BEWI

TCHED

Thespl
att
eri
ngsoundsoft
her
ain
dr
opsast
heyhi
tourcongr
egat
ed
i
ronr
oof
ingi
rr
it
atedmebutnotas
muchast
hedr
opsast
heyhi
tthe
buckett
hatst
oodi
nthemi
ddl
eofour
bedr
oom f
rom t
hel
eaki
ngr
oof
.
Kel
etso'
ssnor
ejustaddedf
uel
tot
he
i
rr
it
ati
onIf
oundmy
sel
fent
angl
ed
wi
th.Ij
abbedherwi
thmyel
bowand
shet
ossedst
il
li
nhersl
eep.Fora
mer
emomentshehadst
opped
snor
ingandIshutmyey
est
ryi
ngt
o
cat
chsomesl
eepbutshest
art
ed
snoor
ingi
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Argh,
Kel
etso!
"Ij
abbedheragai
n.

Shej
ustr
umbl
edsomet
hingi
nanger
atmeandIcoul
dnotev
enmakeout
what
evershewassay
ing.Onet
hing
f
orcer
tai
nshewascur
singme.I
si
ghedandsatupl
eani
ngagai
nstt
he
wal
lthatact
edasourheadboar
dand
wat
chedt
hel
i
ghtf
adeoutast
he
candl
efi
nished.
Ihadusedt
hel
astofmycoi
nst
o
pur
chaset
hecandl
eandt
hehal
floaf
wehadhadf
orsuperacoupl
eof
hour
sback.Wehadcutt
hecandl
ein
hal
fandshar
edi
twi
thmot
her
.
Mymi
ndr
acedofasIt
hought
ful
l
y
cal
cul
atedhowIwasgoi
ngt
omake
endsmeett
hismont
hbecause
I
pel
egenghadnothi
redmet
his
mont
h.Wehadenoughpapand
sor
ghum t
olastunt
ilt
henex
thi
reday
butwewer
enotgoi
ngt
osur
viv
eon
f
oodwi
thoutr
eli
shei
therway
.
Ihadnochoi
ce,
may
beIcoul
ddo
l
aundr
yforpeopl
ebutt
henagai
nthi
s
wasMmadi
nar
e.Noonebar
elyhi
red
any
onet
odoweekl
ychor
essi
ncet
he
shutdownoft
hemi
ne.Anot
her
i
rr
it
ati
ngphaseofsnor
ingf
rom
Kel
etsomi
xedwi
thsnor
ti
ngbr
ought
mebackandIki
ckedherbut
twi
th
t
heheel
ofmyf
oot
.

"
Ishhh!
"shecr
ied.
"
Robal
asent
lemonna!
"Ihi
ssedback.
"
I'
m goi
ngt
otel
lmot
her
,"
shesai
dhal
f
asl
eep.
"
DoIl
ookl
i
keIcar
e,st
opsnor
ingand
I
'
llst
opki
cki
ngy
ou.
"

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandt
urned.
Ther
ewassi
l
encef
ort
hel
ongest
whi
l
e,t
her
ainhadst
oppedt
oo.My
ey
esr
ant
othewi
ndowasaheav
y
shadowcov
eredi
t.I
tlookedl
i
kea
manbutwhat
everi
twashadheav
y
shadesofhai
rtof
itawoman'
s
descr
ipt
ion.Myhear
tpoundedf
ast
er
asIr
ecal
l
edt
heThokol
osi
stor
ies
mot
herusedt
otel
lus.Onsev
eral
account
sKel
etsohadcl
aimedt
o
hav
eseent
hehi
deousl
ydescr
ibed
cr
eat
urei
nourbedr
oom.

Asi
ngl
ebl
i
nkandt
heshadowwasno
mor
e.It
ipt
oedt
othewi
ndowand
t
ri
ppedont
hebr
oom whi
chf
eel
downabr
upt
lywaki
ngKel
etso.

"
Thokol
osi
!
"shescr
eamedandI
j
umpedbackandt
rot
tedbackt
obed.
"
shhh!
"Icov
eredhermout
h.
Myhandsr
anonherheav
il
ysweat
ing
f
ace.

"
Yousawi
ttoo?
"Iasked.

ShemadeanodasIcuppedherf
ace.

"
Buti
nmydr
eam i
twast
ryi
ngt
o
chokemamabutIkeptpr
ayi
ngand
i
t.
..
"

Al
oudbangcamef
rom out
sideour
bedr
oom buti
nsi
det
hehouse.
Kel
etsocl
angont
omyhand.

"
I'
m scar
ed.
"
"
Shoul
dwepr
ay?
"sheasked
"
Please,
"Ianswer
edhast
il
y.
"
Okayl
et'
spr
ay.
..
ourf
atheri
nheav
en,
Fat
herev
eryev
il
..
."

Wehadscar
ysoundsf
rom t
her
oof
asi
fsomeonewasr
unni
ngont
op.I
t
wasscar
yconsi
der
ingt
hef
actt
hat
t
her
ainhadst
oppedandi
twasnot
wi
ndyei
ther
.
Iwasshaki
ngbutshegat
her
ed
enoughcour
aget
ocont
inue
pr
ayi
ng"
..
.Ev
eryev
ilt
hati
supon.
..
"

Kel
etsoscr
eamed.

Kel
etso,
"Nkel
eiti
sher
e."

Iopenedmyey
esandcoul
dmake
outi
t'
ssi
l
houet
tei
nthesemi
dar
k
r
oom.Myt
hroati
nst
ant
lydr
iedup.
"
Nke.
..
le.
..
Nkel
e,y
a..
.nkga.
..
ma!
"she
sai
dchooki
ng.

Iwat
chedondumbasi
tchokedt
he
l
i
feoutofmyy
oungsi
ster
.

"
Nkel
e!"
shecr
iedasi
tli
ckedherear
l
obsandneck.

Ist
agger
edbackandst
umbl
edon
t
hebr
oom t
hathadf
all
endown
ear
li
erandbentdownt
opi
cki
t.My
ey
esl
ookedf
orwar
dassomet
hing
t
ickl
i
sht
ouchedmyhandont
he
br
oom.

Theugl
yhumanl
ooki
ngcr
eat
ure
smi
l
edex
posi
ngi
t'
shi
deoust
eet
h.I
swal
l
owedhar
dandf
ell
downonmy
but
tandi
tgotont
opofmepr
essi
ng
medown.I
thadav
eryawf
ulodour
t
hatmademewantt
opuke.

"
Jesus!
"

I
tlookedst
rai
ghti
ntomyey
eswi
th
i
tsshi
mmer
ingy
ell
owi
ri
sand
chor
tl
edder
isi
vel
y.Ikeptqui
etandi
t
shooki
t'
sheav
ylooki
ngheadi
n
di
sappr
oval
.Icl
osedmyey
esasi
t
begant
ochokeme.

"
Phumasat
ane!
"Kel
etsochant
edas
shespl
ashedwat
erar
oundwi
tht
he
pom-
pom ofherchur
chbel
t.

Thecr
eat
uref
uri
ousl
ygotof
fmeand
char
gedf
orher
.Shedoggedi
tand
beganpr
ayi
ngasIwat
chedon
speechl
essl
y.
"
Dikel
edi
pray
!"shey
ell
edatme.
"
huh!
"Iaskeddumbst
ruck.

Bef
oreshecoul
dsayany
thi
ngIwas
suspendedont
heai
rwi
thmyback
agai
nstt
hewal
l
.Thedoort
oour
bedr
oom openedandmot
hercr
awl
ed
i
nandbeganpr
ayi
ngwi
thKel
etso.A
heav
ywi
ndr
oseupandt
hecr
eat
ure
dr
oppedmedownandgar
nished
l
eav
ingmegr
aspi
ngf
orai
r.
Kel
etsor
anov
ert
omeandmademe
dr
inkf
rom t
hebowl
ofwat
ershewas
usi
ngf
orpr
ayer
.ThatmomentIdi
d
notquest
ionherandcour
ageousl
y
dr
anki
t.Sheandmot
herex
changed
l
ooksandl
aughed.

"
Ket
shabat
hokol
osi
itt
urnedy
ou
i
ntoabel
i
eversof
ast
?"Kel
etso
mocked.

STORI
ESBYEMY-
BECKY
Woul
dyour
eadi
fIwr
otesomet
hing
l
i
ket
his?
BEWI
TCHED

#1

Igr
ewuponwhatcoul
dbe
consi
der
edasecondi
ncome
househol
d.Backt
heni
twast
hebest
ki
ndofr
ankt
ogr
owupwi
thi
n
consi
der
ingt
hehar
dshi
psoft
het
hen
t
ime.Nowandt
henI
'
dsneaki
nki
ds
f
rom ar
oundt
henei
ghbour
hoodt
o
wat
cht
het
elev
isi
onset
.Al
otof
peopl
edi
dnotownt
elev
isi
onsl
et
al
onehav
ethei
rhousesel
ect
ri
cal
l
y
wi
red.

"
Mamamama!
"I
'dcr
yrunni
ngt
othe
house.

Thi
swoul
dbeanwar
ningal
ertand
t
heywi
l
ljumpt
hrought
heback
wi
ndowbef
oreshecoul
dreacht
he
v
eranda.

Il
ookedatherasshepeacef
ull
ysl
ept
,
t
hehor
rorf
rom t
hepr
evi
ousni
ght
hadf
orcedhert
osl
eepcr
ampedup
wi
thmeandKel
etso.
ThesunwasoutandIwashopef
uli
t
woul
dbeanendt
oaweekof
uni
nter
rupt
edr
ainf
all
.Ver
ymuch
f
urt
hestonmydesi
resl
i
stwasa
powercut
,thescenef
rom t
he
pr
evi
ousni
ghthadt
raumat
isedme
bey
ondmeasur
eandIcoul
dnot
af
for
dsl
eepi
ngi
nthedar
k.Seei
ng
mot
herbesi
demeandKel
etso'
s
wai
stst
il
lador
nedi
nherchur
ch
wai
str
obev
eri
fi
edev
ery
thi
ngasr
eal
t
hanf
ict
it
ious.
"
Didy
ouf
ini
sht
hef
iver
osest
eabags
y
est
erday
?"mot
heraskedasIopened
t
hedoor
.
"
Yesbutt
her
eiscof
fee,
dumel
ang.
"
"
Otsogi
l
emygi
rl
?"

Ismi
l
edandnodded.

"
Wel
lj
ustmakemeacup,
bread?
"
"
Onl
ytwosl
i
cesl
eft
,thoughtmay
be
Kel
etsowoul
dhav
eitsi
nceshei
s
goi
ngf
orSat
urdayst
udy
."
"
Okayl
etherhav
eit
,ket
ahal
a
magogony
aapal
echey
amaabane
mot
shegar
e."

Myhear
tbr
okei
ntopi
ecesasI
wat
chedt
hisoncehar
dwor
king
womaneatwor
se.

"
Shoul
dIwar
m wat
erf
ory
ou?
"
"
Pleaseandcomehel
pmesi
tup
bef
orey
ougoout
."

Moment
slat
erIputi
nthel
astoft
he
f
ir
ewoodandcl
eanedt
heket
tl
eand
cupsast
hebat
hingwat
erwas
war
ningup.Icheckedt
hesugar
basi
nandr
egr
oupedt
hepar
ti
cles
t
oget
her
.Asi
ghescapedasIputi
t
backdown.

"
Suki
rief
edi
l
e?Iwantacupt
oomy
st
omachi
srumbl
i
ng.IdoubtI
'
dev
en
hearSt
icksex
plai
nthosemat
hs
f
ormul
asket
shwer
weket
ala"

Il
ookedatmysi
ster
.Shewasst
il
l
beaut
if
ulbutl
ookednotsoheal
thy
.
Herey
eswer
esunkenandhadl
ost
somuchwei
ghyt
oo.

"
Whoi
sst
icks?
"
"
Ringwor
m."
Il
aughed.
"Lamor
umol
atl
heMr
Modi
kway
ouguy
scal
lhi
m St
icks
t
oo?
Ij
akga!Wi
l
lmakey
ouacup,
gel
a
met
siandgobat
hsot
hatIal
sobat
h
mamabef
orei
tget
stoohot
."
"
Bor
othobot
eng?
"
"
Mmm,
"Ismi
l
ed.
"Goandbat
horel
se
y
ouwi
l
lranl
atef
orst
udi
es.
"
Iwat
chedherpouraconsi
der
abl
e
amountofwat
eri
ntot
hebat
hing
bucket
.

"
Addmor
e,"
Isai
d.
"
Butt
hisi
sthel
astoft
hef
ir
ewood.
Youandmamaal
soneedt
obat
h
pl
usi
t'
snott
hatcol
d,I
'
dfi
l
litupwi
th
col
dwat
er.
"
"
But
..
."
"
Keshar
pNkel
e,y
ouwor
ryt
oo
much.
"
Ismi
l
edandshepi
ckedupt
hebucket
andheadedout
.Acarpul
l
edupat
t
hegat
easIwaswal
ki
ngt
othemai
n
housebehi
ndher
.Shel
ookedatme
pr
obabl
ytr
yingt
odeci
phermyf
aci
al
ex
pressi
onbutIgav
ehernone.My
f
acewasj
ustbl
ank.

"
Oshar
p?"
sheaskedwi
thsomuch
concer
ninhert
one.
"
AndIwor
ryt
oomuch?
"If
orcedouta
smi
l
e.
"
Inanycasegonal
emet
siabi
dil
eng.
Ory
oucanj
ustcal
lmet
o..
."
"
Justgoandbat
hmonna,
Ican
handl
ethi
s."
Isai
d.
"
Butst
il
lcal
lme.
"
"
Ofcour
se.
"

Shegoti
nandcl
osedt
hedoor
behi
nd.Iknewshewasdef
ini
tel
y
goi
ngt
oeav
esdr
opandImov
eda
coupl
eofst
epsawayf
rom t
hehouse.

"
Mymor
ningr
ays.Abeaut
if
ul
mor
ningsunshi
nepr
incess.
"
"
Andt
hen?Kant
eThabangwhat
gi
vesy
out
hel
ever
aget
owal
kinour
y
ardl
i
kekekogammaper
eko?
"
"
Eychi
l
l!
"hesi
ghed,
"I
sn'
ti
ttooear
lyt
o
benegat
ive?What
,di
dthespi
ri
tual
husbandchecky
out
oni
ght
?"

Myhear
tpounded.Ther
ewas
r
umour
sar
oundt
hev
il
laget
hathi
s
gr
andmot
herwast
her
ingl
eaderof
al
lthewi
tchesar
ound.Howhecoul
d
hepossi
blyknowt
hatt
heThokol
osi
came,
thi
swasnotj
ustsomel
ame
coi
nci
dence.
Smi
l
ed,
"r
elaxbabesy
ouknowI
'
m
j
oki
ngPl
ust
her
eisnot
hingl
i
kea
t
hokol
osi
."
"
JustgoandI
'
dpayy
ousoon.Ri
ght
nowIdonothav
emoneybutI
pr
omi
seI
dpayy
ouback.WhatI
'
m
aski
ngi
sthaty
our
espectt
hisy
ard.
"
"
Howam Idi
srespect
ingi
t,
?Di
ksy
ou
andIar
emeantt
obeandy
oudon'
t
hav
etopaymeapennybackj
ustl
et
memar
ryy
ouandwel
i
vehappi
l
y
ev
eraf
ter
."
Il
aughedi
nsi
deandcur
sedhi
mtoo.
Thewasnowayonear
thIwasgoi
ng
t
olethi
m bul
l
ymei
ntomar
ryi
nghi
m
l
etal
onebei
nit
iat
edbyhi
sol
dfunny
l
ooki
nggr
andmot
heri
ntowi
tchcr
aft
.

"
Soy
oudr
oveal
lthewayf
rom t
hogo
y
amonnahel
atocomei
nsul
tme?
Whatdoy
ouseeany"
forsal
e"si
gn
onme?Am Iwor
th5k?
"
"
That
'snotwhatI
'
m say
ing.Comeon
babe.
..
"
"
Basi
mane!
"st
ern."
Idar
eyout
otr
y
t
ouchme,
otabonasepokof
anz
ene.
"
"
Shegotbal
l
stoo.Il
ovey
oumor
e
wi
thev
erymi
nut
eoft
heday
."

Hi
spr
esencedi
sgust
edmet
othe
cor
e.It
houghthar
daboutt
hewat
er
att
hef
ir
eitwaspr
obabl
yboi
l
ingand
asi
ngl
espl
ashi
nhi
sfacewi
l
lremi
nd
hi
m nev
ert
omessupwi
thme.Hi
s
handswav
edacoupl
eoft
imesov
er
myf
aceasIwasl
osti
nthought
.

"
Gor
il
engkant
e!"
Isai
dangr
il
y
pushi
ngi
taway
.
"
Whoar
eyout
hinki
ngaboutkel
e
t
eng?
"
"
Myboy
fri
end.
"

Thewayhi
sthunder
ingl
aught
ersank
i
nmyhear
twasv
erydi
sgust
ing.I
l
ookedawayannoy
edbyi
t,hesur
e
knewhowt
omakemyski
ncr
awl
.

"
You?Boy
fri
end?
"hef
oldedhi
sar
ms
andl
aughedagai
n.
"
What
,yout
hinkIdon'
thav
eone?
"
"
Iknowy
oudon'
t,
"hesmi
l
ed."
Eveni
f
y
oudohewon'
tl
astl
ong,
remember
gi
rl
ynnabommekepr
ofessory
a
basebel
etsi
mogaemo.
"
"
Ist
hatmeantt
oscar
eme?Tr
ustme
I
'
m notev
enshakent
osayt
hel
east
."
"
Ohy
ouwi
l
lbehoney
,youwi
l
l"he
st
rokedmycheekandImov
edast
ep
back.
"Don'
tbescar
eddaddydoesn'
t
bi
twi
fey
."
"
Youf
lat
tery
our
sel
fwayt
oomuch,
I'
d
r
athermar
ryadogt
hanendupwi
th
anugl
ythi
ngl
i
key
ou.
"

Hi
sgr
iponmyhandi
ntensi
fi
edand
causesomepai
nful
sensat
ioni
nmy
hear
t.Thener
veoft
hisugl
ylooki
ng
bast
ard.

"
Letgoofmyhandwampol
aya,
"I
t
hunder
ed.

"
Isev
eryt
hingOkay
?"

Webot
hlookedbackandKel
etso
wasst
andi
ngbehi
nd.Thabang
qui
ckl
yletgoandst
uckhi
shands
i
nsi
dehi
spocket
s.
"
Didy
oubat
h?"
"
mmm,
"shehandedmet
he
bucket
."
Mamaar
ewamodi
a."
"
Oh.
..
godr
essup.
"
"
Andwena?Whyar
eyoust
il
l
wai
ti
ng?
"shegl
aredatThabang.

Icoul
dnothel
pbutnot
icet
he
di
scomf
orti
nhi
sey
esashef
ail
edt
o
mai
ntai
ney
econt
actwi
thKel
etso.

"
Rra?
"
"
Kel
sgodr
essupbef
orei
tget
slat
e."
"
NoI
'
m wai
ti
ngf
ormongol
oogor
eo
t
samae,
"shesai
dst
il
lfi
xi
ngherey
es
onhi
m.
"
Isn'
theabi
tol
dtober
efer
ri
ngt
o
hi
m ast
hat
?"Iasked.
"
Mongi
kemongi
,
"shesai
d
bol
dly
."Youguy
sli
kesugarcoat
ing
t
hings,
Thabangi
sar
etar
dedper
son
can'
tyouseei
tev
enf
rom t
hewayhe
dr
esses.
"

Il
ookedathi
mfr
om headt
otoeand
r
anmyey
esbackupt
ohi
shead.
Kel
etsomadesense,
Icoul
dbar
ely
r
ecal
lasi
ngl
edayhehaddr
essed
pr
oper
ly.Hewor
easi
ngl
epai
rof
shoeunt
ili
tcr
ackedont
he
mi
dsect
ionandwoul
dweart
he
f
ormal
shoewi
thany
thi
ngf
rom
spor
tswear
,pastdemi
njeanst
o
f
ormal
baggypant
s.

"
Ther
eisabsol
utel
ynot
hingwr
ong
wi
thhowhei
sdr
essed,
"Imocked.
"
Whyi
sitI
'
m notsur
pri
sed,
youand
hi
m sameWhat
sAppgr
oup.Thabang
Isuggesty
oul
eav
enowbecause
mamaobi
tsaDi
kel
edi
,
"shesai
dwi
th
asourat
ti
tude.
"
Lat
eraker
e?"
hesai
dtr
yingt
ost
eam
of
ftheembar
rassment
.
"
Mmm.
"
"
For
get
,shehasaboy
fri
endso
pl
easesav
eyour
sel
fthet
roubl
eand
st
ayt
hehel
lawayf
rom herandour
y
ard.Yout
hinkdr
ivi
ngabl
oodyol
d
Cr
uiseri
sany
thi
ngt
owr
it
ehome
about
?Ot
samael
erur
ikwa!
"
"
Kel
etso!
"
"
What
?Hemustknow!Thet
rut
his
bi
tt
erl
ethi
m chewandswal
l
owi
t.Re
kal
apakadi
over
siz
edbl
azer
smo
ma2000.
"
Ithi
nkwaf
etel
l
a,"
hecr
ackedout
.
"
He.
..
Thewor
dishet
elel
a,don'
tcome
her
ewi
thy
ourt
wot
hebef
akeaccent
y
aSekgat
a."

Ipul
l
edherasi
deandshebr
eat
hed
heav
il
yfi
xi
nghert
owel
.

"
Godr
essup,
"Isai
d.
"
But
?"
"
Butnot
hing,
IknowIhav
emyi
ssues
wi
thThabi
..
."
"
Thabi
?"shesai
dder
isi
vel
y,
"Gat
we
engne?
"
"
Kel
etsomamawon'
tl
ikei
t,haekake
wer
ogaThabangwhi
l
eIr
especthi
m
y
etI
'
m ol
dert
hany
ou.
"
"
Hei
snoel
der
,sev
eny
ear
sneel
e
eng?
"
"
Youagedi
ff
erence,
respecthi
m
at
leastsot
hatpeopl
ehav
enomor
e
r
easont
omockmama.
"
"
What
evermanj
ustmakesur
ehe
doesn'
tgett
empt
edt
ocomeback
her
ecoznkamokgwel
agal
a
st
rai
ght
."
Ismi
l
ed.

"
Noskasmi
l
erNkel
ekewenaor
e
t
waet
sangdi
gambor
osot
se,
"shesai
d.
"
Whatl
anguagei
sthat
,tot
awenawi
l
l
y
oupassSet
swana?
"
"
Don'
ttr
ydi
ver
ttheat
tent
ion.Getr
id
ofy
ourboy
fri
endandt
ell
himt
ocar
ry
hi
sgr
andmot
her
'sThokol
osi
wit
hhi
m
orel
sebat
agobal
a."
"
Tsenamogi
rl
!"
"
NoI
'
m deadser
iousmay
bey
out
hink
t
hisi
saj
oke.Wel
li
t'
snotorel
sey
our
l
i
fewi
l
lfor
everbest
agnant
."
"
Youchur
chpeopl
eli
ket
hreat
s."
"
Youwantt
oseesomet
hing,
I'
m
goi
ngt
osi
l
ent
lypr
ayot
abonaa
i
koba.
"

Shecr
ossedherhandsandbegan
medi
tat
ingsi
l
ent
ly.Myey
esr
anov
er
t
ower
ehewasst
andi
ngt
henbackt
o
Kel
etso.Shesai
dnot
hingand
cont
inuedwi
thwhat
evershewas
doi
ng.Amaz
edIwat
chedonas
Thabangt
rot
tedoutt
owar
dshi
scar
.
"
Amen,
"shesai
d.
"
Uhu?Kemat
hat
a!"

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
Bewi
tched

#02

Ihel
pedmot
hert
oherchai
rand
wheel
edherout
side.Thesunwas
bl
azi
nggotandt
her
ewasnowayI
wasl
ett
ingherr
emai
ninsi
det
he
house.Kel
etsohadl
ongl
eftf
or
school
andIwant
edt
ogooutand
l
ookf
orcasual
wor
k,sol
eav
ingher
undert
heshadeseemedl
i
ket
hebest
opt
ion.Kel
etsowoul
dsur
elycome
homest
rai
ghtf
rom school
.

"
Arey
ouokayher
e?"
Iasked.
"
Nkgar
amel
etsehal
emybabe,
"she
sai
ddi
rect
ingwi
thherhead.

Shehadper
manent
lyl
ostt
heuseof
herr
ighthandduet
ost
rokeandt
he
l
eftonewasasgoodasdeadt
oo
becauseshecoul
dn'
tgr
ipany
thi
ng
f
orl
onger
.

"
Iwon'
tbel
ong,
"Isai
dev
enl
y
spr
eadi
ngt
hepet
rol
eum gel
onmy
hand.
"
It
sokay
,pl
usIhadenoughf
oodand
f
lui
dst
osust
ainmeunt
iloneofy
ou
gi
rl
scomeback;
"shesmi
l
ed.
"
EishIhat
eleav
ingy
oual
one,
whati
f
y
ouf
eel
pressed.GapeImi
ghtbe
ov
erl
oadi
ngmy
sel
fkanabat
ho
mal
atsi
aabai
ti
rel
asengwel
e
sengwe.
"
"
I'
ll
hol
dtheur
ine,
andi
fit
'st
he
f
aecesy
ouscar
edf
orgakeat
senwa
kemal
aIwon'
tmessmy
sel
f.Mal
oba
i
sjustt
hatIhadal
otofmi
l
kand.
..
"
"
Youneednotex
plai
nyour
sel
fmama,
Iunder
stand.
"

Shesmi
l
edandl
ookedawayand
backatme.

"
Wecanal
way
ssel
lthef
army
ou
know.
"
"
That
'st
heonl
ythi
ngy
ouhav
e,nex
t
t
hingShadr
ekwi
l
lbet
aki
ngt
hispl
ot
andwewi
l
lhav
enot
hing.Atl
eastko
t
shi
mongwecanbui
l
d
sesowany
ana.
"
"
Ifai
l
edy
ougi
rl
s,
"shesai
dbr
oken
hear
ted.
"
Youf
ail
ednoone.I
fpapahaddone
t
hingsor
der
lyy
ouwoul
dn'
thav
e
suf
fer
edf
rom t
hest
rokeei
therand
I
'
dpr
obabl
ybegr
aduat
ingt
hisy
ear
.
Kebot
shel
owehar
dlyev
ergetwhat
wewant
,"
myey
esf
il
ledupwi
tht
ear
s.
"
Let
'ssur
renderal
ltoGodmybaby
."
I
tamaz
edmet
heamounti
ftr
anqui
l
shespokewi
thwhenshet
alked
aboutherGod.Whowast
hisGod
whohaddi
smal
l
yfai
l
edher
?Wher
e
wast
hisGodwhent
hingswentsour
i
nherl
i
fe?Thev
erysameGodhad
j
ustwat
chedonast
hewor
ld
humi
l
iat
edherwasst
il
lbei
ng
ent
rust
edwi
thsomuch.

"
NnaModi
mowal
onawammakat
sa
mama.Can'
thepr
eventt
hingsf
rom
happeni
ngandnotwai
ttopl
ay
her
o?"
Isai
ditwi
thcal
m buti
nsi
deI
wasf
uri
ousl
yragi
ng.
"
Hei
sagent
leGodandHel
et'
s
cer
tai
nthi
ngshappensot
hatwe
gr
ow.
"
"
Likewhathappenedmaabane?What
i
fIwasal
one?Thatt
hingwhat
everi
t
i
snear
lyki
l
ledme,
"Isi
ghed."
Kana
mamannat
otaIhat
ethi
sspi
ri
tual
t
hingsy
ouandNkel
ear
eint
o,i
t'
sli
ke
t
heyopent
hedoor
sofdoom and
ev
eryev
ilcomesshoot
ingst
rai
ght
mol
apeng.
"
"
KeMmaMphol
elebandl
alagagwe
mmekana.Thatol
dwi
tchev
il
,"
she
sai
d."
Theyar
ether
easonI
'
m bound
l
i
ket
hisandv
erymuchal
sot
he
r
easonwhyt
her
eissomuch
conf
usi
onmogame.
"
"
Nny
amama,
youhadst
rokeand
MmaMphoneal
ehel
akoMat
abi
wheni
thappened,
asf
ort
heci
rcusy
a
mot
hisy
ardi
t'
sjustaf
erment
edend
pr
oductofwhat
everf
atherbr
ewedi
n
hi
signor
ance.
"

Mot
herl
ookedt
heot
herway
.Isai
d
mygoodby
esknowi
ngt
hathercome
backwi
l
lseet
hesunsetwhi
l
ewe
wer
est
il
ldebat
ingaboutt
hei
ssue.

Meanwhi
l
eatThabang'
s
gr
andmot
her
'spl
ace,
hepar
kedhi
s
carundert
hebi
gmul
ber
ryt
ree.Mma
Mphowassweepi
ngt
hepoul
tr
y
house,
shehadj
ustst
eppedoutwi
th
t
hef
eedi
ngt
ray
s.

"
Tibose!
"
"
Magr
iza?
"
"
Itol
dyout
ost
opcal
l
ingmeol
d
l
ady
."
Thabangl
aughed,
"Inev
ersai
dthat
y
ouar
eanol
dlady
."
"
Bot
sot
singwanakej
waeng?Key
a
f
rost
anadae'
maneo,
"shet
eased.
"
Esan!
Oskhokhogr
izos!Tsadi
l
otsa
gago!
"

Thel
aughedasshebr
oughtherhand
i
nforaf
istbumb.

"
Todayy
oumar
inat
edme
aut
we,
"Thabangl
aughed.
"
Ntseny
etsemochachar
engandgo
getmyt
ear
eady
.Andst
opcal
l
ingme
magr
izannar
raI
'
m st
il
lav
ail
abl
e.
Sant
sehel
ankabonamokol
wanewa
Johane.
"
"
Youdon'
tsay
,"
hel
ookedathi
s
gr
andmot
herser
enel
y.
"
KaMphol
eRr
aMphoko
Let
lhakane(
local
grav
eyar
d),
"she
av
erd.
"
Ij
otsenaMagr
..
.t
senal
e12.
"
"
Elev
enmyboy
,I'
mtooy
out
obe
cat
egor
isedasl
e12,
"shesai
d
sawy
ingherbodyar
ound.
I
nherl
atesev
ent
iesshest
il
lhadi
tal
l
t
oget
herandunl
i
kemostherage
mat
esshedi
dnotuseacanet
o
suppor
ther
sel
f.Thewayshecar
ri
ed
onherhousehol
dchor
eonewoul
d
f
indi
tut
ter
lydi
ff
icul
ttobel
i
eveshe
wasact
ual
l
yal
mostnear
ingher8t
h
decadeonear
th.

"
Tsenamor
guel
!"

Shepi
nchedhi
m,"
Otl
aswabakanao
mogat
la.
"
"
Sor
ry,
"hel
aughed.
"
Go,
Ihav
en'
thadmypi
l
lsy
et.
"
"
Erenghi
ghbl
oodmedi
cat
ionmol
e
el
eveneng?
"
"
Thabangt
lheI
'
m noty
ourcousi
n.Ya
godi
ramonnaneobaodi
i
lwekeene
ngwanany
anawagaNchadi
aker
e?"
"
Yourdaught
eri
nlaw,
"hesmi
l
ed.

Hest
il
lwasconf
usedast
owhathad
i
rr
it
atedhi
mtol
eav
ehast
il
ywi
thout
ev
ensay
inggoodby
e.Kel
etso?Yes
shehadgot
tenonhi
sner
vesbuti
t
wasn'
ttoapoi
ntwher
ehecoul
dhav
e
j
ustwal
kedoutl
i
ket
hat
.
"
Nar
ewankut
wa?Thabang!
"
"
Mma?
"st
art
led
"
Soy
ouwer
en'
tl
ist
eni
ng?
"
"
Lenel
ereng?
"
"
Youwi
l
lgocr
azyi
fyoual
l
owt
hatgi
rl
t
ocont
rol
you.Kant
ewar
emat
hat
aa
gaGor
atakeeng?Yout
wohav
ea
chancet
obet
her
eforLer
uot
oget
her
asacompl
etef
ami
l
ywenao
cl
oki
swat
hogokel
ejebej
ebel
a
Kel
ele.
"
"
I'
m notdi
scussi
ngherwi
thy
ou.
Mměnnat
otaIl
oveherand
MmagweLer
uooamoget
seseemo
sat
eng.
"

Shel
ookedathi
m br
okenhear
tedl
y
andcont
inuedwi
thhert
ask.Thabang
ex
cusedhi
msel
fandwentt
othe
houset
ofi
xherbr
eakf
ast
.

Thesunwasbl
azi
nghotandi
thas
beenhour
ssi
nceIwentonhunt
ing.I
t
waspr
ovi
ngf
uti
l
e,Idr
aggedmysel
f
andsatonasmal
lrockunderat
ree.I
hadt
oldmy
sel
fIwoul
djustl
ookf
or
somet
hingont
heeast
ernsi
deoft
he
mai
nroadbutr
ightnowIl
i
ter
all
yhad
nochoi
cebutt
ocr
ossov
erandl
ook
f
orsomet
hingt
heot
hersi
de.

Awhi
l
elat
er,
Iopenedt
hegat
est
o
t
het
hir
dhouse.Thedogcame
char
gingf
ormeandIqui
ckl
ycl
osed
t
hegat
e.

"
Gael
ome,
"av
oicesai
dbehi
ndme
st
art
li
ngme."
Sor
rydi
dIscar
eyou?
"
Ishookmyheadandbowedmyey
es.

"
Oshymot
howaModi
mo,
"hi
s
compani
onsai
d.
"
Akeot
ogel
engwanaMi
ster
,"
thef
ir
st
guysai
d."
Hi,
arey
oul
ooki
ngf
or
someone?
"
"
Notr
eal
l
y,I
'
m act
ual
l
ylooki
ngf
ora
pi
ecej
ob,
"Isai
d.

Theyex
changedl
ooks.

"
Whatki
nd?
"heenqui
red.
"
Any
thi
ng,
"Isai
d.
"
Okay
,cany
oul
i
kewashdi
apar
o
shar
pshar
p.Yourhandsl
ookwayt
oo
sof
tformot
howadi
piecej
ob;
"t
he
secondguysai
d.

Iwant
edt
ogl
areathi
m,t
heol
dme
woul
dhav
egi
venhi
m al
ect
uref
or
day
sbutIwasnott
hatgi
rlany
mor
e.
Mychal
l
engeshadhumbl
edmeandI
wasn'
tgoi
ngt
omessupmychance
ofget
ti
ngat
enderwi
thhi
m.

"
Eer
raIcandot
hatv
erywel
l
act
ual
l
y,"
Ifor
cedasmi
l
e.
"
Youdi
dn'
thav
etoanswerhi
m.Oat
s
ar
eremal
ait
er,
letmeat
tendt
oher
bef
orei
tget
sev
enhot
ter
."
"
Wasn'
ti
twewer
egoi
ngt
opl
ay
FI
FA?
"Oat
saskedseemi
ngl
yannoy
ed
bymypr
esence.
"
Hedoensthav
etogoonaccountof
me.
..
"
"
NoIdon'
t,
ebi
l
eI'
m not
"Oat
schi
pped
i
ncut
ti
ngme.
"
Wenasaan!v
ayawi
l
lcal
lyou.
"
Rel
uct
ant
lyhel
eftandIwasi
nvi
ted
i
nsi
de.Icoul
dnothel
pbutadmi
reas
hi
sdogex
cit
edl
yjumpedonhi
m as
wewenti
nsi
de.

"
Set
il
okeseo,
Ihopegawat
seny
a
Oat
smopel
ong,
"hesai
dhandi
ngme
abl
ackpl
ast
icchai
r."
Comi
ng.
"

Hewenti
nsi
deandIf
iddl
edwi
thmy
f
inger
sunt
ilhecameback.

"
Jui
ceorwat
er?
"hesai
dex
tendi
ng
t
het
rayt
owar
dsme.
"
Keshar
ptl
her
raandt
hanks,
"Isai
d.
"
Gakeagot
seny
etsabhekhami
na
t
lhemma,
"het
eased.
"
wai
tsekana,
"Il
aughedl
i
ght
ly.
"
Atl
eastot
shegi
l
eny
ana,
"het
eased
somemor
e."
Tshwar
ait
'st
oohott
o
notkeephy
drat
ed.Kanay
ouhav
en'
t
hear
daboutt
heheatwav
eowahel
a
nt
seot
samay
aebeel
etheendof
y
ou?
"
"
Idi
dhear
,it
sjustt
hatIwantt
ofi
nd
somewor
kanddr
inki
ngwat
eronan
empt
yst
omachwi
l
lrev
oltme,
"I
ex
plai
ned.
"
shoul
dIbr
ingy
oumageu?
"
"
Noi
t'
sokay
,sodoy
ouhav
eaj
obf
or
me?
"
"
Wel
lnotnowmay
benex
tweek.Idi
d
myl
aundr
ymaabaneandcl
eanedt
he
housephakel
a."
"
Oh?Isee,
"Isai
ddi
sappoi
nted.
"
Isnex
tweekbad?
"heenqui
red.
"
It
sokay
,justt
hatIneededt
he
moneyt
obuysomebasi
cst
afft
sako
l
apeng.
"
"
Icanpayy
oui
nadv
ance,
"hesai
d
cal
mly
.

OkaynowIwasscar
edwhywashe
bei
ngex
trani
ce?
Asi
freadi
ngmy
mi
nd,

"
Ihav
ebeent
her
etoot
rustme;
I
knowt
hehust
leandt
hest
ruggl
es.I
l
i
ter
all
ydi
dmanual
wor
ktogat
her
enoughmoneyandsponsormy
sel
f
f
ormyf
ir
sty
earkoI
HS.
"
"
Youar
eanur
se?
"
"
Dent
istmoPhi
kwe,
"hesmi
l
ed
put
ti
ngdownt
hegl
assofwat
erhe
hadj
ustempt
ied."
War
egaobat
e
j
uicey
ame?
"
"
It
snott
hat
."
"
Nopr
essur
e.Sohowmuchdoy
ou
char
ge?
"
"
Wel
lIdon'
tknow,
gobat
akebona
gor
ehowdi
rt
ythecl
othesar
eebi
l
e
kel
oadekaf
e,"
Iex
plai
ned.
"
Isee,
"hesai
dthought
ful
l
y."
Standar
d
char
ge?
"
"
P100permedi
um l
aundr
ybasket
,"
I
sai
d.
"
Okaysot
hat
'sequat
est
oP800i
f
y
oucomet
wiceaweekf
oramont
h
andcl
eani
ng?
"
"
Aht
otaIdon'
tknow.
"
"
Badcust
omerser
vice.Okayf
ine,
l
et'
ssayt
hishowabouty
oucome
cl
eanonweekl
ybasi
s.Ot
hat
swa
di
apar
otwi
ceandcl
eant
hehouse
andy
ardoncef
orP300kabeke.
Meani
nggor
eIpayP1200ka
kgwedi
."
"
Ser
iousl
y,
"Iaskedecst
ati
c.
"
Mmm.
"
Ij
umpedandhuggedhi
m maki
nghi
m,
heacci
dent
all
ydr
oppedt
heempt
y
gl
assont
hef
loor
.Itcr
asheddown
andshut
ter
edt
opi
eces.

"
I'
m sosor
ry.
"Isai
d,"
I'
dcl
eant
hat
."
"
Nol
eav
eitkemabot
elet
ogaago
sega.I
'
ddoi
t.wher
ear
eyougoi
ng
f
rom her
e?"
"
Lewenaoi
radi
kot
sij
aakaMaof
it
?"
het
eased.
"
Washaor
aaker
e?"
"
Hahasor
ry,
Iaskedy
ouwher
eto
f
rom her
e?"
"
Wel
li
fyouar
egi
vi
ngmet
hemoney
I
'
llgot
oSav
eri
teandt
henst
rai
ght
home.
"
"
GoodbecauseIneedt
oseewher
e
y
oust
ayi
ncasey
out
ryany
thi
ng
f
unny
,"
hesmi
l
ed.
"
I'
m notacr
ook,
"Isai
dsmi
l
ing.
"
DidIsayy
ouar
eone?
"hel
aughed.

Ourey
esr
ant
othegat
easani
cel
y
dr
essedgi
rlopenedt
hegat
e.Shehad
aper
fecthourgl
assbody
,shel
ooked
l
i
ket
het
ypet
othr
oughshadesaty
ou
f
orl
ooki
ngatherguy
sdi
rect
ion.I
sensedt
ensi
onasshecat
wal
ked
t
owar
dsus.

"
Andher
ecomest
roubl
e,
"hesi
ghed.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Okayshoul
dIuset
heol
dsame
met
hodofwr
it
ingasIdi
dpr
evi
ousl
y.
Isawacommentmongwea'
regaa
kgonegof
oll
owt
hest
oryshar
pifI
wr
it
eli
ket
his.
Bewi
tched

#03

Myt
hroatdr
iedupatt
hesi
ghtofher
chewi
nghergum l
i
kei
twassomehot
l
i
qui
dbur
ninghermout
h.Shewas
notofbeaut
ytobehol
d,buthadt
he
mostst
ri
ki
ngey
esev
er.Herbody
wasal
mostt
hesameasmi
nebut
shewasmor
ewel
ldef
ined.Theguy
st
oodt
her
etwi
ddl
i
nghi
sthumbs
t
oget
heranx
iousl
y.
"
Mar
ti
nweekant
eobat
akegor
apel
a
unt
ilwhen?
"shef
umed.
"
Ont
hapel
afagor
engMasego?Le
gonewedi
dn'
tsl
eepwi
thy
ou,
kana
mmagar
ebonal
e?"
"
Don'
tpul
lthatcar
donme,
ifl
ebat
a
godumedi
swaI
'
m sur
ether
ear
eal
ot
i
fpeopl
ewhoar
efr
eel
ywi
l
li
ngt
odo
so.Nnaf
orget
,Idi
dn'
tcomeal
lthe
wayher
eforaf
ri
endl
ymat
ch.
"

Hechor
tl
edandl
ookedatherwi
th
r
evol
t.
"
Skant
ebakanny
oyal
eit
hoMar
ti
n
t
odayI
'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
eunt
il
y
ougi
vememadi
angwana,
"shesai
d
pul
l
ingt
hechai
rIhadbeenseat
ing
on.
"
Babekeet
a,"
Mar
ti
nsai
dlooki
ngat
met
otal
l
yignor
ingher
.

Il
ookedathi
m dumbst
ruckand
r
eluct
ant
lymadeanod.Whyt
hehel
l
di
dInod?Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
"
Uhugat
webabe?BoMar
ti
ntl
he
choi
cebeat
syou.Fr
om al
lthi
s,
"she
sai
dpoi
nti
ngather
sel
fandpoi
nted
atme,
"t
ojustt
hat
?Mor
enawame!
"
"
Ignor
eher
,"
hesai
d.

Shet
hunder
edl
aughi
ngand
somehowIf
eltused.WhywasIbei
ng
puti
naf
ir
ingsquadf
ori
ssuesIwas
notapar
tof
?Nonet
hel
essIr
emai
nd
col
l
ect
ed.Thesunwasget
ti
nghot
ter
andIusedmyhandt
ofanmy
sel
f.

"
Tsi
saj
erseyeo,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d.
"
Noi
t'
sokay
,"
Isai
dremember
ingt
hat
under
neat
hwasat
ornBDP2014
el
ect
iont
-shi
rt
.
"
Okay
,"
hedi
sappear
edi
nsi
de.

Imov
edawayandsatatt
heedgeof
t
hev
eranda.Masegol
ookedatme
andcl
i
ckedhert
ongue.Thener
veof
t
hisbi
gnosedmammal
.Icont
inued
scr
atchi
ngmynameont
hei
nsi
deof
mywr
istwi
thast
ickf
rom t
he
t
radi
ti
onal
broom.

"
Let
'sgo,
"Mar
ti
nsai
dlooki
ngt
he
house.
"
Kot
engl
eny
atsabat
howenal
e
masekant
awagago.
"
"
Excuseme?
"Isai
dsur
pri
sing
my
sel
f,
"Nnamogonnawaswaba
t
lhemma.I
fyouhav
eissuest
akei
t
upwi
thhi
m andst
opr
ubbi
ngy
ou
sourbabymamaener
gyont
he
wr
ongpeopl
e.KanammadoIl
ook
l
i
keImanuf
act
uredt
hesement
hat
i
mpr
egnat
ed?Skal
ekago
nkgakgaf
all
abecausegankegonna
bonol
o."
Sheopenedhermout
htospeakbut
Mar
ti
nhel
douthi
shand.

"
Wal
api
saMasego.Aker
eIgav
eyou
P1000cashandgotngwana
ev
ery
thi
ngy
ousai
dsheneeded?
"
"
Youcantbegi
vi
ngngwanamat
sana
oneaowhi
l
eyoul
i
vel
avi
shl
y.Ot
hol
a
moof
lossaosat
hlhokomel
e
ngwanaandy
ouknowwel
lgor
eI'
m
sacr
if
ici
ngsomuchal
readybybei
ng
ast
ayhomemom.
"
"
Har
dluckwi
thst
ayi
nghome,
I
beggedy
ouandIst
il
lam aski
ngy
ou
butwaganaaker
e.Di
dn'
tIasky
out
o
gi
vemet
hechi
l
d?Pl
uswhatdoesa
3y
earol
dspendP1kon?Whatdi
d
y
ouuset
hatcashf
orMasego
becauseIgothersengwel
esengwe
seonengosekwadi
l
e?"
hesai
d
agi
tat
ed.
"
Mar
ti
nwee,
togao'
rekebi
tt
erbabe
mamal
i
key
ourdi
rt
ygi
rl
fr
iend.
..
"

Isl
appedheracr
osst
hef
ace.

"
Otl
any
elat
lhemma.Yout
hink
bei
ngasl
ayqueenmakesy
oubet
ter
t
hanme?At
leastIwor
khar
dforme
t
obet
hisdi
rt
ywena?Youusey
our
chi
l
dtoswi
ndl
i
ngmoneyf
rom baby
dad.Si
es!
"
"
Mar
ti
nwabonaonki
tei
sa
mal
eget
wanewagago?
"

Ichar
gedf
orherbutMar
ti
nhel
dme
t
ight
lyt
ohi
schest
.Myhear
twar
med
upt
ohi
smascul
i
newoodycol
ogne
howev
erIf
oughtt
ryi
ngshr
uggi
ng
my
sel
faway
.Thi
sgi
rlneededsome
ser
iousbeat
ing.
"
Rianakel
eshapel
ethi
ski
d,"
Isai
d,"
la
mot
ogel
akeal
ebona.
"
"
Comel
et'
sgoshei
snotwor
thi
t.
"

"
Mar
ti
n!Mar
ti
n!"
Masegocame
t
rot
ti
ngbehi
ndusaswewent
t
owar
dst
hecar
.

Hef
uri
ousl
ytur
nedandl
ookedather
.

"
Togaont
ena,
I'
mtr
yingt
obeci
vi
l
her
eandwenay
ouar
ebusypushi
ng
mybut
tons.
"
"
Tsi
samadi
andI
'
llbeof
fyour
case,
"shesai
dpant
ing.
"
Keeponhar
assi
ngmel
i
ket
hisand
I
'
llgot
ocour
tandt
heywi
l
lhandme
t
hebabyasi
nyest
erday
.Akeogol
e,
I
'
m notgoi
ngt
ocar
efory
ouatt
he
pr
etenceof"
suppor
ti
ngFena"o
mot
onaMasegobankanebagago
ar
enotchooseywheni
tcomest
o
j
obs.Youar
enotmyr
esponsi
bil
i
ty
ebi
l
etot
aI'
m gi
vi
ngy
oumor
ethan
enough.Sut
afokepagame,
"he
pushedherasi
de.
"
Nxl
a,
"shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue.
"
Babegeti
nsi
det
hecar
,"
hesai
dto
me.

Wal
ki
ngbackhomef
rom school
,
Kel
etsoandherf
ri
endsmov
edasi
de
asami
nischool
buscameathi
gh
speedbehi
ndt
hem.

"
Mxm Sat
any
oor
ekgami
set
sang
di
thol
etot
a,"
Kel
etsosai
d.
"
Mogat
so!
"Neel
oteased.
"
Okhoal
emakhwekhweneney
ana.I
beathehasAI
DSi
fnotRasephi
phi
.
Kor
ehav
eyouseenhi
m andYay
aba
l
hany
asekut
wane?Si
es!
"Kel
etsosai
d
andspatoutsal
i
va.

Hert
wof
ri
endsl
aughedandshe
j
oinedt
hem i
n.

"
Justi
magi
neker
ekar
egaonceebe
kel
wal
a.SeeIdon'
thav
eapr
obl
em
wi
thmogar
ebutwagaMl
uI'
l
lpass.
GapeboMl
ubaj
abaf
eta,
"Kel
etso
ex
plai
ned.
"
Mysent
iment
sex
act
ly,
"Bonang
added,
"Kanal
egogony
alaakasego
ny
aleMl
u."
"
Wai
iboMl
ukebababymaki
ngand
v
iruscar
ri
ers,
nnat
otaont
ena
mo.
"Kel
etsoadded.
"
Hedi
dn'
tseegor
ekewena,
nakot
se
nkabo'
rekgabagany
akaf
ree
l
i
ft,
"Bonangt
eased.
"
Mxmf
okof
f!
ankgang
l
eleme,
"Kel
etsomocked.

Thel
aughedandhi
ghf
ived.

Thabangcameoutofhi
sroom t
o
t
aket
het
rayaf
terhi
sgr
andmot
her
f
ini
shedhav
inghert
ea.

"
Pourmet
hel
astcupngwanaka,
"she
sai
dleani
ngagai
nstt
hecouch.
"
Ithoughty
ouar
edone,
"hesai
d
put
ti
ngt
het
raybackont
hecof
fee
t
abl
eandpour
edheracup.
"
Komoki
eist
osmal
l
,"shesai
d
wat
chi
nghi
m cl
osel
yasheadded
sugar
,"
addonemor
espoon.
"
"
Aommê?
"hesai
d.
"
Eboi
sekur
iyamal
atsi
aano.It
old
y
out
obuybl
ueCr
yst
albuty
ou
deci
dedt
obuyt
hischeapt
hingof
y
our
s."
"
Mmekanat
hesugari
sthesame.Ke
y
e,"
hehandedhercup.
"
Thanky
ou,
"shesai
dst
ir
ri
ngi
t.
"
KeboahaPhi
kwe?
"
"
Kel
elekePhi
kwenar
eThabang?
"

Hel
aughed.

"
I'
m meet
ingupwi
thMmagweFena
t
orekel
angwanauni
for
m oy
apr
e,"
he
sai
d.
"
Bat
hoLer
uoogodi
l
e,l
emodi
rel
e
monnawe.
"
"
NnaI
'
myoungt
obehav
ingsomany
ki
dsal
ready
.25y
ear
sabokedi
ra
secondbor
n.Nny
abat
hong.Shoul
dI
br
ingy
ouany
thi
ng?
"
"
Hot
wingsny
ana,
"shesai
d.
"
Podi
?"
"
Leamoget
sene?
"
"
Noot
annel
amadi
aker
ele
amoget
sekot
andabal
a,
"hewi
nked.
"
Oit
oil
engwanawagaMpho,
"she
l
aughed,
"Gogetmypur
se.
"
"
NoI
'
m pl
ayi
ngwi
l
lgeti
tfory
ou.
"
"
Tel
lMmagweLer
uot
ovi
sitme,
o
ngadi
l
ethi
sday
s."
"
Aker
ebongwet
sibof
edi
l
e."
"
Ony
alengwanakeThabangand
f
orgetngwany
anawagaNchadi
kamosot
sogaol
elasaga
Ragel
e,
"sheemphasi
sed.
"
Ij
o,l
aternnaI
'
m ov
erGor
atat
ota.
Hav
eyouseenDi
kel
edi
tot
a,wi
fe
mat
eri
al.
"
Hesmi
l
edt
hought
ful
l
yandhi
s
gr
andmot
hershookherhead.

I
nMar
ti
n'
scar
,Ir
emov
edt
heseat
bel
tast
hecarst
oppedi
nthepar
king
l
oti
nfr
ontoft
heshoppi
ngcompl
ex.
Ther
ewasapr
omot
ional
gaz
ibo
pi
tchedi
nfr
ontoft
heshopandKi
ng
Monadasongpl
ayedi
ntheback
gr
ound.

.
..
kai
dibal
a
Mal
wedheakaakamomar
atong.
Waj
olakai
dibal
a,

"
Wanj
olel
akai
dibal
a,
"Mar
ti
njoi
ned
i
nandIl
ookedathi
m.
"
What
?"hesmi
l
ed.
"
Ngngsepe,
justol
ebegal
i
ket
he
ki
ndwhowoul
dn'
tl
ist
ent
othat
,"
Isai
d.
"
TrustmeIl
i
stent
ofarwor
set
hings,
l
et'
sgo.
"
"
Toget
her
?"
"
Whatkegot
habi
sadi
thongbecause
asf
arasIknowy
ounotscar
edabout
whatpeopl
ewoul
dsayabouty
ou
becauseokabakgwel
adust
,"
he
j
oked.
"
Don'
tev
enst
artont
hugi
sit
sey
our
babymamakana,
"Isai
dopeni
ngt
he
door
.
"
Eymmey
ouhel
pedputheri
nher
pl
ace,
"hesai
dcomi
ngbehi
nd
me,
"Shoul
dIt
aket
het
rol
l
y?"
"
Howmuchar
eyougi
vi
ngme?
"
"
Akgwedi
yot
lhei
fyouwant
,"
hesai
d.
"
Okay
,eet
akei
t.Orweshoul
djust
hav
egonet
oPhi
kwe,
"Isai
d.
"
Mmm kwanoi
t'
sabi
tex
pensi
ve.
Let
'sgot
oPhi
kwe,
"her
easoned.
"
AhIcan'
tkel
eswegapeIl
eftmama
al
one,
notsur
eifmysi
steri
shome
y
et.
"
"
Thencal
lthem,
"hesai
d.
"
Gakenaphone,
"Isai
dembar
rassed.
"
Takeusemi
ne,
"heswappedi
tand
unl
ockedi
tforme.

Ibi
tmyl
owerl
i
pasIdi
aledKel
etso'
s
number
.

Behi
ndt
hecompl
ex,
Kel
etsof
elther
phonev
ibr
atedi
nsi
det
hepocketof
hershi
rt
.

"
Gat
wey
aboel
emang?
"

Sheputi
tonsi
l
entandputi
tbacki
n
herpocket
.

"
Bany
ana!
"Bonangsai
d.
"
Isi
tMl
u?"
Neel
oteased.
"
Mxm wamphaphel
awenaNeel
o."

Theyl
aughed.
Ihangupandt
hecal
laut
omat
ical
l
y
r
edi
aled.

"
Gaar
abe?
"heasked.
"
Mmm t
say
a,uhuet
obedi
tsegape,
"I
sai
dgi
vi
nghi
mthephone.

Heputi
tbackonmyearhol
dingi
t
andKel
etsoandherf
ri
endscame
i
ntosi
ght
.

"
Ther
eismysi
ster
,"
Itol
dhi
m.
"
Oh?
"hehangup.

"
TsenaDi
ks,
"Neel
owhi
sper
ed.
"
Ulal
a!"
Kel
etsocheer
edashef
ixed
myhoody
,"
eishboDi
kel
edi
otar
eo
apar
etsengsekhomba?
"

Herf
ri
endsl
aughed.If
lashedasmi
l
e
att
hem ast
heynear
edus.

"
Dumel
ang!
"t
heysai
dinuni
son.
"
Hi,
"Mar
ti
nrepl
i
ed.
"
Heyguy
s,"
Isai
d.
"
Nkel
ekamosoaker
e?"
Neel
osai
d
"
ee,
Bonangt
lhemmacomet
o
chur
ch.
"
"
Ij
ogat
wel
elomabat
hoko
Naser
etha"
shel
aughed.
"
Neel
okeenewamaakaao,
otel
e
Samet
lhemm,
"Kel
etsosai
d.
"
Ij
olebat
agoi
raphekokangwana
war
ona?
"

Theysai
dgoodby
esandl
eft
.

"
Whyneosankar
abej
aanong?
"
"
Idi
dn'
tknowi
twasy
ou,
neor
eng?
"
"
Justwant
edt
ochecki
fogor
ogi
l
eko
l
apengwantt
ogobuyaf
ewt
hings
kot
oropong,
"Isai
d.
"
Whatt
hings?Ot
saakaemadi
?"
"
It
shwar
e,gost
rai
ghthomet
lhemma
andcookt
hebeans,
sal
eket
oget
se
mom al
one.
"
"
Ij
omol
eloi
nthi
sheat
?"shesai
d.
"
Mxmy
anongwhatshoul
dIdone
mma?
"
"
Buybr
eadandeggsaker
elenal
e
madi
haut
wao'
rey
ougoi
ngt
o
Phi
kwe,
"shesai
dbl
unt
ly.
"
Wenaot
samai
wakesedi
mo,
you
knowwecantaf
for
deggs,
"Isai
d.

Al
lthi
swhi
l
eMar
ti
nst
aredon.

"
I'
ll
getherbr
eadandeggs.Any
thi
ng
el
se?
"heasked.
"
Koobeansl
ecokeny
ana,
"shesai
d.
"
Shei
spl
ayi
ng.Justgetbr
ead,
"I
f
orcedasmi
l
eandgl
aredatKel
etso
asMar
ti
ntur
nedt
ogoi
n.
Kel
etsoshr
ughershoul
der
s.
"
Mol
oiy
ogot
wengThabanghakal
e
bona!Mmagonagenggi
rl
y,
"shesai
d.
"
I'
m notdat
ingMat
tpl
usThabang
i
sn'
tmyboy
fri
endei
ther
."
"
Ehemma,
sowher
eist
hemor
ning
comi
ngf
rom?
"
"
wor
rynot
.Tl
hemmaof
eteo
t
hat
swet
samama.
"
"
Arey
oupay
ingme?
"
"
Wat
senwaneNkel
e?"
"
Whatagi
rlhasneeds,
tlhemmaget
mepadsandhai
rfood.
"
"
am Iy
ourmot
her
,wal
api
sakwa!
"
"
Shesmi
l
edandhuggedme,
"andbuy
col
ogne.Kant
ewhat
'swi
tht
hej
acket
any
way
s?"
"
Fot
sekeNkel
eaut
we.
"
"
Lepagamabasedr
essedl
i
ket
hat
,
Thabanggai
ti
rigogosal
amor
ago.
"
"
Mxm waphadi
moga,
gapewear
e
dr
ivi
ng,
"Isai
dpoi
nti
ngatMar
ti
n'
s
BMW coupe.
"
Maaka!
"

Ispankedher
,"
NnamaakaNkel
e?"
"
Sor
ry,
tlhemmaaskhi
mtodr
opme
of
fonpr
om ni
ght
."
"
Ij
o,"
Isai
d.

Mar
ti
ncameoutwi
tht
wopl
ast
ic
bags.

"
Let
sgo,
"hesai
dtous.
"
Mof
epl
ast
ic,
"Isai
d.
"
Noi
t'
scool
,Idr
opherof
f,
"hesai
d,"
le
nnakae?
"
"
JustnearMaphanephane.Gago
kgakal
aify
ouar
edr
ivi
ng,
"shesai
d.
"
Okayl
et'
sgo,
it'
stoohott
obe
wal
ki
ngt
her
e."

Kel
etsol
ookedatmeandf
lashedher
mi
schi
evoussmi
l
easMar
ti
n
unl
ockedt
hecar
.

"
Kepagamekopel
e?"
sheasked.
"
Ofcour
se,
"hesmi
l
ed,
"t
hat
'si
fyour
si
steri
sfi
newi
thi
t.
"
"
Noi
t'
scool
,
"Isai
d.

IsawThabang'
scarsl
owdownas
Mar
ti
nopenedt
hedoorf
orme.He
l
ookedatmewi
thaser
iousf
aceand
Il
ookedawaybef
oreMar
ti
ncoul
d
pi
ckupt
het
ensi
on.Iknewt
hings
coul
dgof
rom z
erot
ohundr
edf
ast
shoul
dThabangdeci
det
ocomet
o
me.

STORI
ESBYEMY-
BECKY

Iwi
l
lcar
ryonwi
tht
hisst
yleofwr
it
ing
becausemyscenesar
eli
mit
edand
wr
it
ingdi
aloguewoul
dmeanme
addi
ngmor
est
oryl
i
nes.Wi
l
luset
he
f
amousdi
aloguest
ylef
ort
henex
t
st
ory
.
Bewi
tched

#04

Ist
rodeal
ondt
hewhol
esal
ersal
l
ey,
Mar
ti
npushedt
heshoppi
ngcar
t
t
rai
l
ingbehi
ndme.I
tst
il
lst
ood
unst
abl
ewi
thmeast
ohowThabang
haddeci
dedt
oignor
ethef
actt
hathe
sawmeent
erMar
ti
n'
scar
.Ordi
dit
hav
eany
thi
ngt
odowi
thhi
sthr
eat
abouthi
sgr
andmot
herbei
ng"
a
spi
ri
tual
i
st"
?Idon'
tev
enknowwhy
hedesper
atel
ywant
edmeev
en
t
hought
hei
rfami
l
yandmi
newher
e
atwarz
one.If
oundmysel
fcl
i
cki
ng
myt
ongue.

"
Arey
ouokay
?"heasked.
"
Mmm,
nekeakant
sesengwe.'
re
f
edi
tseaker
e?"
"
Arey
ounotget
ti
ngt
eabags?
"
"
OhIf
orgot
.Youhel
pedi
j
o!"
Isai
d
pausi
ngatt
hei
rshel
f.
"
Fiv
erosesorRoi
bos?
"heasked.
"
Tsay
afi
ver
osesbot
hteabagsl
ee
f
agi
wang.Mamacanbe
unpr
edi
ctabl
e,onemomentshe
want
sthi
sandt
henex
tthat
."
"
Remi
ndsmeofmygr
andmot
her
,I
t
oldmy
sel
fgor
ethedayIst
art
wor
kingI
'
dbuther100box
esy
ear
ly.
I
t'
sonl
yunf
ort
unat
eshedi
edbef
oreI
st
art
edwor
king.
"
"
I'
m sosor
ry,
"Isai
d.

Iknewofdeat
h,howmer
cil
essi
twas.
Atf
if
teeni
trobbedusofourf
atheri
n
av
eryf
atal
caracci
dentf
oll
owi
ngmy
mat
ernal
grandmot
her
'sbur
ial
.Onl
y
hadt
het
wobeenal
i
vewewoul
dst
il
l
bel
i
vingwel
li
fnotl
avi
shl
y.I
thad
beenagoodsev
eny
ear
sandIst
il
l
hadnotgot
tenov
ert
hei
rpassi
ngon.

"
NoI
'
m ov
eri
t,
"hesmi
l
ed.
"
Overi
t?Ican'
tgetov
ert
hef
actt
hat
mydadi
sgone,
"Isai
dhol
dingback
myemot
ions.
"
Wel
lIdon'
tfeel
pai
nwhendeat
h
comesandsnat
chesany
onecl
oset
o
me.Il
ostmymot
heratpr
imar
y
school
,myf
atherandonl
ysi
ster
t
hreey
ear
slat
erbur
ntandper
ished
i
nourhousekoDi
bet
e,i
twasal
lov
er
t
henews.
"
"
Idon'
tknowwhatsayr
eal
l
y,i
t'
sjust
t
osad.
"
"
Nodon'
tbesad,
it'
stheor
derof
nat
ure.I
twi
l
lal
way
shappenei
ther
way
,"
heex
plai
ned.
"
Nny
arr
annal
esogakel
etwael
e;
"I
sai
dashewheel
edt
hecar
ttowar
ds
t
het
il
lerst
ati
on.

"
Changeoft
opi
c,whydi
dn'
tyougot
o
school
?"
"
Ial
way
sthoughtI
'
dgo,
Iev
en
passedCambr
idge.
"Isai
d.
"
Youdi
d?"
heasked.
"
WhatdoIl
ookst
upi
d?"
Iasked.
"
DidIsayt
hat
?Sohowmanypoi
nts?
"
Best6y
amekeboAhel
a,
"Isai
d
smi
l
ing.

Iwaspr
oudofmyachi
evement
s
despi
tenotgoi
ngt
oter
ti
aryschool
.

"
Getoutofher
e!"
"
Ser
iouswi
l
lshowy
ou,
act
ual
l
yIgot
al
lAsex
ceptCwahi
stor
y."
"
Buthi
stor
yemot
hof
o,i
sthatwhy
y
ougoti
rr
it
atedkgant
elewhenwe
spokeaboutdi
l
otsahi
stor
yle
monnao?
"
"
Yep,
"Isai
dunf
orgi
vi
ng.
"
Ehemma,
sowhatdoy
ouwantt
odo
goi
ngf
orwar
d.Youdoknowy
ouar
e
st
il
lel
i
gibl
eforgov
ernment
sponsor
shi
p.Kanaonal
e48poi
nts
nnakananekedi
ri
le42,
"hesai
d.
"
Mymot
herneedsmemor
e;"
Isai
d.
"
Youar
eagooddaught
er.
Ipr
ayGod
makesawayf
ory
out
ogot
oschool
."
"
Mmm.
"

GodwhatGod?I
'
m sur
eitwoul
dbe
att
heex
penseofsomeone'
sli
fe.I
wasn'
tgoi
ngt
oar
guewi
thhi
m about
t
hissupr
emebei
ng.

I
nMmadi
nar
e,Kel
etsowal
kedback
t
othev
erandasmi
l
ingassher
epl
i
ed
herf
ri
end.

"
Egoj
esamonat
ephone,
"mot
her
sai
d.
"
No,
I'
mjustper
plex
edbyt
hisnew
guy
.Kanat
heuni
tshesentt
sa
mot
lakasedi
iri
l
e350uni
ts,
t
ransl
ati
ngt
ohi
m hav
ingspent
bet
weenP350andP400.Thet
hings
heboughtt
sonewoul
droughl
ymake
P300.
"
"
Kammer
uri
Dikel
edi
isgoi
ngt
osel
l
usal
i
ve,
gakemot
shephenna
mosi
maneny
anaeney
ole.Hei
sev
en
t
ooy
oungt
obedr
ivi
ngt
hatki
ndofa
car
.Iwon'
tbesur
pri
sedi
fhei
sa
sat
ani
cwhat
every
oucal
lbo
Bey
once.
..
"
"
Sat
ani
st!
"Kel
etsol
aughed,
"Idoubt
."
"
Otai
ponakadi
pel
ael
o.NnammaI
don'
twantt
obei
nit
iat
edi
ntoqueen
oft
hesea.
"

Kel
etsol
aughed.

"
Wenamamakanay
oucanbe
dr
amat
ic,
hei
sadent
ist
."
shet
eased.
"
Ser
ious.Dent
istar
enott
hatr
ich
j
aanongi
magi
nehel
akegopaj
aka
nogamowhenIgoseekspi
ri
tual
hel
patchur
ch.Forwhat
?Mael
e
mot
lakase"
"
Hehe,
comeouty
ouspi
ri
toft
hesea
ofhy
droel
ect
ri
cpowerandchi
cken
eggs!r
abashaoshi
kadi
khanakhana
chapi
se!
"

Thel
aughed.

"
IfKagi
socanheart
haty
ougo
ar
oundi
mit
ati
nghi
m pasopgi
rl
y.
"
"
Fir
eal
lov
eral
lov
ermacar
oni
cheesepapacabbageeshakast
ron
'
renkgakgabi
bil
e!"
shej
okedsome
mor
eashermot
hercr
ackedup
l
aughi
ng.
"
ProphesywomanofGod!
"
"
CanIpr
ophesy
!"
"
Godeepermama"
hermot
her
l
aughed.

Thef
rontdoorbangedoni
t'
sonand
t
hel
ookedateachot
her
.

"
Whatwast
hat
?"

Thi
ngsbeganf
all
i
ngdowni
nthe
housemaki
ngt
hunder
oussounds.

"
Wai
tsekana!
"
"
Letmegocheck,
"Kel
etsosai
d.
"
Emapel
e,y
oudon'
tknowhowangr
y
i
tis.Wear
enotr
iski
ngy
ourl
i
fe,
"she
sai
d.
"
Okayat
leastl
etmecal
lFr
eddyat
e
goshomant
lo,
"Kel
etsosai
d.
"
I'
m br
oke,
"mot
hersai
d.
"
Wel
lIhav
ep200wal
astDi
kel
edi
ao
mpha,
"Kel
etsoex
plai
ned.
"
Isn'
ti
tthemoneyi
sli
tt
leconsi
der
ing
gor
ebar
ethat
hoboy
aboneke
P100?
"
"
Sti
l
lhewi
l
lhel
puskanaGodnev
er
sai
dtheyshoul
dchar
geus,
ronake
r
onar
eleboganghel
a.I
t'
sjustl
i
keko
f
ir
e,aker
eyouusedt
ogosowi
n
seeds,
ler
onat
hat
'swhatwedo.
"
"
Eemol
ekennat
otat
hist
hingsar
e
t
raumat
izi
ngme.Ihar
dlysl
eept
his
day
sandmybodyi
sconst
ant
ly
achi
ng,
"sheex
plai
ned.

Di
kel
edi
dial
edhi
snumberandi
t
wentst
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.
"
Voi
cemai
l
?"mot
herasked.
"
Mmm wi
l
lcheckLekgot
lamay
be
t
heyar
etoget
her
."

Mot
herwat
chedanx
iousl
yasshe
di
aledt
heot
hernumber
.

Wef
ini
shedl
oadi
ngt
hegr
ocer
ies
i
nsi
det
hecarandar
ubbedmydust
y
handst
oget
her
.

"
Ther
eisabot
tl
eofwat
erno
passengerseat
,gett
hatot
hape
mat
sogo.
"
"
It
'sokay
,ar
ewest
il
lgoi
ngt
otown?
"I
asked.
"
Mmm keengwadi
egabecausenka
gobuset
sagaeandcomeback,
"he
sai
d.
"
Tabekel
eset
hogoj
ang,
let
'sgogo
i
segot
swal
we.
"
"
Dot
heycl
oset
hisear
lyka
Sat
urday
?"
"
Aht
otaIdon'
tknow,
Nnar
ramyl
i
fe
doesn'
taf
for
dmet
ocomet
otown
any
how.Can'
tev
enr
emembert
he
l
astt
imeIboughtdi
pant
y,
"Isai
d.
"
Oray
agor
eoaper
emakgasay
ana?
"
"
Mxm,
wasi
mol
l
a?"
"
Sor
ry,
"hesmi
l
edst
arr
ingatme.

Hehadt
hismostbr
ightsmi
l
eanda
per
fectnose.Thecol
ourofhi
sey
es
bl
endedper
fect
lywi
thhi
scof
fee
col
ourski
ntone.

"
What
?"hesai
d
Il
ookedawayembar
rassedbyhowI
hadbeenl
ust
ful
star
ingathi
m,"
Sepe.
Let
'sgo.
"

Hequi
ckl
yopenedmydoorand
ex
tendedhi
shand.Icompl
etel
y
i
gnor
edt
hehandandgoti
n.

"
Ma'
am,
"het
eased.
"
I'
ll
getmychanceswenaj
ustwai
t.
"

Hel
aughedandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

Att
hemal
l
,ThabangputLer
uoonhi
s
neckandhel
dhi
m byhi
scal
fboneof
hi
slegs.Hi
smot
her
'shear
tski
pped
asheal
mostf
ell
backwar
ds.

Shecl
osedherey
es,
"Thabangf
olosa
ngwanake!
"

Ler
uoandThabanggi
ggl
ed.

"
Nogagokgat
hegot
lhel
ele!Ot
awa
or
obegamol
alany
anaowagagoo
mot
ell
ewenaLer
uo!
"
"
Agol
esepe,
"hest
uckhi
stoungeout
.
Gor
atapl
ayf
ull
ypi
nchedhi
sbut
tand
hegi
ggl
edsomemor
e.

"
Mamast
op!
"
"
Tel
lpapat
oputy
oudownf
ir
st,
"she
t
eased.
"
No.
..
"hegi
ggl
edasshet
ickl
edhi
m
andal
mostf
ell
agai
n.
"
YouseewhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
?"she
sai
d.
"
Hei
sfal
l
ingbecausewamot
siki
ta,
kant
ewer
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"
"
YangAcker
mansI
'
llf
indy
out
her
e
sant
seket
senamoPi
cNPay
."
"
Getussomet
hingt
oeat
,"
hesai
d.
"
Okayy
ouf
av?
"Sheaskedand
Thabangmadeanod.
"
Whatshoul
dIgety
oubaby
?"
"
Babei
sdaddyme,
ILer
uoorcl
ony
?"
"
Orwhat
?"Thabangasked.
"
Clony
,"
hesai
d
"
Crony
,kant
eyoudon'
tknowgor
ehe
speakssel
eme?
"
"
Idobutwhat
'sacr
ony
?"
"
Apal
orbuddy
,aker
eFena?
"
Ler
uonodded.

"
ohokay
,boLer
uoar
eint
ell
i
gent
.
Mat
hat
agr
ammar
,gat
we'
ILer
uo'
?
,
"hesmi
l
edpr
oudl
y.
"
Togel
angwanakewai
teka,
"she
smi
l
ed.
"
Nny
aobuaseger
ika!
"het
eased.
"
Iket
elemybabyi
j
a.Okaywhat
shoul
dIgety
oucr
ony
?"
"
Co-
fl
akes,
"hesmi
l
ed.
"
Wehav
ethatathome,
Imeanwhat
shoul
dIgety
ounow?Chi
ckenor
pol
ony
?"
"
Icecl
eam,
"hesmi
l
ed.
"
Okay
,icecr
eam i
tis.Thabangt
lhe
r
raputhi
m downnnagant
shosa.
"
"
Shoul
dIputy
oudowncl
ony
?"
"
Nomamai
sjeal
ousyofme,
"hesai
d.
"
Nnaj
eal
ouswampekel
aaker
eo
mogat
a."

Hegi
ggl
edandThabangj
oinedi
n.

"
Mcm I
'
m nol
ongerget
ti
ngy
ou
any
thi
ngKer
ekel
aMmaMpho
hel
a,
"shesai
dpl
ayf
ull
y.
"
Hei
shebi
l
eIal
mostf
orgotochekel
e
y
ourf
ri
endgoatmeat
i
nsi
de,
"Thabangsai
d.
"
Idoubtt
heyhav
egobuyy
aP100ko
Sandy
sbut
cher
y.
"
Itot
all
yfor
gotgor
etheyal
way
shav
e
goat
,gat
wehundr
edpul
a?Ar
eyou
pay
ing?
"
"
Justgobuy
,"
shesai
dand
di
sappear
edi
nsi
det
heshop.

Thabangsmi
l
edandwal
kedt
owar
ds
Acker
mans.

Kel
etsopacedupanddownt
he
v
erandaannoy
ingmot
her
.

"
Stopdoi
ngt
hatont
sei
sa
sedi
di,
"mot
hersai
d.
"
Eishmamannat
ogaket
senakel
e
one,
whyar
etheydel
ayi
ngmmeba
sal
eba'
rebaf
etaf
aMokobengan
hourback?
"
"
Thepr
obl
em wi
thy
ouNkel
eov
ery
i
mpat
ientandy
ourdesi
rr
eto
pr
ompt
lygetst
affdownwi
l
lseey
ou
maki
ngal
otofundesi
redmi
stakes
I
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
"

Thesmal
lgat
eont
hesi
deoft
hey
ard
madeasqueakysoundandIst
uck
myheadout
.

"
Bonaj
aakabashename,
"shecur
sed.

Thet
womencamechat
ti
ngl
i
ght
ly
andl
aughi
ng.Ther
emov
edt
hei
rcaps
ast
heyr
eachedt
hev
eranda.
"
Mel
ang!
"t
heysai
dinuni
son.
"
Let
sogi
l
e?"
"
Eemma,
"t
heysai
dagai
ninuni
son.
"
Magi
nta?Yaanongl
edi
i
lweke
eng?
"sheasked.
"
Ner
eil
egot
say
acandl
etsedi
mabi
tt
ernakoMosi
ti
,"
thef
ir
stguy
sai
d.
"
Ohmama,
thi
sisLekgot
la,
"shesai
d
poi
nti
ngt
othef
ir
stguy
,"mamphar
il
e
y
okeengFr
eddy
."
"
Ehebongwanaka,
yanongl
e
mmi
l
etsangmmamphar
il
e?"
"
Yowant
wael
ammekanakenna
bi
shopy
agagwe,
"hesai
d.
"
Nkel
eobi
tsanf
undi
simmamphar
il
e?
Gaodi
ri
lebaengt
ee?
"
"
Didt
heysayt
heywantf
ood,
tsena
mont
longmooguy
skanawi
l
lyou
guy
sneedmyser
vice?
"shet
alkedt
o
t
heguy
s.
"
Kewenat
ouchaker
e,mmel
elona
eewanty
oui
nsi
de,
"Fr
eddysai
d.
"
Ehe?Aker
egankel
ent
shosa?
"She
asked.
Theyl
aughed.

"
Wecan'
tguar
ant
eey
ouany
thi
ngl
i
ke
t
hatbuti
t'
sonl
ygoty
oursaf
ety
.
Mol
ekookgonagosi
elakont
leand
becausey
ounotpr
otect
edoboo
f
etsal
ewena,
"Lekgot
laex
plai
ned.
Fr
eddyt
ookof
fhi
sbackpackf
rom
hi
sar
m,"
Lekgot
lageti
nsi
del
eNkel
e
ay
egot
say
amoi
tamowagagwe
andNkel
efi
ndusabowl
andf
il
li
tin
wi
thwat
er.Let
wol
i
tresdi
let
wo.
Yoursi
sterot
aleng?
"
"
Notsur
eor
il
ewa.
..
"
"
Phi
kwe?
"Fr
eddysai
d.

Mot
herl
ookedatmeawest
ruck.

"
Okaygagonamat
hat
a,godowhatI
asked.
"

Kel
etsoandLekgot
lawal
kedi
nsi
de.
Thehousewasamess,
thef
urni
tur
e
hadbeenmov
edandonl
ythe
cur
tai
nswher
einpl
ace.Lekgot
la
whi
stl
edandshookhi
shead.
"
Leet
ennekaeng?Hadany
onebeen
i
nthehousei
twoul
dhav
eki
l
ledt
hem,
I
'
m soshockedi
tdi
dn'
tev
enbur
nthe
housedown?MonnaFr
eddy
!"
"
Hee?
"Fr
eddyanswer
edf
rom out
side
"
Monnat
hist
hingmessedupt
he
house,
'r
etsi
l
egot
heogel
a.Cancel
pr
act
iseMr
,"
hesai
dfi
ndi
ngapat
h
bet
weent
hemess.

Fr
eddypokedhi
sheadi
nsi
de.
"
AoNkel
eonamaot
ogel
aT'
ngol
oe
seny
ajaana?
"Fr
eddyt
eased.
"
TrustmeIwasr
eadyt
ofi
ghti
t,
mamagopal
a."

Fr
eddywal
kedi
n.

"
Oakel
amosadi
mogol
o,Kel
etsoi
sa
chi
cken.monnaFr
eddydi
dyousee
herr
unawaymal
obakomol
etel
ong
whenwer
emov
edt
hatboi
l
ingpot
f
rom under
ground?
"
"
Isawherf
ir
sthandr
ra,
mphemat
ch
st
icksf
oo!
"
Kel
etsol
aughed,
"nnabat
hoI
'
m st
il
l
anamat
eurgapengakagankee
i
kal
afa.
"
"
Mmeaker
emol
etel
owamal
obawas
notf
ory
ourr
elat
ives.Ol
echwegaend
ofdi
scussi
on.
"Lekgot
last
ated.
"
Lookwhoi
stal
ki
ng,
rra
segogwane"
Shet
easedback.

Lekgot
laandFr
eddyl
aughed.

"
Hahanotf
unny
!Ei
shmmeneke
ny
elewai
tse.Icoul
dn'
tev
eneatkana
sedumamomal
eng.Si
ncet
henha
kesadupaopekamol
omo.
"

ThedoorshutandFr
eddygotup
f
rom l
i
ght
ingt
hesev
encol
our
ed
candl
esandt
ri
edopeni
ngi
tbuti
t
wasl
ocked.Kel
etsoandLekgot
la
ex
changedgl
ances.

"
Mama?
"
"
MmaDi
kel
edi
?"Fr
eddy
scr
eamed.
"Ei
shshewon'
thearme.
Okayguy
sgogetmoi
tamoI
'
llgett
he
wat
er.
"

Lekgot
laandKel
etsot
rot
tedt
othe
bedr
oom.

Oki
l
ewasebonakae?
Mosadi
atshol
angwana,
Amor
omagabedi
?
Bosi
gol
eMot
shegar
e!

Fr
eddysangandbeganpr
ayi
ngi
nan
unknownt
ongue.
"
Clement
ine!Gl
ori
a!"
hechant
edashe
scur
ri
edabout
.

Meanwhi
l
eatt
het
owncent
re,
we
wal
kedoutofpepst
oresanddi
dn'
t
f
indt
heki
dsswi
m wear
.Myf
eethur
t
becauset
heshoeIwaswear
inghad
wor
noutatt
hesol
e.

"
I'
m nowgi
vi
ngup,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d.
"
Let
'sgocheckmoAcker
mans,
"Isai
d
t
ryi
ngt
olessenhi
sfr
ust
rat
ion.
"
Eishl
et'
sgo,
ifgosenawear
egoi
ng
home.Ihav
etoi
ronmycl
othes.
"

Wequi
etl
ywal
kedt
oAcker
mans,
oncei
nsi
dewewentst
rai
ghtt
othe
boy
ssect
ion.

"
Crony
?"Mar
ti
nsai
d,"
Heybuddy
?"

Ler
uowav
edst
il
lonThabang'
sneck.
Howdi
dMar
ti
nknowThabang'
sson?

Thabangst
ern,
"babewhoi
sthi
s?"
"
Babe?want
lwael
aaker
eThabang.
Si
ncey
ouwantt
oknowt
hisi
smy
boy
fri
end,
"Isai
dbol
dly
.
"
Skal
ekagonkgakgaf
all
a,Iowny
ou
wankut
wa,
"hekeptqui
etseei
ngt
hat
peopl
e'
sat
tent
ionwasdr
awnt
ous
andl
ower
edhi
svoi
ce,
"y
out
hinkhe
l
i
kesy
ou?Fl
ashnewshedoesn'
t.
Justl
ookathownotcompat
ibl
eyou
t
woar
e.Hewi
l
ljustf
ucky
ou,
gety
ou
si
ckandl
eav
eyoupr
egnant
."
"
Fenawher
eisy
ourmom?
"Mar
ti
n
askedi
gnor
ingMar
ti
n.
"
Gat
weFena?Mrst
opt
alki
ngt
omy
son?
"
Thabangf
umed.
"
Son?Yourson?
"Mar
ti
nlaughed.
"
Eeson,
"Thabangsai
dir
ri
tat
ed.

Il
ookedatt
hel
i
ttl
eboywhol
ooked
shaken.Hel
ookedv
aguel
yfami
l
iar
.
Af
tert
hinki
ngIr
emember
edseei
ng
hi
m onsev
eral
occasi
onswi
th
Thabang'
ssi
steratt
hecompl
exback
home.

"
Phew!Ther
eyouar
e..
."
Weal
ll
ookedandt
her
eshewas
agai
n.Thebubbl
egum gi
rl
.Ihear
ed
herwor
dsf
rom t
hatmor
ningecho
backt
omyear
s.

"
Masegowhyi
sthi
sguyhol
dingmy
son?
"Mar
ti
naskedf
uri
ousl
y.
"
I.
..
he?
"shest
ammer
ed.
"
Yey
!Lesagokonkoet
saandt
ell
him
gor
eat
sisemychi
l
dkanaobat
ake
gocl
apa?
"Mar
ti
nsai
dfur
iousl
y.
"
Gor
ata?
"Thabangsai
dtr
yingt
opi
ck
upsomet
hingf
rom her
.
"
Ebi
l
eoi
pit
saGor
ata?Mrbr
ingmy
son,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d.
"
Wai
tsekana,
bonamor
enal
ennaas
f
arasIknowt
hisi
smychi
l
debi
l
e
maf
okoat
sheny
oagor
ogi
l
eko
l
apeng.
"Thabangsai
d.

Il
ookedatt
hel
i
ttl
eboy
.Hehadabi
t
ofMar
ti
nandabi
tofThabangwhi
ch
ev
enconf
usedmef
urt
hert
owho
coul
dbet
her
eal
dad.Thet
hingsgi
rl
s
dof
orsur
viv
alt
hough!I
'
dpassi
f
hav
ingagoodl
i
femeantt
hat
.
"
Gor
ata,
Masegowhat
every
our
bl
oodynamei
swhosesoni
s
t
his?
"Mar
ti
naskedf
uri
ousl
y.

Ev
ery
onei
ntheshophadgat
her
ed
ar
oundandmor
epeopl
ecamei
nto
t
hest
ore.

"
Sar
otol
emat
hoandt
ell
the
t
rut
h!"
Mar
ti
nfumed.

Ipul
l
edhi
m asi
deandheal
most
pushmedownasheshr
ugmeof
f.
"
Ij
osor
ryr
ra!
"Isai
dcal
mly
.
"
Eishsor
ryt
lhemma,
it'
sjustt
hat
."
"
Noneedt
oex
plai
n,buti
t'
sbesti
f
y
oudot
hisawayf
rom t
hespot
li
ght
orkgant
elet
abel
etset
semosoci
al
medi
a."
"
Youar
eri
ght
,let
'sgo.Wena
(
poi
nti
ngatGor
ataorMasego)
thi
sis
notov
er.Ket
senamoPol
i
cehake
t
senaoboogor
oga.Champwi
l
lsee
y
ou.
"
"
ButdaddyIwantt
ogowi
thy
ou,
"he
cr
ied.
"
Gowi
th.
..
eishhi
m,"
hesai
dpoi
nti
ng
atThabang
"
Hei
smyot
herdaddy
,"
hesai
d
ex
cit
edl
y,"
mamaneal
i
lekesekago
bol
ell
abecausey
ouwi
l
lgethur
t.Al
e
y
ouhur
tdad?
"

Mar
ti
nlookedawaywi
thhi
stear
y
ey
es.

"
NoI
'
m notbuddy
.Daddyi
s
super
manhedoesn'
thur
teasi
l
y,"
he
r
ubbedLer
uo'
shand,
"Kopal
eteha
pol
i
ce.
"
"
Ofcour
se,
"Thabangsai
d.

MmaMpho,
Thabang'
sgr
andmot
her
openedherr
oom wi
thshef
orbi
d
any
onet
oent
er.Shehadent
eredi
r
ever
semodeandt
urneddownand
knel
tatt
heni
cel
ycr
aft
edmi
rr
ort
hat
st
oodal
onei
nthemi
ddl
eoft
her
oom.
Longdr
appi
ngsofbl
ackandr
edf
ell
sof
tl
yont
het
il
edf
loorf
rom t
he
r
aft
ers.

"
Khoshi
!"
shesai
dbowi
ngherheadi
n
r
ever
ence.
"
Doy
ouseekmet
opuni
shy
ou
Zol
ekha?
"
"
No,
ngi
yax
hol
i
sababawet
u!For
giv
e
me.I'
l
lsur
elyser
vey
ouwi
tht
he
sacr
if
ice.
"
"
Godandt
ell
yoursont
ost
ayaway
f
rom t
hatsmal
lgi
rl
.Shewi
l
lcause
t
roubl
einmyki
ngdom.
"
"
Ofcour
se,
"shesai
dhumbl
y.
"
Nowl
eav
eandt
henex
tti
mey
ou
come,
Iwantt
hebl
ood,
"t
hev
oice
t
hunder
ed.
"
khosi
!"
shel
i
ght
lyt
appedherhands
andcr
awl
edbackwi
thoutt
urni
ngher
backt
othemi
rr
orunt
ilsher
eached
t
hedoor
.Shewasmagi
cal
l
y
pr
opel
l
edf
orwar
dandst
oodagai
n
bef
oret
hemi
rr
or.

"
Onemi
stake,
Iwi
l
ltakeThabang.Ar
e
wecl
ear
?"
"
YeboNkosi
!"

Shewasagai
npr
opel
l
edmagi
cal
l
yto
t
hedoorandshequi
ckl
ygotupand
l
eft
.
Athomemot
hercoughedsev
eral
t
imesandf
aint
edwhi
l
eseat
edonher
wheel
chai
r.

Thet
ri
oinsi
depr
ayedhar
dspr
inkl
i
ng
wat
erov
ert
hehouseandcame
mov
edathi
ghspeedi
nci
rcl
es
ar
oundt
hesev
encandl
essi
ngi
ng.

"
Baba!
"Fr
eddywai
l
edandst
opped
spi
nni
ng.
"Iseeacof
fi
nandhake
shebaIseey
ourmot
herNkel
e,
"he
cr
ied.
"
Ohno,
"shecl
angherhandt
oher
mout
hassheknel
tfaci
ngt
heeast
.
"
Don'
thur
tit
'sf
ory
ourgood.They
hadal
readyi
nit
iat
edherandshewas
bei
ngusedi
nthedar
kwor
ld.Her
day
sar
efewwecanonl
ypr
ayshe
r
ecei
vedt
hesal
vat
ionofhersoul
in
t
hosef
ewday
s."
"
Andt
hokol
osi
?"
"
Wenat
akecar
eofy
ourmot
her
's
sal
vat
ionandl
eav
ether
estt
ous.
Lekgot
laopent
hedoorf
orher
."

Lekgot
lawentov
ert
othedoorand
opendi
t.Sher
anoutandmot
her
's
headhadbeent
wist
edar
ound.Her
st
omacht
urnedatt
hegr
uesome
si
ght
.

"
No!
"Iscr
eamed,
"Mamano!
"

Fr
eddyandLekgot
last
eppedoutand
Lekgot
lat
hrewup.

"
JesusChr
ist
!"
Freddyex
clai
med.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
Mysubi
sfedi
l
ebohoneyebi
l
egake
nachar
ger.Justgotsomeonet
o
j
umpmenownow.Rel
ehokeadi
ma
spar
echar
gerorusbcal
lyaSamsung
i
fol
emoMmadi
nar
e.Sor
ryf
ort
he
i
nconsi
stencyt
her
efor
e.
Bewi
tched

#05

"
No!
"shescr
eamed,
"Mama
no!
"Kel
etsoscr
eamed.
Somet
hingst
ruckme,
Ilookedback.I
wassur
eIhear
dKel
etsocr
yingout
.
Mar
ti
nlookedbehi
ndandsawIhad
st
opped,
hecameback.
"
Oshar
p?"
heaskedr
etur
ningt
ome.
"
Didy
ouheart
hat
?"IaskedasI
si
l
ent
lyl
i
stenedhopi
ngt
ohear
somet
hing.

Mar
ti
nlookedar
ound,
"hearwhat
?"
"
Kel
etso,
any
waynev
ermi
nd.
"

It
ookast
epf
orwar
d.
Athome,
Kel
etsoknel
tatmot
her
's
f
eetandr
aisedherhandst
otouch
mot
her
.

"
Don'
ttouch!
"Fr
eddyshout
ed.

Kel
etsor
etr
iev
eherhandsbutshe
r
emai
ndkneel
i
ngatmot
her
'sf
eet
.

"
Mamawakeup!Pl
ease!
"shecr
ied.

Agai
nIhear
dherv
oicet
hist
imei
t
wasaudi
ble.Ist
oppedatt
he
ent
ranceofSel
i
bePhi
kwePol
i
ce
st
ati
on.

"
Babegi
rl
?"
"
Out
ule?Somet
hingbadi
s
happeni
ngkol
apengkagobol
elel
a."
I
sai
dskept
ic.
"
Okayhowabouty
oucal
lyoursi
ster
becauser
ightnowy
ouf
reaki
ngme
out
."
"
Wenal
etsa,
"Isai
d.
"
Okay
,"
hedi
aledKel
etso'
snumber
andIner
vousl
ywat
chedonf
iddl
i
ng
wi
thmyhands.

Mar
ti
ncal
mlyhel
dmyhandt
oget
her
l
ooki
ngpassi
onat
elyi
ntomyey
es.

"
Hel
l
o?eer
radumel
a,uhcancanI
speakt
oNkel
epl
ease?
"

Il
ookedathi
m conf
used.Whowas
Nkel
ewi
th?I
fshel
eftmamaal
oneI
wasgoi
ngt
osmashherhead.
"
Isee,
"hesai
dlooki
ngdeepl
yint
omy
ey
esasIst
aredbackanx
iousl
y.

Ipul
l
edoutmyot
herhandf
rom hi
s
gr
ipandgest
uredf
orhi
mtogi
veme
t
hephone.

"
Shar
p,"
hehangup.
"
Whydi
dyoudot
hat
?"Isai
dangr
il
y.
"
A'r
eye,
"hehel
dmyhandandl
ead
met
othecar
.
"
Aren'
tyousupposedt
obegoi
ng
i
nsi
det
hest
ati
on?
"
"
Thatcanwai
t,gonal
eseemoko
gae,
let
'sgo.
"
"
Idon'
tl
iket
hesoundoft
hat
.What
di
dsomeonedi
e?"

Hekeptqui
etandopenedt
hedoor
f
ormet
ogeti
n.

"
I'
m notget
ti
ngi
n,
"Isai
dfol
dingmy
hands.
"
Don'
tdot
hispl
ease,
"hebegged.
"
Dowhat
?Whowast
hatonmy
si
ster
'sphone?
"
"
Idi
dn'
task,
cany
oupl
easegeti
nthe
car
?"
"
NO!
"It
ookast
epback,
"t
ell
mewhat
di
dhesay
?GapeI
'
m goi
ngt
ofi
ndout
any
way
s.Ther
eisnoneedt
ohi
de
what
everi
tisf
rom me.
"
"
Eish,
okaygeti
nsi
det
hecarandI
pr
omi
seI
'
llt
ell
youoncewei
nthe
car
,"
hebegged.

Il
ookedathi
m andsawt
he
di
scomf
orti
nhi
sey
es.
"
Finebutt
ryany
thi
ngf
unny
,kedi
ra
acci
dent
."

Ir
eluct
ant
lygoti
n,hecl
osedt
hedoor
andsi
ghedasher
ant
ohi
ssi
deof
t
hecar
.Thabang'
scargoti
nthe
pol
i
cest
ati
onashewasaboutt
oget
i
nsi
de.Hecl
osedt
hedoorandI
wat
chedhi
mtr
ottov
er.
Mar
ti
nleanedi
nandLer
uosmi
l
edat
hi
m.

"
Eycr
ony
,"
Mar
ti
nwi
nked;
"I
'
m sosor
ry
butwehav
eanemer
gencyback
homegol
ebegaMmagweDi
kel
edi
a
t
lhokaf
etse.
"
"
What
?When?How?I
sshe
f
ine?
"Thabangf
loodedi
nwi
th
quest
ions.
"
Ijustt
oldy
oushei
slat
e,"
Mar
ti
nsai
d
agi
tat
ed.
"
NoImeanDi
kx.CanIseeher
?"
"
She'
l
lbef
ine,
Ihav
en'
ttol
dhery
et
andwe'
l
lpr
ett
ymuchappr
eci
atei
tif
y
ouj
ustbackedof
fandst
op
har
assi
ngherat
leastf
ornow.Just
di
sappearorsomet
hing.
"
"
Butsheneedsme,
"her
easoned.
"
Noshedoesn'
t.NowaboutLer
uoI
'
ll
adv
iceshe(
lookedatMasego)r
epor
t
her
sel
ftot
heaut
hor
it
iesandt
ell
us
whot
her
eal
dadi
sorel
sei
fit
'sme
t
aki
nghert
ocour
tit
'sgoi
ngt
obe
onehel
lofabumpyr
ide.
"
"
Whyi
sitl
i
key
ouar
edi
rect
ingt
hose
wor
dst
ome?
"Thabangsai
d
di
sgust
ed.
"
Aker
ekewenamonnawagagwe
andshedef
ini
tel
yli
stenst
oyou.I
don'
treal
l
yappr
eci
atey
ouguy
s
pl
ayi
nghousewi
thmychi
l
d."
Thabangl
ookeddeepi
ntoMar
ti
n'
s
ey
esandshookhi
shead.

"
Andwhatmakesy
out
hinkhei
s
y
our
sbecausennahel
alooki
ngat
y
ouol
ebegaol
ever
ymuch
i
nfer
ti
le,
"Thabangmocked,
"any
way
s
shehear
dyouandf
ort
her
ecor
dme
andherar
enotdat
ing.Wamemosadi
i
stheoney
ouseat
ingi
nthatol
dcar
t
ofy
our
syoucal
lacar
."
"
Eishbr
azenIhav
enev
erseensucha
pet
tymeni
nmyl
i
fe.Ishoul
dgety
ou
abr
afory
ourbi
rt
hdaymay
bel
e
onor
okony
anaaker
e."

Hel
ookedathi
s"son"
.

"
Champar
eyoucomi
ngwi
thme?
"
Mar
ti
nasked.
"
Nohei
snot
,"
Thabangsai
dbol
dly
.
"
Iwasn'
taski
ngy
ou.Fena?
"
"
MommycanIgowi
thpapa?
"

Masegol
ookedatLer
uoandt
henat
Thabang.Shel
ower
edherey
esas
Thabang'
sgaz
epi
ercedt
hroughher
hear
t.Adr
ipofsweatr
andownher
spi
neasshemadeanod.

"
Ony
atsabat
hoaker
e
Gor
atamang?
"Thabangsai
dcl
i
nchi
ng
hi
sjawst
oget
her
.
"
Kant
egat
weker
engnnai
fyout
wo
mat
uremanactl
i
kebabi
es?
"she
y
elped.
"
Wowhowsor
ichcomi
ngf
rom a
st
upi
dwomanwhohasbeenusi
ng
t
woment
osuppor
theronechi
l
d.I
won'
tbesur
pri
sedi
fnei
theroneofus
f
ather
edhi
m.Legoneobuama*
*pa
hel
aosaswabe!
"Thabangf
umed.

I
nsi
det
hecarIl
ookedonasMar
ti
n
f
oldedhi
shandsl
ooki
ngi
nsi
det
he
car
.Hehadav
erywel
lbui
l
tat
hlet
ic
bodyandav
erysuper
bly
compl
ement
inghi
ght
.Unt
ilnowIhad
notr
eal
i
sedhewaswear
ingknee
l
engt
hgoal
keepert
ight
s.Hi
scal
f
muscl
emadehi
slegsequal
l
y
i
rr
esi
sti
ble.

"
Whydoeshewantust
ogoback
home?
"Isatt
her
ethought
ful
l
y.
At
housandt
hought
sswampedmy
mi
ndasIt
ri
edt
omaket
hemostout
oft
hemostr
elev
anti
deast
hatI
poppedup.

"
May
beKel
etsosneakedoutor
mamawasi
nhospi
tal
?""
Buti
fshe
l
ookedf
ine,
Imeanshewasf
ine
whenIl
eftandcoul
dn'
thav
epossi
bly
got
tensi
cksof
ast
?""
May
bei
twas
uncl
eRr
aKgomot
so,
Iknowhewant
s
f
ather
'sy
ardt
ransf
err
edt
ohi
sname
si
ncemot
herwasnotl
egal
l
ymar
ri
ed
t
ofat
her
."

Thatmadesensebecausesof
ar,
"
RraKgomot
soi
stheonl
ywhocan
j
ustt
akeourst
affandwer
emai
n
dumbst
ruck.Hei
sdef
ini
tel
ytheone
whoanswer
edNkel
e'
sphone.
"

If
eltt
hatMar
ti
nwast
aki
ngl
ongand
hi
tont
hehoot
er.Mar
ti
nlookedback
andr
anhi
sey
esbackt
othem.

"
Noshemustunder
standgor
ewhat
shedi
dkemol
atoandv
erymuch
puni
shabl
ebyl
aw.Nnamadam
shoul
dbyanychancet
heDNAt
est
r
eveal
other
wiseot
ait
sesent
śaese
r
obal
angmosi
meng,
"Mar
ti
n
t
hreat
ened.
"
Arey
out
hreat
eni
ngme?
"shesai
d
wi
thanat
ti
tude
"
Arey
out
hatdumbr
eal
l
y?I
'
m si
mpl
y
set
ti
ngt
her
ecor
dst
rai
ghtsot
haty
ou
pr
epar
eyourmi
ndsetf
orpr
ison
shoul
dhenotbemi
neandsoy
ou
knowIhav
ear
ecor
dofev
ery
thi
ngI
hav
ebeengi
vi
ngt
oyoui
nfor
m of
chi
l
dmai
ntenanceaswel
lasour
What
sAppmessages.NnammaI
'
m
nott
het
ypet
hatf
orgi
ves,
I'
m sur
e
gor
ewenaofal
lpeopl
eunder
stand
t
hatonebet
ter
.Andpl
easedo
somet
hingabouty
ourat
ti
tudey
a
bo.
..
"

Ihonkedt
hecarandhel
ookedatme
andbackatt
hecar
.Ir
ri
tat
edIdi
dit
agai
n,t
hist
imear
oundf
uri
ousl
y.He
openedt
hedoorandgotLer
uo.

"
Wil
lcomegethi
scl
otheskowena,
hei
sspendi
ngt
heweekend.
"
"
NoIhadpl
ans,
"Thabangsai
d.
"
Notany
mor
e,"
Mar
ti
nbangedt
he
door
,"
bye.
"

Het
rot
tedov
erandputLer
uodown
andopenedt
hef
rontseatdoor
.

"
Sor
ryf
ort
hedel
ay,
"hesai
dopeni
ng
t
hebonnet
.

Isai
dnot
hingandhewentbackand
gott
hebabysaf
etyseat
.Thepassi
on
t
hatspar
kedi
nashebuckl
eduphi
s
sonwasj
ustador
abl
e,Thabang'
scar
r
ever
sedoutandIsawhi
m pai
nful
l
y
l
ookourwayMasegoont
heot
her
handhadnotgl
ancedatus.The
cour
ageoft
hisgi
rlwasei
therv
ery
admi
rabl
eorsuper
blydumb.

"
Ready
?"Mar
ti
naskedLer
uo.
"
Leady
,"
heanswer
edback.
"
Highf
ive?
"
"
Eit
ah!
"
Theyhi
ghf
ived.

"
Tah?
"hesai
dinaf
unnysqueaky
v
oiceandgi
ggl
ed.
"
Aweehnt
wanay
am!
"Mar
ti
nsai
dfi
st
bumpi
ngwi
thhi
m.

Theywi
ggl
edt
hei
rfi
nger
s
r
hyt
hmi
cal
l
yandgi
ggl
ed.Mar
ti
n
br
ushedLer
uo'
sheadandcl
osedt
he
doorandgoti
nanddr
oveof
f.Ionl
y
r
emember
edmyt
ermsf
orent
eri
ng
t
hecarwhenwepassedt
he
whol
esal
ersonourwayt
o
Mmadi
nar
e.

"
Soy
oumademef
orgetgor
eyou
wassupposedt
otel
lmewhyal
lofa
suddenwehadt
ogohome?
"Isai
d.

Hei
gnor
edmeandIl
ookedathi
m.
Hi
smi
ndwasf
ar.I
'
m ev
ensur
ehe
cl
i
ckedhi
stonguebef
orel
ooki
ng
out
sidehi
swi
ndowmoment
ari
l
y.

"
Mar
ti
n?"
"
Huh?
"
"
Whyar
eyout
aki
ngmehome?
"I
asked.
"
All
owmet
odr
iveusal
lsaf
elyf
ir
st.
Mymi
ndi
ssupercongest
edr
ight
now.
"Heex
plai
ned.
"
Tel
lmeeeandst
eam of
fthe
congest
ion,
"Inagged.

Hebr
oughtt
hecart
oahaul
tashe
t
urnedbuyt
heSenombej
unct
ion.

"
Whatt
hef
uck!
"Iex
clai
medhol
ding
mybr
eat
h.
Il
ookedbackatt
hechi
l
dhewas
cal
m.

"
SeewhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
.Any
thi
ng
canhappennowpl
easeal
l
owmet
o
dr
ive.pl
easekagokopa,
I'
m super
st
ressedr
ightnowand.
..
"
"
I'
m sor
ryInaggedy
ou,
it'
sjustt
hat
I
'
m scar
ed,
"Isai
d.
"
Iknowandt
rustmeIsowantt
otel
l
y
oubutIdon'
tknowhowt
odot
hat
.
Pl
easewor
kwi
thmeandwewi
l
lbe
f
ine.I
'
m her
efory
oul
i
key
ouar
efor
me.Fr
iends?
"
Ismi
l
edandl
ookedathi
m,"
For
ever
."

Hemi
mickedat
hanky
ouandl
ooked
atLer
uot
hrought
her
ear
viewmi
rr
or.

"
Wil
lyouki
ssheral
l
edy
?Ial
way
ski
ss
Mi
ya,
"hesai
d.
"
Youki
ssher
?"hi
sfat
heraskedr
ather
st
ernl
y.

Ler
uokeptqui
et.

"
Ler
uo!
"hesai
dlooki
ngbackatLer
uo.
"
AeMar
ti
n,y
ouscar
ingt
hechi
l
d.I
s
notl
i
key
oudi
dn'
tki
ssgi
rl
sgr
owi
ng
up,
"Isai
d.
"
NoIdi
dn'
t.
"
"
Ibety
ouhadav
erybor
ing
chi
l
dhood,
"Isai
d.
"
Ifbor
ingy
oumeanbynotpl
ayi
ng
houset
heni
twas.Ther
ewasnoway
onear
thIwasy
ougoi
ngt
olett
hose
gi
rl
smol
estme,
Nev
er!
"het
eased.
"
Tshabat
lheha,
haut
waor
ianay
ou
at
epeopl
e'
sdaught
ersst
rawber
ri
es
kabokukhunt
swane.
"
"
DidInow?
"heasked.
"
Youdi
dkor
ehel
aledi
nokat
sagago
say
sital
l
."
"
Uhu?
"hel
aughed,
"or
aagor
eIgoti
t?"
"
DidIsayt
hat
?Don'
tdar
eputwor
ds
i
nmymout
hrr
awee;
gapennaI
'
ma
v
irgi
nIknownot
hingaboutdi
noka
t
samor
obal
o,"
Isai
d.
"
Youl
ekgel
a?Nev
er!St
opl
yi
ng,
"he
sai
d.
"
I'
m not
,Iwon'
thav
eitunt
ilonmy
honey
moon.I
t'
stheonl
ythi
ngImi
ght
dor
ightf
ornow;
"Isai
dsadl
y,
"If
ail
ed
t
odoal
otoft
hingsr
ightov
ert
he
y
ear
sandI
'
m notaboutt
osl
eepwi
th
any
onej
ustbecauseI
'
m amess.
"
"
Yahneah,
soboy
fri
end?
"
"
Wai
ikaet
ota?Imi
ghtaswel
ltur
n
l
esbo,
"Isai
dlooki
ngout
sidet
he
wi
ndow.

It
houghtaboutThabang,
wehad
dat
edsi
ncemyday
sinj
uni
or
secondar
yatMer
ement
siSchool
.He
hadgot
tenenr
oll
edatSel
i
bePhi
kwe
Secondar
ySchool
andl
ater
t
ransf
eredt
oMmadi
nar
eseni
or
school
andt
heywer
ethef
ir
stcl
ass
t
ogr
aduat
ether
e.I
n2015whi
l
einhi
s
secondy
earhebegancheat
ingon
meandl
aterIhear
drumour
sthathe
hadi
mpr
egnat
edagi
rli
nMaanga
war
d.

"
Sohav
eyouev
erki
ssedaguy
bef
ore?
"heaskedcur
iousl
y.
"
Wel
l
,"Il
ookedatLer
uobuthewas
f
astasl
eep,
"Babyki
ssedThabang.
"
"
Whot
hatguy
?It
houghty
ousai
d..
."
"
Hei
snotmyboy
fri
endwedat
ed
backi
nJuni
orschool
andbr
okeupa
di
ray
eart
wokebal
afor
mfi
ve.
"
"
Soy
ounev
erki
ssedbey
ondbaby
ki
ss?
"
"
NopeIguesshegott
ir
edand
want
edt
otast
esexbutnotl
ong
newshadr
eachedmegot
weo
i
thwadi
sit
se.
"
"
Icani
magi
ne,
wenal
ewenasoy
ou
l
i
ter
all
ydat
edaguysi
ncewhat
15y
ear
sunt
ilol
e18andonl
ybaby
ki
ssedhi
m once.I
'
m pr
ett
ysur
eyou
bar
elyhaddat
es.
"

Ishookmyhead.
"
Ah!wenamma?
"
"
What
?Mymom wasst
ri
ctgape
papawasst
il
lal
i
vewhenImet
Thabanghewoul
dhav
eki
l
ledme
seei
ngmewal
kar
oundwi
thaboywa
seni
orschool
fort
hatmat
ter
."
"
Buti
t'
snotl
i
kehei
sthatol
d,"
hesai
d.
"
Nohei
sn'
tkel
e93.
"
"
Wena?Letmeguess96?
"
"
Awomannev
ert
ell
s."
"
Kgawhi
chwoman?Don'
tgetme
st
art
edi
j
a!"
Il
aughedandhej
oinedi
n.

"
Sohowol
dar
eyou?
"Iaskedhi
m.
"
Mendon'
ttel
lei
ther
,"
hesai
d.
"
Okhol
onal
eboki
ssandt
ell
sooka
seganekadi
ngwagahel
atsamma
di
ngwaga,
"It
eased.
"
Guessf
ir
st,
"hesai
dsmi
l
ing.
"
Letmesee92?
"

Hebur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

"
Want
lwael
aaker
e?"
hechor
tl
ed.
"
Ahel
egor
eomadal
a?"
Iasked
der
isi
vel
y.
"
DoIl
ookl
i
keI
'
m gr
eyi
ng?Thwaf
all
a
hel
aandt
ell
mehowol
dIam.
"
"
OkayI
'
llgi
vei
tonel
astshot
,"
Ist
ared
athi
m andhel
aughed.
"What
s
f
unny
?"
"
Not
hingj
ustst
opst
arr
ingatmel
i
ke
ar
etar
dedper
son.
"

Myhear
tski
ppedast
hepol
i
cecar
ov
ert
ookus.
"
Oshar
p?"
heasked.
"
Mmm j
ustt
hathaker
atemmadi
sef
,
soo.
..
yourage?May
beni
nty
-..
."
Hi
sphoner
angandIsawt
hecal
l
eri
d.
Hegr
abbedi
tbef
oreIcoul
dand
pi
ckedi
ttohi
sri
ghtear
.

"
Hel
l
o?"
heanswer
edl
ooki
ngatme.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

St
il
lapol
ogi
singf
orl
atepost
.
Bewi
tched
#6

Hel
ookedatmeashej
oinedt
he
gr
avel
roadt
hatl
eadt
oourhouse.

"
Whoi
sathome?
"heasked.

Myhear
tbetpr
ofusel
yaskepton
t
aki
ngst
olengl
ancesatmewhi
l
e
speaki
ngt
ohi
sphone.

"
Okayshar
p'r
etl
aboel
akoo,
"hesai
d.
Hehangupandputhi
sheadont
he
st
eer
ingwheel
.

"
Kant
egoi
raget
seengMar
ti
n?"
Hesi
ghed,
"t
hatwasNkel
eshesay
s
shei
satt
hepol
i
cest
ati
on.
"
"
Pol
i
cekae?
"
"
What
evert
hatt
hingy
oucal
lbehi
nd
MpoengPr
imar
y,komat
olo"
he
ex
plai
ned.
"
Wai
t?Thatpol
i
cecar
?El
egor
ewhy
i
sshet
her
e?"
Hel
ookedoutandpr
essedhi
sli
ps
t
oget
her
.

"
Eish.
..
,
"hener
vousl
yrubbedhi
shead
andf
iddl
edwi
thmyf
inger
s.
"
Wil
lyousaysomet
hingkanake
i
thoboge?Okayl
etmecal
lNkel
eand
heari
tfr
om hermysel
f.
"
"
Nowai
t,
"hesai
dhol
dingmyhand
f
rom t
aki
ngt
hephone,
"I
tsy
our
mot
her
."
"
Whathappenedt
oher
,"
Iswal
l
owed
har
d.

Thet
houghtofany
thi
nghappeni
ngt
o
mot
heragai
nmademeuneasy
.Her
condi
ti
onwasal
readywei
ghi
ngme
downandIcoul
dnotcar
rymor
eofi
t.

"
She.
..gat
weor
etoget
se.
"

Il
aughedbuthemai
ntai
nedaser
ious
f
acei
nhi
scomposur
e.

"
No,
"Iwhi
sper
ed.
"
I'
m sosor
rybabe,
"hesai
dhol
ding
t
ightt
omyhand.
"
Butshewasf
inewhenwel
eft
,she,
"I
cr
iedsof
tl
y,
"she.
..
"
"
Hey
,"
hewi
pedmyt
ear
stender
ly.
"
IfIhadnotl
efthershe.
..
ohGod!
"
"
Don'
tsayt
hatnoneoft
hisi
syour
f
aul
tbabegi
rl
.Let
'sgot
othepol
i
ce
st
ati
onaut
we.
"

Isai
dnot
hingandhest
art
edt
hecar
.
Her
eachedf
orabot
tl
eofwat
erf
rom
t
hebackseatandopenedt
hei
t
bef
orej
oini
ngt
her
oad.

"
Takedr
inkt
his,
"hesai
dgi
vi
ngme
t
hebot
tl
e.

It
ooki
tandl
ookedawaycr
ying
si
l
ent
ly.I
thur
tsomuch,
Ifel
tli
kemy
i
ntest
ineswer
ebei
ngshr
edded.The
newst
hrewmebackt
o2011whenI
r
ecei
vednewsaboutf
ather
'spassi
ng.
Wehadj
ustbur
iedmymom'
smot
her
t
hatv
eryweekendandf
atherwas
supposedl
ysupposedt
obet
rav
ell
i
ng
t
oGabor
onebackt
owor
k.
Thef
oll
owupoft
heev
ent
soft
hat
daywer
eunf
orgot
ten.Wehadj
ust
comebackf
rom br
eakt
oat
tendour
Sci
encecl
ass.Amessengercame
f
rom t
heof
fi
ceoft
hepr
inci
pal
to
summonmet
othest
affr
oom.

Myuncl
ehadbeent
heonet
obr
eak
t
henews.Fat
herhaddi
edi
naf
atal
carcr
ushj
ustaf
terhepassed
Mokor
ogat
eandt
hecarhadbur
nt
l
eav
ingnot
raceofl
i
fe.Nowmot
her
?
"
Regor
ogi
l
e,"
Mar
ti
nsai
dli
ght
ly
car
essi
ngmyback.

Iwi
pedt
het
ear
sandsmi
rked.

"
Youwantmet
ocomewi
thy
ou?
"he
asked.

Imadeanod.Hel
ookedbackand
Ler
uowasup.

"
Heybuddy
,"
hesai
d.
"
Whydi
dyoubeatherdaddy
?"
"
Idi
dn'
tbeather
,"
hel
ookedat
me,
"somet
hingbadhappenedand
shei
shur
t.
"heex
plai
ned.
"
Butdaddyy
ouf
ixpeopl
est
eet
h
whent
hei
rteet
hhur
t.Whycan'
tyou
f
ixherhear
t,
"Ler
uoenqui
red.
"
Wel
l
,"Mar
ti
nlookedatmebutIwas
l
ooki
ngout
side,
"Iwi
l
ltr
ybuddy
."
"
Goodandgetherchocol
atet
oo.
Mi
yaal
way
ssmi
l
eswhenIgi
veher
chocol
atei
fshecl
i
ed,
"hesai
dpr
oudl
y.
"
ohr
eal
l
y?"
"
Mmm,
teacherNei
sosay
sI'
m av
ely
goodboywi
thuum.
..
yeswi
tha
gol
denhear
t.
"
"
Yousur
ear
e."

Hel
i
ght
lyst
rokedmyhandandI
l
ookedathi
m andf
orcedaf
aint
smi
l
e.

"
Shoul
dwe?
"
"
Cany
ougoal
one?Pl
ease.
..
I.
..
"
"
Ofcour
se,
"hesai
d,"
champdon'
t
t
roubl
emamaneaut
we?
"
"
CanIcal
lhermommykagol
ebo
papabal
etwo.
"
"
Kant
ewenamonnagaobua
set
swanasent
le?AskhernnaI
'
m
cool
wit
hyoucal
l
inghermama,
"he
sai
dandl
ookedatme.

Iwasn'
tupf
oracl
umsychi
tchatwi
th
a3y
earol
d.

"
CanIcal
lyoumommy
?"

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatt
ryi
ngt
oav
oidmy
v
oicebei
ngsqueaky
.
"
Yeahi
t'
sokay
."
"
Cool
,can'
twai
ttot
ell
Miy
a.Daddy
?"
"
Rra?
"
"
Arey
ougoi
ngt
omal
l
yher
?"
"
Dowhat
?"
"
Leny
adi
?"
Hel
aughedandIsmi
l
ed.

"
Leny
alo.Kant
eler
utwaengat
school
?"Mar
ti
nasked.
"
Lot
sofst
aff
,col
our
s,ABC,
col
oul
i
ng
andst
aff
,"
hesai
d.
"
Iseeokaybehav
eI'
m comi
ngokay
?"
"
Okay
."Ler
uor
esponsed.

Thabangdr
ovet
hrought
hei
ropened
gat
e.Henot
icedt
hedoort
othe
f
orbi
ddenr
oom open,
hegotof
fthe
carandl
eftt
hecardooropenand
t
rot
tedov
ert
other
oom.

Thespacewasenoughf
orhi
mtosee
i
nsi
de.Hesawt
hebeaut
if
ulmi
rr
or
andt
hesnaket
hatr
efl
ect
edf
rom i
t.
At
hunder
ingv
oicest
art
ledhi
m and
heswal
l
owedhar
d.
Soi
twast
rue?Hi
sgr
andmot
herwas
i
ntobl
ackmagi
c,hel
i
stenedcar
eful
l
y.

"
Isai
dIwant
edt
hegi
rlnother
mot
her
.GETMEDI
KELEDI
'S
HEAD,
"t
hev
oicet
hunder
ed.
"
Khosi
!"
hisgr
andmot
hersubmi
tt
ed.
"
Herf
ory
ourbel
ovedThabang,
the
choi
cei
syour
smychi
l
d."

Thabangswal
l
owedhadandst
epped
backasawav
eofdi
zzi
nesscame
uponhi
m.Hest
umbl
edont
hecans
t
hatwer
ecl
ust
eredj
ustbesi
dest
he
door
.Anev
ilsoundt
ri
gger
edi
nsi
de
andt
hedoorbangedandhemov
ed
t
hef
urt
hestawayf
rom t
her
oom.

"
Whowast
hat
?"
"
Haket
sebe?
"
"
Lies!
"t
hesnakesl
i
ther
ed.

Shebowedherheadshaki
ng.I
fKhosi
gotangr
yshewoul
drecei
vea
dr
eadf
ulpuni
shment
.Ithadbeena
y
earsi
nceshewasl
astpuni
shedand
hadf
ormont
hsl
ostt
heuseofbot
h
l
egsanddependedonpeopl
etocar
ry
herar
ound.

"
For
giv
eme,
Iwi
l
lcor
rectmy
mi
stakes,
"shepl
eaded.
"
Youhav
eex
act
lyaweekt
ogetme
t
hathead.Si
zwana?
"
"
YeboNkosi
."
"
Youmayl
eav
eandt
ell
thatsnoopy
boyofy
our
stonotst
artwhathe
can'
tfi
nish.Hi
scur
iosi
tywi
l
lcal
li
n
mor
ethanwhathebar
gai
nedf
or.
NowOut
!"
Shef
oundThabangi
nhi
sroom
packi
nghi
scl
othes.

"
Andt
hen?Goeng?
"sheaskedi
nan
aut
hor
it
ati
vev
oice.

Thabangr
emai
ndcal
m andz
ipped
hi
sluggagebag.Heangr
il
ypul
l
edi
t
of
fthebedandhockedupt
hest
rol
l
er
ast
hegr
andmot
herwat
chedon.

"
ThabangI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou.I
fyou
t
hinky
oudoi
ngy
our
sel
fjust
icewa
i
phor
abecausey
ouonl
ysaf
e
her
e,"
shesai
d.
"
Saf
e?Mmèdoy
ouev
enhav
eacl
ue
whatt
hatwor
dmeans?Howam I
saf
ewi
thawi
tch?
"
"
Idar
eyout
ocal
lmet
hatagai
n.Iam
aspi
ri
tual
i
st.
"
"
What
everman!I
'
mleav
ingei
ther
way
.Youhav
ebei
nghi
dingdi
l
ohel
a
t
sabol
oimoj
arat
engandex
pectme
t
ojustst
ayher
e?Youhav
eabl
oody
hugesnakei
nyourmi
rr
orandy
ou
wantmet
ojustst
ay.Want
hol
ela,
"he
f
umed.
"
Finego,
Iwon'
tst
opagr
ownass
manf
rom doi
ngwhathewant
s.
Howev
erIwi
l
lnotst
andandwat
ch
y
oui
nsul
tme,
leeneMphoi
nherl
i
fe
gai
seant
hogaev
eni
ndeat
hshe
hasn'
t.
"
"
Iwoul
dn'
tbesur
pri
sedi
fomo
nt
shi
tseset
lhabel
o.Ev
ery
onewar
ned
mebutIwast
oonai
veandt
owantt
o
ki
l
ltheonl
ywomanIev
erl
ovedt
rul
y?
Mmey
ouar
ever
yhear
tl
ess,
whatdi
d
sheev
erdot
oyou?Di
dyouki
l
l
Nchadi
?"
Hi
sgr
andmot
herl
ookeddown.

"
Greatj
ustgr
eat
!tel
lthatsnaket
ogo
f
ucki
tsel
fbecauseIwi
l
lnotst
and
andwat
chy
ouki
l
lher
.Nev
er!
"

Hepushedpasther
.Shegr
abbedhi
m
backandsl
appedhi
m.Adr
opof
bl
ooddr
ippedf
rom hi
snost
ri
ls.He
usedt
hebackofhi
shandt
owi
pe
hi
msel
fandwal
kedout
.
"
Otankgopol
alef
atshel
ego
shenet
semeno!
"*y
ouwi
l
lremember
mewhent
hewor
ldt
urnsi
t'
sbackon
y
ou*

Shespi
tesal
i
vat
hri
ceandcur
sed.

"
Onl
ythr
eey
ear
s.3y
ear
smyboyand
y
ouwi
l
lbeanot
hing.
"
"
Gat
weng?
"
"
KaSebet
elaant
set
se,
youwi
l
llack
t
oapoi
ntwer
eyouwi
l
lnotaf
for
dto
ev
enbuyabubbl
egum.Tchun'
gam
hel
aya2and6,
Nxust
ru!kei
kana
t
sat
sil
epene,
"shecur
sed.
"
Backt
osender
,Iseey
out
hinky
ou
ar
eGod.Seewhat
everpower
sthat
snakei
sgi
vi
ngy
ouar
enoti
mmor
tal
.
Wewi
l
lseewhoamongstusi
s
st
ronger
.Nx
lasat
aneomal
a
mant
so!
"

Hecl
i
ckedhi
stongueanddr
agged
t
hebagout
side.Masegocame
t
rot
ti
ngov
erbr
eat
hless.

"
Weneedt
otal
k,
"shesai
dpant
ing.
"
Nowehav
enot
hingt
otal
kabout
,"
he
r
umbl
edpr
oceedi
ngt
ohi
scar
.

Masegot
ail
edhi
m.

"
Babe?Rr
agoFena!
"
"
Skal
ekagont
ena,
sonowI
'
m
Rr
agweFena?
"
"
Babecomeon.
..
"
"
Comeon?I
sthatal
lyoucansay
?
Gor
ataIl
ovedt
hatki
dwi
thmyal
l
,
gav
ehi
m ev
ery
thi
ngandal
lal
ongne
ont
ibi
l
edi
tsebet
seor
e'semat
lase'
aker
e?"
"
Youknowt
hat
'snott
rue.
..
"She
si
ghed.
"LookIknowi
didy
ouwr
ong
butIdi
dwhatIhadt
odo,
"shesai
d.
"
andwhati
sthatex
act
ly?Maki
ngme
suppor
tandbondwi
thanot
herman'
s
chi
l
d?"
hef
umed.
"
LookIdi
dnoti
ntendondoi
ngt
hat
okay
,af
terIwast
oldy
oucoul
dn'
t
makemepr
egnantI
..
."
Het
ight
enedt
hecanv
asatt
hebagof
t
hebakki
efur
iousl
y;
"t
oldbywho?
"
"
Yourgr
andmot
her
,she.
..
babel
ookI
l
ovey
ouokayandshesai
dtheonl
y
wayIwasgoi
ngt
okeepy
ouwas
hav
eachi
l
dbuthowev
ershe
r
equest
edt
hatIf
indsomeonet
o
f
athert
hechi
l
dbecausey
ouhad
beendecl
aredi
nfer
ti
lef
rom
concept
ion.
"
"
Youknowwhaty
oudi
sgustme!
'
"he
spatsal
i
va.
"
Babepl
ease,
"shesobbed.
"
Oll
aeng?Ol
l
amasepaandt
ogake
gof
aar
easont
ocr
y.I
'
llsl
apy
ou.
"
"
Beatmei
fyouhav
eto,
Idon'
tcar
e
butI
m notst
ayi
ngbehi
nd.Ke
t
samay
alewena.Yout
hinky
oucan
j
ustl
eav
ememot
hof
ony
ana
j
aana,
"shesai
dandf
orcedherway
i
ntot
hecar
.

Thabanggl
aredather
.

"
Gor
atamangkopaot
swehel
amo
kol
oingy
ame,
"hef
umed.

Shel
ockedt
hedoorandf
oldedher
hands.Thabangt
ri
edt
hel
ockand
ev
enbangedoni
tbutshedi
dnot
mov
eani
nch.
"
Okay
,"
hesai
dget
ti
ngi
nsi
det
hecar
,"
I
seey
ouar
east
ir
edofl
i
vingasIam.
"
"
Kil
lmeandseei
fIcar
e,"
shesai
d.

Thabangst
art
edt
hecarandr
ever
sed
out
.

Att
hest
ati
on,
Ipl
ayedpeekaboowi
th
Ler
uo.Themor
ehegi
ggl
edt
hemor
e
IsawMar
ti
n'
sresembl
ance.

"
AhnnaI
'
mti
redLer
uo,
"Isai
d.
"
ButmommyIwantt
opl
ay,
"hewaned.
"
You'
l
lpl
aywi
thy
ourf
ri
end.What
's
hernameagai
n,
"Icl
i
ckedmy
f
inger
s,"
eheMi
ya,
I'
m sur
eshe
doesn'
tgett
ir
ed.
"
"
Butcan'
tyoubemyf
li
endt
oo?
"
"
Iam,
it'
sjustt
hatmommyi
sn'
t
f
eel
i
ngwel
lri
ghtnow,
"Ir
easoned.
"
Okay
!"hesai
dgr
umpy
.

If
eltbadandhi
dmyf
aceandl
ooked
athi
mthr
ought
het
inyspaces
bet
weenmyf
inger
s.
"
Booo!
"It
eased.

Hegi
ggl
edandhi
dhi
sface.

"
Wantt
opl
ayr
ockpapersci
ssor
?"
"
Ohboyt
her
ewegoagai
n,canwe
pl
aysomet
hingi
ntel
l
igent
?"
"
Hel
ang!
"Isai
dandchuckl
ed.
"
Plet
typl
ease?
"
"
Finewhatshoul
dwepl
ay?
"
"
Namet
heci
ty,
"hesai
d.
Il
ookedathi
m wonder
inghowi
twas
pl
ayedandhehadper
fect
lyout
li
ned
howi
twaspl
ayed.

"
OkayI
'
llst
art
,Br
azi
l
?"hesai
d.
"
Rio,
"Isai
dpr
oudl
y.
"
Okayy
ourt
urn,
"hesai
dgi
vi
ngmea
f
akecoi
n.
"
EhhhSout
hAf
ri
ca,
"Isai
dtr
yingt
obe
l
eni
ent
.
"
Sel
i
ousl
y?Comeonwor
kwi
thme
honey
,"
hesai
dst
ari
ngatme.
Il
aughed.Thi
sli
tt
leangel
though.He
wassocl
eanandl
ookedl
i
ket
hose
cat
aloguebabi
es.Theki
ndy
ouwoul
d
l
ovet
oli
ckorwat
chal
ldayl
ong,
I
smi
l
ed.

"
Toughboyhuh,
Amer
ica?
"

Her
oll
edhi
sey
es,
"Any
way
sI'
l
l
answer
.Det
roi
t,Mi
chi
gan.
"
"
Ohokayeh.
.ei
shwenay
ouwantt
o
cheatmeIsai
d."
"
Wecanl
ooki
tupont
hei
nter
net
."
"
OkaynowI
'
m of
fended.Soat
hree
y
earol
disl
ect
uri
ngme?
"
"
I'
m al
mostf
oury
ouknow.Sot
ell
me,
doy
oul
i
kemydad?
"
"
Wai
tsekana,
whatar
eyou?
"
"
Sel
i
oul
y,Doy
ou?Iknowhowgi
rl
s
canbel
i
ke.
..
"
"
What
?"Il
aughed,
"okayl
ookI
'
m nota
gi
rlandl
egonewhatmakesy
out
hink
Il
i
key
ourdad?
"
"
Isawhowy
oul
ookedathi
m,pl
ushe
l
i
kesy
out
oo.
"
"
Jesus,
Lor
dyourchi
l
d!Yourt
oddl
er
chi
l
disact
ingl
i
keanadul
t,
"Isai
d.
"
Whati
sat
oddl
er?
"
"
Eheebi
l
ent
seehey
ounott
hat
br
ight
?"
"
Iam,
Ican'
tknowev
ely
thi
ngatonce
y
ouknow.Sodoy
ouwantmor
eki
ds?
Li
keIdon'
twantgi
rl
stheycl
ytoo
muchandwi
l
lgetmei
ntl
oubl
eli
ke
Mi
yabecauset
heyl
i
kenaggi
ng
peopl
e."
"
Wesonotdi
scussi
ngt
hat
,wai
tse
kana.
"
Thabangwal
kedoutoft
heof
fi
ces
al
one.

"
Whynot
?Fi
neI
'
llaskdaddy
."
"
Noy
ouwanthi
mtot
hinkIsent
y
ou?
"Isai
d.
"
Senthi
mtodowhat
?"Mar
ti
nsai
d.
"
Not
hing.
..
"Isai
dqui
ckybutLer
uocut
i
n.
"
Toaski
fyou.
..
"Ler
uosmi
l
edand
l
ookedatme,
"Ohnot
hingi
t'
sasekl
et
l
i
ghtmommy
,"
het
eased.
Igl
aredathi
m andhegi
ggl
ed

"
So?Gat
weng?
"IaskedMar
ti
n.
"
Looksl
i
keshei
sthei
rpr
ime
suspect
,"
hesai
d."
Butmay
bei
t'
sjust
r
out
inequest
ioni
ng.Appar
ent
lyher
st
atementi
scont
radi
cti
ngt
heone
shegav
edur
ingcr
ossex
ami
nat
ion.
Kemangangahel
a.Ei
shdoy
ouguy
s
hav
eal
awy
er?
"

Il
ookedathi
m andf
elti
nsul
tedby
hi
squest
ion
"
Dowel
ookl
i
kewecanaf
for
da
l
awy
er.Iknowmysi
sterdi
dn'
tdoi
t,I
cant
est
if
ytookocour
troom.My
quest
ioni
swhatr
eal
l
yhappened,
"I
sai
d.
"
Wit
houtagoodl
awy
ershewi
l
lget
l
ockeduporwor
segetadeat
hof
penal
tyf
orhomi
cide.
"
"
Kant
ewhat
'shappeni
ng.Wi
l
lthey
al
l
owmet
ospeakt
oher
?"
"
Idoubt
.Heychamp!
"
"
Heydaddy
,"
Ler
uosai
d.
Il
ookedoutandanar
rayoft
ear
s
st
reameddownasIchokeduponmy
emot
ions.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

ThanksAt
lasaoneAt
ti
efor
subscr
ipt
ion.nex
tinser
tloadi
ng.
Bewi
tched

#7
OnMonday
,Iwokeupbef
ore
ev
ery
oneel
seandwentout
sidet
o
pr
epar
ethef
ir
ewood.Di
kel
edi
had
si
ncebeenhel
dint
hehol
dingcel
lat
t
hepol
i
cest
ati
oni
nSel
i
bePhi
kwe.

"
Diks!
"Ihear
dwhi
sper
s.

Il
ookedar
ound.Ther
ewasnoone
andmyhai
rbeganchoki
ng,
Igot
goosebumpsandr
ubbedmyar
ms
t
ryi
ngt
onotov
ert
hinkt
hings.
"
Dikel
edi
!"

It
urnedar
oundqui
ckl
yandIswearI
sawashadow.I
tcar
ri
edt
hesame
wei
ghtast
hati
ftheThokol
osi
afew
day
sback.Myhear
tbeganbeat
ing
f
astandIt
rot
tedov
ert
othef
ir
epl
ace.
Asl
i
ghtwi
ndst
art
edf
rom nowher
e
andt
hewhi
sper
ingechoes
i
ntensi
fi
ed.Fr
ight
ened,
Icl
osedmy
ey
es.

"
It
'sj
usty
ouri
magi
nat
ion.Just
i
magi
nat
ionnot
hingmor
e."
Itol
dmy
unbel
i
evi
ngsel
f.

Openi
ngmyey
esIf
oundt
hef
ir
e
bl
azi
ng.Ial
mostf
ell
downt
rot
ti
ng
backwar
ds.What
evert
hehel
lthi
s
wasi
twasnotf
unnyatal
l
.Myhai
r
chokedagai
nasal
umpf
oamedi
n
myt
hroat
.Thecockcr
owedonceand
t
hef
ir
ejustwentof
finst
ant
lyt
hen
t
heacool
irr
it
ati
ngbr
eez
ecl
ampedi
n
f
rom nowher
eent
eri
ngmybody
t
hroughmyf
eetgoi
ngupt
othe
cr
ownofmyhead.
"
Comechi
l
d!"
theywhi
sper
sechoed
f
rom notaf
ardi
stance,
"badi
moba
gobi
tsa.Yourl
i
fei
sindanger
!"
thi
s
whi
sper
swer
emuchgent
le
compar
edt
othef
ir
st.

Twospi
ri
tual
bei
ngswer
eint
his
pl
ace.Il
ookedar
oundbutt
her
ewas
noone.Thef
rontdoort
othehouse
openedandt
hewei
rdat
mospher
e
j
ustf
aded.

"
Abeophaket
se,
"mycousi
n
y
awned,
"hi
."
"
Mor
ning,
"If
inal
l
ymanagedt
out
tera
wor
d.
"
Whendi
dyouputont
hef
ir
e?"
"
Huh?
"

Bot
hofusl
ookedatt
hef
ir
epl
ace
andt
her
ewer
etwosepar
atef
ir
e
pl
acesbl
azi
ng.Il
i
ter
all
yfel
tmyhear
t
neatagai
nstmychest
.

"
Andwher
edi
dyougett
hef
ir
ewood
because'
rer
obet
segot
wedi
kgongdi
f
edi
l
e?Shoul
dIgetwat
erat
hapang?
"
I
nnowaywasIgoi
ngt
ouseoreat
any
thi
ngpr
epar
edf
rom t
hatf
ir
e
pl
ace.Howev
erIwoul
dnotj
ustt
ell
t
hatt
omycousi
nwi
thoutbei
ng
askedsomanyannoy
ingquest
ions.

"
Excuseme,
"Isai
d.
"
Okayot
ekakant
iyamet
sikea
ny
aose,
"shesai
d.

Mymi
ndwasf
arandIhear
dnot
hing
shesai
d.Al
lIcoul
dmakeoutwas
t
hatshewasundeni
abl
yir
ri
tat
ingme.

"
Oshar
p?"
sheenqui
red.
"
Mmm I
'
m okay
,Ineedt
oget
somet
hingf
rom t
hehouse.
"
"
Didy
ouhearwhatI
..
."

Ii
gnor
edherandanx
iousl
yIr
ant
o
t
hehouse.Isodesper
atel
ypr
ayed
t
hatt
heyr
eleaseKel
etsot
odayor
el
seIwasgoi
ngt
ofi
ndmy
sel
fgoi
ng
nut
sher
ewi
thal
lthi
spr
etent
ious
peopl
e.MmaMpho,
Thabang'
s
gr
andmot
herwasal
soher
ewi
tht
he
ol
dwomanwhohadmov
edi
nand
occupi
edt
hel
ounge.

I
twaswei
rdhowIhadnothear
da
wor
dfr
om Thabangev
ersi
nce
Sat
urdayatAcker
mans.Hehadnot
ev
enbot
her
edt
ocomeseeme
despi
temymot
her
'spassi
ngon,
not
t
hati
tmat
ter
ed.Pl
uswhat
everwe
usedt
ohav
ewasj
ustbuthi
stor
y.
Mar
ti
nal
sohadonl
ypassedbyon
Sundaymor
ning,
appar
ent
lyhewas
st
il
lbaby
sit
ti
ngLer
uo.
Hismot
her
wasoutofr
each.

Kel
etsoshutherey
eswhi
l
ely
ingon
t
heol
dmat
tr
essi
nthecel
l
.The
bl
anket
shadanawf
ulsmel
lofur
ine
andshewascl
ust
eredi
nwi
thot
her
peopl
ewhohadbeenr
epr
imanded.

"
..
.soy
ouwantust
obel
i
evet
hata
t
hokol
osi
kil
l
edy
ourmot
her
?
Thwaf
alaordoy
ouwantust
omake
y
ouspeakt
hehar
dway
?"t
he
det
ect
ive'
swor
dspl
ayedov
erand
ov
eri
nherhead.
ThatSundayt
heyhadal
sot
ort
ured
hert
oherbr
eaki
ngpoi
nti
nhopef
ora
conf
essi
on.Sher
ubbedhersel
fwi
th
t
heor
namentshehadr
ecei
vedf
rom
oneoft
hef
emal
eof
fi
cer
s.

"
Babawet
huI
biz
ola-
kho
al
i
cwengswe,
"shepr
ayedsof
tl
yas
t
heot
herpr
isoner
ssnor
edt
heni
ght
of
f.

Iwal
kedi
nsi
deourbedr
oom and
cl
osedt
hedoor
.Kel
etso'
schur
ch
gar
menthangf
rom t
hewal
l
.Isi
ghed
andsatont
hebed.It
hinkIhear
da
knockatt
hedoor
,myconsci
oust
old
mesomet
hingwasj
ustwr
ong.Tobe
honestIdon'
tknowwhateggedme
ont
owr
apmy
sel
far
oundwi
thher
chur
chbel
t.

"
Youar
emi
ne,
"t
hev
oicehi
ssed.

Iswal
l
owedhar
dandhel
dont
othe
t
assel
soft
her
obeIhadador
ned
ar
oundmywai
st.
"
Whoar
eyou?
"Isai
dshaky
.
"
Yourf
utur
e,nowcomemydear
.
Comel
etmegi
vey
our
est
,al
lyour
desi
re.Iwi
l
lbeper
fectf
ory
ou,
come?
"thev
oiceent
iced.
"
For
geti
t!
"Isai
dspi
nni
ngar
ound
t
ryi
ngt
oseewher
eex
act
lyt
hev
oice
wasechoi
ngf
rom.
"
Youcan'
tseeme,
"i
tsai
d.
"
Whoar
eyou?Whatdoy
ouwant
f
rom me,
"Iwhi
sper
ed.
"
Youronet
ruel
ove,
"adeepsnake
hi
ssf
oll
owed.
"
Got
ohel
lyout
hokol
osi
!"
"
Iam agi
antman,
apower
ful
snake.I
r
ulet
heunder
wor
ldcompar
emenot
t
oasmal
lthi
ngy
oungchi
l
d,"
it
boast
ed.
"Ihav
ebeenaski
ngy
ou
ni
cel
yandIt
hinki
t'
sti
meIputi
n
somef
orcemyqueen.
"

Whatt
hehel
l
?Iwasnobl
oodyqueen
t
oaspi
ri
tual
snake.I
t'
swei
rdhowI
f
oundmy
sel
fwi
ggl
i
ngont
hef
low
mov
ingl
i
keasnake.
"
Come.
..
come.
..
"t
hev
oiceechoedasI
mov
edf
orwar
dinv
olunt
ari
l
y.Ahuge
shal
l
owhol
efor
medi
nthemi
ddl
eof
t
hewal
lj
ustneart
hewi
ndow.My
whol
ebodywasai
rl
if
tedt
owar
dst
he
hol
eseemi
ngl
i
keat
ornado.

"
No!
"Icr
iedatt
het
opofmyv
oice.

Backatt
hepr
isoncel
l
,Kel
etsoknel
t
downandcr
iedoutt
oherGod
wi
thoutawor
d.Herv
isi
ont
ookher
homeshesawmegr
ipi
ngont
othe
wal
lsoast
onotgetswal
l
owedup.
"
Babai
tandoy
akhoay
enz
iwe
ephasi
naphanj
egez
ulwi
ni.Kodwa
sephul
usekokumbi
.Amen"

Sheopenedherey
esandcr
awl
ed
backi
ntoherbl
anket
s.I
nourr
oom I
f
ell
downandt
hehol
edi
sappear
ed.
Mycousi
nwal
kedi
n.

"
Kant
ejaanongot
samaet
ser
uri
ne
mma?
"sheasked,
"uhul
ewenao
t
senachukuchuku?
"sheasked.
Ij
ustl
ookedather
.Ifonl
ysheknew
howmuchherpr
esencei
rr
it
atedme.

"
Hel
akanadi
kgongdi
lor
il
eiseke
t
hat
egemet
si.Wher
edi
dyousayy
ou
gott
hef
ir
ewoodf
rom?Ei
shkanaba
t
abat
ateebasadi
bagol
o.Sowhoi
s
t
hatguywamaabane?Kant
ewasn'
t
i
tyouwer
edat
ingThabang?Ebi
l
ehi
s
gr
andmot
heri
sher
e,"
shet
alkednone
st
op.
"
Arey
oual
way
sthi
sinqui
sit
ive?
"I
asked.
"
Youmakei
tseem l
i
keI
'
m nosey
,"
she
sai
dhur
t.
"
Youar
enoseyandt
otai
t'
ssuper
i
rr
it
ati
ng.GapennakanaPear
lI'
m not
y
ouragemat
e,Nkel
ekeene
mol
ekanewagago.I
'
m sur
eshewi
l
l
l
ovet
hatener
gynnaIdon'
t.Nnat
ota
kal
api
sega.
"
"
Ij
osor
rymmai
fmypr
esence
suf
focat
esy
ouI
'
lll
i
vey
oui
n
peace,
"Pearsai
d.
"
Pear
lidon'
tmean.
..
"
"
Iknowex
act
lywhaty
oumeant
.You
canbesur
ethatIwon'
tev
erbot
her
y
ouagai
n.Somuchf
orf
ami
l
y,"
she
gotoutandangr
il
ybangedt
hedoor
.
"
Thatwentwel
l
,"Isai
dtomy
sel
f.

Nowt
ell
mewhathadj
usthappened
bef
orePear
lar
ri
vedi
nourbedr
oom?I
f
eltweakatmyknees.Thesunr
ays
paddl
edt
hrought
heseet
hrough
cur
tai
nsandIsankdownont
hef
loor
andsatwi
thmyheadi
nbet
weenmy
l
egs.

Somewher
einPhokoj
wef
arms,
the
her
dboysawaf
lockofv
ult
uresand
mov
edt
owar
dst
hem.Thedogs
beganbar
kingandmoment
slat
ert
he
l
astoft
hev
ult
uresf
lewoutandhe
wal
kedov
ert
otheunr
ecogni
zabl
e
cadav
ercov
eri
nghi
smout
htot
he
f
oul
smel
l
.

Thedogsr
anov
erandbegansni
ff
ing.

"
Eyf
otsekTshweu!
"het
hrewt
hedogs
wi
thast
one.

Forsur
eitwasawoman'
sbody
.
STORI
ESBYEMY-
BECKY
Bewi
tched

#8

Lat
ert
hataf
ter
noon,
Iwentt
othe
postof
fi
cet
osubmi
tthenecessar
y
document
stomakecl
aimsf
ort
he
f
uner
alcov
er.Kel
etsof
oundmet
her
e
wi
thmyf
ri
endLeshy
.

"
Higuy
s,"
shesai
d.
"
Heybabes,
"Leshyr
esponded.
"
Youl
ookweak,
oneoj
atot
a
Nkel
e?"
Iasked.

Inot
icedt
hebr
uisesonherar
ms.

"
Whathappened?Di
dthey
..
."
Ikept
qui
etandbr
eat
hedheav
il
y.

Thepostof
fi
cel
adysummonedme
andIgav
ehert
hedeat
hcer
ti
fi
cat
e
andot
hert
hingsshehadaskedmet
o
br
ing.
"
Ithi
nkmadi
atabeadul
eby
Wednesday
,"
shesai
d.
"
Okayt
hanki
tlhemma,
"Isai
d.

Mar
ti
n'
scarpul
l
edi
naswewer
e
get
ti
ngout
side.Her
oll
eddownt
he
wi
ndows.

"
Ladi
es?
"

Kel
etsoandLeshywav
ed.
"
Hi,
"Isai
d.
"
Iwasaty
ourpl
acehear
dgor
egat
we
ot
sil
ekwano,
"hesai
d.
"
Mmm Ibr
oughtdi
l
oformadi
a
i
nsur
ance."
"
Lekgonnegodi
ra?
"heenqui
red.

LeshyandDi
kel
edi
wentbacki
nsi
de
t
hepostof
fi
ce.

"
Jaanongl
eyakae?
"Iaskedt
hem.
"
It
shother
e,cal
luswheny
our
eadyt
o
l
eav
eaker
eyoust
il
ltal
ki
ngt
oyo
mongwe,
"Leshysai
d.
"
Whatdi
dtheysaybat
hoba
Mot
shi
disi
?"
"
Gat
wekechekekal
abor
aro,
"I
sai
d,"
any
thi
ngonMasegoy
et?
"
Heekanat
hat
'st
her
easonIcamet
o
seey
ou.Gat
weof
it
lhet
sweko
masi
moaPhokoj
eaj
elweke
manong,
onl
yherheadr
emai
nd
unt
ouchedbutl
ooksl
i
keneaset
sea
bol
a."
"
Waj
aaka!
"Isai
d,"
sor
rygor
ewaaka,
butt
ell
mewhathappened?
"
"
Nonewsy
et,
herbr
othert
oldme
kgant
eleket
swagot
say
adi
apar
o
t
sagaLer
uot
sedi
ngwe.
"
"
Hmmm wai
tsekana,
kor
edy
ingi
s
si
mpl
ejustl
i
ket
hat
?"
"
Sowher
ear
eyouguy
sheadi
ngkel
e
i
se?
"
"
Compl
exwant
edt
ogetmor
est
aff
bat
hobal
ebal
wal
edi
j
oli
ket
heyar
e
cel
ebr
ati
ngsomet
hing.
"
"
Ver
yty
pical
ofBat
swana,
kegor
eto
usl
esoi
sti
met
ogetf
reef
ood.Ebi
l
e
habagony
ant
shet
sat
hewhol
e
v
il
lagemov
esi
nwhent
henewsof
deat
hreachedt
hem.
"
"
Tel
lmeabouti
t,nnammebat
sil
ego
baaka.I
'
m notev
enget
ti
ngmi
l
kand
f
lour
.Letmegocal
lthegi
rl
s."
"
Wai
t,
"hedi
aledmysi
ster
'snumber
andshepokedherheadoutoft
he
postof
fi
ce.
"
Ret
samae?
"sheasked.
"
Ee,
"Isai
dandgoti
nsi
det
hecar
.

Att
hepol
i
cest
ati
onThabangpar
ked
hi
scaratt
hegat
eandgoti
n.

"
Dumel
ang,
"hesai
d.
"
Ntat
e,"
theof
fi
cer
srespondedi
n
uni
son.
"
Howmaywehel
pyou?
"thespeci
al
const
abl
esasked.
"
Icamet
ohandmy
sel
fin,
"hesai
d
bol
dly
.

3y
ear
slat
er.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Iknowi
t'
sabr
ainser
tbutI
'
m hopef
ul
f
oraf
ull
lengt
hyi
nser
tat11pm.
RememberIdon'
tpostonweekends
butIowey
out
hisl
i
ttl
emuchf
ormy
i
nconsi
stentschedul
est
hiswhol
e
week.
Bewi
tched

#9

*
Thr
eeYear
sLat
er*

Ther
ainhadj
ustst
oppeddr
izz
li
ng,
I
l
ookout
sidet
hel
ect
urer
oom and
smi
l
ed.Todaymar
kedt
hel
astdayof
myt
hir
dyearandmeantt
hatIhada
si
ngl
eacademi
cyearl
eftt
obea
degr
eehol
der
.Kel
etsowoul
dal
sobe
gr
aduat
ingwi
thmet
hef
oll
owi
ngy
ear
i
fwepassedourex
ami
nat
ions.I
di
all
edmyphoneasIwal
kedt
owar
ds
t
het
axi
stop.

"
Heybabes,
"Ianswer
ed.
"
Abeol
eex
cit
ed,
"Kel
etsor
emar
ked.
"
What
everodi
l
wana,
soar
eweon
t
oni
ght
?"Iaskedent
husi
ast
ical
l
y.
"
Ehwe.
..
eish.
..
"shemumbl
ed.
"
Babewher
edi
dyouputt
hecar
key
s,"
afami
l
iarv
oiceasked.

Ist
oppedwal
ki
ng,
ther
ewassomuch
congest
ioni
nmyhear
t.Foramer
e
momentIhadt
houghtIwoul
dchoke
uponmyhear
t.

"
Whowast
hat
?"Iaskedal
most
i
naudi
ble.
"
Hmmm?
"shesai
ddumbl
y.
"
Onkut
uleKel
etso,
kar
ewhoi
sthat
.I
t
houghty
ousai
dnot
hingwasgoi
ng
onbet
weeny
ouandhi
m."
"
Cal
m downi
t'
s.
..
"
"
Cal
m down?Ar
eyoubei
ngf
orr
eal
r
ightnow?NKELEy
ouknowv
erywel
l
howmuchhemeanst
ome,
"Isai
don
acr
oakyv
oice.
"
ButIaskedy
oumal
obaandy
ousai
d
y
oudi
dn'
twantanydi
str
act
ion,
you
sai
d..
."
"
Isai
dIwant
ednot
hingt
odowi
tha
r
elat
ionshi
pri
ghtnowbecauseof
school
commi
tment
s.Inev
ersai
dI
don'
tl
ikehi
m buty
ouknowwhatdo
what
everandj
ustf
orgetIev
erasked
y
ouout
."
"
Dikel
edi
kana.
..
"

Icutt
hel
i
nebef
oreshecoul
dfi
nish
what
evershewant
edt
osay
.My
hear
tbetpr
ofusel
y.Wi
thsomuch
agi
tat
ionIhadmanagedt
oremov
e
t
hephonebat
ter
yandt
hrewt
he
di
sassembl
edphonei
ntomyback
packandst
oppedt
hecombi
.

Att
heguesthouse,
Kel
etsosi
ghed
andt
hrewherhal
fnakedbodyont
he
bed.Hercompani
onsatatt
heedge
andr
anhi
shandsonherbeaut
if
ull
y
ev
ent
onnedski
n.

"
Youl
ookt
ense,
arengausi
ago?
"he
asked.
"
Whatar
ewedoi
ngkant
e?"
She
t
urnedandf
acedhi
m.
"
Weagr
eedt
hatt
hiswasj
usta
casual
arr
angementaker
enemma?
What
fi
dyout
ell
heraboutus?
"
"
Noy
oudi
dthat
,Ihadt
houghtgor
e
gagout
wawheny
ouaskedabout
t
hecarkey
stur
nedoutsheknows
y
ouv
oice,
"shesai
d.
"
Eishsowhatdi
dyout
ell
her
?"hesai
d
r
ubbi
nghi
sli
ps.
"
Isai
dnot
hingr
eal
l
ywamoi
tse
Di
kel
edi
aker
esheal
readydr
ewout
herconcl
usi
ons.
"
"
Sobabegi
rlwhatdoy
ouwantmet
o
do?
"hesai
dsoot
hingher
.
"
Ithi
nki
t'
sbestwe.
..
"
"
Ihopey
ounotsuggest
ingwhat
everI
t
hinky
ouwantt
osuggest
.Wecan'
t
j
ustspoi
lourhal
fyearmade
memor
iesoff
unandmor
etocome
becauseofoneper
songapekana
nnahakej
olel
emogol
oo.
"
"
Buty
ourson.
..
"
"
Hey
,"
heki
ssedherf
orehead,
"y
ou
ov
ert
hinkt
hingst
oomuchLer
uowi
l
l
under
stand.Iknowshei
smor
ethan
hi
smot
herhasev
erbeenbutIdon'
t
l
oveher
,wel
lIdon'
that
eherei
ther
butwhat
everIf
eel
forheri
snot
hing
cl
oset
oint
imacy
."

Kel
etsosi
ghedandcl
osedherey
es.
Ont
heot
herhandMar
ti
nsl
i
ppedof
f
hi
sshoesandgotont
opofher
.He
pl
ant
edaki
ssonhermout
handwent
ov
erherneck.
"
Wai
t!
"
"
Whatbabegi
rl
,"
hesai
d.
"
Youknowshewi
l
lmostl
i
kel
yhat
e
usorst
opseei
ngLer
uo.I
sthatwhat
y
ouwant
?"sheasked.
"
s
Shewon'
t,
tr
ustme,
"her
ubbedher
geni
tal
swi
thhi
sfr
eehand.

Amoanescapedhermout
handshe
unbut
tonedhi
sshi
rt
.
Atmyr
ent
edhouse,
Iremember
ed
t
hatLer
uowascomi
ngov
ersi
ncei
t
wasaFr
iday
.Hest
il
lcal
l
edme
mommyandIcoul
dn'
tbehappi
erof
whatagr
eatmom Ihadbecomet
o
hi
m despi
tehi
sfat
herbei
nganass.I
r
ecei
vedacal
lasuwasst
eppi
ngout
oft
heshower
,itwasf
rom school
.
Mar
ti
nhadnotpi
ckedhi
m up.Idi
aled
anumberasIgotdr
essed.

"
Heyhel
l
ost
ranger
.Ner
raar
eyou
st
il
lusi
ngy
ourmom'
scar
?"
"
Dependsonwhyy
ouar
easki
ng,
"he
sai
dal
mosty
awni
ng.

Ihadwokenhi
m upwi
thmyphone
cal
l
.

"
Ineedt
opi
ckupmyson,
"Isai
d
bi
ti
ngmyl
owerl
i
p.
"
Andy
ouobv
iousl
ywantmet
ogo
f
etchhi
m wi
thy
ou?
"hesai
dthe
obv
ious.
"
Obot
lhal
ekant
e,"
Iteased.
"
Omokopi
omabel
atl
hemma,
le
goneIt
houghty
ousai
dhehasa
f
atherwhodr
ives.
"
Il
aughed,
"Sowi
l
lyouhel
pme?
"
"
Iwi
l
lpr
ovi
dedy
our
econsi
dermy
of
fer
,thi
sti
mear
oundIwantdi
nner
.
Orj
ustpi
zzal
ateron,
mypl
ace,
"he
sai
d.
"
I'
m goi
ngt
obebaby
sit
ti
ng,
"Isai
d.
"
wel
lcongr
atsbecauseIl
oveki
dst
oo,
soar
ewegame?
"
"
Ofcour
se,
"Ismi
l
ed.
"
Good,
nowcomeoutkeout
side,
"he
sai
d.
Isl
i
ght
lypeekedt
hrought
hedense

"
Onkokomel
aeng?
"heasked
embar
rassi
ngl
y

Ist
eppedbackandsmi
l
ed.

"
Howdi
dyou.
..
legal
etogel
aletme
putonmyshoes.Wi
l
lbeouti
n2
mi
nut
es.
"
"
Sur
e,"
hesai
dandhangup.

Af
ewmi
nut
esl
ater
,Ist
eppedupal
l
f
reshenedup.Vi
nremov
edhi
s
el
l
essehutof
fhi
sey
esandpose
backhi
srecl
i
nedchai
randunl
ocked
t
hedoorf
orme.

"
Neot
hapaj
aanong,
"he
t
eased,
"kant
ebasadi
lor
il
eng?
"
"
Hit
oyout
ooandnoIl
ongbat
hed
bef
oreIcal
l
edy
ou.
"
"
Soy
ouputonshoesf
orcl
oset
ohal
f
anhour
?Di
rwal
akasecur
it
ycode?
"
"
Mcm.
"
Hel
aughedl
i
ght
lyandst
art
edt
hecar
i
mmedi
atel
yaf
terIgoti
n.

"
Seatbel
t,
"hesai
d.

Ist
ri
pesmy
sel
fitandnot
icedt
hathe
wasl
ooki
ngatmyex
posedt
highs.
Hel
ookedaway
,cl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
andj
oinedt
her
oad.Uncomf
ort
abl
e
ast
othel
engt
hofmydr
ess,
Ipul
l
ed
anol
dnewspaperandspr
eadi
ton
myl
appr
etendi
ngt
oread.Hesmi
l
ed
unnot
icedandl
ookedout
side.
"
Soy
ourchi
l
d,howol
dishe?
"he
asked.
Wi
thmyey
esst
il
lfi
xedont
he
paper
"Het
urnedsev
enamont
h
back.
"
"
What
'shi
snameagai
n..
.wai
twai
t
don'
tremi
ndme.
..
Le.
..
Le.
..
Ler
uo.El
e
gor
elet
eet
sengngwanal
e'r
e
Ler
uo?
"
"
Hismom di
d,"
Isai
d.
"
Andwhatar
eyou?Aker
eyouar
ethe
mom?
"heaskedcur
iousl
y.
"
I'
mthemommy
,"
Isai
d.If
elthi
sey
es
heav
il
yuponme."
ehhi
t'
ski
ndof
compl
i
cat
edbuthei
sn'
tmychi
l
d
bi
ologi
cal
l
y."
"
Oh?
"
"
Mmm,
soy
ouki
ds?
"
"
Yeahagi
rl
,Mi
l
dred.Shei
sfi
veand
pr
obabl
ythemostador
abl
efr
iend
ev
er.
"
"
Isee,
"It
eased.
"
Mcm shei
s,
"hel
aughedl
i
ght
lyaswe
par
kedi
nthev
isi
tor
slot
.
"
Sowena?
"
"
Wel
lI'
m notr
eadyf
orbabi
es.May
be
af
terIgetaj
ob,
"Isai
d.
"
Howol
dar
eyoukana?
"

At25i
twaski
ndofaney
erai
sert
hat
Iwasn'
tev
ent
hinki
ngchi
l
dren.Wel
l
t
her
ewasnowayIwasgoi
ngt
ogav
e
ki
dswi
thoutast
abl
erel
ati
onshi
plet
al
oneaboyt
ocal
lmi
ne.

"
Wher
edoesmyagegeti
nyanong?
Nnar
raIdon'
thav
eamom t
odump
myki
dwi
thwhenIgot
oschool
.
Gapebabi
esar
eani
nconv
eni
encei
f
y
ouaskmeespeci
all
ybal
ebanny
e."
"
Ehemma,
"hesai
d.
Ispot
tedLer
uoandgotout
.Hecame
r
unni
ngt
owar
dsmeandhi
steacher
wav
edatme.Ismi
l
edandwav
ed
back.

"
Heybuddy
,"
Isai
dashehuggedme.
"
Heymom,
nicewheel
s,
"hesai
d
admi
ri
ngt
hecar
.
"
Iknowr
ight
,comel
et'
sgo.
"

Iputmyhandonhi
sshoul
derand
wal
kedt
othecar
.
"
Dumel
ang,
"Ler
uogr
eet
edhi
m.
"
Heychamp,
"hesai
dlooki
ngbackat
Ler
uo.
"
erhbaby
,thi
sisaf
ri
endhi
snamei
s
Vi
ncent
..
."
"
CanIcal
lhi
m Vi
n?"
"
Act
ual
l
yhepr
edat
esbei
ngcal
l
ed
Vi
n,
"Il
ookedatVi
nandsmi
l
ed.
"
Arey
ouacol
our
ed?
"
"
Mmm,
"hesai
d.
"
Howcool
,ar
eyoumom'
s
boy
fri
end?
"heaskedcur
iousl
y.
Vi
nlaughedandIgl
aredatLer
uowho
shr
ughi
sshoul
der
s.

Kel
etsost
eppedoutoft
heshower
wr
appedwi
that
owel
.Shesati
nthe
bedandst
art
edappl
yi
ngl
oti
on.
Mar
ti
ncr
awl
edf
rom behi
ndherand
ki
ssedt
het
opofhershoul
der
.

"
Arey
ougoi
ngal
ready
?"heasked
wi
thhi
sheadr
est
ingonher
.
"
Mmm,
"shesai
dsof
tl
y.
Her
anhi
shandsov
erherboobsand
l
i
ght
lycar
essedt
hem.

"
Tlhemmadon'
tgoy
et.
"
"
Ihav
eameet
ingwi
thmysi
ster
."
"
ButIt
houghty
ousai
dshei
sangr
y.
Babel
ookl
etherheal
orwhat
ever
andt
hengoconf
ronther
,"
hesai
d.
"
I'
m goi
ngnow.Nnat
otaIhat
e
t
ensi
ons.
"
"
Okayf
ine,
butl
evel
itwi
thme.What
ex
act
lyar
eyougoi
ngt
osayt
oher
?"
"
Eh.
..
wel
l
,"shef
ail
edt
ofi
ndt
her
ight
wor
ds.
"
Yes?
"
"
Idon'
tknowokay
,"
shegotupandhe
pul
l
edherback.
"Mar
ti
nst
opi
t,I
ser
iousl
yneedt
ogo.
"

Hepul
l
edhercl
oserandpassi
onat
ely
ki
ssedher
.

"
Andy
oushoul
dst
opt
hiscl
i
ngy
behav
iourbecauseIdon'
twantus
get
ti
ngal
ll
oveydov
eyov
er"
justsex
"
pl
ease,
"shesai
dwi
ggl
i
ngher
sel
f
f
rom hi
sembr
ace.
"
Ij
o!Yourt
ermsIhav
enochoi
cebut
r
espectt
hem.Madi
atengmo
bor
okgongnnaI
'
m sl
eepi
ng.
"
"
It
sokayIgotmymoney
.You
of
fer
ingmeaf
tersexf
eel
sli
keI
'
m
pr
ost
it
uti
ngmy
sel
f.
"
"
Okay
,"
hesai
dyawni
ng.
"
Am Ibor
ingy
ou?
"
"
No,
"heanswer
edhal
fsl
eepy
.
"
Ohr
eal
l
y?Mx
m."
"
Andt
hen?Nkel
ekant
ewhydoy
ou
l
i
kedoi
ngt
his?I
tdoesn'
tsui
tyou
got
lhel
ele.Somet
imesIf
eel
li
keI
'
m
deal
i
ngwi
thanamat
eur
,ot
areo
nt
simol
elanggor
iamoi
fImayask?
"

Shekeptqui
etandsl
i
ppedi
ntoher
j
eans.Mar
ti
ncl
i
ckedhi
stonguel
ow
keyandwentbackt
osl
eep.Hewas
f
astasl
eepwhenKel
etsol
eft
.

Hegotupmoment
slat
erandcl
i
cked
hi
stonguer
emember
ingt
hathehad
t
opi
cupLer
uo.Hecal
l
edt
heschool
andt
heyt
oldhi
m Ihadpi
ckedhi
m up.
Myphonev
ibr
atedaswegotoutof
Wi
mpy
.Ipausedt
otakei
tout
,Vi
n
andLer
uost
oppedwal
ki
ng.Vi
ntook
t
hepi
zzaboxf
rom measIsear
ched
myhandbagf
ort
hephone.

"
Hel
l
o?"
Ifr
owned.
"
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
mey
oupi
ckedup
Ler
uo?KanaIal
mostwentt
othe
school
."
"
Sli
ppedmymi
nd,
wegotal
lex
cit
ed
'
rey
agor
ekapi
zzaaf
terdr
oppi
nghi
s
school
bagkol
apeng,
"Isai
d.
"
OhIsee,
"hesai
dgui
l
tst
ri
cken,
"hav
e
y
out
alkedt
oKel
etsoy
et?
"
"
Nowhy
?"Isai
dst
upi
dly
.
"
Not
hingsopi
zzacanIj
oiny
ou
guy
s?"
"
Nowegotcompany
?"Isai
d.
"
Ohwhoi
sshe?Di
dn'
tknowy
ouhav
e
f
ri
ends.
"
"
He.I
t'
sahe,
"Isai
dbol
dly
.

Ther
ewasashor
tpause.

"
He?
"heswal
l
owedhar
d."
You
ex
posi
nghi
mtoy
ourboy
fri
ends
now?
"

Il
aughedl
i
ght
ly.

Vi
nsai
dsomet
hingi
nthe
backgr
oundt
oLer
uo.

"
Ebi
l
ehesoundl
i
kel
ekut
wane
hel
a,
"hesai
dspar
kedonby
j
eal
ousy
;"I
'
m comi
ngt
opi
ckupLer
uo
t
hel
astt
hingIwanti
smyson
hangi
ngar
oundnot
ori
ouspeopl
e."
"
Sui
tyour
sel
fokar
eot
alapi
sa
wai
tse.Wi
l
lbehomei
ntenmi
nut
esi
f
ot
ahur
ryupbecausewewher
e
pl
anni
ngt
ogot
oVi
l
lagef
rom her
e."

Ihangupandf
akedasmi
l
e.

"
Oshar
p?"
heasked.
"
Nev
erbeenbet
ter
."

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Wi
l
ltr
ypostmor
eev
eni
fkedi
shor
t
i
nser
ts.
.
#10

Ler
uor
anar
oundt
hecarasVi
nandI
appr
oached.Ahoml
essmancame
t
owar
dst
hecar
.Hel
ookedsi
ckand
hi
sunsav
edbear
edmadehi
mlook
ev
endi
rt
ier
.Il
ookedatVi
n,

"
Nnakanat
hisguy
shakebat
shephe.
Ler
uo!
"

Ler
uol
ookedatmeandbackatt
he
man.
"
Ler
uo,
"Isai
dst
ernandt
rot
ted
t
owar
dst
hem butLer
uodi
dnotl
ook
backatme.I
nst
eadt
heguywast
he
onewhohadhi
sey
esf
ixedatme.I
hel
dLer
uo'
shand.

Ler
uost
art
edathi
m st
il
l.Ipul
l
edhi
m
andt
hemanl
ookedatmeandl
ooked
down.

"
Mommykepapa,
"Ler
uosai
d.
"
Noy
ourdadi
sathome,
"Isai
d.
Theguyl
ookedatmehi
sey
esst
ruck
myhear
t.Hel
ookedl
i
kehehadnot
bat
hedi
nfor
ever
.

"
Nopapanotdad,
kepapa
Thabang,
"Ler
uosai
d.

Acl
oserl
ookatt
hemanandIwas
l
eftshockedbey
ondcompr
ehensi
on.
Hel
ookedsoski
nnyandsi
ckl
y.

"
Thabang?
"Iaskedshocked,
"when
di
dyougetout
?"Iasked.

Vi
nopenedt
hecarandgot
ev
ery
thi
ngi
nsi
de.

Rubbedhi
shead,
"Acoupl
eofmont
hs
back.
"

Inot
icedhi
snai
l
s.Theywer
esodi
rt
y
andhi
shai
rwasal
sounkempt
.Thet
-
shi
rthewor
ewasnott
ornbuti
t
l
ookedl
i
kei
thadnotbeenwashedi
n
mor
ethanl
ong.
"
Whyosaboel
egae?Wher
edoy
ou
st
ay?
"

Iwant
edt
oaskhi
m somany
quest
ions.Act
ual
l
yIhadsomany
quest
ions.Whyhehadki
l
ledher
,why
hest
ayedi
nthest
reet
swhenhehad
apl
acet
ocal
lhome?Iwassur
ehi
s
gr
andmot
herwoul
dal
sowel
come
hi
m si
ncehewashi
sdar
li
ng
gr
andson.

"
Mommycanhecomewi
thus,
I'
ll
shar
emypi
zzawi
thhi
m,"
Ler
uosai
d.

Ismi
l
edatmyl
i
ttl
eboy
.Bei
nga
pr
ivat
eschool
studentwhocan
secondpl
aceaf
terhi
sdad(
Mar
ti
n)
wi
thr
egar
dst
ocl
eanl
i
nessand
hy
gieneInev
ert
houghthewoul
dbe
sowel
comi
ngf
oradi
rt
yper
son.

"
Wel
l
,"Il
ookedatVi
n.
"
It
sokay
,Igotsomecl
othest
hatwi
l
l
f
ithi
mtooatmymom'
s.
"
"
Great
,Thabangl
et'
sgo.
"
Hewi
pedhi
stear
sandsmi
l
ed.Ler
uo
hel
dhi
shandandl
eadhi
mtot
he
passengerdoor
.Iwhi
sper
edat
hank
y
out
oVi
nandsmi
l
ed.Despi
tet
he
awf
ulsmel
li
nsi
deVi
nhadnot
openedt
hewi
ndowi
twoul
dhav
e
bèenani
nsul
ttoThabang.

"
Youcanhav
eadr
inki
nthatpl
ast
ic.
Ler
uohapapadr
ink,
"Isai
d.
"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?Icanshar
ewi
th
y
oumyj
uicei
fyoul
i
ke,
Iknow
car
bonat
eddr
inki
snotgoodf
orour
t
eet
h."

Thabangsmi
l
edandsai
dnot
hing.
Ler
uot
waddl
edsomemor
eabout
ev
ery
thi
ngf
rom t
raf
fi
cli
ght
s,t
othe
f
ancycar
swesawont
hehi
ghway
,to
f
oot
bal
landt
hewor
ldf
ast
est
ani
mal
sandMi
ya.

"
KanapapaMi
yal
eftmef
oraf
unny
dar
kboy
,"
hesai
d.

Vi
nlookedatmeandj
oinedThabang
l
aughi
ng.

"
Kegor
elat
shega?
"Isai
d.
"
Thatgi
rldoesn'
thav
etast
e,"
Vin
added.
"
Tel
lmeabouti
t,pl
usI
'
m sur
ehewi
l
l
mov
eonwhenher
eal
i
zesshest
il
l
cantsayherABCsni
cel
y,
"hesai
d
andsi
ppedi
ntohi
sjui
ce.

Thabangsai
dnot
hingbutkeptei
ther
smi
l
ingorl
aughi
ngatev
ery
thi
ng
Ler
uosai
d.
Ir
ecei
vedat
ext
,readi
t,cl
i
ckedmy
t
ongueannoy
edandputi
tbacki
nmy
bag.

"
Ner
racan'
tyout
akeThabangt
o
y
ourpl
acet
ocl
eanupmysi
stera'
re
oi
nkemet
sekol
apeng,
"Isai
d.
"
Ofcour
sepl
usnkaf
etakemof
aa
hai
rcut
.Howaboutt
hat
?"
"
Sound'
sbet
ter
,"
Isai
d.
"
MommycanIgogetahai
rcutt
oo?
"
"
Obat
agol
api
saVi
naker
e?"
"
Noi
t'
sokayI
'
lldoi
t,
"hesai
d.
"
Okay
,st
op,
"Isai
d.

Hest
oppedt
hecarathi
smot
her
's
gat
e.

"
I'
ll
wal
khome.Godowhaty
ouhav
e
t
olet
alet
sawheny
ouboy
sar
e
done,
"Isai
d.
"
Icanj
ustdr
opy
ouof
f,
"Vi
nsmi
l
ed.
"
ComeonV,
it'
sjustt
hreehouses
away
.Pl
usIwasget
ti
ngcr
ampedup
f
rom seat
ing.
"
Hewi
nked.Iwav
edatt
het
woatt
he
backandt
heywav
edback.Thabang
l
ookeddownembar
rassed.

"
Behav
eandpl
easej
ustkeepy
our
handsof
fMr
sWr
ight
'st
hings.
"
"
Yesma'
am,
"Vi
nsai
d.
"
Ican'
tpr
omi
seany
thi
ng,
"Ler
uo
pl
ayedaj
okeonme.
"
Otaswaba!
"Isai
dey
einghi
m.

Theyal
ll
aughedandIwal
kedaway
ast
hemot
orgat
eopened.

Atmypl
ace,
Kel
etsowasseat
edon
t
hehammock.Isi
ghedasIwal
ked
ov
er.

"
Hey
,"
shesmi
l
ed.
"
Mmm.
"

"
Kopagodi
rasengwemont
long
pel
e,
"Isai
d

Shequi
etl
ywat
chedmewal
kint
he
houseandl
ockedt
hedoorbehi
nd.
Hal
fanhourl
aterIpeakedt
hrough
t
hewi
ndowandshewasst
il
lout
side
seat
edont
hehammockwi
thher
headset
son.

"
Ket
sil
e,
obat
aengkana?
"Isai
d
put
ti
ngt
hepl
ast
icchai
rinf
rom ofher
.
"
Tot
alk,
"shesmi
l
ed.
"
Wehav
enot
hingt
otal
kabout
r
eal
l
y,"
Isai
dty
pingonmyphone.
"
AommaDi
ks?
"shesai
dashersmi
l
e
wor
eof
f.
"
What
?"

If
rast
rat
edl
yputt
hephonedown.

"
Youar
ejustt
oocol
d,"
shesai
d.
"
Ker
eng?Shoul
dIspi
nyouar
oundt
o
showy
ougor
eI'
m okay
?"
"
Ij
osor
rymmasor
ry.Any
way
sIcame
t
ocl
eart
heai
r.
..
Imj
ustf
ool
i
ng
ar
oundwi
thhi
mit
'snotl
i
kewe
ser
iousorany
thi
ng.
"
"
Arey
oudone?
"Iwasbei
ngder
isi
veI
know,
shedeser
vedi
tany
way
s.She
knewt
hatIl
i
kedhi
m,sheev
enused
t
oteasemeabouthowuneasyIgot
whenhewasar
ound.

Sheuncomf
ort
abl
ycl
ear
edhert
hroat
.

"
Mma?
"
"
Kant
eDi
kel
edi
doy
oul
ovehi
m?"

Il
ookedawayandbi
tmyl
owerl
i
p.

"
KanaIaskedy
ounotonce,
nott
wice
buty
ounev
err
eal
l
ysai
dhowy
ouf
elt
.
HowwasIt
oknow?
"shef
umed.
"
Thev
erysamewayy
ouknewgor
e
t
her
eisat
hokol
osi
ter
ror
izi
ngko
l
apengwi
thouthav
ingbeent
oldby
any
one.What
,yourspi
ri
tual
gif
tsonl
y
wor
koncer
tai
nthi
ngsandnotwhen
i
tinv
olv
est
hehappi
nessofot
her
peopl
e?"
"
Happi
nessofot
herpeopl
e?Peopl
eo
r
ayamangDi
kel
edi
becausei
t'
snot
l
i
keIj
umpedi
nandst
art
edt
his
r
elat
ionshi
pleMat
twi
thoutaski
ng
y
ougor
eawammat
a."
Ichor
tl
ed,
"ebi
l
eker
elat
ionshi
p?Ase
gor
emmeot
seedi
l
wanat
saga
Ler
uoandpl
aycompl
etef
ami
l
ykago
l
ebegakel
eanunwant
edi
ntr
uder
."
"
Whyar
eyoumaki
ngt
hings
compl
i
cat
edkant
enemma?Okay
f
inewhatshoul
dIdot
hen,
"shesai
d.
"
Arey
ouser
iousl
yaski
ngmet
hat
?"
"
YesIsomucham,
whatshoul
dIdo
becausei
t'
sli
key
ouhav
eapr
obl
em
l
emychoi
ces.
"shesai
dbi
tt
erl
y.

Il
ookedatherandnot
icedt
het
ear
bui
l
dupi
nherey
es.I
tdi
dn'
treal
l
y
mat
teri
fshecr
iedornot
,Icar
edl
ess
honest
ly.

"
Got
ohel
l
,"Isai
d.

Shel
ookedatmepuz
zled.

"
Yeahy
ouhear
dme,
goKel
etso.Just
godoy
ouandI
'
lldome.
"
"
Butwear
efami
l
y,f
ami
l
ydoesn'
t
do.
..
"
"
Fami
l
ydoesn'
tsnat
chboy
fri
ends
f
rom par
toft
hef
ami
l
y.Fami
l
y
r
espect
sandunder
stands
boundar
iesandy
ousuckatt
hat
."
"
Kant
eDi
kel
edi
areweur
gingov
era
boy
?"
"
I'
m notar
gui
ngi
fwenay
ouar
e
ar
gui
ngt
heny
ouar
edoi
ngi
tal
one.
Andwhywoul
dIur
geov
eraboy
?If
y
ou'
l
lex
cuseme,
"Isai
dmov
ingaway
f
rom her
.

Wesawagr
oupofpeopl
erunni
ng
pastt
hegat
egoi
ngdownt
oVi
n'
s
mot
her
's.Myhear
tski
ppedandIr
an
ov
er,
Kel
etsor
ightonmyheel
s.
If
eltmyent
ir
ebodygetcol
datt
he
si
ghtofMar
ti
n'
scar
.Twoguy
swer
e
hol
dinghi
m,whi
l
eVi
nst
oodi
nfr
ont
ofThabang.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Nex
tinser
tany
timeaf
ter11pm
Bewi
tched

#11

If
eltper
plex
edbyt
hepeopl
ethathad
gat
her
edar
ound.Wel
ltheywer
enot
t
hatmanybutt
hef
actt
hatt
heyhad
t
hei
rphonesoutr
ecor
dingt
hewhol
e
t
hingl
eftmehar
dpr
essed.Thabang
hadaf
reshcutonhi
slowerl
i
pwhi
ch
wasbl
eedi
ng.Mar
ti
nont
heot
her
handhadbot
hhi
shandscl
i
nched
i
ntoaf
istandf
oughtt
ryi
ngt
owr
ing
hi
shandsf
rom t
heguy
sgr
ips.

"
Soi
sthi
swhyy
our
anandwentt
o
getLer
uoatschool
?Sohecanmeet
t
hispsy
cho?
"Mar
ti
nbar
ked.
Apar
tofmewant
edt
ospewoutt
he
bi
tt
ernessi
nsi
debuti
nst
eadI
di
ver
tedmyat
tent
iont
oVi
nand
Thabang.

"
Cany
out
akehi
minsi
de?
"

Vi
nmadeanodandhuggedThabang
backt
othei
ryar
d.Iwat
chedonas
Thabangl
i
mpedhol
dinghi
sot
her
si
deoft
her
ibcage.

"
Andst
ayt
hehel
lawayf
rom myson
y
oumur
der
er!
"Mar
ti
nshout
ed.
ĺ

Vi
nlookedbackbutThabangdi
dnot
.

"
Nxl
alel
ebi
l
eeng?
"Mar
ti
nsai
dtot
he
onl
ooker
s."
Andi
fany
oneofy
oudar
e
shar
ethi
sont
hei
nter
netbeassur
edI
won'
tl
eti
tsl
i
de,
"het
hreat
enedt
hem.

Hegoti
nhi
scarandIwat
chedhi
m
speedof
ftomypl
ace.Myphoner
ang
andi
twashi
m.
"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
"
Comegi
vememyson'
sandhi
s
st
aff
,"
hehangup.

Il
ookedatLer
uoandsi
ghed.Thi
s
coul
dbet
hel
astt
imeIgett
oseehi
m.
Kel
etsot
ri
edt
otouchmebutI
f
li
nchedandsher
etr
iev
edherhands
embar
rassed.

"
Ler
uol
et'
sgobabe,
"Isai
dtaki
nghi
m
byt
hehand.
"
Ispapagoi
ngt
obeokay
?"
Hi
sey
eswer
est
il
lont
heWr
ight
pr
oper
ty.Igent
lyst
rokedhi
shead
andki
ssedi
t'
scr
own.

"
Ofcour
se,
nowl
et'
sgoy
oudaddyi
s
wai
ti
ngf
oruskol
apeng.
"

Hecameal
ongandKel
etsof
oll
owed
usmai
ntai
ningar
easonabl
edi
stance.

MmaMphof
eltashar
ppai
nst
ri
ke
herupperbodygoi
ngacr
osst
he
hear
t.Shesqui
nchedandhel
don
t
ightt
othecouch.

"
Arey
ouokay
?"herhel
perasked.
"
Mmm,
bri
ngmekeymokamor
engon
t
opoft
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
e."

Shehur
ri
edl
ywal
kedoutandcame
backwi
tht
hekey
s.

"
Thanky
ou.Youcangohome
now,
"shesai
d.
"
Buty
ou.
..
"
"
It
sokaymygi
rlbommaMoabi
ba
t
sil
egont
say
arey
amoket
engko
Di
stance.
"
"
Ohokay
,ifsot
henI
'
dtakemyl
eav
e.
Let
samay
esent
le.
"

Shet
ookherhandbagandl
eft
mmaMpho al
one.Onceout
sidet
he
y
ardshedi
aledherf
ri
end'
snumber
.

"
Mumsy
?"t
hemai
dasked
"
Heyf
ri
endshi
p,"
Mumsyr
esponded.
"
Somosadi
mogol
ogav
emeanear
ly
knockof
f,west
il
lonaker
e?Mar
ang
barkanaMakhandel
a?"
"
Mar
angf
ir
stwewi
l
lgot
oPhi
kwel
e
t
sedi
tswangkabopastort
o.Di
d
shepayy
ou?
"
"
Whywoul
dIbet
alki
ngaboutMar
ang?
Sheact
ual
l
ygav
eme1ksor
e
t
uput
sahal
fmot
engngwanaka.
"
"
Yoomonat
empol
aye!Gi
rlwar
eshe
gav
eyouhowmuch?Wenaway
aka
shei
nit
iat
edy
oukanagat
weshe
doest
het
hingst
eabosi
go,
"Mumsy
war
ned.
"
Okhonkammi
l
etsaZ.
C.Cl
eEl
oyi
le
f
ir
ekor
egonneMur
skont
,al
lni
ght
har
sht
agkosha,
har
sht
agmol
etel
o.
Gokankgasewacho,
mogabol
ole
anoi
nti
ngoi
ltl
hemma.
"

Theyl
aughed.

"
It
haganel
angwanakaebi
l
eI'
m
bat
hingnownow,
"Mumsysai
d
ex
cit
ed.
"
Aker
eot
akaP350wagago?
"the
mai
dasked.
"
Whynotngwanawamme?Kana
wenai
sawv
ideoy
aThabang
t
rendi
ngkgant
elebasut
hil
ebef
oreI
coul
ddownl
oad.
"
"
Thabangwho?
themai
dasked.
"
ThabangmonnaOt
lhe,
Thabanghel
a
waMmaMphokehaal
ehotgor
e
appar
ent
lyneal
wal
ethatguywho
Masegodat
edwadent
ist
."
"
Uhuel
egor
eThabanggotr
eleased?
I
jo!NowondermmaMphoi
sal
way
s
i
ndi
str
ess,
kegor
ehehasn'
tev
en
bot
her
edt
ocomeseemosadi
mogol
o
waModi
mo,
"Ot
lhesai
dwi
thsomuch
pi
ty.
Fort
het
woy
ear
sshehadbeenMma
Mpho'
shel
persel
doml
ysawt
heol
d
womansmi
l
e.I
twasl
i
keshel
i
vedi
n
at
otal
l
ydi
ff
erentwor
ld.

"WenaOt
lheokat
swaol
owal
e
wena.Af
otsekel
ekwamol
oi
y
oo,
"Mumsycur
sed.
"
Don'
tsayt
hatkanat
hisl
adyi
sone
oft
hemostcompassi
onat
epeopl
e
y
ou'
dev
ermeet
."
"
Bonebacompassi
onat
epasopgi
rl
y!
Theyar
etopi
nther
ankt
sabol
oi,
she
mi
ghtl
ovey
oubutnnawar
elowar
a
mot
shwar
amo'
rei
l
edi
thusong.
KanaI
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutmyr
elat
ive,
monnawent
atemogol
owhywoul
dI
makeupl
i
esabouther
?"
"
Ehemma,
ifev
ershei
sawi
tcht
abe
al
etoocunni
ng,
"t
hemai
dsai
d.
"
All
wit
chesar
ecunni
ngomout
ule
kaewenamol
oiai
puaunl
essi
t'
s
t
hroughdel
i
ver
ance?Enoughabout
bal
oihur
ryupmmaandpl
easemake
sur
eof
etaIbay
aP500omongweko
or
angemoney
.Don'
twanti
ttobel
i
ke
kebadi
nfl
uencekamosoosenaa
r
ekel
angboFenkeseshabo.
"
"
Mmm ebi
l
ekel
ebi
l
ekoRant
suduha
ker
iana.Shar
paker
e?"
Otl
heassur
ed
herf
ri
end.
"
Gat
weshar
p..
."
"
Hel
amumsynnakel
etsakaai
rt
ime.
"
"
Okhokae?BoOt
lher
uri
!Mcm Isur
e
kebual
enna,
"shet
eased.

If
oundMar
ti
npaci
ngupanddowni
n
f
rontoft
hehouse.If
eltsodi
zzyj
ust
l
ooki
ngathi
m dot
hat
.Ler
uohel
dmy
handt
ight
ly.
"
Whydi
dyoul
ett
hatt
hingnearmy
son?
"het
hrewshadesatme.
"
Canwet
alkcal
mly
?"
"
Cal
m?I
'
m noti
nthemoodr
eal
l
y?
Ruogeti
nandgety
ourschool
bag
wewi
l
lcomet
her
estoft
het
hings
l
ater
,"
hesai
d.
"
Butdaddy
?"Ler
uoweaned.
"
Gobaby
,"
Isai
d.
"
ButmamaIt
houghty
ousai
dwe
wer
ehav
ingpi
zzat
oget
herwi
thy
our
f
ri
endanddad,
"hesai
d.
If
eltbadt
hatt
hingst
urnedoutt
he
wayt
heydi
d.Kel
etsowat
chedon
f
rom t
hegat
e.

"
Lookbaby
,goi
nther
eandgety
our
baggakal
otel
a.I
'
m sur
eyourdaddy
wi
l
lgety
oupi
zzaony
ourwayhome.
"

Wi
thshoul
der
sdr
oppi
nghe
r
eluct
ant
lygoti
nsi
det
hehouse.I
wai
tedf
orhi
mtodi
sappearand
gl
aredatMar
ti
nfur
iousl
y.
"
Don'
tpul
lthatcar
donmer
ightnow
becauseasf
arasIknowI
'
mtheone
wr
ongedher
e.I
'
mtheonewho
shoul
dbemadnoty
ou.Di
dyouev
en
t
ell
himt
hatl
unat
icki
l
ledhi
smot
her
andr
emov
edherwomb?
"

Ikeptqui
et.

"
Ithoughtso,
"hesai
d,"
woul
dn'
tbe
sur
pri
sedi
fyouf
ucki
nghi
mtoo.
"
"
Nowy
oudon'
tdar
etal
ktomel
i
ke
t
hat
.Andev
eni
fIwasi
twoul
dbe
bet
terbecauseunl
i
key
ouIdon'
task
onesi
steroutandgof
uckt
heot
her
onewhent
hef
ir
stonesay
sshei
sn'
t
r
eady
,"
Ifumed.

Kel
etsor
aisedherey
esandf
ixed
t
hem onus.

"
Wel
lIguessIf
inal
l
ychooset
he
bet
tersi
sterbecausewenao
wor
thl
ess,
"hesai
d."
Icanseenow
whyy
ounev
erhadamani
nyourl
i
fe
odi
l
odi
sel
e,
"hespewout
.
Ihel
dmywai
standf
eltmyhear
t
al
mostcomeupmyt
hroat
.Wi
tht
he
l
i
ttl
edi
gni
tyl
eftIt
urnedt
owal
kaway
buthehel
dmyhand.

"
Dikel
edi
Idi
dn'
tmeant
osoundso
mean,
"hesai
dapol
oget
ical
l
y.
"
Nthogel
abef
orey
oui
rr
it
atemeany
f
urt
her
,"
Isai
d.
"
Nonotunt
ily
oul
i
stent
owhatIhav
e
t
osay
,"
hesai
dcl
i
ngi
ngont
ight
.
"
Mar
ti
nletgo,
"Isai
dtear
y.
"
Thel
adysai
dletgo.
"

It
urnedandVi
nwasf
oldi
nghi
sshi
rt
sl
eev
es.Mar
ti
nst
il
lhel
dme.

"
Orwhat
?"heaskedchal
l
engi
ngVi
n.
"
Don'
tst
artwhaty
oucan'
tfi
nishmy
man,
"Vi
nsai
dcal
mly
.

Theaut
hor
it
ythathi
svoi
cecar
ri
ed.I
mustsayIf
eltmyneckhai
rst
and.I
t
t
hri
l
ledmet
oseeamanputhi
sfoot
downt
hewayVi
ndi
d,v
eryi
ntr
igui
ng.
Kel
etsowal
kedov
er.

"
Babel
etgoofherandt
alkl
i
ke.
..
"

Mar
ti
nfr
ast
rat
edl
ylookedatherand
shel
etgoofhi
shand.

"
Mrt
ogel
angwana,
"Vi
nsai
d.
"
Orwhat
?"

Vi
ncl
i
nchedhi
sfi
standf
oundme
st
arr
ingandhel
etl
oose.Ler
uo
wal
kedout
.

"
Mar
ti
nyouar
ehur
ti
ngmama,
"Ler
uo
sai
d.

Noneofushadseenhi
m wal
kout
.
Mar
ti
nletgoandImov
edbackabi
t.

"
Gent
lemandonothur
twoman,
yesI
hadwhatpapadi
dtomommy
.That
heki
l
ledhi
m,butt
eachert
aughtus
f
orgi
veness.Iwanty
out
ofor
giv
ehi
m
j
ustl
i
keI
'
m goi
ngt
ofor
giv
eyouf
or
hur
ti
ngmama.Nowcanwego?
"he
sai
dshocki
ngal
lofus.

Isawgui
l
tcov
erMar
ti
ninst
ant
ly.

"
Andohdaddyaskherf
or
f
orgi
veness,
"hecommanded.
"
I'
m sor
ryDi
kel
edi
,
"hesai
d.
"
No,
notDi
kel
edi
,shenev
ercal
l
syou
Mar
ti
n.Socal
lherMmagweLer
uoor
y
ourmamai
fyouar
etal
ki
ngt
ome.
"
"
Okaychamp,
"hesai
d,"
I'
m sor
ry
MmagweLer
uo.
"
Ismi
l
ednotatMar
ti
norhi
sfor
ced
sor
rybutatLer
uo'
sgoodhear
t.I
f
onl
yhecoul
dgr
owt
hisundef
il
ed.

"
Nopr
obl
em,
okaybuddyt
akecar
e
okay
?"
"
okay
,"
Ler
uosmi
l
ed.
"Thanky
ou,
"he
sai
datVi
n.
"
For
?"
"
Picki
ngmeup,
piz
zaandgi
vi
ngpapa
al
i
fti
nyouex
pensi
vecarev
en
t
houghhewasdi
rt
yandal
l
.Your
cl
othesev
enl
ookni
ceonhi
m,can
y
ougetmet
hatAdcap?
"
Vi
nsmi
l
edi
ntr
igued,
"def
ini
tel
y.Wi
l
l
gi
vei
ttoy
ourmom,
letmeguessy
ou
wantbl
ack?
"
"
Myal
lti
mef
av,
thanksman.
"

Hef
istbumpedwi
thVi
nandl
ooked
atKel
etso.Hesai
dnot
hingand
shookhi
shead.Bef
orehehadt
ook
mor
ethanf
ivest
epshet
urnedand
r
eal
i
zedt
hatKel
etsowasbehi
nd
t
hem.
"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"heaskedher
.

Kel
etsoshamef
ull
ylookeddown.He
passedherandr
ant
omehuggi
ng
me.

"
Thanky
ouf
orbei
ngt
hebest
mom,
"hesai
dami
dstt
ear
s.

If
eltt
ear
sbur
nupatmyt
hroatand
usedmyhandt
ofanmy
sel
f,
"Lov
e
y
oumor
ennanawame.
"
BackatMmaMpho'
sshedr
agged
heral
mostt
ir
edsel
ftot
hef
orbi
dden
r
oom.I
thadbeenay
earsi
nceshe
hadbeenr
efusi
ngt
ohonourher
mast
er'
ssummon.Sheopenedt
he
doorandknel
taf
ewmet
ersaway
f
rom t
hemi
rr
or.

"
Woz
alapamypr
incess,
"t
hesnake
hi
ssed.

MmaMphowi
thherheaddown
cr
awl
edov
er.
"
Sey
amemukel
a."
thet
hir
dvoi
ce
echoed.
Soaf
teral
ongt
imey
ouf
inal
l
ycame
t
hrough?
"al
essbol
dvoi
cespoke.
"
Khosi
!For
giv
emef
orIdi
dn'
thav
e
t
hecour
aget
ocomebef
orey
our
gl
ori
ouspr
esenceaf
terf
ail
i
ngt
he
t
asky
ouhadgi
venme.
"
"
Youcanst
il
lredeem y
our
sel
f,
howev
erIwi
l
lnotl
ety
ougo
unpuni
shedf
ory
onkel
ent
ho.
Si
zwana?
"thesnakehi
ssed
"
Yebobaba,
"shesai
dbowi
ngher
head.
"
Now,
yeni
le?
"thesnakeasked.
"
Baba?
"herheadst
il
lbowed.
"
Yini
ndaba?
"

Sher
aisedherey
esandsaw
Thabangont
hemi
rr
or.Hel
ookedl
i
ke
hewasl
i
vingl
avi
shl
y.Ver
ywel
lkept
f
orsomeonewhowassupposedt
o
best
ruggl
i
ng.Sheknewf
orsur
ethat
hewasi
nthest
reet
s.What
ever
pl
ayedont
hemi
rr
orwasj
ust
conf
usi
ng.
"
Not
hiscan'
tbe,
"shemut
ter
ed.
"
Wel
li
tisandIhopey
ouact
accor
dingl
ybecauset
hist
imear
ound
Iwantnomi
stake.
"
"
Yebobaba.
"

Onemor
elookatt
hemi
rr
oranda
shar
ppai
nst
ruckherl
eftsi
de
par
aly
zingherl
i
mps.

"
Nott
hati
syourpuni
shment
.Youwi
l
l
l
ooset
heuseofy
ourl
eftl
i
mpsby
daybutshal
lbest
rengt
henedby
ni
ghtbecauseIwanty
out
ohav
eno
r
easonshoul
dyouf
ail
my
assi
gnment
.Nowy
ouwi
l
lbe
t
ranspor
tedt
othehouseand
Noz
amowi
l
llookt
hisdoorandhol
d
ont
othekey
s."

MmaMphosi
gheddev
ast
atedbyt
he
t
urnoutofev
ent
s.Howev
eri
twasa
f
arbet
terpuni
shment
.Secondsl
ater
sheappear
edi
nherbedr
oom.Mma
Moabi
wal
kedi
nwi
tht
woot
herl
adi
es
f
rom chur
ch.
"
Koo?
"theyopenedwi
dert
hedoor
whi
chwasl
eftaj
aral
ready.
"
MmaMphoi
t'
sti
meup?Mma
Mpho?
"MmaMoabi
sai
dwal
ki
ngt
o
t
hebedr
ooms.

Shef
oundMmaMphoont
hebed,
her
ey
eswer
eopenedbutshewasnt
r
espondi
ng.Hermout
hhadcur
ved
duet
othest
roke.

"
Kagel
l
o!"
shecal
l
edoutandt
het
wo
l
adi
escamei
nhur
ri
edl
y.
"
Whathappened?
"oneasked.
"
Ithi
nki
t'
sst
roke,
"MmaMoabi
assumed.

Theycar
ri
edhert
othei
rcar
.

Meanwhi
l
eatMr
sWr
ight
's,
Thabang
satont
hecouchandIcamewi
than
i
cebagwr
appedwi
thacl
oth.

"
Take,
sedi
l
amol
omoorel
sephakel
a
or
urubet
se,
"Isai
d.
"
Eishwai
tsebr
azenel
enekee
t
swel
apel
onf
ethu.Li
kewhot
hef
uck
j
ustwat
chanot
herper
sonf
uckt
hen
upandnotr
etal
i
ate?
"Vi
nsai
d.
"
Orat
ant
waebi
l
e?"
Iasked.
"
NoIdon'
tbutt
hisguyosof
tthat
a,
r
ragweLer
uowat
all
abl
i
ndbl
i
nd.So
what
'st
hedeal
?Yousl
eepi
ngher
e
or
?"Vi
nasked

Hewat
chedonf
rom t
hest
ool
asI
t
ookt
hei
cef
rom Thabangand
massagedhi
m my
sel
f.
"
Her
eisf
ine,
"Thabangsai
dwi
thhi
s
j
awscl
i
nchedt
oget
her
.
"
AndIbet
tergetgoi
ng.
"
"
Letmewal
kyououtt
hen,
"Vi
nsai
d
andhoppedof
fthest
ool
."
T'bosey
ou
cangosl
eepmor
oom y
akgant
ele.
"
"
Kaosaneaker
eThabang?
"
"
Mmm,
andt
hanks.
"

Out
side,
Iwr
appedmyhandsar
ound
my
sel
fast
hewi
ndbr
eez
emademe
cat
chsomegoosebumps.Wewal
ked
sl
owl
yandonl
yst
art
edt
alki
ngonce
wewer
ewal
ki
ngont
her
oad.

"
Hel
ovesy
ou,
"hesai
d.
"
WhoMar
ti
n?Noway
!"Il
augheda
l
i
ttl
ehopef
ult
hough.
"
NoThabang,
"hesai
dlooki
ngupat
t
hest
ars.

Il
aughedandhet
rot
tedaheadbut
l
ooki
ngatmewi
thhi
sbackt
owar
ds
t
hedi
rect
ionwewer
eheadi
ng.

"
Ser
iousIsawhowhel
ooksaty
ou.
Any
way
skehar
dyhel
abecause,
"he
pul
l
edmei
n.

Icl
osedmyey
esandhepl
ant
eda
ki
ssonmyl
i
ps.Hi
shandsr
andown
mycur
vesandr
est
edonmywai
st
l
i
ne.If
elthi
sli
pspar
tmi
ne
moi
stur
izi
ngt
hem,
hel
i
ght
lybi
tmy
l
owerl
i
pandi
mmer
sedmei
nthei
r
war
mth.I
tfel
tri
ghtt
hisi
showi
had
env
isi
onedmyf
ir
stki
ssandIwas
gr
eat
ful
itwasn'
tany
thi
ngshor
tof
per
fect
ion.Thebr
eez
emadeev
en
mor
eex
clusi
vel
ypassi
onat
e.He
br
oket
heki
ssandhuggedme
t
ender
ly.

"
Youar
emi
nenow,
onl
ymi
ne,
"he
whi
sper
ed.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Thi
sist
he11pm i
nser
t.Nex
tinser
t
kamoso.Ei
shbat
hongammeam I
ont
her
ightt
rack?I
sthest
orey
capt
ivat
ingkanaatt
imes(
wel
lmost
oft
het
ime)If
eel
li
keIwr
it
emanasa
hel
a.Nott
oogoodenough.Sopl
ease
bef
orwar
dwi
thme.
Bewi
tched

#12

Ismi
l
edandsnuggl
edupont
he
st
ret
cherbedeat
ingsomewheat
cer
eal
li
steni
ngt
oEddSheer
an'
s
t
hinki
ngoutl
oud.

.
..
AndI
'
mthi
nki
ng'
bouthow
peopl
efal
li
nlov
einmy
ster
iousway
s
May
bej
ustt
het
ouchofahand
Wel
l
,me—If
all
inl
ovewi
thy
ouev
ery
si
ngl
eday
AndIj
ustwannat
ell
youIam

Theki
ssIhadj
ustshar
edwi
thVi
n
keptonr
epl
ayi
ngatt
hebackofmy
head.Ist
il
lfel
ttheaf
tert
ast
eoft
he
mi
nthehadbeeneat
ingbef
orehand
ormay
bei
twasj
ustmyhead.My
phoner
angandIj
umped.

"
Mxm,
"Isai
ddi
sappoi
ntedand
pausedt
het
elev
isi
on.

Ipi
ckedupt
hephoneandsai
d
not
hingwal
ki
ngov
ert
othedi
nni
ng
t
abl
ewher
eIputt
her
emot
eand
cer
eal
bowl
.

"
Voi
cemai
l
!"Ler
uoshout
ed.
"
Heybaby
,don'
thangup!
"If
inal
l
y
answer
edandwal
kedt
othecouch.
"
Okayi
t'
smom,
"heshout
ed,
"hey
mom.
"
"
Hi,
"Isai
d,"
Supt
iger
?Youst
il
lup?
"
"
It
snotev
en9y
etpl
uswe
weekendi
ngt
lhemmawena
mama,
"hesai
d.
Laughedl
i
ght
ly,
"okaybaby
,di
dyou
bat
h?"
"
Mmmhandweat
e.Daddyand
l
asagne,
"hesai
d.
"
Okhoonl
yIcanmaket
hatdi
sh.
"
"
Iknowr
ight
?"hewhi
sper
ed,
"daddyi
s
t
hewor
st.Idon'
tknowwhatIwas
eat
ing.
"

Wel
aughed.
"
Ispapasl
eepi
ngwi
thy
ou?
"heasked.
"
Huh?whatki
ndofaquest
ioni
s
t
hat
?"Isai
d.
"
Ishe?
"
"
Nohei
sn'
t.Whywoul
dhebe
sl
eepi
ngwi
thme?
"Iasked.
"
Becausehedoesn'
tl
ookl
i
kehehas
ahome,
"hesai
d.
"
Ohy
oumeantt
hat
,wel
luncl
eVi
n
gav
ehi
m accommodat
ion.
"
"
Ili
keVi
nhei
sani
ceguy
,"
Ler
uosai
d.
"
Buddymyai
rt
ime,
"hi
sfat
herspoke
i
nthebackgr
ound.
"
Butdaddywej
ustst
art
edt
alki
ng,
"he
sai
d.
"
Yousai
dyouwant
edt
osay
goodni
ght
,"
hesai
d.
"
Nanal
i
stent
omesl
eep,
I'
ll
come
pi
cky
ouupt
omor
rowi
fyourdad
agr
ees.
"
"
Cool
,pr
ett
ypl
ease.
"
"
Nowgi
vedaddyt
hephone,
"Isai
d.
"
Okay
,ni
ght
yni
ght
."
"
Nightbaby
,"
Isai
dback.
"
Shewant
stot
alk,
"hesai
dgi
vi
ng
Mar
ti
nthephoneandqui
ckl
ytur
ned
hi
sat
tent
iont
othemonopol
y.
"
Hel
l
o?"hesai
dwal
ki
ngoutt
othe
ki
tchen.

Thabangsati
nthedar
kthi
nki
ng.I
t
hadbeenal
ongt
imesi
ncehesl
ept
comf
ort
abl
yletal
oneeatdecent
ly.
Her
ubbedhi
sheadr
emi
nisci
ngon
t
hedayoft
heev
entt
hatl
andedhi
m
i
njai
l
.

Thabang:
Gor
atagetoutofmycar
becauseIdon'
twantt
oendupki
l
li
ng
y
ou.

Hesai
dwhent
heyr
eachedSenombe
j
unct
ion.Gor
atal
ookedout
sidet
he
cl
osedwi
ndowandsi
ghedt
hen
l
ookedathi
m.Hewassweat
ing
despi
tet
her
econdi
ti
onedcar
.Inal
l
t
hey
earshehadknowhi
m hehad
nev
erseenhi
mthi
sof
f.I
twasl
i
kea
t
otal
l
ydi
ff
erentper
sonhadt
ook
char
geov
erhi
m.

Gor
ata:
Hakey
egopeMar
ti
n,ki
l
lme
butasl
ongasI
'
m br
eat
hingke
t
samay
alewena.Yout
hinkI
'
m
j
oki
ng?
"
Thabang:
Togaony
elakana
Gor
atamangy
out
hinkI
'
mint
he
moodf
orj
okes.
Gor
ata:
mpet
sahel
aee.NnaThabang
Il
ovey
ousomuchandI
'
m notgoi
ng
t
oletgobecausewehadal
i
ttl
e
mi
sunder
standi
ng.
Thabang:
Lit
tl
e?(
hegl
ared)
li
tt
le?Nx
la!

Hest
art
edt
hecarandspedof
fto
t
hei
rdeser
tedcat
tl
epost
.Hegotof
t
hecarandunl
ockedGor
ata'
ssi
de
andpul
l
edherout
.Hi
sver
yfi
rstsl
ap
senthert
othegr
ound.

Gor
ata:
wampol
ayai
fyout
hink
beat
ingmewi
l
lmakey
ouf
eel
bet
ter
t
lher
radoi
t,doi
tThabang.Idon'
t
car
e..
.

Hebeganhi
tt
ingher
,hi
sanger
i
ntensi
fi
edwi
thev
erypunchhegav
e
her
.Moment
slat
erhehadst
rangl
ed
t
hel
i
feoutofherbychoki
ngherneck
wi
thhi
sbel
t.Hepushedof
fher
l
i
fel
essbodyt
othegr
ound.

Thabang:
bloodyf
ool
!

Hest
oodupwentandgothi
sthr
ee
st
arkni
fef
rom t
hecar
.

Thabang:
(kneel
i
ngatherwai
st)
Isee
gor
egonnal
epopel
omadey
out
hink
y
ouar
eGod.Guesswhatmi
ssyy
ou
wer
ewr
ongandi
t'
sapi
tyy
ouwi
l
lbe
bur
iedwi
thouti
t.
Heopenedt
hekni
feandt
orehert
op
wi
thi
tandbegancut
ti
nghert
ummy
asi
faboutt
oconductac-
sect
ion.
Vi
nknockedl
i
ght
lyont
hedoorand
Thabangshuthi
sey
espr
etendi
ngt
o
beasl
eep.

Vi
n:mel
ait
?

Thabangkeptqui
et.Vi
ncl
osedt
he
doorandThabangsatupagai
n.He
t
henbeganwonder
ingi
fVi
nwasmy
newboy
fri
endorwhat
.Hewonder
ed
i
fhest
il
lst
oodachanceatl
ove.
Woul
dIbewi
l
li
ngt
otakeamur
der
er
i
nandl
ovehi
m uncondi
ti
onal
l
y?He
t
ossedov
erandl
aydown,
hehad
f
all
enasl
eepst
il
lthi
nki
ngofway
she
coul
duset
oent
iceme.

Mar
ti
nremov
edhi
spi
zzaf
rom t
he
mi
crowav
eandsatdownatt
he
br
eakf
astt
abl
e.Het
ookabi
tand
t
alkedwi
thhi
smout
hful
l
.

"
Sohowi
sThabang?
"heasked.
"
Ojay
onel
asagne?
"
"
Mxm Ler
uoomaakawai
tse.NoI
'
m
eat
ingpi
zzahei
stheonewho
pr
epar
edt
hel
asagne.
"
Il
aughed,
"It
oldy
out
opaymekego
r
ute.
"
"
Orbet
terst
il
ll
etmemar
ryy
out
lhe
mma,
"hesai
d.
"
AndNkel
e?"
Iaskedcur
iousl
y.
"
Itwasj
ustaf
li
ngweonl
yhandsex
t
hri
ce.
"

Thewayhesai
ditasi
fitwasnot
hing
wor
ri
edme.
"
Sot
hreet
imesi
snot
hing?Iknow
Nkel
eshei
sobv
iousl
yint
oyousoI
suggesty
oumaket
hingswor
kwi
th
hercauseI
'
m notaboutt
ogethat
ed
bymyonl
ysi
sterov
eramanhel
ao
i
mmat
ure,
"Isai
d.
"
Uhu,
sor
rymma.SoThabang?Ler
uo
t
oldmeev
ery
thi
ng,
"hesai
d.
"
Oshar
pyouar
eluckyher
efusedt
o
pr
esschar
ges.Nkabohel
aago
t
oget
sewagol
alakoz
ant
ifort
he
weekend.
"
"
Bol
oiDi
kel
edi
,
"hel
aughed.
"
MmagweLer
uo,
odi
sobedi
ent
wai
tse.Di
dn'
tLer
uonotasky
out
o
notr
efert
omeasDi
kel
edi
?"Isai
d.
"
Okhoy
oowat
senwa.NnaI
'
llcal
lyou
what
everaspermymood.
"hesai
d.
"
Ohsowhati
syourmoodr
ightnow,
"I
asked.

Iwai
tedf
orhi
mtoswal
l
ow.

"
Rra?
"
"
Bit
teraker
eyougoi
ngoutl
e
l
ekut
waneaf
terr
eject
ingmef
ora
whol
e3y
ear
s."
Ichor
tl
ed,
"wel
lIwasgoi
ngt
oagr
ee
t
odat
etobecauseIwasr
eadyf
or
sexbutnowhar
dluckboy
!"

Teasi
nghi
m wasf
un.HowIwi
shedI
coul
dseehi
sface.

"
Eishwaboor
engt
ota.okayf
inel
et
meseemycooki
e."
"
Idon'
tdonudeshoney
."

Myphonev
ibr
atedandIcheckedt
he
scr
een.

"
BonaRr
agweFenahangupIhav
ean
i
ncomi
ngcal
lont
hel
i
ne,
"Isai
d.
"
Mxm hael
elekur
ukur
uleol
agago
I
'
m nothangi
ngup.
"hesai
d.
"
It
snothi
m,Ipr
omi
set
ocal
lyou
back.
"

HehangupandIpi
ckedt
hephone.

"
Babegi
rl
?Di
dIwokey
ouup?
"
"
NoIwasup,
what
'spoppi
ng?
"Iasked.
"
Wel
lIwasmi
ssi
ngy
ou,
"hesai
d.
"
Viny
ouj
ustwenthomeaf
ew
mi
nut
esback,
"Isai
dbl
ushi
ng.
"
30mi
nut
esi
sal
ongt
imebaby
gi
rl
,"
hesai
d.
"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
"
Wel
lIwasaboutt
oknockony
our
door
,"
hesai
d.
Il
aughed,
"Li
es.
"
"
Yout
hink?
"hehangupandt
her
ewas
aknockont
hedoor
.

Ex
cit
edIj
umpedupandopened.I
t
wasn'
thi
m.

"
Eveni
ngmam,
MsD?
"
"
Who?
"

Hel
ookedathi
sbookl
et.

"
MsD,
Dikel
edi
,
"hesai
d.
"
Oh?
"
"
Thi
sar
efory
ou,
"hesai
dgi
vi
ngmea
bunchofdr
essr
osesi
nani
cev
ase
andawr
appedgi
ftbox
.
"
Oh?
"Isai
dconf
used.
"
Signher
epl
ease,
"hesai
d.

Isi
gnedandhel
eft
.Igoti
n,cl
osed
t
hedoorwi
thmyheel
andwal
ked
ov
ert
othedi
nni
ngt
abl
e.Thedoor
openedasIwasr
eadi
ngt
hecar
d.

Car
d:It
hinkI
'
m headov
erheel
sin
l
ovewi
thy
ougor
geous

"
Nicef
lower
s,"
avoi
cest
art
ledhi
m.

Ij
umpedbuthi
shandsgotwr
apped
ar
oundmywai
st.

"
Imi
ssedy
ou,
"hewhi
sper
edandmy
l
i
psi
nvol
unt
ari
l
ycur
vedi
ntoasmi
l
e.

Het
urnedmear
ound,
pickedmeup
andr
est
edmybut
tont
het
abl
e
get
ti
ngbet
weenhi
slegs.

"
Hey
,"
hesai
dal
mosti
naudi
ble.
"
Hey
,"
Iwhi
sper
edback.

Hebeganki
ssi
ngmeandsomehowI
cl
i
ckedont
her
emot
econt
rol
andt
he
t
vpl
ayedf
rom pausemode.

Sohoneynow
Takemei
ntoy
ourl
ovi
ngar
ms
Ki
ssmeundert
hel
i
ghtofat
housand
st
ars
Pl
acey
ourheadonmybeat
inghear
t
I
'
mthi
nki
ngoutl
oud
Thatmay
bewef
oundl
over
ight
wher
ewear
e

Whenmyhai
r'
sal
lbutgoneandmy
memor
yfades
Andt
hecr
owdsdon'
tremembermy
name
Whenmyhandsdon'
tpl
ayt
hest
ri
ngs
t
hesameway
Iknowy
ouwi
l
lst
il
ll
ovemet
hesame

'
Causehoneyy
oursoul
coul
dnev
er
gr
owol
d,i
t'
sev
ergr
een
And,
baby
,yoursmi
l
e'sf
orev
eri
nmy
mi
ndandmemor
y

Hi
shandsper
fect
lyhol
dingmywai
st.
Ibeganmanagedt
obr
eakt
heki
ss
andr
emov
ehi
svestex
posi
nghi
s
gl
ori
ousabs.Myhear
tthr
obbed
ex
cit
edl
yasIwat
chedhowper
fect
hi
sbodywas.Ir
anmyhandsov
erhi
s
packsandhel
etl
ooseofmygown
r
obewhi
l
eki
ssi
ngme.Hi
shand
cuppedoneofmybr
eastandsent
spar
ksal
lov
ermyent
ir
ebodyashe
car
essedi
t.Amoanescapedmy
mout
h.
Myhandsr
anf
ort
hisbel
tbuthe
pul
l
edawayasIt
ri
edt
oopent
he
z
ipper
.
"
Notnow,
Idon'
twantust
odo
any
thi
ngwewi
l
lregr
et.
"

WHATTHEHELL!

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Sor
ryI
'
mlat
e.
Bewi
tched

#13
"
Notnow,
Idon'
twantust
odo
any
thi
ngwewi
l
lregr
et,
"hesai
d.

WHATTHEHELL.Isi
gnedandt
ri
ed
t
ocompr
ehendev
ery
thi
ngex
act
lyt
he
wayi
twas.Nosugarcoat
ingor
any
thi
ng.Di
dthi
sguyj
ustt
urnme
down?Wai
t,what
?Isn'
ti
thewant
ed
t
ochowme?OkayIf
elti
nsul
ted.

"
Andt
hen?
"Isai
d.
 .
..
.undert
hel
i
ghtofat
housand
st
ars
Oh,
dar
li
ng,
placey
ourheadonmy
beat
inghear
t
I
'
mthi
nki
ngoutl
oud
Thatmay
bewef
oundl
over
i.
..

Ir
eachedf
ort
her
emot
econt
rol
and
swi
tchedt
het
vof
f.

"
BabeIl
ovet
hatsong!
"hesmi
l
ed.
"
Whyt
hehel
ldi
dyoust
opme?
"Isai
d
al
mosti
naudi
ble.
"
Idon'
twantusr
ushi
ng.
..
"
"
Not
rustmeIhear
dthatpar
t,butI
t
ell
mesomet
hingIcanunder
stand?
Doesi
tmakeadi
ff
erencei
fwedi
dit
noworay
earl
ater
?"Ihadcuthi
m
shor
tandwasbei
ngpushedt
omy
boi
l
ingpoi
nt.
"
Slowbabe,
onest
epatat
ime,
"he
sai
dbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p
seduct
ivel
y,
"i
t'
ssel
fex
planat
ory
."
"
Sowhat
'supwi
tht
his?
"Isai
dli
ft
ing
t
hegi
ftboxandbangedi
tont
he
t
abl
e."
Andt
hat
?"
Hi
sey
esr
ant
othef
lowerv
aseIwas
poi
nti
ngat
.

"
Andt
hei
ntenseki
ssi
ng?Imeanwhy
t
hehel
ldi
dyousl
i
pmygownof
fand
t
ouchmet
hewayy
oudi
dify
ou
wasn'
treadyt
ohi
titwi
thme?You
don'
tj
ustmakemehor
nyj
ustt
otel
l
met
owai
t!Wai
tforwhatr
eal
l
y
becauset
henex
tthi
ngy
ou'
dbe
bangi
ngmysi
sterj
ustt
hewayMat
t
di
d!"

Isai
dthi
s,what
everi
tisIsai
d
wi
thoutev
enbr
eat
hing.Hehad
wat
chedonwi
thoutut
ter
ingawor
d,
hi
sindexf
ingerr
est
edonhi
sli
psona
sex
ual
manner
.Idonotev
en
r
ememberseei
nghi
m bl
i
nk.Hehad
t
hisni
ceal
mostseabl
ueey
est
hat
madehi
m superi
rr
esi
sti
ble.Thesi
ght
ofj
ustandhi
spi
nkl
i
pst
hatspar
ked
myl
i
bidol
evel
stot
hepeak.

"
Ebi
l
ekagot
hodi
aaker
e?"
Ibar
ked.
"
Babear
ewehav
ingourf
ir
stf
ightke
menedi
fei
si?
"het
eased.
Thewayhesmi
l
edgotonmyl
ast
ner
ves.

"
Yout
hinkt
hisi
sfunny
?Wel
li
t'
snot
!"

Ist
ormedt
othedoorandopenedi
t.

Hel
aughed,
"comeonbabe.Wear
e
t
oomat
uref
oral
lthat
."

Il
ookedt
heot
herway
.

"
Oser
iouskant
e?"
hel
aughed.
"
Keser
iousee.Ordoy
ouseeme
l
aughi
ngwena?
"Isai
dwi
thast
ern
v
oice.
"
Wel
lsor
rybecauseI
'
m notgoi
ng
any
wher
e.Rer
obal
akae?
"

Thei
rr
it
ati
on!Goodr
iddance.Igl
ared
athi
m ashesatont
hecouchand
swi
tchedont
het
v.Isl
ammedt
he
doorashebeganscr
oll
i
ngacr
osst
he
channel
s.Hi
swhi
stl
epi
ercedt
hrough
myhear
t,t
hef
unnyf
eel
i
ngt
hat
accompani
edi
tmademesi
ck.Iwent
t
othef
ri
dgeandt
ookagul
pdi
rect
ly
f
rom t
hef
reshmi
l
kbot
tl
e.

"
Tel
lmey
ouj
ustdi
dn'
tdot
hat
,"
he
sai
dgr
ossedupasIcl
osedt
hef
ri
dge.

Iswal
l
owedt
hemi
l
kandf
rast
rat
edl
y
bangedt
hef
ri
dgedoor
.Hesmi
l
ed
wat
chi
ngmedi
sappeari
ntot
he
bat
hroom.

"
Somuchanger
,"
hecl
i
ckedhi
s
t
ongue.
AtMr
sWr
ight
's,
Thabanggotof
fbed
af
terhear
ingf
ami
l
iarsoundsf
rom
downst
air
s.Hel
i
tthel
i
ghtandknel
t
down.I
thadbeenal
mostawhi
l
e
si
ncet
heghost
lywav
evi
sit
edhi
m.
Thef
ir
stt
imei
tst
art
edhehadj
ust
t
ossedi
tasi
deasj
ust"
amer
e
ni
ght
mar
e"buti
tper
sist
edt
oapoi
nt
wer
ehet
ri
edt
ocommi
ti
ngsui
cide
t
wicei
npr
isonunt
ilhemetanol
der
nanwhoi
ntr
oducedhi
mtospi
ri
tual
i
ty.

"
Fat
herIknowy
ouhav
ekeptme
cl
oseunt
ilnow.Iam st
il
lhowev
era
si
nnerandsi
ndwel
l
sheav
il
yinmy
dwel
l
ingOLor
d.Fat
herIpr
aynowf
or
y
ourhandofpower
,Ipr
ayf
or
pr
otect
ionf
rom t
hesnar
eofmyf
oes.
Yousai
dinYourwor
dthatIshal
l
conquoral
l
,st
rengt
henmef
ort
he
bat
tl
eaheadJehov
ah.Ev
ergl
ori
ous
Ki
ngmayy
ourmer
ciesbewi
th
Di
kel
edi
Lor
d,Iknowt
heev
ilone
seeksherheadmyGodmySav
iour
buti
nYouIr
estmyt
rust
,thatYouO
myGodwi
l
lpr
otecther
,gui
deherand
br
inghercl
osert
oYou.Youar
ea
Godt
hatnev
erf
ail
s.Showmet
he
pat
honwhi
chIshal
lwal
kandLor
dI
pr
ayal
sof
ormme,
letYourl
i
ghtl
ead
heronpat
hsofr
ight
eousnessf
ory
ou
namesake.Begl
ori
edMyGod.
Honourandgl
orybel
ongt
oYou.
Amen.
"

Thesoundhadshi
ft
edbyt
het
imehe
st
oppedpr
ayi
ng.Kel
etsowas
awakenedbysobsi
naf
ardi
stance.

"
Thabangwampol
aya!
"

Shef
eltherbodygr
ownumbast
he
sobsbecamemor
eaudi
ble.Her
t
hroatdr
iedupi
nst
ant
ly.

"
Yout
hinkI
'
llj
ustr
elaxandwat
chy
ou
goaf
terher
?It
'sal
readyenought
hat
shest
olemychi
l
d..
.notmyl
i
fet
oo.
Shewi
l
ldi
easl
owpai
nful
deat
h..
.Di
kel
edi
wil
ldi
e!"
thev
oice
cur
sedangr
il
y.

"
Phumamoy
aomobe!
"Kel
etso
shout
ed.
Thev
oicet
hunder
edi
nal
aught
er.

"
Nott
hist
imegi
rl
yonl
yIcandi
ctat
e
howt
hingst
urnout
.Shewi
l
lbe
el
i
minat
ed,
hel
pmeandy
ouwi
l
lget
Mar
ti
n..
.Iknowy
oul
ovehi
m.Wamo
r
ataaker
e?Eneor
ataNkel
e,
"Gor
ata'
s
ghostv
oiceechoed.
"
Idonotmakedeal
swi
thdead
peopl
e.Lor
dJesusphat
sima!
"

Theghostl
aughed.
"
Nxnxaoshems!Don'
ttr
ymeawa
nkut
wa?Ny
weny
weny
wephat
sima
myf
oot
!"
theghostsai
dangr
il
y.
"
JesoKer
est
e..
."

Av
eryst
ronggr
ippul
l
edherbyt
he
hai
r.Shef
ell
facedownont
hef
loor
bi
ti
ngherl
owerl
i
p.Suf
focat
edshe
t
ri
edt
otur
nbutt
heheav
inesst
hat
r
est
edonherback.Herwhol
ebody
achedasghostGor
atachokedher
.
Bl
oodooz
edoutt
hroughhernose
andwi
thherneckbei
ngst
rangl
ed
shecoul
dn'
tbr
eat
hpr
oper
ly.
"
Soy
ouwantt
odi
ethesamedeat
h
y
ourmot
herdi
ed?
"theghostasked.

Kel
etsot
ri
edt
ogetl
oosef
rom t
he
gr
ipbutshecoul
dn'
tbecauseal
lthi
s
wasdonei
nvi
sibl
y.At
ranst
ookpl
ace
andKel
etsof
oundher
sel
fwal
ki
ngi
n
v
oid.Shecoul
dn'
trecogni
sewer
eshe
wasbutshewasst
il
li
nherpy
jamas
andv
erymuchnosebl
eedi
ng.

Shet
urnedar
oundandst
opped
mi
smi
ri
sedbyt
hebr
idgeki
ndofl
i
ne
t
hatst
oodbef
oreher
.Twomi
ght
y
i
rongat
esst
oodatt
heeachend.The
ot
herwasgol
dwi
thni
ceengr
avi
ngs
whi
l
etheot
herwasbl
ackwi
th
gl
i
tter
ingshadesofr
ed.Herf
eet
subconsci
ousl
ycar
ri
edhert
othe
cent
re.

Ahandt
ouchedherasshet
urnedt
o
wal
ktowar
dst
hebl
ackgat
e.

"
Mybaby
?"
"
Mama!
"shewhi
sper
ed.
"
Ohmybaby
,"
shecr
ied.

Shewasst
il
li
nthewhi
tedr
esst
hey
hadbur
iedheri
nhowev
ershel
ooked
wel
landwasnotusi
ngt
he
wheel
chai
r.

"
List
en,
thatdoor
,"
sheshookher
head,
"i
twi
l
lonl
yleady
out
ohel
l
.
Fi
ghtt
hespi
ri
tthati
sconf
ront
ingy
ou
nowngwanaka.Youcannotf
ightwi
th
y
ourbl
oodbecausey
ouf
eardeat
h.
SeemmaMphoshewasmy
bi
ologi
cal
mot
her
."
"
No,
grandmawas.
..
"

Mot
hershookherheadast
ear
srun
downhergl
owi
ngf
ace.Ofal
lthe
t
hingsKel
etsohadi
magi
nedan
angel
i
cbei
ng,
mot
herwasi
tal
land
mor
e.

"
Not
hatwashercousi
n,MmaMpho
gav
emeherwhenshewasst
il
l
y
oung.Whensher
eal
i
sedshe
coul
dn'
thav
egi
rl
slat
eronand
adopt
edMpho.Shewant
edmet
o
comebackbutIr
efusedbecauseI
wasol
derandawar
eofherdar
ksi
de
andt
hat
'swhenshest
art
edhat
ing
meandcomi
ngaf
terme.Isuf
fer
ed
t
hatst
rokebecauseIhadbeent
oo
st
rongt
odi
e,shef
inal
l
ysenther
t
hokol
osi
towr
ingmyneckbecauseI
coul
dn'
ttr
adei
nDi
kel
edi
formy
l
i
fe,
"shesai
d.
"
Soy
oudi
edpr
otect
ingher
?MamaI
can'
tdi
eforhert
oo.Gapenna
Di
kel
edi
hat
esmeandIwon'
t
sacr
if
icemyl
i
fef
orsomeonewhoi
s
sosel
fi
shl
i
keher
.Kegor
eev
eryt
hing
i
sjustaboutherofl
atennaga
nt
api
sat
ota.
"
"
Doi
tnonet
hel
essmychi
l
dfory
our
di
vi
necr
ownawai
tsy
oubehi
ndt
hat
gl
ori
ousdoor
,"
shesai
ddi
ver
ti
ng
Kel
etso'
sat
tent
iont
othegol
dgat
es.
"
Heav
en?
"sheaskedcur
iousl
y.
"
Mmm.Jaanongcar
ryonl
i
keal
i
ttl
e
war
ri
ory
ouar
e.Yoursi
steri
snota
f
ight
ersheneedsy
ounowmor
ethan
ev
erbababagagwebamot
soget
se
maat
la.
"
"
Butmamawhynott
ell
heral
lthi
sso
t
hateneai
kemel
ekadi
nao?I
t'
s
pai
nful
fight
ingt
hist
hingskana
mama,
Idon'
tev
enl
eav
eanor
mal
li
fe
any
mor
e.I
'
m ev
ent
urni
ngi
ntoa
cheapsl
atbecausei
t'
stheonl
ythi
ng
t
hatkeepsmei
ntouchwi
thr
eal
i
ty.
I
t'
sonl
ysadbecauset
heper
sonIf
ell
i
nlov
ewi
thDi
kel
edi
leenewamo
r
ata,
"sheweaned.
"
Under
stoodmybabybutseet
he
suf
fer
ingoft
hepr
esentt
imecan'
t
compar
etot
hegl
oryt
hati
syett
obe
r
eveal
ed.Godwi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ysust
ain
andcar
ryy
ou.
Aker
enana,
"mot
her
encour
aged.
"
Eemma,
"shenoddedl
i
ght
ly.
"
Goconquermychi
l
dfort
heLor
dhas
sur
elyf
avour
edy
ou!
"

Aspi
nandshewast
ranspor
tedback
t
oreal
i
ty.Shepant
edandl
ooked
ar
ounddi
zzl
y,t
hebedwasanenough
suppor
tforhert
oat
leastsi
tup.The
al
arm cl
ockt
imer
ead2200hour
s.
Shecl
osedherey
esandt
hought
car
eful
l
y.Hernosehadst
opped
bl
eedi
ngandsher
eachedf
orherwet
wi
pesandcl
eanedher
sel
f,af
tert
he
muchneededqui
etsheknel
tand
pr
ayedshor
tl
y.
"
Amen,
"shesai
dincl
osi
ngand
cl
i
mbedupt
obed.

MmaMphobangedherbangl
es
f
rast
rat
edl
yont
hef
loor
.

"
Youf
ail
ed,
Idi
dnotsummony
out
o
comef
ail
me!
"shehi
ssed.
"
Nomot
her
,Iam nott
heki
ndt
ofai
l
.I
wi
l
lsur
elyhi
tagai
n.Theyt
hinkt
hei
r
pr
ayer
schasedmeaway
.Iassur
e
y
out
rywi
l
lpay
.Al
loft
hem!
"Gor
ata'
s
sai
dlooki
ngatMmaMpho.
Gor
atat
ool
i
kemot
herwor
ethe
cl
othesshehadwor
nthel
astday
.
Mostofherf
leshhadbeeneat
en
t
hrowhowev
erandpar
tofher
skel
etonshowed.

"
Youbet
terorIwi
l
lsi
l
encey
ou
f
orev
erandy
ouwi
l
lnev
erav
enge
y
our
sel
f!
"MmaMphot
hreat
ened.

Agi
tat
edGor
ata'
sghostspewedouta
gr
eenl
i
kesubst
anceandshebegan
t
ofade.
"
No!What
'shappeni
ng!Nooooo!
"she
scr
eamed.
"
BabaIsummoni
nyourpower
s.
St
rengt
henher
,Ineedhert
o
accompl
i
shmyt
ask!
"shel
ookedup
atGor
atawhowasnow
t
ransl
ucent
."
Baba!ngi
yax
hel
a!"
"
MmaMphodosomet
hing.You
pr
omi
sedmet
oseeLer
uo!You
pr
omi
sed!
"Gor
atacr
ied.

Ahugel
i
ghtf
il
ledupt
her
oom and
Gor
atawasnott
her
ewhent
hel
i
ght
f
aded.MmaMphocr
umbl
eddown
di
sappoi
nted.

Icur
ledupatt
heedgeoft
hebedand
Vi
nsnuggl
edbehi
ndspooni
ngme.
Notunt
ilnowhadIf
eltsi
gni
fi
cant
ly
pet
it
eagai
nsthi
m.Hi
smanhood
pokedmybut
tbutIwasnoti
nthe
moodf
orar
ousal
.It
ri
edt
omov
ebut
hehel
dmet
ight
ly.

"
Oyakae?
"hewhi
sper
ed.
Hi
swhi
sper
sgav
eat
ickl
i
shf
eel
i
ng
t
omybut
t.If
li
nchedabi
t.

"
Rel
axIwon'
tbi
te,
"hespokeagai
nin
al
i
kemanner
.

Thi
sti
meIf
li
nchedt
hri
cer
epet
eadl
y
andhegi
ggl
ed.Ir
oll
edmyey
es.My
phonev
ibr
atedandIgr
abbedi
tand
wentt
othenot
if
icat
ionbar
.

"
Kemangy
oobui
sangmosadi
wame
t
hisl
ate?
"hesai
dspar
kedbyj
eal
ousy
.
Ismi
l
edknowi
nghewasj
eal
ous.
Thatshoul
daccountf
orsomet
hing,
r
ight
?Iopenedt
hemessageandone
ofmycl
assmat
eshadf
orwar
dedme
av
ideo.Imi
ssedont
hef
ir
stpar
t
becausehewaspul
l
ingmyphone.I
hadmanagedt
owi
ggl
emy
sel
fof
f
bedandpl
ayedi
t.

*
video*

l
ady
:sayr
ubberbabybaggybumper
.
men:
(deepv
oice)
rubberbabybaggy
bumper
.
woman:
ohmygosh.
..

Icl
i
ckedont
heaudi
obarand
r
ecor
dedav
oicenot
e.

"
Yiwwi
hisv
oice.
..
"
"
Babeweegakebat
e,"
Vinsai
dloudl
y.

Icancel
l
edt
her
ecor
ding.

"
Don'
tdot
hat
,"
Isai
dgl
ari
ngathi
m.
"
Thendon'
tcommentonot
hermen'
s
v
oicesort
hei
rlooksorj
ustany
thi
ng.
Aker
eIt
oldy
out
haty
oumi
ne
al
one?
"hesai
dst
ern.
"
Wal
wal
a!"
"
Excuseme?
"

Het
urnedmeabr
upt
lyandmyphone
f
eel
down.

"
Lookwhaty
oudi
d,"
Isai
dbendi
ngt
o
pi
cki
tup.
Hepul
l
edmeback.

"
Iwast
alki
ngt
oyoukana,
whatdi
d
y
ouj
ustsay
?"heasked.
"
Gor
ewabonagor
eodi
ri
leeng,
"I
answer
ed.
"
NoImeantbef
oret
hat
,whatdi
dyou
say
?Youwi
l
lnotl
ety
oudi
srespect
mear
eaut
wana?
"

Ikeptqui
et.

"
I'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou?Ory
ouwantmet
o
sl
apy
ou?
"hesai
drel
ent
lessl
y.

Mar
ti
nwal
kedpastLer
uo'
sroom and
peepedt
hrough.Henot
icedt
hatt
he
bedwasempt
yandwal
kedi
n.

"
Champ?
"

Heputt
hel
i
ghtonandLer
uowasnot
t
her
e.Ther
ewasnowayLer
uowasi
n
t
hebat
hroom becauset
hat
'swer
ehe
wasj
ustcomi
ngf
rom.
"
Ler
uo?
"hecal
l
edoutconf
used.

Whati
fpeopl
eki
dnappedhi
m?The
secur
elyshutwi
ndowt
oLer
uo'
s
r
oom conf
ir
medot
her
wise.Hi
sfat
her
gr
ewweak
.Her
anar
oundal
lther
ooms,
he
checkedev
ery
wher
e.Li
ter
all
y
ev
ery
wher
ebuthewasnoti
nthe
houseandev
erydoor
waywas
secur
ed.

Het
ookhi
sphoneanddi
all
edmy
number
.Il
ookedatt
hephoneont
he
f
loorandbackatVi
n.Hi
sfacewas
bl
ank.Il
eti
tri
ngandi
tst
opped.

"
Whyosamoar
abe?
"heaskedsof
tl
y.

Ikeptqui
etandpi
ckedt
hephoneup.
Moment
slat
eri
trangagai
n,Vi
n
st
aredatme.

"
RragweLer
uo?
"Ianswer
ed.Myey
es
nev
erl
eftVi
n.
"
IsLer
uowi
thy
ou?
"Ihear
dthe
di
scomf
orti
nhi
svoi
ce.
"
Whatdoy
oumeani
shewi
thme?
Aker
eyout
ookhi
m?"

Vi
nfacegotwr
appedupi
nwor
ry
i
nst
ant
ly.

"
Wel
lhi
snoti
nthehouse.I
checked.
..
"
"
Mar
ti
nel
egor
ehowdoest
hatev
en
happen?Di
dyougooutandl
eav
e
hi
m al
one?Keet
ako"
Ifumed.

Ihangupandt
ight
enedmyr
obe.
"
Dressappr
opr
iat
ely
,"
Vinsai
dasI
sl
i
ppedi
ntomysandal
s.
"
Arey
ouser
iousr
ightnow?Mysoni
s
mi
ssi
ngandal
lyout
hinki
ngabouti
s
howI
'
m dr
essed?
"Ishout
ed.

Ipacedt
othedoor
,"
let
'sgo.
"
"
Notwi
thy
oudr
essedl
i
ket
hat
,"
he
sai
dcal
mly
.
"
Fine!
"

Igr
abbedmyphonef
rom t
hebedand
di
all
edt
hecabnumber
.

"
Whoar
eyoucal
l
ing?
"
"
Cab,
"Isai
dtaki
ngmypur
se.

Hequi
ckl
ysnat
chedmyphoneand
hangup.

"
Apar
asent
lewant
ia,
"het
hrewa
dr
essatme.Il
ookedathi
m qui
ckl
y
wearhi
svest
.Hewal
kedov
erand
t
ookof
fmygownandpi
ckedt
he
dr
essup.Iangr
il
ygr
abbedi
t.
"
Icandr
essmy
sel
f!
"

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

12pm i
nser
twi
l
lfol
l
owonl
ater
.
Bet
ween6pm and8pm.The11pm
i
nser
taf
termi
dni
ght
.Thanky
ouf
or
y
ourpat
ience
Bewi
tched

#14
Ir
anoutoft
hecarbef
orehecoul
d
ev
enswi
tcht
heengi
neof
f.Vi
ncame
t
rot
ti
ngbehi
ndme,
Iwenti
nwi
thout
knocki
ng.Mar
ti
nwaspaci
ngupand
downbuthest
oppedatmysi
ght
.Vi
n
wasr
ightbehi
ndme.

"
Youbr
oughthi
m her
e?Oohhow
sweet
!"
Mar
ti
nut
ter
edscof
fi
ngl
y.
"
Notnowkant
ebannal
eri
l
eng?Wa
r
ewher
eishebecausennahakego
ut
weMar
ti
n?"

Mar
ti
nshr
ughi
sshoul
der
s.
"
Kant
emmegoneobat
isaeng
monnawagagoher
e?"
heasked
l
ooki
ngatVi
n,
"Iknowhi
sty
pe,
woul
dn'
tbesur
pri
sedi
fheki
dnapped
Ler
uoanddeci
dedt
ocomeher
eand
actl
i
keasuppor
ti
veboy
fri
end.
"
"
Nowy
ougoi
ngt
ofarMar
ti
n,
"Isai
d
angr
il
y,
"kor
ewenay
oushoul
dbe
wor
ri
edaboutngwanawenaobusyo
buadi
tsi
abadi
mohel
a.Vi
nwaswi
th
mewheny
oucal
l
edand.
..
"
"
Soy
ouar
esl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
m?"
"
Ohf
orcr
yingoutl
oudMar
ti
n.
WI
LL.
YOU.
JUST.
GROW.
UP!Geez
.I
owey
ouz
ero,
nnot
oex
planat
ions
aboutmysexl
i
fe!Act
ual
l
yabout
sepehel
athataf
fect
smypr
ivat
eli
fe.
"
"
Sot
her
eisasexl
i
fe?
"hesai
d.
"
Mxm kant
ewhat
'sy
ourpr
obl
em ne
r
rawena?
"If
umed.

Ther
ewasamomentofawkwar
d
si
l
enceandat
hunder
ingsound
i
nter
rupt
edus.Weal
ll
ookedwer
ethe
soundwascomi
ngf
rom.
"
Ler
oy?
"Mar
ti
nranout
.

Wef
oll
owedhi
mtoLer
uo'
sbedr
oom.
Hewasn'
tther
ehowev
ersomet
hing
caughtVi
n'
sat
tent
ion.

"
Whatt
hef
uck!
"

Mar
ti
nandIl
ookedupandsawi
t.A
t
issuel
i
kesachangf
rom t
hecei
l
ing
andbl
ooddr
ippedl
i
ght
lyf
rom i
t
f
all
i
ngonLer
uo'
sbed.Nex
ttoi
tther
e
wer
emessywor
dswr
it
teni
nbl
ood.
•
DieBi
tch!YouI
'
m Comi
ngForYou
Di
kel
edi
.Mysoni
smi
ne•

Ist
art
edshaki
ng,
Iremember
edt
he
f
ir
stni
ghtencount
eri
ngt
het
hokol
osi
f
acet
oface.Vi
nhel
dmet
ight
lyandI
bur
iedmyheadi
nhi
schest
.

"
Whatt
hef
ucki
sthi
s!"
Mar
ti
nsai
d
conf
used.
"
Looksl
i
keawomb,
"Vi
nex
plai
ned.
Mar
ti
nandIl
ookedathi
m conf
used.

"
I'
m agy
na,
"hesai
dst
il
ll
ooki
ngup.

Mar
ti
nlookedatme.Ihadwei
ghed
hi
mlesst
oo.Myassumpt
ionwas
t
hathewasei
therabackst
reetcar
deal
erorsomet
hingal
ongt
hosel
i
nes.
Washi
sli
newor
kther
easonhedi
d
notwantt
ohav
esexwi
thme?I
shookof
fmyt
hought
simagi
ningt
he
di
ff
erentki
ndsofv
agi
nashehad
beenex
posedt
o.Howmanyhadhe
seensi
ncehi
sbeganhi
spr
act
ice?I
f
ev
erhehadaf
fai
rswi
thsomeofhi
s
pat
ient
s.

"
Womb?
"Mar
ti
nasked,
"whosewomb?
Not
hingmakessense,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d.

Hewasr
ightnoneoft
hismade
sense.Thesamef
ri
ghtIhadt
hat
f
atef
ulni
ghtbackhomecr
ibbedi
n.
Howdi
dtheyknowIwoul
dcome
her
e?Wher
ewasmyson?

"
No!I
tcan'
tbe.
"Mar
ti
nmut
ter
ed,
"I
t
hinkkey
agaMasego'
?"
"
Huh?
"Isai
dnotf
oll
owi
ng.
Mar
ti
ntur
nedandl
ookedatme,
"
Masego.
..
(Ist
arr
edathi
m
bl
ank)
Gor
atamonna!MmagweFena
r
emembergor
eThabangr
emov
ed
herwombaf
terki
l
li
ngherandt
hose
wor
ds?"
Mysoni
smi
ne"andt
hen
Fenagoesmi
ssi
ng!
"
"
Not
hat
'sj
ustsuper
sti
ti
ous.Hake
dumel
edi
l
otseonna,
"Isai
d.
"
Thenex
plai
nthi
sbecauseIcan'
t,
"he
sai
dangr
il
y.
"
Idon'
thav
eti
mef
ory
ourpr
anks.I
'
m
sur
eyougoty
ourdoct
orf
ri
endst
o
gi
vey
ouawomby
amol
wet
se
mongwel
epaent
eyamadi
,
"Isai
d
der
isi
vel
y.
"
Iwor
kkodent
alkekopanakael
e
di
popel
ounl
essLekur
ukur
u..
."

Acoughl
i
kesoundcamef
rom under
t
hebedandMar
ti
nst
oppedt
alki
ng.

"
Whatwast
hat
?"Isai
dcl
i
ngi
ngont
o
Vi
n.
Mar
ti
nandhi
m ex
changedgl
ances.

"
Babel
etmet
akeal
ook,
"hesai
d.

Heknel
tdownandl
ookeddown.

"
Whatt
hef
uck!
"

Hej
umpedback.

"
Keeng?
"Mar
ti
nandIaskedi
nuni
son.
"
Snake.
..
"
"
Whatt
hef
uck?Nogaf
rom wer
ele
gonet
hist
ime?
"Mar
ti
nasked
conf
used.

It
rot
tedbackandj
umpedont
opof
t
hebi
ngbag,
somet
hingt
ouchedmy
f
ootsof
tl
yandIj
umpedof
f
scr
eami
ng.Theguy
slookedback
andsawnot
hing,
Iputmyhandov
er
mychestheav
ing.

"
Arey
ousur
eit
'sasnake?
"Mar
ti
n
asked.
"
DoIl
ookdumb,
Iknowasnakewhen
Iseeone?
"Vi
nsmi
rked.
"
Ket
aichekel
a,
"Mar
ti
nspokebendi
ng
ov
er.

Het
ooj
umpedback,
"Shi
t!
"

Il
ookedathi
mter
ri
fi
ed.

"
That
'snotasnake,
ithasf
uckenl
egs
andhands!
"
"
Thokol
osi
?"Iasked.
"
Thatf
ucker
yshi
tdon'
tex
ist
,"
Vinsai
d
hel
ookedpal
efr
om f
ri
ghtdespi
tehi
s
ef
for
tst
omai
ntai
ncomposur
e.

Meanwhi
l
eKel
etsogotof
fthecab
andr
ant
othehouse.Shewor
ethe
chur
chgar
menasshewal
kedi
nand
camest
rai
ghtupt
oLer
uo'
sbedr
oom.

Conf
usedVi
nlookedather
.

"
Wher
eisi
t?"
sheasked.
"
Wher
eiswhat
?"Ipl
ayeddumb
"
Youknow,
nogaekae?
"shesai
d
st
ern.
"
That
'snotasnake,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d.
"
Oht
rustmei
tis,
Dikel
edi
gogetme
abowl
ofwat
er.Keabat
ainsi
det
he
casser
oledi
shecr
yst
alcl
ear
,"
she
sai
dli
ght
ingt
hecandl
eshewas
hol
ding.

Ther
ewasnowayi
nhel
lIwasgoi
ng
al
onet
otheki
tchen.

"
Wenakeengosat
samae?
"Iasked.
"
Becausei
t'
snotmyl
i
fei
n
danger
,"
shesai
dpl
ant
ingt
hecandl
e
i
nthemi
ddl
eoft
her
oom.
"
Ij
onnammannakaboi
fa,
whati
f
t
hatt
hingf
oll
owsme?
"If
oldedmy
hands.
"
Doy
out
hinkI
'
dbeaski
ngy
out
ogo
al
onei
fIknewgor
ethesnakewi
l
l
comeaf
tery
ou?
"
Ichor
tl
ed,
"y
ahmay
bebecauset
he
l
astt
imeIcheckedy
oudeci
dedt
o
bangMat
tev
ent
houghy
ouknewhe
want
edmeandIhadat
hingf
orhi
m."
"
Youmustbet
hemostsi
nless
per
sonev
er,
kant
ecan'
tyouf
orget
andmov
eonal
ready
.Takehi
m back
eeah!
"shesai
dir
ri
tat
ed.

Thener
veoft
hissmal
lgi
rl
.

"
Nkel
eI'
m notat
rashcan,
ebi
l
egake
gor
elet
semasal
elaabat
ho.Youhear
me,
"Isai
d,"
plusIdi
dn'
tcal
lyouher
e.
Youcameony
ourownaccor
dso
don'
ttr
ytobul
l
ymear
ound,
"my
wor
dscanshar
pert
hanIhad
ex
pect
ed.

"
YouknowwhatDi
kel
edi
fineI
'
llgo
andl
ety
oudeal
wit
htheThokol
osi
,
snakesandghostal
onebecausei
t'
s
y
ourbl
oodt
heyseekaf
ternotmi
ne.
Neker
ekedi
raset
hoandr
iskmyl
i
fe
t
haty
our
smay
bepr
eser
vedbecause
y
ouar
emyonl
yfami
l
y.GuessIwas
t
oonai
vet
hinki
nggor
eyouwer
ethe
bestsi
sterev
er.Goodl
uckr
emov
ing
Ler
uomogar
egamat
tr
ess.Nx
la!
"

Kel
etsobl
ewof
fthecandl
eand
wal
kedout
.Theguy
slookedatme.

"
What
'swi
tht
hepat
roni
zi
ngl
ooks?
"I
cutt
hem.
"
Youcan'
tbet
hissel
fi
shatl
eastnot
now.It
houghty
oul
ovedngwanake
butev
ery
thi
ngi
sjustabouty
ou,
you
andYOU!
"Mar
ti
nyel
l
ed.
"
Kant
eokuel
aeng?Whatdi
dIdo
wr
ong?Il
oveLer
uoandt
hat
snot
hing
t
oev
erquest
ionwai
tsel
ewena,
"I
sai
dir
ri
tat
ed.
"
Kej
aanong,
negol
ethat
aengt
o
ei
theraskmeorl
overboyher
egogo
bol
edi
saogamet
si?
"Mar
ti
nasked.

Ist
ammer
edandf
ail
edt
oanswer
.
"
Exact
ly,
"hepushedpastmeand
wal
kedout
.

"
BabeIhadmydoubt
saboutbl
ack
magi
c,chur
cht
oobutt
hisher
eisno
bl
oodypr
ankher
eandIadv
icey
ou
getov
erwhat
everi
tisbet
weeny
ou
andherbecauseherdesi
ret
ohel
p
soundsv
erygenui
ne.
"

WhatVi
nsai
dhi
thar
d.Out
side,
Mar
ti
nwal
kedov
ert
oDi
kel
edi
who
satatt
hedust
bin.Shet
urnedand
wi
pedhert
ear
sasMar
ti
n
appr
oached.

"
Isher
eal
l
yint
hemat
tr
ess?
"Vi
n
asked.

Kel
etsonodded.

"
Cany
out
akehi
m out
?"
"
I.
..
"shesobbed,
"t
ell
medoy
oul
ove
her
?"sheasked.
"
Idon'
tknow,
Iwon'
tdenyt
hatIused
t
o.Ist
il
lfi
ndi
tdi
ff
icul
tbei
ngar
ound
herandnotwantt
oki
ssher
.Lov
eis
j
ustast
rongwor
dtoex
plai
n
what
everIhav
eorhadf
orher
,"
he
sai
dhonest
ly.
"
Andme?
"shesai
dinqui
sit
ive.
"
I.
..
"

Thef
rontdooropenedandVi
nandI
st
eppedout
.Theduol
ookedatusas
wewal
kedt
owar
dst
hem.Il
ookedat
Vi
nandhemadeanod.

"
I'
m sosor
ryNkel
e,I
..
.I
tsj
ustt
hatI
l
i
kedMat
tbutnowIf
oundsomeone
whol
ovesme.(
Ismi
l
edandl
ooked
atVi
n).Hei
sfai
randhonestandi
f
Mar
ti
nmakesy
ouhappyIwon'
t
st
andbet
weent
hat
.I'
m sor
rykego
di
ri
sit
sephosobynotbei
ngopen
wi
thy
ouwheny
ouaskedmeka
Mar
ti
nlasty
ear
."

Shesai
dnot
hing,
lookedatMar
ti
n
andher
ubbedherhandi
nhi
s.

"
Int
shwar
elennaka,
Iwr
ongedy
ou,
"I
sai
d.
Say
ingt
hatmademef
eel
li
ght
er.I
t
wasl
i
keIhadt
akenof
ftheheav
y
l
oaduponmyshoul
der
s.

"
Ifor
giv
eyouandl
enna
i
ntshwar
ele,
"shesai
dsmi
l
ing.

Ichor
tl
edami
dstmysobs.

"
Obat
agont
idi
saaker
e,"
shesai
d.
"
Guy
sngwana,
"Vi
nsai
dconcer
ned.
"
Okayl
et'
sgo,
"shesai
d.
Shej
umpedof
fthedustbi
nand
wal
kedi
nhandi
nhandwi
thMar
ti
n.
Vi
nhadhel
dmebymywai
standl
ead
mei
n.
Oncei
nsi
det
heyhadal
lwai
tedf
or
met
ogett
hewat
erandwe
pr
oceededt
othebedr
oom.

"
Ready
?"sheasked.

Weal
lnodded.Sheaskedust
okneel
down;
li
tandgav
eeachofusawhi
te
candl
eandl
i
nedupt
hreei
nthe
cent
reoft
her
oom.Shebegan
pr
ayi
ngandspr
inkl
i
ngt
hehousewi
th
t
hewat
er.Af
teral
lthechant
ingshe
mademedr
inkt
her
emai
ningwat
er.

Wewat
chedonasshet
ookakni
fe
of
fherbagandr
emov
edt
hesheet
s
onLer
uo'
ssi
ngl
ebed.Thener
vesi
n
herhandsbecamedi
stur
bingl
yvi
sibl
e
asshecutt
hrought
hemat
tr
ess.

"
Ahh!
"shecr
ied.
"
PleaseLor
dwhoev
ery
ouar
ehel
p
her
,"
Ipr
ayedsi
l
ent
ly.
"
Modi
mooboi
kany
egor
ara,
"Mar
ti
n
al
soacknowl
edgedGodi
nsi
l
ence.
"
Jesus,
"t
hat
'sal
lVi
n'
sinnerman
medi
tat
ed.

"
Maenz
iwet
handoy
akho!Lor
dyour
ar
eabl
e,
"shecr
iedoutanddi
pher
handi
nthemat
tr
ess.

Wewat
chedherner
vesont
hehead
andneckbecomev
isi
ble.Myhear
t
cr
iedoutf
orher
,Icoul
donl
yimagi
ne
t
hepai
nshef
elt
.Cur
iousl
ymyey
es
r
anunder
neat
hthebedandIsawt
he
snakel
i
kecr
eat
uremov
eit
'shands.

"
Yei
i
i!
"Icr
ied,
"t
hesnakemov
ed.
"

I
twasasi
fshedi
dnothearmeor
si
mpl
ychooset
oshutev
ery
thi
ngel
se
out
.Wescr
eamedasi
tpul
l
edoneof
herl
egs.Ispewoutev
ery
thi
ngIhad
eat
enonVi
n.

"
Adi
shekamol
elo,
dikeet
anet
sot
lhe
t
sammabaDi
abl
olett
hem bebur
nt
t
oashes,
kememal
eny
oloi
lababi
na
pel
o,kebi
tsamany
oloi
amat
ebel
e.
Sat
anehaonamaat
a,"
shest
ood
pr
ayi
ngasi
tsanki
t'
steet
hinherl
eg.

Shecl
osedherey
est
aki
ngi
nthe
ex
cruci
ati
ngpai
n.

Cr
ying,
"OKent
sey
oNt
sengkgosi
!Let
y
ournamebepr
aisedbecauseof
y
ourdeeds.Thedev
ili
sal
i
ar!
"
Iwat
chedi
npai
nasshepr
ayedev
en
mor
ehar
der
.Vi
nhel
dmyhandt
ight
ly.

Icl
osedmyey
esandpr
ayedagai
n.

"
Godpl
easehel
pher
."
"
Ler
uo!
"Mar
ti
ncr
ied.

Iopenedmyey
esandLer
uowasi
n
herar
ms.Hel
ookedunconsci
ous.I
l
ookedunder
neat
hthebed,
thesnake
wasn'
tther
e.Thebi
teonherl
egwas
bl
eedi
ng.
Sheangr
il
ybl
ockedMar
ti
nashet
ri
ed
t
otouchLer
uo.

"
Don'
t!
"

Wewat
chedherl
ayhi
m bef
oret
he
t
hreecandl
esandt
ookoutoi
lfr
om
herbaganddr
ewacr
ossonhi
s
f
orehead.Shet
henr
emov
edt
he
mi
ddl
eoneandspr
inkl
edi
t'
swaxon
hi
sex
posedchest
.
"
Fat
hert
hewombt
hathadbor
ehi
m
swal
l
owedhi
m agai
nnowmyGodwe
decr
eeanddecl
arer
est
orat
ionofl
i
fe.
Yousai
dinMat
thewt
haty
oucame
t
hatwemi
ghthav
eli
fei
nit
's
abundance.Mani
festy
ourpowernow.
Kebuabot
shel
o.I
mpi
l
obaba.Amen"

Ler
uocoughedassheopenedher
ey
es.Wesmi
l
edhappi
l
ybutshe
shookherheaddi
sappoi
nted.Ler
uo'
s
pupi
lhaddi
l
atedandhadt
urnedr
ed.
Hesatupl
i
keaz
ombi
eandbi
tint
o
herar
m.
Wewat
chedondi
str
essedasbl
ood
ooz
edout
.

"
Fat
herwhy
?"shecr
ied.

Adayl
ater

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
Bewi
tched

#15
Adayl
ater
..
.

Ex
haust
edf
rom t
hepr
evi
ousni
ght
andt
hisent
ir
emor
ning,
Vinhad
deci
dedt
obr
ingmebackhomet
o
r
est
.Wel
lIdi
dnotr
eal
l
ywantt
o
comebackbuthehowev
erf
orcedme
t
oandy
ouj
ustdon'
tref
usehi
m.He
hashi
sway
sandIf
oundi
tqui
et
i
ntr
igui
ng.

"
Met
siashar
p,"
hecr
ouchedf
orwar
d
andki
ssedmyf
orehead.
.
"
AhnnaIdon'
tfeel
li
kebat
hing,
Ijust
wantt
osl
eep,
"Isai
dthr
owi
ngmy
sel
f
onhi
swhi
tebeddi
ng.

Wi
thoutawor
dhescopedmeupand
wal
kedt
owar
dtheopenpl
anbat
htub
ar
ea.Theov
alt
ubst
oodal
oneatt
he
f
arendoft
hespaci
ousal
lwhi
te
f
urni
shedbedr
oom andhadni
cegol
d
met
albear
ingst
hathel
diti
npl
acei
n
f
ourcor
ner
s.

St
il
li
nmydr
essf
rom Fr
idayhe
di
ppedmei
nsi
de.
"
Babe!
"Iex
clai
med.
"
Shhht
ogaThabangaakany
agor
e
wear
efucki
ng,
"het
eased.

Ispl
ashedhi
m wi
thwat
erandhe
l
aughedst
eppi
ngback.

"
Keengosabuehel
athaty
ouwant
t
obat
hwi
thme,
"hesmi
l
edandt
ook
of
fhi
spant
s.

Myey
esdef
iedmeandr
ant
ohi
sabs.
Iswal
l
owedhar
dgoi
ngdownhi
s
pel
vi
car
eat
othe"
d"ar
ea.

"
Kgm!
"Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandt
ookof
mydr
essex
posi
ngmyt
it
ty.
"
Justsayi
t,
youar
esuchaseduct
ive
per
ver
t,
"hesai
dget
ti
ngi
nsi
det
het
ub.

Icr
ouchedmykneesupashesat
downi
nal
i
kemanner
.Hi
sdeepst
are
hadmel
ookdownbashf
ul.

"
Pleasedon'
ttel
lmey
ouar
eshy
at
leastnotaf
terget
ti
nghuf
fyaf
terI
deni
edy
ouagooddi
ck.Kanababe
kehaol
ela,
"het
eased.

Pl
ayf
ull
y,Iki
ckedhi
m.

"
Babet
hati
spai
nful
,
"hef
rowned
mi
schi
evousandpul
l
edmyl
eg.
"
Ahhhbabe!
"Imoaned.
Hesmi
l
ed,
"whatt
hef
uck!Dudey
ou
wantThabangt
othi
nknast
yofus?
"
Il
aughed,
"mx
m whatnast
ythi
ngs?
Gapeaker
eyout
heonewhokeeps
doi
ngt
hosewei
rdt
hings.
"
"
Tur
n,f
acet
hatway
,"
hesai
d.

Ir
eluct
ant
lyt
ookheedofhi
s
command.

"
That
'smygi
rl
,"
heki
ssedmyback
whi
l
edr
ippi
ngwat
eronmyt
it
ty
t
hrought
hesponge.

Downst
air
sThabangf
ixedl
unch.
Not
hingf
ancy
,justpapaandst
eak.
Het
ookhi
sfoodupandpausedat
Vi
n'
sbedr
oom doorl
i
steni
ngt
oour
chuckl
es.Ashewast
urni
ngt
oleav
e
heacci
dent
all
yhi
tont
hedoorwi
th
t
het
rayandt
hepl
atef
ell
down
spi
l
li
ngt
hef
ood.

"
Whatwast
hat
?"Iaskedmyhear
t
beat
ingpr
ofusel
y.
"
Whoi
sit
?"Vi
nsai
dlouder
.

Out
sideThabangpani
ckedbut
t
houghtofal
i
efast
.
"
It
sme.Wasbr
ingi
ngi
nFoodf
orDi
ks
butwai
iIt
ri
pped.Di
tshol
ogi
l
e!"
"
Oht
hanksmyman,
otogel
ehel
awi
l
l
cl
eanupkef
etsa.
"

Het
ickl
edmeandIl
etoutasof
t
l
aught
er.

"
Aebabe,
"Iwhi
sper
ed.

Backhome,
myuncl
essati
nthecar
.
I
thadbeent
hir
teeny
ear
ssi
ncef
ather
passedawayandt
heywant
edt
o
set
tl
edownt
hei
ssuesofwhowast
o
i
nher
itt
hey
ardandt
her
estoft
he
pr
oper
ti
es.

Shr
ewdl
y,
"Rr
aTshegohat
soweowe
t
hoseungr
atef
ulki
dsnot
hingher
e."
"
Nny
amonnaat
leastl
ett
hem hav
e
whati
sthei
rfat
her
's.Kanapol
asey
a
Thakadi
awawat
hei
rfat
her
'sev
en
t
hepoul
tr
yhousemmehadsol
ditt
o
Nchadi
."

Rr
aOshar
eadj
ust
edhi
schai
rand
f
acedhi
sbr
other
.
"
Moshi
maney
olehadnot
hing.
Legal
eify
ouknowwhathehadgi
ve
i
ttot
hem nnagakedi
tsene.I
'
m not
aboutt
ost
ressmy
sel
fov
er
i
rr
esponsi
bleandmanner
lesski
ds.
Theyar
eact
ual
l
ynobet
tert
hanhi
m.
Ber
nar
dgai
ti
rel
asepeat
shel
eand
def
ini
tel
ythoseki
dswi
l
lnoti
nher
it
any
thi
nghedi
dnotsweatf
or.I
'
m
t
aki
ngt
hisy
ardsi
nceI
'
mthel
ast
bor
n.I
'
m sur
eIdeser
vei
t,wenay
ou
wi
l
lgett
hef
iel
dandt
hecows,
ifosa
bat
epol
asel
epoul
tr
yhouseI
'
dhav
e
t
hem v
aluedandpayy
ouaccor
dingl
y.
Thepr
oper
tyi
sst
il
li
nmot
her
'sname,
i
t'
snotourf
aul
thewasst
upi
d,"
Rra
Oshaspokewi
thacl
earconsci
ous.

"
Nnawhat
everi
tisy
out
akeI
'
mfi
ne
l
emor
akahakenamat
hat
ale
one.
"Rr
aTshegohat
sosai
d.

"
AahgoodnowI
'
llcal
ltheel
der
daught
erandaskherwhatIshoul
d
dowi
tht
hei
rfur
nit
urebecauseI
'
m
demol
i
shi
ngt
hatugl
yhouse,
"Rr
a
Oshaspokepr
oudl
ybecauseoft
he
uncont
est
eddi
str
ibut
ionofasser
ts.
Ev
erseenamanwi
thagor
geousl
y
sex
ylooki
ngbody
.Vi
nwasacl
assi
c
package.Hehadi
tal
lthebody
,the
br
ainsandi
tal
lcommandedr
espect
whi
chi
ntur
ngav
ehi
m aspar
kli
ng
aut
hor
it
y.Iwat
chedhi
m wr
apt
he
t
owel
aroundhi
swetbody
.Myphone
v
ibr
atedashecamebackf
rom t
he
cl
osetwi
tht
wof
resht
owel
sforme.

"
Whoi
sit
?"Iasked.

Hedi
dnotdel
ayt
ocheckoutt
hecal
l
i
d.

"
Justanumber
;"
hesai
d.
"
Answermay
bekemor
uti
,
"Isanki
na
bi
tint
othef
ull
tub.
"
Hel
l
o?"
Vinanswer
ed.
"
Uhu?Rr
adumel
amayIspeakt
o
Di
kel
edi
?"
"
Shei
sbat
hing,
"hesai
d.
"
Babet
sisa,
"Isai
doutl
oud.
"
Hol
dforami
nut
e,"
Vinsai
dtot
he
cal
l
er.
Hewal
kedov
erandgav
emet
he
phone.

"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Gaonamai
tseoker
aa!
"hesai
d
angr
il
y.

Ir
oll
edmyey
es,
"dumel
ang?
"
"
Bona,
Iwanty
out
ocomemov
eyour
f
urni
tur
e."
"
Idon'
tunder
stand,
"Isai
dst
andi
ngup.

Igl
aredatVi
nashespankedmybut
t.
Hebl
ewmeaki
ssasIst
eppedoutof
t
het
ub.

"
I'
mtaki
ngmyy
ard,
"hesai
d.
"
Not
hatpl
oti
sgr
admot
her
sandshe
hadsai
d..
."
"
Yeyngwany
anadon'
tyoudar
etr
yto
t
eachmest
affbecauseo
l
emi
nany
anahel
a,j
ustanantandI
'
d
smashy
ou.I
'
m sur
eyouandy
our
wi
tchdoct
orsi
sterki
l
ledy
ourpar
ent
s
t
hinki
ngy
ouwi
l
linher
itourmot
her
's
t
hings.Yousol
dyour
sel
fdr
eams.
"
"
Gagonamol
ato,
wewi
l
lnotdi
sput
e
y
ourdeci
sions.Wi
l
lcomet
her
eto
r
emov
eourf
urni
tur
e."
Isai
dci
vi
ll
y.
"
Makgasaonea?Whyosat
ikel
e
hel
akodumpsi
te?
"
Nekebual
elonakamai
tseopl
ease
donotpr
ovokeme.Lebat
agot
soga
l
ereIi
nsul
tedy
ou.Thoset
hings
bel
ongt
omypar
ent
sandIwi
l
l
uphol
dthem wi
tht
her
espectt
hey
deser
ve,
"Isai
d.

Vi
nfi
nisheddr
yingmeandhadmesi
t
ont
heedgeoft
hebed.
"
Iknowgor
eyol
eNchadi
onea
godi
sadi
DDShel
a.Manner
less!Kga!
Goaheadi
nsul
tmemor
ebecause
y
ouhav
eaPhDi
nthatf
iel
d.I
'
llbea
sel
fi
shuncl
etonotl
ety
ouappl
ythe
l
i
fel
essonsy
ourpar
ent
staughty
ou?
Opampi
rikgagogahel
angwanaka.
Ngwanawany
atsi
sies!
"
"
Wai
tsekana!Gosi
ameRr
aOshanna
Ican'
tbet
alki
ngl
i
ket
hiswi
than
el
der
.Ir
espectmy
sel
f.
"
"
Olekago.
..
"

Ihangup.
"
Youruncl
eiscr
azy
,"
Vinsai
d.
"
Youhav
en'
tseenany
thi
ngy
et.Nx
la
t
hatdev
il
!"

Anot
hercal
lcamet
hroughandIhang
up.Vi
n'
sphonev
ibr
ated.

"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Vincent
,keMor
uti
.It
ri
edcal
l
ing
mmaKgosi
butt
hecal
ldi
sconnect
ed
af
terr
ingi
ngonce.
"
"
Ohr
eal
l
y,may
bei
t'
sbecauseshe
wasst
il
lonanot
herl
i
ne,
"hel
i
ed.
"
Cany
oupeopl
ecomeher
eshei
s
up.
"
"
That
'sgoodnewsr
ight
?"Vi
nasked
cur
iousl
y.
"
Eer
ra.I
tis,
thesmal
lboyt
ooebi
l
e
enehei
sreadyt
ogohome.By
e."
"
Thanky
ou.
"

Hesmi
l
edatmeandspanmei
nthe
ai
r.

"
Kemor
uti
gat
weshei
sup.Ler
uoi
s
r
eadyt
ogohomeaswel
l
."

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Wasf
eel
i
ngsl
eepyt
ypi
ngt
his.
Tomor
row(
22nd)si
ngl
einser
tko
phakat
sabana.Oursoni
sgr
ownup
andhei
sget
ti
nghi
sfi
rstt
sabana
kamoso.
Bewi
tched

#16and17
Fol
l
owi
ngourqui
ckdepar
tur
e,
Thabangf
oldedt
hel
astoft
heshi
rt
s
Vi
nhadbor
rowedhi
m andwal
ked
outoft
heguestr
oom.
Downst
air
shel
ookedcur
sor
il
y
ar
oundt
hel
oungear
ea.Hi
shands
r
unsmoot
hlyonmyt
otebagwhi
ch
wasont
het
abl
e.Hesi
ghedand
sl
i
ppedal
ett
erunder
neat
hit
,looked
ar
oundoncemor
eandl
eft
.

Onceatt
hepast
or'
s,Vi
nki
ssedmy
handwhi
l
stwewher
eint
hecar
.It
hadt
ookusv
eryl
i
ttl
eti
met
oar
ri
ve
t
her
ebecauseoft
hespeedhedr
ove
at
.

"
Youdoknowt
hatI
'
m her
efory
ou
r
ight
,thaty
oucoul
dcountonme
al
way
s?"

Iacknowl
edgedal
lofi
twi
thanod.
Thesuppor
thehadgi
venmeev
er
si
ncewedeci
dedt
ohi
titonwas
t
remendousl
yamaz
ing.I
fithadbeen
anot
herper
sonI
'
m sur
ewi
thal
lthi
s
madnesssur
roundi
ngmyl
i
fe,
they
woul
dhav
eranaway
.
"
Ready
?"Iasked.
"
I'
m setwheny
ouar
e,"
hesmi
l
ed.
"
Okayt
henl
et'
sgo,
"Isai
dwr
appi
ng
myheadwi
thascar
f,
"don'
tfor
gett
o
t
akeof
fthecap.
"
"
Crap!Ihadf
orgot
ten,
"hesai
dand
f
li
ppedi
tbackt
othebackseat
.

Myphoner
angaswewer
eaboutt
o
geti
nsi
det
heoner
oom house.I
twas
at
ypi
cal
spi
ri
tual
i
sthousebut
howev
erKel
etsohadt
oldmea
coupl
eoft
imest
hatt
heywer
en'
t
spi
ri
tual
i
stsi
ncet
heydi
dnotconsul
t
medi
ums.Howev
erIhadhear
d
r
umour
sthatt
heyact
ual
l
ydi
dtal
kto
deadpeopl
e(badi
mo)
.

Vi
ntookof
fhi
ssandal
sandgot
i
nsi
deasIt
ookt
hecal
l
.

"
RragweFena?
"
"
Mor
ning,
Ital
kedt
oMor
uti
kgant
ele.
Cany
oupi
ckLer
uoupnemmaI
'
m
st
ucki
ntr
aff
ic?
"
"
Mmm ebi
l
ewej
ustgother
e,"
Isai
d.
"
We?Ar
eyouwi
thhi
m agai
n?Di
dn'
t
hesayhei
sadoct
orkant
eorke
wenasepat
elaj
aanong?
"
"
YesIam t
hehospi
tal
now.Nx
mI'
m
soget
ti
ngy
ouadr
esst
hisChr
ist
mas.
Kant
ewhat
'sy
ourpr
obl
em wi
thhi
m
hanowi
pol
etsa?Oj
eal
ous?

Hel
aughed,
howev
eri
tcar
ri
edmor
e
pai
nthansar
casm.Oft
het
hreey
ear
s
Ihadknownhi
m,Iknewwhateachof
hi
slookmeantandhi
slaughst
oo.
"
Mej
eal
ous?Onkal
akasekal
esa
mabudul
aaker
eMmagweLer
uo.
Jeal
ousme?Nev
erf
orwhatr
eal
l
y?"
"
Ihearj
eal
ousyal
lov
er,
"Isai
d
mal
i
ciousl
y."
Eishnnet
ehel
amme
gonemypumpki
nI'
m superj
eal
ous
buti
fobonaVi
nal
eshar
pI'
l
lnot
st
andi
ntheway
."
"
Awwsomeonei
sgr
owi
ng,
"It
eased.
"
Wahet
ell
a.Butser
iousl
ythough,
if
y
ouhappysoam I
.Pl
usFenadi
gs
t
heni
ggasot
hat
's2poi
ntsf
orhi
m
butonemi
stakeI
'
llbur
yhi
m al
i
ve.
"
Ichor
tl
ed,
"I
'
m count
ingony
ou
daddy
."
Hel
aughed,
"Who?
"

Webot
hlaughed.

"
BonaI
'
llcal
lyouobual
eFena.Do
y
ouwantmet
odr
ophi
m of
for
..
."
"
NoI
'
llr
athery
ouhav
ehi
mfort
he
whol
eweekwi
l
ldr
ophi
suni
for
m
l
ater
.Tel
lKel
etsot
hatI
'
llseeherka
5pm.
"
"
Sur
edaddy
."
"
Otsi
l
egoswabawena,
"hel
aughed.
"
Sor
rydaddy
,hel
abef
oreIf
orgetcan
y
oubuyLer
uoj
uicel
edoy
ogur
t?"
"
ButIboughtst
affenoughf
ora
mont
hyethest
ayedwi
thmet
he
whol
e3weeks.NnakanaIdon'
thav
e
money
,"
heweaned.
"
Sti
ngybabydaddy
.Hel
arr
aweel
e
gonemakei
tcash.1kwi
l
ldo.
"
"
Okho,
l
ehagot
wey
oubuyst
afff
rom
Wool
wor
ths.Nev
er!
"

Thedooropenedandmyey
esmet
Vi
n'
s.
"
Ser
ioust
hough,
bonal
etmego.Wi
l
l
cal
lyour
etswa.
"Ihangup.

Vi
nwentbacki
nasIt
rot
tedov
ert
o
t
hehouse.I
nsi
deIbowedmyhead
andsatnex
ttoVi
n.Hel
ookedatme
seduct
ivel
yandsmi
l
ed.I
'
m sur
ehe
wi
nkedt
oobutIi
gnor
edi
ttr
yingnot
t
ohav
ear
epl
ayoft
hebat
htub
encount
ert
hatt
ookpl
aceear
li
eron.I
smi
l
edandl
ookedLer
uowhosmi
l
ed
back.Kel
etsowassl
eepi
ngonher
st
omach,
onl
yat
hinf
leeceandmat
madef
rom mai
zemeal
bags
separ
atedherandt
heuncomf
ort
abl
e
f
loor
ing.

Myey
esqui
ckl
yshi
ft
edandi
twas
onl
ynowt
hatInot
icedt
heassor
ted
col
ourr
obest
hathangf
rom t
he
east
ernwal
l
.Eachhadcr
ossesone
oneachchest
.Anassor
tmentof
col
our
ful
wool
enwai
stbel
thang
separ
ati
ngt
hegownsonef
rom t
he
ot
her
.Ont
heot
herwal
lwasanshel
f
ai
slef
il
ledwi
thdi
ff
erentbot
tl
es,
candl
es,
staf
fthatl
ookedl
i
ke
t
radi
ti
onal
medi
cinesandawhol
elot
ot
hert
hings.

"
AsIwassay
ing,
thi
sonei
sgoodt
o
go.Howev
er,
Ineedhi
m backon
Sat
urday
.Nowt
aket
his,
"hesai
d
l
ooki
ngbehi
ndwer
eheknel
t.

Thepast
orhadt
hisgor
geous
wel
comi
ngsmi
l
e.Thoughhespoke
f
luentSet
swanahi
saccentwoul
d
easi
l
ygi
vehi
m away
.Vi
nandIhad
ar
guedabouthi
sident
it
yunt
ilhe
f
inal
l
ytol
dushewasNdebel
e.
"
Iknewi
t,
"Vi
nhadex
clai
medj
oyf
ull
y.

Wehadr
esor
tedt
ocal
lhi
m Mor
uti
becausehi
sNdebel
enamewasabi
t
compl
ex.Hewor
eagr
eenr
obewi
tha
r
edbi
gcr
osst
hatr
anacr
osst
he
backandhadani
cewhi
tecapel
i
ke
t
hatoft
heRomanPope.

Her
eachedi
ntooneoft
hemany
v
essel
sbef
orehi
m.
"
Thi
sst
ones,
"heputt
hem onmy
openhands,
"Eachmor
ningf
orsev
en
day
swhenhebat
hputonei
nhi
s
cl
eanwat
erandl
ethi
m bat
hpr
ayi
ng.
"

Il
ookedatLer
uo.Hesmi
rked.The
wayIknowhi
m Iwascer
tai
nal
lof
t
hiswasannoy
inghi
mtot
hecor
e.
Li
kemehedi
dnotbel
i
evei
nal
lthi
s
super
sti
ti
on.

"
Don'
twor
ryhewi
l
ldoi
t,
"Mor
uti
sai
d
smi
l
ingaddr
essi
ngmywor
ry.
Ismi
l
edbacki
ntr
igued.It
oldmy
sel
f
t
hatIwasn'
tgoi
ngt
odoubthi
m.

"
SodoIbat
hhi
mfi
rstwi
thsoap?
"
"
Yesf
ort
hest
onesIneedonl
ycl
ean
wat
er,
nowashi
ngr
agi
nsi
de.Youcan
useacl
eansmal
lbucketf
or
mer
apel
o.Lethi
m notdr
yhi
msel
f
ei
ther
,"
hef
urt
hernot
ed.

HesangaNdebel
ehy
mnandt
ook
outawhi
tewool
.Weal
lwat
ched
cur
iousl
yasheusedhi
ssuper
iorl
i
mb
t
omeasur
ethewool
.Het
henmade
si
xequal
roundsoft
hef
ir
st
measur
ementandcuti
t.

"
Wrapt
hisar
oundhi
swai
stwheny
ou
r
eachhome.Ev
ery
dayaf
tert
he
mor
ningpr
ayercutonel
engt
h.I
t
shoul
dtakey
ousev
enday
stoo.
I
mmedi
atel
yaf
terbat
hinghav
ehi
m
t
hrought
hem t
owar
dst
heeast
."

Il
ookedatVi
nandhet
ool
ookedat
me.Mor
uti
thenputt
hewool
onmy
handst
oo.
"
Okaywedonewi
thhi
m,y
oucan
wakey
oursi
sterup,
"hesai
d.
"
Ehsi
r.
..
"Vi
nsai
d.

Il
ookedathi
m.

"
Whatabouther
?"hesai
dpoi
nti
ngat
me.

Whatt
hehel
l
?Whataboutme?

"
Her
?"Mor
uti
smi
l
ed.
OkayIwasnowcur
ioust
oknowt
oo.
Wehadhear
dhi
m consul
ti
ngMar
ti
n
f
rom t
heni
ghtbef
ore.Hest
oodup
andsear
chedt
hrought
heher
bs.

"
Wel
l
,shei
sdest
inedf
orgr
eat
ness.
Shehasacal
l
ingt
ooi
fsher
efusesi
t
shewi
l
lthi
nkshei
sBewi
tched.Do
y
ouwantt
omar
ryher
?"heasked

Myey
eswher
eonVi
nact
ual
l
yal
l
ey
esex
ceptKel
etso'
swer
eonVi
n.
Mor
uti
smi
l
ed.
"
Youdon'
thav
etoanswer
,Iknowt
he
answer
.Di
kel
edi
int
hemeant
ime,
t
aket
hisandchewi
t.Youwi
l
lseei
t
outwheny
oul
eav
eit
'sf
ory
our
pr
otect
ion.
"Mor
uti
gav
emeasmal
l
pi
ecesofr
ootf
rom hi
smedi
cines.

"
I'
ll
beout
side,
"hesai
d.

Okay
?Nowt
hatwasf
air
.Il
ookedat
Vi
nquest
ionabl
ybuthei
gnor
edme.I
wai
tedf
ir
stf
orMor
uti
tol
eav
e.
"
So?
"
"
So?
"hesai
dback
"
Hahahanotf
unny
,"
Isai
dagi
tat
ed.
"
Youwi
l
lfi
ndoutei
therway
.Hey
buddyguesswhatIgoty
ou?
"

Ler
uo'
sey
esl
i
t.I
twast
hent
hatI
r
eal
i
zedIhadnotsai
dawor
dtohi
m
si
nceIgother
e.

"
Heysuper
man!
"Isai
d.

Hewav
edatmebutVi
nhadal
lhi
s
at
tent
ion

"
Letmeguess.
..
ehhhpi
zza?
"

Vi
nshookhi
sheadsmi
l
ing.

Hepokedhi
scheekwi
tht
hei
ndex
f
ingert
hought
ful
l
y,"
mmm pl
ay
st
ati
on?
"

Vi
nlaughed.

"
Youar
ehor
ri
bleatt
his,
"Vi
nmocked
pl
ayf
ull
y.

Ismi
l
edenv
ious.

"
Comel
et'
sgowai
tfory
ourmom i
n
t
hecar
,"
Vinsai
dst
andi
ngup.
"
Youguy
s.I
'
m her
e,"
Isai
dst
ruckbya
wav
eofj
eal
ousy

Theyi
gnor
edmewal
ki
ngout
.

"
Wil
lyoul
etmegoonTwi
tt
erwi
th
y
oui
Phone?
"Ler
uoaskedast
heygot
out
.
"
Doy
ouhav
eaTwi
tt
erhandl
e?"
"
Yep@ LeWeal
thy
BW.
"
"
What
?"Vi
nasked.
"
Mef
rom Ler
uoandt
henIhead
t
eachersayl
eruokekgumo.SoI
madeat
ransl
ati
onoft
hatandadded
BW.
"
"
WowImustsayI
'
mfl
att
ered.What
gr
adear
eyoui
nagai
n."
"
Std3orj
ustsaygr
ade3i
t'
sst
il
lfi
ne.
Ist
art
edschool
kel
esi
xbutt
hey
mademeski
pgr
ade2.
"hesai
d
pr
oudl
y.
"
Meani
ngy
ouar
esev
ennow?
"
"
yeahandy
ou?Howol
dar
eyou?
Daddywi
l
lbe33t
hisy
ear
,"
hebl
urt
ed
out
.
"
Ohr
eal
l
y?"
"
Mmm,
mom i
s25wena?
"
"
Iwel
lI'
m 3y
ear
syoungert
hany
our
dad,
"Vi
nsai
dopeni
ngt
hedoorf
or
Ler
uo.
"
Thi
rt
y?"
heaskedcur
iousl
y.
"
Noty
etbuty
oucan'
ttel
lany
one
r
ight
?"
"
Okay
,"
hehoppedi
n.

I
nther
oom,
Iwal
kedov
erandknel
t
athersi
de.Il
ookedatherhand,
the
woundhadheal
edcompl
etel
yand
t
her
ewasn'
tamar
kshowi
ngt
he
mar
ksf
rom Ler
uo'
sbi
te.Fur
iousl
yI
r
emov
edt
hechi
tengecl
othof
fher
l
egs.Yepandt
hemar
ksf
rom t
hat
hi
deouscr
eat
urewer
en'
tvi
sibl
e
ei
ther
.

Shecoughedl
i
ght
lyandt
ossed.
"
Hey
,"
shesai
dsof
tl
y.
"
Babygi
rl
,"
Isai
dcar
essi
ngher
f
orehead.

Shecoughedagai
n,
"Ler
uookae?
"
"
Hei
sout
sidewi
thVi
n,
"Isai
d.

Shecoughedr
epeat
edl
yandpoi
nted
att
hej
aratherhead.Ir
eachedf
ori
t
andhel
pedhersi
tup.Qui
etl
y,she
dr
ankherwat
er.

"
Sohowdoy
ouf
eel
?"Iputt
hej
ar
downandhel
pedherback.
"
I'
ll
bef
ine,
justt
hatpoi
sonneset
see
t
abogi
l
elemmel
e,
"sheanswer
ed.
"
Eishsowhenar
eyouget
ti
ngout
?"I
askedconcer
ned.
"
Aft
eraweek,
kei
rat
shebel
etso(
Iam
get
ti
ngi
nthepr
ayercl
oset
).
"
"
Butweal
l
owedt
ocomev
isi
t?"
I
asked.
"
NoIdoubt
,Mor
uti
isv
eryst
ri
ctwhen
i
tcomest
oissuesl
i
ket
his.
"

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.Shel
ookedpal
e
butIwasj
ustgl
adshewasal
i
veand
up.

"
Mar
ti
ncal
l
ed,
"Isai
d.

Si
l
ence.

"
Hesai
dhe'
dpassbykabo6.
"
"
Tel
lme.
..
eh.
..Mar
ti
n,doy
oul
ove
hi
m?"
sheasked.
"
No.
..
wel
ltr
uthi
sIusedt
o.Ri
ght
now(
Ismi
l
ed)
ther
eissomeoneel
se.
"
Shecoughed,
"Vi
n?"
"
Theoneandonl
y,ei
shmmat
heguy
i
sli
tkor
edi
abst
sel
engwanake
wena.
..
"
"
Shhhhel
arespectnt
loy
a
Mor
uti
,
"shel
aughed
"
Ahnnakal
ebal
a,
"Il
aughed,
"l
ewena
mmagett
hisdonewi
thal
ready
."
"
Iseesoy
ouwantmet
ojumpf
ence
andcomef
ordat
a?"
shej
oked.
"
Tlhemmadot
hat
."

Webot
hgi
ggl
ed.
"
Any
thi
ngy
ouneed?Pi
zza'
nyana
hot
wings?
"
"
Don'
tdot
hatbecauseI
'
m socr
avi
ng
l
etswai
nyanabutMor
uti
won'
tal
l
ow
met
oev
ent
akeabi
t.I
'
m of
fi
cial
l
yon
af
orceddi
et.Al
lvegan,
"shesai
dwi
th
asadf
ace.
"
Veget
abl
esonl
y,notev
encheese?
"
"
Kar
evegan,
kor
enotev
eneggs.No
menot
o,I
'
m sl
aught
ered.
"
"
Sies.
..
Wenamaanat
leasty
ouar
e
det
oxi
ng,
"Imocked.
"
Mmm det
oxmycabbage,
"shesai
d
wi
thasmi
l
e,"
wai
tunt
ilt
heweek
ends.
"

Atl
eastshewasabl
etomakej
okes
andsmi
l
eabout
.Thest
ateshewas
i
nwhenwebr
oughtherov
erwas
t
err
if
ying.I
thadbeenv
eryf
ort
unat
e
t
hatherchur
chmat
esdeci
dedt
ocal
l
heratt
hehourt
heydi
d.

"
Letmegobef
oret
raf
fi
cenna
hect
ic,
"Isai
d.
"
Alr
eady
?"sheweaned.
Vi
ndr
oppedmeandLer
uof
ir
stand
wentov
ert
ohi
spl
ace.Af
ew
moment
saf
terset
tl
ingi
nmyphone
r
ang.

"
Missi
ngmeal
ready
?"Isai
dput
ti
ng
t
hepi
zzai
nthemi
crowav
e.
"
Youf
lat
tery
our
sel
ftoomuchMma
Wr
ight
,"
hesai
d.
"
Mmawho?
"Ibl
ushed.
"
Right
..
.noW t
her
e?"
"
Okhot
hwaahal
a,
"Isai
d.
Hechor
tl
ed.

"
BabeskanaThabangl
eft
,"
hesai
d.
"
Whatdoy
oumeanhel
eft
?"
"
Wel
lhel
eftl
eft
.Ther
eisanot
e
t
oo,
"hesai
dbr
eat
hingheav
il
y.
"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngohemahema
j
aana?
"
"
Treadmi
l
l,
"hesai
d
"
Eng?
"
"
Exer
cisi
ngbabes,
"hesai
dand
hoppedof
fthet
readmi
l
l.
Hewi
pedt
hesweatof
fwi
that
owel
.

"
Whatdoest
hel
ett
ersay
?"
"
Not
hingmuchr
eal
l
yjustt
hathei
s
t
hankf
ulf
orev
ery
thi
ng,
hesay
she
wentt
olookf
orwor
k."
"
Whatwor
k?St
ayi
ngwher
ereal
l
y?
Kant
eThabangor
il
eng?
"
"
Hecoul
dn'
tst
andwat
chi
ngy
ouget
f
uckedr
ightunderhi
snose,
"si
pped
wat
er.
"
Getwhat
?Mx
m,"
Ichor
tl
edandgav
e
Ler
uohi
swar
medpi
zza.
"
MommyIdon'
twantwi
th
pi
neappl
es,
"hecr
ied.
"
Ler
uoj
usteat
!"
Isai
dst
ern.
"
Butmaaaaaaammmm!
"
"
Ler
uo!
"

Her
ecl
i
nedaggr
essi
vel
yagai
nstt
he
chai
rfol
dinghi
sar
ms.

"
Ler
uo?Ler
uo!
"
"
Heybabes!
"Vi
ncuti
n.
"
NoLer
uowal
api
sahei
stheone
whoor
der
edt
hepi
zzakana,
"Isai
d
angr
il
y.
"
CanIt
alkt
ohi
m?"
Vinasked.

Wi
thoutawor
dIgav
eLer
uot
he
phone.

"
Andy
oubet
terf
ini
shupt
hatpi
zza,
"I
war
ned.

"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Heypal
,soy
ouor
der
ed
pi
neappl
es?
"heasked.
"
Wel
lIdi
dn'
tthi
nkt
heywi
l
ldoi
twi
th
pi
neappl
es.
"hesai
d.
"
Ihav
eKFC,
"Vi
nof
fer
ed,
"br
ingt
hat
pi
neappl
epi
zzaandwewi
l
leatov
er
FI
FA.Youpl
ayFI
FAakar
e?"
Hesmi
l
edder
isi
vel
y,"
I'
m notagi
rl
,I
'l
l
askmommyi
fit
'sokayt
o.
"
Finger
scr
ossedshedoesn'
tref
use.
"
"
Orbet
terst
il
lyoudot
het
alki
ngpl
us
y
ouar
etheel
der
,"
Ler
uor
easoned
ent
husi
ast
ical
l
y.
"
But
..
."
"
MommyVi
nwant
stoaskf
oral
i
ttl
e
f
avour
."

Hegav
emet
hephoneandr
ant
othe
bat
hroom.Inot
icedt
hatt
hedoorwas
l
eftaj
ar.Ler
uowasdef
ini
tel
y
eav
esdr
oppi
ng.

"
Babe?
"
"
EhLer
uoaboankgol
ega.Babewee
canhecomeov
erandpl
ayFI
FAwi
th
me,
youcancomet
oo,
"hesai
d.
"
Isee,
"Isai
dnot
ici
ngLer
uopeeki
ng
att
hedoor
.
"
Huh?
"Vi
nsai
dconf
used.
"
No,
Ler
uoi
ssl
eepi
ngnow.I
'
m
gr
oundi
nghi
m,"
Isai
d.

"
Butmom!
"

Igav
easi
del
onggl
anceashe
st
eppedoutoft
hebat
hroom.

"
Youwantt
imeout
?"Isai
dangr
y

Heshookhi
shead.
"
Whatdi
dIsayabouteav
esdr
oppi
ng?
Guesswhat
?Youont
imeout
..
."
"
Babewewher
est
il
ltal
ki
ng,
"Vi
ncut
i
n.
"
Iknowandwest
il
lar
e.Ler
uoy
ouon
t
imeout
.Wear
egoi
ngov
ert
oVi
n'
s
buty
out
aki
ngt
hatpot
atopi
zzaof
y
our
sal
ongandnoFI
FAf
ory
ou.You
wi
l
lnotev
enbeal
l
owedt
ogoon
Twi
tt
erorwhat
ever
."

Hekeptqui
et.
"
Goodnowgochangei
ntosomet
hing
war
m,"
Isai
d.
"
Buti
t'
snotcol
d,"
hecompl
ained.
"
Isy
ournameRadi
thupaRadi
thupa?
"I
sai
dannoy
ed.

Heshookhi
shead.

"
Goodnowgogetasweatshi
rt
,"
Isai
d
st
ern,
"Hel
l
o?"
"
YeahbabeI
'
m st
il
lher
e.Iwon'
tl
ook
t
hedoorj
ustcomet
hroughwi
l
lbe
bat
hing,
"hesai
d.
"
Onewoul
dsweary
ouar
eaf
ish,
"I
mocked.
hel
aughedl
i
ght
ly,
"Iam ashar
kbabe
gi
rl
.Buty
ou.
..
Iwon'
tbi
te.
"

Howseduct
ive.I
t'
sfunnyhow
ev
ery
thi
nghesai
dmademeget
hor
ny.Thewayhesky
rocket
edmy
f
eel
i
ngswasj
ustt
oobeaut
if
ul.A
t
housandt
hought
sofwhatIcoul
ddo
t
ohi
m whi
l
sthewasbat
hing
ov
erwhel
medmymi
nd.

"
CanIcomer
uby
ourback?
"If
li
rt
.
"
Ist
hataquest
ion?Orobual
eMar
ti
n
becauseasy
ourmanIdon'
tex
pect
y
out
oaskquest
ionsl
i
ket
hat
."
he
sai
d,"
bespont
aneousandj
ustst
epi
n
l
etmej
ustgetasex
ytouchal
ert
whi
l
stI
'
m st
il
lsoapy
.Fucky
ou
get
ti
ngmehar
ddownhear
,"
hecr
ied.

Igi
ggl
ed.

"
Arey
oul
aughi
ngket
ogoshapa.
"
"
Sor
rybabe,
okaywewi
l
lbeupi
n
a.
..
(aknocki
nter
rupt
edme)
few.Babe
t
her
eisaknock.Wear
ecomi
ngor
bet
terst
il
lcomegetus.
"

Athi
spl
ace,
hehangupandwal
ked
outoft
hef
it
nessar
eadi
ali
nganot
her
number
.

"
Any
thi
ng?
"heasked.
"
Hei
sunderbor
ogot
hatcr
osses
f
rom mai
nmal
ltost
ati
on,
"t
he
anony
mousanswer
ed.
"
Okayt
hanks.Themonnadon'
tl
oose
hi
m,"
Vinsai
d,"
Lat
eraker
e?"
"
Sur
eboz
ah!
"
Iwal
kedi
nandhef
oll
owedbehi
nd.

"
Heycr
ony
!"hesai
dcat
chi
ngsi
ghtof
Ler
uo.
"
heydaddyar
eyoucomi
ngt
oo?
"he
askedz
ippi
nghi
sjacket
?
"
Goi
wakaekadi
chomba?
"hi
sfat
her
asked.
"
Fenagol
ookf
orsomet
hingl
i
ght
er,
"I
sai
d.
"
But
..
."
Igl
aredathi
m onceandhe
di
sappear
edt
othebedr
oom.

"
Wher
eist
heuni
for
m?"
Iasked.
"
EishbabesI
'
m sot
ir
ed,
"hesai
d
t
hrowi
nghi
msel
font
hecouch.
"
Hel
awenawai
tseIseewher
eLer
uo
get
sbei
ngbi
gheadedf
rom.Nnar
ra
wear
eonourwayout
,"
Isai
d.
"
CanIt
agal
ong?
"
"
No!absol
utel
ynot
.Het
aot
swe.
Wher
eist
hemoneyl
egone?
"
"
Uhukant
eyouwher
eser
iousl
y?"
Igl
aredathi
m buthesmi
l
ed.How
i
rr
it
ati
ng.If
eltl
i
kecr
ushi
nghi
m.

"
I'
ll
deposi
tphakel
aket
samay
a,"
he
ex
plai
ned.
"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngphakel
a?"
"
Mypl
acef
rom her
e.ohgoshI
'
m
st
arv
ing!Pi
zzay
amang?
"

Ir
oll
edmyey
esandwat
chedhi
m
t
akeahugebi
tandspewoutaf
ter
chewi
ngt
hri
ce.
"
Whatt
hef
uck?Di
dyouguy
sput
pi
neappl
emot
eng?
"

Youshoul
dhav
eseenhi
sface.Ler
uo
camebagi
nal
i
ght
ercot
ton
l
ongsl
eev
edj
erseyl
i
ket
-shi
rt
.

"
Kant
ewher
edi
dyousay
ingy
ouar
e
goi
ng?
"
"
At.
..
"Ler
uot
ri
edt
oanswerbutI
si
gnal
l
edhi
m nott
ospeak.
"
Mar
ti
nakeot
samay
e,di
dyoucheck
onKel
etso?
"Iasked.
"
Yeahandshedumbedme,
"hesai
d
f
ocusi
ngont
hecar
toonsont
v.
"
Why
?"

Heshr
ughi
sshoul
der
s.

"
Osur
e?"
Iwasconf
used.

Hel
ookedatmeonceandbackt
o
t
het
v.

"
Ij
o!Butst
il
lyouneedt
oleav
e."
"
Hug?
"heaskedget
ti
ngup.
"
Aewal
wal
awenaobat
ahugy
a
shi
ng?
"
"
Please,
"Icoul
dsenset
hedi
str
esshe
wasi
n.

Ler
uoex
cusedusandwentbackt
o
t
hebedr
oom.

"
Kagokopa,
"Mar
ti
nsai
dal
most
sobbi
ng.
"
Arey
oucr
y..
.comeher
e,"
Iopenedmy
handsf
oranembr
ace.
Hecamei
nandhuggedmet
ight
ly
r
est
inghi
schi
nonmyshoul
der
.I
shutmyey
esandcl
angont
ight
lyt
oo.

"
Youar
ethebestt
hingt
hatev
er
happenedt
ome,
toLer
uot
oo,
""
he
sai
dsobbi
ng.
"It
hinki
t'
sti
meIhad
y
ouadopthi
mlegal
l
y."
"
I'
dlov
ethat
,"
Isai
d.
"
Im notsay
ingcomet
omeor
any
thi
ngei
therbut.
..
"
Thef
rontdoorsl
i
ght
lyopenedbut
nei
therofushear
ditandsomeone
wal
kedi
n.

"
..
.Il
ovey
ou.Somuch.
"
"
Ilov
eyout
oobabes.
"

"
Vin!Ler
uoex
clai
medhappi
l
yandwe
br
okef
rom ourawkwar
dhug.
"
Babe?
"Isai
dwonder
inghowmuch
hehadhear
d.
"
Sav
eit
!"
Vinsai
dst
ormi
ngout
.
STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Heyguy
s.Wi
l
lpostt
henex
ttwo
i
nser
tli
ket
hisagai
n(j
oint
).Andt
hank
y
ouf
ort
hemessages.Iwasof
fl
ine
t
hewhol
eofy
est
erdayt
ryi
ngt
oget
my
sel
ftoget
her
.IcansayIf
eel
much
bet
tert
oday
.
Bewi
tched

#18

Thef
rontdoorsl
i
ght
lyopenedbut
nei
therofushear
ditandsomeone
wal
kedi
n.

"
..
.Il
ovey
ou.Somuch.
"
"
Ilov
eyout
oobabes.
"Isai
dback.

"
Vin!
"Ler
uoex
clai
medhappi
l
y
r
unni
ngt
othedoor
.Mar
ti
nandI
br
okef
rom ourawkwar
dhug.My
ey
esmetVi
n'
sandIcoul
dpr
ett
y
muchsenset
hest
ateofr
aget
hat
hadbef
all
enhi
m.Hi
scheekshad
i
nst
ant
lyt
urnedr
osy
.Il
ower
edmy
ey
esshamef
ull
y.Wi
thi
nsecondIhad
gat
her
edabi
tofcour
aget
olookat
hi
m agai
n.Ler
uowasst
andi
ngathi
s
si
de,
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.

"
Heybabe,
youdi
dn'
ttel
lmeot
a
kwano,
"Isai
dwonder
inghowmuch
hehadhear
d.

Hei
gnor
edmeandf
lashedasmi
l
eat
Ler
uowhost
oodpet
it
ebesi
deshi
m.

"
IthoughtIshoul
ddr
opt
his,
"hesai
d
put
ti
ngaNi
kecaponLer
uo'
shead,
"i
t
camewi
thapai
rofsneaker
sbutt
he
l
adybr
oughtasmal
l
ersi
ze.
"
"
OMGy
out
hebest
,"
tookof
fthecap
andadmi
redi
t.
"Cantwai
ttoshow
t
hisof
fatschool
.Gasel
evhov
o
aker
e(i
t'
snotf
aker
ight
)?"
"
Eng?
"Vi
naskedconf
used.
Mar
ti
nchor
tl
ed,
"hemeans.
..
"
"
Mel
aitI
'
dseey
out
omor
rowwhenI
dr
opof
ftheshoes,
"Vi
nhadcuti
n
l
eav
ingMar
ti
nembar
rassedf
orday
s.
"
Ithoughtwewer
egoi
ngt
opl
ayFI
FA
pl
usI
'
m superhungr
yandy
ou
pr
omi
sedmeKFC,
"Ler
uoweaned.
Vi
nsmi
l
edathi
m.

"
I'
m sur
eyourmom hasbet
ter
pl
ans,
"Vi
nsai
drepul
siv
ely
.
"
Babei
t'
snotl
i
ke.
..
"

Hel
ookedatmeangr
il
yandwor
ea
smi
l
ewhenLer
uol
ookedathi
m.

"
Sav
eitf
orsomeonewhowoul
dcar
e
t
oli
sten!
"Vi
nsmi
rked
"
Vin?Babehonest
lyi
t'
snot
..
."

It
ri
edt
ogoaf
terhi
m butMar
ti
n
pul
l
edmeback.

"
Letgo!LetgoofmyhandMar
ti
n,
"I
sai
dwi
thanaust
ereex
pressi
on.
"
Hewon'
tl
ist
ent
oyou,
"hesai
d.
"
Wel
lhewon'
tl
ist
enbecauset
her
e
won'
tbeany
thi
ngt
oli
stent
oifIdon'
t
goaf
terhi
m,"
Igl
ared.
"
Hei
sov
err
eact
inghug'
nyanahel
a..
."
"
Didy
oudot
hatonpur
pose?
"Icuti
n
angr
il
y.
"
Ofcour
senot
.(
sighed)
BonaIgot
alk
t
ohi
m,"
hesai
dcal
mly
.
"
Likehel
lyouar
e!"

Ibl
ockedhi
sway
.ThewayMar
ti
n
wasbi
gheadedIwasn'
taboutt
ori
sk
i
tal
l
.

"
Please?
"hesai
dst
il
lcal
m.
"
Nobecausekeagoi
tseMar
ti
n.I
knowy
ousov
erymucht
henex
tthi
ng
y
ouwi
l
lbesay
ingt
hingst
ohi
m and
hewon'
ttal
ktomeev
eragai
n.So
t
hanksbutnot
hanks.
"
Hehel
dmebymyar
ms,
"l
ook.
..
hey
LookatmeMmagweFena,
I'
m not
t
hatsel
fi
shokay
?Thet
rut
hishewi
l
l
r
eactbet
teri
fiti
scomi
ngf
rom me.
"

Okayhedi
dmakesenset
hough.I
l
ookedatLer
uowhowasl
ooki
ngat
meanx
iousl
y.

"
Lookatme,
"Mar
ti
nsai
dpul
l
ingmy
f
aceathi
m.
Il
ookeddeepi
ntohi
sser
eneey
es.
Hedi
dlookcut
e,Iwat
chedonashe
wethi
sli
psunconsci
ousofmy
scr
uti
niz
inggaz
e.

"
Cany
out
rustmewi
tht
his?I
pr
omi
sey
ouI
'
llnotupsethi
m,"
hesai
d
soundi
nggenui
ne.

Wi
thoutanywor
dsai
dhadImov
ed
outofhi
swayandher
anout
side.
Wi
thmyhandsonmywai
stIst
art
ed
t
opaceupanddownconst
ant
ly
peeki
ngt
hrought
hesemi
dense
cur
tai
ns.

"
Mommyar
ewest
il
lgoi
ng?
"Ler
uo
asked.

Ii
gnor
edhi
m andcont
inuedpaci
ng
aboutandchar
gedf
ort
hewi
dow.
Mar
ti
nhadcaughtupwi
thVi
n.

"
Mommy
?"hecr
ied.
"
What
!"
Itur
nedangr
il
y
"
I'
m hungr
y,"
hesai
d.
Onegl
areathi
m andhekeptqui
et.
Moment
slat
erIsawhi
m wal
ktot
he
f
ri
dgeandt
akeoutabot
tl
eofmi
l
k.
Hef
il
ledupabowl
wit
hcocopops
andaddedmi
l
kpl
ust
wof
ull
spoons
ofsugar
.Hewi
pedawayt
hemi
l
kthat
hadspi
l
ledwi
thapapert
owel
and
putt
hebowl
int
hemi
crowav
e.I
t
br
okemyhear
tseei
nghi
mli
ckhi
s
l
i
psanx
iousl
ywai
ti
ngf
ort
he
mi
crowav
etobeepbuthowev
erIj
ust
coul
dn'
tbr
ingmy
sel
ftohel
phi
m at
t
hathour
.Iwal
kedoutandsaw
Mar
ti
nandVi
ntal
ki
ngatt
hegat
e.I
t
wassadIcoul
dn'
thearwhatt
hey
wer
esay
ing.

"
Not
ell
mewhyt
hehel
ldi
dyoucome
i
fithadnot
hingt
odowi
thLer
uo?
"Vi
n
f
umedpoki
ngMar
ti
n'
schest
.
"
LookmanIdon'
twantust
ofi
ght
okay
.Di
kayi
sli
keaf
ri
endandke
Mmagwengwanake.
..
"
"
Not
echni
cal
l
yshei
sn'
t.Don'
tmake
mel
ookl
i
keabadper
sonbecause
nnaI
'
llt
ell
itasi
tis.Nowi
magi
ne
Ler
uomi
ssi
ngoutonherbecause
y
ouf
ail
tor
espectherr
elat
ionshi
ps.
Wenay
ouj
ustt
aki
ngadv
ant
age
becausey
ouknowshehasasof
t
spotf
orLer
uoandwoul
ddoany
thi
ng
t
okeephi
m cl
oser
.NnaMrket
ogo
ny
edi
sai
fyoucont
inuedoi
ngt
his
psy
chobabydaddyshi
tonmychi
ck.
"
"
Nfet
huassumewhat
every
oumay
butl
i
keIsai
dmeandherhav
e
not
hinggoi
ngonokay
?Ishoul
dhav
e
knowbet
terespeci
all
ynowt
hatshe
t
oldmeshel
ovesy
ou.I
'
m
sor
ry,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d.

Vi
nlookedathi
m andMar
ti
nlower
ed
hi
sey
es.

Poi
nti
ngathi
m,"
youbet
terst
ayt
he
hel
lawayf
rom mywomanbecausei
f
t
hiscont
inuesIt
hinkmeandy
ouar
e
goi
ngt
ohav
eapr
obl
em.
"
"
Aobr
azenIsai
dI'
m sor
ry,
"Mar
ti
n
sai
drubbi
nghi
shands.
"
Okay
."
"
Peace?
"Mar
ti
nsai
dex
tendi
nghi
s
handf
orahandshake.

Li
keabol
toutoft
hebl
ueVi
nhad
punchedMar
ti
nont
hef
ace.Ihel
dmy
br
eat
handcl
aspedmyhandagai
nst
mymout
handt
ipt
oedbacki
nsi
de
unnot
iced.

"
Peace,
byt
het
imeIcomebacky
ou
shoul
dbegonet
ell
hery
out
aki
ng
Ler
uowi
thy
ou,
"hesai
dwal
ki
ngaway
.

Mar
ti
nsmi
rkedandwi
pedt
heedges
ofhi
sli
pswi
thhi
sindexf
ingerand
t
humb.Hehel
dhi
swai
stwat
chi
ng
Vi
ndi
sappeari
ntohi
spl
ace.
"
Nxl
athi
sbast
ard!
"heki
ckedt
heai
r
and
gr
oanedt
hwar
ted.

Theol
dwomansoughedaspai
n
st
ri
ki
ngast
hunderhi
thercr
ossi
ng
hermi
dsect
ion.Shegr
owl
edand
t
ouchedherheadwi
tht
hehandt
hat
coul
dmov
e.

"
Iyoh!
"shecr
ied.
"Keswel
angwee!I
jo!
"

Thepai
nceasedf
orawhi
l
ebut
moment
slat
eranot
herhi
ther
f
unct
ioni
ngey
emaki
ngi
timpossi
ble
t
osee.Thesi
deshehadendur
eda
st
rokebegant
oshakeuncont
rol
l
abl
y
asi
fshewashav
inganepi
l
ept
ic
sei
zur
e.Shef
ell
offt
hebedand
beganf
rot
hing.

"
MmaMpho?
"thehousehel
prani
n
not
ici
ngheront
hef
loor
.

Ler
uospewouthi
scer
eal
sint
othe
napki
n.
"
Fenaeatt
hat
,"
Isai
d.
"
It
stoosweetand.
..
"
"
And.
..
and.
..
ka'
reof
etset
hosecoco
popsaker
eyoui
ntent
ional
l
yadded
t
hecount
lessspoonsofsugari
nsi
de?
Sof
ini
sht
hati
seont
ene.
"

Mar
ti
nwal
kedi
n.

"
And?
"Iaskedcur
iousl
yst
andi
ngup.
"
Oshar
p.Aker
eIt
oldy
ouhe'
l
dcome
ar
ound,
"hesai
d.
"
Andy
ournose?
"Iaskedt
ryi
ngt
odi
g
f
ormor
edet
ail
edi
nfor
mat
ion.

Het
ouchedhi
snoseandnot
icedhe
wasbl
eedi
ng.

"
Thatmahf
u#$&r
!"
hecur
sed
i
naudi
ble.
"
Huh?
"

Hel
ookedatme,
"i
t'
snot
hing.I
assumei
sfr
om al
lthi
sheat
wav
e."
"
Real
l
y?"
Hel
ookedatmeagai
n.

"
Giv
emei
ce,
"hesai
d."
Ehmmagwe
Fena?
"
"
Hmm,
"Isai
dwal
ki
ngt
othef
ri
dge.

Ler
uowasf
iddl
i
ngwi
tht
hespoon
i
nsi
det
hebowl
.Mar
ti
nlookedathi
m
andhet
ookaspoonf
ull
andchewed
bi
tt
erl
y.

"
Stoppl
ayi
ngwi
thy
ourf
ood,
"he
sai
d."
SoIwast
hinki
nghowabout
..
."
Ihandedhi
mthemi
xed
v
eget
abl
es,
"Noi
cecubes.Youwer
e
t
hinki
ng?
"

"
Wel
lthatIt
akeFenasi
nceIdi
dn'
t
comewi
thhi
suni
for
m.You'
l
lpi
ck
t
hem upatmypl
acekamosoandhi
m
atschool
lat
er.
"
"
Oh?Aker
ewat
ir
ongmmemakuku?
"
"
I'
ll
leav
ethekeyundert
hecar
pet
,
y
ou'
l
ldr
opi
tof
fatt
hecl
i
nicl
etswa
sekol
ongbecauset
hoseguy
swi
l
l
def
ini
tel
yseey
ouputi
tback.
"
"
Okay
.War
eVi
nsai
dwhatecact
ly?
"
"
Not
hinghesai
dhei
sokay
,Ruot
ake
t
hebowl
rev
aey
ou'
l
leatont
heway
."
"
Butmysneaker
s?"
Ler
uocr
ied.
"
Youcomi
ngbackt
omor
rowaf
ter
school
.Pl
usVi
nsai
dgadi
oke
kamoso.Youwi
l
lbeher
efora
week.
"Isai
d.
"
Real
l
ydad?
"hi
sfacel
i
t.
"
Yespoi
!Ei
shkar
egaont
hat
esonny
boy
,mmagweFenakamosoaker
e?"
"
mmm okgwet
seshar
panddon'
ttr
y
t
ohi
demybowl
kephakel
akee
t
say
a."
"
Sieskabowl
yaP1.
95koknock
out
."
Mar
ti
nteased.

Weal
ll
aughed.

"
Mxm aker
esesesal
angy
oudon'
t
hav
eit
.Fenamakesur
ehedoesn'
t
hi
dei
t.
"
"
Hewon'
t,
"Ler
uosai
dsmi
l
ing.
"
Ibethewon'
t,
"Ismi
l
edandMar
ti
n
t
hrewasmi
rkatme.
"Mar
ti
ndon'
t
ev
ent
ryt
opul
lthatonme.Bowl
eo
y
ameker
atamaswe,
wai
tsekeeng,
Ruogi
vemet
hebowl
."
Mar
ti
nlaughedr
eal
i
zingmy
i
ntent
ions,
"Ler
uodon'
t.
"

Hepul
l
edi
tawayf
rom Ler
uobef
oreu
coul
dandr
anout
side.Ler
uoj
oined
hi
m andIshookmyheadsmi
l
ing.

"
Byemom!
"
"
Byebabymama!
"

Theyl
aughedboi
ster
ousl
yandgot
i
nsi
det
hecar
.Iwentbacki
ntot
he
house,
lockedanddi
aledMar
ti
n.

"
Mma?
"heanswer
edchuckl
i
ng.
"
Isshemad?
"Ler
uoaskedi
ntheback
gr
ound.
"
Tel
lLer
uogor
eot
sil
egoswaba,
pl
atey
eokef
it
lhel
ephakel
a."
"
AhnnaIcan'
tpr
omi
sey
ouany
thi
ng
mma
l
can'
t.(
laughed)
Itwoul
dreal
l
ysui
t
myl
ockerkospaneng.
"
"
Mar
ti
nwee!
"Isai
dst
ruggl
i
ngt
o
soundst
ern.
"
Babymama?
"
"
Andst
opcal
l
ingmet
hat
!"
"
Whataker
emmey
ouar
emybaby
mama,
"het
eased.
"
Mxm.Tel
lmewhyIhadt
omot
her
y
ourchi
l
dov
erl
ooki
ngal
lthe
i
ntel
l
igentpeopl
ear
ound?
"
"
AskGodandLer
uonnammaIdon'
t
knowbecauseoganneker
inaj
am
aker
e,"
hel
aughed.
Il
aughed,
"kant
eor
il
engnewena.
Whatar
eyout
eachi
ngmysont
ota?
"
"
Gor
ekukuy
ajewa,
aker
eLer
uo?
Cakei
sgood?
"
"
Ili
keeat
ingsmal
lcakesonl
y,
"Ler
uo
sai
d.
"
Likef
atherl
i
keson.
..
otasent
e
ngwanaka!Smal
li
sbae.
"
"
Wai
tsekana,
Mar
ti
njustst
opi
tij
a,
"I
sai
d,"
kengadi
l
eebi
l
eshar
p."

Hel
aughedasIpr
essedt
hehang
but
ton.

Thabangsatqui
etl
yatt
hel
astr
ow
i
nsi
det
hePent
ecost
alchur
ch.Some
l
adyhadi
nvi
tedhi
m whenshesaw
hi
m seat
edal
onedi
str
essedj
usta
bl
ockf
rom wher
ethechur
chi
s.

"
..
.bymi
ghtnorbypowerbutbymy
spi
ri
tsay
stheLor
d!"
thepast
or
pr
eached,
"Idonotknowwhat
t
roubl
esy
ou.ButIknowwhat
t
roubl
edJob,
whatt
toubl
edMi
shack,
Shadr
ekandAbedni
co,
Iknowwhat
t
roubl
edRachel
,whatt
roubl
ed
Joseph.WhatIal
soknowi
sGod'
s
Spi
ri
twasmademani
festi
nthei
r
si
tuat
ions.Amenchur
ch?
"

Congr
egat
ion:
Amen

"
SeeGodwor
ksi
nway
swecan'
t
compr
ehendandt
oni
ght
!"

Congr
egat
ion:
Amen!

"
Ican'
theary
ousomebody
!Isay
t
oni
ght
!"

congr
egat
ion:
(l
ouderwi
th
i
nst
rument
albackup)
Toni
ght
!

"
OhMyJesus,
Jeses!t
oni
ghtwe
aboutt
oex
per
iencewhatwehav
e
nev
erf
eltbef
ore.Godi
saboutt
odo
somet
hingsweet
,Godi
saboutt
o
el
evat
esomebody
,Godi
saboutt
o
r
ewr
it
esomebody
'sl
i
fe.
"

Congr
egat
ion:
(st
andi
ngup)
Amen.

"
Hei
saboutt
ogi
vey
ouanewname,
f
orbehol
dal
lthi
ngsar
emadenew
andt
heol
dispast
.Hewi
l
lrest
ore
ev
enwhatt
hel
ocust
shav
eeat
en.I
hearangel
ssi
ngi
ngFr
eshOi
l
.Oh
comeonsomebody
!"t
hepast
orsai
d
r
unni
ngar
ound.
,
"comeonchur
ch!
"

Thewhol
echur
chwaschar
gedup.
Theusher
swentar
oundmaki
ngal
l
t
hosewhower
est
il
lseat
edt
ost
and
upandt
heymov
edt
hechai
rspi
l
li
ng
t
hem ont
hesi
deandmadet
he
peopl
egeti
ntoor
gani
sedl
anes.The
past
ormov
edi
nbet
weent
ouchi
ng
peopl
e.Somef
ell
downandsome
j
ustdi
dn'
t.

"
Ohhowmar
vel
l
ousi
shi
sname.
Pr
aisegi
vemesomet
hingsof
t.
..
wai
t.
I
hear
..
.Ihearl
i
keThaba.
..
Thabang!
"

Thechur
chcl
appedex
cit
edl
y.

"
THABANG.
..
Thabang.Rej
oice.
..
but
t
her
eisnot
hingt
hisThabangi
s
r
ejoi
cingabout
..
.myJesus.Not
hingi
s
t
oobi
gformy
God(
Congr
egat
ion:
Amen)
Thabang.
..
Thabang.Hhhhm!Pr
aiset
eam?
"

Thepast
orwal
kedaboutt
ouchi
ng
peopl
eandt
hekey
boar
dgav
esound.

"
Hal
l
eluy
ahchur
ch,
"wor
shi
pper
.
"
Amen"
congr
egat
ion.

whatshal
lIr
endert
oJehov
ahf
or
hehasdonesov
erymuchf
or
me shesang.

"
Sist
erMar
that
her
eisasongi
nyour
hear
t,
"t
hepast
orsai
dwi
thoutl
ooki
ng
att
hepul
pitwer
ethewor
shi
pper
st
ood.Thabangf
elthi
shear
trai
seas
t
hepast
orcamenear
ert
othel
anehe
st
oodi
n.

"
Seet
hatsongi
sforThabangnot
y
our
s..
.comeouty
oupy
thon!
"

Thegi
rli
nfr
ontoft
hepast
orbegan
t
omani
fest
.Oneushert
ri
edt
ocat
ch
her
.
"
Usher
!"
thepast
orwar
ned.

Theushermov
edbackandoneoft
he
pr
otocol
guy
susher
edt
hegi
rlbyonl
y
pr
otect
ingherheadasshef
ell
.

"
Ushery
ouwi
l
lcat
chademon.
"t
he
past
orsai
d,"
Mar
thasi
ng.
"

Semphet
ewenay
orat
ehang
Mmol
oki
waka.
Haont
seosi
sababangsemphet
he
l
enna
"
Ahanowt
hat
'st
hesong.
Thabang!
"heshout
ed.

Thabangbegant
ocl
i
nchhi
shands
andt
ri
edt
ocont
rol
thesounds
comi
ngf
rom hi
smout
h.Thechur
ch
usher
shadqui
ckl
yspot
tedhi
m and
r
ant
ohi
m.

"
Ther
eisThabang.MyJesus,
you
spi
ri
tfr
om t
hev
il
lagey
out
imehas
ex
pir
ed.Somebodyshouthol
yGhost
f
ir
e!"
Congr
egat
ion:
Fir
e!Fi
re!

"
Dev
ily
ouar
eint
roubl
e,nowy
ou
demont
orment
inghi
sli
fewhoar
e
y
ou?
"thePast
orasked.

Thabangmadeunusual
utt
erances.

"
Fir
eony
ou.Isai
dwhoar
eyou?
"

Thabangbentdowni
mit
ati
nganol
d
l
ady
.Al
ley
eswer
eonhi
m.
"
Iam anol
dwoman.Ke
nkukuagwe,
"hesai
d.

Thecongr
egant
smumbl
edamongst
t
hemsel
ves.Thepast
orshookhi
s
head.

"
Yousee,
thedev
ilwi
l
lev
enusey
our
ownbl
oodt
odest
royy
ou.Hi
sown
gr
andmot
her
!Nowgr
andmot
hert
ell
uswhatdoy
oui
ntendt
odo?
"
"
Toki
l
lhi
m,hei
sst
ubbor
n.It
ri
edt
o
r
ecr
uithi
mformyki
ngdom,
he
r
efused.Icur
sedhi
m butt
hecur
sei
s
wear
ingof
f.Idon'
tknowwhathei
s
ev
endoi
ngher
e,hei
ssupposedt
obe
att
hemal
lbeggi
ng.
"hesai
d.

AtMmaMpho:
anunf
ami
l
iarwi
nd
ar
ose.Themai
dbeganget
ti
ng
goosebumps,
shecal
l
edoneof
mmaMphossons.

"
Hel
l
o..
.eer
rakeOt
lhekanay
our
mot
heri
snowscar
ingme,
"shesai
d.
"
What
'shappeni
ng?
"
"
Wel
lshewasf
oami
ngawhi
l
eback
nowoher
olamat
hoandt
hesi
dey
a
oper
ati
oni
smov
inguncont
rol
l
abl
y.I
t
ri
edt
ocushi
onherupgot
shwana
hel
a.Pl
usobuadi
l
oshesay
sshei
s
t
heonewhobewi
tchedThabang
becauseher
efusedt
ojoi
nthecul
t.
Nnat
otaI
'
m scar
edebi
l
ebo
mmamant
hwanebal
elal
e
mer
ubi
si,
"sheex
plai
ned.
"
I'
m sur
eshei
sjusthal
l
uci
nat
ing,
kanat
het
hingi
syoucan'
tl
eav
eher
al
onel
i
ket
hat
.Onet
hingI
'
m sur
e
abouti
sthatmot
heri
snotawi
tch.
Cal
lMumsyagopat
e,I
'
llpayheri
f
shewant
s,"
hesai
d.
"
Okshar
p,"
shehangupandl
ookedat
MmaMpho.

Heheadhangf
rom t
hebedandher
ey
eswer
erol
l
ing.

"
Mymast
eri
sasnakey
ousmal
lboy
don'
tscar
emewi
thy
ouranoi
nti
ng.
Kepal
etsebar
uti
baNi
ger
ia.
..
ask
Nchadi
shewi
l
ltel
lyou,
"MmaMpho
l
etoutamal
efi
centl
aught
er.
Ot
lheswal
l
owedhar
dwat
chi
ngon.

"
Ij
oool
lmol
elo!mmm.
..
rr
a?Yesy
our
f
ir
eisbur
ningme.
..
noThabanghas
t
odi
ewhyshoul
dIl
eav
ehi
m?Oka
i
pokangwanawaRi
char
d.Thef
ir
eis
bur
ningme!Makei
tst
op!
"

Ot
lhepul
l
edherdownf
rom t
hebed
andr
anout
sidet
hebedr
oom.She
di
aledMumsyonceshewasi
nthe
ki
tchen.
AtMor
uti
'
spl
ace.Kel
etsoknel
tdown
andbegant
opr
ay.

Meanwhi
l
eatt
hechur
ch.Thepast
or
hadt
akenof
fhi
sbl
azerandwas
sweat
ingpr
ofusel
y.Hewi
pedhi
s
f
oreheadwi
tht
hemant
leandt
hrewi
t
atThabangwhoi
nst
ant
lyf
eel
down.

"
Int
henameofJesusChr
ist
!Idecr
ee
andIdecl
are!
"t
hepast
orshout
edt
o
t
heamusementoft
hecongr
egat
ion.
Thabangbegant
omov
esi
nuousl
y
l
i
keasnake.

"
Smal
lboy
,"
hehi
ssed.
"
Oht
hemast
ercame,
"t
hePast
orsai
d
mocki
ngl
y,
"Yousnakey
ouhav
eno
r
esi
dencei
nher
e.Thabangi
s
anoi
ntedf
orGod!
"

Thabangcont
inuedmov
ing
unobt
rusi
vel
yst
icki
ngouthi
stongue
l
i
keasnake.Thechur
chj
oinedi
nthe
past
orchant
ingf
ir
est
ret
chi
ngt
hei
r
handsatThabang.
If
eltawav
eoff
ri
ghtcameuponme,
I
t
henr
emember
edar
osar
yMor
uti
hadgi
vent
omet
hataf
ter
noonandI
puti
ton.

"
Ani
ntensespi
ri
tual
war
far
eis
near
ing,
shoul
dyouf
eel
scar
edwear
t
his.Don'
tov
ert
hinkany
thi
ng,
when
t
het
imecomesI
'
llst
andi
npr
ayer
wi
thy
ou.
"hehadi
nst
ruct
ed.

Ther
ewasaknockatt
hedoor
.
"
Kemang?
"Iasked.
"
Babeopenup,
"Vi
nsai
d.

Ex
cit
ed,
Irant
othedoorandal
most
t
ri
ppedonLer
uo'
sshoes.

"
Hey
,"
Isai
dopeni
ngt
hedoor
.

Hepul
l
edmeabr
upt
lyandl
i
ftedme
bymywai
st.Hi
sfr
eshbr
eat
hlef
tme
l
ongi
ngf
oradeepki
ss.Notl
onghad
heki
ssedmepassi
onat
ely
.If
elthi
s
st
rengt
hri
pthr
oughmyshi
rtt
ear
ing
i
tawayf
rom t
hebut
tons.

"
Ican'
twai
tany
mor
e,"hewhi
sper
ed
r
unni
nghi
shandov
ermyex
posed
t
ummy
.
"
Wai
tdoy
ouhav
econdoms?
"Iasked
ashi
shandsf
iddl
edwi
thmyl
i
bia.
"
Arey
ouHI
Vposi
ti
veory
ougot
STI
s?"

Ishookmyhead.
"
No.
"
"
GoodbecauseIdon'
thav
ethem
ei
ther
."

Heki
ssedmyneckgoi
ngdownt
omy
l
eftbr
eastandt
onguedmyni
ppl
e.

"
BabeI
..
.I
m av
irgi
n."
Isai
d.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
Bewi
tched

#19
"
I'
m av
irgi
n,
"Isai
d.

Theembar
rassmentIgotf
rom hi
s
st
arewasnotf
athomabl
e.He
t
ouchedmycheeksof
tl
yandr
anhi
s
f
ingert
ipsdownmycheekl
i
ght
ly
t
il
ti
ngi
tsoIwasf
aci
nghi
m.How
i
nter
est
ingl
yhi
sli
pscur
vedi
ntoa
smi
l
e.

"
Theni
t'
swor
thwai
ti
ng,
twomont
hs
shoul
dn'
tbet
hatl
ongaker
e?"
hesai
d
andki
ssedmyf
orehead.
"
Twomont
hs,
"Iaskedconf
used.
Heki
ssedmet
ender
ly,
"Mmm i
ntwo
mont
hsI
'
llmakey
ouMr
sWr
ight
.
"
Oh?
arey
oupr
oposi
ng?
"
Hechor
tl
ed,
"nomonkeyI
'
mtel
l
ing
y
ou.Nowcomeher
e."

Hepul
l
edmet
othesof
aandhadme
si
tonhi
slap.

"
Ojel
eeng?
"heasked
"
Not
hingaker
eLer
uoor
der
ed
pi
neappl
epi
zza.NnaI
'
mtool
azyt
o
cookbutI
'
mli
kesuperhungr
yri
ght
now,
"Isai
drubbi
ngmyi
nnert
highs.
"
Isee,
"hi
sey
eswer
efi
xedonmy
hands,
"doy
oumast
urbat
e?"

It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m.

"
Doy
ou?
"Iaskedon.
"
Hel
angwhatki
ndofquest
ioni
s
t
hat
?"Isai
drhet
ori
cal
l
y.
"
Asi
mpl
equest
ion.Nkar
abe,
"hesai
d.
"
NoIdon'
tandIdoubtI
'
dev
erdot
hat
.
I
anbar
edoy
oumast
urbat
e.DoIl
ook
whoei
sh?
"
"
Aobabe,
noneedt
ogetof
fensi
ve
okay
.Iwasaski
ngbecauseIhav
e
beenl
ooki
ngaty
our
uby
our
sel
f
t
ender
lyf
orawhi
l
enow.Iher
esome
peopl
egetpr
ett
ytur
nedonbyi
t
and.
..
"
"
Yousi
cky
ouknowt
hat
,"
Ismi
l
edand
ki
ssedhi
sfor
ehead.
"
Yout
hink?Theny
ouhav
en'
tmetmy
si
bli
ngsandmom,
"hesai
d.
"
Ohy
ougotsi
bli
ngs?
"
"
Mmm agi
rl
,Anel
i
eshei
s27and
Joshhei
sthey
oungestandy
our
age,
"hesai
d.
"
Andwhati
smyage?
"
"
You?
"hesmi
l
ed,
"25.
"
"
Hav
eyoubeensnoopi
ngar
ound?
"
"
NoIj
ustknow,
onal
eengwhi
chI
canqui
ckl
yfi
xsot
haty
oueat
.Iwant
mywomanbul
ky?
"heasked.
"
Noddl
es,
"Isai
d.
"
Justt
hat
?"
"
Eeaker
eIhar
dlyf
indt
imet
ocook,
so
y
eah.
"
"
AndwhatdoesLer
uoeatebi
l
eler
e
hei
scomi
ngback?
"heenqui
red.
"
WhatIeat
,webuyt
akeaway
sko
basadi
ngbadi
j
okoGwest
i
ndust
ri
al,
"Isai
d.
"
Youj
oki
ngr
ight
?"

Ishookmyhead.

"
That
'sj
ustnotgood.Sowhenweget
mar
ri
edy
ouwi
l
lbeof
fer
ingme
t
akeaway
s?"
"
Wel
lno,
"Isai
d.
"
Ehemma,
wel
lmov
ingf
orwar
d.I
hav
eKFCathomeandsomef
ood
t
hatThabanghadcookedup.Shoul
d
wegoeatt
hat
?Pl
usIcan'
tsl
eep
t
her
eal
one,
"hesai
dhuggi
ngme
t
ight
ly.
"
Yousuf
fo.
.ca.
.t
ingme!
"

Hel
etl
oose.

"
Okayl
etmef
indsomet
hingt
owear
aker
eont
ir
il
emapeka,
"Isai
d
t
ouchi
ngmyshi
rtdr
esst
hathehad
r
ippedapar
t.
"
Don'
tbl
amemeIhadev
eryr
eason
t
odot
hat
,"
hewi
nked.

If
elthi
sint
ensegaz
eonmybut
tasI
cat
wal
kedov
ert
othebedr
oom.

"
I'
m abl
essedmanf
ucked!
"he
mut
ter
ed.

Atchur
ch,
Thabangcl
i
nchedhi
sfi
st
r
oll
i
ngont
hef
loorast
heot
her
congr
egant
spr
ayedf
orhi
m al
ong
wi
tht
hepast
or.
"
Fat
hery
ousai
datt
hement
ionof
y
ournameev
erynearshal
lbow.
Mi
ghtGodofgr
acemani
festy
our
f
ull
nessnow.Yousai
dcal
lmei
nthe
day
soft
roubl
eandIshal
lanswer
y
ou.Fat
herwesur
renderal
ltoy
ou.
Chi
l
dofGodbet
houl
oosedf
rom t
he
chai
nst
hathav
ebi
ndedy
ou,
for
what
everwel
ooseonear
thsoshal
li
t
bei
nheav
en.Rel
ease!Ber
eleased!I
n
JesusMi
ght
yname!
"t
hePast
or
pr
ayed.
Congr
egat
ion:
Amen.
"
Thanky
ouLor
dfory
our
f
ait
hful
ness,
"hesai
dbendi
ngdown
nearThabang.Thepast
or'
shand
r
est
edonThabang'
sshoul
der
.

"
Forwhom y
ousetf
reei
sfr
eei
ndeed.
Thabangst
andupmybr
other
."

Thabangl
ookedar
oundconf
used.He
qui
ckl
ygotupanddust
edhi
msel
f.
Embar
rassed,
het
ri
edt
orunaway
.

"
Don'
trunaway
,"
thepast
orsai
d
cal
mly
,"
comeher
e,Godhasf
avour
ed
y
ou.
"

Hehel
dThabangbyt
hehand.

"
Youar
efr
ee.Godi
sgoi
ngt
oli
fty
ou
up.Youhearme?
"

Thabangnodded.Thepr
otocol
guy
hel
dthemi
kebef
oreThabang.

"
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"thepast
or
asked.
"
Fine,
"hesai
d.
"
Doy
ouknowme?
"heasked.
"
No.
..
"

Thepr
otocol
guywhi
sper
edt
o
Thabang.

"
NomanofGodIdon'
tknow
y
ou,
"Thabangsai
d.
"
Evermetbef
ore?
"
"
Nosi
r!
"Thabanganswer
ed.

Thechur
chcheer
ed.
"
Itcanonl
ybeGod.Wai
tIsee
l
i
ke.
..
whati
sthi
s.Iseeawoman,
I
heart
heangel
scal
l
ingher
name.
..
(t
hought
ful
)"
het
henpr
ayedi
n
unknownt
ongues,
"YesDi
kel
edi
?You
knowher
?"
"
YesmanofGod,
shei
s..
."
"
Wasy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend.
"t
hepast
orcuti
n.
"
it
'st
rue,
"Thabangsai
d.
"
Whati
str
ue?
"thepast
orsai
d
der
isi
vel
y.
"
Dikel
edi
shewasmygi
rl
fr
iend.
"
Thepast
orpokedhi
mli
ght
lyont
he
shoul
derbl
ade.Hewant
edt
ospeak
somet
hingbutkeptqui
et.

"
Okay
,sayt
hanky
ouJesusI
'
m
del
i
ver
ed.
"
"
Thanky
ouJesusI
'
m
del
i
ver
ed.
"Thabangr
epeat
ed.
"
Seemeaf
terchur
ch,
"t
hepast
orsai
d
andmov
edont
othenex
tper
son.

Vi
nhel
dmyhandaswewal
kedt
ohi
s
mot
her
's.Theweat
herout
sidewas
ser
enewi
that
ouchofcool
breez
e.
Onl
yaf
ewst
arswer
evi
sibl
eandt
he
onl
yil
l
umi
nat
ionwegotwasf
rom t
he
f
ivest
reetl
i
ght
sthat
'swer
e
f
unct
ioni
ngont
heent
ir
est
reet
.

"
Soy
oumom?Wheni
sshecomi
ng?
"I
asked
"
Wel
lwi
thmom y
oul
dnev
erbet
oo
sur
eespeci
all
ywhenshei
swi
th
Anel
i
e.I
'
m ev
enmi
ssi
ngmypl
ace,
"he
sai
dlooki
ngi
ntospace.
"
Elegor
ekagobor
aset
seo'
rey
ou
mi
ssy
ourpl
acej
aana?
"
"
Nobabesbutmyhousei
smyhav
en
andy
oumybabeshoul
dcomest
ay
wi
thmeASAP.
"
"
Aft
ermar
ri
agebecausey
ouguy
s
hav
eat
endencyofnotmar
ryi
ngus
oncewest
artcohabi
ti
ng,
"Isai
d.

Heswangmear
oundandwr
apped
hi
shandsar
oundmywai
st.

"
Youshoul
dst
opcat
egor
izi
ngme
wi
thboTi
ntobabe.I
fIwant
edano
l
ongt
ermt
hingIwoul
dhav
eal
ready
sex
edy
ouandgone"
hesai
d.
"
Soy
out
ell
i
ngmet
haty
oudohi
tand
r
uns?
"Iaskedcur
iousl
y
"
DidIsayt
hat
?"
"
Noti
nsomanywor
dsy
es.So.
..
wher
eisy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?
"
"
I'
m hol
dingher
."

Ist
oppedmov
ingf
orci
nghi
mtost
op
si
ncehewasr
ightonmyheel
s.Hel
et
goandIt
urnedt
olookathi
m.
"
YouknowwhatImean.Oncesaw
y
ou,
wel
lnotoncemay
bet
hreet
imes
wi
tht
hisot
hergi
rlodar
kny
anal
e
l
hany
amot
sel
eng,
"Isai
d.
"
Ohher
!"
"
Yesher
."
"
Let
'sgeti
nsi
de.Sor
ejaeng?
"hesai
d
openi
ngt
hesmal
lgat
e.
"
Ser
iousl
yochenchat
opj
ustl
i
ke
t
hat
?"
"
Babeshei
snoti
mpor
tantand
shoul
dn'
tbeat
opi
ctodi
scuss.Shei
s
anobodyokay
"
"
Whati
fIwantt
oknow?Vi
nisshe
t
her
easonwhyy
oudel
ayi
ngsexwi
th
me?Ar
eyouguy
shi
tt
ingi
t?Or
aya
j
aangl
egoneo'
reshei
sanobody
.
Ev
ery
onei
ssomet
hing,
"Ipest
ered.
"
Jeal
ousydoesn'
tsui
tyouatal
lor
what
everi
tis.
"
"
Sokej
eal
ousnow?Howsweet
!Fi
ne
i
fyounott
ell
i
ngmeI
'
m goi
nghomeI
canseey
ouar
enotser
ious,
"Isai
d.

Hewat
chedmef
oramomentasI
wal
kedbackandr
unaf
terme.My
st
omachcaughtabut
ter
fl
yfeel
i
ngas
hegr
abbedmebyt
hewai
st.

"
Don'
tev
erwal
kawaywhenwest
il
l
t
alki
ng.Wegoi
ngi
nsi
det
he
house,
"hesai
dandl
i
ftedmeup.

Iki
ckedi
ntot
heai
randt
ri
edt
oal
i
ght
of
fhi
m butheov
erpower
edmeand
t
ookmei
nsi
de.Oncei
nsi
dehe
cl
osedt
hedoorwi
thhi
sheel
,l
ocked
i
tandputt
hekeyi
nthi
spocketst
il
l
car
ryi
ngme.Gent
lyhehadsatmeon
t
hecouchandwal
kedt
otheki
tchen.
Whenhecamebackhef
oundme
f
oldi
ngmyhandswi
thadi
sdai
nful
gr
imace.Heputt
het
rayont
hef
luf
fy
car
petandsatnex
ttomewi
thone
f
oott
uckedundert
het
highoft
he
f
ootr
est
ingont
hef
loor
.Imov
ed
backashel
eanedi
nforaki
ss.

"
Oir
ang?
"hesai
d.

Ikeptqui
et.

"
BabeweeIdon'
tl
ikemat
epenna.Si
t
downont
hecar
petr
ejesot
hatwe
bat
hear
lybef
oret
heel
ect
ri
cit
ycut
so
mogo1.
2.If
orgott
obuymot
lakase
andmycel
lphonebanki
ngy
agana.
"

Ikeptqui
et.

"
Okayf
inesi
ncey
ouadamantt
o
knowaboutherI
'
llt
ell
you.(
sighed)
Thatwoul
dbeCal
i
ciashewasmy
hi
ghschool
gir
lf
ri
end.Wedat
edf
or
13y
ear
s(Il
ookedathi
m)andbr
oke
upt
hreemont
hsback.
"
Iwasst
il
lqui
et.

Hel
aughedsof
tl
y,
"It
houghtwewoul
d
ev
ent
ual
l
ygetmar
ri
edbutt
urnsout
shehebeendat
ingawhi
teguyf
orsi
x
y
ear
sandt
heygotengagedataf
un
t
ri
pIsenthert
oinCapeTown.We
hadpl
edgedt
onothav
esexunt
il
mar
ri
agebutshewashav
ingsexwi
th
t
hiswhi
teguyf
ort
hesi
xyear
sthey
dat
ed.She.
..
shef
ell
pregnantr
ight
undermynoseandl
etmebel
i
eve
t
hosesi
gnswher
ebecauseofPMS.
Soonedayshecol
l
apsedwhi
l
ewe
wher
eatt
hemal
l
,It
henr
ushedhert
o
t
hehospi
tal
andt
hat
'swhenIl
ear
nt
ofev
ery
thi
ng.Mycol
l
eaguecameout
oft
het
estr
oom smi
l
ingand
congr
atul
ati
ngmebecause"
Iwas
goi
ngt
obeadaddy
,Cal
i
ciawast
wo
mont
hsl
ate.Sucksr
ight
?"

NowIf
eltbadf
orhav
ingt
roubl
edhi
m
per
sist
ent
lywi
thpet
tyannoy
ances.
Her
ubbedhi
sheadwhi
chwas
cov
eredwi
thcur
lyt
aper
edhai
r.

"
Buti
t'
sli
fei
thappenedandt
hef
act
t
hatshewasn'
tev
ent
hesl
i
ght
estbi
t
r
emor
sef
ulmademewonderi
fI'
d
ev
ergetawoman.Lov
ea
woman.
..
thenIsawy
ouamont
hint
o
myheal
i
ngpr
ocess.If
ell
att
ract
edt
o
y
ouandIpr
omi
sedmy
sel
fthatI
'
dget
y
ounomat
terwhat
.Ri
ghtnowy
our
pet
ti
nessi
sreal
l
yannoy
ingmeand
I
'
m aski
ngmy
sel
fifImadeami
stake
bygoi
ngaf
tery
ou.
"

Hi
swor
dsst
ungr
ighti
nthehear
t.I
swal
l
owedal
ump.
"
Tel
lmehav
eyouev
erbeenhur
t?"
"
Yeah.
..
Thabang,
hecheat
edonme
wi
thMmagweLer
uo.Iwasst
il
li
n
hi
ghschool
andhewasatt
he
uni
ver
sit
yitwasal
ongt
ime
r
elat
ionshi
ptoo.Iguesshegothor
ny
andwant
edt
oex
per
iencei
tal
landI
wasst
il
li
nschool
andr
efusedt
odo
i
tso.
..
"
"
Wai
tsoThabangandMmagwe
Ler
uo?
"
"
Yeahi
t'
sthatcompl
i
cat
ed.Imet
Mar
ti
nwhi
l
stl
ooki
ngf
ormanual
job.
Hehi
redmei
nst
ant
lyandt
hatdaywe
wentt
oPhi
kwef
rom Mmadi
nar
eand
metThabangandMmagweLer
uo
t
her
e.I
twast
hent
hatt
heycamet
o
knowgor
etheywer
ebot
hsuppor
ti
ng
t
hesamechi
l
d.Tur
nedoutMar
ti
n
wast
hedaddyandThabangki
l
led
herandwentt
ojai
l
.
"
Women!
"hesai
ddi
sdai
nful
l
y.
"
I'
m sor
ryInaggedy
ou,
I'
mjust
guar
dingmyhear
t.
"
"
Iunder
stand.Pl
usi
t'
sonl
yfai
r.Now
canweeat
?"

Ismi
l
ed,
sli
ddownandl
eaned
agai
nstt
hecouch.Hesatdownnex
t
t
omeandpi
ckedachi
ckenpi
eceand
mademeeati
t.

AtMmaMpho,
Otl
hewentov
erand
peekedt
hrought
henar
rowl
i
ne
bet
weent
hedoorandt
hef
ramet
o
MmaMpho'
sbedr
oom.Ther
ewas
cal
mnessar
ound.Howev
ershe
v
owednott
oent
ert
her
oom unt
il
Mumsyar
ri
ved.Shecheckedt
het
ime
agai
nandi
twashal
fanhourl
ater
.

"
Hel
l
o?"
"
AoMumsymma?
"sheweaned,
"what
i
staki
ngy
ousol
ong?
"
"
Nekel
emoj
azzni
ghtkoPhi
kwe.Re
t
olar
ail
wayl
i
ne,
"sheanswer
ed.
"
Ahkgakal
ajaana?
"Ot
lheweaned
somemor
e.
"
I'
ll
bet
her
einf
if
teenmi
nut
es.Igot
y
oumawanewane(
Igoty
ou
booz
e)f
ri
end!
"
"
Fot
sekei
thaganel
emonna!
"
Mumsyl
aughed,
"whaty
ouwanty
our
t
hokol
osi
tocomef
uckmeasear
ly
asnow.Kanababegat
wei
tcanhav
e
sexwi
thy
ouev
enwi
thy
ourcl
othes
on.Andt
hesnake.Gat
wet
hat
f
orbi
ddenr
oom hasagi
antsnake.Ke
sul
etodaykammer
uri
!"
shet
eased.
"
Mumsygaokgat
hei
j
a.I
thaganel
e."

Somet
hingt
ouchedOt
lheont
he
shoul
derl
i
ght
ly.Shet
urneddr
oppi
ng
herphomeandj
umpedst
art
led.Her
mout
hdr
iedup.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Sor
ryf
orl
atepostnet
wor
kya
mascom beengi
vi
ngmeahar
dti
me.
Bewi
tched

#20

Sheswal
l
owedhar
dandt
ookast
ep
back.Howonear
thdi
dhegeti
nsi
de
wi
tht
hehousel
ocked,
all
the
wi
ndowshadbur
glarr
einf
orces.She
t
ri
edt
omov
ebackagai
nbutf
ound
her
sel
fful
l
ypr
essedagai
nstt
hewal
l
.

"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"herhear
twas
beat
ingf
ast
"
Unf
azi
,
"hesmi
l
ed.
"
Eng?
"
"
Youhear
dmer
ight
,so?
"

Hel
i
ftedhi
shandt
otouchherf
ace.

"
Yay
!Don'
tyoudar
e!I
'
llscr
eam.
"

Themanmov
edcl
oser
,hewas
chocol
atedar
k.Theki
ndofmel
ani
n
gi
rl
swoul
ddr
ool
over
.Hi
steet
hand
ey
esspar
kledwhi
teandhewas
bey
ondhandsome.Beaut
if
ulwoul
d
bet
heper
fectwor
dtodef
ine.Ot
lhe
r
anherey
esdownhi
stopl
esschest
l
ust
ful
buthowev
erhi
swai
stgoi
ng
downl
eftherbey
ondt
err
if
ied.

Herey
esshi
mmer
edast
ear
sfi
l
led
t
hem.Theenor
moussnakel
i
ke
but
tonoft
hisst
rangerhadcur
ledup
andpar
tofi
twasf
lowi
ngt
othel
i
ving
ar
ea.Hemov
edi
nonOt
lhe.

"
Pleasedon'
thur
tme,
"shecr
ied.
"
Cal
lmeBabaandIpr
omi
sey
ouIwi
l
l
nothur
tyou,
"hesai
dsmi
l
ing.

Ot
lheswal
l
owedhar
dandhel
dher
handst
oget
hert
ight
ly.

"
Wil
lyoubemywi
fe?Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ou
ev
ery
thi
ngy
ouwant
.Al
lIneedi
sfor
y
out
osayy
es,
"hesai
d.

Shef
li
nchedashi
scol
dhandsr
an
smoot
hlyonherf
ace.Thet
ouchwas
somewhatwhatasnakeski
nagai
nst
t
hatofahumanwoul
dfeel
li
ke.
Atchur
ch,
Thabangwentt
oseet
he
past
oraf
tert
heser
vice.Thabanghad
wai
tedf
ort
wopeopl
etoseehi
m
bef
orehi
stur
ncame.Oneoft
he
pr
otocol
guy
sescor
tedhi
minsi
det
he
past
or'
sof
fi
ce.

"
Pleasebeseat
ed,
"t
hepast
orsai
d
sof
tl
y.

Thabangsatdownanx
iousofwhat
hewasgoi
ngt
obet
old.WasDi
kel
edi
hi
swi
fe?Thatwoul
dbet
hebest
newsev
er.Hehadhear
donsev
eral
i
nst
ancest
hatt
hispast
orsf
rom
pr
ophet
icmi
nist
ri
escoul
dev
ent
ell
y
ouwhowast
ogetmar
ri
edt
oyou
andst
affl
i
ket
hat
.Headj
ust
ed
hi
msel
fandl
ookedatt
hepast
or
cur
iousl
y.

"
Thabangr
ight
?"

Thabangnodded.

"
Mmm wel
laboutDi
kel
edi
now.
(pause)Howcomey
oudat
ed
y
ourcousi
n?"
thepast
orasked
l
eani
ngagai
nsthi
ssemi
recl
i
ned
chai
r.
"
Cousi
n?Di
kel
edi
isnotmycousi
n,
"
Thabangsai
dcomf
used.

Hewonder
edi
fitwasoneoft
hose
pr
opheci
esgonewr
ongmoment
s.

"
Oht
rustmeshei
s,y
ourmot
her
sar
e
si
ster
sbor
ntot
hesamemot
her
,"
he
ex
plai
ned
"
No,
"Thabangsai
d,"
mymot
herwas
t
heonl
ydaught
ergr
andmot
herhad.
"
"
SowasNchadi
,act
ual
l
yshewast
he
f
ir
stbor
ndaught
ert
oyour
gr
andmot
heraf
tery
ouruncl
e
Thebe,
"hesai
dfur
ther
.
"
Ah,
butt
hewaygr
andmot
herhat
ed
Nchadi
that
'sj
usthar
dto
bel
i
eve,
"Thabangsai
d.
"
Wel
li
tist
ruesoGodi
smaki
ngt
his
knownt
oyousot
haty
oumayst
op
f
ocusi
ngonget
ti
ngDi
kel
edi
back.
Shecannev
erbey
ourwi
fef
or
st
art
ersandi
t'
sonl
ygoody
ouhav
e
nev
eroncegoti
nti
mat
e."

Thabangl
ookeddown.

"
Yourwi
fei
scomi
ng.Shewi
l
lfi
l
lin
t
hisbi
gvoi
dDi
kel
edi
lef
tiny
ou.A
v
erydev
otewomanofGodandv
ery
muchf
orei
gnt
othi
sland.Asf
ory
our
cousi
nshewi
l
lgetmar
ri
edv
erysoon
i
fsheagr
eest
ododel
i
ver
anceor
el
set
hespi
ri
tofwi
tchcr
aftwi
l
lgett
o
her
.Ot
aiphi
thel
akgant
elel
eenea
di
ranotbecauseshechooset
obut
kagor
eot
habet
swe.
"Thepast
or
ex
plai
ned.
"
Whowi
l
lmar
ryher
?"Thabangasked
j
eal
ousyf
il
led.
Thepast
orsmi
l
ed,
"al
lIknowi
sthe
guyi
sal
readyapar
tofherl
i
feand
l
ovesherdear
ly.
"

Theyt
alkedagai
nforawhi
l
eabout
Thabang'
sli
feandt
hepast
ormade
ar
ragmemt
sforhi
mtogoand
t
empor
ari
l
yst
ayatt
hemi
ssi
onhouse
whi
l
ehesoughtt
ogetbackonhi
s
f
eet
.Al
sot
heyagr
eedt
hati
twoul
d
beagoodpl
acef
orhi
mto"
fi
nishhi
s
del
i
ver
ance"andst
arthi
sjour
ney
wi
thGod.

*
**
Icur
ledupi
nhi
sar
msaf
terbat
hing.
Hemov
edawayf
rom meandl
i
tthe
pr
oject
orandscr
oll
edt
hrougha
ser
iesofmov
iesi
nhi
slapt
opt
ryi
ng
t
ofi
gur
eoutwhi
chonet
opl
ay.

"
Whatdoy
ouf
eel
li
kewat
chi
ng?
"he
askedbi
ti
nghi
sli
p.
"
Any
thi
ngasl
ongasi
t'
snotabout
Vi
etnamesewar
sort
oomuchact
ion.
Pl
easenof
astandf
uri
ouskakopa.
"
"
Basadi
kagobor
a.Nx
...
Ihav
emy
Zul
uweddi
ng,
"hesai
d.
"
Yesy
espl
easekanaIhadwant
edt
o
goseei
twheni
tpr
emi
eredbutI
coul
dn'
tbecauseofex
ams,
"Isai
d
ex
cit
edl
y,on.
a.l
eyone?
"

Hesmi
rked.

"
It
hel
aokar
eonnanahel
awena
babe,
okayZul
uweddi
ngi
tist
hen.I
hopeIwon'
tsl
eept
hrought
hisone.
Nnat
otakemot
hol
ethr
il
ler
.Bo
wr
ongt
urnj
aana.Sex
ythi
ngs
ngwanaka,
"hesai
dpl
ayi
ngt
hemov
ie
Ichoose.

Hecamebackandl
eanedagai
nstt
he
headboar
dandmademer
est
comf
ort
abl
yonhi
schest
.If
eltaki
ss
onmyf
oreheadandsmi
l
ed.

"
Ilov
eyou,
"hesai
dincr
easi
ngt
he
v
olume.
It
hensqueez
edhi
shandgent
ly
r
eaf
fi
rmi
ngt
hef
eel
i
ngt
hatwas
mut
ual
.

*
**
Kel
etsospewoutmor
eoft
he
gr
eeni
shsubst
ancei
nsi
det
hebucket
.
Shehel
dherwai
standwi
pedher
mout
hbutshef
eltt
hebi
l
ebui
l
dup
agai
nandbenti
ntot
hebucket
.Al
ess
gr
eeni
shsubst
ancecameoutasshe
t
hrewupf
ort
hef
our
tht
ime.She
shookherheadassher
etr
iev
edmor
e
oft
hephl
egm f
rom hermout
hand
pur
ged.Mor
uti
wal
kedi
nandgav
e
herabot
tl
eofwat
ert
ofl
oss.

"
Erengcl
eansi
ngmongwanengwa
phut
hego?
"het
eased.
"
Don'
tst
arti
j
a,"
shel
aughed,
"ManI
al
mostwentnx
ust
ru.I
magi
nebei
ng
i
nHades.
..
Iwenti
ntot
hel
andoft
he
deadkor
eIwasdeadpl
ainpl
ain.
WhenIsawmamagonekef
aker
e
"
kesul
e!"mopel
ong.
"
"
Itwasn'
tyett
ime.Justbegr
eat
ful
becausey
ourancest
orsst
oodbyy
ou.
Sohowar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
"
"
Hungr
y,canIcal
lmysi
stert
obr
ing
mesomet
hingj
ustf
ort
odayka
kopa?
"shebegged.
"
Iwoul
dn'
tbedoi
ngy
ouj
ust
ice
may
beaf
terday3.I
'
llbr
ingy
our
por
ri
dgej
ustnow.Bat
handuset
he
whi
tecandl
esI
'
llbeout
side,
wil
lcal
l
MmaThembi
tocomesi
tinwi
thy
ou.
"
"
I'
m okayMor
uti
plusI
'
m sur
e
MmaThembi
isbusywi
tht
heschool
pr
epar
ati
onsf
orboThembi
."
"
Thembi
nkosi
isol
denought
odo
t
hatf
orbot
hhi
m andBl
essi
ng.You
knowhowcompl
i
cat
edt
hewat
eri
s
andwi
tht
hemaj
orspi
ri
tyouf
ight
ing
wi
thf
rom t
hez
uluwat
ers.Andt
hen
t
hosef
rom Li
mpopo!Iwonderwhat
y
ougr
andmot
herwasl
ooki
ngf
or
honest
ly.
"
"
Weal
thobv
iousl
yandshehasi
tal
l
.
Nowt
hepr
obl
em i
sshehaski
l
ledal
l
herdaught
ersdr
eadf
ull
y.Kanamma
Thabanggotbr
utal
l
ymut
il
atedand
t
henmot
her
.Iwonderf
ort
het
wo
mal
echi
l
drenwhoar
elef
t.
"
"
Sheei
therwant
edweal
thorbaby
gi
rl
s.Thesnakey
onai
samal
eandi
s
onl
yaf
terf
emal
es,
"Mor
uti
expl
ained.
"
ButThabangi
s..
."
"
Hei
sherbel
oved,
theev
ilpower
s
usedhi
m asex
change-
touknow,
to
t
ryandgetwhatt
heywant
edf
rom
her
,whi
chi
syoursi
ster
.Lel
ucky
becausey
ourancest
orsar
efi
ght
ing
f
ory
ouguy
sifnotahmyf
ri
end!
"

Kel
etsoshookherhead.

"
IwonderhowOt
lhest
aysi
nthat
house?
"shesai
d.
"
Otl
he?
"
"
Thi
sot
hergi
rlshewasmyseni
ori
n
j
uni
orschool
butf
ail
edherf
ormt
hree.
Isawacoupl
eofphot
osofhert
her
e
andmadeenqui
ri
esf
rom oneofmy
ol
dfr
iendsshet
hent
oldmeOt
lhe
wast
hemai
d,"
Kel
etsonar
ated.
"
Seei
fyouhav
enocov
eri
ngy
oucan
st
ayi
nthesamehousewi
thev
iland
nev
erknow.Thi
sOt
lhe.
..
"

Bef
orehef
ini
shedspeaki
ngKel
etso
wasi
ntr
ance.Mor
uti
qui
ckl
yread
t
hroughi
tandwr
appedherhands
wi
tht
her
osar
y.Kel
etsobegan
maki
ngi
ncar
nat
ions.

I
nherownspaceshi
pshesawv
oid
butt
hisv
oidwasdar
kbey
ondany
dar
knessshehadseen.Mor
eli
ke
dar
knessmul
ti
pli
edat
ent
housand
f
olds.Thehai
rst
randsofherneck
st
ood,
shegotgoosebumpsandher
ey
esmetwi
tht
hecr
imsoney
esof
t
hehi
deouscr
eat
ure.

Ast
hesi
ngl
edhor
nsnakemov
edshe
coul
dseer
aysofl
i
ghtshi
mmer
ingat
t
hef
ardi
stance.Notenoughhowev
er
t
oli
ghtup.Shesomehowf
eltOt
lhe'
s
pr
esencedespi
tet
hef
actt
hatshedi
d
notseeher
.Hersi
xthsensewas
act
ivat
ed.

Thesnakehi
ssedchar
gingt
owar
ds
herswi
ft
lyandi
t'
sheadt
ransf
ormed
asi
tnear
edheri
ntoadar
k
handsomey
oungf
ell
a.Ther
ewasa
l
i
ght
ermar
konhi
sfor
eheadpr
obabl
y
wher
ethehor
nst
ood.Hi
sbeaut
y
gr
eat
lycapt
ivat
edherey
esbuther
spi
ri
tref
usedt
hel
ustherhear
tbor
e.
"
Leti
tnotent
icey
ou!
"Mor
uti
'
svoi
ce
echoed.

Shespokei
nherhear
t,
"buthow
Mor
uti
I'
m sway
edal
ready
!hei
sa
st
unner
!"
"
Kel
etsobol
ayakel
etsoy
a
nama(
Kel
etsoki
l
lthel
ustoft
he
f
lesh)
.Youar
est
rongert
hanhi
m
don'
tl
ethi
mfoxy
oui
ntobel
i
evi
ng
any
thi
nghesay
s."

Thesnakemansmi
l
edandt
ri
edt
o
t
ouchherhandbutt
her
osar
ybur
nt
hi
m.Kel
etsowat
chedashet
ook
backhi
sscal
efl
akedhand.Thebur
n
wasdeepal
thought
her
osar
yhadnot
f
ull
ycomei
ncont
actwi
thhi
m.
Kel
etsowat
chedast
hewoundj
oint
backl
eav
inghi
m scar
efr
ee.

"
Myqueen,
"hesmi
l
ed.
"
Getbehi
ndmeSat
an!
"
"
Oht
rustmeSat
ani
smuchmor
e
gl
ori
oust
hanI
.I'
m butachi
poft
he
ol
dbl
ock,
"t
hesnakesai
dfl
i
rti
ng.
"
Don'
tconv
ersewi
thadev
il
chi
l
d!"
Mor
uti
'
svoi
ceechoed.

"
Don'
tl
ist
ent
ohi
m!"t
hesnake
t
hunder
ed.

*
**
Ot
lhewat
chedonasmor
eoft
he
snake'
stai
luncoi
l
ed,
it'
sfacewent
outofsi
ght
.Shecoul
dhearaudi
bly
v
oicef
rom adi
stancebutcoul
dmake
outwhat
everwasbei
ngsai
d.Her
phoner
angf
rom t
hef
loorandshe
l
ookeddown.Mumsywascal
l
ingshe
l
ookedupt
oseei
fthesnakewas
al
ertonl
ytof
indi
thadv
ani
shed.She
swal
l
owedachunkt
hathadf
ormed
i
nhert
hroatandqui
clypi
ckedupher
phone.

"
Hel
l
o!"
sheanswer
edt
err
if
ied.
"
Masepannaebi
l
eket
ogake
t
samay
a.Ihav
ebeenknocki
ngsi
nce
f
orev
er,
"Mumsycur
sed.
"
Keet
a.Justdon'
thangup.
"Ot
lhe
begged.
"
Wany
eladoIl
ookl
i
keImanuf
act
ure
ai
rt
ime?
Gol
omoi
snotBual
ennaor
Tal
kmor
e!"
Mumsycl
i
ckedhert
ongue.

ShehangupandOt
lhet
ri
edt
ohur
ry
t
othedoorbutherwonkyf
eetcoul
d
notcar
ryher
.Shest
ruggl
edwi
tht
he
doorandev
ent
ual
l
ymanagedt
oopen
upaf
terami
niwhi
l
e.

"
Andt
henwena?Ekar
eomot
hoa
t
swabol
oingj
ana,
"Mumsyt
eased.

Ot
lhesmi
l
edf
orcef
ull
y.
"
Ij
otshwar
ayanamma,
"shesai
d
gi
vi
ngMumsyacanofci
der
.

Ot
lhe'
shandswer
eshakyandt
hecan
f
eel
from hersl
ashi
ngt
heal
cohol
on
t
hei
rfeet
.Mumsyj
umpedav
oidi
ng
mor
eoft
hel
i
qui
redt
ospi
l
lherwhi
te
conv
ersesneaker
s.

"
Basadi
!"
Mumsyex
clai
med.
"
Eishsor
ryt
lhemma,
"Ot
lhesai
d.
"
Kant
ewhat
'swr
ong?
"Mumsy
enqui
red.
"
Idon'
tknowt
sal
ayamebutwhatI
knowi
sthi
sismyl
astni
ghther
e.Get
i
nkegobol
ell
e."
"
Oboor
eng?Whyi
nst
igat
efr
ighti
n
mekanat
hispl
acehassomany
spookyst
ori
esat
tachedt
oital
ready
.
Nnammai
fit
'st
hati
sthecasedon'
t
t
ell
mebecauseIneedt
heP800
Ri
char
dewal
l
etedmel
egonei
al
readyspentp200mot
engget
ti
ng
usj
wal
a.Sopl
easef
ri
endspar
eme
t
hedet
ail
s.Toni
ghtt
hisf
ucken
t
hokol
osi
canr
apemef
oral
lIcar
e
P800oneday
?MosegapeIhadsex
l
eRamsgat
weei
l
amat
swapo.
"
"
Buti
sitr
eal
thoughImeant
hokol
osi
?
Orkemi
ndsetwar
onamaAf
ri
ka?
"

Mumsywal
kedi
nandcl
osedt
he
doorbehi
nd.

"
Mindsetmyf
oot
,monnat
hist
hings
ar
eev
ent
her
eint
heSt
ates.Di
z
ombi
ekanaar
ethokol
osi
'
swhi
ch
wentt
opr
ivat
eschool
.Remember
t
hatsoap(
cli
ckedherf
inger
str
yingt
o
r
emember
)mx
m gat
weng.
..
gat
we
mang?
YaboTabi
thal
eShar
iden.
"
"
Passi
ons?
"Ot
lheasked.
"
Ehemme!Thatmpopi
wa
Tabi
tha.
..
Timmyandt
heKay
r
emembershet
urnedChar
it
yint
oa
mat
hol
wane(
zombi
)?Ot
lheboHar
ry
Pot
terandTwi
l
ightt
hingsdohappen
i
nreal
li
fe.Justt
hati
t'
stoospi
ri
tual
andi
fyounoti
ntouchwi
tht
he
spi
ri
tual
youwoul
dnev
erknowsuch
my
ster
ies.Nowwheni
tcomest
ojuj
u
Af
ri
cai
shomemonnahael
eNi
ger
ia.
(
Sippedheral
cohol
)Ni
ger
iake
headquar
ter
s,Egy
pt,
koboJul
i
us
Mal
emaj
ustgot
oDur
ban.
..
Limpopo
y
oh!Mal
awi
,Zi
mtot
o,Zambi
a,
Mmadi
nar
ekanakemi
nihead
quar
teraf
tert
hewhol
eofNi
ger
ia.
Woul
dn'
tbesur
pri
sedi
fLet
sibogo
wast
hef
ount
ainofwi
tchcr
aftmo
BW,
"Mumsysai
d.

Ot
lhechuckl
edbutshest
il
lcoul
dnot
shakeof
ftheencount
erwi
tht
he
snakeman.

"
Sot
ell
me,
"shel
ookedatt
hef
oyeras
i
fex
pect
ingMmaMphot
oappear
,"
ka
t
hisonei
ssher
eal
l
yint
oit
?"
"
Wel
l
!"Mumsydr
ewcl
osert
oOt
lhe
andl
ower
edherv
oice,
"Okae(
wher
e
i
sshe?
)?"

Ot
lhesi
gnal
l
edt
hatshewassl
eepi
ng.
Mumsyspokest
il
ll
owt
oned,
"Iknow
shei
sint
oit
.Kor
ethatoneIdon'
t
ur
gewi
thany
one.RememberhowI
l
i
kedcomi
ngher
eret
senako
Mmadi
nar
eSchool
?"

Ot
lhenoddedr
epeat
edl
y.

"
Mmm.
..
sool
adyy
e(MmaMpho)had
t
hisr
oom.Wel
li
t'
sst
il
lther
e-y
a
r
ant
afol
e.Ev
erymor
ningshewoul
d
makeusputabowl
off
reshwat
erat
t
heent
ranceandwoul
dwar
neachof
usi
ndi
vi
dual
l
ygot
wer
esekar
a
t
shamekel
ahat
engort
ryopeni
ng
t
hedoor
.Sheusedt
obear
ainmaker
andwoul
dtel
lev
eryonet
hatt
he
housewasf
ort
hatpur
posesi
nce
t
heycoul
dn'
tgot
oNgwal
e.Any
way
s
f
astf
orwar
dtowhenweal
lst
art
ed
school
,nnal
eboMasa.Shewoul
d
l
i
ter
all
yfor
ceust
osl
eeponl
yinour
under
wearandnotkeept
hel
i
ght
son
whenwesl
ept
.Thedoort
othe
bedr
oom wast
obel
eftopen.Atni
ne
y
ear
sIhady
eastl
i
kedi
schar
ges
comi
ngoutf
rom mypunanakant
e
kae!Thokol
osi
eiki
namor
ona,
went
onf
orsev
enmor
eyear
s.ForMma
Thabangt
odi
eshehadi
nvi
teda
cer
tai
nchur
cht
ocomer
emov
ethe
t
hokol
osi
butt
heMondayl
eadi
ngt
o
t
heweekendt
hecer
emonywast
obe
hel
dshewentmi
ssi
ng.MmaMpho
t
hent
oldpeopl
ethatt
hecer
emony
shoul
dnotgot
hroughandasear
ch
par
tybeor
gani
sedi
nst
ead.Bapor
ofi
ti
spokeebeeket
etheyar
emocki
ng
her
.Shewast
heonespearheadi
ng
ev
ery
thi
ngkant
esgogosej
ele
ngwana,
shewasdi
scov
eredwi
thout
hert
ongueandpr
ivat
epar
ts
mut
il
atedhel
akoSampoanekwa.
"

Ot
lhe'
sent
ir
ebei
ngwascov
eredi
n
goosebumps.Shel
ookedar
ound
scar
ed.

"
Hmmm i
j
aal
mostf
orgott
hisone.
Aboutsev
eny
ear
sbackshecamet
o
v
isi
tpapaer
il
eat
shwanet
sego
pagamat
hev
eranda,
pot
okodown!
Uhumagetdownsgogo!Nnal
e
mamawear
eseat
edatt
het
ree
l
aughi
ngbecauseLesanghad
anoi
ntedt
hepl
acewi
thj
ustt
apwat
er
andwast
oldatchur
chgor
eanol
d
l
adywoul
dcomei
ndi
sgui
seasa
v
isi
torbutwoul
dnotmanaget
o
cl
i
mbt
hev
eranda.MmaMphogot
up,
tri
edt
ocl
i
mbupagai
n.I
magi
ne
hel
agor
eLex
yer
il
eal
e11mont
hs
shecoul
dal
i
ghtof
fthest
oopasa
i
tshwar
ell
a.Mmaagoene?Poo!agai
n
ont
hegr
ound.Shet
hendust
ed
her
sel
fagai
nandt
hatwast
hel
ast
shecamet
ooury
ard.
"
Ot
lhecl
appedherhandsawest
ri
cken
byt
henar
rat
ion.

"
EvennowI
'
m sur
egor
eshecan
f
reel
ymov
ewhenshewant
sev
en
t
houghdur
ingt
hedayshe
can'
t.
"Mumsyadded.

Tr
yingt
ost
aycal
m,herst
ateoft
err
or
i
ncr
easedassher
emember
edt
he
t
imeshef
oundherf
oami
ngont
he
f
loor
.Shehel
dherbr
eat
handt
ri
edas
muchnott
othi
nkabouti
torwhat
Mumsyj
ustt
oldher
.
"
Spoko!
"Mumsyst
art
ledOt
lhe

Ot
lhej
umpedasMumsy
'sway
war
d
behav
iourt
hrewheri
nanut
terst
ate
ofi
ntensef
ear
.Mumsyl
aughed
l
ooki
ngatt
hef
ri
ghti
nherf
ri
end'
s
ey
es.

"
Olechwegawena(
yousucha
cowar
d)!
"shel
aughedsomemor
e.
"
Mxmi
t'
snotf
unny
,"
Otl
hesai
d
annoy
ed.
"
Oht
rustmei
tis,
shoul
dhav
eseen
y
ourf
ace.(
Shest
oodup)
Ist
her
ea
t
oil
etpaperi
nsi
det
he
bat
hroom?
"Mumsyasked.

Ot
lhej
ustr
oll
edherey
esi
rr
it
ated.

"
Aof
ri
endz
one!
"shet
easedandOt
lhe
smi
l
ed,
"wabonaaker
e.Sebokol
odi
sakabanna!Kanay
oursmi
l
emakes
mehor
nysuper
.Esengmol
egabo
guyel
eyakoSeni
oreng.Mx
m monna
t
hatguygoi
pokabutl
ethekadol
olo.
I
thel
aat
obel
etsamycl
i
tsl
i
kehei
s
changi
ngt
her
adi
ost
ati
onse
anal
ogue.Tsk!
"

Thebot
hbur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

*
**

Kel
etsobl
i
nkedsomemor
ewat
chi
ng
t
hescener
y.Acl
earpi
ctur
eoft
he
day
'sr
evi
ewpl
ayedont
hemi
rr
ort
hat
hadappear
ed.Themi
rr
orwast
he
samei
fnotsi
mil
art
oonei
nMma
Mpho'
ssecr
etr
oom .I
tpl
ayedf
rom
t
het
imeIl
efthert
hatmor
ningt
othe
t
imeIwaswi
thMar
ti
natt
hehouse
huggi
nghi
m.Shewat
chedonqui
etl
y
andat
tent
ivel
y.

"
Ilov
eyou.
..
"mywor
dsechoeda
count
lesst
imes.

At
eari
nvol
unt
ari
l
ysl
i
ddownherf
ace
ast
hemi
rr
orwentbl
ank.Shesawa
r
efl
ect
ionofher
sel
f,asadf
ace.

"
Kel
etsoi
t'
sat
rap!
"Mor
uti
'
svoi
ce
soundedi
nherhear
t.
"
It
snot
,Ij
ustwant
edy
out
oseewhat
ki
ndofaper
sony
ouar
efi
ght
ingand
r
iski
ngy
ourl
i
fef
or.Shecar
esonl
y
abouther
sel
f;Iknowy
ouknowt
hat
."

I
tthenf
astf
orwar
dedt
othet
ime
Mar
ti
nandLer
uol
eft
.

"
Babymama?
"
"
Andst
opcal
l
ingmet
hat
!"
"
Whataker
emmey
ouar
emybaby
mama,
"het
eased.
"
Mxm.Tel
lmewhyIhadt
omot
her
y
ourchi
l
dov
erl
ooki
ngal
lthe
i
ntel
l
igentpeopl
ear
ound?
"
"
AskGodandLer
uonnammaIdon'
t
knowbecauseoganneker
inaj
am
aker
e,"
hel
aughed.

Anot
hert
earf
ell
downf
rom herey
e
andt
ookami
l
etot
ouchdown.I
t
st
ir
redupgr
eatwi
ndsandt
hesnake
manl
aughedhi
deousl
yast
her
osar
y
beadsshut
ter
edt
othef
loor
.
Kel
etso'
ssi
ngl
escr
eam cr
ackedt
he
mi
rr
orasIappear
edsmi
l
ing.
*
**

Vi
nswi
tchedof
fthescr
eenasIwas
deepconcent
rat
ing.

"
Babe!
"Icr
ied.
"
I'
mjeal
ousy
oucan'
tbegi
vi
nga
mov
ieal
ltheat
tent
ion.You'
l
lfi
nishi
t
t
omor
row,
"hesai
danddr
ewmei
n.
"
Butbabet
hat
'snotf
air
!"
"
Ohr
eal
l
y?Wel
lkehar
dy,
"hespoke
sof
tl
yget
ti
ngont
opofme,
"becauseI
comef
ir
standIwon'
tshar
ingmy
t
imewi
thnosl
ushymov
ie.
"

Heki
ssedmyneckandmov
edonme
r
hyt
hmi
cal
l
y.

"
BabeI
..
."
"
Shhhh,
"hewhi
sper
ed.
"
Fucky
ou.
..
youmaki
ngme.
..super
..
.
babes.
..
top!
"

Myhear
twasbeat
ingf
ast
.Att
he
pacemysex
ual
arousal
gaugewas
r
isi
ngatIwascer
tai
nthatasi
ngl
e
t
oucht
omygeni
tal
i
awoul
dhav
eme
ex
plodi
ng.Il
i
stenedt
othei
naudi
ble
songt
hatpl
ayedatt
hebackofmy
head,
aper
fectl
ovesongj
ustgui
tar
st
ri
ngs,
nowor
dssangnoot
her
i
nst
rumentei
ther
.Itwasper
fect
.I
shutmyey
esandi
magi
nedour
bodi
esent
angl
edt
oget
hernaked.

At
hunder
oussoundofshut
ter
ing
gl
asseshadusbot
hlookupi
nshock.

"
Babe?
"Isai
d.
Vi
nswi
tchedont
hesi
del
amp.My
j
awsdr
opped.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

I
'
m sur
eyal
l
sti
redofmyex
cuses.
Howev
erI
'
llkeeponmaki
ngt
hem .
Okayi
naser
iousnot
ethoughkei
ri
sa
net
wor
kyamascom andt
heycutme
of
fkapel
aaspert
hei
rdai
l
ydat
a
usagel
i
mitwhi
cht
henf
orcesmet
o
wakeupaf
ter12mi
dni
ghtt
opost
.
Whoev
ercanhel
pkaai
rt
imey
a
or
angesoIsubscr
ibef
orbot
hmy
SI
M car
dswoul
dbeaher
oorher
oine.
Icoul
duset
hatf
orconv
eni
ence
pur
poses.Thanky
ou.

Si
gned:
Emel
dahRebeccaMogae
Bewi
tched

#21

Wel
ookedonast
hecr
ackedmi
rr
or
pi
ecesshut
ter
edont
hef
loor
.The
si
del
ampVi
nhadl
i
tal
sospl
att
ered
l
eav
ingt
heent
ir
eroom dar
k.Br
avel
yI
hadgot
tenof
fbedandVi
nfol
l
owed
behi
nd.Ist
oppedandhebumpedon
mest
art
li
ngbot
hofus.

"
Shi
t,
"hewhi
sper
ed
"
Fuck!
"Icr
ied.
"
Shhh,
"hewhi
sper
edwi
thhi
shand
ov
ermymout
h.
"
I'
m scar
ed,
"Isai
d.
Hehel
dmyhandaswewal
kedoutof
t
hedar
kbedr
oom.Wet
henr
eal
i
sed
t
hatent
ir
ehousewasdar
kaswe
wal
kedi
ntot
hehal
lway
.

"
Wat
chy
ourst
ep,
"Vi
nwhi
sper
edas
wer
eachedt
hest
air
case.

Ist
umbl
edonacoupl
eoft
imesgoi
ng
downt
hest
air
sbuthewast
her
eto
cat
chmesi
ncehewasmor
efami
l
iar
wi
tht
hest
air
case.
"
Hol
dther
ail
soy
oudon'
tfal
l
,"he
whi
sper
ed.

Oncedownst
air
shel
eadmeoutt
o
t
hest
udy
.Despi
tehi
m hav
ingt
oldme
t
osi
tdownIf
oll
owedhi
m ar
oundas
hesear
chedt
hrought
hedr
awer
s.

"
Fucki
t'
snotwor
king,
"hesai
dput
ti
ng
backt
het
ouchwhi
chhehadt
ri
edt
o
l
i
ghtacoupl
eoft
imes.
"
Let
'sgoout
side,
"Iwhi
sper
ed,
"wa
bonaaker
egor
ethi
shousei
sthe
onl
yonet
hati
sdar
k.Wecan'
tj
ust
st
ayi
nthedar
k."
"
Butt
hekey
sar
eupst
air
s,i
doubtI
'
d
ev
enf
indt
hespar
edownher
e.Onl
y
mom andJonnyknowwher
ethey
keepi
t.
"
"
Cal
lMor
uti
ee!Kant
eoemet
se
eng?
Yout
hinkt
hisi
sfunny
?"
"
Babes!Idi
dn'
ttakeany
thi
ngwhen
wecamedown.Myphonei
supst
air
s,
wedon'
thav
eal
andl
i
ne.Kanamma
l
egal
eyouhav
eyourphone?
(Ikept
qui
et)
exact
ly.
"

Icoul
dfeel
theagi
tat
ioni
nhi
svoi
ce
ashespoke.Hei
sthemanheshoul
d
hav
efi
gur
edouthowwewer
egoi
ng
t
ogetoutoft
hehouse.I
t'
sso
annoy
ingt
rustme.I
'
m Iannoy
ing?No
Iwasj
ustbei
ngawoman.

"
Butwhydi
dyoul
eav
ebot
hyour
phoneandt
hekey
s?"
Iasked.
"
Youknowwhat
!(
sighed)
"
Hewasl
i
ter
all
yatt
hev
ergeofr
age.
"
BonaI
'
llgoupandgett
hekey
syou
st
aybehi
ndbecausey
oukeepon
f
reaki
ngmeout
,"
hesai
dheadi
ngt
o
t
hedoor
.
"
Ohhel
lno,
wal
wal
aobat
akesal
e
kehar
asi
wakebomat
hol
waneba
nt
loy
alona?
"Isai
dtai
l
inghi
m.

Hest
oppedwal
ki
ngandt
urned
ar
ound.Icoul
dseehi
sey
esshi
mmer
undert
hel
i
ttl
erayl
i
ghtf
rom t
he
st
reett
ower
.

"
Cany
ouj
ustl
i
stent
omef
oroncel
e
gonewhyonear
thdoy
out
hinkwe
hav
ethoset
hingsher
e?Ihav
enev
er
seenanyoft
hisi
nmyent
ir
eli
fe,
wel
l
notunt
ilImety
ousoskabat
ago
nt
ena.
"
"
Uhuebi
l
ekagot
ena?
"Isai
dwi
tha
squeakyannoy
ingt
one.

Henar
rowedhi
sey
esandopenedhi
s
mout
htospeakbutsomet
hing
t
oppl
edabunchoft
rophi
esof
fthei
r
ai
sle.Ihi
dbehi
ndhi
m andhehel
dme
wi
thbot
hhi
shandsbehi
nd.

"
Arey
ouOkay
?"hewhi
sper
ed.

Imadeanodwi
thmyheadbur
iedi
n
hi
sback.Anot
hersoundmademe
j
umpandaswi
ftwi
ndbl
ewi
n
pr
opel
l
ingt
hepagesoft
hebookt
hat
hadbeenl
eftopenont
het
abl
etop.I
cl
angev
enmor
eti
ght
lyt
ohi
m.He
swal
l
owedt
hebi
glumpt
hathadbui
l
t
upathi
sthr
oat
.

"
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"hesai
dcat
chi
ng
hi
sbr
eat
h

Isl
owl
yopenedoneey
eand
what
evermi
nit
ornadohadhi
tthe
r
oom madeanent
ir
emessoft
he
st
udyr
oom.

*
**

Ot
lhepul
l
edt
hef
leeceuponMma
Mphoandqui
ckl
ywal
kedoutoft
he
r
oom t
hatf
eltsospooky
.Shef
ound
Mumsyont
heki
tchengr
il
li
ngsome
boer
wor
s.

"
Negobat
il
ephal
echeny
anawa
bonaf
ri
end,
"Mumsysai
dremov
ing
t
hepl
atef
rom t
hemi
crowav
e.
Thear
omaf
il
ledupt
her
oom.

"
Utwahel
ayakaenkga
monat
jana.
..
(si
ngi
ng)
Monat
e
mpol
ae!
"
Ot
lhel
aughed,
"ser
engser
okomo
ngwaneng?
"
Bot
h:Monat
empol
ae!

Thewal
kedoutt
othel
i
vingar
ea
l
aughi
ng.
*
**

Ani
rr
it
ati
ngbr
eez
efi
l
ledupMar
ti
n'
s
bedr
oom.Al
i
ttl
edi
scomf
ortbegant
o
bui
l
dupcausi
nghi
m mor
eir
ri
tat
ion.
Towor
sent
hescenar
ioacoupl
eof
bat
sbeganmaki
ngnoi
sei
nthe
cei
l
ing.Hegotupandr
eachedf
orhi
s
gol
fst
ickwhi
chhet
henusedt
opoke
t
hecei
l
ingwi
thwhi
l
ecl
i
mbi
ngont
he
bedt
oreachup.I
ncompr
ehensi
vel
y
t
hebedshookandhef
ell
downon
t
hef
loorsl
i
ght
lyi
njur
inghi
slef
thand.
"
Uhu?
"

Het
ri
edt
ogetupbutsomet
hingf
ell
heav
il
yuponhi
m pr
essi
nghi
m down.

"
Kant
ejaanongwhat
's.
..
"

Asl
apont
hef
acewasenought
o
si
l
encehi
m.Hedev
eloped
goosebumpswhi
chsentt
hehai
r
st
randsatt
hebackofhi
sneck
st
andi
ng.
I
n-as-
muchashet
ri
edt
owi
ggl
e
hi
msel
ffr
om t
hesuppr
essi
onhewas
underamor
ewei
ghtwasaddedon
t
op.Hef
inal
l
ygav
einandst
opped
f
ight
ing.

"
Goodboy
,"
thev
oiceechoed.
"
Masego?
"
"
Heybabydaddy
,"
thev
oicesai
dasi
f
t
heownerwaspaci
ngar
oundt
he
r
oom.

Heswal
l
owedhar
dandsatupashe
r
eal
i
zedt
hatt
hewei
ghtont
opofhi
m
hadbeenl
i
ftedof
f.

"
Sot
ell
me,
youmademysonf
orget
mesot
hathecal
l
syourl
i
ttl
etr
amp
mama?
"shesai
d.
"
WakeupMar
ti
n.Thi
sisj
ustadr
eam
Mar
ti
n.Justadr
eam!Justa
ni
ght
mar
e!"

Anot
hersl
ap.

"
Don'
tdar
einsul
tmypower
s!"
she
r
aged.
Mar
ti
nwi
pedt
hel
i
ttl
ebl
oodf
rom t
he
cutonhi
smout
h.Hespanar
ound
t
ryi
ngt
ofi
gut
eoutwhi
chdi
rect
ion
shewascomi
ngf
rom.

Shel
aughedwi
ckedl
y,
"OhpoorMat
t
seeokasemponebecause
(
der
isi
ve)
ohwel
lI'
m mor
epower
ful
r
ightnowandof
cour
sey
ourst
upi
d
gi
rl
fr
iendi
snotar
oundt
ofi
ghtf
or
y
ou.Bet
weennnal
ewenat
ell
me,
whati
sity
ouseei
nDi
kel
edi
thaty
ou
f
ail
edt
oseei
nme?(
laughed
der
isi
vel
y)ImeanIwasi
tal
landher
?
Seeshemi
ghthav
efool
edy
ouand
Thabi
butIwon'
tsi
tonmygr
aveand
wat
chherr
epl
acemeasamot
her
t
oo.Nev
er!
"

Anot
herwi
nder
upt
edabr
upt
ly
causi
ngt
hecur
tai
nst
oaghost
ly
mov
ement
.Thebr
utal
whi
sper
sthat
t
hecur
tai
nshadadr
ipofsweat
r
unni
ngdownhi
sspi
n.Ler
uo
scr
eamedf
rom hi
sroom andMar
ti
n
r
ant
her
e.
*
**

Awebofv
ari
cosev
einsappear
edon
bot
hofherhandsr
unni
ngupt
he
super
iorl
i
mb.Shesqui
ntedabi
tand
herf
acer
efl
ect
edpai
nthatseemed
t
obebr
ewi
ngf
rom wi
thi
n.I
nless
secondsshehadbeencov
eredwi
th
mor
evei
nsonherf
aceaswel
l
.The
snakecoi
l
edi
t'
ssel
fti
ght
lyar
ound
herex
posi
ngonl
yherhandswhi
ch
hadbeenj
ackedf
orwar
d.Al
soher
headandneckhadbeenl
eft
uncov
eredbyt
heenor
moushi
deous
l
ooki
ngcr
eat
ure.Sheopenedher
ey
esandi
t'
shor
nwasl
i
ght
ing
shadesofr
ed.

"
Letmego!
"shesqueez
edt
hewor
ds
out
.
"
Yourl
i
feory
oursi
ster
's,
"t
hesnake
madeanul
ti
mat
um.
"
Mor
uti
!"
shecr
iedoutf
rom herhear
t.
"
Ohhecan'
theary
out
hankst
othat
angert
hatr
oar
edf
rom y
ourbel
l
y.I
'
m
supergr
atef
ult
hest
upi
drosar
ybr
oke
of
ftoo.Nowseehowcompat
ibl
ewe
l
ookt
oget
her
.Youmakeaper
fect
makot
i.Youshoul
dhav
eseent
he
l
ooki
nyourt
rai
torsi
ster
'sf
acewhen
t
hemi
rr
ori
nherr
oom shut
ter
ed
becauseofy
ouranger
,"
hesl
i
ther
ed
l
i
cki
nghercheekwi
tht
hespl
i
tends
ofi
t'
stongue.
"Mywi
fe.
"

*
**

I
nLer
uo'
sroom,
hesatupont
hebed
wi
thhi
shandsov
erhi
sear
s
scr
eami
ng.Out
sideMar
ti
ntr
iedt
he
doorknobbuti
twoul
dn'
ttur
n.He
bangedont
hedoorsev
eral
times
al
sot
ryi
ngont
hel
ock.

"
LERUO!FENA!
"heshout
edl
eani
ng
agai
nstt
hedoor
.Heki
ckedi
ttr
ying
t
obr
eakt
hroughbutcoul
dn'
t.

I
nsi
det
hef
leshcor
rodedz
ombi
eof
hi
smot
herappr
oachedt
hebed.
Ler
uoscr
eamedmov
ingbackunt
ilhe
wasupagai
nstt
heheadr
est
.He
coul
drecogni
se Masegodespi
teher
unwel
comi
ngl
ook.I
thadbeeny
ear
s
butheal
way
sthoughtshewas
beaut
if
ulsomewher
eandl
i
ket
hose
guar
dianangel
sfr
om "
Touchofan
Angel
".I
nst
eadhermot
herl
ooked
l
i
keshewaspar
toft
hecastf
rom
wr
ongt
urnorsomehor
rorv
ampi
re
mov
ie.

"
Babyl
i
stenIwon'
thur
tyou,
"shesai
d
wal
ki
ngov
er.
"
Stayawayf
rom me!Pl
easest
ay
away
!Daddy
!Hel
p!"

Masegoj
ustmov
edi
n.Shet
ri
edt
o
l
eani
nbutsomet
hingbl
ockedher
.It
wasasi
fahedgeoff
ir
ehadbeen
er
ect
edar
oundLer
uo.

"
Ler
uoi
t'
sme,
comeoncr
onyt
hisi
s
mom,
comet
omennanawame"
she
sai
dsadl
y.

Ler
uoshookhi
shead.

"
ComeonbuddyIpr
omi
seIwon'
t
hur
tyou,
"shesai
d.
"
Goaway
.Younotmymommy
!My
mom i
sDi
kel
edi
now.Youar
edead.
Di
kel
edi
ismymom nownotanugl
y
monst
er.Goaway
!"
"
Ler
uo!
"herv
oicet
hunder
edshaki
ng
ev
eryt
hingi
nther
oom.

Hewat
chedashi
stoy
sfel
lal
lov
er.

"
Lookwhaty
oudi
d.Mommynev
er
shout
satme.Youbr
okemyst
aff
!"
he
char
gedangr
il
y.
"
Youungr
atef
ull
i
ttl
erat
!oi
thay
ao'
re
kesemat
lahuh?DoIl
ooksodumbt
o
y
ou?
"
Shemov
edatasuperaccel
erat
ed
speedandst
oppedatapi
ctur
eofme
andLef
ikat
hathangov
erhi
swor
k
st
ati
on.Angr
il
yshel
ookedati
tand
herey
esbur
nedwi
thf
urycausi
ngi
t
t
ocr
ackov
erar
oundmyf
ace.She
t
hensl
ammedi
tdownont
hef
loor
.

"
Shei
snoty
ourmot
her
.Iam!Kenna
kegoi
mil
engnother
.(ki
ckedt
he
ot
hert
oybox
)Iam t
heonewhof
elt
t
hel
abourpai
ns.(
slammedt
hemi
ni
l
apt
opdown)
Nother
!Itwasme!And
meandme!ALONE!
"
*
**

Vi
nhel
dmyhandandwebot
hbent
downasabl
adel
i
kei
nst
rument
char
gedt
owar
dswher
ewest
ood.He
pul
l
edmeandwecr
awl
edundert
he
t
abl
e.

"
Cany
oupr
ay?
"heasked.

Ishookmyhead.Sev
eral
voi
ces
echoedl
aughi
ng.
"
Theygoi
ngt
oki
l
lus,
"If
ir
ed.
"
Not
heywon'
t,
"hesai
dtr
yingt
ocal
m
medown.
"
Theyar
e!Vi
n..
.(
almosti
naudi
abl
e)'
re
y
agoswa!Wear
edead.
..
dead,
"Icr
ied
pal
pit
ated.
"
Babe.
..
"hehel
dmyhand,
"wear
eso
notgoi
ngt
odi
ebecauseI
'
m goi
ngt
o
pr
ayf
orbot
hofus.Godwi
l
lli
sten.
"
"
Itwon'
tchangeat
hingbecauseGod
doesn'
tex
ist
."
Somet
hingt
ouchedmyshoul
derand
Ij
umpedupbumpi
ngont
het
abl
e
wi
thmyhead.If
eltdi
zzybut
gat
her
edenoughst
rengt
htosee
whathadt
ouchedme.Andt
her
eit
waswi
thi
t'
sey
esspar
kli
ngy
ell
owi
sh.
If
eltmywhol
ebodyweaken.

"
Kei
thot
etse,
"Isai
dinaudi
ble.

STORI
ESBY:
Emy
-Becky
Bewi
tched
#22

Somet
hingt
ouchedmyshoul
derand
Ij
umpedupbumpi
ngont
het
abl
e
wi
thmyhead.If
eltdi
zzybut
gat
her
edenoughst
rengt
htosee
whathadt
ouchedme.Andt
her
eit
waswi
thi
t'
sey
esspar
kli
ng
y
ell
owi
shl
y.If
eltmywhol
ebody
weaken.

"
Kei
thot
etse,
"Isai
dinaudi
ble.
IbetVi
nhear
dmebuthesai
d
not
hing.Hi
shandcl
ampedmi
ne
t
ight
lyi
nar
eassur
ingway
:"Wewi
l
lbe
f
ine"
Iguesst
hati
swhathesai
dinhi
s
hear
t.Il
ookedathi
mthr
oughmyt
ear
bl
urr
yey
esandhemadeanodt
hen
hi
sey
esr
ant
othet
hingbef
oreme.
Myey
esf
oll
owedhi
s.

"
Youcanhi
debutIwi
l
lal
way
sfi
nd
y
ou.
..
whor
e!"

Thosewor
dssentchi
l
lsdownmy
spi
n.It
hinkIdoubl
epi
ssedonmy
sel
f.
Idr
ewbackasi
t'
shandr
eached
beneat
hthet
abl
e.Ther
ewasn'
t
enoughr
oom t
okeepondr
awi
ng
backandi
tcaughthol
dofmyhai
r.
Myheadal
mostr
ipedopenasi
t
pul
l
edmeoutbymyhai
r.

"
ishhh!Vi
nnt
huse!
"Icr
ied.

Bef
oreIknewi
tIwasf
lyi
ngacr
oss
t
hedar
kroom.If
ell
unconsci
ous
af
terIhi
tonsomet
hinghar
dwi
thmy
head.
"
Baby
?Baby
!"Vi
ntappedmycheeks
wi
thhi
shandst
ryi
ngt
orev
iveme.

Hecheckedf
orpul
se.

"
Babe?
"
"
Shei
snotdead,
"t
hecr
eat
uresai
d.

Vi
nsl
i
ppeddownashet
ri
edt
ost
and
upal
mostbr
eaki
nghi
sback.He
t
ouchedt
oseewhathadmadehi
m
f
all
andt
her
eitwas.Hi
smot
her
's
t
ouch.I
thadbeengener
ousenough
t
oli
ght
.

"
Sonofabi
..
."
thecr
eat
urecr
ied.The
l
i
ghtsenti
tint
opal
pit
ati
onsandVi
n
coul
dhearbat
scr
ying.Thecr
eat
ure
madenoi
sest
hatechoedt
hoset
he
bat
sandt
heycamef
locki
ngi
nfr
om
nowher
etowar
dsVi
n.Hedr
oppedt
he
t
ouchandr
anov
ercov
eri
ngmeas
t
hef
lockbouncedbackandcr
eat
ed
anar
chov
ert
hecr
eat
ure.

"
Don'
tev
ergett
empt
edt
odot
hat
smal
l
y!"
thecr
eat
uret
hunder
ed,
"now
wher
ewer
ewe?
"

Asi
tcamecl
oserVi
ncoul
dmakeout
i
twasawomanbutshehada
hor
ri
fyi
ngscarov
erhert
ummy
.

"
SnapMmagweLer
uo,
"hemedi
tat
ed.
"
Your
ightkeMmagweLer
uo,
me
al
one.Nowt
ell
thatwr
etchedpi
gof
y
our
stost
opt
ryi
ngt
orepl
acemewa
nkut
waorwear
egoi
ngt
ohav
eal
ot
ofpr
obl
ems.
"
Isl
owl
yregai
nedconsci
ousl
yand
coul
dheart
hev
oice.I
twasf
ami
l
iar
.I
openedoneey
eandi
twasenough
si
tef
ormet
oseewhoi
twas.
Masego.Whywassheback?

"
Ohshei
sawake!
"sheex
clai
med.

Vi
nwasst
il
lhov
eri
ngov
ermei
na
pr
otect
ivemanner
.

"
Wenamov
e!"
shepoi
ntedherdi
rt
y
bl
oodst
ainedf
ingeratVi
nandhad
hi
mtossedof
fmagi
cal
l
y.Shesquat
r
ightatmyhead.

"
Stayawayf
rom myson,
"shesai
d
bi
tt
erl
y,
"orgot
ankgamasepaka
l
ebaka.
"
"
Youdon'
tscar
eme,
"Isai
dwi
thmy
t
wocent
spr
ide.
"
Trustmet
hei
deawasnev
ert
o
f
ri
ght
eny
ou.Justmewar
ning
someonewhohadbeengi
vi
ngcar
e
t
omyki
d..
.buthai
seker
eoi
poke.
St
ayawayorI
'
lldef
ini
tel
ypl
ugt
hose
bi
gey
esofy
our
sout
."
Thr
eat
ened?Yesal
i
ttl
ebutsee
not
hingscar
esmel
i
kenev
erbei
ng
abl
etospendt
imewi
thLer
uo.I
t
woul
dki
l
lme.

"
Bit
ch!
"Ispatsal
i
vaather
.

Shesmackedmeacr
osst
hef
ace
wi
thherskel
etonex
posedhand.

"
Otany
ela,
otsaakael
i
very
ago
nkgwel
amat
lhedi
obl
eksam!
"she
f
umed.
"
Byt
hepoweroft
heHol
yGhost
!"
Vin
ex
clai
med.

Webot
hlookedupast
hel
i
ght
swent
on.Masegoandherbat
shad
di
sappear
edwhenwel
ookeddown.

*
**

Thedoort
oLer
ou'
sroom f
inal
l
y
openedandMar
ti
nrani
nsi
de.Ler
uo
hadcur
ledupatt
hecor
nerpet
ri
fi
ed.
"
Arey
ouokay
?"Mar
ti
naskedhuggi
ng
hi
m.
"
Yeahi
sshegone?
"
"
Idon'
tknow.ar
eyousur
eyouokay
buddy
?"
"
Ofcour
se,
"hesmi
l
ed.
"I
sshea
v
ampi
renow?Iknowy
ousai
d
gr
andmai
sanangel
andi
nheav
en
butwhydi
dyoul
i
eandsaymommy
wasi
nheav
ent
oo?Angel
sdon'
tl
ook
l
i
ket
hat
."
"
Wel
lI.
..
look.Ei
shwenal
ewenabi
g
mankay
ourquest
ions.Ihonest
ly
don'
tknowwher
epeopl
egowhen
t
heydi
e."
"
Soi
sgr
andmanoti
nheav
en?
"he
askedcur
iousl
y.
Mar
ti
nshr
ughi
sshoul
der
s,"
hake
sur
ebecauseIt
houghty
oumom was
i
nheav
en.SoIdon'
tknowr
eal
l
y."

Ler
uoy
awned.

"
Feel
i
ngsl
eepy
?"Mar
ti
naskedhi
m

Hemadeal
ousynod.
"
Okayl
et'
sgowesl
eepi
ng
t
oget
her
,"
Mar
ti
nsai
dscoopi
nghi
m
up.
"
Cool
!"
"
Andy
oubet
ternotwetmybedor
t
abeoj
elekgano,
"Mar
ti
nsai
dsmi
l
ing.
"
Kej
eleeng?
"
"
AhI
'
llasky
ourmom whatkganoi
s
kasekgowat
omor
row.Butwhati
t
si
mpl
ymeansi
syou'
dnev
ergett
o
sl
eeponmybedagai
nshoul
dyou
wee-
weeoni
t.
"
"
Oh?
"
"
Yes"
oh"kant
ekeeng?Youhav
e
i
ntent
ionsofdoi
ngt
hat
?"
"
No,
"hey
awnedandshuthi
sey
es.
"
Youbet
ter
."

Mar
ti
nsmi
l
edandwal
kedi
nsi
dehi
s
bedr
oom.Hegent
lyputLer
uodown
andpul
l
edat
hinsheetov
erhi
sli
tt
le
boy
'spet
it
ebodyt
hatst
oodagai
nst
t
hegi
gant
icqueenbed.

*
**
Vi
nhuggedmeandki
ssedmy
f
orehead.

"
Youar
enot
,"
hesai
dpl
aci
nghi
shand
ov
ermyf
orehead,
"Comel
etmegi
ve
y
ouaspi
ri
n."
"
It
sokayI
'
llbef
ine,
"Isai
dhol
dingmy
handagai
nstmyhead.

Ist
il
lfel
tal
i
ttl
ebi
twobbl
yfr
om t
he
f
all
.St
il
lwonder
edwhatshehadhi
t
myheadagai
nstt
hatmademe
unconsci
ous.
.

"
Onal
eai
rt
imeaker
esowecal
l
Mor
uti
?"Isai
daswewentupst
air
s.
"
Wenagape?Di
dn'
tyousayGod
doesn'
tex
ist
?KanammaHeonl
y
doeswhent
heev
ilspi
ri
tsar
enot
ar
ound.
?"

Sav
age?Notr
eal
l
y.Ir
oll
edmyey
es
i
rr
it
atedbyhi
sst
atementwhi
chhad
beenpassedonpur
posel
yasaj
oke.I
t
hinkheal
sopi
ckedi
tupbecausehe
hadbeenqui
ckt
ospeakf
avour
abl
y.
"
Ithi
nkIhav
eai
rt
ime,
"hesai
d.

*
**

Kel
etsoopenedherey
essl
owl
y.
Mor
uti
,MmaThembi
andanot
hergi
rl
Rumbi
wher
ekneel
i
ngathersi
de
pr
ayi
ng.Shet
ri
edt
oli
ftherheadbut
herent
ir
ebodywassor
e.
I
nvol
unt
ari
l
yshesneez
edt
hri
ceand
t
het
ri
obyhersi
deopenedt
hei
rey
es
say
ing"
Amen"
.
"
Whathappened?
"Kel
etsoasked,
"I
can'
tfeel
myhandsorl
i
ftmyheadof
f
t
hispi
l
low.
"

MmaThembi
lookedatherhusband.

"
Hel
phersi
tup,
"he
commanded;
"Rumbi
hel
p
MaThembi
."

Kel
etso'
slookedatherwr
istast
hey
hel
pedhersi
t.Ther
osar
ywasst
il
l
v
erymuchi
ntacti
nherhand.

"
Idon'
tunder
stand.
..
ther
osar
y?"
"
Theonewhi
chbr
okewasaspi
ri
tual
onewhi
chent
eredwi
thy
ouwheny
ou
wenti
ntoat
rans.
"Mor
uti
expl
ained.
"
Doesi
tmeanev
ery
thi
ngwasnot
r
eal
?"Kel
etsoaskedseat
edwi
thher
backagai
nstMmaThembi
whowas
kneel
i
ngbehi
ndher
.
"
Itwasal
lreal
,spi
ri
tual
butr
eal
.So
nowt
ell
medi
dthesnakedo
any
thi
ngt
oyou?
"heasked.
"
Wel
l(t
hought
ful
l
y)apar
tfr
om i
tscoi
l
ar
oundme.Wai
t!I
t'
sli
ghtf
rom t
he
hor
nont
hef
orehead,
Ithi
nki
t
af
fect
edmysi
ght
.Nott
hatI
'
m bl
i
nd
butIst
il
lfeel
itr
ightnow.
"
"
Isee,
"Mor
uti
sai
d,"
Rumbi
giv
eme
t
hatbot
tl
eofchar
coal
."

Het
ookt
hebot
tl
efor
m Rumbi
mix
ed
char
coal
wit
hwat
erandsmear
edi
t
onKel
etso'
sey
es.Het
henappl
i
edi
t
onherwr
istandankl
es.

"
Tel
lmenow.Aker
eyoudi
dnotmake
anydeal
wit
hhi
m?"
Mor
uti
enqui
red
put
ti
nghi
shandsonherhead.

MmaThembi
andRumbi
lookedat
eachot
herasMor
uti
fli
nched.He
shookhi
shead.

"
Sist
erKel
etsowhatdeal
hav
eyou
madewi
tht
hatdev
il
?"heasked

Kel
etsoshr
ughershoul
der
s
conf
usedbecauset
heonl
ythi
ngshe
coul
drememberwast
hesnake
coi
l
edar
oundher
.

"
Ican'
trememberat
hing,
"shesai
d
sadl
y.
"
Thel
i
ghtf
rom t
hehor
n,"
Rumbi
spokesof
tl
y,
"Amadl
ozi
sayshe
agr
eedt
obet
hewi
fet
othesnakei
n
ex
changef
orhersi
ster
'sf
reedom.
"
"
Eng?NoIdi
dn'
t.I
'
dnev
eragr
eet
o
t
hat
!Theancest
orsar
e
mi
staken,
"Kel
etsocr
ied.

*
**
Iwat
chedi
mpat
ient
lyasVi
ntr
ied
Mor
uti
'
snumberf
ort
hef
if
tht
ime.

"
Ahi
t'
sgoi
ngst
rai
ghtt
ovoi
ce
mai
l
,"Vi
nsai
d;"
shoul
dwedr
ive
t
her
e?"
"
Nobecausei
t'
sal
mostmi
dni
ght
.
Cal
lMar
ti
nmay
be.
..
"
"
SoMar
ti
neneomol
l
etsaaf
ter
mi
dni
ght
?"Vi
nsai
dwi
thaannoy
ance.
"
Kant
ebabewenaor
atadi
baka.Just
cal
lMar
ti
nkor
eyoudi
dn'
tev
enwai
t
f
ormet
ofi
nishwhatIwant
edt
osay
wenay
oual
readyj
umpi
ngatmeal
l
bl
adesout
."

Hekeptqui
et.

"
Mar
ti
nhasMor
uti
'
sbemobi
l
e
numberi
t'
snotl
i
kekebat
agogo
pr
ovokeorany
thi
ng.
"
"
Heyi
t'
sokaynoneedt
oex
plai
n
any
thi
ng.I
'
m sur
eyoumeantwel
l
.
Takecal
lhi
m."
Hegav
emet
hephoneandt
ri
edt
o
l
eav
e.

Wi
tht
hephoneonmyear
,"
jaanong
wakae?
"
"
Pri
vacy
?"
"
Nopl
usIdon'
twantwhat
evert
hose
t
hingsar
efi
ndme.
..
hel
l
o?"
"
MmagweBasi
mane?
"Mar
ti
n
answer
ed.
"
Tlher
raIneedMor
uti
'
sbemobi
l
e
number
.Wegotat
tacked,
"Isai
d.
"
Whatdoy
oumeany
ougot
at
tacked?
"heasked.
"
Wel
lMasego'
sghostshowedme
f
lames.Hampor
ekesul
e,kel
ucky
Vi
nwasher
e."
"
Wai
tsekana,
sowegotat
tackedby
t
hesamet
hing.Nnaebi
l
eker
obet
se
l
eLer
uoj
aana.I
'
llsendi
ttl
hemmao
moi
nthekodi
set
sehooandt
ell
me
whathesay
s."
"
Leshar
pdi
dn'
thehar
m Ruo?
"
"
No,
"hel
ookedatLer
uo,
"hei
ssound
asl
eep.Idoubtsheev
ent
ouchedhi
m.
Letmesend.
"
"
Okayshar
paker
e?"
"
Mmm.
..
ehMmagweLer
uo?
"
"
Yes?
"
"
Ilov
eyouaut
we.Shoul
dany
thi
ng
ev
erhappent
omej
ustnot
hatIcar
e
somuchf
ory
ou.
"

Il
ookedatVi
nandl
ower
edmyey
es
i
mmedi
atel
y.

"
Okay
.Shar
pki
sshi
mformeaut
we,
"I
sai
dandhangup.
"
Areng?
"Vi
nasked.
STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
Bewi
tched

#23

"
Areng?
"Vi
nasked.

Iswal
l
owedhar
dandbentdown
pi
cki
ngmyphone.

"
Hewi
l
lsendi
t.A'
ret
heyal
sogot
at
tackedbyt
hesamet
hing.
"
"
Kemat
hat
a.Whatdoy
out
hinkshe
want
s?"
heaskedcur
iousl
y
"
Obv
iousl
yme.Shewant
smet
ost
ay
awayf
rom Ler
uo.
"Isai
d.
"
Andwhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odoabout
i
t?"
heasked.
"
Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?Not
hing,
Ler
uoi
smysonandt
hat
'si
t.Iwon'
t
l
etaghostpet
ri
fymeanddenyt
hat
l
i
ttl
eboyamot
her
'sl
ove.Shewas
sel
fi
shal
i
veandwant
stobesel
fi
sh
whenshei
sdeadt
oo?Haekake,
"I
sai
dfumi
ng.
"
Wassheabadmom?
"heasked.
"
Idon'
tcar
eifshewasornotbut
whatIknowi
sshechooseThabang
ov
erherson.Shewi
l
li
ngl
ychoose
deat
hov
erherson.Aker
eshecoul
d
hav
ejustst
ayedt
hehel
lawayf
rom
Thabangf
ort
hesakeofherki
d,"
Isai
d.

Vi
npul
l
edmeandhadmesi
tonhi
s
l
apont
hebed.Imov
edabi
t
r
emember
ingt
hatIpeedonmy
sel
f.

"
Buti
t'
spossi
bleThabangj
ust
ki
dnappedherandwentandki
l
led
her
,"
Vinsai
d.
"
Sti
l
lit
'ssomet
hingt
hatwoul
dhav
e
spar
kedoutbecauseshel
i
edt
o
Thabang,
madehi
m car
eforachi
l
d
sheknewv
erymuchwasn'
thi
s.Kor
e
hel
anot
hingaboutt
hiswomani
s
ex
cusabl
eandt
rustmeI
'
m not
say
ingThabangdi
dwel
lbyki
l
li
ngher
no!Butenashedeser
vedt
hecr
uel
ty
l
i
feser
vedherwi
th.
"
"
Okay
."Vi
nsai
d.
"
Kanababey
oudon'
tunder
stand.
Basadi
somet
imesdot
hingssel
fi
shl
y
kor
eyoucan'
thav
etwoguy
srai
se
onechi
l
dandev
eni
ntr
oducebot
hof
t
hem t
o
t
hechi
l
d.Kor
eitshowshowsel
fi
sh
y
ouar
e.NnaI
'
dnev
erdot
hatt
omy
chi
l
d,kor
ekebr
utal
i
tyhel
ajobosa
si
amang.Masegowast
hatandnow
ot
oit
ir
aar
ascal
ofaghosta'
re
kger
isa?Nny
aitcan'
twor
kli
ket
hat
."
"
Iheary
oubabes,
numbery
a
Mor
uti
?"heasked.

Il
ookedathi
sphoneandr
eal
i
zed
t
her
ewasamessagef
rom Mar
ti
n.

"
Letmeunl
ockt
hephonef
or
y
ou,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d.
*
**

Kel
etsol
ookedatMor
uti
hopi
nghe
woul
dsaysomet
hingcont
rar
yto
whatRumbi
hadsai
d.Mor
uti
sai
d
not
hingandgotupf
rom wher
ehe
waskneel
i
ngandwentov
ert
othe
ut
il
it
ydesk.

"
MmaThembi
doy
ouhav
egr
een
candl
esatt
hehouse?
"heasked.
"
Ithi
nkt
heyar
etwobaba,
"she
answer
ed.
"
Okaygett
hem.
"

HecamebackasMmaThembi
hel
pedmebackt
othesl
eepi
ng
posi
ti
on.

"
Nodon'
tmakehersl
eep.Rumbi
hol
d
her
."

Rumbi
gotbehi
ndmeandsust
ained
measMmaThembi
hadbeendoi
ng.
"
AndMmAThembi
,br
ingmet
he
al
mondoi
l
."

Shenoddedandhur
ri
edout
.

"
Mor
uti
I'
m It
iedt
othe
snake?
"Kel
etsoasked

Hei
gnor
edherandcont
inuedsi
ngi
ng
sof
tl
ygat
her
ingt
hingsheneededt
o
hersi
de.Rumbi
sensi
ngt
het
ensi
on
i
nher
,shebeganr
ubbi
ngher
shoul
der
stoeaseher
.
*
**

Vi
ndi
aledt
henumberMar
ti
nhad
sentandpr
essedt
hephoneagai
nst
myear
.

"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Mor
uti
keDi
kel
edi
,
"Isai
d.
"
Hi.Howar
eyou?
"
"
Nnar
ethaset
swekwano,
"I
sai
d,"
evenRr
agweLer
uosai
dthe
samet
hing.SepokosaMmagwe
Ler
uoset
haset
sekwano.
"
"
Kemat
hat
abuti
t'
snotmuchofabi
g
pr
obl
em.Al
lofy
oumustgetabowl
ofwat
erandspr
inkl
ear
oundt
hey
ard.
Iwi
l
lpr
aywi
thy
ou,
"hesai
d
"
Thanky
ousomuch,
ehMor
uti
?Is
Kel
etsot
her
e?"
"
Kel
etso?Youwantt
otal
ktoher
?"he
askedl
ooki
ngather
.

Kel
etsoshookherhead.

"
Ehshewi
l
lcal
lyouf
ir
stt
hing
t
omor
rowmor
ning.
"
"
Okay
,goodni
ght
."
Isai
dandhang
up.
"Hesay
sweshoul
djustspr
inkl
e
wat
erar
oundt
hey
ardhewi
l
lof
fer
t
hepr
ayer
s.Takecal
lMar
ti
nandt
ell
hi
m."
"
Nocal
lhi
m,"
hesai
d.
"
Nnakey
agor
ota,
"Il
i
ed.

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ningIwokeupt
o
anempt
ybed.Isatupy
awni
ngand
Vi
nwal
kedi
n.
"
Sleepi
ngbeaut
y,
"het
eased.
"Mor
ning
angel
."

Ismi
l
edasheki
ssedmyf
orehead.
Hi
ssweat
shi
rtwasabi
tmoi
st.

"
Exer
cisi
ng?
"
"
Yep,
sleptgood?
"heasked.
"
Likeababy
.Mor
uti
othusi
tse,
"Isai
d.
"
Hesur
edi
d.Ehbabewehav
e
company
."
"
Wedo?
"
"
Yeahmom camekabo5am.
"
"
Whatt
hef
ucky
ourmom i
sar
ound?
"

Hemadeanod.Icoul
dseehewas
t
ryi
ngsohar
dnott
osmi
l
eand
assumedi
ttobeapr
ank.

"
Okay
,"
Isai
d.
"
Osur
eoshar
p?"
"
Yeahwhywoul
dn'
tIbe,
let
'sgo
bat
h."
Isai
d.
"
Okay
."

Hef
oll
owedmet
othet
ubt
appi
ngon
mybut
t.

"
Stopi
t,
"Isai
dgi
ggl
i
ng.
"
Buty
oul
i
kei
t,
"hesai
dspanki
ngme
agai
n.
"
NoIdon'
t,
"Isai
dtur
ningt
olookat
hi
m.Ibumpedonhi
m ashet
hrew
downt
hesweat
shi
rtandcl
ear
edmy
t
hroat
.
"
What
?"
"
Ohnot
hing,
"It
urnedawayqui
cky
.

Hegr
abbedmyhand,
spanme
ar
oundpul
l
ingmebackt
ohi
schest
.
Myhear
tthr
obbedy
eani
ngf
ormor
e
t
hanIwasget
ti
ngatt
hatmoment
.

"
Ilov
eyou,
"hesai
d.
"
Ok?
"
"
Noser
iousl
yIdoand,
"her
emov
ed
t
hehandt
hathehadkepti
nhi
s
pocket
,"
Ihav
eaquest
ion.

Myey
esr
ant
ohi
shandbutInot
iced
hewashol
dingnot
hing.Okay
.
"
Sur
e,sup?
"
"
Doy
oul
oveme?
"heasked.
"
Whywoul
dIbeher
e?"
Iasked.
"
Answermest
rai
ghtup,
"hesai
d
"
Wel
lIl
ovey
ousomuchi
thur
ts,
"I
sai
d.

Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedmyf
orehead.

"
Iguessy
ouwon'
thav
eapr
obl
em
bei
ngmywi
fet
hen.Al
sowaki
ngup
t
omysi
deev
erymor
ning?
"
"
Arey
ouki
ddi
ngmeebi
l
ehel
aify
ou
don'
tpr
oposeI
'
ddoi
tmy
sel
f,
"Ij
oked.
"
Real
l
y?I
'
dhav
elov
edt
hatbuti
t'
sa
pi
tybecause.
..
"hel
i
ftedhi
shandand
Isawt
hespar
klydi
amondr
ingatt
he
t
ipofhi
spi
nky
."Ial
readymadeupmy
mi
nd.
"

Iopenedmymout
handshuti
t.Wi
th
bot
hmyhandsov
ermymout
h.

"
Yougott
obef
uckenki
ddi
ngme
babe.
..
ist
hat
!Oh.
My.
Goshbabe?
Whatwai
tar
eyoupr
oposi
ng?
"Isai
d
wi
thsomuchgl
adness.
Hebentonhi
skneeandt
ookt
her
ing
of
fhi
sfi
nger
.

"
Wil
lyouDi
kel
edi
Let
angmakeme
t
hehappi
estmanandhonourmeby
bei
ngmywi
fe?
"

Iusemyhandt
ofanmyf
aceast
ear
s
uncont
rol
l
abl
yrandownmyf
ace.I
cr
iedandchor
tl
edatt
hesamet
ime
ov
erwhel
medbyemot
ion.
"
Mykneei
shur
ti
ngme,
"het
eased
wi
pinghi
stear
s.
"
Yes.
..
YesI
'
llmar
ryy
ou!
"

Ihel
dhi
m upandhebur
iedmei
nhi
s
embr
ace.Webr
okeof
fandIadmi
red
hi
m ashegent
lyputt
her
ingonmy
f
inger
.Itf
itper
fect
ly.

"
Howdi
dyouknowi
twoul
dfi
tthi
s
per
fect
ly?
"
Hesmi
l
ed,
"Ihav
emyway
s.Bat
h
t
ime?
"
"
Ofcour
se,
"Isai
dst
il
ladmi
ri
ngt
he
st
one.

Her
ant
het
ubandaddedav
ari
etyof
scent
edoi
l
stot
het
ub.Icoul
dnot
bel
i
eveIwasengaged,
coul
dn'
twai
t
t
otel
lmysi
ster
.

*
**

Atschool
,Ler
uor
anqui
ckl
ytohi
s
cl
assandf
oundaf
ewst
udent
sin
cl
ass.Hespot
tedMot
husi
andr
ant
o
hi
m.

"
Thuskay
ouwon'
tbel
i
evei
t.
Remembermydeadmom?
"
"
Yeaht
heangel
?"
"
Shecamet
omyhousel
astni
ght
.
Tur
nsoutmydadl
i
edshei
snotan
angel
.Itwasl
i
ket
hosehor
ri
fyi
ng
cr
eat
uresf
rom wr
ongt
urn.I
twasso
supercool
butscar
yatt
hesame
t
ime.
"Hesai
dent
husi
ast
ical
l
y.

Hebegannar
rat
ingt
hest
oryoutl
oud
andmor
eofhi
scl
assmat
esgat
her
ed
ar
ound.Thei
rcl
asst
eacherwal
kedi
n
anddi
sper
sedt
hem.

*
**

AtMmaMpho'
s,Ot
lhewasupwhen
Mumsywokeup.

"
Youbar
elysl
eptl
astni
ghtosant
ene
oi
phet
sol
akgapet
sakgapet
sa.
"
"
Eishmmawai
tsekeemet
sepayday
kal
aboneandI
'
llki
sst
hispl
ace
goodby
e.Tl
hemmaf
udugel
akwano
aker
ebanabat
swet
se.
"Ot
lhesai
d.

Mumsygotof
fbedandpul
l
edher
pant
sfr
om t
het
abl
e.

"
Oiket
ehel
apel
emmaet
shor
ight
nowmywombi
sachi
ng.I
'
m sur
e
t
hokmanl
etsehel
aaj
aChr
ist
mason
mycooki
e.I
t'
sli
keIsl
eptwi
th
mot
ebel
ehel
ayogi
ft
ed.WhenIwent
t
opeephakel
amyundi
eswer
ewet
wetandIr
eleaseddi
schar
gehel
aya
sex
.Icantt
otaebi
l
eI'
m goi
nghome
r
ightnow,
I'
ll
bat
hther
e."
"
AoMumsymma?
"sheweaned.
"
Nny
atsal
ayame,
hanogasebonno
keboet
elo.Thenex
tthi
ngi
twi
l
lbe
f
oll
owi
ngmear
oundenkobel
abanna.
Kor
edoy
ouhav
ethesl
i
ght
estcl
ue
howmer
cil
essat
hokol
osi
is?
"Mumsy
sai
dlooki
ngatherf
ri
end.
"
Fourday
sny
anahel
a,
"Ot
lhebegged.
"
Fourday
smul
ti
pli
edby24hour
s
mul
ti
pli
edby60mi
nut
es.Nev
er!
"she
sai
dcl
appi
ngherhands,
"j
ustcal
l
Ri
char
dhel
aandt
ell
him gor
eyou
can'
tst
ayher
eany
mor
e.I
t'
syourl
i
fe
wor
th1.
5theyar
egi
vi
ngy
ou?
Monna
wesur
viv
edkamadi
aipel
egeng.
"
"
it
'snotj
ust1.
5kanamal
obashe
gav
ememadi
anengr
eil
e
Makhandel
akaone.I
t'
sal
otof
moneyandi
ntwomont
hsI
'
dhav
e
enought
ogot
oJobur
gandbuy
di
apar
oorsel
lZambi
ansecondhand
cl
othes.
"
"
Ij
o!Ot
oiponakgant
eley
ouwoul
dbe
t
heoneowni
ngaThokol
osi
because
obat
amadi
irr
egar
dlessofhow
muchdangert
hemeansar
e.Nna
mmaI
'
m goi
nghomemamawi
l
lsoon
getonmyner
ve.
"
"
Ithoughty
out
oldhergor
eyou
comi
ngt
ome,
"Ot
lhesai
d.
"
Idi
d.Butl
ookatt
het
imekoat
eng
shei
sbur
ningwi
thf
ury
."
"
Takemyphoneandcal
lhereeat
l
eastspendt
odaywi
thme.
"Ot
lhe
begged.
"
Nocan'
tdogapekebat
agoy
a
Robel
elal
eboSt
uggagat
wet
hef
ish
t
her
ear
echeapert
hankwano.
"
"
Ithoughtweagr
eedgor
ewewi
l
ldo
t
hef
ishbusi
nesst
oget
herandsel
lon
weekends,
"Ot
lhesai
d.
Mumsyz
ippedupherj
eans,
"not
hing
changed.Aker
eket
arekel
arur
ia
si
ngl
ecool
erandy
ouwi
l
lgi
veme
hal
foft
hemoneyIboughtwi
th.
"
"
Ehemma!Goorel
set
ogakamosoo
r
ayabat
hoor
eI'
m bewi
tchi
ngy
oul
e
mmemogol
oway
ourdad.
"

Mumsysmi
rkedandr
oll
edherey
es.

"
Ijusthopey
oucoul
dunder
stand
howdesper
atel
yIneedt
hemoney
."
"
Otl
hewear
eal
ldesper
atebutour
desper
ati
onshoul
dnotgetusi
n
si
tuat
ionswewon'
tbeabl
etogetout
of
."
"
Soy
out
hinkI
'
dsel
lmysoul
?"Ot
lhe
askedannoy
ed.
"
I'
m notsay
ingt
hat
,"
Mumsysai
d.
"
Thenwhatar
eyousay
ingMumsy
becausei
tsoundsj
ustl
i
ket
hat
?"

*
**

Af
terbat
hingIf
oundsomet
hing
amongstVi
n'
scl
othest
owear
.I
f
oundamedi
um si
zeUz
zit
-shi
rtand
wor
eitwi
that
hongIhadl
eftt
hef
ir
st
dayIsl
eptov
er.

"
Apar
abor
okgobr
eakf
asti
sready
,"
he
sai
dfi
xi
nghi
sbl
azer
.
"
I'
m okay
,"
Isai
djumpi
ngof
fthebed.
"
Kag-
str
ing?
"
"
Eekag-
str
ing,
what
'sf
orbr
eakf
ast
?"
"
Ahgogont
si,
whatdoy
ouf
eel
li
ke
eat
ing.
"
Ist
oodonmyt
oesandki
ssedhi
s
chi
n.

"
You,
"It
eased.
"
Nicet
ry.
"Hesai
dst
roki
ngmy
cheek,
"notnowbutaf
terIsay'
Ido'
.
Tr
ustmeIdon'
tev
enwantt
oimagi
ne
whatI
'
m goi
ngt
odot
oyou.Babet
lhe
mmaapar
a,(
laughed)
youmakeme
hor
nygapemamaot
eng.
"
"
So?
"Isai
dconf
ident
lywal
ki
ngpast
hi
m.
Heshookhi
sheadandf
oll
owedme
downst
air
s.

STORI
ESBY:
Emy
-Becky
Bewi
tched

#24

Icatwal
keddownt
hest
air
stot
he
ki
tchenar
ea.I
tfel
tgoodbei
ng
engaged.If
eltev
enmor
ebeaut
if
ul.

"
Ohy
oudi
dn'
tref
uset
ocome
down?
"af
emal
evoi
cest
art
ledme.

If
eltmywhol
ebodygr
ownumb.

"
That
'sbecauseshet
houghtIwas
l
yi
ngker
eyouar
eher
e,"
Vinsai
d
huggi
ngmef
rom behi
nd.

It
ri
edt
owi
ggl
emy
sel
ffr
om hi
m but
het
ight
enedhi
shandsar
oundme.

"
Congr
atul
ati
ons,
"hi
smot
hersmi
l
ed
atme.
Ihadst
ayedi
nthesamest
reetwi
th
herbutnev
err
eal
l
ycamet
hiscl
ose
t
oher
.Theonl
yti
meIhadseenher
upcl
osewasont
elev
isi
oni
noneof
t
hemor
ningt
vshows.Shewasv
ery
beaut
if
ulandl
ookedv
erymuch
y
oungt
obehi
smot
her
.Iev
en
not
icedshehadasmal
lcl
ust
erof
f
reckl
esonherpoi
ntynose.

"
Vincentcany
oul
ett
hepoorbaby
br
eat
handcomehugme?
"shesai
d.
"
Icoul
dbutIwon'
t,
"hesai
dki
ssi
ng
myneck.
"
Mxm,
I'
m sur
eI'
dhav
ehert
omy
sel
f
aker
eyouar
egoi
ngt
owor
know.So
y
our
eal
l
ydon'
tscar
eme,
"shesai
d.

Iwhi
sper
edsomet
hingt
oVi
n.

"
Youguy
sthat
'sbad,
"shesai
dlooki
ng
atus.

Vi
nlaughedandIl
ookeddown
embar
rassed.
"
Wel
lshewant
stogodr
essup,
"Vi
n
sai
d,"
oaper
eg-
str
inghel
a."

Ij
abbedhi
m wi
thmyel
bow.

"
Ouchbabewhatwast
hatf
or?Kana
mmakebuamaaka?
"hel
aughed.
"
Butt
hatt
hingy
ouhav
eonsui
tsy
ou
per
fect
ly.Comesi
tI'
m nott
hebor
ing
t
ypeofmot
heri
nlaw.Iwearshor
ts
andmi
ni'
stooandIohGodIl
ove
t
hongs.
"
Okay
?Thatwasawkwar
d.Comet
o
t
hinkofi
tIhadseenhersev
eral
t
imesi
ntheev
eni
ngsdr
essedi
n
ski
mpyout
fi
tswal
ki
ngherpuppy
.
Andt
hepuppy
?Isur
ehadnotseeni
t
si
nceIgother
e.

"
Nowl
et'
seatbef
oreVi
nget
slat
e.
BabygogetMel
l
owoutofmyst
udy
shemadeamessoft
hepl
ace,
"she
sai
dtoVi
n.
Il
ookedatVi
nandhewi
nked.
"
Itol
dyout
osel
lthatpuppy
.Isaw
t
het
rophi
esshedr
oppedt
heshel
ves
t
oo.Sheev
enmessedt
hecar
pet
undert
hedeskwi
thur
ine.
"

Iwat
chedonashebl
amedt
hepuppy
f
oraspi
ri
tual
mess.Thequest
ion
waswhowoul
dhebl
amef
ort
he
mi
rr
ordoorgl
assesi
nhi
sroom?

"
Shedi
dal
otofdamage.Ceci
l
iawa
goomanagor
ebecauseshet
oldme
t
okeepMel
l
owout
sidet
hehouse.
Dkaybabecomesi
tdown.
"
Vi
npul
l
edt
hechai
rformeandIsat
down.Heki
ssedmyshoul
derand
whi
sper
ed,
"I
'
m comi
ng.
"

Iwat
chedhi
m wal
kout
.Hel
ookedal
l
sor
tofy
ummyi
nhi
ssl
i
mfi
tgr
ey
f
ormal
sui
tandbl
ackshi
rt
.

"
Whatar
eyouhav
ing?
"hi
smot
her
askedonceIdr
ewmyey
esbackt
o
t
het
abl
e.

Il
ookedatal
lthatf
oodont
het
abl
e.I
swearIwant
edt
oeatal
lofi
tex
cept
t
hef
rui
tsal
adbecauseoft
hepapay
a.

"
Eggswi
l
ldo,
"Isai
dembar
rassed.
"
Justeggs?Youl
ookl
i
kesomeone
whowoul
deatt
hewhol
eoft
hisf
ood
al
one.t
hwaf
all
ahel
aandt
ell
me
whaty
ouar
ehav
ing.
"
"
Ever
ythi
ng,
atl
eastt
hatwhatshet
old
me,
"Vi
nsai
dput
ti
ngt
hegor
geous
puppydown.

*
**
Mar
ti
ntr
iedmynumberagai
nbuti
t
di
dnotgot
hrough.Hef
rast
rat
edl
y
putt
hephonedown.

"
Troubl
einpar
adi
se,
"hi
sco-
wor
ker
Segoasked.
"
Don'
task.It
hinkImadeami
stake
bydat
ingMmagweFena'
ssi
ster
wai
tse.
"
"
Kel
l
y?"
sheaskedpassi
nghi
ma
bunchofdent
alf
loss.
"
Mmm.
..
kanaev
ersi
nceDkayf
ound
outkeconf
used.Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
m
r
eal
l
yov
erherandobonebr
azen
hel
ayal
ekut
wane.
"
"
Jeal
ousymay
be?
"sheasked.

Mar
ti
ncl
osedt
hedr
awer
sandl
ooked
atSegowhowassi
tt
ingatt
heedge
ofhi
sdesk.

"
Inev
ergetj
eal
ouswenaonki
tse
bet
ter
,"
hesai
d.
"
AndIal
soknowwheny
ouar
etr
ying
har
dtoconv
incey
our
sel
f.Bonaf
ix
what
everi
tisandbewi
tht
hewoman
y
ouwanti
fit
'snotKel
etsot
henhar
d
l
uckshewi
l
llear
nli
vewi
thi
t.Gape
sheknewal
lal
ongt
haty
oul
oveher
bi
gsi
sterandst
il
ldeci
dedt
ofuck
wi
thy
ou.Pl
usdi
dn'
tyousayy
all
s
wer
ejustsex
ing?
"
"
Idi
dbutshewant
edmor
eandei
sh
monnai
t'
scompl
i
cat
edt
ota.Lenna
kegophadi
moga.
"hesai
drubbi
nghi
s
handsf
rast
rat
edl
y.
"
Soshei
sn'
ttaki
ngy
ourcal
l
s?"
"
Ithi
nkIscar
edherof
flastni
ghtke
'
rei
lov
eher
.Shet
henusedher
boy
fri
endt
opassmemessagef
rom
someone.Kei
pot
sagor
ewher
eon
ear
thdi
dthi
sguyf
all
from al
lofa
sudden,
"hecl
i
ckedhi
stongue.

Segol
aughed.

"
Ithoughty
ousai
dyouar
enot
j
eal
ous?
"
"
I'
m notkor
eIknowhi
ski
nd.Kamoso
shewi
l
lbecr
yingmosi
maneamo
r
obi
l
epel
o,"
hesai
dbi
tt
erl
y.
"
Sot
hisguyi
shecut
e?"
"
Ahoshar
phel
a.Kegy
naobv
iouso
j
amadi
sohei
tkeepshi
mlooki
ng
good,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d.
"
Wai
t?GaseVi
ncentt
ota?
"sheasked
cur
iousl
y.
"
Gat
weVi
nocut
tercuty
adi
fuck
boy
,"
Mar
ti
nemphasi
sed.
"
Thanki
keenesent
le.Vi
ncentWr
ight
ni
ggawast
rendi
ngmal
obakoYout
h
ofBot
swanar
ankedt
hemost
handsomeguyi
nBw.
"
"
Okho!Justbecausehei
scol
our
ed
kammel
ewagy
mroom y
a
member
shi
pwaP150.
(cl
i
ckedhi
s
t
ongue)skambor
a!"
"
Erengbi
tt
ernessmobaby
daddy
!"Segol
aughed,
"nny
alennai
fI
wer
eyouI
'
dbej
eal
ous.Guyel
ekedi
si
zet
saboMi
chael
B.Jor
danshem
kamat
hony
anaasex
y.Hi
sey
es
r
emi
ndsmeofguyel
eyaSmal
lVi
l
le,
Cl
arkKent
."
"
Mxm waphaphat
lhemmaSego.Get
outofmyof
fi
ceebi
l
e,"
hesai
d.
Segol
aughed,
"wenal
e1/
8thofhi
s
l
i
kesokasemobonet
sal
ayame.O
monohel
a!"
"
Otany
elakana.Gapegakenasepe.
WhatIknowi
sIbet
tert
hant
hatf
ish
l
ooki
ngguywagago,
"het
eased
"
OtaswabakanaMar
ti
n."

Theybot
hlaughed.

*
**

Mor
uti
wat
chedKel
etsosl
eepi
ng
peacef
ull
y.MmaThembi
wal
kedi
n
wi
thabowl
ofsof
tpor
ri
dge.

"
Ibr
oughtherpor
ri
dgeshehasn'
t
wokenupy
et?
"sheaskedconcer
ned.

Herhusbandshookhi
shead.

"
Yout
hinkwecanr
ever
set
he
cov
enantshemadewi
tht
he
snake?
"shei
nqui
redf
urt
her
.
"
It
'sdoabl
ebuti
t'
sbey
ondt
hegr
ace
ov
ermyl
i
fe.May
bei
fEdmor
ecoul
d
agr
eet
ocomeher
ethenwewoul
dbe
sor
tedbutIdoubthewi
l
lcomeal
lthe
wayf
rom Mut
areandnotdemanda
f
ort
uneandt
hisgi
rl
shav
e
not
hing,
"shesai
dpessi
mist
ic
"
Let
'spr
ayheagr
ees,
"shesai
d."
page
mynumberwhenshewakesupso
t
hatIwar
m herf
ood.
"

*
**
It
ookt
hel
astspoonwi
pedmy
mout
hchewi
ng.Thef
oodhadbeen
v
erygood.I
twasasi
fIwashav
inga
meal
from af
ivest
arhot
el.Ir
aised
myey
esandr
eal
i
zedt
hatt
heywer
e
l
ooki
ngatme.Okayshootmebuty
ou
onl
yli
veonce.

"
Aobat
hong?
"Isai
dembar
rassed.
"
Noi
t'
sjustt
haty
oushockeduskana
y
ouj
usteati
nal
i
kemannerasmy
daught
er,
"shesai
d.
"
Real
l
y?"
"
Yest
hewayy
ouappl
i
edspr
eadt
o
y
ourbr
ead,
howpi
ckyy
ouat
ethe
v
eget
abl
esandy
ourchoi
ceof
bev
erage.Er
il
eot
seny
adi
cor
nfl
akesIl
i
ter
all
yst
oppedeat
ing.
"

Il
aughedandsawhowdeadser
ious
t
heywer
e.
"
Youguy
sar
eser
ious?
"Iasked.
"
Whoi
syourdad?
"sheasked.
"
What
?Noway
s.Myf
atheri
sso
bl
ack,
"Isai
d.
"
Soi
sherdad,
"Vi
nsai
d.
"
Ifmydadhadanot
herchi
l
dIwoul
d
knowandI
'
m sur
eit
'sshei
snot
becauseshepapadoesn'
thav
e
y
ell
owbones,
"Isai
d.
"
Whosai
dMmagweMi
l
dredi
s
l
i
ght
?"sheasked.
"
Who?
"Isai
d,"
wai
tIt
houghMi
l
dred
wasy
ourdaught
er.
"
Vi
nsmi
l
ed,
"t
ohav
eachi
l
dImust
hav
ehadsex
.Mi
li
sli
kemychi
l
d.
Wel
lshest
ayedwi
thmewhi
l
eAnel
i
e
wasi
nS.
Akasekol
o."
"
Ohokay
,"
Isai
d.
"
Soy
ourdad?
"hi
smom per
sist
ed.
"
Ber
nar
d,myf
ather
'snamei
sBer
nar
d
Let
ang.
"

Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.

"
Nopl
ease.
..
"
"
Heyr
elax
,"Vi
nsai
d,"
Yourdadi
s
act
ual
l
y..
.hewasherl
awy
er.Shehas
act
ual
l
ybeenl
ooki
ngf
orhi
m butgot
newsofhi
spassi
ngy
ear
sback.
"
"
Oh?
"
"
Iowey
ourdadofmoney
,canI
cont
acty
ourmom?
"sheasked.
"
Noshe.
..
shepassedont
hreey
ear
s
ago,
"Isai
d
"
I'
m sosor
ry,
"shesai
d.
"
It
'sokay
,"
Isai
d.
"
Youhav
ehowmanysi
bli
ngs?
"she
asked.
"
Twof
rom mamaandwear
ethr
ee
wi
thhi
sel
dest
."
"
OkayI
'
llcont
actmyl
awy
erandmake
ameet
ingl
elona.I
t'
snotmuchbutI
owehi
m.I
tshi
smoneyandi
t
gener
atesal
mosta100%i
nter
est
ov
ert
hey
ear
s."
"
Howmuchar
ewet
alki
ngabout
?"I
askedsi
ppi
ngmyj
uice.
"
lastt
imeIcheckedi
twasf
ive
hundr
ed.
."
shesai
dbutVi
ncuti
n.
"
Pul
a?"
"
Yespul
a,f
ivehundr
edt
housand
pul
a."
Ispewoutt
hej
uiceassomeofi
t
chokedme.Vi
ngent
lyr
ubbedmy
back.

"
That
'sal
otofmoney
."
"
Thati
swhyIwantl
awy
ers
pr
esent
,"
shesai
d.
"
Okaywi
l
llett
hegi
rl
sknowbutt
he
el
destonnahel
akoTobane,
"Isai
d.
"
I'
ll
arr
angef
orhert
ocome.
"
"
Kal
eboga,
"Isai
d.
"
Vinshei
sacat
chshecoul
dhav
e
j
ustspl
i
tthemoneywi
thhermom'
s
daught
erandl
eav
ethehal
fsi
sterout
butshedi
dn'
t.Imustsayy
ouar
ea
r
arebr
eedgoeswel
lwi
thy
ourl
i
ttl
e
peakyboobs.
"

Whatt
hehel
l
?Thi
swomant
hough.
Vi
nlookedatmybr
east
.

"
Gor
il
engwena?
"Isai
d.
"
WhatIcan'
tl
ooky
etmymom i
s
al
l
owedt
omaker
emar
kskamabel
e
abongwanake?
"hesai
dwi
thasmi
rk.
"
Ojal
aseVi
n,got
owor
kit
'st
ime
up.
"shesai
d.
"
LennaIhav
etogopi
ckmyson'
s
st
affathi
sdaddy
's,
"Isai
d,"
otaf
etao
ndr
opaaker
e?"
"
Prov
idedy
ouchangei
ntosomet
hing
decent
,"
hesai
d.
"
Shehasachi
l
dwi
tht
hosepeaky
boobs?I
'
m soj
eal
ousy
ouguy
s!"

Vi
nlaughedandIj
oinedi
n.

"
Noser
iousl
y.Herf
igur
etoo.Gosh!
"
Okayshewasnowbegi
nni
ngt
oscar
e
me.Ihear
daboutbi
sex
ual
sandt
he
wayshel
ookedatmecr
eepedme
out
.

"
Babel
et'
sgomamawon'
tst
op
t
alki
ng.Gogety
ourphoner
e
t
samay
e,"
hesai
d.
"
Thanksf
ort
hef
ood,
"Ismi
l
ed.
"
Any
thi
ngf
ormyf
ir
stdaught
eri
nlaw.
GoshIcan'
twai
tyobeawi
cked
monst
eri
nlaw,
"shej
oked.
Weal
ll
aughed.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
Bewi
tched

#25

Hehi
tont
hehoot
eragai
n.It
hrew
onel
astgl
anceatt
hemi
rr
orand
hur
ri
edout
.Hel
eanedov
erand
swangmydooropenasIappr
oached
t
hecar
.
"
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
"heasked.
"
Hadt
oir
ont
hisdr
ess.
"

Iwor
eami
nif
lar
efl
oral
must
ard
dr
essandapai
rofmust
ardhi
gh
heel
edst
rapsandal
s.

"
Andt
hebag?
"heaskedl
ooki
ngatt
he
l
uggagebackIt
hrewi
nthebackseat
.
"
ForLer
uo'
scl
othes.
"
"
Isn'
ti
tli
kehei
scomi
ngf
oraweek
onl
y?"
heasked
"
Hei
s,obv
iousl
yI'
m goi
ngt
ofi
nd
l
aundr
yfr
om l
astweekt
oo.
"

Hest
art
edt
hecarandj
oinedt
he
r
oad.

"
Yougoi
ngt
ocal
lacabor
wel
ebo
makwany
ojaana?
"heasked.
"
Mar
ti
nsentat
extar
ehel
efthi
scar
key
s.Hesay
sIcoul
dusei
tanddr
op
i
tathi
swor
kpl
aceonceI
'
m done.
"
"
Gaoy
eko,
I'
drat
hery
out
aket
his
one,
"hesai
d.
"
Yourmom'
scar
?"
"
Yesi
t'
sbet
tert
hany
ourbaby
daddy
'scar
.Gapeaker
eyou
pr
omi
sedt
ogooutwi
thhersoi
t'
s
onl
yconv
eni
entbecausegat
shwar
a
kol
oi.
"

Ikeptqui
et.

"
Babegakeomane,
Ijustdon'
twant
Mar
ti
ntodoashepl
easeswi
thy
ou.
Ther
eshoul
dbel
i
mit
sorel
set
he
nex
tthi
nghewi
l
lbet
ell
i
ngy
ougor
e
hel
ovesy
ouandnex
tthi
ngy
ouar
e
pr
egnantf
orhi
m."

If
eltbadr
emi
nisci
ngonMar
ti
n'
s
conf
essi
onwhenIhadcal
l
edt
he
pr
evi
ousni
ghtl
ooki
ngf
orMor
uti
'
s
number
.

"
Youwi
l
lgetev
ery
thi
ng,
drophi
skey
atwor
kandf
inal
l
ydr
opmeof
f.
"
"
Oyagot
senal
ate,
"Isai
d.
"
Idon'
tcar
e,"
hesai
d,"
shoul
dIgo
st
rai
ghtkanashoul
dIuset
her
oad
weusedl
astt
ime?
"
"
Aegost
rai
ghti
t'
sthef
ast
estr
out
e."
I
sai
d

Moment
slat
erhepar
kedi
nfr
ontof
Mar
ti
n'
spl
ace.

*
**

Kel
etsof
inal
l
ywokeup.Thi
sti
me
ar
oundshehadbeenabl
etosi
tupon
herown.Mor
uti
pagedhi
swi
feand
putt
hephonedownandwal
kedov
er
t
oKel
etso.
"
Kel
etso?
"

Shekeptqui
et.

"
Kel
etso?
"hesai
dshaki
ngher
.

Kel
etsol
ookedathi
m butt
hen
l
ookedar
oundt
her
oom.

"
Fat
hert
akef
ull
cont
rol
,
"hesai
d.
MmaThembi
wal
kedi
nwi
thabowl
of
sof
tpor
ri
dge.Shel
ookedpi
ti
ful
l
yat
Kel
etsoasshescr
ubbedher
sel
fof
f
i
magi
nar
yinsect
s.

"
Idon'
tunder
stand,
"shesai
dtoher
husbandwhowasmi
xi
ngsome
spi
cesandmy
rrh.
"
Passmet
hemat
chst
ick.Some
t
hingsy
oucannev
erunder
stand.
"
"
Didy
out
alkt
oEdmor
e?"
sheasked.
"
Yeshewant
s5000dol
l
ars.
"
"
JesusChr
ist
!"
"
Iknow,
"hesai
dbur
ningt
he
char
coal
,
"cl
oset
hedoorandst
art
pr
ayi
ng.
"

MmaThembi
closedt
hedoorand
begant
hesuppl
i
cat
ions.Mor
uti
f
ini
shedupandputt
hesmal
lasht
ray
hewasusi
ngt
obur
nthechar
coal
on
j
ustaf
ewi
nchesawayf
rom Kel
etso'
s
f
eet
.Het
hent
hrewi
nthei
ncense
ov
ert
hebur
ningchar
coal
andj
oined
hi
swi
fei
npr
ayer
.

*
**
Wi
tht
hehel
pofoneoft
heel
der
s
f
rom MmaMpho'
schur
ch,
Otl
heput
MmaMphoi
nsi
det
hebat
htub.

"
Whati
sthi
s?"
thewomanasked.
"
Whati
swhat
?"
"
These?
"shesai
dpoi
nti
ngatt
he
beat
ingmar
ksonMmaMpho'
sback.
"
Jesus!
"Ot
lheex
clai
med.

Thewomanl
ookedatOt
lhewi
than
at
ti
tude.
"
Youdon'
tthi
nkIdi
dthatnowdo
y
ou?
"Ot
lheasked.
"
Wel
lshewasf
inemaabane
mai
tseboaaf
terwebat
heher
,"
the
womansai
d.
"
Bri
l
li
ant
!Whyonear
thwoul
dIbeat
her
?"Ot
lheaskedangr
il
y.
"
Ohegel
wakeengi
fyoudi
dn'
tdoi
t?"
"
Excuseme?Haekakey
arel
e
nkakany
etsabol
oiebel
eex
pect
a
gor
ekennecol
d.Idi
dn'
tdoi
tandI
hav
eev
eryr
easont
ogetangr
y,"
she
sai
dcr
ying.
"
Oledi
saengj
aanong?Mov
eandl
et
mebat
hher
.Keal
eit
sebashay
ou
pr
obabl
yev
enst
arv
ethepoor
l
ady
."t
hel
adyadded.

Ot
lhewi
pedhert
ear
sandst
epped
asi
de.

"
YouknowwhatI
'
m done!
"shesai
d
angr
il
y,
"f
ir
stIgett
oseev
eryev
il
t
hingsi
nthi
shouse,
hav
eaf
ri
end
t
hinkIwi
l
lgeti
nit
iat
edi
ntowi
tchcr
aft
becauseIst
aywi
tht
hiswi
tchand
nowI
'
m accusedofbeat
ingand
st
arv
ingasel
fmadecr
ippl
e?Ae
soka!
"
"
Oray
annaor
esokane
ngwanany
ana?
"

Ot
lhei
gnor
edherandst
ormedoutof
t
hebat
hroom t
oherr
oom.She
par
kedal
lhert
hingsandcal
l
ed
Ri
char
d."

"
Otl
he?
"
"
I'
m goi
nghomet
oday
.Keepy
our
moneyi
fyoul
i
kebecauseIcan'
ttake
t
hisany
mor
e.I
'
m done!
"shecr
ied
"
Cal
m downandt
ell
mewhat
'sr
eal
l
y
bot
her
ingy
ou?
"Ri
char
dsai
datt
he
ot
herendoft
hel
i
ne.
"
Yourmot
heri
snotsi
ckatni
ghtshe
mov
es.
..
she.
..
Iev
ensawahuge
snakewi
thahumanhead.NnaIcan'
t
st
ayher
e.Mumsyer
il
emakukual
e
kokef
aeneat
samay
abecauseshe
wast
err
ori
sedi
nhersl
eep.
Gompi
enoy
ourmom onal
edi
padi
t
sadi
thupaandt
his.
..
andt
hisol
d
womanar
eIbeatandst
arv
eher
."
"
List
enonemor
edayandI
'
llr
eli
ef
y
ou.I
'
lldoubl
eyourpayi
fyoust
ay
unt
ilFr
iday
.Wi
l
lev
enewal
l
ett
he
moneynow.
"hesai
d.
"
Yourt
hreet
housandcan'
tbuymy
l
i
feRr
agweBosel
e."
"
Iknowt
lhengwanakabutIcount
ing
ony
ou.
"hebegged,
"okayIwi
l
lmakei
t
4.
5k.I
t'
sjustf
ourmor
eday
s.Pl
ease.
"
"
Finebuti
fthi
sladi
escal
lmenames
I
'
m goi
ng.
"
"
Kaut
waI
'
llcal
lMmaNchol
oka.
Aker
eshei
stheonet
her
eri
ghtnow?
"
"
Idon'
tknowhername.Ket
heshor
t
onewi
thawar
tont
opofherl
i
p."
"
Eet
hat
'sher
.I'
l
lsor
titoutwi
thher
.
Thanky
oungwanakawi
l
lsendt
he
moneyr
ightnow,
"hesai
d.

Ot
lhehangupandt
hrewher
sel
fon
t
hebedt
hought
ful
.Wast
hemoney
wor
thi
t?Shesatupast
hechur
ch
womanwal
kedi
nwi
thoutknocki
ng.

"
Hel
angwany
anahet
aonkuki
se
MmaMpho.Kant
einchar
get
sa
mal
atsi
aler
il
eng?Ory
out
hinky
ou
ar
especi
al?Het
aodi
ret
ir
oyagago
becauser
onaboSadi
kiwear
edoi
ng
al
lthi
soutofgoodwi
l
lwenay
ouget
pai
dhet
akwaol
egano!
"

Ot
lheangr
il
ynar
rowedherey
es.The
woman'
sphoner
angandshe
r
emov
edi
tfr
om herbr
a.

"
Hel
l
o?"
sheanswer
ed.
"EhekeRi
chat
e?
Ot
sogi
l
engwanawamol
ekane
wame?
"

Shegav
eOt
lheanev
ill
ookandOt
lhe
i
gnor
edhert
ypi
ngi
nherphone.
*
**

Athome,
myuncl
eremov
edt
hel
ast
ofoutf
urni
tur
eandopenedt
hegat
e
f
ort
het
ruck.

"
BoBer
nar
drur
i!
"hi
swi
fe
ex
clai
med.
"Sot
hisi
sal
lhehad?
"
"
Hewehewel
oyar
a.Kanal
awy
ers
makemoneykae'
rey
eteng?Hei
sa
di
sgr
aceandi
twon'
tcomeasa
sur
pri
sei
fhi
ski
dst
urnoutt
hesame.
Keut
wagot
wey
olewaTobaneo
kgaet
segokgael
aebi
l
esheat
eal
l
t
hemoneyf
rom Yout
hDev
elopment
Fund,
"hesai
dmocki
ngl
y.
"
Hee?I
joebi
l
elemagodukemagodu?
KanaKel
etsoeneusedt
ost
eal
moneyandwoul
dhi
dei
tmo
di
l
wanengt
sangwanakesot
hat
ev
ery
onet
hinksBamest
olet
he
money
."
"
Ican'
twai
ttohav
ethi
shouse
cr
usheddownandchanget
hisy
ard
i
ntoamul
tir
esoral
i
quorr
est
aur
ant
wi
thagener
aldeal
er.
"
"
Nchadi
tlheoki
l
ear
ebogi
sawi
th
t
hispl
ot.Hadshedi
edt
hesameday
wi
thherst
upi
dhusbandwewoul
dbe
t
her
ichestmoMmadi
nar
emo,
"she
sai
dwat
chi
ngt
heol
dfur
nit
ureget
l
oadedi
nthet
ruck.
"Sot
ell
mewhen
ar
etheycomi
ngf
ort
hist
rash?
"
"
Okai
tsekanaDi
kel
edi
omakgakga
I
'
llcal
lherl
ater
,"
hesai
d.

*
**

Wear
ri
vedatMar
ti
n'
swor
kpl
acea
whi
l
elat
er.It
ookmyphoneand
gr
abbedhi
scarandhousekey
sfr
om
myhandbag.

"
Hur
ryup,
"Vi
nsai
d.

Isway
edmyhi
pst
othesi
deswal
ki
ng
t
owar
dst
her
ecept
ionar
ea.Idi
aled
hi
sphonegoi
ngupt
heel
evat
or.

"
I'
m comi
ngup,
"Isai
d.
"
Okaybabes.
Ont
etse.
..
"

Idi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l
.Hewas
wai
ti
ngf
ormeout
sidewhenI
r
eachedt
hei
rfl
oor
.Segowav
edf
rom
herdesk,
Iwav
edback.

"
Youl
ookf
lames.Dang!
"he
ex
clai
medcausi
ngmet
o
bl
ush.
"Shemssabl
ushersel
ony
ana
same.
"
"
Mxm don'
tst
artwi
thme,
"I
sai
d."
Take.
"

Het
ookt
hekey
s.
"
Aonotev
enhug'
nyana?
"heasked.
"
SincewhendoIhugy
ouneMar
ti
n?"
I
askedf
oldi
ngmyhands.
"
It
'snev
ert
ool
atet
ost
art
,comel
et'
s
goi
n."
"
Act
ual
l
yI'
minahur
ry,
"Isai
d."
Itook
l
aundr
yyaLer
uo.
"
"
Mine?
"hesai
dbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
p.
"
I'
m noty
ourmai
d.Kesur
eNkel
ewi
l
l
bemor
ethangr
atef
ult
odoi
t.Letme
go,
"Isai
d.

Hekeptqui
et.Segowal
kedov
er.
"
Gir
lyoul
ookamaz
ing.I
sthat
..
.get
outi
fher
e!"
shesai
drai
singmyhand.

Mar
ti
n'
sfacequi
ckl
ygotpal
elooki
ng
atmyhand.

"
Tlhemmaosephi
ri
!"
shesai
d.
"
Heonl
yaskedt
hismor
ning,
"Isai
d
smi
l
ing."
Cal
lme,
I'
ll
def
ini
tel
yfi
l
lyou
i
nwi
tht
hedet
ail
s."

Mar
ti
nfl
ashedaf
akesmi
l
e.
"
Lat
eraker
e?"
"
Tlhemmadon'
tfor
gett
ocal
lme.Ke
chi
efbr
idal
organi
zernotaf
tery
ou
t
hrewmesuchaspl
endi
dbaby
shower
."
shesai
dex
cit
edl
y.
"
Ofcour
se.Mar
ti
n?"
Itappedhi
m
"
Hmmm?
"hesai
d
"
Bowl
yameekae?
"Iasked.
"
Ethubegi
l
e,"
hesmi
rked.
"
Mxm,
ket
sil
egoet
say
akamoso.I
t
bet
terbeher
e,"
Isai
d.
Theel
evat
oropenedandVi
nst
epped
out
.
Sego'
sfacel
i
tup.

"
Ther
eyouar
e,"
hewr
appedhi
shand
ar
oundmywai
standki
ssedmy
cheek.
"
Hi,
kebi
diwaSego.Di
kel
edi
tol
dme
somuchabouty
ou.
"
"
Idi
d?"
"
YesdahkanagaseVi
nmot
ho
y
oo?
"shesai
d,"
Andcongr
atsshei
sa
cat
ch.
"
Shewi
nked.Thi
swhor
ewi
nkedatmy
man!If
akedasmi
l
e.Idi
dn'
ttel
lher
not
hingaboutVi
n.Hadt
obeMar
ti
n.I
gl
aredatMar
ti
nandhel
ookedaway
gui
l
tyaschar
ged.

"
Hopeshesai
dgoodt
hings.
..
?"
"
Sego,
"shesai
dast
heyshookhands.
"
YesSego,
"hesmi
l
ed,
"Mar
ti
n?"
"
Ait
ah,
dir
eng?
"
"
All
isgood,
"Vi
nsai
d.
Okayno"
congr
atul
ati
ons"escaped
hi
sli
ps.

"
Segol
etmegoi
ntheoper
ati
ng
r
oom t
her
eisapat
ientwai
ti
ng.Of
fer
t
hem somet
hingt
odr
ink.
"
"
Thanksmanbutshehast
odr
opme
atwor
k.I
'
mrunni
ngl
ate.
"Vi
nsai
d.
"
Oh?
"Mar
ti
nsai
dir
ri
tat
ed.
"
Hel
ahakat
awi
thy
ourcar
,"
Isai
d.
"
ByeSego.
"
"
Shar
p.By
eVi
n."
shesai
dwav
ingl
i
ke
ar
etar
ded.
Vi
nsmi
l
edandmadeanod.They
wat
cheduswal
ki
ngi
ntot
heel
evat
or.

"
Nowt
hat
'sgoal
s!"
Segosai
dassoon
ast
heel
evat
ordoorcl
osed.
"
What
ever
.Kegor
atadi
showof
f.
Gat
weIdi
dn'
tcomewi
thy
ourcar
.
Whyt
hef
uckdi
dshecomeher
ethen?
BoDi
kel
edi
okar
ebat
hobai
kut
usabo
hi
ghl
i
fe.Suchat
otal
tur
nof
f.
"

Segol
aughedashewal
kedbacki
nto
hi
sof
fi
ce.

STORI
ESBY:
Emy
-Becky

Nex
tinser
ttomor
rowat3pm.I
nser
t
wi
l
lcomeaf
ter3pm unt
ilt
he10t
h
andi
twi
l
lbeasi
ngl
einser
tperday
.
Bewi
tched

#26(
Didntev
enat
temptt
oedi
te-not
i
nthebestst
ate)
.pl
easebar
ewi
th
mef
oral
ltheer
ror
s.
Theweat
herwaswel
comi
ng.Just
sui
tabl
eforadayoutwi
tht
hef
utur
e
mot
her
-i
n-l
aw.Ismi
l
edandpul
l
edmy
bagf
rom t
hepassengerseat
.Mr
s
Wr
ighthaddeci
dedt
hatshewoul
d
t
akeacabandmeetmedownt
own.I
mademywayt
otheI
tal
i
anr
est
aur
ant
shehadsuggest
edwegot
o,"
they
ser
vet
hemostamaz
ingpast
a
di
shes"shehadsai
dent
husi
ast
ical
l
y
dur
ingourphonecal
l
.

Onceatt
heent
ranceoft
he
r
est
aur
ant
,awai
terl
eadmei
nsi
de.
"
Wel
comet
oIt
aly
,"
shesai
dsmi
l
ing.
"
Bet
weenmeandy
oui
sit
pr
onouncedI
tal
yorEat
ley
?
Shesmi
l
ed,
"Eat
leydoesbet
ter
ma'
am.
"
"
AhIsee,
"Isai
d.
"
Arey
oual
one?
"sheaskedl
eadi
ng
met
owar
dst
het
abl
es.

Mr
sWr
ightspot
tedmeandwav
edI
wav
edback.
"
Ohy
ouar
ethedaught
er-
in-
law?
"the
wai
tr
essasked.
"
Noty
etst
il
lengaged.
"Isai
dsmi
l
ing
atMr
sWr
ightwhohadherey
es
pi
nnedonme.
"
Tlhemmaont
shwar
eleJonny
,"
she
bl
ushed.
"
Jonny
?Oh!t
hey
oungerson?I
'
llsee,
obi
diwamang?
"Iasked.
"
Lynda,
"shesai
dsmi
l
ing,
"t
hisway
pl
ease.
"
"
ButI
'
m wi
thher
,"
Isai
dpoi
nti
ngat
Vi
n'
smot
her
.
"
Iknow,
shei
sseat
ingatt
hewai
ti
ng
t
abl
e.Letmet
akey
out
oyourt
abl
e
shewi
l
ljoi
nyoui
nabi
t,
"shesai
d.
"
Eygosat
hwael
a,
"Isai
d.
"
Youwi
l
lwi
thi
naweek.Thef
ami
l
y
comesher
eal
lthet
ime,
"shesai
d
l
eadi
ngmet
hrought
heor
dinar
y
t
abl
est
oamor
esecl
udedar
ea,
"t
hey
ar
eli
keapar
tofusher
e.Can'
t
i
magi
neamont
hwi
thoutt
hem
st
eppi
ngt
hrough.Thei
rti
p?Yoht
his
peopl
ecanspl
ashmoneyl
i
kei
t'
s
not
hing!I
'
m notl
ooki
ngf
orJonny
becauseoft
hemoneyt
hough.
"
Shet
urnedt
olookatmeasIqui
etl
y
wal
kedbehi
ndher
.

"
Act
ual
l
yIgotaj
obher
eaf
terseei
ng
t
hem di
nni
ngher
eforawhi
l
e."
She
sai
d.

Myey
esqui
ckl
yscout
edt
he
l
uxur
ioussect
ion.VI
Psect
ion?
May
be,
wel
li
thadt
obewi
tht
hose
f
urni
shi
ngs.
"
Wow,
"Isai
dadmi
ri
ngt
hepl
aceshe
t
ookmet
o.
"
Iknowr
ight
.Itwoul
dbeaper
fect
st
oryt
otel
lataweddi
ngr
ecept
ion.
"
"
What
?NoImeantt
hepl
ace.I
t'
s
beaut
if
ul,
"Isai
dadmi
ri
ngl
y.
"
Oh?
"shesai
dembar
rassed.
"
Noy
ourst
oryi
sbeaut
if
ulj
ustl
i
ke
t
hisar
eaher
e,"
Isai
dhonest
ly.
"
Yout
hink?
"shesai
dbl
ushi
ng.

Inot
icedt
hent
hatshewascol
our
ed.
Shehadherhai
rneat
lyhel
dinabun.
Youcoul
dtel
lfr
om i
tst
ext
uret
hati
t
wascur
lyandabi
tbr
owni
sht
othe
si
ght
.Herl
i
pscur
ledi
ntoaki
l
ler
smi
l
eandpr
opel
l
edmet
osmi
l
etoo.

"
Iknowso.
"Iwi
nked.

Shel
ookedol
dert
hanmephy
sical
l
y
butmay
bet
hreey
ear
smyj
uni
or
f
aci
all
y.

"
Please,
"shesai
ddi
rect
ingmet
oa
chai
r.
"
VIPsect
ion?
"Iasked.
"
VVI
P,i
t'
sfort
hewhoseandwhoseof
t
hiscount
ry.Thef
ormerpr
esi
dentsat
t
her
elastWednesday
?"shesai
d
handi
ngmet
hemenubookl
et.
"
Getoutofher
e,"
Isai
dmi
smi
ri
sed.
Shechuckl
edr
eveal
i
ngher
di
mpl
es,
"hewas.
"
"
Mindt
aki
ngaphot
oofme?
"Iasked.
"
Act
ual
l
ywehav
ear
esi
dence
phot
ogr
apherhewi
l
lbemor
ethan
gl
adt
ohav
eyouashi
smodel
fort
he
day
."
Ibl
ushed.Thi
swasj
ustascenecut
outf
rom amov
iescr
ipt
.

"
Cal
lmewheny
ouar
ereadyt
oor
der
.
Mr
sWr
ightwi
l
lbewi
thy
oui
na
moment
."

Ismi
l
ed.Shet
urnedaf
ewmet
ers
awayandt
rot
tedbackt
ohi
m.

"
Woul
dyoumi
ndi
fIt
ooky
ounumber
t
oseehowf
ar.
..
"
Il
ookedatherconf
used.

Shel
ookedar
ound,
".
..
wit
hyouknow
who.
"
"
OhJ?
"Iasked.
"
Please.
"
"
Howaboutt
hiswet
ell
ever
yoney
ou
ar
emyf
ri
endt
henI
'
lli
nvi
tey
ouat
t
hei
rpl
aceoneoft
hegoodday
s."
"
You'
ddot
hatf
orme?
"sheasked
happi
l
y.
"
Yep,
sowher
edi
dyougr
owup?
"I
asked.
"
All
over
,howev
erIst
ayedi
nPhi
kwe
mostofmychi
l
dhood.
..
"
"
Howconv
eni
ent
.I'
mfr
om
Mmadi
nar
eandwenyt
opr
imar
y
school
inKopanakoPhi
kweunt
il
2004.
"
"
What
?Iact
ual
l
yst
art
edmyst
d1
t
her
eka2001.Iwasi
nMma
Modi
kwe'
scl
ass.
"
"
Thi
sisper
fect
.Sowear
eof
fi
cial
l
y
ol
dfr
iends.Takegi
vemey
our
numberI
'
llsenty
oumessagekaapp
abouti
mpor
tantdet
ail
s.Youneedt
o
gety
ourman.
"

Shesmi
l
edandt
ypedt
henumberi
n.

*
**

AtMar
ti
n'
swor
kpl
ace.Heswanghi
s
r
ecl
i
ningchai
rsi
deway
s
unconsci
ousl
y.Segot
appedatt
he
opendoorbuthewast
oo
pr
eoccupi
edt
onot
iceher
.She
st
eppedi
n.
"
Booo!
"
"
Fuck!
"hesai
dget
ti
ngupf
rom t
he
f
loor
."
Whatt
hef
uckwast
hatf
or?
Ev
erhear
dofknocki
ng?
"
"
Tshabaodi
kwabaaker
eIknocked
andy
oudi
dn'
tev
enmov
eani
nch.Ne
obat
akedi
raj
ang?
"
"
Mxm,
"hesai
d,"
okgonne?
"
"
Insuf
fi
cientf
unds,
"shesai
dgi
vi
ng
hi
m hi
sgol
dencar
d.
"
FNBy
amphaphel
a.Soor
eki
l
eka
eng?
"hesai
dlooki
ngatt
he
t
akeaway
ssheputont
het
abl
e.
Shesatdown,
"Iam awoman.Pl
usI
hav
easav
ingsaccount
.Itcomesi
n
handyt
otahakgwedi
egat
aha.
"
"
Andpet
rol
?"heaskedopeni
ngt
he
paperbag.

Segosl
appedhi
shandsandt
ookout
t
hef
oodbox
esoutandt
wocansof
j
uice.

"
Chi
neseagai
n?"
Mar
ti
nweaned.
"
Akeonnegr
atef
ulMat
t.Weat
ewhat
mor
eki
wal
etsat
sif
eel
sli
keeat
ing.
Tshwar
a."

Mar
ti
ntookt
hechopst
icksf
rom her
.

"
Ahnnal
eset
sel
erei
raboJacki
e
Chankanakeonemaj
apaneal
ona.
KanaMmagweLer
uowoul
dfi
ghtme
ev
erySundayal
ebi
l
eboJandi
whenI
t
ri
edt
ochanget
osuperspor
t,
"he
smi
l
ed.
"
Youl
i
kehert
hatmuch?
"
"
Huh?
"
"
Iseei
t,t
hewayy
ourf
acegl
owsup
haobuaabouther
.Sawhow
passi
onat
eyouwer
eint
hemor
ning
whenshepassedbyt
oo.
"

Mar
ti
ndugi
ntohi
sboxofchi
cken
chowmei
n.

"
Ij
oar
etswemogot
sone.SoIf
il
led
upy
out
ankont
uel
aleng?
"sheasked.
"
Wenaf
uel
forme?Maaka!
"
"
Ser
ious,
"sher
eachedi
nher
pocket
,"
Gott
her
ecei
ptt
oo.Seet
hat
i
thasast
ampt
oo,
"shesai
dchewi
ng.
"
Wapeka,
neobecha.
"Het
eased.
"
LeKar
abohai
sekemof
emadi
a
quar
t.Wenat
abeol
emanghel
a?"
she
asked.
"
YourBFF,
"hewi
nked.

Segochuckl
edal
mostchoki
ngonher
f
ull
mout
h.Shef
annedher
sel
fand
swal
l
owedt
hef
oodbef
oreshecoul
d
speak.

"
Otankgami
sadi
j
o.Pl
usBFFy
ame
keMaur
eenwenaomonohel
ao
godf
athery
aNosi
pho,
"shesai
d.
"
Wel
lagodf
atherneedpet
rol
incase
Nosi
needsababysi
tt
erandt
he
mama'
sBFFi
sn'
tar
oundbecause
shei
sawhor
eandwel
lthedad?
Kant
ewenabet
weenushel
awher
e
onear
thdi
dyougett
hathi
deous
cr
eat
uref
rom?
"hemockedpl
ayf
ull
y.
"
Otsamael
akookar
eDi
kayokar
e
pot
saneekgami
l
weket
lhapey
a
mor
ula.
"
"
Enemmet
huswakemmal
a,
"hesai
d
l
aughi
ng.
"
wenagape?Hai
bomadoda?Sowhat
y
ouset
tl
ingwi
tht
hey
ounger
si
ster
?"Segoasked.
"
Mightaswel
laker
emosadi
wame
bot
sot
sibamophamot
se.Wr
etched
v
ult
ure,
xla!Idon'
tl
iket
hatni
ggani
x
andt
heposty
out
alkedabouty
afb
abouthi
m!Ahl
i
ttl
emuhf
uckeri
sjust
col
d.Nof
lamesnot
hing.Thought
may
bel
enseet
amot
hat
swakae?
"he
smi
rkedder
isi
vel
y.
"
Erengj
eal
ousmongwaneng?Mona
ot
agobol
aya,
"shesai
dry
hmi
ngt
o
CasperNy
onv
estsong.
Mar
ti
nsmi
rkedandcl
i
ckedhi
s
t
ongueannoy
ed.

*
**

"
HeyVi
n?"
afemal
evoi
cecal
l
edout
?

Hehur
ri
edupi
gnor
ingherbutshe
camet
rot
ti
ngov
ercal
l
inghi
m.

"
Vincent
?"
"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"hesai
dangr
il
y.
"
Canwet
alk?
"shesai
dcat
chi
ngher
br
eat
h.
"
Aboutwhatr
eal
l
y?Thel
astt
imeI
checkedwehadnot
hingl
eftt
otal
k
about
.Nowi
fyou'
l
lex
cuseme.
"
"
Ilostt
hebaby
,"
shesai
dsadl
y.
"
I'
m sor
rybutIwon'
tcomet
othe
bur
ial
,
"hesai
dwi
thacol
dtone

Thebeaut
if
ull
adywi
pedhert
ear
s
andf
oll
owedVi
n.

"
Tlher
raI
'
m sor
ry.Ican'
tl
oosey
ou
t
oo,
"shecr
iedcl
i
ngi
ngont
ohi
m,"
I
l
ostt
hebabyand.
..
"

Hepul
l
edawayf
rom her
,"
don'
ttr
yto
pat
roni
zemeandmakemesor
ryf
or
y
oubecausey
oul
ostanunbor
n
baby
."
"
Howcoul
dyoubesocol
d?"
shesai
d
sni
ff
ing.
"
Col
d?Col
dCal
i
cia?Youmadeaf
ool
ofmef
orsi
xbl
oodyy
ear
s,t
ell
i
ngme
howy
ouwaskeepi
ngy
our
sel
fforme
whi
l
eyouwer
ehav
ingsexal
lal
ong.
Youdi
sgustme.
"
"
I'
m sor
ry,
"shesai
dbi
ti
ngherl
ower
l
i
p.
"
Sor
ry!Sor
ryf
orwhat
?Bonadon'
t
ev
ercomeher
e.Don'
tev
engot
omy
mom'
sort
ryt
ogeti
ncont
actwi
th
mebecauseImov
edon.If
ounda
womannotal
oosepant
y."

Hepushedpastherandwal
kedout
oft
hef
aci
l
ityt
hrought
hebackdoor
.
Cal
i
ciacr
umbl
eddownont
hef
loor
cr
ying.Out
sideVi
nki
ckedt
hel
i
tter
bi
nssendi
ngt
hingsf
lyi
ngar
ound.He
cur
sedandscr
eamed.
"
Fuck!Fuck!Fucky
ouCal
i
cia!
"

*
**

Wequi
etl
ywat
chedasChefputa
wi
dev
ari
etyofpast
rydel
i
caci
es
bef
oreus.If
eltsal
i
vaf
il
lupmy
mout
handMr
sWr
ightl
aughed
l
ooki
ngatme.

"
Don'
ttel
lmey
ouhav
ingal
lthat
,"
she
t
eased.
"
CanI
?"Isai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y.
"
Yesy
oumayma'
am.
"

Myphonev
ibr
ated.Il
ookedati
tand
atVi
n'
smot
her
.

"
Takei
tmychi
l
d,"
shesai
dand
di
ver
tedherat
tent
iont
othechef
.

Ir
educedt
hev
olumeandpi
ckedup.

"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Mor
uti
aresal
aal
ekagogo
l
elet
sa,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d,"
Kel
etsohadbeen
admi
tt
edkoMar
ina.
"
"
What
!"

ThechefandMr
sWr
ightl
ookedat
mecur
iousl
y.

"
I'
m onmywayt
her
e,"
hesai
d.
"
okayI
'
m comi
ng.
"

Ihangup.

"
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"Mr
sWr
ight
asked.
"
Excuseme.
"

Ir
anoutf
eel
i
ngdi
zzyandshecame
t
rot
ti
ngbehi
ndme.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
Bewi
tched

#27

Il
ookedatt
hedoct
ort
ryi
ngt
omake
outwhat
everhehadj
ustt
oldme.
"
Whatt
hehel
ldoy
oumeano'
rehal
e
bonesepe?
"
"
Babegi
vehi
m achancet
o
ex
plai
n."
Vinsai
drubbi
ngmyhand
gent
ly.
"
Expl
ainwhat
?Imeanmot
hoosal
aa
i
kananat
hahel
a.I
t'
sbeenov
er
24hour
sandt
heygott
hel
astoft
hei
r
r
esul
ts.Sodon'
tgi
vemet
hat
,"
Isai
d
f
umi
ng.

Mar
ti
nst
oodwat
chi
ngf
rom hi
sseat
.
Hehadbeenqui
etsi
ncet
heday
Kel
etsogotadmi
tt
ed.
"
Babe.
..
"
"
NoVi
nIwantt
hismant
otel
lme
gor
ewhat
'swr
ongwi
thmysi
ster
.Ke
baut
wal
etsebutwel
lnotonme.
"

Nev
erf
oraseconddi
dmyey
esl
eav
e
t
hedi
sgr
unt
ledf
orei
gnpr
act
it
ioner
.
Hel
ookedI
ndi
anbutIhadl
ear
ned
t
hepr
evi
ousni
ghtt
hathewas
act
ual
l
yfr
om
Bangl
adesh.
"
Iunder
standwher
eyoucomi
ng
f
rom.
..
"
"
Youdo?No,
youdon'
tbecausei
fyou
knewy
ouwoul
dst
opt
hismadness
andt
ell
mehercondi
ti
on.
"Isai
d
i
nter
rupt
inghi
m.

Hesqui
ntedhi
sey
esagi
tat
ed.

"
Wet
est
edev
ery
thi
ngbutt
her
eisn'
t
any
thi
ngwr
ongwi
thher
.It
'sacase
ofi
t'
ski
ndandhonest
lyal
ldoct
ors
her
ehav
ebeencont
act
edbutnone
madeadi
agnosi
s.Wewi
l
lhowev
er
keepherf
oranot
herdayf
orcl
ose
moni
tor
ing,
"heex
plai
ned.

Themor
ehespoket
hemor
eIgot
annoy
ed.Hewasadoct
orhemust
knowwhatwaswr
ong.Hej
usthadt
o.
Myphonev
ibr
atedandImut
eitand
puti
tbacki
nmybag.

"
Docwewi
l
lcomebacki
nthe
mor
ningbuti
fther
eisnocl
ear
ex
planat
iont
ohercondi
ti
onwe
woul
dli
ket
ohav
ehert
ransf
err
edt
o
anot
herf
aci
l
ity
."Vi
nsai
d
Mar
ti
nrol
l
edhi
sey
esandcont
inued
t
widdl
i
nghi
shands.

"
Ofcour
se.
"

Vi
nst
oodupandshookhandswi
th
t
hedoct
or.Mar
ti
nal
soshookhands
butwhenmyt
urncameIr
oll
edmy
ey
esandst
ormedout
,Mar
ti
n
f
oll
owedme.

"
For
giv
ehershei
snotal
way
sli
ke
t
hat
.It
'sheronl
yfami
l
yand.
..
"
"
Noneedt
oex
plai
nman.Iwoul
d
pr
obabl
yreacti
nal
i
kemanner
.Take
car
eofher
,"
hesai
dpat
ti
ngVi
n'
s
shoul
der
.

Mar
ti
npul
l
edmyhandasIwal
ked
out
.Het
ookmeasi
deandcl
osedt
he
door
.

"
Hey
,Iknowy
ouhur
ti
ngandscar
ed
butt
hatpoorguyi
scl
uel
esst
oo.Thi
s
whol
ethi
ngi
sspi
ri
tual
andi
tneeds
spi
ri
tual
int
erv
ent
ionorel
set
he
doct
orsar
egoi
ngt
omaket
he
si
tuat
ionwor
set
hani
tal
readyi
s."
"
I'
m scar
ed.
..
I.
..
"Ibr
eat
hedheav
il
y
t
ryi
ngt
ohol
dbackt
het
ear
s.
"
Don'
tcr
ytl
hemma.Youknowi
f
t
her
eisany
thi
ngIhat
eisseei
ngy
ou
l
i
ket
his.Comeher
e."

Het
urnedmeanddr
ewmei
nhol
ding
myheadasagai
nsthi
schest
.The
embr
acet
ookmebackt
omot
her
's
f
uner
al.Hehadbeenmyshoul
dert
o
l
eanon,
noonewasal
l
owedt
oget
cl
osert
omeex
cepthi
msel
fand
Kel
etso.

"
Iknowy
oucanhandl
ethi
sbecause
y
ousuchast
rongwoman.Best
rong
f
orbot
hofy
ouguy
s.Nkel
eneeds
y
ourst
rengt
hmor
ethansheev
erhas
needed.
"

Thedoort
othedoct
orsopenedf
rom
t
hei
nsi
deandwebr
okeof
ffr
om our
moment
aryembr
ace.

*
**
Mr
sWr
ightsatt
hought
ful
l
yinher
of
fi
ceanddi
aledanumberf
rom her
cont
actdi
ary
.Shef
iddl
edwi
tht
he
penast
hephoner
angunanswer
ed.

"
Hel
l
o..
.y
esBakangt
hisi
sMr
sWr
ight
.
Howmuchdi
dyousayBer
nar
d
Let
ang'
smoneyi
s?"
"
Todayi
tst
andsatP507579.
90.So
y
ouar
eser
iousl
ygi
vi
ngt
hem al
lof
i
t?"
heaskedf
rom t
heot
herendoft
he
l
i
ne.
"
Whatdi
dyousuggestIdo
Bakang?
"sheaskedswi
ngi
ngar
ound
i
nherchai
r.
"
Wel
lgi
vet
hem whaty
ouowedt
hei
r
f
ather
,"
hesai
d.

Mr
sWr
ightchor
tl
ed,
"Iam notev
ily
ou
know.Pl
usIl
ovet
heki
d,andnotonl
y
t
hatshewi
l
lbef
ami
l
ysoonandone
t
hingy
oudon'
tdoi
nli
fei
srui
nfami
l
y
bonds.Nowcany
oubeki
ndand
t
ransf
ert
hemoneyt
oheraccount
?I'
l
l
sendy
ouherbanki
ngdet
ail
s."
"
All
ofi
t?"
heasked.
"
YesBakang,
all
ofi
t.Ev
ent
hat90
t
hebe.By
eletmesend,
"shehangup
andf
orwar
dedhermybanki
ngdet
ail
s
f
rom t
hewhat
sappmessageIhad
senthert
hatmor
ning.

Shesi
ghedandspanherchai
rar
ound
oncemor
eandshutherey
es.

*
**

Vi
nopenedt
hecardoorf
ormeand
cl
osedi
tandwentov
ert
ohi
ssi
de.
Hest
art
edt
hecarwhi
l
elooki
ngat
me.

"
Tel
lmeaboutMar
ti
n,
"hesai
dlooki
ng
att
her
earv
iewmi
rr
or.
"
Whatabouthi
m?"
"
Doeshewanty
ouback?
"heasked
r
ever
singt
hecar
.
"
Oray
ajangor
edoeshewant
sme
back?Ihav
enev
erbeenhi
ssoIdon'
t
knowgor
eobuakaengkabodoes
hewanty
oubackbabagago.
"Isai
d.

Hej
ustl
ookedatmeandcont
inued
dr
ivi
ng.Il
ookedout
sidet
hewi
ndow
andt
houghtaboutmysi
ster
.The
empt
ywat
erdr
ipst
hatwasat
tached
t
oherhepal
elooki
ngski
n.Shedi
d
l
ookdehy
drat
edbutt
hedoct
orssai
d
shewasn'
t.

"
Doy
oul
ovehi
m?"
Vinaskedaswe
passedVi
l
lagegoi
ngt
oTl
okweng
br
eaki
ngt
hesi
l
encet
hathad
swal
l
owedusup.
"
Excuseme?
"
"
Youhear
dmet
hef
ir
stt
ime,
"hesai
d
hi
sey
esst
il
lont
her
oad.
"
Lov
ewho?
"Ir
aisedmyv
oice.
"
Youdon'
trai
sey
ourv
oiceatme,
"he
sai
dpul
l
ingt
hecarov
eratChoppi
es.
"
Andy
oudon'
tgett
oaskmedi
pot
so
t
sedi
senangpel
elemor
ago
VI
NCENT.Mysi
steri
sfi
ght
ingf
orher
l
i
feandwenal
ewenay
ouwantmet
o
f
eedony
ouri
nsecur
it
ies.Ar
gh!wa
l
api
samaan.
"
"
BecauseIl
ovey
ouandIknow
Mar
ti
nisaf
tery
ouandi
tscar
es
me.
..
babeIl
ovey
ou,
"hesai
dona
r
icket
ytone.
"
Kant
ereemet
seenggoneha?
"Isai
d
angr
il
y.
"
Let
'sgoi
n,
"hesai
d.
"
Aekasal
a,
"Isai
d.
"
Noy
ouar
enot
.Don'
tdi
srespectme.
Het
awecomi
ngt
oget
her
,"
hesai
d
wi
thast
ernv
oice.
"
Isai
dNo!
"

Hel
ookedbackandi
twast
hent
hatI
not
icedhehasr
oll
eddownt
he
wi
ndowsandpeopl
ewer
est
arr
ingat
us.Embar
rassedIl
ower
edmyey
es
andhet
il
tedmyheadbyr
aisi
ngmy
chi
n.

"
Arey
oucomi
ng?
"
"
Mmm,
"Isai
d.

I
gnor
ingt
hel
adi
est
hatwer
elooki
ng
atus,
Vinl
eanedi
nki
ssedmeand
st
rokedmychi
n.

"
Ilov
eyouandI
'
dki
l
lfory
ou.Let
's
go.
"hesai
d.

*
**
Myuncl
elockedt
hest
orager
oom of
hi
spoul
tr
yhousei
nRobel
elaaf
tert
he
hi
redguy
sputt
hel
astofourf
urni
tur
e.
Hi
sphoner
angaf
terhepai
dthem.

"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Let
hot
se?Gaobowej
aanong?
"hi
s
wi
feasked.
"
MmagweBamet
lheakeoi
thut
ago
nnaol
enosi
,
"het
eased.
"
Likey
ouwoul
d?"
shel
aughed.
"
Lat
sogamme?
"
"
Ret
sogi
l
e,Bamet
ell
smegor
egat
we
Kel
etsoor
obadi
tswe.
"
"
Uhu,
elegor
eor
il
eng?
"heasked.
"
Thedet
ail
sar
esket
chy
.Ar
eout
wa
kaLone,
"sheex
plai
ned.
"
Lone?
"
"
YesngwanawagaBer
nar
dwa
Tobane.Appar
ent
lyokooand
r
umourhasi
tthei
rfat
herhasmoney
andt
heyar
esupposedt
ohav
eit
di
vi
dedamongstt
hemsel
ves.Gat
we
kehal
fami
l
li
onf
rom somewhi
te
l
ady
."
"
War
ehal
fami
l
li
on?Hebannagase
l
ekgowal
acl
i
enty
agaBer
nar
dtot
a?
Nny
amadi
akasehi
webanar
ona
bot
sadi
rel
eteng.Wehav
eour
cust
omsandt
heymustf
oll
owt
hem
godi
rwemor
erohel
amadi
aol
erona
kear
onakana,
"hesai
d.
"
Mysent
iment
sex
act
ly,
"shesai
d.
"
Checkmyol
ddi
ary
.Ther
edoneI
t
hinkIwr
otet
hel
adi
esnumber
somewher
eonceaf
tershe
cont
act
ed,
"hesai
d.
"
LewenaRr
agweBamewhydi
dn'
t
y
ougetbackt
oher
?"sheasked.
"
Wel
latt
hatt
imeIt
houghshe
want
edt
ogi
veNchadi
andher
chi
l
drenmadi
amat
shi
diso.Shedi
d
notwantmet
odeal
wit
hheral
one
andIknewshewasgoi
ngt
ogi
ve
t
hem al
otofmoney
.Nowsee.
..
I
wonderhowshegothol
doft
hem.I
f
Kel
etsocoul
ddi
eandal
l
owust
o
t
akehershar
e.I
magi
nehowmuch
wewoul
dhav
esav
ed,
"hesai
denv
y
f
il
led.

*
**

Segonot
icedt
hatMar
ti
n'
sdoorwas
sl
i
ght
lyopened.Shewentbackand
poppedherheadi
nsi
de.Mar
ti
nst
ood
att
hewi
ndowl
ooki
ngout
.

"
Youar
eback?
"

Mar
ti
ntur
ned,
"mmm.Mi
ssedme?
"
"
Haha,
youj
ustf
lat
tery
our
sel
ftoo
much.Howi
sshe?
"

Heshookhi
shead.

"
Thatbad?
"
"
Yepandi
twoul
dtakeami
racl
eto
sav
eher
.Thepr
obl
em i
sMmagwe
Ler
uoi
sindeni
al.Obusyhel
ao
omany
adi
ngakaandt
hatboy
fri
end
ofheri
s..
."
"
Fiance,
"shesai
dmot
ioni
ngher
handsi
rr
it
ati
ngl
y.
"
Huh?
"
"
It
'sherf
iance,
"shesai
dtohi
s
annoy
ance.
"
Waphaphaaker
e?Kant
eot
eam
who?
"heaskedf
oldi
nghi
shands.
"
Uhhh.
..
team noBODY!
"sher
oll
edher
ey
es.
Hesqui
ntedherey
es,
"y
oudoknow
t
hatIam y
ouronl
yfr
iendr
ight
?"he
sai
d.

Shechor
tl
ed.

"
Andt
hatIal
onest
andasNosi
pho'
s
godf
ather
?"
"
Obi
tt
erwenakana.Rel
axokay
.To
mey
ouar
eir
repl
aceabl
e.Justst
ick
t
oKel
etsohel
aandl
etDi
kel
edi
be,
"shesai
dwal
ki
ngaway
.
"
Wai
t,wakaej
aanong?
"heasked.
"
Home,
Ihav
eamankana,
"shesai
d
mocki
ngl
y.
"
Chi
naber
ueneel
e?Sowenaka
bannawehammert
hebodywenat
ell
mewhatar
eyouhammer
ing?He
mustbegoodbedf
ory
out
ohav
e
st
ayedt
hisl
ong.Don'
tyouget
ni
ght
mar
esf
rom sl
eepi
ngwi
thsucha
demon,
kanannaokant
shwar
isa
sebet
eledi
."
"
Tshabaokar
emasweagagookar
e
amol
wet
sewadi
ori
sij
aana,
mxm.
Skaphaphel
aRr
agweNosi
hei
sten
t
imesbet
terandy
est
hemani
sanA
gameri
nbed.Lekker
,"
shewi
nked.
"
Way
aaka!
"Mar
ti
nlaughed.
"
Tsk!
"Segol
aughedwal
ki
ngout
.

*
**

Ir
ecei
vedansmsnot
if
icat
ionasIgot
i
nthecar
.Myey
esopenedwi
derasI
r
eadt
hemessage.

"
Whatt
he.
..
"myey
esbl
i
nkedacoupl
e
oft
imesasIr
eadt
hemessageagai
n.
"
What
?"Vi
naskedcur
iousl
y.
Igav
ehi
mthephone.Hesmi
l
edand
gav
eitback.

"
Ithoughtshewant
edt
oengage
l
awy
ersf
ir
st.Shemustr
eal
l
yli
kes
y
ou,
"hesai
dst
art
ingt
hecar
.

Myphoner
angashegav
eitback.I
r
oll
edmyey
esandputi
tdown.

"
Ain'
tyougoi
ngt
oanswert
hat
?"he
asked.
"
Ker
rangwane,
hei
spr
obabl
ycal
l
ing
aboutt
hef
urni
tur
e.Nnakal
apakana
babe,
"Isai
d.

Het
ookt
hephoneandanswer
edi
t
bef
oreIcoul
dst
ophi
m.

"
Hel
l
o,"
hesai
dswi
tchi
ngof
fthecar
engi
ne.
"
Uhu,
rra?CanIspeakt
oDi
kel
edi
?"
"
Shei
snotav
ail
abl
e,
"hesai
d,"
thi
sis
herf
iancecanIt
aket
hemessage?
"
"
Fiance?Idon'
tknowofanyf
iance.
Whoar
eyou?
"heasked.
"
VincentWr
ight
,thati
sbecausewe
gotengagedy
est
erdaymor
ningsi
r.
Whati
sthemessage?
"

Thephonedi
sconnect
edandVi
n
l
ookedatme.

"
Hehangup,
"hesai
d.
"
Kemat
hat
a,"
Isai
d.

*
**
AtRobel
ela,
RragweBamedi
aledhi
s
wi
fe.

"
Met
lhol
o,Di
kel
edi
wany
alwa,
"he
sai
d.
"
Lor
asent
le.Any
alwakemang?
"
"
Hesai
dVi
ncentWr
ight
.It
hinkke
ngwanawal
ekgowal
amadi
.Kana
mosadi
yol
ewhenshehadmesayI
hear
dthatshehasBer
nar
d'smoney
sheaskedmewhoIwasandhangup
onme.
"
"
Mxml
eav
ethem,
"hi
swi
fesai
d
bi
tt
erl
y.
"
Leav
ethem?Sot
heyenj
oymy
br
other
'sbenef
it
s?Nev
er!
"

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
Bewi
tched

#28

Oncehome,
Isl
i
ppedof
fmyshoes
andl
ayf
acedownont
hel
ounge
f
luf
fycar
pet
.Ihadgest
uredmy
sel
fin
awayt
hatmyhandscushi
onedmy
chi
n.Vi
n'
shousel
i
kehi
smot
her
's
wasf
urni
shedbeaut
if
ull
y.Hehad
col
orsofgr
ey,
asof
ttouchofwhi
te
andbl
ushpi
nki
nthel
i
vingar
ea.
Fr
om t
hewal
l
stot
hef
urni
shi
ng
ex
ceptf
ort
het
elev
isi
onandi
t'
s
st
andwhi
chwer
echar
coal
.

"
Arey
ouokay
?"hesai
dst
roki
ngmy
hai
r.
"
I'
ll
bef
ine,
it'
sjustt
hatmogol
owe
papaatt
imesunset
tl
esme.Kant
e
babewhydi
dyout
ell
him wear
e
engaged?
"
"
Isi
tasecr
et?
"heasked.
"
I'
dli
ket
okeepi
tthatway
,"
Isai
d.
"
Andl
obol
a?"
"
Nomagadi
.Whowoul
dIbegi
vi
ng
t
hatt
o?Aker
emypar
ent
sar
elat
e,so
ar
emygr
andpar
ent
s.Hakebat
ego
l
oiwanna,
"Isai
d.

Hesatdownl
eani
ngagai
nstt
he
couchandst
ret
chedhi
slegsbef
ore
meandwemadeaT.

"
Butnnakebat
agont
shamagadi
andhav
eyouogor
oswaset
swanako
l
apeng.Kanababeunl
i
kemymom
papai
sver
ytr
adi
ti
onal
.Oi
tse
makal
akat
ota,
"hesai
d.

Iwokeupandst
aredathi
m.

"
WenaKal
anga?
"

Hechuckl
ed.

"
Elegor
eker
il
eng?Iam hal
fwhi
te
andhal
fKal
angaandnoI
'
m sonot
f
rom Bokspi
ts.Mymom i
sEngl
i
sh
andt
haemakepur
edumbubr
eed.
Bot
hhi
spar
ent
sar
eKal
anga,
his
mot
heri
sfr
om Tsamay
avi
l
lageand
t
hef
atheri
sfr
om Jakal
as.
"
"
Yousuchapat
hol
ogi
cal
li
ar,
"Isai
d.

Ther
ewasnowayhewasKal
anga,
hedi
dnotsoundKal
angaorbehav
e
r
udel
yast
heysai
dKal
angamendi
d.

"
Shoul
dIcal
lmama?
"heasked.
"
No,
"Il
aughed.
Hel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
edabi
t.

"
Oser
ious?Kanagat
weKal
angamen
ar
e..
."
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
"
Theyar
e?"
"
Youknow.
..
downt
her
e..
.ahobat
a
gompui
sadi
l
o.Ont
hef
li
psi
decan'
t
wel
i
kegetmeaf
akef
ami
l
ytodot
he
negot
iat
ions?
"
"
Youdoknowt
hisi
snotamov
ieand
t
hatwear
einBot
swanar
ight
?"
"
Sti
l
l!
"Igr
inned,
"kanababebat
hoba
kwagabopapaar
eev
il
.Wel
lex
cept
f
ort
heel
derbr
otherbutRr
agwe
Bameanddaddy
'ssi
ster
stheyar
ea
wi
ckedbunch.Fr
om mama'
ssi
dewe
don'
thav
erel
ati
vesIt
hink.Ahi
t'
s
compl
i
cat
ed.
"

Ther
ewassi
l
ence.

"
Babei
syourmom mar
ri
ed.Imeani
s
shemar
ri
edt
oyourdad?
"
"
Nope,
shei
sact
ual
l
ytheybr
okeup
af
tershegotpr
egnant
,"hecl
ari
fi
ed
"
Oh?Mmeaker
ebabygor
ayagor
e
y
ounotl
egal
bondt
oyourdad,
"Isai
d.
"
Baber
egont
shet
samagadi
,I
'm
mar
ryi
ngy
ouonacl
earf
oundat
ion
becausei
fev
erwegetpr
obl
emso
t
hokakooi
kuel
angt
engbecausey
ou
f
ail
edt
oinv
olv
eyourr
elat
ives.
"
"
Finewhati
fmysi
ster
sgetmagadi
in
pl
aceofmypar
ent
s?"
Iasked.
"
It
'sf
inebymeasl
ongasi
t'
sdone
t
hrought
hepr
operchannel
sbei
ng
y
ouruncl
es.Mydadmi
ghtnothav
e
mar
ri
edmymot
herbuto
nket
shedi
tsemagadi
andhadj
oint
cust
odyl
emamawhenIwasgr
owi
ng
up.I
t'
sonl
ybychoi
cet
hatIkeptt
he
Wr
ightnamebutIusef
ather
'st
oo.
Myf
ull
namei
sVi
ncentNdi
boWr
ight
-
Mgadl
a.
"
Wai
tsekanaobi
tswaNdi
bo?
"I
l
aughed.

Hepi
nchedmeal
i
ttl
eandI
pr
etendedt
obecr
ying.

"
Sor
rymybabe,
"hesai
dsmi
l
ing.

Ipout
ed,
"sor
rydoesn'
theal
."
Hegotupandpi
ckedmeup.Ishy
ly
cl
osedmyey
es.Het
ickl
edme
sl
i
ght
lyandIchuckl
ed.

"
Openy
ouey
es,
"hesai
dti
ckl
i
ngme
agai
n.

Ishookmyheadgi
ggl
i
ng.

"
Youar
esopr
ett
yyouknowt
hat
?"he
t
eased.
Iopenedmyey
esandf
oundhi
m
st
arr
ing.

"
Hmmm i
j
akga.Di
dn'
ttheyt
ell
you
t
hatst
arr
ingi
srude?
"
"
Theydi
dbutIl
i
kebei
ngr
ude.
Especi
all
ytoy
ou,
"hesai
dsmi
l
ing.
"
Soannoy
ing,
"Isai
d.
"
Youj
ustf
indi
ngoutnow?
"he
smi
rked.

Ismi
l
edandhecar
ri
edmet
othe
ki
tchen.
"
I'
m sohungr
y!"
hecr
ied.

*
**

Myuncl
edi
aledMi
ssWr
ightnumber
.
I
trangunanswer
ed.Hedi
aledi
tagai
n
andshepi
ckedupatt
hesecondr
ing.

"
Hel
l
o?"
shesai
doutofbr
eat
h.
"
It
'sMof
eny
i,Ical
l
edy
ouear
li
er.
..
"
"
Who?
"
"
Mof
eny
iLet
ang.
"
"
Oh?
"sher
oll
edherey
es.
"
Isbuyanychancey
ourson
Vi
ncent
?"hesai
d.
"
Yes,
howmayIhel
pyou?
"shesai
d
sor
ely
.
"
Ihearhei
sengagedt
omyni
ece.
Thet
hingi
s..
.don'
tgetmewr
ong.I
hav
enot
hingagai
nstmyni
ece(
Vin'
s
mot
herr
oll
edherey
es)
butshewon'
t
beaper
fectmakot
i.ThatIcan
pr
omi
sey
ou.Shehasnov
aluef
or
f
ami
l
yandwi
l
lpr
obabl
ymi
suset
his
l
umpsum Iheari
sgoi
ngt
obegi
ven
t
othem.Youshoul
dhav
econt
actme
f
ir
st,
"hesai
dshamel
essl
y.

Mi
ssWr
ightr
emov
edt
hebr
owni
es
f
rom t
heov
enandputt
het
rayont
he
si
de.

"
Idi
dorshoul
dIr
emi
ndy
ou?I
t'
s
f
unnyhowy
our
esur
facey
ear
slat
er
af
terknowi
ngt
hatt
hemoneyi
squi
et
al
ot.It
hinky
ouof
fal
lpeopl
ecar
e
l
essf
orf
ami
l
ybecauseshehas
nar
rat
edhowhermot
herst
ruggl
ed
f
inanci
all
ywi
tht
hem y
etal
lthi
sti
me
y
ouhadmynumberandknewwel
lI
hadmoneyt
hatonl
ythem andt
hei
r
l
atemot
hercoul
daccess.Myson
l
ovesherandt
rustmenol
i
ttl
ethi
ng
y
ousaywoul
dmakehi
mlov
ethat
sweetgi
rlanyl
ess.Fory
ourown
gooddon'
tment
iont
hatt
ohi
m
becauseLor
dknowwhatbr
utal
i
tyhe
woul
dsubj
ecty
out
o.Iguesst
his
woul
dbet
hel
astt
imey
oucont
act
meandIpr
aywewon'
thav
etodeal
wi
thy
oudur
ingt
henegot
iat
ions.
"

Shehangupbef
orehecoul
dsay
any
thi
ng.Fr
ast
rat
edl
yhecl
i
ckedhi
s
t
ongueandputhi
ssmal
lphone
i
nsi
dei
tspockett
hatwasl
ockedt
o
hi
sbel
t.

*
**

Mar
ti
npar
kedi
nfr
ontofLer
uo'
s
cl
asst
hatev
eni
ng.Hi
steacher
wav
edatMar
ti
nasLer
uor
ant
othe
car
.Hel
eanedbackandopenedt
he
backseatf
orhi
m.

"
Heydaddy
?"
"
Hebuddy
,"
Mar
ti
nsai
dast
hef
ist
bumped.
"
Mamaokae?
"heaskedashe
st
rappedhi
msel
fwi
tht
heseatbel
t.
"
Busy
..
.Nkel
eisst
il
li
nthehospi
tal
.
Yourmom wi
l
lgety
ouassoonas
Nkel
eisf
ine.
"
"
Oh?Whati
fshedi
es?
"Ler
uoasked
cur
iousl
y.

Mar
ti
nlookedathi
m ont
her
earv
iew
mi
rr
or.Ler
uowasbi
ti
nghi
sli
p
st
ruggl
i
ngt
oconnectt
hebel
t.
"
Letmehel
pyouwi
tht
hat
,"
Mar
ti
n
sai
d.

Hef
ast
enedLer
uoandl
ookedathi
m.

"
What
?"Ler
uoasked.
"
Whydi
dyouaskmet
hat
?"
"
Asky
ouwhat
?"
"
That
..
.aboutNkel
e?"
"
Oh!t
hat
..
.j
ust
,"
hesai
d.
"
Okaybuti
fev
ert
hatki
ndofquest
ion
comesupwheny
ouar
ewi
thy
our
mom don'
taski
toutl
oudokay
?"
"
Yea,
"hesai
dlooki
ngout
sideashi
s
cl
assmat
erant
ohi
smot
her
'scar
.
"
AndIheary
oushar
espookyst
ori
es
wi
thMot
husi
andscar
eot
herki
ds.
"
"
Youshoul
dseet
hem.Thuskai
sa
geni
us,
Pinkyenei
sacr
ybaby
.Shei
s
t
heonewhoget
susi
ntr
oubl
ewi
th
t
eacher
,"
hel
aughed.
"
It
'snotf
unny
.Ift
eacherMel
i
sat
ell
s
met
haty
oust
il
lati
tI'
mtaki
ng
ev
ery
thi
ngVi
nboughty
oubackt
o
hi
m,"
hesai
dlean.
"
Butdaddy
,"
heweaned.
"
Nobut
staket
hisasy
ourf
ir
st
war
ning.Nowpi
zzaorKFC?
"

Ler
uof
oldedhi
shandsandkeptqui
et.

"
Ler
uo?
"

Hekeptqui
et.Mar
ti
nrev
ersedout
andl
eftt
heschool
premi
ses.

*
**

"
Whatdoy
ouf
eel
li
keeat
ing?
"Vi
n
askedput
ti
ngmeont
opoft
he
count
er.
"
Prawns,
"Isai
d.
"
Wal
wal
a.Got
oyourmot
her
-i
n-l
aw.
Her
eweeator
dinar
yfood.Obat
adi
r
ibs?
"heaskedopeni
ngt
hef
reez
er.
"
Kol
obe?
"Isai
ddi
sgust
ed.
"
Youdon'
teatpor
k?Haokanna
Mosar
wagone,
"hesai
d.
"
Le'
resot
ahel
a.Mymom washal
f
KhoesanandMmi
rwat
oobutsheat
e
di
l
othegot
wengBasar
wagabadi
j
e."
Het
ookagl
anceatmeand
smi
l
ed,
"i
t'
sjustanex
pressi
onbabe.
"
"
Okhowhyosar
ekeMokal
aka
i
nst
ead?
"Iasked
"
Buty
ouar
enot
,"
hesai
dtaki
ngouta
boxofbur
ger
s,"
Bur
ger
s?"

Ishookmyhead,
"butIdon'
t
r
emembert
ell
i
ngy
ougor
eke
Mosar
wa.
"
"
Youdi
dn'
thav
eto.Imeant
hatass
say
svol
umes.
"
"
Mxm,
yousoi
rr
it
ati
ng,
"Isai
dbl
ushi
ng.

Het
ookoutsomer
ussi
ansoutoft
he
f
ri
dgeandasmal
lpackofmi
xed
v
eget
abl
es.

"
Idon'
twantbr
occol
i
,"Isai
dlooki
ng
att
hebagoff
roz
env
eget
abl
es.
"
Mosar
wa!
"

Webot
hlaughedathi
m cal
l
ingme
Mosar
wa.
"
Otai
thut
agodi
ja.Youdon'
teat
phanet
oo?
"heasked.
"
Howdi
dyouknow?
"Iasked.

Hechor
tl
edandIj
oinedi
n.

"
Kamosowehav
ingphane.Thent
he
nex
tispor
k,"
hesai
d.
"
Nev
er.Iam al
l
ergi
ctopor
k,pl
usI
wantt
obeav
egan,
"Isai
djumpi
ngof
f
t
het
abl
e.
"
Heywhot
oldy
out
ogetdown?Iput
y
out
her
e.Boel
ela,
"hesai
d.
"
Aebabemybut
thur
ts,
"Il
i
ed.
"
Idon'
tl
ikebei
ngdi
srespect
ed,
"he
sai
d,"
ever
yti
meIsaysomet
hingy
ou
j
ustdot
heopposi
te.
"
"
Aobaber
ra?
"Isai
dfeel
i
ngbada
l
i
ttl
e.

Il
ookedathi
m andnot
icedhow
ser
ioushewas.ForpeacesakeIgot
backont
opoft
het
abl
e.Hewor
ked
si
l
ent
ly.

"
CanIhav
ewat
er?
"Iasked.
"
Okay
,"
hesai
dandpour
edmea
war
m gl
ass.
"
Wit
hicecubes,
"Isai
d.

Hel
i
ter
all
yignor
edmyr
equestand
gav
emeagl
assofwar
m wat
er.

"
It
'sgoodf
ory
ourheal
th.
"

Isai
dnot
hingandt
ookt
hegl
ass.I
t
t
ookmet
wicet
heamountoft
imei
t
woul
dhav
etakenmet
ofi
nishagl
ass
ofcol
dwat
er.
"
Dri
nkt
hatf
astbef
orei
tget
scol
d."
he
sai
d whi
l
stwor
kingatt
hesi
nk.

Ihear
dmyphoner
ingf
rom t
he
l
ounge.Ihoppedof
fandhegl
aredat
me.

"
Getbackher
e,"
hesai
dasmy
f
oot
stepsechoedaway
.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
Bewi
tched
#29

Ist
oodi
nthecent
reoft
heki
tchen
mot
ionl
ess.Wast
his?Wast
hiswhat
Iwassi
gni
ngupf
or?Bei
ngcont
rol
l
ed?

"
I'
ll
geti
t,
"hesai
dfur
iousl
ythr
owi
ng
t
hepapert
owel
heusedt
owi
pehi
s
handsi
nthebi
n.Iwat
chedashe
wal
kedpastme.

Hi
sphoner
angbef
orehecoul
dwal
k
outf
ort
hespaci
ouski
tchenar
ea.

"
Hel
l
o?.
..
shei
sher
e.Okayhol
don,
"he
sai
dwal
ki
ngbackt
ome.

Heputt
hecal
lonl
oudspeaker
.

"
Hel
l
o?"
Isai
dashehel
dthephone
f
orme.
"
Heybaby
,"
hismom sai
d,"
Ihav
ebeen
cal
l
ingy
ourphonebuti
trang
unanswer
ed,
"shesai
d.
"
Shepr
obabl
ydi
dn'
theari
tit
's
char
gingi
nthel
ounge.Ronawear
e
i
ntheki
tchenwewant
edt
ocook,
"he
sai
d.

Iwasqui
etl
i
steni
ngt
ohi
mli
e.

"
Oh?Ihadwant
edD'
babet
ojoi
nme
andAnel
i
ewegoi
ngt
oout
."
"
Anel
i
eishome,
thatr
at?
"hi
smoodl
i
t.
"
Yeswi
thMi
l
dred.Sowhatdoy
ou
sayDi
kel
edi
?"sheasked.
"
Wel
lI.
..
"Il
ookedatVi
nforasi
gnbut
hewasbl
ank,
"I
'
llaskmyf
ianceand
getbackt
oyou.
"

Inot
icedhowhi
sli
pscur
vedi
ntoa
smi
l
eent
husi
ast
ical
l
y.Hel
ovedhi
s
egof
eed.Howdi
stur
bing.

"
I'
m sur
ehei
ssmi
l
inghear
ingy
ouso
submi
ssi
ve,
"shel
aughed.
"
Mamawee!
"hesai
dlaughi
ng.

Ohhowni
ce?Hi
smot
herknewhe
wast
hist
ypeofguy
?
"
Youar
esoy
ourf
ather
'schi
l
d,"
she
added.

Thi
swasj
ustt
oomuchar
evel
ati
on.
Nowonderhi
smot
hernev
erl
ast
ed
wi
thhi
sdad.Ihat
econt
rol
freaks.I
t'
s
notonl
ycr
eepybutsuchamood
spoi
l
er.

"
Okayl
etmel
ety
ouki
dsdeci
de.
Don'
tkeepmewai
ti
ng.By
e!"
"
Byemom,
"hesmi
l
ed.
"
Bye,
"Isai
ddeept
oned.
Hequi
ckl
yhangupandl
ookedatme.

"
Whatwast
hat
?"heasked.
"
Whatwaswhat
?"Iaskedi
rr
it
ated.
"
Bye"
hesai
dimi
tat
ingmydeept
one.

Ikeptqui
et.

"
Idon'
tl
ikei
tbecausei
tsendsa
negat
iveener
gyt
opeopl
e."
"
Mmmmmh?
"
"
Gof
reshenup,
I'
ll
dropy
ou,
"hesai
d.
"
ButInev
ersai
dIwasgoi
ng,
"Isai
d
agi
tat
ed.
"
That
'sbecauseInev
erasked,
"he
sai
dput
ti
ngbackt
hemi
xed
v
eget
abl
esandr
ussi
anbacki
nthe
f
reez
er,
"I
'
llgr
abpi
zzaonmyway
back.
"

Ist
aredathi
mli
keaghost
.Mycheek
boneshadt
urnedr
eddi
sh.

"
Nakoy
acha,
"hesai
dfai
l
inghi
s
mot
her
'snumber
.
"
ButIdon'
twantt
o..
."

Heputhi
sfi
ngerov
erhi
sli
p
si
gnal
l
ingf
ormet
oshutup.

"
Mom.
..
yes.I
'
lldr
opheri
na
bi
t.
(l
aughed)
okayby
e."

Hehangup,
"wedon'
thav
eal
lday
."

*
**
Mar
ti
ngl
aredatLer
uo.

"
Ler
uof
ort
hel
astt
imeeaty
our
f
ood.
"

Ler
uokeptqui
etf
oldi
nghi
shands.A
bowl
ofpapaandst
ewsati
nfr
ontof
hi
m ont
hedi
ningt
abl
e.Hel
ooked
t
heot
hersi
de.I
rr
it
ated,
Mar
ti
n
spankedhi
m wi
tht
heshoehewas
hol
dingsendi
nghi
mint
oawai
l
.

"
Heyshutupmonna!
Togakego
f
aphagape.Eaty
ourf
ood.
"

Ler
uoweepedconv
ulsi
vel
yignor
ing
hi
sfat
her
'st
hreat
s.

"
Wai
tsekana,
"Mar
ti
nsai
dlosi
nghope.

Heknewi
fhecont
inuedst
ruggl
i
ng
wi
thLer
uohewoul
dendupi
njur
ing
hi
m.

"
Finegoandsl
eepbecausey
ouhav
e
school
int
hemor
ning,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d
sof
tl
y.
"
Kagana!
"Ler
uosai
drowdi
l
y.

Mar
ti
ntr
iedt
oli
fthi
m buthet
hrew
onaf
istwhi
chendedwi
tht
hebowl
off
oodspat
ter
edont
hef
loor
.

"
Lookwhaty
oudi
d.KanammeIt
old
y
ourmom l
ookaty
ounow.Ot
seny
a
nnadi
ngal
owhi
l
eshei
shav
ingt
he
t
imeofherl
i
fel
elekut
waney
anal
a
gagwe.Nx
la!
"
*
**

Uncl
eMof
eny
i(Rr
agweBame)
arr
ived
i
nMmadi
nar
ear
ound7pm andf
ound
hi
sel
derbr
otheral
readyt
her
e.

"
AomonnaOt
sil
e,
"hesai
dshaki
nghi
s
head.
"
Sal
aor
eemi
samonna!Whati
sit
t
hatcoul
dn'
twai
tunt
ilmor
ning?
Dumel
ang.
"Rr
angwaneOt
sil
egr
eet
ed
hi
m back.
"
Kgosi
yame,
"Uncl
eMof
eny
i
acknowl
edgedhi
sbr
other

Uncl
eMof
eny
igr
eet
edhi
swi
feand
t
ookaseatnex
ttoher
.

"
Bame?Bame!
"MmaBamecal
l
edout
.

Bamewal
kedi
ncar
ryi
nghernur
sing
chi
l
d.

"
Dumel
ang,
"shesai
dbendi
ngher
ot
herkneesl
i
ght
ly.
"
AoBamz
ont
seoi
ti
ti
elet
semo
nt
longosat
egont
umedi
sa,
"her
uncl
easked.

Bamechuckl
edwi
thembar
rassment
.

"
Okat
hokaj
angai
thwel
egape?
"her
mot
hersai
d.
"
Thi
rdchi
l
d,kant
ehowi
sn'
tBame
y
oungert
hanDi
kel
edi
?"Uncl
eot
sil
e
asked.
"
Shei
sev
eny
oungert
han
Mel
i
tah,
"hermot
hersai
d.
Bamebowedherhead.

"
Nny
aesengj
aanamot
ogol
o.Youar
e
amor
eawar
egener
ati
on,
prev
ent
ion
i
saty
ourdi
sposal
youcan'
tj
ustbe
f
all
i
ngpr
egnanthowev
erebi
l
eoi
seo
f
ete23y
ear
s.I
shemar
ryi
ngy
ou?
"

Hermot
herl
aughed,
"Mang?I
t'
sa
di
ff
erentguy
.Nnat
hischi
l
dhasr
eal
l
y
f
ail
edme.Thr
eeki
dsal
lunder5y
ear
s
wi
tht
hreedi
ff
erentmen.Hai
!Yago
t
hat
egel
aRr
agweMel
i
taht
ee
mmaet
shoandgethi
m sconesf
rom
t
het
uckshop.Ther
eisat
enpul
anot
e
ont
opoft
hedr
essi
ngt
abl
e,don'
t
st
eal
mycoi
n."
"
Aomamamma?
"
"
What
?Go.
..
jaanongwer
ear
eyou
t
aki
ngt
hebaby
?Letmehol
dher
,"
she
sai
dex
tendi
ngherhands.

Bamegav
ehert
hesi
ckl
ychi
l
d.

"
Hasshebat
hed?
"hermot
herasked
i
nspect
ingt
hemucusnosedchi
l
d.
"
Ee,
"sheanswer
ed
"
Youknowi
t'
sal
i
eBame.Ev
eny
ou
l
ookl
i
key
oubat
heday
earago.Hur
ry
upbef
orei
tget
slat
e."

*
**

Vi
ntouchedmyhandbutImov
edi
t.

"
BabeIsai
dIwassor
ry,
"hesai
d.
"
Butar
eyou?May
beI
'
m doi
nga
mi
stake.Thel
astt
hingIneedi
sa
cont
rol
freaks,
"Isai
d.
"
I'
m ev
ery
thi
ngbutI
'
m nobl
oody
cont
rol
freak.YesI
'
mver
yinsecur
e
andwi
thy
ourbabydaddyl
oomi
ng
abov
eusIcan'
tseem t
ocont
rol
it.
LookbabeIl
ovey
ouandIwon'
thur
t
y
oukabomobecauseIex
pecty
ou
t
oot
obemyhear
t'
sguar
d."

Theysawt
alki
scheap.Wel
lVi
n
t
alki
ngl
eftnoef
fectonme.Imean
l
i
ter
all
yzer
o,nada,
not
hing,
zippo.I
t
wasj
ust
:COLD.

"
Cany
ounott
ell
mymom,
"If
eltt
he
ur
gencyi
nhi
svoi
ce.
"
Okaybutal
lthi
smadnessst
ops
t
oday
.Legonesi
ncey
ouknowy
ou
hav
einsecur
it
iest
hatt
endt
ospar
k
i
ntoaf
eudwhynotseekcl
i
nical
i
nter
vent
ion?
"
"
I'
mfi
ne,
"hesai
dfocusi
ngont
her
oad.
"
Noy
ouneedhel
p,"
Iputemphasi
sto
i
t.
"
Forcr
yingoutl
oudMOSADI
!Isai
d
I
'
m okay
.Geez
...
"

Hear
tfel
t?YeahbutIwasn'
tbacki
ng
downunt
ilheunder
stoodt
hatI
meantbusi
ness.
*
**

Mar
ti
nfr
ast
rat
edl
yputhi
sphone
downl
ooki
ngatLer
uowhohadf
all
en
asl
eepont
hechai
r.Hehadt
ri
eda
coupl
eoft
imest
oli
fthi
m upbuthe
ki
ckedhi
m eacht
imeandt
hrewa
t
ant
rum.

"
Heysor
ryt
owakey
ou,
"hesai
d.
"
It
'sokaywasn'
tsl
eepi
ngany
way
s.
Sup?
"
"
Yourf
ri
endi
sati
tagai
n,hewon'
t
sl
eepmmeot
hul
amet
semost
il
ong
sadi
ningt
abl
e.Her
efusest
oeat
t
oo.
"
"
Capt
aint
other
escue,
"shechuckl
ed.
"
Iowey
oubi
gti
me,
"hesai
dsmi
l
ing.
"
Rekapi
zzaee,
I'
ll
besl
eepi
ngov
er.
Wi
l
ltaket
hecouch.
"
"
Orwecoul
dsl
eept
oget
hermybedi
s
bi
genough.
"hesai
dfl
i
rtat
iousl
l
y

Shechuckl
ed,
"ni
cet
rybutIpass.
Woul
drat
hersl
eepwi
thRuo.Shar
p
l
etmecal
lacab.
"
"
Okaywi
l
lpayi
ther
e,"
hesai
d.
"
Likey
ouwoul
d,"
shemocked
pl
ayf
ull
y.
"
Meani
ng?
"
"
ByeMat
t.
..
cal
lpi
zza.By
e!"

Hesmi
l
edandat
tempt
edt
oli
ftLer
uo
agai
n.

"
Ngng,
leav
emeal
one!
"hesai
d
shr
uggi
nghi
sshoul
der
s.
"
Okay
!JesusChr
ist
,"
Mar
ti
nli
ft
edhi
s
handsi
nsur
render
.

*
**

Theywat
chedasBameputt
het
eaon
t
het
abl
e.Shet
ookherchi
l
dfr
om her
mot
herex
cusedher
sel
f.

"
Othapi
sengwanay
oomma.Her
ear
sar
eev
ensmel
l
y,"
hermot
her
's
wor
dsf
oll
owedherout
.
"
Mogat
sakashehear
dyout
hef
ir
st
t
ime,
"herf
athersai
d.
"
Nny
aBameol
esut
ha.Kof
i?"
"
NoI
'
llhav
erooi
bos,
"uncl
eOt
sil
e
sai
d,"
tel
lmehel
ammeRr
agweBame,
i
fev
ert
hisweddi
ngt
akespl
ace'
rel
e
di
rel
akaewenaobat
agot
hubant
lo
y
agamme?Ebi
l
ekanaBer
nar
dbui
l
t
t
hathouser
onawef
ail
edourmot
her
ast
heel
dersons,
"hesai
d.

Uncl
eMof
eny
ist
ir
redhi
scof
feeand
t
ookabunf
rom t
hebr
eadpl
ate.

"
Whatweddi
ng?Tr
ustmewheni
say
t
hist
her
eisnoweddi
ng.Thatl
ady
soundedl
i
keacr
ookf
rom t
hecal
l
.
Mmegonet
ell
meRr
agweMel
i
tah
whatki
ndofbehav
iourar
ethi
sgi
rl
s
por
tray
ing.IhearKel
etsoi
sin
hospi
tal
andweknownot
hingofi
t.
Kesekae?HaModi
mookadi
rat
hat
o
y
aonewi
l
lshest
il
lnott
ell
ust
hather
si
steri
sdead?
"
"
Whyshoul
dyout
hinksonegat
ivel
y?
I
'
m sur
eshewi
l
ltel
lus.Andwe
shoul
dber
eadyshoul
dthi
smar
ri
age
st
andwhi
chmeanst
hehouseshoul
d
notbedemol
i
shedy
et,
"Uncl
eOt
sil
e
r
easoned.
"
Andputmypl
ansonsuspense?
Nny
ahokagana.Theyhav
ehal
fa
mi
l
li
ont
heywi
l
lhi
rev
enueko
phakengy
aPhi
kweoratt
hatgar
den
haohet
aLet
lhakaneoy
aPhi
kwe,
"he
sai
d.
"
Peopl
ewi
l
llaughatus,
"Uncl
eOt
sil
e
sai
d

MmaBamepour
edherhusband
mor
ecof
feeandgav
ehi
m anot
her
bun.Sheof
fer
edherbr
otheri
nlaw
buthesai
dhewasokay
.
"
Sleeponi
tnnaka,
"hesai
d.
"
Nny
aRr
agweMel
i
taht
ell
met
his
now.Whoget
smagadi
?"t
he
di
sgr
unt
ledshr
ewdmanasked.
"
Thati
sfort
hegi
rlt
odeci
de.NnaI
don'
twantherdowr
y,"
Uncl
eOt
sil
e
sai
d.
"
IfI
'
minv
olv
edIwantmyshar
eoft
he
bar
gai
n,
"Mof
eny
isai
d,"
orel
secount
meout
."

Hi
sbr
othershookhi
sheadi
n
di
sbel
i
ef.
STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
Bewi
tched

#30

Af
teruncl
eOt
sil
e'
sdepar
tur
e,mma
Bamesummonedher
.

"
Mama!
"sheanswer
edangr
il
yfr
om
t
hebedr
ooms.
"
Otsi
l
egony
ela!
"hermot
her
shout
ed,
"t
hehousei
smi
ne.
..
"
Bamecamedr
aggi
ngherf
eet
.

"
..
.y
ouragemat
esar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
wenaobusyony
ony
orabo
f
ather
less.
"hermot
hermocked.
"
Ao!
mogat
saka,
"herhusbandeased
her
.
"
Otar
eot
omal
l
etsengmogar
ega
nt
loasannehabat
she?Checkgor
e
VI
NCENT.
..
war
eVi
ncentaker
e
r
rabo?
"sheenqui
red.
"
EeVi
ncentWr
ight
.Ochekakae?
"
"
thei
rFacebookhasev
ery
thi
ng.
Check'
remmonemonnany
anawa
t
eng,
"hermot
hersai
d.
"
Wai
t,di
dyousayVi
ncentWr
ight
?Wa
Lekut
wane?
"Bameasked.
"
Uhuwamoi
tseebi
l
e?"
herf
ather
asked.
"
Ever
yoneknowshi
m onFacebook.
Heoncet
rendedonFacebook.Hei
s
agy
na.
"
"
Awhat
?"herf
atherasked.
"
Gynaecol
ogi
st,
ngakay
abo
mme,
"shesai
dandgav
ethem her
smar
tphone.
Hermot
herdi
stancedt
hephonef
rom
her
sel
fandl
ookedatVi
n'
spi
ctur
e.

"
Uhu?
"sheswapped.
"
Jaanongwhyar
eyou
swappi
ng?
"Bamesai
dannoy
ed.
"
Nny
aIwasseei
ngt
hisone.
Look(
facedt
hephoneatherdaught
er)
nar
emot
hoy
okeDi
kel
edi
?"

Bamet
ookt
hephoneandherhear
t
f
il
ledwi
thj
eal
ousyl
ooki
ngata
pi
ctur
eofmeandVi
ncent
.Segohad
shar
edapi
ctur
eofust
hatshehad
snappedf
rom t
hedent
ist
ryt
he
pr
evi
ousday
.

"
Mxm war
engkamoseseol
ephut
she.
Must
arddr
esskot
engkemosesewa
di
slayqueent
hisday
s."
shesai
d
bi
tt
erl
yzoomi
ngont
hepi
c.Shet
hen
not
icedt
her
ockonmyhand.
"
Mmer
ebone,
"herf
athersai
d.

Bamegav
ehi
mthephone.
"
Wai
ihewon'
tl
ast
.I'
m sur
ehej
ust
want
stoeatt
hel
i
ttl
emoneyhi
s
mot
hergav
etoDi
kel
edi
."
hesai
d
j
eal
ousl
y.

*
**

If
ixedmybl
ackpenci
ldr
essandput
ascar
ffal
l
ingni
cel
yont
hebackand
wr
appedi
tar
oundmyel
bowar
ea.

"
Tex
tmewheny
oueat
ingdeser
t,
"he
sai
dki
ssi
ngmyf
orehead.
"
Ain'
tyouwal
ki
ngmei
nsi
de?
"Iasked
anx
iousl
y.

Iwasner
vous.Wel
lnotf
orhi
s
mot
hert
houghIst
il
lfel
tal
i
ttl
ebi
t
r
est
lessar
oundher
-If
ear
edf
orhi
s
si
ster
.

"
So?
"Iaskedf
ort
hehundr
edt
hti
me.
"
Noy
ou'
reony
ourown.Pl
usIknow
Anel
i
eshewon'
tl
etmegoandnnaI
al
readymadepl
ansl
emagi
ta.You
wi
l
lbef
inebabesIpr
omi
se.
"
"
Yousonothel
ping,
"Iweaned.

Heki
ssedmycheekandsqueez
ed
mynose.

"
Ilov
eyou.
"hesai
d.

Ismi
l
ed.

"
Go.I
'
llwat
chunt
ily
our
eacht
he
ent
rance.
"
"
Jeal
ousmay
be?Iwonderhow
manyguy
sint
her
ewi
l
lwantt
otap
al
lthi
sass,
"It
eased.
"
Youknowwhat
?Let
'sgoIbetAnel
i
e
woul
dbef
uri
ousi
fkebowaher
e."

Ichuckedsecr
etl
yandwal
kedaway
.
Het
rot
tedandcaughtupwi
thme
secur
inghi
shandar
oundmywai
st.

*
**

I
nsi
det
her
est
aur
ant
,Anel
i
ekepton
gl
anci
ngatt
hehal
l
wayt
othev
ip
sect
ion.

"
Anx
ious?
"MsWr
ightaskedherwhi
l
e
ex
ert
ingherf
ull
att
ent
iont
othemenu
bookl
et.
"
Noi
t'
sjustt
hatt
heysai
dtheyar
e
out
sidet
enmi
nut
esbackandt
hey
st
il
lnother
e."

Hermot
hercl
osedt
hemenubookl
et
andouti
tasi
de.

"
Youknowhowy
ourbr
otheri
sli
ke.
I
'
m sur
ehei
sev
enpl
anni
ngon
t
alki
ngherbackal
ready
."MsWr
ight
sai
d.
"
Don'
tremi
ndme.Her
ubbedal
lthat
possessi
venessonpoorMi
l
,"Anel
i
e
sai
dgl
anci
ngatt
hehal
l
wayagai
n.
"
DidIt
ell
youshehasy
our
habi
ts?
"MsWr
ightasked.
"
Who?Mel
?Shei
smydaught
er.
"
"
NoDi
kel
edi
.Won'
tbesur
pri
sedi
f
shedoesn'
teatpor
ktoo.
"

Anel
i
elaughed.
"
Idoubti
t'
sli
ket
hest
apl
efoodf
oral
l
t
hisgi
rl
sar
oundGabs.
"
"
Wel
lDeei
sn'
tj
ustanygi
rl
.Shehas
t
hatt
hing.
..oht
her
etheyar
e."

Anel
i
elookedupast
hei
rmot
her
wav
edatus.Vi
nwav
edback.

"
Ilov
eheral
ready
,"
Anel
i
econf
essed
aswewal
kedov
er.

*
**
Att
hehospi
tal
,Kel
etsohadnot
wokenupsi
ncey
est
erday
.She
mov
edheri
ndexf
ingerandt
he
machi
nebeepedandt
henur
ses
camer
unni
ngi
n.

*
**

Thesecr
etr
oom t
oMmaMpho'
s
housef
il
ledupwi
thsmokeandOt
lhe
r
anout
sideaf
tert
hesmokecaught
herat
tent
ionf
rom t
heki
tchen
wi
ndow.
"
Otabogel
akae?
"Ri
char
daskedas
Ot
lhebumpedi
ntohi
m.

Herey
esr
ant
ohi
str
oll
eyback.

"
Ther
oundav
eli
sonf
ir
e!"
shecr
ied.
"
What
?"heasked.

Shepushedpasthi
m andt
heybot
h
r
ant
otheback.

"
Cal
lthef
ir
edepar
tment
,"
hesai
d.
Ot
lher
anbackt
othemai
nhouseand
camebackwi
thherphone.Ri
char
d
hadpul
l
edt
hehosepi
peand
spl
ashedt
hewat
erov
ert
het
hat
ched
r
oom.Al
oudbl
astcamef
rom t
he
mai
nhouseandt
hehousewas
al
readyabl
azewhent
heyr
eachedt
he
f
ront
.

"
Ij
ooooh!Thusang!
"Ot
lhecr
ied.
"
Mme!
"Ri
char
dscr
eamed.
Het
ri
edt
hedoorknobbuti
twoul
dn'
t
t
urn.

"
Damni
t!
"heshout
edki
cki
ngt
hedoor
.

Thegl
assesspl
att
eredast
hecei
l
ing
col
l
apsedi
ntot
hehouse.

"
OhModi
mowame!
"Ot
lhecr
ied.

Byt
het
imet
hef
ir
edepar
tment
ar
ri
vedev
ery
thi
ngi
nsi
dehadbur
ntt
o
ashes.
*
**

Mar
ti
ngav
ethedel
i
ver
yguyt
he
money
.

"
Change?
"hesai
dasMar
ti
nwas
aboutt
ocl
oset
hedoor
.
"
Wil
ltakey
akaosane,
"hesai
d.
"
Thanksgr
oot
man,
"hesai
d.

Thecabpul
l
edi
nandMar
ti
nst
oodat
t
hegat
e.Av
erybeaut
if
ull
ady
st
eppedoutoft
hecabhol
dinga
medi
um si
zedhandbag.Shegr
eet
ed
t
hepi
zzaguyashewal
kedt
ohi
s
mot
orcy
cle.

"
Thankst
lhemonna,
"shesai
dtot
he
dr
iver
.
"
Condomi
segi
rl
y,
"hesai
d.
"
Otaswaba,
"shegi
ggl
edandwal
ked
i
nsi
de.

Mar
ti
nmeetherhal
fwaycar
ryi
ngt
he
pi
zza.
"
Uhukey
onekeal
ala?
"hesai
d
l
ooki
ngatherhandbag.
"
Mxm,
"shegi
ggl
ed,
"st
il
lhot
?"
"
Ver
y.(
Mar
ti
nputherhandont
he
pi
zzabox
)guyt
ookl
i
ke10mi
ntoget
her
e.Goty
ourf
avt
oo,
"hesai
d,"
let
's
geti
n."

*
**

MsWr
ightandAnel
i
est
oodupand
ki
ssedme.Theyt
henki
ssedVi
n.
"
Isol
oveher
,"
Anel
i
esai
dlooki
ngat
me.

Shehadt
hismostf
lawl
essski
nev
er.
Ver
ydar
ktohav
ebeenbor
ntoMs
Wr
ightbutshedi
dhowev
erhav
eher
mot
her
'sbeaut
y.

"
Shei
snotl
esbi
an,
"het
eased.
"
I'
ll
tur
nheri
ntoone,
"shesai
d.
"
Yeahr
ightnotwhenmom f
ail
ed.
"
Wei
rdf
ami
l
yIt
hought
.Hi
sphone
v
ibr
ated,
heki
ssedAnel
i
e.

"
Babegi
rlwel
comehome,
Iso
mi
ssedy
oubutIhav
eameet
ingwi
th
Jaf
tai
nawhi
l
e."
"
CanIt
agal
ong?
"sheaskedbl
ushi
ng.
"
nope.
..
(t
urnedt
ome)babecal
lme
wi
l
lcomepi
cky
ouupbecausemom
andhery
oucan'
treal
l
ytr
ustt
hem.
"

Ismi
l
ed.
"
Sayhi
tomybabe,
"shewi
nked.
"
Yousi
ckwena.Youdon'
tdomy
f
ri
ends,
"hesai
d.
"
Okayunf
ri
endhi
mthen,
"shesai
d.

Vi
ngav
ehert
hemi
ddl
efi
nger
.

"
Mom?
"sheweaned.
"
Aedon'
tgetmei
nvol
ved.
"
"
Buthegav
emet
hemi
ddl
efi
nger
..
."

Hi
sphonev
ibr
atedagai
n.
"
Hav
efungi
rl
s,
"het
urnedandl
eft
,"
I'
m
passi
ngt
hroughphase4monna
r
elax
...
"

"
Pleaseseat
,"
Anel
i
esai
dhel
pingme
t
omychai
r.

Ismi
l
ed.

"
Shei
sver
yshy
,"
MsWr
ightsai
d.
"
Sowej
ustor
der
edwhatdoy
ouwant
,
wi
l
lsendy
ouror
deronl
i
ne,
"Anel
i
e
sai
d.
"
Any
thi
ngasl
ongasi
thasnopor
k,
caul
i
flowerorchi
l
li
es.
"

Theyl
aughedl
eav
ingmeouti
nthe
dar
k.
Whatdi
dImi
ss?Imeant
hej
oke
wher
edi
dImi
ssi
t?

"
Itol
dyou.
"hermom sai
d.
"
Ithi
nkwear
etwi
ns,
"Anel
i
esai
d.

ISmi
l
ed.
"
Kanamamawasj
ustsay
ingt
hatwe
hav
ethesamef
oodpr
efer
ence
and.
..
"

Shewentonandonnar
rat
ingt
he
"
joke"Ihadmi
ssed.

*
**

"
IthoughtRuowasher
e,"
shesai
d
scout
ingt
hewhol
eroom.
"
Wel
li
fI'
m her
ethenRuo'
spr
esence
doesn'
tmat
ter
.Comeher
e,"
hesai
d
pul
l
ingheri
n,
"Il
i
key
ou.Li
keal
ot
and.
..
"

Thedi
mpl
esf
acel
adysmi
l
edand
pul
l
edhi
minbyt
hegol
ft-
shi
rthe
wasput
ti
ngon.

"
Shutupandki
ssme!
"

*
**

Thef
ir
edepar
tmentcar
spar
kedat
t
hegat
e.Thehousehasbur
ntdown
ent
ir
elyandt
heonl
ythi
ngt
hatst
ood
wast
hef
rontdoorwhi
chseemedt
o
hav
ebeenl
ocked.Ver
ywei
rd.
Ri
char
dhadhi
shandsov
erhi
shead.

"
Wast
her
eany
onei
nsi
de?
"the
f
orensi
cof
fi
cerasked.
"
Yest
heol
dwoman,
"Ot
lheanswer
ed.
"
Whatcoul
dhav
etr
igger
edt
hisf
ir
e?"
"
Wel
lIsawsmokef
rom t
hesmal
l
r
oom out
side,
ranout
sideand
bumpedonRi
char
d..
."
"
Who?
"theconst
abl
easkedl
ady
asked.

Ot
lhepoi
ntedatRi
char
dandnar
rat
ed
ev
ery
thi
ng.

"
..
.butt
hewei
rdpar
tiswedi
dn'
tl
ock
t
hehousebutwhenwesawt
hatt
he
mai
nhousewasonf
ir
ewer
anher
e
butf
ail
edt
oopent
hedoor
."
"
Wai
tyoudi
dn'
tl
ockt
hehouse?
"

Sheshookherhead.
"
Whi
chr
oom di
dyousaywason
f
ir
e?"
"
Iknowy
ouwoul
dthi
ngI
'
minsaneor
somet
hing.Butt
hatv
eryr
oom t
her
e."

Thet
woof
fi
cer
slookedatt
her
oom
t
hathadabsol
utel
ynosi
gnt
hati
thad
bur
ntort
hatwehadt
ri
edt
aki
ngf
ir
e
outf
rom i
t.

*
**
Adar
kshadowhov
eredabov
e
Kel
etso'
sal
mostl
i
fel
essbody
.Asi
t
set
tl
edont
opofhershebegant
o
mov
eandi
tlayf
latonherunt
il
mer
gedcompl
etel
ywi
thherbody
.

Shespr
angupasi
fact
ivat
edbya
r
emot
eandsatupont
hebedl
i
kea
z
ombi
e.Herey
eswer
efi
eldgr
een
wi
thasof
ttouchofsunf
lowery
ell
ow.
Av
erymi
schi
evoussmi
l
eescaped
herl
i
ps.

*
**
"
Bewi
tched"Iwhi
sper
ed.
"
Huh?
"Anel
i
easked.
"
Hmm?
"Isai
dbl
unt
ly.
"
Didy
ousaysomet
hing?
"

Ishookmyhead.Howev
ermyspi
ri
t
wasnotset
tl
ed.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Kabony
akabony
a.Bepat
ientwi
th
me.Toev
ery
onewhokeepson
checki
ngmei
sleboga.St
ay
pr
otect
ed.
BEWI
TCHED

#31

Adar
kshadowhov
eredabov
e
Kel
etso'
sal
mostl
i
fel
essbody
.Asi
t
set
tl
edont
opofhershebegant
o
mov
eandi
tlayf
latonherunt
il
mer
gedcompl
etel
ywi
thherbody
.

Shespr
angupasi
fact
ivat
edbya
r
emot
eandsatupont
hebedl
i
kea
z
ombi
e.Herey
eswer
efi
eldgr
een
wi
thasof
ttouchofsunf
lowery
ell
ow.
Av
erymi
schi
evoussmi
l
eescaped
herl
i
ps.

*
**

"
Bewi
tched"Iwhi
sper
ed.
"
Huh?
"Anel
i
easked.
"
Hmm?
"Isai
dbl
unt
ly.
"
Didy
ousaysomet
hing?
"Anel
i
e
askedr
ubbi
ngmyar
m.
Ishookmyheadev
ent
houghmy
spi
ri
twasnotset
tl
ed.Thi
shafl
eft
mef
eel
i
ngal
i
ttl
ebi
tdr
owsyandI
bl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imest
ryi
ngt
o
r
ecuper
ate.Anel
i
elookedather
mot
herandt
henbackatme.

"
Heyar
eyouokay
?"sheasked.

Myheadwasbey
ondcr
acki
ng.I
twas
asi
fIcoul
dli
ter
all
yfeel
mycer
ebr
al
ar
ter
iesdi
l
ate.Imadeacumber
some
nod.Whatt
hehel
lwashappeni
ngt
o
me?Ihadbeenper
fect
lyf
inea
coupl
eofsecondsdespi
temebei
ng
superner
vousaboutmeet
ingAnel
i
e.

"
Arey
ousur
e?"
hermot
heraskedwi
th
aconcer
nedt
one.
"
Ithi
nkIneedt
orest
,"
Isai
dpr
essi
ng
myi
ndexf
inger
sagai
nstt
het
empl
es
ast
hev
einst
hrobbed.
"
Shoul
dwet
akey
ouhome?
"she
asked.

Anel
i
erubbedmybackandi
tsoot
hed
meal
i
ttl
e.

"
No,
cal
lVi
n,
"Isai
d.
"
Okay
,Anel
i
edoy
ouhav
ecr
edi
tin
y
ourphone?
"
"
Mmm,
"sheanswer
edandherspeed
di
aldi
ver
tedhert
oVi
n'
snumber
.

I
trangunanswer
ed.Al
lthi
swhi
l
e
Anel
i
e'shandnev
erl
eftmyback.She
di
aledi
tagai
n,may
beacoupl
emor
e
t
imesmor
ewhi
l
est
roki
ngmyback
gent
ly.
"
Not
hing?
"MsWr
ightasked.

Anel
i
eshookherhead.Shebi
ther
l
owerl
i
pty
pingi
ntoherphone.

"
Ther
ehei
s,
"MsWr
ightsai
d.
"
Waboot
sil
ewenaaker
e,"
hesai
d
pr
essi
ngAnel
i
e'sshoul
derbl
ade.

"
Ouch!
"Anel
i
efl
i
nched,
"wampol
aya!
"

Shesmi
l
edwhenherey
esl
andedon
Vi
n'
sfr
iend.

"
Jaf
ter
,hi
..
."
"
Wai
ikengadi
l
eyouwental
lqui
eton
meaker
e."
het
easedherandt
urned
t
oVi
n'
smot
her
,"
MsWr
ight
."
"
Heybaby
,"
shesai
dtappi
nghi
scheek.

Jaf
termi
l
ed,
leanedi
nandki
ssedher
cheek.

"
Andme?
"Anel
i
easked.
"
Vinwi
l
lki
ssy
ou,
"Jaf
tersai
dwi
nki
ng.
"
mxm,
"shesai
dandt
heyal
ll
aughed.

"
Kant
ewhathav
eyouguy
sdonet
o
mywi
fe?
"Vi
naskedseei
ngme
di
str
essed.
"
Oht
heewi
fe?
"Jaf
tersai
dsmi
l
ing.

If
lashedasmi
l
ebutmypai
ndef
ied
me.

"
Noguy
s..
.mamawhatdi
dyouguy
s
dot
oher
?Lesst
hananhourandshe
al
readyt
hiswor
kedup?
"
"
Act
ual
l
ythat
'swhywewher
ecal
l
ing
y
ouar
eshei
sn'
tfeel
i
ngOkay
,"
Anel
i
e
sai
d.

"
Babe?
"hesai
dput
ti
nghi
shandov
er
myf
orehead,
"whatt
hef
uck?Babe
whatdi
dyoueat
?"
"
Samemeal
asme,
"Anel
i
esai
d,"
I
t
hinkkel
etsat
si.
"
"
Eisht
hisheat
wav
eisgoi
ngt
oki
l
l
us,
"Jaf
teradded.

Vi
nknel
tatmysi
deandhel
dmy
hands.

"
Idoubtt
hisi
sbecauseoft
hesun,
shehasn'
twal
kedi
nthesunt
hispast
coupl
eofday
s.Babe?
"
"
Hmmm?
"
"
Shoul
dIt
akey
out
othehospi
tal
?"he
asked.
"
No.
..
takemehome.
"Isai
dqui
etl
y.
"
Obat
amet
si?
"heasked.

Themosti
rr
it
ati
ngt
hingwheny
ou
ar
esi
cki
sbei
ngaskedal
otofst
upi
d
quest
ions.Rel
evant
?Yest
heywer
e
butt
heyf
eltdumbashel
l
.NoIdi
dn'
t
wantwat
er,
want
edt
ogohome.
Per
iod!

"
No.
..
"Isai
dmyv
oicet
rai
l
ing.

Tear
sbui
l
tupi
nmyey
esandIshut
myey
esandpr
essedmyt
empl
es
agai
n.

"
Vint
akeherhome,
"hi
smot
hersai
d.
"
Youguy
swi
l
ldr
opJaf
terof
f,
"Vi
n
sai
d.
"
Yeah,
"Anel
i
esai
dent
husi
ast
ical
l
y.
"
Yeahr
ight
,wenasaanwedon'
t
br
eakt
hecode,
"hewar
nedJaf
ter
.
"
Eydudeshei
sli
kemyl
i
ttl
esi
sterwa
phaphaaker
e.Gapeobat
aol
adya
nkakany
etsamasweaker
e?"
Jaf
ter
l
aughed.
"
Yourcodesar
etot
albul
l
shi
t,y
ou
goi
ngt
omi
ssoutonhappi
ness
becauseoft
hose,
"Vi
n'
smot
hersai
d.
"
Thanky
ou,
"Anel
i
esmi
l
edr
oll
i
ngher
ey
esatVi
n.
Vi
nsqui
ntedhi
sey
esatherand
gr
abbedmyback.Hef
istbumped
wi
thJaf
ter
.

"
Babel
et'
sgo,
"hesai
dhel
pingme
st
and.
"
Vincal
lmeandl
etmeknowhowshe
i
s,
"hi
smot
hersai
d.
"
Yeah.
"

AWEEKLATER
Wewal
kedal
ongt
hecor
ri
dor
s
t
owar
dst
hef
emal
ewar
d.Justaswe
t
urnedt
owar
dswher
eshehadbeen
pl
aced,
Kel
etsowal
kedoutcar
ryi
ng
herbag.

"
Letmehel
pyouwi
tht
hat
,"
Vinsai
d
l
eani
ngi
ntot
aket
hebag.
"
It
'sokaygaeheav
y,"
shesai
dshy
ly.
"
Iinsi
st,
"Vi
nsai
dhol
dingt
hest
rap.
"
I.
Sai
d.I
ts.
Okay
!"shesai
dwi
thasur
ly
l
ook.
Vi
nlookedatmeandImadeanod,
hel
etgooft
hebagandsmi
l
edather
.
Kel
etsomadeasmi
rkandsl
i
ght
ly
pushedpasthi
m.Vi
nsi
ghedand
dr
oppedhi
sheadshaki
ngi
t.

"
Ready
?"Iaskedher
.
"
Yeah,
"shesai
d.

Awkwar
d.Iwant
edt
ohugherso
badl
ybutIwasscar
edt
hatshewoul
d
f
li
pli
keshehadj
ustdone.We
f
oll
owedherasshel
eadusoutt
othe
par
kingl
ot.Icoul
dn'
thel
pbutnot
ice
t
hedi
stur
bingr
eddi
shscr
atcheson
herback.Theyl
ookedsof
reshasi
f
shehadbeeni
nvol
vedi
nsome
v
iol
entcatf
ight
.Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
wi
thdi
spl
easur
e,Vi
nlookedatme
andIshookmyhead.

"
Arey
ousur
e?"
hewhi
sper
ed

Isi
mpl
ymadeanodandl
ookedt
he
ot
herway
.

"
Thi
swayKel
s,
"Vi
nsai
d.
Kel
etsor
oll
edherey
esandt
urned
shr
uggi
ngVi
n'
shandof
fhershoul
der
.

"
Thef
uck!
"Vi
nmi
mickedwi
thoutus
not
ici
ng.HeknewKel
etsohad
changedbutherat
ti
tudewasacr
id.

*
**

I
nMmadi
nar
e,Thabangl
ookedatt
he
wal
l
soft
hei
rbur
nthouse.He
r
emi
niscedonhi
schi
l
dhood,
howhi
s
mot
herhadaf
fect
ionat
elyl
ovedhi
m,
hi
sgr
andmot
herev
ent
hemor
e.
Howev
erhi
shear
twassocol
d,her
deat
hdi
dnotshakehi
m ani
nch,
she
wasawi
tch.Hewonder
edi
fshehad
suf
fer
edenough,
enought
oav
enge
t
hoseshehadhur
t.

"
Hey
,"
avoi
cesai
dbehi
ndhi
m.

Het
urnedandsmi
l
ed.

"
DidIst
art
ley
ou?
"sheasked
"
Notatal
l
.Sup?
"
"
Prophetnear
ekegobol
elel
egor
e
wear
eli
vi
ng,
"shesai
dshy
ly.

Thabangsmi
l
edmaki
ngherf
eel
even
mor
eunset
tl
ed.

"
IguessI
'
llseey
oubacki
nGabs,
"she
sai
d.
"
Act
ual
l
y,Iwasgoi
ngt
oaskgor
eal
e
t
etsel
emphel
i
ft.
"

Shebl
ushedsweepi
ngof
fthehai
r
st
randsawayf
rom herf
ace,
"bo
mamabanal
eboel
derMar
ti
n.I
'
m
al
one,
camewi
thboLer
atobutt
hey
l
eftear
li
ergobaakany
etsaser
vice.
"
"
Cool
,l
etmegot
alkt
oyour
dad,
"Thabangsai
d.

Shesmi
l
edl
ooki
ngatherhandsas
shewal
kedbesi
deshi
m.

"
Sot
ell
mewhydon'
tyoul
i
keev
er
cal
lhi
m dad?
"
Shechuckl
ed,
"Idi
dn'
tseet
hat
comi
ng.
..
wel
lIf
oundnoonecal
l
ing
hi
m daddyandki
ndofj
oinedi
n
cal
l
inghi
m pr
ophett
oo.Coul
dn'
tsee
my
sel
fut
ter
ing"
baba"l
i
kemyel
der
br
other
.Itj
ustsounded(
pausedand
l
ookedathi
m)of
f,
(smi
l
ed)Howev
erI
usedt
ocal
lhi
m honey
,mymom
cal
l
edhi
mthat
.Onl
ychangedwhenI
st
art
edknowi
ngwhyshecal
l
edhi
m
t
hat
."

Thabangl
i
stenedi
ntr
iguedbyher
v
oice.Shewasav
erybeaut
if
uly
oung
l
ady
,li
keherf
atherherset
swanawas
nott
hatpol
i
shedandki
ndofbl
ended
i
nver
ybeaut
if
ull
ywi
thhert
one.

*
**

Mar
ti
nmov
edt
hel
astoft
hecement
bagsi
nsi
det
hest
orager
oom.

"
Daddyy
ourphone!
"Ler
uot
rot
ted
ov
erl
ooki
ngatt
hescr
een.
"
Whoi
sit
?"
"
Mama,
shoul
dIanswerher
?"he
askedonamout
hful
l
"
Aei
sh!
'
hesnat
chedt
hephone
di
sgust
ed,
"chewwi
thy
ourmout
h
shutmonna!Babymama?
"

Hewi
pedof
fthesweatonhi
s
f
oreheadwi
thhi
supperl
i
mb.

"
Orengmood,
kesex
?"
"
Mxm wamphaphel
a.Aker
ewa
nt
ima,
"hesai
dmov
ingawayf
rom
Ler
uo.
"
I'
m of
fli
mit
s..
.r
ragweLer
uowee.
..
"
Hecuti
n..
.

"
Saybabydaddybagol
osoasl
ongas
t
her
eisbabyi
nsi
de.
"

Webot
hlaughed.

Ar
eyouguy
shome?
"Iasked.

Hesi
gnal
l
edt
oLer
uot
ogobacki
n.

"
Yeahbutwegoi
ngt
oMankgodi
for
Sego'
sphol
oso.
"
"
Isn'
ti
ttomor
row?
'
"
Iti
sbutIpr
omi
sedI
'
dhel
pthem wi
th
kgomoy
alunch.
"
"
Ngwanaene?
"
"
He'
l
lmi
ssschool
it'
sjust2day
..
.
"
Yes2day
sMar
ti
n!Ler
uoi
sn'
tgoi
ng.
I
'
llpi
ckhi
m upandwedr
oppi
ng
Kel
etsot
her
eshei
sbei
ngaknuckl
e
headr
ightnow.
"
"
Wai
t.
..
nnakanaIhav
eanewgi
rl
..
."
"
Newgi
rly
aengMar
ti
n?Bonawe
comi
ngobaakany
etseLer
uohi
s
bags.
"
"
"But
..
."
"
Butnot
hing.
BYE!
"

Ihangupsi
deandj
oinedt
hequeue
t
otheATM.

*
**

Backi
nsi
det
hecar
.

Vi
nlookedathi
swat
chf
ort
he
hundr
edt
hti
me.Ihadnotbeengone
f
orov
ert
enmi
nut
esbuthef
eltl
i
kei
t
hadbeenadecade.Si
tt
ingwi
thmy
l
i
ttl
esi
sterwasenought
odr
ivehi
m
of
fthecl
i
ff.

"
I'
m goi
ngt
othegr
ocer
yst
ore.Do
y
ouwantany
thi
ng?
"heasked.
"
NoI
'
m cool
.Justr
oll
thewi
ndows
downI
'
llbeokay
."
"
Icanl
eav
etheai
rcononi
fyou
scar
edoft
heheat
,"
hesmi
l
ed.

Herf
acewasj
ustgr
umpy
.
"
Ther
oll
eddownwi
ndowswi
l
l
do,
"shesai
dst
ernl
y.
"
Okay
."

STORI
ESBYEmyBecky
BEWI
TCHED

#32

Il
ookedatheront
her
earv
iewmi
rr
or.
Ther
ewassomet
hingof
fabouther
andIj
ustcoul
dn'
tputmyhandoni
t.
Ar
ewi
ndbackt
oheroddscr
atchesI
hadseenear
li
eronal
somademy
ski
ncr
awl
.It
ookasi
pint
othesoda
Vi
nhadboughtme.

"
Didy
out
alkt
oAnel
i
e?"
Vinasked.
"
Mmm Idi
dshesai
dshe'
dbe
home.
..
babe?
"
"
Myl
ove?
"hesai
dtaki
ngaqui
ckst
are
atme.

Myey
esr
ant
othemi
rr
orandIswear
Isawmysi
sterr
oll
herey
es.Or
may
benot
,any
way
swhat
everi
twasI
wasgl
adsher
efusedt
ost
aywi
thme
andVi
noral
oneatmypl
ace.Ist
il
l
coul
dn'
tgetwhyshedi
dn'
twantt
ogo
t
oherpl
ace.Af
teral
li
twasnotl
i
ke
shewasi
ncapabl
eoft
aki
ngcar
eof
her
sel
f.

"
Babe?
"Vi
nbr
okei
ntomy
subconsci
ous.
"
Hmmm?
"
"
Youwer
esay
ingsomet
hing,
"hesai
d
gent
lysway
ingt
hecari
ntot
hecur
ve.
Imadeaf
orcedchuckl
e,
"oht
hat
.Was
t
hinki
ngaboutwhaty
ourni
ecesai
d
maabane,
abouthermom and
Jaf
ter
."
"
Don'
tev
engot
her
e,"
hesmi
l
ed.
"
Butt
ell
met
hough.WhynotJaf
ter
?"
"
Whyhi
m?LookIknowt
hoset
wo
woul
dmaket
hewor
stcoupl
eev
er
andpr
obabl
yrui
nmyr
elat
ionshi
p
wi
thJay
.Pl
ust
heypr
act
ical
l
y
si
bli
ngs,
"hesai
d.
"
Isee.
"
"
Ser
iousl
y?"
"
What
!Whatdi
dIsay
?"Isai
dtur
ning
mywhol
eupperbodyt
ohi
m.
"
Babet
hoset
womakeabadcoupl
e,
f
ini
sh.
"
"
Ooookaygosh.
..
Ihear
edt
hat
,but
whati
f..
"
"
Canwenott
alkabouti
tbecausei
t'
s
nothappeni
ng,
okay
.Atl
eastnoton
mywat
ch.
"

Il
ookedathi
m.

"
Anel
i
eandJay
?Nev
er,
"hesai
dlower
t
onedwhi
l
efocusi
ngont
her
oad.

Vi
nwassost
ri
ct,
thi
sisonet
hingI
pi
ckedabouthi
m.Att
imesI
wonder
edi
fwewer
ereal
l
ygoi
ngt
o
handl
eeachot
her
'sdef
ect
s.Il
i
ked
hav
ingmyaut
hor
it
ytoo.Youknowt
o
ki
ndofputmyf
ootdown;cont
rol
somet
hingsnott
osayIam
r
ebel
l
ioust
hough.If
elthewasj
ust
bei
ngt
oomuchunnecessar
il
y.I
fthi
s
i
sthet
oughl
ovet
heysaybi
g
br
other
shav
e,I
'
m gl
adIdon'
thav
ea
br
other
.
Kel
etsocl
ear
edhert
hroat
.Vi
nandI
r
aisedourey
est
othemi
rr
orar
ound
t
hesamet
ime.Sheanx
iousl
yrubbed
herhandst
oget
her
.

"
Cany
ou.
..
(cl
ear
sthr
oatagai
n)Can
y
oul
i
ke.
..makeau-
tur
n?"
"
What
?"Isai
dconf
used.

Shescr
atchedherheadand
ner
vousl
ybi
therl
owerl
i
p.
"
Butweal
mostatMar
ti
n'
s,
"Isai
d
i
rr
it
ated.
"
Changeofpl
ans,
"shegi
ggl
ed
annoy
ingl
y."
l'
l
lgot
omypl
ace,
"she
sai
d.
"
Hmmm,
wai
tsekana.Youdi
dn'
t
wantt
ogot
oyourpl
aceawhi
l
eback
f
orwhat
everr
easonsy
oudi
dn'
tcar
e
t
oshar
e..
.br
oughtust
hisf
arf
or
whathuh?Lehagot
wey
ousav
edour
l
i
ves!Nny
abet
sho.Kanammay
ou
t
hinkweusi
ngwat
erf
ort
hiscart
o
mov
e?Vi
ntookt
imeof
fsohe.
..
"
"
Babe.
..
"Vi
nsai
dtr
yingt
ocool
meof
f.
"
AeNkel
eoi
ramat
lakal
a,
"If
umed.
"
Vinkopaoemepl
ease.I
'
llt
akea
combi
home,
"shesai
d.
"
Noonei
staki
ngacombi
."
Hesai
d
gl
ari
ngatme.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
"
IMEANI
T,"
hegl
ared.If
elthi
sst
are
pi
ercet
hroughmemaki
ngme
anx
ious.

"
Don'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
."
Ibar
ked.
"
Shei
syoursi
ster
,"
Vinsai
dcal
mly
.
"
Exact
lyVi
n..
.si
ster
.Shei
smysi
ster
,
notmymast
er.Whydi
dn'
tshet
ell
us
bef
orewecamet
hisf
ar?
"
"
Vincany
oupl
easel
etmeal
i
ghtof
f
bef
oreIsayt
hingsI
'
dregr
ett
oyour
'
prev
ious'
fianceè.
"
"
Wow!
"Isai
dfl
abber
gast
ed.

Vi
nst
oppedt
hecaratt
henex
tst
op
andbef
orehecoul
dsayany
thi
ng
Nkel
ehadal
readypul
l
edherbag,
got
outandsl
ammedt
hedoor
.

"
Arey
ouhappynow?
"Vi
nasked
shaki
nghi
shead.
"
Ver
ymuch,
nowcanwegopi
ckmy
son?
"
"
Ithoughtwewer
egoi
ngt
ohav
e
someal
onet
ime,
"hesai
d.
"
Ohnowy
our
emember
ed?Di
dn'
tyou
r
emembert
hatwheny
ouasked
Kel
etsot
ojoi
nus?Tomov
einwi
th
us?Andwhat
'supwi
thy
oucal
l
ing
herboKel
s?Wammat
a?"
"
Youar
epar
anoi
d,i
tdoesn'
tsui
t
y
ou,
"Hesai
dst
art
ingt
hecar
.
Ihel
dmybr
eat
hashej
oinedt
her
oad.

"
You.
..
"
"
Notnow.Ory
ouwanty
our"
SON"
pi
cki
ngupt
het
ensi
onbet
weenus?
"

Isankback.

"
Thoughtso,
"hesai
dwi
thsomuch
annoy
ancei
nhi
svoi
ce.

*
**
Meanwhi
l
e,backatt
hest
op.Kel
etso
putherbagbesi
desherandsatdown
ont
hebench.Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue
andt
ypedi
ntoherphone.

Tex
t:t
amey
ourdog.

Shesi
ghedassher
ecei
vedt
he
messagedel
i
ver
yrepor
tnot
if
icat
ion.
Apar
tofherr
egr
ett
edi
tbutshe
di
dn'
tcar
e,shesmi
rkedandputt
he
phonebacki
nherpocket
.At
axi
pul
l
edof
fnex
ttoher
.
"
Speci
almamane?
"thet
axi
dri
ver
asked
"
No,
key
ast
ati
on,
"sheanswer
ed.
"
Okayl
etmegowi
l
ldr
opy
ouhaMr
Pr
icekaP10.
"
"
That
'sbet
ter
,"
shesai
d

*
**

I
nthecarVi
n'
sphonev
ibr
atedandhe
r
eachedf
ori
t.Af
rownappear
edon
hi
sphone.Iwascur
iousbutt
henI
wasangr
yathi
m.Mypr
idewoul
dn'
t
l
etmeaskhi
m whatwaswr
ongsoI
i
gnor
edhi
m andl
ookedout
sidet
he
wi
ndow.

*
**

Anel
i
ewal
kedi
nsi
deVi
n'
sroom and
not
icedt
hatt
hemi
rr
ort
hatsepar
ated
t
hesl
eepi
ngar
eaandt
hewal
kin
cl
osethadbeenbr
oken.

"
Mom?
"
"
YesBaby
?"sheanswer
ed,
the
hal
l
way
.
"
Comecheckt
hisout
,"
shesai
d.
"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nVi
n'
s.
..
hol
y
cr
ap!Whatdi
dthi
sboydot
omy
house?
"
"
Nowonderhedoesn'
twantus
get
ti
ngi
nher
e,"
Anel
i
esai
dsquat
ti
ng
att
hef
ootofwhatusedt
obet
he
wal
kincl
oset
'smi
rr
or,
"andt
hisl
ook
sof
resh.
"

*
**
I
nthepr
ophet
'sdaught
er'
scar
.

Thabangr
eadj
ust
edhi
sseatand
j
oinedt
heA1r
oadf
rom Ser
ulef
uel
st
ati
on.Hesmi
l
edl
ooki
ngather
openi
ngt
hebi
l
tongpacket
.

"
Youwant
?"shet
eased.

Thabangsmi
l
edandshenot
icedhow
hi
steet
hwer
eni
cel
yar
ranged.He
al
sohadadi
mpl
eonhi
slef
tcheek.
Shesmi
l
edshy
lyandl
ookedaway
.
"
What
?"heasked.
"
Not
hing,
"shesmi
l
ed.
"
Yeahr
ight
,sompol
ell
awhoi
sAnu?
"
Wel
l
...wow,
chi
ndi
nghar
amba!Who
i
sAnu?Fi
rstandf
oremostmyname
Anu.
..i
sashor
tforAnoona-
spel
t
doubl
eOandmeansGodsees,
"she
sai
d.
"
Beaut
if
ulandv
eryf
it
ti
ngf
ora
past
or'
sdaught
er.
"
"
Right
!"
Shel
aughed,
butev
ery
one
el
secal
l
smeCal
.Ihav
eanel
der
br
otherTar
."
"
Tar
?"
"
Tat
enda,
meanst
hanky
ou.Andt
hen
t
her
eisRumbi
.YouknowRumbi
r
ight
"(
Thabangmadeanod)
good
Rumbi
meanspr
aise.
"
"
Yourmom i
sTswanar
ight
?"Thabang
askedcur
iousl
y
"
Yepkemokghat
ha,
"shesai
dwi
than
ascent
.

Thabangchuckl
ed.
"
Isee,
"het
eased,
"mokghat
hawa
khae?
"
"
Hahaha!Notf
unny
.Mov
ingf
orwar
d,
t
heyal
lgotTswananamesex
ceptf
or
me.Tari
sKgot
sho(
Kgot
so)and
Rumbi
isGont
she(
Gont
se)
.I'
m
al
most30andhol
dadegr
eei
n
cr
imi
nal
law andr
unmyownl
aw
f
ir
m,"
shesai
dbol
dly
.
"
Beaut
ywi
thbr
ainshuh?Imustsay
I
'
m..
."

Ani
ncomi
ngcarmov
edf
asti
ntohi
s
l
aneal
mostmaki
nghi
mloosecont
rol
oft
hecar
.Hehonkedaggr
essi
vel
y

"
..
.whatt
hef
uck!
"
"
Rel
axy
oudi
dwel
l
,"she
l
aughed,
"shoul
dhav
eseeny
ourf
ace
wheny
oubi
tyourl
i
p."
"
Aemaj
i
tabai
ramasepa.Haar
ata
kemosadi
.Nx
labamasepakana.
..
Ei
shIf
orgetgor
eongwanawa
nf
undi
si.
"
"
TrustmeIswearmor
ethant
he
whol
eAmer
icacombi
ned,
"shesai
d
bet
weenherbr
eat
h
"
Idi
dn'
tgett
hat
,"
hesai
d.
"
It
'snot
hing.OemekoPal
apy
e.I
'
m
superhungr
y."

*
**

Mr
sWr
ightwal
keddownf
ixi
ngher
shi
rt
.

"
Tsenawenagi
rl
!"
Anel
i
echeer
ed

Hermot
hert
ossedar
oundacoupl
e
oft
imesandmadeposes.
"
Stant
onhasnev
erbeenr
eadyIt
ell
y
ou,
"Anel
i
esai
d
"
Iknowbabe,
Iknow,
"shesai
d
"
Snapshot
?"
"
Bywhoy
ou?
Pl
ease(
der
isi
vel
y).
..
kanamy
gr
andbabyi
swaybet
tert
hany
ou;
her
pi
ctur
esar
eint
ernat
ional
standar
d.
Can'
treal
l
ysayt
hesamef
ory
our
s."
"
Aomamamma!
"

Theybot
hlaughedashermot
her
headedt
othedoor
.Sheal
most
bumpedonJaf
terasshest
eppedout
.

"
Jaf
ter
!"
shesai
dtaki
ngagl
i
mpseat
herdaught
erwhot
hent
imi
dly
l
ower
edherey
es.
"
Ma'
am.
..
"hepl
ant
edaki
ssonher
cheek,
'youl
ookamaz
ing.
"
"
Thanky
oul
over
,"
shebl
ushed.

Jaf
terst
oodt
her
esmi
l
ing.Mr
s
Wr
ightshookof
fhert
hought
sand
st
eppedasi
de.
"
Gooni
n,IbetAnel
i
eisaboutt
ocut
of
fmyheadf
ormaki
ngy
ouwai
t
her
e."
"
Yougoi
ngout
?Iwasv
isi
ti
ngy
ou
and.
..
"
"
Ohpl
ease,
getal
ongal
ready
.I'
m not
achi
l
dbuty
out
wo,
"l
ookedatAnel
i
e
andatJaf
ter
,"Vi
nshoul
dn'
tfi
ndout
at
leastnotnow.I
'
llt
akemyl
eav
e.
BabyIt
ookMi
l
dred'
spasspor
twi
l
l
pi
ckherupaty
ourbr
other
's.
"
"
Hercl
othesar
e..
."
"
Rel
axIgott
his.
..
Jaf
tert
akecar
eof
herory
ouwon'
tl
ikemyot
hersi
de.
"
"
Yesma'
am,
"Jaf
tersmi
l
ed.

Anel
i
eandJaf
tersmi
l
edateach
ot
herl
i
keabunchofhi
ghschool
kids.

"
Soar
eyougoi
ngt
omakeme
wai
t?"
sheaskedt
aki
ngof
fhershi
rt
gown,
"l
ockt
hedoor
."
"
FATHERFORGI
VEMEFORI
M
ABOUTTOSI
N,"
hesai
dex
cit
edl
y
l
ocki
ngt
hedoor
.
"
Hur
ryupt
igery
oudon'
twantt
okeep
t
hispr
incesswai
ti
ng.
"

Heshookhi
sheadwat
chi
ngher
cat
wal
kupt
hest
aircases.
Seduct
ivel
ysher
emov
edherpant
ies
bet
weenherbut
t.

"
Damn!
"Jaf
tersai
dtouchi
nghi
s
er
ect
ion.

*
**

Af
terpi
cki
ngt
hei
ror
der
satt
hedr
ive
t
hrough,
Thabangconnect
edt
her
oad
t
oMahal
apy
e.

"
EishA1t
hough,
"hecr
ied.
"
I'
ll
hel
pyouwhenwer
eachTaj
,
"she
sai
d.
"
Didy
ouj
ustsayTaj
?Wow.
"

Theybot
hgi
ggl
ed.Herphoner
angas
sheopenedt
het
akeaway
s.

"
Notnow!
"shesai
dignor
ingt
he
phoneandshov
edi
nahandf
ulof
Fr
enchf
ri
esi
nhermout
h.
"
Wai
tsekana.
"
"
What
?I'
m st
arv
ing.
"shechuckl
ed.

Thephoner
angandshepi
ckedi
t.

"
Sisi
."
"
Babegi
rl
!"
"
Sti
l
linEgol
i
?"Amuasked
"
Zvakanaki
sa.I
'
minGabs.
"
"
Unamanga!
"
"
Yout
hink?Any
way
s,ndodamot
okar
i
y
ekushandi
sandi
chi
bhadhar
aany
r
ecommendat
ion?
"
"
Yeah,
butPr
eshcan'
tyoul
i
keuse
pr
ophet
'sot
hercar
?"Anuasked.
"
Me.Pr
ophet
'scar
?For
get
!Ndi
ri
mut
adz
ipl
usIwantmyf
reedom.
So?
"
"
I'
ll
sendy
out
hei
rnumber
."

Thabangcoughed.

"
Arey
ouokay
?"Anuasked.
"
YeahI
'
m gooddon'
twor
ryabout
me,
"heanswer
ed.
"
Ist
hataman?Hi
svoi
ceLor
dI'
m
hor
ny.Newboy
fri
end?
"Pr
esh
asked,
"i
shecut
e?"
"
Anemesoi
chi
zvi
noshami
sa!
Si
si!
"Anur
epl
i
edbl
ushi
ng.

Forsomewei
rdr
easonThabangf
elt
t
heywer
etal
ki
ngabouthi
m.

"
Iweakav
atanay
e?"
Preshasked
cur
iousl
y.
"
Arey
oucr
azyPr
eshl
i
keser
iousl
y.
Justl
astweekIt
oldy
oumy
pr
edi
cament
s,sopl
easedon'
tmake
meaj
okel
i
ket
hat
."
"
Ibety
ouwi
l
lbeaf
ull
vir
ginbyt
he
t
imehehi
tsi
t.Thati
diotwasaf
ool
f
ornott
aki
ngy
ouback.
..
Ihear
Tswanaguy
shav
esmal
ldi
cks.
..
"

Thabanggaggedonhi
sfood.Anu
t
ri
edt
osoot
hehi
m butheassur
ed
hi
m hewasokaywi
thahandgest
ure.

"
Uri
kupi
izv
ozv
i?"
sheaskedher
cousi
n.
"
Nhandar
eyendege.
..
aft
ernoonf
li
ght
.
Justcl
ear
edwi
thcust
oms,
iwe?
"
"
Onmywayt
other
efr
om af
uner
al.
Wi
l
lbet
her
eint
wohour
smax
.Sot
he
carpeopl
echar
gel
i
ke320t
hat
sli
ke
30dol
l
arsf
orast
andar
dcarperday
."
"
Chi
i
?Kut
izv
inodhur
a!"
Preshwaned
"
Exact
ly.Socal
lupy
ouruncl
eand
t
akehi
sAmg.Pl
usmur
iyakey
aai
da
muz
ukur
usoi
twon'
tbeahust
le.
Now.
..canIeatmyf
oodi
npeace?
"
"
Byf
oody
oumeandi
ckr
ight
?"
"
Uchi
rwar
a.Hei
sdr
ivi
ng.
..
"
"
Giv
ehi
m headt
hen.
"
"
Jez
ebel
..
.by
ePr
eci
ous.
"
"
Wai
t!Cheaperhot
el?
"
"
Imi
vapf
umi
!Whynotmypl
ace?
"
"
Wel
lndav
ingabhi
zi
misi
,sot
he
companyi
scov
eri
ngev
ery
thi
ng.I
hav
eli
keat
housandandei
ght
hundr
edf
ort
hreeday
stospend.
"
"
Pul
as?
"
"
Whatdoy
out
akemef
or?Amer
e
of
fi
cehel
p?Iusedol
l
arshoney
..
.I
makemoneymov
eokaybi
tch!
"
Anur
oll
edherey
es.

"
Byeal
ready
.Got
omypl
acet
hekey
i
satMol
f'
s.
"
"
Muv
aki
dzani
?"
"
YesPr
eci
ous.
..
themar
ri
ednei
ghbour
wi
thki
dsanddogsandacatt
ocar
e
f
or,
"Anusai
d.
"
Ndi
nodakur
uma,
that
'si
t!
"Pr
eshsai
d.
"
Unof
ari
radel
i
ver
ancewenahai
Jeso!
"Anut
eased.

Theybot
hlaughed.
"
Hur
ryupandbr
ingy
ourman,
Ihav
e
t
oseet
hoseey
es!
"
"
What
everman!
"Anuhangupand
si
ghed.

Thabangwasonceagai
nlooki
ngat
herandsmi
l
ing.

"
What
?"
"
Hapana.Bef
oreIf
orget
,bhukui
ro
r
inoz
ii
,theoney
ouar
eal
way
s
r
eadi
ng?
"heasked.
"
Wat
aur
a?"
"
Smal
lsmal
l
.St
ayedi
nHar
are
t
hroughmysecondar
yeducat
ion.
"

Shegav
ehi
mthe:
'
Yougott
obe
ki
ddi
ngme'
look.

"
Mir
a,"
Shesai
dal
mostoutofbr
eat
h.
"
Wewi
l
lst
opi
nMahal
apy
e,"
hesai
d.
"
No.
..
it
s..
.i
ts.
..
ndez
vekukur
umi
dzi
ra,
"s
hesai
dfanni
ngher
sel
fwi
thherout
er
hand.
Wor
ri
edThabangpul
l
edov
erandr
an
t
ohersi
deoft
hecarasshest
epped
out
.

"
Arey
ouOkay
?"heasked.
"
Mmm.
..
canIst
ayoutheral
onef
ora
mi
nut
e?"

Embar
rassedshel
ookedawayand
di
aledhercousi
nagai
nbutherphone
r
angunanswer
ed.

"
Thatwasbad,
"shesi
ghed,
"ver
y
f
ool
i
shCal
i
cia.
..
ver
yfool
i
sh.
"

STORI
ESBYEmyBecky
BEWI
TCHED

#33

Ibangedt
hecardoorst
art
li
ngmy
f
ianceandwal
kedi
ntot
hey
ard.
Mar
ti
nfi
xedt
hecur
tai
nandopened
t
hedoorbef
oreIknocked.

"
Ithoughtot
aleKel
s,
"hesai
dlooki
ng
att
hecar
.Hehadqui
ckynot
icedt
hat
VI
Nwasal
onei
nthecar
.

Kel
smyf
oot
.Hewav
edatVi
nandhe
wav
edback.Ir
oll
edmyey
esand
wal
kedpasthi
m.

"
Arey
ouokay
?"heasked.
"
Andwhywoul
dn'
tIbe?
"
"
Troubl
einpar
adi
se?Youl
ook
hor
ri
ble,
lekur
ukur
ulel
e!gony
esa
hel
abef
orel
eny
alo.
..
"
"
Yei
!Ol
ekgweaut
we.I
'
m sonoti
n
t
hemoodwankut
lwa.
..
meandy
ou
ar
enotf
ri
ends.
"

Icl
i
ckedmyt
oungeandheadedt
o
t
hebedr
ooms.Mar
ti
nrubbedhi
s
headandwal
kedsl
owl
ybehi
ndme.
Thedoort
othebat
hroom opened
cat
chi
ngmyat
tent
ion.Av
ery
beaut
if
ulgi
rlemer
gedout
.Shehad
cov
eredher
sel
fwi
thawhi
tet
owel
andwor
eMar
ti
n'
ssl
eeper
s.I
r
ecogni
sedher
.OnceIhadbumbed
onheratt
ownandLer
uohadt
old
meshesomet
imesbabysathi
m.
"
Hi,
"shesmi
l
ed.
"
Uhu?El
egor
eonnahamal
atsi
a?"
"
NoI
..
."

Mar
ti
ntr
ott
edov
erandst
oodbehi
nd
her
.

"
Ohy
oumet
.MmagweRuot
hisi
s
Jessi
ca,
babemmagweRuo.
"
"
Cal
lmeJess,
"shesmi
l
ed,
"been
dy
ingt
omeety
our
esaj
aga.Ruoand
daddyt
alkabouty
oual
lday
,hear
ed
somuchabouty
ou.
"
MXM GATWEDADDY?Isai
dbi
tt
erl
y
att
hebackofmyhead.

Ikeptast
rai
ghtf
ace,
"can'
tsayt
he
sameabouty
ou.
"

Asmi
rkescapedmyl
i
psandshe
qui
ckl
yret
reat
edt
hehandshehad
ex
tendedt
ome.

"
Soshest
aysher
e?"
Isai
dlooki
ngat
t
hem r
evol
ti
ngl
y.
"
No.
..
noshewasj
ustv
isi
ti
ng.
..
wear
e
dat
ingand.
..
"
"
DoesSheSl
eepher
e?Tel
lme
ngwanawaboal
ekae?
"

Thel
ookedateachot
her
.

"
Mma?
"Igl
aredannoy
ed
"
Don'
tyout
hinky
ouar
ebei
ngov
erl
y
dr
amat
icDi
kel
edi
?Aker
eyoual
so
t
akehi
mtoVi
n'
shouse,
doIev
er
compl
ain?
"
"
Hagot
shwane,
Vini
smyf
iance.You
can'
tbei
ntr
oduci
ngy
ourcheapsl
ats
t
omy
..
."
"
Excuseme?
"shesai
dangr
il
y.
"
Lekegol
ebi
l
eyanaIsee
desper
ati
on.Gol
ddi
ggeree.
..
"
"
ShutupDi
kel
edi
!Youwi
l
lnot
di
srespectmygi
rl
fr
iendi
nour
house.
..
"
"
Ourhouse?Justl
astweeki
twasmy
si
ster
's.Di
dhet
ell
youhei
sbangi
ng
myl
i
ttl
esi
stert
oo?
"

Jessl
ookedatMar
ti
n.
"
Babedon'
tl
ist
ent
oher
,it
'sal
li
nthe
past
.Thatwaswaybef
orewest
art
ed
t
his.
..
us.
"

Jessgl
aredathi
m.

"
Ser
iousbabe,
"hesai
drubbi
ngher
ar
ms.

Sheshr
ughi
m of
fwhi
l
eIr
oll
edmy
ey
es.
"
Yousl
eptl
esi
stery
ayourbaby
mama?
"
"
Ngwanany
anadon'
tcal
lmebaby
mamaaut
we.Mar
ti
nngwanaokae?
"I
f
umed.
"
Ler
uooy
aleny
alongwi
thus.Babe
y
agoapar
aradi
ega.
"

Jessl
ookedatmeonceand
pr
oceededt
oMar
ti
n'
sbedr
oom.She
f
rast
rat
edl
ybangedt
hedoorbehi
nd
her
.Mar
ti
ndr
ewhi
sat
tent
ionbackt
o
me.If
eltal
umpbui
l
dupatmyt
hroat
.
Aggr
essi
vel
yhepul
l
edmeawayf
rom
t
hei
rbedr
oom door
.

"
Idon'
tknowwhat
'sgoi
ngonwi
th
y
oubuty
ouwi
l
lnotdi
srespecther
becauseIwi
l
lonedaymar
ryher
."
"
Youwantt
omar
ryt
hat
..
."
Isai
dmy
v
oicet
rai
l
ingof
f.
"
That
..
.t
hatwomani
stent
imesa
wi
femat
eri
alcompar
edt
oyouwa
nkut
wa,
"hesi
ghed,
"bonagetout
bef
oreIsayt
hingsIdon'
t.
..
"
"
Notwi
thoutRuo.
"
"
Ler
uoi
smyson.Wena?Youj
ust
pl
ayi
ngt
empor
arymamaf
orhi
m."

Hi
swor
dscutt
hroughmyhear
t.A
t
earr
oll
eddownmyf
ace.Tempor
ary
mamahuh?Soal
lthi
s3y
ear
sIwas
butat
empor
arymot
her
?Wow!

"
Idi
dn'
tmean.
..
"
"
Don'
ttouchme!
"Iy
ell
ed,
"Iknow
ex
act
lywhaty
oumeantMARTI
N.Vi
n
wi
l
ldr
ophi
sst
affher
etomor
row.
Hav
eagoodl
i
feMar
ti
n."
"
MmagweLer
uo.
..
"
"
Stayawayf
rom meorheav
enbar
e
mewi
tnessIwi
l
lhav
eyouar
rest
ed.
"

Hef
oll
owedme.Ihur
ri
edupwi
ping
myt
ear
s,gotoutandcl
osedt
he
door
.

"
FuckFuckf
uck!FUCK!
"Mar
ti
nsai
d
r
ubbi
nghi
shead.

*
**

Vi
nlookedatmeandIbr
okedown.
"
Babe?
"
"
Let
'sgo,
"Isni
ff
ed.
"
Whatdi
dthatscumbagdot
oyou?
"
"
Let
'sgopl
ease.
..
"
"
Notunt
ilIhav
eawor
dwi
thhi
m,"
he
sai
dopeni
ngt
hedoor
.

Ipul
l
edhi
shand.Hel
ookedatme
and.Ishockmyheadast
ear
swel
l
ed
upmyf
ace.

"
Hei
snotwor
thi
t.
"Isai
d.
Vi
nswal
l
owedhar
d.Hi
sfacehad
t
urnedpal
e.Hewi
pedmyt
ear
sand
cuppedmyf
ace.

"
Okaybabe.Let
'sgohome.
"hesai
d.

Ismi
l
edbet
wistmysobs.Despi
tet
he
f
actt
hathehadl
eti
tsl
i
deIknewi
t
wasn'
tov
er.Hewasoutf
orr
evenge.
Hel
ookedout
sidet
hewi
ndowand
cl
enchedhi
steet
h.
'
Wena?Youj
ustpl
ayi
ngt
empor
ary
mamaf
orhi
m.'

Mar
ti
n'
swor
dsechoedi
nmyear
s.I
t
hur
t.If
eltmyhear
tri
papar
t.Imade
conv
ulsi
vegaspwhi
l
eIt
ri
edasmuch
t
oweepsi
l
ent
ly.Themor
eIt
ri
edt
o
suppr
essi
tthemor
eithur
t.Vi
nhel
d
myhandandst
rokedi
tgent
lybef
ore
ki
ssi
ngi
t.

"
Leti
toutbabe.Don'
tbot
tl
eitori
t'
s
goi
ngt
ofr
ust
rat
eyou,
"hesai
d.
Igr
adual
l
yleti
tal
loutandhepassed
mear
oll
oft
issue.Hi
shear
tbecame
heav
yaseachofmygaspr
ipped
t
hroughhi
shear
t.Her
oll
eddownhi
s
wi
ndowandmadeasi
ngl
eheav
y
pant
.

*
**

Mar
ti
nputdownt
hegl
assofwat
er.
Heanx
iousl
ypi
ckedi
tupagai
nfr
om
t
hesi
nkanddr
ankt
hewat
erwal
ki
ng
away
.
'
thatwomani
stent
imesawi
fe
mat
eri
alcompar
edt
oyou.
..
Ler
uoi
s
myson.
'
Heshookhi
sheadashamedofwhat
hehadsai
d.
'
Wena?Youj
ustpl
ayi
ngt
empor
ary
mamaf
orhi
m.'

Aggr
essi
vel
yhesmashedt
hegl
ass
agai
nstt
hewal
landgr
unt
ed.He
knewdeepdownIwast
heper
fect
mom f
orhi
sson.Jesswal
kedi
n.He
l
ookedatherandhi
shandsr
ant
othe
bagi
nherhand.
"
Oready
?"heaskedev
ent
houghhe
knewwhatt
hismeant
.
"
I'
m..
.I'
m nol
onger
(si
ghed)
I'
m no
l
ongercomi
ngwi
thy
ou.Act
ual
l
yIam
nev
ercomi
ngbackher
e."

Mar
ti
nswal
l
owedhar
d.

"
Comeonbabe.
..
"

Shest
eppedbackashet
ri
edt
otouch
her
.
"
Mar
ti
nIwon'
tst
andandbecal
l
eda
desper
ategol
ddi
gger
..
.A'
cheapsl
at'
byy
ourbabymamawhi
l
eyouwat
ch
onanddonot
hingabouti
t.IknowI
'
m
j
ustaki
tchenhandataf
astf
ood
out
let
.Igetpeanut
sbutIwor
kmy
but
tof
fforev
ery
thi
ngIhav
eandI
hav
eadegr
eecer
ti
fi
cat
ehangi
ngi
n
mybedr
oom wal
l
.Andt
obei
nsul
ted
f
oramanwhohasnev
ergi
venmel
e
madi
acab.
..
(wi
pedhert
ear
s)l
egone
whatki
ndofamanf
uckssi
ster
s?"
"
Idi
dn'
tsl
eepwi
th.
..
"
"
Ohy
oudi
dn'
tcar
egoi
kganet
sa
wheny
ourbabymamawas
her
e..
.shoul
dIr
emi
ndy
ouhowy
ou
r
esponded?
"shesai
dannoy
ed.
"
IknowwhatIsai
d..
.ei
shi
t'
s
compl
i
cat
edkanababey
ouwoul
dn'
t
under
stand,
"heex
plai
ned.
"
Tryme.
"

Hepr
essedhi
sli
pst
oget
her
.

"
Ican'
t,
"hesai
d.
"
Iguesst
hisi
sitt
hen,
"shesai
dbar
ely
abl
etohol
ditt
oget
her
.
"
LookbabesIl
ovey
ouand(
heknel
t
down)
okaybabemar
ryme.
(
Smi
l
ed)
makemet
hehappi
estman
al
i
ve.Pl
easebemywi
fe.
"

Shesmi
l
edandhesmi
l
edback.

"
I'
m notdesper
atewankut
wa.Wa
nny
atsaaker
e,"
shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue
andl
efthi
m kneel
i
ngi
nthecent
reof
t
hel
i
vingar
ea.Asi
ngl
etearr
andown
hi
sface.
*
**

Kel
etsosatdownaf
teropeni
ngt
he
wi
ndowst
oherr
ent
edser
vant
quar
ter
s.Shet
ookofherbl
ouseand
wal
kedt
othemi
rr
ior
.Herwhol
e
upperbodyex
ceptf
ort
hel
i
mbswas
cov
eredi
nscr
atches.

Sheshutherey
esr
emember
ingt
he
pai
nshewentt
hrought
hatev
enni
ng.
×downmemor
ylane×

Thedoct
orf
ini
shedof
fhi
sdai
l
y
r
oundwi
thher
.Hewal
kedoutof
Kel
etso'
spr
ivat
eroom.

"
Ahhhhh!
"shecr
iedi
nherdeepsl
eep.
"
Didy
out
hinky
ouwi
l
lescapeme?I
owny
ou.
..
thi
sbodyi
smi
nenow.
..
you
ar
emi
ne,
"t
hev
oicecr
ackedup
hi
deousl
y.
"
MmaMphoy
ouwi
l
lnothav
eiti
nme.
Ot
oswaokgonamemol
oike
wena!
"shef
oughtwi
thMmaMpho'
s
spi
ri
t.
"
I'
m al
readydeadandIseekar
efuge
i
nyouf
ormyspi
ri
tli
nger
son.Li
keI
sai
dyouar
emar
ked!Mar
kedf
or
me.
..
formyki
ng.
"

Shel
aughedagai
nandsummoned
mor
espi
ri
tst
oKel
etso'
sroom and
t
heybegancut
ti
ngherwi
thr
azor
bl
adesal
lov
erherupperbody
.She
scr
eamedbutnoonehear
dher
.The
cut
ti
ngswher
erenewedondai
l
y
basi
sdur
ingherst
ayatt
hehospi
tal
.
Thebeeponherphonemadeher
comebackt
oreal
i
ty.Shemov
ed
awayf
rom t
hemi
rr
orandpul
l
edher
si
l
kni
ghtgownandwor
eitov
er
cov
eri
ngherscr
atches.Thequest
ion
t
hatunset
tl
edherwas,
'woul
dthey
comeher
etoo?
'

*
**

MmaBamecl
appedherhandsonce
andputherhandonhermout
h.Bame
scr
oll
edonDi
ket
so'
sti
mel
i
ne.She
hadpur
chasedamer
oonMaz
da2
Demi
o,t
hephot
ocapt
ionr
ead"
when
Godgoty
ourbackandy
ourdaddy
st
il
lcar
esf
ory
ouf
rom hi
sgr
ave.
THANKYOUDADDY.
"Ont
henex
t
postwasaski
ngherf
ri
endst
oli
ke
herbr
idal
par
lourFacebookpage.

"
Mxm,
oshi
giswakemadi
a
boswa,
"Bamesai
denr
ichedwi
th
j
eal
ousy
.
"
Howmuchdi
dyousayt
heygot
each?
"hermot
herasked.
"
Shesai
dhershar
ewasP160000.
00.
I
'
m sur
etheyr
ippedherof
f.Shesay
s
par
toft
hemoneykeamat
apaf
or
hermom andbommaNkel
e,
"Bame
sai
dlooki
ngatt
hephot
os,
"mx
m
demi
onel
eengmmegone?Gat
we
kema10t
housandkoDur
bankwa.
"
"
Onal
eenet
ent
housandneBame?
I
fIwer
eyounkabokesamasemat
la
mokwat
laandmakeaki
l
loutoft
hat
money
.Jaanongkal
ewenao
mongol
ohel
ali
key
ourf
atherhai
sh!
"

MmaBamegotupandl
ookedather
daught
erdi
sappoi
nted.
"
Itol
dyousant
semasepaabankane
bagagoot
aal
atswa.SI
ES!Ohego
t
lhapi
sangwanakwa!Leswel
e
t
seny
aseny
amat
otawai
tse?
"

Bameshushherchi
l
dignor
ingher
mot
herwhowal
kedout
.Sher
ocked
t
hebabyasshequi
etl
ythoughtof
howt
oconDi
ket
so.
Shesmi
l
edaf
teramuchneeded
consi
der
ati
on.Yest
hatwoul
dwor
k
sheconcl
uded.
"
Aker
ebenabena.
..
aker
e?"
shepl
ayed
r
ubbi
nghernoseagai
nstherf
unny
l
ooki
ngson.Thechi
l
dgi
ggl
ed
showi
nghi
srabbi
tli
ket
wot
eet
h.
"
Yesmommykegeni
us.Aker
e!Aker
e
basi
manebamama?
"

*
**

Kel
etsor
eadt
hemessageagai
nand
t
ossedherphoneasi
de.Thel
ast
t
hingsheneededwast
opl
ayhappy
f
ami
l
y.Shecheckedherf
oodcubi
cle
andf
oundnot
hingt
oeati
nsi
de.An
unopenedl
ett
ersatonherbarf
ri
dge.
Shef
oundaunopenedpacketof
r
oast
edpot
atochi
psi
nthebr
eadbi
n
andgr
abbedt
hel
ett
erandt
orei
t
openwal
ki
ngt
othecouch.

.
..
MONATE
MPOLAYE.
..
MONATE.
..

Shepeekedt
hrought
hewi
ndowand
sawaguywal
koutoft
hecar
.
I
rr
it
atedshecr
awl
edt
othet
oil
etand
cl
osedt
hedoor
.Oncei
nsi
det
he
t
oil
etshesatagai
nstt
het
oil
etdoor
andr
eadherl
ett
er.Shesmi
l
ed
r
eadi
ngherl
ett
erofconsi
der
ati
on,
a
l
ocal
bankwaswi
l
li
ngt
oappoi
nther
i
mmedi
atel
yaf
tergr
aduat
ionshoul
d
shepass.

Theknockont
hedoorcutshor
ther
cel
ebr
ator
ymoment
.

"
Babe?
"hebangedont
hedoor
,"
I
knowy
ouar
eint
her
e..
.Kel
l
y?Babe!
"

"
Fuckof
fLov
emor
e,"
shemov
edher
l
i
pswhi
l
emut
ingherv
oice.

Herphoner
angout
sidet
het
oil
et.

"
Fuck!
"sheki
ckedi
ntheai
r.
"
Babe!
"hebangedt
hedoor
,'
your
phonei
sri
ngandy
ounev
erl
eav
eit
behi
nd.Bul
a."

Kel
etsokeptst
il
lwhi
l
ehebangedt
he
doorsomemor
e.

"
I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
eunt
ily
ou
opent
hisdoor
,"
hesai
dpul
l
ingasi
de
t
hecur
tai
nsf
rom out
side.

*
**

Whenwear
ri
vedIwentst
rai
ghtupt
o
Vi
n'
sroom.Thef
rontdoorhadbeen
l
eftaj
arbutt
hekeynobhadbeen
t
urned.Vi
ncamebehi
ndandst
opped
atAnel
i
e'sr
oom uponhear
ingsome
moani
ng.Hewonder
edwhot
heguy
was,
eversi
nceherl
i
ttl
esi
ster
's
pr
egnancyshehadnev
erdat
ed
any
one.
Hef
oundmel
yi
ngf
acedownacr
oss
t
hebedandputt
hegl
assofwat
erat
t
hesi
det
abl
e.Gent
lyhet
ookof
fmy
conv
erseshoesandbeganr
ubbi
ng
myf
eet
.Themassagemademel
ess
t
ense.

"
Babe,
Idon'
tknowwhatwentonat
Mar
ti
n'
sbuty
ouknowI
'
m her
efor
y
our
ight
?"

Imadeanodwi
thmyhead.
"
Good.Nowdoy
ouwantt
otel
lme
whathappenedbecausei
t'
snotgood
t
o..
."

"
Jaf
terweet
ogaoswaba
kana!
"Anel
i
egi
ggl
edout
side.
"
Comeonl
etdaddyt
oucht
hatp*
**y
babegi
rl
,"
het
easedherwhi
l
e
spanki
ngherbut
t.

If
eltVi
n'
sgr
ipt
ight
enonmyf
eet
.
"
Babedon'
t.
..
"

Hepushedof
fmyf
eetandst
ormed
of
f.

"
Shi
t!Babe.
..
"Isai
doutl
oud.

*
**

Out
sideJaf
terandAnel
i
elookedat
eachot
her
.

"
Ithoughty
oul
ockedt
hedoor
."
"
Idi
d,"
Jaf
terwhi
sper
ed.
"
Wef
uckenscr
..
."
"
Whatt
hef
uck!
"Vi
nsai
dst
ern.
"
It
snotwhaty
out
hinkV,
"Jaf
tersai
d.

Icoul
dseet
het
err
ori
nJaf
ter
'sf
ace.
Hemov
edbackasVi
ntookast
ep
t
owar
dst
hem.

Hel
ookedsoi
nnocenti
nAnel
i
e'ssi
l
k
ni
ghtgown.Myey
esr
andownandI
coul
dn'
thel
pbutadmi
ret
hed*
*k
pr
intont
hesi
l
kgown.At
housand
t
hought
sfl
oodedmymi
ndandI
qui
ckl
yshooki
tof
f.

"
Babet
senamor
oomong.Anel
i
ecan
y
ouki
ndl
yex
cuseus?Iwantt
otal
kto
Jaf
ter
,"
hesai
dbol
dly
.
"
Comeonbabe.
..
"It
ri
edt
oconv
ince
hi
m ot
her
wise.

Hehel
dhi
shanduppr
oject
ingmet
o
st
op.Wi
thoutar
gui
ngIwal
kedback
t
oourr
oom andcl
osedt
hedoor
sl
i
ght
ly.Vi
ngl
aredatAnel
i
e.
"
NoI
'
m notababyVi
n.Youcan'
t
choosewhoIgetdownwi
thorwhatI
dowi
thmyl
i
fe,
"shesai
dfur
iousl
y.
"
Anel
i
eletmehandl
eit
,"
Jaf
tersai
d
ki
ssi
ngherf
orehead.

Vi
ncl
i
nchedhi
sfi
stboi
l
ingwi
thr
age.

"
Arey
ousur
ebabe?
"sheasked.
"
Mmm.Andcl
oset
hedoorbehi
nd
y
ou,
"hesmi
l
ed.
Shegoti
nherr
oom andcl
osedt
he
door
.

"
VinIcan.
."

Vi
npunchedhi
m bef
orehecoul
d
f
ini
shhi
ssent
ence.

"
Asi
mpl
est
ayawayf
rom myl
i
ttl
e
si
steri
shar
d?I
sithar
d?"
hepunched
hi
m agai
nthi
sti
mear
oundi
nthe
st
omach.
STORI
ESBYEMYBECKY
*
Transl
ati
ont
oThabangandAmu'
s
conv
ersat
ion*

(
TRANSLATI
ON)
Af
terpi
cki
ngt
hei
ror
der
satt
hedr
ive
t
hrough,
Thabangconnect
edt
her
oad
t
oMahal
apy
e.

"
EishA1t
hough,
"hecr
ied.
"
I'
ll
hel
pyouwhenwer
eachTaj
,
"she
sai
d.
"
Didy
ouj
ustsayTaj
?Wow.
"
Theybot
hgi
ggl
ed.Herphoner
angas
sheopenedt
het
akeaway
s.

"
Notnow!
"shesai
dignor
ingt
he
phoneandshov
edi
nahandf
ulof
Fr
enchf
ri
esi
nhermout
h.
"
Wai
tsekana.
"
"
What
?I'
m st
arv
ing.
"shechuckl
ed.

Thephoner
angandshepi
ckedi
t.

"
Sisi
."
"
Babegi
rl
!"
"
Sti
l
linEgol
i
?"Amuasked
"
Zvakanaki
sa(
Bet
ter
).I
'
minGabs.
"
"
Unamanga(
Youl
i
e)!
"
"
Yout
hink?Any
way
s,ndodamot
okar
i
y
ekushandi
sandi
chi
bhadhar
aany
r
ecommendat
ion?
"(I
'
dli
ket
orenta
car
,
anyr
ecommendat
ions?
)
"
Yeah,
butPr
eshcan'
tyoul
i
keuse
pr
ophet
'sot
hercar
?"Anuasked.
"
Me.Pr
ophet
'scar
?For
get
!Ndi
ri
mut
adz
i(I
'
m asi
nner
)pl
usIwantmy
f
reedom.So?
"
"
I'
ll
sendy
out
hei
rnumber
."

Thabangcoughed.

"
Arey
ouokay
?"Anuasked.
"
YeahI
'
m gooddon'
twor
ryabout
me,
"heanswer
ed.
"
Ist
hataman?Hi
svoi
ceLor
dI'
m
hor
ny.Newboy
fri
end?
"Pr
esh
asked,
"i
shecut
e?"
"
Anemesoi
chi
zvi
noshami
sa!
Si
si!
"(
Hehascut
eey
es)
Anur
epl
i
ed
bl
ushi
ng.

Forsomewei
rdr
easonThabangf
elt
t
heywer
etal
ki
ngabouthi
m.

"
Iweakav
atanay
e?(
hav
eyousl
ept
wi
thhi
m)"
Preshaskedcur
iousl
y.
"
Arey
oucr
azyPr
eshl
i
keser
iousl
y.
Justl
astweekIt
oldy
oumy
pr
edi
cament
s,sopl
easedon'
tmake
meaj
okel
i
ket
hat
."
"
Ibety
ouwi
l
lbeaf
ull
vir
ginbyt
he
t
imehehi
tsi
t.Thati
diotwasaf
ool
f
ornott
aki
ngy
ouback.
..
Ihear
Tswanaguy
shav
esmal
ldi
cks.
..
"

Thabanggaggedonhi
sfood.Anu
t
ri
edt
osoot
hehi
m butheassur
ed
hi
m hewasokaywi
thahandgest
ure.

"
Uri
kupi
izv
ozv
i?(
wher
ear
eyou
now?
)"sheaskedhercousi
n.
"
Nhandar
e
y
endege(
air
por
t).
..
aft
ernoonf
li
ght
.
Justcl
ear
edwi
thcust
oms,
i
we(
you)
?"
"
Onmywayt
other
efr
om af
uner
al.
Wi
l
lbet
her
eint
wohour
smax
.Sot
he
carpeopl
echar
gel
i
ke320t
hat
sli
ke
30dol
l
arsf
orast
andar
dcarperday
."
"
Chi
i
(what
)?Kut
izv
inodhur
a(i
t'
s
ex
pensi
ve)
!"
Preshwaned
"
Exact
ly.Socal
lupy
ouruncl
eand
t
akehi
sAmg.Pl
usmur
iyakey
aai
da
muz
ukur
u(pl
usy
ouar
ehi
sfav
our
it
e
ni
ece)soi
twon'
tbeahust
le.Now.
..
canIeatmyf
oodi
npeace?
"
"
Byf
oody
oumeandi
ckr
ight
?"
"
Uchi
rwar
a(y
oucr
azy
).Hei
s
dr
ivi
ng.
..
"
"
Giv
ehi
m headt
hen.
"
"
Jez
ebel
..
.by
ePr
eci
ous.
"
"
Wai
t!Cheaperhot
el?
"
"
Imi
vapf
umi
(youar
eri
ch)
!Whynot
mypl
ace?
"
"
Wel
lndav
ingabhi
zi
misi
(I
m her
eon
busi
ness)
,sot
hecompanyi
s
cov
eri
ngev
ery
thi
ng.Ihav
eli
kea
t
housandandei
ghthundr
edf
ort
hree
day
stospend.
"
"
Pul
as?
"
"
Whatdoy
out
akemef
or?Amer
e
of
fi
cehel
p?Iusedol
l
arshoney
..
.I
makemoneymov
eokaybi
tch!
"

Anur
oll
edherey
es.

"
Byeal
ready
.Got
omypl
acet
hekey
i
satMol
f'
s.
"
"
Muv
aki
dzani
(t
henei
ghbour
)?"
"
YesPr
eci
ous.
..
themar
ri
ednei
ghbour
wi
thki
dsanddogsandacatt
ocar
e
f
or,
"Anusai
d.
"
Ndi
nodakur
uma(
Ijustwantt
obi
te)
,
t
hat
'si
t!
"Pr
eshsai
d.
"
Unof
ari
ra(
youneed)del
i
ver
ance
wenahai
Jeso!
"Anut
eased.

Theybot
hlaughed.

"
Hur
ryupandbr
ingy
ourman,
Ihav
e
t
oseet
hoseey
es!
"
"
What
everman!
"Anuhangupand
si
ghed.

Thabangwasonceagai
nlooki
ngat
herandsmi
l
ing.

"
What
?"
"
Hapana(
Not
hing)
.Bef
oreIf
orget
,
bhukui
ror
inoz
ii
(what
'st
henameof
t
hebook)
,theoney
ouar
eal
way
s
r
eadi
ng?
"heasked.
"
Unot
aur
a(y
ouspeakShona?
)?"
"
Smal
lsmal
l
.St
ayedi
nHar
are
t
hroughmysecondar
yeducat
ion.
"

Shegav
ehi
mthe:
'
Yougott
obe
ki
ddi
ngme'
look.

"
Mir
a(st
op)
,"
Shesai
dal
mostoutof
br
eat
h.
"
Wewi
l
lst
opi
nMahal
apy
e,"
hesai
d.
"
No.
..
it
s..
.i
ts.
..
ndez
vekukur
umi
dzi
ra(
It
sur
gent
),
"shesai
dfanni
ngher
sel
f
wi
thherout
erhand.

Wor
ri
edThabangpul
l
edov
erandr
an
t
ohersi
deoft
hecarasshest
epped
out
.

"
Arey
ouOkay
?"heasked.
"
Mmm.
..
canIst
ayoutheral
onef
ora
mi
nut
e?"
Embar
rassedshel
ookedawayand
di
aledhercousi
nagai
nbutherphone
r
angunanswer
ed.

"
Thatwasbad,
"shesi
ghed,
"ver
y
f
ool
i
shCal
i
cia.
..
ver
yfool
i
sh.
"

Nex
tinser
t(s)wi
l
lbeat10/
11pm and
pl
easedohi
tal
i
keandf
oll
owTal
es
byawomanofsubst
ancebyMma
Moabi
BEWI
TCHED
#34

Jaf
terwi
pedof
fthebl
oodonhi
sli
ps
andgr
unt
edont
hef
loor
.Vi
nrubbed
hi
sknuckl
esl
ooki
ngatJaf
ter
f
renet
ical
l
y.

"
Stayt
heawayf
rom her
..
.act
ual
l
y
st
ayt
hehel
lawayf
rom myent
ir
e
f
ami
l
yom*
***
e..
."

HepushedJaf
ter
'shandwi
thhi
sleg.
"
..
.y
ounol
ongerwel
comeher
e,"
he
hi
ssedandgoti
nourbedr
oom.

Jaf
terswi
rl
edont
hecar
pet
.Get
ti
ng
upf
eltunachi
evabl
e.Hesl
i
ther
ed
t
owar
dsAnel
i
e'sr
oom andhi
tont
he
doort
wice.

"
JESUSCHRI
ST!
"Anel
i
eex
clai
med
l
ooki
ngathi
m.

*
**
"
Shoul
dIdr
opy
ouatmama'
s?"
Anu
asked.

Ther
estoft
het
ri
phadbeenwi
thno
doubtbeenuncomf
ort
abl
eforher
.
Sheknewt
her
ewasapossi
bil
i
tyt
hat
Thabangwasl
i
steni
ngt
othei
rent
ir
e
conv
ersat
ion.

"
Let
'spassbyy
ourpl
acef
ir
st,
you
pr
omi
sedt
ogi
vemet
hatbook
t
oday
."
"
Icanal
way
sdr
opi
tof
flat
er,
"she
sai
d.
"
Thatwon'
tbenecessar
y.I
'
llcat
cha
cabf
rom t
her
eify
ouscar
edt
hat
y
ou'
dhav
etodr
ivemet
obl
ock9.
"
"
Okay
.Fai
renough.
"
"
Soy
oul
i
kemyey
es?
"heasked.

Shegaggedonashersal
i
vachoked
herbecausehi
sinqui
ryhadcaught
herof
fguar
d.

"
What
?"sheaskedaf
tercat
chi
ngher
br
eat
h.
"
Onkut
ule?
"
"
Wel
lyouey
esar
efi
ne,
"shesai
d.
"
Isi
t?"
heaskedr
het
ori
cal
l
y,"
andi
sit
t
ruewhatshesai
daboutBat
swana
mend&*
ksi
ze?
"
"
What
?OhmyGodwer
eyou
eav
esdr
oppi
ngonourconv
ersat
ion?
Thatwasapr
ivat
ephonecal
l
."
"
WooohIwasn'
teav
esdr
oppi
ngor
any
thi
ng.Icoul
dpr
act
ical
l
yhear
ev
ery
thi
ngwi
thoutahust
le.So?
"
"
So?
"
"
Thed&*
ksi
ze?
"
"
Kwet
e《no》,
I'
m notanswer
ingt
hat
.
Geezhandi
zi
vi
《Idon'
tknow》!
"
"
Usanat
seke《don'
twor
ry》,
youwi
l
l
know.Al
li
nduet
ime.
"
"
Meani
ng?
"sheaskedcur
iousl
y.

Hesmi
l
edandshr
ughi
sshoul
der
s.

"
Unogar
epi
?《wher
edoy
oust
ay》
"
heaskedast
heyr
eachedai
rpor
t
j
unct
ion.
"
Kumber
ikwe《i
nfr
ontof
》Gwest
Juni
or.Sot
ell
meapar
tfr
om chur
ch
whatar
eyoudoi
ngnow?
"
"
Wel
l
,ndi
rikut
svagabasa《I
'
m
l
ooki
ngf
oraj
ob》.
"
"
That
'sni
ce,
any
thi
ngi
npar
ti
cul
ar?
"

Hel
ookedatt
her
edl
i
ghtandcl
osed
hi
sey
esgoi
ngt
hrough.

"
Didy
ouseet
hat
!"
shel
ookedbehi
nd
asot
hermot
ori
sthonkedangr
il
y.
"
Sor
ryIhat
est
oppi
ngatt
he
r
obot
s..
.f
ornowI
'
mlooki
ngf
or
any
thi
ng.Ihav
eadegr
eei
nfi
nance
buti
t'
sofnouser
ightnowwi
thmy
cr
imi
nal
recor
d."
"
Idon'
tknowwhaty
oudi
dfory
out
o
endupej
ail
butwhatIknowi
sGodi
s
abl
etodoany
thi
ng.Ihav
eseenguy
s
baor
gani
sedcr
imemaki
ngi
tinl
i
fe
af
terj
ail
.It
rustGod,
Hewi
l
ldef
ini
tel
y
makeaway
,"
shesmi
l
ed.
"
Yout
hink?
"
"
No,
Iknow.Now,
ndi
ngakubat
sir
ai
《canIhel
p》 wi
thy
ourj
obhunt
ing?
Ihav
eacoupl
eofCVt
empl
ates
sav
edupwecant
akei
tfr
om t
her
e."
"
Thanks.
..
meansal
ot,
"hesai
das
emot
ionsov
erwhel
medhi
m.
"
Don'
tment
ioni
t.I
t'
sani
nvest
ment
t
rustme,
"shesmi
l
ed.
"
Yout
hink?
"heasked.
"
Iknow.Justt
rustme,
endai
kur
udy
i
nokur
ubushe《t
urnr
ightnot
urn
l
eft
》.Whatam Isay
ing?Endai
kur
udy
i《t
urnr
ight
》."
"
Kur
udy
ikanakur
ubushe《r
ightor
l
eft
》?"
"
Rightpl
ease,
"shesmi
l
ed.

*
**
Kel
etsogotupf
rom t
hef
loor
.Her
but
thur
tfr
om si
tt
ingdown,
she
gent
lyopenedt
hebat
hroom door
.
Shecoul
dn'
tgetacl
ear
erv
iewand
assumedLov
emor
ehadgot
tent
ir
ed
ofwai
ti
ngandl
eft
.Hepokedhi
shead
i
nsi
det
hemomentshest
eppedout
oft
hebat
hroom.

"
Opent
hisf
uckendoorbef
oreIset
t
hehouseonf
ir
e,"
hesai
dangr
il
y.
"
Hibabe,
"shesai
d
"
Wany
elaaker
e?Opent
hedamn
door
,"
hef
umed.
"
Whyar
eyou.
..
"

Hesmackedheracr
osst
hef
aceas
soonassheopenedt
hedoor
.She
t
rot
tedbackwi
thdi
zzi
nessand
angr
il
yshegl
aredathi
m whi
l
e
hol
dinghercheek.

"
Yeyngwany
anadon'
ttr
yme.Wi
pe
of
fthatr
idi
cul
ousl
ookof
fyourf
ace.
Soy
ousl
eepi
ngwi
tht
hatj
unki
e
Mar
ti
n?"
hesai
dpushi
nghert
othe
bed.
"
What
,whot
oldy
out
hat
?"
"
Don'
ttestmypat
ience,
youl
i
ttl
e
whor
e.I
'
llt
eachy
ouwhoi
sthe
man,
"hesai
dpul
l
inghi
sbel
t.
"
PleaseLov
emor
edon'
thi
tme,
"she
begged.
"
TrustmeI
'
m aboutt
odowor
se.
Whatmyd*
&knotenoughf
ory
our
hol
e?Huh?
"

Hepul
l
edhel
egsandr
emov
edher
shor
tsasshest
ruggl
edt
ofr
ee
her
sel
ffr
om hi
m.I
rr
it
ated,
hesl
apped
heragai
nandshest
oppedf
ight
ing
back.Tear
srol
l
eddownherf
aceas
hedr
oppedhi
spant
s.

"
Pleasebabe.
..
pleasedon'
t.
..
"

*
**

Di
ket
soputdownherphoneand
smi
l
ed.Shemov
edar
oundt
he
spaci
ouscompar
tmenti
nKBmal
l
.
Thepar
ti
ti
oni
ngwasnotcompl
ete
y
etbutt
hepl
acewasl
ooki
ng
amaz
ingal
ready
.Herheel
sechoed
asshewal
kedt
owar
dst
hecount
er
smi
l
ing.

"
Thanky
oudaddy
.I'
l
lmakey
ou
pr
oud,
"shesai
dinv
ener
ati
on.

Herphoner
ang.

"
Heyy
ou,
"shesai
dinj
ubi
l
ance.

Att
heot
herendoft
hel
i
neBame
r
oll
edherey
es,
"choma!Kar
eaboo
nkhandi
l
e."
"
Buti
t'
snotl
i
ket
hatwi
fey
.Iwas
r
unni
ngar
oundl
edi
l
otsabout
ique.
What
'sup?
"
"
Wai
inot
hingex
cit
ingt
lhemma.Ake
ont
shomedah"
shesai
d.
"
Kaet
otanemma?Idon'
tev
enhav
e
enought
oappoi
ntaseamst
ress..
"
"
Awhat
?"
"
Someonet
omendst
hedr
esses
i
ncasemasi
reat
engat
hokanal
e
al
ter
ati
onoraseny
egi
l
e."
"
Buti
sn'
ti
tyougotal
otofmoneyt
o
cov
ert
hat
?"
"
ItwasbutI
'
mlef
twi
thl
i
ke75kandI
can'
tuset
hemoneycozkemakat
a
di
meshf
orr
ent
aly
abot
htheshop
andmyhouse,
"Di
ket
soex
plai
ned.
"
Oh.
..
sowhenar
eyouopeni
ng?
"
"
Didn'
tIsendy
ouamessage?
"
"
Nny
amma,
"Bamesai
d.
"
IthoughIdi
dkomessenger
.
Any
way
skabul
akaweekend.Iknow
i
tissuchashor
tnot
icebutIwas
r
eal
l
yhopi
ngy
oucoul
dcome"
"
Osot
akannaaker
e?Idon'
tev
en
hav
ethebewagor
ekel
aFenamashi
l
etal
onechapi
sehel
ayamma
chungama《chewi
nggum》.
I
magi
ne.
"

Di
ket
somov
edawayast
heguy
s
begancut
ti
ngt
heboar
ds,
"let
'smake
adeal
..
.I
'
llsendy
oumadi
andy
oubuy
Fenamashi
,buysheshabosa
weekendy
otl
heandasky
ourmom t
o
babysi
t.Wi
l
lincl
udebusf
aret
oo.
"
"
Real
l
y?"
shesai
dex
cit
ed.
"
Yes,
real
l
y,"
Diket
sochuckl
ed.
"
Okayby
e.Letmegot
alkt
omom
ee.
"
"
Okaywi
l
ltr
ansf
ermadi
kaewal
l
et
y
ouwi
l
lcashkocompl
exaker
e?"
"
Ee.
..
ohmyGodi
can'
tcan.
GABORONEWEE!G.
CPudi
gadi
is
comi
ng.
..HooGabor
onekawel
aba
kaebal
oi?
"

Theyl
aughed.

*
**

Ir
espondedt
oDi
ket
so'
stex
tandput
t
hephonedownasVi
nwal
kedi
n.
"
Babe.
..
"Isai
dal
mosti
naudi
ble.
"
Notnowpl
ease.
"

Hel
oosedt
hebut
tonsofhi
sshi
rtand
Inot
icedt
hebr
uisesonhi
sknuckl
es.
Ther
ewassomuchpai
ninhi
sey
es.I
wonder
edwhathur
thi
m mor
e,t
hat
t
heydi
dwhathet
houghtt
hey
woul
dn'
tev
erdoori
fhewashur
tthat
Vi
nbr
oket
heguycode.

"
I'
m goi
ngt
obat
h."
hesqui
rmedhi
s
hands.
"
Wantmet
ocomescr
uby
ourback?
"I
asked.
"
No.
..
nott
oday
.I'
l
lpr
obabl
ytakeabi
t
l
onger
."
"
Okay
."

Iunder
stoodhowhef
elt
.My
encount
erwi
thMar
ti
near
li
eronhad
l
eftmeov
erwhel
medt
ooandI
want
edt
obeal
one.

"
Shoul
dIgosl
eepatmyhousej
ust
f
ort
oday
?"
"
Not
hatwon'
tbenecessar
ybabe.
..
go
st
artwor
kingonsuper
.Comewake
meupwheny
ouar
edone.
"
"
Ilov
eyou,
"Isai
dtr
yingt
oli
ght
enhi
s
t
ensi
on.
"
Iknowbuba,
iknow,
"hef
orceda
smi
l
e.

*
**

Rr
agweBameputt
hecof
feemug
downandwi
pedhi
smout
h.He
l
ookedatt
her
emai
ningsconeand
r
emember
edhi
swi
fedi
dn'
teat
.

"
Aha,
tanki
mogat
saka,
"hesai
d
pushi
ngt
het
rayt
ohi
swi
fe.
"
Sohav
eyout
alkedt
othe
Wr
ight
s?"
sheaskedt
aki
ngt
hescone.
"
Mmmm,
"hespewoutt
hef
loss,
"t
hey
wantt
odot
hingst
hroughbo
mal
omaagweDi
kel
edi
.Appar
ent
ly
shet
oldt
hem gor
eboRi
char
dar
eher
uncl
es.
"

Shecl
appedherhands;
"I
jo!Oboo
dumel
alewena?Aker
eboSi
mione
bat
engkanabat
hobor
aLet
angl
e
t
etsemet
ae.Howdoy
oul
etasmal
l
chi
l
dli
keherpul
lyoubyt
heear
s?"
"
Whatcoul
dIhav
edonemyl
ove?
KanaIwast
heonl
yoneagai
nsti
t.
Rr
agweMel
i
tahkanaeneokar
e
mot
hoal
opel
asengwekogabo
MmaMpho.
"
"
Nyal
ogat
weonal
engwanal
e
kgai
tsadi
eRi
char
dyosul
eng,
"she
sai
d.
"
Thabang,
ladi
itset
lhedi
kgangt
sa
bat
ho?
"
"
Eekant
ewenawhi
chsi
deoft
he
v
il
lagedoy
oust
ay?Any
way
smagadi
ay
akae?KanaNchadi
wasmar
ri
ed
andMmaMphohadgi
venheraway
..
"
"
Yesshewasgi
vent
oMmaMpho'
s
si
ster
.Honest
lyIdon'
tcar
enow
aboutt
hedowr
y.I
'
llf
ocusont
hepl
ot.
Rumourhasi
tthatt
heweddi
ngwi
l
l
beatt
heev
ent
sgar
denal
ongt
he
mai
nroadot
senamoMmadi
nar
e."

MmaBamecl
appedherhandsand
st
oodupal
mostbumpi
ngi
ntoFena.
"
Heymami
na!Kga!
"shesai
drev
olt
ed.

Thebabycr
iedandsomemucusgot
i
ntohi
smout
h.

"
Hai
shutup!Rr
aagost
hahoko!
"she
hur
ledatt
hebaby
.
"
AommaBame?
"herhusbandsai
d
hur
t.
"
Bame!BAME!
"
"
Mma?
"Bamewal
kedi
nfi
xi
ngher
l
eggi
ngs.
"
Andt
henwher
etot
sat
sil
ephi
ri
ma?
Oboot
samay
alengwanay
owa
gago.Tot
aot
lhapaj
aangngwanaa
sal
eat
sogaai
seat
lhapeneBame?

*
**

Assoonast
heyf
ini
shedl
oadi
ngt
hei
r
bagsLer
uogl
aredathi
sdad.Mar
ti
n
l
ookedathi
snei
ghbour
swhohad
beenst
arr
ingathi
m andLer
uof
ora
whi
l
enow.Theyl
ookedaway
embar
rassed.
"
Daddywhydi
dn'
tyoucal
lmewhen
mom came?
"Ler
uoasked.
"
Pagama,
"hesai
dhol
dingt
hedoorf
or
hi
m.
"
Answermef
ir
st.Andaunt
Jess.
..
whathappenedt
oher
,isn'
ti
t
shewascomi
ngwi
thus?Di
dyou
beathert
ool
i
key
oudi
dmom?
"

Mar
ti
nlookedathi
ssondumbst
ruck.

"
Whot
oldy
ouIhi
tthem?
"
"
Ihear
dAubr
ey'
smom t
ell
aunt
Nancy
,"
heanswer
ed.
"
Nxl
abal
oibao.(
Lookedov
ert
othei
r
nei
ghbour
s)Sot
hat
'swhyt
heyhav
e
beenl
ooki
ngatus?Lookmyboy
(he
squatdownt
oLer
uo'
shei
ght
)Idon'
t
hi
twomanaut
we.Nev
eri
nyourl
i
fe
nomat
terhowmuchy
ouf
eel
of
fendedbyawomanr
aisey
ourhand
ather
.Womenar
eli
kegl
asst
hey
br
eakeasi
l
y.Lov
ethem l
i
key
our
Pl
aySt
ati
on.
..
youdon'
tmesswi
th
t
hem becauset
heyar
ethati
mpor
tant
.
Ihadmi
sunder
standi
ngwi
thy
our
mom andsai
dbadt
hingst
oher
becauseshehur
tJess.
..
Iwaswr
ong
ei
therwayandIoweheranapol
ogy
,
Jesst
oo.Idi
dn'
tbeatany
oneokay
?"
"
Ibel
i
evey
oudad,
"Ler
uosai
dsmi
l
ing
ex
posi
nghi
smi
ssi
ngt
eet
h.

Hesmi
l
edandpathi
ssonont
he
shoul
der
.

"
Thankscr
ony
."
"
Youwel
comebuddy
,"
hesai
d.
"
Wahet
elaj
aanongmor
ena,
"hesai
d.

Theybot
hlaughedandhehel
ped
Ler
uogeti
nandf
ast
enedhi
sseat
bel
t.

*
**

Jaf
tersatont
hef
loorl
eani
ngagai
nst
t
hebed.Hemov
edhi
stonguei
nsi
de
hi
smout
handf
li
nched.

"
Ihopey
ouhi
thi
m backt
o,"
Anel
i
e
sai
dwal
ki
ngi
nwi
thapackoff
roz
en
v
eget
abl
es.
Shecr
otchedbehi
ndhi
m andpul
l
ed
cl
oserl
eav
ingnospacebet
ween
t
hem whi
l
eput
ti
ngt
heey
esi
nhi
s
br
uises.

"
Sowhat
'st
hepl
an?
"
"
Planf
orwhat
?Don'
tbeachi
cken.
..
l
etmesor
toutVi
n,
"shesai
d.
"
Letme,
"Jaf
tersai
dtaki
ngt
hef
roz
en
v
eget
abl
espackf
rom her
,"he
pr
obabl
yhat
esme.Idon'
tbl
amehi
m
t
hough,
I'
dhav
epr
obabl
yfuckedhi
m
upi
fhewentaf
terRea.
"
Hef
li
nchedsomemor
easheappl
i
ed
pr
essur
etohi
sswol
l
encheek.

"
IbetIl
ookhor
ri
bleandt
hef
actt
hatI
hav
etobeatwor
kkashi
fty
abosi
go,
key
agor
ayadi
bosoker
eng?I
'
ma
bl
oodycopandt
his(
poi
nti
ngathi
s
f
ace)
thi
sisv
erybad.
"

*
**

Downst
air
s,Iper
usedt
hrought
he
menut
imet
abl
eont
hef
ri
dge.
But
ter
nut
,gr
il
ledpot
atohal
ves,
steak,
Gr
eeksal
ad.Thatwasal
otofwor
k
pl
usIknewIwasgoi
ngt
opul
lthe
st
eakr
eci
peof
f.

Isi
ghed.Af
teramuchneeded
t
houghtIcl
i
ckedmyf
inger
sandr
an
upst
air
s.Myhear
tpoundedasI
knockedonAnel
i
e'sdoor
.Iknocked
agai
naf
teraf
ewseconds.

"
Yes?
"shesai
dcat
chi
ngmysi
ght
.
Icoul
dtel
lshehadbeencr
yingbyher
swol
l
eney
es.

"
Iwast
ryi
ngt
ocookandwel
l
...
Isuck
atpr
epar
ingmeatand.
..
"
"
Cookany
thi
ng.I
'
m notsl
eepi
ngher
e
t
oday
,"
shesai
d.
"
Ohokay
,"
Itur
nedt
oleav
eandl
ooked
back,
"Anel
i
e?"
"
Mma?
"
"
I'
mtot
all
yagai
nstwhaty
ourbr
other
di
d,"
Isai
d.
"
It
sokay
.Hehasal
way
sbeenl
i
ke
t
hat
,"
shesmi
l
ed.
"
Yout
womakeagr
eatcoupl
e."
"
Thanky
ousi
s,
"shebl
ushed.

Ismi
l
ed.Anel
i
ecal
l
edme'
si
s'
.That
wasgoodr
ight
?Itwasagoodsi
gn.

"
Okayt
akecar
ethen.Tel
lJI
'
m sor
ry.
"

Shemadeanodandcl
osedt
hedoor
whi
l
eIdi
sappear
edi
ntoourr
oom.
Vi
nwasl
yi
ngont
hebednakedwi
th
hi
shandcr
ossedov
erhi
sface.I
swal
l
owedhar
dandwal
kedov
er.He
mov
edhi
shandasIsatbyhi
ssi
de.

"
Youdoneal
ready
?"heasked.
"
No.
..Anel
i
esay
sshedoesn'
tfeel
li
ke
eat
ing.
..
sowhatshoul
dImakey
ou?
"I
askedr
unni
ngmyf
ingert
ipsonhi
s
abs.

"
Wel
l
...
"het
oppl
edmeov
erandhad
mel
yi
ngont
opofhi
m,"
youwi
l
lmake
aper
fectmeal
."
Hemov
edhi
shandgent
lyar
oundmy
neckar
eaandwecl
osedourey
esas
ourl
i
pst
ouched.

STORI
ESBY:
EMYBECKY

Nex
tonwi
l
lbeupi
ntenmi
nut
es
BEWI
TCHED

#35

Isi
ghedget
ti
ngof
fVi
nandl
aydown
f
aceup.
"
Wow!It
hinkwemadet
wins,
"hesai
d
ki
ssi
ngmyhandbet
wisthi
sgasps.

Ismi
l
edatt
het
houghtofbei
ng
pr
egnant
.Ler
uowoul
dmakea
per
fectbi
gbr
other
.Mar
ti
n'
swor
ds
echoedonmyear
s.Whatt
hehel
l
?I
wasn'
taboutt
orui
nsuchagood
i
nti
mat
eencount
erwi
thmyf
iance
becauseofMar
ti
n'
ssor
eat
ti
tude.

"
Ourownl
i
ttl
ebabi
es,
"Isai
d.
"
Wit
hyourey
esandnose,
"hesai
d
wi
thhi
shandf
iddl
i
nghi
smanhood.
"
Yeah,
"It
ossedandl
ayonmysi
de
f
aci
nghi
m,"
andy
ourear
sandl
i
ps.
I
magi
ne!GodI
'
m sobr
oody
,"
Ibl
ushed.
"
Andy
ouwi
l
lmake.
..
"

Myey
esr
ant
ohi
shand.

"
..
.what
?"heasked.
"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"

Webot
hgi
ggl
edasher
ubbedhi
s
t
est
icl
es.

"
Supermom,
"het
urnedandf
acedme.

"
Ohy
eah?
"Ibl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imes.

Heki
ssedmet
easi
ngl
y,
"eemma.
"

Heki
ssedmeagai
nandIki
ssedhi
m
back.Wer
ubbedournosesandhe
t
it
ledmel
i
ght
lyandgotont
opofme
par
ti
ngmyl
egs.
"
Ilov
eyouMr
sVi
ncentWr
ight
,"
he
sai
d.

Ibi
tmyl
owerl
i
patt
hesi
ghtoft
he
v
eint
hatr
anf
rom hi
sfor
eheadgoi
ng
downbet
weent
heey
es.

"
Shutupandki
ssmeal
ready
."I
commanded.
"
Kinky
?Wowf
eti
sh,
Ili
kei
twhen.
..
"

Idi
dnotal
l
owhi
mtof
ini
sht
alki
ng.
Wi
thoutwar
ningIpul
l
edhi
minand
mer
cil
essl
yki
ssedhi
m.Down
bet
weenus,f
elthi
m pokemewi
th
hi
smagi
cwand.

*
**

AtKel
etso'
s,Lov
emor
ewi
pped
hi
msel
fwi
that
owel
andt
hrewi
ton
t
hebed.Hecaughtsi
ghtofKel
etso'
s
scr
atchesont
hebel
l
y.

"
Whatt
he.
..
"hepul
l
edof
fthebel
tof
herni
ghtgown,
"JesusChr
ist
!"
Kel
etsoshutherey
es.

"
Babe?Whati
sthi
s?Whodi
d..
."
"
GetoutLov
emor
e."

Shel
etat
eardr
opandLov
emor
esat
ont
hebedgent
lycar
essi
ngher
t
highs.

"
BabeI
'
m sor
ry.I
..
.God.
..
babeIdi
dn'
t
know.
..
tel
lmewhathappened.Fuck
babeI
'
m sosor
ry.
"
Kel
etsol
etouthersobs.

"
Sor
rybabe.
"

Hel
aydownbesi
desher
,leanedi
n
ki
ssedherf
oreheadandbr
oughti
n
cl
oserf
oracuddl
e.

*
**

Bamer
emov
edt
hemucusonFena
wi
thhi
st-
shi
rt
.
"
Ngwany
anay
okaboat
la!
"hermot
her
hai
l
ed.
"
MamaI
'
m goi
ngt
oDi
ket
so'
s
bout
iquel
aunchkoGabor
oneFr
iday
andI
'
llbeont
he6am busSunday
comi
ngback.
"
"
Eewai
ii
fot
samay
aleFenat
sel
a
t
shweumosadi
wagaet
sho.
"
"
Aomamamma?Iknowi
fitwas
Loagoy
ouwoul
dn'
tev
enhav
e
quest
ionedany
thi
ng.Any
way
sI'
l
l
gi
veSet
sil
etheP400Iwasgoi
ngt
o
gi
vey
ouf
orbaby
sit
ti
ngl
esheshabo
saweekendket
atogel
a."
"
Eenny
aify
oupaymeI
'
llbaby
sit
.But
y
ouwi
l
lfi
rstdot
elaundr
yya
bana.
"hermom sai
dthi
nki
ngoft
he
money
.
"
Ser
ious?
"Bameaskedex
cit
edl
y
"
Ee,
"hermot
hersmi
l
ed.

Herf
athershookhi
shead
dumbst
ruckbyhi
swi
fe'
sreact
ion.

"
Sobosi
goj
ooy
akae?
"Rr
aBame
asked.
"
TobuyFenamashi
,
"shesai
d.
"
UhusoSamuel
didn'
tgetr
emi
nded
ofhi
sdut
iest
hismont
h?"
mmaBame
mocked.
"
Wai
i
.DKi
stheonewhoewal
l
eted
me,
"shesmi
l
ed.
"
Bokaheneebi
l
eobuagohay
our
mot
herp400?
"herf
atherasked
cur
iousl
y.
"
Enought
ocov
ert
hewhol
eweekend,
baby
sit
terandt
ranspor
tat
ion.Who
knowsImi
ghtgetaj
ob.
"
"
Butshoul
dn'
tyoubehome,
Imean
y
ouj
ustl
ostt
hebabyaf
ewday
s
back,
"hef
athersai
dwor
ri
ed.
"
Ourki
dsdon'
tknowany
thi
ngabout
cul
tur
etot
hem ev
ery
thi
ngi
s
super
sti
ti
ous.Hur
ryupBameand
br
ingmegr
apej
uice.100%eseng
nt
swapoy
a40%.
"

Bameandherf
atherl
aughed.

"
Eesal
eont
hapi
set
saFena.I
'
llbat
he
LeowhenIgetback.
"
"
Andpi
eceny
anat
eachi
ckenf
rom
Chi
ckenpl
usmygi
rl
.Leganol
amel
a
kua《myt
ast
ebudswantsomet
hing
sal
ty》,
"hermot
heradded.
"
Papawenadon'
tyouwant
any
thi
ng?
"
"
Twobot
tl
eshel
atsaVodkal
emon,
l
e
hael
ethr
ee.
"
"
OkayI
'
llbebacknownow,
"shesai
d.
"
Mmm becar
eful
togar
eiket
shapel
o
f
ory
out
ocomeempt
yhanded.Ihear
t
her
ear
eal
otoft
hiev
esr
oami
ng
ar
oundt
hev
il
lage.
"hermom sai
d
pi
cki
ngFenaup.
*
**

Anel
i
eandJaf
terwal
kedoutoft
he
sur
ger
ytohi
scar
.

"
Goodt
hinghegav
emeal
eav
e,"
he
sai
d.
"
Aker
e,andI
'
m goi
ngt
opampery
ou
wi
thT.
L.C,
"shesai
dcl
i
ngi
ngt
ohi
s
muscul
arar
m.
"
You'
reheav
ensent
,"
hesai
dand
ki
ssedt
hecr
ownofherhead.
Shef
eltsopet
it
einhi
scompany
.He
hadt
hissuperamaz
ingbr
oad
shoul
der
sli
keherdad.Thenl
i
keVi
n,
hewasal
way
scl
ean.

"
Doy
ouhav
efoodaty
ourhouse?
"
"
Mef
ood?Forwhatr
eal
l
y?Ther
ear
e
somef
unnyf
emal
ecer
eal
sthatRea
buy
sev
ery
timeshev
isi
t.
"
"
Femal
ecer
eal
s?"
"
Yeahshesayt
heyar
egl
utenf
ree,
"he
ex
plai
ned.
"
Yoh!
thewayIl
ovef
oodIdon'
tev
en
pi
ctur
emy
sel
fdi
eti
ng.
"
"
Tel
lmeabouti
t,
"Jaf
tersai
d,"
ref
ete
kawest
ernbypass?
"
"
Youhav
ecashony
ouf
orf
ull
gr
ocer
ies?
"sheasked.
"
Yeah,
wesor
ted.
"Heopenedt
he
doorf
orher
.

*
**

"
Gochecki
fther
eiswar
m wat
erat
t
hef
ir
epl
ace,
"mmaBamesai
dtoher
y
oungestdaught
er.
"
Ateng,
"shesai
d.
"
Okaygoandgetmewi
tht
hatsmal
l
bucket
.Don'
tfi
l
litupket
hapi
se
Fena,
"shesai
d.
"
Wenat
hapi
saFenat
hat
'saf
ir
st.Ar
e
y
ousur
eyousai
dFena?
"

Hermot
herr
eachedf
orhersandl
e
andsher
anof
fbef
oreshecoul
d
t
hrowi
tather
.Rr
aBamel
aughedat
hi
swi
fe.

"
Ket
shabachel
ete,
"hesai
dder
isi
vel
y.
"
Moneyanswer
ethal
ltr
oubl
es
mogat
saka,
"shesai
dtaki
ngof
f
Fena'
scl
othes.
"
Youshoul
dgi
vemep200sot
hatI
cangot
oFr
anci
stownf
orpl
any
a
st
ruct
ure.
"
"
What
?El
egor
ewhatdi
dyoudowi
th
y
ourmoneyf
rom I
pel
egeng?
"shesai
d
annoy
ed.Megi
veamanmoney
!
For
get
(pi
ckedupFena)l
et'
sgoboy
y
orr
angol
oagagoomosl
owmot
ion.
A'
rekebeche?TsaMmadi
nar
ega
nkedi
tshwanat
sabat
ho.
"
Herhusbandshookhi
sheadasshe
madeherwayt
othehouse.

"
Basadi
!DI
NOGA(
women!
SNAKES!
"hemumbl
edandpi
l
ledup
t
hechai
rst
heyhadbeensi
tt
ingon
andwenti
nsi
de.

*
**

Kel
etsoopenedherey
es.Lov
emor
e
wassl
eepi
ngnex
ttoher
.Sheshr
ug
hi
shandof
fandsatupont
hebed.
Thecur
tai
nssway
edast
hewi
nd
bl
ewi
nli
ght
ly.Shegotof
fthebed
andwentov
ert
ocl
oset
hedoor
l
i
ght
ingt
her
oom onherway
.

Shef
eltswol
l
enasshel
i
mpedt
othe
couch.Lov
emor
ehadbeenbey
ond
aggr
essi
vewi
thherandshowedher
nomer
cywhat
soev
er.Apar
tofher
want
edt
orepor
thi
m butshecoul
dn'
t.
Thi
swast
hemanwhohadl
ovedher
,
car
edf
oral
lherneeds,
pai
dforal
lthe
modul
esshewassuppl
ement
ingand
gav
eheral
l
owance.Nev
erwast
her
e
adayhedi
dn'
tgoal
loutf
orher
.She
si
ghedandsankherheadbet
ween
hert
highs.

"
NO!NO!
"Lov
emor
ecr
ied.
"
Babe?
"
"
No.
..
plea.
..
.se.
..
ahhhh!
"hecr
ied.
"
Babe!
"shet
ri
edshaki
nghi
m buthe
cl
enchedhi
sfi
standsanki
ntoa
sei
zur
e.
"
Fuck.
..
ohGod.
..
Nonono
no.
..
babe(
slappedhi
scheeksl
i
ght
ly
i
nuni
son)
babe?BABE!
"
Af
ami
l
iarwi
ndbl
ew.

"
Leav
ehi
m al
one!
"shecr
ied.

Thewi
ndgr
ewcol
dasshel
ooked
ar
oundhopi
ngt
oseesomet
hing,
any
thi
ng.Al
lshecoul
dhearwas
hi
sses.

"
Youbl
oodycowar
d!"
shecur
sed.

Bl
oodoz
zedoutof
fLov
emor
e'snose.
Shemov
edhi
m sohewoul
dnot
chokeonhi
snosebl
eed.

"
Justl
eav
ehi
m al
one,
"shecr
ied.
"
Youdi
srespectmybody
Nkel
e,
"MmaMpho'
sol
dwr
etched
v
oiceechoed.
"
Leav
ehi
m al
one.
..
"shemumbl
ed.
"
Mybodymyr
ules.Youbel
ongt
ome
andIt
omymast
er.Nowt
heoney
ou
l
ovewi
l
lbey
oursacr
if
ice,
"t
hev
oice
echoed.
Themor
eshef
eltMmaMpho'
s
pr
esencet
hemor
ebl
oodcameoutof
hi
snose.Shel
ookedathi
m andhe
openedhi
sey
eswhi
chwer
est
ained
i
nscar
let
.Het
ri
edt
ospeakbutgag
onhi
sbl
ood.

"
Shhhh.
..don'
ttal
k..
.y
ouwi
l
lbeokay
.
Ipr
omi
se.
..
"

Shel
etdownhert
ear
shel
plessl
y.
"
DearLor
dinheav
en.
..
"

Ahotsl
apl
andedonherf
ace.

"
Idar
eyout
osayt
hatagai
n."
"
JESUS!
"shecr
ied.

Shef
eltsomet
hingi
nvi
sibl
est
rangl
e
her
.

"
Iwi
l
lki
l
lhi
m andy
ousopl
easedo
nott
estmypat
ience.
"
Kel
etsokeptqui
etandt
hespi
ri
tlet
l
oose.
Shel
ookedatLov
emor
ewhohad
st
oppedbr
eat
hing.

"
No.
..
please.
..
no!
"shewai
l
ed.

Shegotof
fbedanddi
aledmed
r
escue.

"
..
.y
esy
es.
..
nohei
snot
..
.(
sobbed)
he
i
snotbr
eat
hing.
..
arey
ouev
en
l
i
steni
ng.Myboy
fri
endi
snot
br
eat
hing!
"

*
**

Igotof
fbedandpul
l
edVi
n'
sshi
rt
andwal
kedoutbut
toni
ngi
tup.

".
.abe?
"

Iwentback.

"
War
engbabe?
"
"
Bri
ngmeabot
tl
eofbeer
,"
hesai
d.
"
Wantl
eftov
ersf
rom l
astni
ght
?"I
asked.
"
Ift
her
eismeati
nsi
dey
es,
"he
sai
d,"
orbet
terst
il
lIcanhav
eyour
meat
."

Hewi
nkedandIl
etoutasof
tgi
ggl
e.

"
Round3?
"heasked
"
No!Whatt
hehel
l
?Youwantt
oki
l
l
me?
"Ichuckl
ed.
"
Comeonbuba.Feedmycr
avi
ngs,
"he
sai
dmaki
ngpuppyey
es.
"
For
geti
t,I
'
llbr
ingsomesausages
andt
hatbot
tl
eofbeer
."
"
Aobabemma!
"

*
**

Segot
ri
edt
oli
ftLer
uoupshel
etgo.
Mar
ti
nandev
ery
onewhosatatt
he
f
ir
epl
acel
aughed.

"
What
?Hei
sheav
y,babemokuke
ay
egor
obal
aleNosi
pho,
"shesai
d.
"
Obat
apor
okgot
hoeegat
amy
daught
er?
"rr
agweNosi
teased.
"
Whyhav
ethem sl
eept
oget
her
?
Aker
eNosi
isi
nthecot
,Ruoene
sl
eepsont
hebed.
"
"
Ourbed?
"
"
NoNosi
'
sbed.Kanannabat
hol
e
nt
huser
reha.Isl
eepal
oneev
ery
ni
ghteneal
ekobol
aongj
angwana.
"
"
Mai
nman,
hegotachi
l
dwhenhel
i
st
ex
pect
edi
t.BoSegol
ebr
avekana
Mandl
aougl
ybey
ond!
"Mandl
a'
s
br
othert
eased.
Ev
ery
onel
aughed.

"
Kei
sakae?
"hesai
dli
ft
ingLer
uoas
ev
ery
onecont
inuedl
aughi
ng.
"
Tel
lthem babe.
..
mosemonnaha
bet
weaker
ebabe?
"Segot
easedev
en
f
urt
her
.
"
Soy
out
oohav
ejoi
nedt
hem?A
mmebabekemompe?
"heasked
sul
ki
ng.

Ev
ery
onel
aughed.
"
Ahpl
easebabennaIdon'
twantt
o
ent
ermar
ri
ageasal
i
ar.
"

Ev
ery
onel
aughed.

"
Bagor
engt
otaGr
otman?
"Mar
ti
n
l
aughed.
"
Leav
ethem.
..
atl
eastmyugl
yscor
ed
meabeaut
if
ulwi
feandchi
l
d?Lona?
Esesmonnahabet
wei
sgoi
ngpl
aces
bobeaut
if
ulbonekedi
suckman!
"

Al
ll
aughed.
"
Didt
hismahf
uckercal
lusbo
beaut
if
ul?
"hi
sbestmanasked.
"
Nnakebui
l
e,"
Maur
een(
Sego'
sBFF)
sai
d.
"
Ohsokebeaut
if
ul?Wewi
l
lseewho
y
ouwi
l
ldancewi
thkaSat
urday
."t
he
bestmant
eased.
"
Aopar
ty(
par
tner
)banna.Ei
shkana
t
hel
aont
atsagor
ewheny
oudot
hat
dancey
aleget
a,"
Maur
eensai
d.
"
Choma,
wai
tsey
ouandLef
amust
getmar
ri
edal
ready
,"
Segoj
oked.
"
Uhukant
eisn'
ti
tshei
smi
ne?
"Mar
ti
n
asked.
"
Hav
ehermi
ster
,imagi
nemar
ryi
nga
womanwhocal
l
smebeaut
if
ul!
"Lef
a
sai
d.
"
Bannat
ell
me,
"r
ragweNosi
'
sbr
other
spoke,
"whosai
dbaet
saneshoul
d
dat
ethei
rdancepar
tner
s.Iwon'
tbe
sur
pri
sedi
fmaet
shoha(
poi
nti
ngat
Maur
een)andLef
abagaut
sana.
"
"
Dir
engdi
gaugau!
"Mar
ti
nex
clai
med.

Ev
ery
onel
aughed.
"
Nny
aMar
ti
nskant
athi
sasi
ght
.I
wanty
ouguy
stoanswerme.Dudu(
to
t
heot
herl
ady
)oj
aleMar
ti
n?"

Shesmi
l
edshy
ly.

"
Leav
ethepoorchi
l
dal
one.Can'
tyou
seehowi
nnocentshei
s?Babear
e
y
e,"
Segosai
dpul
l
ingr
raNosi
byhi
s
f
reehand.Ler
uor
est
edcal
mlyon
hi
m.
"
It
'sal
way
sthei
nnocentunsuspect
ed
one'
sthatl
eadt
hepact
.ADudua
ar
abe.Tel
lmewhatshesai
dwhen
wecomeback,
"r
ragweNosi
spokeas
t
hewal
kedaway
.
"
Dududon'
tsayat
hing,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d.
"
Owai
ii
t'
sseal
edbaj
anababa
y
aka,
"Lef
asai
d.
"
Enemmakeene,
I'
ll
eatt
ogi
vent
he
chance,
"r
ragweNosi
'
sbr
othersai
d
andhi
swi
fej
abbedhi
m,"
whatbabe?
"
"
Don'
t,
"t
hewi
fet
hreat
ened.
Ev
ery
onel
aughed.

"
Mogat
sakebanna!
"hej
oinedi
n
l
aughi
ngandki
ssedherhand.

*
**

Kel
etsopacedaboutr
est
less.Why
wast
hishappeni
ngt
oher
.She
scr
oll
edi
nherphonedownt
omy
numberandt
hrewi
tagai
nstt
hewal
l
scr
eami
ng.
"
Why
!"

Lov
emor
e'shandmov
ed.

"
OhGod!
"

Sher
anov
ert
othebedandhel
dhi
s
hand.

"
Babe(
wipedher
t
ear
s)babe.
..
squeez
emyhandi
fyou
canhearme,
"shesobbed.
Hegent
lypr
essedhi
sindexf
inger
agai
nstherwr
ist
.Ex
cit
edshecl
ang
herf
reehandagai
nsthermout
h.

"
OhmyGodbabe.
..
"

Shehear
dthepar
amedi
cambul
ance
att
hegat
eandr
anout
side.Af
ew
secondsl
atershegoti
nwi
tht
wo
guy
swhoat
tendedt
oLov
emor
e.

"
And?
"theot
herguyasked.
"
Hei
snotr
espondi
ng.Wewi
l
lhav
e
t
o..
."
"
Heywhatdoy
oumeanhei
sn'
t
r
espondi
ng?
"shef
umed.
"
Ma'
am pl
easecal
m down.
"
"
Cal
m..
.cal
m down?Whatt
hef
uck
shoul
dIcal
m downwheny
ounot
doi
ngy
ourj
ob.I
fhedi
esIwi
l
lmake
sur
enei
theri
fyouseet
her
isei
fday
."

Theyl
ookedateachot
her
.

"
Hesqueez
edmyhandwheny
ou
guy
sgother
e..
.Iaskedhi
mto.
..
to
squeez
emy
..
.t
osqueez
emyhand
andhedi
d..
.hedi
d."

Theot
herguyt
ouchedLov
emor
eand
hewasi
cecol
d.

*
**

AtAnu'
s,Pr
eshopenedt
hedoor
car
ryi
ngapuppy
.

"
Ndi
nodapabondenami
..
.(
she
i
gnor
edAmy
'shaz
ardwi
nksand
f
ocusedonThabang)
seksi
kas.
"
Amucl
ear
edhert
hroat
,"
heyPr
esh.
"
"
Mir
amuz
ukur
u!t
hisonehai
sii
yo
y
ako,
"shesai
d,"
tar
isapami
ror
oiy
oyo.
Mwar
ianesi
mba.
"

Shel
aughedasThabangandAmu
l
ookedather
.

"
Presh.
..
"
Shehel
doutherhandt
oAnut
okeep
qui
et,
"Ndai
zomut
asv
aal
lni
ghtgr
rrh!
Anur
ubbedherhead.

Thabangsmi
l
ed,
"Ndi
rikut
engesai
we
unodamhukakat
sigr
rrh!
"

Pr
eshmout
hdr
opped,
"ndochi
i
i
chocho!
"

STORI
ESBYEMY-
BECKY

.
..
Transl
ati
onAnu,
Thabangand
Pr
esh
AtAnu'
s,Pr
eshopenedt
hedoor
car
ryi
ngapuppy
.

"
Ndi
nodapabondenami
..
.(
she
i
gnor
edAnu'
swi
nksandf
ocusedon
Thabang)
seksi
kas《Iwantt
ohav
e
sexwi
thy
ousex
y》.
"
Amucl
ear
edhert
hroat
,"
heyPr
esh.
"
"
Mir
amuz
ukur
u!t
hisonehai
sii
yo
y
ako.
《wai
tcousy
!Thi
sonei
snot
y
ourt
ype"
shesai
d,"
tar
isapami
ror
o
i
yoy
o《l
ookatt
hosel
i
ps》.Mwar
i
anesi
mba《Godhaspower
》!"
Shel
augheasThabangandAmu
l
ookedather
.

"
Presh.
..
"
Shehel
doutherhandt
oAnut
okeep
qui
et,
"Ndai
zomut
asv
aal
lni
ghtgr
rrh!
《I
'
dri
dehi
m al
lni
ght
"

Anur
ubbedherhead.

Thabangsmi
l
ed,
"Ndi
rikut
engesai
we
unodamhukakat
sigr
rrh!
"《Ibety
ou
woul
dwi
l
dcatgr
rrh!
"
Pr
eshmout
hdr
opped,
"ndochi
i
i
chocho!
"《Whatt
hef
uck!
》
BEWI
TCHED

#36

(
18SN:
ReaderDi
scr
eti
oni
sadv
iced)

Bamewheel
edt
heshoppi
ngcar
ri
age
t
othet
il
l.Af
terpay
ingshewentov
er
t
othet
axi
guy
sandt
ookone
speci
all
ytodr
opherof
fathome.
*
**

MmaBamef
ini
shedf
eedi
ngFena
andhi
sel
dersi
bli
ng.

"
Mont
lecomel
i
ftLeokey
ooa
t
hul
amel
a,
"shesai
d.
"
Aomamammaaker
ekekwal
a
homewor
k.GapeLeoknowswer
ethe
bedr
oom i
s."
"
Don'
tmakemer
epeatmy
sel
f.Aker
e
or
aasel
omang?Emel
l
amodi
nni
ng
t
abl
eyameol
esegonkgakgaf
alel
a."

Wi
thasor
ehear
tMont
leangr
il
y
cl
osedhermat
hssetanddr
agged
herf
eett
owar
dswher
eLeowas
seat
ed.

"
Don'
tdr
agy
ourf
eetoset
hahat
sa
nt
loy
ame,
"mmaBamecaut
ioned.
"
Thef
loori
scer
ami
cmogat
saka,
"her
husbandsai
d.
"
Key
amest
il
l.Sol
etherl
i
ftherf
eet
."
Shewat
chedasMont
lel
i
ftedLeo
al
mosthi
thi
sheadont
hewal
l
.

"
Okukangwanaj
angt
ota?Wi
pehi
s
mout
handappl
ypet
rol
eum gel
e
sengj
alooy
agot
swamagot
sane.
"
"
Nnahakenangwana.Whycan'
t
Bamedoi
t?Nnakel
api
l
enkasei
ti
re
seber
ekel
asaset
hodi
segot
weng
Bame.
..
"Mont
lehi
ssedasshe
di
sappear
edi
ntot
hehal
l
way
.
"
Otsi
l
egony
elaot
swakoo!
"
"
Wabona,
shei
smer
elyr
efl
ect
ingon
howy
out
reatBamecompar
edt
o
Loago.Nowseeshei
sgr
owi
nghor
ns
andt
hreey
ear
sfr
om nowy
ouwon'
t
ev
ensendhert
ogety
ouagl
assof
wat
erl
etal
onewakeupi
nthe
mor
ning.Mar
kmywor
ds
mmaBame.
"

*
**

Kel
etsor
anoutoft
hedoct
orsr
oom.
Sher
anunt
ilherf
eetcoul
dn'
tcar
ry
herany
mor
eandcr
umbl
eddownon
af
ewmet
ersawayf
rom G-
West
cl
i
nic.
Af
tercr
yingshet
ri
edget
ti
ngupbut
col
l
apsedont
her
oadal
mostcausi
ng
aacci
dentwi
thacab.

"
Jesus!
"t
hedr
iverex
clai
med.

Her
anoutwi
thhi
spassengert
osee
i
fshewasf
ine.

"
Isshebr
eat
hing?
"thepassanger
askedcur
iousl
yast
hedr
iverknel
t
downchecki
ngherpul
se.
"
Mmm butpel
oyagagweei
tel
aka
bony
a."
"
Letmehel
pyou.
..
what
t
he?
..
.Kel
etso?
"thepassangersai
d
puz
zled.
"
Youknowher
?"t
hedr
iver
asked,
"peopl
est
epbackpl
easeshe
needsai
r.
(t
hecr
oweddi
dn'
t
mov
e)Hel
ang!Sut
ang?Andl
ookat
t
hisf
ool
ist
aki
ngav
ideo.Whatt
he
f
uckoser
iousnemonaot
say
a
v
ideo?
"

Embar
rassedt
heguyputdownhi
s
phone.

"
Kel
s?"
thepassangetl
i
ght
lyt
apped
herf
ace.

Shesl
owl
yopenedherey
es.She
bl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imesasl
i
ghtgot
i
nherey
es.

"
Thabang?Wher
eam I
?"

*
**
Anel
i
ewat
chedar
ousedasJaf
ter
l
oadedt
hel
astoft
hepl
ast
icsi
nthe
cart
runk.Shel
eanedagai
nstt
hecar
ashepushedt
het
rol
l
eyt
othe
pav
ement
.

"
Whatwer
eyoul
ooki
ngat
?"heasked
asher
ever
sedoutoft
hepacki
ngl
ot.
"
NoIwasr
eal
l
ywonder
ingi
fyou
knowwhaty
ousi
gni
ngupf
or.
"
Lookedather
,"
whatVi
n'
sbeat
ings?
"

"
Trustmet
hat
'st
hel
eastofmy
wor
ri
es.
SeeIam v
eryhy
per
..
.l
ikeIr
eal
l
yenj
oy
andl
ovemaki
ngl
oveand.
..
howdoI
sayi
t?Wel
lInev
ergetenough.Ican
hav
ethr
eef
ourr
oundsi
nar
owand
st
il
lfeel
hor
ny.
"
"
Ket
sil
egobol
ael
wangkenawa
banna!Sugardi
abet
esweeeh!
"he
j
oked.
"
Noser
iousl
yJaf
terand.
..
"
"
Hey
,"
rubbedherhand,
"r
elaxke
mogol
oigoty
ou.Wewi
l
lbesex
ing
al
ldayev
erydayandev
ent
ual
l
yyou
wi
l
lst
artaski
ngVi
ntobeatmeup.
Wear
ever
ymuchcompat
ibl
e.Letme
guessScor
pio?
"
"
Yep,
you?
"sheasked.
"
I'
m acancer
.Wewi
l
lbemaki
ng
f
ir
ewor
ksi
nbed.SoIher
ehel
lhat
h
nof
uryl
i
keaScor
piowomanscor
ned.
Doy
ouhol
dgr
udges?
"heasked
cur
iousl
y.
"
Mat
teroff
actIdoandIhat
ebei
ng
l
i
edt
oo.Doev
ery
thi
ngbutdon'
tev
er
l
eadmet
ost
ri
pyouof
fmyt
rust
becauseoncei
t'
sgone.I
t'
sgone.
."
"
WOW!
"hesai
d.
"
Andy
oudoy
oubehav
eli
keacr
ab?
"
"
Yesma'
am.Ipr
efar
edeal
i
ngwi
th
i
ssuesmyway
,"
hesai
dfocusi
ngon
t
her
oad.
"
Andbyy
ourwayy
oumeani
ng
shut
ti
ngpeopl
eout
?"sheasked
cur
iousl
y.
"
Yesmi
ssdet
ect
ivesokennet
eleso
i
nqui
sit
ive?
"

Theybot
hlaughed.
..

Anel
i
eleanedi
nandr
anherhands
i
nsi
dehi
syogapant
s.
"
Babedon'
t.
..
babeI
'
m
d.
..
ri
vi
ng.
..
babe!
"

Heshuthi
sey
esassheenv
eloped
hi
ssemi
erectd*
*ki
nsi
dehermout
h.
Shel
ookedathi
m andheshookhi
s
headsmi
l
ing.Hegent
lyst
rokedher
headandpul
l
edof
ftot
hesi
deand
r
ecl
i
nedhi
schai
rabi
t.

*
**
MmaMphocamef
ixi
ngherdr
ess
f
rom Bame'
sroom.Shepokedher
headi
nsi
deMont
le'
sroom.Thel
i
ght
wasof
fandsheswi
tchedi
ton.

"
Mont
lengwanakeamor
ata
makgakgaone,
No!Andwhyar
eyou
st
il
lusi
ngLoago'
sbeddi
ng?Mont
le!
Mont
le?
"

Shebentdownandpi
ckedupashoe
ont
hef
loort
ohi
therandgot
di
str
act
edbyt
hesoundsofacar
par
kingout
side.
I
nthel
i
vingar
ea,
Bamegav
eher
f
atherabl
ackpl
ast
iccar
rybag.

"
Ehekedi
Redds?Thanky
oumy
chi
l
d,"
hesai
dput
ti
ngdownt
he
pl
ast
icbesi
dehi
m.
"
Younotev
enchecki
ngi
fIgott
he
r
ightt
hings?
"
"
Nny
aao,
"hel
ookedi
nsi
de,
"heee
banna!One,
two,
thr
ee.
..
Six
?"he
whi
stl
ed.
Theyl
aughed.

"
Who'
scari
sthat
?"MmaBameasked
cur
isoul
yasshewal
kedi
n.
"
TAXI
..
.Mont
leokaeat
egont
husa
gof
olosa?
"

Herpar
ent
sex
changedgl
ances.

"
For
getMont
le,
I'
ll
hel
pyoumygi
rl
.
Youbr
oughtmyt
hings?
"
"
Yest
heyar
ether
e(poi
nti
ngatt
he
di
nnert
abl
e)andt
hemoney
(secr
etl
y
r
emov
edt
hemoneyandgav
eher
mot
herP400.Iwast
hinki
nggor
e
may
beIcoul
dleav
etomor
rowi
f
t
hat
'sf
inesi
nceIgotev
eryt
hingand
mor
e."
"
Awwngwanakebat
ho.Okaymygi
rl
.
Di
dyougetbr
aii
pack?
"hermom sai
d
put
ti
ngt
hemoneyi
nsi
deherbr
a.
"
Eemma.
"

Rr
aBameshookhi
sheadamaz
edby
herwi
fesuddengest
uresofki
ndness
t
owar
dsBameandherki
ds.
*
**

If
eltsomet
hingt
ickl
emy
womanhood.Vi
nki
ssedmyshoul
der
andwhi
sper
ed,
"gobackt
osl
eep
buba.
"
"
Hmmm babewhyar
eyou.
..
"
"
Shhh.
..
sleepbabe,
"hesai
dbi
ti
ngmy
ear
lobegent
ly.

Icl
osedmyey
esashecar
essedmy
boobaswel
aysi
debysi
de.Hi
sot
her
handst
rokedmyv
agi
nal
wal
l
s
sendi
ngmassi
vewav
est
omybr
ain.I
swal
l
owedhar
dandl
etoutamoan.

"
Sleep,
"hewhi
sper
ed,
"hakebat
e
modumo.
"

Heseal
edof
fthecommandwi
th
anot
herki
ssandspl
i
tmyl
egsal
i
ttl
e
bi
tmor
e.Howt
hehel
lwasI
supposedt
okeepqui
etwi
thhi
m
doi
ngwhathewasdoi
ngt
ome?He
r
ubbedmybel
l
yandgui
dedhi
msel
f
gent
lyi
nsi
demel
eav
ingmegaspi
ng
f
orai
r.
"
Babe.
..
"

Hechokedmebyt
heneck.

"
Not
alki
ngbabe.Nonoi
se.Al
lIwant
t
oheari
syourasshi
tt
ingmeasI
humpony
ou.Okay
?"

Inoddedal
mostr
unni
ngoutof
br
eat
h.

Ki
ssedmyneckandl
etgo,
"goodgi
rl
."
Hepul
l
edoutandr
ubbedhi
msel
fon
myl
abi
asf
orsomeseconds.I
r
eachedf
orhi
speni
sbuthesl
apped
myhandof
f.

"
Youdon'
tl
ist
endoy
ou?Your
eal
l
y
l
eav
emenochoi
ce.
..
"

Isatupi
nthebedandwat
chedhi
m
mov
eint
hedar
ktowar
dst
hecl
oset
.

*
**
AtAnu'
s,shepausedatt
hedoorand
r
eadj
ust
edherheel
s.

I
nsi
det
hespar
eroom,
shepul
l
edt
he
sheet
sof
fPr
eshwhoi
ntur
npul
l
ed
t
hem back.

"
Preshi
t'
sal
mostsi
xandIsweari
f
y
oukeepupl
i
ket
hisI
'
m goi
ngt
o
l
eav
eyoursor
ryassher
e,"
shesai
d.
"
Twomor
emi
nut
esbabe,
Ibar
ely
sl
eptawi
nkl
astni
ght
,"
shewaned.
"
Nei
therdi
dI,
andt
hati
swhaty
ou
beensay
ingsi
nce4:
30am.Ther
eis
def
ini
tel
ygoi
ngt
obet
raf
fi
c.Nowcan
y
ougetuppr
ett
ypl
ease?Getup!
"
"
FINE!
"shesai
dthr
owi
ngt
hesheet
s
of
f.
"
Wil
dcat
!"
Anut
eased.
"
Yout
hinkt
hat
'sf
unny
?I'
m so
depr
essedr
ightnow.
..
imagi
ne!
"

Theybot
hlaughed.

"
Butser
iousl
yhur
ryup,
"Anusai
d
wal
ki
ngaway
."I
'
llst
artonbr
eakf
ast
."
"
Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmehowy
ousl
ept
."
Anupout
ed,
"wel
l
."
"
Yes?
"Pr
eshl
ookedathercur
iousl
y.
"For
geti
twi
l
ltel
lyouont
heway
."
"
Suchat
ease.
..
what
everman.Sot
ell
me,
whati
fIl
i
kehi
m?"
sheasked
"
Ani
?"
"
Youknow.
..
him hi
m,"
shebi
therl
i
p
anx
iousl
y.
"
Thabang?
"Anul
ookedathercousi
n
whowasbl
ushi
ng,
"wai
t.
..
what
?OH
HELLNO!
"
"
Whatdoy
oumean?It
houghty
ou
sai
dyoudon'
twanthi
m?"
"
IknowwhatIsai
dOKAY.
"Anu
char
gedangr
il
y.
"
Whyar
eyoubei
ngdef
ensi
ve?
"Pr
esh
asked.
"
I'
m notbei
ngdef
ensi
ve.
"
"
Thenmungandi
bat
sir
awo?
"Pr
esh
madeapuppyf
ace.
"
Hel
pyouwi
thwhatr
eal
l
y?Look
Pr
esh,
Thabangdoesn'
twanta
gi
rl
fr
iendandwhathappenedt
oyou
onl
ywant
ingt
ochew?Justy
est
erday
y
ouwant
edf
uckt
hatguy
."
"
Who?
"
"
Mymar
ri
ednei
ghbour
.Lookbabe
j
ustdoy
ourt
hingandl
eav
eThabang
al
one.Hehasbeent
hroughsomuch
and.
..
"
"
Andy
ounotl
i
steni
ngt
ome.Wi
th
hi
mit
'sdi
ff
erentIdon'
twantsexort
o
f
ool
around.
..
"

Shegotof
fbedandwal
kedov
ert
o
Amu,
"l
ooksi
sihandi
nakur
oor
a《Iam
si
ngl
e》 andI
'
m notget
ti
ngany
y
ounger
.Iwantahusband,
aki
d
may
bei
naandIknowThabangandu
woul
dreal
l
y..
"
"
Woooohwoooh.KI
DS!Youar
ecr
azy
y
ouknowt
hat
?Handi
zi
viwhatgi
ves
y
out
hei
mpr
essi
ont
haty
ou
guy
s..
.r
ightnowhandi
sikukunz
wisi
sa
《Idon'
tunder
standy
ou》 wai
tse
andIsodon'
twantt
othi
nkaboutany
oft
hisbecausei
tdoesn'
tmakeany
sense.Ewww!What
everhappenedt
o
t
hatol
diey
oumeti
nP.
E?"

Pr
eshr
oll
edherey
es.

"
EXACTLY!ser
iousl
yPr
eshl
eav
ehi
m
al
one.
"
"
ButI
..
."
"
Butnot
hing.Gobat
hory
ouar
e
t
aki
ngacabt
otheconf
erencecent
re.
Makeupt
hatbedf
ir
st.
"

Pr
eshmadeacont
ort
edf
aceasher
cousi
ncl
osedt
hedoor
.

"
Wit
horwi
thouty
ourhel
pcousi
nhe
wi
l
lmar
ryme.Thabangwi
l
lmar
ry
me,
"shev
owed.
*
**

Vi
nemer
gedoutoft
hecl
osetwi
tha
br
ief
casewhi
chhegent
lyputont
he
dr
essert
abl
e.Iwat
chedoncur
iousl
y
wi
thoutawor
d.

Mymout
hdr
iedupashehel
douta
spl
i
tendwi
pandsomef
ootandhand
cal
fs.Hi
sd*
*kst
oodf
ull
yer
ectashe
wal
kedov
ermehol
dinghi
sscar
y
t
hings.
"
Str
aight
enup,
"hesai
dpul
l
ingt
hel
eg
Ihadsuspendedup.
"
BabeoChr
ist
ianGr
ey?
"

Asi
ngl
egl
areandIshutup.Ihad
hear
dofbondageandt
het
houghtof
bei
nghel
plesswhi
l
ebei
ngr
immed
mademeuneasy
.

Hecaf
ffedmyhandst
othebedpol
es
whi
l
eIl
ayf
acedownandbentme
hav
ingmyhi
pli
neupandmychest
t
ouchi
ngt
hebed.Isi
ghedwi
thr
eli
ef
asheputbackt
hef
ootcal
fs.He
pi
ckeduphi
swi
pandmyhear
traced.
If
eltmybut
tvi
brat
eashehi
tmewi
th
i
t.Thepai
n!Once.Twi
ce.Thr
ice.Four
t
imes(
tear
srandownmyf
acebutI
dar
edt
otouchmybut
tormake
noi
se)
..
.heputt
hewi
pdown,
spanked
met
wicewi
thhi
shandandknel
tat
mybackst
roki
ngmybut
thol
ewi
th
hi
sd.
..

STORI
ESBYEMY-
BECKY
I
nser
t37t
omor
rowaf
ter2pm.Happy
Val
ent
ine'
sdayi
nadv
ance
BEWI
TCHED
#37

Anel
i
ewi
pedhermout
hoft
heex
cess
cum andr
ecl
i
nedt
oherseat
.

"
Wow!
"shesai
d.
"
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ouswal
l
owedal
l
t
hat
,"
Jaf
tersai
dwi
pinghi
msel
f.
"
Bet
terbel
i
evei
t,
"shesai
dwi
thher
ey
escl
osed.
"
Eishbabeoi
thel
aont
ir
amonat
e
gor
e,"
hesai
drol
l
ingdownt
he
wi
ndow.

Shel
aughed,
"wel
lwenagoi
nand
f
rom her
ewegoi
nghome.Igotso
manyt
hingst
odot
oyou.
"
"
Wow!Can'
tbel
i
evey
oudi
dthi
sha
pel
egadi
off
icet
sabat
ho.
"

Hel
eanedi
nandki
ssedher
.

"
Ewwwonkgasexhel
amoganong?
"
"
Wenaobuakamonkoi
magi
net
he
ki
ds
t
hatar
emaki
ngnoi
sei
nmymout
h
sl
i
dingdownmyt
hroat
,"
shesai
d.
"
Yousi
ck!
"hesai
d.

Theyl
aughed.

"
Okaybabel
etmegocheckt
hel
i
ne.
Fuck!
"

Anel
i
ewat
chedsmi
l
ingasher
an
t
owar
dst
heTr
anspor
tof
fi
ces.

*
**
It
ight
enedmyf
inger
sint
oaf
istas
Vi
nhi
ton.Acoupl
emor
eint
ense
st
rokesandhewi
thdr
ewspl
ashi
ng
hi
ssemenal
lov
ermybut
t.He
gr
innedandpushedbacki
nand
mov
edi
nsof
tl
yleadi
ngmei
ntoa
wor
ldofut
terbl
i
ss.Mywhol
elower
bodyv
ibr
atedaspl
easur
eov
ert
ook
mesendi
ngmei
ntocl
i
max
.

"
Urh!
"hesai
dgr
abbi
ngmyboobs.
"
Mmm!
"imoaned.
Heki
ssedmeonmyspi
negoi
ng
downandbi
tmybut
tpl
ayf
ull
y.

"
Ihopet
hatwasaper
fect
puni
shmentf
ordi
sobedi
ence,
"hesai
d
r
emov
ingt
hecuf
fs.

*
**

Atl
unchhour
,Anel
i
espeeddi
aledher
mot
heront
hewor
kphone.Shet
yped
onherl
apt
opasi
trang.
"
Hel
l
o?"
Heymommy
,"
shesai
dsemi
closi
ng
t
hel
apt
op.
"
Ihopey
ouar
eonl
unchbr
eak.
"
"
Iam.Act
ual
l
ythat
'swhyI
'
m cal
l
ing
y
ou.
..
whatar
eyoucooki
ngt
houghtI
mi
ghtcomehav
elunchwi
thy
ou
guy
s."
"
Goodbecausey
ourf
atherand
Thabangj
ustl
eftf
ort
hehospi
tal
just
bef
orey
oucal
l
ed.Ican'
teat
al
one,
"hermot
hersai
d.
"
Wai
tisev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"
"
Yesi
t'
sar
elat
iveofThabang,
any
way
s..
.shoul
dImakecr
eamed
paporj
ustst
ickt
opast
a?"
"
Eh.
..mom If
orgotIhav
eanaccount
t
hatI
'
m handl
i
nghav
etosubmi
tthe
paperwor
kbef
ore4pm.Canwer
ain
check?
"
"
Aomma?I
joIwi
l
lcal
lRumbi
then.
"
"
I'
m sor
rymommy
,I'
l
lmakei
tupt
o
y
ouIpr
omi
se,
"shesai
dopeni
ngher
l
apt
op.
"
Youar
eal
way
ssor
ry.Ir
eal
l
ywoul
d
hav
elov
edy
out
ocomeher
e.Har
dly
sawy
oui
nMmadi
nar
e.I
'
m hur
t.
..
"
"
Lov
eyoumommybutIr
eal
l
ygott
o
go.
"

Shepr
essedt
hehangupbut
ton.

"
Youal
way
sdoggi
ngt
hepoor
woman,
"av
oicest
art
ledher
.
"
Whatt
he!
"

Themanwal
kedi
n.

"
Sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
ost
art
ley
ou,
"
Hepul
l
edachai
ratherdesk.

"
Andwhatdoy
out
hinky
ouar
edoi
ng?
Getoutofmyof
fi
cebef
oreIhav
eyou
t
hrownout
."
"
Comeonbabes.
..
"
"
Don'
tyoucomeonbabesme
Kr
ist
opher
..
."
"
It
'sKr
isbabe!
"
"
Youar
eKRI
STOPHER.(
Cal
med
down)
Cany
oupl
easel
eav
ebecause
I
'
m noti
nthemoodr
eal
l
y,"
shesai
d.
"
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.Sweet
hear
tyou
knowy
oucan'
tst
aymadatme
f
orev
er,
"hesai
dreachi
ngf
orherhand.

Shemov
edherhandbackl
ooki
ng
i
ntensel
yinhi
sey
esscr
uti
niz
inghi
m.
Unf
ort
unat
elyshef
oundnot
raceof
r
emor
sewhat
soev
eri
nhi
sey
esor
gest
ure.Shepr
essedherP.
A'sl
i
ne.

"
Bossl
ady
?"
Cl
ear
edhert
hroat
,"
yesPenecany
ou
cal
lsecur
it
y?"
"
Ofcour
se,
"shesai
dandhangup.
Thewhi
teguyl
ookedatherf
oraf
ew
seconds.

"
Shewasmychi
l
dtooy
ouknow?
"he
sai
d.
"
Youar
eunbel
i
evabl
eyouknowt
hat
?
Il
ost
(si
ghedt
ryi
ngt
okeepi
t
t
oget
her
)Il
ostmybabebecausey
ou
wer
esel
fi
sh.
..
you,
"shebr
eat
hedi
n
heav
il
yasat
eardr
oppeddown.
"
Babebuty
ourf
ather
..
."
"
Ther
ewegoagai
nKr
ispul
l
ingt
he
bl
amecar
d.Kr
isIwentagai
nstmy
whol
efami
l
y,l
eftamanIl
oved.
..a
manwhol
ovedmeandwentaf
ter
y
ou.Forwhat
?(Mut
e)Forwhat
?
(
Audi
ble)
Huht
ell
mef
orwhat
?"

Thesecur
it
yguy
swal
kedi
nandshe
wi
pedof
fhert
ear
s.

"
Takehi
m out
,andpl
easedon'
tev
er
l
ethi
m pastt
hegat
es.
"
"
Babe?Canwet
alkl
i
kemat
ure
peopl
e.5
Youdon'
t.
..
"

Amul
ookedaway
.Themuscul
ar
guy
sst
oodathi
ssi
deandt
ri
ed
t
ouchi
nghi
m.Heshr
ugof
fandgot
up.

"
Thatwon'
tbenecessar
y."

Hef
ixedhi
ssui
tandwal
kedout
.The
secur
it
yguy
sfol
l
owedhi
m andAmu
sanki
ncr
ying.Peneknockedand
camei
n.
"
Arey
ouokay
?"sheenqui
redandput
af
il
eont
het
abl
e.
"
Mmm.
..
haway
alunch?
"
"
IaskedThal
efangt
ogetusbot
ha
pl
atey
ari
ce.Osur
eoshar
p?"

Amyf
lashedaf
orcedsmi
l
e.

*
**

"
Opagame?
"
"
Ee'
ref
etai
ndust
ri
alebi
l
e,wher
e
ex
act
lydi
dyousayI
'
llf
ind
y
ou?
"Bamesai
dpr
essi
ngherphone
har
dagai
nstherearast
hebus
r
umbl
ed.
"
Wenawal
wal
aBame,
isai
dKBmal
l
.
Legal
eIwi
l
lcomegety
ouhadi
baseng.Yougonnabeher
e
appr
oxi
mat
elykabof
iveor
si
x."
Diket
sosai
d
"
Okaybuyl
etmesav
emybat
ter
y.
Toga
ket
akeshebashebamost
ati
on.
Shar
paker
e?"
Bameex
plai
ned.
"
Mmm l
ater
."
*
**

Ipul
l
edVi
n'
sloosev
estandwor
eit
ov
ernot
hingasIwal
kedt
othedoor
mostnotf
eel
i
ngmycooki
e.Thesex
hadbeenv
erydemandi
ngt
houghI
wasj
ustt
her
eli
keapot
atodoi
ng
absol
utel
ynot
hing.

"
Putonsomet
hingwhati
fyouwal
k
onAnel
i
eorJaf
ter
?Isawhowhe
l
ookedaty
out
highsy
est
erday
.Idon'
t
wanty
ouwal
ki
ngar
oundnakedat
l
eastnother
e"Vi
nsai
d.
"
Whatbutt
heyar
enotar
ound.
"Isai
d
"
Andy
ouwoul
dknowbecause?
"
"
Iknowokay
.Wai
tsekeeng.
..
"

Ichangedmymi
ndandgotbackt
o
bed.

"
Iwasgoi
ngt
omakey
oubr
eakf
ast
butIchangedmymi
ndIguessy
ou
wi
l
leatcer
eal
s."
"
Comonbabe.
..
"
Ir
oll
edi
nsi
det
hebl
anketandhadmy
backagai
nsthi
m.

"
Youmaki
ngnoi
seIwannasl
eep.
"
"
Arey
oubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Kant
ewhaydi
dIdowr
ongt
haty
ou
sowor
kedupl
i
ket
his.Youj
ustl
i
ke
Cal
i
cia.
..
"

It
urnedandshotagl
areathi
m.

"
Arey
ouf
uckenki
ddi
ngme?Howam
Il
i
key
ourbl
oodygi
rl
fr
iend?
"
"
Exgi
rl
..
."
"
Shutup!
"

Heswal
l
owedhi
swor
dsandl
ooked
atmepr
essi
nghi
sli
pst
oget
her
.

"
Iam not
hingl
i
kehery
ouhearme?
Not
hing!
"

Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evehecompar
edmet
o
heraf
terwhathehadt
oldmeabout
her
.
"
I'
m sor
rybabe,
"heapol
ogi
zed.
"
No.
..Ishoul
dbet
heonesay
ingsor
ry,
Idon'
tev
enknowwhatI
'
m doi
ngher
e
whenIhav
eapl
aceofmyown.
"

Ipul
l
edmydr
essf
rom t
hechai
r.Vi
n
cov
eredhi
sfacemoment
ari
l
yand
camet
ome.

"
Don'
ttouchme!
"

Het
ri
edt
otouchmeagai
n.
"
Gaot
lhal
ogany
eengVi
ncent
!"
"
Okay
..
.okay
.Dowhaty
ougott
odo.
Cl
oset
hegat
eony
ourwayout
."

Iwat
chedhi
m gobackt
obedwi
th
t
hecor
nerofmyey
easi
fnot
hing
happened.What
?Justl
i
ket
hat
.I
sni
ff
edi
nasat
eardr
oppeddown.A
coupl
emor
esni
ff
sbutVi
nlayt
her
e
andpai
dnoat
tent
ion.I
thur
tbei
ng
i
gnor
ed.Whycoul
dn'
thej
usthugme
andapol
ogi
ze.

Angr
il
yIst
ormedoutwi
thoutawor
d
andbangedt
hebedr
oom dooraf
ter
me.

"
Craz
ybi
tch,
"hesmi
l
edandputt
he
pi
l
lowov
erhi
sfaceshaki
ngi
t.

*
**

Att
hehospi
tal
,Thabangandt
he
pr
ophetent
eredt
hef
emal
ewar
d.
Kel
etsowassi
tt
inguponherbed
chat
ti
ngl
i
ght
lywi
thanot
herpat
ient
.
"
Hi,
"Thabangsai
dput
ti
ngt
hepl
ast
ic
bagont
hesi
det
abl
e.

Kel
etsosmi
l
edatt
hem butshef
elt
f
ir
eal
lov
erherbodyaspr
ophet
ex
tendedhi
shandt
ogr
eether
.Al
lof
asuddenshef
eltuncomf
ort
abl
e.

"
Dumel
ang,
"shesai
dpr
etendi
ngt
o
notseet
hehandanddi
str
act
ed
her
sel
fwi
tht
hegoodi
ebag,
"i
sthi
sal
l
mi
ne?
"
"
Mmm.
.sohowar
eyou
f
eel
i
ng?
"Thabangasked.
"
Im good.Theyar
edi
schar
gingme
t
oday
."
"
Oht
hisi
spr
ophet
,pr
ophetke
Kel
etso.Ourmot
her
'sar
esi
ster
sli
ke
Isai
dear
li
eron.Hepr
ayedf
ory
ou
l
astni
ght
."

Kel
etsor
oll
edherey
esatt
hebackof
herhead.

"
Nicet
omeety
ouKel
etso,
thi
sman
her
eputsomuchpr
essur
eonust
o
comeher
e,t
opr
aywi
thy
ou.Youar
e
l
uckyt
ohav
ehi
m,"
Prophetsai
d.
Kel
etsosmi
l
edl
ower
ingherhead.

"
Wel
l
...
"hepatThabangont
he
shoul
der
,"
I'
ll
beout
side.
"
"
Eer
ra.
"

Thabangst
ayedbehi
ndandt
hey
t
alkedaboutr
andom st
afff
orawhi
l
e.

Shel
aughed,
"I
jawenakanagobef
ore
daddywagagoaboel
akwano.
"
"
Mxm gat
wedaddy
,"
Thabangj
abbed
her
.
"
Eepapa,
"shet
easedsomemor
e.

Theyl
aughed.

"
Youshoul
dcomet
ochur
chsome
day
,"
hesai
dst
andi
ngupf
rom herbed.
"
Mef
ir
e!Nev
er.Thosepeopl
ewi
l
lri
p
y
ouof
fev
ery
thi
ngont
seokua'
i
r
ecei
ve'
nnaI
'
m notnai
veq
nt
sal
aka,
"shesai
d.
"
Ehemma.
"
"
Tsamay
asonofdaddy
,"
shel
aughed.
"
Otl
aswaba.Di
dyout
alkt
oyour
si
ster
?(Hersmi
l
efaded)Kel
l
yyou
knowt
imeawai
tsnobody
.Don'
thol
d
backt
hatl
oveory
ouwi
l
lendup
suf
focat
ingbecausei
dlel
oveki
l
ls.
Deposi
titof
f,
"hewi
nkedandl
eft
.

*
**

Ibumpedi
ntoJonnydownst
air
s.

"
Babe.
..
"af
emal
evoi
ceechoedf
rom
out
side.
"
Ohhi
eDee.I
sAnel
i
ehome?
"he
asked.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
,"
Idoubt
.Vi
nis
upst
air
s."
"
Okay
..
.t
lhemmamakeust
hatsof
t
por
ri
dgey
oucookedt
heot
herday
."
"
Sor
rybuddygott
orun.Someot
her
day
?"Iasked.
"
That
'scool
,
"hesmi
l
ed.

"
BabekanaI
..
.ohhi
e,
"t
hef
ami
l
iargi
rl
smi
l
ed.
"
Lynda?
"Ir
emember
edherf
rom t
he
r
est
aur
ant
.
"
Youknoweachot
her
?"heasked
amused.
"
Yepf
rom Phi
kwe,
"Il
i
ed.
"
Smal
lwor
ld,
"Ly
ndasai
dbur
ying
her
sel
finhi
sembr
ace.
"
Ihat
etospoi
lthepar
tybutIgott
o
go,
"Isai
dwhenIsawVi
nwal
kdown.
"
Okayl
ater
..
.wemustcat
chup,
"Ly
nda
sai
d.
"
Lunch?
"Iasked.
"
Thatwoul
dbel
ovel
y,
"shesmi
l
ed.
"
OkayJonnyhasmynumber
."
*
**

AssoonasThabangl
eftKel
etsodug
i
ntot
hepl
ast
icbag.Shet
ookoutt
he
KFCmeal
andwentov
ert
oherr
oom
mat
e'sbed.

"
Let
'seat
.Wemustgetsi
ckmor
e
of
ten,
"shesai
d.
"
Wear
egoi
ngt
ogetsi
ckbecauseof
t
hisv
erypr
ivi
l
egeweget
ti
ngf
or
bei
ngsi
ck,
"t
her
oom mat
esai
dtaki
ng
api
eceofchi
cken,
"okat
ogel
aMor
uti
at
samay
awi
thoutpr
ayi
ngf
ormene
mma.
"
"
Idon'
tdof
ir
echur
chesnna.Pl
ust
his
guy
sar
ecr
ookshowdoy
oul
etol
d
peopl
ecal
lyoudaddy
?"
"
AoKel
l
y,got
shwanahel
amme
aker
eot
hercal
lthei
rleader
sboNt
ate,
f
atherorwhat
ever
.Howi
sdaddy
i
rr
elev
ant
?"

Kel
etsokeptqui
ett
hought
ful
l
y.She
di
dhav
eapoi
ntbutst
il
l.
"
FineIheary
ounowex
plai
nthe
anoi
nti
ngoi
l
sandev
ery
thi
ngbo
masekaj
aana?
"
Ther
oom mat
eswal
l
owedt
hemeat
andt
ookasi
pfr
om t
hehospi
tal
cup.

"
Wel
lsomeusesewacho,
dicandl
e
t
sedi
mabi
thana(
sp)
,mei
tamo,
rosar
i
orev
enphot
osoft
hei
rleader
s."
"
Hel
akar
eyouadv
ocat
ingf
ort
hem
kapel
oyot
lheasi
ftheygi
vey
ou
moneyf
ori
t.Thi
snewchur
ch'
sar
e
r
obbi
ngpeopl
edayl
i
ghtandi
t'
ssad
howy
oueducat
edy
oungpeopl
efal
l
i
ntot
het
rapt
oo.
"Kel
etsosai
d.
"
Youseewi
thr
eli
giousmat
ter
sit
's
compl
i
cat
ed.Isaydoy
ou,
youknow.
Fol
l
owwhatwor
ksbestf
ory
ouand
don'
tbeast
umbl
i
ngbl
ockt
owhat
anot
herbel
i
evesi
n,
"t
her
oom mat
e
concl
uded
"
Magodudi
l
otse,
"Kel
etsosai
d.

*
**

AtJaf
ter
's.
Ador
nedi
nar
edl
acel
i
nger
ie,
Anel
i
e
t
ookal
astl
ookather
sel
fint
he
mi
rr
orandsmi
l
ed.Forov
ert
woy
ear
s
nowshehadhadt
hemostwi
l
dest
f
ant
asi
esaboutJaf
ter
.Thi
nki
ng
abouti
tlef
therpant
iessoaked.She
t
ookt
heheel
sfr
om t
heshoppi
ngbag
andwor
ethem.

Jaf
terl
ookedatt
hebat
hroom doort
o
hi
sbedr
oom asi
tmadeasound.

"
Heyt
iger
..
."
"
Final
l
y..
.babet
lhemmacome
r
emov
ethi
sbl
i
ndf
oldandwhat
'swi
th
t
het
yingbackofmyhand'
s?"

Shei
gnor
edhi
m andpl
ayedsome
sof
tmusi
cthr
ought
hecodel
ess
Bl
uet
oot
hpl
ayer
,li
tthescent
ed
candl
esandcl
ossedt
hecur
tai
ns.

"
Per
fect
,"
shesai
d.

Shebentdownandwhi
sper
ed
somet
hingi
nhi
sear
.Hemadanod,
gent
lysher
emov
edt
hebl
i
ndf
oldbut
hekepthi
sey
escl
osed.

"
Nopeaki
ngory
ou'
l
lrui
nthe
sur
pri
se,
"shesai
dwal
ki
ngawayf
rom
hi
minr
ever
semode.

Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
est
hatf
eltl
i
ke
f
orev
ert
oJaf
ter
..
.

"
Openy
ourey
es,
"sheut
ter
edt
he
magi
cwor
ds.
"
Thef
uck,
"hesai
dsur
pri
se,
"Damn
gi
rl
."
Anel
i
ehadr
eal
l
ygoneal
lout
.He
wat
chedasshesl
i
ddownt
hest
ri
p
pol
e.Hehadnotunt
ilnownot
iced
howwel
ltonedherbut
twas.She
unhookedherbr
aasshecar
essed
heri
nnert
highswi
thherf
reehand.
Thewayherboobsst
oodpeakywas
l
i
keshehadnev
ernur
sedababy
.
Jaf
terswal
l
owedhar
dasshewent
downont
hepol
eleani
ngoni
twi
th
herspi
nar
ea.

Anel
i
esmi
l
edl
ooki
ngathi
ser
ect
ion
ashesathel
plessl
yti
edt
othechai
r.

"
BabeI
'
m dy
ing.
..
comef
uckme!Shi
t
babeunt
ieme.
..
"

Anel
i
eignor
edhi
sbeggi
ngand
pusheddownonesi
deofherpant
y
ex
posi
ngt
heupperpar
tofher
shav
edcooki
e.

"
Fuckbabe.
..
"hecr
ied.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
Sor
ryguy
s.KOPADI
CHOCOLATE
KANABORROW MEYOURBABE(
s)
HELAONCEHAKEBATEMASALELA
MME

I
'
m notpr
omi
singany
thi
ngbuti
fI
f
indt
imeI
'
llt
hrowi
nami
niski
rtat
mi
dni
ght
.
BEWI
TCHED

#38
Mar
ti
ntr
iedmynumberandi
trang
unanswer
ed.Het
ri
edi
tagai
n.Same
t
hing.Hesi
ghedanddi
aledJess'
sas
hewal
kedoutoft
het
ent
.

"
Hel
l
o?"
avoi
ceanswer
ed.
"
Babe?
"
"
Gaseeneal
egaay
o..
.(
sai
d
somet
hingbutMar
ti
ncoul
dnothear
her
)eng?Akel
ekel
i
lewal
egao
y
o,"
shesai
d.
"
Jenny
?"heasked
"
Lla?
"
Wher
eisy
ourmom,
"heasked
smi
l
ingathi
sendoft
hel
i
ne.
"
Sheum.
..
she.
..
shesay
s.Noshei
s
nothome.
"
"
Okay
..
.Jenny
,tel
lherIl
oveher
."
"
Mommyhesay
shel
oves.
..
"

Thecal
ldi
sconnect
edandhe
l
aughed.

"
Kar
eoj
amonat
e."
Segosai
d.
"
MrandMr
sRal
otsi
e,
"hesai
dfi
st
bumpi
ngwi
thr
ragweNosi
,
"haMry
ou
di
dwel
l
."
"
Justbecauseshei
syour
f
ri
end,
"r
ragweNosi
sai
d.
"
Ahbabewhati
sthatev
ensupposed
t
omean?
"Segoasked.

Rr
agweNosi
eyedMar
ti
n,
"mi
ster
,see
whaty
oudoi
ng?
Mywi
fe.
..
"
"
Wai
tbabedi
dyouj
ustsaymy
wi
fe?
"sheaskedbl
ushi
ng.

Theguy
slaughed.Af
ewmor
epeopl
e
j
oinedt
hem congr
atul
ati
ngt
henewl
y
weddedcoupl
e.

*
**

I
ntheev
eni
ngAmuwai
tedf
or
ev
ery
onet
oleav
eandl
ookedher
sel
f
upi
nsi
de.Sher
emember
edt
hather
cousi
nwasar
ound.Ar
ewi
ndi
ntot
hat
mor
ningmadehercl
i
ckhert
ongue
annoy
ed.

"
Craz
yass,
"shesai
doutl
oud.
Sheopenedt
hef
il
eherP.
Ahadgi
ven
heratl
unchhourandsi
gnedi
t.Her
cel
lphoner
angandshecheckedt
he
cal
l
erI
D.

"
Sor
rymom,
I'
m swampedwi
thwor
k."

Sheputi
tonsi
l
entmodeandpl
aced
i
tfacedownont
het
abl
e.The
t
elephoneal
sor
ang.Sheknewi
twas
hermot
her
.Noonewoul
dcal
lan
houraf
terof
fi
cehour
s.Sheknewshe
pr
omi
sedherpar
ent
sshewoul
d
at
tendt
heconf
erencewhi
chwas
st
art
ingt
oday
.Thephoner
angagai
n.

"
Yesmom?
"
"
I'
m sur
eyouev
eni
nsul
ti
ngme,
"her
mot
hersai
d.
"
Aomamamma!
"
"
Ithoughty
ouwer
ecomi
ng.Pr
eshi
s
goi
ng,
"hermot
hersai
d.
"
Preshchur
ch?
"
"
Yesandshehasgonewi
thThabang
t
o..
."
"
Mom l
etmecl
oseup.Wi
l
lbet
her
ein
at
hir
ty.Youkeptmycl
othessaf
e
r
ight
?"
"
Ofcour
sewhatdoy
out
hink?That
'l
l
weart
hem?
"hermot
herasked.
"
No.
..IknowhowRumbi
canbel
i
ke.
Mom l
etmef
ini
shup.OrI
'
m goi
ngt
o
best
ucki
ntr
aff
ic.
"

*
**

Bamewai
tedf
orev
ery
onet
oal
i
ght
of
fandgotup.Sher
etr
iev
edherbag
f
rom t
hel
uggageconf
inementabov
e
t
heseat
s.
Di
ket
sowasatt
hedooroft
hebusas
shest
eppeddown.Theyj
umped
ar
oundscr
eami
ngbef
oret
hehugged
andbabyki
ssed.

"
Sunangnnabagol
otl
hebo
mama,
"oneguysai
d.
"
Lett
hechi
l
drenbeMj
avos,
"t
heone
hol
dingaboxofchocol
atessai
d.
"
Eishmal
ait
iyakal
eray
agor
emmėdi
wal
eggi
ngshant
shwanel
e?"
Mjav
os
askedey
eingDi
ket
so.
"
Iket
elebanaMr
,"
thet
hir
dfr
iend
t
eased.

Hewentov
erandhel
dDi
ket
sobyt
he
wai
st.Wi
thoutawor
dsher
emov
ed
hi
shand.

"
Ohel
atsamael
akoo.Okar
eo
senonnor
iyana.Mosadi
kil
eanna
sekgakgaj
aanakaae?Tl
hebanna
bonangkgokongy
eei
ti
ri
saeng,
"he
sai
dashi
sfr
iendsl
aughed.
"
Mxm,
"Di
ket
sosai
d.
"
Sieshaot
shwanel
we,
"hehi
ssed.
"
Sowhat
?"shesai
dir
ri
tat
ed.
"
Let
'sgohei
snotwor
thi
t,
"Bamesai
d
pul
l
ingher
.

Theguyl
ookedatBamef
rom headt
o
t
oe,
"ol
eleswey
ana.Fot
sekbi
tch!
"

Bamei
gnor
edhi
m andpul
l
edDi
ket
so
away
.

"
Let
'sgoD.
K."
*
**

Thabangl
ookedatPr
esh.Shewasal
l
cut
ebutnot
hingcl
oset
owhathe
sawi
nAmu.Pr
eshsmi
l
edathi
m and
hesmi
l
edbackt
henqui
ckl
ytur
ned
awayandwal
kedov
ert
othepr
otocol
guy
s.

Pr
eshsmi
l
edenj
oyi
ngt
he
i
nti
midat
ionshegav
ehi
m.

"
All
induet
imel
overboy
,"
shesai
d
andsi
ppedi
ntoheri
cet
ea.
"
Preshl
etmei
ntr
oducey
out
o
someone,
"Pr
ophetsai
dtaki
ngher
away
.
"
Okay
,"
shesai
d.

Shegl
ancedbackl
ooki
ngatThabang
ashef
oldedt
hesl
eev
esofhi
sshi
rt
andsmi
l
ed.

"
Arey
ouev
enl
i
steni
ng?
"heruncl
e
asked.
"
What
?Yousai
dsomet
hing?
"
"
Nev
ermi
nd,
"heanswer
ed.

*
**

Anel
i
esmi
l
edl
ooki
ngathi
ser
ect
ion
ashesathel
plessl
yti
edt
othechai
r.

"
BabeI
'
m dy
ing.
..
comef
uckme!Shi
t
babeunt
ieme.
..
"

Anel
i
eignor
edhi
sbeggi
ngand
pusheddownonesi
deofherpant
y
ex
posi
ngt
heupperpar
tofher
shav
edcooki
e.

"
Fuckbabe.
..
"hecr
ied,
"aobabemma?
Kanat
ogakei
kakel
a."

Anel
i
epausedandl
ookedathi
m.He
wassweat
ingpr
ofusel
y.

"
Yougott
obeki
ddi
ngme!
"
"
Mpof
oll
apl
ease,
"hesai
d.
"
Oser
ious?
"
"
Please.
..
"
Shegotupandunt
iedhi
m shaki
ng
herhead.Qui
ckl
yhegotupandt
hey
wer
efaci
ngeachot
her
.

Jaf
terpul
l
ledheri
nandki
ssedher
.

"
Itho.
."

Heshutherupwi
thaki
ss.

"
Iknowy
oumeantwel
lbutIwasn'
t
goi
ngt
onutj
ustbyl
ooki
ngaty
ou.
You'
l
lti
emeupaf
tert
his.
"
Hel
i
ftedherupandwentt
othe
bal
cony
.Oncet
her
eheputherdown
herandpr
essedt
her
ail
sov
erl
ooki
ng
t
heci
ty.Hepul
l
edherpant
iesdown
andspl
i
therl
egsapar
tandwentup
asheki
ssedherl
egs.Wi
tht
het
ipof
hi
stonguehemadeci
rcl
esonher
cl
i
ts.

"
Fuck!
"shegaspedf
orai
r.

Wi
tht
heai
dofhi
sfi
ngerhehadkept
heronhert
oesashest
oodupbehi
nd
herst
il
lpr
essedagai
nstt
her
ail
s.

"
Youwantmer
aw?
"heasked.
"
Mmm,
"shesai
d.
"
Pregnancy
?"
"
I'
m onpi
l
l,
"shesai
d.

Hepul
l
edandt
il
tedherheadand
ki
ssedherashesl
i
ppedhi
sd*
*k
i
nsi
de.Not
ici
ngt
hesweet
nessi
nher
bodyr
eact
ionhepul
l
edout
.

"
Fuckbabe!
"shesai
dashedr
oveher
nut
s.
"
Atast
eofy
ourownmedi
cinebabe
gi
rl
,"
hesai
dpenet
rat
ingheronl
ythi
s
t
imehewental
li
nandshecoul
d
l
i
ter
all
yfeel
herwomb.

"
Ahhh!
"
"
Rel
axgi
rl
ylett
het
igergr
indi
t'
s
j
ungl
e,
"hesai
dandpul
l
edout
.

Hepul
l
edherandl
i
ftedhert
othe
wal
ll
ett
ingherr
estononel
egandhe
suppor
tedt
heot
herwi
thhi
shand
maki
nganacut
eangl
ewi
thherl
egs.
.

"
Doi
tdaddy
..
.t
akemet
oheav
en!
"She
sai
d.

Justbi
ti
ngherf
ull
li
pspr
ovokedt
he
sexgodi
nJaf
ter
.Het
hrusti
nwi
th
gent
lest
rokesasshesankhercl
aws
i
nhi
sfi
rm sweat
yback.Hi
sli
ps
br
ushedher
s,shemoi
stenedher
's
andbabyki
ssedhi
m.Jaf
terl
i
ght
lybi
t
herl
owerl
i
pandsuckedi
t.They
shar
edapassi
onat
eki
ssast
hey
bondi
nindul
gence.
Hewi
thdr
ewbef
oret
heycoul
dbot
h
cum l
eav
ingherbeant
hrobbi
ng.

"
Damn.
..
"shewaned.

Hehadhersi
tont
hechai
randknel
t
atherf
eetput
ti
ngherl
egsov
erhi
s
shoul
der
sandsanki
n.Anel
i
erubbed
hi
sshav
edheadashegent
lyki
ssed
andsuckedt
hewal
l
sofherv
agi
na.
Hemov
edbackandpul
l
edheri
nand
penet
rat
edher
,fi
vegent
lest
rokes
andshebegant
oshi
ver
.
Jaf
terpul
l
edoutandshesqui
nted.
Al
lthef
lui
dspl
ashedonJaf
terwhoi
n
t
urnki
ssedherbel
l
ybut
tonasshe
cov
eredherf
aceembar
rassed.

"
Oir
ang?Shee!Comel
et'
sgo
shower
."
hesai
d,"
west
il
lhav
eal
ong
wayt
ogo.
"
"
What
?"
"
What
?It
houghty
ou'
canhav
ethr
ee
f
ourr
oundsi
nar
owandst
il
lfeel
hor
ny'
chi
ckeni
ngoutnow?
"het
eased.
Hehel
dherupandl
eadhert
othe
bat
hroom.

*
**
Iwokeupt
othedoorbei
ngbanged.
Thehousewasr
elat
ivel
ydar
kandI
wonder
edhowl
ongIhadbeen
sl
eepi
ng.

"
Babe?
"

Ir
oll
edmyey
eshear
ingVi
n'
svoi
ce.
"
Babebul
a,
"hesai
d.

Hewasput
ti
ngonhi
ssweatpant
s
andav
estandIassumedhehad
beenoutj
oggi
ng.

"
Kesabol
ogokokot
amma?
"

I
twasf
unnyhowwei
rdi
twaswhen
hespokeSet
swana.Youwoul
dswear
hewasnotf
rom ar
ound.Iwant
edt
o
ki
sshi
m sobadbutmydev
il
ishangel
coul
dn'
tj
ustl
etme.Shehadt
o
r
emi
ndmet
hathecompar
edmet
o
Cal
i
cia.Shotme!

"
Whatdoy
ouwant
,"
Isai
dbl
ocki
ng
t
hedoor
.
"
Canwet
alk?
"
"
Makei
tsnappy
,"
Isai
d.
"
Outher
e?"

Il
ookedathi
m.

"
Okay
,bonababeImessedup
kgant
eleandI
'
m sor
ry.Thet
hingi
s
y
oumi
sint
erpr
etedmeand.
..
eishi
di
dntmeani
tli
ket
hat
.Youar
eso
not
hingl
i
ket
heCal
i
ciachar
act
erI
t
oldy
ouaboutandIwasoutofl
i
ne.I
under
standi
f.
..
"
"
Itol
dyouIl
ovey
oust
il
l?
"iasked.
"
Yes.
..
wai
tWhat
?"

Ther
e.Cut
e.Hi
sli
pscur
ledupi
na
smi
l
e.I
twassocont
agi
ousIf
ound
my
sel
fsmi
l
ing.
"
Thanky
oubabe.Canwegohome
now?
"heasked.
"
Howaboutwesl
eepher
e?Ori
smy
houset
olowf
ory
ourst
andar
ds?
"
"
Comeonbabenotatal
l
,"hesai
d.

Iopenedt
hedoorwi
deenoughf
or
hi
mtopass.

"
Okaycomeoni
n,
"Isai
d.

Her
ubbedhi
msel
fagai
nstme
wal
ki
ngi
n.Icoul
dsmel
lhi
saf
ter
shav
e.

"
Somyhousemyr
ules,
I'
mtaki
ngt
he
bed.
"

Icl
osedt
hedoorandsatont
he
couchacr
osswer
ehesat
.

"
Wenotsl
eepi
ngt
oget
her
?"hi
sey
es
wi
dened.
"
Nowenot
,"
Isai
dget
ti
ngup,
"I
'
m
cooki
ngwaBat
a?"
"
Ihadsomet
hingear
li
er.GuessI
'
ll
t
aket
hecouch.
"
No.
"
"
No?
"heasked.
"
Yesno.Youar
esl
eepi
ngont
he
f
loor
."
"
What
?Noway
,"
hesai
d.
"
Okayt
henl
eav
e,"
Isai
d.
"
Fine.
..
I'
l
ltaket
hef
loor
."

Ismi
l
edwi
thouthi
m not
ici
ngand
wentt
otheki
tchen.
..

St
ori
esby
:Emy
-Becky
BEWI
TCHED

#39

"
Babear
eyouokay
?"IaskedasVi
n
keptt
ossi
ngont
hef
loor
.

Hel
ayf
latonhi
sbackandpul
l
edt
he
f
leeceupt
ohi
schest
.

"
Whywoul
dn'
tIbe?I
'
m per
fect
ly
f
ine.
"
"
Arey
ousur
eyouf
ine?
"
"
Isai
dIwasf
ine.Goodni
ght
!"
"
Okay
."

Iswi
tchedoft
hesi
del
ampcl
osedmy
ey
es

"
Babe?
"
"
What
!"
"
Comeup,
"Isai
d.
"
What
?"
"
Taor
obal
ekwano,
"Isai
d.
"
Forr
eal
?"
"
YesVi
n,f
orr
eal
."

Wi
thoutanyhesi
tat
ionhej
umpedi
n
andIcoul
dtel
lhowr
eli
evedhewas.I
wonder
edi
fhehadev
ersl
eptont
he
f
loor
.Fort
hemostpar
tofmy
chi
l
dhoodwegr
ewupnott
hat
pr
ivi
l
eged.Mot
herhadonl
yboughtus
abedwhenIt
urnedsi
xteen,
bef
ore
wehadusedanol
dwi
respr
ingbed
t
hatusedt
obel
ongt
omypar
ent
af
terhav
ingsl
eptont
hef
loorf
ora
f
ull
decade.
"
Neokokonel
wa?
"Iasked.
"
Notatal
l
,"hesai
dspooni
ngme.
"
Isee,
may
bey
oushoul
dgoback
becauseIt
hought
..
."
"
Ohhel
lno.Idon'
twantt
ohav
ea
sor
ebodyt
omor
rowatwor
k.Doy
ou
hav
eanyi
deahowdepr
ivi
ngv
agi
nas
ar
e,"
hesai
dsni
ff
ingi
ntomyback.
"
What
?"
"
Imeanatwor
k..
.y
ouknowv
agi
nas.
Al
lshapescol
our
sandal
l
...
some
bi
g(Ichuckl
ed)
,somesmal
l
,"hesai
d.
Hej
oinedmeandwel
aughed.

"
Arey
ouev
ensupposedt
obeshar
ing
t
hatwi
thme?
"Iasked.
"
Noi
snotl
i
keI
'
mtel
l
ingnames,
Iwas
gi
vi
ngy
ouagener
alscopeofwhyI
needagoodr
est
,"
hesai
d.
"
Yeahr
ight
.Wi
tht
hewayy
ougoi
ngI
bety
ounev
ersl
eptont
hef
loor
,"
Isai
d
"
Idi
doncewhenmom t
ookus
campi
ng.Nev
erwentbackagai
n."
"
Wowandt
othi
nkIsl
eptal
lmyl
i
fe
ont
hef
loor
.Ist
il
ldot
odayi
t'
s
act
ual
l
ysoot
hing,
"Iex
plai
ned.
"
Notassoot
hingast
his,
"heki
ssed
myneck.
"
Ohwow,
"Isai
d.

Her
anhi
shanddownmyt
highwhi
l
e
ki
ssi
ngmyneck.Thatv
eryi
nst
antI
f
eltmypant
iessoakup.

"
Ilov
eyou,
"hewhi
sper
ed.
"
Ilov
eyout
oo,
"Isai
dbar
elyaudi
abl
e.

Heki
ssedmyneck.
"
Goodni
ght
."

Het
ight
enedhi
shandov
erme.

"
Yougott
obeki
ddi
ngme,
"Isai
d.
"
AhbabeI
'
mti
red.Wi
l
lhav
eagood
onebef
oreIgot
owor
kint
he
mor
ning.Howaboutt
hat
?"heasked.
"
Gobackt
othef
loor
,"
Isai
d.
"
Eng?
"
"
You,
gobackt
othef
loor
,"
Iwi
tha
r
atherser
ioust
one.
"
Aobabemma,
"hewaned.
"
GoVi
n."

Het
ri
edki
ssi
ngmeandIshr
ughi
m
of
fsobbi
ng.

"
Babear
eyoucr
ying?
"

Ikeptqui
etandhel
aughedannoy
ing
meev
ent
hemor
e.

"
Shengbabey
oucr
yingf
ordi
ck!For
mydi
ck?
"het
eased.
*
**

Af
tert
heser
viceatchur
chThabang
not
icedPr
eshwal
ki
ngt
owar
dswer
e
hewas.Hemov
edawayandj
oineda
gr
oupofpr
aiseandwor
shi
pteam
l
adi
es.Unwav
eri
ng,
Preshst
il
lwent
ov
er.

"
Ladi
es,
(lookedatThabang
smi
l
ing)
andgent
leman.
"
Thel
adi
esex
changedgl
ances.

"
Hi,
thesai
dinuni
son.
"
Presh.
..
hi,
"Thabangsai
d
uncomf
ort
abl
y.
"
CanIhav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou?
"She
asked
"
Sur
e,"
hesai
d
"
Inpr
ivat
e,"
shesai
dmaki
nga
gr
imace.
"
Uhungwany
anaomabel
ajang,
"one
oft
hel
adi
essai
d.
"
TsenaThabang,
"t
heyl
aughed
annoy
ingPr
esh.
"
Eishnnakegokel
etswe
spekepeke,
"hesai
dandev
ery
one
cr
ackedup.

Pr
eshl
ookedawayandr
oll
edher
ey
es.

"
OkayPr
esh,
(t
othewor
shi
per
s)l
adi
es
ex
cuseme,
"hesai
d.

Theymov
edaf
ewmet
ersaway
,
Pr
esht
urnedandl
ookedathi
m.
"
Uncl
esay
syoushoul
ddr
opmeof
f
att
hei
rhouse,
"shesai
d.
"
Ist
hatwhyy
ou(
sigh)
nev
ermi
nd.
I
sn'
ti
tyousl
eepi
ngaty
ourcousi
n'
s?"
"
Anoona'
s?"
"
Yesatherpl
ace,
Ithi
nkIsawher
some.
..
(l
ookedar
ound)
..
.wher
eher
e.
Oht
her
eshei
s.AMU!
"
"
DON'
T..
."

Bef
oreshecoul
dsayany
thi
ngAmu
wasal
readycomi
ngt
owar
dst
hem.
"
Hiy
ou,
"shesai
dsmi
l
ingat
Thabang,
"y
oul
ook.
..
dif
fer
ent
,"
she
sai
d.

Hehadneat
lyt
ri
mmedhi
sbear
dand
hi
shai
rcutwasf
resh.Thet
uxhe
wor
ecompl
ement
edhi
sbodyphy
sic.

"
Gooddi
ff
erentIhope,
"hebl
ushed.
"
Yesgooddi
ff
erent
."
"
Oht
hanky
ouma'
am andy
oul
ook
r
avi
shi
ngasev
er,
"hesai
d.
Pr
eshr
oll
edherey
es.

"
Hicousy
..
.wear
eleav
ing.
Thabang
i
sdr
oppi
ngmeof
f.
"
"
Ibr
oughtmycar
.I'
m doneher
eI'
m
sur
eThabangi
sti
redand.
..
"
"
NoI
'
m goi
ngt
ouncl
e'
s.Wi
l
lseey
ou
t
omor
row.Hei
sgi
vi
ngmehi
scart
o
useandi
t'
sathome.
"Pr
eshsai
d.
"
Isee,
"Amusai
d.

SheknewPr
eshwasj
ustconni
vi
ng.I
t
wasj
ustoneofhermast
erpl
ans.I
t
wasnotaboutt
hecar
,shewant
edt
o
bewi
thThabang.

"
OkayPr
esht
omor
row,
"I
'
llbegoi
ng
t
hen.ThabangIhopey
ouar
e
enj
oyi
ngt
hebook,
"shesai
d.
"
Def
ini
teLy
..
.AmucanIhav
eami
nut
e
wi
thy
ou?
"
"
Ofcour
se,
"shesai
dwal
ki
ngaway
.

Pr
eshcl
i
nchedhert
eet
htoget
her
.
Shewat
chedt
hem speakata
di
stance.Thecur
iosi
tyofwhathe
wassay
ingt
oAmuki
l
ledher
.The
wayhewasal
lsmi
l
es.Al
lthatshe
want
edi
tforher
sel
f.
..

"
..
.okayl
etmegodr
opher
of
f.
"Thabangsai
d.
"
Sur
eletmegetgoi
ng,
"shesai
d.

Thabangwal
kedbackt
oPr
esh.

"
Shal
lwe?
"
"
Ofcour
se,
"shesmi
l
ed.
*
**

"
Wow!
"Jaf
tert
ookadeepbr
eat
hand
puthi
sheadonhert
highsasshesat
ont
hecount
ert
opi
ntheki
tchen.

Anel
i
erubbedandki
ssedhi
shead.

"
Ilov
eyou,
"shewhi
sper
ed.
"
Ilov
eyoumor
e,"
shesai
d.

Thedoorbel
lrang.
"
Thatshoul
dbet
hepi
zzadel
i
ver
y
guy
,"
hesai
dpul
l
inguphi
sbox
er
pant
s.
"
Okayl
etmegett
hedr
inks.
"

Hehel
pedherhopoft
hecount
erand
wentt
ogett
hedoor
.Anel
i
efi
xedher
mi
nidr
esswal
ki
ngt
othef
ri
dgeas
semenr
andownhert
highs.She
pausedandgr
abbedapapert
owel
,
wi
pedher
sel
fandt
hrewi
tint
he
r
ubbi
shbi
n.Asshecl
osedt
hef
ri
dge
shehear
dnoi
cei
nthel
ounge.
"
Babeobat
a..
."
Shel
ookedatJaf
ter
wi
tht
hel
ady
,"
beerorcol
a?"
"
Andt
hen?
"thel
adysai
d.
"
NotnowBonni
ejustl
eav
epl
ease,
"he
sai
d.
"
Leav
e?Wanny
atsaaker
err
agwe
Cl
yde.
"

Rr
agweCl
yde?Anel
i
elookedat
Jaf
ter
.Heputt
hepi
zzaboxont
he
desk.
"
BabeIcan.
..
"Jaf
tersai
dbutBonni
e
i
nter
rupt
edhi
m bycl
appi
ngher
hands.
"
Hedi
dn'
ttel
lyouhehasachi
l
danda
f
ianceè?Shem poort
hing.
"

Anel
i
esai
dnot
hingandl
ookedathi
m.
Shef
eltherwhol
ewor
ldcr
umbl
e
down.Wast
hatt
her
easonwhyhi
s
br
otherdi
dnotwantherany
wher
e
nearJaf
ter
?

"
Shutupwena.BabeIcan.
..
"
"
Sav
eitJay
,"
shesai
drunni
ngt
othe
bedr
oom.

Tear
swel
l
edupherf
aceassher
an
up.

"
Iwanty
ououtofmyhouseanddon'
t
ev
erusemysont
oset
tl
escor
eswi
th
mewankut
waBonang?
"
"
Iam st
il
lyourf
ianceèand.
..
"
"
Notany
mor
e.Nowl
eav
ebef
oreI
makey
ou,
"hesai
d.
Hel
eftBonni
est
andi
ngt
her
eand
wentt
othebedr
oom.Anel
i
ehad
packedupherbag.

"
BabeIcanex
plai
n,
"hesai
d.
"
HeyJonnycany
oucomepi
ckmeup
atJaf
ter
's,
"shesobbedt
alki
ngt
othe
phone.
"
AtJaf
ter
's?Wai
tar
eyoucr
ying?
OkayI
'
m onmyway
."

Shegr
abbedherbagbutJaf
terst
ood
att
hedoor
.
"
Kopagof
etaJaf
ter
,"
shesai
d.
"
Notunt
ily
ouhearmeout
,"
hesai
d.
"
Ther
eisabsol
utel
ynot
hingt
oher
e
out
,r
ianagokef
ete.
"
"
Babepl
ease.
..
"

Hewascutshor
tbyheri
ntensegl
are.

"
Okaybutj
ustknowIl
ovey
ou,
I'
ll
cal
l
y
oui
nthemor
ning.
"

Shei
gnor
edhi
m andwal
kedout
.In
t
hel
i
vingr
oom Bonni
eopenedt
he
boxofpi
zzaandt
ookt
hedr
inkAnel
i
e
hadgot
tenher
sel
f.Shel
ookedupas
Anel
i
ewal
kedi
n.

"
Leti
tbet
hel
astt
imeIf
indy
ouher
e
becausei
twon'
tendni
ce.
"She
t
hreat
ened.

Anel
i
eignor
edher
.Shecr
ied
hy
ster
ical
l
yasshewai
tedf
orher
y
oungerbr
otherout
sidet
hey
ard.
*
**

Af
termaki
ngt
hemenuf
ort
he
openi
ngcer
emonyoft
hebout
ique
Di
ket
sopoppedupabot
tl
eofMoet
.

"
Thi
swhatIcal
ladr
eam come
t
rue,
"shesai
dsmi
l
ing.

Bamesmi
l
edbutdeepdownshe
wi
shedf
ort
hewor
stf
orherf
ri
end.
Di
ket
sowasnotsoeducat
edl
i
keher
.
Thef
urt
hestshehadgonewi
th
educat
ionwasanNCCi
ncar
pent
ry
whi
chshedi
dnotcompl
eteand
she(
Bame)hadgr
aduat
edwi
tha
degr
eef
rom Wi
tsUni
ver
sit
y.

"
I'
m sohappyf
ory
ouchoma,
"she
sai
dtaki
ngagl
assf
rom Di
ket
so.
"
Cheer
s?"
"
Cheer
s,"
shesai
dherhear
tdr
ippi
ng
wi
thscor
n.
"
So(
puthergl
assont
het
abl
e)Af
tera
muchneededt
houghtIdeci
dedt
o
hi
rey
ou,
"Di
ket
sosai
d.
"
What
?"
"
Justsayy
esandweon.
"
"
O.M.
G!"
"
IknowIwon'
tpayy
oumuchl
ooki
ng
aty
ourqual
i
ficat
ionsbutIf
igur
ed
y
ou'
dhel
pmewi
thal
otf
rom what
y
oul
ear
ntat
..
."
"
Arey
ouki
ddi
ngme?DudeIhav
en'
t
wor
kedsi
nceIl
eftschool
..
.ohmy
Godt
hisi
sal
ot.
"

Theyhugged.
Bamewi
pedhert
ear
sandf
annedher
sel
fwi
thherhand.

"
Soar
eyoui
n?"
Diket
soasked
"
Ofcour
se,
God!Youser
iousl
yaski
ng
met
hat
?"

Theyl
aughed.

"
Good,
sincewej
ustst
art
ingI
'
dgi
ve
y
ou3.
5kandy
ouwi
l
lst
ayher
efor
f
reeandI
'
llbuyt
hef
oodandset
tl
e
t
hebi
l
ls.Butchor
eswedot
hem
t
oget
her
."
"
Tsal
ayamebat
ho,
"shesmi
l
ed.
"
Bamey
ouhav
ebeenmyf
ri
endsi
nce
andIcan'
tbemov
ingf
orwar
dand
l
eav
eyouhel
aont
sekogae.Oy
ago
di
raj
angkabana?
"
"
Wel
lI'
l
ltaket
hem bot
htocr
eche.
Leo'
sdadhasal
readybeenpay
ing
ev
ery
thi
ngf
orhi
m,I
'
lldoy
agaFena
becausehi
sdadenekes*
***
ohel
a."
"
Sal
ekegokgal
emel
etseSam l
e
wenakwa!
"Di
ket
sot
eased.
"
Tsal
a!Moghodoi
yol
eadi
kwaba.
"
Theyl
aughed.

"
Letmecal
lmom.
..
ohmyGod!
"

*
**

Jonnypul
l
edov
er.Anel
i
egoti
nthe
backseat
.

"
Arey
ouokay
?"
"
Keshar
p,"
shesai
d.
"
Babet
hisi
sLy
nda,
babet
hat
'smy
si
sterAnel
i
e,"
hesai
d.
"
Hi,
"Ly
ndasai
dshy
ly.
"
HeyLy
nda,
"Anel
i
esai
dasal
ump
f
ormedatt
het
hroat
.

Theydr
ovesi
l
ent
lyanddr
oppedher
athome.

"
Arey
ousur
eyougoi
ngt
obe
okay
?"heasked.

Shemadeanod.
"
Okaygoi
nwi
l
lwai
tfory
out
oget
i
n,
"hesai
d.
"
Thanks.Wasni
cemeet
ingy
ou
Ly
nda,
"shesai
d.
"
Likewi
se,
"Ly
ndasai
d.

*
**

AtmyhouseVi
nsatont
hecouch.
Ther
ewasnowayhewassl
eepi
ng
ont
hef
loor
.
Hi
sphoner
ang.
"
HeyJonny
,"
heanswer
ed
"
Youhomer
ight
?"
"
Nowhy
?"heasked.
"
Ijustdr
oppedNel
offandl
ooksl
i
ke
shebeencr
ying,
"hesai
d.
"
Whyam Inotsur
pri
sed?Wasshe
wi
thJaf
ter
?"Vi
nasked.
"
Yep.
..
pickedherupathi
spl
acea
whi
l
ebackandi
magi
neni
ggal
ether
st
andout
sidei
nthedar
k
al
one,
"Jonnynar
rat
ed.
"
Ser
vesherr
ight
.Iwar
nedherabout
Jaf
terandshef
eltIwasupi
nher
busi
ness.Lethercr
yIdon'
tcar
e,she
i
nvi
tedt
heheadacheher
sel
f.
"
"
Okayni
ght
."
"
ByeJonny
."

Het
hrewt
hephonenex
ttohi
m and
si
ghedcov
eri
nghi
sface.

"
Ever
ythi
ngokay
?"
"
Gat
weAnel
i
eishomecr
ying.Jonny
nt
seamodr
opal
i
kenowf
rom
Jaf
ter
's.Nnakanaer
il
ekebuaebe
l
efeel
ergor
eI'
m bei
nganass.Now
see.MmeJaf
terot
ony
*ll
a
ngwana,
"hesai
d.

Ikeptqui
et.

"
Babet
lhemmacanIcomesl
eep?
"
"
Okay
."

Her
anandj
umpedi
nbedandst
art
ed
t
ickl
i
ngme.Wegi
ggl
edandhegoton
t
opofme.
*
**

Byt
het
imeThabangandPr
eshgott
o
t
hepr
ophet
'spl
aceev
ery
onewas
t
her
e.

"
Iwi
l
lbegoi
ngt
oaf
ri
end'
shouse
t
odaywi
l
lcal
lacab.
"Hesai
d.
"
I'
ll
bej
usthomet
omor
rowi
nthe
mor
ning.Pr
eshwi
l
ltaket
heot
hercar
t
akeBenz
."pr
ophetsai
d
"
Thanky
ou.Letmegetgoi
ng.
Goodni
ghtt
hen,
"hesai
d.
"
Yougoi
ngt
obedal
ready
?"Pr
esh
askedwal
ki
ngi
nfr
om t
heki
tchen
wi
thabowl
ofcer
eal
s.
"
Yeahhav
etodr
ivet
omyf
ri
end'
s.
"he
sai
d.

Thedi
sappoi
ntmenti
nherf
acewas
ev
identbutshequi
ckl
yfl
asheda
smi
l
e.

"
Okay
.Tomor
rowt
hen,
"shesai
d.

*
**
Ear
lyt
henex
tmor
ningPr
eshl
ooked
att
hecarr
egi
str
ati
onnumberagai
n.
Thesewasdef
ini
tel
yheruncl
e'
sBenz
.
Shest
eppedoutf
ixi
ngherpenci
lski
rt
andwal
kedt
othehousel
ooki
ngat
t
hecarpar
kednex
ttoAmu'
s.

"
Whyi
sThabangher
e?hermi
ndr
aced
assheknockedont
hedoor
.

St
ori
esByAmy
Sor
ryguy
swasr
aini
ngl
astni
ghtand
If
eel
asl
eept
ypi
ng.Wokeupawhi
l
e
backandr
emember
edt
hatIhadnot
f
ini
shedt
ypi
ng.

Nex
tinser
tar
ound6pm.
BEWI
TCHED

#40

Kel
etsowokeupandwentt
othe
t
oil
et.Sher
ubbedt
hemucusl
i
ke
subst
ancef
rom herpant
iesbet
ween
herf
inger
sandsmel
tit
.Herhear
t
becameheav
yfr
om t
het
houghtof
t
het
hokol
osi
sleepi
ngwi
thher
.For
t
hepastcoupl
eofday
ssheal
way
s
dr
eamtmaki
ngl
ovet
oahandsome
manandi
tamaz
edherhowi
tfel
tso
r
eal
.Despi
teal
lthathersex
ual
dri
ve
hadj
ustdr
oppeddr
ast
ical
l
y.Men
di
dn'
tseem t
oint
erestherany
mor
e,
ex
ceptf
orone.Notonce,
nott
wice
hadshet
houghtofmaki
ngl
ovet
o
hi
m.I
tfel
twr
ongbutei
therwayshe
wasgoi
ngt
odoi
t,shej
usthadt
o.
Shewi
pedher
sel
fandf
lushedt
he
t
oil
et.
"
Ihat
eyouDi
kel
edi
.Ir
eal
l
yhat
e
y
ou,
"shesai
dbi
tt
erl
y.

*
**

Pr
esht
ri
edt
hedoorandi
tswang
open.
Shewal
kedi
nhol
dingherbr
eat
h.
Ther
ewasnoonei
nthel
oungeso
shewal
kedt
other
ooms.Shehear
d
gi
ggl
esf
rom Amu'
sbedr
oom and
l
ookedt
hrought
hesl
i
ghtopeni
ngon
t
hedoor
.Shesqui
ntedherey
esabi
t
l
ooki
ngatt
hef
igur
ethatcl
angt
oher
cousi
nswai
st.

Herwhol
ebodygr
ewcol
dandshe
putherhandov
erhermout
h.She
bl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imesast
heduo'
s
l
i
pst
ouchedt
ryi
ngt
opr
ocessi
tal
l
.It
hur
thermor
ethanshehadt
houghti
t
woul
d.

"
Thanky
ou,
"shesai
dast
heybr
oke
f
rom t
heki
ss.
"
Not
hanky
oumyl
ady
.Ir
eal
l
yhada
gr
eatt
ime,
"hesai
d.
"
Sodi
dI,
"shesai
d,"
Igott
ogetgoi
ng.
"
"
Yeahmet
oobutf
ir
stIwantt
opass
atmyot
hercousi
n'
spl
ace.
"
"
Okay
."

Amucl
osedherey
esasheki
ssedher
f
orehead.Her
ubbedherl
i
pwi
tha
si
ngl
est
rokeofhi
sthumb.

"
Takecar
ebeaut
ypr
incess.
"

Pr
eshr
ant
othespar
eroom as
Thabangheadedt
othedoor
.

"
Babe?
"Amucal
l
edout
.
"
Mma?
"
"
Don'
tfor
gett
odr
opof
fthecer
ti
fi
ed
copyofy
ouri
dlat
eront
heguyIsent
y
ourCVt
owant
sanewone.
."
"
Wil
lbr
ingi
tar
oundl
uncht
ime.Let
's
gor
etakgaoganeout
side.
"
"
Okay
."

*
**
IshookVi
n.

"
Ngngbabe.Letmesl
eep,
"hesai
d.
"
Babei
t'
sal
ready8am,
"Isai
d.
"
What
?"

Hesatupandpul
l
edhi
sphone.

"
Shi
t!y
oual
mostgotmer
ightt
her
e.
KanaIhav
eli
kesi
xbooked
appoi
ntment
sbef
oret
en.
"
"
Wakeupt
hen.Gobat
h.I
'
llmakey
ou
br
eakf
ast
,"
shesai
d.
"
Por
ri
dge?
"
"
Okay
.(babyki
ssedhi
m)nowgoand
bat
h."

*
**

Bamecal
l
edhermot
heraf
terhav
ing
herbr
eakf
ast
.

"
Hel
l
omygi
rl
,"
hermot
heranswer
ed.
"
Dumel
ang.
"
"
Ee.Lat
soga?
"sheasked.
"
Eemma.I
sn'
tFenagi
vi
ngy
ou
pr
obl
ems?
"
"
Notatal
lmygi
rl
;"
hermot
her
sai
d,"
Leot
oo.Theyar
enotbad,
he
j
ustl
eftf
orschool
."
"
Ohokay
.Iwi
l
lbuyel
ect
ri
cit
ywhenI
gett
owor
klat
er.
"
"
Otabeor
ebel
egennana.And
pl
easeonz
amel
efi
vepul
a."
"
Iwi
l
lcr
edi
tyourphonewi
thp50and.
pl
easedon'
ttel
lpapabecausenkase
l
ebone.
"
"
Myl
i
psar
eseal
ed.
"hermot
hersai
d.
"
Okay
..
.mamal
etmegosomeonei
s
knocki
ngatt
hedoor
."
"
Byemygi
rl
.Don'
tfor
getmyai
rt
ime
andpl
easecheckony
oursi
ster
,"
she
r
emi
ndedher
.
"
Eemma.
"

Shehangupandwentt
othedoor
.

"
Oh.
..
dumel
ang?
"thehandsomeman
sai
d.

Hehadt
hemostdaz
zli
ngey
es.She
smi
l
edandl
osther
sel
finanut
opi
a.
Hewast
hePr
inceandshewast
he
pr
incessandt
heyl
i
vedhappi
l
yev
er
af
ter
.Theend.

"
Hel
l
o?"
hesai
dwav
inghi
shandov
er
herf
ace.
"
Ohsor
ry,
I.
..
nev
ermi
ndcanIhel
p
y
ou?
"
"
Act
ual
l
yyoucan.OkaeDK?
"

Shewonder
edi
fhewasherboy
fri
end.

"
Youj
ustmi
ssedher
,"
shesai
d
st
eppi
ngout
sideandcl
osedt
hedoor
behi
ndher
.
"
Ohsnap.Doy
ouhav
ehernumber
?
Whatam Isay
ingy
ouobv
iousl
ydo.
CanIhav
eit
?"

Hedoesn'
thav
ehernumberokay
.So
t
hatcanonl
ymean'
hei
snother
boy
fri
end.
'

"
Mma?
"
"
Eishsor
ry.Ev
eni
fIhadi
tIwoul
dn'
t
gi
vei
ttoy
ou.Woul
dbebesti
fyou
goti
tfr
om her
.Idon'
tmeant
osound
r
udebut
..
."
"
NoIunder
stand.Tot
all
yIguessi
l
l
seeherwhenIcomebackf
rom UK
nex
tyear
.Thankst
hough,
"hesai
d.
"
Sor
ryneah.
"shesmi
l
edr
eveal
i
ngher
whi
tet
eet
h
"
It
scool
.Ni
cet
eet
hbyt
heway
,"
he
smi
l
ed.

Bamebl
ushedspeechl
ess.

"
Youwel
come.I
'
llt
akemyl
eav
e."
he
sai
d.

Hel
eftandshegoti
nsi
dest
il
lsmi
l
ing.
Ther
ewasnowayshewasgoi
ngt
o
l
etDi
kel
edi
andhi
m dat
e.Nev
er.

"
Whowast
hat
?"Di
ket
soasked
get
ti
ngoutoft
hebat
hroom.
"
AhIdon'
tev
enr
emember
,"
she
l
i
ed,
"hur
ryupt
lhemmawenammao
bony
a.Wai
tseIcan'
tcanwai
tyou
r
eal
l
ydel
ayi
ngme.
"
Di
ket
sol
aughed,
"IbeatIam.Andoh
myy
oul
ookl
i
keheav
en.
"

Bamet
ookaspi
nar
ound.Shewor
ea
f
lat
ter
ingwr
apar
ounddr
esst
hat
Di
ket
sohadboughtandnev
erwor
n
bef
orewi
thapai
rofDi
ket
so'
shi
gh
heel
edpumps.

"
G.Compont
shang!Rey
aCBDl
ater
aker
etsal
a?"
"
Nny
ammai
fIhadsomet
hingt
o
wearar
edl
i
ttl
esomet
hingny
ana.
Kanamyt
ummyef
latf
lataf
tert
wo
ki
ds.Ineedt
oshowof
fthi
sgl
ori
ous
genes.
"
"
Tsenagi
rl
.Magi
taamonohav
e
nev
erbeenr
eady
!"Di
ket
sosai
d.

Theyl
aughed.

"
Ker
waaah!
"Bameadded
Di
ket
sol
aughed,
"wel
ltheymust
know!
"

*
**

"
Uhuwesl
eptwi
tht
hedooropened.
"
"
NoIhadgoneoutawhi
l
ebackt
o
st
artt
hecar
s,"
Amusai
d.
"
Oh.
..
(sawt
heBenz
)yourdad.
..
ohno
kePr
esh.Shei
sher
eal
ready
?"he
asked.
"
Wai
tsekana.Butdi
dshehav
eto
bl
ockusi
n.Letmegocal
lhersoshe
mov
est
hecar
."

Amuputherbr
ief
caseont
opofher
carandwal
kedbacki
nsi
de.

*
**
Fr
om Kgal
eHi
l
l,Jaf
terwentst
rai
ght
t
otheWr
ight
's.Hehadt
ri
edAnel
i
e's
phonef
oracoupl
eoft
imesbutshe
hadnott
akenev
enasi
ngl
eoneofhi
s
cal
l
s.

"
Yesmom Ij
ustt
ookt
hem
out
side,
"shesai
d.
"
Thosedogsbet
ternotmessmy
car
pet
.Fort
hei
rowngoodIr
eal
l
y
hopey
out
ookt
hem out
side,
"her
mot
hersai
d.
"
Mom I
'
m out
sider
ightnowwi
th.
..
"
Shest
oppedt
alki
ngast
hegat
e
opened.

"
..
.mom l
etmegetbackt
oyou.
"

Shehangupandcal
l
edt
hedogs.

"
Insi
de.
"

Thedogsr
ani
nsi
de.
"
Canwet
alk?
"
"
Ihav
enot
hingt
osayt
oyou;
"shesai
d.
"
FineIunder
standbutcany
ouat
l
eastl
i
stent
owhatIhav
etosay
?"
"
NoJaf
terbecauseI
'
mfeedupwi
th
menl
yi
ngt
ome.
"
"
ButInev
erl
i
edt
oyou.
"
"
Ohsonott
ell
i
ngmey
ouhav
eachi
l
d
andaf
uckenf
ianceèi
snotal
yi
ng?
Youdi
dn'
thav
etobev
ocal
.Youl
i
ed
per
iod!Whof
uckenl
i
esabouta
chi
l
d..
.achi
l
dJaf
ter
?yourownbl
ood
ser
iousl
y?"
shesai
drai
singherv
oice.
Sher
emember
edhowMi
l
'sf
ather
haddeni
edbot
hherandt
hebaby
.

"
Youmenar
edogs.Act
ual
l
yyou
wor
set
handogsbecauseat
least
dogsar
enotsel
fcent
redl
i
key
ou.
"
"
It
sokayf
ory
out
obeangr
y..
.l
ook
BabeIshoul
dhav
ebeenhonestwi
th
y
oubutwehadj
ustst
art
eddat
ing
and.
..
"
"
Andwhat
?Youhadj
ustmetwi
thme
andst
il
lfuckedmer
aw.Di
dn'
tthat
cl
i
cki
nyourdul
lskul
l
,thatwej
ust
st
art
eddat
ing?
"Shef
umed.

*
**

"
Preci
ous?
"

I
nsi
det
hebedr
oom,
Preshwi
pedof
f
hert
ear
s.Shegother
sel
fcomposed
andsatup.Amuknockedonceont
he
doorandgoti
nsi
de.

"
Hey
,"
Amusmi
l
ed,
"Idi
dn'
tknowy
ou
ar
eher
e."
Pr
eci
ousl
ookedatherandsai
d
not
hing.

"
Comemov
ethecar
,"
shesai
d
admi
ri
ngher
sel
fint
hemi
rr
or.
"
YouknowAmoonaIdi
dn'
tknowy
ou
wer
ethi
ssel
fi
sh.
"
"
Excuseme?
"
"
Youhear
dmer
ight
.Youknowv
ery
wel
lIwant
edhi
m butohnoy
ouj
ust
hadt
oAmu.Soj
ustbecauseIhada
backgr
oundy
ouhadt
ohav
etheonl
y
manIev
ert
rul
yfal
l
enf
or?
"
"
Yousounbel
i
evabl
eyouknowt
hat
?
Pl
usImetThabangf
ir
standhe
doesn'
tl
ikey
ou,
"Amusai
dfol
dingher
hands.
"
Andhel
i
kesy
ou?Ohpl
ease!Seet
he
t
hingwi
thy
oui
syout
hinky
ouar
ea
sai
ntandwoul
dhol
dmyl
i
fest
yle
agai
nstmeandpr
esenty
our
sel
fas
bet
ter
..
.ani
deal
wif
emodel
.You
won'
tfool
mebecauseIknowy
ou.
..I
knowex
act
lywhaty
ouaewcapabl
e
of
.Isawhowy
oucheat
edy
oul
ong
t
imeboy
fri
endwi
thKr
is.Got
pr
egnantwhi
l
eati
tandt
hankst
he
heav
enst
ookt
hatbast
ardchi
l
d..
."

Asl
apl
andedonPr
esh.Shehel
dher
cheekf
umi
ngatAmu.

"
Nev
erev
ercal
lmychi
l
dabast
ard
y
oupi
g!"
"
Pigr
eal
l
y?I
sthatt
hebesty
ougot
l
oosepant
ies?Letmet
ell
youwhoi
s
t
hebet
terpi
g.You.I
'
mver
ygl
admy
uncl
edi
dn'
tev
enf
athery
oubl
oody
bast
ardchi
l
d.Iknownowwhoy
ou
r
eal
l
ytakeaf
ter
."
"
Excuseme?
"shesai
dconf
uses.Al
l
t
hiswasnewst
oherandPr
eshwas
obv
iousl
ysay
ingt
hist
ohur
ther
.
"
Ohy
oudi
dn'
tknow?Fl
ashnewsmy
uncl
eisnoty
ourf
ather
.Henev
erwas.
Hei
snotev
eny
oury
oungersi
ster
's
f
ather
."

Shet
ookherl
uggagebagandpushed
pastAmu,
"bi
tch!
"

Amupul
l
edherbyherhai
rcl
i
pin'
s.
"
I'
ll
showy
ouwhatabi
tchdoes
whor
e!"
Amut
ri
ppedherandt
hrew
Pr
esh'
shai
rthatshewashol
ding.

Pr
eshscr
eamedasAmusatont
op
ofherpunchi
ngher
.

"
I'
ll
teachy
out
haty
oudon'
tcomet
o
myhouseandi
nsul
ti
ngme(
punched
her
).
..
insul
ti
ngmypar
ent
s(sl
apped
her
)ar
enot(
pinchedher
)yourage
mat
esy
ouungr
atef
ulpeasant
!"
Thabangr
ani
nandt
ookAmuof
f
Pr
esh.

"
Nol
etmef
ini
shof
fthi
sbl
oody
r
etar
ded.
"
"
Leti
tgo.Shei
snotwor
thi
tbabes.
Shei
snotwor
thi
t,
"Thabang
whi
sper
edr
est
ri
cti
ngherhands.

Tear
swel
l
edupherf
acel
ooki
ngat
hercousi
n.

"
Getout
!"
Shecr
ied.
"
Wit
hpl
easur
e."

Shegr
abbedherbagandpaused
l
ooki
ngi
nThabang'
sey
es.

"
Ihopey
ouknowwhaty
ousi
gni
ngup
f
orbodybecauseshei
swor
set
han
Jez
ebel
,
"Pr
eshsai
dwi
pinghermout
h.
"
Act
ual
l
yIki
ndofl
i
kemywomanl
i
ke
t
hat
.Nowl
eav
e!"
Thabangsai
dwi
th
annoy
ance.

Embar
rassedPr
eshwal
kedout
.
*
**

Af
terVi
nhadhi
ssof
tpor
ri
dgeIwor
e
adr
essandwal
kedhi
m home.He
hadagr
eedt
oletmeusehi
scaraf
ter
dr
oppi
nghi
m of
fatt
hehospi
tal
.If
elt
hi
shandt
ight
enar
oundmi
ne.Hi
s
moodhadchangedatt
hesi
ghtof
Mar
ti
n'
scar
.

"
Promi
seonet
hingbabe,
thatno
mat
terwhaty
ouwon'
tfi
ghthi
m."
"
Idon'
tmakepr
omi
sesIknowIwon'
t
beabl
etokeep,
"hesai
d.

STORI
ESBY:
EMY-
BECKY

Busyday
.St
il
lst
ruggl
i
ngt
ofi
nda
per
fectt
imet
opostbecauseIhav
e
t
hemosti
nconsi
stentschedul
e.

Nex
tinser
tonMondaymor
ning.
Bewi
tched

#41
"
Nosi
rthet
hingi
sIgotmuggedt
his
mor
ningwhenIwasl
i
vingmypl
ace
and.
..
"
"
Andi
t'
shonest
lynoneofmy
busi
nessy
oungl
adybecausehad
y
oubookedy
our
sel
finawel
lsecur
ed
hot
ely
ouwoul
dn'
tbecr
yingf
owl
.
Li
stent
hisaccountmeansev
ery
thi
ng
t
omeandbyev
ery
thi
ngImean
ev
ery
thi
ng.Tr
ustmeshoul
dyoubai
l
outont
heex
hibi
ti
onIwi
l
lper
sonal
l
y
makesur
eyounev
erseet
he
br
eaki
ngofday
.DoImakemy
sel
f
cl
eary
oungMi
ss?
"
Sheswal
l
owedhar
d,"
yes.
"
"
Andwhatwast
hatagai
n?"
"
Yessi
ryouar
ecl
ear
.Ver
ycl
ear
."
"
Goodt
hatwi
l
lbeal
landgoodl
uck
y
ouwi
l
lneedi
t.
"

Shet
hrewherphoneont
he
passengerseatandsi
ghedcov
eri
ng
herf
ace.Herwhol
ebodywasachi
ng
f
rom t
hewhol
etussl
eshehadwi
th
Amu.Agi
tat
edshecl
i
ckedhert
ongue
andl
ookedher
sel
fint
hemi
rr
or.She
r
anherhandsov
ert
heswol
l
eney
e
andmassagedi
ttender
ly.

"
Ouch,
"shef
li
nched,
"t
hatbl
oody
whor
e."

Herbosshadl
efthernochoi
ce.She
hadoncount
lessoccasi
ons
ov
erhear
dpeopl
etal
kofMrNy
athi
'
s
br
utal
i
ty.Ther
ewasnowayshewas
goi
ngt
odef
yhi
m.Amake-
upcov
er
woul
ddo,
not
hingapai
rofsponge
andconceal
ercoul
dn'
tachi
eve.She
woul
dseeadoct
oraf
terher
pr
esent
ati
onshehaddeci
ded.

*
**

Af
terhav
inghi
steaMar
ti
ntr
iedmy
numberagai
n.Whathehadsai
dto
met
heot
herdayeathi
m up.Heput
hi
sphonedowndi
sappoi
ntedasIcut
hi
scal
l
.

"
Oshar
p?"
"
Eishl
ait
iyakakedubi
l
emot
shel
o.
Messedupbi
gti
me,
"hesai
d.
"
Can'
tbet
hatbad,
"Lef
asai
d
"
Trustmei
t'
swor
se.Ihav
ethe
wor
ld'
smostamaz
ingbabymama
andwehadami
sunder
standi
ngshe
sai
dmeant
hingst
ommaBoar
dwhi
l
e
ati
tandIsai
dsomer
udeshi
ttoher
t
ooker
eI'
m st
andi
ngupf
or
mmaBoar
d(gi
rl
fr
iend)
,"
heex
plai
ned.
"
Youcompar
edt
hem?
"
"
Yeaht
hatandmor
e.Monnaei
sh.
..
"
"
Nowt
hat
'sf
uckedup.Mmehel
adi
babymamaar
eful
lofdr
ama.I
sn'
ti
t
shei
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edkant
ene?
"
"
That
'st
het
hingkanannaMmagwe
Ruowammakat
sa.Forheri
t'
sokaya
y
alengwanakomonnengwagagwe.
NnaI
'
m notev
enal
l
owedt
obr
ingmy
gi
rlov
ert
omypl
acegat
weke
i
ntr
oducerngwanamomabel
eteng.
Howsi
cki
sthat
!"
"
Heysi
kal
oEf
a!Goodl
uckwi
tht
hat
mmehel
athi
sIcant
ell
youi
fyou
don'
tdr
awboundar
ieswi
thhershe
wi
l
lal
way
scauset
roubl
esi
nyour
r
elat
ionshi
ps.Shewi
l
lenduphappy
mar
ri
edwenaot
shel
akagoj
a
l
ebo(
whi
l
eyoumast
urbat
e)because
nowomanwi
l
lst
andt
hatbul
l
shi
t.I
ra
kapekaweneedt
ogosl
aught
ert
he
cow.
"

Lef
apathi
m ont
hebackandwent
i
nsi
de.Hemadeanot
herphonecal
l
.

"
Hel
l
o?"

Ther
ewassi
l
enceatt
heot
herend.

"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Ee?
"
"
Aobabemmagat
weee?
"
"
Whatdoy
ouwantMar
ti
n?"
sheasked
"
Jesst
lhemmaI
'
m sor
ryf
orwhat
happenedonWednesday
."
"
It
sokay
."
"
Ser
ious?GodbabeIl
ove.
..
"
"
List
enMat
tIf
orgi
vey
oubutdoesn'
t
meanIam comi
ngback.Let
'ssayI
hav
echoosent
olov
eyouf
rom a
di
stance.Ihopey
ouf
indsomeone
el
sebecausennaIwon'
tbei
na
r
elat
ionshi
pwer
emyman'
sbaby
mamai
sgoi
ngt
obeat
hreatt
omy
peace.
"
"
Trustmeshei
snotl
i
ket
hat
.Ify
ou
gett
oknowhery
ouwi
l
l.
..
"
"
SeeMar
ti
nthat
'st
het
hing.
..
you
al
way
sgoi
ngt
otr
yjust
if
ythebad
t
hingsshedoesandt
hat
'ssomet
hing
Iwon'
tbeabl
etol
i
vewi
th.By
e
Mar
ti
n."

Shehangupbef
oreshecoul
dsay
anot
herwor
d.

"
Damni
tDi
kel
edi
,
"hecur
sed.

*
**
Amusatdownl
eani
ngagai
nstt
he
couchasThabangmassagedher
shoul
der
s.Shest
il
lcoul
dn'
tputher
headar
oundmostoft
het
hings
Pr
eshhadsai
d.Ther
ewasnowayon
ear
thshewasn'
therf
ather
'schi
l
d.

"
Haunakukuv
araher
e?"
he
asked,
"babe?
"

Thabangshookher
.
"
Chi
i
?"
"
Iwasaski
ngi
fyouar
eokay
.May
be
weshoul
dgett
hatchecked.
"hesai
d
l
ooki
ngatt
hebr
uisedknuckl
es.
"
Iwi
l
lmangwana《t
ommor
row》
t
hat
'si
fit
'sst
il
lswol
l
en.Ri
ght
now(
massagedherst
rai
nedneck)
all
I
needi
ssomer
est
.Wi
l
lcal
lPeneand
t
ell
hert
ocancel
all
my
appoi
ntment
s."
"
That
'ssoundsl
i
keapl
anhowev
er
I
'
m sot
aki
ngy
ououtoft
hishouse.
Youneedt
obr
eat
h.I
'
llgoi
ntr
oduce
y
out
omycousi
n.Howaboutt
hat
?"
"
Now?
"
"
Yesunl
essy
ouwantust
otake
t
hingssl
ow,
"hesai
d.
"
No.
..
no.I
'
llgobutl
etmegochange
myshoesf
ir
st.
"

Heki
ssedherhand,
shesmi
l
edback
athi
m herey
esgl
i
tter
ingwi
thso
muchaf
fect
ionf
orhi
m.

"
Okayhur
ryupt
hen,
"hesai
dlet
ti
ng
goof
fherhand.
*
**

Wi
tht
heschool
sonbr
eakt
her
e
wasn'
tmuchf
orKel
etsot
odo.She
hadf
ini
shedcl
eani
ngherapar
tment
andgotbor
edwat
chi
ngsomesoap
omni
bus.

"
Heybabe,
"sheanswer
ed,
"wher
eyou
at
?"
"
Mor
ningl
over
,I'
m att
he
bout
ique,
"Di
ket
soanswer
ed.
"
Okaysendmet
hedet
ail
sket
e
ko,
"shesai
d,"
sobor
edher
eathome
count
ingsheeps.
"
"
Justcal
lmewheny
ouar
eby
Mascom of
fi
cesmoKBmal
l
."
"
Okayshar
p,"
shesai
d,"
tl
hemmao
t
seny
eor
dery
api
zzahool
efael
e
r
eal
deal
'
nyanaI
'
m sohungr
y."
"
Wenababeor
atadi
j
o.OkaynanaI
'
ll
do.Hur
ryupbecauseIhav
etobe
somewher
einanhour
."
"
Okayby
e."
"
Shar
p."
Bamel
ookedatDi
ket
so.

"
Bent
en?
"Bameaskedcur
iousl
y
"
MeBent
en?Wal
wal
aaker
e?"
Laughed,
"ket
arengkebonao
r
umar
uma.Doy
ouev
enhav
ea
boy
fri
end?
"
"
Whoneedsaboy
fri
endpl
ust
heguyI
l
i
kedoesn'
tseem i
nter
est
ed.
"Di
ket
so
sai
d
"
AndI
'
mlear
ningaboutt
his
now,
any
oneIknow?
"Bameasked.
"
Wel
l
,"f
ixedt
hedr
esshangi
ngont
he
r
ail
,
"Ionl
yseenhi
mli
ket
wice.Hei
s
t
all
(smi
l
ed)
handsome,
ver
ycl
ean.
Funnyt
hinghowIdi
dn'
tseehi
m
t
odaywhenwel
eftbecausehei
s
al
way
sout
sidewhenIl
eav
eint
he
mor
ning.
"
"
Oh?
"Bamesai
dshamef
ull
y
r
emember
ingt
heguywhohadcome
ov
er.May
bet
hatwashi
m butei
ther
wayshedi
dn'
treal
l
ymuchcar
e.
"
Ifhei
syour
syouwi
l
lhav
ehi
m but
agai
nli
key
ousai
d'whoneedsa
boy
fri
end'
any
way
s?Wenaf
ocuson
t
hisbabyr
ighther
e,t
hisi
syourgat
e
passt
oabr
ight
erf
utur
e."
"
Wai
tsekeeng?Youar
esor
ight
.A
manwi
l
lonl
ydi
str
actme,
"Di
ket
so
sai
dsmi
l
ing.
"
Sowhowast
hatont
hephone?
"she
askedwi
thsomuchcur
iosi
ty.
"
Myl
i
lsi
ster
.Shewant
smet
oor
der
herpi
zzadoy
ouwantsomet
oo?
"
"
Nny
annakei
pat
elacheesegr
il
lery
a
Spar,
"shesai
d.
"
Okayl
et'
sgo.Wewi
l
ldosome
wi
ndowshoppi
ngwhi
l
ewewai
tfor
her
.May
bey
ouwi
l
lfi
ndt
hel
i
ttl
e
bl
ackdr
essf
orsebed(
CBD)
."
"
May
beIwi
l
l,
"shesai
dandt
heduo
shar
edal
augh.

*
**

Whi
l
egoi
ngt
hroughherol
dst
uff
Kel
etsof
oundanol
dst
uff
edi
ndol
l
t
hatusedt
obel
ongt
ome.Ihadgi
ven
i
ttoheronher8t
hbi
rt
hday
.She
l
ookedati
tforsomet
imeandf
or
somewei
rdr
easont
houghti
twoul
d
becut
ewi
thmyf
aceoni
t.I
nher
phot
oal
bum shef
oundaphot
oof
meandcutof
ftheheadandgl
uedi
t
t
othedol
l
.

"
Per
fect
,"
shel
aughedsar
cast
ical
l
y.

Unconsci
ousl
yshehadgonet
hrough
herut
il
it
ycompar
tmentandf
oundan
ar
rayneedl
es.

"
Wil
lseey
oul
ater
,"
shesai
dput
ti
ng
t
hev
oodoodol
lnex
ttot
heneedl
es.

Shel
etoutaf
adesmi
l
eandcl
osed
t
hecompar
tment
.
"
Rel
axy
ougott
hisbabygi
rl
,"
shesai
d
af
terf
ixi
ngherl
i
pst
ickt
hathad
smudge.

*
**

Vi
npunchedhi
m agai
n.Al
lthi
sti
me
Jaf
terdi
dnotl
ayahandonhi
m.

"
Gor
epor
tmeaf
tert
hisbl
oody
skunk!
"Vi
nshout
ed.
Thef
actt
hatJaf
tersai
dnot
hing
pr
ovokedVi
nev
enmor
e.Hef
elt
i
nsul
tedbyi
t.

"
Soy
ounotgoi
ngt
ofuckenr
espond?
Huh!
(punch)
Youwannamake
me(
punch)
feel
li
keabl
oody
f
ool
?(sl
ap)
huhi
sthati
tnf
ethu?Bea
mandamni
t!
"
"
Enough!
"Anel
i
ecr
ied,
"enough
pl
ease.
"
"
Wenashutup.Shutt
hehel
lup
bef
oreIsl
apy
ou.Whaty
ouwantt
o
godepr
essedagai
nbecauseofa
man?
"VI
Nleashedout
.
"
Babe.
..
"

Heshr
ugof
fmyhandandpoi
nteda
f
ingeratme,
"st
ayoutofi
t.
"

"
Lethi
m beatme.Ideser
vei
tand
mor
ebutAnel
i
eli
sten.
..
Bonni
eandI
br
okeupt
womont
hs
back.
..
yes(
lookedatVi
n)wet
ri
ed
get
ti
ngbackt
oget
herwi
thVi
n'
shel
p
butshewasal
readycheat
ingmewi
th
ov
er3guy
saf
ewday
sint
othe
r
econci
l
iat
ion.Idi
dn'
ttel
lVi
nthi
s
becauseIdi
dn'
twantt
ofeel
lessofa
man.Iwasgoi
ngt
obewi
thherf
or
t
hesakeoft
hebabybutt
henseei
ng
howMel
wasgoi
ngper
fect
lyf
ine
wi
thouty
ouandherdadbei
ng
t
oget
herIdeci
dedt
oletgo.Tr
ustme
I
'
m nosai
ntsbutIdon'
tl
oveBonni
e
shecheat
edonmewhi
l
epr
egnant
wi
thmychi
l
dwi
thmybestf
ri
end(
Vin
l
ookeddown)
Ifor
gav
ethem.
"

Il
ookedatVi
nconf
used.NoVi
nwas
av
irgi
nwhenwemet
.
"
Ser
iousl
y?Idi
dn'
tev
ent
ouch
her
!"
Vinsai
ddef
ensi
vel
y
"
Andy
ouex
pectmet
obel
i
evet
hat
?
Bul
l
shi
t.
..
(l
ookedatAnel
i
e)I
'
m
not
hinghemakesmet
olookl
i
ke.
Babegi
rlIl
ovey
ou.
..
somuch.Pl
ease
don'
tl
ethi
sper
cept
ioncont
ri
but
ea
gr
eatdeal
onourl
ove.
"
"
Anel
i
eyouwoul
dbeaf
ool
.Hei
s
l
yi
ngcan'
tyouseet
hat
?"Vi
nsai
d.
"
Wai
tVi
nyousl
eptwi
thhi
sfi
anceè?
"I
asked.
"
BabeIcanex
plai
n..
."
"
Youknowwhatsav
eit
.Icani
magi
ne
howmanyhi
deoust
hingsy
ougo
ar
ounddoi
ng.Youar
eapat
het
ic
hy
pocr
it
e!"
Ifumed.

Het
ri
edt
otouchmebutIf
li
nched.
Anx
iousl
yheputhi
shandov
erhi
s
mout
hhol
dinghi
swai
stwi
tht
he
ot
herhand.Vi
nwat
chedmer
un
downt
hest
air
s.

"
Anel
i
e?"
Jaf
terasked
"
Ifor
giv
eyou.
..
Im sor
ryIov
er
r
eact
ed.
"
Jaf
terhuggedher
,"
it
'sokay
."

Theyl
ookedatVi
n.

"
Youar
esuchasi
ssy
,"
Vinsai
dand
shott
ohi
sbedr
oom.

Theduochuckl
edbet
wix
tthei
rsobs
andr
ubbedt
hei
rnosest
oget
her
.

*
**

Themal
lwassomewhatl
ousysi
nce
i
twasmi
dmout
h.Af
termaki
ngt
hei
r
or
der
sDi
ket
soandBamewent
ar
oundt
heshops,
didal
i
ttl
e
shoppi
ngandwentbackt
othepi
zza
out
let
.

"
Aomot
howagagogaa
gor
oge?
"Bameaskedchecki
ngt
he
t
ime.
"
Nnaebi
l
enakoy
amet
ogaechay
a.
Thi
sgi
rli
sev
erl
ate,
yout
alkabout
t
hedev
il
."

Bamer
aisedherey
esandt
heymet
wi
thKel
etso'
s.Shel
ookedbackat
Di
ket
so.

"
UhuBame?
"Kel
etsosai
dsur
pri
sed
"
Kel
l
y,"
Bamesai
dwi
thanat
ti
tude.
"
Hel
l
osi
si,
"shel
eanedi
nki
ssi
ng
Di
ket
soont
hecheek.
"
Heybunny
.Nnaebi
l
ener
e
i
thoboga.
"

*
**

If
eltheav
y.Myi
nst
inctt
oldmet
o
cal
m down.Iwasnotgoi
ngt
obl
ow
t
hingsoutofpr
opor
ti
on.No.Notnow.
Ihadl
ostsomucht
oloosemor
e.I
r
anbackupst
air
s,Vi
nwasdr
essi
ng
upwhenIr
eachedup.

"
YouknowI
'
m notgoi
ngt
olety
our
pr
omi
scui
tyr
uinmychancesofa
happyendi
ng.
"

Hest
oppedwhathewasdoi
ng,
t
urnedandl
ookedatme.
"
Viny
ouwer
ebusypr
osecut
ingy
our
f
ri
endy
ety
ouhadanaf
fai
rwi
thhi
s
woman.Hi
sfi
anceè?Howl
owcoul
d
y
oust
oop!
"
"
Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngwi
thher
,"
he
poi
ntedhi
sfi
ngeratme.
"
Wat
chy
ourt
onewi
thmeVi
ncent
.
Youwi
l
lnotdar
epat
roni
zeme.Cl
ean
upy
ourcl
osetbecauseI
'
m her
eto
st
ayandt
rustmey
ouwi
l
lapol
ogi
se
t
oJaf
terandaccepthi
m asher
boy
fri
endwhet
hery
oul
i
kei
tornot
.
Het
sagoapar
awant
ia.
"
Heopenedhi
smout
handshuti
t
agai
nspeechl
ess.

"
I'
ll
bedown.Don'
tev
ent
ryt
okeep
mewai
ti
ng.
"

*
**

"
I'
m sot
ir
ed,
"Kel
etsot
hrewher
sel
fon
t
hecouchatt
hebout
ique.
"
Wenannakaosebodu.Iwasgoi
ng
t
ohi
rey
ouher
eonschool
breakbut
hai
nev
er.
"
"
Youdi
dyour
sel
fjust
ice,
"Kel
etsosai
d
honest
ly.

Theyl
aughed.

"
Kant
eosi
mol
otsegonnaBFFwi
th
Bamel
eng?
"
"
Ahst
oryf
oranot
herday
.Di
kel
edi
o
nnakaekant
e?"
"
Don'
tknowdon'
tcar
e."
"
Uhuandt
hen?
"Di
ket
soasked
conf
used
"
Stor
yforanot
herday
.Wai
tseDKy
ou
needt
obecar
eful
wit
hyourf
ri
end
nnat
otaal
lIseei
sapar
asi
te,
"she
sai
d.
"
Aommacan'
tyouguy
scuthersome
sl
ack?Kanamamaor
atago
r
ial
o,"
Diket
sosai
d.
"
Andshei
s.Mx
m ombor
il
ekgant
ele
guyy
eleebual
ewenaandshe
j
umpeda'
rewenoti
nter
est
ed.Li
ke
t
hef
uck?Whodoest
hat
?"
"
Nny
aguyel
eley
onei
sn'
tmyt
ype.
"
"
Sti
l
litwasn'
tBame'
spl
acet
osay
.
Nx
lahewehewe'
thatguywi
nkedat
me'
'ohcheckt
hathotguyi
s
checki
ngmeout
'ser
ious?Ocheki
wa
engoutar
urubet
seokar
ephaneey
a
gupu?
"

Di
ket
sol
aughed,
"t
lhennakaol
esot
o."
"
Ahy
ourf
ri
endont
enamo.Kana
Bamekor
egakenor
utwekemot
ho.
Iknowherandwhatshei
scapabl
eof
.
Iwon'
tbesur
pri
sedi
fhermom i
s
r
all
yi
ngbehi
ndher
.Mx
m bal
oiba.
"

*
**
Af
ewmet
ersf
rom t
hehouseaBMW
f
li
ckedl
i
ght
satusandVi
nst
opped
t
hecar
.Her
oll
edhi
swi
ndowsand
t
heot
herdr
iverr
oll
eddownhi
sri
ght
aboutt
hesamet
ime.

"
Rechekal
ona,
"Thabangsai
d.

Il
eanedf
orwar
dandsmi
l
ed.Vi
n
not
icedt
hel
adywi
thhi
m and
swal
l
owedhar
d.

"
Vin?
"thel
adymumbl
edqui
etl
y.
"
Huh?
"Thabangasked.
"
Not
hingIf
eel
diz
zycanwecome
backsomeot
hert
ime?
"sheasked.
"
Ist
hatCal
i
cia?
"Vi
naskedoutl
oud.

Myhear
tpoundedashement
ioned
hername.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Nex
tinser
t

Tomor
rowat9am
Bewi
tched*
thi
sar
etwoi
nser
ts*

#42

Mywhol
ebodyt
enseormay
bewei
rd
l
i
keanel
ect
ri
ccur
rentwasgoi
ng
t
hroughi
t.WhywasThabangwi
thher
?
Vi
nlookedatmeandIst
aredr
ight
i
ntohi
sey
es.

"
And?
"
"
Idon'
tknowokay
,"
hesai
d.
"
Ohi
t'
sjustacoi
nci
dencet
haty
our
exgi
rl
fr
iendr
ocksupt
oyourpl
ace
wi
thmycousi
n?"
"
Real
l
ynow?
"

Il
ookedawayandanot
hercar
honkedbehi
ndus.

"
Fol
l
owme,
"hesai
dtoThabang.
"
Rightupbr
o,"
hesai
d.

Amucl
ear
edhert
hroatand
r
eadj
ust
edher
sel
ftoherseatas
Thabangmadeaut
urnf
oll
owi
ngour
car
.

"
Arey
ouokay
?"
"
Yeah.
..
soi
sthathi
sgi
rl
fr
iend?
"
"
Fianceè,
shei
sthecousi
nIwanty
ou
y
out
omeet
."
"
Oh?Eh.
..
ther
eissomet
hingIwantt
o
t
ell
you.
"
"
Sup,
"Thabangsai
dpul
l
ingbehi
nd
ourcar
.

"
Thet
hingi
s..
."
Amust
oppedt
alki
ng
asmydoorandVi
n'
sopened.
"
Let
'sgogr
eett
hem.Youwi
l
ltel
lme
af
tert
hatbecausel
ooksl
i
ket
heyar
e
goi
ngsomewher
e."

It
ookof
fmyshoesanddust
edof
f
t
hesoi
lthathadgot
teni
nsi
de.

"
YouseewhyIdi
dn'
twantt
ogetout
oft
hecar
?"Isai
dangr
il
y.

Vi
nrol
l
edhi
sey
es.

"
Didy
our
oll
yourey
esatme?
"
"
NoI
..
."
"
Yesy
oudi
d.Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ougoi
ng
t
odenyt
hatt
oo.Kor
eoi
kganet
sa
ev
ery
thi
ngaker
emi
ghtaswel
ldeny
t
haty
oubr
eat
hwi
thy
ournose.I
'
m
begi
nni
ngt
oreal
l
ywonderi
fyou
di
dn'
tfuckJaf
ter
'sbabymama.
"
"
Wenawant
all
aaker
e.Youar
esuper
di
srespe.
..
"

Hekeptqui
etasThabangandAmu
cl
osedt
hei
rdoor
s.Vi
nsl
i
ppedhi
s
handbehi
ndmyback,
Itr
iedt
oget
of
ffr
om hi
m buthi
shandt
ight
ened
onmeandhel
eanedov
er.

"
Bet
terbehav
e,"
hecommandedi
na
whi
sper
,"
andpl
easesmi
l
e."

"
Bruh,
"Thabangsai
dex
tendi
nghi
s
handt
oVi
n.

Hesl
i
ght
lyl
etgoof
fmeandshoul
der
bumpedwi
thThabangaf
tershaki
ng
hands.Mygaz
edeepenedonAmu.
Shewasv
erybeaut
if
ulhadt
hismost
amaz
ingf
eat
uresandunl
i
kemeher
dar
kcompl
exi
onwassof
lawl
ess.
Howcoul
dsomeonel
ookent
ir
ely
bl
emi
shf
ree?ForasecondIt
hought
may
beshewor
esomef
oundat
ion
butr
eal
i
sedshewasnot
.

"
HeyDkay
(Ismi
l
ed)
.Ohguy
sthi
s
i
s..
."
"
Cal
i
cia.
..
Vint
oldmesomuchabout
y
ou,
"Isai
dex
tendi
ngmyhand.

Shel
ower
edherheadasweshook
hands.
"
Youknowher
?"ThabangaskedVi
n.
"
I'
drat
hershet
ell
you,
"Vi
nsai
d
smi
l
ing

Il
ookedathi
m andhi
sfacewasnot
spar
kly
.Hewascov
eredwi
tht
he
sameemot
ionhewasear
lyonwhen
hef
oundJaf
teratt
hehouse.

"
Ohany
way
s.Ner
elecheki
l
ewant
ed
t
oint
roducemygi
rl
fr
iend(
VinandI
l
ookedateachot
her
)toy
ouguy
s."
"
SuchashameVi
nhasadoz
en
appoi
ntment
satt
hecl
i
nicandI
'
m
busyr
unni
ngar
oundl
ooki
ngf
or
di
l
wanat
sabomal
ome,
"Iex
plai
ned.
"
It
'sokay
.Youguy
sshoul
dcook
superwewi
l
lcomeov
er.Howabout
t
hat
?"heasked.
"
Idoubtt
odaywi
l
lbeagoodi
dea.
"Vi
n
sai
d.
"
Yeahmet
oo,
"Cal
i
ciaadded.
"
Ohcomeony
out
wo.Todaywi
l
ldo
si
ncei
t'
saFr
iday
.Thabangl
eteka7,
I
'
llcook.
"
"
Butbabe.
..
"
"
ComeonVi
nwehar
dlyhav
evi
sit
ors
pl
usImi
ssmycousi
nher
e.Di
nner
t
oni
ghtVi
n'
spl
ace.Cal
i
ciawi
l
ldi
rect
y
ou.
..
"
"
Don'
twor
ryIknowwe'
rehest
ays.
Youf
orgetgor
eioncespentsome
day
sther
e,"
Thabangsai
d
"
Not
hat
'shi
smom'
spl
ace.
"I
ex
plai
ned.
"
Ohokay
,babewi
l
lshowmet
hen,
"he
sai
d.
"
Bye.
..
Cal
nicet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ou.
"
Al
lthi
sti
meVI
Nwasl
ooki
ngatme.

"
Likewi
se.
"
"
Lat
ert
henl
et'
snotkeept
hedoct
or
wai
ti
ng,
"Thabangsai
d.
"
Bye.
"weal
lsai
dinuni
son.

I
nthecarVi
nwai
tedf
ormet
ocl
ose
t
hedoor
.

"
Andwhatt
hef
uckwast
hat
?"he
l
eashedout
.
"
Adi
nneri
nvi
te.Doy
ouhav
ea
pr
obl
em wi
thi
t?"
"
Probl
em?DoIhav
eapr
obl
em wi
thi
t.
Ar
eyouf
uckenser
iousr
ightnow
Di
kel
edi
?"
"
Excuseme?
"
"
Noy
ouhear
dme.
"
"
Didy
ouj
ustf
uckencal
lme
Di
kel
edi
?"
"
Isn'
tthaty
ourname?
"
"
YouknowwhatVI
NCENTI
'
m bor
ed.
I
'
llgost
artonsuperal
ready
."

Igotoutoft
hecarandbangedt
he
door
.Vi
nst
art
edt
hecarandj
oined
t
her
oadski
ddi
ngof
fasIwal
ked
backt
othehouse.It
ookmyphone
andt
ext
edhi
m.

Me:
wher
ear
ethekey
stoy
ourhouse.
Vi
n:
Me:
(af
terami
nut
e)soy
ounott
alki
ng
t
ome.Hav
eagr
eatl
i
feVi
nIknow
secr
etl
yyouwantCal
i
ciabackbut
newsf
lashdearf
iancet
ryThabanghe
wi
l
lki
l
lhert
heny
ouandf
eedy
our
r
emai
nst
othev
ult
ures.
Af
terf
ivemi
nut
eshehadst
il
lnot
r
esponded.

Me:
youar
esopat
het
ic.
Vi
n:ar
eyoudone?
Me:
what
ever
Vi
n:psy
choasswi
feIl
ovey
out
oo
munchi
esandt
hekey
sar
eont
het
op
dr
awert
othel
efti
nourbedr
oom at
mom'
s.Wi
l
lbr
ingwi
nel
ater
.

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sandsmi
l
ed.
*
**

Lat
ert
hatdayMar
ti
npul
l
edov
erat
Mr
sWr
ight
's.Anel
i
ewasout
sidei
n
t
hegar
denwi
thJonnyandLy
nda.

"
Dumel
ang.
"
"
HeyMar
ti
n,
"Anel
i
esmi
l
ed.
"
Hi"
JonnyandLy
ndasai
dinuni
son.
"
Hi,
"hesai
dback,
"i
sDi
kayher
e?"
"
Youj
ustmi
ssedher
,"
Anel
i
e
answer
ed.
"
Eishndy
ourbr
other
?"
"
Hei
satwor
k.Wher
eismyl
i
l
man?
"sheasked.
"
Lef
thi
minMany
anamcm gat
weng
Mankgodi
.Af
ri
endofmi
nei
sget
ti
ng
mar
ri
ed,
"heex
plai
ned.
"
Shemswemi
sshi
m.Obol
aisaMel
bodut
u."
"
Ibethei
s.Hehashi
sway
swi
tht
he
l
adi
es.
..
any
way
sletmegoguessI
'
ll
seet
hem whenIgetbackon
Sunday
."
"
Okayshar
p,"
Anel
i
esai
d.
"
Bye,
"t
heot
hert
hreesai
dinuni
son.
Theywat
chedhi
m go.

"
Thi
sgi
rlhasr
eal
l
ysof
tenedVi
n
up,
"Jonnysai
d.
"
Tel
lmeabouti
t.TheVi
nIknow
woul
dn'
tal
l
owhi
sfi
anceè'
sbaby
daddyal
lthei
mmuni
tyt
hisguyi
s
get
ti
ng.Kanaheal
mostki
l
led
Jaf
ter
..
.i
magi
neJaf
ter
!"
"
Jaf
terdeser
vesi
tandmor
e,"
Jonny
t
eased.
"
FUCKYOU!
"shesai
dhi
tt
inghi
m.
"
Babear
eyoudoi
ngt
oletherhi
tme
wi
thoutdoi
ngany
thi
ng?
"Jonnycr
ied.

Ly
ndal
ookedatAnel
i
eandt
hey
smi
l
ed

"
Arey
out
hinki
ngwhatI
'
m
t
hinki
ng?
"Ly
ndaasked.
"
Youbet
!"
Anel
i
esai
dandpul
l
edt
he
hosepi
peandLy
ndaopenedt
het
ap.
"
Whatt
hef
uck.
..
(hegotupandr
an
butAnel
i
eai
medt
hewat
erat
hi
m)st
opi
t.Guy
s!"
Theygi
ggl
edasher
ani
nsi
desoaki
ng
wet
.Ly
ndacl
osedt
het
apandt
hey
hi
ghf
ive'
d.

"
Youof
fi
cial
l
ymybestsi
ster
-i
n-
l
aw.
"Anel
i
esai
d.

Ly
ndabl
ushedandt
heygi
ggl
ed
t
rot
ti
ngt
othehouse.

*
**
BameandDi
ket
sof
ini
shedar
rangi
ng
ev
ery
thi
ngi
ntheshop.Kel
etsogotup
f
rom t
hechai
ryawni
ng.

"
Whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup?
"
"
Sot
haty
oudi
stur
bme.Bamehol
d
t
hatend(
shesai
dst
ret
chi
ngt
he
ai
sle)
sowhatdi
dyoudr
eam about
?
"sheaskedherl
i
ttl
esi
ster
.
"
Arghmaj
oloj
oloaaf
ter
noonnap.So
Iwasf
lyi
ngandt
hent
henex
tthi
ng
I
'
m swi
mmi
ngi
nthi
sbeaut
if
ul
ocean(
wal
kedov
er)
andkef
agot
swa
awel
lbui
l
tguyi
j
omor
enawaaka!
Ni
ggawasal
lsugarandcandywai
tse
andheaskedmet
ojoi
nhi
mfor
di
nner
."
"
Tor
o!"
Diket
sosai
dandBameand
Kel
etsol
aughed.
"
Andt
hen?
"Bameaskedr
oll
i
ngt
he
ai
slecar
pet

"
Heemma(
topapi
zzasl
i
ce)
wedi
ved
underker
onabaochat
ti
ngand
danci
ngundert
heocean.Thewayhe
hel
dmef
eltso.
..
"
"
Real
?"Bameasked.
"
Mmm,
"Kel
etsosmi
l
ed.
"
Mar
inespi
ri
tsr
ekabechat
lhemma
wena,
"Bamesai
d
"
Mxm andy
ouj
usthadt
ospoi
lmy
mood.Kor
elonaev
ery
thi
ngt
oyoui
s
wi
tchcr
aftev
ent
orohel
ayammat
oro.
Mar
inespi
ri
tmycabbage!Mx
m
mot
hoi
tsamael
e,
"Kel
etsosai
d
put
ti
ngt
hepi
zzabacki
nthebox
.
"
Aomma?Iwasj
ustpl
ayi
ngoseka
waechest
a,"
Bameex
plai
ned.

Kel
etsor
oll
edherey
esather
.
"
DKl
etmegopl
usIhav
etogopay
f
orLov
emor
e'sbodyt
otr
anspor
ted
t
oMut
are.
"
"
Goi
ngt
othef
uner
al?
"Di
ket
soasked.
"
Idoubtl
egal
eket
abona,
"Kel
etso
answer
ed.
"
Youhav
eto.I
twi
l
lgi
vey
ousome
peace.Let
'sbor
rowkol
oif
rom
Di
kel
edi
andgot
her
e.I
'
llf
uel
itand.
."
"
Noi
t'
sokayDi
ket
so.I
'
llseewhatt
o
do.Di
kel
edi
eneIhonest
lydon'
twant
t
oinv
olv
eher
."
"
Okay
.Tl
hemmabeear
lyt
omor
row.
Kanacomet
omypl
acewewi
l
lcome
her
efr
om t
her
emmogo.
"
"
Dresscode?
"Kel
etsoasked.
"
All
blackev
ery
thi
ng.
"
"
Okayshar
pkamosot
hen.
"shesai
d
andl
ookedatBameonherwayout
.

Af
tershel
eftBamewal
kedt
oDi
ket
so.

"
Nemmadi
dIsayany
thi
ngwr
ong?
KanannaIdon'
tknowwhyshehat
es
met
hisbad.
"
"
Bamey
ouwor
ryal
ot.Comel
et'
s
cl
oseup,
gohomer
elaxandwai
tfor
ourni
ghtouthour
..
.hmmm?
"
"
Okay
,"
shesai
dst
il
lunabl
etoshake
of
fKel
etso'
sreact
ion.
"
Comeoncheerup!
"Di
ket
sot
ickl
ed
her
.

*
**

Jennyr
anar
oundt
her
ubbi
shcanst
il
l
i
nherschool
uni
for
m.Herauntcal
l
ed
herandspankedheracoupl
eof
t
imesont
hehead.

"
Itol
dyou(
spank)
tonev
er(
spank)
play
wi
thy
our
(spank)
uni
for
m.Het
akwa
di
odonor
o!"

Shehel
dherwai
standwat
chedher
ni
ecer
ant
othehousegi
ggl
i
ng.

"
Let
ampol
ayel
angwana,
"Mar
ti
n
j
oked.
Theauntl
aughedandgr
eet
ed
hi
m,"
ngwanay
ouwal
onaket
sit
sir
i
hel
a.Howar
eyou?
"
"
'
Ret
eng.
"
"
OtengMmagweJenny
?"
"
Shei
spr
obabl
yonherway
..
.i
yoebi
l
e
key
owat
sena.Taket
hechai
r,I
'
llbe
i
nsi
de.
"
"
Eemma,
"hesai
dpul
l
ingt
hechai
r
andsatdown.

"
Awapoka?
"shesai
dlooki
ngat
Mar
ti
n.
"
Heybabe,
"hesmi
l
edst
andi
ngup.
Jesst
ri
edt
omov
ebutMar
ti
n
bl
ockedherway
"
Tshaba.
"
"
Notunt
ilwet
alk,
"hef
oldedhi
shands.
"
LikeI
..
."

Mar
ti
npul
l
edherandki
ssedher
.She
ki
ssedhi
m backandaf
teraf
ew
secondspushedhi
m of
f.

Shewi
pedhermout
h,"
whatdoy
ou
t
hinky
ouar
edoi
ng?
"
"
Kissi
ngmygi
rl
fr
iend,
"hesai
d.
"
Iam noty
ourgi
rl
fr
iend,
"shesai
d.
"
Ohy
eah?
"

Cur
iousl
yshel
ookedathi
m wal
kto
t
hedoorandknock.

"
Tsena,
"Jesssi
stersai
d.

Hewal
kedi
nandJessf
oll
owedhi
m
i
nsi
de.Jennyl
ookedbehi
ndherf
rom
t
hedi
ningt
abl
eandl
eftherf
oodand
r
ant
othedoor
.Hermot
heropened
herhandsbutsher
ant
oMar
ti
n
i
nst
ead.

"
Heyy
ou,
"hesai
dli
ft
ingherandspan
heri
ntheai
r.

Jessl
ookeddownbl
ushi
ngasher
daught
ergi
ggl
ed.

"
Lookatmemommy
.I'
mfl
yi
ng!
"

*
**

Amul
ookedatThabangwhowas
peacef
ull
ysl
eepi
ngont
hecouch.
Woul
dhest
il
lst
ayi
fheknewt
he
whol
etr
uthr
egar
dingherandVi
n?
Shoul
dshet
ell
him ev
ery
thi
ng?

"
Youknowst
ari
ngi
sruder
ight
?"

Amusmi
l
edandshy
lyl
ookedaway
.

Thabangy
awned,
"soar
eyour
eady
?
Di
dyoubr
ingmeapai
rofpant
s?"
"
Comel
etmeshowy
ou,
"shesai
d.
Shet
ookhi
shandandl
eadhi
mtot
he
bedr
oom.Ther
ewer
eacoupl
eof
shoppi
ngbagsf
rom someex
pensi
ve
shops.

"
Youwentshoppi
ng?
"heasked.
"
Yesandal
lfory
oubabe,
"shesai
d
smi
l
ing.

Thesmi
l
eonhi
sfacewaspr
icel
ess.

"
Arey
ougoi
ngt
ocheckt
hem
out
?"sheasked.
"
Huh?
"hesai
dawest
ruck,
"Idon'
t
knowwhatt
osay
."
"
Youdon'
thav
etosayany
thi
ng.Just
acceptt
hem andmakemehappy
."

Hesmi
l
edandl
ookedather
.She
l
ower
edherey
esbuthel
i
ftedher
chi
nwi
thonef
inger
.

"
Whatdi
dIev
erdot
odeser
vey
ou?
"

Heki
ssedherr
unni
nghi
shands
downt
oherwai
st.Shecuppedhi
s
l
eftcheckandcl
ampedhi
sheadf
rom
t
hebackpastt
hesi
deoft
heneck.
Herot
herhandr
andownhi
sshi
rt
.

"
Fuckme,
"shesai
d.
"
Notnowbabe.
"
"
But
(ki
ssed)
Iwantnow.
"

Thabangpul
l
edof
f.

"
LookIsobadl
ywantt
omakel
ovet
o
y
out
oo.
..
Iwannaf
ucky
ousobad.
"
Amupul
l
edhi
m,"
thenf
uckmebabe.
"
Thabanggr
innedandbr
okeof
fagai
n.

"
Wemadeav
owt
owai
tunt
ilwe
mar
ri
ed.Don'
tmakemet
hinkt
hat
y
oucan'
tdot
hatbecauseIdon'
t
wantt
othi
nky
ouwi
l
lev
erf
ail
mei
n
l
i
fe.
"

Shekeptqui
etr
emember
inghowshe
f
ail
edt
owai
tupf
orVi
n.

"
Amoona.
..
Ireal
l
ylov
eyou.IknowI
sobadl
ywantt
hist
oobutIwantus
doi
ngt
hingsr
ight
.Okay
?"

Shemadeanodandsmi
l
ed.

"
Goodt
hat
'smygi
rl
.Nowshal
lwe
seewhaty
ougotmeMr
s
Sei
tshi
ro?
"heki
ssedherhand.
"
Ofcour
se,
"shesmi
l
ed

*
**

Mar
ti
nputJennydownandt
heybot
h
di
zzyf
akedandgi
ggl
esast
heyhi
t
t
hef
looratonce.

"
Nowt
hatwascl
ose,
"Jennysai
d.
"
Ver
ycl
ose,
"Mar
ti
nsi
ghedandcl
osed
hi
sey
es.

Jennysatup,
"seemommyakel
eI
t
oldy
ougol
ehewi
l
lcomeback.You
sai
dhewon'
tbecausehei
sav
ely
badman.
"

Jessl
ookeddownasMar
ti
nst
aredat
her
.
"
Jenni
ferwi
l
lyougot
oyourr
oom
sweet
?"Jessasked.
"
Ononecondi
ti
on.Wi
l
lyout
akemel
e
y
agol
ekai
cekl
eme?
"shesai
d
cr
ossi
ngherf
ingerl
ooki
ngatMar
ti
n.
"
Ofcour
sesweet
s.That
'si
f(l
ooked
atJess)
yourmom doesn'
tthi
nkI
'
m
badany
mor
e."
"
Mommyhei
snotbadakel
e.Pl
ease
mommy
?"shecr
ied.
"
Jennyakeonneot
samay
amonna
or
atadi
negot
iat
ions.Go!
"
"
ButmommyI
..
."
"
Jennyf
etakwa!NnaI
'
m notJessI
wi
l
lhi
tyou,
"herauntscol
dedher
.
"
Andy
ouar
enotmymot
her
!"
she
y
ell
edandr
anof
ftot
her
oomsand
herauntf
oll
owedher
.

"
SoIam abadguy
?"Mar
ti
nasked.
"
Justl
eav
e,"
shesai
d.
"
Okhowat
shamekawena.Soaf
ter
usi
ngmey
out
hingy
ouwi
l
ldumpme
l
i
kesomepi
eceofshi
t?"
"
Excuseme?Younev
erbeengi
ven
meadi
meofy
ourmoney
.Okat
swao
nt
hol
ela,
"shesai
d
"
Whosai
dany
thi
ngaboutmoney
?
Howmanyt
imeshav
eyousl
eptwi
th
mei
nthi
spastweekal
one?
"

Jessl
ookedaway
.

"
Exact
ly.Sount
ily
ougi
vemebackal
l
t
hesemenIspl
ashed,
all
thet
imesI
spentgi
vi
ngy
ouanor
gasm I
'
m st
il
l
somuchy
ourboy
fri
end.Gaket
hal
we
j
alomami
,
"hesai
d
"
Whosai
dkecummi
l
e?Youai
n'
tthat
goodt
rustme.
"
"
Ouchwel
lhar
dyausi
becausey
our
husbandt
obei
snott
hatgoodi
nbed
can'
tev
enmakey
oucomeshoo!I
honest
lyy
oubecausennamosadi
o
kemony
alangor
iderbot
lhoko.
"

Jesscoul
dnotcont
aini
tandended
upl
aughi
ng.

"
Youar
esi
cky
ouknowt
hat
?"shesai
d
bl
ushi
ng
"
SoIhear
.JENNY!
"
"
Andt
hen?
"
"
I'
mtaki
ngmydaught
erout
.Wanna
j
oinus?
"heasked.
"
NoI
'
llpass.Br
ingmesomet
hough.
"

Jennycamer
unni
ngi
n.

"
Goputony
ourshoessweet
s.
Mommysay
sI'
m nol
ongerabad
man.
"
"
Nicechoi
cemom,
"shewi
nkedand
r
ant
otheshoecl
oset
.
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
***
nex
tinser
t

#43

"
Arey
ousur
eyouwantt
oremai
n
behi
nd?
"heaskedagai
n
"
Hel
ang?
"
"
I'
mjustmaki
ngsur
e.Don'
twanty
ou
cal
lmeabadmanev
er.Wear
e
Mankgodi
rot
lheaker
e?"
heasked.
"
I'
ll
see,
"shesai
d.
"
Gat
wet
hegi
rl
sther
ebasl
egkana
babe.Ot
areperbai
l
ekahaps.Ther
e
shegoes.
..
wai
tdi
dyouchangey
our
out
fi
t?"
heaskedl
ooki
ngatJenny
.
"
Ihadt
oo.Mat
chi
ngout
fi
tsar
ethe
best
.Wear
egoal
ssee?
"shegi
ggl
ed.
"
Wesur
ear
e(l
ookedatJessand
whi
sper
ed)
orut
angwanadi
l
o."
"
Nogossi
ping.
"Jennysai
d

Mar
ti
nandJessl
aughed.

"
Sor
ryangel
.Hewassay
ingt
haty
ou
l
ookamaz
ing.
"
"
Ofcour
seIdo(
rol
l
edey
es)
duh!
Goodt
hingmamal
eaunt
ybasal
a
kanabal
atagoapal
adi
l
otsedi
mpe
gol
e."
"
Isi
t?"
"
Mmh,
canwegobef
ore
Lal
ona(
lar
ona)
comes.
"
"
Yes.Pl
ease,
aft
ery
ouman.
"

JessshockherheadasJennycat
wal
kedt
othedoor
.

"
Thef
uck!
"Mar
ti
nsai
dinaudi
ble.
Jessshr
ughershoul
der
sand
smi
rked.

"
Hav
efunbabyandsav
esomef
or
mommy
."

*
**

Out
sideAmu'
spar
ent
s'shome,
Presh
par
kedt
hecari
nthedr
ivewayand
r
ecl
i
nedt
hechai
r.Themeet
inghad
beenasuccessbutnowshehad
cr
eat
edamessathome.She
wonder
edi
fAmuhadconf
ront
edher
par
ent
s.Woul
dtheyeberf
orgi
veher
.

"
Ver
yst
upi
dPr
eci
ous.GODhel
pme.
"

Ei
therwayshewasgoi
ngt
ohav
eto
f
acet
hemusi
c.

"
OhPr
eshy
oul
ookhor
ri
ble,
"Amu'
s
mot
hersai
dasshewal
kedt
hrough
t
hedoor
.
Pr
eshl
etoutaf
aintsmi
l
e.Yesshe
wasnotonl
yhor
ri
blebutshef
elt
hor
ri
ble.

"
Ibr
oughtbackt
hecar
,"
shesai
d.
"
Alr
eady
?"
"
Yesma'
am andt
ell
uncl
eIl
eft
,"
she
sai
d.
"
Ohokay
.Thoughty
ouwer
ear
ound
unt
ilSunday
.Vi
situssoon,
"Amu'
s
mot
hersai
dtaki
ngt
hecarkey
s
"
Ther
eissomet
hingIneedt
otel
l
y
ou.
..
"
Amu'
smot
herl
ookedatt
het
ime.Mr
s
Chi
bendewast
het
ypi
cal
past
or'
s
wi
fe.Shewor
emanyf
acet
sone
momentshewoul
dbet
hesweet
angel
i
cwomanandt
henex
tapower
hungr
ydi
nosaur
.

"
Yes?Pl
easecomesi
t.It
hinkIhav
ea
f
ewmi
nut
est
ospar
e.Dr
ink?
"
"
Noagl
assofwat
erwi
l
ldo.
"

Pr
eshf
ixedher
sel
font
hecouchas
Mr
sChi
bendewal
kedbackwi
tha
t
ray
.

"
Ifor
gott
her
ewassomel
eftov
er
puddi
ngf
rom l
unch.Hav
ethat
,"
she
sai
d.

Pr
esht
ookt
hepl
ate.

"
So?
"
"
Wel
l
,"shef
eltt
hepuddi
ngcauseso
muchdi
scomf
ortatherdr
ythr
oat
andgr
abbedt
hegl
assofwat
er.
"
Arey
ouOkay
?"Mr
sChi
bendeasked.
"
Mmm.
..
wel
lI(
fanedher
sel
f)
Itol
da
secr
et.
..
somet
hingIov
erhear
dov
er
t
heel
der
stal
kabouty
ear
sbacki
n
Zi
mtoAmuand.
."
"
Okay
?"
"
SeeIki
ndofl
i
kedaguy
..
.t
urnsout
Amoonahadey
esonhi
mtoo.Thi
s
mor
ningIf
ound.
..
Ifoundhi
mther
e
and.
..
"
"
Wai
tsheknewt
haty
oul
i
kedhi
m?"
"
Yesma'
am Ihadt
oldherpr
iort
othat
.
SowhenIf
oundt
hem i
nherr
oom.
..
"
Thedeepst
aref
rom heruncl
e'
swi
fe
t
oreherapar
t.

"
Emapel
ePr
esh.I
sthi
sguybyany
chanceThabang?
"

Pr
eshl
ower
edherey
es.

"
Hol
yMar
y.Ohsot
hatr
ascal
found
hi
swayt
omydaught
er'
sundi
es?Do
y
ouev
enknowhei
samur
der
er?Or
y
ouj
ustgoar
oundwast
ingy
ou
f
eel
i
ngonusel
essmenwhowi
l
lend
upsl
aught
eri
ngy
out
omor
row?
"
"
Noma'
am,
"sheanswer
ed,
"butl
ove
doesn'
tchoo.
..
"
"
Youmustbev
eryst
upi
dify
out
hink
l
i
ket
hat
.I'
m di
sappoi
ntedi
nyou
r
eal
l
y.Al
way
sthoughty
ouwer
ethe
smar
tonecompar
edt
oAmu
becauseshegetent
icedeasi
l
ybut
y
oupr
ovedmewr
ong.
"
"
Butmyuncl
elov
edy
ou
nonet
hel
ess.
"Pr
eshsai
dbol
dly

Mr
sChi
bendel
ookedatherasi
fshe
wast
ryi
ngt
odeci
phersomet
hing.

"
Excuseme?
"
"
Ohpl
easedon'
tactal
lsai
nt.Iknow
aboutAmu,
aboutRumbi
.Iknowt
hey
ar
enotmyuncl
e'
ski
ds.Ial
soknow
t
heyar
echi
l
drenofi
nfi
del
i
ty.I
sn'
t
t
hisl
ovet
hent
hatuncl
efor
gav
eyou
ev
enaf
terf
indi
ngouty
ousl
eptwi
th
hi
scousi
nandhef
ather
edy
ou
bast
ards?
"

Mr
sChi
bendespl
ashedPr
eshwi
th
t
hej
uiceshewashol
ding.
"
Getoutofmyhousesmal
lwhor
e."
"
Wit
hpl
easur
eauntorshoul
dIsay
'
BiggerWhor
e!"

Dumbst
ruckMr
sChi
bendewat
ched
Pr
eshwal
kaway
.Coul
dshehav
e
ment
ionedal
lthi
stoAmu.Herhear
t
poundedatt
het
houghtofhergi
rl
s
knowi
ngt
het
rut
h.Whatwi
l
lthe
chur
chmakeofher
?Abr
upt
lyshef
elt
aspr
ainofpai
nranupherhead.
Ther
ewasnowayshewasat
tendi
ng
t
heconf
erence.
"
Hel
l
ohoney
,"
sheanswer
ed.
"Idoubt
I
'
llmakei
ttochur
ch.
"
"
Buty
ouar
epr
eachi
ngt
oday
,"
hesai
d.
"
I'
m sor
ry.By
e."

Shehangupanddr
aggedher
sel
fto
t
hebedr
oom.

*
**

Atar
ound6pm Vi
ncamehome.He
hadbr
oughtt
wobot
tl
eofwi
ne.
Di
dn'
tknowwhi
chonet
obuy
.Thi
s
onei
syourf
avandt
hisi
sfor
Ca.
..
(paused)
wel
lyouwi
l
lseewhi
ch
t
oser
ve.Youar
ethehost
."
"
Theot
heronei
sCal
i
cia'
fav
our
it
e
r
ight
?Howl
uckycanoneget
."
Ifaked
asmi
l
ed

Uncomf
ort
abl
yVi
nwal
kedaway
.

"
Goi
ngt
obat
h."
hesai
d.
"
Babehel
pmewi
tht
hebar
beque
pl
easewewi
l
lgobat
htoget
her
af
ter
,"
Iasked.
"
I'
m honest
lyt
ir
edbabes.
"

Il
ookedathi
m wi
thpuppydol
l
s.

"
Fine!
"heunbut
tonedhi
sshi
rtatt
he
sl
eev
esandf
oldedt
hem upt
othe
el
bows
Iki
ssedhi
m,"
yout
hebest
."
"
Yeahr
ight
.Sowhatar
eyou
maki
ng?
"
"
Cor
n,somev
eget
abl
eri
ce,
mushr
oom cur
rysoupandy
est
he
bar
beque.Fordesser
tIwast
hinki
ng
may
beagangbang.
"
"
What
?"
"
What
?"Il
aughedandhej
oinedmei
n.
"
Craz
yass,
"hesai
dsqueez
ingmy
but
t.
"
Stopt
hatbecausey
our
eal
l
ymaki
ng
mev
eryhor
ny,
"Isai
dinal
lhonest
y.
"
Isi
t?"
heaskedr
unni
ngmybut
t.
"
Babest
op!
"Isai
dgi
ggl
i
ng
"
Wecanal
way
sor
deroutt
he
bar
beque,
"hesai
dsl
i
ppi
nghi
shand
i
nsi
demyundi
es.
"
Goodi
dea,
"Isai
dandpassi
onat
ely
ki
ssedhi
m.

Ismi
l
edandgav
ehi
m mybackand
hegent
lyscr
ubbedi
t.Thedoorbel
l
r
angandVi
ngotoutwi
pinghi
msel
f.

"
Thatwi
l
lbet
hedel
i
ver
yguy
.Letme
gof
ixupev
ery
thi
ngdr
essupand
comedownsoIcancomedr
essup
t
o,"
hesai
d.
"
Yout
hebest
,"
Isai
dtur
ningt
he
showerbackon.

Moment
slat
erIwentdownst
air
s.
Vi
nsmi
l
edl
ooki
ngatmewal
k
t
hrought
heki
tchen.Hehadpr
epar
ed
t
het
abl
eandl
i
ttwogi
antcandl
eson
t
het
abl
e.

"
Youl
ookamaz
ing,
"hesai
d
"
Thanky
oubabe,
"Iki
ssedhi
m,"
your
cl
othesar
eont
opoft
hebed.
"
"
Okayl
etmegogetdr
essed.
"
Hecamebackaf
terl
esst
hant
en
mi
nut
es.

"
Thatwasqui
ck,
"Isai
dcat
chi
nga
gl
i
mpseofhi
m.
"
Sur
ewas,
ahbabennat
hatdr
ess
makesmewannaf
ucky
ou,
"hesai
d
bi
ti
nghi
slowerl
i
pseduct
ivel
y.
"
Easynowt
iger
.I'
m al
lyour
s
t
oni
ght
,"
Iwi
nked.

Iwor
eamer
oonl
ongsl
eev
ed
backl
esssequi
ndr
essandapai
rof
mer
oonsuedest
raphi
ghheel
s.A
gol
dchai
nrandownf
rom t
heupper
backoft
hedr
essunt
ilmi
dsect
ionof
myspi
n.Vi
nwor
eabl
acksui
t,whi
te
shi
rtandmer
oont
ir
e.

Thedoorbel
lrangandIt
ookaqui
ck
l
ookatt
het
abl
e.Ev
ery
thi
ngwas
per
fect
.Vi
nopenedhi
sar
m andI
t
uckedmi
nei
nandwewal
kedt
othe
door
.

"
Hi,
"Cal
i
ciasmi
l
edandhandedmea
bot
tl
eofwi
ne.
"
Thanky
ou.
"Ismi
l
edandgav
eitt
o
Vi
n.
"
Cal
i
cia,
"Vi
nki
ssedhercheekasmy
hear
tpounded.

Thabanggav
emeabunchofl
i
ll
ies
andr
oses.

"
Theyar
ebeaut
if
ul,
"Ismi
l
ed.
Heki
ssedmycheek,
"any
thi
ng
beaut
if
ulf
orabeaut
if
ull
ady
."
"
Smel
l
sdi
vi
ne.Letmeguessa
bar
beque?
"shesmi
l
ed.
"
Yespl
easecomei
n,beaut
if
uldr
ess
Cal
i
cia,
"Isai
dtoAmu.

*
**

Att
hel
oungeBameandDi
ket
so
or
der
edsomecockt
ail
s.

"
Liki
ngi
tsof
ar?
"
"
Youhav
enoi
dea.Thi
sisl
i
fewai
tse
esenggot
hol
aot
shel
egel
wakedi
quar
ttsabl
ackl
abel
koboMar
ang
kwa!
"
"
Wenawar
ebl
ackl
abel
imagi
ne
shakekoTobanekwa.Wai
tsel
i
fe!
"

Theyl
aughed.

"
Cheer
stonewbegi
nni
ngs.
"
"
Tonewbeggi
nings,
"Bamesai
d.
"
Ist
heseatt
aken?
"

Theybot
hlookedup.

"
Notatal
l
,"Bamesmi
l
ed.
Themanpul
l
edt
hest
ool
andsat
down.

"
Ver
ybeaut
if
ull
adi
esImustsay
,"
he
smi
l
edr
eveal
i
nghi
spur
ewhi
tet
eet
h.
Bamei
magi
nedher
sel
font
opofhi
m.
Hewoul
dmakeagoodf
athert
oher
ki
dsshet
hought
.

Hehadcl
asswr
it
tenal
lov
erhi
sface.

"
Thul
agany
obuty
oucancal
lme
Thul
i
e,"
hesai
d.
"
Nicet
omeety
ouThul
i
e,I
'
m Bameke
Di
ket
soorDK.
"

Hesmi
l
edatDKbutshel
ookedaway
.

"
Nicet
omeety
oul
adi
es.
"

Bamesmi
l
edathi
m buthekept
l
ooki
ngatDi
ket
soi
nst
ead.

"
DKsoar
eyou(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)Ar
e
y
oui
nar
elat
ionshi
p?"
"
NoI
..
."
"
Shedoesn'
twantamany
et,
"Bame
j
umpedi
n.
"
Ithi
nkshecananswerf
orher
sel
f.
Kanaj
angDK?
"hesai
d.
"
DKIt
hinkweshoul
dgopr
epar
efor
t
hel
auncht
omor
row.
"Bamesai
d
bor
ed.
"
Launch?
"heasked.
"
Yesl
aunch.Whaty
out
houghtwear
e
somemoneyhungr
yidi
otswhocome
y
obar
stosel
lthemsel
ves?
"Bame
l
eashedout
.
"
Notatal
l
...
"
"
Wel
lguesswhatwear
elaunchi
ng
ourbr
idal
bout
iquet
omor
rowkoKB
mal
l
.Nowi
fyouwi
l
lex
cuseus,
"Bame
sai
dangr
il
yandpul
l
edDi
ket
soaway
.

Themanl
ookedatt
hem di
sappear
andshokehi
shead.

*
**

AthomeCal
i
ciaandIcl
ear
edt
he
t
abl
ewhi
l
etheboy
swat
chedt
.v.She
wasnotasbadasIhadmadehert
o
bebutst
il
lIhadt
omakesur
eshe
wasov
ermyman.

"
Youcookv
erywel
l
,"shesai
d.
"
Ohi
t'
snot
hing.Thanksany
waybut
Vi
nhel
pedal
ot.
"
"
Yeahhewasal
way
sgoodwi
th
cooki
ng,
"shesai
dlosti
nthought
.
"
Ibeathewas.I
'
m suchal
ucky
woman,
"Isai
d.
"
Yousur
ear
e.LetmepourThabanga
gl
assofwi
ne,
"shesai
d.
"
Ofcour
se,
"Isai
dtr
yingt
ofi
gur
eout
somet
hing.
"
Shoul
dIpourVI
Nsome?
"sheasked.
"
Pleasedo.I
'
llbet
her
ewi
tht
he
desser
t.
"

Iwat
chedherwal
koutandr
ant
othe
doorsneakpeeki
ngt
owher
ethe
boy
ssat
.Shef
ir
sthandedThabang
hi
sgl
assandt
henVi
n.Inot
icedhow
t
hierhandst
ouchedandt
heypaused
f
oraf
ewmi
nut
esbef
oreVi
ntookhi
s
gl
assandmi
mickedat
hanky
ou.
"
Iknewi
t!
"Ihi
ssed,
"shest
il
ll
ikesVi
n."

It
ookt
het
rayandwentout
.

*
**

MrChi
bendef
oundhi
swi
fei
nbed
af
terchur
ch.Hesatatt
heedgeof
t
hebedi
nthedar
k.

"
Canwet
alk?
"heaskedd.
"
Notnow,
"shesai
d.
"
Presht
ell
smey
out
hrewherout
,"
he
sai
dcal
mly
.

Mr
sChi
bendesatup,
"di
dsheal
sot
ell
y
oushecal
l
edmeabi
ggerwhor
e?
Cal
l
edmychi
l
drenbast
ards?
"
"
Youar
emywi
feandIex
pecty
out
o
car
ryy
our
sel
fwi
thmodest
y.And
pl
easet
ell
yourdaught
ert
obr
eakof
f
what
everi
ndecentr
elat
ionshei
s
st
art
ingwi
thThabang,
"hesai
d.
"
I'
m sur
eAmoonai
sagr
ownup
womanwhocandeci
dev
erymuch
whoshewant
stost
aywi
th.
"
"
Grownup?Ther
eisnot
hinggr
own
upabouther
.Shecheat
edonher
f
iancegotpr
egnantandhonest
lyI
'
m
f
arf
rom t
rust
ingherj
udgement
.
Pl
easet
ell
hert
ost
opseei
ngt
hat
boy
,"
hesai
dandwal
kedaway
.

Mr
sChi
bendest
art
edt
osweatas
angerbr
ewedupwi
thi
nher
.

"
AndWal
eny
alogoapol
ogi
set
omy
ni
ecebef
oret
hewhol
ewor
ldst
art
s
knowi
ngofy
ouri
nfi
del
i
ty.Shewi
l
lbe
att
heai
rpor
ttomor
rowat8pm"
he
commanded
*
**

Lat
ert
henex
tev
eni
ngwear
ri
vedat
t
hebout
iqueal
ldr
essedf
ort
he
occasi
on.Vi
n,me,
Anel
i
e,Jaf
ter
,
Jonny
,Ly
nda,
AmuandThabanghad
al
lcome.IsawKel
etsoatt
heot
her
endchat
ti
ngl
i
ght
lywi
thDi
ket
soand
Bame.

"
Thi
sisni
ce,
"Amusai
d,"
youshoul
d
comescoutf
ory
ourdr
essher
e."
"
Sur
emust
,"
Isai
d.
"
Andf
orusbr
idesmai
dsr
ight
?"Anel
i
e
sai
d.
"
Yes,
"Ismi
l
ed,
"Vi
nwi
l
lpayf
or
ev
ery
thi
ng.Ri
ghtbabe?
"
"
Ohhel
lno.Ev
erymanf
orhi
s
gi
rl
fr
iend.
"

Weal
ll
aughed.

"
Excuseme,
"Isai
dandwal
kedov
ert
o
Di
ket
sowhowasnowst
andi
ngal
one.
"
Heybi
gsi
s,
"Isai
d.

Shet
urnedar
oundandhugged
me,
"l
ookaty
ou.Gl
ady
oucoul
dmake
i
t.
"
"
Thanky
ouf
ori
nvi
ti
ngme.Youknow
Ibetdaddyi
ssmi
l
ingdownony
ou.
Congr
atsandt
hatwasabeaut
if
ul
speechy
ougav
eupt
her
e."
"
Thanks.Soy
oucomi
ngt
ogety
our
weddi
ngt
hingsher
eri
ght
?"
"
Howcany
ouev
enasksucha
quest
ion.Omphadi
scountaker
e?"
"
Wat
senwaaker
ennaka?
"

Wel
aughed.Kel
etsol
ookedatus
f
rom wer
eshewas.Herhear
twas
cov
eredi
ngl
oom.Sher
eachedf
or
herpur
seandt
ookoutt
hev
oodoo
dol
landapi
n.

"
Yousuchabi
tchandI
'
m her
e
suf
fer
ingwhi
l
eyoul
i
vel
i
fe.Nev
er.
"

Shepr
ickedt
hedol
lont
hechestand
wat
chedmehol
dmychest
.
"
Arey
ouOkay
?"Di
ket
soasked.
"
Kei
tei
l
wekeset
lhabi
!"
Icr
iedast
he
pai
nsubsi
ded

STORI
E'SBYEmy
-Becky

Myphonewasact
ingupsi
nce
y
est
erday
.Sor
ry.Nex
tinser
t
t
omor
rowat09:
30.
BEWI
TCED

#44
"
Babe?
"

Vi
nputhi
shandov
ermyf
orehead
deepl
ydi
str
essed.

"
Keshar
pbabei
twasj
usta(
anot
her
shar
ppai
nst
ruckbet
weenmy
chest
)fuck!
"

Anel
i
eandLy
ndawal
kedov
er.

"
Lethersi
tdown,
"Anel
i
esai
d.
"
Thati
sagoodi
dea,
"Di
ket
sosai
d.
"
Ormay
beweshoul
dgohome
babe?
"Vi
nasked

ThewayIwasi
rr
it
atedbyVi
n.Ir
oll
ed
myey
esashecar
ri
edmet
othechai
r.
ThabangandAmul
ookedonf
rom
di
stance.

"
Somet
hingi
swr
ong,
"Thabangsai
d
i
t,
"Icanl
i
ter
all
yfeel
someev
il
pr
esencei
nthi
spl
ace.Somuchev
il
."
"
Don'
tyout
hinky
ouar
eov
er
i
magi
ningt
hings?
"
"
TrustmeIknowwhatI
'
mtal
ki
ng
about
.May
beIshoul
dbookbot
h
t
hesegi
rl
sadel
i
ver
ancesessi
onwi
th
y
ourdad.
"
"
Ify
ouf
eel
thatwayy
eahi
t'
spr
obabl
y
t
hehol
yspi
ri
tcommuni
cat
ing.
"
"
Doy
ouhav
eai
rt
ime?
"
"
YeahIt
hink,
"shesai
dreachi
ngi
nher
pur
se,
"t
her
eyougo.
"
"
Passwor
d?"
"
AMUt
ha,
"shesai
d,"
Amui
ncabsand
t
hai
nlowercase.
"
"
That
'showmuchy
oul
oveme?So
cut
e,I
'
mthehappi
estandl
ucki
est
manev
er.
"

Hel
eanedi
nandki
ssedherwhi
l
e
di
ali
ngAmu'
sdad.

"
Hei
sn'
tpi
cki
ngup.
"Hesai
d.
"
Bri
ngl
etmecal
lmamat
hey
pr
obabl
ytoget
her
."

Amut
ookt
hephoneanddi
aledher
mot
her
.
"
Hel
l
o?"
sheanswer
ed
"
Heymom,
wher
eispr
ophet
?"
"
Shutupwhati
sthi
snonsenseIhear
abouty
ouandThabang?
"
Amur
oll
edherey
esandcur
sed
Pr
eshatt
hebackofherhead.
"
Yourf
atheri
ssof
uri
ous.Don'
tcal
l
meunt
ily
ouend.
..
"
"
Endwhatmama?Thel
astt
imei
t
wasKr
isandIendedupl
oosi
ngmy
baby
.Iwi
l
lnot
(si
gh)
..
.andwhydoy
ou
ev
enl
i
stent
oPr
esh?Shoul
dIal
so
l
i
stent
oheraboutpr
ophetnotbei
ng
myf
ather
?"

Hermot
herswal
l
owedal
umpatt
he
ot
herendoft
hel
i
ne.

"
Mma?
"
"
ByeAmoonaIpr
ayy
oudot
her
ight
t
hing.Bat
hobat
arengkanay
ouar
e
t
hepr
eacher
'sdaught
erandshoul
d
beex
empl
aryt
o..
."
"
NomamaIam ahumanbei
ngwi
th
f
eel
i
ngst
oo.Whyshoul
dIl
etat
it
tl
eI
di
dn'
tchooseaf
fectmychoi
ces?My
l
i
fe?NoI
'
mver
ymuchgr
ownupand
knowex
act
lywhatIwant
.Wi
l
lyou
cutmeof
fli
key
oudi
dwhenIwas
wi
thKr
is?MamaI
'
m Amunota
pr
eacher
'ski
d."

Hermot
herkeptqui
et.Sheknewhow
pai
nful
itwast
obei
nlov
ewi
th
someoney
ethav
eci
rcumst
ances
f
orcey
out
obewi
thanot
her
.She
si
ghed,
eit
herwayShewoul
dhav
eto
makeachoi
cewhet
hert
odef
yher
husbandandst
ickwi
thherchi
l
dor
not
.

"
Mom peopl
ewi
l
lal
way
stal
k
especi
all
ythosepat
het
icwomen
f
rom chur
ch.I
'
mti
redofhav
ingmy
l
i
fedr
awnout
.Ifi
t'
sami
stakeI
maki
ngl
etmemom,
letmebet
he
pr
odi
gal
daught
erat
leastIwi
l
llear
n
onmyown.Pl
ease.
"
"
Okay
.Ir
eal
l
yhopeshemakesy
ou
happymychi
l
d,"
shesai
d.
"
Thanky
oumom y
ouhav
enoi
dea
howhappyi
tmakesmeheary
ousay
t
hat
."
"
Yourhappi
nessi
sal
somi
ne.
Goodby
eAmu.
"
"
Okaymaby
e."

Al
lthi
sti
meThabangwasl
ooki
ngat
her
.Hehel
dherhandandki
ssedi
t.

"
Ilov
eyousomuch.
..
"
"
Ilov
eyout
ooMrSei
tshi
ro.
"She
smi
l
ed.
"
Ilov
eyout
oanex
tentt
hatIdon'
t
wantt
oseey
ouhur
t.Iwon'
tsl
eepat
ni
ghtknowi
ngIcamei
nbet
weeny
ou
andy
ourf
ami
l
y.I
..
."

Amucuppedhi
scheekandhet
it
led
hi
shel
dki
ssi
ngt
hehand.Shesmi
l
ed.

"
Youar
emyf
ami
l
ynow.Wi
l
lyoube
happycomi
ngi
nbet
weenus?See
babemyf
athercan'
tmar
rymeorget
i
nti
mat
ewi
thmebuty
oucan.Now
l
et'
sfor
getaboutwhathehast
osay
andi
mmer
seour
sel
vesi
nthi
slov
e
aker
e?"
Thabangnoddedandst
rokedherl
i
ps
wi
thaf
inger
.

"
Kagor
ata,
"hesai
d.
"
Lenna,
"shesmi
l
ed.
"
Lewenaor
il
eng?
"
"
Lov
eyout
oo,
"shesai
d.
"
Ishoul
dlov
emet
oo?
"
Amuchuckl
ed,
"noMrSei
tshi
roIl
ove
y
out
oo.
"
"
Eeor
ial
o.Nnabomet
ool
ebol
ove
y
oubampher
osal
i
verwai
tse.
"
Theyl
aughedandmadesomesmal
l
t
alk.

*
**

Att
hev
il
lageMont
lewentt
hrough
herFacebookt
imel
i
meandpausedat
Bame'
sphot
os.

"
Tlekeser
owe,
"shet
hunder
edi
ntoan
annoy
ingl
augher
.
"
Pal
apy
ewee!Mabel
ete'
rekwano!
"he
mot
hersai
d.
"
Nnagakel
ebel
ete,
"shesai
d
"
Wel
lyouar
elaughi
ngl
i
keone,
"her
mot
hersai
d,"
won'
tbesur
pri
sedo
t
shegadi
l
otsabasi
mane.
"
"
Aomamammawi
l
lyouev
ert
rust
me?Nnammagaker
ataneIwas
l
ooki
ngatt
hisKYSegot
wengBame
edi
ri
lemake-
up.
"
"
Mmer
ebone.
"

MmaBamet
ookt
hephone,
"oket
sa
l
etsedi
.Ican'
tseeat
hing.
"
Mont
lei
ncr
easedt
hebackgr
ound
l
i
ghtandscr
oll
edt
other
ecentphot
o
hersi
sterhadupl
oaded.

"
Twoday
sebi
l
emet
siaGabor
onea
mokokomet
se,
"hermot
her
smi
l
ed,
"ebi
l
ecal
lhersoshesendsus
madi
amet
sibef
orebar
ekgaol
a."
"
Whynotaskf
rom Loago?
"
"
Obuakamangt
ota?Loagowi
l
l
makeacommot
ionev
eni
fyouasked
f
ornz
amel
awap5whatmor
eforbi
l
l
y
amet
si.Tshwar
ant
obel
etsaBame,
hai
seker
eoi
zamel
e."
Mont
legav
ehermot
heranev
iley
e.

"
Nny
ant
ebasent
leMont
le.Iknow
y
oust
eal
myai
rt
ime.Di
racal
lka
pel
a,
"sheadded.

*
**

MrChi
bendeshookhi
sheadashi
s
wi
feputt
hephonedown.

"
Doy
ouev
erl
i
stent
ome?
"
"
BabaI
..
."
"
Sav
eitWal
eny
alo.
(si
ghed)
didy
ou
meetwi
thPr
esh?
"heasked.
"
Whyshoul
dI?I
'
mti
red.Goodni
ght
."

Sheswi
tchedof
fthesi
del
ampand
gav
ehi
m herback.MrChi
bende
si
ghedandbur
iedhi
sheadi
nhi
s
hands.

"
MmaChi
bende?
"

Hi
swi
fekeptqui
et.
"
All
myl
i
feal
lIev
erwant
edwast
he
bestf
ort
hegi
rl
s..
.f
ory
ouansf
or
Tat
endat
oo.May
bey
out
hinkIdo
somet
hingoutofspi
tebecauset
hey
ar
enotbi
ologi
cal
l
ymi
nebutIam t
he
onl
yfat
hert
heywi
l
lev
erknow.Godi
s
mywi
tnessWal
eny
alo.
..
Ilov
ethem.
..
Icar
efort
hem somuch.Iwi
l
ltal
kto
myni
eceshewasoutofl
i
net
oo.
"

Mr
sChi
bendeshutherey
esand
t
houghtcar
eful
l
y.
"
May
bei
t'
sti
meIt
oldt
hem t
het
rut
h."
"
Thet
rut
hwi
l
lrui
nthi
sfami
l
y,"
he
si
ghed
"
Buti
sn'
ti
tital
soset
sfr
ee?
"she
asked.

Qui
etl
yhehadgot
teni
nbedand
f
acedt
heot
herdi
rect
iont
oo.

*
**

Backatt
hepar
tyBamewal
kedov
er
t
oDi
ket
so.
"
BabesIneedaf
avourt
lhemma,
"she
sai
d,"
nkadi
meP150keduel
l
ebo
mamamet
si.
"
"
Isn'
ti
tLoagokeeney
o
t
shwanet
senggoduel
amet
sisi
ncea
f
oromel
adi
tenat
eng?
"
"
AhLoagocanbeapai
nthet
heass.
NnakanaIgotchi
l
drent
her
eandwa
moi
tsemmar
angwaneago.
"
"
I'
ll
hel
phel
akagor
eboLeobako
gae,
"shesai
d.
"
Yout
hebest
,"
Bamehuggedher
.
"
Aet
shabamonnakwa!
"Di
ket
so
t
easedher
.

*
**

It
ookal
ookatmy
sel
font
hel
adi
es
r
oom mi
rr
orandspl
ashedwat
erov
er
myf
ace.ThedooropenedandI
l
ookedupatt
hemi
rr
oragai
n.

"
Ser
engset
habi
?"shesai
dwi
tha
smi
l
e
"
Excuseme?
"Isai
d.
Shewal
kedov
erandl
eanedagai
nst
par
toft
hewat
erbasi
nfaci
ngatme.

"
Itwi
l
lbesadt
olosey
out
osi
s,
"she
smi
l
ed.
"
Youar
epat
het
icy
ouknowt
hat
?"I
spewout
.

Shewentbehi
ndmeandr
est
edher
headonmyshoul
der
,"
keut
waka
wena.
"
I
rr
it
atedIshr
ugherof
fme.

"
Play
ingl
i
ttl
ehappyf
ami
l
ywi
tht
hose
ki
dsf
rom t
hesubur
bssi
ss?Ev
en
f
orgotabouty
ourki
dsi
ster
.Sucha
shame,
"shesai
dleani
ngagani
stt
he
t
oil
etdoor
.

Il
ookedatheratt
hemi
rr
or.

"
Itwon'
tl
ast
.Soenj
oyi
twhi
l
eit
does.
"Shewi
nked
Shepushedandgoti
nsi
det
het
oil
et
wi
thherback.Ishookmyheadand
r
oll
edoutat
issuet
owel
andwi
ped
myf
aceandhands.

Af
tert
hrowi
ngt
hepaperi
nthebi
nI
f
eltsuf
focat
es.Fel
tli
kemyheadwas
bei
ngdi
ppeddeepi
ntoapool
of
wat
er.Iwasl
i
ter
all
yrunni
ngoutof
br
eat
h.Ihel
dmychestt
ryi
ngt
ogasp
asmuchai
rasIcoul
dbutmyef
for
ts
t
urnedf
uti
l
e.If
ell
downand
ev
ery
thi
ngj
ustbl
ackedout
.
I
nsi
det
het
oil
et,
Kel
etsohadher
headset
son.Shewasj
oyf
ull
y
danci
ngt
othet
unepl
ayi
ngonher
phonewi
tht
hev
oodoodol
ldi
pped
i
nsi
det
hewat
ert
ankt
hatf
lushest
he
t
oil
et.

"
Diebi
tch!
"shesai
dqui
etl
ysmi
l
ing.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

Nex
tinser
t09:
30t
omor
row
BEWI
TCHED
#45

"
Itwon'
tl
ast
.Soenj
oyi
twhi
l
eit
does.
"Shewi
nked

Shepushedandgoti
nsi
det
het
oil
et
wi
thherback.Ishookmyheadand
r
oll
edoutat
issuet
owel
andwi
ped
myf
aceandhands.

Af
tert
hrowi
ngt
hepaperi
nthebi
nI
f
eltsuf
focat
es.Fel
tli
kemyheadwas
bei
ngdi
ppeddeepi
ntoapool
of
wat
er.Iwasl
i
ter
all
yrunni
ngoutof
br
eat
h.Ihel
dmychestt
ryi
ngt
ogasp
asmuchai
rasIcoul
dbutmyef
for
ts
t
urnedf
uti
l
e.If
ell
downand
ev
ery
thi
ngj
ustbl
ackedout
.

I
nsi
det
het
oil
et,
Kel
etsohadher
headset
son.Shewasj
oyf
ull
y
danci
ngt
othet
unepl
ayi
ngonher
phonewi
tht
hev
oodoodol
ldi
pped
i
nsi
det
hewat
ert
ankt
hatf
lushest
he
t
oil
et.
"
Diebi
tch!
"shesai
dqui
etl
ysmi
l
ing.

Vei
nsbecamev
isi
bleonmyski
nasi
f
t
heywer
eaboutt
oer
upt
.

*
**

Di
ket
sowal
kedsomeofherol
d
f
ri
endsoutoft
hebout
iqueandcame
backi
n.

"
YoumustbeVi
n,
"shesai
dsmi
l
ing
ex
tendi
ngherhandt
ohi
m.
"
Jonny
,"
hesmi
l
edshaki
nghi
s,
"t
he
y
oungerbr
other
."
"
Par
donme,
"shesai
d.
"
Skawar
ait
's.
..
"
"
Wai
twhat
?YouspeakSet
swana?
Wow!
"

Jonnyl
aughed,
"eemmakebua
Set
swanahel
asamor
ogowa
di
nawa.
"
"
What
?"shel
aughed.
"
Nicet
omeety
out
oDi
?"
"
Diket
soorj
ustcal
lmeDK,
"she
bl
ushed.
"
TwoDK'
sonef
ami
l
y?Yourmust
hav
eli
vedal
lyourl
i
vesconf
used.
"
"
Notatal
l
,weonl
yshar
eadadsowe
di
dnotl
i
kegr
owupt
oget
her
."
"
Ohei
sh.ButheyImustsay
(looked
ar
ound)
youmadequi
etast
atement
wi
tht
hisbout
ique.
"
"
Thanky
ouJonny
."
"
Youwel
comeDK.
..
"

"
Heybabe,
"Ly
ndasai
dbehi
ndhi
m.
"
Hey
..
.erLy
ndat
hisi
sDK,
Dikel
edi
'
s
el
dersi
sterwomanoft
hemoment
..
."

Ly
ndal
ookedathi
m smi
l
ing.Di
ket
so
wasal
sobl
ushi
ng.

"
..
.andDkt
hisi
sLy
nda.
"

Ly
ndasmi
l
edandex
tendedher
hand,
"hi
sgi
rl
fr
iend.
"
"
Nicet
omeety
ouLy
ndaandt
hanks
f
orcomi
ng.Myf
ri
endov
ert
her
eis
cal
l
ingme,
pleasedohel
pyour
sel
ves
t
omor
ewi
ne.
"
"
GogoDK!
"Jonnycheer
ed
"
Yey
!"Di
ket
socel
ebr
atedandwent
ov
ert
oBame.

Ly
ndaf
oldedherhandsl
ooki
ngat
Jonnywhowassmi
l
ingal
one.

"
And?
"
"
And?
"hesai
d
"
Pleasedon'
t.
"
"
Don'
twhat
?"hesai
dignor
ant
ly.
"
Jonnyy
ouj
ustf
li
rt
edwi
thagi
rli
n
f
rontofmel
i
kewhatt
hef
uck?
"she
sai
drei
nstal
lherbestt
osuppr
ess
herv
oice.
"
Your
eadi
ngt
omuchi
ntonot
hing,
"he
sai
d.
"
Imi
ghtbeal
ll
oveydov
eywi
thy
ou
butt
rustmeI
'
m notnai
ve.Gety
our
actt
oget
herandst
opembar
rassi
ng
meandbeki
ndt
otel
lherI
'
llki
l
lfor
y
ou.Nx
lal
eny
atsabat
hoJonny
.If
y
ouwantt
oseespokosa
mmamashi
atr
yme.
"
"
BabeI
..
."
"
Sav
eitJonnywel
eav
ing.Fet
arey
e
gol
ael
ayourbr
other
.
*
**

Bamel
ookedagai
natJonnyand
Ly
ndaov
erDi
ket
so'
sshoul
der
.

"
And?
"
"
Shutup,
howwi
l
lIknowi
fyoukeep
naggi
ngme?
"shesai
d.
"
Ohcomeoni
tsbeenf
orev
er,
"Di
ket
so
sai
danx
iousl
y.
"
Rel
axhee!Wel
ali
vergi
rlchi
l
dIgot
t
his,
"Bamesai
dst
il
ll
ooki
ngatJonny
andLy
nda.
"
AoBamemmat
ell
mewhatar
ethey
say
ing?
"
"
Okayt
heyar
egone,
"shesai
d.
"
What
?"Di
ket
sosai
dlooki
ngbehi
nd,
"
suchaf
ri
endy
ouar
e."

Shel
ookedasJonnypul
l
edt
hedoor
f
orLy
ndaandhel
dherwai
stasshe
wal
kedout
.Di
ket
sosmi
l
edasLy
nda
pusheddownJonny
'shandf
rom her
wai
stout
sidet
hebout
ique.
"
Heai
n'
tl
eav
inghi
sgi
rl
fr
iendf
ory
ou
y
oudoknowt
hatr
ight
?Mmehel
a
t
sal
ayameobonekaemakut
wanea
kgaoganasal
aot
shol
wa?I
fyouwant
aci
dal
lov
ery
ourf
aceIdar
eyout
o
t
rysnat
cht
hatboyaut
wa.
"
"
You'
resonegat
ivewai
tseBame.He
l
i
kesmeand.
..
"

Bamebur
stoutl
aughi
ngandused
herpur
set
ofanherf
ace.

"
Eish!Li
kesy
ou?Kant
ehowol
dar
e
y
ouagai
n?"
Bamet
eased
"
Mxm,
fot
seket
lhemma,
"shesai
d
Bamechor
tl
ed,
"ex
act
lyat28y
ou
shoul
dknowt
hist
hings.Let
'sber
eal
t
hatl
i
ttl
eboydoesn'
tl
ovey
ouatal
l
."
"
Don'
tspoi
lmymoodpl
ease.
"

Sheputdownt
hewi
negl
assand
st
oodupf
ixi
ngherski
rt
.

"
Hakebat
egobonaony
e**
swake
y
ell
owbone.Col
our
edgi
rl
sba
t
adi
pol
agaseboSegamet
sil
ebo
Mmaony
ana.Thi
sisG.
Cmamanot
Tobane.
"
"
What
everman,
kant
ewher
ehas
Di
kel
edi
leKel
etsodi
sappeart
o?"
"
Don'
tknowandIhonest
lydon'
tcar
e.
Ev
eni
ftheydi
edi
twoul
dn'
tmov
eme
ani
nch,
"Bamesai
dandsi
ppedi
nto
herwi
ne.

Whensher
aisedherheadDi
ket
so
wasst
ari
ngather
.

"
Youdoknowst
arr
ingi
sruder
ight
?"
"
Thosear
emysi
ster
syouwast
alki
ng
about
."
Diket
sosai
d.
"
So?Theyar
easmuchf
ami
l
ytome
ast
heyar
etoy
ou.Wehav
ethesame
bl
oodr
unni
ngi
nourv
einsdoesn'
t
meanIhav
etol
i
ket
hem
t
hough,
"Bamesai
d.

Shechewedt
hecher
ryf
rom t
hegl
ass
andwi
nkedatDi
ket
sowhowasst
il
l
st
ari
ngather
.

*
**
I
nthebat
hroom.

Kel
etsor
emov
edt
hedol
lfr
om t
he
wat
ert
ankandIcoul
dnowbr
eat
h.
Theywaymyhear
tst
art
edbeat
ing
r
api
dlymadei
tev
enhar
dformet
o
si
tupl
etal
onemov
efr
om t
he
posi
ti
onIhadbeenl
yi
ngon.

*
**

Anel
i
elookedatherwat
ch.
"
Youbeenl
ooki
ngatt
hatwat
chsi
nce
f
orev
er,
"Jaf
tersai
d.

Shel
aughed.

"
Youwantt
ogohome?
"heasked
"
Ofcour
senot
.It
hinkwer
eal
l
yneed
t
otal
k."
"
Her
e?"
"
Yesher
e,"
shesai
d.
"
Okay
.Sup?
"
"
It
sabouty
ouandt
hatpsy
choass
babymamaofy
our
s,"
shesai
d.
"
Bonni
e?"
"
YeaJaf
ter
,Bonni
e.Ory
ougotmor
e
oft
hem?
"
"
Yest
hreemor
e."
"
Whatt
hef
uckdi
dyouj
ustsay
?"
"
Goty
ou!
"hel
aughed.
"
Yout
hinkt
hisi
sfunny
?"
"
Comeonbaber
elax
,Iwant
edy
out
o
l
oosenup,
"hesai
drubbi
ngherhand.

Hi
ski
ssonherhandmadeher
i
ntest
inest
wist
.
"
LikeIsai
dear
li
erBonni
eandIwer
e
aboutt
ogetmar
ri
ed.Ev
ery
thi
nghad
beenf
inal
i
sed.
..
(chor
tl
ed)
weev
en
boughtt
heweddi
nggownsl
i
ke
ev
ery
thi
ngwasi
npl
ace(
sighesand
si
psi
ntohi
sdr
ink)
butIguessi
t
wasn'
tmeantt
obe.LookbabeI
f
oundsol
acei
nyourhear
tandIcan
assur
eyoumeandBonni
ear
edone.
Bef
oreIcamet
oyourpl
acet
his
mor
ningIcal
l
edmyf
olkst
otel
lthem
gor
ether
ehasbeenachangeof
pl
ans.Theywi
l
lbegoi
ngt
oher
par
ent
stomor
row.
"
Anel
i
ekeptqui
ett
ryi
ngt
oanal
yse
hi
m,hi
semot
ions.

"
Ilov
eyouokay
,"
heassur
edher
.

Shemadeanod.

"
Babe?
"
"
Hmm?
"
"
Ihopey
ounotgoi
ngt
ohav
eissues
wi
thmeco-
par
ent
ingwi
thher
,
Aker
e?"
heenqui
red
Anel
i
ekeptqui
et.Shenev
ert
hought
aboutt
hat
.

"
TobehonestIdon'
tknow.Idon'
t
wantt
oli
eIdon'
tl
ikeherasi
ngl
ebi
t
,
"shesai
dtr
uthf
ull
y.
"
Youdon'
thav
etol
i
keherbutf
orme
andmyson'
srel
ati
onshi
pcany
ouat
l
eastt
oler
ateher
?"

Shel
ookedhi
mint
heey
es.Thet
rut
h
woul
dhur
thi
m,shesmi
l
edf
aint
ly.
"
IknewIcoul
dcountony
ou,
"hesai
d.

Anel
i
eknewhehadmi
sint
erpr
eted
hersmi
l
e.Ther
ewasnowayshewas
t
oler
ati
ngt
hatwr
etchedwoman.Not
i
nthi
sli
feori
ntheaf
terl
i
fe.

*
**

Di
ket
sol
ookedagai
natt
hef
ami
l
iar
mansi
tt
ingal
one.Shewonder
ed
wher
eshehadseenhi
m.May
behe
wasaj
our
nal
i
storapot
ent
ial
cust
omer
.Shewal
kedov
er
maj
est
ical
l
yswi
ngi
ngherwel
l
shapedf
igur
e.Li
kemeshewasnot
l
i
gheri
ncompl
exi
onl
i
keKel
etso,
she
howev
erhadmyl
i
ttl
esi
ster
'sf
aci
als.
Bot
hlookedl
i
kemydadmor
ethanI
di
dbuti
nar
atherf
emi
nineway
.Al
l
t
het
hreeofusst
oodatt
hesame
hei
ghtofcour
sewi
thmet
woi
nches
t
all
er.

"
Dumel
ang,
"shesmi
l
edathi
m.
"
Youknowy
oul
ookf
orei
gn.
"
"
For
eign?
"
"
Idon'
tmeant
osoundr
udebuty
our
beaut
y.Kor
eyoul
ookl
i
key
ouf
rom
boKeny
aorSomal
i
ayouhav
ethat
Af
ri
canbeaut
ythati
stoo
compl
i
cat
edt
oex
plai
n."

Di
ket
sol
ookedathi
m smi
l
ing.

"
I'
m..
."
"
Diket
soandwemeetagai
n,
"he
smi
l
ed,
"don'
ttel
lmey
oudon'
t
r
ememberme.
"
Di
ket
sosqui
ntedherey
esandmade
ami
nipuppyf
ace.

"
I'
m hur
twai
tse.Any
way
syourbeaut
y
i
sanenoughr
emedy
..
."
"
Uhuy
ouagai
n?"
"
Youknowhi
m?"
Diket
sol
ookedat
herf
ri
endconf
used.
"
Arey
oust
alki
ngus?
"Bame
t
hunder
ed.
"
Noty
oumay
beherbutnoI
'
m not
st
alki
ngany
one.Sohowcomeshe
wast
heonl
yoneont
hespotl
i
ght
?
I
'
m sur
eIhear
edy
ourv
oiceecho'
we
ar
elaunchi
ngourbr
idal
bout
ique
t
omor
row'
.Al
lIhear
dwashername
notoncey
our
s,whathappeneddi
d
t
heyf
orgety
ou?
"
"
Lookher
eThul
agany
oorwhat
ever
y
ournamei
s..
."
"
WowI
'
mimpr
essedy
ou
r
emember
edmynamet
oo.Dkask
hert
oteachy
ouhowshedoes
i
t,
"Thul
i
eteasedBame.
"
Someonef
il
lmei
n,
"Di
ket
sosai
d
conf
used.
"
Wemeetl
astni
ghtatt
hel
ounge,
I
camebyy
ourt
abl
eandshewental
l
catf
inger
sonme,
"heex
plai
ned.
"
Ohy
eahkanasal
akebonagor
eI'
d
seeny
ousomewher
e."
Diket
so
r
emember
ed.
"
Socanwet
alk(
lookedatBame)
in
pr
ivat
e?"
Heasked

Bamer
oll
edherey
es.

"
Thi
sbet
terbewor
thi
t,
"Di
ket
sosai
d
seat
ingdown.
"
Ohpl
ease,
"Bamer
oll
edherey
esst
il
l
st
andi
ngt
her
e.
"
Cany
ouex
cuceus?
"Thul
i
esai
dto
annoyher
"
Mxm.DKmakei
tsnappy
."
"
Thanky
ouBamecanIhav
esome
wat
er?
"het
eased
"
Wahet
ela!
"Bamecl
i
ckedhert
ongue
andl
eft

Thul
i
eandDi
ket
sol
aughed.

"
Stopi
tmot
hoy
ooi
smybestf
ri
end
kana,
"Di
ket
sosmi
l
ed.
"
Howsad,
"hesai
dinal
owert
one
"
Rra?
"
"
Ohnot
hing.OkayI
'
llshott
othepoi
nt.
CanIt
akey
ououtt
omor
rowf
or
l
unchordi
nneri
fyoudoi
ngchur
ch
t
omor
row.Ofcour
seI
'
llpayf
or
ev
ery
thi
ng.I
'
dcookf
ory
oubutI
'
ma
st
rangeranddon'
tex
pecty
out
ofeel
f
inecomi
ngov
ert
omypl
ace.Ihear
t
her
eisanewr
est
aur
antopeni
ng
downt
ownandt
hought
..
."
"
Whynott
akeme?
"
"
Yesma'
am,
"hesmi
l
ed.
"
Youdoknowwear
einBot
swana
r
ight
?"

Hel
aughed,
"y
eahwhy
?"
"
Wel
lmanar
en'
tthatr
omant
icher
e.
What
'st
hecat
ch?
"
"
Ouch.Wel
lnot
hingatal
l
.Wel
li
fyou
don'
twantt
ogoI
'
llcomeher
e
ev
ery
dayunt
ilIr
anoutofbr
eat
h."
"
I'
dlov
etoseet
hat
(gotup)
bye
Thul
i
e."

Hesmi
l
edather
.
"
Andcongr
atsont
hebout
ique,
"he
sai
dst
andi
ngup,
"wassuchal
ovel
y
ni
ght
.Goodni
ght
."

Shesmi
l
edwat
chi
nghi
m wal
kout
.
Bamel
ookedonenr
aged.Howcome
nomangav
eat
tent
iont
oher
.She
wassur
eshel
ookedwaybeaut
if
ul
andsoundedi
ntel
l
igenti
nhert
alk
compar
edt
oDi
ket
so.Shecl
i
ckedher
t
ongueandwal
kedt
othet
oil
et.

*
**
Ist
ruggl
edt
ogetupandf
inal
l
ygav
e
i
nhopi
ngt
hatsomeonecomest
omy
r
escue.Isi
det
het
oil
etKel
etsot
ied
t
hedol
l
'sl
egst
oget
herusi
ngat
hread
anddi
ppedi
tagai
nint
hewat
er.I
gaggedf
orai
randt
hedooropened.

"
Hol
yshi
t!Di
kel
edi
?"Bamecr
ied.

Shet
ri
edt
ohel
pmebutIcoul
dn'
tsi
t
up.

"
Hangi
nther
eI'
m goi
ngt
oget
hel
p,"
sher
anout
.

Encl
osedi
nthet
oil
etspaceKel
etso
putdownt
het
oil
etl
i
dandsatoni
t.

"
Babe?Ar
eyouokay
?"Vi
nasked
hel
pingmesi
tup.
"
Ithi
nkshei
sfai
l
ingt
obr
eat
hsent
le.
Whathappened?
"heaskedBamewho
shr
ughershoul
der
s.
"
Let
'st
akehert
othehospi
tal
."
Jaf
ter
suggest
ed.
Kel
etsor
emov
edherheadset
sand
hear
dpeopl
etaki
ngout
side.She
l
i
stenedsomemor
eandr
emov
edt
he
dol
lfr
om t
hewat
er,
puti
tinherbag
andputt
heheadsetbackonwal
ki
ng
out
.

"
Shi
t!
youscar
edt
hel
eav
ingshi
tout
ofme!
"Kel
etsopr
etended
"
Aoy
oubeeni
nther
eal
lthi
swhi
l
ene
osaut
weDi
kel
edi
awa?
"Anel
i
e
asked.
"
What
?"shel
ookedathersi
ster
,"
noI
hadmyheadset
sonal
lthi
swhi
l
e
whathappened?I
ssheokay
?"

Jaf
terl
ookedatKel
etso.Heknew
shewasf
aki
ngal
lofi
t.Thequest
ion
waswhy
?

"
Shewi
l
lbeokay
,"
Vinsai
d.

Ai
rreachedmyl
ungsandIcoughed.

"
Babe!Shecoughed.
..
babeoshar
p?"

Tearr
oll
eddownmyf
aceandImade
anod.

"
Okaydoy
out
hinky
oucany
oust
and
up?
"Vi
nasked
"
Mmm.
"

Vi
nhel
pedmeupwhi
l
eAnel
i
e
suppor
tedmyot
hersi
de.Myey
es
l
andedonKel
etsoandshef
lashed
hermi
schi
evoussmi
l
e.It
ri
edt
o
mov
emyl
egsbutIcoul
dn'
tfeel
them.

"
Ican'
tmov
emyl
egs.Babe!I
can'
t(
suf
focat
ing)
Ican'
tmov
emy
l
egs!
"

Ev
ery
onel
ookedatmewor
ri
edbut
Kel
etsol
ookeddownandsmi
l
ed
wi
thoutany
onenot
ici
ng.

"
No.
..
no!Pl
easeaoModi
mowame!I
can'
tmov
emyl
egs!
"Icr
ied.

St
ori
esBy
:Emy
-Becky

Sor
ryaboutMonday
.Nex
tinser
t
t
omor
row10am
#46

Ispentt
henex
tcoupl
eofweeks
conf
inedt
omybedbecauset
he
di
agnosi
srat
edmyl
egspar
aly
sis.

"
Howar
eyou?
"heasked
"
Ican'
twal
kwhatdoy
out
hink?
"I
bashedhi
m
"
YouknowwhatImeantbabe,
"he
sai
drubbi
ngmyhand.
"
Ihav
etor
egi
sterf
or.
..
Ihav
eto
r
egi
sterf
ormyf
inal
yearandl
ookat
menow.I
'
m abl
oodyusel
ess
pot
ato.
"

Iwi
pedawayat
eart
hathadr
oll
ed
downmyf
aceandl
ookedt
heot
her
way
.Vi
nsatont
hebedandhel
dme.

"
Heydon'
tbehar
dony
our
sel
f.I
'
m
her
eri
ght
?"
"
Seet
hat
'swhatIdon'
twantVi
n,
dependency
.I'
m sousedt
odoi
ng
ev
ery
thi
ngf
ormy
sel
fand.
..
"
"
Am notcompl
aini
ng.I
nacoupl
eof
day
swear
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
..
"
"
Aboutt
hat
.(
sigh)Canweputi
ton
hol
d,f
ornow?Idon'
twantt
oget
mar
ri
edi
nawheel
chai
r.
"
"
Wecoul
dal
way
sdoapr
ivat
e
weddi
ng.Not
hingcompl
i
cat
ed
at
leastt
ogetoutmar
ri
age
cer
ti
fi
cat
e."
hesai
d
"
Kar
eaeVi
n."
"
ButbabeI
..
."
"
Ify
oudon'
tmi
ndpl
easecl
oset
he
doorony
ourwayout
."
Hel
eanedi
ntoki
ssmebutIl
ook
ahead.

"
OkayI
'
llbeout
sidei
fyouneed
any
thi
ng.
"

Ii
gnor
edhi
m andl
ookedt
heot
her
di
rect
ion.Ionl
ytur
nedwhent
hedoor
cl
osedbehi
ndhi
m,Iknewhewas
doi
ngal
lhecoul
dformebutst
il
lthe
f
actt
hatIcoul
dn'
twal
kwasj
ustso
muchabur
dent
ocar
ry.
Downst
air
s,hi
smot
herwat
chedhi
m
al
lgr
umpyandwor
kedout
.She
not
icedhowmuchf
leshhehadl
ost
.

"
Babycomesi
twi
thme,
"shesai
d
"
Notnowmom.
"
"
Please?
"
"
Fine.
"

Shewat
chedhi
m car
eful
l
yashe
pul
l
edt
hechai
rtot
hedi
ningt
abl
e
andsatdown.Hehadv
eryv
isi
ble
dar
kci
rcl
esar
oundhi
sey
eswhi
ch
suggest
edhehadbeenget
ti
ngl
i
ttl
e
ornosl
eep.

"
Howi
sshe?
"sheasked.

Hegl
aredather
.Mr
sBr
ownputt
he
br
eakf
astt
raybef
orehi
m.

"
Taket
hatt
oher
,"
shesai
d.
"
Shewant
stobeal
one.Mom what
am Idoi
ngwr
ong?
"
"
Not
hingbaby
,"
sheassur
edhi
m
"
Butwhycan'
tsheseet
hatI
'
mtr
ying.
Orshoul
dIst
opal
ltoget
herbecause
t
hisi
sreal
l
ytaki
ngahuget
oll
onme.
I
'
m har
dlyatt
hehospi
tal
,Idon'
tgo
out
..
."

Sher
ubbedhi
sshoul
der
sandki
ssed
t
hecr
ownofhi
shead.

"
Dowhaty
ouhav
etodo.Youar
eher
f
ianceandwoul
dbeget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
i
naday
snotf
arf
rom now,
"she
r
emi
ndedhi
m.
"
Shewant
sust
oputi
tonhol
d,"
he
sai
dsadl
y.
"
What
?Butshei
stheonewho
want
edy
ouguy
stogoaheadwi
thi
t.
"
"
I'
mreal
l
yreal
l
y'boutt
ogi
veup
honest
ly.Di
kel
edi
isbei
ngunf
airt
o
me.Idi
dn'
taskf
orawomanwho
can'
twal
kei
ther
.Ri
ghtnowshe
t
hinksshei
stheonl
yonehur
ti
ngand
i
nret
urni
shur
ti
ngpeopl
ewhocar
e
f
orheri
nthepr
ocess.
"

I
thur
tMr
sWr
ightseei
nghersonso
v
ulner
abl
e.Theonl
yti
mehehad
beeni
nsuchdi
str
esswaswhenhe
f
oundoutAmuwaspr
egnantf
or
anot
herman.

"
Ift
her
eisany
oneIknowwhocan
wi
thnodoubtpul
lthr
ought
hisi
syou
Vi
n.Yousuchast
rongonemybaby
andwear
eher
etosuppor
tyouand
y
ourwi
fe.I
'
m goi
ngt
omyhousef
ora
coupl
eofday
sify
oucan'
tcope
pl
easecal
lme.Howev
erIhav
e
assi
gnedLebogangt
ocomeassi
st
y
ouwi
thDi
kel
edi
."
"
Thanks.
"
"
HeyI
'
myourmot
her
.Icanonl
ydoas
much.
..
andpl
easeVi
ndon'
tst
ress
y
oursel
foutbecausebet
weenme
andy
ou,
rightnowy
oul
ookl
i
kear
eal
hobo.Pl
easedoshav
eyourbear
d
t
oo,
"shesai
d
"
Isi
tthatbadmom?
"
"
Doy
ouev
erl
ooky
our
sel
fint
he
mi
rr
or.
..
it
swor
se!
"
"
Yeahr
ight
!"
hesai
dbr
ushi
nghi
scur
ly
unkepthai
r

Shechuckl
ed.
"
I'
ll
beonmyway
,Mi
li
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
l
mef
orbei
ngl
atet
ohergame.
"
"
Shei
spl
ayi
ngagai
n?I
'
m sucha
hor
ri
bleuncl
e,
"hesai
d
"
Yout
hebestt
hingt
hatev
er
happenedt
othatmusket
eer
."
"
Yout
hink?
"
"
I'
myourmot
her
,Iknow.Andeatt
hat
,
y
ouwi
l
lpr
epar
eDi
kel
edi
whatshe
want
swhenshewakesup.By
e
baby
."
"
Byemom.
"
*
**

"
Leny
alol
egot
say
api
l
a.Youev
en
knowhowt
odr
esst
hisday
s."
"
Skamphaphel
atl
her
raMar
ti
n.
Mx
m!"
"
Ser
iousl
ythough,
kor
eont
sesnack.
I
'
m sur
err
agweNosi
phoi
sdoi
ngt
he
mostt
heseday
s.Bomor
ninggl
ory
j
aana!
"

Segot
urnedandhi
thi
m pl
ayf
ull
ywi
th
t
her
odshewashol
ding.
"
Ouch!
"
"
Yousuchanui
sancewai
tseMar
ti
n?
Any
way
sI'
m goi
ngt
oignor
e
what
every
ousai
d."
ShesatdownandMar
ti
nsatatt
he
edgeofherwor
kst
ati
on.

"
Mmesesesal
angy
ouhear
dmewel
l
wel
l
."Hewi
nkedatherandshest
uck
hert
ongueout
.

"
Andst
il
lsochi
l
dish?Hai
!"
hesai
d
"
Mar
ti
ntogaoswabakana,
"she
l
aughed,
"IbetI
'
m bet
tert
han
Jess,
"shet
eased.
"
Wamemosadi
isanogoar
ea
mmaet
sho.I
'
llshowy
ouf
lameshel
a
nownow.
"
"
Hel
ang!Yout
hinky
ouscar
eme?
Hav
eyouseenhowbuf
fydaddywa
Nosi
isr
ightnow?Tr
ymebaf
het
hu,
I
dar
eyou!
"

Mar
ti
nsmi
l
edmi
schi
evousl
y.
"
Osmi
l
ereng?
"Segoasked
"
Kar
ethel
aof
eel
erl
i
keheav
eno
bokasenonnor
isel
esagago.
"

Segot
hrewhi
m wi
tht
hepenshewas
hol
ding.

"
Masepa!
"shesai
dandchuckl
ed.
"
Agagoankgang.
"
"
Mogat
awagago,
"shesai
dlaughi
ng.
"
Lov
eyout
ooandf
eel
ssogoodt
o
hav
eyouback.
(hopedof
fthedesk)
Hopey
oudi
dn'
tmakeanot
herbaby
att
hehoneymoongl
owy
agagoy
a
mpel
aet
sa.I
magi
ner
ebi
tsangwana
Hungar
y."
"
Fot
sekt
lher
rawena!
"

Theyshar
edal
aughasMar
ti
n
di
sappear
edi
ntohi
sof
fi
ce.

*
**

Amul
ookedathermot
herandt
hen
herf
ather
.
"
ProphetIl
ovehi
m,"
shesai
dast
ear
s
cl
ust
eredi
nherey
es.
"
Youl
ovesVi
ncent
,lov
edKr
isand
nowhi
m?Ar
eyougoi
ngt
obei
nlov
e
wi
thev
eryt
rousert
hatpassesy
our
way
?Doy
ouev
enhav
eacl
uewhat
l
ovei
s?"
hesai
daggr
avat
ed.
""
Baba
cany
ouj
ustl
i
stent
oher
,al
l
owher
t
o..
."
"
Makeherownmi
stakes?Wal
eny
aloI
di
dthatwi
thy
oubecauseIf
elty
ou
wer
eyoungwhenImar
ri
edy
ou.I
gav
eyousomuchf
reedom and
y
ou.
..
"
Mr
sChi
bendel
ookeddownasr
age
cov
eredherhusband.Fort
hef
ir
st
t
imei
ntwent
yni
ney
ear
shehas
shownhowhef
eltaboutt
hewhol
e
t
hing.Woul
dbet
ell
Amu?Shehel
d
herbr
eat
hhopi
ngnot
.

"
Amoonawher
edi
dIgowr
ongwi
th
y
ou?Am Isuchabadi
nfl
uence?Of
al
lthemany
oucoul
dchoosef
rom
whyhi
m?"
heaskedcal
mly
.
"
Whynothi
m pr
ophet
?Il
ovehi
mjust
t
hewayy
oul
ovemom.Can'
tIhav
e
t
hat
?"

Hel
ookedathermoment
ari
l
ywi
thout
awor
d.

"
Ihopey
ouknowwhaty
ouar
e
doi
ng,
"hesai
dandl
eft
.
"
BABA?
"hi
swi
fecal
l
edoutbuthe
r
aisedhi
shandandcont
inued
wal
ki
ngaway
,"hemeanswel
lmy
chi
l
d."

*
**
Lat
eri
ntheaf
ter
noon,
Thabang
par
kedAmu'
scaratKel
etso'
spl
ace.
Shewast
hrowi
ngsomel
i
tterashe
wal
kedi
n.

"
Gownt
hist
ime?Wakgael
aobonao
r
iana,
"hesai
d.
"
Tshabaha,
"shesmi
l
ed,
"andmy
pi
zza?
"
"
Nnakat
lheor
atadi
j
o.Goget
dr
essedwi
l
lbuyi
twhenwegetback
f
rom Di
kel
edi
'
shouse.
"
"
Arey
ouki
ddi
ngme?Nnagakey
e
ko,
"shesai
dsi
tt
ingdownont
he
dust
bin.

Thabangputherunderscr
uti
ny,
he
shookhi
sheadandsmi
l
ed.

"
What
?"
"
Doy
our
ememberhowy
ouusedt
o
bedef
ensi
vewhenIcamet
oyour
pl
acel
ooki
ngf
orher
?What
happenedbet
weeny
out
wo?
"
"
Lif
ehappened.Wegr
owupand
bei
ngnai
vest
opped.NnakeKel
etso,
Di
kel
edi
keDi
kel
edi
.Wear
eoi
land
wat
erwedon'
tmi
x."

Shest
oodup.

"
LookThabangIknowy
oumeanwel
l
butI
'
m pastt
hatst
age.Di
kel
edi
o
sel
fi
sh,
shet
radedherl
i
fef
ormi
ne
andshei
sonl
ybear
ingt
he
r
eper
cussi
onsoft
hat
.That
'skar
ma
f
ory
ou.
"
"
NnaI
'
mfai
l
ingt
ounder
standgor
e
t
otant
wakey
aeng?
"Thabangasked.
Kel
etsosmi
l
edandpout
ed.

"
Youwor
ryt
oomuch,
koapar
ayou
goi
ngt
obuymepi
zzay
ame.
"
"
Arey
ouf
orci
ngme?
"heasked
"
NoI
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.Keet
a,"
shesai
d
t
rot
ti
ngt
othehouse.

Thabangl
ookeduphol
dinghi
s
wai
stl
i
ne,
"Godpl
easei
nter
vene.
"

*
**
"
I'
m done,
"Bamesai
dtaki
ngherback
t
hef
ootoft
hecount
er.
"
Final
l
y!"
Diket
sor
ejoi
ced.
"
Whatar
eweeat
ing?Nnat
otaIf
eel
l
i
kesomet
hingspi
cy.Myt
reat
,"
Bame
sai
dast
heyl
ockedt
hebout
ique
"
Waamoget
sawaga
Mmamosadi
nyanangwana.
"
"
Hemust
,"
Bamebeamedex
cit
edl
y.
"
Tlhemmar
ayaNor
manampat
ele
l
ekgowal
enna.
"
"
Ithoughtor
il
eyouabst
aini
ng,
"Bame
t
eased
"
Iam whatdoest
hel
ekgowahav
eto
dowi
thmyabst
inence?I
jat
sisang
bat
ho!
"

Bamesmi
l
ed.

"
Ka'
reoj
amonat
eaker
e.Kanay
ou
hav
etol
dmeaboutSat
urday
..
.t
he
sex
?"
"
Myf
ri
end!Theguyl
i
ckedmyass
kanaker
ayas*
**nol
i
kewt
fni
gga!
"
Di
ket
sol
aughed,
"y
oul
i
e!"
Bamecr
ossedherf
inger
s,"
phogwana
y
akat
se.Kai
thel
akei
ngangar
ela
hel
alekgowal
edi
rat
hemost
.Wai
tse
It
houghtIgotmeal
azyassol
dman
whoi
saboutt
odi
ekant
eker
aya
powerhousey
apor
n.I
jakg!
"

Theyl
aughed.Av
eryl
eanf
igur
e
st
oodont
hest
air
caset
heywer
e
appr
oachi
ngast
heyheadedt
othe
par
kingl
ot.

"
Yeer
rBot
swanaokgabi
l
e
maan!
"Bameex
clai
med
"
Yewi
i
i.
..
mot
howar
re!
"Di
ket
sosai
d
l
ooki
ngathi
m
"
Kewameaut
we.
"
"
Aot
sal
aosel
fi
shaker
eonal
es'
dal
a
sal
ekhuwa.
"
"
For
getNor
man.Iwantf
reshmeat
."

Theykeptqui
etast
heynear
edhi
m.
Hewor
eav
eryst
yli
shout
fi
t,apai
rof
khaki
sli
mfi
tpant
s,cl
eanwhi
teshi
rt
,
whi
tesneaker
s,chocol
atel
eat
her
bel
tandacompl
ement
ingwr
ist
wat
ch.Thegi
rl
snot
icedhi
s
chocol
atef
adedey
esgl
asseshewas
hol
dingashepr
essedhi
siPhone.

"
Hey
,"
Bamesai
d.

Theguyl
ookedupandshef
lasheda
hugei
rr
esi
sti
blesmi
l
e.

"
Ladi
es,
"hesmi
l
ed.
"
OhmyGod.Lookaty
ou,
"Di
ket
so
bl
ushed.

Bamel
ookeddownr
ubbi
ngherneck.
"
Wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
"Di
ket
so
askedent
husi
ast
ical
l
y.
"
Didn'
tyourf
ri
endt
ell
you?
"heasked.
"
Tel
lmeWhat
?BAME?
"
"
Wel
lIdi
dcomet
oyouhousegogo
l
ael
aandshesai
d..
."

Bamebegancoughi
nguncont
rol
l
abl
y.

St
ori
esByEmy
-Becky

Ei
shkebonef
lamest
hismor
ning.
Doi
ngl
aundr
yyadi
kobonnana
messedmybl
anki
es .Sor
ry
coul
dn'
tdel
i
veratt
hesai
dti
me.

Nex
tinser
t:
3pm t
omor
row
BEWI
TCHED

#47

Isanki
nadmi
stt
hesmol
der
ingr
uins
ofmyl
i
fe.I
tsuckedagr
eatdeal
and
al
otmor
e.Al
lmyl
i
feIt
houghtI
woul
dgr
aduat
eoneday
,wi
tha
v
aledi
ctor
ianat
tached.Fory
ear
sI
hadpl
ayedt
hisamaz
ingor
ator
yI
woul
dgi
veatcommencementov
er
andov
eragai
n.HowIwoul
dwal
k
maj
est
ical
l
yinmyheel
stot
he
podi
um f
rom myset
.Itwasal
lset
outandni
cel
yscr
ipt
edi
nmyhead.
Tr
uatmewhenIsayt
heconf
idence
hadal
way
sbeeni
npl
ace.

Mot
her
'ssi
cknesshadbeent
hef
ir
st
bl
owt
oital
l
.Despi
tehav
ing
per
for
medex
cept
ional
l
ywel
lat
seni
orschool
,Iwasf
orcedt
ost
ay
behi
ndcar
ingf
orherandKel
etso.
Wi
thherboundt
othewheel
chai
rI
hadl
i
ttl
etonochoi
cebutt
oassume
t
her
oleofapr
ovi
der
.Thr
eey
ear
s
l
aterIam at
hir
dyearst
udentandl
eft
wi
thonl
yay
eart
ogoandt
hewor
st
hashappened.

Ibl
i
nkedacoupl
eoft
imesast
he
l
i
ghtent
eredmyey
es.Myhandwent
ov
ermyf
oreheadshadowi
ngt
he
ey
es.

"
DidIwakey
ouup?
"Vi
nasked
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
,"
Iwasn'
tsl
eepi
ng.
Cany
oubeki
ndenought
oswi
tchof
t
hel
i
ght
?"
"
Ibr
oughty
ourf
ood,
"hesay
signor
ing
myl
astst
atement
.
Ismi
rked.
"
Youhonest
lyneedt
ohav
e
somet
hing,
"hesai
dassumi
ngapl
ace
atmysi
de.
"
I'
m nothungr
y,"
Isai
drev
olt
edbyt
he
smel
lofst
eamedv
eget
abl
es

Vi
nli
ft
edaf
orkatmeandIf
eltbi
l
e
comeupmyt
hroat
.Iputmyhand
ov
ermymout
h.

"
Wenakanaot
shameket
ser
uri
.If
y
oudon'
teathowar
eyougoi
ngt
o
hav
eyourmeds?
"heaskst
il
lpoi
nti
ng
atf
orkoff
oodatme.

Tear
sbui
l
tupi
nmyey
es.

"
I'
m nothungr
yVi
nkant
ekeeng?
"
"
Youdon'
thav
etobehungr
y,whydo
y
oul
i
kebei
ngi
mpossi
blenemma?
"
"
ButIsai
dI'
m nothungr
y,"
Icr
ied,
"nna
di
j
otseodi
mpher
osadi
bet
egape.
"
"
Cany
oubeser
iousf
oronce?I
'
m
r
eal
l
ynoti
nthemoodf
ory
ou.
..
"

Forsomewei
rdr
easonsIbur
stout
cr
ying.Vi
nlookedatmeoutofwor
ds.

"
Tel
lmewhyar
eyoucr
ying?
"
"
Idon'
twantt
hisf
ood.Idon'
twant
cucumbercutl
i
ket
hatandt
he
t
omat
oes!
(scr
eamed)
whosai
dyou
canputt
omat
oesi
nmyf
ood?
"
Vi
nlookedatmeconf
used.

"
Idon'
twant
."
"
Butt
hisi
showy
out
akey
our
v
eget
abl
esal
way
s!"
"
No.I
stodayal
way
sori
sthi
snow.
Kant
eVi
ndon'
tyouev
enl
oveme?
"
"
Idoand.
..
"
"
Isn'
ti
ttheny
oushoul
dknowwhatI
wantwi
thoutmet
ell
i
ngy
ou?Wa
nt
api
sannaVi
n(sobbed)
andIt
old
y
out
oswi
tchof
fthel
i
ghtbuty
ou
r
efused.Ory
ouwantt
obor
rowme
y
ourl
egsandt
hatmy
sel
f?Gapet
his
t
hingsmel
l
sli
ket
hesewagedr
ain!
"

Ibur
stoutcr
yingagai
n.

"
Gogetmeoy
ster
s,"
Icr
ied.
"
What
?"
"
Osusu?
Kar
egogetme
oy
ster
s..
.o.
e.st
arsVi
n!OYSTERS!
"
"
Sincewhendoy
oueatt
hose?
"he
asked
"
Now.
VIN.Si
ncenow!
"Iy
ell
ed.
"
Babewhenl
astdi
dyougety
our
per
iods?
"
"
Yout
ucki
ngwi
thmekar
ekebat
a
oy
ster
s.What
?Youwantt
ogetme
bl
oodyoy
ster
shuh?Youwantt
hat
?
Tel
lmeVi
n!"

Hel
ookedatmeandi
tsentmeov
er
t
hewal
l
s.Iwasatt
hebr
inkof
ex
plosi
on.

"
Babear
eyoupr
egnant
?"
"
What
?"Iaskedsai
dqui
etl
y
Hesmi
l
edbr
ight
ly,
"ar
ewepr
egnant
?"
"
We?Pr
egnant
?"Isai
drhet
ori
cal
l
"
Yesar
ewe?
"Hecur
iousl
y.
"
Youdumbasf
uckt
hatwasa
r
het
ori
cal
quest
ionandnowear
enot
pr
egnant
.Doy
ouev
enhav
eawomb
t
osuggesty
oucoul
dbepr
egnant
.
Cany
oupl
easebr
ingmet
hei
ce
cr
eam askedf
or?
"
"
Whati
cecr
eam y
ousai
dyouwant
ed
oy
ster
s!"
"
Hakedi
bat
ejaanongee!
"Iy
eld.

Het
ri
edt
oputhi
shandov
ermy
f
oreheadbutIsl
appedi
tof
f.

"
OkayI
'
llbr
ingi
t,
"hegotof
fbedand
r
emember
edt
het
rayandcameback
f
ori
t.

"
What
'sf
unny
?"
"
Not
hing,
"hesai
dsuppr
essi
nghi
s
l
aught
er
"
Mxm!
"

*
**
"
So.
..
"shet
hrewher
sel
font
he
couch,
"t
ell
me.Whatdi
dhet
ell
you?
"
"
Who?
"
"
YouknowwhoI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
t
lhe,
"Di
ket
sosai
dst
ri
ki
ngherwi
thher
i
nqui
sit
ivegaz
e.
"
Guyy
akgant
ele?
"
"
Yeshi
m Bameguyy
akgant
ele.
"

Bameputdownt
het
akeawayf
oam
pl
ate.Shequi
ckl
ythoughtof
somet
hingt
osay
.
"
Remembert
heguyIoncet
oldy
ou
about
?"shesai
dav
oidi
ngey
econt
act
wi
thDi
ket
so.
"
Whatguy
?"
"
MonnaIt
oldy
ou,
"shesai
d,"
ormay
be
not
?ButIt
hinkIt
oldy
ou.Thi
sguy
cameoseoandaskedf
ory
our
numberandIdi
dn'
tknowhi
m andI
t
oldhi
m of
f.Hedi
dn'
tev
enknowy
our
nameandnnamat
ri
ckabashi
any
ana
baGapskeut
wal
etse.MmekanaI
t
oldy
ou.
"
"
Nny
amma,
"Di
ket
sosai
d,"
thi
sis
newst
omyear
s."
"
Ao!
"shesoundedsur
pri
sed,
"butI
t
houghtIt
oldy
ou.Nnaebi
l
eIhad
f
orgot
tenhi
m.Gapet
hatonenear
il
e
waUKf
oray
earorwhat
everandi
t'
s
beenonl
yamont
h."

Di
ket
sohi
therf
oreheadwi
tht
he
backofherhandconnect
ingt
hedot
s.

"
I'
m sosl
ow!Theguyst
ayskoUK.No
wondert
hehousel
ooksdeser
ted.
"
"
Wai
thedoes?El
egor
eyouknow
wher
ehest
ays?
"
"
Mmm hat
il
eemer
oon,
thehousee
l
ait
iwabosi
gohel
a.Theypr
obabl
y
hav
esomeoneoet
hokomet
seng.So
hecamet
osaygoodby
e?"
Bamesai
d

Di
ket
sosmi
l
edal
one.Bamesnapped
herf
inger
satherbutshekept
smi
l
ingl
osti
nherl
i
ttl
eimagi
nar
y
wor
ld.Bamepi
nchedher
.

"
Ouch!
"shecr
ied
"
Seei
twasal
ladr
eam,
"Bamesai
d.
"
Mxmy
ousuchaper
sonanon
gr
ata,
"Di
ket
sosai
d
"
Awhat
?"
"
Par
typooperdummyandher
eIwas
t
hinki
ngy
ouar
easmar
tass,
"Di
ket
so
t
eased.
"
Fot
sekmmaThul
i
e,"
shesai
dto
annoyDi
ket
so.
"
Tlhemmaot
aswaba.Nx
lawai
tse
boThul
i
ear
eadi
sgr
acet
othe
humanr
ace,
"shesai
dthought
ful
l
y.
Sheshookof
fthet
hought
,"
butt
hen
y
ouhav
erar
ebr
eedsl
i
keBoi
syt
o
r
ect
if
ythat
.Kor
edi
dyouseeal
lthat
sauce.MyGod!
"
"
AndJonny
?"Bameaskedl
i
cki
ngt
he
mar
inat
eof
fherf
ingert
ips.

Di
ket
sosqui
ntedherey
esl
ooki
ngat
Bame.

"
Yousuchaspoi
l
eraker
e."
Bamel
aughed,
"wanki
tse!
"
"
Fot
sek.Mx
m Jonnykechi
l
drennnaI
wantmat
uremanheh?Theki
ndy
ou
f
eel
li
keat
rophywi
feonal
ebone
y
anongmer
etol
ogaegot
wengbo
Jonnykebadot
rends,
gadi
Facebookhel
a.Eses!
"
"
WaakasheeobonaLy
ndaasagof
a
chancet
ost
eal
herman,
"Bamesai
d
annoy
ingDi
ket
sosomemor
e.
"
Waphapha,
"shest
oodupand
gr
abbedherphone.
"
Wakae?Kant
eisn'
ti
tobat
agol
eba
boI
cha?
"
"
Waphapha,
"Di
ket
sosai
dgi
vi
ngher
t
hemi
ddl
efi
nger
.
"
ThanksGod,
thel
egacyweeatl
east
l
eMuv
hangoket
aobonat
oday
.Huu
kagl
owTv
.Kamosoongal
ebo
Ramankel
ebeSkeem saam.
"
"
What
ever
!"
Diket
soscr
eamedf
rom
t
hepassage.
"
Onkut
ulemmeI
shi
taBal
l
a!"

Bamecr
ackedupl
aughi
ng.

"
Suckacl
everchi
ckeny
ouar
eBame
Let
ang.
"shesai
dandsmi
l
edt
o
her
sel
f.

*
**

Vi
ngotal
lthet
hreei
cecr
eam
cont
ainer
sandpi
l
ledt
hem up.
Uncer
tai
nofhowIwoul
dwantt
o
hav
emyi
cecr
eam heputadeser
t
bowl
andaspooni
naswel
l
.

"
Whatel
seVi
n?Thi
nk.
"

Not
hingcamet
omi
nd.Hedi
aledhi
s
mot
herandmov
edaboutanx
iousl
y.

"
Hel
l
o..
.y
esheymom,
"hesai
d.
"
Yesbaby
.Tel
lme,
"shebr
eat
hed
heav
il
y
"
Mom whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
"
Not
hingy
oucan'
tdowi
thy
our
f
ianceè,
"shesai
dcat
chi
ngherbr
eat
h
"
Youdoknowwhoy
out
alki
ngt
o
r
ight
?"Heasked
"
Myel
dersonofcour
se,
whatdoy
ou
wantVi
n?"
"
Ihopehemakesy
ouhappy
,"
hesai
d.
"
Whosai
dit
'sahe.Any
way
syesshe
doesmakemehappy
.Whatdoy
ou
WANT?
"
"
She?
"
"
YesVi
nshe,
arey
oudeaf
?"
"
Mom y
oul
oveman,
I'
mfai
l
ingt
o..
."

Hi
smot
herl
aughed,
"ohpoorVi
n.So
nowy
ougoi
ngt
odi
scussmysex
ual
pr
efer
ences?
"
"
Nomom but
..
."
"
Butnot
hing.Youwi
l
lmeetLol
l
a
whent
het
imei
sri
ght
.Sot
ell
mewhy
di
dyoucal
l
?"
"
Wel
l
...
"hewasst
il
ltr
yingt
omake
senseofwhathi
smot
herhadj
ust
sai
d.
"
I'
m hangi
ng.
..
"
"
Wai
t!Mom whatdopr
egnantwomen
wanti
nthei
ricecr
eam?
"
"
Wai
tyouguy
sar
epr
egnant
?"she
askedent
husi
ast
ical
l
y
"
Ithi
nk?Imustbeawor
sesi
nnert
o
getast
upi
dchi
l
d.Youar
eabl
oody
gy
nawhatdoy
oumeany
ou
t
hink?
"sheasked
"I
'
m notsur
e,may
beI
'
m seei
ng
t
hingst
hatar
en'
t.ButDKi
sact
ingso
wei
rd.
..
"
"
Def
inewei
rd,
"shesai
d.
Vi
nnar
rat
edev
ery
thi
ngt
ohi
smot
her
.

"
OhGod.
"
"
Arey
ougoi
ngt
ohel
pme?
"Heasked.
"
Nope!By
esonnyy
ourdadmademe
got
hroughhel
lnowwhi
l
stpr
egnant
.
heav
ensar
emaki
ngy
oupayonhi
s
behal
fYouony
ourownont
his.
"

Shel
aughedandhangup.

"
Hel
l
o?Mom?
"hegr
unt
edandt
ri
ed
hi
ssi
ster
sphonebuti
trang
unanswer
ed.

Hecl
osedhi
sey
es,
tookashor
t
pr
ayerandwal
kedoutwi
tht
hei
ce
cr
eam t
ryaf
tersay
ingamen.

*
**

I
nDi
ket
so'
sroom,
shel
ayacr
ossher
bedf
aceuppl
ayi
ngsudukomi
nd
game.Thegamewast
oocompl
ex,
shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandshi
ft
edt
o
candycr
usher
.Acal
lthr
ow
aut
omat
ical
l
ypausi
nghergame,
she
mut
eherphoneandscr
eamedi
nto
herpi
l
lowbutqui
ckl
yremember
ed
Boi
sy.Shehadgi
venhi
m hercar
d
ear
li
ert
hatev
eni
ng.

"
Hel
l
o,"
shesai
dtr
yingt
osoundas
ci
vi
l
"
HopeI
'
m notdi
stur
bingy
ou,
you
t
alki
ngt
o..
."
"
Boi
sy,
"shesai
d.
"
Howdi
dyouknow?
"
"
It
'snott
hati
mpor
tant
."
shesai
d.
"
Coul
ditmeany
ouhav
ebeenwai
ti
ng
f
ort
hiscal
l
?"
"
Absol
utel
ynot
,"
sheanswer
ed
l
aughi
ng.
"
Lies,
"hel
aughed,
"sowassup?What
ar
eyoudoi
ngr
etsey
edr
ive?
"
"
Thi
slat
e?"
"
Comeoni
tsnotev
enni
ney
et.Weal
l
usey
ourcarsi
nceIdon'
thav
ea
car
,"
hesai
d.
"
Idon'
thav
efuel
,
"shesai
d.
"
Wil
lfi
l
lupy
ourt
ankee,
"heof
fer
ed.
"
Yampel
a?"
"
Yesbabyg,
nowI
'
llbeaty
ourdoori
n
ex
act
lyt
enmi
nut
es.
"
"
Aot
en!
"
"
Yesboot
en.Youbat
heaker
e?"
He
asked.
"
Eer
ra.
"
"
Good.Tenmi
nut
es.Skar
wal
a
mekwany
o,"
het
eased.
"
What
everman.By
efornow.
"

Shehangupsmi
l
inganddi
dal
i
ttl
e
v
ict
orydance.Bamel
ookedcl
osel
y
asacoupl
eki
ssedont
v.
"
Aki
ssbanna!
"Di
ket
sost
art
ledher
.
"
Youscar
edt
heshi
tout'
me!
"Bame
cr
ied
"
Sor
ry.BoKumukanekedi
gaugau
l
ookatt
hoseabs,
"Di
ket
sosai
d
pul
l
ingdownherdr
ess
"
Oyakae?
"
"
Ohguesswhocal
l
ed.(
Pressedher
l
i
pst
oget
herasBamesmi
l
ed
cur
iousl
y)Boi
syt
heNoi
sybutqui
et
boo.
"
"
That
'st
hedumbestf
ucker
yshi
tI
hav
eev
erhear
dint
hev
ocabul
aryof
i
diot
ism gat
wet
heNoi
syqui
etboo?
Ost
ael
a.El
egor
eley
akae
masi
go?
"Bamei
nvest
igat
ed.

Di
ket
sopout
ed,
"l
ateni
ghtdr
iveno
baneng.Weusi
ngmycarhef
uel
i
ngi
t
f
ull
mpepenene.
"

Shecel
ebr
atedasj
eal
ousyov
ert
ook
Bame.Bamewat
chedasDi
ket
so
f
ixedherweav
eandt
iedi
tint
oapony
t
ale.
"
HowdoIl
ook?
"sheasked.
"
Shoul
dyoubewear
ingt
hatdr
ess?
Whynott
hel
ongmax
idr
ess?
"
"
Youar
ecr
azy
.Gapei
t'
snotl
i
ket
his
dr
essomakhut
swane,
"Di
ket
sosai
d
l
ooki
ngatherr
efl
ect
ionf
rom t
he
mi
rr
or.

Shewor
eami
diof
fshoul
derpenci
l
dr
esst
hatr
eveal
edherni
cebody
.

"
Nnakesal
alemang?
"
"
Wal
wal
awenaBame,
nnat
hel
ake
sal
alewhowheny
ouspendni
ght
s
t
urnedweekskogaNor
man?
"
"
Thathappenedl
i
keonce.Gapet
her
e
wasf
ull
moon.Hav
eyouseenhow
dar
kiti
sout
side.Nnammaka
boi
fa,
"Bamesai
d.
"
Cal
lNor
manee,
I'
m sur
ehewon'
t
hesi
tat
e,"
Diket
sosuggest
ed.
"
NnaNor
mani
rr
it
atesme.Igota
bet
teri
dea.HowaboutIcomeal
ong.
Aker
elet
say
adr
iveandcomeback
her
e?"

Thedoorbel
lrang.
"
Thatshoul
dbehi
m."
Diket
sowal
ked
ov
erandopenedt
hedoor
,"
hey
."
"
Hir
eady
?"
"
Yeahgeti
nwhi
l
eIgr
abmyphone.
"
"
Okay
."

Hef
oll
owedheri
n,Bamemanagedt
o
pul
lherdr
essabi
tex
posi
nghersi
l
k
t
highs.

"
Thi
sisBameaker
ethi
sisl
i
ket
he
secondnot
hir
dti
mey
ouguy
sar
e
meet
ing.
"

Hewav
edandsmi
l
ed.Bamedi
dthe
same.Di
ket
sodashedt
othe
bedr
oom andr
eappear
edmoment
s
l
aterwi
thherphoneandt
hecarkey
s.

"
Osomol
ekeywheny
ousl
eepsoI
don'
tdi
stur
byoui
ncasekeboa
l
ater
,"
Diket
sosai
d.
"
Oser
iousy
oul
eav
ingmeal
one?
Whatorpeopl
ebr
eaki
nandr
apeme?
Nny
abet
shoI
'
m comi
ngal
ong.I
pr
omi
sey
ouwon'
tknowI
'
mther
e.Ke
et
aletmewearmyshor
tsi
nst
eadof
t
hisdr
ess.
"

Sher
ant
oherr
oom wi
thoutl
eav
ing
t
hem r
oom t
oref
use.Di
ket
soshr
ug
hershoul
der
sandmi
mickedanI
'
m
sor
ry.
"
"
Don'
twor
ry,
"hesai
ddi
sappoi
nted.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky
g

I
'
m busybusywi
thsomepr
ivat
e
pr
oject
.Ther
ewi
l
lbenoi
nser
tunt
il
Monday
.Unt
ilt
henkeepsaf
eand
heal
thy
.Muchmar
atopeopl
e

Your
sEmyBecky
Bewi
thed

#48

Boi
syl
ookedatt
her
earv
iewmi
rr
or
asBamet
ypedi
ntoherphonesmi
l
ing.
Hewonder
edwhyDi
ket
sohad
al
l
owedhert
ocomeal
ong.Hel
ooked
atDi
ket
soandsi
ghed.
"
Gar
egor
oge?
"Bamebr
oket
he
si
l
ence.

Nooneanswer
edher
.Di
ket
sohad
beenl
ooki
ngout
sidet
hewi
ndowf
or
mostoft
hedr
ive.

"
Mot
honkaneai
tshal
etse,
mxm ko
t
olwakeI
mbweu,
"sheadded.

Si
l
ence.
"
SoBoi
sy.
..
howwast
heUK?
"

Boi
syl
ookedatBamei
nthemi
rr
or
andconcent
rat
edont
her
oadagai
n.

"
Honest
lynot
hingex
cit
inghadbeen
ov
ert
her
eforhal
fofmyl
i
fe.
"
"
Real
l
y?Iwantt
ogot
oLondony
ou
know,
shem mustoi
mpakel
ewhen
y
ougoagai
n."
"
I'
ll
remembert
hat
,"
hesai
dtr
yingnot
t
olookr
ude.
"
Soy
ouwantt
otel
lmey
ouhav
eno
gi
rl
fr
iendory
out
aki
ngmyf
ri
endf
ora
r
ide?
"
"
Bamet
hat
'sr
ude!
"Di
ket
sosai
dfi
rml
y.
"
Noi
t'
sokay
.Wel
lMs.
..
"
"
Bame,
"shesai
d.
"
Yes,
Bame,
Iact
ual
l
ydon'
thav
ea
gi
rl
fr
iendandwasr
eal
l
yhopi
ngt
o
makehermor
ethanagi
rl
fr
iend.But
t
hent
her
eisy
ou.
..
goshwhatcanI
ev
enbegi
ntocompar
eyout
o?A
par
asi
temay
be.
..
"
"
Excuseme?
"Bamesai
dfur
iousl
y
"
Noy
ouar
ewor
set
rustme,
"hesai
d
st
il
ldr
ivi
ng.
"
Dikel
edi
nkgal
emel
l
emogosaneo
wagago.Justbecausehebeeni
nUK
of
eel
erl
i
keKi
ngKhong!LookBoi
ki
orwhat
every
ouar
eyounotador
abl
e.
Imeany
ounotev
eni
tot
samay
ao
pat
isi
tsemar
agookar
eopengui
n
j
aana.
"
"
Bame!
"Di
ket
sor
ebuked.
"
Nol
etmet
ell
thi
sguyapi
eceofmy
mi
nd.Idon'
tev
enknowwhaty
ousee
i
nhi
m wenaDK.
"
"
Ohshutup!Iknowy
ouwant
edme.
Doy
out
hinkIdi
dn'
tseewhaty
oudi
d
wi
thy
ourdr
essear
li
eronwhi
l
eDK
wentt
ogr
abt
hecarkey
s?Youev
en
l
i
edt
hel
astt
imeIcameov
eror
eshe
ai
n'
tar
oundonl
ytoseey
oul
eav
ethe
houset
oget
her
.Yourar
ea
mani
pul
ati
vel
i
ttl
epi
eceofshi
t
ngwany
anakewenaandIdon'
tknow
whatsheseesi
nasnakel
i
ke.
..
"
"
Boi
sypl
easet
hat
'senough.
"Di
ket
so
sai
d.

Hekeptqui
etandl
ookedatBameon
t
hemi
rr
or.Shel
ookedl
i
keshe
want
edt
oki
l
lsomeone.
"
I'
m di
sappoi
ntedi
nyou
Boi
sy,
"Di
ket
sosai
d
"
Tel
lhi
m nnaIt
oldy
ouaker
e,"
Bame
added.
"
ShutupwenaBamebecausey
ou
r
eal
l
yar
eannoy
ingmer
ightnow.Di
d
y
oucomeal
lthi
swayt
omessupour
dr
ive?
"
"
Iwas.
..
"
"
Looki
ngoutf
orme?Orwher
eyou
r
eal
l
yaf
rai
dtost
aybackal
oneorne
l
ekgangy
ajeal
ousy
?"
Bamel
aughed,
"j
eal
ousf
orwhat
?I
onl
ycameher
etopr
otecty
ou
becauseIknowhi
sty
pe,
"shesai
d,"
ba
r
ejeal
ousf
orwhathel
a?Thi
sthi
ngi
s
notev
enhal
fthemanNor
mani
s."
"
That
'si
t!
"Boi
syhaul
tedt
hecart
oa
st
op,
"gett
hef
uckout
!"

Bamel
aughedannoy
ingbot
hoft
hem.

"
Ory
ouwantmet
ocomedr
agy
ou
out
?"Boi
sysai
dfur
iousl
y.
"
Ift
hiscari
syour
spl
easesui
t
y
our
sel
f,
"shesai
dfol
dingherar
ms.

Boi
sycl
i
ckedhi
stongueandj
oined
t
her
oadmaki
ngaut
urn.

"
Thoughtasmuch,
"Bamer
umbl
edas
shescr
oll
edt
hroughherFacebook
t
imel
i
ne.

*
**

"
Ther
eyougo,
"Vi
nsai
dput
ti
ngt
hei
ce
cr
eam ont
hesi
det
abl
e,
"vani
l
laor
chocol
ate?
"

Ikeptqui
et.

"
Babe?
"

Il
ookedaway
.

"
Babegor
il
eng?
"heasked

Theamountofwor
ryi
nhi
svoi
cewas
j
ustt
omuch.Howev
erIdi
dnotcar
e
t
omei
tact
ual
l
yfuel
l
edupmyanger
.
"
Cany
ougopi
ckmysonf
orme?
"I
asked.
"
Didy
ouseewhatt
imei
tis?
"
"
Idon'
tcar
e.Howcomey
oucan
checkonAmul
ateandy
etf
eel
that
Bont
lengi
sfarandf
indGNor
thso
cl
ose.
"
"
BabeIwasn'
ttal
ki
ngaboutpr
oxi
mit
y
nnakanakel
ebi
l
egor
eit
'saschool
weekand.
..
"
"
And?Whaty
out
hinkbecauseIcan'
t
wal
kI'
mir
rat
ional
?Gakesepekwa
wankut
waVi
ncent
!"
"
BabeInev
ersai
d..
."
"
Getoutandpl
easesl
eepont
he
couch.
"
"
Comeonbabe.OkayI
'
llgogethi
m."
"
Don'
tI'
l
laskhi
sdaddyt
odr
ophi
m
of
f.Nowl
eav
e,"
Isai
d

Hel
i
ftedhi
shandsandwal
kedout
.I
bur
stoutcr
ying.WhywasIev
en
cr
ying?Sel
fpi
ty?Myhor
moneswer
e
pl
ayi
ngt
ri
cksonme.May
beIwas
pr
egnant
.No!Icount
edday
sback.I
t
hadbeent
womont
hsal
ready
.How
di
dIev
ennotnot
ice?Butt
hatwas
notpossi
ble.Vi
nandIhadpr
ett
y
muchbeencar
eful
.Ohdamn!Ionce
l
ethi
m cum i
nsi
debutwai
titwas
onceandI
'
m sur
eIwasonsaf
e
per
iod.Ir
eachedf
ormyphoneand
googl
edf
orsi
gnsandsy
mpt
omsof
pr
egnancy
.

*
**

Thabangwentov
ert
heemai
lfort
he
t
hir
dti
me.Amul
ookedathi
m
anx
iousl
ywai
ti
ngf
orhi
mtosay
somet
hingoratt
hel
eastt
oreadhi
s
f
aci
alex
pressi
on.Hesemi
closedt
he
l
apt
opandl
ookedatAmubl
ank.

"
Comeonbabey
ouki
l
li
ngme,
"she
sai
danx
iousl
y.
"
They
..
."
hedr
oppedhi
shead
di
sappoi
nted
"
Ohbabe,
"Amucuppedhi
sfaceand
huggedhi
m,"
thei
rlossy
ouwi
l
l
ev
ent
ual
l
ygeti
t.
"
"
Theyhi
redme,
"hesai
dsof
tl
y.
"
Thei
rloss.
..
wai
t.What
?OHMY
GOSHbabe!
"
Shepul
l
edhi
m upandt
heyhugged
si
l
ent
ly.

"
I'
m sohappyf
ory
ou,
"shesai
d
br
eaki
ngawayf
rom hi
m.
"
I'
m sur
eyouar
e,"
hebl
ushed

Heki
ssedherf
orehead.

"
Ihopet
hiswi
l
lconv
incey
ourf
ather
t
hatI
'
m notj
ustanexconv
ict
."
"
Hey
,wenotdoi
nganyoft
hist
o
conv
inceany
one.I
t'
snotf
air
,look
y
ouhav
eshownmef
arbey
ond
wor
dst
haty
ouwi
l
lmakeaper
fect
l
i
fet
imepar
tner
."
"
Yeah?
"
"
Yes.(
Smi
l
ed)Nowhowaboutwego
outandpopsomebot
tl
es?
"she
smi
l
ed.
"
Soundsl
i
keani
deaMr
sme.
"

Hespanherar
oundandki
ssedher
.

"
Whatdi
dIev
erdot
odeser
vea
phenomenal
womanl
i
key
ou?
"hesai
d
r
het
ori
cal
l
y

Shehadshr
ughershoul
der
sandsai
d
not
hingsmi
l
ing.

"
Okayl
et'
sgo.Letmegr
aby
oua
coat
,"
hesai
d.

*
**

Ther
ewasaknockatherdoor
.
Kel
etsor
emov
edt
hesconesf
rom t
he
mi
niov
enandwentt
oat
tendt
he
knock.

"
Uhuandt
hen?
"
"
Longst
ory
.CanIcomei
n?"

Kel
etsol
ookedatt
hecarout
sideand
openedt
hedoorwi
def
orhert
owal
k
i
n.

"
Everhear
dofcal
l
ing?Whati
fI
wasn'
thome?
"
"
Iknowy
ouhar
dlygoany
wher
e.Ne
mmacanIcr
ushi
nforaday
.Wai
tse
Bameont
ennet
oday
,"
shef
umed.
"
Final
l
yyougett
oseeherf
orwhat
shei
s.Tel
lmewhatdi
dshedot
his
t
imear
ound,
tol
dyourcr
ushof
f?"
"
Howdi
dyouknow?Nx
lawai
tseIf
ail
t
ounder
standwhyt
hej
eal
ousy
.Ene
a'
reshej
ustl
ooki
ngoutf
ormeanda
par
tofmebel
i
eveswhat
..
."
"
Bel
i
evewhatshesay
s?(
Rol
l
ed
ey
es)
Ohpl
ease!Hownai
vecany
ou
getr
eal
l
yDK?Thegi
rli
sonl
ybuy
somesel
fi
shl
i
ttl
etr
amp.Shei
sgoi
ng
t
ochaseal
ltheguy
sthatcomey
our
way
.Doy
ouev
ergetwr
appedar
ound
herr
elat
ionshi
ps?
"

Di
ket
sokeptqui
et.

"
Bamei
sawor
m andy
ouar
ethe
mai
zecobbef
orey
ouknowi
ttaboa
gobor
il
eoset
seol
eusel
ess.Reka
becha,
thatgi
rli
snoty
ourf
ri
end.Ki
ck
heroutbef
orey
oul
osemor
ethan
y
oubar
gai
nedf
or.
"
"
Aboay
akaenemma?KanaI
'
m
pay
ingherl
esst
hanwhatpeopl
ewi
th
herqual
i
fi.
..
"
"
Sav
emet
hatbul
lshi
t.Aker
eshei
s
notdoi
ngwhatshest
udi
edatschool
aty
ourbout
ique.Howmuchar
eyou
gi
vi
ngher
?"
"
3.5kbutkaoket
sakaei
ghthundr
ed
nex
tweek.
"
"
Thatwi
l
lbeenought
ocov
err
ent
,
f
oodandt
ranspor
t.Bameomot
ona
andI
'
m sur
ethatdi
rt
ywhi
teol
die
gi
veshermoneyt
oo.Peopl
ear
e
sur
viv
ingkamap800noChoppi
es.
"
"
Yahneahei
sh.Okayl
etmet
ell
mot
hogor
eat
samay
e."
"
Boy
fri
end?
"Kel
etsoasked.
"
Aft
erwhathappenedt
oni
ghtI
doubt
,"
Diket
sosai
dhur
t.

*
**

Mar
ti
nst
oleagl
anceatJessand
r
eal
i
sedshewasbusywi
tht
heki
ds.

"
Jesst
lhemmal
ett
hem got
o
sl
eep,
"Mar
ti
nsai
d.
"
Butdaddy
!"Ler
uocr
ied.
"
Kanal
elebel
etsemov
ie.Akel
eol
i
le
l
elebel
eleunt
ilt
heend,
"Jenny
r
emi
ndedhi
m.
"
Fine.
"heki
ssedJessont
hel
ead,
"I
'
ll
bei
nthebedr
oom.Youwi
l
ltuckt
hem
bot
hinaker
e?"

Jessnoddedf
ocusi
ngont
het
v.At
t
hebedr
oom Mar
ti
ngent
lycl
osedt
he
doorandwal
kedt
othewi
ndow
di
ail
i
nghi
sphone.

"
Doy
ouknowwhatt
imei
tis?
hesai
d
whi
sper
ing.
"
Nar
ewaseba?What
,doesKess
hav
eapr
obl
em wi
thme?
"
"
Fir
stofal
lhernamei
sJess,
secondl
ynoonehasapr
obl
em wi
th
y
ouDi
kel
edi
.Ler
uooy
asekol
ong
phakel
aand.
..
"
"
Andwhatr
ragweRuo?
"
"
Iam notbr
ingi
nghi
m masi
goakana
kana.Thabowi
l
ldr
ophi
m kgant
ele
f
rom school
."
hesai
d.
"
But
..
."
"
Nobut
s.Di
kel
edi
akeoakany
eli
kea
gr
ownuppl
ease!
"
"
Kant
ewhyar
eyoual
ltr
eat
ingme
l
i
keaf
ool
,
"Isai
dcr
ying."
Can'
tIev
en
beal
l
owedt
oseemyson?
"

Mar
ti
nswal
l
owedhar
d.

"
Keeng?I
sitbecauseIcan'
t
wal
k(gaspedf
orher
)hee?
Nkar
aba(
sobbed)
isi
tbecauseoft
hat
?
Kant
ewhatev
ilhav
eIdone?I
fit
'snot
Kel
etsokeVi
nandwena?
(sob)
Inev
er
t
houghty
ouwoul
djoi
nin.
"
"
Dikel
edi
I..
."
Icr
iedoutl
oudandhangupbef
ore
hecoul
dsayany
thi
ngf
urt
her
.Mar
ti
n
di
aledmynumberbuthangupand
swi
tchedi
tof
f.

"
Damni
t,
"hesai
dasmyphonewent
st
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.

Hedi
aledagai
n.

"
Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?"Mar
ti
n
l
eashedoutangr
il
y
"
Excuseme?
"
"
Iknowshei
syourf
ianceèbutshei
s
MmagweLer
uof
ir
standI
'
dki
l
lfor
herpeace.Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?"
"
Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng.Shewant
edme
t
ocomegetRuoandIt
oldhergor
e
i
t'
slat
esi
ncekeschool
weekandshe
gotangr
y."
"
Ist
hatwhyshei
scr
ying?
"Mar
ti
nsai
d
notf
ull
yconv
inced.
"
Idon'
tknowwhatbul
l
shi
tyourhead
i
scomposi
ngf
ory
oubutIdi
dn'
tdo
shi
ttoher
.Don'
tev
enf
uckenknow
whyI
'
m ex
plai
ningmy
sel
ftoy
ou.
LookIt
hinkshei
spr
egnanthence
t
he.
..
"
"
Wai
tWhat
?Yougotherpr
egnant
howsel
fi
shcany
oube?Wow!
"

Vi
nboi
l
edup.

"
Heywenabar
i!Mar
ti
nIowey
ouno
ex
planat
ionofwhathappensi
nmy
houseandt
omyf
ianceè.
"
"
Suchadi
ctat
or,
sot
ypi
cal
.(
cli
cked
hert
ongue)
Thewomani
sbedr
idden
andy
oucoul
dn'
tatl
eastusea
condom.
"
"
Fucky
ouMar
ti
n!"

Vi
nhangupandt
hrewt
hephone
agai
nstt
hef
ir
epl
ace.

*
**

"
I'
m sl
eepi
ngov
erI
'
llpi
ckt
hecar
phakel
a,
"shesai
d
"
Okay
.Shar
paker
e?"
"
Errsoar
ewe?Ar
ewe.
..
youknow?
"
"
Sti
l
lgi
vi
ngi
tashot
?"hesai
dlooki
ng
deepi
ntoherey
es.
Shenoddedembar
rassed.

"
Younotr
eadyf
orar
elat
ionshi
p.
Goodni
ght
,"
hesai
dst
art
ingt
hecar
.

Di
ket
sost
eppedasi
deandwat
ched
hi
m dr
iveof
f.Shesi
ghed
di
sappoi
ntedandwal
kedbacki
n.

"
And?
"Kel
etsoasked

Di
ket
soshookherheadasat
ear
r
oll
eddownhercheek.

"
Hei
saj
erk.I
cecr
eam?
"
"
Thanks,
"Di
ket
sosai
dgr
abbi
ngt
he2
l
i
trecont
ainer
.

*
**

"
Arey
ouhome?
"Ishotst
rai
ghtas
soonassheanswer
edt
hephone.
"
YeahJayj
ustdr
oppedmeof
f,ar
e
y
ouguy
sOkay
?Vi
nissl
eepi
ngont
he
couch.
"
"
Iknow.Doy
ouhav
eapr
egnancy
t
est
er?
"
"
Yeahgotl
i
ket
hree.Ar
eYou.
..
?"
"
Ireal
l
yhopenot
,"
Isai
d."
Cani
hav
e
t
hem?
"
"
Ofcour
seIwi
l
lbei
nyour
oom i
na
mi
nut
e."

Shehangup.Amomentl
atershe
pokedherheadi
nsi
dewav
ingt
hem.

"
Tsena,
"Isai
dner
vousl
y
"
Sot
hesear
eli
kesuperhi
techt
est
ers
y
oucanuset
hem ev
ennow.
"
"
Oh?
"
"
Yepbutsi
ncet
her
ear
ethr
eewhy
notuset
wonowandkeeponef
ort
he
mor
ningur
ine.Youknow.
..
tomake
sur
e."

Imadeacl
umsynod.Anel
i
ehel
ped
meof
fthebedt
othebat
hroom.We
col
l
ect
edur
inei
nasmal
lcont
ainer
shehadbr
oughtt
henshet
ookt
he
i
ronsampl
eandf
oll
owedt
he
i
nst
ruct
ionsont
het
est
er.
"
Nowwewai
t,
"shesai
dhel
pingmet
o
t
hewheel
chai
r,
"howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
"
Honest
lyIdon'
tknow.Imi
ssedmy
per
iodt
wicebutnev
ert
houghtI
'
dbe
pr
egnant
.It
'sbeenal
most2mont
hs
nowandVi
nandIhav
en'
tbeen
i
nti
mat
esi
nce.
"
"
Nowondert
het
hingsy
oual
way
s
eat
ing.
..
okayI
'
m sor
ry.
"
"
Noi
t'
sokay
.It
'sj
ustt
hatI
'
m hopi
ng
t
hatI
'
m notpr
egnantnott
hatIdon'
t
wantachi
l
dorany
thi
ng.
"
"
Heyi
t'
sokay
..
.okayIt
hinkt
heyar
e
r
eady
."
Ihel
dmybr
eat
hasshewal
kedov
er
t
othet
est
ers.

"
And?
"Iaskedanx
iousl
y.
"
I'
m goi
ngt
obeanauntwow!
"
"
Nol
etmeseet
hati
tcan'
tbe.
"

Isnat
chedbot
hthet
est
ers.

"
OhNo!
"Isai
dinaudi
ble
"
Vini
sgoi
ngt
obet
hri
l
led,
"shesmi
l
ed
"
No!
"
"
No?
"sher
epeat
edconf
used.
"
Nowear
esonott
ell
i
nghi
m.CanI
t
rusty
out
okeept
hisasecr
et?
"

Shekeptqui
et.

"
Anel
i
e.Pl
easepr
omi
seme.Idon'
t
ev
eni
ntendonkeepi
ngt
hist
hing,
"I
sai
dshaki
ng.
"
Youwantt
oabor
t?"
sheaskedcal
mly
.

Ikeptqui
etandl
ower
edmyey
es.
"
Youwantt
oabor
tyourbaby
!"she
shout
ed
"
Shhhhh!
"Idon'
tex
pecty
out
o
under
standandal
l
...
"

Thebat
hroom doorswangopen.Vi
n
l
ookedatmewi
thsomuchl
oat
h.

STORI
ESBYEmy
-Becky

I
nser
twi
l
lbeat5pm weekday
swi
th
bonusi
nser
tsr
andoml
yonsome
day
s.Noi
nser
tonweekends.Thank
y
ou
BEWI
TCHED

#49

"
Youar
esonotki
l
li
ngmychi
l
d,"
Vin
l
eashedout
.
"
It
snotev
enababyy
et!
"Iy
ell
ed

Vi
nsl
appedmeacr
ossmyf
ace.My
v
isi
onbecamebl
urr
yast
ear
s
cl
ust
eredi
nmyey
es.
"
Didy
ousl
apme?
"Isai
dshaki
ng.
"
TrustmeI
'
lldowor
se.Tr
yme
becauseIsweart
oGodIwi
l
lki
l
l
y
ou,
"hehi
ssed.

Ikeptqui
etast
ear
srol
l
eddownmy
f
ace.

"
Vindon'
tbeatheri
t'
s.
..
"
"
Getout
!"
"
ButVi
n..
."
"
Damni
tAnel
i
egett
hef
uckout
!"
"
Fine.
..
noneedt
oyel
lgeez
!"

ShepushedpastVi
nandwal
kedout
.
Vi
ncl
osedt
hedoor
.

"
Your
eal
l
yar
eget
ti
ngonmybl
oody
ner
veswi
thy
oursobs,
"hesai
d.

Ist
oppedsobbi
ngandwi
pedmyf
ace.
Vi
nbl
ockedmeasIt
ri
edt
owheel
out
oft
hebat
hroom.

"
Wear
enotdoneher
e,"
hesai
d.
"
Kopagor
obal
a,
"Isai
d.
Hel
aughedder
isi
vel
y,
"sucha
pr
ivi
l
egedki
l
lery
ouar
e.Howdoy
ou
l
oveLer
uosoef
for
tl
essl
yandf
ail
to
l
ovet
hatwhi
chgr
owsi
nsi
deofy
ou?
"

Ihadnoanswerf
orhi
m.

"
Youar
esuchadi
sappoi
ntment
.Isee
whyMar
ti
nhadsai
dal
lthosemean
t
hings.
..
ohwai
ttheywer
en'
tmean
af
teratal
l
,hehadsi
mpl
ytol
dyou
whaty
ouwer
e.Ir
eal
l
ydar
eyout
o
abor
tthatchi
l
d."
Hef
ir
edani
ntensegl
areatmeand
wal
kedout
.Myt
hroatwasbur
ning
wi
tht
ear
s.Iwai
tedandassoonas
t
hemai
ndoort
oourbedr
oom shutI
cr
iedout
.

*
**

Anel
i
eti
ptoeddownasshehear
dthe
bedr
oom doorshut
.

"
Youwantmet
othr
owy
ouout
?"he
askedcat
chi
ngsi
ghtofhi
sli
tt
le
si
ster
.
"
Excuseme?
"
"
Ihat
eeav
esdr
opper
s.(
Anel
i
e
shamef
ull
ylookeddown)Soy
ou
knewal
lal
ongt
hatshewas
pr
egnant
?"
"
Noshecal
l
edmeaski
ngf
orsome
pr
egnancyt
est
erandl
ucki
l
yIhad
someher
e..
."
"
Whykeept
est
ersi
nmypl
acey
ou
har
dlyev
erher
e?"
hesai
dnot
conv
inced.
"
AskJayweboughtt
hem aweek
backkoCl
i
cksand.
..
"
"
Arey
oual
sopr
egnant
?"

Anel
i
elookedaway
.

"
AreYou?
"
"
Arewet
alki
ngaboutmeory
our
f
iancee?
"Anel
i
espokewi
th
annoy
ance.
"
Aft
erwhathappenedwi
thMel
you
dar
egetpr
egnantagai
n.ForJaf
terl
e
gone?Theguyl
efthi
spr
egnant
f
ianceèandasonwhoi
sbar
elyt
hree
mont
hsf
ory
ou.Whatmakesy
ou
t
hinkhewi
l
lst
ickt
oyou?
"Vi
nspew
out
"
Hel
ovesmeVi
n,
"shesai
d.
"
Lov
e?"
Vinl
ookedather
,"
hel
oved
Bonni
e.Theybeendat
ingsi
nce
f
orev
erandy
ou?Ihat
etobeabear
er
ofbadnewsbutJaf
teri
sgoi
ngt
o
l
eav
eyouandagai
nyouwi
l
lbe
st
ruggl
i
ngwi
thanot
herf
ather
less
chi
l
d.Thi
sti
me,
youony
ourown.
"

Anel
i
ebi
therl
owerl
i
pthought
ful
l
y.
Whati
fVi
nwasr
ight
?Thewayshe
hadst
ruggl
edpsy
chol
ogi
cal
l
ywi
th
Mel
wast
oomuchat
hingt
ore-
li
ve.

*
**

Kel
etsoy
awnedasDi
ket
soswi
tched
of
fthet
.v.

"
Wat
ima?Let
'swat
cht
henex
t
mov
ie,
"shepl
eaded.
"
Wenakanaophakel
aor
obet
se.I
hav
etobehomeat5bef
oret
raf
fi
ce
si
mol
l
aandt
henpr
epar
e(y
awn)
togo
t
othest
ore.Gapekaot
sel
a."
"
Suchabor
e.Di
dyoueatal
lmyi
ce
cr
eam ne?
"Kel
etsoaskedey
eingt
he
empt
ycont
ainer
.
"
Youof
fer
edi
t(
yawn)
tl
hemmal
et'
s
cal
li
tani
ght
..
."
"
Wenay
ouj
ustbor
ingl
i
ke
Di
kel
edi
(smi
l
edr
emi
nisci
ngont
he
past
)it
hel
aakor
obal
ahel
abef
ore
mov
ieot
senamohal
f,
"Kel
etso
nar
rat
ed.

Di
ket
sowat
chedhowshesmi
l
ed
t
alki
ngaboutme.
"
Youmi
ssher
?"sheaskedKel
etso
"
WhoDi
kel
edi
?Nohel
lno.Het
a'r
e
r
obal
ewaot
sel
aout
waobuaj
aana
aker
emanny
eu.
"
"
Otany
elat
lhemmaKel
etso,
oray
a
mangmmany
eu?
"shel
aughed
"
Sor
ryt
lhebasadi
!Ot
arobal
amo
bol
aongI
'
llt
aket
hef
loorunl
essy
ou
don'
tmi
ndgol
alaor
agaki
wa.
"
"
Imi
nd.Goodni
ghtnana,
"Di
ket
sosai
d
get
ti
ngup.
"
Nightsl
eepyf
ace.Nnammake
l
ebel
l
atvI
'
llr
educet
hev
olume.
"

Di
ket
sost
ret
chedher
sel
fand
checkedt
hedoorbef
oreheadi
ngt
o
bed.

*
**

Jaf
tercl
i
ckedhi
stongueandf
ocused
ont
hef
oot
bal
lgamehehadbeen
wat
chi
ng.Hi
sphonev
ibr
atedagai
n.

"
Stopf
uckencal
l
ingme!
"hebl
ewa
f
use
"
Woobabe?
"
"
Eishsor
rybabes.(
Cli
ckedhi
s
t
ongue)
Wai
tseBonni
ewant
wael
a.
Am Ist
il
lpi
cki
ngy
ouup?
"
"
Aboutt
hatcanwer
aincheck?
"
"
Aommai
t'
sbeenaweeknow.
Legal
eket
areng.Sup?
"
"
Sepehel
asowhatdi
dshedot
his
t
imear
ound?
"Anel
i
easked
"
Shecal
l
edmymom andt
oldhert
hat
Ii
nsul
tedherpar
ent
s.Cany
ou
bel
i
evet
hat
?Bonni
eobat
agor
e
kamosoa'
rekamoi
phet
hel
ashe
ev
enf
il
ledf
orsol
ecust
ody
.Wai
tse
nnat
sekedi
bonangl
ent
sagadi
bogol
e."
"
Shoo!That
'sal
ot.IwonderwhyVi
n
i
sadamantt
haty
ouwoul
dgobackt
o
t
hatcr
azygi
rl
.Any
way
sletmebat
h
wi
l
lcal
lyouback.
"
"
Sendmesomet
hingsex
,"hesmi
l
ed.
"
Yesdaddy
."

Shegi
ggl
edanddi
sconnect
edt
he
cal
l
.Jaf
terhel
dhi
ser
ectpeni
sand
smi
l
ed.
"
Thi
sonegotusaker
eboy
?"heshook
hi
sheadandl
eanedagai
nstt
hechai
r.
Amul
ti
medi
arepor
tedi
nhi
sphone
capt
ioned:

"
Howmuchdoy
oucr
avet
his?
"

Heswal
l
owedex
cit
edl
ylooki
ngather
ex
posedper
kyboobsandl
i
nger
ie
pant
ies.Wi
thoutamucht
houghthe
di
aledherback.
"
Babe?
"
"
I'
m comi
ngov
er,
"hesai
dgr
abbi
ng
t
hecarkey
s.
"
Butbabe.
..
"
Hel
eftt
het
voneandt
rot
tedt
othe
door
.
"
Iwasn'
taski
ngaut
waNel
."

Hehangupandwal
kedoutt
othecar
smi
l
ing.

*
**
Ear
lyt
hef
oll
owi
ngdayIf
akedsl
eep
asVi
nbat
he.Hehadcl
eanedupand
shav
ed.Myhear
tpoundedashe
r
oll
edsomeoi
lcol
ogneonhi
sneck.

Ishutmyey
esashewal
kedt
owar
ds
t
hebed.Heshookmeacoupl
eof
t
imessay
ingnot
hing.Iopenedmy
ey
esandcov
eredt
hem wi
thmyot
her
hand.

"
Hmmm?
"
"
I'
m of
ftowor
k.Anur
sewi
l
lbr
ing
y
ourf
oodatsi
x.Hernamei
s
Lebogangbutev
ery
onecal
l
sher
Leboandpl
easebeni
ce.I
'
m goi
ng.
"

Iwai
tedf
oraki
ssbuthet
urnedt
o
l
eav
e.Butr
emember
edsomet
hing
andt
urned,
myhear
tsmi
l
ed.

"
Onemor
ethi
ngIwasser
ious
y
est
erday
.Tr
yitandy
ouwi
l
lseet
he
r
eal
def
ini
ti
onofr
uthl
ess.
"

Thewayhi
sey
eswer
ecol
dsent
shi
vesdownmyspi
ne.
Iswal
l
owedhar
d,"
aboutt
hat
.Iwon'
t
doi
t.
"
"
Good,
"hesnat
chedhi
sbl
azer
.
"
Babecanwet
alk?
"
"
AboutwhatDi
kel
edi
?Isai
dwhatI
neededt
o.Lebowi
l
lcal
lmei
fyou
don'
ttakey
ourmeal
sandber
eadyby
noon,
I'
ll
comet
akey
out
oseea
mi
dwi
fe.
"

Hel
eftbef
oreIcoul
dsayany
thi
ng.I
checkedt
het
imeandi
twasacoupl
e
ofmi
nut
esaf
terf
our
.Myhear
t
becamesor
e

*
**

Ashar
ppai
nacr
ossherabdomen
wokeherup.Shecur
ledupast
wo
mor
ehi
tint
ensel
y.

"
Ouch!
"shegr
unt
ed

Sheopenedherey
esandav
ery
heav
yshadowst
oodbef
oreher
.She
swal
l
owedhar
dasacol
dwi
ndbl
ew
aggr
essi
vel
yonherski
ncausi
ng
goosebumps.Herhai
rbegant
o
ex
per
ienceawei
rdf
eel
i
ngasi
fant
s
hadbeenempt
iedonherhead.She
shutherey
esandopenedt
hem anda
hugesnakewascur
ledatherf
eet
.

"
Nkel
e!KELETSO!
"

Kel
etsowassnor
ingatt
hecouch.

Thesnakeuncoi
l
edi
tsel
fand
sl
i
ther
edt
owar
dsher
.Shemov
ed
backunt
ilt
hebackwasupagai
nst
t
hewal
l
.

"
PleaseGod,
"shepr
ayedsi
l
ent
lyher
ey
esf
ixedont
hesnake.

Shewat
chedt
err
if
iedasi
tchanged
i
ntoav
eryf
inel
ooki
ngman.

"
Don'
tbeaf
rai
dmyl
ove,
"hesai
d.
"
Pleasedon'
thur
tme,
"shebegged.
Themanst
rokedherchi
nandki
ssed
i
t.Hehadav
eryst
rongsnakeadour
emi
tt
ingf
rom hi
sbr
eat
h.

"
Iwi
l
lgi
vey
oual
lyouev
erdesi
red
f
or,
"hesmi
l
ed.

Di
ket
so'
shear
tpoundedashepul
l
ed
herpant
ies.

"
Please.
..
"herv
oicet
rai
l
edof
f.

Wei
rdhowshef
oundher
sel
fina
l
yi
ngposi
ti
onassoonashet
ookof
herunder
wear
.Hepar
therl
egsand
penet
rat
edherhi
tt
ingt
hewal
l
sofher
womb.

"
Ishhh!
"Shecr
ied.
"
Thi
sisbet
tert
hanl
astni
ght
,"
hesai
d
ashepul
l
edout
.

Di
ket
socr
iedashewenti
nagai
n.
Kel
etsowasst
il
lsnor
ingont
he
couchmot
ionl
ess.Thesnakeman
pumpedacoupl
eoft
imesand
r
eachedor
gasm.Her
emov
edhi
s
gi
antpeni
sandi
mmedi
atel
y
t
ransf
ormedbackt
oasnake.St
il
l
shaken,
Diket
sowat
chedi
tfl
owdown
t
othef
loorandv
ani
shed.Shel
ooked
atherpr
ivat
esandnot
icedt
hather
pant
ieswer
ebackon.Kel
etso
cougheduncont
rol
l
abl
yandt
ossed.

"
DK!
"shej
umpedf
rom t
hecouchand
l
ookedathersi
sterwhowasbey
ond
pet
ri
fi
ed,
"ar
eyouokay
?Di
dhet
ouch
y
ou?
"

Di
ket
sokeptqui
etr
ocki
ngont
hebed
wi
thherkneesupandheadst
uck
bet
weent
hem.Kel
etsocr
awl
edup
andt
ri
edt
otouchherbutshe
f
li
nched.

"
I'
m sor
rybabeIt
houghtIwas
dr
eami
ng.Henev
erdoest
hatI
'
llt
alk
t
ohi
m..
."

Di
ket
sogl
aredather
.

"
I'
m sor
ry.
"Kel
etsosai
d
"
Sor
ry?Idi
dntsav
eupmyv
itgi
nit
yfot
abl
oodyt
hokol
osi
.Whatar
eyou
sor
ryf
or?Sor
ryt
haty
ourt
hokol
osi
r
apedme?
"Di
ket
sosai
dast
ear
s
wel
l
edupherf
ace.
"
Looki
t'
snotev
enmi
ne.Any
way
sI
hopet
hisst
aysbet
weenusbecause
hewi
l
lki
l
lyou,
"Kel
etsowar
ned.
"
Arey
ouf
uckenki
ddi
ngme!Youar
e
si
ck!
"

Di
ket
sogotof
fbedandsnat
chedher
dr
essandt
hrewi
ton.
"
Stayt
hehel
lawayf
rom mey
oul
i
ttl
e
pi
ssofshi
t!
"
"
Wany
elamonnaDKdi
dIi
nvi
tey
ou
her
e?Osekawal
ekat
lhemmaorI
sweari
nmyf
ather
'st
ombI
'
ll
r
ear
rangey
oul
i
fewankut
wa.
"
"
Ipr
ayy
ounev
erseet
hebr
eaki
ngof
day
."Di
ket
so
"
Shems.Begr
atef
uly
oust
il
l
al
i
ve(
cli
ckedhert
ongue)
.Nowl
eav
e
myhouse.
"

Di
ket
sol
ookedatherandst
ormed
out
.
"
Nxl
a.BABA!
"
Thesnackhi
ssedf
rom t
hebat
hroom
andKel
etsof
uri
ousl
ytr
ott
edt
her
e.

STORI
ESBYEMY-
BECKY
BEWI
TCHED

#50

Kel
etsobur
sti
nangr
il
y,t
hesnake
manl
ookedatherashesatsmi
l
ing
ont
het
oil
etseat
.
"
Ihat
ehowy
our
aisey
ourv
oiceat
meMmaMpho!
"hehi
ssed
"
Mynamei
sDi
kel
edi
andt
odayI
wanty
out
ogett
hisol
dcr
umpy
womanoutofmybody
!"shesai
d
f
uri
ousl
y.

Thesnakemanl
aughedshaki
ng
ev
ery
thi
ngi
nthebat
hroom.Kel
etso
suppor
tedher
sel
fwi
tht
her
ail
that
hangabov
etheedgeoft
heshower
.
"
Youdonott
alkt
omel
i
keIam y
our
f
ri
end.Ar
ewecl
ear
?"hebar
ked
"
Andy
oudonotor
dermear
oundl
i
ke
kel
elat
alagagoy
oupat
het
ic
cr
eat
ure.
"

Thesnakemancoi
l
edhi
stai
lar
ound
her
wai
standpul
l
edhert
ohi
m.He
chokedherwi
thhi
sot
herhandand
l
i
ckedhercheekwi
thhi
ssnake
t
ongueasshef
rast
rat
edl
ycl
i
nched
herj
awst
oget
her
.
"
Icoul
dfucky
our
ightnowbuty
ou
seey
oursi
ster
shav
ebet
terv
agi
nas
t
hany
ou.
"

Hef
uri
ousl
ypushedherf
rom hi
s
gr
aspandshehi
tthewashbasi
nwi
th
herheadandf
ell
ont
hef
loor
unconsci
ousl
y.

*
**

Lat
ert
hatdayLebogangwal
kedi
n
wi
that
rayoff
ood.Shesmi
l
edasshe
wal
kedt
owar
dsmybed.

"
Everhear
dofknocki
ng?
"Iasked
"
Par
donmyi
gnor
ancema'
am.Idi
d
notknowwhatt
omakey
ouso.
..
"

Iwat
chedherasshecar
eful
l
yputt
he
t
rayov
ermyl
egsr
est
ingi
t'
slegsoh
t
hemat
tr
ess.Thesi
ghtoft
hef
ood
mademyst
omacht
urn.

"
Odi
raengnewena?Gett
hisshi
tof
f
me!
"
"
Okay
.Ehwhatshoul
dImake
y
ou?
"Sheaskedst
il
lsmi
l
ing.
"
Sepenowgetout
,"
Isai
dir
ri
tat
ed.
"
ButVi
nsai
dyou.
..
"
"
Hey
!IsVi
nmeoram IVi
n?Legone
beki
ndt
oaddr
esshi
m asMrWr
ight
ori
shey
ourf
ri
end?
"

Sheshamef
ull
ydr
oppedherey
es.

"
Nowgetawayf
rom her
eandIdar
e
y
out
ocal
lVi
n..
."
Ishutmyey
esasashar
ppai
nhi
tme
ont
heabdomen.

"
Arey
ouokay
?"
"
Leav
edamni
t.
..
ahf
uck!
"Icr
ied

Ihav
enev
erbeeni
nsomuchpai
nal
l
myl
i
femywhol
ewai
stl
i
newas
boi
l
ing.

"
Ma'
am?
"
"
Togaoswaba.
..
mmmh.Get
t
he.
..
ah.
..
geta.
..
out
!"
Iwasl
i
ter
all
yshout
ing.Anel
i
erani
n.

"
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"shesai
dlooki
ngat
me,
"Lebogang?
"
"
Wel
lIbr
oughtherf
oodand.
..
"
"
Iyooooo!
"Icr
ied,
"Vi
n!"

Anel
i
ehel
dmyot
herhandandr
an
herhandsov
ermysweat
yface.She
l
ookedatLebogangwhowasshock
st
ri
cken.
"
Takeherwheel
chai
rdownandcome
hel
pcar
ryherdownst
air
s."
Anel
i
esai
d
put
ti
ngherhandbehi
ndme.I
tki
ndof
hel
pedeaset
hepai
n.

"
LEBO!
"Anel
i
esnappedatt
henur
se
whowasst
andi
ngt
her
emot
ionl
ess.
Shej
umpedandspot
tedmy
wheel
chai
ratt
hecor
nerandwheel
ed
i
tout
.Anel
i
etur
nedt
ome.

"
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
"
Mal
aameasega.
..
"
Anot
hershar
ppai
nhi
tme.

"
Rel
ax.
..
wet
aki
ngy
out
othehospi
tal
.
LEBO!Odi
wakeengkant
e?Br
eat
h
Di
kel
edi
,
"Shesai
dgr
aspi
ngmyhand.

*
**

Downst
air
s,Leboopenedt
he
wheel
chai
randdi
aledVi
nasshewas
goi
ngbackupt
otheupperf
loor
.
"
Vin.
..
Ithi
nky
ourf
ianceei
shav
inga
mi
scar
ri
age.
..
hel
l
o?Hel
l
o!"

Shehangupandputherphoneback
i
nherpocket
.

*
**

Bameknockedf
ort
hehundr
edt
h
t
imeonDi
ket
so'
sbedr
oom.Thecar
waspar
kedi
nout
sidewhi
chmeant
shewashome.
"
Diket
so?Atl
eastgi
vemet
hekey
ske
y
egobul
about
ique.
"

Di
ket
soi
gnor
edherandpul
l
edt
he
sheet
sov
erher
sel
f.Shekepthav
ing
f
lashbacksoft
heev
entt
hat
t
ranspi
redear
li
eron.Herwai
stst
il
l
achedf
rom t
hesex
ual
encount
erwi
th
t
hesnakeman.At
earr
andownher
f
acesoaki
ngwetherpi
l
lowcase.

"
Diket
so!I
fthi
sisaboutl
astni
ghtI
'
m
sor
ry.I
twasn'
tmypl
aceandIwi
l
l
apol
ogi
set
oBoi
sy.
..
Imr
eal
l
ysor
ry
t
lhemmaopent
hedoor
.Don'
tl
ett
his
af
fectbusi
nesspl
ease.
"

Di
ket
sokeptqui
et.Shewant
edt
otel
l
Bameshedi
dn'
tcar
eabouty
est
erday
howev
erherst
rengt
hcoul
dn'
tcar
ry
her
.Bame'
sphoner
angandDi
ket
so
hear
dheransweri
tandl
i
stenedas
t
heechoesf
ootst
epsf
aded.She
shutherey
esandt
houghtabout
whatherl
i
ttl
esi
sterhadsai
d.
'
Any
way
sIhopet
hisst
aysbet
ween
usbecausehewi
l
lki
l
lyou'
Shet
ri
edmynumberbuti
trang
unanswer
ed.

"
Godwhyhav
eyouf
orsakenme?Ke
di
ret
semangbosul
asucht
hatIhav
e
t
obepuni
shedwi
thsuchagr
uesome
puni
shment
?Keengosampol
aye
hel
agaonet
hanl
etademont
akemy
v
irgi
nit
y.I
sthatal
lI'
m wor
tht
ooy
ou?
I
smyl
i
fer
eal
l
ythatunwor
thyofy
our
pr
otect
ion?WhyGod,
why
?"

*
**
Thabang'
sey
etwi
tchedagai
n.Amu
wat
chedhi
m br
eakasmal
lst
ickand
pl
aceat
inypar
tbel
owhi
sey
es.

"
Thi
sisbl
oodyi
rr
it
ati
ngme.I
'
m
t
ell
i
ngy
ouket
sil
egol
ela.
"
"
Don'
ttel
lmey
oubel
i
evei
n
super
sti
ti
onst
oo,
"Amusai
dhandi
ng
hi
m agl
assofj
uice.
"
Trustme,
somet
hingi
sof
f.Lei
tho
l
amel
enal
ebot
hodi
."
"
That
'sj
ustsomesci
ent
if
ict
hing.
Al
mostev
erypar
tofourbodydoes
t
hat
.It
'snot
hingr
eal
l
y."
Thabangkeptqui
et,
hismi
ndhad
wonder
edof
f.

"
Babe?
"Amur
anherhandsonhi
m.
"
Hmmm?
"
"
Ithi
nkI
'
mready
,"
shesai
dget
ti
ngon
t
opofhi
m.
"
Wai
tbabe.
..
"
"
Shhhh!
"sheputherwetf
ingerov
er
hi
sli
psandr
ubbedt
hem.Shet
ook
t
hegl
assandputi
tont
hesi
det
abl
e.
Gent
lyshehadpar
thi
sli
pswi
thher
's
andsensual
l
yki
ssedhi
m.Hi
sbody
gav
einandshef
elthi
m gethar
d
under
neat
hherandi
tex
cit
edher
.

"
Ilov
eyou,
"shewhi
sper
ed.
"
Iknow,
"het
ossedhert
othecouch
andgotont
opofherasshel
aydown.

Hi
shandsr
anuphert
highsl
i
fti
ngher
bot
ycondr
essgoi
ngup.Shedi
rect
ed
hi
shandt
oherex
posedbeanandhe
gent
lyf
ondl
edi
twi
thhi
sindexf
inger
.
Asof
tmoanescapedherl
i
ps.
Thabangr
emov
edhi
shandf
rom
downt
her
eanddi
rect
edt
hev
ery
i
ndexf
ingert
ohermout
handmade
hersuckoni
t.Theyey
esl
ockedand
heusedhi
sfr
eehandt
ounbuckl
ehi
s
bel
t.Amuqui
ckl
yreachedf
orhi
s
pant
s,unbut
tonedt
hem andr
emov
ed
hi
speni
sst
roki
ngi
tatt
her
hyt
hm of
Thabang'
sfi
ngert
hat
'sshewas
l
i
cki
ng.

"
OhHol
yFuck!
"hecr
ied.

Hebenti
nandki
ssedherasshe
pl
ayedwi
thhi
speni
satt
heent
rance
ofherv
agi
na.

"
Ahhhhbabe.
..
"hepant
ed.
"
Nnnnn.
..
"shecr
iedasshel
ethi
m
t
hrusti
n.

*
**

"
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
"Anel
i
easked
Lebo.
"
I'
m sor
ry,
"shesai
dhel
pingAnel
i
e
If
eltmypant
iessoakup.Al
arge
st
ainsatont
hesheet
swher
eIhad
beensl
eepi
ng.Anel
i
eandLebo
l
ookedateachot
her
.

"
Putherback.
..
"
"
But
..
.!
"
"
I'
mthenur
se.Let
'sputherback.I
t
hinkt
hebabyi
scomi
ng.
"
"
No.
"Isai
dast
ear
srandownmy
f
ace,
"I
'
m onl
ytwomont
hsl
ate.
"

Lebopul
l
edof
fmyst
ainedpy
jama
pant
s.

"
Bri
ngmet
hegl
oves,
"Shesai
d.

Anel
i
erant
othebat
hroom andcame
wi
thaboxofgl
oves.

"
Takemet
othehospi
tal
.Ican'
t
l
oose.
..
ican'
tl
oosemy
..
.(
suf
focat
ing)
bae.
..
be.
"

Myey
esshutasshebentmyknees
wi
tht
hehel
pofsomecushi
ons.
"
LeboIt
hinkshepassedout
,"
Anel
i
e
cr
ied.
"
God.
..
um.
..
eish.Thi
sisnotgoodand
shei
sbl
eedi
ngheav
il
y.Takemy
phoneandcal
lDrWat
son.Cal
lyour
br
othert
oo.
"

Shel
eftmeandr
ant
othebat
hroom
asAnel
i
edi
dasLebohadi
nst
ruct
ed
her
.

*
**
Kel
etsoopenedherey
esandsaw
her
sel
fswi
mmi
ngi
napool
ofbl
ood.
I
tlookedmor
eli
keast
ream andshe
l
ookedwher
ethest
ream wasf
lowi
ng
f
rom andsawmel
yi
ngonmybed
andt
hisbl
oodwasdr
ippi
ngf
rom me.

Shet
ri
edt
oli
ftherheadbutaf
orce
heav
iert
hanhersubmer
gedher
.

"
Dikel
edi
!"
shecr
ied.
Il
ookedv
erymuchunconsci
ous.

"
Godno!Babay
ouani
mal
!"

Voi
cel
aughednotf
arf
rom wher
eshe
was.Shel
ookedupandsawdemon
l
i
kecr
eat
ures.Mosthal
fhumanand
hal
fsnakesormer
mai
ds.

"
Pleasel
ethergo.Ki
l
lme
i
nst
ead,
"shebegged.
"
It
'st
ool
ateKel
etso.Youl
ongof
fer
ed
y
oursi
sterandherchi
l
d..
."
"
Shei
spr
egnant
?"
"
Was(
all
laughed)any
way
stheywer
e
of
fer
edassacr
if
icest
oappeaset
he
gods.Aj
obwel
ldonemychi
l
d,"
the
snakemansai
d.
"
NoI
'
dnev
erdosuchanev
ildeed.
MmaMphodi
dit
.Thatol
dwi
tch.
MmaMpho!
"

Thespi
ri
tofMmaMphospewout
f
rom Kel
etso'
smout
handf
loat
ed
abov
ethebl
oodasi
ttookt
hef
oam
ofol
dMmaMpho.
"
Youwi
tch!
"shehi
ssed
"
Heymi
ndy
ourt
onguel
i
ttl
egi
rlI
am
y
ourgr
andmot
her
."
"
Masepaagagosel
okewenaot
o
swaokgoname.
"
"
Ican'
tdi
etwi
ce.Youknowt
hat
r
ight
?"shemockedKel
etso.

Fur
ybur
nedf
rom Kel
etso'
sey
esas
shehel
plessl
ookedasMmaMpho
andt
her
estoft
hepar
tydr
inkt
he
bl
oodt
hatwasf
lowi
ngf
rom mybody
.
Oneoft
hemer
mai
dser
vant
scame
wi
thagol
dli
kebowl
andf
il
ledup
wi
tht
hebl
oodandgav
eitt
othe
snakeman.Heswam t
owher
e
Kel
etsowas.Al
lthi
swhi
l
ehewas
hol
dingt
hebowl
abov
ehi
shead.

Ami
schi
evoussmi
l
ecur
vedhi
sli
ps
r
eveal
i
nghi
sbl
oodst
ainedt
ongue.

"
Dri
nk,
"hesai
d.
"
Fucky
ou!
"shecur
sed.
Hesl
appedhersohar
dthatt
ear
s
dr
ippedf
rom herey
eswi
thahust
le.

"
Bri
ngmet
her
od,
"hecommandedhi
s
ser
vant
s,"
cany
oudr
inkt
hisordoy
ou
wanti
tthehar
dway
?"

Wi
thsomuchscor
nKel
etsol
ooked
athi
m wi
thoutat
inybi
tof
i
nti
midat
ion.

"
Dri
nk!
"
"
Overmydeadbody
!"shey
ell
ed.
"
Fai
renough.Zcy
ert
her
od!
"

Amet
alr
odt
hathadbeenbur
nedi
n
t
hef
urnacewasbr
oughtt
ohi
m.
Kel
etsoswal
l
owedhar
dast
hesnake
manl
i
ftedi
tup.I
twassor
edandshe
knewex
act
lywhati
tmeant
.

"
Dri
nk!
"t
hesnakemansai
dlooki
ngat
t
hbowl
thatwasnowf
loat
ing
bet
weenhi
m andKel
etso.

Shespatonhi
sfaceandt
heguar
ds
t
ri
edt
oint
erv
enebuther
ecl
i
ned
t
hem.Hemov
edi
nonher
.

"
Toughgi
rlhuh?
"

Hecl
i
nchedherj
awswi
thhi
shand
i
nfl
i
cti
ngaconsi
der
abl
eamountof
pai
nonher
.

"
Nowl
et'
sseehowy
ouwi
l
lli
ket
his.
"

Heaggr
essi
vel
ytur
nedheranddr
ew
wi
tht
hehoti
ronr
odonherbar
eback.
Ther
odbur
ntt
hroughherf
lesh
maki
ngmar
ks.

"
Div
inear
oma,
"hesmi
l
edt
aki
ngi
nthe
ar
omaf
rom Kel
etso'
sbur
ntf
lesh.

Kel
etsocr
iedbutst
il
lref
usedt
otake
t
hebl
ood.Twoguar
dshel
dherand
oneopenedhermout
h.MmaMpho
wasi
nst
ruct
edt
omakeherdr
inki
t.

Shet
ri
edt
ospewt
hebl
oodoutbut
coul
dn'
tandherhear
tcr
iedoutasmy
.
bl
oodr
andownhert
hroat
.She
l
ookedov
eratmybodyandt
ear
s
f
il
ledherey
esl
ooki
ngatmel
i
fel
ess.

*
**

BamepausedatDi
ket
so'
sbedr
oom.
Shepr
essedherearagai
nstt
hedoor
andhear
dli
ghtsobsf
rom i
nsi
de.

"
Babe?
"shet
appedont
hedoorl
i
ght
ly.

Ther
ewasnor
esponse.
"
Okaykedul
e.I
'
llbebacki
nanhour
."

St
il
lnor
esponse.Bamet
ri
edmy
numberi
tjustr
ang.Shet
ri
ed
Kel
etso'
sbuti
twentst
rai
ghtt
ovoi
ce
mai
l
.Shet
houghf
orami
nut
eandr
an
t
oDi
ket
so'
sdi
ary
.

Shef
oundAnel
i
e'snumberanddi
aled
her
.

"
Hel
l
o?"
"
Yes?
"
"
Thi
sisBamecanIt
alkt
o
Di
kel
edi
?"Sheasked.
"
Shei
sbei
ngt
akeni
ntot
hreat
er.
"
"
What
?"
"
Shewaspr
egnantandl
ostherbaby
awhi
l
eback.Leeneshehasl
ostt
oo
muchbl
ood.
"
"
OhGod!
"
"
Cany
oui
nfor
m oneofhersi
ster
s.
Webeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lthem but
..
."
"
Okayshar
p..
.wai
twhi
chhospi
tal
?"
"
KoWat
son,
shar
p."
Shef
eltherkneesl
ooseherasshe
wal
kedt
oDi
ket
so'
sbedr
oom.

"
DK!Openupgat
weDi
kel
edi
oko
spat
elashel
ostt
hebabyandi
sal
so
i
nacr
it
ical
posi
ti
on.Tl
hemma
bul
a..
.Anel
i
esay
sshehasbeent
ryi
ng
t
ocal
lyouandosaar
abephone.
"

Di
ket
sol
ookedatherphonewhi
ch
shehadputonsi
l
entmode.Shehad
sev
eral
missedcal
l
sfr
om Anel
i
eand
Vi
n'
smot
her
.
"
Ohno.AoModi
mowaakawhatev
il
hav
ewedone?
"shecr
iedbi
tt
erl
y.

Shewonder
edi
fshewast
her
eason
f
ormyat
tack.Kel
etsohadwar
ned
herandshet
ri
edr
eachi
ngoutt
ome
andnowIwasi
nthehospi
tal
ina
cr
it
ical
stat
e.

"
Mmewee!
"shecr
ied,
"aoModi
mo!
Whyus?
"
Bamef
eltheav
inessi
nherhear
t.She
hadal
way
shat
edmeandKel
etsobut
somehowt
odayshef
eltbad.Sad
may
be.

"
Bul
alebat
iDi
kel
e..
."

Ther
ewasaknockatt
hedoor
.She
r
anov
erandopened.Boi
syt
ri
edt
o
wal
kbackseei
ngher
.

"
Boi
sywai
t!I
'
m sor
ry(
wal
kedt
o
hi
m)I
m sor
ryy
esIwasabi
tjeal
ous
f
orherandact
edl
i
keanar
se.I
'
m
sor
rydon'
tfor
giv
emeandal
lIdon'
t
car
e..
.ButIneedy
ourhel
p.Shei
sin
herr
oom andwon'
topent
hedoor
cany
ouhel
popeni
tbef
oreshedoes
somet
hingbad.Pl
ease?
"
"
Wher
eisshe?
"
"
Fol
l
owme,
"Bamesai
d.

ThedooropenedasBoi
syt
ri
edt
o
ki
cki
topen.Di
ket
sost
oodt
her
eina
r
ack.
"
OhGod!
"Bamecr
ied.

Shel
ookedl
i
keshehadbeenbeat
en,
herf
acehadpuf
fedupandherey
es
swol
l
enandr
edf
rom al
lthecr
ying.

"
Takemet
omysi
ster
,"
shef
inal
l
y
managedt
ospeak
"
Boi
sywi
l
lyoudr
iveusnnaIcan'
t
dr
ive.
"

Henoddedandhel
pedBamesuppor
t
Di
ket
sot
othecar
.
*
**

Meanwhi
l
eThabangsi
ghedont
opof
Amu.

"
Canwegetmar
ri
edt
omor
row?
"
"
Yes,
"shesmi
l
ed.

Heki
ssedherl
i
psl
i
ght
lyand
smoot
hedt
hem ov
erwi
thhi
sthumb.

"
Yourphone,
"hesai
d.
"
KeVi
n,
"shesai
d.
"
Answerhi
m,"
Thabangsai
dtr
yingt
o
getof
fher
.

Shewr
appedherl
egsar
oundhi
m.

"
Oyakae?
..
.Hel
l
o?
"
Heyt
hisi
sJaf
ter
."
"
Jay
?"sheaskedpuz
zled
"
CanIt
alkt
oThabang?
"
"
Ofcour
se,
hol
don.
(handov
ert
he
mout
hpi
ece)
hewant
stot
alkt
oyou.
"
Thabangt
ookt
hephoneandsatup.

"
Mel
ait
?"
"
Nfet
hu.HowdoIev
ensayt
his.
..
"
"
War
engont
shosaj
aana?
"Thabang
sai
dashi
shear
tbeati
ntensi
fi
ed.
"
Dikel
edi
isgone,
"Jaf
tershotst
rai
ght
.

Thabangchuckl
ed,
"wany
ela
t
shamekasent
le.
"
"
Wear
eatt
hehospi
tal
andwehav
e
beent
ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofKel
etsobut
phoney
agagweel
l
ahel
a.Cany
ou
got
ell
hersi
ncey
out
hebr
other
."
"
Oser
iousnemona?What
happened?
"

At
earf
ell
downandAmugotwor
ked
upcur
ioust
owhatJaf
terwassay
ing
t
oThabang.

"
Shel
ostt
hebabyandappar
ent
lyl
ost
al
otofbl
ood.Ot
senel
atemo
spat
ela.
"
"
God!
"
"
Shar
p.Letmet
alkt
oAmu.
"
Wi
thawor
dhegav
eAmut
hephone
ast
ear
swel
l
eduphi
sface.

"
Yes?
"
"
Amu.
..
"

Het
oldherev
eryt
hing.

"
Andpl
easeCal
i
ciadon'
tl
ethi
m
dr
ive.
"
"
Okay
.Neo'
rekodoct
orWat
son
aker
e?"
"
Okay
."

Sheputt
hephonedownand
wr
appedherhandsr
oundhi
mfr
om
behi
nd.

"
Iknewsomet
hingbadwasgoi
ngt
o
happen.Iknew.
"

Shesai
dnot
hing.

"
Idi
dntev
enpr
ayabouti
t.God!
"
"
Heydon'
tbeaty
our
sel
f.Youdi
dn'
t
knowt
hiswoul
dhappen.Let
'sgo,
I'
ll
dr
ive.
"
"
WhatdoIev
ent
ell
Kel
etso?She
f
ail
edt
omakepeacewi
thhersi
ster
unt
ilshepassedon.If
ail
edbot
h
t
hesegi
rl
s."
"
Comeonbabedon'
tthi
stoy
our
sel
f.
"

*
**

Kel
etsot
ri
edt
ovomi
toutt
hebl
ood
buti
tjustcoul
dn'
twor
k.Shel
ooked
upandsawav
isi
on.I
ttr
anspor
ted
herr
ightt
othehospi
tal
Iwasi
n.She
wat
chedast
henur
seswheel
edmy
bodyt
othemor
tuar
y.Shet
rot
ted
behi
ndandent
eredt
hemor
tuar
ywi
th
t
hem.

"
Dikel
edi
wakeup,
"shesai
drunni
ng
herhandonmycol
dface.

Icoul
dnotf
eel
any
thi
ngbutmysoul
l
i
nger
edon.Fr
om t
hedoorIwat
ched
herspi
ri
tcr
yov
ermybody
.Thenur
se
si
gnedt
hepaper
sandwal
kedout
unawar
eofourpr
esence
"
Itr
iedt
ost
opMmaMphoandt
hat
snakebuty
ouhadal
readyl
ostso
muchbl
oodand.
..
"

Shel
ookedbackandIhi
dbehi
ndt
he
door
.

"
I'
m sor
ry.Il
ovey
ou.Al
way
s."

Shef
lewoutcr
yingandIwentov
ert
o
mybody
.Theyhadal
readybur
ntt
he
f
oet
ust
hatwasdev
elopi
ngi
nme.I
st
oodov
ermybody
.ImustsayI
l
ookedsopeacef
uldead.Fort
hef
ir
st
t
imei
nfor
everIf
eltl
essl
i
ght
erand
v
eryhappy
.If
lewout
.
"
Fort
oli
vei
sChr
istbutt
odi
eisgai
n."

*
**

ThabangandAmuknockedont
he
door
.Ther
ewasnor
esponse,
Amy
t
ri
edt
hedoorandi
topened.

"
Hel
l
o?"
Amuspokesof
tl
yst
eppi
ng
i
nsi
deKel
etso'
sapar
tment
.

Thabangspot
tedherl
egsf
rom t
he
bat
hroom doort
hatwassl
i
ght
ly
opened.Amyt
rot
tedbehi
ndhi
m
f
eel
i
ngt
hespookyat
mospher
eint
he
house.Kel
etsowasl
yi
ngont
hef
loor
unconsci
ous,
Thabangcar
ri
edhert
o
herbedandspr
inkl
edwat
erov
erher
f
ace.Shegaspedf
orai
ronceandsat
up.

"
DIKELEDI
!"
shewai
l
ed
"
Cal
m down.
"Thabangst
rokedher
"
Dikel
edi
okae?
"

Hel
ookedatAmu.

"
Nopl
ease.No!
"Kel
etsocr
ied
hy
ster
ical
l
y.

Thabanghel
dherast
ear
sandmucus
meetathermout
hdr
ippi
ngdown.

"
Gomot
segamybabyshei
snowi
na
bet
terpl
ace.
"Thabangconsol
edher
.
*
**

Att
hehospi
tal
,Vi
nli
tthesev
ent
h
ci
gar
ett
e.Hi
smot
hert
ooki
tand
st
ampedoni
t.

"
Shewoul
dn'
twanty
out
obr
eak
downl
i
ket
his.
"
"
Icur
sedher
..
.Iwasmeant
oheri
n
herl
asthour
sonear
thy
etIcl
aimed
t
olov
eher
.Whatki
ndofahusband
andf
atherwasIgoi
ngt
obe?
"
Hi
smot
hermassagedhi
sst
if
f
shoul
der
s.

"
WhatdoIt
ell
Ler
uo.
..
Ler
uo.
..
OhGod
t
het
axi
isdr
oppi
nghi
m of
fatt
he
houseandt
her
eisnoonet
her
e."
"
Jonnyi
sther
ewi
l
lcal
lhi
m sohe
wai
tsf
orhi
m."
"
Whatwi
l
lJonnyt
ell
himi
fhe
enqui
resabouthi
smot
her
?"Vi
ncr
ied.
"
Letmehandl
ethat
.Doy
ouhav
e
Mar
ti
n'
snumber
?"
*
**

I
nMar
ti
n'
sof
fi
ce.Heki
ssedJess
agai
nandpi
nnedheragai
nstt
hewal
l
.

"
Giv
eitt
omedaddy
."

Hebr
eat
hedheav
il
yonherneck
t
urnedon.Hi
sphoner
angbutt
hey
i
gnor
edi
t.Thel
andl
i
ner
angaf
ew
secondsl
ater
.Theyi
gnor
edi
ttooas
hemov
edherpant
iest
othesi
deand
sl
i
din.
"
Ahbabe!
"shecr
iedwi
thpl
easur
e.

Acoupl
eoft
hrust
sandt
hedoor
swangopenandhequi
ckl
ypul
l
edout
andshov
edhi
sdi
cki
nsi
de.Jessf
ixed
herski
rtandcl
ear
edhert
hroat.

"
Yaj
ewanawamo!
"Segot
eased.
"
Fot
sekev
erhear
dofknocki
ng?
"Jess
sai
d
"
What
ever
,MmagweVi
nhasbeen
cal
l
ingusnonest
op.Gat
wei
t'
san
emer
gency
..
."
"
Whywoul
dshecal
lme?
"Mar
ti
n
asked

Het
ookhi
scel
l
ophoneanddi
aledher
back.

"
Ma'
am?
"
"
Hel
l
oMar
ti
nthi
sist
oinf
ormy
ou
t
hatDi
kel
edi
passedonawhi
l
eback.
"
"
What
!"

SegoandJessl
ookedathi
m.A
si
ngl
etearr
andownhi
sface.Hesat
downont
hechai
rfeel
i
ngdi
zzy
.

"
No.Pl
ease.
"

Heputt
hephonedownandSego
t
ookt
hecal
l
.

"
Babe?
"
"
Shei
sgone.MMAGWERUO!
She(
cri
ed)she.
..
shei
s..
.ohGod!
"

I
thur
therseei
nghowmuchhest
il
l
car
edf
orme.Shesi
gnedandputher
handar
oundhi
sshoul
der
satl
eastI
woul
dn'
tbeabur
denany
mor
e.My
deat
hwasmor
eofar
eli
eft
oher
.

*
***

Aweekl
ater
.Aboutei
ghtofmy
cl
assmat
escar
ri
edmybodyf
rom t
he
chapel
tot
hegr
avey
ard.Apast
or
wentbef
oret
hem.

"
Event
houghIwal
kthr
ought
he
v
all
eysof
t
heshadowofdeat
h..
."

Peopl
esangsof
tl
ybehi
nd.

Moment
slat
ert
heywat
chedonas
t
hecasketwasl
ower
edi
n.Ler
uo
wi
ggl
edhi
msel
ffr
om Mar
ti
n'
slapand
r
ant
owar
dst
heopengr
ave.Jonny
caughthi
m bef
orehecoul
djumpi
n.
Hebi
tJonny
shandbuthel
i
ftedhi
m
st
il
lasheki
ckedi
ntot
heai
rcr
ying.
"
Mamapl
easedon'
tl
eav
eme.Mama
t
lhemma!Youpr
omi
sednev
ert
o
l
eav
eme.Mamaomaaka!Mama!
MAAMAWEE!I
'
llbeagoodboy
pl
easej
ustcomebackmommy
pl
ease!Mamadon'
tdi
e."

Ev
ery
onegotemot
ional
agai
n
l
i
steni
ngt
oLer
uo.Vi
ntookhi
mfr
om
Jonnyandcar
ri
edhi
mtot
heback
whi
sper
ingsomet
hingt
ohi
m.Boi
sy
squeez
edDi
ket
so'
sshoul
der
sasshe
cr
ied.
"
Dustt
odust
..
."

Thabangwasn'
tcr
yingbutt
hepai
nin
hi
sfacewasundeni
abl
e,Amusat
nex
ttohi
m wi
thherhandcl
i
ngi
ng
t
ight
lyt
ohi
s.Mar
ti
nwi
pedhi
stear
s
andbur
iedhi
sheadi
nhi
shandsas
t
hest
art
edcov
eri
ngt
hegr
avewi
th
soi
l
.Bameandacoupl
eofgi
rl
sfr
om
mycl
assputt
hef
lower
sonassoon
ast
hegr
avewasf
ull
ycov
ered.They
satdownandwai
tedf
ort
het
omb
st
onet
obeunv
eil
ed.
Kel
etsost
oodataf
ardi
stance
wat
chi
ngev
ery
thi
ng.Notoncehas
sheat
tendt
hememor
ial
ser
viceor
any
thi
ng.Shehadnotev
enpai
dher
l
astr
espect
s.

"
Inl
ovi
ngmemor
yofaf
ianceè,
a
mot
herandsi
ster
.Di
kel
edi
Let
ang,
bor
n13May1992,
Died6t
hAugust
2017bur
ied13August1992.Robal
a
kaKgot
soKgomo.
"uncl
ereadt
he
t
ombst
one.

Kel
etsowal
kedawaydr
inki
ngi
ntoher
smal
lgi
nbot
tl
e.

Thecr
owddi
sper
sedandmyspi
ri
t
st
il
lhov
edov
er.Iwat
chedasVi
nhel
d
ont
ight
lyt
oLer
uo.Ler
uowasal
lI
hadl
eftt
hatpeopl
ewoul
dremember
meby
.Butt
henhewasnev
err
eal
l
y
mi
net
obegi
nwi
th.I
'
m sur
eJess
woul
dsoont
akemypl
acei
nhi
sli
fe.I
si
ghedandmov
edbackast
hey
cl
osedt
hedoort
othecar
t
ranspor
ti
ngt
hem home.

Andwel
lmyl
i
fei
nanut
shel
l
?Itwas-
BEWI
TCHED

.
..
Aghostwhi
sper
ed

TheEnd

St
ori
esByEmy
-Becky

Pl
easebeki
ndt
oleav
emear
ati
ng
outof5i
nthecommentsect
ion.And
awor
dify
ouhav
eany
.