'
    sayawn.He'
    sawake?Oh,
    final
    lyI
    '
    m goi
    ngt
    o
    havemyspaceback.
    “
    It
    'sl
    ate,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    Heyawnsagainandstret
    cheshisarms.Thisisnot
    “Ij
    ustwokeup"yawn,nowit'
    s“I'
    m hungry”one.I
    '
    ve
    alr
    eadybeentol
    dthatI
    'm st
    ingy,
    Idon'twantthat
    per
    cept
    ionofmet
    osol
    idi
    fy.
    “
    Doyoueatcabbage?
    ”
    Pl
    easesayno!
    “
    Yes,
    ”hesays.
    Inevergetanyt
    hingIwanti
    nthi
    sli
    fe!
    Itakeaspicecontainer,
    Ican'tgivehimt he
    Tupperwareonet hatIuseforspecialoccasions,
    andIdishupf orhim.Iknowhedoesn' tdoesn'teat
    withoutaglassofwat er
    ,Iputitonthet abl
    enextt o
    hi
    sf ood.

    Not
    hankyou,
    nonot
    hing.Theper
    sonj
    ustt
    akesmy
    f
    oodanddi
    gsin.
    Hewi pestheplatecl
    eanandput sitbackonthe
    tabl
    e.Hismugi sempt y,
    heref
    il
    lsitwi t
    hwaterf
    rom
    thebucketandsi t
    sbackonthebed.I '
    m nota
    horr
    ibleperson,butwhenisheleaving?
    He'stooquietf
    ormyliki
    ng.Yesheannoysme
    everyti
    meheopenshismout hbutIal
    sodon'
    twant
    himt obecomplet
    elysil
    ent
    .
    “I
    tlooksl
    ikewe'
    llhavetoswipehouses.Youli
    ke
    bei
    ngher e,
    don'
    tyou?”I'
    mteasinghim butt
    he
    seri
    ousnessonhisfacedoesn'
    tmelt.
    “
    Notr
    eal
    ly,
    Ili
    kebei
    ngar
    oundyou,
    ”hesays.
    “
    IknowI'
    m agr
    eatpersont
    obear
    ound,
    butIneed
    t
    obatheandsl
    eep,
    ”Isay.
    Hopef
    ull
    yhecanseethepotofboi
    li
    ngwateront
    op
    oft
    hestove.He'
    sover
    stayedhi
    swelcome.

    Helif
    tshi
    msel fupandst andsi
    nthemiddl
    e.The
    wayhe'sscanningaroundmakesme
    uncomfor
    table.Ishejudgingmyshack?
    “
    Woza,ngi
    funaukuval
    eli
    sa,
    ”hesays.(
    Come,
    Iwant
    t
    osaygoodbye)
    “Youcansayi tri
    ghtwher eyoust and,”Isay,
    suddenlynottooconfident.Ihaveneverl ookedat
    himinast r
    angesi nf
    ulway, well
    ,untilnow.He's
    alwaysbeenanannoyi ngt axidr
    iverwhosef ather
    ownsat axirank.ButatthismomentIseehi m asa
    man, andnotjustanyman, amanwhocoul dmake
    mel osecont
    rol.Thewi
    dechest,st
    ackedshoulders
    andt heAdam'sapplet
    hatkeepspoppingup.His
    defi
    nedcheekbonesandunapologeti
    cupturned
    eyes.
    “
    Areyouscar
    edofme?
    ”
    Maye!Whodoeshet
    hinkhei
    s?
    “
    Noooo!
    ”If
    ulmi
    nat
    einascr
    eech.
    “Thenwhyar eyoust
    andi
    ngt
    her
    e?Woza
    ngival
    eli
    se.
    ”
    Itakeadeepbr eat
    handaf ewstepstowardshim.I
    standinfrontofhi
    m wit
    hmyar msf ol
    dedandt he-
    “I'
    m notscaredofyou”l
    ookbol
    dlyportrayedonmy
    face.
    “IwantVinDieselt
    oknockmeout,
    ”hesaysand
    pull
    smei nt
    ohi sar
    ms.Befor
    eIcanpr
    otestI
    '
    m
    squeezedti
    ghtlyonhi
    schest.
    Ababyki
    sslandsonmycheekbef
    orehef
    reesme
    f
    rom t
    hehug.
    “
    Ndl
    alif
    a!”I'
    mt ornbet
    weenangerandf
    unny
    f
    eel
    ingsfeatheri
    nganestbel
    owmyt ummy.
    Thathugwasoutofthi
    sworl
    d.I
    t'
    sahugt
    hatcan
    neverbehuggedbyanyot
    herman.
    “
    Thankyou,”hesays.Idon'tt
    hinkanyonecansay
    “
    thankyou"thewayhej ustdi
    d.Whata“ t
    hankyou”
    !

    Myf atl
    egsarebehi ndhim, handsarefiddli
    ng
    beforemychest ,asIseehim outoft hedoor.
    Stupidgir
    l!Where'stherealThalent
    e?Thi snewone
    i
    st al
    entedinstupidi
    ty.
    Ist
    opout
    sidet
    hedoor
    .Heal
    sost
    opsandl
    ooksat
    me.
    Nosyt
    enant
    s,whatar
    etheyl
    ooki
    ngat
    ?
    “
    Iwi
    llseeyout
    omor
    row,
    uyezwa?
    ”
    Inodmyhead.Het
    urnsar
    oundandl
    eaves.
    It
    'sst
    il
    ltoday?Di
    dt heANCst ealt
    heti
    mef unds?
    Becausethewatchi snotworki
    ngproper
    lyonmy
    phone.I
    twas19:38ami nut
    eagoandnowi t
    's19:
    39
    i
    nsteadoftomorrow.Whatthehell!
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    02] :Chapt
    er15
    NDONDO

    Inthisli
    feyoumustnevert hinkyouknowanyone.
    Mymi ndst il
    lrefusest obeli
    evet hatMrNgi diwas
    Nhlanzeko’ s“groetman"andhe' sbehi ndal lmy
    success.It houghthesawpot enti
    ali
    nme, thathe
    wasi mpr essedwi t
    hmywor keveryti
    mehepassed
    thosecompl iment sandt ookmei nt
    omeet ingswi th
    him.Butt hemanwasj ustkeepi ngNhl anzeko' s
    promisesandnowt hatIt
    hinkabouti t,Bant wana
    Holdingshel dbackhi slif
    e.Hi spassioni sint axi
    s
    andnowt hathe'sr unningforthechai rmanposi ti
    on
    i
    nt heassoci ationandnol ongert heCEO, hesmi l
    es
    mor eoften.
    Idon'
    tknowwhathedidorwhathesaidtoget
    Ndabuko'
    suncl
    ehere.Heheardthatt
    heman
    ref
    usedtocomeandaskedthatwegivehi
    m afew
    minut
    estogohaveawordwi t
    hhim.Andhecame
    backwit
    hhim.

    Neveri
    nmywi
    ldestdr
    eam haveIevert
    houghtt
    hat
    onedayI '
    dbeaccompaniedbyf ourmenback
    homewi thawhitegoatt
    ocleanset hefactt
    hatI
    hadsex.Ifwewer ei
    nthehot elorinmyhousenone
    ofthiswould'
    vebeennecessary.ButIwasatt he
    Mngomezul uhomesteadwithoutt heparent
    s’
    consentandinNdabuko'swor l
    dt heonlywayof
    apologi
    singtoamani stosendanani mal.
    Ireall
    ydon'tknowwhat '
    sgoi ngtohappenwhenwe
    gethome, myf atherisahar dcoreChr ist
    ianthat
    neverslaughters.Hedoesn' tbeli
    evei nspil
    li
    ng
    bloodorinthebel ieft
    hatdeadpeopl e’
    sspi r
    it
    sli
    ve
    evenaf t
    erdeath.Whi chiswhywehaven' tbeento
    Nyandeniinthirteenyears.Thel asttimewewer e
    therewaswhenourgr andfatherdiedandwel ef
    t
    shortl
    yafterthebur i
    al.
    Ithinkitwasthatdaywhent hef
    amilyspl
    itintotwo.
    Myf at
    herandAuntVumi l
    echosetoleavebecause
    theirhard-
    headedbigbrot
    her,Maqhawe,insist
    edon
    slaughteri
    nggoatsandburningi
    mpephot osendof f
    mkhul u.Asthekids,
    wewer en'
    tal
    lowedtovi si
    tat
    Nyandenianymor ebecauseBab’Maqhawe
    woul d'
    vedefi
    nit
    elywelcomeduswi t
    himpephoand
    slaught
    eredchi
    ckenst
    olet“
    hisancest
    ors”know
    thatwe'
    rehome.

    Hishandbr ushesmytummyandIsnapoutofmy
    thoughtsandlookathi
    m.He'
    sner
    vousjustasIam
    buthe'str
    yingtobeposi
    ti
    vef
    ormysake.
    “Iwantt
    osmoke.Akuphil
    amakhehl
    a?”Ndl
    ali
    fa
    saysbehi
    ndbehi
    ndthesteer
    ingwheel
    .
    “
    They'
    rebehi
    nd,
    ”Ndabukosays.
    Hestopsatt hesideoft her oadandt heybot hget
    outofthecar.Theirsmoki ngbreakturnsi nt
    oa
    deep,l
    owdi scussiont hattakesalmostt enmi nutes.
    WhenNdabukot urnshi seyest omei nsidethecarI
    sendaf i
    ercestarehi sway.Ican'tbelieveIhave
    masteredthe“boyf r
    iendr epri
    manding”st areso
    earl
    yinar el
    ati
    onshi p.He'sgetti
    ngbacki nsi
    det he
    carwit
    himmedi at
    eef fect.

    MrNgi
    diandNdabuko'
    suncl
    earr
    ivedbeforeus.Is
    i
    tnott
    hemult
    ipl
    esmokingbr
    eaksthatdelayedus?
    It
    'sjustafewt
    icksawayf
    rom el
    even,
    hopeful
    lymy
    fatheri
    shomeandnotrunni
    nghisChri
    sti
    anly
    errands.
    Ist
    aybehi
    ndwit
    hNdabukointhecarasot
    her
    sgo
    andst
    andinf
    rontoft
    hel
    ockedgate.
    “Sikhuleki
    leekhaya,
    koBhovungane,
    oZibi
    si
    zikaSishaka,ngubozokwembathazi
    kaZul
    u.
    Mahl ase!”
    Thepraisesdon'
    tdoat hi
    ngtomyfat
    her.He'
    snot
    thatmanwhoget st
    ickledbycl
    annames.Maybei
    f
    theyquotedafewverses!
    “Lonaokhul
    ekayouMngomezulu.UNkabanhl
    e,
    uDlakadl
    a.UMasok'anqunungemizi
    mbayawo!
    Sizocel
    aisi
    hloboesi
    hlel
    ayi
    khaya…”
    Whatt
    hehel
    l?
    !!
    “Ndabuko?
    ”Il
    ookathi
    m.Myj
    awsar
    eont
    he
    ground.
    “
    Sthandwasami
    ?”her
    espondsver
    yunbot
    her
    ed.
    “
    Whati
    sthi
    s?Ithoughtwewereher
    etoapol
    ogi
    ze
    f
    ort
    heunconsent
    edvisi
    t,
    ”Iask.
    “I
    t'
    sal
    linonepr
    ocess.Si
    zocel
    ausuku,
    sigezebese
    si
    buyanenhl
    awulonamalobol
    o.”
    “
    Butwedi
    dn'
    tdi
    scussmar
    ri
    age.
    ”
    “
    Wedid.ItoldyouIwasgoi
    ngt
    omakeyoua
    Mngomezulu.”
    He'sunbeli
    evable!JustwhenIt
    houghthewasa
    romanti
    cgent l
    emanwhounder stoodwhat
    communi cat
    ionis.
    “
    Ididn'
    tagreetoanyt
    hing.Idi
    dn'
    teventhinkthat
    wasapr oposal
    .Imeanwhatkindofapr oposali
    s
    t
    hat?Ithoughti
    twasjustafutur
    erefer
    ence.”
    “
    Myf
    utur
    eisnowNdondo,
    wit
    hyou”hesays.
    “WhataboutZamafuze?BecauseasfarasIknow
    youhaven'
    tcall
    edthi
    ngsoffwithherandshe'
    salso
    expect
    ingl
    obolafr
    om you,
    ”Iask.
    “Iwi
    llpayf
    orthedamagesanddot
    her
    it
    ual
    sfort
    he
    baby,
    ”hesays.
    “Doyouhavet
    heball
    stodothatt
    oher
    ?”Wordsjust
    sli
    poutofmyl
    ipsandbythefr
    ownonhisf
    ace,he’
    s
    pissed.
    “
    Meani
    ng?
    ”heasks.
    “Idon'tmeant ooff
    endyoubutIdon' tt hinkyou'
    re
    braveenought obreakupwi t
    ht hatgi rl
    .Youkeep
    sayingthatyoudon'tloveheranymor eandyou
    wantt obewi t
    hme.Butshe' sst il
    llivi
    ngi nyour
    house, t
    urni
    ngmeagai nstmypar entsandr ubbi
    ng
    Nhlanzeko'sdeathonmyf ace.Idi dn'taskyout o
    l
    ovemeandIdi dn’
    taskNhl anzekot ogi veme
    everythi
    ngthathegaveme.I '
    m st il
    lpr oudofmy
    achievementsandhowf arI'
    vecome.AndIswear
    Ndabuko, I'
    m notgoingtoshar eyouwi thher.I
    t'
    s
    herorme! ”
    “
    SosheopenedNhlanzeko'
    sroom f
    oryout
    hatday
    whenyouf
    aint
    ed?
    ”
    Whatdi dhethi
    nk?Thewor stcoul
    d'vehappenedon
    thatday.Shecould'
    vestr
    angledmet odeathand
    dumpedmeont herail
    way.Hewoul dn'
    thavefound
    outbecauseinhiseyesthi
    sFuzeisasai nt.
    Ionlyl
    etthati
    ncidentsl
    idebecauseIwasal
    so
    wrong.EventhoughIdidn'tknowofthei
    r
    rel
    ati
    onshipbutIwaspar tofther
    easonwhyshe
    washur
    ti
    ng.
    “
    Ineedtomakeaphonecal
    l.
    ”Heunt
    angl
    eshi
    sar
    m
    f
    rom meandcl
    imbsoutoft
    hecar
    .

    Ial
    soneedt omakeaphonecall.Iwanttoknow
    what'shappeni
    nginsi
    de.Ar
    etheyevenawar eofthe
    peopleoutsi
    dethegat
    eorthey'
    reignor
    ingthem on
    purpose.
    Hepi
    cksupwi
    thar
    ehear
    sedr
    esponse.
    “Youhaver
    eachedBahl
    eSi
    bisi
    ,howcanIhel
    p
    you?”
    Irol
    lmyeyes.Yes,I
    '
    vebeencal l
    eduptightmany
    ti
    mesthanIcanremember ,butIwasn'
    tlikehi
    m at
    theageof14.Idi
    dn'
    tlockmyselfintheroom,wore
    eyegl
    assesandreadSciencebooks.
    “
    Comeout
    sideur
    gent
    ly,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    “
    Isthatmysi
    ster
    ?Wel
    l,
    Ican'
    tcomeoutr
    ightnow.
    Maybeaft
    erafewmi
    n…”Hhayi-
    bo,
    thi
    schil
    d!
    “NowBahle!Iwi
    llcounttot
    en,”Iclearmythr
    oat
    andchangemytone.“ Don'
    ttel
    ltheparent
    swhere
    you'
    regoi
    ng,
    ”Isay.
    “Whycan' tIt
    ellt
    hem?Imean…”Idropthecall
    beforemor equesti
    onsfoll
    ow.Hewant
    sscienti
    fi
    c
    explanat
    ionforeveryt
    hingint
    heworl
    d.

    Ndabukoi ssit
    ti
    ngnextt ome,looki
    nglikehe'
    s
    aboutt obur
    stintofl
    ames.Thingswer en'
    tsupposed
    togot hisway.Idolovehim andIdon'tmindgett
    ing
    marri
    edt ohim.Buthewassupposedt osortouthis
    l
    ifefi
    rstanddirectl
    ydiscusswithmethathe's
    comingt oaskformyhandi nmar ri
    age.
    Bahlewal
    kst
    owardsthecarandwhenheseesthat
    I
    'm wit
    hsomeoneheadjust
    shiseyegl
    asses.
    “I
    smom awar eoft
    hepeopl
    eoutsi
    det
    hegat
    e?”I
    askaf
    terr
    oll
    ingdownthewindow.
    “
    Hel
    lo,
    howar
    eyou?
    ”hesays,
    dir
    ect
    ingt
    oNdabuko.
    “
    I'
    m goodandyour
    sel
    f?”
    “
    I'
    m wel
    l,
    thankyou.Si
    si,
    whatwer
    eyousayi
    ng?
    ”
    Youjusthavetoembraceyoursel
    fforf
    ormal
    it
    ies
    bef
    oreengagingwit
    hthischi
    ld.
    “
    Ismom awar
    eoft
    hepeopl
    eout
    sidet
    hegat
    e?”I
    r
    epeat
    .
    “
    Yes,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Whyar
    en'
    ttheyopeni
    ngf
    ort
    hem?
    ”Iask.
    “Ijustopenedi
    t,t
    heycanent
    eri
    ftheywant
    .When
    areyougoi ngt
    oCNA?Ineedafewbooksformy
    research.
    ”
    Cant
    hisconver
    sat
    ionbeaboutme?
    “Whichbooksdoyouneed? ”NdabukocutsinasI'
    m
    busydial
    ingmymot her
    'snumber.Idi
    dn'texpect
    hertodothistome.Ihavebeenagooddaught er,I
    l
    ivedbyther ulesandachi
    evedwhatmostofmy
    peerscouldn't
    .

    “Ndondo,
    whatdoyouwant
    ?”sheasksasshepi
    cks
    up.
    “
    Mom t
    heMngomezul
    usar
    eout
    sidet
    hegat
    e,”Isay.
    “Idon'
    trememberinvi
    tingthem t
    omyhouse.Thei
    r
    goatismakingnoi
    se,tellt
    hem t
    ogoandabuse
    God'sanimalsf
    arawayf rom myhouse.
    ”Wi
    ththat
    sai
    dshedr opst
    hecall
    .Animalabuse?Really?Her
    husbandcannotli
    vewit
    houtst
    eak, i
    sitnotanimal
    abusewhenwhi t
    epeoplesl
    aughteranimalsfor
    butcher
    ies?

    Itrytostaycal
    m,Ir
    eall
    ydo.Butwhentheymake
    theirwaybackanhourlat
    erIbr
    eakdownandlet
    tearsrui
    nmymake-up.
    “Sthandwasamipl ease,we'llkeept rying,”hesays,
    pulli
    ngmeont ohischest .Iknowhowmyf atheris,
    he'snotgoingtochangehi smi nd.Onl ymymot her
    knowswhi chbuttonstopr esst ogethi m cal
    m, but
    she'snotonmysi deei t
    her.Theonl ywayt hey'
    d
    everaccepthimisi fheattendschur chandl iveby
    thewor dofGod.Idon'tseet hathappeni ngei t
    her.
    Ndabukoi sgui
    dedbyt heancest ors, Idon'tthi
    nkhe
    evenbelievest
    hatt her
    ewasamancal l
    edJesus
    Christwhodiedforoursi ns.
    “Ndondoyou'
    l
    lupsett
    hebaby,
    ngi
    cel
    awehl
    ise
    umoya.”
    Nowever
    yonei
    swat
    chi
    nguswi
    thpi
    tycanopyi
    ng
    t
    heirfaces.Whywoul dmyfamilyembar
    rassme
    l
    ikethis?Theycoul
    d'vej
    ustlett
    hem i
    nandturned
    t
    hem downdecent l
    y.

    Ieventual
    lygetagri
    pofmyemot i
    onsandt akemy
    bagoutoft hecar
    .Iwasonlyallowedtoenterthe
    premisesoncethegoathasbeenpr esent
    edt othe
    famil
    y,butsincet
    hatdi
    dn'tsucceedI'
    lll
    etmyself
    i
    nside.
    “
    Areyougoi
    ngt
    obeokay?
    ”heasks.
    IwishIcangivehi
    m somet
    hingmor
    econvi
    nci
    ng
    thanjustanod.
    “I
    '
    llwai
    ther
    e,comebacktomeift
    heyki
    ckyouout
    ormakeyouuncomfor
    tabl
    e.”
    Well
    ,Iboughtt hishouseandI'
    m payi
    ngallthebil
    ls
    monthly.There'snowaythey'
    regoingtokickme
    outbutthey'
    llsurelymakemeuncomf ort
    able.I
    wouldn'tbesurprisedi
    fchur
    chwomencomewi t
    h
    Bibl
    eslatert
    obr ingmeapower fulpr
    ayer
    .
    “
    Iwon'
    tgi
    veuponus.Pl
    easebepat
    ientwi
    thme,
    I'
    m goingtobri
    ngyouhomethewayyou' r
    e
    supposedtocome.”Hepecksthesi
    deofmyf ace
    andstaresdeeplyi
    ntomyeyesunti
    lIr
    eleaseal
    lthe
    tensi
    onwithaheavysighandnodmyhead.
    “Iwi
    llcal
    lyou.Pleasekeepyourpr
    omi
    ses
    Ndabuko,”Isay.
    Heknowswhi
    chpr
    omi
    sesI
    '
    mref
    err
    ingt
    o.
    .
    .
    Myfatherhasbeenignor
    ingmebyr eadingt
    he
    newspaperoverandoveragai
    n.Mymot heri
    s
    si
    ppingontheteaandactingl
    ikenothi
    nghappened.
    Theonlywaytogett
    hei
    rat
    tent
    ioni
    stoannounce
    thebi
    ggernews.
    “
    Ther
    e'ssomet
    hingIneedt
    otel
    lyou,
    ”Isay.
    Mom let
    soutasi
    ghbef
    oreput
    ti
    nghercupont
    he
    saucer
    .
    “Baba,l
    endheryourat t
    ent
    ionf
    orafewmi
    nutes.I
    hopethishasnothingtodowit
    hthatf
    ami
    lyyou
    broughttoourgate.”
    Wel
    l,
    itdoesandt
    her
    e'smor
    etoi
    t.
    Sibi
    sii
    sstari
    ngatme.Hiseyesarepeeki
    ngunder
    theeyegl
    assesandIknowthathe'
    sreadyforawar
    .
    “
    I'
    m pr
    egnant
    ,”Isay.
    Theybot
    hfr
    eeze.
    Nomovementorwhat
    soever
    .
    “
    Ndabukowantstopayforthedamagesandst
    art
    wit
    hlobol
    anegot
    iat
    ions,
    ”Isay.
    Si
    bisipi
    cksuphisnewspaper
    ,fol
    dsi
    tnear
    lyand
    l
    eavestheroom wi
    thoutbr
    eat
    hingaword.
    “Ndondowhyar eyouembarr
    assinguslikethi
    s?
    Outofalldecentmenwhowoul d'veki
    ll
    edt omarrya
    beauti
    fulgir
    lli
    keyou,youwentoutanddat ed
    umageza? ”Oh,thi
    sisaboutNkosinat
    hi,
    thepastor'
    s
    sonwhot houghtI'dj
    umpontohim andof f
    ermyself
    ashissubmi ssi
    vewife.
    Ihavenoenergytoexpl
    ainhowNdabukoendedup
    i
    nt het
    axis.Shecanj
    udgehim al
    lshewantsbutt
    he
    guyhasdoubl et
    hebrai
    nsofherandherhusband
    combined.
    “
    Whenmustt
    heycome?
    ”Iask.
    “Ndondoyamahlase,you'renevergoi
    ngtomarry
    i
    ntothatfami
    ly.Allyouneedt ofocusonri
    ghtnow
    i
    saskingGodf orforgiveness.
    ”Shecoll
    ect
    shertea
    cupandsaucerandf oll
    owsbehindherhusband.
    Theyhavelef
    tmewithnochoi
    cebutt
    ogobackt o
    theworl
    dtheyhavekeptmefr
    om f
    ort
    hir
    teenyear
    s.

    I'
    vealwayshadhi
    snumberbutI
    'venevercal
    ledhi
    m
    becauseIhadtochoosemypar
    ents.
    Hepicksupaft
    ersever
    alr
    ings.He'
    sont
    hel
    inebut
    he'
    swaiti
    ngformetospeak.
    “
    Bab’
    omdal
    a,i
    t’
    sme,
    ”Isay.
    “Ndondo?”He'
    sshockedbutIcanheart
    he
    happinessi
    nhisvoi
    ce.
    “
    Yes,
    it'
    sme,
    ”Isay.
    “Ndodakaziyami,
    ar eyouokay?I
    severyone
    alr
    ight?
    ”Iguesshedoesn'tholdgr
    udgesagainst
    hisbrotherandsi
    sterwhochosetodisownhim and
    nevergobackhome.
    “Yesever
    yonei
    sfi
    ne.I
    t'
    sjustme,Ihaveafew
    probl
    emsandmyparentsaren'
    thel
    pful
    ,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Whatki
    ndofpr
    obl
    ems?
    ”heasks.
    “Imetsomeone…”I 'm st
    ruggli
    ngtofindagood
    expl
    anati
    ont hatcouldpainthim aclearpi
    ctureof
    what'
    shappeni ng.Idon'
    tthinkaZuluf at
    herinhim
    wouldunderstandhowapeni sgotinsidehi
    s
    daughter
    'svagina.
    “Iknewt hi
    sdaywoul dcome,
    ”hesaysbef
    oreIcan
    explain.I
    'm notsur
    ewhathemeans.Heknewthat
    I'
    llneedhim oneday?
    “AmaHlasear
    ewai
    ti
    ngf
    oryou,
    pleasecomehome,
    ”
    hesays.
    Ithinkthi
    sallIneeded;himt oaskmet ocome
    home.I thastakenmet hi
    slongt of i
    ndmyspi ri
    tual
    -
    self.Twenty-
    sixyears!Iwast oldwhatt obel i
    evein
    andIbel i
    eved.Andt here'
    snot hi
    ngwr ongwi t
    hthat,
    parentshavet oshowt heirki
    dst hepat htheythink
    i
    st hebest.It
    'sonlyunfairwhent heydenyt hem the
    chancet ochooset hei
    rownspi r
    itualpathast hey
    grow.
    Isti
    llbel
    ieveinGodandt hepri
    nci
    plesof
    ri
    ghteousness.ButI'
    m goinghome,wheremy
    grandparentsandthosebefor
    ethem rest
    ,the
    Sibi
    sis.
    It
    'snotdisr
    espect
    .Ichoosemyownpat
    h,i
    t'
    sapar
    t
    ofdecisi
    onsIhavetotakeasagr
    ownup,amot
    her
    andsomeone'swife-
    to-
    be.
    .
    .
    Icannotletmyper sonall
    if
    eint
    erf
    erewi
    thmywor k.
    Ipromisedt otakethi
    scompanytothenextl
    evel
    ,
    theowner shipdoesn'
    tmeanIhavetoworklessand
    puteverythingonFaith.
    “Yourmeetingwiththesuppli
    ershasbeen
    postponedtoWednesday.Bef oreyoubit
    eanyone'
    s
    headoff,I
    'mtheonewhopost ponedit
    .Youneedto
    catchabreak,don'tevent
    hinkaboutfi
    ghtingme.”
    Owkaaay!Br
    ownpaper
    bag?Wi
    negl
    ass?
    “
    Khosiwe'
    reatwor
    k!”I
    '
    m st
    unnedbyt
    hebot
    tl
    eof
    wine.
    “Worki
    nwhosecompany?Yourj ui
    ceiscomi
    ng,
    babymama.Us,peoplewhoknowhowt ouse
    condoms,
    willi
    ndulgeinr
    ealbot
    tl
    es.”
    Ishould’
    veknownthi
    siswhatitwoul
    dleadi
    nto.
    ButIdon'tst
    opherfr
    om dr
    inki
    ng,shehasworked
    hardtohaveafri
    endwhoownsacompany.
    “Ndabukoownshal fofi
    t,
    ”Ir
    emindherandsherol
    ls
    hereyes.Ihaven'
    ttol
    dheraboutmySatur
    daytr
    ipto
    Nyandeni.
    “Hedoesn'
    tevencareabouthisshar
    es,”shesays
    andwavesthesubjectof
    fwithherhand.
    Shet
    akesasi
    pfr
    om hergl
    ass.
    “Tel
    lmeaboutt
    heMaqhingascene.Whatdidyou
    dowhenhewalkedonyouguystlof
    -t
    lof
    ing?
    ”
    Gosh,whydidIeventel
    lheraboutt
    his?NowIhave
    t
    otell
    thestoryf
    orthefi
    fthti
    me.
    “Hejuststoodther
    eandwat chedasIatt
    emptedt
    o
    run.Ndabukoheldmebackandhi dmeunderhis
    bodyont hecouch.”Shechokeswit
    hlaught
    erand
    nearl
    yspill
    soutthewine.
    “Thenhewasl i
    ke-“I
    sthi swhatyoutwogetupt oall
    daylong?Getdr essed,you'l
    lconti
    nuesmashi ng
    l
    aterbecauset heparentsarehere,”–wehadno
    otherchoicebuttogetournakedbut tandleaking
    genit
    alsintothebedroom. ”Idon'
    tknowwhyIf i
    nd
    thi
    sfunnybecausei twasembar r
    assing.Idon't
    knowhowI '
    m goingtof aceMaqhingathenextt i
    me
    Iseehim.

    Thelaughterandwineoffi
    ce-part
    yisdi
    stur
    bedby
    theshif
    ti
    ngdoor .Myfaceli
    ghtensupasKhosirol
    ls
    hereyesuntilt
    heytouchherbrain.
    I'
    veneverhadt
    hisguesti
    ntheoff
    icebefore.The
    l
    asttimehewasherenobodyknewt hathewas
    actual
    lyt
    heco-
    owner.
    “Nomkhosi,
    ”heacknowledgesherandshej
    ust
    wavesherhandathim andwalksoutwit
    hherbot
    tl
    e
    underherar
    m.
    “
    Itmustbenice!”Ndabukosaysashewatchesher
    wal
    kingoutofthedoor .I
    ’
    m notget
    ti
    ngmyself
    i
    nvol
    vedintheirludi
    crousbeef
    .
    “Shetakescareofyourcompanywhil
    eyou'
    re
    chil
    li
    ngatthetaxir
    ank.Whatbri
    ngsyouher
    eMr
    Mngomezul u?
    ”Iask.
    Hel
    ower
    shi
    msel
    font
    heguestcouch.
    “
    Mat ter
    softheheart,
    ”hesays.Forsomeonewho' s
    i
    nsidemyof f
    iceforthefir
    stt
    imehe'snotmuch
    i
    nterest
    edinmyexpensi vebeauti
    fuldeskt
    hathasa
    r
    eturncabi
    net.Everyonecomplimentsitwhenthey
    walkinher
    e.
    “
    Haveyoubeenher
    ebef
    ore?
    ”Iask.
    “No.
    ”Thesmirk!Idon'
    tbel
    ievehi
    m.I
    '
    venever
    ownedthi
    sli
    fe,haveI?
    “I
    '
    vebeenmi ssi
    ngyou.Rememberwehave
    unfi
    nishedcl
    ass?”Hecocksuphi
    seyebr
    ow.
    Thatwoul
    dbetheW- O-Tcl
    asst
    hatIwasj
    usta
    bl
    inkawayfr
    om passingwhenMaqhi
    ngadi
    stur
    bed
    us.
    “You'
    l
    lteachmelat
    er,
    Sir
    .Ihopeyourhousehas
    beenvacuumed.
    ”
    Whyi
    shesi
    ghi
    ngnow?Hemust
    n'tdar
    esi
    ghonme!
    “
    Iti
    s,r
    ight
    ?”Iask.
    “Shemovedoutbut
    …”Anot
    hersi
    gh.Lor
    dwhat
    happened?
    “Sherefusestoletmepayf ort
    hedamages.But
    that'
    snotwhatI'm worri
    edabout,
    whatstressesme
    i
    st hatshedoesn'twantmet odothenami ngrit
    ual
    formybaby.Idon' twanttohaveangryspiri
    ts
    hoveringovermeandIdon' twantanythi
    ngt o
    happent oourbaby.”
    Idon'
    tknowwhatthi
    smeans;“angr
    yspi
    ri
    ts-
    anyt
    hingtohappent
    oourbaby.”
    Buti
    tcouldbebad,judgingbyt hewayhisfinger s
    j
    ustbal
    ledint
    oafistandhi sfacialmuscl
    est ensing
    upandreveal
    ingt
    het hrobbingveinonhisfor ehead.
    “IknowthatIhavewast
    edhert
    ime.Fouryear
    s,
    Ndondo.Butpunishi
    ngmybabyinst
    eadofmei s
    unfair
    .”
    Itlooksl
    ikewehavemor ethanjustf
    amil
    yproblems.
    Ireall
    ydon'tknowhowhe'sgoingtodealwi
    ththis,
    allI'
    m pr
    ayingfori
    sthatnothi
    ngharmsmybaby.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    02] :Chapt
    er16
    THALENTE

    Idi
    dn'tgethi
    staxit odayandalreadymymoodi s
    sour.Idon'
    twantt ositbehi
    ndthisoval
    -headed
    dri
    verwhoplaysCasperNyovest .WhoplaysCasper
    Nyovestinataxi?Whydoesn' theplaymaskandi
    l
    ikeotherdri
    vers?OrmustIsayl i
    keacertai
    ndri
    ver?
    Thisoneevengi vesmet hechangeexactlyl
    ikei
    t
    should.He'
    sscammi ngme.WheneverIpayIget
    mychangepl usR50ont op.

    I'
    m annoyedsoear l
    yint hemor ning.Idon'
    teven
    real
    izehowempt ythet axirankisasIwal kt
    owards
    theshelterabsent-
    mi ndedly.Whyam Ievenf eel
    ing
    thi
    sway?Hasi tbeent hatlongsi nceIwas
    entert
    ainedbyamant hatamer ehugandbabyki ss
    havemest r
    etchingmyneckl ikeagi r
    aff
    elooki
    ng
    foramanwhohasn' tsaidanyt hi
    ngt ome?
    Itl
    ooksli
    keI
    '
    mtooear
    ly.EvenSi
    s’Thandii
    snot
    hereyet
    .Iwi
    pet
    hewoodenbenchandl owermysel
    f
    onit.Eventhoughonl yoneeari sworki
    ng,Iplugmy
    headsetinthephoneandpl aymusic.Icouldstart
    bysweepi nginsi
    det heshel
    t erbutI
    '
    mt oolazy.I'
    l
    l
    j
    ustpr et
    endasi fIcouldn'
    tfindthebroom when
    theygethere.

    Thewholetaxirankwasempt ywhenIgothere.
    Ther
    ewer eonlyfewSparwor kersandtaxi
    commuterswhower eheadingt othei
    rwork
    dest
    inat
    ions.I
    'mr el
    ievedtoseeonesl i
    m guy
    j
    oggingtowardstheshel t
    er.
    Theor
    der
    shavest
    art
    ed!
    Hegetstomeandpullsouthisphone.Maybehe
    hasanimport
    antcal
    ltomake, soIwaitf
    orhi
    mto
    getoverwi
    thi
    twithanotepadandpeni nmyhand.
    “Baf
    o,isi
    ttheaf
    roonewithabi
    gforehead?
    ”he
    askstheot
    herpersonashi
    seyessweepoverme.
    Ishi
    ftont
    hebenchandputasi
    det
    henot
    epadt
    hatI
    hadinmyhand.
    Ihaveapl
    ast
    ic-
    cover
    edhandmi
    rr
    ort
    hatIbought
    fr
    om astreethawkerandascheapasi ti
    s,Ist
    il
    lsee
    aclearr
    eflecti
    onofmysel
    foni t.Af
    ro?Bi
    gforehead?
    That'
    sdefini
    telyme,nowI
    'm stuckonwhogavet hi
    s
    guytheri
    ghtt ocal
    lmybigforeheadbig?
    “Kantieyaniimzuzu?Abezephela!”(
    What '
    sthewait
    for
    ?Theymustcome. )He'st
    alki
    ngabout
    somet hi
    ngel se,somethi
    ngthatseemstoupsethim.
    His“smal l
    "foreheadgrowsintoafamili
    arfr
    own.He
    cli
    ckshist ongueashedr opsthecal
    l.Thenhe
    comesst raighttomeandgr absmybagnextt ome.
    “
    Let
    'sgo!
    ”hesays.
    Igetuponmyf eetandgr
    abhisarm befor
    ehe
    takesanot
    herstep.Whot
    hehelli
    sthis?
    Hel
    ooksbackatmeandexhal
    es.
    “Youshoul
    dn'
    thavecomeheretoday.Nowdo
    Ndlal
    i
    faafavourandcooper
    atewit
    hme. "
    Thementi
    onofNdlal
    if
    a’snamecal
    msmedowna
    bi
    tbutI
    '
    m notcooper
    ati
    ngwithast
    ranger
    .
    “
    Bri
    ngbackmybag,
    ”Isay.
    He'
    ssoannoyedbutI
    '
    veseenenoughannoyed
    peopl
    einmyl
    if
    ethati
    tdoesn'
    taf
    fectmeanymor
    e.
    “Youcan'tbeheretoday.Nobodyisall
    owedt obe
    here,”heexpl
    ainssl
    owly,makingsurethateach
    wor dsti
    cksthr
    oughandr egi
    steri
    nsi
    demybi g
    forehead.
    “Fi
    neI
    '
    llgobackt
    omyhouse.Idon'
    tneedyout
    o
    pul
    lme,
    ”Isay.
    Het akesadeepbreathandshrugshisshoulders.
    Withinthebli
    nkofaneyemyl egsarefl
    oat i
    nginthe
    ai
    randI 'm pl
    acedagai
    nsthi
    sshoulder.Idon'teven
    understandhowhedi dt
    hat,
    I'
    m size34f orcryi
    ng
    outloud!
    “Ifyoudon'tputmedownnowI '
    m goingtoscr
    eam,
    ”
    Ithreat
    enbuthedoesn' tcare.Hecrossestheempt
    y
    roadwithmeonhi sshouldersandstopsinoneof
    thefewt axi
    sthatarehere.
    Heshovesmeinsideandclosest
    hedooraf
    terme.
    Ser
    iousl
    y?Ndl
    ali
    fasentthi
    sassholet
    odothist
    o
    me?
    Theasshol ejumpsont hedri
    ver
    'sseatandstart
    s
    thetaxi.I'
    veneverbeentoanydri
    vingschoolbutI
    don'tthinkit
    'sal
    lowedtospeedl
    ikethi
    swhi l
    e
    reversi
    ng.Ther oboti
    ssti
    llr
    edwhenhecr ossesit
    ashedr i
    vesoutoftown.
    Wear edrivi
    ngt othenor
    th.No, scratchthat,wear
    e
    fl
    yingtothenor t
    hwi t
    hataxi.Eveni fIopenmy
    mout hhewon' thearme.I'
    vehear drumour sabout
    disagreement sbetweenthet axiassociati
    onbig
    shots,soIguesst hi
    siswhati thasledi nt
    o.WhatI
    don'tunderstandi swhyam Igoi ngtoEver est
    HeightsinsteadofCannel andswher eIsquat .

    Heparkst
    het axii
    nfr
    ontofahazey-gr
    eypai
    nted
    r
    amblerhouse.
    “
    Whydi
    dyoubr
    ingmeher
    e?”Iask.
    Hejumpsoutofthecarandhurr
    iestomyside.He
    openst
    hedoorandsignalst
    hatIcli
    mbout.He
    l
    ooksimpat
    ientmorethanever
    .
    “I
    'm notget
    ti
    ngoutbef
    oreyoutel
    lmewhot hehel
    l
    youare,whosehousei
    sthisandwhyam here,
    ”I
    say.
    “Whydon'tyoucallyourmanandaskhim?Idid
    whatIwast ol
    dtodo. ”Hefi
    shessomet
    hingoutof
    hispocketandhandsi tt
    ome.Housekeys?
    “
    Iwantt
    oleave,
    ”hesays.
    Withconf
    usi
    onthreat
    eningtoburstmyhead,I
    cli
    mboutwithmybag.Hecl osesthedoorand
    rushest
    othedri
    ver'
    sside.
    Hespeedsoff
    ,leavi
    ngmest andi
    ngi
    nfr
    ontoft
    he
    st
    rangehouseli
    kealostsheep.
    Whatt
    hef
    ucki
    shappeni
    ngher
    e?!
    !
    .
    .
    NDLALI
    FA

    Whatwassupposedt obeagunfightofpower s
    betweenBhengu’speopl
    eandNgidi’
    st axidri
    vers
    hasendedwi t
    hadeadpol i
    ceman.Theirrulewas
    thatnotaxiwi
    lloper
    atei
    fBhengurefusest ostep
    downast hechair
    man.Andher ef
    used,Ngidihadto
    keephi
    swor dandstoptaxi
    sfrom ranki
    ng.Nowi t
    's
    gonefr
    om badt owor se,
    Maqhingagunneddown
    thepol
    icemanandnowt heyhaveBhenguandt he
    poli
    ceont hei
    rbacks.
    Thisisnot imet oworryaboutt axiusersorst reet
    vendors.Rightnowonl yNgi diget t
    ingtheposi ti
    on
    he'salwayswant edmat t
    ers, butnott oNdl al
    if
    a.
    He'swor r
    iedaboutSi s’Thandi ’
    sshelterthat
    employedt hewomanwhof or cedapl ateofsal t
    y
    beefdownhi sthroatandst olehi sheart.Itmight
    takeawhi leforthingstogetbackt onormal .The
    foodshelterensur edthathesawherever ymor ning
    towork,atet hefoodshepr epar edforhim andsaw
    herintheeveni ngs.

    Theyallheadt oNgi di'


    shouse, somethi
    ngt heydon't
    doveryof ten.NdabukoandMaqhi ngastayaf ew
    str
    eetsawayf rom eachot heratUmhlangaandt hey
    showt heirfacesatthet axirankonceinaf ullmoon.
    Maqhinga’ smai nfocusisongi rl
    sandlivinglikean
    animalalloverDur ban.Ndabukomayownt axisand
    sit
    sbehi ndthewheelforaf ewhours,buthe'ssti
    ll
    toofancyt osi
    tatthetaxirankdayinandout .He
    speaksadi ff
    erentl
    anguagef rom ot
    hertaxiowner s.
    He'dbei nt
    erestedi
    ncarengi nesandinfl
    ationrates
    whileotherswanttodiscusswhi choneisfast
    betweenNkwanyana' staxiandMhl ongo'
    sspr i
    nter.
    NgidibecametheCEOofBantwanaHoldi
    ngandhe
    hadtolivel
    ikeadecentman.So,
    heboughta
    mansioninthesameestat
    easNdabukoand
    Maqhinga.
    Ndlal
    if
    aisol
    atedhimselff r
    om everyone, mainly
    becausehehasunr esolvedissueswi t
    hhi sfather.
    HestaysinEverestHeightsinar ambl erhouset hat
    doesn'
    tevenrepresenthispocketpr operly.He'
    s
    neverbeenfondofbighouses, letaloneadoubl e-
    stor
    eyhouset hatwouldneedhi mt ocl i
    mbupand
    downt hest
    air
    s.
    “Doyoustil
    lremembert
    hatyouhaveaguestin
    yourhouse?”Maqhi
    ngaasksashesqueezes
    himsel
    finthecouchbet
    weenhim andNdabuko.
    “
    Whatguest
    ?”Ndabukoasks.Ngi
    dii
    ssi
    lent
    ly
    l
    istening.Nowomanhaseverbeenintroducedto
    him asagi r
    lf
    ri
    endoreventheone-
    nightst
    and.Of
    course,hedoesn'
    twanthissonstobelikehim.He
    want sthem t
    omarryandhavefunct
    ionalfamil
    ies.
    “Noneofyourbusi
    ness.Wher
    eisFuze?”He
    changest
    hetopic,
    makingNdabukouncomfor
    tabl
    e.
    “Shemovedout .Idon'
    tthi
    nkshewentbackhome.
    Shemustbesomewher ecrying,
    ”hesayswit
    ha
    knockofguil
    tinhisstomach.Heneverimagined
    them endi
    ngthingsonabitternote.
    “Orpl
    anni
    ngherr
    evengeagai
    nstMaSi
    bisi
    ,
    ”Ngi
    di
    says.
    Theyal
    lstar
    eathi
    m.He,outoft
    hem al
    l,
    worshi
    ppedthegr
    oundsFuzewal
    kedon.
    “Shepai
    dmeavisi
    t.Keepaneyeonher.
    ”Hepi
    cks
    hisgl
    assandempt
    iesthecont
    ent
    sinsi
    dehi
    smouth.
    It
    'sti
    mef ort
    herealdi
    scussi
    on.Theonet
    heyal
    l
    gatheredher
    efor.
    “Thewarhasst
    art
    ed.Ineedever
    yonetobe
    prepar
    edandst
    rengt
    hened,
    ”Ngidisaysandl
    ooks
    atMaqhinga.“
    Wena,you'
    llneedtocleansefi
    rst
    .I'
    l
    l
    handl
    ethepoli
    ceman’scase,yourdutyistopur
    ify
    yourspi
    ri
    tandgetr
    eadyf orabiggerwar.”
    Hi
    seyestur
    ntoNdabukowho'
    spl
    ayi
    ngwi
    thhi
    s
    wr
    ist
    -wat
    ch.
    “
    Areyoui
    n?”heasks.
    “
    Yeah,
    ”Ndabukosays.
    “
    Nowomant
    hisweek.Ar
    eweal
    lcl
    ear
    ?”
    Ndabukoli
    ft
    suphisheadandlooksatMaqhi
    nga,
    whenthei
    reyesmeettheybot
    hfrown.Howtoli
    ve
    wit
    houtsexforaweek?
    “Tomorrownightt
    hestr
    engtheningwil
    lbegi
    n.You
    canallgoseethewomeni nyourli
    vesanddoyour
    goodbyesbecausefr
    om tomorrowonwardsIdon'
    t
    needanyfemalesmellf
    rom you,”Ngi
    disays.
    Theybot hnodtheirheads.Ndl
    ali
    fai
    squietbecause
    thi
    sonedoesn'tappl ytohim.Hehasneverhada
    problem st
    ayi
    ngf arfrom women.Maybehewas
    sti
    llunder30whenhekeptawomanf ormorethan
    threemonths.
    “
    That'
    sal
    l,
    ”Ngi
    disays,adj
    our
    ningt
    hemeet
    ing.
    Maqhi
    ngaist
    hefi
    rstonetomakeaphonecal
    land
    l
    eave.
    TheydiscussNdondo’
    spar
    ent
    sf oraf
    ewmi
    nut
    es
    befor
    eNdabukoleavesaswel
    l.

    Ndlalif
    ar emai nsonthecouch, stari
    ngupathi s
    mot her'
    sphot oinahugef ramet hat
    'shangingf rom
    thewal l
    .Hel astsawheronhi s8t hbirt
    hday,
    Maqhi ngawasonl yt
    wo-year soldwhenshel eft
    withahugest omachandonl yherpur sewi thIDand
    taxifeeinside.Herclothes, l
    oti
    onsandear r
    ings,al
    l
    ofitisstillpackedneatlyinsidet hesuitcasethatis
    neveropenedandkepti nsidehi sfather'
    sbedr oom.
    Itmoveswi thhimi nt
    oever yhousehel ivesin.
    Ngididecidest
    oexcusehimsel
    ffrom theroom.
    They'vebeenheremanytimesbefore.They'
    ve
    discussedher,
    accusedoneanotherandsome
    yearstheyweren'
    tfat
    herandson.
    Wholeaveswi
    thnotr
    acefort
    went
    y-sevenyear
    s,
    l
    eavi
    nghertwosonsatt
    hehandofamanwho
    l
    oveshist
    axismorethanhelovesGodhimself
    ?No
    l
    ett
    er.Novi
    sit
    .Shejustdi
    sappearedandnever
    l
    ookedback.
    “Ndl
    ali
    fa,
    ”hi
    sfather
    'shousekeeperdi
    stur
    bshimin
    hist
    houghtsassheputsapl at
    eoffoodinfr
    ontof
    him.
    Theyshar eabr i
    eflookbeforeshewal ksoff
    .She's
    tryi
    ngherbestt obecomemor ethanjusta
    housekeeper ,
    allt
    hesethigh-reveali
    ngskirt
    sand
    poppingcleavagethreateningtobur sthershir
    t.
    Hopef ul
    lyshe'l
    lbefir
    edsoonbecausehi smother
    can'tbereplacedbyagi rlheoncef u€kedbehind
    thetaxi.
    .
    .
    He'sanerve-wreckashedr ivest owardshi
    shouse.
    Whathef eelsforThalentescareshim.It'
    snot
    everydaythathemeet sawomanwhof or
    ceshimto
    eatbadly-
    cookedf oodandchal lengeshimlikeher
    .
    She'sfei
    styandnoti nti
    midatedbyanyone, and
    that
    'swhathel ovesthemostabouther .
    It
    'sal
    most9am andshe'sbeeni nhishouseal one
    si
    nce6am.Heknowst hathe'
    sst eppi
    ngintoawar
    zone.I
    nhisheadshewentt hr
    oughhi ski
    tchen,
    madehersel
    fsomethingtoeat,lookedfor
    somethi
    ngtochangeintofrom hisclosetand
    maybeputonhisshir
    t.He'sexpect i
    ngtofindher
    watchi
    ngTVinthelounge.
    Butthat
    'snotthescenehewal ksi
    nto.Hewal
    ksin
    toanangr ywomansi t
    ti
    ngont hefl
    oorwi
    thher
    armshuggi ngherknees.Shehasn'
    tmovedasingl
    e
    thi
    nginsidethehouse.Noteventheremot
    e.
    “
    Hell
    o,”hegr
    eet
    sandment
    all
    ypr
    epar
    ehi
    msel
    ffora
    war
    .
    “Whereareyoucomi ngfr
    om? ”Thescor nful
    questi
    onhashimf eeli
    ngthethingshe'sneverf
    elt
    befor
    e.Str
    angehowhe' df i
    nditheart
    war mingt
    o
    havesomeoneinterrogat
    inghim abouthis
    whereabout
    s.
    “Fi
    ghti
    ngBhengu’
    speopl
    eatthet
    axir
    ank,
    ”hesays
    andlower
    shimsel
    fonthecouchbehi
    ndher
    .
    Thesi
    lencei
    spal
    pabl
    e.Hecl
    ear
    shi
    sthr
    oatandshe
    t
    urnsherbur
    ningf
    acet
    ohi
    m.
    “Di
    danyonegethurt?”Thi
    sisnotthequesti
    onhe
    expect
    ed.Whyisshesoangr ybutst
    il
    lcalm AF.
    Womenscr eam whenthey'
    reangr
    y,ri
    ght?
    “
    Onepol
    icemandi
    ed,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Mayhi
    ssoulr
    esti
    npeace.
    ”
    Hef
    rowns.
    Shekeepst
    hebur
    ningst
    areonhi
    m.
    “Thal
    ent
    eI'
    m sor ry.Ijustwantedyout obe
    somewheresaf e.Icould'vewarnedyouyesterday
    butIdi
    dn’
    tthinkt hi
    ngswoul descalatesoquickl
    y.I
    hopeyoudidn'tfi
    ndt hisdisr
    espectf
    ul,
    ”henails
    himsel
    fonthecr oss.
    “Whichonedoyouwi shIdi
    dn'tfi
    nddisr
    espectf
    ul?
    Youtell
    ingthatmanyousentt hathe'
    l
    lseemewi th
    afr
    oandbi gforeheadoryouinstr
    ucti
    ngthathe
    dri
    vesli
    keamani acandbri
    ngmeher eagainstmy
    wil
    l?”
    “Bot
    h,”hesaysbef
    oresheevenswal
    lowsher
    quest
    ions.
    Shedust
    sher
    sel
    fupandsl
    idesi
    ntoherpumps.
    “
    Iwantt
    oleave,
    ”shesays.
    Noooo!Ther
    easonhewantedhert
    obeher
    ewas
    t
    hathewantedtospendt
    imewithher
    .
    “
    Canwehavel
    unchf
    ir
    st?Pl
    ease.
    ”
    “
    No,
    Idon'
    twantanyl
    unch.
    ”
    Thestar
    econt
    estbegi
    nsandl
    ast
    sforaf
    ew
    minut
    es.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa?
    ”shescol
    ds.
    “
    Ican'
    tdr
    iver
    ightnow.I
    '
    mti
    red.
    ”
    “
    Thencal
    lthatmanwhodr
    ovemeher
    e.”
    “
    Mybr
    otheri
    sti
    redt
    oo.
    ”
    No.Nott
    oher
    !
    Herhandgrabshi
    m onthechestbytheT-shi
    rt
    .Her
    att
    emptsofshaki
    nghimfail
    .Nomat t
    erhowhard
    shetr
    iest
    opushhim hesteadi
    lyst
    andsonhisfeet
    onthesamespot.
    “
    Please,
    Iwantt
    oleave.
    ”She'
    sti
    redoff
    ight
    ing.She
    si
    nksont
    hecouchandbur
    iesherf
    acei
    nherhands.
    “
    Idon'tbi
    teThalent
    e.It
    'ssorudeofyoutoref
    use
    mylunchofferwhereasIal
    sospenttimeinyour
    r
    oom andateyourfood.”
    Sheli
    ft
    sherheadup.Nowt
    hisi
    stheThal
    ent
    ehe
    knows.
    “Ohreal
    ly?Di
    dIaskyout
    ocomet
    omyr
    oom and
    eatmyfood?”
    “
    Yesyoudi
    d,”hesays.
    Shebal
    lsherf
    inger
    sint
    oaf
    istandhi
    ssest
    hrough
    hert
    eet
    h.
    “I
    t'
    sjustf
    oodwi
    thyourfavor
    it
    etaxidr
    iver
    ,”hesays
    andcocksuphi
    seyebrowinwaiti
    ng.
    “
    Myf
    avour
    it
    e?”Hereyesar
    ewi
    dened.
    “It
    houghtyoul
    ikedme,
    ”hesayswi
    thhi
    shand
    acrosshi
    schest.
    “
    Sweet
    hear
    t,notever
    yonel
    ikesyou,
    ”shesays.
    “
    Butyou'
    renotever
    yone,
    you'
    reThal
    ent
    eandyou
    l
    ikeme.
    ”
    “Iam ever
    yone.Whydon'
    tyougooutsi
    deand
    smoke?Justtocleart
    hefogi
    nyourhead.
    ”
    Hi
    sfacemel
    tsasthesmil
    espr
    eadsonhi
    sli
    psand
    r
    eachesupt
    ohiseyes.
    “
    Iwantahug,
    notci
    gar
    ett
    e.”
    Sheclearsherthr
    oatandshi
    ft
    suncomf
    ort
    abl
    yon
    thecouch.He'sgother
    !
    “Justasmal lhugtoclearthef ogi
    nmyhead,
    please.”He'sl
    if
    tingheroffthecouchandshe'
    snot
    resist
    inghardenough.Heget sheruponherf
    eet
    andpul lsherarmsaroundhi swaist.
    No,
    it'
    snotasmal
    lhug.He'
    sdi
    smant
    li
    ngherr
    ibs.
    “
    Thankyou,
    ”hesaysashef
    inal
    lyl
    etsgoofher
    .
    Thebul
    lisdown,
    heneedst
    omakebr
    eakf
    ast
    qui
    ckl
    y.

    *
    **
    THALENTE
    Ilookdownatmypl ateandi t
    'sclean.Howt hehell
    didIfini
    shsomuchf ood?Imustgi veitt
    ohim, he
    makeseggsver ynicely.Iexpectedbr eadand
    polony,seei
    ngt hathe'sabachel orandadr iverwho
    alwayseattake-outs.Ididn’texpecthi mtomake
    fullEngl
    ishbreakfastonhi sown.
    Heclear
    st hetabl
    eandspendsafewminut
    esint
    he
    ki
    tchenorganisi
    ngdi
    rt
    ydishesi
    nsidet
    hesi
    nk.So
    muchener gy!
    “Uyayi
    thwal
    ayinii
    ndl
    uyami
    ?”heasksashewal
    ks
    backinthel
    ounge.
    Ii
    gnor
    ehi
    sst
    upi
    dquest
    ion.
    “Let
    'sgo.Ihaveeat
    enyourf
    oodaswel
    l
    ,wear
    enow
    even.”
    Hef
    rownsandsit
    sonthecouch.Hepi
    ckst
    he
    r
    emoteandt
    urnsont
    heTV.
    “Weagreedonhavinglunchtogether
    .Whatwejust
    atewasbreakf
    ast.Oryoueatlunchat10am wher
    e
    youcomef r
    om? ”
    Ohnowhe'
    swhi
    te,
    hedi
    ff
    erent
    iat
    esbet
    ween
    breakf
    astandl
    unch.Whatevermealyoueatonce
    thesunisupit
    'sl
    unch,
    fini
    shandklaar!
    “I
    '
    m notplayingagamewi t
    hyouHl omuka,
    ”Isay.
    Hopefull
    yhecanhearhowdanger ousIsoundri
    ght
    now.Ifail
    edtoshakehi m,hedidn'
    tmoveevenan
    i
    nchdespi t
    emeappl yingallt
    heenergyIhadinmy
    pushes,butthatdoesn'tmeanhecan
    underest
    imateme.
    “You'
    l
    lonl
    yleavei
    fyougi
    vemeadateonwhen
    you'
    regoi
    ngtocomeandhavel
    unchwit
    hme,”he
    says.
    “
    Whati
    fIdon'
    t?
    ”Iask.
    “ThenI'
    llkeepyouher
    e,hugyouever
    ymi
    nut
    eand
    kissyou.”
    No,Ican'
    thavet
    hat
    .Hi
    shugst
    urnsmyl
    egsi
    ntoa
    j
    ell
    y.
    “Fi
    ne,Iwi
    llcomeSat
    urdaywhenI
    '
    m of
    fatwor
    k,”I
    say.
    Hissmileofvi
    ctoryi
    ssoannoyi
    ng.Ican'
    tbel
    ieve
    hecorneredmel i
    ket
    hatandgotawaywithi
    t.
    “
    Deal
    ?”heasks.
    “
    Yes,
    deal
    .”
    Whyi
    shest
    andi
    ngupnow?
    “
    Let
    'sseali
    t.
    ”
    Arewe10year-
    oldsnow?WhatdoIdowi
    tht
    his
    chi
    ldi
    shadul
    t!
    Helinkshi
    spinkfingeronmine.Bef
    oreIevenbl
    ink
    I
    'm onhischestagain,hi
    shandsaregent
    lyhol
    ding
    mywai st
    .
    “Mynamei sNdlali
    faNgidi.I
    'm 35,Ihaveabrot
    her
    andanothersi
    bli
    ngt hatwedon' tknowof,
    ”hesays
    againstmyshoulder.We'veneverdonethe
    i
    ntroducti
    onspr
    oper l
    y,havewe?
    “I
    ’
    m Thalent
    eMbat haandyourhugsmakeme
    uncomfort
    able,
    ”Isay,
    sti
    llsnuggl
    edonhi
    schest
    .
    Hechucklesandr
    eleasesme.Phewww,
    nowIcan
    br
    eathe!
    .
    .
    Ihadtoputmyf ootdownandstandmygr ounds
    whenhewant edtocomet omyshack,agai
    n.That
    wasn'tapar
    tofourdealandIwanttospendt hi
    s
    miracul
    ousday-of
    frest
    ing.
    Myphoneri
    ngsasIl
    owermysel
    fonthebed,r
    eady
    t
    oli
    stent
    omyneighbour
    'sr
    adi
    ounti
    lIdozeof
    f.
    “
    SisThandi
    ,
    ”Ianswer
    .
    “HeyThal ent
    e.Thingsarebad,Idon'
    tthi
    nkther
    e
    willbeanywor kuntilt
    hingscal
    m downattherank.
    Itcouldbedays, weeksormonths.Youneverknow,
    henceI '
    vedecidedtogoseemyr el
    ati
    vesat
    Manguzi .
    ”
    “Oh,okay.”That
    'sal
    lIcansay.I
    '
    m beyondshocked.
    Ijustgotherenotsolongagoandnowt hi
    s?
    “Iwi
    llt
    ransf
    eryourf
    ullsal
    arysot
    hatyoucanal
    so
    gohome,”shesays.
    Minuteslat
    ert
    hemoneyrepor
    tsi
    ntomyaccount
    .I
    di
    dn'tthi
    nkI'
    dbegoi
    ngbackhomesosoon.
    Mostofmycl
    othesar
    esti
    llinsi
    dethebag.Ineedto
    packt
    hedi
    rt
    yonesandletthelandl
    ordknowt hat
    I'
    ml eavi
    ng.Ifthet
    rai
    nisfastenoughI
    '
    llbei
    n
    Stangerbefore2pm;befor
    ethesunsetsdownI
    '
    llbe
    home.

    (Youri
    nser
    twasdel
    ayedbyt
    het
    hunderl
    ast
    night )
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    03] :Chapt
    er17
    NDONDO

    It'
    sFridayandIhavewr appedmydayear li
    ert han
    expected.Iknowt hatKhosii sstil
    laverseaboutme
    andNdabukobutt odayshe' llneedtoputt heirbeef
    asideandbet heref orherf r
    iend.I
    'mleaving
    tomor r
    ow, goingbackt oNyandenit omeett he
    familywel eftbehind, andIwantt osurprise
    Ndabukowi thafar ewel l
    -ni
    ghtthathe'l
    lneverf orget.
    Ijustpraythathewon' taskmet ocomeont opt hi
    s
    ti
    me.Il astsawhi m onMondaywhenhe
    surpri
    singlycamet opi ckmeupatni ght.Hesai d
    hisschedul ewasgoi ngt obet i
    ghtthewhol eweek
    andhewant
    edt
    ospendt
    heni
    ghtwi
    thme.

    Andiswai snotachi ldanymor e, Ihadnochoi cebut


    totellherthet r
    uthaboutmyr elationshipwi t
    h
    Ndabukoandt hepr egnancy.Unl ikeKhosi ,shewas
    overthemoon.I nherheadshe' sthet hirdmember
    ofther elati
    onship.Ihaven' ttoldherabout
    Nyandeniyet ,
    herandBahl ewi llalsomaket hei
    r
    owndeci sionsastheygr ow.Idon' twanti ttogetto
    thepoi ntwher eshehast ot akeasi debet weenthe
    parentsandme.Oh, bythewayt hey'renotspeaking
    tome.It ri
    edbotht heirphonesandnei therofthem
    pickedup.Theymustt akethei rtime, Iknowt hat
    they'
    llbeneedi ngsomet hingf rom mesoon.

    Khosiisgl
    uedi ntoPreci
    ous’gossi
    psbythe
    recept
    iondesk,Ipullherasi
    deandaskthatshe
    comesandbr iefsmeaboutt heAfr
    iTr
    ansproposal
    .
    Wegetinsi
    detheoff
    iceandIshutthedoorafterus.
    Mostpeopl
    ehavelef
    t,thosewhoarestil
    lhereare
    al
    soprepar
    ingtol
    eave,soIdon'
    tthinkanyone
    woul
    dcomeknocki
    ng.
    “What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?”sheaskswi
    thhereyebr
    owl
    if
    ted
    upinant
    ici
    pat
    ion.
    Wher
    eist
    hisbagnow?
    Oh, her
    eitis.ImadesurethatIhideitwherenoone
    couldsee.Itsbagisbol
    dlylabel
    led-Blerr
    yLinger
    ie.
    Idon'twantpeopletoseemeast hesexaddictwho
    bringsli
    ngerietot
    heoffi
    ce.They'ddefini
    tel
    ythi
    nk
    thatIshaginsidetheof
    fi
    ceaswel l
    .
    “Isawsomethi
    ngonli
    neandor der
    edit
    .They
    deli
    ver
    edtodayandherei
    tis,
    ”Isayandpassthe
    bagtoher
    .
    Shetakesoutt
    heredl
    inger
    ie,
    checksi
    tallaround
    andnodsherheadwit
    hasmi l
    eofsati
    sfacti
    onon
    herf
    ace.
    “
    Ilovei
    t.Butwher
    ear
    ethewhi
    ps?
    ”
    Whi psofwhi ppingwho?I'
    m notAnastasi
    aGr ey,
    I'
    m
    j
    ustt r
    yingt oshowthismanthatImayj umpl i
    kea
    fr
    ogont opandmovemywai stasifithasrusty
    screwsal laroundit
    ,butIdohavethatsexanimal
    i
    nsi
    deme.Youjusthavetol
    ooki
    ntoodeepl
    yand
    maybebr
    eakupwithyourcr
    azyexf
    oritt
    ospri
    ng
    out
    .
    “
    Didyouatl
    eastpr
    act
    icehowt
    otwer
    k?”sheasks.
    “
    No,
    I'
    llcat
    wal
    kforhi
    m anddot
    hevosho,
    ”Isay.
    Shelaughssohar
    dthatshenearl
    ytri
    psovert
    he
    couch.I
    svoshonotsexy?Icandoiti
    nslowmoti
    on,
    notli
    keBabesWodumo.
    “
    Youknowt hatIl
    oveyoumor
    ethanl
    if
    eit
    sel
    f,
    r
    ight
    ?”sheasksandInodmyhead.
    “Justputtheli
    ngerieon,coverwithalongcoatand
    thenwhilehe'snotinther oom t
    akeoffthecoatand
    l
    ieonbedl ikethi
    s.”Sheliesonhersideont he
    couchandpl acesherhandoverherhi p.
    “Nocatwal
    k.Novosho.Pl
    easehel
    pthewomenof
    Afr
    ica!
    ”shesays.
    Well
    ,sheknowsmenbet t
    erthanIdo.She'swi
    tha
    di
    ff
    erentguyeachyearandItrustherj
    udgment
    .
    Ipackmybelongswi
    thherbehi
    ndmeand
    preachi
    ngt
    omeaboutthedo'sanddon'
    s.
    Toni
    ghtIpl
    ant
    odel
    iver
    !
    .
    .
    Ihear dt hatthetaxisarenotoper atingsoI 'm
    hopi ngt hatI'
    llfi
    ndhimi nthehouse, alone.
    Hopef ull
    yIwon' tbumpi ntotraf
    ficcopswho' ll
    demandmet ogetoutofthevehi cletosear chit.I'
    m
    onlywear i
    ngacoatovert helingerie,theymi ghtjust
    givemeat i
    cketfordri
    vingwhi l
    ehal f-naked.
    Andi swaal sogavemeaf rownwhenshesawme
    wal kingouti nthiscoat.Ihopeshedoesn' tknow
    thisst rategy,Idon'
    twantt obet hesl uttyexampl eof
    asi stert oher.Butwithpeopledi scussi ng
    ever ythingonsoci alnetworks,Ithinksheknowsal l
    theset hings.

    Okay,I
    'm here.Li
    pst
    ick,
    check!Weave,
    check!
    Heart
    beat,check!
    Itakeadeepbreat
    handmakemywayt owardsthe
    door.Icoul
    djustl
    etmysel
    finbuthi
    ssurpr
    isedface
    whenheseesmeathi sdoorwouldbemoref un.
    Iri
    ngthedoor bel
    landwai t.Theli
    ghtsareonsoI '
    m
    cert
    aint
    hathe' shome.Wi ththetaxifi
    ghtsandall
    ,
    wehaven'tbeeni ncontactthatmucht hi
    sweek,and
    Ihadoneoft hecraziestschedul
    est hr
    oughoutthe
    weekaswel l
    .

    Heopensthedoor,r
    ubbinghiseyesli
    kehejust
    wokeupfrom sl
    eep.Akulal
    wala,notwhenyou'
    re
    dat
    ingNdondo!
    Ist
    andonmyt oesandkisshisli
    ps.Ittakesa
    momentforhi
    mt orespondtothekiss.Okay,geta
    gri
    pNdondo,t
    henightisst
    il
    lyoung.
    “Mngomezul
    u,”Igr
    eet
    .Yescal
    li
    ngsomeone'sname
    orsur
    namecanbeagr eet
    ingi
    nSouthAfr
    ica.
    “
    Ndondo,
    whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”
    Huh?Whydoeshelooksoshockedand
    uncomf
    ort
    abl
    etoseeme?
    Ihopehedi
    dn'
    tbr
    ingherbackbecauseIswearI
    '
    m
    goi
    ngtobur
    ndownt hi
    shouse.
    “
    I'
    m her
    etoseeyou.
    ”Il
    etmysel
    finsi
    deandscan
    aroundwit
    hmyeyes.I tlooksli
    kehe'salonebutyou
    canneverknowwi tht
    hisgender.Ionceslept
    downstai
    rswhil
    et heothergi
    rl
    fri
    endsleptupstai
    rs.
    Oneoftheshockingtal
    est henextgenerati
    onwil
    l
    hear.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”Iask.
    Herubst
    hebackofhi
    sneckandst
    utt
    ersf
    ora
    minut
    e.
    “Yeah…yes,
    I'
    m okay.Ij
    ustdi
    dn'
    texpectyout
    obe
    here.
    ”
    Ohwel l
    ,I
    'm her
    enow.Hebett
    erst
    artexpect
    ingi
    t
    becauseI'
    m heret
    oplayagoodgame.
    “
    Areyouhungr
    y?”heasks.
    Yes,
    I'
    m hungr
    yforyou.
    “Notr
    eal
    lybutIwouldn'tmindabanana.”Thisi
    sall
    Khosi
    .She'stheonewhosai dImustpeelabanana
    andsuckitinfr
    ontofhim beforebi
    ti
    ngit
    .
    Appar
    entl
    yi tmakesthem wishtheywerebananas;
    i
    fyouweresuckingthem insteadofabanana.
    Ican'
    tsayIknowhi m butthi
    smanr ighther
    eisnot
    theNdabukothatIknow.Am Iugly?Whywoul dhe
    becomesouncomf ortableatmypresence?The
    NdabukoIknowcan' tkeephishandsof fmeand
    thi
    sonehasn'tevenattemptedtograbmybut t
    .
    Hetakesthebananaandpassesi
    ttome.Irunmy
    fi
    nger
    soverhishandpurposel
    yasItakei
    tfrom hi
    m.
    Idon'
    tknowifhenoti
    cedandchosenottoread
    muchintoit
    .
    Isitontopofthecount
    er,
    peelt
    hebananaand
    sl
    owl ypushiti
    nsi
    demymout h.Ir
    unmytongue
    aroundit,
    suckandtakeasmallbi
    te.
    He'
    sstar
    ingatme, i
    fhedoesn'
    tshif
    thi
    seyesI
    swearmyforeheadwil
    lhaveaholeonit
    .
    “
    Doyouwantabi
    te?
    ”Iask.
    “
    No,
    ”hesays.
    Wel
    l,
    MrBananai
    t'
    sjustyouandmymout
    h,enj
    oy!
    Her
    eleasesashar
    pbr
    eat
    h.
    “
    Comeon,
    justeatt
    hedamnt
    hing,
    ”hesays.
    Thedamnt
    hing?I
    t'
    scal
    ledabanana,
    aver
    y
    del
    ici
    ousf
    rui
    t.
    “Yousai
    dyoudon'
    twanti
    t.Whyar
    eyoubot
    her
    ed?
    ”
    Iask.
    He'spi
    ssed.Khosiwasri
    ght.Awomancan'
    teven
    eatabananaslowlywi
    thoutthem wi
    shi
    ngi
    twas
    thei
    rdi
    €ks.
    “
    YesIdon'twanti
    tbutyou'
    rewast
    ingt
    imebyeati
    ng
    l
    iket
    hat
    ,”hesaysandtearshi
    seyesawayf
    rom me.
    Thescorereads;one-
    zero.Igetagl
    assofwatert
    o
    washdownandment all
    ypreparemysel
    ffort
    he
    semi
    -fi
    nals.
    “
    Ineedtosmoke,”hesays,
    clear
    lyfr
    ust
    rat
    ed.
    Maybei
    t'
    sthetaxiwarsput
    tinghi
    m ontheedgel
    ike
    t
    his,
    butIi
    ntendtoputhiminagoodmood.
    “You'
    l
    lfi
    ndmei
    nthebedr
    oom,
    ”Isayandwi
    nkat
    him.
    Icanfeelhi
    sstar
    eburni
    ngmybackasIswaymy
    hipsandwalki
    ngaway.
    Khosiwoul
    dbesopr
    oudofherst
    udent
    ,I'
    m doi
    ng
    ver
    ygood.
    NowIhavet
    osl
    eepont
    hebedexact
    lyt
    hewayshe
    showedme.
    Elbowont hepi l
    low.Onehandagai nstthecheek
    andtheot heroneont hehip.EvenKim Kardashian
    poseslikethisinherphotosonI nst
    agram.Ihave
    i
    magi nedhim wal ki
    nginandnear l
    ybreakinghis
    j
    awsont hefloorasher unstothebedt otakea
    cl
    oserlook.
    Thef
    oot
    stepsar
    ecomi
    ng!

    “Babe,
    whyi stheli
    ghtof
    f?”heasksandtur
    nsi ton.
    Theroom bri
    ghtensupandthereisKi
    m Kardashian
    onbed.Ta-da.
    …
    Well
    ,notr
    eal
    ly.Hefr
    eezesbyt
    hedoorwi
    thahuge
    f
    rownonhisface.
    “
    Hi,
    ”Isay.
    Heswal
    lowshar
    d.
    “NdondoI
    'm…Ihave…kodwaJehovah!”Nowhi
    s
    handisonhi
    sforehead.He'
    sfr
    ustr
    ated.
    What
    'sgoi
    ngonhere?Hecan'tbet
    urnedof
    fbymy
    st
    omachbecausei
    t'
    shim whomademepr egnant
    .

    Hetakesadeepbr eat
    hbefor
    ehewalksi
    nslowl
    y
    andstandswit
    hhishandsbalancedont
    hebed.
    Gui
    lti
    swr i
    tt
    enalloverhi
    sface.
    “
    Hlasekaziyouknowt
    hatIl
    oveyou,
    right
    ?”heasks.
    Lord,hecannotdot
    hist
    ome.Hecannotr
    ejectme
    aft
    erI'vemadesomucheff
    ort
    stocr
    awloutofthe
    nutshellf
    orhi
    m.
    “Babe,youlookamazing.Youarethemost
    beauti
    fulwomanI '
    veeverlai
    dmyeyeson, buttoday
    I'
    m notinagoodspace.See, t
    hethingi
    s…”He
    pauses.Hiseyesrunovermyhi pasIsitup.“
    Damn!
    Whosewi feareyougoingtobe?”
    Hecli
    mbsont
    hebedandpushesmebackont
    he
    pi
    ll
    ow.
    It
    houghthewasexpl
    aini
    ngsomet
    hingandnot
    muchint
    erest
    edi
    nme.
    “
    Ndabukol
    etmeup,
    ”Isay.
    Hepi nsmedowni nst
    eadandkissesmeto
    suff
    ocati
    on.Theli
    ngeriei
    snotmeanttobe
    str
    etchedl
    ikethi
    s.IspentawhoppingR350ont
    his,
    can'
    theatleastl
    etmet akei
    toff
    ?
    Hehast or
    nitonthechest.Mybreast
    sareoutand
    cuppedinhishands.Hi
    st onguei
    ssweepingall
    aroundmyneck,he'sbi
    tinghereandther
    e,
    hopeful
    lyIwon'
    thavehickeys.I
    'mtoooldfort
    hat.

    Hefeel
    smytemperatur
    ebel
    owt hewaist
    .Hi
    shand
    comesbackl
    icki
    nganditdi
    sappear
    sinsi
    dehis
    mouth.Menmustli
    ve!
    HisT-shir
    tfl
    iesout ,
    reveal
    ingnewrazormarksall
    overhischest.Irespectpeopl
    e'
    sbeli
    efsbutthese
    kindofthi
    ngsal waysscareme.Iwantt oaskabout
    them butIdon'twanttospoilt
    hemoment .
    “You'
    remakingmedot
    hethingsIwasn’
    tsupposed
    todo,I'
    m goi
    ngt
    omakeeveryminut
    eofthiscount
    .
    You'r
    egoingtor
    egr
    ett
    his,
    Iswear.
    ”
    Whati
    shetal
    kingabout
    ?Itsoundsli
    keat
    hreatand
    t
    hatmakesmeal i
    tt
    lebi
    tnervous.
    “
    Wozal
    a!”hesays.
    Myeyeswi
    den.Idon'
    tli
    kehi
    stone.
    Hescoopsmeup,wr
    apsmylegsar
    oundhi
    swai
    st
    andwalkswi
    thmeoutoft
    heroom.
    Thi
    sisnotwhatIhadi
    nmi
    nd,
    IthoughtI
    '
    dbet
    he
    oneinchar
    ge.

    Wearei nsidehi
    sstudyroom.I
    talmostlooksli
    kea
    mini
    -l
    ibrary.Hi
    sgraduati
    onpi
    ctur
    eisdisplayedina
    hugeframeont hewall.
    Heput smeonmybackagai nstthedeskand
    spreadsmyleg.Thel
    acyli
    ngeriewil
    lberesti
    ng
    i
    nsidethedustbi
    naft
    ert
    his,waiti
    ngtounit
    ewi t
    h
    othertr
    ashbecauset
    her
    e'snowayi tcoul
    deverbe
    fi
    xed.
    Hekneel
    sdownandsucksmel
    ikeacal
    ffeedi
    ng
    f
    rom i
    tsmot
    her
    .

    It
    houghti
    twoul
    dbetheusual
    ;hi
    m sucki
    ngmeto
    or
    gasm andf
    u€ki
    ngmetoanotheror
    gasm.You
    know,thetr
    ailofor
    gasmsf ormadam.Butnottoday,
    hestopsjustasIstar
    tspeakingPor
    tuguese.
    Heleansagai
    nstthedeskandstrokehi
    serectshaft
    .
    Mychestissodry,It
    hinkIneedt
    wol i
    tr
    esofwat er
    .
    Di
    dIcallmysel
    fasexani mal?Pl
    easescrat
    chthat
    of
    fbecause,wow!
    “St
    handwa,
    please,
    ”hesaysi
    nast r
    ainedvoiceand
    Iknowwhathewantsmet odo.Ij
    ustdidn'
    tthi
    nk
    he'
    dwantmet odoitt
    oday.
    Isl
    owl
    ygetdownonmyknees.
    Ihol
    ditandtryt
    ot hi
    nkofitasabeefsausageand
    notasexorganthatproducesf
    lui
    d.
    Asmytonguepr
    essesonhi
    sti
    pheletsoutagr
    oan
    andpl
    aceshi
    shandontopofmyhead.
    Itr
    ytogeti
    talli
    nsidemymouth,Ir
    eall
    ydo.ButI
    fai
    ldi
    small
    y.Hegrabsmyweaveout ,
    leavi
    ngme
    wit
    htwoweeksol dcornr
    ows.Bot
    hhishandshold
    myheadandhet hrust
    sinandoutofmymout h.
    Idon'
    tthi
    nkhestil
    lrememberst
    hatIneedai
    rto
    survi
    ve.I
    fIdon'
    tdosomethingI
    '
    m goingtot
    hrow
    up.He'
    stoodeepi
    nmyt
    hroat
    .
    Idi
    gmynailsi
    ntohi
    sskin.Helet
    soutagroan
    mixedwi
    thpai
    nandpleasureandpul
    lsout
    .Ifal
    l
    downonmybuttandcatchupwithmybreaths.
    Handsscoopmeupasbr eat
    hlessasIam.I'
    m back
    onthedesk,
    nowwi thmychestf l
    atonit
    .Ohboy,
    i
    t'
    sgoingstr
    aighti
    nsidemywomb.Ist art
    apol
    ogizi
    ngandpromi si
    ngtobeagoodagi r
    l.
    I
    '
    llnevert
    ryt
    obeasexst
    arr
    ingeveragai
    n.
    .
    .
    NDABUKO

    Ndondoleavesearl
    yinthemorningtogetr
    eadyf
    or
    hertr
    iptoNyandeni
    .Itwarmshistoseehermaki
    ng
    al
    ltheseeff
    ort
    sforthei
    rrel
    ati
    onship.
    Thepreviousni
    ghtshouldn'
    thavehappenedbuthe
    doesn'
    tregreti
    tonebit
    .Afterseeingherof
    fhegoes
    backtothebedroom andsleep.Itwasabusynight
    .
    Thepersi
    stentri
    ngingphonedist
    urbshi
    ssleep.He
    takesi
    twit
    hhi seyesclosedandputsi
    tagainsthi
    s
    ear.
    “Thesefool
    sar eonther
    oadandt ranspor
    ti
    ng
    people.Wear emeet
    ingatNgidi
    ’shouseinthenext
    thi
    rtyminutes.Ber
    eady,
    ”Ndlali
    fasaysandends
    thecallwi
    thoutwait
    ingf
    orhisresponse.
    Hehi ssesacur seandjumpsoutofbed.He' soutof
    theshowerwi thinfi
    vemi nutesanddr essi
    ngupi n
    all
    -black.Asmuchashel ovespeace, Ngidii
    sl i
    kea
    fathert ohi m andhe'sdoneal otforpeopl
    eint he
    taxiindust ry.Evenwhenhewasr unni
    ngBant wana
    Hol dingshekepti ntouchwi theveryoneanddi d
    ever ythinginhi spowertogetr idofbusesf r
    om
    theirr outes.Thechai r
    manposi ti
    onbelongstohim
    andNdabukoi smor ethanwi l
    lingtofi
    ghtthe
    Bhengusandki l
    lifhehast o.

    He'
    sthelastonetoar
    ri
    ve.Al
    lthei
    rtaxidr
    iver
    sare
    gat
    heredinNgidi
    '
    shouse.I
    nyangacameear li
    eri
    n
    theweekandst rengthenedt hem.Thei rheads,
    chestsandwr i
    stswer eslitwithrazorsandbl ack
    powderwasi nsertedintotheirblood.Theyhadt o
    bathwithint
    elezieverymor ningandaf ternoonf or
    threedays.I
    nf i
    ghtslikethisyouneedmor ethana
    gun.Youneedpr otectionfrom externalforces.Your
    bloodneedstobet hi
    ckened, other
    wiseyoudi efrom
    amer ewoundofabul l
    et.

    Ndabukoi sdressedl ikeallofthem buthel ooks


    differentf r
    om them.They' r
    esweat ingbul lets,their
    eyesar ebal l
    sofflamesandcover edbydar kness.
    Jawsar eclenched.Boot sarest ompi ngimpat i
    ent l
    y
    ont hef loor.Theur get ospillbloodi st hr
    eat eningto
    bur sttheirthrobbi
    ngvei ns.Thisi stheef fectof
    i
    nt elezi.Itworksinyourconsci ence, eat i
    ngupever y
    bitofhumani t
    yyoumayhavei nyourhear t.Itturns
    youi ntoanani malt hat'
    sont hehuntf orblood.
    Ngidial
    waysmakessurethataf
    tert
    hepurposehas
    beenservedheget
    sinyangabacktocl
    eanintel
    ezi
    offthei
    rsyst
    ems.
    He'sst
    aringatNdabukoashewalksi
    nwi
    thhi
    s
    handstuckedinsi
    dethepocket
    s.
    “
    Wenawhyar
    eyougl
    owi
    ng?
    ”heasks.
    Ndabukoclearshi
    sthr
    oatandrubsthebackofhi
    s
    neck.Maqhingahashi
    sfi
    strol
    ledoverhi
    smouth,
    he'
    spati
    entlywait
    ingf
    ort
    heresponse.
    “I
    tmustbet
    hel
    oti
    on,
    Ijustt
    ookabat
    h”Ndabuko
    says.
    “WellMrLoti
    on,gotakeyourgunfrom t
    hedrawer,
    ”
    Ngidior
    dersangri
    ly.Thisboyi
    snotgoingt
    of ool
    him,he'
    sbeenaroundf oraver
    ylongti
    me.

    Ndabukotakest
    hegun,
    loadst
    hebul
    let
    sinsi
    deand
    cocksi
    t.
    “Putitonmyfor
    eheadandl
    ookatmei
    ntheeyes,
    ”
    Ngidisays.
    Verycal
    mly,
    NdabukoputsthegunonNgi di
    's
    for
    eheadandgentl
    ystar
    esintohi
    seyes.Hisski
    nis
    bri
    ghtandgl
    owing.Obvi
    ouslyhedi
    dsomet hi
    ngthat
    sackedoutintel
    ezipowers.Andt hatt
    hingi sa
    woman, averypower f
    ulform ofhumanbei ng.It
    's
    beenknownf orcenturi
    esthatawoman’ sscentcan
    kil
    lthepowerofmut hi
    ,whichiswhyNgi diasked
    them tost
    ayawayf rom them whilefi
    ghtingthe
    Bhengus.
    Hecl
    ickshi
    stongue,sl
    apsNdabuko'
    shandand
    gr
    absthegunfrom hi
    m.
    “
    Whatdi
    dIsayt
    oyouwenasf
    ebesenj
    a?”heasks.
    Someoneburstsoutinl
    aught
    er,
    Maqhi
    nga.Buti
    t
    i
    nstant
    lyt
    urnsint
    oacoughwhenNgidit
    urnshis
    bl
    oodshoteyestohim.
    “HawuBaba!”Ndabukorubsthebackofhisneck.
    Godknowshowmuchhet riedtoresi
    stNdondo.I
    t
    wasimpossi
    ble,hehadtotearthatsexyt
    hingoff
    herandwarmshi msel
    finher.
    “Klawukl
    akl
    aamasimba?Gett
    hef
    uckoutofher
    e
    sfebe,
    Idon'
    twantt
    oburyyou.
    ”
    Hescrat
    cheshi
    sheadandstepsbackwar ds.Hi
    s
    eyesmeetMaqhi
    nga'sandhebur
    stsintolaught
    er
    agai
    n.Thi
    sti
    mehef ai
    lstost
    ophi
    msel fevenwhen
    hi
    sfat
    her
    'seyet
    hreat
    enst
    obor
    ehi
    sfor
    ehead.
    “
    Fol
    lowhi
    m!”
    What
    ?No!
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    03] :Chapt
    er18
    NDONDO

    Nothinghaschangedt hatmuch.Thevi l
    lagest i
    ll
    l
    ookst hesame;mud- buil
    thouses, catt
    legr azingthe
    fi
    eldsandyoungchi l
    drenscatteredaroundt her oad,
    playi
    ngwi t
    hnocar ei ntheworld.Ispentf iveyear s
    ofmyl ifeher e.Iwasl i
    keoneoft hem, withnot hing
    fancybutst il
    lhappy.Butevenf orthem, oneday
    they'
    llhavet omovet othebigciti
    est ochasebet ter
    l
    ives,bettereducationandbet t
    erj obs.Itwi l
    lall
    comet oanendandt hey'
    l
    lhavet odealwi tht he
    cruel
    tiesoft hisworld.

    Dogsbar
    kingatmycardr i
    vingi
    nsi
    detheyardal
    ert
    t
    hepeopl
    ei nsi
    de.Idon'
    tknowtheki
    dsbutthey
    mustbeQondani'
    s,Ihear
    dthathe'
    sthebaby-
    makingmachine.Behi
    ndt hr
    eel i
    tt
    lehumansit’
    s
    Bab'Maqhawe.He'snowgr ey-hai
    red,hi
    seyesare
    heavy-
    li
    ddedandwr i
    nkledbelow.Butdespi
    teofhis
    agei
    ng,hissmil
    eissti
    llwarm andwelcomingasI
    rememberit.

    He'
    srightnextt
    ot hedoorasIcl
    imbout.It
    hrow
    mysel
    fintohisarmsandwebot hbreakint
    o
    l
    aughter.I
    t'
    sbeent hatl
    ong,wej
    usthadtolaughat
    meeti
    ngeachot heragain.
    “Ohntombiyami,you'
    resogrownandbeaut i
    ful
    .”He
    holdsmyar msandturnsmear ound.I
    '
    mr ol
    li
    ngmy
    eyesashedoesit.I'
    m not4yearsoldanymore,my
    heightandwei
    ghtdon'trepr
    esentmygrowth.He
    needstositmedownandaskmeadul tquesti
    ons.
    “Ar
    h!AmaHl asemadoda.Howol
    dar
    eyounow?
    Thi
    rty-
    fi
    ve?
    ”
    Thi
    rt
    y-what
    ?Myeyesar
    eoutoft
    hei
    rsocket
    s.
    “
    Bab'
    omdalayouneedt
    ogetyourcal
    endarr
    ight
    .
    I
    '
    m nott
    hatol
    d.”
    He'
    slaughi
    ng.Thi
    sol
    dmanwi
    llbet
    hedeat
    hofme!
    “Iwasjustki
    dding.Doyouseeyourbr
    other'
    s
    chil
    dren?Luyanda,Bandi
    leandhi
    sdaughter
    ,
    Zemvelo?”
    Well,I
    '
    m anaunt.Thef
    irstonei
    stal
    lenought
    o
    reachinthebootandt
    akeouttheshoppi
    ngbagsI
    brought.
    “Doyousti
    llhavethecows?Wher earethey?
    ”Iask
    aswewalkt owardsthefour-
    room houseint
    he
    middl
    ethatisthebiggesthouseontheyard.
    “
    They'
    rei
    nthevel
    d.Di
    dn'
    tyoumi
    sshome?
    ”
    “Idi
    dbutIdidn'
    tdwellonit
    .”Istepi
    nsi
    dethedoor
    andmeethi swif
    e,Jabul
    il
    e,tyi
    ngascarfar
    oundher
    head.I
    tlooksli
    keshe'sgoi
    ngsomewher e.
    “
    Hel
    loMa,
    ”Igr
    eet
    .
    Sheadj
    ustshersi
    shweshwedr
    essandcomest
    o
    mewithherarmsopened.
    “You'
    reear
    ly,Iwasst
    il
    lgoi
    ngtopoli
    shthekit
    chen
    fl
    oorandtellt
    heseki
    dstopi
    ckdir
    taroundthe
    yard.
    ”
    Myword!Thi
    swomani ssti
    ll
    li
    ket
    his.Ibetshe
    dr
    essedupli
    ket
    hisbecauseIwascomi ng.
    “Am It
    hepresi
    dentnow?Thereisnoneedf ort
    hat
    .
    Yousti
    lll
    ookyoung,unl
    ikeyourhusbandhere.
    ”
    Bab'
    omdalaclear
    shisthr
    oatbehindus.Thi
    swas
    myclapback,
    hesaidI'
    mt hi
    rt
    y-f
    ive.
    “
    Yourmotherknowst
    hatI
    '
    m notol
    d,Ist
    il
    lmovel
    ike
    ayoungst
    er.
    ”
    Oh,
    gosh!Icovermyear
    swithmyhands.I
    sn'
    the
    t
    oooldt
    o“ moveli
    keayoungst
    er”
    ?
    “Maqhawestoptraumati
    zingmychil
    d,goand
    checkyourgoat
    s,Idon'
    twantanycases,
    ”Mam'
    Jabuscoldshi
    m andgiveshim af
    ier
    cestar
    eunt
    il
    hewalksout.
    “
    Thisman!”She'
    sshaki
    ngherheadandl
    eadi
    ngme
    t
    othelounge.
    Thefurnit
    urei
    sdiff
    erentf
    rom t
    heoneIknow.Even
    thoughit'
    snotnew,i
    tiskepti
    naverygood
    condit
    ion.
    Il
    owermysel
    font
    hecouchandsi
    ghouti
    nrel
    ief
    .
    Fi
    nal
    ly,
    I'
    m back.
    “Wel
    comehome,
    baby.Howol
    disAndi
    swanow?
    ”
    sheasks.
    “
    Twent
    y-oneandBahl
    eisf
    our
    teen.
    ”
    Shegaspsandcl
    apsherhands.
    “
    Yoh!I
    sSi
    s’Vumi
    leokay?
    ”
    “She'
    sokayandcr
    azy.Menopausei
    sdeal
    ingwi
    th
    herbadl
    y.”
    “
    Andyou?
    ”sheasks.
    Ohwell
    ,me?Idon'tevenknowwheretostar
    t.
    Maybel
    etmest ar
    tfrom t
    hedayIfoundayardneri
    n
    myhouse.That
    'swhereital
    lbegan,
    leadi
    ngtothi
    s
    day.

    She'
    snotshockedasIexpected.Ifmymot herwere
    tofi
    ndoutaboutal
    lthesedet
    ailshellwouldbreak
    l
    oose.Maybeshe'dt
    akemest raighttoT.BJoshua.
    “Atsomepoi
    ntthi
    sboyhastoresti
    npeace.He'
    l
    l
    needtof
    reehi
    sbrother
    .Andtheonl
    ywayt odot
    hat
    i
    stopresenttohim whatwoul
    dbelongtohisname.
    Ofcourse,
    notyou,becausei
    tseemslikeyour
    cur
    rentboyfr
    iendwantsyoual
    ltohimself
    .”
    I
    '
    ml ostandshecanseei
    t.Shepour
    sagl
    assof
    j
    uicefr
    om thej
    ugandpassesitt
    ome.
    “
    Thi
    sbabyyou'
    recar
    ryi
    ng.
    ”
    Myeyespopoutoft
    hei
    rsocket
    s.
    “
    Mybaby?
    ”Iask.
    “Yes,
    off
    erthi
    sonetohim.Itwon'
    tmakeany
    dif
    fer
    encebecauset
    hisNdabukoboywil
    lst
    il
    l
    remainafat
    herfi
    gur
    etothechil
    d.”
    Idon'tseet hathappeni
    ng.Ndabukowi l
    lpr
    obabl
    y
    l
    osehi smi ndifIdarementionthistohi
    m.He
    alr
    eadyf eelsli
    kehe'sgi
    venNhl anzekoahugepart
    ofhislif
    et hathecannevergetback.He'l
    ldef
    ini
    tel
    y
    ref
    uset ogi vehim hi
    ssperm aswell.
    “
    Ist
    her
    enoot
    heropt
    ion?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Noti
    nthi
    scase,
    ”shesays.
    Itl
    ooksl
    ikeI
    '
    m st
    il
    latt
    hebot
    tom oft
    hehi
    ll
    ,yett
    o
    cli
    mbup.
    “Yeyiwenatsheketshe!”t
    hevoiceyel
    lsf
    rom t
    he
    passage.Nowt hi
    si stheloudblackf
    amil
    ythatmy
    fat
    herranawayf rom.
    “
    Baby-
    maker
    ,”Ir
    espond.
    “Iwi
    llsl
    apyougr
    een.Getup,
    Iwantt
    oseehowt
    all
    youarenow.”
    It
    'sQondani,Bab'
    Maqhawe’
    sonlychi
    ld.Heusedto
    bull
    ymewhenwewer egrowingupandhewast wo
    yearsyoungerthanme.Menhavealwaysbeen
    bull
    ies!
    “
    I'
    mtall
    erthanyou,
    that
    'swhatyouneedt
    oknow.I
    t
    houghtyouwereatEsi
    khawini
    ,
    ”Isay.
    “Iarr
    ivedyestedayaft
    erIheardthatyouwere
    cominghome.Wher eisAndiswa?Areherlegssti
    ll
    thi
    n?Ihopet hechurchboysar enottr
    yinganyt
    hing
    funnywithher .
    ”
    He'
    stheonlychil
    d,sohe'
    sthesonandthedaught
    er
    i
    nthi
    sf amil
    y.Idon'
    tknowifhecanst
    ayquietf
    or
    f
    iveminutes.
    Mam'Jabuleavesther
    oom, probablybecause
    we'
    ret
    alki
    ngont opofourvoicesli
    keidiot
    s.
    “
    Doyouknowanygi
    rlwi
    thabr
    okenhear
    t?”heasks
    i
    nalowervoi
    ce.
    Ser
    iousl
    y?Ir
    ollmyeyes.
    “
    Nowyoumendpeopl
    e'
    shear
    ts?
    ”Iask.
    “Yes,
    Iwantsomeonewhofeel
    slikeherwor
    ldhas
    comet oanend.Iwantt
    obeherhero.
    ”
    Thi
    sboyisgoi
    ngt
    oburstmyint
    esti
    nes?Hethi
    nks
    l
    if
    eisagame.Hehast
    hreeki
    dsforcryi
    ngoutl
    oud!
    “Youneedtost
    artact
    ingyourageandset
    ti
    ngan
    examplet
    oyourchil
    dren,
    ”Isay.
    “Hhayi,
    Ndondo.I
    magineli
    vingyourwhol
    eli
    feasan
    example!Ial
    sofi
    guredt
    hisl
    ifethi
    ngonmyown, I
    didn'
    twatchanyexampl
    es.”
    “
    Youhavef
    igur
    edl
    if
    eout
    ?”Shockmeagai
    n!
    Hepushesmyshoul derplayful
    lyandwespendt he
    nexthourtalki
    ngandar guingoversmallt
    hings.I
    don'thavetobeabi gsist
    ertohim, he'
    syounger
    thanmebuthet hi
    nkshe'solder.
    .
    .
    Bab'omdalawantstotakemesomewher eaft
    er
    supper.Wehaven'tdi
    scussedthepurposeofmy
    vi
    sityet.I
    t'
    sst
    il
    ldayone,ther
    e'senought i
    melef
    t.
    “Maqhaweyouknowt hatNdondoli
    vesinthe
    suburbs,
    shecan'
    twalklongdist
    ances.Ihope
    you'
    renottaki
    ngherf
    ar.”
    Hejustwavesheroffwi
    thhi
    shandandshef
    olds
    herarmswithapissedl
    ookonherf
    ace.
    “Sheswall
    owedawhi
    stl
    e,don'
    tmi
    ndher,
    ”hesays
    asheholdsmyhandandwalki
    ngoutoft
    heyar
    d
    withme.
    “
    Butyoul
    oveherl
    iket
    hat
    ,”Isay.
    “WhatcanIdo?Ivowedt
    olovehert
    il
    ldeat
    h,”he
    saysandchuckl
    es.
    I'
    m sti
    llyett
    oseemyownpar ent
    steasingeach
    otheroversmallt
    hingsandar
    gui
    nglikethi
    s.Those
    twoaret ooper
    fect
    .
    “
    Wher
    ear
    ewegoi
    ng?
    ”IaskasIr
    eal
    izet
    hatwe'
    re
    l
    ivi
    ngt
    hehomest
    eadf
    arbehi
    ndus.
    “
    Yourt
    ree,
    ”hesays.
    Ihaveat
    ree?Al
    lthi
    sti
    meIdi
    dn'
    tknowt
    hatIhavea
    tr
    ee.

    Weturnofft
    heroadandwal
    ktowar
    dsoldwal
    lst
    hat
    must'
    vebeensomeone'
    shomebackint
    he80s.
    “
    Thiswasyourgrandmot
    her
    'shouse.Youseet
    hat
    t
    reebel
    owthere,
    it'
    swher
    eyouwer eborn.
    ”
    What
    ???
    “
    Iwasbor
    nundert
    het
    ree?
    ”Iask.
    “Oneofthescar
    iestmomentsofmyli
    fe.Iguess
    you'
    vealwaysbeenonestepaheadandexceeded
    expect
    ati
    ons,
    ”hesays.
    “It
    houghtIwasbor
    ni nthehospi
    tal
    .”I
    '
    m beyond
    shocked.Whohaseverbeenbornundert
    hetree?
    “Youwereal
    readysucki
    ngyourmot her
    'sbr
    east
    whenyougottothehospit
    al.Ther
    ewasast oep
    heret
    hatIwasstandi
    ngonandwat chi
    ngaswomen
    hel
    pedyourmot
    herdel
    iver
    ,”hesays.
    “
    Youwer
    eher
    e?”Iask.
    “Iheardyourfi
    rstcryandheldyoui nmyarmsjust
    ami nuteaf
    teryouwer eborn.Youweredif
    fer
    ent
    andIwassoscar edthi
    nkingthatsomet
    hingwas
    wrongwi t
    hyou.”
    “Iwasdi
    ff
    erent
    ?How?
    ”I'
    veneverhear
    dthi
    sst
    ory
    befor
    e.
    “Youwerebor ncover
    edinawhi
    tesac.
    ”Hedoesn'
    t
    conti
    nue.Hishandsqueezesmi
    neasheconsumes
    adeepbr eat
    h.
    “
    Amni
    oti
    csac?
    ”Iask.
    “Yes.Iknewyouwer esomethingextr
    aordi
    nar
    y,a
    beautif
    ultrophyofAmaHlase.Theonlyt
    hingyour
    mot heral
    lowedmet odowast ogiveyouaname.I
    saiduyiNdondoyamahlase.
    ”
    Thatwasheartf
    elt
    .Iwrapmyar
    msar
    oundhi
    m and
    whispera-
    thankyou.
    “Idon'
    twantanythi
    ngbadtohappentoyouand
    yourmotherknowsthat
    .Sheknowsthatyouwere
    meanttobespeci
    al,
    toreachgr eaterhei
    ghtsand
    runtheworl
    d.Andyoudid,butnotonyourown.
    Theancest
    orshadtoint
    ervene, henceyour
    husbandhasbeenchosenbyt hem aswel l
    .”
    “
    Idon'
    tunder
    standBab'
    omdal
    a.”
    “I
    nguboowazal
    wauyi mbetheayikazeimbulwe.
    Bukamanjeuzi
    thwelekodwaugubazel e.
    ”(Thesac
    youwerebor
    ninhasn'tbeenunveiled.Looknow
    you'
    repr
    egnantbutyou'
    resti
    llcl
    osedi nthatsac.
    )
    “I
    sitabadt hi
    ng?”Iasknervousl
    y.Ididn'tt
    hinkmy
    vi
    sitherewoulddigmemor echallenges.Icame
    hereforsol
    uti
    onsbutitseemsl i
    kemyl if
    eismor e
    complicat
    edthanIthought.
    “I
    t'
    sluckbei
    ngbor nt
    hatway.Butcert
    ainrul
    eshave
    tobefoll
    owed.Idon'
    tevenknowwher eyour
    amnioti
    csacwent.Onlyyourmotherknows!
    ”
    Hehardlymenti
    onshisbrother,
    myfather
    .
    Everyt
    hingi
    s“yourmother”thi
    sand“yourmot
    her
    "
    that
    .
    “
    Wher
    ewasmyf
    atherandwhatdi
    dhesay?
    ”Iask.
    “Hewasaround.”Heshr
    ugshi
    sshoul
    der
    sand
    doesn'
    tgofur
    ther.
    “Doyouthi
    nkyoucanhelpme?”Isoundso
    desper
    ater
    ightnow.I
    '
    m goi
    ngtodoeveryt
    hingt
    o
    savemybabyandmyr el
    ati
    onshi
    p.
    “Ihavetospeakt oyourmotherfi
    rst
    .ButIpr
    omi
    se
    you,everyt
    hi ngwil
    lbeal
    ri
    ght.Youarehomenow
    andI'm sti
    llali
    ve.
    ”
    .
    .
    THALENTE

    I'
    m backatthevil
    lageandIf i
    tin.I t
    'sl
    ikeIneverl
    eft
    ,
    Icamebackbef oreIcouldevenpr onounce“nga"
    thewayDur banpeopledo.Idon' tevenqualif
    ytobe
    scaredofgoats,t
    hey'dquickl
    yt ellmet ochi
    ll
    -I
    didn'
    tevenstayami nut
    einDur ban.
    Thesunheat sdif
    ferentl
    ythissi
    de,t
    okeepmy
    DurbanglowIappl ycalamineonmyf aceevery
    morningbeforesteppingoutofthehouse.Idon'
    t
    wantt
    otur
    ngr
    ey.

    “
    Thal
    ent
    eee!
    ”
    Who'sscreamingmynamesoloudearl
    yint
    he
    morning?Isl
    ideint
    omyfl
    ip-
    fl
    ops,
    tiet
    hepani
    for
    eat
    t
    hebackandwal kout.
    Thi
    swomanagai
    n!
    “Makhi
    ,howareyou?”I'
    mt r
    yingtoplaya-ni
    ce-
    but
    ton.Iknowthatwhat
    everisitthatbr
    oughther
    her
    eisbad.Ihopeit'
    snotaboutthegoatsagain.
    “HowIam?You'r
    easki
    nghowIam?Yourmother
    's
    chi
    ckensar
    efi
    ghti
    ngmychickensi
    nthei
    rown
    home.”
    Welcomet
    oKhangel
    aniwher
    eneighboursf
    ight
    ever
    yweekandst
    il
    laskf
    oodfrom oneanot
    her.
    “Whatwouldyouli
    kemetodo?”Thi
    sisanhonest
    quest
    ion.MustIgomakepeacebet
    weenthe
    chi
    ckens?Ifso,
    whatmustIsaytot
    hem?
    “Tellyourmot herbecauseitwon'
    tbenicewhenI
    breakt hei
    rlegswithastick,
    ”shesaysandtur
    ns
    ar
    oundandl
    eaves.
    Ithoughti
    twaschi
    ckenst
    hatwer
    efi
    ghti
    ng,why
    wouldshetakeasi
    deandatt
    ackt
    heotherone?I
    s
    shenothuman?
    “MaNgobeseyouhaveacaseoff ighti
    ngchi ckens,”
    Itel
    lmymot herasIl etmysel finsidetheki tchen
    wher eshe' scookingpor ri
    dgef orEl et
    hu's3mont hs
    oldson.Themot herwentt ot helibraryforaschool
    resear chandt hegr andmot heri sher emot her ing.
    Youcan' ttel
    lmot hersanyt hingaboutt heirlast -
    born.
    Befor eElethudeliveredweagr eedt hatwewer e
    goingt ot akethebabyt ohi sf ather'shousesot hat
    Elethucancont i
    nuewi t
    hschoolundi sturbed.But
    whenEl ethucamebackf rom t hehospi talIbecame
    avillain,theenemyofpr ogr ess.Thenappi eswer e
    boughtwi thpensionmoneybehi ndmyback.
    Somet imesthebabysl eepsonmymot her'sbed
    whileEl ethuissleepinginanot herr oom and
    chattingonFacebook.
    GrowingupIwast oldthatacti
    onshave
    consequences,butseeminglyther
    ulehave
    changed.Elet
    husleepsout,getspr
    egnantandt
    alks
    back.Andtheonlypunishment,
    orshouldIsay
    thr
    eat,sheeverget
    sis-askyoursi
    steraboutme!I
    '
    ll
    hurtyou.
    “Mychickens?”Shesnapsherbr
    ows.Badmood
    alr
    eady?Babiescry,
    mommy.I magi
    nebecomi
    nga
    mothertotwogenerati
    onsi
    nonelif
    eti
    me.
    “MaMgengeiscomplai
    ningt
    hatt
    heyhaveat
    tacked
    herchi
    ckens,
    ”Isay.
    Sheputst
    helidbackontheboili
    ngpotandopens
    thedr
    awer.Shetakesoutayel
    lowShoprit
    epl
    asti
    c
    bag.
    “BeforeMaMgengecomest oprovokemei nmy
    houseshemustbr i
    ngbackmypot at
    oes.Her
    chickenswereher
    eyester
    day,steppingontopof
    mypl antsandIdi
    dn'
    tsayanythi
    ng. ”
    Owkaay!Iwasn’tf
    uell
    ingafi
    ghtbet
    weenthe
    nei
    ghbours.Iwanttohaveapeacef
    ulSat
    urdaywi
    th
    myfamily.
    “
    Ma,
    pleasel
    eti
    tbe,
    ”Ibeg.
    “
    I'
    m notl
    ett
    inganyt
    hingbe.Goandf
    etchmy
    pot
    atoes,
    ”shesays.
    Iboughtpotat
    oeswhenIcameher e,awhol
    esack
    andothervegetabl
    es.Thecupboar
    dsandfr
    idgear
    e
    notempty,atl
    eastnotfornow.Whydoweneed
    potat
    oesbackf rom MaMgenge?
    IheaveasighasIt
    aketheplast
    icbagshe's
    shovi
    ngtome.Thepainofbeingunemployed,
    I
    havebecomeachil
    dwhor unserrandsagai
    n.

    Oh,byt
    hewayIboughtnewheadsets.Ipl
    aymusi
    c
    onmyphonebefor
    ecrossi
    ngtheroadandheadi
    ng
    toMaMgenge'
    shouse.
    She'sout
    sideinhervegetabl
    egardenandloudl
    y
    singi
    ngaZi onsong.Iwonderwhathappensto
    thesewomenoncet heyreach45.Theyhavemood
    swingsbecomewor sethanthoseofapregnant
    woman.
    “Mom sentmetoyou,
    ”It
    ellherandwai
    tforabl
    ow-
    up.Hershar
    peyetel
    lsmetogoon.
    “
    Yout
    ooksomepot
    atoesf
    rom herl
    astweekand
    shewant
    stocookmash,
    ”Isay.
    “Ohyes,
    Iremember
    .Tel
    lhert
    ocomeandcheckmy
    spi
    nachlat
    er.
    ”
    I'
    l
    lneverbuttintot
    hesegranni
    es’
    busi
    ness,ever
    .
    Onemi nut
    et hey'
    refi
    ght
    ingandnextt
    hey'
    re
    arr
    angingspinachmeetings.

    Ifol
    lowherinsi
    dethehouseandwai
    tasshef
    il
    lsup
    theplast
    icbagwit
    hpotatoes.
    “Iwi
    lladdextr
    aonesf orEl
    ethu'
    sbaby.I
    '
    m surei
    t'
    s
    hungry,t
    hefatheri
    snotsupport
    ingandever
    ythi
    ng
    i
    sMaNgobese' sresponsi
    bil
    it
    ynow.”
    Ipr
    acti
    cemyrightt
    okeepsilent
    .Hereever
    yonei
    s
    i
    ntoeachot
    her'
    sbusinessandtheyhavenoshame
    di
    scussi
    ngthi
    ngsthatdon'
    tconcer
    nt hem.
    “Tellhertocomet odaybecauset
    omorr
    owI '
    m
    goingt ochurch,
    ”sher emi
    ndsmeasIwal koutof
    theyar dwit
    hapl asti
    cofpotat
    oeswei
    ghingdown
    myar m.
    Hlelocall
    edyester day,t
    hingsar estil
    lbadatthetaxi
    rank.Apolicemanwaski l
    ledlastweekandear l
    ier
    thi
    sweekt wodr iversfrom t heBhengusidedied.
    Thepr obl
    em witht axifi
    ght sisthatonlyt
    axi
    associati
    onscansol vethem.Thepol i
    cearealmost
    uselesswheni tcomest othosepeopl e,t
    hey'
    re
    dangerousandst ubborn.
    Ireall
    yhopetheyreachanagreementsoon,befor
    e
    mor epeopledi
    e.Imissbei
    ngor der
    edaroundby
    Sis’Thandiandprepar
    ingt
    hatonespecialpl
    ate.I
    evenmi ssmyshackandneighboursI'
    venever
    spokent o.

    Whoah!Who'sthi
    simmatur
    edr
    iver?WhatifIdi
    dn'
    t
    l
    iftmyeyesup?Hewasgoingt
    or unoverme.Big
    shotswi
    thbigcar
    s,neh?
    Itst
    opsi nfrontofmeandI 'mf orcedtotaket he
    headsetsoffandl endmypr eciousat t
    entionto
    whoeveri ti
    s.Ihopeit'
    snotoneoft hosepeopl e
    whohi j
    ackgi r
    lsandt r
    aff
    ickthem.Butsof arwe
    don'thavethoseincident
    sher eint hevil
    lage.
    Thewindowrol
    lsdownandthefacet
    hatIsee
    near
    lysendsmeontheground.
    “
    Hi,
    hel
    lo,
    ”hesays.
    No,myeyesar
    en'
    tfool
    ingme.Whati
    shedoi
    ng
    her
    e?HowdidheevenknowwhereIl
    ive?
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa?
    ”Myvoi
    ceseemst
    opr
    esseddownbel
    ow
    myt
    hroat
    .
    “
    Thal
    ent
    e,”hesays.
    Mygoodness!I
    t'
    shi
    minhi
    staxi
    -dr
    ivi
    ngsel
    f.
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”
    Hi
    sli
    pscr
    acki
    ntoabr
    iefsmi
    le.Thi
    sisat
    est
    !
    “
    It
    'sSat
    urdayonmycal
    endar
    .”
    WhatSaturday?Oh,hel
    lno!Hecan'
    tbeher ef
    orthat.
    Imeanthatwouldbever yst
    upi
    dofhim,giventhe
    ci
    rcumstances.Ourdealst
    oodbecauseIhadaj ob,
    areasontobeinDurban.
    “I
    'l
    ldr
    ivet
    othosetr
    eesandwai
    tforyou…unlessif
    youwantustohaveourl
    unchwit
    hthefolkshere.
    ”
    WTF!Thepl
    ast
    icbagi
    nmyhanddr
    opsont
    he
    groundandthepot
    atoesscat
    teral
    lovert
    her
    oad,
    eachrunni
    ngtoit
    sowndi r
    ect
    ion.
    I
    'veneverbeensoembarr
    assedi
    nmywholel
    if
    e.
    HowcanMaMgenge’ spotat
    oesdot
    hist
    ome?I
    wanttheeartht
    oopenupandswall
    owme.
    “MaMgengeact uall
    yborrowed…”Fuck!Whatam I
    doing?I'
    m onlymakingaf oolofmyselfwithl
    ame
    explanat
    ions.Ineedtocoll
    ectthepotatoesbef
    ore
    anothercarcomesandr unoverthem.
    “Doyouneedhel
    p?”He'
    soutoft
    hecarandbendi
    ng
    downtopickt
    heonesnextt
    ohim.
    “Wedohavepot
    atoesathome,
    justsoyouknow,
    ”I
    cl
    ari
    fy.
    “
    Luckyyou!
    ”hesays.
    Oh,
    he'
    sher
    etomockme?
    “
    I'
    llgoi
    nsi
    deandnotcomeback,
    ”It
    hreat
    enandhe
    j
    ustgri
    nsl
    ikeani
    diot
    .
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    04] :Chapt
    er19
    THALENTE
    Ineedtobreat
    heandthi
    nk.Ineedt
    ocomeupwi
    th
    aplan-howam Igoi
    ngtogetoutofher
    e?
    It
    'satt
    imesl i
    kethesewhenIregr
    etbeingblack.I
    'm
    sureat27whi t
    egirl
    sdon'
    tneedtoexpl ai
    nthei
    r
    whereaboutstothei
    rmother
    s.Butblackmot her
    s
    tr
    eatyoulikeanadultonl
    ywhenitsuitsthem.
    MaNgobesewoul dl
    oosehermindifIjustdi
    sappear
    -i
    nwhosehouse?
    “
    Whyar
    eyoust
    andi
    ngl
    ikeapol
    einsi
    demyhouse?
    ”
    Thi
    nk,
    Thal
    ent
    e!
    “Ij
    ustgotaphonecal
    lfrom mylandlord.Someone
    brokei
    ntomyroom andhewant smecomeand
    checkwhatwasstol
    en.”Si
    lentapplausetomyself
    !
    Thatwasagoodone.I’
    m agoodl iar.
    “Doyouneedsomeonetocomewithyou?Icancal
    l
    Bhekizi
    thaandaskhi
    mto…”Whooah!NotMalum'
    Bhekiandhispanga.
    “
    NoMa, Iwi
    llmanage,
    ”Isaybef
    oresheeven
    f
    ini
    shes.
    “Okaygoandgetr
    eady.Iwi
    llwar
    mthebeansf
    or
    you.”
    Ican'tbeli
    eveNdlal
    if
    ajustmademel i
    etomy
    motherlikethi
    s.Ispr
    intoutoft
    hekit
    chent
    ot he
    rondavelthati
    smybedr oom.Ipourcol
    dwateri
    nto
    thebasinandempt ymycosmet i
    cbagonthebed.
    Thepanifore?WTF!Ndl al
    if
    asawmei napanifore?I
    can'
    tbelievethis.I
    '
    m sur enowhet hinksofmeasa
    l
    azyvil
    lagegirl.Ineedt oexpl
    aintohimt hatmy
    cl
    otheswer einanot herhouse,t
    hat'
    swhyIwor ea
    pani
    fore.Iwasgoi ngt ochangeast hesungoesup.
    Iquickl
    ywashmyf ace.Ineedtoleavebefor
    ehe
    comesher etocheck.Ihavenodoubtt hathe'
    d
    comeher eandtalktomymot her
    .Thismanhas
    provedtobeanidiotthat'
    sagainstmypeaceof
    mind.
    Andthen?Whyt
    hef
    ucki
    sthi
    swat
    ersowhi
    te?
    Cal
    amine!
    Shit,
    Ilookedl
    ikeamonkey.Iwonderwhathe
    thoughtofme.Potatoes,
    pani
    for
    eandcalami
    ne.
    Thisistheworstdayofmylif
    e.
    I'
    m notsurewherewear ehavingt hislunchand
    howam Iexpectedtodr essup.Fuck, I
    '
    m del ayi
    ng
    myselfevenmor ewiththis.Ipickoneoft he
    dressesIconsi
    dertobet hemostexpensi veone
    thatIown.Theankle-l
    engt hwr apdresst hatI
    boughtf r
    om abouti
    quei ntown.Icombmyhai rand
    ti
    eabandanaar oundmyhead.Li p-gloss,body
    sprayandmywr i
    st-
    watcht hathasbeenst uckon
    00:44sinceAugustlastyear .Whyar et hewat ch
    batter
    iessoexpensi
    vet hough?Peopl ealwaysl ook
    confusedwhenevertheyaskt i
    meandIf i
    shoutmy
    phonei nst
    eadofcheckingi tonmywr i
    st.
    Ipackmyt
    oil
    etr
    iesandaf
    ewdr
    essest
    henwal
    kout
    .

    “
    Hhayi
    -boThal
    ente,youcan'
    tleavehungr
    il
    y.”
    MaNgobesest
    andinginfr
    ontofthekit
    chendoor
    .
    “
    Iwi
    llgr
    absomet
    hingonmyway,
    ”Isay.
    Shegivesmet heonce-overanddisappear
    sinside
    theki
    tchen.If
    oldmyf istandrel
    easealowgr oan.
    WhydoIneedt oeatbeanswhi l
    egoingoutfor
    l
    unchwi
    thar
    icht
    axidr
    iver
    ?

    Shewal ksoutwithaTupperwarecont
    aineraf
    tera
    fewmi nutes.Shecover
    sitwit
    hanamel essbl
    ack
    plast
    icpacket.
    Iwantt
    odi
    e!
    “Here!Iknowt
    hatyouwon'
    tcookwhenyougett
    o
    Durban.”
    Thi
    sisMaNgobese,Ihavenochoi
    cebuttot
    akethe
    par
    cel.I
    maginecar
    ryi
    ngcookedbeansanduphut
    hu
    al
    lthewaytoDurban.

    OnceIwal koutoftheyard,whereshecan' tseeme,


    Iunzipthebagandt r
    ytof i
    ttheparceli
    nside.The
    zipwon'tcloseandIcan'
    tremoveanyt hi
    ngi nside
    thebag.I’
    ml eftwi
    thnochoicebutt ocarrythe
    parcelinmyhand.Thisuniversehasneverl oved
    me.Hopef ull
    yhewon'tquestiont
    hecont entsofthis
    parcel.
    Thedooropens,
    hecl
    imbsoutandst
    andspr
    oudl
    y
    wit
    hhisarmsfol
    ded.
    Mykneesst
    artkissi
    ngeachot
    her,
    I'
    ml osi
    ngmy
    st
    epsandgett
    ingveryuncomf
    ort
    able.Whyishe
    st
    ari
    ngatmelikethat?
    Fort
    hefi
    rstt
    imeIdon'
    tknowwhattodowi
    th
    mysel
    fwhil
    estandi
    ngi
    nf r
    ontofhi
    m.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”heasks.
    Deepbr
    eat
    h!
    “
    Yeah,
    ”Isay.
    Hetakest
    hebagfrom myhands.Ihol
    dtheparcel
    t
    ightl
    ywhenhetr
    iestotakei
    taswell
    .Hejust
    f
    rownsandopensthebackandthrowsmybag
    i
    nside.
    “What'
    sthat
    ?Ihopeyou'
    renotar
    medt
    oki
    llme,
    ”he
    asks.
    Ijustr
    ollmyeyesandgetinsi
    dethecar.Hecloses
    thedoorformeandIsecretl
    yfeell
    ikeagir
    lf
    ri
    end
    from t
    hoseromanti
    cmovies.
    Wearebothinsi
    det
    hecar?Shouldn'
    thebest
    art
    ing
    i
    tanddri
    vingawaybef
    orethel
    ikesofMaMgenge
    seeus?
    “
    Whyar
    eyounotdr
    ivi
    ng?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Iwantahug,
    ”hesays.
    Arethedoor
    slockedal
    ready?Heknowsthathi
    s
    hugsmakemeuncomf ortabl
    e.It
    oldhi
    m.
    If
    astentheseat
    beltandstar
    eoutsi
    dethewindow.
    Heletsoutabri
    efchuckl
    ebefor
    estart
    ingt
    hecar.

    It
    'salongjourney,
    twotownsawayf r
    om hishouse,
    butthemusi chasneutr
    ali
    zedt
    heawkwar dness.We
    aretal
    kinglessandsteal
    inggl
    ancesofeachother
    more.
    Hemakesast opatTot
    algar
    ageandbuysthe
    dr
    inksandafewsnacks.Heonl
    ytakestheener
    gy
    dr
    inkandput
    st hepl
    ast
    icbagonmyl ap.
    I'
    m notgoi
    ngt
    omakeami st
    akeofputt
    ingdownt
    he
    parceli
    nmyarm.IputthebagofLaysontopofi
    t
    andblessmyt
    astebuds.
    HelaughswhenIpasstheopenedbagofchi
    pst
    o
    hi
    m.What '
    sfunnyabouteat
    ingchi
    ps?
    “Iwi
    lleatrealf
    ood.”Mymi ndi
    magineshi
    seyes
    sweepingovermycl eavageashesaysi
    t.St
    upi
    d
    i
    magi nat
    ion,ri
    ght
    ?
    “I
    '
    lleatr
    ealfoodaswell
    .Itdoesn’
    tmeanyou'
    re
    healt
    hythanme,yousmoke,”Idefendmysel
    fasI
    unwrapthechocol
    atesl
    ab.
    “ButIdi
    dn'
    tsayanyt
    hingaboutbei
    ngheal
    thy,
    ”he
    sayswit
    hamockingchuckle.
    “
    Ireadbet
    weent
    hel
    ines.
    ”
    “
    Real
    ly?Ihaven'
    tnot
    iced.
    ”
    Andwhat '
    sthemeaningofthat
    ?Iliftupmy
    eyebrow.Asifhecanfeelmyburningstar
    eonhis
    cheek,hetur
    nshiseyestomebr i
    eflyandfl
    ashesa
    gri
    n.
    .
    .
    Hi
    sfacechangesaswearri
    vetoacarparkedi
    n
    f
    rontofhi
    shouse.Thef
    rontdoori
    swidel
    yopened
    andtheTVplayi
    ngi nsi
    dei
    sloudenought
    obe
    hear
    dfrom t
    hedriveway.
    “Ndlal
    if
    awhatifi
    t'
    sthosepeopl
    eyou'
    ref
    ight
    ing
    withatther
    ank?”Iask,
    pul
    li
    ngmyhandbackf r
    om
    his.
    “I
    t'
    smybrot
    her
    s,Idon'
    tknowwhatt
    hef
    uckt
    hey'
    re
    doingi
    nmyhouse.
    ”
    Plur
    al?Soi
    t'
    snotjustoneper
    soni
    nsi
    det
    hehouse,
    buttwoormore?
    Iwanttotur
    nandr
    unbackt
    othecarbutwear
    e
    al
    readyinsi
    de.

    Therearetwodirt
    yplatesontopofthecounter
    ;not
    i
    nsidetheempt ysi
    nk.Icanseehisjawti
    ghteni
    ng.
    Whatevertheyatewascolour
    ful,
    therear
    emeat
    bonesleftontheplat
    esanduntouchedcucumber
    sl
    ices.

    Therearet
    womensitt
    ingont
    hecouchand
    watchi
    ngasoccermat
    chonTV.Oneofthem i
    sthat
    di
    srespect
    fulguyt
    hatscoopedmeupatt
    her
    ank
    andcall
    edmybi gf
    orehead“bi
    g.”
    “Youtwo,l
    eavemyhouse!”Ndlali
    fasaysandthey
    slowl
    yturnthei
    rheadstous.I
    nsteadofgett
    ingoff
    thecouchandleavingast
    hey'r
    etold,
    thei
    rfaces
    breaki
    ntowidegrinsandt
    heireyesstayonme.
    “
    Whydidn'tyout
    ellusthatyoucookedforaguest?
    Whati
    fweat eal
    lthefood?You'rel
    uckybecause
    wehadbreadinmyhousebef orecominghere.
    ”It
    's
    t
    heonewhocal l
    edmybi gforeheadbi
    g.
    Theot heroneisj
    ustsmi l
    ingandst ar
    ingatme.I
    don'tdwellonmen'slooksbuthisar eoutstandi ng.
    He'sacompensat i
    onf orallt
    heuglyThomasand
    Sandileswehavetolookatever yday.Onegl ance
    andyou' dassumethathe'samal emodelst epping
    outoft hemagazi
    necover .Hissmileisjustt oocute.
    “Ndabukotakeyourf
    ri
    endandleavemyhouse,
    ”
    Ndlal
    if
    atell
    shim.Iguesshe'
    stheonewi
    thworki
    ng
    brai
    nsaroundhere.
    Het
    apst
    hest
    upi
    doneont
    heshoul
    der
    .
    “
    Baf
    o,l
    et'
    sgo,
    ”hesays.
    Theyhel
    peachotherof
    fthecouch.Iguesst
    hey'
    re
    hadsomealcoholaswel
    l.
    “
    Leavewiththosedi
    rt
    ydishesinmykit
    chen.Iwant
    t
    hem back,cl
    eanandunbroken,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasaysto
    t
    hem.
    Igi
    vehi
    m af
    unnyl
    ook.Whodoest
    hat
    ?He'
    stoo
    muchasabi
    gbrot
    her
    .

    Heswit
    chestheTVoffandcl
    ickshi
    stongue.I
    t
    seemsl
    iket
    hisisnott
    urni
    ngoutthewayhewanted.
    “Doyoumi ndwai
    tingi
    nthebedr
    oom?Ij
    ustwantt
    o
    cleanandsetup,
    ”heasks.
    “
    Bedr
    oom?
    ”
    “
    Yes,
    ”hesays.
    Whyam Ifeeli
    nguncomf
    ort
    abl
    eaboutt
    his?He
    won'
    tbethere,mos.
    “
    Okay,
    whi
    chway?
    ”Iask.
    “
    You'
    l
    lfi
    ndi
    tyour
    sel
    f;r
    eadi
    ngbet
    weent
    her
    ooms.
    ”
    I
    '
    mtempt
    edt
    orol
    lmyeyes.Hecanbesuchani
    diot
    .
    Il
    eavehimfi
    shi
    ngtheremotel
    eftbet
    weenthe
    coucheswi
    thafr
    ustr
    atedl
    ookonhisface.

    Funni
    ly,
    Idon'
    tgothr
    oughever
    yr oom i
    nsear
    chf
    or
    hi
    sbedroom.Ij
    ustfi
    ndmywayt here.
    Hisbedisneatlymade;everythi
    ngi swher
    eit
    shouldbe,pi
    ll
    owsar esetinapar t
    icul
    aror
    der,
    and
    I'
    m hesi
    tantaboutsi
    tti
    ngoni t
    .Ijustneedtobe
    caref
    ulandnotwr i
    nklehiscovers.
    Ohfuck,Il
    eftmyphoneinsi
    dethebaginthecar.
    Thebeansaswell
    ,Ilef
    tthepar
    celontheseat.What
    i
    fheseesit?
    Irushoutofthebedr
    oom tocont
    rolthedamage.
    I'
    vehadenoughembar r
    assmentsfortheday.The
    beanscan'taddtomystress.
    “Whereareyougoi ng?”He'sputt
    ingtheTupperware
    contai
    nerinsidethefr
    idge.Hetearedofft
    heplasti
    c
    bag.Mybagi sont hechair.I
    '
    m notsurewhether
    I'
    m sti
    llbr
    eathingornot.
    “
    Youf
    etchedmybag?
    ”I'
    mfr
    ozenont
    hesamespot
    .
    “
    Yes,
    andt
    hef
    oodyoudi
    dn'
    twantmet
    osee.
    ”
    Heopenedt
    hecont
    ainer
    ?Cant
    hisdayandal
    ready.
    “
    Wedoeatmeatathome,
    ”Isay.
    “Sowhat?
    ”Angersweepsacrosshi
    sfaceand
    quickl
    ydi
    sper
    sesashiseyesmeetmine.
    “
    I'
    m notst
    upi
    dThal
    ent
    e,”hesays.
    “
    Ineversai
    dyouwer
    e.”Imovet
    othechai
    randsi
    t.
    “
    Butthat'
    swhatyoui
    mpl
    y,asi
    fIcan'
    trel
    atetor
    eal
    l
    if
    e.Idon'
    tli
    vei
    nabubbl
    e,j
    ustsoyouknow.”He
    t
    akestwobowlsandwal
    ksout.

    Okay,he'
    spi
    ssedandI'
    m notsur
    ewhy.Isitonthe
    chai
    randwaitf
    orhimtocomeback.He'ssett
    ing
    l
    unchsomewhereinthehouseandnotevenasking
    metohelp.
    Hemakest
    womor
    etr
    ipsandhi
    slastt
    ri
    pist
    ofet
    ch
    me.
    It
    'sunset
    tl
    ingbei
    ngwi
    thhi
    m whenhe'
    squi
    et
    becauseofme.
    “
    You'
    reangr
    yatme?
    ”Iask.
    Hepullsoutthechai
    rf orme.He'ssetacosylunch
    tabl
    efortwo.Hisdomest icski
    ll
    sdon'tcompl
    ement
    hisupbri
    ngi
    ng.OrI'm beingjudgemental.
    “Wheredi
    dyoulear
    ntocook?”Ij
    umpt ot
    henext
    quest
    ion,
    seei
    ngthathe'
    snotanswer
    ingt
    hefi
    rst
    one.
    “Mymot herlef
    twhenIwasei
    ght
    ,myf at
    herisi
    nthe
    taxii
    ndustr
    yandIhaveyoungbr
    other
    ,”hesaysand
    shrugshisshoulder
    s.
    NowIgeti
    t.Ihavequest
    ionsbutmayber
    ightnow
    i
    snotagoodtime.

    Hedi
    shesupf
    orbot
    hofusandpour
    sthedr
    inks.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    eIwantust
    otal
    krealbusi
    ness,
    ”hesays.
    Ir
    eacht
    omygl
    assandt
    akeasi
    p.
    “
    I'
    mli
    steni
    ng,
    ”Isay.
    “Idon'
    tunder
    mineyouasaper
    sonandIdon'tsee
    youassomeonewhoneedshelp.Iappl
    audyoufor
    doi
    ngwhatyoudo;waki ngupever ymor ni
    ngby
    dawnandcookingatthetaxirank.Ithi
    nkit'
    s
    amazi
    ng,somegirlsst
    andont hestr
    eetsevery
    ni
    ghtandexchangethei
    rbodi esformoney.Idon'
    t
    j
    udgethem ei
    ther
    ,li
    fei
    sunpr edict
    able.
    ”
    It
    akeanot
    hersi
    p.I
    'm notusedtothi
    sser
    ioussi
    de
    ofhi
    m.He'
    salwaysfooli
    ngaroundandannoyi
    ng.
    “Thingsmi ghtnotgobackt onormalsoon.There'
    s
    anopeni nginoneoft hecompani esIknow.They'
    re
    l
    ooki ngforagirlwhocanhel patthei
    rcanteen.I
    saidIknowsomeonewhomi ghtwantthejoband
    askedt hem toholdforaf ewdays.Youcanaccept
    ordeclineandI '
    llgetbacktothem.”
    Wow!Oh,
    okay.
    “That'
    srealbusi
    ness,
    ”Imumbl
    etomysel
    fasIt
    ryt
    o
    digestal
    lofit
    .
    “Wehavemor etodi
    scuss.
    ”He'
    sbackatbei
    ngt
    he
    Ndl
    ali
    fathatIknow.
    “What’
    sgoi
    ngt
    ohappenwhenSi
    s'Thandicomes
    back?I
    'l
    ldr
    opt
    hej
    obandgobacktotheshelt
    er?
    ”
    Hechuckl
    esandsi
    psonhi
    sdr
    ink.
    “
    Loyal
    tydoesn'
    tpaybi
    ll
    s.Butt
    hatwoul
    dbef
    oryou
    t
    odeci
    de.”
    Idon'tknowhowmucht imeIhavet ocomeupwi t
    h
    adecision.Idon'
    tknowifSis'Thandiwillfeel
    betr
    ayedi fImovetoanotherjob.Imean, sheeven
    pai
    dmeaf ul
    lsal
    ary.Butsi
    tti
    ngathomei snotan
    opti
    onei t
    her.I
    'mtwenty-
    seven,Ican'tdependon
    mymot her'
    spensi
    onmoney.
    “
    MustIaddt
    hesal
    adf
    oryou?
    ”heasksandIshake
    myhead.
    “Okay,movingtothenextsubj
    ect,
    ”hesaysand
    clear
    shisthroat
    .Hewasn'ttaughtt
    hefour
    thrul
    eof
    beingablackchil
    d:youdon'tt
    alkwhil
    eeat
    ing.
    “Whydoyoualwaysgivemeahar
    dti
    me?Whydi
    d
    youl
    eavewit
    houttel
    li
    ngme?”
    What
    ?Myeyebrowsarewi
    denedouti
    ndi
    sbel
    ief
    .
    Washeei
    ghtyear
    soldwhenhemademe?
    “
    You'
    renotmyf
    ather
    ,”Isay.
    “
    Yeah,
    butI
    '
    m notj
    ust“
    not
    hing”t
    oyou.Ideser
    ved
    t
    oknowandwehadpl
    ans.
    ”
    “Whatar
    eyoutome?”I'
    m confused.YesImayhave
    beenwrongf
    ornoti
    nformi
    nghi mthatIwasleavi
    ng.
    Buthi
    m andhi
    scoll
    eaguesarethereasonwhyIleft
    .
    “Idon'tknow,youwil
    lgi
    vemet
    het
    it
    leyout
    hinkI
    deserve,”hesays.
    “
    Job-
    connect
    or,
    ”Isay.
    HelaughssohardthatIendupquesti
    oninghi
    s
    sani
    ty.Ishenotgi
    vingmejobconnect
    ions?That
    's
    hist
    itl
    eanditsui
    tshim per
    fect
    ly.
    “
    It
    'sf
    ine,
    uyezwa?
    ”hesays,
    sti
    llmocki
    ngme.
    Ichanget hesubj ectandaskaboutt herank
    sit
    uation.He'scal m aboutthewhol ethingandby
    thelookoft hings,hewant sittodragevenmuch
    l
    ongersot hatsomepeopl ecanbet aughtalesson.
    Unfortunatelyit'
    sthetaxidrivers,
    conduct or
    sand
    passenger sthatsufferthefinancialconsequences.
    Someoft heirtaxi
    sar eoperatinginothertownsand
    thei
    rfatherownst helogist
    iccompany.
    Iforcehimtositdownandcleart
    het abl
    e.Iknow
    thathewant shi
    skit
    chenspotl
    ess,hejustfedme
    thethingsIseeonTV,sowhynotcl eanforhim
    beforeIgo?
    Il
    oadt hedi
    shesinsidethesi
    nkandwasht hem.
    Lucki
    ly,hel
    ist
    enedanddi dn'
    tfol
    lowme.Af ter
    cl
    eari
    ngupever yt
    hingandpackingthedishes
    i
    nsidethecupboards,Iopenthefri
    dgeandt akemy
    Tupperwareout.
    Wheredi
    dheputmybag?Ihopehedidn'
    tpackitas
    hedeci
    dedt
    opackmybeansinsi
    dethefr
    idge.

    “Ndl
    ali
    fawhere'
    smybag?Ihavet
    ocl
    eanmyr
    oom
    andseethelandl
    ord.
    ”
    Hejustst
    aresatme.Di
    dmynosemoveupt
    omy
    f
    orehead?
    “Ndl
    ali
    fa?”Ir
    aisemyvoice,
    hopi
    ngthathe'
    l
    lsnap
    outofhiszoneandanswermyquesti
    on.
    “
    What
    'sgoi
    ngon?
    ”heasks.
    Idon'
    tunder
    standhi
    squest
    ion.Ther
    e'ssomet
    hing
    goi
    ngon?
    “Wehadthel
    unchthatwepromisedeachot
    herand
    nowI'
    mleavi
    ng,
    ”Isaytheobvi
    ous.
    Hef
    rownsl
    ikeIj
    ustspoket
    ohi
    minChi
    nese.
    “If
    etchedyoual
    lthef
    rom Khangel
    ani
    .Whenwere
    yougoingtocl
    eanyourr
    oom andseeyourl
    andl
    ord
    i
    fIdidn't
    ?”
    “
    Butyoudi
    dfet
    chmeandI
    '
    m goi
    ngt
    odoal
    lthat
    .”
    “Thenyouhavetopayf ormypetr
    ol.Idi
    dn'
    tfet
    ch
    youforthelandl
    ord,
    Ithoughtwe'
    dspendti
    me
    toget
    her.”
    JesusChri
    st!Idi
    dn'taskhimtofet
    chmeandI
    'm
    notpayi
    ngforpetrol
    ,notevenfort
    hedr
    opofi
    t.
    “
    Wher
    eismybag?
    ”Iaskf
    ir
    mly.
    “
    Idon'
    tknow,
    ”hesays.
    Br
    eat
    heThal
    ent
    e!
    “Ndl
    ali
    fa?
    ”Thisi
    sthel
    astwar
    ningbef
    ore…Idon'
    t
    knowbeforewhat
    .
    “
    Leavemeal
    one,
    ”hesaysandwal
    kst
    ooneoft
    he
    r
    oomsandshut
    sthedooraf
    terhi
    m.
    Owkaaay, Ineedtofi
    ndmybag.I '
    llwal
    kto
    CannelandsifIneedto.Mysearchingski
    ll
    sar
    ever
    y
    fastandeffecti
    ve.It
    hinkt
    hisi
    stheguestbedr
    oom,
    helefti
    tont opofthebed.

    Itakeitandmakemywaytothefrontdoor
    .Ihat
    e
    thatwear epar
    ti
    ngt
    hiswaybutIr
    efusetobe
    bull
    iedbyhim.
    “
    Thal
    ente,
    ”–thehandgr
    absmeandpul
    lsmeback
    i
    nsi
    dethehouse.
    Ihopet
    hisi
    snotwhati
    tlooksl
    ike;af
    ight
    .
    “What?”Ist
    arei
    ntohisfir
    e-bl
    azi
    ngeyesatacl
    oser
    dist
    ance.He'
    ssti
    llhol
    dingmyar mti
    ghtl
    yandI
    knowthatIwon'
    tbeabl etofi
    ghthi
    m off
    .
    “Youreal
    lydon'tseethatIl
    oveyou?”Hisquest
    ion
    catchesmeof fguard.Iwasprepar
    edforan
    argument,notaloveconfessi
    on.
    “MaybeIdon'tshowitenough.Maybewhenyou
    seemeyouj ustseearandom taxidr
    iverwho'
    s
    alwaysonyourface.Idon'tknow, maybeyoujust
    seearichman'ssonwhoneverhavet ofi
    ghtf
    or
    anythi
    nginli
    fe.Butbehindwhat everyouseei
    sa
    manwhoi shungr yf
    oryourl ove.I'
    minlovewit
    h
    youThalent
    eMbat ha.”
    Idon’tknowhowIl ostthegri
    pofthebagand
    Tupperware.Everyt
    hingIhadinmyhandsmeett he
    fl
    oor.Thecontainerli
    dfli
    esoffasuphut
    huandt he
    beansscatter
    .Ineedt wobucketsofseawater.
    Maybemyancest orsareangrywit
    hme, becauseno
    onecanhavesomanybadl ucksinoneday.
    Hishandlif
    tsmeasIat
    temptt
    opickupthebag
    andpossibl
    yfi
    ndawayofgett
    ingt
    hebeansoffhi
    s
    cl
    eanfloor.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    elookatme.I
    '
    mtal
    kingt
    oyou,
    ”hesays.
    Ican'tl
    ookathi
    seyes.Notaf
    terwhathej
    ust
    confessed.
    “Wil
    lIeverbemor
    ethanj
    ustaj
    ob-
    connect
    or?
    ”he
    asks.
    “
    Yes….
    ”Wai
    t,whatt
    hef
    uckdi
    dIj
    ustsay?
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    04] :Chapt
    er20
    NDONDO

    Beinghomewasamazi ng.Yes, Icallithome.But


    unfor tunat elyIhavetogobackt ol i
    fe.
    Bab’Maqhaweandhi swifear ecomi ngwi thme.
    They' vemadei tcl
    earthattheywon' tsetaf ootin
    myf ather '
    shouse, henceI '
    veurgedAndi swat o
    arr
    angeaf ami l
    ydinnerinmyhouse.I '
    m hopingt hat
    we'lltal k,putasideourdi f
    ferencesandr each
    commongr ounds.Wedon' thavet oshar ebel ief
    s,
    wej usthavet orespectoneanot her.Iprayand
    hopet hatmyf atherkeepshi semot ionsi ncheck.
    Bab'Maqhawehashi sreservati
    onsonChr i
    stianity
    toobuthe' snotasvagueasmyf atherisaboutt he
    ancest ors.
    Thesoonertheyworktowar
    dsaccepti
    ngNdabuko'
    s
    proposalandlet
    ti
    ngBab'
    Maqhawehandlethi
    ngs,i
    s
    thesoonerIcanalsof
    ocusonmyr el
    ati
    onshi
    pand
    thepregnancy.
    Ial
    sohavet
    otal
    ktoNdabukoaboutwhat
    Mam' Jabusaid.Idon'twantanycompl i
    cat i
    onsand
    Ial
    sowantNhl anzekotoresti
    npeace.I fgivi
    ngt hi
    s
    babyt ohisnamei sgoingtogivehim peacet henso
    beit.I
    twon' tt
    akeanythingawayfrom us, atHome
    Aff
    airswe' l
    lst
    il
    lbethebaby'sparentsandwe' l
    l
    rai
    sehi m orherasourown.

    Bab’Maqhawei sfor
    cedt oeattwobananassot hat
    hewon' tdemandust omake“ pee"stopsal ongthe
    road.Theyal waysargueoverst upidthingsand
    Mam' Jabualwayswi nsthear gument .Thisman
    doesever yt
    hingshewant s,butnotwi thoutafight.I
    canstaywi ththem al
    lday.Iwonderhowl if
    e
    would'vebeenl i
    keifwest ayedbacki nNyandeni .
    Maybewewoul d'
    veturnedoutdi f
    ferently.
    “
    Areyousupposedt
    odr
    ivewhi
    lepr
    egnant
    ?”
    Mam’Jabuasks.
    “
    I'
    m sti
    llonthef
    irstt
    ri
    mest erMa,
    pleasedon'
    ttur
    n
    i
    ntoanotherNdabuko,”Ibeg.
    “Hhayi-
    bo,wedon'twantanyt
    hingbadtohappent
    o
    ourgrandchi
    ld.That
    'swhywear eher
    e,andyou
    bet
    ternotr
    evealt
    heSibi
    sist
    ubbor
    nnesst
    othat
    poorboy,
    ”shesays.
    “Si
    bisist
    ubbor
    nness?”Bab’
    Maqhaweaskswi
    thhi
    s
    eyebrowli
    ft
    ed.I
    'm al
    socuri
    os.
    “Don'
    tevenst
    artMaqhawe,
    youknowyour
    sel
    f,
    ”she
    says.
    Hemumbl
    essomethi
    ngunderhi
    sbreat
    handgo
    mut
    easMam'Jabugi
    veshi
    m astar
    e.
    IdiscussedthiswithQondaniandhet oldmet hat
    theonlytimehismot herapol ogizesto
    Bab'Maqhawef orhercontroll
    inganddi ctati
    ng
    behaviorisduri
    ngt helat
    ehour softheni ght.That
    wasenoughf ormyear s,Ididn'tti
    ptoetot heirfr
    ee-
    standingbedroom toeavesdr op.ButnowIt hink
    shedoesal lt
    hisonpur pose;t oprovokehi m sot hat
    the“lateni
    ght”punishmentcanbesever e.

    They'
    veneverbeentomyhousebef ore,
    letalone
    mykindofneighbourhood.Icant
    ellbytheway
    Mam’ Jabu’
    snoseiswrinkl
    edupthat ,
    nope,itlooks
    al
    lfancyandmoder nbutshewouldn'tgiveupaday
    ofherl
    if
    etol
    iveher
    e.
    “
    Isi
    tdi
    videdi
    ntot
    wo?
    ”sheasks,
    aboutt
    hehouse.
    “
    Yes,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Howmanybedr
    ooms?
    ”
    “
    Seven.
    ”
    “
    ForyouandAndi
    swaonl
    y?”
    “
    No,
    peopl
    edocomeover
    .”
    Shedoesn'tsayanyt hi
    ngf ur
    ther.She'sjustst
    unned,
    Iguess.Idon'tt
    hinkIli
    veexagger atedly.Ther
    ear e
    biggerhousesinthisneighbourhood, someoft hem
    don'tl
    iveanyone,theywerejustboughtbecause
    theownerscould.Ndabukoi st heoneIcoul dsayis
    exaggerat
    ingthi
    swhol elif
    et hi
    ng,hishousei s
    ri
    dicul
    ous,soarehi ssportcars.

    Andiswaisstandinginthemi ddl
    eofthelounge,
    l
    ookingconfusedandl ost
    .Shehasn'tseenthese
    peoplesi
    nceshewasachi ld.Idon'
    tthi
    nksheeven
    rememberedtheirfaces.
    “I
    sthi
    sAndiswa?”Bab’
    Maqhaweaskswit
    hhisarms
    widel
    yopened.Andi
    swahesit
    ant
    lywal
    ksint
    othem
    andwrapsherarmsaroundhi
    m.
    “
    You'
    resogr
    own!
    ”
    They'
    rebot
    hst
    ari
    ngatheri
    ndi
    sbel
    ief
    .
    “It
    'smy21stbir
    thdayverysoon,”shebr
    agsasshe
    l
    ooksupt oBab'Maqhawe’sface.Shehasmeltedin
    theirpr
    esencei
    naninstant,
    that'
    showlightt
    heir
    aurais.
    “Yourf
    athershoul
    ddoumemul
    oforyou,
    ”
    Bab'Maqhawesays.
    “
    Likevi
    rgi
    ns?
    ”sheasks.
    Mam'Jabuisgoingt
    ofai
    nt.Theword“
    li
    ke”hasher
    eyesbul
    gingoutoft
    hei
    rsockets.
    “Pl
    easegetussomethingt
    odr i
    nk,
    ”ItellAndi
    swa
    withaster
    nlook.I
    nthesepeopl
    e'seyesshe'sst
    il
    l7
    yearsol
    d,she'
    sgoingtomaketheirheartsst
    op.
    “
    Doyouguyswantmet
    oshowyouar
    oundoryour
    f
    eetar
    eachi
    ng?
    ”Iaskt
    hem.
    Thewavi
    nghandandcl
    enchi
    ngofj
    awsf
    rom
    Mam’ Jabuasshesl i
    desdownont hecouch
    answer sme.Bab'Maqhawei smadeoutofst eel,
    i
    nsimbiendala,he'
    supf orit.It
    akehi mtot hestudi
    o
    fi
    rst
    ,wher eAndi
    swadoesal lhersecretaudit
    ions.
    He'scharmedbyt heguitar,
    wespendal mostt en
    minutesinsi
    dewi t
    hhimt ryi
    ngt orevivetheold
    guit
    aristi
    nsi
    dehim.
    “Whenaretheycomi
    ng?
    ”heasksaswel
    eavet
    he
    groundf
    loor,
    taki
    ngupt
    hest
    air
    s.
    “Soon.IsentAndi
    swaatextbef
    orewegothere.
    Shemust '
    venoti
    fi
    edthem t
    hatwe'
    vear
    ri
    ved.”
    “They'
    reawarethatI'
    m al
    sohere?”He'saman,he
    keepsthebravefaceon,butI
    '
    vegott oknowhim
    wellduri
    ngthepasttwodays,Icantellt
    hathe'
    s
    nervous.
    “
    Wedi dn'tgoint
    odetai
    lswi
    tht
    hem butIdon'
    tthi
    nk
    i
    t'
    sapr oblem si
    nceyou'
    rei
    nmyhouseandnot
    t
    heir
    s.”
    “
    Ijustdon'twantt
    obr
    inganynoi
    sear
    oundyouand
    mygr andchi
    ld.
    ”
    He'
    ssweetbeyondmyunder
    standi
    ng.Iknowt
    hat
    i
    t'
    swr ongtocomparepeoplebuthe'
    swaybett
    er
    t
    hanmyf at
    her.He'
    smorelovi
    ng,moreopen-
    mindedandl essj
    udgment
    al.
    “Bab'
    omdaladon'tstr
    essyourselfaboutt
    hosetwo.”
    I'
    m notsur
    eofmyadvi cebutstressingabouti
    tis
    notgoingt
    ohelp.They'l
    lbehereandt he
    confr
    ontat
    ionswillbedone.
    Thepi
    ctur
    eofmeinmygraduat
    iongownwelcomes
    usasweentert
    hest
    udyr
    oom.Hest andsi
    nfrontof
    i
    t.
    “Qondaniheardaboutt
    hisandhetol
    dme.Iwasso
    proudofyou,”hesaysi
    nami xofemoti
    ons.
    “
    Iwishyouwer
    ether
    etosl
    aught
    eracowf
    orme,
    ”I
    t
    ease.
    Het ensesupandr eachesuptoit
    .Heunhookst he
    frameandt akesthepictur
    edown.Hegoesar ound
    thedeskandl oungeshimselfonmychair.He'
    s
    stari
    ngatthepictureli
    keapieceoft
    reasure.I
    guesst hi
    sisanotherroom we'
    regoi
    ngtospendan
    hourin.
    “
    Timef
    li
    es.Thedayyouwer
    ebor
    nst
    il
    lfeel
    sli
    ke
    yest
    erday.Ican'tbel
    ieveyou'
    vegr
    owni
    ntot
    his
    beaut
    iful
    ,int
    ell
    igentyoungwoman.”
    Iwal
    kar oundthedeskstandbehindhim andwrap
    myarmsar oundhisshoul
    ders.Helif
    tsuponehand
    andtouchesmyar m wi
    thizi
    phandlaaroundhi
    s
    wri
    stsbrushi
    ngtenderl
    yagainstmyflesh.

    Thedoorburst
    sopenandmymot
    herst
    andsi
    nthe
    middl
    eofthedoor
    way.
    Ohhel
    l,
    she'
    sangr
    y.
    “
    Mama, It
    houghtyouwer
    e…”Ipauseandf
    oll
    owher
    f
    ir
    e-bl
    azi
    ngeyes.
    “
    Maqhawel
    etgoofmydaught
    er!
    ”
    I'
    mtheonehol di
    ngBab'
    omdala’
    sshoul
    der
    sand
    he'
    sjusthol
    dingmypict
    ure.
    Withoutsayi
    nganythi
    ngheput
    sthepi
    ctur
    eont
    he
    deskandgetsoffthechai
    r.
    “Mama!IwasjustshowingBab'omdalaaround.
    ”I'
    m
    soembarr
    assed.“BabaIhaven'tshownyoumy
    bedr
    oom,pleasedon'
    tleave,
    ”Isay.
    Hehasthi
    sthi
    ngofl i
    steningtowomen.It'
    scute
    wi
    thMam’JabubutIdon' tunderst
    anditwit
    hmy
    mother
    .Whywouldhej ustfoll
    owt hewordofa
    womanhehasn'tseenoveradecade?
    “Goandgr eetyourf
    atherdownst
    air
    s.”Nowshe's
    order
    ingme.Herhandsar eonthewai standshe'
    s
    readyforwar.
    Bab'Maqhawepassesnextt
    oher
    .Thei
    rshoul
    der
    s
    touchandtheyshar
    eonedeepst
    are.
    “
    LeaveMaqhawe,”shesaysslowl
    yasshef
    inal
    ly
    t
    earshereyesawayfr
    om his.
    “
    Onedayprayforyouheart.
    ”Wi t
    hthatsai
    dhe
    wal
    ksoutoft
    her oom anddisappear
    s.
    I
    tmust'
    vetouchedt
    hener
    ve,
    she'
    sbl
    inki
    ng
    t
    imel
    essl
    y.
    “
    Whydoyouhat
    ehi
    m?”Iask.
    “Hate?Idon'
    that
    eanyone.Isai
    dgoandgr
    eetyour
    fat
    herdownstai
    rs.
    ”Sheturnsar
    oundandl
    eaves.
    Veryweird!
    Ialr
    eadyknowt hatthef amilydi
    nnerwon'tgowel l
    .
    MaybeIshoul d'
    vejustcalledmyf at
    heraloneand
    hewoul d'
    vesortedthiswithhisbrot
    herprivat
    ely.
    Bri
    ngingmymot herintothiswastheworstdeci si
    on
    ever.Icantel
    lthatMam' Jabuhasgot t
    en
    uncomf or
    tableandmymot heri
    sdoingherbestt o
    makeherf eelunwelcome.
    “I
    '
    mt heonewhoaskedyoual ltocomeher esoI
    guessI ’
    l
    lspeak.
    ”Ineedasi pofwater.This;t
    heir
    pi
    ercingeyes,myfather'
    ssil
    enceandt hesideeyes
    betweenMam’ Jabuandmymot her,i
    tallunsett
    les
    me.Event houghshehasal r
    eadychosenhersi de,I
    wishAuntVumi l
    ewasher etoneutral
    izethe
    si
    tuationwit
    hherholyjokes.
    “BabaIal readyknowwher eyoustandasf arasmy
    relati
    onshipwi tht
    hef at
    herofmychi ldisconcerned.
    I'
    m notgoi ngt oaskyout omakesacr if
    icesforme
    ort odisregardyourbelief
    stodothingsf orme.All
    I'
    m her etoaski sthatyouall
    owBab' omdal atobein
    char geofalltherit
    ualsandceremoni esthatshould
    takepl ace.IloveNdabukoandI '
    m notgoi ngto
    breakupwi thhim oraskGodf orf
    orgiveness
    becauseIfel
    linlovewit
    hsomeonewhoi
    snot
    perf
    ectinyoureyes.”
    Hedi
    rectshi
    seyest
    oBab’
    Bab'
    Maqhawe,
    thewhol
    e
    r
    oom tur
    nscold.
    “Youputherupt
    othi
    s?Youturnedmydaught
    er
    agai
    nstme,Maqhawe?”heasks.
    “IwenttoNyandenimysel
    f,pl
    easedon'tshi
    ftt
    histo
    Bab'omdala,
    ”Ij
    umpi nbef
    oreBab'omdalacan
    breatheaword.Iknewthi
    swasgoi ngtohappen.
    He'salwaysbeenabadguyi nthei
    reyes.Adevil
    himself.
    “Ri
    ght?YouwenttoNyandeniandyousuddenl
    ytal
    k
    backtoyourfat
    her?
    ”mymot herasksandshe'
    smet
    byfi
    ercestar
    efrom Mam'
    Jabu.
    “
    Nomagugul
    etment
    alk.Ungumf
    azi
    ,st
    ayoutofi
    t.
    ”
    “
    Yeywenasqhaza!
    ”
    Owkaaaay!Andi
    swaneedst
    ogot
    oherr
    oom.Thi
    s
    i
    swar.
    “
    Takeyourf
    oodandl
    eave,
    ”Iwhi
    spert
    oher
    .
    Shepout
    sherl
    ipsandf
    oldsherar
    mswhi
    ler
    est
    ing
    backont hechai
    r.Nowwehavet
    oar
    guej
    ustl
    ike
    thesepeople?
    “
    Leave!
    ”Ihi
    sst
    hroughmyt
    eet
    h.
    Shedoesn'tbudge.Thenoiseisbur st
    ingther
    oof.
    Mam'Jabuandmymot herarej ustsecondsaway
    fr
    om scrat
    chingeachother'
    sf ace.I'
    venever
    wit
    nessedsuchachi l
    dishbickeringbetweenol
    d
    peopl
    e.
    “Sheismydaughter!
    ”Bab’
    Maqhawe’svoi
    cerises
    aboveeveryoneel
    se'
    sandbri
    ngstheroom i
    ntoa
    standst
    il
    l.
    “
    Maqhawe!
    ”mymot
    herwar
    nsi
    nat
    rembl
    ing
    whi
    sper
    .
    I'
    m notsurewhat
    'sgoi
    ngon.Whyi
    sever
    yone
    suddenlysoqui
    etandnotl
    ooki
    ngatme?
    “Idi
    dever
    ythingIwasaskedt odo.Youmar r
    ied
    Nomagugubecauseyouwer eabett
    ermant hanI
    was.Abett
    erson.Il etyoutwomar r
    y,t
    ot akemy
    daught
    erandplayaper f
    ectfamil
    ybehindtheBible.
    Ihadtost
    artafresh.At28Ihadt ostar
    tasal it
    tl
    e
    boy!Fr
    om thegroundwi thnothi
    ngtomyname. ”
    Hisvoicetonesdown.Heleansfor
    wardthet
    abl
    e
    andstaresatmymot herwit
    hthecorner
    sofhi
    s
    eyesdroppingtear
    s.
    “Youdi dn' tf
    ightf orme.Youwer ehappyt omar r
    y
    mybr otherdespi t
    eal lt
    hepromi seswemadet o
    eachot her .ButIunder stoodbecauseIwasal ways
    ther ebell
    iousone.Theonewi t
    hnopr omisingfutur
    e.
    Youhadt odowhatwasbestf oryour sel
    f.Please
    tellmehowIbecamet hebadguy?Howdi dI
    becomet hedevi ltobot hofyou?Ist ayedaway, I
    didn'twantt oconf usemydaught erandIr espected
    allthecondi tionst hatwer egivent ome.Shecame
    l
    ooki ngf orme, nott heotherwayar ound.Because
    theher derandt hef atherwillalwaysbedi f
    ferent
    ,
    eveni fthey'repl ayingthesamer ole.”
    Acol dli
    quidfl
    owsdownmyf ace,
    snappingme
    backt otheworldIwasn'
    tevenawarethatIhadl
    eft
    .
    Andiswahasmei nherar
    msandever yoneis
    standingaroundme.
    Idi
    dn'tf
    aint
    ,I'
    m st
    illsi
    tt
    ingonthechair
    ,butmy
    wholebodyfeelsl
    ikeanempt ysack.
    “Babayoumarri
    edyourbr
    other
    'spr
    egnant
    gir
    lf
    ri
    end?”Andi
    swaaskswithmeinherar
    ms.
    “
    Shhhh!”someoneshushesandIl
    if
    tmyheadup.I
    wantt
    het r
    uth.Whatt
    hehell
    isgoi
    ngonher
    e?
    “Ndondoplease….
    ”Ishakemyheadbef
    oreshe
    evenstar
    ts.Sheli
    edtomefort
    wentysi
    xyears!
    “Mamawhoismyfat
    herandwhoi
    smyuncl
    e
    bet
    weent
    hesetwomen?”
    Si
    lence.
    Myfinger
    sballi
    ntoafistandcrashont hejugof
    j
    uiceputnextt
    othestackofplates.Andiswahol
    ds
    backmyar msandstr
    ai nsmebackont hechair.
    “SpeakNomagugu,
    ”Mam' Jabusaysandt
    he
    awkwardnessmult
    ipl
    iesl
    ikerabbi
    ts.
    “
    Dumi sani
    isyourf
    atherbaby,
    herai
    sedyou.
    ”She
    f
    inal
    lymanagestogetthewordsout
    .
    MaybeIneedt
    oreconst
    ructmyquest
    ion.
    “
    Whomadeyoupr
    egnant
    ?”Iask.
    Gasps!Whatdi
    dtheyexpectmet
    osay?Thi
    s
    womanseemst
    obeanswer
    ingt
    hingsIdi
    dn'
    task.
    “Maqhawedi dbutyourf at
    herhadmor equali
    ti
    esof
    beingagoodf atherandahusbandt hanMaqhawe
    was.Wewer ei nthesamechur chand…”Myear s
    cannothearmor eofthis.Hehadmor equali
    ti
    es
    accordi
    ngtowhosest andards?Thechur chpeople?
    Andheagr eedtobet r
    ayhisbr otherandhidbehind
    thenameofGod?
    “Mamai sthi
    swhatyouwantedf ormeaswell
    ?To
    breakupwi t
    hNdabukoandmar rysomeonefr
    om
    yourchurchsothatwecanplayaper f
    ectf
    amil
    y?
    Youreall
    ythinkt
    hisi
    sokay.Lyi
    ngt omemywhol e
    l
    ifeandkeepingmef r
    om myfather?
    ”Iask.
    “
    I'
    m yourf
    ather
    ,Ndondo.
    ”
    Idon'thavewordsforhi
    m att
    hemoment.Idon'
    t
    knowwhatt osay.Heseesnothi
    ngwrongwit
    hwhat
    they'
    vedonetomeandBab’ Maqhawe.
    “It
    houghtwewer
    egoingtobecivi
    laboutt
    hisbut
    asusual,
    yout
    wotreatedmeli
    keapieceofshit
    .
    Thisi
    snothowIwantedhert
    ofindoutbutyouleft
    mewi t
    hnochoi
    ce.
    ”Bab'Maqhawegetsoffthechai
    r
    andrestshishandsont het
    able.“Now, Iwantto
    perf
    orm ceremoniesf ormydaught er
    .Idon'tcar
    eif
    youtakeherbr i
    depricebutyou'renotgoingtolet
    thi
    sfakeChr i
    sti
    anit
    yofyoursst andont hewayof
    herhappiness.GoandgetVumi leandyourchur ch
    member stoganguponme, Idon'tcare.”
    Icannotbeli
    evethi
    sishappeni ngtome.Iwat ch
    Utat
    akhoeveryti
    mei tair
    sandI ’veneverimagi ned
    myselfbeingcaughtinthesamesi t
    uation.I
    '
    m
    angry,bot
    hatmyf atherwhoj ustturnedouttobe
    myuncl eandmymot her.Idon'
    tknowhowIf eel
    aboutBab'Maqhawebei ngmybi ol
    ogicalfat
    her .I
    haven'
    tprocessedmyemot ionsyet.
    .
    .
    Isleptoni tandIwashopingt hatwhenIwakeup
    everythingwi l
    lmakesense.ButI'm st
    il
    linshock
    andconf usedasIwasyest er
    day.Idon'tknowwhat
    woul d'vehappenedifAndiswahadl ef
    tther oom as
    Iinstructed.Event
    oday,she'stheonewhowokeup
    andt ookcar eofBab'MaqhaweandMam' Jabu.I
    haven'
    twrappedmyheadar
    oundhi
    m bei
    ngBaba
    andnotBab’omdal
    a.
    Idon'
    tknowifI'
    mreadyt
    ohaveaconver
    sati
    onwit
    h
    them yet
    .Igr
    abmycarkeysandl
    eaveusi
    ngthe
    backdoor.

    Khosi'stextcomest hroughasIset tlebehi ndt he


    wheel.Idon’tbotherchecki ngbecauseIknowi t
    's
    aboutupcomi ngbir
    thdaypar t
    ies.Shel oves
    organizi
    ngevent smor et hanshel ovesherj ob.Al l
    themesandi deasarer anpastmeandIj usthavea
    l
    otofper sonalproblemst odealwi th.Andi swai s
    turni
    ng21andt hetwi ns,SnakhoandSnal o, are
    turni
    ng27.Thei rbirt
    hdaysar ejusttwodaysapar t
    .
    Wi t
    hthem, thetwins,weal wayst ryt omaket hem
    feelspecialaroundtheday.Themostpai nf ulthing
    tohappent oanymot herwoul dbet otaket hel ast
    breathasyourbabi esopent heireyesf orthef i
    rst
    ti
    me.Thedaybr i
    ngsdi ff
    erentemot ionst ot hem;
    theycelebrateaddinganot heryeart otheirlivesand
    alsomour nt hedeathoft heirmot herwhonevergot
    thechancet ohol dthem.
    I
    t'sunfort
    unatethatshedi
    edj ustafewdaysaf t
    er
    retur
    ninghomef r
    om Godknowswher e.Hersist
    er,
    Khosi'
    smot her,saysshewasgonef or10years.
    Nobodyknowswher eshewas, shedidn'
    treachout
    t
    oanyoneunt i
    lthedaysheshowedupi nherhouse
    withahugest omachandnot hingbutherpurse.
    Shewaswel ll
    ookedafter
    ;herski
    nwasgl owingand
    theclothesshecamewear i
    ngwerethoseof
    expensivedesigns-Khosi
    'smotherr
    ecall
    s.But
    somet hingwasmi ssi
    nginher;t
    hehappygirlthat
    l
    efthomet enyearsago.
    Shewasn'
    tthesame.Shewasemot ionall
    ydrained
    andemptyathear
    t.Shefoundthecolourf
    ull
    ifeshe
    waschasi
    ngbutthere,
    shelosther
    self.
    Twodaysl atershewenti
    ntol
    abor.Theynevergot
    toknowoft helif
    eshelef
    thomefor,deat
    hclai
    med
    hersoonerthananyonehadexpected.
    Behi
    ndshelef
    ttwoi
    dent
    icaldaughter
    s,Snakhoand
    Snal
    o.Asyear
    swentby,t
    hewhol eNgomanef amil
    y
    hadtoswi
    tchbackt
    otheNselesurname.It
    happensalmosteveryday.Peopl
    egivebirt
    handgi ft
    thei
    rchil
    drenanysurnamet heyseefi
    t,andinthe
    l
    ongr unitcomesbackt obit
    ethem.Theancest or
    s
    don'tworkatHomeAf fai
    rs,whentheti
    mecomes
    theyclai
    mt hoset
    hatbelongtothem r
    egardlessof
    whattheHomeAf fai
    rspapersays.
    Khosi’
    smotherandhersibl
    ingswereclai
    medback
    bythei
    rri
    ghtf
    ulancest
    ors,t
    hoseoftheirmot
    her
    .
    Andtheyswit
    chedbacktoNsel e,
    toget
    herwi
    ththei
    r
    of
    fspri
    ngs.
    That'
    sanotherr
    easonwhyI '
    m her
    e,f
    ight
    ingf
    ormy
    chi
    ldtohaveatrueident
    it
    y.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    05] :Chapt
    er21
    NDONDO

    Ndabukowantstobevi si
    ted.Itriedtoreasonwith
    hi
    m andtoldhi
    mt hatIhaveguest sinmyhouse,
    butwhenhegetsneedyt here'snot alki
    ngtohim.It
    wouldberudeofmet odrivest raightfr
    om workto
    hi
    shouse,andIsti
    llhavetot alktoBab' Maqhawe.
    Ispothim bythepoolasIdri
    vein.Hehasa
    sl
    ingshotinhishandandhekeepspi cki
    ng
    somethingfrom t
    heground.Gosh,Ihopehe'
    snot
    ki
    ll
    ingbirds,
    whitepeopl
    ewi l
    lcal
    lthepoli
    ceonus.
    Ipar
    kinf
    rontoft
    hehouseandr
    unt
    owar
    dst
    hepool
    .
    “
    Babawhatar
    eyoudoi
    ng?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Justl
    ooki
    ngf
    orspar
    rows,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Andshoot
    ingt
    hem?
    ”Iask.
    Hef
    rowns.
    “
    Yeah.
    ”
    “
    Baba!
    ”I'
    m def
    eat
    ed.
    Hepushesthesl
    ingshoti
    nsi
    dehi
    spocketand
    r
    eleasesadeepsigh.
    “I
    nt hemorni
    ngyouleftwit
    houtsayi
    nggoodbye.
    ”
    Hiseyessearchi
    nmi neforanger
    .He'st
    helast
    personI'
    dbeangryat.
    “Al
    lthi
    sistoomucht
    opr
    ocessi
    noneday.I
    '
    m st
    il
    l
    shocked,
    ”Isay.
    “Iunder
    stand.Ishould'vefoughtforyoubutIguess,
    astheysay,Ididn'thaveenoughqual it
    iesto
    becomeaf ather.Icould'
    vedonesomet hingand
    foughtf
    ormyr ole.Ishouldn'thavejustletthem
    takeyouawayf rom me. ”
    Ili
    ftmyeyesuptohi
    m.It'
    ssti
    llhar
    dtobel
    ievet
    hat
    heismyfather
    ,ther
    ealonewhosebloodr
    uns
    thr
    oughmyveins.
    “
    IfIdi
    dn'
    tcomehome, wer
    eyougoingtoletmel
    ive
    mywholeli
    fenotknowi
    ngthet
    rut
    h?”Iask.
    Foramomenthe'
    squi
    etandr
    ubbi
    nghi
    sel
    bow.
    “
    Maybe,
    ”hesays.
    Myhear
    tbr
    eaksathi
    sconf
    essi
    on.
    “
    Why?
    ”Iaski
    nal
    mostwhi
    sper
    .
    “Consi
    der
    inghowQondanit urnedout,
    Iwasn'tsur
    e
    ofmyskil
    lsasafather.Iguesswords,l
    ikeaseed,
    theygr
    owi nt
    ofr
    uit
    ion.Ididn'
    twanttoruinyour
    l
    ife.
    ”
    Icanf
    eelt
    hepai
    nandi
    nsecur
    it
    iesbur
    iedi
    nhi
    s
    voi
    ce.
    “Hespeakshi ghl
    yofyou,”Itellhi
    m, hopi
    ngt hati
    t
    wil
    leraset heinsecuri
    ti
    es.Idon'tknowmuchabout
    him asaf atherbutwhatIgr aspedfrom Qondani'
    s
    descript
    ionofhi sparent
    sist hatt
    hey'rebot
    hgood
    people.Al i
    ttl
    ebittoooverromant i
    c.Butsti
    llgood
    tobear oundt o.
    “Iwishyoubothgott
    hechancet
    obondas
    sibl
    ings,
    ”hesays.
    “He'
    sabully!
    ”Webothbreaki
    ntol
    aughter
    .Ican'
    t
    beli
    eveIshar
    eaparentwit
    hthati
    diot
    .
    Anotherel
    ephanti
    ntheroom needst
    obe
    di
    scussed.Nomagugu.Iwanttoknowthewhol
    e
    st
    ory.
    “
    Howl
    ongwer
    eyouwi
    thmymot
    her
    ?”Iask.
    “Icourt
    edherf orayear.Shewasver ydif
    fi
    cultbutI
    waspat ientbecauseIlovedher.Twoyear safter
    sheagr eedtobewi thmeshef ellpregnant
    .Your
    grandmot herfoundoutwhenshewasappr oaching
    theeighthweekandar r
    angedforhert obemar ri
    ed
    i
    nchur chwi thanotherman.Notj ustanymanbut
    mybr other.Theyhadwant edthem t omarryfora
    while,notknowi ngthatshewasal readydat ing
    outsidechurch.Thef ami l
    iestalked,Itri
    edt ostand
    upf ormyselfbutIwasawel l
    -knownhavoc- maker .
    Dumi saniwon, shecaredmor eaboutherf amily'
    s
    i
    mage, sotheygotmar ried.Iwashappyt hatat
    l
    eastIwasgoi ngt owatchyougr ow, Igottoname
    youandhol dyoui nmyar ms.Butasyougr ewyour
    mot hergrownt ohateme, shesuf f
    ereda
    miscarriageandIwassuspect edofwi tchcraft
    becauseIsl aughterandweart hese.”Hel ift
    suphi s
    armt oshowmet hegoat -
    skinbangl eswi thasmi r
    k
    onhi sface.
    “
    Sotheylefthomeandnevercameback.Icoul
    d've
    f
    oughtharderbutIdi
    dn'
    t.I
    '
    m sor
    rynt
    ombiyami .
    ”
    “Il
    oveyou,”
    -wordssl
    ipoutofmyl
    ipsandst
    unhim.
    Idi
    dn'tpl
    antosaythi
    sbutther
    ear
    enol i
    esi
    nit
    .
    “
    Ther
    e'ssomeoneIwantyouandMam'
    Jabut
    o
    meet
    .Ithi
    nkyou'
    l
    lli
    kehi
    m,”Isay.
    Hecreaseshi
    sfor
    eheadandIknowwhogr
    acedhi
    s
    mind.
    “
    Nott
    heonewhomademepr
    egnant
    ,”Isayandhi
    s
    f
    acer
    elaxes.
    “He'
    llshowyouar oundDur banandyoubot hbelieve
    i
    nsimi l
    arthi
    ngs.He' sbeenlikeanunclethatI
    've
    neverhad.”Iknowt hathim andBab'Mbambowi ll
    getalongverywell.Iwanthimt oleavethi
    splacein
    agoodmoodandIknowt hatat r
    iptomen'shostel
    toeatinhl
    okowi l
    lputhimi none.

    Mam' Jabui
    shel
    pingHl
    oniclean.Corr
    ecti
    on,she'
    s
    teachi
    ngherhowtocl
    ean,andIdon'tseethi
    s
    endingwell
    .
    “
    You'r
    eback?Whydi dn'
    tyoutel
    lmeyouhavesuch
    abeauti
    fulgi
    rli
    nyourhouse?
    ”sheasks.
    “Ma,
    Hlonidoesn'
    twantt
    obeast
    epmot
    hert
    othr
    ee
    ki
    ds,
    ”Isay.
    Hloni'
    seyesarebulgi
    ngout .IknowthatQondanii
    s
    searchi
    ngforavulnerabl
    ewomant oplayaheroto,
    butmyempl oyeesareoffthemar ket
    .
    “
    Youshoul
    dbespeaki
    ngf
    oryourbr
    other
    ,”shesays
    wit
    hachuckl
    e.
    “No,Isti
    llwantHlonit
    obehere.I
    fshef
    alls
    pregnantthatwouldmeanIhavetoemploy
    someoneel se,
    ”Isay.
    “Youwon'
    thaveanysi
    ster
    -i
    n-l
    awanyt
    imesoon,
    ”
    shesaysi
    ndefeat
    .
    Hloniissti
    llst
    unned.Ileavet hem t
    otheircl
    eaning
    foraquickshower.Myphonehasst art
    edbeeping
    nonstop,heknowst hatI'm nolongeri
    ntheof f
    ice
    andinhismi ndIshould'veflownstrai
    ghttohis
    house.

    JustasIst
    epoutoftheshowerAndi
    swai
    sinmy
    room wi
    thasmuglookonherface.
    “
    Guesswhoi
    sher
    e?”sheasks.
    Iopenthecl
    osetandsearchf
    orsomethi
    ngtowear
    .
    SheknowsthatIdon'
    tli
    keherguessi
    nggames.
    “
    MustIt
    ellyouoryouwantt
    oseef
    oryour
    sel
    f?”
    Gosh,
    thi
    schi
    ld!
    “
    Whoi
    sher
    eAndi
    swa?
    ”
    Shesmil
    esandl
    eansovermyshoul
    der
    s.Inear
    ly
    fal
    lonmybackwhenshetel
    lsme.
    “Whatishedoi
    ngher
    e?DidBab'omdal
    aseehi
    m? ”
    I'
    m pani
    cki
    ng.Howcanhebesuchanidiot
    ?It
    old
    himthatIwascomi
    ngtohishouse.
    “Heiswithhimi
    nthel
    oungeandaski
    nghi
    m
    questi
    ons.”
    OhFatherGod!Ididn'
    twantthem t
    omeetyet.I
    don'
    tknow, butIf
    eell
    ikei
    t'
    sunfai
    rforhimtobe
    i
    nter
    rogated,maybeifhehadMrNgi dit
    ospeakon
    hi
    sbehalfitwould'
    vebeenbett
    er.
    Andiswaislaughingbehindme.Maybet hisishow
    shefeltwhenIbroughtthattal
    lboyofherstothe
    standandattackedhim wit
    hquestions.Oh,Ial
    so
    threwaglassofwat eronhisface.

    “I
    sthathowyourfat
    herr
    aisedyou?
    ”It
    's
    Bab'
    omdalaaski
    ngNdabuko.
    Heanswer si
    nalowvoi
    cethatIcan'
    thearf
    rom a
    di
    stance.He'
    ssi
    tti
    ngonthecouchwit
    hhispal
    ms
    onhiskneesandBab'
    omdal
    aisstandi
    ngopposi
    te
    him wi
    thasli
    ngshoti
    nhi
    shand.I
    shepl anni
    ngt
    o
    shoothi
    m?
    Ahandgrabsmej
    ustasI
    '
    m aboutt
    ost
    epi
    nsi
    det
    he
    l
    ounge.
    “
    Comeandshowmeyourmaizemeal
    .Ican'
    tfi
    nd
    i
    t.
    ”She'
    spul
    li
    ngmeal
    lthewaytot
    heki
    tchen.
    “
    Ma,
    Ndabukoi
    sher
    ewi
    thBab'
    omdal
    a,”Isay.
    “Sowhat?He'samanenought ogetyoupregnant,
    l
    ethim man-upforhisshi
    t.Whereisthemaizemeal?
    Iwanttoleaveyouwithamahewu, youcan'
    tstar
    ve
    thebaby.
    ”She'sopeningthecupboardsand
    mumbl i
    ngcompl ai
    ntsaboutt
    hekindoffoodshe's
    seei
    ng.
    “Ndabukodoesn'
    tdeser
    ve…”Sheturnsaround
    swif
    tl
    yandlif
    tsupherbrows.IknowthatIshoul
    d
    zipi
    t.
    “MntanamiIbeg,don'
    teveri
    nterf
    erewhil
    eyourman
    i
    st al
    kingwit
    hanotherman.Ifi
    t'
    sawomanhe' s
    argui
    ngwi t
    hthenyoucaninterf
    ereanddefendhi
    m.
    Butwithothermen,don'
    tmakehi mlookweak.AsI
    sai
    d,he'
    samanenought
    ogetyoupr
    egnant
    ,hewi
    ll
    handl
    ehisshi
    t.
    ”
    Isi
    nkdownont hechairindefeat
    .Ijusthope
    Bab'
    omdalawilllethim gosoon.Ihopehewon't
    menti
    onhisparent sorbrot
    herbecauseIknowthat
    Ndabukowil
    llosei t
    .
    IwatchasMam' Jabuhappil
    ymi xestheporr
    idgeon
    thestovewhi
    lehummi ngasong.Andi swais
    somewhereinthehouse-eavesdropping.

    Hi
    scolognef
    il
    lsmynostr
    il
    sandItur
    nmyhead
    ar
    ound.He'
    snothur
    tanywher
    e,t
    hankGod.
    “
    Ma,canItakeNdondosomewher
    e?She'
    l
    lbeback
    i
    nthemorning.
    ”
    Oh,
    nowweaskf
    orper
    missi
    on?
    Mam'
    Jabugi
    veshim al
    ongstar
    ethatcauseshi
    m
    t
    oscr
    atchhi
    sheadandcast
    shiseyestothefl
    oor.
    “
    Int
    hemorningi
    tmustbe,
    ”shesaysandt
    urnsback
    t
    oherpor
    ri
    dge.
    It
    houghtt
    heyl
    ikedhi
    m.Theyevenpr
    eachedt
    hatI
    mustnevergetst
    ubbor
    nwi
    thhi
    m.
    It
    akemybagandf oll
    owhim out
    .Oncewear
    esaf
    e
    i
    nhiscarhebur
    stsintol
    aughter
    .
    “
    Whydi
    dn'
    tyouwar
    nme?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Youdi
    dn'
    ttel
    lmeyouwer
    ecomi
    ng,
    ”Isay.
    “HowwasIsupposedt
    otel
    lyouwhenyoudi
    dn'
    t
    evenr
    espondt
    omymessages? ”
    “
    That
    'sbecauseyouwer
    eannoyi
    ngNdabuko.
    ”
    “
    I'
    m sorr
    yIannoyedyou.IguessIhavemi
    ssedyou
    waytoomuch.”
    Looki
    ngathi
    seyesIknowt
    hatI
    '
    ver
    ubbedhi
    mthe
    wrongway.
    “
    Imi
    ssedyout
    oobabebutIwasgonef
    orus,
    ”Isay.
    Hi
    sfacemel
    tsasIbr
    ingi
    tont
    omi
    nef
    oraki
    ss.
    He’
    smybigbaby.
    Ili
    ftuphi
    schi
    nwi
    thmyf
    ingerandst
    arei
    ntohi
    s
    eyes.
    “Di
    dyoutakecareofmydi€k?
    ”Iposet
    hequest
    ion
    healwaysasksmebacktohim.
    “What?!
    ”Hisribsaregoingtocrack.Thesemen
    don'
    tthinkwehavei ti
    nus.Theyt hi
    nkt hey'
    ret
    he
    onl
    yoneswhocanaskust hesequestionsandget
    usblushingovernonsense.
    “Ihopeyoudi
    dn'
    tgi
    vei
    ttoanyone,
    ”Isayandsi
    t
    backonmyseat.
    “Whopol l
    utedyourmind?Idon'
    twantyoutogoto
    thevil
    lageagai
    n.Buttoansweryourquest
    ion,
    Mngomezul uwaswel ll
    ookedaf
    ter
    ,eventhough
    he'sbeenhungryfordays.
    ”
    “
    Heshal
    lbef
    ed,
    ”Isay.
    Henarr
    owshiseye.Igi
    vehi
    m awi
    nk.Hecr
    acks
    i
    ntol
    aught
    eragain.
    .
    .
    Hehaspr eparedali
    ghtdinnerandIthinkrightnow
    i
    sther i
    ghttimetofi
    llhiminabouteveryt
    hingt hat
    happened.It'
    sawkwar dbutatleastI
    '
    m sti
    llaSi bi
    si.
    That'
    sonet hingI
    '
    m gratefulf
    or;mylif
    edidn't
    completel
    ychange.
    “
    Haveyouspokentoyourf
    ather
    ?”He'
    sref
    err
    ingt
    o
    t
    heonethatr
    aisedmeup.
    “Notyet
    .Ineedaf
    ewdayst
    opr
    ocessever
    ythi
    ng,
    ”I
    say.
    “Babepleasedon'tcutthem off.Iunderstandt hat
    you'
    reangrybuthest i
    llrai
    sedyout ot
    hisi ntel
    li
    gent,
    beauti
    fulwoman.Hi steachingsandadvi cesgot
    youtothisstage,hemaybedi f
    f er
    entinhisown
    wayandbel i
    efs,buthest i
    llwantswhathet hinksi
    s
    bestforyou.You'r
    eluckyt ohavet wofatherst hat
    l
    oveyou. ”
    “
    Iguessyou'
    rer
    ightbutIst
    il
    lneedt
    ime,
    ”Isay.
    Hegrabsagl assofjui
    ceandgulpsitdown.His
    handwr apsarounditonthetabl
    eandsqueezesit
    .I
    hopeitdoesn'tbr
    eak,hi
    sgripist
    ootight
    .
    “Mypar entswenttothegrave,t
    heychoset ofol
    low
    Nhl anzekowi t
    houtevensaying“congr atul
    ati
    ons”t
    o
    meonmygr aduati
    on.Idon'
    trememberget ti
    ng
    praisesf oranythi
    ngfrom t
    hem.Idon' tremember
    them sayi ngtheyloveme.Idon'tr
    emembermy
    fatherteachingmehowt ori
    deabi cycle.Idon't
    remembermymot hercombingmyhai randhelpi
    ng
    mewi thmybackpack.Idon'trememberNhlanzeko
    playingwit
    hme.Heonl ycamet obeattheboysthat
    troubledmeinschoolandf orcethesoccercoachto
    putmei nt
    heA-team.”
    Okay,he'
    sfinal
    lylet
    ti
    ngmei n.Theti
    mi ngiswr
    ong
    butI
    'm happyhe'sconfi
    dinginme,atlast.
    “
    Doyouhat
    ethem?Doyouhat
    eyourf
    ami
    ly?
    ”Iask.
    “Idon'tknow.I
    'm her
    e,sti
    lldoingeverythingto
    makesur et
    hatthey'
    reokayint heotherwor l
    d.Isti
    ll
    camehome, poi
    ntedwher etheirgr
    aveswer etobe
    all
    ocatedandslaughteredcowst osendt hem off.I
    sti
    llburnimpephoandt al
    kt othem.Nhl anzekohas
    camei nmydr eams,withhisdemandsasusual ,but
    atleastheremember sme.Mypar entsneverlooked
    back.Theydon'tcheckonme, noteveni nmy
    dreams. ”
    Whyam Icr
    ying?Hewal
    ksar
    oundt
    het
    abl
    eand
    hugsme.
    “
    I'
    m sor
    rybabe.Ishoul
    dn'
    thavemadetodayabout
    mysel
    f.
    ”Hewipesmyt ear
    swithhi
    sthumbsand
    br
    ushesmyqui
    ver
    ingl
    ips.
    “
    Ther
    e'ssomet
    hingIneedt
    otel
    lyou,
    ”Isay.
    Hi
    shandsar
    esti
    llar
    oundmebuthe’
    sst
    opped
    movi
    ng.Hewant
    smet otal
    k.
    “
    Pleasesi
    t,
    ”Isay.
    “Whati
    sit
    ?You'
    rescar
    ingme.
    ”Herushest
    ohi
    s
    chai
    randl
    ooksatmewi t
    hafr
    own.
    “Ourfi
    rstbaby,
    thi
    sone,
    shoul
    dbegi
    vent
    o
    Nhlanzeko.
    ”
    Hedoesn'
    treact
    .It
    akeadeepbr
    eat
    h.
    “I
    fhehassomeonecar ryinghisnamehe'llresti
    n
    peace.Wejusthavetopr esenthi
    m orhertothe
    ancestor
    sasNhlanzeko's.”
    Hepushesof
    fhi
    spl
    ateandt
    hrowst
    hej
    uicedown
    hi
    sthr
    oat.
    Hewipeshi
    shandswi
    thaser
    viet
    teandget
    sof
    fthe
    chai
    r.
    “You'
    llf
    indmei nthebedr
    oom,
    ”hesaysandt
    urns
    aroundtoleave.
    “
    Ndabukowear
    est
    il
    ltal
    king!
    ”Iyel
    l
    .
    “I
    '
    m notgivi
    ngmychi
    ldtoNhlanzeko.That'
    sthe
    l
    astthi
    ng.Thel
    ast
    !Idi
    dn'taskhi
    mt odie.”He
    di
    sappears.
    Thatwentexact
    lyhowIexpect
    ed.He'
    sangr
    yand
    off
    ended.
    Ifini
    shmyf oodandcleanhisplat
    ethentakethe
    dishesbacktotheki
    tchen.Yoh!Ihavetowipethe
    tableandsweep?

    He'
    sonthebedwit
    halapt
    oponhi
    slap.Thi
    sis
    goi
    ngt
    obeal ongni
    ght
    !
    Istarti
    nthebathr
    oom tobrushmyteethand
    rel
    easemyself.Mybabybumpi snowvi si
    ble,
    Ihave
    fel
    tsomemovement satt
    hesides.I
    t'
    sreall
    y
    happening,
    I'
    m goingtobeamom.I '
    m secretl
    y
    hopingforali
    tt
    leme.Ababygi r
    l.
    “Areyougoingt
    ost
    ayonyourl
    apt
    opt
    hewhol
    e
    night
    ?”Iask.
    “
    Iwaswai
    ti
    ngf
    oryout
    ocome.
    ”Heswi
    tchesi
    tof
    f
    andputsitaway.Thewayhe'
    sst
    ari
    ngatmei
    s
    unset
    tl
    ing.
    “
    Idi
    dn'
    tmakei
    tup,
    ”Isay.
    Hepul
    lsmet
    ohi
    schestandl
    if
    tsmyl
    egoverhi
    s
    wai
    st.
    “Idon'
    twanttotal
    kabouti
    t.Notnow,
    notever
    .
    You'l
    lnevermenti
    oni
    tagai
    nNdondo,doyou
    underst
    andme? ”
    “
    Whataboutt
    heconsequencesof
    …”Heshut
    sme
    wit
    hasl
    oppykissandIi
    nstant
    lyl
    osemysenses.
    Hel osesthegentl
    enessalongt heway.He'st
    aking
    outallhisfr
    ustr
    ati
    ononme.Hi sf i
    ngersar
    edigging
    i
    ntomyt hi
    ghs,t
    heintensityofhisstr
    okeshasme
    archingmybackandscr eamingoutinpainand
    pl
    easur e.
    Mymindshutsdownasthethi
    rdwavebui
    ldsup,
    I
    f
    eelmybodyviol
    ent
    lyshaki
    ngandminut
    eslat
    ermy
    l
    egsar
    efloat
    ingi
    ntheair
    .
    Hehashisdickpr
    esseddeepl
    yinsi
    demeandhi
    s
    handshol
    dingmybottom.He'
    snotsti
    ll
    ,he'
    s
    movi
    ngar
    ound.
    Hethrowsmebackonwhatf eel
    sli
    keabedand
    wrapsmyl egsar
    oundhi
    sneck.Iopenmyeyesand
    noti
    cethatweareinadi
    ff
    erentr
    oom.
    “
    Babeee!
    ”Iscr
    eam asheslamsinsi
    deme
    merci
    l
    essl
    y.Heshoul
    dbesl owi
    ngdownbynow;
    we'
    vebeenati
    tforawhil
    e.
    Hepul
    lsoutandpusheshi
    sf i
    ngeri
    nsi
    demymout
    h.
    If
    eell
    ikeasl
    utasIhungri
    lysuckonit
    .
    “
    Whoi
    syourman?
    ”heasks.
    “
    You,
    ”Iscr
    eam.
    Hesl
    amsin,deeperandhar
    der
    .Thenhepul
    lsout
    ,
    l
    eavi
    ngmylegsshaking.
    “
    What
    'smyname?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Ndabuko,
    ”Iscr
    eam agai
    n.
    Two…three…f
    our
    …Iexpl
    odeagai
    nandhi
    sname
    sl
    ipsoutofmyli
    ps.
    Hehashi
    skneesonei
    thersi
    deofmychestand
    he'
    sgr
    oani
    ngli
    keabul
    lgetti
    ngsl
    aught
    ered.Iopen
    myeyessl
    owlyandlookathi
    m.WTF!Sincewhen
    hespr
    eadshi
    sspermsonmybr east
    s?
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ng?
    ”Iaski
    nshock.
    I
    nsteadofanswer
    ingmehedr opshi
    sfor
    eheadon
    mineandhissweatrunsdownonme.
    “You'r
    ethemotherofMYchil
    d.Iloveyoumor
    ethan
    anythi
    nginthi
    sworld,
    ”hesays.
    Somethi
    ngisjustdi
    ff
    erent.Thisroom wearein,
    it
    feel
    sheavyanddark,asifther
    e'saninvi
    sibl
    ethi
    rd
    company.
    “Ndabuko!”Ipushhim offandsi
    tup.Myjointsare
    weak,hepunishedmybodyaccor di
    ngl
    y.Iscanmy
    eyesaroundandt heylandonNhlanzeko'
    spictur
    e
    star
    ingatus.Iletoutascream i
    nshock.
    Hescoopsmeinhi
    sarmsandwalksoutwi
    thme.
    Hegoesbackt
    ohisbedr
    oom andt
    hrowsmeonthe
    bed.
    “
    Whydidyoudothat
    ?”Iask,
    swal
    lowi
    ngbackt
    he
    l
    umpfor
    minginmythroat
    .
    “
    Didwhat
    ?”He'
    sli
    ght
    inghi
    sci
    gar
    ett
    eandpuf
    fi
    ngi
    t
    r
    ighther
    einsi
    det
    her
    oom.
    “I
    '
    m pregnant
    ,smokeout
    sidet
    hebal
    cony,
    ”Isay
    angr
    il
    y.
    Hedoesn'
    tar
    gue.Hewrapsatowelar
    oundhi
    s
    wai
    standwalksoutt
    othebal
    cony.
    Icur
    set
    omysel
    fasIdr
    agmybodytothebat
    hroom.
    Mywhol
    ebodysmel
    lsofhi
    ssemen.
    Iopencoldwaterandstandundertheshower.I
    washopingthattaki
    ngacol dshowerwouldmake
    melessdrowsybutst i
    ll
    ,al
    lIwantist
    othrowmyself
    onthebed.
    Idrymysel
    fandwalkbacktothebedr
    oom naked.
    He'sdonesmoki
    ngandfocusedonhislapt
    op.I
    thr
    owmyselfnextt
    ohim andshutmyeyes.
    “
    Doyouwantmet
    olot
    ionyou?
    ”heasks.
    Idon'
    trespond.Themattr
    essbouncesashesl
    ides
    off
    .Afewmi nuteslat
    erhi
    shandsaremassagi
    ng
    mybackwi thlot
    ion.
    “Hl
    asevuka!
    ”Ihearhisvoi
    cefr
    om adi
    stance.I
    t
    becomespersi
    stentandI
    'mfor
    cedtoopenmyeyes.
    “
    DidIhur
    tyou?
    ”Hel
    ooksf
    ri
    ght
    ened.
    “
    No,
    ”Imumbl
    eandat
    temptt
    ocl
    osemyeyesagai
    n.
    “What
    'sgoi
    ngon?Wher
    e'st
    hisbl
    oodcomi
    ngf
    rom?
    Babyvuka!
    ”
    Hear
    ingt
    heword“blood”awakensever
    ysensei
    n
    me.Sweati
    srunni
    ngdownhi sfor
    ehead.
    Irol
    lof
    fthebedandnoticethebl
    oodt
    rai
    lsonbed.I
    checkmybottom;I
    '
    ml eaking.
    Herunstothecl
    oset
    ,pi
    cksashi
    rtandputsi
    ton.
    Thecont
    entsofmybagscatt
    eronthef
    loorashe
    sear
    chesforacl
    eanunder
    wear.
    Ionl
    yputt heunder
    wearandagown,
    Icanwalkby
    myselfbutheinsi
    stsoncar
    ryi
    ngmeallt
    hewayto
    thegarage.
    I
    '
    veneverseenhi
    m soscared.Hishandsare
    t
    rembl
    ingandnowI '
    m pr
    ayingthathedoesn'
    tlose
    t
    hegri
    pont hewheelbef
    orewer eacht
    hehospital
    .
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    05] :Chapt
    er22
    NDONDO
    It'
    st henextmor ningandI '
    vebeenclearedofany
    i
    nf ections.Thedoct ordefi
    nedthebleedingas
    cervicalchangesandsai dit'
    snormalatthisst
    age
    oft hepr egnancy, especial
    lyaft
    ersex.Yeap,hesai
    d
    thati nfrontofever yone.Ndabukopanickedand
    calledever ylivi
    ngper sonheknows.Evenmy
    mot herandf atherwer ehere.
    MrNgidiandhissonsar esti
    l
    lhere,soaretheNsel
    e
    si
    ster
    s.Nowever yoneknowst hathefu€kedme-I
    bl
    ed-wepanickedandr ushedhere.Khosihasbeen
    gi
    vingmejudgment aleyesal
    lmor ni
    ng.Idon'
    tknow
    whytheyaresti
    llhere.
    “Ndondoisf
    ine.Someofyoushoul dbeatwork,
    don'
    tyouthi
    nk?”That'
    sMrNgi dibei
    ngtheCEOhe
    was.Theannoyingmanwi t
    habushybear dand
    prot
    rudi
    ngbell
    y-that
    'showtheydescri
    behim.
    Heisl
    ookingatKhosiandt hetwi
    ns.Snakhovisibl
    y
    r
    oll
    shereyesbefor
    epi cki
    ngupherpur se.I
    fit
    wasn'
    tformeMrNgi diwoul d'
    vef
    ir
    edthisonea
    l
    ongti
    meago.Maybet woweeksaf t
    ertheystart
    ed
    workingatBantwanaHoldings.She'snotthetype
    thatbel
    ievesi
    n-youdon'tbit
    et hehandthatfeeds
    you-Snakhobitesanyhandt hatannoysher.
    “Owkaaay,
    ”–Snalost
    andsupandsnapshert
    humb
    andmiddlefi
    ngerwhi
    lel
    ooki
    ngar
    ound.
    “Yourphoneisinmypur se,
    ”Snakhotel
    lsher.She
    knowshersisterver
    ywel l
    .Wealldo.Thesnapping
    offi
    ngersmeansshe' sl
    ookingforsomethi
    ng.
    Shecl
    apsherhandswi
    thr
    eli
    efandl
    eansoverme
    andpl
    ant
    sakissonmycheek.
    “Keepwell
    ,boss-
    lady,
    ”shesaysandfol
    lowsaft
    er
    hertwi
    nsister
    .IknowthatKhosi
    ,j
    ustli
    keNdabuko,
    shewon'tl
    eavemysi deunt
    ilt
    hedoctordi
    schar
    ges
    me.
    “Whydi
    dshedot hat?
    ”MrNgi
    di’
    squest
    ionbr
    eaksa
    bri
    efmomentofsil
    ence.
    Weal
    llookathi
    minconf
    usi
    on.
    “Theone- of-
    two,
    whojustwalkedout
    .Whydidshe
    dot hatwithherf
    inger
    sandclappedhands?
    ”He's
    tryi
    ngt oputusoutofmiser
    y,howeverwearest
    il
    l
    j
    ustasl ostaswewer e.Thefactt
    hathesti
    llcan'
    t
    tel
    lthem aparti
    sfunny,evennowhestil
    lcall
    sthe
    onet hathesees“one-of
    -t
    wo.”
    “Col
    lectinghermemor y.Herbr
    ainsstayinher
    fi
    ngers,”Khosisaysandwebot hlaugh.That'show
    Snalois, eveni
    fshe'
    snotlooki
    ngf oranythi
    ng,she
    snapsherf i
    nger
    stoprocessherthoughts.
    “Havet
    heysai
    dwhatt
    heywantf
    ort
    hei
    rbi
    rt
    hday?
    ”I
    askKhosi
    .
    “Ahugebirt
    hdaycel ebrat
    ion.Nott hei
    rwordsbut
    mine.Imean,it
    'stheir27th.Weal lknowhowhar di
    t
    i
    sf ort
    hetwinstogr owupwi thoutanydi f
    fi
    cul
    ti
    es,
    especi
    all
    ywhent heyhavenoi dentit
    y.”
    Icl
    earmyt hroatandgiveheralook.Wehave
    unnecessarypairsofear
    s,t
    here'
    snoneedtogo
    i
    ntoallthedetai
    ls.
    “
    Whatar
    eyouget
    ti
    ngf
    ort
    hem?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Ticket
    stoLi
    ra'
    supcomi
    ngconcer
    t,
    ”shesays.
    “
    Khosi
    !That
    'swhatIwasget
    ti
    ngfort
    hem.”My
    wor
    d!NowIhavetothi
    nkofanot
    hergi
    ft
    .
    “I
    '
    veal readyboughtt
    hem.VIPsecti
    on.Ial
    so
    arr
    angedwi t
    hthemanagerthatt
    heymeether
    beforeshegoesonst agef
    orpict
    uresand
    autographs.”
    “Di
    dyoust ealmymind?”Iaskinshock.Ihad
    somethingli
    kethi
    sinmind.Ishoul
    d'veactedonit
    sooner.Iknowhowmucht hetwinsloveLira,
    thi
    s
    would'
    vebeenmygr eat
    estgif
    tofallyear
    s.
    “
    Thinkofsomethingel
    se.I
    'm al
    socracki
    ngmy
    mindtr
    yingt
    othinkaboutAndiswa'
    sgift
    ,”shesays.
    “Atal
    lboythatwearsbuckethat
    s,t
    hatwoul
    dbeher
    great
    estgif
    tever
    ,”Isayandwebothbreaki
    nto
    l
    aughter.
    “
    Youshoul
    dinvi
    tehimtothepart
    y,whet
    heryoul
    ike
    i
    tornot
    ,moghell
    ovesherboy.
    ”
    “Icoul
    dgi
    veyout
    hesameadvice.
    ”Il
    eadherto
    Ndabukowit
    hmyeyesandsherol
    lshereyes.
    He'ssti
    llt
    uckedinthechai
    rwithhisheadburiedin
    hishands.You'dthi
    nkweallgotrel
    ievedtofi
    ndout
    thatmybleedingwasnormal,buthim andNdlal
    if
    a
    sti
    lll
    ookdepressedastheywereyesterday.
    Maqhingawalksin, si
    ppingfr
    om acupofcoffee.He
    st
    andsnexttohisf atheranddrawsl
    oudsips-hlwi
    hl
    wi.MrNgidiisget ti
    ngannoyedbuti
    t'
    shislast
    bor
    n,sohedoesn' tsayanything.
    “
    Wherei
    sthecombo?
    ”heasks,
    looki
    ngar
    oundf
    or
    t
    het
    wins.
    “
    Theyl
    eftf
    orwor
    k,”Khosisays.
    “
    Whydidn'
    tyout
    ellme?Icoul
    d'vet
    akent
    hem
    t
    her
    e.”
    Hemust
    n'tevent
    hinkabouti
    t.They'
    reof
    fli
    mit
    s!
    Hesmi
    rksandl
    ooksatKhosi
    .
    “OrI'
    l
    ljustdr
    ivet
    hebi
    gsi
    ster
    ,unt
    angayami
    ,
    ”he
    says.
    Khosiisannoyed.Maqhingahasal
    wayswantedto
    worm hiswayintoherbed-i
    ntoanywoman'sbed,
    exceptme.Onlybecauseheknewmydestiny,I
    guess.
    “
    Ihaveacallt
    omake,
    ”Khosisaysasshegetsof
    f
    t
    hechai
    r.Shethr
    owsalookatMaqhingaandwalks
    outwi
    thherphone.
    Hel
    aughs.I
    diot
    !

    Ndabukoli
    ftsuphisheadandl ooksatme.Itbr
    eaks
    myhearttoseehimt hi
    sbroken.Idon'
    tknowhow
    t
    hedoctorissupposedtoconvincehimthatnothi
    ng
    i
    sgoingtohappent othebaby.
    “
    Maqhi
    ngagetasandwi
    chf
    orhi
    m,”MrNgi
    disays.
    “
    Me?
    ”Maqhi
    nga.
    Thesharpst
    areanswer
    shi
    m andhedr
    agshi
    msel
    f
    outoft
    heroom.
    Nowi t
    'sme,Ndl
    ali
    faandMrNgi
    di.Suddenlyt
    he
    st
    il
    lnessi
    ntheroom makesmeuncomfortabl
    e.
    “Ndabukowhathappened?”Iguesst
    hey'
    vebeen
    wait
    ingfort
    hismoment,tohavesomeprivacywi
    th
    us.
    “
    Theywantt
    ogi
    vemybabyt
    oNhl
    anzeko.
    ”
    “They?Whoi s“
    they”
    ?”I
    '
    m pi
    ssed.He'
    sbeencryi
    ng
    bloodbecauseofwhatMam'
    Jabusuggested?Now
    he'
    scal
    li
    ngus“t
    hey"andmaki
    ngi
    tsoundasi
    fwe
    madeal
    lthi
    supforfun.
    “Butthati
    sexpected.Ibel
    ieveyouknewwhatyou
    weresteppingi
    nto.It
    'sei
    therthatoryougi
    ve
    Nhlanzekohiswif
    eandt akeyours.”
    No,
    thi
    sol dmangott obejoki
    ng!Gi
    vemeto
    Nhl
    anzekoandt akewhat
    ?He'snottaki
    nganywi
    fe
    whi
    leI
    'm sti
    llal
    ive.
    “Comeon, bafo.I
    t'
    snotl
    ikehe'
    llt
    akethechi
    ldaway
    from you,i
    t'
    sjustt
    hehonourtohisname,
    ”Ndlal
    if
    a
    chir
    psi n.
    “That'
    sthething, Ial
    wayshavet odot hi
    ngsfor
    Nhlanzeko.Ialwayshavet ogi ve.Iknowwhat
    happenedlastni ghtwasn'tcervicalchangesor
    anythi
    ngofsor t.ItwasNhl anzeko, hegotangry
    becauseI…”Myeyesar ebulgingout .Wewer e
    goingtoaddresst hi
    sinpri
    vate.Hecan' ttel
    lthem!
    “
    Whatdi
    dyoudo?
    ”Ndl
    ali
    faasks.
    “Idi
    dsomethi
    nginhisroom.Iwasangry,okay?I'
    m
    ti
    redofhi
    sdemands.Thisismyfi
    rstbaby,I'
    mt he
    onewhofu€k…”Icoughuncont
    rol
    labl
    y.Whati s
    wrongwithhim?MrNgidiisal
    mostmyf
    ather
    'sage,
    whatisgoingtot
    hinkofus?
    “I
    t'
    snotwhatI '
    mt hinki
    ngNdabuko!Becauseyou'
    re
    notthatstupi
    d,youcan'tpr
    ovoke…”Hebites
    Ndlali
    fa'
    sheadof fbefor
    eheevenfini
    shes.
    “Exactl
    y!It
    'sal
    waysabouttheMightyNhlanzeko-
    “Ndabukoyoucan'tdothi
    st oyourbrot
    her…you
    can'tspeakthi
    swaytohim”-I'
    mt i
    redofthi
    s!”He
    pushesbackt hechai
    randstormsoutangril
    y.

    Ndl
    ali
    faf
    oll
    owsaf
    terhi
    m.I
    '
    mlef
    tal
    onewi
    thMr
    Ngi
    di.
    Istar
    eathim ashet
    akesouthi scel
    lphoneand
    typessomethi
    ng.Momentslaterhepushesthe
    phonebackinsi
    dehispocketandlif
    tshiseyest
    o
    me.
    “Youbothneedtoapologi
    zetoNhlanzeko.
    Whateveryoutwodidangeredhim and
    unfor
    tunatel
    y,hecommunicatesdi
    fferent
    lyfrom
    theotherworl
    d.Ndabukohasissues,Idon'twant
    himtogot hr
    oughanotherl
    oss.”
    Idon'tl
    ikethathedescri
    beshim assomeonewho
    hasissues.Heal sohasissuesofhi
    sown;Whereis
    themotherofhi ssons?Whyi shenotmarr
    ied?Why
    heneversmi les?
    “
    Isheevergoi
    ngt
    obef
    reef
    rom hi
    m?”Iask.
    “Notwhenhe'swithyou,whi
    chcoul dbefor
    ever.
    Buthecanrest,asyourvi
    ll
    agemot hersai
    d,i
    f
    someonecarri
    eshisnamehe'llbackoff,
    ”hesays.
    Il
    etoutasigh.Thisisgoingt obeatoughjour
    ney.I
    don'twantNdabukotoeverf eell
    ikeashadowwhen
    he'
    swi t
    hmebuti nthiscaseIhavet obe
    Nhlanzeko'
    sbabymamabef oreIbecomehis.
    “HewillgobacktoZamaf uze.”Irestmyheadon
    thepil
    lowandf i
    ghtbackt earsthreateningto
    escapemyeyes.Wi t
    hZamaf uzeheneverhadt o
    compet ewit
    hanyone, especiall
    ynotwi th
    Nhlanzeko.Butwithme, he'salwaysgoi ngtofight
    forhi
    sr ol
    eagainsthisdeadbr other.Somet hi
    ng
    he'sbeendoingsincebirth.Hewant stobreakfree,
    tobehi sownman, butI'
    m her e,holdinghim back.
    “
    Hlasee?
    ”He'
    sbackandr
    emovi
    ngmyhandsof
    fmy
    face.Nowi tdawnstomej usthowmuchNhl anzeko
    compl i
    catedmylif
    e.Whydi dn'
    theletmebe?Why
    didhehavet osendNdabukomyway?Iwasgoi ng
    tofindsomeoneelsetolove,sowasNdabuko.He' d
    bewi t
    hZamaf uzeandli
    vinglif
    eaccordi
    ngtohis
    ownr ules.
    “
    Sthandwasamiwhat
    'swr
    ong?
    ”heasks.
    I
    ’
    mt r
    yingt
    ohol dback;Iwipeof
    fmycheeks,
    but
    t
    ear
    skeepfloodingoutli
    kearai
    nfal
    l.
    “
    IloveyouNdabukobutIdon'
    twantyout
    oli
    vel
    i
    ke
    t
    his.Idon'
    twantt
    oseeyouinpai
    n.”
    Hef
    rownsandshakeshi
    shead.
    “
    Whatar
    eyousayi
    ng?
    ”He'
    slostandf
    ri
    ght
    ened.
    “Ifyou'renotwit
    hmeNhl anzekowon'tdict
    ateyour
    l
    ife.Findsomeonewhocancuthi m off
    ,Iknowthat
    somet radi
    ti
    onaldoct
    orsdothat.Ri
    ght,Bab’Ngidi
    ?
    Pleasehel phim.Iwil
    ldealwit
    hNhlanzekoonmy
    own.JustsetNdabukof r
    eefrom hi
    m,”Ibegwi t
    h
    tearsflowingdownonmyf ace.
    Ihol
    dhi
    shand.Whyi
    shef
    rowni
    ngatme?I
    ’
    m
    maki
    ngsense,
    right
    ?
    “
    Ndabukowecannotgoonl
    iket
    his,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    Heleavesandcomesbackwithagl
    assofwat
    er.He
    t
    akesmyvi t
    aminsandfol
    icaci
    dsandhandst
    hem
    t
    ome.
    “
    Her
    e,dr
    inkyourmeds,
    ”hesays.
    “Ar
    eyouseriousl
    ygoingtopr
    etendasifyoudon'
    t
    seewhatishappeni
    ng?Youarenothappy,yourl
    if
    e
    would'
    vebeenbett
    erwithZamafuze.
    ”
    “Ndondol
    alamuf
    unaukul
    ala.
    ”(Sl
    eepi
    fyouwantt
    o
    sleep)
    IlookatMrNgi
    dif
    orsuppor
    t;sur
    elyheget
    swhat
    I'
    m sayi
    ng.
    “Youdon'
    thavet
    orushintomaki
    ngdecisions.You
    andNdabukoweredest
    inedtobetoget
    her,andyou
    can'
    trai
    seaMngomezuluchil
    dwithanotherman.”
    Ishoul
    d'veknowt
    hathe'
    dsidewithhim.Hehasn't
    beenwithawomaninyears,sur
    elyhedoesn'
    tthi
    nk
    cl
    earl
    y.
    “
    Icanr
    aiset
    hechi
    ldal
    one.Ofcour
    seNdabukowi
    ll
    bether
    ewheneverweneedhi
    m.Al
    lI'
    m sayi
    ngi
    s
    that
    …”
    “Babadi dyoumanaget ocontactt
    hemi ni
    ster
    ’s
    off
    ice?”Het urnsthechai
    raround,gi
    vingmehis
    back,andget sint
    othetaxiconver
    sati
    onwithMr
    Ngidi.IguessI'mthecrazyonehere.

    Thedoct ordischar
    gesmeat1pm, heconvincesme
    thatnothingiswrong, everyt
    hingi
    sperfect
    lyfine.
    Khosicalledthecabandl eft
    .MrNgidil
    efti
    nhi scar
    withNdlalif
    a.Idon'tknowwher eMaqhi
    nga
    disappearedto.Hecoul dbesomewher e,banging
    thehospital’
    smat r
    on.
    Thisonedr i
    vesmest raighttomyhouse.Ther adio
    i
    spl ayedloudenought opreventmef rom st
    ri
    king
    anykindofconver sat
    ion.Whoi gnorestheperson
    that
    'stryi
    ngtocalloffar el
    ati
    onship?NowIdon' t
    knowwhoi smoreunst ablebetweenhim and
    Nhlanzeko.

    Hedr
    opsmeof
    fandl
    eaves.Hedoesn'
    tevenwal
    k
    metothedoororwal
    kint
    ogr
    eetBab'
    Maqhaweand
    Mam’Jabu.
    Asexpect edofher,Mam’Jabuhasablanketwai
    ti
    ng
    forme, shegetsmef r
    om thedoorandpull
    smeto
    thelounge.I'
    m putonthecouchandcoveredwit
    ha
    blanket
    .
    “
    ButMa,
    I'
    m notsi
    ck.
    ”
    Whoam Ital
    kingto?She'
    sgoneanddi
    shesar
    e
    col
    li
    dingi
    nthekit
    chen.
    “SeewhyIcan'tstandher?Shebl
    owseveryt
    hing
    outofpropor
    ti
    on.”Idon'tknowwher
    ethi
    sone
    camefrom.He'sthrowingashadeathi
    swifeas
    usual
    .
    “Youshouldtel
    lhert
    hatI
    '
    m notsi
    ck.Thedoctor
    saiditwasnothi
    ngtoworr
    yabout
    ,thebabyisfi
    ne,
    ”
    Itel
    lhim.
    “Don'
    ttheyknowever
    ythi
    ng?
    ”Heshakeshi
    shead
    andsit
    sopposit
    eme.
    “Wel
    l,
    itwasthemedi
    caladvi
    ceandi
    nhi
    swor
    ld,
    he'
    scorr
    ect
    .”
    Hewavesmeoffwit
    hhi
    shand;what
    evert
    hedoct
    or
    sai
    dwasusel
    ess.
    “Youneedtotal
    ktothatboyofyour
    sanddowhat
    you'
    resupposedtodo,
    ”hesays.
    “Herefusedtogi
    vethebabytohisbr
    otherandtol
    d
    met osleepwhenIsuggest
    edthatwebreakthi
    ngs
    off
    .”
    He'
    slaughi
    ng?Thi
    sisnotf
    unny.
    “
    It
    'sNhl
    anzeko'
    swayornoway.Andt
    hatstandsas
    l
    ongaswear et
    oget
    her
    ,”Isayi
    nfr
    ust
    rat
    ion.
    “Let
    ti
    nggoofsomeonewhoi scar
    ryi
    ngyourseedi
    s
    thebiggestmi
    stakeever.I
    '
    m proudofhi
    m, you
    shouldsleepi
    fyou'
    reti
    red.”
    “
    Wasl et
    ti
    nggoofmymot herhar
    d?”Idon'tknow
    whyI'
    m aski
    ngthisbuthedoesn'
    tseem tomi nd
    t
    alki
    ngaboutthatpar
    tofhispast
    .
    “Iwasthebestmanatt hei
    rwedding,i
    twas
    compulsorybecauseIwashisbrother
    .Shewas
    carr
    yingmypr i
    ncessandIstoodthereandl
    ist
    ened
    astheyexchangedvows.ThatyeariswhenI
    real
    izedthatmenar
    enotbi
    gbeast
    swi
    thst
    one
    hearts.
    ”
    “
    Youcr
    ied?
    ”Iask.
    “Oh,yesIdid.Butnotinfr
    ontofpeople.Iwasn't
    cryi
    ngforyourmot herbecausether
    ewasnowayI
    wasevergoi ngtotouchherorlookatherthesame
    way.Iwascr yi
    ngf ormychildt
    hatIwasf orcedto
    giveupbeforebirt
    h.”
    Myheartmel
    ts.Idon'
    twanthimtoeverl
    eave,
    but
    hi
    sli
    fei
    snothereandhe'sleavi
    ngt
    omorrow
    af
    ter
    noon.
    “Howwasyourr elat
    ionshi
    pwi t
    hmyf atherbefor
    e
    hismar r
    iage?”Iseehisjawtwitchi
    ngasIr ef
    erto
    Dumi sanias“myf at
    her”buthequicklypull
    shis
    faceintoplace.Well
    ,I'
    veknownhi m as“myf at
    her”
    eversinceIwasbor n,Ican'
    tjustswit
    chandcal l
    him dif
    ferent
    ly.
    “
    Perf
    ectandimperf
    ectbrot
    hers.I
    twasn'
    tgr
    eatbut
    wedi
    dn'tmesseachother'
    sli
    ves.
    ”
    “
    Mymot
    hermessedyourl
    ives?
    ”Iask.
    Hekeepsquiet
    .Mam'Jabuint
    err
    uptswit
    hatrayof
    f
    ood.Sincewhenshe'st
    hecookhere?Someone
    mustl
    eavebeforeshegetsi
    ntot
    roubl
    e.
    .
    .
    Ndabukor efusedt obr eakupwi t
    hme.Wewent
    backtohi shomet oper formt heritualtwodays
    aft
    erIgotdi scharged.Heact ual
    lydidn' tevenrefuse,
    heshutdownt het opicandact edasi fitwasnever
    rai
    sed.Nhl anzekoseemst obehar d-headedt hanI
    hadimagi ned.Wehadt osl aughterachi ckento
    apologi
    zef ordisrespectinghi m.Imagi ne!Sadly,I
    can'
    taskmor edet ai
    lsabouthi m becausei twil
    l
    unsettl
    emybel ovedboyf r
    iend.Idohavewonder s
    ofwhatki ndofaper sonhewas, whatel sedidhe
    l
    ovebesi deboiledeggsandf i
    ghting.Ohwel l
    ,and
    me.

    Bab'Maqhawelef
    t.Hi
    m andAuntVumil
    ehada
    pri
    vateconver
    sati
    onbef
    orel
    eavi
    ng,andseemingl
    y
    thehatr
    edbetweensi
    bli
    ngsi
    swor set
    hanbefore.
    Themostdi f
    ficul
    tpar ti
    sthatIsti
    llneedmy
    mother'
    sblessing,herhusband’saswel l,bef
    ore
    Bab’Maqhawecant aketheropes.So, I
    '
    llbegand
    begandbeg.Butf ornowwehavet oplayt he
    perf
    ectfamilyaswe' vealwaysdone;it'
    sAndi swa'
    s
    21stbi
    rthday.

    I'
    mi nmybedr oom,lockedintherebecauseIdon' t
    wantt oanswerchur chmember s’
    questionsabout
    myvi si
    bl ebabybump.Thepar ent
    sar ealready
    ashamedofme, Ichoosenottocr eat
    eanydr ama
    onAndi swa'sbigday.I'l
    lcel
    ebratewithheratt he
    realparty,l
    ateri
    nmyhouse.Ri ghtnowi t'
    sallabout
    prayersandgi ft
    s.

    Who'satmydoornow?Ithoughtever
    yonewas
    busy.Icl
    oset
    hebagofchipsI'
    vebeenstuf
    fi
    ng
    myselfwit
    handdr
    agmysel ft
    othedoor.
    Mymom.Si
    gh!
    Whatdoesshewantnow?
    Il
    eavet
    hedooropenf
    orherandgetbackonbed.
    “
    Ibr
    oughtyouasl
    iceofcake.
    ”
    Il
    iesti
    ll
    .Whyisshebei
    ngnice?Asl
    iceofcake
    won’tchanget
    hatshel
    iedt
    omeandhur t
    Bab’
    Maqhawe.
    “Iknowthatyoudon'
    tli
    kemeatthemoment,butI
    didwhatwasbestformeatthatt
    ime.Maqhawe
    wasn'twhatyouseenow.”
    “
    Butyoudat
    edhi
    m,mom!Youl
    ovedhi
    m,r
    ight
    ?”
    Shegl
    ancesbehi
    ndhershoul
    der
    ,cl
    ickshert
    ongue
    andpushest
    hedoorcl
    ose.
    “Whoareyouyel
    li
    ngat?
    ”Shehasthener
    veto
    dict
    atehowl
    oudIspeakwhi
    leaddr
    essi
    ngthi
    s!
    “Whydi
    dyouhur
    thi
    m?Couldn'
    tyoumarr
    yanot
    her
    manatl
    east
    ?Someonef
    rom adif
    fer
    entf
    ami
    ly,
    ”I
    ask.
    “You'
    ret
    ooyoungtounder
    stand.Idi
    dwhatIdid
    andGodknowsthatmyint
    entionswerepur
    e.”
    “Wouldyoupleasest
    opusingGod?You'
    rehonest
    ly
    disr
    espect
    ingwhatChri
    sti
    ani
    tyst
    andsfor
    .”
    “
    Whoar
    eyout
    ojudgeme?
    ”
    Oh,
    that
    'ssor
    ichcomi
    ngf
    rom JudgeJudyher
    sel
    f.
    “YoudeclaredNdabukoasasi nner,yetyoudon' t
    knowhi m.ButnowIdon' tneedyourapproval ;you
    don'thavetoli
    kehim.AllIneedfrom youi sforyou
    totalktoyourhusbandandmakehi m agr eetol et
    Bab'Maqhawet aketheropes.Heismyf atherandI
    wanthimt operfor
    mt heceremoniesthatar e
    necessaryforme.”
    Shel
    if
    tsherhandupdi
    smi
    ssi
    vel
    y.
    “That
    'snothappeni
    ng.That
    'snothowwedot
    hings
    Ndondo.”
    “
    Youandyourhusband.I
    '
    m notyou!
    ”
    “
    Pri
    ncess…”
    “
    No,
    mom!
    ”
    Shecli
    ckshertongueandtakest
    hesli
    ceofcake
    shecamewith.Iwasgoingtoeati
    tbutit
    'swhati
    tis.
    “Inevert
    houghtthatonedaymychi l
    drenwoul
    d
    turnthei
    rbacksonme.Af ewdayswi t
    hMaqhawe
    andhehast urnedyouagainstus.
    ”Shetal
    ksal
    lthe
    wayt
    othedoorandl
    eaveswi
    thherpi
    eceofcake.
    It
    houghtshe'dbesor
    rybutno,
    Maqhawei
    sst
    il
    lto
    bl
    ameinallthis.
    .
    .
    It'
    stheoffi
    cial21stbirt
    hdaypar ty;thereareno
    parentsandpast ors.OnlyKhosi'smot herwillbein
    thehouse,wehavepr epar edaroom f orher
    upstair
    swher eshewon' tbedist
    ur bedbyanynoi se.
    Thet wi
    ns’birt
    hdayi sint wodaysandshe' shereas
    theonlymot herfigurethattheyhave.
    Aswepar ki
    nfrontofthehouseIreal
    izethatwe
    havemoregueststhanAndiswatoldus.The
    backyar
    disbuzzi
    ngwi thmusicandgirl
    sare
    screami
    ngaboveit.
    “I
    sthi
    sat
    aver
    nnow?
    ”Thevi
    ll
    agemot
    heri
    nher
    asks.
    Wedi
    dn'tt
    hinki
    twasgoi
    ngtobethistoomuch,
    ot
    her
    wisewewould'
    vebookedheri
    ntothehot
    el.
    “
    They'
    l
    lleavebef
    ore19h00.Andi
    swa'
    sboyf
    ri
    end
    hassomet
    hingsetupforheri
    nZer os.They'
    l
    lbeat
    i
    tthewhol
    enight
    ,it
    'sher21st
    ,”Khosisays.
    Isnapmybr owsandl
    ookather
    .Whywasn'
    tIt
    old
    aboutt
    his?
    “21st
    ,meani
    ngshe'
    snowanadul
    t,
    ”shesayswi
    th
    hereyenar
    rowedatme.
    Iswal
    lowbackmyt
    hought
    sandhel
    phermot
    her
    wit
    hthebags.

    Theeldergi
    rlsar
    eintheki
    tchen,
    engagi
    ngin
    gossi
    pswi t
    habot t
    leofwi
    neonthetabl
    e.
    “Ma!
    ”Snakhoscreamsasshejumpsof
    fthechai
    r
    andrushesi
    ntoheraunt
    ’sar
    ms.
    “
    Babi
    es,Imissedyou.”Shehugsbot
    hoft
    hem and
    j
    udgmental
    lyscansthei
    rbodi
    es.
    “Di
    dyoupierceyournoseSnakhokonke?
    ”OhLord,
    i
    fshef i
    ndsoutwhereSnal
    olonkepier
    cedher
    sel
    f
    she'
    llgocr
    azy.
    “Youknowwhat,I
    '
    llf
    ixyouacupoft
    ea.
    ”That
    's
    Snakhotr
    yingt
    oneutral
    izet
    hemoment
    .She
    dashestot
    heket
    tl
    ebef
    oremor
    equest
    ionsar
    e
    asked.

    Ndabukoisher
    e,Andiswai
    nsist
    edonhavi
    nghi
    min
    herpar
    ty.Hebroughthi
    spar
    tnersi
    ncr
    ime.
    Idi
    dn'tt
    ellthem t
    herei
    saneldercomi
    ng,
    whenwe
    wal
    kinwi thKhosi'
    smothert
    heynearl
    ydr
    opdead
    onthefl
    oor .
    Idon'
    tunder
    standwhythey'
    resmoki
    nginsi
    dethe
    house.I
    '
    veaddressedt
    hiswit
    hNdabukobefor
    e.
    Iall
    ocateKhosi'
    smotheront hecouchopposit
    e
    them purposel
    y.Ndabukoinstant
    lycl
    ear
    st hebeer
    bottl
    esont het
    ableandasksNdl al
    if
    atostep
    outsi
    dewi thhi
    scigar
    ette.
    “
    Yourhouseisnowahost
    el?
    ”sheasksassoonas
    t
    heyleavet
    heroom.
    Khosii
    slaughi
    ng,
    atNdabukoobvi
    ousl
    y.
    “
    It
    'sapart
    yMa.I '
    m sor
    ry,
    Idi
    dn'
    tknowi
    twasgoi
    ng
    t
    obethischaot
    ic,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Maybeyoushoul
    dtakemet
    othebedr
    oom sot
    hat
    Icanr
    est
    .”
    Snakhowal
    ksinwithacupofteabef
    orewecan
    l
    eavethel
    ounge.Shehastosi
    tanddri
    nkhert
    ea
    fi
    rst
    .
    “Thankyoubaby.Yourl i
    psti
    ckistoored, don'tyou
    thi
    nk?Butwhatam Isayi ng,youhavear olemodel
    whodr essesupl i
    keahooker.”She'
    sst aringat
    Khosi'st
    ightleggi
    ngasshesi pshertea.Wear eal
    l
    usedt oher,shecomplai
    nsaboutever ything.The
    sun,theair,
    therainandall
    .
    IguessMaqhi
    ngawasn'
    tal
    ert
    edofthenewguest
    .
    Hewalksi
    nwithaci
    deri
    nhishand.
    “
    Khosibaby….
    ”Hest
    ops.
    Hi
    seyespopoutast
    heyl
    andont
    heunf
    ami
    li
    arf
    ace.
    Heclear
    shisthr
    oatandst
    andsbyt
    hedoor
    ,
    scr
    atchi
    nghishead.
    “
    Oh,
    sani
    bonani
    ,
    ”hesays.
    I
    'mreadytomockhim,justwai
    ti
    ngf
    orKhosi
    's
    mothertosnapathi
    m andputhimi
    nhi
    splace.
    Khosibaby-t
    owhosedaughter
    ?
    Thecupleavesherhand,spi
    ll
    sthet
    eaonhert
    highs
    andcracksonthefl
    oor.
    Khosiscr
    eamsasIscr
    eam;“
    Mah!
    ”
    Maqhingaissti
    llst
    andi
    ngbyt
    hedoor
    ,conf
    usedAF.
    Whowoul dn'
    tbe?Awomanhedoesn'
    tknowjust
    f
    aint
    edatt hesi
    ghtofhi
    m.
    “
    Maqhingahel
    p!”Khosical
    lsandonlyt
    hen,
    it
    r
    egi
    ster
    stohim,herushestowardsus.
    “
    Getaj
    ugofwat
    er,
    now!
    ”
    Snakhodashesoutoftheroom andcomesback
    wit
    habottleofi
    cywater.Allofitgoesont
    oKhosi
    '
    s
    mother
    'sfaceandcauseshert omoveherheadand
    cough.
    “
    Iwil
    lleave,
    Idon'
    twantt
    oscareheragai
    n,”
    Maqhi
    ngasays,sl
    owlyst
    epsbackwardsandleaves
    t
    heroom.

    Shefi
    nal
    lyopenshereyesandsl
    owlyscansar
    ound
    ther
    oom.Thefri
    ghtenedl
    ookisst
    il
    lpl
    aster
    edon
    herf
    ace.
    “
    What
    'swr
    ong,
    Ma?
    ”Khosiasks.
    Wear
    eal
    lkneel
    ingar
    oundher
    ,shaki
    ngi
    nourboot
    s.
    “
    Whoi
    sthatboy?
    ”sheasksaf
    teramoment
    .
    “
    Maqhi
    nga?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Theonewhowasst
    andi
    ngbyt
    hedoor
    ,”shesays.
    Wealll
    ookateachot
    her
    .Whatdi
    dMaqhi
    ngadot
    o
    her
    ?
    “
    Didhescar
    eyou?
    ”Khosiasks.
    “
    Helooksli
    keMsawenkosi,mylat
    ebr ot
    her.So
    muchli
    kehim,eventhehei
    ghtandleanbody.I
    t
    houghtmybrotherhascomeback.Ithought…I
    t
    hought…mybrother
    !”Shewai
    lsout.
    Noneofusknowwhatt
    odoatt
    hismoment
    .Khosi
    holdsheri
    nherar
    msandwewat
    chasshecri
    esher
    eyebal
    lsout
    .
    MaybeMaqhi
    ngashoul
    dleave.Thi
    sisn'
    tgood.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    05] :Chapt
    er23
    Bheki
    zit
    ha“
    Ngonyama"Ngi
    di
    Orphanedat17.Whatdoyoudo?Fi rstt
    hingwoul d
    betoholdyourauntsanduncl esuptothepr omises
    theymadewhi l
    ethecoffinsweresti
    lll
    yingnextto
    theemptymat t
    ress,i
    nfrontofthecommuni ty.But
    i
    tnevertakesmucht ofeelparent
    -l
    ess,i
    tcrawlsin
    whenyou'recurl
    eduponat hinspongewi t
    hat hi
    n
    rug,asyouremptystomachkeepsr umbl i
    ngand
    remindi
    ngyouofi t
    shunger .
    Bhekiasknownpr iorhistaxirankstat ust hatgave
    himt he“Ngonyama"name, wasoncet here;l
    eftin
    threer ondavel swithnot hi
    ngbutahal fkil
    ogram of
    mai zemeal .Hisfatherwasn' tapeopl e' sman,
    politi
    csbor ehi m enemi es,somewer eatt hefront
    andsomewer ebehindt heshadows, onhi sback.
    Backt hen,i
    nt hevi l
    lages,suppor t
    ingacer tai
    n
    politi
    calpar tythatwasn' twhatt hemaj ori
    tybelieved
    i
    ndeemedyouasanenemyofpr ogress.Ngi di
    Seni orwast here,asonei nacr owd, dr essingupi n
    T-shir t
    softheopposi ngpart
    yandat tendingl arri
    es
    withenemi es.Event houghthegoalwasone;
    fi
    ght ingforj usti
    ceandequal i
    ty,poli
    ti
    calpar t
    iesstil
    l
    saweachot
    heras“
    opposi
    ng”and“
    enemi
    es.
    ”
    Thepoliti
    calwar swer erif
    e,most lywhenwar d
    el
    ecti
    onswer etot akeplace.Itwasj usttwoweeks
    befor
    et heelecti
    ons, NgidiSeniorwasamongt hose
    whower ecampai gningforthewar dcouncil
    or.All
    Bhekiheardwast hreegunshot sandawoman’ s
    short
    -li
    vedpai nfulscream.Af t
    erthat,longhoursof
    pal
    pablesi l
    encef oll
    owed.Hest ayedawake,
    i
    magi ni
    ngt hewor stscenar i
    osinhi sheadand
    contr
    olli
    nghi sthuddinghear t
    beat .

    Hewasn' ttooyoung, hewas17, hecoul d'


    vegot ten
    outofhi srondavelandwentt ocheckonhi s
    parent sandhisl itt
    lesister.Buthehadnoweapon,
    nobackup.Heknewhowcr uelpeoplel i
    kehi s
    fatherwer eoftenki l
    ledint hepol it
    icalwor l
    d.Sohe
    wai t
    edf orthefirstrayofsunshi neandcr eptoutof
    hisr ondavelandwentt oseei f,j
    usti ncase, hi
    s
    mot herandsi sterhadsur vived.Buti twasone
    bulletforeach.Thet hreegunshot shehear dtook
    eachsoulofhi sf amily.Hewasl ef
    tal lal
    one, wit
    h
    nothi ngtoholdont o.
    Hehadanaunt ,hismot her'
    ssi st
    erwhohad
    promi sedhi m ahomeandawar m mealdur ingthe
    bigfuner althatgat heredpol i
    ti
    cbig-shots,useless
    fri
    ends, distantfami lymember sandt hecommuni t
    y
    atlarge.Hi saunt -that'
    swher eallhishopesl ied.
    Butaf ewmont hsathi saunt '
    splacebr oughtback
    thatfeelinghehadi nit
    iall
    yf el
    twhilemoppi ngt he
    bloodofhi sparentsand3yearol dsi ster
    ;hewasal l
    alone, withnobodyandnot hingtohol dont o.

    Hisfi
    naldeci si
    onwast oleaveEmanzi meleni vi
    ll
    age,
    ther
    ewasnot hingleftforhimthere.Ifanything,he
    wasaboywhosepar entsgotshotthatever yone
    wantedt oseeandgi veapityfaceinsteadoff ood.
    Hisfatherdidal otofpeoplefavours,helefthis
    marki nmanyl i
    ves, butnobodyr emember edt hat
    whenhedi ed.Nobodycar edaboutt heyoungboy
    heleftbehind.
    Eachforhisownri
    se.Hehadtomakesomething
    outofnothi
    ng.I
    twasn'
    teasy.No,
    hehadtostartas
    nobody,
    from not
    hing.Notevenf
    rom scr
    atch.
    Onewoul dthi
    nkget ti
    ngajobi
    nthetaxii
    ndustryi
    s
    easy,buti
    t'
    snot .Youdon'
    twal
    kintothetaxir
    ank
    andwaveyourl icenceint
    heai
    r;“
    Isthereanytaxi
    thatneedsadriver?”
    Yes,youdon'
    ttypeaCVandattachaffi
    davi
    tand
    cer
    ti
    fiedcopi
    esofyourdocuments.Butyouhunt
    downt hej
    ob,j
    ustli
    keyoudoinanyindustr
    y.

    Unfor t
    unately,Bhekididn'
    thaveanyt hingthatcould
    piquet heinterestofthetaxiownersordr i
    vers.He
    hadt osqueezehi mselfi
    nandf orceit.Hewokeup
    everymor ningbehi ndtheempt yMTNcont ainer
    thatwasor phanedatt hemout hofTongaatPl aza,
    andhewoul dstandnextt othetaxi
    s,mucht ot he
    i
    rrit
    ationofsome.He' dstartshouti
    ngt axi
    s’
    destinati
    ons, withoutbei
    ngasked, andhel p
    passenger swi ththei
    rluggageast heyclimbedi n.

    Somet
    imeshe'
    dgetl
    eftover
    sfrom t
    axidri
    versand
    somet
    imesf
    rui
    tsf
    rom generouspassenger
    s.When
    youdon'thaveanyt hi
    ngacr umpofbr eadcanbe
    enough.Hegr ewfondofhisjob.Yes,het ookitas
    hisjobevent houghhewasn' tgett
    ingpaidforit.
    Withinafewmont hsever
    yoneknewhi m-umf ana
    wamat ekisi
    .Heknewever ytaxidriver
    ,their
    regi
    strat
    ionnumber sandhowt heywer escheduled
    totakestandsi nther
    ank.

    OnedayMt hethwa, amanwhoownedsever altaxi


    s
    thatoperat edbet weenStangerandTongaat ,bought
    him anot ebookandapen.Thatdayhest arted
    earni
    ngmoneyf orhi sj
    ob,eachtaxithatleftthe
    rankwi t
    haf ulll
    oadhadt oleaveR5.00f orhim.
    Twent yfull-l
    oadedt axi
    sperdaygavehi m R100.
    Towar dsmont h-endswhenpeopl etravell
    edhome,
    otherstot heirfr
    iendsandpar t
    ners,hewasabl et o
    makeR150ormor eperday.
    Hefoundashack,her
    entedandboughthi
    msel
    fa
    si
    nglebed.Hewasabl
    etoopenabankaccountand
    saveever
    ycentt
    hathecouldsl
    eepon.
    Ast i
    mewentby, hispositionatt her ankdi gnifi
    ed.
    Hewasabl etot elltaxidri
    verst hat-“ungangi tsheli
    umsunu,uzoval aistendewena. ”Heneededt obe
    harshtokeept hem i norderandMt hethwawas
    growingveryfondofhi sabili
    ties.Thencamet he
    nameNgonyama, thekingoft hebeast s.Hi s
    courageandst rengthconst ant l
    yreveal editselfto
    thosewhowor kedunderhi m.Yes, thet axidrivers
    werenowwor kingunderhi m event houghhedi dn'
    t
    ownanyt axi.

    OnedayMt het
    hwaaskedifhehadanymoney
    saved.Anyamountofi
    t.
    “IhaveR8460, ”hesaidhesit
    antl
    y.Hedidn'
    tkeep
    trackofhissavings.Hedidn'
    thaveanyamount
    goal,al
    lheknewwast hathewantedtobefinanci
    al
    comf or
    tablei
    nt henextfi
    veyearsofhi
    slif
    e.
    “Ihaveataxiandyouhavethemoney.6pm sharp.
    Youknowwher eIli
    ve.
    ”Hetappedhi
    sshoul
    der,got
    i
    nsidehisCressidaanddr
    oveoff.
    Thatwashi
    sfi
    rstt
    axi
    .Hi
    sfi
    rstf
    ooti
    nsi
    det
    het
    axi
    i
    ndust
    ry.Afewmonthsaf
    terget
    ti
    nghistaxiont
    he
    r
    oadhemovedoutoftheshackandrent
    edat wo-
    r
    oom bri
    ckhouse.

    Oner andom mor ni


    nghebumpedi ntoagirlcurl
    ed
    upi nthestr
    eetcorner
    .Hejusthadhi sdri
    ver'
    s
    l
    icencebuthest il
    lwal
    kedtowor kbecausedrivi
    nga
    taxiwasn'tapartofhi
    splans.Histaxiwasokay
    withitsdri
    verandhewasst i
    llcomfortabl
    einhis
    rank-managingjob.
    Becausehehadbeent herebefore,heeasily
    disti
    nguishedherf rom ot
    herrandom streetpeopl
    e.
    Het ookstepsbackandcal l
    edherout ;“
    Yeyiwena,
    wozal ana.”That'showhet al
    kedt opeople,wit
    h
    l
    ittl
    eornor espectatall.I
    t'
    sahabi theneededt o
    developtoear nrespectintherank.Yougi veno
    respecttogetr espect
    .
    Thatwasthebi
    ggestmistakeofhisli
    fe.As
    woundedasshewas, ashelplessandbrokenas
    shewas,shewasstil
    lnot“yeyiwena.”Shewasn't
    goi
    ngtobeaddressedli
    ket hatbyamanwhoj ust
    happenedtohaveni
    cercl
    othesonandacanof
    Cokeinhishand.
    “
    Whydon'tyoujogalongandgobar
    kfarawayf
    rom
    me?”Youdon'
    tstartafi
    ghtwi
    thahungr
    ywoman
    whoisonherperi
    ods!
    “
    Whyar eyouhere?”heasked,
    unbot
    her
    edbyher
    f
    ir
    e-bl
    azingeyes.
    Shechewedonherlowerlip.Shewaspi
    ssed.Then
    shesnappedherfi
    ngers,
    tryi
    ngtogat
    herwordsthat
    coul
    dgettheannoyingmanoutofhersi
    ght.
    “I
    fyouaresti
    llher
    ebytheendoftodaypl
    ease
    standbytheSTOPsignandI'
    llt
    akeyousomewher
    e
    safe.
    ”
    Shefrowned.Thatwasnotgoi ngt ohappen.She
    wasnotgoingt oal l
    owanot hermant ohavehisway
    wit
    hher.No!That ’swhatshewasr unningaway
    fr
    om.Shehadl ef
    thomebyt hecrackofdawn,
    packedafewcl othesandr anof f
    .Allshewanted
    wastobef araway.Farawayf rom Msawenkosi .
    Shecouldn'tt
    akei tanymore.Hewast hei
    rbrot
    her,
    hewassupposedt ot akecareofthem andprotect
    them.Itneveroccur redtohert hattheirmot her
    's
    deathwoul dturnheri ntoherownbr other'
    ssex
    slave.Shedidn'tunder st
    andwhyhechoseher .
    Phumzi lewasther etooandshewasol derthanher.
    Maybeshehadabet terunderstandingofwhatsex
    was.Wassheevengoi ngtobel i
    eveheri fshetold
    herwhatwasgoi ngonbehi ndcl oseddoor s?He
    wast hebreadwi nnerandt hemal efi
    gurethey
    consultedforever yt
    hinginthef ami l
    y.
    “I
    '
    m BhekiNgidi
    ,somecallmeNgonyama.Idon' t
    wantyoutogethurt.
    ”Hislastwor
    dspavedandgot
    aplaceinherhear
    t.Butshewasn'tgoi
    ngtoputher
    l
    ifeint
    hehandsofast r
    anger.Herownbrother
    abusedherondail
    ybasis,whowasshet othe
    str
    angeman?
    “
    Magci
    naNgomane,
    ”shesai
    d.
    Hi
    sfacemel
    tedi
    ntoasmi
    le.
    “It
    houghtyousai
    dNgonyama,Iwasgoi
    ngtoask
    youtosayMagcinaNgi
    di.I
    tsoundsabi
    tper
    fect
    .”
    Shemi
    ssedthej
    okeandjustst
    aredathi
    m.He
    knewt
    hathewasn'
    tdeal
    ingwit
    hjustanygi
    rl
    ,he
    didn'
    tevenknowwhyhewassoworri
    edabouther
    thathestoodmor
    ethanaminut
    etal
    kingt
    oher
    whereassheshowednoi
    nter
    esti
    nhishel
    p.
    “
    Youar
    ethel
    astbor
    n?”heasked.
    Asigh!Shewasannoyed.Obvi ouslyshewasthe
    l
    astbornandherpar entsdi
    dn'
    tevenbot herwi
    th
    cr
    eativenames.Magci nawasherbi r
    thnameasshe
    wasbor nlast
    ly.Not
    hingwasinterest
    ingabouther
    l
    if
    e,reall
    y.Notevenhername.
    Hespentt hewholedayt hinkingabouther.His
    biggestfearwasl osingher -notfi
    ndingherwhere
    shewas.Andi tcamei nt
    or eali
    tyashefoundthe
    streetcornerempt yafterwor k,wi
    thoutasingl
    e
    tr
    aceofher .Hesear chedever ywheref
    orherbut
    shewasnowher et obef ound.

    Monthspassedbyandheforgotabouther
    .Or
    r
    atherpushedheratt
    hebackofhisheadand
    f
    ocusedonwor k.
    Butyoucan'
    tfightdest
    iny,
    canyou?Guesswho
    cametothetaxirankonDecember12?Theoneand
    onlyMagci naNgomane.Shewaswor ki
    ngforan
    Indi
    angr andmother
    ,slavinginat i
    tl
    elessjob.
    Somet i
    messhewast hemai d,somet i
    mesa
    babysit
    terandsomedaysacook.Herwage
    remainedthesamer egar dl
    essofhowmanyhour s
    andwhatj obshedidint hatpart
    icularweek.
    Shelookedbett
    erthanshewaswhenhef i
    rstsaw
    her
    .Butheratti
    tuderemai
    nedthesame.She
    wantednothi
    ngt odowit
    hanyone.

    I
    twasclosetoChri
    stmas,peopl
    ewer er et
    urni
    ngt
    o
    t
    hei
    rhomest osharethei
    rannualearningswit
    h
    t
    hei
    rfamil
    ies.Onethi
    ngtheyhadi ncommonwas
    t
    hatt
    heybot hhadnohomet oreturnto.
    Maybethat
    'swhyshef
    inal
    lyagreedtomeetupwi
    th
    hi
    m andtal
    k.Sheal
    sol
    ongedf orcompanyon
    Chr
    ist
    masday.
    Theydidn'tcl
    ickri
    ghtaway.Shehadapastandshe
    wasn'tl
    etti
    nghimi n.Hedidn'
    ttalkabouthispast
    ei
    therbutitneverstoodi
    nhi swayof
    communi cati
    ngwithotherpeople.Heburieditat
    t
    hebackofhi
    shead.
    Butonedayhel aidhisheadonherlap,star
    edupat
    theroofandaskedi fshewasevergoi ngtoshare
    herpastwi t
    hher .Hewashur ti
    ng.Theywere
    stayi
    ngt oget
    her;shemovedi nwithhim.Butthey
    weren'temotionall
    ytogether
    .Shewasn'tther
    eand
    hewasn' tsurehowl ongitwasgoingtotakeforher
    tolethimin.
    “
    I'
    drat
    hersharemyfut
    urewi
    thyout
    hant
    oshar
    e
    mypast,
    ”shesai
    d.
    Het
    urnedhi
    seyest
    oherf
    ace.
    “
    Whatdoyoumean?
    ”heasked.
    “ImeanthatIloveyouBheki
    .Idon'twantt
    ogoback,
    Iwanttoleavethepastwher
    eitis.Iwantafut
    ure
    wit
    hyou.”
    “Magci na…”Hegotupf r
    om herl apandpul l
    edher
    forast eamykiss.Itwasn'ttheirfi
    rstkiss,theyhad
    kissedaf ewti
    mesbef orebutitwasn' tanything
    meani ngful
    .Whenheat t
    empt edt oli
    ftupherski rt
    shescr eamed.Hemovedt oofast,didn'the?He
    apologizedandpr omisedtor especther .
    Theyst i
    llsleptseparatelyevenafterconfessi
    ng
    thei
    rfeelingstoeachot her.Unti
    lonedaywhent hey
    bothchoset ogetintoxicated.Real
    ly,l
    if
    ehaddeal t
    withthem badl yandt heywer ebothwayover21.
    Theyneededabr eak.Thatni ghtMagcinacamet o
    hisbedbut t-nakedandt heymadel oveforthefi
    rst
    ti
    me.Ndl alifawasconcei vedonthatday.
    Hewasn' treadytobeaf at
    her,neitherwasshe
    readytobeamot her.ButMt hethwawaswat ching
    them l
    ikeahawk.I nhismindBhekiwashi ssonand
    hewasn' tgoingtoallowhimt okillhisownchild.He
    wasf i
    nancialstable,eveni
    fher anshor tof
    somethingMt het
    hwawast here,t
    her ewasno
    excuseforhim nott owantababy.
    Unfortunatelyhepassedonbef oreNdlali
    fawas
    bornbuthehadensur edthatnothingwasdoneto
    ter
    mi natethepregnancy.Andindeed, Ndl
    ali
    fawas
    whatMagci naandBhekineededt obond.Theirl
    ove
    sprungout .Bhekiboughtabiggerhouseandt wo
    mor etaxis.Magcina’
    sdaysofwor ryingabout
    moneywer eover.Shenevermadeanyf ri
    endsand
    thatwasokaywit
    hBheki.Itmeantt
    hatshewas
    alwayshomeandlookingaft
    erthei
    rson.Hehada
    famil
    ytogotoeveryday.

    Hissongr
    ewandst art
    edpre-
    school
    .Hewasa
    happychi
    ldandhealt
    hy.Whatmorecoul
    daparent
    want?
    “Heneedsasi bli
    ngtoplaywit
    h,”everyonesaidand
    event
    uallyt heideapl
    antedinBheki ’
    shead.He
    wantedasecondbabybutasabl ackman,hehad
    topayfort hedamagesf ir
    standmeetMagci na’
    s
    famil
    y.However ,t
    hat
    'snotwhatshewant ed.She
    wasn'tgoingbackhome.Nott hen,notever.

    Shepresentedthenewsofhersecondpr egnancy
    j
    ustadayaf terBhekiturned30.Hi m andherki ds
    wereallt
    hatmat t
    eredt oher .Healsowant edherto
    behappy,thatwashi sgoalever yday,buthest i
    llf
    elt
    l
    ikehewascommi tti
    ngasi nforkeepingheri nhis
    housewithoutherfami l
    yconsent .Butonce
    Magcinasaidshewasn' tdoingsomet hi
    ng, shewas
    real
    lynotgoi
    ngt
    odoi
    t.Shewasn'
    tgoi
    ngback
    home.
    Bhekit
    ri
    edt
    odi
    gint
    oherpastbutnot
    hingt
    angi
    ble
    cameup.

    Ninemont hsf l
    ewver yfast.Theywereprepar
    ingt
    o
    welcomet heirsecondsonhome.Thewhol et
    axi
    rankwaswai t
    ingforitssecondson.Ndlali
    fawas
    alr
    eadyever yone'
    sson.Ngonyamahadt urnedint
    o
    everyone'
    sbi gbrotherandhi shouse
    accommodat edtaximenever yweekend.
    Maqhi ngacame,helookednot hi
    ngl ikeNdlali
    faand
    hisfather
    .ButBhekihadnodoubtt hathewashi s
    son,heescapedeverythingbuthecoul dn'
    tescape
    NgidiSenior
    ’smolebehindt heear.Itwast here;
    i
    dent i
    fyi
    nghim asaNgi di.
    Theyweresupposedtobehappy.I twastheir
    secondchi
    ldandtheywer efi
    nancial
    lyst
    able.But
    Magcinacoul
    dn’tevenbeartolookatMaqhinga.
    Shetookhim of
    fbreastmilkwit
    hintwodaysand
    demandedthatBhekihir
    esanannyt olookafter
    “
    thi
    schi
    ld.
    ”

    Hei gnoredthesi
    gns.Hethoughtitwast he
    pressurethatcamewithhavingtwochildren.Butas
    Maqhi ngagrewhenoticedthatt
    her ewasno
    connectionatall
    .Hechosetoaddr esstheissue.
    “HowisMaqhi ngatr
    eat
    ingyou? ”Thatwashis
    openi
    ngline.Thebri
    ghtsmil
    et hatusedtobether
    e
    wheneverNdlali
    fawasmentionedwasn'tther
    e.
    “Whydon'
    twegivehim upforadopt
    ion?
    ”That’
    s
    howsheresponded.I
    ttookever
    ythi
    nginhi
    m nott
    o
    pul
    lherbyhai
    randdragheroutofthehouse.
    “
    Why?
    ”heasked,
    suppr
    essi
    nghi
    sanger
    .
    “Helooksli
    kemybr other,
    Msawenkosi.Idon'tknow
    whatkindofacur seheis.He'
    sexact
    lywhatIwas
    runningawayfrom.Ihatethi
    sbabyBheki,let
    'sgive
    him upforadopti
    onorjustki
    llhi
    m.Youkillpeople
    withthosegunsinthesafe,r
    ight
    ?”
    Helosti
    t.Hel
    ovedher
    ,al
    lofher,
    everydayandover
    ever
    ywomanunderthesun.ButnothisCHILDREN.
    Nothislit
    tl
    eson.Aslaplandedacrosshercheek
    andbecauseshewasMagci naandshehadnot hi
    ng
    toloseinli
    fe,
    sheslappedhim back.Hi
    sminddidn't
    regist
    erwhathedidnext,i
    twasheragainstthewall
    andhi sf
    oot.
    Then….
    “Baba!Mama! ”ThatwasNdlali
    facryi
    ngatthedoor.
    Itwastoolate,hehadseenthem fi
    ght.Hehadseen
    hisfat
    herkickshismotherandthrowingheragai
    nst
    thewall.Heheardhismotheraski
    ngf or
    forgi
    venessandhisfathernotst
    opping.
    Everythingchangedf r
    om t hatday.Theybothl
    oved
    eachot her,
    theyr eall
    ydid.ButMagci nawasn't
    goingt obondwi t
    hachi ldthatchosetolookexactl
    y
    l
    ikeherbr other-therapist.AndBhekiwasn'tgoing
    tolethissonbepuni shedf orthesinshedidn'
    t
    commi t
    .Hewasn' tgi
    vingayoungHl omukaupf or
    adoption.Justt hi
    nkingaboutwhatshesai dmade
    hisbloodboi lup.

    Ndl
    ali
    fat
    urnedei
    ghtasMaqhi
    ngat
    urnedt
    wo.He
    wast ooyoungt onot i
    cet hehatredfrom hi
    smot her.
    Ndlali
    famust '
    vebeent ooyoungt onoticeeit
    her
    , he
    wast heonebei ngcuddl edtosleepandgi ven
    random cheekki sses.I
    tbecamehar dforNgidit
    o
    playtwor ol
    est oMaqhi nga.Hel ovedhissonsmor e
    thananyt hi
    ng.Hewasn’ tgoingtofai
    lthem ashis
    ownf atherfai
    ledhislit
    tlesister
    .
    Therewasanotherbabyontheway.Her egrett
    ed
    thatonemorethananythi
    ng,becausetheywerenot
    i
    nagoodspace.Buthewasgoi ngtotrywit
    h
    everyt
    hinghehad.Ther
    apyorwhat evermonied
    peopledidwhentheyhadproblems,hewasgoi ng
    topayforit
    .
    Hecamebackf r
    om workearl
    yandasked
    Maqhi
    nga'snannyt
    ot akehi
    m outf
    orawalk.
    Ndl
    ali
    fawasdoinggrade2andrebel
    li
    ousmore
    t
    hanever.
    “Magcina,whatdidmysondot oyou? ”heasked
    overar omant
    iclunchfortwotable.Hestil
    lloved
    her.Hewasn'tgoingtoletanot
    herwomanr aisehis
    chil
    dren.Hewant edafamilywit
    hher .Hewant edto
    mar r
    yher.
    “Helooksli
    keMsawenkosi .Ir
    anawayf r
    om home
    becauseofhim.Het ur
    nedmei ntohissexsl ave
    andIgottothepointwhereIcouldn'thandleit
    .We
    sharedamot herandafather,
    mybi ggestfearwas
    fal
    li
    ngpregnantwithmyownbr ot
    her’schil
    d.He'd
    thr
    eatentostopsupporti
    ngmeandsayhe' llexpose
    met othefamil
    y.”
    Therei
    twas.Shewasf i
    nall
    ylet
    tinghi
    mi nandhe
    j
    ustsatther
    e,f
    rozenonhischairwit
    hhisheart
    poundi
    ngoutofhisheart
    .
    “Whycoul
    dn'tyougivemeasont hatl
    ookedlike
    youandNdlali
    fa?Idon'
    tunderst
    andwhyhehadt o
    l
    ookli
    kethatmonster.I
    'm sor
    rybutIdon'tseemy
    soni
    nMaqhi nga,Ij
    ustseearapist.
    ”
    “Heisjustachi
    ld.”Hiswor dsdiedinhist hr
    oatand
    gaggedhim.Hewast ryingtoputonabr aveface.
    Hewasaman;hedi dn'tcryoverthi
    ngs.Butseei ng
    thecol
    df aceonthemot herofhischil
    drenkill
    ed
    him.Therewasnol ove.Nogl impseofhope.
    Hegr
    abbedhi
    scarkeysandwal
    kedout
    .
    Heneededamoment
    …topr
    ocessever
    ythi
    ngand
    j
    ust…heparkedatt
    hesi
    deoftheroadint
    hemi ddl
    e
    ofnowhere.Heburi
    edhi
    sheadont hewheel
    and
    l
    etallt
    hepainfl
    owoutwit
    hhi
    st ear
    s.
    Whenher etur
    nedbackhomeshewasn' tt
    here.Al
    l
    hercl
    otheswereinthewardr
    obe.Nothi
    ngwas
    missi
    ng,exceptherbl
    ackpur
    se.Shecould'
    vebeen
    i
    ntheshopsbutsomehowheknewt hatshehadleft
    .
    Shewasr unni
    ngawayagain.

    Tothisday, Ndl
    ali
    faisstil
    laski
    ngf orhi
    smother.He
    wantstoknowwhathedi dtoher.Hehastri
    edto
    l
    ookf orthi
    sMsawenkosiNgomanewi t
    hno
    success.Magcinanevercameback.Henevergot
    tomeethi schil
    dthatshewascar r
    yingandever
    y
    yearhisfir
    stsonputshi m onthestandandasks
    him questi
    onshecan' tanswer.
    Howdoyoul ookatyoursonintheeyesandtellhi
    m
    thathismotherwasr apedbyherownbrotherand
    thereasonshelefti
    sbecauseshehatedhislit
    tl
    e
    brother?Hecan'
    tletthem f
    indout
    ,especi
    all
    y
    Maqhi nga.I
    twil
    lkil
    lhim.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    06] :Chapt
    er24
    THALENTE

    Theonl ydi ff
    erencebet weenwor ki
    ngi nt he
    Af r
    iTr anscant eenandSi sThandi '
    sshel t
    eristhat
    hereIsl aveunderai r
    -conditi
    onersandspeak
    Engl ishhal foftheday.Oh, andt hewor ki
    nghour s,
    hereIwor kfrom 7am t o4pm.I t'
    sbet terthant he
    taxir ankshel terwher eIhadt owakeupbyt he
    crackofdawnandr eturnhomeaf tert hesunhas
    setdown.Mycol leagueher eisanI ndi anmi ddle-
    agedwoman, Aarti
    .Inhermi ndshet hinkst hatIsee
    herasawhi t
    eboss-mysuper ior.Thewomant r
    ies
    sohar dt oaccommodat emybr okenEngl i
    shand
    makemel ookst upidtot hecustomer sby
    transl ati
    ngever ythingtheysayt ome.Can' tshe
    over dosebi ryanianddi e?Bei ngher ehasmademe
    realizej usthowmuchf uni twasbei ngatt hetaxi
    rank.Ievenmi sst hetaxihornsandl oudt axidrivers.

    I
    t'
    sluncht
    imeandt
    hef
    oodi
    sont
    hehouse.That
    's
    anotherpr
    ivi
    legeofworkinghere,youdon'
    thavet
    o
    worryaboutcooking.Br
    eakfastandlunchare
    provi
    ded.Attheendofthedaywecol l
    ectl
    eft
    over
    s
    andgohomewi ththem.Sothere'
    snoneedf orme
    tocookwhenIgett omyshack.
    Isqueezemysel fi
    nt hebackroom onapl ast
    icchair
    andhel pmysel fwithroastedchickenstr
    ipesand
    roll
    s.I'
    m goingst r
    aighttosize40.Ibingeeveryday;
    mi l
    kshakes,fr
    iesandcakes.Maybet heyhavet o
    givemeever ythingoncr edit
    ,becauseIreall
    ycan't
    l
    imi tmyselfwheni tcomest ofreefood.
    “
    Talent
    !”That
    'sAart
    i,shepr
    onouncesmyname
    wit
    hherfakeBri
    ti
    shaccent.
    Icheckthet i
    meonmyphone;Ist il
    lhaveten
    minutes.Whyi sshecall
    ingmenow?Ishoul dstar
    t
    havingmyl unchbreakoutsi
    dethecanteenbecause
    whenI '
    m eati
    nginsideherei
    tnevergenuinel
    ya
    break.
    “
    Someonei
    sher
    etoseeyou,
    ”sheyel
    ls.
    Hopef
    ull
    yit
    'snotanot
    herunsat
    isf
    iedcust
    omer.I
    '
    ve
    beenmessi
    ngthingsupeversi
    nceIgothere.
    Ser
    vingtaxidr
    iversandrichwhi
    teol
    diesisnotthe
    same.Hereorderscomewi thl
    ameinstr
    uct i
    onsand
    demands.Ichewt helastpi
    eceanddowni twit
    ha
    col
    dglassofSpr i
    te.
    I'
    mr eadyt
    odef endmyselfwi t
    hmyLevel 5Engl
    i
    sh,
    whoeverIdi dtheiror
    derwr ongwil
    lsuff
    ermy
    mi susedpronounsandadj ecti
    ves,
    I'
    llcl
    apbackand
    standmygr ounds.
    Iadjustmycapandl i
    ftmyheadup, onlytobe
    welcomedbyNdl al
    if
    ainhi sgreypantandhoodi e
    j
    acket.Whati shedoi ngher e?Iknowt hathehas
    connectionsinthisplacebutIdi dn'
    texpecthimto
    j
    ustshowupdur ingmyl unchbreakanddemandt o
    seeme.He' snotevenst andingoutsidethewindow
    l
    ikeeverybodyel se.Aartiopenedthebur gl
    argate
    forhim andlocatedhi m ontheleatherchair
    .
    There'saglassofcol ddr i
    nkinfrontofhim.
    “
    Itext
    edyouear
    li
    er,
    ”hegr
    eet
    s.Howhumbl
    e!
    “
    I’
    m wel
    ltoo,
    howar
    eyouHl
    omuka?
    ”Isay.
    Hesmilesandscratchesthebackofhi
    shead.
    Unl
    ikeHlel
    o,Aar
    tiismi ndi
    ngherownbusi
    nessby
    t
    heovens,
    probabl
    ychecki
    ngonherbananacake.
    “
    YouknowhowI
    '
    m doi
    ngThal
    ent
    e,”hesays.
    I'
    vebeenusingt hef amouslineforoveraweeknow;
    “Ineedtimetot hink.
    ”There'
    snot hi
    ngtothinkabout
    ,
    real
    ly.It
    hinkaboutt hisman.Iseehi minmy
    dreamsandwor r yi
    fhedoesn'treachout.Idon'
    t
    knowwhent hesef eel
    ingssprungoutint
    o
    somet hi
    ngsoi r
    r esi
    sti
    bleandstrong.
    “Whyareyouher e?I'
    m atwork,ori
    sitbecauseyou
    gotmet hi
    sjob?”Irentoutasusual.I
    tannoyshim
    whenIdot hi
    s;turni
    nghisstatusagai
    nsthim.
    Unfort
    unatel
    yinmyheadImakesenseever yti
    meI
    speak.
    “Icametoaskyoutocometothepartywithme
    l
    ater,
    ”hesays,
    cal
    mlybutster
    nly.He'
    spissed
    alr
    eady,howmuchmor ewhenIopenmymout hi
    n
    thatpar
    ty?
    “
    Idon'
    tdr
    ink,
    ”Isay.
    “Nobodyaskedifyoudr
    inkornot.Iaskedyouto
    comewi t
    hmet othepar
    ty,youcaneasilysayyesor
    no.”
    “
    Whosepar
    tyi
    sit
    ?”Iask.
    “Sometwi
    nsfrom Bant
    wanaHol
    dings.They'
    re
    Ndondo'
    sfr
    iends.
    ”
    Am Isupposedtoguesswhothi
    sNdondoi
    sand
    whatisBantwanaHoldi
    ngs?
    “
    Areyoueveni
    nvi
    ted?”Iask.Hedoesn'
    tevenknow
    t
    hesetwi
    nsnames,justt
    hatthey'
    reNdondo'
    s
    f
    ri
    ends.
    He'
    ssmi
    li
    ngagai
    n.
    “Idon'
    tneedaninvit
    e.6pm,okay?
    ”Hedrinksthe
    remainsi
    nhisglassandstandsuptogo.Hecame
    allt
    hewaytoinvit
    emet othepart
    yheisn'
    tinvi
    tedi
    n?
    Hescanshi seyesaround.Idon'tknowwhereAar
    ti
    hasdi sappearedto.Hestandsnexttomeand
    staresintomyeyes.Idon'tknowi fI'
    m st
    il
    l
    breathingornot.I
    'm si
    lent
    lyprayingforacust
    omer
    toappearandsaveme.
    “Ihavetopackt
    hef r
    idge.
    ”Fuck,whyam I
    whisperi
    ng?Thefr
    idgeispacked,whatam Ieven
    saying?
    Hi
    schestbumpsonmi ne.Itakest
    epsbackunti
    lI'
    m
    pr
    essedagainstthecount
    er.Hishandgoesaround
    myneck,ourforeheadl
    inkandhiseyesdigt
    hrough
    mysoul.
    “ImissyouThalente.
    ”Inthebl
    inkofaneyemylips
    arecapturedbyhis.He'
    ssucki
    ngmyl owerl
    ipand
    sweepinghistongueinsi
    deme.Hiskissi
    stoogood
    nottorespondto.
    Hebr eaksthekissandleavesmepant i
    ng.Aartiis
    byt heovensanddoi nghert hi
    ng.I'
    venevermet
    anyonewhomi ndsherownbusi nessl i
    keher.But
    I'
    m scar edbecauseI’mint hewor kplaceandbei ng
    kissedagai nstt
    hecount erisn'
    texact l
    yrespecti
    ng
    yourj ob.Ialsodidn’
    texpectourf i
    rstkisstohappen
    l
    iket his.
    “Toni
    ghtIwantmyanswerThal
    ent
    eMbat ha,
    ”he
    saysandwalksaway.Hehasabri
    efchatwit
    hAart
    i
    befor
    ehewalksout.
    I'
    m quaki
    ngi
    nmyboot s.Tonight?ThatmeansI
    havetobehi
    sgirl
    fr
    iendafterthepart
    y,because
    obviousl
    ymyansweris“yes.”Ihavebeen
    r
    ehear
    singi
    tforaweek.
    “
    Ifyoubr eakmyhear tI'
    llleaveyou.Iwon' tt
    olerat
    e
    l
    ies,ratherhurtmewi t
    ht hetruththantocomf ort
    mewi t
    hlies.Ndlali
    faIsweari fyouevercheaton
    mebl abl abla.
    ”I'
    llprobabl ysoundstupid.Tonight
    i
    st oosoon.Howam Igoi ngtosayi t
    ?
    “Howl onghaveyoubeendat i
    ng? ”Thevoicesnaps
    meoutofmyt houghtsandIl
    ookupt ofindAart
    i
    stari
    ngatmewi thaweaksmi l
    eonherf ace.Di
    dI
    sayshemi ndsherownbusiness?Don'teverpay
    attent
    iontot herubbi
    shIspi
    t,sometimesIrushint
    o
    conclusions.
    “
    Dat
    ing?
    ”If
    rown.
    “YouandNdhl alif
    a.Howl ongyouandhi mjol
    il
    e?”In
    herheadshe'sl oweri
    ngdownt omyl evelwher
    eas
    she'
    spressingt helastbuttons.Ifshekeepsdoing
    thi
    sI'
    m goingtof li
    p.YesIcannotar guewith
    MbuyiseniNdloziinEngl i
    shbutIknowt hebasics.I
    knowhowt ost ructureasent enceandIcanhear
    Engli
    shdamnt oowel l.
    “
    Ist
    hatgoi
    ngt
    ohel
    pusgetmor
    ecust
    omer
    s?”Iask.
    “
    Huh?No,I
    'mjustaski
    ng.”Shechuckl
    esandst
    ir
    s
    t
    hepotboi
    li
    ngonthestove.
    “Mindyourstew,
    ”Idon'tsaythatl
    oud,Imur
    mur
    undermybr eat
    handr et
    urntotheici
    ngIwasmi
    xing
    befor
    emyl unchbreak.
    .
    .
    Idon'thavet hoselongmi rr
    orsthatgiveyourf ull
    bodyr efl
    ecti
    on.ButIdon' tneedanyonet otellme
    thatIlookstunning.Thiswast helastskaterdr ess
    i
    nst ockatMrPr i
    ce.It
    'sanof f-
    shoul
    der ,
    to
    compl et
    et heperfectl
    ookIputonmyf akesil
    ver
    necklace.Mycoar seafrowascombedandt i
    edup.I
    haveoneoft hosebigartif
    ici
    alafr
    o-buns,Ipinnedi t
    onandputonhoopear r
    ings.
    I'
    m sti
    lldeci
    dingbet
    weenmyAl l-
    Startakkiesand
    MaryJaneshoeswhent hedoorshif
    tsopen.He's
    earl
    y,weagr eedon6pm andit
    'sonly6:15pm.He
    shouldeducatehimsel
    faboutwomen' stime.
    Hedi
    dn'
    tevenknock.Wher
    ear
    ehi
    smanner
    s?Thi
    s
    i
    smyshack-myhouse.
    “
    Whati
    fIwasnaked?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Iwould'vet
    hankedmyancest or
    s.”Hescansme
    f
    rom headtotoeandsmi l
    es.Imental
    lygi
    vemysel
    f
    ahi
    ghf i
    ve;I
    'm beaut
    if
    ul.
    “
    Youl
    ookamazing.I
    '
    m notgoingtoletyoul
    eave
    mysi
    de,
    Iwantnosleazebal
    ltouchi
    ngyou.”
    Okay,
    chi
    llThalent
    e.Ther
    e'snoneedt
    obl
    ushl
    ikea
    hi
    ghschoolteenager
    .
    Ipickmypur seandhousekeysf rom t
    hebed.When
    Iturnaroundhe'sstandi
    ngjustoneinchawayfr
    om
    myf ace.Myshacki stoosmall
    ,maybehe'dtake
    fi
    vestridest
    or eachtotheend-
    side.
    Hi
    sri
    ghthandgoesar
    oundmyneckwhi
    lehi
    slef
    t
    ar
    m wrapsar
    oundmywaist
    .
    “Ndlal
    if
    ayoucannotkeepdoingthi
    s.Ihaven'
    t
    agreedtobeyourgi
    rl
    fri
    end.”Somehowmyvoi ce
    disappoi
    ntsmeandrefusestocomeoutwhol l
    yand
    fi
    rm.
    “
    Iknowt
    hatyou'
    l
    lagr
    ee.
    ”
    Whooah!Fi
    shi
    ,uphumeni
    niet
    hini
    ni?
    !
    “Icansayno,”Iequi
    pmyvoicewi t
    hevery
    substancet
    hatcanmakeitbel
    ievable.Buthe'
    s
    smili
    ngandst ar
    ingdownatmylips.
    “
    We'
    l
    ldat
    eeveni
    fyousayno,
    ”hesays.
    Ishementall
    yokay?Wher ehast hateverhappened?
    Wecan'tdateifIsay…gosh,hisl
    ipstastesogood.
    Mintwaff
    ledinnicoti
    ne.Ihavemyhandsoverhi s
    cheeksandI'
    mt akingineverybi
    tofhist ast
    e.
    “Let'
    sgobef oreHlomukagetsoverexcited,”he
    saysaf t
    erbreaki
    ngt heki
    ss.Myhear ti
    sr acingat
    thereali
    zati
    onofhi swords.Myeyessweepover
    hisfrontandIgetagl i
    mpseofababyar m poking
    out.Weneedt oleaveimmedi at
    ely.
    “Let
    'sgo,
    ”Isaybr
    eat
    hil
    yandmar
    cht
    owar
    dst
    he
    door.
    Hel
    etsoutachuckl
    eandf
    oll
    owsmeout
    .
    .
    .
    Ireal
    lyt
    houghtInai
    ledthelooks.It
    houghtI
    '
    dbe
    outst
    andingandeveryonewouldrushtomeand
    askwher eIboughtmydr ess.Imean, i
    twast helast
    onei nst ockandi tsstyl
    ei sdiffer
    ent.ButwhatI
    walki ntoisnotwhatIhadi nmi nd.Ithoughtofa
    bir
    thdaypar ty,i
    nanopenr oom orbackyar d,wit
    h
    ball
    oonsal loverandaShopr i
    techocol at
    ecake
    surroundedbycol dri
    nks,fruit
    sandsweet s.That'
    s
    howt heydobi rthdaypartieswher eIcomef rom,
    andweal waysgushoverhowbeaut if
    ultheset -
    up
    i
    s.Butt hisisapar tyofTyr aBanks.Theyl ook
    si
    mi larinbodycondr essest hatlookliketheycost
    myannualear ningscombi nedwi thmymot her
    's
    pensi onmoney.

    Weareinashadedpati
    oareawithseating.Isaw
    MosesMabhidaopposi
    teusandI'm si
    lentl
    y
    wonder
    ingi
    fther
    e'sanysoccermatchhappeni ng
    i
    nsi
    de.
    Comparedtoallthegir
    lshere,Il
    ooknothi
    ngmor e
    thananordi
    narywomangoi ngoutf ori
    ce-cr
    eam.
    Theyhaveglassesinthei
    rhands, t
    hoseoneswith
    umbrel
    lasandslicesofvegetabl
    esdippedinsi
    de
    them.
    Ndabukoisher e,nexttohimisagor geouswoman
    i
    nhi ghheels.Everyt
    hingaboutherscr eamsM- O-N-
    E-Y.Shehasoneoft hosebagst hatl
    ookl i
    kethey
    weremadeofcr ocodil
    eskin.Youcan'tfindthi
    stype
    atMrPr i
    ceandyoucer tai
    nlycan'tor
    deritfrom
    DollyWezikhwama.
    Shedoesn'
    thavetoomuchmake- uponbutshest
    il
    l
    l
    ooksli
    kethoseperf
    ectact
    ressesonTV.
    Iswearherweavei
    sst
    rai
    ght
    ert
    hanmyf
    utur
    e.
    “
    Bafo,
    ”Ndabukosaysandst
    epsoutofherar
    mthat
    wascoi
    ledar
    oundhis.
    Hewal kstousandbumpsshoul derswithNdlali
    fa.I
    getawar m smil
    eandIcan'thelpbutsmi leback.
    Thedisrespect
    fuloneisnowher einsight,Ipr
    ay
    thathedidn'
    tcome.However,Ididn'ti
    magi nehim
    assomeonewho' dmissaparty.
    Theladyt
    urnsherheadt
    ousandInot
    icet
    hatshe'
    s
    act
    uall
    ypregnant
    .
    “
    Ndlal
    if
    a,”shesaysi
    nacknowl
    edgment.Ther
    e's
    i
    sn'
    tevenaglimpseofasmil
    eonherface.
    “
    Ndondo,
    howar
    eyou?
    ”
    Oh,i
    t'
    stheonewhoset
    winf
    ri
    endsar
    ehavi
    nga
    par
    ty.
    “Good.Whoist
    hat?”She'sst
    ari
    ngatme.Idon'
    t
    knowifshe'
    sti
    redorbored.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    eMbat
    ha.She'
    smywoman,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.
    Icl
    earmythr
    oatandgivehi
    m al
    ook.Wehaven'
    t
    concl
    udedonthatyet
    ,whyi
    sherushi
    ngi
    ntoti
    tl
    es.
    “Come, l
    et'
    sgoandsitovert
    her
    e,”shetel
    lsmeand
    str
    idestotheendoftherowbef
    or eIcanevensay
    myf i
    rstwordtoher
    .
    “
    I'
    llgr
    abadr
    inkwit
    hNdabuko,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasaysand
    l
    etsgoofmyhand.
    IguessIhavenochoi
    cebutt
    ofol
    lowMi
    ssHoi
    ty-
    Toit
    y.
    There'sanempt yseatnexttoher,
    Imakemysel f
    comf ort
    abl
    eoni t.Weareabi tf
    arfrom t
    hecrowd
    anditsnoise.Iguessthat'
    swhatmadet ense;t
    he
    crowdandnoi se.Shelif
    tsherri
    ghtlegoverherl
    eft
    kneeandr el
    axes.
    Peopl
    eingreenuni
    formsareupanddownwi th
    tr
    aysofdr
    inksandsnacks.Shesnapsherf
    ingers
    onceandtheguywalkstous.
    Shegr absaglassofawei r
    d-l
    ookingjui
    cewi t
    ha
    sl
    iceofl emoninsi
    deit
    .Theguyl ooksatmei n
    waiti
    ng.Ialsograbaglasswithanormal -
    looki
    ng
    j
    uice.Itlooksl
    ikeanorangejui
    ce,hopeful
    lyitt
    ast
    es
    asonet oo.
    “
    Youlookgood,
    ”shesaysr
    andoml
    yandsi
    psonher
    j
    uice.
    Idon'
    tknowhowgenui neshei s,Ij
    ustflashasmi
    le
    andtakeasipfrom myglass.It'
    sajuicewith
    unnecessar
    yingredi
    ent
    s,butitstil
    ltast
    esgood.
    “
    Weshoul
    dsetadayandgoburnthei
    rtaxi
    s.That
    's
    t
    heonl
    ywaytost
    opthi
    staxiwar
    .”
    Okay,
    that
    'saver
    ywei
    rdt
    hingt
    osayt
    oast
    ranger
    .
    “Yourfather
    -i
    n-l
    awneedst oreti
    re.Thi
    sthingis
    affect
    ingthewholecommuni ty.Canyoubel i
    eve
    thathalfofmystaffdon’
    thavet r
    ansport
    ?I tneeds
    toend,”sheconti
    nues.
    “Yeah,”that
    'sal
    lImanagetosay.Ihaveacar
    fet
    chi ngmet oworkandbr
    ingi
    ngmebackaf t
    er.I
    don'tknowwhoi spayingf
    orit
    ,Iguessal
    lAfr
    iTr
    ans
    empl oyeeshaveones.
    “Wher
    edoyoulive?You'
    reneveraround,Idi
    dn'
    t
    event
    hinkNdl
    ali
    fahadsomeonei nhisli
    fe.
    ”
    “Ist
    ayinCannel
    ands.Ihaveabusyjob,soIhardl
    y
    getti
    metogooutandseepeople.”Ial
    sodon'thave
    moneytospendinordertomeetpeopleli
    keher.
    “Youmustt ellhimtobuyahousenearNdabuko
    andMaqhi ngasot hatwecanseeeachothermor e
    often.They'
    relikebr
    other
    s,somet
    imestheyjoin
    forcesagainstyou.Wealsoneedtoequi
    pour sel
    ves
    forsuchmoment s,
    ”shesays.
    Ican'
    thel
    pbutlaughatherr
    oll
    edfi
    st.I
    t'
    snotli
    ke
    wecanjoi
    nforcesandphysi
    call
    yhandlethem.

    “They'
    reabouttocutt
    hecake.”I
    t'
    sat allwoman
    witharoundfaceandbigbeauti
    fuleyes.Idon'
    t
    knowifI'
    veeverheardanyonespeaksfastasher.
    Shesaidallsevenwordsi
    nt wosecondsandt hen
    f
    oldedherar
    msandst
    aredatus.
    “
    Isyourmom notcompl
    aini
    ng?
    ”Ndondoasksher
    .
    “Shewantstopray,bl
    esst
    hem andleave,
    ”shesays
    withaneyerol
    l.Ndondoburst
    sint
    olaughterand
    gather
    shersel
    fup.
    Iguessweallhavetobearoundt
    hetwi
    nsont
    hei
    r
    royalchai
    rswhentheycutt
    hecake.

    Ahandgr absmeandpul l
    smebehindthecrowd.I
    havefor
    gottenaboutmydatefort
    henight
    .He
    wrapshisarm aroundmywaist
    .Il
    ethi
    m be,it
    'sa
    part
    yandIdon' twantt
    obedramati
    c.
    Awomangoestothef
    ront
    ,si
    ngi
    ng;UJesuLo
    Unobubel
    eNami
    .
    Thisisapartyforcryi
    ngoutl oud!Guestshave
    gl
    assesofal coholi
    nt hei
    rhands,there'
    sadrunkDJ
    whokeepspl ayingNickiMinaj-Stupi
    dHoe.I
    understandthat'
    sshei shappyforherdaughter
    s’
    bi
    rthday,orwhoeverthey'r
    etoher ,butsi
    ngi
    ng
    aboutJesusi nthi
    splaceisoutofor der.
    Buttheysi
    ngalong.Iheardpeopl
    eloveGodwhen
    they'
    redr
    unk.They'
    resingi
    ngontopofthei
    rvoi
    ces.
    Thi
    sonenextt
    omei
    snotsi
    ngi
    ng.
    “
    Sing,
    ”Ipushhi
    sar
    m.
    “
    Idon'
    tknowt
    hesong.
    ”
    Whodoesn' tknowsuchafamoussong?I’
    m nota
    churchgoerbutIknowthi
    sonewordtoword,lyr
    ic
    tolyr
    ic.Ij
    usthappentosi
    ngundermybreath
    becauseIdon'twanttomesst
    hesongupf orother
    s.
    Icansingonever sei
    nthr
    eedi
    ffer
    entvoi
    ces.

    Finall
    y,shecutsthesongandstandswi
    thher
    handsbal ancedonthetabl
    einfr
    ontoft
    hepart
    y
    girl
    s.Herheaddr opst
    oherchestandoneoft
    hem
    rushestoherandenvelopesherinahug.
    She'
    scryi
    ng.Itstar
    tssoft
    lyandescal
    atesi
    ntoloud
    wail
    s.Bot
    hoft hetwinsar
    enowst andi
    ngwithher
    andcomfort
    ingher.
    “
    Thesearetear
    sofjoy,
    ”shesaysasshepicksthe
    micr
    ophone.She'
    ssmil
    ingthr
    oughgl
    itt
    ersoftear
    s.
    “Ican'
    tbel
    ievemybabiesaresogrown….”Thisi
    s
    goingtobeoneofthoselongspeechesblack
    rel
    ati
    vesgiveonyourbigday.
    “Thal
    ente,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasays,bri
    ngi
    ngmyatt
    ent
    ionto
    him.Ishif
    tmyeyesfrom thewomanatt
    hefrontt
    o
    him.
    “Pleasefr
    eeme.Iwanttobehappyl i
    keever
    yone
    elseandenjoythepar
    ty.ButIcan'
    t,
    becauseI'
    m
    i
    ncompl et
    e.Pleasegi
    vemet heanswerMaMbat ha.
    ”
    Nobodyi spayinganyattent
    iontous.Wearebehi
    nd
    everyone.Hisar misst
    il
    lwrappedaroundmywaist
    ,
    ther
    e'snor unningawayfrom hi
    m.
    “
    Ihavewai
    tedlongenough.Pl
    easel
    ookatme,
    I
    l
    oveyouThal
    ente.
    ”
    Ili
    ftmyeyesupandmeethi sstar
    esoftly
    penetr
    ati
    ngthroughme.Loveisnotintheair,i
    t'
    s
    therei
    nhiseyesandinvit
    ingmein.Idon'tknow
    whatli
    esbehindthem butI'
    mreadytogivemysel f
    tohim.
    Hi
    seyesshi
    ftj
    ustasI'm aboutt
    ovoi
    ceoutmy
    f
    eel
    ingsf
    ort
    hef i
    rstt
    ime.Myeyesfol
    lowhist
    othe
    f
    ront
    .
    Thewomani ssti
    llonherlongspeechandBible
    quot
    es.Itmustbesomet hi
    ngshesaidthatgrabbed
    hi
    sattenti
    on,
    orratheranameshecal l
    ed.
    “IhopeMagci nai sablet oseeyoufrom heaven.I
    feelli
    keGodr obbedhert hechancetowi t
    nessthe
    frui
    tsofherwomb.Maybeonedayshe' l
    lcomet o
    usinourdr eamsandt ellusherstory.AndIhope
    thatonedayGodwi l
    lleadusi nt
    oyourf at
    her.But
    untilt
    hen,Ishallremainamot herandfathertoboth
    ofyou.Idon'tcar ewhet heryouturn27or50, any
    boywhowant st osaysomet hi
    ngtoyouhast o
    comet omef i
    rst.
    ”
    They'r
    er ol
    li
    ngthei
    reyesbehindher .I
    'mtempt
    edt
    o
    l
    augh, sheneedstoacceptthatthey'r
    egrown
    sexualacti
    vewomenandr estbeforeherbl
    ood
    pressureshootsup.
    Ndlal
    if
    a'sar
    m desertsmywai st
    .Hepushesthrough
    crowdedbodiesandmakeshi swayt ot
    hefront
    ,
    wherethewomani s.Hegr absherar
    m andpull
    s
    hertothesi
    de.Hisforeheadisfur
    rowedint
    oahuge
    f
    rown.
    Ihavenoideawhat'
    sgoingon.Iwasabouttoagree
    tohispr
    oposal
    .Ineedtofi
    ndNdondo, maybeshe'l
    l
    enduphiri
    ngmet ocar
    ryhercrocodi
    lepursef
    orthe
    night
    .
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    06] :Chapt
    er25
    NDLALI
    FA

    Hedoesn'tevenask, hejustgrabsherhandand
    pul
    lsherasi de.Rightnowhe' snotthi
    nkingst r
    aight
    .
    Hedoesn'tseeal lthepeoplewat chi
    nghim.
    Thal
    ente’
    sanswerdoesn' tmatterf
    oramoment .
    Theonlythingt hatmattersishismother'sname-
    Magcina.Itcouldbeanamesakeorcoi ncidence,
    buthewon' trestunti
    lheknows.
    “
    Whoi
    sMagci
    na?
    ”heasks.
    Phumzileisthi
    sthrownbackbythelevelof
    di
    srespect.I
    t'
    soneoft hoseboyswhower e
    smokinginNdondo' shouset
    heotherday.Thi
    sone
    di
    dn'tevengreetherorshowanykindofremorse.
    Andnowhejustgrabbedherhandl
    iket
    hat
    ?Asi
    f
    she'
    shi
    sage-mate.
    “DoyouknowMagci naNgomane?Shewasdar k,
    maybet woshadesl ighterthanme, withast udnose
    andascarbehi ndherneck. ”Hesoundsdesper ate.
    He'sbeenl ookingsincehewas16.Thi sist hefir
    st
    ti
    mehe' shadtwodot sconnect i
    ng;27year sandt he
    name, Magcina.Thef ir
    sttimehe' severf eltcl
    oset o
    thetruth.Heneedshert oagr ee-tosay‘yesshe
    knowshi smother.’Thenhe' lltakeitf
    rom there.Hi s
    mot herlovedhim, shel ovedherki ds,shewoul dn't
    havel eftj
    ustli
    kethat .Somet hi
    nghappened, he
    knowst hi
    sbecauseher emember sexactlywhathe
    witnessedt heotherday.Heknowshowcr uelhis
    fathercanbe, he'
    sseeni tinhi staxir
    ivalr
    ies.He
    wasnotnamedNgonyamaf ormassagi ngpeopl e's
    feet.

    Phumzil
    eisst
    ari
    ngathi
    m,capt
    uri
    ngever
    ypar
    tof
    hi
    sfacesil
    ent
    ly.
    “
    Ma,
    isever
    ythi
    ngal
    ri
    ght
    ?”I
    t'
    sKhosi
    .She'
    sdar
    ing
    Ndlal
    ifawithhereyes;ifhedoesanyt hi
    ngt oher
    motherhe'llhavehertodealwith.She'salways
    beenpr ot
    ectiveofal
    lthoseinherlif
    e.Beingabig
    si
    sterrunsi nherbones,that
    'swhyshedi dn't
    hesit
    atetobef ri
    endNdondoandputherunderher
    wings.
    Surpri
    singly,Phumzil
    eglancesatheronceand
    nodsherhead.Ndl ali
    faissti
    llst
    ari
    ngatKhosi.
    Reall
    y,whodoesshet hinksheis?MikeTyson?
    She'salwayst hr
    eateni
    ngandgl ari
    ngatpeopl
    ewit
    h
    thoseextralargeeyesofhers.MotherHen!

    Thehandgr abbinghisarm breakshi


    seyesf r
    om
    Khosi.He'sbeingpull
    edbyt hewomant hatowes
    him answers,she'
    spulli
    nghim outofthevenue.All
    eyesareont hem.Peoplearewonder i
    ngwhatt he
    secretconversat
    ionsareal
    labout.Butitonl
    ytakes
    onesongt ogetthem backtot hepar
    ty.

    Sheletsgoofhi
    sarm andstepsback,
    tohavea
    goodlookathi
    m.They'r
    estandingbyther
    ail
    s
    l
    eadi
    ngdownt
    othepar
    kingar
    ea.
    “Whyar eyouaskingaboutMagci
    na?Ourmother
    didn'
    tmar r
    ylegal
    ly,
    sonextti
    mejustsayMagci
    na
    Nsele,notNgomane.”
    Hi
    schestbouncesasheconsumesaheavybr eat
    h.
    Hi
    sarmpit
    saremoi standi
    tchi
    ng.Somet
    hingabout
    hi
    smother,
    atlast
    !
    “She'
    smymot her.”Pai
    nandr el
    iefl
    aceuphiseyes
    ashesaysthis.There'
    salotgoingthr
    oughhismind
    ri
    ghtnow.Fear,j
    oy,painandmost l
    y,r
    eli
    ef.
    “You'
    reMagci
    na’sson?
    !”Herhandsar
    eoverher
    head.I
    sshegoingtocryagai
    n?No.
    Hisheadi spull
    edagai nstaf ul
    l-packedchest.The
    hugistoowar mt or esi
    standhel oveshugs.His
    motherusedt ohughi m exactl
    yl i
    kethiswoman.
    Shewasanaf fect
    ionatewoman, ki
    ssing,huggi
    ng
    andcuddling.Everymor ninghe' dwakeupanddash
    tohisparents’
    bedr oom andsnuggl ehimselfonhis
    mother.Hewasol derandf aster,Maqhingawoul d
    alwayssitonthefloorandst areatthem asthey
    cuddledandplayedonbed.He’ donl ygetahugging
    partneri
    ftheirfatherwasnotatwor k.Maybet hat'
    s
    whyheconnect edmor etoNgidi,
    theyhavet hat
    strongbond,theoneNdl ali
    fabrokeyear sago.Ngi di
    i
    shi sfat
    herbecauseher ai
    sedhim, theyshar e
    bloodandwor ktogether
    .Butthat'
    sit.Itendswi th
    businessdiscussionsandasourdi nnert ogether,
    forcedbyMaqhi ngaorNdabuko,oncei nafull
    moon.
    “Shedi dn'
    tsayanyt hingaboutyou.Magci na
    disappearedf or10year sandcamebackwi t
    ha
    hugest omach.Wedi dn'treconnect,wedi dn'ttalk
    aboutanyt hing, thesist
    erlybondwasn' tthere.It
    wasnevert herebutwewer egoodbef oreshel eft.A
    fewdaysaf terherar ri
    valshegavebi r
    tht othet wins
    anddi edshor tlyafterdeli
    vering.
    ”She'scr yingagai n.
    NotbecauseMagci nadied,andnotbecause
    Msawenkosiwasf oundr ott
    eni nthebushesa
    mont haf t
    erMagci na’spassing,butbecauset hey
    didn'
    tgett hechancet otalk.Therewer ethingsshe
    want edtoconf esstoher ,t
    hingsshecoul donl ytalk
    aboutt oasi ster.Nowshehast oraiset hekids
    alone,withaheavybaggagei nherhear t.
    “I
    'vebeenl ooki
    ngforher,
    shel
    eftwhenIwaseight.
    ”
    That'sallhemanagestosay.He'
    stryi
    ngtoswall
    ow
    backt helumprisi
    ngupinhisthr
    oat.He'
    s35,he
    can'tcryoverhismotheri
    naparty.
    “Wasshehurtwhenshecamehome? ”heaskswhat
    hasbeenbother
    inghi
    mf oryears.Yes,hethought
    hisf
    atherhur
    thi
    smot herandburiedher
    somewheretohidet
    heevidence.
    Phumzi
    lef
    rownsi
    nconf
    usi
    on.
    “
    Notphysi
    cal
    ly,
    ”shesays.
    He'sr
    eli
    eved,butnotwholl
    y.Hi
    smot herwoul
    dn'
    t
    havel
    eftthem j
    ustli
    kethat
    .Hisfat
    herknows
    somethi
    ng.
    “I'
    m Phumzi l
    e,youraunt
    .”Theyhugagai n,t
    ighter
    thi
    st i
    me.Hersi st
    erhadasonandhe' snotjusta
    boy,butafullygrownman.Maybet here'
    saway;
    shecangetsomet hi
    ngnow.Wher edi dMagcinalive
    i
    nt hatdecadeshewasawayf rom home?Whodi d
    shelivewith?Thegirl
    s,who'sthei
    rfather?Whydi d
    sheleaveandwhydi dshecomeback?
    Butshecan'
    taskal
    lthesequest
    iont
    oachi
    ld.He
    l
    ookscl
    uel
    ess,t
    her
    emustbesomeonewhohave
    t
    heinf
    ormat
    ionsheneeds.
    “Whodi dsheleaveyouwith?
    ”sheaskswi t
    hasoft
    stareglazi
    nginNdlal
    if
    a'spai
    nedeyes.Behindt
    hese
    upturnedeyesisathousanddropsoftear
    sheld
    back.
    “
    Wit
    hdad,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Ishest
    il
    lal
    ive?
    ”
    Ndlali
    fanodshishead.Heneverimagi nedf i
    ndi
    ng
    outabouthismotherthi
    sway.Dead, leftbehind
    twindaughter
    sthathavebeenunderhi snosef or
    years.Theyworkintheproduct
    iondepar tment,i
    n
    thecompanyhi sf
    atherranforyears,
    wear ingblue
    overall
    sandbootsli
    keeveryoneelse,andsweat ing
    from 7:
    30am to4:00pm.
    “They'
    remysister
    s?”He'
    smumbli
    ngtohi
    mselfbut
    he'saudi
    bleenoughtobehear
    dbyPhumzi
    le.
    “They'
    reyourmother
    'sdaught
    ers.I
    '
    m notsur e
    aboutthefat
    her,
    yourmotherandIdidn’ttal
    k.It
    wouldbebetteri
    fyoutakemetoyourf ather
    ,Ineed
    total
    ktohim.”She'
    sbeenlooki
    ngforwar dtothi
    s
    dayf oryear
    s.Shewon'
    tbeabl
    etosl
    eepbefor
    e
    tal
    kingtosomeonewhoknewMagcinaduri
    ngthe
    l
    astyear sofherl
    if
    e.
    “
    Ishear
    ound?
    ”sheasks.
    Hesi
    tantl
    y,henodshi shead.Hewant st oseet he
    twi
    nsandt alktothem.Noteveni nhiswi l
    ddr eams
    hasheeveri maginedhimselfhavingnotj ustone,
    butt
    wosi sters.Theylookali
    ke,hecan'ttellt
    hem
    apar
    t,notthathe'severbotheredtotr
    y.Thei r
    namesconf usehim aswell.
    “Pleaset akemet oyourfather,
    ”shepersist
    s.Ri
    ght
    nownot hingmat t
    ersmoret hancracki
    ngher
    sister'
    spast .Ther
    earemanypossi bi
    li
    ti
    esbuther
    i
    nst inctstel
    lherthatbef
    oret hi
    sdayendsshe'll
    knowt heidenti
    tyofhernieces.

    Ndlal
    if
    acamewi thsomeoneandheknowst hat
    she'
    sgoingt obemadathi mforthi
    s.Butthi
    sis
    i
    mpor t
    ant,he'l
    lhavetomakeituptoher.Hesends
    Ndabukoat ext,aski
    ngt
    hathi
    m andNdondot ake
    careofThalente.
    Phumzi
    lemakesacal
    landal
    ert
    sKhosit
    hatshei
    s
    l
    eavi
    ng.
    .
    .
    BHEKI“
    NGONYAMA"NGI
    DI

    It'
    snotever ydayt hathisf i
    rstsoncomest ohi s
    house.So, he'sshockedwhenheseesNdl ali
    fa
    wal kingi n.Notal one, butwi thanol dwomanbehi nd
    him.Lucki l
    yhi shousekeeperhasgonet oherr oom.
    Itwoul d'vebeenadi sasteriftheyf oundheri nt he
    house, probablyst i
    llinthatlacyshor tthi
    ngshewas
    wear ing.Hei snott hatmanwhosl eepswi thgirls
    twoyear syoungert hanhi sson, butshekept
    throwi ngher selfathi m andshedi dn'twant
    anyt hingmor ethanwhatst aysi nhi spantsand
    wal l
    et .Sheknowshowt osepar atewor kand
    personalmat ters.Thel astthi ngheneedsi sforhi s
    sonst ot hinkt hather eplacedt heirmot her,most ly
    Ndl ali
    f a.He'st heonewhor ef usest oletgo.Theone
    thathef earsonedaymi ghtt akeagunandpul lthe
    t
    ri
    ggerathi
    m.

    “Ngi
    di,
    ”Ndlal
    if
    asayst
    ohi
    m andpoi
    ntst
    hewoman
    onthecouch.
    What everthi
    sisabout,i
    t'
    snotgood.Hismi nd
    quicklyracestoMaqhinga.He'
    satroublemaker,
    dramaf oll
    owshim everywher
    e,andheal wayslet
    hi
    m getawaywi t
    heverythi
    ng.
    “
    What'
    sgoingon?”heasks,
    eyei
    ngthewoman
    who'
    sbeenstar
    ingathi
    m si
    nceshewalkedi
    n.
    “
    Thi
    sisPhumzi
    leNsel
    e,myaunt
    .”
    “
    Youraunt
    ?”Hel
    if
    tsuphi
    seyebr
    owi
    nquest
    ion.
    “Mymot her'ssi
    sterandshe'
    sher etoaskabouther
    sist
    er .Whathappenedt oher?”That'
    shisquest
    ion.
    Itcomesf r
    om him andnotfrom hisaunt
    .It
    's
    accompani edbyhatred.Hi
    sbloodshoteyesare
    piercingthroughNgidiandcrushingeveryl
    astpiece
    ofhi sheart.
    Hel
    ooksatthewoman, t
    heso-
    cal
    ledaunt
    ,and
    wai
    tsf
    orhertospeak.
    “Youhadachi
    ldwithMagci
    na,
    mysi
    ster
    ?”sheasks,
    calmert
    hanheexpect
    ed.
    “
    Chi
    ldr
    en.Twosons,
    ”hesays.
    Shefr
    ownsandt
    urnshereyest
    oNdl
    ali
    fa.Di
    dthey
    nott
    alk?
    “Hewasn'
    tatthepar
    ty.Ndondoaskedhim nott
    o
    comebecauseofwhathappenedtheotherday,
    ”
    Ndlal
    i
    fasays.
    Shel
    ooksevenmor
    econf
    used.
    “
    Whathappenedt
    heot
    herday?
    ”sheasks.
    “
    Youf ai
    ntedwhenyousawhi m andsai
    dhel
    ooked
    l
    ikeyourlat
    ebrot
    her
    ,”hesays.
    Itcli
    cksimmediat
    elyi
    nNgidi
    ’shead.Thi
    sisthe
    sisterhehear
    daboutonce,i
    fnottwi
    ce.I
    tconfuses
    him howsuchanor di
    nar
    ypersoncanbesohar dto
    find.
    “
    Phumzi
    le?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Yes.Shet
    alkedaboutme?
    ”
    “
    Afewt
    imes.
    ”
    There'
    samomentofsi l
    enceast heystareateach
    otherdif
    ferentl
    y.Bothofthem havesomucht osay,
    somanyquest i
    onst oask,butthere'
    sNdl al
    if
    ain
    presence.Somet hingsjustcan'tbediscussedin
    fr
    ontofchildren,nomat t
    erhowol dt
    heyar e.
    “Ihearshelef
    therealr
    eadypregnant
    .Whydidshe
    l
    eave? ”Phumzil
    ebreakstheshortmomentof
    sil
    ence.
    Ngi
    dit
    urnshi
    seyest
    oNdl
    ali
    fa.
    “
    Son,pl
    easegotot
    heki
    tchenandmakesomet
    hing
    f
    oryouraunt
    .”
    Ndlal
    i
    f al
    etsoutachuckl
    ei ndisbel
    iefandl
    eans
    backonthecouch.Thismant hinkshecankeep
    hi
    mf rom t
    hetrut
    h.At35,real
    ly?
    “Answert
    hequesti
    on,Hlomuka,
    ”hesays,r
    elaxed
    backonthecouch.He'
    snotgoinganywher
    e.
    “
    Didyouhaveafi
    ght
    ?”Phumzi
    leasksasshe
    r
    eal
    izeshowhar
    diti
    sforNgi
    ditospeakout
    .
    “
    No,wedidn'
    thaveafi
    ght
    .Thereasonyouf
    aint
    ed
    i
    sthesamereasonwhyshel
    eft
    .”Hekeepshi
    seyes
    awayfrom Ndl
    ali
    fa.Hedi
    dn'
    twanthi
    mtoknow.Not
    l
    iket
    his.Whyishesostubbor
    n?
    Phumzil
    efightsbacktear
    s.Sheswall
    owsthelump
    i
    nherthroat.Shehideshert
    rembl
    inghands.But
    not
    hingwor ks.
    “
    Thatboyi
    syourson?
    ”sheasksbet
    weent
    hesobs.
    Shegetsit.Ther
    e'snoneedf
    orexpl
    anat
    ions.I
    t'
    s
    theguil
    tthateat
    supherconsci
    ousmorethan
    anyt
    hing.
    “
    Yes,
    he'
    smyson,
    ”Ngi
    disays.
    “
    Andt
    hegi
    rl
    s?”sheasks.
    Hef
    rowns.Whi
    chgi
    rl
    snow?
    “
    SnakhoandSnal
    o,thetwinsshewaspr
    egnant
    wit
    hwhenshelef
    t,
    ”sheexplai
    nswhenshereads
    t
    heconfusi
    ononhisface.
    “
    Arethose….”Hetur
    nshiscreasedfacet
    oNdl
    ali
    fa.
    “
    Ident
    icalgi
    rl
    sfrom Bant
    wanaHol di
    ngs?
    ”
    “They’renotjusti
    denti
    calgi
    rl
    sfrom Bant
    wana
    Holdings,thoseareyourdaught
    ers.Youneedt
    o
    explainwhat '
    sgoi
    ngonher e?WhathasMaqhinga
    gotdowit
    hmom'sdisappear
    ance?
    ”Theybetternot
    l
    ietohi
    m.Theybot
    hknowsomet hinghedoesn't
    know.
    “Idi
    dn'tki
    llyourmother
    ,shelef
    tbecauseshedidn'
    t
    wanttobeher eanymore.That'
    sallyouneedt
    o
    know,”NgidisaysandlooksatPhumzile,
    “Wher
    ei s
    she?”
    “
    Shepassedonjustaf
    ewmi
    nut
    esaf
    terdel
    iver
    ing
    t
    hesecondgi
    rl
    .”
    Henodshishead.This,
    he'
    lldealwit
    hitsomeother
    day,i
    fheeverdoes.Hepushesittothepi
    leatt
    he
    backofhi
    shead.He'snotgoingtobreakdownin
    fr
    ontofhi
    sson.
    “Whydi dn'
    tshewantt
    obehere,wit
    hus,herki
    ds?”
    Ndlal
    i
    faper si
    stswi
    thhi
    squesti
    ons.He'
    snotlet
    ti
    ng
    gountilhegetshi
    sanswer
    s.
    “I
    'm nother
    ,she'
    stheonl
    yper
    sonwhocananswer
    yourquesti
    on.”
    HisresponsegetsNdlal
    if
    aonhisfeet.Justi
    ncase
    hehasn'tnot
    iced,he'
    stal
    lert
    hanhim andhe'd
    squashhim onthatcouchwithonefoot.
    “
    Bheki
    zit
    ha!
    ”
    Youcanexchangei nsults, ar
    gueanddefyyour
    parentallyouwant .ButinZul ul
    and,
    orSout hAfr
    ica
    aswhol e,thebiggestsinf oundonpage2600i n
    HowToBeAGoodChi l
    dbook, i
    scal
    li
    ngyourpar ent
    byname.Youj ustdon't.Itendsbadl
    y,unlessif
    you'r
    eaSandt onchi ld.
    “Si
    tdownwenanj a.Youwantthet
    rut
    h,ri
    ght
    ?Get
    yourblackassbackonthecouchandheari
    t.Buti
    f
    youdar emyboy,i
    fyoudaretel
    lMaqhi
    ngathis
    you'
    llseewhoNgonyamai s.
    ”
    Okay,theyshoul
    dcalm downbef
    orePhumzil
    e
    rel
    easesthatpeeshe'
    spressi
    ngonthecouch.

    Ndlal
    if
    asit
    sdownandl ooksathisf
    ather
    .He'
    sjust
    secondsawayfrom thetrut
    h,somethi
    nghe'
    s
    alwayswanted,buthe'
    sfeeli
    nguneasy.Hewantst
    o
    runawaybeforeheevenhear sit
    .
    “Yourbrotherl
    ooksl
    ikeyouruncle,yourmother'
    s
    brot
    her.Youheardthat,
    right
    ?Thatmot her
    fu€ker
    wasther easonwhyyourmot herendedupint he
    str
    eetsofTongaat.Herapedher,fr
    om theageof14
    tothedaywhenshedeci dedtorunawayf r
    om
    home.Ididn'
    tknowallthat,
    wedi dn'
    ttal
    kabouther
    pastunti
    lMaqhingawasbor n.Asyou'veheard,
    Maqhingalooksli
    keyourbrotherfr
    om headt otoe,
    andforthatr
    easonyourmot herhatedhim.She
    wantedmet okil
    lhim.Tokil
    lmyownson.Ir efused.
    Shesuggestedadopti
    on,Isti
    llr
    efused.So,shetook
    herpurseandleft
    .”
    Ngidihastol
    dhimthetrut
    hhewaspr ot
    ecti
    nghi
    m
    f
    rom.He's35andt al
    lert
    hananyoneinthi
    sfami
    ly,
    t
    hatmakeshi m amanenoughtoforcepeopl
    eto
    t
    alk,ri
    ght?

    Ndlalif
    astar
    esupatt heceil
    ing,
    bli
    nksbackhis
    tearsandblowsout .Thi
    sisnotwhatheexpectedto
    hear.Hischestisdryandaching.Hecan'
    tgeta
    singlewordout.Hischil
    dhoodmemor i
    esarestil
    l
    clearinhi
    shead.
    I
    twastr
    eat
    .Thei
    rmot herl
    ovedthem,orr
    atherhi
    m.
    Hedi
    dn'
    tnot
    iceanyt
    hing,event
    houghtherewere
    str
    anget hingshappeningattheirfat
    her '
    sabsence.
    Theunr easonablescoldi
    ngtowar dsMaqhi nga,t
    he
    wayshenevert ouchedhim orl
    ifthim upwhenhe
    cri
    ed.Thosegoodi esheat einhismot her'
    s
    bedroom whi l
    eMaqhi ngawasl eftwi
    tht henannyin
    thelounge.Hewassevenandi nhi smi ndthethi
    n
    babywashi scompet i
    tor
    .
    Hisheaddr opstohischestandthesniffescapes
    hisnose.Hegat hershi
    mselfup,t
    akingnosi ngle
    glanceathisfatherandaunt,
    andleavesther oom
    withtearsrunni
    ngdownhi scheeks.Hehasa
    bedroom ineveryhousethathisf
    atherbuys, hejust
    neversleepinthem.Thisonehashispi ct
    ureslining
    thewall.Hehasneverseensomeoft hem,he
    doesn'tevenknowwhent heyweret aken.
    Hethr
    owshimselfont
    hebedandbr
    ingst
    hepi
    ll
    ow
    upagai
    nsthi
    sface.
    -
    -

    Ngonyamaisscared.He'squaki
    nginhi
    sboots.He
    wantsthem t
    osetanotherday,maybet
    hefol
    lowing
    one.I nhismi nditwasanot herboy, t
    hedoct or
    didn'ttel
    lthem itwast het wins.Washeevent her
    e?
    Thatwast hepr egnancyher egrett
    edmor et han
    anything.Ther ewasal otgoingonandhest il
    l
    want edtogi vehisattentiontohi sneglectedson.
    Findingoutt hathei saf athertotwogi rl
    s.27year s
    old,andhe' sknownt hem fortwoyear s.He' s
    threatenedtof i
    reoneoft hem, he'snotsur ewhich
    onei twas.Itscar eshim.
    ButPhumzi leisnotgoi ngtosl eepwi ththese
    exci
    ti
    ngnews.She' sgoi ngbackt othatpartywit
    h
    thegreatestgiftever;thei
    rfather.MaybeMagci na
    wil
    lforgi
    veherf ornotbeingabl etopr ot
    ecther,she
    hasunitedherdaught erswitht heirf
    ather.Hersons
    wil
    lcomehomeandseehergr ave.That's
    something,right?
    Herf
    earofmenisatrestassheclimbsinsi
    de
    Ngi
    di'
    scarandf
    astensherseatbel
    t.Allt
    hatmat
    ter
    s
    i
    sseeingt
    hesmil
    eonherbabi esfaces.
    Shecan'
    twai
    t.ButNgi
    dii
    snotdr
    ivi
    ngyet
    .
    “
    Whendi
    dshear
    ri
    vehome?
    ”heasks.
    “
    16August
    ,”shesays.
    That'
    sconfusi
    ng.Di
    dn'tshegostrai
    ghthomef rom
    Ngidi
    'shouse?Magcinanevermadeanyf r
    iends,
    notevenwithhi
    sfri
    ends'wives.
    “Shel
    efther
    eourhouseon10t
    hofAugust
    ,”Ngi
    di
    saysi
    ndeept hought
    s.
    “
    Maybeshestar t
    edinLamont
    vil
    lewher
    e
    Msawenkosil
    ived.”
    Helooksatherwit
    hafrown.Herf
    aceremai nst
    he
    same.Oneplusoneequalst
    wo.Ngidir
    eleasesa
    si
    ghandstartst
    hecar.
    I
    twasbad,
    wasn'
    tit
    ?Hef
    ail
    edMagci
    nadi
    smal
    ly.
    -
    -
    Thenightisstillyoung,itseemsl i
    kemor epeople
    cameaf t
    erPhumzi lelef
    t.Asshest epsoutoft he
    carshebumpsi nt
    oNdondo.Ngi dii
    sstanding
    behi
    ndherandpoppi nghi sfi
    ngers.Hisbiggestf
    ear
    i
    sthatthey'l
    lrejecthim.They're27f orcryi
    ngout
    l
    oud,they'
    vemadei tt
    hisfarwi t
    hhim presentbut
    wit
    houthishel p.
    “Cal
    lSnakhoandSnal
    o.Ican'
    tpusht
    hrought
    his
    crowd,
    ”Phumzil
    esaystoNdondo.
    Ndondocl
    ear
    shert
    hroatandl
    ooksawayf
    rom her
    .
    “
    Onl
    ySnakhoi
    sher
    e,”shesays.
    Phumzil
    efrowns.Theywerebot
    hher ewhenshe
    l
    eft
    .It
    'st
    heirfancypar
    tyandsupposedl
    y,al
    lthei
    r
    dr
    unkardfr
    iendsarehere.
    “
    Wher
    e'sSnal
    o?”sheasks.
    “Shewentsomewhere.Don'
    twor
    ryaboutherMa,
    she'
    ssafe,
    ”Ndondosays.
    “Wher
    eissomewhere?Ineedher,t
    her
    e's
    somet
    hingIwantt
    otellbot
    hofthem.”
    NdondoglancesatNgidiandrubsherhands
    t
    ogether
    .There'
    sathickannoyedgirlcomi
    ngthei
    r
    way,whensheseesNgi dishestopsdeadonher
    t
    rackswit
    hhereyesbul gi
    ngout.Owkaaay.
    “
    Ndondo!
    ”Phumzi
    lesnaps.
    “Snal
    olef
    t,Maqhi
    ngacamet ofetchher.Pl
    easeMa,
    she'
    s27andit'
    sherbir
    thdaytoday.Letherbe.
    "Her
    wordsfal
    londeafear
    sasbot hNgidiandPhumzil
    e
    r
    ushbackt
    othepar
    kingar
    eaasi
    fthewor
    ldbehi
    nd
    t
    hem i
    sonfi
    re.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    06] :Chapt
    er26

    Youcel ebr ateyourbi rthday, youthankGodand


    yourancest ors, youreflectbackonyourj ourney;
    howf aryou' vecomeandever ybattl
    ethatyou' ve
    won.Yout ryreal l
    yhardt odwel lontheposi ti
    vesi de,
    thegr eenersi deofyourbei ng, butatthebackof
    yourheadt her e'sasof tvoicewhi speri
    ngever ything
    you' r
    et ryingt oadj ustinto.Theabsenceofyour
    par entst hatyounevermet ,yourdiplomat hat'
    s
    l
    yi ngont hedust ,
    thesicknesst hatyoucan' ttell
    anyoneaboutbecauset hey'llover
    react,andlifeas
    awhol e.You' r
    enotwher eyout houghtyou'dbe, far
    from yourdest iny,withnot hingtolookforwar dto
    andbar elyagl impseofhope.

    Hergrandmother'
    ssurnamewasNsele.Because
    hergr
    andparentsdidn'
    tmarr
    yandallt
    heirchi
    ldr
    en
    hadtousetheirmother'
    ssur
    name,herownmot her
    thatshenevermetdeci dedt odieandl eaveheri n
    thatsur name.One- of-
    two, part-
    of-t
    he-combo, t
    he-
    other -
    hal f
    ,twinnie,Snakho…youchoose.She' sbeen
    call
    edal lthosenamesbutherbi r
    thnamei s
    Snal olonkeandNsel eiswel l
    ,hersurname.Tur ning
    27meansyou' r
    ej ustt
    hr eeyear sawayf rom bei ng
    30.I tmeansyoushoul dbeatl eastquarterami leto
    thelifeofyourdr eams.Youshoul dbecont entwi th
    your self
    , you'
    reTWENTYSEVEN!ButnotSnal o,
    she'sspendt hel ast27year sofherl if
    ebr eathing,
    eatingandwaki ngupt oseet henextday.Li f
    e
    doesn' tmakeanysense, i
    tneverhas, sowhynot
    justgowi ththewi nd?It'snotl i
    keanythinggood
    evercomesoutofbei nga“ goodgi r
    l.
    ”
    Sheswal lowstwoshot sandsqueezesherf aceas
    thehotfluidwashesdownhert hroat.Herhand
    fi
    shesouthercel l
    phoneandshescr ol
    lsdownher
    chats.Herf i
    ngerstopsatMaqhi nga, t
    hetr
    ust -f
    und
    fuckboythathasmadeadvancesal mostwi thever
    y
    girli
    nKZN.Somet hingabouthim drawsheri n.She
    canr el
    atetohimi nsomeway.I tcoul dbethe
    “screwyoul i
    fe"l
    ifestyl
    ethatshemi ghtbeliving
    soon.Li
    fei
    sfuckedupsowhynotbecomeaf
    ucker
    andaccommodateit
    .
    “Hal
    f?”That
    'showheanswer s.Shereall
    ydoesn't
    mind.She'
    swhat everyoudecidetocallher.I
    t
    doesn'
    tmatter
    ,it
    'snotlikeshehasanyi denti
    ty.
    “Youdidn'
    tcometothepart
    y,”shesaysandgrabsa
    half
    -dr
    ankglassofwinet
    hatSnakholeftont
    he
    tabl
    e.
    “Iwasuninvi
    ted,
    ”hesayswi
    thachuckl
    e.Hi
    smood
    andapproachofli
    fei
    sexact
    lywhatSnal
    owant
    sto
    i
    nheri
    t.
    “Real
    ly?HowaboutIbri
    ngthepart
    ytoyouthen?”
    Sheli
    cksherli
    psandscansaroundthedancefl
    oor.
    HerauntisgoneandKhosihascal
    meddown, she'
    s
    nowhavingherfi
    rstgl
    assofwine.
    “Don'
    tplaywithmeSnakho!”There'
    samovementi
    n
    hisbackground.I
    tsoundsl
    iketheshif
    ti
    ngof
    mattr
    essandsomet hingcr
    acki
    ngont hefl
    oor
    .
    Shedoesn'tcorrecthi
    m,peopl
    edocal
    lherSnakho
    andvi
    ce-versa.Shesendshimthel
    ocati
    onand
    downsanot hershot.
    Ndondoi spregnantandboredwithaglassofjui
    ce
    i
    nherhand.Ther e'
    sathi
    ckladynextt
    oherwi tha
    bigaf
    ro.Shedoesn' tl
    ookli
    kesomeonewhocame
    topar
    ty.It'
    slikeshecamet opl
    ansomeone' s
    murderinstead;herli
    pskeeptwi
    tchi
    ngf or
    wardin
    anger
    .
    SnaloknowsthatasmuchasNdondoi sprot
    ect
    ive,
    sheisnotdramati
    casKhosi.Soshemakesherway
    toherandtapshershoul
    dertogethergol
    den
    att
    enti
    on.
    “
    Gir
    l,I
    '
    mleavi
    ng,
    ”shesays.
    Ndondol
    ooksupwi
    thaf
    rownonherf
    ace.
    “
    Towher
    e?”sheasks.
    “
    Maqhi
    nga’
    shouse.
    ”
    Herfacedrops.Butshe'
    snottheonetoj
    udge
    people,
    especial
    lyonthei
    rbi
    rt
    hdays.
    “CondomiseNal o,
    youcouldbethefi
    ft
    hgirlhe
    sleepswit
    ht hi
    sweek,”Ndondosayswithworry
    l
    iningherface.
    “Don'
    tworry,
    I'
    m agrowngi r
    l,
    ”Snalosaysand
    envel
    opesherinahugbef orecl
    utchi
    ngherpurse
    underherarm andwal
    kingout.

    Itdoesn'ttaketool
    ongbeforeamidnight-
    blue
    PorscheCayennepul l
    supandhoot sforher.She'
    s
    carefull
    ytot akeasi
    ghtofhersurr
    oundingsbefor
    e
    waltzingtothecarandopeningthepassengerdoor.
    Thisisit-ScrewYouLife!
    “Thisisasurpri
    se,”Maqhi ngasaysasshef astens
    theseatbel
    tandadj ustsonherseat .It
    'stodayt hat
    she'seversenthim atextthat '
    snotwor kr el
    ated.
    Maybeayearhaspassedsi ncehemetal lofthem,
    theNselegirl
    s,noneoft hem hasevershowedany
    i
    nterestinhim.Probablybecauseever yoneknows
    whohei sandwhathei sal labout.Hehad
    concludedthattheywer ethet ypethatbel i
    evesi n
    fai
    rytal
    es;happy-ever
    -aftersandal lthatshit
    .
    Somet hi
    ngtheyknowver ywel lthathecannotgi ve.
    “Wel
    l,l
    et'
    sjustsay“
    fuckl
    if
    e.”Wher
    ear
    ewegoi
    ng?
    ”
    sheasks.
    Hecapturesherfacewi t
    hafewl i
    nescreasedon
    hi
    sforehead.Thisisnotthegirlwhohasgi venhim
    acol
    dshoul dereveryt
    imehet ri
    edt otal
    ktoher.Or
    i
    sitt
    heot herone?Hecan' tt
    ellthem apart
    .
    “
    Whathappened?
    ”heasks.
    “Nothing,
    reall
    y.Ij
    ustneedtocooldownand…”A
    sigh!Shepullsdownherdreadl
    ocksandleansback
    ont heseat.
    “
    Justdr
    ive,
    ”shesays.
    Hedoesn'
    taskanyfur
    therquest
    ionsheput
    sthe
    engi
    neint
    oli
    feanddri
    vesoff.

    Maqhi ngahasal waysbeenaboutf unandhe


    doesn'tmi ndpayi ngfori t.I
    t'
    ssimpl e;hepicksagirl
    ,
    asksforagoodt ime-nost r
    ingsattached,andi n
    retur
    n, het akescar eofwhat evertheyneedhi mto
    takecar eof ,f
    inancial
    ly.Anewpai rofshoes,
    weaves, booze,gadget s-they'
    renevert oo
    expensi ve.Buttodayi sabi tdif
    ferent.Heknowsby
    thewayshe' spaci ngar oundhisloungewi tha
    bottl
    eofPer onithatshekeepssi ppingstraightf
    rom
    i
    tsmouth.It
    '
    snotmoneyt hatshewants,norany
    ki
    ndoffi
    nancialsupport
    .Whatsheseeksi san
    emoti
    onalstr
    onghold;somethinghecannotgive
    her
    .

    Het akesadeepbreat
    hbef or
    emakinghi
    swayback
    tothelounge.Whenhe'sastepcl
    osert
    ohershe
    stopsherpacingandlooksathi
    m.
    “Doyouwantt
    ochi
    ll
    ,maybe?Ther
    e'saspotbyt
    he
    pool
    .”
    Herresponseisputti
    ngdownt hebot tleinherhand
    andgrabbinghim bythejacket
    .Thei rli
    pssmash
    andtheybothshuttheireyestotakei nanddigest
    thei
    rexchangedtaste.Maqhinga'sjacketfl
    iesdown
    tothefl
    oor,t
    hebut t
    onsofhisshi r
    tcr ackopenand
    hisbodyslowlysl
    idesdownont hecouch.
    Theirbr
    eathsgrowheavyasthekissdeepens.His
    fi
    ngerssli
    deatthesi
    deofherthonganddi pi
    nside
    herwarmf ol
    ds.Herubshercl
    itunti
    lsherel
    eases
    softmoans.
    “
    Twi
    nni
    e,
    ”hesaysashi
    sfi
    ngerpausesather
    opening.He'
    sstar
    ingathereyes,sear
    chingforany
    doubt.Herbrownseyesjustst
    arebackathim
    emptilyandshesl
    owlynodsherheadf orhimtogo
    ahead.
    Inst
    eadofpushi
    nghi
    sfi
    nger
    sin,
    hepul
    lshi
    shand
    outandpusheshi
    swayup.
    “Thi
    sisnotwhatyouneed.You'
    resear
    chi
    ngf
    or
    comforti
    nawrongplace,
    ”hesays.
    Hereyespopouti
    nshock.Didshej
    ustgetr
    eject
    ed
    byawell-
    knownski
    rt
    -chaser
    ?Wow.
    “Woza,”–Hepul lsherhandandtakesthestai
    rway
    wit
    hher .Hedoesn'thaveanythi
    nginmind.Whathe
    knowsi sthathecannotsleepwit
    hherifhe'
    snot
    goingtobeabl et
    ogiveherwhatsheneedsi n
    ret
    urn.Hepl aysafai
    rgame;awi nforal
    l.

    Hishandl etsgoofherandshequi cklyscansher


    eyesar oundt hegiganti
    ccreamy-pai
    ntedbedroom.
    She'srightnexttot hebed,
    soshel owershersel
    fon
    i
    tandwai t
    sf orthemanwhoj ustdi
    sappearedinthe
    bathroom withoutsayingawor d.Thisisnotwhat
    shecamef or,cl
    ear
    lyMaqhi
    ngaisnotwhatshe
    thought
    .Shecamef oragoodt
    ime,notalonel
    y
    ti
    mei nagiganti
    cbedroom.

    There'
    saphoneringi
    ngsomewhereint
    hepil
    lows.I
    t
    getshi
    m outoft
    hebat hr
    oom;hespr
    int
    souti
    na
    l
    ightni
    ngspeed.
    Sherol
    lshereyesashedashestograbit
    .She
    wasn'
    tgoingtoansweri
    t,she'
    snother
    eforhi
    sli
    fe.
    Herej
    ect
    sthecal
    landswit
    chest
    hephoneof
    fwi
    th
    asmuglookonhi
    sface.
    “Thi
    soldmanneedst
    osl
    eep,
    ”hesaysandt
    hrows
    himsel
    font
    hebed.
    Itmust'
    vebeenhi
    sfather,maybetheyannoyeach
    otherwit
    hphonecal
    lsfrequent
    ly.Daddy'
    sboy!
    “Sotwinnie,
    whatisgoingon?”Hismoodhas
    l
    ightened.Hepull
    sherhandandpl acesi
    tbet
    ween
    hisandgivesitasli
    ghtsqueeze.
    “
    I'
    m nother
    etot
    alk,
    ”Snal
    osays.
    “
    Comeon,
    you'
    re27.Beni
    ce.I
    '
    m al
    lear
    s,udl
    iwa
    yi
    ni?”He'
    snotlett
    ingthi
    sgo.Notwhensomuch
    sadnesssti
    lldwel
    lsinhereyes.He'snother
    api
    st,
    nei
    therdoesheknowhowt ocomf ortasadper
    son,
    buthe'
    swi l
    li
    ngtolist
    en.
    Hiseyesgazeatheri
    ndemand,sherel
    easesasigh
    andfall
    sonherback.Herneckl
    iesonhi
    sarm and
    theybothst
    areupatthecei
    li
    ng.

    “Idon'
    twanttoli
    ve.
    ”Herwor dst
    urnhi
    seyestoher
    .
    That'
    snotathingtosay.Youcan'
    tsayyoudon'
    t
    wanttoli
    ve.Li
    feisablessi
    ng.
    “I
    'm notl
    ookingforwar dtoanything.I'
    m doi ngthi
    s
    l
    ifethi
    ngformysi ster.There'
    snopur pose.I've
    wantedtoendi tsomanyt i
    mesbutt het houghtof
    l
    eavingSnakhol ost
    , al
    lalone,alwaysst opsme.I
    don'
    twantt obehere.I '
    mt i
    red.”There'snosadness
    i
    nhervoice.Nohi ntofr emorse.It'
    sjustt heplai
    n
    tr
    uththatshemakessoundsonor mal .
    “
    You'r
    edrunk,
    ”Maqhingasayswithafrownonhis
    f
    ace.Thi
    sisthest
    rangestt
    hinghe'severhear
    d.
    “
    Idr
    ankbutI
    '
    minmyr
    ightsenses.Ihavenever
    want
    edt
    odoi
    teversi
    nceIwas15,
    ”shesays.
    “
    Todowhat
    ?”heasks.
    “Livi
    ng.It'
    sbeendr ai
    ningandpainful
    .IthoughtGod
    woul ddomeaf avourandusehi spowert otakeme,
    butitseemsl i
    kehest i
    llwant
    smet osuffer.Maybe
    there'
    speaceint henextworld.Whoknows, Imight
    meett hewomanwhogavebi rt
    htome.Ial ways
    heart hatt
    hedeadar eatpeace.”Shechuckl esto
    l
    ightent hemoodbutMaqhi nga’sfaceremai nscold
    andhi seyesbloodshot.
    Shepincheshisarm andsmi
    les.Whyi
    shemaki
    ng
    abigdealoutofit
    ?
    “
    Lifeisforpeoplel
    ikeyou.Peopl
    ewhodon'tcare;
    whohavei tal
    l.Homes,parent
    s,happi
    nessandall
    t
    his.”Shepointsar
    oundt hegl
    amorousbedroom.
    “Whatdoyouneed? ”Hisvoicebr
    eaks.Whywoul da
    beauti
    fulgi
    rll
    ikeherwantstoendherownl i
    fe?Li
    fe
    i
    snotf ai
    rtoeveryone.Thi
    ngswon’tal
    waysgot he
    waywewantbutwehavet hi
    ngs,orr
    atherpeopl
    e,
    toli
    vefor.
    “
    Peace.Ineedpeace,
    ”shesays.
    Hewashopi ngshe' dsay“ money”sot hathecoul d
    help.Butpeacei snotsomet hinghecangi vet o
    someone.Hedoesn' tknowpeacehi mself,itwas
    neverthereinhisf ami l
    ygrowi ngup.Hi sfatherand
    brotherfoughtalmostever yday.I toncegotsobad
    thatNdlali
    fahadt omovei nwi thoneoft hedr ivers.
    Hismot herhasal waysbeent hesubj ectandcause
    ofhisfami l
    yfights.Hedoesn' tr emembermuch
    abouther ,t
    here'
    snosi ngl
    epi ctureofthem t ogether.
    Heseesheri npicturesinhisf ather'
    swall;pictures
    ofheralone, wit
    hhi sfatherandsomewi thNdl ali
    fa.

    Snalot urnstohim andsmiles.Hersmi lei


    s
    beaut i
    ful;herl
    owerlipist
    hicker,t
    here'sadimpleon
    herchi nandhert eet
    hhaveat inyperfectgapatthe
    front.I
    t'sasmi l
    ethatcanbrightenthenextperson'
    s
    face,butMaqhi ngaknowshowempt ysheisbehind
    thatsmi le.Hejustst
    aresatherwi t
    hnot hi
    ngbut
    pity.
    “
    RightnowIneedanor
    gasm andadr
    ink,
    ”shesays.
    “
    Whi
    chonedoyouneedmor
    e?”heasks.
    Shesnapsherf
    inger
    sasever
    altimeswi
    tht
    hat
    smil
    eofherspl
    aster
    edonherface.
    “
    Orgasm,
    ”shesays.
    Hegr i
    nsandr oll
    soffbed.He'
    snotgoi
    ngtodeny
    herthis;somethi
    ngtomakeherfeelbet
    teronher
    bi
    r t
    hday.Hepul l
    sdownhi sj
    eanandbri
    efsand
    crawlsbackont hebed.
    Lift
    ingupherdressisajobandhal f.Hemanages
    togetitpastherhi
    psandj ustpull
    sdownherdamp
    thongonceandf oral
    l.Whilehishandstrokesthe
    l
    engt hofherthi
    gh,t
    heirl
    ipsareconnectedliketwo
    piecesofthepuzzl
    einast eamykiss.

    Theheatradi
    ati
    ngfrom hi
    mt oherforcesl
    ow
    moansoutoftheirmouths.Hi
    sf i
    ngerhasreached
    thecent
    erofhercoreandherlegshave
    i
    nvolunt
    ari
    lyopenedwidertoall
    owhimt ohavehis
    way.
    Hepushesonef ingeri
    nsi
    deheropeni
    ng.She
    breaksthekisst
    oallowhermoanstofr
    eelyexpr
    ess
    herpleasur
    e.
    Hesoftl
    ybit
    esthesideofherneckandt r
    ailski
    sses
    al
    lthewaydownt oherchest
    .Thedressblockshim
    fr
    om goingf
    urtherdown.Hegr absoneboobout
    andplayswit
    ht henippl
    e.
    Wit
    hhi
    seyeshalf
    -l
    idded,
    lustt
    hreat
    eni
    ngt
    obur
    st
    hi
    svei
    ns,
    helooksupather.
    “Twinnie,Imaynotbeabl
    etohol
    dmysel
    f.Il
    ovet
    he
    coochie,”hesays.
    “Whoaskedyoutohol
    dyour
    sel
    f?”sheaskswi
    tha
    gri
    nonherface.
    Well,they'r
    eont hesamepage.Hesl idesdownand
    reachest hef l
    oorwi
    thhisfeet.Hepullshert
    othe
    edgeoft hebedandsepar at
    esherlegstogeta
    betterviewofherpar adi
    se.Cleananddr i
    ppi
    ngwet.
    Readyf orHl omuka!

    Hestickshi
    stongueinsidethecent
    erofhercor
    e
    andtakesalongli
    ckf r
    om thetopofhermound
    downt oherbut
    thole.Herhearti
    sraci
    ng,shewant
    s
    togetupbuthepinsherdown.
    Hisfi
    ngerisci
    rcl
    ingaroundhersecondhol
    eand
    honest
    ly,t
    hisi
    snotsomet hi
    ngshe'dconsi
    dert
    oget
    pl
    easure.That
    'sano-goarea,butdaaamn!
    “Maqhinga…don'
    t…”Hisli
    psnibbleherclitand
    whatevercomplai
    ntsshehadf l
    youtoft hewindow.
    Shecan'tsayonecoherentsentence.Thecondom
    foi
    ltear
    s,she'
    sneverbeensoi mpatientandhungry
    foramanl i
    kesheistoday.She'
    shel pi
    nghi m ashe
    rol
    lsthecondom onhisshaft
    .
    “RelaxTwinni
    e,Igotyou.”Herubshercli
    tand
    pushesdownhi serectshaftt
    hroughherfol
    dsand
    entersheropeni
    ng.Asherwar mf l
    eshswall
    ows
    himi n,
    hecursesoutandbi t
    eshisli
    p;“
    Fu€k,
    Mama! ”

    Herwai stmoveswi t
    hhisthrusts.Hi
    sf oreheadis
    l
    inkedonher s;hissweatdroppingdownonher .
    He'sbreathi
    ngherandshe' sbreathi
    nghi m.He's
    tappingthedepthsofhercore,rubbingcor ner
    sthat
    haveneverbeent ouchedbefore,herscreamsar e
    fil
    li
    ngupt heroom andherlegsar ewrappedar ound
    hi
    swai
    stf
    ordearl
    if
    e.
    “Whatareyoudoi ngtome,Twinnie?”heasksina
    tr
    embli
    ngvoi ce.Thi
    sfeelsl
    ikesexwi t
    hadiffer
    ent
    name.It
    '
    snotl ikeanythi
    nghe'severexper
    iencedi
    n
    hiswhol
    ef u€kingli
    fe.
    Hemoveshi supperbodyandcastshiseyesdown
    t
    ot hei
    rconnect
    edpar t
    s.He'sst
    ari
    ngathisshaft
    t
    hrusti
    nginandout ,
    exposingheri
    nnerpi
    nkish
    f
    leshandherswollenclit
    .
    Hedoesn'tcr
    yabouthi smot her
    .She'
    snot
    someoneher emember s,butri
    ghtnowthepleasur
    e
    i
    st hr
    eat
    eningtobursthisveins.Hecanfeelahot
    rushsur
    gingthroughthem andwar minguphis
    wholebody.
    “Mamaaaa!OhMyGod! ”He'
    scal
    li
    ngallt
    hepeopl
    e
    heshoul
    dn’tbecal
    li
    ngduri
    ngsuchdeed.
    Thedoorswingsopenj ustashebalancesonhis
    toesandpul
    lsupSnal o'
    swaist;hi
    sshaftbal
    anci
    ng
    i
    nsideheri
    nitsful
    llength.
    “
    Ma..
    .qhi
    …nga,”-
    Hisfather
    ’sf
    aintvoi
    cecomesf
    rom
    t
    hedoor,
    freezi
    ngallt
    hemovement sinsi
    det
    he
    r
    oom.
    .
    .
    Bheki“
    Ngonyama”Ngi
    di

    There'
    snowor dtodescr ibewhathe' sf eeli
    ngr i
    ght
    now.Hi ssonsnuggl edonhi sdaught er;di€kin,
    ball
    sout .Thisisnotsomet hinghewi llfor
    get
    anyti
    mesoon.Hewant stoscr eam,topunch
    someoneanddi smant letheirjawswi thhisf i
    sts.
    Buthecan' t.Snal
    oisyett of indoutthatshe' shis
    daughter.AndMaqhi ngai shisboy, t
    heappl eofhis
    eye.Hecanshoutathi m, insulthi
    m andt hreaten
    him atti
    mes.Buthe' dneverl ayhi
    shandonhi sson.
    Never.Overcompensat i
    ngorwhat everyoumaycal l
    i
    t,buthevowedt omaket hisboyf eelspeci al
    ,to
    neverfeelanygapi nhi shear tandtoneverwi sh
    thathehadmor ethant hel ovehegiveshi m.
    Hestepsoutofthedoortoall
    owt hem todr
    essup.
    Hewant st
    osli
    deandr estonthefloor
    .Hisknees
    ar
    efail
    ingtohol
    dhim, buti
    nsteadofallowi
    ngthe
    weaknesst
    ocont
    rolhi
    m,hehol
    dsont
    hewal
    lfor
    bal
    ance.
    Phumzilei
    sdownstai
    rs,
    hopef
    ull
    yshedi
    dn'
    thearal
    l
    thesexual
    lyscr
    eamsthatwer
    ecomingf
    rom hi
    s
    son'
    sbedroom.

    Maqhingaopensthedoorandwalksout.Snal
    o
    must'
    velockedhersel
    fint
    hebat
    hroom outof
    shame.
    “Babawhyar
    eyoui
    nvadi
    ngmypr
    ivacy?
    ”He'
    s
    pissed.
    “
    Didyouatl
    eastuseacondom?
    ”
    Maqhi
    nga’
    seyebr
    owskni
    tafr
    own.Ist
    hisaj
    oke?
    Nowherepor
    tshi
    ssext
    ohisf
    ather
    ?
    “
    Bophel
    a…di
    dyouuseacondom?
    ”heasksagai
    n.
    Nowher eali
    zest
    hatsomethi
    ngiswrong.Hisfat
    her
    woul
    dneveraddr esshi
    m onsuchmatter
    sandcall
    hi
    m hisclannameunderthesamebreath.Thi
    sisn'
    t
    war,
    whatheseesonhi sfat
    her'
    sfacei
    ssomet hi
    ng
    hecannotdescri
    be.
    “
    Yes,
    Idi
    d.Whati
    sgoi
    ngon?
    ”heasks.
    Ngi
    diexhal
    esandst
    aresathi
    ssonhopel
    essl
    y.Why
    i
    sthi
    shappeni
    ngtohim?WhyMagcina?Why?!
    “Doyouhavet
    osti
    ckyoursel
    finsi
    deeverygir
    l?
    Evenyour
    …”Heshutshi
    seyesandt akesanother
    breat
    h.
    “
    I'
    m 29Baba,
    youcan'tcomet omyhouseand
    i
    nter
    rogat
    eme,”Maqhingasays.
    “
    Can'tyouzi
    pupyourpant
    sforamomentanddeal
    wit
    hlif
    e?”
    “Lookher
    eson, I
    'm notgoi
    ngtobemi ser
    able
    becauseI'
    m waiti
    ngforawomant hatmightnot
    evenbeali
    ve,
    ”heexpl ai
    nsusi
    nghi shands.That
    'sa
    shadetohisfat
    herwho'swaiti
    ngforawomanhe
    doesn'
    tknowwhet hershe'
    ssti
    llal
    iveornot.But
    Ngidii
    snotpissedoffbythat
    .
    “I'
    m notyourson,
    sli
    ma.Getyoursist
    eroutofyour
    bedroom andcomewi t
    hme.Now. ”Heunbuttons
    thelastbut
    tonsofhi
    sshir
    tanddragshimselfaway.
    Wi
    thaf
    rownonhi
    sface,
    Maqhi
    ngawal
    ksback
    i
    nsi
    dehi
    sbedr
    oom t
    ogetSnal
    o.
    “Idon'
    tknowwhat’
    sgoingon.Maybepet
    rolwentt
    o
    hishead.Myf
    atherwantst
    oseeus.”
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    07] :Chapt
    er27
    Maqhi
    ngaNgi
    di

    Thatwomanwhof aint
    edaft
    erseeinghimishere,in
    hishouse.Shereall
    yhasafaint
    ingwish,Maqhinga
    wasaskedt ostayfarawayf
    rom herandhe'sbeen
    respect
    ingthat
    .HeguessesthisisaboutTwinnie
    beinginhishouse-adramat
    icaunthascomet o
    fetchher.
    Hehearshergaspi
    nginshockastheywalki
    ntohi
    s
    f
    atherandherauntst
    andi
    nglikest
    atuesi
    nthe
    middl
    eofhisdini
    ngroom.
    “Gotothecarwithher,
    ”Ngidisayswi t
    houtt
    urni
    ng
    hiseyestothem.Histopbuttonsar eundoneso
    Maqhingaknowst hathehasf uckedup.The
    womanl ooksli
    keshe'sbeencr yi
    ngf orhour
    s,her
    puff
    yeyeskeepgoi ngfr
    om Twi nnietohim.Hehas
    towat
    chhisstepsbecausehedoesn'
    tknowwhat
    shemightdo;somewomenar ecr
    azyoutther
    e.

    HepullsTwinni
    e’
    shandandwalksoutoft
    hedoor.
    Ngidi
    'scari
    sparkedbehi
    ndhisandMaqhi
    ngais
    notsurewhichcarhewantedt
    hem t
    ogoto.
    “I
    ’
    ml eavi
    ng,”Twinniewhisper
    sandpul
    lsherhand
    offhi
    s.Issherunning,r
    eall
    y?
    “Ngidiwi llfi
    ndyoui fhewant syou.Don' tactstupi
    d,
    I'
    llbeamanandst andupf oryou. ”Hepul lsher
    back.Hecanseei ti
    nhereyes, she'
    sr eall
    y
    fri
    ght ened.He'sneverbeeni ntothiskindof
    situationbef or
    e-interrupteddur ingsuchast eamy
    sessi onbypar ents!Hehasanur get obendher
    downr ighthereandcar ryonwher et heyleftoff
    .Her
    ti
    nywai stfit
    tedper f
    ect l
    yinhi sar m.Hl omukahas
    neverbeenaccommodat edsowel l
    andmassaged
    thatwar mly.Thicklips,cleanandshaved, gri
    pping
    skill
    sonpoi ntandt heheat ingcor ethatbur stever
    y
    knoti nyourbody.Hi smemberi sup, justfrom t
    he
    fri
    ctionoft heirskincont acting.Howi sthi
    seven
    possi
    ble?Theyjustgotcaughtandal
    lhi
    sdi
    €k
    wantsistosl
    ideintoher?
    Hegr i
    ndshisteet
    handr el
    easesasharpbreat
    h.Hi
    s
    eyesaresti
    llonher,
    he’
    scr avi
    ngforever
    yinchof
    herbody.Andhernibbl
    ingonherlipli
    kethati
    snot
    helpi
    nghiserecti
    on.
    “Fu€k,
    you'
    resohotTwi nni
    e.”Hegrabsherhead
    andunexpectedlyonslaughtherwit
    hakiss.His
    handsarealloverherbutt,gr
    abbingandspanki
    ng,
    asheshoveshi stonguedowni nherthr
    oatand
    moansathert aste.
    Str
    onghandsgr abthebackofhisneck,
    Snalo
    j
    umpsof fwit
    hhereyesbulgingout.Afi
    stlandson
    Maqhinga'
    schin.Het ur
    nshisheadbackinshock.
    Maybehediddisrespecthi
    sfatherandt
    heaunt ,but
    awholepunch!He'sneverbeenpunchedbyhi s
    fat
    herinhi
    swhol el
    ife.
    “Whatareyoudoi ng?”Ngidir
    oarswit
    hanger
    steami
    ngfrom hiseyes.Hehasseenenough.This
    bull
    s…hewillneverforgett
    hisday.Hi
    schi
    ldr
    en!
    “
    Iloveher
    ,”Maqhi
    ngasays,
    wipi
    ngt
    hebl
    ood
    gushingoutofhiscrackedl
    ipwiththebackofhi
    s
    hand.Hedi dn'
    tthi
    nkabouti
    t.I
    tjustcameoutofhis
    mout h.Snaloi
    sinshockaswell.Love?That
    'sa
    for
    eignlanguage.
    Maqhingal ooksattheaunt ,al
    it
    tl
    ebitashamedof
    hisacti
    onsbutnotr egretful
    .He'
    sgoingtostandup
    forSnalo,becausethisisnotthelastt
    imetheysee
    eachother.Itwon'tendt hi
    sdayornextweek,he
    doesn'
    tknowwhat 'sgoingtohappenyetbuthe
    knowst hatthi
    sisnotit.
    “Ngi
    yaxol
    isaMabut
    …”Heexhal
    esandt
    urnshi
    s
    eyestoSnalo.
    “Iwantt
    ogettoknowherbet
    terandseewhereour
    thi
    nggoes.I
    'm nott
    ryi
    ngt
    omesswi t
    hher.I
    '
    llbeher
    peace,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Maqhi
    nga!
    ”Snal
    oexcl
    aims.
    “Imeanit,
    Twi nni
    e.I'
    l
    lbeyoursanctuar
    y,gi
    veus
    ti
    met oadjustint
    othi
    s…”Ngidicannotl
    ist
    entot
    his
    anyfurt
    her.
    Hesi
    mpl
    ycannott
    akei
    t.
    “
    She'
    syourbl
    oodsi
    ster
    ,damni
    t!
    ”
    Sil
    ence.Furr
    owedbr
    ows.Whatt
    hef
    u€ki
    she
    tal
    kingabout?
    “Son, youhavecommi tt
    edani ncest.Thisismy
    daught er.Yourmot her'schild.
    ”Asl owashi svoice
    i
    skept ,i
    tstil
    lbreaks.Hewat chesashi sson'sface
    transformsf rom hopefult opainful.Hest i
    ll
    remember showhe' dgethomeandf indhim,one-
    yearandei ght-
    mont hsol dinnocentbaby, sitti
    ngon
    thef l
    oorwi thhismi l
    kbot tl
    eandst aringathis
    mot herwi t
    hhi sbigbrothercuddl ingont hecouch.
    Hi sfacewoul dal waysbr i
    ghtenupwhenNgi di
    wal kedin.He'dr unint
    ohi m, happyt ofi
    nall
    yget
    somel oveaswel l
    .That'showNgi dilearnttohug
    randoml yandgi vesof tkisses.
    “Ma,whatishetal
    kingabout?”Snal
    oasks.Thi
    s
    wholethingmakesnosense.Howi ssheMrNgidi'
    s
    daughter?Howdidithappen?Maqhingacan'
    tbe
    herbrother
    .
    “Thi
    sisyourf
    ather
    .Thi
    sisthemanyourmotherl
    eft
    27yearsago,
    withyouandSnakhoi
    nhertummy.
    Andt
    hisboyi
    syourbr
    other
    ,I'
    m sosor
    rybaby.
    ”
    Nowi tget
    st hroughthei
    rskul
    ls.Thi
    sisn'
    taj
    oke.
    Ngidiwouldn'tjustpi
    ckarandom womanupand
    dr
    ivetoMaqhi nga'
    shousetoli
    e.
    Theyl ookateachotherandf r
    eeze.Tearsare
    gushingoutofMaqhi nga'seyes,hedoesn'tsni
    ff
    them backormove.Heknewaboutt hesibl
    ing-not
    sibl
    ings,andhedidn'tthi
    nkitwouldbesomeonei n
    hiscircl
    e.Whydidn'
    tt heyfi
    ndoutaboutt hi
    ssooner?
    Beforetheparty.

    Phumzi lepullsSnal oint


    oherar msandr ubsher
    back.Snal ohasal waysbeenadi ffi
    cultchildto
    rai
    se, mostlybecauseshedoesn' ttalkmuch.Ri ght
    nowPhumzi l
    edoesn' tknowwhat 'sgoingt ohappen.
    Howi sshegoi ngt ohelphergot hrought his.I
    fit
    wasSnakhoi twoul d'
    vebeeneasy;Snakhowoul d'
    ve
    screamed, cri
    edhereyebal l
    soutandcr eatedabi g
    scene.Itwoul d'vebeeneasyt owal kbesi deheras
    shenavi gatesthisnewr eal
    it
    y.ButSnal oisa
    myst eri
    ouschi ld,youneverknowwher ehermi ndis.
    Youneverknowifshe'
    sreal
    lyhappyorsad.She
    keepsever
    ythi
    ngin.

    NgidipullsMaqhi nga'sarm andhugshi m onhis


    chest.He'slockinginhi sownt ears.Thelastt
    hing
    hewant edwashi ssont oactanyt hingcl
    osetothat
    fu€ker,Msawenkosi .Het houghtthey'dgetherein
    ti
    me, beforehesl aughtersfr
    om hisownkr aal
    .But
    theywer elat
    e,thedamagehasbeendoneand
    there'
    snot hi
    nghecandot oreversebackt hedeed.
    “Son, wewi llwor kthisout.Youdi dn'tknow
    anything,”het ellsMaqhinga.Her eachesdownt o
    hiscrackedl i
    pwi thhisthumbandwi pesof fthe
    bloodl eakingfrom it.He'sdeal twithalotof
    crit
    ici
    sm f orbei nga“ mommy- dad"toMaqhi nga.A
    fatherwhohugshi ssonandt extshi mint he
    mor nings-thathavebeenquest i
    oned.Thebi ggest
    tabooi stelli
    nghi mt hatheloveshi m.Fat her sdon't
    dot hat,notint hisenvir
    onment .Butnobody
    under standswhathe' sbeent hroughwi tht hisboy.
    Nobodyunder standshowmuchl oveMaqhi nga
    needs, onlyhedoes.
    “HowBaba?How?Ij
    ustsl
    eptwi
    thmysi
    ster
    .Who
    sleepswi
    thhi
    sownsi
    ster
    ?Whodoest
    hat?”
    “Youdidn'
    tknow.That
    'sthebott
    om line.Iwi
    llmake
    thi
    sright
    ,bothofyouwil
    lbecleansedandI '
    l
    l
    appeasetotheancest
    ors.Ipr
    omi se.
    ”
    Thisi
    stoomuchf orMaqhinga.Nonumberofgoats
    canevermakehi mf or
    getwhathe'sdone.Howishe
    evergoi
    ngt olookatSnalointheeyesandnotsee
    herhalf
    -nakedwithhercoochielai
    doutforhi
    m?
    “Maqhi
    ngalet
    'sgohomeandtal
    k.Youhavetomeet
    yourot
    hersi
    ster
    ,”Ngi
    di'
    swor
    dsfal
    lonhisback.He
    walksi
    nsi
    dehishouseandshut
    sthedooraft
    erhim.
    -
    -
    Ngidiheavesasighandsl owl
    yturnshi
    seyest othe
    one-of
    -two.Twentysevenyears!Whydidn'
    t
    Magcinagivebir
    thandl eavet
    hem behi
    nd,justl
    ike
    sheleftot
    hers?
    “Thingolwenkosazane,
    ”hesays.Eventhought hey
    havemetundert hesedist
    ast
    efulci
    rcumstances,
    he'ssti
    llhappytof i
    nal
    lymeethisdaughter.I
    t
    doesn'tmeant hatther
    ewasnost orm orthatthey
    arenotdeali
    ngwi t
    htheaft
    ermath.Itsimplymeans
    thatali
    ghthasappearedinthemi dstofdarkness.
    Thereisarainbow-asymbolofhopeandnew
    beginni
    ngs.Asourelder
    sbelieved;abridge
    betweenheavenandearth.Him andMagci na.
    “Mynamei sSnalol
    onke,”shetell
    shim,t
    hinkingt
    hat
    maybehe'sconfusi
    nghernamewi t
    hsomeoneelse.
    Howeverhisfacesaysotherwise,t
    hepainis
    evi
    denti
    nhi seyesbutthere'
    swar mthi
    nthem.That
    warmthshe'sbeenyearningforherwholeli
    fe.
    “
    I'
    m aski
    ngyout obemyr ai
    nbow.Anar coflight,
    t
    hesymbolofhopeandasi gnoft hecovenantthat
    I
    '
    m abouttomaket oyourmother,int
    heotherwor l
    d,
    t
    hatIwil
    lloveyouandyoursibl
    ingsanddieforyou
    i
    fIhaveto.”
    Snal
    olooksatheraunt .Shegavethem t hei
    rnames,
    i
    twouldbeungr at
    efulofhert oswi
    tchtoanot her
    onej
    ustbecausehernewl y-foundfatherexplai
    nsit
    sobeaut
    iful
    lyandmakesi tsoundspecial.
    “I
    '
    m nottr
    yingt
    ochangewhoyouare.Il
    ovethe
    namethey'
    recal
    li
    ngyou,
    ”Ngi
    disaysandtur
    nshis
    eyestoPhumzi l
    ewi t
    hgrati
    tude.“Thankyoufor
    everyt
    hing.I
    fitdoesn'
    toff
    endyou, I'
    dli
    ketocal
    lher
    Thingoandnotwhatyoual lcallher.
    ”
    Phumzi l
    enodsherhead, andadeepbr eathfoll
    ows.
    Allthatmat ter
    stoherrightnowi s,
    howar ethekids
    goingtogetoutoft hissituat
    ion?Howar ethey
    goingtof orgetwhattheydidtogether
    ?Andt hatboy,
    Maqhi nga, i
    sshegoingt obeabletobeanauntt o
    hi
    m andt reathimli
    keothers?Howl ongcanshe
    st
    andt hesightofhim?
    “Thingolwenkosazane,
    ”Ngidiopenshisarmsand
    takesaf ewstepsforward.Snal
    oreleasesthe
    breathshe'sbeenholdi
    ngandwal ksintoher
    father'
    sopenedar ms.
    “I'
    m sosor ryNkosazaneyami .IknowIshoul d'
    ve
    l
    ookedf oryouhar derandmademor eeff
    orts.I
    t'
    sso
    embar rassingtoknowt hatyou'vebeenrighther
    e
    undermynoseal lthi
    stime.Ishoul
    dn'thavestayed
    thatlongwi thyourmot hernotknowingwher eshe
    camef rom, Ishould'vefor
    cedthetruthoutofher.
    I'
    mr eallysorry.
    ”
    “I
    t'
    sokay.Weshoul dfindSnakho,
    ”Snal osays,
    untangli
    nghersel
    ffrom Ngidi
    'sar
    ms.Maqhi nga's
    sweatstil
    lsmell
    sfrom herbodyandi t
    's
    embar r
    assingknowingthatbotht
    hesepeopl e,
    who
    areparentstoher,
    knowt hatshejustgotl
    aid.
    “Gotothecarandwait
    .Ineedt
    ospeakt
    oyour
    brot
    herqui
    ckly,
    ”Ngi
    disays.
    Phumzi lewal kswithSnalotothecar,si
    lentl
    y
    prayingt hatshe'l
    lopenupaboutherf eeli
    ngs.She
    can'tjustsay;“It
    'sokay.WeshouldfindSnakho. ”
    Andt hat'sit.Howdidhermot herl
    eave?Whydi d
    shel eave?Ther earealotofquesti
    onssheneeded
    toask;t hingssheneededt oknow.

    Ngidiwal
    ksstr
    aighttoMaqhinga'
    sbathr
    oom and
    fi
    ndsexactl
    ywherehethoughthe'dfi
    ndhim.Under
    theshower,
    att
    empt i
    ngtopeeloffhi
    sski
    nand
    cryi
    ng.
    “Hl
    omuka,”heyellsashetapsoutsi
    detheglass.
    Thisshouldbehisti
    mewithSnalo,t
    alki
    ngand
    connecti
    ng,buthe'
    shere,
    keepi
    ngherwai t
    ing
    outsi
    debecausehecannotl
    eavehi
    ssoni
    nthi
    s
    condi
    tion.
    Itt
    akesamomentbuthefinal
    lyget
    soutofthe
    shower.Ngi
    digr
    absatowelandpassesi
    ttohim.
    Theyfol
    loweachothertohi
    sbedroom andwal ks
    overSnalo'
    sthongl
    yingonthef
    loor.Ngidicl
    enches
    hi
    sjawsandt ri
    estokeephi
    seyesof ft
    hef l
    oor.
    “Wewillgoandvisityourmother'
    sgrave.ThenI'
    l
    l
    payforthedamagesand…”Maqhi ngaturnsar
    ound
    bef
    orehecanf i
    nish.He'sreel
    inganger.
    “Mymother
    ?Babal
    et'
    sgodownst
    air
    sandhavea
    dri
    nk.
    ”
    That
    'sst
    range.
    Ngidiwatchesasheputshisclothesonandpi cks
    hi
    ssi st
    er'
    sthongf r
    om t
    hefloor
    .Hedi sappear
    swith
    i
    tinthebathroom andwalksbackwi t
    ht hat
    unfamili
    arexpressi
    ononhisface.
    “
    Let
    'sgoNgonyama!
    ”Hewal
    kspasthi
    mtot
    hedoor
    .

    At
    ri
    pdownt
    hest
    air
    sfeel
    sli
    keMandel
    a’sl
    ongwal
    k
    tof
    reedom.Maqhingadi
    sappearsi
    nthekit
    chen
    andwalksoutwi
    thtwoglassesandcansofJack
    Dani
    els.
    Heempti
    esonecani
    ntot
    hegl
    assandpassesi
    tto
    hi
    sfat
    her
    .
    “Look,
    I'
    dliket
    ohangoutbutyoursisterandaunt
    arewaiti
    ngformeout
    side,
    ”Ngidisays.
    Thegl
    asshebroughti
    snouse,
    heopenst
    hecan
    andgul
    psitdown.
    “Yousaidwe'l
    lgotomymot her'
    sgrave,
    howcanI
    visi
    tsomeonethatIdon'
    tevenknow?Wassheeven
    mymot her?Whydon'tyougivemesomet hi
    ng-
    anythi
    ngthatcanremindmeofher?”
    “Maqhingayouwereyoungand…”Hedoesn'tlet
    himfini
    sh.Thi
    siswhathisf
    atheralwaysdoes;
    beat
    ingaroundthebushandtrai
    li
    ngofftopi
    c.
    “WhatisyourbestmemoryofherandI?Iwanti
    tto
    bemymemor yt
    oo.Whendidshestop
    breast
    feedingme?Wasiteasy?Iwantst
    ori
    es,j
    ust
    l
    ikeNdlali
    fa.”
    “Maqhi
    ngalook,yourmotherl
    ovedyou.Ndlal
    if
    a
    remembersherbecausehewasol der
    .Ican'
    t
    remembereveryt
    hingandIdon'tseewhyitmatt
    ers
    somuch?”
    “Igetthat,Baba.Trustme, Igetit
    .That'
    swhyI'm
    askingyout osharememor iesofmeandhert hat
    youstillhave.
    ”Hi sfather
    'seyesar eever
    ywherebut
    notathi m.Whenar ethesesecr etsgoi
    ngtoend?
    Whatcanbesohar dthatevenwhenyoursoni s29
    youcannott ellhi
    m?
    “We'
    lltalkaboutthissomeot herti
    me.Ifyouneed
    anyt
    hingcal lme, Ineedt ogettheothergir
    l.Beat
    myhousei nt hemor ni
    ng,”Ngidisays,l
    if
    ti
    nghis
    bodyof fthecouchandwal kingtowardsthedoor
    wit
    houtl ookingathi sson.OnlyifMaqhinga
    understoodthathe' sdoingallthi
    stoprotecthi
    m!
    -
    -
    Ngi
    di’
    sHouse

    Phumzil
    eandSnal
    owenttosl
    eepi
    nNdondo'
    s
    houseandonl
    ycamebackthi
    smorni
    ngwi
    th
    SnakhoandKhosi .NdabukoandNdondoalsocame,
    butthey'
    real
    lowi
    ngt hefamil
    ytounit
    esothey
    deci
    dedt ohavethei
    rbreakf
    astout.Maqhi
    nga
    hasn'tar
    ri
    vedyetbutwhenNdl al
    if
    acall
    edhesai
    d
    hewasgoi ngtocome.
    SnaloiswatchingMom onNet fl
    ix,f
    orthethi
    rdtime,
    i
    fnotf i
    ft
    h.Snakhoalwayscallsheroutonwat ching
    sadmovi es,butt
    hisoneisdif
    ferent
    , maybe
    becauseofhowi tends.Nothi
    ngi ssweetas
    revenge.She'sgl
    uedtothescreenandi nwardl
    y
    grit
    ti
    ngherteethatsomescenes.Butshe' snot
    cryi
    ngasKhosiandSnakhodoever yt
    imethey
    watchit.

    Thingsar eabi tawkwar d.Ndl ali


    faisinthekit
    chen
    andpr epari
    ngbr eakfast.It'
    sal waysbeenhi sjobas
    theol derchild,tocookandf eedot hers.Khosiisst
    il
    l
    tryi
    ngt oprocessever ything,herattenti
    onisont he
    phot oal bum thatNgidigavet othem.HerAunt
    Magci nathatshecan' trememberwel l
    ,lookedso
    happyi nthesepi ct
    ures, especiall
    ywher eshewas
    wi t
    hNdl al
    if
    a.Sur pr
    isingly,Maqhi ngaisonlywi t
    h
    NgidiandNdlal
    if
    aint
    hepictur
    es,andnotanywher
    e
    wit
    hhi smother
    .Wasn'
    thetwoyear sol
    dwhen
    Magcinalef
    t?Whydoesitnotlookl
    iket
    heyever
    met?
    “Wherei
    sMaqhi
    ngaandMamncane?
    ”shef
    inal
    ly
    asks.
    “Goandhelpyourbrotherint hekit
    chen,”Phumzil
    e
    says,t
    hrowingalookather .Sheknowst het
    rut
    h
    andhonestl
    y,sheunderstandshersi ster
    .She
    could'
    vedonethi
    ngsdi f
    ferentlybutit
    'swhatiti
    s.
    “Br
    other
    ?Itsoundssost
    range.”Khosir
    oll
    shereyes
    andmakesherwayt ot
    hekitchen.
    Shehasnevergotal ongwithNgidi
    'ssonand
    Ndabuko.She'sthatpersonwhojudgeother
    sby
    theirchar
    act
    ers.Ndabukoisaliar,
    Maqhingaisa
    playerandNdlal
    ifal
    ooksmeanAF.
    “Whatar
    eyoudoing?”sheasksNdl alif
    awit
    hher
    armsfol
    ded.Makingbreakfastinarichman'
    s
    housewasn'
    tinhermor ni
    ngpl ans.
    “Howdomanagetolooksomeaneverydayand
    snapatpeopl
    ewheneveryout
    alk?
    ”Ndlal
    if
    aasks
    whi
    lef
    orki
    ngoutsausagesf
    rom t
    hepan.
    “
    Me?
    ”Herf
    oreheadf
    urr
    ows.
    “
    Yes,
    you,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.
    “Maybeit'
    sathingfr
    om yourmother
    'ssi
    deofthe
    famil
    ybecauseIdon'tr
    ememberhowmanyt i
    mesI
    havestoppedmyselffr
    om sl
    appi
    ngthearrogance
    outofyoueveryti
    meIseeyou.”
    “
    Slapme?Haveyouseenhowtal
    lIam?You'
    dneed
    aladdert
    oevenr
    eachmycheek.
    ”
    Khosipi
    cksasl
    iceoft
    omat
    oandbi
    tesapi
    ece.
    “
    Whatever
    !Isawyourspeci
    all
    adyl
    astni
    ght
    .How
    muchdidyoupayt
    ogether?”
    Theconversationsai l
    soffsmoot hlyinthekitchen.
    I
    t '
    seasyfort
    hebi r
    dsoft hesamef eathert of
    ly
    together
    .Bei
    ngt hefir
    stchil
    di nthefamilycomes
    withitsownhar dshipsandr esponsibil
    it
    ies.I
    t'seasy
    forthem t
    orelatetoeachot herdespi t
    ethe
    j
    udgement sthey'vemadeofoneanot her.

    Sadl
    y,t
    hingsar
    en'
    tthesamei
    nthel
    ounge.Snal
    ois
    focusedonhermovi e,Phumzi
    le’
    sanxi
    etyi
    satit
    s
    peaks;Maqhingacouldwalkinanyt
    imeandshe
    hastokeepittogether
    .Shecannotpul
    la“Magci
    na”
    onthekidsandr un.
    Itdoesn'tmakesensewhyhehadt oresemble
    Msawenkosit hismuch.Whent hei
    rmot herdi
    ed
    MsawenkosiwasMaqhi nga'
    sheight ,ar
    oundhi s
    age,andexact l
    ylikehimfrom headt otoe.Italso
    doesn'tmakeanysensewhyshei ssoscar edto
    havehim ar oundherdaught er
    s.Hei snot
    Msawenkosi ,i
    t'
    snotf ai
    rofhertot hinkthiswayof
    hersister'
    schi l
    d.Whathedi dwi t
    hSnal owasan
    i
    nnocentmi stake.Bothofthem didn'tknowt hat
    theywer ebloodr elat
    edandMaqhi ngadi dn'
    tforce
    Snalointoanyt hing.

    Snakhof i
    nal
    lywalksoutoft hebat
    hroom wi
    tha
    whitetowelwrappedaroundherhead.Thisi
    sit;
    she'sarichman'sdaughter.Ndondoneedstobe
    readyforaresi
    gnati
    onletter.
    “
    Whatar
    eweeat
    ing?
    ”sheaskswi
    thherhandson
    t
    hehi
    ps.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fai
    sst
    il
    lpr
    epar
    ingt
    hef
    ood,
    ”Ngi
    disays.
    Shef
    rowns.
    “
    Don'
    tyouhavemai
    ds?
    ”
    Ngidichuckl
    es.Thi
    sistheonewhor oll
    edhereyes
    athiminthehospit
    al.She'
    ssurpr
    isi
    nglyveryhappy
    tobehere.Shewentt hr
    ougheveryr
    oom, choseher
    bedroom andputsomeofherthingsinsi
    dejustto
    markit.
    “
    Igaveheradayof
    f,
    ”hesays.
    “Youareni ce.Butyouneedt
    ostartatt
    endingthe
    gym.Ist hatmymot heri
    ntheugl
    ydr ess?I'
    m gladI
    didn'
    ttakeaf t
    erher.
    ”She'
    sovert
    hewal landtaking
    downapi ctur
    eframe.
    Thisoneisashini
    ngmorni
    ngstar.I
    khwezi
    lokusa.
    Hewal kst
    owardsherandexpl
    ainswher
    eeach
    pict
    urewastakenandwhyhelookedsouglyin
    them.
    “
    Idon'tunder
    standwhysheleftyoubecauseyou'
    re
    r
    ich,
    ”shesays,star
    ingatMagcina’
    spict
    ure
    standi
    ngnextt
    oherf
    ir
    stcart
    hatcameasagi
    ft
    fr
    om Ngidi
    .
    “Shedidn'
    tleaveme, shewastryi
    ngtol
    eavethe
    painf
    ulmemor ies.ButIhaveyouandyoursi
    ster
    ,
    nowIknowherf ami
    lyandwhereshecamefrom.I'
    l
    l
    bri
    ngherback, legal
    ly.
    ”
    “
    Meani
    ng?
    ”Snakhof
    rowns.
    “
    I'
    m st
    il
    lgoi
    ngt
    omar
    ryyourmot
    hert
    radi
    ti
    onal
    ly.
    ”
    “
    She'
    sdead,
    sir
    ,”shesays.
    “Notsi
    r,butBaba,
    ”hecor
    rect
    sherwit
    hachuckl
    e
    andSnakhowaveshim offwi
    thahand.
    She'
    l
    lgetusedt
    oit
    .
    “I
    t'
    spossi bl
    eKhwezi,yourauntandItal
    kedabouti
    t.
    Yourmot hermademewhoIam t oday.SheisMrs
    Ngidi
    ,thewomanoft hi
    shouse.Nomat terwho
    comes, herplacewi
    llal
    waysbesaf e.
    ”
    “
    Whatcausedhert
    oleave?
    ”
    “MaybeonedayI'
    llbeabletotel
    lyou.I
    tsoundsli
    ke
    yourbrot
    heri
    sdri
    vingin,l
    et'
    sgo.”Hepull
    sherhand
    andtheywalktot
    hediningroom whereNdlal
    if
    a
    deci
    dedt
    hey'
    l
    lbehavi
    ngt
    hei
    rbr
    eakf
    ast
    .
    Maqhi ngawalksinj
    ustastheyf i
    ndtheirseats.You
    cantellthathehadabadni ght
    ,it
    'seasytoreadhi s
    emot i
    onsandgetagl i
    mpseofwhathemi ghtbe
    goingthrough.Snal
    oont heotherhand,she'sjust
    sti
    rri
    nghercof f
    eeandlookingcompletelyokay.
    AsMaqhi ngalowershimsel
    fontheemptychai
    r
    besidePhumzile,sher
    isesupandmovesto
    anotherchai
    r.Abr i
    efl
    ookisshar
    edbet
    ween
    Ndlali
    faandNgi di
    .
    “Thankyoual lf
    orcomi ng.Ther easonIaskedallof
    youtobeher etodayisbecauseIwant edust o
    offi
    cial
    lymeetasaf ami l
    y.Rightthereisyouraunt,
    yourmot her
    'ssist
    er,Phumzile.”He'stel
    li
    ngNdlali
    fa
    andMaqhi nga.
    Phumzil
    ecannotbr i
    ngher
    sel
    ftol
    ookatMaqhinga'
    s
    di
    rect
    ionbutwhenhereyesmeetNdlal
    if
    a'sasmil
    e
    cr
    acksfrom herl
    ips.
    “Fi
    nall
    y,Ihaveanaunt!”Ndlal
    if
    asays,wal
    kingover
    herandhuggingher.Happinessisover
    fl
    owing;t
    he
    famil
    yhasf i
    nal
    lyunit
    ed.
    Maqhingaremainsonhischai
    rwit
    hhishandont
    he
    cheek,eye-
    wit
    nessi
    ngthehappi
    ness.
    “Andthoseareyoursist
    ers…”Hisvoicetr
    ail
    soff
    agai
    n.Hebr eat
    hesinandout ,
    andcont i
    nues;
    “Thi
    ngolwenkosazaneandKhwezilokusa.”
    “
    Newnames?Oh,okay,
    ”Khosimocksandr
    eaches
    f
    oraj
    ugofj
    uice.
    “I
    sther
    eanyt
    hingelse?”Maqhi
    ngaasks.Hi
    svoi
    ce
    bri
    ngsawkwar
    dsilenceint
    heroom.
    “Ist
    il
    lneedtodiscusssomethingswithyouraunt
    andthenwe'lll
    etyouknowofourdeci si
    ons.Buti
    f
    anyonehasaquest i
    on,theymustfeelfr
    eetoask,
    ”
    Ngidisays.
    “
    Am Ii
    ncl
    uded?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    Ngidiswall
    owedandr eachesforwat er.Thi
    sisthe
    hardestsi
    tuat
    ionhe'severbeeninto.Itwould'
    ve
    beenbetteri
    ftherewasasui t
    ableli
    ehecoul dtell,
    buttheonlyanswerhecouldgi vehim wouldbet he
    tr
    uthandhecan' thavethat
    .
    Maqhi
    ngat
    akeshi
    ssi
    lencer
    esponseasno,
    he
    pushesbackhi
    schai
    randr
    isesup.
    “
    I'
    llleteveryonebefreeandokay,
    ”hesaysand
    walksout ,
    f ol
    lowedbyshockedpai
    rsofeyesbehi
    nd.
    “
    Whathappened?
    ”Khosiasksbef
    oreSnakhocoul
    d.
    Nobodyanswer
    sthem.Thisi
    sn'
    thownei
    therof
    t
    hem expect
    edthef
    ir
    stfamil
    ybr
    eakf
    astt
    ogo.
    Ri
    chpeopl
    ehavepr
    obl
    emst
    oo?
    “
    Wow!
    ”Snakhoexcl
    aims.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    07] :Chapt
    er28
    THALENTE

    “
    Talent,
    pleaset
    aket
    hisbagt
    oRaj
    ’
    scarbef
    oreyou
    l
    eave.”
    Aart
    ithi
    nkst hi
    sisMumbaiandI 'mt heAfri
    can
    tr
    ansport
    ed-maidmadej ustforher .Taki
    ngbagst o
    hercari
    sn’tanywhereonmyj obdescr i
    pti
    on,plus
    I'
    vehadonehel lofaweekend, asamoosa- eat
    ing
    womanannoyi ngmei sthelastthingIneed.Ihada
    man,a100f eett
    allmanwithdi sconnectedbeard,
    l
    eavingmeinapart
    y,i
    nsomestr
    angepl
    aceI
    '
    ve
    neverbeent
    o,wi
    thstr
    anger
    s.
    BeforeIcangi veAart
    iapieceofmymi ndshehas
    disappearedinthebackr
    oom.Igrindmyt eet
    hin
    angerandpi ckuptheheavybagont opofthe
    counterandt akei
    ttoherhusband'
    scarwai t
    ingi
    n
    theparkinglot.
    I'
    veneverli
    kedthisman, Ial
    waysfeell
    ikehiseyes
    areundressi
    ngmeandhi ssecr
    etcompl i
    ments
    neversitwel
    lwit
    hme.Myhi psaren'
    tal
    lthereisto
    me, Ihavebeaut
    ifuleyesandni
    cesetofr i
    bs.He
    canf i
    ndsomethingelsetocompliment
    , j
    ustnotmy
    hipsandbutt.

    Her
    eheis;li
    cki
    nghisl
    ipswit
    hhiseyesgl
    uedonmy
    l
    owerbody.Somebodykil
    lmenow!
    “Aar
    tisai
    dImustbringt
    his,
    ”Isay,handi
    ngthebag
    over
    .Honestl
    y,Ij
    ustwanttostaboutbothhi
    seyes
    andsellt
    hem t
    othenearestnyanga.
    Ashet akesthebaghishandsbr
    ushesmi
    ne.The
    fooli
    ssmi l
    ing,het
    hinkst
    hisi
    sfunny.
    “
    Nextt
    imeyoudot
    hat
    ,Iwi
    llsl
    apyou,
    ”Isay.
    Hekeepssmi
    li
    ngl
    ikear
    etar
    d.
    “Imeani
    t.Ngizokushaya.”Ithi
    nknowhegetsit
    .
    Thesmil
    ehasdi sappeared.Ihadtousemynati
    ve
    l
    anguageforhimt oknowt hatImeanbusi
    ness.
    “Whyareyousoupt
    ight
    ?Doyouneedsomethi
    ngto
    putyoui
    nagoodmood? ”Hi
    shandisbr
    ushi
    ngthe
    fr
    ontofhi
    sshort
    .
    “Yes,butnotyouandyour1cm di
    €k.
    ”Iturnar
    ound
    andleave.Takingt
    hist
    ohiswif
    ewouldn'tbesucha
    badideabutIdon'twantt
    obethereasonanIndian
    coupledivor
    ces.
    Sheist akingthemoneyf rom theti
    ll
    .Iwalkpasther
    tothebackr oom tofetchmybag.I '
    m surethecaris
    waiti
    ngf ormeout sidethegate.Taxi
    sar estil
    lnot
    ful
    lyoper ati
    ng.I
    t'
    ssochi ldi
    shofmet owishthe
    fi
    ghttogoonj ustbecauseIhaveaneasyt ransport
    .
    Acarf etchingmeout sidetheshacksanddr opping
    meof fint heaft
    ernoons.Itsdri
    verhardl
    yevert al
    ks
    tome, heonl yasksifIwantt opasssomewher e
    andthendr i
    vesallt
    hewayt oCannelandsin
    compl
    etesi
    lence.
    “
    Tal
    entcomeher
    eforami
    nut
    e.”
    Whatnow?Myti
    meisup.I
    '
    vebeenonmyfeetthe
    whol
    edayandIneedt
    ogotomyshackandrest.

    She'
    sstandi
    nginf
    rontoft
    hef
    our
    -pl
    atesst
    ovewi
    th
    herpur
    seunderar
    m.
    “
    Thisstovewaselect
    ri
    c-shockingear
    li
    er.Please
    t
    estitf
    orme,Ineedtoknowi fIshoul
    dcal lRaj'
    s
    f
    ri
    endtocheckittomorrow,”she'
    ssayi
    ngt hisli
    ke
    i
    t'
    sthemostnormal t
    hingtoaskf r
    om aper son.For
    aminuteI'
    mjustdumbst r
    uck.WTF!
    “I
    twasel ectr
    ic-
    shockingearl
    i
    erandImusttesti
    fit
    sti
    lldoes?”Ineedtobesur ei
    fIhear
    dcorrect
    lyand
    i
    t'
    snott hehotbiryaniIat
    eearli
    ermessi
    ngwithmy
    hearing.
    “
    Yes,pl
    ease,
    ”shesays,
    compl
    etel
    yokaywi
    thher
    r
    equest
    .
    “
    Youthi
    nkIdon'
    tval
    ueli
    fe,
    neh?
    ”Iaskonmyway
    t
    othedoor
    .“ByeAar
    ti
    ,seeyout
    omorr
    ow.Wear
    yourj
    ersey,
    itwi
    llbecol
    d.”

    Indeedthecari swai t
    ingforme.I t
    'sneverlate,
    everyti
    meIwal kthrought hegatei
    t'sthere,parked
    oppositethegat e,andplayingJazzmusi csof tl
    y.
    Yes,thedriverisold,helistenstoJazz,thelikesof
    DorothyMasukaandHughMasekel a.Hemustbe
    somewher ear ound50andhehast hef atherl
    y
    welcomi ngauraar oundhi m.I'
    m always
    comf ort
    ableinhi scompany.
    “
    Areyoupassingsomewheretoday?
    ”heasksaf
    ter
    we'
    veexchangedgreet
    ings.
    Asusual
    ,I
    'm goi
    ngst
    raightt
    omyshack.Hekeeps
    hi
    smusicsoftanddr
    ivesoff
    .

    Ihaven'
    tspokent omymot herinawhi l
    e.Lastni
    ght
    Itr
    iedtocallbutherphonewasof f.Mommydut ies
    mustbekeepi ngherbusy.I'
    vemadepeacewi t
    hit,
    I'
    m donebeingthe28year -
    oldsist
    erwho“ can'
    t”
    havechil
    drenandt henactsli
    keMar i
    a’sbestf
    ri
    end.
    Peoplehavenor malizedteenagepregnancytothe
    pointwhereifyou're40andpr egnantitl
    ooksli
    ke
    you'r
    edoing“ underage”thi
    ngs.Onceyour each25
    wit
    houtal i
    tt
    lerascal cal
    li
    ngyou“ mom"andmaki ng
    yourli
    feasweethel l
    ,youquickl
    ymakei ttothel
    ist
    ofbarrensandpr egnancyterminati
    ngsquad.
    I
    t'
    sgoodformet ost
    epbackandlett
    hem dothi
    ngs
    t
    heirownway.Ihopemymother'
    shealthwon'
    ttake
    aknockfr
    om t
    hissecondr
    oundofmot her
    hood.

    I'
    m here;getti
    ngcur i
    ouseyesasusual .I'
    m sur
    eit
    baffl
    esever yonehowIhaveadr i
    vertakingmet o
    andf r
    om wor kinaHundaiTucsonever ydaywhil
    e
    I'
    ml i
    vinginashackt hatcouldcollapseany
    summeri fheavyr ainsattack.Well,mylifehas
    neverhadanybal ance.Ifit
    'snottaxidri
    vers
    abandoningmei nfancypar ti
    es,i
    t’smypumps
    cracki
    ngj ustasIstepoutoft hecar.
    “
    Thankyou,
    ”Isayandbi
    dhi
    m goodbye.
    “
    Seeyoutomor
    row.
    ”Her
    oll
    supt
    hewi
    ndowand
    r
    ever
    ses.
    Itaketheshoesof fandwalkbarefoot
    edt othe
    shack.Peoplejustcamebackf r
    om wor kand
    there'
    salongqueueatt hewatertap.Ipraythatmy
    bucketshavewat er,myfeetwon'tbeabletostand
    anotherhourinawat erqueue.

    Steppinginsidetheshackafteri
    t'
    sbeenl ockedthe
    whol edayislikewalki
    ngintohel
    l.I'
    m nott hat
    womanwhowr apsatowelaboveherbr eastswith
    sleepingknotsonherhead, l
    ookingli
    ket hose
    Nigeriancrazywomenf r
    om movies.Butt odayit
    's
    toofreakin’hotforadressandIneedt odo
    somet hingaboutthishair
    .
    I'
    m notoneoft hosementalunstablewomenwho
    plaitt
    hei
    rownhai randstil
    llookl
    ikefineashell
    .It
    's
    notevenaski l
    l-howdoyoudoyourownhai r
    ?Ifold
    af ewknots.YesI'mfol
    ding,notplai
    ti
    ng,that
    'sf
    or
    hairdr
    esserstodo.
    Ifr
    eshenupandwrapmybodywi that oweland
    thr
    owmyselfonbed.Ibr
    oughtchickenstewand
    sli
    cesofbr
    eadfr
    om thecant
    een,sothatstovei
    s
    goi
    ngtost
    ayshi
    ningli
    kethatont
    opoft
    het
    abl
    e.I
    onl
    ycookonweekends.

    Idon'
    tknowhowIdozedof f.I
    t'
    sdarkoutsi
    dewhen
    Iwakeup,evenmynei ghbourhasswitchedthe
    radi
    ooff.Mosquit
    oesarealreadyhummi nga
    mosquit
    onationalant
    hem insidemyroom.
    Ichecktheti
    metoseeifthet
    uck-
    shophasn't
    cl
    osed.Luckil
    yIst
    il
    lhave5minut
    es,Isearchmy
    bagforcoinsandr
    ushouttogetmosquitocoi
    ls.
    Menf rom t
    heshackswhi stl
    eateverygir
    landask
    them out.I
    tdoesn'tmeanthatyou'r
    especialwhen
    theydo.Ialwaysignorethem andusethefamous
    l
    ine;“
    Idon'thaveacellphone,”whentheyaskfor
    mynumber .Somewoul dgoasf arasoff
    eringt
    o
    buymeone.

    IbuywhatIcamef orandmakemywayback.Some
    tenantsareal
    readyonbedsandhavingthosedeep
    conversat
    ionswiththei
    rpar
    tner
    s.Thelazyonesar
    e
    sti
    llcooki
    ng.Ipassoneoftheshacksandsmell
    onionsburninginunheat edoil
    .Iwanttoknockand
    tel
    lwhoeveri ti
    sthatheorshemustwai tfort
    he
    cookingoi
    ltoheatupf i
    rstbefor
    et hr
    owingthose
    bigchunksofoni onsinsidethepotbutthenI
    remembert hatAarticomplainsaboutmycooki ng
    skil
    lsaswell.I'
    m nottheonet ojudge.
    Iwalkintoamanst andinginfrontofmydoor .I
    wouldn'tmi stakehimf oranyone.Icanseehi seyes
    pi
    ercingt hroughmei nthedarkandIsuddenl yhave
    mixedf eelingsaboutseeinghi m.Apar tofme
    wantst ohaveamomentwi thhim andj ustgivehim
    apieceofmymi nd.Butanotherpar tofmedoesn' t
    wantt oseehi m.Hehasn' tr
    eachedoutsi ncet he
    part
    y.Hedi dn'tevensendal ousytext ,apologizi
    ng
    andexpl ainingwhyhel ef
    tmel ikethat.Andnowhe
    j
    ustar r
    ivesher eunannounced?
    “Thal
    enteyou'
    rewanderi
    ngar
    oundt
    heshacks
    naked?”He'
    shalf
    -yel
    li
    ngatme.
    Naked,
    real
    ly?Somet hi
    ngsarej
    ustbeyond
    human’
    sabili
    tyofunderst
    andi
    ng.
    Iwal
    kinsi
    deandl
    eavehi
    m gr
    indi
    nghi
    steet
    hatt
    he
    door
    .
    “
    Thal
    ent
    e!”
    Oh,
    he'
    sfol
    lowi
    ngme.
    Iputmosqui tocoi
    lsonthetable, nexttotheboxof
    pizzaIdon'tknowof.He'sbri
    ngi ngt hi
    ngst omy
    shackandput ti
    ngthem onmyt able.That'snotal
    l,
    hisjacketi
    sont opofmybed.I mi hlolakaJames!
    “
    Youshoul
    d'vetol
    dmeifyoudi
    dn’thaveclot
    hes.
    Whythef
    u€kwouldyougooutsi
    delookingli
    ke
    t
    his?
    ”He'
    sstil
    lati
    t.
    Deepbr
    eat
    h,Thal
    ent
    e!
    Isear
    chformyscarfandwrapmyhead.Idon' t
    knowwhenhe'splanni
    ngt
    ol eave,
    hopeful
    lyhe'
    ll
    remembertowakemeupt oclosethedooraft
    er
    him.
    Imovehi
    sjacketandgetonbed.
    -
    -
    It
    'si
    mpossibl
    etogetsl
    eepwithhi
    m si
    tt
    ingnextt
    o
    mylegsandtheli
    ghtst
    il
    lon.He'
    snotsayi
    ng
    anyt
    hingandthat
    'ssounl
    ikehi
    m.Ihadsomucht o
    saytohim buthepissedmeoffbyyell
    ingatme.I
    coul
    dn'tbringmyselft
    ospeaktohim.Hewronged
    me,Iexpect edhi
    mt ol
    ookremorsef
    uland
    apol
    ogetic.Butno,he'
    smydict
    ator.

    He'snowgoingthr
    oughmydi shes.Thedoori
    sst
    il
    l
    opened,ot
    hert
    enantsmustbelongasleepnow.I
    betit
    'sonl
    ymewhost i
    llhaveherli
    ghton.
    “Let
    'seat
    ,pl
    easegetup,
    ”hesays,
    sit
    ti
    ngont
    hebed
    agai
    n.
    “
    I'
    m nothungr
    y.”Whyam Ievenr
    espondi
    ngt
    ohi
    m?
    I
    '
    m sleepi
    ngmos.
    “
    Whyar
    eyounothungr
    y?”St
    upi
    dquest
    ion!
    “
    Myt ummyi
    sful
    l.
    ”DoIr
    eal
    lyneedt
    orespond
    t
    hough?
    “
    Okay.CanIhavespacet
    orestaswel
    l
    ?”
    Hewantstosleephere?Wait
    ,Ineedt
    ogetupand
    seehi
    sface.Thisisashack,
    mybedisti
    nyandI
    onl
    yhaveonebl anket
    .
    “
    Huh?
    ”Isnapmybr
    ows.
    TheplateAart
    igavetomei sonthetabl
    ewithsl
    ices
    ofpi
    zza.There'
    sabot t
    leoffr
    uitj
    uicel
    ooki
    ngall
    sweetnexttoit
    .I'
    m nothungrybutnowIregr
    etmy
    deci
    sion.
    “
    Shi
    ft
    ,Ial
    sowantt
    osl
    eep,
    ”hesays.
    Okay,
    deepbr
    eat
    hThal
    ent
    e!
    “Ndlal
    ifayouwenttoabandonmei napart
    yand
    neverreachedoutaft
    erthatni
    ght.Andnowyou'
    re
    here,aski
    ngtosleeponmybed? ”Iask.
    “IaskedNdondotokeepyoucompany.I fi
    twasn't
    i
    mpor tantIwoul
    dn'
    thaveleftandi
    fitwoul
    d've
    madeanysensef ormet ospeaktoyouoverthe
    phonet henIwoul
    d'vedoneit.
    ”
    “YoutoldNdondot okeepmecompany?I '
    m not
    Ndondo’sgi r
    lfr
    iendNdlal
    if
    a.Iwastherewi t
    hyou
    andyouj ustleftme.Noexplanat
    ion.Nothing.”
    SometimesIkeepgoi ngandnotregardhowmuch
    painI'
    mf eeli
    ng.Talki
    ngaboutthi
    si sr
    educi ngme
    totear
    sandI '
    m notthatgi
    rlwhocri
    esoverpet ty
    thi
    ngs.Oh, Ievencalledmysel
    fhisgir
    lfr
    iend.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    eI'
    m sor
    ry.Thi
    ngsar
    en'
    tgoi
    ngt
    oowel
    lat
    home.Wehavet hi
    snewr eal
    it
    ytoadjustint
    o.I
    t'
    s
    bad,mostl
    yformyfatherandMaqhinga.”He
    soundsgenui
    nelyhur
    t.
    Aknockofguiltpunchesmyconsci
    ence.Noteven
    oncedidIthi
    nkofr eachi
    ngoutt
    ohim andfi
    ndout
    whatwashappeni ng.Iwasj
    ustaqueenwaiti
    ngto
    beranafter
    .Hegotmeadamnj ob,t
    heleastI
    coul
    d'vedonewast ocheckonhim.
    Herubshi
    snose,
    sni
    ff
    sbackandmoveshi
    seyes
    awayfr
    om me.
    “I
    '
    veabusedmyfatherfort
    wentyyear
    s.”Hel
    ooks
    upandblowsout
    .Ireachforhi
    shandandsqueeze
    i
    t.
    “Hl
    omukapl easedon' t.I
    'm surethere'
    sawayt ofi
    x
    thi
    ngs.Don'tlett
    hisbr eakyou.”I’
    mt ryingto
    comforthim butitlooksli
    keIdon' thaveanyt al
    ent
    i
    ndoingso.I '
    m breakinghi m evenfurther,
    thetear
    s
    hewast ryi
    ngt oholdbackdr opdownt ohischeeks.
    Helif
    tsuphi sT-shirtandliesbackont hebed.I
    shoul
    dn'thavesai danything.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    faI
    '
    m sor
    ry,
    ”Isayandl
    ienextt
    ohi
    m.Idon'
    t
    knowwhatt
    odo.
    “Whatki
    ndofasonf ail
    stoseehi sownf ather'
    s
    pain?If
    ail
    edtoseeeveryone'spainandhel donto
    assumpti
    onsandmademyf ather
    'sl
    ifealivi
    nghell
    .
    IhaveabusedthatmanThalent e,
    Idon'tevenknow
    whereI'
    m goi
    ngt ost
    artmendi ngthi
    ngs.”
    Ihat
    ethathe'
    shidinghi
    sfacefr
    om me.Ifeelso
    usel
    essandself
    ish.Ial
    sofai
    l
    edtothinkt
    hathe
    mightbequi
    etbecausehe'
    sinpain.
    “Pl
    easelookatmeNdlal
    if
    a.IloveyouandI'm sor
    ry
    Ihaven'
    tbeenabl
    etobethereforyou,
    ”Isay.
    Hepull
    sdowntheT-
    shirtandwipeshistear
    yface.
    Oureyesmeet
    ,hewantsassurance,
    he'snot
    convi
    ncedbymywords.
    “Iloveyou.
    ”Icuphisfaceinmyhandsandpl anta
    kissonhisli
    ps.AsIpullbackheholdsmeand
    i
    ni t
    iat
    esanotherki
    ss.Hisli
    pstast
    eabi tsal
    ty,I
    smoocht hem,hopingtotakeawayhalfofhispain.
    Heroll
    sovermeandsli
    pshisarm undermyneck.I
    f
    eelhischestpr
    essi
    ngonmyboobsandr eal
    ize
    t
    hatthetowelhasunwr
    appedit
    sel
    fandI '
    m naked
    beneat
    hhi
    m.Myhear
    tisonsomehor
    ser
    ace.
    “Wai
    t….
    thet
    ow…”Hecapturesmyl
    ipsbefor
    eIf
    ini
    sh.
    Hismemberisupandpoki
    ngmythighs.
    Whenhest ar
    tsmoaninginsi
    demymouthand
    grabbi
    ngmyboobsIinstantl
    yregr
    etmydeci
    sionof
    “wanderi
    ngaroundt
    heshacksnaked.
    ”
    I'
    veneverseenanyonet
    aki
    ngoffaT-
    shi
    rtso
    quickl
    y.If
    ailt
    okeepmyhandsoffhi
    schest
    .
    Nowhi sli
    psareallovermybody.Thefrontofmy
    pantyisdamp,I'
    m getti
    ngwetwi t
    hever
    yt ouch.Hi
    s
    fi
    ngersli
    psthr
    ought helaceofmypantyandmy
    eyesquickl
    ygotothedoor .Idon'
    twanttofind
    myselfonPornhub.
    “
    Pleasecl
    oset
    hedoor
    ,”Isay.
    Hegr oansandrol
    lsof fbed.Heclosesthedoorand
    pushesdownhi sjeanandbr ief
    sbeforegett
    ing
    backonbed.NowIhaveanakedmanont opofme,
    hisshaftkeepsswell
    ingasourbodi esgri
    ndagainst
    eachot her
    .
    Hepul
    lsdownmypant
    yandl
    eavesmecompl
    etel
    y
    naked.Whenhi shandbrushesovermymoundmy
    memor yflashesback.It'
    saj ungl
    edownt her
    e.Fu€k,
    Ialwaysmadeament alnotetogetri
    dofallthehair
    butmyst upidleftbr
    ainwoul dalwayspr
    iori
    ti
    ze
    otherthings.Itwouldwhi spertome;“I
    t'
    snotl i
    ke
    anybodyi sgoi ngtoseeyourshavedpu$$y.Chi ll
    ,
    gir
    l.
    ”
    “Pl
    easerelax,
    ”hewhispersintomyearashi
    shand
    str
    uggl
    et oseparat
    emyt highs.
    “
    Doyouhaveanycondom?
    ”Iask.
    Hisheadfal
    lsbesi
    demyneck.Her
    eleasesasharp
    breat
    hthatanswer
    smyquesti
    onbeforeheeven
    openshismouth.
    “
    Ihavet
    hecheapone,
    ”Isay.
    It
    'snotevencheap,it
    'sf
    ree.Igotthem from t
    he
    cli
    nicwhil
    ethereformyinjecti
    on,thenurseinsi
    sted
    ongivingever
    yoneapacketofChoi cecondoms.I
    keptthem i
    nmybagbecauseki dst ur
    nthem int
    o
    ball
    oonswhent heygettheirhandsont hem.
    “
    Bor
    rowmeone,
    ”hesays.
    “
    It
    'si
    nsi
    demybag,
    ”Isay.
    Ili
    ethere,l
    ikeachickenwaiti
    ngt
    obeseasonedand
    thr
    owni nsidetheoven,whil
    ehefi
    ndst
    hecondom
    andinsertsitonhisshaft
    .
    “Thal
    ente,Ireal
    lyloveyou.Ipr
    omiseyou,
    youwon't
    regr
    etthis.I
    '
    llneverletyoudown.
    ”Hiswordssound
    genuine,Imeethislipsforaki
    ss.
    “
    Iloveyout
    oo,
    ”Isayashebr
    eakst
    heki
    ss.
    Hishandmassagesaroundmywaist
    .Hesl
    ipsone
    fi
    ngerbet
    weenmyf ol
    dsandchuckl
    esbehi
    ndmy
    ear.
    “
    So,
    doyouwel
    comeHl
    omukai
    n?”heasks.
    “
    Yes,
    Ido,
    ”thew#or
    ewhi
    sper
    sinr
    esponse.
    “Thankyou.
    ”Hi
    sfi
    nger
    spl
    aywit
    hmycl
    itwhi
    lehe
    suff
    ocatesmei
    nadeepki
    ss.

    Mykneesgoesup.Mythi
    ghbalancesonhi
    sar
    m.I
    wi
    nceashepusheshisti
    pin.
    “
    It
    ’st
    hiscondom,
    ”hesays.
    No,i
    t’
    snot!Myhandsfi
    ndhi
    sshaf
    tandIhel
    phi
    m
    pushinmoregent
    ly.
    “MaMbat hayini?Uuuhhh!”He'
    sgroaningnextt
    omy
    neck.Hisbreathsarebreaki
    ngshort.Noneofhis
    questi
    onsmakesense.
    “Sthandwasamiwhati
    sthi
    s?Oh,f
    uck.
    ”He'
    s
    shovinghi
    mselfdeepi
    nsi
    deme,hi
    snamestar
    tst
    o
    sli
    poutofmymout h.
    “Babe?”He'
    scal
    li
    ngmewi t
    heveryt
    hrust
    s.My
    paranoi
    dsidef
    eel
    shisshaftgoi
    ngdeepand
    reachi
    ngmystomach.
    Hepull
    sitout.I
    t'
    sst
    il
    lsol ongandthick,Iwasn't
    i
    magini
    ngt hi
    ngsthi
    st hi
    ngisreachi
    ngt omy
    st
    omach.Ishift
    ,abi
    tt oofar,
    mybedi sn'tverybi
    g.
    MyhiplandsonthefloorandIletoutascr eam.
    “Babear
    eyouokay?
    ”Hej
    umpsof
    fthebedand
    kneel
    snextt
    ome.
    Myhiphur
    tsali
    ttl
    ebit.Thedwar
    fism ofmybed
    r
    eal
    lyhel
    ped,
    Ididn'tf
    allt
    hathar
    d.
    “
    Yes,
    Ijustneedhel
    ptogetup,
    ”Isay,
    hol
    dingont
    o
    hisar
    mforbal
    ance.Iexpecthi
    mt oscoopmeup
    andputmebackonbed.Butnotthestupidhi
    m.He
    pinsmedownonthefloorandli
    ft
    smyl egsoverhi
    s
    shoul
    der
    s.
    “Thi
    sisgoingt
    okillme,
    ”hesays,
    rubbi
    nghisthumb
    onmyclitandrel
    easesasharpbr
    eatht
    hroughhis
    teet
    h.
    Hehasmepi nneddownonthef l
    oor,Ican'
    teven
    movemyi nj
    uredhipst
    ohelphim,he'shavi
    nghis
    waywit
    hme.Af ewfur
    ioust
    hrustssendmybody
    i
    ntoavi
    olentwave.

    “Argh!MaMbathayou'
    renotgoinganywhere.Tur
    n
    around,”hi
    spl
    easedvoi
    cebringsmebackt othe
    room.Washewat chi
    ngmet hewholetime?HowI
    didIlook?
    Ther
    e'saknockatthedoor
    .Hei
    sonhi
    sknees,
    l
    ooki
    ngunbothered.
    “Makhi,ar
    eyouokay?”That'smyneighbour'
    s
    boyfri
    end'
    svoice.Imust
    'vealar
    medt hem wi
    tht
    hat
    scream Il
    etoutwhenfal
    lingoffbed.
    “Tur
    naround,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasays,br
    ushingmyt
    high.My
    brai
    nisworki
    ngonthescaleof0.
    1.
    “
    Makhi
    !”mynei
    ghbourbangst
    hedoor
    .
    “She'
    salri
    ght,
    ndoda.
    ”He'
    sli
    ft
    ingmyarmsup.
    Peopleareconcer
    nedandal
    lhe'
    sthi
    nki
    ngabouti
    s
    doggstyl
    e.
    “MakhiIwantyoutotel
    lmethatyouareokay.
    ”My
    nei
    ghborisaconcernedci
    ti
    zen.Domesti
    cviol
    ence
    i
    s…
    “
    She'
    sokay,wearej
    usthavi
    ngsex.That
    'swhatyou
    want
    edtohear
    ,nowgo.”
    WTF!
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa,
    ”Iwhi
    sperwi
    thaf
    rownonmyf
    ace.
    I'
    m notevensi
    tti
    ngproperl
    y.Hepushesmedown
    onthefloor
    ,Il
    ieonmysi de,hel
    ift
    smylegupand
    i
    nsertshimsel
    fwhil
    eonhi sknees.
    “Babe,
    ”Iletoutamoanashepusheshi
    msel
    ftot
    he
    depthsofmycor e.
    Foot
    stepsdescendfr
    om thedoor
    .Ineedanew
    pl
    ace,I'
    m movingout
    .There'
    snowayIcaneverbe
    abl
    etol
    ookatt
    hesepeopl
    eint
    heeyes.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    08] :Chapt
    er29
    QondaniSi
    bisi

    It'
    snotever ydaythatawomanofyourdr eams
    sli
    desintoyourFacebookdi rectmessagesand
    i
    nitiat
    esaconver sat
    ion.Lor
    dknowst hathe
    empt i
    edal lhisEngli
    shtoher.Hepressedallt
    he
    ri
    ghtbut t
    ons.I twasimpossibl
    eforhernottofal
    lfor
    theSibisicharm.
    Heunl ockshisphoneandst ar
    esatthenude
    pict
    uresshesenthimt hepreviousnight.His
    memberi sbouncingupatthesi ghtofherbare
    curvybody.Hewr apshishandar ounditandgi ves
    i
    taf ewst r
    okeswhilescr
    oll
    ingdownf orhervideo.

    3pm seemstobedaysaway.Hecanhar
    dlywai
    tto
    haveherinhi
    sarms.
    Heshutshiseyesandlet
    shisimagi
    nat
    iontakehi
    m
    underherski
    rt
    s.Hisshaf
    tisswel
    li
    ngashismind
    dr
    awsapictur
    eofherlyi
    ngi
    nfrontofhi
    m wit
    hher
    l
    egswidel
    yopened,
    displ
    ayi
    nghercooki
    e-j
    ari
    nful
    l
    vi
    ew.
    “Zamaf
    uze! ”hegroansandquickensthepaceofhi
    s
    handaroundhi shardshaft
    .Knotsbreaki
    nhisbody
    ashereleasesandcr eampieshi
    sownhand.
    Well
    ,damn.He'stoooldfort
    his.Whati
    sthi
    sgir
    l
    doi
    ngtohim?Het akesawalkofshamet ot
    he
    bat
    hroom andstandsunderthecol
    dshower.
    Hedoesn'tearnmuchbutheaf for
    dstol
    iveand
    t
    akecareofhi sparent
    sandkids.Twoyearsagohe
    managedt ogethimselfasecond-
    handNissanvan.
    I
    ttakeshim ever
    ywherehewant stogoandthat'
    s
    whatcarswer emadef or
    .
    Hehasat wo-bedroom housei nTownshi pandhe
    canaf f
    ordawar m meal everyday.That'sli
    fe,
    he's
    comf or
    tableandgr at
    eful
    .Thecompar isonbetween
    him andhisuncle'schil
    drenhasneverbot her
    edhim.
    Him andNdondower edestinedf ordi
    fferentt
    hings.
    He'shappyt hathe'smadei tthi
    sf ari
    nl i
    fe.
    -
    -
    It
    'sjusthalfanhourawayf r
    om 3pm andheneeds
    tofetchZamaf uzefr
    om town.Hetri
    edtomaket he
    housel ookneatandcomf or
    tabl
    e.Heboughtnew
    curtai
    nsandbeddi ngs.Hehashiddenallhi
    sugly
    foodcont ainer
    sandtookoutthenewcut l
    eryhi
    s
    mot herforcedhimtotake.
    Hesl i
    desintohi
    sAdidastracksuitandmakeshi s
    wayout .Hewast r
    ansparentwithher,hopeful
    ly
    nothingabouthimisgoingt osurpr
    iseher.They
    hadast rongconnect
    ionrightaway.Wel l
    ,herbody
    mayhavebeent hefi
    rstt
    hingthatattr
    actedhimt o
    her,butastheyconti
    nuedt ochathefelli
    nlovewi t
    h
    herasaper son.Shesoundedl i
    kesomeonewho
    hasexper i
    encedenoughshi ti
    nherlif
    ewhoi snow
    readytosettl
    edown.

    Recognizi
    ngherwouldn'
    tbehar d.Hedrivestothe
    Engengaragewhereshesai dshewasst anding.His
    eyeslandonherbeforeheevenpar kshi
    svan.
    She'
    swear i
    ngabeigedressandknee- l
    engt hboots.
    Nexttoherisalar
    gesuitcaseandt wobags.Hi s
    for
    eheadfurrows,
    theydidn'tt
    alkaboutl
    ar gebags,
    het
    houghtt
    hiswasaweekendvi
    sit
    .

    Hefi
    ndsagoodspotandparkshisvan.Hetakes
    onegl
    anceathi
    sref
    lect
    iont
    hroughthemirr
    orand
    cl
    imbsout
    .
    “
    Zamaf
    uze?
    ”hesaysbehi
    ndher
    .
    Shetur
    nsaroundwit
    hafrownonherface.Hereyes
    scanhi
    mfrom headtot
    oe,t
    henshefl
    ashesasmi le.
    “Qondani
    ,ri
    ght
    ?”Sheputsthepur
    seont
    opoft
    he
    suit
    caseandpull
    shi
    mi nt
    oahug.
    “
    Mntakwet
    hu.IhopeIdidn'
    tkeepyouheref
    ort
    oo
    l
    ong.Youl
    ookmor ebeauti
    fuli
    nperson.
    ”
    Sheblushesandl ooksawayforasecond.Hepi
    cks
    thesui
    tcaseandonebag, shetakest
    heremaini
    ng
    onesandt heyheadt ot
    hevan.
    “Thi
    sisMshini.He'
    snotfancybuthetakesme
    whereverIwanttogo.Letmeputyourbagsint
    he
    back.
    ”
    Zamafuzeget
    sinthefr
    ontandrunshereyes
    aroundt
    heint
    eri
    or.Wow!Thi
    sisn'
    tevena
    downgr
    ade.I
    t'
    sast
    rai
    ghtdownf
    all
    !

    Qondanicl
    osesthebackdoorandrushestothe
    fr
    ont.He'
    ssti
    lli
    nawe.Allt
    hisbeaut
    ybelongsto
    hi
    m!
    “You'r
    esobeauti
    ful,
    ”he'
    sstari
    ngatheri
    ncompl et
    e
    disbel
    ief
    .Hewatchesgir
    lsli
    kethi
    sonTV, eveni
    fhe
    bumpsi ntoonei
    ntownheneverapproachesthem
    becausethey'
    reoutofhi
    sleague.
    “
    Soyou'renotevengoi
    ngt ogreetyourman?”he
    t
    eases,deepdownhewant stotasteherred-
    pai
    nted
    l
    ipsandcaresshersof
    t-
    looki
    ngbeaut i
    fulski
    n.
    “Iwi
    llgreetyouSibi
    si.Thor
    oughlyandproperl
    y.”
    Hereyesdr opdownt ohischestandnavi
    gates
    downt ohispant.
    Heholdshisbreathandpraysthathi
    sthuddi
    ng
    heart
    beati
    sn'tvi
    sibl
    ethroughhischest
    .Thor
    oughl
    y
    andproper
    ly?Whatisthatsupposedtomean?This
    womanmust n'tcomeallthewayfrom Dur
    banto
    tur
    nhisli
    feupsidedown.
    “Ican'twait,
    ”hesays,
    hisvoi
    cekeptl
    owandsteady.
    Hismoi steni
    nghandsturnontheengi
    neandgri
    p
    ont hesteeri
    ngwheel.
    “Idi
    dn'
    ttr
    ustyou.It
    houghtyouwerebl
    uff
    ingwhen
    yousai
    dyou'dvisi
    tme,”hesays.
    “
    Nowyout
    rustme?
    ”sheasks.
    Hechuckl
    es,
    hisner
    vesar
    ebacki
    npl
    ace.
    “
    Itr
    ustyoumnt
    akwet
    hu,
    ”hesays.
    “Ihopeitstaysthatway.Itookri
    skbycomi nghere,
    toamanI '
    venevermet,thatshouldprovetoyou
    thatI
    'm nothereforanythi
    ngelse,butforyour
    heart
    .”
    “
    Iappreci
    atet
    hatandIpr
    omi
    seyouwon'
    tregr
    et
    t
    his.
    ”
    “
    Ngi
    yabongaMahl
    ase,
    Zibi
    sizi
    kaSi
    shaka”
    Ther
    e'sasmilehe'
    sref
    usi
    ngtoletout
    .Shegoeson
    andchant
    shisclannames;“
    Bhovungana…Nsuku
    kaMagawula.
    ”
    Hebr
    ushesandl
    etshi
    ssmi
    leout
    .
    -
    -

    Hehasbroughtmanygir
    lsoverhi
    shousebutnone
    oft
    hem wereonZamafuze’
    slevel
    .Hehastomake
    sur
    ethatever
    ythi
    ngi
    sperfect
    .Hedoesn'
    twanther
    tor
    egrett
    his.
    “Areyouhappy?”heasks,st
    ari
    ngatherasshe
    scanshereyesaroundthehouse.
    “Whatar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    odoi
    fI'
    m nothappy?
    ”she
    askswit
    hagri
    n.
    “
    Yourhappi
    nessmat
    ter
    stome,
    ”hesays.
    Sheexhal
    esandl
    ooksar
    oundonemor
    eti
    me.
    “
    Maybewecandosomer
    enovat
    ions.
    ”
    Oh!Hewasn' tref
    err
    ingtothehousei
    tsel
    f.Hewas
    tal
    kingaboutthecurtai
    ns,pot
    sandallt
    hose
    unimport
    antthingsthatwomencareabout.
    “Wel
    l,Icannotrenovat
    et hi
    shousebecauseI '
    mj ust
    shel
    teri
    ngmyheadher e.I'
    m ori
    ginal
    lyf
    rom
    Nyandeni,t
    hat'
    swher emyf ather'
    shouseis.I
    fI
    wantabiggerhouseI '
    ddefini
    telybui
    lditt
    herefor
    myki
    ds.
    ”
    “Oh….
    Isee.”She'
    snoddingherheadsl
    owl
    ywi
    tha
    speci
    fi
    clookonherface.
    “
    Weshoul
    dputt
    hebagsi
    nthebedr
    oom,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Right?Ihopeyourwardr
    obei
    sbi
    genought
    otake
    myclothes,
    ”shesays.
    “
    Youbroughtal
    otofthem,
    ”Qondanisayswi
    tha
    f
    akechuckl
    e.Whati
    sgoingonhere?Somanybags
    f
    oraweekend!
    “Idon'
    tknowhowlongI'
    m goi
    ngtobeher
    e.Ijust
    wanttogettoknowyoubett
    erandl
    uckyme,your
    houseneedsawoman.”
    Isit
    ?Hel eadsthewayt ot
    hebedroom andputsthe
    suit
    caseont hefl
    oor.Hehastotakeoutsomeof
    hisclot
    hesbecauset hi
    swardr
    obeisnotgoingtobe
    enoughf orbot
    hofthem.

    Ar
    mswr apar
    oundhiswaistashefisheshi
    s
    cl
    othesoutofthewar
    drobe.Helooksatherwit
    ha
    sl
    ightf
    rown-howdidshetakeherdressoffso
    qui
    ckl
    y?Hiseyesareonherswol
    lenbr
    east
    s
    poppi
    ngoutofherbra.
    “Aspromised,Iwanttogreetyouproperl
    y.”Her
    handsarerunningdownhi schestandtheheatis
    shameful
    lygoingstrai
    ghtdownt oSibi
    si.
    “Ngi
    yaphi
    la,
    ”hesaysbefor
    esheevenaskand
    Zamafuzebreaksashor
    tchuckl
    e.
    “Idi
    dn'
    taskSibi
    si.Iwi
    llcheckformyself
    .I'm nota
    nursebut
    ….”Sheshovesherhandbeneat hhist r
    ack
    pantandweighshismanhood.Hej uststandsthere
    l
    ikeastat
    ue,notsurehowt oreactt
    othiswildness.
    Zamaf uzeswal l
    owshar dast heunderwear
    contentsf i
    lluphishand.She’ sheardaboutext ra-
    l
    argemenandt heyar esaidtocomef rom Nigeria.
    Ndabukoi sanaver age-di £kedmanwhoi sgif
    ted
    withact i
    on.Thatmani ntr
    oducedhert omany
    thi
    ngs, andamongt hem ar eorgasmsandsqui r
    ts.
    Qondaniseemst obeacompl etedif
    ferentcase.
    Yeshedi dbr agandt hreatenedtor i
    pherapar tover
    thephone.Buti tlookslikehe'soneoft hosemen
    whot hinkthatsexi st hepeni sgoingthroughthe
    vagi
    naandnot
    hingel
    se.
    “MaFuzeletmeundr essand…”Sheshutshim wi
    th
    asloppykiss.Real
    ly?Menhavebeenshift
    ingour
    panti
    esasideandshovingthemsel
    vesin,f
    or
    decades.
    Shepushesdownhi
    str
    ackpantandwr
    apsherhand
    ar
    oundhisgiant
    .
    Ashisbreat
    hspickapace,shedr
    opsdownonher
    kneesandpull
    shisunder
    weardowntohisankl
    es
    wit
    hhispant.
    “Zamafuzethi
    sisnotamovi
    e.Ngekeukwazi
    ukukhothaubudodabami
    !”(
    Youcannotl
    ickmy
    manhood!)
    “Youwil
    lhaveyourchancetospeakSi
    bisi
    ,
    ”
    Zamafuzesaysandtenderl
    ymassageshisbal
    ls.
    It
    'slong,t
    hickandblack.He'snotstandi
    ngsti
    ll
    .
    He'suncomf or
    tabl
    e.Zamaf uzepresseshert
    ongue
    onthet i
    pbeforeli
    cki
    ngar oundthehead.
    “Zamafuzewhatareyoudoing?”Agroanfoll
    ows
    hisquesti
    on.Thegi
    rlpul
    lshiswhol
    eshaftinside
    hermouth.I
    tbal
    ancesbackinhert
    hroatandhel
    ets
    outasharpscr
    eam;“Hhayibo!
    !”

    Shelickshi
    sshaft,
    suckstheti
    p,massageshis
    ball
    sandslipsherfi
    ngert
    hroughthecrackofhi
    s
    fi
    rm butt
    ocks.
    He'sl
    it
    eral
    lyscr
    eaminghisl
    ungsout
    .Nei
    ghbour
    s
    havetofor
    givebecause,
    wow.
    “
    Ican'
    tli
    ckyourmanhood,ri
    ght
    ?”Zamaf
    uzeasks
    wit
    hhi
    sshaftbel
    owherlips.
    He'
    str
    embl
    ing.
    “
    Khot
    hababy!
    ”
    Amanofhiswor d,r
    ight
    ?Shechuckl
    esandsweeps
    hert
    ongueoverhisball
    s.
    Thi
    smanisgoingtof
    aint
    !Heneedstobeincontr
    ol
    ofhi
    sbr
    eaths.Hi
    sshafti
    sbacki
    nsidehermouth.
    Hefeelst
    hewavebui
    ldingupandhi
    shandsgr
    ab
    herheadandbr
    ingi
    tclosert
    ohiswai
    st.
    “
    It
    'saboutt
    orai
    nZamaf
    uze!
    ”hewar
    nsont
    opofhi
    s
    voi
    ce.
    Sheneedstol
    ethim gobecause…No!It
    'scomi
    ng.
    Sheneedstol
    etgoofhi m bef
    oresomethi
    ng
    di
    sgusti
    nghappens.It
    'scoming!
    “Zamaf
    uzeit'
    srai
    ning!
    ”Wel
    l,i
    trai
    nsr
    ightt
    hrough
    hermouth.Hedidwarnher
    .

    Hefl
    oat
    sinamomentbef
    oreopeni
    nghi
    seyest
    o
    l
    ookatt
    hedamagehedi
    d.
    What
    …?
    “
    Zamaf
    uzewher
    ear
    emy…?
    ”
    “Yoursper
    ms?Iswal
    lowedt
    hem Si
    bisi
    .Yout
    ast
    e
    great
    .”
    Sheget
    sof
    fthefloor
    ,peckshi
    scheekandf
    indsher
    waytot
    hebathr
    oom.
    Hef al
    lsonhisbackonthebedandshutshi
    seyes.
    Hislegsaresti
    llt
    rembl
    ing.Whati
    sthi
    swoman
    doingtohim?
    .
    .
    NDONDO

    I
    '
    mi nt
    hishousemoreof
    tennow.Idon'
    tknowifhe
    t
    ri
    cksmeorI'mtheonewhojustl
    oveshi
    satt
    enti
    on.
    Maybeit
    'sbecausehecooksbet
    terthanmeand
    Andi
    swa.WhenI '
    m her
    eI'
    m awell-
    fedwoman,i
    n
    ever
    ypossibl
    eway.
    Hewalksbackf
    rom hi
    sphonecal
    landcl
    imbson
    bed.
    “Guesswhat?”IshethenewBahl enow?Idon'
    t
    havetimeforguessgames.We'vehadenough
    surpri
    sesthi
    spastweek.SnakhoandSnaloare
    Ngidi'
    sdaughtersandontopofthat,
    Maqhinga
    sleptwit
    hSnalo.It
    'samess!It
    houghtmyl i
    fehad
    turmoil
    sbutitseemsli
    ketheNgidissur
    passme.
    “
    Ngonyamai
    sret
    ir
    ing,
    ”hesays.
    Iguesshe'
    stal
    kingaboutt
    het
    axibusi
    ness,
    that
    's
    Ngidi
    'st
    axir
    ankname.
    “
    Why?
    ”Iask.
    “Hesayshewantstofocusonhisf
    amil
    y.He'
    s
    l
    ett
    inggoofthechai
    rmanpositi
    onandl
    eavi
    ng
    Ndlal
    i
    fainchar
    geofalloper
    ati
    ons.
    ”
    That
    'sagr
    eatthi
    ng.Thetaxiwarwasget t
    ingbor
    ing
    andi
    tcoul
    d'veendedwit
    honeoft hem dead.
    “
    Youdon'
    tlookhappyf
    orhi
    m,”Isay.
    “I
    '
    m happy.He'sbeeninthei
    ndustryfortoolong
    andhedeservesabreak.Buthonestl
    y,I'
    m scared.
    Thismeanswear eonourown,”hesays.
    “You'
    l
    lbef i
    nesthandwasami.You'vebeent
    herefor
    acoupleofyearsandNdlal
    if
    awillbetherei
    fyou
    needanythi
    ng,”Isay.
    Hescrat
    chest
    hesi
    deofhi
    sface.Whati
    sitnow?I
    nar
    rowmyeyeathi
    m.
    “
    Tal
    k,
    ”Isay.
    “Thingsareabouttogobacktonormal.Fulltaxi
    operati
    ons.There'
    ssomethi
    ngIneedtodi scuss
    withNdlal
    ifaandMaqhingaurgent
    ly.
    ”
    Ur
    gh,
    Ishoul
    d'veknown!
    “
    Howl
    ongwi
    llyoubegone?
    ”Iask.
    “Thi
    rt
    yminut
    es.Ipromi
    se,
    ”hesaysandl
    ower
    shi
    s
    headtomeandkissesmyli
    ps.
    Hepi cksuphi sjeanfrom t
    hefl
    oorandput si
    ton.Is
    i
    tpossi bl
    etocr aveforaman'spresenceduri
    ngthe
    pregnancy?I'm holdi
    ngbacktears,Idon'
    twanthi
    m
    toleavebutIcan' tbr
    eakdownbecauset hatwould
    bever ychil
    dishofme.
    “Don'
    tfal
    lasl
    eep.RememberyouowemeOne,
    ”he
    says.
    Ifor
    ceasmil
    eandwatchashesli
    psinhi
    sT-shi
    rt
    andgrabshi
    sphonef
    rom t
    hebedsi
    depedest
    al.
    “IloveyouHlasekazi
    .”Hesucksmylowerl
    ipand
    playful
    lypokesmycheekbeforedashi
    ngtothe
    door .

    Nowi t
    'sj
    ustmeandt her
    emai
    ningsmel
    lofhi
    s
    cologne.IfIwasinmyhouseI
    '
    dbeoncuddledon
    thecouchwi thAndi
    swaandwatchi
    ngherKor
    ean
    series.
    Ohsnap!Ihaven'
    tspokent
    omypr
    obl
    emat
    ic
    brotheri
    nawhi l
    e.WithBahl eandAndiswaI'
    m
    al
    wayst ryingtocorrectwr ongandri
    ght.I
    na
    nutshell
    ,I'
    m al
    wayst ryi
    ngt ocontr
    olthem.But
    Qondaniisf ul
    lygrown, almostmyage, wi
    thhi
    m Il
    et
    myhai rdownandgetcr azywit
    hhim.
    Hi
    sphoneri
    ngsunanswer
    ed.Itr
    yforthesecond
    t
    imeandheanswersj
    ustasI'
    m abouttogi
    veup.
    “
    Brot
    her
    ,”Isay.
    Heavybr
    eat
    hs!
    Ihearhi
    m gr
    oani
    ngandmyhear
    tst
    art
    sraci
    ng.
    “
    Qondani
    areyouokay?
    ”Iask.
    Si
    lence…
    “
    Qondani
    ?”-
    me.
    Aladyscreamsouthi
    sname.Myf or
    eheadgrows
    i
    ntoafrown.Whatthehel
    lisgoi
    ngonhere?
    “
    Uli
    brashakamnandii
    sendemnt
    akwet
    hu….
    ”WTF!
    Iendt
    hecal
    lqui
    ckl
    yandt
    hrowt
    hephoneaway.
    Whatt
    hehel
    l!
    Butwhyam Isur
    pri
    sed?I
    t'
    sjustl
    ikeQondanit
    o
    answercal
    lsdur
    ingsex.

    Ineedaglassofwar m mi
    lk.Ican'tbeli
    evemy
    brot
    herhastr
    aumatizedmel ikethis.Iputon
    Ndabuko'
    sgown, sl
    ideint
    omysl eeper sandmake
    mywayoutoft hebedroom.
    IknowNdabukowon' ttakethi
    rt
    ymi nut
    es,t
    here'
    sa
    l
    otgoingon, Maqhingai snoti
    nagoodspace, so
    him andNdl ali
    faareinvesti
    ngalotoftimein
    makingsur ethathe'sokay.Thisurgentmeeti
    ng
    mayescal ateintohim havingafewdr i
    nkswit
    h
    Maqhi ngaandcomi ngbackaroundmi dni
    ght.

    Myhear ti
    salwaysheavywhenI '
    m wal
    kingpast
    Nhlanzeko'
    sbedroom.Idon'tknowwhyt hedooris
    alwaysclosed.Ndabukodoesn'tcar
    etoturnthe
    l
    ightson,evenforafewminutes.
    Istopafewf eetawayfr
    om it.Iknowwher et
    he
    keysareandIhavet hi
    surget owalkinsi
    de,j
    ustto
    tur
    nt hel
    ightonforafewmi nutes.Iknowthat
    Ndabukowoul dlosehi
    smi ndifhef oundmedoing
    t
    his.

    Iunlockt hedoorandpushi t.Ireachupthewal l


    andt urnont helight.Myhear teasesashisroom
    bri
    ght ensup.Hi spictur
    eisst ari
    ngatmef rom the
    wall
    .Ther e'
    sal otofdustl yi
    ngoni t.Il
    ookaround
    andmyeyesl andonat oiletpaperroll
    .Ir
    ollafew
    sheets, pulldownt hepicturef r
    ameandwi peit.
    IwishNdabukocanal l
    owcl eaner
    stocomeher e
    andtidyupaswel l
    .There'
    sdustallovert
    he
    surf
    aces.Unfort
    unatel
    yIcannotdomuchabouti t.I
    puthispict
    urebackinit
    splaceandwal ktohi
    s
    wardrobe.

    Theleatherj
    acketi
    satthefront,i
    nagreenhanger
    .I
    can'
    thelpasmi l
    estret
    chi
    ngf r
    om myface.This
    manhadnost yl
    eorwhatsoever.Wher
    edidhebuy
    thi
    sjacketandwhydi dhel
    ovei tsomuch?
    There'
    samir
    roronthewal
    lbutIcanonl
    yseea
    shadowofmyselfbehi
    ndt
    hatdust.
    Itr
    ythejacketon,t
    hesleevesaretoobigbutIcan
    wearit
    .Ipushmyhandsi nsidet
    hepocketsandtr
    y
    topeekatmyr efl
    ect
    ionont hemirr
    or.

    Oh,ther
    e'sapi
    eceofpaper
    .It
    akei
    toutand
    cur
    iousl
    yunfol
    dit.
    Eeeer!I
    sthishowhewrot
    e?Hewrotehi
    snamel ike
    a12yearold.Ormaybehewr
    otet
    hiswhenhewas
    12.It
    'sapieceoft
    hosebr
    owni
    shjot
    terexer
    cise
    books.
    Ichecktheot hersideandtherearetwodr awn
    humanf igureswithasoccerballbetweent hem.
    Nexttoeachf igureisaname;Ndabukoand
    Nhlanzeko.Sot hi
    smanhadahor ribl
    ehandwr it
    ing,
    hecouldn'tdrawlikeotherboysandhel ovedugly
    l
    eatherjackets?Ilaughandshakemyhead.Lovei s
    astrangething.
    “
    Ndondo,
    ”thevoi
    cecomesf
    rom t
    hedoor
    .
    Ij
    umpupi nfear.He'shere?It
    houghthe'dbewi
    th
    MaqhingaandNdl al
    if
    af orawhil
    e.Gosh!I'
    m
    wear
    ingNhlanzeko'sjacket
    .Whatam Ievendoi
    ng
    her
    e?

    Hewal ksin.Whenhisbrot
    heri
    sinvolvedNdabuko
    becomesadi ff
    erentper
    son.I
    t'
    sascar ythi
    ngto
    watch.Myhear ti
    sbeati
    nghardagainstmychest.
    Mymout hhasturneddr
    yinst
    antl
    y.
    “Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”Hi
    scol
    deyesar
    efi
    xed
    onme.
    “
    Iwas…It
    hought…Ndabukoi
    t'
    snotwhatyout
    hink.I
    wasj
    ustcur
    iousandIcamehere.
    ”
    “
    Cur
    iosi
    tygotyouinthi
    sthi
    ng?
    ”He'
    saski
    ngabout
    t
    hej
    acket.He'
    sdisgust
    ed!
    Itakeitof
    fquickl
    yandhurrytothewardr
    obet oput
    i
    tback.Ireal
    lydidn'
    tmeantospoilourni
    ght.Ihave
    nointenti
    onstofuelwhat
    everhatr
    edther
    e's
    betweenhim andhisdeadbrother
    .
    He'
    sgl
    ari
    ngatmeasIshamef
    ull
    ywal
    kbackt
    ohi
    m.
    Hiseyesshi
    ftt
    osomet
    hingont
    hef
    loor
    .Thepi
    ece
    ofpaper!
    “
    Ifoundi
    tint
    hepocket
    s.IswearIdi
    dn'
    t…”
    “
    Picki
    tup!
    ”
    Idon'
    tneedhi
    mt ot
    ellmetwi
    ce.Ibenddownand
    pi
    ckitup.Hegr
    absitfr
    om myhandsandunfol
    dsit
    .
    “
    Whati
    st hi
    s?”Gosh,Ir
    efuset
    othinkthathethi
    nks
    I
    '
    m wri
    ti
    nglovelet
    ter
    stohisbrot
    herinheaven!
    “
    Idon'
    tknow,
    ”Isay.
    Hetur
    nsthepaperbackandst
    aresatt
    heugl
    y
    dr
    awings.
    I
    shegoi
    ngtostareati
    tfort
    hewholehour
    ?Ingr
    ade
    3Idr
    ewbet
    terpeoplet
    hanhisbr
    other
    .

    Hewal
    kstot
    hebedandsinksdownoni
    t.I
    t'
    sdi
    rt
    y!
    Hi
    speopl
    edon'
    tchanget
    hisbed.
    “
    Idon'
    trememberhi
    m pl
    ayi
    ngsoccer
    ,ever
    ,”hesays.
    Nowwear
    etal
    king?
    “Maybehewant edtobutnevergotachance.Fir
    st-
    bor
    nr esponsi
    bil
    it
    ies,
    ”Isay,
    til
    ti
    ngmyheadt othe
    si
    de.
    Hedoesn'
    tcar
    e.Idon'
    tthi
    nkheevenhear
    dme.Hi
    s
    whol
    eat
    tent
    ioni
    sonapi
    eceofpaper
    .
    “Hedrewusonapieceofpaper
    ,pl
    ayi
    ngsoccer
    ?!”I
    t
    soundsli
    kehe'
    str
    yingt
    olett
    hissi
    nki
    nhishead.
    Heli
    ft
    shi
    seyest
    ome.Ohno,whyishel
    iket
    his
    now?Wher
    earet
    hef
    lamesofanger
    ?
    “
    Ther
    e'sahear
    tatt
    hebot
    tom,
    ”hesays.
    Oh,
    Idi
    dn'
    tseei
    t.
    Wai
    t,i
    shesheddi
    ngt
    ear
    s?
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    08] :Chapt
    er30
    Maqhi
    nga

    Hehonest l
    ydidn'twanttodot hi s.Buthi sf ather
    andNdl al
    if
    ainsisted,andheal soneedst his
    cl
    eansingthingdone, maybei t'
    lleaset hegui lt
    .But
    goingtowher ehismot herwasbor n,t
    ot hataunt
    whohat esgroundshewal kson, isst r
    essf ul.He
    tr
    iedtonegotiatewithhisfather, hewasgoi ngto
    bookintoahot elsomewher ear ound
    Pieter
    marit
    zbur gandonl ygother eforther itual
    s.
    ButNgidisai
    ditwasimport
    antthathewentt
    here
    andspentthenighti
    nthepresenceofhi
    smater
    nal
    ancest
    ors.

    Ther e'
    sacarhootout si
    dehishouse.Helooks
    aroundt hebedroom toseei
    fheisnotleaving
    anythingbehind.He'l
    lbegonefortwodaysonl y,
    so
    there'snoneedf orhi
    mt odr
    agbigbags.
    “Maqhi
    nga!”That
    'shi
    sf at
    heryel
    li
    ng.Hehur
    ri
    edl
    y
    opensthefr
    idgeandtakesoutabottl
    eofwat
    erand
    headsout.
    It
    'sonl
    yhi m andSnalogoingtoEmkhambat hi
    ni;t
    he
    si
    nfulchil
    dren.Sohei snotsurpri
    sedwhenhef i
    nds
    hersit
    ti
    ngint hebackseatwit
    hherl aptop.I
    fit
    'snot
    asadmovi ewi t
    hsomeoneget tingkil
    ledintheend,
    i
    t'
    ssomet hingwithvampiresoraliens.She'
    sinto
    heart
    -wreckingmovies.
    Theyhaven'
    ttal
    kedsincet
    hepart
    yni
    ght
    .Thei
    r
    rel
    ati
    onshi
    piscoldandawkward.
    “Sur
    e,”hesays,
    glancingatheronceand
    posi
    ti
    oninghimselfontheseatatthef
    ront
    .
    “
    Youl
    ookgood,
    str
    anger
    ,”Snal
    osays.
    Ngi
    diclear
    shist
    hroatandglancesbackather
    .She
    di
    dn'
    tmovei nwi
    thhim butshepicksupwhenever
    hecal
    ls.
    “What ?
    ”Snaloaskswi t
    hhereyeswi dened.She
    doesnot i
    ceMaqhi ngabutshe'stryinghardto
    forgetwhattheydidandhiswor ds.I t
    'sver
    ywrong
    ofhert owishthi
    ngswer edi
    fferent.Thisisher
    brother.
    “Arewegoingt
    oli
    stent
    ot hosepeopl
    eyell
    ingat
    eachothert
    hewhol
    ejourney?”Ngi
    diasks.
    “Oh,
    themovie?I
    '
    llpl
    ugint
    heheadset
    s,”shesays
    andpul
    lsherpur
    setosear
    chf
    orherheadsets.

    Ngidisi
    ghsandst art
    sthecar.Hewant sanor mal
    rel
    ati
    onshipwithbothofthem.It'
    sbeenonl yaweek
    andheal r
    eadyknowsaboutSnakho' sex-boyfri
    ends
    andcelebri
    tycrushes.I
    twasveryawkwar dsitt
    ing
    i
    nagownhewasf or
    cedintoweari
    ng, wit
    habowl
    ofpopcornonhi slapandTheRealHousewi vesOf
    What-Whatplayingonthescreen.Ndlali
    famadei t
    clearthathewaswear ingnogownsanddef i
    nit
    ely
    notwat chi
    ngwomenhedoesn' tknowli
    vingtheir
    l
    ives.ButNgididi
    dn’thaveachoi ce,
    Snakhocan
    talkthewholeday,hewasn'tgoingtoheartheend
    ofit.That'
    showit'
    slikehavi
    ngadaught er;st
    range
    butf un.
    ButSnaloisn'tanyt hingcloset othat.Shepopsi n
    randomly,staysonherl aptopwi thhermovi esor
    justst
    areatever yonequi etly.Phumzi l
    esaidit'
    s
    howshei sbutNgi distil
    lcan'thelp,butworry.
    Magcinahadmoment sl
    ikeher s,whereshe'djust
    keeptoher sel
    f.Andt hatdidn'tendwel l
    ,shewas
    l
    ockingthepai ninsi deher.

    “Yourmotherl
    ovednatur
    e.Irememberhavi
    ng
    picni
    csinthebushes,
    ”Ngidisayswi
    thachuckl
    eas
    theydri
    vepastthefor
    est
    .
    “I
    'm notint
    erestedinyourr
    omanti
    cstor
    iesBaba.
    Haveyouhear danyt hi
    ngfr
    om Ndl
    ali
    fa?
    ”Maqhi nga
    says.Clear
    lynobodywant shi
    mtoknowanyt hi
    ng
    abouthismot her,whyshoul
    dheli
    stentothei
    rlove
    st
    ori
    es?He'
    sdonewi
    tht
    his“
    Magci
    na”t
    opi
    c.
    “Hedr ovepastmyhousebef oregoingtotherank.
    Isheseei ngsomeone? ”Ngi diasks.Theymaynot
    haveagr eatrelat
    ionshipbutheknowshi sson.
    Wear i
    ngani r
    onedshi rtisnotsomet hinghe'ddo
    randoml y,unlessifhe'sforcedbysomeoneor
    tryi
    ngt ocharm.Lat elyhelookswayt oofresh,and
    healwayshast hoserandom cal l
    sthattakehimf ar
    from everyone.
    “Yes.Areyouseeingsomeone?Anyonewhoisa
    housekeeper?”Maqhi
    ngaasks.Heknowsthathe'
    s
    annoying,hi
    slipi
    scurvedi
    ntoasmileashestar
    es
    athisfather
    .
    Ngi
    dishoot
    sadeadl
    ookathi
    m andt
    urnshi
    seyes
    t
    ofocusonther
    oad.
    “Youhavet ospeakupson.Youneedguidanceand
    mentorship,especi
    all
    yifi
    t'
    ssomeonewhois
    youngerthanyou. ”
    Ngidihat
    esitwhenhecall
    shim“ son”buthedoesi t
    anywaybecausehe'sMaqhingaandhe'st helast
    -
    born.Oh,scr
    atcht
    hat,
    he'
    snol ongerthelast-
    born
    i
    nthef
    ami
    ly.
    “HowaboutImentoryouonhowt omi ndyour
    damnbusiness?I'
    m notseei
    nganyone,eveni
    fIdo,
    i
    t'snotsomet
    hingI'
    ddiscusswi
    thyou.”
    “Thenyouwon'tmindhi
    ri
    nganewhousekeeperand
    sendi
    ngtheoneinyourhousetomine.”He's
    pushingi
    t.I
    t'
    stooobvi
    ousthathi
    sfatherandthat
    gir
    lhavesomethi
    nggoingon.
    “Igaveyoualif
    e.I'm notgi
    vingyouahousekeeper
    .
    Fastenyourseatbel
    t,thi
    sisnotyourt
    axi
    .”
    Maqhingacr acksintolaughter
    .Hedoesn' thavea
    probl
    em wi t
    hhi sf
    at hersmashinghereandt here,
    somethinghast ost rai
    ntheNgonyamai nhi m and
    whatisbet t
    erthansex?Unf ort
    unatelyNdlalif
    a
    doesn'tsharethesamesent iments,hisfather
    needst ofi
    ndsomeonehi sage.Oneoft hesedays
    he'sgoingtomovei nwithhi
    sf at
    herandputanend
    tothemadnessgoi ngoni nt
    hathouse.
    -
    -
    Khosihasdoneal
    ott
    oimprovet
    heirhome.Bythe
    t
    imeSnakhoandSnal
    ostar
    tedworkingshehad
    alreadyrenovatedthefour-
    room house,ext
    ended
    theki t
    chen,changedthedoorsandwi ndowsinto
    alumi ni
    um andaddedt wobedr ooms.Snakho
    helpedherpayof fthefurni
    turedebtandthethree
    oft hem rebui
    ltt
    hetwor oundhouses.

    It
    'sabitt
    ersweetmomentf
    orMaqhingatofi
    nal
    ly
    sethisfootonthesepr
    emi
    ses.Legal
    ly,
    he'
    ssti
    lla
    Nseletoo.
    Phumzi l
    eisst andingont heverandawithasmi leon
    herface.She'sobvi ouslyhappytoseeSnal oand
    herbrother-
    in-l
    aw.Maqhi ngastandsbehindthem
    astheyexchangegr eetings.She'
    snotlookingathis
    dir
    ecti
    on, i
    tstabst hroughhisheartbuthe'sgoingto
    getusedt oit.Hedoesn' trememberanywoman
    showinghi m affecti
    on,excepttheinf
    atuatedyoung
    gir
    lswhost il
    lconf uselovewi t
    hfun.
    “Maqhi
    nga,
    ”sheacknowledgeshi
    m,hereyesar
    e
    notonhi
    m.It'
    sjustf
    ormali
    ti
    es.
    “Hey,
    ”hesays,
    brushi
    nghisneck.Booki
    ngint
    oa
    hotel
    wasabetteri
    dea.Thi
    sisgoingtobeawkwar
    d.
    “Youwillusethatr
    ondavelwit
    hyourf
    ather.You
    cangoandl eavethebagsinsi
    de,
    ”shesays,
    point
    ingattheonebelowthemainhouse.
    Hetakeshisbagandhisfather'
    sandheadstot
    he
    poi
    ntedrondavel
    .Ifi
    thasabedhe'snotgoingt
    o
    comeoutofitunti
    lthegoatissl
    aughter
    edandhe'
    s
    cal
    ledtodowhateverhe'
    sexpectedtodo.

    Thefl
    oori
    smar oonandpol i
    shed.Itsti
    llhasthe
    par
    aff
    insmellandlookssli
    ppery.Thebedwi l
    lbe
    bi
    genoughforhim andhisfather.Hopefull
    ythey
    won'
    thavethei
    rusualprobl
    emsofshar ingabed.
    Hepl acest
    hebagsonbedandl iesbackonthe
    pil
    lows.He'
    llkeephimselfbusyonhisphonewhil
    e
    theyarehavingthei
    rli
    tt
    lefamil
    ybondingti
    me.

    Wel
    l,
    itdoesn'
    tseem so.
    “I
    sitsafet
    ocomein?”That'
    sSnaloatthedoor.She
    haschangedint
    oshort
    sandsandals.Her
    dreadl
    ocksar
    eletl
    ooseoverhershoul
    ders.Her
    t
    highsar
    e…okay,
    no!
    Noi
    t'
    snotsaf
    eforhert
    ocomei
    nbecause…wow.
    “
    Yes,
    ”Maqhi
    ngacr
    oaksout
    .
    Hopeful
    lyhe'l
    lbeabletoshutoutthatpict
    ureofher.
    Ifi
    twasupt ohim he'
    dcuttieswithherandnever
    seeheragain.Butwhoisheki ddi
    ng?They'ref
    amily
    andNgidii
    sobsessedwi ththem unit
    ingasafamily
    morethanever.Heevenr et
    iredtofocusonhis
    famil
    y.
    Lor
    d!She'
    scl
    imbi
    ngonbed.
    Hewant st
    otel
    lhert
    ositf
    arfrom hi
    m.Hisski
    nget
    s
    goosebumpsasherkneepokeshisl
    eg.
    “
    You'
    vebeenscar
    ce,
    ”shesays.
    “I
    '
    vebeenbusy.”Hi
    seyesar
    enotonher
    .Whydi
    d
    Ngidil
    ethercomet
    ohim?
    “Ithoughtmaybeyouwer eavoidingmebecauseof
    whathappenedt hatday.Iknowit'sembarr
    assi
    ng,
    that'
    swhywear eheretoappeaseandcleanse,but
    wedi dn'tknowwewer esibli
    ngsbackthen.And
    honestly,Idon'
    tregr
    etanythi
    ng.”
    Hi
    smouthdropsopen.Heshi
    ft
    shi
    seyest
    oherand
    t
    heyst
    areateachot
    her.
    “Ij
    usthaveonequest
    ion.Pl
    easebehonest
    ,”Snal
    o
    says.
    He'ssweatingbul
    let
    s.Theyshoul
    dn'
    tbeinthi
    s
    posit
    iononbed!Ittr
    igger
    sbackmemorieshe
    doesn'twant.
    “
    Iwi
    llt
    ry,
    ”hesaysanddr
    awsabr
    eat
    h.
    “
    Yousai
    dyoul
    ovedme.Di
    dyoumeani
    tatt
    hat
    t
    ime?
    ”
    Shecanaskhi m anyt
    hing,
    butnott
    his!Hewishes
    toun-saythosewordsmorethanhe’
    dl i
    ket
    oun-
    fu€kher.
    “
    Didyoul
    ie?
    ”sheasks.
    Hecannotanswert
    his…
    “
    Maqhi
    nga,
    ”Snal
    o.
    “Idi
    dn'
    tli
    e…Idon'
    tknow.Isai
    dwhatIf
    eltand.
    ..
    ”He
    shutshi
    seyesandsighsheavi
    ly.
    “
    Snal
    oIr
    eal
    lyf
    eltl
    ikewehadaconnect
    ion.Wedi
    d
    haveitbutIguessitwasj ustbloodconnecti
    ng.I
    '
    m
    heart
    brokenthatIdidthattoyouasmysi st
    erand
    I'
    m sadthatthefir
    stgir
    lIfeltconnect
    edto
    happenedtobemysi ster
    .Istruggl
    etoconnectwith
    women-somet hingalwaysdr ivesmeorthem away.
    AndI'm al
    most30. ”
    “There'
    snoti
    mef
    ramet
    ofal
    linl
    ove.Ibel
    ievet
    hat
    you'l
    lbefi
    ne.
    ”
    “Whataboutyou?
    ”Heshi
    ft
    supont
    hepi
    ll
    owand
    star
    esather.
    “Iwil
    lbefinet
    hedayIknowt hatyou,Snakhoand
    Khosiaresett
    ledandhappy.Well,
    Ndlali
    faisa
    grownmanandIt hi
    nkhehaseverythi
    ngf i
    gur
    edout
    .
    Dadisstrong,Idoubthe'
    scal
    ledNgonyamaf or
    nothi
    ng.Mam' Phummyhascl osur
    enow, she'
    l
    l
    survi
    ve.
    ”
    Maqhingaistr
    yingt
    ostudyherface,
    butthi
    soneis
    al
    wayst hesame.Youcannottel
    lwhat'
    sgoi
    ngoni n
    herhead,youj
    usthavetobel
    ievewhatshetel
    lsyou.
    “
    Youlookcalm.Ihopeyouhavedi
    smissedthose
    t
    houghtsyouoncehad,
    ”hesayswithanarr
    owl ook
    f
    ixedonher
    .
    “Theycomeandgo.OnedayIwantt odoi t
    ,Ihavea
    purposei
    nt hi
    sli
    fethi
    ngandI '
    m happy.Andthe
    nextdayIfeeli
    ncomplet
    e,l
    iketheworldhasshut
    downonmeandt here'
    snolight,
    ”shesays.
    “Ifeelli
    keyouhavei ssuest hatyour efuset o
    conf r
    ont.I'
    vebeent here,tr
    yingtor ecallmy
    childhoodandf eeli
    ngl i
    kethere'sawor l
    dthat '
    s
    beingkeptf r
    om me.Ahugepar tofmewasmi ssing.
    ButNgi diwouldseer i
    ghtthroughmeandmake
    suret hatIwasokay.He' sagoodman, agood
    fatherandhecanbeyourbestf ri
    endi fyoual l
    ow
    himt o.Yes,somet i
    mesheshout sandt hreatensto
    kil
    lusbecausehegr ewupi nthet axirankandhe' s
    sleepingwithyounggi r
    ls.Maybet heyover wor k
    Hlomukadownt her
    e. ”
    Gi
    ggl
    es!
    “
    Younggi
    rl
    s?”Snal
    oasks,
    hereyeswi
    del
    yopened.
    “Youhavemett hehousekeeperwhowear
    sa
    skimpydress?
    ”
    “
    Nooo!Shutt
    hef
    rontdoor
    !”Herhandsar
    eoverher
    mout
    h.Whatt
    hef
    u€ki
    sshehear
    ing?Ngi
    di!
    “
    Ioncesawcuff
    li
    nksi
    nhisbedr
    oom.Ithinkthat
    's
    whenIst
    art
    eddri
    nki
    ngvodkawit
    houtdash,”
    Maqhi
    ngasays.
    Laught
    err
    ises!

    Aknockdistur
    bstheirgossi
    psessi
    on.I
    t'
    sPhumzi
    le;
    hereyesareonSnalo.
    “
    Goandmaket
    eaf
    ort
    heguest
    s,”shei
    nst
    ruct
    s.
    Snalosecret
    lyr
    oll
    shereyesbef
    orejumpingofft
    he
    bed.Phumziler
    emainsbythedoorunti
    lSnal
    o
    di
    sappears.
    Maqhingai
    slyi
    ngonthesameposi
    ti
    onwi
    thhi
    s
    handonthefor
    ehead.
    Aheavysi
    gh!
    Phumzi
    lewal
    ksinandl
    ower
    sher
    sel
    font
    hebed,
    j
    ustbel
    owhisfeet
    .
    Thi
    sishernephew!NotMsawenkosi.Shewentto
    hi
    sgraveearl
    ierandi
    t'
    snotopened.Heisdead.
    “
    Idon'
    that
    eyou,
    ”shesays.
    I
    shesupposedt
    osaysomet
    hing?
    “Yourf
    athertel
    lsmethatyou'
    reagoodsinger
    .You
    tookaf
    teryourmother,
    ”shesaysandtur
    nsher
    headtohim.
    Shecandot
    his!
    Maqhi
    ngar
    eleasesaheavybr
    eat
    h.
    “
    Whatdi
    dIdot
    oyou?
    ”heasks.
    “Nothi
    ng.IguessI'
    vebeenhavi
    ngahar dti
    me
    accept
    ingthatyoulookthi
    sway.”Herhandfi
    shes
    somethingoutofherjer
    sey’
    spocket.
    I
    t'
    saphot
    o.
    Shepassesi
    ttohi
    m.Hi seyesr
    unoveri
    tanda
    fr
    owngrowsonhisface.
    “I
    '
    veneverdressedupl i
    kethi
    s,
    ”hesays,conf
    used
    andshocked.Thispersononthi
    spict
    ureis
    i
    nsul
    ti
    nghi sgoodlooks.Whatthehel
    l?!
    “That
    'snotyou.I
    t'
    sMsawenkosi
    ,yourl
    ateuncl
    e,
    ”
    shesays.
    Hi
    sfacedr
    ops.Thi
    sexpl
    ainswhyshef
    aint
    ed.Hei
    s
    aspl
    it
    ti
    ngi
    mageofthi
    sman.
    Si
    lence…
    Phumzi leclear
    shert
    hroat
    .Sheshouldn'tbedoing
    thisbutit'
    stheonl
    ywayshecangi vethisboy
    closure.Andsheneedstotalkaboutt
    histo
    someone.Maybei twil
    loff
    loadsomethingfrom hi
    s
    shoulders.
    “
    That
    'sNomkhosi
    ’
    sfat
    her
    ,”shesays.
    Maqhi
    ngaf
    rowns.Hi
    sear
    smayhavepl
    ayedt
    ri
    cks
    onhi
    m.
    “Yousai
    dhewasmyuncl e,
    whi
    chmeanshewas
    yourbr
    other
    ,”hesays.
    Heavysi
    gh!
    “
    Hewasmybr
    otherandhewasNomkhosi
    ’
    sfat
    her
    .”
    Jesusar
    eyoucl
    ose?WTF!
    “Mamkhul
    u!Youdat
    edyourbr
    other
    ?”Hi
    seyesar
    e
    aboutt
    odropout
    .
    “
    Dat
    e??
    ?”Herbr
    owsar
    esnapped.She'
    sdi
    sgust
    ed.
    Owkaaay!Maqhi
    ngaf
    rowns.
    “Imean,howdi dKhosihappen?Youmust'
    ve…”No!
    Hestopsandj umpsoffbed.Hismouthishangi
    ng
    opened.Thatexpressi
    ononhisaunt'
    sfacesays
    somethingel
    se!
    “Isthatt
    herealr
    easonwhyyoufai
    ntedwhenyou
    sawmef ort
    hefir
    stti
    me?DoesKhosiknowabout
    this?”
    “
    SitdownMaqhi
    nga.
    ”
    Fu€k!
    !!
    “Hewast heel
    dest,sowhenourpar entsdiedhe
    becamet hebreadwinner.Idon'
    tknowwhohe
    star
    tedwithbetweenMagci naandI .Ionlyfound
    outthathewasdoi ngthesamet oheraft
    ersheran
    awayf r
    om home.Itescalatedto…”She'ssaid
    enough.Thisi
    sachi ld,notherther
    apist.
    Maqhingaisscratchi
    nghi sheadandifhekeeps
    goingonli
    kethishe'sgoingtopeelhi
    sskinoff.But
    whodoest hatt
    ohi ssist
    ersonpurpose?Hewas
    supposedtoprotectthem.
    “Ihadahar dti
    meaccept i
    ngthatIwasNomkhosi
    ’s
    mot her
    .Iresentedher
    ,forqui
    tesometime.
    ”She
    soundsr egr
    etful.I
    tmust'
    vebeenhard.
    “Iunder
    stand.I
    tmust
    'vebeenhar
    d,”Maqhi
    ngasays,
    noddinghis
    head.
    “Youweret
    woyear
    sol
    dwhensher
    anaway,
    right
    ?”
    Phumzil
    easks.
    Maqhi
    ngaf
    rowns…
    “
    Mymot
    her
    ?Yes.
    ”
    “
    Doyouunder
    stand?Onhercase.
    ”
    I
    tclicks.Hishandsstarttot
    remble,hebrushes
    t
    hem onhi sknees.Isthiswhyhisfatherref
    usedt
    o
    t
    ellhim anythi
    ngabouthi smother
    ?Ist hi
    swhy
    t
    here'snopi ct
    ureofhim andhismot her?
    “Soshelef
    tbecauseofme? ”heasks,
    looki
    ngat
    Phumzil
    ewi t
    hbloodshoteyes.
    “No.Shelef
    tbecauseofMsawenkosi.Youhad
    nothingt
    odowi t
    hit.Shehadabaggageofpain
    thatshewantedtoforgetandl
    eavebehi
    nd,butyour
    l
    ookst
    ri
    gger
    edbackever
    ythi
    ng.
    ”
    Heshakeshi
    shead.She'
    slyingtohim!Hismot
    her
    hat
    edhim.Hisgut
    swererightallthi
    sti
    me-
    somet
    hingaboutt
    hei
    rrel
    ationshipwasoff
    .
    “Myfat
    herli
    edtome.I
    'mtheonewhocostNdl
    ali
    fa
    hismot
    her.Ibr
    okehi
    sfamil
    y.”
    “
    Bheki
    zit
    haprotect
    edyou.ThesamewayI'
    vebeen
    t
    ryi
    ngtoprot
    ectNomkhosimywholel
    if
    e.”
    Hecalmsdownandl
    owershi
    mselfont
    hebed.He
    needsagl
    assofwat
    er,
    orsomet
    hingst
    rong.
    “
    Whatdi
    dyout
    ellheraboutherpat
    erni
    ty?
    ”heasks.
    “Thatherfat
    herwasaZimbabweanmanwho
    workedinaconstr
    uct
    ionsi
    teandwentbackt
    ohi
    s
    countr
    y.”
    “
    Mamkhul
    uthat
    'snotf
    air
    !”heexcl
    aims.
    “
    It
    'sbet
    tert
    hatway,
    ”shesays.
    Whooah!Someoneshoul
    d'vetol
    dhimtobring
    booze,
    weedandnyaope.Thisiswayabovehim!
    -
    -

    NDONDO

    Igotacallf
    rom home-Nyandeni .Bab'
    Maqhaweis
    struggl
    ingt
    ogetholdofQondani .Hewassupposed
    tosendmoneyf orthekids.It
    'stheendofthemonth,
    theyneedmoneyf orschooltransportmoney,
    pocketmoneyandschooll unch.Thi si
    sthefi
    rst
    ti
    meQondanihasf ail
    edt oful
    filhisdut
    iesand
    Bab'Maqhaweiswor r
    iedsick.

    Heblue-
    ti
    ckedmeonWhatsApp.Ical
    lhi
    m usi
    ng
    Andi
    swa'sphoneandheanswer
    s.
    “Whyareyouignor
    ingme?Babahasbeent r
    yingt
    o
    cal
    landyou'
    renotanswer
    ingyourphone.
    ”
    “Ummm…yeah.Thephonewasnotwi thme.”Thisis
    ablat
    antli
    e.What
    'supwithhi
    mt hesedays?Ifhe'
    s
    notansweri
    ngcal
    lsdur
    ingsex,he'
    scompletel
    y
    i
    gnoringt
    hem.
    “I
    t'
    smonth-
    endandyouhavethr
    eeki
    dsQondani
    .
    Areyout
    ryi
    ngtosendBabatoanear
    lygr
    ave?
    ”Iask.
    “
    I.
    .I
    …I’
    m goi
    ngt
    ocal
    lhi
    m back,
    ”hesays.
    Whyi shestut
    ter
    ing?Forhisowngood, hebet
    ter
    notplaywit
    hthatman'ssanity.Thi
    ngsl
    ikethi
    scan
    l
    andhi minthehospit
    al.Icannothavet
    hat,
    wej ust
    reconci
    led.
    “
    What
    'sgoi
    ngonQondani
    ?”Iask.
    “
    EishNdondo!Thingsaretight
    .Ihadt
    ouseallthe
    moneytocoversomet hi
    ngs.ButIwil
    ltr
    ytogetthe
    moneyandsendithome, ”hesays.
    “Andwhenexact l
    yareyougoingtoseeyourkids?
    It
    'smonth-
    end,everyonehasbeenpaid,butyou
    alr
    eadyhaveusedal lt
    hemoneyt ocoverthi
    ngsthat
    aremoreimportantthanyourchi
    ldr
    en."
    Ther
    e'sawoman'
    svoi
    cei
    nthebackgr
    ound.
    “Ihavetogo.Pl
    easedon'
    twor
    ry,
    I'
    llmakeapl
    an.
    ”
    Thecalli
    sdropped!
    Mameshane!Ifit
    'sawomanthatdri
    vinghimthi
    s
    cr
    azyandmilkinghismoneyIswearI'
    m goi
    ngto
    wal
    kwi
    thmyownf
    eett
    oEsi
    khawi
    nianddr
    agher
    out
    .

    Ican’thaveBab’Maqhawest ressedout.He'snot
    youngandl i
    tt
    lethi
    ngsl i
    kethesecansendhi sBPt o
    thesky.IsendInstantMoney, cover
    ingtheir
    groceryandQondani ’
    skids’needs.Hebettergethis
    shitt
    ogetherbecauseI'm notgoingtosupporthis
    kidswhilehe'
    sstil
    lali
    ve.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    09] :Chapt
    er31
    Thal
    ent
    e

    Todaywasdefi
    nit
    elytheworsedayofmyl i
    fe.Raj
    cametothecant
    eenwi t
    hhismot her
    ,astheday
    wentonmorefamilymember scame.I'
    m notsure
    whenItur
    nedint
    ot hei
    rmaid,al
    lIrememberisthem
    thr
    owingi
    nstr
    ucti
    onsatme.
    “
    Tal
    entwashthi
    sgl
    ass…Tal
    entgetmysandal
    s
    f
    rom t
    hecar
    …Canyoupassthatt
    omeMehek? ”
    IswearIhear
    doneoft
    hem cal
    li
    ngmeMehek,
    or
    wasiti
    nmyhead?Ihavet ot
    akethi
    stoNdlal
    if
    a
    bef
    orehefet
    chesoneofthem f
    rom t
    hehospi
    taland
    mefrom t
    hepri
    soncel
    l.
    Icl
    utchmybagunderar
    m andcl
    imboutoft
    hecar
    .
    “
    Haveagr
    eataf
    ter
    noonndodakazi
    ,
    ”sayst
    hedr
    iver
    .
    Il
    eftmymannersatt
    hecanteen!I
    '
    m embar
    rassed.
    Hemustbethi
    nkingt
    hatI
    'm abrat
    .
    “Dr
    ivesafel
    y,si
    r.Thankyouver
    ymuchf
    ort
    her
    ide.
    ”
    Ipl
    asterafakesmileonmyface.
    Henodsandr
    etur
    nsagenui
    neone.

    Icrosstheroadandheadt owar dsmyblock.Oh,


    there'
    sabraaismel lf
    il
    li
    ngmyl ungsanddropping
    downmysal i
    va.Ithoughtwewer eallbr
    okeherein
    theshacks.Imean, wepaidrent,sentmoneyhome
    anddidgroceries.

    Musi
    c?Ar ethesepeopl
    epart
    yingonar andom
    Thur
    sday?IguessI'mtheonl
    ybr okeone.Isenthal
    f
    ofmysalaryhomeanddi dmyusualvegetable
    gr
    ocer
    y,whi
    chIhar
    dlycook.

    IseetheNikecapbeforeIseehisface.He'
    stal
    ler
    thananyoneinthatcr
    owd.Myf oreheadfur
    rows,
    becausewhyisheher eanddoingbraaiwit
    hmy
    neighbour
    swhom Idon'tevenknow?
    Theyareinfr
    ontofmyshack,
    laughi
    ngandover
    -
    tal
    kingoneanot
    her.
    It
    'samaskandisongthat'
    saboutt
    osendmet
    othe
    earogeon-aneardoct
    or.
    Theradioi
    ssofreaki
    nloudandthey'r
    ejustfewfeet
    awayfrom mydoorthat
    'smir
    aculouslyopened.

    Ithi
    nkever yonegetsi
    nti
    midatedbyal ar
    genumber
    ofmen.It rytowalkpastt
    hem quietasacatbut
    oneidiotseesmeandnudgesNdl ali
    fawit
    hhis
    el
    bow.Igetapeekoft hebeerbott
    leslyi
    ngontop
    ofthewoodent abl
    easNdlal
    ifashif
    tsandtur
    nsto
    mydi r
    ection.
    “
    Yesss!I
    manziyami
    ,madoda!
    ”Fat
    herGod,
    he'
    s
    scr
    eaming!What'
    swr ongwithhi
    m?Andwhyi shi
    s
    shi
    rtunbut
    toned?Li
    teral
    ly,
    hiswhol
    echesti
    sout!

    Hewalkstome.He'ssmi l
    ing…hiseyes…no,
    thi
    s
    man!It
    'sThursdayf
    orcryi
    ngoutl oudandhe
    deci
    dedtocomeher et
    odr inkandthrowamother
    ofal
    lbraai
    sformyneighbour s!
    “Sbutubut
    usami
    ,
    ”hesays,
    thatdr
    unksmi
    lest
    il
    lon
    hisface.
    Okay,
    Ineedt
    ocal
    m down!
    “Wozauqabul
    eindodayakho,
    ”hesays.(
    Comeand
    ki
    ssyourman.)
    Hisf
    ri
    endsar ewatchi
    ng,it
    'saci
    rcus.Hewr
    apshi
    s
    ar
    m aroundmywai standleanscloset
    ome.SAB-
    Sout
    hAf r
    icanBreweryfansmyface.Howmuchdid
    hedri
    nk?
    “Let
    'sgoi
    nsi
    de,
    ”Isayi
    nembar
    rassmentandpul
    l
    hisarm.
    IaskGodformanythi
    ngsbutaboyf
    ri
    endwho
    dri
    nksmid-
    weekisnotoneoft
    hem.
    Hedoesn'tl
    etgoofmywaist
    .I'
    mtr
    yingmybestt
    o
    keepcalm.Imanaget
    othr
    owmybagoverthe
    basket
    .
    “
    Pleaseki
    ssme,
    ”he'
    slower
    inghi
    sfacedownon
    me.
    Fakesmi
    leThal
    ent
    e,f
    akesmi
    le!
    “
    Letmecl
    osethedoorf
    irst
    ,yourf
    ri
    endsar
    e
    wat
    chi
    ngever
    ythi
    ng,
    ”Isay.
    Heslowl
    yremoveshi
    sarmfrom mywai
    standI
    char
    getowar
    dsthedoorandcl
    ose.
    Yeboyes!
    !!
    “I
    sthisRoom 8?Men'shostel
    ?Ndlal
    if
    awhat's
    wrongwithyou?”Myvoiceiskeptl
    owbutit
    'sshar
    p
    enough.Idon'
    twantt
    osoundl ikeacr
    azywoman
    whoshoutsatherboyfr
    iend.
    “Manjeuyat
    het
    hayi
    ni?
    ”(Areyoushout
    ing)He'
    s
    smil
    ingandatt
    empt
    ingtopul
    lmeintohisarms.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    faI
    '
    m notplayi
    ngwi
    thyou?”Hebet
    tercheck
    myf
    acecaref
    ull
    y.Mynosedon'
    tfor
    m sweatfor
    not
    hing!
    “Uyat
    het
    habonawe!Lookhey,
    Iwant
    …”Hebur
    ps
    andswall
    ows.Lor
    d!
    Hesinksont
    hebed,
    li
    esonhi sbackandl
    if
    tshi
    s
    f
    eetonthebedwi
    thhisshoeson.
    “Iwantyoutobemi ne.Li
    kemine-mine.Iwantust
    o
    havebeauti
    fulki
    dstogether
    .Didanyonetel
    lyou
    howbeautif
    ulyoulooktoday?”
    Idon'tanswerbecausehe'
    sdr
    unk.Drunkpeopl
    e
    don'
    tuset hei
    rbrai
    ns,sowhat
    evert
    heysaydoesn'
    t
    matter.
    “Theyarej
    ealousmylove.You'r
    ebeauti
    ful
    ,your
    eyesarebeauti
    ful
    ,youhaveniceti
    tsandahuge
    rever
    sesystem.”
    Rever
    sesyst
    em?What
    'st
    hat
    ?
    “Comehere,Ij
    ustwanttospankit.Argh!Thal
    ent
    e,
    yourmanlovesyou.
    ”Hiseyelidsareshutti
    ng.My
    breat
    hishel
    dup-pleasesleep!
    “
    Comehere,
    ”hesaysweakl
    y.Hi
    sarmispull
    edout
    f
    orme.I
    fIwanttofr
    eshenupandcl
    eanthi
    sshack
    i
    npeace,
    hol
    dinghi
    shandwi
    llbemysol
    uti
    on.
    “Sleepbabe,
    ”It
    rytosoundniceandconvi
    nci
    ng.I
    '
    m
    brushinghi
    sarm andl
    ookingint
    ohisal
    most-
    shut
    eyes.
    “
    Thesepeopl
    ebangi
    jwayel
    aamasi
    mba,
    ”he
    mumbles.
    Andt
    hen?
    ??
    “Yeyiminaangibhongel
    wayinj
    aengingayi
    fuyi
    le!
    Angithibazot
    hibesukabet
    hingi
    luhl
    aza?”
    Ohno!He'sl
    if
    tinghi
    sheadup.Ican'
    thavehi
    m
    waki
    ngup.Itsoundsli
    kehi
    sfri
    endshavescat
    ter
    ed
    out
    side.
    “Yesbabe,we'
    l
    lbeatt
    hem,”Isay.Ihavenofuckin'
    cluewhywearesuddenlysweari
    ngandt hr
    eatening
    peopl
    ebutIhavetochoosemywor dswisely.Idon'
    t
    wanthimjumpingupanddoingcrazythi
    ngs.
    Al
    cohol
    !Pheeww.
    “
    Kissmet
    hen,
    ”hesays.
    Si
    gh!
    Il
    owermyheadandpl
    antaki
    ssonhi
    sli
    ps.
    “
    Iloveyou,
    ”hesays.
    He'
    sdr
    unkandshit
    ,butmyhear
    tst
    il
    lmel
    tsashe
    l
    ooksi
    ntomyeyesweakl
    y.
    “
    Iloveyout
    ooHl
    omuka.Sl
    eepnow,
    ”Isay.
    “Okay,pl
    easewakemeupwheni
    t'
    sti
    mef
    orust
    o
    go,”hesays.
    Gowher
    e??
    ?
    “
    Okayl
    ove,
    ”Isay.
    Hecloseshi
    seyes.Ihearasof
    tsnor
    e.Godi
    sgood
    al
    ltheti
    me!

    Thisisthesecondt imehesleepshere.It'
    svery
    humbl eofhi mt oleavehiscomfybedf ormyNoah' s
    boat,butIdon' twanthimt ogetusedtoi t
    .Itt
    ook
    medayst obeabl et ofacemyneighbour saft
    erthat
    eventfulnight.Idon'twanttobethatgirlwho'
    s
    alwaysf u£kingandscr eamingatnightwi t
    hher
    boyfr
    iend.Ineedt okeepthecrumpsofmydi gni
    t y.
    Ifr
    eshenupandputonmyt racksuit
    .He'
    sdrunk,
    I'
    m
    nottakinganyr
    isks.Thatwasthelastt
    imeI
    botheredmyneighbourswit
    hsexualsounds.
    Hislonglegsar
    espreadonthebed.IuseAart
    i’
    s
    bunny-chowenergyandpushhi
    mt ooneside.
    Hefeel
    sitwhenIsl
    eepnextt
    ohim andt
    hrowshi
    s
    ar
    m aroundme.Khet
    hil
    ekhet
    hil
    e!
    -
    -
    Ihavenoideawhatt
    imei
    tis.I
    '
    m wokenupby
    str
    onghandsshaki
    ngme.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    ewear
    ebei
    ngf
    looded,
    ”hesaysi
    npani
    c.
    Ifor
    cemyeyest oopen.He'sonhisfeet,l
    ooking
    soberandshi tscar
    ed.I
    t'
    sraini
    ngoutside,ther
    eare
    afewr ai
    ndr opscomingthroughtherustyroof.I
    t'
    s
    real
    lynotthatdeep,he'
    sprobablyhung-over.
    “Sleep,Iwi
    llputabasinundert
    hehol
    espot
    s,”Isay,
    crawlingof
    ft hebed.
    Andnowwhodi ed?Whyar
    ehiseyesbul
    gingout
    l
    iket
    his?Heneedstomoveasi
    desothatIcan
    pr
    eventt
    her
    aindr
    opsf
    rom wet
    ti
    ngmyf
    loor
    .
    “Thal
    ent
    ethi
    sthi
    ngi
    sgoi
    ngt
    ocol
    lapseonus,
    ”he
    says.
    Herewego,
    richpeopleandthei
    rfancyphobi
    as!
    Onlyaf
    ewtearsofMar i
    aandallofasuddenthe
    shacki
    sgoi
    ngt ocol
    lapseonus.Reall
    y?
    “
    Not
    hingi
    scol
    lapsi
    ngher
    e.Getbackonbed,
    ”Isay.
    Ipul
    lthebasinandsearchfordir
    ectspot
    swher
    e
    theroofhol
    esare.Oh,ther
    e'sanot
    heroneont
    he
    tabl
    e.Alunchti
    nwilldo.
    Ipusharugbehindt
    hedoort
    opr
    eventwat
    erf
    rom
    comingi
    nthroughit
    .

    Gosh,
    washest
    ari
    ngatmel
    iket
    hatt
    hiswhol
    eti
    me?
    “Ndlal
    ifanot
    hingisgoingtohappen,”It
    ellhim.He
    l
    ooksr eal
    lyscared,
    IthinkhewatchestoomuchTV-
    col
    lapsingshacksandal l
    .OrhereadsDai l
    ySun.
    “
    I'
    m notsl
    eepi
    ngher
    e,”hesays.
    Nobodyi
    nvi
    tedhi
    mtocomeandsl
    eepher
    eint
    he
    f
    ir
    stpl
    ace.
    “
    Okay,
    goodbyet
    hen,
    ”Isay.
    Hegrabsmyar
    mjustasI
    '
    m aboutt
    ocl
    imbont
    he
    bed.
    “
    You'
    renotsl
    eepi
    ngher
    eThal
    ent
    e.Takeyourbag!
    ”
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fadon'
    ttr
    yme!
    ”
    Andthatl
    ook?Whydoesitlookl
    ikeI
    '
    m“bar
    kingat
    hi
    m whereasI
    'm nothi
    sdog"?
    “Thalent
    eI'
    m hungr
    y,Iwantmeat
    .I'
    m hornyandI
    needadr i
    nk.Pl
    easedon'
    tannoyme,it
    'sonly
    00:30am.Packyourbag,I
    '
    m notl
    eavi
    ngyouher et
    o
    die.
    ”
    Iknowt hathe'swor r
    iedandhi srequestcomes
    from agoodpl ace.Hegr ewupi ndouble-st
    oreys,
    surroundedbymai dsandmoneyl yi
    ngonbat hroom
    fl
    oor s.He'snotusedt othisl
    ifeandhe'swatched
    thewor stont henewsi nhis16inchTV.ButIdon' t
    l
    iket obespokent oint hi
    smanner .I'
    m nothischil
    d
    andIdi dn'taskhimt odr ink.
    Ipackeveryt
    hingI'
    m goi
    ngtoweart
    omor r
    owat
    work.He'
    sstandingbythedoorsot
    hathecanrun
    outandleavemet odieonmyown,justi
    ncase
    somethi
    nghappens.
    Men!
    It
    hinkhe'
    stheonlyper
    sonwhocanparkhi
    scarin
    adist
    ance,
    isol
    ated,
    nextt
    other
    oad,andst
    il
    lfi
    ndit
    i
    nonepiece.
    I'
    m notsureifhe'
    stal
    kingtomebutI'
    m def
    ini
    tel
    y
    nottal
    kingtohim.Wedr i
    veal
    lthewaytohishouse
    i
    nsilence.
    -
    -
    It
    'smidni
    ght,nor
    malpeopl
    eareasl
    eep,
    butnothi
    m.
    He'sdefr
    ost
    ingat r
    ayofst
    eakandgul
    pingdowna
    canofbeer.
    “
    Don'
    tyouwantt
    osl
    eep?
    ”heasks.
    I'
    m si
    tt
    ingont
    hechai
    r,wat
    chi
    nghi
    m wi
    thmybag
    onthelap.
    Idon'
    tsayanyt
    hing.He'
    sstandi
    ngbyt
    hest
    ove,
    l
    ookingcal
    merthanearl
    ier
    .
    “
    DidIdoanyt
    hingwr
    ong?
    ”heasks.
    Hi
    smemor
    yisver
    yshor
    t,Imustsay.
    “Ifi
    t'
    saboutgoingtoyourhouseIapologi
    ze.Ihada
    terr
    ibl
    edayandj ustneededtobesomewherewar m.
    Irespectyourspace,Iguessitwasj
    ustamoment
    ofangerandst upi
    dit
    y,”hesays.
    “I
    sitokayi
    fIgot
    osl
    eep?I
    '
    m wor
    kingt
    omor
    row,
    ”I
    ask.
    “
    Ofcour se,
    Iwil
    ljoi
    nyouinaminute.Pl
    easetake
    t
    hetracksuit
    soff
    .Iwantmycookieready,
    ”hesays
    wit
    hast upi
    dgri
    nonhi sf
    ace.
    Ij
    ustshakemyheadandl
    eave.
    Thi
    sisnottheboyf
    ri
    endIspi
    ll
    edmybeancur
    ryand
    phut
    hufor.
    .
    .
    Isl
    epti
    nmytracksuit
    s.Iexpectedamannextt
    o
    mewhenIwakeup, butI
    'm st
    ruckbyanemptysi
    de.
    Ij
    umpof
    fthebedandsear
    chf
    ormybag.06:
    37!
    !
    Mygosh,Ineedtomove.Aar
    tiwi
    llhavemewi
    thher
    bunny-
    chowifIar
    ri
    velat
    eatwork.
    Idashtothebat
    hroom wi
    thmybagi nhand.It
    smell
    sli
    kehim,Iguesshebathedanddisappear
    ed
    somewhere,pr
    obablyt
    odrinkagai
    n.

    Idon'
    tknowwhat'
    shappeni
    ng,ti
    mei sj
    ustf
    lyi
    ng.
    It
    'sal
    ready07:
    06,
    thi
    sisadisast
    er!
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa!
    ”Iyel
    lonmywayt
    othedoorwhi
    let
    ryi
    ng
    t
    oti
    emyaf r
    o.
    Nor
    esponse.
    Heneedstocr
    awloutofwhat
    everhol
    eanddr
    ive
    metowork.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa!
    ”
    Wai
    t…hecannotdothi
    stome!I
    t'
    simpossi
    blet
    hat
    hel
    eftf
    ortherankandl
    eftmeonbed.

    Myfootisangr
    il
    yst
    ompi
    ngont
    hef
    loorashi
    s
    phoner
    ings.
    “
    Sthandwasami
    ,
    ”heanswer
    s.
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyouNdl
    ali
    fa?Ineedt
    ogot
    owor
    k?”Iask.
    “
    Ohshi
    t!
    ”
    Nono,
    hemust
    n'tgi
    vemet
    hat
    !
    “
    Wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”Iaskf
    ir
    mly.
    “I
    'mi
    nTongaatst
    handwasami.Look,
    Iwillsend
    someonet
    ocomeandt akeyout
    owor k.
    ”
    “
    Andwhenwi
    llt
    hatbe?I
    '
    m al
    readyl
    ate.
    ”
    “
    Fif
    teenmi
    nut
    es.
    ”
    Whaaat?Idon'thavefi
    ft
    eenmi
    nut
    es,
    Aar
    tiwi
    llhave
    mybreastsforbreakf
    ast.
    “
    I'
    m sor
    ry,
    Ifor
    gott
    hati
    t'
    sFr
    id…”
    Iendt
    hecal
    l!
    Dotheyevenhavet
    axi
    sint
    hispl
    ace?Ican'
    tbel
    ieve
    Ndl
    ali
    faisdoi
    ngthi
    stome.
    Ir
    eciteasmal
    lprayerandsendAart
    iatext.Ihavea
    st
    omachbugandIwon' tmakeitt
    owor k.I'
    m ali
    ar-
    al
    lthankst
    oNdlali
    faandhisdi
    sconnectedbeard.
    I'
    m angry.Ihatehim andIhat ebei
    nginhishouse.
    Buthisfoodi sdeli
    cious.Iservemysel
    falarge
    pieceofhisroastedsteak,twobreadrol
    lsandfrui
    t
    j
    uice.Aftereati
    ngIgobackt othecouchand
    conti
    nuebei ngangry.

    Itsoundsli
    kether
    e'sacarpull
    ingupoutsi
    de.I
    guessit'
    stheonehesent,Iexpect
    editt
    wenty
    mi nut
    esago.
    IthoughtI'
    llhearaknock, butno,t
    hemai ndoorjust
    shif
    tsopenandhi sscaryfatherwalksin.He'
    sthe
    samemanIsawi nt ownwhenIf ir
    stcamet o
    Durban,threateni
    ngt oki
    llataxidr
    iver,
    orwasi t
    anothertaxiowner ,
    hehadanaxei nhishandandI
    couldseet hedevili
    nhimt hroughhiseyes.
    I'
    m onmyfeet
    ,eyesal
    lpoppedoutandt
    hest
    eakI
    hadear
    li
    ertur
    ningi
    nmyst omach.
    Hehasapr otr
    udingbel
    ly,
    hugebeardandsharp,
    threat
    eni
    ngeyes.Heisinacri
    spywhiteshi
    rt
    ,butas
    cleanandri
    chashei st
    hismansti
    llbel
    ongstothe
    taxirank,hissleevesarer
    oll
    edupt ohi
    selbows,
    revealingtheexpensivewri
    stwatchandgoat-
    skin
    bangl es.Youcant el
    lfr
    om adist
    ancethatthi
    sman
    hast akenlivesandifyouannoyhim you'
    llal
    so
    meetyourmaker .
    “Maqhi
    ngasentmehere.Areyouready?”heasks.I
    t
    doesn'
    tlookl
    ikehe'
    spl
    easedaboutthi
    s.
    Maqhingaisthest
    upidyoungbrot
    her.Ibethe'sthe
    oneNdlali
    fasentt
    otakemet oworkandhedeci ded
    tousehisdamagedleftbr
    ainandsendhisfather
    i
    nstead.
    “
    No…yes…ummm…Si r
    ,Ihavesentmybossatext
    ,
    l
    ett
    ingherknowt
    hatI
    'm si
    ckandIwon'
    tbeatwork
    t
    oday.”
    Hef
    rowns.I
    '
    m aboutt
    owetmypant
    y!
    “What'swrong?
    ”Hishandisfishi
    ngoutsomethi
    ng
    fr
    om hispocket.Agun?No,i
    t'sacell
    phone.He'
    s
    dial
    ing,t
    hescaryfr
    ownissti
    llonhisface.
    Hei
    scall
    ingsomeone,Iguessmyr
    esponsei
    sn'
    t
    r
    eal
    lyt
    hatimport
    ant
    ,thecalli
    s.
    “
    Yeyiwena!Youl
    eftasickgir
    linyourhouseand
    wentt
    oTongaatt
    of i
    ghtwithpathet
    icpeopl
    e?”
    Hewentt
    ofi
    ght
    ?JesusChr
    ist
    !
    “Youhavetwentyminut
    es…Idon'
    tcar
    e…Ndl
    ali
    fa!
    Twentyminutes!
    ”Hedropst
    hecall
    .
    Nowhe' sangryandI'
    m awi
    tnessofi
    t.Ithi
    nkI'
    l
    l
    needtherapy,
    thisi
    ssuchatraumat
    icsit
    uati
    onto
    exper
    ience.
    “Youseewhathappenswhenyoufal
    lforanidi
    ot.
    Getup,I
    'l
    ltakeyout
    othedoct
    orandyouridi
    otwil
    l
    fet
    chyou.”
    Itgetscompli
    cated!Whyisheact i
    ngkind?He
    hasn'tevenaskedformynameori nt
    err
    ogatedme
    aboutbeinginhisson'shouse.Iwasreadyto
    defendmyselffrom bei
    ngafterhi
    sson'smoney.
    “Si
    r,I
    'm notr
    eal
    lysi
    ck.Ij
    ustmadeanexcuse
    becauseIwasgoingtobeveryl
    ate.
    ”
    Hisfacegoes“huh.”IknowI '
    m abadempl oyeebut
    I
    'dratherbeabsentthantohaveAartit
    ell
    inganyone
    who'swill
    ingt
    olist
    ent hatIcametoworkl at
    e.
    “Sobothofyouandyourboyf
    ri
    endar
    eli
    arswho
    deci
    dewhent heywantt
    oworkandwhentheywant
    toat
    tackpeople?
    ”heasks.
    Thi
    sisnolongeraboutme.I'
    m Ndl
    ali
    fa'
    sJesus
    Chr
    ist
    ,I'
    m bei
    ngcruci
    fiedf
    orhissi
    ns.
    “I
    '
    m notsurewhatyou'
    retalki
    ngabout
    .Idon'
    t
    att
    ackpeopleandIl
    iedbecauseIknowhowmy
    bosstr
    eatsme.Itwasbettert
    hisway.
    ”
    He'
    sstar
    ingatme.Myhear
    tisaboutt
    ojumpoutof
    mythr
    oat.
    “
    Doyouhaveaf
    ather
    ?”heasks.
    Deepbr
    eat
    hThal
    ent
    e!
    “
    No,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Yourmot
    her
    ?Anyel
    der
    ?”
    “
    Idohaveamot
    her
    .She'
    shome,
    ”Isay.
    “Doessheknowaboutthi
    s?Whatar
    eyouand
    Ndlal
    if
    adoing?
    ”heasks.
    Thi
    sisonehardquesti
    on.Ndl
    ali
    fashoul
    d'vebeen
    her
    etoanswerit
    .Iknowthatweareseei
    ngeach
    otherbutt
    hismanwant
    saconcr
    eteanswer
    ,not
    thatshi
    t.
    “I
    '
    m asingl
    efat
    her,i
    fanyt
    hinghappensIwon'
    tbe
    ablet
    oansweryourmother
    .Mydoorwi l
    lbeshut
    ,”
    hesays.
    He'stal
    kingaboutt hepregnancy.Ican'
    tbeli
    eve
    he'sthi
    swor r
    iedovera35yearol dman.Yesi fIf
    all
    pregnantmymot herwon'tdealwithNdlal
    if
    a,she'
    ll
    comef ortheparent,butheneedst orel
    ax.
    Heexhal
    esdeepl
    yandpusheshi
    sphoneback
    i
    nsi
    dehispocket
    .
    “
    Pleasel
    ockt
    hedoor
    s,”hesaysandt
    urnst
    oleave.
    I'
    m soreli
    evedtoseehi
    sback.If
    oll
    owaft
    erhi
    m,
    si
    lent
    lythanki
    ngGodandmyancest or
    s.
    “
    Gowel
    l,
    Sir
    ,”Isaybehi
    ndt
    hedoor
    .
    Henodshisheadandleaves.Il
    ockt
    hedoorand
    r
    eleaseasi
    ghofrel
    ief
    .
    -
    -
    There'
    sacarpull
    ingupoutsi
    de.Ihavechanged
    backint
    omyt r
    acksuit
    s,I
    '
    m pacingaroundthe
    ki
    tchenwhi
    lewai
    ti
    ngfortheri
    cet
    ocook.I
    t'
    sal
    most
    12pm andt
    hismanlef
    tbefor
    eIevenwokeup.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    e!”
    Idon'tknowwhichdoorheusedt
    owal
    kin.Ihad
    ever
    yt hi
    ngpl
    annedout,Iwant
    edhi
    mtoknockfor
    hours.
    Ihat
    emysel
    fforchecki
    ngi
    fhe'
    snothur
    tanywher
    e.
    WhydoIcar
    e?
    “I
    '
    m sosor
    rymyl ove.Icompletel
    yforgott
    hati
    t'
    s
    Fri
    dayt
    oday.Idr
    ovepastt hecanteenandtol
    dAart
    i
    i
    t'
    smyfaultt
    hatyoucoul dn'
    tcomet owork.
    ”
    Whaaat
    ?
    “Ial
    readytoldherthatI
    ’m si
    ck.GeezNdlalif
    a,I'
    l
    l
    havethatIndianwomanonmybackt hewhol eday
    onMonday.Icannotdealwi thherri
    diculousness
    andherthirst
    yhusband.”Ithrowthedishclot
    hon
    thecounterandstorm outoftheki
    tchen.
    Hehasrui
    nedever
    ythi
    ng.Iwasgoi
    ngtohandl
    e
    Aart
    ionmyown,butnowhehaspaint
    edmeasa
    l
    iart
    oher.
    Foot
    steps!
    Ahandgr
    absmyar
    m andt
    urnsmear
    ound.
    Hel
    ookshor
    n-mad.
    “
    Whati
    sRajdoi
    ng?
    ”heasks.
    Oh,
    that
    !
    “
    Don'tgr
    abmeli
    kethis.Hetal
    ksdi
    rt
    ytomeand
    makesmeuncomfort
    able.
    ”
    “Whyam Ionl
    yfindingoutaboutt
    histoday
    Thal
    ent
    e?”Seri
    ously?Hehast henervetoyel
    latme!
    “
    Letgoofmyar
    m Ndl
    ali
    fa,
    ”Isayf
    ir
    mly.
    Hereleasesashar
    pbreathandst
    epsback.Iwal
    k
    ontothebedroom whi
    lehetur
    nsbackt
    ot he
    ki
    tchen.

    Istandinthemiddleofthebedroom cont
    empl
    ati
    ng
    whethertosleeporpackmyt i
    nybagandaskhimt o
    takemebackt oCannelands.
    Hewalksinbef
    oreIcanmakemydecisi
    on.He
    bendsdownanduntiest
    hel
    acesofhi
    sshoesnext
    t
    othebed.
    “Ihatewhatyou' r
    edoi ngt omeThal ent
    e.Idon'
    tli
    ke
    i
    tonebi t.Thatmot herfu€kercoul
    d'verapedyouand
    youwoul dn'thavetoldmebecauseIdon’ tmean
    shittoyou.Asl i
    tt
    leasImaybet oyou,Idon'
    twant
    toloseyou.Noti nthatway. ”Heliesonthebedand
    putsapi l
    lowoverhi sface.
    I
    'm gr
    oundedont hesamespot,confusedashel
    l.
    Howdidhisthoughtsescal
    atesofast?
    “Iwillgethim,uzowukhombaumuzionot shwala.
    ”
    (He'l
    lknowwhatI '
    m madeof .
    )Hecli
    ckshistongue
    andsi gnalsformet ogetonbed.Ihavethi
    ngsto
    yellathim about,butri
    ghtnowisnottheti
    me.Iget
    myhuger eversesystem onthebed.
    Hepul
    lsmyheadt
    ohi
    schestandpl
    ant
    saki
    sson
    myfor
    ehead.
    “
    Nobodyisgoingtotouchyouwi
    thoutconsent
    MaMbatha.Iswear
    !Notevenme.”

    ht
    tps:
    //vi
    sionar
    ywr
    it
    ings.
    com/
    aut
    hor
    /11881
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    09] :Chapt
    er32
    NDONDO

    Mypr egnancyhasbeensmoot hthelasttwo


    mont hs.Ididhavesi cknessesher eandthere,butit
    wasnot hingl i
    keint hebooks.Iat ealmost
    everythi
    ng, didn'
    thavecr azycr avi
    ngsunt i
    lthenight
    Idecidedt ohavei ce-cubes.Wow!I ’
    venevertasted
    anythinglikeice-
    cubesi nmyl if
    e.There'
    sat aste
    theygivewhenyouchewt hem, i
    t'
    soutoft hi
    swor l
    d.
    IwishNdabukocoul dunder standandst opbiti
    ng
    myheadof fever
    ytimeIt akeoutt heice-
    cubet ray.
    “Taste,
    ”Isai
    doneday,givi
    nghi
    m onedeli
    ciousice-
    cubeandhej ustl
    ookedatmeli
    keIhadlostallmy
    mar bl
    es.I
    nhismindtheymakethebabycold.
    Tokeeppeacei
    nther
    elat
    ionshi
    pIst
    ealt
    hem when
    he'
    soutofsi
    ght
    .

    Helif
    tshi
    sheadasIwal
    kinthebedroom andhis
    eyesarest
    ri
    ppi
    ngmystomachthat'
    sful
    lofices
    open.
    “
    What
    ?”Iask,
    gui
    lt
    il
    y.
    “Whycan' tyoucravef ornormalt
    hingsl
    ikeot
    her
    pregnantwomen?I ces,real
    lyNdondo?Dowehave
    tofightaboutthi
    sever yday?You'r
    egivi
    ngthebaby
    pneumoni a!”
    “Idon'
    tdeci
    dewhatIwanttoeat,t
    hebabydoes.
    ”I
    crawlonthebedandrestmystubbor
    nheadonhis
    arm.
    “
    WhydidIfal
    linl
    ovewit
    hyou?
    ”het
    eases,
    poki
    ng
    mycheekwit
    hhisfi
    nger
    .
    “Youdi
    dn'thaveachoi
    ce,i
    twasdi
    scussedint
    he
    ancest
    ralworl
    dandapprovedi
    nheavens.
    ”
    “
    Yeah,
    Nhl
    anzekomadesur
    eofi
    t.
    ”
    Thi
    sisanint
    ensejoke.Hedoesn'
    tmention
    Nhl
    anzeko'
    snamer andomlyandsocalm.Ithi
    nk
    mysil
    encespeaksvolume-whathaschanged?
    “Iwenttohisroom af
    terthedayyoufoundapi
    ece
    ofdrawinginhisj
    acket.Ther
    ewasmor e;my
    pict
    ures,l
    ett
    ersandoldschoolrepor
    ts.
    ”He
    r
    eleasesadeepbr
    eat
    handhol
    dsmyhandt
    ight
    ly.
    “Therear ealotofthingsIdidn'tknowabouthi m.
    Somanysacr if
    iceshemadef orme.WhenIwas10,
    hewas16, wewer ebot hyoungbuthemadei this
    responsibil
    it
    yto“hust l
    e"andgi vemyf at
    hermoney
    totransfermet oabet terschool.Nhlanzekonever
    sharedadeskwi thawhi techild,Idi
    d.Henever
    carri
    edacheesesandwi ch,yoghurtand100%f ruit
    j
    uicet oschool,Idid.Heneverwentt ouniversit
    y,I
    did.Heneverhadagi r
    lfr
    iendthathel oved…Idid.”
    Idon'tknowifIshouldjumpi nandtellhim notto
    feelbad.Hisbrot
    herhadabi gheart
    …well,tothose
    heloved.Noneoft hethingshe'smentioningwer e
    hisfault
    ,hewasjustachi ld,
    andwhat ever
    Nhlanzekodidforhim wasoutoft hegoodnessof
    hisheart.
    “He'
    sonlyaskingforonet hingNdondo, achil
    d!A
    chil
    dthathedidn'
    tmake, becauseNdabukoget sto
    doeveryt
    hing.AndIwi l
    lraiseitforhim,agai
    n,
    becauseIgeteverythi
    nginl i
    fe-everydamn
    opport
    unit
    y.He'sgivenmeever ythi
    ngandI '
    vespit
    onhisgraveeverychanceIget .Idon'tknowifI'
    m
    wor
    thever
    ythi
    ngt
    hat
    …”
    Heneedstost
    op!Thel
    astt
    hingIwanttodoso
    earl
    yint
    hemorni
    ngist
    ocryoverNhlanzeko,
    yet
    agai
    n.
    “HelovedyouNdabuko.Hesti
    lldoes,andhetrust
    s
    you.Pleasest
    opover
    thinki
    ng,
    Nhl anzekoknewthat
    you'
    reasnoband…”Hishandleavesmi ne.
    “
    I'
    m asnob?
    ”heasks.
    Ibursti
    ntol
    aughter
    .Yester
    dayhewenttothetaxi
    rankinamaroonblazer
    ,whiteT-
    shi
    rtandti
    ghtjean.
    Whichothert
    axiownerdoesthat
    ?Onlyhim,
    becausehe'
    sasnob.
    “WhatI
    'mt r
    yingtosayis,
    Nhlanzekoknewtheki
    nd
    ofapersonyouar eandhelovedyouli
    kethat
    .Your
    par
    entstoo,theyl
    ovedyou.”
    Si
    lence!Wedon'
    tgothere.Nott
    ohi
    spat
    ent
    s.He
    l
    oathesthememoryofthem.
    “
    Iwantt
    oaskyousomet
    hing,
    ”Isay.
    Het
    akesadeepbr
    eat
    handhol
    dsmyhandagai
    n.
    Imustgoaheadandt
    alk.
    “
    BetweenhereandUml azi,wher
    ear
    eyoul
    ikel
    yto
    f
    indthepol
    icepat
    rol
    li
    ng? ”Iask.
    “
    Uml
    azi
    ,obvi
    ousl
    y,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Why?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Well
    ,becauser
    esident
    sarehandfult
    her
    eand
    t
    her
    e'sal
    wayscrimetaki
    ngplace.
    ”
    Hegoti
    tal
    lri
    ght
    !
    “
    Ist
    hatal
    l?
    ”heasks.
    “Yeap.DotheMat hs.Yourparentslovedyoubut
    youwer eli
    keIzi
    ngaRi dgeandNhl anzekowaslike
    Uml aziBsect
    ion,
    ”Isayandr ollof
    fbedt ocheckmy
    beepingphone.

    It
    'sSnakho, shesaysshe'soutsidethegat e.
    Whateveritismustbei mportant,thisoneisnowa
    ri
    chdaught erwhost aysinherfather'smansion,
    doingnail
    sandt akingpictur
    esal ldaylong.
    “Snakhoisher
    e,”It
    ellNdabukoandpickhisshi
    rt
    andputiton.Hehast aughtmethecult
    ureofbei
    ng
    nakedinsi
    dethehouse.Maybethat'
    swhyIst ayi
    n
    hi
    shousemore,becauseIwantt
    ositi
    nunder
    wear ,
    ornot
    hing,
    andeatgoodfoodwit
    houtl
    if
    ti
    ngafinger.
    Isl
    idei
    ntoal
    eggi
    nganddr
    agmysl
    eeper
    s.
    “Shouti
    fyouneedanyt
    hing.We'
    l
    lbei
    nthel
    ounge,
    ”
    Isay.
    “
    Don'
    tgossi
    paboutme,
    ”hesays.
    Irol
    lmyeyes,i
    fhebecomest hesubjectt
    her
    e's
    nothi
    ngIcando,we'
    l
    ldiscusshimlikeanyother
    guywediscuss.

    Longfurcoat,skinnyj
    ean,knee-l
    engthbootsand
    hugesunglasses.Everyt
    hingisexaggerat
    ed.Her
    nai
    lsarelongerthanherfinger
    s,theymust'vebeen
    i
    nspir
    edbyCar diB.
    Snaloisstillthetwinweknow.Thi sonehast ur
    ned
    i
    ntoasl ay-queen.Foral ongtimepeopl ehaven'
    t
    beenabl etot el
    lthem apart
    ,theydideverythi
    ng
    togetherandwor ethesamecl othes.Buteversi
    nce
    theyfoundt heirfatherSnakhohasbecomea
    diff
    erentper son.It
    'sgreat
    ,don'tgetmewr ong,I
    l
    oveseeingherhappy.ButI '
    m worr
    iedt
    hatt
    here
    mustbesomedi sconnect
    ionbet
    weenthetwoof
    them.Fort
    hefirsttimethey'
    rest
    ayingi
    ndif
    fer
    ent
    housesandli
    vingsepar at
    eli
    ves.
    “
    Richdaught
    er!
    ”Isay.
    “
    Boss-
    lady.
    ”Shewaltzaroundt
    hecouchandsi
    ts
    wit
    honelegoverherknee.
    Fi
    nal
    ly,
    shet
    akest
    hesungl
    assesof
    f.Aqueen!
    “Didyour
    ecei
    vemyVN?”sheasks,
    put
    ti
    nghernew
    Pradabagnextt
    oher
    .
    “
    Maybe.Ihaven'
    tcheckedmyWhat
    sApp,
    ”Isay.
    Shelookssurpri
    sed.Howam Isupposedtoget
    ti
    mef orWhatsAppwhileI
    '
    m busywithmy
    handsomeman?Khosiwi lll
    etmeknowi ft
    here'
    s
    somethingi
    mpor t
    ant.
    “
    Ohwel
    l,
    Iresi
    gnedwi
    thi
    mmedi
    ateef
    fect
    ,”shesays.
    “Overavoi
    cenote?
    ”JesusChr
    ist
    !Isshebei
    ng
    seri
    ousri
    ghtnow.
    “
    Yeah,
    Idon'
    thavet
    imet
    odr
    aftl
    ett
    ers.
    ”
    Nowshedoesn'thavetimebutwhensheneeded
    t
    hejobshewroteat hr
    ee-pagesCVandat
    tacheda
    mot
    ivat
    ionall
    ett
    er.
    “SnakhoI'
    m notr
    unningat uck-
    shop.Youcan'
    tjust
    resi
    gnwithoutavali
    dreason.Ican'
    taff
    ordtobe
    short
    -st
    affedatt
    histi
    me,”Isay.
    “Babe,t
    herearehundredsofpeoplewhoneedajob.
    Youcanr epl
    acemei nasnapofyourfinger
    s.My
    fat
    herisNgonyama,Idon'tneedtoworkadayin
    myl i
    fe.
    ”
    Cl
    aponce,
    clapt
    wice!
    “Youshoul
    d'vewar
    nedusthatyouweregoingto
    changeonceyouhavemoney,”Isayi
    ndefeat
    .
    “
    Duh!Gi
    rl
    ,thi
    sist
    hel
    if
    eI'
    veal
    wayswant
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Soyouar egoi
    ngtosi
    tinthatmansionyourwhol
    e
    l
    if
    e,eat
    ingsal
    adsanddoingmake-up?”Iask.
    “Wearegoi
    ngonavacati
    on,t
    oconnectasaf amil
    y
    andspendqual
    it
    yti
    metoget
    her.I
    '
    lldecidewhatI'
    m
    goingt
    odowhenwecomeback.Myt opprior
    it
    yis
    sheddi
    ngsomeloadof
    fSnal
    o'sshoulders.
    ”She'
    s
    Snakhor
    ightnow,
    nott
    her
    ichdaught
    er,
    Khwezi
    .
    “
    Whatdoyoumean?
    ”Iask.
    “Wearehal vesofeachother
    .I'
    vealwaysbeenthe
    onethattakesallt
    hehappiness,evenher
    s.Andshe
    takesal
    lthepain,mineandhers.Wear enat
    ural
    ly
    thatway.
    ”
    Okay,t
    hisisconfusing.Iknownot hi
    ngaboutthe
    twi
    nsandIpr aytoneverhavet hem.Theyar ever
    y
    compli
    cated,andfrom whatI '
    veheardherand
    Snal
    omadeAuntPhumzi le’
    slif
    eal i
    vinghel
    l.
    Snakhowouldbesi ckandshe' dtakehertothe
    doct
    or,whent heygetthereSnakhowoul dbe
    bounci
    ngandsmi l
    ing.Thatverymomentacal l
    wouldcomef rom homet ell
    ingherthatSnal
    owas
    dyi
    ngbackhome.
    “DoyourememberMa'sboyf
    ri
    end?Thatmanwe
    usedtocal
    lBababecausewebel
    ievedhewas
    Khosi
    'sfat
    her
    ?”sheasks.
    Hewasn'tKhosi
    '
    sbi ol
    ogicalf
    atherbuthewasa
    fat
    herf
    igurei
    ntheirli
    ves.Hewasast reethawker
    andver
    ykind.IwishAuntPhumzi ledi
    dn'tpushhi
    m
    away,herlackoftr
    ustformenendedt hei
    rbeauti
    ful
    rel
    ati
    onship.Maybethey'
    dbemar riedbynow,orI
    bel
    ievetoomuchi nhappy-ever
    -af
    ters?
    “Henear
    lyr
    apedme.Like,
    itwast
    hiscl
    ose!Hi
    s
    fi
    nger
    swerealr
    eadydeepinsi
    demeandhewas
    pushi
    ngdownhistr
    ouserwhenSnal
    owalkedi
    n.”
    “Snakho!”I
    'm shaking.Whatisshetell
    ingme?That
    wasn't“cl
    oset orape,”heputhi
    sfingersinher!My
    gir
    lwassexual lyvi
    olatedandshe'
    ssor el
    axed
    aboutit
    .
    “Ifocusedont heposi
    ti
    veside,thathedidn'
    tdothe
    whol ething.Whi l
    eSnalofocusedont henegati
    ve
    side,thathet ouchedmeandhadani nt
    enti
    onto
    rapeme.I tshould'
    vebeeninmeont hatsi
    de,Iwas
    thevictim, butal
    lthepainwenttoSnal oasusual.
    Somedayi thastocomet oanend. ”
    “
    Didyout
    ellAuntPhumzi
    leaboutt
    his?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Nooo!Snal
    ojustmadesur
    ethathedi
    sappear
    ed.
    ”
    Myfor
    eheadfur
    rows.NowSnal ohast
    hepowert
    o
    makesur
    ethatpeopl
    edisappear?
    “
    Howdi
    dshedot
    hat
    ?”Iask.
    “Idon'tknowandIdon' tcare.I'
    m gl
    adwehaven'
    t
    hear dfr
    om him sincethatday.AndMaisbett
    eroff
    withouthim.Ithinkmyf atherandherwi
    ll
    …”Bad
    ti
    mi ng,butIburstint
    olaughter.MrNgi
    diand
    Khosi '
    smot her
    ?Noway.
    “I'
    m seri
    ous.He'sgoingt opaylobol
    aformymot her
    anddot hewhol emar r
    yingthedeadthing.Whodo
    yout hi
    nkisgoingtostandi nformymot her?One
    thi
    ngwi lll
    eadi
    nt oanotherandsoonmyol dlady
    willhaveanorgasm. ”
    She'slaughingwi t
    hme.Idon'tt
    hinkanyonecan
    tal
    kaboutr apeexperienceandl
    aughthenext
    minute.Onlyher !Maybethi
    swholetwintheor
    yof
    hersisaccur at
    e.
    “
    Maybeyourf
    athercan'
    tevenhi
    titr
    ight
    ,”Isay.
    “I
    fthatwasthecaset
    henhisslutt
    yhousekeeper
    would'
    veresi
    gnedbynow.Idon'tsl
    eepearl
    y
    Ndondo,Iseethi
    ngst
    hataren'
    tmeantformyeyes.”
    “
    Shutt
    hefr
    ontdoor
    !”Ishi
    ftfr
    om myseatandl
    ean
    f
    orwar
    dtogetacl
    earlookather
    .
    “Thingsarehappeningi nthathouse,gi
    rl
    .
    Ziyakhi
    pha!‘Yesdaddy, ri
    ghtthere-f
    u€kmeharder
    .’
    Andherdaddybegr oani
    ngbehi ndhert
    inybehi
    nd
    andhi t
    ti
    ngitfrom everycorner.
    ”
    Yeses!I'
    mtraumati
    zedonbehal
    fofSouthAf
    ri
    can
    rebel
    li
    ousyouth.MrNgi
    dianddoggst
    yle!
    “Nooffence,
    butyourf
    ather'
    sstomachi
    ski
    ndof
    huge.Howdoeshedoi t?”Iask.
    Shejumpsofft
    hecouch,cr
    ampedinaf
    itof
    l
    aughter
    ,andhol
    dsthecoff
    ee-
    tabl
    e.
    “I
    t'
    sabuffal
    obehindthemonkey.‘
    Rightt
    her
    e
    daddy…Oh,yeahyeahyeah…”
    I
    '
    m chokingwit
    hlaught
    er.I
    sshet
    her
    etost
    alkher
    f
    atherortoenj
    oyhismoney?
    “Ndondo!
    ”Thevoi
    cecomesbehi
    ndusandst
    art
    les
    us.
    Snakhojumpsawayf r
    om thecof
    fee-
    tabl
    eandsi
    ts
    onthecouch,
    innocentl
    y.
    Myeyesar
    ebulgi
    ngout
    .Themanwear elaughing
    ati
    sli
    keafat
    hert
    ohim,andIal
    waysconvincehim
    t
    hatwear
    enotasquadofgossi
    per
    s.
    “
    Babe?”Isayaf
    tercl
    ear
    ingmyt
    hroatunnecessar
    il
    y
    l
    oud.
    “Doyouhaveaminut
    e?”heasksandlooksat
    Snakho.“
    Howareyou?”heasksher
    .
    “I
    '
    m good.
    ”Shefl
    ashesaner
    voussmi
    leand
    gl
    ancesatme.
    Igiveheral
    ook-sheneedstochil
    l.Shef
    rowns
    sli
    ghtl
    yandsquint
    shereyes.Igetthemessage-I
    rol
    lmyeyes,shr
    ugmyshoul dersandgetofft
    he
    couch.
    Ndabukoisstar
    ingatus,
    probabl
    ytr
    yingt
    ofi
    gur
    e
    outt
    helanguage.
    “I
    '
    m comingback,
    ”It
    ellSnakhobef
    orewal
    king
    awaywit
    hhim.
    “
    Whatar
    eyout
    woupt
    o?”heasks.
    “
    Meani
    ng?
    ”If
    eignconf
    usi
    on.
    “
    You'r
    efu€ki
    ngtabl
    es,
    what
    'sgoi
    ngon?
    ”Hemakes
    i
    tsoundsohorr
    ibl
    e.
    “Justcat
    chi
    ngup,
    ”Ibi
    temyl
    ipt
    ost
    opmysel
    ffr
    om
    cracki
    ngup.
    “
    Howlongar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    ocat
    chup?Ineedmy
    t
    imet
    oo.”
    Reall
    ynow?Snakhohasn'tbeenher
    eevenforthi
    rt
    y
    minutesandheal
    readyneedshis“t
    ime,
    ”whatever
    t
    hatmeans.
    “
    Whydi
    dyoucal
    lme?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Ican'
    tfi
    ndmynavysocks,
    ”hesays.
    Thisgott
    obeaj
    oke!Idon'
    tevenl
    ivei
    nthi
    shouse
    ful
    lti
    me.
    “
    Wearanot
    herpai
    r,
    ”Isay.
    “Idon'
    tknowwhichonetowear .
    ”Hesoundslikea
    confusedpr
    imaryschoolki
    d.Ican'
    tbeli
    eveIcame
    allt
    hiswaytochooseapairofsocks.
    Igr
    abt
    hef
    ir
    stoneIseeandt
    hrowi
    ttohi
    m.
    “
    Your
    eal
    lyneedt
    omovei
    n,”hesays.
    “
    Tohel
    pyoul
    ookf
    orsocks?
    ”
    “
    No,
    tol
    ivewi
    thyourman.Andi
    swai
    sreadyt
    o
    movet
    otown.
    ”
    She'
    smovingt
    otownandIdon'
    tknowanyt
    hing
    abouti
    t?
    “
    Didshet
    ellyout
    hat
    ?”Iask.
    “Ihelpedherlookf
    orafl
    atbutshe'
    sst i
    llgoi
    ngto
    discussitwit
    hyou.SoIthoughti
    twouldn'tbean
    i
    ssuei fyoumoveinwit
    hmeaf t
    erlobol
    a
    negot i
    ati
    ons.
    ”
    That
    'st
    he15t
    hoft
    hismont
    h.I
    sheser
    ious?
    “
    NdabukoIcan'
    tjustl
    eavemyhouse!
    ”
    “
    Whynot
    ?Youcanr
    enti
    tout
    .”
    “
    No!
    ”
    “
    Okay.
    ”
    If
    rownandl
    if
    tmyeyest
    ohi
    m.Just
    -okay?
    “Doyouwantanyt
    hing?I
    '
    m goi
    ngt
    otheshops,
    ”he
    asks.
    “Nope,
    ”Ishrugmyshoul
    der
    sandwat
    chasheput
    s
    hisshoeson.
    “Lat
    erwearegoi
    nghome…doyouneedanyt
    hing?
    ”
    heasksagai
    n,cl
    ari
    fyi
    ng.
    Talkaboutdr
    oppingabombshel
    l!Wear
    egoi
    ngt
    o
    thevi
    ll
    agebecause…?
    “
    Later
    ?”Iask,
    Ineedt
    obesur
    e,wedi
    dn'
    tdi
    scuss
    t
    his.
    “Yeah.I'
    l
    lbebackinanhourorso,pl
    easebeready.
    ”
    He'sfasteni
    nghi
    sbeltandwal
    kingtothebat
    hroom.
    So,hesaysthewor
    dandIpackandl
    eavewi
    thhi
    m?
    Justl
    ikethat
    !
    Hecomesoutofthebat
    hroom,takeshi
    sphone,
    ki
    ssesmycheekandrushesoutofthedoor
    .

    Iwal
    kdownt hestai
    rs,
    exhaust
    edinmybones.Iget
    apocketofcr
    ispsandjoi
    nSnakhoint
    helounge.
    “Whyisherushi
    ngout
    ?Di
    dsomet
    hinghappen?
    ”
    sheasks.
    “Wear egoi
    ngtoMpumazil ater,
    ”Isaywit
    haneye-
    rol
    l.Idon'
    thaveanyproblem goingtohi
    shome,but
    notoutoftheblue,
    unpreparedandnotgivenany
    opt
    ion.
    “
    Doyouwrapyourheadanddoal
    lthe“
    makot
    i”
    t
    radi
    ti
    ont
    her
    e?”sheasks.
    “
    No,
    Ist
    ayi
    ndoor
    s,but
    t-
    naked,
    ”Isay.
    She'
    slaughi
    ng.Shet
    hinksI
    '
    mjoki
    ng.
    “Getyoursel
    freadymakoti
    .I’
    mtaki
    ngdadoutf
    or
    dinner.Canyoubeli
    evehe'
    snevereat
    enpr
    awnsin
    hisli
    fe?”
    Well
    ,Ibeli
    evei
    t,he'
    sNgonyamaNgi
    di.Al
    so,
    she
    can'
    ttakesomeoneoutwit
    hhisownmoney.
    .
    .
    Itookanapassoonaswear ri
    vedhere.Istil
    ldon'
    t
    knowt hepurposeofourvisi
    t.Butwear esleepi
    ng
    overandpr obabl
    ygoingbackt oDurbantomor r
    ow
    after
    noon.Hedi dasmallgroceryt
    hatincluded
    colourf
    ulcandlesandherbsfrom t
    hemar ket.
    Ipassbyt hebathr
    oom t
    osplashcoldwaterover
    myf ace.I
    'mtir
    ed,hopef
    ull
    yhedidn'
    tbri
    ngthatman
    agai
    n, Iwantt
    ohaveanear l
    ynight
    .
    “
    Babe,
    you'
    reawake?
    ”
    Oh,Ididn'
    tevenseehi
    mt here.He'
    shangi
    ng
    pict
    uresonthewall
    .Hisparents’
    thathet
    ookdown
    thelastt
    imewewer eher
    e.
    “
    Ithoughtwewer
    eheretosl
    aught
    erchi
    ckensagai
    n.
    Whyarewehere?
    ”Iask.
    “No,weareher
    etoopendoorsandtur
    ntheli
    ght
    s
    on.Idon'
    tli
    kemyfamil
    ytobeinthedar
    kfort
    oo
    l
    ong.”
    Oh,
    thi
    sisnew!
    “Iaskedallt
    axi dri
    verstobringt axi
    ssot hatthey
    canbeher einmybr other’
    spr esence,
    thewhol e
    night.Thedri
    ver swil
    lsleepi ntherondavel,somein
    thebackroom,sodon' twor ry,youwon'tevennot i
    ce
    thatthey'
    rehere.”
    Hekeepsdroppingbombshel
    lsonme.Nowwe
    have13taxidr
    iver
    scominghere?
    “
    Whatar
    etheygoi
    ngt
    oeat
    ?”Iask.
    Hef
    rowns.
    Si
    gh!
    “NdabukoyoumeanIhavetocookfor13peopl
    e?
    15incl
    udingyouandI
    ,att
    histi
    me?”Iask.
    He'sshocked.Hedidn'
    tthi
    nkt
    hatf
    ar.Menar
    e
    confusi
    ngspecies,
    forreal
    .
    “
    I'
    llor
    derpi
    zzas,
    ”hesays.
    Pi
    zzasf
    ort
    axidr
    iver
    s’di
    nner
    ?Real
    ly?
    “I'
    m surewhenyoui nvi
    tedthem toMpumazit hey
    i
    magi nedgoat’
    sintesti
    nesanddumpl i
    ngsfordinner
    andawar m welcome.Notpi zzasli
    cesservedbya
    pregnantwomani nthebackr oom.Idon'twanttobe
    thatwomant oyourempl oyees.Mar i
    natet
    hemeat
    andI '
    l
    lcookpapandmakesal ads.
    ”
    “
    Mar
    inat
    ethemeat?”Hi
    seyesar
    eal
    lout
    .Isi
    tgoi
    ng
    t
    omari
    natei
    tsel
    f?
    “YesNdabuko,
    youinvi
    tedpeopleher
    e,notme,
    ”I
    saywit
    hasharpstare,
    hebetternott
    ryme.

    Theydrivei
    nonebyone.Thenoi
    seint
    heyardis
    ri
    singandI'
    m notsur
    ewhatmyfi
    rstmoveshoul
    d
    be.DoIstayher eandfocusonmypot sorgoto
    them andgreet?Ndabukojustdi
    sappear
    ed,l
    eavi
    ng
    met oever
    ything.
    “Si
    ster
    a!”Amani sst
    andi
    ngatt hedoor
    ;ingwevest
    andsil
    verneckl
    aceoveri
    t.Yeah,ne!
    “
    Hi,
    ”Isay,
    notsur
    ehowt
    oaskhi
    m whathewant
    s.
    Helet
    shimselfi
    nsidet
    heki
    tchenandst
    ands
    acr
    ossthecounter
    .
    Wher
    ethehel
    lisNdabuko?
    !
    “Idon'
    tknowifIshould'vet
    akenthisto
    Mngomezulufir
    st,butitconcer
    nsyoumor ethani
    t
    concernshi
    m.I’m Ntet
    helel
    o,NhlanzekoandIgo
    wayback.”
    Whyam Iget
    ti
    nguncomf
    ort
    abl
    eaboutt
    his?
    “
    I'
    mli
    steni
    ng,
    ”Isay,
    wipi
    ngmyhandswi
    thacl
    oth.
    “
    Yourbr
    otheri
    sgoi
    ngt
    opayf
    oryoursi
    ns,
    ”hesays.
    Mybr
    other
    ?Mysi
    ns?
    “
    Whatdoyoumean?
    ”Iask.
    “
    It
    'st
    ool
    atef
    oryout
    odoanyt
    hing.He'
    sal
    ready
    fal
    lent
    oodeepandhi
    shandwi
    llbet
    heonet
    oendi
    t
    all
    .”
    “Whyareyout
    alki
    ngi
    nri
    ddl
    es?Howdoyouknow
    al
    lthi
    s?Whoareyou?
    ”
    “
    IknowZamafuze.
    ”That
    'sal
    lhesaysbef
    ore
    wal
    kingout
    .
    Zamafuzeandmybrot
    her?Isi
    tQondaniorBahle?I
    don'
    tunderst
    andonet
    hinghesai
    dbutIknowt hatI
    needtohuntdownabi
    t€h!
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    10] :Chapt
    er33
    NDONDO

    Iwant edtodot hisonmyown, butNdabuko


    i
    nsistedoncomi ngwithme.Hepl annedt obook
    i
    ntoahot elsincehecannotsl eepinNyandenibutI
    cal
    ledBab' Maqhaweandhesai di
    twon'tbean
    i
    ssuei fhecomeshomewi t
    hme, aslongashe
    knowshi splace;thatheisi
    soka( boyfri
    end)andnot
    ahusband.Thatmeanshe' l
    lst ayinsi
    dether oom,
    notroam aroundt heyardorjoinfamilydinner,
    uzoqhet
    ha.
    Tomor r
    owmor ni
    ngwe'llbeheadingtoTownship
    whereQondaniisheldhostagebyZamaf uze.Wel
    l,
    fi
    gurati
    vel
    y,he'
    sactual
    lytherebywil
    l.He'
    sjustnot
    thi
    nkingwit
    hhishead,buthisdi€k.
    Itdidn'ttakeNdabukover ylongt ofi
    ndoutwhat
    Ntethelelowast alkingabout .Buthewaspi ssed
    thatthemat terwasnotbr oughtt ohimint ime.I t
    turnsoutNt ethelelohadat hingwi t
    hZamaf uze
    soonaf t
    erNdabukoendedt hingswithherand
    they'restil
    lprettyclose.Idon' tknowifanybr otherl
    y
    -codewasbr okenbutNdl al
    ifacamet oMpumazi i
    n
    theweehour sofmor ningthenextdayandhada
    meet ingwi ththet wooft hem.Nt ethel
    eloi sal ong-
    servingtaxidr iverwhom Nhl anzekotrustedand
    l
    oveddear ly,sof ir
    inghimi snotanopt i
    on, t
    hey’ll
    mendwhat everi ti
    st hathasbeenbr oken.

    Wedecidedtopasst
    imeintheshops,buyingfor
    Qondani
    'ski
    dsanddoingali
    tt
    legrocer
    yf or
    Mam’Jabu.I
    t'
    salmostdar
    kwhenwepar kbelowthe
    homestead,butthekidshavebeenwai
    ti
    ngforus
    thewholeday,they'
    reincl
    eanclot
    hesandshi
    ning
    withVasel
    ine.
    They'rer
    unningaroundt hecarandscreami nginjoy.
    Whywoul dQondaniwantt omissoutont his?
    Seeingthejoyont hei
    rfacesmakesever ycentI
    spentontheircl
    othes,foodandtoyswor th.They'r
    e
    fi
    ghtingovershoppingbags,pull
    ingeachot her'
    s
    hairandthreat
    eningtoreportoneanotherto
    “aunty,
    ”butI'
    mr i
    ghthereandIsawwhost art
    ed
    fi
    rst.
    Aftertaki
    ngeveryt
    hi nginsi
    det hehouseIgobackt o
    Ndabukoi nthecar.Bab' Maqhawei sstil
    lsi
    tti
    ngin
    theverandah,he'
    sf acingbelowt hehomest ead.The
    outsideli
    ghtison,hecanseeever ymovementon
    hisyard.Ithi
    nkhe'
    sdoi ngthisonpur pose,
    he
    want sNdabukotobest uckinsidethecaruntil
    Jesuscomesback.
    “Howlongisyourfathergoi
    ngt
    osi
    tther
    e?I
    '
    mti
    red,
    Iwanttorest
    ,”heasks.
    Idon'
    tthi
    nkhe'
    l
    lbeabl
    etohandl
    eal
    lthese
    boyfr
    iendr
    est
    ri
    cti
    onsoft
    her ur
    alar
    eas.He'
    s
    al
    readycompl
    aini
    ngandpissed.
    “Ican'
    ttel
    lhi
    mtodisappear
    , he'
    sprobabl
    ydoi
    ngi
    t
    onpurpose,t
    otestyourpat
    ience,
    ”Isay.
    Heputshishandsbehi
    ndhisheadandrest
    sback
    ontheseat.Whydi
    dNhlanzekosendt
    hispersont
    o
    pr
    ivat
    eschools?
    “I'
    l
    lcomeandgetyouonceever yt
    hingi
    scl
    ear
    ,
    okay?”Iki
    sshi
    sti
    ghtl
    y-shutl
    ipsandcli
    mboutof
    thecar.

    Mam'Jabupr eparedoneoftherondavel
    sforus.
    Ther
    e'sakettleandmi cr
    owave,thebedhasclean
    pi
    ll
    owsandi tlooksveryneat.Sheevenbroughther
    ol
    dfanhere.MayGodbl esshersoul!
    IthoughtBab'Maqhawewoul
    d'vegot
    teninsi
    dethe
    housebyt hetimeIwal
    koutofthi
    srondavel
    .Butno,
    he'ssti
    llsi
    tt
    ingther
    ewit
    hhi
    stobaccoroll
    .
    IfIdie,
    Idie!Thisistoomuchf
    ormyaer
    onaut
    ic
    engineerbaby-daddy.
    “
    Dude,
    whenar
    eyousl
    eepi
    ng?
    ”IaskBab’
    Maqhawe.
    Hebreaksachuckleandthr
    owsawayt
    heshor
    t
    pi
    eceleftf
    rom hi
    stobaccor
    oll
    .
    “
    Thi
    sismyhouse.I
    '
    llsl
    eepwhenIwantt
    o,”hesays.
    Isecr
    etl
    yrol
    lmyeyesandl
    owermysel
    font
    he
    benchnextt
    ohi
    m.
    “Hedoesn'
    tunderstandal
    ltheserul
    es,
    you'r
    egoing
    todri
    veyourson-i
    n-lawaway.Anyway,Iwantt
    otal
    k
    aboutQondani
    ,”Isay.
    Her el
    easesasigh.Ihat ethatQondanii
    sdoi ngt
    his
    tohim.Thismani sraisinghiskids,t
    heleasthe
    coulddoistomakesur ethathedoesn'tworry
    aboutmoney.Whol etsawomanhemeton
    Facebookmovei nwi t
    hhi m andkeephim away
    fr
    om hisfamil
    y?Ishet hatdesperat
    eforherpu$$y?
    Ithoughthewassmar terthanthis.
    “BabaIpromiseyou,we'
    lldealwit
    ht hatgi
    rland
    she'
    llst
    ayawayf r
    om him.Iknowt hatI’
    mt heone
    she'
    safter,
    inherheadIbrokeherrelati
    onshipwit
    h
    Ndabuko.ShejustwentafterQondanitohurtme,”I
    say.
    “Idon'tknowNdondo.I '
    vebeenhavingbaddreams,
    i
    nmostoft hem I'
    m attendingawedding.It
    'sabad
    sign,hopeful
    lytheSibisiswil
    lprot
    ectthetwoofyou
    from thi
    sdarkcloudlingeringaboveourhome,”he
    saysandIr eali
    zehowbr okenheactuall
    yis.
    Thisisget t
    ingscary.Zamaf uzecan'tbethatofa
    threat,
    Imeant othepoi ntofsomeoneendi ngdead!
    That'sinsane.Idi
    dn'tdoanyt hi
    ngtoher ,Ndabuko
    did.Whyi ssheaftermeandnotaf terhim?He'sthe
    onewhobr okewhat everpromisehegavet oherin
    thepast .
    “BecarefulNdondo,I'
    m notreadytoburyeit
    herof
    you.
    ”Hehol dsontomyshoul derandgetsofft
    he
    bench.Ifitwasanyot hert
    imeIwoul d'
    vemocked
    him,healwaysbr agsaboutbeingstrongand
    unbreakable,where'
    shisstr
    engthnow?
    “Youneedt
    ohaveyourj
    oint
    scheckedout
    ,”It
    ell
    him.
    “
    Me?I '
    m okay,i
    fIfeel
    li
    kemyjoint
    shaveapr
    obl
    em
    I
    '
    llgeti
    nsizif
    rom Khumalo,
    ”hesays.
    Wel
    l,
    Irestmycase.Hecheckshi
    sgoat
    sfi
    rstand
    t
    hengot
    ohi
    sbedr
    oom.Fi
    nal
    ly!
    Igr
    abt
    heext
    rabl
    anketMam'Jabuf
    eel
    sli
    keI'
    m
    goi
    ngt
    oneedandfet
    chNdabukofr
    om t
    hecar.
    .
    .
    Thisisthemostf rust
    rati
    ngj ourneyI'
    veevertaken.
    I'
    m scar edaboutBab'Maqhawe’ sdreams-whati f
    somet hingbadhappens?Whati fi
    tendsinbl
    ood?
    I'
    m alsoangr yatQondani,howcanhebesost upid
    andvul nerabl
    e?Hegr ewupi nNyandeni ,
    herded
    cowsandpar tookinsti
    ck-
    fights.Heshouldhavea
    backbone, anelementofcont rolinhi
    sbones.
    IknowIshoul dbeangr yatNdabukotoo,he'
    sthe
    rootofallofthi
    s, butt
    henagai
    n,heisn'
    tmuch
    contr
    olofhi sli
    fe.Ourli
    veswerepl
    annedbyadead
    man, andIknowhi m,Iknowhi
    sheart,he'
    dnever
    i
    ntentional
    lyhurtanyone.
    -
    -
    It
    'satinybr
    ick-
    houseaboveabusystr
    eet
    ,wi
    th
    neighborsj
    ustafenceawayfr
    om eachot
    her
    .His
    vani
    sparkedi
    nhi
    stenf
    eetyar
    dli
    kei
    thasn'
    tbeen
    movedi
    ndays.
    Theburglar-
    gateiscl
    osedandthedoorbehindi
    t
    sl
    ight
    lyopened.Iwanttoknock,j
    ustforfor
    mali
    ti
    es
    andrespectformybrother
    ,butNdabukohas
    al
    readykickedtheburgl
    ar-
    gateandforcef
    ull
    y
    pushedthedoor .

    Wewal
    kontoQondaniwashi
    ngdishesontopof
    t
    het
    abl
    e.TheTVispl
    ayingl
    oudl
    yinthenextroom.
    HehasnevermetNdabuko,
    hiseyesar
    eallout
    ,
    j
    umpingfrom hi
    mtome.He'sl
    ookingf
    oran
    expl
    anat
    ion.
    “Ndondo?”He'
    spushingt
    hebasinwi
    thapi
    leof
    dishesawayanddryi
    nghishandswi
    thacl
    oth,
    his
    eyesarequest
    ioni
    ngme.
    “Where'
    sFuze?”Ndabukoasks,
    walki
    ngpasthi
    m
    andapproachi
    ngtheroom wher
    etheTVsoundis
    comingfrom.
    “
    Whot
    hehel
    list
    hisNdondo?
    ”
    “
    That'
    sNdabuko,t
    hemanZamafuzeandIar
    e
    f
    ight
    ingover
    .You'
    rej
    ustabai
    tshewasusi
    ngtoget
    me,nowI'
    m her
    e!”
    Iwasangr
    y,butIdidn'
    treal
    izei
    twasthismuch, I
    '
    m
    sweati
    ngj
    ustatthesoundofhervoice.She'
    s
    argui
    ngwi
    thNdabukoandhervoi ceisri
    singabove
    theTV.
    Backt
    othi
    sone…
    “
    Shetoldmethest
    orywhenshesawyourpictur
    es
    i
    nmyphone.Buthonest
    ly,
    you'r
    enott
    hereason
    whyshe'swi
    thme.Weloveeachot
    her,
    ”hesays.
    Lor
    d!Whatki
    ndofnonsensei
    sthi
    s?
    “You'
    vebeenwithheronlyforafewweeksandyou
    alr
    eadyknowher.Qondaniwakeup!Thi swhole
    thi
    ngwasplanned,itwasn'
    tacoi nci
    dence.
    ”Lord,
    whycan'thi
    sbraincell
    sdot hei
    rjobproper
    ly?
    “NdondoIhopeyoudidn'
    tleaveyourmansi onto
    comehereandtellmewhot odat eandwhatnot.
    Yourpastdon’
    tdi
    ctat
    ewhoIdat e,yourhi
    stor
    ywith
    MaFuzehasnothingt
    odowi t
    hme.Il oveherand
    shehasprovenhowmuchshel ovesmeback. ”
    JesuKrestu!Nt ethelelo'
    swor dsringinmyhead;“ he
    i
    sal r
    eadyin,toodeep. ”Zamaf uzeischilli
    ngi nf
    ront
    oftheTVandhe' swashi ngdi shes,potsar eboil
    ing
    onthestoveandhe' salreadyconvi ncedt hatthi
    s
    womanl oveshi mt odeat h.Heseesnot hingbeyond
    thi
    sbeautif
    ulr elationshipthatspr ungfrom
    Facebookandbur stintoaRomeoandJul iet
    romance.Ihope, infactIpr ay,thatshedi dn'tdo
    anythi
    ngtohim.Nt ethelel
    o'swor dsdon' tgiveme
    anycomf ort
    .
    “Whataboutyourkids?Yourparent
    s?Areyoujust
    goi
    ngtot ur
    nyourbackatyourf amil
    y?”I
    '
    m
    def
    eated.Ithoughthe'
    dseethingsfr
    om adif
    fer
    ent
    per
    specti
    veaf t
    erthi
    s.
    “
    Skoni
    !”
    No,thebi
    t€hdi
    dn't
    !I'
    m goi
    ngtopopt
    hisbabyout
    r
    ightnowandstrangl
    ehertodeat
    h!
    Idon'tknowwhenandhowNdabukogott omeand
    pinnedmet othewallsof
    ast
    ,bef
    oreIcantaket
    he
    secondst ept
    owardsher.
    She'
    ssmi
    li
    ng,
    herar
    misl
    inkedonQondani
    '
    s.Thi
    s
    i
    sjustagamet
    oher
    ,howcanQondaninotseet
    his?
    “
    Sthandwasamipl
    easecal
    m down,
    ”Ndabuko.
    “She'spl
    ayi
    ngwit
    hmybr other;maki
    nghim wash
    dishesandcookf
    orher.He'salr
    eadygi
    vingal
    lhi
    s
    moneyt oher
    .Whatdi
    dyougi vetohim?”
    Shel
    aughs.Fat
    her
    fu€ker
    !
    “Sayssomeonewho'
    salwaysonbedwhile
    Ndabukocookandser
    veher.Gi
    rl
    ,beseri
    ous.You'
    re
    nottheonl
    yonewhodeservest
    obetreat
    edlikea
    queen.”
    Shemust n'
    tdarecomparemet oherself
    ,even
    QondanitoNdabuko,becauseNdabukoi snatural
    ly
    romanti
    canddomest ical
    lyski
    ll
    ed.Noboyf rom
    Nyandenibeli
    evesinwashingdishesforawoman,
    especi
    all
    ynotaSi bi
    siman.

    Ndabukohol
    dsbot
    hmyar ms.NowI'm convinced
    t
    hathecameheretoguardme.Heknewt hatthings
    weregoi
    ngtobehect
    ic.
    “
    Ifyoul
    ovehi
    m asmuchasyoucl
    aimt
    henwhyar
    e
    younotl
    ett
    inghi
    m got
    oseehi
    ski
    ds?
    ”Iaskt
    he
    bit
    €h.
    “
    Sweet
    heart,
    we'l
    lfet
    cht
    hekidsandthey'
    l
    lspend
    t
    hehol
    idayswit
    hus.Don'
    tsweat,
    ”shesays.
    “Overmydeadbody!”She'snotgoinganywhere
    nearthoseki
    ds.Notforhol
    idays,
    notforanyt
    hing!
    “
    Ndondoplease,Idon'
    tneedal
    lthi
    snoi
    se.Pl
    ease
    l
    eave,
    ”Qondanisays.
    I
    '
    mindi
    sbel
    ief
    !
    “I
    'mtakingcareofyourki
    ds;t
    hatalonepissesme
    off.I
    '
    dgl adlyt
    akecar
    eofyourkidsifIsawyour
    coffi
    ngoi ngdowntothegr
    ave,notwhileyou'
    re
    breathi
    ng, f
    u€ki
    ngwomenandt hinki
    ngwithyour
    di€k!
    ”
    Hedropshi
    seyes.Apartofhi
    mishur tbymy
    wor
    ds,butahugepartofhi
    m bel
    ievesthathi
    shear
    t
    i
    shere,t
    hatwhat
    evercraphe'
    sdoingisokay.
    “IloveyouQondani.Ihopewheneveryoudeci
    deto
    comebackhomei t
    'llbebyyourvan,wi
    thyouonthe
    steeri
    ngwheel.Notsomethingelse,
    ”It
    urnmyhead
    toNdabuko,“Let
    'sgobabe.”I'
    m hur
    t.Iwantt
    o
    scr
    eam myl ungsoutbutIdon'twanttogi
    ve
    Zamafuzethatsati
    sfact
    ion.
    He'
    swal ki
    ngcl
    osel
    ybehi
    ndme,he'
    spr
    obabl
    ynot
    sur
    eifI'
    m goi
    ngtotur
    nbackandj
    umpon
    Zamafuze.
    Whenwewalkthr
    ought
    hedoorhest
    opsandl
    ooks
    backatt
    hem.
    “Itwasni cemeeti
    ngyousbar i
    .Fuze,I'
    m sorry,I
    reallyam.I'vehur
    tyouonce,unint
    entional
    ly,andI
    don' twanttodoitagai
    n,becauseifIdo,it
    'l
    lbe
    deliberatel
    yandyouwon'tli
    keit.
    ”It
    'sacalmt hreat
    butbecauseIknowhi m,Iknowthathemeansi t.
    Zamaf uzemaypushhi mtoofarandlosewhat ever
    respectanddebtshehasoverhi m.

    I'
    m notsur
    ewhatmynextmovei s;howdoyouhel p
    someonewhodoesn' treal
    izethatheneedshelp?
    HowdoIpr ovetoQondanit hathe'sbeingpl
    ayed?
    EvenifIbr
    ingNtethel
    elohere,he'
    llbel
    ieve
    Zamafuzeoverhim.
    Il
    eanbackont heseatandwai tforNdabuko.He'
    s
    havingoneofhisstress-r
    eli
    evi
    ngsmokebyt hesi
    de
    oftheroad,andI
    'm here,thi
    nki
    ng;wherecanone
    getice-
    cubesinthi
    spl ace?
    .
    .
    SNAKHO

    It
    's4:36i nthemor ning, afewdaysbef or et
    he
    fami l
    yf l
    ytoClarens.Khosii scomi ngandshe' sthe
    onewho' sbeenhel pingSnakhopl anever yt
    hing.
    Maqhi ngai sdownf oranyt hi
    ng;Spadat es,
    picnics
    andal lotherthi
    ngsNdl alif
    aandNgi diconsider
    gir
    lishandunnecessar y.Ndlali
    faisstillgat
    hering
    strengthtoaskThal entet ocomewi t
    hhi m.Ifhe's
    fl
    yingt oanotherprovi nce, t
    ostareatt heunmovi ng
    mount ainsandf lowingr iverstr
    eams, whichhe
    nevert houghthe'ddoi nhislif
    e,itwoul dbean
    honourf orhimt ohave“ hiswoman"byhi sside.
    Ngidiisdoingthisforhiski
    ds,hereti
    redsot hathe
    canbet hefathertheyhavealwaysdr eamedof .And
    i
    fthatfatherwear swhitegowns,putscucumber
    sl
    icesonhi seyesanddi scusseswhodr awsbet ter
    eyebrowsbet weenKylieJennerandMi hlal
    i
    Ndamase, sobei t.He'
    llbethatf
    ather.

    Snakhogr untsascol dai rf lushesacr ossherf ace.


    Sheput sherr obeon, i
    t'ssodamncol dandt his
    huger oom isn'tdoi nganyj ust i
    ce.Butshel ovesher
    room, i
    t'
    sherdr eam bedr oom.Fi nall
    y,shehasa
    walk-i
    ncl oset,clothesf rom herf avouri
    tedesi gners
    andalltheexpensi vebr andst hatsheusedt o
    dream of.Sheownsever ythingshe' severwant ed.
    At r
    iptoCl arensi sherl astdr eam t ocomet r
    ue.
    Maybenotl ast-l
    ast ,t
    hel astonewoul dbet ot akeall
    hershittyloadof fSnal o'sshoul ders,t
    ogi veback
    herindividuali
    tyandhel pNgi direstorewhat everi t
    i
    st hathasbeenbr okeni nsi deher .That'
    sherl ast
    dream-herl astdut y;tobr eakt hebond, tosepar at
    e
    Snalof r
    om Snakho, t
    oun- dividetheat t
    ent i
    on.Each
    toherownsel f!
    Sheti
    ptoesallt
    hewaytoNgi
    di'
    sroom andknocks
    sof
    tl
    youtsidethedoor
    .
    “
    Whoi
    sthat
    ?”Hi
    svoi
    ceyel
    lsf
    rom i
    nsi
    de.
    “Meee…”Shepressesherli
    pstogetherandherear
    agai
    nstthedoor.I
    shisdi€k-
    keeperinsi
    dehere?
    Hopeful
    lynot
    .
    Thedooropensaf
    teraf
    ewmi
    nut
    es.He'
    sdr
    essed
    upanddecent.
    “What'
    swrongMaNgidi?
    ”Hef r
    ownsashiseyes
    l
    andonher .Di
    danyonedist
    urbhi
    spri
    ncessfr
    om
    herbeaut
    ysleep?
    “
    No,
    I'
    m bor
    ed,
    ”Snakhosays.
    Heglancesbacki
    nsidet
    her
    oom,checki
    ngt
    he
    wat
    chont hewall
    .It
    '
    sdamn4:41!
    “
    You'
    rebor
    edatt
    hist
    ime?
    ”heasks.
    Snakhopushesherwayinsi
    deandwal kstohisbed.
    Thi
    sonei sbi
    ggerthananyotherbedroom inthi
    s
    house.Thebedlooksver
    y…iti
    scomf ortabl
    e.She
    bumpsherassoni tafewti
    mesbef oreresti
    ng
    downont
    hepi
    ll
    ow.
    “You'
    regoi
    ngtobreakmybed, ”Ngidisays.He
    cli
    mbsont hebed,pushesherlegstoonesideand
    sli
    desundercover
    s.
    “Ican'
    tbr
    eaksuchabigbedandbesides,
    youcan
    buyanewone, j
    ustl
    iket
    his!
    ”Snakhosaysand
    snapsherfi
    nger
    s.
    “
    Moneydoesn'
    tgr
    owont
    reesMaNgi
    di,
    ”hesays.
    “Moneyi smadeoutofpaperandpaperismadeout
    oftrees.Soitdoes,
    ”she'
    spull
    ingdownher
    dreadlocksandrapi
    dlybl
    inki
    nghercut
    eeyes.
    “
    Doyouhaveasci
    ssorar
    ound?
    ”sheasks.
    “Checki
    nthedrawer
    sKhwezi
    lokusa.I
    t'
    snoteven5
    o'cl
    ockf
    orChri
    st'
    ssake!
    ”
    Shejumpsoutofbed.Ngi
    dir
    eleasesal
    owgr
    untas
    thebedbounceswi
    thhim.
    She'sopeni
    ngt
    hedrawer
    s,l
    eavi
    ngsomeopenand
    thi
    ngslyi
    ngontop.
    “
    Gotit!DoIneedachai
    r?OrIcanjustsi
    tonthe
    f
    loorandyouonthebed,
    ”shesays.Someti
    messhe
    doesn'
    texpl
    ainhersel
    f,shethi
    nkspeoplelivei
    nsi
    de
    herhead.AndpeoplewonderwhyNgi dilaughs
    al
    oneattimes;hi
    skidsar easpeci
    alcase.
    “Whatar
    ewedoi ngMaNgidiomuhle?
    ”He’
    s
    yawni
    ng.Reall
    y?Can'
    tonebeaf at
    herdur
    ingt
    he
    dayandsleepatni
    ght
    ?
    “Iwantyout ocutoffmydreadl
    ocks.Snal
    o…Imean,
    Thingo,cantakethem andext
    endherstomake
    them l
    onger,”shesays,pul
    lst
    hecoveroffherf
    ather
    andwr apsitaroundhersel
    fasshesit
    sont hef
    loor
    nexttothebed.
    Thebluescissori
    slyi
    ngontheedgeoft
    hebed,
    wait
    ingforNgiditopi
    cki
    tupandbecomeabarber
    ,
    byfi
    re,byforce.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    10] :Chapt
    er34
    Thal
    ent
    e

    Ishoul
    dn'
    thaveagr
    eedtothis.Thet
    woTyr aBanks
    areher
    e,l
    ooki
    ngdrop-
    gorgeousasever.Theother
    onedoesn'
    thavedr
    eadl
    ocksanymor e,
    shehascut
    herhairshort.Nowi t'
    seasytotel
    lthem apar
    t;
    Snaloist heLuckyDubeandSnakhoi sthemanof
    thepair.Theeldersister
    ,Nomkhosi,i
    stheuptight
    type.Shesayswhatshesays, whenshesaysi t,and
    thenbor eseveryonewi t
    hherbi
    geyes.
    Maqhi ngaont heotherhand,hethi
    nksevery
    thoughtthatcomesi ntohisheadisworthbei
    ng
    heardbyever yone.He'ssi
    tti
    ngalone,att
    heback,
    withhisfeetupont heseatandyelli
    ngwhateveri
    t
    i
    st hathe'
    ssayi ng.
    Ngidi,
    ohman!He'
    sbeenstari
    ngatusandnot
    sayingasi
    ngl
    eword.He,morethanalloft
    hem,
    makesmeuncomf or
    tabl
    e.Hisstar
    eispier
    cingand
    deli
    veri
    ngamessageIcannotr
    ead.

    Wear eheadingtoMtHor ebManorwher ewe'l


    lbe
    squat
    tingwhilewear ehere.Clar
    ensisr
    eall
    ya
    beaut
    ifulpl
    ace,Snakhoisdef i
    nit
    elyt
    hegir
    lyou
    wantinyourcorner,shehasagoodt ast
    ein
    ever
    ything.
    I
    '
    m notsur
    ewhyexact
    lyI
    ’
    m her
    e,t
    ravel
    li
    ngt
    o
    hotel
    swiththem,thi
    swholetri
    pisforNgi
    diandhis
    chi
    ldrentobond.ButNdlal
    if
    athreat
    enednotto
    comeandSnakhohadt ogetonthephonefor10
    minutes,
    beggingmet ocome.
    Hei shere,nexttome, wit
    hhi sarm aroundmy
    shoul der
    ,andlooki ngbored.Hekeepst el
    li
    ngt he
    driverhowt odriveandwhent oover t
    akeot hercars.
    Yest hisisataxi,wewoul dn'thavefit
    tedinacab,
    buti t
    ’snothistaxi!Heshouldl ett
    hismandr ivehis
    taxithewayhewant s.Thisi
    snotKZN, he'snota
    taxiownert hi
    ssi de.

    It
    'ssti
    llearl
    y, around1pm.Snakhohadat hing
    plannedout, somet hi
    ngaboutcli
    mbingmount ains,
    butnobodyi si nter
    ested.Weareallt
    ir
    ed,
    soasmal l
    l
    unch, whichi sbigbecausethey'
    retheNgidis,
    has
    beenpr epared.
    I'
    m notsurehowt odressup.YesI'
    m notamakot i
    butthevil
    lagegir
    linmedoesn'tall
    owmet owal ki
    n
    avestandshor ti
    nf r
    ontofNdlal
    if
    a'sf
    ather.That
    's
    nothowt hingsar
    edonewher eIcomef rom.
    Iputt
    wodressesasi
    de,hopingthatwhenNdl
    ali
    fa
    comesoutofthebat
    hroom he'
    llhel
    pmechoose.
    Istandinfrontofthemi rr
    orandappl ylot
    ionon
    everyinchofmybody.Idon' tneedt olookli
    kethe
    TyraBanksorKhosiwi thherfi
    rm bodyandt i
    ny
    waist.ButIcanglow, fl
    auntmycur vesandmake
    myaf rolookpresentable.

    Ndl ali
    fafi
    nal l
    ywalksoutoft hebathroom.He's
    alreadydr essed.Beingamani snotthathard;you
    jumpi ntot heshowerf ort
    hreeandahal fsecond,
    appl ylot
    iononl yonyourarms, legsandface,
    wi t
    houtdr yingyourbodyandsl ideintoyour
    trousers.Chhh- chhhthebodyspr ayandt a-
    da,
    you' r
    edone!
    “Whi
    chdressdoyouli
    kebetweent
    hosetwo?
    ”Iask,
    put
    ti
    ngearri
    ngson,
    infrontoft
    hemir
    ror
    .
    “
    Ili
    ket
    hem bot
    h,”hesays.
    Thi
    sisdef
    ini
    tel
    ynott
    heanswerI
    '
    mlooki
    ngf
    or.And
    whyi
    shecomi
    ngt
    ome?
    “Ican'
    tweart
    hem bot
    h,Ineedt
    ochooseone,
    ”It
    ell
    him.
    He'
    sbreat
    hingbehi
    ndme.Hi
    sar
    msar
    esnaked
    ar
    oundmywai st
    .
    “For
    getaboutthedr ess.Whydoyoulooksosexy?
    ”
    Hishandsstartcaressingmybarethi
    ghs.MaybeI
    shoul
    dn'thavestoodher eonl
    yinunderwear
    .
    “
    Lookathowexci
    tedHl
    omukai
    s,
    ”hesays.
    Idon'
    tbot
    hert
    urningmyhead.Hedeci
    dest
    opush
    mybuttwit
    hhi
    s“ exci
    tedHl
    omuka.
    ”
    “Fi
    veminutesMaMbatha.Justst
    andli
    kethi
    s…”
    He'
    spushingmylegsapartwithhi
    sknee.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa!
    ”Iexcl
    aim.
    Oureyesmeett hroughtherefl
    ectionofamir
    ror
    .
    He'sl
    ickinghisli
    psandbr ushi
    ngmymoundover
    t
    hepant y.I'
    m get
    tingther
    e,histouchmakesme
    weak,butwecan' t
    .Imean, whodoest hi
    sbef
    ore
    famil
    ylunch?Ididn'tcomeher eto…
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa,
    ”nowI
    '
    m cal
    li
    nghi
    snamesof
    tl
    y.Hi
    s
    f
    ingerhassl
    idet
    hroughthesi
    deofmypanty,i
    t'
    s
    r
    ubbingmynubtenderl
    y.Asoftmoanescapesmy
    l
    ips.
    Hepresseshi
    sheadonmybackandreleasesl
    ow
    gr
    oansthatsendmewhorel
    and.Hi
    sfi
    ngeris
    worki
    ngonbringi
    ngmetoabri
    nkoforgasm.
    “Canyouholdyourkneesf
    ormebaby?”Hedoesn'
    t
    needtoask.Ipul
    ldownmypantyandstepoveri
    t.
    Myhandst ouchmykneesandmybehindsti
    ckson
    hist
    highs.
    Herubsallovermywetfleshwithhisshaf
    t.I'
    m not
    adict
    ator
    ,maybebecauseI '
    m notanexpertand
    t
    hisrel
    ati
    onshipisst
    il
    lnew,buttodayIneedhim
    i
    nsideme.
    “Ndl
    ali
    fajustdoonet
    hing,
    ”that
    'swhatIsay.I
    t
    doesn'
    tsoundwrongthisway.
    “Relaxbaby,you'l
    lgetyourt
    hing.I
    t'
    syour
    s.”He'
    s
    sti
    llteasingmyclitwit
    htheti
    pandmyl i
    psare
    quiveringinhunger.
    “
    Hlomukapl
    ease,
    ”Ibeg,
    almosti
    ntear
    s.
    “Whybaby?”I
    sthisevenaquest i
    onheshoul
    dbe
    aski
    ngmer i
    ghtnow?He' sci
    rcli
    ngaroundmy
    openi
    ng.IswearI
    'm abouttorever
    seonthi
    sman!
    “
    BecauseImi
    ssyou,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Youmi
    ssmeormydi
    €k?
    ”heasks.
    Lor
    d,t
    hisi
    stor
    tur
    e!DoIneedt
    oputi
    tli
    ket
    hat
    ?
    “
    Bot
    h,”Isay.
    Hest
    ops,
    li
    ft
    smeupandt
    urnsmear
    ound.
    “Il
    ovethepeachonewi
    thbut
    tonsatt
    hef
    ront
    ,”he
    says.
    I'
    ml ost
    .Whati
    shet
    alki
    ngabout
    ?Buttonsatt
    he
    fr
    ontarenotgoi
    ngt
    ogivemeanorgasm.Whatthe
    hell
    !
    “
    Thedr
    ess,
    ”hesayswi
    thagr
    inonhi
    sface.
    I'
    m notdoi
    ngt
    hiswithhim.Ipushhim,ofcour
    sehe
    doesn'
    tmoveaninch,soIwalkpasthi
    m andgrab
    onedressonmywayt othebathr
    oom.
    “Thal
    ent
    eIwasjustpul
    li
    ngyourl
    eg,pl
    easecome
    back.
    ”He'sr
    unni
    ngbehindme.Ishutt
    hedoor,
    but
    heopensi
    tbecausehei
    shi
    m.
    “Sthandwasami,
    ”he'
    shol
    dingmeandgr
    indi
    nghi
    s
    erectshaf
    tagai
    nstmybehi
    nd.
    Iwipemywetbottom andputmydr
    esson.No
    pantyandIdon’
    tcar
    e.
    “
    Thalent
    ecomeon,”hi
    svoi
    cei
    sbr
    eaki
    ng,
    he'
    s
    t
    ryi
    ngtolif
    tmydr
    essup.
    “You'l
    lfi
    ndmet here,
    ”Isay,st
    ri
    dingoutoft
    he
    bathroom andl
    eavinghim wit
    hhi sup-
    poi
    nti
    ng
    shaftbursti
    ngwithnerves.
    -
    -
    Okay,Idi
    dn'tthinkthi
    sthrough.I'
    m goingtojoin
    thosepeople?Wal ki
    ngalone?They'realr
    eadydeep
    i
    naconver sation,whatam Igoingtosay?I'm sure
    they'
    redi
    scussi ngseri
    ousthingsandIhavenot hing
    seri
    ousthatIcancont ri
    bute,exceptmyshaky
    rel
    ati
    onshipwit hmyempl oyers.
    MaybeIshouldlur
    ksomewher
    eandwaitfor
    Ndl
    ali
    fa.Gosh,t
    hisrui
    nsal
    lmyangerpl
    ans.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    ewear
    eher
    e!”Snakhoyel
    lswi
    thher
    f
    inger
    ssnappi
    ng.
    Theyal
    lli
    ftt
    hei
    rheadsandlookatmydi
    rect
    ion.I
    don'
    thaveachoi
    cebuttojoi
    nthem.
    Thefakesmi
    leI
    '
    vebeenput
    ti
    ngont
    oday!Ideser
    ve
    anaward.
    “
    Wher
    e'sNdl
    ali
    fa?
    ”Khosiasks.
    “
    He'
    scomi
    ng,
    ”Isay.
    Shenodsandsi psherdr
    ink.I
    '
    venoticedthatshe'
    s
    theoneclosert
    ohim.Theytalk,
    nodatwhat ever
    oneofthem issayi
    ngandlaughbri
    efly.Theyget
    eachothermorethananyoneinthi
    swor ldcanever
    getthem.
    SnalolovesMaqhi nga,It
    hinkthey'reapairof
    gossipers.Itcan'tbethatwhenevert heybreakinto
    l
    aught erit
    'stheirgoddamnbusi ness, obvi
    ousl
    yt hey
    l
    aughatot herpeople.Snakholovesever yone.She
    tal
    ksal ot,Ilovethatabouther.Ilovepeoplewho
    tal
    k,they'r
    et hehappiest.

    I
    tdoesn'
    ttakever
    ylongf
    orNdl
    ali
    fat
    ojoi
    nus.I
    don'tneedt
    oturnmyheadtoknowthathe'sangr
    y.
    Icanhearthepatt
    ernofhi
    sbr
    eaths,
    Idon'tthi
    nkI
    'm
    braveenoughtofacehi
    m.
    “Soyou'r
    ejustgoingtobringawomanandnotsay
    anythi
    ngabouther ?
    ”That'shi
    sfather.I
    'm notsure
    whathe'stryi
    ngtoaskbutIcant el
    lthathe'seit
    her
    pissedordisappoi
    nted.Comingherewasabad
    i
    dea.I'mjustanintr
    uder.
    “BabayouknowThalent
    e,”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.Hisarmis
    notaroundme,t
    hisi
    sdefini
    tel
    yrai
    singaflagfor
    everyone.
    “
    Idon'
    tknowanyone,
    ”hi
    sfat
    hersays.
    I
    'm notsur
    eifIshoul
    dbeinsul
    tedorjustl
    eti
    tsl
    ide.
    Thi
    smanknowsme, weeventalked!
    Ndl
    ali
    faswi
    ngstheglassi
    nhi
    shandt
    hathej
    ust
    pi
    ckedupandpoint
    satme.
    “Okay,thi
    sisThalent
    eMbat hafrom Khangelanii
    n
    Ngudwi ni
    .”He'
    sdoneandt akingagulpfrom his
    glass.Buthisf
    atheri
    snot,hiseyesarenarrowedat
    Ndlali
    fa.Hewantsdetai
    ls.
    “Tal
    kkhehl
    a!”It
    houghthe'dstayquietfora
    moment.He'ssi
    tt
    ingnexttohisfatherandenjoyi
    ng
    ever
    ysecondoftort
    urehisbrotherisgett
    ing.
    “
    Shesaysshelovesme,”Ndlal
    if
    asays,
    ref
    err
    ingt
    o
    me,
    andshrugshisshoulder
    s.
    Nowt hatbr
    ingsalleyesonme.Hisbrot
    herhas
    stoppedmocking,hiseyebr
    owiscockedupatme.I
    don'tt
    hinkt
    hey'dhesitat
    ecomi
    ngformei fIdo
    anythi
    ngtotheirbrot
    her.
    “Whyar eyoutalkingasifherwordsdon'tmatchher
    acti
    ons?”That'
    st heupti
    ghteldersi
    ster
    ,she'
    s
    star
    ingatmel i
    keshe' sreadytosendmet othe
    nearesttr
    ainstati
    onwi t
    hmybags.
    “
    Maybeit'
    smewhodoesn' tunderst
    andwomen, or
    t
    hiswholel
    ovething,
    Idon'tknow.MaybeIexpect
    t
    oomuchf rom i
    t.
    ”He'sbli
    nkingrapi
    dly.Iknewhe
    wasangrybutnottothi
    sdegr eeofquesti
    oningmy
    l
    oveforhi
    mi nfr
    ontofhiswhol efamil
    y.
    “WhathappenedMaMbatha?
    ”Ngi diasks.Thesame
    manwhodeni edknowi
    ngmej ustafewmi nutes
    ago.
    It
    urnmyeyest
    oNdl
    ali
    fa.Hei
    sANGRY!
    “Whathappened?”Iposethequestiontohim.
    There'
    snowayI '
    mt el
    li
    nghisfatherthecauseofour
    fi
    ght.AndIknowhewon' ttel
    lhi
    m either
    .This
    should'
    ver
    emainedbetweent hetwoofus.
    “
    Iwasjustpul
    l
    ingherl
    egandshewal
    kedouton
    me,
    ”hesays.
    Thisiswasti
    ngtheirt
    ime,t
    heystartpassi
    ngthi
    ngs
    aroundandtalki
    ngaboutothert
    hings.Butnot
    Maqhinga,he'
    sstil
    lst
    ari
    ngatus.
    “Whatexact
    lywer
    eyoupul
    li
    ngherl
    egabout
    ?”he
    asks.
    “
    Thepossi
    bil
    it
    ythatImayshootmyst
    upi
    dbr
    other
    i
    nthear
    se,
    ”Ndlali
    fasays.
    Hi
    sfat
    herl
    ooksupwit
    hhisbrowssnapped.
    Maqhi
    ngai
    srol
    ledi
    naf i
    tofl
    aught
    er.
    “Whatdoyouknowaboutshooti
    ng?You'
    resti
    ll
    cryi
    ngoverMaMbathawal
    kingoutonyou.Puthim
    i
    nhi sli
    neMaMbat
    ha,don'
    tlethi
    shei
    ghtint
    imidat
    e
    you!”Ngidi
    .
    Thi
    sisaverystr
    angefamil
    ybutokay.Fora
    momentIthoughtever
    yonewasagainstme.
    -
    -
    Thebr ainbehindt hiswhol etri
    pisonherf eetand
    explainingtomor r
    ow' sactivi
    ti
    es.Snalois
    exclusivelybookedi ntofishi
    ngwi thNgidi
    ,whileall
    ofuswi llbehorse-r
    iding.Laterthere'
    samassage
    thi
    nghappeni ngandaf ami l
    y’swalkaroundthe
    mount ain.Asl ongasi tmakessenset oher,I
    'm not
    goingt obeapar t
    y-pooper .
    “Awuphenti
    lesi
    si,
    ”(You’
    renotwear
    inganypant
    y,
    sis)That
    'sNdl
    ali
    fainmyear.
    Ikeepmypokerfaceon,Idon'tknowwhathe
    i
    ntendstoachi
    evebyremindingmet hi
    s,andI
    thoughthei
    ssti
    llangr
    ywithme.
    Snakhopull
    smeasi deandasksthatwet akeawalk,
    j
    usttoseetheplacearound.I
    t'
    sveryref
    reshingt
    o
    behere.I
    'm gl
    adIhadachancet oexperi
    encethi
    s,
    evenifi
    t'
    sforonceinalif
    eti
    me.
    “Soyouandmybrother?Doyouthinkit
    'l
    llast
    ?”she
    asks.Thi
    sisaver
    yintr
    udingandrandom questi
    on.
    “Idon'
    tknowSnakho.Therearenoguar
    anteesin
    l
    ife.ButIl
    ovehim.Hemakesmehappy.And
    honestl
    y,I
    'veneverf
    eltt
    hiswaybef
    ore,
    ”Isay.
    Shegrabsmyhandandsqueezesi
    t.Maybet
    hisi
    s
    theanswershewant
    edt
    ohear.
    “He'
    smybr other
    ,Idon'tknowhimt hatmuchbutI
    knowonet hi
    ng;he'dappreci
    ateiti
    fyoulethi
    m
    prot
    ectyou…againstanythi
    ng,j
    ustlethi
    m know.
    ”
    I'
    m notsur
    ewhatshemeansbutInod.Ndlal
    if
    ahad
    anissuewit
    hmenotr epor
    ti
    ngRajtohim,
    Iguess
    thi
    s“needtopr
    otect
    ”stemsfrom apl
    acet
    heyall
    knowabout.
    Myphonebeepstwot i
    mes.Ihavecompetit
    ions
    t
    hatI'
    m al
    waysenter
    ing,soIhavechecki
    fit'
    snota
    winni
    ngSMSaskingmet ocoll
    ectmymi l
    li
    ons.
    **Awuphent i
    le!
    **That'
    sthetext.Icanfeelhot
    steam comingoutofmynose, eyesandear s.What
    thefu€kishispr obl
    em?Iknowt hatIdi
    dn'twear
    anypant y,
    andt hat'
    sbecausehesoakedmei nt
    he
    oneIwaswear ingandthendeni edmehi sblack
    pipe.
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngokaybabe?
    ”Snakhoasks.
    Thatf
    akesmil
    eon!Inodandl
    ookawaybef
    oreshe
    seest
    hroughme.
    “
    Ihopeso.Let
    'sSkypeNdondo,
    ”shesays.
    IloveNdondoandImi ssherri
    ch,snobbishass
    verymuch.SheisKhosi-l
    it
    ebutveryador abl
    e.Her
    andNdabukomakeacut ecoupleandit'
    sbeaut i
    ful
    towatchthem bei
    nglovey-
    doveywitheachot her.I
    hopethebabyisfi
    ne.However,Idon'thavetimet o
    talkt
    oheronthescreen.Ihavesomeonet oshutup.
    “I
    '
    m comi ngback.Justgr
    abbingsomethi
    ngf
    rom
    mybag, ”It
    ellSnakhoandheadbackinsi
    det
    he
    buil
    ding.
    I'
    m sureIl
    ooklikeacrazywomani nthi
    sli
    ftand
    scari
    ngoffthesewhit
    epeople.I
    'm pi
    ssedoff!
    Ndlal
    if
    aisnot12, whyisthi
    sevenathingtohim?

    Iunzi
    pmybagandt akeoutmyunderwear
    .Hehas
    togoandplaymerr
    y-go-
    roundifhef
    eel
    sli
    keget
    ti
    ng
    chi
    ldi
    shagain,
    Iwon'
    tbehisvicti
    m.
    “DoIhavet
    or emi ndyouthatI
    'm ol
    derthanyou?”
    Hisvoi
    cestar
    tlesme.He' swalki
    ngthroughthedoor
    wit
    hhishandst uckedinsi
    dethepockets.
    I'
    mf rozennextt
    othebed.Wher
    edidhecomefr
    om?
    Ithoughthewassomewher ewi
    thhi
    sbrot
    her
    .

    He'
    shere,
    nexttomeandl
    if
    ti
    ngupt
    hedr
    essIwas
    t
    ryi
    ngtopulldown.
    Hiseyesdroptomywai
    st.Hegr
    inswi
    th
    sati
    sfact
    ion.
    “
    Shame!
    ”
    Whati
    sthatsupposedt
    omean?
    Hepul
    lsmyhand.“Comet
    oyourspot
    ,”hesays,
    l
    eadi
    ngmeinfrontoft
    hemir
    ror
    .
    Hest andsbehi
    ndmeandputshi
    shandsonmy
    shoulders.Wearebot
    hst
    ari
    ngatt
    hemirr
    or,
    onour
    ref
    lecti
    on.
    “
    Thi
    sisus,
    ”hesays.
    Iknow,
    Imeani
    t'
    sami
    rr
    or,
    thatshoul
    dbeobvi
    ous.
    “Wearenotleavi ngthi
    sr oom unt
    ilyoutel
    lmewhat
    Idi
    dsowr ongt hatyouhadt owalkoutonme,
    despi
    temer unni ngafteryouandt el
    li
    ngyout
    hatI
    wasjustpul
    lingyourl eg.Thereasonyouhadto
    embarrassmel ikethat,”hesays.
    “
    Yout
    easedmeNdl
    ali
    faandIgotf
    rust
    rat
    ed,
    ”Isay.
    Hishandssl
    idedownandhol
    dmyarms.Helooks
    verycal
    m,whichi
    sint
    imi
    dati
    ngoni
    tsown.
    “Thatanswerisj
    ustsi
    lent
    .Youhaven'
    tsai
    d
    anythi
    ngThalent
    e.”
    Howi
    smyanswersi
    lent
    ?
    “
    Speakort
    akeof
    fyourpant
    yandgol
    ieont
    hebed.
    ”
    What
    ?!Thosear
    etwor
    idi
    cul
    ousopt
    ions.
    “Whyar
    eyouact
    ingsur
    pri
    sed?Wer
    eyounotangr
    y
    atmeovermydi
    €k?”
    I
    fheput
    sitt
    hatway,
    thenno!
    “
    Choosemazi
    khet
    hel
    aSont
    shi
    kazi
    ,
    ”hesaysand
    t
    akeshi
    shandsof
    fme.
    Hel
    eavesmet
    omyt
    hought
    sanddi
    sappear
    sint
    he
    bat
    hroom.
    Thedoori
    snotl
    ocked.Whati
    fI…?
    “Iwi
    llf
    indyouThalenteandbri
    ngyoubackher e.
    Andifanyonetr
    iestostopme,I'
    llt
    ellthem exact
    ly
    what'
    sgoing,
    ”heyellsfr
    om t
    hebat hroom.
    Doeshehavehi
    seyesi
    nsi
    demybr
    ainnow?

    Hewalksoutofthebathroom,hal
    fnaked.Ididlie
    onthebedbutIdidn'tt
    akeoffmypanty.Idon'tdo
    wel
    lwithi
    nstr
    uctions,t
    hat'
    swhyAartii
    salways
    br
    eathi
    ngdownmyneck.
    HeknowsthatIdidn'
    ttakei
    tof
    f,heexpectedme
    nott
    odoit
    ,thefir
    stthi
    nghedoesistolif
    tmyl egs
    upandpul
    litout
    .
    Hestandsnextt
    owher
    emyheadi
    sandst
    art
    s
    st
    roki
    nghisshaft
    .
    “
    Sucki
    t,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Suckwhat
    ?”Iask.
    “
    Mydi
    €k,
    ”hesays.
    Hahaha!I
    t'
    saj
    oke,
    right
    ?Thatwasagoodone.
    Tr
    evorNoahmustwatchout
    !
    “
    Getup,
    ”hesays.
    He'
    sdeadser
    ious.WTF!
    “Ndl
    ali
    faI'm notsucki
    ngyourmanhood.I t
    'snot
    happening.Youcancallafami l
    ymeeting,
    standon
    topofthemount ainwit
    hhorn-speaker
    sandt el
    lthe
    wholewor l
    dourdi r
    tyl
    aundry.Idon'
    tcare!
    ”
    “
    DoIneedt
    ogetsomeoneel
    set
    osucki
    t?”
    What
    ?Ist
    hatevenl
    egal
    ?
    “
    No,
    you'
    recr
    azy!
    ”Isay.
    “
    I'
    m not
    .Ifyou'
    renotgoi
    ngt
    o…”
    Gosh,
    doIneedt
    otal
    ktohi
    minPor
    tuguese?
    “Ndlal
    if
    aI'm notdoi
    ngitandyou'renotget
    ti
    ng
    anyonetodoi t.I
    fyou'
    rehornythecookiei
    shere,
    alwaysreadyforyou.That'
    sit
    !”
    Hel
    aughs,
    ver
    yloud.Di
    dIsaysomet
    hingf
    unny?
    “
    Whati
    fIwantt
    heot
    herhol
    e?”heasks.
    Ther
    e'sanot
    herhol
    e?Iwasn'
    tawar
    eoft
    hat
    .
    “
    Whi
    chone?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Theonebehi
    nd,
    ”hesays.
    Am Isti
    llbr
    eat
    hing?GodknowsifIr
    unoutofher
    e
    I
    'l
    lgomi ssi
    ngbecauseI
    'l
    lrunf
    araway,
    farfr
    om t
    he
    mountainsandli
    fe.
    “
    No,
    ”Isay.
    “
    IloveyouThal
    ent
    e.”
    That'
    sveryrandom, Iexpect
    edthedirt
    y
    conversat
    iontogoon.Hi semotionsalwaysdisplay
    i
    nhiseyesever yt
    imeheconf esseshi
    sf eel
    ings.He
    doesn'
    tsayitforthesakeofsayingit
    .Ilovethat
    abouthim.
    “
    Iloveyoutoo.Pl
    easefor
    givemef
    oract
    ing
    i
    mpulsiveatt
    imes,
    ”Isay.
    “Weneedt i
    metoful
    lygr aspwhatthi
    sis.We'l
    lwor
    k
    outsthandwasami ,
    wej ustneedtobepatientwi
    th
    oneanot her.
    ”Hecli
    mbsont hebedandpositi
    ons
    himselfbetweenmyl egs.
    “
    Pleaseki
    ssme,
    ”Isay.
    Hesmi
    les.Thi
    sisver
    ycomf
    ort
    abl
    eofme.
    Hegrabsmylipsapar
    t,downt
    her
    e,andsweepshi
    s
    t
    onguebetweenmyf l
    esh.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    faIdi
    dn'
    tmeanki
    ss.
    ..
    me.
    ..
    ther
    e!”
    Hedoesn'tcare.He'susi
    nghismouthi
    nwr ong
    placesbuti
    tfeelssodamngood.He'smaking
    weirdli
    cki
    ngnoi sesandthatal
    onei
    senoughto
    sendmet oheaven.
    “
    HlomukaIl
    oveyou!
    ”Iscr
    eam.
    .
    .
    SNALO

    Everyonehasl eft,exceptherandNgi di.They'


    renot
    goingtor i
    dehor seswi thother
    s,thetwooft hem
    wereexcl uded.Butshedoesn' tmi nd,
    she'salways
    hadt hatmasculinesi deinherthatenjoyeddoi ng
    thi
    ngst hatwereconsi der
    edtobemen' s.Fishing
    i
    sn'tsuchabadi dea.
    “
    Areyouexci
    tedaboutt
    omor
    row?
    ”Ngi
    diasksher
    ,
    t
    est
    ingthewater
    s.
    “
    Yeah,
    ”shesaysandgoesbackonherphone.
    Heclear
    shisthroatandleansf or
    wardonhisseat.
    Beingafat
    herbecomesdi ff
    icultwhenitcomesto
    thi
    sone.Hedoesn'tseeherf r
    equentl
    yandeven
    whenhedoes,theydon'ttal
    kt hatmuch.
    “Thereareaf ewpeopl ethatyoucantalktoaround
    here.Idon'tknowyourst oryandI’
    m notgoingto
    forceyout oopenupt ome.ButIwentt hr
    oughthis
    withyourmot her,Idon'twanttogothroughitagai
    n.
    Ift
    here'sanythingwrong, Idon'
    tcar
    ehowl ighti
    t
    maybe, pleaseallowmet ogetyouhelp.Idon'
    t
    wantt oloseyou.”
    She'
    sstil
    lonherphonebutnotful
    lyoccupi
    edonit
    .
    Shedidn'
    texpecthi
    mtotalkl
    ikethi
    s.It
    'smaki
    ng
    herabituncomfort
    abl
    e.
    “Ihavealr
    eadylost27year sofyourl
    ifeandI'
    m st
    il
    l
    l
    osingmor eti
    me.I'm beggingyouMaNgi di
    ,you
    haveaf at
    hernowandhel ovesyouverymuch.We
    canfindasoluti
    ontowhat everiti
    s,i
    nZulutheysay;
    ayi
    khoindl
    ovuesi
    ndwaumbokowayo.No
    mountai
    nistoohi
    ghformet
    ocli
    mbf oryou,
    ”he
    says.
    Shei
    s…cryi
    ng?Ngidinot
    icest
    het
    ear
    sandr
    ushes
    ar
    oundthetabl
    etoher.
    “Tal
    ktoyourf
    ather
    .Whathappenedmnt
    anami
    ?”he
    asks.
    Sheburi
    esherheadonhi schestandsobsopenly.
    They'
    reinthatposi
    ti
    onforthenextfewminut
    es;
    she'
    scryingonhischestandhe'srubbi
    ngherback.
    “Ihadanabor tioninthestr
    eets.BabaIswear ,
    I'
    m
    notacr uelperson,Iwasn'
    treadyforababy.Iwas
    veryyoungandIcoul dn'
    taddtoMa' sfinancial
    stressbybr i
    nginganothermout htofeed.”Shesobs
    l
    ouder .Lucki
    ly,it
    'sj
    ustthetwooft hem here.It
    's
    publicbuttheyhavet hepri
    vacy.
    “Theywanttor
    emovemywomb.I twasdamaged
    andther
    e'snopossi
    bil
    it
    yoft
    reat
    ment,
    ”shesays.
    Heti
    ghtenshi
    sarmsaroundher .Thi
    sisa
    bombshell
    .Hewasn'
    texpecti
    nganythingliket
    his.
    Notevenoncedi
    dhethinkthatshemi ghtbesick.
    “You'
    reaNgi di
    ,uHlomuka, uMlal
    azikaNoxhaka,
    uBophela.Ther
    e'snobat t
    leyoucannotwin,Itrust
    yourstr
    ength.Butyou'l
    lfi
    ghtthisonewithme.I
    promiseyou,mychi l
    d.”

    Snakhohasbeenwat chingfrom adist


    ance.Thi sis
    exact
    lywhyshebr oughtthem here.Fi
    nally,Snaloi
    s
    handl
    ingherownshi t
    ,putti
    ngherselff
    irstand
    confr
    onti
    ngissuesthatconcernherasani ndivi
    dual
    .
    Thi
    sisal
    lshewant
    ed.I
    t'
    sdone.

    Shethoughtshe'
    dbeleavi
    ngt
    omor r
    ow,af
    ter
    spendi
    ngmor equal
    it
    ytimewi
    ththem.Butther
    e's
    noneedforhertost
    aynow.Theyneedtobondand
    spendti
    measTHEYWI LLBE.
    Shet
    ypesashor
    ttextandf
    orwar
    dsi
    ttoever
    yone:
    **
    FAM,IHAVETOGOBACKTOKZNURGENTLY. *
    *
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    10] :Chapt
    er35
    Event houghSnakhol eft
    ,shehadever ything
    organizedverywel landever yonehadf un.Ther e
    werebondi ngmoment s,
    loadsoff unand
    argument shereandt here.Ngi digott hechancet o
    knowSnal obet ter,
    theytalkedaboutever ything,
    i
    ncludingwhathappenedt oNgobeseandt hef ather
    ofherbaby, andt heyagreedonget t
    ingt her apy.It'
    s
    stayi
    ngbet weent hetwooft hem unt i
    lshe' sr eadyt o
    tel
    lthewhol efami l
    y,that'
    sifshe' severgoi ngt otell
    them.Maqhi ngai skeepingacl oseeyeonher .He
    checksonherr andoml y,becausehedoesn' tget
    comf ort
    ablewhenhedoesn' tknowwher eher
    thoughtsare.

    ThalenteandNdl ali
    faaregoodnow.Theysor t
    ed
    outwhat evernonsenset heywerefighti
    ngover .He
    i
    snotl eavinghersi de.Hecan'tseem t obeablet o
    puthishandsonhi sownbody, they'r
    eei t
    heron
    Thalente'
    swai storcl aspedinherhands.I t'
    scl ear
    toeveryonenowt hatthi
    sgirli
    sher etostay,
    somet hi
    ngaboutherbr i
    ngsthelightonNdl al
    ifa's
    face.Hei sadifferentpersonwhenshe' saround
    andshei
    sn'
    tevent
    ryi
    ngsohar
    dtof
    iti
    nhi
    sli
    fe.

    Khosi'
    sr el
    ationshi
    pwi t
    hNgidihasgrown.He'sno
    l
    ongerj ustherex-boss,he'
    snowheruncl eand
    thesepastf ewweekshaveal l
    owedhert ogetto
    knowhi mf orwhohei sbehindtheupti
    ght
    businessman.
    Ngidiisall
    owi ngNdabukot osendhi sdelegation
    andbui l
    dar elati
    onshi pwithhisi
    n-laws, t
    henhe'll
    sendhi sowndel egat i
    ont otheNseles.Inhlawulo
    wil
    lbepai dont hatdayandhe' l
    llawful
    lytakehi s
    chil
    drentohi ssur name.Whenever yt
    hingisdone,
    whenMagci nahasbeenweddedt ohim, maybe,
    j
    ustmaybe, he' l
    llookf orsomeonewho' llsitonthe
    mattresswhenhedi es.

    Theydecidedt
    ograbasnackbef oreheadinghome.
    ForachangeSnal
    ochosewhi chrestaur
    anttogoto,
    she'
    sfeedingt
    hem seaspider
    sandsnai ls.She
    shar
    esthesameloveofseaf oodwi thSnakhoand
    Khosi
    .Thalent
    emadei tcl
    earfrom thebeginni
    ng
    thatshewasn'teat
    inganyoft
    hethingst
    hewai t
    er
    brought.So,
    Ndlali
    fadr
    ovetoanearfoodstal
    lby
    thebeachandgotherabeefburgerandfri
    edchips.
    “Khweziwi
    lll
    ovet
    his,
    ”Ngi
    disays,
    eat
    ingonl
    yhal
    f
    ofhisf
    oodandleavi
    ngsometobepackedbythe
    wait
    er.
    “Babarel
    ax, sheisprobablyspendingyourmoney
    onweavesaswespeak.That '
    stheonlyr easonwhy
    shecutherdr eadl
    ocks;towearweaves, ”Snalo
    sayswithaneye- rol
    l.Shedoesn'tcal
    lhi
    m“ Si
    r"now,
    he'supgradedtoBaba.I tal
    lchangedovert he
    weekend.
    “
    Mytaxisareont heroadtopayforwhat
    evert
    hat
    mykidswant .I
    fit
    'shorset
    ail
    sthatt
    heywant,
    sobe
    i
    t,
    ”Ngidisays.
    Thisi
    sgreat
    .He'sdoinganamazi ngjobasafat
    her
    buthe'
    soverdoi
    ngitandKhosii sali
    tt
    lebi
    taver
    se
    aboutt
    hiswholenewl i
    fest
    yle.
    “
    Onedayt heyhavetorunt
    heirownhouseholdsand
    r
    aiset
    heirownkids.I
    t'
    sokaytoberichbut
    i
    rr
    esponsibi
    li
    tyl
    eadstopover
    ty.Snakhoshouldn'
    t
    haveresi
    gned.Idon'
    tthi
    nki
    twasawi
    sedeci
    sion,
    ”
    shesaysandsipsonherwine.
    Ngi
    dishr
    ugshi
    sshoul
    der
    s.
    “
    AllIwantisforhert
    oliveherbestl
    ife.I
    fshefeel
    s
    l
    ikeshe'
    stir
    edofworkingI'
    m notgoingtoforceher
    t
    odoi t
    ,”hesays.
    “
    Mhhhh,
    ”-Khosi
    .
    Snakhohasturnedintoaslay-queenandshe
    doesn'
    tli
    kethatonebi t
    .Thetwinsshehelpedher
    motherrai
    sewer eresponsi
    blebeautyqueenswit
    h
    brai
    ns.Maybesheshoul dsitdownwi t
    hSnakhoand
    askheraboutstart
    ingasmal lbusi
    ness,j
    ustsoshe
    canhavesomet hi
    ngonhername.
    “Onali
    ght
    ernotet
    hough,
    Ithi
    nksomeoneneedst
    o
    donat
    eagym equi
    pmenttoNgidi
    ,
    ”Snal
    osays.
    Ever
    yonebr
    eaksi
    ntol
    aught
    er.
    “Forwhat?Idon'
    tneedtohavesix-pack,
    that'
    sfor
    MaqhingaandNdlali
    fa,
    ”Ngidisaysindefense.He
    doesn'
    tneedacertai
    ntypeofbody, hehasmor e
    seri
    ousthingst
    owor r
    yabout.
    “Butweneedastepmot
    her,”Maqhi
    ngasays.Him
    andSnalol
    ookateachotherandshar
    eabrief
    l
    aughter
    .
    “Hopeful
    lyitwon'
    tbethatj
    ezebel
    youcal
    la
    housekeeper,
    ”Ndlal
    if
    asays.
    Gasps!Thal
    enteisgi
    vinghi
    m alookandhe'
    s
    makingsurethathei
    gnoresher
    .
    “No,ser
    iousl
    yBaba,
    youhavet
    ofi
    ret
    hatgi
    rl
    ,”he
    says.
    “Si
    ncewhendoyoucar eaboutanythi
    ngt
    hat’
    s
    happeninginmyhouse?Shewi lll
    eavewhenIwant
    hertoleaveandyou'
    llst
    opmaki ngher
    uncomf or
    tabl
    eNdlal
    ifa.
    ”
    “Okayokay!Ever ybodyrelax.Wehaveabot tl
    eof
    champagnecomi ng,
    ”Snaloannouncesonherf eet
    ,
    withherhandsputupi nsur r
    ender.She'
    sbeeni na
    nutshellherwhol eli
    fe,
    mindinghersorrowsand
    planni
    ngmur derersinherhead,thi
    schaoticli
    feis
    newt oherbutt here'
    sanel ementofhappinessinit.
    Havingpeopl ewhohaveyourbl oodrunni
    ngi nthei
    r
    veins,peoplewhocandoanyt hingforyouyetthey
    f
    ightyoul
    ikecr
    azy,
    hast
    obet
    hemostf
    asci
    nat
    ing
    i
    nlif
    e.

    Shetwi ststhecapoft hebott


    leandt hebubblespop
    up.Theyal lcheeraroundandbr i
    ngt hei
    rglasses
    forward.Thisiswhatf amil
    yisallabout,Snakho
    shouldn'thaveleft
    ,Ndondowoul d'vehandled
    whateversheneededt oatt
    end.Shehasmi ssedout
    allt
    hef un!
    “
    Let
    'st
    oast
    !”
    Theyal
    lrai
    set
    hei
    rgl
    asses.
    “
    Tof
    it
    nessandheal
    thydi
    et,
    ”shesays.
    NgidiandNdlali
    faonlyhear
    daj
    oke;t
    hey'
    redead
    wit
    hl aught
    er.Di
    et??
    ?
    “
    GuysI
    '
    m ser
    ious,
    ”Snal
    osays.
    “
    Countmeout
    ,”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.
    Ngidii
    ssti
    lll
    aughing.Thal
    ent
    eisfeeli
    ngguil
    ty
    abouttheburgershejustmur
    dered-i
    ssheeven
    goingt
    of i
    tinthi
    sfamily?WhataboutAar
    ti
    'sbunny-
    chow?
    “Okay,wearetoasti
    ngtofami
    ly,goodheal
    th,uni
    ty
    andpeace,”Khosisays.Nowthi
    sissomethingthey
    cantoastt
    o,theyallcl
    ickt
    hei
    rglasseswit
    hsmi l
    es
    onthei
    rfaces.
    Thisi
    sanewbeginning,somear
    ealreadytwo
    st
    epsinsidet
    hei
    rbeginni
    ngs,
    andthefutur
    elooks
    promi
    sing.

    Theyar enotdone.Ngi diwantsallofthem, Thalent


    e
    i
    ncluded, topassbyhi shouse,justforonelast
    moment .Atthebeginningofthistri
    phewasj ust
    doingthisf orSnakhobutnowhe' si nt
    oit,
    hewant s
    mor eoft hesefamilyt
    rips,hewant stogetcrazy
    withhiski ds,cl
    imbmount ainsandposef or
    thousandpi ctures,
    he'
    sdownf oritall
    .
    “IsHalfevenhere?”Maqhingaasks,walki
    ngatthe
    front,
    Ngidii
    sbehindhim withKhosinexttohim.
    They'rei
    nadeepBant wanaHol di
    ngsdiscussion,
    that'
    ssomet hi
    ngyoucan'ttakeawayfrom them;
    talki
    ngaboutbusinessatthewrongtime.
    “
    Ican'
    tbel
    ieveIcaughtaf
    ishandnoneofyoudi
    d,”
    that'
    sSnal o,t
    histopicisnowcold,
    she'sbeen
    repeatingonet hi
    ngsinceyester
    day.Maqhinga
    declaredt hef
    ishsick,becauset
    here'
    snowaya
    healthyfishcould'
    vebeencaughtbyher .
    “Notal
    lofuswentf
    ishi
    ng,
    sodon'
    tincl
    udeus,
    ”
    Ndlal
    if
    asays.
    “Yes,i
    fIwasthereIwould'
    vecaughtallt
    hef i
    shes
    ther
    e.Ishoul
    dteachmysonsomet ri
    cks,”
    Maqhingasays,dir
    ect
    ingtoNgidiwhodidn'tcat
    ch
    evenanoldshoef r
    om thewater
    .

    Thewholeblockwasquietbeforethei
    rarr
    ival
    .One
    i
    syell
    ing,
    anotheroneislaughingl
    oudlikeahyena,
    i
    nthatverysamemi nut
    et her
    e'sanupcomi ng
    musi
    ciansinginghi
    sheartout.
    “Fi
    ndKhweziandt el
    lhert
    ocomeandgett
    hefoodI
    broughtf
    orher,
    ”Ngidit
    ell
    sSnal
    oasshewheel
    sher
    suit
    caseinsi
    dethehouse.
    Shel
    eavesi
    tont
    hef
    loorandl
    eaves.
    Snakho’
    sroom i
    sonherl
    eft
    ,af
    tert
    heTVr
    oom,
    but
    somet hingfeelsdifferent,
    li
    keshe' snotal l
    owedt o
    enteri
    nsi deherr oom.Shest opsout si
    det hedoor
    andmakesaU- tur
    n.Herhear tisbeat i
    ngbeyond
    normal .Somet hingismi ssing,it
    ’sbeenmi ssing
    sincetheygott oCl arens,surelythi
    sl i
    ghtness
    doesn'tcomef rom theloadsheshar edwi thher
    father
    , beforethetripshehadl oadsofheavy
    l
    uggages.Ther ewasnogl i
    mpseofhope, shedi dn'
    t
    havethesehi ghhopesshehasnow.Shedi dn't
    remembert hegoodpar tsofherchi l
    dhood.She
    remember ednot hi
    ngposi ti
    veabouther self.Herlif
    e
    wasadeepseaandhersoulj ustasinkingshi p.

    “
    Wher
    eisKhwezi
    ?”Ngi
    diaskswi
    thaf
    rown.
    “
    Inherbedroom.Ididn'
    tcal
    lher,
    ”Snal
    osays,
    f
    iddl
    ingwit
    hherfingersandstampi
    ngherfooton
    t
    hefloorr
    estl
    essl
    y.
    Ngidit
    akesthewrappedfoodcontai
    nerandheads
    uptoSnakho’sbedroom.WithNdlal
    if
    aherei
    twould
    behardforhimtosneakintothecot
    tageandhi
    t
    oneround.That
    'stheonl
    ythingmissingt
    oputhis
    moodat100.
    “Khwezi!
    ”heyell
    saf ewf eetawayfr
    om herdoort
    o
    givehertheheads-
    up,justincaseshe'
    snotdecent
    .
    “WearebackMaNgi
    di,
    ”hesaysandpushest
    he
    door
    .
    Theheati
    nsi
    deher
    e!
    “Areyousteamingher
    e?It
    'ssodamnhot.Here,
    I
    broughtyour‘
    seathi
    ngs’
    ,
    ”hesays,l
    ett
    inghi
    mself
    i
    nside.
    Oh…she'snotonbed.There'
    saheavyshadow
    behindhi
    m.Heslowlyturnshisheadar
    ound,hi
    s
    eyesgoupt ohi
    sdaughterhangingf
    rom t
    hecei
    li
    ng
    l
    ifel
    essl
    y
    “Khwezi
    !”Hi
    shigh-
    pit
    chedvoi
    cealar
    msthosewho
    aregat
    heredi
    ntheloungedownst
    air
    s.
    Snaloremainswit
    hThal
    enteonthecouchwhil
    e
    Ndlal
    ifa,Maqhi
    ngaandKhosichaseoneanot
    herup
    thestair
    way.
    Ngi
    diissti
    llcal
    li
    ngoutSnakho;“
    Khwezi!Khwezi
    !
    Khwezi!
    ”Nowt hey'
    reconvi
    ncedthatsomethi
    ngi
    s
    wr
    ong.

    Khosiisthefir
    stonet owalki
    n.Sheletsoutashril
    l
    scream ashereyeslandonSnakho’ sbodyhanging
    from arope.Ngidii
    sholdingherf
    loati
    nglegsand
    tryi
    ngtopullherdown.Nobodyknowshowl ong
    she'sbeenhere,butitneedsnoparamedictoknow
    thatshe'
    snomor e.
    “Snakho?!
    ”Maqhingaexclaimsatt hedoor
    .His
    headisspinni
    ng,
    thiscan'
    tbet rue!Thi
    sisSnakho,
    notSnalo!Thi
    sonecouldn'thavecommi tt
    ed
    suici
    de;shedi
    dn'
    thaveitinher.
    Ndlali
    fawalksinandpull
    shisfat
    heraway.They
    needtocallthepol
    ice,
    there'
    snothi
    ngtheycando
    orsaytowakeherup.She' sgoneanditwasher
    decisi
    on.
    “
    Maqhi
    ngacal
    lthepol
    ice,
    ”hei
    nst
    ruct
    s.
    Ngidihast obetakenoutoft
    heroom becausehe
    won'tstoptryi
    ngtopulldownSnakho’
    sbody.He's
    neverfeltsohelpl
    essandpowerl
    essinhisli
    fe.How
    canKhwezidot hi
    stohim?Now,outofallt
    ime?
    Whatcoul
    d'vebeensobadthatshecouldn'
    teven
    t
    alkt
    ohersister
    sandbrot
    hersaboutit
    ?

    Thepoli
    cearri
    ve,
    Ndlal
    if
    aistheonewho's
    answeri
    ngallt
    hequest
    ionsbecauseNgidii
    sa
    mess.Thal
    enteandNdondoareattendi
    ngSnal
    o
    andKhosi.
    Couldn'tshewai
    tforthem tocomeback?Wasi ther
    plantosendthem toanotherprovi
    nce,
    leavet
    hem
    ther
    et ohavefunwhileshecomesbackher et
    oend
    herli
    fe?Thebiggestquesti
    onis;why???

    Thepolicear
    edonewi t
    htheirexaminat
    ions,t
    hey
    havetounhookherfrom t
    her opeandtakeher
    down.Oneoft het
    axidri
    ver'
    swi f
    ewho'scloseto
    Ngidicamehereinthebli
    nkofaneye.
    “Ngonyamayouneedtotal
    ktoherfi
    rstand
    repr
    imandher,
    ”shesaysandor
    dersoneofthe
    boysfrom t
    hecrowdgat
    heredi
    nthepassaget
    o
    rushoutandgetasti
    ck.
    Ngidii
    snotgoi ngtobeabl etodoit
    .Thi shasn'
    t
    sunkinhishead.Hewant sachancet otouchhi s
    daughter,toaskhert owakeupandt ellhi
    m what
    wentwr ong.Heshoul d'veseenbehi ndherhappy
    smile,
    maybeheshoul d'vesatdownbot hofthem,
    herandSnal o,
    andgott oknowt hem inadeeper
    l
    evel.Heshoul dn'thavej ustassumedt hatbuying
    hereverythingshewant edwasenough.
    Hefail
    edMagcinaandnowhe'
    sfai
    ledt
    hei
    r
    daughtert
    oo.

    Theboyi sbackwi t
    hat hinsti
    ck.It'
    shandedovert o
    Ngidi,
    heneedst ogetof ft
    hatchai randdowhathe
    needstodo.Thepol iceareondut y;theyhaveot her
    casestoat t
    end.ButNgidi'
    shandi str
    embli
    ng, he
    cannotli
    fthishandonhi sdaught erwhenshe's
    dead.Phumzi l
    ecould'vedonet hi
    sonhi sbehalf,
    becauseithastobedone, Snakhowasachi l
    d, i
    n
    God'seyesandi ntheeyesoft hecommuni t
    y,she
    needstober epri
    mandedf ort
    akingsuchahar sh
    decisi
    on,foracti
    nglikeGoduponherownl i
    fe.
    Ndlal
    if
    apushest hroughafewpeopleandtakesthe
    sti
    ckfrom hi
    sfather'
    strembl
    inghands,
    hecan't
    standseeinghi
    ssisterhangi
    ngont her
    opeliket
    his
    anymor e.
    Hecandot hi
    s!Hestopsj
    ustafewinchesaway
    f
    rom herandtakesadeepbreat
    h.
    “SnakhoKhweziNgi di
    ,whydi dyouhavet odot hi
    s?
    Whyar eyouput t
    ingust hroughthisknowi ngver y
    wellthatwear est i
    lltr
    yingt ogot hr
    oughot her
    painfullosses?Sna…kho…! ”Hebur ieshisf aceand
    rel
    easesaheavysi gh.Her emoveshi shandsof fhis
    face,clencheshi sjawst ightl
    yandgi vesheraweak
    beating.Hisfather '
    swor dscutdeepl ythroughhi s
    heart;“Ndlali
    fa,mydaught er!
    ”Al umpi srisingup
    histhroatbutheswal l
    owsi tback.Hecannotbr eak
    down, nothimt oo!
    It
    'sdone.She'stakendownandputi nsi
    deabody
    bag.Ndlali
    faleavesthecrowdandcl imbsdownt he
    stai
    rs.Hisvisi
    onisblur,he'
    sfol
    lowinghisfeetand
    hisfeetarefol
    lowingthequiet
    ness.Hewant stobe
    al
    one,outofever
    yone'
    seyest
    hatexpecthi
    mt obe
    st
    rong.Heisnotevensur
    ewhereheisheading.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa!
    ”Thal
    ent
    e'svoi
    cecomesbehi
    ndhi
    m.
    Itcompletelysli
    ppedoutofhi
    sheadthathebr
    ought
    someonehome.Sheshoul dn'
    thavebeenher
    eto
    witnessthistrauma.
    “Iwil
    lcalloneofthedri
    versandaskhi mt otakeyou
    toCannel ands.I
    fyou'
    rescaredtobealonetonight
    youcangot oNdondo'shouse,I
    'l
    lletherknow,”he
    says,brushingherarmtenderl
    y.
    “
    Areyouokay?”Thalent
    easks,star
    ingupathi
    m
    wit
    hsadnesscanopyinghereyes.
    “Ij
    ustneedamoment .TherearesomanythingsI
    havetodo.Someonehast okeepaneyeonNgi di
    andIdon'tevenknowwho.Snal oandMaqhi nga…”
    He'sbreat
    hingheavi
    ly,st
    ruggli
    ngtogetwordsout
    ofhismouthbuthe'sstil
    lstandi
    ngtal
    l.
    Thalent
    ewr apsherar
    msar oundhi
    m.Hischest
    ti
    ghtens,Thal
    ente'
    sti
    ghthugisal
    sonotmaking
    thi
    ngseasy.
    “Pl
    easel
    etme…”Her emovesherarmsandsli
    des
    downtothef
    loor.Hesit
    slegsf
    latdownonthefl
    oor
    andshut
    shiseyesfir
    mly.
    Thal
    entelowersher
    selfnextt
    ohim.Nobody
    coul
    d'vepredi
    ctedt
    histr
    ipendingt
    hisway.
    “
    Whywouldsheputust
    hrought
    his?
    ”heasksi
    na
    l
    ow,
    trembl
    ingvoi
    ce.
    Unfort
    unately,Snakhodidn'
    tdothesuici
    de
    tr
    aditi
    ons;wr i
    ti
    nglett
    ersandsayingsubtl
    e
    goodbyes.Shedi dn'
    thaveanylowmoment s,
    there
    werenopoi ntswhereonecouldsay“ t
    hiswasher
    breaki
    ngpoi nt.
    ”Shejustendeditandlef
    teveryone
    withunanswer edquesti
    ons.

    Snaloisamessoft ears.Shefel
    tthis,formany
    yearsinherl
    if
    e,endingherlif
    epoppedi nhermind
    everynowandt hen.Therewasnot hinginpart
    icular,
    nothi
    ngshecoul d'
    vepointedoutandsai d“Iwantt o
    diebecauseofone&t wo.”Shejustf el
    tthedri
    ft,t
    he
    heavyloadoverhershouldersandal lt
    hememor i
    es
    ofbadt hi
    ngsSnakhohadgonet hrough.Heri l
    lness
    wasjustaconvi
    nci
    ngvoicei
    nherhead;“
    Nowyou
    can'
    thavechi
    ldr
    entoo!
    ”andshe'
    dfeelt
    hewor
    ld
    shut
    ti
    ngdownonher .
    Theydi dn'
    thaveat el
    epathyli
    keotherident ical
    twins.Theirconnect i
    onwast wist
    edi nitsownway.
    Backi nprimar yschoolSnakhowoul dgeti ntrouble
    andgett hepi pepunishmentfrom theschool
    princi
    pal,butitwasSnal owhowoul dbleedonher
    behalf.Shewasal waystheretospiri
    tual l
    ytakeher
    painandmakei therown.Itgrewwi t
    ht hem and
    peoplenot i
    ced.Theyt oldPhumziletosendoneof
    them away, togr owinadiffer
    entenvironmentso
    thattheext r
    aor di
    narybondcouldbebr oken.But
    Phumzi lewant edtoraisebothofthem, shewasn' t
    goingt ogiveeitherofthem away.Soi tgr ewwi th
    them, concealingfeeli
    ngsandsomet i
    messwappi ng
    thoughtsofoneanot her.

    Dreadlocksl
    ieontopofSnalo'sbed.Snakhocut
    them outnotsolongago.Whydi dsheleavethem
    here?Snalopicksupasingleonestaresatit
    .
    They'vehadthem forf
    iveyear
    s,itshoul
    d'verai
    sed
    hereyeswhenshesuddenl ygotr
    idofher s.They
    sai
    dt hei
    rhairwastheirstr
    engthandSnakhocutof f
    her“str
    ength”bef
    oretakingthetr
    ip.Sheleftitf
    or
    herandwi t
    hhershet ookhalfoftheluggageSnalo
    hadoverhershoulders.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    11] :Chapt
    er36
    NDONDO

    Ihaven' thadt i
    met obei ncontactwi thmyown
    emot ions, Ihadt ot akecar eofSnal oandKhosif i
    rst
    .
    Unlikeme, theydi dn' tj
    ustloseaf r
    iendorcol league,
    theyhavel ostasi st er.Snaloishurtbutshe' s
    handl ingitbetterthanKhosi .It'
    sguiltmor et han
    anythi ng,weal lwi sht herewassomet hi
    ngwe
    could'vedone.I noureyesSnakhowashappy, even
    befor emeet ingherf ather,shewasal wayst he
    cheer fulone.Whatcoul d'vebeensodeept hatshe
    couldn' tevenconf i
    dei nhert winsister?Itdoesn' t
    makeanysense, Snal oistheonewho' salwayskept
    herf eelingsandt hought sinashell.Evenmeet ing
    herf ather,whoi sr ichandcoul ddoanyt hingf orher,
    didnotmoveher .She'ssti
    llstayi
    ngi nCornubi
    a
    withKhosiinthei
    rsmal lfl
    at.Snakhohadt he
    excit
    ement,shewasf inall
    ylivi
    ngthel i
    feshe'
    s
    alwaysdreamedof .Thelastcoupleweekswer eher
    happiest
    .Shehadever ything,well
    ,that'
    swhatwe
    thought.
    “Areweser vingthedriversout side?”Thalenteasks
    me.Idon' tknowwhatIwoul d'vedonei fshewasn't
    here.Ndlali
    fawant edhertol eave, Ithi
    nkbecause
    theyjuststarteddati
    ngandhedoesn' twantto
    burdenherwi thhisfami l
    ypr oblemsf r
    om theonset.
    Butshei nsist
    edonst aying,nobodyi sinthei
    rright
    mindsatt hemoment ,mei ncluded, hersane
    presenceishel pf
    ul.
    “Theycaneatwheretheyare,
    ”Isay,
    standi
    ngnext
    tothecount
    erwithacupofcoldteaI'
    vebeen
    holdi
    ngfornear
    lythi
    rt
    ymi nut
    es.
    Shegathersaf ewpl
    ates,
    putst
    hem ont het
    rayand
    di
    sappears.Ihaven'
    tdoneanyt
    hingexceptt
    ell
    ing
    herwheretofindthi
    ngsandwhodoesn'teatwhat.
    “Hlasekazi,
    ”-It’
    sthevoiceIhaven'theardinhours.
    Hisf ocushasbeenonNgi disi
    ncewegother e.He
    didn'tgetclosetoSnakho, mainlybecauseherand
    allthegirl
    sar esti
    llunhappyaboutt hedramahe
    broughtintomyl i
    fe.Buthe’shurti
    ngtoo,because
    Ngidiislikeaf at
    hertohim andr i
    ghtnowhe' s
    brokenbeyondr epair
    s.
    “Howareyoudoing?
    ”He'
    staki
    ngthecupf
    rom my
    handsandleadi
    ngmetothechai
    r.
    “
    Shatter
    ed,
    conf
    used,
    regr
    etf
    ul,
    bet
    rayedandhur
    t,
    ”I
    t
    ellhi
    m.
    Hegi
    vesmyhandsat i
    ghtsqueezeandl
    if
    tst
    hem t
    o
    hi
    sli
    psforasof
    tpeck.
    “I
    'm sosorrysthandwa,”hesaysandcont i
    nues
    holdingmyhands.Iguesshe' seithernotgoodat
    consolingorhe'salsolostforwor ds.Wecannot
    uset hefamous“ God'sti
    mingi salwaysper f
    ect”l
    ine
    i
    nt hiscase,i
    twassol elySnakho’sdecisionand
    ti
    mi ng,andi
    twasn' tanythi
    ngcl osetoperfect
    .

    Thal
    ent
    ewal
    ksi
    nandf
    reezesbyt
    heent
    rance.
    She'ssti
    llnotfami l
    iarwithmanyfacesbutt
    heway
    hereyesr unar oundandwi denatpeopl
    ewhenthey
    tal
    kshowst hatshe'sjustwait
    ingtoset
    tl
    einbef
    ore
    reveal
    inghert alkat
    iveside.
    Ndlal
    ifast
    andsbehindher.Shedoesn'
    tseehi m.
    He'stheonewho'sbeendoingeveryt
    hingthat
    needstobedone,runningerr
    andsandf et
    ching
    rel
    ati
    ves.Heist
    ir
    ed, youcantel
    lfr
    om hiseyes.
    Thal
    entefeel
    shim andt
    urnsbackherhead.The
    ki
    sslandsquickl
    yonherli
    ps,
    beforeshecouldt
    urn
    herf
    aceawayi nembarr
    assment.
    Ithi
    nkthey'
    reper
    fect
    .Ndlal
    if
    aisgoi
    ngtosett
    le
    downwi t
    hher.Theywil
    lbui
    ldsomet
    hingconcret
    e
    toget
    her.
    “Areyouokay?
    ”Shehol
    dshi
    shandandst
    aresi
    nto
    hiseyes.
    Hi
    ssi
    lentr
    esponsespeaksvol
    ume.Hei
    swounded.
    “Areyouhungry?”Sheletsgoofhi
    shandandwal ks
    i
    n,tothecupboar dandgrabstwoplateswit
    hout
    waiti
    ngforhi
    sr esponse.Ndl
    ali
    faf
    ollowsinandsits
    nexttous.
    MaybeIshouldhel
    pherwi
    tht
    hedri
    nks.Shecan'
    t
    serveherboyf
    ri
    endandmi
    newhi
    leI
    'm bot
    tominga
    chair
    .
    IpourCokeforNdl
    ali
    faandwat
    erwi
    thl
    emonsl
    ices
    forNdabuko.
    “
    Hedr
    inkst
    hat
    ?”sheasksi
    nawe.
    “
    Yes,
    Imakehi
    m dr
    inki
    t,
    ”Isay.
    She'ssti
    llconfused.It
    aket hedr
    inkstot
    hem onthe
    tabl
    eandj oinheragainstthecounter
    .Westand
    sidebyside,li
    ketwoconf usedsouls,
    andwatch
    them eat
    .

    Maqhingawalksinwithhi
    sempt yplat
    e.Iguesshe
    wasservedoutsi
    de,withagroupoftaxidr
    iver
    swho
    havecometopasst hei
    rcondolences.
    Helooksatthem,thei
    rribsandatus.Hecould'
    ve
    madeabi gdealoutofthis,
    butt
    odayisnotagreat
    dayforever
    yoneandnobodyneedshi stant
    rums.
    “
    Doyouwantsomet
    hingt
    odr
    ink?
    ”Thal
    ent
    easks
    outofgui
    lt
    .
    “
    Doyouhavewhi
    sky?
    ”
    Earli
    erIdidal i
    tt
    leshoppingf
    orpeopl
    ewho'l
    lcome
    tomour nwi t
    hus.Alcoholwasn'
    tapartofmy
    grocery.Theonlyalcoholwehaveinthi
    shousei
    s
    hisfather'
    sandIdon'tthi
    nkwear eal
    lowedt
    otouch
    thoseexpensivebottl
    es.
    “
    Idon'tt
    hinkyou'
    real
    lowedtodr
    ink.Nott
    oday,
    ”I
    i
    nter
    venetosaveThalent
    e.
    Hedoesn'
    targue,
    heput
    sthepl
    atesi
    nsi
    det
    hesi
    nk
    andl
    eaves.
    Iwishhehadsomeonewho'l
    lholdhi
    shandstoo,
    someonewho'l
    lconst
    ant
    lyaskifhe'
    sokayandbe
    ther
    eforhi
    m.
    .
    .
    MAQHI
    NGA

    Thehousehasn'
    tbeent
    hisqui
    etsi
    ncet
    heygother
    e
    anddiscover edSnakho’ sdeadbodyhangi ngfrom
    therope.Ever ynowandt hentherewouldbea
    pier
    cingscr eam, ei
    therfrom KhosiorPhumzile.
    Theyt ookitthehardest .Snal
    odidcry,butnotas
    muchaspeopl eexpected.Shehadabr avefaceon.
    Nevertheless,Maqhi nga'shear
    tisnotatrest,
    the
    Snaloheknowsbat tl
    eswi t
    hinter
    nalbatt
    lesand
    bott
    ledemot i
    ons.

    Heknocksout si
    deherbedroom whi
    lesil
    entl
    y
    prayi
    ngthatshedidn'
    tdoanythi
    ngcrazy,li
    ke
    hanginghersel
    ftodeat
    hlikehertwi
    nsister
    .
    “Comein,
    ”herhoar sevoi
    cecal
    lhi
    mi n.She'
    sbeen
    cryi
    ngandthatgivesMaqhingaal
    itt
    lerel
    ief
    .At
    l
    eastshe'
    sexpressingherpai
    n.
    Hepushest
    hedoorandwal
    ksi
    n.
    She'
    ssi
    tt
    ingont
    hebedwi
    thherkneesup.
    “It
    houghtIshoul
    dcomeandcheckonyou,
    ”he
    saysandcli
    mbsonthebednextt
    oher.
    “
    Howar
    eyouf
    eel
    ing?
    ”heasks,
    diggi
    ngouther
    handandsqueezi
    ngi
    tti
    ght
    ly.
    “Idon'
    tknowMaqhi
    nga,
    ”shesaysandheavesa
    sigh.
    “Iunderst
    and.ButI'm her
    e,weal
    lar
    e,you'
    renot
    alone.You'
    llneverbe,
    ”hesays.
    Shesni
    ff
    sandwi
    peshernosewi
    tht
    hesl
    eeveofher
    pyj
    ama.
    “
    Imi
    ssheral
    ready,
    ”shesays.
    Maqhingaput
    shi sar
    msaroundhershoul
    der
    sand
    pul
    lsherdr
    eadlocksbet
    weenhisf
    inger
    s.
    “Ifeell
    ikeIcoul
    d'vedonesomet hing.Icoul
    d've
    foughtthosesuicidalthoughtsforher,buti
    nst ead,
    I
    all
    owedmysel ftodr owni nthem,”she'ssobbing
    openly.
    Hedoesn'tunderst
    and,butt
    helastt
    hingSnalo
    needsri
    ghtnowi squesti
    ons,sohej
    ustholdsher
    andall
    owshert ovent.
    “Iall
    owedi tt
    ohappenMaqhinga.Idi
    scussedi
    twi
    th
    mysel fandconcl
    udedthatdeat
    hwasgoingtobea
    soluti
    on.Mysoulagreedtoit
    .Thiswasgoingt
    obe
    mybr
    eakt
    hrough;t
    hepeacet
    hatIal
    wayswant
    ed.
    ”
    She'
    scryingpai
    nful
    lyandMaqhingacannottakei
    t
    anymore.Hegrabsherfaceandwipeshercheeks
    wit
    hhishands.
    “
    Whatar
    eyout
    alki
    ngaboutTwi
    nni
    e?”heasks.
    “RememberwhenI …It oldyout
    hat…Iwant
    edtoend
    myl i
    fe?
    ”Hervoiceisbr eaki
    ng,
    shehashiccups,
    whichmakesithardf orhimtounderst
    andwhat
    she'
    ssayingcl
    early.Buthenodsforhertogoon.
    “Thosewer en'
    tmythought
    s.I'
    vebeensensingher
    painsincebirt
    h.AndnowI'
    vef ai
    ledt
    odoi tatl
    ast
    .
    AllIhadtodowast ofi
    ghtthosethought
    sf r
    om
    possessingme. ”
    AtearescapesMaqhi
    nga'seye.Heli
    nkshis
    f
    oreheadonhersandbrusheshersoftcheeks.
    “
    PleaseTwinni
    e,youdidn'
    tdoanyt
    hingwr
    ong,
    ”he
    whisper
    s,f
    ight
    ingbacktear
    s.
    “Icoul
    d'vest
    oppedher
    .Ihadachancet o…”He
    needshertostop.I
    twasneverherbat
    tl
    e!
    “
    Shhhh!
    ”Heput
    shi
    sfi
    ngeroverherl
    ips.
    Shest
    ops.
    Thei
    rtear
    yeyesmeetandt
    heyst
    areateachot
    her
    .
    “
    I'
    m her
    eforyou,
    ”hesaysi
    nal
    owwhi
    sper
    .
    “
    Thankyou.
    ”
    Heuseshi
    sthumbt
    owi
    peherf
    loodi
    ngt
    ear
    s.
    “Maqhingawhatareyoudoingt omydaughter
    ?”
    Ngidiroar
    sfrom t
    hedoor,causi
    ngbothofthem t
    o
    l
    iftthei
    rheadsandlookathim wit
    hthei
    reyes
    bulgingout
    .
    “Att
    histi
    me? ”heasks,
    char
    gingt
    owar
    dst
    hem wi
    th
    hisf
    ist
    sclenched.
    Heget
    shim bef
    orehecancl
    imbof
    fSnal
    o'sbed,
    he
    l
    if
    tshi
    m upbyhisthr
    oat
    .
    “
    Baba,
    no!
    ”Snal
    ocr
    iesout
    .
    It
    'stool
    ate.Sever
    alpuncheshavealr
    eadylanded
    acrossMaqhinga'
    sjaw.He'spi
    nnedagainstthe
    wallandslappedt
    wiceacrosshisf
    ace.
    “
    Noti
    nmyhouseMaqhi nga.You'
    renotgoi
    ngt
    odo
    t
    heNsel
    enonsenseher
    e!”
    “BabaIwasn't…”Anot
    hersl
    ap!Hegaspsforai
    rand
    fi
    ghtstobreakoffhi
    sfat
    her'
    sgri
    p.Snal
    ois
    screamingforhel
    p.

    Ndlali
    fai
    srunningtowardsSnalo'
    sroom wheret
    he
    noiseiscomingfr
    om.Maqhi ngaisrunni
    ngoutof
    theroom wit
    hbloodrunningoutofhisnose.
    “What'
    sgoi
    ngon?
    ”Ndl
    ali
    faasksasMaqhi
    ngar
    uns
    pasthi
    m.
    Hedoesn'tgett
    heanswerfrom hi
    m,soherunsto
    Snal
    o'sbedroom,hopi
    ngthatsomeonewil
    lexpl
    ain.

    Theonl
    ythi
    ngMaqhi
    ngatakesi
    shisj acket.For
    nowhe'
    snotsur
    ewherehe'
    sheading, buthe's
    l
    eavi
    ngthi
    sMsawenkosimessbehind.
    Maybef
    orgood.
    .
    .
    Mbamboj
    ustal
    ight
    edf
    rom t
    hebus,
    he'
    sneverbeen
    toNyandenibef
    orebutMaqhawegavehim cl
    ear
    dir
    ect
    ionsoverthephone.Hethr
    owshisReebok
    bagoverhisshoulder
    sandtakesonanarr
    owone-
    wayroad.
    Hecould'vegonet ot
    heNgidist
    oexpresshis
    deepestcondolencesovert
    hepassi
    ngoft hetwi
    n,
    buthisnewlyfoundfri
    end,Maqhawe,cal
    ledand
    sai
    dheneededhi shel
    purgentl
    y.
    Thereareli
    tt
    lehumansrunni
    nghisway.Hest
    ops
    underthetr
    eeshadeandwaitsfort
    hem.Maqhawe
    didsayhewasgoi ngt
    osendkidstofet
    chhi
    mf r
    om
    thebusstop.
    Theymustbehisson'ski
    ds;t
    heboyi nquest
    ion.
    He'
    st her
    easonwhyhehadt oleaveever
    ythi
    ngin
    Durbanandcomehere.Andforthat,
    hedidn'
    tleave
    hi
    ssjambokbehind.
    “Mkhulusai
    dwemustcomeandf etchyou,
    ”thetwo
    say,botht
    alki
    ngatonceandpushingeachother
    outoftheway.
    Tostopthi
    sbr
    eakingwar,
    heunzi
    pshisbagand
    di
    str
    ibut
    essmallpl
    ast
    icbagsamongstt
    hethr
    eeof
    t
    hem.
    They'
    rechatt
    ingallt
    hewayt otheSibi
    sihomest ead.
    They'
    retel
    li
    nghim aboutthei
    rfat
    herwho'sgoingt o
    comeandf etchthem dur
    ingtheschoolholi
    days,
    andthei
    rauntwhobuyst hem expensivesneakers
    andPlaySt
    ations.

    AssoonasJabuseeshim maki
    nghi
    swayinsi
    de
    t
    heyard,
    sherushesoutwit
    hanext
    rachai
    randa
    j
    ugofjui
    ce.
    Shewasagainstherhusbandcalli
    ngamanshe
    doesn'
    tknowtogangupagai nstherson.Butthi
    s
    ti
    meMaqhaweputhi sfootdown, he'
    sdonetreati
    ng
    Qondanil
    ikeanegg,he'
    sgoingtohandlehiml i
    kea
    man.

    Twonew, agei
    ngf
    riendsshakehandshappi
    lyas
    theymeetfort
    hesecondtime.
    “
    Maqhawe,whatist
    hischi
    lddoingt
    oyou?
    ”
    Mbamboasks,l
    oweri
    nghimselfont
    heemptychai
    r.
    “
    Mbambot hisboyistr
    yingtosendmet ograve.At
    t
    hisageIhavetorunafterhi
    m andbeghimt o
    f
    atherhi
    sownki ds.Sl
    u£shavehim bybal
    ls,”
    Maqhawesays.
    “
    Haveyoutal
    kedt
    ohim aboutvi
    sit
    ingsomeone
    whocanhel
    phimthr
    owupwhat evertheyf
    edhim?
    ”
    Mbambo.
    “Tal
    ktohim wher
    e?Hisphonehasbeenofffor
    ages,he'
    snotcomingorsendi
    nganyt
    hinghome,”
    Maqhawe.
    Mbamboexcl ai
    msi nshock.Ki
    dsoft oday!
    Maqhawedi dthi
    sboyahugef avour,het ookinhi
    s
    childr
    entober ai
    sedbyhi swif
    e,pai
    df orthe
    damagesf rom hiskraalandl
    awfull
    ybr oughtthe
    kidstohissurname.I sthi
    showhet hankshi s
    father?

    Theyhavethei
    rdi
    nnerinthever
    anda,
    tal
    kingabout
    spor
    tsandhowawf ul
    lytheworl
    dhaschangedfrom
    whattheyknew.
    Jabui
    sbondi
    ngwi
    thheror
    phanedgr
    andchi
    ldr
    eni
    n
    frontoft
    heTV.Ndondoupgr adedtheirDSTV
    package,nowtheycanplayallt
    hechannel sbut
    theydon'
    t,becauseWorl
    dWarI IIbreaksever
    yti
    me
    theywanttochangethechannelfrom thecart
    oons.

    “Yousaidthi
    smanhashel pedalotofpeopl
    e?”
    Maqhaweasks, rol
    li
    nghi
    stobaccowithabrown
    sheetofpaper.
    “Dlokovuisthebestnyangawehaveintheprovi
    nce.
    It
    'sjustt
    hathedoesn'tappearonnewspapersand
    TVsl i
    kethesenewnyangaswhoknownot hi
    ng
    aboutrespecti
    ngtheancestors,
    ”Mbambosaysand
    poursanotherglassofjui
    cefrom t
    hej
    ug.
    Maqhaweglancesbackatt
    hedoorandl
    eans
    f
    orwardonhischai
    r.
    “It
    hinkIneedami xtur
    etoboostmybedroom
    perf
    ormance.Agei sstar
    ti
    ngt
    oaffectmebadly,
    ”he
    saysinalowvoice.
    Mbambobr
    eaksabr
    iefchuckl
    e.
    “
    Don'
    tyoudet
    ox?
    ”heasks.
    “Idobutt
    hesepastdaysI'
    vebeenstr
    uggl
    ingt
    o
    fi
    nishmyrace.I
    '
    mj ustar
    ooster,
    ”Maqhawesays
    andtheybothbr
    eakintol
    aughter
    .
    “You'
    restr
    essedSibisi
    ,nothi
    ngmuch.I ft
    he
    probl
    em persi
    stsaft
    ersorti
    ngoutyourboy's
    probl
    emst henyoucanl ookforhel
    p,”Mbambosays.
    “Ihopeso, Idon'
    twantmywi f
    et olookelsewher
    e,”
    hesoundswor ri
    ed.Jabuhasal waysbeent he
    happiestwoman, shedi dn'tlackanyt hi
    ng,her
    husbandcoul dprovide,theirbedr oom probl
    ems
    star
    tedafterQondani '
    sescapades.

    -
    -

    Maqhawespoket oCebekhulu'
    ssonwhoownsa
    Tazz.Theyhavet ogettoQondani '
    shousebef or
    e
    hegoest owork,that
    'si
    fhe'sstil
    lwor ki
    ng.Theplan
    i
    st otakehi
    mt oWat erl
    ootoDlokovu, Mbambo’ s
    tr
    ustednyangawho' l
    lcheckifhewasf edalove
    porti
    onornot,andifhewas, Dlokovuwi l
    lhel
    phim.
    Yeshe'sarecklessboy,helovesgirlsalit
    tl
    ebittoo
    much,t
    hat'swhyhehast hreekidsfrom dif
    ferent
    mother
    s.Buthe'sagoodf athertohiskids,heloves
    hi
    smot herandherespectshisfather.TheQondani
    Ndondoexplai
    nedtoMaqhawei snothi sson.
    “
    That
    'shi
    shouse,
    stophere,
    ”Maqhawesaysand
    t
    heboyst
    opsthecarbel
    owabrickhouse.
    BothMbamboandMaqhawecl imboutofthecar.
    Mbamboi sweari
    ngahugewi ntercoatandbl
    ack
    boots.There'
    ssomethi
    nghiddenbehi ndhi
    sback,
    hopefull
    yitwon'
    tgettothepointwherehehasto
    useit.

    I
    t'
    sjustaf
    ter5am,theywokeupbydawnsot
    hat
    t
    heycanmakei thereint
    ime.
    Maqhaweknocksatthedoorseveralti
    mesbeforea
    gi
    rlscol
    dshim of
    ffr
    om thei
    nside;“JesusChr
    ist
    !
    You'r
    egoingt
    obreakthedoor!
    ”
    “
    Ist
    hatyourdaught
    er-
    in-
    law?
    ”Mbambomocks.
    Maqhawej
    ustshakeshi
    sheadi
    ndi
    smay.I
    mihl
    ola!
    Af
    terwhatf
    eltl
    ikef
    orever
    ,agi
    rlwr
    appedi
    nat
    owel
    opensthedoorandscanst hem f
    rom headt
    otoe
    withhereyes.Shedoesn'
    tlookpl
    easedbythei
    r
    presence.
    “
    CanIhel
    pyou?
    ”sheaskswi
    thherar
    msf
    olded.
    “
    Opent
    hedoor
    ,wear
    ecomi
    ngi
    n,”Maqhawesays.
    “
    Andyouar
    e?”sheasks.
    “
    Qondani
    '
    sfat
    her
    .”
    Shegaspsi
    nshockandqui
    ckl
    yunl
    ockst
    hebur
    glar
    -
    gat
    e.
    “Oh,I'
    m sosorr
    yBaba,
    ”shesays,openi
    ngand
    steppi
    ngasidetoal
    l
    owt hem t
    opass.
    Mbamboisf
    oll
    owingbehindMaqhaweashe
    st
    ri
    dest
    owardsthebedr
    oom.

    Qondanii
    sjustt
    akinganap,
    Zamaf uzegavehim
    themostwonderf
    ulmorni
    ng.Somet hi
    ngshakeshi
    s
    bodyvi
    olent
    lyashedri
    ft
    stosleep.
    “
    Getup!
    ”hi
    sfat
    heror
    der
    sandgr
    abshi
    m of
    fthebed.
    Hear
    inghi
    sfat
    her
    'svoi
    cesnapshi
    m outofsl
    eep.
    Howdidhegether
    e?Whoi st
    hismanst
    andi
    ngnext
    t
    ohim andl
    ooki
    ngannoyed?
    “
    Baba,”herubshi
    seyesandsheepishl
    ypi
    ckshi
    s
    t
    rouserfr
    om thef
    loorandput
    siton.
    “
    Whatar
    eyourki
    dseat
    ing?
    ”hi
    sfat
    herasks.
    “BabaIwasstil
    ltryi
    ngtogetthemoney.
    ”He'
    s
    pull
    inguphistrouser
    ,thesemenar
    estari
    ngathi
    m
    asifthey'
    veneverseenanakedpersoni
    nthei
    rli
    ves.
    “Couldn'
    tyousendyourki dsthesamemoneyyou
    usedt obuythesefl
    owersandal lthechocolates
    fi
    ll
    ingthedustbinoutsi
    de?”It
    'sthemanhedoesn' t
    know.Wasi tnecessaryforhi
    mt onoticeallthat
    ?
    Hedoesn'
    thavet
    heanswerf
    orhi
    squest
    ion.
    “
    Packyourbag,
    wear
    eleavi
    ng,
    ”hi
    sfat
    hersays.
    No!Hecannotl
    eaveZamaf
    uzeal
    one.
    “
    Canwet
    akeZamaf
    uzewi
    thus?
    ”heasks.
    Themanchuckl
    es.I
    sheher
    etor
    uinhi
    sli
    fe?
    “
    IloveherBaba,
    ”hesays,
    convi
    nci
    nghi
    sfat
    her
    .
    “
    I'
    lldeci
    deaf
    terourt
    ri
    pifIbel
    ieveyouornot
    .For
    now,
    packyourbagQondani
    .”
    Heshakeshisheadandsitsonthebed.Zamaf
    uze
    l
    oveshim,he'
    sneverbeenlovedbyanywomanl i
    ke
    thi
    s.He'
    shappyhere,t
    hey'
    llext
    endthi
    shouseand
    bri
    ngtheki
    dstolivewi
    ththem.
    “I
    'm notl
    eavi
    ngBaba.Notwi
    thoutZamaf
    uze,
    ”he
    says.
    “Youar
    enotleavi
    ng?”Mbamboaskswi thhiseyes
    narr
    owed.Whatisthi
    sboytell
    ingthem?Thatthey
    wokeupbydawnandcameher ef
    ornothi
    ng?That
    hesacr
    if
    icedhist
    imefornothi
    ng?
    Thesjamboklandsonhi sshoulder.Zamafuzehas
    beenlurki
    ngbyt hedoor
    ,eavesdroppingthe
    conversat
    ion,
    whensheseest hesj
    ambokbei ng
    pull
    edoutsher acesout
    ,screamingherlungsout.
    Maqhawerushestocl
    osethedoor
    .Qondanii
    s
    behi
    ndhi
    m andtryi
    ngtopushhim asi
    de.
    Mbambothrowsthesj
    ambokt
    oMaqhawesot
    hat
    hecanhandl
    ehisson.
    A25yearol
    disreducedt
    oa16yearol
    dandhe
    cal
    ledt
    hisuponhimsel
    f.
    Hehasaskedhisfat
    hertokil
    lhim,t
    hat'
    swhatall
    rebel
    li
    ouschi
    ldr
    ensaytothei
    rparent
    stotr
    ipthem,
    buttodayi
    t'
    snotgoi
    ngtowor k.
    Hecannotfi
    ghthi
    sfat
    herback,nort
    hemannextto
    hi
    m.Thebeatingi
    sgett
    ingint
    enseandthey'
    renot
    goi
    ngtostopunti
    lheagreest
    owhattheywant.
    “
    Okay,
    I'
    llpack,
    ”hesaysi
    nal
    owvoi
    ce,
    suppr
    essi
    ng
    t
    hepai
    n.
    Thebeat
    ingst
    ops!Hehasn'
    tseenhi
    sfat
    hert
    his
    angr
    yinyear
    s.
    “
    Pack,
    rightnow!
    ”
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    11] :Chapt
    er37
    MAQHI
    NGA

    Henevert
    houghthe'
    dsethisfoother
    e,i
    nastrange
    vi
    ll
    agehe'
    sonlyhear
    daboutinnewspapers,
    tosee
    amanheheardaboutinthetaxir
    ank.Hi
    sint
    ention
    ofcomi ngher eisn'tcleart
    ohi m ei
    ther,
    hedoesn' t
    knowwhatheai mst oachi eveorwhathe' l
    lask
    from thisman.Al lheknowsi sthathelefthomel ate
    atni ghtandr anbecausehe' ssearchingforpeace.
    He'sr unningawayf r
    om adeadmanwhochoset o
    givehi m hisexactl ooks.Amanwho' sdeadand
    rottenundergr ound, buthi
    sact i
    onscont i
    nueto
    affectMaqhi nga.Hei slivi
    ngwi t
    hal abelonhis
    name;amanwho' scapabl eofrapinghisownsi ster
    .

    Therearefourmodernhomesteadsbuiltj
    ustafew
    yardsawayf r
    om oneanot
    her.He'snotsurewhich
    onehe'scomet oandthehi
    ghf enceskeephim
    fr
    om seeinganyonehecanaskbehi ndtheyar
    ds.
    Heassumest hathi
    sdesti
    nati
    onisthelargestone
    buil
    tatthecentr
    eofother
    s,sohewalkstowar ds
    thegate.I
    tsli
    desopenashestepsclosertoit.
    Amanwi thbear dal
    loverhisface,
    weari
    nga
    str
    ipedT-
    shirtandlongpantroll
    eduptohisknees,
    appearswit
    hhi shandstuckedinsi
    dehi
    spockets.
    He'
    snotwal
    kingoutoft
    hegat
    e.He'
    sst
    andi
    ngt
    her
    e
    andst
    ari
    ngatMaqhi
    nga.
    Thesevi
    ll
    agepeopl
    e,r
    eal
    ly?Whati
    fhecameher
    e
    toki
    ll
    ?
    He'
    swait
    ingforMaqhi
    ngat
    ospeak,
    hiseyesar
    enot
    onhi
    sfacebuthisf
    eet
    .
    That'si
    t!Theywouldn'
    thavemadei ti
    nt hecity,
    they'
    retoocarel
    ess.It
    'sagoodthingthattheyall
    decidedtorunthei
    rbusinesseshereandbui l
    dthei
    r
    homesher e.
    “
    I'
    ml ookingforNgcwethiMthembu?Am Iatt
    he
    r
    ightplace?”Maqhingaasks.
    “
    No,
    ”hesaysandkeepshi
    seyesf
    ixedonhi
    sfeet
    .
    “
    Oh,
    wher
    ecanIf
    indhi
    m?”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    “
    Onyourr
    ight
    ,”t
    hemansays,
    lacki
    ngi
    nter
    est
    .
    “Thankyou,”Maqhingasays,bef
    oreturni
    ngaround
    toleave.Thisonel
    ooksli
    ket hemainhomestead,he
    assumest hatthemanhej ustmetisthebi
    gbrother
    oftheMt hembus,t
    heonewhoki ll
    edMadoda
    Mthembu, hisownfather
    .Peopletal
    kedabouthima
    l
    otatt herank,t
    heassoci
    ationwantedtohunthi
    m
    downbecauseamanl i
    kehi misanessenti
    ali
    nthei
    r
    i
    ndust r
    y.Buttheyhear dthathewasn'tamanof
    deals.Hedidn'tf
    ightorkilltogetpai
    d.Hediditf
    or
    hi
    sowni nt
    enti
    ons, accordingtohisownrul
    esand
    standards.

    Heshoul d'veknownthisonewast hecorrect


    homest ead,ithasarondavelt
    hatlooksnothi
    nglike
    thebuiltrondavel
    sinthiswholevil
    lage.I
    thas
    designs;Af r
    icancl
    aypotsandst ar
    sont hewall
    s.
    Andt here'ssomethi
    ngaboutit,t
    hei nt
    enseaura
    thathumbl esyouast epawayfrom thegate.
    Herethegatei
    swidel
    yopened,ther
    e'sali
    tt
    leboy
    playi
    ngahugecartoyontheveranda.Hedoesn'
    t
    careaboutast
    rangemanwalkinginsi
    dehishome.

    Oh,t
    hemotheri
    ssitt
    ingonthechairandbusyon
    herl
    apt
    op.Shel
    ift
    sherheadupf orasecond,
    fr
    ownsatMaqhi
    nga,thenlooksdownatherlapt
    op
    agai
    n.
    Peopl
    edon'
    tbel
    ievei
    ncr
    imi
    nal
    sint
    hispl
    ace,
    do
    t
    hey?
    “
    Mvelase!”Maqhi
    ngaput
    shi
    shandsup,
    greet
    ing
    t
    heruralstyl
    e.
    “
    Babygoandcallyourf
    ather,
    hehasaguest,
    ”the
    wif
    esays,
    snappi
    ngherfingersatt
    heboy.
    Shel
    if
    tsherf
    acet
    oMaqhi
    ngawi
    thabr
    oadsmi
    le.
    “Goodmor
    ning,Ngcwet
    hiwillseeyoui
    nami
    nut
    e.
    Youcanwaiti
    nsidet
    hatrondavel
    ."
    Oh,shej
    ustassumedthathei
    sheret oseek!He
    nodsandtur
    nstothepoint
    edrondavel.

    There'
    sacarpetatthedoor,hepushesoffhi s
    sneakersandwalksinsi
    debar ef
    ooted.Areed-mat
    forguestsi
    slai
    dont hefl
    oor,readyforhi
    mt ositon.
    He'snotusedtopeopleofthiskindandtheirwayof
    doingthi
    ngs.
    Afterashor
    twhil
    eabrown-eyedmanwalksin.He
    keepspoppinghi
    sfi
    ngerj
    ointsandsni
    ff
    ing.
    Helaysagoat-
    ski
    nonthefl
    oorandsi
    tsonit.
    There'
    sat
    hickyar
    nti
    edaroundhisf
    oreheadand
    ski
    nbangl
    esci
    rcl
    inghi
    swr
    ist
    s.
    “Heyndoda,”-
    thosearethefi
    rstwor
    dshesaysas
    hegluestheburningcandl
    edownont hef
    loor
    .
    Maqhingathoughtthi
    swasgoi
    ngtobepr
    ofessi
    onal
    ,
    i
    natradit
    ionalway;cl
    appi
    nghands,
    bowi
    ngheads
    andal
    lthat.
    “
    You'r
    enotatt
    endi
    ngthefuner
    al?
    ”heasks,now
    wit
    hhisheadupandhisbrowneyesf
    ixedon
    Maqhinga.
    “
    No,
    ”Maqhi
    ngasays.
    Heexpectshi
    mtoobj
    ectbuthedoesn'
    tsay
    anyt
    hing.
    “
    Canyouhel
    pme?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    “Whatdoyouwant?Thinkcar
    eful
    lybef
    oreyousay
    anyt
    hingbecauseIonl
    yhaveonecandle,
    ”hesays.
    Andwhati
    sthatsupposedt
    omean?
    “WhyareyouhereMaqhi
    ngaNgidi?”heasks,
    emphasisi
    ngeachwordandal
    lowinghimtogather
    hist
    houghtsbytaki
    nghi
    seyesoffhim.
    Maqhinga’
    sheart
    beatst
    art
    sraci
    ng,
    hedi
    dn'
    twant
    t
    obespecifi
    c,t
    hismanwassupposedt
    oknow
    whatheneeded.
    Thecandl
    eisbur
    ning….
    heneedst
    omakeuphi
    s
    mindandtal
    k.
    “Canyouhelpmecommuni cat
    etomymot her
    ?”he
    asksandment al
    lygiveshimselfahugepunch.He
    wasn'tsupposedtorunafteradeadwomanwho
    didn'
    twanthim whil
    eshewasst i
    llal
    ive,
    chasi
    ngher
    toexplai
    nhimselfaboutthi
    ngshehasno
    knowledgeof.
    “Idon'
    tknowhowsooni tcanhappen.You'l
    lhavet
    o
    bepatient.Andyouneedtocl
    eanseyoursel
    fandbe
    pure,t
    hei ndust
    ryyouar
    einisbl
    oodyanddi r
    ty,
    ”
    Ngcwet hisays.
    “
    Icanwai
    t,nomat
    terhowlongi
    ttakes.Ineedt
    o
    t
    alkt
    oher
    ,”Maqhi
    ngasays.
    “Youmaynotbeabl etotal
    kt oher
    .Thedream
    worl
    dworksdi
    fferentl
    y.She'l
    ldeci
    deifshewant
    s
    youtot
    alkt
    oher ,
    ”Ngcwet hisays.
    Thi
    sdoesn'
    tset
    tl
    ewel
    lwi
    thMaqhi
    nga.Whati
    f
    she'
    ssti
    llt
    hesameMagci
    nawhowant
    ednot
    hingt
    o
    dowithhim?
    “I
    sn'tt
    hereanyotherway?Maybeyoucangi veher
    mymessage-j ustletherknowt hatIwould'
    venever
    hurther.
    "Maybet hat'
    sallhewant stotel
    lMagci na.
    Hecameal lthewayt othisvil
    lagebecausehecar es
    aboutheropini
    onsofhi m.Evenwhenshe' sdead,
    hestil
    lwantshertoseehi m asagoodson, nota
    scaryli
    tt
    leMsawenkosi .Heneedst ohaveatl east
    oneparentthatbeli
    evesinhisdecency.
    “Youslaughter
    edfr
    om yourownkr aal
    ?”Ngcwet
    hi
    asks,
    ignoringMaqhinga'
    srequest
    .
    I
    shejudgi
    nghi
    m?Apersonl i
    kehi
    m shoul
    dknow
    t
    hati
    twasanhonestmi
    stake.
    “I
    ’m not
    hingli
    kemyuncl e.Wehadanagreement
    andwehadnoi deathatwewererel
    ated,
    ”he
    defendshimself
    .Thismanmustnottesthim!He
    di
    dn'tcomeallthiswaytobejudgedbyhim.
    “Whenareyouplanni
    ngtogobackhome?”
    Ngcwet
    hiasks,i
    gnoringhi
    sfur
    rowedbr
    ows.He'
    s
    deal
    twit
    hfardangerouspeopl
    e.
    “
    I'
    m notgoi
    ngback,
    ”Maqhi
    ngasays.
    “
    Doyout
    hinkt
    hef
    ami
    lywi
    llsur
    vive?Thet
    win?
    ”
    Heshutshi
    seyeswhenNgcwet himenti
    onsTwi
    nnie.
    Onl
    yifhecoul
    d'velef
    twit
    hher.He'
    sscaredf
    orher,
    andi
    fheeverdecidestogoback,i
    twoul
    dbeforher.
    “Doyouwi
    shyouwer
    en'
    trel
    atedt
    oher
    ?”Ngcwet
    hi
    asks.
    NowMaqhi
    ngai
    spi
    ssed!I
    sthi
    sapi
    cni
    cnow?
    “
    Ist
    hatst
    il
    lapar
    tofmyconsul
    tat
    ion?
    ”heasks.
    Ngcwet
    hil
    etsoutachuckl
    e.
    “Justi
    ncaseyouhaven'
    tnot
    iced,
    yourcandl
    ehas
    burnedout
    ,”hesays.
    Maqhi
    nga'
    seyeswi
    denashel
    ooksatt
    hecandl
    e.
    “
    Whatdoesi
    tmeanbybur
    ningout
    ?”heasks.
    “Itmeanst hatwhetheryou'
    rehomeornot ,your
    famil
    yi ssitt
    ingunderthedarkcl
    oud,oneofyour
    owni slyingcoldinthemortuar
    y.Youar einthe
    darkperiodMaqhi nga,wit
    htherestofyourfamily,
    andit'
    llfoll
    owyouwher everyougountilyou
    cl
    eansewi
    thumswani
    ,
    ”Ngcwet
    hisays.
    Maqhingaheavesasi
    ghanddr
    opshi
    seyesont
    he
    f
    loor
    .

    Ngcwethicl
    ear
    shi
    sthr
    oatandstandsup.Herol
    ls
    thegoat
    -ski
    nhewassi
    tt
    ingonandt hr
    owsitatt
    he
    alt
    er.
    “
    We'llst
    artwor
    kingonpuri
    fyingyoutomorr
    owso
    t
    hatyoucanhaveclearvi
    sionsinyoursl
    eep.My
    wif
    ewi l
    lgi
    veyouaroom,”hesays.
    Maqhingadust shimsel
    fupandf ol
    lowshimtothe
    door.Hi
    spl anwasn'tt
    ost ayher
    e,buthe'
    sgoi
    ngto
    doitbecausehedesper atel
    yneedstoseehi
    s
    mother,evenifit
    'si
    nadr eam.
    .
    .
    NDLALI
    FA

    He'
    sjumpedi
    ntoconcl
    usi
    onsbef
    oreandal
    litdi
    d
    wast odamagehi srelat
    ionshi
    pwithhisfather
    .He'
    s
    tr
    yingnott ogobackt othatpl
    aceofpointi
    ng
    fi
    ngersandbl amingpeople,buti
    t'
    sbeendays!
    Maqhi ngaisnotcominghome, hisphonehasbeen
    offsi
    ncet hatni
    ght,andhehasn'tdoneanybank
    tr
    ansact i
    onsthatcouldl
    eadt owhereheis.
    Snal
    osaidther
    ewasasmallfi
    ght
    .Ngidididn'
    tsay
    anyt
    hing,
    hehasn'
    tsai
    danyt
    hingeventoday.

    Peopl ecamei nnumbersforthefuner


    al;oldschool
    mat es,coll
    eagues,t
    axidri
    ver
    s,rel
    ati
    vesandf r
    iends.
    Thet entisfil
    li
    ngup,Ndondo'
    sfatheri
    sl eadingthe
    service,he'
    sbeensur pr
    isi
    ngl
    yverysuppor t
    ingt o
    herdur i
    ngt hesehar
    dt i
    mes.
    Thegr avehasbeendugnextt oMagci
    na’s,
    asmuch
    asNgi diwantedhisdaughtert
    obeburi
    edatthe
    Ngidis,nextt
    ohi sparent
    s,t
    hedamagesandlobol
    a
    processcouldn'thavebeenspeedupi
    njusta
    spaceofoneweek.
    Ndl
    ali
    fawho'sbeentheeyesandear
    softhefami
    ly
    att
    hegravesi
    tewalksi
    nsidet
    heyardandheadst
    o
    t
    het
    entwher
    ehi
    sfat
    heri
    s.
    There'
    sayounggi r
    lcryingatthefr
    ont,shemustbe
    anoldschoolf r
    iend.Nobodywassupposedt ocr
    y
    todaybuttearsaret oohottoholdback.Khosi
    fai
    ntedearli
    er,whent hecoff
    inwast akenoutofthe
    rondavelt
    ot hetent.Elderwomenar esti
    llkeepi
    ng
    aneyeonher .
    Snaloissi
    tt
    ingnextt
    othecoffi
    n,hershoul
    ders
    coveredwit
    hablanket,
    justasSnakho'
    scoffi
    nis
    coveredi
    none.

    Ndlali
    fatapshisf ather'
    sshoulderandasksf ora
    minute.Snaloisst ari
    ngatt hem ast heyfoll
    oweach
    otheroutofthet ent.She'swor r
    iedabouthersi t
    ti
    ng
    here,i
    nabl anket,andnotal lowedt odoanyt hi
    ng.
    Herfamily,whichshej ustfound, isbreakingapart
    .
    Maqhingadi sappear edwithnot race,Ngidiand
    Ndlali
    faaredistantmor ethanever .Ndabukocan' t
    al
    waysbeher etoneut rali
    zesituations,hehashis
    ownl i
    fe.
    “Wher
    ei smybr
    other?”Ndl
    ali
    faasks,
    soundi
    ng
    col
    derthanhei
    ntended.
    “Isentpeopletolookforhim andt heysti
    llhaven'
    t
    givenmeanyt hingsolid,
    ”Ngidisays.IfNdlali
    fa
    thinksMaqhinga'sdisappearanceonl yworri
    eshim,
    thenhehasi tallt
    wisted.Ngidihasn'tsl
    eptthe
    whol eweek,he'
    snevergoneaweekwi t
    hout
    speakingtohisson.Hegotscar edwhenhef ound
    him andThingolwenkosazanei nthatpositi
    onon
    bed.Atthatmomental lhethoughtaboutwasnot
    beingabletosaveThi ngolwenkosazanet hesame
    wayhef ail
    edtosaveMagci naandKhwezi l
    okusa.
    “Lookforhi
    m where?Babawhatdi
    dyoudot
    omy
    brother
    ?”Ndl
    ali
    faasksangr
    il
    y.
    “
    Ihithim,itwasn'
    tonpur
    pose.I
    '
    llneverhi
    tmyson
    l
    ikethat.
    ”
    “
    Maqhi
    ngawouldn'
    tleavej
    ustbecauseyouhi
    thi
    m.
    We'
    vet
    akenbul
    let
    sandknives.”
    Si
    lence…
    “
    Ngonyama?
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fa'
    stonecar
    ri
    esawar
    ning.
    Ngi
    diexhal
    esi
    nexhaust
    ion.
    “Hewasonbedwi t
    hSnalo.Theywer
    ecl
    ose,t
    oo
    close.Iactedoutoffearandsai
    dsomet
    hingsI
    shouldn'thavesai
    d,”hesays.
    Ndl
    ali
    fascr
    atcheshi
    sfaceangr
    il
    yandbl
    owsout
    .
    “You'
    retheonlypar entthathaseverl ovedhi m and
    seenagoodsoni nhi m.Hewashappyr egardless
    ofhowhel ooksandwhohel ookslike, becausehe
    hadyoui nhiscorner.Youbel ievedinhi m andt hat
    wasonet hingthatkepthim goi ng.”He' sdef eated,
    Maqhingahasal readymi ssedt hefuner al
    ,thereare
    sli
    m chancesofhi m comi ngbackt ot hisf amily.
    Ndlal
    if
    ahasneversai dthis,becauset here'snever
    beenar easontosayi t,
    buthel oveshi sbr other.He
    cannotli
    vewi t
    houthi sannoyi ngpresence.They’ ve
    alr
    eadylostSnakho, andnowMaqhi ngat oo!
    -
    -

    Menf et
    chthecoff
    infrom t
    hetentandcarr
    yitall
    the
    waytothegravesi
    te.Phumzil
    ewasaskednott ocry,
    butshefai
    lstohol
    dher sel
    fandbreaksi
    ntoa
    hyst
    eri
    calcr
    yassheseesthedeepgravet
    hather
    ni
    ece,whom sher
    aisedf
    rom bi
    rt
    h,i
    sgoingtobe
    buri
    edin.

    Ngidiiskeepi
    ngi ttoget
    her .He'stryingnott othink
    abouthiscomi ngmor ningswher ehe' l
    lwakeupand
    passKhwezi ’
    sempt ybedroom.Nobodywi lltel
    lhim
    howugl yhisclot
    hesar eever yti
    mehedr essesupi n
    themor ni
    ng.Nobodywi llf
    orcehimi ntoagownand
    callstr
    angepeopl etocomeandt ouchhi sfeetwi t
    h
    theiroi
    lyhands.Nobodywi llaskhimi fhe'sasl eep
    “alr
    eady”lat
    eatni ghtandaskhi mi fhe's“sti
    ll"
    asleepatthecrackofdawn.
    Heal
    sohatesthathehasnobrot
    hers,hi
    ssonhas
    t
    akenoverbr
    otherl
    yduti
    esanddoingeveryt
    hing
    t
    hatwasn'
    tsupposedtobedonebyhim.

    Ndlal
    i
    fakneel
    snextt
    oSnaloandtal
    kstoher.She'
    s
    shaki
    ngherheadandcr
    yingatever
    ythi
    nghesays.
    Ndlal
    i
    fanegot
    iat
    eswithherandbegsunt
    ilshenods
    andli
    esdownont hebl
    anket
    .
    Hewr apsherwiththeblanketli
    keacorpse.Wit
    h
    thehelpoftwoothermen, helift
    sherandpasses
    hertothemeninsidethegr ave.Peopl
    eknowthat
    she'snotdead,
    she'sjustopeningthewayforher
    twinsist
    er,
    buttheysti
    llcryandscareheroff
    .
    Ngididigssandwiththeshovelandt hr
    owsitinsi
    de
    thegrave,overSnal
    o’sbody.Thentheylif
    therup,
    Ndlal
    ifaandmenout sidethegravetakeherandput
    heront heground.
    She'
    snotmovi
    ng!
    Ndlali
    fascr
    eamsf orwater;aboyr
    ushest ohi
    m
    withajugandhethr owsitonSnal
    o'sface.Her
    eyeli
    dsstar
    tmoving, hesi
    ghsouti
    nr el
    iefandl
    if
    ts
    heroutofthebl
    anket .
    Hetakestheblanketcover
    ingSnakho'
    scoff
    inand
    wrapsSnaloi
    ni t
    ,andtakestheoneSnalohasbeen
    coveredi
    nthewhol edayandcoversSnakho'
    s
    coff
    inwit
    hit.
    Thisisit!SnakhoandSnaloaresepar
    ated.Oneis
    takenbackhome, eyesbli
    ndedbyPhumzi l
    e’shands
    sot hatshedoesnottakeasingl
    eglanceback,and
    anotheronei
    slower
    eddown,
    insi
    det
    hegr
    aveand
    buri
    ed.

    -
    -

    Bheki
    zit
    ha“
    Ngonyama”Ngi
    di

    Hewalksinsi
    dethedi
    ningroom andfi
    ndsPhumzile
    wrappedinmiser
    yonacouch.Everyonehasgone
    t
    osleep,he'
    sonlyupbecauseofhissecr
    etvi
    sitt
    o
    Magcina’
    sgrave.
    “
    Ithoughteveryonewasonbed,
    ”hesaysand
    l
    owershimselfnextt
    oheronthecouch.
    “SodidI
    .Wher
    ear
    eyoucomi
    ngf
    rom?
    ”Phumzi
    le
    asks.
    “
    Iwasj
    ustst
    ret
    chi
    ngmyl
    egs.
    ”
    He'
    slyi
    ngandt
    heybot
    hknowi
    t.
    “
    ThankyouPhumzi
    l
    e,”hesays.
    Sheknowswhathe'sthanki
    ngherf
    or,andhonestl
    y,
    i
    t'
    snotevennecessar
    y.Shewasrai
    singhersist
    er'
    s
    ki
    ds,i
    twasherduty.
    “
    Bhekiyou'
    vet
    hankedmeenough,
    ”shesays.
    “Ifeelli
    keIoweyou.”He'sst
    aringatthet
    wins
    picturehangi
    ngfrom t
    hewall.Theyweresti
    llin
    Elangenicoll
    ege,
    wearingsamecl ot
    hesandt hei
    r
    hairdoneinthesamest yl
    e.
    “Youowemebei ngagoodf
    athert
    oSnal
    o,”she
    says,
    li
    ft
    inghereyest
    ohim.
    “
    AndNomkhosi,
    ”Ngi
    diaddsandnar
    rowshi
    seyes
    t
    ochal
    lengeher
    .
    “Well,Iguessyoucan,butjustknowt hatt
    here'
    sno
    pressurefrom myside.Idon'texpectyoutobemy
    saviour.”
    Amomentofsi
    lencepasses,
    they'
    rebot
    hlosti
    n
    t
    hei
    rdeept
    houghts.
    “Maqhi
    ngai
    smi ssi
    ng,
    ”hefi
    nal
    lygat
    her
    sthe
    str
    engt
    htot
    ellPhumzi
    le.
    “
    Whatdoyoumean“
    he'
    smi
    ssi
    ng"
    ?It
    houghthel
    eft
    onhi
    sown,
    ”sheasks.
    “HedidbutIdon' tknowwher ehewent.Heleft
    everyt
    hingbehind;hiscars,i
    mport
    antdocument s
    andhisclothes.Idon'tknowhowhe'slivi
    ng,that
    's
    i
    fhe'sstil
    lali
    ve.”Thismanisbroken.He'ssti
    ll
    standi
    ngbecausehehaski dstobestrongfor.
    “He'
    sneverl efthomeandcutal lcommuni cations
    l
    ikethis,”hesays.Hishopesar edying.Magci na
    hast odosomet hing.He'saskedhert owelcome
    thei
    rdaught erandtakecareofheri ntheother
    world,andaskedhert okeepMaqhi ngasafe
    whereverhei s.Butifshe'
    sstil
    lharbouri
    nghat red,
    she'
    llleadhim str
    aightint
    odanger.Shewant edhim
    deadwhi l
    eshewasst il
    lali
    ve.
    “He'
    sfi
    neBheki
    .We'l
    lfi
    ndhim andbr
    inghim home,
    ”
    Phumzil
    esaysandpull
    southi
    shandt ocomfort
    him.
    “Whatifwedon't
    ?I'
    lll
    oseNdlali
    faand
    Thingol
    wenkosazanetoo.Thi
    sisallmyf
    aul
    t,I
    drovemysonaway. ”
    “
    Bheki
    zit
    ha,
    no!I
    '
    m notgoi
    ngt
    oal
    lowyout
    odot
    his
    toyour
    sel
    f.
    ”She'
    spull
    ingbot
    hhi
    shandsandgi
    ving
    him ar
    epr
    imandi
    nglook.
    “Isai
    dMaqhingai
    scomi
    ngbackhome,
    okay?
    ”
    She'sst
    ari
    ngathi
    m.
    Aheavysi
    gh!
    “
    Alr
    ight
    ,”Ngi
    disays,
    igni
    ti
    nghi
    shopesagai
    n.
    They'
    restil
    lstari
    ngateachot her.Phumzil
    eis
    l
    ookingforaconf ir
    mationandNgi diisl
    ookingat
    thi
    sbrokenwomanwhobui l
    dsothersup.The
    womanwhor aisedhiskidsfrom birt
    hto27.She's
    thi
    ck,abitl
    ighterthanMagci na,
    wi t
    hplum l
    ipsand
    uptur
    nedeyesl ikeNdlali
    fa'
    s.
    Ndl
    ali
    fa'
    sheavyfoot
    stepsbreakt
    hei
    rstare.They
    bot
    hshif
    ttothei
    rposit
    ionsandst
    areatthedoor.
    “
    Ithoughtever
    yonewasonbed,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.
    “
    Sameher
    e,”t
    heybot
    hsayatonce.
    Okay,
    thatwasver
    ywei
    rdoft
    hem!
    Ndlal
    if
    afr
    ownsandtur
    nshiseyestoNgidi
    .Isn'
    t
    thi
    showMaqhingaandSnal
    ower ewhenhe
    att
    ackedMaqhi
    nga?
    “Thankyouforever
    ythi
    ngyoudi
    dformet
    oday,
    ”
    Ngidisays.
    Heexhal
    esandnods.Hopeful
    lyhe'
    sreadi
    ngtoo
    muchinthesit
    uati
    onandjumpingi
    ntoconcl
    usi
    ons
    l
    ikehi
    sfather
    .Because,
    no!
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    11] :Chapt
    er38
    MAQHI
    NGA

    What'
    sdif
    ferentbet
    weenwaterf
    rom t
    hebathr
    oom
    andthi
    sfr
    eezingonefrom ar
    unningr
    iver
    ?Thi
    sis
    bl
    oodyharassment!
    “Amanwho' sgunneddownhundr edsofpeopleis
    scaredofwater
    ?”Ngcwethimocks.Hej ustjumped
    i
    nsidethewater
    ,thr
    ewitalloverhisbodyascol das
    i
    twasandgotoutt odryhimself.Nodrama
    i
    nvolved!
    Maqhingaonl
    yhashi sfeeti
    nsi
    detheri
    verandhe'
    s
    al
    readycomplai
    ning.Theyneedtobat
    h,herei
    nthe
    ri
    ver,
    befor
    ethefi
    rstsunraycomesout.
    “
    Thi
    sisbul
    lshi
    t!
    ”hemur
    mur
    sascol
    dwat
    er
    dr
    encheshi
    sshi
    ver
    ingski
    n.
    “Well
    ,dothi
    s‘bull
    shit
    ’quickly,Ileftmywi f
    eonbed
    andthebull
    shitIcoul
    ddowi thheri sfarbett
    ert
    han
    thi
    sone,”Ngcwethisays,clearlyof f
    endedby
    Maqhinga'
    schoiceofwor ds.Het akeshisjob
    seri
    ousl
    yandhe' sonlydoingt histohelphim.
    “Ar
    eyouallowedtodot hi
    ngswi t
    hherwhi
    lehel
    ping
    me?Heyndoda, don'
    tjeopardi
    zemyprogr
    esshere,
    ”
    Maqhingaasks,
    final
    lygett
    ingoutoft
    hewater,
    dri
    ppi
    ngwet .
    “I
    '
    m marr
    ied,
    ”that
    'sNgcwethi
    ’
    sanswer.Thi
    sgotto
    bethemostf
    rustr
    ati
    ngpersonhe'
    severdeal
    twi
    th.
    “Exact
    ly!Thewomanisnotr unni
    ngaway,youpaid
    cowsf orher
    .Youcan'
    tbef u€ki
    ngsomeoneatnight
    andget t
    ingi
    nthesameriverwithmeinthe
    mor ni
    ng,”Maqhi
    ngasays.
    “Wel
    l,It
    rustyou'
    l
    lpassyourcomplai
    ntst
    oheras
    well
    .Donotlookbackattheri
    ver
    ,weareleavi
    ng
    ever
    ythi
    ngbehind,
    ”Ngcwethit
    ell
    shim.
    Hedoesn'
    tunder
    stand,
    he'slear
    ntnottoquest
    ion
    anyi
    nstr
    ucti
    onNgcwethigiveshi
    m becausehe
    doesn'tunderstandhim evenwhenheexpl ains.He
    eventalkedtot hewaterwhent heygottotheriver;
    hethrewasi lvercoininsi
    deandpr ai
    sedsomet hing
    hedidn'tsee,theGodofwat er
    .Appar ent
    ly,t
    hey
    neededt opayr especttoI
    tbeforesteppi
    nginside
    i
    tscast l
    e;theriver
    .

    They'reheadi
    ngbackhomeinNgcwethi’
    scarand
    tal
    kingaboutsport
    s.He'
    sahumanbeingoutside,
    normalinhisabnormalway,
    andsometimesvery
    comf ort
    ablet
    otal
    ktoaboutgener
    all
    if
    eandwomen.
    TodayMaqhi ngawillbeleftal
    oneintheirhuge
    homest ead, t
    heirl
    iveswon' tstopbecauseofhi s
    presence.Thewi f
    eownsaspa, ori
    sitasal on?She
    wor kswithot herwives,butfrom whathe'shear d,
    thebr ot
    her saren'
    tcomf ortabl
    ewiththem being
    over -
    dedicatedtotheirbusinessandnowt hey'r
    e
    tryi
    ngt ofindawayt oti
    et hem down,what everthat
    means.
    Ngcwet
    hiandt
    hebrother
    ssti
    llr
    unaf arm andafew
    shopsi
    nthevi
    ll
    ageandsurr
    oundings.Theeldest
    onehashi
    spr
    ivat
    epl
    umbi
    ngcompanyandacr
    azy
    wif
    e.

    “Icookedl astni ghtandpackedt hefoodi nsidethe


    fri
    dge.Ther e'
    sami crowaveintheki tchenandone
    i
    nyourr oom.I fyouneedsomet hingf r
    om theshops
    callNgcwet hi
    ,he'llsendadr i
    vert opickthelist.I
    f
    youexper ienceanypr obl
    emswi thwat eror
    electr
    ici
    tyj usttakeMazwakhe’ scompanynumber
    from thatlami natedcer ti
    fi
    cat
    eont hewal landhis
    peoplewi llbeher ei nthebli
    nkofaneye. ”It'
    sthe
    wi f
    e,she'sonherf eet
    , wi
    thherpur seunderar m
    andcarkeysi nherhand.
    “Thankyou,”Maqhingasaysandnods.Noneoft hi
    s
    willbenecessary,
    hedoesn'thaveaphonetomake
    callswithandhewon'tneedplumbers,
    evenifwater
    giveshim probl
    ems.Heknowshi sposi
    ti
    oninthi
    s
    fami l
    y,he'
    sheretogethel
    p,nottomakethei
    rli
    ves
    diffi
    cult
    .
    “Takenaps,”Ngcwet
    hisaysandl
    eavesMaqhi
    nga
    confused.
    Theircardrivesout.NowMaqhi ngaisal lalone,the
    onlycompanyhehasi sofhisthought s.He'sbeen
    tryi
    ngnott othinkaboutSnaloorNgi diorNdl al
    if
    a.
    Heconvi ncedhi mselft
    hatthey’l
    lbefine, but
    knowinghowNdl al
    if
    ais,Ngidi'
    shousei st urned
    upsidedownandNdl al
    if
    aist hr
    eateni
    ngt owi peout
    thewholeDur ban.

    Snalo?Hedoesn'tthinkaboutherinanyotherway
    othert
    hanthathe'shi ssi
    ster
    .Heavoidsthi
    nking
    abouthowfarhecoul d'
    vegonewithher,
    because
    thatwoul
    dmakehi m Msawenkosi ;themanhe’ s
    tryi
    ngsohardtodet achhimselff
    rom.
    Heput sacushionbehi ndhi sheadandl iesdownon
    thecouchwi thhiseyescl osed.Godknowshow
    sorryheis.Hisfather,asgr ownashei s,poli
    ti
    cs
    sti
    llscarehi
    m becauset heybr oughtnothingbut
    paininhisli
    fe.Ngidiavoi dsevensi t
    ti
    ngont he
    samet ableaspol i
    ti
    cians.Andt hat
    'sexactlywhat
    Maqhi nga’
    sexistencebr oughtt oMagci naand
    t
    empor
    ari
    ly,
    toPhumzi
    leaswel
    l
    .

    ~“Maqhinga,
    ”thevoi
    cecal
    lshi
    m andhel
    if
    tshi
    s
    headup.
    She'
    swear i
    ngaber etandadarkgr
    eenblouse.He
    cannotseeherfacebecauseshe'
    ssit
    ti
    ngwithher
    backturnedtohim.
    “Msawenkosi
    tookeverypieceofme.Her
    ippedmy
    souloutandl
    eftmebreathingi
    nadeadbody.”
    Hefrownsandt r
    iestogetofft
    hesandhe'
    slyi
    ngon
    sothathecanwal kt
    oherandseeherface.Buthi
    s
    bodyistooheavy,hecannotgetup.
    “WasIwr ong?Iwantedhimt ofeelt
    hepainIwas
    feeli
    ng.ButhereI
    'm anoutcast
    ,myf amil
    yislocking
    meoutbecauseI 'mtoosinfult
    obewi t
    hthem.I '
    m
    allal
    one.”Foramomenti tsoundsasifshe’
    sgoi ng
    tobreakdownandcr y.Butnother,shedoesn'tcry.
    Notinfrontofpeopl
    e!
    “Hewaswr
    ong.Msawenkosiowesmeanapology,
    asmuchasIowet
    hisfamil
    yanapologyf
    orspil
    li
    ng
    bl
    oodofmyown.
    ”
    Maqhi
    ngaremembersthevoi
    ce,
    nottoowel
    lbuthi
    s
    memorycanpi
    ckither
    eandthere.
    Fi
    nall
    y,hi
    smotherisher
    e.She'
    stal
    kingtohi
    m.
    Ever
    ythi
    ngfeel
    ssor i
    ght
    .Maybetheycan…where
    di
    dshedisappeart
    o?Shewassitti
    ngtherej
    ustnow.
    “
    Mama!
    ”hescr
    eamsont
    opofhi
    svoi
    ce.
    Shecannotdisappearonhimlikethi
    s.Notbef
    ore
    heseesherfaceandt el
    lsherabouthi
    sown
    st
    ruggl
    es.
    “Mama!”herepeat
    s,closetot
    ear
    s.I
    tcan'
    tbet
    hat
    shest
    il
    ldespisesasightofhi
    m!~

    Ngcwethii
    sstandi
    ngovert
    hecouchandstari
    ngat
    him.Heslowl
    yopenshiseyesandscansar
    ound
    theroom.
    Hi
    sheartsi
    nks.Alumpisri
    singuphi
    sthroat
    .Not
    t
    hispai
    nagain!Hewasheretoheal
    ,nott
    ogo
    t
    hroughanot
    herrej
    ect
    ion.
    “
    Whatdi
    dshesay?
    ”Ngcwet
    hiasks.
    Hecol
    lectshisbr
    eat
    hsandswal
    lowsbackt
    hel
    ump
    i
    nhist
    hr oat
    .
    “She…sheonl
    ytal
    kedabouther
    sel
    f.
    ”Thi
    sisi
    t!He
    hatesthi
    swomanback.
    “Maqhi
    nga…”Ngcwethiwalksaroundthecouchand
    sit
    snextt
    ohim.Hedoesn'tknowwhathe'sgoing
    thr
    oughbecausehe'
    sneverlivedadayinhisshoes,
    butheknowsthatheneedstobest r
    ongforthe
    j
    ourneyhe’
    sstart
    ed.
    “Youcandothis.Yourmotherwoul
    dn'thave
    chosenyouforthi
    sifsheknewthatyouwouldn'
    tbe
    abletodoi
    t.
    ”
    Maqhingal et
    soutachuckl
    e.Chosenhim?Howdo
    youfailtochoosesomeonewhil
    eyou’r
    esti
    llal
    ive
    andonl ychoosehi
    m whenyou'r
    edeadand
    hel
    pless?
    “
    I'
    m doneMt hembu.Thankyouforever
    ythi
    ng.”He’
    s
    f
    inal
    lycal
    li
    ngt hi
    swholethi
    ngoff
    .Hedoesn'thavea
    f
    amily,
    that
    'sit!He'
    l
    lgoandstar
    thisli
    fesomewhere
    f
    arfr
    om here.
    “
    Wel
    l,
    themat
    terhasbeenbr
    oughtf
    rontandIdon'
    t
    l
    eavet hi
    ngshanging,ever
    .Ifthi
    sjobi
    stooheavy
    foryouthenfindmeyouruncl e'
    sdaught
    erand
    she'l
    lapol
    ogizetotheancestorsonherf
    ather
    's
    behalf,
    ”Ngcwethisays.
    Hecan'tbetalki
    ngaboutNomkhosi
    .That…never
    !
    She'l
    lneverf
    indoutaboutMsawenkosi
    .Thatwould
    ki
    llheranddrivePhumzi
    letoanearl
    ygrave.
    “Yourmot herandunclearebothout
    cast
    sf r
    om your
    family.They'
    renotwelcomedbecauseofthei
    r
    i
    mper f
    ecti
    onsandthesinstheycommitt
    edonear th.
    Ithi
    nkshet oldyouthatshewantsanapologyfrom
    yourunclebef or
    eanythi
    ng.That'
    sourst
    epping
    stone,weuni t
    ethem i
    nt heot
    herworl
    dandbr i
    ng
    peacet otheNselealt
    er.
    ”
    “
    Whyme?Whynotherf
    avour
    it
    eson,
    Ndl
    ali
    fa?
    ”
    “Becauseyou' r
    etheonechosentorewri
    tethe
    wrongs.Youdon' tl
    ooklikeMsawenkosibecausehe
    doesn'townt hi
    slook.Hegotitf
    rom hi
    smot her'
    s
    grandfather
    ,andDabulamanziwasn'tarapi
    st.
    Msawenkosit arni
    shedhismemor y,
    hencehislooks
    werepassedt oyout oli
    veuptowhoyourgr eat
    -
    gr
    andf
    atherwas.Youdi
    dn'
    ttur
    nthi
    swaybychance
    Maqhi
    nga.”
    Thi
    smanknowsal ot!Somet
    imeshet
    alks
    nonsenset
    hatmakessense.
    “Whatam Isupposedt
    odo?Howam Isupposedt
    o
    doitandwhen?”Maqhingaasks.
    Ngcwethir
    eleasesabr
    eat
    hhe'
    sbeensecr
    etl
    y
    hol
    ding.
    “Ihavet
    oletmywi
    feknowt
    hatI
    '
    mleavi
    ngt
    oni
    ght
    ,”
    hesays.
    Well
    ,i
    t'
    sreal
    lyhappeni
    ng.He'
    saboutt
    ogoand
    apol
    ogi
    zeonbehalfofpeopl
    ehe'
    snevermet
    .
    .
    .
    NDONDO

    Andiswawalksoutofthehouseandcomestothe
    carasIparkout
    side.Whyam Igett
    ingabadfeel
    ing
    aboutthi
    s?Andiswaneverhel
    panyonewitht
    heir
    bags,
    Imean,
    whatki
    ndofwat
    erIcoul
    d'vebat
    hed
    wit
    h?
    “Si
    ster
    ,youhaveaguest
    ,”shesaysaf
    ewst
    eps
    awayfrom me.
    I
    'm nott
    hatwoman…no,whoam Iki
    dding?I'
    mthat
    womanwhohat espeopl
    ewhojustpopinmyhouse
    t
    oinvademyspaceundertheword‘vi
    sit
    ing.
    ’
    “
    Who?
    ”Iaskwi
    thaneye-
    rol
    l.
    “
    Zamaf
    uze.
    ”
    What?Ij
    ustbur
    iedmyfri
    endt
    wodaysago.Thel
    ast
    t
    hingIneedi
    stoarguewit
    hagir
    lovermen.
    “Youshouldn'thaveletherin.”Ican'
    tbeli
    eveshe'
    s
    thi
    scareless.Zamaf uzeisnotsomeoneyoucanl et
    i
    nsidethehousewhi leyou'r
    ealone,shecankil
    lyou,
    cutyouintofinepiecesandpackyoui nsi
    dethe
    fri
    dge.That'
    showunpr edict
    ableanddangerousshe
    i
    s.

    Idon'
    thavet
    hest
    rengt
    h.Ineedheroutofmyhouse,
    ri
    ghtnow.
    “
    Ndondo!
    ”Sheget
    sof
    fthecouchandwal
    ks
    t
    owardsme.
    I
    sshewear
    ingQondani
    '
    str
    acksui
    ts?Lor
    d!
    “
    Getout
    !”Isay,
    thr
    owi
    ngmybagovert
    hecouch.
    “
    Ineedyourhel
    p.”
    What
    ?Somebodypassmeanear
    bud!Sheneeds
    mywhat
    -hel
    p?
    “Icannotgethol
    dofQondani
    .Andbefor
    eyou
    assumet heworstofme,
    I'
    m genui
    nel
    yworr
    ied
    abouthim,”shesays.
    “Worri
    edabouthi m orworr
    iedaboutyoursel
    f?
    Leavemybr otheraloneZamafuze,it
    'smeyouwer e
    tr
    yingtohurt,andcongrat
    ulati
    ons,youdi
    d
    excepti
    onall
    ywel l
    .YouputBab’Maqhawet hrough
    hell
    ,andbecausel i
    feisaweb, t
    hepaincame
    str
    aighttome. ”I
    '
    m notevensurewhyI '
    m cryingmy
    heartouttothiswoman.Thisiswhatshecamet o
    see-meatmyweakest .
    “Imisshi
    m,”shesaysi
    nal
    owvoi
    ceandt
    ear
    sher
    eyesoffme.
    Iwantt
    olaughoutl
    oudbutIdon'
    thavet
    hest
    rengt
    h.
    “Youmisshismoneyandhim slavi
    ngaroundfor
    you,
    ”Isayandcl i
    ckmytongue.Ifi
    twasn'
    tforBab’
    MbamboQondaniwoul d'
    veabandonedhiskidsand
    thefami
    ly,
    forever.
    “No,Imissus.Meandhi m, andt
    helitt
    lethingst hat
    madeushappy.Heappr eciatedeveryli
    tt
    leeffortI
    made, noti
    cedeveryl
    itt
    let hingIdidandcamehome
    tomeever yday.Hedidn'thavemuch;he' ddr iveme
    toSpurinavanandor dert hecheapestmealf orme.
    OnFr i
    dayswhenhegotpai dhe'dorderpizza,
    cuddlemeonbedandf orcemet owatchsome
    stupi
    dshowcal ledUgubhuLwami .
    ”Issheaboutt o
    faketearsri
    ghtnow?
    “I
    twasn'
    tnatur
    al.You,
    witch,madehim doal
    lthat
    ,”
    Iremi
    ndher,i
    tseemslikeshe'
    sforgot
    tenhowshe
    gotQondani
    .
    “That
    'sbecauseyoumademef eelli
    keIwasn't
    enough-“IwaschosenforNdabukobyNhl anzeko
    nywenywenywe, ”shesays,mi
    mi ckingme.Iwasn't
    awarethatItal
    kli
    kethi
    s;thr
    oughmynose, wi
    thmy
    eyebr
    owst
    wit
    chi
    ngandal
    lthat
    .Wel
    ear
    nti
    llwedi
    e!
    “Andyout hi
    nkyou'r
    est
    il
    lgoingt
    obemyf uture
    sist
    er-
    in-
    lawwit
    ht hi
    sst
    inki
    ngatt
    it
    ude?”Iask,
    pull
    ingoutmyphone.Iwanthertoheari
    tfrom hi
    m;
    heDOESN' Twantheranymore.
    “You'renotasaint…”shesaysmoreunderher
    breath.IcannothearherandIdon'
    tcar
    e,because
    she'samadwoman.
    Mam'
    Jabupi
    cksupaf
    tert
    het
    hir
    dri
    ng.
    “
    Ma,
    isQondaniar
    ound?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Yes,
    he'
    sher
    enextt
    ome,
    ”shesays.
    “
    Pleasegi
    vehi
    mthephone.
    ”
    IpassmyphonetoZamafuzeandwaitwi
    thmy
    armsfol
    ded.I
    '
    m pat
    ient
    lywai
    ti
    ngtoseeherf
    ace
    whenQondanidr
    opsthecal
    lonher.
    “Mahla…Qondani…hell
    o?St handwasami
    …”She
    checksthescreenthatjustdimmedandswipesi
    t.
    “
    Ihavehelpedyou,
    nowgetout!
    ”Isnat
    chmyphone
    f
    rom herhandandshowhert
    hedoor.
    “Ifhecall
    sorcommuni cat
    ei nanyway, pl
    easetel
    l
    himt hatIsaidI'
    m sorr
    y.Ireall
    ymisshim.”She
    soundsgenui ne,andforasecondIt houghtI'
    dsee
    tearsrunningdownonherf ace.ButIknow
    Zamaf uze,thi
    sisjustoneofherst unt
    s.
    .
    .
    NDABUKO

    He'dlovedtostaywi t
    hNgi diandhi sfami lyduring
    thi
    st i
    meofneed.Notbecausehef eel
    si ndebtedt o
    them forever
    ythingthey'
    vedonef orhim overt he
    years,butbecausehegenui nelytakest hem ashi s
    family.Hecanf eelt
    heirpainandhewant stobe
    withthem everystepofthej ourney.Butt heylefta
    businessbehind,heneededt oattendthet axi
    associati
    onmeet ingonhisandNdl ali
    fa'sbehal f
    .

    Themeet
    ingi
    sadj
    ournedandtheyal
    lheadtot
    hei
    r
    car
    s.Hehadaver
    ylongweekendandther
    ewasno
    ti
    met or eall
    ycheckonhi swoman.Heneedst o
    properlycheckonNdondoandhopef ul
    lyget
    somet hingtot akehi smi ndof fthings.Theyhaven' t
    touchedoveraweekandhemi ssesherl i
    kecr azy.
    Hemi ssesseei nghernaked, pregnantsel fwalking
    upanddowni nhi shouse.Maqhi ngasai ditwas
    someki ndofper ver t’
    sdisorderthathewant shis
    womant ost aynakedever ytimeshe' saroundhi m.
    ButNdondounder standshim andhi scrazyneeds.
    She'sadj ust
    edt ohi m andsoont hey'
    llbelivi
    ngt hei
    r
    nakedl i
    vest oget her.He'l
    lhavewhathecancal la
    homet ogot oever yday,notjustahouse.

    Hei ntendstodri
    vepasthishouset odrophisbags
    andt henheadstoNdondo'shouse.Ashedr ivesout
    ofthegar agewherehewasf uelinghiscar
    ,he
    noti
    cesawhi t
    equantum withanor angest
    icker
    tr
    yingt oovert
    akehim.There'sanothercar
    ,ar ed
    Golffollowi
    ngclosel
    ybehindi t
    .
    Somet
    hingisnotr
    ight
    !Hepressest
    heaccel
    erat
    or
    anddr
    ivespastar
    edrobot
    .
    Gunsgoof
    f!

    Heneedstoloset
    hem andthatmeanst
    aki
    ngever
    y
    cor
    nerandfoll
    owi
    nganyroad.
    TheGolfi
    sonhistailandfir
    ingshot
    s.Mosthave
    borehi
    scarbutnobul l
    ethascaughthi
    m yet
    .He
    needst
    ostayfocused!

    Amanwearingblacksecuri
    tyguards'
    unif
    ormis
    cr
    ossi
    ngtheroad,i
    t'
    stoolateforNdabukotowar
    n
    hi
    m andi
    t'
    stoolateforhi
    mt oclearof
    f.
    Ndabukocl
    encheshi
    sjawsashehi t
    sonsomet
    hing
    har
    dandseesahumanf igur
    efl
    yingoutoft
    her
    oad.
    Hishandsaregetti
    ngmoi
    standtrembl
    ingofft
    he
    wheel.Butheneedstomove,
    it'
    samatterofhi
    sli
    fe
    ordeath.
    .
    .
    NDONDO
    Idon'
    tknowi fIshoul
    dgivehim ahugoraglassof
    waterfi
    rst
    .I'
    veneverseenhiminthiscondi
    ti
    on
    befor
    e.Idon'tknowwhathappenedyet,buti
    t'
    sbad,
    hi
    scarhasbul lethol
    esal
    loverit
    .
    “Babe…”Owk!Hedoesn'twantmetotouchhim,not
    becausehedoesn'tneedmycomfortbutmaybe
    becausehesti
    llneedsti
    metocol
    lecthi
    mself
    .
    “
    I'
    llgetagl
    assofsugarwat
    er,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    Hedoesn'
    tsayanyt
    hing.Hebur
    ieshi
    sheadinhi
    s
    handsandkeepshi
    sheadbetweenhi
    sknees.
    Iexcusemysel
    fandheadt
    otheki
    tchen.
    He'sinaver ydanger ousindust ry.Aper sonl
    ikehim,
    whoownssomanyt axi sanddot hingst heydowi t
    h
    theNgidist ocont r
    olot hers,shouldn' thavegone
    anywherewi t
    houtbodyguar ds.Idon' tknowwhathe
    wast hi
    nking, Inearlylosthi mt hesamewayIl ost
    Nhlanzeko.Idon' tknowwhatcoul d'vebecomeof
    me.Idon'tt hi
    nkIwoul d'vebeenst rongenought o
    handleit
    .I'vecr eat
    edsomanybeaut i
    fulmemor i
    es
    withthi
    sone.He' smywor ld.
    Urgh!Peoplehavenot i
    ming,
    who' scal
    li
    ngmenow?
    I'
    m sti
    lldeal
    ingwi
    that r
    aumatizedmanwhojust
    escapedf r
    om acrocodi
    le’
    smout h.
    “
    Ist
    hisMsNdondoSi
    bisi
    ?”t
    hecal
    lerasks.
    Thi
    ssoundsver
    yfor
    mal
    .
    “
    Yes,canIhel
    pyou?”I
    '
    mr eadyt
    opostpone
    what
    everdi
    scussi
    onorpr
    oposalhewantstomake.
    “
    It
    'saboutMrRaphaelMbambo.Hewasi
    nvol
    vedi
    n
    acaracci
    dent
    .”
    No!No!No!
    “I
    shesti
    llali
    ve?
    ”Myhandsar
    eshaki
    ng,
    Imi
    ght
    evendr
    opt hi
    scell
    phone.
    “Unf
    ort
    unatel
    yno,hewas….”Idon'
    thearwhathe
    saysnext
    .Myheadisspinni
    ng.Mylegsarewobbly
    andfai
    li
    ngtocar
    rymeup.Ineedt osi
    t.
    Bab'
    Mbambocannotdot
    hist
    ome.Hecannotl
    eave
    me.Heknowshowmuchhemeanstome!
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    12] :Chapt
    er39
    NDONDO

    Hetalkedalotabouthi sfami l
    y,especiall
    yhislate
    daughter
    ,Nomandl a.MaybeIwashi scomfort,i
    n
    mehef oundagi r
    lhecoul dfatherandf i
    llt
    hegapi n
    hi
    shear t
    .Heplayedasi gnif
    icantroleinmyl if
    e,
    fr
    om thefir
    stdayIst eppedi nBant wanaHol di
    ngs,
    hetookmeunderhi swingandt reatedmel i
    kehi s
    daughter
    .
    Icannotbelievet hatI'
    m standi
    ngher e,
    infr
    ontof
    hiswife,andtryingtot el
    lherthati
    twasGod' s
    ti
    mi ngandthatBab’ Mbambohasl ivedhisl
    ifetothe
    full
    est.Thetruthis,Iwasn'treadytolosehi
    m either
    .
    Ithurt
    s!I'
    veneverl ostapar entbef
    orebutnowI
    knowhowpai nfulitis.

    It
    'ssur
    prisingtoseeNgidihere.Hejustl
    osthi
    s
    daughter
    , asmuchasBab' Mbambowashi sex-
    employee, heshoul
    dbef ocusi
    ngonhi sf
    amilyand
    nottr
    yingt obether
    eforeveryone.
    Ndl
    ali
    faandNdabukol
    eftwi
    tht
    hepol
    ice.
    Everythi
    nghappenedinashor
    tspaceofti
    me,I
    don'tevenknowhowNdabukoisfeel
    ing,
    hehadto
    pullhi
    mselftoget
    herandf
    ocusonme.
    “Baba,di
    dNdabukol eavewi ththebodyguar ds?”I
    askMrNgi diasIbumpi nt
    ohi m outsi
    det hedoor .
    Wear einWat erl
    oo,inBab’Mbambo’ sRDPhouse.
    He'l
    lbeburiedbackatKwaMaphumul o,t
    hef ami l
    y
    i
    sher etocollecthi
    sbel ongingsandar r
    angef orhis
    bodytobet ransfer
    redt oStanger .MrNgi diavai
    led
    himselft
    ohel pthepolicewi thinvesti
    gation.
    “Nothingisgoi ngtohappent ohim MaSibisi
    ,”he
    says, gi
    vingmet helookofassur ance.NotthatI
    don'ttrusthim, butNhlanzekowaski ll
    edbyagun
    andi fNgidireallyhadthesuperpower snothing
    wasgoi ngtohappent ohi m eit
    her.
    “
    Wher
    edi
    dtheygo?
    ”Iask.
    No,hemustn'
    tsi
    ghli
    ket
    hat
    !Thi
    sismymanwe'
    re
    t
    alki
    ngabouther
    e.
    “
    They'
    recomi
    ngback,
    ”hesaysabi
    tannoyed.
    “When?They'
    vebeengoneforhour
    s,whati
    f
    somethi
    nghappenedtoNdabuko?Theyweret
    ryi
    ng
    tokil
    lhim notsolongagoandnowhe'soutt
    her
    e
    again!
    ”I'
    m cryinginbul
    k;f
    orBab’Mbamboandf
    or
    howunsaf ethelif
    eNdabukoinher
    it
    edfr
    om
    Nhlanzekohasbecome.
    Ngi
    dihashisphoneagai
    nsthisear
    ,hel
    ooksver
    y
    muchannoyedbutIdon'
    tcare.
    “Umfaziwakhouyakhal
    ala!
    ”(Yourwomani scr
    ying
    her
    e)Hepasseshi sphonet
    omeaf tersayi
    ngthose
    wordsandwalksinsi
    dethehouse.
    “Ndondoyami?”He'
    sinpani
    c.Thesoundoft
    he
    wheelsontheroadmakesmeuncomf or
    tabl
    e.Why
    aretheyspeedi
    ng?
    “Wherear
    eyou?
    ”Moretearsbreak.Wordsar
    e
    choki
    ngme.Whati
    fthey'
    rechasinghi
    m agai
    n?
    “I
    'm onmywayback.I'
    m okay,
    wehavesecur
    it
    y
    carswit
    husontheroad,
    ”hesays.
    Iwipethetearsandpul
    lmysel
    ftoget
    her
    .Atl
    east
    they'
    reguarded.
    “WhatmustIbr
    ingf
    oryou?
    ”heasks,
    tryi
    ngt
    o
    sof
    tenmeup.
    “
    BringBab'
    Mbambo. ”Thi
    sist
    heonlythi
    ngIwant
    r
    ightnow-IwantBab'Mbamboback.
    “
    I'
    mreal
    lysor
    ryHl
    asekazi
    ,
    ”hesaysandst
    ayson
    t
    heli
    neasIweepagai
    n.
    Ahandsnat chesthephone.Urgh!MrNgi di.I
    understandt hatt
    hisi
    shisairt
    imewear elisteni
    ng
    toeachot her'sweepi
    ngwi t
    h,buthe'
    srich,this
    shouldn'tbeapr obl
    em.Wecanevenl istent oeach
    other
    'sbr eat
    hing,i
    twouldn'
    tdenthisbalance.
    “
    Don'
    tcr
    y,”hesaysandpul
    lsmei
    ntoahug.
    ForamomentI
    '
    minshock,
    thi
    sisMrNgi
    di,
    theCEO!
    “Theboywil
    ldri
    veyouhome.I
    t'
    snotheal t
    hyf ora
    womanl i
    keyoutobeupandcryi
    ngatt hi
    stime.
    MaXuluhasthewholef
    amil
    yhere,she'l
    lbefine,”he
    says,
    withhi
    shandsovermyshoulders.
    Idon'
    tknowwhichboyhe'stal
    kingaboutunt
    ila
    man,almostmyage,appear
    swi tht
    hecarkeysin
    hi
    shand.
    IguessIhavenosayorwhat
    soever.It
    akemybag
    i
    nsidethehouseandf
    oll
    ow“theboy”tothecar
    .
    -
    -
    There'
    salineoftaxisparkedi
    nfrontofthehouse;I
    wasdrivenherewi t
    houtanyconsent.Thisdoesn'
    t
    sitwel
    lwithme,ifeveryt
    hingi
    sokayt henwhydi d
    theybri
    nghistaxishere?Theynevercomeher e.
    Therear
    epeoplear
    oundt heyard;theHl
    omuka
    VIPswit
    hthei
    rbigguns.Ididn'
    tsignupfort
    hisl
    if
    e!
    “Mngomezul uisal
    mosthere,
    ”theguywhowas
    dri
    vingmesays.Hemust 'venoti
    cedthepanici
    nmy
    eyes.Icannotli
    vel
    ikethi
    s.Heshould'
    vetakenme
    tomyhouse, Idon'
    thavetolookovermyshoulder
    s
    whenI '
    mt her
    e.
    Inodmyheadandwal
    kinsi
    det
    hehouse.
    -
    -

    “Youcannotdot
    hist
    omeagain!
    ”I'
    m st
    andi
    ngher
    e,
    i
    nf r
    ontofanunmovi
    ngpi
    ctur
    eandcryi
    ngmy
    eyebal
    lsout
    .
    “Youbr
    oughtustogetherNhlanzeko.Thel
    eastyou
    coul
    ddoistoprotectNdabukoagainstyourpeopl
    e.
    Theyar eYOURPEOPLE, hewant edadi f
    ferentl
    if
    e
    andyouf or
    cedhi mtocont inueyourl egacyandlive
    thisli
    fe.Thenhowdoyoust andthere,whereveryou
    are,andwat chthedogst ryingt okil
    lhim?What
    aboutmybaby, OURbabyNhl anzeko?Icannot
    raisethisbabyalone.Idon' twantt oloseanother
    pieceofmyhear tagai
    n.WhathaveIdonet othe
    Mngomezul ustodeservet hislif
    e…”St r
    onghands
    grabmyshoul dersandturnmear ound.Idon't
    knowhowIl ook,I'
    vebeenacr yi
    ngmesst hewhole
    day.
    Hebendsdownandli
    ftsmylegsup.Hecar
    ri
    esme
    al
    lthewayt
    oourbedroom andput
    smeonourbed.
    Hi
    sforeheadisl
    inkedontomine,he'
    sstar
    ingi
    nto
    myeyeswhilehi
    sr i
    ghthandentwineswit
    hmine.
    Hiseyesar
    ebloodshot
    ,asi
    fhe'
    sbeencr
    yingt
    oo.I
    movemyf aceaninchupandmeethi
    scol
    d,
    shi
    veri
    ngli
    ps.

    Ifeelhi
    ser
    ect
    iongrowingandbreakt
    heki ss.Sexi
    s
    notgoingt
    osolveanyt
    hing,
    inst
    ead,i
    t'
    llt
    aket he
    pai
    nawayf
    oral
    it
    tl
    ewhi
    le.
    “
    Wher
    ewer
    eyou?
    ”Iask.
    Heheavesasi gh.I
    'velearntt
    hatsomeoft hethi
    ngs
    thathappeninthetaxiindust
    ryar
    ekeptf r
    om me.
    ButIstil
    lquest
    ionandannoyhi m becausehisli
    fei
    s
    i
    mpor tantt
    ome.
    “Iwasatt
    hepoli
    cest
    ati
    on,t
    henatTongaat
    ,”he
    saysandrol
    lst
    othesi
    de.
    Hetakesonepi
    ll
    owandsquashesi
    tbet
    weenhi
    s
    knees.
    “
    Doi
    ngwhati
    nTongaat
    ?”Iask.
    “Ndondo!”Hegivesmealook,
    snif
    fsbackthet
    ear
    s
    Iwasn'tawareofandst
    aresupatthecei
    li
    ng.
    “Whati
    sgoingon?Didanyonedi
    e?”I
    '
    m pani
    cki
    ng.
    Hewasn'tl
    iket
    hiswhenhelef
    t.
    “Ndondopleasedon'
    tleaveme.Imadeamist
    ake,
    I
    didn'
    thaveanyotherchoice,
    theywer
    egoi
    ngtoki
    ll
    me. ”
    I
    '
    ml ost!Tear
    sar
    efl
    oodi
    ngoutofhi
    seyes,
    what
    ever
    i
    tisbad!
    “WhathappenedMngomezulu?”I
    '
    m cr
    ying,because
    he'
    scryi
    ng,andtr
    yingt
    odighishandfr
    om the
    pil
    lowhe'
    ssqueezi
    ngsothatIcancomforthi
    m.
    “Ir
    anoverBab'Mbambo….”Whaaaaat
    ?No,t
    his
    can'
    tbetrue!Hei
    snottheonewhokil
    ledmy
    Bab’Mbambo.
    “Idon'
    tli
    keyourpr
    ank!
    ”I'
    m onmyfeet,
    tryi
    ngt
    o
    stepfarf
    rom hi
    m asmuchaspossi
    ble.
    “
    Theywerechasingmeandshooti
    ngmycar
    .Itwas
    r
    iskyandt
    oolateformet
    ostop,Ihi
    tamanand
    r
    an.”
    Ilandont hefl
    oor,f
    latwit
    hmybutt
    .He'sser
    ious,
    I
    knowt hisbecauseeverywor
    disaccompani
    edbya
    rainoftears.
    “Iwoul
    dn'
    tkil
    laninnocentmanonpur pose,Ndondo
    youhavetobeli
    eveme.”He'skneel
    inginfrontof
    meandt r
    yingtocaptur
    emyf ace.
    “
    Iknowhowmuchyoul ovedhim.I'
    dneverputyou
    i
    nt hispai
    nonpurpose,Il
    oveyouNdondo,more
    t
    hanyouknow.I '
    m wil
    li
    ngtopayformysins.Iwil
    l
    t
    ellthepoli
    cet
    hetrut
    h.”
    Whooooah!Whatt
    hef
    u€k-
    ke?
    “
    You'
    llt
    ellt
    hem whatt
    rut
    h?”Myt
    ongueunt
    ies
    i
    nst
    antl
    y.
    “
    ThatIranoverhim.Iwasdrivingabovethespeed
    l
    imitand…”JesusChri
    st!Thi
    smant hinkshe'
    sgoing
    t
    okillamanwhowasmypi l
    larofst
    rengthandthen
    l
    eavemeandgot oj
    ailt
    oo?
    “Whoeverwaschasi
    ngyouandtryi
    ngt
    okil
    lyou
    ki
    ll
    edBab’Mbambo,andIwantj
    usti
    ceNdabuko,
    ”I
    say.
    “
    Just
    ice?
    ”heasks.
    Nowhe'
    scl
    uel
    essabout“
    just
    ice”
    ?
    “Don'
    tyoucal
    litj
    usti
    cewhenyouandt heNgi
    dis
    makepeoplepayforthei
    rsi
    ns?Iwantj
    usti
    cefor
    Bab'Mbambo.Areyouhungry?
    ”Iask.
    Henodshisheadhesi
    tant
    lyandwat
    chesasI
    st
    ruggl
    egett
    ingupfr
    om thefl
    oor
    .
    “
    Ndondo,
    ”hecal
    lsbef
    oreIwal
    kaway.
    Ist
    opandl
    ookathi
    m.
    “
    Iloveyou,
    ”hesays.
    I
    tcalmsmedownwhenhelooksatmeli
    ket
    hat
    ;
    wit
    hsomuchlovewr
    it
    teni
    nhiseyes.
    “
    Iloveyoumor
    e,”Isay.
    Eventhoughi
    tdoesn'
    treachhi
    seyes,
    buthesmi
    les
    genui
    nely.
    “I
    'm nothungryforsomethi
    ngthat'
    sint
    hekit
    chen.
    I'
    m hungryforsomethingbeneat
    hthatdr
    ess,
    ”he
    says.
    Ist
    andst
    il
    l,
    indef
    eat
    .
    “Comeher
    e,”heget
    supf
    rom t
    hef
    loorandpul
    lsout
    hisar
    mforme.
    Iwalkint
    ohisarm andrestmyheadonhis
    shoulder
    .Awetkisslandsonmycheek,causi
    ngmy
    l
    ipstocracki
    ntoawi desmil
    e.
    “Thankyouf
    orbei
    ngmypil
    larHlasekazi
    .Icoul
    dn'
    t
    haveaskedf
    orabett
    erwoman,”hesays.
    Icouldn'
    thaveaskedforabet
    termaneit
    her
    .Iknow
    he'
    dneverkillani
    nnocentmanonpurpose,
    especial
    lyamanwhomeantsomucht ome.But
    nowIhavet ofaceMaXulu,si
    tnextt
    oherand
    comforther
    ,knowingverywellt
    hatNdabukohada
    handinherhusband'sdeat
    h.
    .
    .
    MAQHI
    NGA

    Phumzi l
    eissweepingtheyardwhent hecarshe
    can'tr
    ecognizepull
    sup.Ast hepersoncli
    mbsout
    ofitshereal
    izesthati
    t'
    sMaqhi ngaandletsgoof
    thebroom shehadi nherhand.
    “Maqhi
    ngaisthatyou?
    ”sheasksasMaqhi nga
    walkst
    owardsher.Sheisabitemoti
    onalbecause
    i
    nherheartsheknowsthatshefai
    ledhi
    m asmuch
    asMagcinafai
    ledhim.
    “SawubonaMa,”Maqhi
    ngasaysandst opstwofeet
    awayf r
    om her
    .Theydi
    dtalkthi
    ngsthroughbuthe'
    s
    sti
    llt
    heboythatl
    ooksl
    ikehisrapi
    st-
    uncle.
    “Youscar
    edus,”Phumzilesaysandnoti
    cesaman
    cli
    mbingoutofthecarandcomingtothem.
    “I
    '
    m sorryt
    ocomeannouncedl i
    kethis.Thi
    sis
    NgcwethiMthembu,
    Ithinki
    t'
    sclearwhathedoes.
    Magcinawantsanapologyf
    rom me, onbehal
    fof
    Msawenkosi,
    ”Maqhi
    ngasaysbitter
    ly.
    Phumzi l
    eisabitshocked.Shedidn'
    texpectthings
    togetintothi
    s.Thi
    sisdoingmor edamage, t
    hey've
    bothindi
    rectl
    ymistr
    eatedthi
    sboyf orhi
    s
    remembr ancesofMsawenkosi,herandMagci na.
    AndnowMagci nawantshimt oapologi
    zeonbehal f
    ofMsawenkosi ?
    “
    Youdon'
    thavet
    odoi
    t,
    ”shet
    ell
    shi
    m.
    “Ihavet
    o.Iwanthert
    oloveme,don'
    tI?
    ”Maqhi
    nga
    saysandshrugshi
    sshoulder
    s.
    Shewant
    stotel
    lherthatMagci
    naloveshi
    m but
    l
    yingt
    ohimisnolongeranopti
    on.
    “I
    '
    m goi
    ngt
    ocallyourf
    atherandl
    ethi
    m…”Hel
    if
    ts
    hi
    shanduptostopher
    .
    “Pl
    easedon'
    t.I
    '
    llgohomewhenI
    '
    mr eady,
    ifyou
    don'
    tmindaccommodati
    ngmehereforafewdays,
    ”
    hesays.
    “Maqhingathisisyourhome,you'
    renotbei
    ng
    accommodat ed.Pleasemaketheguest
    comfortabl
    e,”shelooksatNgcwethiwho'
    sbeen
    scanningthewholeyardwithhiseyesandsi
    ghi
    ng
    nonstop.
    “
    Ndodana!
    ”shegr
    eet
    s.
    Ngcwet
    hist
    epsf
    orwar
    dandshakesherhand.
    “
    Youcancomeinsi
    dethehouse,Maqhi
    ngawi
    ll
    f
    oll
    owwit
    hyourbags,
    ”Phumzil
    esays.
    “ThankyouMr
    sNgi
    di,
    ”Ngcwet
    hisays,
    wal
    kingaf
    ter
    her.
    Shestopswi
    thafr
    ownonherf
    ace.Di
    dhemi
    stake
    herf
    orsomeone?
    “I
    'm hersi
    ster
    ,”shesays,ref
    err
    ingt
    oMagci
    nawho
    could'
    vebeenMr sNgidi.
    “Thi
    si saveryni ceplacebutther
    e'snospacef
    or
    l
    ivestock.Myf atherhadaf r
    iendaroundher
    e…”
    Owkaaay!He' snotgoi ngtoacknowledgehi
    s
    mistake,that
    'sifhemadeany.
    .
    .
    ZAMAFUZE

    Ndabukot urnedheri ntoadesper atewomant hat


    begsandr unsaf termen.Butt hi
    st imei t
    'sdif
    ferent,
    i
    thasl esstodowi thEkhayaBazot hi
    niSyndrome
    andmor et odowi thherhear t
    .Thisi sthemostr isky
    decisionshe' severt ook;goingtoaman' sfat
    her '
    s
    houset osear chforhi m.Qondani ’
    sf atherhatesher,
    that
    'soutofquest i
    on.Ndondoal sowant snothing
    todowi thherandt heirissuesgowayback, t
    hey're
    deeper .Thef actis,thewhol eSibisiclanand
    rel
    ativeswi llneverbef ondofher, butthehear t
    want swhati twants.Andr i
    ghtnow, i
    twant s
    Qondani .

    Sheaskedaboyshef oundatthetaxist
    opandhe
    gavehercleari
    nst
    ruct
    ions.I
    t'
    salmostdark,
    the
    cl
    ockisjustafewti
    cksawayf r
    om 6pm.
    Herhearti
    sbeati
    ngloudagainstherdr
    ychest.
    She'
    srecit
    edeveryprayert
    hereisandnowit
    'supt
    o
    Qondanihowhet
    akesher
    .
    Al i
    tt
    legirlplayingont heverandaseesherandr uns
    i
    nsidet hehouse.Whenshecomesbackt here'
    san
    elderwithher ;awomanwear i
    ngar edpaniforeand
    beret.She'sst ari
    ngatherasshewal kstowardst he
    house.Shei swear i
    ngaski r
    tthat'
    sjustaboveher
    kneesandst il
    ettosthatmakei tabitdi
    ff
    icultforher
    towal kont heiryard.
    “HelloMa,”shesaysshyl y.Hereyesareont
    heli
    tt
    le
    girlshedeprivedtherighttoherf
    atherf
    orawhi
    le.
    Maybeshedi dtakethisrevengethi
    ngwaytoof
    ar.
    Allshewant edwast ohur tNdondothesameway
    sheandNdabukohur ther.
    “Yebomnt anami.WhomustIsayyouar e?Thisi
    s
    myf i
    rstti
    meseei ngyouinthi
    splace,”Mam’Jabu
    askswithhereyessqui nt
    ed.She'
    stryingtocapt
    ure
    anyfeatureofherthatshecouldfamili
    ari
    ze.
    “I
    'm her
    etoseeQondani
    ,”shesays,
    nott
    oosur e
    abouttel
    li
    ngthi
    swomanhername, shemight
    chaseheroutbefor
    esheevenseesQondani.
    “
    Andyouar
    e?”Mam’
    Jabui
    snotaboutt
    olet
    someoneshedoesn' tknowinsi
    deherhouse.Yes
    thegir
    llooksbeaut
    if
    ulandinnocent,
    butaft
    erwhat
    “abeautif
    ulgi
    rl
    ”didtohersonshe'sthr
    eadi
    ng
    caref
    ull
    y.
    “I
    '
    m NomkhosiNsel
    e,
    ”Zamaf
    uzesaysandpi
    nches
    hersel
    f.
    “Oh,
    Ndondo'sf
    ri
    end?Comei n,mychild.Whydi
    dn'
    t
    youtel
    lhert
    ocallandt
    ellustoexpectyou?
    ”
    Theywalkinsi
    dethehouse.Thekidsclearfr
    om the
    l
    oungewhent hei
    rgrandmotherwalksinwitha
    fancyguest
    .Qondani’
    sOrl
    andoPiratesT-shir
    tis
    l
    yingonthecouch,whichmeanshe' ssomewher e
    around.
    “Pleasebecomfort
    able,I'
    l
    lgetyousomet hi
    ngto
    dri
    nk.HeyoNdondo, ukushonje!”She'
    sshakingher
    headi nembarr
    assmentandr ushingouttodefr
    ost
    thetrayofchi
    ckenthighs.There'
    snowayNdondo' s
    fri
    end,Khosif
    rom Durban,isgoingtoeatpot
    atoes
    andr i
    cefordi
    nner.

    Qondaniwal
    ksi
    ntohi
    smot
    herbr
    eaki
    ngpl
    atesi
    n
    t
    heki
    tchenandf
    rowns.She'
    scooki
    ngagai
    n?!
    “Changeofmenu?”heasks,l
    ooki
    ngatthetrayof
    chickent
    highssi
    nki
    nginsi
    dethebucketofwater
    .
    “Whydidn'
    tyout
    ellmeNdondohassuchbeaut i
    ful
    fr
    iends?Howembarrassingisi
    tthatshewasabout
    t
    owal konushavi
    ngpot atoesandri
    cefordi
    nner?
    Doyouknowhowi mpor t
    antNdondo’simageis?”
    “Whatareyoutal
    kingaboutJabul
    il
    emf
    azi
    kababa?
    ”
    Qondaniaskswit
    haf akesi
    gh.
    Mam'
    Jabucl
    ickshert
    onguei
    nannoyance.
    “
    Goandgreetwenahlongandl
    ebe,
    ”shesays,
    wavi
    nghi
    m awaywithherhand.

    Qondanii
    sstil
    llaughingathi
    smotherwhenhe
    walksi
    ntohiswor stnight
    mar
    esit
    ti
    ngonhis
    mother
    'scouchwi thit
    sbagonit
    slap.
    “Qondani,
    ”-She'
    suponherfeetandbeggi
    nghi
    m
    nottoleavewit
    hhereyes.
    “Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”Qondaniasksi
    nal
    ow
    voi
    ce.
    “
    Youdon'
    tanswermycal
    ls,
    ”shesays.
    Hetakesherbagt
    hatdroppedfr
    om herl
    apwhen
    shestoodupandpul
    lsherhand.

    “Qondaniwhereareyoutaki
    ngNomkhosi
    ?”
    Mam’ JabuaskswhensheseesQondanidr
    aggi
    ng
    herguestout.Ar
    etheyfi
    ghti
    ng?
    “Thisi
    sZamafuze,
    ”that
    'sal
    lhesaysbef
    ore
    draggi
    ngheroutofthedoor
    .
    Shei
    scr
    yingandbeggi
    nghi
    mtol
    ist
    en.
    Maqhawest opsabovehi
    skraalandwat
    chest
    he
    scandalpl
    ayingouti
    nhispr
    emi ses.
    “
    Don'tevercomeher
    eagain!”Qondanisaysand
    t
    hrowsherbagtoherchest.He'
    sbreathi
    ngfir
    e!
    Zamaf
    uzef
    all
    sdownonherkneesandsobseven
    l
    ouder
    .
    “Wher
    emustIgoQondaniatt
    hist
    ime?
    ”sheasks
    bet
    weent
    hesobs.
    “
    Idi
    dn'
    taskyout
    ocomeher
    e,sodon'
    tincl
    udeme
    i
    nyourpr
    obl
    ems.
    ”
    “Iknowthatyouwon'tbel
    ieveanyt
    hingthatIsay
    butIloveyouQondani.Iwanttocor
    rectmy
    mistakesandbethewomanyouwantmet obe.”
    Qondanibr
    eaksachuckl
    e.He'
    sindi
    sbel
    ief
    .
    “Youbewi
    tchedmeZamaf
    uze.Youtar
    get
    edmet
    o
    getbackt
    omysist
    er,
    ”her
    emindsher.
    “
    Iwasdesper
    ate,
    ”Zamaf
    uze.
    “
    Desper
    atef
    orwhat
    ?”
    “
    Iknewt
    hatyouwoul
    dn'
    tfal
    linl
    ovewi
    thmeunl
    ess
    i
    fIdi
    dsomethi
    ngt
    oyou.
    "
    “
    Howdi
    dyouknowt
    hat
    ?Doyoust
    ayi
    nmyhear
    t?”
    “Idon'
    tneedtost
    ayi nyourhear
    t.Ri
    ghtnow,
    atthi
    s
    moment ,pr
    ovesthat
    .Youdon'tl
    ovemeQondani,
    nobodyhaseverlovedme.Nobody!Youwould'
    ve
    beennoexcepti
    oneither.
    ”
    Qondanisi
    ghsheavi
    lyandl
    eansagai
    nstt
    he
    el
    ectr
    ici
    typol
    e.
    “
    Soyouf
    etchedumut
    hiandf
    edmesot
    hatIcan
    l
    oveyou?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Yes…”
    “
    Tal
    k!”
    “
    Igr
    atedmynail
    sinsideyourf
    oodanddr
    oppedmy
    t
    ear
    sinsi
    deyourj
    uice.”
    Si
    lence……
    “IswearI'
    m notthatcrazyQondani.ForfouryearsI
    hadamanwhodi deverythi
    ngformeandt henallof
    asuddent hingschanged;ther
    e'sachosengi rli
    n
    thepict
    ure,she'
    spregnantandgettingmar ri
    edto
    thesamemanIt ookinandoutofhospi t
    als,bathing
    andfeeding.”
    “I
    'minnocenti
    nallt
    hatZamafuze.Whydidn'
    tyou
    goandf eedhi
    m yournai
    lsandtear
    s?”Qondani
    asks.
    “BecauseIwaslooki
    ngf
    orr
    evenge,
    nothi
    slove
    anymore,”shesays.
    Hehel
    psherupandpi
    cksherbagf
    rom t
    hegr
    ound.
    “Zamafuzewearenotgetti
    ngbackt
    oget
    her.I
    '
    ll
    nevert
    rustyouoranyotherwomanagai
    n.”
    Shenodsherheadwi
    tht
    ear
    srunni
    ngdownonher
    face.
    “Again,I'
    m sorryforinvolvi
    ngyoui nallthis.Thank
    youf orshowingmet hetruemeani ngofl ove.I'
    ll
    holdont othosememor i
    esforever.Ngiyabonga
    Mahl ase,eventhoughyouwer en'tinyourr i
    ghtful
    sensesbutyouchosemeoverot her safewt imes.
    NowIknowhowi tfeelsl
    ikebeingsomeone' sall.
    Haveagoodni ght.”Shebendsdown, t
    akesof fher
    sti
    lett
    osandwal ksawaybar efooted.Sheneedst o
    hurryandcat chthel astt
    axiatthest op,hopefully
    there'
    sone.

    Qondaniwatchesuntilshedisappears.Shehasher
    shoesandbagi nhand, andrushinguptheroad
    l
    eadingtothetaxist
    op.I t
    'sdark,
    ther
    ear enotaxi
    s
    ontheroad,t
    hisisavi l
    lage.
    “Wherei
    sshegoingt
    osl
    eep?
    ”Maqhaweasksf
    rom
    behi
    nd,st
    art
    li
    nghim.
    “BabaIdidn'
    tknowyouwer
    ebehi
    ndme,
    ”hesaysi
    n
    embarrassment.
    “Youwouldn'
    thavenot
    iced,
    notwhi
    lest
    ari
    ngather
    hipsl
    iket
    hat.
    ”
    Qondanichuckl
    esandshakeshi
    shead.That
    'snot
    t
    hereasonwhyhewasst ari
    ngather
    .
    “
    Isitcr
    azyt
    hatIf
    eel
    sor
    ryf
    orher
    ?”heaskshi
    s
    f
    ather.
    “Womencr yQondani.Theyhavet
    earsfordays,
    that'
    swhyyoual waysheart
    hem advisi
    ngeach
    other-‘
    dri
    nkalotofwatermngani
    .’They'
    rej
    ust
    fi
    ll
    ingthei
    rtanksoftear
    ssothatt
    heycant r
    apus,”
    Maqhawesays.
    Qondanicr
    acksi
    ntol
    aught
    er.
    “Butyoucangiveheranotherchance,
    maybeshe'
    l
    l
    beapr operwomanthisti
    meandnotbewitchyou.
    ”
    “
    Yeah,
    maybe.
    ”
    Hopef
    ull
    yhe'
    snotgoi
    ngt
    oregr
    ett
    his.

    -
    -
    Zamaf
    uzehasbeenst
    andi
    ngher
    eforal
    most15
    minutesnowandnotevenasi ngletaxihaspassed.
    It
    'sheavil
    ydark,t
    herearenostr
    eetl
    ights,
    heronly
    safetyist
    hatther
    e'sahomesteadnearby.If
    anythinghappensshe'
    llscr
    eam f
    orhelp.

    Ohf i
    nally,
    therear
    elight
    sflashingaroundt
    he
    corner.Shepicksherbag,holdsitt
    ightl
    yonher
    chestandst epscl
    osertother oad.
    I
    t'
    savan.I
    tpul
    lsupnextt
    oherandt
    hewi
    ndow
    r
    oll
    sdown.
    “
    Geti
    nsi
    det
    hecarZamaf
    uze.
    ”
    Herthuddi
    ngheartcal
    msdownasshehear
    shis
    voi
    ce.Shedidn'
    tthi
    nkhewasgoingt
    ocome,he
    wasdone,shesawi ti
    nhi
    seyes.
    Shehurr
    iedl
    yopensthedoorandcl
    imbsi
    nbef
    ore
    hechangeshismind.
    “Youcandropmei ntown,I'
    l
    llookforaBnBto
    spendthenightandleavet
    omor r
    owmor ni
    ng,
    ”she
    saysaft
    ersettl
    ingontheseat.
    Hedoesn'
    tsayanyt
    hing,
    her
    ever
    sest
    hecarand
    dr
    ivesbackt
    othedi
    rect
    ionofhi
    shome.

    (NB:I'
    m awareofthedel
    aysf rom Paxi
    ,thosewho
    order
    edMaShengeear li
    erthi
    smont hwi l
    lreci
    eve
    thei
    rpinssoon.Don'
    tpanic!!
    )
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    12] :Chapt
    er40
    QONDANISI
    BISI

    Hismot heri
    snotpleasedatall
    ,buthisf
    atheri
    s
    ther
    et otamehispumpkin.Qondanihastodishfor
    Zamaf uzehimsel
    fbecauseafterfi
    ndi
    ngoutwho
    sher eal
    lyi
    s,Jabuchosetodistanceher
    selff
    rom
    everythi
    ng.
    “Ma, wher
    ei sthebeetroot?”Qondaniasksashe
    setsthecut l
    eryontheplate.No,he'snotenjoyi
    ng
    thiseit
    her,him andZamaf uzesti
    llhavealottotal
    k
    about,butrightnowheneedst obewel comingand
    treatherl
    ikeanyot herguest.
    “Babawhoisthataunt
    yinyourhouse?
    ”hi
    s
    daught
    erasks,pul
    li
    nghisar
    m.
    Ther
    e'snowayhe'
    sint
    roduci
    ngZamaf uzetohi
    s
    ki
    ds.Hewasgoingt
    odoi t
    ,butnotanymore.
    “ThatBaba’
    sol
    dfri
    end,
    got
    oyourgrandmother
    ,”he
    hushesherawayandhi
    smotherr
    oll
    shereyes.
    “
    Don'
    tfi
    nishmybeet
    root
    ,”shesaysbef
    orel
    eavi
    ng.
    Hetakesoutthebot
    tl
    eofbeet
    rootandaddsi
    tatt
    he
    si
    deoftheplateasasal
    ad.
    Het akesoutt hecol ddr inkandl eaveswi thitand
    thetrayoff ood.Hi sf atherhasgonet osleep.His
    fri
    endpassedon, t
    hishasshakenhi m and
    compl etel
    yr ui
    nedhi sday.Ndondocal l
    edaboutan
    houragot odel ivert hemessage, Jabuwant edto
    tel
    lheraboutZamaf uzebutMaqhawesai dno.
    Qondanishoul dbeal lowedt owor konhi s
    rel
    ationshipwi t
    hnoext ernalforces,i
    fitfail
    sagain,
    i
    tfails.Hedoesn' tneedt hepr essuretochoose
    betweenhi ssist erandsupposed- gi
    rl
    fri
    end.I f
    Zamaf uzecanpr oveherl ovef orQondani ,Ndondo
    willautomat i
    callyf orgiveherf orwhat evershe's
    donet omakeherl ifeal i
    vinghell.
    Zamaf uzej
    ustfinishedbathi
    ng,she'schangedint
    o
    hersleepi
    ngshor tandlooseT-shir
    t.Qondaniputs
    thetr
    ayoff oodont opofthetableandtakesher
    bathwaterout.
    Whenhecomesbackshe' salr
    eadyduginherfood.
    Shemust '
    vebeenveryhungr
    y.Hedeci
    desnotto
    dist
    urbherbecausewhentheytal
    khewantsthem
    tofocusandlaythei
    rhear
    tsout.

    Hegoest
    ohi
    spar
    ent
    s'bedr
    oom t
    opasst
    ime.
    Hismotheri
    ssti
    llwatchi
    ngTVwitht
    hekids,
    thi
    s
    doesn'
    tdi
    stur
    btheirpri
    vacyi
    nanyway.
    “
    You'
    rest
    il
    lup?
    ”heasks,
    wal
    kingt
    hrought
    hedoor
    .
    Hi
    sfat
    heri
    supandpuf
    fi
    nghi
    stobacco.
    “
    Isyourwi
    fegoingtobehappyaboutyousmoki
    ng
    i
    nsi
    dethehouse?”heasks.
    Maqhawechuckles,heknowst
    hatJabui
    ssti
    ll
    watchi
    ngI
    sibaya,t
    hesmel l
    woul
    dbelonggone
    whenshecomest obed.
    “
    Whyar
    eyouwor
    ri
    edaboutmywi
    feandI
    ?
    Shoul
    dn'
    tyoubewi
    thyourDl
    iso?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Dli
    so?
    ”Qondaniaskswi
    thachuckl
    e.
    “Shefeedsyouamadl
    iso,doesn'
    tshe?Sowhat'
    s
    chasi
    ngyouawayfrom yourbedroom?”heasks.
    Qondanirel
    easesal
    ongsi
    ghbef
    orel
    if
    ti
    nghi
    sface
    t
    ohisfather.
    “Idon'tknowifI'
    l
    levertr
    ustheragai
    n.Zamaf uze
    getsbitterwhenshe'
    shurti
    ng,whoknowswhat
    she'ddot omykidsifIeverhappent
    ohur theras
    well?Idon'twanttobewithapsychothatIalways
    havetol ookovermyshoulderswheneverI'
    m wit
    h,”
    Qondanisays.
    “
    Areyouplanni
    ngonhurti
    ngher
    ?”hi
    sfat
    herasks
    wit
    hhiseyesnarr
    owed.
    “
    Babayouknowhowl i
    fei
    s,somet
    imeswef
    alli
    nto
    t
    emptat
    ions,
    ”hesays.
    “Tempt at
    ions, yousay.Ithi
    nkcheatingisthedoor
    ofallproblemsi nmar ri
    ageorshouldIsay
    rel
    ationships.Lies,abuse,i
    nsecuri
    ti
    esandl ackof
    respect.Allthesearesomehowt i
    edt ocheati
    ng.A
    cheati
    ngmanl ies, hegetsinsecurebecauseoff ear
    thatsomeoneel semi ghtbedoi ngwhathe' sdoing
    withhiswoman.Andyouknowhowi nsecureman
    are,t
    hey’reabusi vebecausephysi calstrength
    becomest hei
    ronl ysourceofconf idence.Aman
    whost ayst r
    uet oonewomani sunl i
    kelytosearch
    forareasont oliet oher.So,ifyouf eell
    ikeyou'r
    e
    notreadyt ocommi tt
    oherratherleavet hat
    psychopat hi
    cwomanal one,youknowhow
    woundedsheal readyi s.
    ”Heget soffbedandgoes
    tothewi ndowt ot hrowthepieceofhi stobacco.
    “Andwhywoul dyoufal
    lint
    otemptat
    ionswhi
    le
    spendingyourni
    ght
    sonbedwi thawomanl i
    ke
    her?”heasks.
    Qondanichuckl
    esanddropshiseyesshyly.Hi
    s
    fat
    herbett
    ernotcheckouthi
    sgir
    lfr
    iend!
    “
    Thisthi
    ngi
    sthesame,onl
    yfacesar
    edi
    ffer
    ent
    ,”
    Maqhawecont
    inuesashel
    iesbackont
    hebed.
    “Babamaybeyou'r
    etoool
    dori
    nexper
    ienced.I
    t'
    s
    dif
    fer
    entnj
    e!”Qondani
    .
    “
    Howso?Theonl
    ythi
    ngt
    hatdet
    ermi
    nest
    he
    i
    ntensi
    tyofpleasur
    eisspir
    it
    ualconnect
    ion.
    Other
    wise,f
    leshisfl
    esh.
    ”
    “Urgh!That
    'sj
    ustt
    heor
    y,I
    '
    mtal
    kingf
    rom
    experi
    ence.
    ”
    “
    Well,
    goaroundsear
    chingthehot
    teroneandsee
    whatDli
    sowil
    ldotoyou.”
    Theirnot
    -soholydi
    scussioni
    sdist
    urbedbyJabu.
    Qondaniquickl
    ydragshimsel
    foutoftheroom
    beforehi
    smot herr
    estar
    tsaboutZamafuze.

    Hepassesbyhiskids'bedr
    oom beforeleavi
    ng.He
    needstomakesurethatZamaf uzeleavesear
    lyi
    n
    themorni
    ng,bef
    orehismot hercausesascenethat
    wil
    lbri
    ngthewholevil
    lage’
    sattent
    iontothem.
    Heclosesthedoorandtakesonl
    yhi
    sT-
    shi
    rtof
    f
    bef
    orecli
    mbingont hebed.
    “
    Areyouasl
    eep?
    ”heasks.
    Zamaf uzeshif
    tsandremovestheduvetf
    rom her
    face.Shethoughthewasn'tcomi
    ngback,asmuch
    assheunder standswher
    ehe'scomingfr
    om,
    rej
    ect
    ioni
    sstil
    labit
    terpi
    llt
    oswal
    lowandabl
    anket
    ofshamesti
    llhover
    soverher.
    “
    No,
    ”shesaysi
    nal
    ow,
    hoar
    sevoi
    ce.
    “You'reawar ethatwear enotjustgoingtotakeoff
    andf orgetaboutever ything.Youmadeaf ooloutof
    meZamaf uze.Youst ri
    ppedmeof fmyr i
    ghtsasa
    manandaf ather.Ican'tevenlookatmychi l
    dren
    withoutgui l
    tskinningme.Ivowedt oloveand
    suppor tmyki ds,that'
    swhyIbr oughtal
    lofthem
    here,tolivewithmypar ents.Butyouchangedal l
    that,ungenz' i
    mpat ha,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Iwasacti
    ngoutofpai
    nandIal
    lowedi
    ttocont
    rol
    me,
    ”shesays.
    “
    It
    'ssti
    llnotj
    ust
    if
    iabl
    e.Whati
    sourf
    ir
    stf
    rom her
    e?
    WheredowegoZama? ”
    “Pl
    easegi
    vemeanot
    herchance.Iwon'
    tletyou
    downagai
    n.”
    “Whataboutmyf amil
    y?Doyour eali
    zethatyou
    didn'
    tjusthurtme,youhurtmypar ents,
    myki ds
    andmysi st
    er.Andallt
    hesepeoplehavenotdone
    anythi
    ngwr ongtoyou.Sbaribr
    okeyourhear t,not
    us.Notevenmysi
    ster
    .Youoweal
    lofusan
    apol
    ogy.”
    “IfIdogetachance,
    I'
    llapol
    ogi
    ze.
    ”Shewi
    pesthe
    tearescapi
    nghereyewi t
    hherel
    bowandl
    ooks
    away.
    “You'
    rebeautif
    ulMaFuze,youshoul dn'
    tbestoopi
    ng
    solow.Anyguywoul dbel uckytohaveyou, t
    hose
    thatl
    etyougoar eatl
    oss.It'
    llt
    aketimeformet obe
    comfortabl
    ewi t
    hyourfoodandt ofull
    ytrustyou,
    butI'
    m will
    ingtogi
    veusanot hertr
    y.Stopbeinga
    babynowandcomeher e.”Hepul l
    sherheadt ohis
    chestandrubsherback.
    “Whydidyouwearashort?Youknowwhatyour
    thi
    ghsdotome,”heasksinalowvoice,
    hishand
    caressi
    nghert
    highundert
    heduvet.
    “ComeonQondani
    .”She’
    sbl
    ushingandli
    cki
    ngher
    bott
    om l
    ips,
    whi
    chalwaysdr
    ivesQondanicr
    azy.
    “Gi
    vemethatdanceagain…whatdoyoucal
    lit
    ?”
    He'
    str
    yingt
    ocollecthi
    smemor yandshe'
    s
    l
    aughi
    ngherlungsoff.
    “
    Lapdance?Ineedmusi
    ctodosoandIneedt
    obe
    i
    nahappymood,
    ”shesays.
    “Mahlasecanputyouinahappymood, ”hesays,
    hishandsli
    dingundert
    hewaistofhershort
    .
    “Whyisitsowarmi nsi
    dehere?”heasks,pushing
    hisfi
    ngerbetweenherfol
    dsandi nhal
    ingsharply
    betweenhisteet
    h.She'
    sthebestMahl asehasever
    had.Hiserect
    ionishar
    deningandt hr
    eateni
    ngt o
    bursthi
    szipper.
    “
    Doyouknowt
    hatyou'
    reagol
    d?”heasks.
    Zamaf
    uzesmi
    lesandshakesherhead.
    “You'r
    eagol dZamafuze.Let'
    sgetnakedandgreet
    eachot herappr
    opri
    atel
    y.Ihaven'
    tseenyouina
    l
    ongt i
    me, Idon'
    tevenrememberitsshapeand
    colour,
    ”hesays.
    He'snakedwit
    hinthedr
    opofahatandlyi
    ngonthe
    bed,watchi
    ngherasshetr
    iest
    osqueezeherhi
    ps
    outoftheshor
    t.
    “
    Whohur
    tyoubehi
    ndyourr
    ightt
    high?
    ”heasks.
    Itshoul
    d'vefadedawaybynow,shepai
    dthebest
    dermatol
    ogistwithNdabuko'
    smoneyandsheused
    togivehercr
    eamst or emovet hi
    smar k.Nobody
    evernoti
    cesitbecauser eall
    y,i
    t'
    snotthatbi
    g.It
    onlymakesheruncomf ortabl
    ebecausesheknows
    whatwentdownbet weenherandhermot herthe
    daysheleftt
    hismar konher .
    “Oh,Iwaspl
    ayi
    ngwithmyfr
    iends.Sti
    llyoungand
    carel
    ess.
    ”Shel
    iesonhi
    sarm andstaresathiseyes.
    They'r
    egoodnow,i
    t'
    shi
    sfamilyshestil
    lneedsto
    faceandgothr
    ough.
    “Umuhl eukuthiuyahlanyanje.”(You'
    rebeauti
    ful,
    it'
    s
    j
    ustt hatyou'recrazy)He'spinchinghernose
    playful
    ly.Again,she'sblushi
    ngandt ri
    ppingover
    herfeelings.Thisfeelsgreat
    ,bettert
    hananything
    she'severhad.
    .
    .
    THALENTE

    Hejustl
    ethi
    mselfi
    nsi
    demyshackandmade
    hi
    mselfcomfor
    tabl
    eonmybed.Ihaven'
    tseenhi
    m
    si
    ncethedayheleftf
    orhi
    ssi
    ster
    'sf
    uner
    al.We
    spokeovert
    hephoneafewti
    mesandhewasj ust
    notinagoodspace.
    “
    Howar eyou?”Iask,
    standi
    ngagai
    nstmyf
    ragi
    le
    woodentabl
    e.
    “Imissyou,
    ”-he'
    snotanswer
    ingme.I'
    vebeen
    meaningtoaskiftheyf
    oundMaqhingabuthi
    sface
    saysital
    lri
    ghtnow.He'
    sfarf
    rom bei
    ngokay.
    “
    Areyoust
    ayi
    ng?
    ”Iask.
    “Iwashopi
    ngthatwe'
    l
    lspendt
    heni
    ghtatmy
    house,
    ”hesays.
    Inodandpickmybagt
    ost
    artpacki
    ngmyover
    night
    necessi
    ti
    es.
    “
    HaveyouseenRaj
    ?”heasks.
    Thi
    sisasurpri
    sequest
    ion!Wehaven'
    tdi
    scussed
    hi
    m si
    ncethatday.
    “Notcl
    ose,hepar
    ksoutsidethegatenowand
    doesn'
    tsethi
    sfootinsi
    dethecanteen.Whatdi
    d
    yousaytohim?”Iask.
    “
    Say?Idon'
    tspeakI
    siNdi
    yami
    na,
    ”hesays.
    Nowhe'
    sbei
    ngdr
    amat
    ic.
    “
    Okay,
    whatdidyoudot
    ohim?It
    'ssounl
    ikehim not
    t
    osayanyt
    hingwhenheseesmepassi
    ngby,”Iask.
    “
    Youdon'
    twantt
    oknow,
    ”hesays.
    Igi
    vehi
    m al
    ook.Hecracksabr
    iefchuckl
    ethat
    melt
    smyheart
    .Ihat
    eseeinghi
    ml ooki
    ngli
    keasad
    cow.
    “
    Packsi
    siwakwaMbathaandstoptr
    yingt
    othr
    eat
    en
    mewit
    hyoursexyeyes,
    ”hesays.
    Whyam Isuddenl
    ybl
    ushi
    ng?It
    hrowmyl
    oti
    ons
    i
    nsi
    dethebagandzipi
    t.
    “
    Whydon'
    tyoumovei
    nwi
    thme?
    ”heasks.
    Ist
    opblushi
    nginst
    ant
    ly.Movi
    ngi
    nwi
    thhi
    m?Ri
    ght
    now?Thisyear
    ?
    “
    Huh?”Ihear
    dhi
    mthef
    ir
    stt
    imebutIst
    il
    lneedhi
    m
    t
    orepeat
    .
    “Ineedyoucl
    oseandt hi
    spl
    aceisnotsaf
    eforyou.I
    haveabighouse,Il
    iveal
    oneand…”Whooah!He
    muststopri
    ghtther
    e.
    “
    Iwon'tl
    ivewi
    thamanI
    '
    m notmar
    ri
    edt
    oNdl
    ali
    fa,
    ”I
    t
    ellhi
    m.
    “
    Thenmar
    ryme,
    ”hesays.
    Il
    etoutasighofdef
    eat
    .Hej
    ustmovedf
    rom 50t
    o
    180.Real
    lynow?
    “
    Yourbr
    otheriscomingbackNdlal
    if
    a.Icannever
    r
    epl
    acehim orfi
    llanygapyouhaveinyourhear
    t.
    ”
    “Idi
    dn'
    taskyoutor
    epl
    aceMaqhi
    nga.Justsayno
    andenditt
    here.
    ”
    Arewefi
    ght
    ingnow?Ishoul
    dbemadeawareif
    t
    here'
    safi
    ghtgoi
    ngonandI'l
    lcockal
    lmyguns.
    “Youcan'
    tmeetmet womonthsagoandaskmet o
    marryyou.I
    tdoesn'
    thappenthatway.Idi
    dn'
    tleave
    hometosearchforahusband,Icamehereto
    work!
    ”Isay.
    “Youranswercould'
    vebeenjust‘
    NO'
    Thal
    ent
    e,not
    thi
    swholegarbageyou'regi
    vingmenow,
    ”hesays
    andgetsuponhi sfeet
    .
    “
    Areyoucomi
    ng?
    ”He'
    sst
    andi
    ngbyt
    hedoor
    ,ready
    t
    oleave.
    Idon'
    tsayanyt
    hing.Ij
    ustst
    andnextt
    omybagand
    l
    ookathim.

    Hel eaves.Idon'tf
    oll
    owhi m,i
    nst
    eadIunpackmy
    bagandsi tonthebed.Whyar ewefi
    ght
    ing?Al
    lI
    saidwast hatIcan'tmarryormoveinwit
    hhim,and
    thatmakessense, IalwaysmakesensewhenI
    speak.
    IwashopingthatI
    'l
    lgetl
    aidtonight
    ,butl
    if
    e
    happened.It
    akemysal t
    y-asstothedoorandlocki
    t.
    He'snotcomingback,i
    t'
    sbeenover10mi nutes
    now.
    Idr
    agmysel
    font
    hebedandpul
    lupt
    hecover
    s.

    “Thal
    enteopent
    hedoor
    !”I
    t'
    shi
    m.WTFi
    shest
    il
    l
    doinghere?
    Idon’tr
    espond.Washewai
    ti
    ngf
    ormet
    ocl
    oset
    he
    door?Whyisheevenangr
    yatme?
    “
    Thal
    ent
    eIdon'thavet
    imeforyourgames.Open
    t
    hedoor
    ,I'
    vebeenwait
    ingf
    oryouf orover10
    mi
    nut
    esi
    nthecar
    .”
    Hethi
    nksthi
    sisagame?Hide-
    and-seekor
    somet
    hing?No,I
    '
    m notpl
    ayi
    nghere.
    Ihearhi
    m cur
    sing;“
    Fuck!”andtheni
    t'
    squietf
    ora
    moment.Maybehe'sleavi
    ng….ormaybenot.
    Somethi
    nghi
    tst
    hedoorandbr
    eaksi
    tint
    otwo
    pi
    eces.
    Mydoor
    !Ij
    umpof
    fthebedasi
    thi
    tsagai
    n.
    Hepushest hebrokendoort othefl
    oorandwalksi
    n.
    I'
    m beyondtraumatized.Myneighbour'
    sli
    ght
    sjust
    cameon, I
    'm sureeveryonehaswokenupandsoon
    they'
    l
    lbeher etowatcht hedramaunfol
    ds.
    “Thi
    siswhatyouwanted,
    right
    ?Ihaveenter
    ed,I
    camebacktogetmadam, nowtakeyourbag.Or
    youwantmet ocar
    ryyou?”heasks.
    Hashel
    osthi
    smi
    nd?Hebr
    okemypoordoor
    !

    Therear
    evoi
    cesout
    side.Thel
    andl
    ordi
    sher
    e!I
    '
    min
    deepshi
    t.
    “Whodidthi
    s?”heasks.He'
    swi
    thhi
    swi
    feand
    othert
    enant
    s.
    “Thebag!”Ndl
    ali
    fasaystome.Hi
    sbacki
    sagai
    nst
    thedoorwayandthelandl
    ordi
    sst
    andi
    ngbehi
    nd
    him.
    “
    Youbr
    okethedoor
    ,”It
    ellhi
    m.Thi
    sshoul
    dregi
    ster
    i
    nhi
    shead.
    “Pl
    easetakeyourvi ol
    entboyf r
    iendandleave.You
    aredist
    urbi
    ngot hertenants.We'lldi
    scussmydoor
    i
    nt hemorning.”Khumal oisani celandl
    ordbutri
    ght
    nowyoucant el
    lthathe'spissed.
    “Ar
    etheynotgoingtost
    ealherbel
    ongingsher
    e?”
    Thenervethi
    smanhas!Hebr okethedoorandnow
    hecarestoaskaboutmybelongi
    ngs?
    “
    Idon'
    tknow,
    ”thel
    andl
    ordsays.
    “Don'tleaveanythi
    ngimport
    anthere.We'
    l
    lfi
    t
    everythinginsi
    detheboot
    ,”hesaystome.
    DoIhaveachoi ce?He'stur
    nedmeintoast
    reet
    -
    adul
    t.Ihavenopl acetosl
    eep,
    nosafepl
    acetokeep
    myper sonalbel
    ongings!
    -
    -
    Weonl yl
    eftthebedandthetabl
    e.Everyt
    hingel
    sei
    s
    her
    ei nsi
    dethecarandgoingtohishouse.Me
    i
    ncluded,he'
    stranspor
    ti
    ngmet ohishouse.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    ethere'
    snoneedf
    oryounottospeakt
    o
    me,
    ”he'
    sdri
    vingtoosl
    owi
    naquietr
    oad.
    Wel
    l,I
    '
    m notgoingt
    ospeaktohim unti
    lhef
    ixesthi
    s
    messhecreat
    ed.He'
    snotgoingt
    ot r
    ickmeinto
    movi
    nginwithhimli
    ket
    his.

    Hedri
    vesoutofther
    oadandstopst
    hecar
    .Not
    anot
    herst
    unt!I
    '
    m notready.
    “Al
    lI'm aski
    ngisf
    oryoutogi
    vemeahome,”he
    saysafterswit
    chi
    ngtheengi
    neof
    f.I
    t'
    sdar
    kand
    quietouthere.
    “Yousaidyouwant
    edlovefrom me,notahome.
    That'
    ssomethi
    ngyourparentscoul
    d'vegi
    vent
    o
    you,
    ”Itel
    lhim.
    “
    Mypar
    ent
    scouldn'
    thavegivenmekidsand
    war
    medmybed.Iwantthatfr
    om you,
    ”hesays.
    Asift
    hat
    '
    stheonlyt
    hingawomancangi
    veaman;
    ki
    dsandvagi
    na.
    “
    Whataboutmydr
    eams?
    ”
    “
    Whatdr
    eams?
    ”
    Thi
    sisaninsul
    t!SoIdon'
    thavedr
    eamsi
    nhi
    s
    st
    upideyes?
    I
    '
    m get
    ti
    ngoutoft
    hiscar
    .

    “Thalentewherear
    eyougoing?
    ”He'saroundt
    he
    carinstant
    ly,
    befor
    eIcaneventakesi
    xstepsaway.
    “Givemesomet hingMaMbat ha,I'
    m notfi
    ghti
    ng
    withyou,myheadi sj
    ustallovertheplace.That
    's
    whyIneedyounextt ome, li
    fehast ur
    nedonme, I
    don'thaveanyonewholooksaf terme.Evenifit
    's
    anempt ypromiseThal
    ente,givemesomet hi
    ngto
    sleepon.Please!
    ”
    Idon'
    tknowwhat'
    sgoingon.He'samess.Iputmy
    guarddownandpullhi
    sfacetome.Hekissesme
    backandwrapshi
    shandsar oundmyneck.
    Wemoveback, mytonguegoingdowni
    nhi
    sthr
    oat
    ,
    unt
    ilhe'
    sleani
    ngagai
    nstthecar.
    Mydoori
    snotfaci
    ngtheroad,Ir
    ever
    seandl
    ie
    backont
    heseat.I
    t'
    sabitwindyandcol
    d.
    Hedoesn'
    taskquest
    ions,
    Ifeelhi
    sfi
    nger
    sli
    ft
    ingup
    t
    helaceofmypantyandshift
    ingi
    tasi
    de.
    Herubshi
    sshaftonmycl
    itandaroundmyopeni
    ng.
    Assoonashefeelst
    hemoisthet
    hrustsi
    n.
    Her
    eleasesamoanandsl
    amsi
    nhar
    der
    .
    I
    'm gr
    it
    ti
    ngmyt
    eet
    handkeepi
    ngmymoansbel
    ow
    mychest.
    “Mygoodness, Thalent
    eIloveyou!”Hisgroansar
    e
    getti
    nglouder.Ihavetopushhim offt
    heedgeso
    thathecanr eachhisbreaki
    ngpointsoon.Idon'
    t
    wantt obecaughthavingsexont hesideofthe
    roadatnight.

    Hepul
    lsoutandwrapshi
    shandar
    oundhi
    sshaf
    t
    andmassagesi
    t.
    “
    Pleasegi
    vemef
    rom behi
    nd.IswearI
    '
    llbef
    ast
    ,”he
    says.
    Gosh,
    Idugmyowngr
    ave!
    Icl
    imboutandhol
    dontheseatwit
    hmybehi
    ndout
    i
    nthewind.Lor
    d,mybumsarefr
    eezing!
    Hi
    strouserandbr
    ief
    shavesl
    idedowntohi
    sankl
    es.
    Heholdsontomywaistandi
    nser
    tshi
    mself
    .
    “Thalent
    ethist
    hingi
    ssofucki
    n’good.Whatdoyou
    doit?”Hispaceisi
    ncr
    easi
    ngandhisstrokesar
    e
    gett
    ingharder.
    Hepul l
    soutandr ubsitovermycl i
    t.If
    eelabubble
    ofairescapingandbuzzingoutlikeafart
    .Mychest
    dri
    esupi mmedi at
    ely.Hemustn'tdarethi
    nkIfar
    ted.
    Idon'tknowwhatt hefu€kiswrongwi thi
    t?Maybe
    heopenedi ttoowide.

    Heinser
    tshimsel
    fregar
    dlessofmydi
    scomf
    ortand
    pul
    lsoutagai
    n.
    “
    Queefmyqueen,
    ”hesays.
    Idon'
    tknowwhatthatmeans,
    allIknowisthatt
    his
    i
    sembar r
    assi
    ngnowandIwanthi mt obedone.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fapl
    easef
    ini
    sh,
    ”Isay.
    Hedoesthethrust
    ingandpull
    ingoutnonsense
    agai
    n,andthi
    stime,Ir
    eleaseairf
    ort
    hesecond
    ti
    me.Ablanketofshamehoversoverme.
    Awetki
    ssl
    andsonmybut
    t-
    cheek.
    “
    It
    'sgreeti
    ngDaddy,
    ”hesayswi
    thachuckl
    eand
    t
    hrust
    si nabi
    tslower
    .
    Iwanttheear
    thtoopenupandswall
    owme.How
    canthi
    sorganembarrassmeli
    kethi
    s?Greeti
    nghim
    forwhat?He'
    senjoyi
    ngthi
    sandfi
    ndi
    ngitfunny.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    14] :Chapt
    er41
    Bheki
    zit
    ha“
    Ngonyama”Ngi
    di

    It'
    sbeenweekssi nceSnakhopassedon.Ther eare
    ti
    meswhenhesl eepsinherbedr oom andrelyon
    thesleepingpil
    ls.Sayingthathemi ssesherwoul d
    beanunder st
    atement, andthathasaffect
    edhi s
    relat
    ionshipwithSnalo.Hehasn' tbeenthereforher
    asmuchashewassupposedt o.Ndlali
    fadoesn't
    comet ohi shouseveryof ten;i
    t'
    sjusthim,Snalo
    andhishousekeeper
    ,Thobi
    le,
    mostoftheti
    mes.
    Khosiisbackatworkbutshecomestocheckon
    them f
    rom ti
    metotime.
    Unfort
    unat el
    yt her
    e'snoreti
    rementint
    het axi
    i
    ndustry,it
    'sjustawor dheusesbecausehedoesn' t
    gotothet axiranknorattendanyoftheirmeetings
    anymor e.Buthe'sstil
    lverymuchinvol
    ved, you
    touchoneofhi sboys,youtouchthesocketofhis
    eye!
    Het oldNdlali
    fatof i
    ndt heNgemas, somest upi
    d
    boysdr ivi
    ngtheirfather'scrappyt axisl
    ocall
    y.
    Ndlalif
    adoesn'twast et i
    me, hedi gsyououtof
    what everholeyouar einandbr ingyout ojusti
    ce.
    EvenNgonyamawasn' truthlessashi m whenhe
    washi sage.Butt hat'sanel ementoneneedst o
    survivetheindustrythey'rein.Maqhi ngawasn' t
    exposedt omuchgr owi ngup, heonl ystar
    ted
    holdingagunat21.

    Ngidiputshisbestsui
    tonandtakeshi
    sbri
    efcase
    andwal ksoutofhisbedr
    oom l
    ookingl
    ikea
    pr
    ofessi
    onalbusi
    nessman.
    “Youareleaving?”Thobil
    easks,standi
    ngbehinda
    bucketofwat er.She'
    smoppi ngthepassage
    l
    eadingtohi sbedroom forthesecondti
    me,ifnot
    thi
    rd,t
    oday.Heknowsver ywellwhatshewant sbut
    he'sgoi
    ngt hroughar oughpatchatthemoment
    andsexwon’ tbeanysol uti
    on.
    “Thi
    ngol
    wenkosazanewil
    ltel
    lyouwhatshewants
    fordi
    nner
    .I'
    l
    lbebacklat
    e,ifyoucan,pl
    easekeep
    hercompanyunti
    lshegoestosleep,
    ”hesays.
    Thobil
    esecretl
    yrol
    lshereyes.Shewasnot
    employedtonannya27yearol dtwi
    nwithan
    underl
    yingsti
    nkyat
    tit
    ude!
    “
    That
    'sover
    ti
    me,
    whati
    fIhavepl
    ans?
    ”sheasks.
    “
    Thobil
    edon'
    tbehar
    d.I
    ’l
    lgiveyouat
    tent
    ionwhen
    I
    '
    m alr
    ight
    .Pl
    easel
    ookaft
    ermydaughter,
    ”hesays.
    Herli
    pscr
    acki
    ntoasmil
    e,r
    eveal
    inganar
    rowgap
    bet
    weenherCol
    gat
    e-whi
    tet
    eeth.
    “
    Mommyduties?
    ”It'
    sal
    waysbeencleart
    hatshe
    want
    stobemorethanj
    ustaf
    u€k-keeper
    .
    “Callmeifsheneedsanyt hi ng,”Ngonyamasays,
    i
    gnor i
    nghercheerfulface.He' l
    lneversettl
    edown
    withagirlt
    woyear syoungert hanhisson.It'
    sher
    bodyhe'sgottenusedt oandhermaki ngsurethat
    hishouselooksperfect,othert hanthatshe'
    s
    nothingspeci
    al.Evenifshewashi sage,she'
    snot
    someonehewoul d'
    vewant edaf uturewit
    h.

    Hewal ksonSnal
    owatchingTV.Shewat ches
    normalmoviesnow.Slowl
    ybutsurel
    y,she's
    crawl
    ingoutofhercr
    eepyshel
    l.
    “MaNgidi
    ,I
    'm goi
    ngtoameeti
    ng.I
    ’
    llpr
    obabl
    ycome
    backveryl
    ate,
    ”hetel
    lsher
    .
    “
    Ithoughtyouret
    ir
    ed.Whycan'
    tNdlal
    if
    aattendthis
    meeti
    ngonyourbehalf?
    ”sheasks,
    herfaceclouded
    wit
    hdisappoi
    ntment.
    Shet houghtmovingher
    ewouldbri
    ngt hem cl
    oser
    ,
    butthisti
    meherf at
    heri
    stheonekeepingdist
    ance.
    It'
    sverywrongofhertocomparehowhewaswi th
    Snakhot ohowhei swit
    hher.Shepushedhim away,
    that'
    swhyhel oveshermore.
    “Si
    tt
    ingherewi
    lldr
    ivemecrazy.Ineedt
    ogoout
    andexersi
    zemybrain,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Iunderst
    and,
    ”shenodsandt
    urnsherheadbackt
    o
    t
    hescreeninf
    rontofher
    .
    “
    Areyoubusyt omorr
    ow? ”Ngi
    diasksbef
    ore
    wal
    kingoutofthedoor.Hecanfeelt
    hedri
    ftt
    ooand
    t
    hat
    'ssomethinghedoesn'twant
    .
    “
    I'
    m goi
    ngbackt
    owor
    k,”shesays.
    “Okay,
    maybewecanhaveasmal ldinnerherei
    n
    thehouse.Thobi
    lewi
    llor
    gani
    zeever
    ything,
    ”he
    says.
    “
    Alr
    ight
    ,bye!
    ”
    “
    Don'
    tchasemeoutofmyhouse.
    ”
    Shelaughs.Hi
    shear
    tmel
    ts,
    heshakeshi
    sheadand
    l
    eaves.

    Maqhi ngaandSnakhoshoul d’
    vebeenhereaswell
    .
    It
    'sheartwrenchi
    ngt hathi
    sfamil
    ydinnerwi
    llonl
    y
    consistoftwopeople.Justaweekago,hehadabi g
    famil
    y, t
    heyhadat r
    ipandeveryonewashavinga
    goodt i
    me.IfSnalodeci
    dest
    ogobackt
    oKhosihe'
    ll
    beleftallal
    one,
    withonl
    ymemori
    esofhowhappy
    hi
    sf amilyoncewas.
    -
    -
    Ndlali
    far oughedupt heNgemaboys, twooft hem
    areundert heintensit
    ycar einhospi talandonewas
    dischargedear l
    ythismor ning.They' renotNgi di
    's
    concern, thosear ehissons’ peersandhedoesn' t
    fi
    ghtwit hki ds.He'scomi ngforthebi gfi
    sh,
    NhlekeleleNgema.Themandecl aredwarbet ween
    hissonsandNdabuko, allbecausehewentagai nst
    Nhlekelele’spointintheassoci ationmeet ing.
    Ndabukoi sani ntel
    lectofther ank, hehasadegr ee,
    sowhenhespeakshebr ingsf orwar dfact
    ualpoi nts
    andpeopl elist
    ent ohim.I t
    'snotanyone' sfaultthat
    Nhlekeleledi dn'
    tsendhi ssonst oschoolandt heir
    brainswor kwithdieselthatusual lyrunsout .
    “Ntusiyenkomo!Ihadt owearmybestsui tand
    carrymyt oolsinmyexpensivebr i
    efcase.My
    daught ert
    hinksI'minameeting,wher easI'
    mj ust
    heret oarr
    angeyourmeet i
    ngwi ththeMaker .How
    hil
    ariousisthat?”He'
    staki
    ngof fhiswr i
    st-
    watch.
    Nhl
    ekel
    elei
    sti
    edonast
    eel
    chai
    randbandaged
    ar
    oundhismouth.
    “Wehavet odothisquickly.Idon'
    twantyoutobe
    l
    ateforyourfi
    rstdinnerinhell,
    ”hesays,empt
    yinga
    stackofbl
    ankpaper sfrom hisbri
    efcaseandt
    aking
    outhisgun.
    “Wait,bef
    oreyoul
    eavendodayamadodahel pme
    here…”Heuntiest
    hebondagearoundNhlekelel
    e’s
    mout handdragsanemptychai
    randsit
    si nfrontof
    him.
    “Ihavethi
    swoman, verybeaut i
    fulandkind.Il
    oved
    hersist
    erverymuch, Isti
    lldo.IfIhadachancet o
    bri
    ngsomeonebackt ol i
    fe,I'
    dbringherback.Ihave
    nodoubtt hatshewast hel oveofmyl i
    fe-someone
    Iwasmadet obewi t
    h.Isitwr ongofmet owishto
    l
    ivethelif
    eIdr eamedforherwi thhersister
    ?”he
    asksandst aresatNhlekelele’
    sbloodshoteyes.
    “
    Ngonyamal
    etmego,
    ”hesaysi
    nlow,
    pai
    nedvoi
    ce.
    “Amandoesn'tcr
    yNgema, you'
    reembarrassi
    ng
    your
    sel
    f.So,
    doyout hi
    nkIshouldtel
    lthi
    swoman
    orfi
    ndsomeoneelse?I
    'm ol
    dnowNhl ekelel
    e,i
    fI
    di
    esomeoneneedstositonthemat
    tress.Doyou
    havesomeonewho’
    l
    lsitonthematt
    ressforyou
    l
    atert
    oday?”
    “Mngomezuluwasn'
    thur
    t.Ther
    e'snoneedf
    ort
    his,
    ”
    Nhlekel
    elebegs.
    Ngonyamacl ickshistongueandpushesbackt he
    chair.Hewrapst hebondagearoundhismouth
    again.Hewasgoi ngt
    okillhi
    m,butthefactt
    hathe
    ref
    usest oadvicehim hasgrant
    edhim ascrotum
    surgery.

    Hepul
    lsNhlekelel
    e’
    str
    ouserdownt
    ohi
    sankl
    esand
    put
    spl
    asti
    cgl oveson.
    “Wipeyourarses,
    people.Seenowyou'r
    egoingto
    themorguesmel l
    ingfeaces,
    ”hesaysbef
    oreki
    cking
    Nhlekel
    ele’
    schair
    .Itt
    urnsupsidedownwithhi
    m
    str
    appedoni t
    .
    He'smaki nghisjobhar d.Hewant edthi
    stobea
    successfulsurgery,hewant edtosli
    cehisscrot
    um
    i
    ntot wohalvesbef orepepper-spr
    ayingtheopened
    cut,butt
    hei di
    otisf i
    ghting.
    Heput
    sabull
    etbetweenhi
    seyest
    osi
    lencehi
    s
    dr
    amati
    csmell
    y-ass.

    He'sdoneandf eel
    ingbettert
    hanear
    li
    er.Atleast
    he'ssti
    llabl
    et oprotectNdabuko,
    somethinghe
    promisedNhl anzekot odo.He'
    snotacompl ete
    fai
    lur
    e.
    Hecall
    shisboystocl
    eanupwhi
    lehegoest
    othe
    bat
    hroom t
    ocleanhi
    mself
    .

    -
    -
    NDONDO

    WebidfarewelltoBab’ Mbamboonar ai
    nySaturday.
    Bant
    wanaHol dingst ookcareofallt
    heexpenses,
    Ndabukoinsi
    stedoni t
    .Hecouldn'
    tbringhimsel
    fto
    cometothefuner albecausehe'sdrowninginguil
    t.

    Bab'
    MaqhaweandMam’
    Jabuwer
    edr
    ivenher
    eby
    Qondani.I
    ’
    m notsureifIwantt
    obe“bowedto"or
    j
    ustpathet
    ic,
    becauseIhaveconcl
    udedthathe
    di
    dn'tgr
    eetmeonpur pose.

    Mypar entscamet oo,they'r


    ever ysupport
    ivelat
    ely.
    I'
    m backont heirgoodbooksandget ti
    ngthe
    breadwinnertreatment .TheMngomezul u
    delegati
    onisgoi ngtoNyandenii naweek'stime,I'
    m
    notsureifthey'r
    egoi ngt oattend.Mymot herhas
    somever ypersonali ssueswi thBab'Maqhawe.
    She'sagoodexampl eofabi tterex,
    Imeanwhy
    woul danyonehat eMam' Jabu?Shel efthi
    mf orhis
    brotherbutshedi dn'twantanyonet ohavehi m
    afterher.

    IwalkinsidethetentandsearchforQondaniwith
    myeyes.Hewasamongt hemenwhower efi
    ll
    ing
    upthegr ave.Mostofthem havecomebackf rom
    theri
    verandr ecei
    vingtheirr
    efr
    eshments.
    Therehei
    s,si
    tt
    ingatt
    hecor
    nerwi
    thabot
    tl
    einhi
    s
    hand.
    Ipusht
    hroughpeopl
    eandst
    andbehi
    ndhi
    m.
    “
    Howl
    ongar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    oignor
    eme?
    ”Iask.
    He'
    sst
    artl
    ed.Heput
    sdownthei
    cybot
    tl
    eofbeerhe
    wasdr
    inki
    ngandli
    ft
    shi
    seyestome.
    “
    Ididn'
    tseeyouwit
    ht hi
    shugestomach.You'
    renot
    r
    ecognizabl
    e.Wher
    e'syourLazar
    us?
    ”He'ssti
    llan
    i
    diot
    !
    Ipullanemptychai
    randmakemysel
    fcomf
    ort
    abl
    e
    nexttohim.
    “MyLazarusi
    sinDur
    ban.Howfardi
    dyourlovef
    or
    Zamafuzego?Wasn'
    tIr
    ight
    ?Comeon,thankme
    bro,
    ”Isay.
    “ThankyouNdondoyamahl ase,butIhave
    somethingtotel
    lyou.Iwon' tt
    ellyouherethough,
    becauseIknowt hatyou'l
    lbemadatme.Onot her
    news,todayyourmot herhuggedme.Wemetatt he
    cemeteri
    esandshewashappyt oseeme. ”
    Wel
    l,t
    hat
    'sreal
    lynews.Mymotherhuggi
    ng
    Maqhawe’
    sson?I tmi
    ghtr
    ainevenmore.
    “
    Didshesayanyt
    hing?
    ”Iaski
    nawe.
    “No,shejustsai
    dIl
    ooklikemyfat
    herandaskedt
    he
    nit
    ty-
    gri
    tt
    yaboutmylif
    e,”hesays.
    Thi
    sisint
    erest
    ing.Qondaniget
    sahugbecausehe
    l
    ooksli
    keBab'Maqhawe!
    .
    .
    MAQHAWESI
    BISI

    Hedeci destostr
    etchhislegsandwalksoutofthe
    yard.Henevergott hechancetosaygoodbyetohis
    fr
    iend,justl
    iket
    hat,deathhascrawl
    edinand
    snatchedhim wit
    hinthebl i
    nkofaneye.I
    ntheshort
    ti
    met hattheyspenttogetherMbambowasmor eof
    abr ot
    hertohimthanDumi sani
    haseverbeen.

    He'
    sal soher
    e,inhisshinysui tandthi
    ckBibl
    e.Hi
    s
    wif
    e,Maqhawe’ sfi
    rstlove,iseverywher
    ewithhi
    m.
    Peoplebowtot hem,theyhavet hestampof
    hol
    inessontheirbacks.Peopl eseeGodi nt
    hem.
    Dumisanicarr
    ieshimsel fl
    ikeoneofJesus’
    di
    sci
    pli
    nesandcast
    sst
    onesatever
    yoneasi
    fhe'
    s
    wi
    thoutasi
    n.

    Maqhawelight
    shisci
    gar et
    teandl
    eansagainst
    Qondani
    'svanandsmokes.Mbambodi dsaythat
    hecamef r
    om abeauti
    fulvi
    ll
    ageandindeed,t
    he
    mountai
    nsaregreenandpeoplearefr
    iendl
    y.
    Someonecl ear
    sat hroatbehindhi
    m.Hewasso
    absorbedinhisthoughtsthathedi
    dn'
    tevenhear
    thefootst
    eps.
    Nomagugu?Whati sshedoinghere?She'
    snothi
    ng
    l
    ikethegir
    lhewasonceheadoverheel si
    nlove
    wit
    h.She'sachurchqueennow, wear
    inghi
    ghheels
    andpantyhose,andt
    hosewi de-
    bri
    mmedhatethat
    coul
    dsheltert
    hewholevil
    lage.
    “
    SoyouandJabuar
    eplayingahappyf
    ami
    lywi
    th
    mydaught
    er?
    ”Nott
    hisagain!
    He'sherefort
    hef
    uner
    al,
    nott
    ofi
    ghtoverhi
    s
    daughter
    .
    “
    NomaguguIdon'
    twantt
    ofi
    ght
    ,”hesays.
    “That'
    smydaughter
    .Nother s!Andyou'
    renotgoi
    ng
    totakemydaughter
    'slobolaMaqhawe,youdidn'
    t
    evenpayachickenforher.Dumisanidi
    d.”
    Hethrowstheci
    garet
    teaway.Fur
    yiscrashi
    ng
    t
    hroughhisvei
    ns.Howdareshetri
    estoturnthi
    s
    i
    ntoalobol
    abattl
    e?!
    “Di
    dyougivemeachancet
    opayf
    ort
    hedamages?
    ”
    heasks.
    “Paywit
    hwhatMaqhawe?Yourbal
    ls?
    ”MaMf undi
    si
    hasfl
    ownwit
    hthewind.Thi
    sri
    ghtherei
    sthe
    Nomaguguheshar
    edabedwi t
    hinhisyoungyear
    s.
    “Soyouwentt omybr otherNoma?You, your
    parentsandmypar ents;allagainstme.Howwas
    thatfai
    r?Youwer esupposedt obeli
    evei
    nmeand
    standbymysi de.Youdi dn'tchoosemeNoma, you
    didn'
    tchooseourdaught ereither.Youchoseyour
    reputat
    ion,
    don' tyoudar et rytopaintmeasabad
    person.You’vehur tmemor ethananyoneinthis
    wor l
    d.”
    Amomentofsil
    encepasses.He'
    sgl
    ari
    ngather
    ,
    hat
    redi
    swri
    tt
    enalloverhi
    sface.
    “I
    twaseit
    heryouorherl
    if
    e.Ihadtosacr
    if
    iceyou,
    ”
    shesaysaft
    ertaki
    ngadeepbreat
    h.
    “
    Meani
    ng?
    ”heasks.
    “MaqhawejustknowthatIwoul
    dn'thavemar ri
    ed
    Dumisanii
    fitwasn'
    tformydaughter.Idi
    dn'thave
    anyreput
    ati
    onatstake,Iwasal
    readyinlovewitha
    rebel
    ,
    ”shesays.
    “Iwasnotarebel,
    ”Maqhawesays, def
    ensivel
    y.He
    didbreakacoupleofrul
    es,def
    yhisfat
    her '
    srules,
    beatuppeoplefornoreasonandskipschool.But
    whichboydidn'
    tdoallthat
    ?Itwasapar tofgrowing
    up,hewasagoodmanwhenher eached28.
    “Butyouweren'
    tanyone'
    sidealofasonandIl
    oved
    you.ButIhadtochoosetheonewhowasi nmy
    womb, ”Nomagugusays.
    “
    Isther
    eanyt
    hingyoudi
    dn'
    ttel
    lmeNoma?
    ”
    Maqhaweasks.
    “Doesitmatternow?AllIwanti
    sforyoutost
    op
    playi
    ngahappyf amil
    ywi t
    hyourwif
    eusingmy
    daughter
    ,”shesays.
    “Wewer eahappyfamil
    ybef
    oreNdondochoseto
    comehome.Icannotsaythesameaboutyou.Di
    d
    “it
    "gr
    ow? ”heasksandNomagugu’
    seyesdropto
    theground.
    “Wear ehappyinthevil
    lageNomagugu.I
    fyouwant
    Ndondo'sbridepr
    izeyoucangl adl
    ycomeandtake
    i
    t.”Heleaveshergroundedononespotandwalks
    t
    hr oughthemazeofcar storet
    urnbackt
    otheyard.

    It'
    sgoodt ofinall
    ytakeheroffherhi gh-horsebut
    thegapi ssti
    lltherei
    nhishear t.Dumi sanididhim
    wr ong,heonlyneedst wowor dsf rom him;“I'
    m
    sor r
    y.”Andthent heSibi
    siswilluniteandbecome
    fami l
    yagain.Mbambo’ sdeathhashi thim hard.I
    f
    hedoesn' twakeuponeday, alltheseunr esol
    ved
    i
    ssueswi l
    lbeQondani '
    stosolve.
    .
    .
    NOMAGUGUSI
    BISI
    Ifthesewal l
    scoul dtalkthey'dtellastorythat
    nobodywoul dbel i
    eve.Ifanyonewast olif
    tupher
    skirtandseet hescarsonhert hi
    ghs, t
    hey'
    dask
    themsel ves-howi sshest i
    llal
    ive?Ifanyonewast o
    fly,i
    nvisibl
    y,intoherbedr oom atnightandseewhat
    shegoest hroughever yday,they'dprobablycal
    lthe
    policeonherhusband.
    Shecoul dn'
    twaitt
    ogetridofAndiswa,and
    fort
    unatelyNdondogrewf i
    nanci
    all
    yindependent
    quickerthananyonehadexpectedandshet ookher
    sist
    erin.Nowshe'sjustwaiti
    ngforBahleto
    compl et
    ehighschoolandgooutt otheworld,t
    hen
    she'l
    lputanendt othi
    s.

    Hehasn' tsaidawordthroughoutdi
    nner,so
    Nomagugudeci dedtoengagehernerdysononhi s
    boringtheori
    esaboutthe“newwor l
    d.”Sheknows
    thatthi
    ssilencehasroots,she'
    sdonesomet hi
    ng
    againandshe' snotawareofit.
    Bahlehel
    pshercl
    earthedi
    ningtabl
    e.Ndondo
    broughtadi
    sh-
    washingmachinebutshealways
    passt
    imebywashi
    ngdi
    shesher
    sel
    f.

    “
    Cometobed,”hi
    svoi
    cecomesf
    rom t
    hedoor
    way,
    f
    il
    ledwi
    thaut
    hori
    tyasusual
    .
    Shedoesn'
    targue,
    shel
    eavest
    hedi
    shesi
    nsi
    det
    he
    si
    nkandfoll
    owshim.
    Heshutsthedooraft
    erherandpointshert
    othe
    bed.Shehastheurgetorol
    lhereyesbutfi
    ght
    s
    agai
    nstit
    .
    “Whatwereyousayi
    ngtoMaqhawe?”Oh,
    it'
    sthat
    !
    Shedidn'
    tevenknowthathesawt
    hem.
    “
    Wewer
    etal
    kingaboutNdondo'
    slobol
    a,”shesays.
    “He’
    sherfat
    hernow?Thosethi
    ngscoul
    dn'
    thave
    beendi
    scussedwit
    hme? ”heasks.
    “
    Youarest
    art
    ingDumisani
    !”Sheheavesasi
    ghand
    ment
    all
    ypr
    eparesher
    selff
    ortheworst.
    “
    Doyouwanthi
    m back?
    ”Thei
    nsecur
    it
    ies!
    !!
    “
    No,
    Dumi
    sani
    !”shesays.
    “
    Irai
    sedNdondoup,
    fedherandt
    ookhert
    oschool
    .
    Don'tyoudar
    etestmeNomagugu!Imar r
    iedyour
    cavepu$$yandsavedherfrom yourf
    ather.You
    don'
    tknowmever ywell!
    ”That
    'stheli
    ne;“youdon'
    t
    knowmever ywell
    ."Sheknowswhathappensnext .
    Henevergoesf
    orherf
    ace,it
    'salwayshert
    highs
    andi
    tusedtomakeherfeell
    uckybecausenobody
    sawit
    .Shewasperf
    ectineveryone'
    seyes.
    Hetakestheelect
    ri
    cit
    ywir
    eandlif
    tsupherskir
    t.
    Eventhoughhealwayskeepsherfacesaf
    e,shesti
    ll
    hi
    desitwithherarms.

    Bythetimehisangersubsidesherski
    nhaspeel
    ed
    off
    .Hepul l
    sdownhertightandpantyandst
    ret
    ches
    herlegsapart
    .
    Hispenismust
    'vestoppedgrowi
    ngwhenhewas5.
    Hepullsdownhistr
    ouserandbri
    efs,hi
    sthumb-
    di€k
    spri
    ngsoutandhelower shi
    swaistbet
    weenher
    thi
    ghs.
    She'
    snotf
    eeli
    nganyt hi
    ngandheknowsi t
    .She
    makeshi
    mf eelusel
    ess,hetr
    iedcheat
    ingtoboost
    hi
    segobutitdidn'
    tendwell
    .
    There'
    sabagofpegsthatst
    aysi
    nsidet
    heir
    wardrobe.I
    t'
    snotf
    ort
    hewashingl
    ineoranythi
    ng.
    Shest r
    ipshernakedandgetsthr
    eepegs.Twof or
    hernipplesandoneforhercl
    it
    .She'
    lldel
    iverthat
    orgasm andscream hi
    snamewhet hershelikesit
    ornot.
    Hespreadsherfol
    dsandinser
    tstheoval
    -shaped
    TVremote.Shestar
    tsmoaningashemovesi tin
    andoutofheropening.
    Heclencheshisjawsatthesi
    ghtofbl
    oodonher
    thi
    ghs.Butthisi
    stheonlywayheknowshowt orun
    hisbedroom andthei
    ntenseor
    gasm i
    st heonl
    y
    wayhecanpl easeher
    .Ifhedoesn'
    tki
    llheroneday,
    i
    t'l
    lbetheotherwayaround.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    14] :Chapt
    er42
    THALENTE

    Iret
    urnedtomyshackandgotkickedout
    ,soI'm
    hereinhi
    shousebecauseIhavenowhereelseto
    gonow.Idon'tbl
    amethelandl
    ord,whoknowswhat
    hecoulddonext
    ?Bur
    ndownt
    hewhol
    ebl
    ockof
    shacks?

    Themoodi ssour.Hehasn'tapologi
    zedorshowed
    anykindofr emorse.NowIf eelli
    kesomeoneelseis
    i
    ncont rolofmyl i
    fe,
    he'sdoingashepleases.
    TodayI '
    m offfr
    om workandI '
    m expectedt
    ositin
    thi
    sgigant i
    chouseallbymysel fanddothehouse
    chores.That'swhatawomandoesi naman’ s
    house,right?Shecooks,cl
    eansanddoesl aundry.
    Well
    ,IdidcleanbecauseIcannotst ayinadirty
    house.Buthisdi
    rtyclot
    hesar esti
    lli
    nt hebasket
    andthepotsareempt y.Iatebread,breadandbr ead.
    I'
    l
    leatbreadagainfordinner.
    He'
    sbeengonesincemor ni
    ng, al
    lIkeepgett
    ingi
    s
    l
    ousytext
    smessages.Mymot herwouldprobabl
    y
    f
    aintandwakeupinMbongol wanei fshef
    oundout
    t
    hatI'
    m nowcohabit
    ing.

    It
    'sexact
    ly19:
    13whenhewal
    ksin,
    weari
    nghis
    blackcapandwhi
    teT-
    shi
    rtwi
    thagreyst
    ret
    chpant
    .
    I'
    m onthecouch,watchi
    ngwil
    danimals;t
    hat'
    sthe
    onlyi
    nterest
    ingt
    hingIcoul
    dfi
    ndthroughouthi
    s
    channels.
    Hest andsbehi
    ndthecouch,foramomenthe'
    snot
    sayinganythi
    ng,t
    henleansovermyshoul
    dersand
    plantsakissonmycheek.
    “
    Areyouwel
    l?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Mmm,
    ”Inod.
    Hewalksaroundt hecouchandsit
    snexttome,
    heavi
    ngasi gh.I
    tlooksl
    ikehehadal ongdayat
    work,
    heneedsawar m bathandaplateofdel
    ici
    ous
    home-cookedmeal .
    “
    I'
    vebeent
    ext
    ingt
    hewhol
    eday,
    ”hesays.
    Hiseyesar
    eonme, Icanfeelhi
    sst
    areonmyski
    n,
    butIkeepmyeyesgluedontheTVscreen.
    “It
    alkedtoyourlandlord,t
    hedoorwasf i
    xed.He
    sai
    dyoucancomeback.I '
    lltakeashowerfi
    rst
    ,you
    canstartpacki
    ng. ”Oh,hereali
    zedhi
    smistake!Thi
    s
    shouldbear el
    ief.I'
    vebeensul ki
    ngt
    hewholeday
    becauseIwaski ckedoutofmyshack.Iwantmy
    ownspaceandindependence.Butallthisdoesn'
    t
    comefrom agoodheart.Ndl
    ali
    faisusedt ohaving
    hisownway,andhealreadyhadthesei deasofus
    l
    ivingt
    oget
    herandtyi
    ngt heknotovernight.

    Iwatchhimleaveanddi sappearinthepassage
    l
    eadingtohisbedroom withhisheadhungupi n
    di
    sappoint
    ment.If eel
    aknockofgui lti
    nmyhear t
    ,
    maybeIshouldfixsomet hi
    ngf orhi
    mt oeatbef or
    eI
    l
    eave.Sometimeshi sheadwor kswithdieselbut
    he'
    sstil
    lmyboyfriend.
    Mybagsar estil
    lpacked.Ionl
    ytookoutaf
    ew
    thi
    ngsandi twon'teventakef
    iveminut
    esf
    ormet
    o
    packthem again.
    Istarti
    ntheki
    tchen.He'
    lleatt
    heeggsandwich.To
    makei tl
    ookli
    kedinnerI
    '
    llputfor
    kandknif
    eont he
    plate.

    Whenhecomesoutoft hebedroom hi
    sfoodi
    s
    ready.Icoverhi
    splat
    eandleaveitontopoft
    he
    coffee-
    tabl
    e.Hesaysalow“thankyou"and
    changest
    hechannel
    .
    Il
    eavehi
    mtohi
    sdinnerandfet
    chmybags.Thi
    sis
    goi
    ngtobeabi
    tt
    ergoodbye.

    “Withagoat ?Wedon'tknowanythingaboutthat,
    ”-
    he'stalki
    ngtosomeoneovert hephone.He'sonly
    tookonebi t
    eofhissandwich.Istopwithmybags
    i
    nt hemi ddl
    eoftheloungeandwai tforhi
    mt ofi
    nish
    hiscall.I
    t'
    snotagoodone;hiscapi soff,
    hishand
    i
    sont opofhisheadandwipinginvisi
    blesweat.
    “
    Idon'twantNgi
    dit
    opanic.I
    'l
    lgobymysel
    f,
    ”he
    t
    ell
    sthepersonbef
    oreendi
    ngthecal
    lwi
    thasigh.
    Heputstheplat
    eofsandwi
    chbackont hecof
    fee-
    tabl
    eandstandsup.Hi
    seyesarehol
    dingback
    somethi
    ng,Idon'
    tknowwhati
    tisbuti
    tbreaksme.
    “
    Let
    'sgo,
    ”hesayst
    omeandt
    akest
    hel
    argerbag.
    It
    akeaf
    ewst
    epsbehi
    ndhi
    m andst
    op.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fawhat
    'swr
    ong?
    ”Iask.
    Hestopsandlooksback.He'
    sabittakenback;al
    l
    ofasudden,
    I'
    m speakingtohi
    m again.
    “
    Theyf
    oundMaqhi
    nga,
    ”hesays.
    Oh,that
    'sgr
    eatnews!Whyishenotcal
    li
    nghi
    s
    fat
    herandlet
    ti
    nghim know?
    “
    Isheal
    ri
    ghtt
    hough?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Physi
    cal
    ly,
    yeah.Theysayhel
    ookedf
    ine,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Sowhydoyoul
    ooksowor
    ri
    ed?
    ”Iask.
    “Becausemybrot
    herhasdi
    sownedmeThal
    ent
    e.
    That'
    swhy.Canwegonow? ”
    No,
    wecan'
    t.
    “
    Icangowi
    thyou,
    ”Isay.
    “Youdon'
    thaveto.I
    'l
    lmanagealone.Let
    'sgo.
    ”He
    exhal
    esandwalkstowardsthedoor.
    WhywouldMaqhi ngadisownhim?Imean, i
    t'
    sbeen
    thetwooft
    hem sincechil
    dhood.Couldn'
    thetalk
    aboutwhat
    everitwasthatbother
    edhim?Sur el
    yhis
    brot
    herwould'
    vehelped.Ndl
    ali
    faalwaysgetsthi
    ngs
    donehisway.
    “
    IloveyouNdlal
    if
    a,”It
    ellhi
    m,st
    il
    lstandi
    ngwhereI
    was.I'
    m goi
    ngbacktomyshack, butnott
    oday.I
    '
    m
    notl
    eavi
    nghi
    mlooki
    ngl
    iket
    his.
    He'
    sstandi
    ngbehi
    ndthedoor
    .Sl
    owl
    y,het
    urns
    ar
    oundandlooksatme.
    “Ir
    eallyl
    oveyou.Canwepleasecommuni cat
    e
    bett
    erandtal
    kaboutthi
    ngslikenormalpeopl
    e?I
    hateitwhenweareli
    kethi
    s,”Isay.
    Heexhalesanddropsthebagonthefloor.Idrop
    minetooandwalkint
    ohisarms.It
    'sl
    ikeinBEFORE
    THE90DAYS;acoupl emeetingf
    orthef i
    rstti
    meat
    theai
    rport
    .
    Wel
    l,
    unt
    ilhepushesmebackandgr
    insst
    upi
    dly.
    “ThankyouSphongo.I
    t'
    sli
    keI'm br
    eat
    hingunder
    thewaterever
    yti
    meIfeell
    ikeIdon'
    thaveyou
    anymore,”hesays.
    “
    I'
    m notSphongo.Whenar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    o
    Maqhinga?
    ”Iask.
    “Ear
    lyi
    nthemor ni
    ng.Wereyouser
    iousabout
    comingwithme?”Helookssodamnhandsome!I'm
    notgoi
    ngt oremi
    ndhim ofhi
    scap,
    helooksbett
    er
    i
    nhischiskop.
    “
    Yes,
    that
    'si
    fyouneedcompany,
    ”Isay.
    “Idon'
    tneedcompany.Ineedyoubymysi de.Just
    yourpresenceal
    one,
    itgi
    vesmestrength.
    ”Hel i
    ft
    s
    myhandt ohisli
    psandplant
    sasoftkissatthe
    backofit.
    Myf
    aci
    almuscl
    esar
    eachi
    ngf
    rom al
    lthebl
    ushi
    ng.
    “I
    '
    m sor
    ryThal
    ent
    e.”He'
    ssuddenl
    yser
    iousand
    st
    ari
    ngint
    omyeyes.
    Idi
    dn'
    tseet
    hisapol
    ogycomi
    ng.
    “ButIdowi sht
    obuildahomewithyou.Please
    don'tmakemewai tfort
    oolong,
    I'
    m al
    ready35
    Thalent
    e,”hesays.
    Nowt hi
    sist
    hepr oposalIcansl
    eepon.Hest
    il
    l
    needsmoreclassesofHowToBeAHumant hough.
    “I
    fyoubehaveyouwon'
    twai
    tver
    ylong,
    ”Isayand
    ki
    sshischeek.
    Hel
    etsoutachuckl
    e.
    “Ther
    e'ssomet
    hingIwantt
    ogi
    veyou.I
    t'
    sint
    he
    car.
    ”
    Ihopethiswi
    llbeagoodsurpri
    se.It
    akethebags
    backtothebedroom whi
    lehegoesouttothecar
    .

    Iwashopingforapai rofshoesorabagt hatl


    ooks
    l
    ikeNdondo's.Sheinvit
    edmet oherlobol
    a
    negoti
    ati
    ons.Itwould'
    vebeennicetoarri
    vewitha
    bagthat'
    sinherstandard.Butno,t
    hismani s
    carr
    yingaplasti
    cbag.Af ancybagdoesn'tcomein
    aplasti
    cbaglikethat.
    “Her
    e,”hesaysandt
    hrowsi
    tont
    hebednextt
    ome
    andwalksout.
    Per
    fumes?They'r
    eabout10.Icheckt hebrandand
    i
    t'
    sArthurFor
    d.IknowthatIsmellcheap,butfor
    hi
    mt obri
    ngme10per f
    umesi sdisrespect
    ful.

    Hecomesbackwi
    thhi
    ssandwi
    chandsi
    tsnextt
    o
    me.
    “
    Thi
    sissomet
    hingyougotf
    orme?
    ”Iask,
    cal
    mly.
    “
    Yes.Dotheysmel
    lnice?
    ”Hedoesn'teatl
    ikeataxi
    man.Hehasanorderofbit
    ingbr
    eadsli
    ces,hebit
    es
    accordi
    ngt oshapeandIf
    inditver
    yunnecessar y.
    It
    'snotli
    kethere'
    sanawardofchowi ngbread,I
    usuall
    yfoldaslicei
    nmypalm unti
    litlooksli
    kea
    penisandtheneatit
    .
    “
    Idon'
    tknow,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Whatar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    odowi
    tht
    hem?
    ”heasks.
    Whatel
    secanIdowi
    thper
    fumes?Spr
    ayt
    hem on
    t
    hewindows?
    “Thankyouf
    orthegi
    ft
    , I
    '
    llsmellni
    ce,
    ”Isayand
    packthebot
    tl
    esbackinsidet
    heplast
    icbag.
    .
    .
    NDLALI
    FA

    Hedi dn'
    twakeupear lyashewantedto.Hehadto
    waitforThalent
    ewhi l
    eshedecidedhowtoti
    eher
    hai
    r.Shet ookgoodfiveminut
    esdecidi
    ngwhich
    shoest owearbetweenapairofsandalsand
    anotherpairofsandals.
    Thesuni sal r
    eadyupwhent heygett o
    Piet
    er maritzburgandshewant sfood.Theyst opat
    Spurandor derbr eakfast.It
    'sget t
    ingcloserandr eal
    ,
    Ndlalif
    a'sappet it
    ei sveryslim.Hekeepst hinking
    abouthowi mperfecthe'sbeenasabr other.There
    aresomanyt hingsheneverquest ionedabout
    Maqhi nga.He' sbeenf ocusedonhi sownwounds
    ofgr owingupwi thoutamot heranddi dn'teven
    real
    izethatt herewasnosi nglepictureofhi s
    mot herandMaqhi ngaint hehouse.Hecoul d'
    ve
    thoughtbackandr emember edwhatusedt o
    happeni nt hehousewhent heirf
    atherhadl eftfor
    work.Hef ail
    edMaqhi ngadi smal l
    y.Andmaybe
    that'
    swhyhe' scutcommuni cati
    onwi thallofthem.
    Hewant snot hingtodowi tht hem.
    “Whyareyounoteat
    ing?
    ”Thal
    ent
    easks,
    wor
    ry
    canopyi
    ngherf
    ace.
    “
    I'
    m nothungr
    yst
    handwasami
    ,
    ”hesays.
    Shewr
    inkl
    eshernoseupwi
    thagr
    inonherf
    ace.
    “
    MustIf
    ini
    shyourf
    oodf
    oryou?
    ”sheasks.
    Hecan'
    thel
    pbutsmi
    le.Shel
    ovesf
    oodandshe'
    s
    notapologet
    icaboutit.Hepusheshi splatetoher
    andleansbackont hechai randwatchesher
    helpi
    ngherselfwi
    thhisf ood.They'
    dmakebeaut i
    ful
    chil
    dren.Hecanalreadyseeheri nhiskitchen,
    pushingahugestomachandbi t
    inghisheadoff
    overnonsense.
    “
    Areyoust
    il
    lont
    hei
    nject
    ion?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Yes,
    ”shesayswi
    thaf
    rown.
    Henodsandswal
    lowst
    her emainsi
    nhisglass.
    Wai
    ti
    ngisgoi
    ngtobeharderthanhethought
    .
    “Whydoyouask?”Thal
    enteasks.I
    fhet
    ell
    sheri
    t'
    ll
    star
    tanot
    herf
    ightandhe'
    snotlooki
    ngf
    orwar
    dto
    that
    .
    “Not
    hing.Iwasj
    ustaski
    ngbecausesomet
    imeswe
    don'
    tuseacondom,”hesays.
    Hereyespopout.It
    'snotj
    ustt
    woorthr
    eei
    nci
    dent
    s,
    thest
    atementshouldbe;“
    someti
    mesweusea
    condom.”
    “
    Whydoyoul ookfri
    ght
    ened?Youar
    eonan
    i
    nject
    ion,
    aren'tyou?
    ”Ndlal
    if
    aaskswi
    thhi
    s
    eyebr
    owl
    if
    ted.
    Shenodsanddropshereyes.Shecouldbecar
    eful
    thant
    his,
    bri
    ngi
    ngasoultothisunstabl
    eli
    fei
    snot
    anopti
    on.
    “
    Eatup,
    weneedt
    ogo,
    ”hesays.
    Sheexhal
    esl
    oudl
    yandpushesawayt
    hehal
    feat
    en
    pl
    ate.
    “
    I'
    mful
    l,
    let
    'sgo,
    ”shesays.
    Hedoesn'tsayanyt
    hing.Whatevershe'
    spr
    ayi
    ngfor
    ,
    he'snotpr
    ayingi
    twithher.MayGodanswerhis
    prayer
    sfir
    st!

    -
    -

    Hewal ksi
    ntoaguywi t
    hiziphandlaandthi
    ckyarns
    aroundhishead.Heknowshi mfrom somewhere
    buthecan'tr
    emembercorrectl
    ywher eheknows
    hi
    mf rom.Hisbagsarepacked,itl
    ooksli
    kehe'
    s
    l
    eaving.
    “Hlomuka!
    ”theguysayst
    ohim bef
    orehecanput
    s
    hisfi
    ngeronwhereheknowshi
    mf rom.
    “
    Hi,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasaysabi
    treser
    ved.
    Phumzil
    eappear
    swi t
    hawr appedl
    unchbox.Her
    eyesst
    ayonThalenteforabri
    efmoment,thenshe
    l
    ooksattheguywithasmileonherface.
    “Tr
    avelsafelyndodana.Thankyouforeveryt
    hing,
    hopeful
    lyeveryt
    hingwillbewel
    lfrom now
    onwards,”shesaysandhandst hewrappedlunchti
    n
    tohim.
    “Wehopeso,”hesaysandturnshiseyest o
    Maqhingawho'sbeenawkwardlysil
    entsince
    Ndl
    ali
    faandThalentear
    ri
    ved.“Staypat
    ient,your
    motherispr
    oudofyou.”
    Maqhi
    ngar
    isesf
    rom hi
    schai
    randwal
    kst
    heguy
    out
    .

    Ndlal
    ifa'
    seyesturnt
    ohisaunt
    .There'
    safr
    eshgoat
    ski
    nout si
    de,thei
    nsi
    deofthehousesmel
    lsof
    tr
    adit
    ionalbeerandi
    mpepho.
    “
    Mawhat'
    sgoi
    ngonhere?Am Inol
    ongerpar
    tof
    t
    hisf
    ami
    ly?
    ”heasks.
    “Ndl
    ali
    fawel
    comehome, pl
    easetaket
    heguestt
    o
    thel
    oungeandoff
    erhersomethi
    ngtodri
    nk,
    ”
    Phumzil
    esaysandtur
    nsaroundtowalkaway.
    Ndl
    ali
    fagr
    it
    shisteet
    h.Hei
    nhal
    esshar
    plyandt
    urns
    hi
    sheadtoThal
    ente.
    “
    Thi
    sway!”Hel
    eadsherf
    rom t
    hedi
    ningr
    oom t
    o
    t
    hel
    ounge.

    Whyaretheybei
    ngexcludedfr
    om theNsele
    cer
    emonies?Him andKhosiar
    etheeldest
    ,yett
    hey
    weren'
    tevengi
    venasinglewordaboutthi
    s.
    “
    I'
    m comi
    ngback,
    ”het
    ell
    sThal
    ent
    e.
    Sheissti
    llonherfeetbyt
    hecouch.Sheknowshow
    Ndlal
    i
    facanbe, hesawhisint
    eract
    ionwi
    thhis
    fat
    herint
    het r
    ip.
    “Don'
    tdi
    srespectyourel
    dersNdlali
    fa.There'
    saway
    ofpassi
    ngyouropinionstothem withoutsoundi
    ng
    l
    ikeyou'
    readdressi
    ngMaqhi nga,
    ”shesaysbef or
    e
    sit
    ti
    ngont hecouch.Shedoesn'
    tlookupt
    oseehis
    react
    ion,
    shetakesoutherphoneandchecksher
    text
    s.
    -
    -

    “Maqhi
    ngawantedt
    odot hi
    sonhisown.I
    twashis
    dut
    yandIhadnosayinwhohewant edar
    oundand
    what'
    snot
    ,”Phumzi
    leexpl
    ains.
    “Whythefu€kwoul
    ditbecomehisdutyt
    o
    apol
    ogizeforar
    api
    st?”Ndl
    ali
    faasks.
    “Thatwasyourmot
    her
    'sr
    equest.Donotstandl
    i
    ke
    thi
    sinthemiddl
    eofmyhouse,
    ”shescoldshim,
    sendingat
    hreat
    eni
    ngl
    ookhisway.

    Maqhi
    ngawalksi
    nthemiddl
    eofaheat
    edmoment
    andl
    ooksatbot
    hofthem.
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngal
    ri
    ght
    ?”heasks.
    “Babai
    swor ri
    edsi
    ckaboutyou.Wehavel ookedf
    or
    youeverywhereMaqhi
    nga.Iunderstandt
    hatyou'
    re
    goingt
    hrougharoughpatch,butaren'
    tweall
    br
    oken?Wehadt
    obur
    ySnakhowi
    thoutyou,
    ”
    Ndl
    ali
    fa.
    “HethinksI'
    m Msawenkosi .Magci nahasn' t
    for
    givenmedespi teeverythi ngI'
    vedonef orher
    deadass.Shest i
    llcan'tstomachmyf ace.Don' tt
    ell
    mewhatIshoul dandnotdoNdl ali
    fa,you'venever
    beenhat edbyyourownpar ent.You'vealwaysbeen
    ablessing.Evenaf terpointingagunatyourown
    fat
    her’shead, hedidn'tconsi deryouamur der
    er.
    ButIli
    enextt omysi ster
    ,tryingtocomf ortherfora
    momentandNgonyamadoesn' tthinktwicebef or
    e
    l
    abelli
    ngmet hesamewayhi sbit€hdid.”
    Ndlal
    if
    abr
    usheshisface,rel
    easealongbr
    eat
    hand
    f
    inall
    ywal
    kstothechairandsits.
    “Hlomukaisnotper f
    ect,nei
    theram I .ButIcooked
    foryouMaqhinga.Igotyour eadyf orschool ,
    prepar
    edyourlunchandwashedyourcl othes.
    Ubabahasnevert reatedyouasi fyouwer e
    somethingel
    seot herthanhisson.Hewentt hrough
    l
    engthstoprotectyouandevenchoseyouover
    mom.I fhedi
    dn'tloveyouhewoul d'vekill
    edyouas
    she…”He'ssai
    dt oomuch.Al lhewast r
    yingtotell
    hi
    m wast
    hathe'
    sloved.Theyl
    ovehi
    m asaf
    ami
    l
    y.
    Maqhi
    nga'
    sbr
    owsar
    esnappedt
    oget
    her
    .WTF!
    “
    Shewant
    edhi
    mtoki
    llme?
    ”heasks.
    “Bafo…”No,Maqhi
    ngawant
    sthetr
    uth!Thi
    sist
    he
    partNgididi
    dn'
    twanthi
    mtoknow.
    “Okay,thebi
    t€hcanst ayinhell
    .Idi
    dn'taskanyone
    torapeher.I'
    m donewi tht
    hisbull
    sh!
    t.IswearI’
    m
    goingtoshootheri fsheeverbri
    nghercruelassin
    mydr eams.”Hecr osseshisfi
    ngersandstormsout
    oftheroom angri
    ly.
    “Maqhi
    nga!”Phumzilei
    stryi
    ngtotalktohi
    m and
    cal
    m him down,buthe'
    sdisappear
    edinthe
    bat
    hroom andslammedt hedoorbehindhi
    m.

    “Seewhatyouj ustdi
    dNdlali
    fa!Whatiswrongwi t
    h
    you?Youj usthadtocomeandmaket hi
    ngswor se.
    ”
    Sheclickshertongueandinhalesashar
    pbr eat
    ht o
    coll
    ecthersel
    f.
    “I
    sthatMagci
    na'
    sdaughter
    -i
    n-l
    awyoucamewith?
    Andwhydidn'
    tyoucal
    ltosayyou'
    rebr
    ingi
    ngher?
    ”
    sheasks.
    “Ionl
    ydeci
    dedlastni
    ghtt
    hatIwascomi
    ng,
    ”
    Ndlal
    if
    asays,
    shruggi
    nghisshoul
    der
    s.
    “I
    sshej ustawoman?
    ”Sheisst
    ari
    ngathi
    m asi
    f
    chal
    lenginghi
    mtosayyes.
    “
    No,
    shei
    sthewi
    fe,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.
    “
    Great
    !Hopef
    ull
    yshe'
    l
    ldosomedi
    ff
    erence.
    ”
    Dif
    fer
    enceon…?Sheleaveshim wit
    hhisfr
    ownand
    goestothel
    ounget
    oof f
    ici
    all
    ygreetThal
    ente.
    .
    .
    MAQHI
    NGA

    Hewentt obedear li
    erthananyone.It
    'sagoodthi
    ng
    thatPhumzi l
    eisstil
    lhoveri
    ngoverherfutur
    e
    daughter-
    in-l
    awandnotonhi sbackasshe'sbeen
    thelastcoupleofdays.He'salwaysyearnedfora
    mot her
    lylove,heimagineditbei
    ngthemost
    comf or
    tablefeel
    ingever.Alwayshavi
    ngsomeone
    who' slookingoutf oryouever yday.ButPhumzile
    haspr ovent obedi fferentfr
    om theimaginary
    mot herfigurehehad.Phumzi l
    eforceseveryoneto
    praybef oredinner,shedoesn' tli
    kepeoplewhoeat
    anddon' tfini
    sht heirplates,
    shedoesn'tcareabout
    anyone' sheight;shet ell
    syouwhatt odoand
    threatenstosleepandneverwakeupi fyoudon'tdo
    i
    t.

    Tonighthe'snotexpect inganyonet ocomei nhis


    dreams.I nfact,
    hedoesn' twantanyst upi
    ddr eam.
    He'sdonewi t
    hMagci naandherbr other.He'sdone
    everythi
    ngNgcwet hiaskedhi mt odo, andhopef ul
    ly,
    they’
    llfi
    ndpeacei nt heotherwor l
    d.Asf orhim,
    peacewi llf
    indhimi fitdoes.Evenifitdoesn't,he'
    l
    l
    sti
    llwakeupandmanagehi sfather'
    sbusi ness.
    Peacei snotsomet hinghe'severgoi ngtobendhi s
    backf or.

    Hisphonebeepsundert
    hepi
    ll
    ow.Hehal
    f-
    openshi
    s
    eyesandpull
    sitout
    .
    I
    t'
    sNdl
    ali
    fa’
    stextmassage:IDON'
    TKNOW ABOUT
    HERBUTDAD, SNALOANDILOVEYOU.
    GOODNI
    GHTBROTHER.
    Hereadsthetextoverandoveragain.Theydon'
    tdo
    the“goodmorning”and“goodnightt
    exts.
    ”They'
    re
    tooZuluasbrotherst
    odot hat
    .Maybet hi
    sangerhe
    hastowardseveryoneisnotworthit
    .
    He'llwakeupandgobackt ohisl
    if
    e.WhetherNgi
    di
    apol ogi
    zesornot
    ,li
    fewillmoveon.HelovesSnalo-
    thathe'snotgoi
    ngtobeapol oget
    icfor
    .Nottohis
    father,nott
    oanyoneelse!
    I
    nfact
    ..
    .**
    TWI
    NNIE!I
    '
    M COMINGHOME
    TOMORROW.PI
    ZZADATE???
    **
    Shedoesn'
    trepl
    yimmedi
    atel
    y.I
    tmustbet
    hisnew
    numberconfusi
    ngher
    .
    He'
    saboutt
    ocl
    osehi
    seyesagai
    n,hertextbeepsi
    n;
    IHATEYOU,MORON.I
    T'SSSADATE!!!
    Helet
    soutaweakchuckl
    ebefor
    eshut
    ti
    nghi
    seyes
    anddri
    ft
    ingt
    othel
    andofdreams.
    ~“ Maqhinga!”She'
    syell
    ingfrom thekit
    chen.
    They'
    reinsidethekit
    chen,Maqhi ngaissit
    ti
    ngon
    thefl
    oorwi t
    hhislegscrossed,Magcinaismaki ng
    amagwi nya.Shekeepsaskinghi mtogivehim
    thi
    ngs,eventhespoonj ustafingerawayf r
    om her.
    “Doyouwantone?
    ”sheasks,
    sli
    cingonecooked
    gwinyai
    ntot
    wohalves.
    He'
    sonhisfeetqui
    ckl
    yandstandi
    nginfr
    ontofher
    .
    Herecei
    veshi
    shalfandgoesbacktot
    hefloor
    .
    “
    Wear egoi
    ngtokeepthem inawarm placeandeat
    whenyourf
    atherandbrot
    hercomebackf r
    om the
    t
    axir
    ank.Wozanethawulalakhouzot
    eta,”shesays.
    Hequickl
    ytakesthetowelnexttohisfeetandgives
    i
    ttoher.Shescanshisfaceandheavesasi gh.She
    gr
    absacl ot
    h,wetsitwit
    hwat erandwipeshis
    gr
    easycheeks.Thenshepickshi m upandputshim
    onherback.Shestrapsatowelaroundhim and
    st
    art
    spackingamagwi nyainsidea5Lbucket.
    “Maqhinga?”shecal
    lshi
    sname.Hewasj
    ustabout
    tofal
    lasleep,
    butwhenhehear
    shisnameheli
    ft
    s
    hisheadup.
    Magci
    nalet
    soutachuckl
    eandpacesar
    oundt
    he
    ver
    anda.

    “
    Lul
    labyLul
    laby
    Donotwakeandweep
    Sof
    tint
    hecr
    adl
    eli
    e
    Sl
    eep,
    ohsl
    eep
    Sof
    tint
    hecr
    adl
    eli
    e
    Sl
    eepmydar
    li
    ng,
    sleep
    Donotweep,
    Daddywi
    llcomebacki
    nthemor
    ning.
    Mommywi
    llnotcomeback
    She'
    l
    lsi
    ther
    e,i
    nadi
    stance,
    andwat
    choveryou.
    Forshei
    st oobrokentohol
    dyou.Buti
    nherhear
    t
    youshal
    lforeverbehel
    d.
    Sleep,ohsleep,
    dearestson…”Herhandissoft
    ly
    drawingamaponhi sback.He' scomfor
    ted.He
    feel
    spr ot
    ectedandcaredfor.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    15] :Chapt
    er43
    MAQHI
    NGA

    Hedi dn'
    tri
    dewi
    thNdlali
    faandThalent
    e.Thalent
    e
    al
    readyhadsomethingtogetfr
    om theshopsand
    Ndlali
    fahadsomeonetopassbyinDur ban.He
    decidedtouset
    axi
    s,inst
    eadoffoll
    owingthem
    aroundandbecominganextrawing.
    Whenhegott
    oDur
    banhecal
    ledoneoft
    hedr
    iver
    s
    t
    ofet
    chhim.

    He'sbeent r
    yingtofor getaboutlastni
    ght'sdream
    butitkeepscomi ngbackl i
    keaflytothesewage.
    Heisdone, hedoesn' tneedt ol
    ookatt hi
    ngsf r
    om
    Magci na'sperspective.Heshoul dn'
    tbefeeling
    sorr
    yf orherbecausehel ooksthisway.He
    shouldn'tbeunder standingwher eshecamef rom.It
    i
    swhati tis.However ,angerkeepssubsidingbi tby
    bit
    .Hef indshi mselfexcusingandwhi spering
    apologiest ohimselfonbehal fofhismot her.
    Thecardr opshi m outsi
    dehi sfather
    'shouse.He
    didn'
    tthinkhe'dbeher eanyt imesoonbutaf ter
    havingthatconver sat
    ionwi t
    hNdl ali
    fahereal i
    zed
    thathisfathermaybef l
    awedher eandt here,but
    he'salwaysl ovedhimr egardlessofhislooksand
    howhechasedt heloveofhi slif
    eaway.Ngi dijust
    needst oswal l
    owhi sfearsconcer ni
    ngSnal oand
    him becausehe' sdoneser vingMsawenkosi ’s
    sentence.

    “
    Twi
    nni
    e!”heyel
    lsf
    rom t
    hedoor
    .
    Thobil
    eisi
    nthekit
    chen,forachangeshe'
    sweari
    ng
    theunif
    ormthat
    ’soverherkneesandherheadi
    s
    wrapped.
    Shest
    opsst
    irr
    ingwhat
    evershe'
    scooki
    ngonthe
    st
    oveandt
    urnstoMaqhingawit
    hherhandsonthe
    hi
    ps.
    “Andthenyou?Whereareyoucomi ngfrom?Doyou
    knowhowwor ri
    edyourfat
    herandIwer e?”Bat
    hong,
    i
    sshet hi
    nki
    ngofhit
    ti
    nghim wit
    ht hatwooden
    spooninherhand?Thi
    scouldturnoutbettert
    han
    KungFumovi
    es.
    “Wherei
    sSnal
    o?”Maqhi
    ngaasks,openi
    ngthe
    cupboar
    dandgrabbi
    ngapacketofcr
    acker
    s.
    “Don'teverdosomethi
    nglikethi
    sagai
    nbecause
    you'l
    lhavemet odealwit
    h.”Thobil
    ecl
    icksher
    tongueandt ur
    nstoherpot.
    Maqhi ngamayhaveonl yhear dhalfofwhatshe
    wassayi ng,
    hisfocusisont hepacketofcrackers.
    Hemi ghtneedagl assofmi l
    kwi t
    ht hi
    s.Becausehis
    father
    ’sandNdlali
    fa'sneat-
    freakyassesarenot
    around,hesitsontopoft hecounterandenjoyshis
    snack.
    “
    SoThobi,
    whodrivestheMaser
    atibet
    terbet
    ween
    myf
    atherandbr
    other?
    ”heasksbetweenthechews.
    She'
    sbreat
    hingheavi
    lynextt
    othest
    ove.I
    tmustbe
    theheat
    !
    “I
    fIwant edlessonsinthatdepar
    tment,
    whowould
    your ecommendf ormebet weenthem?Youhave
    experiencedboth,r
    ight
    ?”heaskswi t
    hasmir
    kon
    hisface.
    Thobil
    eisaboutt
    othr
    owt
    hatboi
    li
    ngt
    hingonhi
    s
    face.
    “I
    ’m notgoi
    ngt ostandyourdisrespectMaqhi
    nga.I
    wil
    ltakethi
    sst r
    aighttoyourfat
    herandt hi
    sti
    me
    you’
    llgetmorethanj ustapunch,”shesays,
    sendingathreateni
    ngl ookhi
    sway.
    “Sor
    ryMom,
    ”Maqhi
    ngasaysandj
    umpsof
    fthe
    counter
    .
    Hesneakst
    hedirt
    ygl
    assi
    nsi
    det
    hesi
    nkandwal
    ks
    outoft
    heki
    tchen.

    Snalolooksupfr
    om herl
    aptopandseesMaqhinga.
    Herfacebreaksi
    ntocol
    ourf
    ulstar
    s,hersmi
    lei
    s
    bri
    mmi ngwidel
    y.
    “Ihear
    dvoicesandt houghtitwasThobi
    leandher
    l
    oudcalls.Mygosh, youlooksodark!Wereyou
    l
    ivingi
    nthesun? ”Shewal kstohi
    m andembraces
    himinat i
    ghthug.
    “
    Andyou'r
    eli
    vingl
    ikeamadam here.Wher
    eisyour
    f
    ather
    ?”Maqhi
    ngaasks,hol
    dingherhandand
    si
    tt
    ingwi
    thheront
    hecouch.
    “Bheki
    zit
    hawentt
    oNdabuko'
    shouse.It
    hinkhe'
    son
    hiswaybacknow,
    ”Snal
    osays.
    “Bhekzlovespeople'
    shouses.It
    'snoteven12pm
    andhe'salreadygonetopeople'
    shouses!”
    “Bhekzisbored.Youal ll
    efthim.Snakhoi sgone
    andyoudi sappeared.Ndlali
    fahadtot akecareof
    businessandf amil
    y.Heal sohadtolookf oryou
    andmaket i
    mef orThalente.He'
    snotsomeoneyou
    candependonemot i
    onall
    ybecauset here'
    salways
    dutycall
    inghisname. ”
    Maqhi
    ngasighsheavi
    lyandpl
    ayswi
    thherf
    inger
    s.
    He'
    sdeepl
    ylosti
    nhisthought
    s.
    “
    Areyoust
    il
    langr
    yathi
    m?”Snal
    oasks.
    “No.I
    'm notangryatanyone.Iwanttomoveon,
    ”he
    saysandlif
    tshiseyestoher.“I
    'm sor
    ryImi
    ssedthe
    funer
    al.Howhaveyoubeen? ”
    “
    Somewoundscanneverheal,youj
    ustlearntol
    ive
    wit
    hthem.She'
    satpeace,
    that
    'swhatI
    'm sureof
    .”
    “
    Butyouar
    enotatpeace?
    ”Hesear
    chesi
    nhereyes
    f
    ort
    het
    rut
    h.
    “Dadhast
    hebestdoctorsrecommendedtohim
    andwearestar
    ti
    ngtherapynextweek.It
    hinkI
    '
    llbe
    fi
    ne,
    ”shesays.
    Maqhi
    ngaf
    rowns.
    “
    Youandhi
    m?”
    “
    Yeah,
    he'
    scomi
    ngt
    osuppor
    t.
    ”
    “
    That
    'sver
    yni
    ceofhi
    m.”
    “
    Doyouwantt
    ocome?
    ”
    Maqhingacracksi
    ntol
    aught
    er.He'
    drathergot
    o
    MpofanaandhaveNgcwethicounsel
    li
    nghim
    t
    radi
    ti
    onall
    y.
    “
    No,
    butI'
    l
    lmovebackhomef orawhile.I
    fyouneed
    mef
    oranythi
    ngIwi
    llbeher
    e,”hesays.
    Sherest
    sherheadonhisshoul
    der.Hewr
    apshi
    s
    ar
    m aroundherandbr
    ushesher.
    “Regar
    dlessofever
    ythingthathashappened,I
    'm
    happythatwefoundyouguys.I '
    m happytohave
    youasmysi st
    er.Butlet'
    stal
    kaboutPhumz, t
    hegir
    l
    hasr
    ulesf
    orcent
    uri
    es!
    ”
    “Shutup!You'
    veneverbeenfor
    cedtogot
    othefood
    stokvelandl
    if
    ted25kgsofmaizemealwi
    thher
    fri
    endsshouti
    ngatyou.Doyouknowwhenshe
    threat
    enstosleepandneverwakeup?
    ”
    “Thebestoneis;‘Donotst andinthemiddleofthe
    doorway,you'
    reblockinglucks,
    ’Ididn'
    tknowluck
    walksthroughthedoor ,
    ”Maqhingasaysandt hey
    bothbreakint
    oaf itoflaughter
    .
    -
    -

    Ngidiwalksinandf i
    ndsThobil
    eupanddowni nt he
    ki
    tchen.Yeshel ovesherworkandheenj oystheir
    sexualentanglement .Butsomet
    imesheneedshi s
    space;hewant sthem tobeemployerandempl oyee,
    nothi
    ngmor e.That'ssomethi
    ngThobi l
    edoesn't
    seem tounder stand,shethi
    nkshisaloneti
    mei sher
    ti
    me.
    “You'
    reback?”Herfacebri
    ghtensup.Sheglances
    around;checki
    ngthecoast,
    andt henwalkstohi
    m.
    Shewr apsherarmsaroundhiswai standst
    andson
    hert
    oest
    oki
    sshi
    sli
    ps.
    “
    Thobi
    let
    her
    e'sachi
    ldher
    e,”hesays,
    pul
    li
    ngaway.
    “
    Whi
    chchi
    ld?Snal
    ois27andMaqhi
    ngai
    s30.
    ”
    “
    Maqhi
    ngai
    s29andhe'
    snother
    e.”
    “
    Hei
    sher
    e,di
    srespect
    fulmor
    ethanever
    .”
    Hepushesherar
    msoffwit
    hashockedlookonhis
    f
    ace.Hewasaboutt
    ogiveupandacceptthathe'
    s
    l
    osthi
    ssonthesamewayhelostMagcina.
    “
    Whendidhear
    riveandwhydidn'
    tyoucal
    ltotel
    l
    meThobi
    le?
    ”He’
    sr ushi
    ngoutoft
    hekit
    chenand
    f
    oll
    owi
    ngthegi
    gglescomingfr
    om thel
    ounge.

    They'
    recuddl
    ingonthecouch.Hishear
    tstar
    ts
    raci
    ngatthepossi
    bil
    it
    iesoftheNsel
    ecursecomi
    ng
    outonhischi
    ldr
    en.Hecannothavethati
    nhis
    house,bet
    weenhischildr
    en.
    They'
    regi
    ggl
    ingandt
    alki
    ngaboutsomeonecal
    led
    Bhekz.
    Het
    akesadeepbr
    eat
    handwal
    ksi
    n.
    “Hl
    omukayou'
    rehome?”Hestandsbehi
    ndt
    hem.
    He'
    snotsur
    eofthereact
    ionhe'
    sgoi
    ngtoget
    .
    Thei
    rheadstur
    naround.Ther
    e'sshockandf
    ear
    wri
    tt
    eninthei
    reyes.
    Snal
    ocl
    ear
    shert
    hroat
    .
    “
    Whendi
    dyouar
    ri
    ve?
    ”sheasks.
    “Now,
    ”hesayswi
    thhi
    seyesfi
    xedonMaqhi
    nga.
    He'st
    ryi
    ngt
    oreadhi
    semoti
    ons.
    “
    I'
    m happyt
    oseeyou,
    ”het
    ell
    shi
    m.
    Maqhi
    ngadoesn'
    tsayanyt
    hing.Ngi
    diwal
    ksar
    ound
    andsi
    tsont
    hecouchnexttothem.
    “
    I'
    m sor
    ry,
    son,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Notson,
    ‘Dad,
    ’
    ”Maqhi
    ngacor
    rect
    shi
    m.
    “
    OkayDad.Ishouldn'
    thavesaidthosethingst
    oyou.
    I
    '
    m notgoingtoblamegri
    eforanything,Iwasoutof
    l
    ine.Pl
    easeacceptmyapology.
    ”
    Maqhingasitsupstraightandr
    ubshishands
    toget
    her.Thequestionhasbeenburninghi
    m;“Di
    d
    you,atanypoint
    ,regrett
    edyourdeci
    sionof
    choosi
    ngt
    okeepme?
    ”heasks.
    Ngidii
    sthr
    ownback.Heneverwant edhi
    mt ofind
    outaboutMagci
    na'
    srequestofkil
    li
    nghim because
    heknowsthati
    twasjustpai
    ntalki
    ng,nothis
    Magcina.
    “No.I'
    llal
    wayschoosemychil
    drenaboveanyt
    hing,
    evenmyownl i
    fe,
    ”hesaysandshi
    ft
    shiseyesto
    Snalo.They'
    reconfi
    rmi
    ngexact
    lywhathe'
    ssaying;
    heloveshisfamil
    y.
    “Soyoudon'tmindustaki
    ngtheCont
    inent
    albaby
    andgoingoutforpi
    zza?”Snal
    oasks.
    Maybeshedoesn'
    tknowthi
    s,butnobodyi
    sal
    lowed
    t
    odrivet
    heBentl
    eyexcepti
    tsowner.
    “You'r
    epushingit
    .Maqhinga'
    scarisinthegarage,
    i
    twi l
    lgetyouwhereveryouwanttogo,”hesaysand
    standsuptoleavebeforet
    heytakethi
    sanyfurther
    .
    “
    Somuchforchoosi
    ngusoveranyt
    hing,
    ”Snal
    o
    mumbl
    esunderherbreat
    h.
    “
    Idi
    dn'
    tsayovermycar
    s,”hesaysandl
    eavest
    hem
    t
    othei
    rmocki
    ng.
    .
    .
    THALENTE

    Ishouldn'thavetakenal
    ltheperf
    umest owork.I
    wasjustt est
    ingthemarket.WhenAartisentmeto
    del
    iverDawn' sfoodinheroff
    iceIdeci
    dedt ot
    ake
    onebot t
    leofperfumewithme.
    “
    Doyouknowhowheavensmel
    lsl
    ike?
    ”Iaskedher
    .
    Sheshookherheadwi t
    haconfusedlookonher
    face.Ialwaysconfuset
    hem whenIsaythings,
    it
    doesn'tbothermeanymore.SoIjustspr
    ayedher
    arm withtheperf
    ume.

    Bef
    or eIknewi
    tIwassurr
    oundedbyhert
    wo
    col
    leaguesandIspr
    ayedal
    lofthem.
    “Wheredoyougett
    hem andhowmuch?
    ”Dawn
    asked.
    Af
    tergi
    vingi
    tadeept
    houghtIt
    oldherIwast
    he
    suppl
    i
    erandthesell
    erofperf
    umes.Cal
    lswer e
    made,bankt
    ransf
    ersbeepedinandIst
    arted
    i
    maginingmysel
    fdini
    ngwithPatr
    iceMotsepe.
    Wel l
    ,that'
    sbasicall
    yhowImade1000outof10
    perfumest oday.Iaskedt hedrivert
    ot akemetot he
    pharmacybef or
    eheadi ngtoNdl al
    if
    a'shouse.I'
    m
    notonl yscaredaboutt heoutcomeofmy
    pregnancyt est,
    there'sagiftofperf
    umesIsol d.
    Whati fNdlali
    fawant stoseet hem?AndIal soneed
    toknowhowhegott hem sothatIcanor dermore
    usingt hemoneyImadet oday.

    Imakeasi l
    entprayerbeforedroppingmyur ine
    i
    nsidet hetesttube.I
    'm notreadytobeanyone' s
    mot her.I
    'm sureNdlali
    fawoulduset hatopportuni
    ty
    togr oundmeandt urnmei ntoahousewife.Ihave
    responsibil
    it
    iesandaf amilytotakecareof.I'
    m not
    planningonhavi ngabr oodoftaxirankoff-
    spri
    ngs
    who' l
    ltur
    nmyl i
    feupsidedownandbehavel ike
    theirunstablefat
    her.
    Fi
    vemi
    nut
    eshavepassednow.Iwi
    pemymoi
    st
    handsonmydr
    essandpi
    ckt
    het
    estt
    ube.
    Oneli
    ne!Adeli
    ght
    fulscream escapesmyli
    ps.I
    dashoutoft
    hebathroom tot
    heki t
    chenandpoura
    ful
    lgl
    assofcol
    ddrink.
    Cheer
    stous,
    thevi
    rgi
    ns!
    Ineedtocelebr
    atethis.Godisr eal
    lygreat
    .Ifinda
    tr
    ayofboer wor
    sinsidethefridgeandanot herone
    ofsteak.I
    '
    m hosti
    ngabr aai
    ,that’
    sit!
    Honestl
    y,thi
    smanneedstobuynormalmusi
    c.How
    am Isupposedt
    odancetoKhuzani
    ?

    “Hhayibo!”Thevoicesaysbehi
    ndmeandIal
    most
    fallovermytwodancinglef
    tfeet
    .Whyi
    she
    creepinguponrichpeople?
    “
    DidImi
    ssyourbi
    rt
    hday?
    ”heasks.
    Si
    gh!
    “
    No,
    Ndlal
    if
    a.Wel
    comehome,
    foodwi
    llber
    eadyi
    na
    f
    ewminut
    es.”
    Hef
    rowns.Ikeepmyeyesnar
    rowedathi
    m.The
    pr
    obl
    em i
    s…?
    “
    Youar
    escar
    ingmeThal
    ent
    e,”hesays.
    Irollmyeyest omybrains.Ithi
    nkheneedsaki ss.I
    standonmyt oesandsmoochhi ssexyli
    ps.He
    wrapshi shandsaroundmyneckanddeepenst he
    ki
    ss.He' spushingmeagai nstt
    hecounterand
    moani nginsi
    demymout h.Whenhi sknee
    separatesmyl egsandahar drodstart
    spokingmeI
    knowt hatIhavetobreakthekiss.
    Hewant
    smor e.Ishi
    ftmyf
    aceandhi
    ski
    ssl
    ands
    onmycheek.
    “Hurr
    yandbat h!Youmi
    ghtgetyour
    sel
    fameat
    y
    dessertl
    ater
    ,”Isay.
    ThankGodIshoppedenoughcondoms!Hewon'
    t
    haveanyexcuset
    ogoraw.
    Hislonglegsareoutofmysightwi
    thasecond.I
    sit
    normaltolovesexli
    kethi
    s?

    Mypaplooksandtast
    esnormal.It
    riedwi
    ththe
    meataswell
    .Hotchut
    neyistheonlysal
    adthat
    makessense,
    Ihaveaf
    ullbowlofi
    tandt
    wobot
    tl
    es
    ofsauce.
    Isetthetabl
    eandpat
    ient
    lywaitf
    orhi
    m wi
    thmusi
    c
    soft
    lyplayi
    ngint
    hebackground.

    Hefinal
    lycomesoutoft hebedroom inaNi keshor
    t
    andwhitevest.Hedidn'
    tforgethiscap,
    Ifindit
    confusi
    ngthathisf
    atherisaZul utr
    adit
    ionalman
    buthedidn'
    tteachthem nottowearhatsi nsi
    dethe
    house.
    He'
    swat
    chi
    ngmequiet
    lyasIdi
    shupandser
    vehi
    m.
    Mymamarai
    sedaqueen!
    “
    Thal
    ent
    ewhatar
    ewecel
    ebr
    ati
    ng?
    ”heasks.
    Il
    ear
    ntaboutt
    oast
    ingi
    nhisfami
    lyt
    ri
    p.Il
    if
    tmy
    gl
    assupandcli
    cki
    tonhis.
    “
    I'
    m notpr
    egnant
    ,”It
    ellhi
    m.
    Hejustl
    ooksatmel
    ikeI
    '
    m cr
    azyanddoesn'
    tsaya
    si
    ngleword.
    “It
    ookthetestthi
    saf
    ter
    noonbecauseIwasn'
    tver
    y
    sure,
    ”Iexpl
    ain.
    Heexhal
    esandpi
    ckst
    hekni
    feandcut
    shi
    smeat
    .
    “
    Thankyouf
    ort
    hef
    ood,
    ”hesays.
    Thisdevilwastr
    yingtoimpregnat
    eme, wasn'
    the?
    Myancest orsmusthavemor econnect
    ionsi
    n
    heaventhanhis.Ican'
    tbel
    ievehe'
    snotevenfaki
    ng
    happinessformystupidsake.
    “Iboughtyoucondoms.Al
    otofthem.Idon'twant
    ustohavear easont
    ogoraw,everagai
    n,”Isay.
    “Whichbrand?
    ”heasks,
    lacki
    ngexci
    tementand
    grat
    itude.
    “Tr
    ust,
    ”Isayandli
    ftmyeyebrowi
    nant
    ici
    pat
    ion.
    Thelookonhisf
    aceisworryi
    ng.
    “
    Idon'
    tuset
    hatshi
    t.IwantDur
    ex,
    ”hesays.
    Ithi
    nkmyearswentdeafforamoment .Dur
    ex
    condomsareclosetoR200.Hedoesn'
    tcum
    diamondsperms,whythehel
    lwouldIbuyhim such
    expensi
    vecondoms?
    “
    YouusedaChoiceonewhenwesleptt
    oget
    herf
    or
    t
    hefir
    stti
    me,
    ”Iser
    vehisshor
    tmemory.Hemust
    've
    f
    orgot
    tenwher
    ewecomef rom.
    “
    Iwasdesper
    ateandhor
    ny.
    ”
    Yuu!Whyam Iget
    ti
    ngoff
    ended?Myheadwantsme
    tosaysomet
    hingbutmyheartf
    ight
    sagai
    nsti
    t.
    Goingbackandf or
    thl
    iket
    hiswi
    llonl
    yleadusi
    nto
    anotherf
    ightandIdon'
    twantt
    hat.
    “
    Iwant
    edt
    oaskyousomet
    hing,
    ”Isay.
    I
    'm becomi
    nganui
    sance!Heexhal
    esandl
    ooksat
    me.
    “
    I'
    mli
    steni
    ng,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Wheredi
    dyoubuyt heper
    fumesthatyougave
    me?
    ”Iask.Hopef
    ull
    yhe'snotgoi
    ngtoaskareason
    f
    ormyquesti
    on.
    “
    Why?
    ”heasks.
    Loudsi
    gh!Di
    dheneedt
    oaskt
    hough?
    “Ismel
    ledni
    ceandpeopl
    ewant
    edt
    oknowwher
    eI
    boughtmyperf
    ume,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Youdon'thavetotel
    lthem.Theymustcont
    inue
    wit
    htheonesthey'
    reusing,
    ”hesays.
    Thi
    smandoesn’
    twantt
    oseemybusi
    nessgr
    owi
    ng!
    “Ikindofsoldalltheperfumesyougaveme, ”Isay
    aftercl
    earingmyt hroat
    .Hopeful
    lyhewon' tt
    hink
    I'
    m ungratefuloranythi
    ng.Idi
    dn'tneed10
    perfumes,myExcl amationoneisstil
    lful
    l.
    “Real
    ly?
    ”Hisfacetr
    ansformsf
    rom sourgr
    apest
    o
    star
    s.He'sevensmil
    ing.
    “
    Yes,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Wow!I
    '
    mimpr
    essed.Sowher
    eismyshar
    e?”
    Nowhe'sl
    ostme.Whatshar
    e?Whatdoes‘
    shar
    e’
    evenmean?
    “
    Youdon'
    thaveanyshar
    e,”Isay.
    “Igaveyout
    heper
    fumes,
    ofcour
    seIhaveashar
    e,”
    hesays.
    Tal
    kaboutscammers!Al
    wayst
    ryi
    ngt
    obenef
    itf
    rom
    bl
    ackbusi
    nesses.
    “
    Asagi
    ft
    .Sel
    li
    ngt
    hem wasmyi
    dea,
    ”Isay.
    “Alr
    ightMi
    ss-I
    deas.Wherear
    eyougoi
    ngtoget
    stock?Imean,cust
    omersmustbewai
    ti
    ngtopl
    ace
    thei
    rorder
    s?”
    Oops!Ir
    anmymout
    htoosoon.Ist
    il
    lneedhel
    p
    fr
    om thi
    sman.
    “Gi
    vemet hesuppli
    erdet
    ail
    sandI'l
    lgi
    veyouabl ow
    j
    ob.”I'
    m desper
    ateandoutofopti
    ons.Icannotgi
    ve
    him ashareofmymoney,Istar
    tedthi
    sperfume
    businessf
    rom t
    heground.
    “Thal
    enteIswearI'
    m goi
    ngcutyourhai
    rifyoudon'
    t
    keeptheendofyourpromise,
    ”hesays,
    takinghi
    s
    phonefrom t
    hetabl
    e.
    Myphonebeeps.Hej
    ustf
    orwardedt
    hecontact
    det
    ail
    stome.NowIowehim ablowj
    ob?Lif
    ei s
    unf
    air
    .
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    15] :Chapt
    er43
    Ext
    ras
    THALENTE(
    18+SNVL)

    Ihavetokeepmypromises.Hejustgotoutoft
    he
    bathr
    oom.Tomaket hi
    ngsworse,hedecidesnott
    o
    wearanythi
    ng.Heli
    esonthebed,naked,wit
    hhis
    l
    aptopandpocketofpeanut
    s.Ikeepsteal
    ing
    glancesatt hebigdi€kt hat'
    saboutt ogoi nsi
    demy
    mout h.Maybei ttasteslikehal f-
    cookedst eak,or
    boiledwor s,howeverthatt astesl i
    ke.Mybi ggest
    wor ryisfail
    ingtogivehimt hepleasur ehe'shoping
    for.Hef orgaveandf orgotever ythi
    ng, eventhe
    “cheapcondoms. ”He'swayt ooexci tedaboutt hi
    s.I
    don'tknowwhathi sexpect ati
    onsar ebutI'm
    shaki nginmyboot s.
    Googl
    ehasami l
    li
    onwaysofhowtosuckadi€k.I
    don'
    tknowwhichiswhi
    chandthi
    smanwillbe
    doneanyt
    imeonthatl
    aptop.

    Icannotcallmymot herandaskf orheradvice.


    That'
    sMaNgobese, she'
    sonlysuckedl ol
    li
    popand
    i
    ce-cream i
    nherwhol eexist
    ence.AndIdon' thave
    anyoldersisterorsexual-wi
    sef r
    iends.Myonl y
    opti
    onr i
    ghtnowi sNdondo.Ihavenodoubtt hat
    shedoest hesethings.Thecheeseboy’ sdi€k
    probablyl
    ooksbet terthanNdl al
    if
    a's.Her
    eI '
    m about
    todealwithachar coalmonst erwithball
    swei ghi
    ng
    2kg.
    Hedoesn'tevennoti
    cemet
    iptoei
    ngoutofther
    oom.
    Ipressthecal
    lbut
    tonandl
    eansagai
    nstthewalli
    n
    thepassage.
    “Hel
    loThal
    ente,
    howar
    eyoudoi
    ng?
    ”Gosh,
    shecan
    besoformal!
    “
    Hi,
    areyouf
    reet
    otal
    k?”Iask.
    “Babepl
    easegivemeasec,”shemustbet
    alki
    ngt
    o
    Ndabuko.Hopeful
    lyIdi
    dn'
    tdi
    stur
    bacosymoment.
    Iholdonforamoment .I
    '
    m onl
    ywear
    ingagown,
    ther
    e'snot
    hingbeneat
    hit.
    “I'
    m goodnow.Iseveryt
    hingokay?
    ”sheasks.
    There’
    sashi f
    ti
    ngmovement ,shemustbesi
    tt
    ingon
    thechairorsomet
    hing.
    “Yes,ummm Ijustneedhelp…advi
    ceon
    somet hi
    ng.
    ”Lord,Ial
    readysoundl
    ikeament
    all
    y
    dist
    urbedwoman.
    “
    Okay,
    I'
    m al
    lear
    s,”shesays.
    “
    Blowj
    ob,
    ”Isay.
    Si
    lence…
    “Canyouadvi
    cemeonhowt odoitandwhatare
    thedo’
    sanddon’s.Imadeapr omisetosomeone
    andIneedtoknowt hesethi
    ngs.Atl
    eastthe
    basi
    cs,
    ”Ibabbl
    eout .I
    'm sur
    eshe'swonderi
    nghow
    agrownwomanl ikemedoesn'tknowthesethi
    ngs.
    “
    I'
    m notgoi
    ngtoli
    e.I
    '
    m sti
    lll
    ear
    ningtoo,Ndabuko
    i
    stheoneteachi
    ngmeallt
    hosethings,
    ”shesays.
    Didn'tshegr
    aduat
    efr
    om uni
    ver
    sit
    ywithMast
    ers
    Degree?Howcomeshe'snotanexper
    tof
    everythi
    ng?
    “AllIcantellyouisthatsucki
    ngissucking.You
    don'tleaveyoursalivaonsomeone'sdi€k.Also,
    makesur eyoudon'thurthim wi
    thyourteeth,t
    hat'
    s
    aver ysensiti
    veorgan,keepyourteet
    hinyour
    mout h.Uset hetongue,l
    ipsandhands.Andkeep
    theeyecont act.
    ”
    Thi
    sgi r
    lisver
    ymat ur
    ed.I
    fitwasmeIwould'
    ve
    st
    artedoffbylaughi
    ngandmockingt
    hestupi
    dit
    y
    outofme.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fai
    sanexper
    iencedman.Don'
    tpani
    c,he'
    l
    l
    hel
    pyou,
    ”shesays.
    Experi
    encedman,hey!Iwanttohuntdownal
    lhi
    s
    exesandchopthei
    rboobsoff.Iwasgoingt
    obethe
    fi
    rstwomantogivehim aBJ!
    “Pokehist
    ightas$holewi t
    hyourf
    ingerandspank
    thatf
    ir
    m assanytimeyougetachance. ”Nowshe’s
    anormalperson;playfulandgi
    ggl
    ing.Ithi
    nkt
    hisis
    goingtobemyf avorit
    esnobinthewholeworld.
    Idon'
    tthi
    nkNdlal
    ifawi
    lll
    ikemepokingmyf
    inger
    i
    nsidehisas$hol
    ebutI
    'm ari
    sk-
    taker.
    Wechatbri
    efl
    yaboutourt r
    ipt
    oNyandenibef
    ore
    endi
    ngthecall
    .It
    'sjustt
    wodaysawaynowandI
    cannotwai
    ttoeatthemeat.

    Ibumpint
    ohim att
    hedoorasIwalkbackt
    othe
    bedr
    oom.Hisfacer
    elaxeswhenheseesme.
    “It
    houghtyou'
    veranaway,”hesays,
    wrappi
    nghis
    armsbelowmybut tandatt
    emptingt
    oli
    ftmeup.Oh,
    heactual
    lydoes.Hecarr
    iesmetobedandstands
    overmewi t
    hahugegr i
    nonhisface.
    “Wedon'tsl
    eepi
    ngownsher
    e.”He'
    sunt
    yingi
    tand
    exposi
    ngmynakedbody.
    “Whatareyouhidi
    ngbecauseIknowdeepinsi
    de
    you?”heasks,
    loweri
    nghisheadtomythi
    ghsand
    plant
    ingsof
    tki
    ssesoneach.
    Hecupsmyboobandrubshist
    humbonmynippl
    e.
    Mybodyi
    swarmingatthet
    ouchofhi
    shand.
    “Doyouevenbel
    ievemewhenIsayIl
    oveyou?
    ”he
    asks,
    rol
    li
    ngmyni ppl
    ebet
    weenhi
    sfi
    nger
    s.
    “Ido,
    ”Isayandsomehowmyvoi
    cecomesouti
    n
    almostwhisper
    .
    “I'
    m nothavingf
    unher eThalente.Iwishtothank
    thehandsthatraisedyouandhonouryourf ather
    's
    house.Asmuchast here'sabill
    ionofus,menand
    women, noteverybodyfindslove.Iconsi
    dermysel f
    l
    uckyt ohavefoundyoubecauseIknowt hatIhave
    i
    ndluyamiyokugugel a(myf orever)Il
    oveyou
    MaMbat ha,”hesays.
    Ihavechi
    ll
    s!Ifeel
    warmli
    quidrushi
    nguptomy
    eyesandquickl
    ywipei
    tbefor
    eitescapest
    he
    corner
    sofmyeyes.
    “Pleasetr
    ustme.Ngiyacel
    aThal
    ent
    eungit
    hembe
    nje,”hesays,hi
    seyesfi
    xedonmeandcloudedwi
    th
    alltheemotions.
    “It
    rustyouNdlal
    if
    a,butIhaveresponsi
    bil
    it
    iest
    hat
    arebeyondthi
    srelat
    ionshi
    p,”It
    ellhi
    m.
    “Butwecanmakei twork.Youhavet hechar i
    sma
    andgoodbusi nessapproach.Not hingcanst opyou
    from runningyourownbusi ness,evenifit'
    ssell
    ing
    perfumesandshoes.Youcanal waysf i
    ndwaysof
    suppor ti
    ngyourfami l
    y,evenundert hisroof.I
    'l
    lhelp
    wheneveryouneedmet o.TrustmeIunder st
    and
    wher eyoucomef r
    om, butyouhavet oliveyourlif
    e
    aswel l.Ineedyout obemi ne,notthehal fofyou.”
    Irel
    easeadeepsi gh.Tear sfi
    ndt hei
    rwayout.I
    don'twanttolosehi m andIdon'twantmyf amil
    yto
    dieofhungereither.I'
    mt heeldest,
    mymot herisa
    pensioner
    ,wedon' thaveaf atherandmysi st
    er
    makesbabi es.Ofcour setheyneedme.Ihavet obe
    ther
    ef ort
    hem beforeI '
    mt her
    ef ormysel
    f.
    “Don'
    tpuni
    shyour
    selfli
    kethi
    s.Al
    lowmetolove
    youthewayyoudeserve.Iwantt
    hebestf
    oryoutoo
    andIcar
    eThal
    ente.
    ”Hisfi
    ngersentwinewithmines.
    Hisf
    aceisl
    oweredtomine,he'
    sstar
    ingclosel
    yinto
    myeyes.
    “Looki nt
    omyeyesThalente.Ifyoucanl ookupin
    theskyandseet hemoonshi ningbehindtheclouds,
    surelyyoucanseetheloveinmyeyest oo.Idon'
    t
    evenr ememberwhoIwasbef oreyou.Mypasti s
    blankandsoi smyfutur
    e.Ther e'
    snothingwrit
    ten
    there;nothi
    ngtohol
    dont o.
    ”
    Deepbr
    eat
    h!
    “
    Nott
    hebabyt
    hough,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Whatdoyoumean?
    ”heasks.
    “Wecantakeitt
    othenextst
    epandthefoll
    owi
    ng
    one.Butwecan'
    thaveababyyet
    ,”Isay.
    Heshut
    shi
    seyesandr
    eleasesasi
    ghofr
    eli
    ef.
    “I
    '
    m goingt
    oputari
    ngonyourfinger!
    ”hesays
    befor
    ecuppi
    ngmyfaceandcrashinghisl
    ipson
    minesandki
    ssesmeli
    kehe'
    sneverkissedme
    befor
    e.
    I'
    ml osti
    nhi sl
    ips.Hishandsareoneithersidesof
    myf aceandsqueezi ngmycheeks.Ifeelsomet hi
    ng
    penetrat
    ingmymoi stvagi
    nall
    ips.Heforceshis
    tongueinsidemymout htoshutmeup.
    Iletoutamoanri
    ghtinsi
    dehi
    smout
    hasIf
    eela
    thickrodsl
    idi
    ngi
    nsi
    deme.
    Hebr eaksthekissandpull
    smyl egsonhisar ms.I
    seeitashepul l
    soutforanotherl
    ongstroke.
    There'snocondom, i
    t’
    shardandl engt
    hier
    .Itfi
    ll
    s
    mycun£bef or
    eIevenbreatheawor d.Mycl i
    tis
    hardeningandthrobbi
    ng.
    “
    Pleaser
    ubi
    tonmycl
    it
    ,”Isayi
    nal
    owvoi
    ce.
    Heat
    temptstopul
    lout
    ,Iqui
    ckl
    ymovemywaistup.
    I
    t'
    sbacki
    nsidemeandtouchi
    ngmysof
    twal
    ls.
    “
    Don'tpul
    litout
    ,”Isayandi
    nhal
    eshar
    plyt
    hrough
    myteeth.
    He'
    sconf
    used.
    Irubthecl
    itmyselfwhil
    ehet hr
    ust
    sin.Hisl
    owerl
    ip
    i
    sf ol
    dedbetweenhisteeth,
    hishal
    f-
    li
    ddedeyesar
    e
    fi
    xedonmyf ace.Idon'tcar
    eaboutthefaci
    al
    expressionsI
    '
    m maki
    ngri
    ghtnow,Ievenbecome
    cross-eyedwhenhet
    apsaroundmyG- spot
    .
    “Ndlali
    faIloveyourdi€k!
    ”Iscr
    eam ashemoves
    aroundi ncir
    cles.“
    Pleasedon'
    tdot
    histoanyone
    else.Pleaseee!”
    Hedeepenshist
    hrust
    s.If
    eelt
    hewavebui
    ldi
    ngup
    f
    rom myspineandarchmybackupwar
    ds.
    “Whosepu$$ybelongst
    omeThal
    ente?
    ”Mylegs
    star
    ttotr
    emble.Hist
    humbi
    snowrubbingmycl
    it
    exactl
    yhowIwant.
    “
    Mine!
    ”Iscr
    eam out
    .
    “
    Andwhosewi
    fear
    eyougoi
    ngt
    obe?
    ”heasks.
    “Ndla..
    li
    ..
    fa'
    s.I'
    m your…”Li
    ght
    sout
    !Mybodyi
    s
    fl
    oatingonawave, t
    here'
    sawarmli
    qui
    dfl
    owi
    ng
    betweenmyt hi
    ghs.

    Iopenmyeyest ohim st
    andi
    ngtallnexttome.Hi
    s
    handiswrappedaroundhisvei
    n-poppingdi
    €k.He'
    s
    gi
    vingitweakst
    rokeswithhi
    shand.
    Hepul
    lsmeof
    fthebedandf
    orcesmedownonmy
    knees.
    Thepr
    omise!Iputmyhandsoverhi
    sthi
    ghs,he
    qui
    ckl
    yremovesoneandplacesi
    tonhishar
    ddi€k.
    Iswall
    ownothi
    ngnessandstar
    tstr
    okingi
    t.He
    thr
    owshisheadbackwardsandputsonehandon
    topofmyhead.
    “
    Sucki
    t,baby,
    ”hesays.
    Ipressmytongueont heti
    pandtast
    ehissal
    typre-
    cum.Ipauseandl ookupathim.Hi
    slowerl
    ipis
    fol
    dedagain.Icannotdi
    sappoi
    nthi
    m now.
    Icandothis.I
    fNdondocandoi t
    ,socanI .Ili
    fti
    tup
    andli
    ckaroundthewholethi
    ng.I'
    m carefulnotto
    l
    eavesal
    ivaonhim.Ili
    ckitcl
    eanandt henpul li
    t
    i
    nsidemymout handimagineitasaloll
    ipop.
    “Ther
    eyougobaby!
    ”hesaysandgr
    absmyhead.
    He'spushi
    ngi
    tdeepi
    nmyt hr
    oat
    .
    “Suckyourmanbaby!”He'snowinthewor
    ldofhi
    s
    own.Ibrushhi
    sball
    st ender
    lyandsl
    idemyfi
    nger
    downtohisas$hol
    e.
    Hi
    sbodyt
    ensesupbef
    oreIevenpushi
    tin.
    “
    Suckthedi
    €kThal
    ent
    e,whenyou'
    ret
    ir
    edgi
    veme
    mypu$$y.
    ”
    Wel
    l,
    Itr
    ied.
    Heli
    ft
    smeupandturnsmear
    ound.Ihol
    dont
    othe
    bedandpushmybut
    tup.
    Hespanksmebef
    oresepar
    ati
    ngmybut
    tocksand
    poundi
    ngmeli
    keamadman.

    Whenhestar
    tscryi
    ngli
    keasickpuppyIal
    ways
    knowt
    hathe'
    sclosetohisbi
    gbreak.
    Het urnsmear oundagainandpushesmedownon
    bed.Hesepar atesmythighswi
    thhiskneeand
    str
    okeshi sdi€kwit
    hhishand.Hishandpaceis
    quick.Hisfaceistr
    ansformi
    ngint
    ochimpanzee-
    mode.
    Helet
    soutagr oanandspreadshi
    scum al
    lovermy
    cooki
    e.Ther
    e'sreal
    lynopointi
    ndoi
    ngthi
    sexcept
    messingmeup.
    “I
    tlookssogoodbaby,
    ”hesays,
    rubbi
    nghi
    scum al
    l
    overme.
    “
    CanIt
    akeapi
    ctur
    e?”heasks.
    Myheadissti
    llhangi
    ngupi ntheblueski
    es.Inod
    myheadandkeepmyl egswidel
    yopenedwhi l
    ehe
    r
    eachesunderhispil
    lowforthephone.

    Isheshootingamovienow?Iclosemylegswhi
    le
    he'sst
    il
    ltakingmor
    epict
    uresandlieonmy
    stomach.
    Thebedf eel
    shiswei
    ghtashethr
    owshi
    mselfnext
    tome.Hisl i
    pscomeincont
    actwi
    tht
    hesi
    deofmy
    neck.That'
    smysoftspot
    ,Il
    if
    tmyheadupandlook
    athim.
    “Thatwasaful
    lcour
    semeal
    .Hl
    omukai
    swel
    lfed
    andhappy,
    ”hesays.
    Ithi
    nkIshouldbeproudofmysel
    f.B-
    JQueen!I
    needtoteachNdondoathingort
    wo.

    We'
    l
    lhave44i
    nthemor
    ning
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    15] :Chapt
    er44
    NDONDO

    Thedayi sfinal lyhere.Mypar ent sdidn'tdirectl


    y
    giveust heirbl essingbutt hef actt hatthey'reher e
    meansal ott ome.Wemaynotseeeyet oeyebut
    everygi rlneedshermot heronadayl i
    ket his.
    Dumi sanir aisedmeup, regar dl essofhi sissues
    withBab' Maqhawe, inmyhear thehol dsaver y
    specialpl ace.Henevert reat edmeanydi fferently,
    he'sst r
    icttoal lofus.Abadbr ot herdoesn' t
    necessar i
    lymeansabadf ather .Hopef ull
    yaf ter
    negotiationst hef amilywi llsitdownandt alkthings
    through.Ever yonei sinabet terpl acenow.My
    mot herishappi lymar ri
    ed-t hatwomani slivinglike
    aqueen.Justl ikeMam' JabuandBab' Maqhawe,
    thoset woar enowl i
    vingt heirhappy- ever-after.
    AuntVumi l
    eshoul dn’thavepi ckedsi desbet ween
    herbr others, thi scould'vebeensol vedeasi lybyher
    butshehaspl ayedahugepar ti ntherivalrytoo.

    Wear
    eal
    lint
    heki
    tchen,
    discussi
    ngt
    hemenuand
    ar
    rangement
    sfort
    hedaygoi
    ngf
    orwar
    d.
    “SoIaskedBab'Ngidiandhesaidallofthem ar
    e
    fi
    newi t
    hsteak.Thalent
    eyoucanprepar e
    gorgonzol
    asaucet ogowithitandallthesal
    ads.
    I’
    m handli
    ngthemeatandst eamedbr ead,
    ”Khosi.
    Thal
    entei
    sleani
    ngbyt
    hecount
    erwi
    thherar
    ms
    cr
    ossed.
    “
    Whati
    sgor
    gonzol
    a?”sheasks.
    Ikeepget
    ti
    ngnegat
    iveki
    tchenvi
    besf
    rom her
    .
    “
    CanyoucookThal
    ent
    e?”Iask.
    “Ri
    ceandcurry,
    yes.Butgogo-
    what-
    what,Ihonest
    ly
    needcul
    inar
    yschoolfr
    om it
    slowestcl
    ass,
    ”she
    says.
    Everyonel
    aughs,
    incl
    udi
    ngme;t
    hewor
    ld'
    sbad
    cook.
    “Butyouworkinacant eenmoghel,
    ”Snalosays,
    l
    aughing.Beingarichman'sdaughterhasgott
    en
    i
    ntoherheadt oo.Sheisonherphonemor ethan
    she'si
    nthiskit
    chen.She'sal
    waysbeent het
    win
    withabadattit
    ude,nowshe'sworse.
    “
    Abakhongidon'
    tcomef
    rom Mumbai
    ,Iworkf
    oran
    I
    ndi
    anwomanandcookI ndi
    anfoodmostoft
    he
    t
    ime,
    ”Thalent
    esays.
    Idon'tunderst
    andwhyNdl al
    if
    aisnotgett
    inghera
    bett
    erjob.Hecanputheranywher eonthemap.
    Thisthingofslavi
    ngforanIndi
    anwomanwho
    probablypaysherpeanutsdoesn'
    tsi
    twellwit
    hme.
    Shebli
    nksr
    api
    dlyandl
    ooksatal
    lofusasi
    fshe
    j
    ustremember
    edsomethi
    ng.
    “Bef
    oreIf
    orget
    ,PERFUMESguys!I
    '
    m sel
    li
    ng
    perf
    umes.
    ”
    Owkaaay!She'
    sleavingusinthekit
    chenand
    rushi
    ngtothebedroom wheretheyputt
    heirbags.
    “
    Per
    fumes?
    ”Andi
    swaasks.
    Weallshrugourshoul
    ders.Ididsayt
    herewas
    moretothisgi
    rl
    'sper
    sonali
    tythanwhatshewas
    put
    ti
    ngont hefr
    ont.

    Shecomesbackapl
    ast
    icbag.I
    thasbot
    tl
    esof
    per
    fumesi
    nside.
    “
    YouareanArthurFor
    dagent
    ?”Andi
    swaasks,
    mesmeri
    zed.
    “
    Yes,
    ”shesaysandl
    ooksatme.
    I'
    veneverusedArt
    hurFor
    dbeforeandI'
    m nott
    he
    kindofapersonwholi
    kesswi
    tchingbr
    ands.
    “Youcanbuytwo;onefortheoff
    iceandonefor
    homeuse.I'
    l
    lgiveyouadiscountofR10,
    ”shesays
    andputst
    wobot t
    lesonthetabl
    e,infr
    ontofme.
    “
    IhaveneverusedAr
    thur
    …”No,
    she'
    sdonewi
    thme!
    She'
    slooki
    ngatKhosinow.Wher
    edi
    dNdl
    ali
    faget
    her
    ?
    “Youcantaketwoaswell.Andi
    swayou'llbuyone
    becauseyou'
    reastudent
    .Snaloyouwillbuythree,
    I'
    m putt
    ingupwit
    hyourar r
    ogantbr
    othereveryday.
    ”
    Sheleavesbott
    lesinf
    rontofeachandl
    eavest
    he
    ki
    tchenwiththeremai
    ningones.
    “Weareforcedtobuyperf
    umesnow?Ndlal
    if
    acan
    givehermoneyifsheneedsmoney,
    ”Snal
    osays
    withaneyeroll
    .
    “
    Idon'
    tthi
    nkshe'
    sthatt
    ype.Ther
    eisadi
    ff
    erence
    betweenamanspoil
    ingyouandamanpr acti
    call
    y
    taki
    ngcar
    eofyou.Thalent
    ewouldn'
    tbet
    akencar e
    ofbyamanbecauset hatl
    eadst
    osubmission,
    ”I
    say.
    Snalogi
    vesmeal ook.Iknowwhati
    tmeans;I
    ’
    m
    tal
    kingf
    rom apr
    ivi
    legedpoint
    .
    “
    Ndabukodoesn'
    tgi
    vememoney,
    ”Isaydef
    ensi
    vel
    y.
    “
    Hisbr
    othergaveyouacompany,
    duh!
    ”Snal
    o
    mumbl
    es.
    Ihat
    eitwhenpeopl
    esaythi
    s.Iwasgoi
    ngtoruna
    companyoneday,wi
    thorwit
    houtNhl
    anzeko'
    shel
    p.
    “
    Itdoesn'
    tmeanIdon'
    twakeupever
    ydayandbur
    st
    myassoffmakingi
    tsuccessf
    ul.
    ”
    Khosisi
    ghsandl
    if
    tsherhandsup.
    “Youtwostop.Whohascash?Wehaveper
    fumest
    o
    payfor,
    ”sheasks.
    “
    Babawi
    llpayf
    orme,
    ”Snal
    o.
    I'
    mjustcrossi
    ngmyf inger
    sthatshewon'
    tst
    op
    workingasSnakhodid.Ngidiseemst
    obe
    overcompensat
    ing.
    “
    Idon'
    thavecashei
    ther
    .I'
    l
    laskNdabuko,
    ”Isay.
    Whyaretheyl
    ooki
    ngatmel
    iket
    hat
    ?Ndabukoi
    s
    her
    e,par
    kedafewyar
    dsawayfr
    om t
    hehomest
    ead.
    “
    Didn'
    tyousayawomanmustprovi
    def
    orher
    sel
    f
    j
    ustamomentago?”Snal
    oasks.
    Nowshe'st wi
    sti
    ngmywor ds.Iwasonl
    y
    emphasizi
    ngont heimpor
    tanceofhavi
    ngyourown
    moneyasawoman.Dependencemakesment hi
    nk
    theyhavetheri
    ghttocont
    rolyou.
    -
    -
    Thecooki ngbegins.Peopl earest art
    ingt oar r
    ive,
    thecowhasbeensl aughtered.I'
    vebeenhol di
    ngmy
    breat hthatnobodyf ightsandsof ar,sogood.
    Mam' Jabuandmymot herareavoi di
    ngeachot her
    atal lcosts.AuntVumi l
    eisratherquiet ,ormustI
    sayembar r
    assed?Thedemoni cbr ot
    herwel comed
    herwi t
    hwar m hands.Shewasmeet i
    ngQondani ’
    s
    childrenforthef i
    rsttimetoday.Thenei ghbor shave
    beenaski ngheral lkindofquest ions, t
    hemost -
    askedonebei ng-whendi dshegetmar ried.Inthe
    vil
    lageyoudon' tr
    ockupwi thar i
    ngar oundyour
    f
    inger
    ,theywantt
    oseecowsf
    ir
    st.

    “
    Ndondo,
    ”Qondanical
    lsme,
    standi
    ngatt
    hedoor
    .
    Iexpect
    edhimt obeal
    loverladi
    es,hecal
    lshi
    msel
    f
    acharmer.Buthehasn'tmadeasinglemoveon
    anyone.Iwant
    edhimt otrySnal
    o.
    “
    Canwet
    alkf
    orami
    nut
    e?”heasks.
    Iwasabouttogoanddr
    essup,butt
    hissounds
    urgent
    .Idr
    ymyhandsandfol
    lowhim out
    .
    West andout
    sidei
    nthever
    anda.He'srubbinghi
    s
    handsandstari
    ngatmewithastrangegrinonhis
    face.
    “
    What
    ?”Iask.
    “Don'
    tpani
    c.Ibr
    oughtsomeone,she'si
    nmyr oom
    andshewantstohel
    pinthekit
    chen,”hesays.
    He'
    sunbel
    ievabl
    e!
    “
    Areyouall
    owedtobri
    ngrandom womendur
    inga
    f
    amil
    ygatheri
    ng?
    ”Iask.
    “
    She'
    sbeenher
    ebef
    ore.
    ”
    Oh,t
    hissoundsgood.Idi
    dn'
    tthi
    nkhe'
    dmoveonso
    qui
    ckl
    y.
    “I
    ftheparent
    sareokaywi
    thi
    tthenIhaveno
    probl
    em,”Isay.
    Heexhal
    esandbr
    usheshi
    sface.Whyi
    sheact
    ing
    wei
    rdl
    ynow?
    “
    Wast
    hatal
    l?
    ”Iaskwi
    thmyeyenar
    rowed.
    “
    It
    'sZamaf
    uze.Wear
    ebackt
    oget
    her
    ,”hesays.
    ForamomentI 'mjustfr
    ozen.Zamafuzei
    shere?
    Shebroughtherbackintoourli
    ves?Thesame
    womanwhof edhi
    m mut hiandkepthi
    m awayfr
    om
    hi
    skids.
    “
    Youar
    ejoki
    ng,
    right
    ?”Iask.
    “Unfortunat
    ely,no.MaSibisiIl
    ovethatwoman,so
    badt hatwhensheexpl ainedhersel
    fIunder
    stood
    herpain.Ijusthopeshe'sgenuineandshewon' tl
    et
    herpastcomebet weenus. ”Helet
    soutanother
    sigh.Sadnesscl oudshiseyes.I'
    m get
    ti
    ngmor e
    confused.Her eall
    ylovesher,aft
    erever
    ythi
    ngshe
    didtohi m!
    “I
    '
    m notrich,I
    '
    m pushingt hr
    oughlifeandhustli
    ng.
    Amanl i
    kemewi l
    lneverbeaccept edinherfamily.
    They'
    reusedtopeopl elikeyourbabydaddy.We
    al
    readydon'thaveherf ami l
    y'
    sappr oval
    ,hermother
    hascutallcommuni cationwi t
    hher.Thelastthi
    ngI
    needistohavemyf amilyhat i
    ngonust oo.You
    don'
    thavet obeherf r
    iend, j
    ustdon'tmakeherfeel
    uncomfortabl
    e.I'
    m beggi ngyou,dadewet hu.
    ”
    Il
    etoutasi
    gh.Thisisthelastt
    hingIexpectedfr
    om
    hi
    m.Idon'
    ttrustZamafuzeonebi tandther
    e'sno
    wayI'
    mlett
    inghertouchanythi
    ngi nthekit
    chen.
    “
    It
    'searlyforyout
    oaskmet hi
    s.Idon'
    twantheri
    n
    t
    hekitchen,nohar
    dfeel
    ings!
    ”
    “Atleastcomeandsayhi
    .Ndondoyou'
    remybl
    ood
    sist
    er.”
    JesusChri
    st!NowIhavetosayhitoher.It
    houghtI
    wouldn'
    thavetoseeherf
    aceatleastf
    orthenext
    twomonthsofmyl i
    fe.

    She'
    ssitt
    ingonbed.Ihavet
    heurgetorol
    lmyeyes
    fr
    om thedoor.Shehasascarfwr
    appedaroundher
    headandt
    hosecut
    esishweshwedressesnewl
    y-
    weddedwi
    veswear.Shel
    ooksgoodbut…
    Icl
    earmyt
    hroatandst
    andbyt
    hewal
    l.
    Anel
    bownudge.Real
    lyQondani
    ?!
    “
    HiZamaf
    uze,
    ”Isay.
    Shelooksatmeandsmi
    les.Idon'
    ttr
    ustanyt
    hing
    abouther,
    event
    hatsmi
    le.
    “Hey,youar
    estil
    lnotdressed?Pregnancyis
    tr
    eati
    ngyougood, you'
    rebeauti
    ful
    .”Shetakesagi
    ft
    bagbehindherandpassesi tt
    ome.
    “
    Whati
    sthi
    s?”Iask.
    “
    Openi
    t,
    ”shesays.
    Deepsi
    gh!Iwon'
    tbebri
    bedwithgi
    ft
    s.Iopent
    he
    t
    hingandfi
    ndabeadedbracel
    eti
    nsi
    de.
    “Qondani
    boughtthebeads,
    ”shesaysandl
    ooksat
    him wi
    thawarm smil
    e.
    “
    Yousel
    lbeadedbr
    acel
    ets?
    ”Iask.
    “Yes,
    Imakeneckl
    acesandbracel
    ets.Buti
    t'
    sal
    l
    Qondani
    '
    shardwork,hebuysthebeadsandget
    cust
    omer
    s,”shesays.
    Idon'tli
    keherbutshe'
    sdoi
    ngagreatj
    ob.Il
    ovet
    he
    braceletshemadeforme,i
    thasamixt
    ureofwhi
    te
    andbl uebeads.
    “
    Notreall
    y.You'
    retheonewhosi
    tonthecouchand
    t
    hreadthesethi
    ngsthewhol
    eday,
    ”Qondanichi
    rps
    i
    n.
    Zamafuzest
    aresathim.Hestar
    esback.Nowit'
    sa
    st
    ari
    ngbattl
    e,nei
    theroft
    hem want
    stotakecr
    edit.
    “You'
    rebeauti
    ful
    ,”het
    ell
    sher
    .Thestar
    ingbat
    tl
    e
    ends!Shelosti
    t.She'
    snowblushi
    ng.
    “Okay!Qondaniyou'r
    eneededout side.Zamaf uze
    youcancomet othekitchen,you'r
    eal readydr essed
    l
    ikeamakot i
    .”Ican'
    tbel i
    eveI'm doingt his.Itmay
    befakebutitlookssogenui neandpur e.Theway
    sheblushesandsmi lesathim asi fshe' sthe
    l
    uckiestgi
    rli
    nt hewor l
    d.Orit'
    sjustt hatIl ove
    hustl
    ingwomen?She' sbuil
    dingher selfagai n.

    Khosii
    sthef
    ir
    stonet
    oputherhandsont
    hewai
    st
    andl
    i
    fthereyebr
    ows.
    “Guys,
    thi
    sisZamaf
    uze,
    mybr
    other
    'sgi
    rl
    fr
    iend,
    ”I
    say.
    Andiswabr
    eaksint
    oafitofl
    aught
    er.Snal
    opours
    wineint
    oaglassandgulpsi
    tdown.Khosii
    sabout
    t
    oj umponherneck.
    “HiZamaf uze,”Thal
    ent
    esays.She'
    sthecluel
    ess
    one.She'ssmi li
    ngatZamafuzewarmlyandnowall
    eyesaregl ar
    ingatherli
    keshe'
    sabackstabberor
    sell
    -out
    .
    “
    What
    ?”shewhi
    sper
    s,l
    ooki
    ngatmewi
    thaf
    rown.
    Ishr
    ugmyshoulder
    s.Sheneedst
    orel
    axandnot
    i
    nheri
    tanyf
    ight
    s.
    “It
    hinkwecanallwor
    ktoget
    herfort
    oday.Idon't
    wantanyoneoranyt
    hingt
    ospoilmyday,please,
    ”I
    sayandfixmyeyesonKhosi.
    Sher
    oll
    shereyesandt
    urnst
    othepotont
    hest
    ove.
    “Wine?”Snal
    oasksZamafuze.There'
    smockeryal
    l
    overhereyes.I
    twoul
    d'vebeenworseifSnakhowas
    here.
    “
    No,
    thanks,
    ”Zamaf
    uzesays.
    Andi
    swal
    aughsagai
    n.I
    '
    m goi
    ngt
    oki
    llt
    hischi
    ld!
    “Washint
    shauDludlausewabawuDladl
    a,”Snal
    o
    says.HerandAndiswabumpf i
    stsandlaugh.
    Ifeelsor
    ryforher.Unfor
    tunatel
    ymyfri
    endsdon'
    t
    forgi
    veeasil
    y,eventodaythey'r
    est
    il
    lfr
    ying
    Ndabukoi nasmal lpan.
    .
    .
    NOMAGUGU

    Therear eneighboursandoldfri
    endswhohaven' t
    seenheri nyears.Notonlyissheamot hertothe
    mostsuccessf ulgir
    linNyandeni,herdaught
    eris
    mar r
    yingtotheMngomezul usandNgonyamai s
    l
    eadingt helobolanegoti
    ati
    ons.Isn'
    therwombt he
    highl
    yf avouredone?
    Shehast otr
    anslat
    eever
    yti
    meherson, Bahl
    e,says
    somethingbecausenoneofthesepeopl
    ecanhear
    hisA-
    classEngli
    sh.
    Jabuisanaver
    age-l
    ooki
    ngvil
    lagewi f
    eand
    Nomaguguisabouttomakesur ethatshereal
    izes
    thatt
    hey'
    reondi
    ffer
    entst
    andards.She'supthere,
    twostepsawayfr
    om thet
    op,andJabui sstil
    lonthe
    ground.
    She'snowchangi
    ngfrom thevelvetfor
    maldr ess
    thathadmostvi
    ll
    agewomenwi ggli
    ngt heirt
    ongues
    out,andwear
    inghert
    ieredfl
    oral
    -printmididress.
    ThisonewasR630;halfofthesewomen' spension.

    Thebedroom doorshif
    tsjustassheputst hedress
    overherhead.Jabuwalksin,unawarethatshe'
    s
    i
    nvadingaperson'spri
    vacy.She'
    saboutt ostep
    backandleavehertoherexpensivedresseswhen
    shenoti
    cessomet hi
    ngthatalmostgivesherahear t
    att
    ack.
    “
    Nomagugu!
    ”sheexcl
    aimsont
    opofhervoi
    ce.
    It
    'stool
    ateforNomagugutohidehert hi
    ghs.Jabu’
    s
    handsareoverhermouth.She'sneverseenanyone
    withsomanyscarsonhert hi
    ghs.Somel ooknew
    andswollen.I
    t'
    sli
    kesheborrowedsomeoneel se'
    s
    thi
    ghs.Nomagugui sfai
    rinski
    ntonebuthert
    highs
    aredarkert
    hanthemannegot i
    ati
    nglobol
    awit
    h
    Maqhawei ntherondavel
    .
    “Whodidthistoyou?”Jabuasks,she'
    sbeyond
    shock.Shewouldn'
    twishanythi
    ngl i
    kethi
    son
    anyone,notevenherworseenemy, whi
    chisnone
    othert
    hanNomagugu.
    “Getout!
    ”Nomagugugr untsherteethandglaresat
    her.She'
    sneverexposedherbodyi nfrontof
    anyone,notevenNdondo.It'
    snotbecauseshe’ sthe
    pastor'
    swifeandshe'sexpect
    edt odressacertain
    way-it'
    sbecauseshehasscar sthatnobodycan
    fi
    ndoutabout .AndnowJabulil
    e,outofallpeople,
    hasseenherhi ddenscar
    s!
    “I
    sDumisanidoi
    ngthi
    stoyou?”Jabui
    sst
    il
    l
    st
    andi
    ngbyt hedoor
    ,st
    ari
    ngather.
    “
    It
    'snoneofyourbusi
    ness,
    getoutofmyf
    ace!
    ”
    “I
    ’m cal
    li
    ngNdondo.
    ”Jabut
    urnst
    hedoorhandl
    e
    andheadsout.
    “Heywenamfazi
    !”Nomagugurunsafterher.
    Ndondocannotf
    indoutaboutt
    his!I
    twillki
    llher
    anddestroyal
    lthehappy-
    homememor i
    esshehas.
    Theygrewupinawar m homewitht
    wol ovi
    ng
    parent
    s-shedoesn'
    twantthatt
    oeverchangei
    n
    thei
    rminds.

    Jabugr
    absNdondoasi
    de,
    bri
    ngi
    ngt
    hewhol
    eroom
    i
    ntoastandst
    il
    l.
    “
    Ma,
    isever
    ythi
    ngal
    ri
    ght
    ?”Ndondoasks.
    BeforeJabucananswer,Nomaguguappears
    behindthem andsl
    apsJabuacrossherf
    ace.
    Ndondoscr
    eamsouti
    nshock!
    “
    Mawhatiswrongwit
    hyou?Whyar
    eyousl
    appi
    ng
    Mam'
    Jabuli
    kethat
    ?”
    Oh,no!They’
    repushi
    ngeachot
    herandgr
    abbi
    ng
    eachother
    'st
    hroats.
    “St
    ayoutofmybusiness!
    ”Nomagugukeepssayi
    ng.
    Jabuwantstosaysomethi
    ngtoNdondobut
    Nomaguguisn'
    tgivi
    ngheranyspacet
    obreat
    he.
    Khosif
    inal
    lymanagestost
    andbet
    weenthem.
    Fort
    unatel
    y,mostvi
    ll
    agewomenar
    eoutsi
    dethe
    yardtocoll
    ectt
    hei
    rmeat.Other
    wiset
    hesewould'
    ve
    beenNyandeni’
    stopgossi
    p.Twogrownwomen
    fi
    ghti
    ngoverGodknowswhat .AwholeMaMfundisi
    star
    tedthewholethi
    ng!

    Jabuwascal m atfi
    rst
    ,forNdondo’ssakeandthat
    shecan'tdist
    urbpeaceduringaceremony.Butnow
    she'sf
    umi ng,t
    hiswomanal waysinsult
    sherand
    todayshe'sfi
    nall
    yputherfil
    thyhandsonher!
    “
    Onlyifyoufoughtyourabusivehusbandthesame
    wayyouf i
    ghtme,”shesays,glar
    ingatNomagugu.
    I
    fKhosiwasn'tst
    andingbetweent hem she
    woul
    d'vehurtt
    hiswoman.
    “
    Whoooah!Whati
    sgoi
    ngonher
    e?”Ndondoasks.
    “
    Askhert
    oshowyouhert
    highs,
    ”Jabusays.
    Nomaguguisgaspi
    ngf
    orai
    r.Ndondoi
    slooki
    ngat
    herwi
    thafr
    own.
    “
    Ma, whati
    swr ongwit
    hyourthi
    ghs?”sheasksand
    t
    urnstoKhosiandallt
    hel
    adies.“
    Pleaseexcuseus
    f
    oramoment .”
    Theyal
    lleavet
    her
    oom,
    Andi
    swabr
    ingt
    her
    eluct
    ant
    onebehi
    nd.
    Ndondoclosest
    hedoorandwal
    ksbackbet
    ween
    hermothers.
    “Oneofyouneedstoexplai
    nthisnonsenset
    ome.I
    askedbothofyoutobecivi
    lformysakeandnow
    you'
    reoneachother'
    sfaceli
    kekids.
    ”
    Jabureleasesasi ghanddr
    opshereyesi n
    embarrassment .Nomaguguisgroundednextt ot
    he
    bedwithaf earfull
    ookonherface.She'
    sholdinga
    si
    lentprayerthatNdondodoesn'tdi
    gthi
    sfurther.
    “Mawhatiswr ong?Mam’ Jabusai
    dsomet
    hing
    aboutyourt
    highs,”Ndondoasks.
    “Ther
    e'snothi
    ngwrongwithme.Ihavetogo,”she
    walkstothedoorbutJabuget
    stoitfi
    rstandblocks
    herway.
    “
    Lif
    tyourdr
    essup!
    ”shesaysf
    ir
    mly.
    Thisi
    sgetti
    ngawkwar
    d!They'
    ref
    ight
    ingovereach
    other
    'st
    highs!
    “
    Mayoucannotor
    dersomeonet
    ost
    ri
    pnaked.Her
    body,
    herr
    ules,
    ”Ndondosayst
    oJabu.
    “Iwi
    llt
    aket
    histoMaqhawethen,
    ”Jabut el
    ls
    Nomagugu,hereyesnar
    rowedtochal
    lengeher
    .
    “Whati
    sgoingon?”NowNdondoisevenmor
    e
    conf
    used.Whatisbei
    ngtakenupt
    oMaqhaweand
    whyishermothersoscar
    ed?
    Itl
    ooksl
    ikeshe'
    slef
    twi
    thnochoi
    cebutt
    odoas
    Jabusays.
    “Pl
    easedon'
    tfreakout
    ,”NomagugusaystoNdondo.
    Godknowshowmuchshet ri
    edtoprot
    ecther
    chi
    ldr
    enfrom t
    his!
    Shelif
    tsherdressup,herdaughteri
    sstari
    ngather
    scarr
    edthighsfort
    hef ir
    stti
    me.For24years,
    she's
    alwaysbathedpri
    vatelyandworeleggi
    ngsbeneath
    herskir
    tstomakesur ethathert
    highsdon'
    tget
    exposedevenbymi stake.
    “Whyareyoul i
    kethis?”Ndondoasks.She'ssti
    lli
    n
    deni
    al,
    thiscan’tbehermot her
    'st
    highs!Hermot her
    hasaflawlessskin.Herlegsdon'
    thaveasi ngl
    e
    scar
    ,notevenast retchmark!
    Nomagugutakesadeepbr
    eat
    handcast
    shereyes
    ont
    hefloor
    .
    “
    Ma!
    !!
    ”Ndondo.
    “
    Yourf
    ather
    .”
    There'
    ssomesil
    ence.Ther
    earenoemot
    ions
    port
    rayedonNdondo'
    sface.
    “
    Whywoul
    dhedot
    hist
    oanyone?
    ”Ndondoasks.
    Si
    lence…
    “
    Ma?
    ”Hervoi
    cer
    ises.
    Jabugi
    vesherashar
    pgl
    are.
    “
    Itstar
    tedj
    ustayearaft
    eryouwerebor
    n.Your
    f
    atherhasalowself
    -est
    eem,he'
    snotwhatyou
    t
    hinkheis,
    ”Nomagugusays.
    “Butwhywoul dhehur
    tanyoneli
    kethi
    s?Doyousee
    yourthighs,Ma?Whywoul danyonehurtsomeone
    l
    ikethis,repeat
    edl
    y?”Ndondo.
    She'
    snottakingi
    twil
    dastheythoughtshewoul
    d.
    She'
    scalm andaski
    ngquesti
    onsthatNomagugu
    can'
    tanswer.
    “
    Whyar
    eyoust
    il
    lwi
    thhi
    m?”sheasks.
    “Becauseyoual
    ldeser
    veawar
    m home,
    ”
    Nomagugusays.
    “Andwedon’tdeserveamot her
    ?Wedeser vea
    mothert
    hatsleepswithamant hat'
    sgoingtowake
    uponedayandki l
    lherinsi
    detheirbedr
    oom? ”
    Nomaguguonl yheavesasi ghandkeepsqui et.She
    can'ttellherdaughterhowshepl anstoexecut eher
    husband' sdeathafterBahleleaveshome,because
    thepl ansshe’smademi r
    rorseverymurdererthere'
    s
    outther e.Soonshe'llbenodiffer
    entfr
    om allthose
    cold-bloodedkill
    ersinpri
    soncel l
    sshealwaysvi si
    t
    toprayf or.
    “ThanksMa,Iwi
    lltakecar
    eofit,
    ”Ndondosaysto
    Jabubefor
    ewalkingout,l
    eavi
    ngbothofthem i
    n
    oneroom.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    16] :Chapt
    er45
    NDONDO

    Iknowgender
    -basedvi
    olencebecauseIwat
    cht
    he
    newsandIhavemetpeopl efr om al lwal ksofli
    fe.
    Comi ngf rom aholyfami l
    yl i
    kemi net hatprays
    everyeveni ngandgoesi ntof astingever ynowand
    then, Inevert houghtitwoul dbesomet hi
    ngthat
    woul dhappenundermyr oof.Myf atherisapast or
    ,
    he'sbur iedmanywomenwhodi edi nt hehandsof
    theirlovedones.Hi m andmymot herhost
    counsel lingsessionsf ortraumat i
    zedi ndivi
    dualsin
    chur chandhel pthem pickupt heirpi eces.I'
    m
    cracki ngmyheadt ryi
    ngt ot hinkhowDumi sanii
    s
    ablet ost andont hepodi um ever ySundayand
    preacht hewor dofGodwhi l
    et her e'sawoman
    bleedi ng,inter
    nall
    yandext ernal l
    y, becauseofhi m.

    Ndabukowant stoseeme.Mywhol edayhasbeen


    ruined,Ididn'tevencaret oaskBab'Maqhawehow
    everythingwent .Ilef
    twhenSnal oandAndiswa
    startedservingmeni nt hekraal.Idon'
    tknow
    exact l
    ywher eNdabukoi sparked,I'
    mtootiredto
    wal kbuttakingt hecarwoul dbeshowi ng-
    off.
    Lucki l
    yMam' Jabugavemeherf l
    atshoes,t
    hey'r
    ea
    l
    ittl
    eover si
    zebutcomf ortabl
    e.
    Iexpectedtoseehi scarbutasIt urnaroundthe
    corner,If
    indtheHl omukawhi tequant um parked.
    Ndlali
    fa,Maqhi ngaandthemanIdon' tknowar e
    si
    tti
    ngont hecampchai rs,underthetreeshadeand
    chatti
    ngatt hetopoftheirvoices.There'sa
    coolerboxinfrontofthem,Idon' tneedtoguess
    what '
    sstockedi nsi
    de.They'r
    ehavi ngal i
    tt
    leparty
    here.
    “MrsFier
    ce!
    ”Maqhi ngayell
    sasI
    'mjustafewf eet
    awayfrom t
    hem.They' r
    egivi
    ngmetaxir
    ankvibes,
    youknowhowdr iversstar
    eandyel
    latyouifyou'r
    e
    passi
    ngatthetaxirank.
    Hewhistl
    esandIalmostt
    ri
    povermyt oes.Whati
    s
    wrongwit
    hhim?Tot hi
    nkIwasprayi
    ngf orhi
    mto
    r
    eturnhomesafel
    y!
    “
    Sani
    bona,
    ”Igr
    eet
    .
    Ndlal
    if
    a'sst
    arecanbeint
    ense.I
    '
    m sur
    eThal
    ent
    e
    doesn'
    tknowthathe'
    shere.
    “
    Isi
    theavy?Ndabukoshoul
    dbuyyouawheel
    chai
    r,
    ”
    Maqhi
    ngaagain.
    Idon'
    tknowi
    fIshoul
    dbeof
    fendedorshar
    ingt
    he
    j
    okewithhim.Wheel
    chai
    r?Forr
    ealnow?Women
    getpr
    egnantal
    lthet
    imeandnonehaseveruseda
    wheel
    chair
    .
    Thequant
    um f
    rontdooropens,
    Ndabukocl
    imbsout
    andst
    andsagai
    nstit
    .
    “
    Ismywi
    feokay?
    ”Ndl
    ali
    faasks.
    Fi
    ndme,
    I'
    mlost
    !He’
    smar
    ri
    ed?
    “
    Wif
    e?”Iask.
    “
    Shesaid“ yes.
    ”Didn'
    tshetellyou?
    ”He'sbeaming
    wit
    hjoy.Idon'tknowasinglejokeofNdlal
    if
    a.Thi
    s
    i
    sseri
    ousasmyhear tbur
    nint hemorni
    ngs.
    “Mygosh!Shedidn'
    ttel
    lus.Wheni sithappeni
    ng?
    ”
    Thismakesmehappy.Atl eastnowIknowt hat
    she'sst
    ayingandweareappr oachi
    ngthesame
    stageofli
    fe.
    “
    Aft
    erBaba'
    sweddi
    ng,
    ”hesays.
    MrNgidiisget
    ti
    ngmar
    ri
    edt
    oo?Okay,Ineedt
    ogo,
    bef
    orethatmanbur
    nsmewithhi
    sstar
    e.
    Icongr
    atul
    ateNdl
    ali
    faandwal
    kst
    othequant
    um.
    Hehasmepi nnedagai
    nstthequantum doorand
    sucki
    ngtheli
    feoutofme.He'sbeensmokingsoI
    knowthathe'
    sstr
    essedout,pr
    obablyaboutthe
    negot
    iat
    ions.
    Hi
    sli
    pssl
    idedowntothesi
    deofmyneck.Hebites
    myfl
    eshsof
    tl
    y,Imoanandgrabhi
    snecktodeepen
    t
    heki
    ss.
    “
    Heyheyhey!
    ”Maqhi
    ngayel
    lsf
    rom t
    het
    ree.
    ThatagentofSat
    an!
    Webreakthekissandcat
    chourbr eat
    hs.Hewant
    s
    more,sodoI.Butwecan'
    t,becausewehavean
    audi
    encesit
    ti
    ngunderthetree.
    “
    Let
    'sgeti
    nsi
    de,
    ”hesays.
    Wehopi nsidet
    hebackoft hequantum.Hel eads
    mest r
    aighttot
    helastseat.Ihopehe'snothoping
    forsomehanky-pankybecauseI '
    m notpl
    anningto
    giveMaqhingaanotherl
    ivesexshow.
    “
    Yourf
    atherdoesn'
    twantme,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Whi
    chf
    ather
    ?”Iaskwi
    thmyeyebr
    owsl
    if
    ted.
    “
    Thepast
    or,
    ”hesays.
    Well
    ,Ican'
    tsayI'm sur
    pri
    sed.Hedoesn'
    twanthis
    wif
    eeither
    ,heabuseshereveryni
    ghtandleaves
    herwit
    hat housandscars.
    “Buti
    twentwell,
    theyagreedonmostofthi
    ngs.You
    arecomingtotheMngomezulus,
    ”hesays,hopi
    ng
    toseerel
    iefonmyf ace.
    Ijustshrugmyshoul
    der
    sandr
    eleaseal
    oud
    exhalat
    ion.
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngokay?
    ”heasks,
    li
    ft
    ingmyf
    aceup
    wit
    hhisfi
    nger
    .
    “
    He'
    sabusi
    ngmymot
    her
    ,”It
    ellhi
    m.
    “Who?Thepastor
    ?”heasks,
    squi
    nti
    nghi
    seyes,
    al
    readydi
    sbel
    ievi
    ngme.
    “YesNdabuko.Shehasscar salloverhert highs,
    her
    skinisseverelydamaged.Somescar sar e24years
    old,t
    hey'r
    eski n-deept
    othepointt hatherthighs
    havecompl etelychangedcompl exion.”Ihaveto
    bitemyliptost opmyselff
    rom br eakingdown.
    Nobodydeser veswhatmymot herhasbeen
    through.24yearsofsleepi
    ngwithamonsterand
    stil
    lpret
    endtobehappyt oyourkidsandst
    andin
    frontofthecongregat
    ionandactlikea
    superwoman.
    “Babe,
    ”hecupsmyf
    aceandst
    aresi
    ntomyt
    ear
    ing
    eyes.
    “I'
    m sendinghi
    mt oj
    ail
    .Iswearhe'sgoi
    ngtospend
    therestofhisl
    if
    ether
    e!”Tearsmakethei
    rway
    downonmycheeks.Ican' tbeli
    evemymot heri
    s
    oneoft hosewomencalled“st
    rongwomen.”
    “I'
    m goingt opl antcamer asint heirbedroom.I twill
    recordever ythinghe' sdoi ngtoherandI 'l
    lseta
    projectorinfrontoft hechur chandpl ayeverything
    forthem.Af t
    erexposi nghi mtoal lthosefeet-l
    ickers
    ofhis,I'm goingt ocal lthepoliceandhi r
    et hebest
    l
    awyert hereisi nthiscount ry.IfIhavet oreachout
    tothepr esidentf or…”Col dlipscapt uremi neand
    smoochmesl owl y.Irespondt ot hekiss,tearsar e
    sti
    llrunningonmyf acebuthi sl i
    psseem t obe
    calmingmedown.
    “
    Ndondoyami
    .”Hewi
    pesmycheekswi
    thhi
    sT-
    shi
    rt
    .
    Ipul
    lmysel
    ftoget
    herandl
    ookathi
    m.
    “Yourmotherneedsyounowmor ethanever.Do
    notmakeherf eelusel
    essandpl easedon't
    embarrassher.Youcancollectevidencebutitmust
    beherdecisi
    ont osendyourfathertojai
    l.Ri
    ghtnow
    focusonhelpingherrebui
    ldherconf i
    denceandsee
    herworthwithouthim.”
    “But…..
    ”Heshakeshi
    shead.Iswal
    lowbackmy
    defensivewor
    ds.
    “Ther
    e'sno‘but
    'Ndondo.Focusonopeningyour
    mother'
    seyes,donotfur
    therdest
    royher
    confi
    denceandtakedecisi
    onsonherbehalf
    ,”he
    says.
    Deepsi
    gh!
    “
    Okay,
    ”Isay,
    noddi
    ng.
    Hepecksmyl
    ipsandsmi
    lespr
    oudl
    y.
    “Byt
    hewayyoulookbeauti
    fulMamaMngomezulu.
    Howist
    heli
    ttl
    eNhlanzekohere?
    ”Hel
    if
    tsmydress
    upandmassagesmyt ummy.
    “
    Behavi
    ng.Noi
    cest
    oday.
    ”
    Henarrowshi
    seye.Whydoesn'thebel
    ieveme?I
    haven'
    teat
    enanyicest
    oday,
    truetoGod!
    “Whyareyouweari
    ngaf ul
    lpant
    y?”Hewas
    checki
    ngonthebaby,hi
    shandsweren'
    tsupposed
    togobelowmywaist.
    Bef
    oreIanswer
    ,hi
    shandsl
    idesundermypant
    y
    andtouchesmymound.
    “Ndabukowearei
    naquant um, yourf
    ri
    endsar e
    sit
    ti
    ngundert
    hetree,
    notveryfarfrom us,
    ”Isay
    andgaspashisfi
    ngerrol
    lsovermycl i
    t.
    “
    Sitonmyl
    ap,
    ”hesays.
    I'
    m hesi
    tant
    .Whatifoneofhisfr
    iendscometothe
    quantum t
    ogetsomething?Ial
    sosneakedout,
    the
    el
    dershavenoideathatI'
    m her
    e.
    Istandi
    nthepassagebet
    weentheseat
    s,hesit
    s
    backandunbuckl
    eshisbel
    t.Thi
    sissor
    isky!
    Hishandsslideundermydressandshi
    ftmypanty
    asi
    de.Thewhol eBantwanaHoldi
    ngsCEOisbei
    ng
    fi
    ngeredinthebackseatofaquant
    um.Moments
    l
    ikethishumbleme.
    He'sbr
    eat
    hingbehi
    ndmyneck.Hisot
    herhandhas
    goneuptomyboobs.They'
    renowver
    ysensiti
    ve
    buthehasawayofplayi
    ngwithmyni
    pplesthat
    sendsmedi€k-
    hunt
    ing.
    “
    Don'
    tmakenoi
    se,
    ”hesays.
    Howt hehel
    lam Isupposedt
    okeept
    omysel
    f?Hi
    s
    f
    ingerisst
    ir
    ri
    nginsideme.
    “
    Ndabukopl
    ease,
    ”Imoan.
    “
    Pleasewhat
    ?”Hi
    sfingeri
    srol
    li
    ngonmycl
    it,
    Ican
    f
    eelmynanasweati
    nganddemandingi
    tsr
    ealtool
    .
    “
    Fu€kme,
    ”Isayi
    nal
    mostwhi
    sper
    .
    “
    Rel
    axf
    ir
    st.Don'
    tsqueezeyourbut
    t,
    ”hesays.
    Iexhaledeeplyandrel
    axmybody.Heseparat
    esmy
    l
    egsf urt
    herapart
    .Heappl
    iesmoreforcet
    othe
    fi
    ngers,playi
    ngwithmycl
    itl
    ikeast
    ringofgui
    tar
    .
    “
    Shhh!Cum f
    ordaddy.
    ..Spr
    eadt
    hatcum onmy
    f
    inger
    s..
    .Oh,
    shi
    tbaby!
    ”
    Ibit
    emyl i
    pandsuppressmymoan.Hei nser
    tstwo
    fi
    ngersandsti
    rmycookie.If
    eelt
    heheatbuil
    ding
    upfrom mytoesandshooti
    ngupmylegs.It
    spr
    eadst
    hroughoutmybodyandIgobl
    ankf
    ora
    moment.

    Ihearhi
    m cur
    singl
    owlybef
    orer
    emovi
    nghi
    shand
    fr
    om myleaki
    ngbott
    om.
    “
    Letmegetapapert
    owel
    ,
    ”hesays.
    Ishifttot
    hesecondseatandleanbackwithmy
    eyesf i
    rmlyshut
    .Mybodyneededthis.I
    twasn'tan
    i
    nt enseorgasm buti
    twasenoughtorel
    easesome
    tension.
    Mypant
    yissoaki
    ngwet
    .Hehast
    otakei
    tof
    fbef
    ore
    wi
    pingme.
    “
    Weneeda“
    shavi
    ng”dat
    e,”hesays.
    Irol
    lmyeyesathim.Myst omachishuge,
    Icannot
    seebel
    owmywai st
    ,soitmust
    n'tsur
    pri
    sehimifhe
    fi
    ndsabushdownt here.I
    t'
    shi
    sj obt
    oshaveme, he
    mademepr egnant.
    “MustIkeepitforyou?”He'saski
    ngaboutt
    he
    soakedpanty.Obviousl
    y,Icannotgohomewit
    ha
    soakedpantyinmyhand.
    “
    Yes,
    andpleasewal
    kmehomenow.Idon' twant
    mymother
    stosendoutanenemy,
    ”Isay.
    Helowershi sheadtomeandonsl aughtsmewith
    anothersensualki
    ss.Hismanhoodhasr oll
    edafi
    st
    behindhisjean.GodknowshowmuchIwantt o
    helphim,butwear ei
    nawr ongplace,atthewr
    ong
    ti
    me.
    Heput shisbel
    tonandf ollowsmeoutoft he
    vehicle.Theconversati
    oni sloudundert
    hetree.
    Ndlalifaseemstobeabi tdrunkandIwonderwhat
    woul dThalentesayifshesawhi mli
    kethi
    s.They'
    re
    notevensupposedt obeher e.
    “
    Youguysar
    edone?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    “Donedoi
    ngwhat?”Ndabukof
    ir
    mlyhol
    dsmyhand
    aswewalkpastt
    hem.
    “Tel
    lmywi
    fet
    hatI
    '
    m wai
    ti
    ngf
    orherher
    e,”Ndl
    ali
    fa
    says.
    Thal
    ent
    eisl
    eavi
    ngtomorr
    ow,
    wit
    hther
    estofus.
    Whywouldhewaitf
    orher
    ?
    “
    I'
    m notsl
    eepi
    ngal
    onet
    oday,
    ”Ihearhi
    m sayt
    ohi
    s
    f
    ri
    endsbehi
    ndus.
    “
    Ishedr
    unkal
    ready?
    ”IaskNdabuko.
    “Yes,andhewantshiswoman.Baf
    oisti
    redof
    sleepi
    ngalonel
    ikei
    sishi
    mane,
    ”hesayswit
    ha
    chuckle.
    Thal
    ent
    eisgoi
    ngt
    omur
    dersomeone!
    .
    .
    NOMAGUGU

    Maqhawest andsint hemi ddleoftheempt yroom


    withhishandst uckedi nhispocket s.Hissiblings
    andtheirkidsarehome.Hei shappy, butthat
    doesn'tmeanhewant sthingstobesweptunder
    thecarpet.Theper sonhewant stot al
    ktot hemost
    i
    sVumi l
    e,hissist
    er .Heunder standsthehat red
    betweenhi m andDumi sani.Thereisawoman
    i
    nvolvedandt heirpar ent
    spl ayedahuger ol ein
    thei
    rri
    valry.It
    'shissisterhedoesn' tunderstand.
    WhatmadeVumi ledespi sehim somuch?He
    wasn'tt
    hebestbr ot
    hergr
    owi ngupbutheusedt o
    standupforher.Heusedtof ightthosewhotri
    edto
    bull
    yher.He'
    dlietotheparentstocoverherdir
    ty
    deedsthatshedidoutsi
    dechur ch.Whywasi tso
    easyforhertopickDumisani’
    ssi de?

    Footst
    epsstopsbehi
    ndhim.Het
    urnshi
    sheadt
    o
    thedevast
    atedNomagugu.
    “Sor
    ry,Idi
    dn'
    tthi
    nkanyonewasinsi
    deher
    e,”she
    saysandwipesherbl
    oodshoteyes.
    “
    Haveyou,
    byanychance,
    seenNdondo?
    ”sheasks.
    No,
    hehasn'
    tseenNdondo.Whyi
    sitabi
    gdeal
    ?
    “
    Isshenotwi
    tht
    heot
    hergi
    rl
    s?”heasks.
    “No.I
    t'
    sbeenoveranhour ,
    Idon'
    tknowwheremy
    chi
    ldwent.
    ”Andt hentears?Nomaguguisnott
    his
    weak.Thelastt
    hingshe'deverdoistocr
    yinfr
    ont
    ofherex.
    “Thi
    sisavi
    ll
    age,not
    hinghappenedt
    oher,she
    coul
    dbeoutforawalk,”Maqhawesays.
    “
    Shewasangr
    yMaqhaweThi
    sisexact
    lywhatI
    di
    dn'
    twant
    .Iknewthi
    swasgoi
    ngt
    obr
    eakher
    .”
    She'
    snowcryi
    ngopenl
    y.
    Maqhawet akesaf ewstepsclosertoherbutf i
    ghts
    againsti
    t.Hehasnor easont ocomforther,t
    his
    womanl efthi
    mf orhisbrother.Hewasdepr essed
    foryearsbecauseofher.Af ewshedsoft earsand
    he'salr
    eadyfeeli
    ngsorryforher?
    Dumisaniwal
    ksin,al
    sounawareofthesi
    tuat
    ion
    he'
    swalkingi
    nto.Hefrownsasheseesboth
    NomaguguandMaqhawei noneroom.
    “
    Whati
    sgoi
    ngonher
    e?”heasks.
    Nomaguguqui ckl
    ywipeshertear
    sandclear
    sher
    thr
    oat.Ther
    e'saspecif
    icl
    ookhe'sgi
    vingher
    .Her
    eyesquickl
    ydroptothefl
    oor.
    Hel
    ooksatMaqhawewhobol
    dlyhol
    dshi
    sst
    are.
    “Iwi
    llsendQondanit
    ogoandlookf
    orher
    ,”
    Maqhawesaysandeventual
    lyt
    akeshi
    seyesof
    fhi
    s
    brot
    her.
    Hewalkspastt
    hem andexi
    tsthrought
    hedoor.A
    f
    ewstepsawayheremember sthathel
    efthi
    s
    l
    ight
    eront
    hest
    andi
    nsi
    det
    her
    oom andwal
    ksback.
    Hewal ksonNomagugupinnedagainstt
    hewal land
    fl
    inchingoutinpai
    n.Dumisanihashishandsunder
    herdr ess.What
    everhe'
    sdoingtoherispai
    nfuland
    forced.
    “
    Whati
    sgoi
    ngonher
    e?”Maqhaweasks.
    Dumisaniqui
    ckl
    yletsgoofherandpul
    lsdownher
    dr
    ess.Shelooksfr
    ight
    enedandembarrassed.
    “
    Icameforthel
    ight
    er,
    ”Maqhawesays,
    wal
    kingt
    o
    t
    hestandandgr
    abbinghi
    sli
    ghter
    .
    HeglancesatNomaguguonel astti
    me,hecannot
    shakeoffthefeel
    ingthatsomet hingawfulis
    happeningbetweenthet wooft hem.Butit'
    snoneof
    hisbusi
    ness.Theycamef orNdondo'slobola
    negoti
    ationsandsoont hey'
    regoingbackt othei
    r
    l
    ives.

    HespotsNdondocomingaroundt
    her
    ondavelwi
    th
    t
    hecorner
    sofherdressl
    if
    tedup.
    Hef
    rownsandmakeshi
    swayt
    oher
    .
    “
    Ndondo!
    ”hecal
    ls.
    Shelif
    tshereyesandstopsdeadonhertr
    acks.Her
    eyesarebulgingoutasi
    fshe'
    sbeencaught
    sneaki
    ngint osteal
    .
    “Wher
    ewereyou?Yourmot
    herhasbeenwor
    ri
    ed
    si
    ck,
    ”heasks.
    “
    Oh, Iwas…seei
    ngaf
    ri
    endof
    f,
    ”shesaysand
    widenshereyes.
    Maqhawesi
    ghsoutandshakeshi
    sheadi
    ndi
    smay.
    “
    DoesheknowthatIcankeephi
    suncl
    esher
    eand
    f
    inet
    hem?”heasks.
    Hereyesar
    eaboutt
    opopout
    .
    “
    Baba!
    ”sheexcl
    aims.
    “
    Shei si
    nthekids'
    room wi
    thherhusband.Goand
    t
    ellhert
    hatyou'
    reokay,
    ”Maqhawesays.
    “Wi
    thherhusband?Babayoul ef
    tthet
    woofthem i
    n
    oneroom?He'sgoingtoki
    llher.
    ”She'
    shur
    ryi
    ngoff
    wit
    haf r
    ight
    enedlookonherface.
    Maqhawei
    sconf
    used.Whywoul
    dDumi
    saniki
    llhi
    s
    belovedwi
    fewhowashandedt
    ohi
    m onasi
    lver
    tr
    ay?
    Hefoll
    owsaft
    erNdondo.I
    t'
    snotsafef
    orhert
    obe
    r
    unningonthatspeedi
    nherst
    ate.

    Hebumpsi ntoDumi saniwalki


    ngoutofther
    oom.
    Thedoorisleftopen,hestandsbyitandwat
    ches
    thescenei
    nside.
    “Ma,di
    dhehurtyou?
    ”Ndondoi
    saski
    ngNomagugu.
    Herhandsar
    etuckedonNomagugu’
    scheeks.
    “
    No,
    ”Nomagugushakesherhead.
    “Youar
    ecomingt
    ost
    aywi
    thmeandAndi
    swa,
    ”
    Ndondosays.
    Nomaguguyanksherhandsof
    fandglar
    esather
    .
    Nowthi
    sistheNomaeveryoneknows.
    “I'
    m notyourchi
    ldNdondo.Youar enotgoingto
    babysitme.I'
    vebeenmar ri
    edtothi
    smanf or27
    years.Hedidn'
    tstar
    tyest
    erday,I
    'vebeenli
    vingli
    ke
    thi
    ssinceyouwer eoneyearold.IknowhowI '
    m
    goingtogetoutofthissi
    tuati
    on,pl
    easestayoutof
    i
    t.
    ”
    “Whydi
    dyoumarryhiminthefi
    rstplace?Weren'
    t
    youi
    nlovewi
    thmyf at
    her
    ?Whydi dn’
    tyoutakeme
    andgobackt
    ohim whenhestartedabusingyou?
    ”
    Nomaguguexhal
    esdeepl
    yandput
    sherhandson
    Ndondo'
    sshoul
    ders.
    “Li
    feisnotblackandwhi t
    e.It'
    scompl i
    cat
    edthan
    youthinkandI'm notabouttositdownwithyouand
    tel
    lyoueverydet ai
    lofmypast .Youknowwhat's
    i
    mpor tant
    ,yourfatheri
    sMaqhaweSi bi
    siandhe'
    s
    l
    ovedyouf rom thedayhet uckedyouinsi
    demy
    womb. ”
    Maqhaweshut shi
    seyesandr el
    easesalowbr eat
    h.
    Hishearti
    sbreaki
    ng.Thi
    stakeshim backtothe
    dayhefoundoutthathewasgoingt obeaf at
    her
    andtothedayitwasallt
    akenawayf rom hi
    m.

    He'snotl
    ooki
    ngwherehe'
    sgoing,
    he'
    sheadi
    ngout
    tohaveasmoke.Jabubl
    ockshiswayandst
    ares
    upathim.
    Hel
    ooksdownandexhal
    es.
    “
    Mama,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Whati
    sgoi
    ngonwi
    thyou?
    ”Jabuasks.
    “I
    ’mjustover
    whel
    med,t
    hat'
    sall
    .Pleasepr
    epar
    e
    water,
    Iwanttowashmyfeet
    ,”hesaysandwalks
    pasther.
    Sheunderst
    ands.Thei
    rpresencemustbe
    overwhel
    mingtoherhusband.They'
    reher
    eand
    theydon'
    tevenl
    ooksorry.

    Shef i
    ll
    st heket t
    lewithwaterandplugsit
    .Ndondo
    didagr eatjobbybr ingingThal
    enteandKhosiher e.
    Notonl ydidt heycookf oodenoughforeveryone,
    theyhavel eftherkitchenspotl
    ess.Theyarenow
    drinki
    ngt heircider
    sandshedoesn' tmindatall.
    “
    Knock-
    knock!
    ”
    Sheturnsherheadtothedoor.Therei
    saboy,t
    all
    er
    thananyboyshe'severseen.Hetakeshi
    scapoff
    andlet
    shimselfinsi
    de.
    “
    Hel
    loMa,
    ”hesays.
    She’
    sneverseenhi
    m ar
    oundbuthe'
    srespect
    ful
    ,so
    shepushesachai
    rtohi
    m.
    “
    Howar
    eyou?
    ”sheasks.
    “I
    '
    mf i
    ne,thankyou.
    ”Heput shi
    scapoverhi
    sknee
    andbrusheshisshavedhead.
    “
    MynameisNdlal
    if
    a.Aboyshowedmeher
    e.I
    '
    m
    l
    ooki
    ngf
    orThal
    enteMbat
    ha,
    ”hesays.
    “Oh,sheisinthebedroom wit
    hothergi
    rl
    s.Does
    sheknowt hatyouarehere?”sheaskswhil
    e
    att
    endingtotheboil
    ingkett
    le.
    “
    Notr
    eal
    ly.I
    t'
    sanur
    gentsi
    tuat
    ion,
    ”hesays.
    “Al
    ri
    ght,Iwi
    llcal
    lherf
    oryou.”Shet
    akesouta
    bot
    tleofcol
    ddr i
    nkandaglass.
    “Yehl
    isai
    zint
    uli
    ,Iwi
    llcal
    lher
    ,”shesays,
    put
    ti
    ngt
    he
    dri
    nkinfr
    ontofNdlali
    fa.

    Thalentewalkst
    othekit
    chenwear
    ingagown.
    They'r
    ehavingalit
    tl
    epart
    yint
    hebedroom.She'
    s
    notdrinki
    ngbutsheishavi
    ngfunwit
    hthegi
    rl
    s.
    Herf
    acetr
    ansfor
    msi nt
    oshockwhenshesees
    Ndl
    ali
    fasi
    tt
    ingonthechai
    r.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa!
    ”
    Heseesherandst
    andsup,
    stagger
    ingal
    it
    tl
    ebi
    t.
    “MaMbat haIhavecometofet
    chyou.
    ”He's
    draggi
    nghiswor dsandhi
    seyesar
    ehalf
    -l
    idded.
    He'sdrunk!
    “Whatbr
    oughtyouher
    e?I
    nthi
    spl
    ace,
    ”Thal
    ent
    e
    asks.
    “Myhear
    t.Iwantmywoman. ”Heli
    ckshi
    slipsand
    smil
    esweakly.“
    You'
    renotevengoi
    ngtogiveyour
    manakiss?”
    Thalenteexhales.Shelef
    thi
    mi nDurban,
    earl
    ier
    todaytheytalkedoverthephoneandhedidn'
    tsay
    anythi
    ngaboutcomi ngtoNyandeni
    .
    “Iwi
    llcarr
    ythebagforyou.Goandsaygoodbyet
    o
    yourfri
    ends,
    ”hesaysandbiteshi
    slowerl
    ip.
    “
    I'
    m notgoi
    nganywhereNdlal
    if
    a.YouknewthatI
    wasgoingt
    obeherefortwodays,
    ”Thalent
    esays.
    Hi
    sfacedr
    ops.Hesi
    tsont
    hechai
    ragai
    nandcocks
    hi
    sheadt
    othesi
    de.
    No,
    hemust
    n'tsl
    eepher
    e!
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fal
    eave!
    ”Thal
    ent
    ehi
    sses.
    “Iwillsl
    eepwi
    thyouher
    e,”hesayswi
    thhi
    seyes
    closed.

    Khosiappear
    sandl
    ooksatNdl
    ali
    fawi
    thaf
    rown.
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”sheasks.
    “Whoareyou? ”Heli
    ftshi
    sheadupandsl
    owly
    openshiseyes.WhenheseesKhosihecl
    ickshi
    s
    tongueandcloseshiseyesagai
    n.
    “Ndlal
    if
    aar
    en'
    tyousupposedt
    obehome?
    ”Khosi
    asks.
    “Leavemealone.I'
    m heretofet
    chmywoman,but
    shedoesn'twantustoleave.Wear
    egoi
    ngtosleep
    here,bot
    hofus,”hesays.
    Nowi
    t'
    sKhosi
    '
    stur
    ntocl
    ickhert
    ongue.
    “
    You'r
    emad.Youhaveeverydaytoseeherandbe
    wit
    hher.Onl
    ytodayshe'
    sspendi
    ngti
    mewi t
    hother
    gi
    rlsandyou'
    reher
    etomakedemands?Youar
    e
    annoyi
    ng.”
    “Thal
    entel
    ovesme.Youdon'
    tknowanythi
    ng,
    ”
    Ndlal
    if
    asaysandburi
    eshi
    sfaceonhisarms.
    “Yetyouar
    ehar
    assi
    ngher
    .Doyouwantmet
    ocal
    l
    Ngidi?
    ”
    “
    I'
    m notscar
    edofNgi
    di,
    ”hesays.
    Thal
    ent
    eexhal
    esandl
    ooksatKhosi
    .
    “Idon'
    twanttocr
    eateascene,Iwi
    lll
    eave,
    ”she
    saysandwalksoutoft
    hekitchent
    ofetchherbag.
    “Real
    lyNdlali
    fa?”Khosii
    sfuming.I
    fhewasn'
    ther
    brot
    heritwould'vebeensafet
    osayshehateshi
    m.
    Butwedon' tchoosefamil
    y.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    16] :Chapt
    er46
    MAM’
    JABU

    Asusual
    ,shewasthel
    astonetogotobed.Shehad
    t
    omakesur et
    hatt
    hegrandchi
    ldr
    enweresafel
    y
    t
    uckedonbeds,makesur
    ethatever
    yguesthad
    enoughbl
    anket
    sandt
    hatal
    lthewi
    ndowswer
    e
    cl
    osed.
    Shewal ksinsi
    det hebedroom andf indsMaqhawe
    smokingbyt hewi ndow.Heknowshowmuchshe
    hateshim smokingi nsi
    det hehouse, buttodayshe
    canmakeanexcept ionandl ethim be.It
    'sbeena
    veryhecticday.NomaguguandDumi saniare
    l
    ocatedi ntherondavelbelowt heyard.Vumi lewas
    givenar oom i
    nthemai nhouse.
    Shedoesn'
    tsayanyt
    hing.Sheundressesand
    cl
    imbsonthebedwear i
    ngonlyherpetti
    coatand
    bra.
    “Areyougoingtocomet obed?”sheasksas
    Maqhawecont i
    nuest ostandbythewi
    ndowaft
    er
    histobaccorol
    lfi
    nishes.
    Hesighsandwal
    kstothebed.Hepul
    lsdownhi
    s
    pantandget
    sonbedinhisshort
    .
    “AreyouokayMaqhawe?
    ”asksJabu,
    concer
    n
    cloudi
    nghereyes.
    “Idon'
    tknow,mkami.
    ”Heexhalesagainandputs
    hisarm ar
    oundhershoul
    der
    s,bri
    ngingherheadon
    hi
    schest
    .
    “Ihavenobusi nesswi
    tht
    hosetwobutIthinkDumi
    i
    smi streat
    ingNomagugu.Iwal
    kedontot he
    sit
    uationIsti
    llcan'
    twr
    apmyheadaround.Shewas
    i
    npai nJabu.Somuchpai n!
    ”heshut
    shiseyesand
    swallowswhatseemst obeahugelump.
    “
    Iknow,
    ”Jabusays.
    Het
    urnshi
    seyest
    oherwi
    thhi
    sfor
    eheadf
    urr
    owed.
    “
    Youknow?
    ”heasks.
    “Isawher .Ihadt ocallNdondobeforeshe
    conf essedthetruth.Dumisanidoesn'
    tdeser
    vetobe
    call
    edapast or
    ,he'samonst erhidi
    ngbehindthe
    Bible.”
    “Whatexactl
    yishedoi
    ngtoher
    ?Iover
    heardher
    conversat
    ionwit
    hNdondoandmysoulhasbeen
    hauntedeversi
    nce.
    "
    Jabulet
    soutal
    owchuckl
    eandadj
    ust
    stohavea
    bett
    ervi
    ewathi
    sface.
    “
    You'
    regenui
    nel
    ywor
    ri
    edabouther
    ?”sheasks.
    Heexhal
    esandbr
    ushesherhand.Sheknowshi
    m
    l
    ikethebackofherhand,
    eveni
    fhewant
    edt
    o,he'
    d
    neverbeabl
    etoliet
    oher.
    “
    She'
    sthemot
    herofmychi
    ldJabu,
    ”hesays.
    “Iknowt
    hat,butNomaguguhasputyout hr
    ougha
    l
    ot.Shehasn'
    tevenapologizedf
    oral
    lthepai
    nshe
    putyouthr
    ough,”Jabusays.
    “I
    tdoesn'tmeanIwanthertosuf
    fer
    .Youknowmy
    hear
    t,Idon'thol
    dgr
    udges.”
    “
    Andthat
    'swhyIl
    oveyouMaqhawe,
    you'
    reagood
    man.
    ”
    He'
    sblushi
    ngf
    oramomentandf
    iddl
    ingwi
    thher
    f
    inger
    s.
    “Yourf
    irstchil
    disgett
    ingmar
    ri
    ed.Howdoyouf eel
    aboutthat?”sheaskswhil
    ebr
    ushingandpul
    li
    ng
    herbeardplayful
    ly.
    “
    Myson-i
    n-l
    awi
    snotastr
    uggli
    ngman.Al
    lIwantis
    f
    orhert
    obehappyandwel
    ltakencar
    eof
    ,”hesays.
    “
    Doyouthi
    nkyourai
    sedasonwhocoul
    ddoal
    lthat
    t
    osomeone'
    sdaught
    er?”sheasks.
    Hechuckl
    esatherquest
    ion.Theybot
    hknowhow
    Qondanii
    s,butt
    hist
    imearoundhel
    ooksf
    ocused
    andsmitt
    enbyhisDli
    so.
    “Idon'ttr
    usthi
    m asahusbandbutnomani s
    perfect.I
    fshel
    oveshimri
    ghthe’
    llbewhatshe
    want shimtobe.Imean,l
    ookatme!”
    “Didyout
    urnoutri
    ght?ComeonMaqhawe, i
    f
    Nomagugucrawledhereandaskedforyourl
    ove
    backyouwouldn'
    tthi
    nktwicebef
    oredouble-
    crossi
    ngme.”
    “
    That
    'snott
    rue,
    ”Maqhawesaysdef
    ensi
    vel
    y.
    “Rememberhowt hefi
    rstyearinourrelati
    onshi
    p
    waslike?
    ”Shesaidshewasovert his!Theymoved
    onfrom t
    hosedarkmemor ies.Hewasn' thi
    mself
    ;
    hewasgoi ngt
    hroughrej
    ectionfr
    om hisf amil
    yand
    Nomagugu.
    “
    Yousaidyoufor
    givemeJabu.Ihaver
    ewr
    itt
    enal
    l
    mywrongdoi
    ngs,howlongareyougoi
    ngt
    okeep
    r
    emindi
    ngmeaboutt hepast
    ?”
    “
    I'
    mjustsayi
    ng.You'
    real
    readyst
    ressedabouther
    marr
    iage.
    ”
    “No,you'r
    eemot i
    onall
    ybullyi
    ngme.Icannotbe
    i
    mmunet opeople'
    spainbecauseofmyi mperfect
    past.Ihaveneverli
    edtoyou.Noteveni nthose
    years!
    ”He'sgett
    ingoffbedandpi cki
    nghisclothes
    fr
    om thef l
    oor
    .He'sstil
    lcal
    m, andthat
    'sthething
    aboutMaqhawe, hecouldbeangr yandbr eat
    hing
    fl
    amesbutst i
    llr
    emai ncoll
    ected.I
    t'
    sonlywhenhe
    walksoutonyout hatyourealizet
    hathe'sreal
    lyfed
    up.
    “Maqhaweit'
    scoldoutsi
    de,
    ”Jabucal
    lsbehi
    ndhi
    m.
    Hegivesherhisbackandwalksout
    ,shut
    ti
    ngthe
    doorbehi
    ndhim.

    Itwasr eal
    lyalongti
    meago.Sheshoul dn'thave
    broughtthisupbecausetheytalkedandMaqhawe
    admi t
    tedandrewr ot
    ehiswrongs.Butwho' df or
    get
    howherhusbandusedt ocallherbyhi sex-lover's
    nameonbed?I tstar
    tedasamer etongue-slip;he'd
    callNomagugu’ snamewheneverhewasr eachi ng
    hisbreakingpoint
    .Thenitt
    urnedi ntoahabi t.He'd
    randoml ycal
    lherNomaguguandgetangr yi fshe
    didn'
    trespond.Whenshegotpr egnanthe
    convincedeveryonethathewashavi ngababygi rl
    andthathernamewasgoi ngtobe
    Ndondoyamahl ase.Andt henQondanicame, ali
    tt
    le
    boywhol ookedlikehisfatherfr
    om headt
    ot oe.
    WhenMaqhawehear dthatitwasaboyhedi dn't
    bothergoingtoseeJabuandt hebaby.Hewasmad
    ather-shewasn'tNomaguguandshehadf ail
    edto
    givehim adaughterthatwast akenawayfr
    om him.
    Hecamet oseeQondanifort
    hef i
    rstt
    imewhenhe
    t
    urned5mont hsoldanditwasloveatfi
    rstsi
    ght
    .
    Heinstantl
    ybecamehi snewwor l
    d.Heasked
    f
    orgivenessfrom Jabuandpromisedtobeabetter
    man.He'skeptthatpromiseforovert
    wodecades.

    -
    -

    Nomagugusneaksoutoft hei
    rdesi
    gnatedrondavel
    assoonasDumi sanidozesoff
    .He'sdonefeedi
    ng
    herhistooth-
    pickdi€kandfor
    cinghertoswall
    ow
    hercum.He' snowexhaustedandsnoringli
    keacat
    wit
    hhi slegsspreadoutonthebed.She'sbeen
    tempt
    edtochopoffhi
    sli
    tt
    ledi€kwithanai
    l-
    cli
    pa
    numberoft
    imesandfoughtagainsti
    t.
    Sheneedsawal ktoclearherheadandrecol
    lect
    hersel
    f.Shewasonceanor malgirli
    nthi
    svil
    lage,
    shehadbi gdr
    eamsandacol our
    fulf
    utur
    eplanned
    outwithherfi
    rstl
    ove.
    Shewasn'treadywhenMaqhaweaskedhert obe
    i
    nti
    matewi t
    hhi m,buthepromisedhert hewor l
    d,
    andmaybehewoul d'
    vegivenherthatwor l
    difhe
    wasgivenachance.Hewasar ebel
    ,thekindofa
    boyeveryparenttol
    dthei
    rsonst ostayawayf rom.
    Butwit
    hherhewasasweet heart
    .Theirfi
    rstday
    wasnothingshortofamazing.Itwasabi tpainful
    buthewasgent lewit
    hher.He'dbitehernecksof t
    ly
    andtel
    lhertocalm down.
    “NomaIgotyou!”he'
    dsayonrepeatwhil
    estari
    ng
    deepl
    yinhereyeswithpur
    elove.Whenhewas
    donehe'dli
    enextt
    oherandbrushherhand.They'
    d
    tal
    kaboutthei
    rfut
    ureandhowtheyplannedto
    growoldtoget
    her.
    Ofcour
    se,
    itwasaf
    ar-
    fet
    cheddr
    eam.Assoonas
    Nomagugu’ smot
    hersuspect
    edt
    hatshewas
    pregnant,
    shecal
    ledafamil
    ymeeti
    ngandst
    rangl
    ed
    thetrut
    houtofher.
    Herfatherthengavehert wochoices;ei
    therto
    marryDumi saniSibisiwhosepar entwerealready
    l
    ookingawi f
    efororvi sitGog' Makhabelaforafew
    weeks.Notever ybodyknewwhatGog' Makhabela
    did,
    peopl ethoughtshewasaheal erand
    special
    izedinfemalei ll
    nesses.Buti twasmor e
    thanthat,shehadmi xturesthatshegavet owomen
    togetridofunwant edpr egnanci
    es.

    Mar r
    yingDumi saniwasabet teropti
    onbecauseshe
    wantedt okeepherchildandDumi saniwasnotj ust
    anySi bi
    si,
    hewasMaqhawe’ sbl oodbrother.Her
    chil
    dwasn' tgoingtogrowwi thawr ongidenti
    ty.It
    waseasyf orthef ami
    liest
    or eachcommongr ounds
    andmar rythetwooft hem.Itwasneveraboutl ove;
    thattheyweregoi ngt
    odevelopt hroughtheir
    mar r
    iage.
    Hewast
    ryi
    ngt
    obeagoodhusband,
    hisf
    atherwas
    coachinghim onever yt
    hing.ButafterNdondo' s
    arri
    valthi
    ngschanged.Hest art
    edr emindingher
    thatshewasl eft
    oversfrom hisbrotherandt hathe
    haddoneherahugef avourbymar r
    yingher.Itgot
    worsewhenhecoul dn'tperf
    orm onbedandf ound
    wayst oblameever yt
    hingonher .Onedayshe
    summedupcour ageandt ol
    dhi m hismanhoodwas
    toosmal l
    .That'
    st hedayhest art
    edput ti
    nghi s
    handsonher .Ithasneverst oppedt i
    llt
    oday.

    “Wheredoyouthinkyou'r
    egoi ng?”Thevoicestops
    herdeadonhertracks.I
    t'
    sheavi l
    ydarkoutsideand
    ever
    yonehasgonet osleep.Shedi dn'
    texpectto
    bumpi nt
    oanyone,especial
    lyoutsidetheyard.
    “Di
    dyouseetheti
    me?”Nowthepersoni
    snear
    er
    andshequi
    cklyr
    ecogni
    zeshi
    saura.
    “Maqhawewhatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”sheasks,
    abi
    t
    shaken.
    “
    I'
    m get
    ti
    ngf
    reshai
    r,andyou?
    ”
    “
    Met
    oo,
    ”shesays.
    Thenexttwominutesarefi
    ll
    edwi t
    hsil
    ence.She
    canfeelhi
    spi
    erci
    ngst ar
    ethroughthedarkandher
    wishri
    ghtnowistodisappearint
    ospace.
    “Yousai
    ditst
    art
    edayearaf
    terNdondowasbor
    n?”
    heasks.
    Nomagugui
    sabitshocked.Shedidn'tsee
    Maqhawewhenshehadt hatconver
    sationwi
    th
    Ndondo.
    “
    Whydi
    dyoust
    ay?Wasi
    tlove?
    ”heasks.
    Si
    lence…
    “Nomawhydidn'
    tyoucomeback?”heaskswhat
    he'
    ssureJabuwouldsl
    icehi
    sbal
    lsifshehear
    dhi
    m
    sayi
    ng.
    “Iwasalr
    eadymar r
    iedt
    oyourbrot
    her.Hehada
    posi
    ti
    oninchurchandeveryonel
    ookeduptous.I
    coul
    dn'tl
    etal
    lthosepeopl
    eandmypar ent
    sdown.
    ”
    “
    Butyoul
    etmedown?
    ”heasks.
    “Maqhawe,pl
    ease!
    ”shegaspsforai
    randbl
    inks
    backtear
    s.Atl
    easthecannotseeher
    .
    “
    You'
    renotevensor
    ryNoma.Howcanyounotsee
    whatyou' vedone?Howdi dyousl eepatni ght,
    with
    MYdaught erandmybl oodbrotherononebed?
    Howdi ditf
    eeltoseemebei ngrejectedbyever yone,
    i
    ncludi ngyouithembalami,l
    eavingmel icki
    ngmy
    bleedingwoundsl i
    keadog?Howwer eyou…how
    wer eyouokayNoma? ”Hisvoicebr eaks.Hegasps
    forairandr el
    easesalowgroan.I thurtsdeepdown
    i
    nhi shear t
    .Shel ef
    thi
    m wit
    hunheal i
    ngwounds.
    Thiswomanhur thi
    m!
    “Mydaughter
    .InkosazaneyamiNomagugu.Icoul
    d
    dieanydayfrom nowandyout ookawaymy
    chanceofbei
    ngaf at hert
    oher
    .Howdoyoueven
    openaBibleandpr each?”
    “Theywer egoi
    ngt okil
    lher
    .Theykill
    edVumi l
    e’s
    fi
    rstchi
    ld.”Shebreaksdownandcr ies.Shesteps
    backuntilshestandi
    ngagainstthetreeandslides
    downt otheground.Sheleansagainstthetr
    ee
    trunkandletsoutafloodoftear
    s.
    “Whowasgoi
    ngtokil
    lmydaught
    er?Whi
    chf
    ir
    st
    chi
    ldofVumi
    lewaski
    ll
    ed?
    ”
    “
    Shewas16.Youwoul
    dn'
    tknowbecauseyouwer
    e
    nevert
    her
    e.Ourpar
    ent
    swer
    ecr
    uelMaqhawe.
    ”
    Hel owershi
    mselft
    othegroundnextt
    oherand
    l
    istenstohersobsunt
    ilt
    hey'
    resubst
    it
    utedby
    hiccups.
    “Pleasedon' thatemeMaqhawe.Jabugaveyout he
    l
    ifeIcoul dn'tgivet oyou.Atleastyouar ehappy.
    Youf oundl oveandhappi ness.I '
    venevergonea
    mont hwithoutget ti
    ngabeat i
    ngandbei ngforced
    i
    ntosexuali ntercourse.I'
    veendur edobjectsof
    differentsizesbei nginsertedinsidemy
    womanhoodt ogivemepl easure.I’
    veendured
    i
    nsul ts,degr adati
    onandabusei nal lf
    orms.Be
    happyIwasnothappyaf terleavi
    ngyou.Bepr oud
    I'
    mt hisbroken.Ihavescar sallovermyt hi
    ghs,
    that'sacompensat i
    ont oallthepainI’veputyou
    through,”Nomagugusays.
    Maqhawerel
    easesafakechuckleandbr
    usheshi
    s
    wr
    istt
    hati
    scircl
    edbyizi
    phandla.
    “
    I'
    m nothi
    m Noma,
    ”hesays.
    “Iwasjustsayi
    ng.Kar
    mahasdeal twi
    thme.I'
    ve
    paidf
    ormysi ns,I
    '
    m sti
    llbr
    eat
    hingbuti
    tdoesn'
    t
    meant
    hatI
    '
    m notdr
    owni
    ng,
    ”Nomagugusays.
    “Howareyougoi
    ngtogetout?”Maqhaweasks
    aft
    erabri
    efmomentofsi
    lence.
    “
    Iwi
    llki
    llhi
    m,”shesays,
    joki
    ngl
    y.
    ButMaqhaweknowsaj
    okewhenhehear
    soneand
    thi
    sisn'
    tanyj
    oke.
    .
    .
    MAQHAWE

    Hewassur ethathisstepswerequietasacat'
    s.
    Theside-
    lampbrightensupashebendst ot
    akehis
    shoesoff
    .Jabuissi t
    ti
    ngont hebed,wideawake
    wit
    hherar msfoldedbeforeherchest.
    “Mamayou'r
    esti
    llup?
    ”Hiseyesarerunni
    ng
    ever
    ywherei
    nthehousebutnottoher.I
    t'
    scl
    oseto
    23h00andshe'
    sbeenwaiti
    ngforovertwohour
    s.
    “Youwerewit
    hher,
    right
    ?”Jabuasks.Hervoi
    cei
    s
    hoarseandf
    il
    ledwi
    thpain.
    Henodsandr
    eleasesaheavysi
    gh.
    “Ijustbumpedintoherandwet al
    ked.”He'
    s
    standingnextt
    ot hebedbecausehe'snotsur
    eif
    he'sallowedonitornot
    .
    “
    Fort
    wohour
    s?”Jabuasks.
    “
    No.Maybe30mi
    nut
    es.
    ”
    “
    30mi
    nut
    esMaqhawe?30mi
    nut
    es!
    ”
    Heexhalesandputshiskneeont
    hebedtotest
    wat
    ers.Shedoesn'tcommentonthat
    ,sohecli
    mbs
    onandslidesundertheduvet
    .
    “Sowhatwer
    eyout
    alki
    ngaboutal
    lthi
    sti
    me?
    ”she
    asks.
    “
    Thepastandhoweverythingwentdown.Weal
    so
    t
    alkedabouthermar
    ri
    age,”hesays.
    “
    Whi
    leI
    '
    m wai
    ti
    ngf
    oryouher
    e?”sheasks.
    Heknowst
    hathe'
    snotsupposedt
    oanswert
    his
    one.
    “Jabul
    il
    eI'
    m beggi
    ngyou.I
    t'
    snotwhatyout
    hink,
    we
    aretoooldnow.Wehavechil
    drenand
    grandchil
    dren.I'
    m notaboy, you'r
    emyl if
    epar tner
    andI'l
    lalwaysremai ntr
    uthfultoyou.Nomagugu
    andItalkedaboutt hepastandever ythi
    ngthatwe
    neededt otal
    kabout .St
    opact ingli
    keagi r
    l,your
    husbandi sfr
    eezing.”Hi
    seyessof t
    enather .He
    onlymakest hisfaceforher.Itremindsherofa
    brokenyoungmanshef el
    linlovewi t
    htwodecades
    ago.
    “Whydi
    dn'
    tyouaskhertowarm youup?
    ”Shet
    urns
    andsl
    eepsontheot
    herside.
    Heshif
    tscl
    osert
    oherandput
    shi
    scol
    dhandover
    herhi
    p.
    “Onl
    ymywi f
    ewar msmeup,”hesays,brushi
    ngher
    hipandpr
    essinghisbot
    tom f
    rontbehi
    ndher.
    “Tellthatwifetowar
    m youupthen.
    ”She'
    spl
    ayi
    ng
    hide-and-seek.Shel
    ikesi
    twhenhebegs.
    Hi
    shandmovesf rom herhi
    ptoherwaist
    .He'
    s
    massagi
    ngherallar
    oundherwaistandsheknows
    hi
    snextdest
    inat
    ion.
    “
    Thonono!Swi
    dil
    ami,
    pleaset
    urnar
    ound.Youknow
    whi
    chfaceIwantt
    oseebefor
    efal
    li
    ngasl
    eep.
    ”His
    tonei
    ssofter
    .Shefeel
    shi
    sbear
    dmassagi
    ngt
    he
    backofherneckbefor
    ehi
    scol
    dli
    pscr
    ashonher
    fl
    esh.
    Shetur
    nsar
    oundwi
    thaf
    akeannoyedexpr
    essi
    on
    on.
    “Again,I
    'm sor
    ryforeveryt
    hingIputyout hr
    ough.I
    didn'
    tknowhowt odealwithpainandrejecti
    on.I
    don'tdeserveyouJabu.”Hebr usheshereyebrow
    withathumbandst ar
    esather .
    “
    I'
    m sor
    ryIbr
    oughtt
    hatup,
    ”shesays,
    regr
    etf
    ull
    y.
    “I
    fitsti
    llhur
    tsIguessIdeservetober eminded
    everyhour.I
    'm al
    sosorr
    yaboutt onight,
    Ishould'
    ve
    call
    edherher eandhadthatconversati
    oninfrontof
    you,”hesays.
    “Maqhawe!”sheexhal
    esandput
    sherar
    msar
    ound
    hisneck.
    “Il
    oveyouMakaQondani
    ,wi
    thever
    ypi
    eceofmy
    heart
    .”
    Shesmil
    esandlooksathi
    sli
    ps.Shel
    if
    tsherhead
    tomeethi
    ski
    ss.Itst
    art
    sasababykissandleads
    i
    ntoapassi
    onat
    eone.Maqhawehasli
    ftedupher
    pet
    ti
    coat
    ,he'
    ssqueezi
    ngherbut
    tanddeepeni
    ngthe
    ki
    ss.
    Hisf
    ingersl
    idesbet
    weenherbut
    tockst
    oherwet
    cast
    le.
    “
    Didyoudr
    inkyourmedsf
    orj
    oint
    spai
    n?”heasks.
    “
    ButMaqhaweyousawhowbusyi
    twastoday.
    Wher
    ewasIsupposedt
    ofi
    ndti
    meformedicat
    ion?
    ”
    Hechuckl
    esandpecksherl
    ips.
    “
    Tur
    nyourbackt
    oSi
    bisit
    hen.
    ”
    Shetur
    nsandsl eepsonhersi
    deagain.Heli
    ftsup
    herl
    egandhol dshismanhood.Mbambowasr i
    ght
    ,
    hi
    sperfor
    mancewasaf f
    ect
    edbystress.He'
    sokay
    nowbutdrinki
    ngimbizatost
    ayevenmor estr
    ong.

    Heholdshismanhoodandbalancesiti
    nher
    openi
    ng.Hiser
    ecti
    onisnotst
    rongenoughyet,
    he
    rubsi
    taroundhercooki
    ewhil
    etappingonher
    l
    engthycli
    t.
    “
    I'
    m sor
    ryMamaSi
    bisi
    ,
    ”hesaysonemor
    eti
    me,
    befor
    edir
    ect
    inghi
    snowf
    ull
    yer
    ectmanhoodi
    nsi
    de
    heropeni
    ng.
    Somet i
    mesJabuget stootiredfrom allthechores
    shedoesi nthehousedur ingt hedayandl ooking
    afterhergrandchi
    ldren.Shej ustgi
    veshi m hi
    s
    favori
    teorganandl etshim havehiswaywi thher.
    Somet i
    mesheaskshert omoveherhi psand
    somet i
    meshel etsherbeanddoesal lthework.
    They'r
    ebothmoaningli
    kehospit
    alpati
    entsast
    hei
    r
    organsexchangei
    ndescri
    babl
    epleasure.
    “Awungi
    dudul
    ephelaJabu,
    ”heaskshert
    oatl
    east
    pushbackherbut
    ttomeethist
    hrust
    s.
    Shepushesbackwardsbutyoucant el
    lthatshe'
    s
    ti
    red.Maqhawetur
    nsheraround,separatesher
    l
    egsandkneelsbetweenthem.
    NowSi bisiispoppingvei
    nsandst r
    etchedtohis
    maxi mum size.Itusedt
    othrowJabuof fbecause
    shei magineditleavi
    ngheropeningopenedtoits
    si
    ze.Butt hatorgancanpushoutababy' sheadand
    sti
    llcol
    lectit
    smuscl esbackint
    oplace.
    Hei
    nser
    tsi
    tinsi
    deher
    .Shegaspsf
    orai
    rasher
    cast
    leswallowsall
    ofit.Heli
    esonherchestand
    squeezeshisbut
    t.Itpokeshersofti
    nnerfl
    esh,
    agai
    nt hey'
    rebot
    hmoani ngli
    kesickpati
    ents.
    “
    Openi
    tmama,
    ”hewhi
    sper
    s.
    Jabuknowsthathi
    sendi snear
    er,sosheforces
    hi
    mt opul
    loutandpersonall
    ygrabsthehardrod
    andrubsi
    tonhercli
    t.
    “ThesewingshugSi bisisogood! ”He'sspreadi
    ng
    herlabiami noralipswi t
    hhi stipandgr i
    tt
    inghis
    teeth.Her
    si sdi ff
    erent,i
    t'
    sanout i
    evagina,andto
    makeherchi ldhoodmor etraumat i
    c,shehadaset
    oftwodar k,lengthyl abi
    ami nor
    alips.Shedidn'
    t
    l
    osehervi rginityat24becauseshewasanangelor
    somet hi
    ng, shehadaver ylowselfesteem.She
    didn'ti
    magineher selfgetti
    ngnakedi nfrontofaguy,
    dealingwithherf riends’mocker yofhervaginawas
    enough.
    ButMaqhawechangedalloft
    hat.Heappr eci
    ates
    these“wi
    ngs”andmakesherfeelconf
    identabout
    everypar
    tofherbody.
    “
    Freeme,
    mkami
    ,
    ”hebegs.He'
    sdeepi
    nsi
    deher
    andswallowingbackhisdeepgr
    oans.Itki
    ll
    shis
    conf
    idencewhenher eacheshi
    sorgasm befor
    eher
    .
    Butsomet i
    mesitbecomestooir
    resi
    sti
    blenotto
    expl
    odefirst
    .
    Li
    ketoday,
    hej
    ustshookandl
    aidmot
    ionl
    essont
    op
    ofher
    .
    “I
    '
    m- -
    --
    so—r
    ry,
    ”-I
    t'
    salowwhisper
    .Hi
    sheadi
    s
    buri
    edonherchesti
    nshame.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    17] :Chapt
    er47
    NDLALI
    FA

    Allhewantedwhenhewokeupwast obur yhi


    mself
    i
    nsideher.Hedi dtouchher,asheusualdoeswhen
    hewant samor ningpanky,buttodayshepushed
    him away.Het ouchedheragain,movinghishand
    upt oherbreastsandrubbi
    ngherni pples.I
    tdoes
    thetri
    ck,well
    ,mostofthetimes.
    “Ndlal
    if
    aleavemealone!
    ”Todayshesai
    dwhi
    le
    slappi
    nghishandsaway.
    “
    I'
    llbef
    astst
    handwasami
    ,
    ”hesai
    d,pushi
    nghi
    s
    har
    dshaf tbet
    weenherthighs.Hewasshaking,he
    hadnodoubtt hathewasgoi ngtoexpl
    odeassoon
    asshelethimin.Ofwhichsheneverdid,i
    nst
    ead
    sherol
    ledoffbedandlefttheroom.
    Acoldshowerwoul d'vecalmedhismemberdown,
    buthewaswi ll
    ingtobeg.Hewal kedoutofthe
    room,naked,hi
    shandwr appedaroundhi
    shard
    shaftandfol
    lowedhert otheloungewhereshehad
    wrappedherselfonthecouch.
    “Babelook…I
    '
    mi npai
    n,”hesai
    d,t
    ryi
    ngt
    oget
    betweenherlegs.
    Helift
    edhiseyestoherf acewhi
    lestr
    okinghis
    shaftwit
    hhi shand.Onlywhenthei
    reyesmethe
    real
    izedthatsomethingwasawfull
    ywr ong.
    “
    Whatdi
    dIdo?
    ”heasked.
    “Youhavet henerveyazi!YouwenttoNyandeniand
    forcedmet ocomewi thyou.Ican'
    tevenspendtime
    withothergir
    lsbecauseofyou.Ihadtoleave
    everyonebecauseyout hreat
    enedtodisr
    espect
    someone'shouse. ”
    Hecoul
    dn'
    trememberbutf
    orhert
    obeangr
    yli
    ke
    t
    hatmeanther
    eal
    lycr
    ossedt
    hel
    ine.
    “Iwasdr unkThal
    ente,
    ”hesai
    d,hopi
    ngi
    twoul
    d
    calm herdownalit
    tl
    ebit.
    “WereyoudrunkaswellinCannelandswhenyou
    broket
    hedoorafterIr
    efusedtoleavewit
    hyou?”
    sheasked.
    Hedidn'
    tthi
    nkshe'dbr
    ingt
    hatup.Theyt
    alked
    abouti
    t,di
    dn'
    tthey?
    “Thal
    ent
    engibhebhi
    sangi
    hambengiye
    emsebenzi
    ni,
    ”hesai
    d,l
    osi
    nghispati
    ence.
    (Thal
    ent
    eletmefuckandgotowork.
    )
    “
    You'resti
    lldrunk!Whenyoucomebackf rom that
    workpleaset akemetomypl ace.”Thal
    enterose
    f
    rom thecouchandl efthi
    m standingwit
    hhishand
    wrappedar oundhisshaft
    .
    Hedisappearedi nt
    hebathr
    oom wherehelocked
    hi
    mselfinsideforfi
    veminut
    es.Aft
    erhishandhad
    donehimj ust
    iceheshamefull
    ywalkedoutand
    wenttothebedr oom.
    Het
    ri
    edt
    otal
    ktoherbuti
    twasal
    lfut
    il
    ebecause
    shewast
    hencompl
    etel
    ynotspeaki
    ngt
    ohi
    m.

    Heneededtobeinthetaxir
    ankatl
    eastbef
    ore5am,
    sohewenttotakeashoweranddresseduptogo.
    Hisdayhadal
    readystart
    edonabadnote,hewasn'
    t
    l
    ookingf
    orwar
    dt oanythi
    ng.
    Maybehe'scr azyorobsessed.He'saskedher
    manyt i
    mesi fsheunderstandsthedept hsofhis
    l
    ove.Itdoesscarehim attimes,somet i
    meshe
    panicswhenhecan' tgetholdofher.Itremindshim
    ofthedayshepackedherbagsandwenthome
    wit
    houttell
    inghim.Thatdayhewassur ehewas
    l
    osinghismi nd.Maybeittookhim backt ohis
    chi
    ldhood;havingsomeonewhomeanst heworld
    toyoupackherbagsandl eavewithoutsayinga
    word.

    Befor
    eleavi
    ngheloweredhi
    sheadtoherand
    plant
    edakissonhercheekwit
    hhi
    seyesfir
    mly
    shut.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    epl
    easedon'
    tleaveme.Ir
    eal
    lyl
    oveyou,
    ”
    hesai
    d,st
    il
    lleani
    ngoverher
    .
    Sheonl
    yrel
    easedasi
    ghandkeptherf
    aceont
    he
    wal
    l.
    “Iwi
    llcomebackaround12.MustIbr
    ingyou
    anyt
    hing?”heasked.
    Sheshookherhead.Hi
    sheartsankdownt
    ohisfeet
    .
    Hetookhi
    sphoneandcarkeysandl ef
    twi
    thhi
    s
    headhungdownindisappoi
    ntment.

    Thatwasei ghthour sago.Whent heclockt i


    cked
    closert o12pm hel eftNdabukoandMaqhi ngain
    themi ddleofadeepconver sati
    onwithsomeof
    theircol l
    eaguesandwentt oDebonnairs.Theyhad
    at rayofi nhloko,papandhotchut neyi nfrontof
    them.Onl yNdabukowashavi ngadifferentmealfor
    hisl unch.Hesai ditwasaspaghet t
    ibol ognese.He
    alwayswor r
    ieshiscol l
    eagueswithhiswei rd
    behavi our.Latelyhebr ingsabottl
    eofbl endedfrui
    t
    j
    ui cet hatNdondopr eparesforhi
    m, i
    nst eadof
    drinkinga2LofCokel i
    keeveryone.
    Realityki
    cksinashepar kst hecarinf r
    ontofhis
    house.Thecl osedfr
    ontdoori sfurtherl
    yfrustr
    ati
    ng
    him.Thalenteisnotjustdramat i
    c,she'scrazy.Hi
    s
    biggestfeari
    sherleavinghi m andnevercomi ng
    back.He'sneverkeptanywomanbef or
    e,t
    hi si
    shis
    fi
    rstattemptinaseriousrelati
    onshipandhi s
    constantcravingofatt
    enti
    oni salreadyput t
    inghi
    s
    relat
    ionshi
    pont heli
    ne.
    “
    Thalent
    e!”Her
    eleasesasi
    ghashewal
    ksi
    ntoher
    wat
    chingamovie.
    Shetur
    nsherheadar
    ound,
    glancesathim onceand
    shi
    ft
    shereyesbackt
    otheTVscreen.Sheissti
    ll
    angr
    y.
    “Ibroughtyoul
    unch.Shoul
    dIl
    eavei
    tint
    he
    kit
    chen?”Ndlal
    if
    aasks.
    “Idon'
    tknow,I
    ’
    m nothungry,
    Iat
    ebr
    ead,
    ”shesays,
    shruggi
    nghershoul
    ders.
    Hewalkstotheki
    tchenwithhi
    stai
    ltuckedbet
    ween
    hi
    slegs.Hel
    eavesthepizzaontopofthecounter
    andgoesbacktoher.
    Hesi
    tsnextt
    oherandexhal
    esdeepl
    y.Hi
    seyesar
    e
    onherf
    ace-hel
    ovest
    hiswoman.
    “Idon'
    tli
    keitwhenwefight
    .Ican'
    tevenwork,my
    mindisherewithyou.I
    '
    m sorr
    yIembarrassedyou,
    ”
    hesays.
    Thalent
    einhal
    esdeepl
    yandsearchesforthe
    remote.Whenshefi
    ndsitshei
    ncreasestheTV
    volume.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    e?”
    Si
    lence…
    .
    .
    Khosididn'
    tpi
    ckhiscall
    s,sohecall
    edSnaloand
    shesaidtheyj
    ustarri
    vedinDurbanandthey'
    real
    l
    i
    nNdondo’ shouse.
    Thegat esli
    desopen,hedrivesi
    nandl eaveshiscar
    behindNdondo'sBenzG- wagon.Hewi shestodo
    forThalenteatl
    easthalfofwhatNhlanzekodidfor
    Ndondo.Hewascr azyabouther,t
    hesameway
    Ndlali
    faiscrazyaboutThalent
    e.Butmaybet hey
    wouldn'thaveworkedout,Ndabukoismor e
    compat i
    blewit
    hNdondot hanhewas.Thewayhe
    didn'
    tconsultNdondobef oretakingdecisi
    onsthat
    concernedherentireexistencewoul d'vebeenthe
    samewayheconduct edt hei
    rrelati
    onship.She
    wouldn’thavestayedwit hhimt hatlong.

    They'
    rel
    aughingi
    nt heki
    tchen.Therearescanned
    pi
    ctur
    esspreadaroundthetablethatt
    hey'r
    estari
    ng
    at
    .Itmustbethebaby'sult
    rasoundpict
    ures.
    Ndlal
    if
    awalksinandgr
    eet
    s.Khosiisgi
    vinghim an
    i
    ntenselookt
    hatmakeshi
    m abituncomfort
    able.
    “
    Whatdi
    dIdoyest
    erday?
    ”heasks,
    tur
    ninghi
    seyes
    t
    oNdondo.
    “
    Not
    hing,
    ”shesayswi
    thaf
    rown.
    Khosibr
    eaksachuckl
    e.
    “Nothi
    ng?Hecamet oyourfat
    her'
    shouseand
    harassedThal
    ente.Hefor
    cedthepoorgi
    rlt
    otake
    herbagsandleavewithhi
    m atni
    ght,
    ”Khosisays.
    Ndlali
    farel
    easesal
    oudexhal
    ati
    on.Thal
    ent
    ehas
    everyri
    ghttobemadathim.
    “Pleasepassmyapol ogiest
    oyourfather,mother,
    brotherandeveryonethatImust'
    vedisrespect
    ed.I
    wasdr unk,Iwouldn'
    tembarrassNdabukol i
    kethat,
    ”
    hesays
    “I
    t'
    snotabi
    gdeal
    ,don'
    twor
    ryabouti
    t,
    ”Ndondo
    says.
    “No,iti
    sabigdeal.Youcannottr
    eatawomanlike
    propert
    y.Wehadagi rl
    s’ni
    ghtandshemissedout
    becauseshefel
    linlovewit
    habul l
    y,
    ”Khosi
    .
    Snal
    olaughs.She'
    sabi
    tdr
    ink.Shekeepssi
    ppi
    ng
    fr
    om amug.
    “
    That
    'swhyI
    '
    m her
    e,she'
    sangr
    y,”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.
    They'
    rest
    ari
    ngathi
    m,wai
    ti
    ngf
    orhi
    mtoel
    abor
    ate.
    “Ineedafavour.
    ”Hi
    seyesgotoKhosi.You'
    dswear
    she'snothi
    ssist
    er,
    shewassupposedtobeonhis
    sidebutshe'
    stheonebi
    ti
    nghi
    sheadmor et
    han
    anyone.
    “
    Whatf
    avour
    ?”Snal
    oasks.
    “Pl
    easecometomyhouse.Wearyourgownsand
    comedowhateveri
    tist
    hatshewassupposedt
    odo
    wit
    hyoul astni
    ght.Iknowyou'
    real
    lti
    red,
    butI
    '
    m
    desper
    ate,”hesays.
    Theywaitforhimtosayhe'sjoki
    ng.Theywore
    gowns,hadaf ewsnacksanddr i
    nkstocatchupas
    l
    adiesandcongr at
    ulat
    eNdondo.Itwouldn'
    tmake
    anysenseforthem toweargownsandr edothe
    wholethi
    ngf orThal
    ente.
    “I
    'l
    ldowhateveryouguyswant
    .Eveni
    fIhaveto
    paypeopl
    et ocomeandmassageyourfeet
    ,”he
    says.
    Nowhe'
    stal
    king!Snal
    oput
    sthemugdownand
    j
    umpsofft
    hechair.
    “Weneedabot tl
    eofchampagneandseaf
    ood
    plat
    terf
    rom OceanBasket
    ,”shesays.
    Henods, hedoesn'thavemuchofachoice,
    eveni
    f
    theywantedawhal e’slunghe'
    ddi
    veint
    othe
    oceansandgetit.Het urnst
    oKhosi
    .Sheisthe
    hardestt
    odealwi t
    h.
    “Pl
    easesisi
    ,Idon'twantt
    oloseThal
    ent
    e.I
    '
    m not
    per
    fectbutIloveher,
    ”hesays.
    Khosisi
    ghs.Thi
    sisheraunt
    'sson,
    shecansof
    ten
    herhear
    tforhi
    m.
    “Doyoupr
    omisemethatyou'
    l
    lnevermist
    reather
    agai
    n.Menli
    keyoumakeme…”Ther eshegoes
    agai
    n!
    “
    Ipr
    omi
    seNomkhosi
    !”hecut
    sherspeechshor
    t.
    “Fi
    nethen.Ndondoar
    eyoucomi
    ng?
    ”Shet
    urnst
    o
    Ndondo.
    “Whynot?He'sgoi
    ngtobookourspat
    reat
    ment
    nextweekend,
    ”Ndondosays.
    It'
    stooearlyforhi
    mt obereli
    eved,butatleast
    they'
    llmanaget ocheerherupforhim.Beingi nl
    ove
    i
    sr eall
    yast r
    angething,
    nowhe' st
    ryingtobring
    backt heyester
    daythathefuckedup.
    .
    .
    THALENTE

    Ihat
    ethathekeepsl
    eavi
    ng.Iwant
    edhi
    mtobeher
    e
    andexperiencemysil
    enttreat
    mentthr
    oughoutthe
    day.Itmakesmeevenmor emadthathe'
    snot
    servi
    nghiswholesentence;whenhegoesout
    peopletal
    ktohim.Nobodywassupposedt ospeak
    tohimtoday.

    Myphonebeeps.
    I
    t'
    sNdondo.
    *
    *WEARECOMI
    NGLATER*
    *
    They'
    recomi nghere?Dopeopleevencomet othi
    s
    house?Ndl alif
    ahasneverhostedanyguestwhile
    I'
    m here.Evenhi sbrot
    herneverspendmor et
    han15
    minutesher e.Thishousei
    shislit
    tleworl
    dandonly
    I'
    m al
    lowedt ocomeandgoasIpl ease.
    AsmuchasIwantt hissil
    entt
    reat
    menttodr
    ag
    l
    onger
    ,Ist
    il
    lrespecthishouseandit
    srul
    es.
    Hi
    sphoner
    ingst
    hri
    cebef
    orehepi
    cksup.
    “
    Hey,
    wher
    ear
    eyou?
    ”Iask.
    “
    I'
    m dr
    ivi
    ngt
    owar
    dsTongaat
    .”
    Howt hehellam Isupposedt onotspeakt
    ohim
    whenhe'smi lesaway?Iwantt otellhi
    mtocome
    backtothehousesot hatIcannotspeaktohi
    m,
    buthealreadythinksthatI'
    m acrazywoman.And
    that
    'snotwhyIcal led.
    “Ndondosayst
    hey'
    recomingherel
    ater
    .Idon'
    t
    knowwhattosaytoher,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Sayaboutwhat
    ?”heasks.
    “
    Aboutt
    hem comi
    ngt
    oyourhouse,
    ”Isay.
    “I
    '
    veneversai
    dIdon'
    twantyourf
    ri
    endsinthe
    house,
    ”hesays,
    soundi
    ngabitof
    fended.
    “Okay,Ij
    ustwant
    edtomakesur
    ethatIdon'
    t
    overst
    epboundar
    ies.
    ”
    “
    Areweokaynow?
    ”
    He'
    spushi ngit
    !Hewasn'tevenheretoser vehis
    wholesentence.I
    fwekeepgoi ngli
    kethishe's
    goi
    ngt odomor ethanj
    usttri
    ckingmei ntogoing
    whereverhewants.
    “
    Ihavet
    ogo.Dr
    ivesaf
    ely,
    ”Isayandhangup.
    I'
    m sti
    llt
    ypi
    ngatextt
    oNdondowhenIhearacar
    pull
    ingupoutsi
    de.Di
    dn’tshesay“
    lat
    er”
    ?Orl
    ater
    meansnowi fyou'
    rer
    ich?
    Snaloisl
    oudl
    ychat
    ti
    ngtosomeone.Isl
    idei
    ntomy
    fl
    ip-
    fl
    opsandrusht
    othedoor
    .
    Ndondo,NomkhosiandSnalo!They'
    reallher
    e,
    exceptAndi
    swa.Andthey'
    recarr
    yingfoodanda
    bott
    leofchampagne?
    Thebag?Ar
    etheysl
    eepi
    ngover
    ?
    “
    Mogheeel
    !”Snal
    oiskakdr
    unk.
    Ifi
    ndmysel fgi
    ggli
    ngast heymaket heirway
    towardsthedoor,al
    readyhalfwaythroughthe
    conversat
    ionthatwecould'veeasi
    lyengagedon
    whenwear esi
    tti
    ngdown.
    “Ar
    eyout hatbored?
    ”Ndondoi saski
    ngaboutmy
    fai
    ledatt
    emptofbant uknots.Ionlydidt
    heleftsi
    de
    andgottir
    ed.Ididn'
    texpectanyonet ocome,
    Ndlali
    fadoesn'
    tdeservemybeaut ysoIdidn'tcar
    e
    abouthim.
    “
    Youneedt
    obuyawi
    gbecausehonest
    ly,
    youcan'
    t
    betraumatizi
    ngmybr otherbylookingl
    ike
    Gog’Flor
    ence,”saysKhosi.Shelooksabitchil
    led
    today.Imean, she'
    sevenwearingleggi
    ngsand
    sneakers.Nomkhosiisa40year -ol
    daunttrappedin
    ayoungbody.

    They'resti
    lll
    aughingatmyl ooks.Ileadt hem tothe
    l
    oungeandf etchtherequestedchampagnegl asses
    andpl at
    es.Iwantt oaskwhyt hey'r
    eher e, l
    ooking
    allcheerf
    ulandexci t
    ed,butthenitdoesn' tl
    ookl i
    ke
    there'
    sar eason.Maybet heyjustdecidedt opaya
    visi
    ttotheirbrot
    her'sgi
    rlf
    ri
    end.
    “AndNdlali
    fapoppedt
    hequesti
    on,yousai
    dyesand
    didn'
    ttel
    lus,
    ”Ndondosaysoutoft
    heblue.
    Snal
    oandKhosil
    ookatme,
    eyes-
    widened.
    “
    It
    ’snotl
    ikewear
    eget
    ti
    ngmar
    ri
    edt
    omor
    row,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Buti
    t'
    shappeni
    ng,
    ”Ndondosays.
    She'
    sexcit
    edaboutt
    hisandpushingthet
    opi
    c.I
    don'
    twanttodealwi
    thever
    yonetell
    ingmehowtoo
    sooniti
    s.
    “Ndlali
    fadoesn'twantt
    owait.Hewantsafami
    ly,
    ”I
    say,lowlydefendingmysel
    fagai
    nstKhosi
    ’
    sint
    ense
    star
    e.
    “Whataboutyou?Whatdoyouwant
    ?”sheasks,
    bei
    ngtheauntever
    ybodyknows.
    “Iwanttosuppor
    tmyf amil
    y.I'
    mt hef
    ir
    stchil
    dat
    homeandt hesit
    uationisnotreall
    ypl
    easant.
    ”I
    can'
    tbeli
    eveI'
    m openingupt othem.Idon'
    tli
    ke
    tal
    kingaboutmybackgr oundbecauseIalwaysfeel
    l
    ikenobodyunderstandsme.
    “Gett
    ingmarr
    ieddoesn'
    tmeanyou'r
    egoingtostop
    workingandchasi
    ngyourdreams.Ndl
    ali
    fawants
    l
    ifet
    imecommi t
    ment,nott
    ochangeyou,”Ndondo
    says.
    “Ar
    eyoutryi
    ngtocreateamar
    ri
    edwomen'
    scl
    ubor
    somet
    hing?”Khosiasks.
    Wearelaughi
    ngf
    orasecond.Thenshe'
    sser
    ious
    agai
    n.
    “Youneedt
    ogetabet terj
    obandgrowyour
    perf
    umebusiness.Youcanevenstockot
    her
    cosmeti
    cs,
    createablogonFacebookanduse
    cour
    ier
    stodel
    ivert
    oyourcl
    ient
    s.”
    Shej
    ustmadeitsoundsoeasy.Nott
    hej
    obt
    hough,
    wher
    eam Igoi
    ngtof i
    ndabett
    erone?
    “IcanspeaktotheHRmanagerbutIt hi
    nkNdl al
    if
    a
    wouldbemor ehappytohelp.Her
    eall
    yl ovesyou.”
    I'
    m star
    ti
    ngtothinkNdondoisNdl
    ali
    fa’ssecret
    agent.
    “
    Heal
    readygotmeaj
    obatt
    hecant
    een,
    ”Isay.
    “Di
    dyouaskhi
    m orhedi
    ditonhisown?Oneday
    actl
    ikehi
    swomanandaskhimthings,
    ”Ndondo
    agai
    n.
    “
    DoyouaskNdabukot
    hings?
    ”Snal
    oasksher
    .
    “Notever
    ydaybutwhenIdohewalksl
    ikea
    peacockthewhol
    eday,
    ”shesays.
    Wear eal
    llaughi
    ng.She'snotbadatal
    l.Ir
    etractmy
    stat
    ement;she'
    snotalightversi
    onofKhosi.Ithi
    nk
    shetendstobeformalanduptightmostofthe
    ti
    mes.
    “
    Whenar eyouget
    ti
    nglai
    d?”Thequest
    ioncomes
    f
    rom Snal
    o.It
    '
    sdir
    ectedt
    oKhosiandwear eal
    l
    hol
    dingi
    nbubbl
    esofl
    aught
    er.She'
    sreal
    lydr
    unk.
    “Khosineedstogetcl
    ayandmouldherownman.
    Whatshe'slooki
    ngfori
    namandoesn'texist
    ,”Snal
    o
    goesonandt akesanot
    hersi
    pfr
    om herglass.
    “
    AndwhosaidI
    'ml
    ooki
    ngf
    oraman?
    ”Khosiasks
    wit
    haneyer
    oll
    .
    “
    Areyoual
    esbi
    an?
    ”
    Snal
    othough,
    sheal
    soneedst
    ogetl
    aid.
    “
    I'
    m asexual
    ,
    ”Khosisays.
    Ndondoisl
    aughi
    ngandnotsayi
    nganythi
    ng.Maybe
    sheknowssomethi
    ngt
    hatwedon'tknow.
    “BacktoMaMbat ha,whati sdrivi
    ngmybrother
    crazy?Ithinkyou'r
    enoti nnocentasyoulook.”
    Bathong,thisBobMar ley!Shemust n'
    tcomef orme.
    Iam innocentandI '
    m notdr i
    vingherbr
    othercrazy,
    thealcoholis.
    “Thal
    ent
    eisinnocent
    ,justl
    ikeme,”Ndondocomes
    tomydefence.OneofthesedaysImustgot ot
    his
    gir
    l'
    shouseandmopheryar d.Suchabae!
    “
    Innocent
    ?You,
    thegi
    rlwhowasf
    inger
    edi
    nsi
    det
    he
    quant
    um i
    nthemi
    ddl
    eofherl
    obol
    anegot
    iat
    ions.
    ”
    Shutt
    hef
    rontdoor
    !Saywhat
    ?
    “
    Ndondo!
    ”Il
    ookatheri
    nshock.
    “What?I
    t’
    snotabigdeal,
    ever
    yoneknowsthatI
    haveaman.Iwalkaroundwit
    htheevi
    denceofhis
    sper
    mt hatwasi
    nser
    tedinmyvaginabyhispeni
    s.”
    Okay,st
    op!Didshedrinkt
    oo?Issheall
    owedto
    dri
    nkwhilepregnant
    ?Whatshe'ssayi
    ngisnot
    soberatall
    .
    “I
    t'
    sabi gdeal.Li
    ke,wer
    eyoui nsi
    dethequantum
    gett
    ingfinger
    edlikeaschoolgir
    lwho'sdat
    ingataxi
    dri
    ver?”Iask.
    “
    Yesandyourmanwassi
    tt
    ingundert
    het
    reenotso
    f
    ar.
    ”
    MypoorNdlal
    if
    a!Icanimagi
    net
    het
    rauma.That
    's
    whyhedrankyest
    erday.

    Snalodoesn'tgetf
    ullwhenshe'sdrunk.She'snow
    chowingthepizzaNdlali
    faboughtearl
    ier.Herfather
    keepscall
    ingtocheckifshe'
    sokay.Per ksofbeing
    al
    ongl
    ostdaught
    er!
    Wehaveaspadat
    ecomingup,
    Ihavenodoubtt
    hat
    Mi
    ssCEOispayi
    ngfori
    t.
    Snal oisdrunk,Khosii
    sstil
    lti
    psy,
    butNdondois
    actingmor edrunkthanthem.Ithi
    nktheyl
    eft
    Andi swabehindonpur pose,t
    hetopi
    csweare
    discussingherearenotfora21yearold.

    Theycamepr epar
    edwi thgowns,wear
    egatheredi
    n
    fr
    ontoftheTVwat chingalat
    enightmovi
    e.We
    di
    dn'thearhi
    m walkinginbecausewewerebusy
    argui
    ngaboutcharacters.
    “Br
    other
    !”Snal
    oscreamsandweal
    lbecomeawar
    e
    oft
    heextracompany.
    “
    Yourhousei
    shomelybutyoudon'
    thaveext
    ra
    r
    oomsforus.Ladi
    esweneedtogo,
    ”Ndondosays.
    I
    t'
    sliketheywerewai
    ti
    ngforhi
    mt oarr
    ivebefor
    e
    l
    eaving.Khosit
    akest
    hebagandclearsthecoffee-
    t
    able.Wehavecomet otheendofourladi
    esnight.I
    wal
    kt hem outt
    othecarandweallhuggoodbye.
    “I
    '
    m goingoutwitht
    hegirl
    snextSat
    urday,
    ”Isay,
    a
    l
    it
    tlebi
    ttooexci
    tedandloud,
    asIwalktohim
    st
    andinginfr
    ontoftheTV.
    “
    Didyouhaveagoodt
    ime?
    ”heasks.
    “Thebest!
    ”Ist
    andonmyt
    oesandst
    ealaki
    sson
    hisl
    ips.
    “
    Areyouhungr
    y?”Ipi
    cktheemptybot
    tl
    eKhosi
    missedont
    hefl
    oorandapproacht
    hekit
    chen.
    “Thal
    ent
    e,”hi
    sarmsgrabmywaist
    .It
    urnt
    ohi
    m
    andwrapmyf reear
    m ar
    oundhi
    sneck.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”Iaskhi
    m.
    Hedoesn'
    tanswer,hej
    ustst
    aresatme.I
    tcl
    icks,
    damn,Iwasn'
    tspeaki
    ngtohi
    m!
    “I
    thur t
    swhenyoudon'
    tspeakt
    ome.I 'dr
    atherhave
    youchoppingmyheadoffandbursti
    ngmy
    eardrumsthant
    ohaveyoucompletel
    yshutti
    ngme
    out.”
    “
    Youaskedf
    ori
    t,
    ”Isay.
    “ButIsai
    dI'
    m sor
    ry.Don'
    tyouhaveahear
    t?”he
    asks.
    “
    No,
    Idon'
    t.Yout
    ooki
    tandmadei
    tyour
    s,”Isay.
    There'
    saghostofasmi l
    e.Myl
    inescanber
    eal
    ly
    good,I
    'm nat
    ural
    .Thal
    entet
    hepoet!
    “You'
    vebeenmi sseddearl
    y.”Hecupsmyf aceand
    l
    owershisfacetokissme.Hi st
    ongueslipsinsi
    de
    mymout h,gent
    lybutit
    'sdemanding.Icanfeelhi
    s
    breat
    hsgrowingheavy.
    Ibr
    eaktheki
    ssbutIkeepmyfaceli
    nkedagai
    nsthi
    s.
    Henudgeshi
    snoseonmi neandexhal
    es.
    “
    Letmeputthebot
    tl
    einsi
    det
    hebi
    n,”Isayi
    naver
    y
    l
    owwhisper
    .
    “Giveittome,I
    '
    llt
    hrowi
    tinthebi
    n.Yougoandget
    readyforHlomuka,
    ”hesaysandsnat
    chest
    he
    bottl
    ef r
    om myhand.
    “Wai
    talit
    tl
    ebi
    t,Iwanttoaskyousomet
    hing,
    ”Isay,
    hol
    dinghi
    sarm back.
    He'sl
    ooki
    ngatme,wait
    ingformetotalk.I
    '
    venever
    askedamanfort
    hings,
    Ialwaysgeteveryt
    hing
    donebymysel
    f.
    “
    Ineedmoney.Lotofi
    t.I
    '
    llpayi
    tbackwhenIst
    art
    maki
    ngpr
    ofi
    t,
    ”Isay.
    Hi
    sfacei
    ssomehowr
    eli
    eved.
    “
    Howmuchi
    s“l
    otofmoney”
    ?”heasks.
    “
    R3000,
    ”Isay.
    Hel
    aughs,
    real
    lyl
    oud.
    “ForamomentIt
    houghtIneededt
    ogot
    othe
    bank.
    ”
    Heleavesthebott
    leonthekitchencounterand
    pul
    lsmet othebedroom.Ndondowasr i
    ght,he'
    s
    pl
    easedandhappyt hatIasked.
    “Thi
    sdr awerhast hisoldwal letandt hi
    soldwal l
    et
    hascashkeptf orur gentsituati
    ons.Yourmanhasa
    cell
    phone, youcal lortextwheneveryouneed
    something.Andi fyouwer er eallyacaringonei n
    thi
    srelati
    onshipyouwoul dn'tneedmoneybecause
    mypant sal wayshavenot esi ntheirpockets.But
    younevercheckbecauseyoudon' tcarewhet herI
    gowi t
    hbombsi nmypocket sornot .
    ”Ishedone
    now?Het urnstomewi ththeol d,f
    atwal l
    et.His
    dramashocksmeatt imes.Bombsi nhispockets?!
    Icountoutt
    heR100sIneedandgi
    vebackt
    he
    wall
    et.
    Hehasast
    upi
    dgr
    inonhi
    sface.
    “
    Umgezankomoawuwuf
    uni
    ?”heasks.(
    Don'
    tyou
    wantpu$$yf
    ee.
    )
    Thisi
    swhyKhosihat
    esmen,
    theyonl
    yhavet
    hree
    brai
    ncel
    ls.
    Igi
    vehim amiddl
    efingerandwal
    kout,l
    eavi
    nghi
    m
    l
    aughingl
    ikeafool
    .Iwillt
    hankhi
    m pr
    operl
    ywhen
    he'
    slessstupi
    d.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    17] :Chapt
    er48
    NDONDO

    Thiswasabadi dea.Shejustt
    ookof fhertightand
    Ndabukoi shere,ri
    ghtnexttomeandwat ching.
    Thisistheinvasi
    onofpr i
    vacyatitsworse.ButI
    can'tbr
    ingmysel ft
    oswi t
    chthescreenof f,
    Iwantto
    watchuntilthemonsterwalksin.Iwanttoseet he
    fi
    rstthi
    nghedoeswhenheent erst hei
    rbedr oom.
    Earl
    ier,
    whenIwasdr oppingmom' sdetergentsoff
    ,I
    fel
    tli
    kesomet hingwasn'tr
    ightbetweent het woof
    them.Hewassi tt
    ingonhischairwithIsolezwe,hi
    s
    cupoft eaturningcoldinfrontofhim andt he
    sconesdr yi
    ngup.Hehadt hemostcol destlookon
    hisface,t
    heoneIusedt omi stakeforstri
    ctness.
    “NdondoIwantt osl
    eep,”Ndabukosays.Hewas
    againstt
    hisfr
    om theonset.Ialr
    eadyhadaper son
    planti
    ngthecamerasintheirbedroom, soIwent
    aheadanddidt hewholesetupagai nsthisword.
    “Sl
    eep,
    I'
    lll
    owerthevol
    ume,
    ”Isayandgetashar
    p
    eyeinr
    esponse.He'
    ssoexhaust
    ing!
    “Alr
    ight
    ,I'
    m goingt ocharget helaptopinthestudy
    andcomeback. ”Iclimboffthebedandl eave.Even
    i
    fIdon'tcatchDumi sanit
    oday, soonIwi l
    landI'l
    l
    keeptherecordingasevi dence.Mymot herwill
    openhereyessoonandwe' llpresenteveryt
    hingto
    thepoli
    ce.Hewi llgodown!

    Bef
    oreswit
    chingofft
    hel
    aptopItakeonelastl
    ook
    andnot
    icethathe'
    snowintheroom.Ndabukois
    goi
    ngtobit
    emyheadof f
    ;Ipullt
    hechairandsi
    t
    wit
    hmyeyesgl uedonthelapt
    opscreen.He'
    sst
    il
    l
    t
    akinghisclothesof
    f,mymom i sl
    yingonbedwit
    h
    abook,orisitaBibl
    e,Idon'
    tknow.
    “ThisthingofyouandHadebei sst i
    llgoingon?
    Didn'tIsaystopclingi
    ngonmenwhenhuggi ng
    them? ”Hereitis!Hewascoldbecausemymot her
    gaveHadebeahug.Hadebei sthebr anch's
    archbishop.He'sclosetobothofthem andhe' s
    mar r
    ied.Idon'tthi
    nkit
    'saprobl
    em ifmymom hugs
    him.Heal sohugsHadebe’ swifewhent heymeet.
    Icannothearmymot her
    'sresponse,Ijustseehi
    m
    walki
    ngaroundtohersideandgr abbingherup.I
    swearallmypri
    vatepart
    sar eit
    chingandsweat i
    ng.
    Hepullsmymot herl
    ikethat
    !Whodoeshet hi
    nkhe
    i
    s?
    Hepusheshertothewardrobeandpi nsheragainst
    i
    t.Iwanttograbmycarkeysanddr ivethereri
    ght
    now,butIneedtost
    aycalm, t
    onightisallabout
    col
    lect
    ingevi
    dencefort
    hisdog'slastday.
    Hishandi
    ssmackingherl
    efthi
    p,t
    hesoundofhi
    s
    handagai
    nstherf
    leshi
    saudibl
    ebutmymotheri
    s
    notl
    etti
    ngoutasi
    nglesound.Hegrabsherhead-
    scar
    foutandpull
    sherbyhairtot
    hebed.Heshoves
    herdownonherstomachandputshiskneeover
    herback.

    He'sstr
    ippinghernaked?No, Ishouldn'thave
    watchedthis.He'staki
    nghisclothesofftoo!He
    tur
    nsaround, hisnakedfr
    ontisonmyscr een.He
    hasabel l
    y,atleastIdon'
    tseehismanhood.Maybe
    Iwould'
    vet hrownup.Theonlydi €kIlovet oseei
    s
    ofNdabuko' s.
    Arethosenipple-
    clamps?He'scl
    ampinghernipples
    wit
    hsomet hing,herlegsar
    ewidel
    yspreadapart.I
    can'
    tbeli
    eveI '
    m watchingmymotheri
    nt hat
    posi
    tion.
    Hegoest othewardrobeagain.Mymotherhast
    he
    chancetorunout;she'snotti
    edanywher
    e.ButI
    guessshe'l
    lendureforBahle'
    ssake,
    thesameway
    shedidforAndiswaandme.

    Het
    akesabodyt
    owelandwr
    apsi
    tar
    oundhi
    swai
    st.
    Beforewalkingout
    ,hefli
    psherar
    oundandki sses
    her.Howt wist
    edisthi
    sman?Hehast hings
    cl
    ampi nghernippl
    es,t
    hemostsensit
    ivepart
    sof
    breasts,
    andhehast henervet
    okissherasifhe
    hasanyaf fect
    ionf
    orher!
    Asthedoorclosesbehindhim mymotherpul
    lsa
    pi
    ll
    owandpr essesitoverhermout
    h.She'scr
    ying!
    “Whydon'tyoul
    eave?”I'
    m whi
    speri
    ngwit
    htears
    rol
    li
    ngdownmyf ace.Hedidn'
    tlockt
    hedoor,
    whyis
    shenotfr
    eeingher
    self?

    Hecomesbackwi thabowlandput sitonthe


    bedsi
    depedest
    al.I
    sheeatingwhi l
    emymot heri
    sin
    pai
    n?Hedoesn'tevencar
    et hatshe'
    scrying.
    No, he'
    snoteat
    ing.Theyhaveaguavatr
    eeonthe
    yard,It
    hinkt
    hosetwosmal lgr
    eenbal
    lsi
    nhishand
    areguavas.
    Hegrabst
    hepi
    ll
    owof
    fherf
    aceandpul
    lshert
    osi
    t
    up.
    “
    You'
    l
    lbr
    usht
    hiswetmout
    hofyour
    stoday,
    ”he
    says.
    Whatist
    hatsupposedtomean?YesIknowthatmy
    mothert
    alksabi
    ttoomuch,butnott
    ohim.She'
    sa
    “
    yebobaba"wif
    etothisman.
    “Youdon'
    tgett
    iredofembarr
    assingmetoHadebe,
    huh?HaveIevertol
    danyonehowwi deyourcun£i
    s?
    HaveI?Butyougoaroundtal
    kingaboutmeto
    Hadebe.
    ”
    Ican'tbel
    ievethisishim.Heact
    ual
    lyusedthat
    word-“cun£,”yetgrowingupweweren'
    teven
    all
    owedt osay“ booty.
    ”Wehadtofi
    ndamor e
    respectf
    ulwordt ocalli
    t.
    “
    Dumiyoucan't
    !Whati
    fthi
    sthi
    ngdoesn'
    tgetout
    ?”
    mymothercr
    iesout
    .
    Idon'
    tknowwhatt hingshe'stalki
    ngaboutbuthe's
    supposedtostop.Hepushesherbackwar dsand
    i
    nsertsapil
    lowunderherwai st.Myhandsar e
    shaki
    ng,hersobsareaudible,sheknowst hat
    whateverhe'
    saboutt odoisgoingt ohurther.And
    he'
    sgoingahead,disregar
    dinghert ear
    s,bloody
    monster!
    Theguavas?No!Whatki
    ndofcr
    uel
    tyi
    sthi
    s?
    “
    You'
    llpushthem outt
    hesamewayyoupushed
    t
    hosekidsout,
    ”hesays.
    Ican'tbel
    ievehe'
    scalli
    ngus“ thosekids.”Whereis
    thefatherweseedur i
    ngt heday?Hepour s
    somet hi
    ngovertheguavas, t
    hel ubr
    icantIguess,
    andhemassagest hem.Thenhespr eadsherthighs
    apartandinsert
    sthef i
    rstoneinsideheropening.
    Myownt highsar
    ef i
    rmlyshut,eventhoughi ti
    s
    thr
    oughi maginat
    ionbutIcanf eelherpain.
    Hepushest hesecondonei n.She'
    stryi
    ngt ocl
    ose
    herlegsbuthe'
    ssl appi
    ngthem.He'sforcingi
    t
    i
    nside,youcantellbythewayhi sel
    bowi sbent
    .
    Hetakest hesamescar fshehadaroundherhead
    andt i
    esi taroundherstomach.Whyissheso
    power l
    ess?Shecandosomet hi
    ng.Pushhi m and
    punchhi sf ace!I
    t'
    snotlikehe'
    sBigShowor
    anythingcl osetothat
    .Somehowshe' sall
    owingall
    thi
    st ohappen, maybei t
    'sapsychol
    ogicaleff
    ectof
    abuse, Idon'tknow.
    Heli
    esonhi
    sbackwhi
    leshe'
    sonherkneesbel
    ow
    hi
    m.
    “
    Brusht
    hatwetmout
    hNoma,
    ”hei
    nst
    ruct
    s.
    Shebendsherheadoverhisfr
    ont,hi
    shands
    for
    cefull
    ygrabherheaddown.Goshhh!Ididn'
    t
    thi
    nktheyknewblowjobsatt
    hisage.I
    'm not
    watchingthi
    s.
    “Li
    ckthosebal
    lsandpusht
    hatshi
    tinyourpu$$y
    out.
    ”
    Holycr
    ap!WhatdidIjustsee?Herpoppi
    ngthe
    guavaoutandsqui
    rt
    ing?Howdoest hishappen?
    Ihavemyhandsovermyear s.Myeyesar ebli
    nded
    byt ears.Icanhearmymot her '
    sgroansasshet r
    ies
    toaccommodat ehimi nhermout handalsopush
    theot herguavaoutl i
    keshe'si nl
    abour.Tofurt
    her
    conf useme, herscr
    eam ismi xedwithpainand
    pleasur e.It
    '
    si mpossibl
    eforsomeonet oenjoy
    somet hi ngli
    kethis,
    nomat terhowf amil
    iari
    tisto
    yourbody.
    Ibumpint
    osomeone'schestandst
    epback,
    near
    ly
    tr
    ippi
    ngovermyheel
    .
    “Ndondo!
    ”Hi
    shandsgr
    abmyar
    msandpul
    lmei
    nto
    posi
    ti
    on.
    “Yousai
    dyou'r
    ecomingtochargethel
    apt
    op,”he
    saysangr
    il
    y,bef
    orepayi
    ngatt
    enti
    ontomyt ear
    y
    eyes.
    “
    Whatiswr
    ong?”heasks,
    li
    ft
    ingmychi
    nupwi
    tha
    f
    rownonhi
    sface.
    “He'
    sasadi st,
    ”Itellhim bef
    orepushingmywayout
    ofhisar msbackt othebedroom.24years!Howdo
    youst aywithsomeonel ikethatf
    orthatl
    ong?I
    don'
    tt hi
    nkI '
    llbehavi ngsexanyti
    mesoon.Guavas?
    Idon'tthinkI'l
    levereatthem again.

    “Itoldyounott
    owatchthis!
    ”Ndabukosays,
    annoyed,ashewalkst
    hroughthedoor.NowI'm
    cryingopenl
    ywhil
    ehuggingapil
    lowtomychest .
    “Youhavether
    ecordi
    ng,nowwhatar
    eyougoingt
    o
    dowithit
    ?”He'
    sstandi
    ngnextt
    othebedand
    gl
    ari
    ngatme.Doesn'
    thehaveahear
    t?Idon'
    tneed
    hi
    mt obeshout
    ingatmeri
    ghtnow.
    Hesighsandcl
    imbsont
    hebednextt
    ome.He
    envel
    opesmeinahugandpecksmycheek.
    “You'
    ret
    raumatizi
    ngyour
    sel
    f.Onl
    yyourmot
    hercan
    changehersi
    tuati
    on,
    ”hesays.
    “
    I'
    m goi
    ngt
    oexposehi
    m atchur
    ch,
    ”Isay.
    “Ndondo!
    ”histonei
    sfi
    rm.Hepushesmeof
    fhi
    s
    armsandglaresatme.
    “Iswearonmygrandmother
    'sgrave,
    tomorrowhe'
    ll
    bewatchinghi
    sevi
    ldoi
    ngswi t
    hhiscongregat
    ion.
    ”
    “
    You’
    redoi
    ngnosucht
    hing!
    ”
    Likehel
    lIwon't
    !I'
    m goingtochur
    chandexposi
    ng
    hisevi
    l-
    doi
    ngs.I'
    drathersavemymother
    'sli
    fet
    han
    tosaveherreput
    ati
    on.
    “Areyoucomingtomorrow?I'
    llt
    akeoutthesui
    t
    you'r
    egoingt
    owear ,
    ”Iask,cl
    imbingoutofbedand
    headingt
    othecloset
    .
    “Tomorr
    owwearegoi
    nghomeNdondo.Nobodyi
    s
    goingt
    ochur
    ch,
    ”hesays.
    Idon'
    twantt
    ofi
    ghtwithhi
    m.Tomorr
    owI '
    m goi
    ng
    tochur
    chandexposi
    ngPastorDumi
    saniSi
    bisi
    ,wi
    th
    orwit
    houthi
    m.
    .
    .
    Icall
    edmymot herear l
    ierandshe'sexci
    tedthatI
    'm
    comingtochurch.Sheaskedmet ocomewi t
    h
    Andiswabutinstead,Isuggest
    edt hatBahl
    egoes
    withAndiswatoGet away.Idon'twantneit
    herof
    them tobether
    ewhent hebedroom sceneplaysout.
    I'
    m str
    uggl
    ingt oputmyshoesonandt hi
    smani s
    notevenhelping.He'
    slyingonbedi
    nhisshort
    sand
    doingwhateverhe'sdoingonhi
    sphone.Hissui
    tis
    i
    ronedandr eady,j
    ustincasehechangeshi
    smi nd.
    Okay,
    I'
    m done!Iputmycoatonandgr
    abmypur
    se.
    “
    I'
    mleavi
    ng,
    ”Iannounce.
    Heshi
    ft
    shi
    seyesf
    rom t
    hephonet
    ome.
    “
    You'
    regoi
    ngabovemywor
    dNdondo?
    ”
    Nott
    heAfri
    canmansi
    deofhim!Wetal
    kedabout
    t
    hisandImadei
    tcl
    eart
    hatIwasgoi
    ngaheadwith
    t
    his.Thi
    sconcernsmyparent
    sandI'
    m goi
    ngt
    o
    makethedeci
    sionIbel
    ievei
    sbestf
    ormymother
    .
    “I'
    l
    lbehomeunt i
    ltomorrow.Idon'
    twantyoutoever
    tellmeanyt
    hingregar
    dingthissi
    tuat
    ion.Doasyou
    please,
    ”hesaysandgoesbackt ohisphone.
    Deepbreat
    h!Ihol
    dmyheadupandl
    eave.I
    t'
    stoday
    ornever
    !

    Thechur chisasIr ememberit.Flashycar softhose


    whomakef att
    erdonat i
    onsl
    inedupi nt heir
    designedparkingspaces.Thel i
    kesofKhumal o'
    s
    bakkieandZuma’ sold4×4parkedout sidethegate.
    Idrivei
    nandpar kbehindaBMW x5t hatIassume
    bel
    ongst oXolani.Suchadr amaticser vi
    ceit’
    s
    goingtobe!Atl eastnowI'
    m pregnant ,hewon't
    bothermemuch.
    I'
    m ali
    ttl
    ebitl
    ate,I
    'm getti
    ngjudgment all
    ooksfor
    bothbeinglat
    eandbei ngpr egnantoutofwedlock.I
    havedisappoi
    ntedever yone;Iwasthisgood
    exampleinthecommuni tythatever
    yoneadvised
    thei
    rdaughter
    st obelikemewhent heygrowup.I
    wasar
    olemodel
    .
    Isi
    tatthebackwher eInowbel ong.I'
    llhavemy
    momentbef or
    ehedel i
    versthesermon.He' ssi
    tti
    ng
    att
    hefrontinashinysuitthatwaswashedand
    i
    ronedbyhissexslave.Event hoseMast erand
    Puppeterot
    icast
    oriesnevergot hatextremeand
    pai
    nful
    .He'sasadist,t
    hat'
    sit.

    Beforehegoestothepodium thechoi
    rperforms
    andhewal ksupli
    keapresident.Imakemywayt o
    thefrontast
    heygoupt othestagetosing.Xolanii
    s
    star
    ingatmeandI '
    mtryingmybestt oignorehim.
    “
    Babyyoumadei
    t!
    ”mymot
    her
    .
    Ipauseandhugherback.Hersmil
    eiswar
    m and
    bri
    ght,
    shecanfoolt
    hewholeAfri
    ca!
    “
    Yourfatheri
    sabouttodel
    iverhi
    sser
    mon,
    sitatt
    he
    f
    ront
    ,”sheinst
    ruct
    s.
    Baby-bl
    ueskirtsui
    t,blackheelsandsuit-
    matching
    fasci
    natorhat.Aver ysmartlookingwoman.I'm
    abouttostri
    pal lt
    hisoutandl eavehernakedtoher
    br
    okenness.
    “
    Ihaveaf
    ewwor
    dst
    osayt
    othechur
    ch,
    ”It
    ellher
    .
    Shef
    rownswi
    thasl
    ightsmi
    leonherf
    ace.
    “
    Butyouknowt hatwehaveaprogrammeandyour
    f
    atherhasaf
    ixedtime,
    ”shesaysinalowwhi
    sper.
    “I
    '
    m sor
    rybutI
    '
    llgoupt
    her
    eandspeak.I
    t'
    sforyour
    owngood.
    ”
    “
    Ndondowhatar
    eyout
    alki
    ngabout
    ?”
    Ihugheragainandpushmywayt hroughdancing
    bodi
    est othepodium.Hethi
    nksI'm comingtohim,
    heissendingLadyZt ome.Hisrel
    ationshi
    pwith
    heri
    sabi tweird,t
    hey'
    ret
    ooclose.Iunderst
    andthat
    she'
    st headminist
    rat
    orandveryoldinthi
    schurch,
    butthereshoul
    dbesomeboundar ies.
    “Heybaby,yourfat
    herwil
    ltal
    ktoyoulat
    er,
    he'
    s
    abouttodeli
    verasermonandcan'tchi
    t-
    chatr
    ight
    now,”shesaysbeforeIst
    epup.
    “HeyLadyZ,ni
    cetoseeyou.I'm actuall
    yheretotel
    l
    churchmemberssomething.Unfortunatelyi
    t
    cannotwai
    t,pl
    easeaskyourtechnicaldirect
    orst
    o
    pl
    aythi
    sformeont
    hescreen.
    ”Ihandovert
    heUSB
    andwal
    kovert
    hemicr
    ophone.
    Thechoirmemberssett
    leont hei
    rseats,ever
    yone
    hassatexceptmymother.Ithinkshesuspects
    whatI'
    m heretodoanditfr
    ightensher.Icansee
    thebul
    let
    sofsweatsshekeepswi pingoffwitha
    facecl
    oth.
    Ireal
    lywanttobef or
    malandgreeteveryone
    accordi
    ngtotheirseat
    s.EvengreetBab'Ndl
    elawho
    didn'
    tmakeittochurchtoday,
    butI'mtoopissedfor
    thosefor
    malit
    ies.
    “SomeoneisheretohidebehindGod.Mostofyou
    knowme, I
    'm Ndondoandher eismyf ather
    DumisaniSi
    bisiandthereismymot herNomagugu
    Sibi
    si.Wel
    l,
    I'm abi
    tofashamef orf
    all
    ingpregnant
    befor
    emar r
    iage.Iwasraisedbytheso-call
    edman
    ofGod.”
    Ther
    ear
    egasps!
    “
    Theso-cal
    ledmanofGodisnothingot
    hert
    hana
    womanabuser.Don'
    tworr
    y,you'
    l
    lwatchwhatI
    '
    m
    t
    alki
    ngaboutandconcl
    udeonyourown.CanIask
    thekidstost
    epoutf
    oraf
    ewmi
    nut
    es?Theunder
    16,”Isay.
    Mymot heri
    sabouttofaint.It
    rymybestnotto
    diver
    tmyener gytoher.Shehad24year stoexpose
    thismanbutshedi dn'
    t.Notbecauseshedidn'
    t
    haveachance, shejustchosetofi
    nd“vali
    d
    reasons”tostay.
    Icheckt
    het
    echni
    calt
    eam,
    itl
    ooksl
    ikeever
    ythi
    ngi
    s
    set.
    “ThisiswhatDumisanidoest
    ohiswif
    ebehind
    closeddoors,
    ”Iannouncebef
    oret
    urni
    ngtotheguy
    andt el
    li
    nghimtopress“pl
    ay.
    ”Thenonsenseends
    today!
    “
    Ndondo,
    no!
    ”mymot
    her
    'svoi
    ceyel
    ls.
    I
    t'
    stool
    ate,
    thescr
    eenj
    ustcamel
    ive.

    Andt
    hen?Whati
    sthi
    s?
    Ndabuko,
    Maqhi ngaandNdlal
    if
    apl
    ayi
    ngcards?
    Peopl
    eareconfused,soam I
    .Whywouldmynew
    USBhaveavideoofNdabukoandhisfr
    iends
    playi
    ngcards?Icheckedbefor
    ecominghere,
    the
    recor
    dingwasthere.Idon'
    tknowwherethi
    svideo
    i
    scomi ngfrom.
    “
    Thi
    sistheonl
    ythi
    ngi
    nyourmedi
    afi
    lesNdondo,
    ”
    t
    heguysays.
    Therear
    eloudvoicesscr
    eamingatme.Someare
    alr
    eadyontheirf
    eetandwavi
    ngmeout .Thi
    sisnot
    happeni
    ng!IknowwhatIsawandmymot her
    knowsthetrut
    h.
    “Heabusesmymot her
    !”I'
    m sobrokenr
    ightnow.
    Andhe'sjustsi
    tt
    ingthere,
    calm andcol
    lect
    edasif
    I
    'mthecrazyoneher e.
    “
    Ma?
    ”
    She'snotevenlookingatme.LadyZgrabst he
    microphonefrom myhandsandst ar
    tsasong.
    They'r
    enotevengoi ngtoquest
    ionhim.I'
    m acrazy,
    pregnantdaughterwhocomest othechurchtoplay
    vi
    deosofherboyf ri
    end!

    Col
    dwi
    ndi
    sfanni
    ngmyf
    aceandf
    orci
    ngouthel
    d
    tear
    s.Idi
    alhisnumberonceI
    '
    m set
    tl
    edi
    nsi
    det
    he
    carandcallhi
    m.
    “
    I'
    m busy,
    whatdoyouwant
    ?”heasks.
    “
    Didyoudelet
    eorswapmyUSBt
    hathadmom'
    s
    r
    ecor
    ding?
    ”
    “It
    houghtImadeitcl
    eart
    hatI'
    m nevergoi
    ngtot
    alk
    aboutanyt
    hingr
    egardi
    ngthatmatt
    er.Don'
    taskme
    shi
    t.”
    He'
    sunbel
    ievabl
    e!
    “
    NdabukoImadeaf ooloutofmysel
    finfr
    ontoft
    he
    whol
    echurch.Whoknowswhathe'sgoingtodoto
    me?Tomymot her
    ?”
    “
    Ist
    her
    eanyt
    hingel
    se?
    ’
    He'
    ssocol
    d!Ican'
    tbel
    ievet
    hisi
    swhatI
    '
    m mar
    ryi
    ng.
    “
    Ineedt
    hatrecor
    ding,
    please,
    ”nowI
    '
    m beggi
    ngf
    or
    myownthi
    ng.
    “
    Idon'
    tknowwhatyou'
    ret
    alki
    ngabout
    ,”hesays.
    Si
    gh!
    “
    Areyout
    ryi
    ngt
    opr
    otecthi
    m?”Iask.
    “No,l
    etmehandl ethi
    sandst opthinki
    ngwi t
    hyour
    pu$$y.Iwon'tgiveyouanyr ecordi
    ngunl essifyou
    needitforcourtrequest
    s.I'
    m waiti
    ngf oryouher e
    attheMngomezul u,t
    her
    e'snof ood,I'
    m hungry.”
    “
    Sincewhendoyou…”Cal
    ldr
    opped!
    Fu€k!
    !!
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    17] :Chapt
    er49
    NDONDO

    He'sshi
    rt
    less,si
    ppingonhisHansaandstaringat
    mecalmlyasIbi t
    ehisheadoff.Ihadtwolong
    essaysprepar
    edf orhi
    m,that
    'swhyIdrovefrom
    Durbantoherestrai
    ghtfr
    om church.
    “Soyou' r
    enotevengoi ngtoexpl
    ainyourself?
    You'rejustgoingtolookatmeasi fI
    'm crazy.Iwas
    tryi
    ngtosavemymot herNdabuko,i
    fitwasn'tfor
    youDumi saniwouldbeinaholdingcellaswe
    speak.”I'
    m sweat i
    ng,paci
    ngupanddowni nf r
    ont
    ofhim bar ef
    ooted.
    “
    Hecangot
    ojai
    lwi
    thoutyouexposi
    ngyour
    mother'
    snakednesstotheworld.
    ”Thisi
    sthefi
    rst
    ti
    mehe'ssaidsomethingsol
    i
    dsi nceIst
    art
    ed
    shout
    ingathimtwentyminutesago.
    “You'
    reworri
    edabouthernakedness,
    I'
    m wor
    ri
    ed
    abouthersoul
    ,”Isnapathi
    m.
    “Ndondoasouli snotthemosti mpor tantt
    hingi n
    thewor ld.Whyyoupeopl ealwaysexagger atet his
    breathingt hi
    ng? ”He'snowf uri
    ous.“Wear etalking
    aboutabr okenwomanher e.Yourmot her,
    Ndondo!
    Yourf athercangot ojail
    ,openachur chinsideand
    getoutf orgoodbehavi ouraf t
    erfiveyears.Butyour
    mot herwi l
    lforeverhaveal abelandwhi spers
    behindher .‘Thatwomanwhowasbor edwith
    guavasandabused. ’Theywi l
    lcallhertoeventsand
    askhert ot alkabouthermi sfort
    unest omot i
    vate
    thewor ld.Doyout hi
    nki sthatwhatyourmot her
    needs? ”
    Oh…Idi
    dn'
    tlookatitt
    hatway.Hemakessense,
    howdoIreverset
    hisbul
    kofangernow?
    “I
    sthatwhatyouthi
    nksheneedsaf
    terever
    ythi
    ng
    she'
    sbeenthrough?
    ”He'sst
    ari
    ngatme,hiseyes
    f
    ier
    cel
    ydemandi
    nganswer
    s.
    “No,
    ”Isay,
    buri
    edinabubbl
    eofshame.Ial
    ways
    thi
    nkthi
    ngsthr
    ough,
    thi
    sti
    meIletemoti
    onstake
    overmymind.
    “Thengotot
    heki
    tchenandmakemefoodNdondo,
    you'r
    est
    andi
    ngheavil
    yonmyshoul
    der
    s.”
    Withat ai
    ltuckedbetweenmyl egs,Iwalkoutand
    headtot hekitchen.NowIhatethathe'
    saddr essi
    ng
    mel i
    keamer ewi f
    ewhosedutyistomakehi mf ood.
    He'salwayst heonecookingororderi
    ngf oodifwe
    arehere.I'
    venevercookedbefore,I
    'm al
    waysnaked,
    waiti
    ngt obeser vedwarmfoodandor gasms.

    Iopent hecupboardsandst areatthepacked


    grocery.Hedidthevil
    lage-ki
    ndofgr ocer
    y;ri
    ce,
    maizemeal ,sugarbeans,vegetabl
    esandr edmeat
    .
    Idon'tthi
    nkIcancooksuchsol idmeals.
    Isi
    nkont hechairandletoutaf
    loodoftear
    s.Iwas
    wrongandhewasr ight
    ,andnowIhavetocookfor
    hourswhilehe'
    smadatme.Ideser vesome
    sympathy!
    Ikeepcryi
    ngandhe'snotwal
    kingi
    n.So,Ir ai
    sethe
    volumeofmysobsf orhi
    mtohearfrom thelounge.
    Itdoesn'
    ttakel
    ongbefor
    eIhearhi
    sfootsteps
    approachi
    ng.
    “
    Andnow?What
    'swr
    ong?
    ”heasksashewal
    ksi
    n.
    Ikeepmyheadt
    uckedbet
    weenmyar
    msandcr
    y
    l
    ouder.
    “
    Babe?”Hishandtouchest
    hebackofmyneck
    t
    ender
    ly.Sl
    owly,
    Ili
    ftmymessyfacetohi
    m.
    “Babeareyouokay?”heasks.He'
    spani
    cki
    ng,
    his
    eyesaresear
    chingalloverme.
    “Myheadi
    saching.
    ”Ohwel
    l,Ineversai
    dIwasa
    sai
    nt.Het
    ouchesmytempl
    ewi t
    hhishand,l
    ucki
    ly
    mybodyisabitwar
    m.Hebuyst hestor
    yandli
    ft
    s
    meup.
    “
    Ar eyoual
    lowedtodri
    nkpai
    nki
    ll
    ers?
    ”heasks,
    wipingmycheekswit
    hthebackofhi
    shands.
    Ishakemyhead,
    “No,
    Ijustwantt
    oli
    edown.
    ”
    Hepul
    lsmet
    othebedr
    oom,
    set
    sthepi
    ll
    owand
    helpsmeuponthebed.Hegetsaf
    leeceblanket
    fr
    om thewar
    drobeandcover
    smewi t
    hit.
    “Don’
    tworryaboutcooking,Iwil
    lgoandget
    somethi
    ngf r
    om Shisanyama.”He'ssi
    tt
    ingnextt
    o
    meandr ubbingmyshoul der.
    “You'
    regoingtobeokay,st
    handwasami.”He
    soundsreall
    ywor r
    ied,
    nowguil
    tissof
    tl
    yknocki
    ng
    onmyconsci ence.
    Ishutmyeyesandpr
    etendtobef
    all
    ingasl
    eep.He
    rubsmybackforaf
    ewmi nut
    esbef
    oresil
    entl
    y
    l
    eavingt
    heroom.

    It
    'sbeenawhilesincehe'sbeengone.Maybehe' s
    gonetotheShisanyamat ogetusf ood.Nhlanzeko
    mustbedisappointed,t
    hisi
    st hewomanhel oved
    dearl
    yandtrustedwithhisbrother'
    sheart,
    butnow
    I'
    m buyi
    ngsympat hywithcrocodiletear
    s.Icli
    mb
    offbedandmakemywayoutoft hebedroom.

    Ispot
    tedapacketofcr
    ispsi
    nthecupboar
    d,Iwant
    tosnackandwat
    chwhat
    everi
    srepeat
    ingon
    channel164.
    Atextfr
    om Andi
    swabeepsinj
    ustasIposi
    ti
    on
    myselfont
    hecouch;*
    Bab'omdal
    aisherewi
    thhi
    s
    bags.
    *
    Whyi sBab’MaqhaweinDurban?Hedidn'
    tsay
    anythingwhenIcall
    edafewdaysago.Andhe
    brought‘bags’
    whichmeanshe'l
    lbestayi
    ngfora
    while.TheMaqhaweIknowwoul dn'
    tpackbagsand
    l
    eavehi sli
    vest
    ockunguar
    dedinNyandeni.
    .
    .
    NDABUKO

    Headachesarecommon, peoplegett
    hem ever y
    otherdayandtreatthemsel veswit
    hpainkil
    lers.But
    forNdondotogetaheadachesosoonaf terhe
    shoutedatherandfor cedhert ogotothekitchen
    musthaveacer tai
    nmeani ng.Andthatmeani ng
    wouldbenothingothert hanhislat
    ebrother,
    Nhl
    anzeko.Thecont
    rol
    li
    nghasn'
    tstopped,
    Mam'Jabusaidmaybeit
    'l
    lst
    opwhenNdondohas
    mar
    riedandgivenbi
    rt
    htohisson.

    Ndabukosi tsbehindt heancest or s’


    rondavelwi t
    h
    hisheadhungdownandt uckedonhi shands.
    Maqhawedoesn' twantt ospeedupt heweddi ng
    process, evenwi ththebr idepricehesai dhe’l
    l
    accepti tintwohal vesbecausehi sdaught eri
    snot
    anitem f r
    om t hemar kett hatonecanj ustpayfor,
    once, andpi ckhome.Obvi ousl
    yt heweddi ngisnow
    goingt otakepl aceafterNdondohasgi venbirt
    h
    andt hatmeanshe' sst i
    llgoingt obei nNhlanzeko's
    chainsf orsomet i
    me.

    Theveinonhi stempleisthr
    obbingvi
    sibl
    y,hiseyes
    haveturnedblood-shot.Hel
    if
    tshisheadand
    heavesal ongsigh.Theyneedtotal
    k,mant oman,
    ancestortoli
    ving!
    Hestri
    desbackt
    othemainhouseandgoest
    othe
    ki
    tchen.TheTVi
    splayi
    ngsof
    tl
    yfrom t
    hel
    ounge.
    Hisf
    oreheadfur
    rows,heleavesf
    oureggsboi
    li
    ng
    andgoestocheckifNdondoisup.

    Shehasalargepacketofcr
    ispsonherlap,
    ther
    e
    ar
    echocolat
    ewr apslyi
    ngnexttoherandshe’
    s
    watchi
    ngTV.
    “
    Areyouf
    eel
    ingbet
    ter
    ?”Ndabukoasks.
    Hereyeswi
    den,
    shedi
    dn'
    treal
    izet
    hathewasi
    nthe
    r
    oom.
    “
    Theheadache?
    ”Ndabuko.
    “
    Oh,
    yes.I
    '
    m bet
    ter
    .Wher
    ewer
    eyou?
    ”sheasks.
    “
    Outside.
    ”Hebr
    usheshisf
    aceandexhal
    es.That
    wasindeedNhl
    anzekot
    ryi
    ngtopr
    oveapoint.
    “Ithoughtyouwenttobuyfood,
    ”shesayswi
    tha
    disappoint
    edlookonherface.
    “Iwi
    llcallandaskt
    hem t
    odel
    iver
    , t
    her
    e's
    somethingIneedtobebusywit
    h,”Ndabukosays.
    “Theydodel i
    ver
    iesher
    eint
    hevi
    ll
    age?
    ”Ndondo
    asks,shocked.
    “
    I'
    m Mngomezul
    u,”hebr
    ags.
    Ndondor
    oll
    shereyesandchuckl
    es.Hel
    if
    tsher
    chi
    nandpecksherl
    ips.
    “I'
    l
    lbeinther
    ondavel,whenIcomebackwe' lleat
    foodandeatHlasekazi.I'
    m sureshe'sdevel
    oped
    spider
    websnow.”Hewi nksandwal ksaway,
    l
    eavinghergr
    inningfrom ear-t
    o-ear
    .

    He'sbackt ohisdepr
    essedstateashetakesout
    boiledeggsandpeelsthem.Maybehewoul d'
    ve
    fol
    lowedNgi di
    'swordsandtookawi feofhischoice
    afterhonouri
    ngNhlanzeko'
    sdemands, buthe'
    s
    fal
    leninlovewithNdondo,nowonhi sownaccor d.
    Hecannoti maginehisl
    ifewi
    thanyoneelse,she's
    hissoulmatebecauseshecompl etesal
    lareasof
    hislif
    e.Inher,
    heseeshisbeginningandend.
    Heput seggsinapl
    asti
    cbowlandtakesabott
    leof
    Gl
    enfiddichsi
    ngl
    emaltthatNgi
    digi
    ft
    edhim wi
    th,
    af
    terhislobol
    anegot
    iat
    ions.
    Hemakeshi swayt otherondavelwhereheputsi
    t
    allatt
    heal
    ter.Helaysar eed-
    matont hefl
    oorand
    l
    ightsacandle.Hestr
    ikesamat chandburnsa
    bunchofimpephobef oreputt
    ingitdownontheli
    d.
    Her eci
    testheMngomezuluprai
    senamesand
    greetsallhi
    sancestor
    sbythei
    rnamesashe
    remember sthem.Todayhedoesn'
    tski
    phi
    sfather
    ,
    hement ionshisnametoo.
    Last
    ly,
    hecall
    sNhl
    anzekoMngomezul
    u,hi
    sbr
    other
    ,
    themanofthemoment.
    “
    Ibroughtyoueggs,Imadet hem exactl
    yhowyou
    l
    ikedthem,andbroughtyouthemostexpensive
    whiskyIhavei
    nt hehouse.
    ”Hepausesandusesa
    t
    easpoont oar
    rangeimpephoont helid.
    “I
    'm notgoingt odiscussmyagewi thyoubecauseI
    seethatinyoureyesI '
    m st
    illalit
    tl
    eboywhocannot
    makehi sowndeci si
    ons.Iappr eci
    ateyou
    Mngomezul u,Ireal
    lydo.Iwi shIcould'vegott
    ena
    chancet otellyousomet hingsi nperson,buti
    t'
    s
    whatitis.”Again,heexhalesandt akesalong
    pause.
    “Bafo, ourwifeisi npain.She' semot i
    onal l
    ypai ned
    andIhavenoi deahowI '
    m goi ngt omeddl einthis
    mat t
    er .IcannotgetNgi dii nvol vedei ther,thesear e
    theSi bisiaff
    airsandwear est illi
    nt hepr ocessof
    buil
    dingar elati
    onshipwi tht hesepeopl e.Iwantt o
    givethem achancet osol vet hisont heirown.I
    beli
    evet heycan.Butmypr oblem i sthatiti scutti
    ng
    deeplyonNdondoandshe' scar r
    yingyourbaby. ”
    Hecl ear shisthroatandst aresatt hebur ninglidfor
    agoodwhi l
    e.He' snott hisper son, he'sfelt
    Nhlanzeko' swr athandhewoul dn'twi shiton
    someoneel se.Buthe' sl ef twithnochoi ce, hehas
    toaskf orhisinterventi
    onbecausehi sownhands
    aretied.Hecoul dn'tl
    etNdondobet heonewho
    “destroys”hermot her'sexcuseofamar riage.He
    doesn' twantt hechur ch, siblingsoranyonet oput
    theblameonher .Hedoesn’ twantanyt hinggoback
    toNdondo.

    “NhlanzekoMngomezul u.Hereareyoureggs,eat
    andbef ull
    .It
    rustyou,nkabayenkosi.Whenyou've
    eatenyourfavouri
    teeggs,havethi
    swhi sky.Dr
    ink
    asmuchasyoucan.Iknowt hatyouweren'
    ta
    heavydri
    nker,buttodayIneedyoutogetdrunkand
    gooutthere,
    fightandkil
    lforourwife'
    speaceof
    mind.Thencomehome, you'l
    lfi
    ndusinyour
    bedroom.MhlantiweNdlunkulu!
    ”
    .
    .
    DUMI
    SANISI
    BISI

    Thechemistr
    ywasal wayst herebetweenhim and
    Zanele,
    thechurch'
    sadmi ni
    stratorf
    amouslyknown
    asLadyZ.Shei syoungerthanhi m,i
    nherlate
    thi
    rt
    iesandsti
    llunmarri
    ed.
    Asusual ,
    hespentthisaf
    ternoonwithher ,
    going
    throughchurch'
    spaperworkanddrawi ngplansfor
    theupcomi ngevent
    s.Theatmospher ewasabi t
    diff
    erentt
    oday,inanawkwar dway.Shekept
    steali
    ngglancesathi
    m andhecoul dn'tescapethe
    cloudofshamet hatwashoveringoverhim.
    Ndondohassomet
    hingagai
    nsthi
    m.Sheknows
    howhetreatshermot
    her.Hi
    sinst
    inctstol
    dhimt
    hat
    someoneelsegoti
    nvol
    vedandint
    erferedwit
    h
    Ndondo'
    splans.
    “
    Dumi
    ,
    ”Zanel
    esai
    daf
    teral
    ongmomentofsi
    lence.
    Hel
    if
    tedhi
    seyest
    oherwi
    thasi
    gh.
    “DoyouabuseNomagugu?”sheasked,
    hereyes
    desper
    atef
    orthet
    rut
    h,yetnotj
    udgi
    nghim.
    “Idon'
    tabuseher
    ,”herespondedinal
    owvoi
    ce,
    his
    eyesrunni
    ngawayf r
    om Zanele.
    “Iwantt
    het rut
    handIwanttoknowwhy.I 'veknown
    youforalongtimeDumiandI '
    l
    lneverjudgeyou
    befor
    ehearingyoursi
    deofthestory,
    ”shesaid,
    taki
    nghishandsandsqueezingthem.
    “Wehaveprobl
    emsi
    nthebedr
    oom,
    ”hesai
    dand
    gri
    maced.
    “Whohasaproblem?Youorher?Andhowdoesit
    l
    eadtoyoubeinga‘monst
    er’
    thatyourdaught
    er
    saysyouar
    e?”sheasked.
    Heexhal
    ed,
    pul
    ledhi
    shandsawayandr
    ubbedhi
    s
    eyes.
    “Iwassi gnedupt othisl
    ife.Ineverhadachancet o
    fal
    linlove, toenjoymyl i
    feandmakemi st
    akes.I
    wasaset tlementofmypar ent
    s’ debts.The
    vulnerableone.Icl eanedMaqhawe' smess, hewas
    therebelliousonebutst il
    lt heonewhogotaway
    withever ythi
    ng.Ihadt okeephi schildandmar ry
    hisgirlf
    ri
    end.I twaseasyf orSibisitoputmeont he
    l
    ineever ytimesomeoneneededt obesacr ifi
    cedto
    savet heirreputati
    on.Andi twaseasyf ormy
    mot hertoagr eebecauseIwasherdi rt
    ysecret.
    "
    “Whatdoyoumeanyouwer
    eherdi
    rt
    ysecr
    et?
    ”
    Zanel
    efrowned.
    “I'
    m notaSi bi
    si,Idon'tknowwhoIam.Buther
    husbandaccept edmei ntothefamilybecausehe
    hadi nfidel
    iti
    esofhi sown.Iwasr ai
    sedaSi bi
    sibut
    I'
    m not .Zanele,Iswor eonmyl if
    eandt oGodthatI
    wasnotgoi ngt oraiseNdondot hesamewayIwas
    raised.Yes, Iwantedhert omar rysomeonewho
    hasar elat
    ionshipwi t
    hGodandIwasangr ywhen
    shechoseat axiowner .ButIonlywantwhat '
    sbest
    forher ,inmyhouseshe' snevergoingt ocl
    eanafter
    Andi swaorbesacr ifi
    cedforBahl e’
    ssins.
    ”Helift
    ed
    hi
    sheadt
    othecei
    li
    ngandbl
    inkedbackt
    ear
    s.
    “VumileknowswhatI 'vebeent hrough.I'vehadher
    supportfrom dayone.Ican' tsaythesameabout
    theoneIwassacr ifi
    cedf or.Inhismi ndthisisal
    l
    abouthim, IlefthomebecauseIhat ehim andhis
    beli
    efs.Idon'tcar eZanel e,hecansl aughtercows
    andbuf f
    alosf orhisbel ovedpar ents.Vumi l
    eandI
    knowt hem forwhot heywer e,wedi dn'
    tjump
    fencesandcar ryknivesinourpocket s,wel i
    ved
    withthem dayi nandout .I'
    llnevertakemoneyout
    ofmypocketandbuyagoat ,orevenachi cken,for
    peoplewhoneverl ovedme.Theancest orsthat
    neverappr eciatedorpr otectedme. ”
    Zanelegrabbedhishandsandsqueezedthem
    again.Shedidn'
    treal
    izehewasthi
    sbroken,al
    l
    theseyears.
    “IknowthatNomaguguwi l
    lki
    llmeoneday.I
    alwaystakemyf r
    ustr
    ati
    onsoutonher
    .Also,
    I'
    m not
    i
    nherhear t
    ,Ineverwas.
    ”Hechuckl
    esandshakes
    hishead.
    “
    IfAndi
    swadi
    dn'
    tcomeandMaqhawedi
    dn'
    tfi
    nd
    someoneel
    se,
    shewoul
    d'veki
    ll
    edmeandwent
    backt
    oMaqhawelongt
    imeago.”
    “
    Sohowexact
    lydoyouabuseher
    ?”Zanel
    easked.
    Heavysi
    gh!
    “Physical
    lyandsexual
    ly.It
    'sanaddict
    ion,
    Idon'
    t
    know, i
    tgivesmecontr
    ol ,
    ”hesaid,
    shrugginghi
    s
    shoulders.
    “
    Idon'
    tunder
    standDumi
    .”
    “Ineededl oveZanel e,nott hekindofl ovet hat
    dependedonwhet heryoumakemi stakesornot ,
    whet heryou'regoi ngtoabi dewi t
    hcer tai
    nr ulesor
    not.Shet ooksomet hingf r
    om us, meandVumi l
    e.
    Withheri twast hebaby, herfi
    rstpregnancy, and
    withmei twasmyf r
    eedom.Maqhawehad
    everythi
    ng, hemaynotr eali
    zeitbuthest i
    llhas
    everythi
    ng.Jabu, Qondani ,NomaguguandNdondo.
    Andi fanythinghappenst ome, he'l
    lhaveAndi swa
    andBahl easwel l.Yethewant smet ogoandask
    foranapol ogyf rom him.Notevenoncehashe
    askedhi mselfwhyIl efthome.I fhispar entswer e
    suchgoodpar entstouswhydi dVumi leleavewi th
    me.
    ”
    Ital
    lgottoomuchforZanele,shewalkedar
    ound
    thedeskandwrappedherar msaroundhis
    shoulder
    s.Onethi
    ngaboutDumii sthathealways
    smellsgoodandlookssmar t
    .Shefoundhersel
    f
    l
    ingeri
    ngonthehugl ongert
    hanexpected.
    “I
    ’m sosor
    ryDumi
    ,
    ”hervoi
    cecameouti
    nwhi
    sper
    ,
    abovehisear
    .
    Heturnedhi
    schairaroundandr oseup.
    Unfor
    tunat
    elythei
    rfacesgottooclose,Zanel
    e
    st
    aredathim andhetriedtokeephiseyesfrom her
    .
    Hewasn'ti
    nagoodposi t
    ionandheneededt obe
    al
    one.
    “I
    'mf l
    awedZanel e.Thehatrednest edinmyhear t
    cannotbecompar edtoanything.Iwould'vebeen
    normal ,
    awei rdwomani nat axioncetoldme, but
    onlymybi ologicalfat
    hercoul d'
    vehelpedme.My
    mot hercouldn'
    tdot hatforme, shecoul dn'
    ttakeme
    tomybl oodf atherbecauseSi bisimadecondi t
    ions
    beforeacceptingmeandmymot hercouldn'
    t
    breacht heagreement stheyhad.Thati ssomet hing
    thatsetmeapar t,i
    tmademevul nerabl eand
    Maqhawehasusedi tt
    oinsultmef ort hedecisi
    ons
    Inevertook, orletal
    oneappr ovedof .EvenifIhada
    chancetof indlove,itwoul
    d'vebeenr ecipr
    ocated
    onlyforashor ttime.Nobodycanl oveme. ”Zanele’
    s
    coldli
    pscr ashedonhi s.Hef el
    tar ushofel ectr
    ici
    ty
    i
    nhi sveins, wi
    thoutfull
    ygraspingwhatwas
    happening, herespondedtot hekissandhel d
    Zanele’
    swai st
    .
    Thekissdeepened,
    sodidtheiremot
    ions.He
    pinnedheragai
    nstthedeskandsmoochedever
    y
    tasteofher
    .
    “
    Zanel
    e!”hegaspedf
    orai
    r.
    Herskir
    twaspushedup, hert
    highshalfondispl
    ay.
    Notthathedidn'
    twanttorunhishandsont hem
    andgivethem afewspanks.Hewast emptedto,
    buthehadt othi
    nkahead.
    “Zanel
    ether
    earethi
    ngsyoudon'
    tknowaboutme.I
    havetogohome,”hesai
    dbefor
    epull
    ingawayand
    fi
    xinghi
    sshir
    t.
    “
    Dumiwewer
    enotdonewor
    king!
    ”
    Hecoll
    ect
    edhisbri
    efcaseandmadehi swayoutof
    theof
    fi
    ce.Herpl
    easfellondeafear
    s,hedidn'teven
    tur
    nhishead.Hecouldn'
    tst
    andthedisappointment
    hewasgoingtofi
    ndinhereyes.
    -
    -

    It
    'sabitdarkoutsi
    de.Bahlewillaskquesti
    onsand
    Nomaguguwi l
    lcoverupforhim asusual.Sooneror
    l
    aterhe'l
    lhavetofaceNdondoandgi veher
    explanat
    ions.Thechurchseniormember sareyetto
    callhi
    mi ntoameetinganddrillhi
    m withquest
    ions.
    Hedoesn' tcar
    ethatmuchaboutposi ti
    onsin
    church,buthecaresabouthisi magetohis
    daughter.
    Hef astenst
    heseatbel
    tandtakesamomentt o
    col
    lecthimself
    .Hewi l
    lpushwhathappened
    betweenZaneleandhimt othebackofhisheadas
    he'
    sal wayspushedbackherimage.Itcannot
    happen!

    Henot
    icesagent
    lemanwear
    ingal
    eat
    herj
    acket
    approachingt
    hecar
    .Hewaitswit
    haf r
    ownonhis
    face.Whocouldt
    hisbe?Zanel
    edidn'
    ttel
    lhi
    mthat
    sheinvit
    edsomeone.
    Hestopsnextt
    othewindow,toot al
    lforDumisani
    toseehi
    sface.Herol
    lsdownt hewindowt ohear
    whathewants,f
    eel
    ingali
    ttl
    ejealousabouthim
    goi
    ngtoZanelewhi
    leshe'sal
    onei ntheoffi
    ce.
    “
    Hey,
    whoar
    eyou?
    ”heasks,
    host
    il
    ely.
    Onebl
    inkandt
    hegent
    lemani
    sgone!
    Heopensthedoorandcli
    mbsout
    .Howcan
    someonedisappearsof
    ast?
    Ther
    e'sahoot
    .
    Hef
    r ownsandtur
    nst
    oal
    ldi
    recti
    onsbef
    orehe
    r
    eal
    izesthati
    t'
    scomi
    ngf
    rom hi
    scar.
    Herushesbackinsi
    dethecarandf i
    ndseveryt
    hing
    i
    nplace.Hi
    shandsar eget
    ti
    ngmoi st,t
    herecan'
    tbe
    ghost
    sinthechurch'
    spremises.That'
    simpossi
    ble!
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    18] :Chapt
    er50
    NOMAGUGU
    It'
    sget ti
    ngver ylate,Bahl ehasgonet osl eepaf ter
    dril
    lingherwi thacoupl eofquest ionsr egar di
    nghi s
    father 'swher eabouts.Asmuchasshef earswhat
    willhappenonceDumi saniget shome, she' ssti
    ll
    wor riedt hathemi ght'veencount eredpr oblems
    wher everhei s.It'
    ssounl i
    kehi mt obenothomeat
    thist ime.Whenshecal ledZanel eshesai di thad
    beenawhi lesinceDumi sanilefttheof fi
    ce.Thei r
    ti
    ghtr elati
    onshi phasneverbot her edher ,evenhi s
    secr etr el
    at i
    onshipwi tht hatyoungl adyf rom
    Dundeedi dn'tbotherher .Shedi dn'tinterfere,
    becausesoonerorl at ershewasgoi ngt ol eavehim,
    andshedi d.Shecoul dn' tstandhi swaysofsexual ly
    satisf yingawoman.Maybei t
    'sonl yNomagugu
    whocanst andhi m, onlybecauseshehasbui l
    ta
    fami lyandachur chwi thhim, andherbodyhas
    l
    ear ntt or espondt ot hepai npl easant l
    y.

    Herheartthudsheavi
    lyast
    heknockcomest hrough
    t
    hedoor .Shegetsofft
    hechai
    rwithashort
    -l
    ived
    r
    eli
    ef.Beforeshetur
    nsthedoorhandl
    eitdawnst o
    herthatherhusbandwoul
    dneverknockathi
    sown
    house.
    She'
    swelcomedbyaf aceshedidn'texpecttosee
    atherdoor
    .Thef acenoneotherthanherf i
    rstl
    ove’
    s,
    MaqhaweSi bi
    si.
    “Whatareyoudoinghere? ”She'shostil
    etohim as
    she'
    salwaysbeen.Ithelps,beingangr yathi
    m, i
    t
    buri
    eseveryotheremoti
    onsshehasr egardi
    nghow
    hisl
    ifei
    s.He'shappywithouther .Shewasshi pped
    tohisbr
    otherwho'vebeennot hingbutpaininher
    l
    ife,
    andMaqhawer epl
    acedherwi t
    hthatdull-
    l
    ookingwoman.
    “IwanttoseeDumisani,”Maqhawesays, hiseyes
    dir
    ectlyf
    ixedonherface.They'r
    eburningherskin,
    evoki
    ngr esti
    ngf
    eel
    ingst hatnei
    therofthem can
    everrevi
    sit.
    “
    He'
    snothome.Leave!
    ”
    Maqhaweexhalesandletshimsel
    finsidethehouse.
    They'
    vedonewellf
    orthemselves,
    theirhouseist wo
    ti
    mesbiggert
    hanhisbrick-
    houseandt heint
    erioris
    outoft
    hisworl
    d.Heignoreshismother '
    svoicein
    hishead;“Wehavedeci dedtomar r
    yhertoabetter
    brot
    her.”Maybet heyknew,theyhadavisi
    onor
    something,thatDumisaniwasgoingtoturnbet
    ter
    thanhim, f
    inanci
    all
    y,andgiveNomagugut hi
    s
    fl
    ashyli
    f e.
    “I
    'm her
    et oset
    tl
    ethisoutwi
    thhim,
    toni
    ght!
    ”he
    says,standi
    nginthemiddl
    eofther
    oom and
    i
    nhalingasharpbreath.
    “DoesJabuknowt
    hatyou'
    reher
    e?”Nomagugu
    asks.
    “Mywifeknowsever
    ythi
    ng.It
    ellherever
    ythi
    ng,
    ”he
    says.
    “
    Oh,great
    !”Herhandsar
    eonherhi
    ps.Whyi
    sthi
    s
    l
    eavi
    ngabi t
    tert
    astei
    nhermout
    h?
    “Youdi dn'
    ttel
    lmeeveryt
    hingthough,whenwewere
    together.
    ”Honestly,
    shedidn'
    tmeantosaythis
    aloud.Hadshekepthert hought
    stohersel
    f,she
    wouldn'tbegetti
    ngthisl
    ookfrom hi
    m.
    “
    Youwer
    enotJabu,
    ”hesays.
    Hi
    swor
    dsst
    abl
    ikeaswor
    d.I
    shet
    ryi
    ngt
    osayJabu
    i
    sbett
    ert
    hanher
    ?Hel
    oveshermor
    ethanhel
    oved
    her
    ?
    “
    Meani
    ng?
    ”sheasks.
    “
    Shedeser
    vesbet
    ter
    ,”hesays.
    Herhear
    tdrenchesi
    nagony.Ashar
    dasiti
    s,she
    swal
    lowsthebitt
    ert
    rut
    handstomachi
    t.
    “Isee,
    ”shet
    earshereyesawayfrom hi
    m.“Youcan
    haveaseat,
    I'
    llgetyousomet
    hingtodri
    nk.
    ”
    “Don'
    twor r
    yaboutit
    .Ionl ywanttoseeDumi sani
    ,
    ”
    Maqhawesays, pul
    li
    ngt hechairandlounging
    himselfonit
    .Helooksar oundtheroom,mor e
    caref
    ullyt
    histi
    me,appreciati
    ngeverypartofit
    .
    “Youhaveabeaut i
    fulhouse.Iseewhyyou'drather
    dieandleaveyourkidsthantoleavet
    hisbeauty,”
    hesays,point
    ingaroundtheroom.
    Nothi
    m!Shecanbej udgedbyeveryoneel
    se,
    Ndondoandanyoneelse,butnotMaqhawetheman
    whosesper
    m gotherhere.
    “
    Don'tst
    artMaqhawe.Youdon'tknowhalfoft
    he
    t
    hingsI'
    vebeenthr
    ough.You'
    veneverbeen
    threat
    enedbyyourownpar ent
    s,forcedtomar r
    ya
    manyoudi dn'
    tloveandhadyourbodybecomea
    dailypunchingbagandasper m dish.I
    'm nothere
    forthehouse,mydaught erhasahouseandshe
    canbuymeanyhousei fIwantit
    .”
    Maqhawedidn'tmeant
    ooffendhert
    hisway.He
    knowshersi
    deofthestor
    y,it
    'sj
    ustt
    hatsometi
    mes
    angerget
    sintheway.
    “I
    '
    m sorry,
    ”hesaysi
    nal
    owl
    y,t
    her
    egr
    etchewi
    ng
    hi
    svoice.
    “Forwhat ?Thatyouletmegoandforgotaboutme?
    Youl etthem marr
    ymet ohi
    m!Yourcriminalf
    ri
    ends
    could'vestoppedtheweddi
    ngandkil
    ledallof
    them! ”
    She'snoti
    nherrightsenses.Ri
    ghtnowshe'
    s
    tal
    kingnot
    hing,
    butpur erubbi
    sh.
    “Youdidn'teventel
    lmeNoma!Youmadei tseem
    l
    ikeyouhadachoi ceanditwashi m.Idon'
    towe
    youanyapol ogyforthat
    .Nothing!I'
    mjustheret
    o
    hearhisreasons,Iwanttomoveon-whydi dhe
    takeyouawayf rom meknowi ngverywellhow
    muchIlovedyou?Mypar entswer
    en'teventher
    e
    anymore,
    butyousti
    lldeniedmeaccesst omy
    daught
    er,t
    oget
    herwithyourhusband.Youturned
    meintoamonster.
    ”
    “
    Youwer
    eamonst
    erwaybef
    oreIdat
    edyou.
    ”
    One…twost
    ri
    des,
    andhe'
    sinf
    rontofherwi
    thher
    ar
    mi nhi
    sgri
    p.
    “Donotli
    e!Il
    ovedyoumor ethananythinginli
    fe.
    I'
    veneverhur
    tyouthewayI '
    vehurtJabubecause
    you.Notevenonce.It
    houghtyou'dchooseme.I
    gaveyoueveryt
    hingJabu.Everyt
    hingthatIhad!”
    Tear
    sbreakdownonherf ace.What
    'ssohardfor
    hi
    mt ounderstandt
    hatshechoseNdondo?She's
    al
    wayschoosingherchil
    dren,
    shedi
    dn'tchoose
    Dumisanioverhim.
    “I
    fhefi
    ndsyouherehe'
    llbeangr
    y,pl
    easeleave,
    ”
    shewhisper
    s,wi
    pingt
    earsoffwi
    thherhand.
    “Hecanbeangryal
    lhewants.I
    'm her
    etoget
    answers.AndNoma,nobodyi
    sgoingtotouchyou
    everagain.
    ”
    Thestare!I
    t'
    sdeepandpenetr
    ating.Hi
    seyesare
    l
    ikeburningcoal
    s,heat
    ingupeverypar
    tofherbody
    andprovokingoutadam oft
    ears.
    “Yournosei sbleedi
    ng,”Nomagugusaysi nan
    alarmedvoi ce.Theywer est
    ari
    ngateachot her
    ,
    silentl
    yexchangi ngallthei
    remoti
    onsandunset tl
    ed
    feelingsthattheyhave, undi
    lut
    ed,
    againsteach
    other ,andallofasuddenshesawbl ooddr opping
    from hi snose.
    Maqhawesendshishandoverhisnose,i
    ndeed
    t
    here'
    ssomethinggushi
    ngout.I
    t'
    sblood,hi
    s
    f
    oreheadfur
    rowsintoafr
    own.Nomagugur ushesto
    t
    hebathroom andcomesbackwithadampt owel.
    Shehandsi
    ttohi
    m andhepr
    essesi
    tst
    eadi
    lyover
    hi
    snose.
    “Cal
    lDumisani
    ,”hesaysbefor
    egoingt
    ot hechai
    r
    andsit
    ti
    ngwithhisheadloweredt
    othetowel.
    Herhandsar etr
    embling,
    fearisstr
    ippi
    ngdownher
    nerves.WhatifMaqhawediesonher ?Isheinpai
    n?
    Dumi sani
    ’sphonekeepsri
    ngingunanswered.He
    needst ocomehomei mmedi at
    ely,
    hisbrot
    heri
    s
    her
    eanddyi
    ng!
    “No,Maqhaweweneedtogotothehospi
    tal
    ,
    ”she
    says,r
    unni
    ngaroundt
    hetabl
    etocheckhowbadit
    i
    s.
    “I
    '
    m notsick.YouneedtogetholdofDumisaniand
    Vumil
    e,oneoft hem i
    sindanger
    ,”Maqhawesays.
    “
    Huh?
    ”
    “
    Cal
    lthem!
    ”
    Vumilepicksupaft
    erthethi
    rdri
    ngandshe' s
    perf
    ectl
    yf i
    ne.Nomagugudoesn'tt
    ellheranythi
    ng
    aboutMaqhaweort hereasonbehi
    ndhersur pri
    se
    cal
    l.
    It
    'sDumi sanitheycan'
    tgetholdof.Shemakes
    anothercalltoZaneleandsheconf i
    rmsthat
    Dumi sanilef
    tandhewasf i
    ne.Heshould'
    vearr
    ived
    halfanhourago, orso,thi
    sisstr
    ange.
    “Anyluck?”Maqhaweasks,comi
    ngfr
    om the
    bathr
    oom.Thebl oodhasst
    oppedbuthesti
    llhasa
    towelpressedbel
    owhisnose.
    “
    No,
    ”shesays.“
    Maybeshef
    oundanot
    hermi
    str
    ess,
    andwhoknowswhatdangersheputhi
    min.
    Anyt
    hingt
    odri
    nk?
    ”
    “Somethingterr
    ibl
    ehashappened,
    Nomagugu.
    PleasecallNdondo,”hesays.
    “Maqhawe!You'
    llt
    alktohim whenhedecidesto
    comehome, donotboreme, please.
    ”Sheput
    sher
    handuptodismisshim anddisappearst
    othe
    ki
    tchen.
    Maqhaweheavesasighandt akesouthisol
    dNokia
    phone.Wi
    thhiseyessqui
    nted,hesearchesf
    or
    Ndondo'
    snumberandcalls.I
    tringsunanswered
    andevent
    ual
    lygoestovoi
    cemai l.
    Hecannotshakeof ft
    hef eel
    ingthatsomet hingis
    terr
    iblywrongwi thsomeoneofhi sblood.Heonl y
    cameher etotalkwithDumi sani,abouteverythi
    ng
    thathappenedbet weenthem, becausetheangeri s
    notgoodf orhim anymore.Hedi scusseditwi t
    h
    Jabuandt heybot hagreedthathim andDumi sani
    havet otalk.EvenaboutNomagugu, t
    heytalkedand
    l
    aidt hei
    rhonestf eeli
    ngsont hetable.
    .
    .
    NDONDO

    Theshowends, I
    '
    mt heonl
    yonewhowaswatchi
    ng,
    hewasoccupiedonhisphonethewhol
    eti
    me
    becauset
    hethingIwaswatchi
    ngboredhi
    m.
    “Let'
    sgot obed,
    ”Isaywhi l
    estret
    chingmyar ms.I
    t'
    s
    l
    atenow, almost22h00, butIknowhewi llwant
    Mngomezul utobet akencar eofbeforewesleep.
    Myst omachi shuge,I'
    ml azyandlessspontaneous.
    AllIdonowi sli
    elikeamar inatedful
    lchi
    ckenand
    scream l
    ikeapornstar.
    “Wearegoingt
    osleepi
    ntheext
    endedbedroom
    out
    side.It
    ookal
    lourst
    ufft
    her
    e,”hesays.
    IfIr
    emembercor rect
    lyt
    hatbedroom belongsto
    Nhlanzeko.Justl
    iket
    heoneinDur ban,hehardl
    y
    opensit.I
    t'
    salwaysshutandgloomy.
    “
    Nhl
    anzeko'
    sbedr
    oom?
    ”Ienqui
    re,
    justt
    obesur
    e.
    “
    Yes.Don'
    tfor
    gett
    otakeyoursnacks,
    Idon'
    twant
    t
    obewokenupatnighttofet
    chchips,
    ”hesays,
    li
    ke
    whathej
    ustannouncedi
    snotabi
    gdealatal
    l.
    “
    Whyar
    ewegoi
    ngt
    ohi
    sbedr
    oom?
    ”Iask.
    “
    It
    'sabedroom i
    ntheyar
    dandIwantust
    osl
    eep
    t
    here.I
    sitaprobl
    em?”
    Yes, Imean,no.Butit'
    sverysur
    pri
    sing.I'venever
    beent ohisbedroom here,
    maybeithashi spict
    ure
    too.Whati fIcan'
    tkeepmyeyesof fitandIendup
    offendingNdabuko?Idon'twantust ofight,we
    havecomet oofartobewher ewearet oday.
    “
    Areyousur
    e?”Iaskhi
    m.
    “
    Stopwor
    ryi
    ng,
    let
    'sgo,
    ”hesays.
    Well
    ,Iguesshe'
    sr eachedcommongroundswit
    h
    Nhl
    anzekoandt heyhavebothaccept
    edfat
    eand
    f
    orgaveeachother.

    I'
    m notgoi ngtosayit'
    sgloomybecauseNdabuko
    hascandl esli
    tandr osesonthebed.Butit
    'sst
    il
    l
    heavy, l
    ikethelongdark-
    greencurtai
    nsarehi
    ding
    somet hingbehindthem.Isitonthebed,hi
    shandis
    entwinedonmi ne.Il
    ookaround,ther
    eareno
    pi
    ctur
    esofhim onthewal
    loranyt
    hingt
    hatbri
    ngs
    Nhl
    anzekototheroom.Buthe'
    sst
    il
    lher
    e,l
    ikehei
    s
    i
    nhisbedroom backi
    nDurban.
    “
    You'
    reawi
    feher
    e,”hesays.
    “
    Notyet
    ,”Isay,
    rol
    li
    ngmyeyes.
    Hechuckl
    esandbr
    usheshi
    sli
    psonmyshoul
    der
    .
    “Butit
    '
    shappeningsoon.You’
    renotagi
    rlf
    ri
    endher
    e,
    sothere’
    snoreasonforyoutosl
    eepwithyour
    clot
    heson.ThesunhassetandIdeserveaful
    l
    accesstomycastle.
    ”
    Myeyeswi den.Iknowt
    hathe'
    sint
    hetaxii
    ndust
    ry
    andthei
    rlanguageisbl
    unt
    .ButmyNdabukoisa
    romanti
    cgentleman.
    “
    Yourcast
    le?
    ”Iaskwi
    thmyeyebr
    owcockedup.
    “
    Yes,mycastl
    e.”Hebr
    ushesmychinandstar
    esat
    me.“Doyouknowhowbeauti
    fulyouar
    e?You'
    rea
    t
    rophy,
    MaSibi
    si.”
    Everyt
    hinghesai dbef
    oresubsi
    de,
    Imelti
    ntohis
    star
    eandl if
    tmyf acet
    ohim.Hecaptur
    esmyl i
    psin
    aslow,affecti
    onatesl
    oppyki
    ss.
    Thesmel lofal
    cohol
    !Idi
    dn'tseehim dr
    ink,he'
    sso
    sneaky.Hisfor
    eheadpushesmi neunti
    lI'
    ml yi
    ngon
    myback.
    “
    Areyoucomfor
    tabl
    eli
    kethat
    ?”heasks,
    breaki
    ng
    t
    hekissandpul
    li
    ngapil
    lowabovehi
    shead.
    Hepul
    lsmeupandput
    sthepi
    ll
    owundermyhead.
    “
    I'
    m okaynow,
    ”Isay.
    Hesmi
    les,
    str
    okesmycheekandsl
    ideshi
    shead
    downt
    omybel l
    y.
    “HeyMngomezulu,
    ”hesaystothel
    itt
    leNhlanzeko.
    Hiswei
    ghtbetweenmylegsmakesmybodywar m.
    God,webothshoul
    dbebondingwiththebabyand
    allI
    '
    mthinki
    ngabouti
    shistongueagainstmynub!
    “Babalovesyoumorethanyoucaneverknow,
    son.
    You,yourmotherandbafomeanever
    ythi
    ngtome.”
    Ibr
    ushhishead,t
    heli
    ttl
    etrai
    torwhoneverr
    espond
    tomeevenwhenIspeakt ohiminAri
    anaGrande'
    s
    voi
    ce,
    kicksi
    nresponse.
    Helif
    tshisheadt
    omewi t
    hhi
    smouthloosely
    opened,hi
    shandist
    ouchi
    ngmybel
    lyagain.His
    eyesarest
    rangelydar
    k,t
    hetwinklemyNdabuko
    usual
    lyhaswhenwear etoget
    herisnotther
    e.He'
    s
    str
    ange,maybebecausethebedroom br
    ingsus
    cl
    osertoNhlanzeko.
    “
    Heki
    ckedNdondo,
    ”hesaysi
    nadeepl
    owvoi
    ce.
    “
    Becausehel
    ovesyou,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    Hedropshisforeheadonmychestandl
    etsouta
    heavyexhal
    ati
    on.
    “
    AndIloveyout
    oo.I'
    m goi
    ngt
    ospendt
    her
    estof
    myl
    if
    ewi t
    hyou,
    ”Isay.
    “Pr
    incess!
    ”hel
    ooksup,
    hiseyesar
    epenet
    rat
    ingmy
    soul.
    “Younevercallmebyt hatname,
    ”Isayandcracka
    l
    owchuckl e.Nowthatwear einNhl
    anzeko'sr
    oom
    hei sopeni
    ngthe“secondnames”fil
    e.I
    'm goi
    ngto
    callhi
    m Edgaraswell.
    “
    CanIseeyou,pl
    ease?”heasks,
    runni
    nghi
    shand
    t
    othearm ofmydress.
    Ihel
    phi
    mt aket
    hedr
    essoff
    .Heasksmetostand
    onmyfeetandt
    hent
    akesoffmypant
    y.He'
    s
    st
    ari
    ngatmeli
    kehehasn'
    tseenmeinyear
    s,whi
    le
    hi
    shandsmeetbehi
    ndmybacktounhookthebr
    a.
    Istandinfr
    ontofhiminmybirt
    hdaysuit.I
    'm
    pregnantandshapel
    ess,
    however,I
    'veneverfel
    t
    ashamedt obeinfr
    ontofhi
    m unti
    ltoday.
    “
    Don’tst
    areatmeli
    kethat
    ,”Iwhi
    sperandat
    tempt
    t
    ositbackonthebed.
    Hishandpul
    lsmeback.Hewantsmetost
    andin
    fr
    ontofhi
    m,inmyhipposhape,
    andhewantst
    o
    star
    eatmeunti
    lJesuscomesback.
    “
    Pri
    ncess,
    ”hesays.
    It
    akeal
    owbr
    eat
    handhol
    dhi
    sst
    are.
    “Ididever ythi
    ngt hatIdidbecauseIloveyou.I'm
    sor r
    yifIof f
    endedyoui nanyway.Iknowyour
    capabi l
    it
    iesandst r
    engths.You'
    reabeaut if
    ul,
    power fulandl evel-
    headedwoman.I 'm sorryI
    i
    nt erf
    eredi nyourl i
    feandtookdecisionsonyour
    behal f
    ,withoutconsul t
    ingyou.Iwasdr ivenbylove,
    allIeverwant edwasf oryoutoliveyourbestli
    fe,
    ”
    hesays.
    Ithi
    nkhe'
    stal
    kingabouttheUSBsaga.Ididn’
    tthi
    nk
    I'
    l
    lgetanapol
    ogy.Iappreci
    atehi
    swords,sovery
    muchthatmyhandi sonhischeek.
    “I
    'm pr
    oudofyouandt
    hankyouf
    orbei
    ngher
    e,”he
    says.
    Ipullhisfacetomeandkisshisl
    ips.Her
    esponds
    tothekiss,hishandgoesbehi
    ndmyneck,theother
    onegr absmyhead.

    Asheplacesmebackagai
    nstt
    hepil
    lowand
    separ
    ati
    ngmylegstoposi
    ti
    onhi
    mself,
    both
    candl
    esblowoutandl
    eaveusi
    ntheimmensedar
    k.
    Hedoesn'tbot
    herl
    ight
    ingt
    hem againortur
    ningthe
    l
    ight
    -bul
    bon.Ifeel
    hisli
    pscrashi
    ngagainstmine
    andentwi
    nemyhandsbehi ndhisneck.
    Thekississensualslowandsl oppy,
    li
    kehewants
    toleavehi
    st ast
    ewithmef orever.Mybodyis
    screamingforhim.Iwanthishandt otouchmeal
    l
    overandrubmysensi t
    ivespots.
    Hi
    sli
    psmovedownt
    othesi
    deofmyneck.Hi
    s
    heavybr
    eat
    hsgi
    vemyski
    nti
    ngl
    es.
    “Babe!
    ”Amoanfol
    lows.Ican'
    tholdbackanymor
    e,I
    wanthiminsi
    deme.Buthe'
    ssti
    llki
    ssi
    ngmyskin,
    everyi
    nchofmybody.

    Gosh,Ndabukoknowst hatI'
    m notafanofear
    ki
    sses.Butt
    odayheni bblesmyearlobeandli
    cks
    i
    nsidemyearuntilasoftmoanescapesmyl ips.
    Hetraceskissesallovermyupperbody, excepton
    myboobs.Ndabukoi sabigbaby,hel ovessucking
    t
    heni ppl
    es,sometimesIevenwor r
    yt hathe' l
    lwant
    t
    ocompet ewi tht
    hebaby.Myni pplesar ehard,I
    wanthistongueagai nstt
    hem,buthe'sshyi ngaway
    f
    rom them.

    Okay,he'
    llmakeupf oritdownt her
    e.Mycli
    tis
    alr
    eadydancingashi sheadslidesbet
    weenmy
    thi
    ghs.Ishutmyeyesandr eadymyselff
    orthe
    ti
    ckleshi
    shairychi
    ngi vesmewhenhe' smout h-
    deepinmycooki e.
    Butno,he'
    sonl
    yki
    ssi
    ngmyt
    highsandgoi
    ngdown
    tomylegs.
    “
    Ndabukodamnit
    !”Mybodyf
    eel
    sli
    keavol
    cano
    wai
    ti
    ngtoexpl
    ode.
    Hedoesn'
    trespond,
    he'
    shol
    dingmyf
    eeti
    nhi
    s
    hands.
    “
    IloveyouPri
    ncess,”hesaysinal
    ow,
    pai
    nedvoi
    ce
    t
    hat'
    strembl
    ingwithemotions.
    “Everyinchofyou…”Hekissesmyrightfoot
    , t
    oe-
    to-
    toe.“You'r
    emyt r
    ophy,
    ”hesaysandki ssesthenext
    foot.Thenhesqueezesbothofthem andstands
    sti
    ll
    .
    “
    CanIbewi
    thyou?
    ”heasks.
    I
    'm hor
    ny,al
    lIwanti
    stheorganbet
    weenhi
    sl egs
    i
    nsideme.Iscr
    eam;“Yes,
    bewi t
    hme.Don'
    tleave
    me!”
    Hi
    sfi
    ngerr
    ubsbetweenmyfol
    ds.Isepar
    atemy
    l
    egsf
    urt
    herapar
    ttoall
    owhi
    mt ofi
    tinper
    fect
    ly.

    I
    t'
    sdar
    kbutmyhandsf
    indawayt
    ohi
    sshaf
    t.I
    br
    ingi
    ttomywetf
    leshandr
    ubmysel
    fwi
    thi
    t.
    Hemovesmyhandsupandpr essest
    hem above
    me.Histi
    pknocksatmyopening,mymoansar e
    exagger
    atedandi
    nfur
    iat
    inghi
    m.
    Hepushesi tal
    linsi
    deandpausestokissmybel
    ly.I
    wrapmyl egsaroundhim,hepull
    sitoutand
    pr
    essesitovermycl it
    .
    IswearI
    '
    m goi
    ngt
    oexpl
    odebef
    oreheevendoesa
    thi
    ngtome.
    Hethrust
    si nagai
    n,ci
    rcleshi
    sshaftallaroundmy
    fl
    eshandpushesi tf
    urtheri
    nsi
    dethatIf eell
    ikehis
    ball
    saregoingtosli
    deinaswell.Hedoesn' tpull
    out,hemoveshiswaistaround,
    rubbingagai nstmy
    soft
    erspots.
    Hepr esseshist
    wofingersagainstmyclit
    .If
    eeli
    t
    buil
    dingfrom mybackandr ushingt
    hroughoutmy
    body.Hepul l
    soutsl
    owl y,
    myt oescurlup,mybody
    tr
    embl esasthewavefinall
    ytakesoverme.
    It
    'snotanormalor
    gasm,Ispl
    ashpeealloverthe
    bed.Hecursesandcal
    lsGodsimul
    taneously.
    .
    .
    Islowl
    yopenmyeyesandscanar oundt her
    oom.
    Memor iesf
    lashbackandIrememberlastni
    ght
    's
    steamysessionsandthatI
    '
    m act
    uall
    yin
    Nhlanzeko'
    sroom.
    Ndabukoi
    snotnextt
    ome.Iwasn'
    thopingfora
    morni
    ngglor
    yoranyt
    hing,
    buti
    twoul
    d'vebeennice
    t
    owakeupi nhi
    sarms.
    Luckil
    y,t
    here'
    sabat hroom connectedtothisroom.
    Idragmyselftoitandr estonthetoil
    etseatfora
    moment .Iknowt hatI
    '
    m aboutt orel
    easeahot
    mor ni
    ngpeet hr
    oughmyachi ngnana.Ndabuko
    wasonhi swildestmodeyest erday.
    Iendurethepainandsil
    entlysweart
    oneverhave
    sexagain.Iwashmyf ace,brushmyteet
    hand
    nursemynanaf orawhile.AndthenIheadbackto
    thebedroom andputmyr obeon.Todayweare
    goingbacktoDurban,I'
    l
    lgot omyhouseandgive
    mynanaaf ewdaysoff.
    He'sst
    andingonthever
    andaandspeaki ngto
    someoneoverthephone.It
    'snotafr
    iendly
    conver
    sat
    ion.Ist
    andinfrontofhi
    m andwai tf
    ormy
    ki
    ss.
    “Donotfu€kwit
    hme!Ubuchophouzobuphatha
    ngesandl
    a,mfanawami
    .”(
    Iwillcr
    ackyourskul
    l,my
    boy)
    Myforeheadfur
    rowsint
    oafrown.Hespeaksli
    ke
    t
    his?Cracki
    ngpeopl
    e'
    sskul
    lsandrai
    singhisvoi
    ce
    l
    ikethi
    s?
    “Idon'tcarehowyou' r
    egoi ngtogeti
    tfr
    om
    Bloemf ontei
    n,Iwantthattaxiatther
    ankbef or
    e
    2pm, ungangihlafunel
    iushidiSphamandl
    a!”hesays
    totheper son.I
    tmustbeoneoft hedri
    vers,Idon'
    t
    knowwhathedi dbutitcould'
    vebeenset
    tledina
    calm manner .

    Hedropsthecall
    sandcli
    ckshistongue.Istep
    cl
    osertohim,hepull
    smeintohisarms,Irestmy
    headonhischest.Somet
    hingonhiswaistpokes
    me.
    “Ndabukowhatist hi
    s?”Iask,al
    armed.Iknowit'sa
    gun,heownsitandIunder st
    and.Buti
    tdoesn't
    comeoutt odecoratehiswaistwhil
    ehe'swit
    hme.
    Itst
    aysinthesafe,healwaysmakessur ethatthe
    taxi
    -ownersi
    deofhi m staysoutofourhome.
    “ThisisMachusha.Iwi
    llputhi
    m away.Areyou
    okay? ”Hepul
    lsmeinsi
    det hehouse,
    whistl
    ingasi
    f
    nothingabnor
    malishappeningwithhimtoday.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    18] :Chapt
    er51

    Themeet i
    ngdi dn'tgowell
    .Ndondowassnappi ng
    ateveryone, zoningoutinthemi ddleofa
    discussionandt akingbathroom breakseverynow
    andt hen.It
    'stimeKhosidi scusseshermat er
    nit
    y
    l
    eavebecausei fthingscontinueli
    kethis,
    the
    companyi sgoi ngdownt hedr ain.
    “Ithi
    nkyoushouldappoi
    ntsomeonetoholdthe
    ropesandresthomeuntilt
    hebabycomes,”she
    goesstrai
    ghttothepoi
    ntandthenwai
    tsforherto
    argue.Sheal
    waysdoes.
    Ndondohasherheadr
    est
    ingoverast
    ackof
    documentsonthedesk.Thedocument
    stheyar
    e
    supposedtobeworki
    ngon.
    “
    Yeah,
    you’
    rer
    ight
    ,”shesays.
    Khosiisabitsur
    pri
    sedbyherresponse.Shedi
    dn'
    t
    expecthert
    oagreethi
    seasi
    ly.
    “Gr
    eat!Discussitwi
    thNdabukoandmakean
    announcement,”shesays.
    Thedooropens.Theybothtur
    ntoit,abitshocked.
    Thisi
    stheCEO’soffi
    ce,youei
    thercallt
    oannounce
    yourvi
    sitoratl
    eastknockbef
    oreenteri
    ng.
    Butit'
    snoneotherthanNdabukoi
    nhisredquar
    ter
    pantandwhitesneakers.He'
    swear
    ingacap.
    Earphonesar
    ewr appedaroundhi
    sneck.
    “Babe,Ididn'
    tknowyouwer
    ecomi
    ng,
    ”Ndondo
    says,l
    ift
    ingherheadup.
    Khosiremainssti
    llonherseat
    .She'snotimpressed
    withthi
    sint
    rusionatall
    .Sheli
    kedhim atfi
    rst
    becausehewassmar tandhumble,butfi
    ndingout
    thathewasbr i
    ngingthedeadbrot
    hernonsenset o
    herfri
    end'
    slif
    edestroyedever
    ythi
    ng.
    “I
    sitwrongifImissmywoman? ”Helif
    tsherchi
    n
    upandpecksherl i
    ps.Thenhest
    andsbehindher,
    hi
    shandsmassagi nghershoul
    ders,
    andhelooksat
    Khosiopposit
    ethem.
    “
    Hit
    her
    e,”hesays.
    Itt
    akeseverythinginKhosiforhernottorol
    lher
    eyes.Shereturnsthegreet
    ingandcollect
    sher
    belongi
    ngsont hedesk.
    “
    Calli
    fyouneedanyt
    hing,
    ”shet
    ell
    sNdondoand
    l
    eaves.
    Ndabukostar
    esatherwit
    hamockinggri
    n,t
    henhe
    shakeshi
    sheadandkissesNdondo'
    sshoul
    der
    .
    “
    Yourf
    ri
    endneedsadi
    €k,
    ”hesays.
    Ndondoyankshishandsof
    fhershoul
    der
    sand
    t
    urnsherheadtohim wi
    thafr
    own.
    “What
    ?”Shewant
    shimtorepeathi
    swor
    dsbef
    ore
    shegi
    veshi
    m api
    eceofhermind.
    “Maybeshe'
    llgl
    owandst
    opbei
    ngbi
    tt
    erl
    ike
    undi
    lut
    edlemonjui
    ce.
    ”
    “
    Youcannotspeakl
    iket
    hataboutmyf
    ri
    end.How
    doyoueven…no,
    youneedt
    oleave!
    ”
    Hef r
    ownsandt henbreaksachuckl
    e.Ndondois
    fuming,she'
    sonherfeetwit
    hherarmsfolded
    beforeherchest
    .
    “Iorder
    edf
    oodf orus.They'
    reset
    ti
    ngt het
    ableat
    thebasement
    ,”hesaysandwal ksaroundthedesk
    andmakeshimsel fcomfort
    abl
    ewher eKhosiwas
    sit
    ti
    ng.
    “
    Lunch?Att
    hebasement
    ?Whataboutwor
    ker
    s?”
    “It
    oldt
    hem t
    oleave.You'
    reMr sMngomezul u,you
    can'
    teatwhi
    let
    herearedi€k-headsst
    aringatyou.”
    Hepull
    sthedocumentinfrontofhim andlooksatit
    .
    “
    It
    'supsi
    dedown,
    ”Ndondosays.
    Het
    urnsi
    tup,hi
    seyesr
    unoveri
    tforaf
    ewseconds
    t
    henheput
    sitbackont
    hedesk.
    “Youshouldhi
    resomeonet oreadthi
    sshitand
    summar i
    zeitf
    oryou,”hesays,ref
    err
    ingt
    ot he
    documentsscatt
    eredinfr
    ontofNdondo.
    “
    That
    'sNomkhosi
    ’
    sjob,
    ”Ndondosays.
    “
    Yourhor
    nyf
    ri
    end?
    ”
    Si
    lence.
    “
    Todayyouar
    ecomi
    ngt
    omyhouse,
    right
    ?”
    “
    No,
    ”Ndondosays.
    “ThenI'
    m comi ngtoyour s.Ithinkthey'redonenow,
    come, l
    et'sgo.”Hest andsupandwal kst oher.
    Ndondo' sbiggestfearisthathercr azyi maginat
    ion
    i
    ssl owlyturningintoareal i
    ty.Somet hingchanged
    assoonast heyent er
    edNhl anzeko' sbedroom.That
    wast helasttimeshei nteractedwi t
    ht henormal
    Ndabuko.Somet hingisdef i
    nitelyupwi thhis
    character.

    Ever
    yonei sstar
    ingatt hem ast heygetoutoftheli
    ft
    arm-
    to-arm.Mostoft hem knowwhohei snow, but
    heneverthrowshiswei ghtaroundorgivesthem
    anyinstr
    uctionastheirboss.Her ar
    elycomesher e
    andthisisthefi
    rstti
    mehe' scomel ooki
    nglikethi
    s.

    Thetabl
    eisseti
    nthemiddl
    eofanemptybasement
    wit
    htwochairsandabunchoff
    lower
    sonit.I
    t'
    slai
    d
    withdiff
    erentdishes,from cr
    eamysamp, sli
    ced
    steamedbr ead,beefcur r
    ytofri
    edchickenstr
    ips.
    There’sashiningsilvercutl
    eryandservi
    ett
    es
    designedwi t
    hNdondo' snameandr edheart
    s.
    Thisisoverwhel
    mi nglyabovet hetop.Ndabukoi sa
    manwhosl i
    desindungar ees, leaveshismill
    ionsin
    hisaccountandbegsf orajobasayar dner.He'sa
    manwhobuysyouanexpensi vepairofshoes,
    sendsthem toyouandt henhel psyoul ookforthe
    sender.Hedoesn'torderhundr eddishesoffood
    andhirepeopletosett hetableatt hemost
    uncomf or
    tabl
    eplace.No, het akeshi sclot
    hesof f
    andcooksyouf oodi nhiskitchen, andthenasks
    youtohaveanakeddi nnerwi thhi minacozypl ace.
    “I'
    mt hel
    astoneonthest
    andt
    oday.19h00I
    '
    llt
    ake
    thelastl
    oad,doyouwantt
    ocomeandkeepme
    company? ”heasks.
    “Comet othetaxi
    ?”Sheisstunned.Awholel
    oaded
    taxi
    ?Everybodyknowst hatshe'
    sasnobandshe
    l
    ikestobepr i
    vateasmuchaspossi bl
    e.I
    nthetaxi
    she'l
    lhavetogreetpeople,
    andprobabl
    yevental
    k
    tothem.
    “I
    '
    llf
    etchyou.Don'twearheels.MustIr
    efi
    llyour
    gl
    ass?”Hehast histhi
    ngofaskingherquesti
    ons
    andthendoesn'twaitf
    orheranswerbeforemaking
    adecision.I
    tgri
    tsherti
    ts.Thi
    swholeweird
    behaviorfr
    ustr
    atesher!
    “Whathappenedtoyoui
    nthatbedr
    oom?Youar
    e
    annoyi
    ng,”sheasks.
    Hiseyebr
    owcocksup.Hedoesn'tscrat
    chhischin,
    cheekorfor
    ehead.Todayhescr
    atcheshisear
    lobe,
    vi
    olent
    ly.
    “
    Countyourwor
    dsMaSi
    bisi
    .”
    “
    Huh?”Ndondohasneverbeent
    hreat
    enedi
    nher
    l
    if
    e.
    “
    Eatyourf
    ood,
    ”hesays.
    Nowt hisl
    unchi st
    urningsour.Well
    ,onlyf
    or
    Ndondo.Asf arasNdabukoi sconcerned
    everyt
    hingi
    sgood, theyjustneededtogetbad
    att
    it
    udeoutoft heway.
    Hetakeshiscapoffandput
    sitonNdondo'
    shead.
    Thenhelooksatherwit
    hhishandsoverhi
    scheeks,
    hisli
    pscur
    vedi
    ntoasmi
    le.Lovewr
    it
    tenal
    loverhi
    s
    eyes.
    “Areyouangryatme? ”heasks,clear
    lyamusedby
    herangryface.“Il
    oveyourfi
    erceness,butmore
    thaneveryt
    hing,Il
    oveyoureyebrows.Whydoyou
    removethem ifyou'
    regoingt
    odr awt hem agai
    n?”
    Thisisastupi
    dquesti
    on,howevert
    hisi
    stheki
    ndof
    conversat
    iont
    heyneededtoli
    ghtenupthe
    atmosphereonthetabl
    e.
    “
    BecauseIwantthem t
    obei
    ntheshapet
    hatI
    want
    ,”Ndondosays.
    “Soyougirl
    s,i
    fyouhadthepower,
    you'
    dact
    ual
    lyki
    ll
    your
    selvesandmoldyoursel
    vesi
    ntot
    hewayyou
    wanttolook,
    ”hesays.
    I
    t'
    sanot
    herst
    upi
    dthought
    ,butshe'
    slaughi
    ng.
    “Defi
    nit
    ely.Butwewouldn'
    tneedt
    okillour
    sel
    ves,
    ther
    earemanysur geonswhospecial
    izein
    rear
    rangingpeopl
    e'
    sfacesandbodies.Doyou
    knowKhanyiMbau? ”Ndondo.
    “
    Ist
    hatasur
    name?Mbau?
    ”hi
    m.
    Real
    ly?That
    'sal
    lhe'
    sint
    erest
    edi
    n?
    “Shelookst
    otal
    lydi
    ff
    erentf
    rom whatshewas
    befor
    e.Sheevenchangedherskincol
    our,
    ”Ndondo
    says.
    He'
    sshocked.Hi
    seyesar
    ebul
    gingout
    .
    “
    Isn'
    tthatdef
    yingGod?
    ”heasks.
    Ndondoroll
    shereyes.At
    axiowneraskingyou
    aboutdef
    yingGod?Nojudgement,buttheycur
    se
    from mor
    ningt
    omi dni
    ght
    ,surel
    ythat'
    sdefyi
    ngGod
    too.
    “Youcankeepyourski
    ncolour
    ,st
    aywi t
    hyourflat
    assandbeorigi
    nalf
    rom headtot
    oe.Ifyourhearti
    s
    notcl
    eanther
    e'snospaceforGodinyou,”shesays.
    “
    Amen!
    ”hesays.
    He'
    smocki
    ngherandshe'
    srol
    li
    nghereyesagai
    n.
    .
    .
    Hesai
    dhe'
    llf
    etchherat18h30andthey'
    l
    lfetcht
    he
    l
    astl
    oadf
    rom town,whi
    chwi l
    lbemostl
    ylate
    factorywor ker
    s.Andiswaisnotmakingthingseasy
    wi t
    hherst upidgi
    ggles.Shei
    stryi
    ngtofiti
    na
    tracksui
    t,shecan'twearadressbecauseshewas
    i
    nst ruct
    ednott owearheelsandherdressesdon't
    compl ementsneaker s.
    “
    Whydon'tyouj
    ustj
    oinmeandBab’omdal
    afora
    movi
    e?Thiswon'
    tworkout
    ,I'
    mtel
    li
    ngyou.
    ”
    “
    Fu€kof
    fAndi
    swa!
    ”
    Shel eavest heroom l
    aughing.Ndondostruggl
    es
    untilthetracksuitf
    iti
    n,nowshesheneedst oput
    thesesneaker son!Shecan' tevenbendforafew
    minut es,sherunsoutofbreat handgetsbackache.
    Shel
    iesbackont
    hebedandcat
    chesherbr
    eat
    h.
    “Har
    dti
    me?
    ”Maqhaweasks,
    comi
    ngt
    hrought
    he
    door
    .
    Ndondol
    if
    tsherheadupandsi
    ghs.
    “
    I'
    mtr
    yingt
    oputmysneaker
    son,
    ”shesays.
    Maqhawechuckl
    esandpickst
    hem f
    rom t
    hef l
    oor.
    Hesi
    tsonthebedandaskshertogi
    vehim herfoot
    .
    “
    Babacanyoumassagemyheelf
    oraf
    ew
    mi
    nut
    es?
    ”
    “Hey!Pushyourf
    ooti
    n,”Maqhawesays,pul
    li
    ngher
    ankleandpushi
    ngherfooti
    nsi
    dethesneaker
    .
    Hehel
    psherwi
    thbot
    hsneaker
    sandt
    iest
    hel
    aces.
    “
    Ther
    e'sst
    il
    lnot
    raceofyourf
    ather
    ,”het
    ell
    sher
    .
    “
    How?Youar
    eher
    e,ar
    en'
    tyou?
    ”Ndondoasks.
    “
    YouknowwhoI
    '
    mtal
    kingabout
    ,”hesays.
    “Idon'tcareaboutDumisani
    .You'
    ref
    ine,
    my
    sibl
    ingsar efi
    ne,Mam’Jabu,
    mom andauntyar
    e
    fi
    ne.Ever yoneIcar
    eaboutisfi
    ne.
    ”
    It
    'sbeentwodays.Nomagugusaysheonce
    disappear
    edf oraweekandshedoesn'
    tgivearat
    -
    assaboutit.Ndondoi scl
    ear
    lyf
    edup,t
    heonly
    personhecant al
    ktonowisVumil
    eandthat'
    s
    anothermount aintocl
    imb.
    “Wherei
    sMngomezul
    utaki
    ngyousol
    ateatni
    ght
    ?”
    heasks.
    “
    Wear
    efet
    chi
    ngpassenger
    sfr
    om t
    own,
    ”shesays.
    Maqhawef
    rowns.
    “
    You?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Yes,me.”Sheexhal
    esandget sof
    fthebed.
    “
    Ndabukoisacti
    ngstrange.It
    ri
    edtoignor
    eitbut
    i
    t'
    sgett
    ingworse.
    ”
    “
    Howso?
    ”Maqhawe.
    “WespentanightinNhlanzeko'
    sbedroom,you
    knowhisl
    atebrother
    ,andhehasn'tbeenthe
    NdabukoIknoweversince,”shesays.
    “
    That
    'sst
    range.Haveyout
    alkedt
    ohi
    m abouti
    t?”
    “Baba,Idon'
    tevenhaveat imetotalkt
    ohim about
    anythi
    ng.Heisweird.Ifearthat
    ….”Shest
    ops.This
    wil
    lmakeherl ookstupi
    d.
    “Whatdoyoufear
    ?”Maqhaweasks,ifi
    tconcerns
    hisdaught
    er’
    ssaf
    etyt
    henitconcer
    nshim di
    rectl
    y.
    “Thatmaybehe' spossessedbyhisspiri
    t.Imean
    Baba,everythingabouthimisst
    range.Hecamet o
    mywor kinaquant um andsetahugeunnecessary
    l
    unchinawor kingspace.Hetal
    ksdiff
    erentl
    yand
    doeseverythingstrangel
    y.”
    OkaynowMaqhawei
    sfr
    ight
    enedaswel
    l
    .Dead
    spi
    ri
    tsdopossessthel
    ivi
    ng,somepeopledo
    uni
    maginabl
    ethingswhenthey'
    repossessed.
    “Whydidyousl
    eepi
    nhi
    sbr
    other
    'sbedr
    oom?
    ”he
    asks.
    “
    Idon'
    tknow,
    ”Ndondoshr
    ugshershoul
    der
    s.
    “
    Ihavet
    oseeNgi
    dif
    ir
    stt
    hingi
    nthemor
    ning.
    ”
    Ast
    heymaket
    hei
    rdownst
    air
    sAndi
    swai
    srunni
    ng
    upt
    othem.
    “
    Mngomezul
    uisher
    e,”shesays,
    clear
    lyexci
    ted.
    NdondoglancesatMaqhawebefor
    ewalki
    ngon.I
    t'
    s
    goingtobeawkwardspendi
    ngti
    mewi t
    hhim
    knowingver
    ywellthathemaynotbehi
    mself.
    Alr
    eadyhe'
    slethi
    msel
    finsi
    dethehouse,
    knowi
    ng
    ver
    ywellt
    hatMaqhaweispresent
    .

    He'ssit
    ti
    ngonthecouch,verycomfor
    tabl
    ywit
    hhi
    s
    headresti
    ngback.He'sweari
    ngajean,l
    eat
    her
    ankle-
    bootsandblackNi
    kejacket
    .
    “
    Baba!
    ”Hesi
    tsst
    rai
    ghtupandr
    ubshi
    sfor
    ehead.
    “Mngomezul
    uwhenareyoubr i
    ngingbackmy
    daught
    er?
    ”Maqhaweasks.He'snotcomf or
    tabl
    e
    wit
    hthi
    sbuthecan'
    treal
    lykeepthem apart
    .
    “Oh,Ihaveasurpri
    seforhert
    onight
    .”Helooksat
    Ndondo-theytal
    kedaboutthi
    sandshemadei t
    cleart
    hatshewasn'tgoi
    ngtohishouse-hereyes
    arewidenedathim.
    “
    She'
    l
    lcomebacki
    nthemor
    ning,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Int
    hemorning?
    ”Maqhaweasks,
    tur
    ninghi
    seyes
    t
    oNdondo.
    Shecan'tr
    unawayf rom nei
    therNhl anzekonor
    Ndabuko.Shewaschosent ot hi
    sf amilyandshe
    promi
    sedt ost
    andwi thNdabukot hroughthickand
    thi
    n.I
    fhe'spossessedbyNhl anzeko'sspir
    itshe'
    ll
    havetodoeverythi
    nginherpowert ogethim back.
    “
    Yes,
    I'
    llcomebacki
    nthemor
    ning,
    ”Ndondosays.
    “
    Areyousur
    e?”Maqhaweasks.
    “Yebobaba,pl
    easedon'
    tfor
    gettogoandseethe
    personyousai
    dyouwi l
    lseei
    nthemorning.
    Andiswawil
    lorgani
    zetr
    anspor
    t.
    ”Sheturnsto
    Ndabukoandnodsherhead.Het akesherhandand
    t
    heywal koutholdinghands.Maqhawei sstari
    ngat
    t
    hem, scaredforhisdaughterandsadforhisson-
    in
    -
    law.Neitherofthem deser
    vethis.
    .
    .
    Twogi r
    lscli
    mbi nthetaxiandgotothebackseat
    ,
    whisperi
    ngandgi ggli
    ng.Nowthey'
    reshortofonl
    y
    twopeople.IfitwasuptoNdondot hey'
    dbeleavi
    ng,
    i
    t'sal
    readyhalfpastsevenandgreeti
    ngback
    peopleisgetti
    ngtir
    ing.
    Tomaket hi
    sevenmoreawkwar dforher,Ndabuko
    i
    sst andi
    ngundertheshelt
    erwitht
    wododgy
    l
    ookingmen.Ther anki
    sal mostempty,whatever
    they'
    rediscussi
    ngcoul
    d'vebeendiscussedsome
    otherti
    me.
    Sheinhal
    essharpl
    y,unf
    ast
    ensaseatbel
    tthat
    Ndabukofoundhil
    ari
    ouswhensheputiton,and
    cl
    imbsout.Shemakesherwaytohim andhis
    dodgyfri
    ends.
    Het
    akesaf
    ewst
    epsawayf
    rom t
    hem andat
    tends
    t
    oher
    .
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngokay?
    ”heasks.
    “Whydidyoubri
    ngmehereifyouhadadodgy
    meeti
    ngschedul
    edundershel
    ter
    satni
    ght
    ?”
    Ndondoasks.
    Hescrat
    cheshi sear
    lobeandturnst
    ohisfr
    iends.
    “Tomorr
    ow, maji
    ta,
    ”hesays.Theywalkawayand
    geti
    ntheirdodgyPoloandleave.
    “
    Whyar
    eyour
    udenow?
    ”heasksNdondo.
    “Oh,
    you'r
    egoi
    ngtotakeMachushaf
    rom yourwai
    st
    andcrackmyskul
    l?
    ”
    Hesighsandhol
    dsherhand.Wit
    houtr
    espondi
    ngto
    herquest
    ion,
    hepul
    lsherandt
    heywalkbacktothe
    taxi
    .
    Twopeoplear
    est
    il
    lshor
    tbuthest
    art
    sthet
    axi
    anyway.
    “
    Dowehaveanyonegoingto2?”heasks,l
    ooki
    ngat
    t
    hepassenger
    sthr
    oughtherear
    viewmirr
    or.
    “
    Yes,
    oneEzi
    mbal
    ini
    ,
    ”onesays.
    “Al
    ri
    ght.Pl
    easepasstheoff
    eri
    ng,
    makot
    iwi
    llsor
    t
    outyourchange,
    ”hesays.
    19h45isusual
    lyNdondo'ssnacki
    ngt
    ime,t
    hat'
    s
    whyshehasapacketofLaysonherlapthatshe
    ai
    mst ofi
    nishwit
    hinminutes.
    “Thr
    eeR13sandoneR17, ”-
    R100ispassedtoher
    .
    Shemovesasidethepacketofchi
    ps,
    keepsthe
    l
    ady'svoi
    cepl
    ayinginherhead.R13mult
    ipl
    yby
    thr
    eeand…
    “Gi
    vethem R44,
    it'
    sR56,”Ndabukosayswit
    hhis
    eyesf
    ixedontheroad.Thatwasfast
    !Ndondo
    count
    sasideR30notesand…
    “R13,R17,
    R19.”Thisoneisforcedint
    oherhand.
    Can'tt
    heygiveherti
    met ocount?Shecan'
    teven
    rememberthelastchangeshewassupposedt o
    give.
    “I
    '
    m notanaccount
    ant,
    ”shet
    ell
    sNdabukoand
    handsal
    lthemoneytohim.
    Shockedgasps!
    “
    Countt
    hemoneysi
    s,wedon'
    twantacci
    dent
    s,”one
    yel
    ls.
    Ndabukochuckles,
    “Don'twor
    ry,
    you’
    l
    lgethome
    saf
    e.Haseverybodypaid?”
    Moremoneyispassedtothef
    ront,i
    noddnumber
    s,
    andhe'
    sgi
    vingbackchangewithi
    nmi nut
    es.
    “Thi
    sisyourman' ssour
    ceofincome,”hetel
    lsher
    aft
    erawhile.“I
    fitwasn'
    tfort
    axisIwouldn'
    tbe
    whereIam today.”
    “
    Iknow,
    ”Ndondosays.
    “I
    'm gl
    adyouareher
    eandhelpi
    ngmebyeat
    ing
    snackswhil
    eIdri
    ve,
    ”hesays.
    Ndondobr
    eaksi
    ntol
    aught
    er.
    “
    Thi
    sismysnackt
    ime,
    ”shesays.
    “
    Wheni
    smysnackt
    ime?
    ”heasks.
    Ndondogaspsandgl
    ancesbackatt
    hepassenger
    s.
    Lucki
    lymostoft
    hem ar
    eonthei
    rphones.
    “
    Wearetaki
    ngdaysof
    f,
    ”shesays,
    alsof
    eel
    inga
    l
    it
    tl
    enaught
    y.
    “
    Whosai
    davagi
    naneedsahol
    iday?
    ”
    Shepuncheshisthi
    gh,hereyespoppedouti
    n
    shock-whati
    fthesepeopl
    eheard?
    “
    Iwantt
    osnackt
    oo.Undert
    hatt
    racksui
    t.
    ”
    “
    Youwi
    ll
    ,butwe'
    l
    lkeept
    hel
    i
    ght
    son.
    ”
    Hedoesn'
    tsayanyt
    hingexceptsmi
    li
    ngandst
    eal
    ing
    gl
    ancesather
    .

    Sheforgothim sayingthere'
    sasur pr
    iseforher
    becauseshethoughti twasjustawayofget t
    ing
    Maqhaweof fhisback.Butar ri
    vingtoadecor at
    ed
    houseproveshiswor dsr i
    ght.Theballoonsare
    babyblue,t
    herear efl
    ower s,
    starri
    bbonsandever y
    unnecessarydecorati
    onyouf i
    ndindiffer
    entevent
    s.
    Oh,ther
    e'sevenacake!
    “
    What
    'sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    It
    'sababy’
    sbi
    rt
    hday.
    ”
    Shef
    rowns.
    “
    Ababybi
    rt
    hday?
    ”
    “
    Yes.Yourf
    ri
    endshat
    emesoIcoul
    dn'
    tinvi
    te
    them.”Heleadshertot
    hechai
    randput
    sabel
    tover
    herneck.MOTHER- TO-
    BE.
    “
    Thi
    sisababyshower
    ?”sheasks.
    Her
    emember
    sthet
    erm.
    “
    Yes,
    it’
    syourbabyshower
    ,”hesays.
    Thi
    s!Whi chmanhasevert
    hrownababyshower
    si
    nglehandedl
    yandbecametheonl
    yguestati
    t?
    Si
    gh!
    “
    It
    'sbeaut
    if
    ul,
    thankyou,
    ”shesays.
    Cantomorrowcomealready?Ngi
    diwi l
    lknowwhat
    todoaboutthi
    s.I
    fthi
    sisacharacterofNhlanzeko'
    s
    l
    ivi
    ngthr
    oughNdabuko, t
    henhim andherwoul dn'
    t
    haveworkedout.
    [
    03/
    14,
    09:
    18] :Chapt
    er52
    BHEKI
    ZITHA“
    NGONYAMA”NGI
    DI

    Ndlali
    faisheretohavebreakf
    ast,whichisa
    pleasantsur
    prise,
    allhi
    skidsarepresentatt
    he
    table.
    “
    Howi
    sthet
    her
    apygoi
    ng?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasksSnal
    o.
    Hehasat t
    endedal lsessi
    onswi t
    hher .Hispeopl
    e
    aresearchingf orMondli,herbabydaddywho
    helpedherwi ththemur der.Hehasnot hingagai
    nst
    hi
    m buthe' dlovef orhi
    mt obepr esentforthe
    baby'srit
    uals.It'
    simportant,hedoesn'twant
    anythingtoholdbackhi sdaught er.
    “
    It
    'sfi
    ne,
    Dadat t
    endswit
    hme,”Snal
    osaysand
    t
    urnstoNdl
    ali
    fa.“Whydi
    dn'
    tyoubri
    ngThal
    ent
    e?”
    “
    She'
    swor
    king,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.
    “
    Didshemovei
    nwi
    thyou?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    “Inherheadshest illhasherownpl ace-theshack
    she'srenti
    ngi nCannel ands.Butshest ayswithme,
    sevendaysaweek. ”Ndl ali
    faalwaysf i
    ndsawayof
    getti
    ngever ythingthathewant s,ei
    therbytri
    cksor
    force.Maybeheshoul d'vebeent heonenamed
    Maqhi nga.Ngi di'
    sbi ggestfearishavingwomen
    knockingathi sdoort oreportthepregnancy.
    Vill
    agewomenwi llbitehisheadof f,hedoesn'thave
    awomanwho' dtakecar eofsuchsi tuati
    onsinthe
    house.Att hisage, hedoesn' thaveaper manent
    womani nhisli
    fe.Forabl ackmani t
    'sunaccept
    abl
    e.
    Hehast odosomet hingheshoul d'
    vedoneyears
    ago,whenhef i
    nall
    yaccept edthatMagcinawas
    nevercomingback,andt hat'
    stoasksomeoneel se
    out.He'
    sfoundher ,
    butlayinghisheartouttoher
    wil
    lbehard,she'l
    lhaveherdoubt sandfears.
    “IwanttomeetThalent
    e'sf
    ami
    lybef
    orethel
    obol
    a
    negoti
    ati
    onsst
    art,
    ”hesaystoNdl
    ali
    fa.
    Ever
    yoneont
    het
    abl
    eisshocked.
    “
    Why?
    ”Ndl
    ali
    faasks.
    “
    Becauseyouwantt
    omar r
    ythei
    rdaught
    erandI
    wantt
    oknowwhatkindoffamil
    yshe'
    scoming
    f
    rom.”
    “Idon'
    tthi
    nkitwouldbepossi
    ble.Thalent
    eis
    scaredofhermother,
    aski
    nghert oputherli
    feon
    holdandcomeher etomeetyouwoul dbe
    i
    mpossible.
    ”
    “Iwil
    lcl
    earever
    ythi
    ngf
    ornextSat
    urday.
    ”Ngi
    di
    pickshi
    scupofteaandst
    ir
    s.
    “
    ButBaba…”
    “Whohasspokent oNdabuko?He' ssurpri
    singly
    veryacti
    veatt herank.Ihearthathewasdr i
    vingthe
    ‘
    redqueen’ himselfyesterday,
    ”Ngi diasks,atnoone
    i
    npar t
    icul
    ar.He'sjustdonewi tht heThalente
    conversat
    ion.Ndlali
    faisaman, t
    hat'showhe
    alwaysportrayshimself,sohe'llfi
    ndawayt omake
    thi
    shappen.Sat urdayhewant stomeett hemot her
    ofagirlNdlali
    faisbringingtohisf amilyandthat '
    sit
    .
    “
    Hehasfinal
    lyaccept
    edt
    hathe'
    sumageza,
    ”
    Maqhi
    ngasayswi t
    hachuckl
    e.
    “Hedidalongti
    meago,hejustdi
    dn'
    twanttol
    ose
    hischar
    actert
    othet
    axirank,
    ”Ngi
    disays.
    Theconver sationcont i
    nuest oflowont het abl
    e,it'
    s
    onlyNdl ali
    fawhoi spuf f
    edupasi fhewassmacked
    onthef ace.Thal ente'spar ent
    sdon' tknowanyt hing
    abouthim.Shecomesf r
    om at radi t
    ionalfami l
    y,t
    his
    thi
    ngofmeet ingamanandmovi ngi nwithhim
    wit
    hinmont hswi llbelikeani nsul tt
    ot hem.
    Knowi nghowNgi diis,he'dprobabl ytelleveryt
    hing
    andleavenost oneunt urned.He'sdoi ngthis,
    purposef ul
    ly, t
    oputhi mi nanuncomf ortable
    posit
    ion-Ndl ali
    fat hi
    nks.
    Thobilewal
    ksin,
    rubbingherpal mswitha
    fr
    ightenedl
    ookonherf ace.Herrel
    ati
    onshi
    pwi t
    h
    Ndlali
    faisr
    eal
    lyawkwar d,shekeepsawayfrom
    everyoneanyt
    imehe'shomeandNdl al
    ifamakesit
    hisgoaltomakeheruncomf or
    tabl
    e.
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngokay?
    ”Ngi
    diasks,
    star
    ingupather
    .
    I
    t'
    sonlyamatt
    erofti
    mebef
    oreMaqhi
    ngaand
    Snal
    ostar
    twhi
    speri
    ng.
    “Ther
    e'saguest
    ,MrSi
    bisi
    .Shoul
    dIsendhi
    min?
    ”
    Thobil
    easks.
    “MrSibi
    si?Yeah,sendhimin.
    "He'
    sexpect
    ingthe
    past
    or,eventhoughitconf
    useshi
    m whyhe'scome
    tohi
    shouse.

    He'ssurpr
    isedbythevill
    ageSi bi
    si,
    Maqhawe.He
    standsonhisfeet
    ,hisforeheadfurrowedint
    oa
    fr
    own.Thisdoesn'tlookgood.He'sonlymett hi
    s
    manonce, hewast hemostst ubbornoneduring
    Ndondo'slobol
    anegot i
    ati
    ons.Hopef ul
    lyhe'
    snot
    her
    etosayhe'
    scal
    li
    ngof
    ftheweddi
    ng.
    “Mahlase,
    ”hesays,
    pul
    li
    nghi
    shandoutf
    oraf
    ir
    m
    handshake.
    “
    Ngonyama!
    ”
    Ngidipul
    lsachai
    rforhi
    m bef
    orel
    ower
    inghi
    msel
    f
    backonhisseat.
    “Youarei
    nDurban?Thi
    sisasur
    pri
    se,
    Imustsay,
    ”
    hesaystoMaqhaweandsendsameaningf
    ull
    ook
    tohischi
    ldr
    en.
    Ndl
    ali
    fai
    sthefi
    rstonet
    ol eavet
    het
    able,Snal
    oand
    Maqhi
    ngataket
    heirpl
    atesandcupsbeforeexi
    ti
    ng.
    “
    Yourki
    dsar
    egr
    own.Al
    ladul
    ts,
    ”Maqhawesays.
    Hi
    scal
    mnessgi
    vesNgi
    diapi
    nchofr
    eli
    ef.
    “Theel
    desti
    s35andt
    heyoungest27,
    ”hesays
    proudl
    y.
    “
    Grandki
    ds?
    ”Maqhaweasks.
    Ngidichuckl
    es,“Notyet,
    butt
    heeldestistaki
    nga
    wif
    esoon. ”Helooksaroundf
    orThobi l
    eandshe
    emergesbef or
    erecei
    vingabl
    ast
    ingt ext.
    Sheaddst
    hecut
    ler
    yforMaqhaweandpour
    smor
    e
    hotwat
    eri
    ntoat
    eapot.
    “Letmeknowifyouneedanyt
    hing,
    Hlomuka,
    ”she
    says,f
    lashi
    ngasmil
    eatNgidi
    .
    Heclencheshisjaws,br
    eathesinforcontr
    oland
    nodsather.ThankstoNdlali
    fa'
    spresence,atl
    east
    she'
    sdressedupdecentlytoday.
    “
    Yourdaughter
    -i
    n-l
    awisbeaut
    if
    ul,
    ”compl
    iment
    s
    MaqhaweasThobilewal
    ksaway,swayi
    ngherhi
    ps
    t
    othesides.
    “Oh,that'
    snotMaMbat ha.Thati sThobile,
    my
    helper,
    ”hesaysandqui cklyreali
    zeshowawf ulthi
    s
    term sounds.It'
    scoll
    ective;shecouldbehel ping
    him withlaundry,f
    ood,cleaning,nannyingSnal o-
    Thobilehatesthatpartofherj ob-orshecoul dbea
    ‘
    helper’becauseshehel pswi thhissexualneeds.
    It'
    sjustashelteri
    ngterm, notdescri
    ptiveatall.
    “
    She'
    sthemai
    d,”hecl
    ari
    fi
    es.
    Maqhawei sn'
    tverymuchint
    eresti
    ngasNgi
    di
    t
    hinksheis.He'sneverhadahelperi
    nhi
    sli
    fe,
    he'
    s
    j
    uststunnedbyeverythi
    nghe'
    sseeingwi
    thno
    j
    udgementi
    nvol
    ved.
    “
    I'
    m her
    eaboutMngomezul
    u,”hesays.
    “Oh!
    ”Ngidif
    rownsandputsdownhi
    scup.“I
    s
    ever
    ythi
    ngalri
    ghtbet
    weenhi
    m andMaSi
    bisi
    ?”
    “Yes,
    betweenthem al
    lisgood.However,
    Ndondoi
    s
    worri
    edabouthisspir
    it
    ualbei
    ng.Something
    happenedwhent heywenttothevi
    ll
    age.
    ”
    Ngi
    dil
    eansf
    orwar
    d,at
    tent
    ivel
    ylooki
    ngathi
    m.
    “
    Whathappened?
    ”heasks.
    “I'
    m heresot hatyoucanbeawar eandmaybef i
    nd
    outwhatr eall
    yhappenedt ohi m.Hesuggestedthat
    theyspendt henightinhislatebrother
    'sbedroom,
    Ndondosayst helastti
    mehewashi snormalsel
    f
    wasbef oresteppinginsi
    det hatbedroom.Haveyou
    noticedanychangei nhischar act
    er?”
    Ngidii
    sleani
    ngbackonhischai
    ragain,
    hisf
    ist
    rol
    ledoverhi
    smouthasthought
    stracedowninhi
    s
    head.
    “It
    hinkIsawhim scr
    atchi
    nghisearandsayi
    ng
    somethingabout
    …damni t
    ,Nhl
    anzeko!
    ”
    “
    Doyour
    emembersomet
    hing?
    ”Maqhaweasks.
    “OhLord, whatdi
    dthisboydo? !”Ngidiisonhi sfeet.
    Heshoul d'
    vesuspectedsomet hing,Ndabukohar dly
    dri
    vesthet axi
    sorrandomlycar ri
    eshisgunpubl i
    cly.
    Hecallshim Baba,NgidiorHlomuka.Hedoesn’ t
    callhi
    m Ngonyama, Nhlanzekodi d.Buthowhewas
    toknow?Ndabukoandever yonewho' swi tnessed
    Nhlanzeko'sancest
    ralconductknowst hathe'snot
    theonetobepr ovoked.
    “Hislatebrotherwasf ondofyourdaught er.Him
    shif
    tinghert oNdabukowasbecauseheknewt hat
    hemaynotl ivelongenought omeetandl oveher .
    Asdeadashei s,he'sscandal ous,uncont
    roll
    ably
    andhot -headed.Theyshoul dn'thavewenttohis
    bedroom, unlessifinstructedtodosobya
    tr
    aditionalseer,
    ”heexpl ains,sitt
    ingbackonhis
    chairwi t
    hangerbl azinginhi seyes.
    “Idon'tt
    hinkit
    'ssafeformydaughtert
    obear
    ound
    apossessedman.Heneedst oclearof
    fhi
    s
    brother'
    sspir
    it
    ,forgood,”
    Maqhawesays.
    Ngi
    diexhal
    esheavi
    lyandpi
    ckshi
    scol
    dcupoft
    ea.
    Ur
    gh,
    itt
    ast
    eshor
    ri
    bly!
    “Thanksf orbringingthi
    stomyat tention.Idon' t
    knowwher eI '
    m goingtostartbutI '
    m goi ngt oget
    him back,”hepr omisesMaqhawe.Heknowsf ora
    factthatNdabuko' sunclewon' tevenbot herhimself
    witht hi
    s,it
    'shisdutyandhi salone.Hel oved
    Nhlanzeko, mor ethanhe'severlovedanyboywho
    didn'tbloom from hissperm.Heoweshi ml oyal
    ty,
    hemadepr omisestohim waybef orehedi ed,and
    he'skeptal lofthem.Oneoft hosepr omiseswast o
    takecar eofNdabukoandpr otecthi m.That '
    s
    exact l
    ywhathe’ sgoingtodo, eveni fitmeans
    protectinghim againstNhlanzekohi msel f.He'snot
    l
    ettinghi m backatNdabuko' sexpense!
    .
    .
    NDONDO

    I'
    mtryi
    ngtoseebeyondthischaracterandact
    normalwit
    hhim.He'
    slovingandf unnyinhi
    sown
    way,buthe'
    snotNdabuko.There'
    schemi st
    ry,
    just
    l
    ikebetweentherealNdabukoandI,buthis
    personal
    it
    ysetshim apart
    .He'
    sauthori
    tat
    ive,
    abit
    roughwithever
    ythi
    ngi ngener
    alandbluntwhenhe
    speaks.
    Anyway,I'
    m cuddl
    edinhisar ms,t
    hat'
    showwe' ve
    beenthelasttwohours.He'
    sbeenquietforsome
    ti
    me,justpl
    ayingwit
    hmyf i
    ngersandheavingsighs
    hereandthere.
    “
    Areyounothungr
    y?”heasks.
    Wel
    l,
    I'
    m al
    wayshungr
    y.
    “
    Iam,
    ”Isay.
    “
    IknowagoodShi
    sanyama.
    ”
    Ur
    gh,
    Ithoughthe'
    dcooksomet
    hingf
    orme.
    “Whereyouandyourtaxidr
    ivershangout?”Iask,
    j
    usttoshowhim mylackofinterest
    .Buthe'snot
    Ndabuko,hedoesn'
    treadbetweentheli
    nesor
    consi
    dermyfeeli
    ngs.
    “Putajacketon,
    we'
    l
    lgett
    ake-
    awaysandcome
    back,
    ”hesays.
    Il
    etoutahugesi
    gh,
    “Can'
    tweor
    derapi
    zzaor
    somet
    hing?
    ”
    “
    Wecan,
    ifyouwantpi
    zza.
    ”
    Heagr
    ees?Thi
    sisthefi
    rsti
    ntwodays.I
    she
    aut
    omati
    cal
    lyt
    ransf
    ormingbacki
    ntoNdabuko?

    Ipi
    ckmyphoneandpl
    acet
    heor
    dert
    henl
    iebacki
    n
    hi
    sarmsagai
    n.
    “
    Areyounotf
    etchi
    ngt
    hel
    astl
    oadt
    oday?
    ”Iask.
    “No, Iwantt
    ospendt
    imewithyou,
    ”hesaysand
    kissesthesi
    deofmyface.
    It
    hinkhe'
    sback!
    “Spendi
    ngtimewi t
    hmeandgivi
    ngmelotoforal
    sex?”Iask,
    totestwat
    ersandt
    ochecki
    fit
    'sreal
    ly
    Ndabuko.
    Hechuckl
    esandpusheshi
    shandundermyt op.He
    massagesmybreast
    sandkissesmycheek.
    “Theybelongtomyson,”hesays,r
    efer
    ri
    ngt
    othe
    breast
    s.Iguessthi
    sishisexcuse.
    “
    Butt
    hecooki
    eisyour
    s,”Isay.Hecan'
    thaveany
    excuset
    her
    e,t
    hat
    'si
    fhe'
    sbackasNdabuko.
    “You'
    retur
    ningmeon,”hesayswit
    hachuckl
    e.Hi
    s
    fi
    ngersareroll
    ingmynippl
    eandmybodyhas
    alr
    eadyreactedtohi
    stouch.
    Hesl owl
    ymovesmet othesideandgrabsmyface
    tokissmylips.Myhandsrushdowntohiszi
    p,Ipul
    l
    i
    tdownandgr abMngomezulu.I
    ndeedhe'
    s
    provokedandstandi
    ngtal
    l.
    Iwr apmyhandar oundhi m andgivehim sl
    ow
    st
    r okes.Hisli
    pspart,hekeepsdrawingsharp
    breathsthroughhisteeth.Hi
    seyelidsar
    egr owing
    cl
    oser ,makinghi
    mt hemosthandsomedar k-eyed
    cr
    eat ureI'
    veeverseen.
    “
    Babe,
    ”hecal
    lsi
    nahoar
    sevoi
    ce.
    “
    Yesbabe?”Il
    ookstrai
    ghti
    nhi
    seyesandli
    ckmy
    l
    owerl
    ip.Hegroansandmoveshi
    swaistbeneat
    h
    myhand.
    “
    CanIhavet
    hecooki
    e?”
    “
    Wel
    l,
    you'
    l
    lhavet
    oli
    cki
    tfi
    rst
    .”
    Hegr
    absmyf
    aceandki
    ssesmeagai
    n,deepert
    his
    ti
    me.Hi st
    onguei
    sswayi
    nginsidemymout
    h.He'
    s
    suckingmyli
    pli
    kehi
    sli
    fedependsoni
    tand
    groaningi
    nsi
    demymouth.

    If
    eelhishandpushi
    ngit
    swaybet
    weenmythighs.
    Hi
    sfingersl
    idesatt
    hesi
    deofmypant
    yandrubs
    myclit
    .
    Idon'tknowifwehaveadealornot.Thekissis
    sparkingfi
    reinal
    lmyerogenouszones.Hi
    sf i
    nger
    sl
    idesdownt omyopening,heshovesiti
    nsideand
    dri
    ll
    smewi t
    hhisfi
    nger
    .
    Hebr eakstheki ss,l
    ift
    shisheadandst ar
    esdownat
    me.Myf aceisst ret
    chingi
    ntoalldi
    ff
    erentkindsof
    expressions.Asl azyasIam, t
    hepleasurehisfinger
    couldgivemehasmemovi ngupmywai stand
    fu€ki
    nghi sfinger.
    Oh,i
    t'
    stwofingersi
    nsi
    denow.Butsti
    llIwant
    somethi
    ngbiggerandhar
    der
    .Finger
    sdon'tpop
    vei
    nsandthey'r
    enotwarm.
    “
    Doyouwanti
    t?”heasks.
    Inod,
    “Yes,
    please.
    "
    Hestandsoverme, yanksmypantyasideand
    l
    owershiswaisttome.Hi seyesar
    egluedonmeas
    hepushesital
    lin.
    “
    Ndabuko!
    ”Iscr
    eam outi
    npl
    easur
    e.
    “Princess,
    ”heexhal
    esheavi
    lyandli
    nkshi
    s
    foreheadontomine.“Tel
    lmeifyouwantmet
    o
    stop.”
    Myeyeswi den.Whati si
    tthathehasinmind?ButI
    nod,becausehe'sgivenmet hepowertoal
    lowor
    notall
    owwhat everheplanstodo.

    Hepul l
    soutanddragsmypant ydownt omyankl es
    andtakesitout
    .There'
    sact
    ioncomi ng!Heput sa
    cushiononthefl
    oorandmakesmesl eeponi t
    .The
    ti
    lesarecol
    d,butwhodiedfrom col
    dt i
    les?Exact
    ly,
    nobody!
    Hespreadsmythi
    ghsapartandfi
    rmlypresses
    t
    hem down.He'
    sslowatfi
    rst,
    thenthegentl
    eness
    f
    li
    esoutofther
    oom,he'
    spumpi ngmeand
    sl
    ammi
    nghi
    sbal
    lsagai
    nstmywetbot
    tom.
    Myt hi
    ghsar
    eonfir
    e,soi
    smyouterl
    abi
    a,butIcan'
    t
    t
    ellhimtost
    opbecausemyor
    gasm i
    sbuil
    dingup.
    “Pleasedot
    hiswi
    thmePrincess,
    ”hebegsand
    slowsdownhispace.Het
    hrustsi
    n,wholl
    y,and
    pausestoki
    ssmyl i
    ps.
    “Comewi t
    hme,pri
    ncess.
    ”Hebegi
    nshissl
    ow,
    cir
    cli
    ngwaistmoveswhil
    epr
    essi
    nghisfi
    nger
    sover
    mycl i
    t.
    “
    I'
    m cummi
    ngbabe,
    ”Iscr
    eam.
    “Wi
    thme, pl
    ease.Leti
    t…”Hepresseshisshaft
    somewhere,mytoescurlup.“
    Out,pri
    ncess.Al
    lout
    ,”
    hesays.
    Hei ncr
    easeshispaceagai
    n.Ther
    e'st
    hisspothe
    touches,t
    hist
    imeittakesmeout,
    Iexplodeand
    scream outhi
    sname-Ndabuko.
    Secondsl
    aterhe'
    stheonecal
    li
    ngmynameand
    groani
    ngl
    ikeabull
    .
    -
    -
    Nowwear
    ecuddl
    ingont
    hebed.Thankst
    othe
    crappyser vicefr
    om Debonnair
    s,ourpizzaarr
    ived
    l
    ongaf terourf l
    oorsessionhadended.Again,I'
    m
    sufferingf rom f
    u€k-over
    .Mynanai sonf i
    re,
    rough
    sexi sn'tforsofti
    eslikeme.
    “
    Wewon'
    tdoanyt
    hingt
    oni
    ght
    ,”hesays.
    Asi
    fthat
    '
    ssupposedt
    ohealme!
    “
    Shedeser
    vesapai
    dhol
    iday,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    Hesmiles,
    hisusualcut
    esmi
    le,
    andpecksmy
    cheek.
    “Theonl
    ythi
    ngshedeser
    vesi
    sthi
    s,
    ”hel
    ower
    shi
    s
    headtopoi
    ntatt
    hefr
    ontofhi
    spant.

    Thenot-
    soinnocentmomenti
    sdist
    urbedbythe
    dooropeni
    ng.Ourbedr
    oom door
    ,whodoesthat?!
    Well
    ,Ngi
    didoes.He'
    snotal
    one,
    ther
    e'sNdl
    ali
    faand
    anot
    hermanwi t
    hhim.
    “Boy,wehavet
    ogosomewhere.Packyourbag,
    ”
    Ngidisayst
    oNdabukoandt
    urnshiseyestothe
    stunnedme.
    “
    MaSi
    bisiar
    eyouokay?
    ”heasks.
    Iquickl
    yputtwoandtwotoget
    her.Bab'
    Maqhawe
    toldhim andmaybehe'
    sheret
    otakeNdabukotoa
    tradi
    ti
    onalheal
    er.
    “
    I'
    m notgoi
    nganywher
    ewithyouNgonyama,
    close
    t
    hedooronyourwayout,
    ”Ndabukosays.
    “
    I'
    m her
    etohel
    pyou,
    ”Ngi
    disays.
    “
    Idon’
    tneedyourhel
    p!”
    Thisi
    sawkwar
    d.I'minar
    obe,
    looki
    nghel
    plesson
    thebedwi
    thastubbor
    nmannexttomeinshort
    s.
    “Well
    ,I
    'm notbeggingorasking.Packyourshit
    ,
    you'
    recomi ngwithmet ogethelp,
    ”Ngidil
    oseshis
    temperandwal ksin,
    probablytopullhi
    m outofbed
    andforcehimtopackhi sclothes.
    ButNdabukohassomet hi
    ngtost
    ophim wherehe
    i
    s.Agun.Yeap,hejustpul
    ledi
    tbehi
    ndthepil
    low
    andpl
    aceditonhislap.
    Ngi
    di'
    schestbounces,hest
    epsbackwar
    dsand
    cal
    lshi
    m byNhlanzeko'
    sname.
    Thisisdeeperandscariert
    hanIt hought
    .Iwantto
    j
    umpof fbedandr unawayfrom thisman.Buthe
    hasagunonhi slapandbyt helookofthi
    ngs,he
    wouldn'tthi
    nktwicebefor
    ecr acki
    ngsomeone's
    skull
    ,ri
    ghthere,r
    ightnow.
    “
    Okay,
    letNdondol
    eavether
    oom t
    henwecant
    alk
    t
    oyou,
    ”Ndlal
    if
    asuggest
    s.
    “Udaki
    we-
    kewena.Getoutofmybedroom,al
    lof
    you.I'
    mtr
    yingtospendsomequal
    it
    ytimewit
    hthe
    l
    oveofmyl i
    fe.
    ”
    “
    Nhl
    anzeko!
    ”Ngi
    disaysi
    nawar
    ningt
    one.
    Icannotbenextt ohi
    m.It'
    sNdabuko,he'sjustnot
    himself,
    butforthem t
    ocallhi
    m Nhlanzekomakesi t
    feell
    ikeI'
    m si
    tt
    ingnexttoaghost.
    “St
    handwasami,”hetur
    nshisheadt
    ome.Istop,
    twofeetawayf
    rom thebed,
    withmyeyesbul
    ging
    out
    .
    “Don'
    tbescared,I
    'l
    lneverhurtyou,
    ”hesaysinan
    agoni
    zedvoice.He'shurtbecauseI'
    m scar
    edofhim.
    Idon'
    tknowwhet herIshouldruntothebathr
    oom
    andgobackt ohim.
    I
    nthatmoment,
    Ndlali
    fadashest
    ohim bef
    orehe
    moveshi
    seyesfrom me.Thegunfal
    lsonthef
    loor
    ,
    t
    hemanrushestocoll
    ectit
    .
    He'sf
    ight
    ingNdl
    ali
    faandcur si
    ng.WhenIseeblood
    gushi
    ngoutofhisl
    ip,Ndlal
    if
    ajustpunchedhi
    m, I
    st
    epaway.I'mtr
    emblingwithfear
    ,ital
    waysget
    s
    bl
    oodywhenmenf ightandIhateblood.
    Ndlal
    if
    afi
    nal
    lymanagest
    opinhim down.Heput
    s
    hi
    skneeonhisbackandaskst
    hemant opasshim
    arope.
    Tearst
    rolldownonmyf ace.Theyaretyi
    nghim up.
    Iunder
    standbecausehe'sfi
    ghti
    ngandnot
    cooper
    ati
    ng.Butitdoesn'
    tchangethatinfl
    eshhe'
    s
    Ndabuko.
    “
    Pleasedon'
    thur
    thi
    m,”Ibegwhi
    lest
    andi
    ngagai
    nst
    t
    hewallwit
    hmyhandscoveri
    ngmymouth.

    Hi
    shandsaret
    iedbehi
    ndhi
    sback,Ndl
    ali
    fal
    ift
    shim
    upandpul
    lshi
    m.Oureyesmeet
    ,he'
    scryi
    ng,his
    l
    owerli
    pisbl
    eedi
    ng.Hel
    ookssopower
    lessand
    pai
    ned!
    “
    Pleasedon'tl
    etthem takeme,
    ”hesayst
    ome.
    “
    Pleasetel
    lthem stop,
    Iwanttobewit
    hyou.
    ”
    He'shelpl
    essandcryi
    ng.Ndl
    ali
    fadoesn'
    tcare,
    he'
    s
    onehear t
    lesshumanbei
    ng.He'
    spull
    inghim
    towardsthedoor.
    “BabacanIpl easesaygoodbyet
    oher
    ,
    ngiyakucel
    a,”hebegsNgidi
    .
    Ngi
    dit
    urnst
    heot
    herwayandshut
    shi
    seyes.
    “Ndondo!
    ”hescr
    eamsbef
    oreNdl
    ali
    fapul
    lshi
    m out
    ofthedoor
    .
    Themanf ol
    lowsout
    .Isl
    idedownt
    hewal
    landsink
    onthefl
    oor.Icat
    chagli
    mpseofNgi
    diwi
    pinghi
    s
    eyesbef
    oreleavi
    ngt
    hebedroom.
    Iwant
    edt hi
    s.Itol
    dBab'Maqhawetot
    ellthem,
    I
    knewthatthey'
    dint
    erveneandfi
    ndasoluti
    ont
    othi
    s
    dil
    emma.
    Butithurt
    s,sosobad.Iwasn'tt
    herewhenhedied,
    todayjustgavemethatexper
    ience,
    thatf
    eel
    ingof
    l
    osi
    ngsomeonewhomeantsomet
    hingt
    oyou.
    I
    tfeel
    sli
    kehe'
    sdyi
    ngagai
    n.
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    42] :Chapt
    er53
    MAQHAWESI
    BISI

    It'
    sbeendayssi nceDumi sani wentmi ssi
    ng.Butfor
    af ewdayshehadt opusht hatt ot hebackofhi s
    headandf ocusonhi sdaught er.She' snotcopi ngat
    all
    , therecentupdatetheygotf rom Ngi diwasnot
    goodandt hathasmadet hingswor se.Getti
    nghim
    backi ntohimselfmayt aket i
    me.Anot hercallt
    hat
    Ngi digavet oMaqhawesecr etl
    y, car r
    iedthenews
    thatNdabukohadl osthissani ty.Ndondocannot
    seehi mi nthatstat
    e,hedoesn' tr emembermost
    det ail
    sofhislif
    eandr umblest hingst hatnobody
    canmakesenseof .Inyangat hat'st akingcareof
    him saysi twil
    lblowover ,
    thenhe’ llbeabletogo
    homeandl ockNhlanzekooutoft heMngomezul u
    ancest ry.
    Ndondohastotoughenupandst
    ayst
    rongf
    orhi
    s
    r
    ecover
    y.Ever
    yoneishopingf
    ort
    hebest
    .
    Hewasn'tsupposedt
    ostayinDurbanthi
    slong,
    it'
    s
    al
    readycausi
    ngtensi
    onbetweenhim andJabu.
    Hest andsinthebal
    cony,puff
    inghi
    scigaretteand
    pressingthebutt
    onsofhi
    sphone.Hehast hreeCall
    MeBackmessages, hedi
    dn'thearthem beepingi
    n
    andhe’ saboutt
    ogethisheadbitt
    enoff.
    “Mama,”hesaysinasof
    tenedvoi
    ce,
    sil
    ent
    ly
    prayi
    ngforalessbi
    tt
    err
    esponse.
    “
    Nowyoucal
    lme?
    ”Jabuasks,
    har
    shl
    y.
    Wel
    l,
    heexpect
    edt
    his.
    “Thi
    ngsar
    enotgoodher
    eJabu.I
    '
    m notnegl
    ect
    ing
    you,
    ”hesays.
    Si
    lence.
    “
    Ndondoi
    snotwel
    l.
    ”
    Thatget
    sherat
    tent
    ion!
    “
    What
    'swr
    ongwi
    thNdondo?
    ”sheasks.
    I
    t'
    ssounli
    kehimtousehischi
    ldasashi
    eld,
    butthe
    l
    astt
    hingheneedsr
    ightnowistobeonbadter
    ms
    wi
    thhi
    swi
    fe,
    hispi
    ll
    arofst
    rengt
    h.
    “
    Mngomezuluwastakentoinyanga,he'
    snot
    ment
    all
    ywell
    ."Atl
    easthe'
    stell
    ingthetr
    uth,
    even
    t
    houghit
    'sf
    orthewrongreasons.
    “Maybeyoushoul
    dbringNdondohome.I
    'm sur
    e
    t
    hatwomandoesn'tevencheckonher
    .Has
    Dumisanimadeanycontact
    ?”
    Maqhawe'sl
    ipscur
    vei
    ntoavi
    ctor
    ioussmi
    le.
    They'
    regoodnow!
    “No.Ithinki
    t'
    st i
    meIgoseeVumi l
    eandpl anaway
    for
    war d.Andiswahasopenedacaseofmi ssi
    ng
    person,butIdon'tt
    hinkt
    hatwouldhelp.Hiscar
    cannotbet r
    acked.Thisneedsumhlahlo,
    ”Maqhawe
    says.
    “
    Youknowt
    hey'
    l
    lneveragr
    eet
    othat
    ,”Jabusays
    wit
    hasi
    gh.
    “Ij
    ustwanttotalkt
    ohim andmoveon.Imi
    ssyour
    food,Idon’
    tevenknownamesofthethi
    ngs
    Andiswaisfeedi
    ngmeher e.
    ”
    Jabucr
    acksi
    ntol
    aught
    er.I
    t'
    sar
    eli
    eft
    oheart
    hat
    ,at
    l
    eastNomagugui snottr
    yinganyfoodadvanceson
    herman.Sheistheonlyonewhoknowshowt o
    makehisli
    verandhowhel i
    keshi
    stea.
    “Seri
    ously,Imissyoumywi f
    e.I
    'm counti
    ngdays
    beforeIsleepnexttoyouagai
    n,”hesays.
    “Imissyouaswel l
    ,sokhaya.Pl
    easekeepaneyeon
    Ndondo, st
    ressi
    snotgoodf orher
    .Maybetryt
    o
    convincehertocomehome, ”shesays.
    “Okay,Iwi
    ll
    .”Hewon'
    t,becauseshe'
    scl
    osertothe
    doctor
    swhenshe'shere,i
    twouldbeadif
    ferent
    stor
    yifshegoestoNyandeni.

    Heendst hecal
    lashehear sfoot
    stepsbehindhim.
    Heknowsbef oreheevent ur
    nshishead.It
    'shis
    brot
    her'
    sdaughter,shealwayshasint
    erest
    ing
    questi
    onstoask.Somet i
    messheevent al
    kt ohim
    aboutherboyfr
    iend.Theaudacit
    y!
    “
    Wast
    hatyourwi
    fe?
    ”sheasks.
    She'
    surban,
    buthetr
    iestoteachhermanner
    sand
    howtobehavel
    ikeaSibi
    siasmuchashecan.
    “I
    t'
    syourmot
    her,youcal
    lherMa.Yesi
    twasher
    ,”
    hesaysashepusheshisphonebacki
    nhi
    spocket.
    Shewantedtogivehim herol
    dphone,t
    hoset
    hin,
    fl
    atoneswithl
    ongscreens.ButMaqhaweref
    used,
    he'
    sloyalt
    ohisNokia.
    “
    Ineedt
    ogoandseeyouraunt
    ,”het
    ell
    sher
    .
    “
    AboutDad?
    ”
    “
    Yes,
    ”henods.
    Dumi sani
    ’
    sdisappearancehasaf fectedhermore
    thananyone.Ndondodoesn' tcar
    eatal l.Shehasn'
    t
    doneanythingtohelporevenbot heredt oaskhow
    theinvest
    igat
    ioni
    sgoi ng.She'swor r
    iedabouther
    ownt urmoilt
    hati
    sherl i
    fe.
    “Babadoyouknowsomet
    hingt
    hatIdon'
    t?
    ”
    Andiswaasks.
    Maqhawef
    rownsal
    it
    tl
    eandt
    hencl
    ear
    shi
    sthr
    oat
    .
    “Imean,ever
    yoneischi
    ll
    ed.Al
    lofasuddennobody
    caresaboutdad.I
    sthi
    saf ami
    lyf
    ightorwhat
    ?”
    Todayhecannotanswerherquest
    ions.Ndondoor
    Nomagugumustt el
    lhert
    hetrut
    habout“ dad"when
    t
    het
    imei
    sri
    ght
    .
    “It
    hinkeveryonei
    sdeal
    ingwi
    ththesit
    uat
    ion
    dif
    ferent
    ly.I
    t'
    snott
    hatt
    heydon'
    tcare,
    ”hesays.
    Andi
    swaexhal
    es,
    “Iguessyou'
    rer
    ight
    .Doyouwant
    metodr
    iveyou?We'
    llt
    akeNdondo'sG-Wagon.
    ”
    Maqhawel
    if
    tsuphi
    seyebr
    owandchuckl
    esbr
    ief
    ly.
    “We?Didn’
    tshesayyoumustst
    ickt
    othatsmal
    l
    oneshegaveyou?”
    “Urgh!Ican'
    teventakenicepictur
    esinthatcar
    .I'
    m
    abouttobecomeani nf
    luenceronInst
    agram,what
    aremyf oll
    owersgoingtothink?”
    Maqhawecanonlysympathi
    zewithasadlook.For
    r
    eal
    ,whatki
    ndofajobistheinf
    luencerandwhere'
    s
    I
    nst
    agram l
    ocat
    ed?
    .
    .
    Theyheadt oVumile'
    shouse,i
    t'
    llbeMaqhawe’s
    fi
    rstti
    meset t
    ingafoott
    hereandmeet i
    nghis
    brother-i
    n-l
    aw.Hewasn'teveninvit
    edtothei
    r
    weddi ng.That,Vumil
    e'
    sparti
    nhi sandDumisani’
    s
    ri
    valr
    y,hurt
    shim morethananythi
    ng.She'shi
    sonl
    y
    si
    ster,shewasn'
    tsupposedtotakesides.
    “
    BabadoyouknowCar
    diB?
    ”Andi
    swaasks.
    Hewasl ostinhisdeept
    houghts,
    butAndi
    swa
    doesn'tl
    ikesi
    lence,
    notf
    rom amanwhowasn'ti
    n
    herli
    feforadecadeandyears.
    “
    No,
    am Ir
    elat
    edt
    oher
    ?”heasks.
    Sherol
    lshereyes.Hesi
    lent
    lyprayst
    hatshewon't
    betoogeneroustoshar
    edetai
    lsonwhot hati
    s.
    “ShewasonLove&Hi pHop.Nowshe'smar r
    iedt
    o
    Offsetandshe'soneofthemostsuccessfulf
    emale
    rappers.YouknowMi gos,r
    ight
    ?I'
    m notsurewhoI
    l
    ikemor ebetweenOffsetandQuavo.”
    Henods, whatelsecouldhedo?Thesear ethe
    peopleshealwaystalksabout;peopl
    ewhoar enot
    rel
    atedtotheSibisi
    sanddon'timpactherli
    fewit
    h
    anythi
    ng.
    “Gosh!Youshoul
    dseeyoursi
    ster
    'shusband.He
    hascurvesandahugebooty.
    ”
    Hecr
    acksup.HenevermetanyofVumi
    le'
    s
    boyf
    ri
    endwhentheywereyoungbutheexpect
    ed
    hert
    ohavetast
    e.ThewayAndiswadescri
    beshim
    pai
    ntsanot
    herpi
    ctur
    e.

    Thecarpar ksi
    nfrontabr i
    ckr anchhouse.I t
    'snot
    bigasmosthousesi ntheneighbour hood,buti
    ts
    mostf eat
    uresaremoder nandt heyar diskeptneat.
    There'
    samanont heveranda,withoutseeinghis
    curvesMaqhawequi ckl
    yassumest hathe'
    st he
    husband.Howni ceitmustbe?Hej ustmeta
    womanandmar riedher.Hedi dn'
    tevenbot herto
    checkwher eshecamef r
    om.

    Hewasr eadi
    nganewspaper,
    butwhenhesaw
    them pul
    li
    nguphefol
    dedthenewspaperandst
    ared
    atthem.
    “Malume!
    ”Andi
    swagr
    eet
    secst
    ati
    cal
    lyandgoest
    o
    givehi
    m ahug.
    “I
    sAunthome?Herbrotherisher
    e,”sheasksand
    doesn'
    twai
    tforhi
    sanswer.Shewal ksi
    nsidet
    he
    house,
    yel
    li
    ngforheraunttocomeout .
    “Maqhawe?”Themangetsupfr
    om hi
    schair,
    adjust
    shi
    sglassesandl
    ooksathi
    mfrom headt
    o
    toe.
    “
    Ihearyouaremarr
    iedt
    omysi st
    er,
    ”Maqhawesays,
    t
    ryi
    ngnottosoundasannoyedashereal
    lyi
    s.
    “Ohyes,
    Vumi
    lei
    smywi f
    e.I
    '
    m Jonat
    han.
    "Hepul
    ls
    outhi
    shandf
    orashake.
    “
    Nicetomeetyou.Ihavecomet
    otal
    ktoher
    ,”
    Maqhawe.
    Hegrant
    shimtheper
    missi
    ont
    owal
    kinandsl
    owl
    y
    f
    oll
    owsafterhi
    m.

    Vumileisshockedt oseeMaqhawei nherhouse.


    Shedi dhearthathewasi nDurbanandt ryi
    ngto
    l
    ookf orDumi saniwhosuddenlydisappeared.But
    theyhaven'thadaconversati
    on,li
    kesitt
    ingdownas
    peoplewhocamef rom t
    hesamewombandt al
    ked
    abouttheirpast.
    Gr
    eet
    ingsareexchanged,t
    heneveryonecl
    earst
    o
    gi
    vet
    hem space.Well
    ,exceptf
    orthebrot
    her-
    in-
    law.
    Vumil
    eshoot
    sal ookathi
    m, ascoldi
    ngmeaningf
    ul
    one,
    andhequicklyt
    akeshiscurvesoutoft
    heroom.
    Thei
    rweddi
    ngpictur
    esarehangingonthewall.I
    t
    wasabeaut
    ifulweddi
    ng,Dumisanigaveheraway
    andAndi
    swawasaf l
    owergi
    rl
    .
    Maqhawetakeshiseyesofft
    hepi
    ctur
    esandlookat
    Vumil
    e.She'
    salsostar
    ingathi
    m.Shewantshimto
    gofi
    rst
    .
    “
    I'
    m her
    etotal
    kaboutDumi
    sani
    ,
    ”-that'
    sthef
    ir
    st
    t
    hinghesaysandi
    tthr
    owsVumil
    eof f
    .
    “Nowyoucare?
    ”sheasks.“Oryou'
    rej
    usther
    eto
    cel
    ebr
    ateandworm yourwaybacktoNomagugu?”
    “IhaveawifeathomeVumile.Andj
    ustbecause
    yout woabandonedme,
    itdoesn'
    tmeanthatIdon'
    t
    care.Dumisanidi
    dmewrongbuthe'
    sstil
    lmy
    blood.”
    “Yourparentsdi
    dyouwr ongMaqhawe, notDumi.
    Youdon'tknowt hethi
    ngshewentt hroughasaboy
    becauseofyourf at
    her.Youprot
    ectedusf r
    om the
    outsi
    ders,butneverfr
    om yourbel
    ovedpar ent
    s.You
    weretheeldestMaqhawe, t
    hemostlovedonebut
    youjustchosenottobet her
    e.Andnowyout hi
    nk
    weoweyousomet hing?”She'
    sget t
    ingwarmedup.
    There'
    ssomuchi nsideherchestandshe' swai
    ted
    fort
    histi
    met ocomef orverylong.Thedayshe'd
    l
    ookatMaqhawei nt heeyesandt ellhi
    m howmuch
    hefail
    edthem ashissibli
    ngs.
    “
    Themostlovedone?
    ”Maqhawel
    etsoutachuckl
    e
    i
    ndi
    sbel
    ief
    .
    “Youdi dasyoupl eased.Stayedawayandgotaway
    witheverythi
    ng.Doyouknowhowmanyt i
    mes
    Dumi saniwassacr i
    ficedbyyourmot hertosave
    you?Doyouknowhowyourf atherneverreal
    ly
    l
    ovedDumi sanibutonl yacceptedhimf orthesake
    ofkeepinghismar r
    iage?Whi l
    eyouwer eoutther
    e,
    huntingforhisbloodandmaki ngfunofhi s
    manhood, hewasbei ngdeniedt heri
    ghttoknowhi s
    fatherandbeingt i
    edt oagirlwhowast hr
    eeyears
    olderthanhim becausehehadsavet hefamilyfr
    om
    Goqo. ”
    “
    WhowasGoqo?
    ”Maqhaweasks.
    “
    Oh,
    youknewhi
    m asPast
    orMasuku?You'
    ve
    al
    waysbeensel
    f-
    cent
    eredMaqhawe!
    ”
    Shedespi
    seshi
    m.It'
    snotabouthisri
    val
    rywith
    Dumisani
    .No,
    it'
    sdeepert
    hanthatandhe'shel
    l
    conf
    used.
    “Youknowt heonlytimewewer etreatedfairlywas
    whenyouwer ehome?Becauset heyhadt opainta
    goodpi ctureofthemselvesinyoureyes.Doyou
    knowt hei njur
    iesIsuff
    eredduringmyl astteenage
    yearsbecauseyourbel ovedpar entshaddr agged
    met oagr andmotherwhor ut
    hlesslyterminat edmy
    fi
    rstchild?”
    Hebr
    usheshi
    sheadandexhal
    es.Thi
    s…i
    t'
    sal
    ott
    o
    t
    akei
    n.
    “Ihear
    dthatf
    rom Nomagugu.Younevert
    oldme
    anythi
    ngVumile.
    ”
    “Wher
    ewereyouMaqhawe?”Tearsar
    etrol
    li
    ng
    downonherface.Hi
    scl
    uel
    essnessmakesherso
    mad!
    “Doyouhaveanyi
    deawhoDumi
    sani
    ’
    sfat
    herwas?
    ”
    sheasks.
    “Idon't,
    ”hesays,
    swall
    owingbackhar
    d.Truet
    oGod,
    hedi dn'
    tknowthatDumisani
    wasonlyhi
    shalf
    brother.
    “Youdon'tknowanyt
    hingatall
    ?Whydidn'
    tyoust
    ay
    athome? ”Vumil
    easks,wi
    pinghert
    ear
    swithher
    sleeve.
    “
    Ijustdi
    dn'
    twantt
    obet
    her
    e,”Maqhawe.
    “
    Why?Theyl
    ovedyou,
    ”Vumi
    l
    easks.
    “Didt
    hey?Nomagugumademehappy, Ilovedher
    andyouallknewthat.Ihadmyowni ssuesbutshe
    calmedmedownandgavemepur poseinlife.Why
    wasitsoeasyforthem totakethatawayf rom meif
    theyl
    ovedme?Iexpect edmor efr
    om Dumi sani.”
    “
    Andheexpectedmoref
    rom youaswel
    l
    .Iexpect
    ed
    alotf
    rom yout
    oo,
    ”Vumi
    lesays.
    “Ial
    soexpect
    edalotfrom you.You'
    ret
    heonl
    y
    sist
    ert
    hatIhavebutyoujustcutmeoff.
    ”
    Deepsi
    ghs!
    Somesi
    lence.
    “
    Iwantt
    ofi
    ndhi
    m.Weneedt
    otal
    k,mant
    oman,
    ”
    Maqhawesays.
    “IguessNomaguguisfi
    nall
    ydone,”Vumi
    lesayst
    o
    hersel
    fandheavesaheavysigh.
    Maqhawer
    aiseshi
    seyebr
    ows.
    “
    Youknowhowt
    reat
    sher
    ?”heasks.
    “
    TrustmeIhavepr
    ayedf
    ort
    hem,
    ”shesays.
    Hecl
    encheshi
    sjaws.TF!
    “Andwhatdi
    ff
    erencehasyourl
    ousypr
    ayer
    smade?
    He'sanani
    malhidi
    ngbehi
    ndGod.”
    “
    Hel
    phi
    mf indhi
    sri
    ghtf
    amil
    yandstopbl
    ami
    nghi
    m
    f
    ort
    het
    hingshehadnocont
    rolover
    .”
    Ami nut
    eofsilencepasses.Somewei
    ghthasbeen
    shedoffthei
    rshoulder
    s.
    “
    Howdi
    dyoumeetJabu?
    ”Vumi
    leasks.
    Asmi lecreepsoutofhisface.Itwasal
    ongtime
    agobuthest i
    llr
    emember sthedayli
    kei
    twas
    yesterday.Hewi sheshecould'
    vedonet
    hings
    dif
    ferentl
    y.Maybel oveherbett
    erandbether
    eat
    thebirthofhisson.
    “That
    'shect
    ic.Ican'
    tbel
    ieveshef
    orgaveyou,
    ”-
    Vumile.
    “
    Shedid,butshehasn'
    tforgot
    ten.Shei
    sagr eat
    mother
    ,agoodwifeandshecoul dbeagoodsi st
    er-
    i
    n-l
    aw.Shegavemear easontoli
    veagai
    n.”He’si
    n
    l
    oveandit'
    ssogoodt owatch.
    “
    Andyou.That'
    syourhusband?Thatman?
    ”
    Maqhaweasks.
    Vumi l
    ecracksi
    ntol
    aught
    er.Wel
    l,
    shehasher
    reasons.
    “
    He'
    sagoodhusband,
    ”shesays,
    sti
    lll
    aughi
    ng.
    “
    That
    'sal
    l?
    ”Maqhawe.
    “Andstabl
    e.I'
    m notJabuwhochoseamanwho'd
    keepherinthevil
    lagewi
    thgoat
    sherwhol
    eli
    fe.
    ”
    “
    Atl
    eastIl
    ookgood,
    Idon'
    tgi
    veherni
    ght
    mar
    es.
    ”
    Theylaugh.Fornowi t
    'saboutt
    hem, asbrot
    herand
    si
    ster
    .Afterthisl
    it
    tl
    emomentofr eunit
    ingand
    l
    aughterthey'
    llworr
    yaboutDumi sani.
    .
    .
    THALENTE

    He'
    sbeenstari
    ngatmef orawhi l
    e.Thel
    astcouple
    ofdayshavebeenhard,Iknewthathecaredabout
    NdabukobutIdidn'
    tknowthismuch.He'sworried
    morethanhewaswhenMaqhi ngawentmi ssi
    ng.
    Hesmokesal ot,t
    hat'
    swhathedoeswhenhe's
    stressed.Nowhedoesn' tcarewherehesmokes;
    bedr oom,kitchen,l
    ounge,onmyfaceoranywhere.
    I'
    vebeent hi
    nkingaboutmovingbacktomyshack,
    I'
    m scaredf ormyl ungs,
    butIcan'
    tleavehi
    minthis
    state.Also,wheream IgoingtowatchDSTVifIgo
    backt oCannel ands?
    “
    Doyouwanttocuddl
    e?”Iaskhi
    m.He'
    sbeenwei
    rd
    f
    ort
    oolong.
    “
    No,
    ”hesays.
    I
    'm of
    fended,Icuddl
    ehi
    sbl
    ackassl
    ikeat
    eddbear
    ,
    whyisher ef
    using?
    “
    Areyoubei
    ngcuddl
    edbysomeoneel
    se?
    ”Iask.
    Helaughs,
    outoft
    heblueandreal
    lyhard.Iwasn'
    t
    t
    ryi
    ngtobeacomedian,hereal
    lyoff
    endedme.
    Hestopsl
    aughi
    ngandpul
    lsmei
    ntohi
    sarms.
    BecauseI
    '
    m pet
    ty,
    Ifol
    dmyarmsandgl
    areathi
    m
    i
    cil
    y.
    “
    Ther
    eisaf
    ami
    lyl
    unchonSat
    urday,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Oh,okay,
    ”Isay,
    notsur
    eifhe’
    sgi
    vingani
    nvi
    teor
    what
    .
    “
    Yourf
    ami
    lyi
    sinvi
    ted,
    ”hesays.
    Okay!Thisonei sf
    unny.Weeatl unch;ameal
    duringtheday.Butwedon'tdressupandgot o
    otherpeople'
    shousestoeatlunch.Ifyoudon'
    thave
    foodyouaskf rom t
    heneighboursandcookinyour
    ownhouse.Ther e'
    snowaymymot herisgoi
    ngto
    comeal lt
    hewayf rom Khangel
    anitoeatfoodin
    Durban.
    Andi
    sn'
    tthi
    sashor
    tnot
    ice?
    “Babarequest
    editandhe'
    smadepr epar
    ati
    ons.He
    wantstomeetyourfamil
    ybefor
    elobola
    negoti
    ati
    onsstar
    t,
    ”hesays.
    “Ndlal
    if
    a!”I'
    m shocked.Hecan'
    tthr
    owthis
    bombshel lonmet wodaysawayf r
    om t
    heproposed
    date.
    “
    We'
    l
    lfet
    cht
    hem,
    ”hesays.
    That
    'snoteventhechal
    lengingpar
    t.Tel
    li
    ng
    MaNgobeseisahugepr oblem.Shedoesn'teven
    knowthatI
    'm seei
    ngsomeone.
    “
    Ihaven'
    ttol
    dmymom aboutus,
    ”Isay.
    “That
    'syourprobl
    em.Maybeyoushouldlether
    knowbeforeresti
    ngt
    hatbi
    gforeheadofyourson
    myarms,”hesays.
    Thehoneymoonphaseisreal
    lyover,f
    rom ki
    sseson
    thef
    oreheadto“
    rest
    ingt
    hatbigforeheadofyours
    onmyar ms.”
    “
    Whati
    fIdon'
    t?
    ”Iask,
    justt
    odar
    ethedevi
    l.
    “
    Thenshe'l
    lfi
    ndoutwhenIpar
    kout
    sideyourhome
    t
    opickherup,”hesays.
    Iknowhecoulddothat,
    theot
    herhal
    fofhi
    sbr
    ain
    staysi
    nthet
    axirank.
    Itakemyphoneandst epoutofthebedroom.My
    chestisdr
    yashisbut t
    ocks.Idi
    almymom' s
    numberandcallal
    ltheMbat haancest
    orsto
    surroundmeduri
    ngt hi
    scall.
    “
    MaMbat
    ha,
    ”sheanswer
    s.
    Whataj
    oll
    ymoodshe'
    sin!
    “
    Ma,
    howi
    sever
    yone?
    ”Iask.
    “Wear egood.Sandi
    soisvi
    sit
    ingus.”Oh, t
    his
    explai
    nshermood.Sandisoisherlatebrother
    'sson,
    he'salit
    tl
    eter
    rori
    stwhocandonowr ongbecause
    hisfat
    herdiedwhenhewasst il
    laninfant.
    “That'
    sgreat
    !Ican'
    twai
    ttoseehi
    m onSat
    urday,
    ”I
    blur
    tout.
    “
    You'
    recomi
    nghomeSat
    urday?
    ”
    No,
    you'
    recomi
    ngt
    oDur
    banwoman!
    “
    Ihavet
    otel
    lyousomet
    hing,
    ”Isay.
    Ican'
    tbeli
    eveI'mthisoldandscar
    edtotal
    ktoher
    aboutboyfr
    iends.IwishIwaswhite,
    Tal
    entDeCler
    k.
    “
    Imetsomeone,
    her
    e,i
    nDur
    banandwegetal
    ong.
    ”
    Thel
    astpar
    tisali
    e,Idon'
    tgetal
    ongwi
    tht
    hatt
    all
    gumt
    reebutIl
    ovehimt odeat
    h.
    “
    Aman?
    ”Gosh,
    hert
    one!
    “
    Yes,
    ”Isay.
    Aheavysi
    gh!
    “Thal
    ent
    eyoucan'
    ttr
    ustur
    banmensoeasi
    ly,
    ”she
    says.
    Idi
    dn'
    texpectt
    hisr
    esponse.It
    houghtshe'
    djust
    bi
    temyheadoff.
    “He'
    sagoodguyandhi
    sf amil
    ywantyouand
    ever
    yonet
    ocomeoverforlunch,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Forl
    unch?Yout
    oldt
    hem Idon'
    thavef
    ood?
    ”
    Phewww!
    “
    It
    'safor
    malthi
    ng,moreli
    keagather
    ingoverl
    unch
    wit
    hfamil
    yandfri
    ends,
    ”Iexpl
    ain.
    “
    Anginayoi
    maliyeqhaga,
    ”shesays.(
    Idon’
    thave
    moneyforagi
    ft)
    Idon'
    tseet
    hisl
    uncht
    hingbei
    ngsuccessf
    ul!
    “Youdon'thavetobr
    ingi
    qhaga,
    it'
    slunch,
    nota
    ceremony,”Isay.
    “
    Oh,
    okay.Wheni
    sit
    ?”
    “
    Sat
    urday,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Fine.Iwil
    lcomebutyou'
    l
    lhavet
    osendmoneyf
    or
    t
    hetaxi,
    ”shesays.
    Rel
    iefwashesal
    loverme.
    “Don'
    twor
    ryaboutthat
    ,wor
    ryaboutwhatyou'
    re
    goingt
    owear,
    ”Isay.
    “Iwi
    llbeweari
    ngthedr
    essyourauntgavemei
    n
    2006forChri
    stmas.
    ”
    TF!That
    'snothappening.Nott
    hatdr
    esst
    hatl
    ooks
    l
    ikeasariofaconfusedIndi
    anwoman!
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    42] :Chapt
    er54
    NDONDO

    Iputarobeonanddr agmysleeper
    stot
    hedoor .I
    t'
    s
    Ndlal
    i
    fa,onelookathisf
    aceandIknowthatt
    hings
    arest
    il
    lbad.Iwishtheycanl
    etmegoseehim.
    “Ndondo,
    ”Thisishiswayofgr eet
    ingme.He'
    llhave
    toexcusemef orlooki
    ngthi
    smessy.Idon't
    rememberthelasttimeIsatdown, combedmyhair
    anddidmyeyebr ows.
    “
    Howar
    eyou?
    ”Iask,
    steppi
    ngoutoft
    her
    oom.
    “
    I'
    m good,
    whatcanIsay?Babai
    sdownst
    air
    s,he
    want
    stoseeyou,
    ”hesays.
    Oh,thi
    sisasur
    pri
    se.IthoughtNgi
    diwascoming
    backtomorr
    owmor ni
    ngf ort
    hefamil
    ylunchwi
    th
    Thal
    ente'
    sfami
    ly.
    “What'
    sgoingon? ”Iask.Ihaveaknotbelowmy
    stomach.Ican'
    ttakemor eheart
    acheoflosingthe
    Mngomezul umen.IlostNhlanzekothefi
    rstti
    me
    andlosthi
    m againforthesecondtime.Now
    Ndabukowant st
    ol eavemet oo?
    “
    He'
    l
    ltel
    lyouever
    ythi
    ng.Let
    'sgo,
    ”hesays.
    Mybreat
    hi sheldupi nmyt hroat
    .I'mtryi
    ngtowrap
    myheadar oundallthepossi bil
    it
    ies.Idon'
    tsee
    mysel
    fbeingablet olivewithoutNdabuko.MyEDD
    i
    saroundthecor ner,he’ssupposedt obethere
    whenIgi
    vebi rt
    h.Hesai dhe'dbehol di
    ngmyhand,
    andIknowt hathewouldhavebeenther
    ephysical
    ly
    andemot i
    onall
    y.That
    'swhyIneededNhlanzeko’
    s
    spi
    ri
    tout.That'
    swhyIneededNdabukoback.

    InodatNgidiandlowermysel
    fonthecouch.He
    doesn'tl
    ookl
    ikesomeonewho'shadenoughsleep
    oreatenheal
    thi
    lyi
    ndays.
    Hegoesst rai
    ghttothepoint
    .Ndlal
    if
    adisappeared
    i
    nt hekit
    chen.Isti
    lldon'
    tknowwhatIwast ryingto
    achievebycomingt osleepher
    e.Thehousef eels
    empt ywit
    houthim.
    “Youarenotgoi
    ngt
    ogi
    vebi
    rt
    hthenor
    malway,
    ”he
    says.
    Thenormalway?ThatmeansIwon'
    tpopt
    hebaby
    outt
    hroughmyvagina!
    “Iwil
    lhaveaC-
    sect
    ion?”I
    'm yett
    oaskwhenhe
    star
    tedtobeamid-
    wife.
    “Youwil
    lhaveawaterbi
    rth,
    att
    heMngomezul us.
    Ndabukowon'tbet
    herebutamedicalteam and
    Ndabuko'
    sunclewi
    llbether
    etoensurethatyou'r
    e
    pr
    otect
    edatal
    lcost
    s.”
    Waterbi
    rt
    h?Tr ustmeI'veseensuchthi
    ngson
    YouTube,yes,
    everyt
    hingisabnormalwit
    hit
    .
    “
    Whosaidthat
    ?”Iask.Thi
    sisthemostr
    idi
    cul
    ous
    i
    nst
    ruct
    ionastr
    essedpregnantwomencaneverget
    .
    “
    Nxumal
    o,”hesays.
    Nxumaloist
    henyangathat
    'st
    reat
    ingNdabuko.I
    ’ve
    nevermethi
    m,orevenspoketohi
    m overt
    hephone.
    Hehashisassi
    stantswhocommunicat
    ewiththe
    outsi
    deworl
    dforhim.
    “
    Why?I
    sitgoi
    ngt
    omakeNdabukobet
    ter
    ?”Iask.
    “No,i
    t'
    sforyouandt hatbaby.I
    t'
    snotoutoffashi
    on
    ortr
    end,foryouit
    'sallaboutbi
    rt
    hingapuresoul
    andcleansi
    ng.”
    “I
    sNhlanzekothreat
    eningt
    ocomef orthebaby?”I
    ask.Thatsoulhasprovent
    obet heopposi
    teof
    whatIhadinmi nd.Allt
    hewondersIhadabouthim
    i
    nmyheadhavebeenanswer ed.Iknowexactl
    y
    howwewoul d'
    vetur
    nedout.
    “
    He’
    dneverdot
    hat
    .”He’
    sdef
    ensi
    veandof
    fended.I
    under
    standbecauseNhlanzekowaslikeasonto
    hi
    m.Hewant stokeeptheperfectpi
    ctur
    einhi
    s
    head.
    “
    Hedi
    dcomef
    orNdabuko,
    ”Isay.
    “Becausehe……”Heclear
    shist
    hr oat
    ,asift
    ocontr
    ol
    histongue.“
    Nhl
    anzekowasnotabadper son.He
    communi cat
    esdi
    ff
    erentl
    yfr
    om theothersi
    de.He
    l
    ovedNdabukomor ethananyt
    hing.”
    “I
    sther
    eanyt
    hingyou'
    renott
    ell
    ingmeMrNgi
    di?
    ”I
    ask.
    Asi
    gh!He'
    sdef
    ini
    tel
    yhi
    dingsomet
    hing.
    Ndl
    ali
    fa’
    sfoot
    stepscuttheconver
    sati
    on.He's
    car
    ryi
    ngaplat
    eoff ood.He'
    smadef ul
    lbreakf
    astf
    or
    me.
    “
    Iknowyouarestar
    vingt
    hebaby,
    ”hesays,
    put
    ti
    ng
    t
    heplat
    einf
    rontofmeandleavi
    ngagai
    n.
    Thisisniceofhi
    m.Iwasst ar
    ving;f
    eedingabodyi
    n
    anempt ysouldoesn'
    tseem l
    ikeaprior
    ityf
    orme
    l
    ately.
    “
    Whatdi
    dNdabukodo?
    ”Ihaven'
    tfor
    got
    ten,
    I'
    m
    aski
    ngbet
    weent
    hechewsandst
    ari
    ngatNgi
    di.
    “Ndabukotookyout oNhlanzeko’
    sbedroom on
    purpose.Hedidn'tknowthi
    ngswoul dtur
    noutthis
    way.It'
    sli
    keteasingadogwi t
    hapi eceofmeat.But
    hewasi nadiffi
    cultposi
    ti
    on.”
    I
    tsoundsli
    keI
    'vebeenkepti
    nthedar
    kfr
    om so
    manythi
    ngs.What'
    sthedealher
    e?
    “We'
    l
    lleavetomor
    rowaf
    ter
    noon.I
    t'
    simport
    antthat
    youwaitatt
    heMngomezul
    upremises,
    ”hesays.
    “I
    sthatanor
    der?Ij
    usthavetoupandl
    eave?Who
    am Igoi
    ngtost
    aywithther
    e?”
    “I
    fhisauntdoesn'
    tcomet
    henwe'
    l
    lhi
    rea
    housekeeper
    .”
    TheauntI'
    venevermet ?I '
    drat
    hert akeHloniwith
    me.Thisisgett
    ingmor ecompl icated.Ihardl
    yhave
    avoiceinanydecisi
    ont hat'
    sbei ngtaken.Ihaveto
    fl
    owwi t
    heveryt
    hing,becauset helastthingNgidi
    needsri
    ghtnow, i
    smyst ubbor
    nness.
    “
    Areyoucomi
    ngt
    oluncht
    omor
    row?
    ”Ndl
    ali
    faasks.
    Idi
    dn'
    tnot
    icet
    hathewasst
    andi
    ngt
    her
    e,byt
    he
    bookshel
    fandgoi
    ngt
    hroughsomedocument
    s.
    “
    No,
    I'
    llgohomeandcheckonmymot
    her
    ,”Isay.
    “
    Yourf
    atheri
    sst
    il
    lmi
    ssi
    ng?
    ”Ngi
    di.
    Phoner
    ings.I
    t’
    smymot
    her
    .
    “Notyet,
    ”Isayt
    ohim bef
    oreanswer
    ingand
    steppi
    ngoutofther
    oom.

    Ther
    earesni
    ff
    sinherbackgr
    ound.If
    rownasmy
    hear
    tst
    art
    storace.
    “
    Mom,
    isever
    ythi
    ngokay?
    ”Iask.
    “Theyfoundhi
    m.Cather
    ineBoot
    hhospi
    tal
    .Hewas
    knockedbyacarorsomethi
    ng.”
    Iwasn' thopingforhishappyr
    etur
    n,buthear
    ingt
    his
    andr eali
    zingthatit
    '
    sBahlesnif
    fi
    ngbehindher
    crushesme.
    “
    Ishest
    il
    lal
    ive?
    ”Iask.
    “Yes.Hewasi nICUbutnowhe'
    sout.Theysayhi
    s
    spinalcor
    dcracked,
    sothatmeanshe'
    llbei
    na
    wheelchai
    r.”
    God!That
    'sabi
    ttoomuch.
    “Howareyoufeel
    ing?Whenar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    osee
    him?”Iask.
    “Maybet omorr
    ow.Vumi l
    eandMaqhawewentt her
    e.
    Ihavet omakesurethatyourbr
    otherisokay,andI
    sti
    llneedtocal
    landbreakthenewst oAndiswa.Oh,
    andt hechur
    chtoo.”
    Itmakessense.Butmyf
    ir
    stquest
    ionwasn'
    t
    answered.
    “
    Howar
    eyouf
    eel
    ing?
    ”Ir
    epeatt
    hequest
    ion.
    “
    I'
    m st
    il
    ltr
    yingt
    owr
    apmyheadar
    oundi
    t.
    ”
    Iguesst hat'
    sallshe'
    sgoingtosay.I
    t'
    ssti
    llgoi
    ngt
    o
    gettough, he'
    l
    lrequir
    eextraat
    tent
    ionandsomeone
    who'llbebyhi sside24/
    7.
    “
    Okay,
    I'
    llbet
    her
    einanhour
    ,”Isayanddr
    opt
    hecal
    l.
    Ihavetodealwit
    hallt
    hisnow?WhenI'
    m heavi
    ly
    pregnantandf
    ighti
    ngtheMngomezul
    ughost
    battl
    es!
    .
    .
    BHEKI
    ZITHA“
    NGONYAMA”NGI
    DI

    It
    'sthenightbef orel
    unchwi t
    ht heMbat has.He
    didn'
    tthinkthingswouldbet hiscomplicat ed.The
    nightbeforehel eftt
    henyanga’ shomest eadwher e
    Ndabukoi skept,hehadwethi sbedandhewas
    rumblingmor et hanever.They'vebeent hr oughthis
    before,Zamaf uzewast hereandt akingcar eofhi m.
    Hewasi nandoutofhospi tal
    s.Butthist imear ound
    i
    t'sdiff
    erentandNgi didoesn'twantNdondot oever
    seehi mlikethat.Sohelplessandsi ck!
    Hewant stot akesides,t
    obl ameNhl anzekoandcal l
    him adevilorangryghost .Buthecan' tbri
    ng
    himsel
    ftodoi t
    .Lif
    ewasn' tfairtoNhlanzeko,i
    t
    neverwas, anddeepdownNgi diknowshowmuch
    hecaredaboutNdabuko.I t'
    shi swayof
    communi catingthat'
    sdistasteful
    ,whichiswhy
    l
    ockinghim outoft heancest rysoundedlikeagood
    planunti
    ltheyexpl ai
    nedtohi m whatitmeans.He' l
    l
    beamongami ll
    ionlostsouls,hewon' tbeabl
    et o
    communi cat
    ewi t
    hhisfami
    lyevenwhenhe'
    sin
    need.Therewon'tbeanyceremoni
    esper
    for
    medfor
    him.Allt
    hisbreakhi
    sheart.

    Therearesof tstepscomi ngbehind.Theyst opand


    he'sal
    readyf eltwhoi ti
    s.They'r
    eallhere,t
    heki ds
    andher.Maqhi ngafetchedher,togatherwiththem
    i
    nt omorrow'sl unchwi t
    htheMbat has.Thiswas
    supposedt obeagoodni ghtt
    ospendandhavea
    gooddinnerasf amily.Buthe'
    shere,standing
    behindthebal conydoorwi thaglassofwhi skyin
    hishand,lostinhi sownmi sery.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”sheasks,
    standi
    ngbehi
    ndhi
    m.
    He'snotusedtothi
    squesti
    on.Nobodyaskshimif
    he'
    sokayornot.It'
    snobody'
    sjob.He'
    sthefat
    her
    ,
    notthewayaround.
    Heswallowsasipandslowlytur
    nstolookather.
    She'
    swear i
    ngasimplenavydress,
    blackpumps
    andforachange,shedoesn'
    thaveadoekonher
    head.Hersil
    kyhai
    rispl
    ainl
    ycombedt otheback.
    Shel
    ooksabi
    tyoungerl
    iket
    his.
    “
    Aret
    heyasl
    eep?
    ”heasksher
    .
    “Yeah,
    they’veal
    lgonetot
    hei
    rrooms,
    ”shesays.“
    I
    askedifyou'r
    eokay?”
    Hewashopi
    ngt
    hatshe'
    dlett
    hisonego.
    “Justalit
    tl
    estr
    essedout.Butt
    hat'
    spar
    tofl
    if
    e,we
    can'tbehappyallt
    heti
    me,”hesayswit
    hashrug
    andf akegri
    n.
    Shestepsfor
    ward.He'
    sstari
    ngather,captur
    ingal
    l
    herf
    acialf
    eatur
    esandstori
    ngthem i
    nhi shead.
    “Maybeyoushoul
    dsharewhateverl
    it
    tl
    ethingt
    hat
    's
    str
    essi
    ngyououtbecauseyoulookawful
    ,”she
    says.
    HepushesasidetheMngomezulubatt
    lesandall
    hi
    ssorrows.Hesipsonhisdri
    nk,hi
    seyesgluedon
    herandmakingherabituncomfort
    abl
    e.Shewants
    hi
    mt oshare,
    right
    ?
    “Ineedsomebodyt
    oloveandshar
    emyl
    if
    ewi
    th,
    ”he
    says.
    Phumzi
    lei
    sstunned.That'
    snotwhatshet
    hought
    thi
    swasal
    labout.Shethoughtmaybehewas
    t
    hinki
    ngaboutSnakhoorwor
    ri
    edaboutwor
    kst
    uff
    .
    “It
    hinkwecanbot hagreeonhowhar di ti
    stokeep
    thefami
    lyintactsingle-
    handedl
    y,toli
    stentoyour
    ownheartbeatthroughoutthenightandhave
    nobodytoleanont o.Tohavenoonebutyour sel
    f!
    ”
    Shecl
    earshert
    hroat
    ;whydidshecomeher eagai
    n?
    Thi
    sthi
    ngofalwaystr
    yingt
    obeMot herHen!
    “
    Yeah,
    Iknow,
    ”shenods.
    Helooksar
    ound,asi
    fscanni
    ngal
    lcor
    ner
    sofhi
    s
    spaci
    oushouse.
    “Yoursi
    ster'
    shouseiscoldandempt y.I
    'venever
    beencomf ort
    ablebri
    ngingawomani nthehouse,
    aroundmyki ds.ButI
    'vefor
    givennow.I'
    m atpeace
    withherbeinggone.”
    “That
    's….
    .good!”She'snotsurewherethi
    sis
    heading,
    shewasn' theretodiscusshear
    tmatter
    s
    withhim,shejustwantedt oseeifhewasokay.He
    j
    ustlefti
    nthemi ddleofdinner.
    “
    No,
    it’
    snot
    ,becauseI
    '
    mlonel
    y,
    ”hesays.
    Shechuckl
    es,
    looksar
    oundf
    orsomet
    hingt
    osi
    ton
    butfi
    ndsnone.Okay,t
    hiswil
    lbeawkwar
    d!Even
    moreawkwar difshel
    eaveshi
    minthemiddl
    eofa
    conversat
    ion.
    “KaLindaMkhonto,pl
    easeletmeknowifwhatI'
    m
    aboutt osayof
    fendsyouinanyway.”He'
    ssteppi
    ng
    closer!Why?Whatisheabouttosay?Atthi
    sage,
    whent hey'r
    ebothaboutt
    ohavegrandki
    dsand……
    “Canyoucomeandr evi
    vethefir
    eyoursi
    sterleft
    burni
    ngattheNgidi
    s?Idon'twantt
    obealone
    anymore.Andyou'r
    etheonlywomanIcant rustand
    beabletotur
    nthi
    shouseintoahomewi t
    h.”
    Sheshut
    shereyesandexhal
    es!
    “
    I'
    m notMagci
    na,
    Bheki
    ,
    ”shesays.
    “
    I'
    m awar
    eoft
    hat
    .YouarePhumzi
    leandI'
    m aski
    ng
    t
    osharemyl
    if
    ewit
    hyou.Pl
    easebewithme.”
    No,
    no,
    no!He'
    sget
    ti
    ngcl
    oset
    oher
    .
    “
    BhekiI
    '
    mtoool
    dfor
    …”
    Facegrabbed!Bef
    oreshecanevenbli
    nk,hisl
    ips
    havecrashedonhers.Hesucksherl
    owerlip,
    smoothlybutqui
    ckl
    y,andthenli
    nkshi
    sforehead
    ont
    oher
    s.
    Herchesti
    saboutt
    obursti
    ntohal
    ves.Herhear
    tis
    t
    hudding.Aki
    ss?Fr
    om him?
    “Weal sohaveneeds.Emot ionally,
    physical
    lyand
    sexually.TheonlyreasonIwi l
    ltakeforyour
    rej
    ectioni si
    fyou'r
    enotattract
    edt omeori fyou'
    re
    notcomf ort
    ablewit
    hthefactthatIwasi na
    rel
    ationshipwi t
    hyourlat
    esi st
    er.ButI'
    m nottaki
    ng
    thi
    sagenonsensef rom you.”He'sstari
    ngather.
    Afterthatstolenki
    ssshecannotbr i
    ngherselft
    o
    holdhisst are.
    “Ourki
    dsaregr
    ownBheki
    .Whataretheygoi
    ngt
    o
    say?Whati
    sNdlal
    if
    agoi
    ngtothi
    nkifIgoformy
    sist
    er'
    sman?”
    “Itol
    dyouwhi chreasonsI'm goingtounderstand
    andmakepeacewi th.Ri
    ghtnowyou' retel
    li
    ngme
    aboutotherpeople'
    sproblems.Ndl al
    if
    adoesn' tst
    ay
    here,hedoesn'tknowwhenI 'm hungryorcold.He
    doesn'thugme, hedoesn'
    taskhowI '
    mf eel
    ingor
    blushformelikethis,
    ”hesays.
    Shebl
    ushesevenmor
    e.Thi
    siswr
    ongi
    nsomany
    ways!
    “
    Trysomet
    hingel
    se,
    ”hesays.
    Sheexhal esdeepl yandbatt
    leswithherinner
    thoughts.Shecan' tdenytheatt
    racti
    onbecauseit'
    s
    obviouslythere.Maybeit'
    sbecausehe' sever
    ythi
    ng
    thatshet houghtnomancoul deverbe.Hemakes
    herseet hisspeciescall
    edmendi ff
    erentl
    y.
    “
    Ihaveal
    if
    ebackhome,
    ”shesays.
    Thi
    ssoundsgoodenough.Imagi
    net
    wool
    dpeopl
    e
    i
    nalongdist
    ancer
    elat
    ionshi
    p?
    “Whatli
    fe?Looki
    ngafterhousesandgraves?You
    deser
    vemor einl
    ifePhumzile,
    ”hesays.
    “
    WhatifI
    '
    m okaywithmyl
    if
    eli
    ket
    hat
    ?IfIdon'
    t
    wantmor
    e?”sheasks.
    “
    ThenI
    '
    lll
    etyougo,
    ”hesays.
    Thatwassur
    pri
    singl
    yeasyf
    orhi
    mtosay!
    “
    Butyouhavet
    oseet
    heot
    hersi
    deoft
    hecoi
    nfi
    rst
    .”
    Oh,
    ther
    eisacondi
    ti
    on?
    Sher
    aiseshereyebr
    ow.
    “
    Meani
    ng?
    ”sheasks.
    Hedoesn' texplai
    n,hegrabsherneck,t
    hist i
    mehe
    doesn'tstealtheki
    ssnorsurpri
    seher.No, shesees
    i
    tcomi ng.Hi seyesgrowingsof
    tandhislips
    quiver
    ingashebr i
    ngshisfacecl
    oser.Shehear shis
    heavybr eathsandseesthedesperati
    oninhi seyes.
    Hekissesherandshewasr eadyforit
    .Hishands
    arewrappedaroundherneck.Assoonasshe
    ki
    sseshim back,her
    emovesonehand.I tsli
    des
    downherbackandbal ancesoverherbutt
    .
    It
    'salit
    tl
    ebituncomf or
    tabl e.Shest epsback,t
    ryi
    ng
    tobreakwhat everi
    tisthatt hey'
    redoi ng,
    buthe’s
    fol
    lowingherandi ni
    ti
    atingt hekissoverandover
    again,unt
    ilherbackisst uckagai nstthewall
    .
    “You'
    rebeaut
    if
    ul,
    ”hesays,
    brushi
    nghi
    sli
    psdown
    herneck.
    Hishandismassagingherhips.There'
    sanestof
    butt
    erf
    li
    esinherstomach,herbodyisreact
    ing
    ungodl
    il
    ytothetouchofherlatesi
    ster'
    sman.
    “Iwon'
    thurtyou,
    ”hesaysinal
    mostwhisper
    .Hi
    s
    handisrest
    ingoverherf
    ront
    ,runni
    ngupanddown
    asi
    ftof
    eelhercooki
    ebeneat
    hthedr
    ess.
    “I
    'l
    lneverfor
    ceyoutodoanyt
    hingyou'
    renot
    comfortabl
    ewit
    h,”hewhi
    sper
    sinherear.
    Heknowsexact
    lywhatt
    osayt
    ogetherner
    ves
    set
    tl
    eddown.
    “Makemeamanyoursi
    steroncemademe,
    please!
    ”
    Ther
    e'sasoundcomingfr
    om t
    heki
    tchen.Herhear
    t
    st
    art
    sr aci
    ngoutoff
    ear
    .
    “Idon'
    twantt
    obeseenher
    e,l
    et'
    sgot
    oyour
    bedroom,
    ”shesays.
    Ngidismi
    lesandnods.Helet
    sherleadthewayand
    fol
    lowbehindher
    ,hi
    seyesareburningherbehi
    nd
    andmakingheruncomfor
    tabl
    e.

    Shest
    opsjustafewstepsawayfr
    om thedoorof
    hi
    sbedroom andtur
    nsaroundswi
    ftl
    y.
    “Orwecant
    alkaboutthi
    ssomeot herti
    me?
    ”she
    suggest
    swhi
    lefi
    ddli
    ngwithherf
    ingers.
    Ngi
    dil
    etsoutachuckl
    eandt
    urnst
    hedoorhandl
    e.
    “
    Idon'
    tbi
    tePhumzi
    le,
    geti
    n,”hesays.
    Hishandlandsonherback,wi
    thoutf
    orce,
    he
    pushesherinsi
    de,
    walksinaft
    erherandshut
    sthe
    doorbehi
    nd.

    Shesitsonthebedandlooksar
    ound.Thi
    sroom i
    s
    ri
    dicul
    ousl
    ybig.Magcinai
    sonthewall
    ,shewas
    youngerandhappy-accor
    dingt
    othesmil
    eonthe
    pict
    ure.
    “Shewaspregnantwi
    thNdlal
    if
    a,”hesays,
    fol
    lowi
    ng
    hereyesandli
    nki
    nghisar
    m aroundher.
    She'
    squi
    et,
    justst
    ari
    ngatt
    hepi
    ctur
    e.
    “Peopl
    ecannotber
    epl
    aced.That
    'snotwhatI
    '
    m
    doing,
    ”hesays.
    Shel
    ooksathi
    m.
    “
    Thenwhatar
    eyoudoi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    I'
    mfal
    li
    ngi
    nloveagai
    n.”
    Si
    lence.
    “
    Phumzi
    le?
    ”
    Asi
    gh!Shel
    ooksathi
    m agai
    n.
    “Weneedyou.Allofus.Yourpr
    esencei
    nthi
    shouse
    canchangealotofthi
    ngs.Theyneedamotherand
    ahappyfat
    her,
    ”hesays.
    “BhekiI
    'mtoooldfor…”Heshut sherwit
    hakiss
    beforeshefi
    nishesthatnonsense.Hepushesher
    dressup,sl
    ideshishandupt oherthi
    ghs.
    Shelet
    slooseandal
    lowshi
    shandt
    osepar
    ateher
    thi
    ghsandgofurt
    herup.

    Hepushesherdownonbed.Herheadl andsonthe
    pi
    ll
    ow.Herbodywant sthi
    sbutherinsecuresi
    deis
    st
    arti
    ngtodominate.I
    t'
    sbeenyearssinceshewas
    l
    astinaposi
    ti
    onlikethi
    s.
    “Iwon’thur
    tyou,
    ”hesays,
    droppi
    nghi
    sfor
    eheadon
    hers.
    “
    Whati
    fwedon'
    tenj
    oyt
    his?
    ”sheasks.
    She'
    scapableofaski
    ngamant opul
    loutandstop
    i
    nthemiddleofthedeed.And,
    maybe,he'
    susedto
    more.Beaut
    ifulwomenwi
    thper
    fectbodi
    esand
    f
    lawlessski
    n.
    “Thenyou'
    l
    lletmeknow,
    ”hesaysi
    nawounded
    voice.
    Sheexhal
    esandnods.
    I
    t'
    sayes!
    Hisbodywant stogetbett
    erofhi m butt
    hisisnot
    Thobil
    e,oranyotherwomenhe' scrosssexual
    pathswith,
    hecannotrusht hisone.Hehast obe
    pati
    ent,t
    omakesur ethatshe'sreadyandhungr y
    forthi
    sandt henhehastogi veherthenightshe'
    ll
    neverfor
    get.

    (I
    '
    LLDROPANOTHERI
    NSERTABI
    TLATER,
    FOR
    SINGLEPEOPLE)
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    43] :Chapt
    er54
    ADDEDSCENES
    (
    CONTAI
    NSADULTSEX)
    Thedoorisshut .He'si
    nhisbirthdaysui
    t.Hair
    y
    chest,pot
    bell
    ylookingroundandsexy.Hi sbutt
    ocks
    -well
    ,notthatsexy.Hiswrist
    shavewei r
    dbangl es
    andgoatskinsar oundthem,givinghi
    m more
    digni
    tyasabl ackZuluman.
    Downtohisf
    irmthighsandhair
    ylegs,
    ther
    e'sa
    monstr
    ousshaftt
    hat'spoppi
    ngvei
    nsandlooki
    ng
    readyt
    odest
    roysomeone.

    Maybesheshoul d'
    vestoodherweakgroundsand
    tol
    dhim no.I
    t'
    sgetti
    ngr eal.He'
    scomi
    ngbackto
    bedwithabottl
    e.Isitoi
    l?Heput si
    tont
    hebedside
    pedest
    alandcrawlsnextt oher.
    She'sscared,butnotscaredasshewaswhen
    Msawenkosit ookhervirgi
    nit
    y.She'
    sscaredof
    beingexposedt osomethingshewon'tbeablet
    o
    resisti
    nfutur
    e.
    Hewantshert
    ogetnaked.I
    tmakessense,
    they'
    re
    aboutt
    ohavesex.
    But
    …..
    “
    Can'
    tIkeepmycl
    otheson?
    ”sheasks.
    There'
    sthisthi
    ngofshif
    ti
    ngtheunderweartothe
    si
    de, Msawenkosiusedtodoitwhenhewasi na
    hurr
    y.AtleastthatwayBheki
    zit
    hawon'tseeher
    scar
    s, st
    ret
    chmar ksandcell
    uli
    te.
    “I
    t'
    snotaboutourpri
    vat
    epartsonl
    y.Ineedtof
    eel
    youPhumzil
    e,tohaveyourfl
    eshagai
    nstmineand
    tosweatwit
    hyou,”hesays.
    Hesaysthingsthatt
    ameher ,al
    mostever
    yti
    mehe
    openshismouth.Isithi
    scharm ort
    hathetel
    lsher
    thi
    ngsthatherearshaveneverhear
    dbutlongedfor
    ?
    “Iwantyounude,
    ”hesays,
    li
    ft
    ingherdr
    essupwhil
    e
    star
    ingint
    ohereyesf
    oranysignofdi
    scomfor
    t.
    Shehel
    pshimt akeherdressof
    f,l
    eavingherinbra
    andhert
    ightonly.I
    t'
    suncomfor
    table,
    he'sstar
    ingat
    her
    .
    “
    Igavebi
    rt
    hthroughC-
    secti
    on,
    ”shesaysqui
    ckl
    y.
    “
    Somecamef r
    om fi
    ght
    s.”
    Shesexplai
    ningherscars,
    whichNgididoesn'
    tgi
    ve
    afu€kabout
    .Hecar esaboutt
    akingherbraoutand
    scoopi
    nghermel
    ons.Andthatt
    ight
    ,it
    'shi
    ding
    somethi
    nghe'
    sdyi
    ngtosee.
    “You'
    reaf
    ight
    er?
    ”heaskswit
    hasmi l
    ewhil
    e
    sendi
    nghi
    shandstoherbackandunhooki
    ngher
    bra.
    “
    Whenpr
    ovoked,
    ”shesays.
    Provoked,r
    ight?Hepr esseshi
    shar
    dshaftagai
    nst
    hercoveredthighs.I
    nsteadoffi
    ght
    inghi
    m,she'
    s
    fi
    ghti
    ngherbr eaths.
    “
    Areyougoi
    ngtofi
    ghtHl
    omukatoo?”heasks,
    sti
    ll
    t
    easi
    nghert
    highswit
    hhi
    shardshaf
    t.
    She'
    sbl
    ushi
    ng,
    wor
    dsar
    est
    uckbel
    owhert
    hroat
    .
    “
    Yoursil
    encei
    sgol
    d,”hesays,
    droppi
    nghi
    s
    f
    oreheadonher
    s.
    “Bheki
    ,
    ”shecal
    lssof
    tl
    y,t
    ear
    inghereyesawayf
    rom
    him.
    Lor
    d,t
    hisi
    stoomuchf
    orhersoul
    !
    “
    Let
    'suncoverPum-
    pum,
    ”hesays.
    Phewww!Themomenthascome.Hi
    sfi
    ngersl
    ides
    i
    nthewaistofhert
    ight
    .Sheshi
    ft
    supt
    oenabl
    ehi
    m
    t
    opulli
    tdown.
    Well
    ,thereherzebr
    a-t
    highsare!Full
    yexposedt
    oa
    man.Heget sthepant
    yof fandleavesher
    completel
    ynaked.
    Hethrowseveryt
    hingonthefl
    oor
    ,pull
    supher
    kneesandsli
    desinbetweenhert
    highs.
    Hel
    iesontopofherandcupsherbr east
    s.They'
    re
    t
    oobigforhi
    shands.Funnil
    y,shedoesn'
    tfeelhi
    s
    wei
    ght,
    theonlyt
    hingshefeelsist
    hehardshaft
    r
    est
    ingoverherwaist
    .
    “
    Hel
    lo,
    ”hesayswi
    thasmi
    le.
    Thisisthesideofhi
    mt heydon'
    tknowatt
    herank.
    He'sli
    keaboy, hi
    ssmileisgor
    geousandhi
    s
    bedroom eyesaresexyashell
    .
    “
    Areyout
    ryi
    ngt
    oki
    l
    lme?
    ”heaskswi
    thagr
    in.
    Oops,hert
    highs!They’
    resqueezinghi
    m.She
    l
    oosensupandt hatgrantshi
    mt hechancet
    opul
    l
    hert
    highsfurt
    herapart.
    “
    Rel
    ax,
    wil
    lyou?
    ”Hehol
    dsherf
    aceandbr
    usheshi
    s
    l
    ipsagainsthers.Thent enderly,
    hecapt uresher
    l
    owerlipandsucksi tsl
    owl y.Shefollowshi sl
    ead,
    fl
    owingwi t
    htheki sswithoutlett
    ingherf earsstand
    i
    nt heway.It'
    ssensualandunl ockingthef eel
    ings
    shehadputatbay.Hi sfingersaret r
    ail
    ingdownt o
    herneck,eacht ouchleavesherf eeli
    ngwar mer,
    wit
    ht i
    nglesalloverPum- pum.
    Hest
    ops,
    hiseyesar
    egr
    owi
    ngsmal
    ler
    .
    “DoIneedahandwri
    tt
    enpermissionf
    rom
    Nomkhosi?
    ”He'swei
    ghingherbreast
    s.
    Thepoi
    ntisinPr
    etori
    aandPhumzi l
    eiswander
    ing
    i
    nJoburg.Permi
    ssionforwhatnow?
    Hechuckl
    es;hercluel
    essnessst
    unshi
    m.Helowers
    hi
    sheadtoherchestandscoopsoneboobt
    ohi s
    mouth.Hesucksthenipple.
    Oh,
    hemeantt
    his,
    sucki
    ngherni
    ppl
    es!
    Ashistonguecircl
    esaroundthenippl
    e,givi
    ngPum-
    pum awarmerf eel
    ingt
    hatleavesherdrenchingi
    n
    sexualr
    eadiness,amoanescapeshert hr
    oat.
    Hermoansf
    uelNgi
    di'
    sener
    gy,
    hesnat
    chesbot
    h
    herbr
    east
    s,pushesthem againsteachot
    herwhi
    le
    sucki
    ngfr
    om nippl
    etonipple.
    Heputshisfacebet
    weenthem andrunshi
    stongue
    overherski
    nallt
    hewaydownt ohernavel
    .

    No,no,
    no!Hecan'
    tgodownanyf
    urt
    her
    .That
    's
    di
    sgust
    ing!
    Ngi
    disensesherdi
    scomf
    ortandl
    ooksupather
    .
    Hesmi
    les,
    justt
    oputheratease.
    “Idon'
    thavet
    oot
    hpi
    cks,
    whatar
    ewegoi
    ngt
    odo?
    ”
    heasks.
    Herbrai
    nisworki
    ngonthescal
    eoftwo,
    that
    ’si
    fit
    's
    worki
    ngatal
    l.Toot
    hpi
    cks?Forwhat
    ?Who'seat
    ing
    t
    hemeathere?
    Whoooah!
    Shejumpsupandal
    mostknockshi
    sjawswi
    thher
    knee.TF!
    “Youcan'
    tdothat
    ?”Didheevenseehowwetsheis
    downthere?I
    maginehimthr
    owingupthesal
    ads
    t
    heyhadfordi
    nneral
    loverhervagi
    nabecausehe
    wassucki
    ngthi
    ngsthatar
    en'tmeantf
    orthemout
    h.
    “Phumzil
    e,comeon.Iwantt odot hismorethanI
    wanttodoanythingtonight
    .”He'sbeggingand
    slowl
    ygetti
    ngheronherbackagai n.Hereal
    ly
    fri
    ght
    enedher.Herdiscomfortisobviousbuthe'
    s
    deter
    minedtogiveherthisexperi
    ence.
    Heplant
    sakissonherf
    oreheadbef
    oregoi
    ngdown
    onheragai
    n.
    Hepushesherl
    egsupandl
    eavesPum-
    pum onhi
    s
    f
    ace.
    Histonguesl
    idesfr
    om below,j
    ustabovet
    heclef
    tof
    herbutt
    ocks,f
    oll
    owingherwetentrywayt
    othecl
    it.
    Henibblesi
    twithhi
    slipsbefor
    esuckingi
    t.
    “Yuuu!Yuuu!Hlomuka!”Screamsarefi
    ll
    ingupthe
    bedroom.Allheri
    ntenti
    onsofkeepi
    ngherSweet
    Marysidegodownt hedrai
    n.She’
    sgrabbingthe
    poorman'sheadandgr indi
    ngherri
    pefruitagai
    nst
    hismouth.
    Herlegsst arttot r
    emble.Shecloseshert hi
    ghsover
    hisface.Hel icks,sucksandf i
    ngersthewetPum-
    pum t othepoi ntwhereherbodyunder goesa
    momentofst i
    llness.I
    ttakesami nut
    ef orher
    sensest ocrawlback.Shef eel
    slight
    er,morewet
    andt hir
    styfort hemonst rousshaftt
    hat'sbeen
    teasi
    nghert hi ghssincetheygotinthisroom.
    Oh,shucks!Hi
    sbear
    dhasdr
    opsofhercum.How
    embarrassi
    ngist
    hat
    ?
    Itl
    ooksli
    keamucus.Cant
    her
    oofcol
    lapseand
    burythem?
    “CanIwipeyou?
    ”sheasks,
    bur
    iedi
    n
    embarr
    assment.
    “
    Youcanopenyourt
    highsabi
    twi
    der
    ,”hesays.
    That
    'snotwhatsheasked,
    butshedoesast
    old.
    “Wewon'tneedthis.
    ”He'
    sreferr
    ingtotheti
    nybot
    tl
    e
    onthepedestal
    .Hisfi
    nger
    sar esli
    dingbet
    weenher
    l
    abi
    asandst roki
    ngherhardcli
    t.
    “
    Phumzil
    e,can'
    tIl
    ivel
    ikethi
    sfort
    her estofmy
    l
    if
    e?”He'
    sbetweenherthi
    ghs,r
    ubbinghisbear
    d
    bet
    weenherbreast
    s.Itfeel
    sgood,
    li
    keever
    ythi
    ng
    he'
    sbeendoi
    ngt oherinthi
    sroom.
    “Il
    oveyou,
    ”hesays.Hi
    sti
    pisknocki
    ngonher
    entr
    ance.
    Shewant stosaysomethi
    ngbutwordsaref
    ail
    ing
    her.Shewantstotel
    lhi
    mi tf
    eel
    sokay,t
    hist
    hing
    they'
    redoing,
    sheli
    kesi
    t.

    Itsli
    desi
    n,slowly,l
    ikeasnakegoinginahol eaf
    ter
    alongdayofbi t
    ingpeopleandpoisoningthem.It
    fit
    sin,al
    lofit
    ,andfill
    supPum- pum.Itdi
    dn'thur
    tas
    sheexpected,shewasr eadyenoughto
    accommodat eit.
    Hi
    shandssli
    deundert
    hefatr
    oll
    sonhertummy.He
    st
    art
    smovinghi
    swaist
    ,thr
    ust
    inginandoutofher
    .
    I
    tfeel
    sgood, mor
    ethananythi
    ngherbodyhasever
    f
    eltbef
    ore.She’
    svocalabouti
    t;
    “
    Ther
    eHl
    omuka….
    shuuuuu….
    pleasedon'
    tst
    op!
    ”
    Sweati
    srunningdownhi
    sface.He'
    saboutt
    otwist
    hi
    swaistwhil
    etryi
    ngt
    ohitever
    ycornert
    her
    eis.
    “Phumzi l
    eyou'r
    egoingtokil
    lme!”hecri
    esout
    ,
    squeezinghisfaceandfight
    ingbacktheur
    geto
    explodebeforedel
    iver
    inganotheror
    gasm.
    Thismeansshe'
    sdoingsomethi
    ngr
    ight
    ?She
    openshert
    highsevenwider
    .
    “
    WozaBheki
    !”shesays,
    bucki
    ngupherhi
    ps.
    Hegr
    oansloudl
    y,t
    ight
    enshi
    sjawsandpul
    lsout
    i
    mmediat
    ely.
    “Phewww!Cool
    …down…cooldownHlomuka!
    ”He's
    massagi
    nghisshaf
    tandpacingar
    ound,
    nearthe
    bed.
    Hetalkstoit
    ?Thatdoesn'
    tevenmatt
    er,
    shewants
    hi
    mi nsideherandshewantstoseet
    hatexpr
    essi
    on
    onhisfaceagain.
    “
    PleasecomebackHl
    omuka,
    ”shebegsi
    t,nothi
    m,
    t
    hedi€k.
    “You'
    rechoki
    ngi
    tPhumzil
    e,
    ”hesaysi
    ndef
    eatashe
    crawl
    sbackonthebed.
    “
    Havemer cyonhi
    m,”hebegs,dr
    oppi
    nghis
    f
    oreheadonherandpushi
    ngitbacki
    nsi
    deher
    .
    Everythr
    usti
    swelcomedbyascream.He's
    groani
    ngoverhershoul
    der
    s.I
    t'
    scomi ngagai
    nand
    thi
    stimehewon’tbeabl
    etoholdback.
    “
    Thi
    ssper
    misburni
    ngmydi €k,
    Phumzil
    e!”Hisgr
    ip
    i
    sti
    ght
    eni
    ngar
    oundherneck.Hispacei
    sr api
    dand
    f
    ast
    .
    “
    Leti
    tbur
    nmenow.Spr
    eadi
    tinsi
    deme,
    Hlomuka!
    ”
    Thefoll
    owi ngthrustsareaggressi
    ve,deepandcli
    t-
    burst
    ing.Hiseyesr ollbacktohisbrai
    n,hismouth
    openswi delybutnowor dscomeout ,
    onlyalong
    “ohhhhhh”t hatdragsfrom deepfr
    om histhr
    oat.
    Hisbodyr est
    sontopofher
    .He'
    soutofi
    t!He'
    s
    f
    inished.Doneanddust
    ed.Gameover
    !

    Shestar
    tsf
    eel
    inghi
    sweightandpusheshi
    mtothe
    si
    de.Herol
    lst
    ohissi
    deandcatcheshisbr
    eat
    h.
    I
    tfeel
    sgoodtobeinthisposi
    ti
    on.Thi
    smanl ooks
    t
    hisweakal
    lbecauseofher.I
    tdoesn'
    tleaveher
    f
    eeli
    ngusedoranythi
    ng.Shefeel
    ssuperproudof
    herol
    dvul
    va,
    jobwel
    ldone.
    “Ar
    eyouokay?
    ”sheasks,
    placi
    ngherhandoverhi
    s
    shoul
    der
    .
    Heavybr
    eat
    hs!
    “
    Yes,
    ”hesaysandt
    urnst
    ofaceher
    .
    Asmil
    ecurvesfrom herl
    ips.Shecan'thel
    pit
    .He'
    s
    dr
    enchedinsweat,hi
    seyesar esunkenandhisl
    ips
    ar
    esti
    llpar
    ted.Shedidanumberoneonhi m!
    “
    Doyouneedwat
    er?
    ”sheasks.
    “
    No,
    Ineedaki
    ss,
    ”hesays.
    Someofhi
    sanswer
    s!
    Shegivesaqui
    ckone.Hef
    rowns,
    andt
    hen
    chuckl
    es.
    “Am IKhweziorThi
    ngot
    oyou?
    ”heasksandpul
    ls
    her
    .
    Heki
    sseshert
    headul
    tway;deep,
    wit
    hat
    ongue
    pl
    ay.
    They'
    rebot
    hrunni
    ngoutofbreat
    h,Phumzi
    lebr
    eaks
    theki
    ssandinhal
    esdeepl
    y.
    Hishandi
    ssti
    llont
    hesideofherneck.He'
    sstari
    ng
    ather
    ,hi
    seyesarewidel
    yopenanddiggingouther
    soul
    .
    Shesmilesathi
    m.Hesmi
    lesback,
    buti
    tdoesn'
    t
    reachhi
    seyes.
    Somet
    hingi
    sbot
    her
    inghi
    m.
    “Youmeant
    otel
    lmethi
    scouldbethelastt
    imewe
    spendt
    imet
    oget
    herPhumzi
    le?”heasks.
    Shedr
    opshereyesandexhal
    es.Noanswer
    !
    “Iknowi t
    'sahar
    ddecisi
    ont omake.Butplease
    considerwhatwefeel
    ,theconnecti
    onthatwehave
    andthehappinesswebr i
    ngoutofeachother .We
    haver ai
    sedourki
    dsandpai dourdebtsf
    orbi rt
    hing
    thei
    rsouls.Nowwedeser veustooursel
    ves,”he
    says.
    “Iknow,
    butwhatar
    epeopl
    egoi
    ngt
    osay?
    ”she
    asks.
    “
    Whatar
    etheysayi
    ngnow?
    ”
    “Trustme,I
    '
    vebeenasubjectofrumour
    sinthepast
    .
    From notcl
    ari
    fyi
    ngwhothefatherofmychi
    ldwas
    tofai
    l
    edr
    elat
    ionshi
    psandnotget
    ti
    ngmar
    ri
    ed.I
    knowhowitf
    eelsli
    ke.
    ”
    “Andwhichpar
    tofyourbodydi
    dyoul
    ose?Anear
    ortoe?
    ”
    Shegiveshi
    m al
    ook.Hechuckl
    esandki
    ssesher
    nose.
    “Hl
    omukaandPum- pum st
    il
    loweoneanot her
    .We'
    ll
    tal
    kaboutt
    hissomeotherti
    me,becausetherewi
    ll
    besomeotherti
    me.Doyouneedanyr efr
    eshment?”
    heasks.
    “
    Justsomet
    hingt
    odr
    ink,
    ”shesays.
    Heki
    sseshercheekandget
    sof
    fbed.Hewalkst
    o
    t
    hebathr
    oom andcomesbackwi
    thatowel
    .
    Hecl
    eanshi
    mselfandher,t
    henwrapsanot
    her
    t
    owelar
    oundhi
    swai standl
    eavest
    heroom.

    -
    -

    Hepour
    sthegr
    anadi
    ll
    ajui
    ceandempt
    iesapacket
    ofcookiesontheplat
    e.Thistakeshim backtothe
    earl
    ydaysofhisandMagci na'srel
    ati
    onship.He's
    tr
    yingtoohardtoimpress,
    wipingevent heti
    niest
    crumpsont hetr
    ayandmaki ngsurethecookiesar e
    i
    nor der.
    Therearef
    ootstepsapproachingt
    hekitchen.He
    l
    ift
    shisheadupandl ooksatthepassage.
    Maqhinga’
    sU-turnisdeyaled,
    Ngidihasalready
    seenhim.
    “
    Heywena,
    comebackher
    e!”hecal
    ls.
    Maqhingastopsandcursessoft
    ly.Slowly,hetur
    ns
    aroundandwalksback.He'scar
    ryingplates,t
    woof
    them,andtheyhavel
    eftoversandmeatbones.
    Wai t
    , aret hosefrom hi
    sJennaClif
    fordset?He
    didn'tknowt heywer especi
    alandexpensiveto
    haveunt ilNdondot ol
    dhim so.Hegotthem asa
    Christmasgi ftf
    rom oneofBantwanaHol dings
    associ ate.
    “
    Babawhatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”heasks.
    Baba?He'sgui
    ltofsomethi
    ngandit
    'smor
    ethan
    j
    uststeal
    ingt
    wopr eci
    ousplat
    esi
    nthemiddl
    eof
    t
    heni
    ght
    !
    “I
    '
    m prepar
    ingasnack,can'
    tyousee?Whatthefu€k
    areyouusi
    ngmypl at
    esf or
    ?Whoar eyouser
    ving?”
    Maqhingascratcheshishead.Ol
    dpeopl
    eare
    supposedtobeasl eepatt
    histi
    me.Whythi
    sfat
    her
    outofallf
    ather
    si ntheworl
    d?!
    “Ummm…Snal oandI
    ,wewer ehungr
    y,”hesays.He
    knowsthatSnal
    owil
    lcoverupforhi
    mi nthe
    morni
    ng.
    “Shedoesn'teatt
    omatosauce,neit
    herdoyou.Who
    didyoubr i
    ngtomyhouseMaqhi nga?”He's
    forgot
    tenaboutthesnackhewaspr epari
    ng.Even
    Phumzi l
    eisnotbeingser
    vedintheseplat
    es.
    “Jeez,son!Cal
    m down, you'
    rel
    ookinglikeanol
    d
    thwasawr appedintowelsandmaki ngsnacksat
    night.Youdon'teatcooki
    es,whoisthisfor?
    ”
    Hedoesn'teatcooki
    es?Yes,
    hedoesn'
    tbuti
    t'
    snone
    ofMaqhinga'sbusi
    ness.
    “
    Idon’
    trepor
    ttoyou,
    thi
    sismyhouse,
    ”hesays.
    Maqhi
    ngaput
    sthepl
    atesi
    nsi
    det
    hesi
    nkand
    i
    gnor
    eshi
    sfat
    her
    'spi
    erci
    ngst
    are.
    “
    Gotosleepandmakesuret
    hatyourbi
    t€hwashes
    mypl
    atesbefor
    eshel
    eavesat4am,”Ngidisays.
    “
    4am?
    !”Maqhi
    nga.
    Thatl
    ook!I
    fhekeepsgoingonhe'
    llpunchhi
    sface
    andfor
    cehisboot
    y-cal
    ltol
    eavet
    hismoment .
    “Okay,f
    ine.
    ”Heput shi
    shandsupandpassesnext
    tothecounter
    .Inthebli
    nkofaneyehehas
    scoopedhalfofthecooki
    esandstuf
    fedsomei
    nhis
    mouth.
    “Motherf
    u€ker!
    ”Hisarm passesNgidi'
    shandbyan
    i
    nch.Her unsoutofthekit
    chen,l
    eavinghi sf
    ather
    cursi
    ngandr eopeni
    ngthecupboardtot akeout
    anotherpacket
    .
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    43] :Chapt
    er55
    FAMI
    LYLUNCHPARTI
    THALENTE

    Waki
    ngupt
    oamanwi
    thabl
    issf
    ulsmi
    lest
    ari
    ngat
    mehasmer ai
    singmyeyebr ows.Ndlali
    fadoesn'
    t
    smil
    ethisbr
    ightlyi
    nthemor ni
    ng,atleastnotunt
    il
    hegetsamor ni
    ngglory.Iti
    sunti
    lIrememberwhat
    dayi
    tis.ThebigSaturday!
    Ifeelati
    ghtknotsit
    ti
    ngbelowmyst omach.He
    camel at
    eyesterdaybecausehehadapre-di
    nner
    withhisfami
    ly.Apparent
    lyhisauntcametoDurban
    forthi
    s.
    I
    t'
    sbi
    g,ever
    yonei
    slooki
    ngf
    orwar
    dtoi
    t,exceptme.

    Igr
    oanandrol
    loffbed.Thedri
    verisar
    rangedto
    pi
    ckmeupat8am, I'
    llgowit
    hhim anddir
    ecthimto
    Khangel
    ani
    .SoIhavet owakeupandgetready.
    “
    Idon'
    tevengetababyki
    ss?
    ”heasks.
    Lucki
    lyforme,nowIknowallt
    hetr
    icksi
    nhisbooks.
    Ij
    ustblowhim aki
    ssandtakeofft
    othebat
    hroom.

    Myperiodsarearoundthecorner
    ,Iknowbecause
    oftheski
    nbreakoutsonmyf ace.Aft
    erl
    oti
    oni
    ngI
    putonagownandheadt othekit
    chentomixan
    eggmask.Idon'tknowwher eIheardaboutitbutI
    remembert hei
    ngredi
    entsandinst
    ructi
    ons.It
    must '
    vebeensomewhereonFacebook, those
    peopleareever
    ythi
    ng;dermatol
    ogist
    s,l
    awyer s,
    doctors,
    comediansandEnglishprof
    essors.

    Oh,he'supaswell.He'smaki
    nghi
    swaytothe
    ki
    tchen,al
    sowearingagownandsleeper
    s.I
    twas
    madef orhi
    m,I
    'veneverseenagownsuit
    ing
    someonesoper f
    ectly.He'
    sagown-
    man.
    “Heyl
    ove,”Isay,
    abi
    timpr
    essedbyhi
    shei
    ght
    ,nose
    andears.
    “
    Youl
    eftmeonbed,
    ”hesays.
    Gosh,
    he'
    sst
    il
    lsul
    king!
    Ir
    ollmyeyesandt
    aket
    hebowloutoft
    hecupboar
    d.
    “Evenyest
    erday,
    youpretendedt
    obeasleepwhenI
    camet obed.I
    tdoesn'
    tfeedonbir
    yaniThal
    ent
    e,”he
    says,poi
    nti
    ngathismanhood.
    “
    YoumeanifIputbir
    yanii
    nsi
    demyvagi
    nayou
    woul
    dn'
    twanti
    t?”Iask.
    Hej
    ustsi
    ghsandsi
    tsont
    hechai
    r.
    I
    t'
    sastupidquest
    ion,Iknow.Ij
    ustdon'
    tunder
    stand
    whyhefeelsl
    ikehispenisi
    senti
    tl
    edtomyvagina.
    “
    Pleasedon'
    tscr
    ambl
    emi
    ne,
    ”hesays.
    He'
    stal
    kingabouteggs?
    “
    Oh,no,
    thi
    sisformyface,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m andcr
    ackone
    mor
    eeggintoabowl.
    Ithi
    nktheysai
    dyouneedt hewhitepartonly,
    but
    I'
    m cl
    umsyashell
    ,ithasallmixedup.Idon'tthi
    nkit
    makessomuchdi f
    ferenceanyway,it
    'sjustamat t
    er
    ofcolour
    s.
    Ibeati
    tunti
    litt
    urnsint
    oafoam,thenaddlemon
    andhoney.He'swatchi
    ngmewast i
    nghisfood.I
    don'
    tli
    kethewayhe'sstar
    ingatme,asifI
    '
    velostal
    l
    mymar bl
    es.

    Icl
    eart
    hecount
    erandt
    hrowdi
    rtinsi
    dethebi
    n.
    ThenIappl
    ymymaskandgositnexttohi
    m.
    “I
    twon'
    twor
    k,”sayst
    hegr
    eat
    estder
    mat
    ologi
    stof
    al
    lti
    mes.
    “
    Thankyouf
    orbei
    ngposi
    ti
    ve,
    ”Isay.
    Hi
    sfingeri
    scomingtomyface.Ibl
    ockitbef
    orei
    t
    makescontactwi
    thmyski
    n.OutofallmenIchose
    t
    hisone!
    “Al
    lthi
    schi
    ldi
    shnessbecauseIdi
    dn'
    tgi
    veyousex?
    ”
    Iask.
    “
    Yes,
    ”hesays.
    Wel
    l,
    hemustsui
    thi
    msel
    fthen.
    “Iwon'
    tbeabletot
    ouchyout
    hewholeday.Why
    don'
    tyoujustt
    akeagunandshootme?”
    Iwonderifal
    lmenar
    eli
    ket
    his.Thi
    sonehas
    speci
    alneeds.
    Ir
    ollmyeyes,
    theyal
    mostt
    ouchmybr
    ains.
    “
    I'
    m notat
    axidr
    iver
    .Idon'
    tshootpeopl
    e,
    ”Isay.
    Fuck,
    thi
    sthingdropsdownt omyeye!DidIappl
    y
    toomuch?Isitevensupposedtobewateryl
    iket
    his?
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”heasksi
    npani
    c.
    Ihavelemon,honeyandeggi
    nmyeye!Ofcour
    se
    I'
    m notokay.Ipushbackt
    hechai
    randr
    ushtot
    he
    bat
    hroom wi
    thmyhandovert
    heeye.

    He'sonmyheelandaski
    ngi
    fI'
    mi npai
    n.Icannot
    answer,
    notwhi
    lemyeyeisbur
    ningli
    kethi
    s.
    Iopenthetapandlowermyfacet
    otherunni
    ng
    water
    .AsIspl ashi
    tovermyf
    ace,
    thepaini
    s
    subsi
    dingbitbybit
    .
    Ifeelcol
    dai
    rhit
    ti
    ngmybutt
    .Therear
    ehands
    holdingmygownuptomywaist.Myeyesare
    cl
    osed, I
    '
    mtryi
    ngtor
    insemyfacewhi
    leprot
    ecti
    ng
    myeyes.
    He'
    sbehindandtakingadvantageofme.Hi
    sshaft
    i
    srubbi
    ngmycl eftandteasi
    ngmyopening.Idi
    dn'
    t
    wearapanty?Reall
    y!
    “Ndl
    ali
    faI
    'mt
    ryi
    ngtogetlemonoutofmyeye.
    ”Lor
    d,
    whyhasmyvoicesof
    tened?Ishoul
    dbest
    ernand
    notbendi
    ngmyassli
    kethis.
    “I
    'm alsotr
    yingt
    ogett
    hesper
    m outofmy
    scrotum.”Hecanbesopompous!
    Mybodyhasal
    readybet
    rayedme,
    it'
    swar
    m and
    wetforhimtojustsl
    idei
    nandf
    eedt
    henon-
    bir
    yani
    -
    eat
    ingdi€kofhis.
    He'
    sslammingagai
    nstmybehi
    nd.I'
    m hol
    dingonto
    t
    hesink,
    tempor
    arybli
    ndbutdi
    shi
    ngthecookieout.
    Myoptometri
    stwoul
    dbesodi
    sappoi
    ntedi
    nme.Oh,
    Idon'
    thaveone!
    Never
    thel
    ess,
    Ishoul
    dbet
    aki
    ngcar
    eofmyeyes.

    “St
    handwasami
    !”He'
    snowpushi
    ngme,
    hisshaf
    tis
    buri
    eddeepi
    nsi
    deme.
    Ibett
    erletgooft
    hesinkandfaceanot
    herdir
    ect
    ion,
    befor
    ehecut smybigfor
    eheadint
    ohalfby
    sl
    ammi ngitagai
    nstt
    hesink.
    Hedoesn'tst
    op,hisarmsarewrappedaroundmy
    waist
    ,he'
    spushingmear oundthebat
    hroom.OrI'
    m
    runni
    ng?He'sactual
    lynotpushi
    ngme,I'
    mt ryi
    ngt
    o
    escapeandhe'scorner
    ingme.
    Ifalldownonmyknees.Hekneelsbehindme.At
    thi
    smomentI '
    m screamingmylungsoff.Hi
    s
    strokesar
    econsi
    stent,
    soisthepleasur
    ehe
    pr
    ovi
    des.
    “Baby,
    please!
    ”I'
    m notbegginghimtostop.He
    knowswhatIwant ;hi
    sfingersovermycli
    t.
    Buthedoesn'
    tdoi
    t,hejusti
    ncr
    easeshi
    spaceand
    sl
    amsinsidemeharder
    .
    “
    Oh, f
    uck!”Hegroansandpushesmedownt ot
    he
    f
    looronmyst omach.Ifeelhi
    sji
    ssomsspl
    ashi
    ng
    warmlyinsi
    demeandf il
    li
    ngmeup.
    He'
    sdone.Ar
    eyouki
    ddi
    ngme?Whataboutmy
    or
    gasm?
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa!
    ”Myvoi
    cei
    sst
    ern.I
    mhl
    olakaJamesl
    e!
    Herol
    lsof
    fmeandl
    iesont
    hef
    loor
    ,fl
    atl
    yonhi
    s
    st
    omach.Thi
    sman!

    Hefinall
    ygainshissensesandt
    urnsaround.I'
    m on
    myf eetwit
    hmyhandsont hehi
    ps,wait
    ingforhi
    m
    toseethedisappoint
    mentonmyf ace.Heshould
    seetheagonyhisf ai
    lur
    eofapenishaslef
    tmewi th.
    Hi
    scum isfl
    owi
    ngdownmythighs,
    yetmycl
    iti
    s
    st
    il
    lthr
    obbi
    ng.I
    '
    mtaki
    nghi
    slazypenist
    oMen's
    Cl
    ini
    c!
    “
    Youshouldst
    icktocal
    amine.Thesear
    ti
    fi
    cialmask
    t
    hingsar
    en'
    tyours,
    ”hesays.
    That'
    sthefi
    rstt
    hingthatcomest ohismind?Real
    ly?
    Ihaveprobl
    emsdeepert hanskin.Forexampl
    e,a
    manwhodoesn' tgi
    vemeanor gasm.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fawej
    usthadsexandyoudi
    dn'
    t….
    ”
    Herisesup,hisdi€kisrest
    ingl
    ikeabanana
    bet
    weenhi sthighs.There'
    snohope.Howbigi
    smy
    si
    nonear t
    h?
    “
    No, Ij
    ustf
    uckedyou.Andwhydoyoucar
    e?I
    t'
    snot
    l
    ikeyou'
    resti
    lli
    nter
    est
    edi
    nint
    imacy.
    ”
    Li
    kehel
    lI'
    m not
    !
    “Ifyouwere,
    Iwouldn'
    tberunningbehindyouand
    steali
    ngmomentsfrom yourcooki
    elikethi
    s.ButI
    enjoyedi
    t,umnandigi
    rl
    ,”hesays,winksandleaves
    thebathr
    oom.

    Whatthehel
    ljusthappenedhere?IknowI
    'vebeen
    gi
    vinghi
    m ahardt i
    melatel
    y,buti
    t'
    snotonpurpose
    norbecauseI'
    vehadenoughor
    gasmst ol
    astmea
    l
    if
    eti
    me.I'm al
    waysti
    redandsl
    eepy.I
    '
    m notfaki
    ng
    i
    t.
    NowIhavet
    ocl
    eanmysel
    faf
    tert
    hesexIwasn'
    ta
    par
    tof
    ?
    “Ndlali
    faNgidicomebackhere!
    ”Iyell
    ,exi
    ti
    ngthe
    bathroom andheadingtotheki
    tchenwhereI'
    m
    certai
    nhe'sdisappear
    edto.
    “
    WhatdoyouwantThal
    ent
    eMbat
    ha?
    ”heyel
    lsback.
    “
    Apeni
    s,duh!
    ”
    Hisf acewelcomesme, t
    here'
    sagrinspr eadf rom
    eartoear .Butthere'
    samessagehe' srelayingwi t
    h
    eyes.I '
    m sl
    ow,that'swhymyGr ade9t eachermade
    mesi tatt
    hefrontnexttoaclassgenius, Istepin
    regardlessofthewar ni
    nginhiseyes.Boom, hi
    s
    brotherisstandingnexttohim!
    Iwantt
    odi
    e!!
    !
    .
    .
    Ihaven'
    trecover
    edf
    rom t
    oday'
    smor
    ning
    embar r
    assment .Iranandlockedmyselfinthe
    bedroom untilhi
    sbr ot
    herlef
    t.Somewhereinhi s
    headthewhol esi
    tuati
    onwasf unny.What'
    sf unny
    aboutscr eamingatsomeone' sbr
    otherand
    demandi nghispeni st
    hathewasgi ft
    edbyGod?I '
    m
    surehisbr ot
    herthinksI'
    m asexfreakwhereverhe
    i
    s.
    Myr
    eput
    ati
    onwasr
    uined!

    Butbeingher
    ebr i
    ngsmysmi l
    eback.Theairsmel
    ls
    di
    ffer
    entl
    yhere.Steppi
    ngonthegroundsalone
    makesmef eelli
    keaqueenretur
    ningtoherhome
    l
    and.
    Ihopethesepeopl
    ear er
    eady.Thelunchissetfor
    2:30pm andtheNgidi
    sareri
    chpeople.Theysay
    ti
    mei smoney,whichobvi
    ouslydoesn'
    tapplyhere,
    tous.Timeisti
    meandmoneyi smoneyar ound
    here.
    Thecarpar
    ksjustbel
    owtheyar
    d.Ithankthedri
    ver
    ,
    i
    t'
    sthesamemanwhodr i
    vesmetowor k,
    todayhe'
    s
    dri
    vingNgi
    di'
    sHundae.He'
    shumble,al
    ways.I
    shoul
    dgethi
    m somet
    hingt
    odr
    inkbef
    orewel
    eave.
    Hest aysint
    hecarwhi l
    eIgoinsi
    de.Ididcal
    lmy
    mot herwhenwecr ossedEnembebridgeandlether
    knowt hatwe'
    llbehereinanhour
    .Theyshouldbe
    readyandwai t
    ing.

    Sandisoist hef
    irstpersonIsee.He'snotevena
    person,he’sali
    ttleagentofSatan.Don'tgetme
    wrong,Ilovehimt odeat hbuthandli
    ngthisone
    needsatl eastt
    hreesachet sofGrandpa.
    “
    Bandi
    le!
    ”heyel
    lst
    osomeonebehi
    ndhi
    m andr
    uns
    t
    ome.
    Bandi
    lei
    sMaMgenge'
    sgr
    andson,
    heal
    soemer
    ges
    fr
    om t
    hehouseandr
    unst
    ome.
    Theseli
    tt
    lechipmunks!Aretheycompet
    ingi
    na
    Vasel
    inecontestorwhat?Andwhobuysan
    i
    nnocentchil
    dgr eensneaker
    s?
    “Gogosai
    dwear
    ecomi
    ngwi
    thyout
    oDur
    ban,
    ”-
    Sandi
    so.
    They'
    rebot
    hwr
    appedar
    oundmyl
    egs.Thesel
    it
    tl
    e
    humanscanbecut
    e.Butcomi
    ngwi
    thmet
    oDur
    ban?
    “
    Hhayi
    -bo!Whi
    chGogosai
    dthat
    ?”Iask.
    Sandisopoi
    ntsatt
    hecar
    ,theot
    herone'
    seyes
    widen.
    “
    I'
    lldr
    ive,
    ”hesays
    “
    I'
    llcountt
    hechange,
    ”theot
    herone.
    They'r
    erunningtot hecar.Myquesti
    onislef
    t
    hangingli
    kethat.Ihopewhatthey'r
    esayingisnot
    tr
    ue.Notonlyaret heyshini
    ngli
    keVaseli
    ne
    i
    nfluencer
    s,togethertheymakeaver yt
    oxicpai
    r.
    Thiswholelunchwoul dbeamess.

    Iwalkinsidethehousewher evoi cescomef r


    om.
    IndeedMaNgobesei sdressedup.Wedi scussed
    thesaridressissueandIconvi ncedhert ogowi th
    thepeachdr essandhermat chi
    ngheadscar f.Now
    mypr oblem isMaMgenge.Idon' trememberi nvi
    ti
    ng
    her.Wher e'
    sshegoi ngwiththecol our-
    blocki
    ng
    dressandwi de-bri
    mmedhat ?I sitPondst hat'
    s
    makingt hem lookli
    ketheywokeupf r
    om the
    mor
    tuar
    y?
    “Sani
    bonani
    ,
    ”Igr
    eetandpul
    lachai
    rbyt
    hewal
    land
    sit
    .
    They'
    rest
    ari
    ngatme.Havet
    heynotseenar
    ich
    man'sgi
    rl
    fri
    endbef
    ore?
    “Si
    ncewhenar
    eyouayel
    low-
    bone?
    ”MaNgobese
    asks.
    “
    Andt
    hisf
    at?
    ”herf
    ri
    end,
    MaMgenge,
    adds.
    Idon'tr
    emembersi gni
    nganysortofcont r
    actto
    staythesamecompl exi
    on,ornott
    ogai nanywei ght,
    withneit
    herofthem.I'
    m shockedbytheirquesti
    ons;
    Ididn'
    tpromiseanyonenottogetfatorturnli
    ghter.
    “
    Thecari
    sout
    side,
    ”Isay,
    ignor
    ingt
    hei
    rquest
    ions.
    MaMgengetur
    nshereyest
    oherfri
    end;“
    Thedog
    haseat
    enyoureggsnt
    ombikaNgobese.
    ”
    MaNgobeseisst
    il
    lst
    ari
    ngatme.Iwishtheycan
    f
    ightallt
    het
    ime,
    thei
    rfr
    iendshi
    pist
    oxi
    c,bad
    f
    riends!
    “
    Areyoupr
    egnant
    ?”MaNgobeseasks.
    Shockmeagai
    n!I
    nfact
    ,ki
    llmeandcr
    emat
    eme,
    andtur
    nmeint
    oholyash.
    “No,Ma!I'
    m notpregnant
    ,jeez.IsaidImet
    someone, i
    tdoesn'
    tmeanI’m havingbabieswit
    h
    him.”They'
    remakingmesoangr y.Howdar et
    hey
    accusemeofpr egnancy?Itookapr egnancyt
    est
    twomont hsagoandIwasn' tpregnant.
    Twomont
    hsago…?Hol
    yshi
    t!
    Ineedagl
    assofwat
    er.No,
    makei
    tthr
    eel
    it
    res.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”MaMgengeaskswit
    hagri
    nonher
    f
    ace.She'
    denj
    oymebei
    ngpregnant
    ,woul
    dn’
    tshe?

    PARTI
    Iat21h00
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    43] :Chapt
    er55(
    cont
    inues)
    FAMI
    LYLUNCHPARTI
    I
    THALENTE

    Sandi
    soandBandil
    ebeingont hi
    str
    ipwi
    thus,
    MaMgenge'
    scolour
    fuldressandmysist
    er'
    s
    absencearethelastthi
    ngonmymi nd.Icouldbe
    pregnant;t
    hevil
    lagewalki
    ng-
    pregnancytestsare
    alr
    eadysuspecti
    ngmeandIhavet hesympt oms.
    I'
    m alwaystir
    ed,sl
    eepyandchoosywheni tcomes
    tofood.

    I
    t'
    sonl ywhenthecardri
    vesinthati
    tcl
    ickst
    omy
    mind.Wear eher
    e,theparent
    sareabouttomeetf
    or
    t
    hef i
    rstt
    ime!
    “Khehl
    ayourskinhasdri
    ed,”that
    'smymot her
    ref
    erri
    ngtohernephew.She'sunzippi
    ngherbag
    andtakingsomethi
    ngout.Abot t
    leofVaseli
    ne?
    Thischil
    disal
    readyshi
    ningli
    keavet koekcoming
    outofahotoil
    .
    “
    Hel
    ooksf
    ine,
    Ma,
    ”Isay.
    Icanimagi
    neSnaloandMaqhi
    ngashar
    ingl
    ooksat
    thet
    ableovert
    his.
    “Thisi
    smynephewandIknowhi m bet
    ter
    .Youl i
    ve
    here,i
    nthesebi
    ghouses,youknownothing.”She
    putsVaseli
    neonherpal
    m, rubsi
    tandpulls
    Sandiso’
    sfaceandmassagesital
    lover.
    MaMgengethi
    nksi
    t'
    scute,shepul
    lshergr
    andson
    anddoest
    hesametohisface.
    Theseki
    dsareof
    fi
    cial
    lyt
    hewal
    kingvet
    koeksof
    SouthAf
    rica.
    “
    Opent
    hel
    astbut
    tonofyourshi
    rtBandi
    le,
    ”Isay.
    Thechi
    ldl
    ooksl
    ikeaJehovahWi
    tnesswhof
    orgot
    hi
    sti
    e.
    “
    Forwhat?Helookshandsome,hejustneedst
    o
    t
    ucktheshi
    rti
    nsidet
    hetrouser
    ,”MaNgobesechir
    ps
    i
    n.
    Betweenmeandher ,
    MaMgenget rustsherf
    ashi
    on
    advicebet
    ter
    .Havingbothofthem hereandthe
    ki
    dsi st
    hewor stt
    hingthat
    'severhappenedi
    nmy
    l
    ife.

    Wear eledi
    nsi
    dethehousebyNomkhosi .Shehas
    oneofthoseAfr
    icandesi
    gnedwrap-dr
    esses,bl
    ack
    st
    il
    ettoswit
    hatouchofgoldandahugeheadwr ap.
    Shelooksli
    keaqueen.Il
    oveherbigsi
    steri
    sm.
    Wear
    enotl
    ate,
    that
    'sar
    eli
    ef.Thet
    abl
    eisset
    outsi
    de,inthebalcony.Ididn'
    texpectthesett
    ingto
    bethisfancy.IfIdi
    dn'tknowt het
    eam ofAndiswa,
    SnaloandNomkhosiIwoul d'
    vesai
    dt heyhada
    decorat
    ingcompanyhi r
    ed,butIknowt heycould'
    ve
    j
    ustputallthistoget
    herbyt hemselves.
    “
    Wedi
    dn'
    tknowyou'
    reget
    ti
    ngmar
    ri
    ed,
    ”MaMgenge
    i
    nal
    owwhisper
    .
    Phewww!
    Nomkhosihelpstheki
    dsontheirseat
    sand
    r
    earrangesthecent
    er-
    piecet
    hathadmymot her
    t
    hinkingthi
    sisawedding.
    “DoIsayMt hi
    yangenkomoabanyebethi
    ya
    ngehlahl
    a?”Nomkhosiasks,
    standi
    ngwit
    hher
    handsont het
    abl
    eandawel comingsmil
    eonher
    face.
    “I
    fyouwanttogoon,say;ShandukaNdaba,
    Sontshi
    kazi
    ,Gumbil
    amagwala,”MaNgobesesays.
    Nomkhosiknewexact
    lywhatt
    osayt
    oti
    ckl
    eher
    f
    ancy.
    “
    Oht
    hankyou,
    ShandukaNdaba.Ever
    yonewi
    llbe
    hereinamoment ,t
    heyjustwantedyoutoset t
    lein
    fi
    rstandwashdownt hedust.Anyway,wear e
    pleasedt
    ohaveyouher etoday.We'vebeenlooking
    forwardt
    othisday.Thal
    enteonlysaysgreatthings
    aboutKhangelani
    .”
    Whatgr
    eatt
    hingsdoIsayaboutKhangel
    ani
    ?
    “Thobil
    epleasebri
    ngthei
    ce!
    ”sheyell
    s,f
    lashes
    anothersmileatusandwal
    ksbackinsi
    dethe
    house.

    Thobilewalksoutwithabucketoficesandglasses.
    Hermake- upisonpoint.She’
    snotintheunif
    orm
    today.She’sweari
    ngat i
    ghtdressandacurlywig,
    l
    ookinglikeanordinaryfamil
    ymember .However,
    shedoesn'tlookhappyinherjob.
    Sheleavesever
    ythi
    ngonthetabl
    e,chewshergum
    andwalksbackinsi
    dethehousewithoutsayi
    nga
    word.

    Maqhi
    ngaandSnal
    oar
    ethef
    ir
    stt
    oar
    ri
    ve.Icannot
    br
    ingmysel
    ftol
    ookatMaqhingai
    ntheeyes.Ican
    i
    maginewhathet
    hinksofme.
    Heshakeseveryone'
    shandbefor
    esi
    tti
    ngnextt
    o
    Snal
    o.Idon'
    tli
    kethei
    reye-
    conver
    sat
    ionsatal
    l.
    Lucki
    ly,
    theauntcomesout
    .She'sabeaut
    if
    ul,
    humble-
    looki
    ngwoman.Theysitst
    il
    lwhentheysee
    hercoming.
    For
    malgreeti
    ngsar eexchanged.Herandthe
    womenont hetablesharesomesi mil
    ari
    ti
    es,wi
    thi
    n
    asecondther
    e'slaughtersur
    renderi
    ngthetabl
    e.
    Thobil
    ewalksoutwi
    thastackofnapki
    nsandan
    annoyedl
    ookonherface.
    “Canyoupl
    easegetappr
    opri
    atecut
    ler
    yfort
    he
    kids?
    ”Mam'Phumzi
    leasksher.
    Di
    dshejustr
    ollhereyesori
    twasmyi
    magi
    nat
    ion?
    Herner
    veismadeoutofsteel
    !

    Thef at
    her-
    in-
    lawstepsoutoft
    hehouseinablack
    tuxedo.He'st
    hefir
    e,he'
    sthesmoke,he'
    sthe
    charcoalandtheashes!Mam'Phumzil
    eisst
    ari
    ng,
    soarethet
    wowomenonthetabl
    e.Hei
    sthe
    DuduzaneZumaoft
    hei
    rage.
    Heevencuthi
    sbear
    d.Wow,
    thi
    sdaymustber
    eal
    ly
    i
    mportant
    .
    Nomkhosif
    oll
    owsout,aft
    erhi
    m,andl
    eadshi
    mto
    hi
    schai
    ratthefarendofthet
    abl
    e.
    “Wel
    l,
    theseareyourguestsNgidi
    ,”shet
    ell
    shi
    m
    andwalksar
    oundt het
    able,comingtome.
    “Thetabl
    eislikeagar denoff
    lowers.MaMbat ha,
    thankyouforacceptingandpassingmyi nvi
    teto
    yourfamil
    y."Het ur
    nst omymot herandMaMgenge.
    Mymom i sstaringathim.MaMgengei snot,she’
    s
    blushi
    ngandmessagi ngherf
    ingersli
    keahigh
    schoolgi
    rlmeetingaHi pHopartistf
    orthefi
    rstti
    me.
    “Thankyouforcoming,zi
    ndlovukazi
    .ButIdi
    dn'
    t
    seeyourbags?”hesays,fr
    owni ng.
    “
    Bags?
    ”MaNgobese.
    “
    You'
    renotsl
    eepi
    ngover
    ?”
    Iknowhe'
    sjustt
    easi
    ngthem,butdeepdown
    MaMgengewishesshecoul
    d'vebroughtherbag,
    ext
    rapant
    iesandci
    nnamon.
    “Well,evenifit
    'sf
    orf
    ewhour s,wear
    ehappyto
    gatherwi t
    hyou.They'
    llt
    elluswhyweareal
    lhere,
    I'
    m alsoclueless.
    ”
    Isn'
    thetheonewhocal
    ledfort
    hisl
    unch?I
    '
    m
    confusedbyhi
    sstat
    ement.
    Khosil
    eansovermeandwhi
    sper
    s;“
    Youneedt
    o
    fet
    chhim.”
    He'
    stheonl
    yonewho' snother
    e.I
    '
    vebeen
    wonder
    ingwhat
    'skeepinghi
    m.
    Igetofft
    hechai
    r,eyesf
    oll
    owandbur
    nmybackasI
    walkinsi
    det
    hehouse.

    Hisbedroom hereistinycompar edt


    otheonei nhis
    house.Thisonehashi spictur
    esont hewal
    l.He
    wasal i
    ttl
    eboyi nmostoft hem.There'
    sasuitcase
    ofhisoldclothesontopoft hewardr
    obe.Hisfather
    kepteveryt
    hing.Event hebi
    cycleheboughthi
    m
    whenhewasat eenagerisinthegar
    age.Heisa
    manofmemor i
    es.
    Idon'
    thaveclothesfrom mychi ldhood,t
    hosethat
    weresti
    lli
    ngoodcondi t
    ionwer epassedtomy
    si
    sterorgi
    ventor el
    atives.Theonlymemor iesI
    havearepict
    uresandconst antreminder
    sofhow
    badIwasasachi l
    dfrom MaNgobese.

    He'sst
    aringatt
    hemi rr
    or,f
    ixedl
    yandmoti
    onl
    essl
    y.I
    standbehindhi
    m andputmyar oundhi
    swaistt
    o
    announcemypr esence.
    “
    They'
    rewai
    ti
    ngf
    oryou,
    ”Isay.
    Hei
    nhal
    esdeepl
    yandnods.
    He'
    sscar
    ed?Thewhol
    eNdl
    ali
    faNgi
    di!
    Ist
    andinfrontofhi
    m andputmyhandsoverhis
    sui
    t.Helookshandsomemor ethanever
    .It
    hought
    he’
    dbeinhi sj
    eans,r
    ankT-shi
    rtandfamouscap.
    Buthe'
    smadeanef fortf
    orthi
    sday.
    Helif
    tsmyhandsandholdsthem t
    ohischest.Hi
    s
    eyesarehaunt
    edwit
    hfearandrest
    lessness.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”Iaskhi
    m.
    Heexhal
    es,
    “I'
    m scar
    ed.
    ”
    “
    Scar
    edofwhat
    ?”Iask.
    “
    Whati
    fyourmot
    hert
    hinksI
    '
    m acr
    imi
    nal
    ?”
    “
    Whywoul
    dshet
    hinkt
    hat
    ?”If
    rown.
    “
    Becauseoft
    heindustr
    ywear
    ein.Youal
    sot
    hink
    I
    '
    m acrimi
    nal
    ,ri
    ght?”
    Well,Idosaythatatti
    mes.Buthe'sthel
    astper
    son
    totakemeseriously.Isaysomethingst
    ogetunder
    hisskin,t
    hesamewayhedoest ome.
    “Haveyoueverseenacr i
    mi nalthatlookst hi
    s
    handsome?Iknowhowt het axii
    ndust rywor ks,you
    dowhatyouhavet odo,whenyouhavet odoi t.I'
    l
    l
    neverjudgeyouandIwon' tall
    owanyonet ojudge
    you.Youar eagoodman, yout akecareofme,
    makesur et hatIstepoutofmycomf ortzoneand
    chaseabet t
    erli
    feformysel f.Yousuppor tmei n
    everyt
    hingIdo.Youacceptmef orwhoIam.Wel l
    ,
    notallthetimes.ButIknowt hatyouri ntenti
    onsar e
    alwayspur e.You'r
    enotexact l
    ywhatIi magi nedf or
    ahusbandandaf atherofmychi l
    dren, butI
    wouldn'thaveyouanyot herwayHl omuka. ”
    “
    Oh,
    whatdi
    dyoui
    magi
    ne?
    ”
    Iknewhe'
    dask.Isai
    dthatonpur
    pose.
    “Amanwho'
    l
    lmakesur
    ethatIcum bef
    orehi
    m,”I
    say.
    No,
    Idi
    dn’
    tgetoveri
    t.
    “I
    fyourmotherwasn'tout
    sideIwould'
    vet
    ornt
    his
    dressandgotyoupregnant,
    ”hesays.
    “I
    fIwasn'
    tpr
    egnantal
    ready.Let
    'sgo.
    ”Ipul
    lhi
    s
    hand.
    “
    WhatdoyoumeanThal
    ent
    e?”
    Heshoul dbepr epar
    inghisspeechinst eadof
    askingmeobvi ousquesti
    ons.Hi sf
    at herhasspun
    thewhol estor
    y,nowi t
    'sl
    ikewecalledt hefamil
    ies
    togethertoannounceourr el
    ati
    onship.

    “KKMul audzi!RomeoandJuli
    et!MyPerf
    ect
    Wedding!JackandRose!Titani
    c!”Heonl
    yst ops
    whenNgi dithrowsadaggerathim.Heshould've
    beenexcludedf r
    om t
    hisl
    unch,peri
    od!Hejust
    broughtallt
    heat t
    ent
    iont
    ous.
    Wesi
    tonourchai
    rs.Ndl
    ali
    fahasn'
    tlookedat
    MaNgobeseandMaMgenge’sdir
    ect
    ion.Iputmy
    handoverhi
    skneeundert
    hetabl
    e.
    He'
    sreal
    lyscar
    ed.I
    t'
    ssounl
    ikehi
    m.
    “Wel
    l,t
    hisistheper
    sonwhogat heredal
    lofus
    her
    e,”Ngidit
    hrowshim st
    rai
    ghtinsi
    dealion'
    sden.
    Can'
    theseehowner
    voushei
    s?
    “Atl
    easti
    trai
    nsfr
    equentlyt
    hatside,
    ”hesayst
    o
    MaMgenge.Iguessi
    t'
    st heconti
    nuati
    onofa
    conver
    sat
    ionweweren'tapartof.
    “Notfr
    equent
    ly,somet
    imesweusewateri
    ng
    bucket
    sandfetchwaterf
    rom t
    her
    iver
    ,”MaMgenge
    says.

    Mymot her
    'seyeshavebeenonNdl al
    if
    afrom the
    secondhesatdown.Hiseyesar etheglassofwat er
    i
    nf r
    ontofhim,he'
    snotli
    ft
    ingthem upandIt hink
    Snaloi
    stakingavideoofhim acr
    osst hetabl
    e.
    “Thesunisset
    ti
    ngdown,
    ”MaNgobesesays,
    sti
    ll
    star
    ingatNdl
    ali
    fa.
    Thi
    sisherwayoft
    ell
    inghi
    mtospeakup.Whyi
    s
    Ngididoi
    ngt
    his?Whati
    smypoorNdl
    ali
    fagoi
    ngt
    o
    say?
    “
    Sani
    bona,
    ”hegr
    eet
    swhi
    ler
    ubbi
    nghi
    sfor
    ehead.
    He'
    ssweat
    ing.
    Noanswer
    !
    Myheartisr
    aci
    ngt
    oo.Whyar
    etheynotr
    etur
    ning
    hi
    sgreet
    ing?
    “
    Tel
    lthem whatThal
    ent
    eisdoi
    ngher
    e,”Ngi
    disays.
    RightnowIdon’
    tcar
    eaboutt
    hei
    reyes.Igr
    abhi
    s
    handonthetabl
    eandhol
    dit.
    MaNgobeseandMaMgengeshareal
    ook.Di
    dn'
    tI
    t
    ellt
    hem Iwasseei
    ngsomeone?
    “CanIbewit
    hThalent
    e?Iloveher
    ,”heasks.I
    '
    ve
    neverseent
    hisner
    vous,
    yetsweetestsi
    deofhim.
    “Oh,
    nowyou'reaski
    ngforper
    missi
    on?Ithought
    youwereal
    readytoget
    heranddoi
    ng“t
    hings”as
    l
    overs,
    ”MaNgobesesays.
    She'
    snotsupposedt
    obegi
    vinghi
    m ahar
    dti
    me.
    Maqhi
    nga'
    seyesspar
    ksat
    winkl
    e.He'
    slovi
    ngt
    his!
    “I
    '
    m aski
    ngf oraper
    missi
    ont
    obui
    ldaf
    ami
    lywi
    th
    her,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Isshenotpr
    egnantal
    ready?
    ”MaMgengeasks.
    Gasps!
    !!
    Ndl
    ali
    fat
    urnshi
    seyest
    ome.He'
    sconf
    used.
    “
    We'
    l
    lconf
    ir
    m,”Isayi
    nal
    owwhi
    sper
    .
    “
    Sowhatareyourint
    ent
    ionsaboutThal
    ent
    e?”
    MaNgobeseasks.
    “
    Iwantt
    omar ryher
    ,”hesays.Hewasbor
    nready
    f
    ort
    hisquest
    ion.
    Theyl
    ookatNgi
    diandMam'
    Phumzi
    le.
    “
    Well
    ,that
    'swhywear eher
    e,t
    heki
    dswantt
    oget
    mar
    ri
    ed,”Ngidisays.
    MaNgobeset
    urnst
    ome,
    feari
    swr
    it
    tenal
    loverher
    eyes.
    “
    Youwantt
    ogetmar
    ri
    ed?
    ”sheasks.
    Ndlal
    i
    fa'
    shandsqueezesmi
    ne.Idon'
    tknowwhat
    si
    gnhe'str
    yingt
    ogiveme.
    “Yes,
    Iwantt
    ogetmar
    ri
    edt
    ohi
    m,”Isaywi
    thoutany
    doubtorf
    ear
    .
    “
    We'
    l
    ltal
    k,
    ”shesays.
    Notbadatall.She'
    llprobablytel
    lmehowbad
    marr
    iageisandr eferencetoherfri
    ends’i
    ll
    marr
    iages,andI’l
    ljustconvinceherthatI
    '
    mr eadyt
    o
    f
    aceitall
    .

    Iguesstheawkwar dmoment sareover,peopl


    eare
    backtothei
    rplatesandlowconver sati
    ons.Ngidi
    seemstobei nt
    erestedintherurall
    if
    e,most l
    y
    croppi
    ng.Heisaskingat housandquest i
    onsand
    MaMgengei sgladlyansweringalloft
    hem.
    “Thankyoubabe,”Ndl
    ali
    fasays,
    squeezi
    ngmyknee
    underthet
    able.
    Il
    ookathi
    m.
    “
    Forever
    ythi
    ng,
    ”hesays.Hi
    seyesl
    owert
    omy
    t
    ummy, t
    henhelooksupwit
    hawarm smi
    leonhi
    s
    f
    ace.
    Am Ir
    eal
    lypr
    egnant
    ?Iwi
    lll
    ookl
    ikeNdondo?Ihope
    Godandmyancest
    orscomethr
    oughformeagai
    n.
    Thatcr
    ewhasmyback,t
    heyunder
    standme.
    “
    Idon'
    tseespoons,
    ”-MaNgobese.
    Nomkhosiri
    sesfr
    om herchai
    randunwr
    apsher
    for
    kandknif
    e.ShedoesthesameforMaMgenge.
    They'
    rest
    ari
    ngatherthewholet
    ime.
    I'
    m notsurewhenSandi soandhi spartnerincr
    ime
    star
    tedeati
    ng.Di
    dn’ttheyseef orksinfrontoft
    hem?
    They'r
    estuff
    ingmeatinsidetheirmouthsand
    messingthei
    rshir
    ts.Atleastthey'r
    ekids,nobodyi
    s
    payi
    ngat t
    enti
    ontothem.
    “
    I'
    m notgoi
    ngtost
    abfoodndodakazi
    ,pl
    easeget
    measpoon,”MaNgobesesays.
    Ineedwat
    er!Igr
    abagl
    assandgul
    pdownahuge
    si
    p.
    “KahleMaNgobese,t
    hiski
    ndoffoodcannotbe
    eatenwithaspoon.Haveyouneverbeent
    oa
    restaur
    ant?
    ”MaMgenge.
    Ican'
    tbeli
    eveshe’
    str
    yingt
    oshi
    neatmymot
    her
    's
    expense!
    “
    It
    'sfineMa,I
    '
    llgett
    hespoons,
    ”Nomkhosisaysand
    walksinsi
    det
    hehouse.

    Thi
    sisawkwar
    d.Oram It
    heonl
    yonef
    eel
    ingt
    hat
    way?
    “Mmm Ilovecucumberandcabbage.Idon'
    tgoa
    weekwithouti
    t,
    ”MaMgengesays,for
    kingthesal
    ad
    andfor
    cingiti
    nhermouth.
    Iwantt
    opunchheront hef
    aceandtel
    lherit'
    s
    l
    ett
    uce,notcabbage.Andsi
    ncewhenshel i
    kes
    sal
    ad?Wher ehassheevereat
    engreensalad?
    ThankGod,t
    hespoonsar
    eher
    e!Mymot
    hergr
    abs
    oneandstar
    tseat
    ing.
    “
    Don'
    tyouknowcucumberMaNgobese?
    ”
    MaMgengeagai
    n.
    She'st
    ryi
    ngtoohard!Snal
    o'seyeskeepgoi
    ngt
    o
    them.She'
    ssuppressi
    ngalaugh.
    “I
    '
    m onl
    yeati
    ngwhatI'
    mf amil
    iarwi
    th,MaMgenge.
    Don'
    teatt
    oomuchyout wo,”MaNgobesesaysto
    t
    hetwochipmunkswhoar emurder
    ingchi
    cken
    t
    highs.
    “Lett
    hem be.Ndl
    ali
    fawasal
    sol
    iket
    hisasachi
    ld,
    ”
    Ngidisays.
    Heonl
    ychuckl
    esnextt
    ome.I
    '
    veneverseenhi
    m so
    humbl
    ebefor
    e.
    Snal
    oispour
    ingchampagnei
    nherglass.
    MaMgengepushesasi
    detheCokemymot herand
    herwer
    ehavi
    ngandasksSnalotopourforheras
    well
    .
    “
    TrustmeMa,
    you'
    l
    llovet
    his,
    ”Snal
    osays.
    MaMgengesmi
    les,
    “Thi
    sisexact
    lyt
    heonet
    hatI
    l
    ike.
    ”
    Shesips.Herfaci
    alexpressi
    ondoesn'
    tshowthat
    she'
    shaving‘exactl
    ythechampagnethatshel
    ikes.
    ’
    Herfacelooksforei
    gntothisthi
    ng.
    “
    Whowant
    sadr
    umst
    ick?R2!
    ”Sandi
    so.
    Notafoodsaleonsomeone'
    stabl
    e!Mostkidsdo
    t
    hiswhereIcomefrom,put
    ti
    ngthei
    rlef
    t-
    oversup
    f
    orsal
    e,butwearenothome.He'sembarrassi
    ng
    me.
    “
    Khehl
    a,no!
    ”hi
    sauntsays,
    givi
    nghi
    m al
    ook.
    Maqhingaburstsi
    ntol
    aught
    er;“He'sgoingtobea
    weal
    thybusinessmanoneday.Ialsostart
    edli
    ke
    t
    his.
    ”
    “
    Youar
    enotabusi
    nessman,
    ”Ngi
    disays.
    Mam'Phumzi
    legiveshi
    m alook.She'sprobablynot
    usedt
    othewaytheytreatoneanother.Ngidismil
    es
    andpi
    ckshi
    sfork.
    They'
    rewei
    rd!
    Icastmyeyestotheothersideofthetableand
    noti
    cethatMaMgengehasn' teat
    enmuchofher
    food.I
    t'
    sscat
    ter
    edallovertheplate.Theknif
    eison
    herlef
    thand,
    she'
    sstruggli
    ngt ocutthemeat.
    Oureyesmeet
    .Igi
    veherasi
    gnal
    -“r
    ighthand
    damnit
    !”
    Andshebetterst
    oppr
    etendi
    ngtoknowandli
    ke
    champagne.She'
    sawell-
    knownCokegangmember
    .
    “
    Mor
    esal
    ad?
    ”Nomkhosiasksher
    .
    Fakesmi
    le!
    Shenods,
    “Ofcour
    se,
    mygi
    rl
    .”
    “
    Iloveyourhat
    ,”Nomkhosisays.
    “
    Oh,
    real
    ly.Mydaught
    erboughti
    tforme.Shewor
    ks
    i
    nahospit
    al.
    ”
    Whyisshegivingt
    hem thei
    mpressi
    onthat
    Nondumisoisanurse?NondumisoandIbot
    hdi
    dn'
    t
    gotouni
    versi
    ty,wedon'
    thaveprof
    essi
    ons.
    “
    Thefoodi
    snice,
    whoevercookedher
    eshould
    t
    eachThal
    ent
    eat hi
    ngort
    wo,”-MaNgobese.
    Ndlal
    i
    falaughs.ThesameguyI'
    vebeendef
    ending
    andsupporti
    ng.He'
    snowlaughi
    ngatmewiththese
    peopl
    e.
    “Hermanwi l
    lhi
    reachef.He'sbeendr
    ivi
    ngtaxi
    s
    sincehewasaboy.I ’
    m sur
    ehehasmoneynow.He
    droppedoutofschoolandjoi
    nedthef
    amily
    business,
    ”Ngi
    di.
    If
    eelhi
    mtensi
    ngupnextt
    ome.
    “
    Oh,
    hedr
    oppedoutofschool
    ?”MaNgobeseasks.
    Ngidimust
    ’vesaidthatt
    oseeherr
    eact
    ion.Ij
    ust
    hopeshedoesn'tjudget
    hem.
    “
    Yeshedi
    d,buthe'
    sahar
    dwor
    ker
    ,”Ngi
    disays.
    “Ihopeso.Itwoul
    dbeapityf
    ormygrandchil
    dren
    tohaveparentswhodon'
    tbel
    ievei
    neducat
    ion,
    ”she
    says.
    “I
    '
    llt
    akethem t
    obestschool
    sandmakesur
    ethey
    don'
    ttur
    noutli
    keme,”Ndlal
    i
    fasays.
    “Andhowdi
    dyout
    urnout
    ?”Ngi
    diasks,
    glar
    ingat
    him.
    Hej
    ustshr
    ugshi
    sshoul
    der
    sandswal
    lowshi
    sdr
    ink.
    “You'
    resuccessf
    ul,
    int
    ell
    igentandbr
    ave.Youtur
    ned
    outwellandIknowyou’l
    lbeagoodmant o
    MaMbat haandagreatfathert
    oyourki
    ds,”Ngi
    di
    says.
    Foramomentt hey'
    restaringateachother
    .Ndl
    ali
    fa
    i
    st hef
    ir
    stonet odrophi seyes.Idon'
    tknowbutI
    thi
    nkhe'sgrat
    ef ult
    ohisf ather
    .Heneededtohear
    thosewordsfrom him.
    “Il
    oveyouNdl al
    if
    a,”-Ij
    ustneededtotel
    lhimthi
    s
    now.Hel ooksup,hislowerl
    iptrembl
    ing.Igr
    abhis
    handquicklyandsqueezeit.
    Andnow?Whyaret
    heyal
    lst
    ari
    ngatus?Thei
    rfood
    i
    stur
    ningcol
    d.
    “Thal
    ent
    ewher
    ecanIf
    indabat
    hroom?
    ”MaMgenge
    asks.
    She'
    sonherf
    eetandhol
    dingherst
    omach.
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngal
    ri
    ghtMa?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Justshowmet
    hebat
    hroom!
    ”
    Isi
    tthatherst
    omachisr
    eject
    ingherfavouri
    tesal
    ad
    andchampagnealr
    eady?Thisisembarrassi
    ng.
    Irushwithherinsidethehouseandleadhertothe
    bathroom.Istandout si
    dethedoorj
    usttoconfi
    rm
    thatshe'
    salri
    ghtinside.
    I
    sthatabal
    loonbur
    sti
    ngi
    nsi
    de?Agr
    oan!
    Lor
    d,Icannotl
    ist
    ent
    othi
    s.

    AsifhearingMaMgenge'
    sfar
    tandr
    unnypoop
    wasn'tenough,
    her
    eIam bumpingi
    ntoacr
    ying
    maid.
    “
    Thobi
    lear
    eyouokay?
    ”Iask.
    “
    He'snotevenlooki
    ngatme.Whyi shetr
    eati
    ngme
    l
    ikethi
    s?Am Inotatt
    ract
    iveenough?Whatdi
    dIdo
    wrong?”
    I
    'm notSi
    s’
    Dol
    lybutIcanrubherbackandtel
    lher
    t
    hatmenar et
    rash.She'
    l
    lfi
    ndsomeoneelse.She
    mustknowherwor t
    hy.
    “Looksisi
    ,Ihavetogo.Pl
    easedon'
    tgi
    vehimt he
    sati
    sfacti
    on,hedoesn'
    tdeser
    veyourt
    ear
    s,”Isay
    makingmywayt othedoor.
    Ihopeshe'
    l
    lbef
    ine.Ir
    eal
    lydo.
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    44] :SEASONFI
    NALE
    Chapt
    er56
    MAQHAWESI
    BISI

    Hecannotf eelnormovehi sl owerbody.Hi schurch


    member shavebeeni nandoutofhi sroom,
    del
    iver
    ingpr ayersandquotingscr iptstostr
    engthen
    hi
    m.Vumi lehasgoneoutt ogett hem somet hi
    ngt o
    dri
    nk.Theki ds,AndiswaandBahl e,havegoneback
    homewi t
    ht hechur chmini
    st er.Bahleistaki
    ngit
    harder
    ,tohim hi
    sfat
    herwasahero,seeinghimlike
    thi
    sbreakshisheart
    .Nobodyunder
    standshimt he
    wayhisfatherdi
    d.Howaretheygoi
    ngt ogototheir
    fat
    her-
    and-songamesifhecan’
    twalkonhi sown?
    Howar etheygoingt
    oracethei
    rbi
    cyclesifhecan’t
    movehisf eet
    ?
    Andiswaprayedt of i
    ndhi m aliveandhei s.She’
    s
    thankf
    ulforthat,anythingelsewi llbetakencareof
    withmoney.She’ salreadydr awnupapost er
    l
    ookingforanur sewhocanst aywi thhim oncehe’
    s
    beendischarged,allfundswi llcomef rom Ndondo’
    s
    account.I
    t’
    st hei
    rfather,she’ssur ethatshewon’t
    mind.

    Maqhawehasn’ tsai
    danyt hi
    ng,he’ssitt
    ingont he
    chair
    ,st
    aringathi mlyingonbedhel plessly.Yes
    theyhadtheirdiff
    erences,hetookal otfrom hisl
    if
    e,
    orhe’dl
    iket obeli
    eveso, butseei
    nghi ml i
    kethis
    breakshisheart.Hecannoti maginebeingaman
    andnotbei ngabletotakecar eofyourself.
    Nowi
    t’
    sjustt
    het
    wooft
    hem,
    Dumi
    sanii
    snot
    l
    ooki
    ngathim eventhoughhecanmovehishead
    andt
    alk.I
    t’
    seit
    herhe’sashamedorhat
    ing
    Maqhawe’spr
    esenceasusual.
    “
    Mahl
    ase,
    ”Maqhawesaysaf
    tercl
    ear
    inghi
    sthr
    oat
    .
    “
    Pleasedon’tcal
    lmethat
    ,”Dumisanir
    esponds
    wit
    houttur
    ninghisheadt
    ol ookathi
    m.
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tknowunt
    ilaf
    ewdaysago,
    ”Maqhawesays.
    “Howwoul dyouhaveknown?Wher
    ewer
    eyou?
    ”
    Dumisaniasks.
    “Thi
    smat
    terwasbetweenyouandmom.Itwouldn’
    t
    havemat
    ter
    edwhetherIwasther
    eornot
    ,”hesays.
    Slowly,Dumisanit
    urnshi
    shead.He’
    sempty,deat
    h
    would’vebeenbett
    erthanl
    ivi
    ngli
    kethi
    s.
    Nomaguguhasn’ tcometoseehim.Theysai
    dshe’d
    comebuti t’
    sbeendaysandther
    e’snomessage
    fr
    om her .
    “Maybeyoucoul
    d’vepr
    otect
    edusMaqhawe,
    ”he
    says.
    “Yourexpect
    ati
    onswer ever
    yhigh,
    Imustsay.I
    ’m
    onlyfi
    veyearsoldert
    hanyou.Iwasn’
    tasuperman,
    ”
    Maqhawesays.
    Ther
    e’ssomesi
    lence.
    ThenDumi
    sanil
    if
    tshi
    seyes.
    “Ihaveneverl
    ivedmydr eam,youknow.Mar ri
    age,
    Nomaguguandl eadership.I
    twasallforcedonme.
    Callmespinel
    ess, sel
    fishorweak.I
    t’swi t
    hinyour
    ri
    ghtbecauseyouneverknewyourpar entsforwho
    theywere.Theonlyper sonwhoknowshowdeep
    myscar sareandhowdamagedIam, i
    sNomagugu.
    Theonlypersonwhoknowshowscar r
    edVumi l
    eis,
    i
    t’sherhusband.”
    “
    Andit’
    syouwhoknowshowmuchmypar ent
    shurt
    me.YouDumisani
    ,thebr
    otherwhousedt
    oeditl
    ove
    l
    ett
    ersf
    orme.Youknewhowmuchshemeantt o
    mebackthen,
    yetyoumarri
    edher.
    ”
    “I
    twasthatorNdondowasgoi ngtobekil
    led,
    ”
    Dumisanisays,somehowannoyedthatMaqhawe
    st
    il
    ldoesn’tgethowunfai
    rli
    fewastohim.
    “
    Aft
    ertheypassedon,whydidn’
    tyoucomebackto
    mewiththetr
    uth?WhydidyoukeepNdondoaway
    f
    rom meifkeepi
    ngherformewast heonl
    yreason
    youagr
    eedt
    omar
    ryNomagugu?
    ”Maqhawe.
    Si
    lence……
    “
    Youwereangryatmefornotbei
    ngasuper
    man
    t
    hatyouandVumilewant
    edmet obe?
    ”
    Deepbr
    eat
    handmor
    esi
    lence.
    “
    Youowemeanswer
    sDumi
    sani
    !”
    Hesi ghs,
    “Icoul
    dn’tletNomagugugo,shehad
    alr
    eadyacceptedmeandIknewt hatnowoman
    wasevergoi ngtoacceptmeasIwas, excepther.
    Lett
    ingNdondocomeandseeyouwoul d’
    veledinto
    youandherr eunit
    ingandIcouldn’
    thavehandled
    that
    .”
    “Soyoukeptmydaughterawayfr
    om mebecause
    youwereinsecur
    e?”Maqhaweasks.
    “
    Yes,
    ”henods.
    “Areyouproudofyoursel
    f?Ifyoul
    ookcl
    osel
    yat
    yoursel
    finthemi
    rror
    ,don’tyouseeDad?
    ”Maqhawe
    asks.
    “No,Idon’
    t.I
    ’
    m not
    hingl
    iket
    hatmonst
    er,
    ”Dumi
    sani
    says.
    “You’
    reright
    ,youarenot hi
    ngli
    kehi
    m.Heneverhi
    t
    norrapedourmot her.Youhavenomatchwhenit
    comest ocruel
    ty.Yetyousayyouarescar
    edof
    l
    osingNomagugu. ”
    “Iam scar
    edoflosi
    ngher ,
    ”Dumisanii
    nsist
    s.“
    And
    I’
    vealwaysknownt hatthedayyoucomebackt o
    ourli
    vesherandIwoul dend.Whereissheaswe
    speak?”Hisvoi
    ceisbreaking.
    “Don’tmakeanymistakeDumisani.Idi
    dn’
    theal
    from howherandIbrokeup,becauseitwasfor
    ced
    andshel ef
    twit
    hmychi l
    d.I
    t’
    snot hi
    ngmor et
    han
    that
    ,Ihaveawifeathome.”
    “
    Youmeani
    fIdi
    eyouwon’
    t….
    ”
    “Ifyoudi eDumi saniIwi l
    lcomet oyourfuneralasa
    guestandgobackhomet omywi f
    e.”Heopensa
    bottleofwat erandgul psitdown.It’st
    oolatefor
    brother hood.Maybei ftheirpar
    entswerestil
    lalivei
    t
    woul d’vebeeneasyt of i
    llthegapsandknitback
    theirrelati
    onship.Butnowsomuchdamagehas
    beendone, theonl ythingthattiesthem t
    ogetheris
    blood, nothingel se.
    “
    Canyoudoonet
    hingf
    orme,
    please?
    ”Dumi
    sani
    .
    Maqhawejustl
    ooksathim andsaysnot
    hing.But
    he’
    sli
    steni
    ngandthat
    ’senoughforDumisanit
    ogo
    on.
    “MakesureI
    ’
    m bur
    iedatt
    her
    ightpl
    acewhenIdi
    e,
    ”
    hesays.
    Maqhawedidn’
    texpecthi
    mt otal
    kli
    kethis.The
    doct
    orssai
    dhe’l
    lli
    ve,hi
    schancesofsurvivaland
    l
    ivi
    ngalongli
    fearegood.
    “
    Youar
    enotdyi
    ng,
    ”hesays.
    “Li
    feisunpr
    edi
    ctabl
    eMaqhawe.Ther
    ear
    eno
    guarant
    ees.
    ”
    .
    .
    NDLALI
    FA

    Hemust’
    vebeen17whenhi sfatherst
    oodinthe
    middl
    eoftheroadandpoi
    ntedtheMchunut axihe
    wasdri
    vingt
    ot hesi
    deoft
    heroadandor der
    edhi m
    togetout.It’
    dbeenmont hssi ncehedroppedoutof
    schoolandl efthome.Hewasst ayi
    ngwi t
    hf r
    iends,
    somedayssl eepingint own, underthebridgeand
    wakingupt owanderar oundt herank.Whenhe
    decidedthathewant edt odr ivetaxishedidn’t
    approachhisf ather,hewentt oMchunuandasked
    himf orajob.Hedi dthatsol elytoannoyhi sfather.
    Ngidiusedtobeghi mt ocomehomeever yti
    mehe
    bumpedi ntohi ml ookingl i
    keast r
    eetki
    d.
    Somet imeshe’ dtakeat axiandl ookforhim allover
    thestreet
    s.
    He’dstayhomef oraf ewdaysbef oresteali
    ng
    moneyandr et
    urningbackt ot hestr
    eets.Hewas
    surethatonedayhewasgoi ngt obebr aveenough
    toputabul l
    etthroughhi sfather’
    sheadandki llhim.
    Buteveryti
    mehi spl ansstart
    edt oassembl ehe’d
    thi
    nkofMaqhi nga.Hi m andNgi diwerever yclose,
    hewasagoodf athertohim andNdl al
    ifacouldn’t
    affordt
    obet heonet otakethatawayf rom his
    brother
    .
    Thedayhisf
    atheror
    der
    edhi
    m outoft
    heMchunu
    taxiwast
    hedayheshowedhi
    m whyhewascall
    ed
    Ngonyama.Hedi dn’tr
    eprimandhi
    m, no,hefought
    him asi
    fhewasf ighti
    nganotherman.Wi t
    hagun
    cockedandpl acedont hebed,hepunchedhim,
    threwhim againstthewallsandst
    rangledhim wi
    th
    hiskneepressedonNdl i
    fa’
    schest
    .
    I
    twasanear-
    deathexperience,hespentt
    henext
    f
    ewdaysinanoldhousenextt oGroutvi
    ll
    e,l
    ocked
    i
    nsi
    dewit
    hfoodandpai nkil
    ler
    s.

    Hehasnevert ol
    danyoneaboutt hatday.Even
    Nhlanzekodi dn’
    tknow.Whenhecamebackhome
    hepr etendedasifnothi
    nghappened.He
    apologizedtoMaqhi ngaforbei
    ngabsentand
    promi sedtobearoundmor eoften.Herekindledhi
    s
    rel
    ationshipwithMaqhinga,butnotwithhisfather
    ,
    andbot hoft
    hem wer eokaywit
    hi tbei
    ngbr oken.
    Heof f
    ici
    all
    ystart
    eddr i
    vinghisfat
    her’
    staxisli
    ke
    anydrivert
    hatwasempl oyedtodoso.Ther ewas
    nospecialtr
    eatmentorext r
    apayment, i
    ftherewas
    anythi
    ng,hewassl avedmor ethananyone.Hi s
    fat
    herwasst i
    llangryathimf ordr
    oppingoutof
    school
    .
    Herandoml yownedagunoneday.Hehadno
    enemi esanddidn’
    tneedagunbecausehi sf ather
    wast henabigshotattherank,ever
    yonefear ed
    him.Hehadt heunitofbodyguardsemployedt o
    l
    ookaf t
    erhi
    m,whichautomatical
    lyputeveryone
    rel
    atedt ohi
    m underprot
    ecti
    on.ButNdlali
    fawent
    andgotanunl i
    censedgunwi t
    houtanyoneknowi ng.

    Onedayhedeci dedt hathim andNgidineededt o


    haveanexclusivedinner.So, hehadoneofhi s
    fr
    iendsfet
    chingMaqhi ngat ohaveast udynight
    withhi
    syoungbr other.Thatgr ant
    edhim achance
    tocook,pr
    epareaspeci aldrinkforhi
    sf at
    herand
    waitwit
    hagunhi ddenbehindhi swaist.
    Itwas8:35pm whenNgidiwal
    kedi
    n.Allt
    heli
    ght
    s
    wereturnedof
    f,t
    hehousewasdarkbuthewasable
    tonoti
    cehissonstandi
    nginthemi
    ddleofthe
    kit
    chen.
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngalr
    ight
    ?”heasked,reachi
    ngupt
    othe
    wal
    landtur
    ningtheki
    tchenl
    ighton.
    “Youar ever
    ylat
    eBaba,
    ”Ndlal
    if
    asaid,i
    nhal
    ed
    sharplyandwalkedt
    othet
    ablethatwassetfort
    wo
    people.
    “
    Washyourhandsandjoi
    nmef ordi
    nner
    .Maqhinga
    wentt
    oSi
    hle’
    shousetostudywit
    hMenzi,
    ”hesaid.
    “Oh,Ididn’tknow,”Ngidisaidwhi l
    ewashi nghis
    handsandget ti
    ngreadyf ordinner.Itwasunli
    ke
    Maqhingat ogoanywher ewi t
    houtt ell
    inghi
    m, but
    hement allyexcusedthatonet imeandembr aced
    thefactthathiseldestsonhadpr epareddinner.He
    wascomi ngaround;therewasal ightattheendof
    thetunnel.
    Whathedidn’
    tknowwasthatMagcina’spi
    ctur
    e
    wasoneofthedecor
    ati
    onsonthetable.Hi
    sheart
    sunkassoonashesawi t
    .
    “Si
    nceshecan’tphysical
    lyj
    oinus,It
    houghtI
    shoul
    dinvi
    teherpicturei
    nstead,
    ”Ndlal
    if
    asai
    dwi
    th
    afakegri
    nandashr ug.

    I
    twasjustthr
    eeminut
    est
    hroughdinnerwhen
    Ndl
    ali
    fapoppedt
    hequest
    ion.I
    twasn’tt
    hefi
    rstt
    ime
    heasked,
    theanswer
    shehadgoti
    nthepastdi
    dnot
    sat
    isf
    yhim.
    “
    Wher
    eismymot
    her
    ?”heasked.
    Ngi
    dichokedandreachedforagl
    assofdri
    nkthat
    wasinfr
    ontofhi
    m andgulpedhal
    fofitdown.
    “Wetal
    kedaboutt
    hisNdlali
    fa.Yourmot
    herl
    eft
    ,”he
    sai
    dwhenhewasf inal
    lycomposed.
    “
    Leftorki
    ll
    edbyyou?
    ”Ndl
    ali
    faasked,
    glar
    ingathi
    s
    f
    atheri
    cil
    y.
    “Ididn’
    tki
    llher.Il
    ovedher .
    ”Het ookanothersip
    from hi
    sglass.Thesubj ectofMagcinamadehi m
    uncomf or
    tableandt hat
    ,forNdlali
    fa,
    wasaf lag.He
    strongl
    ybelievedthathisfat
    herhadahandi nhis
    mot her
    ’sdisappearanceandhewasr eadyfor
    revenge.
    “
    Iwi
    llr
    aisemybr
    other
    ,”hesai
    d.
    Ngi
    diwasf
    eel
    ingabi
    tdi
    zzyandsuddenl
    ytooweak.
    “
    Whatdoyoumean?
    ”heasked.
    Aguncameoutofhi
    sson’
    swai
    standpoi
    nted
    bet
    weenhi
    seyes.
    “Son?
    ”Hewast ooweaktodoanyt
    hing,al
    lhecoul
    d
    dowasleanbackonthechai
    randstareathi
    sson.
    “
    Iwantmymot
    herBheki
    zit
    ha,
    ”–Ndl
    ali
    fa.
    “I
    …l oved…her…pl ease…son…please…Maqhinga
    cannot…become…an…or phan.
    ”Hewasget ti
    ng
    weakerwi t
    heachwor dthathespitt
    ed.Thegunwas
    onhi sbrow-r
    idge,itwasjustamat t
    erofti
    mebef or
    e
    Ndlali
    fapull
    edt hetri
    gger.
    “It
    ’sfine…ifyounol ongerneed…me…buthe…he
    needsme. ”At earroll
    eddownhi scheekbef or ehe
    totall
    ypassedoutont hechair.I
    twasNdl al
    ifa’s
    chance, hehadt opullthatt
    ri
    ggerandendhi m.I t
    hadbeenhi swishforaver ylongti
    me.Buthedi dn’
    t,
    i
    nst eadhet ookNgidi’
    sar msanddr aggedhimt ohi
    s
    bedr oom.Hel ef
    thim onbedandbr okehispr omise
    toMaqhi nga.Hedi sappearedagain!
    Ngidiwenttotherankthenextmor ninganddi dn’t
    tel
    lanyoneaboutthepr evi
    ousni
    ght ’
    sincident.
    Ndlal
    ifawentbackt oMchunuanddr ovehi staxis.
    They’dbumpintoeachot heratt
    imes, butneitherof
    them sai
    danything.Theyweretotalstrangers.
    Ndlal
    if
    awoul dgotoMaqhi nga’ sschool,camp
    outsi
    dethegateandt akehimf oraswing.They’
    d
    tal
    kaboutgirl
    s,soccerandmoney.Neverabout
    home.Maqhi ngawasi nstr
    uct edtolethi
    m beand
    Ndlal
    if
    awasokaywi ththei
    rr elat
    ionshi
    pendingon
    thestr
    eets.I
    twasheal thythatway, wit
    houtNgidii
    n
    thepi
    cture.

    Butonedayhecamehome, withhisbagsand
    ever
    ythi
    ng.Hedidn’
    tapol
    ogizenorexpl
    ainhi
    mself.
    Hejustwenttohisr
    oom andwokeupi nthe
    morningtoshadowoneofhisfat
    her’
    staxidr
    iver
    s.
    Itwasaf ewweeksaf t
    erhisret
    urnthatMchunuand
    hisbrot
    hersbangedNgi di
    ’sdoor.Theywerewith
    Mchunu’sbrother
    ’sfi
    ancewhowasi nhermi d-
    thir
    ti
    esbackthen.Ndlal
    ifawasinhisearlytwenti
    es.
    Theywer el
    ookingforhim,armedandr eadytospil
    l
    blood.
    “
    Whatdi
    dyoudo?
    ”Ngi
    diasked.
    Hedi
    dn’
    tsayanything.Hejuststoodbythewall
    wi
    thhi
    seyesbulgingout.Thefiancewascryi
    ng
    nexttotheMchunubr ot
    hers.Itl
    ookedl
    ikeshehad
    herfacer ear
    rangedabi
    t,butsheworeherscar
    f
    ti
    ghtl
    yar oundherneck.
    “Itookyoufrom t
    hestreets,cleanedyouandfed
    you.Butyouhavet henervet osleepwit
    hmy
    brother
    ’sf
    iance.Notonce, nottwice,
    butever
    y
    fuckin’
    day!”Mchunuroared.
    “
    What
    ?!”Ngi
    di.
    HelookedatNdlal
    ifaandsawthathewasshaki
    ng
    i
    nhi sboots.Asmuchashehaddonewr ongi
    nthe
    past,nobodywasgoingtocomearmedand
    thr
    eatenhisson,i
    nsidehi
    sownhouse.
    “
    Itwasami
    stakeBaba,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasai
    d.
    Bothofthem knewthati
    twasn’
    tami st
    ake.
    Mistakesonl
    yhappenonce,notever
    ydaywith
    someone’sfi
    ance.
    “Di
    dn’
    tItel
    lyounottoletmysondr iveyourtaxis,
    Mchunu?Didn’
    tIaskyoutolethim staywher ever
    hewas?Youdecideditwasbettertotakehimi n
    andsel
    lhimtoyourunsati
    sfi
    edwi ves?”Ngidiasked.
    “
    Ngonyamadon’
    tevenst
    art
    !Thisboybeggedme
    f
    orajobandt
    henpaidhi
    mselfwit
    hmybr ot
    her
    ’s
    f
    ianceont
    opoft
    hesalar
    yIwasgivinghi
    m.”
    “
    No,
    youusedmyson!
    ”
    Gunswer ecockedandpoi
    ntedatdi
    ff
    erent
    di
    rect
    ions.
    “Getoutofmyhouseandmakesur et
    hatyour
    slu£ofafiancenevert
    ouchesmysoneveragai
    n!”
    Itt
    ookamomentf ortheMchunust olowert
    hei
    r
    gunsandleave.I
    fitwasanyoneelseblood
    would’
    vebeenspil
    t,butitwasNgonyamaandthey
    knewbett
    erthantostartawarwithhim.

    >>>>>

    Ngidichuckl
    esandshakeshi
    shead.He’snever
    seenNdlali
    fasoscar
    edandyetexci
    ted.Hejust
    droveinli
    keamaniacandthr
    ewawhi tetubeathi
    m.
    “I
    ’m goi
    ngtobeafather
    !”hesai
    dindisbel
    ief
    .Hi
    s
    eyesoverhi
    sfaceandbreat
    hsvi
    brat
    ingoutofhi
    s
    chest
    .
    MaMgengealr
    eadybroket
    henews,
    itwasj
    usta
    mat
    terofconf
    ir
    ming.
    “Inevert houghtI’
    dseet hisday.Ir
    eal
    lythoughtyou
    shootbl ank,Imeanf rom Mchunu’sfi
    ancetoallthe
    namel essgi r
    lsyou’veplayedhide&seekwi t
    h,t
    his
    wasl ongover due,”Ngidisays.Hecannothidehis
    happinessei ther
    ,he’sabouttobecomea
    grandfather!
    Ndlal
    if
    alaughsandl ower
    shimselfonthecouch.
    Theyhaven’tt
    alkedaboutMchunu’sf
    iancesi
    nce
    thatmorni
    ngwhent heycameoverwi t
    hher.
    “You’
    veneverpunishedmef ormysi ns,
    exceptthat
    dayinGroutvi
    ll
    e,
    ”hequestionswithachuckle.“I
    ’ve
    alwaysfel
    tli
    keonedayyou’ l
    ldr
    agmet othathouse
    againandmakemepayf oreveryt
    hingthatI’
    ve
    donetoyou.”
    “Iwi
    shIwasmor eopenwit
    hyouandMaqhinga,
    a
    l
    otofthi
    ngscoul
    d’vebeenavoi
    ded.Il
    etf
    ear
    over
    powerme.”
    “
    Whatwer
    eyouscar
    edof
    ?”Ndl
    ali
    faasks.
    “
    Thatyou’
    l
    lhat
    eher
    ,”hesays.
    “
    Soi
    twasbet
    teri
    fwehat
    edyou?
    ”
    “Ithoughtso,unti
    ldinner
    .ThatnightIknewmy
    dishonestyhadcostmear elat
    ionshipwithmyson.
    ThatnightIunderstoodthegapyourmot herlef
    tin
    yourheart.Iunderstoodt
    hataf atherwil
    lalwaysbe
    af at
    herandamot herwil
    lalwaysbeamot her.You
    cannotplayboth,nomat terhowmuchyout r
    y.I
    understoodyourpain.”
    Ndl
    ali
    fadr
    opshi
    seyesandexhal
    esheavi
    ly.
    “Iknowthepainoflosi
    ngapar ent.Il
    ostbot
    hof
    mineinonenight,
    ”Ngidisays.“Youcarr
    ythepain
    withyouever
    ywhereyougo.Nobodycanf il
    lthat
    gap.”
    “
    I’
    m sor
    ry,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.
    “
    No,I
    ’m ol
    dnowandcount i
    ngyearsbef
    oreI
    ’
    m
    r
    euni
    tedwit
    hthem agai
    n,”Ngi
    disayswi
    thachuckl
    e.
    “Notaboutyourparent
    s, butaboutever
    ythi
    ngthatI
    didtoyouinthepast.Youhadt odealwiththepai
    n
    oflosi
    ngyourparents,beinglef
    tbytheloveofyour
    l
    ifeandmemakingyourli
    feali
    vinghel
    l.Idon’
    t
    deservet
    obecal
    ledyourson.
    ”
    “
    Yourmot herandIwor kedver
    yhard,sweat
    ing
    t
    hroughoutthenight,cr
    eati
    ngyou.Don’
    ttel
    lmenot
    t
    ocallyoumyson, doyouknowhowmanyr ounds
    i
    ttookto…?”
    “Jeez!Stopalr
    eady.Idon’
    tevenwantt
    oimagi
    neit
    .
    You’retoooldfort
    hat,
    ”Ndlal
    if
    asayswit
    hhishand
    up.
    “Ol
    dforwhat?Nowthatyou’
    rest
    il
    linthisgood
    mood,li
    stenup,
    ”Ngi
    disaysandadjustsonthe
    couch.
    Ndl
    ali
    fai
    sst
    ari
    ngathi
    m wi
    thaf
    rown.
    “
    I’
    m seei
    ngsomeoneandI
    ’
    m mar
    ryi
    nghersoon.
    ”
    “Noways!Babashe’shereformoney,
    not
    hingel
    se.
    Iwouldn’
    tbesurpri
    sedi
    fshehassleptwi
    th
    Maqhingatoo.I
    tlooksl
    ikeshewantsapi
    ecefr
    om
    allt
    heNgidi
    s.”
    “
    Whatar
    eyout
    alki
    ngabout
    ?”
    “
    Thatsl
    u£youwantt
    omar
    ry,
    shedoesn’
    tloveyou.
    ”
    “
    Don’
    tyoudar
    ecal
    lyourmot
    herasl
    u£!
    ”
    “
    TF!Thatsl
    u£i
    snotmymot her.Shedi
    dn’
    teven
    makeitt
    omysheet
    s.I’
    m nothavingamot
    herwho
    t
    werksbehi
    ndt
    axi
    s.”
    “
    Yousl
    eptwi
    thThobi
    le?What
    ’swr
    ongwi
    thyou?
    ”
    “Befor
    eyou,
    ”Ndlal
    if
    asaysandshi
    ft
    stoopena
    dist
    ancej
    ustincaseNgi
    dideci
    dest
    odosomethi
    ng.
    “Shewasmyemployee.That’sthebot
    tom l
    ine,
    you
    don’
    tfuckwi
    thmyempl oyees!”
    “
    She’
    snotyourempl
    oyeeaf
    ter5pm.
    ”
    “Oh,t
    henI
    ’m havi
    ngawor
    dwi
    thMaMbat
    ha.She
    needstot
    ieherdog.
    ”
    Ndl
    ali
    fa’
    seyespopout
    .
    “
    What
    ?Itwasal
    ongt
    imeago.
    ”
    “
    Idon’tcare.AnywayThobil
    eisnotbecomi
    ngyour
    mother,youraunti
    s,
    ”Ngidisays.
    “
    Myaunt
    ?”
    “
    Yes,
    Phumzi
    le.
    ”
    “
    What?She’smyaunt.Youdon’
    tfuckwi
    thmyaunt
    ,
    t
    hat
    ’sthebott
    om l
    ine!
    ”
    “
    She’
    snotyourauntupst
    air
    s,i
    nmybedr
    oom.
    ”
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    44] :SEASONFI
    NALE
    Chapt
    er57
    SNALONGI
    DI

    Hest i
    lll
    ookst hesamewayhel ookedt helastt i
    me
    shesawhi m nineyear sago.Fineyel l
    owboywi th
    bigearsandshar pnose.Theyusedt obethesame
    heightbutnowhe’ swayt ootal
    lerthanher.How
    Ngidifoundhi mi sthestor yofanotherday, t
    heyar e
    herenowandt heyneedt ohavet heconver sati
    on
    theyswor etheywer enevergoingt ohave.Ngi digot
    himintosomehot elinPieter
    mar i
    tzburg,he’l
    lbe
    hereuntilal
    lther i
    tualsaredone.I t’
    sallonNgi di;
    accommodat i
    on, foodandhi stransport.

    He’ssaidtohavehaddroppedoutofcol
    legeonhi
    s
    f
    inalyear.Hefai
    ledal
    lhi
    smodulesandthebursar
    y
    thatwasf undi
    nghim wi thdr
    ew.Comi ngfrom an
    unstablehouseholdlikehis,f
    urther
    inghi
    sst udi
    es
    from hisownpocketwasi mpossible,
    sohedr opped
    outandl ookedforpiecejobs.He’ssurvi
    ving
    becausehecanaf f
    ordt orentabackroom in
    Sowet oandsleepwi thsomet hi
    nginhisstomach.

    HisoldNikebagislyingonthefloor.He’sst
    il
    lnot
    organi
    zed.Theyusedt ofi
    ghtaboutitwhenSnal o
    wentforsleep-
    over
    s, she’
    dfi
    ndhi sbedroom l
    ooking
    l
    ikeamess, withcl
    othesscatt
    eredont hebedand
    hisshoeseverywhere.

    He’slyingonbedwi t
    hhiskneesupandf aci
    ngthe
    ceil
    ing.Hehasn’ tlookedatSnal owho’sstandi
    ngby
    thedoori nexpensi vesti
    lett
    os, t
    ightl
    eatherpant
    andLoui sVui t
    tonpur seunderherar m.Even
    thoughhe’ sthoughtabouther ,heneverimagined
    thedayt heyfinall
    ymeetagai nbeinglikethi
    s.Ina
    hotelthat’
    sbookedbyt hef atherwho’scomeoutof
    nowher e,hiswalletcontainingonlyhisIDandR300
    not
    es.
    Hethoughti
    twouldbediffer
    ent,
    thathi
    ssit
    uati
    on
    would’
    veimprovedandmaybe,justmaybe,she
    would’
    veseenhim andbeenproudofthemanhe
    t
    urnedouttobe.

    Theywer eyoungandst upidinlovewitheachot her.


    Yes,theydidhorr
    if
    icthingstogetherandhurteach
    other,butt
    heyalwaysspokeposi ti
    velyabouttheir
    futur
    e.Hewassupposedt ohaveabr i
    ghtfut
    ure, he
    hadashotati t
    ,buther ui
    nedi t
    .Godknowshow
    dedicatedhewast ohisstudies.Tothisday,
    he
    doesn’tknowwhatwentwr ong.Whatbecameso
    hardthathecouldn’tachi
    eve50%evenonone
    modul e?

    He’sashamedofhimsel f
    .He’sashamedofhi s
    cheapMrPr i
    ceT-shi
    rtandbaggyj ean.He’s
    ashamedofhi sno-
    namesneaker slyingonthefloor
    nearhisbag.Hecannotbr i
    nghimselftolookather.
    Hisfi
    rstl
    ove.Themot herofhischil
    d.Hispart
    nerin
    cr
    ime.
    “
    Mondl
    i,
    ”shecal
    ls.
    Hervoi cesti
    llsoundst hesame.Shewasn’tasweet
    person, shehadawei rdenergyandaver ybad
    att
    itude.Buthel ovedher ,
    wit
    hherdarkness,
    weirdnessandever yt
    hing.
    Hesti
    llcan’
    tlookather
    .Hisatt
    empttor
    espond
    endswithhi
    m cleari
    nghist
    hroatanumer
    ousti
    mes.
    “Hecoul d’vegot
    tenyouabet t
    erhot
    el,
    ”shesays,
    herstil
    ettoscli
    ckingnear
    erandnearer
    .“Or
    arrangedaguesthouse, orsomethi
    ng.ButI
    ’m gl
    ad
    youcame.Theysai dit
    ’si
    mpor t
    antt
    hatwedot hi
    s
    forher.”
    Theyhadanagr eement.Nobodywasgoi
    ngtof
    ind
    outaboutthepregnancyorthemur
    deroft
    heman
    herauntdated.
    “
    Whydidyout
    ellpeopl
    e?”heasks,
    openinghi
    s
    mout
    hfort
    hefi
    rst.Hi
    seyesaresti
    llont
    hecei
    li
    ng.
    “Ineededt
    oheal,”shesaysandsi
    tsonthebed,
    putti
    ngherexpensivepur
    senextt
    oher.
    Mondl
    isi
    ghsandsi
    tsup.
    “
    Hei
    syourf
    ather
    ?”
    “
    Yeah,
    it’
    salongst
    ory.ButIhaveaf
    athernowand
    t
    wobrother
    s.”
    “
    Hel
    ooksr
    ich,
    ”hesays.
    Snalolaughs,
    she’
    sdiff
    erent
    .Herenergyisl
    ight,
    penetr
    ableandfr
    iendl
    y.Atotaldi
    ff
    erentf
    rom the
    Snaloheknew.
    “Ohyes,
    heownst
    axi
    sandal
    ogi
    sti
    ccompany,
    ”she
    says.
    Henods,
    hol
    dsont
    ohi
    skneesandexhal
    es.
    “Ihearyoudroppedoutofcol
    lege.Howi
    sli
    fe?
    ”
    Snaloasks.
    “Hard,
    ”hesays.He’
    dtellhert
    hathi
    sparent
    sand
    sist
    erdied,
    buthedoesn’twantt
    owhineortobuy
    herpit
    y.
    “Yourfat
    hersai
    dachickeni
    sneeded.
    ”He’
    sbeen
    prayi
    ngthati
    twon’
    tcosthim mor
    ethanR100.
    “
    Andnewbor
    ncl
    othes,
    buthe’
    l
    ltakecar
    eofi
    t.You
    j
    ustneedt
    obepr
    esentandbeapar
    tofever
    ythi
    ng.
    ”
    “Iam thefatherNalo, nothim!”hesays,
    suppressingthepai ninhi svoice.Thismakeshi m
    feelevenmor ewor thless.Hewant edeveryt
    hingto
    happeni nhisfather’shouse, buttheytoldhim he
    neededt opayf orthedamagesandbr i
    ngthechi l
    d’s
    spiri
    ttohissurnamef ir
    st.Obviously,hecouldn’t,
    withwhatmoney?Hecan’ tevenaf for
    dahot elroom
    andadecentmealf orhimself.
    “
    It
    ’snotaboutwhot
    hefatheris.I
    t’
    saboutensuri
    ng
    t
    hatthebaby’
    sspi
    ri
    tisr
    estinginpeace,
    ”Snalosays.
    “Iknow.Iknow.
    ”Hepul
    lsuphi
    sT-
    shi
    rtandbur
    ies
    hisface.
    “I
    ’m sorryabouteverythingt hatIputyout hrough.I
    wast hewor segirl
    fri
    end, ever.Iforcedyout oagree
    i
    ntodeci si
    onst hathadapot entialofrui
    ningour
    wholelives.I’
    vealwayst houghtaboutt hi
    sday,
    whenwef inal
    lymeeti nadul tlif
    e.Idon’tknowwhy
    youlovedmebecauseIdi dn’tgiveyouar easonto.
    Butthankyouf orever ysacr i
    ficeyoumadef orme.”
    Hedoesn’
    tsayanyt
    hingnorl
    if
    tuphi
    shead.He’
    s
    paidforeveryt
    hingthattheydi dtoget
    her.He’spaid
    fordruggingheruncleandhel pingherputhimi n
    themi ddl
    eofaf reewayatni ght.He’
    spaiddearlyfor
    payingawomanont hestreetR60t okil
    lthei
    rbaby,
    brutal
    ly,i
    nherstomach.He’ spai dapri
    cef oral
    lhis
    wrongs!
    “Iwantt
    obealone,
    ”hesays,
    hisf
    acest
    il
    lhi
    dden
    behi
    ndthet
    -shir
    t.
    EventhoughSnalowantedt
    hem t
    olaythingsout
    andcl
    earthepast,sher
    espect
    shisrequestand
    l
    eaveshishotelr
    oom.
    Herhearti
    sheavy.Shedidn’twantt
    oshowhi
    m but
    shepit
    ieshim.Shedidn’
    twanthimtotur
    noutl
    ike
    thi
    s.Mondliwasabrightboy.Hehadapromi
    sing
    fut
    ure.
    .
    .
    THEFOLLOWI
    NGDAY

    She’
    sbeenst
    ari
    ngatt
    hecupofcol
    dteai
    nfr
    ontof
    herandl osti nhert hought s.Att imesl iketheseshe
    missesSnakho.Shewoul d’vef oundawayt omake
    thi
    sdayf unandl essdepr essi ng.Int woweeks
    she’llbegoi ngtot hehospi taltof inall
    yhavea
    hysterect omy.I t
    ’sf orthebest ,health-wise,andher
    fatherwi llmakesur ethatsher eceivest hebest
    medi calat tenti
    on.Butt her eali
    tyis, she’l
    lnever
    havechi ldrenofherown.Al lbecauseshedi dn’t
    wantt hef i
    rstone.Howi sthatf air?Shedi dn’thave
    whati ttakest oraiseachi ldi nSout hAf r
    icaback
    then.Wasi tbett
    erf orhert obr ingani nnocentt o
    suffer?
    “Hel
    lo,ear
    thtoSnalo!”Maqhi ngasays,wavinghis
    handinfrontofherface.Hecamel ateatnight,
    nobodywasexpect i
    nghi m andhefoundthatf unny
    becausethere’
    snowayi nhellhewasnotgoi ngto
    bebySnal o’
    ssidethroughthis.
    “Isawyourhi ghschoolsweet
    heart,
    hejustar
    ri
    ved.I
    thoughtitwasthatSkeem Saam dude,
    Leeto,
    ”he
    says.Itcouldbeacompl i
    mentanditcouldbea
    shade.Wi t
    hMaqhi ngayouneverknow.
    Mondl
    iisanaddi
    ti
    ont
    oheri
    nter
    nalt
    ear
    s.Heused
    totel
    l hert
    okeepherheaduphighandwearher
    crownwi thpr
    ideevenwhenshef eel
    slikethecast
    le
    i
    sf al
    li
    ngdownonher .Buthe’st
    hesameguywho’ s
    crawledtomiseryandl
    ostallhi
    sconfidenceto
    poverty.
    “Ithoughthewassomewher ei
    nthewor l
    d,l
    ivi
    nghis
    bestlif
    e.Butitseemsli
    kehi
    sli
    fefel
    lapart
    .Ifeelso
    bad, Maqhinga.Iknowhi
    shear
    t,he’
    sgoodmor e
    thanhe’sbad,”shesayswit
    hasigh.
    “Whatever,i
    tisnotyourfaul
    t.Youneedtofocuson
    your
    self,youhaveal ott
    odealwith.Don’
    tburden
    your
    selfwi t
    hyourex’sprobl
    ems,”Maqhingasays.
    “Iwasat oxicgi
    rlf
    ri
    end,okay.At r
    aumat izi
    ngonet o
    bewithforthreeyears.Mondl iwasanAst udent
    ,
    hisnameshoul dbesomet hi
    ngbi goutt here.But
    he’sl
    ivi
    ngi nthebackroom, somewher ei nSoweto,
    andfixi
    ngpeopl e’
    selectr
    icit
    yf orali
    ving.”
    Maqhi
    ngasi
    ghs,
    exhaust
    edl
    y.
    “OkayTwinni
    e,l
    etmegetyouar olloft
    issueanda
    pil
    low.Cr
    yyoureyebal
    lsoutbecauseyourex’sli
    fe
    didn’
    tcomewithamanual.Cryandchokeyour sel
    f
    t
    odeat
    hifyouwant
    .”
    Sher
    oll
    shereyesathi
    sdr
    ama.
    “I
    ’m ahumanMaqhi
    nga,
    Ihavesomet
    hingcal
    led
    consci
    ence.
    ”
    “Well
    ,Idon’
    thaveit
    .Getupandgogetready.Are
    wegoingtoeatthosechi
    ckens?
    ”He’sgrabbi
    ng
    someone’sl
    eft-
    oversf
    rom t
    hefri
    dgeanddiggi
    ngin
    wit
    hnoquest i
    onsasked.
    “
    That
    ’sMa’
    sfood!
    ”Snal
    osays,
    laughi
    ng.
    “We’
    llbot
    hsaywedon’
    tknow.Ihaveyourbackand
    youhavemine!
    ”
    Snaloshakesherheadandl eavestogetreadyfor
    theri
    tuals.ShewashopingthatherandMondl i
    would’vetalkedbef
    orest
    art
    ingthis.Butcl
    earl
    y,
    ther
    e’sal ottobeir
    onedoutbetweenthem andnot
    enought i
    me.
    .
    .
    Phumzi
    letakesherout
    sidetheyardwit
    hadishof
    col
    dwaterandbil
    espri
    nkledinsi
    deit
    .She’
    s
    standi
    ngandwat chingasshebat
    hes.Thewateri
    s
    coldbutthere’
    snowayshecancheatthis.She
    poursitoverhershoulder
    sandcr
    ingeasit
    drenchesinherskin.
    She’
    stol
    dnottodryher
    self
    ,shej
    ustdressesupas
    wetassheisandheadbackhomewithouttaki
    nga
    si
    nglegl
    anceback.
    “We’llgototherondavelanddot henami ngrit
    ual.
    Tomour nforyourbabyyou’llabstainfrom any
    sexualactivi
    tyforamonth,”Phumzi l
    esays.She’ s
    stil
    langryatSnalofornottell
    ingheraboutt he
    pregnancy.Yesshewoul d’vebeenangr yand
    disappointedli
    keanyotherpar ent,butshewoul d’
    ve
    beent hereforher.Ngi
    dihasbeenpr essi
    ngthe
    ri
    ghtbut t
    onsandt oni
    ngherdown.
    “
    Sexualact
    ivi
    ti
    es?
    ”Snal
    oasks.
    “Yes,
    youknowwhatI’
    mt al
    kingabout
    .You’
    renot
    all
    owedtodothoset
    hings.
    ”
    “
    EvenHSS?
    ”
    “
    Whati
    sthat
    ?”
    Maqhi
    ngaburst
    sint
    olaught
    erandear
    nsani
    cy
    st
    aref
    rom hi
    saunt.
    “
    HandSel
    fSer
    vices,
    ”Snal
    osays.
    “Idon’
    tknowwhatyou’ret
    alkingabout
    .Butmake
    yourHandSelfServi
    cesusefulbymakingfoodfor
    Mondli,
    ”Phumzil
    esaysbeforeleavi
    ngthem tot
    heir
    stupi
    dgiggl
    es.

    Sincei t’
    salr
    eadylate,shedecidestodishupf or
    ever yone.WithMaqhi nga’
    slit
    tl
    ehelp,sheroasted
    turkeyandveget abl
    es, bakedbreadandmadea
    fruitsaladwithyogurt.Sheleaveseveryone’
    sfood
    ont het abl
    einthekitchenandt akesher’
    sand
    Mondl i
    ’stotheguestroom.
    “
    Hey,
    ”shesaysandhandshi
    m onepl
    ate.
    Shesit
    sonbedwithhersandexhal
    es.I
    t’
    ssowei
    rd
    bei
    nginthesameroom ashi
    m.There’
    salott
    hat
    ’s
    unsai
    d,shecanf
    eelit
    .
    “
    Hi,
    ”hef
    inal
    lysaysaf
    teri
    nhal
    ingshar
    ply.
    “
    It
    ’swei
    rdseei
    ngyouasanadul
    t.
    ”
    Hechuckles.Thei
    reyesl
    ockfort
    hefi
    rstti
    me,onl
    y
    forabr
    iefmoment .Hequi
    ckl
    ydropshiseyest
    othe
    plat
    eonhislap.
    “Idi
    dn’tli
    vehappi l
    y.Itwashar dformet oo.Snakho
    passedonshor t
    lyafterwemetourf ather .I’
    vehad
    moredownst hanups.I ’vebeenhavingheal t
    h
    complicati
    onssinceIwas23.I ’m st
    illattending
    ther
    apyt oli
    fttheburdensof fmyshoul der s.Thanks
    tomyf ather,
    hesuppor tsmeinever ypossi bleway,”
    Snalosays.Itsoundsl ikeshe’sjust
    ifyingher self
    butshe’snot.Shedi dn’thaveiteasyei ther,onl yif
    Mondliknewwhatshe’ sbeent hrought hesepast
    years.
    “Idon’
    tblameyouNal o.YesIwishIcould’
    vedone
    thi
    ngsbet teri
    nt hepast,butwewer eyoungandwe
    areherenow, payi ngforthat
    .”Heli
    ft
    shisheadup.
    He’sempt y,butnothat i
    ngonanybody.“Ihave
    neverhat
    edyou, andIneverwill
    .Ij
    ustdidn’
    twant
    youtoseemel iket hi
    s.”
    “
    Seeyoul
    ikewhat
    ?”Snal
    oasks.
    “
    LikeIhaven’
    tbeent
    ryi
    ng.Angi
    yenauskhot
    heni
    Nal o,”hisvoicebr eaks.Hecoul dseei ti
    nher
    father ’
    seyes, he’sassumedt hewor stofhim.Like
    he’swher ehei sbecausehe’ sadrunkordr ug
    addi ct.Likehedoesn’ twakeupever yday,queuefor
    tapwat erandt ravelallaroundJobur gfi
    xing
    peopl e’selectri
    cityoncal l
    s.Likehedoesn’ tpr
    int
    CVsandbegi mpat i
    entmanager stokeept hem i
    n
    theirof f
    icesjusti ncasesomet hi
    ngcomesupand
    foreverwai tfort hei
    rcalls.
    “
    Idon’tj
    udgeyou.Idon’
    tknowwhatyou’vebeen
    t
    hrough,yourl
    if
    eisnotminet
    oinspect
    ,”Snal
    osays.
    Heput
    sthepl
    ateasideandtakesouthiswal
    let
    .He
    t
    akesaR100noteandpassesittoher.
    “
    It
    ’sf
    ort
    hechi
    cken,
    ”hesays.
    Snaloexhalesandfol
    dsthenot
    einherpalm.He’
    s
    tr
    yingtoprovehiswort
    hyandifshedeni
    eshimthi
    s,
    he’
    llt
    akeitthewrongway.
    “Pl
    easeeat
    ,wehavet
    odeci
    deont
    hename,
    ”she
    says.
    “It
    houghtofTema,butt
    henIremember
    edyou
    don’tl
    ikef
    orei
    gnwords,
    ”hesays.
    “I
    tsoundsni
    ce,
    butmaybeweshoul
    dst
    ickt
    oZul
    u,”
    shesays.
    Hechuckl
    es,
    heexpect
    edt
    hatandhe’
    sal
    ready
    madepeacewit
    hit
    .
    “
    Whatdoyouhavei
    nmi
    nd?
    ”heasks.
    “
    IthoughtofThandol
    wet
    hu,
    ”shesays.
    “
    Soundsgr
    eat
    .”
    “
    Okay,
    thenwear
    eThandoNsel
    e’
    spar
    ent
    s.”
    Henodsuneasil
    yandkeepshi
    sst ar
    egluedonher.
    Thesur
    namet hi
    ngisst
    il
    labit
    terpil
    ltoswal
    low.He
    want
    edhischil
    dtobeaMazibuko.
    “Inevert
    houghtI
    ’dacknowledgethatI
    ’
    m
    someone’smother,
    ”Snalosays.
    Heexhal
    esandforcesaspooninhi
    smouth.He
    onl
    ystomachst
    hreeandputsthespoondown.
    “
    IknowI
    ’
    m notagr
    eatcookbut
    …”
    Heshakeshishead,“
    It
    ’sthegreatI
    ’
    vehadi
    nal
    ong
    t
    ime,I
    ’mjustnothungryatthemoment.
    ”
    Hereyesdr
    opi
    ndi
    sappoi
    ntment
    .
    “
    You’
    rest
    il
    lbeaut
    if
    ul,
    ”hesays.
    Sheroll
    shereyeswit
    hasmi
    leonherf
    ace.“
    It
    ’s
    make-up,
    ”shesays.
    “
    Make-
    upwi
    thoutyourf
    acewoul
    dn’
    tlookbeaut
    if
    ul.
    ”
    She’
    sbl ushi
    ng.Butunf
    ortunat
    elyNgidii
    sint
    he
    room andhiseyesareal
    readyskinni
    ngMondli.
    “Thisisalongdinner
    !Oryouguysarehavi
    ng
    hawk’smeati nst
    eadoftur
    key’
    s?”heasks,
    sarcasti
    call
    y.
    “
    Ngi
    di!
    ”Snal
    osays,
    secr
    etl
    yrol
    li
    nghereyes.
    “MaNgi
    di,
    ”he’
    slooki
    ngatherwi
    thhi
    sbr
    owcocked
    up.
    Snalosi
    ghs,
    takesMondl
    i’
    spl
    ateandl
    eavest
    he
    room.

    Hestandswithhi
    shandst uckedinsi
    dehispockets.
    Mondli
    ’sheadisbowed,somet hi
    ngaboutNgidi
    doesn’
    tmakehimf eel
    goodabouthi mself
    .There’
    s
    somethi
    nginthewayhel ooksathim,asifhe
    amountstonothi
    nginli
    fe.Henot i
    ceditwhenhe
    pi
    ckedhi
    m upinDur
    banandf
    elti
    twhenhedr
    opped
    hi
    m att
    hehotel
    .
    “
    Thankyou,
    ”Ngi
    disays.
    I
    t’
    srandom andunexpect
    ed.
    Mondlil
    if
    tshi
    sheadup,
    hiseyesr
    unoverhi
    mfora
    second.
    Hecl
    ear
    shi
    sthr
    oat
    ,“Forwhat
    ?”
    “Foreveryt
    hing.Ever
    ysacri
    fi
    cethatyoumade,
    everypromisethatyoukeptandforcomi
    nghere
    today.
    ”
    Notthathewasgi venmuchofachoi ce,
    buthe
    didn’
    texpectthismant ot hankhi
    m.Hehasno
    reasonto,especiall
    yaftertaki
    ngcar
    eofallt
    he
    expensesleadingt othi
    sday.
    “So,t
    omor
    rowyou’
    rel
    eavi
    ngt
    hepr
    ovi
    nce?
    ”Ngi
    di
    asks.
    “
    Yes,
    ”henods.
    “
    You’r
    egoingt
    her
    etodowhat
    ?Whatar
    eyou
    r
    etur
    ningt
    o?”
    “
    Myl
    if
    e,”hesays.
    “
    Mmmmm.
    ”
    Thatl
    ongmmmm doesn’
    tsi
    twel
    lwi
    thMondl
    i.
    “
    It
    ’snotagoodli
    fe,
    youcannotr
    elat
    etoit
    ,buti
    t’
    s
    whatIcanl
    iveonatthemoment,
    ”hesays.
    “Icanr el
    atet oit.Butthat’
    snott hepoi nt,t
    hepoint
    i
    sIoweyouMondl i.Youkill
    edformydaught erand
    youwer eonl y17.HadIbeent here,not hi
    ng
    woul d’
    vehappenedt oher.Youwoul dn’thavegone
    throughal lthat.Sowhenyou’ r
    er eadyt orelocat
    e
    andt rysomet hi
    ngel se,
    don’thesitatetogi vemea
    call.
    ”Ngi dimakeshi swayt othedoor ,leavinghim
    withaconf usedl ookonhi sface.
    “Justdon’
    ttr
    ythatsomethingwi
    thmydaughter
    ,
    youstil
    loweme,”Ngidisaysbef
    orewal
    kingout
    .
    Wel
    l,
    hedi
    dn’
    texpectt
    hat
    .Noneofi
    t.

    Snalowalksinshort
    lyaf
    terherf
    atherhasl
    eft
    .She’
    s
    carr
    yingali
    ttl
    edressandapairofshoessmall
    er
    thanhishand.
    “
    Thi
    sisf
    orThando,
    ”shet
    ell
    shi
    m.
    Unfort
    unat
    ely,
    hecannotgototherondaveland
    part
    akeint
    henamingrit
    ual.Hetakesthedress,
    squeezesi
    tandbri
    ngsituptohisnose.
    “
    I’
    m sosor
    ry!
    ”At
    earescapeshi
    seye.
    “
    Mondl
    i,
    please.
    ”
    Hefol
    dshi sfi
    stoverhi
    smouthandsobs.Evennow,
    hesti
    llcan’
    tstepupandbeThando’
    sfat
    her.
    Snalo’
    sar
    mswrapar
    oundhisshoul
    der
    s,sher
    est
    s
    herheadont
    opofhi
    sandexhal
    es.
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    45] :SEASONFI
    NALE
    Chapt
    er58

    Ngidireceivedacal
    learl
    yinthemor ni
    ng,
    call
    ing
    himtoNdwedwe.Hewasn’ tgivenanydet
    ail
    s,
    exceptt hati
    twasurgentt
    hathecameassoonas
    possible.
    Hecannotevenwaitf
    orthebr
    eakfastThobi
    lehas
    pr
    eparedforhi
    m andPhumzil
    e.I
    t’
    snothiswi sht
    o
    l
    eaveheri nthecompanyofThobi l
    e,buthehast o
    l
    eave.He’st r
    yingnott othinknegat i
    vely,i
    fanything
    hadhappenedt oNdabukot heywoul d’vetol
    dhi m,
    ri
    ght?Hopef ull
    ySnal owillbehomesoon.He
    doesn’
    ttrustThobi l
    et hatmuch, she’sprovent obe
    obsessedandj ealous.Itbaffleshim;whywoul d
    sheassumet hattheyhadaf uture?Hewashonest
    withherfrom theonset ,i
    twasnevergoi ngto
    amountt oanythingot herthansex.Hadhenotmet
    Phumzile,hewoul d’velookedf orsomeoneel seor
    diedsi
    ngle.Thobi l
    ehasawhol efutureaheadofher .
    Shedeser vesaboyherage, someonewho’ l
    ltake
    hertodatesandpar ti
    es.
    Inafewyear she’l
    lbelett
    inggoofthisurbanlif
    e
    andtakingPhumzi l
    ebackt othevil
    lagewherehis
    parent
    swer elai
    d.That’snottheli
    feThobil
    e
    would’vewanted,eveniftheywerecompatibl
    e.
    She’stooyoungf orhi
    m, andifheneedstosither
    downf orthezil
    li
    onthti
    meandexpl aintoher,hewill
    .
    Hedoesn’twantt obeunf ai
    randfir
    eherasNdl ali
    fa
    wishes.
    Phumzi lef
    rownswhensheseeshi m walki
    nginand
    buttoninghissleeves.Shet
    houghtthey’
    dhave
    breakfastfi
    rstandshewasl ooki
    ngforwardtoit
    .
    “
    Iwi
    llgr
    absomet
    hingont
    heway,
    ”hesays,
    gui
    lt
    il
    y.
    “Whenar eyoucomingback?”Thi
    sist
    heirl
    astday
    toget
    her.Tomorrowmorningshehast
    ogoback
    home, t
    oherlif
    e.Shewashopingthel
    astmoments
    wouldbememor abl
    eandfun.
    “AssoonasIcan,”Ngidisays.He’
    snotinagood
    space,
    hismindisroamingt oNdabukoandbackto
    Ndondowho’sawaiti
    ngdel i
    veryatt
    he
    Mngomezulus,buthemanagest ofl
    ashasmile.I
    t’
    s
    goodtoseeherneedyanddesper at
    eforhi
    s
    company.
    “Thatcouldbeanyday.Imightaswelll
    eavet
    oday,
    ”
    Phumzi l
    esayswithasigh.Shecannothi
    deher
    disappoi
    ntment.
    Ngidipatsherback,
    shel
    if
    tsherheadandt
    hei
    r
    eyeslock.
    “
    You’
    renotl
    eavi
    ngbef
    oreIcomeback,
    ”het
    ell
    sher
    .
    “Butwhatam Isupposedt
    o…”Abankcar
    dis
    droppedi
    nfrontofher.
    Shef
    rowns.
    “Goshoppi
    ng.Got ospa.Dowhatevert
    hingyou,
    women,do.Ijustwanttofi
    ndyouherewhenIcome
    back,
    ”hesays.
    Shelaughs,whatelsecanshedo?I
    twasjusta
    matt
    eroftimebefor et
    hemoniedsi
    deofhim pl
    ayed
    arol
    eintheirr
    elat
    ionship.
    “
    BhekiI
    ’
    m not
    …”
    “Mysonsbir
    thdates,23-09.That’
    sthepi
    n.”I
    she
    notgoi
    ngtoletherspeak?Really?
    “Il
    oveyouPhumzi
    le,
    ”hesaysandpl
    ant
    saki
    sson
    hercheek.
    Aglassdr
    opsonthef
    loorandbr
    eakst
    hei
    rli
    tt
    le
    goodbyemoment
    .
    Theirheadst
    urnt
    oapuf
    fedupThobi
    lest
    ari
    ngat
    them.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”Phumzi
    leasksi
    npani
    c.
    “She’
    sfi
    ne.
    ”Ngidipushesherdowntot
    hechai
    ras
    sheatt
    emptst
    ost anduptogocheckonThobi
    le.
    “ButBhekiaglassbrokeinherhand,”Phumzi le
    saysingreatsympathy.Yesthegirldoesn’tli
    keher,
    maybebecauseshe’ sneverworkedwi t
    haf emale
    fi
    gurewhodi ctat
    edthingsar
    oundt hehouse, but
    she’
    samot herbefor
    eshe’sever
    ythingelse.
    Ngi
    dicl
    ear
    shi
    sthr
    oat
    ,Thobi
    lei
    spi
    cki
    ngupbr
    oken
    pi
    ecesont
    hef
    loor
    .
    “You’r
    eri
    ght,
    Ithi
    nkshe’
    shurt.Iwi
    llgi
    veheraday
    off,
    ”hesays,
    hiseyesgi
    vingThobi
    leaspecif
    ic
    message.
    “Noooo!Idon’
    twantadayof
    f…Idi
    dn’
    tgethur
    t,I
    promise,
    ”shesays.
    “Iwon’
    tcutyourpayment
    .Cl
    eant
    hatmessandgo
    home.”
    “
    No,
    Idon’
    twantt
    ogohome,
    ”Thobi
    lei
    nsi
    sts.
    Ngidi
    ’shandgripshar
    donPhumzi le’
    sshoulder.He
    cl
    encheshi sj
    awsandr el
    easesasharpbreath.He
    doesn’tneedThobi
    let
    ocr eat
    edramawhilehe’snot
    her
    etodefendhi
    mself
    .Andhecan’
    tconf
    esst
    o
    Phumzi
    lenow.Ther
    e’snoti
    me.
    “Youhear
    dher,she’
    sfi
    ne.Letmewal
    kyouout
    ,”
    Phumzil
    esays.
    Anot
    hersi
    gh!
    “
    I’
    llgett
    hebag.
    ”

    Phumzilewal ksbackinsi
    dethehouseaf t
    erbidding
    goodbyetoNgi diandstari
    ngatt hecaruntili
    tdrove
    outofsight.Theyhaven’tt
    oldNomkhosiandSnal o
    yet.Ngi
    diwant st o,
    he’
    stir
    edofsneakingar oundi n
    hisownhousebecauseshe’ sscaredofachi ld.But
    Phumzileisst i
    llner
    vousaboutthiswholesi t
    uati
    on,
    i
    twi l
    lbr
    ingal otofjudgementandcr i
    ti
    cism.

    Oh,
    breakf
    ast
    !Ngi
    dihasl
    eftwi
    thherappet
    it
    e.
    “Youcancleart
    hetabl
    e.I
    ’
    m goi
    ngt
    otakeanap,
    ”
    shetel
    lsThobil
    e.
    Thobi
    ler
    oll
    shereyesandl
    etsoutachuckl
    e.
    “Didn’
    tyouheart
    hatI’
    vebeengi
    venadayof
    f?You
    cleart
    hattabl
    eyour
    self
    .”
    Whoah!Shecandisl
    ikeheral
    lshewant
    s,but
    Phumzil
    ewon’tst
    andthedisr
    espect
    .
    “Yousai
    dyoudidn’
    twantadayoff,
    thatmeans
    you’
    reondut
    y,”shesays,
    tryi
    ngt
    ostaycal
    m as
    muchasshecan.
    “Lookher e,
    youmaybesl eepi
    ngwithhim because
    you’realonely-
    sal
    tymagogowhosecauseofdeat h
    willbe“toomuchsex”,butyou’r
    enotmyboss.I
    don’ttakeordersf
    rom you.It
    akeorder
    sfrom
    Bheki.”
    “I
    fthat’showyouspeaktoadult
    s,thenyoubet
    ter
    l
    eavet hatatt
    it
    udether
    eonthestreet
    s,ngobamina
    ngizokushayaukhumbuleumshadokanyoko
    mnt anami!
    ”
    Thobi
    ler
    oll
    shereyes,“
    Theadult
    sIknowdon’t
    spr
    eadthei
    rlegsf
    orthei
    rdeadsist
    er’
    smen.
    ”
    It
    ’squickert
    hanthedr
    opofahat,Phumzilepinsher
    againstthewal
    landsl
    apshert
    wice.Thobiledidn’
    t
    i
    magi neherweighi
    ngthi
    smuch,allheref
    fort
    sof
    breaki
    ngf
    reegoi nvai
    n.Phumzi
    let
    akeshershoe
    outanddi
    scipl
    inesherli
    keanol
    dschoolmom.
    “
    Stayoutofmybusi
    ness,
    ”shet
    ell
    sherbef
    ore
    l
    ett
    inghergo.
    Thobi
    lei
    sst
    il
    lindi
    sbel
    iefandshaki
    ngl
    ikeal
    eaf
    .
    “Deci
    dei fyou’reworkingortakingBheki’sof f
    er.
    Andcleart hetablewhileyoudeci de,I
    ’m goingto
    takeanap, ”Phumzi l
    esaysbef oreleavi
    nghert oher
    tremorandconf usi
    on.Thelastt hi
    ngshe’dever
    acceptisdi sr
    espectfrom achild.Anychi l
    d.
    .
    .
    NDABUKO

    Heremember edawoman, shewasbeauti


    fuland
    cl
    assy.Hedidn’tr
    emembermuchabouther ,nother
    exactphysi
    queandvoice.Butheknowsthat
    whatevershegavehim waswarm,andhewant sit
    back.Hewantshisli
    feback.Hemissesherwarmt h.
    Nxumaloisabusiveandhekeepsfeedi
    nghim bit
    ter
    -
    tast
    ingt
    hingst
    hatmesswi
    thhi
    shead.

    Nxumalowalkedinsi
    detherondavelcarr
    yingan
    ash-
    tr
    ay.Ndabukosatup.Hehadn’ twethisbedand
    hehadafewf l
    ashbacksinhisheadthatli
    nkedhim
    tohi
    spast.
    “
    Mkhul
    uIr
    emembersomeone,
    ”hesai
    d.
    Nxumalofrowned.Hi
    shandtrembl
    ed,
    heknel
    ton
    t
    hefloorandstar
    edatNdabuko.
    “
    Whatdoyouknow?
    ”heasked.
    “HernameisNdondo.CanyouaskBabat obri
    ng
    herthenextt
    imehecomesher e?”He’
    sbeen
    ref
    erri
    ngtoNgidiasbaba,t
    hat’
    swhattheyt
    aught
    him her
    eandhef i
    ndsitcomfor
    tabl
    e.
    “
    Howdi
    dyousl
    eep?
    ”Nxumal
    oasked.
    “
    Good,Iguess.Noni
    ght
    mar
    es,
    noheadache,
    and
    mybedisdry.”
    Nxumalotookadeepbreathandpouredblack
    powderintheash-
    tr
    ay.Ndabuko’
    sheartsank,he
    knewthathewasabouttoburnizi
    nyamazanet hat
    al
    waysmakehi
    m nauseous.
    “Iwi
    llgi
    veyouamedi
    cinet
    odr
    ink.I
    twi
    llhel
    pyou,
    ”
    Nxumalo.
    “Butyourmedi
    cinemakesmedizzyandconf
    used.
    Maybeyoushouldletmehealonmyown.Andthat
    t
    hingyouputinmyf oodgi
    vesmeheadache,
    ”
    Ndabukosaid.
    “That
    ’showmedi
    cineworks,
    ”Nxumal
    osai
    d,payi
    ng
    noregardt
    ohi
    sconcerns.
    “Idon’
    twantanymedi
    cine,
    ”Ndabukosai
    d,shaki
    ng
    hishead.
    “UNgonyamaukhokhaitshelemal
    ingobangi
    kusi
    za
    nje,
    ungenziumsebenziwamiubenzima.
    ”
    (Ngonyamaispayi
    ngmeaf ort
    unetohel
    pyou,do
    notmakemyj obhard.
    )
    “
    AndI ’
    mt ell
    ingyouI
    ’mfucki
    n’okaytoday.Getme
    t
    hepersonIwantt oseeandfu¢koffwithyour
    wit
    chcraf
    t,”Ndabukosai
    d.
    Hewaslosi
    ngitagai
    n.So,
    Nxumalocal
    ledt
    woof
    hi
    sappr
    enti
    cesandaskedthem t
    ohel
    phimtie
    Ndabukoup.Againsthi
    swi l
    l,
    theyforcedmedici
    ne
    downhisthr
    oat,
    slithi
    sfleshandinsertedbl
    ack
    powders.
    Ngi
    diwascall
    edshor
    tl
    yandt
    oldt
    ohur
    rybecausei
    t
    di
    dn’
    tlookgood.

    >>>>

    Ngididownsabottl
    eofwaterbef
    oretaki
    ngaseat .
    Hehasn’tbeentol
    dwhat’
    sgoingon,butthefact
    t
    hatNxumal ocan’
    tkeept
    heeyecontactrai
    sesa
    f
    lag.
    “
    Isheal
    ive?
    ”heasks.
    Nxumal
    onods,
    “Yes.
    ”
    Her
    eleasesasi
    ghofr
    eli
    ef.
    Buti
    t’
    stoosoon,
    badnewsawai
    thi
    m.
    “Isedat
    edhim.He’sdangert
    oeveryonenow.Idon’
    t
    knowhowl ongIcankeephim ar
    oundmyf amil
    y
    Ngonyama,”Nxumalosays.
    Ngi
    dishakeshi
    shead.No,t
    heycannotgi
    veupon
    hi
    m.Hehasababyt orai
    se.HegaveNdondohis
    word;t
    hathewasgoi
    ngtobringhi
    m backtoher
    .
    “Nxumaloyousai
    dyoucandoi
    t.Yousai
    dyoucan
    helphi
    m.”
    “
    Ican,
    buthewon’tal
    lowmetohel
    phi
    m.I
    t’
    s
    i
    mpossibl
    eformetohel
    phi
    m.”
    Ngi
    diexhal
    esheavi
    ly.
    “Pl
    ease,i
    fIhavet
    opaymoremoneysobei
    t.I
    ’
    lldo
    anyt
    hingforhi
    mtobeokay,
    ”hesays.
    “Iwon’
    tli
    etoyouNgonyama, i
    t’
    shard,butifyou’
    re
    wil
    li
    ngtopayextraandhir
    etwoofmyappr enti
    ces
    toguar
    dhi m 24/
    7,wecandoit.Ineedextr
    ahands,
    andatti
    mesIhavet oabandonmyot herpati
    entsto
    att
    endtohim.”
    “Moneyisnotapr
    oblem,justmakesur
    ethatmy
    sonisokay,
    ”Ngi
    disays.
    Ther
    e’saghostofasmi
    let
    hatNxumal
    osuppresses.
    Hiswif
    ewalksinwit
    haj
    ugofamahewuandleaves
    i
    tinfr
    ontofthem.
    “
    Washdownt
    hedust
    ,”hesays,
    handi
    ngaj
    ugover
    t
    oNgi
    di.
    Heshakeshi
    sheadandst
    andsup.
    “
    Iwantt
    oseehi
    m,”hesays.
    Nxumal ofr
    ownsbutst andsup.Hehashi sfinger
    s
    crossedfortheunknown.Theyl eavethebr
    ick
    houseandheadt other ondavelwhereNdabukois
    kept.

    Hiswristsareti
    edwitharope.Hischesthasdry
    darkblood.He’shal
    fnaked.Hedoesn’tlookokay,
    eveninhissleep.Somethi
    ngishaunt i
    nghim,you
    canhearf r
    om thewayhesnor esthatheisin
    i
    mmensepai n.
    “Di
    dhesayanyt
    hing?Di
    dheeat?
    ”Ngidiasks,
    swall
    owi
    ngbackalumpfor
    minginhi
    sthroat.
    “Hesai
    dheownshor
    sesandhewantst
    oreturn
    backhomet
    othem,
    ”Nxumalosaysi
    nahopeless
    voi
    ce.
    Ngi
    dishut
    shi
    seyesandt
    akesadeepbr
    eat
    h.
    “
    Taxi
    s.Hemeantt
    axi
    s,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Well,
    hei nsist
    edt hatit
    ’shor
    sesandfoughtwhenI
    t
    oldhim otherwise,”Nxumalosays.
    Ngi
    diwalkstot
    hebedandlowershi
    msel
    fnextt
    o
    Ndabuko’
    sfeet
    .Nxumal
    oexcuseshi
    msel
    fand
    l
    eaves.

    Hetoucheshi st
    oes,staresathi
    m andr unshis
    handonhisf eet
    .Itcannotrel
    easehimf rom t
    he
    pai
    nhe’sin,andhepr obablywon’tevenknowt hat
    hewasher eandr ubbi
    nghi sf
    eet.Buthe’sherefor
    hi
    m.Always.
    “NkabayeNkosipl ease,I
    ’
    m beggi ngyou.You’ re
    str
    ongerthanthis,youhavef oughtthisbef oreand
    tr
    iumphed.Ihavenevermetanyonei ntell
    igentas
    youare.Youdon’ tknowhowpr oudIam ofyou.And
    Iknowyourpar entsareproudt oo.You’veal ways
    madeknowl edgeandhumani tyapr i
    ori
    t yover
    anythi
    ng,andtrustme, Ihavelearntalotf rom you.
    Yourli
    ghtshinesonever yone,evenont hosewho
    areintheshadows.Yoursonneedsyou.Ndl ali
    fais
    havi
    ngachi ldtoo,andthatchi
    ldneedsyou.They
    needt heeducatedunclewhospeaksbi gEngli
    sh.
    Everychil
    dhast herightt
    ohavet hatkindofan
    uncle.Youowet henextgenerat
    iont hat.Youarea
    rol
    emodelt hateveryonewantsfortheirchil
    d.Do
    notgiveuponus, pl
    easemfanawami .”
    Hi
    sfeetmove.Ngi
    dil
    ooksupi
    nawe.Slowly,
    Ndabukoopenshi
    seyesandt
    ir
    edl
    ylooksathim.
    “
    Babathey’r
    ekill
    ingme…”Hiseyeli
    dsshut.He’
    stoo
    t
    ir
    ed,
    ment all
    y,physi
    cal
    lyandspir
    it
    ual
    ly.
    HiswordsstabthroughNgidi’
    shear
    t.He’dnever
    puthi
    slif
    eindanger .HewishesNdabukocould
    rememberthat;he’
    dl osehi
    sli
    fet
    oprotecthi
    m.
    They’
    ret
    ryi
    ngt
    ohel
    phi
    m.That
    ’sal
    l.

    Hi
    sphoner
    ings.
    Het
    akesitoutwi
    ththei
    ntenti
    ontorej
    ectwhoever
    i
    scal
    li
    ng,butwhenheseesthati
    t’
    shisdaughter
    ,
    t
    heappleofhi
    seye,hedoesn’
    thesi
    tat
    etoanswer.
    “
    Dadyouhavet
    ocomehome.They’
    rear
    rest
    ing
    Ma.”She’
    scr
    ying,
    ther
    e’ssomuchnoi sei
    nthe
    backgr
    oundt
    hatit
    ’sal
    mostdiff
    icul
    ttohearherwel
    l
    .
    HecanhearNomkhosiscreami
    ngatsomeone.
    Phumzi
    lecan’tbear
    rest
    ed?Whatonear
    thcoul
    d
    shebearr
    estedfor
    ?Kill
    ingaf
    ly?
    .
    .
    NDONDO

    Ndabuko’sauntmadeani ceexcusefornotbeing
    abletocomeandliveherewithmedur i
    ngt hi
    stime.
    Iendedupt aki
    ngHloniwit
    hme.Ihavemydoct or’
    s
    numberonspeeddi al
    ,anythi
    ngcouldhappennow.
    There’
    salsoaweird-l
    ooki
    ngwomanwhopopsi n
    fr
    equentlyt
    ocheckonme.She’ llbeher
    ewhenI
    givebir
    th.I
    t’
    soneofNxumal o’
    speople,Iguess.
    “
    Icanbr
    ingyoui
    ces,
    ”Hl
    onisays.
    Shethinksme,
    mypr
    egnancyandcr
    avi
    ngsar
    ea
    hugejoke.
    Ir
    ollmyeyes,
    “Idon’
    tneedi
    cesHl
    oni
    .Ineedmy
    man.
    ”
    “
    Thi
    sisnotyoubei
    ngst
    rongf
    orhi
    m.Yourmood…”
    “
    Affect
    sthebabyblabl
    abl
    a.You’r
    emynanny,what
    i
    fsomethinghappenst
    omewhileyou’
    redr
    unk?”
    “I
    ’
    vehadliket
    wo,ort
    hreeglasses.Andit
    ’saf
    ter
    8pm.”Sheshr
    ugsandtakesanothersipfr
    om her
    wine.
    Well,she’sright
    .It
    ’shert i
    met orelaxanddo
    whatevershewant st odowithherl i
    fe.We’vegone
    fr
    om empl oyer-
    empl oyeetofr
    iends.She’sbeena
    greatsuppor ti
    ngsyst em.Andiswaknowshowt o
    chooset hem.Theyar dnershehiredturnedoutto
    bethel oveofmyl ife.NowHl oniismor ethanjusta
    cook,she’saf ri
    end.
    “I
    ’m goi
    ngt
    obed.Iwi
    llcal
    lyoui
    fIneedanyt
    hing,
    ”I
    say.
    Iwasn’ tcomfortabl
    eatf i
    rst
    .Imean, thisisahuge
    homest ead,therearegravesnotsof arf r
    om the
    fence,andt hatemptinessyouf eelwhenyouent er,
    i
    t’ssti
    llhere.ButHlonidoesn’tmi nd,
    sheopensal l
    thehousesandcl eansthem, evenNhl anzeko’
    s.I
    ’m
    onlycomfort
    ablehere,
    inthebighouseandit
    ssi
    x
    rooms.Idon’tknowifI
    ’l
    leverat
    tempttogoto
    Nhlanzeko’
    sroom agai
    n,noteventheoneinDur
    ban.

    Ngidi
    ’
    ssilenceisstarti
    ngtowor r
    yme.Hehasn’ t
    updat
    edmeaboutanyt hi
    ngtoday.Butr
    ightnowI
    needtorest,I
    ’
    llcal
    lhimi nthemorningandfindout
    what’
    sgoingon.Al so,Ineedacarsenthere.Hloni
    doeshaveadr iver
    ’sli
    cense,soitmakessensef or
    ustohaveacarher e.

    ~~~
    “
    Pri
    ncess,
    ”
    Notthi
    smanagain!Whyi
    sheher
    e?After
    ever
    ythi
    nghe’
    sdonetomeandNdabuko?
    Thener
    ve!
    “
    Iloveyou,
    ”hesays.
    Ikeepmyeyesont
    het
    rees.Ihavesomucht
    osay,
    yetnot
    hingt
    osayt
    ohi
    m.Doesheevenknowwhat
    l
    ovemeans?
    “
    IknowthatyouthinkIdon’
    t.ButIdo,
    waytoo
    much.Ar
    eyour eadytobecomeamom? ”
    I’
    m notdoi
    ngsmallt
    alkswithhi
    m.Thosewhocar
    e
    andtrul
    ylovemeknowt hatI
    ’mreadyt
    obecomea
    mom.
    “Saywhatyouwanttosayandleavemeal one
    Nhlanzeko,
    ”Isaywit
    haneyerol
    l.Itannoyshi
    m
    whenIdot hi
    s.Hethi
    nksi
    t’
    sdisrespectf
    ulmore
    t
    hanabl ackchil
    dcal
    li
    nganel
    derbyname.
    “
    Weneedhel
    p,”hesays.
    “
    Youandwho?
    ”Iwi
    llhel
    ptheot
    herper
    son,
    nothi
    m.
    “Theyl
    ockedmeout .Icannotgetinsi
    det her
    e.That
    motherf
    u…”Igivehi
    m ashar plook,hepausesand
    exhal
    es.Whatam Inow?Hi staxirankfr
    iendhe
    speakstoanyhowhewant s.
    “
    I’
    m sor
    ry,
    ”hesays.
    He’
    sver
    yhumbl
    etoday.Ori
    sitdesper
    ati
    on?
    “Pl
    easefet
    chhim andtakecareofhi
    m.They’
    re
    hur
    tingmybrotherandIcannothel
    phim.They
    wanttosepar
    atemef r
    om myf amil
    y.”Hi
    svoi
    ce
    breaks.Heturnshi
    sbacktome,
    rightnowI
    ’
    m not
    sureifhe’
    scryingorwhat
    .
    “Lovehi
    m andnur
    sehi
    m backt
    oli
    fe.Heneeds
    you.”
    “Nhl
    anzekoyoucausedalloft
    his!
    “Iscr
    eam.Whyi
    s
    heacti
    ngli
    keaconcernedbrother
    ?Hecreat
    edt
    his
    mess.
    “
    Pri
    ncess……”
    “
    No!Youmadeourli
    feal
    ivi
    nghel
    l.I
    fyoueverl
    oved
    meyouwoul
    d’vel
    etmebehappy.
    ”
    1stvoi
    ce:Ndondowakeup!
    2ndvoi
    ce:Pl
    easehel
    pus.
    1stvoi
    ce:Ndondo…Ndondo…
    2ndvoi
    ce:Weneedyou.

    Somethi
    ngcoldrunsovermyf ace.Ablanketof
    drowsi
    nesspi
    lesout.I
    ’
    mi nbed.Hl onii
    sstandi
    ng
    overmewithajugofwater.I
    twashervoi ceand….
    a
    dream.
    “Whowereyouf
    ight
    ingwi
    thi
    nyourdr
    eams?Lor
    d,
    doyouneedwat
    er?”
    “
    No,
    Ijustneedamoment
    .”
    Whatt
    hehellwast
    hatal
    labout
    ?Nhlanzekoi
    nmy
    dr
    eams,agai
    n?Whyismyloveli
    fesocompli
    cat
    ed?
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    45] :SEASONFI
    NALE
    Chapt
    er59

    NDONDO

    I’
    vebeengetti
    ngalotofbanknoti
    fi
    cat
    ionslat
    ely.I
    knowandt r
    ustAndiswa’
    smanagementoff i
    nances,
    buti
    tjustbaff
    lesmewhyshewoul dkeep
    tr
    ansfer
    ri
    ngsomuchmoneyt otheseaccount
    sI
    don’
    tknow.
    Andnowshe’snotpi
    ckingupthephone?Thi
    schil
    d!
    Ical
    lheronel
    astt
    ime,andlucki
    lyshepi
    cksup.
    “
    Sis,
    ”shesays.
    “
    What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “
    Wit
    hwhat
    ?”sheasks.
    “
    Wit
    hmoney.Whoar
    eyoupayi
    ng?
    ”Isay.
    “Oh,Iwaspayi
    ngfordad’
    swheel
    chai
    randt
    he
    nurse’
    sout
    standi
    ngamount.
    ”
    Whattheheck?Di
    dn’
    tthi
    sDadcomeoutoft
    he
    hospi
    talwi
    thawheel
    chair
    ?
    “
    Whatnur
    seAndi
    swa?Whatwheel
    chai
    r?”lask.
    “I
    t’
    samotori
    zedwheel
    chai
    rforoutdooract
    ivi
    ti
    es.I
    hir
    edanursewho’
    l
    lhel
    pmom l ookaft
    erhim,”she
    says.
    Thi
    schil
    disnott
    esti
    ngmysani
    tysoear
    lyi
    nthe
    morni
    ng.She’
    snot!
    “
    WithmymoneyAndiswa?Youboughthi
    m af
    ancy
    wheel
    chai
    randhi
    redanurse?
    ”
    “Ummm…Idi dn’
    tthi
    nki
    twoul
    dbeapr
    obl
    em.He’
    s
    ourdadand…”
    JesusChr
    ist
    !
    “He’
    snotmydad.Youwi
    llr
    etur
    nthatwheel
    chai
    r
    backandgetmemymoney.Ifyouwantt
    okeepthe
    nursef
    orhi
    m you’
    l
    lpayherfr
    om yourownpocket
    .
    Areyouki
    ddi
    ngmer i
    ghtnow?”
    “
    That
    ’snotf
    air
    !”shesays.
    “Askhimifheknowsanyt
    hingaboutfair
    ness.Do
    notspendmymoneyont hatman.”Idropthecal
    l
    andgrababottl
    eofwater
    .Icannotbeli
    evethi
    s.
    Iwonderhowmymot heri
    scopi
    ngwi t
    hhim being
    i
    nthehouseanddemandingherat
    tenti
    on.Lord,I
    hopeshe’
    snotshar
    ingabedwithhi
    m.

    “Ndondoyouneedt
    ocomeandseet
    his,
    ”Hl
    oni
    saysbehi
    ndme.
    Il
    etoutasi
    gh,
    “NotnowHl
    oni
    ,pl
    ease.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    sagr eensnake,
    ”shesayssobli
    thel
    y.Maybei
    n
    herheadasnakei safi
    sh.Whywoul dasane
    personbethisecst
    ati
    caboutseei
    ngasnake?
    “
    Wher
    e?”Iaskwi
    thadr
    umbeati
    nmychest
    .
    “I
    t’
    sinyourbedr
    oom andcoi
    ledar
    oundt
    hebedl
    eg,
    ”
    shesays.
    IswearI
    ’m goi
    ngt
    opeeonmysel
    f.Wasi
    tther
    ethe
    wholeni
    ght?
    “
    Wear el
    eavi
    ng.Grabyourt
    hings,
    wear
    etaki
    nga
    t
    axiandl
    eavi
    ng.”
    Shefrownsandt henbreaksint
    olaught
    er.What
    ’s
    funnyaboutthi
    s?Ifsnakesgoinandoutofthe
    roomsast heypl
    ease,thenit
    ’snotsaf
    eforusto
    stayher
    e.
    “I
    t’
    sanelderoft
    hisf
    ami
    ly,
    ”shesays,
    hol
    dingback
    herl
    augh.
    “No,i
    t’
    sasnake.”TF!Ther
    ear
    enoel
    der
    sher
    e,a
    snakeisasnake.
    “
    It
    ’shar
    mless,
    ”shesays.
    Igiveuponthisgi
    rl
    .Maybeshewasawi
    tchi
    nher
    previ
    ousli
    fe.
    “
    I’
    m ser
    ious.I
    t’
    saharmlesssnake,j
    ustf
    indout
    whatmessageit
    ’sher
    etodeli
    ver,
    ”shesays.
    Ohno,
    it’
    sget
    ti
    ngwor
    se!
    “
    Itt
    alks?
    ”Iask.
    Sherol
    lshereyes,
    “No,
    Imeanyouhavet
    oconsul
    t
    aseer.
    ”
    “I
    ’m notaMngomezul
    uyetandI
    ’
    veneverbeent
    oa
    seerbefor
    e.”
    “
    Thesnakei
    sinsi
    deyourbedroom,that’
    snota
    mist
    ake,
    what
    everiti
    sdi
    rect
    edt oyou.”
    No,
    I’
    m notdoi
    ngt
    hiswi
    tht
    heMngomezul
    us.I
    t’
    s
    t
    oomuch!
    “MaybeI
    t’
    sli
    nkedtot
    hedr
    eamsyou’
    vebeen
    havi
    ng,
    ”shesays.
    “Nhl
    anzekocannotcomeinasnakefor
    m,”Isay
    hesi
    tant
    ly,wi
    thafrownonmyface.Thi
    sis
    conf
    using.Al
    lofi
    t.
    “
    Can’
    the?Youknowhi
    m bet
    tert
    hananyone.
    ”
    Ilookatherandsheshrugshershoulder
    s.Maybe
    I’
    mt ryi
    ngtobeindenial
    ,Nhlanzekocoul
    deven
    comei nali
    onform.Iknowhi m ver
    ywellnow.I
    don’tknowhowt hey’
    redeal
    ingwithhimthatsi
    de.
    “
    Sowear
    eleavi
    ng?
    ”sheasks.
    “
    Icannotl
    ivewi
    thasnakeandIneedt
    ogohome
    andcheckhowmymot
    heri
    s,
    ”Isay.
    “
    AndNgi
    di?
    ”sheasks.
    Idon’
    tknowwhyshef
    ear
    sNgi
    disomuch.
    “He’
    llcomeandremovet
    hesnakebefor
    ewecome
    back.Thebabywon’
    tsur
    vivei
    fIgetbi
    tt
    enbya
    snake.”
    “
    Itdoesn’
    tbi
    te,
    ”shesays.
    Ir
    ollmyeyes.Nowshe’
    sthesnake’
    sbestfr
    iend?
    Wearenotshari
    ngahousewit
    hasnake,that’
    sit
    .
    .
    .
    Hloniheadst oherfriend’shouseandIt akeacabt o
    Ngidi’
    shouse.Idon’ twanti tt
    ol ookasi fI’
    m
    ungratefulorrude.I
    ’l
    lletthem knowt hatI’
    m backi
    n
    Durbanf orafewdays.Iwantt oseemymot her
    .
    Also,theyneedt oensur emysaf et
    y.IfNgidineeds
    tobegNdabuko’ suncletogoconsul twithhim,so
    beit.Icannotlivewithsnakes, harmlessornot .
    Cabsar
    esupposedt
    obef ast
    erthantaxi
    s.Butt
    his
    onest
    il
    lneedst
    obetakentothegarageandhave
    thetyrespumped.Ishould’
    vecall
    edAndiswaand
    askedhert osendacar.Thi
    sthingoft
    raveli
    ngi
    n
    people’scarsi
    sti
    ri
    ng.
    Whati
    sthisdr
    iverdoi
    ngwi
    thapet
    rolat
    tendantnow?
    Hi
    sservi
    cesucks.
    AsIdropmyeyest othephoneIseeanobject
    fl
    yingtot
    hecar.Didsomeonethrowa…no,it’
    sa
    bir
    d.Adeadone.Ithi
    tagainstt
    hescr
    een,diedand
    rol
    leddown.Whattheheck?!

    Thedriversawi t
    .He’
    sr unni
    ngtowardst hecab.I ’
    m
    notsurewhet hertor
    emai ni
    nsideorgetoutt o
    checkwhat ’
    shappening.ButmaybeIshoul djust
    stayi
    nsideandl ethi
    m dealwit
    hi t
    .Thescr eenhas
    acrack,that’
    showhar dthebir
    dhi ti
    t.I
    tdoesn’ t
    makeanysense, r
    eal
    ly.Outofallcar
    sher e,ithasto
    comet othisone.

    Hegetsinsidethecar
    .Hedoesn’
    tapol
    ogi
    zef
    ort
    he
    del
    ays,hejustasksaboutt
    hebir
    d.
    “
    Ijustsawi
    tdr
    oppi
    ngdead,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    “
    Isever
    ythi
    ngal
    ri
    ghtathome?
    ”
    I’
    m notsurewhetherhe’sbeingni
    ceori
    ntr
    usi
    ve.
    Thedeadbi r
    dgotnothingtodowi t
    h…shi
    t!Whatam
    IgoingtodowithyouNhl anzekoMngomezul
    u?
    “
    It
    ’smydeadhusband.Dr
    ive.
    ”
    Aminutepassesandhehasn’
    tst
    art
    edthecar
    .I
    l
    ookupandf i
    ndhim st
    ari
    ngatmewithhi
    seyes
    bul
    gingout
    .Whatnow?
    “Ipai
    dforthecab,youneedt
    ogetmet
    omy
    desti
    nat
    ion,”Isay.
    “ButMissSibi
    si…”Oh,heknowswhoIam.Even
    great
    ,heneedst odri
    ve.I
    ’m notsurewhat
    Nhlanzekomightdonext.Ngidineedstodo
    somethinganddoi tf
    ast.

    Itl
    ooksli
    keever
    yoneishere.Maqhi nga’scari
    s
    parkedbehi
    ndNdlal
    if
    a’s.Asunitedast heymaybe,
    theydon’
    tspendmucht i
    met ogetherathome.
    Maqhingahasmovedbackt ohishouse, whi
    ch
    meansSnal oisnowscar cehere.HerandMaqhinga
    areinseparabl
    e.AndNdlali
    fali
    veshislif
    eaway
    fr
    om everyone.He’salwaysbeenlikethat
    .He
    star
    tedthisadult
    ingthi
    ngearli
    erthananyone.

    Khosiisalsoher
    e?Somet
    hinghashappened.They
    al
    llookreadytoski
    nsomeoneali
    ve.
    Isear
    charoundt
    her
    oom wi
    thmyeyesandIdon’
    t
    seeNgidi
    .
    “Whatisgoi
    ngon?”Iaski
    npani
    c.Wit
    hNdabuko
    gone,mymi ndi
    salwaysi
    magi
    ningt
    heworstoutof
    ever
    ysituat
    ion.
    “WhatmakesmeangryisthatItol
    dBabatogetri
    d
    oft
    hisgi
    rl
    .Butnobodyeverl
    istenstomearound
    her
    e.Nowwehavet odealwiththi
    sdrama?”
    I
    ’m notsurehowNdlal
    if
    aisanswer
    ingmyquest
    ion.
    Whoi s“t
    hisgi
    rl
    ”?Andwhathasshedone?
    “Khosi
    ?”Ir
    aisemyeyebrow.Sheisthelevel
    headedonehere.Ineedanexpl
    anat
    ion.
    “
    Thobi
    lehasar
    rest
    edmom,
    ”shesayswi
    thasi
    gh.
    Ngi
    di’
    sdi
    ¢k-
    slash-
    housekeeper
    ?Whatt
    hehel
    l!
    “
    Why?
    ”Iask.
    Thisdoesn’
    tmakeanysense.Mam’
    Phumzi
    lei
    snot
    ajailmat
    eri
    al.
    Khosisi
    ghs,
    “It
    ’saboutBab’
    Ngi
    di.
    ”
    I
    ’
    mlostandwanderi
    ngi
    nthej
    ungl
    es.Howi
    sNgi
    di
    t
    hecent
    erofal
    lthi
    s?
    “Apparentl
    yMai swithBabanow.Dat
    ing,
    asina
    couple;boyfr
    iendandgir
    lf
    ri
    end,
    ”Snal
    oexplai
    ns.
    Snakhodi dpredi
    ctthi
    s,I
    ’
    m notsur
    pri
    sedatal
    l.
    “AndThobi
    leisobviousl
    ybei
    ngabi
    tterex.Wedon’
    t
    knowhowi tstar
    tedbutMahasanassaultcase
    openedagainsther
    .”
    Mywor
    d,t
    hisi
    sbad!
    “Bit
    terex?Sheshouldn’thavemixedbusi
    nesswit
    h
    pleasure,
    itendsintears,
    ”Maqhi
    ngasays.There’
    sa
    cardrivi
    ngin,thegaragedoori
    sslidi
    ngopen.
    “Ihopet
    hisistheirboyf
    ri
    end.Heneedst
    osortt
    his
    out,myauntcan’tspendanighti
    nacell
    ,
    ”hesays.
    Weal lwaitwit
    houreyesgl uedtothedoor .Thi
    sis
    thedramaIl efttheMngomezul usnakesf or?Idon’
    t
    knowwhowaswr ongbutNgidineedstoget
    Mam’ Phumzi l
    eoutanddealwi thhisdi¢k-keeper
    beforeKhosiintervenes.Morepeoplecoul dgoto
    jai
    lwhilesomeonegoest othehospital
    .Itwon’tend
    well.

    Hewal ksin,hol
    dinghi
    sjacketi
    nhi
    shand.Youcan
    tel
    lthathe’snotr
    eady,orhe’
    sscar
    ed,
    ofwhat’
    s
    abouttogodown.
    Hegr eetsbutnobodyret
    urnshisgr
    eet
    ing.Weare
    allgl
    aringathim asi
    fhe’
    st heonewhosentThobi
    le
    tothepol i
    cestat
    ion.
    “
    Whathappened?
    ”heasks.
    “Mom wasar
    rest
    edbyThobi
    le.Yout
    woar
    e
    dat
    ing?
    ”Khosi
    .
    “Yourmot
    herwaswai
    ti
    ngforther
    ightt
    imetotel
    l
    you.Andno,
    wearenotdat
    ing.Wearei
    nloveand
    planni
    ngafuturetogether
    .Iwi
    llgochangeandgo
    tothepol
    icestat
    ion.”
    Khosinods.Idon’
    tknowi fsheacceptsthis
    rel
    ationshi
    pornot.She’
    swayt ooprotect
    iveand
    aversewhenitcomest opeopleenter
    inglivesof
    thosesheloves.
    “We’l
    lwaitforhert
    hen,
    ”Ndl
    alif
    asays.He’
    snot
    givi
    ngNgidiachoice;i
    t’
    sei
    therhebri
    ngs
    Mam’ Phumzilehomeorhe’
    llhaveal
    loft
    hem t
    o
    dealwith.
    Hi
    seyeslandonme.Hef
    rowns.Di
    dn’
    theseeme
    t
    hiswhol
    etime?
    “
    Whatar
    eyoudoi
    ngher
    e?”heasks.
    “Icametotal
    ktoyou.Youar
    enotr
    eachabl
    eon
    yourphone,
    ”Isay.
    “No,you’
    resupposedtobeinMpumaziandwai t
    ing
    togivebi
    rth.”He’
    sshout
    ingatme?Idi
    dn’taskhim
    tosleepwithThobil
    eandchoosesomeoneelseto
    planhisf
    ut urewi
    th.
    “
    Ther
    ewasasnakei
    nmybedr
    oom,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    “Sowhat?Youmeantotellmethatpeoplel
    eave
    thei
    rhomeseveryt
    imet
    heyseesnakes?Ndabukoi s
    fi
    ghti
    ngforhi
    sli
    feandallyou’
    reaskedtodoisst
    ay
    ther
    eanddeli
    veraheal
    thybaby.Isthatt
    oomucht o
    ask?”
    Icannotspeaktohim whenhe’sli
    kethis.I
    ’veseen
    himfrust
    ratedl
    ikethi
    smanytimesbef ore.Iworked
    wit
    hthismanf oryear
    s.We’l
    ltalkoncehe’scooled
    down.

    Hedisappearsupthest
    airsandweallscatter
    aroundinrel
    ief
    .Iknowhe’l
    lsor
    titout
    .I’
    m heading
    tothekit
    chentograbasnackbeforel
    eaving.
    Ndlali
    fai
    salsomakinghiswaytothekit
    chen.
    “
    Whydi
    dyoucomeback?
    ”heasks.
    Ihopehe’
    snott
    hinki
    ngaboutshout
    ingatmeas
    well
    .
    “
    Ther
    ewasasnake,
    ”Isay.
    “
    That
    ’snotgoodenough,
    ”hesays.
    “
    AndI
    ’
    vebeenhavi
    ngdr
    eamswher
    eIspeakt
    o
    Nhl
    anzeko.
    ”
    Hest
    opsandl
    ooksatmewi
    thhi
    seyebr
    owr
    aised.
    “
    Hewant smetofetchNdabuko.Idon’
    tevenknow
    whatitmeans.WhileIwasinacabonmywayher e
    abir
    ddr oppedonthecabanddied.”
    “That’
    sstrange.Whywouldhewantyoutof
    etch
    Ndabuko.Imean, he’
    sther
    ebecausehe’
    sget
    ting
    t
    r eat
    ed.”
    “That’
    snothowheseesi
    t.Hesayst
    hey’
    rehur
    ti
    ng
    him andhecan’
    tgett
    her
    etohelphi
    m.Haveyou
    seenhim?Ndabuko?”
    “
    Yeah,
    acoupl
    eweeksback.Hedi
    dn’
    tlookgood.
    ”
    Yesthey’
    reprot
    ecti
    ngmefrom what
    ever,buti
    t’
    s
    beensolong,Ial
    soneedt
    oseehi m,evenifi
    t’
    sfora
    fewminutes.
    “
    Yout
    hinkNhl
    anzekoi
    swr
    ong?
    ”Iaskhi
    m.
    Igetnoanswer.He’
    schewi nghisbott
    om li
    pand
    poppinghi
    sfi
    ngerjoi
    nts.Idon’tt
    hinkhesti
    ll
    rememberswhathecamet othekit
    chenfor.
    .
    .
    Maqhi ngadr i
    vesmehome.I ’
    m notsurehowIf eel
    aboutseei ngDumi saniforthefir
    stti
    meaf t
    erthe
    accident.Ifmymot herwasn’thereIwouldn’
    thave
    come, Idon’tknowi fI’
    lleverfor
    getwhathedidt o
    mymot her.He’sasadi st.Idon’
    tknowhowone
    reachest hatlevel
    ofcr uelt
    y.Anditmadehi m happy
    whenshecr iedouti npain.
    “
    Areyoual
    ri
    ght
    ?”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    I’
    mf arf
    rom bei
    ngal
    ri
    ght
    ,butInodt
    oputhi
    m at
    ease.
    “
    Thankyouf
    ort
    hel
    if
    t,
    ”Isaybef
    oreget
    ti
    ngoutof
    t
    hecar.
    Nowbeinginthesepremisesfeel
    sli
    keenter
    inga
    devi
    lzone.Thepainmymom hasgonet hrough
    behi
    ndthesewallscannotbecomparedtoanythi
    ng.
    Iwalki nt
    oBahlepushinghiminsi
    det helounge.I
    knowt hathehasanexperimenttorun,ora
    researchtomake,t
    hisisnothowhespendshi s
    after
    noons.Andhe’stooyoung.Maybei twas
    selfi
    shofmet otel
    lAndiswatofi
    rethenur se,
    my
    mom andBahl
    ewi
    llsuf
    fert
    heconsequences.
    “
    Ndondo,
    ”Dumi
    sanisays,
    hisf
    acebr
    ight
    eni
    ngup.
    Thelastt
    imeIsawhim wasi
    nchur
    chwhenIwas
    tr
    yingtoexposehi
    m.
    “
    I’
    m happyt
    oseeyou,
    mybaby,
    ”hesays.
    Bahl
    eisst
    andi
    ngl
    ikeast
    atuebehi
    ndhi
    m.
    “
    Got
    oyourr
    oom,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    Hedi
    sappear
    swi
    thi
    nami
    nut
    e.
    Nowit
    ’sj
    ustmeandthisman.Idon’
    tknowwher
    ein
    t
    hehousemymotheris.
    “Whenareyoudue?Icannotwai
    ttomeetmy
    grandchi
    ld.
    ”
    “
    Hewon’tbeyourgr
    andchi
    ld.YouandIar
    enot
    r
    elat
    ed.
    ”
    Hi
    seyesdrop.Helookssothi
    nandpal
    e.Kar
    ma
    r
    eal
    lydoesn’
    tfor
    getanyone’
    saddr
    ess.
    “Iknowwearenot.ButI
    ’m yourhal
    funcl
    e,t
    hat
    couldcountf
    orsomethi
    ng,
    ”hesays.
    He’
    smyhal
    funcl
    e?Whati
    sthatsupposedt
    omean?
    “
    Youar
    emyhal
    funcl
    e?”Iask.
    “I
    ’m notaSibisi.WhoIam stil
    lremainsamyst ery.
    Butthat’
    snoti mportantri
    ghtnow,canwet alk?I
    knowt hatyouhat eme, andyoushould,
    there’sno
    excuseforhowIt r
    eatedyourmother.Ij
    ustwantus
    total
    k,”hesays.
    “Tal
    kaboutwhat
    ?Youwanttotal
    knowbecause
    youcannotwal
    k.Whati
    sther
    etotal
    kabout
    Dumisani
    ?”
    “
    Pleaset
    ellmewhatIneedt
    odof oryoutocal
    lme
    “
    dad”agai
    n,”hesaysi
    nabreaki
    ngvoice.
    Thi
    smancanact
    !
    “
    Die,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    Ineedt
    of i
    ndmymot
    her
    .She’
    sther
    easonwhyI
    camehere.
    .
    .
    BHEKI
    ZITHA“
    NGONYAMA”NGI
    DI
    It’
    s10am i nt hemor ning.Hesleptatthehot el
    becauset her ewasnowayhewasgoi nghome
    withoutPhumzi le.Heswi t
    chedhi sphoneof f,
    they
    keptcalli
    ngandaski ngwheretheirmot herwasand
    hecoul dn’
    tt ellt
    hem t hetr
    uth.Thobiletookher
    precioustime.Hehadt opersonallygoandbegher
    tocomet othepol i
    cestati
    onandwi t
    hdrawt hecase.
    Nottoment ionthemoneyhehadt oofferherand
    theexpensi vedr inkheboughtf orthepolice.

    Phumzilei
    sleavi
    ngtoday.Theyweresupposedto
    spendquali
    tyti
    metogether
    .Hewant edthatmor
    e
    thanhe’
    severwantedanythi
    ng,butt
    here’ssomuch
    that
    ’shappeni
    ng.
    They’vebeensit
    ti
    nginthecar
    ,insil
    ence,f
    ora
    momentnow.She’ seit
    herwait
    ingforhimtoexpl
    ain
    Thobileorshe’
    smadathi m.Whicheveri
    tis,
    he’
    s
    scared.
    “
    I’
    m sor
    ryIcoul
    dn’
    tgetyououti
    nti
    me,
    ”hesays.
    Si
    lence.
    “I
    t’
    snotwhatyouthi
    nkbetweenThobil
    eandI.I
    don’
    tknowwhatshet ol
    dyoubutherandInever
    hadanyrel
    ati
    onshi
    p,”hesays.
    “
    Whatdi
    dyouhave?
    ”sheasks.
    Thi
    squest
    ion…howt
    oansweri
    t.
    “Wehadanar r
    angement
    .I’
    m amanPhumzile,
    I
    haveneedsandshewasthereandokaywi
    thit
    ,”he
    says.
    “Sheisachil
    d, youngert
    hanyourfi
    rstchi
    ld.What
    kindofamanar eyouBhekizi
    tha?Whatexample
    areyousetti
    ngf orNdlal
    if
    aandMaqhinga?That
    theymusthirevulnerabl
    eyounggir
    lsandtake
    advantageofthem? ”
    “IwasNOTtakingadvant
    ageofher.Wehadan
    arr
    angementandIhaveneverfor
    cedmyselfi
    nto
    her.Shewasokaywithwhatshegotoutofi
    tandso
    wasI .
    ”
    “Whatdidshegetoutofi
    t?Falsehopef
    rom aman
    oldenoughtobeherfat
    her?”
    Hei
    nhal
    esdeepl
    yandst
    art
    sthecar
    .
    “
    Areyouhungr
    y?”heasks.
    Phumzilef oldsherar msandst aresout sidet he
    window.Hedi dn’tthi
    nkshe’ dbecomeamot her
    aboutthiswhol esi t
    uat i
    on.It
    ’sdi ffi
    culttor eason
    withamot hersideofher ,
    she’llneverunder stand
    becauset oherThobi lei savulner able, i
    nnocent
    younggirl.Shedoesn’ tknowt hatt he“ vulnerable
    younggirl”wor eshor tskirt
    sandf ishnetst oseduce
    him.Shedoesn’ tknowhowshe’ dlether selfinside
    hisbedroom whi l
    ehewasdr essingupandpl ay
    withherboobs.I twasn’tvulner abil
    it
    y, shewant ed
    somethingandshegoti t.
    .
    .
    Ndlal
    if
    aiscleani
    ngtheki
    tchenwhi
    letheothertwo
    watchTV.Khosimust’
    veleftf
    orwork.WhenSnalo
    seesherauntwalki
    nginsherunst
    oherandgi ves
    herarib-
    crushi
    nghug.
    “Ican’
    tbel
    ieveyouspentani
    ghtt
    her
    e.Di
    dtheygi
    ve
    youanyblanket?”
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”Maqhi
    nga.
    “
    Areyouhungr
    y?”Ndl
    ali
    fa.
    Phumzil
    esmi l
    esweakl
    y.She’
    sti
    red,hungr
    yand
    sl
    eepy.Butr
    ightnowsheneedstopackherbags
    andgobackhome.Hertimehereisup.
    “
    I’
    mfine,
    chil
    dren.Whoisdri
    vingmehome?Ihavea
    f
    ri
    end’
    sfunct
    iontoatt
    endlat
    er ,
    ”sheasks.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fa.He’
    sthel
    essbusyone,
    ”–Maqhi
    nga.
    “
    Andyou’
    rebusywi
    thwhat
    ?”
    “
    Wit
    hbusypeopl
    ethi
    ngs.
    ”
    Phumzi
    lesmi
    lesandshakesherhead.
    “Orj
    ustgetmeadr
    iver
    ,asl
    ongasIgethome.
    Snal
    ocomeandhelpmepackmybags,”shesays.
    Snalofol
    lowsaft
    erher.Ndl
    ali
    faretur
    nstot
    he
    ki
    tchentofixsomet
    hingquickforher.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    Ngi
    dif
    rowns.
    “
    YesI
    ’
    m aski
    ngyou.
    ”
    “
    Ijustneedanapandt
    henI
    ’
    llgoseeNdondo,
    ”he
    says.
    “
    That
    ’sal
    l?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    Hegi
    veshi
    m al
    ook-t
    oleti
    tgo.
    ButnotMaqhi
    nga.
    “
    Whati
    fshel
    eavesyou?
    ”heasks.
    “Yourmotherl
    eftme.Lonel
    inessdoesn’
    tscar
    eme
    anymore,
    ”Ngidisays.
    “Youdol ookscaredt ome.She’ sbeenyourpl aceof
    comf ortf
    orashor twhi le.You’ vebeenglowi ngi n
    themor ningsandeagert ocomehomeever y
    after
    noon.Youwer el onelyf oryearsandhuggi ng
    yourselfeveryni
    ght .Sur elyyou’reusedt oi
    t, butit
    doesn’tmeanyouar eokay.Youneedher .Deep
    downi nyourheartyoudon’ twanthert oleave.
    Whenyoucomebackf rom Ndabuko, orNdondo’ s
    pregnancydr ama,orNdl alif
    a’sstubbornness, or
    Snalo’sbratt
    ytantrumsandmyi nnocence,you
    needsomebodyt ol eanon. ”
    “
    MaqhingaI’
    m notgoi
    ngt
    oapol
    ogi
    zef
    ort
    het
    hings
    t
    hathappenedi
    nthepast
    .”
    “I
    ftheyaffecther
    ,maybeyoushould.Thobil
    e
    i
    s/wasyoursper m-di
    shandr i
    ghtnowyou’renott
    he
    onedeali
    ngwi thherr
    eject
    ionaft
    ermath.Aunti
    stoo
    oldfort
    his,youknowwhatshe’sbeent hr
    oughand
    youweresupposedt obediff
    erent
    .”
    I
    t’
    suptohissontodeci
    de,Maqhingahast
    oldhi
    m
    t
    hetr
    uth,
    he’sdonehisf
    atherdut
    ies.
    Ngi
    disi
    ghsandcl
    imbst
    hest
    air
    s.

    Hewalksi
    ntheguestbedr
    oom andf
    indsherand
    Snal
    opacki
    ngclot
    hes.
    “
    MaNgi
    dicanyougi
    veusamoment
    ?”heasks.
    Snal
    oput
    sthedr
    essonbedandl
    eavest
    her
    oom.
    Hetakesthebagfr
    om Phumzil
    e’
    shandandputsi
    t
    away.Thentheyst
    andandstar
    eateachot
    her.
    “Iunderst
    andwhereyou’
    recomingf
    rom-Il
    ookbad
    from yourposi
    ti
    on.I
    ’
    m atypi
    calmanwhotook
    advantageofayounggir
    l.
    ”
    “
    BhekiIdon’
    twantt
    odot
    his.It
    hinkwear
    etoool
    d
    t
    ofi
    ght.”
    Heexhal
    es,
    takesherhandsandsqueezest
    hem on
    hi
    schest
    .
    “Donotletthepastcl oudyourjudgment .Notever y
    younggirlwhosl eepswi t
    hanol dermani sforced
    ortakenadvantageof .Donotletwhathappenedt o
    youmi r
    roreveryone’slif
    e.I’
    m beinghonestwi thyou,
    Thobil
    eandIhadasexual -
    consent edrel
    ati
    onshi p.
    Maybesheexpect edmor efrom it,
    Idon’tknow, butI
    nevergaveheranyhope.I twasj ustsex,moneyand
    nothi
    ngelse.”
    “Couldn’
    tyoufi
    ndanolderwomanforyoursexual
    desir
    esthough?”Phumzil
    easks.
    Ngi
    dismi
    lesandl
    ower
    shi
    sfor
    eheadt
    oher
    s.
    “
    Wouldyouhavebeenokayi
    fitwasanol
    der
    woman?”
    “
    No,
    but
    ….”
    “Thenleti
    tgoandunpackyourbags.Idon’
    twantt
    o
    bealone.Notatt
    hist
    ime.
    ”
    “
    BhekiIpr
    omi
    sedGl
    adyst
    hat
    …”
    Hi
    shandsgr
    abherbut
    t.Hereyespopouti
    nshock.
    Hi
    shugefr
    ontpressesagai
    nsther
    .Okay,
    he’
    sdoi
    ng
    t
    hisonpur
    pose,
    tocuthershort
    .
    “
    Isi
    tGl
    adysorme?
    ”heasks.
    Gosh, Gladysisagoodfr
    iend.Theyareint
    wo
    stokvelstoget
    her.Andl
    astweek,justl
    astweek,she
    helpedherf i
    ndacheapchickenfoodsuppli
    er.
    Andtheonewho’ssuppl
    yingherwi
    thor
    gasmsi
    s
    st
    ari
    ngatherandwaiti
    ngforananswer
    .
    “
    OkayI
    ’
    llst
    ayaf
    ewmor
    edays.
    ”
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    45] :SEASONFI
    NALE
    Chapt
    er60
    NDABUKO

    Hef eltthewet nessassoonasheopenedhi seyes.


    Hedi dn’tneedt otouchhispanttoknowt hatagai
    n
    he’dwett hebed.Hef el
    lasl
    eeparound3:30pm the
    previousday, Nxumaloalwaysmakessur ethathe
    overdoseshi m.Hejustwokeupnow, eighteen
    hoursl ater.Hisbodyfeelsl
    ikei
    twasr anoverbya
    tr
    uck.Hi
    sthroati
    ssor
    e,t
    heyf
    orced2Lofmedi
    cine
    downhisthr
    oat.

    Hescanshi seyesaroundtheroom.Ther e’
    sabowl
    ofcoldpor ri
    dge,t
    wol emonsandasugarcont ainer
    onthetabl e.Oneoftheapprenti
    cesmustbear ound,
    waiti
    ngf orhimtowakeup.Hewashopi ngt osee
    Ngidi
    ,orNdondo.Whydi dtheybringhim here?Why
    i
    sNgi dinotsavinghimf r
    om thesepeople?Eveni f
    hewant edt oescape,hi
    sbodywoul dfai
    lhim bef ore
    hemakesi toutoftheyard.
    “CanIhavewater
    ,pl
    ease?”heasks,hi
    svoice
    croaki
    ngoutandhur
    tinghisthr
    oat
    .He’shopingt
    hat
    someonewouldhearhim andcome.
    Andwel
    l,
    Nxumal
    oisi
    nther
    oom.

    “Ndabuko,”–He’scarr
    yingaclay-
    pot,t
    here’
    sahot
    steami ngmedi
    cinei
    nside.I
    tsunset
    tl
    ingsmellhas
    fi
    ll
    edNdabuko’snostri
    lsandhe’sabouttopukehi
    s
    i
    nt est
    inesout
    .
    “
    CanIhavewat
    er?
    ”heasks,
    cover
    inghi
    smout
    h
    wit
    hhi
    shand.
    Nxumalopicksajugandgoest othewaterbucket
    l
    eaningbythewall.Ndabuko’
    seyesareonhi m,he’
    s
    watchi
    ngashepour sadr opofst
    rangeli
    quidfr
    om
    ati
    nybott
    lethatcameoutofhi spocket
    .
    “Dri
    nkandeatyourbreakf
    ast,
    wehavealongday
    ahead,
    ”hesays,handingthejugt
    oNdabuko.
    Ndabukoputshismout honthej
    ugandpret
    endsto
    bedri
    nking.Nxumal
    oi ssti
    rr
    ingt
    hehotcl
    ay-
    potand
    mumblingtohisext
    ernalheadvoi
    ces.
    “WhenisBabacomingtoseeme?Di
    dyout
    ellhi
    m
    aboutNdondo-t
    hatIwantt
    oseeher
    ?”
    Heexhal
    esl
    oudl
    yandpour
    smedi
    cinei
    ntoacup.
    “Hisl
    ifedoesn’trevolvear oundyou.Andhe’ snot
    yourfather.Youdon’ thaveaf ami l
    y,t
    hat’swhyyou
    arehere.That’swhyI ’mt reat
    ingyoul ikemyown
    son.Iknowyourpai n,Iknowhowi tfeelsli
    keto
    havenobodyl ookingaf teryou. ”Heget supfrom hi
    s
    knees,picksthebowlofpor r
    idgeandmi xesitwi
    th
    brownsugar .Thenhesl icesthel emonand
    squeezesi
    tinsi
    det
    hebowl
    .
    “Ndondo,orwhoeveri
    twas,i
    sprobabl
    youtther
    e
    andgall
    ivant
    ingwit
    hothermen.You’
    vebeenhere
    forweeksandnotevenoncehasshecomet o
    checkonyou,”hesays.
    Fearstr
    ipsdownNdabuko’
    snerves.Heknows
    Ndondo.Her emembersmostoft
    heirmemori
    es
    toget
    herandnowheknowsexact l
    ywhoheis.But
    whyNdondohasn’ tcomet
    ocheckonhim?How
    truei
    sthis?
    “
    Doessheknowt
    hatI
    ’
    m her
    e?”heasks.
    Nxumalochuckles,“
    You’r
    enotacel ebri
    tybutyour
    nameiswidelyoutther
    e,youareNdabuko
    Mngomezulu.Aboywhoownsmor et hantentaxi
    s
    andasuccessfulcompany.Everyonewhoknows
    youknowsaboutyourdisappearance.”
    “DidyoutellBabathatIaskedtoseeher?Shewas
    pregnantwithmychi l
    d.”Hisvoi
    ceistrembl
    ing.
    There’
    sal umpr i
    singuptohisthroat
    .Ndondowas
    hisfamil
    y.
    “
    Idi
    d.ButIdon’
    tthi
    nkhemadei
    tapr
    ior
    it
    y.
    Ngonyamai sal
    laboutmoney,ifyouweren’
    twho
    youareIdoubthewould’vegott
    enclosetoyou.
    Yourabsencebenefi
    tshi
    m, busi
    ness-wi
    se.Were
    younotalli
    noneroute?”
    “
    Wewer
    e,”Ndabukosayswi
    thaf
    rown.
    Hesi
    ghs,
    hopel
    essl
    y.
    “Iwi
    llmakesuret
    hatyougetwel landr
    etur
    nback
    homet omakesurethatyourtaxi
    saregi
    venafai
    r
    oper
    ationatt
    herank,”hesays.
    “I
    sther
    eanythi
    ngyou’
    renott
    ell
    ingmeMkhul
    u?”
    Ndabukoasks.
    “Idon’
    tli
    kesayi
    ngthi
    ngsthatI
    ’
    m notsur
    eof.I’
    ma
    spir
    it
    ualper
    sonandIcarrymyancest
    orsonmy
    back.Ipayat
    tent
    iont
    owhatIleti
    nmyear sandspi
    t
    outofmymout h,
    ”hesays.
    “
    WhatdidyouhearMkhul
    u?”Ndabukoasks,
    i
    mpat
    ientl
    y.Thepor
    ri
    dgeonhisl
    apisgetti
    ngcol
    d.
    “
    Thatal
    ltheMngomezul
    utaxiswer
    eevict
    edfr
    om
    t
    herankbythemanagementandchai
    rper
    son.
    ”
    Ndabukoi
    nhal
    esshar
    plyandcl
    encheshi
    sjaws.
    Nxumaloi sobservinghisfacethroughthecorners
    ofhiseyes.Ngidihasever yt
    hingintheworl
    d.Two
    sons,bothrootedinthetaxibusinessandweal t
    hy.
    Alogist
    iccompanyandl uxurioushousesallover
    Durban.Hedoesn’ tdeservethebenefi
    tsofthe
    Mngomezul utaxis.
    “Iwi
    llmakesurethatyouhealandgobackhomet o
    fi
    ghtforyourl
    egacy,
    ”hesays,tappi
    ngNdabuko’
    s
    shoulderashedi
    gsinhisporri
    dge.
    “ThankyouMkhul u.Idon’tknowwhatIwould’
    ve
    donewithoutyou.ItsucksthatIhadtofi
    ndoutthi
    s
    way,buttheywereneveraf amil
    ytomebyblood,at
    somepoi ntt
    heywer egoingt ocastmeout.
    ”
    Nxumal
    oshakeshi
    sheadandbr
    usheshi
    sshoul
    der
    .
    “Don’
    tspeakli
    kethat.Thi
    si syourhome,youcan
    l
    eavethepastandst ar
    tover.Maybearoundhere,
    I
    canspeaktothechiefaboutthelandand
    Mashimane,ourr
    ankchai rper
    son,abouthowtoget
    youontheroutet
    hisside,”hesays.
    “That
    ’ssogener
    ousofyouMkhul
    u.I
    ’dappreci
    atei
    t.
    EventhoughIdi
    dwetthebed,
    butIt
    hinkyour
    medici
    nei
    sworking.Youwereri
    ght
    ,itwi
    llt
    aketi
    me
    butI
    ’
    m def
    ini
    tel
    yintheri
    ghthands,
    ”Ndabukosays.
    Nxumalonodswi thasmileonhi
    sface.Mkhulu
    Gqabazaisopeningdoorsandmakingsur et
    hatthe
    Nxumalolegacyli
    veson.Thisi
    sastartofanew
    j
    ourney.Ndabuko’st
    esti
    monyandpr esencewil
    l
    makesomuchdi f
    fer
    ence.
    “They’l
    lbri
    ngwarm bat
    hwaterandchangeyour
    bed,”hetel
    lsNdabukobef
    orewalki
    ngoutwiththe
    wholewor l
    dsit
    ti
    ngonhispalm.

    Ndabukoputsthebowlaway,rest
    sbackont he
    pi
    ll
    owandr el
    easesaheavysigh.Allt
    hatmatter
    s
    ri
    ghtnowishisli
    fe.Hehast
    opushever yt
    hingback
    andstayf
    ocused.
    Thedooropens, Magadlelawalksin.He’soneof
    Nxumalo’
    st rust
    edapprentices.Hewas22whenhe
    cameheret opract
    icetobecomeasangoma.Hi s
    fut
    urewaspr omisi
    ng,hehadast r
    ongancest or
    -
    str
    ongerthananyancest orNxumal ohadever
    encount
    eredi nhi
    slif
    e.Hispowerj ustdepl
    etedand
    depl
    etedovert
    heyears.I
    t’
    sbeenover25year
    sand
    he’
    sstil
    lher
    eandtr
    ainingtobecomeasangoma.
    Heputsabasinofwat eronthef l
    oorandasks
    Ndabukotogetsoutofbed.Ndabukot akesoffhi
    s
    cl
    othesandshylygoestot heothersi
    deoftheroom,
    wherethebat
    hwat eri
    sput.It’
    sjustwater
    ,agreen
    barsoapandapi eceofoldclothasatowel.
    Hef
    reshensupwhi
    leMagadl
    elachangest
    hebed.
    “Gadl
    acanyouf
    indmeapenandapi
    eceofpaper
    ?”
    heasks.
    “
    Forwhat
    ?”Magadl
    elar
    aiseshi
    sbr
    ows.
    “Mkhul ui
    streat
    ingmeandI’
    llbebett
    ersoon.Alot
    ofthingsareaboutt
    ochange,Ihavealotof
    planningtodoandI’
    mthetypethatputthought
    son
    thepaper,
    ”hesays.
    Ther
    e’sasmi
    leonMagadl
    ela’
    sface.
    “
    ThisiswhatIwanttohear
    .Youar
    esoposi
    ti
    veand
    f
    ullofhope,
    ”hesays.
    Ndabukosmi
    les,
    weakl
    y.
    “
    Itr
    ustMkhul
    u,youguyshavebecomemor
    ethan
    heal
    erstome.Youshoul d’
    vegivenuponmeal ong
    ti
    meago.Imean, att
    imesIwant edtoki
    llanyone
    whocamenearme.I ’m sureI
    ’
    mt hemostdif
    ficult
    pati
    entyouhaveevermet .
    ”
    “Notreal
    ly,
    we’
    vehadwor stcasest
    odealwi
    thi
    n
    thepast,
    ”Magadl
    elasayswithachuckl
    eandwal
    ks
    out.

    Ndabukowr apsasar ongaroundhiswaist.I


    t’
    sthe
    onlythinghecancoverupwi thbecausehisclothes
    arewetandst i
    nking.Hetakesthecupofmedi cine
    waiti
    ngf orhim ontopofthetableandmi xesitwith
    hi
    sdi rt
    ybathwat er.
    Magadl elawalksinshortl
    yafterheli
    edonbed.He’
    s
    carr
    yingapenandapi eceofpaper.Ndabukonods
    grat
    efullyandf l
    ashesabr i
    efsmileasMagadlel
    a
    coll
    ectsaj ugofwat erandthemedicinecup.
    Hescri
    bbl
    esdownaf ewwor ds,t
    earsoutasmall
    pi
    eceofpaperandsquashesitbehi
    ndhiswaist
    .
    Thenheli
    esonhisstomachandwr i
    tesdownhis
    pl
    ans.He’
    smovingtoNdwedwe, buil
    dingahouse
    nextt
    otheNxumalohomesteadandifi
    t’
    dpossi
    ble,
    sel
    lafewtaxi
    sandbri
    ngtherestt
    hissi
    de.

    “Whatar
    eyouwr
    it
    ing?
    ”Someoner
    oar
    sfr
    om t
    he
    door
    .
    Heli
    ft
    shiseyestoNxumal
    o.Hesmi
    lesandt
    urnst
    o
    l
    ieonhisback.
    “Iwasnotingdownmypl
    ansbef
    oret
    hemedi
    cine
    kicksi
    n,”hesays.
    “Whatpl
    ans?Thisisnotschool
    ,wedon’twri
    teher
    e.
    Givet
    hatpapertome!”Hegrabsthepaperfr
    om hi
    s
    handaggressi
    vel
    yandrunshiseyesoverit
    .
    Afewsecondspass,
    hisfaceismel
    ti
    ngand
    br
    eaki
    ngintoacheer
    fulsmil
    e.
    “Oh,
    Ifor
    gett
    hatyou’r
    etheeducat
    edtype.Letme
    l
    eaveyoutoyourt
    hing,Ngonyamacal
    led,hesai
    d
    he’
    sonhiswayhere.”
    Ndabuko’
    sfacet
    ransf
    ormsi
    ntohost
    il
    it
    y.
    “
    Todowhather
    e?”heasks.
    “Tocheckonyou,
    Iguess.
    ”Nxumal
    oshr
    ugshi
    s
    shoul
    ders.
    Ndabukobr
    eat
    hesi
    nandoutt
    ocol
    lecthi
    msel
    f.
    “
    Okay,
    lethi
    m come,
    ”hesays.
    Nxumal
    owi
    denshi
    seyes,
    star
    ingathi
    m.
    “
    Yousoundabi
    twor
    kedup,
    yetcal
    m?”heenqui
    res.
    “Mkhulupleasestayoutofit
    .Thisoneisbetween
    him andI.AndIwi l
    ldrawtheli
    netoday.Af
    tert
    oday
    pleasemakesuret hatheneverset
    shisfoothere
    again,unl
    essifi
    t’
    snotaboutme, ”Ndabukosays.
    “
    I’
    llal
    waysr
    espectyourdeci
    sions.
    ”
    .
    .
    BHEKI
    ZITHA“
    NGONYAMA”NGI
    DI

    Abl ackHyundaiCret
    awi t
    hDur banr
    egist
    rat
    ion
    parksbelowtheNxumal oyard.Ngonyamasteps
    outinhisscotchshir
    t,f
    ormalblackpantandshiny
    monkst rapshoes.Todayit
    ’snotMagadlel
    awho
    wel
    comeshiminsi
    det
    hehomest
    ead,
    Nxumal
    o
    per
    sonal
    lywal
    kshi
    min.
    “I
    t’
    sgoodthatyouareher
    etoseeforyour
    sel
    f,
    ”he
    sayswhi
    leshakingNgi
    di’
    shand.
    “Di
    dsomet hi
    nghappen?”Ngidiasks.He’
    sal
    ways
    expect
    ingsomethi
    ngregardi
    ngNdabuko’ssi
    tuat
    ion.
    “Yes.He’sbeenco-
    operat
    ingthelastcoupl
    eofdays
    andit’
    swor ki
    nginhi
    sfavour.Yourboyis
    recover
    ingNgonyama,”hesays.
    I
    t’
    sdi
    sbel
    iefmi
    xedwi
    thr
    eli
    eft
    hatwashoverNgi
    di.
    “
    Isheawake?
    ”heasks.
    “You’
    rewel
    cometogoandcheckforyour
    sel
    f,
    ”
    Nxumalosayswi
    thagr
    inspreadi
    ngoutonhisface.
    Ngididoesn’
    tevenbot
    hertogreett
    hepeopl
    e
    queuedoutsi
    deoneoft her
    ondavel
    ,heheadst
    othe
    onethat’
    skeepingNdabukowithNxumal
    oonhis
    heel.

    He’
    sonhi sfeetasi
    fhewasexpect
    ingaguest.He
    st
    il
    llooksthi
    nandpale,
    butt
    odayhelooksl
    ikehe
    hassomest
    rengt
    hinhi
    m.Andhel
    ookssane.
    “Ndabuko!”Ngidiwal
    kstohi
    m,grabshi
    sarmsand
    l
    ooksal loverhi
    m.Thenhepull
    shimtohischest
    andtightenshisarmsar
    oundhim.
    “
    Youar
    eokay?Myboy,
    final
    ly!
    ”
    Ndabuko’
    shandgr
    abshi
    sshi
    rtandt
    henpushes
    hi
    m back.
    “
    Whatdoyouwant
    ?”heasks.
    “Ndabuko,i
    t’
    sme.I’
    m sohappytoseeyoulooki
    ng
    bett
    er.Youdon’
    tknowhowwor r
    iedI’
    vebeen.
    ”
    “You’
    renotmyfather.You’
    renotmyfami
    ly.You’
    re
    nothi
    ngtome.Tellwhyar eyouher
    e.Whatdoyou
    want?”Ndabukoasks.
    Thisi
    sal
    lconf
    usi
    ngf
    orNgi
    di.Nxumal
    osai
    dhewas
    okay.
    “Iknowt
    hatIdi
    dn’tbi
    rt
    hyou,butt
    hatdoesn’
    t
    changet
    hatyou’
    reasont ome.Bl
    oodornoblood,
    you’r
    emythi
    rdson,”hesays.
    “I
    ’m notyourt
    hir
    dson,I’
    m myparent
    s’secondson
    andthey’r
    edead.Ihavenofami
    ly.Don’
    tpretendt
    o
    carebecauseIknowyoudon’ t
    .Theonlythi
    ngyou
    careaboutismymoney, ri
    ght?LookNgonyama,I
    ’m
    gratef
    ulthati
    nyourheadyour ai
    sedmeupand
    helpedmebecomewhoIam now.Buti tendsnow,I
    don’twantmyt axi
    sunderyourmanagementandI
    don’twantyouanywherenearBantwanaHoldi
    ngs.
    Juststayoutofmybusiness.”
    “OkayIunder
    standt
    hatmostthi
    ngsdon’
    tmake
    sensetoyouatthemoment.We’
    llwor
    kitout
    .
    Focusongetti
    ngbett
    erf
    ornow.I’
    m pr
    oudofyou,
    I
    real
    lyam.”
    Ndabukosighs,
    put shishandsoverhi
    sheadand
    t
    urnsaroundinfrustr
    ation.
    “I’
    m better,
    Mkhul uismakingsureofthat.Ineed
    yout ofu¢kof f
    ,gotothoseyoushar ebloodwi t
    h
    andbeaf athertothem.Maybeat t
    endaf ew
    parentingclassesandlearnhowt obecomeagood
    father.I’
    m notyourson,Ineverwas.Youdon’ thave
    asonwhowentt ouniversi
    tyandobtainedadegr ee,
    doyou?Getoutofmyf ace.”Heli
    ftshi
    seyest o
    Nxumal owho’sstandi
    ngbyt hedoorwi t
    ha
    shockedf ace.
    “Mkhulugett
    hisdogoutofhereandmakesurehe
    nevercomesnearmeagain.Hadhenotcomeand
    rui
    nedmygoodl i
    feIwouldn’
    tbeheret
    oday.I
    t’
    sal
    l
    becauseofhi
    m,”hesays.
    Ngi
    ditur
    nstoNxumalowi
    thshock,
    hur
    tand
    di
    sappoi
    ntmentcl
    oudi
    nghi
    sface.
    “
    I’
    m sorr
    yHlomukabutyouhavetol
    eavei
    fthat
    ’s
    whathewants,
    ”Nxumalosays.
    No,
    no,
    no!Thi
    scan’
    tbehappeni
    ng.
    “Ndabukoyoudon’tmeanallthesethi
    ngs,”Ngidi
    says,l
    ooki
    ngathim, hi
    seyesbeggingformer cy.
    Whatbreakshim evenmoreisthattheNdabuko
    who’sspeaki
    ngistheoneheknows.I t’
    sthesane
    Ndabuko.
    Ndabuko’
    sli
    pcur
    lsupi
    ndi
    sgust
    .
    “
    Don’
    tI?LeaveBheki
    zit
    haNgi
    di.
    ”
    Nxumal
    otapsonNgi
    di’
    sshoul
    derandpoi
    ntshi
    mto
    t
    hedoor.
    “
    Leave,
    pleaser
    especthi
    m,”hesays.
    .
    .
    It’
    saf t
    erdinner ,SnaloleftwithMaqhi nga.Theysai d
    they’regoingt oal atenightpr ayer-Maqhi nga’ s
    wor ds,buttheyl efti
    nf ancycl othesandt al ked
    about‘ sl
    oshing’ ,
    soPhumzi l
    eknowst hatt heyar e
    outandpar t
    yi ng.Bhekiisstillnothome, soshei s
    allaloneinthi shouse.I t
    ’sbiganduncomf ortableto
    bei nalone,givent hatthere’
    snot hingcalleda
    neighborint heseki ndsofpl aces, everyonei slivi
    ng
    theirli
    vesini solati
    on.

    Shedecidestodoi r
    oningwhi l
    ewai t
    ingforBhekit
    o
    comehome.Thobi lehasn’tcomet owor ksincet
    he
    dayofaf i
    ghtandPhumzi lehasn’tbotheredtoask
    whethershesti
    llworkshereornot .Asmuchasshe
    doesn’
    twanttobej ealousbecauseofherage-
    she’
    stooold,butthere’safeel
    ingdeepi nsi
    deher
    heartt
    hatdoesn’twantThobi l
    eanywher enear
    Bhekiorthi
    shouse.

    I
    t’
    sget
    ti
    ngl
    ate.Shef
    oldsal
    lthecl
    othesandl
    eaves
    them t
    obepackedi nt
    hemorning.She’
    sbeen
    hesi
    tantaboutcal
    li
    ngtofi
    ndoutwhereBhekiisand
    whenhe’llbehomebecausesheknowshowmuch
    hehasonhi splat
    e.St
    ayi
    ngwast hebestdeci
    sion
    she’
    severmade.
    Bhekineedshi
    m her
    e.
    Shecal
    lsandthephoneringsnotsof
    araway.She
    openst
    hebedroom doorandsheissurpri
    sedbya
    manlyi
    nginbedwithhisshoesandeverythi
    ngon.

    “Idi
    dn’thearyoudri
    vingi
    n,”shesays,
    wal
    kingi
    n
    andclosingthedoorbehi
    ndher.
    Shetakeshershoesof
    fandcl
    imbsonbedt
    oli
    e
    nextt
    ohim.
    “
    Howwasyourj
    our
    ney?
    ”sheasks.
    Hedoesn’
    tsayanythi
    ng.Hi
    shandissti
    lloverhi
    s
    f
    ace.Hekeepsrel
    easi
    ngheavybr
    eaths.
    “
    Bhekiyou’
    rescar
    ingme.Whati
    sgoi
    ngon?
    ”
    “Ialsodon’
    tknowPhumzi
    le.Idon’
    tknowwhati
    s
    goingon.”
    Okay,t
    hisi
    sconfusi
    ngandscar
    y.Thel
    astti
    me
    Bhekiwasl
    iket
    hiswaswhenSnakhopassedon.
    Doest
    hismean…?No.
    “
    IsNdabukoal
    ive?
    ”sheasks.
    “
    He’
    sal
    ive.Buthehat
    esme.
    ”
    That
    ’s….unexpect
    ed.NdabukoandNgi
    diandt
    he
    hat
    ewor dbetweenthem?
    “
    Whydoyousayt
    hat
    ?”sheasks.
    “Becausehet
    oldme.Hesai
    dI’
    m nothi
    sfat
    her
    ,”he
    says.
    Shesi
    ghsandtakeshishand.I
    t’
    str
    embl
    ing,
    that
    ’s
    howemoti
    onalheis.
    “Ndabukoi
    snotwel
    l,
    youknowthatver
    ywell.He’
    s
    notinagoodment
    alspace,
    whyareyoubel
    ieving
    him?”
    “Hemeantit,Phumzi
    le.Thewayhel ookedatme
    whenhetalked,andt
    het hingshesaidt ome.I
    knowthatI
    ’m notper
    fectasapar ent
    ,I’
    m ahuman
    andI’
    m boundt omakemi stakes.ButIlove
    Ndabukoli
    keIlovemyownsons.Ipr omised
    Nhl
    anzekoandheknowsthisinhi
    sgr
    ave,
    I’
    ll
    al
    wayslookoutf
    orNdabuko.”
    “
    Hewasnoti
    nhi
    ssenses.Hedi
    dn’
    tmeani
    tBheki
    .”
    Heshakeshishead.Ther
    e’savei
    nthr
    obbi
    ng
    acr
    osshisfor
    ehead.
    “Hesai
    dI’
    m not
    hingt
    ohim, t
    hatIdon’
    thaveason
    whohasadegreeandInevermeantanyt
    hingt
    o
    him.
    ”
    Phumzi l
    esighs, “Youknowhi m bett
    ert hanme, yetI
    knowt hathe’
    llneverf launthiseducationorst atus
    toanyone.He’ sneverdonet hatbefore.Youknow
    howhumbl eandr espect f
    ulthatboyis.Goandt ake
    abat h,
    I’
    llwarm yourf ood.”Shebr ushest hesi deof
    hisfaceandcl i
    mbsoutofbedandl eavest he
    bedroom.Hehast ogetovert hi
    s.Yes, hiswor ds
    mayhavehur thim, butmor ethananyone, heknows
    Ndabukobet ter.Asl ongashesayst hingst hat
    don’tmatchupt ot heNdabukot heyal lknow, he’s
    sti
    llnotokay.

    Shewar
    mshi
    sfoodandput
    sapl
    ateont
    het
    ray.
    Becausehe’
    sstr
    essedout,
    it’
    sfai
    rtogethi
    m one
    beertogowit
    hhisfood.
    Sheretur
    nsbacktothebedr
    oom wit
    hhisf
    ood.He
    l
    efthisshi
    rtonbedandshoesscat
    ter
    edonthe
    fl
    oor.Men!
    Sheremovessocksoutoft heshoesandt akes
    them tothecloset
    .Shedoesn’
    twanttodisturbhi
    m,
    she’l
    lputclot
    hesinthebasketoncehe’
    sdonei nthe
    bathroom.
    Shefoldstheshirtandfeel
    ssomethinginthe
    pocket.I
    t’
    sasquashedpi eceofpaper.Shecan’
    t
    cruci
    fyhim becauseshealsokeepsslipsi
    nher
    pocketsandusedai rt
    imes.Butt
    hisi
    snoneoft hose,
    i
    t’
    sahandwr i
    tt
    enpaper .
    **
    I’
    M SCAREDBABA!PLEASECOMEANDSAVEME
    ASSOONASYOUCAN. **

    Sherushestot hebat
    hroom wit
    hthepaperi
    nher
    hand.Itcoul
    d’vebeenanyofthekidsandmaybe
    Bhekididn’
    tevenreadwhatitsai
    d.
    He’
    sjustst
    eppi
    ngoutoft
    heshower
    ,dr
    ippi
    ngweti
    n
    hi
    sbir
    thdaysui
    t.
    “
    Whati
    sthi
    s?”Phumzi
    leasks.
    Ngi
    dif
    rownsandt
    akesat
    owelt
    owi
    pehi
    shand.
    “I
    twasinyourshi
    rt
    ,insi
    det
    hepocket
    ,”Phumzi
    le
    says.
    “Idon’
    tputt
    hingsi
    nmyshi
    rtpocket
    s.”Hetakesthe
    paperwit
    haf r
    ownonhi
    sfaceandreads.Thefrown
    grows.
    “
    Thi
    sisNdabuko’
    shandwr
    it
    ing,
    ”hesays.
    Nowthi
    sisconfusing.Hesai
    dal
    lthoset
    hingst
    o
    hi
    m andthensl
    ippedanoteinhi
    spocket
    ?
    “
    Hewant
    stobesavedf
    rom what
    ?”Phumzi
    leasks.
    Si
    lence.
    He’
    sreadi
    ngt
    henot
    eoverandoveragai
    n.
    Hi
    sfacei
    stur
    ningevendar
    ker
    .
    “
    Bhekiwhat
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    “Phumzi
    leasks.
    She’
    snowpani
    cki
    ng.
    “
    Getmemycl
    othesandmyj
    acket
    ,”hesays.
    “
    Bheki
    ?Wher
    ear
    eyougoi
    ng?Whati
    shappeni
    ng?
    ”
    “
    Idon’tknowi
    fit’
    sMagadlel
    aorNxumaloorhis
    wif
    e,butsomeone’
    sassisgett
    ingki
    ckedt
    onight
    ,
    t
    hereinNdwedwe.”
    Okay…someoneneedscal
    m downher
    e.
    “
    Mycl
    othesPhumzi
    le,
    ”hesays.
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    46] :SEASONFI
    NALE
    Chapt
    er61

    It’
    saf t
    ermidnight,everyonehasgonet osleep
    exceptf orMagadl el
    awho’ supforhisownspi r
    it
    ual
    reasonsandsi ngingint heyard.Awhitequantum
    pul l
    supbelowt heyar d.Sever
    alvoicesareheard
    talki
    ngandwhat everthey’r
    esayingisclearl
    ynot
    good.I t
    ’saboutguns, bull
    etsandknives.They’
    re
    planningsomet hing.
    Magadl
    ela’
    sfi
    rsti
    nst
    inctt
    ell
    shimtor unbecause
    cl
    ear
    lyt
    hesepeopleareheretoat
    tack.Butthen
    agai
    nher emember st
    hatMkhulu’
    sli
    feismore
    i
    mportantthanhis.Hepi
    cksamachet eandwalks
    towar
    dsthevoices,sl
    owly,
    wit
    houtmakingasound.
    “Magadl
    elawhyar
    eyouwalki
    ngasifyouhave
    sor
    esunderyourf
    eet
    ?Isever
    ythi
    ngokay?
    ”
    Wait,
    heknowsthi
    svoice!Whatthehelli
    sNgi
    di
    doi
    ngherewithaquantum f
    ullofpeopl
    ewhotal
    k
    aboutgunsandal
    lthatst
    uff
    ?
    “Ngonyamavisi
    torsarenotall
    owedher
    eatthi
    s
    ti
    me,”hesays,t
    urningaroundandst
    andingup
    str
    aightwi
    thsomer eli
    ef.
    “WhosaidI’
    m visi
    ti
    ng?AndI’
    m notNgonyamato
    you,angi
    qanjwangaunyoko.
    ”(Iwasn’
    tnamedby
    yourmother)
    “Whati
    sgoingon?”He’
    snowconf
    used.Whydoesi
    t
    soundl
    ikeNgidii
    sher
    eforwar
    ?
    “You’
    llt
    ellmeMagadlela,
    ”Ngidisaysandtur
    nsto
    mensmoki ngnextt
    ot hequantum.“Takethi
    sone
    Dladl
    aandmakesur ehedoesn’ tgoanywhere
    befor
    ewecomeback. ”
    Takehi
    mforwhat
    ?Whyar
    ethey…no,
    no,
    no!
    “Don’tholdmel i
    kethi
    s,
    ”hesaystothemanwho
    j
    ustgr abbedhisarmsandpull
    edhim asi
    fhe’
    s
    pull
    ingast ubbor
    ngoattotheal
    ter
    .
    Themandoesn’
    tsayanyt
    hing,
    hej
    ustpusheshim
    i
    nsidet
    hequant
    um byfor
    ceandget
    sinafterhi
    m.
    “WhatdidIdo? ”heasks,f
    earri
    dingdownhis
    nerves.Hehasn’tdoneanythi
    ngwr ongtoanyone.
    Hehar dl
    ygoesanywher e,hest
    ayshereanddoes
    choresthroughouthi
    sdays.Eventohishome, he
    hasn’tbeentherei
    novertwodecades.Hewas22
    whenhecameher e,ayearagoNxumal o’
    swifesaid
    hewast urning49.
    Apprenti
    cesar enotall
    owedt oreturnhomebef ore
    theyhavefini
    shedt hei
    rpracti
    cingcourse.His
    motherdiedtwoyear safterhecameher e,he
    wasn’tall
    owedt ogot othefuneralbuthemour ned
    forher.Overtheyearshisbrothershavestopped
    comingt ocheckonhi m.Hedoesn’ tknowi ft
    hey
    havechildr
    en, oranyt
    hingaboutt hei
    rli
    ves.Hehad
    agirl
    fri
    endbef orecominghere,Nonhlanhla
    Ngobese.Theyhadsomethinggoodgoi
    ngon,but
    sadl
    yhecouldn’tgi
    veherhisal
    l,
    hehadtodi
    vide
    himsel
    fbetweentwoworlds.

    Shehadaskedt oseehi m,shesai ditwasimpor t


    ant
    .
    Heknewwhyshewant edtoseehi m, orhe
    suspected.Shewasgoi ngtocutt hingsoff
    ,itwas
    l
    ongover dueandhe’dseeni tcomi ng.Nobody
    underst
    oodhi m,hi
    msel fi
    ncl
    uded, heal sodi
    dn’t
    underst
    andhi msel
    f.Therewer eti
    meswhenhe
    didn’
    twantanyonear oundhim, noteven
    Nonhlanhla.
    Hiscal l
    ingcameatni ght,
    thedaybefor
    ehewas
    goingt oseeNonhl anhl
    a.Hewalkeda3-dayjourney
    byf oot,comingheretoNxumalo,themanwho’ d
    beencal ledt
    ot r
    ainhim becomewhathisancestors
    want ed.

    Hisbrot
    hertoldhimthatNonhlanhl
    agotmarri
    eda
    yearaft
    erheleft
    .Shemar ri
    edsomeonefrom
    Khangelani
    ,hervi
    ll
    age.It
    ’seit
    hershewaswiththat
    Mbat hamandur i
    ngtheirrel
    ati
    onshi
    porshemoved
    ont oofast
    .Onethingthatbother
    shimisthathis
    brothersai
    dNonhlanhlahadachi l
    d,ei
    ghtmonths
    afterhelef
    t,andherhusbandpaidlobol
    aforthat
    childtomakeherhisbyt r
    aditi
    on.
    Hi
    sbrothersai
    d,wi
    thnodoubt,t
    hatthechi
    ldwas
    hi
    sbecauseshelookedexact
    lyl
    iket
    heirmother
    .

    Helooksf orwardtothedayhefinall
    yfini
    shhis
    courseandgooutt ofi
    ndNonhlanhla.Shedoesn’t
    owehi m muchandhehasnoent i
    tl
    ements,buthe
    deservestoknowhi schil
    d.Hewasn’ tt
    hebest
    boyfri
    endandhi sfamil
    yblamedherf oreverythi
    ng
    wrongt hathappenedinhisl
    if
    e,buthedeser vesto
    knowhi soffspr
    ing.

    Themani seatinganapple,he’
    scutt
    ingitwit
    ha
    pocketknif
    eandt hatal
    oneisdeli
    ver
    ingamessage
    toMagadlela.He’
    sdyingtoday.Hewon’teversee
    hischi
    ldwithhiseyes.Hecouldprayandcallhi
    s
    ancestor
    s,especial
    lyGog’Ngoneni
    ,shewashi s
    str
    ongestancest
    orandshel ookedoutforhim.But
    overtheyear
    she’slostconnecti
    onwit
    ht hem,that’
    s
    whyhe’shere,Nxumaloissti
    llt
    ryi
    ngtorevivehis
    gi
    ft.
    “
    Ididn’
    tdoanythi
    ngwr ong,”het
    ell
    stheman.It
    ’s
    l
    iketal
    kingt
    oabrickwall.Ormaybeit’
    shisf
    ir
    st
    t
    imeeatinganapple,
    hisfocusonitistoomuch.
    .
    .
    *
    **I
    NSI
    DETHENXUMALOHOMESTEAD*
    **

    Nxumal oopensthedoort
    oNgi dist
    andi
    ngwith
    severalmenbehindhim.Herubshiseyesannoyed,
    hiswifeissi
    tt
    inguponbedwi t
    hhereyesgluedto
    thedoor.She’
    swaiti
    ngtohearwhoi sdi
    stur
    bing
    thei
    rsleepatthi
    sti
    me.
    “Ngonyama?”Nxumalosayswit
    hafrown.Af
    ter
    whathappened,hedi
    dn’
    texpectt
    oseeNgidi
    anyti
    mesoon.
    “
    Ngaqanj
    waunyoko?
    ”Ngi
    diasks.(
    WasInamedby
    yourmot
    her
    )
    Ngi
    diandeverybodyknowsthatyoudon’
    t
    di
    srespecti
    nyangal
    ikethi
    s.
    “
    Areyoucrazyl
    ikeyoursonnow?You’
    reheretoget
    t
    reat
    ment?
    ”heasks, angerget
    ti
    ngt
    hebet
    terofhim.
    “You’
    renotshapedni
    cel
    yNxumal o,getdr
    essedand
    takemetomyson.Oneoft hem wil
    lkeepyourwif
    e
    companywhi l
    eyou’
    regone,
    ”Ngidisays.
    Nowi tdawnstoNxumalothatsomethingisup.
    ThisNgonyamai snott
    hetrust
    ful
    ,desperateman
    who’sbeenwill
    ingtodoanythi
    ngandever ythi
    ngto
    havehisrank-
    sonsaved.Hebroughthisunrulytaxi
    rankpersona.
    “Whateveri
    tisthatyouwanttodi
    scussyoucan
    comebacki nthemor ni
    ng.Andyouknowthatyou
    can’
    tseeNdabuko, hetol
    dyouthatheneverwant
    s
    toseeyouagain,”hesays.
    Ngidii
    sgetti
    ngannoyed;hekeepsr
    ubbi
    nghi
    snose
    andsniff
    ing.
    “
    Maybeyourwi
    fedoesn’
    ttel
    lyou,
    you’
    renotshaped
    nicel
    yMkhat shwa.AndtheseboysI’
    m witharetoo
    youngt obetraumati
    zedbyyourthi
    nthighs.Get
    dressed,bedecent,
    andthencomet al
    ktomel ikea
    man. ”
    Themenbehi ndhi m aresteppingcloser
    .Thei
    r
    sil
    enceisgruesomeandl oud.Nxumal ocansense
    thedarkaurasurroundingthem.He’ sdealtwi
    th
    peopleli
    kethem before.Theydon’ tcomeatnightt
    o
    att
    ackhim, t
    heycomet obecl eansedand
    str
    engthened.

    Hewalksbackinsidet
    hehousewi t
    hhi sthuddi
    ng
    hear
    tkeptincheck.Hi
    swi f
    eissi
    tt
    inginapet ti
    coat
    andstar
    ingathim,await
    inganexplanati
    on.
    “
    Whatdoeshewant
    ?”sheasks.
    Nxumal ogr abshistrouserandput siton.Clearl
    y
    Ngidididn’ttakeNdabuko’ srejecti
    onwel l
    ,he’snow
    heretof i
    ght.Hewasn’ treadyf orthis,i
    t’
    ssucha
    desperatemovef r
    om Ngi di.Butheknowst hathe
    hasNdabukoi nhiscor ner.He’llt
    ellhim,i
    nfr ontof
    hi
    st hugst histi
    me,thathe’ snothisson.
    “Iwilldealwi
    thi
    t.Juststayhere,
    I’
    llt
    ellMagadl
    ela
    tocomeandguar dyou,”hetel
    lshiswifeandbr
    eaks
    adr yroothepul
    lsbehindthebedandput sthe
    pieceunderhist
    ongue.
    “Baba,mustn’
    tIscream f
    orhel
    p?”t
    hewifeasks.
    She’sabouttorel
    easethi
    shotpeeri
    ghther
    eonbed.
    “Andwakeupmyancest or
    s?Breakt
    hisandsli
    pit
    underyourtongue.Not
    hingisgoi
    ngtohappen,
    ”he
    says,makinghiswaytothedoorwhi
    lezippi
    ngup
    hisjacket
    .

    Hewalksoutandfindsthatt
    here’
    sanadditi
    onal
    pr
    esence.It
    ’sMamba, hi
    sapprent
    ice.OneofNgi
    di’
    s
    menisholdinghi
    m byneck.
    “
    Whatshoul
    dwebeawar
    eof
    ?”heasks.
    Mambamust n’
    tdareopenhismouth!Theout
    side
    l
    ighti
    sn’tbri
    ghtenoughbutsur
    elyMambaseeshi s
    deadglareandhegetsthemessage.
    Buti
    t’
    sadeadgl
    arevsagunmassageonhisback.
    Mambahastochoosewhi
    chonehefear
    sthemost.
    “
    Openhismouth,hehassomet
    hingunderhi
    s
    t
    ongue,
    ”hebl
    urtsout.
    Hejustsol
    dhi
    m out?Thismaneatshisfood,st
    ays
    i
    nhishouseandtakeinst
    ruct
    ionsf
    rom himfora
    l
    ivi
    ng.
    “Yeyiwenamfazi…”Bef
    orehecanhurli
    nsult
    sat
    Mamba, amanhaspushedhi mtothewalland
    grabbedhist
    hroat.
    “
    SayAaah,
    ”themani
    nst
    ruct
    s.
    Hekeepshismouthshuts.There’
    sar easonwhyhe
    sl
    ippedapieceofr
    ootunderhistongue.It’
    sforhi
    s
    prot
    ecti
    on,MambaTheIdiotwasn’tsupposedto
    sayanythi
    ng.

    Ngidist
    epscl
    oser.Hetur
    nsonthefl
    ashl
    ighti
    nhi
    s
    phoneanddir
    ectsitt
    oNxumalo’
    sface.
    “You’
    renotachil
    dNxumalo,wearenotgoi
    ngtobeg
    youtoopenyourmouth.SayAaah,damnit
    !”Ngi
    di
    saysimpati
    ent
    ly.
    Nxumal
    okeepshi
    smout
    hshut
    .Wel
    l,
    unt
    ilasl
    ideof
    t
    hegunmassageshischeek.Heopenshismout
    h
    widel
    yasi
    fhe’
    sopeningupforadenti
    st.
    Ngidipul
    lst
    hepieceunderhistongueandthr
    owsit
    downont hegr
    oundandpr essesitwit
    hhisshoe.
    “Anyt
    hingel
    se?”TheyaskMamba,
    sti
    llpr
    essi
    ng
    Nxumaloagainstt
    hewall
    .
    “
    Thebandaroundhi
    sar
    m,t
    hat
    ’sal
    l,
    Iswear
    ,”
    Mambasays.
    Nxumaloisstri
    ppedoutofever
    ythi
    ngt
    hatmakes
    hi
    m untouchabl
    e,al
    lbecauseofMamba’sbet
    rayal
    .
    Hashef or
    gott
    enwhatNxumal odoest
    othosewho
    bet
    rayhim?

    Theypullbothhi m andMambat oNdabuko’s


    rondavel.Hopefull
    ythemedici
    nedidn’tmakehi
    m
    l
    osehi sconsciousness,heneedst
    owakeupand
    tel
    lthesepeoplethathehasputhistrusti
    nMkhulu,
    he’ssafehereinhisnewf amil
    y.
    I
    t’
    slockedout
    side.Ngi
    dit
    urnshi
    sheadt
    oNxumal
    o.
    “
    Youl
    ockhi
    minsi
    de?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Yes,
    ”Nxumal
    osays.
    Af i
    stlandsonhischeek.Thiscoul
    d’vebeenthe
    reasonwhyhewett hebed.He’ssick,ther
    e’sno
    bathroom i
    nsideandtheylockhiminside
    throughoutt
    henight.
    “Wenaawungazi,ungi
    zwangendabanj ebunt
    ombi
    bomfaziwakho,
    ”Ngidisays.(Youdon’tknowme,
    youonlyhearaboutmel i
    keyouhearaboutyour
    wife’
    svi
    rgi
    nit
    y)Heaggr essi
    velypushesNxumaloto
    thefr
    ontsothatheunlocksthedoor.

    Theywal ki
    nandt urnthel
    ighton.Ndabukoi
    sfast
    asl
    eepi nbed.There’
    saplateofdrysampthatonl
    y
    achickencouldfi
    ndappetizi
    ng,andabigjugof
    str
    ongmedi ci
    nenexttoit.
    Ngi
    diwal
    kst
    othebedandshakeshi
    sbody.
    “
    Ndabuko,
    wakeup,
    ”hesays.
    IttakesamomentforNdabukot
    omove.Ngi
    di
    keepsshakinghi
    m andcal
    li
    nghi
    snameunti
    lhe
    final
    lyopenshi
    seyes.
    “
    It
    ’sme,
    ”Ngi
    disays.
    Ndabukoseemstobeconf
    used.He’
    slooking
    ar
    ound,atever
    yonewi
    thafrownonhisface.
    Nxumalocoul
    duseabowlofpopcornri
    ghtnow.
    Justt
    owatchital
    lgoi
    ngdownagain.
    “Son, heforcedhiswayi n.It
    ri
    edtost
    ophim buthe
    didn’tli
    sten,”heexpl
    ainstoNdabukoand
    i
    nt enti
    onallysnif
    fsoutbloodtoshowhimthatNgidi
    reall
    yf or
    cedhi swayin.
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tthi
    nkyou’
    dcome,
    ”Ndabukosayst
    oNgi
    di.
    “Nei
    therdidI,
    ”Nxumal osayswi t
    hasigh.Ngi
    dii
    s
    exhausti
    ng,he’sacti
    nglikeateenageboywhogot
    dumpedbef oreValenti
    ne’sday.
    “Doyouthinkyou’
    dbeabl
    etowal
    ktot
    heendoft
    he
    yar
    d?”Ngidiasks.
    “
    I’
    m notsur
    eIcanmakei
    tthatf
    ar,
    ”Ndabukosays.
    NowNxumaloisabi
    tconf
    used.Whyar
    ethey
    t
    alki
    ngl
    iket
    his?Whyi
    sNdabukoevent
    alki
    ngto
    t
    hisman?
    “
    Sizwet
    aket
    hatoneandgof
    indNdabuko’
    s
    cl
    othes,
    ”Ngidii
    nst
    ruct
    sandoneofhi
    smenwal
    ks
    outpull
    ingMambabehindhi
    m.

    Hehel
    psNdabukoup.
    “There’saquant
    um out
    side,
    I’
    llbewi
    thyoushor
    tl
    y.”
    Het urnstohi
    smenandasksoneoft hem t
    ocar
    ry
    Ndabukot othecar
    .
    “Ndabukoyoucan’tleave.Wehave…youhave
    plans.Andyousti
    llneedtogetbett
    er,
    ”Nxumal
    o
    sayswi t
    hhiseyeswidened.Thi
    scan’tbe
    happening!
    “
    Puthi
    mint
    hebackseat
    ,”Ngi
    dii
    nst
    ruct
    s.
    Nxumal oi
    snotgoingtostandandwat chthem
    kidnappi
    nghisNdabuko.Het ur
    nstofoll
    owt hem
    butNgidibl
    ockshi
    swaywi t
    hhisfoot
    ,causinghim
    totri
    pandfall
    .
    Heyells;“Ndabukot
    hinkt
    hist
    hrough.He’
    sgoi
    ngt
    o
    ki
    llyou!”
    Thedoorcl
    oses,theyhavetakenhim away.He
    want
    storunafterthem butNgidi
    ’
    sheavyf ooti
    s
    pr
    essedbehi
    ndhi
    sneck.

    Mambai sbroughtback,accompaniedbythesame
    Sizweman.Nxumal oissti
    llf
    ighti
    ngtoescape
    Ngidi’
    sfootwithnosuccess.Hi sbreat
    hisrunni
    ng
    out,soishiscryi
    ngvoice.
    “
    What
    ’syourname?
    ”Ngi
    diasksMamba.
    “
    Mamba,
    ”hesays.
    “Yourmothercar
    ri
    edyoufor9mont
    hsandwent
    thr
    oughlaborpai
    nsonlyt
    onameyouaftera
    snake?”
    Si
    zwebreaksi
    ntoanear
    -br
    eaki
    ngl
    aught
    er.He’
    s
    l
    ovi
    ngthis.
    “Li
    stenMamba, Idon’
    thavemucht ime.Getever
    y
    medi ci
    nethatwasusedt otreatNdabukoandany
    medi ci
    nethat’
    sreadyforuse.Idon’ tcar
    ewhatit
    ’s
    for
    ,youhave5mi nutestodoso.Si zwewi l
    lgowit
    h
    yout omakesur ethatyoudon’tleaveanythi
    ng
    behind.Don’tf
    orgetrazor
    s,”Ngidisays.
    Si
    zwedoesn’
    twast
    easecond,
    hepul
    lsMambaout
    oft
    hedoor
    .
    Nxumalostopsbr
    eathingandshut shi
    seyes.Ngidi
    doesn’
    tremovehi
    sf oot.Nxumalo’
    stoescurlup,
    his
    bodyshakesandhiseyesr ol
    lback.
    St
    il
    l,
    Ngi
    didoesn’
    tremovehi
    sfoot
    .
    “You’
    renotagoodactorNxumalo.Whenyouwant
    met oremovemyfootyou’
    llsay‘
    tshi
    lot
    shi
    lo
    sengivut
    hiwe’
    andI
    ’l
    lhelpyoutobed,
    ”hesays.
    Nxumalobr
    eat
    hesoutenor
    mousl
    yandopenshis
    eyes.Hemumbl
    essomethi
    ngunderhi
    sbr
    eath.
    “
    I’
    m oldNxumal
    o,Icannothearyoui
    fyouspeakl
    ike
    ahornywoman,
    ”Ngidisays.
    “Isai
    dtshi
    lot
    shi
    losengi
    vut
    hiwe,
    ”Nxumal
    osaysa
    bitl
    ouder.
    Themansitt
    ingontopofthetabl
    echokesdowna
    l
    augh.Onl
    ythenNgidiremoveshi
    sfootandli
    ft
    s
    hi
    m upandpullshi
    mt obed.
    “You’
    renotaco-operati
    vepati
    entsoI’
    llt
    ieyouup,
    ”
    Ngidisaysandt
    akest heropetheyusedtotie
    Ndabukowi t
    handtieshim up.
    MambaandSi zwear ebri
    ngingdiff
    erentbucket
    s
    andt i
    edblackplasti
    cbags.Theyar ecominginand
    out,coll
    ect
    ingeverythi
    ng.Thelastparcelt
    obe
    broughtisNxumal o’
    swife.
    Heregai
    nsstrengt
    hwit
    hinasecond;he’
    sfi
    ght
    ingt
    o
    br
    eaktheropesandget
    st ohi
    swife.

    “Behave.YourwifeandMambat her
    ewillmi
    xallt
    he
    medicinesforyou,
    ”Ngidisaysandt
    akesapacket
    ofrazors.
    Hedoesn’
    tcarewher
    ehe’ssl
    it
    ti
    ngNxumalo’
    sfl
    esh,
    i
    t’
    sanywherehecaninser
    thi
    srazoron.
    “
    Don’tdoi
    tonmyface,
    peopl
    ewi
    llt
    hinkI
    ’
    ma
    Mpondo,
    ”Nxumal
    obegs.
    Ngi
    digoesst
    rai
    ghtt
    oface.
    “Doyouknowhowsmar tt
    hosepeopl
    eare?Why
    wouldanyonemist
    akeyoufort
    hem?Youandyour
    quar
    terbrai
    n!”
    Heopensonemut
    hipackett
    hatSi
    zwehandst
    ohi
    m.
    “
    Nott
    hatone!
    ”Nxumal
    o’swi
    fescr
    eamsouti
    npani
    c.
    Ngi
    dist
    ops,
    “Why?
    ”
    “
    It
    ’sf
    orat
    tr
    act
    ingwomen,
    ”shesays.
    “
    Didyoutellhim nott
    ogivemysonmedicinesthat
    madehim sickoryou’r
    eonlybei
    ngopi
    nionated
    t
    oday?”Ngidiasks.
    Si
    lence.
    Heinsert
    smut hii
    nNxumalo’
    sbl
    eedi ngcuts.The
    wif
    ehasherhandsoverherhead,she’swaili
    ngout
    asNgidicont
    inuestoi
    nser
    tmuthialloverher
    husband.
    “
    God,
    they’
    l
    ltakemyhusband!
    ”
    Si
    zweisaboutt
    obursthi
    sstomachwi
    thl
    aught
    er.
    He’
    senjoyi
    ngeachandever
    ymoment.
    Diff
    erentpowder
    sareputi
    nNxumalo’
    sbody
    regardl
    essofwhatt
    hey’
    reusedf
    or.
    “Mayhim whoheal
    sbeheal
    edtoo,
    ”Si
    zwesaysas
    hepassesamixtur
    eofal
    lmedi
    cinest
    oNgi
    di.
    “
    SayAaah,
    ”Ngi
    dii
    nst
    ruct
    s.
    Nxumal
    opr
    esseshi
    sli
    pst
    ight
    lyt
    oget
    her
    .Heneeds
    ali
    tt
    lemoti
    vat
    ionandSizweismoret
    hanwi
    ll
    ingt
    o
    r
    emindhim whyheshouldobey.
    Hiswif
    escr
    eamsatthesi
    ghtofagun.Itturnsto
    herf
    aceandshequi
    ckl
    ypull
    shersel
    ftogether.
    “
    Tellyourhusbandt
    oopenhi
    smout
    h,”het
    ell
    sthe
    wif
    e.
    Shewal
    kst
    owar
    dst
    hebedwi
    thasoakedpet
    ti
    coat
    .
    “
    PleaseMkhat
    shwasayAaah,
    ”shebegs.
    Agai
    n,Si
    zwei
    srol
    li
    ngont
    hef
    loorwi
    thl
    aught
    er.
    Event
    ual
    lyNxumaloopenshi
    smout
    h,Ngi
    dipour
    s
    themedi
    cinedownhisthr
    oat
    .
    “Wecanpaybackallyourmoney,please.My
    husbandmaynotrecoverf
    rom t
    his,someoft hese
    thi
    ngsareonl
    yusedundercert
    aininstruct
    ions,
    ”the
    wif
    ebegs.
    “Don’
    tyouhaveamuthit
    oattractbadspi
    ri
    ts?
    Att
    ract
    ,notchase,
    ”Si
    zweasks.
    “
    Huh?
    ”Ngi
    dii
    sconf
    usedaswel
    l
    .
    I
    tlooksl
    ikeNxumal
    ohaspassedout
    .Hi
    smut
    his
    mustbepower
    ful
    .
    “
    Nyokanyoka?
    ”Si
    zwet
    urnst
    oMamba.
    “
    No,
    ”Mambasays.
    “
    Don’tl
    iet
    ome,
    Icanmot
    ivat
    eyout
    ospeakt
    he
    t
    rut
    h.”
    Deepsi
    gh!
    “Iswear
    ,son.Wedon’
    thavet
    hatki
    ndofmedi
    cine,
    it
    hasneverbeenr
    equest
    edbef
    ore.
    ”
    “Thengivemewoza-wozaforwomen.Ithi
    nk
    Nxumalo’swif
    eher
    edeservessomeattent
    ionon
    t
    hest r
    eets.
    ”
    Thewi
    fe’
    seyesbul
    geout
    .
    “
    I’
    m mar
    ri
    ed,
    ”shesays.
    Sizwechuckl
    es,
    “Andbor
    ed.Youcan’
    tbeeat
    ingt
    he
    samemeateveryday.
    ”
    “
    I’
    m happywi
    thmyhusband,
    ”shei
    nsi
    sts.
    “
    Comeon, givemybr
    other
    sachancet
    othi
    s
    t
    hickness.
    ”
    Ngi
    digiveshi
    m awarni
    ngglar
    e.They’
    renother
    eto
    l
    ustoveroldwomen’
    sthi
    ckness.

    Timeisticki
    ngandtheyhavet oputNdabuko’
    s
    heal
    thfi
    r st
    .Nxumaloissti
    llunconsci
    ousi
    nbed.
    Theythrowawayther emainingmedici
    neandleave
    thewif
    ecr yi
    ngonthef l
    oor
    .
    “I
    ’
    m comi ngbackformymoneyi naf ewdays, ”
    Ngidisays.“
    Ifhedoesn’thaveit,
    he’l
    lpaywi thyour
    l
    if
    e.Icannotkillanyanga,butIcankillyou.And
    hi
    m, andeveryoneelseinthisyard.
    ”He’ spoi
    ntingat
    Mamba.
    “Youdon’
    tdareme!Youdoal
    it
    tl
    ebackgr
    ound
    checkbef
    orescammingmeatt
    heexpenseofmy
    son’
    shealt
    h.”
    He’sdone,fornow.They’
    ret
    aki
    ngMagadlelawit
    h
    them,he’
    llsayever
    ythi
    ngtheydi
    dtoNdabukoand
    onlycomesbackoncehehasf ul
    lyr
    ecovered.
    Heissit
    ti
    ngbehi
    ndthedr
    iver
    ,sweati
    ngandsi
    lent
    ly
    pr
    ayingtohi
    sancest
    orsf
    orrescue.
    .
    .
    *
    **THENEXTMORNI
    NG*
    **

    Maqhinga’scardri
    vesinjustafterNdl al
    ifa’
    s.They
    bothdon’tknowwhat’sgoingon.Whyi sNgidieven
    here?Theygrewupher e,inWat erways, butthey
    haven’tbeenherei
    nyears.Ngi direfusedt osellor
    rentoutthehouse.I
    tstoresalltheirchil
    dhood
    memor iesandthoseoftheirmot her.
    “
    Doyouhaveanyideawhywear eher
    esoear
    lyi
    n
    t
    hemorni
    ng?”Maqhingaasks.
    “
    No,
    heonl
    ysai
    dit
    ’sur
    gent
    ,”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.
    Theymakethei
    rwayinsi
    det
    hehouse.I
    t’
    squietand
    emptyasit
    ’sal
    waysbeenaf
    tert
    hei
    rmother
    ’s
    di
    sappear
    ance.
    “
    Hlomuka,
    wear
    eher
    e,”Ndl
    ali
    fayel
    ls.
    Heopensthefri
    dge,hopi
    ngtofi
    ndabeeror
    somethi
    ng,butt
    here’
    sonlyabott
    leofwat
    erand
    l
    eft
    overs.
    Ngi
    diappear
    s,he’
    sincr
    easedshi
    rtasifhespenta
    ni
    ghti
    napr i
    soncel
    l.Di
    dheevensleep?
    “
    What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”Ndl
    ali
    faasks.
    “
    Ndabukoi
    sher
    e.If
    etchedhi
    m.”
    “
    Hehasr
    ecover
    ed?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    Theydi
    dn’
    texpectt
    hisatal
    l.
    “No,that
    ’swhyyouar ebothhere.Ineedtof
    inda
    t
    radit
    ionalhealerwhocanundoever yt
    hingt
    hat
    Nxumal odidtohim.Butyou’
    llhavetomakesure
    i
    t’ssomeonel egit
    .”
    Ndl
    ali
    faf
    rowns,
    “SoNhl
    anzekowasr
    ight
    ?”
    “I
    ’
    m afrai
    dso.He’sneverst
    oppedlooki
    ngoutfor
    hi
    m, eventhoughhedoesthi
    ngsinhisstr
    ange
    ways.”
    “
    Didyouki
    llNxumal
    o?”Ndl
    ali
    fa.
    “
    No,Icannotkil
    lanyanga,butI’
    llmakesurethathi
    s
    l
    if
    eisli
    kealivi
    nghell
    ,”Ngi
    disays.“Also,t
    here’
    sa
    manhere,oneofhi
    sass-li
    ckers.Ibroughthi
    m here
    tomakesuret
    hatthenewheal
    erwi
    llknowwhat
    he’
    sdeal
    ingwit
    h.”
    “Whatifhegi
    vesust
    hewr
    ongi
    nfor
    mat
    ion?
    ”
    Ndlal
    i
    faasks.
    “Hehasadaught erandhe’
    snevermether.I
    ’
    llf
    ind
    herfi
    rst,
    he’l
    lgi
    vemeNdabukoandI ’
    llgi
    vehim hi
    s
    daughter.I
    fNdabukodies,
    sowil
    lhi
    sdaughter.
    ”
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    47] :SEASONFI
    NALE
    Chapt
    er62

    Ndabukohaswokenup.Hedoesn’ tlooklikehewas
    fedatall
    .He’
    stwosi zesdown,wi t
    hdr yl
    ipsand
    sunkeneyes.Sel
    f-
    blamewon’ ttakethem anywhere
    now,theyhavetofi
    ndaheal erandt heyhavetofi
    nd
    himfast.
    “Ineedtomakeaphonecal
    l,
    ”Maqhi
    ngasays.He
    getsoffbedandwal
    ksoutoft
    hebedr
    oom.
    Heshoul
    dn’thavet
    rustedNxumalo.Heshoul
    d’ve
    madethi
    scallfr
    om t
    heonset.Ndabukowould’ve
    beenbet
    terbynow,that’
    swit
    houtanydoubt.
    “Ithoughtyou’
    dcal
    learl
    ier
    .Ievenwokeupt o
    chargemyphoneatmybr other’
    shouse.Idon’
    t
    knowwhathappenedt oourel ect
    ri
    cit
    yhere,my
    brotherisyett
    ocomeandf i
    xi t,
    ”hesaysbefor
    e
    Maqhi ngaevengr
    eet.
    Buthe’
    slearntt
    hatever
    ythi
    ngisrandom and
    st
    rangewiththi
    sman.He’sbeyondhuman
    under
    standi
    ng.
    “
    Goodmor
    ningMt
    hembu,
    ”hesays.
    “
    HiMaqhi
    nga.You’
    rest
    il
    linDur
    ban?
    ”
    “
    Ummm…yes,
    ”Maqhi
    nga.
    “Al
    right,
    I’
    llgototheoff
    ice,
    somet
    hingneedsmy
    att
    entionurgentl
    y.I
    ’l
    lbebackbyt
    hetimeyoual
    lget
    here.”
    Okay…heknows.WhyisMaqhingaevensur
    prised?
    Hewasalsoexpect
    inghi
    m whenhewentthere.
    “Justsoyouknow,t
    her
    e’ssomeoneelse.Hewasn’
    t
    broughther
    eonhiswil
    l,
    it’
    scompli
    catedbutI
    ’
    ll
    explai
    nwhenwegetthere,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Theot
    heroneneedsmemor
    ethant
    heot
    herone.
    Seeyouwhenyougether
    e.”
    Cal
    lended…
    Whi
    chotheroneandwhi
    chotherone?Asfaras
    Maqhi
    ngaknowsonlyNdabukoneedshel
    phere.

    Hewal ksbackinsidethebedroom andalleyesgo


    tohim.Atthispointeveryoneisdesperat
    e.
    Ndabukoaskedt hem nott ol
    etNdondoseehi min
    thecondit
    ionhe’sin.Likeanyman, hedoesn’twi
    sh
    tobeseenbyhi swomanl ookingthi
    sweak.And
    morethananyone, Ngidiisdrowninginguil
    t.He
    j
    ustputallhistr
    ustonNxumal o,henever
    questi
    onedhim evenwhenhesawNdabukoget t
    ing
    worsebyday.
    Heneverspentadayort wowi thhim becausehe
    putbusinessbeforehisli
    fe.Hef ocusedonmaki ng
    surethatthebusinessdidn’tsl
    ackinNdabuko’ s
    absence.EvenwhenNxumal oindir
    ectl
    ydemanded
    moremoney, hepai ditwit
    hnoeyebr owsraised.He
    dependedonmoneyt osol veeverythi
    ng,ami stake
    mostpeopl emakewhent heyhavel otofmoney.
    “Wehavet
    ogotoMpof ana.Ngcwet
    hii
    sexpect
    ing
    us,
    ”Maqhi
    ngaannounces.
    “
    Yout
    alkedt
    oNgcwet
    hiMt
    hembu?
    ”Ndl
    ali
    faasks.
    “Ihavehisnumber,hehelpedme, remember?We
    don’thavemucht i
    me,let
    ’sgetgoing.”Hedashesto
    thebathroom t
    opacktoil
    etri
    esforNdabukowhi l
    e
    Ndlali
    fahelpshi
    m getoutofbed.
    “Whatar ewegoi ngtodowi thhim?”Ndlalif
    aasks
    Ngidi,pointi
    ngatMagadl el
    acurledupatt hecorner
    ofther oom.I sitpossibl
    eforamant okeepcrying
    l
    ikethis?Theyhadt okeeppromisinghim abulleti
    n
    histesticlebeforeheshutup.Buti twouldn’tt
    ake
    ti
    mebef orehest artcr
    yingagain.
    “He’
    scomingwit
    hus,
    ”Maqhingasays,
    wal
    kingi
    n
    andgrabbi
    ngt
    heNikebagonbed.
    “Ngcwethi
    ’
    sinst
    ruct
    ion,
    ”het
    ell
    sthem bef
    oret
    hey
    evenask.
    “I
    ’m notst
    ayi
    ngbehi
    nd.Nott
    hist
    ime,Ndl
    ali
    fahas
    togobackandtakecar
    eofthi
    ngsathome,”Ngi
    di
    says.
    “Ther
    e’snoneedBaba, i
    fNgcwethiwasascam he
    wouldn’thaveletmeinhi
    shome.Ihadnomoney,
    noclothes,nofood,
    nothi
    ng.Buthewelcomedme
    andgavemet hehel
    pIneeded.Hewon’thar
    m
    Ndabukoi nanyway,Ipr
    omiseyou,
    ”Maqhingasays.
    Itwil
    ltakealotf
    orNgi
    ditol
    etNdabukooutofhi
    s
    sightandtr
    ustastr
    angerwi
    thhi
    slif
    e.Whatifi
    t
    happensagain?Hewon’tmakei
    tthesecondti
    me.
    “Babawearetal
    kingaboutNgcwet
    hiMthembuhere,
    notjustar
    andom per
    son.Gobackhome,Aunt
    mustbewonderi
    ngwher eyouare,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    faImadet
    hatmi
    stakeonce,
    I’
    m not
    …”
    Maqhingasighs,“Iwil
    lbethereBaba,I’
    l
    lstaywit
    h
    hi
    m unti
    lher ecover
    s.Ipromise,Iwi
    llbri
    nghim
    homealive.
    ”
    “I
    fanyt
    hinghappensMaqhi
    nga,IswearI
    ’
    m goingto
    bl
    owoutt hatMt
    hembu’
    sbrainandfeedi
    ttoyou.
    ”
    “
    Aslongasyoudon’
    tboi
    lit
    ,Il
    ikemybr
    ainf
    ri
    ed,
    ”
    Maqhi
    ngasays.
    Ngi
    dicl
    ickshi
    stongueandt
    akeshi
    sphoneandcar
    keysf
    rom t
    hebed.
    “Whyar
    eyousit
    ti
    ngther
    ewena?Mustwewai
    tfor
    youwhi
    leyoucr
    y?”heasksMagadl
    ela.
    Hequi
    ckl
    ygetsupandti
    estheropet
    hat
    ’sf
    ast
    eni
    ng
    hi
    str
    ouseronbehal
    fofabel
    t.
    “Lookatyou,l
    ookingli
    keanyaopemanbutyousay
    youhaveagift.Waithere,
    I’
    llgetyoudecent
    clot
    hes,
    ”Ngidisays,shaki
    nghi shead.
    Hehadasui t
    caseofol
    dclot
    hesst
    ashed
    somewherehere.Hehat
    esthi
    sman,yes,
    buthe
    can’
    tlethi
    m goallt
    hewaytoMpof
    analooki
    ngl
    ike
    thi
    s.

    Ndl
    ali
    fahastakenNdabukoandlef
    t.Ngi
    di
    di
    sappearedt
    othegaragetof
    indclot
    hesfor
    Magadlel
    a.
    Fornowi
    t’
    sjustt
    het
    wooft
    hem.
    “
    So,wereyoual
    lowedt
    ohavegi
    rl
    fr
    iendst
    her
    e?”
    Maqhi
    ngaasksMagadl
    ela.
    “
    No,
    ”hi
    sresponsei
    squi
    ckandaccompani
    edbya
    headshake.
    “Youwer ether
    efor25years.Youmeani
    nthose
    yearsyou’veneverhadnum-num?Oryouhad
    alt
    ernat
    ives?”Maqhinga.
    “
    Whatisnum-
    num?I
    fyoumeansexuali
    nter
    cour
    se,
    t
    henno.”
    Maqhingaexcl
    aimsinshock.I
    tsoundsreal
    ly
    i
    nter
    esti
    ng,l
    ikeapri
    sonlif
    e.Ormaybenot,t
    hey
    f
    uckeachotherinpr
    isons,andsometi
    mesguards.
    “Youmeanyoursaci
    sful
    lof2010sper
    msand
    beyond?
    ”
    Magadlel
    adoesn’
    tsayanyt
    hing.Howdoyou
    answersuchquest
    ion?Andthi
    sboyishal
    fhi
    sage.
    “
    Soyourmast erhadther
    ightt
    osexandyoudi
    dn’
    t?
    I
    tjustbaf
    fl
    esme, howdoyouevengoayear
    wit
    houthavi
    ngsex?Peopledothat
    ?”
    Ngidii
    swalki
    ngi
    nwi
    thshi
    rt
    sandt
    rouser
    sst
    acked
    overhi
    sarm.
    “Voet
    sekwena,
    taket
    hebagst
    othecarandst
    op
    aski
    ngrubbi
    sh.
    ”
    Maqhi
    ngaal
    mostj
    umpupinshock.Hequi
    ckl
    y
    t
    akest
    hebagandr
    ushesout
    .
    .
    .
    NDONDO

    Idon’tknowwhyIhaveabadf eel
    ingaboutNgidi
    ’s
    l
    astcal l
    .Imean,
    ifsomethi
    ngbadhadhappenedhe
    would’vetol
    dmer i
    ghtaway.Buthej ustsai
    dhe’s
    onhiswayandIshoul dexpecthim around11h00.
    “
    Andiswacanyougetmeapacketofchi
    ps,
    I’
    m
    f
    eel
    ingabitst
    ressed.
    ”
    Icanseeherr ol
    li
    nghereyes.Ourr elationshipisnot
    whereitusedt obe,wehadaf all
    outaf terthe
    wheelchai
    rar gument.I’
    m st i
    llnotbuyi ngDumi sani
    anexpensivewheel chair,butI’
    m payi ngal lhi
    s
    medicalexpensesandt hatincludesanur se.Ihad
    tohi
    reherf ormymot her’
    sandbr other’ssake.
    “
    Whyar
    eyour
    oll
    ingyoureyes?
    ”Iaskher
    .
    “
    Becauseyou’
    resl
    avi
    ngmear
    oundandIdi
    dn’
    t
    makeyoupr
    egnant
    ,”shesays.
    “Aski
    ngyoutogetmeapacketofchi
    psf
    rom t
    he
    kit
    cheni
    sslavi
    ngyou?
    ”Iask.
    Shedragshersandalsandwalksawaysingi
    ng.
    Mom alwaystal
    kstoheraboutthi
    s,si
    ngingl
    oudin
    themi
    ddleofaseriousargumentispur
    edisr
    espect
    .

    Igetof
    fthecouchandf
    oll
    owaf
    terher
    .
    “I
    ’m goi
    ngtobr
    eakyoursti
    ckylegsifyougi
    veme
    anatti
    tude,
    wenanopopi
    .”I
    ’m besi
    demyselfwi
    th
    anger.
    Shelooksatme,put
    sherhandsonherhi
    psand
    rai
    seshereyebr
    ows.
    “
    I’
    m sur
    eyoucan,
    hippopot
    amus.
    ”
    Didshejustcal
    lmeahi ppopot
    amus?Shemanages
    toescapetheappleIthr
    owather.Idon’
    tknow
    whenHl onir
    anin,Ij
    ustseeherget
    ti
    ngbetweenus
    andpulli
    ngAndiswaback.
    “
    Seri
    ously,
    haveyouseenapregnantwoman
    f
    ight
    ingbefor
    e?Areyoutr
    yingt
    okillt
    hisbaby?
    ”
    She’
    sst
    ari
    ngatmewit
    hangeranddi
    sappoi
    ntment
    wri
    tt
    enal
    loverher
    .
    Andi
    swafoldsherar
    ms,“
    Yeah,askher
    .Iwasalso
    sur
    pri
    sed,
    Ijustsawabal
    loonj
    umpingatme.”
    Nowshe’scal
    li
    ngmeaballoon?Icannotst
    opthe
    tear
    s.I
    ’
    veneverbeensodi
    srespect
    edandashamed
    byapersonbef
    ore.
    “Geez,
    Andi
    swagotoyourr
    oom,”Hlonisaysand
    asksmetogosi
    tonthecouchwhil
    eshepr epar
    es
    measnack.
    Iwantafight
    ingmatchwi
    thAndi
    swaaft
    erI
    ’ve
    givenbi
    rt
    h.I’
    m notgoi
    ngt
    obeamaturedoneabout
    this!

    I’
    mf eeli
    ngalit
    tlebetteraf
    tereati
    ngtheburgerand
    chips.Igotothebat hroom andwashmyf ace.I
    don’twanttolooklikeacrybabyt oNgidi
    .I’
    m
    str
    ong, Idon’
    tletemot i
    onsgetthebett
    erofme.I
    applysomer edlipsti
    ckandwearmycur l
    yhair.
    “
    Wow,
    boss-
    lady,
    youl
    ookhot
    ,”Hl
    onisaysf
    rom t
    he
    door
    .
    “
    I’
    m shami
    ngt
    hedevi
    l,
    ”Isayandwebot
    hlaugh.
    “Byt
    heway,acarj
    ustpul
    ledup.It
    hinki
    t’
    shi
    m,”
    shesays.
    Lor
    d,t
    hisgi
    rl
    !
    “Andyou’reheretohi
    de?Couldn’tyoul
    ethi
    mi n
    fi
    rst
    ?Ngi didoesn’
    tbi
    te,
    Hloni
    phile.
    ”Thi
    sgirli
    s
    unbeli
    evable!You’
    dswearNgidioncepoint
    edagun
    atherandaskedhertor ai
    seNelsonMandelafrom
    thegrave.
    Il
    etherbeandl
    eavet
    oat
    tendt
    omyguest
    .

    Idon’
    tbuybeer.Ndabukousedtobri
    nghisown
    whencominghere.Idon’
    tknowwhatt oofferthi
    s
    man.I’
    m verycer
    tai
    nthathewon’tdr
    inkAndi swa’
    s
    redwi
    ne.IrememberthathedrankGlentea,
    hopef
    ull
    yIhaveapacket.
    Ihavetodoeverythi
    ngbymyself.Rinsi
    ngcups,
    fi
    ll
    ingsugarcont
    ainer,
    boil
    ingwaterandever
    ythi
    ng.
    Mybr eat
    hisrunni
    ngout ,
    mybacki sstar
    ti
    ngto
    ache.

    Iputthetr
    ayonthecof
    fee-
    tabl
    eandsitonthe
    opposit
    ecouchandrel
    easeahugebreath.
    “
    Ithoughtyouhadahel
    per
    .”
    YesIdo,
    she’shi
    dingi
    nmybedr
    oom becauseshe’
    s
    scar
    edofyou.
    “She’
    sbusy,theot
    heronehadanemer
    gencyat
    home,”Isay.
    “
    Isee.Andyou,
    howar
    eyoudoi
    ng?
    ”heasks.
    “Idon’
    tknow,i
    t’
    sli
    keli
    vingi
    nfearandexpect
    ing
    anythi
    ngtohappen.
    ”
    Henodsandsipshi steaunt
    ili
    tfi
    nishes.Idon’
    t
    knowifhe’
    sscaredtot el
    lmewhateverhecamet o
    sayorit
    ’sj
    ustnotthatimpor
    tant.
    Hef
    inal
    lyput
    sdownt
    hecupandcl
    ear
    shi
    sthr
    oat
    .
    “IcameheretoupdateyouaboutNdabuko’
    s
    condit
    ion,
    ”hesays.
    Myhear
    tbeati
    saccel
    erat
    ing.Iwai
    tasheadj
    ust
    s
    hi
    swr
    ist
    -wat
    ch.
    “Wehavet
    akenhi
    mtoaheal
    eri
    nMpof
    ana,
    ”he
    says.
    “
    Why?Whathappenedt
    oNxumal
    o?”I
    ’
    m conf
    used.
    Heexhalesloudly,“
    Thedream youhadwasa
    warni
    ng.IwishIhadt akenNhlanzekoseri
    ousl
    y.
    Nxumalowasonl ymakingmoney.Hemadehi m
    si
    ckint
    entional
    ly,sothatIcouldkeeppayi
    nghim.
    He’
    snotgoodbutwegott her
    eintime.
    ”
    I
    ’
    m onmyf
    eet
    .Iwantt
    oyel
    landpunchsomeone.
    “
    Didn’
    tyouknowt
    hisNxumal
    oper
    son?
    ”Iask.
    “Idid.Het
    ookadvantageoft
    hesit
    uat
    ionandI
    ’
    m
    goingtomakehim pay,
    ”hesays.
    “Sowher
    eishenow?Howwel
    ldoyouknowt
    his
    newheal
    er?
    ”
    “
    Maqhi
    ngaknowshi
    m.He’
    sgood.
    ”
    TF!Het
    rust
    sMaqhi
    ngaoutofal
    lpeopl
    e.
    “
    Ineedt
    ogot
    her
    eandbebyhi
    ssi
    de.
    ”
    “
    MaSi
    bisiyoucannotgot
    her
    e.I
    t’
    stoor
    iskyf
    oryou
    t
    o…”
    Gosh,heknowsme,weworkedt
    oget
    herf
    oryear
    s.
    I
    ’m notgoi
    ngtobackdown.
    “
    Babawhet heryouappr oveornot,I’
    m goi
    ngther
    e.I
    waskeptawayf rom him,andlookwher eweare
    t
    oday.I’
    m nottakingthatri
    sk,I
    ’m notputt
    ingmy
    t
    rustonyourheal er
    sagain.”
    “
    Hedoesn’
    twantyout
    oseehi
    mli
    ket
    hat
    ,”hesays.
    “Il
    ovehi m uncondit
    ionall
    y.Thelastthi
    ngIcare
    aboutrightnowi showhel ooks,
    Ijustwanttobeby
    hisside,that
    ’sal
    l.”I
    st hattoomucht oask?They’
    ve
    beenkeepi ngmeawayf r
    om him al
    lthi
    sti
    me.I
    couldn’tevenspeakt ohim overthephone.
    Howisthatf
    air
    ?Wher
    edot
    heyt
    hinkIgetmy
    st
    rengt
    hfrom?
    “
    Howi
    syourf
    ather
    ?”heasks.
    Iwipet
    hetears,“
    Idon’
    tknow…I’
    m goi
    ngtopackmy
    bagsandcallsomeonewho’l
    ldr
    ivemether
    e.”
    He’sf
    eeli
    ngsorr
    yforme,notbecausehe
    under
    standshowIfeel
    ,he’
    sjustr
    eacti
    ngasaman
    t
    owar
    dsawoman’
    stear
    s.
    “Who’
    sgoingtherewithyou?Youknowt
    hati
    t’
    snot
    saf
    eforyoutotravelal
    one,
    ”heasks.
    “Whocouldcomewi t
    hme?Khosiisbusyatwor k,
    Snalowentto…”Tear
    schokeme,Ican’
    tspeak.I
    feelst
    rongarmswrappi
    ngaroundmeandIbr eak
    downonhi schest
    .
    “I’
    l
    lorgani
    zesomeonewhocancomewi thyouand
    callMaqhi
    ngatolethi
    m knowt
    hatyou’
    recoming
    there,
    ”hesays.
    Icantellf
    rom hi
    svoi
    cethatt
    hiswasn’
    tanopti
    on.
    Hehasnochoi cebutt
    omaket hei
    mpossibl
    e
    possi
    ble.
    “
    Thankyou.I
    ’
    llpackmybags.
    ”
    .
    .
    Acarhootsout
    sidethegate.Busikhayaand
    Mazwakhearestandingi
    nt heyard,whil
    eNgcwet hi
    i
    sattendi
    ngtohi
    snewpat ientinsi
    detherondavel.
    Theydon’
    tgeti
    nvolvedinhiswor kathome,butthis
    oneisdi ff
    erentbecausei ti
    nvolvesMaqhinga-the
    onlypatientwhohaddi nnerineveryhouseandgot
    i
    ntroducedt othekids.Theyar enotfri
    ends,butthey
    wouldn’tshuttheirdoorsonhi sfaceatanyhour .
    Theirkidsknowhi m, heknowsal lofthem andtheir
    wives,andhe’ sbeent otheJamaf arm.
    Thesickguyi shi
    sbr other
    , notbyblood,
    andt he
    otheroneisconnectedt othem insomeway.
    Ngcwethihasanswer st oeverythi
    ng.Accordingto
    him,ever
    ythinghappensf orar easonandever yone
    thatcomesintoourlivesisapar tofourjourneyto
    ourdesti
    nies.

    Ndabukocould’
    vebeenbroughtt
    ohim soonerbut
    Magadlel
    aneededtoberescued.Andbecause
    Ngi
    diisgoingtoneedhi
    mi nthenearf
    uture,
    hehad
    t
    obet heonewhomeet sandrescueshi
    m.
    “
    Opent
    hegat
    e!”Awomanscr
    eamsout
    sidet
    hegat
    e.
    “
    Andt
    hen?
    ”Busi
    khayaasks.
    They’
    regr
    ownnow,
    theyst
    il
    lar
    guebutt
    heydon’
    t
    fi
    ght.
    “Idon’
    tknow.Goandopenthegatebef
    oreshe
    breaksi
    tdown,”Mazwakhesays.
    Busi khayaevent ual
    lyacceptedt hatMazwakheis
    oldert hanhim, hedoesasi nstructed.Hegoesand
    openst hegate.Hef i
    ndsacarwi thDurban
    registrati
    onparked.Nextt oitisaf ancypr
    egnant
    womani nalongbr owncoat ,bigcurlyhai
    rand
    sungl asses.
    “
    CanIhel
    pyou,
    madam?
    ”Busi
    khayaasks.
    Shewalksclosertothegate.Hassheeverbeenout
    ,
    i
    nt hesun?Shedoesn’ tl
    ooklikesomeonewhoeven
    usesatoil
    et.Surel
    y,she’snotfrom anywhere
    aroundMpof ana.Shelooksdiff
    erent,l
    ikeshe
    breat
    hesflavoredoxygen.
    “Wher
    eismyf i
    ancee?
    ”sheasksandt
    akesof
    fher
    sungl
    asses.
    Okay,she’sahumanbeing.Anormalone.Andshe
    goesthroughthi
    ngsli
    keanybodyelse.Youcantel
    l
    fr
    om hereyesthatshe’
    sbeenthr
    oughal otand
    she’
    sbeencr yi
    ngthewholeday,
    ifnotaweek.
    “
    Whoi
    syourf
    iancee?
    ”Busi
    khayaasks.
    “
    NdabukoMngomezul
    u,hewasbr
    oughther
    eby
    Maqhi
    nga.
    ”
    Hecouldaskherquest
    ionsbutshe’
    snoti
    na
    posi
    ti
    ontoanswerquesti
    onsri
    ghtnow.
    “Youcantel
    lhi
    mtodri
    vei
    n,”hesaysandl
    eavest
    he
    gateopenedwi
    del
    y.

    Thecardr
    ivesin.Ther
    e’sanot
    herwomanwi thher
    .
    ShehopsoutofthecarandlooksatBusi
    khaya
    who’
    sstandingwithMazwakheandwatching.
    “
    Wher
    eishe?
    ”sheasks.
    “I’
    m notsur
    eifyoucangot ohi
    mr i
    ghtnow.You
    canfoll
    owmet ot hathouse,Mazwakhewil
    llet
    them knowthatyou’r
    ehereand…”
    “No,
    Iwantt
    oseehi
    m andIwantt
    oseehi
    m now!
    ”
    shescr
    eams.
    Busi
    khayai
    snotfami
    li
    arwit
    hbeingscr
    eamedatby
    awoman.Hestandsst
    il
    l,
    inshock,
    andfrowns.
    “
    Ndabuko!Maqhi
    nga!
    “
    Whyi shehereagain?Nontobekowascookinga
    dumplingf
    orhim.Hecoul d’
    vejustst
    ayedther
    eand
    watchedhercookinsteadofcomingtothi
    sdrama.
    Theotherwomanget soutofthecarandtriest
    o
    cal
    m herdown.Zanamuhlai speeki
    ngthroughthe
    curt
    ain,
    shewastoldthattherei
    sawomancomi ng
    butnobodytol
    dheritwouldbeacr azyone.

    Maqhingaemergesfr
    om therondavelandr
    ushes
    towar
    dsher.Shecri
    esevenlouderwhenshesees
    him.
    “Hey,
    Ndondo?
    ”Maqhi
    ngasays,
    pul
    li
    ngheri
    ntohi
    s
    arms.
    She’
    snotcalmingdown.Shewantst
    oseeNdabuko,
    notl
    ater
    ,nottomorr
    ow,butnow!
    Ngcwet hist
    epsoutoftherondavelandsignal
    sfor
    Maqhingat ocomewi t
    hher.Busikhayaand
    Mazwakhear esti
    llwatchi
    ng.She’spull
    edinsi
    dethe
    rondavelwhil
    etheotherwomanst aysbackwiththe
    dri
    ver.
    Anot
    herscr
    eam.Whatnow?She’
    sseenhi
    m.
    “
    I’
    m outofher
    e,”Busi
    khayasays.
    “
    Soam I
    ,
    ”Mazwakhesays.

    Ndondof elldownassoonasshesawNdabuko
    l
    yingonar eed-
    mat .I
    twasn’tbecausehelooked
    horr
    ibleandt hi
    n,seeinghi
    m aliveoverwhel
    medher
    andthecr ampsshe’ sbeenhavinglatel
    ycameback
    heavil
    y.
    “
    Ndondoar
    eyouokay?
    ”Maqhi
    ngaasks.
    She’
    sst
    il
    llyi
    ngont
    hef
    loorandcr
    yingpai
    nful
    ly.
    “
    NdondoyamiI
    ’mfi
    ne,
    ”Ndabukosaysweakly.He
    wantst
    ogetupandgohugher,
    buthisbodyistoo
    weak.
    “
    Maqhi
    nga,
    she’
    sinl
    abor
    !”Ngcwet
    hi.
    “Whaaaat?
    ”Itdi
    dn’
    tregi
    steri
    nMaqhi nga’
    shead.I
    n
    l
    aborasin-aboutt
    opusht hebabyout?That
    ’san
    emergencyhe’
    sneverbeenapar tof
    .
    “
    Icannothel
    pher
    ,youneedt
    otakehert
    othe
    hospi
    talandyouneedt
    odoi
    tfast
    ,”Ngcwet
    hisays.
    “
    Waitami
    nut
    e,Ndondoyou’
    regi
    vingbi
    rt
    h?”heasks,
    j
    ustt
    obesur
    e.
    “
    Mywat erj
    ustbr
    oke…pl
    easegetabel
    tandt
    iemy
    wai
    st…Iwantt
    opee…MaqhingaIwantt
    ohotwat
    er.
    ”
    Thi
    sisseri
    ous.Heneedstomove.Ifhedoesn’
    tget
    hel
    pontimeNdabukowillneverf
    orgi
    vehi
    m.
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    47] :SEASONFI
    NALE
    Chapt
    er63

    Ther ehaven’tbeenanyupdat efrom Maqhingai n


    thelasttwohour s.Hesaidhe’ l
    lcalli
    fthedoctors
    tel
    lhim somet hing,hisquietnessmeanst hat
    Ndondo’ scervixisstil
    lnotdi l
    ati
    ng.It
    ’sathingthat
    thewest erndoct orscandealwi th.Ngcwethiknows
    thatshe’llbeokay, butwit
    hNdabukoi t’
    sadi f
    ferent
    story.Hehasn’ teaten,he’
    sj ustl
    yingonhisback
    andst ari
    ngupatt herooflikehe’slosthi
    swor ld.
    Ngcwet
    hiwal
    ksinwit
    hapillonhispal
    m anda
    gl
    assofwat
    erinanot
    herhand.Zanamuhla
    suggestedthathegiveshi
    m Vi
    tami
    nstoboosthi
    s
    appeti
    te.Hecan’tj
    ustgoonahungerst
    ri
    ke,noti
    n
    hiscondit
    ion.
    “Dr
    inkthi
    s,youhavetoeat
    ,”Ngcwet
    hisays,
    handi
    nghimt hepi
    llandwater
    .
    “
    Idon’
    twantpil
    ls,
    Iwi
    lleatonceIhaveanupdat
    e
    f
    rom Maqhi
    nga,
    ”hesays.
    Ngcwethisi
    ghsandsitsnexttohi
    m.Ndabukois
    str
    essedoutandheunderstandshi
    sposit
    ion.I
    t
    mustbeevenmor ehardonNdabukobecausehe
    cannotbether
    eforherandhewon’tbethereto
    welcomehisson.
    “She’
    llbefi
    ne,
    Ipromiseyou.”Ngcwet hiputshi
    s
    handoverhisshoul
    derandl ooksathissunken
    eyes.Hehasnostrengthinhim.Restlessness,
    overt
    hinki
    ngandhopelessness,al
    ltakeahuget ol
    l
    onhim.
    “Icannotimaginewhatyou’vebeenthr ough.Not
    j
    ustf orthecoupleofprevi
    ousweeks, butfrom t
    he
    dayyouwer echosentocarryyourbrother’
    slegacy
    andgi veupyourdreams.Itmust’vebeenhar d.”
    He’smetpeopl ewithallkindsofcal l
    ingsand
    desti
    nies,
    butNdabuko’ sstor
    yi sdiff
    erent
    .Asmuch
    asheunder standstheancest orsandt hei
    rtwi
    sted
    ways,hecannotdi sregardhowt heyhave,orj
    ust
    howhi sbrotherhas,inconveniencedhi sl
    if
    e.
    “Youmusthavef el
    tli
    keyouwer eli
    vinginthe
    shadows,”hesays.Hishandissti
    llonNdabuko’ s
    shoulderasi
    fhe’str
    yingtopasshim somest rength.
    Ndabukohasn’tshif
    tedhiseyes,t
    hey’r
    egluedon
    theroofli
    kei
    thasasol ut
    iontohisproblemswr i
    tten
    onit.
    “Mywhol eli
    fe,
    ”hesays,inhali
    ngashar pbreath.
    Seei ngNdondobr eaki
    ngdownont hefloorand
    cryingoutinpai nwhil
    ehej ustl
    aidonthemat
    helplessl
    y,brokehimf ur
    therl
    y.Hecouldn’tevenget
    upandgohugher .Sheneededhi m,shestilldoesi
    n
    thehospi t
    al,andhecannotbet hereforher.Hewas
    supposedt obet here,
    holdingherhandt hr
    oughout
    thedel i
    veryprocess.
    NowMaqhi ngai
    sther
    e…notthathe’
    snotgrat
    eful,
    buti
    twassupposedtobehim.Hewasn’tsupposed
    tobeusel
    essandgett
    ingever
    ythi
    ngdoneforhim
    byot
    her
    s.
    “
    Yourwhol
    eli
    fe?
    ”Ngcwet
    hiasks.
    “That’
    swhatIsai d.Itdidn’tst
    artaft
    erNhlanzeko
    died.Healwaysmat ter
    edmor ethanme.Hi sneeds
    wer emetfi
    rst.Everythi
    ngwasabouthi m.Iwasj ust
    aboywi t
    hacut eroom andexpensi vetr
    acksuits,”
    hesays.Maybehe’ sangr yathimselff
    ornotbei ng
    abletobetheref orNdondoandt ryi
    ngtofind
    someoneel setobl ame.Butst il
    l,
    thi
    sisthehonest
    trut
    h.
    “
    Whoboughtyouexpensi
    vet
    racksui
    ts?
    ”
    “Nhlanzeko.Heboughtever
    ythi
    ngi
    nthehouse,
    ”he
    says.
    “
    Whydoyout hi
    nkhedi
    dt hat
    ?Bui
    ldi
    ngyouacut
    e
    r
    oom andbuyi
    ngyouexpensi
    vetr
    acksui
    ts?
    ”
    Ndabukoexhal
    esbr
    eat
    hil
    y,“
    Becausehecoul
    d,”he
    says.
    “Andhewantedto,
    ”Ngcwet hiadds.He’snota
    shri
    nkbuthehasbrot
    hers,peoplehetalkst
    oand
    for
    cestotal
    kwhenhef eel
    sliketheyaredri
    ft
    ing
    away.Hi
    sshoul
    dercanbesomeone’
    stocr
    yon.
    Ndabukolif
    tshi
    seyes,
    withafewlinesfur
    rowedon
    hi
    sforehead.He’
    sali
    keableguy,
    justl
    ikeMaqhi
    nga.
    Ori
    sitbecauseNgcwethihasasoftspotf
    or
    Maqhinga?
    Hechuckl
    es,“Don’
    tlookatmeli
    ket
    hat.Hecoul
    d’ve
    notdoneal
    lthoset
    hingsifhedi
    dn’
    twantto.
    ”
    “I
    ’m notbei
    ngungr ateful
    ,”Ndabukosaysi ndefense.
    Him andNhl anzekower einabet t
    erplace
    before.
    ..
    beforethatnight.Hetri
    esnott othi
    nkabout
    i
    t;howNdondomust ’
    vedeal twit
    ht hesit
    uati
    onand
    however yt
    hingwenti nhi sabsence.
    “Thenhowdoyoudescr
    ibeyourf
    eel
    ings?
    ”
    Ngcwethiasks.
    Well
    ,hewasn’ tt
    oldt
    hathecameheretoseea
    shri
    nk,
    eitherway,hedoesn’
    tmi
    ndtalki
    ngand
    answeri
    ngal lhi
    squest
    ions.
    “I
    ’m overthepast.IknowthatNhlanzekolovedme
    andIr eall
    ywishwehadacl oserelat
    ionshipas
    brot
    her s.Ican’
    tsayanythi
    ngaboutmypar ent
    s
    becauset hey’
    renotheretoanswerthequest i
    ons
    thatIhave.RightnowIjustwanttobel
    ong…tohave
    af amilyofmyown-bybl ood.Ndondoi
    smynew
    start
    ,ifanyt
    hinghappenstoherorthebaby.
    ..
    ”He
    exhalesloudl
    yandr ubshisfacewit
    hhishand.
    Ngcwet
    higet
    sit
    ;he’
    sscar
    ed.
    “
    Youwantust
    ogot
    othehospi
    tal
    ?”heasks.
    Ndabuko’
    seyespopout.I
    t’
    snotwhathewant s,but
    he’
    ssurpr
    isedt
    hatNgcwethiwoul
    d’veconsi
    deredit
    .
    “
    Iwould’
    velovedt
    o,butIdon’
    twanthert
    oseeme
    l
    iket
    his,
    ”hesays.
    “They’
    regoodat‘throughthi
    ckandthin’
    ,mostof
    them.It
    ’sus,men, whodon’tst
    ayar
    oundwhenshi t
    hit
    sthefan,”-
    Ngcwet hi
    .Hegetsupfrom the
    reedmat,goesbackt ohi
    ssideandsit
    sont hechai
    r.
    “Howdoyoudealwi t
    hher?Ithoughtmywifewas
    crazybutaft
    erwhatIsawtoday,It
    hinkZol
    wandl
    e
    i
    sj ustanangel
    .”
    Ndabukocr
    acksasmi
    le.Hisf
    ir
    stsmil
    einalong
    t
    ime.Foramomenthi
    smi ndi
    snotdominat
    edby
    f
    earandmiser
    y.
    “Ndondoisnotcrazy,she’
    sactuall
    yveryl
    evel
    -
    headed.She’
    stheCEOi noneofthemost
    successf
    ulcompaniesi nDurban.She’
    susedto
    beingabiggerandlastvoice,
    butIknowhowt opi
    n
    thebossladydown,”hesays.
    Ngcwet
    hichuckl
    esandshakeshi
    shead.
    “Idon’
    tthi
    nkI’
    dbeabl etohandlet hat.Ourwives
    oncemadeR250kpr of
    itf
    r om t
    heirbusinesst hi
    s
    otherDecemberanddisappearedt hewhol eweek,
    l
    eavinguswithkids.Theyswitchedt heirphonesoff
    ,
    onlypoppedintoposttheirpi
    cturesinbi ki
    nisand
    readourtext
    s.Thatwast hemostt raumat i
    cweekof
    ourli
    ves.”
    Thisi
    sn’
    tajoke.Youcant
    ellt
    hatit
    ’ssomet
    hinghe
    doesn’
    twishtogothr
    oughagain,
    but…theheck!
    “Whatdidtheysaywhentheycameback? ”
    Ndabukoasks.Heshouldn’
    tbelaughi
    ngsohar
    din
    hiscondi
    ti
    on.He’l
    lcr
    ackhisachingri
    bs.
    “
    Nothi
    ng.That’
    showIknewifmywi f
    eeverbecame
    ami
    lli
    onai
    reI’
    dbedoomed.”Hisphonevi
    brat
    esin
    t
    hepacket
    .Itshoul
    dn’
    tbeswit
    chedoninsi
    dehere,
    butther
    e’sani
    mpor
    tantcal
    lthey’
    vebeenwai
    ti
    ng
    for
    .
    “
    It
    ’sMaqhinga,
    ”hesaysbef
    orewal
    kingoutoft
    he
    r
    ondavelwit
    hhisheadbowed.
    Heanswer
    sitoncehe’
    soutoft
    hedoor
    .
    “
    Anynews?
    ”heasks.
    “He’
    sfinall
    yhere.Ihaveneverseensuchabr ave
    baby.Allki
    dscrywhent heyar ebor
    n,especi
    all
    y
    whent hey’
    reborninSouthAf ri
    cawherethei
    r
    motherseattheirSassagrant.Butt
    hisonedidn’
    t
    makeasound, hej ustopenedhiseyesandsucked
    hisfi
    st.”
    “Wait
    ,what ???”Ngcwet
    hiisinshock, whichbaffl
    es
    Maqhinga.Thebabyi sbrave,he’sreadytokick
    someassandchoosewhohel aughswi t
    h.He’s
    readyfortr
    af f
    iccopsandrudepassenger s.Thisis
    asonofat axiowneraf
    terall
    .Whyi sitaproblem to
    Ngcwet hi
    ?
    “
    Maqhi
    ngadi
    dyousayt
    hebabydi
    dn’
    tcr
    y?”heasks.
    “
    Yes,
    buti
    t’
    sbi
    gandheal
    thy.
    ”
    “That
    ’s…awesome.Howisthemother
    ?”His
    awesomedoesn’tsoundawesomeatall
    .
    “
    She’
    sokay,
    justt
    ir
    ed,
    ”Maqhi
    ngasays.
    Heinhalesshar
    ply,
    “Okay,
    cont
    actherfamil
    yandl
    et
    them knowassoonaspossibl
    e.Theyneedto
    come.”

    Hepushesthephonebackinsi
    dethepocketand
    spendsthenextf
    ewminutesstar
    ingintospacel
    ike
    he’
    stryi
    ngtoputamil
    li
    onpiecestogether
    .
    He’sworkedveryhar
    dt ocheerNdabukoupand
    makehi mfeelabi
    tpositi
    ve.Andnowhehast otell
    himthis?He’
    sverycertai
    nthatthi
    shasgotnothi
    ng
    todowi t
    hNdabukoandhi sancestor
    s.Theseare
    knotsandunresol
    vedissuesfrom t
    heSibi
    sisi
    de.

    Hehast ogi
    vehim anupdat
    e.Heswallows
    nothi
    ngnessandwalksbackinsi
    de.Ndabukohas
    satupandleanedbythewall
    .Heheardthat
    somethi
    ngisn’
    tri
    ght.
    “
    Whatdi
    dhesay?
    ”heasksanxi
    ousl
    y.
    “Yourboyhasar
    rived.They’r
    ebothfi
    ne,
    ”Ngcwet
    hi
    says.Hisf
    acedoesn’ttel
    lthegr
    eatnewshe’
    s
    breaki
    ng.
    “
    And?”Ndabukoasks,sensi
    ngt
    hatt
    her
    e’smor
    e
    t
    hanwhathe’sl
    ett
    ingon.
    “Thebabyhasn’ tcri
    ed, butit’snotsomethingyou
    mustwor r
    yyour selfabout .Ifthebabywas
    surroundedbyhost il
    ity,argument sandfi
    ght s,
    it’
    s
    verycommonf oritnott ocr y.I
    t’
    snotabigdeal …”
    Hecl ear
    shi sthroat;itcoul dbeabi gdeal.“Hewill
    cry,thefamilyjustneedt otalkandputasi detheir
    diff
    erences.Theset hingshappenever yday.”
    It
    ’sthefi
    rstti
    mehe’severexplai
    nedsomethingso
    fastandstil
    ldi
    dn’
    tmakeanysense.Ndabukoi s
    stari
    ngathim andhiseyesarefai
    li
    ngtoholdupthe
    stare.Hemadeapr omise.
    “IaskedMaqhingatocallthemother’
    sfami l
    y,I’
    l
    l
    haveawor dwitheveryoneoncethey’
    rethisside.I
    don’tblowmyownhor n,youj
    usthavetotrustme,
    nothingwil
    lhappentoyouandyourf amilywhileI’
    m
    her
    e,unl
    essi
    fit
    ’sGod’
    swi
    ll
    .”
    Ndabukosi
    ghsandnodsuneasi
    ly.
    “
    Doesyourof
    ferst
    il
    lst
    ands?
    ”heasks.
    Ngcwet
    hifr
    owns.Hecannotremembert
    heof
    fer
    ,
    somet
    hingel
    seneedshi
    m urgent
    ly.
    “
    I’
    dli
    ketogotothehospi
    talt
    omor
    row.Iwantt
    osee
    t
    hem,”Ndabukosays.
    “Okay,we’l
    lgo.Ihavetoseethatmanyoucame
    with.We’
    lltal
    klater
    .”Herushesoutofthedoorand
    l
    eaveshissandal sbehi
    ndasi fsomet
    hingispul
    li
    ng
    himt oMagadlela.
    .
    .
    Hesitsonthefl
    oor,Magadlelai
    sont hebedand
    star
    ingathim.He’
    sstil
    lscaredofanythi
    ngand
    anyonethatcomesaroundhi m.
    “
    Magadl
    ela,
    ”Ngcwet
    hisays.
    Si
    lence…
    “
    Youl
    ookabi
    tshocked.Ar
    en’
    tyouMagadl
    ela?
    ”
    Ngcwet
    hiasks.
    Hecan’
    tpinhowheknowsthisboybuthe’
    sseen
    hi
    m bef
    ore,whet
    heri
    nreall
    if
    eorinadream.
    “
    Iam,
    ”hesaysaf
    tercl
    ear
    inghi
    sthr
    oat
    .
    “Youarenothappy,
    Isense,”Ngcwet
    hisaysand
    blowsoutahugesighthatshakeshi
    sshoulder
    s.
    “I
    sthi
    stheendofme?You’ reworki
    ngwi t
    hthem to
    ki
    llme?”Magadl
    elaasks.Thesequesti
    onshave
    beenburni
    nghim si
    ncehewasabduct edfrom t
    he
    Nxumalosbuthecouldn’
    taskNgidiandhismen.
    “Nobodyisgoingtokil
    lyou,”Ngcwethisaysand
    heavesanothersi
    gh.Hedr awscircl
    esont hefl
    oor
    withhisf
    inger,
    they’
    reinvi
    sibl
    etoeveryone’seye
    excepthi
    s.
    “So,16July1992youl ef
    thomeandtookajourney
    oftheancestors?”Hedoesn’
    twai
    tforMagadl
    ela’
    s
    answer.Hisfingerhasmovedtoanot
    herci
    rcl
    e.“I
    seeyouwal ki
    ngal lt
    hewaytoNdwedweinaspace
    ofthreedays.
    ”
    NowMagadl
    elaf
    rowns,
    “Yes.
    ”
    Ngcwet
    hidi
    dn’
    tneedhi
    sanswer
    .Hewast
    ell
    inghi
    m.
    “There’
    snot i
    meframe.Itdependsonone’
    s
    ancestor.Andyourjour
    neywasver yshor
    t.Two
    yearsandyouwer eoutandbackhome. ”
    “That’
    snott
    rue,
    Ilost
    ….”Ngcwet
    hil
    ooksupbef
    ore
    hefini
    shes.
    “
    I’
    mr eading,i
    t’
    snotcomingf
    rom myhead.I
    ’m not
    l
    ying.Yourjour
    neyonlyt
    ooktwoyearsandyou
    wereoutandbackhome,”heinsi
    sts.
    Magadlel
    aisnotamanofmanywor
    ds.Hel
    etshi
    m
    bel
    ievehi
    sownl i
    es.
    “Assoonasyouwer
    edoneyouki
    ll
    edyourmot
    her
    .
    1995Sept
    ember11.
    ”
    Magadlelast
    andsuponhisfeet.Hemaybesoft
    spokenbuthe’snotgoi
    ngt
    oallowthi
    sboytothr
    ow
    accusat
    ionsathim.
    “You’r
    eoutofline,youngboy,
    ”hepoi
    ntshis
    shakingfi
    ngeratNgcwet hiwho’
    sst
    il
    ldrawi
    nghi
    s
    cir
    clesandfrowning.
    “
    Wit
    hyourassi
    stance,
    yourgr
    andmot
    her
    ,Ngoneni
    Gina,
    wast r
    ansferr
    edandcaptur edatt
    heNxumal os.
    Twodayslater
    ,13Sept ember,yougotarepor
    tthat
    yourmotherwasnomor eandyouwer etol
    dtocut
    yourhai
    rtomour nforher.Am Ilyi
    ng?”
    “You’renotlyi
    ng,
    butIdi
    dn’
    ttr
    ansfermy
    grandmot hert
    oNxumaloandIdidn’
    tki
    llmy
    mot her.
    ”
    “Butyoudi
    d.Whydoyout
    hinkyourf
    ami
    lyhat
    es
    you?”
    No,
    thi
    scan’
    tbepossi
    ble!
    “Maybeyouwer etr
    ickedbutthatdoesn’tchange
    thefactthatyou’
    reresponsibl
    e.Ihatetobreakitto
    youbutyou’ l
    lnevergainyourpowersback.Al lt
    hat
    i
    sl ef
    tforyouistogobackhomeandmaket hings
    ri
    ghtforyourgrandson.”
    “Huh?Grandson?Whatareyoutal
    kingabout
    ?
    Nxumalowillgetmypowerback.
    ”
    Ngcwet
    hisi
    ghs.Thi
    sisget
    ti
    ngexhaust
    ing.
    “Thesamepowerhe’susi
    ngt ohi
    sadvant
    age?
    ”He
    chuckl
    esandshakeshishead.
    I
    t’
    sal
    ltoomuchf
    orMagadl
    elat
    otakei
    n.He’
    sst
    il
    l
    i
    ndeni
    al.
    “
    Wher
    ewer
    eyoui
    n2005t
    o2006?
    ”Ngcwet
    hiasks.
    2005to2006?Thatwassuchalongt
    imeago,
    obvi
    ousl
    yhecannotremember.
    “Imust’
    vebeenattheNxumalos.That
    ’swher
    eI’
    ve
    beenthepast25years,
    ”hesays.
    “Di
    dn’
    tyouagr
    eewi
    thmet
    hatyoul
    efthomei
    n
    1992Jul
    y16?”
    “
    Idi
    d,”hesayswi
    thaf
    rown.
    “
    Thenwher
    ewer
    eyoui
    n2005and2006?
    ”
    Hesits,scr
    atcheshi
    shead,st
    andsandpaces
    around.Whycan’theremember?Theremustbe
    somethinghecouldrememberandgivetot
    hisboy
    asproof.
    “Theansweri
    sinyourhandsMswat
    i,
    ”Ngcwet
    hi
    says.
    Hestops,hisconf
    usionisgrowing.Heopenshi
    s
    palmsandst ar
    esathishands.There’
    snoanswer,
    except
    ….scars.
    “
    Whathappenedt
    oyourhands?
    ”Ngcwet
    hiasks.
    Again,he’
    scracki
    nghi
    sskul
    l.He’
    shadt
    hesescar
    s
    foralongti
    me.Nxumalo’
    swifesai
    dhewas
    att
    ackedbyagoat .
    “
    Iwasat
    tackedbyagoat
    ,”hesays.
    Ngcwet hishakeshishead,
    “Youwer etol
    dso,you
    don’
    tknowanyt hi
    ngaboutyourself.You’
    rea
    nyanga’sservant,
    that’
    swhatyou’vebeent helast
    25years.2005t o2006youwer einNxumal o’snight
    army,that’
    swhyyouhavescar st hatyoucan’t
    rememberhowyougotandt woyear sthatwent
    aboveyourhead. ”
    “Idon’
    tunderst
    and,”hesit
    sonbedandbur i
    eshis
    faceinhishands.Whyarethedotsconnect
    ing?
    Whyi sthi
    sboymaki ngsense?Nxumalocouldn’
    t
    havedonet hat
    !
    “Youseewhenat eacherteachesast udent,
    his
    biggestwishisthatt
    hest udentr
    eacheshi gher
    heightsi
    nl i
    fe,
    justsohecanpoi ntatheroneday
    andsay;‘Thataccountantwasmyst udent…Itaught
    thatengi
    neerMat hematics.
    ’Butwithusi t
    ’s
    diff
    erent,
    it’
    slikeweareinpol
    iti
    cs,t
    hosewhoar ein
    higherpositi
    onswanttostaytherefor
    ever.I
    t
    doesn’tmat t
    erhowmucht heytrai
    nyouorl i
    keyou,
    i
    fyou’ r
    eat hreatt
    othei
    rposit
    iontheyeli
    minateyou.
    It
    ’sdogeat sdogwor l
    d.”
    “Noooo,
    ”–t hat’
    sal
    lMagadlel
    acouldsayrightnow.
    Justno,thisisn’
    thappeni
    ngtohim.He’sbeen
    pati
    entthislongbecausehethoughtNxumalowas
    honest.
    “Anyway, Iwasbr oughther ebytheissueofyour
    grandson.Iknowyouhaven’ tmetyourdaught er
    ,
    hopefull
    yyou’ l
    lsear chf orherwhenyoul eave.Your
    grandsonwi l
    lbet akingover ,
    in18year st
    ocome.
    It
    ’simportantt hatyouf ixt heissueofhermot her’
    s
    surname.Nott hatshewashi j
    ackedfrom your
    ancestors.No, hermot herandst epfat
    herdid
    everythi
    ngaccor dingtot hebook.I t
    ’syourgrandson
    whocompl icatesever ything.Hisdomi nat
    ing
    ancestorwon’ tbeaMbat haorNgobeseorNgi di
    .It
    willbeaGi na.”
    He’snotbornyet
    ,that
    ’sal
    lhecoul
    dgr
    asp,
    everyt
    hingel
    seconfuseshi
    m.
    “
    Ngi
    di?Howdoesi
    tconnectt
    othi
    s?“heasks.
    “You’
    renotfarawayfrom yourdaughter
    .Ever
    ythi
    ng
    happensforareason,you’
    renotherebychance,
    Godandt heancestor
    splaneverythi
    ng.”
    I
    sthatsupposedt
    osi
    mpl
    if
    yever
    ythi
    ng?
    .
    .
    NDONDO

    Thisshoul dbet hehappi estmomentofmyl i


    fe.I
    shoul dbehuggi ngmysonandki ssinghi m allover
    hislit
    tleface.It
    ’shismoment ,he’sf i
    nallyher e,wit
    h
    hispinkcheeksandbi ghands.They’ r
    est i
    llrunning
    testsonhi m, t
    heysuspectt hatsomet hingi swr ong
    becausehehasn’ tcri
    edandi t’
    sbeenei ghthour s
    sincehewasbor n.I
    ’m notput ti
    ngi tinmyhead.
    He’llcrywhenhehasar easont o.Myf ocusi son
    pumpi ngmybr easts,Istil
    lhavenomi l
    k.Ireal l
    y
    wantt obr east
    feedhim.Ihavegonet hrough
    unimagi nablepaindeliveri
    ngt hisbig-handedl i
    ttl
    e
    man, i
    twon’tbefairtorobmysel ft
    heexperi
    enceof
    havinghim pul
    li
    ngmybr eastsatni
    ght.Andthisi
    s
    myonl ychance,I
    ’m nothavinganotherchi
    ld.Ist
    il
    l
    don’tknowwhat ’
    sgoingt ohappenwhenIneedt o
    rel
    easemysel f
    .Peeingalonei saprobl
    em,Iprayall
    thewayt othebathroom, onepeedroponthe
    sti
    tches-mylif
    eisover.

    Maqhi
    ngawal
    ksi
    nwi
    thamahewuandabagof
    f
    rui
    ts.
    “IjoinedaNewMommiesgrouponFacebookand
    sawapostsayingamahewugivesener
    gyaft
    er
    givingbir
    th.
    ”
    Joi
    nermommy’ sgr
    oup?Whyam Ievensur
    pri
    sed,
    thi
    sisj
    ustl
    ikehim.
    Hiscompanyhasbeent hebest.Idi
    dn’
    ttrusthi
    m,I
    thoughthe’dpul
    laZulumanstuntandkeephi s
    distancefr
    om abir
    thgi
    ving-
    woman.Buthe’sbeen
    here,toget
    herwi
    ththewomanNgi dihi
    redtolook
    afterme.
    “
    Yourmot
    heri
    sher
    e,”hesays.
    “Reall
    y?”Idi
    dn’
    tthinkanyonewouldcome.I’
    m
    milesawayfrom home,everyt
    hinghappened
    unexpected.
    “Yeap,herandeveryone.CanIt
    akeSandl
    a
    Semf enewit
    hme? ”heasks.
    “Maqhingayou’l
    lnotgi
    vemysonyourt axirank
    nicknames.HisnameisNhlanzekoandyoucannot
    takehim.He’sst
    il
    lundert
    hedoct or
    ’swatch,
    ”Isay.
    “Ij
    ustwanttodr
    ivet
    oSpar
    ,downt
    her
    oad,
    andbuy
    him ni
    cet
    hings.
    ”
    Irol
    lmyeyes,
    “Whatni
    cet
    hingsf
    oranewbor
    n
    baby?”
    “
    Danone,
    pur
    it
    yandpol
    ony.
    ”
    Ireall
    ydon’tknowwhatthefut
    urehol
    dsf
    ormyson.
    He’llbefor
    cedtoeatdumpli
    ngandusubefor
    ehe
    event ur
    ns1.
    “
    Hecan’
    teatt
    hatbef
    orehet
    urns6mont
    hsol
    d.”
    “
    Whynot
    ?”
    I
    ’
    m gl
    admymot heri
    sher
    e.Hequickl
    yleavest
    he
    r
    oom af
    terexchangi
    nggr
    eet
    ingswithher.
    “
    Suchabigboy!I’
    m surpr
    isedyoudi
    dn’
    tgi
    vebi
    rt
    h
    t
    hroughC-
    sect
    ion.Hell
    oboy-boy.
    ”
    Real
    lythi
    swoman?I ’
    m here,happyt
    oseeherand
    shedoesn’
    tevenacknowledgeme.
    “
    Myhusbandndzena,
    ”she’
    snoddi
    ngandsmi
    li
    ngat
    t
    hesl
    eepi
    ngbaby.
    “
    Mom,
    I’
    m her
    e,hel
    lo!
    ”Isay.
    “Oh,
    heyyou.Ican’
    tbel
    ieveI
    ’
    m agr
    andmot
    her
    ,am I
    nott
    ooyoung?”
    Thesepeoplewantmyvagi
    natocr
    ackapar
    t.I
    ’
    m
    notsupposedtobel
    aughi
    ng.
    “Mom you’
    regoi
    ngt
    oyour50s.Therear
    e32year
    oldgr
    andmother
    soutt
    her
    e,”Isay.
    “Thatdoesn’
    tchanget
    hatyoumademeolderthanI
    am.ButIlovethi
    scuteboy…mf
    anakagogozi
    ndzena.”
    Gosh,
    thi
    sisast
    artofanewchaot
    icj
    our
    ney.
    I
    ’
    m aboutt
    otel
    lheraboutmyst
    ruggl
    eswi
    th
    br
    east
    mi l
    kandot hercompli
    cati
    onswhenAndiswa
    wal
    ksin.She’snotalone,
    she’spushi
    ngsomeonein
    awheelchai
    r.
    Mymooddropsfrom 100t
    o0.Ilookatmymot
    her
    andshej
    ustgi
    vesmeashr ug.
    “
    Mywor d,
    he’
    ssot
    iny,
    ”Andiswasqui
    rmsand
    l
    eavest
    hemaninawheelchai
    rnextt
    omybed.
    “
    Thi
    sbabyi sbi
    g,mostbabi
    esar
    eti
    niert
    hanhi
    m,”
    mom says.
    Shel
    ooksatme,
    “Ar
    eyouokay?Howwasi
    t?”
    Deepbr
    eat
    h,Ndondo.
    “
    Andi
    swawhati
    shedoi
    ngher
    e?”Iaskher
    .
    Shefrowns,
    “He’
    sher
    et omeethisgr
    andson.Ican’
    t
    bel
    ieveyoutwoar
    egrandpar
    entsnow.”
    Thi
    schil
    ddoesn’tli
    stenwhenIspeak.Orshe’
    s
    pl
    ainl
    ydi
    srespecti
    ngme.
    “
    Thi
    sisnotmyf
    atherandIdon’
    twanthi
    mtot
    ouch
    mybaby.
    ”
    “
    Ndondo!
    ”sheexcl
    aims.
    “
    Gethi
    m out
    ,”Isay.
    Hepushest
    hewheel
    chai
    rfor
    war
    d.Thi
    sisat
    est
    !
    “Please,
    mychil
    d.I
    ’
    llneverhar
    m myown
    grandchil
    d.”
    Oh,
    real
    ly?
    !
    “Yetyouharmedyourownwi…”Mom coughs
    beforeIf
    ini
    sh.Andi
    swaisst
    ari
    ngatus.
    Soi
    sthemanatthedoor,Ngcwet
    hiMt
    hembu.How
    l
    onghashebeenst
    andingther
    e?
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    47] :SEASONFI
    NALE
    Chapt
    er64
    NDONDO

    Ididn’tt
    hinkmyparentswouldlistentosomeone
    l
    ikehim.ButIguessal othavechangedsi ncethe
    familyreuni
    ted.OrmustIsaysinceIdi scovered
    thatthey’
    renotperf
    ectastheyclaimed.Mymot her
    i
    sobedi entenoughtopassbabyNhl atotheman
    withanimalskinsandyarnsallaroundhi sarms.
    Dumisaniseemst
    ohavelosthi
    stouch,maybeit’
    s
    becauseofawheel
    chai
    r,hehastoobeyeveryone
    now.

    Hepi nchesNhl abel


    owt heneck,hedoesn’tletouta
    sound.Tr ustme,nurseshavedoneeverythingto
    provokehi m,evenwhent heypouredcol
    dwat er
    overhim, hedidn’
    tcry.
    “
    Whati
    sgoi
    ngonBaba?
    ”heasksDumi
    sani
    .
    Hedoesn’tunderst
    andt hequest
    ion.If
    eell
    ike
    Andi
    swabr oughthim heretospi
    temeandnowI
    can’
    tchasehim outbecausethere’
    sanotherguest
    .
    “
    Whyisthebabynotcryi
    ng?”Het
    urnshi
    seyest
    o
    me,
    thenbacktoDumisani.
    “Youtwoneedtotal
    k.Youcannothavesomuch
    hatr
    edagai
    nstyourgrandf
    ather
    .”
    Gr
    andf
    ather
    ?Whatonear
    thi
    shet
    alki
    ngabout
    ?
    “
    He’
    snotmygr
    andf
    ather
    ,”Isay.
    I
    fhei
    s,i
    nanymanner,her
    etojust
    if
    yandst
    andup
    f
    ort
    hismant
    henhim andIwil
    lhaveapr
    obl
    em.
    “Putyourdi
    ff
    erencesasi
    deandreleaseallthi
    s
    angerandhateyou’r
    eharbor
    ingagainsthim,”he
    says.
    Il
    if
    tmyheadup,
    readyt
    ogi
    vehi
    m api
    eceofmy
    mind.
    Hestopsmebycocki nguphi seyebr
    ow.Ican’
    t
    expl
    ainhim asaperson,somethi
    ngabouthimis
    j
    ustrare.Hi
    sfacial
    expressionst
    ellt
    hei
    rown
    message.Hisbrowneyes, whenfi
    xedonyou,gi
    ves
    goosebumps.
    “Befor
    eyourangerhar
    mst
    hebaby,
    for
    ever
    ,”he
    says.
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkhe’
    sbl
    uff
    ing.Nhlai
    ssti
    lli
    nhi
    sarm,he
    keepsmassagi
    nghi
    stinyheadwit
    hhishand.
    “You’
    reamot hernow, t
    here’
    sahumanbei ngyou
    shouldputfi
    rst,
    beforeeveryt
    hing.Ndabukowants
    tocome,yousawhowbadhei s,youandt hi
    sbaby
    arehisst
    rength.Ifnotf
    oryourson, t
    hendoi tf
    or
    him.”
    Il
    ookatmymot
    her
    .She’
    sanelder,
    sheshouldbe
    showi
    ngmeawayfor
    ward.Andthi
    sisherhusband.
    HerandIknowwhyIhat
    ehi
    m somuch.
    Shepull
    sdownherski
    rt
    ,st
    andsupandput
    sher
    handovermyshoul
    der
    .
    “Pr
    otectyourchi
    ld,atal
    lcost
    s.”Shecast
    shereyes
    toAndiswastandingacr
    osstheroom andgl
    uedon
    herphone.
    “
    Let
    ’sgi
    vet
    hem amoment
    ,”shesays.

    Whatdoesi tmeant opr


    otectyourchil
    datal lcost
    s?
    Doesi tmeanspend25year sinanabusi ve
    marriageforthesakeofawar m homef oryour
    chil
    dren?Whataboutyouasamot her
    ?Who
    prot
    ect syou?
    Andiswat
    akesNhlaf
    rom Ngcwet
    hiandf
    oll
    ows
    af
    termymother.
    “I
    ’
    lll
    eaveyoutoit
    .”Ngcwet
    hisaysandtakestwo
    st
    epstowardstheexi
    t,t
    henlooksbackatDumisani
    .
    “
    You’
    renotl
    ost
    ,youneverwer
    e.”Hewal
    ksout
    .
    Whydoeshespeaki
    nri
    ddl
    es?
    Itur
    nmyheadt oDumi
    sani
    ,“Whati
    shet
    alki
    ng
    about?
    ”Iask.
    “IhopeMaqha…yourfat
    hercananswert hatf
    orme,”
    hesaysandswallowshard.Inevert
    houghtI’
    dsee
    thedayhecall
    sMaqhawemyf ather
    .Itcomeswit
    h
    l
    otofpainoutofhismouth.

    Nowwear ebothquiet
    .I’
    m notsurei
    fI’
    m expected
    t
    ogof ir
    standsay‘hey,Iforgi
    veyouforabusi
    ngmy
    mother.Doyouwantanewwheel chair
    ?Icecream?’
    I
    t’
    swei r
    dbecauseI ’
    m doingthi
    sformyson.I
    wasn’treadyt
    ospeakt othi
    sman, oreventobein
    t
    hesamer oom ashim.
    “Maqhawe…yourf at
    her,
    hewast hefi
    rstpersonwho
    heldyouaf t
    eryouwereborn.Henamedyou
    Ndondoyamahl ase,
    yourfi
    rstname.
    ”Hecl earshi
    s
    thr
    oatandl ooksatme.Icannotl
    ookathimi nthe
    eye.AllIseeisamonster,
    notthest
    ri
    ctfatherwho
    rai
    sedmeup.
    “
    AndInamedyouPr
    incess,
    ”hesays.
    I
    ’
    m notsur
    ewher
    ethi
    sisheadi
    ng,
    orwhatt
    hisl
    it
    tl
    e
    t
    alki
    ssupposedt
    ojust
    if
    y.
    Hetakesmyhand,Ial
    lowhi
    mto,
    andhewr
    apsmy
    handaroundhi
    sfi
    nger.
    “You’
    ddot hi
    s.Wrapyourhandar oundmyf inger
    l
    ikethiswhil
    estar
    ingi
    ntomyeyesandki cki
    ngyour
    l
    egs.You’regoi
    ngtohavet hosemoment swi t
    hNhla,
    they’
    repri
    cel
    ess.Makesyouf eelwort
    hy,li
    kethere’
    s
    someonewhoseest hewhol eworldinyoureyes
    andlovesyouuncondit
    ionall
    y.”
    Idon’tsayanythi
    ng.Al
    lthosesweetmemori
    esare
    atthebackofmyhead, packedinhopet
    hatoneday
    they’
    l
    ldisappear.
    “Notmypar ent
    s.Notmysibl
    ings.Notyourmother
    .
    Nobodyhadevermademef eltl
    ikeIwasloved,
    worthyorspecial
    .Youwer
    et hefir
    stper
    sonwho
    mademef eelt
    hatway,
    ”hesays.
    I
    ’
    m st
    il
    lhol
    dinghi
    shandandl
    ist
    eni
    ngat
    tent
    ivel
    y.
    “I’
    m abadper son,I’
    vealwaysbeenthatway.I
    projectedmyf ear
    s,insecuri
    ti
    esandwort
    hlessness
    onot hers.Especi
    all
    yont hosewhowereweaker
    thanme.Butwhenyoucamet omylif
    eyou
    changedahal fofme.Wi thyouinmyl i
    fe,Iwasn’ t
    compl et
    elybad,Ihadagoodsi deinme.Asi dethat
    couldsitinatablesurr
    oundedbyhundr eds,
    mot i
    vateandgivehopet oother
    s.Despi teof
    everythi
    ngthatwasdonet ome, Ilookedf orwar dto
    holdingyouandshushi ngyoutosl eepatni ght.You
    weremybabyandi nyoureyes,Iwasaher o.”
    Sigh!Ipul
    lmyhandandpushbackmyhai r.Idon’
    t
    knowwher et
    heBrazil
    ianwigis.Maqhingaprobabl
    y
    packediti
    nthebag.Thereisnotimeforit
    ,Ihave
    milktopumpout.Motherhoodisalr
    eadypull
    ingme
    bytit
    s.
    “
    Whatwasdonetoyou?Wasi
    tdonebymy
    mot
    her
    ?”Iask.
    “
    No,
    ”hesays.
    Istar
    eathim.Hisansweri
    snotgoodenough.He
    needstoexpl
    ain,I
    ’
    vebeenfor
    cedtogi
    vehimt hi
    s
    chance.
    “
    Ireal
    izedayearaf
    teryouwerebornthatthehappy
    f
    amilywasjustafr
    ont.Yourmotherl
    oved
    Maqhawe,sheneverstoppedandmostly,
    shenever
    l
    ovedme.Shewasnodi ff
    erentfr
    om anyperson
    thatwasinmyli
    fe.”Heinhalesshar
    plyandstar
    es
    up,bli
    nki
    ngrapi
    dlytof
    ightbacktears.
    “Ther eisnohappyf amily.Yourmot herwas
    unhappyf rom dayone,from t
    hedayshewas
    arrangedt obreakupwi thMaqhaweandmar r
    yme.
    AndI ’vebeenbr okensincechildhood.Ipaidformy
    mot her ’
    sinfi
    deli
    tywit
    hever yt
    hingthatIhad.My
    heart,mypeace, mybodyandment alwell
    -bei
    ng.
    Mar ryingyourmot herwasoneoft hepricesIhadto
    pay.”
    Thi
    sissurpr
    isi
    ngbecausehe’
    salwaystol
    dmebest
    st
    ori
    esaboutmygrandparent
    s.He’
    dnevermadei
    t
    l
    ookli
    kether
    ewereanykindofhardshi
    ps.
    Andtheyhaveneverbeeni
    nlove-t
    hat
    ’sanot
    her
    bi
    tt
    erpil
    lIhavet
    oswal l
    ow.
    “I
    fyousaygrandma’
    sinf
    idel
    it
    y,whatar
    eyout
    alki
    ng
    about
    ?”Iask.
    Aveini
    sthr
    obbi
    ngacr
    osshisforehead.He’
    s
    cl
    enchi
    nghi
    sjawsandlocki
    nginthousandtear
    dr
    ops.
    Pr
    ocesst
    hissl
    owl
    yNdondo.
    Theol dwomancheat ed,gotpregnantandgot
    caught .Becauset hei
    magewasi mportantt
    othe
    Sibisi
    s, shewasf orgi
    venandheri l
    legi
    matechil
    d
    wast akeni ntobeaSi bi
    si.Maybeundercer t
    ain
    termsandcondi ti
    ons,weallknowmendon’ tforgi
    ve
    cheatingt hateasi
    ly.
    “Wereyouabused? ”Iaskhim.Myvoi ceislaced
    wit
    hconcernthatsur pr
    isesme.Istil
    lcareforthi
    s
    monster,
    itr
    aisedmeupandt reatedmel i
    keits
    chi
    ld.Thi
    smonst erismyf at
    her,whetherIl
    ikeitor
    not
    .
    Hissil
    enceandbl
    oodshoteyesgi
    vemet
    heanswer
    Ineeded.
    Hewasabused.
    “
    Inwhatway?
    ”Iask.
    Heshakeshi
    shead,“
    Icant
    ellyouever
    ythi
    ng,
    but
    nott
    hat.I
    ’
    m sor
    ry.
    ”
    “
    Butwear
    esupposedt
    otal
    k,
    ”Isay.
    “You’
    renotangr
    ybecauseIwasabused.Wearein
    thi
    ssit
    uati
    onbecauseItr
    eat
    edyourmotherbadl
    y,
    ”
    hesays.
    “
    Yes,butyou’
    remyf
    ather
    ,soIdeser
    vet
    oknow
    whatmadeyouamonster,
    ”Isay.
    “I
    ’
    m notyourf at
    her.Ihavetol
    dyou, myown
    i
    nsecurit
    ies,
    fearsandwor t
    hlessnessdr
    ivemet
    o
    vi
    olence.
    ”
    Thisi
    snotgoi
    nganywhere.Ther
    e’ssomet
    hinghe’
    s
    keepi
    ngtohi
    mself
    .Idon’
    tknowifmymot her,
    or
    anyone,
    knowsabouti
    t.
    “
    Whyar
    eyounotl
    ett
    ingmymot
    hergo?
    ”Iask.
    Heshut
    shi
    seyesandswal
    lowsback.
    “Yourmotherunder
    standsSi
    bisi
    ,themanofGod,
    sheunderst
    andsBabakaNdondo, thefat
    herofher
    chil
    dren,
    andalsounderst
    andsDumi saniwho’
    s
    behindcl
    oseddoors.
    ”
    Thr
    eei
    none?Wonder
    sshal
    lneverend.
    “
    Andwhoi
    sDumi
    sanibehi
    ndcl
    oseddoor
    s?”Iask.
    “
    Agood-
    for
    -not
    hing,
    angr
    y,i
    nsecur
    eandwounded
    l
    it
    tl
    eboy.
    ”Thatt
    ookal otforhimtoadmit
    .Hehas
    hi
    shandoverhi
    seyes.Hi schesti
    sbounci
    ngasi
    f
    he’
    scont
    rol
    li
    nghisescalati
    ngbreat
    hs.
    I’
    m st
    unned.Thesi
    l
    encet
    hatfol
    lowsgi
    vesbothof
    usachancetochewonever
    ythi
    ngwejustt
    alked
    about
    .

    Forgivenessdoesn’tcomeeasi ly,i
    t’sal ong
    progressthat’
    sgoingt orequir
    eLOTSofchanges
    andtests.Youcannotabuseandhaveasi deofthe
    stor
    y.Youcannotki llandhaveasi deoft hestor
    y.
    Youcannotr apeandhaveasi deoft hest ory.
    There’sabuse’st
    oryandt hevi
    ct i
    msst ory.Those
    aretwosi desofthestory.Ther estar ejustifi
    cat
    ions
    andexcuses.
    Rightnow,Ihavetoputabuseasi de,i
    t’sf ormy
    mot hert
    odealwith.Ihavet odealwit
    hr ealit
    y;I
    havet wobrokenparents.Onewasbr okenf r
    om
    chil
    dhoodandhedeci dedt obreaktheot herone.
    Andbecauseoft hisdiscovery,
    Ihavebeenbr oken
    too.DoesthatmeanIhavet obreakNdabukoas
    wel
    l?No,
    Ihavet
    ofi
    xthesi
    tuat
    ionandhealf
    rom i
    t,
    t
    henmoveon.
    “WhathappenedtoyouthatSunday?Howdi
    dyou
    getanaccident
    ?”Iask,
    breaki
    ngalongmomentof
    heavysi
    lence.
    Heexhal es,“Irememberl eavi
    ngt heoffi
    ce, Iwasi n
    thecarandr eadyt odriveout.Therewasaper son,
    orashadow, Idon’ tknow.Hewast all,
    wear inga
    l
    eat herj
    acket ,
    Icoul dn’tseenhiswhol ebody.But
    hecamet othecar ,st
    oodbyt hewi ndowand
    disappeared.Ir eversedanddr oveout ,i
    tfeltli
    kehe
    wassi tt
    ingatt hebackandcont roll
    ingme. ”He
    pauses, It
    hinkmydi l
    ati
    ngpupilstellhi
    m Idon’ t
    beli
    evehi sstory.
    “Iknowitsoundsstupi d.Butt
    hat’
    showithappened,
    Ikeptdri
    vinganddr i
    ving.Idon’
    tremembermuch
    aboutthatnightorhowIendedupi nt
    hehospit
    al.
    ”
    Hesoundsdesper ateformet obeli
    evehi
    m.
    Inod,justt
    ost
    ophi
    mf r
    om expl
    aini
    ngf
    urt
    her
    ly.No
    matterhowheput
    sit
    ,Iwon’
    tbeli
    evehi
    m.
    “
    Andhowar
    eyoucopi
    ng?
    ”Iask,
    looki
    ngathi
    s
    wheelchai
    r.I
    tmustbehar
    dadjust
    ingt
    o
    dependency.Her
    eli
    esonother
    stodothi
    ngsf
    or
    hi
    m now.
    Hedoesn’
    tanswert
    hat
    .Ir
    eleaseasi
    ghandask,
    “Youandmom? ”
    “Idon’
    tknowwhereweare.Shehasn’
    tspoken
    aboutdivor
    ceorsendi
    ngmeaway.”
    “
    Away?Wher
    e?”Iask.
    “
    Whereverdi
    sabledpeopl
    earekept.
    ”Thi
    sanswer
    s
    myi
    niti
    alquest
    ion.He’
    staki
    ngithar
    d.
    Icannotspeakonmymother’
    sbehalf,
    butIdon’
    t
    thi
    nkshe’dsendhi
    mtoshelt
    ers.Thatwoul
    dbetoo
    scandal
    ous,mymotheri
    sawomanofi mage.
    “Andi
    swaandIhadaf ightbef
    oreIcameher e,”Itel
    l
    himjusttodri
    vetheconversat
    iontoadiffer
    ent
    dir
    ecti
    on.We’vediscussedenoughdepressi
    ng
    i
    ssuesfortheday.Ifeelabitl
    ightknowi
    ngt hatthe
    confr
    ontati
    onisdoneandover .Whatlef
    tis,howdo
    wemoveonf rom t
    his.
    “
    Shet
    oldme.Di
    dyouhi
    ther
    ?”
    Hi
    ther
    ?Thatl
    it
    tl
    eli
    ar!
    “No,I
    ’m yett
    ohither.I
    ’
    mf i
    veyear
    sol
    dert
    hanher
    andshehast henervetocal
    lmenamesandgi
    vean
    att
    it
    ude,
    ”Isay.
    Hechuckles,“
    Youcannothi ther.Findanot
    herway
    ofpunishi
    ngher ,
    youknowbet t
    erthantouse
    vi
    olencetosolveproblems.You, Andi
    swaandBahle,
    haveagoodr elat
    ionshipassibl
    ings.”
    “
    Butshe’
    sdi
    srespect
    ful
    ,
    ”Isay.
    “Becauseyou’
    veneverdrawnt
    heli
    ne,you’
    ret
    he
    queenandshe’st
    hepr i
    ncessi
    nli
    ne,
    ”hesays.
    “Doyouthi
    nkImusttakethecarandcuther
    all
    owancethi
    smonth?Urgh!Buthowisshegoi
    ng
    togotoschool
    ?”
    Hedoesn’
    tsayanyt
    hing.He’
    sjustst
    ari
    ngatme
    wi
    thhiseyebr
    owrai
    sed.
    “Don’
    tlookatmeli
    kethat
    .Ihadtheworstti
    meof
    mylif
    ewai t
    ingf
    orthebustogotocampus.Whatif
    shegetsmuggedwhi l
    ewaiti
    ngfori
    t?Orevenworse
    getki
    dnappedand…”Hislooktel
    lsmetostop,
    I’
    m
    cr
    azy.
    “Icannotdothat
    .Ther
    ehast
    obesomet
    hingel
    se,
    ”I
    sayindefeat
    .
    Hechuckl
    es,
    looki
    ngli
    ket
    hehappyf
    atherIonce
    knewandbel
    ievedi
    n.
    “
    Howar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    odi
    sci
    pli
    neNhl
    a?”heasks.
    Gosh,
    Nhl
    aisnotevenone,
    Ican’
    tbet
    hinki
    ngabout
    t
    hatnow.
    Ishr
    ugmyshoulder
    s,“Takehi
    sfavor
    it
    etoy.Idon’
    t
    know,I
    ’
    llcr
    osst
    hatbri
    dgewhenIgetther
    e.”
    “
    Hewon’
    tcar
    eaboutt
    oyswhenhe’
    s15,
    thenwhat
    ?”
    Ir
    ollmyeyes.Real
    ly,
    ther
    e’snoneedt
    opusht
    his.
    “
    Idon’
    tknow.I
    ’
    llf
    igur
    eitout
    ,”Isay.
    “Onl
    yifI’
    dbet
    her
    etowi
    tnessi
    t,
    ”hesayswi
    tha
    chuckl
    e.
    “Don’
    tworry,you’
    llbe…”Andnow?Wher
    eisthe
    5yearol
    dcr yi
    ngfrom?Thewholewardi
    sli
    teral
    ly
    buzzi
    ngfrom thathoarsevoi
    ce.
    Andiswawal ksin,shedoesn’thaveNhl awi t
    hher.
    BeforeIcoul dask, Ndabukowalksi nwi thhimi nhis
    arms.Hiscl othesdon’tfit
    ,hehadt ouset helast
    holetofastent hebeltaroundhiswai st.Hedoesn’ t
    l
    ookl i
    kehe’ sbeenf edinweeks, hiseyesar edeepl
    y
    sunkenandpal e.Hischeekbonesar epoki ngout,
    makinghi ml ookadyi ngpati
    entt hatrefuses
    medication.Seeinghi mliket
    hisbr eaksmyhear t,I
    knowt hatifitwasmei nhispositionhewoul d’
    ve
    donesomet hingsooner.
    Butthemostsur
    pri
    singandatt
    enti
    on-
    grabbi
    ng
    thi
    ngaboutt
    hiswholescenar
    ioi
    sthatNhlai
    sthe
    babywit
    hanuglycry.I
    t’
    shim whoiscr
    ying!
    Idon’tknowifIshoul
    dtakehim andt
    ryt
    ofeedhi
    m
    orlethim cr
    yforamoment .

    Hesitsonthechai rfaci
    ngmybed, restsNhlaonhi s
    arm andl
    if
    tsuphi shand, thei
    rfi
    nger sentwine.It
    ’s
    cutetowatch,sonandf atherbondingf ort
    hef i
    rst
    ti
    me.Buthehasn’ tlookedatme, andt hatdoesn’t
    sett
    lewel
    lwithme.
    “
    Heybabe,
    Idi
    dn’
    tknowyou’
    dcomet
    oday,
    ”Isay.
    Hegl
    ancesatmyfat
    her
    ,whom I
    ’
    dlongf
    orgot
    tenhe
    wasi
    nthehouse.
    “
    Igotper
    missi
    ont
    ocome,
    ”hesays.
    Idon’
    trecogni
    zemymani nhi
    m.Yeshe’
    snotl
    oud
    andchatty,
    especial
    l
    yaroundmyfat
    her,
    buthe
    doesn’
    tsoundthisshyandweak.
    “
    Andi
    swacanyouexcuseusf
    oramoment
    ,”Isay.
    She’
    sonherphone.Ihavetorepeatmysel
    fbef
    ore
    shehear
    s.Sheplugsherear
    phonesandpushes
    Dadoutofther
    oom.
    “I
    shelight
    -ski
    nned?
    ”heasks,
    nowsoundi
    ngl
    iket
    he
    NdabukoIknow.
    It
    ’sasil
    lyquest
    ion,
    babi
    esar
    erar
    elybor
    nint
    hei
    r
    skint
    one.
    “
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkso,
    hisknuckl
    esar
    edar
    k,”Isay.
    Henods.
    Thensi
    lence.
    He’
    sst
    ari
    ngatNhl
    aandki
    ssi
    nghi
    srol
    ledf
    istever
    y
    nowandt
    hen.
    “He’
    sasleep,”hesaysaf
    teramoment.I
    ’m newt
    o
    motherhoodbutIknowthatthebabycl
    osi
    nghis
    eyesdoesn’tmeanhe’sasl
    eep.

    Heputshi
    m nextt
    omeandr
    etur
    nsbackt
    ohi
    s
    chai
    r.
    Again,
    wear
    esit
    ti
    nglikest
    ranger
    s,i
    ntot
    alsi
    lence
    wit
    hnoeyecont
    act.
    Event
    ual
    lyheexhal
    esandl
    if
    tsuphi
    shead.
    Hegoesf i
    rst
    ;“NdondoI’
    m sorry,foreverythingthat
    hashappened.Aboutyourfather,leavi
    ngyoual one
    whil
    eyouwer epregnantandstressingyouout .I’
    m
    sorr
    yIwasn’therewhenNhl acame.Imadebad
    deci
    sionsandprovoked…”Hest opsandr ecoll
    ects
    himself
    .
    “Weshouldn’
    tbehere.Youdon’tdeserveaman
    wholooksli
    kethi
    s.Nhla’
    sroom should’vebeenset
    upbyme.Thisisthetimewhereyouneedmet he
    mostbutI’
    m nohelp.I
    ’mjustuseless.
    ”
    Idon’
    tunder
    standwhyhe’
    dfeel
    thisway.Noneof
    thi
    sishi
    sfault
    .I’
    mtheonewholethi
    m down.
    “Ndabukoifthere’sanyonewhoshoul dbe
    embar r
    assedher e,i
    t’
    sme.Ishoul d’
    vebeen
    cauti
    ousandmadesur ethatyouwer egetti
    ngthe
    helpyouwer esupposedt oget.Idon’tblameyou
    foranythi
    ng.Ifanything,Iappreciat
    et hatyou
    foughttobewi t
    hmeagai n.You’renotonl yNhla’
    s
    hero,youaremyher otoo.Iloveyousomuch. ”
    Helooksrel
    ieved,
    justal
    it
    tl
    ebi
    t.Memor
    iesst
    il
    l
    haunthi
    m.
    “I
    ’
    m gladyoustayedaway.Thatpl
    acewashell,t
    hey
    woul
    d’veprobabl
    yheldyoutooandkil
    ledourson,”
    hesays.
    “
    I’
    m happyyousur vi
    ved.Ihavedepressingfamil
    y
    i
    ssuestoresol
    ve,butyourpresenceandt hi
    slit
    tl
    e
    man’sher
    e,isal
    lIneedt ostr
    ivefor
    war d.Bythe
    way,hedoesn’
    thaveasecondname. ”
    Hi
    seyeswiden.Whatdi
    dheexpect?Ihaven’thad
    t
    imetot
    hinkofnames.It
    'sbeenhel
    l.Goodgrace,
    wehadhi
    sf i
    rstnamebef
    oreeveryt
    hinghappened.
    (Bel
    owi sMelissaGoli
    ath’
    sbook,
    afreshvoiceon
    thestreet
    s.I
    fyou’dli
    ketohaveacopypleasedo
    contactherandplaceyourpr
    e-or
    der
    .)
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    48] :SEASONFI
    NALE
    Chapt
    er65
    THALENTE

    Thishasbeenacr azyweek.Ndl ali


    fahasbeen
    spendi ngal otofti
    mewi t
    hhisfatherand
    somet imessl eepi
    ngoverandonl ypassi ngbyi nthe
    mor ningt ogi vemeababyki ssandgot ot herank.
    Buthi ghlightingmyweekwasaf i
    ghtwi thAar t
    i
    yesterday.Icookedawhol epotofst ewanddi dn’t
    tasteitbecausechi ckenstewt asteslikeboiled
    mushr oomsi nmymout h.Orderswer ereturnedand
    Aar t
    iact edasi fIhadsett hewhol eIndiancont i
    nent,
    orcount r y,onfir
    e.Shecamegunbl azi
    ngatmeand
    threatenedt ofi
    remer i
    ghtonthespot .Because
    nowI ’m pr egnantandIhavewhatt heycal l
    ‘
    pregnancymoodswi ngsandcr avings’,Iusedthat
    tomyadvant ageandt oldhereverythi
    ngI ’
    vealways
    wishedt otel
    lher.From herbr okenEngli
    sht hatshe
    thinkscoul dqualif
    yhert ohaveaconversat i
    onwi th
    EFFl eaders,
    toherhai rthatdropseverywher einthe
    cant eenbecauseshei st hebossanddoesn’ twear
    caps.Whatshewasn’ tr eadyforwasbeingt oldthat
    herf amoussconesact uall
    ytastel
    ikevetkoekst hat
    l
    ackyeast .Istoodwi t
    hmyhandsont hehi psand
    toldhernewsbef orest ormingtothebackr oom and
    cryingcol l
    ectivel
    yforabadst ewandmymant hatI
    hadn’ tspenttimewi t
    hi ndays.

    Tearsboughtmeever yone’sforgi
    veness, i
    ncludi
    ng
    unsatisfi
    edcustomer s.Theydi dn’taskf orrefunds,
    i
    nsteadt heyaskedt obegi venanythingt heycould
    havef orthei
    rlunch.Butt hatdidn’
    tgetmeof fthe
    hook,notaf t
    ertel
    lingAar tihernews, peopledon’ t
    l
    iketruth,shehadsomet hingi nst
    or eforme.
    Paymentcut .Howunf airisthat?ButI ’
    ma
    busi
    nesswoman, Ihaveaper f
    umecompany.Oh
    well
    ,notr eal
    lycompany, butIhavemyownmoney.
    Sadlymoneydoesn’tbuyhappiness.Trustmeyou, I
    haveR5000i nmyaccountandI ’
    m sti
    llunhappy.
    Beingri
    chdoesn’tmeanwear ehappy.No, westil
    l
    havetosleepalonei
    nhugequeen’ sbedsur r
    ounded
    byaircondit
    ioner
    s.
    It
    ’ssuchasadr eali
    ty.Ididn’texpectthingst oget
    realsofast,
    I’
    m stil
    ladjusti
    ngt opregnancyand
    needhim mor ethanever.Butnowt hatI’m her e,
    l
    ivinginhishouse,hehasmor eimportantf ami l
    y
    mat t
    ersandcommi t
    ment stoat t
    endt o.Itdidn’t
    dawnt omet hatIwasdat ing,notonlyat axiowner ,
    butabusinessmanwhot r
    avelsar oundt hepr ovince
    andgoesbackt obacki nmeet i
    ngs.

    Openingmyeyes, notbecausether
    e’sst
    upidalar
    m
    crackingmyeardrums,butbecauseI’
    vehadenough
    sl
    eep, isonet
    hingI’
    mt hankf
    ulfort
    oday.I
    t’
    sacol d
    Saturdaymorning…andIhaveapairofeyesstari
    ng
    downatme?
    He’
    snotundert
    heblanket
    s,whichmeanshej
    ust
    camei
    nthemor ni
    ng.Andjudgi
    ngbythecapand
    str
    ongcolognesmell
    ,he’
    sgonetotherank,hadhi
    s
    ful
    l-
    mealbreakf
    astandthencamehere.I
    t’
    s
    probabl
    yaround9am orso.

    Heleansover
    ,ki
    ssesmyf or
    eheadandshi
    ft
    snear
    er
    tohavehi
    sarmswr appedar
    oundme.Thisisa
    goodwayofwakingup!
    “Howareyouandmyli
    tt
    leone?”heasks,
    plant
    ing
    anot
    hersoftki
    ssonmyfor
    ehead.
    “
    Wear
    egood,
    ”Isay.“
    Whendi
    dyougether
    e?”
    “
    Ear
    ly,
    ”hesays.
    Whenwasearly?Accor
    dingt
    omywat
    chi
    t’
    sst
    il
    l
    ear
    lyevennow.
    “
    I’
    m col
    d,”hesays.
    Idon’
    tknowift
    hat
    ’shi
    swayofaski
    ngf
    or
    permi
    ssion…
    “
    Geti
    nbed,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    Hetakeshiscapof
    fandslidesi
    nbed.Hi
    sbodyi
    s
    col
    d,Igri
    ndmywar m bodyagai
    nsthi
    m.Heti
    ght
    ens
    theembraceandexhal
    esawar
    m br
    eat
    h,gi
    vingme
    chil
    lsdownmyneck.
    “
    Ndondogavebi
    rt
    h,”hesays.
    Icant
    ellt
    hathe’
    shappyandal
    l,butt
    her
    e’s
    somet
    hingelset
    hat
    ’seat
    inghi
    ssoul.
    “That
    ’snice,
    probabl
    ywhySnal
    ocal
    ledl
    atel
    ast
    night
    ,”Isay.
    “Yeah,
    it’
    saboy.Thereweresomecompli
    cat
    ions.
    Thebabydidn’
    tcry,
    butitwassor
    tedout
    .”
    Idon’tknowwhatthatmeans,
    butifi
    twassorted
    outthenIguessdetai
    lsar
    enotnecessar
    yfornow.
    “
    Howi
    swor
    k?”Iask.
    “
    Hect
    ic,
    ”hesays.
    Itdoesn’
    tlooklikehe’
    swil
    li
    ngtoelaboratefur
    ther
    .
    Andwel l,
    Idon’towntaxi
    s,Icannotrel
    atetohiski
    nd
    of‘hect
    ic’anyway.
    “
    Andf
    ami
    ly?
    ”Iask.
    Hisfi
    ngert
    apsonmyarm,he’snotl
    ookingatme
    buthe’
    sverymuchpr
    esentt
    ot hi
    sconversat
    ion.
    “Ndabukoi
    sinsafehandsnow.Ndondohas
    deli
    ver
    edsafel
    y,AuntandBabaar
    efine,
    andthe
    kidsar
    ebehavi
    ng,”hesays.
    Idon’
    tthi
    nkSnaloandNomkhosiwoul
    dappr
    eci
    ate
    bei
    ngcall
    edkids.
    “
    Thef
    ami
    lyi
    sokay,
    ”hesays.
    I’
    veaskedenoughquest
    ionsnow.Isnuggl
    emysel
    f
    andrestmyheadonhischest.
    “
    Doyoumi
    ssme?
    ”heasks.
    “Yes,
    Imissyou.Whenisallofthi
    sblowingover?”
    AsmuchasIunderstandthatfamil
    ycomesf ir
    st
    andhowdemandinghisindustryi
    s,Ist
    il
    lcravefor
    hisat
    tent
    ionandpr
    esence.
    Theti
    ghtsqueezehegi
    vesmet
    ell
    smet
    hathe
    under
    standshowIfeel
    .
    “WhenNdabukoi sbackonhisfeetI’m goi
    ngtolet
    him andMaqhingahol dt
    heropesforawhi l
    e.Idon’
    t
    wantustoli
    vel i
    kethi
    s.Youareimpor t
    anttome, I
    hatetosacr
    if
    iceourtimeandmakeyouf eell
    ikeyou
    arenotmyfirstpri
    ori
    ty.I
    ’
    m notneglect
    ingyou
    st
    handwasami
    .”
    “
    I’
    m notangr
    yNdl
    ali
    fa,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    Hisshif
    tshi
    seyest ome.Icantel
    lthathe’
    ssti
    llnot
    okay.Maybeit
    ’sguil
    tyort
    heburdenofhavingall
    theser
    esponsi
    bil
    it
    iesfaci
    nghim.
    “You’
    recarr
    yingmychi l
    d.You’
    reher
    e,warmingmy
    houseandI’m nother
    ewi t
    hyou.Youdon’tknow
    grat
    efulIam tohaveyouinmylif
    e.Idon’
    ttakeyou
    forgr
    anted.
    ”
    He’snotasweeter
    -t
    alker
    ,letaloneagenuine
    apology-
    maker
    .Thisissodi f
    ferentandwarmto
    hear.
    “Il
    oveyoumor ethanyout hi
    nk.Youaremyl if
    e
    Thalente.”Hishandl owerstomybut t,
    hesqueezes
    meandpr esseshisfronttome.It
    ’sbeenawhi l
    e,
    j
    ustf eel
    inghi sshafthardenedbehindhispantis
    enought ohavemeal lst
    eamedupandwet .
    Iwantt
    oki
    sshim butIhaven’
    tbrushedmyt eet
    h.I
    hat
    emymor ni
    ngbreath,
    Ican’
    tforceitonsomeone
    el
    se.
    Hi
    shandl
    if
    tsupthelooseTeeIsl
    epti
    nandt
    ravels
    ar
    oundmylacyunder
    weartosneaki
    nmywetfolds.
    “ImissedyouNdl al
    if
    a.”Myvoicei
    swobbly.I
    ’mthat
    horny.Iwanthistouch,I
    ’m cr
    avi
    ngforhi
    stast
    eand
    sil
    lysexwhispers.
    “Thal
    ent
    eyou’r
    ewet,
    ”hesays,
    pleasant
    lyshocked
    ashisfi
    ngerdi
    gsdeepi
    nmyf l
    esh.
    “BecauseIhavemi
    ssedyousomuch.Ican’
    t
    beli
    eveyouareher
    e,Il
    oveyouHl
    omuka.”
    Hedr
    opshisheadovermyshoul
    derandr
    eleasesa
    l
    owsigh,
    “Oh,st
    handwasami.
    ”

    Hepushesdownhi spantandbr
    ief
    stobejust
    abovehisknees.Ishovemyunderweardownand
    ki
    ckitoutofmyankl es.
    Hetapshist
    hicker
    ectonmyclit
    ,sendingtingl
    esall
    overmybody.Hepushesmylegsup, nottoohigh,
    j
    ustenoughtohavemywomanhoodcl earathi
    s
    di
    sposal
    .Andthenheenter
    s,sl
    owly,whilestar
    ing
    i
    ntomyeyes.
    Oncehe’sfull
    yin, helet
    sgoofmyl egsandcomes
    uptomyf ace.Hegr absmyheadandonslaught
    s
    mewi t
    hadeepki ssdespit
    emyt wosecondsof
    di
    sapproval.Histhrustsar
    ecalcul
    ated,
    wit
    h
    medium pressureappl i
    edandlowgroansvi
    brat
    ing
    outofhischestnowandt hen.
    “
    Pleasehol
    dmebaby,
    ”hebegs,
    husky,
    inmyear
    .
    Iwr
    apmyar
    msar
    oundhi
    m.
    “
    Wit
    hyourt
    highs,
    ”hewhi
    sper
    s.
    Oh,mybad!It raphiminwithmyt highs,
    itr
    estr
    ict
    s
    thelengthofhismovement s.ButIguessheli
    kesit
    thi
    sway, he’sbreat
    hingheavil
    y,t
    hewebofhi svei
    ns
    arepulsati
    ngaroundhisarms.
    Everythr
    ustpenetratesdeepinmyinnerf
    lesh,
    givi
    ngmybodyt i
    ckli
    ngpleasureandwarmth.Il
    ove
    thesmellofhiscolognecombinedwithsweatand
    oursexualscents.

    Hi
    swaisti
    smovingsmoothly,
    ourbodi
    esf
    it
    ted
    t
    oget
    herli
    keaperf
    ectpuzzl
    e.
    “Babepl easeuntangl
    eme,”hisvoiceislowand
    shaky.He’ snowuncomf or
    tablei
    nt heposit
    ionthat
    herequest ed.Hecannotapplyanymor eforcet
    o
    histhrusts,notwit
    hmybi gthi
    ghswr appedaround
    himt hi
    st i
    ghtly.
    “
    Thal
    e…shuuu!”Iti
    ghtenmylegsf
    ir
    mer.Hegrabs
    myhairandti
    ghtenshisj
    awstofi
    ghtbackwhatever
    i
    str
    yingtofl
    oodhim out.
    “MaMbathaplease,
    Idon’
    twantt
    ofini
    shyet
    ,”he
    begs,
    tryi
    ngtoescapeandpul
    lout.
    Ipushmywai stupandholddownhishead.Ther
    e’s
    agroanthatescapeshi
    smouthashisshaftdi
    psin
    thedept
    hsofmycooki eonceagai
    n.
    Hiseari
    sjustafewinchesawayf rom myface.I
    ni
    bbleonthelobeandcirclethet
    ipofmyt ongue
    aroundi
    t.Herel
    easesacr y,asharp-
    tonedgir
    li
    sh
    one.
    Hiswholebodyhast
    ensedup.Itl
    ookslikehe’s
    aboutt
    omeethismaker,wel
    lforaboutami nut
    e.
    Thenhegroansagai
    nashereleasesthelastofhi
    s
    l
    oadinsi
    deme.
    Heroll
    stothesideandshut
    shiseyes.Hisbodyi
    s
    st
    il
    lrecover
    ing,hi
    sfi
    nger
    saresti
    llshaki
    ng.Nowi
    t’
    s
    myturntostareathi
    m.
    -
    --
    Hest epsint
    othebat ht
    ubandwr apshisar
    ms
    aroundmywai st,putti
    ngmebet weenhisl
    egs.He
    feltintoanapandIdeci dedtocometakeaquick
    bat hwhi l
    eheslept.Butitseemsli
    kehewas
    sleepi ngwit
    honeeyeopen.
    “Whydidyoudothatt
    ome?
    ”Icant
    ellf
    rom hi
    s
    voi
    cethathel
    ikedi
    t.
    Ij
    ustti
    ltmyheadbackwar
    dsandhandhi
    mthe
    l
    oofah.Hewashesmyboobswit
    hhischi
    novermy
    neck.
    “Whotaughtyoutotr
    apaman’
    sdi
    ¢ki
    nsi
    deyou?
    Youknowt hat
    ’si
    ll
    egal
    .”
    Hehasal awyer,he’
    sNOTalawyer.That’
    sdefini
    tel
    y
    noti
    ll
    egal,Icanbetmyli
    feonit
    .Eventhejudge
    wouldask;‘Whatwasyourpeni
    sdoinginsideher
    vagi
    na?’
    “
    Icant
    rapwhat
    everIl
    ike,
    ”It
    ell
    him.
    “Oh,soyoul ikeit
    ?”He’smocki ngmenow.Hi s
    memberi serecti
    ngbehindmybut t.I’
    m nothavi nga
    secondr oundnow.I ’
    llhaveitafterbreakfastandhe
    bett
    ermakesur ethatit’
    s‘l
    adiesf i
    rst
    .’Thefirstone
    wasj ustatreat.A‘t
    hankyouf orsurprisi
    ngme. ’
    “
    Maybe,
    maybenot
    ,”Isay.
    Hekissesthesi
    deofmyneckandcupsmyboobs
    up.Thisi
    snotapartofgi
    vingsomeoneabat
    h.
    “
    Areyouokay?
    ”Iuset
    hecozymomentt
    oask.
    Heexhal
    esandl
    if
    tshi
    sheadup.
    “Babi
    esarecompli
    cated.Whathappenedwi t
    h
    Sandlawasaneye-opener
    .Asparentsweneedt o
    beready;ment
    all
    y,fi
    nanci
    all
    yandspiri
    tual
    ly.Idon’
    t
    wanttoputmychildindangerofanysort.
    ”
    Okay,
    we’l
    ldiscusst
    hebaby’
    snamel at
    er.Sandla?
    Whattheheck?Babi
    eshavenicenamest hesedays,
    namesthatstar
    twit
    hvowels(
    AEIOU.)
    Parent
    ingi
    swhat’sbeenbother
    inghi
    m.I t
    ’st
    oolat
    e
    forhi
    mt ogetcol
    dfeet,
    hisseedisal
    readygrowi
    ng
    i
    nsi
    deme.
    “
    Youar
    escar
    ed?
    ”Iask.
    “No,I
    ’m not
    .Ij
    ustwantever yt
    hingt
    obehowi t
    ’s
    supposedtobe.Idon’twantanymistakes.Idon’
    t
    wantanycomplicat
    ions,”hesays.
    Idon’
    tknowwhathappenedt oSandl
    …gosh,Ineed
    tocal
    lNdondoandf i
    ndoutwhat’
    sthebaby’
    sreal
    name.Butwhateverhappenedt
    othatbabyscar
    ed
    theshi
    toutoft
    hisman.
    Heexhalesheavi
    ly,
    “MaMbat
    hacanIaskyou
    somethi
    ng?”
    Soundsser
    ious.
    “Yeah,
    ”Isay,
    shal
    lowl
    y.Hi
    stonei
    ssuddenl
    ythi
    ck
    andheavy.
    “
    Howwel
    ldoyouknowyour
    sel
    f?”heasks.
    Thisisar atherconfusi
    ngquesti
    on.Iwoul
    dn’
    t
    mistakemysel fforanyone.Nomatterhowbi
    gthe
    crowdi s,
    I’l
    lalwaysknowt hatI
    ’
    mt heonewit
    habig
    foreheadandf atass.
    “
    Iknowmysel
    fver
    ywel
    l.Doyouknowyour
    sel
    f?”I
    ask.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    e,”heheavesasigh.Hepr
    obabl
    yneedsme
    t
    obemoreseriousthanIam.
    “Yourroots.Ar
    eyousureofyourroot
    s?Idon’twant
    ourchil
    dt ohaveanycompli
    cat
    ionsregar
    dinghis
    i
    dentit
    y,”hesays.
    Inod,hehasapoi
    nt,
    butIdon’
    tthinkt
    hisgot
    anyt
    hingtodowit
    hNdondo’sbaby.
    “
    Iknowmyr oot
    s,”Isay,
    myt
    oneshar
    pert
    han
    i
    ntended.
    “
    Thingshappenbabe.Somet
    imesourpar
    entskeep
    t
    hingsfr
    om usandtheycomebacktohauntusin
    t
    helongrun,
    ”hesays.
    Iknowexactl
    ywhat’
    sgoingonhere.Iknowhim
    enough.Imoveoutofhi
    sembr aceandstepoutof
    thebatht
    ub,
    grabbi
    ngthetowelandstormingoutof
    thebathr
    oom.
    I’
    m angry,
    hur
    tandviol
    ated.He’sbeenMI A,
    not
    becauseofhi
    sfamil
    ymat ter
    s,butbecausehe’
    s
    beendiggi
    nghiscl
    awsintomyf amily.I
    ’
    m nothi
    s
    taxir
    ival
    ri
    es,Idon’
    twantt
    obei
    nvest
    igat
    edl
    ikeI
    ’
    m
    somecr i
    minal.

    “
    Thal
    ent
    e,”he’
    smaki
    nghi
    swayi
    nsi
    det
    hebedr
    oom.
    Idon’
    ttur
    nmyhead.Il
    if
    tmyf
    oott
    othebedand
    l
    oti
    onit.
    Hest
    andsbehi
    ndme,si
    lentf
    orabr
    iefmoment
    ,
    t
    henhecl
    earshi
    sthr
    oat
    .
    “Iwasj
    ustmakingsur
    ethatyouar
    ewhoIt
    hought
    youwere,
    ”hesays.
    He’
    sunbel
    ievabl
    e!
    “Li
    keanundercover?Oraspy?
    ”Iask,
    thr
    owi
    ngmy
    handsupintheair.
    “Notl
    iket
    hat.I
    twasani
    nvest
    igat
    ionandyourname
    poppedup,
    ”hedays.
    Iputmyhandsonthewai
    standst
    areatt
    hisawar
    d-
    winni
    ngdet
    ecti
    ve.
    “
    Idi
    dn’
    tknowyouwer
    eacop,
    ”Isay.
    Hedr
    opshi
    seyes.
    “
    Whati
    nvest
    igat
    ionwast
    hat
    ,det
    ect
    ive?
    ”Iask.
    “Canwesi
    t?”Hehol
    dsmyar
    m.Ipul
    litbackand
    holdmywai
    st.
    Hesi
    ghs,“
    Itwasaboutamanthathel
    pedaman
    t
    hatwassupposedt
    ohelpNdabuko.
    ”
    Anyanga?Howthehel
    lam Iconnect
    edt
    othose
    f
    akenyangas?
    “
    Soyouknowt
    hatyouar
    enotaMbat
    ha?
    ”heasks.
    Li
    kehi
    sbal
    lsI
    ’
    m not
    !
    “
    Iam aMbat
    ha.
    ”
    “
    Notbybl
    ood.
    ”
    He’
    sget
    ti
    ngoutofl
    ine!
    “Looksthandwasami,Iwasn’
    ttr
    yingt
    oinvadeyour
    pri
    vacy.It
    ’sjustt
    hat
    …”
    “
    Justwhat
    ?”Iask.Mor
    eli
    kebi
    tehi
    sheadof
    f.
    “Itwasawin-winorlose-
    losesit
    uation.Theman
    hadt omakesurethatNdabukor ecoversandin
    retur
    nwewoul dn’
    tharm hischil
    d.”Hepausesand
    exhales.Hi
    shandisont heforehead,he’swi
    ping
    i
    nvi
    sibl
    esweat
    .
    “I
    ’
    ml i
    steni
    ng.”If
    oldmyar
    msandkeepmyst
    are
    burni
    ngathim.
    “He’snevermethi schil
    d.He’sbeenworking,or
    ‘
    trai
    ning’attheNxumal ossincehewas22.He’ s49
    now.Hi sfamilynegl
    ectedhim year
    sago,nowt he
    onlythi
    nghe’ slooki
    ngf or
    wardtoisfi
    nall
    ymeet i
    ng
    hischil
    d.Soourpl anwast ogethischi
    ldfir
    st,t
    o
    makesur ethatheco- oper
    ates.
    ”
    I
    tsoundsli
    kesomethi
    ngJackfrom Generati
    ons
    woulddo.I
    t’
    stwi
    sted,
    andtothinkthatI
    ’minlove
    wit
    hamanwhogoest osuchtwist
    edlengths!
    “
    Thal
    ent
    ewher
    eisyourf
    ather
    ?”heasks.
    MyfatherhasalwaysbeenMsiziMbatha.I’
    venever
    hadaproblem answer
    ingthi
    squest
    ion,evenaft
    er
    di
    scoveri
    ngthetrut
    h,Iwasokaywit
    hwhoIwas.
    “
    Hepassedaway,
    ”It
    ellhi
    m.
    “Thal
    entepl
    easeworkwit
    hmeher e.Myf
    atheri
    s
    waiti
    ng,hewant
    sanswers.Doyouknowwhere
    yourbiol
    ogi
    calf
    athermi
    ghtbe?Doyouknowwho
    hei
    s?”heasksdesper
    atel
    y.
    “Themanwhodonat
    edasper
    mlef
    t,i
    fthat
    ’swhat
    youwantt
    oknow.Helef
    t!
    ”
    “
    WasheaGi
    na?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Ihear
    dso,
    ”Isay.
    “You’
    ret
    hechil
    dwear el
    ooki
    ngf
    or,
    inexchangeof
    Ndabuko’
    sli
    fe,
    ”hesays.
    Il
    aughoutl
    oud.Nowwhatam Isupposedt
    odo?
    Ti
    emywr i
    stsandhandmysel
    fover?
    “Shouldn’
    tyoubetapingmymout handpoi
    ntinga
    gunatme? ”Iask,t
    akingacombandcombi ngmy
    hairr
    ighti
    nf r
    ontofhim.Idon’
    tcarei
    fhegetsT.B
    anddiesforaf ewhours.

    Hel i
    esbackonbedandl eansagai nstthe
    headboard.Igoonwi t
    hmybusi ness;combingmy
    hai
    randdr essingup.I
    ’m starving,Ineedtogetf ul
    l
    beforethekidnappi
    nghappens.Atl eastI’
    m going
    tobekidnappedbyt hefatherofmyunbor nchi
    ld,
    he’
    sgr anti
    ngmeachancet ol ookbeaut i
    fulandget
    ever
    ythi
    ngdone.
    “
    Breakf
    ast
    ?”Iaskhi
    m.
    Heshakeshi
    shead,
    “No.
    ”
    Wel
    l,
    he’l
    lsui
    thi
    msel
    f.Igr
    abmyphoneandgot
    o
    t
    hekit
    chen.

    Ifr
    yfoureggsandt woRussians,spreadsixslices
    ofbreadwit
    hmar gari
    neandf i
    llatal
    lglasswi t
    hi cy
    j
    uice.Iswal
    lowasliceofcheese,andanot herone,
    andanotherone,
    thenIputthreeonmypl ate.I
    ’m
    eati
    ngfornowandf orthebaddaysahead.
    I’
    mt emptedtocal lmymot herbutIdon’ tknowwhat
    I’
    l
    lsayt oher,andIdon’twanttowor ryher.Ihaven’t
    wrappedmyheadar oundmybi ologicalfatherbei
    ng
    ali
    veandpr acti
    cingwi t
    chcraf
    tsomewher e.Andt hat
    he’slooki
    ngforwar dtomeetme.Di dn’theleavea
    pregnantyounggi rlandneverlookedback?I fhe
    knewaboutmewhyheneverr eachedout ?

    Ther
    e’sacardr
    ivi
    ngi
    n.Ndl
    ali
    fai
    sdr
    aggi
    nghi
    msel
    f
    t
    othedoortowelcomewhoever
    .Ithrowdishes
    i
    nsi
    dethesinkandtakeat
    ubofice-cream outof
    t
    hefri
    dgeandaspoon.
    Thatsoundsl
    ikehisfat
    her.They’
    remakingtheir
    wayinsi
    dethehouse.AllIwanttodorightnowisto
    fi
    nisht
    hevanil
    lafl
    avour.I
    ’l
    ldealwit
    hreali
    tylat
    er.
    They’
    restar
    ingatme.Icanf
    eelpi
    erci
    ngst
    aresaf
    ter
    thei
    rabr
    uptpausebythedoor.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fayousai
    d.…”
    “Isai
    dIhaveMagadlel
    a’sdaught
    er?Yes,
    andyou
    arestar
    ingather
    .”
    “
    MaMbat
    ha?
    ”-hi
    sfat
    her
    .
    “
    Yebobaba,
    ”Ndl
    ali
    fasays.
    There’
    salowcurseandat onguecl
    ick.Iunder
    stand
    thei
    rfr
    ust
    rat
    ions,butNdl
    ali
    fahasmuchbi gger
    probl
    ems.
    Vani
    ll
    afl
    avourpor
    ti
    onj
    ustf
    ini
    shedandIdon’
    tli
    ke
    t
    hechocolat
    eone.
    “Sowhatar
    eyougoingtodo?”Iask,
    tur
    ningmy
    headar
    oundandstari
    ngatNdlal
    if
    a.
    Hegl
    ancesathi
    sfat
    herandscr
    atcheshi
    shead.
    “I
    t’
    syourcal
    l,
    ifyouwantustolethim go,
    wewill.I
    f
    youwanttomeethim andtal
    k,we’
    llar
    rangei
    t.He’s
    curr
    entl
    yinMpofanawithNdabukoandhishealer,
    ”
    hesays.
    “I
    ’m nott
    alki
    ngaboutheal
    ers.I
    ’
    mt alki
    ngabouti
    ice-
    cream.Whereareyougoingtogetthevani
    ll
    a
    fl
    avoredone?”Iask.
    Helookslikehe’
    sjustbeenslappedbyghosts.
    Surel
    yhecani nvesti
    gateandf i
    ndoutwherehe
    couldfi
    ndvanill
    aice-
    cream aroundher
    e,fast
    .He’
    s
    anFBI,remember .
    “
    Oh,
    IguessIwi
    llgoandbuyi
    t,
    ”hesayshesi
    tant
    ly.
    “
    Youguess?
    ”Iask.
    Hi
    sfat
    herhandshim hi
    scarkeys.Idon’
    tthi
    nkhe’s
    f
    ull
    yawareofwhat’
    sgoingon,buthe’
    sobeying.He
    wal
    ksoutofthedoorspeedi
    ly.

    Nowi
    t’
    sjustmeandhi
    sfat
    her
    .
    “
    Sawubonababa,
    ”Igr
    eet
    .
    Heclosest
    hedoorandwalksin.Enoughsexi
    s
    t
    reat
    inghim good,
    hehasaglow.
    “
    Mal
    ukazana,
    ”hesays.
    Ismi
    le.He’
    smyfather-
    in-l
    aw,
    whatelsecanIdo
    whenhespeaks,
    smilelikear
    etar
    d.
    “
    CanIof
    feryousomet
    hingt
    oeat
    ?”Iask.
    “No,
    sitdownandr
    elax.I
    sNdl
    ali
    fat
    aki
    ngcar
    eof
    you?
    ”
    “
    Hedoes,
    ”Isay.
    Henodswithaproudsmi
    leonhisface.Buti
    t
    di
    sappear
    swithi
    nafewseconds.
    “
    Ineedt
    otal
    ktoyourmot
    herMaMbat
    ha.
    ”
    Iknewthi
    sdaywouldcomebutIdi
    dn’tthi
    nkit
    wouldbenow.Idon’
    tthi
    nkmymotherisready
    ei
    ther
    .
    Whydi dNdabukohast ogo,speci
    fi
    call
    y,tothat
    nyanga?I tj
    ustunf
    oldeddeeperi
    ssues.Issuest
    hat
    werebet t
    erlef
    tunt
    ouched,fort
    hesakeof
    everyone’
    speace.
    [
    03/
    14,
    10:
    49] :SEASONFI
    NALE
    CHAPTER66
    NDONDO

    LeavingNdabukoi nMpofanawashar dbutIhadno


    choice.Ngcwethihasproventobeanexper ti
    n
    whathedoesandhi spromiseswerethat,i
    naweek
    ortwoNdabukowi l
    lcomebackhome.Thenwe’ l
    l
    tradi
    ti
    onall
    yintr
    oducethebabytoNhlanzekoand
    theancestorsanddoallthenecessar
    yr i
    tual
    s.
    Isti
    lldon’thavemi l
    k,Itr
    iedeverythi
    ng;pill
    s,black
    teaandj uices, st
    il
    lnothi
    ng.Thedoct orsaidImust
    keept r
    ying, butinthemeant ime,Ihavet ofeedhi m
    formulami lk.Hehasaver ybi
    gappet i
    te,I’
    m not
    sureifI’
    llcope, Ineedtor estbuteveryhourIhave
    tomakebot tles.Breastf
    eedingwoul d’
    vemademy
    l
    ifeeasier.MaybeIshoul daskAndi swat olookf ora
    nannywhocanhel pme, eventhoughi t
    ’sstil
    lway
    toosoon.
    Wearesett
    oleavef
    orNyandenil
    atertoday.Al
    lof
    us.I
    t’
    sti
    meforthef
    amil
    ytohavear ealtal
    k.
    There’
    sanewbaby, Dumisaniisinawheelchairand
    Andiswaisstart
    ingtobehavel i
    keabrat.I
    felders
    fai
    ltoputthei
    rdiff
    erencesasideandconfrontthei
    r
    pastthi
    sisgoingtoaf f
    ectus,thenextgener
    ation,
    badly.

    Butbeforeweleave,there’
    sawel comethingthat
    wasorganizedbySnal oformeandbabyNhl a.They
    haven’
    tmethim yet,soI ’
    m expecti
    ngalotof
    pri
    vacyinvasi
    on,i
    nterviewaboutlabor
    ,dramat i
    c
    gi
    ftsandzeropeace.
    I’
    m getti
    ngNhl ar eady.He’
    samanoft hemoment.I
    puthimi naf l
    uffynavyr omper,
    mi tt
    ensandbear
    beanie.That’si
    t.AsmuchasI ’
    dwanthi mtodress
    upinsuitslikeVal doandwearcapsl ikeuncl
    e
    Ndlal
    ifa,he’
    sstillwayt ool
    it
    tl
    etof i
    tinany.Andmy
    mom i sonmybackaboutkeepi nghi mi nwarm
    warm clothesandwr appedinblankets.
    “
    Areyoudonewi
    thhi
    m?”Andi
    swa.
    She’
    speeki
    ngfr
    om thedoor
    ,looki
    ngl
    ikeamodel
    goi
    ngforamagazi
    necovershoot.
    “
    Ummm yeah,
    ”Isay.
    Wear est i
    llawkwar dar oundeachot her
    .I’
    m no
    l
    ongerangr y,event houghIf eell
    ikeshe’ssti
    llangry
    atmef orsomer easons, Ij
    ustwor emybi gsister
    bootsandl ookedatt hingsfrom herperspective.As
    muchasi t’
    sDumi saniont hewheel chai
    randnotus,
    i
    tstil
    laffect sus,orshoul dIjustsayherandBahl e,
    ment al
    ly.I
    nhereyesIhavet hepowert omakeher
    fat
    hernor mal ,Icanbuyt hi
    sexpensi vewheelchair
    andhe’dbeabl et ogot opar ksandr est
    aurantswi t
    h
    her.Shedoesn’ tknowt hathi spr
    oblemsgobeyond
    l
    egsmovement .
    Shewal ksi
    nwit
    hacheer
    ful
    smilespreadi
    ngonher
    face.Shegoest
    oNhl
    aandlif
    tshim up.
    It
    ’sI
    nstagram t
    ime!That’swhereheraunt-
    hood
    star
    tsandends.Shet akeshim whenhe’sfedand
    cl
    othed,snapspict
    ureswi t
    hhim andret
    urnshim
    backwhenhest art
    scr yi
    ng.
    “Wearegoi
    ngdownstai
    rs,
    ”shet
    ell
    smeaf
    ter
    snappi
    ngadozenpi
    ctur
    es.
    “
    Wraphi
    minabl
    anket
    ,he’
    l
    lcat
    chcol
    d,”Isay.
    “Alr
    ight
    .Dressupfast
    ,I’
    llbr
    inghi
    m backi
    fhestart
    s
    cryi
    ng.”I
    t’
    sawar ni
    ng.Iknowshe’snotbl
    uff
    ing,
    she
    won’teventryt
    ocalm hi
    m down.
    “
    Ijustneedt
    ochangetheT-
    shi
    rt
    ,”Isay,
    standi
    ngin
    f
    rontofthemir
    rorandr
    unni
    ngmyf i
    ngersthr
    ough
    myhair.
    Shewear
    sahugef
    rown,
    scanni
    ngmewi
    thhereyes.
    “Whatdoyoumean?Youneedtotakeashower
    ,
    dressupandputmake-
    upon,
    ”shesays.
    It
    ’stheglamor
    ousauntspeaki
    ng,
    she’
    snotput
    ti
    ng
    hersel
    finmyshoes.
    “
    Idon’
    thavet
    imeformake-
    upAndiswaandIj
    ust
    t
    ookashoweranhourago,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Mygosh,youar
    egoingtolookli
    kethose‘
    new
    moms’
    ,
    ”shesays,r
    oll
    inghereyesandwalki
    ngout
    .
    Howdo‘ newmoms’ l
    ookl i
    ke?Ichangei nt
    oanot her
    l
    ooseT-shir
    tandt i
    eal azybunont opofmyhead.
    Walki
    ngisstil
    lapr oblem butI’
    mt r
    ying.Myst i
    tches
    aresl
    owlyhealingandl esspai
    nful
    .Islideint
    ofli
    p-
    fl
    ops,gr
    abNhl a’sbottlesandfoll
    owt hem out.
    ThalenteandNdl al
    if
    aarrivedfir
    st.Hewasdr opping
    heroff,t
    hengr abbedtheoppor t
    unityandwalkedi n
    togreetNhla.Yes,greet
    .Het ookhimt othebalcony
    totalktohim.Idon’tthi
    nkt hi
    sbabywi l
    lbenormal .
    He’sloudlytal
    kingtosomeoneovert hephoneright
    nowandt elli
    nghim aboutt hebaby.
    “Doyouthi
    nkhe’l
    lwor
    kint
    het
    axii
    ndust
    ry?
    ”
    Thal
    enteasks.
    “
    Who?BabyNhl
    a?”Iask.
    Shenods.She’
    sgai
    ningal
    otofwei
    ght
    ,evenmor
    e
    onhercheeks.
    “No, Ndabukowon’tal
    lowt hatt
    ohappen.Hehad
    bigdr eamsofhisownt hatwereneverachi
    eved
    becauseoff amil
    ybusiness.Hewon’tputhisson
    throught hesamethi
    ng.”
    Weobvi ouslywantwhat ’
    sbestf
    oroursonandwe
    won’tst
    andoni nhiswayifhedeci
    destojoi
    nthe
    taxii
    ndustry,butt
    hatwouldneverbehowwer ai
    se
    him.Iwantmysont otravelt
    heworl
    d,obt
    ain
    quali
    fi
    cationsandmost l
    yliveasaf
    eli
    fe.
    “Youknowt
    her
    e’saceremonyplannedt
    ocel
    ebr
    ate
    hisbi
    rt
    handNdabuko’
    srecover
    y?”
    “
    Whatcer
    emony?
    ”Iaskwi
    thmyeyebr
    owr
    aised.
    “Taxirankki
    ndofthi
    ng.Sl
    aughteri
    ngasheep,
    dri
    nkingbeersandmaybespinningthet
    axiwi
    tha
    babyinside.
    ”
    No,that
    ’snothappeni
    ng!Nobodyi
    sspi
    nni
    ngat
    axi
    wit
    hmysoni nsi
    de.
    Shechokesdownal
    augh.
    “I
    ’m ki
    dding,
    butt
    her
    e’sasheept
    hinganda
    cel
    ebrati
    onassoonasNdabukocomesback,
    ”she
    says.
    Wemovet othel
    oungeandjoi
    nAndi
    swaont he
    couch.There’
    sacardri
    vingi
    n,i
    tmustbeKhosiand
    Snalo.
    “
    So,
    isi
    tscar
    yast
    heysay?
    ”Thal
    ent
    easks.
    “Laborpai
    ns?Absol
    utelyf
    ucki
    n’pai
    nful
    .Givi
    ng
    bir
    thisli
    keahugerel
    ieffr
    om t
    hem,”Isay.
    “Whataboutthe…”shesi
    de-
    eyesAndiswaandr ubs
    herl
    ipstoget
    her.Iknowwhatshe’
    sasking,
    it’
    snot
    badasshet
    hinks.
    “
    You’
    l
    lsur
    vive,
    ”It
    ellher
    .
    “
    Butdotheycutwit
    hascissorandsewitback
    t
    oget
    herli
    keapieceofcl
    oth?”sheasks.
    “
    Yeah,
    ”Isay.
    Hereyeswiden.Andi
    swa’
    sheadisup,she’
    sst ar
    ing
    atmewi t
    hthesameexpressi
    onasThalent
    e’s.I
    hopethi
    sisenoughtomakehercondomise
    ever
    yti
    mesheopensherlegsforaboy.
    “Yooh,whati
    fitdoesn’
    t…youknow…whatwi
    ll
    happen?”Thal
    ente.
    “
    Peopl
    egetst
    abbedandst
    it
    chedever
    yday.Fl
    esh…”
    “
    Stabbed?
    ”bot
    hoft
    hem sayi
    nshock.
    Ithi
    nkitsoundsscaryifIputi
    tthatway.Nur
    sesare
    notcrazy,
    t heydon’
    tst
    abyourvagina,t
    hatwasjust
    anexampl e.
    “Ij
    ustmeant
    hati
    theal
    sandgoesbackt
    onor
    mal
    ,
    ”I
    say.
    “
    Ohmygosh,
    whati
    fst
    it
    chesbur
    st?
    ”Andi
    swaj
    ust
    hadtomenti
    onmywor stni
    ght
    mar e.Iwalkten
    minut
    esonthestai
    rcasebecauseI’m avoi
    dingthat
    .
    Idon’
    twantt
    oloseast epandburstmyst i
    tches.
    “
    Theni
    twi
    llbeeastandwest
    ,”Isay.
    Shelaughs.Thalent
    ehasherhandsoverher
    cheeks.I
    t’
    sfunnyseeingherthi
    sfreakedout
    .Seven
    monthstogo, t
    henshe’l
    lhaveherownexperi
    ence.

    Ndlali
    fawalksbacki nwithNhl a.I’
    m surpri
    sedhe
    hasn’tcr
    iedinovertenmi nutes.Thi
    sonesuckl es,
    sl
    eepsandcr iesforal i
    ving.Maybewhatt heysayis
    tr
    ue;ifyouscream louddur i
    ngsexyougi vebir
    thto
    aloudcryingbaby.Remi ndmet omoanqui et
    ly
    fr
    om nowonwar ds,that’
    si fIeverengageinsexual
    i
    ntercourseagain.
    Andi
    swatakesNhlaf
    irst
    .Shecoul
    dbeagreataunt
    ,
    onl
    yift
    hebabydidn’
    tcryandshi
    toni
    tsel
    f.
    Ndlal
    if
    aleansoverandkissesThalente’
    scheek.I
    guesshe’sl
    eavi
    ngust oourgir
    lything,Khosiand
    Snaloareatt
    hedoor.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    faIdon’
    twantt
    ogi
    vebi
    rt
    h,”Thal
    ent
    esays.
    Ndlal
    i
    fai
    sjustshockedasanyonewouldbe.Imean,
    whatwoul
    dyousayi fyourpr
    egnantgir
    lf
    ri
    endtold
    youshedoesn’
    twanttogivebir
    thoutofnowhere?
    “Youwantt
    ost aypr
    egnantforever
    ?”heaskswhat
    anyonewoul
    d’veasked.Buthe’spi
    ssi
    ngThalent
    e
    off.
    Shesnapsherbrows,“
    Notost
    ayi
    ngpr
    egnant
    for
    ever
    .Notogivingbi
    rt
    h.”
    She’
    scr
    azi
    ert
    hanIt
    hought
    .
    Ndlali
    faglancesatmeforclues.Ican’
    ttel
    lhi
    mthat
    I’
    mr esponsibl
    efort
    hissuddenf ear
    ,Ij
    ustshr
    ugmy
    shouldersandkeepastrai
    ghtface.
    “
    Sowhatar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    odo?
    ”heasksThal
    ent
    e.
    “Idon’
    tknow.You’
    llseehowyougetyourbabyout
    ofmyst omach,
    ”shesays.
    Hesmi
    lesandki
    ssesheragai
    n.
    “Okay,
    I’
    llmakeapl
    an.Doyouwantabi
    rt
    hday
    cake?”
    “
    It
    ’sherbi
    rt
    hday?
    ”Andi
    swaasks.
    Thalenteroll
    shereyes, “
    Blackforest.
    ”Shet ur
    nst
    o
    Ndlalif
    aandt el
    lshim nottoforgetherice-cream.
    Cravingsarealreadyincontrol
    .Heki ssesheragain,
    abitlongeranddeepert histi
    me.Gosh, Ican’t
    beli
    eveI ’
    m star
    ingatpeoplekissing.Am It hat
    l
    onely?

    KhosiandSnal oent erasNdl al


    if
    al eaves.AsI
    expect ed,
    theyhaveacoupl eofbagsi nt heirhands.
    Ahugeboxofwhat everisleftont hefloor.They
    bothr ushtoNhl a.Snaloist hefastest,shepi cks
    himf i
    rstandpeel sthebl anketof fhi
    m.Mymot her
    woul dcallthepoliceonme.Eveni fIlethim cryf or
    ami nut ewhil
    edoi ngmyt hi
    ngs, sheasksi fI’m
    tr
    yingt okil
    lhim.Notcover i
    nghi m withabl anketi s
    afirstdegreemur deraccor dingt oher.
    “
    Coverhi
    m up,
    ”Ipr
    eachl
    ikemymot
    herandgetsi
    de
    l
    ooks.
    “
    He’
    sonl
    y5daysol
    dguys,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Butst
    il
    l,
    yousoundandl
    ookl
    ikeagr
    anny,
    ”Snal
    o.
    Andi
    swabur
    stsi
    ntol
    aught
    er.
    “Tomeshel ookst ir
    ed,”Khosisaysbeforetaki
    nga
    seat.Shel ooksatmewi thworryandasksi fI
    ’m
    okay.Okayi sj ustawor dtoputheratease.Ineed
    mymanandaf unctionalfamil
    y.Nhlaalsoneeds
    hisfather.Ican’ tevencallhim andhearhisvoice.
    I’
    mf arfrom bei ngokay.
    “
    Doeshesl
    eep?
    ”sheasks.
    “Twohoursandwakesup.Hecr i
    esKhosi,
    it’
    slike
    he’scompensat
    ingf
    oral
    lthosehourshedidn’tcry.
    Ithi
    nkIneedanannytoatleastgetabr
    eakdur ing
    theday.
    ”
    “
    Iwas22whenIgavebi r
    thtoyouandIdidn’
    tneed
    ananny,
    ”–that’
    smymot her’
    svoicecomi
    ngfrom
    t
    hekit
    chen.Idon’
    tknowwhenshegothereand
    whyshe’
    scompar i
    ngmet ohersel
    f.
    “
    Youcoul
    dn’
    taf
    for
    dananny,
    ”Iyel
    l.
    “
    What
    ever
    !”
    They’
    rel
    aughi
    ngbehi
    ndt
    heirhands.Whatever
    ?
    Whosemotherist
    hat
    ?Di
    shesarecoll
    idi
    nginthe
    ki
    tchen,
    Iguessshe’
    sher
    etocook‘
    realf
    ood’
    asshe
    defi
    nesit
    .
    “Anyway,howwasi tli
    ke?
    ”Khosisays,openingthe
    fi
    rstbag.Idon’
    tknowwhatkindofjacketisthi
    sbut
    i
    tlookscute.Idon’
    tthi
    nkNhl
    awi l
    lbewear ingit
    anyti
    mesoonbecauseofapuzzl eofzippers.
    “I
    twasass-bur
    sti
    ng,”Isay.That’
    sasimpl
    ewayof
    putt
    ingi
    t.Agai
    n,Thalent
    eisfli
    nching.
    “Buti
    tdi
    dn’
    tlookthatbadwhenKhloewasgivi
    ng
    bir
    thonKeepingUpWi t
    hTheKardashi
    ans,
    ”Snalo
    says.
    “DoIlookli
    keKhl
    oeKar
    dashi
    an?Ihaveseven
    sti
    tches.
    ”
    Gasps!Theyt
    houghtIwasexaggerati
    ng?Labor
    wardisnotaspa,
    arsesbur
    stinthere.
    “
    Atleastyouwon’ texperi
    encethis,
    Ndlal
    if
    awil
    l
    makeapl anforyou,”Isay,l
    ookingatThal
    ent
    ewit
    h
    asuppressedlaugh.
    Sherol
    lshereyes.Snal
    oandKhosiar
    est ar
    ingat
    herwit
    hcuri
    osityspl
    ashedovert
    hei
    rfaces.
    “
    Whatpl
    ani
    shegoi
    ngt
    omake?
    ”Khosiasks.
    “
    He’l
    lgett
    hebabyoutofherst
    omach.Shewon’
    tgo
    i
    ntol
    abornorgi
    vebi
    rth,
    ”Isay.
    “
    That
    ’swhathepr
    omi
    sedyou?
    ”Snal
    oasks.
    “Guysst
    opst
    ressi
    ngmeout .Ihaveenough
    probl
    emsinmylif
    e,”Thal
    entesayswit
    hasigh.
    Problems?Weknowt hatshelostorlef
    therjob,
    and
    that
    ’snotaprobl
    em becauseshe’swell-
    connect
    ed
    now.Allsheneedst
    odoi ssubmi therdocuments
    andshowupf orwork,sheknowst hat.
    “
    What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”Iask.
    Shepull
    saslabofchocol
    ateoutofherpocketand
    unwrapsit
    .Imi
    sshavinganexcusetoeat
    ever
    ythi
    ngundert
    hesun.
    “
    Iwasadopt
    ed,
    tradi
    ti
    onal
    ly.
    ”
    Oh…t
    hat
    ’sshocki
    ng.
    “Andt hef at
    herIthoughtabandonedus, meandmy
    mom, turnsouttobealiveandki cki
    ng.Hehada
    call
    ing, orwhatever,
    andl ef
    tfori
    niti
    ati
    onbefore
    fi
    ndingoutaboutt hepregnancy.Idon’tknowwhat
    happenedther
    ebuthe’
    ssaidtohavebeent
    her
    ethe
    pasttwodecadesandsevenyear
    s.”
    JesusChri
    st!Whatdoweevensaytoher
    ?She
    wrapsthechocol
    ateandput
    sitbacki
    nherpocket
    .
    “Hewi shest omeetmeoneday, hefoundoutabout
    met hroughhi sbrothersandI ’
    vebeenhis
    motivati
    ont osoldieron.Ireall
    ydon’tknowhowt o
    feel
    ,apar tofmewi shestoseehi m butthenagai
    nI
    don’twantt heMbat hastof eell
    ikeI
    ’m ungrat
    eful
    .”
    Khosir
    eachesouttoherandrubshershoul
    der
    s.I
    canonl
    yimaginetheconfl
    ictwi
    thi
    nhersel
    f.
    “
    Howdoesyourmot
    herf
    eel
    abouti
    t?”Iask.
    “Thei
    rrelat
    ionshi
    pwasnotgood.He’sachaptershe
    thoughtshehasburied.Shesai
    dit
    ’suptomebutI
    knowt hatI
    ’l
    lberevi
    vingbackpai
    nfulmemor
    ies,”
    shesays.
    “
    Haveyout
    oldNdl
    ali
    faabouti
    t?”Khosiasks.
    Sher
    ollshereyes,
    “He’
    sthepr
    ivat
    einvest
    igat
    or
    whoreveal
    edthewholethi
    ngt
    ome. ”
    Am Isur
    pri
    sed?Ndabukohunt
    edmedown,
    pret
    endedtobeapooryar dnerandstalkedmefor
    months.They’
    renotj
    usttaxiowners,they
    i
    nvesti
    gatepeopl
    eunti
    ltheyknowal lcolor
    soft
    heir
    underwear
    .
    “Theydon’
    tknowanyt
    hingaboutpr
    ivacy,
    trustme,
    ”
    Isay.
    “
    Theydo,
    ”Snal
    o.
    Webot
    hlookather
    .Shemust
    n’tdar
    edef
    endt
    hem!
    .
    .
    It
    ’sprettyintense.Gr eeti
    ngswer eformal l
    y
    exchangedshor tl
    ybeforesilencefellintotheroom.
    Makingt hismeet ingevenmor eawkwar dis
    Andiswa’ spr esence.Isti
    lldon’tthinkit’
    sagood
    i
    deat oinvol veheri nsuchcr it
    icalfamilymat t
    ers.
    Butmom i nsisted.OnlyBahl ewasexcused, he’s
    withFuzei nt her ondavel.Ihaven’tcheckedupon
    herandQondanii nal ongt i
    me.Butt hey’ r
    esti
    ll
    l
    ivingtoget her,thisti
    meshe’ snotkeepi nghim
    awayf rom hi skids.Ifanything,she’stiedhim down
    andt ur
    nedhi mi ntoaone- womanman.
    AuntVumi
    lesi
    psadr
    opofwat
    erandcl
    ear
    sher
    t
    hroat
    .
    “IguessI ’
    llgofir
    st,asmostofyouknow, Ihadmy
    ownunr esolvedissueswit
    hourpar ent
    s.Idon’t
    havebeaut i
    fulmemor i
    esofthisplace,whi chiswhy
    Ichoset ost ayaway.Ithadnot hi
    ngt odowi thyou
    Maqhawei nparti
    cular
    .Thi
    spl ace,homeandal l
    thatsurroundi trepr
    esentpaintome.Thewoman
    whowasmypl aceofcomf or
    thur tmet hemost .
    ”
    Shet akesanot hersipandlooksatBab’ Maqhawe.
    “Youdi dn’tfeelwhatwef el
    t.Youhadapl aceof
    comf ort-ahome, andwedi dn’t.Iheldthatagai nst
    you, i
    nmyheadyouwer eabett erchi
    ld.Youhada
    betterversionofwhot heywer e.Theypr otectedyou
    from thedar ksidet hatonl yDumiandIknew.
    Henceyouar ehere, burningimpephoand
    slaughteri
    nggoat sfort hem.Youar epr oudof
    them. ”Shel eansbackont hecouchandr eleasesa
    hugebr eath.Ofr eli
    ef ,
    maybe.She’ ssaidever yt
    hing
    thatwasi nherhear t,andI ’
    m gladever yonel ist
    ened
    attenti
    velywi thoutdisturbingher .
    “I
    ’l
    lstartbythankingyouallforcoming.Iknowt hat
    you,brother,shoul
    dn’tbet
    raveli
    nglongdistances.
    Andtheki ds,thankyouforteachingthem uni
    ty.
    Somet hingthatweneverhad. ”
    IglanceatAndi
    swaasshetur
    nshereyest
    ome.We
    areunit
    edbutwearest
    il
    lsi
    bli
    ngs,
    sowehaveour
    moment s.
    “Vumi le,Idon’tknowi fwhatI ’
    m aboutt osaywi l
    l
    answeryoubutIhopeyou’ l
    lbeenl i
    ght enedonwho
    Maqhawei s.Hadoneofyoudi edyear sago, I
    woul d’vesoldacowandar rangedadecentf uneral
    .
    Mour nedf orthreemont hsandper formedt he
    cleansi ngrit
    ual.Ayearl aterIwoul d’veslaughter
    ed
    acowf oryourfirstceremoni es.Iwoul d’
    velitwhit
    e
    candl esandcal ledseer stopr edi
    cthowyouar ein
    theot herwor l
    d.Andi fyouhadanyr equests,I
    woul d’vehonor edt hem.Youknowwhy?Because
    wecanchangeouraddr essesbutwecannever
    changet hebloodr unningi nourvei nsandwhoi t
    connect suswi t
    h.Youar estillafami l
    ytome,
    whet heryoul ovemeornot .”
    It
    hinkAuntVumi
    lewasanswer
    ed.Ther
    oom f
    all
    s
    i
    ntoanot
    herl
    ongmomentofsi
    lence.
    “I
    ’m sorr
    yIwasn’ tabr ot
    heryoubothwishedIwas.
    Thet r
    uthis,therewasnobet t
    erchil
    d.Ihadmyown
    i
    ssueswi ththem.Icanal sosaythatnei
    therofyou
    werethereformet oo.I’
    m sor
    rytoputyoui ntothis
    Nomagugu, butyouknowhowhar dIhadi tinthe
    str
    eets.Butthebl amegamei slongoverduenow, I
    j
    ustwantal lofust omovef orwar
    d.Dumi saniandI
    aregrandpasnow.Ourki dsarepoppi
    ngbabi eslef
    t
    ri
    ghtandcent r
    e.”
    QondaniandIexchangel ooks.Ionlyhaveonechil
    d,
    he’stheonewho’ spoppi
    ngbabi es.AndAndiswa
    shoul dn’tbelooki
    ngsoentert
    ained,she’
    ssexual
    active,thatcouldbeaniceadditiontot
    his
    discussi on.
    “Wedon’thavetobefr
    iends.Butwehavetomake
    sur
    ethatwer ai
    seourchil
    drenandgrandchi
    ldr
    en
    wit
    hlove.”
    Ican’tbel
    ievei
    ttookt hem decadestoreal
    izethat
    theyarenotenemi es,theyonlyhadacommon
    sourceofpain.Everyoneisonboar d,i
    t’
    saf r
    esh
    st
    art
    …unt
    ilDumi
    sanir
    eveal
    ssomet
    hingt
    hatsends
    al
    lofusi
    nawaveofshock.
    “
    Yourf
    atherr
    apedme,
    ”hesays.
    There’
    samomentofst i
    ll
    ness.Nobodymovesnor
    saysawor d.Onl
    yheavybreat
    hssli
    cethr
    oughthe
    heavysil
    enceandbearli
    feint
    otheroom.
    M mot
    hert
    urnst
    ohi
    m wi
    thaf
    rown.
    “
    Dad!What
    ?”Andi
    swa.
    Iknewi
    twasn’
    tagoodi
    deatoinvol
    veheri
    nthi
    s.
    Howam Igoi
    ngtomakeherf
    orgett
    his?
    “Whil
    eourmot herwaschainedandphysi
    cal
    ly
    tor
    turedthroughoutthenightf
    orheri
    nfi
    del
    it
    y,Iwas
    holdi
    ngt hefortforheri
    nbed.AndIwasonly7
    yearsold.”
    Andiswalet
    soutasharpcry.Mam’
    Jabuqui
    ckl
    y
    at
    tendstoherandpul
    lsherint
    oahug.
    “
    Don’
    tcr
    yAndi
    swa,I’
    mj ustasbad.Idi
    dthesame
    t
    oyourmot
    her
    ,”Dumisanisays.
    I’
    veneverseenanyonecutsacr
    ysoabr
    upt
    lyl
    ike
    shewascr yi
    ngforamovie.
    “
    What
    ???
    ”Andi
    swa.
    “
    Yes.That’
    swhyI’m si
    tt
    ingont
    hischair
    ,unabl
    eto
    wal
    k.I’
    m bei
    ngpunishedformysinsandmy
    mot
    her’s,
    ”hesays.
    Whyam If
    eel
    ingsor
    ryf
    orhim?Tear
    sar
    ebur
    ning
    t
    hei
    rtr
    ipdowntomycheeks.
    “Ij
    ustwanttoknowwhomyf at
    herwas, sothatyou
    andBahlecanknowyourtrueidentit
    ies.Thenyou
    canseewhatt odowit
    hmef orabusingyour
    mother.
    ”Hiseyesjumpfr
    om Andi swat ome, then
    helooksatBab’Maqhawe.“Punishmet hewayyou
    seefi
    tfort
    akingyourf
    amily.
    ”Lastly,helooksatmy
    mother.
    “Don’
    tmour nf orme,i
    nstead,haveacelebr
    ati
    on
    whenI’m gone.Justdomeonef avorwhenyou’r
    e
    movingon, leaveAndi
    swaandBahl ewi t
    hNdondo.I
    knowshe’lltakecareoft
    hem, Idon’twantwhat
    happenedt omet ohappent omykids.”
    Mymot her
    ’sf
    aceremai
    nscold.Meanwhi
    le,meand
    AuntVumil
    earesobbi
    nglikewi
    dows.Andiswais
    angr
    yasIwaswhenIf oundoutfort
    hefi
    rstti
    me.
    “Andi
    swaandBahl
    earet
    heSi
    bisi
    s.Justl
    ikeyou,
    ”
    saysBab’
    Maqhawe.
    Huh?Heneedstoexpl
    ain.Themostimpor
    tantt
    hing
    t
    oDumisaniri
    ghtnowisfindi
    ngoutwhoheis.
    “
    Whatdoyoumean?Iknowt
    hatI
    ’
    m notyour
    f
    ather
    ’sson,
    ”heasks.
    “Yes,
    youaremygrandf
    ather
    ’sson,
    whi
    chmakes
    youmyfather
    ,inaway.
    ”
    Damn,mygrandmotherhadanaff
    airwi
    thherf
    ather
    -
    in-
    law.Shesl
    eptwi
    thbothfat
    herandson!
    “
    That
    ’sj
    ustf
    uckedup,
    ”Qondanisays.
    “Br
    o!”Ishakemyhead.Myf atherhastur
    nedoutt
    o
    bemyhal f-
    grandf
    atherandhalf
    -uncl
    e.Andmy
    uncl
    eisnowmyf ather
    .

    Bahleknocksandstandsatt
    hedoor,
    looki
    ngatme.
    Iquickl
    ygetupandgot ohi
    m bef
    oreheheadsany
    ofthisconver
    sat
    ion.
    “
    Yourbabyi
    scr
    ying,
    ”hesays.
    Ihearhiswail
    sallt
    hewayfrom t
    heveranda.He
    must’vecri
    edforawhil
    enow.Pit
    yIcannotrunto
    therondavel
    ,event
    houghmyhear ti
    sbreaki
    ngwith
    eachwail.
    It
    houghthe’
    dsl
    eepf
    orawhi
    le.
    If
    indFuzeonherf
    eetwi
    thhi
    minherar
    ms.
    “Whathappenedbaby?
    ”It
    akehi
    mfr
    om herand
    car
    eful
    lysitont
    hebed.
    “Hehasangeri
    ssues,
    nobabycr
    iesl
    iket
    his,
    ”she
    says.
    “Youhaven’theardhim cr
    yduri
    ngabath.Heburst
    s
    theceili
    ng.
    ”Iputhim onmychestandr ubhi
    sback
    i
    nci r
    cles.I
    tcalmshim down.Myeyesgoupt o
    Zamaf uzewho’sstandi
    ngwithherhandsonthe
    hipsandwat chi
    ngus.
    Di
    dshegai
    nweight?TheFuzeIknowisshapedl
    ike
    t
    heKar
    dashi
    ans;t
    inywaistandcur
    vybott
    om.
    “
    Wher
    eisyourf
    igur
    e?”Iask.
    Shecl
    ear
    sherthr
    oatandt
    urnst
    oar
    rangenot
    hing
    i
    nthewardr
    obe.
    Hel
    l,
    no!
    “Qondanidi
    dyoutoo?”Iaski
    nshock.Nowonder
    Bab’Maqhaweaccusedusofpoppi
    ngbabi
    es.
    “
    Itwasn’
    tpl
    anned.I
    tjusthappened,
    ”shesays.
    “Mybrot
    herneverplansanythi
    nginli
    fe.
    ”Wow, I
    don’
    tknowifi
    t’
    saccur at
    etosaycongratul
    ati
    ons.
    Thi
    sisafourt
    hchildfrom adif
    fer
    entwoman.
    SEASONFI
    NALE
    CHAPTER67
    THALENTE

    IthoughtbynowIwoul d’vecomet omydeci si


    on.
    ButI ’
    m stil
    ltr
    appedbet weenar ockandahar d
    place.I’
    m aMbat ha,Iwasi ntroducedt othem as
    theirchil
    dandr ai
    sedasone.Event hought hei
    r
    blooddoesn’ truninmyvei ns,thei
    rdoi ngsand
    tradit
    ionsshapedmet obewhoIam t oday.Imade
    peacewi t
    hmybi ol
    ogicalfatherbeingsomewher ei
    n
    thewor ld,walki
    nghi spatht hatIwasnevergoi ngt
    o
    comeacr oss.Butnowhe’ scrossedpat hswith
    Ndabuko,leadingtoagruesomeencount erwith
    Ndlal
    if
    a.Hisson- i
    n-l
    aw.I
    tcouldn’tj
    ustsailoff
    smoothly,
    wi t
    houtpastsbeingdug.No,notwi ththe
    Ngidi
    s.Theyhadt ostal
    k,snif
    fli
    kedogsanddi gout
    thi
    ngs.AndnowI ’
    m her
    e,caughtbetweenst aying
    l
    oyaltotheMbat hasandfinal
    lyfaci
    ngthemanwho
    creat
    edme.

    Ahandr estsonmyhi p,bri


    ngi
    ngmebackf rom a
    trai
    nofthoughts.Idi
    dn’tr
    eali
    zethathehaswoken
    up.Hef oundmet aki
    nganapandj oi
    nedme.He
    randomlypopsi nduri
    ngthedaytocheckonme.
    Somedayshedoesn’ tgotoworkatall.Ihaven’
    t
    beenokaysi ncethedayhebrokethenewst ome,
    pregnancyemot i
    onsdon’tmakethingseasyei t
    her
    .
    Ihavemor edownmoment sthanups.
    “
    Whatar
    eyout
    hinki
    ngof
    ?”heasks.
    Il
    etoutasi
    ghandturntofacehi
    m.He’slett
    inghis
    bear
    dgrow,whi
    chmakeshi mlookabitol
    der.But
    i
    t’
    snoneofmybusiness,t
    heugli
    erhelooks,the
    fi
    rmermyposi
    ti
    onofbeingthebeaut
    if
    ulonei na
    r
    elat
    ionshi
    pbecomes.Everyonewil
    llookatme
    whenwegooutt oget
    her-t
    hecuterone.
    “
    YouknowwhatI
    ’
    mthi
    nki
    ngabout
    ,”Isay.
    There’
    saflashofgui
    ltinhi
    seyes,
    buti
    tqui
    ckl
    y
    sweepsawayashebr ingshisf
    acecl
    osert
    omine
    forali
    ghtpeck.
    “Don’tover
    thi
    nk,youknowstr
    essisnotgoodfor
    youandt hebaby.Youarenotunderanypr
    essur
    e,
    you’
    llgomeethim whenyou’r
    eready.”
    Funnyhowhealwaysmakesi
    tsoundasi
    fIdon’
    t
    havetheopt
    ionnott
    omeethi
    m.
    “
    Imi
    ghtnevergoandmeethi
    m,”Isay.
    Henar
    rowshi
    seye.Igi
    vehi
    m ashr
    ug.
    “
    It
    ’sanoption,
    Icoul
    dli
    vemyl i
    feasitwasand
    f
    orgetabouthi
    m.It’
    snotl
    ikeIneedhim,
    ”Isay.
    “Thalent
    e,he’
    syourf
    ather
    .Ofcour
    seyouneed
    him,”hesays.
    “Needhi
    mforwhat
    ?”Iask,
    nar
    rowi
    ngmyeyesback
    athim.
    “Thisisl
    ifebaby.Youdon’ tknowwhatthefuture
    holds.Yourmot herl
    efttheballi
    nyourhands,itmay
    l
    ookusel essfornow,butonedayyou’ l
    lwishyou
    could’
    veusedi t
    .You’l
    lforeveraskyour
    self“
    whati f
    ”
    andnobodywi l
    lbetheretoansweryou,”hesays.
    Sigh!Thisi
    sexact l
    ywhatmakest hi
    swhol e
    sit
    uationfr
    ustrati
    ng.Ineedclosure,becausenow
    he’sfoundandhe’ swill
    ingtomeetme.Ihave
    questionsforhim,Ithi
    nkmymot herdoest oo,
    even
    thoughshemayneverexpl orethatopti
    onbecause
    ofhert i
    estotheMbat has.
    “Doeshelookli
    keme? ”Iaskhim.Idon’
    tlookl
    ike
    mymot heroranyonethatIknow.Soithastobe
    him,Idi
    dn’tdr
    opfrom atree.
    “
    No,
    he’
    sugl
    y,
    ”hesays.
    Ili
    ftmyheadandl
    ookathi
    m wi
    thmyeyebr
    ow
    rai
    sed.
    “
    Andyouar
    ehandsome?
    ”Iask.
    “Youletmef uckyouwit
    houtacondom, you’
    re
    wil
    li
    ngt obearali
    ttl
    eme-tolett
    heselooksmulti
    ply.
    SoIam handsome, oryouarestupi
    d.”
    He’
    snothandsomeandI
    ’
    m notst
    upi
    d.
    “Cal
    litaf
    avor
    .Doyouwantt
    oscr
    atchmyhead?
    ”I
    ask.
    “
    No,
    ”hesaysqui
    ckl
    y.
    Ir
    ollmyeyes.Ineedt
    owashmyhai
    rtoday.
    “Maybetomorr
    owyoucantakemetohim.That
    ’si
    f
    Idon’
    tchangemymind.Doweneedt omakean
    appoi
    ntmentwit
    htheheal
    er?
    ”Iask.
    “
    No,he’
    snolongeri
    nMpof ana.Hei
    sfi
    nishi
    nghi
    s
    t
    reat
    menthome,”hesays.
    “
    Home?
    ”Iask.
    “Myf at
    herhasahousei nWat erways.Because
    nobodylivesthereIdeci
    dedtotakehi m andkeep
    himthere,”hesayslikei
    t’
    sjustanothersmalli
    ssue
    thatdoesn’tconcer
    nmet hatmuch.
    “Youdi
    dwhat
    ?”Iask,
    uponmyassandgl
    ari
    ngat
    him.
    “
    Heneededapeacefulpl
    ace.He’
    sbeent
    hrougha
    l
    otand…”JesusChr
    ist
    !
    “He’snotyourf at
    herNdlal
    ifa.Youcannotmake
    suchdeci si
    onswi t
    houtconsultingme.WhatifI
    didn’twanthimi nmyli
    fe?”I’m besidemysel
    fwit
    h
    anger .If
    eell
    ikemyveinsar eaboutt obur
    stopen.
    Whatam It ohim?Ababyt hatcan’tmakeherown
    decisions.Mymot herl
    etmehandl ethi
    sonmyown
    becauseshet rustsmyjudgement .
    “I
    t’
    snotlikeIbr
    oughthi
    m her
    e.Ijustgavehi
    ma
    pl
    acet ostaywhil
    ehewait
    sforyoutomakeyour
    deci
    sion.
    ”
    Jeez,
    hedoesn’
    tgeti
    t.
    “Itwasn’tyourplace.Justbecauseyouar eyour
    father’
    sfirstsonandheput syouaboveever ything
    andever yone,itdoesn’tmeanyoudi ctat
    emyl i
    feas
    wel l
    .Youar enotinar elat
    ionshi
    pwi t
    hababy, you
    foundmewi t
    h32t eeth.ImakemyOWNdeci si
    ons,
    youdon’ thavet omeddl einmylife.
    ”Ishakehi sar m
    offandst orm outofthebedr oom.AtthispointI
    don’tknowi ffoodcancal m medown, butIwi l
    ltry.I
    makemywayt othekitchenandsnackonal arge
    packetofchi pswhi l
    ewai t
    ingformyf oodtowar m
    up.
    I’
    ml osti nmyt houghtsandr evi
    ewingmyanger
    towardsNdl al
    if
    a.Ididn’toverr
    eact,
    right?He
    should’vecommuni catedwi t
    hmebef or
    erescuing
    andpl ayingsont omyf at
    her.Hishandsl i
    desinsi
    de
    thepacketandpi cksaf ewchips.Idon’tcarei
    t’shi
    s
    money, Iclosethepacketandshi f
    tittothefarend
    ofthet able.
    Hel
    etsoutachuckl
    eandoccupi
    esaseatnextt
    o
    me.
    “
    Wher
    eist
    hecomb?
    ”heasks.
    He’
    snotgoi
    ngtobri
    bemebyscr
    atchi
    ngmyhead,
    her
    efusedwhenIasked.
    “
    Leavemeal
    oneNdl
    ali
    fa,
    ”Isay.
    Hegivesbackthechipshetook,
    withoutany
    hesi
    tat
    ionIgrabthem andt
    hrowthem inmymout
    h.
    “Hehadnowhereelsetogo.Hisfamil
    yhateshim
    andhecan’tgobacktoNxumalo.He’l
    lfi
    gureitout
    whenhe’sbackonhisfeetandinhissenses,Iwas
    j
    usttr
    yingtohel
    pthegrandfat
    herofmychi l
    d.”
    “
    Haveyoueveradmi
    tt
    edwhenyouar
    ewr
    ong?
    ”I
    ask.
    “
    I’
    m notsayi
    ngIwasr
    ight
    ,”hesays.
    “
    Whatar
    eyousayi
    ng?
    ”
    “
    I’
    m sayi
    ngpl
    easef
    orgi
    veme.
    ”
    “Youhaveafunnywayofsayingi
    t.
    ”Irol
    lmyeyes
    andputthepacketofchi
    psbacki
    nfrontofus.
    Hej
    ustst
    aresati
    tandIcont
    inueeat
    ingsi
    lent
    ly.
    “
    Sthandwasami
    …”
    “
    Iwi
    llgoNdl
    ali
    fa.ButIneedt
    ocal
    lmymot
    herf
    ir
    st.
    ”
    Hesi
    ghsouti
    nrel
    iefandgi
    vesmeal
    ightpeckon
    t
    hecheek.
    “
    Iloveyou,
    doyouknowt
    hat
    ?”heasks.
    “
    Idon’
    tknow,
    ”Isay.
    Hi
    seyeswi
    den.
    “You’veneverboughtmeflower
    sli
    keothermendo
    forthei
    rgir
    lfr
    iends.
    ”Idon’
    tknowwherethi
    sis
    comi ngfr
    om.Idon’tevenl
    ikefl
    owers.
    Hedoesn’
    tsayanyt
    hing.Iguesst
    hatcutdeepl
    y.I
    takemyfoodoutoft
    hemicr
    owaveandt
    wospoons
    andgetbackonthet
    abl
    e.
    “
    You’
    rehungr
    y,chi
    na?
    ”Iask.
    Hefrowns.Ipassonespoontohi
    m anddigi
    n.I
    ’
    m
    scar
    edofthecallI’
    m aboutt
    omake.I
    ’mtaki
    ngmy
    mothert
    enst epsback.
    .
    .
    SNALO

    Thiswasar andom meet -


    up.Shehadwant edto
    makeacal lfordays,butwashesi tantbecause
    thi
    ngsstil
    lremainst r
    angebet weenherandMondl i
    .
    Buteventuall
    yshedi al
    edhi snumberandaskedf or
    them t
    omeetupi ntown.He’ sher eonabusi ness
    adventur
    e-accordingtoNgi di.Snal odidn’
    tquesti
    on
    thenatur
    eoft heirbusinesscollabor at
    ion,
    deep
    downshewasj usthappyt hatNgi diwashel pi
    ng
    him wi
    thwhat ever.
    Theyhaveacozyt
    abl
    eatAt
    aska,
    whi
    lewai
    ti
    ngf
    or
    thei
    rfoodSnal
    oisindul
    gingi
    nthei
    cybott
    leof
    CoronaExtr
    a.Mondlii
    swatchi
    ngherqui
    etl
    y.
    “Areyousur
    eyoudon’
    twantasi
    ngl
    eci
    der
    ?”she
    asks.
    “
    Yeah,
    I’
    m good,
    ”hesays.
    Sheput
    sdownherbeer
    ,fol
    dsherarmsandstar
    es
    athi
    m.Shef
    eel
    sabitli
    ghtandbubbl
    ytoday.
    “Sowhat’
    sbeencooki
    ng?Youar
    esuddenl
    ybacki
    n
    Durbanandl
    ookthi
    sgood,
    ”sheasks.
    Hiseyesrunaway.He’
    sgrownshyevent
    oher.She
    keepshereyesonhim,bi
    ti
    ngherl
    ipt
    osuppr
    essher
    smile.
    “
    I’
    mt r
    yingtogetonmyf
    eet
    ,”hesays,
    almost
    i
    naudi
    ble.
    “It
    houghtsinceyoudon’thaveanyf r
    iendsaround,
    I
    mustbecomeyourf ri
    endandshowyouar ound.
    Fri
    ends,wit
    horwi t
    houtbenefi
    ts.
    ”Shesi psherbeer
    andcracksalowlaugh.Isshealreadydrunk?
    Luckil
    ythewai
    tercomeswit
    hthei
    rfood,hehasan
    excusenottor
    espondtoherandkeepbusywit
    hhis
    pl
    ate.
    “I
    ’m notbor
    ing,
    Ipromi
    se,”shekeepsgoi
    ng,
    sendinghimtoafewburps.
    “
    Wear
    enotenemi
    es,
    arewe?
    ”
    Helooksup,
    shakeshi
    sheadandsays,
    “no,
    wear
    e
    not
    .”
    Shesmi l
    es,broadlyandbright l
    y.She’snotweari
    ng
    anywigtoday, justherdr
    eadlocksl etl
    ooseabove
    hershoulders.She’sweari
    ngver yminimalmakeup;
    l
    ightpi
    nkl i
    pstickandeyeli
    ner .Hereyebrowsarelef
    t
    tothei
    rnaturalshape.Toacer t
    ainextent,
    shelooks
    l
    iketheSnaloheknewandl oved.
    “Good.Ihavepl ansfort henight.Thesearemy
    street
    s.Weneedj ackets,ful
    ltank,cooler
    -box…”she
    l
    ooksathi m,there’ssomet hingsneakygoi ng
    throughhermi nd.“Maybeweedandapacketof
    condomst oo,
    ”shesayswi thherpupi l
    sdilat
    ing.She
    knowst hi
    sisver yextraofher ,t
    hey’renoteveni n
    thatcomfort
    abl epositi
    onwi theachot her.
    “It
    houghtyou’
    vechanged,
    ”Mondl
    isayswi
    thahi
    nt
    ofir
    ri
    tat
    ion.
    “I
    t’
    syouwhohavechanged.You’
    reintheshell
    ,
    moreli
    keyouar
    ebreat
    hingbutnotli
    ving.MaybeI
    canhel
    pyourememberwhoMondl iwas,”shesays.
    Hepul
    lshi
    sface,
    inaweofhersuggest
    ions.
    “
    I’
    veneverbeenawi l
    dperson.Idi
    deveryt
    hingIdi
    d
    i
    nthepasttoaccommodat eyou.Maybethi
    sisthe
    r
    ealme,youjustdon’
    tknowme, ”hesays.
    “I’
    mjustt r
    yingt
    omakeyouf eelgood,”shesays
    withast anceofregr
    et.Shethoughtiftheydid
    thi
    ngst hatusedtomaket hem happyi nthei
    r
    chil
    dhoodt heMondlisheknewwoul dcomeback.
    Most l
    ybecauseshebl amesher sel
    fforeverythi
    ng
    thathappened.
    “Smoki
    ngweedandhavi
    ngsexwithyoui
    snot
    goi
    ngtomakemefeelgood,
    ”hesays.
    “
    WhatcanIdo?
    ”
    “Youcannotbr
    ingmyf amil
    yback.Youcannotundo
    mypast.Theonlythingyoucandoi sl
    etmebe.I
    don’
    twantthattoxi
    cr el
    ati
    onshi
    pback.”
    Sher
    aisesherf
    orkbuthequi
    ckl
    yst
    opsherf
    rom
    l
    ashi
    ngout
    .
    “Youarei
    nagoodpl
    ace.Iwantt
    hatt
    oo,
    formysel
    f.
    Pleaseal
    lowmet
    ohaveit.
    ”
    Shepi cksherbeerandgulpsitalldownhert hroat
    .
    Hewat chesherquietl
    yasshepushesbackher
    chairandst r
    idestothebartoordermor ebeer.
    She’sinagoodpl ace,t
    hat
    ’swhathesai d,butnow
    watchingherdr owninghersel
    finalcoholgiveshim
    adifferentperspecti
    ve.
    Thesurgerywentwel l
    .She’sfull
    yrecover
    edand
    nowattendingtherapywithherfather
    .Normalagai
    n.
    She’
    sreall
    ypr i
    vil
    eged,everyt
    hingrunssmoothl
    yin
    herl
    if
    e.
    “Sowhodoyout hinkisgoi
    ngtodat
    eme? ”Thi
    s
    quest
    ioncatcheshim of
    fguar
    d.Helooksupand
    fi
    ndsherstarebur
    ninghim.
    “
    Whatdoyoumean?
    ”heasks.
    “Imeanjustthat
    .Whodoyout
    hinkisgoingto
    acceptmeandmypastandthefactthatI’
    l
    lnever
    beabletoproduceki
    ds?
    ”
    “Youcanhavekids,
    therear
    eeggdonorsand
    surr
    ogat
    es.It
    ’snotl
    ikeyouarepoort
    oaff
    ordot
    her
    means.”
    “Youdon’tgetit,doyou?Iwanttosmoke, dr
    inkand
    dowhat everthehellIwant.Li
    fehasn’
    tbeenki ndt
    o
    met oo.Youcanst il
    lshapeupyourlif
    eandhave
    chil
    dren.Ican’t
    .Andyouhavet henervetotellme
    thatI’
    mi nagoodpl ace.
    ”
    Peopl
    e’
    seyeshavest
    art
    edt
    owandert
    othei
    rtabl
    e.
    Hervoi
    cei
    sn’tr
    eal
    lyl
    ow.
    “Whyareweher
    eNal
    o?”heasks,
    hisvoi
    cef
    ir
    m but
    keptl
    ow.
    Sherestsbackont
    hechai
    randrel
    easesasi
    gh.
    Onlythenheseest
    ear
    ssheddi
    ngfrom t
    hecor
    ner
    s
    ofhereyes.
    “Ij
    ustf eell
    eftout
    ,bymyf r
    iendsandl i
    fe.EverydayI
    seebabyNhl aorNdlal
    if
    agushingoverhi spregnant
    Thalente.Itpl
    antsandwatersthatseedof
    worthlessnessasawomani nmyhead. ”
    “
    Okay,
    I’
    m sor
    ry.Whatdoyouwantust
    odo?
    ”
    Sheshr
    ugshershoul
    der
    s,“
    I’
    m notsur
    e.”
    “
    Maybeacuddleoragoodmovi
    e?”heasks,
    for
    cing
    afr
    iendl
    ysmi
    le.
    “Andbeers.Wear egoi
    ngtoyourhotelroom or
    whereveryouarestayi
    ng.I
    fyouleftanygir
    lthere,
    bett
    ertextherandtel
    lhert
    odisappearfrom ear
    th.I
    don’
    twantt ostabanyone,
    ”shesays.
    Heshakeshisheadwithhisli
    pcurvi
    ngup.She’
    s
    st
    il
    lSnalo.Someofhisfr
    iendsusedtocal
    lherMiss
    Bi
    polar
    .Shehasn’tr
    eall
    ychangedthatmuch.
    “
    Wear
    enotani
    tem,
    ”hesays.
    “I
    ’mjustplayi
    ngmybabymamar ole,
    Iwil
    lneverget
    achancet ogiveanymanheadacheandcause
    unnecessarydrama.Youar
    emyoneandonl y
    chance,
    ”shesays.
    Thathur
    ts.Maybeshe’sdoi
    ngi
    tonpur
    pose,
    justt
    o
    makehimf eelgui
    lt
    y.
    “
    I’
    m sor
    ryNal
    o,”hesaysagai
    n.
    .
    .
    THALENTE

    Heopenst hedoorformeandIst epoutli


    kear oyal
    queen,wit
    hhugesungl assesandaj acketovermy
    shoulder
    .Inmymi ndIhadani mageofanol d
    orphanedhouse,notthiswell
    keptmansi on.Iswear
    i
    tlooksli
    kesomeonel iveshere.I
    thasat ouchofa
    woman.Ther e’
    sawar mt hi
    ngabouti t
    .
    Hel eadsthewayandIfol
    lowbehindwithmy
    thuddingheart.Mypal
    msaresweating.I
    tfeel
    sli
    ke
    I’
    mi nsomeki ndofKhumbul
    ’Ekhayaepisode.I
    ’m
    notsur ewhatkindofamanI’
    m abouttomeet.

    IthoughtIhadami nuteorsoaf t
    erwal ki
    ngthrough
    thedoor ,butthemani swai ti
    ngforusj ustafew
    stepsawayf r
    om themai ndoor.Hel ooksli
    kehe’s
    beenlivinginaj unglef orthepasttwodecades.
    Eventhoughhel ookscl eananddr essedup
    decently,youcant ellbyhi sunrulyhairandmi ssi
    ng
    teetht
    hatl i
    fehasdeal twi t
    hhim.
    I
    ’
    m gr
    oundedaf
    ewst
    epsawayf
    rom hi
    m.Myeyes
    aretr
    aveli
    ngalloverhim, whi
    lehi
    saregl
    ued
    speci
    fical
    lyt
    omyf ace.Ndlal
    if
    aisst
    andi
    ngasi
    de,
    al
    lowingustodowhat everwethi
    nkofdoi
    ng.
    “
    Youl
    ookl
    ikeyourgr
    andmot
    her
    ,”hef
    inal
    lysays.
    I
    ’m notsurei
    fthat
    ’sacompl
    iment,
    Idon’tknowi
    f
    mygr andmot
    herwasuglyorbeaut
    if
    ul.
    “
    Mychi
    ld!
    ”Hest
    epsf
    orwar
    dandext
    endshi
    shand
    t
    ome.
    Handshake?Iguess…
    Myeyeswidenasourhandscomei ncontact.Even
    thepl
    umber’
    shandsdon’ tf
    eelthi
    srough.Iturnhis
    handupandlookatit.Hequickl
    ypull
    sitawaybut
    he’st
    ool
    ate,I
    ’veseenhisscars.
    Ndlali
    faclear
    shisthr
    oat,“
    Love,t
    hisisMagadlel
    a.
    Yourmot hertol
    dyouabouthim.Baba,thi
    sis
    Thalente,
    yourdaughter
    .Iwil
    lbeinthekit
    chen.”
    Hewalksandtur
    nsontothepassageand
    di
    sappear
    s.Nowit’
    sjustmeandthisman.
    “It
    houghtwel
    ookedali
    ke,
    ”Isay.Thi
    sisn’
    t
    somethi
    ngIpl
    annedtosayfi
    rst,
    buti
    tseemst
    o
    havet
    oneddownt
    heheavymood.
    “
    No,
    I’
    m ugl
    y,
    ”hesays.
    Atleastt
    heyhadmirror
    swherehewas.Iwalk
    behindhi
    mt othel
    ounge.Ihavesomanyquesti
    ons
    forhim.Whyisheaccusedofkil
    li
    nghi
    smother?
    Andwhydi dn’
    thesendevenalett
    ert
    omymot her?
    Isi
    tonasingl
    ecouchwhi
    lehecurlsuponthefloor.
    Idon’
    tknowwhati
    tmeans,i
    t’
    sjustuncomf
    ortable
    tol
    ook.
    “
    So,
    wef
    inal
    lymeet
    ,”Isay.
    “I
    tfeel
    slikeadr eam.Myf orefat
    hersdi
    dn’
    t
    completelyabandonme.Al ltheseyear
    stheykept
    youali
    veandpr ot ect
    edyou.”
    Ibeli
    eveIwaspr
    otect
    edbytheMbat
    ha,
    butI
    ’
    m not
    goingtobur
    sthi
    sbubble.
    “
    Canyoutakemebackt
    othef
    ir
    stdayyoumetmy
    mot
    her?
    ”Iask.
    “Iwasnotanor malboy,
    ”hebeginswi
    thasigh.Isit
    backont hecouchandli
    stenwit
    hmyhandont he
    cheek.Therearemanyloophol
    esinhi
    sstor
    y.He
    remember smymot herandhowhe’ dnegl ect
    edher
    asherboyf r
    iend, andhowhi sfami lydisl
    ikedher
    becauset heybel ievedhi sweirdbehavi orwasher
    fault
    .Hedescr ibeshi sjourneytoNxumal oast he
    l
    ongestwal kto‘ f
    reedom. ’Hisbr otherswer e
    supporti
    veatf i
    rst,butaf t
    erthreeyear sthey
    stoppedvi si
    tinghi m.ThenNxumal oandhi swife
    becameal lthathehad.Ther e’
    saper iodoft wo
    yearsthathedoesn’ trememberl i
    ving.Hehasscar s
    hecan’texpl ainandsi nshedoesn’ tr
    emember
    commi tt
    ing.Thesaddestt hingist hathecoul d’
    ve
    kil
    ledhismot her,chancesar ever yhighbuthi s
    memor yisl ow.Ori twashi nderedonpur pose.
    Asmuchashewasabadboyf ri
    end,he’ sadmitt
    ed
    thatmor et hanonce,butIbeli
    evemymot herwasa
    badgi r
    lf
    riendt oo.Shemovedonamont hafterhis
    disappearance.Sheneverbot heredtosear chwher e
    hewasort ri
    edtofindoutifhewasokay.Imean, i
    f
    Ndlali
    fadi sappearsoutoftheblue,I
    ’llerectboards
    ont hestreets,puthisfaceintr
    ainstationsandt axi
    ranks,andpr obabl
    ylosemyl ef
    tfootbef oregivi
    ng
    uponhi m.
    Ndlalifahaspr epar edl unchanddr inks.Bl esshis
    soul.He’ sawkwar dar oundMagadl ela,sowe
    i
    ndul gei nourlunchi nsilence.Ihaveadut ytoset
    upameet i
    ngf orMagadl elaandMaNgobese.It hink
    hejustwant stoapol ogize,nothingel se.But
    knowi ngmymot her ,she’l
    lblowever ythingoutof
    propor t
    ionanddr agt hepoorman.He’ sst i
    ll
    ment allyfragi
    le,heunder standsver ylit
    tleaboutt he
    outsidewor l
    dandl ife.MaybeI ’m devel opingasof t
    spotf orhim becauseI ’vehear dhissi deoft hestory.
    Andhehasnoone.WhenNgi diwant shishouse
    backhe’ llbehomel ess.NowIr ealizeI ’m notthat
    ri
    ch,Icanonl yaffor dtor entashackf orhim.
    .
    .
    “Areyouokay? ”Ndlali
    faasksasweheadbackto
    hishouse.I’
    vebeenover whelmedwit
    hdiffer
    ent
    emotions.Idon’tunderst
    andhowancestorswork,
    whycoul dn’
    ttheypr ot
    ecthi
    m.Imeantheirson,
    thei
    rownbl ood,lastli
    vedhisl
    if
    eat22.They
    wat chedhim bei
    ngmisusedandexploitedbya
    strangerfor27year
    sanddi dn’
    tdoasi ngl
    ethi
    ngt
    o
    rescuehi m.Buthest
    il
    lglor
    ifi
    esthem andthi
    nk
    they’reshit
    .
    “
    I’
    mjusthungr
    y,”Isayt
    oNdl
    ali
    fa.
    “
    Gir
    l,youj
    ustat
    eanhourago.
    ”
    Itur
    nmyheadtohi
    m,heglancesatmeonceand
    fi
    xeshi
    seyesont
    heroadwithasmil
    ecracki
    ngout
    .
    “
    Ifyoucan’
    taf
    for
    dmeNdl
    ali
    fasayi
    t,
    ”Isay.
    Helaughsoutloud.Someti
    mesIthi
    nkhesays
    t
    hesesill
    ythi
    ngsf ormetobit
    ehi
    sheadoff
    .
    Wear eint
    hedri
    vewayandt her
    earef
    lowerpet
    als
    scat
    teredatt
    hesides,
    leadi
    ngtothef
    rontdoor
    .
    “
    Andnow?Who’
    sget
    ti
    ngmar
    ri
    ed?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Idon’
    tknow,
    ”hesays.
    Ihopet
    hisi
    sn’
    tsomeki
    ndofpr
    ank.I
    ’
    m noti
    nthe
    moodforgames.

    Hehol
    dsmyhandaswemakeourwayi
    nsi
    det
    he
    house.Lor
    d,whati
    sgoi
    ngonhere?Di
    dafl
    ori
    st
    moveinorsomethi
    ng?Thewhol
    ehousel
    ookli
    kea
    fl
    owergarden.
    “
    Ndl
    ali
    fawhati
    sthi
    s?”Iaski
    nshock.
    “
    Flowers,”hesaysandtur
    nstotheki
    tchen.Leavi
    ng
    melookingaroundthehousel
    ikeani
    diot.
    Hecomesbackwi t
    habunchoff l
    owers.My
    Graci
    ousLord.Iswearther
    e’sanestofbutt
    erfl
    ies
    i
    nmyt ummy.Thi sisnotBonangorPearlThusi
    , i
    t’
    s
    me-Thalent
    eMbat ha.I
    t’
    smyl i
    fe,
    notamovi e.
    “
    Beauti
    fulladyf
    orbeaut
    if
    ulf
    lower
    s.”Andher
    uinsi
    t
    j
    ustl
    ikethat!
    “Youshouldwat chromanti
    cmoviesi
    nst
    eadof
    soccer
    .It
    ’s‘beauti
    fulf
    lower
    sforabeaut
    if
    ull
    ady’
    ,
    ”I
    saywit
    haneyer oll
    .
    Hesmil
    es,“Idon’
    thavematr
    ic.Ei
    therway,
    these
    ar
    eyourfl
    ower sandIl
    oveyou.”
    “I
    mpregnatemeal
    ready.
    ”Ist
    andonmyt
    oesand
    ki
    sshisli
    ps.
    “
    Ial
    readydi
    d,”hesaysandwi
    nks.
    (
    I'
    m sor
    ryaboutyest
    erday.
    .. )
    SEASONFI
    NALE
    CHAPTER68
    NDONDO

    Wecanhavedi ff
    erentbeliefsandst illrespectone
    another.It’
    snoteasy, especiallyifyoul iveunder
    oneroof ,butrespectisakeyt oanydoor .Bahlehas
    beeninspect ingmywr i
    standconsul tinghi s
    sourcest ofindoutifwear ingadeadgoat ’
    sskin
    won’tdamagemyski n.Event houghDumi saniand
    mymot herar eagainstcrueltyagainstani mals,t
    hey
    didj
    oint hecer emonyandgavemet heirblessing.
    I’
    m offi
    ciall
    yMaqhawe’ sdaught er.

    Ndabuko’ suncl
    ecal
    ledafewdaysagoandasked
    met obringthebabytohi
    m.Maybehet hi
    nksthe
    worl
    dr evolvesar
    oundhim.I
    ’venevermethi
    m.He
    di
    stancedhi msel
    ffr
    om Ndabukowhenheneeded
    hi
    mt hemost
    .Andnow,
    allofasudden,
    hewant
    sto
    meetmyson.
    Anyway, babyNhl a’sumbili
    calcorddet ached.Mam’
    Jabusuggest edt hatwekeepi tuntilNdabuko
    comesback, thenbot hofuswi l
    ldecidehowand
    wher ewebur yi t
    .I ’
    vebeenexpect i
    ngacal lfrom
    NgidiorMaqhi nga.Thewai tiskil
    li
    ngme.Iwantt o
    knowwhenmymani scomingbackhome.I ’
    vebeen
    taki
    ngcooki ngl essonsf r
    om Mam’ Jabu.Iwantt o
    spoilhimr ot
    ten, personal
    lydohi slaundryanddo
    what everdutyawomandoesf orherman.

    ItakebabyNhlatobedandgot otheverandatojoi
    n
    Qondani.Zamafuzeissti
    llagi
    rl
    fr
    iend,
    andina
    tr
    aditi
    onalhomelikemine,agi
    rl
    fri
    endisnot
    expectedtodoanychoresunti
    labakhongihave
    beensenttoherhome.
    “Haveyouservedmadam?Pr egnantwomenget
    hungryever
    ymi nut
    e,”Iask,
    loungingmysel
    font
    he
    benchnexttohim.
    “
    Shehasawhol
    egoodi
    eshopi
    nsi
    det
    her
    oom,
    ”he
    sayswi
    thachuckl
    e.
    “I
    ’m gl
    adyou’r
    et aki
    ngcareofher.Butthequesti
    on
    i
    s,forhowlong?Imean, youhavet hr
    eeother
    babymamas.Itcan’tbethatal
    lthreeofthem wer
    e
    wrong,youarejustawrongmanf oranywoman. ”
    “
    Thanksf
    orhavi
    ngf
    ait
    hinme,
    tsheket
    she.
    ”
    “
    Am Il
    ying?Youi
    mpr
    egnat
    eandl
    eavewomen.
    ”
    “Zamaf
    uzeisdi
    ff
    erent
    .She’
    stheoneI
    ’
    m goi
    ngt
    o
    haveafut
    urewi
    th.
    ”
    Oh,
    thi
    ssoundsi
    nter
    est
    ing.
    “
    Youhavegavepl
    ansf
    ort
    hef
    utur
    e?”Iask.
    “I
    ’
    m goi
    ngtomarr
    yZamafuze.Babahasgivenmea
    pl
    ot,
    I’
    m movi
    ngoutandget
    ti
    ngmar r
    ied,
    ”hesays.
    “
    You’
    rel
    ying!
    ”
    “I
    fthebusi nesspi cksupinthenexttwoyearswe’l
    l
    befinanciall
    ystabl e.Ij
    ustpraynothi
    nggoeswrong,
    Iwantt omaket hatwomanhappy.Iknowshel oves
    gl
    amor ousthingsandsof tli
    fe.
    ”Hisfacebri
    ght
    ens
    up.Mygoodness, theboyhasgr own.Hehasgood
    i
    ntentionsandbi gdreams.I’
    m veryproudofhi
    m.
    “Youdon’tneedtwoyears.Youneedagood
    marketi
    ngstrategyandi
    fyoudon’tmind,Icanhook
    youupwi thsomeone.Youcanwor kwit
    hgood
    Afri
    candesigners.
    ”
    “
    Youcandot
    hat
    ?”heasks,
    hiseyeswi
    dened.
    “
    Anyt
    hingt
    ohel
    pabadassbr
    otherout
    ,”Isay.
    “
    I’
    m notthatbad.Iwasjustir
    responsi
    bleher
    eand
    t
    here.AnywayIsawyourf ri
    end,Khosi,
    witha
    marri
    edman.YouknowMt hongaHol di
    ngs?She
    waswithamar ri
    edbrot
    herwhoi stheCEO.”
    Mychestdr i
    esup.Ithoughttheywerediscreet.
    Whywoul dtheybeseent ogetheri
    npublic?
    ThakasaManqel ecomesf r
    om averystri
    ct
    Nazarethfamil
    y.Idon’
    tknowwhyhe’ swi thKhosi
    andwhysheal l
    owshimtot ort
    ureherli
    kehedoes,
    al
    lIknowi sthathe’
    smar ri
    edandhei snotleavi
    ng
    hi
    swi feanyti
    mesoon.
    “Idon’
    tknowhim,
    ”Isay,
    sil
    entl
    yprayi
    ngt
    hathe
    doesn’
    ttaket
    hetopi
    canyfurt
    her.
    “Theydon’
    tLOVEBEYONDTHETEMPLE.Shemust
    becaref
    ul.
    ”
    Ir
    aisemyeyebr
    ow,
    “Howwel
    ldoyouknowt
    hem?
    ”
    “Thakasaist heeldest,there’sNkonzoaf t
    erhim
    andBandl alethu.Idon’tknowt hei
    rsi
    sters,butone
    ofthem i
    sat wi nwit
    htheyoungestbr other,Sqal
    o.I
    knowhowwel lrespectedt heyareandhowdeepl y
    rel
    igi
    oust hatf amil
    yis.Nomkhosii sabeaut i
    ful
    woman, Idon’ tknowwhatdealshehaswi th
    Thakasa,butt hatmanwi llneverdoanyt hi
    ngt o
    defyhisfami l
    yandwhati tst andsfor
    .She’ l
    lget
    hurt.
    ”
    Well,she’
    sbeenhur tal r
    eady, anumberoft i
    mes.It
    onlytakesonephonecal lforhertof orgi
    veandgo
    backt ohisarms.You’ dexpectaf iercewomanl i
    ke
    Khosit oputher sel
    ffirstandpr ot
    ectherhear t
    .In
    Zulutheysayi ndluyegagui yanetha, t
    hesel
    f-wort
    h
    acti
    visthasfallendeepl yinlovewi thamar ri
    edman
    who’smadei tcl earthathe’llneverleavehiswifeor
    mar r
    ysomeoneout sidethet emple.
    “Ihavet
    ocheckonmyson.Youknowhesl eepslike
    asecuri
    tyguardondut y,oneminutehe’
    sasleep
    andnexthe’sup.”I
    ’
    mj ustrunningawayfrom the
    Thakasatopic,
    I’
    vediscusseditmanytimeswi th
    Khosiandunf
    ort
    unat
    elyt
    hehear
    twant
    swhati
    t
    wants.
    .
    .
    Phoner
    ings.Maqhi
    nga’snameflashesonthe
    scr
    eenandmyhearttakesaleaptomyt hr
    oat.
    “
    Maqhi
    nga,
    ”Ianswerwi
    tht
    rembl
    inghands.
    “
    Ndondoyami
    .”
    Myheadrepl
    ayshi
    svoicet
    wot
    imes.Hotl
    iqui
    d
    r
    ushesoutofmyeyes.
    “
    Areyout
    her
    e?”heasks.
    I’
    mindisbeli
    ef.I
    ’vebeenwai
    tingf
    ort
    hisdayto
    come.Tofinall
    yhearhisvoi
    cewhenhe’sbacki
    n
    hisbody,
    mi ndandspiri
    t.
    “
    Mngomezul
    u,”Isayi
    nabr
    eaki
    ngwhi
    sper
    .
    “
    Theothersi
    deofthebedisempty.Theysay
    i
    ndondoyamiwentbacktothevi
    ll
    age.Idon’
    tknow
    i
    fthevi
    ll
    ageboyshavetakenmyplaceinherhear
    t.”
    Gosh,
    mycheeksar
    eonf
    ir
    e.I
    ’
    m bl
    ushi
    ngl
    ikea
    newl
    ywed.
    “YouareinDurban?”Iask,
    suppressi
    ngaloud
    scream t
    hatt
    hreatenstoescapemythroat
    .
    “
    No,
    I’
    m home,
    inMpumazi
    .”
    “
    Givemeaf
    ewhour
    s.”

    IcheckNhl aandfi
    ndhim sl
    eepi
    ngpeaceful
    ly.This
    givesmeenought i
    met opackourbagsandboi lhi
    s
    wat er
    .IknowAndiswaisgoingtogi
    vemeahar d
    ti
    mebef oresheagreest
    odrivemetoMpumazi .But
    i
    t’
    snotl i
    keshehasanyplans,shedoesn’
    tknow
    anyonear oundher
    e.
    “
    Whyareyourbagspacked?
    ”Mom asks,
    wal
    kingi
    n
    wit
    haf
    rown.
    “
    Ndabukocal
    led.He’
    sback.
    ”
    “
    Sowhat?Youar ejustgoingtopackandl
    eave
    wit
    houtt
    ell
    inganyone,”sheasks.
    Si
    gh!
    “
    Obvi
    ousl
    yIwasgoi
    ngt
    otel
    lyou,
    ”Isay.
    “When?Whenyouar
    eint
    hecaranddr
    ivi
    ngout
    ?
    Ndondoyouar
    enotaCEOher
    e,youar
    eachil
    d.”
    Thisisapoi
    ntwhereIshutupanddomything.I
    prepareNhl
    a’sbot
    tl
    esandpackthem i
    nhi
    sbag.

    Byt hetimeIf ini


    sht her
    e’sagroupofangr yadult
    s
    waitingf ormei nthelounge.Idon’tknowifthe
    fami l
    yisr eal
    lyunitedorwear ejustplayi
    ngahappy
    fami l
    yforonce.Ei therwayit’
    sgoodt oseethem
    together;Dumi sani,AuntVumileandBab’ Maqhawe,
    allsharingar oom andl aughi
    ngt oget
    her.Mam
    Jabuandmymot herarenotthebestoff ri
    endsbut
    they’recivilt
    owardseachot her.
    Nhlai
    sawakeandr esti
    ngonDumi sani
    ’sar
    ms.I
    gaveAndi
    swaper missi
    ontoorderanew
    wheel
    chai
    r,Ihopeit
    ’l
    lbedeli
    veredsoon.
    “
    Sit
    ,”Bab’
    Maqhawesays.
    Idon’tr
    ollmyeyes,
    Isi
    tandl
    ookatt
    hem wi
    thzer
    o
    pati
    ence.
    “
    Youar
    eleavi
    ng?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Yes,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Att
    hist
    ime,
    wit
    hal
    it
    tl
    ebaby?
    ”
    Idon’
    tsayanyt
    hing.
    “
    Youcannott
    ravelwit
    hthebabyatni
    ghtNdondo.
    I
    t’
    snotsaf
    eforhim,”hesays.
    Withmyeyebrowsr ai
    sed,Iask;“
    Whatdoyou
    suggestIdo?I
    ’m notsl
    eepingwithoutseei
    ng
    Ndabuko.”
    Helooksatmymother,
    sheshrugshershoul
    der
    sin
    r
    esponsetohi
    ssi
    lentquest
    ion.
    “Wear enottryi
    ngtokeepyouawayfrom him.We
    understandhowhar di
    t’
    sbeen.ButNhlanzeko’
    s
    safet
    ymustcomef i
    rst
    .Qondanicanbringhimin
    themor ning,
    he’l
    lst
    aybehi
    ndwithhis
    grandmot her
    s.”
    “ButBabaIcannotl
    eavemybabybehind.
    ”Icannot
    beseparat
    edfrom myson.Ndabukomustbedying
    tospendti
    mewi t
    hhim aswell
    .
    “Ndondo!
    ”Dumisanit
    hepastoremerges.Il
    ookat
    him andf
    indt
    hestri
    ctfat
    herglar
    ingatme.Iknow
    hedoesn’
    tnegot
    iat
    ewi
    thachi
    ld.

    Leavi
    ngNhl abehindfeel
    sli
    keI’
    m choosi
    ngaman
    overhi
    m.Thi sisthefi
    rstt
    imehesleepswit
    houtme.
    Iknowhedoesn’ tknowmeyet,butwhatifhe
    sensesthatI’
    m notaroundandcri
    estodeath.
    “Seriousl
    y?What ’sgoi
    ngtohappenwhenyour
    mat erni
    tyleaveends?You’regoingtocrythewhol
    e
    dayi ntheoffice,
    ”Andiswaasks.She’sso
    i
    nsensi ti
    ve.Idon’tbot
    herrespondi
    ngt oher,
    I’
    m
    goingt ocryasmuchasIwant .
    Idon’
    tcommentonherspeedei
    ther
    .Ij
    ustpr
    ayt
    hat
    wedon’tbumpi
    ntot
    raff
    iccops.

    It
    ’s22h28whenwear ri
    veinMpumazi.Icall
    Maqhi ngatocomeandopent hegat
    e.Myhear t
    swellsinecst
    asyasIseeashadowcr ossing
    behindthebedroom curt
    ain.
    “Andiswayou’
    resogrown,
    ”Maqhi
    ngasays,
    eyei
    ng
    Andiswawitht
    hirst
    .
    “
    Real
    ly?
    ”Thi
    sonebl
    ushes.
    Il
    ookatbot
    hofthem.Maqhi
    ngamustnott
    estme!
    Thi
    sisachi
    ld.
    “
    Shecoul
    dbeyourdaught
    er,
    ”Isay.
    Hebr
    eaksi
    ntol
    aught
    er,
    “I’
    m onl
    y29f
    orf
    ucksake!
    ”
    “St
    il
    l,
    youshoul
    dn’
    tbecomment
    ingl
    iket
    hat
    .She’
    sa
    baby,
    ”Isay.
    Andi
    swarol
    lshereyesandwal
    kst
    othedoor
    ,
    l
    eavi
    ngusbehind.
    “You’
    resl
    eepi
    ngint
    herondavel.Idon’
    twantyou
    anywherear
    oundAndi
    swa,”IsaytoMaqhinga.
    “
    Whati
    fIhavegoodi
    ntent
    ions?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Idon’
    tcar
    e.Takeyourgoodint
    ent
    ionst
    oyour
    t
    housandf
    uckbuddies,
    ”Isay.
    Helaughs.I
    ’
    m notj
    oki
    ngwithhi
    m.Andiswai
    sof
    f
    l
    imit
    s.Iknowhowhetreat
    swomen-l
    ikesper
    m
    di
    shes.
    Asuncomf
    ort
    ableasi
    tist
    oleaveAndi
    swawi
    th
    Maqhi
    nga,
    Ihavetofi
    ndmyman.
    “
    Ifhedoesanyt
    hingt
    oyouscr
    eam,
    ”It
    ellAndi
    swa.
    Maqhi ngal
    aughsfrom t
    heki
    tchen.Andiswai
    sver
    y
    comf ort
    abl
    earoundhim.Sheshouldn’
    tbe.He’
    s
    olderthanher
    .

    Iknocksof
    tl
    yout
    sidet
    hedoor
    .Ihopehe’
    snot
    asl
    eep.
    Foot
    stepscomet
    owar
    dst
    hedoor
    .
    Thehandletur
    nsandt hedooropens.Her ei
    sthe
    cutesmil
    eIhavemi ssedforsolong.He’sgai
    ned
    backsomeofhi sweight.Hi
    sheadi sshavedand
    bald.Hesmell
    sheavenlyandlookshandsomei n
    ri
    ppedjeansandunbut t
    onedshi
    r t
    .
    “
    Hey,
    ”hesays.
    Ear
    tht
    oNdondo!
    Icl
    earmyt
    hroat
    ,“Hi
    .”
    Myvoicejustcr
    oaksout.Mylegsf
    eell
    ikej
    ell
    y.I
    ’
    m
    l
    it
    eral
    lyj
    ustdrooli
    ngoverhi
    m.
    “
    Areyoucomi
    ngi
    n?”heasks.
    Damni
    t.Ist
    epi
    nsi
    de.Hecl
    osest
    hedoorbehi
    ndme.
    “Iwashopingt hatyou’l
    lcomewi t
    hmyboybutI
    underst
    andt hat…”Igrabhisheadandsmoochhis
    l
    ips.Hischuckledisappearsbetweenourl
    ocked
    l
    ips.Hetastest hesame, hi
    sbodyreact
    stomine
    warmly.Sixweeksr ule,damnit
    !
    Wearepiledonbed,ourl
    ipsar
    elocked,
    ourbr
    eat
    hs
    escal
    ati
    ngandsteaminguptheroom.
    Ipushhim asi
    dewhenIf eelhi
    sexcit
    edor gan
    pokingoutofhi
    sjean.I
    tstil
    lworks.Withever
    ythi
    ng
    thatwentdown,not
    hingwasguar anteed.
    “
    Ihavemissedyousomuch,
    ”hesays,
    brushi
    nghi
    s
    l
    ipsagai
    nstmyneck.
    It
    ouchhi
    sface,r
    unni
    ngmyf
    inger
    sonhi
    sjawl
    ine
    j
    ustt
    ofeelt
    hathe’
    sreal
    .
    “
    Ican’
    tbel
    ieveyouar
    eback,
    ”Isayi
    nal
    owwhi
    sper
    .
    “
    Iwasn’
    tgoi
    ngt
    oleavemysonf
    ather
    less,
    ”hesays.
    “
    Andme,
    right
    ?”Iask.
    Hesmi
    les,
    “Yes,
    andmyt
    rophy.
    ”
    Weki
    ssagain.Bri
    efl
    ythi
    stime.Idon’
    twantitt
    o
    l
    eadmetotemptati
    ons.Mystit
    chesrecent
    lyheal
    ed,
    mycer
    vixi
    sstil
    lgett
    ingbacki
    ntoplace.
    “
    Whatr
    eal
    lyhappenedbabe?
    ”Iask.
    Hi
    sfacechangesinstant
    ly.Hehol
    dsmyhandand
    pl
    ayswit
    hmyf inger
    s.
    “I
    si ti
    mportantforyout oknow?Imean, wear e
    okaynow, wesur vivedthestorms.Yougotcl osur
    e
    andIgotadeeperunder st
    andingofeverything.My
    parents,Nhlanzekoandmychi ldhood.Allwehave
    todonowi sstartover,onacleansl at
    e.Nhlanzeko
    i
    sr esti
    ngpeacef ul
    ly,yougavehi m anheir-
    someonewhocar ri
    eshi sname.”
    Itmakessensewhenheputsi tthatway.Idon’t
    needtoknowwhathappenedi ndet ai
    ls.Themost
    i
    mpor t
    antthi
    ngisthatwesurvived.Notwi t
    hout
    scar
    sandbr ui
    ses,
    butwear eher e,i
    neachot her
    ’s
    armsagain.
    “Okay,
    let
    ’sj
    ustmoveon.Whi
    lewearesti
    llont
    hat
    ,
    youruncl
    ecall
    ed.Hewant
    stoseeNhla,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Thatonei
    sful
    lofshi
    t.Ngi
    dii
    stheonl
    ypat
    ernal
    grandfat
    herofNhl
    athatIknow.Howi
    syour
    father
    ?”
    Si
    gh!Wher
    edoIevenst
    art
    ?
    “HewentbacktoNyandeni
    .Il
    eftallofthem t
    her
    e.I
    cansayhe’
    sfinebecausehe’
    sbreathingandIdon’
    t
    knowwhatIcandot ohel
    phim.”
    “
    Isi
    tthatbad?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Badisnotevenaword.ButI
    ’m prayi
    ngfort
    hebest
    .
    I
    fnotGod,t
    heancest
    orswil
    lint
    ervene.”
    Hewrapsmei
    nhi
    sar
    msandpl
    ant
    saki
    ssonmy
    f
    orehead.
    “
    It
    ’sgoi
    ngt
    obeokayst
    handwasami
    ,
    ”hesays.
    That
    ’swhatI
    ’
    m hopi
    ngf
    oraswel
    l
    .
    “Iwishmysonwasher ebutIunder
    standyour
    fat
    her’sconcerns.Howbigishenow? ”Hisvoicei
    s
    sore.Thisremindsmetocallmymot her.Ihaven’
    t
    checkedont hem int
    helasthour
    .
    “Iwi
    llshowyouhisvideos,
    letmecal
    lmymot her
    fi
    rst
    .”Iscrol
    ldownmycontactsandcal
    lher
    number.Itri
    ngsacoupleofti
    mesbefor
    eshepicks
    up.
    “
    I’
    m goi
    ngtoswit
    cht
    hisphoneof
    fnow,
    ”shewar
    ns
    i
    nannoyance.
    “
    Ijustwant
    edt
    ochecki
    fhe’
    snotcr
    ying,
    ”Isay.
    “
    Andi
    fhe’
    scr
    yingwhatar
    eyougoi
    ngt
    odo?
    ”
    Ir
    ollmyeyes,
    “Mom,
    isheokayornot
    ?”
    “
    He’sokayNdondo.CanIsl
    eepnow?
    ”She’
    s
    i
    rr
    it
    ated.
    “
    Okay,
    goodni
    ght
    .Il
    oveyou.
    ”
    Cal
    ldr
    opped…
    Il
    etoutaheavysighandopenthegall
    erytoshow
    hi
    m Nhla’
    svideos.WhenIlif
    tmyeyesIfi
    ndapair
    ofamusedeyesst ar
    ingatme.
    “
    What
    ’sf
    unny?
    ”Iask.
    “Youareabeaut
    if
    ulmom.Mysoni sbl
    essedto
    haveyou.Soam I
    ,youarethereasonwhyIfought
    tocomeback.You’
    renotjustapret
    tyf
    ace,t
    here’
    sa
    str
    ongwomanbehi ndt
    hisbeauty.
    ”
    “
    Babe!
    ”I’
    m bl
    ushi
    ng.
    “Iwantt
    ohol dyouinmyarmst hr
    oughoutt
    heni ght
    .
    Iwanttofeelyourhear
    tbeat
    ingagainstmi
    ne.”He
    pull
    smecl osertohi
    schestandgivesmealight
    peckonthecheek.
    Icl
    ickont hef
    ir
    stvi
    deo…he’snotdoinganythi
    ng,
    j
    ustsleepingi
    nhiscot
    ,butwewat chandlaughli
    ke
    wear ewatchi
    ngthemostint
    erest
    ingmovieofthe
    century.
    .
    .
    MAQHI
    NGA

    She’ssit
    ti
    ngontopofthetabl
    ewithherl
    egs
    crossedandst
    aringathi
    m asifshe’
    scal
    cul
    ati
    ng
    everymovehemakes.
    “Doyouwantsomef
    rui
    tsal
    ad?
    ”heaskswi
    thhi
    s
    backtur
    ned.
    “
    Don’
    tyouhaveSavanna?
    ”sheasks.
    Maqhingat
    urnsaroundwi
    thhiseyeswidened.
    She’
    sonly21.Ndondowil
    leathi
    m ali
    veifhedares
    t
    oof
    ferherbabysi
    steral
    cohol
    .
    “
    Ihavemi
    lkandj
    uice,
    ”hesays.
    Thr
    owingherheadbackwar
    ds,
    shel
    aughsouti
    n
    mocker
    y.
    “
    DudeI
    ’
    m over18,
    ”shesays,
    sti
    lll
    aughi
    ng.
    “ButyouknowthatNdondowi
    llki
    llyoui
    fshef
    inds
    out,
    ”hesays.
    Shegl
    ancesatt
    hepassageandl
    ooksbackathi
    m.
    “Ndondoissleepi
    ngnow.Shewon’tr
    uinherfi
    rst
    nightwit
    hMngomezulubynannyingme.Butif
    you’r
    escaredwecantakeitandgodri
    nkinyour
    room.”Shejumpsoffthet
    ableandst
    rai
    ghtensher
    dress.
    “You’r
    emaki ngmel ookbadyazi.”Hecomplains
    whiletakingasixpackofSavannaoutoft hefri
    dge.
    Shehel pshim bytaki
    ngt hebowloff
    ruitsal
    adhe
    prepared.Theymaket heirwayoutofthehouseand
    headtot herondavel,
    closingt
    hedoorbehindthem.

    I
    t’
    saf
    ancyr
    ondavelcompar
    edt
    otheonesi
    n
    Nyandeni
    .It
    ’sf
    urni
    shedmodernl
    y,wi
    thgigant
    ic
    windowsandartdecor
    ati
    onsonthewal
    ls.
    Shedoesn’twaittobetold,
    shemakesher sel
    f
    comf ort
    abl
    eont hebedandt akesoneSavanna.
    Maqhi ngai
    sstil
    lpull
    ingdownt hecur
    tai
    nsand
    cl
    earinghisshoesfrom t
    hef l
    oor.Whenheturns
    aroundAndiswai sonhersecondSavanna.
    “
    Damn,ar
    eyoudr
    inki
    ngt
    odr
    ownsor
    rows?
    ”heasks
    i
    nawe.
    “
    Maybe,
    ”shesays,
    shr
    uggi
    nghershoul
    der
    s.
    “Youare21,
    whatsor
    rowsdoyouhave?Mi
    ssi
    nga
    class?
    ”
    “Ihavebi
    ggerpr
    oblemsMaqhi
    nga.Ar
    eyounot
    goingtosi
    tanddri
    nk?”
    Hechuckl
    esandsi
    tsnextt
    oher
    .
    “
    Iwi
    llhavemysal
    adf
    ir
    st,
    ”hesays.
    “Idi
    dn’tseeyouassomeonewhoeat
    ssal
    ads.You
    arethedumplingt
    ype,
    ”shesays.
    Hiseyeswiden,thenhebreaksint
    olaught
    er.He’s
    notasaladpersonbutthatdoesn’
    tmeanhehat esit
    .
    Andit
    ’scloset
    omi
    dni
    ght
    ,hecan’
    teatadumpl
    ing
    att
    histi
    me.
    “
    Youar
    ejudgment
    al,
    ”hesays.
    “No,I
    ’
    m not
    .Ij
    ustknowt
    axidr
    iver
    sver
    ywel
    l
    ,”she
    says.
    He’snotat
    axidriverbuthedoesn’
    tcorr
    ecther.
    Inst
    eadhestaresatherandaskswhatexperience
    shehaswit
    ht axidri
    verstoknowthem t
    hatwell.
    “Myfi
    rstboyf
    ri
    end’
    sbrot
    herwasat axidr
    iver
    ,”she
    says,
    givi
    nghim ashr
    ugandsippi
    ngherSavanna.
    “Fir
    stboyf
    ri
    end?”Hedidn’
    texpecthertohave
    hist
    oryint
    hedatingdepar
    tment.Het houghtt
    he
    boyfri
    endNdondowantedtoburnalivewasherfir
    st.
    “
    Theonewhot
    ookmyvi
    rgi
    nit
    y,”shesays.
    Helaughs.That’
    sallhecando.I fi
    twashissi
    ster
    hewould’vebeenangr y,
    that’
    sforsur
    e.Butasaguy
    heunderstandshowi tworks.Hewas16whenhe
    fi
    rstbr
    okesomeone’ svirgi
    nit
    yandshewasonly15.
    “What’
    str
    oubl
    ingyou?
    ”heasks,
    shaki
    ngof
    fthe
    vi
    rgi
    nit
    ytal
    k.
    Shesi
    ghsandput
    sdownherdr
    ink.
    “
    Mypar
    ent
    s’mar
    ri
    agei
    sover
    .Dadi
    sanass#ol
    e.”
    That
    ’snotsomethingheexpected.Het
    houghti
    t
    wasschoolrel
    atedorsomethingtodowit
    hboys.
    “
    I’
    m sor
    ryt
    oheart
    hat
    ,”hesays.
    “YaziIneverthoughtthethingsIreadaboutin
    newspaper scouldhappeni nmyhome, t
    omy
    mother.Ithit
    sdiff
    erentl
    ywhensomeonecl oseto
    youisavi ct
    im andyoudi dn’tdoanyt
    hingtosave
    her.
    ”
    Her
    eachesoutt
    oherhandandhol
    dsi
    t.
    “Andiswayouar eyoung.There’
    snothi
    ngyou
    could’vedone.Youhavenof aul
    tint
    his,
    ”hesays.
    “Ist
    il
    lfeelli
    keIfail
    edbot hofthem.Myf atherhas
    neverbeennormal .Signswer ethere,
    theirbedroom
    doorwasal waysshutandwewer enotal l
    owed
    i
    nside,underanyci r
    cumst ances.I’
    m herdaught er
    butI’
    veneverseenhert akeashower .Anor mal
    motherwoul dcallyoutobr i
    ngherashampooora
    towelwhileint
    hebat hroom.ButI ’
    veneverseenmy
    mothernaked,
    li
    kenever
    .”Shecover
    shereyesand
    sni
    ff
    sback.
    “HowdidIfai
    ltopi
    ckt
    hisup?Whatkindofa
    daught
    eram I?
    ”Maqhi
    ngapull
    sherintohi
    sarms
    andembracesheri
    natight
    ,war
    m hug.
    “
    Pleasedon’
    tcr
    y,i
    t’
    sgonnabeokay,
    trustme.
    ”
    “I
    thurts.Mymotherhadtoswallowbacktearsand
    wearasmi l
    eforoursake.Shesacri
    fi
    cedher…”He
    pressesherheadagai
    nsthischestanddr
    awsa
    maponherback.
    “
    PleaseAndi
    swa,
    ”hewhi
    sper
    s.
    Foramomentshe’ssobbingonhi
    schestandhe’
    s
    rubbi
    ngherback,
    tryi
    ngtocal
    m herdown.
    Thenshel
    if
    tshermessyf
    acet
    ohi
    m.
    “
    CanIspendt
    heni
    ghtwi
    thyou?
    ”
    Hiseyeswiden.Ndondogaveawar ni
    ng.Them
    spendinganightinoneroom,ononebed,wil
    l
    surel
    ypaintadiff
    erentpi
    ctur
    e.
    “Youcan’
    t.Ndondowil
    lhavemyl
    ungsf
    or
    breakf
    ast
    ,”hesays.
    “
    Idon’
    tcar
    ewhatNdondot hi
    nks.I
    ’
    m 21,
    Icanmake
    myowndecisi
    ons,
    ”shesays.
    He’
    sthr
    ownbackandmut
    ed.
    “ButIcanleavebef
    oreshewakesupi
    fyou’
    re
    scared,
    ”shesays.
    “
    HhayiAndi
    swa,whati
    fIgettemptedt
    odothi
    ngs
    t
    oyou?I’
    m amanandyou’reagir
    l.Unl
    essi
    fyou’
    re
    wil
    li
    ngt
    osleeponthef
    loor
    .”
    “I
    ’m sl
    eepi
    ngwithyou.
    ”Wit
    hthatsaidshethrows
    herlegoverhi
    m andst
    eal
    sakissfrom hi
    slips.
    She’
    sthr
    owi
    ngst
    onesatt
    hesl
    eepi
    ngbul
    ldog.
    “Yourli
    psaresof
    t,
    ”hesays,
    li
    cki
    nghisli
    psand
    sendinghi
    seyedowntoherexposedthi
    gh.
    “
    Allmyl
    ipsar
    esof
    t,
    ”shesays.
    Hi
    seyeswi
    den.
    “
    Real
    ly?
    ”heasks.
    Sheki
    sseshi
    schi
    n.Hel
    etsoutasof
    tchuckl
    e.
    “
    Youcant
    ast
    ebot
    handf
    eelt
    hem,
    ”shewi
    nks.
    Hegrabsherneckandsucksherl
    owerli
    p.Hishand
    t
    ravel
    sdownandl i
    ft
    supherdress,
    clear
    ingi
    tspath
    t
    ohercookiejar
    .Hepull
    sasidet
    heG-str
    ingand
    f
    eelstheso-
    call
    edsoftl
    ips.
    Indeedthey’r
    esoft
    .Agroanescapeshist
    hroat
    .
    Stolensexhasalwaysbeenthebestandthi
    sisa
    goodt emptati
    on.
    “
    Idon’
    thavecondomsyazi
    ,
    ”hewhi
    sper
    s.
    “Sowhat’
    sgoingtohappen?Wear epost
    poni
    ng
    thi
    s?”Sheli
    cksthesi
    deofhisface.Thet
    ri
    cksshe
    hasinhersl
    eevesareshocki
    ngfora21yearold.
    “
    Areyounotscar
    edofme?
    ”heasks.
    “Youdon’tlookst
    upidandIknowmywayt
    othe
    pharmacy,”shesays.
    Hei gnorest
    hesoftvoiceinhi
    sconscienceand
    str
    ipshernaked.Sheput sheronherbackonbed
    andt akesof
    fhisshir
    tandkissesher.Hehasto
    makei twort
    hherwhi l
    e.Passionat
    e,sl
    owand
    ful
    fil
    li
    ng.
    “
    Andi
    swaIdon’
    twantanyonet
    othi
    nkIt
    ook
    advant
    ageofyou.I
    fyoursi
    sterf
    indsoutaboutt
    his
    I’
    l
    lbedead.
    ”
    “I
    t’
    smybody.Pl
    easest
    oppani
    cki
    ng,
    it’
    stur
    ningme
    off
    .”
    Hechucklesanddr
    opshi
    sheadonher
    sandki
    sses
    heragai
    n.
    It
    ’sjustthi
    sonet i
    me.Nobodyisevergoingt
    ofi
    nd
    out.He’seightyearsol
    derherandshe’
    shis
    brother’
    ssister
    -i
    n-l
    aw.
    EPI
    LOGUE
    NDONDO

    Wehavecomet oofartobewherewear etoday.I


    t
    wasn’tabedofroses,wehadmor edownst hanups.
    Wesur vi
    vedstormsandhurri
    canes.Wit
    hscar sand
    br
    uisesshapingusupf ort
    hisday,andchall
    enges
    makingusstrongerthanwewere.
    Idi
    dn’tgett
    omeethi
    mi nper
    sonbutIhaveaclear
    pi
    ctureofwhoandhowhewas.Wecoul dhave
    worked,t
    heysayl
    ovepavest
    heway,butIcansayit
    wit
    hmyheadhel duphighthat;NhlanzekoandI
    werejusttoodif
    fer
    ent
    .I’
    m gladhepl annedmylif
    e
    andar r
    angedagoodmanf orme.Yes, myli
    fewas
    pl
    annedbyadeadman, buthehadmybest
    i
    nterestsathear
    tandforthat,
    I’
    llal
    waysbegr at
    eful
    .
    Oursonj ustturnedthreemont hsold.Helooks
    exactl
    ylikethemanofal eat
    herjacketinpict
    ures.I
    swearI’m mar r
    ingintothemostwei r
    dfami l
    y.But
    he’
    saf reshstartforNdabuko, mor eli
    kehe’sgetti
    ng
    toli
    vewi tht
    heol dNhl anzekoalloveragain.

    Speaki
    ngofthatinnocentsoul,hi
    shoarsecry
    welcomesmef r
    om thedoor .Ishouldbedressi
    ng
    up,weonlyhavefortyminutesleft
    ,butIcan’
    tfocus
    i
    fI’
    vebeenawayf rom himfortoolong.
    “
    Whyi
    shecr
    ying?
    ”Iaski
    npani
    c.
    He’
    sinThal
    ent
    e’sar
    msandcr
    yinghi
    slungsout
    .
    “
    Lor
    d,Ndondo!Di
    dyouseet
    het
    ime?
    ”sheasks.
    “Ij
    ustneededt
    oseehi
    m bef
    orewegot
    othe
    venue.
    ”
    “Hej
    ustwantshi
    smilk.I
    t’
    ssti
    llhot
    .Nowgoback
    anddressupbef
    oreNdabukosendsanarmyher
    e.”
    Il
    eanover
    ,wi
    pehi
    stear
    sandki
    sshi
    sti
    nyf
    orehead.
    “Mommyl ovesyou,okay?
    ”He’sj
    ustsocut
    eand
    i
    nnocent.Ican’
    tst
    ayawayf r
    om hi
    m.He’smy
    ever
    ythi
    ng.
    Andiswawal ksi nwi tht hebot tle.Sher efusedt obe
    abr i
    desmai d.Shebackedoutont helastmi nut e,
    I
    hadt oaskacol leaguet ost andi nf orherandbeg
    thedesignert oadj ustthedr ess.Ihaven’ tasked
    what’sgoi ngonwi thher ,latelyshe’ sbeenhi di
    ng
    herselfi
    nherr oom andnott al kingt oanyone.I
    understandt hechanges, it
    ’shar dt oacceptt hatour
    parentssepar ated.Dumi sanii snowl i
    vingi n
    Nyandeni ,mom i sher ei nDur ban.Weknowt hey’re
    nolongert oget herevent hought heyhaven’ tfi
    led
    fordivorce.ButIdon’ tt hinkt hat ’ssomet hingeat i
    ng
    Andiswa, somet hingel sei sbot heringher .
    Thal
    ent
    etakest
    hebot
    tl
    eandf
    eedsNhl
    a.Hecal
    ms
    downandsuckl
    ehi
    smilk.
    “
    Youcanl
    eavenow.Oryouwantmet
    ocal
    lyour
    mot
    her
    s?”shesays.
    Sheknowshowdr amaticthosetwowomencanbe.
    Iwasokaywiththem bei
    ngcatandmouse, now
    thatt
    heyhaveformedthisnewf r
    iendshi
    pthey’
    ve
    becomeapairofungovernableadult
    s.

    Igobackt ot
    hebedroom andendurepier
    cing
    star
    esfrom t
    heglamorousSnaloandKhosiwho
    canhardlywaitf
    ort
    heactualceremony.
    “
    Who’sgoingtoputmeinadr ess?Ial
    readyknow
    who’
    sgoingtotakei
    tout
    ,”Iask.
    Themake-upgi
    rl
    sgiggl
    e.Imustbet
    hemost
    annoyi
    ngbri
    dethey’
    veeverwor
    kedwit
    h.
    Ihaven’tlostallthepregnancyweight,whichiswhy
    Ichoseabal lgown.It’
    snottooti
    ght, i
    thugsmy
    upperbodyper fect
    lyandcupsupmybr easts.
    Dumi sanigavemeadi amondbracelet.It
    ’snotjust
    anybr acelet
    , i
    twascust om-madeforme.Hi sgiftof
    goodl uckandl astgif
    tt omeasaSi bisi.Bothof
    them, hi
    m andBab’ Maqhawe,wil
    lwal kmedownt he
    aisl
    e.
    Twogi rl
    shel pmei nthedr essanddot helast
    touchesonmyf ace.Ihavef ourbridesmai ds
    wearingl ongduskypi nkdr esses.Thr eeoft hem
    havet hesamehai rdo,onlySnal oisr ockingher
    dyeddr eadlocks.Nomkhosii sobviouslymymai d
    ofhonor .Icouldn’thavechosenabet t
    erper son
    otherthanmybestf r
    iend.Ihaven’ thear danyt hi
    ng
    aboutThakasai nthel astcoupleofweeks, Ihope
    thi
    stimet hei
    rbreakupi sforgood.

    Ireal
    lydon’
    tknowwherethetimewent,wear
    e
    al
    mostf i
    ft
    eenminutesl
    ate.Nomkhosiwasal
    ready
    accepti
    ngathousandcal
    lsbytheti
    mewel ef
    tthe
    house.
    Wekepti tsmal
    l,wi
    thcloserel
    atives,
    coll
    eagues
    andf r
    iendsonl
    y.We’l
    linvi
    temor eguestsfort
    he
    tradi
    ti
    onalweddi
    ng.Iwant edt
    hisonet obe
    romant i
    candpri
    vat
    einHi ghfi
    eldHouse.
    Thebri
    desmaidshaveenter
    ed.Nowit’
    sti
    mefor
    Qondani
    ’spr
    incesstoopenthewayforme.
    Bab’
    Maqhawe’shandgrowst i
    ghtar
    oundmine.I
    wishBab’Ml ambowashere,torejoicewi
    thmeon
    thisday.Iknowthathewould’vebeenproudofme.
    Hewoul d’vegavemehiswiseadvi cesand
    blessi
    ngs.Ihopehef or
    gaveusf orwhathappened
    tohim.
    “Iwi
    shyoual
    lthebestNdondoyamahl
    ase,
    ”
    Bab’
    Maqhawesays.
    “Al
    waysr ememberthatyouhaveaf
    ami l
    ythatl
    oves
    you.I
    fyouencounterprobl
    emsandthey’
    retoo
    heavyforyou,don’
    tbescaredt
    ocomeback,”
    Dumisanisays.
    I’
    m notgoi
    ngt ostartcryi
    ngnow.Ifi
    ghtbacktear
    s
    andhugbot hofthem.They’renotper
    fectbutI
    knowthey’
    lllosetheirsoul
    sbefor
    etheyall
    ow
    anyonetotreatmebadl y.
    “I
    t’
    sti
    meforyout
    ogotoyourhusband,
    ”
    Bab’
    Maqhawesays.
    Dumisanihol
    dsmyf r
    eehand,Bab’
    Maqhawe
    pusheshiswheel
    chai
    rbehindandweapproacht
    he
    entr
    ance.Myinsi
    desaref
    rozen.Whenmyeyesset
    onhim st
    andi
    ngnervousl
    yinadark-
    greyt
    uxedo,
    mykneesgetwobbl
    y.Hiseyesar
    efi
    xedonmeasi
    f
    i
    t’
    sthefi
    rstt
    imehe’
    severseenme.

    HeshakesDumi
    sani
    ’
    shand,
    thenBab’
    Maqhawe’
    s.
    “Iwi
    llt
    reatherli
    keaqueen,
    ”hesaysbef
    oret
    hey
    cansayanything.
    “
    I’
    llhol
    dyout
    oit
    ,”Bab’
    Maqhawesayswi
    thasmi
    le.
    Dumisanihandsmeoverbutbefor
    elett
    inggoofmy
    mindhesays;“Il
    oveyoumntanami.”
    Iglancebackathim andsmil
    ewi thtear
    sburning
    myeyes.Il ovehi
    mt oo,
    Idon’tknowwhathe’s
    goingtodot ogetmymot her
    ’sforgi
    venessbutI
    wantbot hofthem t
    obeokay.Theyhavechi l
    dren
    together
    .

    “You’
    rebeaut
    if
    ulMakaNhl
    a,”Ndabukowhi
    sper
    s
    andgivesmyhandasqueeze.
    Imakei
    ttothef
    rontwi
    thbur
    ningcheeks.This
    whol
    esnackofamanisabouttobeoffi
    cial
    lymine.
    “MyYar
    dner
    …wemadeit!
    ”Idi
    dn’tr
    eali
    zeIwas
    sayi
    ngt
    hatl
    oudbef
    oret
    heapplauseerupt
    ed.
    “Ndondoyami
    ,
    ”hesaysi
    navoi
    cel
    acedwi
    th
    emotions.
    Weareaboutt
    oki
    sswhent
    hepast
    orcl
    ear
    shi
    s
    t
    hroat
    .
    Oh,
    snap!
    .
    .
    THALENTE

    I’
    mf ivemont hspr egnantbutyou’ dswearI ’m about
    togivebi rthorcar ryingtwins.Theweddi ngi s
    beaut i
    ful,Ilovedt heirvowsandhowdeepl yinlove
    theyar e.Thei rstorydeservest obetelevi
    sed.Fr om
    ayardnert oar i
    chchosenhusband.I t’
    ssucha
    beaut i
    fulstor y.Iwishmi newasl iketheir
    s,butI
    foundl oveatt hetaxirank.Wewer eenemi esbef or
    e
    webecamel overs.Our swasver ydramat i
    c,not
    somepr incechar mingandpr incesskindofst ory.
    ThefightsinCannelandsshack,potatoesand
    beansscandal ,
    taxiracesandpregnancy.Itall
    happenedi nashortspaceoft i
    me.ButIdon’ thave
    anyregrets,Il
    ovethattallmaninablackt uxedo.
    Hekeepsst eali
    ngglancesatme.Iknowhet hi
    nks
    I’
    m hungryorsleepy.Butnoneoft hatisthecase
    here,
    I’m onlycravi
    ngaki ss.

    Myphonevi
    brates.Thepastori
    sstil
    lquot
    ingfr
    om
    t
    heBibl
    eandgivingthem advi
    ces.Iqui
    etl
    yexcuse
    mysel
    fandwalkout.
    It
    ’smymot her.Shecoul
    dn’
    tmakei
    ttot
    heweddi
    ng
    becauseofothercommitment
    s.
    “
    Thal
    ent
    etheyknow,
    ”shesays.
    Icanheart
    hepani
    cinhervoi
    ce.
    “
    Whatar
    eyout
    alki
    ngaboutMa?
    ”Iask.
    “
    Yourf
    ather
    .Hisbrot
    her
    sknowt
    hathe’
    soutand
    t
    heywanthi
    m dead.”
    Whatthehell
    ?Magadlel
    ahasbeent
    hroughal
    ot,
    he
    doesn’
    tneedthi
    schaos.
    “
    Don’
    tworry,he’
    ssafewhereheis.Iwi
    llt
    ellNdl
    ali
    fa
    t
    oupgradethesecur
    ityaswel
    l.
    ”
    “Pleasemnt anami ,he’snoti nnocentbutwhat ever
    happenedwasnothi sintenti
    onandhehadnoi dea
    whathewasdoi ng.”She’ sgrownver ypr otectiveof
    him.It’
    sei theroutofgui ltorbecause‘ oldflames
    diehar d.’Imanagedt oar r
    anget hei
    rmeet ing
    withoutt heMbat hasf indingout.Het oldherhi s
    storyandsheunder stoodhi m.Nowwhat ’
    sl ef
    tis
    formet obet ransfer r
    edbackt omyr ightful
    surname, Gi na.Ndl ali
    fawant sitt ohappenbef oreI
    givebirth, sohe’ sdoi nghi sutmostbestt ohelp
    Magadl elagetbackonhi sfeet.Thisisnot
    somet hi ngt heMbat hasexpect edbutt hey’ve
    alwayshadmybesti nterestatheart.Thisisf orthe
    babyt hatI ’m carrying, it
    ’simportantforhimt obe
    i
    nt r
    oducedt otheGi naancest ors.
    Doesn’
    titfr
    eakmeout?Well
    ,itdoes.Evenwhenit
    ki
    cksormovesinmyt ummyIal wayswonderifi
    t’
    s
    nott
    akingmybonesandopeni ngisi
    godloi
    nsi
    deme.
    IswearI’
    vehear
    ditsi
    ghli
    keNgcwet hiacoupl
    eof
    ti
    mes.ButNdlal
    if
    athi
    nksI
    ’m paranoidandmaking
    i
    tseem asifhisbelovedsonwon’tbenormal.He
    won’tbenormal,I’
    vemadepeacewi t
    hthat,butI
    l
    ovehim moret hananythi
    nginthi
    sworld,befor
    e
    he’
    sevenbor n.Iwould’
    velovedhi
    m evenifhewas
    bor
    navampi re.

    There’
    sanul ul
    ati
    on,didImissaromanti
    cki
    ssi
    ng
    scene?Irushinandf i
    ndthem wrappedi
    nati
    ght
    huginfrontofthesmili
    ngpastor
    .
    “Theyhavekissed?
    ”Iaskt
    heladysitt
    ingbythe
    entr
    ance.She’soneoft
    hoseglamorousladi
    esIsee
    whenthereareboardmeeti
    ngsinBantwana
    Holdi
    ngs.
    “
    Yes,
    ”shesayswi
    thasmi
    le.
    “Shit
    ,Imissedout .
    ”Iti
    ptoebackt omyseat.She’
    s
    sil
    entlyl
    aughingbehindme.Iusedmyconnect i
    ons
    togetanewj ob.I
    fyou’rewellconnect
    edli
    keme
    youdon’tgoar oundprinti
    ngCVsandbeggi ngborn-
    i
    rri
    tatedmanager stotakethem.Peopleli
    kemej ust
    submi tt
    heirCVs,document sandbanking
    i
    nformation,andthenshowupf orworkthenextday.
    Igotper
    manentwithi
    ntwoweeksandI
    ’
    m aboutt
    o
    haveapaidmater
    nityl
    eave.
    NowwehaveMrNdabukoandMr sNdondo
    Mngomezulu.Ihavestr
    ongarmsholdi
    ngmywai
    st
    aswerej
    oiceandcelebrat
    ethenewl
    yweds.
    “Shoul
    dn’
    tyoubedanci
    ngwi
    thoneoft
    he
    bri
    desmai
    ds?”Iaskhi
    m.
    “
    Ican’
    tdance,
    ”hesays.
    That’
    sjustanexcuse.Maqhi
    ngacan’
    tdanceei
    ther
    ,
    buthe’
    sthere,j
    umpingupanddown,kicki
    nghi
    s
    l
    egsandt werki
    ngtohispart
    ner
    .
    “
    Ican’
    tdanceei
    ther
    ,sowear
    ejustgoi
    ngtomove
    l
    ikeZi
    onmember st
    oasadhymn?”Iask.
    Hechucklesbehindmyear ,“Maybeweshouldt ake
    cl
    asses.I
    naf ewmont hsitwillbeusatthealt
    er,
    makingourloveoffi
    cialbeforeGodandvowi ngt o
    l
    oveeachot hert
    hrought hickandthin.
    ”
    “
    Ithoughtyousai
    dyouonl
    ywantaZul
    utr
    adi
    ti
    onal
    wedding?
    ”
    “
    Iwantal
    lweddi
    ngs.Zul
    u,whi
    te,
    Indi
    anand
    Japanese.Asl
    ongasi
    t’
    saboutyouandIt
    yingt
    he
    knot.
    ”
    Itur
    nar oundandkisshim.We’vebeenar guing
    aboutthewhiteweddingsinceforever.Hedidn’t
    wantitandIwant edt
    heglam, thebeauty,t
    ol ook
    l
    ikeamer maidandbecomet hecenterofatt
    ent i
    on
    foronceinmyl i
    fe.
    “
    IloveyouHl
    omuka,
    ”Isay.
    “
    NotasmuchasIloveyou.Wearespendi
    ngthe
    r
    estoft
    hisl
    if
    eti
    metoget
    herst
    handwasami.”
    Thi
    sisnotl
    uck,I
    ’
    m abundant
    lyblessed.Wear
    ejust
    aperf
    ectmatchmadefr
    om heaven.
    .
    .

    Shewasoneoft hebridesmaidsandshecoul dn’


    t
    waitforhersist
    er’
    sweddi ng.Wel
    l,unt
    ilaweekback
    whenshef inall
    ywentt oconsul
    tthedoctorabout
    fati
    gueandr andom si
    cknesses.Herwor l
    dcame
    crushingwhent hedoctortol
    dhershewast wo
    mont hspr egnant .Kanj ani?She’ sonly21year sol d
    andnowsi ngle.Ever yonehast oldhertowal ki n
    Ndondo’ sshoes;t of ocusonherst udiesandmake
    anamef orher selfbeforegivingboysachance.Her
    par entsar eal readyatodds, howi sshegoi ngt o
    facet hem?Suchembar r
    assmentt othef ami ly.
    Ndondogotpr egnantbyaguywhol ovedher , and
    nowhe’ smar ri
    edher .Whatabouther ?Thef at herof
    herchi l
    di snotonl yeightyearsol derthanher , he’s
    awel l
    -knownf uck-boy.Itwast hatnightonl y, when
    shegaveher selftohi m.Shewassupposedt obuy
    mor ning-afterpill
    st henextday, butshedi dn’t.Her
    mot hercal l
    edear l
    yint hemor ningandaskedhert o
    fetchherf rom Nyandeni .Ther ewer eal otoft hi ngs
    happeni ng.Herf athermovi ngoutoft heirDur ban
    house.Shehadt odr i
    vet oNyandeni ,deliveringhi s
    belongi ngs, twodaysi nar ow.Andt herewasBahl e
    whowant edt omovet oNyandeniwi thhi sfat her .
    Ndondohadj ustreunitedwi t
    hNdabuko, shewas
    sti
    lll i
    vingi nabubbl einMpumazi .Andiswa
    i
    nher i
    tedal lther esponsibili
    ti
    es, herrawsexual
    encount erwi thMaqhi ngawasj ustthelastt hingon
    hermi nd.
    Shemakeshert hir
    dtriptothebathrooms.Oneof
    thethi
    ngsshest ruggleswi t
    hisnausea.Aft
    er
    thr
    owingupal mostever ythi
    ngincludi
    ngher
    i
    ntesti
    nes,shesitsont hef l
    oorandleansagainst
    thebathroom door.Whyher ?WhatifMaqhinga
    deniesthebaby?Whatt hen?Ndondoi sgoi
    ngt o
    fi
    nanciall
    ysustainthebaby, butshecannotfatheri
    t.
    Shescrol
    lsdownhercont act
    s.Herf i
    ngerstopson
    Maqhinga’
    snumber .Shestol
    ei tf
    rom Ndondo’ s
    phone.Theyhaven’
    ttalkedormetaf t
    erthatnightin
    Mpumazi.Itwasjustaone-nightt
    hingandi tended
    ther
    eastheyhadpr omisedeachot her
    .Hegaveher
    R300forthepil
    lsandaskedhert ogobackt ot he
    mainhouseat4:15am.
    Het r
    ustedherasmuchasshet rustedhim.Maybe
    becauseshe’sayoung, i
    ntel
    li
    gent,cit
    ygirl
    .He
    thoughtshe’dmakeitat oppri
    ori
    tytostayonthe
    safeside.Butli
    fehappened,shegotwr appedin
    famil
    ypr obl
    emsandf orgottopreventnaturef
    rom
    taki
    ngitsplace.
    *
    *HiMaqhi
    nga,
    thi
    sisAndi
    swa.Weneedt
    otal
    k,
    t
    oday!
    **

    Shet houghtitwil
    ltaketi
    mef orhi
    mt oseeitbut
    withinfi
    vemi nut
    est her
    ear et
    woblueticks.They
    areheadingbackhomef orlunchandcake-cutti
    ng.
    Mam’ Jabuhasbeengi vingherst
    aresthatsend
    shiversdownherspi ne.Maybesheshoul d’
    vewor n
    ajacket,eventhoughNdondowoul d’vetakenitas
    ani nsul
    t.
    Mam’Jabuismaki
    ngherwayt
    owar
    dsheraspeopl
    e
    scat
    terar
    oundt
    heyar
    d.
    Thisoldwoman!She’
    l
    lmakethi
    ngsobviousi
    fshe
    runs,
    soshewaitswit
    hherar
    mswr appedoverher
    swell
    ingtummy.
    “
    Andi
    swa,
    ”shecal
    lsaf
    ewst
    epsawayf
    rom her
    .
    “
    Ma?
    ”JesusChr
    ist
    ,makehergoaway!
    Shelooksatherf
    rom headt
    otoe,
    hereyebr
    ows
    fur
    rowedalit
    tl
    e.
    “
    Youdon’tl
    ookokay.Yi
    nii
    nkinga?Weqeumli
    lo
    washa?
    ”(Youjumpedthef
    ireandgotbur
    nt)
    Themostir
    ri
    tat
    ingmot
    heroftheyearawar
    dgoest
    o
    her
    ,shehasnocompet
    itor
    s.
    “
    I’
    m okay,
    ”Andi
    swasaysi
    naf
    oggyvoi
    ce.
    “Mmmm Ir eal
    lyhopeso.Pleasefet
    chNhla’
    sextr
    a
    diapersandablanket
    ,”shesaysbefor
    etur
    ningand
    walkingaway.
    Ahugesighofrel
    ief
    .Damn,
    thesevi
    ll
    age
    gynecol
    ogi
    sts!

    Ther e’samessagecomi ngthroughasshe


    searchesf orNhl a’
    sbag.It’
    sMaqhinga,hewant s
    them t omeetout sidethegate,i
    nacertai
    nwhi te
    quant um.He’ sNdabuko’sbestman, t
    hey’llbe
    l
    ooki ngf orhim soon,shehastomakei tsnappy.
    Sher ushesoutoft hehouseandwalksar oundthe
    mar queewi thoutattachi
    nganyunnecessar y
    attent i
    ontoherselfandsneaksoutofthegat e.
    Shespot
    sthequant
    um andr
    ushest
    oit
    .Heopens
    thedoorandclosesitaft
    erher.He’sbeendancing
    closetoNqobi
    le,t
    hebr i
    desmaidwhost oodi
    nfor
    Andiswa.Maybethere’ssomethinghappeningor
    waiti
    ngtohappenbet weenthetwooft hem.But
    she’snotj
    eal
    ous,isshe?
    “Whydiditt
    akeyout
    hisl
    ongt
    ogetbackt
    ome?
    ”
    shesnaps.
    “Hey,
    holdyourhor
    ses.Iwasbusy.What’
    sthi
    s
    about
    ?Youknowyoursi st
    eri
    sgoingtokil
    lmeif
    sheevenseesmesitt
    ingli
    ket
    hiswithyou.
    ”
    Deepbr
    eat
    h!Her
    eitgoes…
    “Iforgott
    ogot othephar
    macythatday.Myfat
    her
    decidedtomoveout ,mymotherwasthrowi
    ngout
    hisbelongingsandIhadtodri
    vetoNyandenit
    wo
    daysi narow.”
    Thi
    sisnotsomethi
    ngheexpected.Hi
    spal
    msst ar
    t
    sweat
    ing.Headj
    uststhebow-
    ti
    eandlooksather
    wit
    hhiseyesbul
    gingout.
    “
    WhatdoyoumeanAndi
    swa?
    ”heasks.
    “
    Ihaven’
    tgotmyper
    iodssi
    ncet
    hatday,
    ”shesays.
    “Kanjanimanje?You…AndiswayouareNdondo’s
    sist
    er…thi
    scannothappen.Itj
    ustcan’
    t!
    ”Hebur
    ies
    hisheadont hesteer
    ingwheelandchantsa
    thousandno’s.
    Tear smaketheirwaydownonhercheeks.She
    didn’tdothi
    spur pose.She’
    snotevenreadyt
    obe
    someone’ smother.BeinganaunttobabyNhlai
    sa
    j
    oboni tsown,howmuchmor ewhenshehasher
    ownbaby?Theonet hat’
    sgoingtoneedher
    attenti
    on24/7.
    “Iwant
    edtotellyout
    hat,Ihavet
    ogobeforeMam’
    Jabususpectssomethi
    ng.”Sheopenst
    hedoorand
    l
    eaveshim buri
    edonthewheelandsobbingsi
    lent
    ly.

    Hisheadi saching.Eyesbloodshotasifhejust
    mur deredsomeone.Hef ixeshisbow-t
    ieandmakes
    hiswayt othemar quee.He’sNdabuko’sbestman,
    hetrustshim asabr ot
    herandar oundhisfamily.
    Buti t
    ’sal
    labouttocomet oendwhenhef i
    ndsout
    thathemadehi s21yearol dsi
    ster
    -i
    n-l
    awpr egnant.
    Allthisbecausehecouldn’tsayno.Hecoul dn’
    t
    keephi
    spantzi
    ppedup.
    “
    Baf
    oar
    eyouokay?
    ”Ndl
    ali
    faasks.
    Henods,
    “Yeah,
    ngi
    shar
    p.”
    Ndl
    ali
    fapatshisbackastheymaket hei
    rwayt othe
    f
    ronttabl
    e.Theyhavetocongratul
    ateNdabukoand
    r
    evealthegif
    ttheygotf
    orhim andhisli
    tt
    lefamil
    y…..
    NDABUKOHERYARDNER
    THEEND

    Al oudknockbangsont hedoorintheweehoursof
    mor ni
    ng.Ngidi
    isfastasleep,
    hehadal ongday
    yesterdayandPhumziledoesn’twanthi
    mt obe
    distur
    bed.Shequiet
    lysli
    desoutofbed,putsher
    gownonandmakesherwayt othedoor
    .
    “
    Snal
    owhati
    syourpr
    obl
    em?
    ”sheasksi
    nir
    ri
    tat
    ion.
    “Ma,t
    her
    earepeopleher
    e.YouhavetowakeDad
    up,t
    heyarenother
    etoplaygames.
    ”
    Shef
    rowns,
    “Whoar
    ethosepeopl
    e?”
    “
    Ndondo’
    spar
    ent
    s.”
    Shestart
    spanicki
    ng.NdabukoandNdondower e
    supposedtocomebackf r
    om thei
    rhoneymoon
    yest
    erday.Maybesomethinghappenedonthei
    r
    wayhome.
    Sherushesbacki
    nsi
    det
    hebedr
    oom andshakes
    Ngi
    di.
    “Bhekiwakeup!”Shedashestot
    hecl
    osetand
    grabshistr
    ouserandT-shi
    rt
    .
    “
    What
    ’sgoi
    ngon?
    ”Ngi
    diasks,
    rubbi
    nghi
    seyes.
    “Ndondo’sparent
    sarehere.”Shet
    hrowshi
    scl
    othes
    tohim andtakesoffhergownandputsonadecent
    dressaswel l
    .
    Theyf
    oll
    oweachot
    heroutoft
    hebedr
    oom andr
    ush
    downthest
    air
    s.

    Welcomi ngthem i
    ntheloungei
    sNomagugu’
    sred
    face,thepacingJabuandNdondo’
    syoungsi
    ster
    curledupont hecouch.
    “
    Goodmor ni
    ng,
    ”Phumzi
    lesayswhi
    let
    ryi
    ngt
    oread
    t
    hei
    rfaces.
    Snaloi
    slurki
    ngbyt
    heki
    tchenandwhi
    sper
    ingon
    thephone.
    “
    Goodmor ni
    ng?There’ssomet
    hinggoodaboutthis
    morni
    ng?Actual
    lyyou,theNgi
    dis,
    don’thaveany
    r
    espectf
    ormyf amil
    y,”Nomagugublowsup.
    Ngidist
    andsbehindPhumzil
    econfused.Phumzi
    le
    for
    cesasmi l
    e,t
    urnsbackherheadandaskshimto
    sit
    .
    “Canweal lcal
    m downandsi t
    ?Snal
    owi l
    lmakeus
    tea,
    thenmaybewecangett othebott
    om of
    whateveri
    tiswithoutki
    ll
    ingeachot
    her,
    ”Phumzi
    le
    suggestshumbly.
    NomaguguslapsAndi
    swa’
    sar
    m,“
    Yeyi
    !Yeyi
    !Does
    hest
    ayhere?
    ”
    Phumzi l
    eandNgidishar
    ealook.They’
    reconf
    used.
    TheseareNdabukosin-l
    aws,t
    heyexpectsome
    respectfr
    om t
    hem.
    “
    Idon’
    tknow,
    ”Andi
    swasays,
    almostwhi
    sper
    ing.
    Anevilchuckl
    ecomesfrom hermot
    herwho’
    sput
    herhandsonthewaist
    .
    “Jabuareyouli
    steni
    ngwit
    hme?Shedoesn’tknow
    wherehestays.NgonyamaIneedt
    oseeyourboys.
    Iwanttoknowwhomademydaught erpr
    egnant
    .”
    “Whaaat?”Phumzi
    leandNgidibot
    hsayi
    nshock.
    ThisisNdondo’
    syoungsi
    ster,whywoul
    danyof
    thei
    rsonsseeawomani nher?

    Ngidist
    epsoutofthehouse,
    scroll
    ingdownhi
    s
    phonewithbul
    let
    sofsweatrunningdownhisf
    ace.
    Thef
    ir
    stcal
    lgoest
    oNdl
    ali
    fa.
    “Getyourassi
    nmyhouse,now!”Hedoesn’
    twait
    forhi
    sanswer,hedr
    opst
    hecallandcal
    lsthenext
    one.
    “
    Yourassi
    nmyhouse,
    rightnow!
    ”
    He’spacingupanddownout sidet hedoor
    .Hiseyes
    arefi
    xedont hedriveway, he’
    sr eadytokil
    loneof
    them.InsidethehousePhumzi leisenduri
    ngallthe
    backl
    ashdi rectedtoherf amily.Deepdownshe
    knowst hecul pri
    t,i
    t’
    sjustthatshedi dn’
    texpecthim
    tochowsocl oset othefami l
    y.Ndabukoi sabrother
    tothem, hi
    ssist
    er-
    in-
    lawisli
    ketheir
    s,heshoul
    d’ve
    protect
    edthisyounggir
    lfrom boys.

    Twentyminutesl
    aterNdlal
    if
    a’scardrivesi
    n,bothof
    them ar
    einsi
    de.Maqhingaiswear i
    ngahoodi e
    j
    acketandcoveri
    nghalfofhisforehead.
    “
    What’
    sgoingon?”Ndl
    ali
    faasksast
    heyr
    eacht
    o
    t
    hei
    rangr
    yf at
    her
    .
    “
    Geti
    nsi
    de,
    ”Ngi
    disays.
    Theywalkin,hefoll
    owsbehindthem.Snalois
    prepar
    ingt
    eai nthekit
    chen,whenshesees
    Maqhingasheclenchesherteethandpointsher
    headtothelounge.Maqhingapull
    sthehoodieover
    hi
    seyesandput shistrembli
    nghandsinsidethe
    pocket
    s.
    “
    Standt
    her
    e,don’
    tmove,
    ”Ngi
    dii
    nst
    ruct
    s.
    Ndlali
    fafr
    ownsandst
    andsnextt
    oMaqhi
    nga
    behindthecouch.
    “
    Whi
    chonebet
    weent
    het
    wo?
    ”Ngi
    diasksAndi
    swa.
    Shecl
    ear
    shert
    hroatandl
    ooksup.Hereyesl
    ock
    wit
    hMaqhi nga’
    sbel
    owthehoodi
    eforasecondand
    shereal
    izeshowner
    vousheis.
    “
    Speak!
    ”hermot
    herr
    oar
    s.
    “
    It
    ’s….
    it
    ’sMaqhi
    nga,
    ”shest
    utt
    ersandpoi
    ntsathi
    m.
    Phumzil
    egetsupqui
    ckl
    yasal
    ight
    ningandst
    ands
    i
    nfrontofMaqhi
    nga.
    “
    Bhekical
    m down,
    please.
    ”
    Ngidii
    sbl
    ockedbyher
    ,hewould’
    vegr
    abbedhi
    m
    andgavehi
    m afewpunches.
    “
    Isitbur
    ningbehindyourunder
    wearwena?Thi
    sis
    achil
    d,afucki
    n’chi
    ldMaqhinga!
    ”
    “
    BabaI
    ’
    m sor
    ry,
    itwasami
    stake.
    ”
    “Mist
    akeyamasimba?I’
    m wokenupatthisti
    me
    becauseofyou.I
    sthi
    snotNdondo’
    ssister?Huh?
    ”
    Phumzi
    ler
    aisesherhands,
    “Pl
    easeBheki
    ,si
    t
    down.
    ”
    Hecli
    ckshist
    onguebefor
    eretur
    ningbackt
    ohi
    s
    seat
    .Ever
    yoneissatandcal
    m now.
    “
    Maqhi
    ngadoyouknowanyt
    hingaboutt
    his?
    ”
    Phumzi
    leasks.
    Maqhi
    nganodsuneasi
    ly.
    “
    Didn’
    tyouknowwhoshewas?
    ”
    Deepbreat
    h,“
    Iknew.I
    thappenedonl
    yonce.I
    ’
    m
    sor
    ry.
    ”
    Phumzi
    lesi
    ghsandshakesherhead.Shet
    urnst
    o
    Andi
    swa.
    “
    Howf
    arar
    eyou?
    ”
    “
    15weeks.
    ”
    ShelooksatMaqhi
    nga,
    “Haveyout
    akenhert
    othe
    doct
    or?”
    Si
    lence…
    “
    Didhet
    akeyout
    othedoct
    or?
    ”sheasksAndi
    swa.
    Si
    lence…
    Al
    lthreewomenstartshout
    ingatonce,
    tobot
    h
    AndiswaandMaqhinga.
    “Hhayibo,what
    ’sgoi
    ngonhere?Ma,Mam’Jabu,
    Andiswa,whyareyoual
    lher
    e?”Ndondoasks.The
    room f
    all
    sint
    osuddensi lence.She’
    sst
    andingwi
    th
    Ndabukobehindher.Theycameher ebecause
    Snalosaidt
    here’
    ssomet hinghugehappeni
    ngand
    theyneededtohurr
    y.
    “
    Yoursi
    steri
    spr
    egnant
    ,”hermot
    hersays.
    Ndabukoqui
    ckl
    ysnat
    chesNhl
    afr
    om herar
    ms.
    “Sheiswhat ?
    ”Hereyesgot oAndiswa.She’
    s
    shakingwithanger.She’
    sbeentakingt
    hischi
    ldt
    o
    therapi
    stsandbegginghertoopenupaboutthei
    r
    parents’
    breakup,whereasshe’
    sbeensour
    becauseshe’spregnant.
    “
    Andt
    hebaby’
    sfat
    heri
    sMaqhi
    nga,
    ”Ngi
    diadds.
    Sheshakesherheadandl
    aughs.
    “No,no,
    no.That’sali
    e.Maqhi
    ngayouwoul
    dn’
    tdo
    suchathing,
    right?
    ”sheasks.
    He’snotl
    ooki
    ngather.He’snotgi
    vinghert
    he
    confi
    rmat
    ionshe’
    sdesperatel
    yinneedof.
    “Maqhi
    ngacomeon!”Herbodyisfai
    li
    ngher
    .Not
    herl
    it
    tl
    esi
    ster
    .Maqhingaoutofal
    lpeopl
    e!
    THEEND!
    !!

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