WhenDi

ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t01

#Nobunt
u .
..
..
¥¥

Iwaswokenupbymychi ckenscl
ucking
outside.Ididn'thaveanal arm sotheywer emy
alarm.Igotof fmyspongef ol
dedmybl ankets
andputmyspongeundermymot her'
sbed
that'
swher eitst ayed.Isharedaroom wi thmy
mot herweev enshar edabedgr owingupbutas
Igrewol derIf i
guredwebot hneededspacei t
didn'thelpthatwhenshel ostherjobatsugar
canesf iel
dshet urnedt othebeerbot t
lefor
comf ort,soIboughtmy selfaspongewi ththe
moneyImadef r
om t hesmal lj
obsIwor kedjust
somymot herandIcoul deat .Myfatherdied
whenIwas9I '
m 18nowrumourswerethathe
wasmar ri
edandwhenhewantedtoleav
ehi s
wif
ef ormymothert
hewif
epoisonedhim and
movedawaywi t
hherchi
l
drensoIhadsibli
ngs
outtherei
ntheworl
d.

Igottot heki t
chen/ l
oungeboi l
edwat eronthe
pramast ov eaft
erl ighti
ngt hecandl ewehad
el
ectri
citybutcoul dn'taffordt obuyitevery
ti
mei tfinishedsowesomet imesusedcandl es.
Ourhousewast wor oom t henwehadahutt hat
weusual l
yusedf orcooki ngont hefi
resoit
wasbasi call
yaki tchen.Iwentbackt ot he
bedroom f i
xedmyschool unif
orm andmy
school bagwhi chwasst aringt ogettornIsaid
ashor tsilentprayert hatatl eastitl
astsme
unti
lthey eari
sov er.

Af
terbathi
ngIworemyunifor
m, br
ushedmy
af
rothenti
editi
ntoaneatbun.Ihadasof
tlong
afro.Iwentt othekit
chenhady est
erday '
sleft
overswhi chwasspi nachanddr ypap.Ihada
smal lgardeninthebacky ardIwasgr owing
spinach,cabbage,car rot
,onionsandt omat oes.
Itookmybagandl eftforschoolwhichwasa
20mi nuteswal k.I
twaswi nt
erandmyj ersey
waswor nout ,
myski rtwasabov emykneesso
Iwasf reezing.

If
oundmybestf r
iendwhohadbecamemy
si
sterNosi
hlewai
tingformebyt
hegat
e
st
andingnextt
othev endor
s
Nosi
:"hel
l
osi
s"wehugged 
Me:
"hey
.Unj
an?
"
Nosi
:"I
'
m goodj
ustcol
dthi
sweat
heri
snot
f
ri
endly
" 
Me:
"atal
l
." 
Nosi
:"yourmothercamebackl
astni
ght
?"My
motherhadn'
tbeenhomeforaweek 
Me:
"yes.Dr
unkasusual
" 
Nosi:"
atleastyoudon'thavetobeworr
ying
aboutherbeingoutthereinthecol
d"westart
ed
walki
ngint heschoolgate 
Thabi
so:
"baby
"hehalfr
ant
ous,
Irol
l
edmy
eyeswhi
l
eNosi gi
ggl
ed 
Me:
"goaway
" 
Thabi
so:
"youl
ookbeaut
if
ult
hismor
ning"
 
Me:"Ikeepheari
ngthi
sbuzzi
ngsoundNosihl
e,
canyouhearit?
"Nosinoddedwhi
letr
yingt
o
hol
dinherlaughter
 
Thabi
so:
" zozeungi
qoment
ombenhle"he
qui
ckl
ykissedmycheekandranof
f 
Me:
"ar
gh!
!"Nosi
laughedoutl
oudl
y 
Nosi
:"got
tal
ovehi
m" 
Me:
"hei
ssoi
rr
it
ati
ng"
 
Nosi
:"hedoesn'
tgi
veup.Hi
sbeencour
ti
ngy
ou
f
ortwoy ear
snow"
Me: "
andhowmanygi rl
fri
endshashehad
betweenthoset woyears?Thabisoi
sapl ay
er
andIhav ealotgoingonIdon'tneedhis
str
ess."Shesighedaswegott oourclassand
l
eftourbagst heresowecouldgof orassembl
y.
Webot hinthesamecl ass,gr
ade12doi ng.

Afterschoolmylif
esciencesteacherMr
Hlongwaneaskedmet ostaybehind.Iwatched
theotherlear
nersleav
ingtheclassNosi
whisperedthatshewillwai
tformeout si
det he
class.
 
Me:
"si
r"
 
Sir
:"comehere"Iswal
lowedsal
ivaandwalked
tohisdeskatthefr
ontofthecl
ass.Ihat
edhow
helookedatmeasi fI
'
m apieceofmeatandhe
i
sast arv
ingl
ion
Me:"i
sther
esomet hi
ngwrongsir
?"Hemoved
f
rom hi
schairandcametositonthet
abl
ein
f
rontofme 
Si
r:"
Ihavesomet hingforyou"hi
sey esst
ayed
onmybr east
sIjustthankedGodIwaswear i
ng
ajer
seybecausemyshi r
twasst ar
ti
ngtoget
smally
oucouldcl ear
lyseeli
ttl
ebitofmy
br
east 
Me:"whati
sit
?"Het
ooksomepaper
sfr
om hi
s
desk
Sir
:"i
tcaoform andbursar
yf or
ms"Igotcl
oser
tohim soIcoul
dt aket
heformsheputhishand
undermyskirtIfr
ozeasher anitupmythi
gh 
Me:"si
...Sirpl
easedon't
"whenhegott
omy
asshegr abbeditImovedback 
Sir:"t
hisisforuni
versit
yItoldyouIwi l
llook
afteryouifyouletmeNobunt u.Iwil
lhelpyou
fi
llthi
sup"Inoddedev enthoughgoingt o
universi
tywasn'tevenonmymi nd.Whowoul d
takecar eofmymot her?Whowoul dfinancemy
studiesandst uf
f? 
Me:
"now?
 
Si
r:"nocomet omyhouselat
erbri
ngyour
document sandy
ourmother'
sIDandherl
ast
paysli
p" 
Me:"
cometoy
ourhousesi
r?"Iaskedner
vousl
y
wi
thmyvoi
cebreaki
ng 
Si
r:"
yes"
 
.
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwokeupf eeli
ngtired,Ihadsleptl
atechat t
ing
tosabelo.Myboy f
riendf ort
woy earsnow, we
wereont hedownl owdaddywoul dfli
pifhe
foundoutIwasdat inghewaswaybey ondov er
protect
iveifitwasupt ohim Iwouldstay
l
ockedupi nthisbi
gasshousewecal lahome.
Mypapai salsoprot ecti
vebutheiscool and
understanding,It
hinki tbecausehehast hree
daught
erssohisali
tt
ler
elaxedunl
i
kedaddy.I
wasactuall
ywokenupbyaknockIknewitwas
Nondu.Ilov
edhershehasbeeninmyli
fesi
nce
Iwasjustababyshe'
smysecondmommy .
Me:
"I'
m up!
!"
 
Nondu:"getoutoft
hebedandst
opl
ocki
ngt
his
doorl
elo"
Me:
"I'
m outoft
hebed"
Nondu:"
opent hi
sdoor
"Ihuff
edandgotofft
he
bedIwenttoopenthedoorshesmil
edbri
ghtl
y
"goodpr
incess" 
Me: "l
aphoI '
m almost18"shelaughedasI
walkedt othebathroom.Tookaqui ckshower
whilesingingIhaveanamazi ngv oi
ce
somet hingpapasay sIgotfr
om hi m because
mom soundsl i
keachickenthatisbei ng
str
angledwhenshet ri
estosing.WhenIgotout
ofthebat hroom mybedwasal readymadewi th
myuni form ontopofit,t
hecool seabr eeze
comi nginthroughthewindow.Iopenedt he
closetpul
ledoutamat chingbraandpant
yt hen
gotdressed.Iti
edmyl onghairint
oaponytail
thenputoney el
inerandlabel
o.

Ifoundmybr ot
herssitt
ingonthehighchair
s
alreadyhavi
ngbreakf
ast.Ihadthr
eebrother
from mom andtwosistersandabrotherfr
om
papa.Papawasmar r
iedtomymom' sbest
fri
endauntyZiy
andat heyhadtwokids
together
. 
Me:
"goodmor
ningki
ds"
 
Lonhl
e:"
Iwon'
tev
enr
epl
y" 
Sj
:"mor
ningLel
o" 
Enzo:
"hey
"Imademy
sel
fabowl
ofcer
eal
 
Lonhl
e:"
sogl
adi
tFr
idayIneedabr
eak"
Me:"youj
ust15andi
ngrade9Idon'
tgetwhy
youhateschool
somuch"
 
Mom:
"youandmebot
h"shegoti
ntheki
tchen
andki
ssedal
lourhead"
mor
ningbabi
es"
 
Us:
"mor
ningmommy
" 
Lonhl
e:"
Idon'
that
eschool
" 
Sj
:"y
esy
oudo"
 
Lonhl
e:"
Ijusthat
ewaki
ngupwheni
twi
nter
" 
Mom: "
speaki
ngofwinterwhyareyounot
wear
ingyourj
erseyunderyourbl
azer
?" 
Lonhl
e:"
I'
ll
weari
t"
 
Mom:
"di
dyoucal
lyourpapaLel
o?"
 
Me:
"yes,
butI
'
m st
il
lnotgoi
ngt
ost
aywi
thhi
m
mom" 
Mom: "
let'
stal
kaboutthisaf
terschool"t
hat
meanttheywil
ltalkaboutmeandmakea
deci
si
onr egar
dlessofwhatIwant,theybei
ng
mom daddyandpapa
Me:"I
'm st
ill
notstay
ingwit
hhimvarsi
tyi
sall
aboutfi
ndingyour
self
,makingmi
stakesand
l
earni
ngf r
om them.Givemeachancetodojust
t
hati
fImessupt
henIwi
l
lgost
aywi
thhi
m" 
Mom:
"mmh"
 
Me:"areyouguysdone?Let
'sgo"weallstood
upkissedmom tel
li
ngherweloveherandgot
ourbagswentoutsi
de.Ourdri
verwasalready
wait
ingforusint
hecar.Wedroveoff
.Lonhl e
andIwereinthesamehighschoolwhi
leSj and
Enzowereinthesameprimary.

IsawsabelobeforeIevengotof ft
hecar.He
waswai t
ingbythedropof fpoi
ntcarr
yingt
wo
cups.Thedri
veropenedt hedoorforusand
tookoutourbagsfrom theboot 
Lonhle:"
thi
nkIshoul
dtel
ldaddyabouty
our
boyfr
iend"
Me:
"youwoul
dn'
tLonhl
e.Youpr
omi
sedme"
 
Lonhl
e: "
I'
mj oki
ngsi
siyrel
ax"hekissedmy
for
ehead,hewassot all
andlookedexactl
yli
ke
daddyjustthathewasli
ghtskinned. 
Me:
"okay
" 
Lonhl
e:"
rel
ax.Il
ovey
ou"
 
Me:"
loveyoutoo"wewentoursepar
ateways
hewenttohi
scr ewwhi
l
eIwalkedtoSabel
o
Sabel
o:"
heybaby
"hegav
emeasof
tpeck
Me:
"hey
" 
Sabel
o:"
decafcappucci
nof
orqueenPet
erson"
 
Me:"
thankyouki
ngKhoza"It
ookmycupwe
wal
kedint
otheschool
yard.
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
rentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t02

#Lel
o
¥¥

Whent
hebel
lrangf
orbr
eak,
Itookmybagt
o
thelockerthenwenttofindsabel
o.Hewaswith
hisrugbyteam standi
ngout si
det
hecaf
eter
ia
alr
eadycarryingourfood. 
Qi
niso:
"QueenPet
erson"Ismi
l
ed

Me:
"hey
"

Sabelo:
"heybaby"heki
ssedmyhead.Ther
est
oftheguysgreet
ed

Evans:"youlookgood"Evansusedtoaskme
outbeforeSabelodidIwasactual
lyconsi
deri
ng
beingwithhim butwhenSabelostar
edasking
me.Imeani tSabel
owe'vebeenineachother'
s
l
ifesincepreschoolsot
heywasnocompet i
ti
on.

Sabel
o:"
let
'
sgoeatbabybef
oreIpunch
someone"
Me: "
okay"hetookmyhandwewalkedt
ot he
parksatonthechair
saroundt
her
oundtable
"whatdi
dy ougetbaby?
"

Sabelo:
"goty
ouchi
ckensal
adandl
emoni
ce
tea"

Me:
"mmh"hesmi
l
ed

Sabelo:"
youandf
oodbuty
ounev
ergai
n
weight"

Me: "
that
'st
hebestthi
ng"wehadl
unchov
er
l
ightconver
sat
ion.

Sabel
owaswaiti
ngf
ormeoutsi
demyclass
whenIgotout
.Hepr
essedmeonthewallI
dr
oppedmybag 
Sabel
o:"
hi"

Me:
"hi
"weki
ssedshor
tl
y

Sabelo:"
Iloveyou.Seeyout
omorr
ow"my
parentswerehosti
ngluncht
ocel
ebrat
ethei
r
14thanniver
sary

Me:"Il
oveyoumor e"weki ssedagai
n,hetook
mybag.Hewal kedmet othedr opoffpoi
ntthe
carwasalr
eadywai t
ingthereandhismom' s
carwasparkedbehind.Sheopenedt hewindow
andwavedatusIwav edback

Sabel
o:"
thewaymymot herl
ovesyouf
reaks
meoutsometi
messhehasev ery
oneathome
thi
nki
ngyouwalkoncl
ouds"
Me:"
I'
mt hebestdaught
eri
nlawshecoul
dev
er
askf
or"

Sabelo:
"maybeweshoul
dletourpar
ent
sknow
thatwetoget
her
"

Me:"no!Daddywil
lfr
eakoutandI
'l
ldef
ini
tel
ybe
f
orcedtostaywit
hpapanextyear
"

Sabel
o:"
I'
mti
redofact
ingl
i
kewej
ustf
ri
ends"

Me: "
itJuneSabeloinafewmonthswewi l
lbe
i
nv arsi
tywithnoparentsj
ustusonly
.Please"I
ki
ssedhi scheektookmybagandr antothecar.
Lonhlewasal r
eadyin,i
tdr
oveoff.

Wef
oundt
hepar
ent
scuddl
i
ngont
hecouch
undert
het
hrowwat
chi
ngt
v
Me:
"heydaddy
"

Dad:"
pri
ncess"Iwalkt
othem heki
ssedmy
for
eheadIstoodbackandfol
dedmyarmsover
mychests

Mom:
"andnow?
"Daddychuckl
ed

Dad:"gochangeprincessI
'
llgoputonsome
sneaker
sandaj acket"

Mom:
"what
'sgoi
ngon?
"

Me:"wegoi ngout"Iranupst
airstomyr oom,
qui
cklychangedoutofmyuni f
ormi nt
o
l
eggings,atanktop,coatandthighboots.It
ook
outmyBr azil
i
an30i nchwig,Ibrusheditt
hen
putitonmyheadaftermakingmyeyebrows.I
tookmygi v
enchybagandwentdownstair
s.I
haveahugeobsessionwit
hbagsIgetitfr
om
auntyApheandeveryti
meIseehershehasa
newbagf orme.

Me:"whenwil
lIl
ear
ntodri
vedaddy
?"Wewer
e
al
readyi
nthecardr
ivi
ngt
ogateway

Dad:
"gety
ourl
ear
ner
sfi
rstpr
incess"

Me:"butI
'
m get
ti
ngacarr
ight
?Formy
bi
rt
hday?"

Dad:
"Ist
il
lhav
etot
alkt
oyourpapaaboutt
hat
"

Me: "
wellyouknowIdon'
tl
ikespor
tcar
s"he
chuckled
Dad:"Iknowmypr incess.Soyoureal
lysur
eyou
wanttogot oWi t
s?"SabeloandIwereboth
goingtoWi t
sandwehadpl annedtogetour
apart
ment sclosetoeachother

Me:"y
epIwanttobecloset
ohome"Ihad
got
tenaccept
edatYal
eandHarvar
dbothfor
l
awbutSabelowasn'
tsoIhadt
osettl
eforwi
ts

Dad:"
youknowyoucancomehomeasof
tenas
youwantandmommyandIwil
lvi
sity
oualot
"

Me:
"nodaddyIwantt
ost
ayher
e"henodded
smi
l
ing

Dad:
"goodIj
ustwant
edt
obesur
ethaty
ou
won'
tregr
ett
his"
Me:
"Iwon'
tdaddy
" 
.

#Nobunt
u 
¥¥

Me:
"Ican'
tcomet
oyourhousesi
r"

Si
r:"
whynot
?!"

Me:
"wecanf
il
lupt
hef
orm her
e"

Sir
:"guessyounotseri
ousaboutgoi ngto
univ
ersit
yanditsuchapity"IlookedathimI
couldfeelmyeyessti
ngingtearswant edto
comeoutbutIwasn'tgoingt oletthem f
all
Me:"
ify
ouf eelthatway
"Iwal
kedout.Found
Nosi
waiti
ngf ormeshewasalreadypani
cki
ng

Nosi
:"gi
rli
fwedon'
trunbabaisgoi
ngtoki
l
l
me"herfat
heri
sbeyondstr
ictandr
eal
l
ynot
af
rai
dofbeati
ngherup.

Me:"sorr
y"weranof
fwhil
eIt
oldherabout
whatsirwassayi
ngsheal
sosai
dIshouldn'
tgo
t
ohishouse.

Igothomeandf oundt hehouseempt yIjust

sighed.Iwentt otakeoutmyuni form wentto
soakit,Ihadoneski r
tandt woshi r
ts.After
soakingmyuni form Ist ar
tedcleaningupt he
house.Af t
ercleaningIdi dthewashi ngthen
wentt ofeedmychi ckensonehadeggssoI
tookthem inthehousesmi l
ing.Iwenttot he
gardentooksomet omatoesandwentt ot
he
hutIstar
tedthefi
rethencooked.Makingri
ce
andchutneywithboil
edeggs,Iboi
ledonefor
nowandanot herf
ordinner.

Mom camebackdr unkasalwaysIwasst i

ll
in
thehutenjoyi
ngt hewar mthofthef i
rewhil
e
studyinganddoingmyhomewor k.Icouldhear
hersingingl
oudlyout si
de.Iwentoutshewas
withsomemant heywer ebothdr unkstumbling.
Itwasn'tanewthi ngforhertobringoveraman
Iquicklywentt
ounl ockthedoor
Mom: "
nobuntumydaughter
"Ijusti
gnor
edher
andwentt otheroom t
ookmyspongeandmy
blanket
s,Iwasgoingtosl
eepinthehut
becausetherewasnoway sIwasgoingto
l
istentothem havedr
unksex. 
.
Iwokeupinthemorni
ngIhadignor
edthe
chi
ckensIdon'
twakeupearl
ywhenthere'
sno
reason.IwenttothehouseIhadl ockedthem i
n
l
astt hi
ngIwantedwast het hievesgetti
ngin
thehouseandst eali
nglitt
lebi tofwhatwehad.
Itookabat haft
erboili
ngwat erandl ef
tIwas
goingtoeatattheNgcobohousehol dwher eI
wor kedasamai dbutIonl ywentonweekends.
Theywer eoneoft he'r
ich'fami l
iesinthearea,
thewi f
ewasanur seandt hehusbandwor ked
atthemi nes.

Igottherefoundherdaughtersplay
ingout
side
withtheirbi
gbrot
herVumi l
eIguesshewas
backf r
om work.Heworkedi nthecit
yand
stayed 
Noku:
"hel
l
oBunt
u"

Zola:
"hey
"Igreet
edt hem andwenti
nthe
housevumil
ewasj ustst
aringatme.If
ound
MrsNgcobohav i
ngtea
Me:
"goodmor
ningmah"

MrsN: "
morni
ngNobunt u,
havebreakfast
befor
eyoustartwi
thevery
thi
ng.Nokumade
eggsandsausagesItol
dthem t
ol eav
ey ou
some.Checkthemicr
owav e"

Me:"
thankyoumah"Iwentt
otakemyf
oodand
st
art
edeati
ng

Afteralongdayofwor kMr sNgcobosaid

Vumi l
eshoul ddrivemehomebecausei twas
alr
eadydar k.Sohedi dther i
dewasjustsi
lence
helookedannoy edbyt hewhol edr
ivi
ngme
business.Ithankedhim whenhest oppedthe
carandgotof fi
t.Ihadalreadyeat
endinner
theresoIjustwentt osleep.
Iwaswokenupbyal oudknockIt houghti
twas
mom comi ngbackf rom herdri
nki
ng.Ididn't
evenknowhowt hiswomanmanagedt oget
drunksooftenwhenwewer ealwayssobr oke.I
openedthedoorwhi lerubbingmyey es.Iwas
shockedtofindsirther
e 
Me:
"si
r"

Si
r:"
Nobuntu.Youli
kemakingever
ythi
ng
di
ff
icul
t"hepushedmeinthehouse

Me:
"what
'sgoi
ngon?
"Hewasl
ocki
ngt
hedoor

Sir
:"shutup!"Hegav
emeahardsl
apIf
ell
on
thefloorhi
tt
ingmyheadhar
d

Me: "
ouch!
!"It
ri
edst
andi
ngup,
Iwasal
ready
cr
ying
Si
r:"
Itr
iedmakingthi
seasyforyou"hepushed
mebackwi thhi
sfeetandki
ckedmyst omachI
cr
iedoutloud

Me:"
Iam sorr
yplease"hegotont
opof
fmeI
t
ri
edpushinghi
m awayf r
om me

Sir:
"yougoi
ngtogeti
ttoni
ght
"hepunchedmy
faceIcoul
dtestt
hebl
oodinmymout h

Me: "getof
fmeyoumonster!!
"Iwasf
ighti
ng
him ashewastr
yingtopull
downmyl eggi
ngs
theyendedupgett
ingri
ppedalongwi
thmy
panty

Sir
:"you'
vebeenpl
ayi
nghi
deandseekwit
hme
fortoolongIt
ri
edbei
ngni
cetoyou"hewas
panting.Heshovedhisf
ingeri
nmeand
groaned" j
ustasIt
hought,y
ousealed"he
pinnedmyar msabovemyhandhi sbodywas
full
yonmehi swhol
eweightIcoul
dn'tev
en
mov e

Me:
"pl
ease.Pl
easedon'
tdot
his"Iwhi
sper
ed

Sir
: "
yougoi ngtoenj
oyi t
"hepull
edouthis
fi
nger sthenIfel
tthetipofhi
sdickonmy
entrance.Hewasal readypushi
ngin.Iwas
screamingl oudl
y

Me:
"hel
pme.Somebody
.Pl
ease"

Sir
:"shutup"hepushedi
nwi t
hf or
cehisloud
groanedwasnomat chformyl oudcry
.Ifeltmy
vaginabeingri
ppedapar
t,mysoul l
eavi
ngmy
body .Adri
pofsli
cksweatfel
loffofhi
mi nto
myopeney e,Icl
oseditdr
oppingmoreofmy
tear
s.Hewashuf fi
ngandgroaningont
opof
mecl ear
lyenjoyi
nghimselfwhil
eIwasdyi
nga
slowpainfuldeat
h.
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t03

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Hef i
nishedupandst oodupIjustl
aidther
e
withmyl egsspr ead.HelookeddownatmeI
wouldnev erforgetthatl
ook,hewasnot
remorsefulinfacthehadahugesat isf
iedgri
n
plast
eredonhi sf ace.
 
Sir
:"y
out
ellanyoneIwi
llki
ll
thatdr
unkar
dyou
cal
lamotherandIwil
ltel
lever
yonehowwe
wereinarel
ati
onshipandy oujustmad
becauseIwasdumpi ngyou.Umnandi l
iker
eal
ly
,
Il
ookf or
wardtothenextti
me"hewi nkedand
mov edawayfr
om mysi ghtIheardthedoor
cl
osing.

Iwokeupst il
lsl
eepi ngont hecoldcementf l
oor.
Ther ewasl ightshinni ngint hr
ought hewi ndow.
Igotupf rom thef l
oor ,mybodywasi nsomuch
pain.Thebl oodont hef loorhaddr iedup.
Wal kingt othebedr oom wasj ustami ssion,my
tearsf ellwi
thev eryst epItook.Isl owlylai don
thebedandwr appedmyar msar oundmybody
withmykneest ouchi ngmyst omachi gnor i
ng
thatpai nthatwascomi ngf rom everypar tof
mybody .Iwasjustcr y i
ngsi l
entl
y,Iwant edto
scream sobadl ybutmyv oicewoul dn'tletme.I
hadscr eamedsohar dthatmyv oicewasn' t
thereany moreev enmyt hroatwashur t
ing.I
j
ustdr ownedmy selfinmyt hought s.
Iwas
brokenandi twast hedar kest,l
onel i
estf eeli
ng
I’
veev erencount ered.Att hatpar ti
culartime,I
thoughtI ’dnev erbeabl et opul lmy selfoutof
thatbl ackhol e.Ifeltdir
tyandashamednot
forgett i
ngembar rassed.Myl ifewasov er,no
onewoul dt akemeser i
ousl yinourcommuni t
y
i
ft hiswast ocomeout .Ever yonewoul dlookat
meast hegi r
l whowasdat ingat eacherand
cri
edr apewhenhewant edt oendt hings,
becausedeepdownIknewnoonewoul d
believeme.MrHl ongwanewasar espect abl
e
andl ov edteacherar oundt hecommuni tywhile
I'
mj ustapoordaught erofadr unkard.Thi s
shoul dnev ercome, nooneshoul dev ensuspect
thi
s, that'
swhatIt oldmy self.

Iwasst ar
tledbyaloudknock.Itwasal r
eady
ni
ghtandIhadbeeni nbedthewhol edayj ust
stari
ngint
ospaceasf lashbacksoft hepr evious
ni
ghtcameandwenti nmymi ndlikean
annoy i
ngsongy oucan'
tstopthinkingabout
afterhear
ingitt
hefir
sttime.Itr
iedi gnori
ngt he
knocksbuthest
art
edscr
eami
ng

Vumil
e:"Iknowyouinther
eNobuntusoyou
bet
teropenthi
sdoorbeforeIbr
eakit
.Youhav
e
mymot herworr
iedsi
ck"

IwassupposedtogotoworkandInevermi
ss
adayespeci
all
ySundaysbecauset
hati
swhenI
getpai
d.

Vumi l
e:"
ibr
oughtyourmoneyNobuntu,itcold
outhereopenthi
sdoor!"Vumil
ekeptknocking
eventual
l
yIshuttheknocksout,
Icoul
dn'thear
anythi
ngbutmythoughtsonceagain.

Vumil
e:"
whathappenedhere?"Igotshocked
andqui
ckl
ysatup,hewasalreadyinthehouse
i
nthebedroom.Iwantedtoscream f
orhimto
goaway"whodidthi
st oy
ouNobunt u?"
Me:
"leav
ethemoneyont
hebedandgoaway
"

Vumil
e:"whofuckingdidthi
stoyou?!
"He
demanded,hi
slightfacewastur
ningred

Me: "pl
easejustl
eavemeal one"Iwipedmy
tears.Hetookablankett
hrewi tovermybody
andl i
ft
edmeup.Icr i
edtwisti
ngmybodybuthe
heldmef ir
mly

Vumil
e:"
justbequi
etNobunt
u"Icoul
dn'
tst
op
cr
ying

Me:"
youal
sowanttohurtmey
oualsowantt
o
r
apeli
kehedi
djustl
eavemeal
one"

Vumi
l
e:"
Iwoul
dnev
erhur
tyouNobunt
u"he
whisper
edputt
ingmeinthebackseatoft
hecar
andwenttothedri
ver
'sseathedr
oveoff

Me:"wherear
eyout
aki
ngme?
"Hedi
dn'
tsay
any
thing.

Hepar
kedi
nhi
syar
dandl
ookedbackatme 
Vumi l
e:"
Iwil
lbebackdon'trunaway"he
walkedoutItr
iedopeni
ngt hedoorbutitwas
l
ocked.Hecamebackwi t
hhi smothershewas
runni
ng,shegotinthebackseatwit
hme

MrsN: "
oohmychil
d"shepul
ledmet oher
chestandwr
appedherarmsaroundme.Ididn'
t
evenknowhowtoreact
.Vumiledrov
eoff.

Imov edfrom herchestaswedroveint

othe
ci
ty.Istar
tedfreaki
ngasVumileparkedatt
he
emer
gencyent
ranceatt
hehospi
tal

Me:
"nononoIwantt
ogohome"

MrsN:"
ev er
ythi
ngwil
lbefi
neNobunt
u.You
needmedicalhel
pandthi
sper
sonneedstogo
j
ailf
ort
his"

Me: "mahpleasehewi l
lkil
lmymot herandtel
l
everyonethatIwant
edt histhatwewer ei
na
rel
ationshi
pandhedi dn'
twantmeany more.
PleaseIdon'twantt
hispleasel et
'sjustgoback
homeIj ustwanttoforgetthisevenhappened"

Mr
sN:
"butNobunt
uyo.
..
"Vumi
l
ecutherof
f

Vumil
e:"
Nobunt
uyouaredoi
ngthist
henI
'm
goi
ngtofi
ndthi
sasswhol
ebefor
ethepol
i
cedo
andbeathi
mtoapulp"hegotoutoft
hecar
andopenedmydoor
.Helif
tedmeupagain.

Thenextf ourhour sconsi stedofhav ingevery

i
nchofmybodyi nvest i
gat edandscr apedf or
ev i
dence.Myt orncl otheswer ecompl etely
remov edandpl acedi nabag, anditseemedl i
ke
nothingr emai nedpr ivat eatt hatpoint.Iknow
i
t'spr ocedur eandt hedoct or swer ejustdoing
theirjob, butatt het i
meIf eltev enmor e
violated, l
ikemybodydi dn’
tbel ongt ome
any mor ef ir
stitwassi randnowt hedoct ors.
Thepol icear ri
ved,tookmyst atementMr s
Ngcobocoul dn'
thidehershockwhenIsai dit
wassi rwhohaddonet histhatal onemademe
mor eskept icalaboutt hiswhol ethingIjust
knewchancesofpeopl ebel iev i
ngmewer e
reallyslim.af termor et hanf ourhour sofbei ng
exami nedandr eceivingmedi cineIgott ogo
home.
Iwassur
pri
sedwhenVumi
l
epar
kedathi
s
home 
MrsN:"
yougoi
ngt
osl
eepher
e"Ishookmy
head

Me:"
noIhav
etogohomeIhav
etogo,
mom
mi
ghtcomeback"

MrsN: "
itt
heweekendev er
yoneknowsyour
motherwon'tbehome"sheshookherhead
"
that'
swhyt hatpat
het
icexcuseofamancame
t
oy ourhouse"

Vumi
l
e: "
goi
nitlat
e"helookedsomur
der
ous.
Wewalkedi
n"I
'l
lbeback"

Mr
sN:
"Vumi
l
eno!Youhear
dthepol
i
ce"
Vumile:
"I'
mjusttaki
ngadri
ve"hewal
kedout
thehousebangingthedoor

MrsN:"Jesushi
sstubbor
nandhewil
lget
hi
mselfintr
oubl
e"nowIfel
tbadf
orbri
ngi
ngal
l
oft
histoMr sN'
sfamil
y
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Igotoutoft hebat hroom,loti

onedmybody
thengotdr essedindeni m cutoffshort
s,a
tuckedinlosebl ackt-shi
rtandal ar
gerdenim
j
acketIwor emyf lowerprintGuccisneakers.
Didmyf ace, putonmyMal ay
siancurl
ywi gon
thentookmyphoneandwentdownst air
s.
Peopl
ehadal
readyst
art
edcomi
ng.Iscr
eamed
whenIsawpapa 
Me:"
papa!
!"It
hrewmy
sel
fathi
m,hegav
emea
hugl
if
ti
ngmeup

Papa:
"mi
ssedme?
"

Me: "
somuch"heputmedownIgotachance
tolookathim pr
operl
ythenlookedataunty
Ziy
anda" ohmyGod!Youpr egnant.Ican'
t
beli
eveyouandpapaar esti
llhavi
ngsex!!
!"
Everyonearoundusstoppedtalki
ngandmov i
ng

Daddy
:"l
elot
hando"hewar
ned.Iputmyhands
up

Me:"Ionl
yknowwhatt
heyt
eachusi
nli
feski
l
ls
cl
assIswear"
Mom:"
chi
ldy
oubet
terorIwi
ll
kil
lyoumyself
"it
t
ookev
ery
thi
ngi
nmet onotr
ollmyeyesather

Me:
"don'
tyout
hinkI
'
m ol
denought
hough?
"

Papa:"l
et'
sgobeforey
oumakey ourmotherki
l
l
you"heheldmyarm walki
ngoutofthel
ounge
i
ntothetvroom "
sit
"webothsatdown"sowho
i
she? "

Me:
"what
?"

Papa:"
theboyyouthi
nkiswor
thy
oulosi
ng
yourv
irgi
nit
yov
er?"Icov
eredmyf
acewit
hmy
hands

Me:
"papa!
"
Papa:
"hey
"her
emov
edmyhands"
tal
ktome"

Me:
"Ican'
t"

Papa:"
tel
lmepri
ncessIwon'
tbeupset
.You
growi
ngupIunderst
and"

Me:
"Sabel
o"

Papa:
"st
heandsi
hle'
sson?
"Inodded"
forhow
l
ong?"

Me:
"papa!
"

Papa:
"tal
ktome"
Me:"
wehadoursecondy
earanni
ver
sar
ylast
mont
h"

Papa:"wow!"Il
aidmyheadonhi slap"why
haven'
ty out
oldyourmotherorevenme?I
knowSf undowil
lfr
eakoutsoIwon' taskwhy
nothim"

Me:"
hav
ey ouseenmypar
ent
s.Yout
hreear
e
cr
azy
"helaughed

Papa:
"hey
!I'
m bet
tert
hant
hoset
wo"

Me:
"wel
lIwasscar
ed"

Papa:"pr
incessIdon'
twanty oubeingscar
edto
tal
ktoany oneofusaboutany t
hing.Weyour
parent
s,wel ov
eyou,weraisedy ou,andwe
wantonl
ywhati
sbestf
ory
ou"

Me:
"IknowdaddyI
'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
ttel
lyou"

Papa: "
speakt
oyourmot
heraboutt
hevirgi
nit
y
thi
ngbutIwouldsaywai
tanddon'
tfeel
pressured"

Me:
"okaypapaIl
ovey
ou"

Papa:"
Ilov
eyoutoopri
ncessIl
oveyouso
muchIwoulddoanyt
hingandever
ythi
ngf
or
you.
"

Me:
"youwoul
ddi
eforme"

Papa:
"inahear
tbeatandIwoul
dsl
aydr
agons
f
ory
ou"
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t05

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Iendedupnotgoi
ngtoschool
.Mom wokeup
whenIwasdonecleani
ng
Mom:
"hai
boNobunt
u!Andschool
?"

Me:"
Idon'
tfeel
wellmom.I'm goi
ngt
oski
p
t
oday,Iwi
l
lgetnot
esfrom Nosi"

Mom:"
youingrade12Nobunt
uyoucan'
tj
ust
mi
ssschoolf
ornoreason"
Me:
"Isai
dIwasn'tf
eel
ingwell
"shej
ustnodded
"
Imadeporr
idge.Woul
dy oul
i
kesome?"

Mom:"
yesdi
shupf
ormewhi
l
eIgol
ookf
or
l
emon"

Me:
"okay
"

Mom andIweresit
tingoutsidesunbathi
ng
whil
ewatchi
ngthelearner
swal kpastwhen
Nosirant
ous.Ist
oodupf astmeeti
ngher
hal
fwaywehuggedqui ckl
y
Me:"whatar
eyoudoi
nghere?
!Youwanty
our
f
athert
obeatyouupagai
n?"

Nosi:"
Iwasworri
edabouty
ou.Youwer
en'ti
n
schoolthewhol
eofl
astweekandwhenthe
pol
icecamet
oar
restMrhlongwanef
orr
apeI
puttwoandt
wot
ogether
"

Me:"hegotar
rest
ed?
"Shenoddedhert
ear
s
f
all
i
ng

Nosi:"
whydidn'
tyoutellme?!
"Hercri
eswere
get
tingloudshewasbusypunchingmychest
wit
hhert i
nyfi
sts"
IthoughtIwasyoursi
ster
Nobuntu"

Me:
"youar
emysi
ster
"

Nosi:"
thenwhygothroughthi
sal
one?
!"We
huggedeachothert
ightl
y.Wewer
ebothcr
ying

Me:"
youhavetogo,
wewi l
ltal
ktomorrow.Iwi
l
l
cometoschool
butyouhavetogo.Idon'
twant
y
ouget
ti
ngi
ntot
roubl
ewi
thy
ourf
ather
"

Nosi
:"okay"wesqueezedeachot
hert
henshe
l
eftr
unning.Iwal
kedbacktomom

Mom:
"what
'sgoi
ngonNobunt
u?"

Me:
"not
hingmom"

Mom: "
doy
ouhav
eanymoney
?Justr
20Ineed
beer
"

Me:"
Idon'
thavemoney
"Iwal
kedi
nthehouse
l
eav
ingherout
side

Mom l
eftt
hatdayandshedi
dn'
tcomeback.
 
.
Thefol
lowingdayIwenttoschool
.If
oundNosi
si
tt
ingaloneincl
ass,
shestoodupwhenshe
sawmewehuggedt i
ghtl
y
Nosi
:"ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbef
iney
ouwi
l
lsee"

Me:"Ibel
i
evey
ou"wel
etgoofeachot
herand
satdown

Nosi
:"t
her
earewhisper
sgoi
ngar
ound.
Ever
yonei
str
yingt
oguesswhosi
rraped"

Me:
"Ican'
tdeal
wit
hthi
s"

Nosi:
" noonewil
leventryt
ocomef oryouIwil
l
beatthem al
lup"welaughed.Il
ovedthi
sgir
l.
 
.
Timef l
ewbysi rwasdeni edbai landhepl eaded
notgui lt
y.Thatjustkill
edme, Iwassoconf used
andev enmor ehurt.Hewasst i
ckingt ohislie
thatwewer einar elati
onshipandIwashur t
becausehewasl eav i
ngme.Thewhi spersand
l
aught erbehindmybackgotwor sewi th
ever y
dayasi tgotoutt hatIwast hegi rlsi
r
raped.Someshowedpi t
ywhi l
esomeshowed
disgustev enmostoft heteachers.Noone
believedmeandt hosewhodi dift heywer ewho
actuallydidtheydidn'tcomeoutandsayi t.Igot
threateninglett
ersthatIdidn'tknowwer e
comi ngf rom whereIwoul djustfindt hem inmy
bag.

I
tactuall
ygotal i
tt
lebetterwhenanot her
l
earnerfrom grade10camef orwardthatsi
r
hadalsor apedherr epeatedl
y.Iwasnotsur e
howIf el
taboutt hat,Iwashappyt hatmycase
wasget t
ingst r
ongerbutsadt hatsomeoneelse
wasav i
ctim ofsi
r.Thegi rl
'
snamewasSi bahle,
weactual
l
ygotcl
oserthr
oughthat.Itgav
eme
somehopeandthestat
elawyerthatwas
handl
i
ngmycasewasr uthl
ess.

Myst omachgr ewbiggerandharder.My

periodswer ebecomingat hi
ngofthepastbutI
couldn'tbr
ingmy sel
ftodoany t
hingabouti
t.
Ignoranceisbli
sssot heysay.

Iwassupposedt ogobackt ot
hehospi t
alfor
anothercheckupandteststoseeifIwasst i
l
l
negativewhenitcomestosexualtr
ansmi t
ted
diseasesaft
erthemedicat
ionIwasgi v
en.ButI
didn'
tgobackIcouldn'
tbri
ngmy selfIwas
terr
ifi
ed.

ItwasSaturday.Iwasjustl
ayingaroundmom
wassleeping,Isawthissmallgroupofpeopl
e
comingtowar dsthehouse.Theygreetedand
askedifther
ewasanelderItoldthem y
es.
Theygotinthehousesatonthechairswhil
eI
wenttowakeupmom.I twaseldersbutwhat
caughtmyat t
enti
onwasthey oungguywho
l
ookedl i
kesir
. 
Mom: "
mol wen"theyal
lexchangedgreet
ings.
Ther
eintroducedthemsel
ves,myt ear
swer e
sl
owlydropping.Theyweresir
'sfamil
y

Man1:
"wewer
esentbyourson.
"

Man2: "het
oldusaboutt
hedamageshe
causedi ny
ourgar
denma'Songca"mom l
ooked
confused

Man1:"het
oldust
hathebr
okey
ourdaught
er'
s
vi
rgi
nit
y"
Mom:
"Nobunt
u!"

Woman1: "
weunder standthatt
heyarehavi
ng
somet roubleint
heirrel
ati
onshi
pandy our
daughterclaimedthatmysonr apedher.Hei
s
i
njailaswespeakbecauseoft hat"

Mom:
"Nobunt
uist
hist
rue?
"

Me:"hedidrapeme.Wewer
enev
eri
na
r
elat
ionshi
p"

Man3:
"wear
enother
eaboutt
hat
"

Woman: "not
hischi
l
dmustdr
opthi
sri
dicul
ous
casebeforei
tdoesmor
edamagetoour
reput
ati
on"
Man1:"weher
etopayf
orherv
irgi
nit
yli
ke
sanel
easkedus"

Man3:"whatev
erel
sei
stohappeni
sbet
ween
Sanel
eandhiswoman"

Mom: "
Nobunt
u"shewhispered,Il
ookedather
shewascry
ingsi
lent
ly"
didthisSanel
erape
you?
"

Me:
"yes"

Mom: "ohGod"sheletoutasobandshookher
head"whydidn'
tyoutell
me?Whendidthis
happen?"

Me:"t
hreemonthst
woweeksago"shel
ooked
att
hesepeopl
e
Mom:
"leav
emyhouse"

Man1:"
wecomeinpeacema'Songca.Wej
ust
her
etopaywhati
sduetoyourfamil
y"

Mom: "i
sthisani nsul
t?!Yoursonrapedmy
chil
dandnowy ouher et opayforherv i
rgi
nit
y.
Didyoueventhink?Iwanty oualloutofmy
house!!
!"I
'
venev erseenmymot herthatangry,
herfacewasredsowasherey esshewasi n
tear
s

Man1:"
weapologi
ze"theyall
stoodupand
f
oll
owedeachotherout.ThewomanIhad
f
igur
edwasSir
'smot herl
ookedatme

Woman:
"youwi
l
ldr
opt
hatcasei
fyouknow
whati sgoodforyou"mom jumpedonherso
fast.Bytheyt
imet heymanagedtogetmom off
hershewasal readybleedi
ngandherdoekhad
fal
len,herhai
rwasamess

Mom: "
youdarethr
eat
enmychi
l
dinherown
home!Iwi
llki
l
lyoumysel
f"

Man1:"
cal
m downma'Songca.
"Theywal
ked
l
eavi
ngmewithafur
iousmom shewaspacing
upanddown

Mom: "whywouldn'
tyoutel
lmethisNobuntu?!
"
Shedroppedtoherkneesandwail
edIwentt o
kneelnexttoherwecri
edtoget
her"Iam so
sorr
ymnt anam" 
.
Mondaymor ningIwokeanxiousandr eall
y
scareditwast hedayofthet r
ailwellmoreli
ke
thesentenci ngbecausethecour thadheldtwo
trail
salr
eadybutt heyst
il
lhadt osaywhether
hei sgui
ltyornot .AndIjustsaytesti
fyi
ngand
hav i
ngtor eli
vethewholet hi
ngbr okemeapar t
.
Ifitwasn'
tf orMr sNgcoboandNosi Iwouldn'
t
hav esurvi
v ed.

Isi
ghedandgotupf
rom t
hemat
ress,
mom sat
upfrom t
hebed 
Mom: "
howy oufeel
ing?Ihar
dlyslept
"mom and
Ihadspentwhatwasl ef
toft
heweekendcrying.
Ij
ustgl
adshedidn'tgoanddrink

Me:"Idon'
tknowmom butIdoknowthati
fthe
cour
tdoesn'tf
indhi
m gui
l
tyIwi
lldi
e"

Mom:
"Iwi
shy
ourf
atherwasst
il
lal
i
ve.Thi
ngs
wouldn'
tbeli
kethi
s"Icr
awl
edtoherandsaton
hert
highsrest
ingmyheadonherchestshe
hel
dme

Me:
"younev
erspeakabouthi
m"shesi
ghed

Mom: "whenImet .I
twasl ov eatfi
rstsi
ght.He
wast hemostbeaut i
ful manIhadev erseen,
darkandt all
atruegent l
eman.Idi dn'
tknowhe
wasmar ri
edunti
lIfellpregnantwithyou.He
promisedhewasgoi ngt oleav ehi
swifewe
weresohappyandsoi nlov e,hewasmy
every
t hi
ng.Let'
sjustforgett hi
s"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ryhedi
edmom"

Mom:
"met
oo"
MrsNgcobohoot
edwhenshewaspar
ked
out
side.

Mom: "
comeonNobunt u"Iranoutofthe
bedroom shebr eat
hedout
.Ijustsmil
editbeen
awhi l
esinceIlastsawmom looking
presentabl
e.She'saver
ygorgeouswomanand
al
l pet
it
e.

Me:"l
et'
sgo"wewentoutholdinghands.Mr
s
Ngcobogotoutofthecarwhenshesawus
comingMrsN:"shefi
nall
ytol
dy ou"

Mom:"yesandt
hanky
ouf
oral
lthaty
ou'
ve
donef
orher"

MrsN:"
youandIneedtotal
kbutnotnow.Let
'
s
go"Wegoti
nthecarandshedrov
eoff"Vumil
e
apol
ogi
zedf
ornotbei
ngheretosupporty
ou
buthi
swor kkeepshi
m busy
"Ihadn'
tseen
Vumileinmonthsactual
l
ysi
ncehelef
taft
ert
he
wholerapeacci
dent.

Me:
"ishewel
l
?"

Mr
sN:
"yes"

Mom:
"Vumi
l
eisy
ourson?
"

MrsN:"
yeshestay
sinthecit
yworksther
e"
mom l
ookedatmeIjustl
ookedoutt
hewindow.

Ever
ytimeIl ookedupIwoul dfindsirstar
ingat
me.Hedi dn'
tl ookl
i
ket hatcockyarrogantson
ofabitchhei s.Helookedremor sef
ulandasi f
heisinpain.Iwasst ar
ingathim andhewas
l
ookingatmei nmyey esast hejudgesaidthat
theyfi
ndhim gui
lt
y.Heclosedhiseyesand
droppedasingl
etear.Hesentencedto20year
s
i
npr i
son.
 
MrsN:"ohy
esLor
d"shewhi
sper
edand
br
ushedmyback 
Mom: "
itov
er"Il
ookedoveratsi
rhemout
hed
sor
ryhewasinseri
oustears
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t04

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Ididn'
tsleepatal l
,Iwasinaguestroom.I
stayedupt ossingandturni
ngeveryti
meI
cl
osedmyey esIwouldfeelhi
ssweatdroppi
ng
i
nmyey es,Iwoul dseehissat
isf
iedgri
n.SoI
endedupnotsleepi
ng.Ihear
dthecarstoppi
ng
outsi
de,
afterafewminutesIhear
dthedoor
openIcl
osedmyey esandheldtheblanket
s
ti
ghtl
yaroundmybody

Vumil
e:"Nobunt
u"hewhisper
edt
hensi
ghed
andwalkedoutcl
osi
ngthedoor

Fewhoursl
aterIheardvoicesaroundthehouse,
i
twassuddenlyverybusy.Afterawhi
lethedoor
opened

Mr
sN:
"Nobunt
u?"

Me:
"yes"shewal
kedt
othebedandsatoni
t

Mr
sN:
"di
dyoumanaget
osl
eep?
"
Me:
"yes"Il
i
ed

MrsN: "
good.Ihavetogotowor kbutVumil
e
wi
llbehereunti
llat
e,hewil
lbeleavi
ngfort
he
ci
ty.Whenwilly
oubegoingbackt oschool
?"I
di
dn'tev
enwantt othi
nkaboutschool

Me:
"Idon'
tknow"shesi
ghed

MrsN:"
I'
mr unni
nglate.Wewillt
alkwhenI
comeback.Don'
tleav
et hehouse"

Me:
"okay
"shest
oodupandl
eft
.

Il
aidont
hebedl ooki
ngoutsi
dethewindowI
coul
dseelear
nerswalki
ngonthestr
eets
weari
ngt
heirschooluni
for
ms,somelaughi
ng
l
oudlywi
thnocareintheworl
d
Vumil
e:"
Iknowy ounotasleepnowwakeup"I
tur
nedandlookedathi
mi twasonlyusi
nthe
house

Me:
"whatdoy
ouwantVumi
l
e?"

Vumil
e:"
youhav
etobathandeatsoy
oucan
takey
ourmedi
cati
on"

Me:
"I'
m nothungr
y"

Vumil
e:"
lay
ingther
eandfeel
i
ngsor
ryf
or
your
sel
fwon'thel
pyou"

Me:
"leav
emeal
one"
Vumil
e:"
doy
ouwantmet
ofor
cey
ou?Because
Iwi
ll
"

Me:
"mxm"Igotof
fthebed,
hesmi
l
ed

Vumi
l
e:"
bat
hwhi
l
eImakef
oodf
orus"Inodded

Afterbat
hingandget t
ingdressedi nhis
sweatpantsandt-shi
rtIwenttot hel ounge
foundhim watchi
ngt vwit
ht wopl atesf i
l
led
withfoodandt woglassesofjuiceinf rontof
him.

Vumil
e:"
mycl ot
heslooki
ngli
ketheywer
e
madeforyou"Igav
ehi m aweaksmil
esi
tti
ng
down 
.
Ispentaweekwi tht heNgcobos, Ihadn'tbeen
athomebutnowi twast i
met ogohomeev en
thoughMr sNgcobodi dn'tapproveofi tIjust
fel
tlikeIhadov erstayedmywel come.Thef i
rst
Inoticedwast hatthebl oodstaini nthefloor
wasnol ongert here.Thataloneki ndamademy
heartskipabeatj ustalittl
e.Iwalkedf urtherin
foundmom sl eepingont hebedIj ustsighed
andwentt ocheckonmychi ckensaf terthatI
wentt ospendsomet i
mei nmygar den.Isat
thereforthel ongestt i
met hinki
ngaboutmyl ife.
Iwant edtoj ustdropoutofschool Iactuall
y
want edtor unawayandnev erlookbackbutt he
thoughtofl eavingmymot herallaloneher e
fri
ghtenedme.

Mom:
"Nobunt
u"Ilookedupathershesatnext
t
ome"whyareyoucrying?
"

Me:
"itnot
hingmom"Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s
Mom: "
wherewer eyouthewholeweek?
Suyaj
olaNobuntu?Zofai'
Aidsmychi
ldand
ukenj
eumithiyouwill
leav
emyhouse"

Me:
"ai
boIwasatMr
sNgcobo'
shouse"

Mom:
"thatwomant
hinksy
ouherchi
l
d!"

Me:"i
tnotli
kethatmom"Il
aidmyheadonher
t
highs.Shebrushedmyaf
roplay
ingwi
thi
t

Mom: "
I'
llgomakethefir
esoIcanstart
cooki
ng.Pickoutacabbageandst
artchoppi
ng
i
t.I
tgett
inglat
e"

Me:"
no.Ihav
esomemoneyIwi
l
lgobuy
el
ect
ri
cit
yandchi
cken"
Mom: "real
l
ymntanam?"Shesoundedso
exci
ted.Mymotherlov
esmeat

Me:
"yes"

Mom:
"buymeabot
tl
eofbeeraswel
l
"

Me:
"mom"

Mom:"j
ustonepl
easemychi
l
dI'
m sot
hir
sty
"I
si
ghed

Me:
"okay
"

Mom: "
goanddon'
tfor
getpar
aff
inf
orthe
st
ove"Ist
oodupandwentint
hehousetook
r300from t
her500MrsNgcobohadgi ven.Ihid
therestofi
t.Iwentt
otheki
tchentookan
empt ybot
tl
eofbeerandanempt y2li
terforthe
paraffi
n

Me:"
youcanst
artboi
l
ingt
her
icei
nthe
meant
ime"

Mom:
"okayandhur
ryNobunt
u"

Onmywaybackf rom t
heshopIsawsir'
scar
dri
vi
ngbyIjusttookoffrunni
ngl
ikeIwasbei
ng
chasedali
on.Igothomesweat i
ngmom was
si
ngingsoft
lyi
nt heki
tchenshehadsuchan
amazingvoi
cepur eangeli
c.

Mom:
"what
'swr
ong?
"
Me:"nothi
ngmom"Iputever
ythi
ngonthet
abl
e
andloadedtheel
ect
ri
cit
yonthemeter
.I
swit
chedont hel
i
ghtandmom squeal
ed

Mom: "nowIcanseeyourpr
ett
yfacepr
oper
ly"
shepinchedmycheeksandgavemeasoft
peck

Me:
"mommy
!!
"

Mom:"yousobeaut i
fulNobuntueventhough
youl
ookl i
keyourfat
her "shel
etgoofmeand
wentt
ot akeherbeer.Iconti
nuedcooki
ngwhile
shewatchedtvanddr ankherbeer
. 
.
 
Mondaymor ni
ngIwokeupandgotr eadyfor
school
.Iwasall dr
essedupinmyunif
orm had
evenfi
nishedbreakfast
,It
ookmybagand
walkedoutofthehouse.
Me: "Ican'tdothi
s"Iwhi speredmyt ear
sf al
l
ing
"Ireall
ycan'tdothi
s!!"Iscreamedbef or
eI
rushedbacki nthehousequi ckl
ylockedthe
door .Isl
iddownbal ancingwi t
hthedoorunt i
l
myasshi tthefl
oor.Ibur i
edmyf acebetween
mykneesandj ustcriedsof t
lyshakingmyhead.
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
henDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t06

#Lel
o
¥¥

Itwasthedayofmybi r
thdaypart
yIwasso
excit
ed.Thedooropenedsli
ghtl
ymom and
daddygotincarr
yingacupcakethatacandle
burni
ng.Isatupwithahugesmileonmyf ace
Me: "youguy
s!"Theystar
tedsi
ngi
ngwelldad
wasj ustmovi
nghismout hwhi
lehekepton
pointi
ngatmom wi thhi
seyebr
owswiggli
ng
them makingmegi ggl
e.Mom i
sahorri
ble
singer!

Mom:"happybi
rthdaymypr
incess"daddygav
e
methecupcake

Dad:"makeawishpri
ncess"Idi
dandblewthe
candl
e.Itookabi
te,mom tookoneandthe
l
itt
lebi
tthatwasl
eftdadateit

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouguy
s"t
heysquashedmei
nahug

Them:
"wel
ovey
oupr
incess"
Me:
"mypr
esent
!"

Dad:
"dur
ingt
hepar
tybepat
ient
"

Me:"
hopef
ull
yithasf
ourwheel
s"Ir
eal
l
y
want
edacar

Mom:
"youcan'
tev
endr
ive"

Me:
"Iwi
l
llear
nmom"

Mom: "y
ourauntj
ustlandedwi t
hyourdress"I
squeal
ed.ItwasaDiordressthatauntyAphe
sawwhenshewentt ofashionweeki nNew
Yorkearl
iert
haty
ear

Dad:
"getupbr
eakf
asti
sbei
ngser
ved"
Me: "
okay"theywalkedout.Ij
umpedoutofft
he
bed.Pluggedmyi Podonthespeakerand
pl
ayedmyf avor
it
etrackatthemoment.I
star
tedsinging.

Iwentdownstai
rsaft
erbat
hingandget
ti
ng
dressedi
nshortandasportbr
a. 
Sj
:"happybi
rt
hdaysi
ssy
"

Lonhl
e:"
happybi
rt
hdaybi
gsi
s"

Enzo:
"happybi
rt
hdaysi
ssy
"theycamet
ome
wedidagrouphug

Me:
"thanky
ouki
ds"
Sj
:"y
ouat
eyourcupcakeal
one!
"Il
aughed

Me:
"youal
soat
eyour
sal
one!
"

Dad:
"okaykidscomebreakf
ast
!"Heshouted
fr
om t
hediningroom wewentt
hereandsett
led
downaroundthetabl
e

Aphe:
"hel
l
ohel
l
o"shewasi
nfr
om t
hef
oyer

Me:"aunt
yAphe!
!"Shedr
oppedherhandbagwe
huggedti
ght
lyj
umpingar
oundalit
tl
e

Aphe:"t
hebirt
hdaygir
l"shegrabbedmycheeks
"oohyoulookcuterev
eryday
!"Ihadbigcheeks
whichwaswei r
dbecauseIhadasmal l body
j
ustthatmyasswasbi gandmyhi pswer ewide
andthebreast
swer eacupDandt hethighs
wer
eal
i
ttl
ethi
ckbutf
it

Dad:
"hey
"

Aphe:"
heybi
ggy
"theyhuggedt
henshehugged
theboy
sandmom

Me:
"wher
eismypr
esent
?"

Aphe:
"Iboughty
ouacar
!!I
tpi
nk"

Dad:
"aphel
ele"dadwar
ned

Aphe:
"itj
ustaLambor
ghi
nibi
ggy
"

Dad:
"no"
Mom: "t
hanky
ouAphebuti
ttoomuchshecan'
t
accepti
t"

Me:
"mommy
!"

Mom: "
noLelothando.Nowtel
lyourauntt
hanks
buty
oucan'tacceptthegi
ft
"

Me:"t
hanksbutIcan'
tacceptthegi
ft
"theboys
l
aughedbuti
mmedi at
elystoppedwhenIlooked
att
hem

Aphe:
"yout
woar
enof
un"

Dad:
"thati
sexact
lywhyourdaught
erwi
l
lnot
st
aywithyou"
Aphe:"babyyougoteyebags,whydidn'
tget
enoughsleep?Butdon'twor
rymyglam squad
i
ssettl
inginatthehotelt
heywil
lbeheretohel
p
youdressup"

Me:
"yeah!
"

GpaVuy ani
:"ar
eweeati
ngorwhat?!"Weall
l
aughedgoingtothedi
nningareaj
oinedt
he
restoft
hefamilyf
orbr
eakfast

GmaSne:"youboughtheracar
?Real
l
yAphe?
That
'sSf
undoandLuthando'
sjob"

Si
mpi
we:
"shehasmor
emoneyt
hansense"

Mom:
"letherbei
twasagoodgest
ure"
Aphe:"
thanky
oucuz/si
steri
nlaw"mom
l
aughedshaki
ngherhead

Dad:
"JesusAphel
ele"

Aphe: "
sweeti
eyoust
il
l seei
ngthatcute
boyfri
endofyour
s?Hiscomi ngtothepart
y
ri
ght?"Ever
yonehadstoppedeatingandwere
star
ingatme

Mom:
"Aphel
elewhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"

Aphe:"y
ouhav en'
ttol
dt hem?Ithoughtyou
weregoingtobeforetheparty
"myt earsj
ust
star
teddroppi
ngIdidn'tevenwanttolookat
dad
Lonhl
e:"
daddycany
ounotf
reakout
?"

Dad:"
shutupMpil
onhle!Youknewaboutt
his
shi
t?I
nsteadofpr
otecti
ngyoursi
stery
outel
l
meshit"

GpaVuy
ani
:"cal
m downson"

Dad:"
whenitcomest
omychi
l
dreny
oudon'
t
t
ellmewhattodo"

Mom:
"myl
ovecal
m down"

Me:
"daddyI
'
m sor
ry"Ist
oodup

Dad:"
sitdownl
elot
hando!
"Ishookmyheadand
ranuptomyroom.Someonest ar
tedknocki
ng
assoonasIhadt
hrownmy
sel
font
hebed

GmaSne: "pr
incessopenthedoorf oryour
grandmaletmeseey ou"Iwalkedtot hedoor
sl
owl yandopeneditshewalkedin.Wewentt o
si
tont hecouchIgotonherlapshewr apped
herarmsaroundmeandki ssedmyhead

Me:
"daddyhat
esme"

GmaSne: "
yourdaddyl
ovesyoumor ethan
anyt
hingi
nthisworl
dyouhisli
tt
lepri
ncess,he
i
sjustali
tt
leangr
ythatyougrowingupsofast"

Me:
"I'
m 18gr
andmahehashadal
lthesey
ear
s
t
owatchmegrow"

GmaSne:
"wedon'
twantourchi
l
drent
ogr
ow"I
nodded

Me:"Idon'tl
i
keitwhendaddyi sangrywi
thme.
I
thurtsthat'
swhyIdidn'
ttel
lthem about
Sabel
o"

GmaSne:
"ist
haty
ourboy
fri
end'
sname?
"

Me:
"yes.Hi
suncl
eSi
hleandaunt
ySt
he'
sson"

GmaSne:"heisagoodl
ooki
ngboy
"Igi
ggl
edso
di
dshe"y
oul ovehi
m?"

Me:
"al
otandhelov
esme,
we'
vebeent
oget
her
f
ort
woyearsnow"

GmaSne:
"wow.Andy
oukeptt
hisf
rom y
our
par
ent
s?That
'snotgoodl
elo,
youagoodgi
rl
"

Me:
"sor
rygr
andma"t
hedooropeneddaddygot
i
n

GmaSne:"
Iwill
giv
eyout
imet
otal
kcal
mly
"I
mov
edfrom her

Daddy:
"pri
ncess"weweresit
ti
ngoutont
he
bal
conylooki
ngattheocean

Me:
"I'
m sor
rydaddy
"

Daddy:"y
ougrowi
ngupsofast"hepul
l
edmet o
hischest
,Ij
ustbr
okedown"i
tokayLel
o.Il
ove
you"
Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oodaddysomuch"

Daddy
:"I
'
m st
il
lgoi
ngt
opunchSabel
o"

Me:
"daddy
!!
"Hechuckl
ed
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Iwalkedoutofftheexam venuepul
l
ingmy
j
erseydown.Itwassmal l
nowandmyst omach
wasbi gashotasitwasIst i
l
lworemyjersey
becauseIcouldn'
tbutt
onupmyshi rt
.If
ound
Sibahl
eandNosi wait
ingforme

Nosi
:"Ican'
tbel
i
evewedonewi
thschool
"she
squeal
ed

Si
bahl
e:"
andIcan'tbel
i
ev eyoubothl
eavi
ngme
al
onei
nthishel
l
"somegi rlswal
kedpassedus
l
aughi
ngoneofthem screamedrapevi
cti
ms

Nosi
:"shutupmqundukay
ihl
o!"Theyl
aughed
l
ouderwalki
ngaway

Me:
"justi
gnor
ethem,
theywi
l
lnev
ergr
owup.
"

Si
bahl
e:"
howam It
osurv
iveal
onehere"we
gr
ouphugged"
Iwantt
ochangeschool
s"

Nosi
:"don'
t.
"

Me:
"nochangei
t"t
hist
hingi
nmeki
cked.I
t
ki
ckedal
otnow,
eversi
nceIt
urned4mont
hs.

Nosi:
"Iwil
lseeyouguy
sIhav
etor
un"wesai
d
ourgoodbyesandshel
eft

Me:
"comev
isi
tmei
fyougetachancesi
bahl
e"

Si
bahl
e:"
okayby
e"Il
eft
.

Ifoundmom si
tti
ngoutsi
det
hehousecl
eani
ng
sugarbeanswhenIgothome

Me:"hi
"It
hrewmybagdownandsatnextt
o
her

Mom:
"howwasy
ourl
astpaper
?"
Me:"okayIguess"shelookedatmyst omach.
Wedidn'tspeakaboutit,
eversi
nceIwentt o
thecl
ini
cwi t
hMr sNgcoboanditwas
confi
rmedthatI'm pr
egnantwejustnever
spokeaboutit.It
hinkshewasast er
ri
fiedasI
was.

Mom:
"Ihopey
oupass"

Me:
"met
oo"

Mom: "
nowthatyoudonewit
hschool
,whatar
e
yougoi
ngtodo?"Ishr
uggedmyshoul
ders

Me:
"Idon'
tknowmom andIr
eal
l
ydon'
t.
"
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t07
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

IknockedatMr
sNgcobo'
shouseandZol
a
opened
Zol
a:"
hel
l
oNobunt
u"

Me:
"hey
"shel
etmei
n

Zola:"mamai satwor kbutshesai

dyoushoul
d
startwit
ht hewashingandpleasecl
eanbhut
i
Vumi l
e'sroom becauseheiscominghome
today"

Me:
"okay
"
Noku:
"wemadebr
eakf
ast
"

Me:"ohreal
ly
?"Shenoddedrepeatedly"
lookat
youtwoallgr
ownandmaki ngbreakfast
.Hope
youdidn'
tbur
nyoursel
f"

Zol
a:"
wemadef
ri
esandeggs"

Noku:"
mamaboughtthefri
esyest
erdaywej
ust
warmedthem andmadeeggs"

Zol
a:"eat
!Mamasay
spr egnantwomaneata
l
ot"Icoul
dn'
tst
opmylaughterandt
hebaby
ki
cked

Me:
"yourmamai
sri
ght
"
Noku:
"come"shegr
abbedmyhandandpul
l
ed
metotheki
tchen

Zol
a:"
Iwi
l
lmaket
ea"

Me:"
no!Jui
ce"Iwatchedthem get
ti
ngbusy
ar
oundtheki
tchenwithasmileonmyface

Noku:"
isi
tni
ce"theywerewatchi
ngmeasIat
e
mybreakf
ast
,theyhadaddedapieceof
chi
ckenfr
om yest
erday
'sl
eft
overcur
ry

Me:
"del
i
cious"

Noku:
"doest
hebabyl
i
kei
t?"

Me:
"yes"t
hebabywoul
dn'
tst
opki
cki
ng,
it
l
ovedi
twhenIat
esomet
hingespeci
all
yeggs

Zol
a:"
good"

AftereatingIwentt ocleanVumile'
sroom
changingt hebeddingandev ery
thing.Ther
e
wasapi ctur
eofhim dur i
nghisgraduati
onat
thepoliceacademy .Itookitandfoundmy sel
f
smi l
i
ngwhi l
elooki
ngati t.

Aftercl
eaningIsatout sideinthebackyar
dand
start
eddoingt hewashi ng.Therewasn'
tal ot
si
ncet hegirl
shadcl osedschool saswellandI
haddonei tlastweekend.Thegi rl
skeptme
companyi nt hebackasIdi dthewashing.

Iwasjustaboutdonewi t
hcooki ngwhen
someoneclearedthei
rthroatbehindme.I
tur
nedanditwasVumi le.Ilookeddownthen
t
urnedbackt
othest
ove 
Vumil
e:"
itsmel
l
ssogoodher
e.Whatar
eyou
cooki
ng?
"

Me:
"justbeefcur
ryandpap"

Vumi
le:
"howareyou?Ihav
en'tseeny
oui
n
mont
hs.Iwasawaywithwork"

Me:
"I'
mfi
net
hanky
ou"

Vumil
e:"whywon'
tyoulookatme"Iswal
l
owed
alumpthatwasinmythroat

Me:
"I'
m busy
"

Vumi
l
e:"
alr
ight
.Tel
lmewheny
oudone,
mama
sai
dIshouldt
akey ouhomeaft
ery
ou'veeat
en
andpackedalunchboxfory
ourmother
"

Me:
"okay
"

Vumi
l
e:"
okay
"

WhenIt
urnedhewasnol
ongeri
ntheki
tchenI
br
eat
hedout.

Idishedupforhi
m andt hegi
rlsandmet hen
packedsomef ormom.WhenIwasdoneI
call
edZolatogocallherbrot
her .Weallsati
n
theloungeandatewhilewatchingtv.Theyhad
adst v.

Vumil
e:"
whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
meyoupregnant
Nobunt
u?"Wewer
eonourwayhome.Hewas
dr
ivi
ngacarIdi
dn'
tknow,
itwasn'
thi
smot
her
's

Me:"
howwasIgoingt
otel
lyou?Besi
desi
t
woul
dn'
thav
echangedany
thi
ng"

Vumil
e:"di
dn'tt
heygiveemer
gency
cont
racept
ivepil
lsatt
hehospi
tal
thatni
ght
?"

Me: "
Idon'tknowwhatthati
sVumi l
ebutthey
gavemel otofpil
l
sItookthem al
l
"Ijustf
elt
i
rri
tat
ed

Vumile:
"Ij
ustdon'
tunderst
and"Il
ookedoutt
he
window"howdoy oufeel
aboutthi
s?"

Me: "
Idon'
thavetheluxur
ytohavefeeli
ngsover
thi
sVumi l
eithashappenedwetherIl
ikeitor
notandthere'
snothi
ngIcandot ochangeit"
Vumile:"
don'tbeupset
"heparkedathomeI
tr
iedopeningthedoorbutitwasl
ockedIl
ooked
athim"Iam sorryt
hatthi
sishappeni
ngtoyou
Nobuntu"

Me:
"itnoty
ourf
aul
t"

Vumi
le:"y
ousobeaut i
ful
Nobuntuandthose
ti
nyf
reckl
esony ournoseandcheekbonesj
ust
makemegocr azy"

Me:
"Iwantt
ogopl
easeunl
ockt
hedoor
"

Vumi l
e:"
sorry
"heunlockedt
hedoor.Igotout
fastandpracti
cal
l
yrantothehouse

Mom:
"whatgoi
ngon?
"SheaskedasIsl
ammed
t
hedoorbehi
ndme

Me:
"not
hingmom"shepeakedoutt
hewi
ndow

Mom: "
whosecarist
hat"Il
ookedouttoo,
the
carwasst
il
lther
e.Af
terasecondherever
sed
out

Me:"
Vumil
e"shel
ookedatmewi
thar
aised
ey
ebrow

Mom:
"hebr
oughty
ouhome?
"

Me:
"hi
smom sai
dheshoul
d"

Mom:"Nobunt
uyouhavealotgoi
ngonr
ight
now,
west i
l
lneedt
ofi
gureoutwhati
sgoingt
o
happennowandhowwegoi ngt
otakecar
eof
thebaby.Youdon'
tneedt
oaddamanintothi
s
sit
uati
on"

Me:
"mom comeon.Whatdi
dIsay
?"

Mom:
"Iam j
ustsay
ing"

Me:
"Ibr
oughty
oudi
nner
"wesatdown

Mom:"
ohIhadcookedr
iceandcabbage,
guess
wewi
l
leati
ttomorr
ow"

Me:"I
'
m sti
l
lgoi
ngt
ogethungr
ybef
orebed"
shesmil
ed

Mom:
"whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odoNobunt
u?
Rai
si
ngachi
l
disexpensi
ve"

Me:"
Iwouldl
ookforajobmom butt
henwho
woul
dwatchthebaby
"

Mom: "me"Ishookmyhead.Yesmybaby
wasn'tplannedandIwasslowl
ystar
ti
ngt
ocare
aboutitbutleav
inghi
m orherwi
thmom wasn'
t
agoodi dea

Me:
"ay
imom"

Mom: "hav
eInotpr
ovenmy
sel
fsi
nceIf
ound
outaboutther
ape"

Me:"asmuchasy ou'
vebeensl eepi
ngathome
ever
ynightandnotdr
inkingsincethenit
doesn'
tmeany ouwon'tstar
tagain.Ij
ustcan'
t
r
iski
tmom"

Mom: "Iunder
standbutIdon' tknowwhat
choicey ouhave.Iam ol dNobunt uIcan' tdo
mostj obsbutIwi ll
trytoseei ntheci t
yjustthat
i
twoul dbemucheasi eri
fy ouwenti nsteadof
me"whatmom wassay i
ngmadel otofsenses
butIjustcouldn'
tandgoi ngtotheci t
yis
expensi v
esoobv iouslyIwoul dhav etofind
accommodat i
ont hatsideandcomebackon
weekends
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Thi
swasit.It
ookalookaroundmyapart
ment
andl
aughedoutl
oudly,
itwasinmor
ningside.
 
Mom:"Idon'
tunderst
andwhyyousoexci
ted
ov
erbeingawayfrom yourf
ami
ly
"
Enzo:
"itbei
ngawayf
rom y
ouanddaddy
"

Mom:"i
sthattr
uel
elo?
"Mommyact
ual
l
y
l
ookedl
ikeshewant
stocr
y

Me:"
ofcourse!Enzokuhl
eisjustbei
ngmean
f
ornoreason"Iwalkedtoherandhuggedher"
I
l
oveyoumommyandI '
m goi
ngt omissy
ou"

Enzo:
"shei
ssel
li
ngyoudreamsmom"dad
smackedhi
shead"ouch"

Dad:
"cuti
tof
f"

Lonhl
e:"
yourapar
tmentisni
cesi
ssyI
'
llcome
vi
sity
oueveryweekend"
Sj
:"y
eahmet
oo"

Dad:
"wheni
syourpapaandy
oursi
bli
ngs
comi
ng?"

Me:"
papasai
dwewi l
lhav
edinnert
ogether
t
hentheywi
ll
comehereandseetheplace.He
wi
ll
callmeassoonheandauntyZi
yandaland"

Mom:
"they
'vet
akenof
fal
ready
?"

Me:"
yep.Nat
hiyi
sexci
tedt
hatI
'
mthi
ssi
denow
soi
sAria"

Dad:"
youhereforschoolLel
othandodon'
t
makeusr egr
etagr
eeingtoyoustayi
nghere
al
one.Thatboybett
ernotmaket hi
shissecond
apar
tment
sbecauseIwi
l
lputi
nhospi
tal
"

Me:"
Iknowdaddy.Iwon'
tdi
sappoi
ntyouor
mommyandpapaIpr omi
se"Igavehi
m ahug
hel
i
ftedmeupkissingmyhead.
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t08

#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwokeupf eeli
ngwar m andsoi nl
ove.Imov ed
myf acefr
om hischestandl ookedupathis
face,hewasstil
lasleep.Itwasthefi
rstt
ime
thatIgottospendani ghtwithhimtoactual
ly
beinapr i
vatespace.Alltheti
mewewer ei n
publi
c,atschoolandatt hemalls.
Ikissedhisl
ipsandgotoffthebed.Igoti
nthe
bathroom washedmyf aceandbrushedmy
teeththenwalkedout
.IfoundSabelobusyon
hisphone 
Me:"goodmor ni
ngKhoza"hesmil
edand
qui
cklyfi
nishedupwi
thhiscal
lasIcr
awledt
o
hi
m

Sabel
o:"goodmor
ningma'Pet
erson"Isaton
hi
m str
addli
nghi
m,wekissedslowlythen
pul
ledapart

Me:
"whowast
hat
?"

Sabel
o:"
wasj
ustor
der
ingbr
eakf
ast
.I'
m
st
arvi
ng"
Me:
"al
ri
ght
.Younotgoi
ngt
ocampus?
"

Sabel
o:"
wil
lgol
ater
,forr
ugbyt
ryout
s"

Me:
"theywoul
dbef
ool
stonotaccepty
ou.You
t
hebestbaby"

Sabel
o:"
seewhyI
'
m goi
ngt
omar
ryy
ou"I
ki
ssedhi
m

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Sabel
o:"
andy
oumyli
fe.Whatti
mey
ou
meeti
ngupwi
thy
oursist
ers?
"

Me:"I
'l
lgopi
ckt
hem up"daddyandpapa
boughtmeaMercedesAMGG65
Sabelo:
"okay"hebr
oughtmecl
osert
ohi
s
crochsmil
ing

Me:
"baby
"

Sabel
o:"
yes"

Me:
"naha"

Sabel
o:"
whynot
?"

Me:"
stopsmi
rki
ngatme"Ismackedt
heback
ofhi
sheadmaki
nghimlaugh

Sabel
o:"
thewayy ouscar
edofsexi
tasi
f
you'
vehaditbef
ore"
Me:
"justt
hatweshoul
dn'
trusht
hingsSabel
o"

Sabel
o:"Iknow.Youwantt
owai
tti
l
lweget
marri
ed"Inodded

Me:
"whatt
imear
ewegoi
ngt
othegy
m?"

Sabel
o:"
17:
30,
wil
lyoubeback?
"

Me:
"yes"weki
ssed.

Ihadjustfini
shedgett
ingdressed,
wasi na
l
arget-shir
tdressandshortsocksboot.Was
j
ustgrabbingmybagwhenmom cal l
ed,Sabel
o
hadleftforcampus.
Me:"
MrsMkhi
ze"shesmi
l
ed.Shewas
f
acet
imi
ngme

Mom:
"heybaby
"

Me:
"youwel
l
?Youanddaddy
?"

Mom:
"yeahweokayj
ustr
eal
l
ymi
ssy
ou"

Me:
"itonl
ybeent
woweeksmommy
"

Mom:
"youl
ookpr
ett
y"

Me:
"I'
m aboutt
ogopickupabosi
ssywegoi
ng
f
orl
unchandmov i
es"

Mom:
"that
'sni
ce.Wel
lj
ustwant
edt
otel
lyou
thatdaddythi
nksyoushoul
dmov
eint
othe
penthouseatthehot
el"

Me: "no!Butmommywespokeaboutt hi
s.
Daddyj ustwantmet obeinapl acewherehe
wil
l havemi l
l
ionpeoplespyi
ngonmeandI '
m
actuall
ydonet al
kingaboutt
his.Goodbye
mommyIl oveyou"Iendedt
hecal l
,gr
abbedmy
carkey sanddroveof ft
opapa'shouse.

Me:
"hel
lofam!
!"Iscr
eamedassoonasIgoti
n
t
hehouse

Nat
hy:
"si
ssy
"shewasr
unni
ngdownt
hest
air
s

Me:"
chil
dyougoi
ngt
of al
l
"Imetherhal
fway
wehugged"y
ouwear
ingheel
stoo"shegi
ggl
ed
Nat
hy:
"youknowIsl
eepi
nheel
s"

Me:
"wher
eisNol
uthando?
"

Nathy :
"stil
lgetti
ngready,youknowshet akes
for
ev er"Noluthandoisourlit
tl
esi st
eraunty
Ziy
andai shermom t henourlit
tlebrot
her
Lolunkehi s3andNol uis8.Nat hystayedwi th
daddyaf terhermot hergotmarriedtoherst ep
dad

Me:"
Jesusbuty
ouguy
sknewIwasonmyway
si
ssy
"

Nat
hy:
"ha.
ashedi
dn'
twanthel
pfr
om nobody
"

Ziy
anda:
"heypri
ncess"It
urnedshewas
comingi
nfrom t
hebackyard
Me:"heyaunt
y"webabykissedandItouched
herstomach"l
i
ttl
epr
incessisgr
owingfast"

Ziy
anda:
"IknowandIj
ustwanthert
ocomeout
now"

Me:
"shewi
l
l"

Zi
yanda:
"don'
tgetpr
egnant
"Ismi
l
ed

Me:
"notanyt
imesoon.Wher
eisLonke?
"

Zi
yanda:
"napt
ime"

Nol
u:"
sissy
!Youher
e"Ij
ustshookmyhead
l
aughi
ng
Me: "
I'
vebeeeenhere!Comegetsomesugar"I
l
ift
edherupsqueezinghereshegiggl
edsweetl
y
Iputherdown" l
ookatyouall
beauti
fulsi
ssy
"
shesmi l
edspinni
ngaround

Nol
u:"
Ilookl
i
keapr
incess"

Me:"y
esy oudo"shewasweari
ngacr
eam
puf
fyski
rtandablackcr
optopwit
hablack
bi
ker

Nol
u:"
okayl
et'
sgo.By
emommy
"

Zi
yanda:
"by
epr
incess"

Nol
u:"
I'
m si
tt
ingi
nfront
.Ri
ghtsi
ssy
?"Nat
hy
r
oll
edherey
esmakingmelaugh
Me:"y
espri
ncess"Ihel
pedhergetinandbuckl
e
upbefor
eIwenttomysi de.Idr
oveof
f. 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Iwaspaci ngupanddown.Iwasi nsomuch

pai
nitfeltli
kesomeonewascut ti
ngmy
abdominal wit
har azorr
epeat
edly.Everypar
tof
mybodyf eltcoldbutIwassweatinglikehel
l
.I
wasaloneathomemom hadr antoMr s
Ngcobo'shouset oaskforhel
p,Idon'tknow
whatIwasgoi ngt odoifMrsNgcobowasn' t
homebecausei twasduri
ngtheday .

Icr
iedoutl
oudandknel
tdown.Idi
dn'
tknow
whatt
odo.Thedooropenedwi
del
ymom goti
n
wi
thVumil
ebehi
ndher

Me:"
youhome? "Ihadn'tseenhimi
nmont hs
si
ncetheni
ghthebr oughtmebackfrom hi
s
home.Vumil
edisappearedal ot
.

Vumi
l
e:"
yeah,
arr
ivedt
oday
"

Mom:"
cany oust
andup?
"Vumi l
egotcl
oset
o
meandscoopedmeupbridal
styl
e

Me:"t
hebagmom! !"MrsNgcobohadgivenme
babycl
othes,
someshehadkeptwhenhergi r
ls
werebabiesf
rom t
heti
met heywerenewborns
andsomewer enew.SoIhadpackedabagfor
mewi t
hthebaby'
sclot
hesandmi newhenshe
tol
dmet o.
Mom:
"okay
"

Me:"
Aaaah!
!"Iscr
eamedasithi
tmeagai
n.We
wer
eonourwayandt hecarwasfl
yi
ng

Vumi
le:"
I'
m sorr
ybabyI'
m goi
ngasf
astasI
canj
usthanginther
e"

Mom:"
baby?!
"Iscr
eamedagainmom wi
ped
t
hesweatf
rom myfor
ehead.

Itfel
tli
keI'
vebeeni nthishospitalf
ormont hs
withthesestupidnursestell
i
ngmet owal k
aroundthewar dandbr eath,
someev en
throwingi
nsultsatmet hattheywer en'
tthere
whenIwasbusyopeni ngupmyt hi
ghs.Final
ly
thedoctorssaidImustbepr eparedfortheat
er
becausethebabywasindi
str
ess.Sotheydid
that
,Isawmom andVumi l
eastheywer e
wheeli
ngmet othet
heater
.Theydidn'
tevenl
et
mom sayasinglewordtome. 
.

IsawVumi lewalki
ngtomybedcarry
ingsome
plast
ics.I
twasalreadyt
hefol
lowi
ngdayduri
ng
vi
siti
nghours.Iwascarr
yingmyson.
 
Vumi
l
e:"
hey
"Igav
ehi
m asmal
lsmi
l
e

Me:
"hi
"

Vumi
l
e:"
arey
ouokay
?Howar
ethepai
ns?
"

Me:
"ki
l
li
ngmebutI
'
llokay
"
Vumi
l
e:"
canIhol
dhi
m?"

Me:
"yeah"het
ookhi
m

Vumile:"heissogoodl ooki
ng"mysonwasso
l
ightskinnedwithlotofhair
.Ij
ustpray
edhe
doesn'tgrowupt olookli
kehisdad

Me:
"yeah"

Vumil
e:"younamedhi m al
ready?Ibr
oughty
ou
foodandtoil
etr
ies.Yourmothersai
dyoudon't
havetoi
l
etri
es"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Vumi
l
e:"
hisname"
Me:"Masi
xol
eSbani
sam Songca"Vumi
l
e
l
ookedatme

Vumil
e:"Sbani
sakho?
"Inodded"
beaut
if
ul
names.Youlovehim?"

Me:"
Ilovehim Vumi
l
eIr
eal
lydo.Il
ookedi
nto
hi
seyesandIsawanewstartt
hatcomeswit
h
ashi
nningl
ight"

Vumil
e:"
I'
m gl
ad,Iwasscaredyougoi
ngt
o
hat
ehimforwhathisf
atherdidtoy
ou"

Me:"Il
ovehim andIwill
r ai
sehi
mright
.Itgoing
tobehardbutIwil
ltrymybestandIwillensure
hegetsmoreoutoflifethanIdi
d"Vumil
e
noddedandkissedthetopofmyhead.
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
Dif
fer
entPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t09

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Iwasdi schargedfrom t
hehospitalaweekl
ater
.
Vumi lecamet opickusup,hehadbeencomi ng
tovisituseverydaywhil
emom onl ycameon
theweekend.Shewaswor king,MrsNgcobo
hadf oundheraj obasamai dforoneofher
fri
ends.

Vumil
e:"wil
lyoubeabletotakecar
eofSbani
al
one?"IhadjustputSbani
downont hebedhe
wassleepi
ng
Me:
"I'
vebeent
aki
ngcar
eofhi
m al
lal
ong"

Vumi
l
e:"
buty
ouhadhel
patt
hehospi
tal
"

Me:"Vumi
ledon'
tyouhav
eaj
ob?
"Hesmi
l
ed
butqui
ckl
yfr
owned

Vumile:
"speakingaboutwor
k"hepul
l
edmet o
si
tnexttohim" ther
easonIhav
ebeenhomefor
solongisbecauseIwasgiventi
metorest
bef
oreIhavet omov e"

Me:
"mov
e?"

Vumile:
"atwor
ktheytr
ansf
err
ingmet oanot
her
prov
incebuti
tonl
yforayear
"Ilookedaway
fr
om him
Me:
"oh"

Vumi
l
e:"
yes"

Ther
ewassi
lencef
orf
ewmi
nut
es.Icoul
dfeel
hi
seyesonme.

Me:
"wel
lIhopeev
ery
thi
nggoeswel
lfory
ou"

Vumi
l
e:"
justt
hat
?"

Me:
"whatel
sear
eyouexpect
ingmet
osay
?"

Vumi
l
e:"
act
ual
l
ynot
hing"

Me:"
Ithi
nkyoushoul
dleav
eIwoul
dli
ker
est
whi
l
ehei sasl
eep"
Vumi
le:
"pleasedon'
tbeupset"Inoddedand
st
oodup,Iwalkedtothedoorhel
ditopenfor
hi
mtostepout

Me: "
thanky ouforeveryt
hingVumi l
eIdon't
knowwhatIwoul dhavedonehadIwentt o
l
aborwhi leyouwerenothomeandf orthepast
week.AndSbani 'sthi
ngsIt r
ulyappr eci
ate
them"hehadboughtsomanycl othesforSbani
andfivelargepacketsofpamper sdiaper.Il
egit
cri
edwhenIsawev er
ythi
ngashebr oughtiti
n
thehouse.

Vumil
e:"
itnot
hing.IwishIcoul
ddomore
Nobunt
u"hewal kedtome.Iswall
owedsal
i
va
hewasstandi
ngr ighti
nfr
ontofme,t
oweri
ng
overme
Me:
"Vumi
l
e"

Vumi
le:
"baby"hehasthi
stendencyofcal
l
ing
mebabyatthemostrandom ti
mes

Me:
"whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"

Vumil
e:"
promisemey ouwil
ltakecar
eof
your
sel
fandSbani"Il
ookedupathimt hen
l
ookeddown,thewayhewasl ooki
ngatme
mademef eel
fuzzy

Me:
"Ipr
omi
se"

Vumil
e:"andt
hatyouwi
l
lwai
tforme,
youwon'
t
ent
ert
ainanyguys"
Me:
"Vumi
l
e"

Vumi
l
e:"
promi
seme"

Me:
"why
?"

Vumi
l
e:"
becauseIwantt
otakecar
eofy
ou"

Me:"mmh"hehel
dmycheeksmaki
ngmel
ook
upathi
m

Vumi
l
e:"
promi
seme"

Me:
"Ipr
omi
se"hesmi
l
edandnodded

Vumil
e:"
letmeleaveyout
orest"hel
etgothen
st
eppedback"Iwil
lcomeseeyouandSbani
tomorr
owbef or
eIl
eav
e.Makesur
ethedoori
s
alway
slocked"

Me: "okaybye"heki ssedmyf or

eheadand
walkedout .Iclosedthedoorandbreathedout
"JesusChr i
stwhati sVumiledoingtome?Like
youhav eyouanswermeJesusbecauseIam
soconf usedlikeitnotevenfunny"
 
.
Oney
earl
ater.
..

Itbeenki ndahardandf un.Sil

lyIknowbutmom
andIhav ebeenmaki ngitwork.Shewor ked
duringtheweekwhi l
eIwor kedduringthe
weekendatMr sNgcobo' shouseasusual .My
sonmadet het
imeswor t
hit,j
ustbysmi li
ngor
l
aughi ngIwouldr eal
izethatthehardshipsare
theresoIcanenj oythesesmal l
bli
ssful
moment s.Hewasj ustthebestandt hemost
adorablebabyboyev er.Iboughtasmallcake
forhim, f
orhisbirt
hdayandIcookedlunch
i
nv i
tedNosi,Sbahle,MrsNgcoboandhergi rl
s
over.Theyallboughtmybabypr esentsItook
l
otofpi ctur
es,Ihadboughtmy sel
facheap
Huawei phoneandi twasf i
ll
edwithSbani'
s
pict
uresandv ideos.

Iwassitti
ngoutsi
dewat chi
ngSbanichasing
aft
erchickensi
twassuchaf unnyt
hingto
watchbecausehewoul dfallashetr
ied
catchi
ngoneandt hechickenswouldlookat
him andmakelotofnoiseast heyl
aughingat
him.

Isawmom wal ki
ngintothey ar
dwhi chwas
weir
dbecauseitwasWednesday ,shewas
supposedtocomebackFr idayasusual.Ist
ood
upwhenshewasget t
ingcl
oser .WhenSbani
sawher,herantoherwithhisar msupand
open.Mom droppedherbagsandpl
ast
icsand
pi
ckedhim up

Mom:"
lookaty
oumfana"sheki
ssedhi
m al
l
ov
erhi
sfacemaki
nghi
ml aughl
oudl
y

Me:
"heymom"

Mom:
"hey
.Hekeepsget
ti
ngf
att
er"

Me:"i
tthi
syogur
thecan'
tst
ayawayfr
om"we
al
lgotint
hehouseIwascar
ryi
nghert
hings

Mom: "
Ibroughtbeeffort
onightandhi
syogurt
ofcour
sebuty ougoingtohavetogobuyli
tt
le
bi
tofgroceri
estomor r
ow"
Me:
"okay
"

Mom: "ar
ey outwookay
?"Inoddedandwentt
o
st
artcooking.

Me:"mom whyy
ouhomedur
ingt
heweek?
"She
si
ghed

Mom:
"Iwasf
ir
ed"

Me:"what
?!"Il
ookedather
,shetur
nedand
l
ookedatmeasIwasst andingbyt
hestov
e

Mom: "
yes.Theysaidtheydon'tneedahel
per
anymoretheyoungestchil
dstartedpr
imar
y
school
thi
sy earsotheyletmego"
Me:"
yoh!Sowhatnow?Yoursal
arybasi
cal
l
y
t
ookcareofev
eryt
hingher
e"

Mom: "
y ougoingtohav etogolookforajob
Nobuntu.Youy oungandy ouhavegrade12so
youwil
l getabetterchanceevenatother
t
hings"

Me:
"whataboutSbani
mom?
"

Mom:"y
ouwillhavetostopbreast
feedi
nghi
m
andwewil
lputhim onformul
a"

Me:
"yoh.Nowmom athi
sage"

Mom:
"yesorhecanj
ustst
op"
Me:"hhamamahi sst
il
lj
ustababy"she
l
aughed"buty
oudomakesense.Nosi ishome
f
ortheholi
daysandherfat
herboughthera
l
aptopshesai
dshewi l
lhel
pmecr eat
eacv
t
henwhenIgot othecit
yIwil
ll
eaveitatshops"

Mom: "
maybeweshoul
dspeakt
oMrsNgcobo
agai
nandseei
fshecan'
thel
puswi
thany
thi
ng"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lwhenIgot
her
eSat
urday
"

Mom:
"okay
" 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥
Ihadcallal
lmypar entsoverf
ordinneratmy
apartment,mom anddaddywer einjhbanyway
fortheweekendsoIt houghtwhatbett
ertime
totell
them aboutwhathasbeenhappeni ngi
n
myl i
fethennow.

Sabelo:
"Ishoul
dgobef
orey
ourpar
ent
sget
here"

Me: "
younotgoi
ngt ohelp?"Iwascooki ng,
Ihad
takenSat
urdaycookingclasseslastyear
becauseSabel
okeptcompl ai
ningaboutmenot
beingabl
etocook

Sabel
o:"
whatdoy
ouneedhel
pwi
th?
"

Me:"
Idon'
tknow"Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s"j
ust
st
aywit
hme"hechuckled
Sabelo:
"okaybaby
"hegrabbedabeerf
rom t
he
fr
idgeandsatonthecount
er

Me:
"I'
m soner
vous"

Sabel
o: "
notmor et
hanIam.Yourf at
hersfr
eak
meout .Ist
il
lrememberthatfr
ight
eningtal
kI
hadwiththem whentheyfoundoutwe
toget
her"

Me:"j
ustbegladourpar
ent
sareal
lfr
iendsso
daddyandpapaaremoreli
kel
ytonotbetot
all
y
agai
nstthi
s"

Sabel
o:"IhopesobecauseIreal
l
ywantthi
s"I
wenttostandbet
weenhi sl
egsandki
ssedhim
Me:
"wewi
l
lbef
iney
ouwi
l
lsee"

Sabel
o:"
youl
oveme?
"

Me:
"moret
hanany
thi
ng"weki
ssedIwentback
t
ocooki
ng.

Mypar entscamel at er,Iwasdonecooki nghad

freshenerupandev erything.Hadtonotwear
myengagementr i
ng, Sabelohadpr oposeda
mont hback.Iwast ot all
ysur pr
isedbecausehe
hadn'tevenbeenhi nt i
ngt hathewant edusto
getmar ri
edbuthepr oposedwi thabeauti
ful
engagementr ingthatbel ongedt ohismother
wasoncehi sgr andmot her'
sandhi sgreat
grandma.Hepr oposeddur inghalf
ti
meathi s
rugbygame, hewaspl ayi
ngf ortheschoolteam
andhehadr eall
ymadeanamef orhi
mself.I
wast otal
lysurpri
sedandIcoul dn'
tsayno,I
l
ovedhi
mtoomucht
osayno.

Mom: "Ican'
tbel
iev
ey oucooked?
"Shewas
hel
pingmesett hetabl
e

Papa:
"she'
sgr
owi
ngi
sn'
tshe?
"

Dad:
"toof
ast
"

Mom:"
justhopewewon'
tgetsi
ck"Ir
oll
edmy
ey
esastheylaughed

Me:"
hav
eali
tt
lefai
th"weal
lsett
ledown
ar
oundt
het
ableandstar
teat
ing.

I'
m al
readyonmysecondglassofwine,
I'
m
si
lent
lyfreaki
ngout
.Theconver
sat
ionwas
fl
owing.Itstill
amazesmehowcool thethreeof
them aretowar dseachot her.Buti t
understandableIguess, Imeanatt heendof
thedaymymom andpapaar ebr otherand
sist
er.Idon'twantt olieitwasr eal l
yconf using
whent heyfirsttoldmebutl uckilyIwasol d
enought ounder stand.Itjustsuckst hatmy
grandparentsf r
om mom' ssidehadl iestomom
becausehadt heynotmom woul dn'
thav edat ed
papabutt henIwoul dn'
tbeher emay be.We
fi
nisheddinnermom andIcl eanedup, shel eft
mel oadingthedi shesint hedishwasherand
wentt ojoi
npapaanddaddyi nt helounge.
WhenIwasdoneIwentt here.

Mom:"thankyouf
orfoodpri
ncessbutwhatdi
d
youwanttotal
kabout
?"Isi
ghed

Me:
" Iam get
ti
ngmarri
ed"ther
ewassil
encef
or
aminutethenmayhem,theyal
lst
art
ed
screami
ngatonceIcouldn'
tev
enhearaword
theywer
esayi
ng"please!Canwebecal
m about
thi
s?"

Papa:
"ar
ey oucr
azylel
othando?
!Whatdoy
ou
knowaboutmarr
iage?"

Dad:"
youar
estil
lababyther
eisnowayy
ou
get
ti
ngmarri
ed.Wewon'tall
owit
"

Mom:
"ar
eyoupr
egnantl
elo?
"

Dad&papa:
"lel
othando!
!!
"

Me:"Jesus.Iam notpr
egnant
!Iam notev
en
hav
ingsex"
Dad:
"don'
tl
ie"

Me:
"takemet
oadoct
orshewi
l
ltel
lyou"

Papa:"pri
ncess,ar
ey oupregnant
?Youdon't
havetomar ryhi
mj ustbecauseyouar
e
pregnantthat
'snothowi twork"t
hewayheis
socalm ashesay sthisj
ustmakesmyt ear
s
fl
ow

Me:"papaI '
m notIswear.Idon'
tlietoyouand
youknowt hat.Youcant akemet oadoct or
your
self,SabeloandIarenothav i
ngsexI '
m stil
l
vi
rgi
n"myt earsj
ustkeptfall
i
ngIwassocl ose
t
obreakingdown.HowcanIkeepmy selfpure
f
orallthesey ear
stohavet hem doubtmel ike
t
his

Papa:
"Ibel
i
evey
ou"Ij
ustt
hrewmy
sel
fathi
m
andcr
iedl
ouder

Me:
"youhav
etot
ell
them pl
ease"

Mom:
"itokayLel
odon'
tcr
ysomuch"

Dad:
"wej
ustconfusedaswhyy
ouwoul
dwant
t
ogetmar
riedat20"

Me:
"Iwantt
obealonepl
ease"Istoodupt
ryi
ng
t
owipemytear
sthatwoul
dn'tst
opcoming

Dad:
"pr
incesscomeon"

Me:
"pl
easethat
'sal
lI'
m aski
ngf
or"papaki
ssed
myfor
ehead
Papa:"
stopcryi
ngIhat
eit
,Il
ovey
ou.Cal
lme
whenyou'vecal
meddown"hesai
dhi
s
goodbyesandlef
t

Me:
"Iwantt
olockbef
oreIgot
obed"

Mom:"wewi
llseeyoutomorrow.Comet
othe
hot
elwewi
ll
talkfur
theraboutt
his"

Dad:
"wel
ovey
ouokay
"

Me:"okay"t
heyalsol
eft
.Ical
l
edSabelot
o
comeov ert
henwenttobedaftert
aki
ngmy
cl
othesoffandshoweri
ng

Sabel
o:"
baby
"hewhi
sper
edassoonashegot
i
ntheroom
Me:"baby
"heki
ckedhi
ssneaker
soffandgoti
n
behi
ndmespooningme.Ij
ustst
art
edcryi
ng
agai
n.
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t10

#Lel
o

Iwokeupwar m andinSabelo'
sar
ms.Imov ed
fr
om hischestandlookedup,hewasupstari
ng
atme.Ismiledandlookedathim,hewas
star
ingatmewi t
hasmi leonhisf
ace.
 
Sabel
o:"
mor
ningmyl
ove"heki
ssedmy
for
ehead

Me:
"mor
ningbaby
"
Sabelo:
"Iwassoworr
iedaboutyou.Youkept
tossi
ngandtur
ningi
ny oursl
eep"

Me:
"It
hinkI
'
m st
ressi
ngov
ert
hist
hing"

Sabel
o:"
yourpar
ent
swill
comethr
oughdon'
t
worry
"Imovedupali
tt
leandweki
ssed

Me:
"youhav
etoomuchf
ait
h"

Sabel
o:"
wewouldn'
tbeherei
fIdidn'
t"hehel
d
mywaistl
if
ti
ngmeup,Isatonhim.

Me:
"mmh"

Sabel
o:"
gospendt
hedaywi
tht
hem"
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkIwantt
o"

Sabelo:"
don'
tbeababyaboutit"Ipoutedand
hejustki
ssedme"Il
ov eyouandy ouknowwe
won'tgetmarr
iedwi
thoutyourparent
's
bl
essings"

Me:"
Iknowbaby.Sor
ryIcoul
dn'
tcomet
oyour
gameyest
erday
"

Sabel
o:"
itunder
standabl
ebaby
"

Me:
"howwasi
t?"

Sabel
o:"
amazi
ngasal
way
s"hepeckedmy
nose
Me:
"youwantbr
eakf
ast
?"

Sabelo:"
y esbaby"Iki
ssedhim andgotoffhim.
Wentt othebathroom washedmyf aceand
brushedmyt eethbeforegoi
ngt ot
hekitchen.

AfterbreakfastIleftSabel
ocleani ngt he
kit
chenandwentt oshower.Ifinished
showeringl ot
ionedt hengotdressedi nr i
pped
boy f
ri
endj eansandal owcutvestwi t
h
sneakers.Igrabbedmybagandwal kedoutof
thebedr oom.FoundSabel owat chingt v

Me:
"I'
mleav
ingbaby
"

Sabel
o:"youwill
f i
ndmeinmyapar
tment
,we'
l
l
spendthenightthere"
Me:
"okay
.Il
ovey
ou"

Sabel
o:"
lov
eyoumor
equeenPet
erson"

Idrovetot
hehotel l
ist
eningtomyf eelgood
music.Youknowt hoset y
peofsongst hatjust
makeev er
ythi
ngseem good, putyouinabet ter
moodwhenev eryoul i
stentothem.Igottot he
hotelt
ookanelevatorupt othepenthouse.Iam
metbysoftmusicassoonast hel
if
tdoors
openatthefoyer

Me:"
hey "Igreet
edmom shewasdr
inki
ngwi
ne
whi
l
er eadingamagazi
ne

Mom: "
heybaby
"Ikissedhercheekthenthrew
mysel
fnextt
oher"youlookbeauti
fulpri
ncess,
butt
henyou'
vealwaysbeenbeauti
ful"
Me:"
I'
myourdaught
er.Mypar
ent
sar
eagood
l
ooki
ngpai
r"

Mom: "
arey
ouokay
?"Isi
ghedandshookmy
head

Me: "
youallhurtmel astnight.I
'
vebeennot hi
ng
butagooddaught erandIf el
tasify oualldi
dn'
t
appreci
atethat
.Fory out onotbelievemewhen
Itel
lyouthatI'
m notpr egnant,t
hatI'm noteven
havi
ngsexwasj usthur t
ful
.Idon'tli
et oyou,I
don'
tknowwhyy outhinkIwouldst artnow"

Mom: "sorrylel
oIdidn'
tmeant o, wedidn't
meant o.Iknowy ouagoodgi rlandwer eal
ly
sor
rywemadey oucry.Yourdaddyhat es
hi
mselff orthat
.Weal lj
ustpanickedprincess.
Youjust19andi nyoursecondy eary
ou
basi
cal
l
yababy
"

Me:"
I'
m goi
ngtobe20andmyagedoesn't
matt
erIwoul
dmarryhi
m 20year
sfr
om nowso
whyshoul
dwewait.Welov
eeachot
her
"

Mom:"whati
stherush?Don'
ttel
lmei
tbecause
youl
oveeachother
"

Me:"Idon'
tknowwhattotel
lyoui
fyoudon'
t
wantmet otel
lyout
hati
tbecauseIl
ovehi
m"

Mom: "
Lel
oIdon'
tunder
standwhyy
our
ushi
ng
t
his"

Me:"ifmemar
ryi
ngSabel
oisamist
akethan
fi
neletmemakeitsot
hatIcanl
ear
nfr
om it
"
shesmi l
ed
Mom:
"okay
"

Me: "
nowwi l
lyouspeakt
oyourbr
otherand
yourhusbandforme?"

Mom:
"Iwi
l
l.YouandSabel
odon'
tev
enwor
k"

Me:
"ist
hatt
hei
ssue?
"

Mom: "
nowjustthatwhenyouleaveyour
father'
shouseyoushouldbegoingtoman's
housewhowi llbeablet
otakecareofyou,
provideyouwithmorethanwhatyouwere
getti
ngf r
om yourf
ather
"

Me:"
mom webot
hknowchancesoff
indi
nga
manwit
hmoremoneyt
hanpapaanddadare
zer
o"

Mom: "
babyi
fyouwantt
ogetoutofthi
sdon'
t
hesi
tat
eanddon'
tst
aywhenyounolonger
happy"

Me:"
Iwon'
tmommy "It
ookhergl
assandt
ook
asi
pshesmil
edshaki
ngherhead

Mom:
"st
ayawayf
rom wi
ne"

Me:
"yousai
dIcanst
artdr
inki
ngat18"

Mom:"Isai
doccasi
onall
ywhenthere'
s
somet
hingli
keaneventnotj
ustevery
day
"

Me:
"youdr
inkwi
nel
i
kei
tjui
cemom"she
si
ghed

Mom:
"Ihav
emyr
easons"

Me:
"isev
ery
thi
ngokaymommy
?"Shenodded

Mom: "
yesbabyjustthatitgetsbori
ng.Not
workingandfol
lowi ngyourdadaround,itbett
er
i
fwegoi ngoutoft hecountryhealwaysmakes
surewespendt i
mesi ght
seeingbutwhenwe
aroundthecountryIspendmostt imesal one"

Me:"butheisal way
swithyoufordinnerand
stuf
f.Wheny ouhereyouhav eauntyZi
yanda
andauntyNat asha,
incapetowny ouhave
auntyBri
anna"shesmi l
ed

Mom:
"youwoul
dn'
tunder
standpr
incess"
Me:"
whenist
her estaurantopeni
ng?
"Mom
wasopeni
ngarestaurant

Mom:
"inamont
h.Yougoi
ngt
ocomer
ight
?"

Me:"woul
dn'tmissi tevenifyoupai
d"she
gi
ggledsweetlyIjustlookedathersmil
i
ng,my
motherwasabeaut i
fulwomanandshewas
agei
nggracefull
y

Mom:
"comel
et'
sgoshoppi
ngandgr
abl
unch"

Me: "
okaypl
usIsawt
hisdressatVersacet
hatI
wanttowearatt
heopeni
ng"Istoodupand
pul
ledherup 
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Thejobhunt ingwashel l
, Ispenttwoweeks
goingbackandf ort
ht otheci t
ybeforeIfound
somet hing.Any wayIf i
nallyfoundaj obasa
waitr
essatt hisnewr estaurantthatwas
openingi nmhl anga.Idon' tknowhowIwas
goingtocopebecausegoi ngfrom homet othe
ci
tyis3hour sthenitanothertaxitomhl anga.I
wasst ressedoutandi tdidn'thelpthatSbani
wasnotl ovingtheformul a,hewoul dcryhis
eyesoutev erytimeIgav ehi mthebot tl
eand
wouldpul loutmybr eastsf r
om thebr a.

Iknockedont hedoorwit
hSbani hel
pingme
withhi
st i
nyfi
st.IwasattheNgcobohousei t
wasSat ur
day,MrsNgcobowasn' tworki
ngshe
sai
dIshoul dcomewi t
hSbani.Zolaopened
Zol
a:"
Sbani
!!
"Sbani
clappedhi
shandsexci
tedl
y
andZol
atookhi
m

Me:"heyZola"Igoti
nthehouseaswe
cont
inuedtoexchangegreeti
ngs.Igr
eetedMrs
NgcoboandNokuwhenIf oundthem i
nt he
l
ounge.

Mr
sN:
"Sbani
growsol
derev
ery
day
"

Me:
"Iwi
shhewasl
i
ke5al
ready
"

MrsN:"
don'
tbecausey
ougoi
ngt
omi
sst
hese
day
s"

Aft
ercleani
ngandwashingIsatdownandat
e
l
atelunch,MrsNgcobowasgoingtocook
her
self
Mr
sN:
"anyl
uckwi
thget
ti
ngaj
ob"

Me: "Igotoneattherestaur
antj
ustworr
ied
aboutt hetr
ansportsi
tuati
on.Mysal
arywil
lget
fi
nishedont rav
eli
ng"

Mr
sN:
"that
'st
rue,
can'
tyour
entapl
ace?
"

Me: "
Ihaven'
tgott
enpai
dyetandt
hemoney
thatmom hadwespentonfoodandelect
ri
cit
y
plusSbani'
sfor
mulai
ssoexpensi
ve"

MrsN:"whydon'ty
oustayatVumil
e'
sfl
at?I
tin
t
hecit
yandhei ssti
ll
infr
eestat
e"

Me:
"real
l
ymah?OhGodi
sgood"shesmi
l
ed
MrsN:"y
es,Ihav
ethekeyswi
thme.Igother
e
t
ocleanupandstaf
fever
yoncei
nawhil
e"

Me:"
thankyoumahIdon'tknowIcanev
er
r
epayforal
lthaty
ou'
vedonef orme"

MrsN:"youaresuchagoodchil
dNobunt
u"
nokuandZolacameinwithSbani
.

Wearri
vedathomebef
oret
hesunwentdown,
Sbani
rantomom

Mom:
"thewayher
uns!
"

Me:"heshoul
dbel
osi
ngwei
ghti
nst
eadof
gai
ningi
t"
Mom:
"butchubbybabi
esar
eador
abl
e"

Me:
"If
oundapl
acet
ost
ay"

Mom:
"hhu?
"

Me:"Mr
sNgcobosaidIcanst
ayi
nVumi
l
e's
f
lat
"sheshookherhead

Mom: "
youcan'tst
aywi
thamanNobuntu
especi
all
ynotamanwhohasfeel
i
ngsforyou"

Me:"Iwon'
tbest
ay i
ngwit
hhim mom hei
sin
f
reestat
eandbesidesVumil
edoesn'
thav
e
f
eeli
ngsforme"
Mom:"i
tei
thery
out
hinkI
'
m st
upi
dory
our
eal
l
y
st
upi
d"

Me:
"that
'snotani
cet
hingt
osay
"

Mom: "
yourightandIam sor
ryI
'
mjustnotsur
e
aboutt
his"

Me:
"Iwon'
tbest
ayi
ngwi
thhi
m"

Mom:
"okay
" 
.

Leavi
ngmysonbr okemyhear ti
npieces.He
wasasleepwhenIlef
t,Ihadtowaitforhi
mto
sl
eepotherwi
sehewasgoi ngtobri
ngt he
housedownwithhiswaili
ng.Atl
easthewas
star
ti
ngtogetusedtohisformul
a.Ther i
deto
theci
tywasf
eltl
i
keitt
ookyear
s,Iwassi
tt
ing
nextt
othi
sannoyi
ngguywhowouldn'
tst
op
tal
ki
ng.

Iarr
ivedinDur bant
ookanothertaxit
onort
h
beach,Iwasf oll
owingt
hedirect
ionsMrs
Ngcobohadgi venme.Igott
herespoketothe
securi
tyguyhel etmeinandshowedmewher e
theli
ftsare.

Me: "
wow"Iwasl ookingaroundt heflat.Itwas
beauti
ful,t
wobedr oomswi thakitchenanda
l
ounget hathadahugef latscreenplusdst v.I
wenttooner oom l
eftmybagst herethenwent
tothekitchen,tomydi sappointmentther ewas
nofood.Ij ustsi
ghedandt hrewmy selfont he
couch.Ineededt orest,thefoll
owingdaywas
Mondayandwewer est art
ingwi t
htraining.
 
.
Iwasonmywayt ot herestaurantaf tergetti
ng
offt het axi.I
twasFr idaytherest aurantwas
goingt obeopeni ngt hefoll
owingdaywel lat
ni
ght .Iwasusedt ot hingsnowaf t
eraweekof
tr
ai ning.Thest affwasgr eat,Ihadal ready
madeaf r
iendhernamewasSi wesheal so
stay edi ntownbutatRussel street.Ihadmy
ear phonesonandwasl i
steningt omusi c
mi ndingmyownbusi ness.Thenextt hingIfelt
wassomet hi
nghi t
tingmehar d, Ifel
tmybody
spinni ngbef oreIlandedont her oadhar dthenit
wasl ightsout. 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Igotofft
hecaralreadyint
ear
speopl
ewer
e
star
ti
ngtogatheraround 
Me: "ohmyGod"shedi dn'
tlookl i
keshewas
breathingandtherewassomuchbl oodar
ound
her.Ikneltnexttoherwhil
edi ali
ng911onmy
phonewi thmyhandsshaki ng, Icoul
dn'
teven
seecl ear
lymyt ear
swer ebli
ndingme.Sofia
keptt el
li
ngmet hateveryt
hingisgoingtobe
okaybutherwor dsj
ustwenti noneearandout
oftheot her.
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t11

#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwaspacingupanddownthewai t
ingroom it
hadbeenoveranhoursi
nceshedisappeared
wit
hthedoctor
stotheemergencyroom.Ir an
todaddyassoonasIsawhim,Ijustthrew
my
sel
fathi
m.Hehel
dmet
ight
lyl
i
fti
ngmeup 
Dad:
"itgoi
ngt
obeokay
"

Me:"
ohdaddyther
ewassomuchbl
oodand
shewasn'
twaki
ngup"

Dad:"shei
sgoi
ngt
obef
inepr
incesst
heny
ou
wil
lfi
ne"

Me:"I
'm soscar
eddaddy
.She'ssomeone's
daught
ersomeone'
ssist
erdaddypleasedo
somethi
ng"

Dad:"l
etmeseeifIcangetadoct
orthat
'
son
hercase,
Icall
edDrHarlowhei
sonhisway"Dr
Harl
owwast hesurgeonweusedathomehe
workedhereatmhl
anganetcar
e
Me:
"okay
"heki
ssedmyf
orehead

Dad:
"gosi
twi
thy
ourcousi
nI'
l
lbeback"

Me:
"wher
eismommy
?"

Dad:"shehasn'
tlandedpri
ncessthedr
ess
fi
tt
ingistaki
nglongerbutshewil
lbeheresoon"

Me:
"okay
"Iwentt
osi
tnex
ttoSof
ia

Sof
ia:
"don'
tcr
yli
ket
hisLel
o"

Me:"Sofi
aIcoul
dhaveki
ll
edher
.Shejustcame
outofnowhereIdi
dn'
tev
enseeher.Godwhat
i
fIgetarrest
ed?
!"
Sof
ia:
"youwon'
t.Youknowourf
ami
l
y"

Me:
"JesusSoftherewassomuchbl ood"my
t
ear
sstart
edfall
ingagai
n,shescoopedcloser
t
omeandbr ushedmyback

Sofi
a:"
itnoty
ourf aul
tthough,
shej
ustcame
outofnowhere.Therewasnowayyoucould
haveavoi
dedhitti
ngher"

Me:
"andt
hej
eepi
sjustsohuge!
"Shegi
ggl
ed

Sof
ia:
"It
oldy
out
otakeasmal
l
ercar
"

Me:"GodSofshebett
erpullt
hroughorIwon'
t
beablet
oli
vewi t
hmy sel
f"gr
andmaZama
wal
kedtous"granny
"
GmaZama:"
hey"shecuppedmyfaceaft
er
huggi
ngme"
yougirl
sokay?"Wenodded

Me:"
I'
mjustsoscared"shesatdownand
br
oughtmetositonher

GmaZama: "Ispoketoyourfather
.Harl
owhas
arr
ivedhet
ookov erhercase,shewil
lbefi
ne"I
nodded

grandmazamawasj ustnotthesameany more

eversincegrandpaBr i
anpassedawayt hree
yearsback.Onedayhewasf i
nebadt henex the
wasj ustnotthereanymore.Itwasafteraunty
Madisongotmar ri
ed,whenmom anddad
speakt heysaygrandpaBr i
ancouldfeel t
hathe
wasaboutt odi ebecauseofthewayhespoke
attheweddi ngduringhisspeech.Tal
kingabout
howhehasdonehi sdutyandhowmuchhe
l
ov eshisf ami l
yespeci allyhi swi f
e.Twoweeks
l
aterhewentt onapdur ingt hedayanddi dn't
wakeup, thedoct orssai dt herewasnot hing
wrongwi thhimj ustol dage.Gr andmazama
spentalmostay earnott al
ki ngtoany one, all
shedi dwasl ockher sel finherr oom, shel ost
somuchwei ght .Itgotal it
tlebet terwhenaunt y
Briannagotpr egnant ,shemov edi nwithaunt y
Briannaandhergi rl
fri
endChanel incapet own
andspentcl oset otwoy ear sthere.Shej ust
camebackbutshest il
l spendsmostofher
ti
mei ncapet own.Whenaunt yBriannagav e
bir
tht ohersont heynamedhi m Br ian
Monwabi siJames.Andhel ooksj ustlike
grandpaBr i
anev enwhenhewasababyj udging
byt hepictures.

Me:
"Ij
usthopeshepul
l
sthr
oughgr
anny
"

Gmazama:
"shewi
l
lhav
eal
i
ttl
efai
th.Sof
iagot
buyyourcousi
nteaatt
hecaf
eter
iamakesur
e
i
trooi
boswi t
hwarm mi
lk"

Sof
ia:
"okaygr
anny
"shest
oodupandwentout

Gmazama:
"yourf
athersentadr
ivert
ocol
l
ect
t
hecar
"

Me:
"okay
" 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Iwokeupi
nsomuchpai nlikeev
erypartofmy
bodywasachingt
err
ibl
y.Il
ookedaround,Iwas
i
nahospit
alroom.Iwasaloneandtherewas
j
ustonebedi nther oom anditwasf i
ll
edwith
fl
owersandbal l
oons, t
herewasat vont he
cei
li
ngfacingt hebed.Ikeptl ooki
ngaround
hopi
ngf orsomeonet ocomei nIwassot hi
rst
y.
Myleghadcementoni tandwashookedon
somethingmaki ngi thangintheair.Mytears
j
uststartedfall
ing,Iwast hi
rstyandinpainand
al
laloneinthisr oom.

Aft
erawhi
l
ethedooropenedandsomegi
rlgot
i
n 
Her
:"ohmyGody
ouup!
"

Me:
"Ineedwat
erandI
'
minsomuchpai
n"

Her:
"Iam sosorry
"shewal kedtowar
dsthebed
shegrabbedsomet hingthatwashookedont he
bedar emot
elikething.Shepressedonit
,there
wassuddenlysomenoi se
Me:
"what
'st
hat
?"

Her:"
remote.See"sheshowedmediff
erent
butt
ons"contr
olsthetv
,thel
ight
sandanalarm
tocall
overanurse"

Me:"t
hanky
ou"t
hedooropenedandanur
se
goti
n

Nur
se:
"ohy
ouup"

Her
:"pleasecal
lDrHarl
owtel
lhi
m she'
supand
i
nseriouspain,
getherwat
eraswell
"

Nur
se:
"okay
"shewal
kedout
Her:
"I'
mlelobyt
heway .Lel
othandoPet
erson,
I
hi
tyouwithacarandIam sosor r
y"

Me:"y
out
heonewhohi
tme?
"Myv
oicecame
outi
nawhisper

Lel
o:"Iam r
eall
ysorry,Idon'tknowwhat
happenedyoujustcameoutofnowher eandI
coul
dn'thi
tthebrake"Ijustlookedawayfrom
hercryi
ngshewasal socr yi
ng" pl
easef
orgiv
e
meplease"

Me:
"wher
eam I
?"

Lel
o:"
inhospi
tal
"

Me:
"obv
iousl
y.Icanseet
hatbutwher
e"
Lel
o:"
ohMhl
anganet
car
e"

Me:
"Idon'
thav
emedi
cal
aid"

Lel
o:"i
tokaymypar
ent
swi l
lpayyourbi
ll
"the
dooropenedt
henur
segotinwithawaterand
somepaperbowlwi
thi
nject
ions

Nurse:
"Ical
ledDrHar
lowhei si
nsurger
yright
nowbutwi l
lbeher
eassoonashei sout.He
tol
dmet ogivesomei
nject
ions"

Lel
o:"
howl
ongwi
l
lhi
ssur
ger
ytake?
"

Nurse:"I
'm notsure"shestar
tedputti
ngthe
i
njecti
onsinmyi vt heni
nject
edonei nmy
shoulder"I
'
m surey ouhungrybutyourdoctor
saidyoushouldn'tbegivenfoodjustyethe
want
stoseey
ouf
ir
st"

Me:
"okay
"

Nur
se:
"ify
ouneedany
thi
ngr
ingt
heal
arm"

Me:
"thankyou"shenoddedandwal
kedout
"
hav
ey ouseenmyphone? "

Lel
o:"i
tgotdamagedsorrybuty
oucanuse
minefornow"shegavemeheriPhone"
we
don'
tevenknowy ourname"

Me:"Nobunt
uSongca.Howl
onghav
eIbeen
her
e?"

Lel
o:"
theacci
denthappenedy
est
erday
mor
ning"

Me:"
shi
t"Ij
ustknewIwasgoi
ngt
olosemy
wor
know

Lel
o:"
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"

Me:"
yes!"Isnapped"
sor
ry,
canyougivemea
mi
nute"shenoddedandwalkedout
.Ical
led
mom

Mom: "hel
lo"IcouldhearSbanimaki
ngnoise,
mom' sphonehadt obeonspeakerev er
yti
me
shewasonacal lother
wiseshewouldn'
thear
thecall
er

Me:
"mom i
tme"
Mom:"Nobunt
u!Whydi
dn'
tyoucal
lyest
erday?
Iwassoworri
ed"

Me:
"I'
minhospi
tal
mom Igotknockedbyacar
"

Mom: "what
?!"Shestar
tedcry
ing"ohmychi
ld,
areyouokay?Nowy ougoingtolosey
ourj
ob.
JustcomebackhomeNobunt u"

Me: "mom pl easecal m down, Sbaniisgoingto

star
tcr y
ing.Ihav en'tseenthedoct orbutIwi l
l
call
y ouonceI '
veseenhi mf ornowt heonl y
i
njuryIcanseei smybr okenleg.I'mi napri
vate
hospitalthegi rlwhohi tsaidherpar entsare
payingmybi l
l.Iwill
getamedi cal
not ewhenI
l
eavet hispl aceandt akeittowor ktheycan't
fi
remeov erbei nginanacci dentplusIsigneda
contractwi tht hem andNosi saidifther
e'sa
contracttheycan' tf
iremewi thoutav al
id
r
eason"

Mom:"Iwi
ll
tryt
ocomether
e.Iwi
llgobor
row
moneyandcomeseey
ouwithSbani"

Me:"don'
tmom.Iwil
lcal
lyouaft
erseei
nga
doct
or,Iwi
ll
askt
hisgir
ltobor
rowmeaphone
agai
n"

Mom:
"wher
eisy
our
s?"

Me:
"gotdamaged"

Mom:
"oh"wecont
inuedt
alki
ng

Thedoct
orgoti
nwi t
hleloandanot
herwoman
andman,i
twasclearthatt
hewomanwasher
mot hershewasasbeaut
if
ulasLel
oisev
en
thoughshewaschubbyandLelohadanhour
glassbodyshape

Lel
o:"
thesear
emypar
ent
s"

Hermom:
"Nobunt
udearhowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Me:
"I'
m al
i
ttl
ebet
teraf
tert
hei
nject
ions"

Hermom:
"that
'
sgood"

Doc:"
wellNobunt
uy ouwereinanacci
dent
,as
youcanseeyoubrokeyourlegl
ucki
lyt
hat'
sjust
i
t"

Me:
"oht
hankGod,
whencanIl
eav
ethi
spl
ace
I
'
veal
readymi
ssedadayofwor
k"

Hermom: "y
oucan'
tpossi
blybet
hinki
ngabout
workr
ightnow"

Doc:"wehavetokeepyouher
eforf
ewmor
e
days"Ishookmyhead

Me:
"Ican'
tnotgot
owor
kIwi
l
llosemyj
ob"

Herdad:"wheredoy ouwork?Iwillspeakto
yourboss"Ijustcr
ingedthemanspokewi t
hso
muchaut hori
tyandhejusthadthisdarkthi
ng
goingonaroundhim everyt
hingabouthim
screamedr i
chandcoldbuthewassohot

Me:"48t
hBi
str
o"hechuckl
edwhi
l
eLel
ogi
ggl
ed
andhermom j
ustsmi
led
Hermom: "
youcantakeasmucht
imeof fas
youneedandIwil
lspeakt
othemanagermake
sur
ey ouar
epai
d"

Me:
"youknowBi
l
ly?
"Bi
l
lywast
hemanager

Lel
o:"
mom ownst
herest
aur
ant
"Il
ookedather
mom wit
hmymouthopen

Me:
"Mr
sMkhi
ze?
"

Hermom:
"yesdear
"

Me:
"oh"

Doc:
"okayl
et'
sleav
ehert
orest
."Hewal
kedt
o
mekeptontouchingmystomach" Youhad
someint
ernal
bleedinginyourst
omachsowe
hadt
opokeal i
ttl
ewhi l
eanddrai
ntheblood"

Herdad:
"canwet
alkwheny
oudoneher
e
Harl
ow"

Doc:
"sur
eIwi
l
lbeouti
nami
nut
e"

Lelo:
"Iboughtyouaphone, yoursim cardis
alsohere.Wewi l
lcomeseey outomorrowas
youknowt her
estaurantisl
aunchingtoni
ght"I
noddedandl ookedatt hepl
asti
cshewasgi ving
i
twasani Phone"chargeitf
ir
st"theywalked
out

Me:
"am Igoi
ngt
obeokay
"thedoct
orsmi
l
ed
Doc: "
I'
vebeent oldI'
mthebestint hecountr
y
soy oudon'thavet oworr
y.I'
m goingt ohav
e
them giv
ey oulunchjustsoftdi
etfornowt hen
youcanor deryourdinnerandtomor row'sf
ood
from t
omor rowy oucaneatwhat everyouwant"

Me:
"okay
"

Doc: "I
'
llsendanur seov ertohelpyouwith
bathing.Youhav eacat heteron"helaughedat
myf acialexpressi
on" y
oucan' tbeupanddown
thetoil
etwi t
hy ourleg"

Me:"
Iunder
stand"hesmi
l
edwhi
l
est
ari
ngat
me

Doc:"y
oureal
l
yareabeaut
if
ulfemalemiss
Songca,y
ouarar
esight
.Iwi
llseeyoul
ater
"
Me:"oh"hesmi
l
edandwal
kedoutl
eav
ingmea
l
it
tl
edazed
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t12

#Lel
o
¥¥

Ifi
nishedupget ti
ngdressedandt ookpict
ures
sentaf ewt oSabelohewant edtoseewhatI
l
ookedl ike,hecouldn'
tcom becausehisteam
wast rai
ning.Iwentdownstairsf
oundmy
parentswai ti
ngforme 
Me:
"mommyy
oul
ooksobeaut
if
ul"
Mom:
"thanky
oubaby
"

Dad:"shel
ooksli
keatr
uegoddess"hekissed
hercheek"
Ifal
li
nloveyouev
erydaynana"

Mom: "
Ilov
eyoumyking"t heywerelooki
ngat
eachot
herwit
hdad'
sf oreheadpressedon
mom'sIkeptt
aki
ngpicturesofthem

Sj:
"okayweready!
!"Theywerecomi
ngdownal
l
thr
eeofthem i
ntai
loredfi
tsui
ts

Dad:
"yout
ooky
ourt
ime"

Enzo:"
perfect
iontakest
imedady ouknowthat
"
hewasf i
xi
nghi swatch,
Lonhl
esmackedt he
backofhisheadwhi chmadeSjanddadlaugh
Mom:
"st
ophi
tt
ingmysonMpi
l
onhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
hei
sjustt
oomuchsomet
imes"

Enzo:"
youahaterbecauseI
'
m bet
terl
ooki
ng"I
rol
ledmyeyes

Lonhle: "
bei
ngli
ghtskinneddoesn'
tmeanyou
bett
erl ooki
ngandifyoudon'tknowgi
rl
spref
er
ustallanddarkski
nnedj ustaskmommy,she
wentf ordad"

Mom: "
canwenott
alkaboutgi
rl
syoual
ltoo
youngf
orsuch"

Sj
:"Ihav
eagi
rl
fr
iendmommy
"
Mom: "noyoudonotbecauseIwi
l
lki
lly
ouand
thatgi
rl
"helaughed,
mybabybrot
herwasj
usta
sweethear
t

Dad:
"let
'sgopeopl
e"

Sj
:"howdoIl
ookdaddy
?"

Dad:"l
ikeatrueMkhizePri
nce"Sjsmil
edand
helddad'shandwefoll
owedt hem out
,goti
n
theli
mousineanditdroveoff

Sj
:"ar
eyouex
cit
edmommy
?"

Mom:
"yesbaby
"

Lonhl
e:"
youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmommy
"
Enzo:
"mommyal
way
slooksbeaut
if
ul"

Mom:
"thanky
oubabi
es"

Wearr
ivedatt
her
est
aur
anti
twaspackedwi
th
r
epor
ter
s

Lonhl
e:"
can'
twegoi
nbackdad?
"

Dad:"It
hinkthat
'sagoodidea"het
ookhis
phoneandt est
edbefor
ethedooropenedhe
gotoutandhelpedmom out.Theli
mousine
drov
eof ftothebackwher
ewegotof f
.Il
eftmy
brot
hersassoonasIsawSophi eandChloe

Me:
"heyt
wins"
Them:
"hey
"wehugged

Me:
"whatar
eyoust
ari
ngat
?"

Sophi
e:"
myf ut
urehusband"wegiggl
edasI
l
ookedattheboytheywerelooki
ngat

Me:
"whoi
sthat
?"

Chl
oe:
"Leo,
uncl
eSphe'
snephew"

Sophi
e:"
Ispoketohi
m earl
ierandwevi
bedso
weexchangednumbersbutfornowwejust
peopl
e"

Chl
oe:
"youwantt
obemor
ethough"
Sophi
e:"
obv
iousl
y"

Me:"
Iseeyouwantuncl
eMarceltogocr
azy
.
WhoareLeopar
ents?Hi
sacutie"

Sophi
e:"uncl
eSphe'sbrotherLiam,appar
ently
hewasawi ldonedur i
nghisday sbrokel
otof
hear
ts.Leocamel ooki
ngf orhi
sf at
herwhen
hi
smot herpassedawayhedi dn'tknowabout
hi
m andLiam didn'
tknowt hathehasachi l
d"

Me:"wel
lst
ayawayf
rom hi
m uncl
eMar
cel
hat
esLiam"

Chl
oe:"
notjustdaddy
,mommywoul
dfuckher
upher
self
."
Me:
"tr
ue"

Sophi
e:"anduncl
eSfundohatesmeaswel
l
appar
entlyhewantedyourmom r
eal
l
ybadl
y
onceuponat i
me"

Me:"l
i
am soundsspi
cy"Itookaglassof
champagnefr
om awaitr
essthatwaspassi
ng
by

Sophi
e:"
mustbeni
cet
obeal
l
owedt
odr
ink"

Me:
"youwi
l
lgett
her
eoneday
" 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Iwasenj oy i
ngst ayinginthi
shospi t
alandt he
factt hatIwasgoi ngt ogetpaidjustmade
every thi
ngbet ter.Iwaswat chingtvafterhav i
ng
dinnerwhi l
etryingt ofigur
eouthowt ouset hi
s
expensi veassphonel elogotforme.Butsome
peopl elivetheeel if
eouther e,that
'swhatIkept
thinking.Lelohadn' tcamet oseemet hatday
butt hef l
ower sar oundmyr oom werereplaced
withf reshones.Mom andSbani endedupnot
comi ng, themoneyshewasabl etogetwasn' t
enough.Iwassodi sappointedbecauseIwas
reall
yexci t
edaboutseei ngmysonImi ssedhi m
terri
bly .

Iwassti
ll
lostonthi
siPhoneanditwas
fr
ust
rat
ingmewhent hedooropenedandmy
doct
orgotinwit
hasmi l
eonhisface
Doc:
"myf
avor
it
epat
ient
"
Me:
"doct
orHar
low"hechuckl
ed

Doc:
"tol
dyout
onotbesof
ormal
"

Me:"wasn'
ttr
yingt
obe"hegr
abbedachai
rand
satnextt
othebed

Doc:"
hav
en'
tseeny
ousi
ncemor
ning,
youst
il
l
good?
"

Me:
"yest
hanky
ou"

Doc:
"enj
oyi
ngt
hest
ay?
"

Me:"
Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ndbei
nghomebutbei
ngher
e
i
sokay"
Doc:"
wellIgotagoodmi ndofmaki
ngy
oust
ay
l
ongerthannecessar
y"Isatup

Me:
"what
?Why
?"

Doc:"
Ili
kehav
ingyouar
ound"Icl
ear
edmy
t
hroatandl
ookedawayfr
om hi
m

Me:
"oh"

Doc:
"hey
,whatwast
hat
?"

Me:
"what
?"

Doc:
"yourr
eact
ion?
"

Me:
"not
hing"
Doc:
"youmusthav
eboy
sfal
l
ingaty
ourf
eet
"

Me:
"notr
eal
l
y"

Doc:
"comeon,
abeaut
yli
key
ou?
"

Me:
"notev
ery
oneseebeaut
ywhent
heyl
ookat
mesomeseedamagedgoods"

Doc:
"whywoul
dyousayt
hat
?"

Me:
"don'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t"

Doc:
"youcant
alkt
omey
ouknow"
Me:
"okay
"

Doc:"
Iwouldl
iketoconti
nuetal
kingtoyou
evenwhenyouleavet
hisplace,
may bet
akeyou
fordi
nner
?"

Me:
"why
?"

Doc: "
li
keIsaidy ouabeaut if
ulwomanNobunt u
andIbelievethatev erythinghappensfora
reasonrightnowIbel iev eyougetti
ngknocked
bylelo'
scarwast hefirststeptoourli
ves
together
"Ilookedatt hiswhi temanwithblonde
hairandblueey estalkingshittome

Me:
"that
'sal
ott
otakei
n"

Doc:
"letmel
eav
etot
hinkabouti
t"hest
oodup
f
ixedhi
ssui
tjacket"
goodni
ghtbeaut
if
ul"

Me:"
goodnightdoct
orHarl
ow"hesmil
edand
wal
kedout.Itookmyphoneandcal
ledmom

Mom:
"Nobunt
u"

Me:
"hey
,howi
smyson"shel
aughed

Mom:
"hef
ini
shedeat
ingandsl
ept
"

Me:
"Imi
sshi
m somuch"

Mom:"I
'm sur
ehemi
ssesyouaswell"Isi
ghed
"
heydon'
tdothat
"mytear
sdropped

Me:
"Ij
ustmi
sshi
m sobadandImi
ssy
ouas
wel
lj
ustwi
sht
hingsdi
dn'
thav
etobel
i
ket
his"

Mom:"IknowNobuntubutt
hingsar
eli
kethis
andt
here'
snot
hingwecandoaboutitexpect
makethemostofit
"

Me:
"Iknowmom Iknow"

Mom:
"weal
somi
ssy
ou"

Me:
"Ihav
etogomom"

Mom: "by
e"Iendedthecall
andjustl
etmytears
fal
l
.Mysof tcri
estur
nedint
oloudcri
esunti
lI
fel
thandscircl
i
ngaroundmybodyIlookedup
andsawt hedoctor
Me:
"pl
easedon'
ttouchme"hemov
edback

Doc:"I
'
m sor
ryjustt
hat.
."Ishookmyheadand
cont
inuedcr
yingunti
lIhadaheadacheandmy
voi
cegotall
husky"areyouokay?"

Me:
"canIgetsomet
hingf
oraheadache"

Doc:
"ofcour
se.I
sthatwhyy
ouwer
ecr
ying?
"

Me:
"Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t"

Doc:
"pl
easet
alkt
ome"

Me:
"noIdon'
twantt
o"hehuf
fed

Doc:
"Iunder
standbutj
ustknowt
hatI
'
m her
eif
youwanttotalky
ouhavemynumber .Just
sendmeat exteveni
fI'
m nol
ongerhereint
he
hospi
tal
"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Doc: "I'
l
l t
ell
thenursetogiveyousomet hi
ngf or
yourheadache"Inoddedandhel eft.Iwast i
red
l
ikeser iousl
ytir
ed,howlongam Igoi ngt o
suf f
er?Whenwi l
lIgetabreak?Iwasj usttir
ed.
Ijustwant edthi
ngst obebetternow, Iwanted
togi vemysonabet terl
i
feprovidehi m with
thingsInev erevendreamtofhav ing.
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t13

#Lel
o
Iwasint
heloungej
usthav
ingj
uicewhi
l
ebusy
chat
ti
ngtomyhusbandtobe 
Sabel
o:"
Ispoket
odadaboutsendi
ngl
obol
ato
yourf
amil
y"

Me:"Ihaven'
tspokentopapaaboutt
hatbutI
don'
tthinki
tnecessar
y"

Sabel
o:"
iti
sbaby
"Il
ookedatdadashesat
nextt
ome

Dad:
"whenar
eyoul
eav
ing?
"

Me:"wasthinki
ngaf
terNobuntui
soutoft
he
hospi
talIj
ustwantt
obesur eshei
s
comfort
ableandhasheal
ed"
Dad:"
itMondaylel
oyouhav
eal
readymi
ssed
t
hreedaysofschool"

Me: "
Iwill
catchup,youknowIwill
.NowIwas
speakingtoSabeloabouthi
m sendi
nglobol
a,i
s
thatsomethi
ngy ouandpapaareexpecti
ng?"

Dad:"
ofcour
se.Ittr
adit
ion,Iwi l
lspeakt
oyour
papaabouti
tthoughregardinghowwehandl e
i
tbutIthi
nki
twi l
lhappeninj hb"

Me:
"atpapa'
shouse?
"

Dad:"yesbecauset
radi
ti
onal
l
yyouar
ea
Peter
son"

Me: "
Iknowdaddy.I'
m goi
ngtogoseeNobunt
u
Iendedupnotseeingheryest
erday
"
Dad:
"okaydr
ivesaf
ely
"Isi
ghed

Me:
"yesdaddy
.CanIgett
hecarkey
s?"

Dad:
"int
hesaf
e"

Me:"st
udy
?"Henodded,
Iwentupt
othest
udy
gott
hekeys.

If
oundherwat
chi
ngt
vandeat
ingt
v 
Me:"hey
"shel
ookedatme,
herey
eswer
ered
andpuff
y

Nobunt
u:"
hey
,howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
m okay
.You'
vebeencr
ying,
arey
oui
n
pai
n?"

Nobunt
u:"
not
hingIcan'
thandl
e"

Me:"Ibr
oughtyousomef
oodandsnacks,
hospi
talf
oodsucks"

Nobunt
u:"
itf
inebutt
hanky
ou"Isatdown

Me:"I
'
m sureyoumustmi
sshome"shelooked
awayfrom meaft
erf
ewsecondsIhear
dher
sni
ff"
Nobuntu?"

Nobunt
u:"
mmh"

Me:"I
'
m hereifyouwantt
otalk"sheshookher
head"pl
ease.Iknowyoubei
ngher ei
smyf aul
t
andIam ser
iousl
ysor
ryaboutt
hat
"

Nobuntu:"
itnotyourfaul
tIal
soshoul
dhav
e
beencaref
ul ont
her oad"

Me:"
wil
lyoutal
ktome?Iwouldl
iket
oknow
whyyoucry
ing,
maybeIcanhel
p"

Nobuntu:
"I'
mfi
ne"Imovedandwenttostand
whereshewasfaci
ngandshewasreall
ycryi
ng

Me: "Iknowy oudon' tknowmeandt hatIam

noty ourfri
endbutsomet imesi tbet
tertospeak
withast ranger.WhenIf oundoutt hatmydad
wasn' tmyr ealmyf atherbutmymot her'
s
brotherwasact uall
ymyf ather"shelookedup
atmewi thaconf usedl ookIsmi l
ed"yescrazy.
Mypar entswerei nar el
ationshipwhenmom
gotpr egnanttheyhadt otellthefamily
obv i
ously,i
tturnedoutthatmom' sfatheri
s
actuall
ymyf ather'sfat
heraswel l
.My
grandparentshadanaf fair
,grandmawasa
mai dshegoti ntoar el
ationshipwit
hherboss
andhadmom.Soy oucani maginehowhur t
andconf usedIwaswhenIwassatdownby
dadandmymot herandmyr ealfat
her.Ihadto
seeat herapist.Bel
ieveitbettertospeaktoa
stranger
"

Nobunt
u:"
youhav
eni
cel
i
fepr
obl
emsLel
o"I
si
ghed

Me:"
wemi ghtnothavethesameprobl
emsand
mi
nemi ghtseem l
ight
erthany
our
sbutbel
iev
e
metal
ki
nghel ps"

Nobunt
u:"
Imisshome.Imi
ssmysonandmy
mom somuch"
Me:
"youhav
eason?Woah.Howol
dishe?
"

Nobunt
u:"
hisone"

Me: "
hissti
l
ljustababy
.Hav
en'
ttheycamet
o
vi
sityou?"

Nobunt
u:"
homei
sfarandi
texpensi
vet
ocome
her
e"

Me:
"Icansendacartomorrowitwi
l
lbr
ing
t
hem her
eandsendthem back"

Nobunt
u:"
Idon'
twantt
otr
oubl
eyou"

Me:
"younot
.Pl
ease.Iwantt
odot
hisf
ory
ou.
LordknowsifIweret
obeinhospi
tal
andnot
havemymom wi thmeIwoul
djustgoint
o
depressi
onagai
n"

Nobunt
u:"
you'
vebeendepr
essedbef
ore?
"

Me:"y
esIt
oldyoufi
ndi
ngoutthetruthmessed
meup.Myparent
saresi
bli
ngsthatisfucked
up"

Nobunt
u:"peopl
eouttheregothroughawhol
e
l
otmorethanthatbuttheydon'
tgointo
depr
essi
on"

Me:"wedealwi
thsit
uat
ionsdi
ff
erent
lyI
'
vebeen
shel
teredal
lmyl
if
eIam notasstr
ongasother
people"
Nobunt
u:"
IguessIunder
stand"

Me:
"youl
ooksoy
oungbuty
ouwor
k?"

Nobunt
u:"
I'
m 20"

Me:"I
'
m al
sotur
ning20inOct
ober.Youdi
dn'
t
wanttof
urt
heryourst
udi
esoryoudoingi
tpar
t
t
ime"

Nobunt
u:"It
oldy
ouIhav
easonsoIneedt
o
t
akecareofhim"

Me:
"shoul
dn'
thi
sdadbet
aki
ngcar
eofhi
m"

Nobuntu:
"hei
snotar
oundandIdon'
twantt
o
t
alkabouthi
m"
Me:
"ohsorryIunderstand"wesati
nsil
encefor
f
ewminutes"wellIshouldleav
eyoutorest
"

Nobunt
u:"
thanky
ouf
orcomi
ngt
oseeme"

Me:"gi
vemey ourhomeaddr
esssoIcansend
acarinthemorni
ngfory
ourmotherandson"
shedidandIl
eft.
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Itwasstil
lmorningIwashav ingbreakf
astwhi
l
e
watchingtv,
whichwasIbasi call
ydidallt
he
time.Watcht.v
.,eatandsleep.Thedoor
openedandanur segotinfol
lowedbymymom
carry
ingSbaniwhocl appedhishandsassoon
ashesawme 
Me:
"mybaby
"hewastr
yingt
owiggleoutof
f
mom'sar
msasmom waswalki
ngtome

Mom:
"hey
"It
ookSbani

Nurse:"t
hebabyisnotall
owedsoIbr
oughta
wheelchai
rforyouandyougoingt
ohavetogo
t
othecaf et
eri
awiththem"

Me:"okayt
hankyou"mom tookSbaniandt
he
nur
sehelpedmeintothewheel
chairand
wheeledmeout

Mom:"
thi
spl
acei
sni
ce"wewer
esi
tt
ingatt
he
caf
e

Me:
"yesi
tdi
ff
erentf
rom whatweusedt
o"I
keptpul
l
ingSbani
'
scheeksandki
ssi
nghi
m

Mom:
"atl
eastt
hegi
rlwhohi
tyoui
scar
ing"

Me:
"I'
mjustgr
atef
uli
twasn'
tsomehi
tandr
un"

Mom: "
andI
'
mthankf
ult
haty
ouri
njur
ywasn'
t
bad"

Me:
"Imi
ssedhi
m somuch"

Mom:
"hemi
ssesy
ouaswel
l
"

Me:
"hekeepsget
ti
ngf
att
er"mom l
aughed

Mom:
"youknowheeat
sal
ot"
Me:"I
'
m happyhel
ookshappyy
out
aki
nggood
car
eofhim"

Mom: "hawukodwaNobunt utr

ustmeIwil
ltake
careofhim andIcan'
tevenremembert
helast
ti
meIhadadr opofal
cohol"

Me:"
Iknowmom andI
'
m sor
ry,
Idi
dn'
tmeani
t
t
hatway"

Mom:
"Vumi
l
eisback"

Me:
"oh?
"Ismi
l
ed

Mom: "yeshecamet
oseeSbanilastnight
broughthi
m somanycl
othesanddiapersand
food"
Me:"
waswonder
ingwher
eyougott
hisout
fi
t
hi
swear
ing"

Mom:
"hecoul
dn'
tbel
i
evehowgr
ownSbani
is"

Me:
"I'
m sur
e"

Mom: "
heisagoodyoungman"Ismi
l
edwi
del
y
wi
thoutev
enmeaningto

Me:
"yes"mom gi
ggl
ed

Mom: "stayawayfrom him asgoodashei s

manal lwantthesamet hi
ng.Whati sbetween
yourl
egsandy oucan'
tdeal wi
ththatri
ghtnow
becauseSbani ist
ooyoung"
Me:
"butIdi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng"

Mom:
"mmh"

Me:
"Jesusmom!
"

Mom: "
hayi
don'tJesusme"wej ustl
aughed.
Someoneclear
edhisthroatbehi
nduswebot h
tur
nedanditwasdoctorHarlow

Doc:"
itni
cet
oseemypat
ientl
aughi
ng.Good
morni
ng"

Me:
"mor
ning"

Doc:
"whoi
sthi
shandsomef
ell
ow?
"
Me:"
Sbanimyson"helookedatmeshocked
"
andthat
'smymother"hequickl
ysmi
l
ed
l
ooki
ngatmymom

Doc:"
nowIseewhereyougeti
tfr
om.Good
morni
ngMrsSongca"

Mom:
"goodmor
ningdoct
or"

Doc:"
itni
cetoseeNobunt
ulaughi
nghospi
tal
s
canbedepressi
ng"

Mom:
"wel
lthanky
ouf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofher
"

Doc:"asmuchasi tpartofmyjobitapleasure"
hetr
iedt ot
alkSbaniandmysonj ustcri
edlike
hewai l
edasifsomeonej ustdi
ed"okayI'
m not
taki
ngy ou"hecr
iedl
ouderandIwasso
confused

Me:
"pl
easeexcuseus"

Doc:
"sor
ry"hewalkedawaym j
ustl
aughedasI
t
ri
edtocalm Sbanidown

Me:
"thatwasst
rangeSbani
lov
espeopl
e"

Mom:
"cl
ear
lynotoneswi
thbl
ueey
es"

Me:"mom"Ij
ustsmi
ledshewasst
il
ll
aughi
ng
andSbani
wascalmi
ngdown.

Ispentthedaywit
hmom andSbani.I
twasi
n
aft
ernoonthatLel
oandherpar
ent
scame.We
wer
enowsitt
ingi
nthewait
ingr
oom andSbani
wasasl
eeponthecouch

Lel
o:"
hel
l
o"

Hermom:"y
oumustbeMr sSongca.I
'm Sne
Mkhi
zeandthi
sismyhusbandSfundoand
t
hat'
smydaughterl
elo"

Mom:"ni
cemeet
ingyoual
landthanky
oufor
whaty
ou'v
edoneformydaught
erandthecar
t
hatpi
ckedmeup"

Hermom:"i
tleastwecoul
dhav
edone.Howar
e
youf
eel
ingNobuntu?"

Me:
"I'
m bet
terMr
sMkhi
zet
hepai
ninj
ect
ions
r
eal
l
yhelp"
Hermom:
"pl
easeor
derussomef
oodmyl
ove"

Herdad:
"okaynana"hewal
kedawayt
aki
ngout
hi
sphone

Hermom: "
Ijustthoughtabouti
tnowthat
you'
vebeenherethewhol edayandt
heyonly
giv
efoodtopatients"

Mom:
"yest
hanky
ou"

Hermom:"y
ouhavesuchabeaut
if
uldaught
er.
Andi
sthi
sSbani
?"

Me:
"yes"
Hermom:
"myGodhei
sjustacut
ie"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Wehadf ini
shedeat i
ngandMrMkhi zehadl ef
t
aftert
hef oodar r
ived,t
hemanwasj ustsocold
butallthatdisappearedassoonashel ookedat
hiswife.Sowewer ejustsi
tt
ingi
nthewai ti
ng
room mom andMr sMkhizewoul
dn'tstop
tal
king.

Hermom: "
I'
m goi
ngt oapologizebeforeIsay
anyt
hingelsebutwithourfami l
yprotecti
onisa
hugedealandmyhusbandl ikestoknowwhat
wedealingwithact
ual l
ywhowedeal ingwi t
h.
Andhehast heresourcestof i
ndoutabout
ever
ythi
ngandany thi
ngattimesi tmeans
i
nvadingpeople'
spriv
acywhi chiswhathehad
todo.WhenLel ohi
ty ouNobunt uwit
ht hecar
wepani ckedbecausewedi dn'
tknowwhowe
weredeal ingwi t
handt hewayLeloandSofi
a
explainedt heaccidenti
twasasifyoujumped
i
nf rontoft hecarbutnowweknowy oudidn'
t.
WhatIam t ryi
ngtosayi smyhusbandfound
somet hingsabouty ouNobuntuaboutyour
family"Iwasl ookingatthi
swomanasshewas
try
ingt ojustif
yherhusbanddiggi
ngintomylif
e

Mom:
"Idon'
tunder
stand"

Lel
o:"
mom whatdi
ddaddydo?
"Hermom
si
ghed

Hermom: "Lel
owewi l
lspeakathome.AsIwas
sayi
ngwef oundoutabouthowy ougotSbani
andIam r eal
lyr
eall
ysorr
yy ouhadtogo
thr
ought hatNobuntuJesusnofemaleshould
gothroughi t
"
Lel
o:"
mom"

Hermom:
"Lel
opl
ease!
"

Lel
o:"
okay
"

Hermom: "myhusbandandIwoul dli

ketohelp.
IsawNobunt u'
smat r
icresul
tsandtheygood,
couldi
mpr ovedependingonwhatshewant sto
studybutmyhusbandandIwoul dli
ketooff
er
herabursaryal
lexpensespaidincl
udingmeal
all
owance"

Me:
"Ican'
taccepti
tIhav
etowor
k"

Hermom:"andyouwil
lwor
kduri
ngschool
hol
iday
syouwil
lhav
etowork.Wewil
loff
eryou
ajobdependi
ngonwhaty ouchoosetostudy
andyourmealal
lowancewil
lbeenought osend
moneyhomet otakecar
eofSbani andyour
mom"Ilookedatmom andshewasi nt
ears
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t14

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Mom: "ohMr sMkhi

zewecan' tthankyou
enough.Godblessyourhear
t.Youdi dn'
thave
tobutthefactt
hatyoudidwer eall
yappreci
ate
i
t"

Sne:
"sometimesallweneedinl
i
feisapushi
n
ther
ightdi
rect
ion.AndIbel
i
eveNobunt
uis
whaty
ourf
ami
l
yneedsf
orabet
terf
utur
e"

Me:"t
hankyouMr
sMkhi
zet
hanky
ousomuch"
shesmil
ed

Sne:"
y ouj
ustgetgoodgradesandbe
somethingnotj
ustforyourselfbutyourmother
andsonaswel l
.Lotofgir
lswoul dhav ehadan
abort
ionbutyoudidn'
tandt hatjustshowshow
str
ongandgoodhear tedyouar e"

Me:
"thanky
oust
il
l"

Sne:"
soobv
iousl
yyouwil
lonlygotoschool
nexty
ear
.Butwhatwoul
dy oubeint
erest
edin?
"

Me: "
I'
vealwayswant
edtodosomet
hingi
n
accounti
ng"shesmil
ed
Lel
o:"
youcandobcom account
ing"

Me:
"Iwoul
dli
ket
hat
"

Sne:
"I'
l
lgety
ouallt
henecessaryinf
ormat
ion
andwecanstar
tapply
ingf
ory ou"MrMkhize
cameback

Sf
undo:
"nana"

Sne:
"lov
e?"

Sf
undo:
"let
'
sgo"Lel
oandhermom st
oodup

Lel
o:"
Iwon'
tbeseei
ngyouNobuntuIleave
tomor
rowmorni
ngforschool
butI
'
llcally
ou"
Me:
"okay
"

Sne:
"I'
l
lkeepchecki
ngony
ouNobunt
u"

Sf
undo:"
thecarhasar
ri
vedt
otakey
ouhome
mssongca"

Mom:
"thanky
ou"henoddedandt
heyl
eft

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssy
out
wo"

Mom: "
lookatGodNobunt
u.Weal
mostatt
he
endofthetunnel
"

Me:
"Iknowmom"someoneclear
edhi
sthr
oat
wel
ookedatt
hedoor
,itwassomeman
dr
essedi
nabl
acksui
t

Mom:
"oht
hat
'st
hedr
iver
"

Me:
"yeahy
oushoul
dgoI
'
m sur
eSbani
ist
ir
ed"

Mom: "
wewi
ll
seeyou"wehugged,
Iki
ssed
Sbani
hewasasl
eep

Me:
"cal
lmewheny
ougethome"

Mom: "
okaybye"t
heyleft
.Iwheeledmy sel
fto
myroom aft
ersi
ghing.Ir
angthebellandafter
fewsecondsanursecamein.Iaskedhimt o
hel
pmegetont hebed.

Il
aidont
hebedt
hinki
ngaboutt
his.Iwas
excit
edandsograt
efulnowor dscoulddescr
ibe.
Ij
ustwishedi
twasalreadyt hefol
l
owingyear
.I
wasgoingtomakemom pr oudandmakesur e
Mr sMkhi
zedoesn'
tregretpayingformy
studi
es.
 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

It
ookanuberf r
om t
heairpor
tanditt
ookmeto
Sabel
o'sapar
tmentthatwher
ehetoldmehe
was.Iunl
ockedthedoorandgoti
n
Me:"baby!"Icoul
dhearvoi
cesinthel
ounge,
I
wentstrai
ghtther
efoundhim wi
thhisf
ri
ends
t
hathepl ayedwit
h

Sabel
o:"
heyf
iancee"wesmi
l
edateachot
her
Me:
"heyf
iance"weki
ssedshor
tl
y"heyguy
s"

Them:"hey"Sabel
otookmyhandwet ohi
s
room.HepickedmeupIdr oppedmyduf f
lebag
tothef
loorashewal kedt
ot hebed.Hel
aidme
downandgotbet weenmyl egs

Sabel
o:"
I'
vemi
ssedy
oubaby
"

Me:
"sohav
eI"hepushedbackmyweav
e

Sabel
o:"
howwashome?
"Hewaski
ssi
ngmy
neck

Me:
"gr
eatIhadmi
ssedmyf
ami
l
y"
Sabel
o:"
can'
twai
ttomar
ryy
ou"

Me: "
youjustwantt
obebet
weenmyl
egs"he
chuckled

Sabel
o:"
I'
m notgoingtoli
ebecauseIdowant
tobebet
weeny ourlegsbutIwantyour
sur
nametobeKhoza"

Me:"
soIwasspeakingtoSophie"helookedup
atme"shet
hinksy
ouget t
ingsexfrom
someoneel
se"hecl
earedhisthroat

Sabel
o:"
yourcousi
niscr
azy
"

Me:"Idon'
tcar
eSabelojustdon'
thur
tor
di
srespectmeplease"
Sabel
o:"Iwoul
dnev
er"her
oll
edusov
erput
ti
ng
meont opofhi
m

Me:"
Ilov
eyouandIcan'
twai
ttobey
ourwi
fe"
weki
sseddeepl
y

Sabel
o:"dadsendhesental et
tertoyour
fat
her'
saddressbecauseuncleSfundosaidhe
shoul
dsendi tt
her
e.Everyt
hingwillbehandl
ed
hereatyourfat
her
'shouse"

Me:"yeahwespokeaboutit
.Iam aPet
erson
af
terallsoi
tonl
yri
ght"heki
ssedme

Sabel
o:"
wegoi
ngoutf
orl
unch,
wannaj
oinus?
"

Me:
"justy
ouandt
heboy
s?"
Sabel
o:"
yes.Actual
l
yHar
rywashopi
ngy
ou
coul
dinv
iteAri
a"

Me: "heisstil
lcrushingonAria?She'solder
thanhi m anduncleKl ei
nwouldcrushhim,
Harryi saplayerandAr i
ajustbrokeupwi th
Dy l
anl i
ketwomont hsbackshe'ssti
llheali
ng
from thatshedoesn' tneedanotherasswholein
herlife"Sabel
ochuckl ed

Sabelo:"
youcall
i
ngmycousi nanasswhole.
Harryisj
ustmisunder
stood"welaughed,
Iwas
shakingmyhead

Me:"l
etmecal
lher
"It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
ed
ar
ia

Ar
ia:
"hey
"
Me:
"hey
,yougood?
"

Ar
ia:
"yeahj
ustbor
ed"

Me:"meetmeforl
unch.I
'
m goi
ngwi
thSabel
o
andhisf
ri
ends"

Ar
ia:
"wi
l
lthati
diotbet
her
e?"Igi
ggl
ed

Me:
"yes"shesi
ghed

Ari
a:"
I'
mtoobor
edt
onotcome.Wher
eyou
goi
ng?"

Me:
"babywher
ewegoi
ng?
"
Sabelo:"
wewil
lseewhenwegett
osandt
on
ci
ty"Itol
dar
ia

Ar
ia:
"okayI
'
llmeety
out
her
e"

Me:
"okaybooby
e"

Sabel
o:"
she'
scomi
ng?
"

Me:"yes.Tel
lHar
rytobehave"herol
l
edusover
putt
ingmeunderhim andtookoffmyt-
shi
rt
"I
'
m goingtoneedtochange"

Sabel
o:"
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"

Me:
"I'
minasweat
pant
sandal
arget
-shi
rt
"
Sabel
o:"
babyy
ouwoul
dlookbeaut
if
uli
nrags"

Me:"y
oulov
emetoomuch"heki
ssedmyneck
goi
ngdowntomyboobsandt
ookthem outof
mybra

Sabel
o:"
Ilov
eyourbr
east
s"

Me: "
Iknowbaby
"hesmi
l
edandst
art
ed
sucki
ngonthem.

IstoodupasIsawAr iawalki
ngtousdr essed
i
nashor tdeni
m dressanddenim bootsIwas
gladIhadchangedi ntoanudecot t
onhigh
waistskirtj
ustbel
owt hekneeandamat chi
ng
l
ongsl eevecroptopwi t
hdenim ankl
estrap
heels
Ar
ia:
"heysi
s"

Me:
"hey"wehuggedandsatdown,
shegr
eet
ed
t
heboys

Har
ry:
"howy
oudoi
ngbeaut
if
ul"

Ar
ia:
"don'
tev
enstar
twi
thmeSbuorIwi
l
ltel
l
mydadtoendyou"t
heboy
slaughed

Har
ry:
"Ist
il
ll
oveyout
hough,
eveni
fyouhat
e
meandIam goi
ngtomarr
yyouoneday"

Sabel
o:"
tel
lhercuzt
hat
'sshe'
sgoi
ngt
obeMr
s
Kil
ey"

Har
ry:
"sheknows"Ar
iaj
ustsmi
l
edwhi
l
e
shaki
ngheadal
i
ttl
e
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Itbeenamont h.Iwasdi
schargedfrom the
hospitalaft
ertwoweeks,Idon'tknowwhyt hey
keptmef ort
hatlong.Af
teraweekbei ng
dischargedIwentbacktot akeoffthecement.

Ilookedatt hesmswi thahugesmi l

eonmy
face,Imeanwewer et ol
dhowmuchwewer e
goingtogetpai dbuttoact uall
yseeitandhave
i
ti nmyaccountwasj ustsomet hi
ngoutofthi
s
wor l
d.Iscreamedandst oodupdi dali
ttl
esi
ll
y
dance.I'
venev erhadr5000t omyname.Iwent
tobathquickly.Ever
ythingwassuchar ushi
n
30mi nutesIwasdr essedi njeansandahoody
withpumpsandmybagwaspacked.Iwasonl y
goingtogobackt oweeknextweekandi twas
Wednesday
.

Aft
ergoingtowi t
hdrawmoneyf r
om theatmI
wenttobuymysonsomecl othesendedup
buyi
ngtwoout fi
tsandapairofshoesf ormom
aswellt
henIwentgetgr ocerydone.Ibought
somuchgr oceryalongwit
hSbani '
sthingsand
el
ectr
ici
tythatIknewwouldl astamont h.

Icalledmom whent hetaxiwasclosetomy

dropof fsoshecancomeandhel pmewi tht
he
plasticsbutwhenIgotof fshewasn'tther
e
i
nst eadshewasn' tther
ebutVumi le'
scarwas.I
j
ustf oundmy selfsmili
ngashegotof fthecar
,
hewasal sosmili
ng.Hehel pedmegetmy
thingsoffthetaxithenitdr
ov eaway 
Vumi
l
e:"
cit
ygi
rl
"

Me:
"Vumi
l
e"
Vumile:
"howhaveyoubeen?Ihadaboutt
he
caracci
dent
,sor
ry.I
fIhadyournumberIwoul
d
havecall
edandIwasscaredtoaskf
oritf
rom
yourmother
"

Me:
"itokay"hel
oadedt
hethi
ngsint
heboot
.
Wegotinthecarwhenhewasdone

Vumil
e:"
youl
ookev
enmor
ebeaut
if
ul"hedr
ove
off

Me:"
thanky
ou.Youdi
dn'
thav
etocomeand
pi
ckmeup"

Vumil
e:"
Iwasaty
ourhomepl
ayi
ngwi
thSbani
whenyoucal
l
ed"
Me:
"I'
vemi
ssedhi
m somuch"

Vumi
l
e:"
andI
'
m sur
ehehasbeenmi
ssi
ngy
ou"

Me:
"mom t
ell
smey
ouathomeal
ot"

Vumi
l
e:"
yeahj
ustspendi
ngt
imewi
thSbani
"

Me: "
okay"Il
ookedoutthewi ndowinaf ew
minuteswewer edri
vi
ngi nt
heey es.Mom got
outcarryi
ngSbani
,Igotoffthecarassoonasi t
stopped.Mysonwasj umpingandcl appi
nghis
handsinmom' sarms.Itookhim andheldhim
ti
ghtl
y"yousmellsogoodbaby "

Mom:"am Inotgoi
ngt
obegr
eet
ed"Ismi
l
ed
andl
ookedather
Me:
"heymom"

Mom:"
somucht hi
ngsNobunt
u!"Vumi
l
ewas
t
aki
ngthet
hingsoutoft
hecar

Me:
"Igotpai
d"

Mom: "
youneedt
obecar
eful
wit
hmoney
Nobunt
u"

Me:
"mom i
tfi
ne"

Vumi
l
e:"
Iagr
eewi
thy
ourmot
her
"

Me:"don'
tganguponme"Iwentinthehouse
wit
hmyson" babywhenwil
lyoustar
ttal
king?
Youalmosttwo"hej
ustst
art
edblabberi
ng
t
hingsIl
aughed"
Iknowmyki
ng"

Mom:
"thanky
ou"shesatnextt
ome

Me:
"mom don'
t"

Vumil
e:"
uhm Iwi
l
lseey
oumay
bet
omor
rowI
hav
etogonow"

Mom:
"by
e"

Me:"I
'
llwal
kyouout
"Ist
oodupashetook
Sbanif
rom myar
ms,wewalkedout

Vumi
l
e:"
yougonnami
ssmeboy
?"

Me:
"you'
vebeenhomef
oramont
hnow"
Vumil
e:"
yeahgoi
ngbacktoworkonMondayso
It
houghtwhynotspendt
imehome"

Me: "y
ourmot hert
oldy
ouI
'
m stay
ingatyour
fl
at"hesmi l
edandgavemeSbaniaf
terki
ssi
ng
hi
sf orehead

Vumi l
e:"
Ilookforwardtobei
ngy ourf
lat
mate"
hekissedmycheekandgoti nthecardrivi
ng
offimmediatel
yleavingmetouchingmycheek
withasmileonmyf ace
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t15

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Iwal
kedbacki
nthehousesmi
l
ing
Mom:
"hhe!
!Ay
iasazi
"

Me:"mom please"It
ooktheplasti
cswith
cl
othes"IboughtyouandSbanisam some
cl
othes"

Mom: "
thankyou"shet
ooktheplast
icstaki
ng
outt
hethings"oohmybabyandIaregoingto
l
ooksof ancywhenwegoingtochurchSunday"

Me:
"chur
ch?
"

Mom:
"yeswe'
vebeengoi
ngt
ochur
ch"

Me:
"wow"shechuckl
ed,
Ilookedatmyson
"
your
eal
l
yar
emyl
i
ght
"

Mom:
"hei
sourl
i
ght
"

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
ounpackt
hegr
ocer
y"

Mom:
"ity
ourt
urnt
ocook"

Me: "
hha!
"Welaughed"i
tokayIboughtkf
c"she
cl
appedherhandsexci
tedl
yIjustsmil
ed
shaki
ngmyhead.Icouldn'
twaittof
ini
shschool
andgetaproperj
obsoIcouldspoilt
hetwo
mostimport
antpeopl
einmyl i
fe.
 
.

Ispentt
her estoftheweekbondi
ngwithmy
sonandIl ovedeverymi
nuteofit
.InFr
idaywe
wenttovisitMrsNgcobo,t
hewayshecr ied
whenItol
dheraboutwhatMrsMkhizewas
goingt
odof ormejustmademeappreci
ateher
evenmorethanever.

ItwasSunday .Wehadwokenupandwentt o
church.Iwasjustdishingupaft
erIhadcooked
Sundaylunchwhent herewasaknockonthe
door.SbanirantothedoorscreamingdadaI
l
ookedov erandi twasVumi l
ehewaskneeli
ng
downwai ti
ngf orSbaniasherantohim 
Vumile:"
mybigboy !Lookatyouallhandsome
i
ny ourski
nnyjeansandsneakers"Vumilehad
boughthim Ni
keairmaxsneakers

Me:
"hey
"hegoti
naf
tert
aki
ngSbani

Vumi
l
e:"
hey
.Hel
l
omah"
Mom:
"hel
l
oson,
your
eadyt
oleav
eal
ready
?"

Vumi
l
e:"
yes.Icamet
ogett
hisy
oungl
ady
"

Mom:"
sitwej
ustabouttohav
elunchy
oucan
l
eav
eaft
ersheisdone"

Vumil
e:"okaymah"hesatdownwi t
hSbanion
hi
slap,Sbaniwaspl
ayingwithhi
sfacebust
pul
li
nghisli
psandnose" whatar
eyoudoingto
daddySbanisam"mom clear
edherthr
oatand
welookedateachother

Mom:"I
'
llgety
oucool
dri
nk"shewentt
othe
f
ri
dge

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
vebeenmeani
ngt
otal
ktoy
oubot
h"
Mom: "about
?"Igavet
hem f
oodandsatont
he
chai
rfacingVumil
e

Vumil
e:"
Iwantt
oputSbanionmymedical
aid.
Heisababyandbabi
esgetsi
ckal
ot"

Me:
"youdon'
thav
eto"

Mom: "
ohwewouldappr
eci
atet
hat
"mom andI
spokeatt
hesameti
memakingVumil
echuckl
e

Vumi
l
e:"
pleaseal
l
owme"

Mom:"doi
tpl
easeandthanky
ou.Nobunt
uwi
l
l
gi
vey
ouhisdocument
s"

Vumi
l
e:"
okay
"hel
ookedatmeIj
ustl
ooked
away
.

Aftereat
ingheloadedmybaginhiscarandit
wast i
mef orustoleav
e.Myhear
tbr okeashe
droveaway ,
Sbaniwascryi
nghi
sey esout.Ev
en
Iendedupcr yi
ng 
Vumi
l
e:"
hei
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
"

Me:"Iwi
shwecoul
dhav
ewai
tedunt
ilhewas
asl
eep"

Vumile:
"sor
rybaby
"Ilookedoutt
hewindow
wipi
ngmyt ear
s"Nobuntucomeonbabydon't
cr
yplease"

Me:
"sor
ry"

Vumi
l
e:"
heyheydon'
tapol
ogi
ze"hest
opped
t
hecaront hesideoftheroad,Il
ookedathi
m
"
pleasedon'tcr
y,i
treal
lyhurt
smewheny ounot
well
"

Me:
"itdoes?
"

Vumi
le:
"ifyouhav
en'
treal
i
sedt
hatIl
ovey
ouby
nowayiangaz"

Me:
"youl
oveme?
"

Vumi
l
e:"
yesst
handwasam,
Idol
ovey
ou"

Me:
"I'
m notr
eadyVumi
l
e"

Vumi
le:
"Iknowandthat'
swhyIam notsay
ing
bei
narelat
ionshi
pwit
hme"
Me:
"thenwhat
?"

Vumile:
"justt
hatIlov
eandIwanty
ouhappy.
YouandSbani "hegavemeababyki
ssand
drov
eof fagai
n

Hel
ookedatmewei r
dlyasIt
ookmybagt ot
he
r
oom Ihadbeenusi
ng.Wehadjustar
ri
vedat
t
hefl
at 
Me:
"what
?"

Vumi
l
e:"
youwantust
oshar
ear
oom?
"

Me:
"what
?No.Ofcour
senot
"

Vumi
l
e:"
thenwhyt
akey
ourbagt
omyr
oom?
"
Me:"t
hisisy
ourr
oom?Idi
dn'
tknow,
I'
vebeen
usi
ngit"

Vumi
l
e:"
itokayI
'
llt
aket
heot
herr
oom"

Me:
"noi
tfi
neI
'
llmov
emyt
hings"

Vumi l
e:"
baby "hecupsmyf ace,Icouldfeel
my
heartwantingtobeatoutofmychest" t
ake
whateverroom youcomfortablein.Idonot
mind"

Me:
"Vumi
l
e"

Vumil
e:"
God,youarebeauti
fulNobuntu"I
l
ookeddown.Hepressedhisli
psonmi neand
par
tedmyli
psusinghistongue.Wekissed
shor
tl
ybef
oreIpul
ledbackandl
ookeddown
"I
'
m goi
ngtotakeashower"

Me: "
okay"hemovedfr
om meandwenttothe
bathr
oom.Ithr
ewmy sel
font
hecouch"whati
n
thehell
Nobuntu?
" 
.
Thefol
lowingdayIwokeup,
wenttotakea
showerthengotoutoft
hebathr
oom
Me:
"goodmor
ning"

Vumi le:"
mor ning.I
'm makingbreakfast,go
l
otionsowecaneatt oget
her"hewasal ready
dressed,lookinggorgeousi nchinosli
mf i
t
pant sandashi r
twithloaf
ersthatmat chedhi s
belt.Hisli
ghtski nbodylookedev enmor elight
skinnedinblack
Me:"
okay"Iqui
ckl
ywenttomyroom lot
ioned
t
henputonunderwearandagown.Iwentout,
weatei
nthekit
chen

Vumi
l
e:"
whatt
imear
eyouknocki
ngof
f?"

Me:
"15:
00"

Vumil
e:"
I'
ll
picky
ouupsowecangetgr
ocer
y
done"

Me:"okay,
howmuchar ewecontri
buti
ng?"
Aft
erspendingr2500ongrocery
,cl
othesand
Sbani
'sthi
ngsIgav emom r500soIsti
llhad
somecashl ef
t.Vumil
echuckled

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
ll
takecar
eofy
ouNobunt
u"
Me:
"but
"

Vumi
le:"
nobut
.Youcandol
i
kehouset
hings
andI
'
llpayt
hebi
ll
s"

Me:
"youal
readydoi
ngsomuchVumi
l
e"

Vumi
l
e:"
andl
etme"

Me:
"whyy
ousoni
cet
ome?
"

Vumi l
e:"becauseIloveyouandIcareabout
you.I'
llwaitforyoutobeokaysowecanbe
togetherjustpromisemey ouwon'tbe
entertai
ninganyguy s"It
houghtaboutdoct
or
Harlowwhost il
lcal
ledever
yday
Me:
"Ipr
omi
seIwon'
t"

Vumil
e:"
goodbecauseIhav
eagunandar
ight
tousei
t"

Me:
"Vumi
l
e!"Hel
aughed

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
mjoki
ng"

AfterbreakfastVumil
el ef
tf orworkwhi
l
eIwent
togetdr essedinablackpenci lhi
ghwai
stski
rt
andat uckedi nbl
ackshi r
t,Iputonpumpsthen
packedmyheel sinmybagIwasgoi ngtowear
them whenIgetatwor k.Thatwasourunif
orm.

Siwe:"heygir
l"shegr
eetedassoonasIwalked
i
nt herestaur
antandwehugged" howyou
feeli
ng?Wehear dabouttheacci
dent
"
Me:
"itokay
.Howhaswor
kbeen?
"

Si
we:
"hect
icespeci
all
ydur
ingpeakhour
s"

Me:
"mmh"

Siwe:"t
hetipsaregoodandt heamazingt
hing
i
st hatt
heyf or
cedtopayitbecausebytheti
me
theygetthebill
the15%hasal r
eadybeen
added"wel aughed

Itwasl
unchti
mewhenDrHarlowwalkedin
withawhi
tewomanandunfor
tunat
elytheysat
atmytabl
e.Ismi
l
edasIgottothem carr
ying
menus 
Me: "
gooddayandwelcometo48thbistr
oI'
llbe
yourwait
ressf
ortheday.Whatwoul
dy ouli
ke
t
odr
ink?
"

Doc:"heyangel
"thewomanlookedatme"si
s
thi
sisNobuntu,Nobunt
uthi
sismysister
Kimberly
"

Ki
mber
ly:"
yourNobunt
u?Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmeshe
i
sawai
tresshere"

Doc:
"Idi
dn'
tknow"

Ki
mberly
:"i
tnicetomeetyouNobuntuandyou
ar
easbeautif
ulasmybr ot
hersai
d.Youareal
l
hetal
ksabouteversi
ncehesawy ou"

Doc:
"Ki
mber
ly!St
opi
t"
Me:"
doyouwantt
olookatt
hemenuinthe
meant
imeory
ouwouldli
ket
oorderdr
inksr
ight
now?"

Ki
mber
ly:"
cosmopol
i
tanf
ormeandcor
onaf
or
l
it
tl
ebr
otherher
e"

Me: "
comingri
ghtup"Iwalkedt
othebarplaced
theydri
nki
ngorder.Iwal
kedovert
osiweand
askedhertoconti
nueservi
ngRynandhissist
er.

Iwai
tedoutsi
deforVumil
e,myshif
twasfi
nal
ly
over
.Arangerov
erparkedinf
rontofmeand
RyncameoutofhiscarIj
ustsi
ghed 
Ryn:"
tr
yingt
oavoi
dme.Youhav
en'
tbeen
answeri
ngmycall
s"

Me:
"ther
e'snor
easonast
owhyIwoul
danswer
y
ourcal
l
sRy
n"

Ryn:
" Nobunt
uwhatdoIhav
etodofory
out
o
seethatIam madl
yinl
ovewit
hyou"

Vumil
e:"
nothi
ng"hewascomi
ngbehi
ndus.He
hel
dthebackofmyneckandki
ssedmedeepl
y 
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Afterat
tendingIwentpastspurboughtus
takeaways.IopenedthedoorasIarri
vedat
Sabelo'
sapar t
mentsincei
twasn'tl
ocked,Iput
mykey sbacki nmyhandbagandwal kedi
n 
Me:"babyI
'm home"Iwentfur
therin.Thet
v
wasplayi
ngandtherewasaempt ywinegl
ass
andbeerbott
leontopofthecoffeetabl
e
"baby?"Iputtheplast
iconthecounterthat
's
whenIsawapai rofheels"andthen?"AsIgot
closertohisbedroom Istar
tedheari
ngsex
moans.Iopenedt hedoorslowl
y"Sabelono"I
j
ustwhi speredasmyt earsstar
tedtofal
l

Sabelo:"
baby"hepull
edoutandcamet omeI
backedupshakingmyhead.Thegi rlqui
ckly
coveredherbodywithacomf ort
er"Ipr
omi se
youbabyitnotwhaty out
hink.Icanexplai
njust
giv
emeachancet o"hewasn'tevenwear i
nga
condom

Me:"don'
tcomet
oclosetome"hetr
ied
t
ouchingmebutIsmackedhi
shand"howcan
youdothi
stome?Tous? "

Sabel
o:"
babyIam t
rul
ysor
ryi
twasami
stake"
Me: "
noI'm sorryforact
uallythi
nki
ngy oucould
l
ov emel i
kehowIdeser v
et obeloved"Iwalked
outandturnedt olookbackathi m,hewasnow
kneeli
ngont hef l
oorwhil
ei ntear
s"fr
eeadv i
ce?
Run,runasf astasy oucanbecausedadwi l
lki
l
l
youonceIt ellhi
m whaty oudidtome"Ir anout
strai
ghttothepar ki
nglot,gotinmycarand
droveofftopapa'shousewhi l
ebusywi pi
ngmy
tears
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t16

#Lel
o
¥¥

Ithr
ewmysel
fatauntyZi
yandaassoonasI
sawheri
nthetvroom.Shewaswatchi
ngtv
whil
ehav
ingafrui
tsal
ad
Ziy
anda:"babywhati
swrong?"Shewr
apped
herarmsaroundmybodybringi
ngmeclosert
o
herandkissedmyfor
ehead"tal
ktome.What
happened?"

Me:"
hehasbeencheat
ingonme.If
oundhi
m
f
ucki
ngher
"

Zi
yanda:
"ohbabyIam sosor
ry"

Me:"I
'
m sostupi
dauntyZiy
anda.Ever
yonehas
beentel
l
ingmethatheischeat
ing"

Ziy
anda:"younotstupi d.Idon'
tevereverwant
tohearyoucal l
yourselfstupi
d.Youar e
beauti
fulandabsolutelysmar t
,wellmannered
andhoneyy ouar el
ov edbyusy ourparentsand
yoursi
bli
ngs.Yoursi bli
ngswor shi
py ouand
woulddieiftheyheardy oucallyour
selfst
upid"
Me: "
howcanhedot histome?Ont hebedthat
weshare?!Hei
ssupposedt obesendingl
obola
onSatur
day,4daysfrom todayandhedoes
thi
stome.May beIpanickedImeanwegetting
marri
ed"

Ziy
anda:"
hedoesn'
tdeser
veyouanddon'tev
en
thi
nkaboutgoi
ngbacktohimlel
othando"

Me:"Il
ovehim.Ilovehi
m somuchaunt
y
Zi
yanda,Idon'
tthi
nkIcanbewit
houthi
m"

Zi
yanda:"
youcanandy ouwil
lbebecauset
here
i
snowayIam goi ngt
osither
eandwat chy
ou
marr
ythatidi
otandIknowSnewillagr
eewit
h
me"
Me:"
Ijustt
houghtwemadeeachot
herhappy
t
hatwewer emeantt
obe"

Ziy
anda:
"babywe'
veallhadt
oki
ssf
ewf
rogs
befor
emeeti
ngourpr
inces"

Me:
"wi
shi
tdi
dn'
thav
etohur
tli
ket
his"

Zi
yanda:"
letmecal
lyourfat
hersohecanpi
ck
upyoursi
ster
sfr
om school"

Me:
"okay
" 
.

Fr
idaydaddypi
ckedmeupf
rom t
heai
rpor
t
Dad:"ohmypri
ncess"heheldmet
ight
lymy
feetl
eavi
ngt
heground"itokay
"
Me: "I
'
llbefinedaddy
"heputmedownand
kissedmyhead.Myphonehasbeenoffsi
nce
thedayIf oundSabel
ocheati
ngonmeandI'
ve
beenst ay
ingatpapa'shouse

Dad:"y
esy ouwil
l"wegotint
hecarandhe
drov
eof f"
waitunti
lIgetmyhandsont
hatson
ofabitch"

Me:
"daddyIj
ustwantt
omov
eon"

Dad:"Iwi
llkil
lhi
mlelo.Doyouthi
nkitwasni
ce
hear
ingyoucr yi
ngli
kethatandnotbei
ngabl
e
todoanythingaboutit
?"

Me:"daddyy
ouwer ei
nTanzani
aitf
ineand
besi
desauntyZi
yandaandpapawerether
e.I
j
ustwantt
ofor
getaboutal
loft
his.Ihat
ehi
m,I
don'
tev
enwanttohearhi
sname"

Dad:
"okaypr
incess"

Mom wasoutoft
hedoorwai
ti
ngf
orusast
he
carpul
l
eduponthedr
iveway
Mom: "
ohmypr i
ncess"shehuggedmeti
ght
ly
"
fi
rsthear
tbr
eakarealwaystheworst
"

Me:"
hopeitwast
helastonemommybecauseI
won'
tbeablet
osurv
iveanotherone"

Dad:
"youar
edonewi
thboy
s"

Mom: "
argSf
undoMkhi
ze"shel
etgoofmeand
dadpul
ledmom t
ohi
m
Dad:"
I'
m ser
iousmyqueen"hekissedherIj
ust
rol
l
edmyey esandwentinthehouse

Lonhl
e:"nextt
imeIseehi
m Iwi
l
lpunchhi
m"we
hugged

Sj
:"met
oosi
siy
"Il
etgoofLonhl
eandhugged
sj

Me:"I
'
mf i
neandIdon'
twanty
ouguy
shi
tt
ing
peopl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
nobodyhur
tsoursi
sterandget
saway
wit
hit
"Isatdown

Sj:
"yeahwewil
lpunchhi
m andkickhi
mlike
thi
s"heshowedushowhewi l
lpunchandki
ck
Sabel
oIjustlaughed.Whil
eLonhl
etookdad'
s
complexi
on,Enzotookbot hmom'
sanddad's,
andSjtookdad's"Iwil
lshowhimfl
ames"
Lonhl
echuckled

Lonhl
e:"
tol
dyoutost
opl
i
steni
ngt
othati
diot
whenheistal
ki
ng"

Me: "
whereisEnzoanyway?"Thatboyisjust
tr
ouble,i
twil
lbepurelucki
fhefini
sheshigh
schoolwit
houtmakingsomegi r
lpregnantand
gir
lslov
edhim

Lonhl
e:"
soccerpr
act
ice"

Me:
"forr
eal
?"

Lonhl
e:"
yeahdaddr
oppedhi
m of
fther
e"I
nodded.Thepar
entsgotindadspankedmom's
assasshewasaboutt ositdownmakingher
cheeksturnr
ed"Jesusdad,somethi
ngsyou
j
ustdon'tdoinf
rontofyourchi
ldr
en"

Dad:
" shutupandcl
oseyoureyesi
fyou'
vegot
pr
oblems.Infactmoveoutofmyhouse"

Me: "
soext
radaddy
!Letmecal
lNobunt
uand
checkuponher"

Mom:"
Iwaswithheryester
dayatthe
r
est
aur
anthel
pingherfi
ll
outappli
cat
ionf
orms"

Me:"shesti
ll
want
stodoaccount
ing?
"Mom
nodded"I
'v
ebeenthi
nki
ngdaddy"

Enzo:
"hopey
oudi
dn'
thur
tyourbr
ainpr
incess"
hewascomingi
nthel
oungedr
essedupi
nhi
s
soccerki
t

Me:
"shutupi
diot
"

Enzo:
"heysi
si
y"heki
ssedmyf
oreheadand
thr
ewhimsel
fonmom'slap

Mom:
"howwassoccerbaby
?"

Enzo:
"goodandI
'
m st
arv
ingmommy
"

Lonhl
e:"
laphohei
ssot
all
sit
ti
ngonmom'
slap"

Me:
"andsool
d"

Mom:
"leav
emysonal
one.Comel
etmakey
ou
asandwi
ch"t
heywentt
otheki
tchen

Dad:
"whatwer
eyout
hinki
ngaboutpr
incess?
"

Me:"i
fyoucangetmemov er
stopackupt
he
apart
mentwhil
eIam here.Iwantt
omoveint
o
thepent
house"hesmil
ednodding

Dad:
"I'
l
lgeti
tdone"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Sj
:"daddy
"

Dad:
"yes"

Sj
:"l
et'
sgopl
aycar
s"dadchuckl
ed
Dad:
"let
'sgo"hepi
ckedhi
m up

Lonhle:
" I
'
m comi
ngtoo"t
heyall
wentoutthe
back.Itookmyphoneandcal
ledNobunt
u 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

I
twasmyoffday,Iwaswatchi
ngt
v.Vumi
l
egot
outoft
her
oom carr
yingmyphone
Vumile:
"It
houghtItol
dyouthatIdon'twant
thi
swhiteguycall
ingy
ouNobunt u"Isi
ghed
becausehonestl
yIwasoverarguingwit
h
VumilewhenitcomestoRyn
Me:"
whatam Isupposedt
odoVumil
e?I'
vet
old
hi
mtostopcall
i
ngme.Andwhatareyoudoi
ng
wi
thmyphone?"

Vumi
l
e:"
itwasr
ingi
ng"

Me:"
doesn'
tmeanyoushoul
dansweri
t"he
t
hrewthephoneatme

Vumi l
e:"
mxm I
'm goi
ngout"hewalkedbackt
o
hi
sr oom,cameoutaft
erputt
ingonhis
sneakersandj
acket

Me:
"wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

Vumi
l
e:"
Idon'
thav
etot
ell
yout
hat
"
Me: "
Ithi
nky oubeingchi
ldi
sh"hechuckled
putt
inghisgunonhi swaist"It
oldhi
mt ostop
cal
li
ngmeVumi le.Idon'
tknowwhatelseyou
expectmet odo"

Vumi
l
e:"
not
hing.Don'
twai
tupI
'
llbebackl
ate"

Me: "
Vumil
e"heclosedthedooraf t
erwalki
ng
out"wenoteventoget
hery etbutheisal
ready
acti
ngli
kemyhusband"Ij ustwenttothe
ki
tchenandstar
tedcooking.

Iwentt obedwi thoutVuyanicomi

ngback.I
don'tevenrememberhowmanyt i
mesI
stoppedmy selffrom call
i
nghim.If
ellasleep
withtearsinmyey es.Vumil
eandIwer enot
eveninar elat
ionshipbuthewasalready
hurti
ngme.
.
Thef i
rstt
hingIdidinthemor ni
ngwhenIwoke
upwascheckhi sroom,itwascleanandempty
whichmeanshedi dn'
tcomeback.Ijustopened
tvchangedi tt
omusi cchannelandstar
ted
cleani
ng.

ThedooropenedasIwasgetti
nginfrom the
bal
conydooraft
erleav
ingt
hemopout si
deto
dry
.Hegotincarr
yingwimpypaperbag 
Vumi
l
e:"
goodmor
ning"

Me:
"mor
ning"

Vumil
e:"hopey
ouhav
en'
teat
enIbr
ought
br
eakfast"

Me:
"Ihav
en'
t.Thanky
ou"
Vumile:
"comeeatI'm star
ving"Ij
oinedhi
m by
thecounteraft
erwashingmyhandsandwe
star
tedeating"y
ousleptwell?"

Me:"yesthankyou"henodded,wefi
nished
br
eakfastinsi
lence.Icl
eanedupwherewe
wereeati
ngashewentt obath.

Wewer esit
tingi
ntheloungewatchi
ngamovi
e
al
linsi
lence.Unt
ilIgotfedupandwentt
othe
ki
tchensoIcouldstartcooki
ng
Vumil
e:"
don'
tcook.Iwasthi
nki
ngwecoul
dgo
cat
chamov i
eanddinner
"

Me:
"why
?"Hel
ookedatme

Vumi
l
e:"
whaty
oumeanwhy
?"
Me: "Vumil
eyouj ustl
eftyest
erdayandcame
backi nt
hemor ningwithnoexplanat
ionandwe
haven'tr
eall
ysaidanythingtoeachother
"he
smiledwalki
ngt ome

Vumil
e: "
youupset?"Il
ookeddownashestood
nextt
omet ower
ingoverme"areyouupset
Nobuntu?"

Me:
"no"

Vumil
e:"
okay
.Wewil
lgoout,
I'
ll
checkonl
i
ne
whenist
henextmov
iegoi
ngtoplay
"

Me:
"okay
"

Vumi
l
e:"
whywon'
tyoul
ookatme?
"
Me:
"Vumi
l
est
op.Pl
ease"hemov
edback

Vumil
e:"
Iwi
shyouweremi
neal
ready
"hewent
backt
ocooki
ngcouch.
 
.

Il
ookedar oundmyr oom andf eltext remely
grat
eful Iwasev engr atefultolel
of orknocki ng
meov erwi thhercar .ItwasFebr uar yandIhad
j
ustset tl
edi nmyr oom atr esluckilyitwasa
si
ngle,'mybur sary'hadi nsi
stedt hatIget
al
locatedt oasi ngleroom.I twasact uall
y
bi
ggert hanwhatIhadi maginedi twoul dbe.I
hadabed, locker,studydeskandasmal lfr
idge.
Leavi
nghomewasn' teasyatal l,
mysonwasso
grownIl egitcri
edwhenIhadt ol eavehi m and
Vumileatt heairport.Mr sMkhi zehadbought
meapl anet i
cketsoVumi ledrovemet othe
air
portwithSbani ,whowasstil
lrefusi
ngtocal
l
memom.Iwasbubu, mom wasmamaand
Vumi l
ewasdada.Vumi l
etookusouttospuron
Sbani'
sbirthday,hisfamil
y,mom, andI.The
smileonSbani '
sf aceasthewait
ressessang
forhim waspr i
celess.

Iwasst i
lll
ookingar
oundmyr oom af ter
unpackingandmaki ngmybed, Ist il
lneededget
mygr ocerydoneandgobuybooksaf terI'
ve
receiv
edmybookl i
st.Myfoodallowancehad
beent r
ansfer
redtomyaccount ,itwast he
samemoneyt hatIwasget t
ingpai d.Ihadal so
receiv
edav oucherforstat
ioner
y, andIgota
l
apt opalongwithaprint
erthatIhadnoi dea
howt ouse.

Myphonerang,Iansweredwit
hasmi
l
eonf
ace.
Ihadf
oundaf r
iendinthi
sgir
l
Me:
"hey
"
Lel
o:"
heyJhbgi
rl
!!
"

Me:
"thewayy
ouar
eloud"

Lel
o:"mxm y
ousuchabor
e.I
'
m comi
ngt
opi
ck
youup"

Me:"okay"shehungup.Shecoul
dneversay
goodbye!Isi
ghedlay
ingonthebedf
acingthe
roof
.OnlyGodknowshowj hbwastotreatme.
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t17

Twoy
ear
slat
er
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Godt hepastt woy earshav ebeen, uhm what 's

theword?Idon' tev enthinkIcansum i tupi nto
onewor d.Someday swer ehar derthanot hers
andsomewer ejustf i
l
ledwi t
hbl issfulmoment s.
Butonet hingforsur eisthatI'vegr own.I '
m
doingmy3r dyearnowandi fitwasn' tf
orMr s
Mkhizeget ti
ngmepr i
vatetutorsIknowI
wouldn'thavesur vi
v edvarsit
ybecauset hi
sshi t
i
shar dlikeitshowedmet hemost ,
noticehowI
speaknow?YeahI '
v efoundasi sterinLelo,that
gir
lisaGodsent .AlthoughIdedi catedmyl i
fe
tomybooksIst ill
madet imef ormyl i
feout si
de
academi cs.

Iwokeupi nt
hemor ni
ngandfoundVumile
st
aringatme.Itwaswint
erholi
dayssoIwasin
Durban.Iwor
katMrMkhi ze'
soffi
cesdur
ing
JuneandDecemberhol
i
day
s. 
Vumil
e:"
mor
ningmyangel
"hegav
emeababy
ki
ss

Me:
"mor
ningbr
eat
hNgcobo"hesmi
l
ed

Vumi l
e:"yes.Cal
lmet hat,
stopcalli
ngme
Vumi l
elikeI'
my ourbr
other"Irol
l
edmyey es
smili
ng.Yeahf i
nall
ydecidedtogivehi ma
chancewe' vebeentogetherfort
hreemont hs
now.Ther ewasnopoi ntinusnotbei ng
togetheranymoreandIhat edseeinghim wit
h
othergirl
s.

Me:"
yousosi
ll
y"Igotof
fthebedashel
aidon
i
twhi
lesi
ghi
ng

Vumi
l
e:"
waki
ngupnextt
oyouf
eel
sli
kea
dr
eam comet
rue"

Me:
"ai
n'
tyouj
ustsweet
"hechuckl
ed

Vumil
e:"j
ustgobat
hwomansoIcant
akey
ou
towork"

Me:
"yesdaddy
"hegr
oaned

Vumi l
e:"
yes!Goont urnmeonmor e"Ij
ust
l
aughedwal ki
ngoutoft hebedroom.Iwentto
checkont hekidsintheot herbedr
ooms.Sbani
andthetwi nswerev i
siti
ngsinceschool
swere
cl
osed.Aftercheckingont hem Iwentto
shower.Aftershower i
ngIwentbackt othe
bedroom,Vumi lewasst il
linbedbusywithhi
s
phone.
Me:
"checki
ngony
ourgi
rl
fr
iends"

Vumil
e:"
yeahneedtoassur
ethem t
hatVmani
s
st
il
lher
eforthem"

Me:"Vman?Real
l
ynow? "Hewinkedatmewi
th
bi
tt
inghi
sbott
om li
p"getoutIwannaget
dr
essed"

Vumi
l
e:"
shoul
dImakey
oubr
eakf
ast
?"

Me:
"justcupofcof
feeI
'
llhav
eamuf
fi
n"he
j
umpedof ft
hebed

Vumi l
e:"
okay"heki ssedmycheekandwal ked
out.Iqui
cklyloti
onedt hengotdressedinbrown
ski
nnyankl egrazerpants,awhit
et uckedinoff
theshouldertopwithwhi t
eplatf
orm heels.I
ti
edmyaf r
oupint
oaneatbunt
henputon
somel abel
o.It
ookmylapt
opbagandhandbag
walkedout

Me:
"done"

Vumil
e:"y
oulookbeaut
if
ul"heki
ssedmy
for
eheadgiv
ingmemycof fee

Me:
"thanky
ou.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
oday
?"

Vumi l
e:"goi
ngt ocheckont hetaxi s"Vumi le
hadboughtt hr
eet axisthepasttwoy ears,I
hatedthat.It
hinkev ery
oneknowshow
hardcorethatfi
eldisbuthesai dhecan' t
dependonhi spolicesalaryforther estofhis
l
ifeandwhenIsuggest edhim goi ngtoschool
heshutmedownbef or
eIhadev enf i
nishedmy
sentence.Hesay shebar el
ypassedhi sgr ade
12sohei
snotaboutt
oputhi
msel
fthr
ough
that
.

Me: "
yougoingtopickme? "Heheldmychin
makingmel ookathim.Ijustsmil
edbecause
thi
sman' sbeaut
yjustcatchesmebyasur pri
se
ever
yt i
me,li
keafteral
ltheseyear
sI'
m sti
l
l not
usedtoit.

Vumile:
"don'
tIal
wayspickyouup? "Ismiled
evenmor emovi
ngmyey esfrom hi
sf ace"look
atmemyangel "Il
ookedathim"Ilovey ou"he
peckedmyl i
ps

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"hemov
edf
rom me

Vumi
l
e:"
fi
nishup"
Hecuppedmyfaceaf
terparki
nginfr
ontofthe
bui
ldi
ngwheret
heoff
iceswereandkissedme
deepl
yaft
erawhi
lewepull
edapart
Vumi
l
e:"
seey
oul
ater
"

Me:"l
ater
"Igotoutoft
hecarandwav
edathi
m
bef
orewalki
nginthebui
ldi
ng 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwasint heoffi
cewher eIwasshadowi ngone
ofdad'sfri
endwhoi salsohislawy erMr
Kalvar
ia.Iwasgoi ngt
odot hisf ort
hecurrent
yearwhileI'
m doingmymast er sthennextyearI
wasgoi ngtostartwit
hmyar ticles.
Me:"Kal
vari
a&Sons,
goodday
"Ianswer
edt
he
phoneasitrang

Cal
l
er:
"itt
hef
rontdesky
ougotdel
i
ver
y"

Me:
"formeorsi
r?"Shegi
ggl
ed

Cal
l
er:
"yousi
l
ly"

Me:"okayI'
m comi
ng"Ihungup.Andwent
downstai
rstother
ecept
ion"heygi
rl
"

Lwazi:"
someonehasbeenf
li
rt
ing"Il
ookedat
herpuzzl
edshepoi
ntedtot
heboxofredand
pi
nkroses

Me:
"forme?
"ShenoddedIt
ookt
hecar
d
*
whenwi
l
lyousayy
es?Imi
ssseei
ngy
our
f
ace*

Ijustsmi
l
edasIfel
tmycheeksheat
ingup.I
tookmyflower
s
Lwazi
:"and?
"

Me:"
a.agir
lbehav
e"shethr
ewapapercl
i
pat
measIlaughedwalki
ngoff
.Igott
omyoffi
ce
t
ookmyphoneandcal l
edNobuntu

Nobunt
u:"
yebow!
"Shewassmi
l
ing

Me:
"whatisthi
skiddoi
ngt
ome"Ishowedher
t
herosesshesqueal
ed
Nobunt
u:"
theyl
ooksobeaut
if
ul.I
sitLeo?
"

Me:
"thecar
dhasnonamebutIknowi
thi
m"

Nobunt
u:"
hei
ssuchasweet
hear
t"

Me:
"andhi
saki
d!"Sher
oll
edherey
es

Nobunt
u:"
you23andhei
s19i
tnotbad"

Me:"heisdoi
nghi
sfi
rsty
eargi
rl
!Ican'
tl
ike
daddyandpapawoul
deathi
m upandspithi
m
out"

Nobunt
u:"
youwon'
ttel
lthem"Isi
ghed

Me:
"hei
sgoodl
ooki
ngt
hough"shegi
ggl
ed
Nobunt
u:"
andhedoesn'
tl
ookl
i
kehei
s19"

Me:"butmycousi
nusedt
ohaveacrushonhi
m!
Theyactual
l
ywentonacoupl
eofdat
es"

Nobuntu:"nott
obeabi t
chbutthingsbet
ween
them di
dn'tworkoutandLeosaidtheyonl
y
kissedonce"

Me:
"Sophi
ewi
l
lki
l
lme!
"

Nobuntu:
"justt
hinkabouthi
sbl
ueey
esandhi
s
di
mples"

Me:"
andhi
scurl
yhai
r!Godthatmi
xedboyi
s
f
ucki
nggor
geous"wegiggl
ed
Nobunt
u:"
justgi
vet
heki
dachance"

Me: "Ihaven'tbeenwi thanyonesinceSabel

o
andhei st heonlyguyI '
v eeverbeenwit
hIjust
don'twantt oputmy selfoutther
etoonlyget
hurtagain"shesi ghednoddi ng

Nobunt u:"
Ihearyoul
elobutwhatli
feareyou
l
ivingifyouwil
lstopdoi
ngt hi
ngsbecauseof
fear.LeoisnotSabel
o,thatni
ggaisan
asswhol e"

Sabel
oandIdon'ttal
k.Wel lhetal
kstomebutI
don'
thonestl
yspeakingIhatehimf orwhathe
didt
ome.Hecoul dhav etoldthatt
hewaitingis
toomuchforme, t
hel easthecouldhavedone
wasnotfuckhisgir
lf
riendinanapar t
mentt hat
webasical
lyshar
eandont hebedIsleepin.But
daddidfuckhi
m up,hebrokeaf
ewri
bsandhis
l
egwhi chl
edtohim notpl
ayi
ngf
ort
hewhole
season.

Me:"
Iheary
oubabe.Letmecall
him,yousti
l
l
comi
ngoverwi
thmyGodsont omorr
ow? "

Nobunt
u:"
I'
ll
see"

Me:"gi
rldon'
tmakemej umpfory
ou.Imiss
Sbani
,ifVumilecan'
tbri
ngyouandthekidsI
wil
lsendacar .I
tSj'
spartyt
heywi
llbegames
theki
dswi l
lhavefun"

Nobunt
u:"
Iwil
lcal
lyoui
nthemor ni
ngbecause
Vumil
ewil
lbestar
ti
nghi
snightshif
ttomorr
ow"

Me:
"al
ri
ghtweshal
ltal
ktomor
row"
 
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Vumilesighedashedr ov
einthegat
eatthe
Mkhizeresidenceaf
tersecur
it
yhadsear
ched
thecarandt ookhi
sgun
Vumi
l
e:"
Iwantt
ogi
vey
out
hissobad"

Me:
"what
?"

Vumi
l
e:"
thecar
s,t
hebi
ghouseandal
lthi
sshi
t"

Me:"I
'
m notl
ooki
ngf
oral
loft
hisVumi
l
eyou
knowthat
"

Vumi
l
e:"
mmh"hepar
kedbehi
ndt
hecar
sthat
wereal
lovert
hedr
iveway
.Thi
shousel
ooked
l
ikeahotel

Me: "
babe"helookedatmeandsmi l
ed,heli
ked
i
twhenIcal l
edhim withpetnames"wit
hy ou
andSbani?Iwouldbehappyi naonebedroom
shack"hi
ssmi l
egotwi derbef
orehecuppedmy
faceandkissedme,thekidsscreamedeewuso
wepulledapartl
aughing.

Aft
eranamazingdaywit
htheMkhizeswegot
ourpar
typacksandVumil
epickedusupbef
ore
hehadtoleavef
orwork.

Iwokeupi nthemi
ddleoftheni
ghtwenttopee
whenIcamebackIpul l
edSbanicl
osertome,
hewassl eepi
ngwit
hme.Thewayhewascol d
freakedmeoutsoIstoodupandswitchedon
thelight
,hehadbl
oodcomingoutofhisnose
andears.Il
etoutaloudscream andstar
ted
shakinghi
m buthisdi
dn'twakeup.Itwasasif
hewasn'tevenbreat
hinganymore.Nokucame
i
nt heroom r
unni
ng

Noku:
"Nobunt
u?"

Me:"hei
snotbr
eat
hingNokuhisnotwaki
ng
up!
!"Webot
hshookhim butnot
hing

Noku:"
cal
lbhuti
"shewascr
yingZol
ahadal
so
wokenupItookmyphoneandcall
edVumil
e

Vumi l
e:"
lov
e"Iletoutaloudsobandjust
droppedmyphone, IhadSbanii
nmyar ms.I
couldhearVumileshouti
ngthr
oughthephone
andoneoft hegir
lstal
ki
ngtohim
Zol
a:"
bhuti
say
shei
sonhi
swayandcal
l
edt
he
ambul
ance"

Ambulancearri
vedbeforeVumile.Hef
oundme
al
readyatstAugusti
ne,Ijustt
hrewmysel
fat
hi
m andcried.Hekeptonsay i
ngSbaniwas
goi
ngtobeokaywhi leki
ssingmyhead.

Afterfewhour sthedoct orcametous, shesaid

ri
ghtnowt heydon'tknowwhati sgoingonwi th
Sbanibutt hey'v
emanagedt ostabl
ehim and
theystil
lrunningtestsbutwecangoseehi m.I
fel
tmykneesget t
ingevenmor eweakaswe
walkedint hewar d.Hewasl ayi
ngont hebed
connectedt omachi nes.Vumilewashol di
ngme
ti
ghtly
.Sbani lookedatusandsmi l
edweakl y
Vumi
l
e:"
don'
tcr
y"hewhi
sper
ed

Me:
"heyboy
"
Sbani
:"Bunt
uahl
ungu"It
urned,
myf ace
cr
ushi
ngonVumi l
e'
schest"ahl
ungubaba"
Vumil
eclear
edhi
sthroat

Vumile:
"itokaymf
anat
hedoct
orwi
l
lmakey
ou
feel
better"

Sbani:"
ahlungukakhulu"hestart
edcryi
ng,
Vumi l
erushedoutandcamebackwi ththe
doctorwhoi nj
ectedhim andall
owedmet o
carr
yhim.Ihel dhim unt
ilhefel
lasl
eepthen
Vumi l
eputhi m backonthebed.Hesatont he
couchandpul ledmet ositontopofhi
m

Me:
"Iwon'
tsur
viv
eifIl
osemysonVumi
l
e"

Vumi
l
e:"
youwon'
tl
osehi
m Ipr
omi
sey
ou"
Me:
"Vumi
l
e"

Vumil
e:"
ha.aNobunt udon't
.Beposi
ti
ve,t
he
doct
orswill
findoutwhatiswrongwithhi
m and
hel
phim getbett
er"Inodded"Il
oveyouboth"
 
.

Ithadbeenaweek, mysonwasn' tgett

ing
betterinsteadhelookedli
kehewi l
ldi
eany
momentIwasact ual
lyst
artingtoacceptthatI
am losingmyson.Thedoct orscouldn'
tfi
gure
outwhati swrongwithhi
m, theonlythi
ngIwas
gratefulforwasthepainmedi cati
ontheywere
givi
nghi m andthetubetheywer eusingtofeed
him.

Thedooropenedmom andMrsNgcobocame
i
n,theyhadar
riv
edt
woday sback
Mom:"
howishe?
"Ishruggedmyshoul
der
sand
wi
pedmytear
sastheydropped

Mr
sNgcobo:
"heymf
ana"

Sbani
:"gogo"t
heyst
ayedwi
thusunt
ilSbani
fel
l
asl
eep.

MrsN:"yourmot
herandIhav
ebeenspeaki
ng
Nobunt
uandwet hi
nkitt
imeyougotSbani
sam
di
schar
ged"

Me:"hei
ssti
l
lnotbet
ter
.Wedon'
tev
enknow
whatiswr
ongwit
hhimy et
"

Mom:"exact
ly.Thesedoct
orsar
enotdoi
ng
any
thi
ngforhim"
MrsN:"wewantt
otakehi
mtoat
radi
ti
onal
heal
er"

Me:
"Yoh!
"
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t18

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Soitwasdeci dedthatwegoi
ngtoseethe
tr
adit
ionalhealer.Mr
sNgcobofoundonein
Pmb, eventhoughVumi l
ewasagainstt
heday
hedroveust here.Wegotapassoutatthe
hospit
al f
orthedayandinthemorningwe
drovetoPmb.
Whenwegott here,therewasal i
nesot he
mot herswentt ostayont hel
inewhi leI
remai nedint hecarwi t
hVumi leandSbani.
Vumi lehadSbani ont opofhi m ashewas
l
ayingont hecarseat .Iwaslayingonmysi de
l
ooki ngatt hem, Ijustfeltcompletelyinl
ove
witht hem andabsol utel
yblessedt ohavethem
both. 
Vumil
e:"st
opst
ari
ngatus"Ismi
l
ed.Hehadhi
s
eyescl
osed

Me:
"Il
ovey
oubot
h"

Vumil
e:"
andwel ov
eyouevenmore"Sbani
st
ir
redali
tt
leandopenedhi
seyes

Sbani
:"baba"
Vumi l
e:"y
esboy"Sbanismi l
edandhi sey
esjust
wentwhi t
e,hestar
tedshakingIscreamed
taki
nghim butVumi l
eheldhimtightl
yand
walkedoutofthecar.Ifol
lowedhim ashewas
walki
ngt owhereourmot hersar
e,thi
smanmet
ushalfwayandtookSbani .Hewalkedint
othis
smallrondoval
eandaskedf orVumi l
etocall
mom t ofoll
owhim sayi
ngIcan'tgoinwith
them.

Aft
erwhatfel
tli
kehour
st hatIspentcry
ingi
n
Vumil
e'
sarmsmom wal kedoutl ooki
ngdrai
ned.
Imovedfr
om Vumile
Me:
"mom?
"

Mom:
"hei
sokay
"Ibr
eat
hedout

Vumi
l
e:"
whati
shappeni
ng?
"
Mom: "
alot.Sbanii
sasleep,t
hemanwant sto
speaktoyouNobuntu"Inodded.Mom andI
wentbackin.Isni
ff
edwi pi
ngmyt ear
sasIsaw
Sbani
.Hewasl ayi
ngont hefl
oorsurr
oundedby
whit
eburningcandl
es.

Ther idebackwasj ustsil

encewi thonl ymusi c
playing.Ev eryonewasl osti ntheirown
thought s.Vumi lewasf uriousandIwasj ust
numb.IknewIhadnochoi cebutt ogoseet hat
awf ulmanwhof i
guredhehasar ighttotake
myi nnocencei nsuchamanner .Iwasgoi ngt o
putwhat everIwasf eel
ingasideanddot hisfor
mysonbecausel osinghim wassomet hingI
knewIwoul dn'thandleespeciallyknowi ngt hatI
couldhav edonesomet hi
ngt oprev enthimf rom
dying, t
oputanendt ohissufferi
ng.

Af
terdroppi
ngoffthemother
satthef
latwe
wentbacktothehospi
tal
.Thenur
seshelped
Sbani
sett
leinandleftusi
ntheroom.Vumile
cl
osedthecurt
ainaroundusgi
vi
nguspr i
vacy.
 
Vumile:"
Idon'
tli
kethi
sNobuntu,Idon'
tli
kethi
s
atal
l.Yougoingtoseethatman?Ican'
tand
worsehavingtobeghimtodothisforyouand
Sbani"

Me: "
whatam IsupposedtodoVumi l
e.Yousee
howSbani i
s,heissi
ckandt hatmansaidhe
won'tgetbet
terunt
ilheisi
ntroducedtohis
ancestor
sandIam cleansed"

Vumile:
"justt
hethoughtofyoubei
ngcl
oseto
thatwort
hlesspi
eceoftrashmakeswantt
o
punchsomeone"

Me: "babywehav etodothi

sli
ketherei
sno
otherway .Ican'
tl
oseSbaniwecan'tl
et
anythinghappentohim"
Vumil
e:"
IknowNobunt
ubutdoesn'
tmeanI
hav
etoli
kethi
s"

Me:
"soy
ougoi
ngt
ofi
ndoutwher
ehei
s?"

Vumi
l
e:"
hei
satwest
vil
l
epr
ison"

Me:
"canyouar
rangef
ormet
oseehi
m
t
omorrow?
"

Vumile:"
noIwill
arrangef orUStoseehim
becausetherei
snowayIam goi ngtoletyou
seethatdevi
lal
one"Ij ustgi
ggl
ed,helookedat
mewei r
dly"what'
stickli
ng"

Me:
"yousoangr
y"hesmi
l
edshaki
nghi
shead
Vumil
e:"
comeher
e"heopenedhisar
msandI
goti
nthem.Hewr
appedthem ar
oundmeand
ki
ssedmyhead
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Itookalookatmy sel
fthengr
abbedmybag
goingdownstai
rs.
 
Me:
"I'
mleav
ing"

Mom:
"youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"

Sj:"
wher
eyougoi
ngsi
siy
?CanIpl
easegowi
th
you?"
Enzo:
"shehasadat
eIhear
dspeaki
ngt
oAr
ia"

Me:
"shutupEnzo.Ican'
tgowi
thy
ouSj
"

Sj
:"becausey
ougotadat
e?"Mom andI
l
aughed

Me:
"no"

Mom: "don'tcomehomelat
e,youknowyour
dadwillfr
eakoutifhecomesbackandy
ounot
back"

Me:"
okaymom"Iwal
kedout
,goti
nthecarand
dr
oveoff
.
If
oundhi
m al
readyatt
her
est
aur
ant
,hest
ood
upasIwal
kedtohim
Leo:
"Lel
o,l
ooki
ngbeaut
if
ulasal
way
s"

Me:"thanky
ou"hepull
edachai
rforme,af
terI
satdownhepusheditbacki
n"manner
s"

Leo:"Iwasrai
sedinahousef i
l
ledwithl
adi
es.
I'
mt heonl
yboyathome, al
lmycousi
nsare
gir
lsandIonlyhaveaunts"hesatdownand
pouredmeagl assofwine

Me:"t
hat
'sy
ourmother
'sfami
l
y?Iknowy
our
f
ather
'sf
amil
yisf
il
ledwit
hmales"

Leo:"
yeah.I
'
m notcl
osewi
thmyfather
'sfamil
y,
Il
ovethem j
ustt
hatmyfat
heri
s..
.Idon'tknow
babe"
Me:
"buty
ouhi
sonl
ychi
l
d?"

Leo:"onl
yonet
hathascamef
orwar
d.Youj
ust
neverknowwit
hthatman"

Me:
"youdon'
tl
ikehi
m"

Leo:"theonlyreasonIf oundhim wasbecause

mom l ef
tmeal etterbeggi
ngmet ofindhim
andbui l
dar el
ationshipwithhi
m.WhenIgot
hereletjustsayhewasanass, ifi
twasn'tf
or
therestofhisfami lyIwouldhavelef
tandnever
cameback"

Me:
"sor
ry"

Leo:
"let
'snott
alkabouti
tbabe"
Me:
"okay
"

Leo:"
I'
m gl
ady
oufi
nal
l
yagr
eedt
ohav
edi
nner
wit
hme"Ismil
ed

Me:
"itj
ustdi
nnerLeo"

Leo:
"oneofmany
"

Me:
"yousosur
eofy
our
sel
f"

Leo:
"Lel
oyougoingtobeminethati
sjust
somethi
ngyoucan'
trunawayfr
om"  
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥
IwasanervouswreckasIgotreadyatthe
hospi
tal
.Iworeamaxi dr
essandacardigan
makingsuremyskinwasnotshowing,ifi
twas
uptomeIwoul dcovermyfaceaswell.It
ooka
l
ookatmy sel
fonthemi r
ror
 
Me: "
Godpl easegiv
emest rengthcovermein
yourlov
eandpr otecti
on"Iwipedmytearsand
walkedout.Sbaniwaswat chingtv
,hewasjust
bett
erafterwesawt hatman

Sbani
:"Bunt
uwher
e'sbaba?
"

Me:"
hiscomi
ng"Iki
ssedhi
sheadandsatdown
"
Sbani
"

Sbani
:"Bunt
u?"
Me:"
whenwilly
oucall
memom?
"Hel
aughed
l
oudl
ycover
inghisf
ace

Sbani
:"buty
ouar
eBunt
unj
ena"

Me:
"boyI
'
myourmot
her
!Igav
ebi
rt
htoy
ou"

Sbani
:"ha.
ayouBunt
u"

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
oleav
eyouher
eint
hehospi
tal
!
"

Sbani
:"babawi
l
lfet
chmewi
thhi
scar
!"

Me:
"yourbabawon'
tfet
ch"

Sbani
:"hewill
"thedooropenedVumil
egoti
n
wit
hmom " seebabaishere!
!"Hest
uckhi
s
t
ongueout

Vumil
e:"
I'
m heremfana.WhatisBunt
udoi
ngto
you?
"Theygreeted,
Vumil
ekissedmyfor
ehead
"hel
ooksbet
ter"

Mom:
"hedoes"

Me:
"yeah"

Vumil
e:"
let
'sgobabyIwantt
ogett
hisov
erand
done"

Me:
"okay
"

Vumi
l
e:"
wewil
lbebackSbani
sam st
aywi
th
mamaokay
?"
Sbani
:"okaybaba,
phat
hel
adonal
dbaba"

Vumi
l
e:"
okay
"heki
ssedhi
sheadandwel
eft
.

Theridetowestvil
lewasj ustsil
enceVumi l
e
keptti
ghteni
nghisjawsandshaki nghishead.
Whenwegott otheprison,Vumi l
espoket o
somepr i
sonwar denitlookedliketheyknew
eachotherthenwewer edirect
edt owherewe
coul
dmeetSanel e.Il
ookedathi m ashewal ked
tous.Heact ual
l
ylookedbi ggerli
kemuscul ar,
hewasbal dbutbeforehehadashor tf
ade,he
l
ookedev enmor eyel
lowt hanusual .

Vumile:"
sit
"Sanel
eclear
edhi
sthr
oatandsat
downopposi t
eus,Vumil
ewashol
dingmyhand
underthetabl
e
Sanel
e:"
Sanbona.Hi
Nobunt
u"

Vumi l
e:"don'
taddr
essherdon'
tevenl
ookather
orIwillj
umpov ert
hist
ableandendyour
patheti
clif
e"

Sanele:"
manlet'
snotmakethi
saboutus
becauseImightj
ustbetheonetoendyours"
Vumi l
ewasabouttostandupIhel
dhishand
ti
ghter

Me:"
pleasejustst
op.Sanel
eIneedyourhel
p,
mysonissickandheneedst obei
ntr
oducedto
hi
sancestor
s"

Sanel
e:"
sowhatdoest
hathav
etodowi
thme?
"
Isi
ghed
Vumile:
"becausehei
syoursony
ousonofa
bi
tch"Sanel
elookedatme

Sanel
e:"
wehaveachil
dNobuntu?Whywoul
d
youkeepthi
sfr
om me?Al
ltheseyear
s?"

Vumi
l
e:"
shewassupposedt
ot.
."

Sanele:"
shutthefuckup!
"Ishi
ver
edal i
tt
leand
withi
nami nuteVumilewasontopoffhi
m
punchinghim butt
heguardsqui
ckl
ygotVumi l
e
offhi
m

Vumil
e:"
Ifucki
ngendy
ouf
ucki
ngsonofa
bi
tch"

P.War
den:
"It
oldy
out
okeepcal
m Ngcobo"
Vumi l
e:"I
'
m cal mletgoofme"theydid"
you
pieceoftrashy ougoingt
ocal
lyourfamil
yand
youwi l
lhavet hi
sdone.Youwil
ldombelekofor
Sbaniandcl eanseNobuntut
heny ouwil
lfor
get
theyexist
"

Sanel
e:"
that
'smyson!
"

P.War
den:
"hey
!Youwi
l
lfor
gett
heyexi
st"

Sanel
e:"
Nobunt
u"Il
ookedaway

Vumi
l
e:"
Isai
ddon'
taddr
essher
"

Sanel
e:"
okaybutcomeonmant
hat'
smychi
l
d
andI'
veal
readyl
ostf
oury
ear
sofhi
sli
fe"
Vumil
e:"
letmespeakt
ohi
minpr
ivat
eman
pl
ease"

P.War
den:
"youwantt
ogot
ojai
lNgcoboIsee"

Sanele:"
I'
lldoitI'
llgetitdonebutpl easeman
pleaseallIaskistobei nhi sl i
fe.Hismyson
andIalreadymi ssedf oury earsofhi sli
fe.
NobuntuI '
m sorryIam r eallysorry.Notaday
goesbywi thoutregretti
ngt akingadv antageof
youandhur ti
ngy oul i
ket hatbutpl ease,al
lIask
i
sachancet obei nhisl i
fepl ease"
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t19

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Me: "
sorr
ySanelebutSbani i
sst
il
lababyhe
won'tunder
standwhyhesuddenl yhast wo
fat
hersandIdon'twanty oui
nmyson' sl
if
e.
Whenhei solderandy ououtofprisonwecan
tal
kaboutthi
sagai n.Rightnowthere'
snoneed
toputmychildthrought hetr
aumaofcomi ng
here"

Sanel
e:"
hei
smyson"

Me:"andhowdi
dyougethi
m?Don'
tpl
aywi
th
Sanel
e"

Sanel
e:"
Nobunt
upl
ease"

Me:"
behappyIam say
ingwecanrevi
sitt
his
t
alkwhenyououtofpr
ison.Nowwi
ll
youpl ease
talkt
oyourf
ami
l
ytoday
?Hehasbeenr
eal
l
y
sick"

Sanel
e:"
canIseehi
spi
ctur
e?"

Vumi
l
e:"
no!
"

Me:"
itf
ine"It
ookoutmyphoneandshowed
hi
m api
ctureofSbani

Sanele:"
wowhel ooksjustli
keme"Vumi l
e
groaned.Sbani
reall
ydidlooklikehi
sf at
herj
ust
thatSbaniwasmor eli
ghtskinned.Because
bothSaneleandIareli
ghtskinned.

Me:
"hedoesn'
t"hel
ookedatmesmi
l
ing
Sanel
e:"
don'
tl
ie.Hel
ooksgoodl
i
kehi
sfat
her
"

Vumi
l
e:"
babyl
et'
sgo"

Me:
"okay
"

Sanel
e:"
soheisthei
diotmysoni
scal
l
ingdad?
Real
lyNobunt
u?"

Vumil
e:"
heydon'
tcomef ormewenanj
a"I
gr
abbedmyphonefrom Sanel
e

Sanel
e:"
yournumbermamakhe?
"

Vumi
l
e:"
forwhat
?!"

Sanel
e:"
howam Isupposedt
ocommuni
cat
e
wi
thheraboutt
her
it
ual
"

Vumi
l
e:"
takemynumber
"

Sanel
e:"
fucknoIwanther
s"

Vumi
l
e:"
no"

Sanel
e:"
guessy
oudon'
twantt
hist
ohappen"

Me:
"i
tfi
ne"Igav
ehi
m mynumberandwel
eft
.

Onceagainitwassi
lenceunt
ilwegottomcd
dri
vethr
oughwhenheaskedmei fIwant
somethi
ng,Itol
dhimtogetmedoubl epounder
meal.Whenwegotourf oodhedroveoff
.
Sbani
wasasl
eepwhenwegott
othehospi
tal
Me:
"howwashe?
"

Mom: "good,pl
ayf
ulasalwaysandbraggi
ng
abouthisbaba"Vumil
elaughed.Sbani
lov
ed
braggi
ngaboutVumiletoanyonewhowoul d
l
isten.

Vumi
l
e:"
hay
ihei
sget
ti
ngbet
tergempel
a"

Mom;
"yeah.Howdi
ditgo?
"

Me:"
hesai
dhewil
l speakwithhi
sfamil
ybuti
t
wi
ll
bedone"mom breathedoutl
oudl
y

Mom:"
good.I'
m gl
adhedidn'
tgi
veyout
roubl
e
nowwejusthav
etofacet
hatevi
lwoman"
Vumil
e:"
Ijusthat
ethismaht
hiswi
l
lbr
ingt
hat
fami
l
ybackt oourli
ves"

Mom: "ihat
eitt
oobutwhatcanbedone.Ij
ust
prayt
heywon'tgiveusmuchtr
oubl
eandthat
thi
swill
bedonesoonNobuntuneedstogo
backtoschoolnextweek"

Me:"
I'
m notgoi
ngthere!Iam notgoi
ngt
oleav
e
mysonwhilehehasjustbeensick"

Vumi
l
e:"
babyy
oucan'
tmi
ssschool
"

Me:
"ri
ghtnowIdon'
tev
encar
eabouti
t"

Mom:"
Nobuntuno.Rememberwhyy
ouwent
t
her
einthef
ir
stplace"
Me:
"Sbani
issi
ck"

Vumile:"
Sbanihasmeandy
ourmother
.When
thi
sthingisdonehewi
l
lbebet
ter
"

Me:"Ican'
tleavemysonwhi l
eheusnot
completel
ywell"ashecoul
dhearus,hewoke
upandlookedar ound.Hei
mmediatel
ysmil
ed
ashi
sey eslandedonVumile

Sbani
:"babamydonal
d"wel
aughed

Vumi
l
e:"
Igoti
tboy
"

Sbani
:"Bunt
uhel
pmesitup"Ihel
dhim,hel
ping
hi
m si
tup.Hehadhi
sIVli
neinhisleg
Me:
"ther
ewego"Vumil
egavehi
m hi
sfood
"
whatdowesaySbani
sam"

Sbani
:"abongababa"

Vumi
l
e:"
shoboy
"

Sbani
:"sho"t
heyf
istpumpedmaki
ngmer
oll
myeyes. 
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwokeupt oonl
yfi
ndapai
rofbl
uetwi
nkl
i
ng
eyesstar
ingatmewit
hsomuchlov
e.Helov
ed
met her
ewasnodoubtandIf
oundmysel
f
falli
ngf orhim wi thev erypassingday.Hemade
mef eel foreignt hingsandwantt oexploret he
whol ewor ldl ikehej ustmademewantt ogoal l
ov ert hewor ldwi thhim knowingthatIwi l
l be
l
ov edandpr ot ected.Hej ustmademewant
mor eoutofl ife.Li keI'vealwaysbeent he
per fectdaught erandsi ster,mostlybecausef or
asl ongasIcanr ememberI '
vebeentoldt hat
myy oungsi bl ingsl ookupt omeandIam a
goodexampl et omesoIst ri
vedforperfect i
on.
ButLeoj ustl ov edmef orme, nottheper f
ect
Lelot hatev er yonet hinkIam.Wi thSabel ohe
waswi thmebecausewewer egoodf ri
endsand
hegotscar edt hathewi lll
osemewhenI
act uallystar tedent ert
aini
ngboy s,Iwasa
trophyt ohim, Icompl etedtheperfectboy
i
magehepr esent edt ohisparentsandhel oved
thatmostoft hemal esaroundhi m wishest hey
hadmei nthei rar ms.

Ismi
l
edathi
m,wehadsneakedi
nathi
s
grandparents'
shousewhi chiswherehestay si
f
heisv i
siti
ngKzn.Hepr efer
redstay
inghere
i
nsteadofst ayingathisf
ather'
shouse.Last
ni
ghtaf t
erhitt
ingtheclubwithhisfri
endsand
mycousi nsSophi eandChloe,hi
m andIcame
hereinsteadofhimt aki
ngmebackhome.My
parentswer ei
nI t
alysowhynot ,
butIknewt hat
daddyknewwher eIwas.Disadvantageof
havingat r
ackerinmybody .

Leo:"
youhavegottobethemostbeaut
if
ul
womanI '
veevermet.Doyouknowhow
beaut
if
ulyouare?"

Me:
"Leo"

Leo:"y
ouliter
arytakemybreat haway.Lel
othis
wil
lbesomet hingspeci
alIpromiseyou,you
won'tregr
etbeingmine.Thisloveofminewill
neverl
etyougo.Babyy oual lt
hatIwant "Iheld
thebackofhisneckandbr oughthisf aceto
mine.Iki
ssedhim har danddeepl y.Hequi ckl
y
gotontopof ,
Iopenedmyl egsandhegr oaned
ashesettl
edbet weent hem.Il etoutamoanas
hegrabbedmybr east,Iwasonl yi
nhi spy j
ama
topandthefabricfeltsot hin.Itdi
dn'ttakelong
forhi
mt otakeitoffleav i
ngmecompl etely
naked

Me:
"Leo"hewaski
ssi
ngmyneckl
eav
ingbi
te
mar
ksashekeptgoi
ngdown"
Leo"

Leo:
"yesl
ove"

Me:"
please"hechuckl
edbef
oregrabbi
ngmy
t
hongwithhisteet
handtaki
ngitoff

Leo:
"rel
ax"
Hebr
oughtmecl
osetohi
sbodyaf
termaki
ng
mecl
imaxwit
hhi
stongue
Leo:
"I'
venev
erbeenwi
thav
irgi
nbef
ore"

Me:"
Leo!
"Ipunchedhi
schestmaki
nghi
m
l
augh

Leo:"
youbeingav
irgi
nisamazi
ngLel
o,i
ta
beaut
if
ult
hing"

Me:
"Ineedt
ogohomemysi
bli
ngsar
eal
one"

Leo:
"wi
thl
otofst
aff
"

Me:
"Ineedt
ogoLeo"
Leo: "
okayl oveI'll
takey ouhome, let'
sshower
fi
rst"hegotof fthebedandcar ri
edmet othe
bathroom wher ewet ookashower .Af t
erthatI
gotdr essedinhi ssweat pantsandt -shir
tthen
wewentdownst ai
rswher ewef oundhi sfamily.
Ij
ustst oodt heref r
ozenast heyall star
edatus.
Ihadnev erbeeni nsuchasi tuati
on, withSabel
o
Ihadnev ersleptov erathi
spar entshouse.

Amel
i
a:"
lel
othando!
"

Me:"aunt
y.Idi
dn'tknowyouwer
ethi
sside"
uncl
eSphejustlaughedal
ongwi
thuncl
eAvery

Aver
y:"
don'
tmaket
hepoorchi
l
dwantt
opee
onLeo'
spant
s"

Thando:
"youj
usthadt
ooAv
ery
"
Yammy:"
leav
ethechi
l
daloneyourascal
syou
maki
ngheruncomf
ort
abl
e.YouSne'sdaught
er
ri
ght
?"

Me:
"Yebogogo"shesmi
l
ed

Yammy :"comeher e"Leol etgoofmyhandI

walkedtoher,thi
swomanwasagi nggraceful
ly
.
Theywasj ustsomet hi
ngsweetandcal ming
abouther,notment i
oningt hatshesmel ledli
ke
bakedgoods."Youasbeaut i
fulasy ourmother"
shecuppedmyf aceandki ssedmyf or
ehead
"y
oushoul dcomehav edinnerorl unchwi t
hus
oneday"Istoodup

Leo:
"shewi
l
lcomegr
andma"
Yammy
:"makesur
eshecomes"

Aver
y:"
yesshedef
ini
tel
yhast
ocome,
Liam wi
l
l
l
ovethi
s"

Nz
uzo:
"Av
ery
!"

Av
ery
:"sor
ry"

Leo:
"babyl
etmet
akey
ouhome"

Amel
i
a:"
Lel
oIwi
l
lcal
lyou"

Me:"okayaunt
y"Leotookmyhand.Ihear
d
SpheandAv er
ylaughaswewalkedout

Leo:
"don'
tmi
ndmyuncl
est
heyst
upi
d
somet
imes"Ismackedhi
sar
m

Me: "
whydidn'tyout
ellmeauntyAmel
iai
s
here?!Iam notr
eadytotal
ktomyparent
s
aboutus"heshruggedhisshoul
der
s

Leo:
"sor
ry"hewassmi
l
ing

Me:"younotev
ensor
ryLeo!
"Hel
aughedl
oudl
y
dr
ivi
ngout

Leo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"Iki
ssedhi
scheek 
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Iwasnotl ooki
ngforwar dt
ot hi
s.ItwasFriday
andwewer edri
vi
ngt oSabelo'shome, wasin
thecarwi t
hVumi l
e,mom, Mr sNgcoboand
Sbani whokeptaskingwher ewegoi ngandif
we'vearri
ved.I
twasFr iday,
theweekendt hat
theri
tualswastakingplace.Ibreathedoutas
wedr oveinthegate,Vumilegavemyhanda
squeeze

Vumi
l
e:"
itgoi
ngt
obef
inebabyIam her
e"

Me:"y
ougoi
ngt
oleav
eVumi
l
e,y
ouwon'
tsl
eep
her
e"

Vumi le:
"mom andmahwi l
lbeherewit
hyou.
Justwat chmysonNobuntupleasemakesur
e
nothinghappenstohi
m Ihaveareal
lybad
feel
ingov ert
his"
Me:"hewon' tl
eavemysight"Sanel
e'smot her
wasal r
eadystandi
ngoutsidelooki
ngasev ilas
al
way s.Shelookedli
kesheisreadytokillme
andallIwantedatthatmomentwast otell
Vumiletoturnthecarback.I
twasgoi ngtobea
l
ongni ghtandanevenlongerdaythef ol
lowing
day
[
03/
19,
22:
06]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t20

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Wegotoutofthecar,It
ookSbanicarr
iedhi
m
aswewalkedtowardsthedoorwhereSanel
e's
motherwasst
andingwithsomewoman.
Mr
sN:
"sani
bona"

S'
smom:
"Yeboni
njanbohSongca"

Mom:
"wear
ewel
landni
na?
"

S'
smom: "
beenbetter
.CanIseet
hel
i
ttl
e
Hl
ongwane"IputSbanidown

Me:
"gr
eetbaby
,sayhel
l
otogogo"

Sbani
:"gogo?
"

Me:
"yes"
Sbani
:"sabona"Sanel
e'
smot
hersmi
l
edand
l
if
tedhim up

S'
smom: "y
oul
ookj
ustl
ikey
ourdad"Sbani
l
ookedatVumi
l
esmil
ing

Sbani
:"baba"

S'
smom: "noyourr
ealfat
her
"Ijustt
ookmyson
fr
om herwhi
leSbanil
ookedatherconf
used

Sbani
:"babawher
eismydonal
d?"

Vumil
e:"i
nthecarboy,
comeletgeti
t"het
ook
Sbani
from meandtheywal
kedbacktothecar

S'
smom:
"thi
sboyneedst
oknowhi
sreal
f
ather
"

MrsN:"Sbanisam i
sachildtheonl
ythingyou
goi
ngtodoi sconfusehim.Nowarey ougoing
towel
comeusi nyourhome? "

S'
smom:
"mxm"

Woman: "
Gugudon't.YoupromiseSanelethat
youwi l
lbewelcoming.I'
m Sanel
e'
sauntpat t
y,
welcomet oourhomeandpl easegetin.The
unclesareint
helounge"

Mom: "
thankyou"weallwalkedi
nbesi
des
Vumi
leandSbani,theywereeati
ngi
nthecar
.
Wegottot hel
oungeandsatdownafter
gr
eet
ing
Uncl
e:"
wher
eist
hey
oungman?
"

Gugu:
"wi
tht
hatboywhot
hinksmygr
andsoni
s
hi
s"

Uncle2:"Guguy ouwillnotbehav eli

key ouhave
nomor alsorev enhomet rai
ningthisweekend.
Saneletoldusthatthisi simportanttohim.We
al
lknowt hatherapedt hischil
dandasa
womany oushoul datl
eastbesy mpat het
ic"

Gugu:
"shewasl
yi
ng!
"

Pat
ty:
"Saneleadmit
tedtohurti
ngt hi
sgir
l.What
el
sedoy ouwantGugu?St opbeingindenial
dammit.Foraneducatedwomanwor seofital
l
asoci
alworkeryoureall
yarestupi
d!"
Uncl
e2:"
okaypatt
yshei
sst
il
lourbr
other
'swi
fe
soshowrespect
"

Gugu:"I
'
llbei
ntheki
tchen"shest
oodupand
walkedaway

Uncl
e2:
"Iam bhekoSanel
e'
sbabancane"

Uncle: "andI'
m mandl aSanele'sbaba'
dala,
unfortunat el
ywer ecent
lylostourbrother.His
father.YoumustbeNobunt u,honestl
y
speaki ngweshoul dhavecamet oapol ogizet
o
yourf ami l
yMr ssongcawhenSanel etoldus
thathehadr eall
yrapedy ourdaughterbuthe
j
ustt oldusnowwhenhewasaski ngust ohave
thi
sdone.Wewi llcl
eanseNobunt uandy our
houseal ongwithdoingther i
tualf
orSbani sam"

Mom:
"ify
ouexpect
ingust
osayt
hanky
ouwe
won'
t"

Bheko:"
nowwenotexpect i
ngathankyoubut
weareaskingforf
orgi
venessandthatweal
l
worktoget
hertoensur
ethatthi
sgoeswellf
or
bothNobuntuandsbani
sam"

Mandl
a:"
wewi
l
lkeepoursi
steri
nlawi
nli
ne"

Mr
sN:
"thati
sal
lthatweaski
ngf
or"

Patty:"
wethoughty
oumi ghtwantal i
tt
lebitof
priv
acysowehadSanel e'
sbackr oom prepared.
Ithastwobedroomsandaki tchenandal ounge
soy ouwil
lbecomfort
ablethere"

Mom:
"thanky
ou"
Patty:"
pleasefol
lowme"wef ol
l
owhert
othe
backhousesheopenedt hedoorandweal
lgot
i
n" Ihopey ouwil
lbecomfor
tabl
e"

MrsN:"
wewill
.Thanky
ou"shenoddedand
wal
kedout"
gotel
lVumil
etobri
ngourbags"

Me:"okay
"Iwentouttothecar.Theyboth
l
ookedatmeasIgoti nthecarclosi
ngthedoor
behi
ndme" wewereshownt hehousewegoi ng
touseappar
entl
yitbel
ongstoSanele"

Vumi
l
e:"
mxm"

Me:"Iwishthi
swasov eral
ready"hehel
dmy
chi
nandweki ssedshortl
y,Sbaniwasgiggl
ing
aswepul l
edapart"
whatisy oursongi
ggli
ngat"
Vumilechuckl
ed
Vumil
e:"
hel
i
kesi
twhenhi
spar
ent
sexchange
sal
i
va"

Me:
"real
l
y?Yougoi
ngt
ocal
luski
ssi
ngt
hat
?"

Sbani
:"Bunt
uagai
n.Ki
sski
ss"

Vumi
le:
"youhear
d"hehel dthebackofmyneck
weki
ssedagai
n,Sbanicrackedup.Ipushed
Vumi
lebackwhil
egiggl
ingsoftl
y

Me:
"yout
woar
esi
l
ly"

Vumi
l
e:"
youl
oveus"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhy
.Comehel
pmewi
tht
he
bags"wegotof
fthecarandt
ookt
hebags

Sbani
:"baba?
"

Vumi
l
e:"
yesboy
"

Sbani
:"whosehomei
sthi
s?"

Vumi
l
e:"
gogo'
shome"

Sbani
:"Ihav
etwogogos"

Vumil
e:"yesbecauseyouar
esuchagoodboy"
Sbanigi
ggledIhel
dhishandwewalkedt
othe
backhouse.

Sbani
:"I
'
m goi
ngt
osl
eepwi
thbaba,
angi
thi
baba?
"

Vumi
le:
"nottodaybi
gboy
"Sbani
frowned
l
ooki
ngaround

Sbani
:"am Ist
il
lgoi
ngbackt
othehospi
tal
?I
missZolaandNonku"

Vumi
l
e:"
tomor
rowwewi
l
lgobackhome"

Sbani
:"r
eal
l
y?"

Vumi
l
e:"
Ipr
omi
se"Sbani
smi
l
ednoddi
ng 
.

botht
hembelekoandcleansi
ngrit
ual
shad
gonepret
tywel
l.Theyr
eall
ydidkeepGugui
n
checkandIwasgr ateful,
Idon'tknowwhyt hat
womanwasi ndenialli
kethatbecauseSanele
hadadmi tt
edtorapingmebutshest i
l
lcl
aimed
Iwasl y
ingandjustouttodestroyherson.It
wasnowSat ur
dayaf t
ernoonwewer egett
ing
readytoleavebuttheuncleshadaskedfora
meeting.Soherewear einthelounge

Mandl
a:"
wehopey
oudi
dn'
thav
eadi
ff
icul
t
st
ay"

Mom:"wedidn'
t.Thanky
oufort
hehospit
ali
ty
andt
hankyoufordoingt
hisf
ormychil
dren"

Bheko:"
itwastheleastwecoul
ddo.West
il
l
needtocleansey
ourhome"

Mom: "
wenoti
ntherusht
ogetthatdoneand
Nobunt
uisgoi
ngbacktoschool
thi
sweek"
Pat
ty:
"wher
edoy
oust
udyNobunt
u?"

Mom: "atWit
sshe'sdoingBCom Account
ing"
thepri
deinmom' svoi
cewhenevershetal
ks
aboutwhereI'
m study
ing

Pat
ty:
"beaut
ypl
usbr
ains"

Bheko:"i
fonlySanelemengasi soi
sishi
manehe
couldhaveapproachedy ouproper
lymay bey
ou
twowouldbei narelati
onship"MrsNgcobo
clear
edherthroati
ni r
ri
tati
on

Mandl
a:"
speaki
ngofrel
ati
onshipswewoul
d
l
ikef
orSbani
sam t
ohavear el
ati
onshi
pwit
h
t
hissi
deofthef
amily
"
Mom:
"sor
rybutt
hatwon'
thappen"

Mandl a:"
weunder standt hatSbani wasn' tbor n
undernor mal ci
rcumst ances, buthei sher enow
andhehashl ongwanebl oodr unni ngt hrough
hi
sv eins.Wet akef amilyv eryser i
ous, wer ai
se
ourchildren.Bel
ievemeSbani isstill
goi ngt o
getsickifhedoesn' tComeher eev er
yoncei n
awhileespeciall
yifwehav i
ngsomer itual going
on.Youseehowpackedt hisyar diswi thf ami l
y
andSbani i
spartoft hisfami ly.Donotl ethi m
suff
erbecauseofhi sfather'
swr ongdoi ngs"

Mr
sN:
"Sbani
hasaf
ami
l
y"

Bheko:
"andthatwouldbey ourson?Lookwit
h
al
lduerespectSbanii
saHl ongwanenota
Ngcoboasmuchasy oursonwoul dl
ikehi
mto
be.Wegrateful
toyoursonf orbei
ngther
efor
Sbani,everyboyneedsafatherfigure.Wehave
nocomment sonwhoNobunt uiswithandwe
haveabsol ut
elynoprobl
em withVumi l
eandwe
don'thavear i
ghttohaveadayaboutwho
Nobunt uexposingSbanit
obutal lwewanti s
forSbani t
ohav earel
ati
onshipwi t
ht hi
ssideof
thefami l
ythat'
sall
"

Patt
y:"t
aketi
me.Thinkaboutitbuti
tisin
Sbani
'sbesti
nter
estthaty
oukeepi ntouchwi
th
usandallowustokeepintouchwithyou"

Mom:
"canwet
hinkaboutt
his?
"

Mandl
a:"
ofcour
se.
"

Me:"r
ightnowIdonotwantSanel
ear
oundmy
son"
Gugu:"
heishi
sfat
her
!Wel
lunl
essyoulyi
ng
andyoudon'
tknowwhot
hefat
herofyourchi
l
d
i
s"

Bheko;"
don'
tbecr azyGugut
hatchi
ldisa
spit
ti
ngimageofSaneleandtheancestor
s
wouldn'
thaveacceptedhi
mifhewasn'ta
Hlongwane"

Mom: "
wewi l
lthi
nkaboutit.Fornowwewoul d
l
iketogowest i
ll
haveal ongway "Mandl
afor
onechil
dhecamei nrunninghewast ol
dtogo
cal
lSbani whocameinr unningaswellaf
ter
bei
ngcalled

Sbani
:"mama"hewal
kedt
omom
Bheko:
"comeher
emzukul
u"

Mom: "gotomkhul
uSbani "henoddedand
walkedovert
othem, t
heysaidthei
rgoodby
e.
Theywalkedusout.Patt
ypulledmeint
oahug

Pat
ty:"y
ouav er
yst
rongy
oungwomanNobunt
u.
Iwi
llcal
lyou"

Me:
"okay
"wegoti
nthecaranddr
oveof
f

Sbani
:"babaIhav
esomuchmoneyIwi llbuy
donal
dsf ormeZolaandNonku"t
heyhadgiven
hi
m money

Vumi l
e:"whataboutme?Ial
sowant
McDonal ds"weli
stenedt
othem t
alkf
ort
he
restoftheway.
Afterput
tingput
ti
ngSbanitosleepIwal
kedout
toVumi l
e,hewasinthecarli
steni
ngtomusic.I
putmyseatdownl ikehi
m andlaidonmyside
facinghi
m 
Vumi
l
e:"comehere"Igotont
opofhi
m"I
'
m
gl
adt
hisisov
er"

Me:"
met oo"Idi
dn'
tknowhowtotel
lhi
m about
t
hem wanti
ngtobeinSbani
'
sli
fe,
Iknewhe
wasgoi
ngt obeupset

Vumi
l
e:"
Ilov
eyoumyangel
"

Me:"Il
oveyoumor
eNgcobo"hesmi l
edand
hel
dthebackofmyneckwekissed
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Leo:"Versaceont
hefl
ooroohtakei
tof
fforme
forme"hesangasIwast aki
ngoffmyVer
sace
dressthatIwaswear
ing

Me:
"yazi
yougetbor
edshame"

Leo:
"butbabyI
'
m si
ngi
ngt
oyou"

Me: "
youj
ustl
oveseei
ngmenakedLeo
Plummer"henoddedwi
thagoof
ysmil
eonhi
s
face

Leo:"yes.I
'm guil
ty!
.Il
oveseeingy ounaked
baby,youhav ethebestbodyev er"hepull
edme
tostandbetweenhi slegsandgr abbedmyass
"whyar eyoustil
lpureLel
othando? "Isi
ghed
Me: "
Iwanttowai
tunt
ilmarr
iage"helaughed
hardunt
ilhesawIwasseri
ous,heclearedhi
s
thr
oat

Leo:"
babyt
hatadmir
abl
eitreal
lyi
sbutI'
ma
guyandatmyagesexisr
eallysomet
hingI
can'
tbewit
houtandl
astt
hingIwanti
st ocheat
onyou"

Me:
"Leo"

Leo:"I
'
llwai
tunti
lyoureadybabybutdamnit
goingtobehardandwor separ
tIdon'
tsee
myselfgett
ingmarri
edanytimesoon"

Me:
"I'
m notsay
ingmar
rymeLeo"
Leo:"
goodbecausei fIdidmarr
yy our i
ghtnow
i
twouldbesoIcanhav esexwithy ouand
bel
iev
emewebot hdon'twantt
hatbecausewe
wil
ldi
v orceayeari
ntoourmar r
iage.Iwill
marry
youbelievemethatIcanassurejustnotnow.I
wantittohappenbecausewebot hr eadyfori
t"

Me:
"justdon'
tcheatonmeLeoIwon'
tbeabl
e
t
ohandleit
"

Leo:"Il
oveyout
oomucht ohur
tli
kethat
"he
broughtmetohi
schestandwejusthel
donto
eachother

[
03/
20,
10:
41]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss
I
nser
t21

#Lel
o
¥¥

Mypar entswer egoingt ober enewi ngt heir

vowssowewer egoi ngtoPar isfort hat.Just
familyandr eall
yclosef r
iends.Iwast akingLeo
withme.I twoul dbet hef ir
sttimet hathemeet s
daddyandpapabutaf ewweeksbackwehad
l
unchwi thmom andhi m.SoIwasal i
ttl
et oo
anxiousabouti t,Iknewpapawoul dn'thavea
problem ImeanNat hywasdat i
ngnowandshe
wasar eal handf ulatleastwi t
hmeIwasol d
andIwasdonewi t
hschool .Idon'tknowwhat
waswr ongwi thmyl itt
lesistershewasj ust
rebell
iousandi twaski l
li
ngpapa.Iki ssedhi s
cheek, wewer edr i
v i
nghome.Wher ehewas
goingt oleav ehi scarandwewoul ddr i
vewi th
myf ami lytot hepr i
vateai r
portwher ewewer e
goi
ngtotakedaddy
'sj
et,
theJamesf
ami
l
yhad
al
readyl
eft
.

Leo:
"nol
i
eI'
m scar
ed"

Me:"
younotmyf
ir
stboy
fri
endsoi
twon'
tbe
t
hathar
d"

Leo:"j
ustknowifyourdaddypunchesme,Iam
goingtocry"Il
aughedathim br
ushi
nghi
slap

Me: "
don'
t.I
fhedoesjustbestr
ongandtakei
t
becausei
fyoudon'thewil
lthi
nkyoucan'
t
prot
ectme"

Leo:
"babyIcanpr
otecty
ou"
Me:"
youhavet
oprovethatt
othoset
women
whorai
sedme"hechuckl
edshaki
nghi
shead

Leo:"Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
eveyourf
atheri
salsoyour
uncleandhereIwasthi
nki
ngmyf amil
yis
fuckedup"

Me:
"Leo!
"Ipunchedhi
m

Leo:"
justsayingmyl ove"heparkedoutsi
dethe
gateandsecur i
tyguardrushedtothecar,I
openedthewi ndowandwav edathim he
noddedandopenedt hegate.Wedr ov
eupt he
dri
veway" yourhomebaby !
"

Me: "
saysyoulivi
nginavineyar
d!"Leo'
sfamil
y
hadthishugevineyar
dincapetownt heyal
so
stay
edt her
e,Ihadwentthereli
keacouple
monthsbackt omeetthem andtheylovedme!
NowIonl
yhadtomeethi
sestr
angedf
atherbut
wasnotl
ooki
ngfor
war
dtoit

Leo:"
jahbutitnott
hisbi
g"heparkedout
side
thegarage,
mybr ot
herswereal
readyget
ti
ngin
theminivan

Me:
"bhut
ina!
"Iscr
eamedasIgotoutoft
hecar

Enzo:"
evenwhendati
ngacolour
edguyy
oust
il
l
thesame"Ij
ustl
aughedheopenedhi
sar
ms
andwehugged

Sj;
"myturnnow"hewaspushingEnzo,
Ipicked
hi
m upsqueezedhim"okayy
ousquashingme"
Iputhi
m downlaughi
ng

Lonhl
e:"
whatabouty
ourbi
gbr
other
?"Ir
oll
ed
myeyeswehuggedmeandki
ssedmyhead.
Thi
skidwassotal
l
,hewasev
ental
l
ert
hanme

Me:
"youkeepget
ti
ngt
all
er"

Lonhl
e:"
Iknowr
ight
!"Wepul
l
edapar
t

Me: "
okayboy
st hi
sisLeomyboy fri
end,Leo
thesearemyli
tt
lebrot
hers.Lonhl
e,Enzoand
Sj"

Sj
:"hi
seyesar
ebluel
i
kewhitepeopl
e"he
whi
speredmaki
ngmelaugh

Leo:
"heyboy
s"EnzoandLonhl
ewalkedar
ound
hi
m,cir
cli
ngwhi
lelooki
ngathi
m upanddown
Me:
"boy
s"

Enzo:"woul
ditbebadi
fhemadehi
m suf
fer
becauseofwhatSabel
odi
d"

Lonhl
e:"
justsoheknowst
hatheshoul
dn'
tpl
ay
wit
hyourheart
"

Me: "
fir
stl
yheisolderthanyousoshowsome
respect,
secondl
yhei snotSabel
oandthi
rdl
y
no"Ipushedthem back

Leo:"Icanassur
eyouIwoul
dneverhur
tyour
si
sterli
kethatIl
ovehert
oomuch"

Enzo:"
good.Wel
comet oourhomewel l
obvi
ouslyy
ouwon'tbesleepi
ngorspending
ti
mehereasweleavingbutwhatev
er"
Lonhl
e;"
Gody
ousobl
ondeEnzo"

Me:"babycome"justasIwaspull
i
nghi
mt ot
he
door
, i
topenedandmypar ent
scameout

Dad:
"comehugyourfather
"Igi
ggl
edwal
ki
ngt
o
hi
m wehugged"
youlate"

Me:"sorry
"Igaveallofthem hugs"daddy
,papa
andauntyZiyandathisi
sLeoPl ummermy
boyf
riend"mom andaunt yZi
y andal
ookedat
eachotherandgiggled

Dad:
"mmh"hewal
kedt
othecar

Papa:
"hel
l
oLeo.Wewi
l
ltal
kint
hej
eti
nlat
e"
Mom:"goodt
oseey
ouagai
nLeo"t
heyal
lwent
i
nthecar

Leo:
"Idon'
tknowwhatt
otakef
rom t
hat
"

Me: "metoobutevery t
hingwi l
lbefi
ne"he
walkedtohiscartookourbagst othecarwe
wer eusi
ngtotheairpor tthenwewentin.We
sattoget
her.Heheldmyhandsandki ssed
them asthecardroveof f
.Mom andaunt y
Ziyandawentncooh, Ijustblushedandputmy
headonhi sshoul
derheki ssedmyhead.

Wef ounduncleKl
einandaunt
yNat
asha
al
readywaiti
nginthejet
.

Daddycl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatassoonast
hej
et
l
evel
edandwewereal
lowedt
omov earound.
Leol
ookedatmeandsmil
edner
vousl
y,Ishook
myheadli
ghtl
y.

Dad:
"youLi
am'
sson"

Me: "
daddyhei snothisfatherandhewasn' t
ev enrai
sedbyhi m.Iknowy ouknowt hatjust
l
ikeIknowy ouknowev er
ythingthereist o
knowabouthi m.BecauseIam hundr edper cent
sur eyoudidabackgr oundcheckonhi m as
soonasmom t oldyouabouthi m.Ialsoknow
thatmom t oldy oueventhoughIaskedhert o
nott el
lyoubecauseshecan' thi
deany t
hing
from you"

Mom:
"woahy
oungl
ady
"

Me:
"Il
ovehi
m andIdon'
twanthi
m bei
ng
j
udgedbecauseofwhohisfatheri
sorhated
becauseofwhatSabel
odi
dt ome.Cleanslat
e
daddy"

Papa:"
youhurtmydaughterLeoIwi
l
lcomefor
younotjustme.Youcanseethemal
esinher
l
ife,
wewi l
lcomeforyou"

Leo:"Il
oveherMrPeterson.Il
ovehert
oomuch
tohurtherIswearIwon'tdoanyt
hingt
ohur
t
her"

Dad:"
wedon'tmaket
hreat
sandIknowy
ou
knowthatwereal
l
ygoi
ngtofucky
ouup"

Mom:
"language"

Dad:
"sor
rybaby
"Igi
ggl
edasheki
ssedher
Klei
n:"y
ougir
lsl
ovest
ressingus.Sf
undoyou
shouldseet
hisboyAr
iajustbr
oughthome"

Mom:"
hei
snott
hatbadNat
tyt
oldmeabout
hi
m"

Klei
n:"y
ouonl
ysayingheisnotthatbad
becausehei
s'goodlooki
ng'accor
dingt
oNat
ty"

Natty
:"hei
sgoodl ooking,
all
col
ouredwit
h
chubbycheeks"Igi
ggledsoft
lyt
hinki
ngabout
ari
a'
snewboy fri
end

Leo:
"looksl
i
kei
tgoi
ngt
obeal
ongf
iveday
s"

Me:
"sor
rybaby
"
Leo:
"fory
ouI'
dshar
earoom withadragon"I
gi
gglesof
tl
y,wewhi
sper
ing.Il
ovehi
m.  
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Itakemyphoneandcal lLeloonthenumber
sheusuallyusewhent r
aveli
ng.Shehadl eftfor
Parisbutri
ghtnowIneededt otalktoafriend
andNosi '
sphonewasonv oi
cemai l
.Eversince
shegotmar ried,herphonewasusual l
yof fon
weekends' f
ami l
ytime'asherhusbandwoul d
say

Lel
o:"
gir
rrl
"Igi
ggl
ed
Me:
"Par
ismustbet
reat
ingy
ougood"

Lel
o:"
gir
lmyboot
hangi
str
eat
ingmegood"I
si
ghed

Me:
"Vumi
l
ewant
ssex"

Lel
o:"
oh.Andhowdoy
ouf
eel
aboutt
hat
?"

Me:"t
heonlyti
meI'
vehadsexwaswhent hat
dogwasrapingmeLelo.Idon'
tknow,li
keIdo
wanttodowithhi
m butI'
m soscared"

Lelo:"
youscar
edofremember
ingwhatt
hat
toothl
essdogdidt
oy ou?
"

Me:
"yes,
li
kewhati
fVumi
l
eisbusyont
opof
meandIj ustgetflashingi magesofSanele?I
wantthi
sLel owe'vebeent ogetherforl
ong.I
meannotj ustbecauseoft hatbutalsobecause
Iwanttomov eourr elationshi
pt othatst
age.
Hehasbeenpat i
entall alongandIknowhehas
beenfucki
ngsomewhor es"

Lel
o:"
howdoyouknowhi
ssl
eepi
ngwi
thot
her
gi
rl
s"Igi
ggl
ed

Me: "Vumil
ei samanandagr ownmanatt hat
.
Hei snotav i
rginsoobv i
ousl
yhewon' tst
ay
awayf rom sexf orsol
ong.Asmuchashehas
beenwai t
ingf ormeandI '
venevercaughthim
cheat i
ngonmeIal soknowthathehadt obe
fuckingsomer andom whor
es"

Lel
o:"
oh,
sowhaty
ougoi
ngt
odo?
"
Me: "Idon'
tLel
oIr eal
l
ydon'tbutal
lIknowis
thatIwanttodot hiswit
hhim butI
'
mj ust
scaredI'l
lfr
eakoutandst ar
tthi
nki
ngabout
Sanele"

Lel
o: "babetonotsoundinsensit
ivebuti
tbeen
fi
vey earsI'
m sureyouwon'tt
hinkabouthim.
Youdon' tevenhavenight
maresov eri
t.Asyou
sayity our
self
,you'
vehealedfr
om thewhole
thi
ngsandSbani al
ongwithVumi l
ehelpedyou
heal
"

Me:
"youhav
eapoi
nt"

Vumi l
e:"t
rustmeNobuntuI
'l
lmakesureyou
don'tt
hinkaboutt
hatdog"Hesnakedhisar
ms
aroundmywai st

Me:
"gi
rlIhav
etogo.Hav
efunandbr
ingme
pr
esent
s"

Lel
o:"
okaybye.Cal
lmeandtel
lmehowi
twent
"
Iendthecal
landtur
ntofaceVumi
l
e

Me:"whyyousneaki
ngup?Ithoughtyouwer
e
st
il
latther
ankchecki
ngonthetaxis"

Vumil
e:"
itt
ookqui
ckerthanIthought"he
pi
ckedmeupandwal kedtothebedroom "t
rust
me"

Me:
"I'
mjustscar
edbaby
"

Vumi
l
e: "
youdon'
thav
eto.Justkeepy
ourey
es
onmelove"
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Vumi
l
e: "
Ilov
ey ouev
enmor
e"hest
art
edt
aki
ng
mycl
othesoff.

Hemadesl owl ovet ome.Ifeltthewor l

d
spli
tt
ingupasi cli
maxedwhi lewekeptourey es
oneachot her'
s.Hekeptt el
li
ngmehowmuch
helovesandcher i
shesmeashi sl i
psneverl
ef t
mybody .Hisst rokesweresl owandf i
ll
edwith
domuchpassi on.Thewayhehel dmybodyas
i
twast remblingf rom t
heaf tershockof
cli
maxing.Inev erimaginedhav i
ngsexcoul d
feelt
hisway .Sanel ewasn'tev enclosetobeing
i
nmyt houghts.Thewayhegr owl edashe
camej ustsentmeonanot heror gasm.

Vumil
e:"
babyIlov
ey ou"hepul
ledmet
olayon
topofhi
m af
terhecoll
apsednextt
ome
Me: "mmh"hechuckledandki
ssedmyhead
holdi
ngmet i
ght
ly.Iwashappyandthor
oughl
y
fucked.
[
03/
20,
10:
41]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t23

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

OnSatur
dayIwokeupwarm andinmyman's
ar
ms,bothofusnaked.Wehadfal
lenasl
eep
af
termakingl
ovei
ntheearl
yhoursofthe
morni
ng.

Vumi
l
e:"
mmh"hest
ir
redasIki
ssedhi
sface
Me:"wakeupNgcobo"hesmi
l
ed.Ikissedhi
m
sof
tl
y"wakeupbabakaSbani
"helaughed
sweetl
yopeni
nghi
sey es

Vumi
l
e:"
yourbedi
ssot
iny
"Iki
ssedhi
m

Me:
"itasi
ngl
ebed"

Vumile:
"let
'scallt
hisboysowecangetready
fort
heday "Igrabbedhisphoneandcal
l
edhis
mother

Me:
"yourmom?
"

Vumile:
"hi
sspendi
ngtheweekendathome
wit
hmom andt hetwi
ns,dadi
shomesohe
wantedtospendti
mewithSbaniaswel
l"hi
s
mot
herpi
ckedup

Mr
sN:
"Vumi
l
e"

Vumile:
"hel
l
omom i nwi
thNobunt
u,wher
eis
ourson?"MrsNgcobogi
ggl
ed

MrsN:"heisoutsidepl
ayingsoccerwit
hyour
f
atherwejustf
inishedbreakf
ast.Hel
loNobunt
u
mychil
d"

Me:
"hel
l
omah"

Vumi
l
e:"
cany
out
aket
hephonet
oSbani
please
mom"

Mr
sN:
"okay
"wehearf
ootst
epst
henher
call
i
ngforSbani
thenhi
svoi
cebef
orehet
akes
thephone

Sbani
:"baba"

Vumi
l
e:"
hel
l
oboy
"

Sbani:
"mi
ssy
oubaba.Mahsai
dyougoi
ngt
o
Buntu"

Vumi
l
e:"
yes.Sayhi
toher
"

Sbani
:"canshehearme?
"Igi
ggl
ed

Me:
"yesIcanheary
ou.Hel
l
obi
gboy
"

Sbani
:"hel
l
oBunt
u.Buy
ani
ni?Imi
ssy
ou"
Me:
"Imi
ssy
ousomuchSbani
sam"

Sbani
:"Sbani
sababat
oo"Vumi
l
eandIl
aughed

Vumi
l
e:"
yeswenaboysbani
sam aswel
l
"

Sbani:
"I'
m pl
ayi
ngsoccerwi
thmkhul
uhei
s
real
l
ybad"wealllaughed

Vumi l
e:"
Iwil
lcomebackandpl
aywi
thy
ousoI
thatIcanbeatyou"

Sbani
:"hhababa!
!I'
mthebestmi
na"

Me:
"tel
lhi
m bi
gboy
"
Vumile:
"yout
hebestbecauseIt
aughty
ou
ever
ythi
ngyouknow"

Sbani:
"st
il
lthebestbaba"wecar
ri
edont
alki
ng
unti
lVumil
er anoutofai
rti
me.

Theuberdroppedusoffatsandtonci
ty.We
wentt
owi mpyf orl
atebr
eakfast
. 
Me:"
thankyouforcomi
ng"hehel
dmyhands
ont
opoft het
able

Vumil
e:"
Iwoulddoanyt
hingf
ory
ouNobunt
u.
Youknowthatri
ght
?"

Me:
"Iknow"

Vumil
e:"
onedaywhenwebot
hreadyandIam
sur
ethatIcanpr
ovi
dey
ouwit
htheli
feyou
deser
veIwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou"

Me:"
IhopesobecauseIcan'
tev
eni
magi
nemy
l
if
ewithsomeoneel
se"

Vumil
e:"andy ougoi
ngtogi
v emebeaut
if
ul
babi
es"Ilaughed"maybef
ive"

Me:
"hha!Ha.
aVumi
l
ethat
'st
oomuch"

Vumile:"I
'vealwayswant edlotofbabies.I
t
i
mpor tanttome, Iwantt ol eav
ethiswor l
d
knowingmybl oodli
nedi dn'tdi
ewi t
hme.I '
m
grat
efulforSbanisam hei smyf i
rstborn,
nkosanay am buthewi l
lalwaysbea
Hlongwane"Ilookeddownhehel dmychi n
makingmef aceup" thatissomet hingwecan't
runawayf rom Nobunt u.YouknowIl ovehim
moret hanany thi
ngbutIdowantchi l
drenwho
wil
lhavemybl oodinthei
rv ei
nsit'
sseriousl
y
i
mpor t
anttomebabyIhopey ouunderstand"I
l
ookedstrai
ghtathim scaredofblinki
ng
becauseIknewt hati
fIbli
nkIwi l
lcryandI
di
dn'twantthat

Me:"Iunderst
andandIknowy oulov
eSbani,
he
l
ovesy outoo"hej
oinedourhandsandki
ssed
t
hem

Vumil
e:"
Ihav
etol
eav
eear
lyt
omor
row,
Igota
ni
ghtshi
ft
"

Me:
"hav
eyoubookedat
icket
"

Vumile:"
yeah.Weshoul
ddogroceri
esthereis
barel
yfoodinyourpl
aceandI'
vebeenthinki
ng
aboutgett
ingyouanapar
tmentIactual
l
yspoke
toanagentwemeet i
ngherat14:
30"
Me:
"thebur
sar
ywon'
tpayf
oranapar
tment
"

Vumile: "
Iwi l
l.Yourroom i
ssmal landI '
m sur e
theywon' tallowSbani t
hereeveny esterdayI
hadtobr ibet hesecuri
tyguy.Sbani andIar e
goingt obev isit
ingyoualot,y
ousai dity oursel
f
thatthisy earisgoingtobehecticbecausei t
yourfinal.Iwanty outograduateNobunt u.At
l
eastoneofushast obeeducated"

Me:
"Idon'
twanty
ouspendi
ngmoneyonme"

Vumil
e:"
youmywomansoitmyjobandIwant
tot
akecareofy
ouf
ort
herestofyourl
i
fe"

Me:"
I'
vebeenthi
nki
ng"henodded"
whenIstar
t
wor
kingl
ikepr
operl
yI'
m goi
ngtobeear
ning
mor
ethany
ou"hel
aughed

Vumile:"
Idoubtt
hat.Thetaxi
saredoingr eal
l
y
grat
eandI '
m sav
ingupt obuyatruckthatwil
l
deli
vercoali
nmpumal angaalr
eadyspeakingto
someguyt hatsi
de"

Me:
"Il
ovet
haty
oubusi
nessmi
nded"

Vumile:
"notever
yoneneedsadegr
eet
o
succeedinl
if
e"

Me:"pl
easedon'
teversaythati
nfr
ontofour
chi
l
dren"webothlaughed

Wemetupwi t
htheestat
eatanapart
ment
buil
dingnotf
arfr
om thecampus.Welooked
aroundandasmuchasIl ov
editIal
sowasn't
comf or
tabl
e.Itwasaonebedr oom apartment
,
withaopenki t
chenanddi
nningar ea,alounge
thenthebedroom wasupstai
rs.Itwas
absolut
elylov
elyandcosy
.Itcamef ul
l
y
furni
shed.Vumilepul
l
edmeasi deandasked
whatIthought 
Me:
"Il
ovei
tbabybuti
sitnotexpensi
ve?
"

Vumi
l
e:"
Icanaf
for
dit
"Inodded

Me:"Il
oveit
"hesmiledandkissedmycheek
bef
oregoingbacktotheagent.Hesignedt
he
l
easeagreementanddidatransferpayi
ngr
ent
anddeposit
.

Vumil
e:"
allyour
s"hegav
emeasetofkey
sand
tookt
heotherset
Me:"
thankyousomuchbaby"Iki
ssedhi
m.He
gr
abbedmyassl i
ft
ingmeupIwrappedmyl
egs
ar
oundhiswaist

Vumile:"wej
ustneedtobuyabeddi
ngset
si
ncet heoneyouwereusingi
ssmallt
hen
ever
ythingwil
lbeset
"

Me:
"yes.Il
ovey
ouNgcobo"

Vumil
e:"
Iloveyouma'Songca"Iki
ssedhi
s
sucki
ngonitashelaidmeont hecouchandwe
madeloveri
ghtther
e
.

#Lel
o
¥¥
IwasinJhbf ortheweekendtovisi
tmyboo
booandofcour seseemygi r
ls.Myarti
cleskept
mev erybusyinDurbansoIhardlyhadti
met o
soci
alize.I
twasSat ur
dayandIwasgoingt o
havelunchwithAriaandNobuntu.

Leo:"I
'
llmi
ssy
ou"heki
ssedmyneck.Iwas
fi
nishi
ngupmymakeupalr
eadydr
essed

Me:"
I'
ll
bebacksoon.Whaty
ougoi
ngt
odo
whi
l
eI'm away
?"

Leo:
"theboy
sar
ecomingovernothi
ngser
ious.
Maybewecanal
lgot
ot aboot
onight
"

Me:"yeahI
'dl
i
ket
hat"hekeptonkissi
ngmy
necksucki
ngoni
tunti
lIpushedhi
m away
Leo:
"youwer
ewi
l
dlastni
ght
"

Me:
"andI
'
m st
il
lsor
efr
om t
hat
"

Leo:
"sorr
yIcamei
nyourmout
hIknowy
ou
don'
tli
kethat
"

Me:"
itokay
"Igrabbedmychanelsl
i
gbag"I'
m
l
eavi
ngnow"hel ookedatmeandsmil
edbefor
e
gi
vi
ngmehi scarkey

Leo:
"takecar
eofmybaby
"Ir
oll
edmyey
es

Me: "
asmuchasIhat
espor
tcar
sIcanhandl
e
yourFer
rar
ibaby
"

Leo:
"becar
eful
she'
sfast
"Ihuf
fedhewas
real
l
yirr
it
ati
ngmesoIj ustthrewthekey
sat
him,i
tfel
laf
terhi
tt
inghisforehead

Me:
"I'
l
ltakeaf
ucki
nguber
!!
"

Leo:"babyI'
m sor
ryIjustwantyoutobecaref
ul
Idon'twantyougetti
nghurt"Iwal
kedoutthe
bedroom heranafterme"sorryl
elopl
easedon'
t
beupset"

Me:
"Iwon'
twr
ecky
ourf
ucki
ngst
upi
dcarLeo"

Leo:"
Iknowbaby"heputthekeyi nmyhand"I
wil
lmissyou"heki
ssedmyf oreheadand
smil
edatmesweet l
yIcouldn'
thelpbutmel
t

Me:
"Iwi
l
lcomebackr
eal
l
ysoon.Il
ovey
ou"
Leo:"
Iloveyoutoo"hewalkedmet othe
undergr
oundparkingandopenedthedoorf
or
me" t
akecareofyoursel
fandhavefun"

Me:"
byebaby"hewinkedatme.Idr
oveof
f
st
art
ingatNobunt
u'snewapar
tment.

WefoundAri
aalr
eadyatjb'
scorner
.Shestood
upandgaveushugsthenweallsatdown.She
washavi
ngacocktai
l
,NobuntuandIordered
vi
rgi
ncockt
ail
s
Ar
ia:
"younotdr
inki
ng?
"

Me:"
Ihaven'
tbeenfeel
i
ngwel
lsoal
cohol
ist
he
l
astt
hingonmymi nd"

Nobunt
u:"y
oumustbereal
lysi
ckweal
lknow
howyoulovey
oural
cohol
"
Me:
"hey
!!
"Weal
ll
aughed

Ari
a:"
howy oufeel
i
ngNobunt
u?Lastwespoke
youweregoingtot
hedoct
or"

Nobunt
u:"yeahIhadst omachfl
ubutI '
m good
nownothingani nject
ionandanti
biot
ics
coul
dn'
tfi
xev ent houghIalmostdiedwhent he
doct
ordidapr egnancyt est
"

Me:
"and?
"

Nobuntu:"
itwasnegat
iveobv
iousl
y.I
'
m on
i
nject
ion"

Ari
a:"
Ihateinj
ect
ioni
tmakesgai
nwei
ghtsoI
gotaplant
"
Me:"y
ouguy saremakingmyheadspi
nwi
thal
l
t
hiscont
racepti
vetal
k"

Ar
ia:
"younotonany
"Ishookmyhead

Nobunt
u:"
what
?!Ar
eyour
eadyt
obeamommy
Lel
o?"

Me: "weuseacondom andi fitbustItake

mor ni
ngaf t
erpill
.Ican'ttakethepill
because
youguy srememberhowi tf
uckedupwi th
Sophie'shormonesshewasal mostdiagnosed
withdepression.Andt hei nj
ecti
onwillmakeme
fatImeany ouguysknowmymom andbot h
grannySneandzol ekat heyallbi
gwomensoI
havet hefatgeneasi tis"
Ar
ia:
"lel
othemorni
ngaf
terpi
l
lisn'
tal
way
ssaf
e
i
tonl
yl i
ke90per
cent
"

Me:
"itbeenwor
kingsof
ar"ourdr
inkscame

Nobunt
u:"
areyousureyounotpr
egnant
?I
meanyou'
vebeensick"

Ari
a:"andf
uckingmoodyashel
lpl
usy
ou
gai
ningweight
"

Me:
"Ihadmyper
iodsl
astmont
h"

Nobuntu:
"let
sgetat
estdone"t
heybot
h
gi
ggled

Me:
"daddywoul
dhav
eahear
tat
tacki
fIgot
pr
egnant
"

Ari
a:"uncl
eSfundoneedstochi
ll
.You24anda
mastersgraduat
e,y
oudoingyourart
icl
es
hai
bo"Ihuffed

Me:"l
et'
sgetthet
estdone"t
heysqueal
ed,
Ijust
r
oll
edmyey es.

Iwasint hetoi
letatthemallwai
ti
ngf orthe
resul
tswi t
hthesetwof ool
s.Thefi
rsttestcame
backnegat i
vethenthesecondcameout
posit
ivesayingIwas13weeks.Ar i
ascr eamed
andgav emeahug 
Me:
"fucki
ngshi
t!Whi
chonedoIbel
i
eve?
"

Nobunt
u:"
Ithi
nkweshoul
dseeadoct
or"
Ar
ia:
"Iagr
ee"

Me:"isi
tweirdthatIhopetheposi
ti
veoneis
ri
ght?IknowI'm notmarr
iedbutIf
eel
absolut
elyr
eadyt obesomeone'smother
"

Nobunt
u:"
let
'shopeLeowi
l
lal
sobehappy
"I
si
ghed

Me:"Idoubt.Iknowhei
sn'
treadyf
ort
hist
ype
ofr
esponsibil
ity
"

Ar
ia:
"let
'sgo"

Lucki
lythedoctorIhadbeenusingduri
ngmy
varsi
tyyearswasabletosqueezemei n
becausesomeonecancelled.SonowIwas
l
ayingont hebedAriawasbasical
lybounci
ng
al
loverthi
sroom wi
thexci
tementonewoul
d
swearshewasthepregnantone.

Me:"whyi
sitsol
oud?
"Thehear
tbeatwasso
st
rong

Doc:
"becauseyoumydearl
i
ttl
eLel
ogott
wins
i
ntheoven"ari
ascr
eamed

Me:
"Iam def
ini
tel
ydead"t
hedoct
orl
aughed

Doc:
"MrMkhi
zewon'
tl
iket
hisneh?
"

Ar
ia:"
hewi
l
lbui
l
dabr
idgeandgetov
eri
t"we
l
aughed

Doc:
"I'
l
lwr
it
eapr
escr
ipt
ionf
ory
ou.Nowt
hat
y
ouinDurbanf
ull
timehav
eyouf
oundadoct
or
t
hatsi
de?
"

Me:
"yeah"

Doc:"
good"shewentoverherdeskand
Nobuntucl
eanedupthegel

Nobunt
u:"
howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Ar
ia:
"wehav
ingababy
!!
"Wel
aughed

Me:
" I
'
m exci
tedandscared.I
'
veneverwant
ed
t
odisappoi
ntmyparentsandnowthis"

Nobunt
u:"
theywon'
tbedisappoi
nt.You'
vedone
somuchLeloyouev
eryparentswi
shwheni t
comest
oaper
fectdaught
er"

Me:
"Iguess"Ij
umpedoffthebedthenwentt
o
t
hechangeroom andputonmyclothes.

Doc:
"congr
atul
ati
ons"shegav
eapr
intoutof
t
hescanandprescri
pti
on

Ar
ia:
"wher
eto?
"

Me:"
backt
oLeo'
sIj
ustwantt
oshar
ethi
swi
th
hi
m"

Ar
ia:
"let
'smakehi
sagi
ftbox
"

Nobunt
u:"
gif
tbox?
"
Aria:"
yeah.Getnicepai
rofsockstwopairs
obv i
ousl
y,putitonaboxalongwiththeposi
ti
ve
pregnancytestandthescan.Evenbuybaby
veststhenwrapi t
"

Nobunt
u:"
yousowhi
te"wel
aughed

Me:
"shei
s"ar
iapout
ed

Ar
ia:
"leav
emeal
one"

Me: "
mywhitebaby
"Iki
ssedhercheek.Weall
dri
vebacktosandt
onci
tyandboughtallt
he
thi
ngsAri
asaidwemust.

Ihear
dv oi
cesoutinthebalconyasIwal
kedin
Leo'
sapartment.Iwentt
hereandhewaswi t
h
hi
sboy sal
lfaci
ngawayf r
om me.ButZamani
wasl
ookingatmysi
de.Hehadthi
ssmuggr
in
onhi
sface,t
heguywascreepy
.
Zamani:"soyoust i
ll
havethatpi
ctureofthe
bloodysheetLeo?Istil
lcan'
tbel
ieveyouwon
thatbet
,weallthoughtLelowouldn'
tgiveitup
toyou"Istoodfrozenwaiti
ngforLeo'sr
eply

Leo:"
nahmanIdel
etedt
hepi
ctur
ebutIsenti
t
toyoual
l"

Just
in:
"whydoy
ouwanti
t?"

Zamani
:"j
ustcur
ios"

Tegoh:"butyout
ookthebett
oofarman,you
di
dn'thavetoactl
ikeyoul
oveher
"theyal
l
l
aughed
Zamani:"Iwasn'texpect
inghimtogiveusa
pi
ctureofbloodysheetsaspr ov
ethather eal
l
y
brokehervir
ginit
y.PoorLelo"Il
etoutaloud
sobandtheyt urnedthesamet i
me.Iwatched
Leogetti
ngpal easzamani'sgri
nwentev en
wider

Leo:"babe..
."It
hrewtheboxonthef
loorand
ranoutwithhimr unni
ngaf
termeandbegging
met owait
[
03/
20,
10:
41]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t22

#Lel
o
¥¥

Wear
ri
vedatt
hehot
eli
ntheear
lyhour
soft
he
mor ni
ng.Wewer enowinthepent house,itmy
parentsandmybr ot
herst
herewasonl yfour
roomssoEnzoandSj wer
egoi ngt oshare.We
werest i
ll
inthel
oungedadlookedi rr
itat
ed,he
wast ry
ingtogetaroom f
orLeobutt hehotel
wasov erbookedandanotherhotel t
hatthe
familyownedwasoutoftown.

Dad:
"guesshewi
l
lhav
etoshar
ewi
thLonhl
e"

Lonhle:
"what
?Daddyno!I
'minvarsi
tyIcan'
tbe
shari
ngabedwit
hanotherdude"

Mom:
"babyI
'
mti
red"

Dad:
"Iknownanaj
ustl
etsor
tthi
sout
"

Me:
"daddyhecansl
eepwi
thme"
Lonhl
e:"
yes!
"

Dad:
"no"

Mom:
"lel
oar
eyouhav
ingsexwi
thhi
m?"

Me:
"nomommy
"

Mom: "t
her
ewegopr obl
em solv
ed"shepull
ed
dad'
shand"wegoingt osleepSfundoIam t
ir
ed
andlel
oisoldenoughtoknowr i
ghtfrom wr
ong.
Weraisedherri
ght"dadfoll
owedherupstai
rs
whil
emumbl i
ng

Me:
"okayboy
sseey
oul
ater
"LeoandIwentup
t
oourroom
Leo:"y
ourdadthough!
"Wegoti
nandst
art
ed
taki
ngourcl
othesoff

Me:
"youwantt
obat
hlov
e?"

Leo:"
na.
aI'
mt ootir
ed"hepull
edmetohim
"cometobed"wegetunderthecov
ersnaked
andcuddl
edtosleep.
.

Iwokeuptosoftki
ssesall
overmyf
ace.I
openedmyeyesandsmiled 
Me:
"mor
ninghandsome"

Leo:"morni
ngbabybutyoudoreal
izethati
t
aft
ernoonri
ght
? "wel
aughedandkissedwit
h
hi
m getti
ngbetweenmylegs.Ipul
l
edbackas
hi
ser
ect
ionpr
essedhar
donmyv
agi
na

Me:
"baby
"

Leo:"itokayIunder stand"Ithoughtaboutwhat
Nobunt uhadsai d.Iwasr eadytol osemy
vi
rgini
t ytoLeoIact uall
ydidn'twanttowait
anymor ebutIwasal soscar edthatwhatifaf
ter
i
thel eav es.Gr
owingupal lIwantedwast obe
i
ntimat ewi t
honlyonemanunt i
lIdiethat
'
swhy
Idecidedt owaitunt i
lmar r
iage.

Me:"
I'
mreadyLeobutwecan'
tdot
hisher
e
wi
thmyfamil
yinthi
sfl
oor
"

Leo:
" noy
ounotr
eadyandwewi
l
ldot
hiswhen
youready
"
Me:
"but
..
"

Leo:
"no"hecutmeof
fandki
ssedme.

Wespenttheaf
ternoonlockedi
nourr
oom
muchtodad'si
rr
it
ation.

I
twasni ghtandwewer egoingtodinnerwith
ther estofthef amil
y.Leowasbeyondner vous
buthewast r
yingtoactcool.Wefoundt he
fami l
yalreadysi t
ti
ngaroundahuget abl
e.The
restaurantatthehot elwasbookedforthe
night" 
Me:"hel
l
o"Iki
ssedmygr
andpar
ent
scheeks
bef
oresit
ti
ngdown

GmaZol
eka:
"whoi
syourf
ri
end?
"
Me:"Iwasgoingtoi
ntr
oducehim gr
andmabe
pat
ient
"sheandGmaSnel aughed,i
twashard
tot
ellt
hattheytwi
nsbecausetheyr
eal
lydi
dn'
t
l
ookalike

Sj
:"hei
sherboy
fri
endmema"Ir
oll
edmyey
es
asmybrot
hersl
aughed

Me: "
yeshi
smyboy f
riendLeo"Ii
ntr
oducedhim
toevery
one.GpaVuyanikeptl
ooki
ngatdaddy
withawidegri
nonhisface.Heli
keditwhen
daddywasuncomfortabl
e,hi
m anduncle
Simpiwe

Aphe:"
wellhei
fgorgeousbaby
congr
atul
ati
ons!
"Shewi nkedatme

Leo:
"thankyouandyoubey
ondbeaut
if
ul"aunt
y
Apheblushedwhil
emom gi
ggl
ed
Aphe:"
nowIl ov
ehim"ev
eryonelaughedas
daddygrunt
edlooki
ngmoreirr
it
atedthanev
er

Me:
"Ial
sol
ovehi
m"

Leo:
"Il
ovey
oumor
ebaby
"heki
ssedmycheek

Nat
asha:"
youguy
sar esocut
etoget
her
"I
smi
ledataunt
yNatasha

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Klein:"y
outhinkallt
hesegir
lsl
ookcut
ewith
boy s.Theyst
ill
kids"uncl
eKlei
nwassti
ll
sulkingoverAri
aandHar ry
Daddy
:"atl
eastsomeoneunder
stands"

Mom: "
Ilov
eyoumyking"theyki
ssedt
aki
ngthe
at
tent
ionawayfr
om LeoandI.AndIwasgl
ad.
Weenjoyeddi
nnerni
cel
y.

Fewhour slaterwelefttheeldersdr inki

ngand
wentupt oourr ooms.LeoandIt ookal onghot
bubblewhiledrinki
ngchampagneandhav i
ng
chocolat
ecov eredstrawberri
es, Ijustfeeli
ng
him soclosetome.Il ovedthef eel ofhishot
ski
nonmi ne.Whent hewat erturnedcol dwe
gotoutandl oti
onedourbodi est henwentt o
bednaked, wellhehisboylegon.  
Leo: "
babywhat '
swrong?"Icouldn'
tsleepIkept
tossingandturni
ng.WhatNobunt usaidwas
sti
llstuckinmymi ndanditdidn'
thelpthat
Sabel ocheat
edbecausewewer en'
thav i
ngsex.
Me:
"Iwantt
odoi
tLeo"It
urnedandf
acedhi
m

Leo:
"dowhatmyl
ove?
"

Me:
"hav
esex"

Leo:"babydon'tr
ushthi
sLel
o.Nowsleepi
t
goingtobeal ongdaytomor
row"Igotont
opof
hi
m andst ar
tedkissi
nghim"l
elo!
"Hemoved
meback

Me:
"Iwantt
hisLeo"

Leo:
"yourpar
ent
swi
l
lbeupanyt
ime"

Me:
"Il
oveyou"hesmi
ledandbr
oughtmeclose
t
ohim weki
ssed.Her
oll
edusoverandgot
bet
weenmyl
egsandst
art
edki
ssi
ngmyneck

Me:"Ipr
eferor
alsex"hel
aughedandki
ssedmy
head

Leo:"i
twasy ourfi
rstti
mebaby.I
twil
lbebett
er
asti
megoeson, fi
rstti
meisal
sotheworstbut
thepainwil
ldisappearwhenwetryagai
n.I
'm
sorr
yItri
edtobegent le"

Me:
"Ihopesobaby
"

Leo:"weshoul
dtakeashowerandcal
lroom
serv
iceforcl
eansheet
syoubledbaby
"

Me:"okay
"Ihel
dmychi
nmaki
ngmef
aceand
ki
ssedmeslowly.
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Iwasbacki nJhbf ormyf inalyearIjustcouldn't

waittobef i
nishedandgr aduatemakemymom
reall
ypr oudev ent houghshewasabsol utel
y
proudofmebei ngi nuniversi
tyIwant edhert o
bepr oudofmebei ngagr aduate.Nol i
eIdid
feelalonesomet imes, l
elowasbacki nDur ban
ful
l t
imenowt hatshewasdoi ngherar t
icl
esbut
shedi dcomet oJhbf orLeobutwest i
lldi
dn't
seeeachot herasof t
enbecauseshespent
mostofhert imewi t
hLeo.Idi dn'thaveot her
fri
endsher ejustt wogi r
lsthatIwentt oschool
with,wedi dthesamecour seandst ayedatthe
samer es.Ididn'treal
lycli
ckwi ththem butwe
spentl otofti
met ogether,theywer eupt herein
thesoci all
adderandbr aggedabouti tunli
ke
l
elo.
Iwashavingoneofthosedayswher
eIjustf
eel
l
ikedyi
ng.WhereImissmysonsobadt hatI
j
ustcry.Whereal
lIwantist
obeathomeandat
thesamet i
mebewithVumileandsbani
sam.

Iwasstil
lcr
yingwhil
einbedwhenmyphone
rang."
Babe"fl
ashedinthescreenal
ongwitha
pict
ureofhi
m carry
ingSbaniandtheybot
h
l
aughing.
 
Me:
"hel
l
o"

Vumi
l
e:"
youcr
ying?Whati
swr
ong?
"

Me:
"Ij
ustmi
ssy
ousomuch"

Vumile:
"sor
rymyangel
.Schoolswil
lclose
soon"Ij
ustendedt
hecal
l,Idi
dn'twanthimto
t
ell
met
hat
.Hecal
l
edagai
nbutIdi
dn'
tanswer
.

Ihadfal
l
enasl
eep,waswokenupbymyphone
ri
ngi
ng.Ther
oom wasdark,
itwasnowni
ght
ti
me.
Me:
"yes"

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
m her
e"

Me:
"wher
e?BabyI
'
m st
il
lsl
eepy
"

Vumil
e:"
downaty
ourr
esbui
l
ding"Isatup
qui
ckl
y

Me:
"don'
tpl
ayl
i
ket
hat
"

Vumi
l
e:"
Ipr
omi
sey
ou.Justcomedownbaby
"
Me:
"Vumi
leifIgetdownstai
rsandy
ounot
t
her
eIwil
ll
eavey ou"hel
aughed

Vumil
e:"
weshallsee"Iendedt
hecal
landwent
tot
hebathr
oom,Irinsedmymouththen
washedmyface.

Icouldn'
tbel
ieveitasIsawhim outsi
dethe
buil
dingcarr
yingaduffl
ebag.Irantohim and
j
umpedonhi m heheldmeti
ghtly.Wekissed
deeplybefor
eheoutmedown
Me:
"youher
e"

Vumile:"
ofcourseI'
m her
e"Itookhishandwe
wentupt omyr oom "
smallbutcosy
"Ismiled
andthrewmy selfont
hebed
Me:"i
thomeawayf r
om home"hejoi
nedmein
bedgett
ingontopofmewekissedshort
ly"
I
can'
tbel
ievey
ouareher
e"

Vumil
e:"babyy
ou'v
ebeensoemoti
onal
these
daysIwasworri
edabouty
ou.Ar
eyousti
ll
si
ck?"

Me:"
I'
m bet
ternowI
'
m sur
eitwasj
usta
st
omachbug"

Vumi
l
e:"good"heremovedmyvestandcupped
mybr
eastsIletoutasof
tmoan

Me:
"Imi
ssedy
ou"

Vumil
e:"
buty
ouwi
shIhadcamewi
thSbani
"I
si
ghed
Me:
"yes"

Vumil
e: "
Icoul
dn'tgobackhomet hengoback
toDurbanbaby,I'
m sorry.Wewi
llcomevi
sit
youproperl
y.I
'
llplanitandbook
accommodat i
onf orus"

Me: "
itokay.NowmakelovetomeI'
vemissed
you"helaughedandst
artedki
ssi
ngmeand
mov i
ngt omyneckwhi
lemassagingmy
breasts 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Mom goti
nmybat
hroom asIwasst
il
lvomi
ti
ng,
sheheldmyhairupandbrushedmybackunti
lI
wasdone.Iwenttobrushmyt eet
h.Wel
ooked
ateachot
heront hemir
ror
Mom: "
you'v
ebeensi
ckf
orsometi
menowl
elo,
It
hinkIshouldt
akey
out
othedoct
or"

Me:"I
'mfinemom I'
m sur
eitj
ustast
omach
bug"shenoddedandwalkedout
.
[
03/
20,
10:
41]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t24

#Lel
o
¥¥

Leo:
"babywai
tpl
easeI
'
m sor
ry"Ikeptr
unni
ng
Me: "
leavemealoneLeo.Ihat
eyou!!
"Hegotin
theelevat
orasitwascl
osingaft
erIhadgot
ten
i
nandIcoul dn'
tgetout
.NowIwasst uckwi
th
him

Leo:"
babypl ease"Iturnedawayf r
om hi
m.The
l
adiesinthelif
twer ealllooki
ngatusmostl
yme
wit
hpity"lel
oIcanexpl ainifonl
yyouwouldlet
me.Ifell
inlovewi t
hy ouLel oIwasn'
tpl
ayi
ng
youIswear "

Me:"
Leopl
ease.Youcan'tdoanymoredamage
t
hanwhatyou'
vedonejustletmebeplease"
whenwegotdownstai
rsIranoutoft
hef oyer

Leo:"Il
ovey ouLeloIloveyousomuchIswear
onmymot her'
sgrave"Igotinthecabthatwas
wait
inginfrontofthebuildi
ngIdon'
tevenknow
whoitwaswai t
ingforandIdidn'
tcar
e.Ilocked
thedoorashewastr
yingtogeti
n.Thedr
iver
droveof
faft
erIt
oldhi
mt o.

Dri
ver
:"wher
eto?"Igavehi
mthenameoft
he
hot
elandtol
dhimt otakemet
her
e.

Whenwegotther
eIpai
dandwalkedout
.Went
i
nthehot
elst
rai
ghtt
other
ecept
ion.

Manager
:"l
elo"hesmi
l
ed

Me:
"canIgett
hekeycar
dtot
hepent
house?
"

Manager :"ofcourse"hegaveittome.Iwentin
theelevatorsli
dethekeyi nasitwentupand
putinthepasswor d.Il
etoutaloudsobassoon
astheliftdoorsopenedi nt
othepenthouse
foyer
.Iwentupt omyr oom andthrewmy sel
f
onthebed.Ihadt
oswit
chof
fmyphone
becauseLeowoul
dn'
tst
opcal
li
ngandsendi
ng
met ext
s. 
.

Aftert
woday sofbeingl
ockedupi nthe
penthousestuf
fingmyfacewithjunkfoodt
hatI
keptorderi
ngfrom r
oom ser
viceapoundingon
mybedr oom doorwokemeup.Idr agged
my sel
ftothedoorandopened.Itwasmom
l
ookingangry
Mom: "
whati
swr ongwithyou?"Ij
ustbr
oke
down.Shequicklywrappedherarmsaroundme
"pr
incesswhatiswrong?"Hertonehad
changedfrom angert
oconcerninasecond

Me:
"howcanhedot
hist
ome?
"

Mom:
"isi
tLeo?Babywhathappened?
"She
movedtothebedandsatoni t,Isati
nherlap
andshecradledmelikeababy.Sheremained
qui
etunt
ilmyl oudsobstur
nedintosoftsobs
andIhadhiccups"wil
lyoutal
ktome? "

Me: "
Idon'twantt ot al
kabouti t"Iknewi fIt
ell
mom shewi lltell
daddywhowi llbeatupLeo
andIcouldn'thavet hat.Il
ovedhi m ev en
thoughhedidn' tl
ov emeandhewast hef at
her
ofmybabi esthatwassomet hingt hatwouldn'
t
change.LastthingIneededandwant edwasmy
famil
yhatinghi m.Iwoul drathermakeupsome
l
ieaboutwhywebr okeupandIwasal so
extr
emelyembar rassedbyt hewhol ethi
ng.

Mom: "
Iam her
ewheny
our
eadyt
otal
k"I
nodded

Me:
"thanky
ou"
Mom:
"howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Me:"I
'm hurtmom.Ithurtssobadevenwi
th
Sabel
odi dn'
thur
thalfasbadasithurt
snow.I
am donewi t
hrel
ati
onshipsIhat
emen"

Mom:
"kant
iwhatdi
dhedopr
incess?
"

Me:"
hehurtmeinthewor
stpossi
bleway
"I
st
art
edcr
yingagai
n

Mom: "
itokaybabyyoucanfor
getthatheev
en
exi
stswewi l
lgobackhome"Inodded

Me:"
Ijustdon'
tunder
standwhyhewoul
ddo
t
hist
omemommy .It
houghthelov
edme"
Mom: "
weal ldi
dbabyevengr
andpaVuyani
was
sayi
ngyouf i
nal
lyf
oundaboywholovesyoufor
younotthatSabel
oboy"

Me:
"ithur
tsmom i
thur
tssobad"Il
etouta
muf
fl
edsobhidi
ngmyfaceonherbreast
s

Mom:
"itwi
l
lgetbet
terIpr
omi
sey
ou"

Ihadtakenabathandhadsomet hingtoeat.I
waswear ingbl
ackjogger
sandasweat erwith
sneakers.Mom andIweregoingt
ot hepri
vate
ai
rport.Aswegotinthelobbyatt
hehot el
Isaw
Leo.Hest oodupandrantousassoonashe
sawus 
Leo:
"babyl
etmeexpl
ainpl
ease"
Me:
"goawayLeo"

Leo:"Iopenedt hegiftbox"Istoppedfora
secondbef oreIcarri
edonwal king"l
elowe
needt otal
kpl ease"Igotinthecar"Ifel
li
nlov
e
withyouLel o!
!"Hescr eamedtryingtopull
me
outoft hecar

Mom: "
Leonardo!
!"Heshookhi
sheadasIwas
hi
tt
inghisar
mssohel et'
sgoofmebuthisgr
ip
wasti
ght

Leo:"Ilov
ey ouLel
o"securi
typull
edhim backI
quickl
yclosedthedoorandwat chedassecuri
ty
waspi nni
nghim ontheground

Mom:
"sor
ry"t
hedr
iverdr
oveof
f
Me:"
itwi
ll
nevergetbett
ermom i
tnev
erwi
l
l"I
l
aidmyheadonherthighs

Mom: "
itwil
lwithtime.Youwi ll
mov eonand
forgetabouthimift hat
'swhaty ouwant"it
reall
yiswhatIwant edbutwi t
ht hetwinsthat
willneverhappen.Iwoul dneverfor
getabout
him whileweshar edsomet hi
ngsogr eat.

Whenwear ri
vedathomeIwentst rai
ghttomy
room andfi
nal
lyswitchedmyphoneon.I
delet
edall
thetextsfrom him wi
thoutreadi
ng
them.Iwentstr
aighttosleepaft
erswitchedmy
phoneoffagai
n. 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
ItwasJunehol idayssoIwasi nDurbanbutwe
wer egoingtogohomei ntwoday swhen
Vumi lei
sonhi soffatwor k.Iwasn'tdoi
ngmy
i
nt er
nshipfornow, wasgoi ngtogobacki n
December .Vumi l
ewasgoi ngt odropmeof fat
l
el o'
shouse.Ihadn'tseenhersi nceshefound
outshewaspr egnantaboutf i
veweeksback,
herphonehasbeenof fsincet henbutshehad
final
lycall
edmebackt hepr ev
iousdayand
askedmet ocomeseeher . 
Vumil
e:"
youwil
lcallmewheny ouwantmet
o
pi
ckyouup"heparkedi
nfrontofthet
hemai
n
door

Me:"
babyy
ouatwor
k.Lel
owi l
ltell
adriv
erto
t
akemebackt
othef
latorI
'l
lcallanuber"

Vumi
l
e:"
okay
"hehel
dmycheeksandwe
ki
ssedshor
tl
y"Il
ovey
oumamakaSbani
"

Me:"Il
ovey
out oobabakhe"hesmi
l
edand
per
kedmylips

Vumile:"gobeforeIdri
vebackhomewi thyou
andbur ymyselfdeepiny ou"If
eltmycheeks
heati
ngupandqui ckl
ygotoutoft hecarleav i
ng
hi
ml aughing"IloveyouNobunt u!
!"Hehoot ed
anddrov eoff
.WhenIt urnedIsawMr sMkhi ze
watchinguswi t
hasmi leonherf ace

Sne:"y
our emi
ndmeofmyhusbandandIwhen
wehadj ustst
art
eddat
ing"Il
ookedaway
feel
i
ngshy

Me:
"hel
l
o"
Sne:
" comeinLel
oisi
nherr
oom may
bey
ou
cantalktoher
"If
rowned

Me:
"issheokay
?"

Sne:"
shewill
talkt
oyou"wewentin.Ist
il
l
wasn'
toverhowbeauti
ful
thi
shousewas."You
rememberherroom?"

Me:
"yes"

Sne:"okaydeargoup.I
'
llsendamai
dupwi
th
snacks"

Me:
"okay
"Iwentupt
olel
o'
sroom andknocked

Lel
o:"
Iwantt
obel
eftal
one!
!"Isi
ghedand
knockedagai
n

Me:
"lel
o"

Lel
o:"
Nobunt
u?"

Me:
"yes"

Lelo:"comei nit
snotl ocked"Igotinthedark
room.Thecur t
ainswer eshutbutthet hesl
i
ding
doorwasopened, l
ett
ingincoldbreezemost l
y
from thelake.Ikickedmyal lst
arsoffandtook
myj acketoffbeforeclosingthedoorand
j
oi ni
ngheri nbed.

Me:"what'
swrong?"Sheturnedtofaceme.I
pushedherhai
routofherface.Shelookedl
i
ke
shehadagedacoupleofy ears.Herey
eswere
puffyandredwit
hdarkci
rcl
esundert
hem
probablyf
rom l
ackofsl
eep.

Lel
o:"
Ibr
okeupwi
thLeo"Igasped

Me:"what
?When?WhathappenedLel
o?You
bot
hcrazyov
ereachot
her"hert
ear
sfell

Lel
o:"
hedoesn'
tl
oveme"

Me:"
evenSt
evi
eWondercouldseehowmadly
i
nlov
eLeoiswit
hyou"sheshookherhead

Lel
o:"Idon'
twantt
ot al
kaboutwhathedi
d.It
embarrassi
ngandithur
tssobadbutyouj
ust
don'
thurtsomeoneyouloveyouj
ustdon'
t"
Me:"Iam sorryl
elo.Youdeser
venot
hingbut
happiness"shegavemeaweaksmi l
e" when
di
dt hishappen?
"

Lel
o:"
thedaywef
oundoutIwaspr
egnant
"

Me:"soyou'
vebeenli
kethissi
ncethen?"She
nodded"ohLeloy
oucan'tputyourl
if
eonahol d.
Youhavesomuchgoi ngon,haveyouseena
doctorr
egar
dingthebabi
es?"

Lelo:
"noandIhav en'
ttol
dmypar ent
s.Howwi l
l
INobunt u?Cany ouimaginehowdisappoi
nted
theygoingt obe?I'
m pregnantandIbr
okeup
withthef at
herofmybabi es"

Me:
"ar
eyousur
eyouandLeocan'
tfi
xthi
ngs?
Lelo:"
Nowecannotl i
keIam donewithhimI
don'tevenknowhowwegoi ngt odothi
sco
parenti
ngthing.Iwi
shIhadn'tl
eftt
hegif
tboxi
n
hi
sapar tmentIwouldn'
thavetol
dhimI'm
pregnant"

Me:
"lel
o!"

Lel
o:"
Iswear
.Itwoul
dhav
ebeenbet
tert
hat
way"

Me:
"hashet
ri
edt
oreachout
?"

Lelo:"yes.Hecameher eever
yweekendday
andsatout sidethegateforthewholeday
want i
ngt oseemeunt i
ldaddypromisedt
o
crackhi sskull
"shelaughedsadly"
heactual
l
y
sti
llcamebackt hef
ollowingdayIsenthi
ma
textthathemustst opbot her
ingmyf ami
l
y
becauseIwasn'
tev
enathome"

Me:"yout
alkhi
m ont
hephone?
"Sheshookher
head

Lel
o:"
myphoneishar
dlyonbuthewon'
tst
op
cal
l
ingandt
ext
ing"

Me:"
Iam sosorryyougoi
ngt
hrought
his"
someoneknocked

Lel
o:"
what
?!"

Sne:
"pr
incessy
ouhav
euhm v
isi
tor
s"

Lel
o:"
mommycomein"thedooropenedand
MrsMkhi
zegoti
nshewassmili
ngsoftl
y"who
i
sit
?"

Sne:
"itt
hekhumal
os"Lel
osatup

Lel
o:"
hhu?
"

Sne:"
Leoandhisfatheranduncl
esSpheand
Aver
yalongwithhi
saunt i
esHopeandNosi"
Lel
ogotoffthebed.Shehadactual
lyl
ostso
muchweightbutherpregnancywasst
il
lnot
showi
ng

Lel
o:"
whatar
etheydoi
ngher
e?"

Sne:
"theyaskedtospeakt
othef
ami
l
y.Daddy
anduncleMarcel
areontheyway
"
Lelo:
"Jesus!
"Shest
art
edsweat i
ngandcr y
ing.
Itwassuchasadsight
."Tel
lthem I
'
m nothear.
Idon'
twanttoseeLeopleasemommy "she
wentonherkneesandletoutaloudsob
[
03/
20,
10:
41]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t25

#Lel
o
¥¥

Me:"mommypl easedon'
tmakemegoout
t
hereplease"shepulledmet
oherchestandI
j
ustcri
edlouder.Nobodysai
danyt
hingunti
lI
wasdonecr yi
ngt henmysni
ff
sfi
l
ledtheroom

Mom: "
babyyoucan'
trunawayfr
om hi
m pl
ease.
Youhavetocomedownstai
rs"
Me:
"okay
"Igotoutofherar
ms

Nobuntu:"
washy
ourf
acesoy
oucangetoutof
yourpaj
amas"

Me: "okay.Pleasetakesomet hi
ngoutf orme
fr
om t hecloset.Somet hi
nglose"Iwentt othe
bathroom washedmyf acethenlookedat
my selfonthemi rr
or.Ilookedawf ull
ikereal
ly
awf ul
.Iwentoutoft hebathroom found
Nobunt usitt
ingont hebedmom hadl eft

Nobunt u:"
Igotadr essforyou"Ismil
edand
tookthemaxi dress.Ifi
nishedweari
ngit,as
muchasIhadl ostweightmybooksl ooked
biggerthaneversot hedresswastightar
ound
them thenitwasflowingnicely
Me:"
let
'sgoseey
ourdaddy
"It
ouchedmy
st
omach

Nobunt
u:"
youshowi
ng"

Me:"I'
m sur
pri
sedmom anddaddyhaven'
t
not
icedbutThembekaournannyhas"

Nobunt
u:"
youwi
l
lbef
ineIpr
omi
sey
ou"

Me:"meeti
ngyouwast
hebestt
hingt
ohave
happenedt
ome"wehuggedti
ghtl
ybef
ore
l
eavingmyroom.

Myey esimmediatel
yfoundhisasNobuntuand
Icl
imbeddownt helaststai
rsIqui
cklyl
ooked
away.Ilookedevery
wherebutathim orhi
s
famil
y.Themaidshadj ustl
eftafr
uit&cheese
pl
att
eral
ongwit
hdrinks.Nobunt
uandIsat
downonthef
reecouch

Leo:
"lel
oI'
m sor
ry"
 
Avery:"
thulawena"hisvoicewassoftbut
commandi ng.Daddy,uncl
eMar cel
,EnzoandSj
gotinthelounge.Daddyjustshookhishead
beforegoingtokissmom

Enzo:
"Ishouldbreakyourkneesr
ightnowLeo"
hewaswal ki
ngtowardshim

Daddy
:"Enzot
akey
ourbr
otherupst
air
s"

Sj
:"Idon'
twantt
ogodaddy
"

Mom:
"goon"
Enzo:"
I'
ll
cat
chyouwenaLeoandy ouwi
ll
see
whatIwil
ldotoyounxa"hewentupwi
thSj
fol
lowi
nghim

Me:"hecanbedramati
cattimes"Iwhispered
toNobuntuandwebothlaughedsil
entl
y.Itwas
act
uallyt
hefi
rstt
imeIl
aughedorev ensmi l
ed
i
nov eramonth

Nobunt
u:"
itcomesf
rom agoodpl
ace"

Dad:"sohowcanwehelpyou?Andveleisi
bindi
sokuzakwamiwit
houtcal
l
ingni
sit
hathaph?"

Mom:
"baby
"

Dad:
"myl
ove"sheshookherheadl
i
ght
ly
Li
am:
"don'
tacthi
ghl
ySf
undo"

Leo:
"Li
am y
oupr
omi
sed"

Aver y:"weunder standthatwepr obablyshould

hav ecalledfi
rstort oldlelot
handot omake
arrangement swi thy ouregardinguscomi ng
herebutweal sodi dn'tplanforit
.Leoj usttol
d
usl astnightaboutwhathedi dandourf ather
thoughti twasbestwecomeher ebef oreweal l
l
eav etoourhouses"myhear tskippedabeat
l
astt hingIwant edwasany oneknowi ngthat
Leohadmadeabett osleepwithme

Dad:
"andwhatwoul
dthatbe?
"Uncl
eAv
ery
cl
ear
edhist
hroat
Aver
y:"
uhm"her
ubbedhi
shead"
thatheaah"
uncl
eSphewasl
aughi
ngsof
tl
y

Thando:
"shutupSphe"hedi
d

Avery
:"hedef
loweredher
"dadstoodupbut
mom pull
edhim down.Il
ookedawayasdaddy
shotmeanangrylook

Dad:
"Lel
o?"

Nosi
:"Av
eryt
ell
them"

Aver y
:"anduhm Leloispr
egnant"dadf
lew
acrosst heroom i
nasecondLeowaspr essed
ont hewal l
dad'
sfisthadconnectedwi
thhis
j
aw
Me:"daddyno!
!"Uncl
eSphewaspul
l
ingdaddy
back

Sphe:"
SfundoIr
espectyouman,
wef
ami
l
ybut
Leoismysondon'tst
artthi
s"

Mom:"Sf
undocalm down!
"Daddyl
ookedat
mom andletgoofLeo

Dad:
"leav
emyhouse"

Li
am: "getof
fyourhi
ghhouseSfundo.Leloi
s
pregnantnot
hingi
sgoingtochangethatbutwe
herewithLeoheisadmit
ti
nghiswrongsandhe
wantstopaydamages"

Marcel:
"don'tgot
hatwayLi
am becausey
ou
won'tbeabletocomeback"
Li
am:"
youdon'
tgett
otal
ktomel
i
ket
hat
"they
bot
hst
oodup

Marcel
:"Idar
eyout
otr
yyouknowmyf
ist
sar
e
j
ustit
chi
ng"

Nosi
:"canweal
ljustcal
m down"bythi
spoi
ntI
wasintear
sNobuntukeptbrushi
ngmyback

Av
ery
:"Li
am got
othecar
"

Li
am:
"what
?Youshi
tt
ingmer
ight
?Fuckno"

Aver
y:"
Liam donotmakemer
epeatmy
sel
f.
Nowgot othecar
"
Li
am:"what
ever
"hewentoutandev
ery
one
set
tl
eddown

Nosi:"weapologizeSfundoandSnef orwhat
hashappened.Leomessedupandheknows
thatbutwear ehereast herepr
esent ati
veoft he
khumal ohouseholdwewer esentbyt heelders
tohumbl yapologi
zeforLeo'smi stake.Us
fi
ghtingwitheachotherwi l
lnothelpt he
sit
uation,t
hishappenedandal lwecandoi s
l
ookf orwardtowelcomi ngthetwobeaut i
ful
soulsthatwe'vebeenblessedwi th"

Mom:
"two?
"

Nosi
:"i
ttwi
nsr
ightLel
o?"Inodded

Mom:
"Yoh"
Dad:
"lel
ogot
oyourr
oom"

Leo:
"canIspeakt
oyouLel
opl
ease"

Sphe:
"shutupLeo!
"

Leo: "
nobaba'ncaneIneedtotal
ktoher"
Nobunt uandIstoodup"lel
opleaseletme
explai
n"IshookmyheadasNobunt uandI
start
edwal ki
ngoutofthelounge"l
eloIl
ovey
ou!
I'
vemi ssedyousomuchbabyj usttalkt
ome
please"

Nobunt
u:"
tal
ktohi
m"Isi
ghedandnodded

Lel
o:"
wecanspeakout
side"
Nobuntu:"
I'
ll
beupst
air
s"Inodded.Leo
fol
lowedmet ot
hebackyar
d.Isatdownont he
chairbyt
hepoolhepul
ledachairt
oinfrontof
me

Leo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"noy
oudon'
t!
"

Leo:
"Idon'
twannaf
ightr
ightnow.Howar
eyou?
Youlookawful
"

Me:
"geet
hanks"

Leo:"y
oust i
l
lthemostbeaut
if
ulgi
rlI
'
veev
er
seen"Irol
l
edmyey es
Me:"l
iesj
ustfl
owoutofy ourmoutheasi
l
y"he
scoopedcl
oser,ourkneest
ouched

Leo:
"Ihadhopedy ouwouldnev erfi
ndoutand
wecouldbet oget
herfor
ever.Iwassosur ethat
youwouldn'tf
indoutIdi
dn'
tt hi
nkitwas
i
mportantformet ocomeclean.Iwasgoi ngto
l
ivet
her estofourl
ivesmaki
ngsur ey oudon't
fi
ndout"

Me:
"wow"

Leo:"
letmef ini
shbabe.I
twasastupi
dmistake.
Whenwef irstsawyouattashasZamani
knew
aboutyou,aboutyourfami
lyandhowyouwere
sti
l
lav i
rgi
n"
Me:
"howdi
dheev
enknowIwasav
irgi
n?"

Leo:
"hepl
ayedwit
hSabel
ointherugbyt
eam
hehadhi
mt al
ki
ngwit
hhisfr
iends"

Me:
"oh"hepushedbackhi
shai
r

Leo:"
hewassay ingthati
fSabel
ocouldn'
ttapi
t
aft
eral
ltheseyearsyoumustbereall
ydif
fi
cult
soItol
dthem Icouldprovet
hem wrong"

Me:"
wow"Iwipedmyt
ear
sandf l
i
nchedashe
t
ri
edtouchi
ngmyarm"
don'
t.Don'
ttouchme"

Leo:
"Iunder
stand"

Me:
"soy
ouwer
ejustpr
ovi
ngapoi
nt?Wi
thmy
l
i
feLeo?Wit
hsomet
hingIhel
dsodeepl
y"he
l
ookeddown

Leo:"If
elli
nlov
ewi t
hy ouLelothat
'
swhyIkept
pushingforustowaitIjustcoul
dn'
tdoit
knowingwhyIhadgot tenwithyouint
hefir
st
placebutyoukeptpushingforustodoit
"

Me:
"soy
oubl
ami
ngme?
!!
"

Leo:
"ofcoursenot!Iam j
ustsay
ingIwant
edus
towaitbutt
hatdidn'
thappen"

Me:
"soyousay
ingt
haty
ouwer
einl
ovewi
th
mebythet
imewehadsex"

Leo:
"yes"
Me:"t
henwhytakeapi
ctur
eofthesheett
hat
hadbl
oodonandshowittoyourf
ri
ends"he
l
ookedawayfr
om me

Leo:"
Idon'
tknow.Iwasbeingst
upi
dand
chi
ldi
shIhonest
lydonotknow"

Me:"y
ouknowev enwhenSabel
ocheatedon
meitdidn'
thurtl
iket
his"hemovedhi
schair
andknelti
nfrontofme

Leo:"
Iam sosorr
ybaby.Pleasef
orgi
veme.It
ki
ll
smeknowi ngIhur
tyouI '
vedi
edathousand
deat
hssincet
hedayy ouranoutofme"

Me:"Ican'
tforgi
veyouLeo"hecr
iedl
ayi
nghi
s
headonmyt hi
ghs
Leo:"
lel
oIcan't
"heletoutasobashis
shoul
dersshook"Ican'
tlosey
ouIcan'
tpl
ease"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ryLeobutIcan'
t"

Leo:"
whatcanIdo?"hel
ookedupatme.His
eyeswer
ealreadyr
edandgett
ingpuf
fy,
his
nosewasturni
ngpi
nk.

Me:
"not
hingy
oudocanf
ixt
his"

Leo:"
I'
ll
doanythi
ngLeloplease.Tel
lmeI
'
lldoi
t.
I'
l
ltr
ansfert
oUkznlikeyouwantedmetosoI
canbecloser
"Ishookmyhead

Me:"
itdoesn'
tmat
terany
mor
e,wenol
onger
t
oget
her"
Leo:"
youcan'
tleavemebabyplease"hehel
d
myhandsandki ssedt
hem "
youcan'tl
eaveme
Lel
oyoujustcan't
"

Me:"
y ouneedtoleavenow"Iyankedmyhands
f
rom him andpushedhim backst
andi
ngup

Leo:
"I'
m notl
osi
ngyouLelo!
!!
"Heget
scl
osert
o
mecagingmebetweenhisarms

Enzo:"hey!
!Backoff"hewalkedt ous"backthe
fuckoffbefor
eImakey ou"Leobackedof fandI
don'tblamehim.Enzolookedscar ywhenangry
i
tdidn'thel
pthathewast al
lerthanLeoev en
thoughLeowasol derandbuffer

Leo:
"I'
mjustt
alki
ngt
oher
"
Enzo:"It
hinkshei
sdonet
alki
ngt
oyousoy
ou
canleavenow"

Leo:
"lel
o?"

Me:
"leav
eLeo"

Leo:
"wi
lly
oukeepyourphoneon?Andkeepme
post
edaboutt
hebabi
es"

Me:
"okay
"henoddedandwal
kedbacki
n

Enzo:
"youokaysi
ssy
?"

Me:
"yeah.I
'
m goi
ngt
obed"

Enzo:
"Il
ovey
ouLel
o"Ismi
l
edandki
ssedhi
s
cheek

Me: "
Iloveyout
ooli
tt
lebr
o"Iwenti
nthehouse
st
raightuptomyroom.FoundNobunt
u
watchingtv

Nobunt
u:"
hey"It
ookmysl
ipper
soffandgot
undert
hecov
erswit
hher"
howy ouf
eeli
ng?"

Me:"
I'
llbefi
ne"wecuddl
ed"
whatar
ewe
wat
ching?"

Nobuntu:
"cr
iminal
minds.Vumi
l
egotme
hookedonthi
sseri
es"

Me:
"howi
sheandSbani
?"
Nobunt
u:"
theybot
hgood"

Me:
"youhungr
y?"

Nobunt
u:"
I'
m good"mypar
ent
sgoti
n

Mom: "
Nobuntusweethear
tgodownst
air
sand
makeyour
selfsomethingt
oeat"wel
etgoof
eachot
her

Nobunt
u:"
okay
"shewentoutleav
ingmeal one
wit
hmybeyondangrypar
ent
s.Daddylooked
l
ikehewant
stostr
anglet
heli
feoutofme.

Dad:
"howcoul
dyoubesost
upi
d!!
!"Her
oar
ed
[
03/
20,
10:
41]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss
I
nser
t26

#Lel
o
¥¥

Mom: "
Sfundo!
"Iwentt
ost
andbyt
hebal
cony
door

Me: "Ihavedoneev er ythi

ngy oubot hwanted
met o, i
ncludingbaba.Igr aduat edwit
hmy
mast ersasav ir
gin,Iam doi ngmyPhDt el
l me
howmany24y earol dsar edoi ngthei
rPhD?Not
i
nj ustanyf iel
dbutl aw.Iwasnev erawi l
dchild,
partyinghasnev erbeenmyt hing.Iwasn't
troublesome, Igotst raightAt hroughoutmy
academi clife.Ihavedonenot hingbutensur e
youar eproudpar ents.Whi l
emypeer swer eout
theredr i
nkingandhav i
ngsexIwasher esetti
ng
anexampl et omysi blings.Youdi sappointed
andIunder stand,Iwouldbetoohadmychi l
d
gottenpregnantoutofwedl ock.AndIam sorry
butIwillnottakey oucomingtomyr oom
call
ingmest upidov eronemistake,yesIgot
pregnantasmuchasi ti
sami stakeIdon'
t
regreti
t.Il
ovemybabi esalr
eadyandIwon' t
apologi
zef orit"

Mom:
"lel
oyo.
."

Me: "
Iwil
lnotbedi scussi
ngmyr el
ati
onship
withLeo.Wenott ogether,whet
herwewi l
lget
backtogetherornotthatisnotsomethingI
know.ButIdoknowt hatwewi l
lbot
hbe
presenti
nourchildren'
slif
e.NowIwoul dli
keto
resti
tbeenanexhaust ingdayandpleasetell
NobuntuIwi l
lcal
lhertomor r
ow"

Dad:
"lel
o"
Me:"
Idon'
twantt
omov
eoutIam notr
eadyf
or
t
hat.
."

Mom:
"wenotsay
ingmov
eoutLel
o!"

Me: "
asIam say
ingIam notr
eadytomove
especial
l
ynowthatIwil
lbehavi
ngtwi
ns.Iwi
ll
needtheneedsopleasedonotpushmeint
oa
corner
"

Dad:
"lel
oyouwi
l
lnotj
ustdi
smi
ssus!
"

Mom: "weunder
stand"mom cuthim of
f.Ihear
d
thedoorcl
osi
ngIsanktothefloorandjust
cri
ed
.
Iwaswokenupbymyphoner
ingi
ng.Ihad
for
gott
ent oswit
chitoffl
astni
ghtwhenIfell
asl
eep.Itookitf
rom t
hebedsidetocheckthe
cal
lerI
Dandi twasbaba.Isi
ghedbefore
answeri
ng

Me:
"goodmor
ning"hesi
ghed

Baba:
"ar
eyoust
il
lasl
eep?
"

Me:
"IwasbutI
'
m upnow"

Baba:
"sor
rymyangel
.Ispoket
oyourmot
her
"

Me:"I
'm sorrybabaIknowy oudi
sappoi
nted
andthi
sisnotanexampl eIwantt
osetformy
l
it
tl
esisters"hesighedagain
Baba:"
yourli
tt
lesistersar
ebl
essedt
ohave
someoneli
key outol ookupt
ooandtheyl
ove
andadoreyoujustasIdo.Nowhowabouty ou
comehereforalit
tle?"

Me:
"I'
veal
readyt
akenamont
hof
fatwor
k"

Baba:"y
ougoingthroughal otri
ghtnowand
yourdadwil
lspeaktoy ourbossjustcome
home.Letmet akecareofy oumyangel "I
noddedwipi
ngmyt earswhi lesni
ff
ing"don'
t
cry"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lseei
fIcangetat
icket
"

Baba:"al
readygoty
ouone.Thepl
aneleavesat
13:
00I '
ll
bewaiti
ngfory
ouattheai
rportwhen
youland"
Me:
"Ilov
eyou"It
ri
edhol
dingasobt
hatwant
ed
t
obreakout

Baba:
"IknowIl
ovey
ouev
enmor
eLonwabo
wam"

Me:
"I'
l
lseey
ou"Iendedt
hecal
l

Afterpacki
ngasui
tcaseIwentdownstai
rs.I
foundmom alr
eadydrinki
ngi
nthekit
chen.
Mom:
"heybaby
"

Me:
"att
hist
ime?
"

Mom: "
nevert
ooear
lyf
orchampagne.You
sl
eptwell
?"
Me:
"yes.Ar
eyouokay
?"

Mom:
"I'
mfi
nebabyj
ustwor
ri
edabouty
ou"

Me:
"wher
eisdaddyandt
heboy
s?"

Mom:"Spai
nbaby,r
emembertheyhadpl
anned
aboy
st r
ipwit
hyouruncl
esandcousi
ns?
"

Me:
"oh.Uncl
eBay
andaandBandi
l
eal
sowent
?"

Mom:
"yes"Inodded

Me:
"guessy
ouhav
ethehouset
oyour
sel
f"
Mom:
"whatdoy
oumean?
"

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
obaba"

Mom:
"what
?Why
?Unt
ilwhen?
"

Me:"
I'
m notsur
eunti
lwhenbuthesai
dIshoul
d
comeandIwanttogo"

Mom:
"younotr
unni
ngawayar
eyou?
"

Me:
"noI
'
m not
"shegr
oanedasi
fshe'
sinpai
n

Mom: "
Iwishy ouwoul
dn'
tleavebutI
understand.YouknowthatdaddyandIl
ovey
ou
ri
ght?
"
Me:"Iknowmom andIl
oveyoubothaswel
l"
shenodded"mommyareyouokay?Youand
daddyfought
?"

Mom:
"nowedi
dn'
tfi
ghtLel
o"

Me:
"isheupset
?"

Mom:"moreaboutLeobei
ngLi
am'
ssont
han
any
thi
ng"

Me: "
oh.Wel
lLeoi
snotLiam andi
tnotfai
rfor
daddytohat
eLeobecauseofhisf
ather
.Just
becausehi
sfat
herusedtoaskyouout"

Mom:
"whot
oldy
out
hat
?"
Me:
"Sophi
eIt
hink"

Mom: "
youri
ght.I
thasnot
hingt
odowithyou
andLeo.Si
tI'
l
lmakeyoubreakf
ast
,whatdoyou
feel
li
ke?"

Me: "
cinnamonfr
enchtoastwi
thbaconand
sausages"shesmil
es

Mom:
"mygr
andki
dsar
ehungr
y"

Me:"
star
vingact
ual
l
y"shest
oodupandwal
ked
t
othefri
dge

Mom:
"yougoi
ngt
obeagoodmot
her
"

Me:
"Ihadagoodmot
herst
il
ldoact
ual
l
y,soI
havenochoi
cebuttobeagoodmotherto
them"shesmi
led,
hereyest
winkl
i
ngwithtear
s.

Hetookl
ongstr
idescomingtomeassoonas
hesawmeandImel tedi
nhisar
mstry
ingmy
bestt
onotcr
y 
Baba:
"itokayt
ocr
y.Don'
thol
diti
n"

Me:
"Iam sosor
rybaba"

Baba:"
don'
tapologi
ze.Let
'sgohome,your
si
ster
sareexci
tedthatyoucominghome"

Me:"
okay"hepul
ledmysui
tcasewhi
l
ecar
ryi
ng
myduff
lebagouttohi
scar
.

Mysi
bli
ngswer
eout
sideast
hecarpar
ked 
Nol
u:"
sissy
!!
"

Lul
onke:
"mommysai
dyougoi
ngt
ost
ayf
or 
awhi
l
e"

Nat
hy:
"shehasn'
tev
engot
tenoutoft
hecar
!"

Mbali
:"t
hulawenaNat hy
"myy oungestsister
wasaf i
recrackerandal
way
sf ightingwi
th
Nathy
.Idon'tknowwhybuttheyj ustdi
dn'tget
al
ong.

Me:"don'
ttalktoyourbi
gsi
sterl
ikethatMbali
"
shepoutedlookingatme"Mbali
"shesighed

Mbal
i
:"sor
ry"
Me:
"don'
tapol
ogi
zet
omeapol
ogi
zet
oNat
hy"

Mbal
i
:"sor
rysi
ssy
"

Nathy:"
itokay
"weal l
shar
edagrouphug
befor
ewegoti n.Daddywasal
readyi
nthe
house.AuntyZiy
andametusbyt hef
oyer

Zi
yanda:
"heypri
ncess"wehuggedandshe
ki
ssesmyforehead
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Theri
dewassi lent,i
tbeenthatwayf
orov eran
hournow.Ididn'tknowwhatwashappeni ngwe
werebothjustdrowninginourownthought.I
fel
thi
shandonmyt highandtur
nedtolookat
hi
m
Vumi
l
e:"
Ilov
eyou"Ismi
l
ed

Me:"
arey
ouokay?
"Hepushedhi
shandi
nmy
dr
essupmythi
gh

Vumil
e:"
I'
m okaymyangel
.Wi
ll
youandSbani
spendt
henightwi
thmeathome?"

Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkmom wi
l
lagr
ee"

Vumile:
"pl
ease.Iwi
l
lspeakt
oheri
fthat
'
swhat
i
ttakes"

Me:
"Vumi
l
e"

Vumi
l
e:"
pleasebaby
.Imi
ssSbani
andI
'
m not
r
eadyt
onotshar
eabedwi
thy
ouy
et"Isi
ghed

Me:
"ify
ougetmom t
oagr
eet
henokay
"

Vumi
l
e:"
Ineedt
ohur
ryupandmar
ryy
ou"

Me:
"mmh"

Vumil
e:"
youdon'twannamarr
yme? "Theway
hi
stonewasteasingj
ustmadelaugh

Me:
"don'
t!
"

Vumi
le:
"justcur
iousbaby
.Mostwomenwoul
d
beov
erjoyedtobeinyourposi
ti
on"

Me:
"ohbecausey
ousuchacat
ch"
Vumile:mygad!"Hescreamedsoundi
nglikea
gi
rlandIjustcr
ackedup" hav
eyouseenme?I
sl
ayinallthi
ngs"Ihel
dmyst omachlaughing
evenlouder

Me:"st
oppl
ease"hechuckl
edandpi
nchedmy
t
high

IgotoutofthecarassoonasVumileparkedin
theyard.Imissedmysonsobad.Iopenedthe
doorwithoutknockingSbani
waswatchi
ngtv
withmom.Hel ookedupandscr
eamedrunning
tohim
Me:"
ohImissedyousomuchSbanisam"Ihel
d
hi
mtight
lyt
henkissedhi
m al
lov
erhisf
ace
maki
nghimlaughsosweetl
y

Sbani
:"Imi
ssedy
out
ooBunt
u"Ist
art
edt
ickl
i
ng
hi
m

Me:
"whenwi
l
lyoucal
lmemom"

Sbani
:"no!
"Hel
aughedl
ouder"
stopBunt
u"

Me:
"Iwon'
tst
opunt
ily
oucal
lmemom"

Sbani
:"babat
ell
hert
ost
op"Vumi
l
elaughed

Vumi
l
e:"
notget
ti
ngi
nvol
ved"

Sbani
:"okayokaystopmom"Ist oppedand
ki
ssedhistinywetli
ps.Hewalkedoverto
Vumil
ewhopi ckedhi
m upsi
tt
inghiminhislap
asIgreetedmom
Mom:
"Iexpect
edy
ouear
li
er"

Me:
"Vumi
l
ehadt
ost
artatwor
k"

Mom:"okay.Wewil
ltal
ktomor
rowIdon'
tfeel
wel
lsoI'
m goingt
obed"

Vumi
l
e:"
whati
swr
ongmah?
"

Mom:
"not
hingmyson"

Me:"hav
eyouseenadoct
ormah?
"Sheshook
herhead

Mom: "
don'
twor
ryaboutmei
tjustol
dage"she
l
aughedsof
tl
y
Vumile:
"washopi ngSbaniandNobuntuwould
spendthenightathome, mom missesNobunt
u
andthegir
lsmi ssSbani
"

Mom: "I
'
m notafoolVumi
ledon'
tl
iet
omeand
mydaughteri
sjustameatify
oucan'
tmakean
honestwomanoutofheryouandIwi
llhav
e
probl
ems"Vumil
elookeddown

Me:
"hawumah"

Mom: "
nyawumah!Goanddon'tshowmy
gr
andsonnast
ythi
ngs"shegoti
nt hebedr
oom

Me:
"yoh!
"

Vumil
e:"
youcansaythatagai
n"hestoodup.
Sbani
hadalr
eadytakenhi
snightbat
handwas
dressedinhisspi
dermanpy
jamas"
got
ell
hert
o
comel ockthedoor"

Me:"okay"Iwentt
ot hebedr
oom knockedonce
bef
oreopeningthedoor"mom weleavingnow
pl
easelockthedoor"shewincedwhil
est anding
up"areyouokaymom?May beweshoul dn'tgo"

Mom:
"I'
mfi
nedon'
twor
ryaboutmej
ustgo"

Me:"
ift
hepai
ngetsworsepl
easecal
lme.Iwi
l
l
t
akeyoutot
hedoctort
omorr
ow"

Mom:"y
ouworr
yt oomuchbutokay"she
f
oll
owedmeout"goodni
ghtSbani
"

Sbani
:"goodnightmah"shekisseshi
scheek
andwel ef
t.VumileputSbani
onmyl apashe
st
art
edt
hecar
.

MrsNgcobowasal r
eadyasl
eepandthegir
ls
weresti
ll
watchi
ngtvwhenwegotthere.We
l
eftSbaniwi
ththegi
rlandwentVumi
le'
sroom
Vumile:"
Ican'
tbel
i
eveIhav
en'
tbui
l
tanout
side
room yet
"

Me: "
youreal
lyshouldbecauseIdon'
tfeel
comfort
ablesleepi
ngwithyouwhileyour
mom' sr
oom issoclose"hesmiledandheldmy
waist

Vumi
le:
"scar
edI
'
llmakey
ouscr
eam andmoan
l
oudl
y"

Me:
"Vumi
l
e!"Hel
aughed
Vumil
e:"
sett
lei
nI'
m hungr
yI'
l
lgoseei
fther
e's
di
nnerl
eft
"

Me:
"okay
"heki
ssedmeandl
eft

Aft
ereatingwespentsomet imewatchingtv
wit
ht hekidsbefor
ewewentt osl
eep.Iwas
hol
dingSbani f
rom behindwit
hVumi l
eholdi
ng
mef r
om behindinbed.IheardVumilesayi
ng
helovesusasIdr i
ftedofft
osleep.
[
03/
20,
10:
41]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t27

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Iwaswokenupbywhi sper
sandgiggl
es.I
openedmyey estofi
ndSbaniandhisbaba
wrest
lingonthefl
oor
.Isatupandwat ched
them.IscreamedasVumi l
eli
ft
edhim upli
kehe
wasgoi ngtosl
am hi
m onthetil
edfl
oor.They
bothlookedatme

Vumi
l
e:"
myangel
"

Sbani
:"myangel
"theybot
hlaughedasIr
oll
ed
myeyes

Me:
"youwer
egoi
ngt
ohur
thi
m Vumi
l
e"

Vumi
l
e:"
Iwoul
dnev
erhur
tmysonNobunt
u"

Sbani
:"wepl
ayi
ngBunt
uandIwaswi
nni
ng"I
si
ghedandgotofft
hebed
Me:"okaysorr
y"IbentdownkissedSbani
'
s
headthensharedasmalldeepkisswit
hVumi
l
e

Vumi
l
e:"
sleptwel
l
?"

Me:
"yesbabyandy
ou?
"

Vumi
l
e:"hadt
hemosti
mport
antpeopl
einmy
l
if
eonbedwit
hmeofcour
seIdid"

Me:
"IneedtogohomesoIcant
akemom t
o
t
hedoctor
"

Vumi
l
e:"
Iwi
l
ltakey
ouguy
s"hest
oodup

Sbani
:"mahi
ssi
ck?
"
Vumi
l
e:"
justf
lu"

Sbani
:"Ihat
edoct
orsgi
vesyouani
nject
ion"
Vumil
echuckledr
oughi
ngupSbani
'
shair

Me:
"heneedsahai
rcut
"

Vumil
e:"y
eahI
'
llt
akehi
m whi
l
eyouatt
he
doct
or'
s"

Me:
"okay"Iputonadr
essov
ermypy
jamas
"
hav
ey oueaten?"

Vumil
e:"wehadcerealbutwewantpr
oper
br
eakfast
,ri
ghtSbani
?"
Sbani
:"r
ight
!"

Me:"what
ever
"Iwentoutofhi
sbedr oom found
NokuandZolawat
chingtv"morni
nggi r
ls"they
gr
eetedback"y
ouguyswantbreakfast?"

Them:
"yep"

Zol
a:"
mom saidshewil
lseey
ouwhenshe
comesbackf
rom work"

Noku:"Iwi
l
lhelpyou"nokuandIwentt
othe
ki
tchenandstar
tedonbreakfast
.

Whenwegothomewef oundmom al ready

dressedandwai t
ingforus.Iquickl
ywenttoget
Sbanidressedinskinnyj
eans,at -
shir
tanda
bomberj acketwi
thhissneakers.Wewentout
t
hebedr
oom hewi
ggl
edoutofmyar
ms

Sbani
:"seebabaI'
m dressedl
i
key
ou"Vumi
l
e
l
aughedandlift
edhim up

Vumi
l
e:"
yesandy
oul
ookni
ce"

Me:
"wecango"weal
ll
eft

Mom andIgoti nthedoctor'

sroom after
waiti
ngforourtur
n.Aftersometimet al
ki
nghe
drewsomebl ood.Thendidanultrasoundaf
ter
thatwesatdownbyhi sdesk

Dr:"wewon'tbesurefornowuntil
Igetthe
bloodresul
tsbutjudgi
ngfrom t
hesonogram i
t
real
lydoesn'
tlookgood"
Me:
"whatdoy
oumean?
"

Dr:"
I'
m goingtohavetodomoretestsbutaf
ter
I
'v
er ecei
vedtheresul
tsf
rom t
heblood.
"

Me:"whatt
est
s"Dr
:"I
'
m goi
ngt
ohav
etodoa
bi
opsy"

Mom:
"whati
sthat
?"

Dr:"i
t'
sapr ocedureinwhi chIwi l
lremov ea
sampl eoftissue.Takeittoapat hologistwho
wil
l t
henl ooksatthetissueunderami croscope
toseei fiti
scancer.Thiswillbedonev ia
endoscope, whereIlookatar easinsidethe
bodyusi ngat hi
n,li
ghtedtubecal l
edan
endoscope.Thescopei sinsertedthrougha
naturalopening,suchast hemout h.ThenIwi ll
useaspeci al t
ooltoremov etissueorcel l
s
thr
oughthet
ube.
"Me:
"soy
our
eal
l
ythi
nki
t
cancer
?"

Dr:"
wor
stcasescenari
oy es"It
ri
edholdi
ngi
n
mytear
sbuttheydropped,mom brushedmy
back

Mom:
"buty
oucant
reati
tri
ght
?"

Dr:"af
terI'
m sureandIknowhowf arithas
spreadwewi lll
ookattreat
mentplans.Isee
herethatyoudon'thavemedical
aid,Icanri
ght
youal et
tertr
ansfer
ri
ngy outoagovernment
hospit
al"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Dr
:"Iwi
l
ldoi
taf
tert
her
esul
tscomeback.For
nowIwill
wr i
tey
ouaprescr
ipt
ionf
orsomet
hing
thatwi
l
lhelpwit
hthepai
n"

Mom: "
thankyou"hewrotedownaprescr
ipt
ion
l
istforusandwel ef
t.Ical
ledVumi
l
easwe
steppedoutthebuil
ding

Vumi
l
e:"
lov
e"

Me:
"wedone"

Vumil
e:"
I'
m pul
l
inguponboar
dwal
kgi
vemea
minut
e"

Me:"okay"Idr
oppedthecal
l"mom waither
efor
t
hecarI '
l
lgobuyyourmedici
ne"shenodded.I
wenttothepharmacyboughtherpil
lst
hen
wentout.Igoti
nthecar,
Vumilelookedatme
bef
oredr
ivi
ngof
f

Sbani
:"Bunt
uweboughtdonal
d"

Me:
"that
'sni
ce"

Sbani:
"boughtf
ory
oumahandnokuandZol
a
too"

Me:"
thanky
ou"Icl
earedmythroatt
ryi
ngt
o
hi
deasobthatwant
edtobreakout

Vumi
l
e:"
baby
?"Ishookmyhead

Me:
"notnowpl
ease"

Vumi
l
e:"
okay
"
WhenwegothomeImadesur emom eat
sthen
gaveherpi
ll
saftert
hatshewentt
obed.Iwent
outsi
deandsatnexttoVumil
e,wewat
ched
Sbanipl
ayi
ng. 
Vumil
e:"
areyour
eadyt
otel
lmewhatt
he
doct
orsai
d"

Me:"i
tlooksl
i
kecancerbuthei
sgoingt
owait
f
orthebloodresul
tsanddoabi
opsytof
urt
her
f
indout"

Vumil
e:"shitI'
m sorrymyangel"hebroughtme
tohi
m andIl etmyt ear
sflow"everyt
hingwil
lbe
fi
nebabyy ouwi l
lsee.Theycantreatcancer
nowdays"

Me:
"whati
fitfargone?Iam goingt
olosemy
mot
herVumile,Icant
.Shei
st heonl
yparent
sI
hav
e.Sbani
andIneedher
"

Vumi
l
e:"
let
'snotbenegat
ivemyangel
please"
 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Ilookedatmy selfont hemi r

ror.Mybabybump
wasgr owi ngbuti twasn'ttoobigyet,i
twasj ust
cut e.Ibrushedmybobweav ethensmoot hed
ov ermyt racksui ts.Iwaswear ingnavyadidas
j
ogger swi thamat chi
ngsweat erandheeled
clearankl eboot s.Itookmybagt henwentout
ofmyr oom.WhenIgotdownst ai
rsnobodywas
ther ebutIcoul dhearsomenoi se.AsIgot
closet ot helaundr yroom IsawMbal i,
Nonku
andLul onkest andingoutside.Icoul
dhearbaba
andaunt yZi yandashout i
nginside,t
heywer e
f
ight
ing.

Me:
"hey
.Whaty
ouguy
sdoi
ngher
e?"

Nonku:
"mommyandbabaar
eyel
l
ing"

Zi
yanda:
"doyout hi
nkIdon'tseethewayyou
l
ookather?I
'm notafoolLuthandoIknowyou
st
il
ll
oveher"

Baba:"
shei
smyfucki
ngsi
sterZi
yanda,
what
hasgott
eni
ntoy
ou?"

Ziy
anda:"Ishouldbeaski
ngyouthat.Youthe
onewhoisl ust
ingaft
erhi
sli
tt
lesist
er"she
screamedlouder
Baba:"
Iam notandevenifIwasthatdoesn'
t
gi
veyouar easontogooutther
elooki
ngf or
att
ent
ionfrom someman.IloveyouZiyanda
andIam commi tt
edtoy
ou"

Zi
yanda:
"younev
erev
enhome!
"

Baba:"Iworkhar
ddammi t!Youthinkthi
s
l
ifest
yleyouli
vi
ngischeap?Thisfucki
nghouse
andallthecar
spayforthemselves?"

Zi
yanda:
"yeahwel
li
tiswhati
tis"

Baba:"i
ssheevenmi neZiyanda?IsMbali
mine"
Istar
tedknocki
ngont hedoor.Therewas
si
lenceforf
ewmi nut
est henthedooropened.
Babalookedshockedtoseeusst andi
ngthere
Ziy
anda:"babi
es"shesmi
ledweaklyasmy
phonerangIwalkedawayanswer
ing

Me:
"yes"

Leo:
"pl
easet
ell
thesecur
it
ytoopenf
orme"

Me: "
putmeonspeaker "hedi
dandItoldthe
securi
tytoopenforhi
mt henwenttothe
ki
tchen.Itookoutabottl
eoficet
eaanddr ank
ali
ttl
ebitwhil
ewatchingthei
nter
com.Whenhe
wasbyt hehousegateIopenedforhi
m

Baba:
"ist
hatLeo?
"

Me:
"yes"
Baba:
"youf
indi
ngoutt
hegendert
oday
"

Me:
"yeah.Ar
eyouandaunt
yZi
yandaf
ine?
"

Baba:"y
eswegoodj ustal
i
ttl
e
misunderst
andi
ng"

Me:"your
eall
yshoul dn'
tfighti
nfr
ontoft he
ki
dsli
kethatittraumati
zingandthethingsyou
weresayi
ngespeci al
lyaboutMbalinotbeing
your
sshouldn'tbeheardbyt heki
ds"

Baba:"Mbal
ii
smineleloImeanshe'
s
pract
ical
l
yyourt
win"ther
ewasaknockont
he
door

Me:
"Iknowandby
eI'
l
lbebacksoon"heki
ssed
myfor
ehead
Baba:
"okay
"Iwentout
,foundLeol
eani
ngi
nhi
s
car

Leo:
"heybaby"hewr appedhisarmsaroundme
andIpushedhim backafterasecond

Me:
"I'
m notyourbaby"hesi
ghedandopened
t
hedoorformebef or
egoingtohi
sside

Leo:
"ur
ytmyl
ove?
"Hedr
oveof
f

Me:
"Iam f
ine"

Leo:"
youl
ooksobeaut if
ul.Wemat ch"Irol
led
myeyesandl ookedoutthewindow,itwasa
col
djhbday.Hewasal sowearingadidasjogger
andsweaterbutblackwi
thblackandr ed
j
ordans.

Me:"Iwantsil
enceLeo.Don'
tmakemer egr
et
agr
eeingforustogotothedoct
ortoget
her"

Leo:"
sorr
yI'mjustnervous,Imeanoncewe
fi
ndoutthegenderitjustseemssoreall
i
kewe
canevenstar
tcomi ngupwi thnames"

Me:
"Iguess"

Leo:
"thanky
ouf
orl
ett
ingmepi
cky
ouup"

Me:
"sur
ewhat
ever
"hesi
ghed

Leo:
"wi
l
lyouev
erf
orgi
veme?
"
Me:
"I'
vef
orgi
veny
ouLeo"

Leo:"thenwhywon'
tyoul
etusf
ixt
hings?
.
Please"

Me:"
Leo.YouandIarenotgett
ingback
t
oget
herjustf
orgeti
t.Pl
ease"

Leo:
"howcanyousaythatLel
owhenweabout
towelcomet
wobabiesandwhenIlov
eyouso
much"

Me: "youdidn'tshowt haty oul ovemewheny ou

sentyourf ri
endst hatpicture.Ist i
l
lsayi t
Leonar do,hady ounotshowny ourfr
iendst hat
pictur
ewewoul dbet al
kingaboutadi ff
erent
situat
ion"hest oppedt hecarandswi tchedon
thehazar ds"whatar ey oudoi ngLeo? !!"
Leo:"whatdoIhavetodoLelo?Ilov
eyoufor
fucksakesandI'v
ebeenmi ser
ablet
hesepast
months.I'
mfail
ingatschoolan.
."

Me:"
whaty
oumeanyoufai
l
ing?
"Icuthi
m of
f.
Hesi
ghedr
ubbi
nghi
sfacet
henpushedback
hi
shair

Leo:
"If
ail
edt
hesemest
er"

Me:"
fail
edLeo!Notevendroppedbuty
ouf
ail
ed
awholefucki
ngsemester
!"

Leo:"don'tyel
latme.Youthinkyoutheonl
y
whohasbeensuf fer
ingLel
o?I'v
ejustbeen
exist
ing"Ilookedoutthewi
ndow, i
twas
start
ingtor ai
n
Me:
"justdr
iveLeopl
ease"

Leo:"Lel
oIam ext
remel
ysor
rybabyy
ouhav
e
totakemeback"

Me:"wegoingtobel
atef
orourappoi
ntment
Leo.Lookj
ustgiv
emesometimetothi
nkabout
i
t"hesqueezedmythi
gh

Leo:
"okaymyl
ove.Il
ovey
ouj
ustknowt
hat
"

Me:"
okay"Iwantedt
osayIl
oveyout
oo,I
want
edtosayitsobadbutmypr
idewoul
dn'
t
l
etme.

LeoandIwerebothst
ari
ngatthescreen.The
hear
tbeatwasst
rongatusual
.Leohadhis
goof
ysmi
l
eon

Dr:"wel
ll
ooksli
keLeoyougoingtobebuyi
ng
thosetut
usinst
eadsoccerki
ts"webot
hlooked
atthedoctor

Leo:
"soi
tgi
rl
s?Theybot
hgi
rl
s?"

Dr
:"y
es"Leolaughedl
oudl
ybef
oreki
ssi
ngme
al
lovermyface

Leo:
"Il
oveyousomuch"hesmashedhi sl
ips
onmineandwekisseddeeply
,Iletoutamoan
andhel
dhissweaterbr
ingi
nghisbodycloser
[
03/
20,
10:
41]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t28
#Lel
o
¥¥

Weleftt
hehospital
,bothofusdrowningi
nour
ownthoughts.Iwasexcit
edandscaredatthe
sametime.ButIwasmost lyhappy

Me:
"howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Leo: "I
'
mf ucki
nghappybabyandabi tterri
fi
ed,I
gott hr
eegi rl
sinmyl i
fenow.That'salotof
responsi bi
li
tyLel
oI'mfuckingterr
if
iedthatI'l
l
messupanddi sappoi
nty outhr
ee.Inev erhada
fatherfigureyouknowt hat,whati
fIam abad
fathertoourdaught er
s"Isqueezedhi sthigh

Me:
"doy
out
hinkIwoul
dlety
oubeabad
f
ather
?"Hesmi
l
edshaki
nghi
shead

Leo:
"noy
ouwon'
t"

Me:
"Iwon'
t"

Leo:"areyoui
nahurr
yt or
etur
nhome?Iwould
l
iketoshowy ousomethi
ngandmaybetakey
ou
tolunch"

Me:"Leowenotinthatspace"thi
ngsgotal
i
ttl
e
awkwardaf
terourheatedkiss

Leo:
"pl
ease"Isi
ghed

Me:
"okay
"
Mom cal
l
edaswewer
epul
l
ingupatsandt
on
ci
ty
Me:
"hel
l
omommy
"

Mom:"hel
l
omybaby,
Imissyousobad.Pl
ease
comenowweal
lmissyoudaddyi
sdyi
ng"

Me:
"I'
l
lcomehomej
ustnotsur
ewhen"

Mom:"comeonl
elot
hando!Youneedt
obeher
e
f
orwhenyougi
vebir
th"

Me:
"Icangiv
ebir
thher
eitfi
ne"shegasped.
Mom canbesodramat
ic.

Mom:"
noyoucannotl
elo!Youhav
etobe
homef
ort
hatyouj
usthaveto"
Me:"Iwi
l
lwemommy .LookLeoandIjust
par
kedatthemal
l
,canIcal
lyoul
ater
?"

Mom:
"yout
woshoul
djustf
ixt
hingsal
ready
"

Me: "
mom It ol
dyouIwi l
lnotbedi
scussi
ngmy
rel
ati
onshipwithyou.That'
sAri
aandNobunt
u
areherefor"

Mom: "
Iknow,sorr
y.Sowhatcol
orar
ewe
pai
nti
ngthenurser
y?"

Me:"
pinkormay bepur
ple"shescr
eamedt
ell
i
ng
someoneitgi
rl
smakingmel augh

Mom:
"wai
tI'
m put
ti
ngy
ouonspeaker
"
Me:
"mommyIneedt
ogo"Iwhi
ned

Dad:
"congr
atul
ati
onsbaby
"

Me:
"thanky
oudaddy
"

Dad:"
yout
ooky
ourf
ather
'sgeneswi
thmaki
ng
gi
rl
s"

Me:"daddy
!"Ihadasl
appi
ngsoundt
hendad
l
aughed 
Dad:"
comebacky
ourmot
heri
sabusi
ngme
her
e"

Me:
"I'
m notsur
ewhenI
'
llbebackdaddy
"
Dad:"Iknowy oudon'
twantmet ocomefetch
youthere.I
'
llsendthej
etforaf
teraweek,y
ou
needtobehome"

Me:"
okaydaddy
.Il
ovey
oubot
h,Ihav
etogo
now"

Them:"welov
eyou"wecutt
hecal
l.Leowas
l
ookingatmewit
hasmileonhi
sface

Leo:
"yousobeaut
if
ulbaby
"

Me:"mh"wegotoutoft
hecarandt
ookan
el
evat
orgoi
ngdown

Leo:"
arey
ouhungr
ynow?I
'
dli
ket
odosome
shoppi
ngfort
hegi
rl
s"
Me:"Leowewillbuywhat
everweneedin
Dur
ban.There'
snopointonbuyi
ngthi
ngsto
onl
ytakethem t
oDurbanagain"

Leo:
"butwashopi
ngtheycoul
dhav
ear
oom i
n
myapartmentaswel
l
"

Me:
"forwhat
?Theywon'
tbecomi
ngher
e"

Leo:
"theymychi
l
drenaswel
lLel
o"

Me:"andyouwil
lcomet
oDur
banwheny
ou
wanttoseethem"

Leo:
"atyourparent
shouse?Wher
eIwon'
tev
en
becomfortabl
eorsleepover
"
Me:"
okayLeowhatev
eryouwant
"Ilef
thi
m
st
andi
ngther
e.Iwasstar
ti
ngt
olosemycool
wi
thhim.

Afterbuy i
ngbasi call
yev erythingababywoul d
needi nanur sery,fr
om cl othest opaintsto
chestofdr awer stocr i
bst or ockychairto
nappychangi ngsections, asIsai dbasical
ly
everythi
ng.Wehadt ocal ldaddyt osendmehi s
Jhbdr iv
ersohecoul dt aket het hi
ngsbackt o
Leo'sapar t
mentbecausei twasn' tgoingtofiti
n
hi
sspor tcar.Aftergetti
ngt akeawaywel ef
t.I
wast oot i
redandannoy edtot hinkaboutbeing
i
nar estaurant.

Aftereati
ngwewer ewatchi
ngt vwhilehewas
rubbingmyf eetitfel
tsogoodIjustkept
moani ngwhichwasmaki ngLeoshi ft
uncomf or
tably.Icoul
dfeelhi
m get t
ingharder
harderasmyf eetwereonhisthigh.Honestl
y
speakingfeel
inghi
mliket
hatwasmakingme
wetwi thever
ypassi
ngsecond.Imov
edandsat
onhim, str
addli
nghi
m.Helookedatme
confused. 
Leo:
"baby
?"

Me:"kissmyneck"It
ookof
fmysweat
erhe
st
artedkissi
ngmyneckasImovedmywai
st
gr
indingonhim"Iwanty
outot
akemetobed"

Leo:"
yesma'am"hebr
eat
hedonmyneckbit
ing
i
tthenstoodupwit
hmeonhim andwal
kedt
o
hi
sroom 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Iwokeupdr ai
nedandj ustwantingt odi e.Itwas
theweekendandIwasi nDurbansoIcoul dsee
mom.Shewasdi agnosedwi t
hcol oncancer .
Hercancerwaswor se,shewascur rentlyin
Net careParklandhospi tal
.MrMkhi zewas
pay i
ngf orherhospi t albi
ll
.Afterthreemont hs
ofgoi ngbackandf or t
hwi t
hthepr ov i
nci al
hospi t
alonlyf orhert ogetmor esick.Lel o
spoket oherpar entsandherdadhadmom
transferredtopar klands.Iwasgoi ngt ogo
checkonher ,
shehadhadhersur ger ylastni ght
.
Theywer eremov i
ngt hepartofheri ntest i
ne
thathascancert her emainingcolonwast obe
reconnect edtot her ectum.

Itbeenhardnolie.Watchingmymot her
deteri
orat
efurt
herandbei nginschoolwasn'
t
helpi
ng.Iwantedtoder egist
erbutshebegged
met onot,say
ingmeget t
ingmydegr eei
sthe
onlythi
ngthat'
skeepingherf r
om giv
ingupthat
shewant smet odothisforSbaniandour
f
uture.Iwastwoweeksawayfrom st
arti
ngmy
f
inalexams.Sbaniwasst
ayi
ngwithMr s
Ngcobo,Vumilehi
redhi
m ananny.

Igotoutoft hebed, Ihadwokenupal one

Vumi l
ewaswor kingmor ni
ngshift.Icleanedup
theapartmentt hentookabat handgotdr essed
i
nj eansandashi r
ttuckedinloosely,Iputon
myVans.Il eftmyaf roroughedup.Vumi legot
i
nasIwaswal kingoutthebedroom
Vumile:
"youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmyangel
"Ir
oll
edmy
eyes

Me:"don'
tstar
twithmeVumi l
e"hepul
ledmeto
hi
m wrappinghisarmsaroundmywaistand
st
areddrawingpatt
ernsonmyback

Vumil
e:"
youdobutIwoul
dn'
tmindgett
ingmy
Nobunt
uback"Ihadl
ostl
otofwei
ghtofwas
wei
rdbecauseI
'
m al
readyasmal
lper
son

Me:"
canwego?Pl
ease,
Ireal
l
yneedt
osee
howthesur
ger
ywent
"

Vumi
l
e:"
youat
e?"

Me:
"I'
l
leatwhenIcomeback"

Vumil
e:"
I'
ll
buyyoubreakf
astatt
hedr
ivet
hru
l
et'
sgo"welef
t,passi
ngbyMcDonal
d'
s.

Whenwegottothehospi
tal
wewer
etakent
o
i
cu,f
oundherdoct
orwit
hher
Me:
"goodmor
ning"t
hedoct
orsmi
l
edweakl
y

Drkhumal
o:"
mor
ningNobunt
u"shewassucha
beauti
fulwoman,lel
osaidsheismar ri
edto
Leo'sbaba'
dal
aAv er
yandappar entl
ysheisone
ofthebestoncol
ogisti
nthecount r
y.Sheand
herhusbandhadjustmov edpermanentlyt
o
Durbanherhusbandrunhisfather'
ssurger
y

Me:"she'
sasl
eep?"Il
ookedatmom,shehad
l
ostsomuchwei ghtev
enherbeaut
ywas
f
ading

Drkhumalo:"
yeahshewokeupear
lymorni
ng
theyhadtogiv
ehersomethi
ngf
orthepai
nout
herri
ghtbacktosl
eep"

Vumi
l
e:"
howdi
dthesur
ger
ygo?
"

Drkhumal
o:"
ver
ywel
l
,she'
sabr
avewoman"
Vumi
l
e:"
nowwhat
?"

Drkhumal o:"wewaitf orhertorecoverfrom the

surgerythenwest artwiththechemot herapy
shemi ghtneedsomest em transpl
antsaf t
er
chemot henwewi l
lknowi fwedonewi ththi
s
battl
eornotbutf ornowwecel ebrat
et hisli
tt
le
vi
ctorywej ustgotwi t
ht hesuccessoft he
surgery"Inodded

Me:
"okay
"

Drkhumal
o:"youmightconsi
derget
ti
ng
t
herapyNobuntut
hiscan'
tbeeasyyouneedal
l
t
hehelpyoucangetemot i
onal
ly
"

Me:
"thanky
ouI
'
llconsi
deri
t"
Drkhumalo:"wel
lI'
l
lcheckonyourmom ali
tt
le
l
aterIneedtoconti
nuewithmyroundsbef
ore
goi
ngt oconsul
ti
ng"

Vumil
e:"
thanky
ou"shesmiledandwal
kedout
.
Iwentt
ositont
hechairandhel
dmom'shand,
i
twassocold

Me:
"babycanyouaskt
henur
set
otur
nupt
he
t
emperat
ure"

Vumil
e:"okaymyangel"hesqueezedmy
shoul
derandwalkedout

Iwassitt
inginthewait
ingroom whereIwas
tol
dtositbecauseIcouldn'
tbeinicuforl
ong.
Vumilehadgonebackt owor k,
thenursecame
tomet el
li
ngmet hatmom wasup.Iwentback
toherward,foundherstari
ngattheroof.
 
Me:
"mama?
"Shesmi
l
edweakl
y

Mom:"
hi"Ihel
dherhandsqueezi
ngi
tasmy
t
ear
sdropped"don'
tcr
yNobuntumychi
ld"

Me:
"howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Mom: "sl
eepysti
ll
.Themedi cat
ioni
sstr
ongbut
t
heysayi tsoIdon'tf
eelanyamountofpai
nso
I
'm notcomplai
ning"Inodded

Me:"okaythat
'sgood.Drkhumal
oisposi
ti
ve
aboutever
ythi
ng"

Mom:"wehav
etobeNobunt
u.Shoul
dn'
tyoube
i
nschool
?"
Me:"
I'
mjusther
efort
heweekendI
'
llgoback
Mondaymorni
ng"

Mom: "good.Iwanty outopassNobuntuand

graduat esoy oucangiveSbaniandyoursel
fa
betterli
fewi t
houtdependingonanybody.No
onewi llevertakeyoureducat
ionawayno
mat terhowbadl ytheybri
ngyoudown, y
ouwi l
l
al
way sriseupandbebet tert
hanbefor
e."

Me:"Iknowmom,
I'
ll
graduat
eIpr
omi
sey
ou"
shesmiled

Mom: "
andy ougoi
ngtobui
ldmeahousewi
th
hotwateri
nit"wel
aughed

Me:
"yes"
Mom:"thenthatNgcoboboybet
termar
ryy
ou
andt
reatyouright
"

Me:"wel
lyougoingtohav
etospeakt
ohi
m
aboutt
hat"shesmil
ed

Mom:
"ohIwi
l
lnodoubt
.Howi
smySbani
?"

Me: "
okay,
hemissesyousomuch"shesmi l
ed.
Istoodupqui
ckl
yastearsdroppedfr
om her
eyes"mom?Areyouinpain?I'
m cal
l
ingt
he
nurse"

Mom: "
noI '
mf i
ne.Il
oveyouNobunt
u,youand
Sbani
sam somuchy outwoaremyev er
ythi
ng.I
knowIwasn'tthebestmom t
oy ouf
oryears
andI'
mr eal
lysorr
y"
Me:"
mom don'
tapologi
zeI'
vealreadyf
orgiv
en
youf
ort
hat.Welov
ey outoo,SbaniandI"

Mom:
"okayy
ougonow"

Me:
"mom?
"

Mom:
"gohomeIwantt
orest
"

Me:
"Vumi
l
eandIwi
l
lcomeseey
ouatni
ght
"

Mom: "
okay"Iki
ssedherf
oreheadandbr
ushed
herbal
dheadbeforegoi
ngout.

Igotont heuberandl
ookedoutt
hewindow
l
etti
ngmyt ear
sdropf
uri
ousl
y.MyphonerangI
tookitoutandanswer
ed 
Me:
"hi
"

Lel
o:"hiboo,howisshe?"Ijustbr
okedown
l
etti
ngoutloudsobs" shi
t.Nobuntutel
lme
whereyouareI '
m sendi
ngadr i
vertocomeget
you"

Me:
"Iwantt
obeal
one"

Lelo:"
no!Iam notl
ett
ingy
oucryl
i
kethi
son
yourownnowt ellmewherey
ouarenow"I
sighed

Me:
"I'
minanubergoi
ngbackt
otheapar
tment
"

Lel
o:"
tel
lthedr
ivert
obr
ingy
ouher
e"
Me:
"okay
"

Lelowasalreadyoutsi
deastheuberparkedi
n
thedri
veway,looki
ngpregnantwi
thherbaby
bump.Sheopenedherar msIgotinthem asI
wasfall
ing

Lel
o:"
itokay
,Igoty
ou"Ishookmyheadl
ett
ing
outamuffl
edsob 
.

AssoonasIwasdonewi t
hmyl astpaperItook
ataxibackt omyapar t
ment .Ihadalready
packedmybagsandev eryt
hingIwast aking
withme, i
twasn'talotIhadsol dmostoft he
thi
ngsatcashcr usaders.Mypl anewasl i
v i
ngin
thr
eehour s.Iwasinar ushtogohome, mom
wasn'tgetti
ngbetterbuttheysaiditbecauseof
thechemo.
Igotacal
lfr
om MrsMkhi
zeasIwaswai
ti
ngt
o
checki
nattheai
rpor
t
Me:
"hel
l
o"

Sne:
"Nobunt
umychi
l
d,howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
m okay
"

Sne:
"youdonewi
thy
ourl
astpaper
?"

Me:
"yes"

Sne:"
goodnowpacky ourthi
ngsI'
m goi
ngt
o
buyyouaplaneti
cketyouneedtocomeas
soonaspossibl
e"
Me:
"why
?Whathappened?I
sitmymot
her
?"

Sne:"
don'
tpani
citnot
hingbadIj
ustneedy
ou
tocomeback"

Me:
"pl
easedon'
tl
iet
ome"Iwhi
sper
ed

Sne:
"I'
m not
"

Me:"I
'
m alr
eadyatt
heair
por
twaiti
ngforcheck
i
nthenI'
l
lbetaki
ngoff
"shebreat
hedout

Sne:"
okaygood.Youwi
l
lfi
ndadr
iverwai
ti
ng
fory
outhere"

Me:
"wi
l
lyout
ell
mewhati
swr
ong?
"
Sne:"don'
tpani
cever
ythi
ngisf
ine"shecutt
he
cal
lleavi
ngmei nt
earsasIwal
kedt owar
dsthe
checkinpoint
[
03/
20,
10:
41]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t29

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

TheMkhi zedr
iverwasalr
eadywaiti
ngformeat
theai
rportcar
ryingaboardwri
tt
enmyname
whenIlandedinDurban.Thedri
vertookmeto
Zimbali
.

Igoti
nthehouseanditwassosilentwhich
wasn'
tunusual
.Isawl
eloandhermom t alki
ng
whil
eLel
owaseat i
ngchickennuggetsanda
bur
gerf
rom McDonal
d'
sal
latonce
Me:
"hel
l
o"t
heyl
ookedupatmesmi
l
ingweakl
y

Lel
o:"
hey
"hermom st
oodupandhuggedme

Mr
sMkhi
ze:
"howwast
hef
li
ght
?"

Me:"good.I
smom okay?"Shesi
ghedand
l
ookeddown.IlookedatLel
oandhert
ears
wer
ef al
li
ng"l
elo?
"

MrsMkhi ze:"I
'
m sorr
yNobunt usosorrybut
yourmom passedaway "Ist
umbledback
shakingmyhead" Nobuntubabycalm down"I
fel
tsuffocat
edmyv i
sionwasgetti
ngburlymy
heartcl
enchinginter
ribl
epain

Lel
o:"
Nobunt
u"shecr
iedoutasIf
eltmywhol
e
bodyhi
tt
ingthef
loorapai
nshott
hroughoutmy
headanditwasl
ight
sout

Iwokeupi nabedr oom Il ookedar oundand

i
mmedi at el
ynoticedi twast heguestr oom I
somet i
mesusedi fIwassl eepingov eratl el
o's
home.Igotof fthebedwentoutt ot hebal cony.
Iwat chedSj playingbasket ballwi t
hhi sdadand
cousi nBandile.Myt earsj ustdr oppedasI
thoughtabouthowunf airli
feis.Asi fitnotbad
enought hatmyf atherdi edwhenIwassol i
tt
le
basicallyleavi
ngusi npov erty,Ihadt oget
rapedandnowI 'velostmymot her .Iam nowan
orphan.Icoul dn'thelpt hescream t hatcame
outofmymout hasIwentonmyknees.Few
minut esintomyl oudcr iesIfelthandswr ap
aroundmybodyandIwaspul l
edi nt oherl ap.

MrsMkhi
ze:"
itokayhoneyever
ythi
ngwi
l
lbe
f
iney
ouwill
see"shekissedmyhead
Me: "
Iwantmymom.Ij ustwantmymom"
someoneclear
edhisthroat
.Il
ookedupfrom
Mr sMkhi
ze'
schestandsawVumi leIst
oodup
fastal
mostfal
l
ingbuthecaughtme

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
m her
emyangel
I'
m her
e"

Me: "
wher
ewer
eyou?
"Ibur
iedmyheadonhi
s
chest

Vumil
e:"
wasi nNewcastleIdrov
ebackasfast
asIcoul
dI'm sor
ry"Iwascryi
ngsohardI
coul
dn'
tbreath

Mr sMkhize:"I
'
llgi
veyout
wospace.Nobunt u
pleasecalm downhoneyoryouwil
lfaintagai
n"
InoddedholdingonVumileevent
ighter
Me:"
ithur
ts.Whydoesi
thav
etohur
tli
ket
his
Vumi
le?Iwanttodi
e"

Vumil
e:"
sshi
tokaybabyIgoty
ou"heli
ft
edme
upandwentt
obedthensatdown"Tel
lmewhat
todo?
"

Me:
"Iwantt
ogohomeIwantsbani
sam"

Vumil
e:"I
'
llt
akey
ouhome.Il
oveyousomuch
babyandyougoi
ngt
obefineIpr
omisey
ou"

Me:
"youl
oveme?
"

Vumil
e:"
yougotmyl
ovebabyy
ougotmy
hear
t"
 
.

Itwast hef ol
lowingdaywhenwear r
ivedat
home.Thegr asshadgr ewsomuchar oundt he
yard,thehousewasal readystartingtolookl ike
i
tdeser ted.Mychi ckenswer eat hingoft he
pastnow, mom cookedt hem all
byt hetimeI
wasdonewi t
hmyf ir
sty eartherewasnot hing
l
eft.Vumi leparkedandwebot hgotoutoft he
car,Iopenedt hedoorsl owlyandwas
i
mmedi atelyhitbymymot her'
sscent .Iinhaled
i
twhi l
ewi pingmyt ears 
Me:
"howam Igoi
ngt
odot
hisVumi
l
e?"

Vumile:
"li
keast
rongwomant
haty
ouar
e"I
nodded

Me:"Godcoul
dn'thav
eatleastgi
venmef
ew
year
s?"Hecuppedmyf aceandki
ssedmy
f
orehead

Vumi
le:
"hegaveusbroughty
ear
swi
thherbut
nowheneededhermore"

Me: "
itnotf ai
rVumi l
eit'
snot.Peopleoutt
her
e
havebot hpar entsandIdon'
tevenhav eonei
t'
s
j
ustnotr ight.Lif
eisn'
tfai
randIcan'tgoon
anymor e"hebr oughtmet ohischestand
brushedmyhai r

Vumi
le:"
youhav
emeandSbaniwelov
eyouso
muchandwewillnev
erev
erl
eav
eyou"

Me:
"pr
omi
se?
"

Vumil
e:"cr
ossmyhearthopet
odi
e"Ichuckl
ed
sof
tl
y,hekissedmyhead.
Aft
erIf i
nishedcleani
ngupt hehouseand
Vumi l
edoi ngtheyardweleftforhi
shome.
Sbaniwasoutoft hedoorbeforeweev en
parkedthecarhi snannyfol
lowedafterhi
m
shouti
ngt hathemustnotr untothecarwhil
eit
mov i
ng.Igotoutoft hecar
Me:
"sbani
sam"

Sbani:"
buntu"Ipi
ckedhim upandgavehi
ma
squeeze"Imissedyouandmamasomuch.I s
sheinthecar?"Ishookmyheadbiti
ngmylip
hardsomyt earsdon'tdr
op

Vumil
e:"Igothi
m, br
inghi
m here"Il
etgoof
SbaniasVumiletookhim"hel
l
obi gboy"Sbani
smil
ed

Sbani
:"hel
l
obaba,
kodwaI
'
m amannownota
boy
"Vumi
l
elaughedasIsmi
l
edweakl
y

Vumi
l
e:"
whosai
dyouaman?
"

Sbani:
"teacher"hewasgoi ngtocrecheand
wouldstartprepar
atorynextyearVumilehad
al
readyfoundhi m spaceatPenzance

Me:
"letmel
eav
eyout
wo"

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
ll
tal
ktohi
m"

Sbani
:"t
alkt
omeaboutwhatbaba?
"

Vumile:
"let
'sgobuyi
cepop"Sbanisquealedin
exci
tementmakingVumil
echuckle"yousound
l
ikeagirl
"heputhimint
hecarandst raphim
saf
elybef
orecomi
ngt
ome

Me:
"doy
out
hinkhewi
l
lunder
stand?
"

Vumile:
"heissmartandI'
l
ltr
ymybest "he
ki
ssedmet henwentinthedri
ver
'sseat.I
watchedthem dr
ivi
ngoutoft
hegatethenwent
i
n

Me:
"hel
l
osi
si"

Sindi
:"hel
l
oNobunt
u.Hear
dabouty
ourmom,
sorry
"Inodded

Me:
"thanky
ou.Hav
eyoucooked?
"

Si
ndi
:"noty
et"
Me: "
okayI'
l
lgetstar
tedonit
"Iwentt
othe
ki
tchentookoutbeefsoIcoul
dstar
tcooki
ng

BythetimeVumi l
eandhi ssongotbackIwas
donecookingandt hegir
lswerebackf rom
schoolandMr sNgcobowasal sobackf r
om
work.Wewer eactuall
yhav i
ngdinnerthathow
l
ateitwas,theyhadbeengonef orhour s.
Sbani'
seyeswerer edandswollenjustthesight
ofhim mademecr y ,
Iquickl
ywipedmyt ear
s 
Me:
"sbani
sam?
"

Sbani
:"mamai sgonetoheaven.Wewill
only
seeherinourdreamsnow.I'
m goingt
omi ss
herBunt
u"

Me:"
IknowIwil
lmi
sshert
oo"Ipi
ckedhi
m up
andwehugged
Sbani
:"babasaysIcan'tgot
oheav
enbecause
youwil
lbealoneandy ouneedmebutIwantt
o
bewit
hmamaBunt u"

Me:"butbabaandIneedy
ouher ewit
hus.Zola
andNokuaswel l
andgogoev enmkhulu.Weal
l
wantyouherewit
hus"hesighedheavi
ly

Sbani
:"okayIwon'
tgo"Iki
ssedt
hesi
deofhi
s
head

Me:
"Il
ovey
ousomuchSbani
sam"

Sbani
:"Il
ovey
out
ooBunt
u" 
.
Day swer emov ingsl owl y,i
twasnowFr iday
.I
wasgr atefulformeet i
ngLel oandf orMr s
Ngcobobei ngthet ypeofmot hershei s.Mrs
Mkhi zet ookov erev erythingregar di
ngt he
funeral.Iwassi ttingbehi ndthehousej ust
try
ingt oescapeev erythingandev eryone.Mr s
NgcoboandMr sMkhi zewer ebusyar oundt he
houseandy ard,theMkhi zehel perswer e
maki ngt eaandser vingpeopl et eaandcakes.I
wasact uallysurprisedbyt helargernumberof
peopl ewhower eathomei twasmost l
y
neighbor sandpeopl eIdi dn'
tev enknow.The
bodyhadar ri
ved, afteritarri
vedwehadasmal l
service.Whi l
eev eryonegotbusyIusedt hatas
achancet odi sappear .

Iheardsomeonecall
ingmesoft
lywit
hslow
foot
stepscomingtowardsmeandIjustknewi
t
l
elo.Herbel
lyshowedfir
stt
henherswoll
en
foot
.
Lel
o:"ther
eyouareI
'v
ebeenlooki
ngal
lov
erf
or
you"Igaveheraweaksmi
le

Me:
"her
eIam"shef
rownedt
hensi
ghed

Lel
o:"
Ican'tsi
tdowni
t'
stoof
arandIwon'tbe
abl
etostandupforl
ongmybackisal
ready
sor
e"

Me:"sor
ry"Ist
oodup"
justdon'
tgi
vebir
thr
ight
her
e"shesmackedmyshoulderpl
ayf
ull
y

Lelo:
"hopeful
lytheywillbehaveandcooka
l
itt
lemor ebutI'
mr eadyforthem t
ocomeout"
sheopenedherar ms" comeher egi
rl
"I
chuckled

Me:
"wi
l
lyouev
enbeabl
etohol
dmewi
tht
hat
huget
hingi
nfr
ontofy
ou"

Lelo:"Nobunt u!"Shepout edIwal kedt oherand

wehuggedwi thherbabybumppr eventi
ngus
from beingcl ose"ohwel litiswhati ti
s"we
l
aughed, lelor eal
lymademel augh.Shedi dn'
t
talkabouthowsor ryshewasbutIknewshe
was, shedi dn'tneedt otel
lmet hateveryt
hing
wi l
lbefi
neandshewi ll
bet hereformeIj ust
knewt hatshewi llbe.EversinceIf oundout ,
our
conv er
sationswer en'
tcenteredar oundme
l
osi ngmymom.

Me:
"yourbabi
esl
oveme"t
heykeptki
cki
ng

Lel
o:"
ofcour
setheyl
ovey
ousi
ll
y!Nosi
and
si
bahl
ewerealsol
ooki
ngf
ory
ou"

Me:
"yeahl
et'
sgoy
ouneedt
osi
tdownbef
ore
Leoki
l
lsme"sher
oll
edherey
es

Lel
o:"
thatboyi
ssoannoy
ing"

Me:
"hel
ovesy
ou"

Lel
o:"
Idon'
tseemy
sel
fget
ti
ngbackt
oget
her
wit
hhim"

Me:"t
henstophavi
ngsexwi
thhi
m!y
ou
conf
usingt
hekid"

Lelo:
"let
'sgoIwantmychi
ckennugget
sf r
om
thecar"wewalkedtot
hefr
ontofthehouse

Me:
"wheni
sAr
ial
andi
ng?
"
Lelo:"
Ithinkfewhourslatershewillcomei n
themor ning"Inoddedandwal kedinthehouse
asshewentt othecar.Therewast wotents,
onefort hecateri
ngandtheot herwherethe
servi
cewasgoi ngtobeheld.

Me:
"heyy
ouneededme?
"

Nosi:"
Vumi le'
smom wascal l
ingfory ou.You
supposedt obesitti
ngont hemat ress"Isighed
andwentbackt omydesi gnatedplace.
Whoev ercameupwi ththi
stradit
ionr eal
lydidn'
t
thi
nkitthrough.NowIwasf orcedt ostari
ngat
mymot her'
scoffi
nasi fIwasn'tsufferi
ng
enough.
.

Me:
"youcandothi
s.Youcanputonaf ake
smi
l
eandacceptpeopl
e'
ssorr
ies,acceptt
hei
r
sympat hyasifitwil
lbri
ngbackmom"Ispoke
tomy selfwhil
elookinginthemirr
or,Iwas
dressedi nablackdressandheels.Igroaned
andsatont hebed" youcan'tdothi
s"Iwi ped
myt earsbuttheyjustkeptcoming,eventual
lyI
wasf ul
l onsobbing

Aft
erwhatfel
tlikeanhourthedooropenedand
Vumil
egotin.Hewr appedhisar
msar oundme
pul
li
ngmet ohischestwhereIburi
edmyf ace
andcri
edharder.Hedidn'
tsayanyt
hingunti
lI
wasdonecryingthenhekissedmeslowlyfora
l
ongtime
Vumile:
"Iwanty
out
omar
ryme"Il
ookedathi
m
shocked

Me:"ser
iousl
yVumi
l
e?"Hel
ookeddowncur
sing
sof
tl
y
Vumile:
"okayIwasnotsupposedtoblurtt
hat
outl
ikethat
"helookedsonervousIj
ust
l
aughedandkissedhim,hewipedmyt ears

Me:
"wewi
l
ltal
kaboutt
hisl
ater
"

Vumi
l
e:"
def
ini
tel
y"hest
oodupandpul
l
edme
up

Me:
"you'v
echanged"hehadbeendi
ggi
ngout
t
hegravewit
hsomeguy s

Vumile:
"yeahhadt
ocl
eanupf
ort
heser
vice"I
noddedaswewentout
.

Thefuneral
hadwentonwell consi
der
ingitwas
afuneral
.Mymotherwasbur i
edwithdigni
ty,
ther
ewer el
otofpeopl
e.It
hinksomejustcame
forthefoodwhi chwasal otandfancythanks
tothecat eri
ngcompanyMr sMkhizehadhired.
EvenSanel e'
sf amil
ycamewel lhi
sauntand
twouncl eshismom di dn'
tcomenott hatit
matt er
ed.Peopl ehadl eft
,itwasjustthe
Ngcobof amil
yandt heMkhi zefamil
y.ButLelo
andherf ami l
ywer eaboutt oleave,t
heywer e
sayingtheirgoodby eswhenMr sMkhi zepul
led
measi de

MrsM: "
doyouneedtimeher
e?Imeanyouset
tost
artwor
kJanuarybuti
fyouwantt
ostar
t
nowIcangetthatst
art
ed"

Me:
"soIhav
eaj
ob?
"Shesmi
l
ed

MrsM:"ofcour
sey ousil
l
ygir
l!I
t'
spar
toft
he
bur
sar
yagreement,youhavetoworkf
oruson
atwoyearcont
ractthenyouf
reetost
ayor
l
eav
eus"

Me:
"I'
l
lst
artJanuar
y"

MrsM: "
okay
.Ifyouneedanythi
ngdon'
t
hesi
tat
etocal
lI'
mj ustaphonecal
laway"

Me:
"thanky
ou"shehuggedme

Mr sM:"ourhomei sopent oy ouandSbani any

ti
meandday ,youknowt hatr i
ght?
"Inodded
"good.Uhm y ourmom l eftyousomet hing"she
openedherbagandt ookoutanenv el
ope" i
ta
l
ettershesaidr eaditwheny ouready"Inodded
wipingmyt ears

Me:
"sheknewshewasdy
ing"
MrsM: "
shewasinpainNobuntu,spent
everydayvi
sit
ingherf
ortwoweeksbef oreshe
passedaway .Shewasjustwai
ti
ngf oryouto
fi
nishyourexams"

Me:
"wasshei
ntoomuchpai
n?"

Mr sM: "
onherlastdayshewasatpeaceshe
want edt oseeSbanibutal
sodidn'
twanthim
seeingherl i
kethatsoshespentov ert
wohours
speaki ngtohim onthephone.Il
eftaft
erl
unch
theni nthemorningIgotacallsayi
ngshe
passedon"It hrewmy sel
fatherandsheheld
met ightly

Me:"t
hankyou.Thanky ousomuchforall
that
you'
vedoneformeI'l
lforev
erbegr
ateful
"

Mr
sM:
"justmakesur
eyoudon'
tl
osey
our
sel
f.
Youabeaut i
fulchi
ldNobuntuinandoutdon't
l
etthewor l
dswal l
owyou.Yougoi ngto
graduat
eandy ourmom wi l
lbelookingdownon
you.Shesti
llwantsherhousejustsoy ouknow"
shesaidthelastsent
encewithamusement

Me:
"I'
l
lbui
l
ditf
orherIswear
"

MrsM:"good.Takecareofy
our
sel
fandSbani
"
sheki
ssedmyf orehead 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwokeupi nmassi vepain,

Ihadjustwokenup
af
terbeingintheaterformycsect i
on.Leowas
sl
eepingont hestudiocouch,Icl
earedmy
thr
oatandr
angt
hebel
lforanur
sewaki
ngup
Leo
Leo:
"myl
ove"hewal
kedt
ome

Me:"
hey
"hegav
emeasof
tbabyki
ss,
thenur
se
wal
kedi
n

Nur
se:
"youup.Howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Me:
"I'
minsomuchpai
n"

Leo:
"cany
ougi
vehersomet
hingf
ori
t"

Nurse:"
I'
ll
cal
lyourdoct
ort
henbr
ingyou
somethi
ng"Inoddedandhewal
kedout

Leo:
"Il
ovey
ou"Ismi
l
ed
Me:
"wher
ear
ethey
?"

Leo:"
inthenurser
y,yourmom hasbeenthere
si
ncey ouall
camebackf rom t
heat
er.Theyso
beaut
ifult
heylookjustl
i
keyoubutwithmy
eyes"

Me:
"all
babiesl
ookt
hesameLeo.CanIsee
t
hem pl
ease?"

Leo:
"let'
sgetyousomet
hingforpai
nfi
rstt
hen
seei
ft heycanbr
ingt
hem her
e"

Me:
"okay
"

Leo:
"don'
tcr
yyougoi
ngtoseethem"hewi
ped
mytears"
youwer
esobraveandIlov
eyouso
much"weki
ssed

Icouldn'
tbel
ievemyey esasIhel
dthem bothi
n
myar ms.Iwasamot hert ot
wobeautif
ulbaby
gir
ls.Theywereident
icalanddef
ini
tel
yhad
Leo'seyes 
Mom:
"theyt
oobeaut
if
ulf
orwor
ds"

Ziyanda:
"andsopi
nk!
"Il
aughedt
hroughmy
tears

Leo:"
sowhichonei
sHasl
eyandwhi
chonei
s
Jasmine?
"

Ziy
anda:"
yougi
vi
ngthem Engl
i
shnames?
"I
noddedandwhi
sper
edyeah

Mom:
"justt
hose?
"
Me:
"Hasl
eySky
larandJasmi
neRi
l
eyPl
ummer
"

Baba:
"yougi
vi
ngt
hem hi
ssur
name?
"

Me:
"theyar
ehi
sdaught
ers"

Dad:
"hei
snotev
enaPl
ummerhi
saKhumal
o"

Me:
"mom?
"

Mom:"l
et'
snottal
kaboutthi
srightnowandthe
gi
rl
sareLeoandLelo'
stheyknowwhatthey
doi
ng"

Me:"
thankyou"oneofthegir
lsstar
tedcr
ying.
Leot
ooktheotherwhil
eIbreastf
edthecryi
ng
one
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Il
ookedatt heletter
.Itbeenoveramont hsince
webur i
edmom andIst il
lhadn'
treadthelett
er.
IhadjustdroppedSbani offatschoolandIwas
atworkinmyof f
icewhi l
estari
ngatit
.Iwasso
scaredsomet hi
ngdeepwi t
hinmekeptt el
li
ng
met hatonceIopent helett
ermyl i
fewould
neverbethesame.
[
03/
20,
10:
41]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t30

#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwasl it
eral
l
ywal kingwithmyey esclosed,t
he
gi
rlswer eli
kev ampiresonlysleptduringthe
day.Iwasst i
lltry
ingtoadjusttot hei
rschedule
event houghitbeenamont hsinceIcamehome
withthem.Ithrewmy sel
font hecouchwi t
ha
si
gh, mom laughedandgav emeacupof
coffee 
Mom:
"theyki
l
li
ngy
ou"

Me:"Jesust
heyahandf
ul"Itookasi
pofmy
cof
feeandtossedt
hemonitoroncof
feet
abl
e

Mom:
"itwi
l
lgetbet
ter
"

Me:
"youpr
omi
se?
"
Mom: "y
ep"sheki ssedthesideofmyhead" Leo
wenttocampus? "Leohadt r
ansfer
redtoUkzn
Medicalschoolandhewasbasi cal
lystay
ingat
homewi thus,hewasal way sherefunny
enoughmypar entsdidn'thaveaproblem withi
t.

Me:
"yeahhehasl
ect
uresunt
il16:
30"

Mom: "
Idon'
tknowhowt
hatboydoesi
twi
th
thoset
wolit
tl
escr
eamer
sandhavi
ngtoat
tend
duri
ngtheday"

Me:"It
hinkoncehestar
tswri
ti
ngt est
sheis
goi
ngtoneedt oonl
ycomeonweekendst he
l
astthi
ngheneedsistofai
lanothersemest
er"

Mom:
"yeahmedi
cineneedsal
lhi
sat
tent
ion"
Me:
"yep"

Mom:
"soy
ougoi
ngt
obeadoct
or'
swi
fe"

Me:"mom!LeoandIar
enoteventoget
herand
her
ey ouar
etal
ki
ngaboutmar
riage"

Mom:"honeyhesleepsi
ny ourroom ev
eryni
ght
andweallnot
icehowaffecti
onateyoutwoare
wit
heachother"

Me:"t
hatdoesn'
tmeanany
thi
ng,
west
il
lnot
backtoget
her
"

Mom:"l
elo"sheshakesherhead"y
oul
ovehi
m
somuchIjustdon'
tunderst
and"
Me:"ofcour
seyouwon'
tunder
standandIdon'
t
wanttotal
kaboutt
hismom pl
ease"

Mom: "woul
dyoubehappyi
fhegoti
na
r
elat
ionshi
pwit
hsomeoneelse"

Me:
"ofcour
senot
!"

Mom: "
welldon'
tbl
amehi
mforwhenhemov
es
on"Isi
ghed

Me:"
I'
mjustnotr
eadyt
obewi
thhi
m af
terwhat
hedi
dtome"

Mom:"buty
outwoaretoget
herj
ustwi
thouta
l
abel
.Anywaywhatdi
dhedot oy
ou?"
Me:"rat
hernott
alkabouti
tmom pl
ease"she
nodded

Mom: "
I'
m goi
ngt
ogobat
hIhav
epl
answi
th
Si
hle"

Me:
"daddyi
satt
heof
fi
ce?
"

Mom:"hewentt
ocapet
ownwi
l
lbebackl
ater
t
oday
"Inodded

Mydaywasspentsl
eepi
ngandreadingabook,
duri
ngthedayt
hegi
rl
skindabel
ongedtothe
nanni
es.

Leowalkedinmyr
oom asIwassit
ti
ngbythe
bal
conyreadi
ngabook.Hedr
oppedhisbag
andcameouttome 
Leo:
"heybaby
"heki
ssedmyhead

Me:
"hey
"hel
ookedoutatt
hel
ake

Leo:
"checkedonthegi
rl
s.Jazisuptry
ingt
o
bi
tehertoesbutSkyi
sasleepasusual
"

Me:
"howwascampus?
"

Leo:
"okayIguess"hesatdownt
henpul
l
edme
tosi
tonhim st
raddli
nghim

Me:"It
hinkitaboutti
meIst artusi
ngthegy
m
downstairs,
Ial
readyhaveanappoi nt
mentwit
h
thedi
etit
ianIneedtolosethisweight
"

Leo:
"ift
hat
'swhaty
ouwantbutI
'
m okaywi
th
howyouare"Iputmyhandar
oundhi
sneckand
theot
heronhishai
r

Me:
"mmh"

Leo:"
grandmawant
stocomeseet
hegi
rl
son
Satur
day"

Me:
"shei
salwayswel
comeher
eyouknow
t
hat
"wekissed

Leo:
"Iwantust
ogetapl
acet
oget
her
"

Me:"y
ouwantust omoveintoget
her
?Leowe
noteventoget
her
!Andbesi
desIneedhel
pwi
th
thegi
rls"
Leo:
"wewil
ltakeonenannywithusbabyI'
l
lget
usaplacet
hatwi l
laccommodateal
lofusand
i
twil
lbeourplace,Iwantt
hatf
reedom"

Me: "
I'
m notr
eadytol
eav
ehomeLeoImeanmy
parent
sarehereandmybrot
her
s.Ev
ery
thi
ngI
knowishere"

Leo:
"babyy
ouspentf
ivey
ear
sst
ayi
ngal
one"

Me:
"Iguess,
babel
etmet
hinkabouti
t"

Leo:
"wel
lI'
vef
oundusahousei
n..
"

Me:"babywai
t!
"Icuthi
m off"
pleasedon'
ttel
l
mey outooky
ourinher
it
anceandboughta
house"
Leo:
"wel
lmyi
nher
it
anceandt
rustf
und"

Me:
"ar
eyoucr
azy
"Igotof
fhi
m

Leo:"proper
tyisagoodi
nv estmentandI
haven'tboughti
tyet
!Iam planni
ngtothough"

Me:"youcan'tLeo.Wejusthadchil
drenyou
can'
ttakeal
l yourmoneyandbuyahouset hat
'
s
somethingyoucandoIdon' tknow..
.lat
er.
"

Leo:"
itj
ust1.
5mill
i
onandyouwil
ll
oveitlel
oif
youhaveaprobl
em wi
tht
hat,
IcanaskLiam to
hel
p"

Me:"
Ithoughty
oudidn'
twant'Khumal
omoney
'
i
sn'
tthatwhatyoubeensay
ing?"
Leo:"
yeahbutIr
eal
l
ywantust
ohav
eourown
pl
ace"

Me: "
daddyneversoldthehouseweusedto
stayi
nbeforewemov edhere,
heisr
enti
ngit
out.Wecouldstaythere?
"

Leo:
"Iwoul
drat
herIgetusourpl
ace"

Me:"pr
ideisunnecessaryri
ghtnow"hepul
led
mebackt ohim andtookoffmyhoody
r
eveali
ngmybr easts"whatareyoudoi
ng?"

Leo:
"Iwantt
omakel
ovet
oyou"

Me:
"mom sai
dwai
tthr
eemont
hs"
Leo:
"fuckt
hat
"hel
aidmeonthesmal
ltabl
e
andtookof
fmysweatpant
s

Me:
"Leo!
"

Leo:"
wegoingtomov eintoget
herri
ght
?"He
waskneeli
ngbetweenmyl egswit
hhisf
ace
ri
ghti
nfrontofmyvagina

Me:"notnowbutsoon"her
anhi
stongueonmy
vagi
naIjerkedup"
Leo!"

Leo:
"mmh"

Me:"t
akemei
nsi
debef
oresomeonecat
ches
us"
Leo:"t
hisi
swhyweneedaplaceofourown"he
carr
iedmeinandt
hrewmeont hebedbefor
e
gett
ingbet
weenmylegsandstar
tedki
ssi
ngmy
j
awline.
.

ItwasSaturdaywhent hekhumal oscamet o

seethegi
rls.Ihadthem dressedupi nthei
rpink
eart
hchil
dr omperslookingalladorabl
e.

Nosi:"
Ican'
tgetov
erhowcut
etheyaremah.
Theymakemewantt ohav
eanotherbaby
"I
chuckl
ed

Yammy
:"Iknowr
ight
.Ifonl
yIwasn'
tthi
sol
d"

Me:
"younotol
d"
Leo:"
sheismylovehai
boIdon'
tev
enwantt
o
thi
nkaboutgr
annyhavi
ngsex"

Hope:
"I'
m wi
thy
out
her
eLeoi
tdi
sgust
ing"

Yammy:"mxm youtwoshuti
t.HasLiam been
her
etoseethem"Leosi
ghedshakinghishead

Leo:
"heonlycamethatonet
imewheny
oual
l
cametothehospi
tal
"

Yammy:
"Idon'
tknowwhati
swr
ongwi
tht
hat
boy"

Thando:
"thati
sex
act
lywhathei
s,aboy
"

Hope:
"Ispoket
ohi
m hesai
dhewoul
dcome"
Leo:
"justl
eavehi
m Idon'
tneedhi
minmyl
i
fe
ormydaughters"

Yammy
:"hei
syourdadLeo"

Me: "
yeahbabe.Ithinkyoutworeal
lyneedt
o
tal
kandy ouneedtof orgi
vehi
m asmuchashe
needstobuil
dar elati
onshi
pwithyou"

Leo:
"mxm"

Yammy
:"Leonar
do!
"

Leo:"
sor
ry"t
hemai
dbr
oughtussnacksand
dri
nks
Yammy :
"thankyou"shenoddedwi
thasmil
e
"whenar
ey oucomingbackhomeLeonar
do?"

Leo:"
wemov i
ngintoget
her
"hehel
dmyhand
gi
vingi
tasqueeze

Hope:
"youwantt
omakemor
ebabi
es"

Me:"wehaven'
tagr
eed,
Idon'
tknowwhyhei
s
t
ell
i
ngy oual
l"

Leo:
"butmuf
fi
nyousai
dyouwi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t"

Me:
"don'
tcal
lmet
hat
!"Hi
saunt
slaughed

Sami
:"what'
swr ongmuf
fi
n?"Igr
oaned,
mom
cametothelounge
Mom:
"youst
il
lokayher
e?"

Thando:
"yes,
thankyou"mom satdownnextt
o
Yammyandbr ushedSky'
shai
r

Yammy :
"wheni
syourgr
andmaseei
ngt
he
gi
rl
s?"

Leo:
"whenLel
oisreadytotravel
.Iwi
shi
t
woul
dbesoonershedoesn'thavemucht
ime"
hewhisper
edt
helastsent
ence

Me:
"It
houghty
ousai
dshewasget
ti
ngbet
ter
"

Leo:
"she'
snot
"
Me:
"youl
i
edt
ome?
"

Leo:
"Idi
dn'
tbaby
.Shewasbutshegotwor
se
agai
n"

Me:
"oh"

Thekhumaloslef
taft
erdinner,
thegirl
swere
al
readyasl
eep.Aft
ershoweringIj
oinedLeoin
bed.
Leo:
"Il
ovey
ou"heki
ssedmyhead

Me:
"Ilov
eyout
oobabe"hebr
oughtmecl
oser
t
ohim

Leo:
"babyi
tcol
dout
side"hesangmaki
ngme
gi
ggle
Me:"i
twar
mi nherLeoyoujustwantmybody
pr
essedonyours"hesqueezedmybreast
s

Leo:
"youblameme?
"Her
oll
edhi
shi
ppushi
ng
hi
serect
iononmyass

Me:
"yougoi
ngt
omakemepr
egnantagai
n"

Leo:
"woul
dn'
tbeabadt
hing"hebi
tmyear
 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Igott
othefl
atfoundSbanidoi
nghi
s
homeworkwhil
eSindiwascooki
ngdi
nner
Me:
"hel
l
o"

Si
ndi
:"hey
"

Sbani
:"Bunt
ucomelook!
"Iputmybagsont
he
count
erandwalkedt
othelounge

Me:
"what
?"

Sbani
:"weweredr
awi
ngfamil
iesatschool
.
Thi
sisyou,t
hatmama,t
hat
'sbabaandt hi
sis
me"

Me:"ni
ce"wehi
ghfi
ved"
let
'sputi
tont
hef
ri
dge
sobabacansee"

Sbani
:"y
ep"Ipast
edhi
sdr
awi
ngont
hef
ri
dge
doort
henwentt
omyr oom wi
thmybags.It
ook
myclot
hesof
falongwit
hmyengagementri
ng.

Vumi l
eproposedaf t
erthatr andom proposalof
hisduri
ngmyMot her'
sf uneralaweekl aterwe
werebacki nDur banandIwokeupwi tht hering
onmyf i
nger .Thatwasi t,nocandleli
ght
romanticdi nnerwi t
hr osesandgoodmusi call
thatshitwer eadabouti nl ovenov
els.WhenI
sawt heringandaskedhi m aboutithej ustsaid
heneedst opayl obolaf ormeandweneedt o
fi
gureouthowt hatisgoi ngtowor kconsidering
thatIbasicallyhav enof ami l
y.

Aft
ershoweri
ngIgotdr essedi
ngr
eyj
ogger
s
andasportbra.Isatonthebedwi
tht
helet
ter
i
nmyshaki nghands.

°
mybeaut
if
ulNobunt
u.
Iam sosor r
y.Itri
edIr eal
lydi dbutt hepai nwas
j
usttoomucht ohandl e.Ihopeandpr ayy ou
don'
that eme.Iam sopr oudofy ou, ofthe
youngst rongwomany ou'vebecome.You' ve
beenthr oughsomuchandi tamazesmehow
youcanst i
llsmileandbesof ullofli
fe.Youan
amazingdaught erandenj oyext raamazi ng
mothert oSbani sam, heissol uckytohav eyou
asamot her.Iam sor ryIwasn' tamot hery ou
deservedf ormostofy ourl i
fe,Isti
llfeelli
keit'
s
myf aultyougotr apedhadIbeenar oundbeen
moreofamot hertoy oumay beSanel ewoul dn'
t
havetakenadv antageofy ou.Iknowy ou've
for
givenmebutIam sor r
y .Ifocusedsomuch
onmygr iefandf ai
lurethatIf orgottobea
mothert oy ouunt i
lthattragedyt hatbr oughtus
themostamazi ngandbeaut ifulgi
ftSbani sam,
younamedhi m well.
IknowIshoul dhav etoldyoubutIdi dn'tknow
howt o,GodI '
m suchacowar d.Idon'twanty ou
thinkingy oual onebecausey ounot .Youhav e
sibli
ngsoutt her e,
yourfat
her '
schil
dren.Idon' t
knowwher etheyar ebuty ourgrandparentshad
ahomei nHar ding.Snesai dherhusbandwi l
l
helpy ouf indthem i fy
ouwant ,
actuall
yIwant
yout ofindt hem Nobunt u.Iwanty out ohav ea
fami l
yIknowi twon'tbeeasyandmay bey ou
won' twantt of indthem butIhopey oudo.Your
fatherlovedy ouBunt uhelovedy ousomuch
mychi l
d.

IwishIcouldseey ougraduat
ebutGodhad
otherpl
ans.Justknowt hatIwil
lbelooki ng
downony ouwi thawidesmi l
eonmyf ace.You
madesomet hingoutofy ourl
if
eregar dlessof
yourbackround.Thatdegreewillensur ethat
youandSbani li
vethekindofli
feInev erev en
dreamtof.Justpromisemet hatyouwi l
lnever
everfor
getyourhomepl easemychi ld,Imi ght
notbet
her
ephy
sical
l
ybutI
'
llst
il
lbet
her
e.

Il
ov eyouNobunt
u,youandSbani somuch.
Pleasesendmythanky ousagai
nt oSneand
herfamil
y,t
oVumileandhi sf
amilyaswell
.
Takecareofyour
selfandSbaniplease°

Iwi
pedmyt ear
sandt ookmyphone
i
mmediat
elycall
ingLelo
Lel
o:"
heyboot
hang"

Me:
"Isy
ourmom home?
"

Lel
o:"
yeah,
what
'swr
ong?
"Isi
ghed

Me:"pl
easet
ell
herIwoul
dli
ket
ofi
ndmy
f
ather'
sfami
l
y.I'
mready"
[
03/
20,
11:
36]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t32

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Makhul
u:"IthoughtIwasgoingtodiewit
hout
seei
ngyou"shegav emeababyki ssandwiped
mytear
s"y oulookexact
lyl
ikeyourfat
her"

Me:"Idon'
trememberhi
m"Iwhi
sper
edshe
gav
emeasadsmi l
e

Makhul
u:"
sitdown"weal
lsatdown"
Axol
ego
t
ell
Zethut
omakesomet ea"
Axol
e:"makhul
uwhoar et
hesepeopl
eandwhy
doesshelookl
ikedad?
"

Makhulu:"
justdoasIsay"shenoddedand
walkedouttheloungewit
htheli
tt
legi
rl
fol
l
owingher" Iknewyouweregoingt
ocome
homeoneday "

Vumil
e:"
ifyouknewabouthert
henwhyy
ou
nev
erbotheredt
olookf
orher"

Makhul
u:"
andy
ouar
eyoungman?
"

Vumil
e:"
herf
ianceandf
atherofherchi
l
d"she
smil
ednoddi
ng

Makhul
u:"
yourf
ather
slookedf
ory
ouNobunt
u
aft
eryourfat
herpassedaway .Wehadonl ymet
youoncewheny oucameherf ory ourmbeleko
andyouwer ejustababybackt henwenev er
sawy ouagainoryourmother"shesi ghed"I
shoul
dhav emadet hem l
ookhar der"thedoor
openedandanol dmanwi thshor tgrayhai
rgot
i
n

Him:"
whodied?Ther
ear
escar
ymeni
nmy
yar
d"makhul
usmiled

Vumil
e:"
nobodyhaseverl
ovedsomeoneas
muchasIloveyou"hewhi
sper
edandkissed
thesi
deofmyhead

Me:"
I'
vedi
edever
ydaywai
ti
ngf
ory
ou"he
wi
pesmytear
s

Makhul
u:"
yourgr
anddaught
eri
shome"he
l
ookedatus

Mkhul u:"
Nsika'
schil
d?Nobunt uisthatyou?
Standupl etmeseey ou"Ist
oodupshy l
y"you
l
ookj ustli
keyourf
athers"hekissedmy
forehead"welcomehomema' Jama"helooked
atMakhul u"havey
oucal l
edthekids?"

Makhul
u:"notyet
"wesatdownsomel adygot
i
nwithAxolecarr
yingt
eaandscones

Lel
o:"
thanky
ou"shet
ookt
het
ea

Khulu:"
andwhoar ey outwo?"Vumil
eandLel
o
i
ntroducedthemselves"howniceofyout
woto
accompanyher,Ithoughtyouwouldcomewit
h
yourmot her
"
Me:
"shepassedawayNov
ember
"

Makhul
u:"
ohy
oupoorchi
l
dsor
ry"

Wespenthour stalking,get
tingtoknoweach
other.Theytoldmeaboutmyf amily.Mydad
wast winandhi stwi nliv
edinpor tEli
zabet h
withhisfami l
ybesi desAxolewhoi shi slast
borndaught er,
shest ayswiththegrandpar ents
andhersonwhoshehadat16sohermot her
chasedheraway .Ihav ethr
eebr other stwoar e
olderthanmeandonei smyage, thef irstborn
i
si nLondonwher ehepl aysprofessional
soccerandt heot hert wostayinPret oriawith
theirmother.Ihav etwouncl esandf ouraunt s.
Myf atherandhist winar et
hesecondl astbor n.

Myfather
'stwi
ncalledi
mmediat
elyaf
terKhul
u
hadsentthem al
lansmstel
l
ingthem Iwas
home.Theyspokebr
ief
lyt
henheaskedt
o
speakt
ome
Me:
"hel
l
o"hebr
eat
hedout

Hi
m: "
Nobunt
u.I
sitr
eal
l
yyou?
"Icl
ear
edmy
t
hroat

Me:
"yes"

Him:"mychil
d"wer emai
nedsilentf
orfew
seconds"Iam sor
ryIdi
dn'
tlookhardenough.
Yourfat
hermusthat eme,Icanfeeli
t"

Me:
"I'
m sur
ehedoesn'
that
eyou"

Hi
m:"
Iam y
ourf
atherIshoul
dhav
efoundy
ou"
Me:
"you'
vef
oundmenow"

Hi
m:"
noy
ouf
oundmeandIam sogl
ad"

Me:
"met
oo"

Hi
m: "Iwi
llseeyouthi
sweekendI
'
llf
lyout
Fr
idaytheearl
iest
"

Me:
"okay
"hesi
ghed

Him:"Ihav esomucht osayandIknowy ou

havequest i
onsbutrightnowIjustwishIcould
hugy ou"thewayhisv oi
cesoundedpul led
somet hi
ngf r
om deepwi t
hinmesomet hingI
di
dn'tevenknowIhad.Igav eKhuluhisphone
andbur i
edmyf aceinVumi le'
sneckletti
ng
fr
eshhott earsspi
llout
Vumi
l
e:"
itokaymyangel
" 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Igoti
nt hehouseexhaust
edfr
om t
het
ri
pto
Nobuntu'sgr
andparent
shouse
Me:"whosecarisparkedoutsi
de?!"Iscreamed
asIgotoutthefoyer
.IfoundSophiedrinking
champagnewhi l
etal
kingtoLeo,theysatreall
y
cl
osetogetherandSophiewaslaughingat
somethi
ngwi t
hherhandonLeo' slaphewas
smil
ingdownather"excuseme? "Theybot h
l
ookedup

Leo:
"babyy
ouhome"
Me:
"isn'
tthatobv
iousLeonar
do"hest
oodup

Leo:
"Sophi
ecametoseethegi
rl
s"hewal
kedt
o
meandkissedmeshor
tl
y

Me:
"wel
lwher
ear
ethegi
rl
s?"

Leo:
"sl
eepi
ng"

Sophi
e:"
cuz.Ihaven'
tseeny
oui
nov
ery
earand
whatawarm welcome"

Me:"don'tbesarcast
ici
tnotcuteevenonyour
pl
asti
cf ace"shehasgott
ensomuchwor kdone
onherbody ,herassandhi
ps,hernoseandli
ps,
herbreastseventhecol
ourofhereyes
Sophie:
"don'
tbebit
terbecauseIl
ookgood
unl
ikeyou"Ij
ustsmil
ed

Leo:
"Sophi
e!"

Me:
"ital
lnat
ural
li
tt
lecuz
"

Sophie:"
anywayIcametoseet
hegi
rl
sandI
broughtsometoysfort
hem"

Me:
"wher
e"

Leo:
"itcar
sbabyt
woLambor
ghi
ni"

Me:"
theygi
rl
sar
esixmonthstheycan'
tri
de
t
hosesoyoucantaket
hem backwit
hyou,
thanky
outhough"shest
oodupandIwal
kedt
o
her.Wehugged"howwasMexi
co"

Sophi
e:"
amazingcuz
!YouandChl
oer
eal
l
y
shoul
dhavecamewithme"

Me:"
youspentay
earthereSophie.Ourl
i
v es
ar
eherei
nSouthAfr
ica"sherol
l
edherey es

Sophie:"
youtwolikeacti
ngold.Youshoul d
enjoyyour20s.Wehav eal
ltheseresourcesand
moneyatourf eet
"itwasmyt urntoroll
my
eyes

Me:
"mmh"

Sophie:
"anywayweshoul
ddol unchtomor
row,
I
'l
ltextyou"sheki
ssedmycheek"showmeout
Leo?
"

Me:"
y ouknowyourway"shewalkedout
gi
ggl
ing"goshIhat
ehowshei saroundyou.
Whycan'tshej
ustgetovery
ou?It'
sso
fr
ust
rati
ng"

Leo:"Idon'
tl
ikeherl
i
ket
hat
,nev
erdi
dandy
ou
that
"

Me:
"youst
il
lfuckedher
"hegr
oaned

Leo:
"baby
?"

Me:"
I'
mti
redIj
ustwantahotbat
handsome
wi
ne"
Leo:"
I'
ll
prepar
eabathf
ory
ou"hecuppedmy
faceandwekissed

Hej
oinedmeint
hebat
hIl
eanedbackonhi
m
r
est
ingmybodyonhi
s 
Me:
"Iwantt
ogoawayf
orawhi
l
e"

Leo:
"wher
ebaby
?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow"

Leo:"wecouldgotocapetownaft
ermyexams.
Theyallmissthegi
rl
sther
eespeci
all
y
grandma"

Me:
"butIwantabr
eakf
rom ev
ery
one"
Leo:"
wewon'tstaylongjustspendfewday
s
wit
hthem t
henleavethegirlsther
eandgo
away.You'
veal
way slovedParis"

Me:"yeahthatcouldbefunmay beAri
aand
Harr
ycouldjoinusIknowNobunt uhasalot
goi
ngonr i
ghtnowbutI '
llaskherandseei
fshe
andVumi l
ecant akesomet i
meof f
"

Leo:
"thatVumi
l
eguyi
ssoi
ntense"Il
aughed

Me:"heisnotj
ustthatheisnotl
i
keyou.Il
ike
hi
mf orherhei
sexact l
ywhatsheneedsandhe
absol
utel
yadoresSbani"

Leo:
"hmm"heki
ssedmynecksucki
ngoni
t

Me:
"thoughty
ouwer
eoutofcondoms"
Leo:"
boughtthem t
oday.Youknowanor mal
gi
rlwouldbeonaninject
ionorevenpi
l
linst
ead
ofmakingmewearst upi
dcondomsalltheti
me
whichburstsomet
imes"

Me: "
youknowwhatcontracept
ivedot
ome
baby"hesqueezedmybreastsandmovedt
o
sucki
ngtheothersi
deofmyneck

Leo:
"youst
il
lhav
en'
tgot
teny
ourper
iod?
"

Me:
"noty
et"If
elthi
m smi
l
eonmyneck

Leo:"
whydontyoujustt
aket
hepregnancyt
est
mylove?
"Hestart
edplayi
ngwit
hmycl i
t

Me:
"becauseI
'
m notpr
egnantLeot
hegi
rl
sar
e
j
ustbabiesandpl
easedon'
ttal
kaboutt
hisy
ou
knowitupsetsme"

Leo:"sor
ry"hepickedmeupandt ur
nedmet o
si
tonhi m st
raddli
nghi
m" don'
tbeupsetIam
sorr
y"hekissedthecornerofmymouth

Me:"Iknowbaby
"Iki
ssedherneck"
youso
har
d"

Leo:"i
tal
lyou"Isatupal
i
ttl
eandsl
i
ddown
l
etti
nghim ent
erme

Weputthegi
rl
sinbedbef
oregoi
ngdownst
air
s
f
ordi
nner,weat
ewhil
ewatchi
ngtv.
 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Afterwor
kIwentformydr i
vi
ngl essont
hen
tookataxibackt
othefl
at.IfoundSbaniand
hisbabaplayi
ngvi
deogames
Me:"howl
onghav
etheybeeni
nfr
ontoft
hat
t
hing?"

Si
ndi
:"si
nceSbanicamebackf
rom school
"he
wasst
ill
inhi
sunif
orm

Me:
"hehadl
unch?
"

Si
ndi
:"McDonal
d'
s"Inodded

Me:
"hel
l
o"
Them:
"sho"

Me:
"ayi
phel
aangi
nakwe!
"Ist
oodi
nfr
ontof
t
hetv

Sbani
:"Bunt
u!"

Vumi
le:
"baby!
"Theybot
hscreamedt
hesame
ti
me,
Ifoldedmyarmsovermychest

Me:"
Iwi
lldest
royt
hisgame"t
heyhuff
ed,
Vumi
let
hrewhisheadonthecouch

Vumi
l
e:"
GodIwannadest
royy
our
ightnow"

Sbani
:"met
ooBunt
u,y
out
otal
l
ynotcool
"
Me:
"andy
ousoundl
i
keani
diot
"

Sbani
:"hey
!"

Me:
"Vumi
l
e?"

Vumi
l
e:"
don'
ttal
ktoy
ourmot
herl
i
ket
hat
"

Sbani
:"butbaba.
."

Vumi
l
e:"
Sbani
"hewar
ned

Sbani
:"sor
ryBunt
u"hegotupanhuggedmy
l
egs

Me:
"itokaybabyboy
"hel
ookedupatme
Sbani
:"canwehav
epi
zzaf
ordi
nner
?"

Me:
"youhadabur
gerf
orl
unchSbani
"

Sbani
:"pr
ett
ypl
ease?Iwi
l
lbehav
eandbea
goodboytomor
rowwhenwemeetyourf
amil
y"

Me:
"theyy
ourf
ami
l
ytoo"

Sbani
:"y
esy
esbutpl
ease"

Me:"
okay"Iki
ssedhi
shead"
youandbabawi
l
l
gobuyi
t"

Vumil
e:"
wherei
smykiss?
"Iwalkedovert
ohim
andweshar
edakiss"
didItel
lyouhowsexy
youlookedt
oday
"Isqueal
edashepul
l
edmet
o
him

Me:
"Vumi
l
e!!
"

Vumil
e:"
Ilov
eyou"hepul
l
edmybot
tom l
i
p
bi
ti
ngit

Me:"
havey
outhoughtaboutusgoi
ngt
oPar
is
wi
thLel
oandAri
a"

Vumil
e:"Idon'
thav
et i
mef ort
hoseri
chkids
Nobuntuandwecan'taff
ordanint
ernat
ional
tr
ipr
ightnowI'
mt r
yingtobuyusahouse"

Me:"youlovelel
oandI'
l
lbetherebesi
deswe
wil
lgettoexplor
ethepl
acetogetherI
'v
enever
beentherebaby.Wewil
lbegoingwithher
f
ather
'sj
etandstay
ingatheruncl
eshot
elall
for
f
reebabyitj
ustt
heacti
vit
iest
hatyouwi
llpay
f
orandIcanhelpwitht
hat"

Vumil
e:"
noyouwon'
t.Doy
our
eal
l
ywantt
o
go?
"Inodded

Me:
"yesbaby
"

Vumi
l
e:"
okaywecango"Iki
ssedhi
m

Me:"yeah!
!I'
llspeaktoHrandseeifIcanget
sometimeof f
"Ikissedhi
m agai
nwithheatthi
s
ti
me.Hest oodupandwal kedusovertoour
room,hethrewmeont hebedmakingme
bouncealitt
leIlaughedoutl
oudl
y

Vumi
l
e:"
Gody
oubeaut
if
ul"hegotbet
weenmy
l
egsspr
eadi
ngt
hem apar
t 
.

Aft
erbreakfastIgotSbani ready,dressedhim
upinblackkneer i
ppedski nnyjeanswi tha
whit
et-shi
rtandhi sblack&whitev ansIroughed
uphisshortfadethenwentt ogetdr essedin
ri
ppedblackboy fr
iendjeanswi thaopenback
bl
ackbody suitandnudeheel s.

Me: "
youready?"Ifoundthem eati
ngfri
esinthe
kit
chen"JesusSbani yougoingtomakey ourt-
shir
tdir
tywithallt
hatsauce!"Helookeddown
"wheredidyouevenbuyt hatfr
om? !
"

Sbani
:"sor
ryBunt
u"

Vumi
l
e:"
babyr
elaxandy
ouscar
ri
nghi
m.I
boughtt
hef
ri
esatsout
hbeach"heki
ssedt
he
si
deofmyhead"l
et'
sgo"

Sbani
:"I
'
llgocl
eanmyhandsf
ir
st"hewentt
o
thebat
hroom.

Icoul
dseeallt
hecarst
hatwereal
lovert
he
yardassoonaswegotneart
hehouse.Vumil
e
squeezedmyhand 
Sbani
:"somanyhouses"hewhisperedinawe.
Vumil
edr ov
einasthegatewasalreadyopen.
WeallgotoutofthecarVumil
ewaswal ki
ng
bet
weenushol di
ngbothourhands.

Me:
"uhm"

Sbani
:"koko!
!"Hest
art
edknocki
ngwhi
l
e
scr
eami ng
Me: "
Sbani
sam! "Thedooropenedandthi
sman
wholookedlikeamal ever
sionofmecameto
vi
ewhesmi ledbright
lyandpull
edmetohis
chest

Him: "
mychi l
d"hepushedmebackl ookingat
meal loverandkissedmyf orehead" come
come"het ookmyhandandweal lwalkedint o
theloungeanditwaspacked.Ev eryonestood
upgi v
ingushugsandi ntr
oduci ngthemsel ves
besidesthiswomanwhoj ustlookedatmeup
anddownbef or
eclicki
nghert ongueand
walkedoutwhi l
espeakingal anguageIdi dn't
understand

Khul
u:"
thatwi
tch!
"

Baba:
"thati
syourf
ather
'swi
fe"
[
03/
20,
11:
36]Ron:
rentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t32

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Makhul
u:"IthoughtIwasgoingtodiewit
hout
seei
ngyou"shegav emeababyki ssandwiped
mytear
s"y oulookexact
lyl
ikeyourfat
her"

Me:"Idon'
trememberhi
m"Iwhi
sper
edshe
gav
emeasadsmi l
e

Makhul
u:"
sitdown"weal
lsatdown"
Axol
ego
t
ell
Zethut
omakesomet ea"
Axol
e:"makhul
uwhoar et
hesepeopl
eandwhy
doesshelookl
ikedad?
"

Makhulu:"
justdoasIsay"shenoddedand
walkedouttheloungewit
htheli
tt
legi
rl
fol
l
owingher" Iknewyouweregoingt
ocome
homeoneday "

Vumil
e:"
ifyouknewabouthert
henwhyy
ou
nev
erbotheredt
olookf
orher"

Makhul
u:"
andy
ouar
eyoungman?
"

Vumil
e:"
herf
ianceandf
atherofherchi
l
d"she
smil
ednoddi
ng

Makhulu:"
yourfat
hersl
ookedfory
ouNobunt
u
af
teryourfat
herpassedaway.Wehadonl
ymet
youoncewheny oucameherf ory ourmbeleko
andyouwer ejustababybackt henwenev er
sawy ouagainoryourmother"shesi ghed"I
shoul
dhav emadet hem l
ookhar der"thedoor
openedandanol dmanwi thshor tgrayhai
rgot
i
n

Him:"
whodied?Ther
ear
escar
ymeni
nmy
yar
d"makhul
usmiled

Vumil
e:"
nobodyhaseverl
ovedsomeoneas
muchasIloveyou"hewhi
sper
edandkissed
thesi
deofmyhead

Me:"
I'
vedi
edever
ydaywai
ti
ngf
ory
ou"he
wi
pesmytear
s

Makhul
u:"
yourgr
anddaught
eri
shome"he
l
ookedatus
Mkhul u:"
Nsika'
schil
d?Nobunt uisthatyou?
Standupl etmeseey ou"Ist
oodupshy l
y"you
l
ookj ustli
keyourf
athers"hekissedmy
forehead"welcomehomema' Jama"helooked
atMakhul u"havey
oucal l
edthekids?"

Makhul
u:"notyet
"wesatdownsomel adygot
i
nwithAxolecarr
yingt
eaandscones

Lel
o:"
thanky
ou"shet
ookt
het
ea

Khulu:"
andwhoar ey outwo?"Vumil
eandLel
o
i
ntroducedthemselves"howniceofyout
woto
accompanyher,Ithoughtyouwouldcomewit
h
yourmot her
"

Me:
"shepassedawayNov
ember
"
Makhul
u:"
ohy
oupoorchi
l
dsor
ry"

Wespenthour stalking,get
tingtoknoweach
other.Theytoldmeaboutmyf amily.Mydad
wast winandhi stwi nliv
edinpor tEli
zabet h
withhisfami l
ybesi desAxolewhoi shi slast
borndaught er,
shest ayswiththegrandpar ents
andhersonwhoshehadat16sohermot her
chasedheraway .Ihav ethr
eebr other stwoar e
olderthanmeandonei smyage, thef irstborn
i
si nLondonwher ehepl aysprofessional
soccerandt heot hert wostayinPret oriawith
theirmother.Ihav etwouncl esandf ouraunt s.
Myf atherandhist winar et
hesecondl astbor n.

Myf at
her
'stwi
ncalledimmediat
elyaft
erKhul
u
hadsentthem al
lansmst el
li
ngthem Iwas
home.Theyspokebr i
efl
ythenheaskedto
speaktome
Me:
"hel
l
o"hebr
eat
hedout

Hi
m: "
Nobunt
u.I
sitr
eal
l
yyou?
"Icl
ear
edmy
t
hroat

Me:
"yes"

Him:"mychil
d"wer emai
nedsilentf
orfew
seconds"Iam sor
ryIdi
dn'
tlookhardenough.
Yourfat
hermusthat eme,Icanfeeli
t"

Me:
"I'
m sur
ehedoesn'
that
eyou"

Hi
m:"
Iam y
ourf
atherIshoul
dhav
efoundy
ou"

Me:
"you'
vef
oundmenow"
Hi
m:"
noy
ouf
oundmeandIam sogl
ad"

Me:
"met
oo"

Hi
m: "Iwi
llseeyouthi
sweekendI
'
llf
lyout
Fr
idaytheearl
iest
"

Me:
"okay
"hesi
ghed

Him:"Ihav esomucht osayandIknowy ou

havequest i
onsbutrightnowIjustwishIcould
hugy ou"thewayhisv oi
cesoundedpul led
somet hi
ngf r
om deepwi t
hinmesomet hingI
di
dn'tevenknowIhad.Igav eKhuluhisphone
andbur i
edmyf aceinVumi le'
sneckletti
ng
fr
eshhott earsspi
llout

Vumi
l
e:"
itokaymyangel
" 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Igoti
nt hehouseexhaust
edfr
om t
het
ri
pto
Nobuntu'sgr
andparent
shouse
Me:"whosecarisparkedoutsi
de?!"Iscreamed
asIgotoutthefoyer
.IfoundSophiedrinking
champagnewhi l
etal
kingtoLeo,theysatreall
y
cl
osetogetherandSophiewaslaughingat
somethi
ngwi t
hherhandonLeo' slaphewas
smil
ingdownather"excuseme? "Theybot h
l
ookedup

Leo:
"babyy
ouhome"

Me:
"isn'
tthatobv
iousLeonar
do"hest
oodup
Leo:
"Sophi
ecametoseethegi
rl
s"hewal
kedt
o
meandkissedmeshor
tl
y

Me:
"wel
lwher
ear
ethegi
rl
s?"

Leo:
"sl
eepi
ng"

Sophi
e:"
cuz.Ihaven'
tseeny
oui
nov
ery
earand
whatawarm welcome"

Me:"don'tbesarcast
ici
tnotcuteevenonyour
pl
asti
cf ace"shehasgott
ensomuchwor kdone
onherbody ,herassandhi
ps,hernoseandli
ps,
herbreastseventhecol
ourofhereyes

Sophie:
"don'
tbebit
terbecauseIl
ookgood
unl
ikeyou"Ij
ustsmil
ed
Leo:
"Sophi
e!"

Me:
"ital
lnat
ural
li
tt
lecuz
"

Sophie:"
anywayIcametoseet
hegi
rl
sandI
broughtsometoysfort
hem"

Me:
"wher
e"

Leo:
"itcar
sbabyt
woLambor
ghi
ni"

Me: "
theygi
rl
saresixmont hst
heycan'
tri
de
thosesoyoucant aket
hem backwit
hyou,
thankyouthough"shestoodupandIwalkedt
o
her.Wehugged" howwasMexico"
Sophi
e:"
amazingcuz
!YouandChl
oer
eal
l
y
shoul
dhavecamewithme"

Me:"
youspentay
earthereSophie.Ourl
i
v es
ar
eherei
nSouthAfr
ica"sherol
l
edherey es

Sophie:"
youtwolikeacti
ngold.Youshoul d
enjoyyour20s.Wehav eal
ltheseresourcesand
moneyatourf eet
"itwasmyt urntoroll
my
eyes

Me:
"mmh"

Sophie:
"anywayweshoul
ddol unchtomor
row,
I'
l
ltextyou"sheki
ssedmycheek"showmeout
Leo?"

Me:
"youknowy
ourway
"shewal
kedout
gi
ggl
ing"goshIhat
ehowsheisar
oundyou.
Whycan'tshej
ustgetov
ery
ou?It
'sso
fr
ust
rat
ing"

Leo:"Idon'
tl
ikeherl
i
ket
hat
,nev
erdi
dandy
ou
that
"

Me:
"youst
il
lfuckedher
"hegr
oaned

Leo:
"baby
?"

Me:"
I'
mti
redIj
ustwantahotbat
handsome
wi
ne"

Leo:"
I'
ll
prepar
eabathf
ory
ou"hecuppedmy
faceandwekissed
Hej
oinedmeint
hebat
hIl
eanedbackonhi
m
r
est
ingmybodyonhi
s 
Me:
"Iwantt
ogoawayf
orawhi
l
e"

Leo:
"wher
ebaby
?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow"

Leo:"wecouldgotocapetownaft
ermyexams.
Theyallmissthegi
rl
sther
eespeci
all
y
grandma"

Me:
"butIwantabr
eakf
rom ev
ery
one"

Leo:"
wewon'tstaylongjustspendfewday
s
wit
hthem t
henleavethegirlsther
eandgo
away.You'
veal
way slovedParis"
Me:"yeahthatcouldbefunmay beAri
aand
Harr
ycouldjoinusIknowNobunt uhasalot
goi
ngonr i
ghtnowbutI '
llaskherandseei
fshe
andVumi l
ecant akesomet i
meof f
"

Leo:
"thatVumi
l
eguyi
ssoi
ntense"Il
aughed

Me:"heisnotj
ustthatheisnotl
i
keyou.Il
ike
hi
mf orherhei
sexact l
ywhatsheneedsandhe
absol
utel
yadoresSbani"

Leo:
"hmm"heki
ssedmynecksucki
ngoni
t

Me:
"thoughty
ouwer
eoutofcondoms"

Leo:"
boughtt
hem t
oday.Youknowanor mal
gi
rlwoul
dbeonaninject
ionorevenpi
l
linst
ead
ofmaki
ngmewearstupidcondomsal
lthet
ime
whi
chburstsomet
imes"

Me: "
youknowwhatcontracept
ivedot
ome
baby"hesqueezedmybreastsandmovedt
o
sucki
ngtheothersi
deofmyneck

Leo:
"youst
il
lhav
en'
tgot
teny
ourper
iod?
"

Me:
"noty
et"If
elthi
m smi
l
eonmyneck

Leo:"
whydontyoujustt
aket
hepregnancyt
est
mylove?
"Hestart
edplayi
ngwit
hmycl i
t

Me:"becauseI'
m notpr
egnantLeothegir
lsar
e
j
ustbabiesandpleasedon'
ttal
kaboutthi
syou
knowitupsetsme"
Leo:"sor
ry"hepickedmeupandt ur
nedmet o
si
tonhi m st
raddli
nghi
m" don'
tbeupsetIam
sorr
y"hekissedthecornerofmymouth

Me:"Iknowbaby
"Iki
ssedherneck"
youso
har
d"

Leo:"i
tal
lyou"Isatupal
i
ttl
eandsl
i
ddown
l
etti
nghim ent
erme

Weputthegi
rl
sinbedbef
oregoi
ngdownst
air
s
f
ordi
nner,weat
ewhil
ewatchi
ngtv.
 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Afterwor
kIwentformydr i
vi
ngl essont
hen
tookataxibackt
othefl
at.IfoundSbaniand
hisbabaplayi
ngvi
deogames
Me:"howl
onghav
etheybeeni
nfr
ontoft
hat
t
hing?"

Si
ndi
:"si
nceSbanicamebackf
rom school
"he
wasst
ill
inhi
sunif
orm

Me:
"hehadl
unch?
"

Si
ndi
:"McDonal
d'
s"Inodded

Me:
"hel
l
o"

Them:
"sho"
Me:
"ayi
phel
aangi
nakwe!
"Ist
oodi
nfr
ontof
t
hetv

Sbani
:"Bunt
u!"

Vumi
le:
"baby!
"Theybot
hscreamedt
hesame
ti
me,
Ifoldedmyarmsovermychest

Me:"
Iwi
lldest
royt
hisgame"t
heyhuff
ed,
Vumi
let
hrewhisheadonthecouch

Vumi
l
e:"
GodIwannadest
royy
our
ightnow"

Sbani
:"met
ooBunt
u,y
out
otal
l
ynotcool
"

Me:
"andy
ousoundl
i
keani
diot
"
Sbani
:"hey
!"

Me:
"Vumi
l
e?"

Vumi
l
e:"
don'
ttal
ktoy
ourmot
herl
i
ket
hat
"

Sbani
:"butbaba.
."

Vumi
l
e:"
Sbani
"hewar
ned

Sbani
:"sor
ryBunt
u"hegotupanhuggedmy
l
egs

Me:
"itokaybabyboy
"hel
ookedupatme

Sbani
:"canwehav
epi
zzaf
ordi
nner
?"
Me:
"youhadabur
gerf
orl
unchSbani
"

Sbani
:"pr
ett
ypl
ease?Iwi
l
lbehav
eandbea
goodboytomor
rowwhenwemeetyourf
amil
y"

Me:
"theyy
ourf
ami
l
ytoo"

Sbani
:"y
esy
esbutpl
ease"

Me:"
okay"Iki
ssedhi
shead"
youandbabawi
l
l
gobuyi
t"

Vumile:"
wher
eismyki ss?
"Iwalkedovert
ohim
andwesharedakiss"didItel
lyouhowsexy
youlookedt
oday"Isqueal
edashepulledmeto
him
Me:
"Vumi
l
e!!
"

Vumil
e:"
Ilov
eyou"hepul
l
edmybot
tom l
i
p
bi
ti
ngit

Me:"
havey
outhoughtaboutusgoi
ngt
oPar
is
wi
thLel
oandAri
a"

Vumil
e:"Idon'
thav
et i
mef ort
hoseri
chkids
Nobuntuandwecan'taff
ordanint
ernat
ional
tr
ipr
ightnowI'
mt r
yingtobuyusahouse"

Me: "youlovelel
oandI '
l
lbetherebesi
deswe
wi l
lgettoexplor
et hepl
acetogetherI
'v
enev er
beent herebaby.Wewi l
lbegoingwithher
father'
sjetandstay i
ngatheruncl
eshotelallf
or
freebabyi tj
usttheacti
vi
ti
esthatyouwi l
lpay
f
orandIcanhel
pwi
tht
hat
"

Vumil
e:"
noyouwon'
t.Doy
our
eal
l
ywantt
o
go?
"Inodded

Me:
"yesbaby
"

Vumi
l
e:"
okaywecango"Iki
ssedhi
m

Me:"yeah!
!I'
llspeaktoHrandseeifIcanget
sometimeof f
"Ikissedhi
m agai
nwithheatthi
s
ti
me.Hest oodupandwal kedusovertoour
room,hethrewmeont hebedmakingme
bouncealitt
leIlaughedoutl
oudl
y

Vumi
le:
"Godyoubeauti
ful
"hegotbet
weenmy
l
egsspr
eadi
ngthem apart
 
.
Aft
erbreakfastIgotSbani ready,dressedhim
upinblackkneer i
ppedski nnyjeanswi tha
whit
et-shi
rtandhi sblack&whitev ansIroughed
uphisshortfadethenwentt ogetdr essedin
ri
ppedblackboy fr
iendjeanswi thaopenback
bl
ackbody suitandnudeheel s.

Me: "
youready?"Ifoundthem eati
ngfri
esinthe
kit
chen"JesusSbani yougoingtomakey ourt-
shir
tdir
tywithallt
hatsauce!"Helookeddown
"wheredidyouevenbuyt hatfr
om? !
"

Sbani
:"sor
ryBunt
u"

Vumile:
"babyrel
axandy ouscar
ri
nghi
m.I
boughtthefr
iesatsout
hbeach"heki
ssedt
he
si
deofmyhead" l
et'
sgo"
Sbani
:"I
'
llgocl
eanmyhandsf
ir
st"hewentt
o
thebat
hroom.

Icoul
dseeallt
hecarst
hatwereal
lovert
he
yardassoonaswegotneart
hehouse.Vumil
e
squeezedmyhand 
Sbani
:"somanyhouses"hewhisperedinawe.
Vumil
edr ov
einasthegatewasalreadyopen.
WeallgotoutofthecarVumil
ewaswal ki
ng
bet
weenushol di
ngbothourhands.

Me:
"uhm"

Sbani
:"koko!
!"Hest
art
edknocki
ngwhi
l
e
scr
eami ng

Me:"
Sbani
sam!"Thedooropenedandthi
sman
whol
ookedli
keamalev er
sionofmecameto
vi
ewhesmi
l
edbr
ight
lyandpul
l
edmet
ohi
s
chest

Him: "
mychi l
d"hepushedmebackl ookingat
meal loverandkissedmyf orehead" come
come"het ookmyhandandweal lwalkedint o
theloungeanditwaspacked.Ev eryonestood
upgi v
ingushugsandi ntr
oduci ngthemsel ves
besidesthiswomanwhoj ustlookedatmeup
anddownbef or
eclicki
nghert ongueand
walkedoutwhi l
espeakingal anguageIdi dn't
understand

Khul
u:"
thatwi
tch!
"

Baba:
"thati
syourf
ather
'swi
fe"
[
03/
20,
11:
36]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss
I
nser
t33

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Makhul
u:"
don'
tmi
ndhershei
sjustbi
tt
er"

Me:
"butIdi
dnot
hingwr
ong"

Baba:"
youwi
l
lgetusedt
oherweallhav
e"he
ki
ssedmyfor
ehead.Weal
lset
tl
eddown

Makhul
u:"
ist
hishi
m?"Inodded

Me:"thi
sishi
m.Sbanisam gosayhi
to
Makhulu"hel
ookedatVumi l
ewhogavehi
ma
nodthenhewentovertoMakhulu
Sbani
:"hel
lo"Makhul
usmil
edandgavehima
babykissSbanii
mmediat
elywi
pedhi
sl i
pswit
h
thebackofhishandmaki
ngevery
onelaugh

Makhulu:
"hhechil
drenoft
oday"Vumi
le'
sphone
rangheexcusedhimsel
fsayi
ngiti
mport
ant
andwentoutside

Zuko: "whatdoy oudoNobunt u? "Hewasmy

oldbrot hernottheoldest
,thatisSimpiweand
hecoul dn'tcomesincehei sinLondonbutwe
plannedt omeetupwhenI 'minPar ishesaidhe
willf
lyin.Andt heonewhoi smyageact ually
I'
mf ewmont hsolderthanhimi sSiyabulel
aand
heisgaybuty oucan'ttel
lunti
l hetell
syou
becausehel ookssomuscul arIknowbecause
Axolet oldduri
ngoneofourni ghtgossi p
sessions, shegavemeal ltheinfoaboutour
family.he'saninter
iordesi
gnerst i
llmakinga
namef
orhi
msel
fingaut
eng.

Me:"IworkatMkhi
zeInci
ntheDur
banbr
anchI
j
ustgraduat
edearl
ythi
syeari
nBCom
Accounti
ng"

Baba:"
mydaughteri
ssmar
t"hesmi
l
edpr
oudl
y
makingmyhear
tclench

Zuko:"t
hat'
sgood"hei
salawyer"dadispr
oud
thaty
oumadesomet hi
ngofyourselfr
egar
dless
ofyoursit
uati
on"

Siy
a:"
yeshei s.AsmuchasIalsodon'
t
rememberhim babaal
waystel
lsushow
i
mportanteducati
onwastohim"

Wespendt
hedaycat
chi
ngup.Wel
lact
ual
l
y
wit
hanswer i
ngl otofquestionsIalmost
snappedwhenaunt yKim wasaski ngwhymom
neverbr
oughtmet othef amily
, cal
li
ngmom
sel
fishf
orkeepingmeawayf rom thef amil
y
whil
eshecoul dn'tt
akecar eofme.ButVumi le
cal
medmedownandt oldhert hattheyalso
knewaboutmebutdi dn'ttr
yhar denought o
fi
ndme.Myst epmot herkeptt hrowingdaggers
atmeandj ustmaki ngsnidecomment sev er
y
nowandt hen.

Itwasaft
erearl
ydinnerwhenwegotreadyto
l
eave.ZukoandSiyapull
edmeasidewhile
Vumi l
ewastal
kingtobabaandthet
hreeofus
sharedati
ghtgrouphug.
Siy
a:"i
tgoodt
ohav
eal
i
ttl
esi
ster
"Ij
ustsmi
l
ed
shaki
ngmyhead

Me:
"Iam ol
dert
hany
ou"
Si
ya:
"justl
etmehav
ethi
spl
ease"

Me:
"I'
l
llety
ou"

Zuko:"
yousti
l
llastbor
nki
d"her
ougheduphi
s
fadeSi
yapushedhim

Si
ya:
"dude!Youknowmyhai
risdi
ff
icul
ttof
ix"

Me:
"yout
woar
esi
l
ly"

Zuko:"
heisrightthough.Itgoodt ohavea
si
ster
,nobodyt oldusabouty ou.Bel
ievemewe
wouldhavelookedf oryou.Weal lol
denough
andhavether esourcesbutnobodyt ol
dus"
Me:
"itokayIdon'
tbl
amey
ouguy
s"

Si
ya:"wel
lnowt hatwe'
vef oundy
ouwenever
l
ett
inggo.I'
llsmot hery
ousomuchy ouwil
l
wi
shy oudidn'thavebrothers"

Me:
"Idoubt
"Iwhi
sper
ed

Zuko:"
hey
,nosadness"Ihear
dSbani
laughi
ng
l
oudlyweall
tur
nedtohim

Si
ya:
"hei
ssuchagoodl
ooki
ngboy
"

Zuko:
"andhel
ookssohappy
"

Me:"hei
shappy
,itwashar
datf
ir
stbuthi
s
f
atheri
sanamazingman"Vumi
l
epickedup
Sbani
andt
hrewhi
m onhi
sback

Zuko:
"looksl
i
key
ouhav
eyourownmi
nif
ami
l
y"

Me:
"andIwoul
ddieforthem.Sotel
lmeisi
t
meoryourmom j
ustdoesn'
tli
kepeopl
e"

Zuko:
"itnoty
ou"

Siy
a:"don'
tl
iet
oher,ity
ouNobuntushej
ust
doesn'
tli
keyoubecauseofhowdadgotyou
thr
oughcheati
ng"

Me:
"buti
tnotmyf
aul
t"

Si
ya:
"yesi
tisn'
t"
Vumi
le:"
Bunt
uitget
ti
ngr
eal
l
ylat
eandDur
ban
i
sfar
!"

Me:
"Iam comi
ng"

Axole:
"ist
hathowyousaywheny
ouaboutt
o
haveanorgasm?"

Zuko:"Axol
e!Wedon'twannaknowaboutt
hat
"
AxoleandIlaughed

Axole:
"ohl
ight
enupZukoobviousl
yshehas
sexwitht
hatgorgeousmanofherstheyev
en
haveSbanit
oproveit"

Zuko:
"ev
enso,
Ist
il
ldon'
twannaknowabouti
t"
Me:
"Ishoul
dgo,
Iwi
l
lcal
lyoual
l
"

Siy
a:"yeahwe'
l
ltal
kandmeetupagainsoon"
weexchangedgoodbyest
hentheywal
kedme
tothecar

Wehadt odri
vepastst
eer
swhenwegotto
DurbanbecauseSbani
andhi
sbabawer
e
hungry
.WhenwegothomeIgaveSbaniabat
h 
Sbani
:"y
ouknowI '
m ol
dnowBunt
u?Icanget
mysel
fdressed"

Me:
"youcan'
tev
enbut
tonupy
ourshi
rt
s"

Sbani
:"kodwaIcanputonmypy
jamasni
cel
y,I
am 6now"

Me:
"youst
il
lmyl
i
ttl
ebaby
"Iputonhi
sgown
"
aftereat
ingtel
lyourbabat
ohel
pyoubrush
yourteet
handdonotmakey our
sel
fdi
rt
yory ou
wil
lbeintroubl
e"

Sbani
:"okaymommy "Ismi
l
ed.Hehadhi
s
moment s,wher
ehecall
edmemommy .

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouSbani
sam"

Sbani:
"Il
ovey out
oomommywam"heki ssed
myf or
eheadholdi
ngmycheeksinhist
iny
handsthenrushedoutofhi
sroom l
eav
ingme
sti
l
lonmykneeswi thahugesmileonmyf ace

Aftershoweri
ngIputonVumi le'
st-
shirtthen
tookmyl apt
opsoIcoul dgetsomewor kdone
beforeVumilecamet obed,whichdi
dn'ttake
l
ong.Iputmyt hingsonthebedsidetableashe
gotunderthecov er
s 
Vumi
l
e:"
ury
tbaby
?"

Me:
"yeah"Isnuggl
edcl
oset
ohi
m

Vumi
l
e:"
itbeenal
ongday
"

Me:
"yesi
thas"heki
ssedmyhead

Vumile:
"sleep"Iputmyhandunderhi sboyl
eg
cuppi
nghi sdickwhichstart
edgett
inghard
i
mmedi ately"whatyoudoing?"Heaskedinhi
s
huskyvoice

Me:
"Iwantyou"If
elthi
sli
pfor
mingasmi
l
eon
myfor
ehead

Vumi
l
e:"
ital
lyour
stakeme"Igotoutofhi
s
ar
msandgotont
opofhi
m

Me:"Il
ovehowy
ourski
nisal
way
ssohot
.Il
ove
yousomuch"

Vumile:
"ifIhadtodream upaper
fectwoman
shewouldn'tevencomeclosetoyoumyangel
"
Ibentali
ttl
eandkissedhim
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Wef oundeveryonealreadyi
nt hejet
.Ithad
star
tedwithVumi leandNobunt u,
Chloeand
Mzoi nDurban.PickedupAr i
aandHar ryinJhb
thencamef orusinCapet own.Leavingmygi rl
s
wasn'teasybuttheyhadf amil
yandt heirnanny
wi
tht
hem.Mom wasupsett
hatIwasleav
ing
t
hegi
rl
swit
hthePl
ummer si
nsteadofher
.

Me:"hel
l
oever
yone"Igav
ethegi
rl
shugst
hen
set
tl
eddown.Wetookoff.

Chl
oe:"i
sitwei
rdthatI
'
m exci
ted?Hav
en'
tbeen
toPar
isinyear
s"

Nobunt
u:"i
fyouexcit
edthi
nkabout.I
t'
smyfir
st
ti
megoingther
e"theatt
endantbr
oughtout
champagneandcognac

Me:
"cany
ouj
ustgi
vemef
rui
tcockt
ail
"

Ar
ia:
"si
ncewheny
oudon'
tdr
ink?
"Isi
ghed
Me:"si
nceI
'
m pr
egnantagai
n"al
lthegi
rl
s
scr
eamed

Nobunt
u:"
thet
winsar
ejust6mont
hsl
elo!
"

Me:
"Iknowt
hat
"

Har
ry:
"youmeanbusi
nessLeo"

Vumi
l
e:"
hedef
ini
tel
ydoesn'
tshootbl
anks"

Leo:
"youknowme"heshr
uggedi
tof
fmaki
ng
merollmyeyes

Ari
a:"wekeeptel
li
ngyoutogetsomefor
m of
cont
racept
ivebecausey
ouknowy oul
ovethe
di
cktoomuch"
Me:
"hey
!"

Chl
oe:
"youdon'
tl
ist
en"

Nobunt
u:"
howf
arar
eyou?
"

Me:
"thr
eemont
hs"

Chloe:"shitsoyougoi
ngt
ogivebir
ththi
syear
,
theywillshareayearl
i
kedaddyandaunty
Amel i
a"

Me:"
yep"Isighedrubbi
ngmyface"I
'
mtyi
ngmy
t
ubesaftergi
vingbir
th,
Ishoul
dhav
edonejust
t
hataft
erthegirl
s"
Nobunt
u:"
yesy
oushoul
dhav
e"

Ar
ia:
"yout
urni
ngi
ntoj
ustababymaker
"

Nobuntu:
"ar
ia!
"If
elthott
ear
swet
ti
ngmy
cheeks

Ar
ia:
"I'
mri
ght
"

Leo:
"layof
fAr
ia"

Har
ry:
"yeahbabel
ayof
f"

Mzo:
"thatwasn'
tnecessar
yAr
ia"

Vumil
e:"
therei
snothi
ngwr ongwi t
hhavi
ng
babi
esLelo,
youcanaffor
dt hem andyouhav
e
l
otofl ovetogiv
e.If oroneloveawomanwho
canmakeaf amily.Youcanbeamommyorbe
acar eerwoman, hellyoucanev enbebothif
that'
swhaty ouwant .Womendoi tall
theti
me
i
nt hiscentur
yandy oucandef init
elymakeit
wor kifyouwant"Ismi ledathi
m

Ari
a:"youguysmi ghtgaguponmebuty oual
l
knowI'mright.Lel
ohadt ost
opdoingher
art
icl
es,ar
ey oustil
levendoi
ngyourPhD?"

Leo: "
ofcourseshei sandshecandoher
art
icleswhenshewant stodothem"Idi dn'
t
evenf eell
iketell
ingthem wewer ehavingtwins
again,yepanot hersetoftwins.Thatmakesi t4
chil
drenatmyagebutIact uall
ydidn'
tcareI
l
ov edmychi ldrenwoul dn'
ttr
adethem for
any t
hing.Leoundi dmybel tandpull
edt osi
ton
hi
sl ap
Me:"Ihearandunderstandyourconcer
nAr i
a
andIloveyouforitbutI'
mfinebeli
eveme.Iam
def
ini
telynotl
osingmy sel
finhavi
ngbabies"

Ar
ia:
"mmh"t
heat
tendantcameout

Her:
"Iwi
llbest
art
ingondi
nnersoon.CanIget
youanyt
hingi
nthemeanti
me?"

Harr
y:"
Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ndsomet
hingt
osnackon
pl
ease"

Chloe:
"cr
acker
sformeandcheese"weal
ltol
d
herwhatwewantedthencar
ri
edonwit
hour
conver
sati
ons
.

Wegott
othepent
houseatt
hehot
elev
ery
one
wast i
redandcr ankybesi desmesi nceIhad
sleptint hej etbedroom.Ishowedev ery
one
theirroomst henweal lwentoursepar ateways
agreeingt hatwewi llallj
ustmeetupf orear
ly
dinnerl ater,Ihadgot tenthehotelmanagert o
makeusar eservati
onatt her
estaurant.The
secur i
tyguar dswereont hefl
oorbelowt he
pent house.

Leo:"
arey
ouokaymyl
ove?Ihat
ehowAr
ia
spoketoy
ou"

Me:"Iam f
inebabydon'
tworr
ybutyourchi
l
dren
wantpeanutbutt
erandj
ell
ysandwi
ch"

Leo:
"I'
l
lcal
lroom ser
vice,
wit
hgl
assofmi
l
k?"

Me: "
yesmakesureitwar
m"hekissedmy
cheekbef
orewalki
ngout.It
ookmyphone
call
edmom l
ett
ingherknowwear ri
vedsaf
ely
thenIcal
l
edchecki
ngont hegi
rl
s. 
.

#Ami
l
e 
¥¥

Il
ookedathi spicturesthinkingabouthow
muchmor ehurtwasIgoi ngt ogot hrough
becauseoft hi
sman, whenwi l
l enoughbe
enough.Ijustdidn'tunderstandwhyIwas
al
lowingmy selftobet reatedliket his.Iknewhe
wasn'tcapableoflov i
ngsomeone, hewast oo
self
ishtothinkaboutany bodybuthi mself.He
hasbeencomi ngandgoi ngi nmyl i
feforyears,
eversinceIwasi nhighschool .Ev enaf t
er
l
eavingGphest i
llhasahol donme.It hought
Durbanwoul dmeananewst artf ormesoIl eft
myf amilyandallthatIknewanddeci dedt o
comest udyatDut.Buty ethereIam again
wakingupi nhishot elroom alone.Becausehe
recei
v edacalllastnightjustaft
erfucki
ngfif
ty
shadesoff reakybecause" she"call
edshewho
shallnotbenamed.

JustasIcameoutofthebat hr oom af t
ertaking
ahotrel
axingbathi
nghopingt hebr uisesall
overmybodyal ongwi
ththepai ntheycame
withwouldsomehowfeelbett er,myphone
beepedalert
ingmeofansms.Icheckedt he
phoneanditwasansmsf rom t hebanksay ing
hehastransfer
redmemoney .Ir ol
ledmyey es
andsenthim athanky
out ext.

Iorder
edbreakfastwhi l
eget t
ingr eady
.After
breakf
astIwenttocheckoutt hengotinmy
minicoopercountr
y mant hathehadboughtf or
meonmybi rt
hdayl astyear.Idrov eof
fleavi
ng
theHil
tonhotelgoingt omyf latinmorningside.
If
oundmyroommate/
bestf
riendKateeat
ing
gr
anol
aandyogur
twhil
ewatchingt
v
Kat
e:"
youhomeear
ly"

Me:"hel
eftl
astni
ght
,hi
sfi
anceecal
l
ed"she
si
ghed

Kate:"
Idon'
tunder
standwhyyouwon'tj
ust
l
eav ehi
m Amil
e"Isatnextt
oherput
ti
ngmy
headonherlap

Me:"whenwil
li
tst
ophurti
ngsomuch?I '
ve
beenwit
hhimforyear
sforsixfucki
ngy
ears
evenbefor
ehemetthatbi
tch"

Kate:"
yether
ey ouarest
il
lasi
dechick"Ijust
brokedown"I'
m alsoget
ti
ngti
redofwiping
y
ourt
ear
sAmi
l
eputast
opt
othi
s"

Me:"
wel
oveeachot
her
!"Shehel
dmeasI
wai
l
ed
[
03/
20,
11:
36]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t34

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Ilai
donmybedf acingupt hi
nkingaboutSabelo.
Ifeltli
kegoi nghomebutIdi dn'twanttori
ska
chanceofr unningintohim si ncehewasal so
homef orsomet i
me.It ookmyphoneandr ead
myt ext
sbef orethrowingi tbackont hebed
withoutreply i
ngonany .Ihuffedandj umpedof f
thebed, itwashol i
day sany wayanddaddyhad
beebeggingmet ocomehome.Ichecked
onli
neforthenextav
ailabl
efl
i
ghttoj
hband
foundonet hatwast
hreehoursaway
.

Me:"Kat
eareyouhome?
!"Iscr
eamedget
ti
ng
outofmyroom

Kat
e:"ki
tchen"If
oundhert
her
echoppi
ng
pi
neappl
es

Me:
"whaty
oudoi
ng?
"

Kat
e:"
justf
rui
tsal
ad,
doy
ouwantsome?
"

Me:"nah.I
'm goi
nghome,
cany
oudr
opmeof
f
att
heairport
?"
Kate:"y
ougoinghome?Ihopey
ounotf
oll
owi
ng
thatasswhol
eyoucal
laman"Irol
l
edmyeyes

Me:"I
'mj
ustgoinghome.Gonnaspendwhat
'
s
l
eftofmyhol
idaywit
hmyf amil
y"

Kate:"
okay"Iwenttopackthenchangedoutof
myy ogapantsandsportbr
ai nt
obum shor
ts
andal owcutvest
swithvans

Me: "
ready "Igav
ehermycarkey s"
youcanuse
i
tjustnott hemini"sher
oll
edherey
es.Ihada
AudiA1t hatdaddyboughtformewhenI
passedgr ade12

Kate:
"Iknownobodydr
ivesy
ourbr
iber
ycarbut
you"
Me:
"that
'sameant
hingt
osayKat
e"

Kat
e:"
Iknow,
sor
ryboot
hang"

Isentmycousi
natextt
opi ckmeupafter
boardi
ngthepl
aneandIfoundhi
m al
ready
waiti
ngforme
Me:
"heyki
d"hechuckl
edgi
vi
ngmeahugl
i
fti
ng
meupalit
tl
e

Lakhe:
"heysi
s"heki
ssedmyhead

Me:
"youkeepget
ti
ngbi
g"

Lakhe:"
andy
oukeepget
ti
ngt
inny
"Ipi
nchedhi
s
chest
Me:
"takemybagsandl
et'
sgo"

Lakhe:
"yesma'
am"wegoti
nhi
scaranddr
ove
off

Me:
"howar
eyourdaddi
es"

Lakhe:"good.Teedohisdrivi
ngmecrazyas
usualandNeoi shopelessl
yinlov
ewithhi
m"it
wassohar dt obel
iev
euncl eNeowasgay,wel
l
thati
sunt i
lyouseehim arounduncl
eTeedoh
whoisdaddy 'sl
it
tl
ebrother

Me:
"that
'sni
ce"

Lakhe:"
whyi
sn'
tLebopicki
ngyouup?"that
wouldbemybrot
herandIdidn'
tgetal
onghe
l
ikedacti
ngl
i
kemyf at
her
Me:
"doy
out
hinkIhav
eti
mef
orhi
m?"

Lakhe:
"youbot
hneedThandot
ohandl
eyou"

Me: "
ohno"welaughed"Iwouldr
athersti
ck
needlesinmyeyesthanhavetot
akeal ect
ure
orint
ervent
ionf
rom yourdad"

Lakhe:
"hey
!Mydadi
sthebest
"

Me:"
neversaidhewasn'
tbutngi
rytngay
e.
Wher
eisSofia?"Hesmil
edli
keafool

Lakhe:"atherhomeOl
iv
iaiskeepingheraway
fr
om mebecauseshehadapr egnancyscare
nowsheandMel ar
epanicki
ngbutitwasa
mistakeyouknow.Thel
ectureIrecei
vedfrom
NeoandNqubekobr u!I
ttookeverythi
ngin
Nqubekoforhi
mtonotpunchmef or
def
loweri
nghisgr
anddaughter,
ifitwasn'tf
or
dadwewoul dbet
alkingadif
ferentstory
"

Me:"
howdoy oumist
akenl
yal
mostmake
someonepr
egnant
"

Lakhe:"don'
tsayitl
i
ket hat"welaughed"no
manl i
keIcouldn'
tbreakherv i
rgi
nit
yusinga
condom itwouldhavehur tmore"

Me:
"that
'st
hedumbestt
hingev
er"

Lakhe:"asi
fy ouuseditwhenyoubrokey our
s"I
si
ghedt hi
nkingbacktowhenSabelobr okemy
vi
rgi
nityandhi st
henfi
anceeLelowalkedinon
usinthemi ddleofi
t
Me:
"weactual
l
ydi
dn'
tuseacondom"heshoot
mealook

Lakhe:
"soyounotav i
rgi
n?"Il
aughedathi
m,he
wasactingshocked

Me:"shutupI
'
m 20,
can'
tsayt
hesamef
or
Sof
ia"

Lakhe:
"what
ever
"

Me:"
yousoundl
i
keagi
rl
.Soy
out
woar
e
t
oget
hernow"

Lakhe:
"yep.Wel
oveeachot
her
,alway
shave"I
tookmyphoneoutofmybagasitwasri
ngi
ng
Me:
"baby
"

Sabel
o:"
heyl
ove,
howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
m okay
"

Sabel
o:"
youhav
en'
tbeenr
epl
yi
ngt
omyt
ext
s"

Me:"
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouwantmet
osaybabe
youj
ustl
eftmeli
ket
hat
"

Sabel
o:"
soyouangr
y?ButIsenty
oumoney
andther
oses"

Me:"I
'
venev erneededy
ourf
ucki
ngmoneyandI
candefi
nit
elybuymyownboxofrosessodon'
t
gi
vemet
hatshi
t"

Sabelo:
"IknowallofthatbutIst
il
ldoit
becauseIlovey
ouandIwantt ospoi
lyou.You
knowIloveyouright
?"

Me:
"Iknowbutsomet
imesIj
ustcan'
ttakei
t"

Sabelo:"
youmynumberonebabey
oual
lthat
matters"

Me:
"don'
tl
iet
ome"

Sabel
o:"whatwasIsupposedt
odoAmi
l
e?
She'
sfucki
ngpregnant
!"

Me:
"youl
i
stenher
eandy
oul
i
stengoody
ou
fuckerdon'
tfucki
ngdaretr
ytorai
sey ourv
oice
atmebecauseIwi ll
destr
oyyou"Lakhe
whistl
ed

Sabel
o:"
sot
hisi
showy
ouspeakt
omenow?
"

Me: "
noofcoursenot"Iwhi
sper
ed"I
'
mjust
angry.I
twassupposedtobemyweekend,you
hardl
ygetti
met ocheckonmeifyoupl
ayi
ng"

Sabel
o:"IknowandIapol
ogi
zedbuty
ouneed
tocheckyoursel
fAmi
le"

Me:
"sor
ry"

Sabel
o:"
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Iwantt
ofacet
ime
you"
Me:"I
'
mi nthecarf
rom t
heai
rpor
tI'
l
lbehome
i
nlessthanfi
veminut
es"

Sabel
o:"
youher
einJhb?Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?"

Me:"Ij
ustmissedmyfami
l
yanddaddyhas
beenwanti
ngmet ocomehome"

Sabel
o:"okay.Facet
imemewheny
ougethome,
Imissyourface"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Sabelo:"
Ilov
eyouev
enmor
ehoney
"weended
thecall
Lakhe:
"dr
ama!Whoi
sthi
sdudev
ele?
"

Me:
"nobodyy
ouknow"

Lakhe:
"wai
tunt
iluncl
eJayf
indsout
"

Me: "
don'
tbeanass"securi
tyguardopenedthe
gateassoonashesawi tusandLakhedr ov
e
upthedri
veway"t
hisi
swhyIdon' tcomehome
oft
enIhatesandt
on"

Lakhe:
"wegr
ewupher
eyoucan'
that
ethe
pl
ace"

Me:
"takemybagst
omyr
oom"

Lakhe:
"ei
shmamebohmadam"Igotoutt
he
carf
ast

Me:"
I'
m home!!"Myv
oiceechoed"isany
body
home?"Mylit
tl
erani
ntothepassagewhereI
wasstandi
ng

Rea:
"Ami l
eishome!
!"WehuggedIki
ssedher
al
loverherface

Me:
"wher
eisdaddy
?"

Rea:"
outsi
dewi t
hmommyandgrandmawe
havi
nglunch"shepul
l
edmyhandgoingout
side

Daddy:"
mybabyishome"hehuggedmetight
ly
squeezi
ngme"whydidn'
tyout
ell
mey ou
coming?"
Me:"andrui
nthesurpr
ise?Never
!"Igr
eeted
mom andgrandma,Lakhejoi
nedusout si
dewe
al
lhadlunchoverl
aughter

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Pariswasabsolutelybeauti
ful
.Whi l
eev eryone
chi
lleddoingotherthingsVumileandspent
mostofourday sgoi ngtotouri
stattract
ions.I
t
wasSat urdayVumi l
eandIwer egoi ngtomeet
mybr ot
herSi mpiwe.Ashewal ksinandwal ks
tousallheadsturnt olookathim, I
'
m notsur e
i
fitbecauseofhi slooksorbecausehei sa
famoussoccerpl ayer.Hehasbr oadshoulders,
caramel ski
nandl ongdreads

Simpiwe: "
li
ttl
esi
s"hehadev
enpickedupan
accent.Istoodupandwehugged"i
tsogoodto
seey
ou"

Me:
"hi
"wesi
tdown

Si
mpiwe:"
andy
oumustbemybr
otheri
nlaw,
Sbani
'
sdad"

Vumile:
"thatwoul
dbeme"t
heyshakehands
"st
ronghold"

Si
mpiwe:
"st
rongpuncht
ooandyouremember
ev
ery
daymate"Vumil
egavehi
m asmugsmirk

Vumil
e:"noneed.It
reatmywomanl
i
keaqueen
andoursonli
keaPr i
ncehei
s"

Si
mpi
we:
"that
'sgoodt
ohear
"weor
derand
l
unchandgett
oknoweachot
her
.

Bytheti
mewel eav
et herestaurantwe'v
e
act
uall
yhadevenhaddi nner,Si
mpi weand
Vumil
earetal
ki
nglikeoldbuddi esandthey
bot
hdrunk.Wesayourgoodby esandSi mpiwe
wentbacktohi
shot elwhil
ewewentt oours.

Wefindever
yonei
nthel
oungehav
ingdr
inks
andsnacks 
Vumil
e:"
justwhatIneed"hepourshi
msel
f
someHennesseywithiceandsit
sdownIj
ust
smil
esit
ti
ngonhislap

Me:
"whaty
ouguy
supt
o?"

Chl
oe:
"not
hingr
eal
l
y"
Lel
o:"
howwasmeet
ingy
ourbr
other
?"

Me:
"amazebal
l
"

Lel
o:"
amazebal
l
"wel
aughloudl
y"comehere"I
wal
kovert
oherwebot
hlayonthecarpet

Vumil
e:"l
et'
sgocl
ubbi
ng"Ii
mmedi
atel
ygetan
earr
eachi
ngsmile

Me:
"baby
!!
"

Leo:"
Ireal
lywouldn'
tmind"Leoconnectshis
phonetothespeakersandChrisBrown
Questi
onsstar
tsplayi
ng,Ari
ajumpedof ft
he
couchandstart
eddancingtwerki
ngallovert
he
pl
acebeforeshepull
edleloandItojoi
nher
Bythet imewel eaveforthecl
ubt heyall
t i
psy
besidesLeloandI .Idon'
tevenknowwhywe
sti
ll
goi ng.WefindSimpiwealreadywaitingfor
usint hevipsecti
onwi t
halcoholallov
ert he
tabl
e.

(Unfortunatel
ythisi
sn'
tfi
nished.I'
m atKfct
o
getdinnerandImanagedt ol ogintotheWi-
Fi
that'
swhyI 'm posti
ngi
totherwiseIwouldn'
t
hav egottenachancetopost .Idon'
thavedata,
I
'llpostagainwhenIgetachance. )
[
03/
20,
11:
36]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t35

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Ican'tbelievethiswashappening!
.SinceIhad
hadembel ekodonef ormei twaseasyt ojust
getthisdone, t
herewasnor it
ualt
hatneededt o
takeplacef i
rst.NosiandLelowerearr i
ving
todayint hemor ning,t
heycouldn'
tcomewi th
mebecauseNosi 'shusbandwouldn'
tlether
andLel ocoul dn'
tbecauseBellawasn'tfeel
ing
wellsot heytookhert othedoctor
.

Igotoutoft her oom Iwasshar i

ngwithAxole.I
foundmyaunt si ntheloungeandmyuncl es
wivesi ntheki tchen.Igreetedthenwent
outsidet owai tforLeloshehadsai dshewas
pull
ingup.Iwasexci tedli
ker eal
lyexci
tedit
wasmyl oboladay ,Vumi l
eandIspentt henight
ont hephonel astnighttalki
ngabouthow
excitedwewer e.Hehadcal l
edmear ound5i n
themor ningtelli
ngmet heyhadl ef
taround.I
sawherGWagondr i
vinginthegateand
practicall
ybouncedupanddown.Thecar
parkedandhersecur ity/
driveropenedthedoor
f
orher
.

Lel
o:"
umakot
iungowet
hu"

Me:
"si
yav
uma"

Us:"
usengowethugempel aboh"wecont i
nued
si
ngi
ngandmov ingli
kefools.West opped
whenweheardl aughterbehindus,Itur
nedto
fi
ndmyf at
her
.Hi seyeswer etwinkl
ing

Dad:
"It
hinkitt
hegroom'
sfamil
ythatshoul
dbe
si
ngi
ngthatsong"Lel
oandIl
aughed

Lel
o:"
goodmor
ningMrJama"dadsmi
l
ed

Dad:
"goodmor
ningma'
Pet
erson,
wast
hedr
ive
okay
?"

Lel
o:"
y est
hankyou"henoddedandwal
ked
away"howy ouf
eel
ing?"

Me:"Iam soexci
ted.Youlookbeauti
ful"she
wasinoneofKhosi Nkosi
'sbeauti
ful
cr eat
ions,
weactual
lyhadherdesignandmakeour
dr
esses.Bothofthem wereAfri
canprint
dr
esses,modernyettradi
ti
onal
.

Lel
o:"
Iser
iousl
ydi
dn'
tthinkIwoul
dhavel
ost
somuchofthebabyweightbythi
sti
me"

Me:"
youdi
dn'
tgainasmucht hi
stimear
ound.
HowisBel
l
a?"Sherol
ledhereyes

Lel
o:"
herdoct
orsai
ditj
ustt
eet
hing.Nosi
hasn'
tar
ri
ved?
"

Me:
"notyetbutshe'
sonherway"wewenti
n
t
hehouse.Shegreet
edever
yone

Makhulu:"
comeherema'Pet
erson"Lel
owentt
o
herwi
thhersmi l
eandMakhul
ukissedherl
i
ps
thenf
orehead.Shel
ovedLel
o.

Lel
o,Nosi,Axol
eandIr ushedtot
hewindowas
weheardabakhongi cal
li
ngtheJamaclan
namesbyt hegate.Wesquealedli
kehi
gh
school
kids.Myphoner anganditwasVumil
e
Me:
"Ngcobo"

Vumi
l
e:"
myangel
"Ihear
dthesmi
l
einhi
svoi
ce

Me:
"youst
ayi
ngi
nthecar
?"
Vumil
e:"
yes.Iam notal
l
owedi
nyet
.Ar
eyou
ner
vous?
"

Me:
"al
i
ttl
ebi
t"Iwhi
sper
ed

Vumi
l
e:"
not
hingwi
l
lgowr
ongIpr
omi
sey
ou"

Me:
"okay
"

Vumi
l
e:"
wher
eismyson?
"

Me:
"hewasout
sideI
'
m notsur
eri
ghtnow"

Vumil
e:"Ican'
twai
tfory
outobel
ongt
ome"hi
s
wordspull
edonmyheartst
ri
ngs
Me:
"Ial
readybel
ongt
oyou"

Vumil
e:"
youknowwhatImeanandt
hensoon
yougoi
ngtobeMrsNgcobo"

Me:
"andIcan'
twai
t"

Aft
erthenegotiat
ionswhi chwentr
eal
l
ywel
l,
Vumilepai
dev ery
thing.Lunchwasser
vedt
hen
amatshal
itookplace.

Ever
ythi
ngwasdonebefor
ethesunset
.Sbani
andIwalkedVumi
leov
ertohiscar
. 
Sbani
:"soBunt
uandIar
egoi
ngt
ochangeour
sur
namesnow? "

Vumi
l
e:"
hhu?
"
Sbani
:"youmar r
iednowli
keI
ndie'
sparent
sso
weallgoingtohavethesamesurname"Vumi
le
l
aughedsof t
ly

Me:
"thewayy
out
alk!
"

Vumi
l
e:"
noty
etSbani
sam butsoon"

Sbani:
"youst
il
lgoi
ngt
ohaveaweddi
ngand
Buntuwill
wearabi
gwhit
edress"

Vumi
l
e:"weddi
nggownbuty
es"

Sbani
:"andIcani
nvi
tei
ndi
e"Ir
oll
edmyey
es

Vumi
l
e:"
yep"Sbani
rant
oNokuandZol
a"hi
"he
cuppedmyfaceandki
ssedmeshor
tl
y"di
dItel
l
youhowbeauti
ful
youl
ookedt
oday?
"Hekissed
myf or
ehead

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Vumi
l
e:"
Ilov
eyoumor
emyangel
" 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Me:"Iam goi
ngtokil
lthem"mom laughed
addi
ngt omyirr
it
ati
on.JazandSkywer eso
naughty

Mom:
"theybabi
es"
Me:"t
heythr
ewmyf avouri
tepairofthi
ghboots
i
nthewatermom!Iboughtt hoseLoubouti
nin
Mil
anmommy .Wher
ewi l
lIgetanotherpai
r?"

Mom: "
pri
ceofbei ngamommysweet heart"I
si
ghedandl ookedatthem astheycar
ri
edonas
i
ftheyhaven'tj
ustdamagedmyshoes" besides
bei
ngupsetov eryourshoes,
howar eyou?"

Me: "
Idon'
tknow.Ifeel
li
keI'
ml osi
ngmy sel
f
andIam actual
lymoresadthanhappythese
days.I
tworryi
ngLeo,hethi
nksIshoul
dseea
ther
apist
"

Mom:
"Iagr
eewi
thhi
m"

Me:
"Iwentf
rom notbei
ngamot
hert
obei
nga
mot heroffourdaughtersinamat t
eroftwo
years"Ihadgi v
enbirthtoanothersetof
i
dent i
caltwingirl
s.ThejokesIhadtoendure
from everyoneabouthowIgotmyf ather
's
geneswi thmaki nggir
lsendedupwi t
hmei n
tear
s.Imeanwhatwasgoi ngtohappen,even
Leoi stheonlyboyf r
om hismother'
sside.He
hasnouncl esorcousinbrot
hers.

Mom:
"youadj
ust
ingwel
l
"

Me: "
IswearifBel
laandLeyl
aareanyt
hingl
i
ke
thei
rbigsi
stersIwil
lbecommitt
edint
oa
psychi
atr
ichospit
al"mom l
aughed

Mom:"
theymusttakeaf
terLeobecausey
ou
wer
en'
tanaught
ybaby"

Me:
"Il
ovet
hem somucht
hough,
Iwoul
dki
l
l
anddi
efort
hem"

Mom: "asIwoul
dforyouandyourbr
other
s.
That
'showitworksbaby.NowwhenisLeo
marr
yingyou?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowwehav
en'
ttal
kedabouti
t"

Mom: "
Lel
oyout
wohav
efourchi
l
drent
oget
her
al
ready
"

Me: "andwehappymom, wedon'tneedapiece

ofpapertov al
i
dateourcommi t
mentt oeach
other.Marr
iagewil
lcomewheni tcomesIwon't
pressurehi
mt oit
"shehuffed

Mom:"Iunder
stand"Ir
oll
edmyeyeswhil
e
adj
ust
ingmyholdonBel l
awhohadfal
l
en
asl
eepi
nmyar
ms

Me:
"Ineedtoputhert
obed"mom cal
l
edfor
t
henanny,shet
ookBell
auptot
hei
rnurser
y

Mom:
"howar
eyourst
udi
escomi
ngal
ong?
"

Me:
"I'
m copi
ngj
ustf
ine"

Mom: "
youknowyourbrotheri
scominghome?
Heisdonewit
hhisundergradandwantst
odo
hi
spostgr
adthi
sside"

Me: "
isthatwhathewant sorwhatdaddywant s?
IspoketoLonhl ehedi dn'twanttocomeback
butdaddyf orcedhimt obecausehewant sto
groom himt otakeov erthebusiness.Weall
knowEnzoi sn'
tint
erestedinthebusinessand
Sj
isst
il
lababy
"

Mom: "
well
someonehast otakeov ert
he
businesswhenyourdadreti
res.Hewor ked
hardtoensuret
hatheleavesal egacyf
oryou
ki
ds"

Me:"y
eahIknowandwegratef
ulbutwhathei
s
doi
ngtoLonhl
eisn'
tfai
rmom"

Mom:"hewouldn'
thav
eagr
eedt
ocomebacki
f
hedi
dn'twantt
o"

Me:
"mmhi
fyousaysomom"

Mom: "
besi
desSf
undoi
sbuy
inghi
m an
apar
tment"
Me:
"hewant
stomov
eout
?Hedi
dn'
ttel
lme"

Mom:"yeah.Hesai
dtheonlywayhewould
comebackisifheget
shisownplaceandhe
di
dn'
twanttostayatt
hepenthouse"

Me:"
pri
vacyi
simpor t
antwheny
ou'
vebeen
st
ayi
ngbyyoursel
fforyear
s"

Mom: "
arey
ougoingt
oNewYor
kfory
our
aunt
'sf
ashi
onshow?"

Me:
"no.Bel
laandLeylaar
est
il
ltool
i
ttl
eforme
t
otr
avel"mom chuckl
ed

Mom:
"theyal
mostone"
Me:
"theyj
ustbabi
esmom"

Leo:"
sweethear
t,l
ookwhoIfoundint
hefoy
er
l
icki
ngthedoor"hewal
ksinholdi
ngSky

Me:"shewasherej
ustaminut
eago.Iswear
t
hischil
dandhersi
sterwi
l
lbethedeat
hofme"
mom laughed

Leo:
"hel
l
omom"heki
ssedhercheek

Mom:
"heyson"hegav
emeashor
tki
ss

Leo:
"youl
adi
esar
egood?
"

Sky:"
mamam"sher ai
sesherar
msf
ormet
o
takeherIshookmyhead
Me:"
Idon'
twanty
ou"shef
rownedt
henherl
i
ps
st
art
edshaki
ng

Mom: "
shewil
lcr
yjustn.
."shestarted
screamingbef
oremom ev enfi
nishedher
sentence

Me:"okay
,Iam j
oki
ngmyangel"Itookherand
ki
ssedherall
overherf
ace.Sheburi
edherface
onmyneck

Leo:
"suchacr
ybaby
"

Me:"l
eav
emydaught
eral
one"hesmi
l
edand
pi
ckedupJaz

Leo:
"howi
sdaddy
'sl
i
ttl
epr
incess"
Jaz:
"dada"shepul
l
edhi
sli
pssepar
ati
ngt
hem

Leo:"aren'
tyouj ustthepr ettiestli
tt
legirli
nthe
world?"Shepl antedabi gf atwetki ssonhi s
cheekdr ool
ingal loverhisf ace" oohthat'
snice
howaboutanot herone"hegav eherhisother
cheekandshedi dthesamet hengiggledloudl
y
Skymov edherf acefrom myneckandl ooked
athersisterthenshewi ggledoutofmyar ms
andwal kedov ertoherdad" ohnowy ouwant
daddy"

Sky:"dada"sheraisedherarmsandhepi cked
herupsi tt
ingt
hem bot honhisl
aps.They
star
tedat t
acki
nghi sfacewit
hwetkisses.Ijust
watcht hem wi
thast upidsmil
eonmyf ace
feel
ingallwarm andtingly
 
.
#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Isighedr ol
lingov erthebed.Iwasbor edoutof
mymi nd,beenwat chingmov iest hewhol eday.
Joy sofbei ngsi ngleIguess, nott hatIdidn'
t
hav eguy swhower easki ngmeoutIj ustwasn't
i
nt oanyoft hem.Sabel ohadpul ledonofhi s
disappear i
ngact s,wehav en'tspokenf or
almost8mont hsnow.Al lIknewabouthi m was
whatIsawont hemedi a.Iknewt hathi sfi
ancee
wel lhiswi fenowhadgi v
enbi rt
ht henf ew
mont hsaf t
ert hatt heygotmar r
ied, t
opbi l
li
ng
cov eredt heyweddi ngasmuchasIhat etosay
i
tt heweddi ngwasbeaut i
ful.Itwasahuge
thingsi ncehepl ay sforthenat i
onal rugbyteam
andhi swi f
ei samodel .
Mybedr
oom dooropenedandKat
egoti
n 
Kat
e:"
youst
il
li
nbed?
"

Me:
"youknowhowNet
fl
ixi
s"

Kat
e:"
wegoi
ngout
"

Me:
"wi
th?
"

Kat
e:"
Bri
tneyandzi
nhl
e,wannacome?
"

Me:
"wher
eto?
"

Kat
e:"
Azar
"Isi
ghedsi
tt
ingup

Me:
"cl
ubbi
ng?I
'
m notsur
ehey
"
Kat
e:"
comeonAmi
l
e!Yousuchabor
ethese
day
s"

Me:
"fi
nebuty
ouknowIdon'
tl
ikeZi
nhl
e"she
smi
l
ed

Kat
e:"
andwhyi
sthat
?"

Me: "
youknowwhy!Shel
i
kesacti
nglikeshe'
s
yourbestf
ri
endandyoumybestfr
iend"shegot
ontopofmestraddl
i
ng

Kat
e:"Iam mor ethanyourbestf
ri
end.We
par
tners,
sisters,
soulmateandeveryt
hingi
n
bet
ween"Ir ol
ledusoverandheldherti
ghtl
y

Me:
"Iknow"sheki
ssedmyhead
Kat
e:"
myl
i
ttl
eti
nybaby
"

Me:
"fuckof
f"wel
aughed

Kate:"l
et'
sgetr
eadywegoi
ngt
ohav
edi
nner
fi
rst"

Me:
"okay
"

WestartedatBert
ouaandhaddinnerwit
h
coupl
eofdrinksbefor
egoi
ngtotheclubwher
e
weturnedupliket
here'
snotomorrow.
 
.

Thef
ir
stthi
ngInot
icedwhenIwokeupwas
howheav
ymyheadwasandhowsor eanddry
myt
hroatwas.Igr
oanedopeni
ngmyey
es

Me: "thef uck"Iwhi sper ed.Iwasdef i

nitelynot
i
nmyr oom.Myr oom i scolor f
ul andf ill
edwi t
h
things, mostofmycl othesareont hef l
oor
i
nst eadoft hecl osetbutt hisroom wasal lwhite
andt oocl ean.Igotof fthebedt henr eali
zed
thatIwasi nal argewhi tet-shirtinsteadoft he
redshor tdressIwaswear i
ngl astni ght.My
handaut omat icall
ywentt omypussy ,I
breat hedoutasi tfeltnor mal notsor eor
swol len.Iheardf oot stepscomi ngt owar dsthe
bedr oom doorandr ant ohi
debehi ndaf t
er
pickingupmyheel s.Iwasr eadyt ouset hem to
digahol einwhoev er '
sskull t
hatwasaboutt o
opent hedoor .Thedooropenedsl owl ythen
closedt hef ir
stthingIsawbef orehittinghis
backwi thmyshoeswasav erymuscul arli
ght
skinnedbackt hatbel ongt oav erytallhuman
being
Guy:"
whatt
hehell
?!!
"Het
urnedar
oundf
ast
andheldmyhands

Me:"l
etgoofmeyou..
.You..
.Youki
dnapper
!!
"
Helookedatmewi
thanamusedsmileasI
t
ri
edtwisti
ngmywri
stssohecoul
dletgo

Guy:"wi
lly
oucalm down?
!Damny
oul
i
kea
fi
recr
ackerAmi
le"

Me:
"youki
dnappedme!
!"

Guy:"youwer
emorethanwil
li
ngtocomet omy
apartment
"hesmi
ledthat
'swhenInot
icedhow
gorgeoushewas"
ifIl
etgowill
youcal
m down
andnothitmeany
mor e"
Me:"noshit
"hewastoweri
ngoverme,I
'm 5'
0
andhelookedl
ikeheis7'
5orsomethi
ng

Guy:"
Iwon'thurty
ouIpromi
seandIdefi
nit
ely
wouldnev
erf or
ceyoutodoanyt
hingsoIdi
dn't
br
ingyouhereagainsty
ourwi
ll
"

Me:"okay
"heletgoandIst
art
edhitt
inghi
m
agai
nhequickl
ygrabbedmywrist
s

Guy:"JesusAmi l
ehowmanymor ebrui
sesare
yougoingtoleaveonmybody ?
!"Il
ookedathis
upperbodywhi chwasallmuscleandski
nwi t
h
noounceoff atandlotofpackbutitwas
cover
edwi thlovebi
tes.If
eltbl
ooddrai
ning
fr
om face

Me:
"di
dI.
..
?"
Guy:"
youmeandi
dy ouattackmybodywit
h
yourmout
h?Yepyoudid.Youdon'
ttakenotoo"

Me:"ohmyGod"Iwhi
sper
ed.Hel
etgoofmy
hands,
Icov
eredmyfacewit
hmyhands"Jesus"

Guy:"
heyheyi t
'sokay
"heremovedmyhands
andgav emeasweetsmi l
e"i
tnothingtobe
ashamedof .Il
oveawomanwhot akeswhat
shewant sanditdi
dn'
tgobeyondthatIpromi
se,
Iwouldn'tt
akeadvant
ageofyouli
ket hat
"

Me:"
Iam sorr
yIshoul
dgo,i
smycarher
e?"I
st
art
edl
ookingformythi
ngs

Guy:
"stoppanicki
ngli
ket
his"hemademef ace
hi
m" I
'
m Lonhle.Mpil
onhl
eMkhize"hegav
eme
adazzl
i
ngsmi
l
e
[
03/
20,
11:
36]Ron:
nDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t36

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Me:
"Ij
ustwantt
ogohome"hesi
ghed

Lonhl e:"okay
.Yourcari sparkedout si
deIhada
driverpickitupfrom theclub.ButIwashopi ng
youcoul dhav ebreakfastwithmef i
rst
,
ev er
y t
hingisalr
eadysetupi nt hedinningar ea"
Iwasaboutt oreplywhenhe' sphonest ared
ri
ngi ng"givemeasecond"hemov edal it
tle
from meandanswer ed"baby?"Hel i
stenedt hen
replied"yeahI'
m goodj ustsurpri
sedy oust il
l
up"...
.."Iknowi tsucks"hel aughed" noof
coursenotbutIdi dgooutwi thEnzoandsome
ofmycousi ns"...
.."nobutI '
llarrangey ourti
cket
wheny ougett imeof fatschool ". ..
.."y
ouknowI
missy ouHeat herbutIcan' tjustcomet here
whenev erandy ouknowt hissoIdon' t
understandwhyy out r
yingtost ar tsomeshi t
withmer ightnow"Il ethim cont inuewi t
hhis
callandst artedgettingdressedi nwhatIwas
wear i
ngt henIwai tedf orhimt of inishup" yes
babyIl ovey outooI 'l
lcallyoulat er"heended
thecall andlookedatme" sor r
yaboutt hat.You
dressed? "

Me:
"cl
ear
ly"

Lonhl
e:"
soy
ouwon'
thav
ebr
eakf
astwi
thme?
"

Me:
"not
hanky
ou.CanIhav
emycarkey
s?"
Lonhle:
"okay"hewal
kedtothedoor"y
oucan
fol
lowme"Idi d,
wewalkedint
oapassageit'
s
wallswerefi
l
ledwit
hblackandwhit
epict
ures

Me:"
thesear
eni
ce"hel
ookedatt
hepict
ures
t
henbackatmewit
hasmileonhi
sface

Lonhle:"
thanky ou.I'
m aphotogr
apher"I
touchedonei twasapi ctur
eoftwingir
lst
hey
weresoador ablewi t
hbigcheeks,bl
ueeyes
andcurlyhairtheircheeksandmouthcovered
i
nchocol at
e

Me:
"theysobeaut
if
ul"

Lonhl
e:"
mynieces"hepoi
ntedt
oanother
pi
ctur
ethatal
sohadtwingi
rlst
heywere
sleepi
ngbutl ookedj
ustl
i
ket heothergir
ls"
also
myni eces.Theymybigsist
er'sdaughter
sall
fourofthem"

Me:"wowyoursi
sterhasr
eal
l
ybeaut
if
ul
chi
l
dren"

Lonhle:"t
heytakeafterthei
rmotherwel l
besidestheblueeyesandt hehairthat'
stheir
father
"therestoft
hepi ctur
eswer ejustrandom
objectsandanimals.Wegott otheloungehe
tookmycarkey" stayforbreakf
astpl ease"

Me:"
Ireal
l
yneedtobathandtakesome
t
ramadolmyheadiski
l
lingme"

Lonhle:"
youcanbathher
eandIhav
eawhole
medicinecabi
net
"Ishookmyheadl
aughi
ng
soft
ly
Me:
"may
besomeot
hert
ime"

Lonhl e:"wel
l Ican'
tfor
cey ou"wewalkedoutt
o
theel evator
,hesl i
dinhisaccesscardthen
punchedapi nbef orei
tstart
edgoingdown.The
elev at
oropenedupi nt
oagar ageIsawmymi ni
par kedlookinglikeatoybetweenajeep
wr anglerandaGWagon

'
Mypoorbaby
'It
houghtandhechuckl
ed

Me:
"what
?Di
dIsayt
hatoutl
oud?
"Henodded

Lonhle:
"yourcarsui
tsy
oui
tti
nyl
i
key
ou"I
rol
ledmyey es

Me:
"I'
m nott
iny
"
Lonhl
e:"
yesy
ouar
e.Whatar
eyou,
4'5anda
si
ze28"

Me:"I'
m 5'
0andI'
m asize32ifyouhav
en'
t
not
icedIgotanass"helaughed

Lonhl
e:"ohInoti
cedt
heassit'
saniceassby
theway"Ishookmyheadlaughi
ng

Me:
"shutupLonhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
justsay
ing"heopenedt
hedoorf
orme

Me:"I
'
m parkedi
nsomeone'
sspaceIr
eal
l
y
shoul
dgo"Ilowkeydi
dn'
twantt
ogonow
Lonhle:"t
hisi
sall
mineitunder
groundwhen
youdr i
veoutyouwil
ldr
ivepastthetenant
garage"

Me:"sotheseareal
lyours?"Henoddedthe
gar
agewasf il
ledwit
hluxurycarsf
rom
Lamborghini
toGtiandev er
ythi
ngi
nbetween

Lonhl
e:"
Icol
lect
,itsomethi
ngmymot
herandI
havef
oughtoverforyear
s"

Me:
"howol
dar
eyou?
"

Lonhl
e:"
oldenough"

Me:
"al
loft
his?
"
Lonhle:"par
entsmoney.Ijustgr
aduat
edl
ast
yearandI '
verecent
lyj
oinedthefami
ly
business"

Me:
"yousoext
ra"

Lonhl
e:"
notr
eall
yIjustl
i
kebeaut
if
ult
hings,
you
knowthi
ngsl
ikeyou"

Me:
"that
'ssocor
ny"

Lonhl
e:"
Iknow"wel
aughed

Me:"by
eLonhl
e"Igoti
nmycarhecl
osedt
he
door

Lonhl
e:"
goodby
eAmi
l
e,seey
ousoon"he
movedawayandIdrov
eoffal
itt
ledi
sappoi
nted
t
hathedi
dn'
tevenaskformynumber

If
oundKateont
hecouchalr
eadydrinki
ng
mimosasIgi
ggl
edandfi
xedmy sel
faglass
Kat
e:"
wesuchdr
unkar
ds"

Me:
"indeed.Howdi
dyougethome?
"

Kat
e:"
Mjbr
oughtme"

Me:
"Mj
?"

Kat
e:"
Lonhl
e'
scousi
n"

Me:"
Ireal
lydon'
tremembermuchf rom l
ast
ni
ght
.Thingsareblur
ryaf
terBer
toua"she
l
aughed

Kat
e:"
sdakwa!
!"

Me:
"what
ever
zbabewhat
ever
z"

Kat
e:"
yougotsome?
"

Me:
"nope"

Kate:
"pi
tywasthinki
ngyouwerefi
nal
l
ygoing
togetov
erSabelo.Youneedtosl
eepwit
h
someoneelsebecauseri
ghtnowyouactl
ike
Sabel
oistheonlyguywit
hadick"

Me:"canwenottal
kabouthi
m.Igotmi
ssed
cal
l
sf rom hi
m"
Kate:
"af
teral
lthesemonthshef
inal
l
y
remembersyournumber"

Me:"
Lonhledi
dn'tevenaskformynumberand
hi
sgir
lf
ri
endcall
edwhi l
ewewer eaboutt
ohave
br
eakf
astsoIdidn'tev
enstayfori
t"

Kate:"y
eahfor
getabouthi
m wedon'
twant
anothersi
dechi
cksaga"

Me:
"tr
ue"
 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Ilef
tVumi l
easl eepi nt hebedandwal kedout
ourbedr oom closingt hedoorsof tl
yt henwent
tocheckonSbani whowasst il
lasleepaswel l
.I
wentdownst airsandf oundSi ndi hav i
ngcof fee
i
nt heki t
chen.Wehadmov edfrom t hef l
at.
Vumi l
eboughtabeaut i
ful 5bedroom doubl e
storyhousei nLaLuci a.Iwassohappywhen
thedeal wentt hroughandwemov ed, thehouse
wassomet hingInev erev endreamtofbecause
Iwasaf r
aiditwast oomuchf ormet odr eam of.
They ardwasbi gwehadaswi mmi ngpool t
hat
Sbani spentmostofsunnyday sin, thef i
rst
fl
oorhadadi nni ngar ea, kit
chen,lounge, tv
room.I twasj ustabsol utelybeautifulandi twas
allmine.

Me:
"mor
ning"

Si
ndi:
"youupear
ly,
Sat
urday
sar
eyourl
azy
day
s"Inodded
Me:"dadiscomingover
.Hehassomebusi ness
i
nDur bansohewill
bestayi
ngwi t
husforfew
daysIjustneedt
odolit
tl
ebitofspri
ngcl
eaning
andgobuysomet hi
ngs"

Sindi:"
youmustbeexci t
ed"Ismil
ednoddi ng
l
ikeaki d.Ilovedmyf at
her'
stwin,apparentl
yhe
wasev ery t
hingmyf at
herwasjustthatmy
fatherwasev enmorenicert
hanhi m.Hemade
mef eelli
kemyf at
herwasstil
lali
velikeIsti
ll
hadapar ent

Me: "yeahIhaven'
tseenhi
minawhi
le"It
ook
thehousephoneandcal l
edmywedding
plannertocancelourmeet
ingf
ort
oday.Justas
Iputthehousephonedownmycel l
phonerang
"hell
o"
Cal
l
er:
"Nobunt
u,i
tSanel
e"

Me:
"canIhel
pyouwi
thsomet
hing?
"

Sanel
e:"
uhm Idon'
tknow.Ij
ustwoul
dreal
l
y
l
ovetoseemyson"

Me:"wespokeaboutt
hisSanel
e,Iam not
br
ingi
ngmychildtopr
ison"

Sanel
e:"
pleaseNobunt
uIcan'
twai
tany
mor
e"

Me: "
youshoul
dhavethoughtoft
hatbef
orey
ou
assault
edme"Isnapped

Sanele:
"I'
m sor
ryIt
rul
yam"Vumi
l
egoti
nthe
ki
tchen
Me:"
leavemeal
oneandst
opcall
i
ngme!
"
Vumi
letookmyphonef
rom me

Vumil
e:"
whoisthi
s?"Hel
ookedatmeafter
Sanel
eanswer
edthenwal
kedouttheki
tchen

Me:"wayt
orui
nmyday"Iboi
l
edwat
ersoI
coul
dmakeporr
idge

Vumil
e:"
whydoeshehaveyournumber
?"I
gr
oanedbef
oretur
ningt
olookathi
m

Me:"Idon'
tknowwher
ehegoti
tfr
om.Canwe
pl
easenotargueov
erthi
sVumi
l
eplease"

Vumi
l
e:"
Idi
dn'
tsaywewer
egoi
ngt
oar
gue"
Me:"butt
hat'
swher
eitwasgoing"hehel
dmy
chi
nandtil
tedmyheadsoIfacehim

Vumil
e:"
Iam sor
ry"heki
ssedmeandIki
ssed
hi
m backhar
dmel t
ingi
ntohi
m

Sbani
:"eewgr
oss!
!"Vumi
l
eandIpul
l
edapar
t
l
aughi
ng

Vumi
l
e:"
yougr
oss"hepi
ckedhi
m up

Sbani:
"mor
ningbaba"hel
ookedatme
"morni
ngBuntu"

Me:"Vumil
etel
lyoursont
ocallmemom"
Vumilel
aughedashewalkedoutt
heki
tchen
wit
hSbanisti
ll
inhisarms
ItookSbani wi
thmewhenwewentt opickn
payt obuyfewthi
ngs.AsIpul
ledupthe
driv
ewayaf t
ergett
ingi
nthegateanuberwas
droppingdadoff 
Sbani
:"gr
andpa"dadli
ft
edhim upandt
hrew
hi
mi ntheai
rbeforecat
chi
nghim

Dad:
"Sbani
sam"

Me:"
heydad"hegavemeasqueezet
henweal
l
wal
kedi
nwhi l
etal
ki
ng

Vumil
e:"
baba"dadsmi
l
edandt
heyshook
hands

Dad:
"beaut
if
ulhousey
ougother
eNgcobo"
Vumi
le:
"thanky
ou.Iwantt
hebestf
ormywi
fe
andf
amily"

Dad:
"fr
om myunderst
andi
ngyoudon'
twor
k
Vumil
e"her
aisedhi
seyebr
ow

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
minbusi
ness"

Dad:
"doi
ngwhat
?"

Vumil
e:"t
ranspor
tat
ion 
butI
'
veal
sor
ecent
ly
addedsupply
ing"

Dad:"
Ihopei
tnot
hingi
ll
egal
thatwi
ll
come
backt
ohurtmydaught
erandmygrandson"

Vumi
l
e:"
itnot
,Iswear
.Iwoul
dnev
erdo
any
thi
ngt
oputtheirl
i
vesi
ndanger.Theyt
he
mosti
mport
antpeopl
einmyli
fe"

Me:"Sbanishowgrandpathebedr
oom nextt
o
your
swhi l
eIfixev
eryoneasnack"

Sbani
:"okay
,comeongr andpa"hepul
l
edhi
s
handl
eadinghim upst
air
s

Vumi
l
e:"
whatt
hehel
lwast
hatabout
?"

Me:"It
rul
yhav enoideababy
"heki
ssedmy
for
ehead"Ispoketolel
o'
smom shesaidwe
canuseherhousefortheweddi
ngvenue"

Vumile:"aslongasyouhappy"Iwashappy
,the
Mkhizeresidencewasamazingwitha
spectacularvi
ew
Me:"arey
ouhappy
?"Iwhi
sper
edandhesmi
l
ed
weakly

Vumil
e:"
seei
ngyouhappymakesmehappy.I
'
d
gi
veyouthewor
ldNobuntui
fIhadt
hepowerto
doso"

Me:"Il
ovey
ou"heki
ssedmeandputhi
sbi
g
handonmystomach

Vumil
e:"whenwil
lyoust
opt
aki
ngt
he
cont
racept
ive?
"

Me:
"af
tert
heweddi
ng"

Vumil
e:"wheny
oucomebackfrom y
ourwi
fel
y
dut
iesathomewewil
lst
artt
ryi
ng"
Me:
"yes"

Vumil
e:"
good"heki
ssedmyf
oreheadand
wal
kedaway
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwaswokenupbyt i
nysl
apsandmyf ace
get
ti
nglickedwhi
l
egiggl
esbouncesofthe
wal
ls.Iopenedmyeyest
of i
ndtwosetofeyes
onmeJazwasaboutt ol
ickmeagain
Me:
"whaty
oudoi
ng?
"Theyl
aughedl
oudl
y

Jaz:
"mama!
!"
Me: "
whatar ey oudoing?"Theystarted
speakingtheirlanguageandthent heylaughed
sohardt hattheyfellbackonthebedwi t
hthei
r
feetontheair.Thebat hroom dooropenedand
Leogotout

Leo:"
Iseey ouf
inall
ymanagedt
owakemama
up"hekissedmyf or
ehead

Me:"
whatareyourdaught
ersdoi
ngi
nmyr
oom
andI
'
m nakedLeo"

Leo:
"Iknow"hewi
nkedbi
ti
nghi
sbot
tom l
i
p

Me:
"yousuchaper
ve"

Leo:
"your
sandy
our
sonl
ysweet
hear
t"
Me:"
whatev
er"Isatup.Bot
hJazandSky
st
oppedt
heirconver
sati
onandl
ookedatme"
wher
earemybabies?"

Leo:"sti
l
l asl
eep.Your
eadyf
oryourtr
ip?
"We
weregoingt oMex i
cof
orNobunt
u's
bachelorett
eparty

Me:
"wi
l
lyout
akecar
eofmybabi
es?
"

Leo:"
ofcour
sesweet
hear
tI'
l
ltakegoodcar
eof
thegi
rl
s"

Me:"
tuckthem i
nev
er yni
ghtandmakesur
e
your
eadthesetworascal
sastory
"

Leo:
"ev
eryni
ght
.NowIneedt
ogobef
oreIam
l
atef
ormyl
ect
ure"

Me:"Iwon'
tbehomewheny
oucomebackbut
I
'l
lcall
youbef
orewet
akeof
f"

Leo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"tot
hemoon,
thesun,
thest
arsandback"

Leo:
"mor
ethanal
lthesandsoft
hesea"

Me:"ar
eyousur
emom shoul
dn'
ttaket
hegi
rl
s?
atl
eastBel
l
aandLey
la,
Ithi
nksheshoul
d"

Leo:"
babyI'
l
ltakecar
eofthem andZi
nhl
eis
herepl
usthetwonannieswewill
befi
ne"
Me: "
okaydon'tstayoutl
ateatni
ghtLeopl
ease
tuckinmydaught ersory
ouknowhowr est
less
Skywi l
lbe"hekissedme

Leo:"
theymydaughtersaswel l
andIgotthi
s"
wekissedagai
n"may beI
'l
ltakethem t
oyour
motherfort
henightonSaturday"

Me:
"okay
"

Leo:"
Ilov
eyou"hekissedthegi
rl
sonthei
r
for
eheadsandtookhisbag"Il
oveyougi
rl
s"

Them:
"ov
eu"hebl
ewusaki
sswal
ki
ngout

Me:"yougirl
swannahel pmommypack? "They
nodded,Igotthem of
fthebedandgrabbed
Leo'
st-shi
rtfr
om thefl
oorsoIcoul
dweari t
"l
et'
sgocheckony
oursi
ster
sfi
rstt
henwecan
pack"

Jaz:
"si
ssy
"

Me:
"yesmyangel
"Ihel
dthei
rhands

Iwasthel
astonet
ogeti
nthej
et,
Ari
ashotme
alook 
Me:"
I'
m amotheroff
ourgi
vemeabr
eak!
!"Isat
ont
opofher

Ari
a:"wealr
eadybehi
ndschedul
egety
ourfat
assofme"Istart
edgri
ndi
ngonhermaking
ever
yonelaugh

Me:
"li
eLeol
ovest
hisf
atass"
Ari
a:"shi
tgoodf
oryoubutIai
n'
tLeo"I
puckeredmybot
tom l
i
p

Me:"what
everweneedt
otakeof
fanyway
"she
pul
l
edmybot tom l
i
pbet
weenherteet
h

Nobunt
u:"
that
'ssogay
"Igotof
fArial
aughi
ng
andwentt
omysi t
.Igr
eet
edevery
one

Me:
"youl
adi
esr
eadyt
ogetf
uckedup"

Nobunt
u:"notal
lofusdr
inky
ouknow"weal
l
set
tl
edin

Me:"wel
lIhav
en'
thadadri
nkinagesbecause
oft
hegir
lssothi
sweekendIam goi
ngcrazy"
Axol
e:"Iam wi
thyouthere"Igi
ggl
edwhi
l
e
pour
ingmy sel
faglassofchampagne

Ar
ia:"
toanamazi
ngweekendf
il
ledwi
thl
otof
al
cohol
"

Axol
e:"
str
ipper
s!!
!"

Me:
"andmor
eal
cohol
"

Rose:
"sexwi
thst
ranger
s!!
"

Nobunt
u:"
woah!
"

Axole:"
yes!
"Ijustlaughedl
oudl
ywhil
ewe
cl
ickedourglasses.Nobunt
ulookedscar
ed.
[
03/
20,
11:
36]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t37

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

MrsMkhize: "
youlooksobeauti
fulbaby"she
wi
pedmyt earsandkissedmyforehead"stop
messi
ngupy ourmakeup"Ilaughedthrough
mytear
s" Vumi l
eisaluckyman"

Me:
"It
hinkI
'
mthel
uckyoneher
e"

MrsMkhi ze:
"noheisbecausey ouareatotal
catch.Yousmart
,respect
ful
,hardwor ki
ng,
beautif
uli
nandout,andsohumbl e.Heisthe
l
uckyone.Iknowy ourmom islooki
ngdownat
youandsmil
ingproudl
y,probabl
ytel
l
ing
whoeveri
sli
steni
ngthatyouherdaught
er"

Me:"Ij
ustwi
shshewasher e"Ihadj
ustf
ini
shed
r
eadinganot
herl
ett
erthatmom hadwrit
tenfor
me,shehadtol
dlel
o'smom t ogi
vei
ttomeon
myweddingdaywhichwast oday

MrsMkhi ze:"
sheisbabymay benotphy
sical
l
y
butsheishere"Inoddedwhil
elooki
ngatthe
l
etter.Mom hadwritt
enabouthowshemetdad,
howmadl yinlovetheywer
eandgav eme
adviceonmar r
iage

Me: "
thankyou"Ihuggedherandwepul l
ed
apartwhensomeoneknocked" geti
n"dadgot
i
nandsmi l
edbri
ghtl
y.Helowkeyhadacr ush
onMr sMkhizeanditwassof unnytowatch
becausehebasicall
ytur
nedintoateenager
whenar
oundher

Dad:
"ma'
Pet
erson"Mr
sMkhi
zesmi
l
ed

MrsMkhi
ze:"Jama"hebl
ushedandl
ooked
awayqui
ckl
y

Dad: "
youl ookbeauti
ful asalways"andshe
reall
ydidlookbeautiful i
nabl ackoffshoul
der
ti
ghtfitt
ingdressbelowherkneewi thasl i
tand
nudeheel sherweav et i
edi naneatbunbr i
nging
attent
iontoherbeaut ifulfacewhichhadno
makeupj ustredl
ipstick

MrsMkhize:
"thankyou.Well
I'
m sur
eever
yone
i
swaiti
ngforourbeauti
ful
bri
desoletmeleav
e
yout
oit"
Me:
"okay
"sheki
ssedmyf
oreheadagai
n

Mr
sMkhi
ze:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"shewal
kedout

Dad:
"thati
sonebeaut
if
ulwoman"Igi
ggl
ed

Me:"sheismarr
iedandMrMkhi
zei
sov er
ly
pr
otecti
veofherpl
usyoual
somarr
ied"

Dad:"Iam j
ustcompli
ment i
ng"hehel dmy
handsandmademet urnforhim" youl ookl
ike
aqueenma' JamaIwishyourf at
herwasst i
ll
heretoseetheamazingwomany ou'vegr own
i
nto"Iwaswear i
ngat r
adi
tionalballgown
cream whi
teboobtubeweddi ngdress, mymake
upwasmi nimum givi
ngmeanat urallookand
myweav ewast i
edinamessybun.Ihadon
diamondear
ringsthatbel
ongedtomakhul
u,
khuluhadgi
venthem toheronthei
rweddi
ng
dayandshegav ethem t
ome

Planner
:"wer
unni
ngbehi
ndschedul
e"shewas
getti
ngin

Dad:
"let
'sgogetyoumar
ri
ed"hehookedhi
s
ar
m aroundmine

Iwassqueezi
ngdad'sar
m whi
l
etr
yingt
o
cont
rol
mybr eat
hing.
 
Dad:
"itokayy
oul
ovehi
m"hewhi
sper
ed

Me:
"Ican'
tdad"ev
ery
onewasl
ooki
ngatus

Dad:
"youl
ookathi
m"Il
ookedupandsawhi
m,
i
mmedi at
elyal
l t
henerveswentout.Hewas
l
ookingatmewi thsomuchlov eandhelooked
ext
remelyhandsomei nhi
sblacktuxedoand
whit
eshirt
.Ibreathedout

Me:
"takemet
omyhusband"hechuckl
ed

Dad:"
takecar
eofmydaught
er"Vumi
l
esmi
l
ed
athi
m

Vumil
e:"wit
hmylif
e"het
ookmyarm and
qui
ckl
ygav emeababyki
ss"y
oulooktoo
beaut
if
ulforwor
dsmyangel
"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Past
or:"
dearl
ybel
ovedwehavegather
edhere
towi
tnessthi
sjoy
ousoccasi
onofVumileand
Nobuntu'
sweddi
ng"hespokealit
tl
eand
openedupascri
ptur
ethenitwasti
meforour
vows

Me: " myking"Ibreathedout" youknowwhat

we'v ebeent hr
ough, whaty ouhav ehel pedme
heal from.Wor dscoul dnev erbeenought o
expr esshowgr ateful Iam f oral lt
haty ou'v
e
donef ormeandourson.Yout hemostsel f
less,
caringandl ovi
ngmanI '
veev ermet .You've
l
ovedmeatmywor standhel dmyhand
thr
oughev eryt
hingt hatl if
ehast hrownatme.I
l
ovey oumor ethanl ifei t
self .Ican'tseel i
fe
withouty ou.Ivowt ol ov ey our ight,tocher i
sh
andhonory ou,tobef aithful toy ouandourl ove,
tokeepourhomewar m andf il
ledwi thlaughter,
toobeyy ouandsubmi ttoy ou, tober espectful
andputy ouandourf ami l
yf irst,totakecar eof
you.Ipr omiset ofi
ghtf ory ouandt ofightwith
you.Ipr omiset ocont inuet oannoyy ouby
l
eav ingmyshoesal l ov erthehouseandnot
sweepingmyhairafteritfal
l
swhilebr
ushingi
t"
helaughedli
ght
ly,
hehat edi
twhenIdidthat"
i
l
ov eyouNgcobo,I
'velovedy ouf
oryearsandI
'l
l
l
ov eyouformanymor et ocome"hekissedme,
thepastorcl
ear
edhist hroat

Past
or:
"noty
et"ev
ery
onel
aughed

Vumi l
e:"mybeaut i
ful Buntu.Iam t r
ulythemost
l
uckiestguyi nthewor ld.Ijustwantt othank
youforlovingmeandgi vi
ngmeachancet o
l
ov eyou.Youmakel ov i
ngy ousoeasy .Youso
l
ov i
ngandcar i
ngandgenui ne, justyour
presenceal onel i
ghtsupt her oom andf il
lsmy
heartwithunexpl ainablejoy .Ilovey ourhumble
heartandr espect f
ulnat ure.Iv owt oprotectyou
withallofme, tobef ait
hful toy ouandourl ove,
toprovidefory ouandgi vey oual lthatyou
desir
e,tosuppor tyoui nally ourdreamsand
ensurey ouachi eveal lt
haty ouwant ,topush
youwheni tnecessary,t
ohav eyourback
always, t
oputy ouandourf amilyfir
st,tomake
youhappyf ort
her estofourl i
ves.Iwi l
lmake
yousohappyNobunt uIwi l
llaymywor ldat
yourfeetandwor shi
py ouev erydaylikeitour
l
ast.Ilovey ousomuchmyangel ,Iam y oursI
givemy selftoyoubodyandsoul .Iam stronger
withyoubymysi de,y
out akesomuchofmy
bull
shit.Thanky ouforourbeaut ifulsonandI
can'twaitforust ohavemor ebeaut i
fulbabies"

Pastor:"
isn'
tthatbeauti
ful
?Withallt
hathas
beensaidInowpr onounceyouMr&Mr s
Vumi l
eNgcobo, youmayki ssyourbr
ide"

Vumi l
e:"aboutdangt i
me"hehel dmywaistand
broughtmecl osert
ohi m,Iopenedmymout h
whenIf elthiserect
ion.Hegav emealazysmile
beforekissingmedeepl yandIjustmel
tedint
o
hi
sbody" Il
ov eyou"hegav emeaperk. 
.

Twoy
ear
slat
er

#Lel
o
¥¥

Ifol
lowedthenoi
seal
lthewayf
rom t
heki
tchen
totheplay
room 
Sky
:"wear
eol
dert
hany
ou!
!"

Ley
la:
"wet
hesameage"

Jaz:
"youhav
etol
i
stent
ous"

Ley
la:
"wedonot
"
Bel
la:
"yy
yyy
es!
"Bell
ahadfluencydisor
der
,she
wasseei
ngaspeechther
apistforf
ewmont hs
now

Me:
"gi
rl
s"

Bel
l
a:"
maaaaammma"shel
i
ftedherar
msf
or
metot
akehersoIdi
d

Me:"whyareyougirl
sarguing?Youar
esi
ster
s
youshoul
dn'tf
ighteachother"

Ley
la:
"itSkyandJazmah"

Sky
:"don'
tl
ie"
Me:"comehav
elunch"Iwal
kedoutwi
tht
hem
f
oll
owingme

Bel
l
a:"
pwet
tt
ymmmama"Iki
ssedhercheek

Me:"youal
sopr et
tymylove"Isatherdownon
thechai
raroundthei
rtabl
eandgav ethem hot
dogsandjuice

Sky
:"t
hanky
oumah"Iki
ssedal
lthei
rfor
eheads

Me:
"youwel
come"t
hedoorbel
lrangsoIwent
t
oopenandi
twasLiam "
hey
"

Li
am:
"El
ow"wehuggedt
henIl
ethi
min"
wher
e
ar
emyangel
s"
Me: "
int
heki
tchenhav
ingl
unch"wewentt
othe
ki
tchen

Jaz:
"grandpa!
!"Theyal
lj
umpedupandranto
hi
mt ackl
inghi
m down,hefal
lbackandt
heyal
l
l
aughed

Li
am:
"myangel
s"

Sky :"
wemi ssedy ougrandpa"theyattackedhis
facewi thwetki sses.Li
am hadchangedev er
sincehest arteddat i
ngKourtney,shemadehi m
buildar el
ationshipwithLeoandbepr esentin
ourlives.Theymar r
iednow, sheissobeaut i
ful
withlongbl ondehai rwithgr
eeney esshe's
Amer icantheymetwhi lehewast herefor
businessbutshel iv
esher enow.Whoknew
somewhi teAmer i
cangirlwouldtakehim? .
Li
am:
"Ial
somi
ssedy
oumunchki
ns"

Me:"okaygi
rlsf
ini
shyourl
unchf
ir
stt
heny
ou
canplaywit
hgrandpa"

Jaz:
"okaymah"theymov
edbackt
othet
abl
e
andconti
nuedeati
ng

Me:"
doyouwantsomethi
ngtoeatLi
am?Ican
makeyouahotdogaswell
"hel
aughedshaki
ng
hi
shead

Li
am:"j
ustbeer
"It
ookabeerfrom t
hef
ri
dge
andgavei
ttohim"Leoi
sn'
tbackfr
om
campus?"

Me:
"nohehasal
atel
ect
ure"
Li
am:
"okay
,howi
she?
"

Me:
"hei
sgoodj
ustst
ressi
ngov
erschool
wor
k"

Li
am:"
yeahmedi
cinei
sgi
vi
nghi
m hel
l
.Yout
wo
ar
egood?"

Me:
"yeahwehappyandgoi
ngst
rong"

Li
am:
"that
'sgood"zi
nhl
egoti
nandgr
eet
ed

Ley
la:
"aunt
yZee"

Zi
nhl
e:"
yesmybaby
"

Ley
la:
"Iwannagoswi
mmi
ng"
Me:
"youwanna?
"Shesmi
l
ed

Ley
la:
"canIpl
easegoswi
mmi
ng?
"

Me:"
soundsbett
er.It
houghty
ougi
rl
swantt
o
pl
aywit
hgrandpa"

Li
am: "
yeahdon'
tyouwanttopl
aywithme?"
Shelookedupwit
hherfi
ngerpr
essedonher
chubbycheek

Ley
la:
"okaywecanpl
ay"Ichuckl
ed.Leogoti
n

Sky
:"daddy
"

Leo:
"hel
l
omybabi
es"heki
ssedt
hei
rcheeks
whi
l
emessi
ngupt
hei
rhai
r

Jaz:
"daddynoy
oumessi
nguppi
gtai
l
s"

Me:"
youtel
lhi
m baby
"Leol
aughedandgr
eet
ed
Li
am bef
orehecametome

Leo:
"heyt
her
ebeaut
if
ul"weki
ssed

Me:
"youhomeear
ly"

Leo:"cl
assgotcancell
ed"hecuppedmyface"I
thoughtIwoul
dcomehomespendt imewith
thegirl
sthent
akey ououtfordi
nner
"

Me:
"Iwoul
dlov
ethat
"heki
ssedmeagai
n
Li
am:
"whenar
eyout
woget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
"

Leo:"
wenotinarushanddi
dn'
tyougetmar
ri
ed
at50"hesnapped

Li
am:
"let
'
sgopl
aymyangel
sdaddyi
spi
ssy
"

Sky:"
what
'spi
ssygrandpa?"Theywer
eal
l
fol
l
owinghimtotheplay
room

Me:
"don'
tber
udet
oyourf
atherLeonar
do"

Leo:"
Iwasn'trudeandIj
usthatehowev er
yone
keepsaski
ngusaboutgetti
ngmar r
iedwenotin
arushandthingsaregoodastheyare"

Me:
"mmh"Imov
edf
rom hi
m
Leo:
"baby
?"If
oll
owedme

Me:
"doy
ouwantsomet
hingt
oeat
?"

Leo:"
babywhatdi
dIdo?
"Het
ri
edt
ouchi
ngme
butImoved"
baby?"

Me:"j
ustshutupLeoplease"It
hrewthedi
sh
cl
othonthecounterandlef
thim st
andi
ngther
e
al
lshocked 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Iwentbackt
omychangi
ngr
oom af
terI
fi
nishedshoot
ingmylastscene.Ilookedatbox
ofrosesSabel
ohadsentme, Ididn'tgeta
chancetoappreci
atet
hem orcallhim soIdi
d
now
Sabel
o:"
heybaby
"

Me:
"hey
"

Sabel
o:"
arey
oust
il
latt
hest
udi
o?"

Me:
"yeahIam aboutt
oleav
enow"

Sabel
o:"
whenam Iseei
ngy
ou?
"

Me:
"It
houghtyoudi
dn'tcomebackf
rom cape
t
ownforanot
hermonth"
Sabel
o:"
youcancomeher
e."

Me:"Iam shoot
ingever
ydaySabeloandy
ou
hav
eagameal mosteveryweekend"

Sabelo:
"youcanwatchmepl
ay.Pl
easebabyI
real
l
ymi ssyou"Isi
ghed

Me:
"Iwi
l
ltr
ytof
lyoutFr
idayaf
terwor
k"

Sabelo:"
that'
samazi
ngbaby
!Ican'
twai
ttosee
you.Ilov
ey ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Sabel
o:"
cal
lmewheny
ougethome"
Me:
"di
tt
o"

Sabel
o:"
dit
tomyqueen"weendedt
hecal
l

Igothomefoundmyparent
scuddl
ingont
he
couchwhi
lewatchi
ngt
v.Igreet
ed.
 
Me:
"wher
eisRea?
"

Mom:
"upst
air
sinherr
oom"

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
otakehert
odi
nner
"

Dad:
"that
'sni
ce,
doy
ouneedcash?
"Il
aughed

Me: "Igotit
"Iwentupst
air
stol
dReat oget
readyt henIal
sowenttotakeashowerandgot
dressedi nbl
ackbackl
essbodycott
onmaxi
dr
essandbl
ackvansIputonal
argedeni
m
j
acketonmyshoul
der
stookmybag

Rea:
"I'
mready
"

Mom: "
y ouguy
saret
wini
ng"shewasinblack
ski
nnyjeanswit
habl
acklowcutvestandlar
ge
deni
mjacket

Rea:"
pict
ureti
me!"Wet
ookcoupl
eofsel
fi
es
thenmom tooksomeaswel
landwelef
t.

Wegottotherest
aur
antorder
edthenj
ust
t
alkedcat
chi
ngup.Shekepteyei
ngmywine 
Me:"t
akeasip"herey
esbr
ight
enedupbutshe
shookherhead

Rea:
"daddywi
l
lbeangr
y"
Me:
"hei
sn'
ther
e"

"
Suchabadinf
luence"It
urnedtoseewhosai
d
t
hatandi
twasLonhle.Ihadn'
tseenhi
m si
nce
t
hedayIwokeupinhisbedy ear
sback

Me:
"you"

Lonhl
e: "
me?Heyladi
es"hetookRea'shand
andkissedt
hebackofitbef
oreki
ssingmy
cheek

Me:
"whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Lonhle:
"di
nner
"hepoi
ntedov
ertoatabl
efi
ll
ed
withsomeguys"y
oulookasbeaut
if
ulasI
remember"
Me:
"thanky
ou"

Lonhl
e:"
letmenotdi
stur
byouladi
esbutpast
ti
meIletyougowit
houtget
ti
ngyournumber"

Me:
"younev
eraskedf
ori
t"

Lonhle:
"Iam aski
ngnow"hegav emehisphone
andIsavedmynumber" thankyoubeauti
ful
"he
l
ookedatRea" haveagoodnightbeaut
if
ul
l
adies"hewalkedawayafterwi
nkingatRea
wholookedli
keshewasaboutt opassout

Rea:"
heissohot
"shef
annedherf
acemaki
ng
melaugh 
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Icrumbledtothefl
oorandl etoutaloudsobas
Iheldthenegati
vepregnancytestinmyhands.
We'vebeentryi
ngforovertwoy ear
snowbut
nothi
ngandi twasputti
ngast rainonmy
mar r
iage.
[
03/
20,
11:
36]Ron:
henDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t38

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Icaughthi
sscentevenbefor
ehesaidaword.
Hesatdownandpul l
edmet ohisl
aphol
ding
mel i
keababywhilemovingbackandf
ort
h 
Vumil
e:"
isitnegativeagai
n?"Inoddedandhe
ki
ssedmyhead" itokaybabeitwill
happen
whentheti
mei sright"

Me:"whenwi
llt
hatbe?We'v
ebeent
ryi
ngf
or
suchalongt
imeVumile"

Vumi
l
e:"
don'
tst
ressabouti
t"

Me:"howcanInotst r
essabouti
twheny our
fami
lywhispersaboutmewhentheythi
nkI
can'
thearift
here'
ssomekindofgather
ing"

Vumil
e:"
whodoesthatandwhyhaven'tyou
tol
dme?Ourbusi
nessisoursnott
here'sand
mymom wouldnevert
alkbadaboutyou"

Me:
"ofcour
sei
tnoty
ourmom i
tyouraunt
s
t
heyal
lcal
lmebar
ren"

Vumil
e:"f
uckthem andI'
llt
ellt
hem thatmyself
!!
Youmywi fenotthei
rsandwhathappensi nour
marri
ageisourfucki
ngbusiness"Inodded"I
l
oveyousomuchNobunt uandwewi l
lhavea
chi
l
d"helif
tedmesoIst raddl
ehim

Me:"Iknowhowbadlyyouwantthi
sVumileand
Iseehowy our
eactever
ytimeIdoatestandit
comesoutnegati
ve,i
tki
ll
sy ouwhi
chki
ll
sme"

Vumil
e:"
itdoesn'
tmat
ter
"hewi
pedmyf
ace
andki
ssedme" Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Vumi
l
e:"
Iboughtdi
nnercomel
et'
sgoeat
"he
st
oodupst
il
lcar
ryi
ngme

Me:"
Ineedt
owashmyface"heputmedown
andwat
chedmeasIwashedmyface

Vumil
e:"
yousobeaut
if
ul"Igav
ehi
m asmal
l
smil
e

Me:"t
hankyou"hecar
ri
edme,Iwrappedmy
l
egsaroundhi
swaist"
youknowIcanwalk
r
ight
?"

Vumil
e:"
Iknow"hewalkedoutoft
hebat
hroom
st
rai
ghtoutofourr
oom todownst
air
s

Sbani
:"y
ousuchababymom"
Vumile:
"shei
smybaby
"Ist
uckmyt
ongueout
atSbaniasVumi
l
esatmedownont
hecouch

Me:
"whatar
eweeat
ing?
"

Sbani
:"r
ibsandwi
ngswi
thv
eges"Isi
ghed

Me:"atleasti
tnotf
ri
esandoni
onringsbutyou
guy
sr eall
yneedtostopwi
tht
hefastfood"

Sbani
:"meati
sheal
thy
"Ir
oll
edmyey
eswhi
l
e
Vumil
echuckl
ed

Me:
"notwheni
tcookedl
i
ket
his"

Sbani
:"mom j
ustbehappyy
oudon'
thav
eto
cook"
Me:
"shutup"Ihi
thi
m wi
thapi
l
low

Sbani
:"y
ousoabusi
ve"

Me:
"Vumi
l
e"

Vumil
e:"
youar
eabusi
ve"Ipouted"st
op
messi
ngwithy
ourmotherSbani"

Sbani
:"hhababa!
"

Me:
"yout
ell
him baby
"

Sbani:
"youtwoaregangi
nguponmeagai
n!So
notfai
r"Vumil
epull
edhischeek
Vumi
l
e:"
yousadl
i
ttl
ebaby
"

Sbani
:"I
'
m notababybaba"hemumbl
edwhi
l
e
bi
ti
nghiswing

Me:"y
ouourl
i
ttl
ebaby
"hegr
oanedmaki
ngme
l
augh 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Ithr
ewmy sel
font
hebedandjustwai
l
edl
i
kea
baby.Hegoti
nandrushedt
ome
Leo:"
sweet
hear
twhatdi
dIdo?Tel
lmesoIcan
fi
xit
"
Me:
"leav
emealone!
"Hepi
ckedmeupandl
aid
meonhisst
omach

Leo:
"Iam sor
ry"

Me:
"youdon'
tev
enknowwhyy
ouapol
ogi
zi
ng"

Leo:"babyar
eyoupregnantagai
n?Ar
ewe
goingtohaveababy
? "

Me:"t
hat'
sal
lI'
m goodf
ort
oyou?Gi
vi
ngy
ou
babi
es!!
"

Leo:"
youupsetaboutusget
tingmarr
ied?
SweetheartIt
houghtwebot
hagreedtonot
bei
ngr eady"
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tagr
eeIj
ustl
i
stenedt
oyou"

Leo:
"babywedon'tneedapieceofpapert
o
showourcommitmenttoeachother"

Me:
"mar
ri
agei
sn'
tj
ustaboutapi
eceofpaper
"

Leo:
"whatwi
l
lchangewhenwegetmar
ri
ed?
"

Me:
"not
hing"

Leo:
"exact
ly!Sowhyf
orcei
t?"

Me:"mxm"Igotoffhim"I
'm nevergiv
ingyou
anot
herchi
ld!
!!
"Istor
medoutt othecloset
hear
inghi
ssoftchuckl
es.Il
aidont hecouchas
myphonerang"hell
o"
Si
mpi
we:
"beaut
if
ul"

Me:"
whatdoyouwantSimpiwe?Iam noti
nthe
moodofyourf
li
rt
ingt
oday"

Si
mpi
we:
"what
'swr
ongmyl
ove?
"

Me:
"not
hingIwantt
otal
kabout
"

Si
mpi
we:
"wel
lI'
m comi
ngt
oSAnextweek"

Me:
"yeahso?
"Isnappedmaki
nghi
m chuckl
e

Simpi
we:"Iwanttoseey
ouofcour
se,
spend
sometimetogether
"
Me:"
didn'
tLeot
ell
youtostayawayf
rom me"
hel
aughedinhi
shuskyvoi
ce

Simpiwe:
"thatboydoesn'
tscar
emeandy ou
real
l
ydeserveagrownmanwhowi l
ltakecare
ofyouinallway"

Me:"andt
hatwoul
dbey our
ight
?Asoccer
pl
ayerwhostay
sinLondon"

Simpi
we:"
LeloyouknowIcanl
ovey
our
ight
youknowthat
"

Me:
"leav
emeal oneSi
mpi
weIam r
eal
l
ynoti
n
t
hemoodr i
ghtnow"

Si
mpi
we:
"whathappened?
"Leogoti
n
Me:
"Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t"

Leo:
"whoi
sthat
?"

Si
mpi
we:
"I'
l
llety
ouknowwhenI
'
mther
e"

Leo:
"whoi
sthat
?!!
"Isi
ghed

Me:
"itSi
mpi
we"hegr
abbedmyphone

Leo: "
didn'tIfuckingtell
youtost ayawayfrom
her"Ihuffedandwal kedout,Iseriousl
ydidnot
havet i
mef orthei
rshit.They'
vebeenar gui
ng
formont hsnow, Simpiwejustwon' tl
eaveme
alone.Leogotoutt heclosetlookingall
redwit
h
hisjawcl enching
Me:
"don'
tev
enst
artwi
thmeLeonar
do!
!"

Leo:"
thef
ucky
ouent
ert
aini
ngt
hismanf
or
l
elo?
"

Me:"
Iam notent
ert
aini
nghi
m!Hekeepscal
l
ing
wi
thdif
fer
entnumbers"

Leo:"
nxa"hewal
kedoutt
her
oom bangi
ngt
he
dooraft
erhi
m

Me:"nxanawe"Ifoll
owedhim goi
ngdownstai
rs
andwenttocheckont hegir
lsi
ntheplay
room.
Theywereallhavi
ngat eapar
tywhil
eLeyl
awas
putt
ingnai
lpoli
shonLiam

Ley
la:"
mommyl
ookatgr
andpa'
snai
l
s"I
gi
ggled
Me:
"pr
ett
y,gr
andpal
ooksgoodwi
thpi
nknai
l
s"

Li
am:
"Il
ookt
otal
l
ypr
ett
y!"

Sky
:"hedoes!
!"Il
eftt
hem l
i
ket
hat

Leocamebackhomeatni ghtwehadev en
fi
nisheddi
nnerandthegi
rl
shadtakenthei
r
ni
ghtbaths.HecameinwhileIwastucki
ng
LeylaandBell
ainbed 
Bel
l
a:"
dddaddy
!!Sst
ool
dyouhewaascomi
ng
l
ey"

Leo:"
ofcourseIwoul
dn'tl
etmyangelssleep
wit
houttucki
ngthem i
n"heki
ssedthesideof
myhead
Me:"goodni
ghtangel
smommyl ov
esyoubot
h
t
othemoon, thesunandback"Iki
ssedt
hei
r
f
oreheads

Ley
la:
"themoon,
thesunandback"

Bel
la:"
lov
eyoumama"Iwal
kedoutandwentt
o
SkyandJaz'
sroom

Me:
"got
oyourbedJaz
"

Jaz:"
yesmah"Ipickedherupgett
ingheroff
thebedtoherbedthentuckedt
hem bothin

Me:"
goodni
ghtmyangel
sIl
ovey
oubot
htot
he
moon,t
hesunandback"
Them:
"tot
hemoon,
thesunandback"

Sky
:"wher
eisdaddy
?"

Me:"
heiscomi
ng"Iki
ssedt
hei
rfor
eheadsand
wal
kedout

Leogoti
ntheshowerasIwasbusy.Hehel
d
mywaistbr
ingi
ngmybodytohis 
Me:
"letmegoLeo"

Leo:
"pl
easedon'
tbemadatme"

Me:"whereyoucomi
ngf
rom Leo?It
houghtwe
haddinnerpl
ans"

Leo:
"IknowI
'
m sor
ry"heki
ssedmyneckwhi
l
e
r
ubbi
ngmycl
i
t,Ispr
eadmyl
egsapar
t

Me:
"youdi
dn'
tanswerme"

Leo:"j
ustwentforadri
ve"heturnedmearound
tofacehim andpushedmet othewall
"I'
m
sorry
"hehookedmyl egaroundhiswaist

Me:"
Idon'tl
i
kewhatyoudi
d"Il
etoutamoan
whenheranhist
ipupanddownmypriv
ates

Leo:"
itwi
ll
neverhappenagai
n,Iam sor
ry"he
sl
idei
nslowly
.

Af
tertheshowerwecuddl
edi
nbednakedwhi
l
e
watchi
ngtv.
 
.
#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Iwaswokenupbymyphoner ingi
ngFriday
morni
ng,Ididn'thaveashootthatdayithadto
becancel
ledbecausewewer esupposedt obe
shoot
ingonl ocati
onnotstudi
othenitrained.
 
Me:
"mor
ning"

Lonhl
e:"
heygor
geous"

Me:
"mmh"

Lonhl
e:"
youst
il
lasl
eep?
"

Me:
"yeah"
Lonhl
e:"
sor
ryIt
houghty
ouwoul
dbeupalr
eady
.
Wouldyoul
iket
omeetmeforbr
eakf
ast
?"

Me:"
yeahgi
vemeanhour
.ButIdi
dn'
tknow
youwer
einj
hb"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
ll
flyoutr
ightnowbet
her
einanhour
"
Il
aughedsit
tingup

Me:
"youcr
azy
?!!
"Hechuckl
ed

Lonhl
e:"
Idi
dn'
twantt
ofl
youtt
her
eandmay
be
youbebusy
"

Me:"
soyouj
ustgoi
ngt
ofl
youtsowecanhav
e
br
eakf
ast
"
Lonhle:
"andI'
m hopi
ngI'
l
lgett
ospendt
her
est
oftheweekendwithyou"

Me:
"that
'sokay
"

Lonhl
e:"
great
!SopackaweekendbagI
'
llcome
pi
ckyouupf r
om y
ourpl
ace"

Me:
"youdon'
tknowwher
eIst
ay"

Lonhl
e:"
Iknowev er
ythi
ngther
etoknowabout
youmylove.I
'
llseeyouinanhour
"

Me:"okay"weendedt hecallandIjumpedof f
thebedquickl
y.Ipract
ical
lyrantomybat hroom
andstart
edshavingbeforetakingaquick
shower.Igotoutoftheshower ,l
oti
onedthen
putonredl
acematchingunderwear
,Idi
dmy
makeupandtookoutmymar oonbobwig.I
cursedasmyphonerang

Me:
"yes"

Lonhl
e:"
younotdonear
eyou?
"

Me:
"im not
"hechuckl
ed

Lonhl
e:"
itcoolI
'
ml eav
ingt
heairpor
tnowI'
ve
l
andedsoI'l
lcal
lyouwhenI'
m bythegat
e"

Me: "
okay"weendt hecal
l.It
ookmyduf fl
ebag
andpackedf ewt hi
ngsbeforetaki
ngoutan
outf
it
,Isett
ledf orgiv
enchytrackpant
sthat
wereopenont hesideswithanopenback
sheerbodysuitandheeledpumps.Iwent
downstai
rswi
thmybagsandf
oundmom i
nthe
ki
tchen

Mom:
"mor
ninghoney
"

Me:
"mor
ningmom"Iki
ssedhercheek

Mom: "
Ithoughty
ouwer en'
tshoot
ingtoday"I
noddedpouri
ngmy sel
faglassofchocolat
e
mil
k,ReaandIlovedthi
sshit"
andthen"

Me:"I
'm goi
ngt
oaf
ri
end'
spl
acef
ort
he
weekend"

Mom:
"aguy
?"Inodded

Me:
"yeahhi
snamei
sMpi
l
onhl
ehest
aysi
n
Durbanbutheiscomingher
efort
heweekend"
shesighedandlookedatme

Mom:"
whati
sthi
sguyt
oyouAmi
l
e"myphone
r
ang

Me:
"ithi
m"Ianswer
ed"
I'
ll
openf
ory
ou"

Lonhle:
"okay
"Iendedt
hecal
landopenedt
he
gate

Me:
"youwantt
omeethi
m?"

Mom:"youknowy
ourf
atherwon'
tl
iket
his
Ami
le"

Me:
"mom,
hei
sagoodguyandIcant
akecar
e
ofmy
sel
fI'
m ol
denough"

Lebo:"asl
ongasyousti
lll
i
veunderourpar
ent
s
roofyounotol
denough"hewasgett
ingint
he
kit
chen

Me:"
whendi dy
ouevengether
eLebo?And
mi
ndy ourownbusi
nesst
hishasnot
hingt
odo
wi
thyou"

Mom:"okayy
outwodon'
tfi
ght
"thedoorbel
l
r
angandIwentt
oitwi
thLebofol
lowi
ngme

Me: "
backoffl
ebo!"Iopenedthedoorand
Lonhlewasstandingther
elookinggorgeousas
al
way si
nblackjeans,whit
et-shir
t,bl
ack
sneaker
sandbl ackbi
ker
Lonhl
e:"
hibaby"Igav
ehi m ahugandheki
ssed
myhead"youlookgorgeous"hetookmyduf
fl
e
bag,l
ebocl
earedhisthr
oat

Me: "
thi
si smybigbrotherLebo"hecameint
oa
viewtry
ingtoint
imidat
eLonhl ewhichwas
funnybecauseasmuchhewasol dert
han
Lonhle,Lonhl
ewast al
landmuscul ar

Lonhl
e:"
itni
cet
omeety
ou"t
heyshookhands

Me: "
let
'sgobefor
eitst
art
srai
ningagai
n"I
grabbedhishandandwewalkedtothecar
,he
openedmydoorf ormebefor
ejoggi
ngtohis
si
de

Lonhl
e:"
thatwasr
udeAmi
l
e"Ipout
ed
Me:
"di
dn'
twanthi
m hol
dingusback"

Lonhle:"
hei
syourbigbr
othershowrespect
"I
crossedmyarmsovermychestandlookedout
thewindow"I
'
mt al
ki
ngtoy ouAmil
e"

Me:
"andIhear
dyou"

Lonhle:"
don'
tgivemeanat tit
ude"hecupped
myf aceandkissedmedeepl y,Il
etoutamoan
wantingtol
eani nonhim evenmor e.Theguy
j
usthadamazi ngli
psandt heywereal ways
col
d.Wepul l
edapar t"
didItel
lyouhow
gorgeousyoulook?"Icoul
dn'thel
pbutbl ush

Me:"
yeah"hegav
emehi
sbeaut
if
ulsmi
l
eand
dr
oveoff
Lonhl
e:"y
ouwantt
ojustor
derr
oom servi
ceat
thehot
elory
ouwanttogotoarest
aurant
?"

Me:
"Iam dr
essedupLonhl
e"hel
aughed

Lonhl
e:"
ofcour
se,
sosandt
onci
ty?
"

Me:
"yep"

Idon'
tknowwhatwashappeni ngbet weenus.
Wehav en'
tlabeledourrel
ati
onshiporevensaid
thebi
gt hr
eewor ds'
il
oveyou'toeachot her
.
WejustspentlotoftimetogetherandIwasst i
l
l
seei
ngSabel oev ent
houghwehar dlyspokeor
saweachot her.Iwasslowlypull
i
ngawayf r
om
him.

(
Sky
lar&Jasmi
nePl
ummer
)
[
03/
20,
11:
36]Ron:
Dif
fer
entPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t39

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Wef i
nishedupwi thbr eakfastandIi nsi
stedwe
buysomesnacksbef oregoi ngtothehot el,
mucht ohisirr
itationheagr eed.Lonhlehat ed
shoppingforany thingwel lunlessitwascar s,
heboughtt hosel i
ket heybagsofchi ps.This
oneti
mewewer et ogetherandhi smot her
cal
ledhim shout i
ngathi m becausehehadj ust
boughtaPor scheconv er
ti
bleev enthoughthe
hadalreadyboughtacarf ort hatyear.
Apparentl
yaf t
erheboughtf ourluxurycar sin
oneyearhehadt opr omisehi smom t hathe
wouldonlybuyonecarpery ear.
Wear r
ivedatthepenthousesuiteinthehotel
,
healwaysbookedi twhichIfoundtobe
ri
dicul
ousbecauset hi
shotelwast heext
remely
expensi
v eandalwaysfull
ybooked.Hepi cked
meupasweent er
edtheloungeandst ar
ted
ki
ssingmewhi lemov i
nguntilhelaidmeont he
couchandgotbet weenmyl egs.
Lonhl
e:"sotel
lmewhenareyoul
eav
ingt
his
i
diotSabel
o?"Imov
edmyheadashewas
sucki
ngonmynecki nshock

Me:
"howdoy
ouknowt
hatI
'
m wi
thhi
m?"

Lonhle:
"tol
dy ouIknowev er
ythi
ngther
eisto
knowabouty ou.Doy ouknowhei smarri
ed?
"I
tr
iedtopushhi m of
fmebuthedi dn'
teven
fl
inch
Me:
"Lonhl
eyoucr
ushi
ngme"

Lonhl
e:"
you'
venevercomplai
nedbefor
eandifI
remembercor
rect
lyyoulov
emywei ghtony
ou"
yeahni
ggganotwheny outal
ki
ngaboutmylove
l
ife

Me:
"wel
lIdon'
tl
ikei
tri
ghtnow"

Lonhl
e:"
pit
y.Sodi
dyouknow?
"

Me:
"whati
sitt
oyou?
"

Lonhl
e:"
Ijustwantt
oknow"

Me:"Sabel
oandIhav
ebeentoget
herf
ory
ear
s
Lonhl
e,whatdoyout
hink?
"
Lonhl
e:"It
hinky
oubeauti
ful
andabsolutely
smartsoyouwouldn'
tdosomethi
ngasst upi
d
astobewithsomeonewhoismarried"Ilooked
away

Me:"i
tnotaseasyasy outhinkMpilonhl
e,heis
al
lIknow.Wegotinar el
ationshipwhenIwas
j
ustateenagerandIreal
lydon'twanttotal
k
aboutthi
s,y
oudon'tseemet al
ki
ngabouty our
gi
rl
fri
end"

Lonhl
e:"
fi
rst
lyIdon'
tnothav
eagi
rl
fr
iendan.
."

Me:
"don'
tl
iet
ome!
"Icuthi
m of
f

Lonhl
e:"
donotr
aisey
ourv
oiceatme"
Me:"
Iremembery
out
alki
ngt
oyourgi
rl
fr
iend
t
hatmorni
ng"

Lonhl
e:"
andwebr
okeup.Thedi
stancewast
oo
much"

Me:
"wayt
ogi
vemef
ait
hinus"

Lonhl
e:"
Heatherl
ivesi
nAmericaandy
ouar
e
herei
nJhblessthananhouraway"

Me:
"ohsoy
ouj
ustgav
eup"

Lonhl e:
"nowet r
iedt
rul
ytr
iedandf ai
led.
Heat herandImetduri
ngorient
ationatschool
onourf irsty
earandwewerenev erapartaf
ter
that.SowhenIhadt omovebackhomei tgot
hard"
Me:
"Isee"

Lonhl
e:"Sabel
oisaf ucki
ngpri
ckAmi l
eandthe
factt
hatheischeatingonhiswif
ejustshows
howmuchofaf uckerheis"

Me:
"whydoy
ouhat
ehi
m somuch?
"

Lonhle:
"hehur
tmysist
erandIj
usthat
ehi
m"I
huff
edandheldhi
sface

Me:"gi
vemeareasontofor
getheevenexi
st"
hegavemehi
ssignatur
egorgeoussmil
e

Lonhl
e:"i
fthat
'sal
l"heleaneddownandkissed
medeeplywhilepushingdownmyt r
ackpants.I
i
mmedi at
elygotexcit
ed,Il
ovedsexwit
hLonhle
hewasjustabso-
fucki
ng-
lut
elyamazi
nghe
madeSabelolookli
keasl
ackerandhi
m bei
ng
bi
ggerwasjustabonus.

Me:"Iam st
arv
ing"hesmiledandki
ssedmy
for
eheadholdi
ngmet i
ghter.Wewerecuddl
i
ng
onthecouchwhilewatchi
ngamov i
e

Lonhle:
"thewayy
oueatbaby
!Wej
usthada
snack"

Me:
"Iwantdi
nner
,can'
tyouor
dersomet
hing?
"

Lonhl
e:"
whatdoy
ouwant
?"

Me:
"beefr
oastandasal
ad"
Lonhl
e:"
okay"heremovedmef r
om hi
m andgot
offt
hecouch"wineorchampagne?
"

Me:"wi
ne"henoddedwal ki
ngaway .It
ookmy
phone,
Ihadlotofmi ssedcall
sfrom Sabel
o
anddaddysoIcall
eddaddyaf terputti
ng
Sabel
o'
snumberinr eject

Daddy
:"Ami
l
eBoi
tumel
oMot
aung"hebr
eat
hed
out

Me:
"whatdi
dIdo?
"

Daddy:"
whatisthi
sIhearaboutsomeguy
pi
ckingyouupfr
om MYHOUSEandy ounot
bei
nghomet hi
slate"

Me:
"butdaddyI
'
m ataf
ri
end'
spl
ace"
Daddy
:"soyouhav
eboyspickingyouupfrom
myhousenow?!Whathappenedtorespect
?"

Me:"Iam sor
rydaddy
"Lonhl
elookedatme
cur
iousl
y

Daddy:
"soyoujustdoasyoupl
easei
nmy
housewhenI'
m notther
e"

Me:"
thi
sisexact
lywhyI
'
m goi
ngt
omov
eout
"I
mumbled

Daddy
:"Ihear
dthat
!"Isi
ghed

Me:"
sorr
ydaddyi
twon'
thappenagai
nI
pr
omise"
Daddy
:"bet
ternot
"

Me:
"by
edad"

Daddy
:"by
e"

Me:"t
ell
leboIhat
ehi
m"Il
oveendedt
hecal
l
bef
oreherepl
ied

Lonhl
e:"
ever
ythi
ngokay
?"

Me:
"justdadbei
ngangr
y"

Lonhl
e:"
howdoy
ouknowy
ourbr
othert
oldon
you?"
Me:"mom woul
dn'
tandi
fdadaskedshewoul
d
j
ustsayI
'
m outwit
hafri
end"

Lonhl
e:"
a.ha"hekissedmynecksucki
ngoni
t
l
ight
ly"
younev erspeakabouty
ourf
amily
"

Me:"It
houghty
ouknewev
ery
thi
ngt
her
eist
o
know"

Lonhl
e:"
IdobutIst
il
lwanty
out
otel
lme"

Me: "wel
lyou'
v emetmyl it
tl
esisterReaand
you'vemetmybr otherLebo.Mydadi sJunior
Mot aungheisar etir
edlecturerfr
om Witsand
nowownscoupl eofbusi nesses,mymom i s
Kelebongil
eshewasal soal ectur
eratWitsas
wellthat'
swher etheymetandhadmebef ore
theygotmar r
ied.Ihav eanephewandt wo
niecesthatmybr othergotfrom hismarri
age
bef
orel
uvuy
odi
vor
cedhi
m."

Lonhl
e:"
luv
uyoSmi
th?
"

Me:"
biol
ogical
l
yDlaminibuty
eahshetookher
st
epf
ather'
ssurname.Youknowher?
"

Lonhle:
"she'
soneofthebestlawyerst
her
eis
outther
erightaf
terKeenanSmith"

Me:
"yeahshe'
sgood"

Lonhl
e:"
herf
ami
l
yist
hesecondr
ichesti
nthe
count
ry"

Me:
"youknowt
heset
hingsdon'
tyou"
Lonhle:
"itpar
tofmyj
obt
oknowwhoi
str
ying
tostealourspot
"

Me:
"whatspot
?"Hesmi
l
ed

Lonhl
e:"
itr
eal
l
yamazesmehowy oudon'
t
knowmeanditmakesmefeelgoodbecauseI
knowyounotwit
hmefort
hefameormoney "

Me: "
ImeanIknowy ouhav emoney.I
'
veseen
yourapart
mentandy ourcarspl
ushowyou
alwaysbookt
hispenthousesuit
e"

Lonhle:"
myf amil
yownsthehot elAmi
lethi
s
suit
eisalwaysreser
vedforus"Itri
edtonot
showmyshockandt onotpanickedbutthe
warningbel
lswereri
nginginmyheadl i
ke
ther
e'snotomorrow
Me:"
you..
.Yousai
dSabel
ohur
tyoursi
ster
?"
Henodded

Lonhl
e:"
yeahmybi
gsi
sterLel
o"

Me:
"ohGod"It
urnedawayf
rom hi
m

Lonhle:"
myl ove?"It
ri
edhol
dingbackt
het
ear
s
buttheyjustfel
l"Amil
ewhat
'swrong?"

Me:
"Ishoul
dgohome"Ist
oodup

Lonhle:"
notell
mewhatiswrong?!!
"Ipi
ckedup
mycl ot
hesfrom t
hef
loorandstart
edget
ti
ng
dressedashewasaskingmet otel
lhi
m whati
s
wrong
Me:"
ther
e'snot
hingwr
ongIj
ustr
eal
l
yneedt
o
gohome"

Lonhle:
"Iam notgoi
ngt
ofor
ceyoutost
aybutI
real
l
ywanty outotel
lmewhyyouar
ecry
ing"

Me:
"itnoti
mpor
tant
"hecuppedmyf
ace

Lonhl
e:"
iti
mportantt
ome.Il
ovey
ouAmil
e"I
l
etoutasoftsobbury
ingmyf
aceonhi
s
stomach

Me:"
youcan'
tl
ovemeLonhl
ewewoul
dnev
er
wor
k" 
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Iwasonthephonewi
thLel
owhowascr
ying
herey
esout
Me:"l
eloIcan'
thearawordyousay
ing.How
aboutyoucalm downandt
alktomeorshouldI
cometoy ourhouse?
"

Lel
o:"
nodon'
tI'
mjustbei
ngsi
l
ly"

Me:
"gi
vemefewmi nut
esI'l
lbethere"Iended
t
hecal
landwentdownstai
rs"baby!
"

Vumil
e:"
off
ice!
"Ihal
frant
ohi
sof
fi
ce"
wher
eis
thef
ir
e?"
Me:"l
eloi
sn'
twel
lshecal
ledmecr
yingIhav
eto
gocheckonher
"hestoodupwal
kedtome

Vumi
le:"
okay
.I'
l
lpi
ckupSbani
from soccer
pr
act
ice"

Me:"okay
"Ist
oodonmyt
oesandgav
ehi
ma
peck

Vumil
e:"y
ounotgoingt
ochangef
ir
st?
"Il
ooked
atwhatIwasweari
ng

Me:
"whyshoul
dI?
"Her
aisedaney
ebr
ow

Vumil
e:"f
ineI
'
llchange"Iwentbackupstai
rst
o
ourr
oom andchangedoutoft heshort
sand
spor
tbraIwaswear i
ngintoskinnyj
eansanda
t-
shi
rt
Me:
"babyI'
m gone"Igr
abbedmycarkey
sfr
om
t
hecount
erandleft
.

Idrov
ei naf
tert
hesecur
it
yguardopenedthe
gateformeandcall
edoutforherasIgoti
nthe
house
Sky:
"hel
loBuntu"Ismiledandpickedherup
"y
oulooksopretty"shetouchedmyf ace

Me:"y
oual sol
ookpret
ty.Whereismommy?"
Sheshruggedhert
inyshoulder
s.Zi
nhl
ecame
tousandweexchangedgr eeti
ngs

Zi
nhl
e:"
lel
oisi
nherr
oom"

Me: "
okaythankyou"Iputskydownthenwent
up.Ifoundherl
ookingatpict
uresi
nhercl
oset
Lel
o:"
youdi
dn'
thav
etocomeIwasj
ustbei
ng
si
ll
y"

Me:"ofcourseIhadt
ocome"Igav
ehera
squeeze"t
alktome"

Lel
o:"
Ithi
nkLeoandIneedt
obr
eakup"

Me:
"buty
out
wol
oveeachot
her
"

Lel
o:"andwewantdi
ffer
entt
hingsNobuntu.I
'm
att
hatagewhereIwantsomethi
ngv al
i
d,Ilov
e
hi
m somuchbutheisnowhereclosetobeing
whatIwant"

Me:
"doy
our
eal
l
ywantahusbandt
hatbad?
"
Lelo:"
noofcour senot !Itnotjustaboutwanting
ahusbandNobunt u.Leowi llnevermar r
yme
I'
vereal
izedthatandI '
m notsur ehowl ongerI
canbewi thsomeonewhodoesn' tseeanythi
ng
butababymakerwhenl ooki
ngatme.Forf uck
sakeshewant sust ot ryforanotherchild,
what
thehelli
sthat?"Ifel
tmyhear tclenchbecauseI
knewifshegothert ubesunt i
edchancesar e
shewoul dgetpregnantaf terthefirstt
ryunli
ke
me

Me:"heiscrazyy
outwoalr
eadyhav
efour
chi
l
dr enyoudon'
tneedany
moreoutof
wedlock"

Lel
o:"
Iknowt
hat'
swhyIj
ustt
hinkIshoul
djust
l
eavehi
m"Isi
ghed
Me:
"buty
ouhav
echi
l
drent
oget
her
"

Lel
o:"andtheywon'
tbetheonl
ychil
drent
obe
rai
sedbyseparat
eparent
sbutIdoknowthati
f
Ist
aywi t
hLeoImightenduphati
nghim"

Me: "
thinkabouti
tfi
rstdon'
tj
ustmakel
i
fe
changingdecisi
onsbasedonemoti
ons"

Lel
o:"
I'
vet
houghtabouti
tlongandhar
d"

Me:
"okay
"

Lel
o:"Il
ovehi
m somuch"shestar
tedcr
yingall
overagai
n"whydoesi
thavetohurtl
i
kethis"

Me:
"itokayLel
oev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lwor
koutasi
t
supposedt
o"

IfoundVumi l
eandSbaniwatchi
ngsoccerin
thetvroom wit
hdishes,
emptypizzaboxes,hal
f
eatenchipsandgl
assesonthecof f
eetabl
e 
Me:
"ser
iousl
yguy
s!"

Vumile:"
youback"Iswi
tchedof
fthet
.v.
"baby
!!!
"

Sbani
:"mom!
!"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lnotcl
eanupt
hismess"

Vumi
le:
"wewil
lcl
eani
tnowcany
out
urnt
he
gamebackon?
"
Me:
"Iwantt
otal
ktoy
ou"hegr
oaned

Vumi
l
e:"
lat
erbaby
"

Me:
"nowVumi
l
e.Recor
dthi
sandcomet
ome"

Sbani
:"canyoujustgobabasoIcanwat
cht
he
game"Ishothim aglar
e

Me:"
shutupSbani
"her
aisedhi
shandsand
wal
kedoutther
oom

Vumi
l
e:"
whati
sitbaby
?"Hepul
l
edmet
osi
ton
hi
m

Me:"It
hinkweshoul
dseeaf er
ti
li
tydoctor
"he
huf
fedandburi
edhisfaceonmycl eav
age"Iam
ser
iousbaby.Youwantachi
ldandsodoIandI
am act
uall
ystart
edt
ogetscaredt
hatt
herei
s
somethi
ngwr ongwi
thoneofus"

Vumi l
e:"
youmeanwi thme?Youhav eSbani
Nobuntuit'
smewhodoesn' thaveachi l
dhere."
hemov edmef rom hi
m andstoodup" Youthink
thatdoesn'
tscareme?Youhav enoideawhatI
am goingthr
oughandt hat
'
sv er
ysel
fishofy ou"

Me:
"howam Ibei
ngsel
fi
shVumi
l
e?"

Vumil
e:"
just..
..j
ustbackof
f!
!"Hewalked
l
eavi
ngmesoconf usedandshockedbut
mostl
yhurt.
[
03/
20,
11:
36]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t40
#Lel
o
¥¥

If
oundzinhl
eandt
henanni
esi
nthei
rhouse
watchi
ngtv
Me:"ThobekaandKedi pl
easepacksome
cl
othesforthegirl
s,aweekwor t
hofclothes.
Andtheirfav
orit
estuffedanimal
sthenyouguy s
cangohomef ortheweek"theynoddedquickl
y
wit
hexcitementwr i
tt
enallovert
heirf
aces
bef
orewal ki
ngout

Zi
nhl
e:"
youokay
?"Igav
eheraf
akesmi
l
e

Me:
"yes.I
'
mfi
ne"

Zi
nhl
e:"
Irai
sedy
ouLel
oyoucan'
tl
iet
ome"
Me:"Idon'
twanttotal
kabouti
tbutI
'
m goi
ngto
mypar ent
shouseforaweekwit
hthegi
rl
s.You
canalsogohome"

Zi
nhl
e:"
I'
ll
comewi
thy
ouandt
hegi
rl
s"

Me:
"youdon'
thav
eto"

Zi
nhl
e:"
Iam mor
ethanj
usty
ourmai
dLel
o"

Me:
"younotamai
dZi
nhl
eyouf
ami
l
y"

Zinhl
e:"good,i
tsortedt
hen.Iam comingwit
h
youI'l
lbethereforyoul
ikeIalwaysam no
mat t
erwhat"Ithrewmyselfatherandshehel
d
me" every
thi
ngwi ll
workoutdon'tst
ress
yoursel
f"Inodded
Me:
"wel
eav
esoon"

Thegi
rl
shadal
readyl
eftwit
hZinhl
ewhenLeo
camebackf
rom campus.Hefoundmei
nthe
l
ounge
Leo:
"heybaby
"heki
ssedme

Me:
"hey
"

Leo:
"whyi
sitsoqui
et?Thegi
rl
sasl
eep?
"

Me:
"si
tdownLeoweneedt
otal
k"

Leo:
"whatdi
dIdo?
"

Me:
"not
hing.I
tnoty
ouLeoy
ouar
eabsol
utel
y
amazi ng,y
oumakel ovi
ngy ousoeasy "I
breathedout"Ij
ustfeell
ikewewantdi ff
erent
andwe' vegrowntodiff
erentdir
ecti
ons.Ijust
can'tdothisanymore"hi
sey eswidenedandhe
j
umpedof fthecouchandcamet okneeli
nf r
ont
ofme

Leo:
"don'
tdot
hisbabypl
ease"

Me: "Ican'
tanymoreLeo,I
'vegi
venupsomuch
forthisrel
ati
onshi
pandIdon'thaveanymore
togive.Ourli
vesarepoint
ingustodif
fer
ent
dir
ect i
ons"

Leo:"
isthi
saboutusgetti
ngmarri
ed?I'
llmar
ry
yousweetheartwecanevendoitt
omor r
owI'l
l
marryyoujustdon'
tl
eavemeplease"Ishook
myheadasmyt ear
ssil
entl
yfel
l
Me: "
andwewi llbediv
or cedwithinayear
becausey ouwouldhavebeenpr essur
edt o
mar r
yingmeandIdon' twantthat .Younot
readyLeoandasmuchasIam r eadyforthat
nextstepIwon'tfor
cey ou,Iam notleavingy ou
becausey ouwon'tmarrymeIj ustcan'tdot his
anymor eIcan'
t"

Leo:
"youdon'
tl
oveme"

Me: "
Iloveyouwi
thal
lofmebutclearlywenot
meantt obeandi
t'
sokayi
ttrul
yis.Wedon't
alwaysgetwhatwewantbutsomet i
meswe
j
ustgetwhatweneedifwetryreall
yhard"he
furi
ouslywi
pedhi
stear
s

Leo:"
youcan'
tl
eav
emeLel
owehav
echi
l
dren
toget
her
"
Me:"webothweren'
trai
sedbybot
hourpar
ent
s
bei
ngtoget
her"

Leo:"
andIdon'twantthatformychildrendamn
i
t!!
"Hestoodupandst art
edpacingar ound
befor
efl
ippi
ngthecoffeetableoverandt he
gl
assesshatt
eredall
ov er

Me:
"Leo!
"

Leo:"y oucan'tleaveme"heki ssedmehardand

grabbedmet i
ghtlyasItri
edpushinghi
m away.
Hebi tmyl ipstoapoi ntwhereItast
edbloodas
Iwoul dn'tkisshim back.HeletgowhenI
grabbedhi shairy anki
ngithard

Me:"areyousi
ck?!
!!
"Itouchedmyl
i
psandmy
f
ingerscamebackwithblood"t
hef
uckLeo?
!!
!"
Hiswerewideandred
Leo:"noyouwhatt hefuck?Youthi
nkyoucan
l
eav emeLelo?"Hechuckl edevi
ly"
whoisgoi
ng
toloveyouwit
hf ourchil
dren?"

Me:
"what
?"Iwhi
sper
ed

Leo:"
orwhat
?Yougoi
ngtogetpregnantby
anot
herman?Ar
eyouthatf
ucki
ngst upi
dand
nai
ve?"

Me:"
stopt
hisLeo"myvoicebar
elycameout
whi
chmadehiml aughl
oudly

Leo:
"orwhat
?"

Me:
"bef
oreyousaysomet hi
ngyougoi
ngto
r
egr
etandcan'
ttakeback.Iwanty
ououtofmy
houseLeo,
wewi l
lmakear r
angementsonhow
andwhenyouwi l
lseethegi
rls"Igr
abbedmy
phoneandcarkeysthenwalkedoutasfastasI
coul
d

Leo:"l
elo!
!"HebangedonmywindowasI
star
tedmycar" babydon'
tdot
hispl
ease"

Me:
"sor
ry"Idr
oveof
fwi
tht
ear
sbl
i
ndi
ngme.

Iwaswel comedbynoiseassoonasIgotinthe
house.LeylaandSbu,
uncleMarcel
'
sgrandson
rantome
Ley
la:
"mommy
"

Sbu:
"aunt
yLel
owev
isi
ti
nggr
andma"

Me:
"that
'sni
cebi
gboy
"Ipi
ckedt
hem bot
hup
Sbu:
"daddybr
oughtmeandNt okozo"Nt
okozo
washisbi
gbrother
,theywer
eSbani'
sboys

Me:
"wher
eisNt
okozo?
"

Sbu:
"pl
ayi
ngwi
thgr
andpaout
side"

Mom: "
theywon'
tev
enl
ety
oubr
eat
h"shet
ook
Ley
la

Ley
la:
"sl
eepygr
andma"

Me:"butyoual
readyhady ournapt
imeangel
youmustwaitfordinnersoyoucaneatand
bat
ht hengotosleep"
Sbu:
"weal
sosl
eepi
ngher
e"

Ley
la:
"ookaycooki
e!!
"

Sbu:
"yeahcooki
es!
!"

Mom:"gofi
ndZi nhl
etel
lheryouwantcooki
es"
weputthem downandtheyranalong"
Lonwabo
l
wami"Ihuff
ed

Me:"webrokeupandIdon'
twantt
otal
kabout
i
tri
ghtnow"sheopenedherar
msandIgoti
n
t
hem

Mom:
"Iknowhowy
oul
ovehi
m andI
'
m sor
ry"

Me:
"I'
l
lbeokayast
imepassesby
"
Mom:"
nowcomest
hehar
dpar
t.Lear
ninghow
t
ocoparent
"

Me:
"thegi
rl
sar
emymai
npr
ior
it
y"

Mom:
"good.Thati
showi
tshoul
dbe"
 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Ilookedattheboxofr oseswi t
hasmi l
eonmy
face.Hesentt hem ev
eryFridaysayi
ngitwas
hisfavor
it
edaybecausei twast hedaywe
becameof fi
cialsanditwast hedaywemet.I
tookmyphoneoutandcal ledhim 
Lonhl
e:"
heygor
geous"

Me:
"lov
e"

Lonhl
e:"
yougood?
"

Me:
"yesandy
ou?
"

Lonhle:"I'm okayjustmi ssingyou"Ismi ledlike

af ool
.Ilov edhim Itrulydid.AfterthatFridayat
thepent houseIcal meddownandt oldhimI
alsolovedhi m.HeaskedwhyIwascr yi
ngandI
toldhim Iwasn' treadyt otalkaboutit,he
assuredmet hatwhat everitiswewi llget
throughi ttogetherbecausewhenpeopl el ov
e
eachot heruncondi ti
onal l
y t
heyf i
ghtfort hei
r
l
ov e.
Me:"Iam aboutt
oleav
ethest
udi
oI'
l
ltakean
ubertot
heai r
por
t"

Lonhle:
"I'
l
lbether
ewai
tingf
oryou.I'
vereall
y
missedyou"wehadn'
tseeneachotheri
nt wo
weeksbecausehewasinTanzani
awi t
hhis
fat
heronbusiness

Me:"
youwil
lseemesoonandIhav
esomet
hing
youwi
ll
li
ke"

Lonhl
e:"
mmh,
somet
hingl
i
ke?
"

Me:
"itbl
ackwi
thl
aceandst
ri
ngs"hegr
oaned

Lonhl
e:"
fucky
eah"Igi
ggl
ed
Me:
"Ishoul
dgo"

Lonhl
e:"
Ilov
eyoumyl
ove"

Me:
"lov
eyout
oo"

Lonhl
e:"
mcwa!
!"Igi
ggl
edagai
nendi
ngt
hecal
l

Ij
umpedonhim assoonasIwascloseenough
andheheldmeti
ghtl
yasIwrappedmylegs
aroundhi
swai
stki
ssinghi
m deepl
y
Lonhl
e:"i
fthi
sishowitgoi
ngt
obeev
eryt
imeI
tr
avelt
hanIdefi
nit
elydon'
tmi
nd"

Me:
"baby
!"Hel
aughedl
i
ght
ly

Lonhl
e:"
let
'sgohome,
Iwannabur
ymy
sel
fso
deepinyou"Igotgoosebumps,Icouldn'
teven
repl
yIjustnoddedl
ikeafool"
can'tspeak?"

Me:"shuti
tLonhle"hegr abbedmyduf f
lebag
fr
om thefl
oorandwal kedoutt heair
portsti
l
l
carr
yingmewi t
hpeoplel ookingatusweirdl
y
someev entaki
ngpict
ur es.

Imixedami mosaformyselfi
nt hekitchen
whil
ewai t
ingf ort
hefoodtogetwar m.He
walkedinandIt ookmytimeadmi r
inghis
perf
ectbody ,hewasonlydressedi nCalvi
n
Klei
nunder wearwhichdi
damazi ngthingsfor
theoutl
i
neofhi sdi
ck
Lonhl
e:"
stopchecki
ngmeout
"

Me: "
youaremineI'
m al
l
owed"hekissedmy
cheekandspankedmyass,Ihadnothi
ngbut
hi
st -
shi
rton
Lonhl
e:"
Iam st
arv
ing"

Me:
"amazi
ngsexwi
l
ldot
hatt
oyou"

Lonhl
e:"
indeed"het
ookabeeroutoft
hef
ri
dge
andsatonthecount
er

Me:
"ar
ewegoi
ngoutt
oni
ght
?"

Lonhl
e:"
ift
hat
'swhaty
ouwant
"

Me:
"yeah,
I'
ll
cal
lKat
e"

Lonhl
e:"
soy
ouwantt
hist
obeaf
ri
endst
hing?
"
Me:"yep"It
ookthefoodoutofthemicrowav
e
andstoodbetweenhisl
egsaswest art
ed
shar
ingthefri
edchi
ckenandfri
es"doyouever
eatahomecookedmeal ?"

Lonhl
e:"yes.Igotomypar
ent
shousef
orthat
wheneverImi ssi
t.Why
?Youwantt
ocookfor
me"

Me:"
Ican'
tcookt
osav
emyl
i
febutIdomake
meannoodl
es"

Lonhl
e:"
ourchi
ldr
enwoul
dn'
tsurv
iveon"
mean
noodl
es"babey
ouknowthatr
ight
"

Me:
"you.
..Youwoul
dhav
ebabi
eswi
thme?
"

Lonhl
e:"
yeah,
whynot
?Wel
oveeachot
herand
Iseeaf
utur
eforus"Iki
ssedhi
m deepl
y

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Lonhl
e:"
Ilov
eyouev
enmor
egor
geous"he
ki
ssedme

Me:"needtocal
lmom"Imovedfrom hi
m and
wenttotakemyphonef
rom hi
sroom and
cal
l
edbackmom

Mom:
"Ami
l
e"

Me:
"sawy
ourmi
ssedcal
l
s"

Mom:
"younotcomi
ngbackar
eyou?
"
Me:"mommyy ouget
ti
ngold,
Itol
dyouIwasi
n
Dur
banfort
hisweekend"

Mom:
"youwi
tht
hatMkhi
zeboy
"

Me:
"yes"shegi
ggl
edmaki
ngmer
oll
myey
es

Mom: "
okaygood.Youneedtokeepthatboy
cl
oseAmiledon'
tmessthisupwithy
our
at
ti
tude"

Me: "
mom!Thi sisnotabouthi
sfamily'
s
connectionsandal
l t
hatshi
tIr
eall
ylovehim
pl
easedon' tmakeitseem l
i
keI'
m withhimfor
otherreasons"

Mom:"whatev
erjustdon'
tmessthi
sup,
I'
ll
tal
k
t
oyourfat
heraboutyounotbei
nghome"
Me:"
mxm"Iendedt
hecal
landsatont
hebed
wi
thahuf
f 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Aftert
hatni
ghtthatVumileblewupandl ef
t
thi
ngshavebeenal i
ttl
etensearoundthehouse.
Hecamebackt hatnightdrunkandsleptonthe
couchandnowi fheishomehespendsmostof
histi
mewi t
hSbaniorinhisoffi
ce.

Iwokeupi nbedaloneasithadbecame
somethingIwasusedtoforthepastmonth
now.Irushedtothebathr
oom andthrewup,
I
hadn'
tbeenfeeli
ngwell
.Aftert
hrowingupI
t
ookal
onghotbat
hfi
l
ledwi
thl
avendersal
ts.

Iwentdownst
air
sandf
oundSbani
hav
ing
cer
eal 
Me:
"mor
ning"Iki
ssedhi
shead

Sbani
:"mor
ningmom"

Me:
"yourdadl
eftal
ready
"

Sbani
:"y
ep"Inoddedandsatnexttohi
m with
myowncer eal
.Themil
ktast
edrottenIpushed
thebowlasi
dewithafr
own"what'swrong?"

Me:
"themi
l
kisn'
tri
ght
"

Sbani
:"t
ast
ejustf
inet
ome"t
heni
thi
tmel
i
ke
anepi
phany

Me:
"ohf
uck"hechuckl
ed

Sbani:"
mom y ouswear i
ng!"Ijumpedof fthe
highchairandr anupstair
sst r
aighttomyr oom
tothebat hroom.Itookoneoft hetest
st hatI
hadinmybat hroom andwentt osi
tont het oi
let
seatafterloweringmypant sandpant i
es.It ook
thetestthenwai tedfort
hel ongestfewmi nutes
ofmyl i
fe.

[
03/
20,
10:
47]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t41
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Icoul
dn'
thel
pt hesobthatbr
okeoutasIst
ared
atanot
hernegati
veresul
t.
 
Me:"Godno!!
"Isli
ddownt othefl
oorandcried
foragood10mi nutesbeforeIcol
lect
edmy self
.
Iwenttowashmyf aceandhadt oputonmake
uptotryandhi
det heswolleneyesthenIl
eftfor
work.

Igotbackhomef rom workandst artedinthe

kit
chenwhereIleftl
it
tl
ebi tofgrocerythatIhad
bought.Iwentuptomyr oom foundVumi le
sit
ti
ngont hecouchwiththepr egnancyteston
hishand.Helookedupatmewi t
hhisey esall
redandswol l
en.Ij
uststoodfrozenbyt hedoor 
Vumil
e:"
youtookanotherone"myhear
tbroke
asIhear
dthehurtanddefeati
nhisvoi
ce
Me:"Ihaven'tbeenfeel
i
ngwellsoIt
hought
maybe"hej ustshookhisheadandf
resht
ears,
I
t
ookl ongstepstohim

Vumil
e:"
Iam sosor r
y"hewrappedhisar
ms
ar
oundmywai standburiedhi
sfaceonmy
st
omachcryi
ngl oudl
y"Iam sosorr
yNobunt
u"

Me:
"heyheyi
t'
snotyourf
aul
tbabyi
tnobody
's
f
aul
titwi
ll
workwhenitmeantt
obe"

Vumi
l
e:"
itmyf
aul
tIknowi
tis"

Me:"
babyi
tnotIpromi
seyou"hehel
dhisface
maki
nghimlookatmeandwipedhist
ears"I
l
oveyousomuchNgcobo"
Vumi
l
e:"
eveni
fIcan'
tgi
vey
oubabi
es?
"

Me:"babyyoudon'
tknowifyoudon'tknowi
f
youcan'tgi
vemebabiesornot
.Itcouldbeme
not"

Vumi
l
e:"
youhav
eSbani
"

Me: "thi
ngschangeov erthey earsbaby .And
eveni fyoucouldn'
ti
twoul dn'tmat t
erbecauseI
l
ov ey ousomuchandwehav eSbani "Ikissed
hi
m andhehel dmyt i
ghtlywhi l
emov ingback
unti
l hewasl ay
ingont hebedwi thmeont opof
hi
m.Ist ar
tedunbutt
oninghisshi rt"Iloveyou"I
tr
aileddownhi sjawli
nekissingit

Vumil
e:"
Ilov
eyoumor e.I
'
llgoseethedoctor
wit
hyou"Imovedbackandlookedathisface
Me:
"youwi
l
l?"

Vumi
l
e:"
yesmyangel
"

Me:"
Ilov
eyousomuch"newhopebr
ewupi
n
mystomach

Vumi
l
e:"
why
?"

Me:"j
ustbecausey
ouar eyou"her
oll
edup
get
ti
ngbetweenmyl egs 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥
We'vebeenst ayi
ngwi thmypar entsforov era
mont hnow.Theydi dn'twantust omov eback
tomyhouseandIwasal sonotr eady,that
houseisf i
lledwithfoury earswor thof
memor iesIhadmadewi t hLeo.Myhear tj
ust
wasn'tready .Leospentt heweekendswi t
ht he
gir
ls,hepickedt hem upFr i
dayswhenhecame
backf r
om campusandbr oughtthem back
Sundayni ght.Hemov edbacki nhi s
grandparent swhichwast heonlyr easonIlet
him havet hegirl
sforthewhol eweekend.

IremovedSkyfr
om myl
apandsheshotmean
annoyedlook
Sky
:"mah!
"

Me:"ay
igetoffmegotoy
ourgrandma"she
pout
ed"I'
m notgoi
ngt
ogivei
nI'
m notyour
dad"
Sky
:"Iwantdaddy
"

Mom:
"lel
otaket
hechi
l
d"

Me:"
Ihavet
ogogetready
"Ihadal
unchdat
e
wi
thNobunt
u.Dadgoton

Dad:"
mybeauti
fulgi
rl
s"heki
ssedmyf
orehead
andsky'
sfor
ehead

Sky
:"t
akemegrandpa"hechuckl
edtaki
ngher
bef
oreki
ssi
ngmom deeplyandshor
tly

Dad:
"hi
sexy
"mom bl
ushed

Mom:
"hi
"
Dad:
"youl
ookgor
geous"

Mom:
"I'
minpy
jamasSf
undo"

Dad:"
sti
ll
themostgor
geouswomanont
he
pl
anet"

Mom:
"st
opi
t"

Dad:
"wannagoupst
air
sandmakel
ove"

Me:
"daddy
!"Hel
aughed

Dad:"shutup"mom hadt ur
nedredandshe
sl
owlynodded" gotell
Zinhl
etogiv
ey ou
chocolat
epumpki n"heputskydownandshe
rant
owardst
helounge.Dadscoopedmom up
andcar
ri
edherwit
hhishandsonherass

Me:
"yoh!
"Iwhi
sper
edast
heywal
kedout

Iwalkedi
ntotherest
aurantmyheelscl i
cki
ng.I
waswear i
nganudecot t
onskirtt
hatal most
reachedt
heankleswithamat chi
ngl ongsleev
e
croptopandwhileheel
edsandals.Ifound
Nobuntuhavi
ngadr i
nkalreadyseated 
Me:
"hey
"wehuggedandIsatdown

Nobunt
u:"
bei
ngsi
ngl
esui
tsy
ou"

Me:"hahahay ousof unny"Ismackedher

l
ight
ly,Iorder
edagl assofchampagne" hav
e
youorderedfood?"Iwasl ookingatt
hemenu
Nobunt
u:"
waswait
ingf
oryouandyouar
elate
bytheway
"shewasbusyt
exti
ngonherphone

Me:
"Ihav
echi
l
dren"

Nobunt
u:"don'tusethatexcuse"weor
deredas
t
hewaiterbroughtmydr i
nk"sohowarey ou?
Howisitthatyourbookslooksoamazing?!"I
l
aughed

Me:
"I'
m notev
enwear
ingabr
a"

Nobunt
u:"
JesusI
'
m soj
eal
ous"

Me:
"youbui
l
tli
keaman"

Nobunt
u:"
hey
!"Webot
hlaughed
Me: "
joki
ngjustthatI'
m morecurvy
.Toanswer
yourquesti
onIam get ti
ngby,somedaysar
e
worstthanothers.Imisshim somuchandI
t
otall
ymi ssthesex"sher ol
l
edhereyes

Nobunt
u:"
ofcour
sey
oumi
sst
hesex"

Me:
"soy
oumett
hedoct
or"shesi
ghed

Nobunt
u: "
yes.Webot
htest
edwejustwait
ing
f
ortheresult
sthenwewi
llt
akei
tfr
om ther
e"

Me: "
Ireal
lyhopeev er
ythi
ngworksoutyouan..
"
someoneki ssedmyneckmaki ngmejumpa
l
itt
le"t
hefuck!!"Il
ookedathi
mf eel
i
ngso
fur
ious"Iwill
unleashmydadony ouify
ouev er
dothatagain"
Si
mpiwe:"
youevengorgeouswhenyouangr
y"
heki
ssedNobuntu'
scheek"heyl
i
ttl
esi
s"

Me:
"whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Si
mpiwe:"seemyli
tt
lesi
ster
?"Hewav
edov
er
ourwai
terandor
dered

Me:"
noImeani
nthecount
ryIt
houghty
ou
wer
ebacki
nLondon"

Simpi
we:"
you'
vebeenr
efusi
ngt
oseemesoI
coul
dn'
tl
eave"

Nobunt
u:"
don'
tl
iet
omyf
ri
end"
Si
mpi we:"
don'
tcockbl
ockme.I
toffseasonso
I
'm heref
orsometi
me"someboycamet ous

Boy:
"sssor
ytodi
stur
bbutIcoul
dn'
t"hel
ooked
sonerv
ous

Si
mpi
we:"
itokay
"heshov
edapenandpaperat
Si
mpi
we

Boy
:"pl
ease"

Simpiwe: "
gethert
oagreeonadat
ewit
hme
fi
rst"t
hepoorboylookedathi
m wi
deeyed
beforelooki
ngatme

Me:"Si
mpiweyoucan'
tdothat
"theboywas
ev
enwear i
ngt
heteam j
erseyt
hatSi
mpiwe
pl
aysfor
Si
mpi
we:
"sor
rybuddynoaut
ogr
aphf
ory
ou"

Boy
:"pl
easemi
sspl
ease"

Me:
"younotbei
ngf
airSi
mpi
we"

Boy:"
pleasei
fyoudon'
tl
ikehi
my oucanj
ustgo
forafr
eemeal"Nobunt
uandIlaughed

Me:"
yougotagoodpoi
ntt
here"Il
ookedat
Si
mpiwe"I
'
llgoonadat
ewithyou"

Simpiwe:"Nobuntuyoumywitness"hesigned
theautographandtookapict
urewiththeboy
whowal kedofftohi
stabl
ewithhisparents
bouncing
Me:
"yousuchat
ool
Simpi
we"

Si
mpiwe:"
IknowbabyIknow"hegav
emea
smuggri
nandIjustr
oll
edmyeyessmil
i
ng 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Me:"
Idon'
tknow"Il
ookedathi
m"butIdoknow
t
hatIl
oveyouandyoumakemesohappy "

Kr
ist
en:
"buty
oudon'
twantt
omar
ryme"

Me: "
myparent
swouldneveraccepty
ou,
acceptusandyouknowthat
!Wedon'thavet
o
getmar
ri
ed"shewi
pedmyt
ear
s

Kri
sten:"
Idon'
tthi
nkIcanset
tl
eforthat.Iam
sor
ryIloveyouyouIreal
l
ydobutIcan'tri
ght
now"

Me:
"nobabypl
easey
oucan'
tl
eav
eme"

Krist
en:"
Ijustneedabreakthi
sisal
ltoomuch"
shecuppedmyf aceandki
ssedmeoutt ear
s
blendi
ng

Dir
ector:
"cut
!!
"Wepul l
edapar
t"amazi
ng!And
wedonef ort
onight.Haveagr
eatweekend
ever
yone."Hewalkedtous"amazi
ngjobAmil
e
andKrist
en"

Us:
"thanky
ou"hewal
ked
Kr
ist
en:
"thatwasgood"

Me:
"mmhwhat
ever
"Iwal
kedaway

Kr
ist
en:
"youdon'
thav
etobeabi
tchy
ouknow"

Me: "
IknowbutIpreferi
t"Iwal
kedtomy
changeroom andIstoppedonmytrackwhenI
foundSabel
ot her
e"whatareyoudoingher
e?"

Sabelo:"
seemygirlofcourse"hewalkstome
andclosedthedoorbefor
epr essi
ngmeoni t
"y
ou'vebeenabadgi r
lAmileandy ouknowhow
Ifeel
aboutyoubeingbad"her anhiscuherup
anddownmyf ace

Me:
"howdi
dyouev
engeti
nher
e!!
"
Sabelo:
"al
lIneedi
smyf
aceAmi
l
eyouknow
that
"

Me:
"whatdoy
ouwantSabel
o?!
!"

Sabelo:
"youbeenbusywit
hLelo'
sbrother
.
Doesheknowt hatyout
hereasonLelowasso
heartbr
oken?"

Me:"Iam notther
easonSabel
oandy ouknow
that
.Ididn'
tknowyouwereinarel
ati
onshi
p
unti
lthedayshewalkedi
nonus"

Sabel
o:"
Icantell
av eryconv
inci
ngst
orybaby
youknowthatbett
erthananyone"

Me:
"whatdoy
ouwantf
rom meSabel
o?"I
askeddef
eat
ed

Sabel
o:"
youwil
ll
eav
et hatboyAmi
l
eIam not
goi
ngtoshar
eyouwithakid"

Me:
"wenottoget
herSabel
o!!Wehav
en'
tspoke
i
nmonths"

Sabel
o:"
youandIwil
lalwaysbet
oget
her
sweet
iedon'
tpl
ayyoursel
f"

Me: "
Sabel
owhycan'
tIbehappy
?Youhav
e
yourwif
eandyouwon'
tletmebewi
th
someonewhomakesmehappy "

Sabel
o:"Iam al
lyouneed"heki
ssedmeIhi thi
s
bal
lswit
hmykneesheknel tdownscreaming
andthedooropenedwideLonhl
estoodthere
l
ooki
ngf
uri
ousashel
l

Me:"baby
"hepushedmeasideandwalkedto
Sabel
owithoutevenawor
dhepunchedhim
andSabel
of el
lbackwi
thagr
oan

Lonhl
e:"
yousonofabi
tch"hegavehi
m one
ki
ckonhisst
omachandSabelocoughedout
bl
ood

Me:"Lonhl
est
op!"Hebentov
erhi
m andst
art
ed
punchi
nghimrepeat
edl
y

Lonhle:
"youal
waysthoughty
ouweretheshi
t"
hesteppedonhiskneeandIhear
dsomethi
ng
crackSabel
ocri
edoutloud

Me:
"Lonhl
est
opi
t!
!"
Lonhle:"
Iwi
llki
ll
youSabeloandy ouknowIam
capableofi
t"heemphasi
z edt
hewor ds'y
ou
know' t
henl
ookedatme" getyourthi
ngswe
l
eaving"

Me: "
wecan' tj
ustl
eav
ehi m hur
tli
ket
his"he
grabbedmyar msandpulledmeoutofmy
room str
aightoutt
hestudiowit
hmepr otest
ing
beforehelif
tedmeupandt hrewmeov erhis
shoulder

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Myal armr angwakingmeupf r

om mysleep,I
hadn'tgottenenoughtimetosleepconsider
ing
thatIsleptat03:
00af t
erspendingal
lnight
studyingformyt estweekthatwasslowly
approaching.Igotofft
hebedandst ret
chedout
whiley awni
ngbeforecoll
ect
ingmyt oil
etr
ies
andt akingmypy j
amasoffIputonmyt owel
robandshowerf l
opsthenwalkedoutgoi ngto
thecommunal bathr
oom.Luckil
yitwasempt y
whenIgott hereactual
lyi
twasn'tluck,Ialways
wakeupat05: 00soIcanbathwhi lethe
bathroom isemptybecauseIhav eat hing
aboutpeopl eseei
ngmybody .

Ilockedt hedoorassoonasIgoti nt her oom

andmadesur ethecur t
ainswerecl osedbef ore
Itookof fmyt owel robandst ar
tedget t
ing
ready .Oncedr essedi nal ongsleevel osemaxi
dresst hatwaswhi teandIabsol utelylov ed,it
wasadr essIhadboughtay earbackwhi ch
wast hel astt
imeIwentshoppi ngwi thmy
sisterbef orewel ostherinacaracci dentwhi ch
happenedt obymyf aul
t.Wewer ecomi ngback
from t hemal landIi nsi
stedshel et
'smedr i
ve
ev enthoughIwasj ustl
ear ni
nghowt odr ive,
somehowIl ostcontr
olofthecarandIwrapped
i
taroundatreemysi stersuf
fer
edfrom l
otof
i
njur
iesmost l
yint
ernalandwelosthertwo
dayslat
er.

WhenIwasdoneget ti
ngdressedwi t
hmy
natural hairti
edinaneatbun, Isti
llhadt wo
hoursbef oremynextclass.Imademy sel f
cerealthensatonmydeskeat ingwhi ler eadi
ng
"Naledi hislove"Iwassoenv i
ousofNal edinot
onlyhadshef oundamant olov eherf orwho
shei sbutshewasal soboldandf i
erce
regardlessoft heabuseshehadbeent hrough
withherex.shewasbeaut i
ful
, smart,sassyand
educat edIj ustl
ovedher.Idon'tknowhow
manyt i
mesIhadr eadthebook, itwasmy
favorit
ef rom theHlomuser i
es.

Il
eftres30minutesbef
oremyclasswasto
st
art,
Ikeptpr
ayingIdon'
truni
ntohim.Ashuge
ascampusIal way smanagedt or unintotohim,
Idon'tevenknowwhyhewasoncampusal l
ti
mei nsteadiftraini
ngwi thhisteam bi dv
est
wits.Isawhi m andhi sfr
iendssi t
tingbywher eI
hadt opassandasusual hehadagi rlonhislap
shewasbusysucki ngonhi sneckIf eltbil
er i
se
up.Icouldn'tt
urnandf i
ndanot herway
otherwiseIwasgoi ngtobel ateformycl ass
andIcoul dn'
tbel ateforstati
sticsmyl ecturer
wasn'tnice.Ihuffedandl ookeddown

Me: "justkeepwal ki
ngSbahl e.Keepl ooking
down, avoi
dey econtactmay behewon' tev en
seeme"Ikeptwhi speri
ngtomy self"br
eat h.
Don' ttri
p"Itr
ippedonast one"shucks.Okay
calm down.Don' tfalldon'
tfallanddef i
nitely
don'tlookup"Idr oppedmyt oolbox" fl
ip"I
quicklybentdownpi cki
ngitup, beforeIst ood
upIsawapai roffancyredandbl ackJor dans.I
didn'tevenneedt olookupt oseei twashi mI
al
r eadycaughthi sscentheal way ssmel l
ed
good,
amixt
ureofcol
ogneandshower
shampoo

Enzo:
"clumsyaren'
twegranny"Ibr
eathedout
andstoodup,Il
ookedathisfaceandquickl
y
l
ookedaway

Me:
"ss-
sor
ry"

Enzo:"what
'st
hatugl
yface?
"It
ri
edmov
ingbut
hi
sf r
iendsbl
ockedmyway

Me:
"p-
please"

Chris:
"pppl
ease!Whaty
oucan'
ttal
kduck
face?"
Enzo:"
youl
ookthi
rst
ygr
anny
,yout
hir
sty
?"I
shookmyhead

Me:"
nonoIam g-
good"Icoul
dn'
tst
op
st
utt
eri
ng

Sbo:
"shedoesl
ookal
i
ttl
edr
y"

Me:"
p-pl
ease"If
eltsomethi
ngcoldandwethit
myfaceasEnzothrewhisgrapesl
ushyallov
er
myfacewetti
ngmeandmydr ess"no!
!!
"They
al
ll
aughedloudl
y

Enzo:
"nowy
ounol
ongert
hir
sty
"

Adam: "j
ustugly"t
heyal
lwalkedawayleav
ing
mei ntears.MydresswasmessandIknew
chancesoft hepurpl
est
aincomingoutwere
cl
oset
onone
[
03/
20,
10:
47]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t42

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Irantot hebathroom wi thmyt earsbli

ndi
ngme.
Iletoutamuf fledsobassoonasIwassi tti
ng
ont hetoil
etseat.Af t
eragoodcr yIgotup
becauseIknewi wasgoi ngtobel atef
orclass.
Itri
eddr yi
ngmydr esswi ththehanddr yt
hen
wentt oclasswi t
hahugepur pl
estainonmy
dress.Iwasf ewmi nuteslat
eget ti
ngincl
ass
thelecturerwasalreadyt eaching 
Hi
m:"MsNgwalahowni
ceofy
out
obl
essus
wi
thy
ourpr
esence"
Me: "
sssorr
ysir"Iqui
ckl
yrushedt
oanempt y
seatanditj
usthappenedtobeont hef
rontr
ow
andinthemi ddl
e"sorr
yexcuseme"Ikept
repeat
ingasIpassedstudents

Him:"byall
meansdistur
bmycl ass.Weareall
heretowatchandworshipyoumyqueenaswe
areyourpeasant
s"t
heclasslaughedwhil
eIfel
t
mycheeksheat i
ngupinembar r
assmentand
myey esburni
ngwit
htears.Ihateduni
ver
sit
y

Me:"sor
ry"Idi
dn'
tev
enlookupt
oseehisface
buti
ttookfewminut
esbefor
ehecont
inued
wit
hthelectur
e.

Ihadtospendtherestoft
heday ,
wellnotr
est
ofthedayjustf
ourofmyclassesandwalking
aroundcampusfrom onel
ecturehal
ltoanother
withpeoplestar
ingatmewei rdl
ybecauseof
thestai
n.Ialmostcoll
apsedasIgotinmyr oom
withrel
i
ef .It
ookmydr essoffandsatonthe
bedlookingatthestai
nwi t
hfresht
earscoming
out.
 
Me: "God,Ihat ehim.Hei ssuchamonst er
.Iam
sosor rysis"Iheldthedr esscl
osetomyhear t
cry
ingl oudly.Soloudt hatsomeonestart
ed
knockingonmydoor .Iwi pedmyfacethen
quicklyputonsweat pantsandahoodybef or
e
opening

Azande:"
Icanheary
ouont
hehal
lar
eyou
okay?"

Me:
"yeahI
'
mfi
net
hanky
ou"

Azande:"
areyousur
e?"Inodded"
canIjustget
alookinyourr
oom?"Shewasourfloorr
ep
Me:
"okay"Imovedasi
deshel
ookedi
nmy
r
oom andnodded

Azande:
"okay
"shelef
t.Il
ockedt
hedoorand
tookmyphoneoutofmybagandcall
edmy
mother

Mom:
"Sbahl
e"

Me:
"hel
l
o"weexchangedgr
eet
ings

Mom:
"ev
ery
thi
ngokay
?Youdon'
tsoundgood"

Me:"Iaccidental
lymessedupmywhit
edress
wit
hgr apeslushyandIdon'
tthi
nkt
hestai
nwil
l
comeout "Isniff
ed
Mom:
"ohSbahl
e,y
ourf
avor
it
edr
ess?
"

Me:
"yes"myv
oicecr
acked

Mom: "Iam sor rySbahl ebutIcanf i

xi tjust
comewi t hitwheny ourfatherpicksy ouupf or
theweekend"myhomewasi nPr etori
a, Iwent
homeev eryweekendunl ess.Mymot heri sa
nurseanddadi sadoct ortheymeti nt he
hospital wher etheybot hwor kfelli
nl ov egot
mar r
iedandhadbabi es.Theylov eisj ustso
pureandamazi ngi tanotherthingt hatmakes
meenv ious.I '
venev erhadaboy fri
end, they
havebeenguy swhoaskedmeouti nhi gh
school butInev erdatedanyoft hem.Iwentt o
onedat ei nmyl i
feasaf avortomysi st eritwas
adoubl edat ewiththisguysher eallylikedand
hisyoungerbr otherwhol i
kedme.
Me:
"youwi
l
lfi
xit
?"

Mom:"
yesIwi
l
ltr
ymydangbestSbahl
edon'
t
cr
y"

Me:
"okayt
hanky
ou"

Mom:
"Il
ovey
ouokay
"

Me:"Il
ovey
outoo"weendedt
hecal
l.Ineat
ly
f
oldedmydressandputi
nasi
dei
nthecloset.

Aft
erwakingupfr
om mynapIwentt ori
nsemy
mouththenputonsneaker
s.Ipushedmyhai
r
backandputonahat.Iwalkedt
oMcDonald'
s
tobuydinner
.
Icaughthisscentbef or
eany thi
ngasIwas
standingont heli
newaitingformyor der
.Ilegi
t
hadt ocrossmyt highbecauseIf el
tpeetry
ing
tosneakout .Ifel
thisbreathonmyneckbef or
e
hesaidany t
hi ng 
Enzo:"
granny"Ij
ustprayedhedoesn'
tdo
somethi
ngt oembarrassmeinfrontofall
these
peopl
e"don'tyouknowwhatsizeclothesyou
wear"

Voice:
"McFeastandchickennuggets"avoice
brokemyprayerIquickl
yrushedtowardsitand
coll
ect
edmyf ood.Ipract
ical
lyr
anbackt ores 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Wesatinthedoctor
soff
icewai
ti
ngforhi
mto
gi
veustheresul
ts.Vumi
lewashol
dingmy
handt
ight
ly
Dr:"wel l
tost artwit
hMrsNgcobo, youare
good. "Vumi l
esqueezedmyhandt i
ghter,Ididn'
t
evenwantt ol ookathi
m becauset hiswas
sl
owl yconf ir
mi nghiswor
sef ear"Perfect
actually,yourhormonesarebal anced,your
ovulationwor kslikeacl
ocky ouhav ean
amazi ngamountofeggs.Yourwombi sclean
andr eadyi fImaysaysomy self"

Vumi
l
e:"
soi
tme?
"

Dr:"
sorr
yMrNgcobo.I
tnot
hingt
hatcan'
tbe
fi
xedthough"

Vumi
l
e:"
whati
sit
?"
Dr
:"poorsper
m mot
il
it
y"

Me:
"whati
sthat
?"

Dr:"
itwhenthesperm doesn'
tswim wel
l
enoughtoreachtheegg.Youhavethesper
ms
MrNgcobot heyjustnotwhatIwoul
dsay
str
ongandhealthy"

Vumil
e:"
soI
'
llnev
erbeabl
etogi
vemywi
fe
chi
l
dren?
"

Dr:"t
her earetr
eatment sittotal
lytreatable.
Justt hattr
eati
ngitwon'ttakel esst hanay ear.
Itwil
l incl
udechangingy ourdiet,obv i
ouslyno
alcohol andmostlynosmoki ng.Wegoi ngto
puty ouonsomesuppl ement s.200mi crograms
ofselenium alongwith400uni
tsofvi
taminE
foratleast100day sinarowthenfr
om ther
e
wewi llchangey ouri
ntakei
fwecanseesome
i
mpr ovement s"

Me:"ar
eyousurethi
swil
lworkDrbecausel
ast
t
hingwewantistorai
seourhope"

Vumile:
"I'
l
ltaket
hetreat
mentbutbesi
desi
t,i
s
ther
eanotheropt
ion?
"

Dr
:"hav
eyoul
ookedi
ntoi
nvi
tr
ofer
ti
li
zat
ion?
"

Me:
"no"IlookedatVumi
l
ehel
ookedbackat
meandsighed

Vumi
l
e:"
howwoul
dwegoaboutt
hat
?"
Dr:"Fer til
i
tymedi cat i
onsar epr escr i
bedt o
stimul ateeggpr oduct i
on.Mul ti
pl eeggsar e
desi r
edbecausesomeeggswi llnotdev el
opor
fertil
i
zeaf terretr i
ev al.At ransv agi nal
ultr
asoundi susedt oexami net heov aries,and
bloodt estsampl esar et akent ocheckhor mone
l
ev els.Eggsar er et ri
evedt hr oughami nor
surgical procedur et hatusesul trasound
i
magi ngt oguideahol lowneedl et hrought he
pelv i
ccav it
yt or emov et heeggs.Medi cat i
onis
prov i
dedt or educeandr emov epot ential.The
mal eisaskedt opr oduceasampl eofsper m,
whi chi spr eparedf orcombi ningwi ththeeggs.
Inapr ocesscal ledi nsemi nat i
on, thesper m and
eggsar emi xedt oget herandst or edi na
l
abor at orydi sht oencour agef er t
ili
zat i
on.I n
somecaseswher et herei sal owerpr obabi li
ty
off ert
ilization,int racy t
opl asmi csper mi njecti
on
(I
CSI )maybeused.Thr ought hispr ocedur e,
a
singlesper mi si nject eddi rectlyint otheeggi n
anat temptt oachi ev efer ti
lizati
on.Theeggsar e
moni toredt oconf i
rmt hatferti
lizati
onandcel l
divi
sionar et akingpl ace.Oncet hisoccurs,the
fert
il
izedeggsar econsi deredembr yos.The
embr yosar eusual lytransferr
edi ntothe
woman’ sut erust hreet ofiveday sfoll
owingegg
retr
ieval andf erti
lizati
on.Acat het erorsmal l
tubeisi nser t
edi ntot heuterust ot r
ansferthe
embr yos.Thi spr ocedur eispai nlessformost
women, althoughsomemayexper i
encemi l
d
crampi ng.Ifthepr ocedur eissuccessf ul,
i
mpl antat i
ont ypicallyoccur saroundsi xtot en
daysf oll
owi ngeggr etri
eval.
"

Vumi
l
e:"
that
'sal
ott
otakei
n"

Me:"i
sitsomet
hingyouwouldwantust
odo
baby
?"Thedoctorkeptl
ooki
ngbet
weenus

Dr
:"i
tisexpensi
veIunder
stand"
Vumil
e:"
wecanaf
for
dit
!!
"Hesnappedatt
he
doct
or

Me:
"Vumi
l
e"

Dr:"
itcanal
sobeemotional
l
yexhaust
ing.
Thereisal
soadopt
ingoryoucanj
ustwait
"

Vumi
l
e:"
we'
l
ldot
hei
nvi
tr
o"

Me:
"real
l
y?"

Vumi
l
e:"
yeah.Wel
li
fyoual
sowanti
tmyangel
"

Me:
"howl
ongwi
l
lthepr
ocesst
ake?
"
Dr
:"amont
htot
wo"Ismi
l
edbr
ight
ly

Me:"
Icoul
dbepregnantsoon"Vumi
l
esmi
l
ed
aswel
landki
ssedmyhands

Vumi
l
e:"
yesbaby
"

Thewholeri
debackhomeIcouldn'
tst
op
i
magini
ngal i
tt
leVumil
egrowi
nginme.If
ound
Si
mpiweinthekit
chendri
nki
ngwater,
hewas
st
ayi
ngwi t
huswhilei
nDurban.
Me:
"don'
tyouhav
eadat
e?"Hesmi
l
ed

Si
mpi
we:
"lat
er"

Me:"don'tpl
ayLeloSimpiweshejustgotoutof
averylongrel
ati
onshipsheisst
il
lheali
ng.If
youdon'thavegoodintent
ionsl
eaveheralone"
Simpiwe:"I'
velovedLeloev ersinceyourl
obola.
Iwasat t
ractedtoherf r
om t hefir
stti
meImet
herbackinLondonov erthreeyearsback.I
won'thurtherIpromiseIj ustneedhertogive
meachancet ogi v
eusachanceandseewher e
i
twi l
lgo.Iam getti
ngol dNobunt uthatpl
ayer
l
ifeisnotmysceneany mor eI'm overi
tIneed
tosettl
edowngi vemom umakot iand
grandchil
dren"

Me:
"mmhasazi
andy
oual
readyhav
eachi
l
d"

Simpi
we:"shutup"hesmackedt
hebackofmy
headl
ight
ly

Vumi
l
e:"
leav
emywi
feal
one"weal
ll
aughed 
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Isighedspinni ngaroundinmycl oset,I

seriousl
ycoul dn'tf
indsomet hingtowear .My
makeupwasal r
eadydone, myshor tbl
onde
curlybobper uv i
anwi galr
eadyonmyhead
alongwithhops.Iset tl
edforanof ftheshoul der
l
ongsl eevetightf i
tt
ingcream whi t
emaxi dress
andnudepi nkheel s,Igrabbedmywhi t
eclutch
andwentdownst air
s.Thegirlswer erunning
aroundthet vr oom whilemom waswat chingtv
Ley
la:
"pr
ett
ymama"

Me:
"thanky
ouhoney
"

Jaz:
"sopr
ett
y"Bel
l
atouchedme,
brushi
ngme
Bel
l
a:"
real
l
ypr
ett
ymah"It
hankedt
hem

Sky:
"wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?Iwantt
ogowi
th
you"

Me: "
noy ougoingt
ostayher
eandwatchy our
si
sters.Youall
begoodforever
yoneokay?Let
gr
andmat uckyoui
nandgotobedintime"

Sky
:"butIwantt
ogo"shest
ompedherf
eet

Me:"
li
tt
legirl
,whoyoustompingyourf
eetat
?
Youwon'tgetdeser
taf
terdi
nner"

Sky:"
okaysor
ry"mom l
aughed.Iki
ssedal
lthei
r
for
eheads
Me:"mommyl
ovesy
oual
ltot
hemoont
hesun
andback"

Them:
"themoont
hesunandback"

MycardooropenedafterIparked.Il
ookedat
hi
m withasmil
eslowlyshakingmyheadbef or
e
Itookmybagfrom t
hepassengerseatand
gavehi
m myhand,hehel pedmeout
Si
mpiwe:"
hi"hespunmearoundslowl
ythen
ki
ssedmycheek"youl
ookbreat
htaki
ngas
al
waysLel
othando"

Me:
"thanky
ouandy
oucl
eanupr
eal
l
ywel
l
"

Si
mpiwe:"
try
ingt
oimpress"Icoul
dn'
thel
pbut
st
areathi
sli
psashespoke.Hisli
pswere
pinkishandhi sbot t
om li
pwasf ul
landkinda
wetIj ustwant edtopulli
tbetweenmyt eeth
"l
et'sgeti nbeautif
ul"wewalkedinthe
restaurantwithhim holdi
ngmyhand
"reservati
onfort wo,Jama"thehostessbatted
herey elashes

Her:"r
ightthi
swayMrJama"shebr ushedhis
arm asshepassedhi m.Wef oll
owedhert oa
pri
vateroom.Simpiwepulledoutachai rforme
andpushedi nwhenIhadsatdownbef or
ehe
satdown" Iwil
lsendyourwaiterforthenight"
shepushedherbr east
stohisf acebuthe
wasn'tevenpayingatt
enti
ont oherjuststari
ng
atme

Si
mpi
we:
"thanky
ou"shewal
kedout

Me:
"doest
hatal
way
shappen?
"
Si
mpiwe:
"whatbabe?
"Heheldmyhandsand
br
ushedt
hem wit
hhisthumbs

Me:
"thatchi
cki
tat
hrowi
ngher
sel
faty
ou"

Si
mpi
we:
"aahno?
"Ir
oll
edmyey
es

Me:
"li
ar"hesmi
l
ed

Afteranamazi
ngdi
nnerwetookawal
k.The
restaur
antwasbyt
hebeach.
 
Si
mpi
we:
"soy
out
woar
etr
ulydone?
"

Me:
"yeah"

Si
mpi
we:
"peopl
ewhohav
echi
l
drenar
enev
er
t
rul
ydonet
hough"

Me:"doesthatmeanyounotdonewi
ththe
motherofyourchi
ld?
"Hechuckl
edandtookof
f
hisj
acketandputi
tonmyshoulder
s"thank
you"

Simpi
we: "
youwelcome.Iam donewi t
hLisa'
s
mom, wehadLisawhenwewer einhighschool
andLi
sais16sobel i
evemether eisnobaby
mamadr ama"

Me: "
wellIalsodon'
thavebabymamadrama"
helaughedatmyl amejokemakingmesmil
e
"whenarey ouleav
ing?
"

Simpi
we:"wealreadydoneforthi
syearsoI'
m
heref
ortherestoftheyearbutIl
eave
i
mmedi at
elyaft
erNewYear sfort
rai
ningwhi
ch
i
sgoodbecauseIhat
eLondonChri
stmasI'
m
al
waysal
onether
eoratafri
end'
shouse"

Me:"whydoesn'
tyourf
ami
lyv
isi
tyout
ospend
Chr
istmaswit
hyousometi
mes?"

Si
mpiwe:
"Li
sacomes.Mymot
heri
sscar
edof
fl
yi
ng"

Me:
"soshe'
snev
erbeent
oLondont
ovi
sit
?"

Si
mpi
we:
"nopewhi
chsucks"

Me:"sor
ry.Weshoul
dtur
nandhadbackIdon'
t
l
ikedri
vi
ngwhenit'
stool
ate"

Si
mpi
we:
"ifonl
yyouhadal
l
owedmet
opi
ck
y
ouup.I
'
lldr
ivebehi
ndy
ouunt
ily
ougethome"

Me:"I
'
dli
kethat"westoppedwal
ki
ngand
l
ookedateachother
.Hecuppedmyface
Si
mpiwewast al
l

Simpiwe:
"Ican'
tthanky
ouenoughf
orf
inal
l
y
agreei
ngtothi
s"

Me:"ev
enthoughyoutr
ickedme"hegav
emea
gor
geoussmilehi
seyesshinni
ng

Si
mpi
we:
"you'
vebeensay
ingnof
ory
ear
s"

Me:"
Iwasinarelat
ionshipSimpi
weandIhat
e
t
hatyoudi
dn'
trespectthat"
Si
mpiwe:"sor
rymyl
oveI
'
mjustusedt
ogoi
ng
af
terwhatIwant
"

Me:
"itsexyt
oacer
tai
next
ent
"

Si
mpi
we:
"yout
hinkI
'
m sex
y?"

Me:
"ohGod!ofcour
set
hat
'swhaty
ouhear
d"

Simpiwe:"
yes"hewhi sper
edandcamecloser
sl
owlyuntil
hepr essedhiscol
dli
psonmi ne
andpartedmyl i
psslowlywekissedandIswear
Ifel
tsomethingexplodewithi
nme. 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥
Thingshav ebeenal i
ttl
eawkwar dbet ween
LonhleandIsi ncethatwholeaccident.Idon't
knowhowmuchHehear df
rom the
conversati
onIwashav i
ngwi t
hSabel obutt hat
weekendwasj ustawful.Wespental lofiti
nt he
penthouset henMondayhedr oppedmeof fat
thestudiobef oregoingt ot
heai r
port.NowIam
waiti
ngf orhim attheairporti
nDur bant opick
meupbutf ort hefir
sttimesincewemethei s
l
ate.Itakemyphoneoutandcal lhi
m 
Lonhl
e:"
Isentadr
iverheshoul
dbet
her
esoon"

Me:
"younotcomi
ng?
"

Lonhle:"di
dn'tIj
ustsaythatindi
ff
erentwords?"
Igroanedt r
yingtocontainmyanger,i
twasst i
l
l
tooearlyinourrelat
ionshipt
ohavemebl owing
up
Me:"whatev
er"j
ustasIendedthecal
lamani
n
shadesandasuitwit
hablackshir
tcamet
ome

Hi
m:"
MsAmi
l
e?"

Me:
"yes"

Him:"I
'm her
etopickyouup"Inoddedand
star
tedwalki
ng.Ihadn'
tcarr
iedabagsinceI
nowhadcl ot
hesinLonhle'
sapar
tment.

Hewasn'
tinhi
sapar
tmentwhenIarr
ivedthere.
Feel
i
ngevenmorepassedof
fIcal
l
edhi m again
Lonhl
e:"
yes?
"

Me:
"wher
ear
eyou?
"
Lonhl
e:"
I'
m att
heof
fi
ceandI
'
m busy
"

Me:
"youcoul
dhav
etol
dme"

Lonhle:"
iam atworkanditisreall
ybusyI'
llsee
youlater
,orderyour
sel
fdinnerIwon'tbehome
until
real
lylat
e"hehunguponme.Li kehe
fucki
nghunguponme.If eltli
kegetti
ngona
planegoingbacktoJhb.Iwentt ohisroom
tookthecarkeysandleftgoingtoseeKate.

Kat
emetmeout si
det hehouse.Sheandher
boyf
ri
endMj werestayingwit
hMj '
sfamil
yfor
awhi
le,whi
l
er enov
atingthei
rnewhouse.
Kat
e:"
heyboot
hang"wehugged

Me:
"hey
"
Kate:"
geti
n"wewenti
ngoi
ngt
otheki
tchen
"gotwinei
nthef
ri
dge"

Me:
"pl
ease"shesmi
l
ed

Kat
e:"
str
essed?
"

Me:"Lonhl
eisdr
ivi
ngmecr
azy
,ev
ersi
ncet
he
Sabel
oshit
"

Kate:"
shamemanIsawSabel o'
smatchearl
ier
todayMansonwaswatchi
ngapparentl
ySabelo
won'tbeabl
etopl
ayunti
lfur
thernot
ice"

Me:
"atl
easthi
skneei
sjustf
ract
ured"
Kate:
"ohyouhome?
"It
urnedandsawMj
'
s
fat
herManson

Manson:
"justgoti
n.Hel
l
o"

Me:
"hey
"

Kat
e:"
your
emembermyf
ri
endAmi
l
e"

Manson:"yesLonhl
e'
sgir
l.I
'
lll
eav
eyougi
rl
sto
yourgossi
p"hewalkedaway

Me:
"yourf
atheri
nlawi
ssohot
"

Kate:"
youshouldseeMj '
sgrandpa,Bay
andahe
i
sat wintheyarebothfr
eakingGreekGodsIt
ell
you.Apparent
lyeventhegreatgr
andpawasa
hot
ti
e"

Kat
eandIendedupgoi ngoutfordinner
.After
di
nnerIwentbackhomeonl yt
of i
ndoutLonhle
wassti
llnotback.Ij
usttookashowert hen
wenttobed.Ilai
dont hebedaskingmy sel
fwhy
di
dIevenbot herwit
hcomi nghere.
[
03/
20,
10:
47]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t43

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Iwokeupf eeli
ngwar m,toowarm and
suff
ocated.Withmyf acepressedonahar d
bri
ckofmuscl esthatbelongtoLonhl
e'sbody.I
mov edmyf aceandtriedgett
ingoutofhishold
Lonhl
e:"
baby
"hehel
dmet
ight
er

Me:"
letgoofmempil
onhl
e"hemov
edback
andl
ookeddownatmyface

Lonhl
e:"
youangr
y?"

Me:
"fucky
eahsmar
tpant
s"hegr
oaned

Lonhl
e:"
wat
chhowy
out
alkt
ome"

Me:
" y
oudon'tgett
ogivemet
hataut
hor
it
ytone
Mpi
lonhl
e,y
oudonot !
!"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
mri
ghtnextt
oyoudon'
tyel
l
"hel
etgo
ofmeandgetof
fthebed
Me:"
arey
ougoi
ngtoexpl
ainLonhl
e?Idon'
t
ev
enknowwhatt
imeyoucamehome"

Lonhl
e:"aft
ermidnight
.Iwasatworkseri
ousl
y
andIhavetogobackt otheoff
icetodaywe
haveacrisi
s.Iwil
ltrymybestt
obehomeear ly
thenIcantakeyouout,wecancatchamov i
e
anddinner"

Me:"
itj
ustwor
k?"Henodded"
youpr
omi
se?
"
Hesmil
edandkissedme

Lonhle:"
Ipromi
se"heki
ssedmeagai nwhil
e
cli
mbingbackinbedandgotbetweenmyl egs
"Iam sorr
yaboutmybehaviory
est
erday,I
shoul
dhav etol
dyouIwon'tbeabl
etopicky ou
upandt hatwor
kwasbusy"

Me:
"yesy
oushoul
dhav
e"hest
art
edki
ssi
ngmy
neck

Lonhl
e:"
Ilov
eyou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Isati
nthecl
osetwat
chi
nghim getdr
essedand
admir
edhisl
ooks.Hewal
kedtomeandpul l
ed
meup.Ifi
xedhist
iet
hendi
dhiscuffl
inks
Lonhl
e:"
Ifeel
mar
ri
ed"

Me:
"ist
hishowi
tfeel
s?"

Lonhl
e: "
yes.Youscreami
ngatmebecauseI
camehomel at
eandy oufi
xi
ngmyti
eandcuff
s.
Surefeel
slikemarr
iagetome"heki
ssedmy
for
ehead
Me:
"thenwemykingaremar
ri
ed"Ist
oodon
mytoesandki
ssedhi
m.Hegrabbedmyass

Lonhl
e:"
I'
ll
behomeear
ly"heper
kedmyl
i
ps
andIwal
kedhimtot
hedoor

Me:
"Il
ovey
oui
nasui
tbaby
"

Lonhl
e:"
Ithoughty
oul
ovedmenaked"Ihi
thi
s
stomach

Me:
"younotf
unny
"

Lonhl
e:"Later
smyqueen"Isi
ghedaft
erl
ocki
ng
thedoorfeeli
ngmyhear
tover
flowi
ngwit
hlove.
Ispentt
hedaylayi
ngaroundbeingbusywit
h
myphoneandreadingmyscriptunt
ilLonhl
e
camebackfrom work.

Me: "
Ican'
tbeliev
ey oumademewat chan
act
ionmov ie"helaughedbr
ingingmeclosert
o
hi
ssideaswewal kedtotherestaur
antaf
ter
watchingJusti
ceLeague

Lonhl
e:"
don'
tactl
i
key
oudi
dn'
tenj
oyi
t"

Me:
"ohGodIdi
dbaby
!Wonderwomani
sli
fe"

Lonhl
e:"
andshe'
shott
oo"

Me:
"hey
"Iel
bowedhi
m
Lonhle:"soabusi
ve"hestoppedwal
kingandI
l
ookedathi m wit
hasill
ysmi l
eonmyf ace"my
parents"Il
ookedforwar
dandsawt hem about
tostopinf r
ontofus

Sne:"t
hisishowwehav
en'
tseeny
ouhome
recent
ly"

Lonhle:"
mom"hewhi
nedmaki
nghi
sdad
chuckle

Sf
undo:
"whoi
sthi
sbeaut
if
uly
oungl
ady
"

Lonhle:"
thi
sismygir
lf
riendAmi l
eMotaung,
Amilethesearemyparents"hi
sparent
slooked
sogoodt oget
her
.Hismom balancedhisfat
her
col
ddemeanorwi t
hhersweetandcal m one
Me:
"itsoni
cet
omeety
oubot
h"

Sne:"i
tnicet
omeetyoutooAmil
eyoureal
ly
pret
ty"shehuggedmeandhi
sfat
hershookmy
hand

Me:
"youal
soabsol
utel
ybeaut
if
ulMr
sMkhi
ze"

Sne:
"justcal
lmeSnesweet
iei
tisf
ine.What
arey
out wokidsupt
o?"

Lonhl
e:"
justfi
nishedwat
chi
ngamov
iewewer
e
aboutt
ogr abdi
nner"

Sne:
"youcanj
oinus"

Sf
undo:
"nope.Wehav
inganusni
ght
,Il
eftwor
k
becausey
ouwant edanusni
ghtregar
dlessof
howbusyitwas"hismom r
oll
edhereyes

Sne:"
yeahyeah"hesmi
leddownatherbefor
e
cuppi
ngherfaceandki
ssi
ng,Lonhl
egroaned

Lonhl
e:"ever
ysinglet
ime!Theyal
wayskissi
ng
ordoingsomethinggr
oss.Mom! !
"Theypull
ed
apart

Sf
undo:
"shutupandby
e"hehel
dherhandand
st
art
edwalki
ngaway

Sne:
"bri
nghertothehousesoonLonhl
e"she
l
etherhusbandl
eadheraway

Me:
"yourpar
ent
slooksoi
nlov
e"
Lonhl
e:"beent
hat'
swaysincebefor
eIwasborn,
don'
trememberthem ev
erfight
ingwel
lbesi
des
thel
ooksofdisappr
ovalmom sendsdad
sometimes"

Me:"t
hat'
snice.Mom anddadf
ightsomet
imes
i
tgetssobadIj ustt
akeReawi
thmeandwego
geti
cecream"

Lonhle:
"sorr
ybabyIcan'
ti
magi
newhatt
hat
mustbel i
ke.soyour
eadytomeett
her
estof
myf amil
ysoon?"

Me:
"aahnope"

Lonhl
e:"
whaty
oumeanno?You'veal
readymet
myparent
sandthat
'st
hewor
st"Isi
ghed
Me:
"Ihavesomet
hingt
otel
lyou"It
ookasi
pof
mywine

Lonhl
e:"
I'
mli
steni
ng"

Me:"Idon'tknowhowmuchy ouhear
dfr
om my
l
it
tl
econv ersati
onwi
thSabel
o"

Lonhl
e:"
tel
lmewhaty
ouwantmet
oknow"

Me:"wel
luhm.Your
ememberhowLel owalked
i
nonSabelowit
hanothergi
rl
?"IswearIdi
dn'
t
know"

Lonhle:"
tel
lthatwasn'
tyouAmile?Tel
lyou
aren'
tthereasonIwatchedmysisterf
all
apar
t
andalmostf al
lint
odepressi
on"
Me: "
IswearIdidn'
tknowuntil
thedayshe
caughtus.Sabelonevert
oldhi
m hewasina
rel
ati
onshipl
etaloneengaged"

Lonhl
e:"
Jesus"her
anhi
shandupanddown
hi
sheadmessinguphi
sfade

Me:"Iam sorr
yLonhl
e,pl
easedon'
that
eme"I
bi
tli
phardt r
yingt
opushbackmytears

Lonhle:"
Icouldnev erhatey ouAmi l
e,Il
ov eyou
toomuch.Thi sj
ustmakesmewannaki l
lthat
dogmor e"hereachedf ormychi nandpressed
hisli
psonmi ne"itokay .Iwill
speakt oLelolet
herknowhowcr azyIam abouty ouandt hatit
i
sn'tyourfaul
tever yt
hingwi l
lbef i
ne.Il
ov eyou
Ami l
enothingwillchanget hat"Inoddedwi pi
ng
myt ear
s
Me:"Il
oveyoutoo.Il
oveyousomuch"we
ki
ssedunti
lourwait
resscl
ear
edhert
hroat
makinguspull
apart.
 
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Muz
i:"
doyouhavet
ogo?
"Myl
i
ttl
ebr
othergav
e
mepuppydogey
es

Me:
"yesMuzi
Ihav
eschool
"Igav
ehi
m ahug

Dad:"
youknowIcandr
opy
ouof
fint
he
morni
ngpumpki
n"

Me:
"noIneedt
ost
udy
"
Mom:
"wel
lwewi
l
lmi
ssy
ou"

Me:"
Iam homeeveryweekend"Ihav
ehera
hugt
hendadandIleft

Dad:
"school
isgood?
"

Me:
"yesdad"

Dad:
"youwer
ehav
ingdi
ff
icul
tywi
thst
ati
sti
cs"

Me:
"yesbutI
'
mtr
yingr
eal
l
yhar
d"

Dad:"
engineer
ingishar
dSbahl ebutyouare
smartyouwillmakeitt
hroughjustdon'
tfor
get
tohaveasociall
if
e.Univer
sit
yismor et
hanjust
aboutbooksi
twher
eyougett
oexper
iencel
i
fe"

Me:
"Iknowdad"

Dad:"
good.Ist
il
ldon'
thav
etoshootnoboy
ri
ght
?"

Me:
"yesy
oudon'
t"

Dad:
"doIneedt
oshootagi
rl
?"

Me:
"dad!
!Iam notgay
"

Dad:"t
her
eisnothingwrongwi
thbei
nggay
yourGodmotherisgay"

Me:
"yesandIl
oveKy
li
ebutIam notgay
"he
l
aughed

Dad:
"okay
"

Me:
"JesusChr
istdadst
op"

Dad:"
heyIdi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng"Igr
oaned"
you
soundl
ikeapi
g"

Me:
"I'
l
ltel
lmom ony
ou"

Dad:
"youwoul
dn'
t"

Me:"t
ryme"heputhi
shandonhi
schestact
ing
hur
t

Dad:
"myowndaught
erwoul
dputmeont
he
f
ir
ingl
i
nel
i
ket
hat
"Il
aughedathi
m

Me:
"whatt
imedoesy
ourshi
ftendt
oni
ght
?"

Dad:
"05:
30Ihat
eni
ghtshi
ft
s"

Me:
"youal
way
scompl
aini
ng"

Dad:
"I'
m ent
it
ledt
oitpumpki
n"

Aft
erdaddr oppedmeof fIr
eali
zedt hatIwas
ourofredbullsandIneededt ostudysoI
deci
dedt ogot othegarage.Igottherebought
fewredbull
sandwi negums.AsIwaswal ki
ng
backtoresabmwx6sl oweddownnextt ome
andthepassengerseatwi ndowr ol
leddownI
j
usthuffed 
Enzo:
"weget
ti
nganat
ti
tudear
en'
twe?Geti
n"
Me:
"no"

Enzo:
"getint
hefucki
ngcargr
anny!Don'
tmake
mecauseascene"Iswal
lowedalumpandgot
i
n,hedroveoffi
naspeed

Me:
"w-
wher
eyout
aki
ngme?
"

Enzo:"
didn'
tyourpar
ent
stel
lyout
onotgeti
n
str
anger'
scars"

Me:
"younotast
ranger
"hechuckl
ed

Enzo:
"soy
out
hinky
ouknowme?
"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat
"
Enzo:
"youshoul
dn'
twal
kar
oundal
oneatni
ght
"

Me: "
I'
m notscar
edandi
tnotf
ar.You'
ve
passedmyr esEnzo"

Enzo:
"Iknow"

Me:
"wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
!!
"

Enzo:
"youf
orget
ti
ngwhoy
ouspeaki
ngt
o"

Me:
"s-
sor
ryb-
butIwantt
oknow"

Enzo:"
Ineedt
odropoffsomethi
ngatmy
cousi
n'
shouseinmorni
ngside"
Me:
"youcan'
ttakemet
omor
ningsi
de!
"

Enzo:"i
tsocutethatyouthi
nky ouhav
easay "I
huff
edandlookedoutt hewindow"don'
tyou
j
ustlookadorabl
e,li
keanangr ychi
pmunk"

Me:
"Idonotl
ookl
i
keachi
pmunk"

Enzo: "
mmh"t herestoftheridewassi l
ence
withjustmusicplayi
nguntilwepulledupatt hi
s
beautif
ulhouse.Heparkedt hecarandgotout ,I
thoughthewasgoi ngtoleavemei nt hecarbut
hecamet omysideandopenedt hedoorforme
thentookmyhandaswewal kedtothedoor.I
couldn'
tevenprocesswhatwashappeni ng
hav i
nghisbighandholdmi newassendi ng
forei
gnshockwav esthr
oughmybody .Hedidn'
t
knockwej ustgotinandwewer emetbyan
adorableboyatthefoyer
Boy:
"uncleEnt
o!!
"Enzopi
ckedhi
m upbutst
il
l
di
dn'
tletgoofmyhand

Enzo:"
lookaty
ouSbual
lgr
own,
wher
eisy
our
brot
her?"

Sbu:
"sl
eepi
ng,
hefell
sohewascr yi
ngt
hen
mommymadehi m sl
eep"heputt
heboydown

Enzo:"gotel
lyourf
atherIam here"t
his
col
ouredgorgeoustall
ladygotinthelounge,
shelookedli
keamodel

Lady:
"Enzohey
"theyhuggedandheki
ssedher
cheek

Enzo:
"heyKel
l
y.Thi
sisSbahl
e,Sbahl
ethi
sis
mycousi
n'
swi
feKel
l
y"

Kell
y:"
sonicetofi
nal
l
ymeetEnzo'
sgirl
andy ou
didgoodEnzomyGodsheisgorgeouslookat
thesebi
gbrightey
essheev
enhasdimples"

Man:"youscaringthekidKel
l
y"Ilookedathim
thenaskedmy selfi
fevery
oneinEnzo'sf
ami l
y
wasgor geousbecausethemanlookedlikehe
j
ustcameoutofamagazi neshoot"heybro"he
andEnzoshoul derhugged

Enzo:
"sup.Sbahl
ethi
sisSbani
mycousi
n"

Me:"
hell
o"Sbani
lookedatmewi
thar
aised
ey
ebrow

Sbani
:"wel
lshei
sdi
ff
erent
"If
eltmyhear
tsi
nk
becauseIdi
dn'
tknowwhatt
hatmeant

Enzo:
"Iknow.Ihav
eyourst
uffi
nmycar
"

Sbani
:"l
et'
sgeti
tthen"

Enzo:
"Kel
lyIwil
lseey
ousomeot
hert
ime"he
ki
ssedhercheek

Kell
y:"
lat
er"shewal
kedawaysi
ppi
ngonher
wineandwewentoutside

Sbani
:"mom coul
dn'
twai
tformet
ocome
home"

Enzo:"
youknowhowauntySi
hlei
s"heopened
thebootandt
ookoutahugeboxgavei
tto
Sbani

Sbani
:"t
hanksman.I
twasgoodtomeetyou
Sbahl
ehopeful
l
ywewi l
lseey
ouaround"

Me: "
nicemeeti
ngyouaswell
"wegotinand
Enzodr ov
eoffandi
twasall
sil
enceunti
lhe
parkedoutsi
demyres"uhm,t
hankyou?"

Enzo:
"sur
e"Igotoutoft
hecar
.

MyphonebeepedasIgotinmyroom andi
t
wasatextf
rom anumberIdi
dn'
tknow

*
youf
orgotoneofy
ourr
edbul
l
sinmycar
*

Ist
aredatt
hesmsi
nshockbecauseIdi
dn'
t
ev
enknowhehadnumber
 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Vumi l
eandIwer ebothpacingaroundi nour
bathroom.Thewhol epr ocesshasbeen
emot i
onallyexhaust
ingt heinj
ect
ionsthatIhad
totakemessedupwi t
hmyhor monesi nar eal
l
y
badwayf ort
unatel
yIdidn'thavetotaket hem
forlong.Wewer esupposedt owaitforour
appointmentnextweekt oseeiftheinv i
trowas
asuccessbutwej ustcouldn't
.Whichiswhy
ri
ghtnowwewer efreaki
ngoutwai ti
ngf orthe
result
sfrom thehomepr egnancytest.
 
Vumi
le:
"fi
veminutesi
sov
er"It
ookt
het
estand
mybodyjustst
art
edtr
embli
ng
Me: "
ohmyGod"Vumil
elookedati
tthenpul
l
ed
met ohi
sbody,
Ibur
iedmyfaceonhischest
cr
yingoutl
oudl
ywit
hmybodyshaking

Vumil
e:"i
tokay"heki
ssedmyhead"
wealr
eady
hav
eexperienceandwegoi
ngtobeamazi
ng
par
ents"

Me:
"wehav
ingababy
!!
"
[
03/
20,
10:
47]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t44

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Iwokeupi
nthemor
ningduet
omyal
arm.Igot
offthebedandmadei t
.Itookoffmypy jamas
thenwentt ost andi nfr
ontofmyf ul
l l
ength
mirror
,Iwasgoi ngt ogetmyper i
odssoon.My
bodyalway schangeswhenI '
m aboutto.My
breastsgetbi gger,causi
ngmynor mal size32D
brafeelti
ghtert hanusual.Myassal sogr ows
whichmom say sisweirdandIam alreadyon
thethi
cksi de.I'
m asi ze34butIalway sbuy36
j
ustsoIdon' tshowmybodybel owl i
kemy
thi
ghsar ethickandIhav eanassbutont hetop
I'
m anext r
asmal l
.Iam ami xtur
eofmypar ents
mom i sdarkwhi l
edadi sli
ghtski
nnedandIam
caramel.

Aft
ershower i
ngIgotbackt omyr oom, l
otioned
mybodyt henstart
edget t
ingdressed.Iputona
navylosehi ghwaistmaxi ski
rtwit
hawhi t
et-
shi
rttuckedi nandwhitesandals.Ifi
xedmy
str
aightbackspr ayi
ngitwi t
hhairspraythenI
wenttot hecommunal kit
chentofrysomeeggs
andbaconf orbr
eakfast.WhenIwasdone
eat
ingbr
eakfastIt
ookmybackpackandt
ook
boxandwalkedtomyfi
rstcl
ass.

Aftermyl astcl
assf orthedayIwalkedt ot he
cafet eri
at obuymy selfsomethi
ngtoeat .AsI
wal kedoutIsawEnzoandhi sfri
endsIj ust
foundmy sel
fsmili
ngf orasecondbef oreI
noticedt hatasusual hehadsomegi r
l sitt
ingin
hisl apshehadherbackonmesoIcoul dn'tsee
herf ace.Shewaswear i
ngdenim bum shor t
s,
herbut tcheekshangi ngoutwi t
habr at op.She
kissedhi mt henwhi speredsomethingt ohim
causi nghi mtochuckl eandkissherneck.I
quickl ylookeddownandt ri
edmybestt obe
i
nv i
si blet othem butitdidn'
tworkout.

Sbo:"
heymagogo!"Theywerenowst
andingin
fr
ontofmebesidesEnzowhowassti
llsi
tti
ng
wit
hhisar
m aroundthegi
rl
swaist
Chri
s:"
whatdoyouhavether
e?Ihaven'
thad
l
unch"het
ookmyf oodandopenedit"y
um.
Wingsmyfavor
it
e"hestar
tedeat
ingmyf ood

Adam:"youshoul
dn'
tbeeatingj
unkgrannyyou
don'
tneedtolookworse"t
heyal
llaughedbut
whatbrokemyheartwasthatev
enEnzo
l
aughed

Gir
l:"
youreall
yneedtobuynewclot
hesthatf
it
yougranny.Thi
sisJozinott
hebhuduz
"

Enzo:"
may
bey
oushoul
dtakehershoppi
ng
baby"

Gi
rl
:"Ishoul
d"

Sbo:
"I'
l
lev
engi
vey
ousomecash"It
urnedsoI
couldgobackt owardsthecafeter
iasincethey
wereblocki
ngmywaybutAdam t r
ippedmeand
Ifel
lwit
hmyf acefi
rstIcri
edoutasIf elt
somethingbreak.Istoodupandbl oodwasj ust
runni
ngoutofmynosel ikewaterrunningoutof
atap

Chri
s:"
nowyoul
ookbetter
"Ipi
ckedupmyt ool
boxandrant
omyres.Icarst
oppednextt
ome
anduncl
eKyl
ecameout

Kyl
e:"
whathappened?
"Her
ushedtomeand
hel
dmychinlooki
ngatmyf
aceIjustcr
ied
l
ouder

Me:
"If
ell
,i
thur
tssobad"

Kyl
e:"
letmetakeyoutothehospit
al"hel
edme
tohi
scarIgotinandheputmyt hi
ngsinthe
backseatanddr
oveof
f.Hecal
l
edmydad

Dad:
"Ky
le"

Kyl
e:"
I'm wi
thSbahleshefel
landhitherf
aceI
thi
nkhernoseisbrokenI'
mtakinghertothe
hospi
tal
"

Dad:"shi
tI'
l
lbether
esoonletmecall
hermom"
Iwantedtotel
lhi
mt onotcomebutIreal
l
y
wantedmymom

Ky
le:
"cool
"heendedt
hecal
l"howbadi
sit
?"

Me:
"itr
eal
l
ypai
nful
"

Ky
le:
"yougoi
ngt
obeokayangel
"uncl
eKy
le
wasmyGodmot her
'stwinbr
other.Hi
m,kyl
i
e
anddadwentt
omedi cal
schooltoget
her
.

Mypar entsarri
vedaf t
erIhadgottenmynose
f
ixed.Itwasr eal
lybrokenbutthepainwasa
l
it
tlebetterduetothemor phineshotIhad
r
eceivedwhenIar r
ivedintheemer gencyr
oom.
Mom:"ohmybaby"sheper
kedmyl
i
ps"
how
youf
eeli
ng?Youl
ookawful
"

Me:
"geet
hanksmom"dadchuckl
ed

Dad:
"howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Me:
"thepai
nisal
i
ttl
ebet
ter
"

Dad:
"whathappened?
"
Me:"It
ri
ppedonast
oneIwasn'
twear
ingmy
gl
asses"

Mom:
"andy
ourl
enses?
"

Me:
"wasn'
twear
ingt
hem aswel
l
"Il
i
ed

Mom:"shamebaby
"shehuggedme"y
ouhav
ea
badbr
uisebuty
ougoi
ngtobeokay
"

Me:
"itwashur
ti
ngsobad"

Dad:
"wel
lthedoct
ori
slet
ti
ngy
ougo.Let
'
sgo
home"

Me:
"Ican'
tgohomeIam f
ewweeksawayf
rom
exams"mom si
ghed

Mom:"daddywi
l
ltakey
out
ocampusi
nthe
mor
ning"

Me:
"nomom Ineedt
ost
udy
"

Mom:
"but
"

Dad:
"letherMbal
i
"mom si
ghed

Mom:
"okay
"

Aft
erbuyi
ngmelotofjunkf
oodanddi
nnermy
parent
sdr
oppedmeof fatr
eswher
eIsleptas
soonasIgoti
nmyr oom.
Iwaswokenupbysomeonebangi ngonmy
door.Irubbedmyf acet
henwincedasIhurtmy
nose.Igotoffthebedandwenttoopenthe
dooronlytogetpushedbackinmyr oom.He
l
ockedt hedoorandswitchedontheli
ght
sI
wasj ustl
ookingathiminshock
Me:"whatarey
oudoi
ngher
e?Howdoy
ouev
en
knowmyr oom?"

Enzo:"
Icamet
ocheckony
ou.Howi
syour
nose?
"

Me:
"youneedt
oleav
eEnzo"

Enzo:
"howi
syournose?
"

Me:"i
tbr
oken"guil
tandpai
nfi
ll
edhi
sey
es
bef
orehequickl
ycover
editwi
thhi
m
emot
ionl
essexpr
essi
on

Enzo:
"howbadi
sit
?"

Me:
"itpai
nful
"

Enzo:
"sor
ry"

Me: "
whatisgoingonEnzo?Youconf usi
ngme,
onemomenty oubeingaj erkasyoualwaysdo
thenthenextyouhere"helookedar
oundthe
room rubbi
ngthebackofhisneck

Enzo:"ther
e'snothi
ngconfusi
ngther
e.Just
becauseIcamet ocheckonyoudoesn'
tmean
wef r
iendsIsti
lldon'
tli
keyou"
Me:"oh"si
l
encepassedbet
weenus"
Inev
er
sai
dy oumyfri
end"

Enzo:"
butt
hat'
swhatyouwer ethinki
ng.Iknow
gi
rlsl
i
keyou,sopathet
ic"Igaspedandtri
edt o
pushbackmytearsbuttheyfel
l

Me:
"leav
e"

Enzo:"y
oudon'
tgett
otel
lmewhatt
odo!
!"He
snapped

Me: "l
eaveEnzo! !"Hewal kedtowardsmeandI
keptmov ingbackunt i
l Ihitmydesk" l
eavep-
pleaseIcan'ttakei tany m.."Hecoveredhisl
i
ps
withmi nekissingmef astandhar d.Whenhe
noticedIwasn' tkissi
nghi m backorgiv
inghi
m
accesst omymout hbebi t
emybot tom li
pI
gaspedandt hatgav ehi m accessheswepthis
tongueinmymout htast
ingmeIcoul dn'thel
p
themoant hatbrokeoutofme.Hi shandswent
downunt i
lhereachedmyass, hegrabbedit
bri
ngingmybodyev encl
osert ohi
s.After
awhilehepull
edback, wewer enothi
ng
breathi
ngheavil
yIcouldn'tl
ookathim

Enzo:"
fuck!I
fy outell
anybodyaboutthi
sI'
ll
makey ourl
if
emor emiserabl
e"hewalkedout
ofmyroom bangi ngthedoorleavi
ngmef r
ozen
whereIwasst andingwit
hmyf i
nger
stouchi
ng
myswol l
enli
ps.  
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Isatontopofhi
m straddl
i
nghi
m, het
ookof
f
hisavi
ator
sandlookedatmewithasmir
k 
Lonhl
e:"
whaty
ouupt
o?"

Me:
"I'
m bor
ed"Iwhi
ned

Lonhl
e:"butyousaidyouwantedtosunbath
andwatchpeopl e"wei
nTanzaniaathi
s
fat
her
'sresort,
hehastowor kandIwasalr
eady
doneshootingfortheyearsoIcamewit
hhim

Me:
"yeahandnowI
'
m bor
ed"

Lonhl
e:"wanttogobacktoourvi
l
la"west
ay i
ng
i
nav i
ll
athatisbui
lti
nthemiddl
eofthewater

Me:"anddowhat ?
"Hegav emeanaught
ysmil
e
"
nonoLonhl emypussycan'tt
akeany
more"he
l
aughedloudlybur
yinghi
sfaceonmyneck
Lonhl
e:"
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng"

Me:
"Iknowt
hatl
ookMrMkhi
ze"

Lonhl
e:"
there'
snot
hingwrongwit
hmewant
ing
tomakelovetomybeauti
fulgi
rl
"

Me:"
wehardl
ysl
eptl
astni
ghtLonhle.You
won'
tbeget
ti
nganyf
ortherestofourtr
ipher
e"

Lonhl
e:"
youcr
azy
"

Me:"
Iam seri
ous"hest
oodupandrani
ntot
he
wat
er"Lonhl
e!!
"Hewouldn'
tst
opl
aughi
ng

Lonhl
e:"
Ilov
eyou"het
hrewmeupandIl
anded
i
nthewaterwit
hahugespl
ashhepul
l
edmeup
Me:
"yousoowemenewhai
rMr
!!
"

Lonhl
e:"I
'
llbuyawholeboxofhai
rI'
dyouwant
"
hecuppedmyf aceandki
ssedmeslowly

Me:
"Il
oveyou"hel
if
tedmeupandIwrapped
myl
egsaroundhi
swaistashewal
kedoutof
t
hewater

Lonhl
e:"
Ihav
eaconf
erencecal
li
nanhour
"

Me:"al
otcanbedonei
nanhour
"Iki
ssedhi
s
neck

Lonhl
e:"
somuchforyourpussyhur
ti
ng"hewas
walki
ngtowar
dsourv
ill
a
Me:
"youknowIcan'
tresi
sty
ou"

Lonhl
e:"
whocanr esi
stall
this?
"Ismackedthe
backofhi
sheadandhechuckl ed"i
ttheMkhize
l
ooksbabeithar
dt or
esist"

Me:
"shutupbef
oreIcl
osemyl
egs"hel
aughed

Lonhl
e:"
youl
ovemet
oomuch"

Me:
"yesIdo"
 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥
Iwaswokenupbyf
ourpai
roft
inyf
eetj
umpi
ng
upanddownonmybed 
Me:
"gi
rl
s!!
"

Them:
"mer
ryChr
istmasmama!!
"Theyal
lj
ump
onmeandweshareagrouphug

Jaz:"
comemamai
tpr
esent
sti
meanddaddyi
s
here"

Me:
"daddyi
sher
eal
ready
?"

Ley
la:
"yes"Igetof
fthebed

Me: "
okaywai tf
orme"Ir usht
othebathr
oom
washmyf aceandbrushmyt eet
hbefore
rushi
ngtot hecl
oset.Ichangeoutofmy
pyjamasintosweatpantsandasportbra
Sky
:"hur
rymama"

Me:"wait
"Igetoutofthecl
osetwhi
l
ety
ingmy
hai
rint
oapony tai
l"l
et'
sgo"

Bell
a:"
ttt
ake"Il
if
therupandweallgo
downstai
rstotheloungewher
etheChri
stmas
tr
eeis

Leo:
"mor
ning"

Me:
"hi
"thi
ngsbet
weenusar
ejustt
ense

Sky:"
daddywhichonedi
dyoubuy
"Leosmi
l
es
shaki
nghishead
Leo:"
don'
tbesmar
tSkyl
ar"wedon'
ttel
lthem
whichonei
sfr
om who

Me:"opensowecanhav ebreakf
ast"LeoandI
si
tbackandwat chthem ast
heyscream i
n
exci
tementaf
terfi
ndingoutwhattheygot

Leo:
"Iheary
oudat
ing"

Me:
"Iheary
ouf
ucki
nghal
fofDur
ban"

Leo:"
ishethereasonyouleftme?Simpiwe?
Becauseappar
entlyyoutwoaretogether
al
mostev er
ydayandni ght
"

Me:"y
ouknowwhywebr okeupLeoandIdon'
t
wanttot
alkaboutwhoIam dat
ingwi
thy
ou"
Leo:"what
ever
"Ir
oll
edmyey
es"
arey
ou
fucki
nghim?"

Me:
"thatisnoneofyourbusi
ness"hegrabbed
mywristdi
gginghi
snail
sin"youhurt
ingme"

Leo:"
Answermedammi
t"It
ri
edpul
l
ingmy
wri
stfr
om hi
m

Me:
"youhur
ti
ngme!
!"

Enzo:"
Leo!"Hedraggedhi
m upwit
hhishai
r"t
ry
meLeoj usttr
ymeandI '
l
lmakesurey
our
famil
yburiesyou"

Me:"stopi
t"Il
ookedatthegir
lsandtheywer
e
i
ntheirownworld"LeoIthi
nkyouneedto
l
eave"
Enzo:"don'
tyouev
erandImeanev erbe
aggressi
vewithmysi
sterLeo,
am Iclear
?"

Leo:"
thi
shasnothi
ngtodowi
thy
ouEnzo"Enzo
gavehim asmuggri
n

Enzo:"
youwannaputyourli
feonthat
?Iwil
l
fucky
ouupLeoI '
vedoneitbefor
ebutcl
ear
ly
youneverl
ear
nt"Leowalkedtothegi
rl
s

Leo:
"daddyhastogookay
.Il
oveyoual
lso
muchandIwillcomepi
ckyouupt
omorrow"

Sky
:"y
oul
eav
ingnowdaddy
?"

Jaz:
"butweal
way
shav
ecooki
esf
orbr
eakf
ast
onChri
stmas"
Bel
l
a:"
yesdaddy
"

Leyl
a:"y
oucan'
tl
eavenowdaddy
"theyall
soundedsosadwhi
chbrokemyheart
.Iknel
t
nexttothem

Me: "
daddyhast ogogir
lsbuttomorrowhewi l
l
comet akeyoutograndmaYammyandy oucan
haveallthecooki
esyouwantf orbr
eakfastpl
us
grandmaYammymakest hebestcooki
esinthe
wholewor l
d"

Jaz:"Iguess"hekissedt
hei
rfor
eheadsand
theysharedagr ouphug

Leo:
"Il
ovey
out
othesun,
themoonandback"
Gi
rl
s:"
tothesun,
themoonandback"Leost
ood
upandwavedatthem bef
orel
eav
ing

Bel
l
a:"
Iwantdddaddy
"

Sky
:"met oo!
!"Il
ookedatt
hem f
eel
i
ngal
i
ttl
e
def
eated

Me:
"buty
ougoi
ngt
oseedaddyt
omor
row"

Bel
l
a:"
no!
!!Nowmah"

Me:"j
ustwait
"IrushedoutsideandfoundLeo
st
il
li
nhiscarwithhisfaceont hest
eeri
ng
wheel
.Iknockedont hewindowandheopened
i
t
Leo:
"yes"

Me: "
justpr
omisemey ouwon'
tdothatagai
n,
promisemewekeepusoutoft odayand
focusedonthegir
ls"

Leo:
"okay
.I'
m sor
ryaboutwhatIdi
d"

Me:"i
tokayj
ustnev
erdoitagai
n.Webr
okeup
Leoandyouhavemovedonsoallowmetodo
thesame"

Leo:
"doy
oul
ovehi
m?"

Me:"nobutIdol
ikespendi
ngti
mewi t
hhi
m"he
pr
essedhisli
pst
ogetherandnodded"
comei
n"
wewentbackin
Bel
la:"
daddy"theyall
jumpedonhim maki
ng
hi
mf al
lback.Iwatchedthem l
aughi
ngwit
ha
smil
eonmyf ace 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Whil
eev er
y onewentt
ochur chIst
ayedbehi
nd
andpreparedahugeChr i
stmaslunch.Byt
he
ti
metheycamebackev er
ythingwasalmost
doneandmyf eetwer
ekil
li
ngme.  
Mrs:
"smell
ssogoodi
nher
e"shewaswal
ki
ng
i
ntheki
tchen

Me:
"I'
m al
mostdone"

Zol
a:"
doy
ouneedhel
p?"
Me:
"justt
aket
hosesnacksoutandsomet
hing
t
odri
nk"

Zol
a:"
okay
"Vumi
l
egoti
nandki
ssedme
qui
ckl
y

Vumi
l
e:"
Iam st
arv
ing"

Mr
sM:
"youhadbr
eakf
astVumi
l
ejustgoaway
"

Vumi
l
e:"
hai
bomom I
'
mtal
ki
ngt
omywi
fe"

Me:"goawayVumil
e"MrsNgcoboandI
l
aughedwhil
ehighf
ivi
ng

Vumi
l
e:"
ohi
tli
ket
hat
"
Zola:
"Il
eftsnacksanddr
inksi
nthel
ounge
bhuti
"

Vumil
e:"
thanky
ouZola"hel
ookedatme
poi
nti
ngatmewi t
hhi
sindexf
inger"
Iwi
l
lcat
ch
youwena"

Mr
sNgcobo:
"leav
emydaught
eral
one"

Me:
"yes.Tel
lhi
m mah"

Vumil
e:"
mmh"hewal
kedoutl
eav
ingus
l
aughi
ng

Me:
"Vumi
l
e!!
"Hepoppedhi
sheadbacki
n
Vumi
l
e:"
baby
?"

Me:"
myf eetar
estar
ti
ngt
ohur
tpl
easegoget
mysl
ipperforme"

Mr
sM:
"takemi
nef
rom myr
oom"

Vumi l
e:"okay"Vumil
eandIwer est
ay i
ngatmy
homewher ewealwaysstayedwhenwewer e
here.Ihadouroldtworoom housedest r
oyed
andIbuiltanew5r oom housewiththree
bedrooms, akit
chenandloungeobviouslyi
t
hadhotwat erasmom want ed.Zol
aandNoku
checkedont hehouseeverynowandt henwhen
wei nDurban.

Me:
"thanky
oumah"
MrsM:"howi
sthepr
egnancyt
reat
ingy
ou?
"I
si
ghed

Me:"
bad.Themorni
ngsicknessiski
ll
ingme,
mydoct
orsaidi
twassupposedt obeov ernow
t
hatI
'minmysecondtri
mest erbuti
tsti
l
l bad.I
wasneversi
ckwi
thSbani"

MrsM: "
pregnanci
esdi
fferNobuntu.I'
mj ustso
exci
tedwegoingtohaveanotherbabysoon,
Sbanii
stoogrownnowhewon' tev enletme
ki
sshim"Ilaughed

Me:"younotal
one.I
'm notevenal
lowedtoget
outofthecarwhenIdrophim of
fatschool
"

Mr
sM:
"itt
hatgi
rlI
ndi
e"
Me:
"iti
s"Vumi
l
egotback

Vumile:
"gotit
"heli
ftedmeupandputmeon
thecounter"
hi"Igi
ggled

Me:"
hi"het
ookof
fmysneaker
sandputont
he
sl
i
ppers

Vumi
l
e:"youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"hebr
ushedmy
st
omach

Me:
"meory
ourchi
l
d?"

Vumil
e:"
you"hekissedbot
hmycheeks"y
ou
themostbeaut
if
ulwomani nwhol
euni
ver
se"I
l
ookedaway"don'
thidefr
om memyangel"
Me:
"st
opi
t"

Vumil
e:"Il
oveyousomuch"hekissedmy
for
ehead"youandourchi
l
dren"
[
03/
20,
10:
47]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t45

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

I
tanewy earwhi chmeansIam doi ngmy2nd
year
.Iam excitedforsomer easont heend
doesn'
tseem sof arnow.It hrewmy sel
fonthe
bedwithasqueal butmyexci tementisshort
l
ivedasIremembert hatEnzoi sgraduatingt
his
year
.Idon'tknowi fheiscomi ngbackf orhis
postgr
aduateornot .Thingsbet weenhim andI
areal it
tleweird,aft
ert hatni
ghtheki ssedme
heav oidedmef oraf ewweekst henoneni ght
heshowedupi nmyr oom withdi nnerwhi chwe
ateinsi l
encethenhel eftagain.OnChr i
stmasI
receivedat extfrom him wishingmemer ry
ChristmasandIr eceivedanot heroneonNew
year'sev ebutthatisit.Notseei nghi m meant
notseei nghisf r
iendsev enifIsawt hem they
woul djustletmebe.I twasliket heonlyreason
theymessedwi t
hmewast oi mpr essEnzoor
somet hing.

Ifixedmyselfsomeprovit
awithcheeseanda
glassischocolat
emilk.Iwassti
l
leati
ngwhen
someoneknockedont hedoor
.Istoodupwent
tounlockthedoor,hepushedmei nassoonas
Iopenedthedoor .
Me:"your
eall
yhavetost
opdoingthat
"he
l
ockedthedoorandwenttosi
tontopofmy
deskandstar
tedeat
ingmysnack
Enzo:
"thi
sisni
ce"

Me:
"thanky
ou?
"

Enzo:
"howwashome?
"

Me:"whatar
eyoudoi
nghereEnzoandhowdi
d
youevenknowIwasback?
"

Enzo:
"lect
uresarestart
ingt
omorrowsoIknew
youwerecomi ngbacktodayandbesi
desIhav
e
someonefollowi
ngy ou"

Me:"whatdoy
oumeany
ouhav
esomeone
f
oll
owingme?!
!"
Enzo:
"Imeanj
ustt
hat
"

Me:
"youneedt
oleav
emeal
one"

Enzo:
"Ican'
tdot
hat
.Doy
ouwat
chsoccer
?"

Me:
"notr
eal
l
y"hef
rowned

Enzo:
"oh"Idi
dn'
tl
ikeseeinghi
m sadi
tmade
myheartcl
enchpainf
ull
y

Me:"
I'
ll
star
twat
ching.Ihaveseenaf
ewgames
wi
thmydadandlit
tlebrot
her"

Enzo:"
doyouknowt
het
eam Mamel
odi
Sundowns?
"
Me:
"yeahitdad'
sfav
our
it
elocal
team"he
smi
l
edbrightl
y

Enzo:
" y
ourdadandIaregoi
ngtogetal
ong
amazingly
.Ij
ustsi
gnedwit
hthem"

Me:"wowEnzot hati
samazi
ng"If
oundmysel
f
hugginghi
m andhehuggedmebackti
ght
ly
bury
inghisfaceonmyneckandsni
ff
edme

Enzo:"y
oualway
ssmel
lsogood"Imov
edback
andlookedaway

Me: "
uhm"Iclear
edmyt hr
oat"buti
sn'
tthei
r
tr
aini
ngscheduleli
kehect
iccomparedtothe
oneyouusedt o?"

Enzo:
"iti
sbutI
'
llmanageandIdon'
thav
e
school
thi
syear
"

Me:
"younotdoi
ngy
ourpost
graduat
e?"

Enzo:
"I'
l
ldoi
tpar
tti
me"Inodded

Me:
"wel
lcongr
atul
ati
ons"

Enzo:"
mymom ist
hrowi
ngmeapart
ynot
hing
bi
gjustfami
l
yandcl
osefr
iends"

Me:
"that
'sni
ce"

Enzo:"
Iwantyoutocome"Ilookedathi
mi n
shockInot
icedt
hathelookedreal
lyner
vous

Me:
"butwhy
?"Iwhi
sper
ed
Enzo:
"pl
ease"

Me:
"wenotf
ri
endsandI
'
m cer
tai
nlynoty
our
f
amil
y"

Enzo:
"youcoming,i
tthi
sweekendI
'
llcome
pi
ckyouupFriday"

Me:
"itonFr
iday
?"

Enzo:
"noSat
urdayni
ght
"

Me:
"sowhyy
oupi
cki
ngmeupFr
iday
?"

Enzo:
"becauset
hat
'swhenI
'
llbegoi
nghome"
Me:
"home?
"

Enzo:
"Dur
ban"

Me:"no!
!Ican'
tgot
oDurban.Icannot
"Iwas
paci
ngupanddown" Iwi
l
lnot"

Enzo: "
willyoufucki
ngcalm downandy esyou
goingI'
llpi
cky ouupafteryourcl
asses"he
walkedt othedoorandIf oundmyselfspi
ll
i
ng
wor dsbeforeIcouldmakeoutwhatt heymeant

Me:"st
ay.WecanwatchNet
fl
ixandchi
l
l"he
l
ookedatmesurpr
ised

Enzo:
"youshoul
dhat
eme"
Me:"Ishoul
d"heshookhi
sheadbef
ore
t
hrowinghimsel
fonmybed

Enzo:
"wel
lbr
ingy
ourl
apt
opandsomesnacks"
 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Me:"
YesI'
m goingj
ustwai
ti
ngf
orLeotopi
ck
upt
hegir
ls"Iwasmeeti
ngupChl
oeforl
unch

Simpiwe:
"Imi
ssy
ousobad,
can'
tyoucome
here?
"

Me:
"Ican'
tl
eav
ethegi
rl
s"
Si
mpiwe:"
pleasebabypl
easeIam l
i
ter
all
yon
myknees"

Me:
"Si
mpi
we"

Si
mpi
we:
"myl
ovepl
ease"

Me:"
Ihaveani
ncomingcal
lI'
l
lseewhatIcan
dobutIhav
etogookay"

Si
mpi
we:
"okay
,Il
ovey
ou"

Me:"I
'l
lfacet
imeyou"Iendedthecal
land
answeredEnzo'
sfaceti
me" heyki
d"

Enzo:
"si
sinahi
"
Me:
"what
'swr
ong?
"

Enzo:
"Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo"

Me:
"tal
ktome,
tel
lmewhathappened"

Enzo:
"ther
e'st
hisgi
rl
"Ismi
l
ed

Me:
"hasmyl
i
ttl
ebr
otherf
inal
l
yfal
l
eni
nlov
e?"

Enzo:"Idon'
tknow.Ican'tst opt hi
nkingabout
her,
shemakesmef eelwei r
dt hings.Iwantto
bewithheralltheti
me, herlaughmakesmeso
happyIjustwanthert oalway sbel aughingand
hersmi l
eissobeaut i
fuli
tbr i
ghtensupt he
room andmakesmyhear tbeatf ast.Ifeell
i
ke
hereyescanseet hroughi tall
,throught hebad
boyEnzot hatever
yonet hinksIam y ouknow?
Shehast hi
sthingwhenshebl inksandherl ong
eyelashesfanshercheeksi t
'sjustincredibl
et o
wat chIlovethatabouther.She'ssodi ff
erent
sissyI'
venev erbeenwithagirlwhodi dn'tthrow
herselfatmeorsi mplyjustagirlli
keher .Ihate
thatshe'ssoweaki tfucki
ngf r
ust r
atemet hat
shecan' tst
andupf orhersel
fIf eell
ikeIcoul d
nev erbewithherbecauseoft hat"

Me:
"Enzo"

Enzo:"no,I
'm seri
ous.Al lmyl i
feI'
vebeen
surr
oundedbyst rongwi l
l
edwomen, y oumom
myaunt syoual l
strongandt hat'
sgood
consi
deringthefami l
ywecomef r
om.I fIwere
tobewi t
hherIknowt hatt hemedi awoul deat
herup,youknowhowi tcanbeandy ou'veseen
thegir
lsI'
vebeenwi tht heyareper f
ectbutstill
themedi ahasalway sfoundsomet hingtobring
them downwi thandSbahl eisjustdi
fferent
"
Me:"
Sbahle,i
sthathername?
"Henodded"
how
i
sshedif
ferentEnzo?"

Enzo:"she'
sweakLelo!Andbesi
desthatshe
dressesdif
fer
ent
lyandshe'ssoshyshe'
san
i
ntrovert
"

Me: "beingdi fferentcanbegoodEnzo.Youi n

l
ov ewi t
hherIcant ell
,asy ousaythatshe'
s
weaki ty ourj obassomeonewhol ovesherto
protecthery oust rongenoughf ort
hebothof
y'
all
.Youi nl ovewi thherEnzodon' tmake
yourselfmi ser ablebynotbei ngwit
hher
becausey ouscar edofwhatt hemediaisgoing
todot oher .You'veseenhowdadl ovesmom
yougr ewupar oundt hat,
y ou'
veseenhowour
uncleslov eouraunt s,youknowhowi mport
ant
i
tist opr otectsomeoney oulove"
Enzo:"butIalsosawwhathappenedt oHilar
y"
Hil
arywasbab' ncaneSimpiwe'sgi
rl
fr
iendshe
ki
ll
edher sel
faftersuff
eri
ngwithdepressi
on
becauseoft hemedi aandcyberbul
ly
ing

Me:"thenyouwillmakesuret
hatdoesn'
t
happent oSbahl
e"herubbedhi
sfacein
fr
ustr
ation

Enzo:"
Itol
dherthatIwil
lbeplay
ingf or
sundownsandnowshe'sbeenwat chingal
lthe
gamesshecanf i
ndonli
ne"hechuckl edshaking
hi
shead" whenIaskedheraboutitshedenied
i
t"

Me:"
andhowyouknowthat?"Helookeddown
"
Enzotel
lmey
ounothackingthi
sgirl
?"
Enzo:
"Ij
ustwannakeephersaf
e"

Me:"Enzo!
!JesusChr
istdoest
hewor
dpr
ivacy
hav
eameani ngtoyou?!"

Enzo:"sheshouldhatemeyouknowbutIcan
tel
lshealsolovesmeIseeitinherey
esand
becauseshecan'tstopsear
chingf
ormeonli
ne"

Me:"whywoul
dshehat
eyou?"Hecl
earedhi
s
t
hroatl
ooki
ngaway"
whyEnzokuhl
e?"

Enzo:"Imessedupsissy
.Ihaven'
tbeenniceto
seesinceItooknot
iceofher2ndsemesterlast
year
"

Me:
"Enzo?
!"
Enzo:
"Iknow.I
'
m ashamedofmy
sel
fiteat
sme
up"

Me:
"hav
eyouapol
ogi
zed?
"

Enzo:
"no"

Me:
"apol
ogi
zeEnzo"

Enzo:"Iwi
l
l Ipr
omi se.I
'
m bri
ngingherhome
withmeFridayIwanty outotakehershoppi
ng
forthepar
typlease"

Me:
"woah"

Enzo:
"pl
ease"
Me:"ofcourseIwill
bhuti
nayoudon'tev
enhave
toaskjust.
...Youshoul
dn'
ttr
ytochangeher
okay?Rememberwhyy oufel
li
nlovewithher
"

Enzo:"
I'
m nottry
ingtochangeherIj
ustdon't
wantherfeeli
ngsomet ypawaybecauseIknow
ever
yonewi l
lbedressedup"

Me:
"okayIunder
stand"

Enzo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:"Il
ovey
outooli
ttl
ebro"Ibl
ewhim akiss
t
henendedthecal
l"hheEnzoisfi
nal
l
yinlove!
!I
wonder"

Mom:"
wonderwhat
?"Shewasget
ti
ngi
nmy
r
oom
Me:"
justof
fthephonewit
hEnzoheisbr
ingi
ng
agi
rlhomeFriday
"herey
espoppedout

Mom:
"wow"

Me:
"Iknowr
ight
"

Mom: "
theyal
lgrowi
ngupsof
astsoonSj
wil
l
bebr
inginggi
rl
shome"

Me:
"pl
usgi
rl
slov
eSj
"

Mom:"
gir
lsl
oveyourbr
other
s.Leoi
sher
e"I
j
umpedofft
hebed

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
ogosaybyt
othegi
rl
s"
Mom:"
whyar
etheyl
eav
ingdur
ingt
heweek
any
way?
"

Me:
"Yammymi
ssest
hem"
 
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

IthoughtEnzowasj okingwhenhesai dhewas

takingmewi thhimtoDur banunti
lheshowed
upi nmyr oom Fri
dayafterIwasdonewi th
classes,l
uckil
yIwasn'tgoinghomethat
weekend.Sohesatonmybedandwat chedme
packingabagt henwewentt otheai
rportand
tookapr i
v at
ejett
oDur banwhichwasj ust
amazi ngbythewayIhadbeeni naprivat
ejet
beforebutthisonewasj ustoutofthi
swor l
d.I
spenttheri
degoi ngcrazywithnerv
eswhi l
e
Enzolookedcool ascucumberanddr inki
nghis
beer.Ever
yt i
meIl ookedupathim Iwould
catchhimlookingatme.

Hegotoutofthecarasthedri
verparkedand
tookmyhandhelpingmeout.Ifel
tsweatyand
gotli
keIwasgoingtopassout
Enzo:
"youwi
l
lbef
ine"

Me: "
whatify ourparentshat emeEnzo?And
whatwillyouev enintroducemeas?Wenot
fr
iends,Ial
sodon' tknowwhatwewer e.Ohmy
Godwhatam Idoi ngher e?!I'
mi nanother
provi
ncewi thaguywhohasabusedmesom. .
"
Heshutmeupbysmashi nghislipsagainst
mineandki ssingmehar d.Imoanedandmel t
ed
i
ntohim.Wehadn' tkissedsi nceourfi
r stki
ss.
Wepul l
edapar tafterawhi l
e
Enzo:"
calm downSbahl
e"wewalkedi
nthe
house"I
'm home!!
"Hescreamedaswewerei
n
thefoy
erthatledt
othelounge

Woman: "
mybabyishome"t hisbeauti
ful
chubbywomanbasical
lyrantouswi t
hher
armsopenandhuggedEnz obeforekissi
nghi
m
al
loverhi
sface"
whoi sthisbeaut
iful
lit
tl
e
l
ady?"

Enzo:"mom t
hisismygi
rl
"Ilookedathi
m
surpr
ised"
SbahleNgwal
a,Sbahlet
hisi
smy
mom Sne"

Sne:"sheissobeautif
ulEnzol
ookather
beautif
uleyesohmyGod"shepulledmeina
warm hugandki ssedmycheeks"wel
comet
o
thefamilybaby"
Me:"t
-t
-t
hanky
ouMr
sMkhi
ze"shesmi
l
ed
br
ight
ly

Sne:"ohnosweet iecallmeSneormom
whatev eryoucomfortablewit
h"shetookmy
hand" everyonei
sintheback"shepul l
edme
withherIlookedatEnzowhoj ustshr
uggedhi s
shoulderswi t
hasmi l
e" Enzo'
sgir
lishere"
every
onel ookedatus, t
hereweresomany
peopleIwant edtorunaway" thi
sisLelo,Enzo'
s
bigsi
st er"

Lelo:"
fi
nal
lygett
omeety ou"weshar
edahug
"wordscan'
tevendescr
ibehowbeaut
iful
you
are"

Sne:
"Iknowr
ight
"
Boy:"whichconf
usesmeast
owhyy
ouwi
th
thi
sidiot
"

Enzo:
"hey
!I'
m acat
chSj
"

Sj:"debatable"Igi
ggledasEnzopushedhi m.
Snewentar oundintroduci
ngmet oev ery one.I
methi suncleSi mpiweandhiswi feKate, his
grandfathersandgr andmothersthenhisov er
thet opauntApheandherboy fr
iendNai l.At
dinnerhisbigbr ot
herLonhlecame.If eltso
welcomedandt helovewasjustov erf
lowi ng
withinthehouse.  
.

Iwasout
sideaft
erwehadallhadbr
eakf
astjust
l
ooki
ngattheamazingviewwhenEnzoj
oined
mewithaglassofj
uice 
Me:
"thanky
ou"
Enzo:
"howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Me:
"I'
m okay
"

Enzo:"
lel
oisgoi
ngshoppi
ngf
ort
oni
ghtwhy
don'
tyoujoi
nher"

Me:
"doesshewantmet
o?"Henodded

Enzo:"
yeahshesai
dImustaski
fyouwantt
o
j
oinher"

Me: "
wellI'
dlov
etoIdon'thavesomethi
ngto
wearandIhady ourmom nauntt al
ki
ngabout
thepartyseemsli
keitaformalthi
ngandyou
didn'
ttel
lmesoIjustpackedcasual"
Enzo:
"sor
ryIshoul
dhav
etol
dyou"

Me:
"itokay
"

Enzo:"
her
e"hegavemeablackcard"
I'
ll
text
youthepi
ngetwhatev
ery
ouwant "

Me:"t
hanky
ou?
"Hechuckl
edandki
ssedmy
f
orehead

Lel
oandIwentt
ogatewaywewer
eatzar
ashe
keptonl
ooki
ngatcl
othes
Lelo:"
whataboutt
his?
"Shegav
emeashor
t
dresswit
hsli
tsonthesides

Me:
"that
'snotme"
Lel
o:"y
ouri
ght.Soyouwantsomet hi
ngto
covery
ouup?I'
venoti
cedthatyourcl
othesar
e
l
oseandtheycoverupyourski
n"Inodded

Me:
"Idon'
tl
iket
oshowmybody
"

Lelo:"
Irespectthat
"wecont i
nuedlooki
ng
arounduntilshefoundanotherdr
essandgav e
i
ttome.I twasnudei ncolourwit
hlongsleev
e
andthebackwassheeri twasmaxi

Me:
"itl
ooksl
i
keat
ightf
it
ti
ng"

Lelo:
"justt
ryitpl
ease"Iswall
owedandnodded
thenwenttothef i
tt
ingroom "
ohwow!"She
mademespi naround"wowSbahle"
Me:
"isi
tokay
?"

Lel
o:"
itwasmadeforyou"t
hedr
esscl
ungt
o
mybodyli
kesecondski
n

Me:"I
'
m notsureI'
m comfort
abl
eI'
venever
wornsomethi
ngsot i
ghtf
itt
ingi
tshowsexact
ly
howmybodyi s"

Lel
o:"
andy oulooki
ncredi
bleEnzowon'tbe
abl
etotakehiseyesawayfrom you"Il
ooked
awaybl
ushing

Me:
"I'
l
ltakei
t"

Lel
o:"good.Nowlet
'sgofindyoushoes,
we
don'
twanttochangey ousowewi l
lgogetthe
fr
ontofyourbrai
dsredoneinst
eadofputt
inga
weav
einyouandfi
xey
ebr
owsy oudon'
tneed
makeupy
ourfacei
sfl
awl
ess"

Enzogoti ntheroom asIwaslooki

ngatmy sel
f
ont hemi r
ror
.Helookedsogorgeousi
nabl ack
sli
mf itsui
tandawhi teshi
rt
.Il
ookedathim
throughthemi r
rorashewatchedmewi t
hfirei
n
hiseyesandhi smouthopen. 
Enzo:
"S-
Sbahl
e"hewhi
speredIt
urnedand
l
ookedathi
m wit
hasmallsmil
e

Me:
"yeah"

Enzo:
"youl
ookabsol
utel
ygor
geous"

Me:
"youpr
efermel
i
ket
his?
"

Enzo:
"youl
ookgor
geousdon'
tgetmewr
ong
butIl
ovey
oui
njusty
ournor
mal
clot
hes"

Me:"youl
oveme?
"Hescr
atchedt
hebackofhi
s
neck

Enzo:
"whati
fIdo?
"
[
03/
20,
10:
47]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t46

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Me:"
Enzo"hewalkedcl
osert
omeunt
ilhewas
st
andi
nginfr
ontofme

Enzo:
"younotanswer
ingme"someone
knockedandgoti
n

Lelo:"heyl ovebir
ds"EnzogroanedwhileI
giggled" EnzoleaveSbahleal
oney ouhaveyour
ownr oom t ogetreadyi
n"myr oom wastwo
roomsawayf rom lel
o'
sitwasnexttoJazand
Sky'sr oom

Enzo:
"ify
oucan'
tseeI'
m al
readyr
eadyj
ust
cametocheckonher"

Lel
o:"well
wealll
eavi
ngnow.Mom anddad
havealr
eadyl
eftandIdon'
twannat
akethecar
al
one"

Enzo:"
Sbahl
eisdri
vingwi
thme"Lel
opouted
gi
vinghi
m puppyeyeswhichmadeEnzogroan
again"
okayfi
newewi l
lal
lri
det
ogether
"
Lel
o:"
yeah!Come"shet
ookmyhand

Enzo:
"wewi
l
ltal
klat
erSbahl
e"

Sbahle:"
okay"Iwhi
sper
edfol
lowi
ngLeloout
aft
ertaki
ngmybag.Wef oundthesuval
ready
wait
ingforusoutsi
de.

Thewhol ecarridewasspentwi t
hLelotel
li
ng
mest ori
esaboutEnzoandhownaught yhewas
growing,Icoul
dn'tstoplaughi
ng.Bytheti
me
wegott othehot elmycheekswer ehur
ti
ng
from l
aughingandbl ushi
ngeveryti
meIwoul d
catchEnzowat chingmewi thasmi l
eonhis
face.
 
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwalkedt
oNobunt
uleav
ingnowSbahl
ebehi
nd
wit
hEnzo
Me: "
heymama"Ihuggedherandherbaby
ki
cked"heyt
heremuffi
n"Ibr
ushedherstomach
whichmadethebabykickev
enmore

Nobunt
u:"stopitLel
oshewon'
tst
opi
fyou
keepondoingthat"

Me:"l
etuspl
ay"Vumi
l
elaughed"
heyVuv
u"we
hugged

Vumi
l
e:"
hey
"
Me:
"howy
oudoi
ngmama?
"

Vumi
l
e:"
she'
sreadyt
ogi
vebi
rt
h"

Nobunt
u:"
Iam sor
eadyf
orhert
ocomeout
"

Me:"
soonbabeandIcan'
twai
ttospoi
lher
r
ott
en"

Vumi
l
e:"
met
oo"

Nobunt
u:"
nobodyi
sspoi
l
ingmychi
l
d"

Me:
"she'
smyGoddaught
erI
'
m al
l
owed"

Vumil
e:"
andshe'smyonl
ypr
incess"heki
ssed
Nobunt
u'sf
orehead
Nobunt
u:"
Ineedsomet
hingt
oputi
nmymout
h"

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
ll
gety
ousomet
hing"

Nobuntu:"doesminiburger
sbabyandcockt
ail
gr
il
ls"hestartedwalki
ngaway"andfr
ies
Vumile"Vumi l
echuckl
edwalki
ngtowards
wherethef oodwassetup

Me:
"atl
easty
ounotsi
ckany
mor
e"

Nobuntu:
"Iknowr
ight
.Soy
ouandSi
mpi
wear
e
good?"

Me: "
yeahwegoodjustmisseachotherbuthis
seasonisst
art
ingsoonsohecan'tcomet hi
s
si
de"
Nobunt
u:"
buty
oucangot
oLondon"

Me:"
I'
mthinki
ngabouti
tact
ual
lyphonecal
l
s
andf
acet
imeisnotenoughany
more"

Nobunt
u:"
youl
ovehi
m?"

Me:"notyetbutIcanseemy sel
ffal
li
ngf orhi
m,
heisamazing"IsawLonhl ewithsomegi rlwho
l
ookedsof ami l
iar"
excusemeBunt uI'l
lbea
minute"Iwalkedtothem andhuggedLonhl e
fr
om behind.Het ur
nedaroundlaughingand
huggedmel ift
ingmeupwhi lekissi
ngmyhead

Lonhl
e:"
heysi
ssy
"

Me:
"hey
"Il
ookedatt
hegi
rlwhol
ookedso
ner
vous

Lonhl
e:"
sissyt
hisi
sAmi
l
emygi
rl
fr
iend"

Amile:"
itsoni
cet
omeety
ouLel
o"Ichuckl
edi
n
annoyance

Me:
"ohsoy
ougoi
ngt
opr
etendt
onotknow
me"

Ami
l
e:"
nononot
hat
'snotwhatImeant
"

Me:
"Lonhl
ewhatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thher
?"

Lonhl
e:"si
sinadon'
tgetangr
y.LookIshoul
d
havespokentoyoubutI'
vebeensobusywith
work"
Me:"Ican'
tbeli
evey
ouwoul
ddot
hisLonhl
e"I
f
eltsobetray
edandhur
t

Lonhl
e:"shedi
dn'
tknowSabel
owasi
na
rel
ati
onshipwi
thyou"

Me:"soyouknew!!Howcoul
dyouLonhl
e?And
youbri
ngherhere!
"

Lonhl
e:"
lel
ocal
m down"

Me: "
she'
sl yi
ngsheknewIwasinarel
ati
onshi
p
withSabelo.Hisapart
mentwasf
il
ledwi
thmy
pict
uresthereisnowayshecoul
dhavemissed
thatshejustdidn'
tcar
e"

Ami
l
e:"
Idi
dn'
tknowIswear
"
Me:"
don'
ttal
ktome!
!Lonhl
eyoushoul
dhav
e
t
oldme"

Lonhle:
"I'
m sor
rysissyIknowhowhur ty
ou
wereandy ouri
ghtIshouldhavespokentoy
ou
i
nsteadofjustbri
ngingAmileher
e"

Me: "
I'
m notbeingself
ishLonhlebutI'
mr eal
ly
hurtandconfused.Idon'tunder
standwhyy ou
wouldgetinar el
ati
onshipwithsomeonewho
tookparti
nsomet hingthatalmostbroke"I
wipedmyt ears

Mom: "
whatisgoi
ngon?Lonhl
ewhyi
syour
si
steri
ntear
s"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
m sor
ryl
eloIdi
dn'
tknowunt
ilIhad
f
all
eni
nlov
ewi
thher
"

Mom:"babywhat'
swrong?
"Shehel
dmychi
n
maki
ngmel ookather

Me:
"not
hingI
'
m goi
ngt
ogohome"

Lonhl
e:"
lel
opl
ease"

Me:
"nodoyouLonhl
ecl
earl
ythat
'
smore
i
mport
ant
"Iwal
kedawaybuthecameaf
terme

Lonhl
e:"
don'
tbel
i
ket
hatLel
o"

Me:
"leav
emeal
one"Iaskedf
ort
hecar

Lonhl
e:"
Ican'
tl
ety
ougohomewhi
l
eyouupset
"
dadcameoutt
ous

Dad: "what'
sgoingon?Lonhlewhatdidyoudo
toy oursist
er?"Hewrappedhisarm ar
oundme
pressingmyf aceonhischestwhichmadecry
evenhar der.I
tbeensuchalongtimebutthe
memor yofSabeloontopofherjustcameful
l
forceandsof resh

Lonhl
e:"
lel
oI'
m sor
rypl
ease"Ishookmyhead

Me:"youknewLonhle,youknewanddi dn'
tev
en
hav
et hedecencytotel
lmeandl etmegetover
i
tbeforebri
nginghertoafamil
yev ent
"

Dad:
"Lonhl
e?"

Lonhl
e:"
uhm .
..
.Ami
l
eist
hegi
rlt
hatSabel
o
cheat
edonLel
owi
th"

Dad:
"andy
ouknew?
!!
"Dadr
oar
edev
enscar
ing
me

Lonhl
e:"
it
'snotl
i
ket
hatdadIsw.
."

Dad:"
Idon'
tcar
e!!Iwantt
hatgir
loutofmy
hot
elandIdon'
teverwanttoseeheragai
n"

Lonhl
e:"
bu.
."

Dad:
"am Icl
earmpi
l
onhl
e?"

Lonhl
e:"
yes"dadopenedt
hedoorf
orme

Dad:
"yourmot
herandIwi
l
lcomehomeas
soonaswecan"

Me:
"noI'
llbef
ineIjustneedtothink"heki
ssed
myfor
eheadandclosedt hedoor.
 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Myhear twasbeatingsof astaft

erLonhl ewent
afterhi ssist
erleavi
ngmewi t
hhismom who
j
ustl ookedatmeupanddownwi thar aised
eyebr owhercal m andsweetnat urer eplacedby
somet hingcoldbeforeshewal kedawaygoi ng
toherhusband.Shet oldhim somethingt henhe
wentoutf oll
owingLel oandLonhle.Ist ood
theref eeli
ngsouncomf ortabl
euntilLonhl e
cameback.Hi smoodhadchangedandhe
l
ookedsoconf li
cted 
Me:
"Lonhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
let
'sgo"

Me:
"wel
eav
ing?
"

Lonhle:
"yes"hestar
tedwal
kingawayandI
fol
lowedhimt r
yingt
onotbehurtbyhi
m not
holdi
ngmyhand.Wegoti nthecarandhedr
ove
offinaspeed

Me:
"isLel
oupset
?"

Lonhle:
"areyoust
upid?!Didyounotseeher
cry?
"Ididn'
tsayanyt
hingjustlookedoutt
he
windowunt i
lwegottohisapartment
Me:"Idon'tunderst
andwhyy ouupsetwithme"
Iwastalkingmydr essoffinthecl
osetwher
e
hewasal sotakinghissuitof
f

Lonhl
e:"
excuseme?
"

Me:"y
ouheardmeLonhl
e!!Iwon'
tl
etyout
ake
outy
ourangeronmeI'
m notapunchi
ngbag"

Lonhl
e:"
itwoul
ddoy
oubestt
oshutupr
ight
now"

Me:"y
oudon'
tspeakt
omel
i
ket
hatLonhl
eorI
swear
"

Lonhl
e:"
youswearwhat
?"Hestoodinfr
ontof
melooki
ngdownatmehi sey
esblazi
ngwith
anger
Me:"y
oudon'tscar
emeLonhl
e"hechuckl
ed
andbackedup

Lonhl
e:"
Isee"heputonhi
ssweat
pant
sanda
tankt
op

Me:
"wher
eyougoi
ng?
"

Lonhl
e:"
itnoty
ourf
ucki
ngbusi
ness"Ipushed
hi
m

Me:
"don'
tspeakt
omel
i
ket
hat
!!
"

Lonhle:"andyoudon'
trai
sey
ourvoiceatme!
!"
Her oaredIbackedupqui
ckl
yunt
ilIhitt
hewal
l
"don'ty
ouf ucki
ngdar
emakemel osemy
temperAmi le"
Me:"orwhat
?"Itr
iedmybesttost
andt
all
and
notshowhim Iwasali
tt
lescar
ed

Lonhl
e:"
nxa"het
ookhi
scarkey
s

Me:
"youwi
l
lnotwal
koutonmeLonhl
e"

Lonhle:"I
.Ijustneedt
obreat
hAmi l
eandt hi
nk.
I'
mj ustgoingtothegym"hecuppedmyf ace
"l
ookI '
l
lbebacki nacoupl
eofhoursorder
dinnerandr entamovi
e"hekissedme

Me:"y
ouwon'tl
eaveme?Il
ovey
ousomuch
Lonhl
eIdon'
twanttol
osey
ou"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
ll
beback"heki
ssedmyf
orehead
Me:"Lonhl
e?"Hewal
kedoutandIjustsl
owly
wentdownuntil
myasshitt
hefloorandcri
ed
.

Iwokeupi nbedaf t
erIhadf al
lenasleepont he
fl
oor,Iwasi nbedal one.Igotupandwentt o
thebathroom wher eIwashedmyf aceand
brushedmyt eet
hbef oreleavi
ngthebedr oom.I
walkedaroundt heapar t
mentl ooki
ngf orLonhle
until
Ifoundhi m outsi
debyt heloungebal cony
.
Istoodbyt hedoorleaningoni twit
hmyar ms
crossedov ermychest
Me:
"hi
"Het
urnedandl
ookedatmewi
thaf
ake
smi
l
e

Lonhl
e:"
sleptwel
l
?"Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s
Me:
"whendi
dyougetback?
"

Lonhle:"
didn'
tcheckt
heti
me.Whydon'tyou
getreadythenwecangetbreakf
astbef
oreyou
takeyourfli
ghtbackt
oJhb?"

Me:
"butmyf
li
ghti
stomor
rowmor
ning"

Lonhl
e:"Igotyouanothert
icket
,yourf
li
ght
l
eavesinfourhours"

Me:
"whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?"

Lonhl
e:"
Ihav
etogot
oIt
alyf
orf
ewweeks"

Me:
"si
ncewhenLonhl
e?"
Lonhle:"
thi
smor ninglookwerunni
ngoutof
ti
mepl easegetr
eady "Inoddedandwentback
totheroom wit
ht earsrunni
ngdownmycheeks.

WhenIwasdoneget t
ingdressedLonhl
eandI
drovetomuggnbeanwher ewehadbr eakfast
i
nsi l
encebothofuswer edrowningi
nourown
thoughts.Af
terbr
eakfasthedrovemetot he
air
port.
Me:
"Lonhl
ear
ewegoi
ngt
obeokay
?"

Lonhl
e:"
don'
tst
ressy
our
sel
fAmi
l
e"

Me: "
younotanswer ingmej ustl
i
key oudidn't
answermel astnight.IknowImessedupand
yoursist
ergothur t,honestl
yspeaki
ngi fIcould
tur
nbackt hecl ockIwoul dandIwoulddo
thi
ngsdifferentl
y.Sabeloismywor stregretand
Iwouldhat eformypastt omessupmyf uture
andmypr
esent
"

Lonhle:"
wewi l
ltal
kwhenIcomeback"heput
hishandont hebackofmyheadandki ssedme
slowl
y .I
tfel
tli
keagoodbyekiss"t
extmewhen
youland"hepressedhi
sforeheadonmi ne

Me:
"Lonhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
goory
ouwi
l
lbel
ate"

Me:"
Idi
dn'
tknowLonhl
eIswearIdi
dn'
tknow.I
woul
dn'
tl
iet
oy ou"

Lonhl
e:"
Ibel
i
evey
ou"hepeckedmyl
i
ps"
bye"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Lonhl
e:"
Ilov
eyout
oo"Inoddedandwal
ked
away

Il
ookedoutthewindowastheplanetookoff
wit
htear
s,Icoul
dn'thel
pbutfeel
li
kethiswasit
.
Lonhl
eandIwouldn'tbeabl
etosurvi
vethi
s.
[
03/
20,
10:
47]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t47

#Lel
o
¥¥

Ihadjustcamebackfrom droppingthegir
lsof
f
atdaycare.Iwasatt
hepatiowat chi
ngthelake
whil
ehav ingacupofcof
feet hi
nkingabout
l
eavingforLondonsometimedur i
ngtheweek
foraweekortwo.It
urnedf
aci
ngthedoorasI
heardf
ootst
epsandsawmybr ot
her
Lonhl
e:"
sissy
"hegav
emeahugandaki
sson
myhead

Me:"
hey"het
ookmycof
feeanddr
ankit
"
shoul
dn'
tyoubeony
ourwaytowork?
"

Lonhl
e:"
wantedt
otal
ktoy
ouf
ir
standI
'
m
goi
ngtoItal
y"

Me:"youtaki
ngt
hej
et?Iwant
edt
ogot
o
London"

Lonhl
e:"
yeahI'
mt akingi
tbecauseaf
terIt
alyI
havet
obei nDubai.Comewithmewe' l
ldrop
youofff
ir
st"
Me:
"whenar
eyoul
eav
ing?
"

Lonhl
e:"
inaf
ewhour
s"

Me:"Ihavetowai
tforthegir
lstocomebackI
can'
tjustl
eavewi
thouttel
l
ingthem"

Lonhl
e:"wel
lwewill
gowhent
hegi
rl
scome
backfr
om school
"

Me:"cool
"fewminut
esofsi
lencepassed
bef
oreheclear
edhisthr
oat

Lonhl
e:"
I'
m sor
ry"

Me:
"lonh.
."
Lonhl
e:"
nosissyI'mtr
ulysorry
.Youri
ghtandI
am sowrong,Ishoul
dhav espokent
oyou
befor
eIbroughtAmil
eov er.
"

Me: "youhurtmeLonhl ey ouhurtmesobad.

Youmyl i
tt
lebr ot
herIlov eyousomuchal lmy
l
ifeI'
veprotectedy ouandy ou'
veprot
ectedme,
wel ookaftereachot her.Youheldmef orni
ght
s
whenIcoul dn'tsl
eepaf terwhathappened.I
thoughtourr el
ati
onshipmeantmor e"

Lonhle:
"itdoessissyy
ouknowi tdoes!
!I'
m
sorr
yIdidn'tt
hinkIam tr
ulysor
ry"

Me:
"whywoul
dyouev
enbewi
thher
?"

Lonhl
e:"
whenshetol
dmeIhadal
readyf
all
en
soinl
ovewit
hher"
Me:"
soshet
rickedyou?Ther
eisnowayshe
di
dn'
tknowy
ouwer emybr ot
her
"

Lonhle:"
noshedidn'tLel
o,whenshef i
gured
outIwasy ourbr
othershewasdev astat
edshe
wantedt ol
eavebutIwouldn'
tletherbecauseI
wasal r
eadysoinlovewithher
."

Me:"Idon'
tunder
standhowshedi
dn'
tknow
Sabel
owasmi ne"

Lonhle:
"Shesay
sshedi
dn'
tknowandIbel
i
eve
her"

Me:
"mmh"

Lonhl
e:"
Iam sor
ry"
Me: "i
tokay,j
ustthatwhenIsawherSat urday
nightmemor iescamebackhar dandknowi ng
youbr oughtherther
eandy ouknewi tj
ustall
hurtsomuch.I '
m sorryIr
eactedthatwaya. .
"

Lonhl
e:"
don'
tapol
ogi
ze"

Me:"Iam sor
ryLonhl
ebecauseyoul
oveher
andIdon'
tevenli
keher"hel
ookeddown
si
ghi
ng

Lonhle:"
thathurtsbutIunder stand.Iknowthat
everyonewon' tl
i
keherbecauseoft hatandit
drai
ningmej usteventhinkingabouti t.Wea
cl
osef amilyandnowt hi
si sjustgoingt obe
awkwar dforme, howam Igoi ngt obringher
aroundever y
onewheny oual l don'
tli
keher?"
Me:"
justbecauseIdon'
tl
ikeheri
tdoesn'
t
meaneveryoneelsewon'
tli
keher
"

Lonhle:"
Ithi
nkdadhasal r
eadymadehis
feel
ingsknownandt her
e'snodoubtt
hatmom
won'tli
keherbecauseofwhatshedidwhich
i
sn'tevenherfault
.Shewasjustavi
cti
m of
Sabelo'
sbull
shitasyouwere"

Me:
"youpossi
blyexpectmet
oli
keherLonhl
e!"

Lonhl
e:"t
hati
snotwhatI'
m sayingbutal
lI'
m
sayi
ngisIam madlyi
nlov
ewi t
hher ,
Isee
fut
urewit
hher.Youknowmar r
iagekidsa
houseandall
thatshi
t"

Me: "
well
Iam happyforyourl
it
tl
ebrother
,Iwil
l
speaktomom anddadt heyshoul
dgivehera
chanceandnotjudgeherbasedinherpastbutI
don'tli
keherandIam notgoi ngtopretendto
l
ikeher ,
Iwi l
lbeci v
ilt
oherwhenshe' saround
I'
m sorrybutpl easedon'
texpectmor e.Speak
tomom t el
lherhowy ouloveherandshewi l
l
speakt odad.Dadwasj ustangrybecauseIwas
soupsethedi dn'tmeanwhathesai d,Iheard
himt al
kingtomom hewasupsetwi thhimself
forhowhespoket oyou"

Lonhl
e:"
Iwi
shy
ouwoul
dgi
veherachance"

Me:
"Lonhl
e"

Lonhle:
"noIgeti
t.Nowcomef eedme"he
pull
edmeupandwewenti nthehouse,we
foundmom makingbreakf
astintheki
tchen

Mom:
"yout
wookay
?"
Us:
"yeah"

Mom:
"good.Si
tdownI
'
m al
mostdone"

Ij
umpedonhi m assoonasIwascl
oseenough
andhecaughtmel aughi
ngt
henki
ssedmeall
overmyface
Simpiwe:"youhere.GodImi ssedyou, Imissed
yoursmell.Yousmellsogood, Il
ov eyoubaby "I
heldhischeekandweki sseddeepl yonlypull
ed
apartwhenLonhleclearedhisthroat.Igi
ggled
hidi
ngmyf aceonSimpiwe'sneck

Lonhl
e:"
heybr
o"

Si
mpi
we:
"hey
.Sor
rymanj
ustmi
ssedmygi
rl
"
Lonhl
e:"
tot
all
yunder
stand"

Si
mpi
we:
"let
'sgo"

Lonhl
e:"
ohnoI
'
m notst
ayi
ng"

Si
mpi
we:
"oh"

Lonhl
e:"
yeahheadi
ngtoItal
y,Lel
oyounot
goi
ngtosaygoodbye"Ishookmyhead

Me:
"by
e"

Lonhl
e:"
nohug"

Me:"
I'
m comf or
tabl
e"weal
ll
aughedand
Si
mpiwekissedmycheek
Lonhl
e:"
welll
etmel
eav
eyoui
tlat
eany
way
.I
l
oveyousissy
"

Me: "
lov
ey oumore"Simpiweputmei nt
hecar
andloadedmybagsi nthecarthenhegoti
nt he
dri
versseat"comehere"wekissedagai
nbefore
hedroveoff

Si
mpiwe:"I
'
m sohappyy
ouher
ebabeIwas
goi
ngcrazy"

Me:"
Imi
ssedyou"Iki
ssedhi
sneckwhi
l
e
r
ubbi
nghi
sthi
gh

Simpi
we:"babypl
easeIdon'tneedtogetmore
hardorIwil
lst
opthi
scarandt akeyouri
ght
now.Fuckthepol
i
ceandt hepaparazzi
"I
gi
ggl
ed

Me:"
I'
llbehav
ejustt
hatIdi
dn'
treal
i
zeImi
ssed
yout
hisbad"

Simpiwe: "It hinkyoumisst hesexmor e"I

cov er
edmyf acewithmyhandsl aughing.Idi
d
mi sshavingsexwi t
hhim,itwasjustdiffer
ent
from sexwi thLeo.Hehel dmedi ff
erentl
yand
whenwemadel ovehespoket omesay ing
somesoul sat i
sfy
ingthi
ngsbutwhenwe
fuckedwef uckedhar dwhichalwaysleftmy
bodyt rembl ingandmei ntearsi
twasj ust
amazi ng

Me:
"st
opi
t"

Si
mpiwe:"don'
tbeshynowaftertr
avel
ingfor
hour
sjusttogetsome.Youl
efttheconti
nent
f
ori
t"

Me:
"shutup"Ipushedhi
m

Si
mpiwe:"
Ilov
eyou"Il
eanedov
erandki
ssed
hi
scheek

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Si
mpi
we:
"youdo?
"

Me:
"ofcour
seIdoy
ousi
l
lyman"

Si
mpiwe:"
Iknowyoudomyl
ove.Tal
ktome,
howaret
hegirl
s?"
 
.
#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Ithadbeenaweeksi nceIwentwi thEnzot ohi

s
home, helefttheconv ersationabouthi m
possiblyl
ov i
ngmehangi ng.Wespokeal most
ev er
yday,hewoul djustsendmer andom t ext
s
att i
mes.ItwasFr idayandIwasdonewi t
h
attendi
ngbutIwasn' tsureifIshoul dtelldadto
pickmeupaf terwor kornot .Ikepthopi ngEnzo
woul dcal
l mesay inghewi l
lseemebutast ime
wentonandt hecl ockhit18: 30sti
llnothing
from EnzoIdeci dedtot extdadt hatheshoul d
comepi ckmeup.Ipackedmyl aptopandmy
cur r
entnovelinmybag, Ichangedmyl ensesto
mygl asses.

Dad:
"wemi
ssedy
oul
astweekend"
Me:
"Ial
somi
ssedy
'al
l
"

Dad:
"howi
ssecondy
earsof
ar"

Me:"myl
ecturesseem ni
cebutIdowi
shIwas
doi
ngmyt hi
rdalr
eady"hesmil
edandl
ookedat
meshort
ly

Dad:"
youjustl
ikeyoursi
steryouhateschool
at
l
eastyousmartunli
keher"Igavehim aweak
smil
eIdidn'
tli
ketal
kingaboutmylatesist
er

Me:
"mmh"

Dad:
"sor
ryhl
ehl
e"

Me:
"it
'sokaydad"
Wear rivedathomeIgr eetedmom andMuzi
thenwentt oleavemybagi nmyr oom.Being
withmyf amilyisalwaysni ce,
wecl oseand
smal lsoweshar edalmostev erythi
ngwi t
heach
other.Itwasaf tersupperIwaswat chingtv
whilebusyonmyphoneonTwi t
terwhenIsaw
apictur eofEnzoent eri
ngacl ubwi thsomegi rl
whowast al
landski nny,shehadamodel body
withal ongweav eandwaswear ingav eryti
ght
fi
tti
ng, shortblackdress.Myhear tjustbroke. 
Me:
"goodni
ghtguy
s"

Mom:
"yousl
eepi
ngt
hisear
ly?
"

Dad:
"goodni
ghtangel
"

Muz
i:"
butwest
il
lwat
chi
ngamov
ieSbahl
e"
Me:"wewi l
lgot
otheci
nemat
omor
rowt
hen
hav
el unch"

Muz
i:"
justy
ouandI
?"Hesmi
l
edbr
ight
ly

Me:
"yes"

Muzi:"
yeah!
!"Iwal
kedtomyroom.Igotinbed
andlai
dforanhourwit
hmyt hought
srunni
ng
wil
d.Iwenttomyparentsr
oom andknocked

Mom:"comein"Iopenedthedoorandgoti
n
"
what
'swrongsweetie?"

Me:
"Ican'
tsl
eepIhav
eaheadache"
Mom:
"gogett
ramacetf
rom mybat
hroom"

Me:
"isdaddyasl
eepal
ready
?"

Mom: "
yes,hehasamor ningshif
t"Inodded
andwenttothebathr
oom andt ookthe
medici
ne"I
'l
ltakey
out othegpifitdoesn'
tget
bet
terokay
? "

Me:
"okay
"Iwentt
omyr
oom andsl
ept

Iwaswokenupbymyphoner i
ngingnonstop
andsomeoneknocki ngonmybal conydoorI
satupandswi t
chedont hesidelamps.Iwas
freakedandIwasaboutt oscream fordad
whenIhear dEnzo'
sv oi
cewhispermyname.I
tookmyphoneandnot i
cedhewascal l
ingsoI
answer ed 
Me:
"yes"

Enzo:
"openy
ourdoor
"

Me:
"what
?"Ihi
ssed

Enzo:"
door"heknockedont hedoor.Igotoff
thebedandwentt oopenandhewasst anding
ther
elooki
nghandsomeasal waysinallbl
ack,
j
eanswithat-shirt
,bi
kerandsneakersjustl
ike
howhewasdr essedi
nthatpict
ure

Me:
"Enzo"

Enzo:
"Imi
ssedy
ou"

Me:
"ar
eyoudr
unk?
"Hef
lashedmeagr
in
Enzo:
"notr
eal
l
y.Okaymay
bej
ustal
i
ttl
e"I
si
ghed

Me:"whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
ehowdi
dyouev
en
geti
n?"

Enzo:"Ijumpedt hefenceitnotthathardt henI

cl
imbedt hatt
ree.Yourdadshoul dcutt hattr
ee
i
tmakesi teasyt ogettoyourr
oom.I fy ou
weren'tagoodgi r
lyouwouldusedt osneakout
butthany oumyper f
ectgoodgirl"Isquealedas
helif
tedmeup" hushyougoingtowakeupy our
parents"hewal kedintheroom andcl osedthe
door

Me:
"Enzoy
ougoi
ngt
ogetmei
ntr
oubl
e"
Enzo:"
I'
ll
leavebef
oretheywakeup"helai
dme
onthebed" y
oulooksocutei
ny ourpi
nkpanda
onsi
es"Ifel
tmycheeksheatupsamet ime

Me:
"howdidy
ouknowmyhouseev
enwor
se
myroom"

Enzo:"
Itol
dy ouIknowever
ythi
ngabouty
ou"
hestar
tedtakinghi
sclot
hesoff

Me:"E-
enzoyoucan'
t"I
'
venevershar
edabed
wi
thaguy .Whenwewereathishomeweused
di
ff
erentr
ooms

Enzo:"r
elaxI
'l
ll
eavemyt -
shir
tandboy l
egson"
hegotont hebednexttomeandcov er
edus
withthecomfort
erthenpul
ledmecl osetohi
m
"cal
m downIcanf eely
ourheartbeati
ngfast
"
Me:
"i-
i-
ica-
can'
t"heki
ssedmyf
orehead

Enzo:
"tr
ypl
ease"

Me:
"okay
"

Enzo:"
I'
m sorrySbahl
eforbeingsuchan
asshol
etoy ou.Iknowit
'snotenoughbutI
'l
l
spendtherestofourli
vesmakingitupyouyou"

Me:"youreal
l
yhurtmeEnz
oandev
ennowIst
il
l
don'
tunderst
andwhy"

Enzo:"IhavenoexcusebutIam terr
ibl
ysorry
honeyandIl oveyousomuch"IswearIst opped
breat
hing"breathhoney
"hechuckledbefore
ki
ssingmyhead
[
03/
20,
10:
47]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

(Let'
ssaythankyoutoLi
z-bSel
epef
orAmi
l
e's
partonthi
sinser
t) 
.

I
nser
t48

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Ineverkneworev enthoughtthatsleepingin
hi
sar mswoul dfeelsogreat.IwokeupwhenI
heardmom anddadmov i
ngar oundt hehouse
astheywereget t
ingreadyforwor k.Iknewthe
bestthi
ngtodonowwoul dbet owakeEnzoup
aft
ermypar entsleaveforworkandbef or
eMuzi
wakesup.Ihear dthecardri
v i
ngoutt hen
wai
tedf
ormi
nut
es
Me:
"Enzo"Ishookhi
m al
i
ttl
e

Enzo:
"got
osl
eephoney
"hepul
l
edmecl
oser

Me: "
youneedtowakeupEnzo"Ishookhi
m
againandheopenedhi
seyesandlooked
around

Enzo:"shi
tshitIoversl
ept"hesatupand
rubbedhisface"sorryI
'
lll
eavenow"

Me:"i
tokaymyparentshav
eleftal
readyy
ou
j
ustneedtol
eavebeforeMuziwakesup"hel
et
outasigh

Enzo:"
okay
"hesl
idbacknextt
omeand
cuppedmyface"
hi"
Me:
"h-
hi"

Enzo:"
socut
e"hepeckedmynose"
whydidn'
t
youtel
lmeyouwouldbeher
ethi
sweekend?"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tknowIhadt
o"

Enzo:"y
oudon'
t"heleaneddownt
oki
ssmebut
Ipushedhi
m back"what?"

Me:
"needt
obr
ushmyt
eet
hfi
rst
"

Enzo:"
fuckthat
"hekissedme, i
tstar
tedof
sl
owlybutheatedupast i
mewenton.Hel if
ted
meupput ti
ngmeont opofhi m,hi
speniswas
hardanditmademeuncomf ort
abl
e.Ipull
ed
backwhenhest ar
tedgrabbi
ngmyass
Me:
"Enzo"

Enzo:
"Iknowhoney"hegav
emeapeck"
I'
ll
see
youwhenIgetachance"

Me:"
i-
isawapi
ctur
eofy
ouonTwi
tt
erwi
th
somegir
l"

Enzo:"
mmh"Isl
owl
ygotof
fhi
m"don'
tbe
upset
?"

Me:"Ihavenor
ightt
obeupsety
ounotmy
boy
friend"

Enzo:"
Iam y
ourboy
fri
end"myhear
tski
ppeda
beat
Me:
"itdoesn'
twor
kli
ket
hatEnzo"

Enzo:
"say
swho?
"

Me:
"uhm b-
booksandpeopl
e"

Enzo:
"fuckthosepeopl
eandbooksarefict
ion"
hesmirked"doyouwantmet ocourty
ou
honey
? "Ishr
uggedmyshoulders"wel
li
tnot
somethingI'
m usedt
obutIwill
trymybest"

Me:
"okay
"

Enzo:"welly
oualreadyknowIl oveyou.SocanI
pleasetakeyououtfordinnerwheny oubackat
res?I'
ll
bookoutther est
aurantatmydad's
hotelwewi l
lhav
eanamazi ngtime"
Me:
"whataboutt
hatgi
rly
ouwer
ewi
th?
"

Enzo:"shei
sanonexi
sti
ngf
act
or.Youhav
emy
heart
"

Me:
"I'
venev
erhadaboy
fri
endbef
ore"

Enzo:"sur
ehopesobecauseIwouldgoona
ki
ll
ingspreeify
ouhadexesorevennow"I
smiledathim

Me:
"youhav
etogonow"

Enzo:
"soy
oumygi
rl
fr
iend?
"

Me:
"noty
et"
Enzo:
"whynot
?"

Me:"
justnotyet
.I'
m notr
eady
"hel
ookedaway
l
ooki
ngdisappoi
nted

Enzo:"Iunder
stand,j
ustknowthatIl
oveyou"I
walkedhim downstai
rstothemaindoor

Me:
"howwi
l
lyougethome?
"

Enzo:
"I'
l
lbef
inehoney
"hehel
dmychi
nand
ki
ssedmebeforel
eavi
ng.
.

I
twasWednesdaynightEnzoandIhadour
di
nnerdat
e.Af
tercomingbackfr
om campusI
hadluncht henst udiedal i
ttl
e,nowIam l ooking
atmycl osetwi thmostofmycl othesont he
beds.I'vetakenashowerandIneedsomet hi
ng
towear .Idon' thav eany t
hingthatmakesme
feelworthyofhi m besidest hedressIwas
wearingathi spart yeventhoughhesai dhe
l
ov esmei nmynor mal cl
othesIsawt hef i
rein
hiseyest hatni ghtandIwanthi mt olookatme
l
ikethatagai nbutIcan' tweart hedress
becauseIf eel li
keheneedst oseemei n
somet hingel se.If i
nal
lycav einandcallher,we
texteachot herev erynowandt hen.
Lel
o:"
heysweet
ie"

Me:"
h-hi
?"I
tcameof
fasaquest
ionwhi
ch
madehergi
ggle

Lel
o:"
whatdi
dthatf
ool
donow?
"
Me:"nothi
ng!Hehasbeenamazing.Hei
s
t
akingmeoutandIr eal
l
ydon'tknowwhatt
o
wear.Iwanttol
ookgoodforhim"

Lel
o:"ohsweeti
e,t
hatboylov
esyouasyouare
youshoul
dnevertr
yt obesomeoneel
se.Li
sten
j
ustpickyourf
avor
iteout
fi
tandweart
hat
okay?
"

Me:
"ar
eyousur
e?"

Lel
o:"
yes.Yougoingtofeel
comf or
tabl
ewhich
wil
ll
eadtoy ouf
eeli
ngbeauti
ful
.Wheny ouf
eel
goodyoulookgood"

Me:
"okayt
hanks,
howi
sLondon?
"

Lel
o:"
fant
ast
icI
'
mfal
l
ingi
nlov
ewi
tht
hispl
ace
moreandmore,i
tdoesn'
thel
pthatSi
mpi
we
want
smet or
elocat
e"

Me:"I
'
vebeenther
eoncewithmyGodmot her
andherf
amil
yitabeaut
if
ulplace.Ishoul
dgo
andgetr
eady"

Lelo:
"okaysweet i
ewewi ll
talklat
er"shedrops
thecall
.Itakeoutmyf avori
tewhitemaxi dr
ess
andironit
.Afterputt
ingonthedr essItiemy
ult
raintoahalftopbunandputonsandal sthen
waitforEnzowhoshoul dhav ehadcalledby
nowbecausei twas18: 35andhewas
supposedt opickmeupat18: 30.

Isatonthechai
rbythedeskf orhourswai
ti
ng
forhim,he'
sphonewasonv oicemail
.Imoved
from t
hedeskandsatont hebedaftermaki
ng
my sel
fasandwichbecauseIhadgot t
enhungr
y.
Icoul
dfeelmy
sel
fget
ti
ngmor
eandmor
e
sl
eepyasthet
imewentby
.

Iwaswokenupbymyal ar
mr inginginthe
mor ning.Icheckedmyphonet oseeifIhad
textsormi ssedcall
sfrom Enzobutnot hi
ng.I
didn'tevenfeelli
kegoi
ngtoat tendsoIgotoff
thebedt ookoffmyshoesandmydr essputon
mypy jamasIgotunderthecov ersandjust
cried.Enzohadn'tshowedup, hestoodmeup.  
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Me:
"Idon'
tknowSbani
"

Sbani
:"butmom y
oupr
omi
sedmet
haty
ouwi
l
l
comewatchmepl
ay"hehadasoccergameat
school

Me:
"butIdon'
tfeel
sogood"

Sbani :"
eversincey ougotpr egnancyy ouand
babadon' tcareaboutmeany mor e.Allyoucar e
abouti sthatbaby ,it'sbabyt hisbabyt hat.I
hateitandIhat ey ou!!"Her anoutgoi ng
upstairs.Itr
iedget tingof fthecouch, af t
era
coupleoft ri
esIf i
nal lymanagedt ogetup.Iwas
hugel i
ker eall
yhugeandaweekawayf rom my
duedat e.Thishasbeenadi f
ficul
tpregnancy ,
mydoct orputmeonbedr estwhenIent er ed
myf inaltri
mest erbutSbani doesn'tunder stand
that.Hehasbeenact ingoutf orsomet imenow,
alway sthrowingt ant rumsandi tdoesn'thel p
thatVumi leisalsor eall
ybusywi thwor k.He
hasboughtf ewmor et r
ucksandhei st ryi
ngt o
getintopr opert
ynow.AsIgotupt hecouchI
f
eltwat
err
ushi
ngoutofmyv
agi
na

Me:"ohmyGod"Il ookedaroundandnot
icedI
wasaloneMr sNgcobowassomewher earound
thehouse.Shewasst ay
ingwithusnowthatmy
duedatewassocl ose"mah!!
"

MrsN:
"yes!
!!
"Sheshout
edf
rom wher
evershe
was

Me:
" mywat
erj
ustbr
oke"asecondl
atershe
r
anintot
hetvr
oom

Mr
sN:
"ar
eyoui
npai
nyet
?"

Me:
"itmi
l
dnot
hingIcan'
thandl
e"
Mr sN:"
Sbani!!
"Shetookoutherphoneand
call
edsomeone" Vumil
eNobuntu'swaterj
ust
broke.
..
.yesI'
mt aki
nghertothehospi
talnow"
Sbanigotin"Sbanigogett
hosebagsthatarei
n
yoursi
ster'
sroom hurr
y"

Sbani
:"okaygogo"her
ushedout

MrsN: "shesaysthepai
nismild..
..
.okaymeet
usthere"sheheldmyarmsandhel pedmeout
ofthehousetheninthebackseatofmycar,
Sbanigotinwit
hme.Aswewer edr i
vi
ngtothe
hospi
tal t
hepai
nkeptgetti
ngstrongerand
str
onger

Me:"aaah!
!"Sbaniwi
pedmyf
acewi
thhi
s
handshewasal socr
ying

Sbani
:"pl
easedon'
tdi
emahI
'
m sor
ryIam so
sorry,pl
easedon'tl
eav
eme.Idon'
thateyouor
thebabyIlovey oubot
hsomuchjustdon'
tdi
e
please"hebrushedmyhai
r

MrsN:"shei
snotgoi
ngt
odi
eSbani
cal
m
down"

Sbani:"
I'
m scar
edgogo!
!!Whyi
sshecr
yingl
i
ke
thi
s?"Ibreat
hedout

Me:"Iam notgoi
ngt
odi
eSbani
cal
m down"he
nodded

Sbani
:"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oosbani
sam.Aah!
!"
AccordingtoVumilewhohasbeenscr eaming
atthenursesandthedoctorithadbeen9hour s
sinceI'
vebeeninlaborbutt
hedoct orwould
j
ustcheckmet hensaynoty et.Hecamei n
l
ookingcalm asacucumberwhi leIwas
screamingmylungsoutwi t
hVumi l
etell
ingme
tobreathinandout.Thedoctorlookedat
betweenmyspr eadlegs
Doctor:"i
t'
stime"t henursesinthedel i
very
room start
edr ushingaroundVumi leheldmy
handandki ssedmysweat yfor
ehead" okay
NobuntuI '
m goi ngtoneedy outogiv emea
str
ongpushI 'l
l counttothreetheny oupush"I
didashesai dacoupl eoft i
mes, Icouldfeel
my sel
fgetti
ngmor edrainedasIpushed

Me:
"Ican'
tany
mor
e"

Vumi
l
e:"
fucki
ngdosomet
hingdoc"
Doct
or:"
Ineedyoutobecalm MrNgcoboso
shecanbecalm,j
ustspeakt
oher"

Vumi
le:
"youdoinggreatbabyj
ustbebr
avef
or
me,f
orourpr
incess"

Doct
or:
"pushagai
n"Ipushedwi
thall
mymi ght
t
henfel
tsomethi
ngpopoutandatinywai
lfil
l
ed
t
heroom "
it
'sagir
l"

Me:"Iwantmybaby
"af
teraf
ewsecondst
hey
l
aidheronmychest

Vumi
l
e:"
she'
ssopi
nkandbi
g"

Me:
"she'
sbeaut
if
ul"
Vumile:"
Ineedagun.YoudidgreatmyangelI
l
ov eyousomuch,youandourchildr
en"hetook
herhandandbrushedit"
ourli
tt
leBongokuhl
e
Simthandi
le"

Me:"
Ilovet
hem.ourl
i
ttl
eSi
m"hewi pedmy
f
acewhichwasfi
ll
edwit
hsweatandtear
s 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Ihav en’
tspokentoLonhlesincethedayhe
droppedmeof fattheai
rpor
tandt hatwasa
mont hago,Idon’tevenknowi fheindeedwent
toItalyl
ikehesaidorifi
twasj ustanexcuseto
getridofme.He’ sbeenblowingupmyphone
l
ikecr azyandI ’
v ebeeni gnor inghi scal lsmost ly
becauseIwasst il
lmadathi mf orl eav i
ngj ust
l
iket hat ,
t henonl ymaki ngcont actt woweeks
l
ater .Ineededhi mt oassur emet hatwewer e
goingt obeal r i
ght ,
thatwewer egoi ngt oget
throught hislikewedi dtheSabel odr amabut
i
nst ead, heupandl eft,l
eav ingmet odeal with
allthisbymy self.Par toft her easonIdi dn’t
wantt ospeakt oLonhl ewasal sot opr otectmy
hear tfrom br eaki ngi ntoami l
lionpi ecesnot
thati twor kedbecauseIt rulyl ov edhi m, t
hel ast
fourweekshav ebeenhel lforme, i
fi twasn’ tfor
mywor kI ’
m sur eIwoul dhav esl ippedi nto
depr ession.Ican’ thel pbutf eel l
iket hisisthe
endofev erythingwe’ vebui ltformont hs…Iam
broughtbackt othewor l
doft hel iv
ingbywhat
soundsl ikecommot ionf r
om out sideandIpeek
outofmydr essingr oom doort oseewhat ’s
goingon…. Iwasn’ tpr eparedf orwhatIf ound
onceIsnuckmyheadoutt hedoor
Me:
What
’sgoi
ngon?
…Iasknowf
ull
youtt
he
door

Guar
d:Igoti
tmi
ss,
don’
twor
ryabouti
t(hewas
new…)

Me: howdi
dy ouevengeti
nher e?Thisismy
pl
aceofwor kandyouare….
."Icouldn’teven
fi
nishwhatIwantedtosaywhenher oared

Lonhl
e:"
Fuckt
hat
,Ihadt
oseey
oudamni
t!

Me: “
it
’sokay
,Iwi
l
ltakei
tfr
om her
e”It
oldt
he
securi
tyguar
d

Hi
m“ar
eyousur
emi
ss?
”

Me:
“Yes,
thanky
ou”….
justseei
nghi
m and
smellinghim socl osetomebr oughtupso
manyemot ionsinme, stuffIdidn’
tevenknowI
fel
t.Ireali
sedatt hatpointthatIhavebeen
worriedabouthi m andasmuchasIwant edt
o
embr acehim, Icouldn’
t…Ijuststoodther
e
dumbst ruck

Lonhl
e:“Howhaveyoubeen?Youl
ookdi
ff
erent
,
haveyoulostwei
ght
?”

Me:
“Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eLonhl
e?”

Lonhle:
“Don’
trai
sey
ourv
oiceatme,
I’
m not
yourchil
d”

Me:
“ Youdon’
ttel
lmewhatt
odo,
youar
enot
myfather
”
Lonhl
e:"WhyAmi l
e?Ihavebeencall
ingyou,
evengoi
ngt oyourpar
ents’pl
acebutyouhave
j
ustplai
nignor
edme, Ithoughtmaybewe……"

Me: “ThereisnoWEany more,youmadet hat

veryclearthel astt
imewesaweachot herandI
am cool withthat,youchosey ourfamilyover
usandIdon’ tblamey ouforit
;Ijustneedy outo
pleaseleavemeal one…li
keyouhav ethet wo
weeksf oll
owi ngthatinci
dentwithLelo”

Lonhl
e:“Ami
let
hat’
snotfair
,whenar
eyou
wrappi
nguphere?Ij
ustneedustogo
somewhereandtal
k”

Me: “
I’
m notgoingany wherewithyouMpi l
onhl
e,
haven’
tyoubeenl i
steningtoanythi
ngthatI’
ve
beensaying?Thereisnol ongeraYOUandI
toget
her”hepushedmei nsidemydressing
room, wehadbeenout sidetheenti
reti
methen
hecamecl oserandwi pedmyt earsawaywi
th
histhumb, kissedmyf oreheadandpull
edme
closerforahug…. Isobbedinhisarmsforwhat
feltl
ikeeternit
ythenheev entual
lyl
etgo.

Lonhle:“Iwi
ll
wai
tintheparki
nglotf
oryouto
fi
nish,t
heytol
dmey ouhaveonlyonescene
l
eft”

Amile:“
Lonhl
eno,Idon’twantt
ot al
ktoyou
about…”hecutmebeforeIcoul
dev engeta
wordin,i
twasli
ketal
kingtoabrick…

Lonhle:
“Iam par
kedbyent
rance3”andwi
th
thathelef
t

If
oundhi
m seat
edinhi
sLambowithboth
wi
ndowsrol
leddownandawhol
elotofstar
es
admi
ri
ngt
hecar

Me: “pleasetakemehome”hedr ovet ot

he
hot elandor deredfoodanddrinkswhenwegot
ther e.Ihonestlyhadnothi
ngtosayt ohim soI
wasj ustquietthewholeti
meandsowashe.
We’ v ebeensi t
tingi
nsil
enceforalmost20
mi nut esnow, meont hecouchandhi m onthe
ottomani nfrontofmeandhe’ sjustbeen
star i
ngatmel ikehewasseeingmef orthefi
rst
ti
met henhesai d

Lonhle:“sohowhav ey oubeenmyl ov e,I

missedy ou”justt henourf oodgotdel ivered.
Hehador deredlasagnebecausei t’
smy
favouri
te,togetherwi thchampagnesi ncet here
i
sal waysbeeri nthatf ridgethat’
sinthe
penthouseandIf eltnauseoust hemi nut eI
caughtthesmel loflasagne.I ’
m oneoft hose
peoplewho, whenst ressedget sphysicallysick.
Ivomitandhavear unnytummy ,
li
keIseri
ousl y
becomeapuppy .Iquickl
yrant othebathroom
andthrewupev erythingI
’vehadf orbr
eakf ast
whil
ehewasbusybr ushi
ngmyback.Ir insed
mymout hthenwentbackandt hrewmy selfon
thebedwhilehef ol
lowedbehi ndmeandsai d
“so,
whatwast hatabout ”?

me:
“what
”?

Lonhl
e:“
yout
hrowi
ngup’
?

Me:
”IthappenswhenI
’
m st
ressed,
myst
ress
mani
festphysi
cal
l
y”

Lonhl
e:“
Hasi
tbeenhappeni
ngal
oti
nthel
ast
month?"
Me: “
KengLonhle,
doesi
tfasci
nat
eyouwhen
I’
m unhappy?ar
eyougonatakemehomeor
shouldIcal
lanuber?
"

Lonhl
e:“
Iwi
llt
akeyouhomeaf
tery
ou’
veeat
en
andwe’v
ebeentoseeadr”

Me:
“Idon’
tneedadr
,I’
mfi
ne”

Lonhle:“Noy ouarenot ,fi

nepeopl edon’tgo
aroundthr owingupnjej ustf
orthef unofit”I
don’tknowhoworwhybutt earsjuststeamed
downmycheeks, Idon’tevenknowwhyIwas
cryi
ngbutsomehowwhathesai dhurtme.Igot
upfrom thebedandwentt ogetagl assof
champagneandLonhl equicklytookitaway
fr
om me, givi
ngmesomebul l
shitaboutnot
dri
nkingwhi lstsi
ck.Igotpissedandl ostit
Me:“youarenotthebossofmeandy ouarein
nopositi
ontotellmewhatIcanandcannotdo.
Youlostthatr
ightthedayyougaveuponus,
don’
tandImeandon’ tshi
tmearoundLonhle”i
t
wasl i
kehehadawakenedal lt
hisangerIhad
bott
ledupinsi
de

Lonhle:“
Isayagai
n,donotfucki
nrai
seyour
voiceatmeAmi l
e,Igett
hatyouareangryand
all
butIwon’tal
lowy out
oputmych…. .
”thenhe
si
ghed

me“ li
keIsai d,y
ouar enotmyf ather,
nxa”at
thi
spoi ntIwassoangr yt hatIwasev endoing
breathingexercisesjustsoIcancal m down.
Lonhlet houghtmay beIwasr unningoutbreat
h
andhescoopedmeupbef or
eIcouldask
what’sgoi ngonanddr oveof fi
nsome
ri
diculousspeed; Idi
dn’ tevenknowwher ewe
weregoi ng.
Me:
“sl
owdownLonhl
e,Idon’
twantt
odi
e”

Him: “ar
eyouokay?Sorr
yIdidn’
tmeantt
o
speed,it
’sj
ustt
hatyouscar
edmebackatt he
penthouse”

“wherearewegoing?”heparkedoutsi
dethe
medicalcentr
eandrushedusin“whatarewe
doi
ngher e;It
oldy
ouI’mfine”

Lonhl
e:“
lett
hedrconf
ir
mthat
”

me:"mxm”wewai t
edourtur
n,whi
cht
ook
sometimebecausewedidn’
thav
ean
appoi
ntment

Dr
:“y
oungmrMkhi
ze,
howcanIbeof
assi
stancet
oday
?”

Lonhle:“
Ineedtohavemygi r
lf
ri
endchecked
outDr,shehasn’
tbeenfeel
ingwelll
atel
y,
nausea,vomit
ingandtheli
kes”Ishothi
ma
deadlystar
e

Me:“butIt
oldy
out
hatI
’
mfi
ne,
youj
ustdon’
t
l
ist
en”

Dr:
“ l
etmeputy ourmindsateasethen,
miss
pl
easegetont hebedov ert
here”Idi
das
i
nstructedandheaskedmet opullmytankt
op
up,Istoodupstrai
ghtandsaid

Me:
“I’
m notpr
egnant
”

Dr“
Idi
dn’
tsayy
ouwer
ebutwehav
etor
uleout
thepossibil
it
ybeforemov ingontoot hert
hings”
heputthegel onmyst omachwhi ch; nowthat
someoneel sewast ouchi
ngi tbesidesme
seemedki ndahardbutIqui ckl
ybrushedi toff,I
meani t
’sstil
lfl
atsothereisnowayt hatIam
pregnant,Iwouldhaveknown…Iwasdi str
acted
from mythoughtsbyt heloudhear tbeatsound
from t
hescan.

Dr:“
congr at
ulati
onsyout wo, t
hereisdefi
nit
ely
abunbaki nginthishereov en,youareal
most
14weekspr egnant”Isawasni desmilef
rom
LonhleandIjustshutdown.I ’
vealwayswant ed
ki
dsbutt hetimingcouldn’thav ebeenworse.I
di
dn’tsayany thi
ng,Ij
ustwentmut e.Wewal ked
out,
gotmypr escri
pti
onfrom t hepharmacyand
droveoff
.

Lonhl
e:“y
ouhaven’
tsai
dany t
hingsincet
hedr
confi
rmedthaty
ouarepregnant,
ifwearegoi
ng
tohav eachi l
dt ogetherIthi
nkit
’simportant
thatweatl eastt al
kt oeachother”
?Ijustcried,
I
honestlydi
dn’ tknowwhatt osay.Heparkedon
thesideoft heroad“ babyIknowi t’
s
overwhelmingbutIwi llbehere,
Iwillal
way sbe
here,Ipromise”

Me: “
howcanIhav eababywi thy
ouwheny our
famil
yhateme” ?i
twasquiteforawhileuntil
wegothome, Iunbuckl
edmyseat bel
t,tookmy
handbag,openedthedoorandsaid“Ican’thave
thi
schil
d”thenwalkedout.Isawatearescape
hisri
ghteye

Lonhl
e:“Ami
l
e”hewhi
sper
ed,
Ijustwal
ked
out…….
.
[
03/
20,
10:
47]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t49
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Icouldn'tstopl ooki
ngatmybaby ,shewas
perfect.Perfecttenlitt
lefingers, perfectt en
l
itt
letoes, perfectpout ysmall l
ips, perfect
bri
ghtey est hatareusual lycl
osed, perf ecttiny
squeakyv oiceokayi tnotsoper fectbutshei s
perfectandIam compl etelyi
nl ov e.Ifel tthe
samewaywhenSbani wasbor nandIf al l
in
l
ov ewithhi m mor eev erydayasIdi scov ernew
thi
ngsabouthi m andI 'm hopingi twi llbet he
samewi thSimi .Sbani gotinmyr oom and
threwhi sschool bagont hefloorandki ckedof f
hisshoeswhi lewalkingt othebedheal sot ook
offhisblazerdr oppingi tonthef loort hen
j
umpedont hebedmaki ngSimi stiralittle
Sbani:
"hel
l
obaby
"heki
ssedherf
orehead"
canI
takehermah?
"
Me:"y
ounotgoi
ngt
ogr
eety
ourmot
her
?"He
l
aughed

Sbani
:"hel
l
omah"

Me: "
gowashyourhandssoy
oucant
aket
he
baby"hegotof
fthebedandr
ant
othe
bathr
oom

Sbani
:"I
'
m back"Igav
ehi
mthebaby

Me:
"hol
dher
..
"

Sbani
:"neckandheadpr
oper
lyIknowmah"I
smil
ed
Me:
"wel
lokaybi
gbr
other
"Vumi
l
egoti
n

Vumi
l
e:"
hel
l
ofami
l
y"

Me:"
Ngcobo"hekissedmyheadandki
ssed
Si
mi'
sfor
eheadthenSbani
'scheek

Sbani
:"ewubabano"

Vumi l
e:"
I'
llki
ssy ourli
ps"Il
aughedatSbani
'
s
react
ion,helookedlikehewantedtorunoutof
theroom

Sbani
:"pl
easedon'
tbaba"Vumi
l
echuckl
ed

Vumil
e:"st
opcompl
aini
ng.It
oldyoutol
eave
yourt
hingsiny
ourr
oom andchangeoutofy
our
uni
for
m bef
orecomi
ngher
e"

Sbani
:"IknowandI'
m sorr
ybutImissedherso
bad"hepeckedhernoseshecriedal
it
tl
eand
hebroughthert
ohischest"i
t'
sokayIgotyou"

Vumil
e:"
he'
ssogoodwi
thher
"hewhi
sper
ed
ki
ssi
ngmycheek

Me:
"itmakesmef
eel
soemot
ional
wat
chi
ng
t
hem toget
her
"

Vumil
e:"don'
tcr
yagai
n"Igi
ggl
edwhi
l
ewi
ping
mytears

Me:"l
eav
emeal one,myemoti
onsar
est i
ll
messedup"hesmiledpr
essi
nghi
sforeheadon
mi
ne
Vumi
l
e:"
Ilov
eyousomuch"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Vumi
l
e:"
thanky
ouf
orourchi
l
dren"

Me:
"youwel
comebaby
"

Vumi
l
e:"
Iwantanot
herone"

Me:
"whenSi
mthandi
l
eisatl
east4"

Vumi
l
e:"
hhababy
!"

Me:
"yes"
Vumi
l
e:"
soy
ouIgoi
ngt
ost
ayont
hei
nject
ion"

Me:
"yep"

Vumil
e:"
ift
hat
'swhaty
ouwantbaby
.Sbani
you
hungr
y?"

Sbani
:"I
'
m okaybababutI
'
dlov
easnack"

Vumi
l
e:"
okaygot
ell
gogot
omakey
ouone"

Sbani
:"hawubaba"Ij
ustsl
i
ddownt
hebed
l
aughi
ngsoftl
y

Vumi
le:"
habesoImustcl
eanaf
tery
ouand
makeyoufoodaswel
l?
!"
Sbani
:"i
tyourj
obt
otakecar
eofme"

Vumi
l
e:"
buty
ourgogoi
sher
e"

Sbani
:"buty
ouwantmet
oputbabydown"

Vumi
l
e:"
babywi
l
lbeher
ewheny
oucomeback"

Me: "
Vumil
eleav
emychi
l
drenal
oneandf
eed
yourson"

Vumi l
e:"
okaybaby.Sbani
comel
et'
sgetyoua
snack"Sbaniputt
hebabydownandfol
l
owed
hi
sf at
her.
 
.
#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Thel ecturefi
nishedsoIpackedupmybags
thenwal kedout .IsawEnz o'sfriendswal king
passt heyjustlookedatmeandsai dnothing.I
breathedoutandcont inuedwi thmywal k.Iwas
donewi that t
endingfort hedayandIwas
cravi
ngsomechi ckennugget ssoIst artedat
resleftmybackpackt henwal kedt o
McDonal d'
s.Iorderedmyf oodandMcFl ur r
y
thensatdownwhi l
ewai tingf ormyor der.Igot
busywi thmyphone, Ihadn' thear dfrom Enzo
sincetheni ghtwewer esupposedt ohav eour
dateandi t
'sbeenday sbutnot hing.Ifelt
someonesi tt
ingopposi t
emeandl ookedup, i
t
wassomewhi t
eguywi t
hbl ackhai randgr een
eyes 
Guy
:"hi
I'
m Kev
inDr
ew"
Me:"
uhm hi"hesmi
l
edf
lashi
ngmegor
geous
whi
teteet
h

Kevi
n:"nott
obefor
war
dbutIt
houghtIshould
keepyoucompanywhi
l
eyouwaitf
oryourfood"

Me:
"youdon'
thav
eto"

Kevi
n:"
comeonapr
ett
ygi
rll
i
key
oushoul
dn'
t
beal
one"

Me:
"I'
m okay
"

Kevin:"
I'
llwai
twithyouanyway"hesatback
"y
our eal
lybeauti
fuldoyouknowthat?
"My
cheekshitup"Iguessyoudon't
"
Me:"
Ididn'
tsaythat
"myor derwascal
l
ed
"
that
'sme"Iwalkedoverandtookit

Kev
in:
"whydon'
tyousi
tdownandeather
e?"

Me:"noI
'm okay
"Iwal
kedoutwi
thhi
m
f
oll
owingme

Kev
in:
"Icoul
ddr
ivey
oubackt
oyourpl
ace"

Me:
"itj
ust5mi
nut
esaway
"

Kevi
n:"t
henIwi
l
lwal
kyoumi
ss"Ismi
l
ed
pushi
ngbackmyhai
r

Me:
"okay
"west
art
edwal
ki
ngt
owar
dsr
es
Kev
in:
"soy
ougot
oWi
ts?
"

Me:
"yesandy
ou"

Kev
in:
"Uj
doi
ngel
ect
ri
cal
engi
neer
ing"

Me:
"met
oo"

Kevin:
"real
l
y?!!Wowcool
"Inodded"
youdi
dn'
t
tel
lmey ourname"

Me:
"Sbahl
e"

Kev
in:
"canIj
ustcal
lyouHl
e?"

Me:
"that
'sf
ine"
Kev
in:
"andcanIhav
eyournumber
?"

Me:
"w-
what
?"

Kev
in:
"yournumber
,pl
ease"

Me:
"whywoul
dyouwantmynumber
?"

Kevi
n: "
honest l
y ?Youav erybeauti
fulHl
eandI
wanttoknowy oubet t
erperhapstakeyouout
onanot herplacenotMcDonal d'
s.ImeanIhave
not
hingagai nsti tbutwealreadyhadourfi
rst
dat
et here"

Me:
"thatwasn'
tadat
e"hechuckl
ed
Kevi
n:"
don'
tki
l
l myvi
be,solet
'st
alkaboutour
2nddat
e"westoodbytheentr
anceofmyr es

Me:
"uhm Idon'
tknowKev
in"

Kevi
n:"comeongi
vemeachance,
whatdoy
ou
hav
et olose?
"

Me:"not
hingIguess"It
ookhi
siPhoneand
sav
edmynumber

Kevi
n:"t
hankyou"hetookmyhandandkissed
thebackofi
tthenwinked"
I'
ll
texty
oubeauti
ful
"
Inoddedandwalkedawaywithmyhear
t
beati
ngfast
erthannormal
.

Itwasatni
ghtandIwasbusyst
udy
ingwhen
someonestar
tedpoundi
ngonmydoor.
Me:"whoisit
?"Theydi
dn'
tanswerj
ust
cont
inuedbangi
ngsoIwenttoopen

Enzo:"honey"hegent
lypushedmei nandgoti n
l
ockingthedoorbehindhim"honey"Ijust
l
ookedathi m.Helookedsotir
edwi t
hhi seyes
swoll
enandbl oodshotredbuthesti
llgood
regar
dless,thewhi
tet-
shir
tmakinghisdar k
skinl
ookl i
keit'
sgl
owing

Me:
"hi
"

Enzo:
"hi"hepul
l
edmet ohi
m andgavemea
hugholdi
ngmet i
ght
ly"
Iam sosor
ry.Iknow
youmustbesoangry"

Me:"I
'
m notangr
yjusthur
tandconf
used"hel
et
goandcuppedmyf ace
Enzo: "
IknowandIhat emysel
fforput
ti
ngyou
i
nt hisposi
ti
on"hekissedmeshortl
y"why
haven'tyoubeenansweri
ngmycal l
sI'
vebeen
cal
lingyou"

Me:"
Iputmyphoneonsi
l
entwhenI
'
m
st
udyi
ng"

Enzo:
"ofcour
se"hewenttol
ayont
hebed"
I
wantmetoexplai
nri
ght?
"

Me:
"yes"Isatont
hechai
r

Enzo:"
fi
rstl
yIlostmyphoneandIjustgota
newonet odayitt
ooksometimeformet oget
yournumber.Iknowwehadplansfor
WednesdaybutIhadtorushoutofthecountr
yI
thoughtIwoul dtexty oubeforet heplanet ook
offbutwhenIcheckedf ormyphoneIcoul dn't
fi
ndi tandIdidn'tknowy ournumber .Itt
ook
l
ongert hanIt houghtitwouldt aket osortout
thi
ngsatt hehotelbecauseI'm notusedt othe
businessbutLonhl ewasi nDubai anddadwas
i
nPar i
ssoIhadt ofixthi
ngsinNi geri
abuti tgot
socompl i
catedthatdadhet ocomehel pme.I
haven'tsleptorevenr estedsinceWednesday
andIj ustgotbackf ewhour sago.Iam sosor r
y
honey "

Me:
"it
'sokayEnzoIunder
stand"

Enzo:
"comehere"Iwalkedoverandl
aidnextto
hi
m hepulledmetohischestandwrappedhis
armsaroundme"I'
m sot i
red"

Me:
"rest
"
Enzo:
"I'
m st
arv
ingcan'
tev
enr
ememberl
ast
ti
meIhadpropermeal"

Me:"
well
Icoul
dmakey ousomethingt oeat.
Not
hingf
ancyahotdogorburger
.Idon' tcook
t
heonlyt
imeIeatpr
operfoodisi
fI'm home"

Enzo:
"Idon'
tknowhowy
oudon'
tgai
nwei
ght
"

Me:"
ital
lgoesst
rai
ghttomyassandhi
ps"he
gr
abbedmyassandgr unt
ed

Enzo:"I
'
m notcompl
aini
ng"hekissedmyneck
"I
'l
lcal
lsomeonetobri
ngusf oodfr
om the
hotel
"hetookouthi
sphoneandcal l
ed
someonewhohespoket obr
iefl
ybefor
eendi
ng
thecal
landburyi
nghisfaceonmyneck
Me:
"youknowi
tal
mostmi
dni
ght
"

Enzo:
"IknowhoneybutIcoul
dn'
tgobackt
o
myapartmentwit
houtseei
ngortal
ki
ngtoy
ou.I
camestrai
ghther
efrom t
heai
rport
"

Me:
"itokayI
'
m notangr
yorhur
tany
mor
e"

Enzo: "
I'
m gladhoney "wej ustst
ay edsil
enti
n
eachot her
'sarmsunt i
lhisphoner angandhe
hadt ogogetourf oodt henhecameback" I
'
ve
gotlambchops, steak, mashwi t
hgr avy,
chi
ckenst i
rf r
ynoodl es,r
oastedv egetabl
es,
l
ambshankwi thpot atowedgesandmyf avori
te
puddingandcust ardf ordessert
"Isatupwi tha
smil
eonmyf ace
Me:
"that
'sal
otoff
ood"

Enzo:"wegoingtoeatunti
lwecan'tbr
eatht
hen
fal
lasleepwhil
ecuddli
ng.Sogetyourassof
f
thatbedandcomeher e"Ij
umpedof ft
hebed

Me:"Iam sogoingt
ogainwei
ght
"hegr
abbed
myassbringingmybodycl
osert
ohi
sand
ki
ssedme.  
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Iwassost r
essedout
.Myr elat
ionshi
pwith
Lonhlewasfuckedupandt helastt
hingI
seri
ousl
yneededwast hisbabygrowingi
nside
ofme.Ijustcoul
dn'
tforgi
vehimf ort
reat
ingme
thewayhedi dandnotst i
ckingupf ormewhen
hehadpr omi sedhewoul dandnowt omakei t
wor sehegotmef uckingpr egnant.My
char act eronmyshowwasal esbianIcoul dn'
t
bepr egnantt hatwoul dchanget hewhol e
story l
inei ftheydon' tfir
eme.Ababywasn' t
somet hi ngIwant edany t
imesoon, IthoughtI
woul dgetmar ri
edfirstthenwai tuntilIwas
readyt ot akesomet imeoff r
om shoot i
ng.My
doct orsai danabor tionwoul dbet or i
sky
becauseIwasov erthreemont hsev enifwedi d
i
tsur gically.Ihadn'tspokent oLonhl esi ncewe
foundoutnott hathewasn' tcall
ingahundr ed
ti
mesadayort hathedi dn'
thav esomeone
foll
owi ngme.

Iwasinbedj
ustlayi
ngtherel
ooki
ngatt
he
seal
i
ngboardwhilel
ist
eningt
omusicdr
owning
i
nmyownt houghtswhenmydooropenedand
Reagoti
n
Me:
"Isai
dIwantt
obeal
one!
"

Rea:"
daddysaidImustcal
lyout
her
ear
e
peopl
ehereforyou"

Me:
"whatpeopl
e?"

Rea:
"somemenIdon'
tknow"Isatup

Me:
"men?
"

Rea:
"yepnowcome,daddyhasal
readycal
led
mom sheisonherwaybackfr
om themall
"

Me:
"whatdot
heywant
?"

Rea:
"theyspoket
odaddyt
hendaddysai
dI
mustcal
lyou"Igr
oanedget
ti
ngof
fthebed

Me: "I
'l
lbedowni nami nute"Iwenttomy
bathroom washedmyf acet henIchangedout
ofmypy jamasintosweat pantsandav estIti
ed
myhai rintoapony tailandwentdownst air
s.I
gotinthel oungeandf r
ozeIl ookedatdadwho
wasl ookingatmewi t
har ai
sedeyebrow.In
fr
ontofmesi tti
ngi nmyf amilyl
oungelooking
handsomeandmy steri
ouswast heMkhi zeand
Jamesmen.I twasLonhl e'sdad,hisuncles
Mar celandSimphi we, hiscousinSbaniandhi s
brotherEnzo
[
03/
20,
10:
47]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

(
Let
'st
hankLi
z-bsel
epeagai
nforAmi
l
e'spar
t)

I
nser
t50
#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Me: “hell
o”IsayasIwal ki
ntotheloungeand
wisht heearthcouldjustopenupandswal low
me; Ihadn’ttol
dmypar ent
saboutt hebabyyet
andnowt heywer eabouttofindoutfrom
str
anger sthatthei
rdaughterispregnant,
so
embar rassi
ng….

Dad: “
Ami l
e,istheresomet hingyouwantt otell
us?Whoar ethesepeopl eandwhyar ey out he
reasontheyar ehere?”myf acewasl i
terall
ywet
withtears,
Icoul dn’
tevenst opthem and
everyonewasj uststari
ngatme. .
..
surpr
isingly
daddywasn’ tasangr yasIexpect edhimt obe,
i
nf acthelookedqui terel
axed.Hemusthav e
thoughttheyar ehereforlobolaorsomet hing
whichmademeev enmor enervous;myhear t
waspoundi ngagai nstmychest …Marcel cleared
hi
sthr
oat

Mar cel
:“mrMot aung, weapol
ogiseforcoming
i
ntoy ourhomeuni nvi
ted,weshouldhavecal
led
toalertyou”dadappear edqui
tecuri
ousthen
Mar celwentont osay“butwhatbri
ngsusher e
todaycouldn’twait
,it
’squit
easensiti
veand
urgentmat t
erifImaysay ”

Dad:“Idonotappreci
atethewayy oujust
bargedinhereJamesanddemandedt hatIgi
ve
youthetimeofdayespeciall
ywhenIdon’teven
knowwhatt hi
slit
tl
evisi
tofyoursisabout”I
couldseemrMkhi ze’
sfacial
expressi
onchange
fr
om calmtoanger

Sfundo:“Iunder
standthatri
ghtnowyouare
i
nconv eni
encedbutthereisnoneedt
obe
condescending,
youdon’tneedtousethat
t
one….
"

Simphiwe: "Sfundopl easecalm down,we

apologisemrMot aung,mybr ot
herdidn’
tmean
toraisehisv oice"IsawmrMkhi zegivehimt he
real
lynowl ook, itwasquiteamusi ngtowat ch
"howev ercanwepl easegettot hematterat
hand”justthenourhel perwalkedinwithat ray
ofbiscuitsanddr i
nksandputi tonthecoffee
tabl
eandi mmedi at
elyexcusedherself
.

Dad: “cuttothechaset hen,wedon’thavet he

whol eday”may beImi sreadhim ear
li
er,he
seemedal it
tl
eannoy edandt hatmeantev en
afterthesepeopleleave,wewoul dbeatt he
receivingendofhisanger ,mypoormot her
woul dbeshout edatunt i
lthebeasti
nhiml ies
downandIwoul dbasicall
ybedeadbyt hen…
Simphiwe: “
oursoni sther easonwear ehere
today,Lonhlereachedoutt ousi ndesperati
on
becausehedi dn’tknowwhatt odoany mor e
sinceAmi l
ewasn’ treal
lytalki
ngtohim after
droppingthebombonhi mt hatshe’
sgoingt o
getridofthebaby …..”

Mom: “
whatbaby ?”shesai
dlookingatme, I
couldn’
tev enrai
semyhead, andit’
sbeen
bowedsi nceSimphiwestar
tedt al
king“and
whatdoy oumeangetr i
dofit?”shesaid
walkingintothel
ounge;sheevenf orgott
o
greet

Dadshouted:“Ami l
e”Islowlyraisedmyheadt o
l
ookathim andhesai d“ aborti
onAmi l
e”
ABORTION?Hav eyoulosty ourmi nd?It
’snot
enoughthatyougoar oundopeni ngyourlegst
o
boysandfall
pr egnanttheny oucomeher eand
tal
knonsenseaboutabor t
ion?Whot aughtyou
suchev i
lwaysAmi l
e, huh?”Ij
ustwailed,his
wor dshurtmorethant hesit
uati
onitself…how
canmyownf athertalktomel i
kethat,mor eso
i
nt hepresenceofstrangers.Yeahsurehe’ s
angr y
,Igett
hatbutt hatwaslow,evenf orhim.
Mom qui ckl
ygotupandpul l
edmei nf orav er
y
ti
ghthug

Mom: “sshhhh, don’tbet hisupsetAmi l

ey ou
willhar mthebaby ”Iev entuallycalmeddown
andsof tl
ypul l
edoutoft hehug, shel
ookedme
i
nt heey eandIcoul dtellthatshewaspr etty
madatme, shet henwentt ooccupyav acant
seatnextt odad, probablyt oensur ethathe
doesn’ tcont i
nuet osayt hingshewi l
lregret
l
at er,bynowev er y
onei nther oom wasl ooking
atmeasi ftogivet hem somesor tof
expl anati
onoranswer s. “
howf arareyouAmi l
e?
that’sifyouar est i
llpr
egnant ”shesoundedso
disappoi ntedandhur t
,itact uall
ybrokeme.I
nev erwantt obet hereasonmypar entsor
anyoneel
sei
smiser
abl
ethenmom’
svoi
ce
again“
HOW FAR?
”

Me:
“4mont
hs”

Mar
cel
:"exact
lyasLonhl
etol
dus"

mom: “
andyouwantedtohaveanabor
ti
on?
Wow!I’
m sodi
sappoint
ed”shesai
dwit
ha
shakyvoi
ce

Mar cel:
“sowear eher etoapologisefor
Mpi l
onhlehavingmadey ourdaughterpregnant
outofwedl ockandhopef ull
ymapaway
forwardbecausewewantt oclai
m boththe
chil
dandi tsmot herbecauseoursonmadei t
clearthathelovesy ourdaughterandwant sto
bewi thher”IswearIwasshi tt
ingmypant s
ri
ghtnow, what ’
sthismanev ensay i
ngandI ’m
goi
ngt
oki
l
lthatLonhl
e…t
hendadr
esponded….

Dad:“letsnotgetaheadofour sel
vesgent lemen,
Ihaven’tev enhadachancet ospeakt omy
daughtery etandIst i
l
lneedtocontactsome
famil
ymember s; andwhatyouaresay ingisa
l
ot.So, Ineedt i
met henwecansetupanot her
meetingbecausey ouandIsurehav eal otto
tal
kaboutMkhi ze,yoursonhasdisrespected
mei nthewor stpossibleway”

Sfundo: “Iagr ee,allt

hemor ereasonwhywe
needt omeetsoonert hanl
ater”thi
smani sjust
l
ikehisson, theyhav etoal
way sbei ncontrolof
everyt
hi ng….t henallofasuddenIf eltali
tt
le
fl
ustered, Ijustknewt hati
twascomi ng,I
couldn’tev enaskt obeexcused, Ij
ustf l
ewout
ofthel ounget othedownstairsbathroom to
throwup; Godknowswhat ;sinceIhav en’
teven
hadbr eakf asty et
,Ihateev
erythi
ngaboutbei ng
pr
egnantsof
ar….
Iwassadt hatmydadspoket omel i
kethat
especiall
yi nf rontofst r
anger s; I
tmademef eel
dirt
yandi mmor al.Iwashur tt hatLonhledi dn’
t
evensendmeat extt owar nmeabouthi s
familycomi ngov erwhenhi sbeencal l
ingl i
kea
crazyper son, yesIwasn’ tt alkingt ohim but
thatdidn’tst ophi mf rom cal lsandt exts
throughoutt hedaycl aimingt ocheckupon‘ us’
evenwhenhi st extswentunanswer ed.Ihad
everyintent i
onofabor ti
ngbecauseIdi dn’twant
thediscomf or tofr aisingmybabywi thpeopl e
whodespi seme, not hingi sashur tf
ulaspeopl e
‘
tolerati
ng’ youbecauset heyar ef or
cedt oand
thereisal sot hei ssueofmycar eer,whathav eI
gottenmy sel finto?Atsomepoi ntIthoughtof
l
y i
ngt oLonhl ebysay ingt hatt hebabyi s
Sabelo’ssot hathewi llbesohur tandwal k
awayf rom us…t hatwast heonl ywayIcoul d
thi
nkoft osal v aget hiswhol et hi
ngbutev en
thatwasn’ tgoi ngt owor kbecauseSabel oandI
hav en’
tbeentoget herforal
mostay earnow;I
knowi twassel f
ishandhear tl
essofmet oeven
thinkli
kethatbutIwasoutmywi tsendhereAs
diffi
cultasoursituati
onwas, Iknewthatmy
babyhadt hebestdaddyev er,i
fonlyever
ythi
ng
elsewast hatsimpl e.
..
justt
henmymom
wal kedin

Mom:“t
heyareleav
ing,youneedt
ocomesee
t
hem of
f”andsheturnedback

Me:
“mommy
,I’
m sor
ry”

Mom: “Isai
dgooutwi tht heboybecauseI
couldseehewasgoodf ory ou,Idi
dn’
tsay
“mitha”nowy ourfatherisgoi ngtoblameme
asifIwast here”andwi tht hatshewalkedout;I
si
ghedandt houghttomy self“wil
lIevergeta
break”?HisfamilyleftandIhadt ogobacki n
andf acedaddy;shocki
ngl
yhedidn’
t’
say
anythingsoIranupstai
rstomyroom and
cal
ledLonhle,hehadawhol el
otofexplai
ning
todo, howcouldhedot hi
stome….He
answer edonthefir
stri
ng

Lonhle:
“baby
”Icoul
dsenseal
i
ttl
e
nerv
ousnessinhi
svoice

Me:
“whyLonhl
e?”

Lonhl
e:“
letmef
acet
imey
ou”

Me:“Lonhledon’
t…"hehadhungupbef
oreI
knewitthenhefaceti
medmeandIanswered

Lonhl
e:“
ther
eyouar
e,asgor
geousasI
rememberyou”
Me:“
Ijustwanttoknowwhydidyouhav
et o
i
nvol
vetheparents?Idi
dn’
tev
engetachance
t
otel
lmypar ent
smy sel
f”

Lonhle:“Ipanickedbaby ,
youwer esayingal l
sort
sofcr azyt hi
ngstalki
ngaboutabor tionand
i
tscar edme, Ididn’
tknowhowel setor each
outtoy ouexceptt otel
lmypar ents”Iwantmy
chil
dAmi l
eandIwantust oraisehimt oget her
,
thesamewaywer ewer aisedbybot hpar ents”
Me:
“buty
ourf
ami
l
yhat
e…”

Lonhle:“
stopsayingthat
,myf amil
ydoesn’t
hateyouAmi l
e.Theycannev erhat
ey ouwhenI
l
ovey ou,sur
etheywer eshockedandal i
tt
le
di
sappointedwhent heyfoundoutaboutyour
pastbuttheydon’thateyou,dadwisheshe
couldhavehandledthesituat
ionali
ttl
e
di
ff
erentt
hatni
ght
”

Me:“
hekickedmeout ”Iwasnowcryi
ng…thi
s
pr
egnancywasr eall
ymessingmeup, Iwasan
emoti
onalwreck,I’
dcryatever
ythi
ng

Lonhle:
“babypl
easedon’
tcr
y.I
’
m sor
ry….Fuck,
I’
m comingover
”

Me:“Lonhlepleasedon’
t,
myparent
sare
al
readymadatme, Idon’
tneedt
hem any
angri
erthantheyalr
eadyare”

Lonhl
e:“
yourdadcanshootmei fhepleases,I
needtoseeyou.baby,y
ouhavebeenignoring
mewhatam Isupposedt odo?Iam pi
ckingup
i
nanhour ;
getready”
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Ikeptf al
li
ngmor eandmor einlov ewi t
hhim
l
iket her ewasj ustnost oppi ngithewasan
amazi ngmanandbei ngwi thhimf eltli
kepur e
magi c.Myl ovef orhim wasn' tany t
hinglikemy
l
ov ef orLeo, comet ot hinkofi tIdon' tt
hinkI
willev erbeabl et olovesomeonel i
kehowI
l
ov edLeo.Igav eLeomyal landIt ri
edgi vi
ng
Simpi wemyal laswel l butmyl oveforhi m
didn'tmeasur eupt omyl ov eforLeoandi twas
okay .Ihadaccept edt hef actthatLeowasmy
greatestl ovebutIf eltasi fSimpi wei smysoul
mat e, myhappi lyev eraf ter.Hewasi nDur ban
vi
sitingf ortheweekwhi chwascr azybecauseI
hadj ustcamebackf rom Londont woweeks
agobutIguesswecoul dn' tstayawayf r
om
eachot her.Wewer egoi ngoutt odinner.After
taki
ngal onghotbubbl ebat hIgotoutwentt o
thecloset ,
Ilotionedmybodyt hendi dmymake
upkeepi ngitlightwithbrownl i
pstick.It
ookout
abelowt hekneet ightf
it
tingthinstrapdress
thatcri
sscr ossst rapsonmyst omachshowi ng
myski nper fectlyandmar oonheels.Igot
dressedt henputonmy40i nchbr azil
ianweave
andhopsear r
ings.Mom goti nasIwast aki
ng
mymar ooncl utchbag
Mom:
"youl
ookbeaut
if
ulpr
incess"

Me:
"thanky
oumom"

Mom: "seemsj ustli

key ester
dayyourpapaand
Iwerebringi
ngy oubackf r
om thehospitaland
nowy ouareabeaut ifulwoman, amot herto
yourownbabi es.Icouldn'tbeprouderofthe
smart,cari
ngandl ovingwomany ou'
vebecome.
I'
m sohappyf oryoupr i
ncessy oudeservet hi
s"
Me:"mom yougoingtomakemeemotional
"I
gaveherahugcir
cli
ngmyarmsaroundher
chubbybody

Mom:
"Ij
ustl
ovey
ousomuchLonwabo"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oomom"

Mom: "comeSi mpiweisdownst ai

rs"Idida
fi
nalelookont hemi rr
orthenwewent
downst air
s.IsmiledasIlookedathi mina
mar oonsuitwithawhi teshir
tthatfewt op
buttonsundoneandnot i
e.Hewassi tt
ingdown
withBel l
aandLey laonhislapandskyandJaz
standinginfrontofhim.

Si
mpi
we:
"youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"hest
oodupand
ki
ssedmycheek

Me:"
sodoyou,youcl
eanupgoodMrJama.I
l
oveyousui
ts"

Si
mpi
we:
"youl
ovemei
nany
thi
ng"

Me:
"tr
ue"

Sky
:"wher
eyougoi
ngmama?
"

Me:
"tohav
edi
nnerwi
thuncl
eSi
mpi
we"

Sky
:"canwecomet
oo?
"

Me:
"nott
odaysweet
iei
taschool
night
"
Simpi
we:"
we'l
lal
lgoforlunchasgames
tomor
rowaft
erschool
"theyscreamedt
henr
an
off

Mom:"youki
dshavef
unnow"shewhi
sper
ed
goodl
uckatSimpi
weaswewentoutt
he
l
ounge

Me:"whatwast
hat
?"Iaskedasweset
tl
edi
n
hi
srental
car

Simpiwe:"whatwaswhatmylove?
"Hehel dmy
chinbetweenhist
humpandindexfingert
hem
ki
ssedmedeepl ybef
oredri
vi
ngoff

Me:
"wher
ear
eweof
fto?
"
Si
mpi
we:
"di
nnerofcour
semyl
ove"

Me:"
mxm youknowwhatImean"Ismacked
hi
sshoul
der

Si
mpi
we:"
yougoi
ngt
ohur
tyour
sel
f"Ir
oll
smy
ey
essmi
l
ing

Wear r
ivedattherestaurantwherewehadour
fi
rstdat eatandIcoul dn'
tstopt
hef ul
lbl
own
smi l
ethatcov er
edmyf ace.Hetookmyhand
helpingmeoutoft hecarandwal kedusinthe
restaurantthatwasqui teandempt ywi
thonly
onet ablesetupint hemi ddl
eofit
Me:
"baby
?"

Si
mpi
we:
"justwant
edanust
ime"
Me:
"soy
oubookedoutt
her
est
aur
ant
?"

Simpiwe:"yes"t
hehostessl
edusov ertothe
tabl
eadt hewaitercamewithourf
av or
it
ebottl
e
ofwine.Musi cwasplay
ingsoft
lyi
nthe
background

Me:
"youwental
louthhu?
"

Si
mpiwe:
"anyt
hingf
ormyf
avor
it
eper
son"he
ki
ssedmyhands.

Weenjoy
eddi nnerov
erli
ghtconver
sat
ion.
Whenwef i
nisheddeser
theoffer
edmehi s
hand 
Si
mpi
we:
"canIhav
ethi
sdance?
"

Me:
"youdon'
tev
enhav
etoask"Ist
oodupand
wedancet
oBrunoMar
s-j
ustthewayyouar
e,
whi
chwasfol
l
owedbyEdSheeran-Gi
veme
l
ove

Si
mpi
we:
"Ihav
eonemor
ethi
ngt
oshowy
ou"

Me: "okay"hel edmet ot heprivat

er oom where
wewer esit
tingwhenwehadourf ir
stdinner
here" wow"thewhol eroom wasdar kwith
candlesallov erandf i
l
ledwi t
hdi f
ferentfl
owers
"baby"Iturnedar oundandf oundhi m onone
kneewi thar i
ngboxonhi shand" w-what..
.
whatar eyoudoi ngSi mpiwe? "Heclearedhis
throatandpushedbackhi sti
eddr eadswhi ch
wassomet hinghedi dwhenner vous

Simpi
we:
"lel
othando.thesepastmont
hswit
h
youasmywomanhav ebeenamazing,t
hebest
ti
mesofmylive.Ihavehavelovedy
oufory
ears
butt hedayy ouagr eedt obemywomanmy
l
ov ef ory ougr ewahundr edper cent .I'
m not
goingt ol ieI'velov edbef orebutnev erli
kethi s.I
startandendmydaywi thy ourf aceandv oice.I
don'thav ear omant icbonei nmybodybuty ou
slowl ychangi ngt hatj ustl ikey ousl owl y
changi ngev ery t
hi ngel sei nmyl ife.Ilovey ouso
mucht hatIcan' tev enbegi nt oimagi neal i
fe
wi t
houty ou.Il ov ey ourdaught ersj ustli
keIl ov e
Lisa.Iknowi tcr az ywi thusl i
v i
ngi ndi ff
erent
continent sbutwemakei twor kbecausel ove
hasnodi stance.Iknowy ougoi ngt osaywe
j
ustgoti nar elationshi pandt hati st r
uebutI
knewev enbef orey ouagr eedt ogoonadat e
wi t
hmet haty ouwoul dbet hewomanIwoul d
spendt her estofmyl ifewi th.Itdoesn' tmat t er
thatwe' v ebeent oget herf orf ourmont hs
becauseev eni fithadbeenf oury ear sorfour
weeksorev enf ourday sIwoul dst illbeherei n
frontofy ouaski ngy out omar r
ymet omake
met hehappi estmanev er.Soma' Peterson
woul dyoupl
easemarryme?"Heopenedthe
ti
ffany&coboxandshowedmeagor geouspink
pearcutdiamondri
ngwithawhit
egoldband
thathadtwosmalldi
amondsaroundthebig
one

Me:
"youwantmet
omar
ryy
ou?
"

Simpiwe:"andspendt
her
estofourl
i
ves
toget
her"Inodded

Me:"
yes"heletoutaheavybr
eat
handsli
dthe
ri
ngonmyf i
ngerthenki
ssedi
tbefor
est
anding
up

Simpi
we: "
don'tcr
y"hewipedmyt earsand
ki
ssedme" Il
ov eyousomuch"Ibur i
edmyf ace
onhischestandjuststar
tedcr
yingloudly"
it
's
okaymylovedon'tcry"hehel
dmebr ushi
ngmy
hairandkissi
ngmyhead.Thedooropenedand
IheardJaz'svoi
cesayi
ngmamaImov edfr
om
hischestandlookedoverasmom anddadgot
i
ncar ry
ingthegir
lswi
thLisaf
oll
owingbehi
nd
them

Me:
"what
?Youknew?
!!
"

Dad: "
heaskedf ormybl
essi
ngsal
ongwith
Luthando'saweekbackandhealr
eadysentthe
l
obolal et
ter
"IpunchedSi
mpiweandhejust
chuckledwipingmyface

Me:
"hey
"

Li
sa;
"hi
sisi
Lel
o"wehugged"
congr
atul
ati
ons"

Me:
"can'
tbel
i
evey
ourmom al
l
owedy
out
o
comeher
edur
ingt
heweek"

Mom:"congr
atul
ati
onssweeti
e"shegav
eme
hug"
youdeserveal
lthehappi
ness"

Sky:
"mommyweget ti
ngmar
ri
ed!
!!
"Shewas
cl
appingherhandsandweal
lj
ustl
aughed.

[
03/
20,
15:
11]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t51

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Isi
ghedhappi
l
ywhi
l
elooki
ngatmydaught
er.
Shewasmunchi ngonhert eet
hingt
oywhi l
e
l
ayingonherplaymatewithSbaniwhowas
busyonhisiPhonethatmightIaddVumi l
e
boughtforhi
m eventhoughIspecif
ical
l
ysaid
no.Simihadgrownsomuchandshewasso
beauti
ful
. 
Me:"si
mibaby"shetur
nedherheadlooki
ngat
meatthesoundofmyv oi
ce"mommyi sback"I
pi
ckedherupandkissedhercheek"
heybaby "

Sbani
:"hi
mom"

Me:
"wher
eissi
sPi
nky
?"

Sbani
:"i
ntheki
tchenmaki
ngmeasnack"

Me:"hay
iSbanihayi
!!Youmakeyourownfood
youarenotababy"helookedawayfr
om me
Sbani:"
sorr
ymom"hestoodupandwentt
othe
ki
tchen.Ihuf
fedl
ooki
ngatSi
mi

Me:"yourbrotheri
ssospoiltandlazy"shejust
l
aughed" y
eaht hanksSi
mi l
aughaty our
mother"Iwalkedtothekit
chen,Sbani was
al
readyeating"hipi
nky"

Pinky:
"heyNobuntu"IputSi
mi onherhi
ghchair
andtookoutsomepor ksoIcouldcookdinner
.
Pinkydidn'
tcookshejustdi
dthehousechores
andlookedafterSi
mi

Me:
"isy
ourbababackSbani
?"

Sbani
:"y
es,
hei
sint
heof
fi
ce"
Me:"
watchher
"Iwal
kedoutgoi
ngtoVumi
l
e's
of
fi
ce"baby
"Ical
l
edoutget
ti
ngin

Vumil
e:"mybeaut
if
ulwi
fe"hemovedbackf
rom
hi
sdeskwherehewasreadingsome
documents

Me:"hubby
"Ipul
l
edmydr
essupandsatonhi
m,
st
raddli
nghim

Vumi
l
e:"
howwaswor
k?"

Me:"
wasgood,mysuper
visort
hinksIshoul
d
domymaster
s"

Vumil
e:"t
hat'
sagoodi dea"heki
ssedmychin"
I
needyoutolookatthebooksformeitbeen
awhil
e.Iwanttobuyatabnormaltr
uckbutI
needt
obesur
eitwon'
tdamageus"

Me:
"I'
l
ldoi
tSat
urday
"

Vumi l
e:"
okay"hetouchedmypussywhil
e
tr
acingmyclitwit
hhisthumb"how'
smy
pussy?"Ihi
dmyf aceonhisneckgi
ggl
ing

Me:
"st
op"

Vumil
e: "
why
?Youl i
keitwhenIt alkl
ikethis.I
canal
readyf
eel y
ourjui
cest hr
oughy ourpanty"
hemov edmypantyasideandsl i
dhisfingerin
myvaginamakingmemoansof t
ly"l
ookathow
youcl
encharoundmyf ingeryounaught ygir
l"

Me:
"Vumi
l
e"Ist
art
edmov
ingsl
owl
y
Vumil
e:"
youwantmydicki
nyourt
ightl
i
ttl
e
vagi
nadon'
tyou"hebi
tmyneck

Me:"
yesohGodyees!
"Hest
oodupandl
aidme
ont
hedeskandr
ippedmypant
yapar
tmaking
megasp

Vumil
e:"tel
lmewhatyouwant
?"Heki
ssedmy
neck,
bit
ingandsucki
ngonsomepart
s

Me:
"ki
ssme"

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
m ki
ssi
ngy
oudar
li
ng"

Me: "
downthere"Iwhi
spered.Hel ookedatmy
facewit
hagrinandIcov er
edmyf acewithmy
handswhichmadehi mlaughoutl oudwhile
mov i
ngmyhands" Vumil
e!!"Igl
aredathim
Vumi
l
e:"
sor
ry"hewentdownonme 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Mom: "wenaRosey outhinky oushi

tsunshi
neI
seey ou.Iwi l
l ki
llyouwheni tcomest omy
daught er"Iwant edtocrawl underarockand
nevercomeout .Wewer esupposedtobe
fi
nalizingalistofpeopl ewehadt ogi
v e
blanket stofrom Simpiwe' sfamil
yafter
Simpi we'smom addedmor epeoplewhenwe
hadboughtev eryt
hingalreadybutasusual
Rosest ar
tedt al
kingcrapandnowmom was
l
osinghercool again
Rose:"nyadaughterv oest
ekmani weallknow
thi
sthingofy oursjustwantsmyson' smoney "
mom laughedImeansheact ual
l
yl etoutaloud
l
aughunt il
shewasi ntears.Iwasaboutt oput
thephoneof floudspeakerwhenshest opped
l
aughing

Mom: "don'
tevengetmest ar
tedonmoney
Rose.Yoursonwi sheshecoul dhaveev enhal
f
ofthemoneyLel ohas.Shemaynotwor kand
believemeitbecauseshedoesn' tneedto
becauseshehasmi ll
i
onst ohername.Wedon' t
bragaboutourmoneyRosebecausewehav e
classbutbestbeli
evemewhenIsayLel o
doesn'tneedacentf r
om y ourson.Googlemy
fami l
ybeforeyoustartt
alkingshi
tagain"she
endedt hecall

Me:"wast
hatnecessar
ymom?Thispersoni
s
goi
ngtobemymot herinl
awIdon'
tneedher
hat
ingmemor
ethansheal
readydoes"

Mom: "
ayiLel
ot hatwomanjustmakesmelose
mymor al
nxa"shewal kedoutt
hewhiter
oom
andIwentupstair
stomyr oom

Iendedt hecallafterspeaki ngt ograndma

Zolekathenl ai
dont hebedwi thasi gh.The
planningwasdr ivi
ngmecr azy.Myl obola
negotiati
onsandt radi t
ionalweddi ngwast wo
weeksawayandt hingswer estarti
ngt odri
ve
mecr azy .Mymom andSi mpiwe' smom wer e
notget t
ingalongwhi chwasn' thelpi
ngany t
hing
notthatIbl amemymom, Si
mpi we'smom
hatedmef orreasonswhi char eunknownt ome.
Iendedupi ntearsasal ltheset houghtsran
throughmymi nd.Myphoner angasIsobbed, i
t
wasf acet i
mef r
om Si mpi we
Me:
"hel
l
o"
Si
mpiwe:
"baby
,what
'
swr
ongmyl
ove?Tal
kto
me"

Me: "i
tjustallt
oomuchSi mpi we!Ourmothers
arenotget ti
ngalongandt heyshoul dbehelpi
ng
medot histhenyourmot herkeepsaddi ng
thingsev er
ytimeIt hi
nkev ery
thingiscoming
together.Yourmot hercal l
smenames
whenev ershehasadi sagreementwi t
hmom I
j
ustdon' tunderstandwhyshe' sbeingso
stubbornev enwor seIdon' tgetwhyshehat es
mesomuchwhenshedoesn' tknowme.I t
doesn'thelpthaty oui nLondonandIam al l
alonetodeal witht hisshit
"

Simpi
we: "butLel oyouknowIcan'tbether
e
ri
ghtnow.Ihav et womor egamesbeforeIcan
comet her
e, tr
ainingishect
ic.Iact
ual
lydon'
t
needthisstressingyougivi
ngme"
Me:"Iam gi
vi
ngyoust
ressSi
mpiwe?!
!!You
t
hinkthi
siseasy
?Deal
ingwit
hyourwitchofa
mothe..
."

Si
mpiwe: "
watchy
ourselfl
eloshei
sst
il
lmy
motherandyouwil
lrespecther
"

Me:"
respectgoesbot
hway sSimpi
we
r
egar
dlessofage"hepinchedhi
sfor
ehead

Si
mpi
we:
"whatdoy
ouwantmet
odoLel
o?"

Me:
"Iwanty
ouher
e!"

Simpi
we:"Ican'
t.YouknowIcan'
tIhav
egames
andtr
aini
ngLelo,Ican'
tj
ustl
eave"
Me:"
welldon'
taskmewhatIwantwheny
ou
won'
tgi
veittome"

Simpiwe:
"I'
l
lbooky
ouat
ickety
ouwi
l
lcome
here"

Me:
"Ican'
tdot
hat
!Ihav
ethi
ngst
odoher
e"

Simpiwe:"Iam booki
ngyouthenextavai
lable
fl
ighther
eLel oandyouwil
lbeonthatfli
ght.We
willpl
anev er
ythi
ngthi
ssi
deourfamili
eswi l
l
help"

Me:
"I'
m notcomi
ng"

Simpi
we:"Iwasn'
taski
ngLel
oIwast el
l
ingy
ou
andIam donetal
ki
ngaboutt
his"hi
stonewas
f
il
ledwi
thaut
hor
it
y

Me:
"o-
okayi
fyousayso"

Si
mpiwe:"
good.NowIwanty
out
orestaf
ter
packi
ngy
ourbags"

Me:"okay
.Ther
e'ssomet
hingIneedt
otal
kto
youabout"

Si
mpi
we:
"whati
sit
?"

Me:
"wewi
l
ltal
kwhenI
'
mthatsi
de"

Si
mpiwe:"
no,
youknowhowanxi
ousIgetso
j
ustt
ell
me"
Me:
"daddywant
sust
ohav
eapr
enupt
ial
"

Simpiwe:"
what ?"Il
ookeddown" whywoul d
yourdadwantust ohaveaprenup?I
underst
andt hatyourfamil
yiswort
hbill
ionsof
doll
arsbutthisisn'
taboutmoneyLelo.Didyou
tel
lhimthat
? "

Me:"yesIdi
d"dadandIhadactuall
yhada
majorfi
ghtovert
hatevenhadtoinvol
ve
gr
andpawhoal soinsi
stedonusgetti
nga
pr
enup

Si
mpiwe: "
I'
m notwit
hy ouf
oryourmoneyLel
o
butIwil
lsi
gnthestupidagr
eementift
hat
's
whatyouwant"

Me:
"thanky
ouf
ornotf
ight
ingmeont
hat
"
Simpiwe:"Idon'twanty ourmoneyandy ou
don'twantmymoneysoi tokaybaby .Idon'
t
needy oustressingovert hi
s,hav eyourdad
sendt hecontracttomyl awy erthenwecan
takeitfr
om there.Ijusthatet hatwest ar
ti
ng
ourmar ri
ageonawhati fwedi vorcevi
be"

Me:
"wewon'
tbedi
vor
cing"

Si
mpi
we:
"IhopesobecauseIr
eal
l
ylov
eyou"

Me:"
sendmey ourl
awyer'
scontactdet
ail
ssoI
canf
orwar
dthem todad"henodded

Si
mpi
we:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"
Si
mpi
we:
"debat
abl
e,ki
sst
hegi
rl
sforme"

Me:
"okayby
e"hewi
nkedandendedt
hecal
l
 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Iwasint
hemeeti
ngwiththepr
oducerMi
ke
tal
ki
ngaboutmypr
egnancy
Mike:"honestl
yAmi l
ey ouhav eagr eat
fol
lowingyou'vemadeanamef oryour
selfand
peopleloveyourcharact erbutri
ghtnowy ou
andy ourgi
rlf
riendarefighti
ngbecausey our
famil
ywon' taccepthersowecan' tsayyoutwo
j
ustdecidedt ohaveababy .Lookletmesi t
downwi ththewr i
ter
sandseehowwecan
maket
hiswor
k"

Me:
"pl
easeMi
keIneedt
hisf
ormycar
eer
"

Mi
ke:
"Iknow,
wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
row"Inodded

Me:"thankyou"Istoodupt ookmyhandbag
andleft
.IfoundLonhlewaitingf
ormei nt
he
par
kinglot.Igoti
nt hecarandsighed

Lonhl
e:"
howdi
ditgo?
"

Me:"
hesaidhewil
lneedt
ospeakt
othewr
it
ers
t
hengetbacktome"

Lonhle:"
may beyoushoul
dleav
ethi
sbaby.You
pregnantyoudon'tneedt
hestr
essespeci
all
y
wheni
tsounnecessar
yfory
out
obewor
king"

Me: "
Ili
kemyjobLonhleandIseewhereyou
goingwitht
hisIwantyoutostopri
ghtnow
becauseIwil
lnotl
eavemyj ob"heki
ssedme
anddroveoff

Lonhl
e:"
I'
mjustsayi
ngy oudon'
tneedt
obe
worki
ng"Il
ookedoutthewindowasmyt ear
s
fel
lfr
eel
y

Me:
"thi
sisy
ourf
aul
tLonhl
e"Iwhi
sper
ed

Lonhl
e:"
whatdi
dIdobaby
?"

Me:"
youmademepregnant"Ichokedbacka
sob"
youf
ucki
ngl
eftyourspermsinme"
Lonhl
e:"
babyitwasn'
tpl
annedbuti
thappened
andIam sohappy"

Me:
"st
opt
hecar
"

Lonhl
e:"
what
?"

Me:"stop.The.Fucki
ng.Car!
!!
"Hesloweddown
andstoppedthecaront hesi
de.Igotoutand
bangedthedoor ,
hecameaf terme

Lonhl
e:"
babywhati
sgoi
ngon?
"

Me:
"leav
emeal
one"hehel
dmyar
m

Lonhle:
"lookI'
m sorr
yImadeyoupregnantIam
real
l
ysor rybutpl
easegeti
nthecarsowecan
gohome"

Me: "
I'
m sor
rybaby
"Ibur
iedmyf
aceonhi
s
chestandsobbedl
oudl
y

Lonhl
e:"aah..
.it
'sokaybabe"heki
ssedmy
head"l
et'
stakeyouhomet henIwil
lordery
ou
yourf
avouri
temeal "

Me:"cr
eam sampandoxt
ail
cur
ry?
"Iasked
sof
tl
y

Lonhl
e:"yesbabyandchocol
atechi
pcooki
es
wit
hmi l
k"

Me:"okayt
akemehome"wewentbacki nthe
carandhedrov
eoff.Iwasspendi
ngmostof
myt i
meatthepent
housewithhimifhewasi
n
theprovi
nceandmyweekendsathisapar
tment
i
nDur banifhewasn'
tev
ersi
ncethelobol
awas
paid

Lonhl
e:"
Ilov
eyouAmi
l
e"Il
eanedov
erand
ki
ssedhi
scheek

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"
 
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Il
aughedl
oudl
ywhilescoopi
ngupsomei
ce
cr
eam andeat
ingi
t
Kevin:
"Ipr
omisey
ouHle,
whenIt
oldhi
mthat
I
'm gaydadwokeupi
nahospi
tal
"
Me:"
sohehadapani
catt
ackbecausehe
t
houghty
ouwer
ecomingoutofthecl
oset
?"

Kevi
n:"
yesandIt
hinkhedeser
vedi
t"Ishov
ed
hi
m off

Me:
"yousuchabadson"

Kev i
n:"
hey
!Iwas16andt i
redofhim askingto
meetmygi r
lfr
iendwhi
chbyt hewayIdidn't
havesoItoldhimI'
m gayandthatifhewants
tomeetmyboy f
ri
endI'
l
lbri
nghim overfor
dinner"

Me: "
buttol
i
et oyourpoordadabouty
our
sexual
it
yiswrong"
Kevin:
"nomanheneedstobeopenmi
ndedi
n
thi
scentur
ybei
nggayisn'
ttaboo"

Me: "
Iknowbutmostpar ent
scan'tacceptt
hat
theychil
drenarehomosexualespeci
all
yfat
her
s
abouttheirsons"

Kev i
n:"Ithinkpeopl ejustneedt ogetover
themsel ves.Lov eknowsnogenderpeopl eare
soqui cktobej udgement alandquot ebibl
e
versest hatsuppor ttheirphi
losophicalways
andf orgett hatGodsai dhewhocastt hef i
rst
stoneshoul dbewi thoutsin...orsomethingli
ke
that"

Me:"It
hinkmostpeoplearescaredofchange.
Theycomfort
ablewithwhattheyknowand
don'
twanttoacknowledgethatther
eisawhole
worl
doutthere.Soci
etycl
aimsthey'
ve
acceptedhomosexual itybuthowmanyl ocal
seri
esandmov iesorev enadv ertsshow
homosexual r
elationshi ps?Peopl ebelieve
i
gnor ancei sbl isssot heyactl ike
homosexual it
yi sn'tar ealthing, l
ikeit'
saphase
thatwillpass.Chur chwher epeopl eshoul dfeel
acceptedi swher et heymostj udgedand
pastorst hinkt heycanpr ayawayt hegaywhi ch
i
si mpossi bl e.Lesbi ansar er apeddayi nand
dayoutby emenwhof eel entitl
edandt hinkthat
byshov ingt heirdicks, alesbi anwi ll
suddenl y
becomest raightwhi chnev erhappensbut
i
nsteadi tjustki l
lst hepoorgi rl'
ssoul.Bei ng
homosexual i
sn'tjustal i
festylethat'strending
i
tsbiologi cal andsoci etyneedst oacceptt hat"

Kevi
n:"
can'
tbel
iev
eourt
opi
cgotsodeept
his
qui
ckl
y"Igi
ggl
ed

Me:
"Iknowr
ight
"
Kev
in:
"Imi
ssedy
ou"

Me: "
yousawmet hedaybeforeyest
erday
"
KevinandIhadgot t
enclosebutItol
dhim Iwas
i
nar elat
ionshi
psoIcanonl yoff
erhi
m
fr
iendshi
pwhi chhegladl
yaccepted

Kevi
n:"
Iknowbutst i
l
l"acarpar
kedinf
rontof
usj
ustaswer eachedtheparkwher
ewewer e
goi
ngtochil
l
.Enzocameoutl ooki
ngsofuri
ous

Enzo:
"whatthef
ucki
sthi
s?Youcheat
ingon
meSbahle?"

Me:"what
?No!Ofcour
senotEnzo.Howcan
youevent
hinkt
hat
"
Enzo:
"geti
nthecar
"

Me:
"notwhenyout
hisangr
yIdon'
twantt
oget
i
nanacci
dent"

Enzo:
"geti
nthef
ucki
ngcarSbahl
e!!
"

Kev
in:
"woahmanchi
l
lout
"

Enzo:"
li
stenher
ewhit
eboyf
uckof
fbef
oreI
breakyourj
aw"hegr
abmyarm

Me:
"letgoofmeEnzo"It
rai
l
edy
anki
ngmyar
m

Kevi
n:"y
ouhurt
ingher
"hetr
iedt
opushEnzo
butEnzodi
dn'
tevenmove
Enzo:
"Iwi
l
lhur
tyouboy
"

Kev
in:
"letgoofhershe'
scr
ying!
"Hequi
ckl
ylet
goofme

Enzo:"
shi
tsor
ryhoney
,pl
easegeti
nthecar
"I
shookmyhead

Me:"whoareyouEnzo?Whywoul
dyouactli
ke
t
his?It
houghtyouwereov
erbei
ngabul
ly"

Enzo:"
Iam honeyIswearIam andIam so
sorr
y"hecuppedmyf ace"getinthecarhoney
pl
ease"hegavemeasof tpeck"please"I
nodded

Kev
in:
"Hl
e?"
Enzo:
"shutt
hef
uckup!
"

Me: "
Iwillcal
lyou"Enzoopenedt hepassenger
seatofhi samgcoupeandhel pedmei nt hen
cl
osedt hedoor.Hewal kedtostandinfrontof
Kevinandspoket ohissoftl
ythatIcouldn'thear
butIsawKev i
ntensi
ngwi t
hev er
ypassing
secondt henhecamei nthecaranddr oveof fi
n
aspeed" slowdown"

Enzo: "
sorry
"hesloweddownanddr ov
e
straighttosandtonthengottothi
sapar tment
buildinghedr ovetoanunder
groundgar ageand
parked.Hegotoutandcamet oopenmydoor
thenof fer
edmehi shandIal
sogotout .Wegot
i
nt heel evatorandwentuptothelastfloor
.The
elevatoropenedupi ntoafoy
erandwegotout

Me:
"wher
ear
ewe?
"
Enzo:"
myapar
tment
"Ifoll
owedhimtothebar
andsatont
hebarst
oolashemi xedhi
msel
f
vodkaandt
oni
c"whoisthati
diot
"

Me:
"af
ri
end"

Enzo:"hewant
syouandIwon'
thav
eyou
aroundhim"

Me:"hei
saf
ri
endEnzoandt
heonl
yfr
iendI
hav
e"

Enzo:
"Iam y
ourf
ri
end"

Me:
"youmyboy
fri
end"
Enzo:"Icanbeboth.Idon'
twanty ouaround
thatboySbahlehewant syou.Youcanmake
otherfri
ends,
I'
llgi
veyoulelo'
snumbery outwo
canbef ri
endsplusshehasgoodf ri
endwho
canbey ourfr
iendsaswell"

Me:"Ihav
elel
o'snumberandIdon'
tneedy
ou
get
ti
ngmef ri
endsEnzoIli
keKevi
n"

Enzo:
"I'
l
l hur
tthatboyifIseehi
m ar
oundy
ou
Sbahl
e,theresti
supt oyou"

Me:
"that
'snotf
air
"

Enzo:
"I'
vesai
dmypar
t"heki
ssedmyf
orehead
andsatnextt
ome.
[
03/
20,
15:
12]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss
I
nser
t52

#Lel
o
¥¥

Ishouldhavebeenhappyoratl eastexci
tedbut
Ij
ustfeltnumb.Ev er
ythi
ngar oundmewas
mov i
ngslowly,mymom andaunt swerehappy
busyprepari
ngf orSi
mpiwe' sdadanduncl es
welli
fyoucalldrinki
ngwi neandsuper vi
singthe
cater
ersprepari
ng.ItwasFr i
dayt hedayoft he
l
obolanegotiat
ionsandt hemembeso.  
Aphe:
"areyouokayangel
?"Shebrushedmy
hai
rsi
tti
ngdownont hebarst
oolnexttome

Me:
"I'
m okay
"

Aphe:
"don'
tl
ie,
I'
vebeenwat
chi
ngy
oupl
aywi
th
yourf
oodforthepast30minut
es.Youdon'
t
havetomarr
yt hi
sguyify
oudon'twanty
ou"

Me:
"aunt
yAphepl
ease.Iwantt
omar
ryhi
m"

Aphe:
"thenwhat
'
swrongpr
incess?
"Myt
ear
s
dr
oppedasIshookmyhead

Me: "Il
ovehim, GodIlovehim somuchandI '
m
soscar ed.SabelocheatedonmeandLeonev er
want edtomar r
yme, Ifeelli
keI'
mjustwait
ing
forSimpiwet odosomet hi
ngtohurtme"she
sighed

Aphe:"Idon'
tknowmar riagei
t'
snotf ormebut
I
'veseenhowt hatboylooksaty ou,i
tthesame
waydadl ooksatmom t hesamewaySf undo
l
ooksatSne.I tpurerawuncutl ove.Every
rel
ati
onshiphasi ti
ssuesandIact uall
ythink
Simpiweisgoodf oryou, heisagrownmat ure
manwhodoesn' tjustsayy esandf ol
lowsyour
l
eadlikethatassSabel oandl i
keourbeauti
ful
toyLeo.Simpiweiswhaty ouneed.Youdon't
havetogetmar ri
ed,BriannaandIar enot
marri
edbadwebot hhappy .Shehasher
gir
lf
ri
endandt hei
rchildrenandIhav emy
boyfr
iend"

Me:"
auntyyouhar
dlyeverspenday
earwi
th
someone"shel
aughedandtookasi
pofher
mimosa

Aphe:"
I'
m wait
ingf
ormyVuy ani
.Ij
ustcan'
t
seem t
ogetaguywhowillgivemethesame
l
ovedadgivesmejustal
i
ttleext
ra"

Me:"
Idon'
tthi
nkanymancoul
deverl
ove
someonet
hewaygrandpal
ovesgr
andmaand
t
hewaydaddyl
ovesmom"

Aphe:
"Si
mpi
wel
ovesy
oul
i
ket
hat
,Icanseei
t"I
huf
fed

Sihl
e:"
leav
ethechi
l
dal
oneAphel
eledon'
t
corr
upther"

Aphe:"
Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng"shehoppedof
fthe
chai
r

Mom: "sohaveyouthoughtaboutt
hemedia.I
knowSf undosai
ditnotagoodideabuti
fit
's
somethingyouandSimpiwewanttodoyoucan
doit
"

Me:"Si
mpi
weandItal
kaboutitandwewon'
t
hav
eanymedi
aatthetradi
ti
onalweddi
ngwe
j
ustwanttokeepitonthefami
lyy
ouknowbut
ever
yoneisal
lowedtopostasmuchpict
ures
onsocial
mediaastheywant.Weall
owedE!
andVuzutocomef ort
heengagementpart
y
andthewhit
ewedding"

Brianna:"
Sfundoneedst
oupsecuri
tyf
or
tomor r
owbecausepaparazzi
isgoi
ngt
obe
crazy"

Ameli
a:"Isawsomeal readycampedoutbythe
maingate,It
hinkitwouldbemajorprobl
em i
f
theymanagedt ogeti
nt hemaingat
e"

Me:"mom telldadtohandl
ethatpleaseIdon'
t
wantthi
sturningint
oamedi af
renzy.Simpiwe
r
eall
ywantst hetr
aditi
onal
weddingpr i
vat
eas
muchaswecan"
Mom:
"okaybabydon'
twor
ryabouti
t"

Aphe:"
youdon'
tneedwor
ryl
i
nesony
ourf
ace"I
l
aughedshaki
ngmyhead

Amel
i
a:"
hav
eyouspokent
oLeo?
"

Me:"wehaven'
tspokensi ncethenewsofmy
engagementhi
tthemedi a.Hewon' tev
engi v
e
meachancet otal
ktohim, hedoesn'
tanswer
mycallsandhealwayssendshi scousinsto
pi
ckupt hegi
rl
swheni thist i
metohavet hem"

Ameli
a:"hei
sreal
l
ynotdoingwel
l
.Theonl
y
ti
mehesmi l
esisi
fthegi
rl
sarewi
thhi
m"the
si
tuat
ionwit
hLeomademesad

Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo.Idon'
twantour
relati
onshiptobel i
kethi
s,wehavesomuch
historytogetherandwehav ef
ourbeaut
if
ulgi
rl
s
together.Ijustwantustohavethet
ypeof
relati
onshipmom andpapahav e"

Mom: "ohsweeti
eitwon'
tbeeasy,
itwashar
d
atfi
rstandyouknowmysi t
uat
ionwit
hyour
fat
herisdif
fer
ent"

Me:"i
tjusthurtsme.Andwereal
lyneedt
otal
k
onhowwegoi ngtocopar
entaft
erSimpi
we
andIgetmar r
ied,wemovi
ngtoLondon"

Ev
ery
one:
"what
?!!
"Igr
oaned

Me:
"yes!
"

Mom:
"howcany
oudot
hatLel
o?"Hert
ear
s
wereal
readydropping"howcanyoumaket
hat
deci
si
onwi t
houtdiscussingi
twi
thus"

Me: "
mom I'
m gett
ingmarr
iedwhatdidyou
thi
nkwasgoingtohappen?Simpiwe'
sli
fei
sin
London,whatki
ndofawifedoesn'tl
i
vewit
hher
husband?"

Mom:
"yourdadmov
edt
oDur
ban!
"

Me:"dad'
sli
fewasal
loverhewoul
dhave
set
tl
eddownatanyplacethaty
ouchoose"

Ameli
a:"
don'tdothatt
ot hechi
ldSne,Imoved
toMpumalangathenRichardsbayforSphe.
Simpi
wewillbeherhusband"

Si
hle:
"andImov
edt
oDur
banf
orMar
cel
,i
thow
thi
ngsaresupposedt obeSne.Shecan'
tbe
awayfrom herhusband"mom walkedoutoft
he
kit
chencry
ing

Aphe:"
great
!Nowwewil
lhaveSfundo
br
eathi
ngdownonusbecauseSneiscry
ing"

Me:"I'
m goingt
obath"Ist
oodupandwent
upstai
rstomyr oom.Wewerehav
ingt
helobol
a
atpapa'shouseinj
hb.

Ihadawi degr
inasIhear dSimpiwe'sfamil
y
cal
lingmyclannamesout sidethegate.If
ound
i
tfunnycauseobv iousl
ypapahadt oopenthe
mai ngatef
orthem I'm or
dert odri
veinthe
estateandnowt heypretendingli
ketheycan't
hearthem.
Ar
ia:
"what
'samusi
ngy
ou?
"
Me:"not
hingmuch"shesqueezedmyshoulder
"
IwishNobuntuwashere"shecli
ckedher
t
ongueIturnedandl
ookedather"andnow?"

Aria:"
Iam sof uckingsickandt ir
edofy ouLelo.
Iwasy ourf ri
endf rom thetimewewer ebabies
andit'
sf unnyhowy ouhavesuddenl yputmei n
thebackseatoft hi
sf ri
endshipev ersince
Nobunt ucamei ntoourl i
ves.Nowshe' s
practi
callygoingt obey oursister,youthink
that'
sfaironmeLel o?Wecan' tev enspenda
daytoget herwi t
houty oument i
oni ngheri t
fucki
ngbey ondirri
tati
ng"

Me: "whydi dn'

ty outellmet hiswashowy ou
feelar i
a.Youmysi steryou'vebeenmysister
sinceIwasat oddlernobodycoul dev
erreplace
you.I'm sorryyouf eel t
hiswayandIam
certainlysorr
yformypar ti
nmaki ngyoufeel
l
iket his.Il
ovey ouAr ia"shesighed
Ar
ia:"l
ooki
tyourdaywewi
l
ltal
klat
er"she
walkedtot
hebathr
oom.

Aft
erthelobol
anegot i
ati
onsandmembeso
wasdoneandmyi nlawshadleftIwascal
led
topapa'
shomeof fi
ce.Ifoundal
l t
hreeofmy
parent
sinther
e.Isighedandsatdown
Me:"Iknowwhatt
hisi
saboutandIwil
lnotl
et
youganguponme"papajustl
aughed

Papa:"
somehowIknewt hatwouldbeyourf
ir
st
sent
ence.Howyoufeel
i
ngaf t
ertoday?
"

Me:"good,I'
m happyeveryt
hingwentwelland
Simpiwesaystheyalr
eadypr epar
ingf
or
tomorrowathishome.Thedecorpeopl eand
thecater
erswill
bearri
vingathishomesuper
earl
y"
Dad:
"great
.Nowcanwetalkaboutwhaty
our
mom says,abouty
oumovi
ng?"

Me: "
Iam mov i
ng.Ihavemademydeci sion
nothi
ngy ousaycanchangemymi nd.Iwi l
lvisi
t
almostallthetimeandy ouar eallowedt ovisit
whenev eryouwantt o.Simpiweboughtusa
beauti
fulhousei nCambr i
dgePar k, East
Twickenham.I tseri
ouslyamazing, Si mpiweand
Iwenttov iewlastweek.Ithas8bedr oom
suit
es,twoguestbat hroomsdownst air
s,
i
ndoorsandout doorspools,hugey ardanda
tenni
scour t,i
tsurr
oundedbyt r
ees, t
here'
sa
beauti
fulfishpond.Thenei ghborhoodi sgood
andsafewi t
hbeautif
ulparksandt heschool s
aren'
tfaritjustamazingIreall
ylov ei t
"

Dad:
"Iknowtheneighbor
hoodi
treal
l
ygood.
Howisthehouse?
"
Me:"atradi
ti
onal
squar
edoubl
est
orywhi
te
house"henodded

Mom:"
sfundo!
"Dadsi
ghedwhi
l
epapaj
ust
smi
l
ed

Dad:"mylove,
whatdidy out
hinkwasgoingto
happen?Simpiwecan'
tjustl
eavehi
scareerand
mov ethi
sthat
'snotf
air
"

Mom:"
soitf
airthatmyonl
ydaught
ermov
esal
l
t
hewaytoLondon?!"

Me: "
mommyy ourhusbandhashisownjetand
Ihavesomanybedroomsi nthenewhouse.I
'l
l
tur
noneofthem i
ntoyours,y
oucanvisi
t
anyti
memom"
Mom:
"thi
sisn'
tri
ght
!Lut
hando"

Papa:
"Snejustpr
etendi
ngshe'
smovingtoj
hb.
Al
lyouneedistotakeafli
ghtt
oseeherandthe
gi
rl
s"

Mom:
"itbasi
cal
l
y13hour
s!"

Me:
"mom pl
ease"

Mom:
"itj
ustnotf
air
!"

Me:
"mov
ewi
thme"Shel
ookedatmepuzzl
ed

Mom: "
Ican'
tl
eav
emyhusband"papaanddad
l
aughed
Me:
"exact
ly"

Papa:
"can'
tbel
i
evey
ouf
ell
fort
hatSne"

Mom:
"mxm"weal
ll
aughedather
 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Iwaswokenupbysof
tki
ssesal
lov
ermyf
ace,
I
groanedandmov
edmyface
Lonhl
e:"
goodmor
ninggor
geous"

Me:
"goaway
"hechuckl
ed
Lonhle:"
Ican'torwegoi
ngtobelat
e"Iletouta
smallscream andsatup"
hel
lo"hegavemea
softpeck"Igotyourt
ea"

Me:"
thankyou"It
ookthecupf
rom hi
m and
t
ookasip"areweearl
y?"

Lonhl
e:"notr
eal
l
ythepar
ent
sandSj
hav
elef
t
al
ready"

Me:"
soitj
ustus"Igav
ehi
m asmi
l
ewhi
chhe
r
etur
ned

Lonhl
e:"
whatar
eyouupt
o?"

Me:
"weal
one?
"
Lonhle:
"yeah?
"Iputmycupont
hebedsi
de
tabl
e

Me:"comecl
oser
"heleanedcl
oserandIki
ssed
hi
m hardwhi
l
emov i
ngbackuntil
Iwaslyi
ng
down.

Hestoodbehi
ndmeasIwasdoi
ngt
hef
inal
t
ouchesonmyf ace
Lonhl
e:"y
oul
ookbeaut
if
ult
hedr
essl
ooksgood
onyou"Ismi
l
ed

Me: "
thanky ou, youl
ooksohandsome"Iwas
wearingabobt ubehighandlowmbacodr ess
thatnavyandbl ack.I
tshowedmysmal l
baby
bumpper fectl
y .Lonhl
ewasinaAfri
canprint
shir
tthatmat chedmydr esswit
hablackjean
andhi sbl
ackl oubouti
nsneaker
shisfade
r
oughedup

Lonhl
e:"youmakemelookgood"hekissedmy
cheek"l
et'
sgodadisalr
eadycal
l
ing,
west i
ll
havetogotouncleLut
hando'
shousebefore
dri
vi
ngtoPr et
ori
a"

Me:
"I'
m done"It
ookmycl
utchandwel
eft

Whenwearr
ivedathisuncle'
shouse,ev
ery
one
wasbusymovingar
oundt hehouse.
 
Lonhle:"
babyIneedtospeaktodadjustf
ast
"I
nodded"Iseethatl
ook,don'
tcr
y.Thi
sisyour
familyAmil
egetusedtothem,pl
ease"he
kissedmyforehead

Me:
"okay
"Ihadahugel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
Lonhl
e:"
lookt
her
e'sSbahleandEnzocome"he
tookmyhandandwewal kedtot
hem

Enzo:"
makoti"hegavemeahugkissi
ngmy
cheek"whatdidt
hisi
diotdo?Whydoyoul
ook
l
ikeyouabouttocry?
"

Me:
"I'
mfi
ne"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
m goi
ngt
ospeakt
odadf
ast
"

Enzo:"
I'
llcomewit
hyou"hequickl
ykissed
Sbahl
ewhent heypul
l
edapartSbahle'
sface
l
ookedlikeatomato"
Ilov
eyou"hepeckedher
nose

Sbahl
e:"
lov
ey outoo"t
heywal
kedawayl
eav
ing
Sbahl
eandIinsil
ence.Wej
ustdi
dn'
thav
e
anythingincommonsowhenev erwewer elef
t
al
onei twasj ustawkwar dsilence.Thegi rl
was
beaut i
fulnodoubt ,sheact uall
yr emindedmeof
SnebutIj ustcouldn'tunder standwhatsheand
Enzower edoi ngtoget her.Enzowast hebad
boyofsoccert hateverybodyl ov edhewasst i
ll
photogr aphedwi t
hdi f
ferentwomenev erynow
andt henwhi leSbahl ewasj ustsociall
y
awkwar dandj ustnotf it
tingofEnzobutat
ti
messhemadeanef fortli
ket odayshewas
wearingoneofKhosi Nkosi '
sof fshoulder
Afri
canpr i
ntmaxi dress.

Sbahl
e:"
s-souhm howi
sthepr
egnancy
?You
mustbehappy"

Me:
"Iam j
ustwi
shIwasn'
tsi
ckal
lthet
ime"

Sbahl
e:"
I'
m sur
eoncey
ougi
vebi
rt
hev
ery
thi
ng
wi
l
lbewor
thi
t"Lel
ocamet
oussmi
l
ing

Lelo:"
whydidn'
tyout
ellmeyouwerehere"she
huggedSbahleandki
ssedhercheek"
I'
m so
excit
ed"Sbahl
e

Sbahle:"
yougott hatpreweddingglow"they
l
aughedandIcoul dn'
thel
pfeeli
ngenv i
ousof
thei
rrel
ati
onship,theywereclose.Ever
ytime
wewer ealltoget
hery ouj
ustcouldn'
tkeep
them apart

Lelo:"
heyAmi
le"wehuggedawkwardl
yandshe
brushedmyst
omach"howi smyli
tt
leMkhi
ze
doing?"

Me:
"maki
ngmesi
ckbutgr
owi
ng"
Lelo:
"yougoingtol
ovehi
m onceheishereI
promiseyou.Babi
esarej
ustever
ythi
ng"

Sbahl
e:"
youal
readyknowt
hegender
?"

Me:"notyet
.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulLel
o"shesmil
ed
br
ightl
y.Shewasi
naxhosaablackandwhit
e
umbaco.

Lel
o:"t
hankyouandy oubothl
ooki
nggorgeous
al
lmatchi
ngwithyourman"Sbahlebl
ushed
agai
nmakingLelogiggl
e"yousoeasySbahl
e"

Sbahl
e:"
leav
emeal
one"

Luthando:
"okayever
yoneint
hecarspl
easewe
l
ate!"Hescreamedgett
ingi
nthel
ounge
Me:"l
etmefi
ndLonhl
e"It
urnedt
owal
kaway
andsawhi
m comingt
ome

Lonhle:
"comebaby
"het
ookmyhandandwe
walkedout
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Itwasmybr otherandmybestf r
iend'
s
tradi
ti
onal wedding,honestl
yIwasbey ond
happy.Thecer emonywasf i
nishedpeopl ewer e
j
ustdr i
nkingandl i
steni
ngtomusi csome
dancing.Iwaswal kingaroundlookingf orLelo,
I
foundherbyt hekitchendoordoorl ookinglike
she'ssuffocat
ingunderherbl anketthatwas
drapedaroundhershoul ders
Me:"Si
phosethu"thatwashergi
venname.She
putherf
inderoverherli
psandpull
edmetoher

Lel
o:"
li
sten"

Me:"weeav
esdroppi
ng"shenoddedandI
l
ist
enedcar
eful

Voice1:"al
lIam sayi
ngisthatSi
mpi
wecould
havedonebet t
er"Il
ookedatLelowi
thar
aised
eyebrow

Voice2:"Iwi
ll
makeherregr
etmarr
yingmy
son!"Thatwasdef
ini
tel
ymystepmom

Voice1:
"heshoul
dhav
enev
erl
etLi
sa'
smot
her
getmarr
ied"
Voice3:"
howcanhejustmar
rysomeonewith
fourchi
l
dren!Wor
seall
bornt
hesamey ear
"

Voice2:"
itt
hatwi
tchNobunt
uwhoi
stobl
ame
foral
loft
his"

Voice1:"
theyplott
ingagai
nsty
ouRoseand
theyusi
ngy ourson"

Me:
"I'
m notl
i
steni
ngt
othi
s"

Lel
o:"
itf
ine"

Me: "
thehelli
tis"Iwalkedintothekitchenand
theyall
stoppedt alki
ng"Ihavebeennot hi
ngbut
respect
fult
oy ouRosebutIdr awal i
newheni t
comest omyf ami l
yandLel oi
smyf amily
"Rose
stoodupandwal kedtome, withoutawor dshe
sl
appedmesohar dIfeltmyearr
ingi
ngand
Leloscr
eamed.Shewasabouttohitmeagain
butahandgrabbedherarm,Il
ookedoverand
sawitwasVumi l
e.Helookedmurder
oushis
eyeswereal
lredandcold

Vumi l
e:"i
fy oueverandIr epeatyouoldhagi f
youev ereventouchahai ronherheadIwi llki
ll
you.Iwillputabulletri
ghtony ourforehead
throughyourskullandbur yyoui nyourgarden
thenplantflower
s.Doy ouhear ?
"Rosequi ckly
nodded" nxa"heletgoofheram t hencamet o
me.Hecuppedmyf acebrushingmycheekwi t
h
histhump" youokay ?"

Me:
"ithur
ts"hekissedmycheekandpul l
edme
t
ohischest"getmeawayf rom her
e"Iwanted
t
ocrybutnotinfrontofher
.
[
03/
20,
15:
12]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss
I
nser
t53

#Lel
o
¥¥

Simpi
wecameincal
li
ngmynameasVumi
l
e
andNobunt
uwentouttheot
herdoor
 
Si
mpi we:"Si
phosethu,
what
'
sgoing?
"Helooked
atmet henathismom whohadstar
ted
hyst
erical
l
ycryi
ngassoonasSimpiwehad
gott
eni nt
hekitchen

Me:
"I.
."

Rose:"
theygangeduponme"shecutmeof f
andmyj awdropped"yousist
er'
shusbandman
handl
edmeaf tershe"shepoint
edatme" and
Nobunt
ucal
l
edmeev
erywor
senamey
oucan
t
hinkof
"

Me:"t
hat'
snottrue!
!"Si
mpi
wewrappedhi
s
ar
msar oundherasshewail
edhar
derand
l
ouder

Aunt1:"i
twasawf ul
Simpiwewet ri
edt
ell
i
ng
them t
hattheyshoul
drespectRose"

Aunt2:
"theyj
ustwentonandon.Ev
enwor
ds
I
'v
eneverheardbef
ore"

Me:
"Si
mpi
we?
"

Si
mpiwe:"
Siphoset
huplease"hesnappedandI
st
eppedbackinshock
Me:
"itnott
rue"

Simpiwe:"
justbackoff
"Inoddedandranout
thehousecrying.Ir
ani
ntoLonhle'
schest

Lonhl
e:"
heyhey"hecuppedmyf ace"t
alkt
ome.
WhomustIkill
?"Ishookmyheadburyingi
ton
hi
schest"whyyoucry?Thi
sisyourhappyday
"

Me:
"i-
if-
f-
ine"

Lonhle:
"youwouldn'
tbecry
ingi
fyouweref
ine
andIknowy ouenoughtoknowthatwheny
ou
sayyoufinethenyounot
"hewipedmytear
s
"t
ell
mesi ssy"

Me:"Iwenti
nthehouset
henIhear
dRoseand
hersi
ster
stal
ki
ngaboutmesoIeavesdr
op.
Theywer esayi
ngmeant hi
ngsandNobunt u
camei nsowebot hl
istened,shegotpi ssedof f
andwentt otel
lroseof fbutRosesl appedher .
Vumi lecamei nasshewasaboutt oslapagai n
andt oldherthathewoul dki
llheri
fshedi di t
again.Theywal kedoutasSi mpiwewaswal ki
ng
i
nt henRosest artedscr eamingcryi
ngsay ing
Nobunt uandIwer esayingawf ult
hingst oher
andVumi lemanhandl edher ,obvi
ouslyher
si
stersbackedherupandSi mpi wedidn't
bel
iev emei nst
eadhesnappedatmesay ingI
mustbackof f"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
ll
kil
lhi
mformaki
ngy
oucr
y"

Me:
"noi
tfi
ne"

Lonhl
e:"
comel
et'
sgof
indmom"
Me:"nonoIdon'
twantany
oneel
seknowi
ng
aboutt
hisLonhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"t
hatwomanhatesyouLel
o.Idon'
t
knowhowy ousupposedt
ospendaweekhere.
Iwantyoutocomebackhomewi t
hus"

Me:"
Ican'
t.I
'
llbef
ineLonhl
e,Iwon'
tl
ett
his
womancauseadriftbet
weenSimpi
weandI"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
ll
hav
eawor
dwi
thhi
m"

Me: "
no!Idon'
twantyouget
ti
ngi
nvol
ved
Lonhlet
hisisbetweenmeandmyhusband"he
rai
sedhiseyebrow

Lonhl
e:"
soI
'
mtosi
tbackandwat
chhi
m make
youcr
y"
Me:"i
twasthi
sonceandbecauseofhi
smom"
henoddedt
ight
eni
nghisl
ips

Afterwat chingmyf ami l

yandf riendsl eav eI
startedcleaningi nthemai nhouse.Ev eryone
wat chedmewor kingandIwi shedIwas
all
owedt oatleastbr i
ngoneoft hemai dsf r
om
home.Idi shedupdi nnerforev eryone, t
ookout
adi shf i
ll
edwi t
hwar m wat erandsoapf orthem
towasht heirhandsbef or
eser v i
ngt hem wi th
food.Iat eintheki tchenlisteni
ngt othe
conv ersati
onsandl aughtercomi ngf r
om t he
l
ounge.Whenev eryonewasdoneeat ingI
washedt hedishedt hencleanedt hekitchen
befor egoingtoSi mpi we'sbackr oom, ithada
l
ounge, onebedr oom andabat hroom.It ooka
l
onghotbat hthenputonmysi lksummer
pyjamas.
Simpi
wecameint
other
oom whenIwasabout
tofal
lasl
eep
Si
mpiwe:"Si
phoset
hu"Ii
gnor
edhi
m" Iknowyou
st
il
lup.Iwantyout
otell
mewhathappened?
"

Me:"ohnowy
ouwantt
oli
stent
omysi
de"he
si
ghed

Simpiwe:"
Ilov
eyou"Isatupandswit
chedon
thel
ights"
Ishoul
dn'
thavehandl
edthi
ngsli
ke
that
"

Me:"y
ouhurtSimpiwe.Onourweddingday"he
pi
nchedhi
sforeheadhepull
edmet ositonhis
l
ap

Simpiwe:
"Iam sor
ry"Itol
dhi
m whathappened
"Iam r
eal
lysor
ryIwill
speakt
oher"hekissed
me

Me:
"nodon'
t"

Simpiwe:"
I'
m sorr
yyouhaddi
nneral
one.I
seri
ousl
yshouldn'
thav
ereact
edli
kethat
"

Me:"youshoul
dn'
thav
et akensideswi t
hout
hear
ingbothsi
desofthestory
"heki ssedmy
neckwhil
etaki
ngmytopof fandlaidmeont he
bed

Si
mpi
we:
"yousobeaut
if
ulSi
phoset
hu"
 
.

Iwaswokenupbymyphoner
ingi
ng
Me:
"mmh"
Zol
eka:"
youshouldbeupbynow"Igr
oaned
andgotoutofSi
mpiwe'
sarms

Me:
"IknowI
'
mjustsot
ir
ed"

Zol
eka:
"youwi
l
lbef
ine"

Me: "
okaygr andma"sheendedt hecall.I
t05: 30
Iwenttot hebat hroom tookaqui ckshower
thengotdr essedi nalongsl eevet -
shir
t ,
black
doek,asmal l tartanblanketov ermyshoul ders,
abathtowel wr appedar oundmyupperbody , a
wooll
enscar far oundherwai standal ong
shweshwepr intski r
t.Icouldn'twaitforthese
weekst obeov ert henIwoul dn'thaveweart his
becauset herewasnowayIwasgoi ngt ospend
6mont hsdr essedl i
kethis,tradi
tionornot .I
wenttot hemai nhouseandmademy sel facup
ofcoffeebeforeIcoul
dst
artmaki
ngsoft
porri
dge.Ihadspentaweekwit
hmy
grandparent
sinRichar
dsBaysograndma
Zolekacouldteachmewhatwasexpectedof
me.

Iwassti
l
l busywiththepor
ri
dgewhenRose
cameinthekitchen
Me:
"goodmor
ningmah"Igav
eherasmi
l
e

Rose:
"hav
eyoul
osty
ourmot
her
?"

Me:
"justshowi
ngy
our
espect
"

Rose:"
nxa"Inoddedandwentoutquickl
yto
checkonSimpiwe,Ifoundhi
m st
il
lasl
eepsoI
wentbacktothekit
chenfoundRosestir
ri
ngmy
pot
Me:
"whaty
oudoi
ng?
"

Rose:"i
twasbur
ning"shegav
emeasmi
rkt
hen
walkedout
.

Onebyoneev eryonestart
edwaki ngup.Igave
them wat ert
owasht heirhandsthendishedup
theporridge.Simpiwecal l
edmet ositnextto
him whenIwasgoi ngbacktoeati nt
heki t
chen.
Rosewast hef i
rstpersontospitoutthe
porr
idge, Il
ookedupandsawt hateveryone
wasl ookingatme
Siy
abulel
a:"
awumakoti"Il
ookedathi
m
confusedashel
aughedoutloudl
y

Aunt
y1:"thi
siswhatweget
.AboSi
mpi
webr
ing
ussubur
biangir
lsaswi
ves"
Simpi
we:
"Idi
dn'
tmar
ryherbecauseIwant
eda
chef
"

Me:
"what
'sgoi
ngon?
"

Si
mpi
we:
"not
hingbaby
"

Rose:"nothi
ng?!
!Howar ewesupposedt oeat
thi
sshit?"Iat
eli
ttl
ebitoftheporr
idget
henspat
i
tout ,
itwassosalty.Il
ookedatRoseshegav e
met hesamesmi rkshehadgi v
enmeear l
ier
andIjustknewshesabot agedmypot

Me:"
sorr
y.Idon'tknowwhatwentwr
ongI
'
ll
makeanotherpot"

Aunt
y:"
no!Wedon'
twantt
odi
e"
Simpiwe:"babyjustmakeEngl i
shbreakfast
comeI '
l
lhelpy ou"hestoodupandt ookmy
hand.Ij
ustcr i
edaswegoti nt hekit
chen"baby
don'
tcry"hehel dmetightl
ykissingmyhead
"t
heporridgewasper f
ectjustputlesssaltnext
ti
me"Inodded

Me:"
I'
m sor
rySimpi
we!
!Youknowhow
embar
rassi
ngthi
smustbefory
ou"

Simpiwe:"
nothingy oudocouldev erembar r
ass
me.BabyIdon' texpectal
lthesethingsyou've
beendoingherebutIam sohappyy outr
ying,
I'
m sogratef
ul"heheldmychi n"l
ookatmemy
angel
"Ilookedupathi m"Iloveyou, okay?
"I
noddedandheki ssedme

Me:
"Idon'
tknowhowI
'
llsur
viv
ewheny
oul
eav
e
nextweek"Iwassupposedt ost ayl
ongerbut
becausewest i
l
lhadt heengagementpar t
y
happeninginthreeweeksandt heweddingin
twomont hs,thefamilywasallowingmet o
l
eaveear l
y.AgainstRose'swishbutbecause
Simpiwe'stwinbrotheractedli
kehisfat
herhis
wordwasf inal.

Si
mpi
we:
"I'
l
lbebacksoon"
 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Il
ookedatmybossesi
ndisbel
ief
.Thiswasnot
happeni
ng,
itj
ustsi
mpl
ycouldn'
thappen 
Me:
"buthow?
"
Excprod:"
wesor r
yAmi l
ewetr
iedev
ery
stor
yli
nebuti
tjustdoesn'
twor
kout"

Me:
"buty
oucan'
trepl
aceme"

Excprod2:"
wecanandqui tef rankl
yitwas
boundtohappen.Peopleal
lov erthestudies
havebeencomplaini
ngAmi l
e.Yourat ti
tude
sti
nksandyoubringyourpersonal i
ssuest o
work"

Me:
"Iam t
hebestact
ressy
ouguy
shav
e!!
"

Prod:"Amilesweeti
eIl i
keyouandyouknow
thatsopleasedon'tburnthi
sbri
dge.Assoon
asy ougi
v ebir
thandy oureadyt
owor kagain,
comet ome.I '
l
lhelpyougetbackony ourfeet
"
Me: "Idon'
tneedy ourpi t
y !Youcan'tfi
reme
becauseIam pr egnant .Iwi l
lsuetheshi toutof
thisstudi
o.Youal lmessedwi t
hthewr onggi r
l
thisti
mear ound"Ipushedt hebackf uriously
standingupthatitfel
l maki ngal oudnoi se.I
wentt omychangi ngr oom col l
ectedall my
thingsandleft
.Ididn'tev encallLonhleasIwas
supposedt ocallhim Ijustdr ovestr
aighthome.

Me:"
theyfi
redme"Icr
iedoutassoonasIwas
i
nthehouseandthr
ewmy sel
fatdad

Dad:
"sshi
t'
sokaypumpki
n"

Me:
"howcant
heydot
hatt
ome?
!!
"

Dad:"
theyf
ir
edyoubecauseyoupr
egnant
?We
goi
ngtosuethehel
loutoft
hem"
Mom: "
butJay ,i
sitabadt hi
ngt hattheyf i
red
her?Lonhleismaki nganamef orhimsel fasa
respectabl
ey oungbusinessmanhedoesn' t
reall
yneedhi swifetobeoutt hereacting,
hav i
nglovesceneswi thotherwomen"Imov ed
myf acefrom dad'sstomachandl ookedat
mom i ndisbeli
ef"al
lI'
m sayingisthatshe
doesn'tevenneedt obewor kingletalone
stressi
ngov erthi
sandupset ti
ngt hebaby "

Dad:
"whathasgot
teni
ntoy
ouwoman?
!"

Me:"Imightnotneedthej
obbutIl ov
ei tmama
andwhatt heydoi
nguswrong.Whati fIreal
l
y
neededit?Theyneedt
obet aughtalesson.You
can'
tjustfi
resomeonebecamet heypregnant"
 
.
#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Ilookedatt hemagazi newi t

ht earsst reaming
downmyf ace.Iknowhesai dIshoul dn'tbeliev
e
thegossi pont hemedi abuthowwasIt onot
belongitwheni twasr ighti nfrontofme.He
wasl ookingatherwi thasmi leonhi sfaceand
hishandonhert high, shewasal sosmi l
ingat
her,theywer eatacl ubt oget her.HowwasI
supposedt ot hinkt hemagazi nepr i
nt edlies
wheni twasn' tthef ir
stort hesecondt i
mehe
wasseenar oundwi tht hesamegi r
l.Hername
wasMel odyJacobs, acol ouredmodel t
hatwas
maki ngwav esal lov erthewor ldshewasoneof
Victori
aSecr etmodel sandhadj ustdonea
Chanel campai gn.Shewasabeaut ifulwoman,
almostast allashi m, verysl i
m bodywi t
hbi g
browney est hatwer ejustcapt i
vat i
ng.Thedoor
openedandEnzowal kedi ncar ryingacar ri
er
bagf r
om wimpy,hehadwentoutt
obuyus
breakfast
.Iwasathi
sapart
mentwhereIspent
l
otiftimeatifhewasint
heprovi
nce

Enzo:"
goty
ouyourf
avouri
te,hadtogopast
Star
bucksf
ory
ourvani
ll
afrappucci
no"

Me:"
youwerewit
hmelodyagai
n"hehuf
fedand
t
ookthemagazi
nefr
om me

Enzo:"
howmanyti
mesmustItel
lyoutonot
bel
iev
eever
ythi
ngyouseeont
hemedia?"

Me: "howcanInotEnzo?Youal
ltheplacewith
her!JusttwoweeksbackE!Newswast alki
ng
abouty outwobei
ngseentoget
herinLos
Angel es"
Enzo:"honeythere'
snothi
ngtoi
t"hekissedme
"l
et'
snotletthisshi
trui
nourweekend,your
examsar estari
ngsoonandIwil
l bebusywith
tr
aini
ngsowewon' tseeeachot
heralltheti
me"

Me: "
noEnzo!Don'tj
ustpretendthisisn'tan
i
ssue.Iam ti
redEnzo,youwon' tbeseeni n
publi
cwithmeunlessit'
sar oundy ourfamil
y.
Theonlyti
mewegoouti sify ourentthewhole
rest
aurant
.Itwasfunandr omant i
catf i
rstbuti
t
notanymore"

Enzo:
"Il
ovey
ou,
onl
yyou.I
sn'
tthatenough?
"

Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nki
tisany
mor
e"Iwhi
sper
ed

Enzo:
"whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
"
Me:
"Iwantmor
e"

Enzo:"Idon'
tthi
nkIcangi
vey
oumor
e"Il
ooked
athim

Me:
"Enzo?
"

Enzo:
"Idon'tthi
nkwewor
kingSbahl
e"Isucked
i
ndeepbr eath

Me:
"whatar
eyousay
ingEnzo?
"

Enzo:
"Ijustt
hinkmaybewenotmeantt
obe,
maybewebet terof
fapar
t,may
beweshoul
d
j
ustbreakup"

Me:
"butIl
ovey
ouEnzoandIknowt
haty
ou
l
oveme"

Enzo:
"Ican'
tgi
vey
oumor
e"

Me: "
Idon'tcar
e"Ihel
dhist-
shir
t"I
'l
ltakewhat
youcangi vemeEnzo.I'
m sor
ry.Pl
easedon'tdo
thi
spleaseIloveyoutoomuch.Pleasedon'
t
hurtmelikethi
s"heshookhishead

Enzo:"
thi
swasboundt ohappenSbahle,wet
op
dif
fer
enti
tjusti
sn'
tworki
ng"Idroppedtomy
kneesinf
rontofandhel
dhislegs

Me:
"don'
tdot
hisEnzo"hepul
l
edmeup

Enzo:
"don'
tbegSbahl
eitnotyou"hecl
ear
ed
hi
sthroat"
I'
ll
gett
hecarforyou"
Me: "Enzo!!
"Hewipedmytear
sandkissedme,
I
kissedhim backpressi
ngmybodyt
ohi s
"pleaseIloveyousomuch"

Enzo:"I
'
m sor
ry"Ihel
dhi
sar
msashewas
mov i
ngawayfrom me

Me: "
don'tdot hi
sEnzo!Enzopl ease!
!"Ifel
lon
thefl
oorcryingoutl oudl
y"pleasedon'thur
tme
l
ikethis.I
'm sorry
, Idon'tneedmor ej
ustdon't
dothisEnzo"heci rcledhi
sar msaroundme
pull
i
ngmet ohi slap

Enzo:"y
oubett
erofwi
thoutmeSbahl
e"hekept
ki
ssingmyface

Me: "
Iam not!Can'
tyouseehowmuchIl
ove
you"hisphonebeeped
Enzo:"t
hecari sher
e"hestoodupstill
carryi
ng
meandwentdownt otheundergr
oundpar ki
ng
wherethedr i
verwhopickedmeupatt imes
waswai ti
ng,withmestil
li
nhisarms.If el
t
numbasheputmei nthecaral
ongwi thmy
backpackt hatwasfil
l
edwithbooksandmy
cell
phone.Hespoket othedri
verandthecar
tookoff.Iwatchedhi
m unti
lIcoul
dn'tseehim
anymore.
[
03/
20,
15:
13]Ron:
fer
entPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t54

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Mom:
"Lonhl
eisher
e!!
"Sheshout
edf
rom
downstair
s.Iwentt othebathr
oom tookal
ook
atmyf acethenr i
nsedmymout h.Iwasweari
ng
awhitesundr esswi t
hyell
owflowersandwhi
te
sli
des.Mynat uralhai
rti
edinamessybun.I
tookmyphoneandwentdownst ai
rs

Lonhl
e:"
hibaby
"hegav
emeahugandki
ssed
mycheek

Me:"hi
your
sel
fsexy
"hegr
innedt
aki
ngmy
hand

Lonhl
e:"
come"wegotoutt
hehouse,
goti
nhi
s
carandhedr
oveof
f

Me:
"Iwanti
cecr
eam"henodded

Lonhl
e:"
icecr
eam comi
ngupf
orMr
sMkhi
ze"
Me:
"wenotmar
ri
ed"

Lonhle:
"yet
.Andi
t'
syourf
aul
t"Il
ookedoutt
he
window.

Afterbuyi
ngmyicecr
eam wet
ookawal kby
thepark.Hekeptt
aki
ngr
andom pi
ctur
esof
everyt
hingar
oundus.
Me:
"youhar
dlyt
akepi
ctur
esnow"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
m get
ti
ngswal
l
owedupbyt
he
busi
nessworl
d"

Me:"
butyoushoul
dst
il
lmaket
imef
ort
hings
youl
ovedoi
ng"
Lonhl e:
"itnotthateasyAmi le.Ifdadwer eto
dierightnowev erythi
ngwil
l f
allonme, his
businessesal ongwi t
hauntySihle'
sbusiness.
AtleastSbani i
sst art
ingt
olearnabouti tsoas
ti
megoesonhewi llt
akeoverhismot her'
s
business, Idon'tknowwhyhewasn' tl
ear ni
ng
allal
ongconsi deri
nghowhei swayoldert han
mebutIhav emor eknowledget hanhim on
thi
s."

Me: "
buti
tnotf
airt
hatyouhavetooutasi
de
thi
ngsthaty
ouli
kebecauseofyourf
ather
's
busi
ness"

Lonhle:
"ifIdon'ttakecareofi twhowill
?Great
grandpawor kedhar dtocreatealloft
histhen
grandpawor kedhar daswel landnowdad
multi
pli
edall t
hatwasl ef
tforhim.Ican'
tjustl
et
allt
hathardwor kdi sappearbecauseIli
ke
taki
ngpictures.Ihav etoworkf ormysibl
ings
andinsur ethatourl egacygr owsinst
eadof
decreasingy ouknow.Enzoi sn'
ti
nterestedatall
heisallabouthi ssoccerandSj j
ustsignedwith
uncleKlein'
sl abel,heisanamazi ngmusi ci
an
sohedeser v est opursuet hatImeanhehast o
beamazi nghehaduncl eKl einashe'
sment or
.
UncleKleinisj ustamazi ng.Beingafirstborn
sonmeanssomet imesy ouhav etoputy our
dreamsasi dey ouknow"

Me: "
Igett
hatbabebutmaybey
oucantr
yto
sti
l
ldowhatyoulikewhenev
ery
ougeta
chance"

Lonhle:"
Ihardl
yhavefr
eetimeandallthel
it
tl
e
fr
eet i
meIget ,
Ispendwit
hy ou.Whatdidt
he
l
awy ersay?
"

Me:
"thest
udi
owant
stoset
tl
eoutofcour
t.
Theyof
fer
ingmyj
obbackandmoney
"

Lonhl
e:"
arey
ouokaywi
tht
hat
?"

Me: "
Iguess"Ishr
uggedmyshoul
ders"Idon'
t
careanymore,Ij
ustwantt
ogi
vebirt
halready
yourchi
ldwon'tst
opmakingmesick"he
rubbedmyst omach

Lonhl
e:"
comeonma'
Mkhi
zey
ouhav
eto
behav
eformommy"

Me:
"shei
sonlycal
m wheny
ouaround"he
smi
l
edbefor
ekissi
ngmyfor
ehead

Lonhl
e:"
guessshej
ustwant
stobearound
daddy
.Maybeyoushoul
dmov ei
nwit
hme"
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkdadwi
l
lal
l
owt
hat
"

Lonhl
e:"
Ial
readypai
dlobol
afory
ounj
ena"

Me:
"youhav
en'
tmar
ri
edmey
et"

Lonhl
e:"
youdon'
twantust
osetadat
e!"

Me:"calm down.Wewill
setadateaf
terI
'
v e
gi
venbi r
th"honest
lymar
ryi
ngLonhl
escared
mecr azy.Ihadsomanymixedemoti
onsabout
i
t.

Lonhl
e:"Iwantyoutomoveinwit
hmeandI
thi
nki
twillmakethi
ngseasi
erf
orus"

Me:
"okayI
'
llmov
einwi
thy
ou"hel
i
ftedmeup
andst
art
edspinni
ngar
ound,
Ihel
dthebackof
hi
sheadlaughi
ng

Lonhl
e:"
Ilov
eyousomuch"

Me: "
andIlov eyousomuch"heputmedown
andquickl
yt ookaphot oofme, Ij
ustl
aughed
ashecont i
nuedt aki
nglotofthem.Ieven
start
edposing.Hehadar oom i
nhisapart
ment
thatwasjustfil
l
edwi thmypor t
rai
ts

Lonhl
e:"
let
'sgogety
ougi
rl
slunch"

Me:"youknowIsti
l
lhaven'
tfoundadr
essf
or
l
elo'
sengagementpar
ty"

Lonhle:
"doyouthi
nkitsomet
hingy
oucanf
ind
aroundhere,
inGauteng?
"
Me:"
Idon'
tknow.Iwantsomet
hingsexybut
r
espect
abl
e"helaughed

Lonhle:
"wel
lti
meisrunningoutMr ssexybut
respect
abl
e"Ipi
nchedhisshoulder"soabusi
ve"

Me:"y
ouloveme"Ist uckmytongueoutandhe
movedfastbi
ti
ngit.Wewalkedovertothe
smal
lrest
aurantbythepark

Lonhle:"
cheeseburgerf ormepleaseadd
avocadoandanegg, lasagnawi t
hasideof
greensaladforher
.Or angejui
ceandcor ona,
pl
easegetusabot tleofwat eraswell
"the
waiternoddedandleft

Me:
"ar
eyousur
eyouwantmet
omov
einwi
th
y
ou?
"Hehel
dmyhands

Lonhl
e:"
hundr
edandt
enper
cent
"heki
ssedmy
hands

Me:"wegoingt
orai
set
hebabyI
'
myour
apar
tment?
"

Lonhl
e:"
ithugeenoughbuti
fyouwantahouse
youcanstar
tlooki
ng"

Me:"
notheapar
tmentisfi
ne"Ihuf
fed"
stop
st
ari
ngatme"hechuckl
ed

Lonhl
e:"
youjustsobeaut
if
ulandyoucarr
ying
mydaughter
"Iroll
edmyeyesblushi
ng 
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Isighedbeforegett
ingoutoft
hecar.Iknocked
oncet hengotin,
Yammywaswai ti
ngf ormeby
thefoy er
Yammy
:"hey
"wehugged

Me:
"hi
"

Yammy:
"It
houghty
ouwer
ecomi
ngwi
tht
he
gi
rl
s"

Me: "
school
isn'
touty
et"wewer
ewal
ki
ngt
othe
ki
tchen
Yammy :"
hei
sn'
tbackf
rom campus"Isaton
thebarst
ool

Me:
"hewon'
tanswermycal
l
sort
ext
s"

Yammy:"hei
sst
il
lhur
ti
ng,
hei
snotdeal
i
ng
wit
hthi
swell
"

Me:"Il
ovehim Yammy ,
youknowt hatr
ight
?"
Shesmiledgivi
ngmeagl assofj
uiceanda
pl
atewithcupcakes,
thi
swomanwasamonst er
i
nthekitchen

Yammy :"
Iknowsweet
ieandhel
ovesyou.I
t
j
ustsaddensmethatt
hisi
showthi
ngsare
bet
weeny outwonow"

Me:
"Inev
ermeantt
ohur
thi
m"
Leo:"t
henwhyyouhurt
ingme"Iturnedt
olook
athim ashewaswal
kingint
hekitchen"
hi
grandma"heki
ssedYammy '
scheek

Yammy:"I
'
llgi
vey
ousomepr
ivacy"henodded
andl
ookedatmeasYammywalkedout

Leo:
"let
'st
alkout
side"Inoddedandf
oll
owed
hi
mt otheback

Me:
"howar
eyou?
"

Leo:
"I'
m br
eat
hing"

Me:
"pl
easedon'
tbesocol
d"
Leo:"
whatdoy ouwantf
rom me,
a
congr
atul
ati
ons?"

Me:"ofcoursenot!Butdon'
tj
ustshutmeout
Leo.I
'v
ebeent ry
ingtogetyoutospeaktome
formonths"heshruggedhisshoul
ders

Leo:
"Iwasn'
ti
nthemood"Igr
unt
ed

Me:"
Idon'
tknowhowyouexpectmet
otal
kto
youwhenyoubei
ngchi
l
dish"

Leo:"
that
'sabeauti
ful
ring"Il
ookedatmy
engagementr
ingthenbackathim

Me:"t
hankyou.LeoInev
erwant
edy
out
oget
hur
tbythi
s"
Leo:
"doyouevenlov
ehi
m ory
ouj
ustwant
marr
iagesobad?"

Me:"Il
ovehi
m Ir
eal
l
ydo.Hemakesmeso
happy"

Leo:
"mmh"

Me:"
thewhit
eweddi
ngi
safewweeksaway
,
wehavi
ngiti
ncapet
own"

Leo:
"youwantmet
her
e?"

Me:"
Iam notexpect
ingyoutobether
eLeobut
ani
nvi
tat
ionisopentoyouifyouwanttocome"

Leo:
"Isee"
Me:
"Si
mpi
weboughtusahousei
nLondon"

Leo:"excuseme?
"Hechuckl
edi
ndi
sbel
i
ef
"excusemeLelo?
!"

Me:
"wemov
ingLeo"

Leo:"
Iknowy
ouar
enott
aki
ngmychi
l
drent
o
London"

Me:
"youwi
l
lst
il
lseet
hem Leo!
"

Leo:"yougetti
ngmarri
edlel
ocongr a-
fucking-
tul
ati
ons, y
oumov i
ngtoLondont obewi thy our
husbandbr av
obutyouwi l
lnottakemychi ldren
wit
hy ou.TheyaremineLelonoty our
husband's"hehadstar
tedpacingaround
Me:
"wi
l
lyouj
ustl
i
stent
ome!
"

Leo:
" Lel
oitwi
l
lbeacolddayi
nhel
lbef
oreIl
et
youtakemychildr
enf
rom me"

Me: "
Iam nott aki
ngt hem Leo!Iwi l
lbebackat
l
easttwi ceamont h,Iwillcomebackwi ththem.
Youwi llhavethem everyschool holi
day sandI
wil
lmakesur ewekeepourt r
adi ti
ons.Please
LeoIdon' twantust ogot ocour toverthisI
cert
ainlydonotwantt otakey ourdaught er
s
fr
om y ou.Iknowhowmuchy oul ovethem andI
knowhowmucht heyl oveyou.Iwoul dnev er
keepy ouapart"

Leo:"
that
'sexact
lywhatyoudoi
ngLelo.Why
mustourli
veschangebecauseyoudecidedt
o
getmarri
ed?"
Me:"don'
tl
ety
ourhurtandhateformet
urny
ou
i
ntosomeoneyounotLeonardo"

Leo:"don'
tannoymeLel
oplease.Whycan'
t
theystaywit
hmeandv i
sity
ou?"

Me:"t
heyneedt hei
rmot
herLeoandI
'
m not
l
ett
ingthathappen"

Leo:
"andImust
?"

Me: "sor
ry.Iam tr
ulysorr
ythi
sishappeningLeo
Ineverwant edyoutogethurt
.Youwer emy
fi
rstLeo,youthef at
herofmybabiesIwi l
l
foreverl
oveandr espectyouf
orthat.Pl
ease,I
reall
ydon'twantust ogotocourtbecausethi
s
won'tendwel landitwil
ldamageour
r
elat
ionshi
p.Wedon'
tneedt
oinv
olv
elawy
ersi
n
t
his"

Leo:"
lookj
ustgi
vemet
imet
othi
nkaboutt
his"
Inodded

Ical
l
edSi
mpiweasIwasdr
ivi
ngoutof
Yammy'
shouse 
Si
mpi
we:
"Si
phoset
hu"

Me:
"hey
"

Si
mpi
we:
"howdi
ditgol
ove?
"

Me:
"hesai
dhewi
l
lthi
nkabouti
t"

Si
mpi
we:
"guesst
hat
'sbet
tert
hanano"
Me:
"iti
slov
e"

Si
mpi
we:
"Imi
ssy
ou"Ismi
l
ed

Me:
"Iknow,
Imi
ssy
out
oo"

Si
mpi we:"
wishwecoul
djustgetmar
ri
ed
al
readythenyoucanmovehere"

Me:"soonbabe.Ihav
etogoI
'
m dr
ivi
ng,
Ilov
e
you"

Si
mpi
we:
"Il
ovey
ousomuchmor
e"

Me:
"mcwaa"
Si
mpi we:"mcwaa"Iheardl
oudlaught
eri
nthe
background"shutupyourf
ool
s!!
"

Me:
"wher
ear
eyou?
"

Si
mpi
we:
"gy
m wi
tht
heguy
s"

Me:
"lat
er"

Si
mpi
we:
"lat
ersbaby
"weendedt
hecal
l
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Idi
dn'
tknowitwaspossi
blet
ojustwat
chti
me
movebybutIcer
tai
nlydi
dwatchitmoveby
.
Fortunat elyIchannel l
edal lmyangerandhur t
towar dsmybooks, Imai ntai
nedmyst rai
ghtA.
Atf i
rstIwashur tanddi sappoi ntedbutnowI
am j ustangr y.Ihadsomuchangeri ntowards
Enzoi t'
snotev enf unny .Ispentmostofmy
holiday swi t
hKev in, hewasj ustamazing.He
wassomet hingIr eallyneededi nordertoheal
from myhear tbreak.I twasSat urdayhewas
comi ngt opickme, formov i
esandl unchwi t
h
hisf riends.Ifinishedget ti
ngdr essedin
boy friendjeansandal oseshor tsl
eevet-shi
rt
wi t
hv ans.Itiedmyul traintoat opbun, t
ookmy
bagt henwentdownst ai
rs
Muz
i:"
youl
eav
ing?
"

Mom:
"to?
"

Me:"It
oldyoumom I
'
m goi
ngoutwi
thKev
in
andhisfr
iends"
Dad:
"youandthi
sKev
inguyar
espendi
ngl
otof
t
imetoget
her"

Mom:"
whi
chi
sn'
tabadt
hing"sheshotdada
l
ook

Dad:
"yout
ell
whenIneedt
ost
artwor
ryi
ng"

Me:
"Iwi
l
ldad"t
hei
nter
com r
ang

Muz
i:"
goti
t!
!"

Me:
"thatshoul
dbeKev
in"

Dad:"behomecurfew"Inoddedandwent
out
sidejustasKev
inwasparking
Kevi
n:"heybeaut
if
ul"heki
ssedmycheekt
hen
squeezedme

Me:"mydadi swatchingt
hrought
hewindow,
don'
tlook"helaughedaswegotinthecar

Kevi
n:"
hedoest
hisal
lthet
imewhenIcomet
o
pi
ckyouup"

Me:
"hedoesn'
tbel
i
evet
hatwenotdat
ing"

Kevi
n:"
itki
ndahar
dtobel
i
evey
ouwoul
dresi
st
al
thi
i
is"

Me:"
thati
sexactl
yhowIam abl
etor
esi
stal
lof
t
hatMr"hechuckl
ed
Kev
in:
"what
ever
zz"

Me:
"sogay
"

Kev
in:
"youl
oveme"

Me:
"debat
abl
emyguy
,debat
abl
e.Sowhoar
e
wemeeti
ngup?"

Kev
in:
"Pat
ri
cia,
Pri
nce,
Logan,
Kim andDean"

Me:
"whoi
sDean?
"

Kevin:"
mycousi
nhei
svi
si
ti
ngf
rom por
t
El
izabeth"
Me: "
soIhav etospendadaywi thKim!!"I
whinedmaki nghiml augh,Ki
m washi s
gir
lf
riendandsher eall
yhatedme.If oundout
Kevinwasi nar el
ati
onshipwit
hherwhi lehe
wasaski ngmeout .Iwassodi sappoint
edin
him whenIf oundoutbutwemov edonf rom
that
,wegoodf ri
endsnow.

Kevi
n: "
Idon'
tknowwhyy outwohateeach.You
real
l
ydon'tneedtofightoverme"Ipushedhim
l
ightl
y"Iam dr
ivi
ng!Thetruthhur
tsdoesn'
tit?
"

Me:
"shutupy
ouf
ool
"

Kimrantousassoonaswewer eclosetot
hem.
Shethrewher
selfatKevi
nandki
ssedhim,whi
l
e
Igr
eetedever
yoneelse.
 
Logan:
"Hl
ethi
sisDean"Deangav
emenod
Kev i
n:"let
'sgo"weal lst
artedwalki
ngi nthe
mal l
.Icouldfeel someone' seyesonmei twas
starti
ngt omakemef eeluncomf or
tablesoI
turnedandnot icedt hatDeanwasl ookingatme
withal ookIcouldn'tf i
gureout.Icl
earedmy
throatandkeptwal king.
[
03/
20,
15:
15]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t55

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkIwantt
ogoany
mor
e"

Kevin:
"It
houghty
ousai
dthi
schi
ckwasy
our
fr
iendandshebeggedy
outocome"
Me:"yesshedidbutshei sal
soherbr otherand
whatifheistherewithhisgirl
fr
iend"Enzoand
melodywereof fi
cial
l
yt oget
herandt heywer e
ev
erywhere,alloverthemedia

Kev i
n:"youarenotgoi nt
hereforhim butf
or
Lelo.Andweal readyhere,Ididnotfl
ytocape
townf ornothi
ngman"hepi nchedmycheek
"everyt
hingwill
bej ustfi
ne"

Me:"
hisfamil
yknowsmeashisgir
lf
ri
endand
nowI'
m showingwi
thanot
herguy
"

Kevi
n:"
ahotterguymightIaddsoitdef
ini
tel
y
anupgr
ade"Ipunchedhimlaughi
ng

Me:"y
ousof
ull
ofi
t"hesmi
l
edbr
ight
lyhi
sey
es
t
winkl
ing
Kev
in:
"itmadey
oul
aughdi
ditnot
?"

Me:
"thanky
ouKev
in"hebowed

Kevi
n:"pl
easuremyqueen.Nowgogetyour
beaut
if
ulselfreadysowecanshowt
hisi
diot
whathemi ssedouton"

Me:"
ohbeli
eveIai
n'tgotnot
hingi
nMel
ody
"he
f
rownedandcuppedmyf ace

Kevi
n: "
Iwishyoucoul
dseeyoursel
fthr
ough
myey es"westar
edateachforawhil
ebeforehe
cl
earedhisthr
oat"goonchi
ldgogetready"I
noddedandwentt omyroom.Wewer estayi
ng
i
nasui teatahotel
.
Itookaqui ckshowert henl oti
onedmybody .I
tookmydr essoutandsi ghedbef or eput
tingit
on.Itwasanudecot tondr esst hatwas
straplessandst oppedj ustbelowmyknees, it
wast hemostexposi ngt hi
ngIowned.Mom had
takenmeshoppi ngy esterdayt hent ookmet o
thesal oonwher eIgotacur lybl ackbob
peruv i
anweav einstalledmyey ebrowswaxed
andt inted.Af t
ershef oundmecr yingand
cursingatt hetvwhi l
eEnzo' sgamewas
showi ngIcamecl eant oheraboutEnzo, she
wasf ur i
ousasIwast henwhenIt oldherabout
theweddi ngshesai dIj usthadt ol ookgood.So
hereIwasl ookingatadi ff
er entv ersionof
my selfbutIact uall
yl ookedr eal l
ybeaut i
fuli
fI
mustsaysomy self.Thedr essedshowedof f
myt inywai standwi dehipsandf atass.Iputon
nudepumpheel st henendedt hewhol el
ook
withamat tsoftpinkl ipsti
ck.It ookmyhand
bagwentout .Kev i
nwhi stl
edassoonasI
steppedoutofmyr oom.Hewasi napowder
bluesl
imf
itsui
twi
thawhi
tet
-shi
rtandwhi
te
vans 
Kev
in:
"dangl
i
ttl
emama"

Me:"
don'
ttr
ytobebl
ack"welaughedashe
t
ookmyhandandmadet wi
rl

Kevin:"
youlookabsolutel
ybeautif
ul Hlenot
thatyounotalwaysbeautif
ulbutyoul ook
beauti
fulIdi
dn'tknowyouhadcur v esfor
decadesImeannodi sr
espectItotall
yrespect
yourbody"Iputmyhandonhi schest

Me:
"shutup"hewasr
ambl
i
ng

Kev
in:"
sorr
y,Igotner
vousther
eforasecond"
heranhi
shandt hr
oughhi
shairmessi
ngitup
Me:"y
oucl eanupgood"hegav
emeashysmi
l
e
andshruggedhisshoul
der

Kevi
n:"
Itry
.Let
'stakepi
ctur
es"hetookhi
s
phoneoutandstar
tedsnappi
ngpict
urest
hen
wetookanubertothevenue.

Thef
irstper
sonIsawaswegott otheback
wher
et hematri
monial
wasgoingtotakepl
ace
wasMrMkhi ze.Hesmil
edatme 
Sfundo:
"ma'
Gwal
adi
dn'
tthi
nkIwoul
dseey
ou
here"

Me:
"h-
hel
l
oMrMkhi
ze"wehugged

Sf
undo:
"youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"

Me:
"thanky
ou.Thi
sismyf
ri
endKev
in"t
hey
shookhands,
Ihear
dKev
inwi
ncesof
tl
y

Sf
undo:
"youhur
therboyy
ouwi
l
lmeetmyf
ist
"

Me:
"w-
wej
-j
-j
ustf
ri
ends"

Kev
in:
"Iwoul
dn'
tdr
eam ofhur
ti
nghersi
r"

Sfundo:"
good.I'
ll
seeyoulat
erSbahl
elel
ois
call
ingf
orme, enj
oy"heki
ssedmycheekand
walkedaway

Kevi
n:"shi
tthatwaspai
nful
"Her
ubbedhi
s
hand"whowast hat
?"

Me:
"Enzo'
sfat
her
"her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ow
Kevi
n:"forasecondIt
houghthewasy
our
fat
her"Irol
l
edmyey es

Me:
"let
'sgety
oual
cohol
"

Kev i
n:"nowy ouspeaki ngmyl anguage"I
giggledaswewal kedt othebarwher ehegot
himselfv odkaandt onic,Ij
ustgotorangejui
ce.
Thenwewal kedar ound.Thepl acewas
beaut i
ful
, t
healtarwasf acingthebeach.
Everyonewasmi nglingwhi l
ehav i
ngdri
nksand
fi
ngerf oods.IsawAmi letalki
ngtoagirlIdi
dn'
t
know.

Me: "y
ousuchachi l
d"Iwi
pedhischeekwhil
e
hechuckledlooki
ngdownatme.Iturned
aroundwhenIhear dsomeonecl
eari
nghis
throat
.Andtherehewasstandi
ngtherel
ooking
handsomeasal waysinamaroonsli
mf i
tsui
t
wi
thawhi
teshi
rt
.

Enzo:
"youl
ookgor
geous"

Me:"thankyou"hel
ookedatKevi
nhiseyes
bur
ningwi t
hanger,
hekeptcl
enchi
nghisjaw

Enzo:
"whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Me:
"hei
sher
ewi
thmeEnzo"

Enzo:"t
hefuckwouldyoubeingyourboyfr
iend
aroundmyf amil
yforSbahl
e?!
"MrMkhi ze
seniorwasnexttousinasecond

Vuyani
:"nott
odaysatan"hewasholdi
ngEnzo'
s
shoul
der"notonyoursist
er'
sweddi
ngday.I
f
y
ouregoi
sbr
uiseddeal
wit
hiti
nyourt
ime"

Enzo:"
butgrandpashebr
oughtt
hisi
di.
..
"
Vuyaniputhi
shandup

Vuy
ani
:"I
'
vespoken"

Enzo:"
sorry"hewalkedawaymumbl i
ng
whateverhewasmumbl ingl
eav
ingVuyani
chuckl
i
ngbef oreheturnedtome

Vuy
ani
:"y
oul
ookabsol
utel
ybeaut
if
ulmychi
l
d"

Me:"t
hankyou"hepinchedmycheekand
ki
ssedmyforehead

Vuy
ani
:"gi
vehi
m hel
lforme,
hei
stooent
it
led"
henoddedatKev
inandwal
kedaway

Kevi
n:"
okayIthoughthi
sfatherwasscar
ybut
damnthegrandpaisworseInearl
ypeedmy sel
f
j
ustbybei
ngclosetohim"Ilaughedqui
etl
y

Me:
"theyt
hesweet
estol
dmenev
er"

Kev i
n:"ha.
at heyarecoldAF"anannouncement
wasmadet hatevery
oneshoul dfindaseatso
wewentt ositbythet i
ffanychai
rst hatwer
e
facingtheal t
ar.Si
mpiwewasal lstandingt
her
e
withhisgroomsmen" hol l
yfucki
ngshi twhy
didn'tyoutellmewhoy ourfri
endwas
mar ryi
ng?!
!"Igiggled

Me:
"guessy
ouasoccerf
an?
"
Kevin:"y
athink?!
"Myj awdroppedasJohn
Legendsatbyt hepianoandt heorchest
ra
star
tedplayingmusichejoinedinandstart
ed
si
ngingast heJaz,Sky,Bel
l
aandLey l
astart
ed
walkingoutthrowi
ngf l
owerpetalsevery
where
evenatpeopl ewhil
elaughi
ng.

IfoundEnzowaiti
ngoutsidet
hetoi
l
etasIcame
out.Hegrabbedmyar m asIwaswalki
ngaway
withoutsay
inganyt
hingtohim
Enzo:
"Iwaswai
ti
ngf
ory
ou"

Me:
"whatdoy
ouwantf
rom meEnzo?
"

Enzo:
"soy
oudat
ingt
hisi
diotnow?
"

Me:
"thathasnot
hingt
odowi
thy
ouEnzo"
Enzo:"
ithasever
ythi
ngtodowi
thmei
fyou
goingt
obr i
nghim ar
oundme!
!"

Me:"i
twasj
ustt
hisonce.Lel
oreal
lywant
edme
tocometot
heweddingandIdidn'
twantt
o
comebymysel
f"

Enzo:
"howar
eyou?
"Heaskedsof
tl
y

Me:
"I'
mfi
ne"hechuckl
ed

Enzo:
"ifther
e'sonethingI'
vel
ear
nedfr
om lel
o
i
sthatwhenagi rlsaysshe'
sfi
nesheactual
ly
meanst heopposit
e"

Me:"wel
lIdon'
t"hepul
l
edmetohi
schestand
sni
ff
edonmyneckmaki ngmeshi
ver
Enzo:
"God,
I'
vemi
ssedy
ousomuch"

Me:"
stopt
hisEnzo"Ipushedhi
m of
f"Iam si
ck
andt
ir
edofyourgamesEnzo"

Enzo:"
I'
m sor
ryIhur
tyou"Iqui
ckl
ywi
pest
he
tear
sthathadst
ubbornl
yfel
l

Me:
"justl
eav
emeal
oneEnzopl
ease"

Enzo:"Il
ovey
ousomuch"Ishookmyheadand
walkedaway.

Kevi
n:"hey
"heaskedassoonasIsatdown
"what
'swrong?
"

Me:
"It
hinkwecangonow"i
twasr
ecept
ion
ti
me,thespeecheswer edoneandwehadhad
di
nnernowitwasj ustentert
ainment.Di
ff
erent
art
ist
skeptcomingaswel l
asdiff
erentdj
s.

Kevi
n:"okay
"hest
oodupandhel
pedmeoutof
thechai
r

Me:"gett
heuberI
'l
lgosayby etol
elo"he
noddedandIwenttoLelo,shewasdanci
ng
wit
hSimpiwe'
sdaughter"hey"

Lel
o:"heybabe"shesqueal
edandwehugged"
I
am sogladyoucame"

Me: "I
'
m gladIcametooever
ythi
ngwasjust
beautif
ulandyouweresobeauti
ful
,bot
hyour
dresseswerejustev
ery
thi
ng"
Lel
o:"t
hankyousomuchSbahl
e"shehugged
meagain"t
hankyouf
orcomingIknowitwasn'
t
easy
"

Me:"
eveny
ourst
upi
dbr
otherwoul
dn'
tkeepme
away
"

Lelo:"Ihatehimforwhathedidt
oyoubutI
reall
ywi shy out
wocouldtal
kandhecoul
dbe
openwi thy ouabouthi
sfear
s"

Me:
"wewoul
dnev
erwor
kany
way
"

Lel
o:"
hel
ovesy
oubel
i
eveme"Ishookmyhead

Me:"wewi l
ltal
klat
er,
I'
m goi
ngbackt
othe
hot
elitbeenalongday"
Lel
o:"
okaybabesayhi
tothathotboyy
ouwith"
shewi
nkedatmeasIgiggl
edshakingmyhead

Iki
ckedof fmyshoesassoonaswegoti nour
hotelsui
tandthr
ewmy sel
fonthecouch.Kevi
n
satnexttome 
Kev
in:
"ar
eyouokay
?"

Me:"
yeah"hetookmyfeetput
ti
ngt
hem onhi
s
l
apandstart
edrubbi
ngthem

Kev
in:
"Iwantt
otal
ktoy
ou"

Me:
"okay
"Il
ookedathi
m

Kevin:
"I'
m notEnzo.Idon'
tplayamazi
ng
soccerIactual
l
ysuckatspor t,
Iknowyoudon'
t
l
ovemel ikeyoulovehim andbeli
evemeIam
notcompari
ngandIwouldhateifyouwoul
d
comparemet ohi
m.ButallIam aski
ngf
oris
thatyougi
vemeachancet omakey ouf
all
in
l
ov ewit
hmeasIam inl
ov ewithyou"

Me:"Kev
in"Iwhi
sper
ed,
hegotof
fthecouch
andknel
tinfr
ontof

Kevin:"
Ilovey ouHleandIfal
ldeeperand
deeperwi t
hev erypassi
ngday.Iam soinl
ove
withyou.Ijustwanty outogi
vemeachance
that'
sall
,ifIfail
itwil
lbeonmenoty ou"

Me:
"butKi
m?"

Kevi
n:"Ibr
okeupwithherIj
ustcouldn'
tl
iet
o
myselfany
more.Il
oveyou,Iwantyoutobemy
gi
rl
fr
iend"
Me:
"achance?
"

Kevi
n:"
justachancetomakeyouf
all
inlov
e
wit
hme"Inoddedwi t
hasmileonmyface

Me:"I'
l
lgi
veyouachance"helookedatmein
shockbef
orepressi
nghi
slipsonmineand
ki
ssingmewithsomuchlov eandpassi
on.
 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Iwokeupaloneinbed,
whichwassomet hi
ngI
wasusedto.AsmuchasIhateditIhadtoget
usedtoi
t.Lonhl
ewasoutofthecountryhehad
beengonefortwoweeksandwasn'tdueback
foranotherthr
eeweeks.Hisapart
mentfeltso
l
onelyatt i
mes.Irol
l
edallovert
hebedunt i
lI
fi
nall
ymanagedt ogetoutofitt
henIrushedt o
thefoyertoopenthedoorasthebell
hadr ang.I
openedt hedoorandsawSne'shugesmile,she
wascar ryi
ngacarri
erbagfr
om muggnbean 
Sne:
"heyangel
"shehuggedandgav
emebaby
ki
ss

Me:"hi
"Ir
ubbedmyey
eswi
l
li
ngmy
sel
ftof
ull
y
wakeup

Sne:
"Iwokey
ouup,
didn'
tI?
"Shewasf
rowni
ng

Me:"i
t'
sokaymom getin"Il
etheri
nthen
cl
osedthedooraf
terher

Sne:
"wel
lIcamet
ocheckony
ou.Iknowhowi
t
cangetwhenSfundot
rav
elsandatl
eastwi
th
meI'
m neveral
oneint
hehouse"

Me:"
itget
sl onel
yatt
imesbutI
'
mfi
neKat
e
comestovisitmesometi
mes"

Sne:"Ibr
oughtussomebr eakfastt
henwecan
haveagirl
sdayatt hespainthehotel
.Lookat
yourpoorfeet
!"Il
aughed

Me:"
theyal
waysswol
lenwhet
herI
'
vebeen
wal
ki
ngaroundornot
"

Sne:"
Idon'
tunderst
andwhyy ouwon'tcome
st
aywithmewhi l
eLonhleisoutofthecount
ry.
Ir
eall
ydon'
tfeelr
ightwi
thy oubei
ngalone
whil
eyouthi
sheav i
l
ypregnant"
Me: "
Isti
l
lhave5weeksbefor
et heduedate"I
grabbedplat
esandwesett
ledinfrontoft
hetv
eati
ng

Sne:
"well
Iinsi
sts.Packabagandbri
ngt
he
baby
'sbagaswel lIj
usthav
eafeel
i
ng"

Me:
"but.
."

Sne:"no"Shecutmeof f
.Ireal
lydidn'
tfeel
comf ort
ablewi
thbeingaroundtheMkhi ze'
s
especial
lywhenLonhleisnotaround"Iknow
youandLel oar
estil
ltr
yingtogetusedt oeach
otherbutweallfami
lynowandt hi
swillgiv
ethe
bothofy ouachancetogettoknowone
another"

Me:"Ir
eall
ydon'
twannai
mposeI
'
m per
fect
ly
f
inehere"
Sne:"Iam nott
akingnoasananswer"Ijust
nodwithasmal l
smi l
e.I
treal
lyhar
dtosayno
toSnesheisjustthesweetest
.

Afterthespawewentt oherhouse.The
dri
v ewayisal
waysfil
l
edwi t
hcarsbutthisti
me
aroundtherewerecarsthanusual
.Oneoft he
securit
yguardopenedthebootwhiletheone
whowasdr i
vi
ngusopenedt hedoorsforus,
Snewasal waysdri
ven. 
Me:
"youhav
evi
sit
ors"

Sne:"y
eah.TakethosebagstoLonhle'
sroom"
shetoldtheguar
daswewer ewalkinginthe
house"let
'sgochi
lli
ntheback"

Me:
"Iwast
hinki
ngoft
aki
nganap"
Sne:"
lat
er,
comeonIwantt oshowyou
somethi
ng"If
oll
owedhertothepat
iobyt
he
l
ake.Assoonaswesteppedoutevery
one
scr
eamedsurpri
se

Me:"ohmyGod"mymom camerushi
ngt
ome
andgavemeahug"whati
sthi
s?"

Sne:"y
ourbabyshower "shewaspracti
cal
ly
bouncingwit
hexcitement"itwasKat
e'si
dea"I
l
ookedatKat eandshewav edatme" soIgotus
aplannerandtada!!
"Everyt
hingwasj
ustso
beauti
fulwi
thdiff
erentshadesofpi
nk

Me:
"thanky
ousomuch"

Sne:
"any
thi
ngt
oseey
ousmi
l
edear
.It
hink
someonewantsy ourattenti
on"shepoi
nted
overtot
hecornerwher etheyhadabarsetup
andLonhlewasstandingt her
ewithawide
smile

Me:"baby!
!!
"Ev
ery
onelaughedasIr
anasfast
aspossibl
ewit
hmyelephantst
omachandfeet

Sne:"norunni
ng!
!!
"Lonhl
etookafewlar
ge
st
ridesandIwasinhisarmsinasecond

Lonhl
e:"
norunni
ng"heki
ssedmyneck.Ihel
d
hi
mt i
ght
erwanti
nghimtobecloserbuti
twas
cl
osetoimpossi
ble

Me:
"youher
e"

Lonhl
e:"
Imi
ssedy
ousomuch.I
'
mleav
ingi
n
themorningIjustwantedt
oseey ou"heheld
mychinandki ssedmedeeply"I'
l
lseey ouwhen
thi
sisover,havefunbeaut
if
ul"hekissedmyall
overmyf acethenki
ssedmyst omachmaki ng
hisdaughterki
ckhard.

Isi
ghedandIsatont hebedandcar
eful
lyl
aid
onital
lnaked.If
eltsohotandi
thadbeena
l
ongday .
 
Lonhl
e:"
yout
ir
ed?
"Heki
ssedmeal
lov
er
stomach

Me:
"yeah"

Lonhl
e:"
Ithoughtt
hehotwat
erwoul
drel
ax
you"

Me:
"itdi
dbabyandi
tmademef
eel
sohot
"he
adj
ustedtheai
rcon"
Idon'
tthi
nkweneedt
o
buyanythi
ngel
se"

Lonhl
e:"
why
?"

Me: "
bet
weenthet hi
ngsIhadst artedbuy i
ng
andthegif
tsf
rom ev eryoneIact
ual l
yneedt o
ret
urnsomethingsli
kewehav ethreestroll
ers
nowandt wocarseat s.Well
Iguesswecanput
onecarseati
ny ourcarandt heotherinmi ne"

Lonhle:"
I'
vemi
ssedyou"hepr
essedhi
s
erect
iononmythigh

Me:
"ha.
anaLonhl
epl
easeIcan'
t"

Lonhle:
"Iunder
standbaby"weki
ssedandhe
star
tedrubbi
ngmybr east
s"mmh"Itri
edto
pushhim of
fbuthekissedmehar derbiti
ngmy
l
ipsIopenedthem andfelthim smil
equi ckly
whil
egetti
ngbetweenmyl egshemov edfrom
mylipsdowntomyj awline" f
uckImi ssedy ou
babyImissedbeinginyou"

Me:
"Lonhl
eI'
m scar
ed"

Lonhl
e:"I
'
llbegent
leIpr
omise"hemovedback
andmademel ayonmysi deandent
eredme
fr
om behi
nd.
.

IwokeupbecauseIneededt opeesoIgr oaned

asItri
edgetti
ngofft
hebedunt il
Lonhlewoke
upandhelpedmeup.Af terwashingmyhandsI
walkedouttheroom wi
ththeaim ofgoingt o
thekit
chenIwantedsomej ui
ceandsomet hing
toeat.Ipr
essedthebut
tonont heelev
at orand
waited,aft
erwhatfel
tli
kef i
veminutesIwas
i
rri
tatedsoIwentt othestai
rcaseandstar
ted
goingdown.Imi ssedastepandf el
l,I
continuedrol
l
ingdownt hestepswhile
screaming 
Lonhle:"shitbaby!!
"Hedidn'
tcatchunt i
lIwas
atthebot tom ofthem "
shitbaby,areyouokay?"
Ijustcri
edashel i
ftedmeup" dad!!
!!Help"
securit
yr ushedinashisdadwasr unni
ngdown
thestair
s

Sf
undo:"getthecar
!"Iputmyhandonmy
pyj
amasbot t
omsandcamebackwi thbl
ood
whichj
ustmademecr ylouder
. 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Me: "comet omama"shecr awledt omewi t
ha
widegr inonherf aceshowi ngmeherf ewt eeth
"goodgi rl
"Ipickedherupandt hrewherup
beforecat chi
nghermaki ngherl aught hat
adorableloudl aught erofher s"mamal ov esy ou
somuch"Iki ssedherpout yli
psandwal kedup
tomyr oom tot hecl oset.Iputherdownt hen
changedoutoft hepant sandshi r tIwas
wearingatwor ki ntoleggingsandaspor tbr a.I
tookmyweav eof fandletmyaf r
ooutoft he
hairbandl ett
ingi tlose.IpickedupSi miand
wentdownst air
s

Sbani
:"mom?
"

Me:"y
es"It
ookoutbeeffr
om t
hef
ri
dgeandput
i
tinhotwat
ert
odefrost

Sbani
:"socanIpl
easegett
hatnewf
if
a"
Me:"
askyourf
atherwhenheisbackSbani
"I
t
ookanapple"
whereisPinky
?"

Sbani
:"i
ntheguesthouseIt
hink"

Me:"watchyoursi
ster
"Iwal
koutanswer
ingmy
phone"hi"

Vumile:
"myangel
,Iam r
unni
ngal
i
ttl
ebi
tlat
e
butIam onmyway"

Me:
"wher
ear
eyou?
"

Vumi
l
e:"
nott
oof
arf
rom Dur
ban"

Me:
"wel
lokaydr
ivesaf
ely
"
Vumi
l
e:"
alway
s"

Me:
"lov
eyou"

Vumi
l
e:"
lat
er"

Me:
"Vumi
l
eNgcobo"hel
aughed

Vumi
l
e:"
Nobunt
uNgcobo"

Me:
"don'
tmakemeki
l
lyou"

Vumi
l
e:"
Ilov
eyoumor
eMr
sme"

Me:
"comehomequi
ckl
y"
Vumi
l
e:"
asy
ouwi
sh"

Me:
"butdon'
tspeed!
!"

Vumi
l
e:"
hhakant
iwhatdoy
ouwant
?"

Me: "
justcomehome"Ihungupandwentback
i
ntheki tchenwit
hasmil
eonmyfaceonl
yforit
t
ot ur
ni ntoafrownandf
ormyphonet
ohitthe
f
loor

Sbani
:"mom thei
nter
com r
ang"Il
ookedatt
he
manwhowascar ryi
ngmybabyandfeltmy
bodygett
ingcol
d

Me:"
givemebackmybaby
!!
"Iy
ankedSi
mi
f
rom hi
sarms
Hi
m:"
sor
ry"

Me:"Sbaniwhatdi
dItel
lyouaboutopeni
ngt
he
doorforst
ranger
s?!
!"

Sbani
:"sor
rymama"

Me:"t
akey
oursi
stert
oyourr
oom andl
ockt
he
door
"

Sbani:
"mah"hel
ookedbetweenmeandt
his
excuseofahumanbeing

Me: "
go.Now.Sbani
sam"hetookSi
miand
walkedout"
whatdoy ouwant
?Howdidyou
ev
enknowmyhouse? "
Sanel
e:"
I'
m her
eformyson"
 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Me:"hel
lo"Iansweredthecal
l,
myphonewas
connect
edt otheBl
uetoothandIwasdri
vi
ng
backhomef rom dr
oppingthegi
rl
soffat
Yammy '
shouse

Chl
oe:
"hey
,youbusy
?"

Me:
"justdr
ivi
nghome,
what
'sup?
"

Chl
oe:
"not
hingmuch.Whenar
eyougoi
ngon
y
ourhoney
moon?
"

Me:"whenSi
mpi
we'
sseasonf
ini
shesf
ort
he
year
"

Chl
oe:
"ishest
il
lkeepi
ngi
tfr
om y
ou?
"Igi
ggl
ed

Me:"no.Iputsomet hi
ngt
inyandl
acehesang
l
ikeabird"shelaughed

Chl
oe:
"sowher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

Me: "
wegoingtostarti
naprivatebeachj
ust
outsi
deRiodeJaneiro,
hebookedahouser ight
onthebeachwegoi ngtospendaweekt here.
Thenherentedayachtwegoingt ostayi
nit
wheninMiami f
oraweek.Her ef
usestotel
lme
wherewespendingthelastweek"
Chloe:
"itst
il
lsoundsli
kesomuchf
un
especi
allyt
heprivat
ebeach"

Me:"whoknowsIjustmi ghtcomebackwitha
babyfrom t
heski
nnydi ppi
ng"welaughed,
I
hear
dasoundasi fIhitsomethi
ng"nonono
notagain!
"Ist
oppedthecar

Chl
oe:
"what
?"

Me:
"It
hinkIj
usthi
tsomet
hing"

Chl
oe:
"youal
one?
"

Me:"Ihav
esecur
it
ybehi
ndme"Iwentoutt
he
car
Securit
y:"stayinthecarlel
o!!
"Byt het imehe
fi
nishedhissent enceIhadalreadyf eltthefi
rst
bull
ethitt
ingmybody ,wi
thi
namat t
erof
secondsIf eltthesecondonef oll
owedbyt he
thi
rd,fourt
h, fi
fthbythet
imeoneoft hesecurit
y
guardscov eredmybodywi thhi sIdon' tknow
howmanybul l
etshadhitmybody .Icrashedon
thefloorbeforeIwelcomedt hedar kness.
[
03/
20,
15:
16]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t56

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Me:"
youmusthavel
osty
ourf
ucki
ngmindi
f
yout
hinky
ouwil
lcometomyhouseand
demandmyson"hetookafewstepscl
osert
o
meandIimmediat
elymovedback

Sanel
e:"
sor
ry"herai
sedhi
shandsup"
Iam not
goi
ngtohur
ty ou"

Me: "
I'
m notscar
edofy
ou"Il
i
edr
aisi
ngmy
chest

Sanel
e:"
Iseethat
"hel
ookedar
ound"
Ishoul
d
havecal
l
edfir
st"

Me:
"yout
hink"

Vumil
e:"whosecaristhat
?"Ir
antohim as
soonasIheardhisvoi
cecomingfrom t
hef oy
er.
Il
etoutloudbreat
hfoll
owedbytears"
heyhey
whathappened"heli
ft
edmeupandIbur i
edmy
faceonhi
sneckasher
epeat
edl
yki
ssedmy
head

Me:"Sanel
eisher
e"Ifel
thimfreezebefor
ehe
putmedownandwal kedfurt
herinthehouse.

Vumile:
"youf
ucki
ngbast
ard"het
hrewapunch
atSanel
e

Sanel
e:"
Idon'tco.
."Vumilet
hrewanother
punchwhichmadeSanel ehi
tthefl
oorthat
gaveVumileanopportuni
tyt
okickhim

Vumile:"
youhaveanervetoshowupinmy
house"hegrabbedhi
st-shi
rtl
if
ti
nghi
m up,
Sanel
e'sfacewasalr
eadybloody

Me:
"Vumi
l
est
opi
tSbani
isi
nthehouse"I
whisper
ed,Ij
ustfel
tsodefeat
edandscared.
Vumilewasscari
ngwhenhewast hisangrybut
Iknewhewoul dneverhur
tmeorletanyt
hing
hurtme

Vumi
l
e:"
Iam notdonewi
thy
ou"

Sanel
e:"I
'
m sorryman"hisfeetwobbl
edbef
ore
hefel
ltohisknees"
Ijustwantmyson"Vumile
punchedhim sohar
dhistoothfel
lout

Vumi
le:
"youhaveasonher
e?Don'
tfucki
ng
makemekill
you"

Me:
"Vumi
l
epl
ease"

Sanel
e:"
Iapol
ogize!Ishoul
dn'thavejust
showedupinyourhouseI'm sorr
y!Butyousai
d
onceI
'
m outwecant
alkaboutmebei
ngi
nhi
s
l
if
e"

Vumi
l
e:"
notachance"

Me:
"notl
i
ket
his"Ispokesof
tl
y

Vumi
l
e:"
Nobunt
u!"

Me:"pl
easeIam justtir
edSanelej
ustleav
e.We
wil
ltal
kaboutthiscalmly.Cal
lVumi
leand
makear r
angementsbecauseVumi l
eandIst i
ll
havetotalkabouti
t.Sbaniishi
sson"Sanele
nodded

Sanel
e:"
Iam sorr
y"hewalkedoutwhi
l
eholding
onthewallf
orsuppor
t.Il
ookedatVumil
eand
hewaslooki
ngatmewi thsomuchanger.I
mout hedpleaseandheshookhi sheadbef or
e
grabbingSanele'
sneckandl edhim out
side.I
satont hebarstoolandjustcri
edmyey esout.I
fel
thiml i
ftmeupbr idal
styl
eandhest arted
walking.Heputmedownont hebedandpul l
ed
met olayont opofhim

Vumil
e:"Iam sosor
ryandy
ousost
rongand
beaut
if
ul"

Me:
"whydoesi
thav
etohur
tli
ket
his"

Vumil
e:"
Idon'
tknowbutIknowy
ounotal
one.
Youhavemeallt
heway" 
.

#nar
rat
ed
¥¥
Lonhlewasgoingoutofhismindashepaced
upanddowni nthewaiti
ngroom, whereSne
wasonherhusband'slapcryi
ng,Sjwasbusy
chatt
ingonhi
sphoneashesati nthecorner
tr
yingtost
ayoutofhisbrother
'sway. 
Sf
undo:
"Lonhl
esi
tdowny
oudr
ivi
ngmecr
azy
"

Lonhl
e: "
Ican'
tjustsi
tdownwhati
staki
ng
them solong?
!"

Sne:"
thecsecti
onwi
llt
aketi
mebutt
heysaid
theywil
ll
etusknowassoonast
heydone"

Sj:
"atl
eastt
hebabysti
ll
hadastr
onghear
t
beatbef
oretheyt
ookhertot
heat
er"

Lonhl
e:"
Iguessy
our
ight
"Sf
undo'
sphoner
ang
andi
twashi
sheadofsecur
it
y

Sf
undo:
"Pandor
a"

Pandor
a:"
sir
,ther
ehasbeenanacci
dent
"

Sf
undo:
"Iam l
i
steni
ng"

Pandora:"j
axsoncall
edtheytaki
ngLelotothe
hospi
tal"Sfundol
if
tedSneupput t
ingheraside,
Snelookedathim witharai
sedeyebrow

Sfundo:"whathappened?"Heaskedcol
dly
whichmadePandor aswall
owalumpinfearon
theothersi
deoft hephone

Pandor
a:"
shewasshot
"Sf
undocur
sed
punchi
ngthewall
sohar
dthati
tlef
tadentand
brui
seshi
sknuckl
es

Sne:
"Sf
undo!
"

Sf
undo:
"howbad?
"

Pandor
a:"
Iam notsur
e"

Sfundo: "sendfewguy stotheKhumal ohouse

I'
l
lspeakt oNzuzoIwantmygr andchil
dr en
protected.Callwhoeveriswatchingov erEnzo
makesur ehei si
ndoorsandsaf e.CallMarcel
andt el
l him whathappenedhewi ll
knowwhat
todowi thhisfamil
ybutIwantev eryone
protectedandIwantar eportt
hatev er
y oneis
okay "
Pandor
a:"
Iam oni
tsi
r"

Sf
undo:
"Iwanty
ouher
e"

Pandor
a:"
I'
ll
beonmyway"Sfundoendedt
he
cal
landwi
pedhist
ear
sbefor
ef aci
nghi
swif
e

Sne:"
what'swrong?"Shestoodonhertoesand
wipedhi
sfacebef or
ekissi
nghim sof
tl
y"what
i
shappening?"

Lonhl
e:"
dad"Sf
undocl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat

Sfundo:"si
tmyl ove"heledSnetot hecouch
andkneltinfrontofher"Iwil
lfi
xthisIpromi
se
you"theyallheardnoisecomingfrom the
emergencyr oom "st
aywi t
hyourmot herSj
"he
ranoutpulli
ngLonhlewhoj usttr
embl edand
fal
ldownwithascr
eam assoonashesawl
elo
bei
ngrushedin

Lonhl
e:"
nono!
!!
"

Sfundo:"nott
hetimetobreakdownMpi l
onhle!
"
Theyr antowhereLel
owasbei ngtaken.Sne
hadn'tstay
edbehind,
sheletoutaloudcr yas
shesawwhatwashappeni ngt
henf ai
nted
l
uckil
yoneoft heMkhizesecuri
tywascl ose
enought ocat
chher

Lonhl
e:"
shi
tmommy
!"

Sfundo:"
onet hi
ngSj!
!Onef uckingthi
ngIsai
d
staywit
hy ourmother"heli
ftedupSneasSj
shookhisheadwhi l
ejustcrying,heal
wayswas
thebabyofthefamily
Sj
:"sor
rydad"

Sfundo:"f
uck.I
'm sor
rySj
"anur
secamewitha
str
etcherandtookSneaway.Amil
e'
sdoct
or
camet othem wit
hasmi l
e

Dr
:"uhm"

Lonhl
e:"what
?!!
"Thedoct
orsteppedbacki
n
shockandfear"
sorr
y.Howdiditgo?"

Dr:
"theybothfineandMrsMkhizeisbei
ng
movedt oherroom andbabyMkhizei
sbeing
t
akent othenurser
y"

Sfundo:"
getherapri
vat
eroom andmoveboth
ofthem i
ntothatr
oom.Lonhl
ehaveaguard
out
sidet
her
oom"

Dr:"
sheisst
il
lunconsci
ouswecan'
tl
eav
ethe
babywit
hher"

Sfundo:"di
dIaskforyourpermissi
onoropi
nion?
PerhapsIstut
ter
edandy oumi si
nter
pret
edmy
words"theDrshiv
eredinfearandquickl
y
nodded

Dr
:"I
'
llar
rangei
t"hewal
kedawayf
ast

Sfundo:
"goLonhl
e,makesur
eyourf
ami
l
ysaf
e
thencomebackhere"

Lonhl
e:"
okaydad"hef
oll
owedt
hedoct
or
Sfundo:"
takeSj
home"het
oldoneoft
he
guards

Sj
:"what
?Dadno!Iam st
ayi
ng.Si
ssyi
shur
tI
am st
ayi
ng"

Sf
undo:"
SjIcan'
tdealwi
thy
ourightnowj
ust
gohome,I
'l
larr
angefory
outocomebackint
he
morni
ng"

Sj
:"butdad"

Sfundo:"
go.Home.Now"henoddedand
walkedawaywi t
htheguardf
ollowi
nghim"oh
God"hebr eat
hedout.Hi
sheartwasbeat
ingout
ofhischest

Pandor
a:"
sir
"
Sfundo:"
tookyoulongenough"hetur
nedwitha
hugepunchthatlandedonPandoramakinghim
stumblebackbeforehebal
ancedhimsel
f

Pandor
a:"
sir
"

Sfundo:"Ipayy ouandyourteam t
okeepmy
famil
ysaf ebuthereIam.Inhospital
wit
hmy
daughterfight
ingforherl
if
e.Whowaswat chi
ng
her?"

Pandor
a:"
jaxsonandqhawesi
r"

Sf
undo:
"howmanywounds?
"

Jaxson:
"wecount
edsev
ensi
r"
Sfundo:"wherewereyouwhenmydaught er
wasget t
ingshot7times?!
!!
"Heroaredli
fting
Jaxsonupbyhi sshir
tandthrewhim onthe
fl
oor,Jaxsonstoodupquickl
yrubbi
nghis
painf
ulbutt"somebodytal
ktome!!"

Jaxson: "
itwastoodarkwedi dn'
tnot
icet hem
Lelostoppedhercarafterswer vi
ngalitt
le.I
waswal kingtoherwhenshegooutoft hecar
andassoonasshewasoutt heystar
ted
shooting.Itr
iedsi
rIr
eallytr
iedbutbyt het i
meI
reachedhershewasal readyunconsciousand
shot"Sfundonoddedtighteninghisli
ps

Sfundo:"
Isee.Isee.Isee"heshookhi
shead
"anhour,
Iam givingyouanhourPandorajust
anhourandi fIdon'
thaveanamei nanhour
PandoraIwillhi
reanewsecur i
tyt
eam andget
them t
okill
youandy ourteam.Am Icl
ear?"He
spokesof
tl
ybutt
hreat
eni
ng

Pandor
a:"
youwi
l
lhav
eanameandaheadi
n50
minut
es"

Sfundo:"
Iwantthem al
iv
eandi
nthewar
ehouse.
Iwil
lkil
lthem mysel
f"

Pandor
a:"
asy
ouwi
shsi
r"

Sf
undo:"
getmoremen,
havetwoguar
dingmy
wi
feandanot
hertwowi
thLel
o"

Pandora:"okay"heandsomeoft heguardsl
eft
goingthei
rseparateways.Sf
undot r
iedhol
ding
backhistearsbutitdi
dn'
tworksohewi ped
them offf
uriousl
yandcall
edLuthando
Lut
hando:
"whatSf
undo?
!"

Sfundo:"
cometoDurban,I
'm sendingthejetf
or
youandEnzobeatthepriv
at eair
portwithi
nan
hour.Lel
ohasbeenhurtwei nthehospital
"
LuthandowokeupfastwakingupZi yandaat
thesamet i
me

Zi
yanda:
"what
'swr
ong?
"Sheaskedsl
eepy

Lut
hando:
"whaty
oumeanshe'
shur
t?"

Sf
undo:"
shewasshot
,ri
ghtnowIdon'
tknow
much"

Luthando:
"ifmydaughtergothurtbecauseof
yourshadydeal
ingsSfundo"Sfundocli
ckedhi
s
tongue
Sfundo:
"youknowbetterthananyonet
hatI
wouldneverbri
ngshi
ttomyf amil
yanddon't
youdarespeakofshi
ty oudon'
tknow"Sfundo
wipedhistear
s

Lut
hando:
"IknowmanIknowI
'
mjustscar
ed"

Sfundo:
"andIunderst
andbutj
ustgether
e"he
hunguphet hencal
l
edSimpiwe
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Iwokeupinsomuchpainandlookedaround,
Lonhl
ewaslayi
ngonabednexttomi ne.I
coul
dn'
thel
pbutbreat
houtloudl
ywhenIsaw
t
hathehadababyl
ayi
ngont
opofhi
m.
Me:
"mpil
o"helookedatmeandsmil
edweakl
y
"
what'
swrong?
"Hegotupandputthebabyi
n
t
hecri
b

Lonhl
e:"
howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
"Her
angt
heal
arm

Me:"I
'minpai
nbutI
'
lll
i
ve.I
sthather
?"He
nodded

Lonhl
e:"
that
'sourbaby
"anur
segoti
n

Her
:"ohy
ouup.Howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Lonhl
e:"
she'
sinpai
n"

Her
:"I
'
llcal
lthedoct
orandgety
ousomepai
n
meds"

Me:"t
hankyou"shenoddedandwalkedout
"
canIseeher"hehel
pedmesi tupandgaveme
t
hebaby"she'
ssopink"hechuckl
edkissi
ngmy
f
orehead

Lonhl
e:"
shewasboundt
obe"

Me:
"she'
sbi
g"

Lonhle:
"sur
pri
singconsi
deri
ngshe'sear
lybut
she'
s3.7kgandf ul
lydevel
oped.Youscaredme,
ther
ewassomuchbl ood"

Me:"Iam sor
ry,
Ishoul
dhav
ewat
chedmy
st
eps"
Lonhl
e:"
noty
ourf
aul
t"

Me:
"wecoul
dhav
elosther
"

Lonhl
e:"
butwedi
dn'
t"t
henur
secameback

Her
:"doctori
sonhiswaybutIgoty
ousome
medi
cine"sheinj
ect
edi
tint
omyI Vli
ne

Lonhl
e:"
cany
oubr
ingherwat
er"

Her
:"okay
"

Lonhl
e:"
bot
tl
ed"shenoddedwal
ki
ngout"
Ihav
e
togolov
eI'
l
lbeback"

Me:
"wher
eyougoi
ng?
"
Lonhl
e:"
Lel
owasshot
"

Me:
"what
?!"Henoddedhi
sey
esf
il
li
ngupwi
th
t
ear
s

Lonhl
e:"
she'
sint
heat
err
ightnowandi
tdoesn'
t
l
ookgood"

Me: "baby"hi
st ear
sdr opped"comeher e"he
buri
edhi sfaceonst omachandj ustcri
edl oudl
y,
i
tbr okemyhear t"
babyitgoingtobefine"I
brushedhi sbackwhi l
eadjusti
ngmyhol dont he
baby" Lel
owi l
lbeokayy ouwi l
lseeshe'sstrong
andshehast hegirlandyou'l
ltofi
ghtfor"

Lonhl
e: "
shedi
dn'tev
enlooklikeshewas
breat
hingwhentheybroughtherher
e.Mom
hasn'twokenupsinceshehadapanicatt
ack
andpassedout .Thi
sisallj
ustt
oomuchtobe
happeninginonenight"hel
ookedupatmeand
Ij
ustf el
tsohel
pless"Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo
Amile"

Me:"canyouputherbackinhercri
b"hedidj
ust
t
hat.Iopenedmyarmsandhewal kedi
nthem,I
j
ustheldhim ashecont
inuedcry
ing.
[
03/
20,
15:
20]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t57

#nar
rat
ed
¥¥

Si
mpiweranintheentr
anceassoonast
hecar
st
oppedi
nfrontofthehospi
tal
.Hecametot
he
hospit
alstr
aightfrom theai
rport
.Hewas
l
ookingaroundf rant
icall
ywhil
erunningt
owards
therecept
ionar eabutEnzohadalreadyseen
him sohewal kedtohim
Enzo:
"Si
mpi
we"

Si
mpi
we:
"howi
sshe?
"

Enzo:"Iam notsur
e,wethi
sside"Si
mpiwe
fol
lowedEnzot owheret
hef ami
lywaswai
ting.
Sfundofel
tlikeki
ll
i
ngSimpiwewithhi
sown
barehands

Simpi
we:"hi
"ever
y onegavehim aweaksmil
e
andNobuntuthr
ewher sel
fatherbrot
her"
hey"
hehel
dherbrushingherhair

Nobunt
u:"
Iam sor
rySi
mpi
we"t
heyl
etgoof
eachot
her

Si
mpi
we:
"howi
sshe?
"

Lut
hando:
"they
'vemanagedt
otakeoutal
lthe
bul
let
san.
."

Si
mpi
we:
"howmany
?"

Luthando:
"fi
vewereinherbutshewasshot7
ti
mes"Simpiwenoddedbiti
nghisli
phardashis
bodyshook"lucki
l
yther
eisn'
tlotofdamages
butsheneedsakidneytr
ansplant
"

Vuyani
:"don'
tsayt
her
eisn'
tl
otofdamages,
the
doctor
saren'
tawaref
ornow"
Si
mpi
we:
"okay
.Hav
eyouguy
stest
ed?
"

Lut
hando:
" y
es.Wejustwait
ingforhert
oresta
l
it
tl
ethentheywil
loper
ate,
I'
llgi
vehermine"

Sf
undo:"
let
'st
alk"hestoodupandwalkedout
Si
mpiwefol
lowedhim.Sfundograbbed
Si
mpiwebyhist-shi
rtassoonastheywer
eina
morepr
ivat
earea

Simpiwe:"youhurti
ngIgetthatbutIam also
hurti
ngandIf ucki
ngrespectyouwhichiswhyI
will
asky outoletgoofmebef oreyoupissme
offSfundo"Sfundolookedathim shockedand
chuckledli
ghtl
yfeeli
nghisir
ri
tati
onbuild

Sfundo:"
yougotball
sneh"Si
mpiweshookhis
headandheldSfundo'
shandsremovingt
hem
fr
om hist-
shi
rt
.Sfundotr
iedpunchi
ngSimpi
we
butSi
mpi
wehel
dhi
sfi
standt
hrewi
tbackat
hi
m

Si
mpi
we: "
whatthef
uckSfundo?
!!
"Hewasal
so
sl
owl
ylosi
nghispat
ience

Sfundo:
"youther
easonmydaught
eri
sfi
ght
ing
forherl
i
fe!!
!"

Si
mpiwe:"andhowdidIdothatSf
undo?!Il
ove
Si
phoset
huwi t
hallt
hatIam andmoreIwould
l
it
eral
l
ydieforher
"

Sfundo:"yougotherinthi
spositi
on.Doy ou
knowonebul letwasstuckinherspinalcor
d?!
!
Shemi ghtnotbeabletowal kandanotherone
waslesst hananinchfrom herhear
t"
Si
mpiwe:"whatdoy ouwantfr
om meSf undo?
Doyouthi
nkitnotkill
i
ngmet hatshei
shur t
?
Doyounotknowt hatIwouldgi
vehermyhear t
i
fsheneededahear ttr
anspl
ant?"

Sf
undo:"al
loft
hatshi
tcomi
ngoutofy
our
mouthdon'
tworkonmeboy"

Si
mpi we:"
howisthi
smyfaultSfundo?"He
di
dn'tknowwhattodoanymore,hehadbeen
cr
yingandcursi
ngthewhol
ef l
i
ghtf r
om Spai
n
wherehewassupposedtobeplay i
ngtomorr
ow

Sfundo:"
Nadine?Ri nganybell
?"Simpi
we
l
ookedatSf undocol dl
ywhichmadeSf undo
shakehishead" Ishouldputabull
etri
ght
throughyourskullri
ghtnowbutwebot hknow
Leloandmywi fewoul dhateme"
Simpi
we:
"whatdoesNadi
nehav
etodowi
th
thi
s?"

Sfundo:"she'
stheonewhohi
redpeopl
etoki
l
l
Lelo"ev
er yt
hingwi
thi
nSi
mpiwewentcold

Si
mpi
we:
"shewoul
dn'
t"

Sf
undo:
"nowt
ell
mewhy
?"

Simpiwe:
"howt
hef
uckam Isupposedt
oknow
that
?!"

Sf
undo:
"don'
tyoudar
erai
sey
ourv
oiceatme"

Simpiwe:"wepasst
hatfucki
ngstageSf
undo,I
respecty
ouasmyf atheri
nlawbutdonotget
thatt
wistedIam notscaredofyou"Sfundo
stoodinfrontofhi
m butwithbothmenbei ng
thesamehei ghthecoul
dn'ttoweroverSimpiwe
ashewant ed.Theystar
edateachot herbothof
them breathi
nghardandfuri
ouslyangry

Sf
undo:
"yout
hinky
out
heshi
tdon'
tyou"

Simpiwe:"
notatal
l
,nowwil
lyout
ell
mewhy
youthinkNadi
nedi
dthi
s"

Sfundo:
"becauset
hosef
ucki
ngmoronswho
shotLel
osaidshehir
edt
hem bef
oreIki
l
led
them"

Simpi
we:"asyoushoul
dhave,
giv
enthe
opport
uni
tyIwoul
dhavedonethesame.What
aboutNadi
ne?"
Sf
undo:
"she'
sdead"

Si
mpi
we:
"It
houghtshewasi
nIt
aly
"

Sf
undo:
"si
mphi
west
aysi
nIt
aly
"

Simpiwe:"
Iseebutwhywoul
dshedot
his?Di
d
shetell
you?"

Sf
undo:
"youl
eftherf
orLel
o"

Si
mpiwe:"
Ilef
therlongbeforeIev
enstar
ted
dat
ingSi
phosethu.Thatbi
tchabor
tedmychil
d"

Sf
undo:
"wel
lshedi
dn'
ttakey
oumar
ryi
ngLel
o
wel
l"
Simpiwe:"Iwouldhavedoneany thi
ngtoprotect
mywi feSfundoyouhav etoknowt hat
.Ididn'
t
evenknowNadi nesti
llcaredenoughtofindout
whatwashappeni nginmyl if
e"Sfundomov ed
fastt
hrowingapunchatSi mpiwewhil
ehe
wasn'texpecti
ngit"
fuck!"

Sfundo:"nxa"hewalkedbacktothewai
ti
ng
room l
eav i
ngSimpiwenur si
nghi
seyewhich
wasalreadygetti
ngswollen
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Me:"
youareunbel
iev
abl
e!"Il
aughedatast
upi
d
j
okehehadjustt
oldme
Kevi
n:"
bet
terbel
i
evei
tbeaut
if
ul"hepeckedmy
l
ips

Me:
"youshoul
dtakemebackt
omyr
es"

Kev
in:
"butIdon'
twanty
out
ogo"hepout
ed

Me:"thatwon'twor
k"Ishookmyheadl aughi
ng.
Wewer eatt hemal
ljustf
ini
sheddinner
,Kevi
n
l
ikedtakingmeout.Weat edinnert
oget
her
almostev er
yday

Kevi
n:"Ishoul
dtakey oubackIgotan
assi
gnmentt oworkon"hecall
edov erour
wait
er,
myphoner anganditwasanunsav ed
number
Me:
"Sbahl
ehel
l
o"

Enzo:
"hi
"hedidn'
tev
enneedtotel
lmeitwas
hi
m whowascal l
i
ngIcoul
dhearhi
svoi
ce.I
l
ookedatKevi
nbuthewasbusywitht
hewaiter

Me:
"hi
"

Enzo:
"Ineedy
ou"Isi
ghed

Me:
"why
?"

Enzo:
"it
'sLel
oshe'
shur
tandi
nhospi
tal
.Itso
badSbahle"

Me:
"whathappened?
"
Enzo:"
shewasshot.Ihav
en'tevenseenher
onlymypar
entsandSimpiwehav eseenher
"hi
s
tonej
ustbr
okemyhear ti
ntopieces

Me:"
whatdoyouwantmetodo?"Kev
in
mout
hedwhatiswr
ongandIshookmyhead

Enzo:
"Ijust.
..
.Ineedy
ouhoney
"Ihear
dhi
m
sni
ff"
please"

Me:"
Idon'
tknowwhattodoEnzo"Kev
inr
aised
hi
seyebr
owsitt
ingbackonhi
schai
r

Enzo:
"I'
l
lbuyy
ouat
icket
"

Me:
"okay
"Iwhi
sper
ed
Enzo:
"thanky
ou"

Me:
"textme"

Enzo:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"by
e"Iendedt
hecal
l

Kev
in:
"whyi
syourexcal
l
ingy
ou?
"

Me:"hewast
ell
i
ngmet
hatLel
oishur
tshewas
shot
"

Kevi
n:"t
hegirlwewenttoherwedding?"I
nodded"shame.I'
vepaidlet
'sgo"het
ookmy
handandwel eftt
herestaur
ant.
Afteraridebacktomyr esfil
ledwit
hsilence.
Hepar kedhiscarattheentranceandwe
remainedsilent
,Idi
dn'tknowwhatt osaybuthe
l
ookedal i
tt
leangry
.Ilookedathim oncethen
openedt hedoor 
Me:
"goodni
ght
"henodded"
I'
m sor
ry"

Kevi
n:"
don'tapol
ogizeHl
ey oudi
dnothing
wrongIam thest
upidoneforlov
ingsomeone
whoisalr
eadyinlov
ewi t
hsomeoneel se"

Me:"IneversaidIwasinlovewit
hhim Kevi
n,
Lel
oismyf riendthefi
rstgi
rlwhoact
uall
y
wantedtobemyf ri
endandnotmakeaj okeout
ofme"

Kev
in:
"ar
eyougoi
ngt
ogot
oDur
bannow?
"
Me:
"yes"

Kev
in:
"I'
l
lcomewi
thy
ou"

Me:"nott
histi
meKev i
n.Thi
sisn'
tagoodt
ime
Kev
in,Enzoisal
readyhur
ti
ng"

Kev
in:
"Hl
eIdon'
tl
iket
his"

Me: "
I'
m sor
ry"Iki
ssedhischeekandhecupped
mycheekandki ssedmedeeply.Wekissedf
or
alongt i
mejustpour
ingall
ofouremotionsi
nto
ourkiss.
 
.
I
twasstil
lmorningthef
oll
owi ngdaywhenIgot
tot
hehospit
al.Enzowasalreadywait
ing
out
sideheopenedthedoorformeandpul l
ed
meoutofthecarintohi
sarms
Enzo:
"oohhoney
"

Me:"hey
"Ibrushedhi
sback"ev
eryt
hingwi
l
l
f
ine"ahugepartofmewantedtoaskwher
eis
Melody

Enzo:
"thankyousomuchf
orcomi
ng"hehel
d
mychintryi
ngtoki
ssmebutImov
edback

Me:
"I'
m nother
efort
hisEnzo"

Enzo:
"Iunder
standy
ouseei
ngt
hatwhi
teboy
"

Me:
"whyweatt
heback?
"

Enzo:"
thef
ronti
sfi
ll
edwi t
hr epor
ter
ssothey
l
etti
ngususetheback"anothercarpar
kedand
hi
saunt
yAphest
eppedout

Aphe: "
mybabi es"shehuggedmet henhugged
Enzohol di
ngont ohim al i
ttl
elonger" t
akemet o
mysi st
ershemustbeoutofhermi nd"weal l
walkedi nt
hehospi tal.Thewaiti
ngr oom was
fi
ll
edwi ththeMkhizeandJamesandPet erson
aswel lastheWi t
her spoonfami l
y,therewere
takeaway sall
ov er.Igreetedandt heygreeted
backwi thsadsmi l
es

Vuy
ani:"
wherei
sthatwhi
teboyma'Gwala"If
elt
mycheeksheat
ingupasEnzotensedupnext
me

GmaSne:
"leav
eEnzoal
oneVuy
ani
"

Enzo:"
thankyougr andma"hesatdownand
pul
ledmet ositnexttohi
m
Me:
"wher
eisSj
?"

Enzo:"athomehemi ghtcomedur i
ngtheday
andleaveearly.Hedoesn'tdealwell
withthese
ty
peofsi tuat
ionsespecial
lywhenitcomest o
Lel
oar oundsomom hashi m st
ayingathome" 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Snegotintheroom asIwascomi
ngbackf
rom
bat
hing.Thenursewaspushi
ngmeina
wheelchai
r 
Sne:
"hey
"theyhel
pedmegetont
hebed"
how
aret
hepains?
"
Me:"bear
abl
ethankst
othemedi
cine.Howi
s
Lel
o?"

Sne:"t
heyoperati
ngonherandLut handori
ght
now.Ijustcan'
tstayinthatwai
tingroom it
ki
ll
ingme, Idon'
tknowwhatI '
ll
doi fsomething
goeswr ongorifherbodyrej
ectsthekidney"

Me: "
LuthandoisherfatherIdoubtherbodywi
l
l
rej
ectitandIam surethewor sti
sover"she
gavemeaf akesmil
e

Sne:"
howist
hisangel
?"Shebr
ushedt
hebaby
's
hai
r"myl
it
tl
eAphrodit
e"

Me:
"li
ket
heGoddess?
"

Sne:
"theGoddessofl
oveandbeaut
y"
Me:"
wow"Iwastr
ulyamazed,
Snesmi
l
ed
ki
ssi
ngt
hebaby'
shead

Sne:"ofcour
sewecan' tnameherthatchil
dren
wouldhav eafi
eldsdaylaughi
ngatherin
schoolbutshedeser v
estobenamedaf tera
goddess.Shejustlookssopeacef
ul"

Me:
"shei
sgoodbar
elycr
ies"

Sne:
"youhav
en'
tnamedher
"

Me:"
alothasbeenhappeni
ngLonhl
ehasn'
t
hadt
imetothi
nkaboutit
"

Sne:
"Ay
abonga"
Me:
"what
?"

Sne:
"hername"

Me:
"itbeaut
if
ult
hanky
ou"

Sne:
"shei
sbeaut
if
ul"

Me:
"Ay
abongaMkhi
ze"

Sne:
"sheneedsasecondname"

Me:
"Ay
abongaAphr
odi
teMkhi
ze"Snel
aughed

Sne:
"don'
tbl
amemewhenshecomesback
f
rom school
int
ear
s"

Me:"Idon'
tcar
eit'
sabeaut i
ful
namewitha
goodmeaning,I
'l
lexpl
ainthatt
oherandshe
won'
thav et
ouseit.Ever
yoneusesthei
rfi
rst
name"

Sne: "t
rue,myl i
tt
lebeautifulAyabonga
Aphrodi t
eMkhi zeat r
ueGoddess.Mayl ife
givesallitsbeautif
ulthi
ngsandwheni tgives
yout heugl ythi
ngsmayy ourfatheral
way sbe
theretopr otectyoufr
om i tall
.Iloveyouso
bad"shehel dAyabongacl osetoherchesther
tearsfall
ingdownwet ti
ngAy abonga'sf ace.
.

#nar
rat
ed
¥¥
Simpiwewal kedi nlelo'sroom aftershewas
broughtbackf rom t hesur ger
ywhi chhadt obe
putonst opwi t
houtbei ngcompl etebecause
Lelosuffer
edf rom car diacarrest.Het ookout
herengagementr ingandweddi ngr ingfrom hi
s
pocket.Hest ar
t edpl ayingwiththeweddi ng
ri
ngwhi l
ereading( SSf oreter
nity)thatwas
writ
teninsi
det her ing.

Simpiwe:"Si
phoset hu"heki ssedherdr ylips
andsatdownhol dingherhand" youhav et o
comebackt omesweet hear tyouj usthav et o"
hepressedhisfaceont hebedcr yingwhi l
e
cryi
ngtonotsobl oudly"Idon'tknowwhatt odo
babybutIneedy ou, Ineedy ouher ewi t
hme
safeandhealthy.Imi ssev erythi
ngabouty ou,
youmyl i
feli
neSiphoset hu, I
'
v ebeendeadf orso
l
ongI '
vejustgoty ouinmyl i
feI '
vej uststarted
l
ivi
ngy oucan'tl
eav emeSi phoset hu.I'm selfish
becauseIknowy ouinpai nandmay bey ou
wantt ol etgobutpl easedon' t,Ineedy ouand
thegi rlsneedy ou.Ispoket ot hem ear l
i
er
bef oret heysur geryandt heykeptaski ngwher e
youar e,weneedy outof i
ghtbabypl ease.Ilove
youSi phoIl ovey ousomuch.I '
m sor r
y,Iso
sor ryIlety oudownandy ougothur tbecauseof
me.Iam not hingwi t
houty oubaby .IknowI
saidIcan' tstoppl ay
ingbutIwi llst
opbabyi f
that '
swhaty ouwantIwi l
lstop, wecant ravel
l
ikey ouwantust oandset t
ledownwher ever
youwantt owi thourgi r
ls.Iwasgoi ngt ocal l
youwi thgoodnewsLi sa'smot heragr eesfor
Lisat ost aywi thussowewi llallsettledown
somewher eandhav emor ebabi eslikewe
talkedabout .Thr eemor elit
tlebabi eswhowi l
l
l
ookl ikey ouwel lexceptiftheirboy sbecauseI
can' thav epr ettyboy s.Pleasemyl ov ejust
comebackt omewehav esomucht odoour
l
ivesj ustbegan"
[
03/
20,
15:
21]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss
I
nser
t58

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

ThecardroppedEnzoandIoffathi
shome.He
tookmyweekendbagandhel dmyhandl eadi
ng
mei nthehouse.WefoundSji
ntheloungewith
papersall
overinfr
ontofhi
m
Sj:"hey"hestoodupandhuggedmeshor tl
y
thenhuggedEnzo, theyhel
deachothermaking
menot icethatSjhadbadgesaroundbot
hhis
wrists

Me:"
areyouhurt?
"Hequickl
ypul
ledhi
shoody
ov
ertocoverbutEnzohel
dhisar
ms
Enzo:
"whatt
hehel
lSj
?!
!Youcut
ti
ngagai
n!"

Sj
:"what
?Noofcour
senot"hi
sey
eswer
e
danci
ngall
overt
hel
ounge

Enzo:
"I'
m notst
upi
d!"

Me:"
don'
tyel
l"Enzol
ooki
ngsoangr
ywhi
l
eSj
wassl
owlybacki
ngaway

Sj
:"Idi
dn'
tIswear
"

Enzo:
"don'
tfucknl
i
etomedammi
t"

Me:
"Enzocal
m down"

Enzo:
"ourpar
ent
sar
egoi
ngt
hroughenough
withouthavi
ngt odealwit
ht hisshi
tSj!Our
familyisgoi
ngthroughshitrightnowandy ou
fuckingrel
apsi
ngisn'thel
ping"Iwasso
shockedbecauseIwasn' tevenawar ethatSj
hadacut ti
ngissue

Sj
:"Idi
dn'tmeantoEnzoIam sor
ry"hestar
ted
cr
ying"Ididn'
tmeant
opleasedon'
ttel
l"

Enzo:"youpr omised"hewhi spered" you

promisedt hatyouwer eokayt haty oudidn'
t
needtherapyany mor e.Dadallowedy outostar
t
yourmusi ccareerbecausey oupr omi sedthat
youwer eokayJrhowcany oul etthishappen
especial
lyatat i
mel i
ket hi
swheny ouknowour
parentscan'thandleany morehear tache"

Sj
:"Iam sor
ry"hef
ell
tohi
skneescr
ying"
Iam
sosorr
y"
Enzo:"
yout
hinkt
hati
sgoi
ngt
ofucki
nghel
p
Sj
?!"

Me:
"Enzost
opi
t"

Enzo:
"st
ayoutoft
his!
!"

Me:"don'
ttal
ktomel
i
ket
hat
"hehuf
fedr
ubbi
ng
hi
sface

Enzo:"f
uckthi
s!"Hewal kedoutandSjjust
brokedown.Ikneltnexttohi
m andlethimrest
hi
sf aceonmychest

Me:
"itgoi
ngt
obef
ineJr
"
Sj:"
dadwi l
lsendmet orehabagai n.Ididn'
t
meant odoi tSbahl
ei tj
usthappenedIcoul dn'
t
stopthinkingabouti tandonceIst artedIjust
couldn'tstop.IswearIdidn'tmeant o.Hecan' t
tel
lmom anddadt heywon' ttr
ustmeagai n,dad
will
takeawaymyr ecordingdealittheonl y
thi
ngt hatbelongst ome.Pl easeSbahl eyou
havetot alktohim hecan' ttel
lmom anddadhe
j
ustcan' t"

Me:
"buti
ttohel
pyouJr
"

Sj
:"y
oudon'
tunder
stand!
"Hest
oodupandr
an
upst
air
sIt
hinkt
ohisroom

Me: "
shuu!
"Ilookedatt hepaper
st hatwer
e
aroundusandi talll
ookedli
kelyr
ics.Sadl
yri
cs
most l
yaboutlosingaloverandgetti
ngover
toxi
cloveandj ustoneaboutbei
ngi nahappy
r
elat
ionshi
p.

Igottotheroom Iwasusi ngandt

ookahot
showerthengotout .Iputonmypyjamasand
gotunderthecovers.Icall
edKevi
n 
Kev
in:
"baby
"

Me:
"hi
lov
er"hebr
eat
hedout

Kev
in:
"youar
esomi
ssed"

Me:
"soar
eyoubaby
"

Kev
in:
"whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
"

Me:"I
'
vebeengoneforwhat
,Fewhour
s?You
wantmebackalr
eady"
Kev
in:
"youknowIdo"

Me:
"I'
l
lbebackt
omor
rowni
ght
"

Kevi
n:"I
'
llpi
ckyouupatt
heair
por
ttheny
ou
canspendthenighti
nmyapar
tment
"

Me:
"I'
dlov
ethat
"

Kevi
n:"
greatbecauseImi
ssy
ousl
eepi
ngi
nmy
ar
ms"Igiggledl
ightl
y

Me:"
Ial
somi
ssit"t
hedooropenedandEnzo
wal
kedi
ncar
ryi
ngacarr
ierbagwit
hfood

Kev
in:
"howi
syourf
ri
end?
"
Me:"
theycouldn'
tcont
inuewit
htheoperati
on
sot
heywilldoitaf
termidni
ghthopef
ull
yitwil
l
beasuccess"

Kev
in:
"itwi
l
lbe.Fai
thgoesal
ongway
"

Me:
"yesi
tdoes.Iam sl
eepi
ngnow"

Kev
in:
"goodni
ghtl
overIl
ovey
ousomuch"

Me:"
Ilovey
out oo"Enzogr
oanedhi
sey
es
t
urni
ngred"by
e"Iendedthecall

Enzo:
"doy
oul
ovehi
m?"

Me:
"yes,
Ido"
Enzo:
"mor
ethany
oul
ovedme"

Me:
"Iam notcompari
ng"heputt
hefoodont
he
t
abl
ebyt hecouchandIwentt
ositwi
thhi
m.
Westar
tedeati
ng

Enzo:
"ar
eyouhappy
?"

Me:"yeshemakesmehappy
.Youandmel
ody
st
il
lokay?"

Enzo:
"shei
snoty
ou"

Me:"obv
iousl
yImeanthat
'swhyyouwi
thher
andsopubli
cly
"heshookhishead
Enzo:
"don'
ttal
kaboutt
hingsy
oudon'
tknow
Sbahl
e"

Me:
"Iam j
ustt
alki
ngaboutwhati
sinf
rontof
me"

Enzo:"
youknowIlov
eyou.I
'v
enev erl
oved
anyonethewayIl
oveandIwil
lal
way sl
oveyou"

Me:"yetyouar enotwi
thmey ouleftme
Enzokuhle.Icr
iedoutf
ory oupai
nfull
ybuty ou
putmei nthecarandsentmebackt omyr es
whil
eIwascr y
ing"hel
ookeddownasIf eltmy
angerbuildup"youwatchedmecr yi
ngand
beggingforyou!Youactedsocold"

Enzo:
"Sba.
."
Me:
"shutup!JustgetoutEnzoIwantt
osl
eep"

Enzo:
"youhav
etoeat
"

Me:
"I'
l
leatbutl
eav
emeal
one"

Enzo:"Il
ovey ou"hel
eanedovert
okissmy
cheekbutIlookedaway"Iam sor
rySbahl
eI
real
lyam.I'
llstayawayfr
om nowoneIpromi
se"

Me:"
that
'sagreati
dea"Isnappedhenodded
andt
ookhisfoodwalki
ngout.
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Iwokeupf eeli
ngsot i
red.Thingshav ejustbeen
sohecti
cr ecentl
y.Vumi lewasn' ti
nbed, he
alwaysshutsmeof fwhenwegoi ngthrough
somethingandt hisissuewi thSanelebei ngout
ofjai
lwasput ti
ngast r
ainonus.Igotof ft he
bedandpul l
edmy selftothebat hroom wher eI
tookalonghotbat h.Af tergetti
ngoutoft he
showerIgotdr essedi nleggingsandat ankt op
Iputonsneaker stiedmyaf r
o.Iwent
downstair
swhi lecalli
ngSi mpiwe
Si
mpi
we:
"Bunt
u"

Me:
"howdi
ditgo?
"

Si
mpiwe:"
itwentwel
lwej
ustwai
ti
ngf
orhert
o
wakeup"

Me:"
that
'sgood.I
'
llcheckont
heki
dst
hen
come"
Si
mpi
we:
"okay
"

Me:
"shei
sgoi
ngt
obef
ineSi
mpi
we"

Si
mpi
we:
"Ij
ustwanthert
owakeup"

Me:
"shewi
l
l,shehast
ofory
ouandt
hegi
rl
s"

Simpi
we:"ZukoandSiy
abulel
ajustl
andedI
sentacartopi
ckthem up"

Me:"t
heywil
lcomeher
efi
rstorst
rai
ghtt
othe
hospi
tal
?"

Si
mpiwe:"t
heywill
comet her
etoleavet
hei
r
bagsact
uall
ytheyshoul
dbeont hei
rwayto
y
ourhousenow"

Me: "okay
"heendedthecal
l.If
oundVumil
e
feedingSimii
ntheki
tchenwhil
eSbaniwasal
so
havingbreakf
ast

Si
mi:
"mama!
!"

Me:"hel
lomylove"Iki
ssedherf
oreheadand
sheheldmycheeks

Sbani
:"goodmor
ningmom"

Me:
"mor
ningbaby
"Iki
ssedhi
shead"
mor
ning"

Vumi
l
e:"
mor
ning"hewasn'
tev
enl
ooki
ngatme
Me:"
ZukoandSi yabul
elaareonthei
rwayt hen
wewil
lleav
ef ort
hehospital
"helookedatme
f
rom t
hebottom unti
lhereachedmyf ace

Vumi
l
e:"
youal
readydr
essed?
"

Me:
"hhu?
"Il
ookedatmy
sel
f

Vumi
l
e:"
lastIcheckedy
ouwer
eaNgcobo"

Me:"Vumil
esaywhaty
ouwantt
osay
"he
cl
osedhiseyes

Vumil
e:"
Sbani
fini
shy
ourbr
eakf
astandgo
bat
h"

Sbani
:"wel
eav
ingnow?
"
Vumi
l
e:"
yes"

Sbani
:"okaybaba.Iam f
ull
any
way"hegotof
f
thehi
ghchairandwalkedoutt
heki
tchen

Me:
"wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

Vumile:
"watchsoccerandhangout
.Change
thoseti
ght
sy oucal
lpants"

Me:
"Vumi
l
ewhyy
oumadatme?
"

Vumi l
e:"Iam notdoingthi
sinf r
ontofmy
daughter"Ij
ustnoddedwal kingoutthekit
chen
withmyt earsthreat
eningtofall
.Igottoour
room changedi ntoski
nnyjeansandawhi tet-
shir
ttuckedinlooselythenIsatont hecouchin
thecl
osetcr
yingsoft
lybefor
eIwashedmyface
andwentdownstair
s.Ifoundmybrot
her
sinthe
l
ounge

Me:"hey
"wegr eet
edeachot
herhuggi
ng"
are
youguysreadytol
eave?"

Zuko:
"yeahVumi
l
eal
readyshowedusour
room"

Me: "
okaylet'
sgo.Mycari
sparkedoutfr
ont
andthekey sareont
hecount
erintheki
tchen"
theynoddedandwalkedoutf
oll
owingeach
other

Vumi
l
e:"
Sbani
!
!"

Me:
"Vumi
l
e"
Vumile:
"I'
l
lseey
oul
ater
"Isi
ghedandhel
dSi
mi
squeezi
nghim

Me:"mamalovesyousomuchbaby ,
you,your
br
otherandyourf
ather
"Simi
justgi
ggledsayi
ng
mama" Il
oveyouVumile"

Vumil
e:"Il
oveyoutoo"heki
ssedmeshort
ly
andIl
eftaft
ergoi
ngt ogi
vePinkyt
hebaby

Afterspendingthedayi nthehospi t
al Iwent
backhomedr ovepastspurandboughtdi nner
.
Sbani andhisfatherwer enothomewhenwe
arri
ved.Ispentsomet imewithmydaught er
thenhaddi nnerwithmybr others.Aftert aki
nga
showerandchangi ngintoVumile'st-
shi rtIgot
ont hebedandswi tchedonthet v.Thedoor
openedandVumi l
egoti nasIwaswat chingtv.
 
Me:
"youwer
egonet
hewhol
eday
"

Vumil
e:"
SbaniandIcaughtal
atemov
ieandwe
endeduphavi
ngdinner
"

Me:
"yout
wohadf
un?
"

Vumil
e:"
wealwayshavef
unonourbondi
ng
day
s"hestar
tedt
akingof
fhi
scl
othes

Me:
"whenar
ewehavingourbondi
ngday
"he
smi
l
edandIfel
tmyheartcl
ench

Vumi l
e:"
onceyoutalkt
omeaboutwhaty ou
meantwheny ousaidyouwillt
hinkaboutl
ett
ing
thatgoodfornot
hingpieceofshitmeetmy
son"
Me:"Vumi
le"Iwhi
sper
edhejustshookhi
shead
andgotonthebedwit
hjusthi
sboylegbr
ief
s

Vumil
e:"noNobunt
u!You'
vebeencaughtup
wit
hLeloandIgett
hatbutdi
dy ouevert
akea
minut
etothi
nkabouthowIam feel
ing?"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"

Vumil
e:"mxm"helaidnexttome"Iwantto
sl
eep"Iswi
tchedoffthet.
v.andmylai
dnextt
o
hi
m.Hepul l
edmet olayonhim"Il
oveyou"

Me: "Il
oveyoumor e.IknowIhav en'
twant edto
talkabouti
tanditreallybecauseIdon'tknow
whatt odoandatt heendoft hedaySbani is
yoursonandy oursaygoesi fyoudon'twant
Sanelearoundthenthatisgoingtohappen.I
alsodon'twanthim aroundmysonbutwecan' t
keepal
waysgetwhatwewantandwehav et
o
thi
nkaboutSbani
.Sanel
eishi
sfat
heratt
he
endoftheday".
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Ireall
ywasn' thappyaboutcomi ngbackt othe
Mkhi zer esi
dencef r
om thehospi talbutLonhl e
outhi sfeetdownal ongwi thhisfathersoIwas
basical l
yforcedtobeher e.Ijustwant edtogo
backt oourapar t
mentorgobackt omypar ents
house.Snecamebackt ochecki fever y
thing
wasr eadyf orusbef or
egoi ngbackt othe
hospi taltobecheckonLel o.Isatont hebed
afterput ti
ngAy ainhercrib.Theroom wasso
war m andt her ai
nyweatherwasj ustmaki ng
mesl eepy.Lonhlegotinther oom wi thhiseye
r
edandswol
l
enasi
fhehadbeencr
ying 
Me:
"baby
"Isatup

Lonhl
e:"
Ijustdon'
tknowwhatt
odoany
mor
e"

Me:"
what'
swr
ong?
"Hegotbetweenmylegs
andmademel
aysohecoul
dlayontopofme

Lonhl
e:"Jriscutti
ngagai nandEnzoissodrunk
hecan'
tev enstandst r
aight
.Itl
i
keeveryt
hingis
j
ustfal
li
ngapar t.Idon'
tknowwhatt odo"

Me:
"It
houghtSj
wasgoodaf
terr
ehab"

Lonhl
e:"her
elapsedandl astt
imet his
happenedhealmostdied, mom can'ttake
anymoreofthi
sshit.Idon'twanttolosemy
motherAmil
e"
Me:"baby"helookedupatmewit
hhiseyes
f
il
ledwithtear
sandIhonestl
ydi
dn'
tknowwhat
t
odo.
[
03/
20,
15:
22]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t59

Thr
eemont
hsl
ater

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

IwaswokenupbyAy a'ssoftcr
iesthroughthe
monitor
.Shewassl eepi
nginhernur serynow,I
wantedtoteachmychi l
dindependenceev en
thoughLonhleandIhadanar gumentabouti t
butthenhecan'tr
eall
ysaynot omewhenIput
myf
eetdown.If
eltLonhl
emov
enextt
ome
Lonhl e: "
Igother"hekissedmycheekandl eft
thebed.Af t
erafewmi nutesofl isteningto
Lonhl espeakt oherdaught ervi
at hemoni t
orI
wentt otakeashower .Gotoutwentt othe
closetwher eIgotdr essedi nsweat pantsanda
t-shirt.Iwenttothenur serybutf oundi tempt y
soIt ooktheli
ftgoingdownst ai
rs.Wewer estil
l
stay i
ngwi thhisfamily.Ifoundt hem i nthe
kitchenf eedi
ngeachot herpur i
ty,whichAy a
hat edbutwoul deatgr acefullywhenherf ather
i
sf eedingher.

Me:"goodmorni
ngmsMot
aung"Iki
ssedher
messytinyl
i
ps

Lonhle:
"voest
ekAmile"Il
aughedli
ght
lyand
stoodonmyt oeski
ssinghischeek
Me:
"don'
tsweari
nfr
ontofmychi
l
d"

Lonhl
e:"
uwenanj
e.St
opcal
l
ingmychi
l
dthat
"

Me: "
yousuchababyLonhle"Igr
abbedhis
cheekandwekissedbutpull
edapartqui
ckl
y
becausesomeoneclear
edtheirt
hroat
s"good
morningSne"

Sne: "morningy ouguy s"thepoorwomanhad

l
ostsomuchwei ght, Lelowasi nacoma.I twas
draininghersobadt hatLonhl edecidedtonot
tellhisparent saboutSj cutt
inghimselfbut
i
nst eadgothi mtogoseeat her
apisteveryday
whi chIdon'tt hi
nkwaswor kingbecausehe
didn'tlooklikeaf unctioningperson.Hewas
j
ustawal kingzombi e.Hehadbeenst ayi
ngwi t
h
Aria'sparent sforthel astfewweekshopef ull
y
thathasbeenhel pi
ngbecauseheandKl ei
nar e
cl
ose.

Me:
"goodmor
ningmah"

Sne:"
wherearethesemaidswheny ouneed
them?"Shewentbytheint
ercom andrangt
he
maid'
scottageaski
ngforoneofthem

Lonhle:"shouldIgof et
cht hegirl
smom? "Lelo'
s
daughtersshamet hosepoorsoul swerejustso
confusedbutwhent heysawt hatLel
owasn't
wakingupany ti
mesoont heyhadnochoi cebut
totel
l t
hegi r
lsthatthei
rmot herisinhospit
al
j
ustnotwhyshe' sinthere.Theywer est
ay i
ng
wit
hLeoandhi sgrandparents.

Sne:
"I'
l
lsendadr
iverf
ort
hem af
terschool
"sky
andJazwerei
ngradeonewhi
leBell
a 
andLey
lawer
eingr
adernow,
smar
tbunch 
ofgir
lsandgr
owi
ngmor
ebeaut
if
ulwi
theach
passi
ngday

Lonhl
e:"
okaywel
lEnzohasagamet
omor
row
ni
ghtagai
nstKai
zer
"

Sne:"I'
l
lseeifthej
etisavail
ablemay bewecan
go,we'vemissedlotofhisgamest hesepass
mont hsandwecanhav edi
nnerwithSj befor
e
thegame"themai dgotin"whyam Ipay ingyou
i
fI'm al
wayst hefi
rstoneup?!!
!"Ay
asnapped
herfacetohergrandma

Mai
d:"
sor
ry"Snesi
ghed

Sne:
"nosorry
.Canyoujustpl
easegetstar
ted
onbreakf
astIhav
ealongdayandcallthepool
boy,
thei
ndoorpool
needst
obecl
eanedy
ou
knowBel
lal
ikesswi
mming"

Mai
d:"
okay"Snepour
edhersel
facupofcof
fee
t
henwalkedoutt
hebackpati
o

Me:
"isy
ourf
atherhome?
"

Lonhl
e:"yeah,
maybehei sst
il
lsl
eepi
ng"Lonhl
e
hadtakeninmoreresponsi
bil
i
tyr
egardi
ngthe
busi
ness

Me:"
okayI'
m goi
ngtobat
hthi
sti
nyhumant
hen
pl
ayhersomemusic"

Lonhl
e:"
alr
ight
"hi
sphonestar
tedr
ingi
ng"
it
Simpi
we,I'
l
lcal
lhi
m backl
ater
"
Me:
"isheokay
?"

Lonhle:"asokayashecanbeconsi deringthe
si
tuation"Simpi
wehadhi r
edaper sonal t
rai
ner
si
ncehewasher emostoft heti
me, heonl y
wentt oLondonforaweeki fhewasgoi ngt o
haveagamet hatweek.Thesepeoplewho
hi
jackedLel or
eall
yputthi
sf ami
lythrought he
mostMe: "wel
lIam goi
ngtobathlitt
lems
Motaung"hegr oaned

Lonhle:
"Ami
le!
!"IlaughedasIt
ookAy
aand
walkedoutt
hekitchen.

Duri
nglunchIwentt ovi
sitLel
o.If
oundSneand
Si
mpiwewi thher,Snespentall
herdaysi
nthe
hospi
tal.Aswell
asSi mpiwe,heonl
ywentto
hi
ssister'
shousetosleeponsomeni ght
s. 
Me:
"hel
l
o"
Si
mpi
we:
"hi
Ami
l
e"

Me:
"she'
sst
il
lgood?
"

Sne:"
asgoodasshecanbeconsi deri
ngshei s
i
nacoma"Il ookedatLelowholookedprett
y
goodforsomeonewhoi sunconsci
ous.Her
l
ongnaturalhai
rwastiedint
oapony t
ail
,she
wasinfreshpai
rofpyj
amas.

Me:
"st
il
lnochange?
"

Simpiwe:
"thedoctorssayshehadbr ai
nacti
vit
y
earl
i
erinthemorningsot heywanttotakeher
offt
hecomabutI 'm notsureitagoodthi
ng.
Li
kewhati ft
heytakeherof fi
tandshedies"
Sne:"
thedoct
orssai
dshewon'
tSimpi
we.I
don'
tknowwhyy oubei
ngst
ubbor
naboutt
his"

Si
mpi
we:
"itmydeci
siont
omakeSne"

Sne:"thi
sisnott
heti
mef oryouregoSimpi
we!
She'syourwif
ewegetit,youherpowerof
attor
neywegetitbutenoughalr
eady"herv
oice
brokeintheend

Me:"Sneit
'sokay
"Irubbedherbackasthedoor
openedandSfundogotinwit
hlelo'
steam of
doctor
s

Sf
undo:"
theygoi
ngt
otakeheroutoft
hecoma"
Si
mpiwestoodup

Si
mpi
we:
"Sf
undo"hewar
nedhi
svoi
cet
urni
ng
socoldt
hatIev
enshi
ver
edandwentt
ohi
de
behi
ndSne

Sfundo:"Simpi
wewhatarewesupposedt
odo!
!
Justsitaroundandt
widdl
eourt
humbs"

Si
mpiwe:"t
hedoct
orscan'
tguar
ant
eet
hati
t
wi
lldohergoodGoddamnit!
"

Sf
undo:
"doi
t"hesai
dtot
hedoct
ors

Simpi we: "

ifmywif
ediesSfundoIsweartoGod
Iwillkilly
ouwithmybar ehandsandsuethe
shitoutoft hi
shospit
alandthesedoct
orsof
yours, nxa"hewal
kedoutbangingthedoor

Dr:
"MrMkhizeIam notcomf
ort
abl
ewi
thdoi
ng
t
hiswi
thouthi
spermissi
on"
Sfundo:"
Stevensyoui
nthi
shospi
tal
becauseof
me!Ifucki
ngbuiltawi
ginthi
shospi
tal
sodon't
youdarefuckwithmeri
ghtnow"

Dr
2:"
excuseus"weal
lwal
kedout

Me:
"ist
hisagoodi
deamah"

Sne:
"thedoct
orssayi
tfort
hebest
"

Me:
"okay
.Si
mpi
weseemsupset
s"

Sne:
"hei
sjustscar
ed.Weal
lscar
edandt
ir
ed"

Me:
"shei
sgoi
ngt
ogetbet
ter
"
Sfundo:
"shewi
l
l"hewal
kedawaydi
ali
ngonhi
s
phone 
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Iwasathomewat chi
ngsoccerwi
thdaddy
whil
echatt
ingwithKevi
nonwhatsapp,
Enzo'
s
team wasplay
ing.
 
Me:
"Idon'
tknowbaby
"

Kev
in:"
please,
theyal
readyknowabouty
ouj
ust
wai
ti
ngtoseey ou"

Me:
"youshoul
dhav
etol
dmeear
li
erKev
in"
Kev
in:
"If
orgotbabepl
ease"Ihuf
fed

Me:
"okaycomepi
ckmeup"

Dad:
"whyy
oupuf
fi
ngandhuf
fi
ngl
i
keawol
f"

Me:
"itnot
hingdaddy
"

Dad:
"youdat
ingnow"

Me:
"dad!
"Iwhi
ned

Dad:
"wea100%honest
yint
hishome"

Me:
"pl
easedon'
tmakemesayi
t"Ibegged
Dad:"
noSbahl
e"mom goti
ncar
ryi
ngabeerf
or
dad

Mom:"
whydoesshel
ookl
i
keshe'
saboutt
o
cr
y"

Dad:
"shewon'
ttal
ktome"

Mom:
"tal
ktoy
ourf
ather
"

Me:
"mommy
"

Mom:"ha.
awedon'
tkeept
hingsf
rom each
ot
her
"

Me:"y
esIam dat
ingKevi
n"mom smi
l
ed
br
ight
lywhi
l
edadf r
oze
Dad:
"youi
nar
elat
ionshi
p?"

Mom:"i
sn'
titwonderful
!!Iwassoworr
iedshe
won'
thealaft
erEnzo"myheartski
ppedabeat
whi
ledadstoodup

Dad:"
what
?!!You'
vehadaboy
fri
endbef
ore
Kevi
n?"

Me:
"daddypl
ease"

Dad:
"noSbahl
eno!Howdareyoukeepthat
fr
om me?Areevenst
il
lav
irgi
n?"Il
ookedaway
"
Iam aski
ng?
!"

Me:
"yesdad,
cal
m downpl
ease"
Dad:"
whoisthi
sEnzo?"Thecr
owdscreamed
onthetvweall
lookedati
tonl
ytoseethat
Enzohadscor
edagoal

Me:
"thatEnzo"Iwhi
sper
edanddadl
ookedat
mewithhiseyesal
lout

Dad: "
what?"Hewhi spered"what ?
!!!
"He
screamedsol oudthatmom st oodupandheld
hisshoulder"
that.
..
..thatfuckinplayboy
Sbahle!Hechangesgi rl
sli
ket heyarenothi
ng"

Me:"hewasn'
tl
ikethatwhenweweretoget
her
andIbrokeupwit
hhiml ongt
imeago"

Dad:
"Sbahl
e"
Me:
"daddypl
ease"

Dad:"
thati
diot
"hepoi
ntedatt
het
v"br
okey
our
hear
tdidn'
the?"

Me:"
yesbuti
tdoesn'
tmat
terbecausewear
e
l
ongdoneandI'
m wit
hKev
innow"

Dad:
"Iwantawor
dwi
thKev
in"

Me: "
andyouwil
l,t
omorrowwhenhecomest o
pickmeup.I'
m goi
ngtohavedinnerwi
thhi
s
famil
ythenhewil
ltakemetores"

Dad:"
nowIfucknhat
eSundowns"heswi
tched
of
fthet.
v.andwal
kedout
Mom:
"sor
rySbahl
eitj
ustsl
i
ppedout
"

Me:
"itokaymommy
"

Mom: "I
'l
lgocheckonhi m.Heisprobabl
yinour
room sul
kingbecausehispri
ncessisdat
ing
andnowhecan' tsupporthi
sfavor
itet
eam
becauseofEnzo"Isighed 
.

Iwasaner vouswreckasKev inpul

ledupathis
famil
y'
shome.Lucki l
ydadgotcal l
edinatwork
sotheydidn'
thave"thet
alk".Kevi
nparkedhis
caroutofthegarageandopenedt hedoor,he
gotoutthencamet omysi de.
Me:
"I'
m scar
ed"Igotout

Kev
in:
"theywi
l
llov
eyouIpr
omi
se"wehugged
t
ight
lyasIsni
ff
edhi
m,heal
way
ssmel
tsoni
ce

Me:"IhopesoKevi
nbecauseIr
eal
lyl
ovey
ou
andIwantyourf
amilyt
oacceptme"

Kev
in:"andtheywil
lbecauseyouarean
amazingpersonandyoumeant hewor
ldtome"
wekisseddeeplyunt
ilhepressedhi
serect
ion
onmyt high

Me: "
slowdown"hechuckledandgavemea
peck.Wewal kedi
nthehouseandthefoy
erwas
coveredwit
hf ami
l
ypict
ures.Wewalkedfur
ther
i
nt hehousepassi
ngthestair
caset
hatwent
upstair
s

Kevi
n:"
mama! !
"wewalkedt
othel
oungebuti
t
wasempty"mama!"Abeaut
if
ulbl
ondewoman
cameinrunni
ngbutf
rozeasshet
ookmein
"mom I'vebeencall
ingf
ory
ou"hehuggedher
butshekeptherey esonmewit
hsomuch
disgust"babyt
hisismymom Lexy
,mom thi
sis
mygi rl
fr
iendHle"

Lexy
:"she'
sbl
ack"
 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Ididn'
tknowhowt of eelasIsatinfrontoft
he
manwhohadv iol
atedmesobadbutal sogave
memysonwhoIl ovesomuchandwoul d
absolut
elydoany thi
ngf or.Vumilesqueezedmy
handundert hetableandIknewi twasn't
becausehewasgi vingassurancethatheishe
formebutr athertry
ingtocal m hi
mself
becausebeingar oundSanel ealwaysmadehi m
soangr
y.
Me:"canwepl
easegett
hisov
eranddonewi
th
pl
ease"

Vumi
le:
"sur
emyangel
"heki
ssedt
hesi
deof
myhead

Sanel
e:"
thanky
oubot
hformeet
ingme"

Vumil
e:"
wenotdoingthi
sfory
oubutf
orSbani
minehadNobunt
u'sson"

Sanele:
"heismyson.Hei
saHl
ongwane
whetheryouli
ket
hatanot
"

Vumi
l
e:"
hisbi
rt
hcer
ti
fi
cat
esay
sNgcobo"
Me: "guy splease.Sanelewe'vecameupwi t
ha
decision.Sbani isahappychi l
dhelov esVumil
e
somuch, Vumilehasbeent hereforhimfrom
thetimehewasi nwomb.Hehasschool and
soccerandagi r
lfr
iendhisl
ifeisgoodhei s
happy .Itwouldki l
lhimtoknowhowhewas
broughti ntothewor ldevenwor sefi
ndingout
thatVumi l
eisn'thisfat
her"

Sanel
e:"Ineedhimi
nmylif
eNobuntuandI
can'
ttel
lyouenoughhowsorr
yIam.Ilov
ehi
m,
heismybl oodandt
heonl
ychil
dIhave"

Vumi l
e:"againstmybetterjudgementwe
deci
dedt onott el
lSbanithaty our
apedhi s
mom"Iwi ncedatthewor dr ape"i
twil
lonlykil
l
him soitisnotwor t
hitandwewon' tt
ellhim
youarehi sfather
"
Sanel
e:"
what
?!No"

Me:"
upuntilheisoldenought
ounder
stand.
Youwil
lst
artvisi
ti
ngourhome..
"

Vumile:"
wewill
giv
ey ouday
stocomeandIwi
l
l
bethereall
thet
ime"Isi
ghed

Me: "yeswewi llsayyouanunclefr

om Vumi le'
s
sideunt i
lSbaniisoldenoughtounderstand
thenwewi l
ltel
lhim aboutyoubei
nghi sfat
her
badbyt henyout wowill
beclosesoitli
kelythat
hewi l
l bemor eaccepti
ngofyouandt he
situat
ion"

Sanel
e:"
thankyouI
'
llt
akewhat
every
oucan
gi
vemeasl ongasI
'l
lbei
nhisl
if
e"
Vumi l
e:"t
hat'
ssettl
ed"hegul
pedhi swhiskeyon
therocksandst oodup"comemyangel "Igave
him myhandhepul l
edmeup" I
'l
lcally
ou.Ifyou
evercallmywifeorshowupatmyhouse
withoutbeingcall
edyouwil
lregr
etit"we
walkedout. 
.

#nar
rat
ed
¥¥

Si
mpi wesatont hechairnexttot
hebed
hol
dinglel
o'
shandi ntohishands.Hewastr
ying
sohardbuthecoul dfeelhishear
twant
ingt
o
gi
veup.Hel etoutadef eat
edsigh
Simpiwe: "
youwil
lnotdi
eSiphoset
hu.Youwil
l
notleavemeher eal
onedamni t
!!
"Hestoodup
andst ar
tedpaci
ngaround"Wakeup
Siphosethu!
!"Heki
ckedthechai
randitfel
l
downwi t
habang" fucki
ngwakeupj ustfi
ghtfor
fucksakes!!
!"Themachi nesstar
t edbeepi
ng
l
oudl y"
nonono! !"Herushedtot hedoor
yankingitopen"help!
!Somebodyhel pme! "The
doctorsrushedandt henursestri
edpushing
Simpiweupbuthef oughtthem until
securi
ty
camet ohelp"pleasesaveherpleeeeaseshei s
allIhave"
[
03/
20,
15:
23]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t60

#Lel
o
¥¥

Ihear
dhim shout
ingthensomethi
ngcrashedI
gotsoworri
edthi
nkinghewashurt.Ihadhear
d
hi
m argui
ngwithdaddyIwantedtoopenmy
eyessohardbutnomat t
erhowhardIfoughti
t
j
ustwasn'tworki
ngout.Iheardthemachines
beepi
ngreall
yloudthenitwaschaotic.Myeyes
openedasthedoctorwasinject
ingsomet hi
ng
i
ntomyIVl i
ne.Ever
ythi
ngwasal i
tt
leblur
ry 
Dr:"
Mr sJama?Howy oufeel
i
ng?I
'
m doct
or
Pott
ery oui
nthehospital
.Doyour
emember
whathappened?"Ishookmyhead"howmany
fi
ngersam Ihol
dingup"

Me:
"itbl
urr
y"i
thur
ttospeak

Dr
2:"
yourey
esi
ghtwi
l
lcl
ear
"

Me:
"myhusband"

Dr
3:"
hei
sri
ghtout
side"Inodded

Me:
"wanthi
m"
Dr
2:"
soon"

Dr:"
youwerehij
ackedandtheyshotyoubefor
e
taki
ngyourbel
ongingsal
ongwithyourcar
"I
nodded

Dr3:"
tel
lmewheny oufeelt
his"af
terf
ew
secondstheyl
ookedateachother

Me:
"whati
sit
?"

Dr3:
"moveyourar
msandhandsf
orme"It
ri
ed
buti
tdi
dn'
thappen

Me:
"whati
shappeni
ngt
ome"
Dr:"
itperf
ectl
ynor
malandexpect
edwhen
you'
vebeeninacomaforthi
slong.Don'
tstr
ess
aboutit
,yourmuscl
eswil
lst
artworki
ngsoon"

Me: "
myhusbandpl ease"t
heynoddedanda
nurserushedoutandcamebackwi thSi
mpi
we
whor antomewi t
ht ear
sstreami
ngdownhi
s
face

Si
mpiwe:"baby
!!
"Hepull
edmetohim"oh
Si
phoset
hu"hekissedmedeepl
yandIpushed
hi
m backwithmyheadgiggl
i
ng

Me:
"mybr
eat
hst
inks"hel
aughedt
hroughhi
s
t
ear
s

Simpiwe:"Idon'
tcar
e"wekissedagai
nashe
keptpull
i
ngmeunt i
lmybodywasf ul
l
yonhi
s"I
l
ov eyousomuch"
Me:"I
'm sorr
y"wecr
iedt
oget
herfort
hel
ongest
hekeptkissi
ngmeallov
ermyface

Si
mpiwe:"don'
tyouev
erdot
hatagai
n
Si
phoset
hu"

Me:"nev
eragain"westayedl
iket
hat,l
ayi
ngon
thebedwit
hmeont opofhimforcl
osetoan
hourbef
orethedooropenedandmypar ent
s
gotinwi
thmybr other
s

Mom: "
Lonwabo!
!"Shebasi
cal
l
yfl
ewtothebed
andhuggedmylumpybody"ohmychi
ld"

Me:
"mom i
tokayI
'
m okay
"

Dad:
"pr
incess"
Me:
"daddy
"hehel
dmet
ight
ly

Afterspendi
ngt i
mewi thmyf amilyIfell
asl
eep
whiletheywer estil
li
nmyr oom andIwas
snuggledupwi thSimpi we.Iwokeupi nadar
k
room stil
li
nSi mpiwe'sarmsbuthewasasl eep.
Ilookedathisf aceandhel ookeddr ai
ned.My
handshadst artedwor ki
ngev enthoughIhadt o
mov ethem slowlyandi thurt,
Itookhisphone
andcal l
edLeo
Leo:
"Si
mpi
we"

Me:
"h.
..
hi"

Leo:
"Lel
o?"Heaskedsof
tl
y

Me:
"yesi
tmehi
"
Leo:
"theydi
dn'
ttel
lmey
ouhadwokenup"

Me:"sor
ry,t
heyshoul
dhavetol
dyousoy
oucan
t
ell
thegirl
s.Howarethey
?"

Leo:"
theygoodj
ustr
eall
ymissi
ngt
hei
rmommy
,
youknowhowdramaticSkyi
s"

Me:
"Imi
sst
hem t
oo"

Leo:
"I'
m sogl
ady
ouup,
you'
vehadusal
l
worr
ied"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"

Leo:
"don'
tapol
ogi
zei
tnoty
ourf
aul
t"
Me:
"cany
oubr
ingt
hegi
rl
sint
hemor
ning?
"

Leo:"t
heyhav
eschool
soI
'
llbr
ingt
hem af
ter
school"

Me:
"okay
"

Leo:
"howar
eyouLel
o?"

Me: "
I'
m okayconsi
der
ingthatI
'
v ebeeninthe
comaf ormonths.Myhandsandarmsj ust
star
tedworkingbutmylegshaven'
tcaughtup"

Leo:"
that'
snor
mal
.Thebr
ainact
ivi
tyi
s
normal?
"
Me:"
yes.Thedoctor
sarecal
l
ingi
tami
racl
e"
webothlaughedsof
tl
y

Leo:
"I'
vemi
ssedy
ou"

Me:"I'
veal
somissedy
ou"Si
mpi
west
ir
redand
openedhisey
es

Leo:
"I'
m sohappyy
ouwel
l
"

Me:
"Ihav
etogo"

Leo:"I
'
llseeyoutomor
rowwhenIbr
ingt
hegi
rl
s,
theygoingtobesohappy
"

Me:"
kisst
hem f
ormet
ell
them Il
ovet
hem so
somuch"
Leo:
"okay
"Iendedt
hecal
l

Me:
"hi"hegotof
fthebedandwentt
ost
andby
t
hewindowlooki
ngoutsi
de

Si
mpi
we:
"itbeenhel
l
"

Me:
"Iknow"

Simpiwe:"t
herewast i
mewher eIwasgiv i
ngup
butI'
dlookatyourf aceandatourweddi ng
ri
ngsandknowt hatgivi
ngwasn' tanopti
on,you
hadmyhear tandi fyoudiedIwoul ddi
etoo.I'
ve
beenthroughli
feti
mewor thofpainandIdon't
wishforitt
oev erhappenagai n.Iwasscared
soscaredIthoughty ouwer en'
tgoingt
ocome
backtome, tothegi r
ls"
Me:"
butI'
m her
emylove.I
tonl
yamat
terof
t
imebefor
eIful
lyr
ecov
er"

Si
mpiwe:"Ij
ustwanty
outogetoutoft
he
hospi
tal
.Iwantustol
eav
e,t
ogot oourhome"

Me: "
wewi l
l
.AssoonasIam goodwewillal
l
l
eave,Idon'
twanttobeher
eanymore"he
tur
nedandl ookedatmewi
thhi
seyesall
red
andshini
ngwi tht
ears

Si
mpi we:
"youst
il
lwantt
omov
etoLondon?
"I
nodded

Me:"assoonaswecanbaby
,Ij
ustwantust
o
st
artafr
esh"hesmi
l
edweakl
y
Si
mpi
we:
"good.
" 
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Kev
in:
"mom!
"

Lexi
:"sor
rydidn'
tmeantobeof
fensi
veIwas
j
ustsurpr
isedthat'
sal
l
.Kevi
nyounever
menti
onedi t
"

Kev
in:
"Idi
dn'
tknowherski
ncol
ourwas
i
mport
anttoyoumom"hesnapped

Lexi
:"don'
tsnapatmeKev
in"
Kev
in:
"apol
ogi
zemom"

Me:
"noKev
ini
tokay
"

Lexi:
"seesheunderst
ands.Come, di
nneri
s
al
readysetupinthedini
ngareawewer ejust
waiti
ngforyou"shewalkedoutherheel
s
cl
icki
ngthefloor

Kevi
n:"
Iam sosor
rymymom behav
edl
i
ke
that
"

Me:
"whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
yourf
ami
l
yIwasbl
ack?
"

Kevi
n:"Idi
dn'
tthi
nki
twasnecessar
ybabyI
'
m
sor
ry"
Me:
"youshoul
dhav
etol
dthem Kev
in"

Kevi
n:"
whenIl
ookaty
ouIdon'tseey
ourski
n
col
ourIseeay
oungwomanthatIam madl
yin
l
ovewith"

Me:"wel
lotherpeopl
earenoti
nlov
ewi t
hme
sowhentheyseemet heyseemyrace"he
cuppedmyf ace

Kev
in:
" I
'
m sorry"heki
ssedme"
doy
ouwantus
tol
eave?"Ishookmyhead

Me: "
wealr
eadyher
eandIdon'
twantt
oupset
yourfami
l
y"

Kevi
n:"
okay"wekissedagai
nthenhet
ookmy
handwalki
ngustothedinni
ngarea
Lexi
:"ni
ceofy
out
ojoi
nus"

Kevin:"
cuti
tout.Fam thi
sisHlemygirlf
ri
end,
Hlethat'
smyfatherBram, myl
itt
lesi
ster
s
JessieandLi
zzy"thegirl
swavedandhugged
mewhi leBr
am shookmyhand

Br
am:
"shei
sbeaut
if
ulson"

Lexi:"
let
'seat
"shewaspull
ingthegi
rl
sfrom
meIj ustsi
ghedandIsatnextt
oKevin.He
brushedmyt hi
gh.

I
tsafetosayt hedi
nnerwasjustawkwardfor
me.Everytimesomeonetri
edbeingali
ttl
enice
tomeLexi shutmedownwhi chkepti
rr
it
ati
ng
Kevi
nuntil
hegotf edupandpushedhischair
backsohar
dthati
tfel
lov
er 
Kev
in:
"babyl
et'
sgo"

Lexi
:"st
opbei
ngababyKev
in"

Kevi
n:"
Iam t
ir
edofyou!
!You'
vebeenact
ing
l
ikeabi
tcht
owardshersi
nceyousawher"

Br
am:
"don'
ttal
ktoy
ourmot
herl
i
ket
hatKev
in"

Lexi
:"didshebewit
chyouKevi
n?Weal lknow
howbl ackpeopl
eare,
you'
veneverspokento
meliket hat
"

Kev
in:
"you'
venev
ergi
venmear
easont
o.Baby
wegoi
ng"
Me:
"Kev
insi
tdown"

Kev
in:
"what
?"

Me: "pl
ease"Iwhisper
ed.Idi
dn'
twanthi
m
fi
ghtingwithhisf
ami l
y.Hesatdownaft
er
shoot i
ngahardlookathismother.Wef
ini
shed
dinnerinsi
lence.

Aft
erdinnerKev inandIweregettingreadyto
l
eavewhenBr am askedtospeakt ohim
pri
vat
elyquickly.Iwai
tedbythef oyerforhi
m, I
j
ustwant edtogetoutofthathouseasf astas
possi
ble.Lexicamet omecar ry
ingacheque
bookandIl ookedatherpuzzled 
Lexi
:"howmuch?
"

Me:
"excuse?
"
Lexi
:"howmuchdoy ouwantsoy ouwi l
ll
eave
myson?I tpret
tyclearyouhereformoneyI
meanl ookatyou"myt earsj
ustfellIcoul
dn't
remembert helastti
meIwast hatinsult
edev en
whenEnzousedt obull
ymei tdi
dn'thurtli
ke
that

Me:"
I-
i-
id-
don-
don'twantmoneyf
rom Kev
in.I
l
ovehi
m"shelaughedinanevi
lway

Lexi:"
yougoingtol
eavemysononewayor
anotherandI'
m hel
pingy
ouhereatleasti
fyou
agreetoleav
ehim nowyouwil
lgetsomething
outofit"

Me:"whydoyouhatemeli
kethi
s?You'v
edon't
evenknowmey ouj
ustt
ookalookatthecol
our
ofmyskinanddeci
dedt
hatyouhateme"Kevi
n
cameback

Kevi
n:"whyy
oucryi
ng?
"Hel
ookedathi
smom
"whatdi
dyoudo?
"

Lexi
:"goodni
ghtbaby"sheki
sseshi
scheek"
I
l
oveyou"shewalkedaway

Kev
in:
"whati
swr
ong?
"

Me:"j
ustt
akemehome"Iwal kedoutt
hehouse
andwegotinthecarandhedriv
eout"I
'
m goi
ng
backtomyplace"

Kev
in:
"thoughty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
omypl
ace"

Me:
"Ij
ustwantt
ogot
omypl
ace"
Kevi
n:"
HleI
'
m sor
ryt
hatmymom behav
edl
i
ke
that
"

Me:"i
tnoty
ourf
aul
tbutIj
ustwantt
ogot
omy
pl
ace"

Kevin:
"Iwon'tfor
ceyout ocomewi t
hme"he
changedt herout
edri
vingtomyr es"Iam sorr
y
thoughandIhopet hi
swon' tmakeyouhat eme
ormakemel oseyoubecauseIreall
ylovey ou
withal
lthatIam andmor e.Il
oveyout oomuch
Sssbhahle"Inoddedl
ookingoutthewi ndow

It
hrewmy sel
fonmybedcr yi
ngloudl
yassoon
asIgotin.Myphoner angwhil
eIwasstil
l
cr
yingandi twasEnzo,i
tli
kehealwaysknew
whenIwasn' ti
ntheri
ghtspace 
Me:
"whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Enzo:
"hav
eyoubeencr
ying"

Me:"st
opcal
li
ngme"Idr
oppedthecal
landit
di
dn'tt
akel
ongfort
hepoundi
ngonthedoorto
happen

Enzo:"
Sbahl
eopenthi
sdoor!
"Ijusti
gnor
ed"
I
am notgoi
nganywher
eunti
lyouopenthi
s
door"

Me:
"justgoawayEnzo"

Enzo:
"Iam notgoi
ngany
wher
eI'
l
lbr
eaki
t
downifIhaveto"
 
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Iwasint heswimmi ngpool wit

hmychi l
dren.I
wasont hedonutwi thSimiont opofme
l
ookingabsolutelyadorabl
einhert wopiece
biki
niwhileSbaniwasswi mmi ngaround.Axol
e
waslayingont hechairsunbathing,i
twasa
veryhotdayinDur ban.Vumilegotoutwitha
beauti
fulhappysmi l
eonhi sface 
Vumi
l
e:"
fami
l
y"

Sbani
:"hi
baba"

Me:
"baby
"

Vumi
l
e:"
comel
et'
stal
k"
Me:"okay"hetookSimiandkissedherallov
er
herfaceshejustgi
ggledhappil
y.Igotoutof
thepoolandVumi l
ewhistl
ed

Vumile:
"awumakot i
wakaNgcobo!
!!Youso
sexybaby"Sbani
laughedl
oudl
yasIblushed

Me:
"st
opi
t!
"Hegav
eSi
mit
oAxol
e

Vumile:
"comeher
e"hel
if
tedmeupand
wrappedmylegsar
oundhiswai
st

Me:"what'sgoingon? "Hesatmeont he
counteraswewal kedintheki t
chenandt ooka
bott
leofMoetandChandon" baby?"Heshook
thebottl
ehar dandpoppedi tmakingthe
champagnespi llever
ywher eev enonusashe
j
umpedar oundIcouldn'thelpbutlaugh
"Vumile!
!"
Vumi
le:
"Mr
sNgcobo"hel
if
tedmeupsnippi
ng
usar
ound"
fuckmyl
ove!
"Hekissedmehard

Me:"wannatel
lmewhyyouj
ustpoured
champagneallov
ermynewkit
chenMr
Ngcobo"hegavemeadazzl
i
ngsmi l
e

Vumi
l
e:"
guesswhatmyangel
?"

Me:
"tel
lme"

Vumi
l
e:"
Igott
hatt
ranspor
tat
iont
ender
"

Me:"
the150mi l
l
ionone?
"Hesmi
l
ednoddi
ng
"
baby!
!!That
'samazi
ng"
Vumi l
e:"babyitbeyondamazi ng.Thiswil
ldo
greatthi
ngsnotj ustforusfinanci
all
ybutfor
thebusinessaswel lI'
m goingtogetsomany
connectionsthroughthis"Icuppedhisfaceand
kissedhim deeply"doy oureali
zethaty
ouget
yourpushgi f
t"

Me:"theGWagon?"Ibeamedathim andhe
nodded.I
'
vebeenwantingt
hatcarformonths
nowbuthekeptsayi
ngImust,Iki
ssedhim
deepl
y

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Vumi
l
e:"
andIl
ovey
ou"
 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Me:"canwetal
k?"IaskedasIwal
kedinour
bedr
oom wherehewast ypi
ngsomet
hingonhi
s
MacBook

Lonhl
e:"
I'
m al
lear
s"

Me:
"andey
esaswel
lpl
ease"hel
ookedatme

Lonhl
e:"
yes"

Me:"I
'
vebeenwanti
ngt
otal
ktoy
ouabout
goi
ngbacktowork"

Lonhl
e:"
andhowwouldt
hatwork?Youhav
ea
babywhoisali
tt
leov
ert
hreemonths"
Me:"weagr
eedt
hatIwoul
dgobackt
owor
k
Lonhl
e"

Lonhle:"y
oudon'
tneedt
owor k"hewentback
totypingasi
fheisdi
smissi
ngme

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngbackt
owor
kLonhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"noyounot
.IfAy
aisn'
tkeepi
ngy
ou
busyenoughgetahobby"

Me:"what?
!!
"Myangerbrewed"wi
l
lyoulookat
meMpi l
onhle"hesi
ghedl
ooki
ngup"Iam goi
ng
backtowork"

Lonhl
e:"
why
?"
Me:
"whatdoy
oumeanwhy
"

Lonhle:
"youhaveever
ythingyouneedandy
ou
gettowatchyourdaughtergr
owup"

Me: "
itnotaboutmoney!Ili
kemyjobIspent4
yearsstudyi
ngfori
tnotjustsoIcanbeahouse
wife"

Lonhle:"
wel
lyounotgoingback.Ineeda
respect
edwifenotsomeonewhoi sonpeople'
s
screenshav
ingsexsceneswithotherpeopl
e"

Me:
"sonowI
'
m notr
espect
ed?
"

Lonhl
e:"
that
'snotwhatImean"hegotof
fthe
bedandcamet ost
andinfr
ontofmeIlooked
upathim" I
'
mj ustsay
ingyounotgoi
ngbackt
o
work"Ipushedhim of
ffur
iousl
y

Me:"weshall
see.I
'm notyourt
hingthaty
ou
contr
olmpi
lonhl
e"Iwalkedouttheroom
bangi
ngthedoor

[
03/
20,
20:
00]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t61

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Lonhl
e:"
don'
tyoudar
ewal
kawayf
rom me
whil
eI'
m st
il
ltal
ki
ngtoy
ouAmi
l
e!!
"He
scr
eamedfoll
owingme

Me:"don'
tyoudareshoutatmeMpi l
onhleIam
notyourchi
ldAyaisasl
eepinhernurser
yifyou
wantsomeonetoshoutat"

Lonhl
e:"
justst
opwal
ki
ng!
!"Hegr
abbedmyar
m

Me:"
don'
ttouchmeli
ket
hatLonhl
e!!
"Sf
undo
cameoutofhisr
oom

Sfundo:
"letgoofherLonhl
e"hequi
ckl
yletgo
ofmyarm

Lonhl
e:"
itwasn'
tmyi
ntent
iont
ohol
dhert
hat
hard"
Me: "
ifyouevertouchmel i
kethatLonhley ou
willr
egrett
hatIpromi seyou"Ileftthem
standingbythepassagewi thSf undoasking
Lonhlewhatiswr ong" God!
!"Iscreamedgoi ng
downt hestair
case.Iwentst r
aightunderground
tothegarageaf t
ergrabbingthekey sfr
om t he
offi
ce.Igotinthecaranddr oveof ftoKate'
s
house.

Aft
erspendingf
ewhourswit
hKateIwentback
home.IfoundLonhl
ewatchi
ngt
vwithAyaon
hi
sstomach
Me:"himyangel
"Ipi
ckedherup"
himommy'
s
angel
"Iki
ssedherwetl
ips"
mommyl ov
esy
ou
somuch"

Lonhl
e:"
nowwhywouldyouwantt
ogobackt
o
worki
nsteadofwat
chi
nghergr
owup"
Me:"
Icandoitbot
hwomenhav
ebeendoi
ngi
t
f
ordecades"

Lonhl
e:"
womeni
nmyf
ami
l
ydon'
t"

Me:
"Iam notaMkhi
ze"

Lonhl
e:"
youar
e"

Me:
"wenotmar
ri
edLonhl
eyouj
ustpai
dlobol
a"

Lonhl
e:"
becausey
ouwon'
tmar
ryme!
"

Me:"y
ouwi l
lscareher.Thi
sisexactl
ywhyI
won'
tmar r
yyou, becauseyouwanttocontr
ol
me.I'
m notathingthatyoucancontr
olLonhleI
am ahumanwi thgoalsanddesi
res.Ispent
foury
ear si
nv ar
sit
ystudy
ingsoIcando
somethingIloveandIam notl
ett
ingy
outakei
t
awayfrom me"

Lonhl
e:"Iwon'tf
orceyouAmi l
eIcoul dfuckyou
i
ntosubmi t
ti
ngbutIwon't.Ifyouwanttogo
backtoGautengIwon'tstandiny ourwayjust
knowthatmydaught eri
sn'tgoinganywhere"

Me:
"whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
"

Lonhl
e:"
justt
hat
"

Me:
"Iwon'
tl
eav
emydaught
erbehi
nd"

Lonhl
e:"AyabongaAphr
odi
teMkhizewil
lst
ay
wit
hherf at
her,shei
saMkhizeaf
teral
lsi
nce
younot"
Me:
"that
'snotf
air
"

Lonhl
e:"
Iam sayi
nggoAmi
l
e!!
"Ay
alookedat
hi
m andstar
tedcryi
ng

Me:"y
ouseewhatyoujustdi
d!"Igav
eAy
aher
bot
tl
ejustasSnegoti
n

Sne:"don'tf
ighti
nfrontofthechi
ld"shet
ook
her"Lonhleyouknowbet t
er.You'
veneverseen
yourfatherandIfi
ght"shewalkedout

Me: "
Lonhl
e"Iwhisper
edindef
eat"
youcan'
t
expectmetoleaveAyabehi
ndandyouusual
ly
outofthecount
ry"

Lonhl
e:"
Iam say
inggoAmi
l
eisn'
tthatwhat
y
ouwant
ed,
togo?
"

Me:
"yesbutnotl
i
ket
his"

Lonhl
e:"mmh"hechangedi
ntosoccerand
rai
sedthevol
ume

Me:"GodIhat
eitwheny
oul
i
ket
his!
"Iwal
ked
outt
hetvroom. 
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Enzoknockedunti
lIf
ell
asleeptheprev
ious
ni
ght.Iwokeupinthemorningandwenttotake
ashower.Aft
ershoweri
ngIgotdressedin
sweat
pantsandahoodyt
henhadl
unchbef
ore
l
eavi
ngforcl
asses.

AfterattendingIwentbackt oresandt ookmy

phonef rom mybagwher eIhadl ef
titinthe
mor ning.Ihadsomanymi ssescalledf r
om
EnzoandKev i
n.Il ef
tmyphoneont hebedand
startedmaki ngmy sel
fasubsandwi chthenate
whi l
elookingov ermybooks.Iwasdoi ngmy
fi
nal semest erthenIwoul ddoani nternshi
psoI
couldgr aduatet hefoll
owingyear.LuckilyIhad
abur saryfrom transnetsoIalreadyhadan
i
nt er
nshipandaj obli
nedup.Mydooropened
asIwasf ini
shingmyl unchandEnzowal kedin,
hei mmedi atel
yf il
ledupmysmal lr
oom.
Enzo:
"Sbahl
e"

Me:
"leav
e.Getoutofmyr
oom"
Enzo:"whyareyoudoingt
hisSbahl
e?You
wouldn'topenl
astni
ghtandI'
vebeencal
l
ing
you"

Me:
"onewoul
dthi
nky
ouwoul
dgett
hepi
ctur
e"

Enzo:"
whatdi
dthatwhit
eboydot
oyou?You
werecryi
ngl
astni
ght"

Me:"
hedi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngKev
ini
sper
fecthe
woul
dnev
erhur
tme"

Enzo:
"thenwhywer
eyoucr
ying?
"

Me:"
itnoneofyourbusi
nessEnzo"myphone
r
angcutti
nghim of
fashewasabouttospeak
"
daddy"
Daddy:"
sweethear
tI'
vesentanuberf
oryoui
t
al
readydownstai
rsi
twil
lbri
ngyouheret
othe
hospi
tal
"Ist
oodup

Me:
"why
,what
'swr
ong?
"

Daddy
:"j
ustcomeher
e"

Me:
"daddyt
alkt
ome"

Daddy
:"Il
ovey
ousomuchSbahl
e"hi
svoi
ce
br
oke

Me:
"daddy
"

Dad:
"come"hehungup
Me:"Ihav
etogo"Igrabbedmykeysandwalked
out"
getoutEnzo!
!!
"Hequickl
ygotoutandI
l
ockedthedoor

Enzo:
"what
'swr
onghoney
?"

Me:"
Idon'
tknow"Idi
dn'
twai
tfort
heel
evat
or
j
ustt
ookthestai
rs

Enzo:
"wher
eyour
ushi
ngt
o?"

Me:
"dad'
swor
k"

Enzo:
"hospi
tal
?"Inodded"
I'
ll
gowi
thy
ou"

Me:
"uberi
sal
readyher
e"
Enzo:
"tel
lyoudadt
ocancel
it"

Me:"
justl
eavemealoneEnzo"Ibi
ttheinsi
deof
mycheekstokeepmysel
ffrom cr
ying

Enzo:"Iwon'
tSbahl
egetoveri
t"hepull
edmeto
hiscaranddroveoffi
naspeed.Isentdada
textt
ocanceltheuber"i
ssomeonesick?"

Me:"noever
yonewasf
inewhenIl
efthome
yest
erday
"

Enzo:"ev
ery
thi
ngwil
lbefine.Ipromi
se"I
mov edawayashest
artedtobr ushmythi
gh
"sor
ry"

Me:
"mxm"Il
ookedoutt
hewi
ndow
Enzo:"
Iknowthi
sisn'
tthemostappr
opr
iate
ti
mebutIknowy ouwon'tl
i
stent
omeunl ess
youfor
cedli
keri
ghtnow"

Me:
"justt
alkEnzo"

Enzo:"Iloveyou"heclear
edhi sthroat"I'
vebeen
afool Sbahle,
ahugef oolinfact
.Ishoul dn'
t
havetriedtoprotectyoubyleavi
ngy outhat
wasmybi ggestmistake,
Ishouldhav ekeptyou
asmi neandt ri
edprotect
ingwhiley oumi ne.
Shit
.Idon'tknowi fwhatI'
m sayingmakes
senseornot "

Me:
"itdoesn'
t
"

Enzo:"y
ouknowhowmyl if
ei s.I
'
vebeen
fol
lowedbythemediaf
rom thetimeIwasbor
n
andthatint
ensi
fi
edasIst
artedplay
ing
prof essional soccer .Themedi acanber ut hl
ess
Sbahl eandIt houghtact uall
yIknewy ou
woul dn'tbeabl et odeal withitwhi chuswhyI
nev erwentpubl icwi thourr el
ationshipandI
starteddat ingMel odysoIcankeept hem of f
yourscent .IthoughtIwaspr otect i
ngy ouhoney .
Isawwhatt hemedi adidt ouncl esimphi we' s
wife, shewasj ustl ikey ou.Thepeopl ehat ed
herbadbul l
iedherbecauseshegotmar riedto
themant heirwant edandt heyf eltshedi dn't
deser vehimj ustbecauseshewasdi f
f er
ent .I
didn'twantt hatf ory ouhel lIstil
ldon'twantt hat
fory oubutIcan' tnotbewi thy ouany mor ei t
kil
lingmehoney .I'
llfindawayt okeepour
relationshippr ivatewi t
houtkeepi ngyoua
secr et"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouwantmet
osayt
o
t
hat
"hesighed
Enzo:
"tell
mey ouwi
l
lgi
vemeachance,
thatwe
cansti
l
l work"

Me:"Idon'
thaveanymor
echancest
ogiv
ey ou
Enzo.I
'm wi
thKevi
nandIlov
ehim,I
'
m sorr
y"

Enzo:"Sbahl
epleaseI'
lldowhatev
erittakest
o
fi
xthis,tof
ixusjustgi
vemeachance.Weso
goodt oget
herandwel oveeachother
"Igotout
ofthecarashepar kedandrushedintodad's
off
ice

Me:"daddy"Iopenedt
hedoorwi
del
ybuthe
wasn'ti
ntheresoIcal
ledhi
m

Dad:
"Sbahl
e"

Me:
"wher
ear
eyou?I
'
miny
ourof
fi
ce"
Dad:
"comet
othesur
gical
war
dG2"

Me:"
okay"Iwentoutandmeetupwi thEnzoas
hewaslooki
ngformel, f
ewpeoplewere
st
art
ingathi
m someev entaki
ngpict
ures

Enzo:"
what?"Ishookmyheadandstar
ted
walki
ng,hetookmyhandandfol
lowedme.I
founddadinthewardandmom lay
ingonthe
bed

Me:
"mommy
"Ir
ushedt
ohersi
de

Mom:"
don'
tcryI
'
mfi
ne"shewi
pedmyt
ear
sas
t
heydr
opped

Me:
"what
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Mom:"nowhat
'sgoingon?"Shepoi
ntedto
Enzowhowaslooki
ngdownasdadst aredat
hi
m wit
hhi
seyesblazing

Dad:"whatt
hefuckishedoinghere?"Dad
roar
ed,Ihadneverseendadthatangry

Enzo:"
MrGwalaIam Enzokuhl
eMkhi
zea
fr
iendofSbahl
e"

Dad:
"Iaskedy
ouwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eboy
?"

Enzo:"Iam her
ebecauseIam madlyi
nlove
wit
hy ourdaughtersi
r"mom smi
ledbr
ight
lybut
i
tquicklytur
nedintoagaspasdadpunched
Enzohar donhisface.
 
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Todaywast hedayt hatSbani wasmeet i

ng
Saneleforthef i
rsttime.SafetosayIwas
shi
tti
ngmypant s, SbanilookedlikeSanel eandI
couldonlyhopehedi dn'tmaket heconnect i
on
betweenthem becauseIwasnotr eadyforthat
.
Iwentdownst ai
rswi t
hSi miont hesi deofmy
waistshekeptpl ay i
ngwi thmyhai rand
squeali
ngatwhat ever.Igotintheki t
chenand
checkedont hefoodbef oregoingt othelounge
whereSbani andVumi lewer ewat chingsoccer
hi
ghlight
s
Vumil
e:"
hel
lodada'
sangel
"het
ookSi
mi"
has
sheeat
enbaby"

Me:
"yes"Isatdownnextt
ohi
m
Vumil
e:"
don'tbenerv
ous"heki
ssedmyneck
sucki
ngonitli
ght
lyandIshi
ver
ed

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Vumi
l
e:"
Ilov
eyou"t
hei
nter
com r
ang

Sbani
:"Igoti
t"hest
oodupbutVumi
l
epul
l
ed
hi
m down

Vumil
e:"Igoti
t"hegav
emeSi
miandwentout
thel
ounge

Sbani
:"ar
ewehav
ingv
isi
tor
smom?
"

Me:
"yes.Yourf
ather
'sdi
stancecousi
nhej
ust
mov edt
oDur
ban"henoddedchangi
ngt
he
channel

Sbani
:"wegoi
ngt
oeatsoon?
"

Me:
"Sbani
youj
usthadasnack"

Sbani:
"youknowI'
m al
wayshungr
yand
whateveryouwer
ecookingsmel
tsoni
ce"Ij
ust
l
aughed

Me:"wegoi
ngtoeatsoon"Vumi
l
egoti
nwi
th
Sanel
ewhogreet
ed

Vumil
e:"Sbani
comegreety
ouruncl
eSanel
e"
Sbani
stoodupandshookSanel
e'
shand
Sbani
:"hel
l
o"

Sanel
e:"
hel
..
"Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat"
hel
l
o"

Sbani:
"mom cal
lmewheni
tti
mef
orl
unch"he
walkedout

Vumi
l
e:"
Sbani
"

Sbani
:"baba"hecamebacki
n

Vumil
e:"
don'
tyouwantt
ogett
oknowy
our
uncl
e"

Sbani
:"nonotr
eal
lybaba.I
'dl
i
ket
ogot
othe
gameroom ift
hat
'sokay?"
Vumil
e:"
go,uncl
eSanel
eandIwi
ll
joi
ninaf
ew"
Sbani
shruggedhi
sshoul
der
sandl
eft

Sanele:
"heissuchabeauti
ful
youngman"Simi
st
artedcryi
ngforherdadandVumil
etookher

Me:
"excuseme"Iki
ssedVumi
l
eshor
tl
y"I
'
llbe
i
nmyroom"

Vumi
l
e:"
okaybaby
"

Wewer ei
nthetvr
oom wat
chi
ngamov
ieaf
ter
Sanel
ehadlef
t.
Vumi
l
e:"
youwer
equi
ett
hewhol
eti
meSbani
"

Me:
"Inot
iceddur
ingl
unch"
Sbani
:"Idon'
tknow"heshruggedhisshoul
ders
"noof
fensebababutIdon'tli
keyourcousi
nI
j
ustgetabadv i
befrom him.Nextti
meplease
don'
tforcemetohangar oundhim"

Me:"
oh"Vumi
lesmi
ledsof
tl
ybutqui
ckl
ywiped
hi
ssmil
ewhenhesawthatIwasl
ooki
ngathim
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwasi nt hecargoinghomeafterbeing
discharged, IhadmyheadonSi mpiwe'
slapas
hekeptpl ay
ingwithmyhairdr
awi ngpatt
erns
onmyhead.Icoul dn'
tst
opthi
nkingaboutwhat
thedoct orssaidaboutmeneverbeingableto
carryababy .Mywombwasdamagedbutmy
eggswer est i
l
lfi
ne.AsmuchasSi mpiwe
assuredmethatitdi
dn'
tmattertomei tdi
d.As
stupi
dasitmightsoundbutIfel
tlessofa
womanbecauseofi t
.Simpi
weandIst ill
wantedmorechil
drenandthethoughtofnot
beingabl
etocarrymyownchi l
drenkil
l
edme.

Simpiwe:
"myl
ovest
opcr
ying"hepul
l
edmeup
tostr
addl
ehi
m

Me:
"I'
m notcr
ying"hesmi
l
ed

Si
mpiwe:
"Ilov
ey ouasyouareandt
her
ear
e
manyopt
ionsavail
abl
eforus"

Me:"yousay
ingthatbecauseyoudon'tknow
howamazingiti
st ofeel
yourchi
ldgrowi nsi
de
you"
Si
mpi
we:
"wehav
efi
vebeaut
if
uldaught
ers"

Me:
"let
'snott
alkabouti
t"

Si
mpiwe:"
okay"heki
ssedmyf or
eheadandI
pr
essedmyfaceonhischest

Whenwegothomeev eryonewasther e,
Iwent
aroundhuggi
ngeveryonebeforesi
tti
ngdown
outsi
dewhereevery
onewas.Si mpiwewentt o
j
oinmybr ot
hersandhisbrother
sbyt hespeed
braai
 
Papa:
"yougoodpr
incess?
"hegavemeasi
de
pl
atewit
hmeatbal
l
sandmi ni
bur
ger
s

Me:"yespapathankyou"Bell
ascr
eamed
j
umpingintothepoolandSimpiweclappedhi
s
handscheeri
ngforherthatsi
ghtj
ustbrokemy
heartfur
ther
.Iwantedtoexperi
encepr
egnancy
withSimpiwe,Iwantedustorai
seourchi
l
dren
together
,chi
ldrent
hatIgavebir
thto

Papa:
"doyoureal
l
yhav
etoleav
esosoon?
"We
weremovi
nginaweek'
sti
me

Me:"wewanttoandSimpi
wehasal r
eady
missedsomuchworkandcontractr
enewals
wi
llbehappeni
ngsoon.Heneedstoprovehi
s
worth"

Papa:"
I'
m wor
ri
ed,hei
sgoingt
obebusyand
youneedsomeonetowat
chovery
ou"

Me:"I
'
mleavi
ngwit
hZi nhl
eandanannyf
ort
he
gi
rl
s.Wewil
lhir
eacleanerwhenwegett
hat
si
de"
Papa:
"wel
lweal
lgoi
ngt
omi
ssy
ousobad"

Me:
"I'
l
lbehomeof
ten"heki
ssedmycheek

Papa:
"youknowIl
ovey
our
ight
?"

Me:
"IknowpapaandIl
ovey
out
oo"

Papa:
"good"mom camet
oussmi
l
ing

Mom:
"whaty
out
wogossi
pingabout
?"

Us:
"you"papaandIl
aughed 
.
#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Ihel
dmydaught
ert
ight
lyasIt
ri
edmyhar
dest
tonotcr
y 
Lonhl
e:"
yougoi
ngt
omi
ssy
ourf
li
ght
"

Me:
"I'
l
lmi
sshersomuch"

Lonhle:
"whataboutme?
"Hewrappedhi
sar
ms
aroundus"Il
oveyouAmile"

Me:"
IloveyouMpi l
onhl
e"weki
ssedthenhe
t
ookAy a"I
'
llseeyouguysonFr
idayaft
ernoon"I
wasgoingbacktowor k

Lonhl
e:"
yesbaby
"weki
ssedagai
n
Me:"by
e"thelastcal
lformyf
li
ghtwascal
l
ed
"
bye"mytearsdropped

Lonhl
e:"
don'tcr
ybaby
"heki
ssedmyhead"we
wil
lbeherewhenyoucomebacki
nFr
idaygo
doyou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
oubot
h"Iwal
kedawaywi
pingmy
t
ear
s
[
03/
20,
20:
00]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t62

2y
ear
slat
er
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Li
sa:
"si
sSiphoset
hu"It
urnedf
rom t
heoven
andf
acedherasshewasgetti
ngi
nt heki
tchen

Me:
"yeshun"

Li
sa:"ur
yt?
"Shetookacanofcokef
rom t
he
fr
idgeandsati
nthehi
ghstool

Me:
"yeahI
'
m good.Howwasschool
?"

Li
sa:
"itwasgood.Wehav
ethesummerdance
comi
ngup"

Me:
"ooh!Doy
ouhav
eadat
e?"Shegi
ggl
ed
showi
ngherdi
mpl
es

Li
sa:
"noty
etbutIhav
efewpeopl
easki
ngme"

Me:"
doy ouwantustolookf
ory
ourdr
essor
youwantitdesi
gned?
"

Li
sa:
"desi
gned,
I'
ll
cal
launt
yAphe"

Me:
"okayhunl
etmeknowi
fIcanhel
p"

Li
sa:
"thegi
rl
sbackf
rom bal
l
et?
"

Me:"notyet
.Yourfat
heri
sgoingt
opi
ckt
hem
up"Itookoutatr
ayofcooki
es

Li
sa:
"chocol
atechi
pyeeep"
Me:"becar
eful
sti
l
lhot
"shet
ookoneand
ki
ssedmycheek

Li
sa:"l
ovey
ou"shet
ookherbagandl
eftt
he
ki
tchen

Mylit
tl
egi
rl
sgoti
nasIwascl
eani
ngupi
nthe
ki
tchen
Bel
l
a:"
mommy
!!
"

Me:
"hi
myangel
"Ipi
ckedherup

Si
mpi
we:
"hi
baby
"heki
ssedme

Me:
"howwasbal
l
et?
"
Sky
:"bor
ing"sher
oll
edherey
es

Jaz:
"shef
oughtwi
thNacyagai
n"

Me:
"agai
n?"

Sky:"
shest
art
edi
tmommy
"shest
ompedher
feet

Me:"y
oudon'tst
ompy
ourf
eetatmeonmy
f
looryoungl
ady"

Sky
:"sor
rymommy
"

Ley
la:
" Bel
laandskywer
ehi
tt
ingNacyt
henMs
Mozartshoutedatt
hem"
Me:
"Bel
l
a?"

Bel
la:
"butNacywashi
tt
ingmysi
stermommy "
shepoutedwhi
chmadeSimpi
welaughli
ght
ly

Me:
"guy
sdon'
tfi
ghtpl
ease"

Bell
a:"ha.
amommyi fsomeonest
art
swit
hus
wewi l
lhitt
hem gr
andpasai
dwemustnotlet
peoplebull
yus"

Me:
"whosai
dthat
"

Jaz:
"gr
andpaLi
am"

Me:
"gochangeandcomebackf
orasnack"
Ley
la:
"cooki
es?
"

Me:"
yesandababycarr
otswi
thmil
k"t
hey
r
ushedout"
theywi
l
lkil
lmebefor
emytime"

Si
mpi we:"
theyprotecteachothert
hat'
sgood"I
wrappedmyar msar oundhiswaistandlooked
upathim ashewasl ooki
ngdownatmewi tha
dazzl
ingsmile"
hi beauti
ful
"mycheeksheat ed
up

Me:
"hi
sexy
"hewi
nki
ng

Si
mpi
we:
"hav
eyougi
veni
tanyt
hought
?"

Me:"I
'
m notcomfor
tabl
ewi
thhav
ingsomeone
car
rymybabySimpiwe"
Simpiwe:"
thati
swhywewi
l
lgof
orpr
e
counsel
li
ng"

Me:
"your
eal
l
ywantt
his?
"Hegav
emeanod

Simpiwe: "
IwasveryyoungwhenIhad
l
isakhanyaIdidn'
tgettowat chhergrowupand
hermot herandIwerebroke"hesighed"Ijust
wanttohav eachil
dthatI'
llgettoseegrowing
upfrom beingnewbornt obeingtoddler
"

Me:
"bu.
."t
hei
nter
com r
ang

Si
mpi
we:
"youexpect
ingsomeone?
"

Me:
"no"Iwal
kedt
oit"
itJr
"
Si
mpi
we:
"what
?"

Me:
"heybhuti
na"Iopenedt
hegat
ethenwent
t
owaitout
sideforhi
m.Hegotoutoft
hecar

Sj
:"hi
sissy
"wehugged

Me:
"whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
mey
ouwer
ecomi
ng?
"

Sj:
"di
dn'tpl
antocomeandIlef
thomei
nsucha
hurr
yIleftmyphoneathome"

Me:"y
ouokay?
"Heshookhisheadhisey
es
f
il
li
ngupwit
htear
s"come"Itookhi
shandand
wewent

Si
mpi
we:
"hey
"
Me:
"babypleasegetmemet
ogi
vet
hegi
rl
s
t
hei
rsnacks"

Simpiwe:
"oh.
.Okay
"Ipul
l
edSj
upt
otheguest
room

Me:"
tal
ktome"wesatont
hecouchsnuggl
i
ng
t
oget
her

Sj:"dadthr
ewaf i
t"hesni
ffedholdi
ngme
ti
ght er"
hewouldhavebeatenmeupi fitwasn't
formom andLonhl e,
I'
veneverseenhimt hat
angr ysi
ssy.Ir
anasfastasIcouldhewant edto
kil
lme"heshookhi shead"Iwassoscar ed
sissyheisgoingt
oki l
lmewhenhef i
ndsme"

Me:
"yout
oldhi
m?It
houghtweagr
eedt
hatwe
wouldt
ell
himt
oget
hersoIcoul
dkeephi
m
cal
m"

Sj:"
Ididn'
ttel
l hi
m,hefoundout.Amagazine
foundoutsomepapar azzisol
dpictur
esofme
andmyboy fr
iendbutdadfoundoutandmade
surethestorydoesn'
tgetpri
nted"

Me:
"ohSj
"

Sj:"t
henhecamehomeandf oundmewat chi
ng
tvwi t
hmom.Ev er
ythingwentdownhi llfr
om
there.Hedi sownedmesi ssy,hesaidhedi dn't
rai
seaf aggotthatnosonofhi swill
laydown
foranot herman"Ibr ushedhi sbackashel et
outal oudsob" hesai dheregr et
snami ngme
afterhim, t
hatIwasadi sgrace.Whywoul dhe
sayal lofthi
ssissy?!Ididn'
tchooset obel ike
thi
s, t
hisisn'tachoiceit'
smyl i
feanditisnot
okayf
orhi
mtosayt
hosehur
tful
thi
ngst
ome"

Me:"
Iam sosorr
ybhut
ina.Iwil
lcal
lhi
m and
gi
vehi
m apieceofmymi ndyouwil
lsee"

Sj
:"noyouj
ustgoi
ngt
omakei
twor
se.Just
l
eaveitasi
tis"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ouokay
?"

Sj
:"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Me:"r
estbef
orethegi
rl
sseey oubecausey
ou
knowtheywon'
tl
etyourestoncetheyseeyou"

Sj
:"Ineedaphone"
Me:"t
ocall
yourboooyf
riend"hebl
ushedandI
l
aughedathim"whoisthisguyany
way "

Sj
:"nobodyy
ouknowsi
ssy
"

Me:"okayI
'l
lsendthedri
vertogobuyy
oua
phone"Iki
ssedhischeek"sl
eep"

Sj
:"okay
"Il
eftt
her
oom boi
l
ingi
nanger

Simpiwe:"comehere"Iwalkedi
ntohi
sarms
andburiedmyf aceonhischest"
Icanfeel
angerradi
atingoutofyou"

Me:"
itdaddy.Het
hrewafi
tanddi
sownedSj
whenhefoundouthewasgay"
Si
mpi
we:
"ohshi
t"

Me:
"howdar
eheSi
mpi
we!
!"

Si
mpi
we:
"hewaspr
obabl
yinshockbabygi
ve
hi
mti
me"

Me:"
nohehasnor
ightt
otr
eatmyl
i
ttl
ebr
other
l
iket
hat
"

Si
mpi we:"t
oacert
aindegr
eeIunder
standwhy
hereactedli
ket
hat"

Me:
"excuseme"

Simpi
we:"don'
tbeupsetSi
phoset
huI'
mj ust
sayi
ng.Havi
ngtofi
ndoutyoursonisgayatJr'
s
agecan'
tbeeasy
"

Me:
"int
hiscent
ury
!"

Simpiwe:"
okayyougetti
ngmoreangry.I
'
m
sorrymylovef
orgetIsai
danyt
hingbutgive
Sfundosometime"hepeckedmylipsandleft
ourroom.Ical
leddad

Dad:
"pr
incess"

Me:
"howcoul
dyoudad?
"

Dad:
"ishet
her
e?"

Me:
"yes"
Dad:"
okay"heendedt
hecal
lIst
aredatmy
phoneindi
sbel
ief
 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Ipackedmyt hingsupinahurry,
Iwassol at
e.
Shootingranlatert
hanusualandLonhl
ewas
bri
ngingAy aovertodayf
ortheweekend.Ihad
mov edtocapet ownbecauseofamov i
eIwas
shooting.Someoneknockedont hemy
changingroom 
Me:"y
es!
!"Zwel
ethumyhusbandi
nthemov
ie
goti
n

Zwelet
hu:"
wegoingt
ogetdi
nnerandsome
dr
inksyoucomi
ng?"
Me:"can'
tmyexisbringi
ngmydaughterf
ort
he
weekendandI'
mlate.Come"wewalkedout
andIlockedt
hedoor

Zwel
ethu:
"wel
lseey
ouMonday
"

Me:"bye"IspeedoffassoonasIgotinmycar
dri
vi
ngof ft
ot hebeachhouseIwasrent
ingf
or
thefewmont hsIwasst ay
ingher
ebefor
ewe
mov etoournextlocat
ioninNewYork.

IfoundLonhleandAyaalreadywaiti
ngforme.
LonhlegotoutofthecarasIparked.Iwentt
o
them andAyajumpedwhi l
einherdad'sarms 
Aya:"
mamam mamam"It
ookherwi
thahuge
smil
einmyf
ace
Me:
"hi
myangel
"Iki
ssedherpout
ywetl
i
ps

Ay
a:"
eyomama"

Me:
"ey
obaby
"

Ay
a:"
api
ya"shegi
ggl
edl
oudl
ycl
osi
ngherey
es

Me:
"youl
ooksopr
ett
ymyangel
"

Aya:
"pwettymamam"hepoi
ntedt
oLonhle
"
daddy"Lonhl
esmil
edandki
ssedherf
orehead

Me:
"hi
mpi
l
onhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
youl
ate"
Me: "IknowI'm sor
ry"LonhleandItried
maint ai
ningourrel
ati
onshi pbutwit
hmebei ng
basedi nJhbandhi mt r
av el
ingal
loverwej ust
couldn'tmakethetimei tdidn'
teventakeay ear
forust obreakup.Ayast ayswithSne.AndIget
herev eryweekendthatIam notwor king.

Lonhl
e:"
nkosazanahaveagoodweekendwith
mamaokay ?I
'l
lseeyouSundaydaddyl
oves
yousomuch"

Ay
a:"
ovudaddy
"shebl
ewhi
m aki
ss

Me:
"youi
nahur
ry?Hav
esomet
hingt
odr
ink"

Lonhl
e:"
can'
tIhavepl
ansandI
'
m al
ready
runni
ngali
tt
lel
ate"
Me:
"her
e?"

Lonhl
e:"
yeah"

Me:
"okaywel
lwe'
l
lseey
ouSunday
"

Lonhl
e:"
congr
atul
ati
onsonyournominat
ion,
you'
vebeenworki
nghardy
oudeserveit
"

Me:"t
hanky
ou,
theawardsar
enextweekendI
hav
eanextr
ati
cketi
fyouwouldl
i
ketocome"

Lonhl
e:"r
eminddur
ingtheweek"heki
ssedmy
cheekandgotinhi
scarhehootedbef
ore
dri
vi
ngoff
Me:
"justy
ouandImyangel
"

Aya:"
ovumamam"shehel
dmycheeksand
ki
ssedme

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oonkosazanakadaddy
" 
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Iwokeupf eel
i
ngwarm act
ual
l
ytoowar
m.I
st
ir
redalit
tlet
henopenedmyeyes,
mybody
waspressedonKevin'
s

Me:
"babyl
etgo"hest
ir
redandl
etgo
Kev
in:
"goodmor
ningbaby
"heki
ssedmyhead

Me:"I
'
m gonnashowerandgetreadyforwork"
hegavemeaslynaughtysmileandgotontop
ofmehismorni
ngerecti
ondiggi
nginmyt hi
gh
"y
ougongtomakemel ate"

Kevi
n:"y
ouwakeupear l
ythenwakemeupso
wecanmakef riendsbef
orewegot owor
k"I
gi
ggledpressi
ngmycor eonhim"mmh"he
ki
ssedmedeepl y

Aftermaki nglovewebothtookashowerand
gotr eadyforwor kbef
oregoi
ngtothekit
chen
forbr eakf
astthenwebot hwal
kedoutgoingto
ourdi ff
erentcarsheworkedateskom whi
leI
wor kedatt r
ansnetbutwewerebothinDurban.
Kevi
n:"Il
ovey
ou"heki
ssedmyengagement
ri
ngthenmyli
ps
Me:"l
ovey
outoo"Igoti
nthenhecl
osedt
he
doorf
orme.

Duringlunchatwor kLexicall
edmeIhuf f
ed
beforeanswering.Thewomanst i
llhatedme
butshehadnochoi cebuttoacceptmewhen
Kevintoldherthathewoul dstoptalki
ngtoher
andnev ergohomei fshedidn'
tchangeher
att
itudetowardsme
Me:
"hel
l
o"

Lexi
:"youhaven'
ttol
dmewhatcolouryouwant
fort
heengagementpart
ysincey
out ol
dKevi
n
youdidn'
tli
keall
thecol
our
sIchoose"

Me:
"I'
m atwor
kLexi
"
Lexi
:"j
ustt
ell
mey ouchi
ldthepart
yistwo
weeksawayIneedtogetthedecorcov
ered"

Me:"
Idon'
tknowIl
ikedar
kcol
our
smay
be
bl
ackwit
hatouchofgol
d"

Lexi:
"Idon'
tevenknowwhyy ouwantt
ogive
yourinputwebothknowy ouhavenosenseof
fashi
onwhatsoever"shedroppedt
hecall

Me:"givemepat ienceandf aithdearGod"I

conti
nuedbr owsingoni nstagram that'
swhenI
sawapi ctureofEnzoandhi sgirl
fri
end
Zenandet heyr eall
ylookedgoodt ogether
they
'vebeent ogetherf orov erayear.Afterthat
dayatthehospi t
al Enzocont i
nuedbeggi ngf or
ustofixt hingsbutaf terfewmont hshegav eas
henoticedt hatIreallywasn' tint
erested
anymor e.Hewaswi thdifferentgirl
sfrom then
untilhemetZenande.Ismi ledwidelyasIsawa
pictureKevinhadpost edofusl astnightwhen
wewentonourdat e.Iwaswear i
nganav ytight
fi
tti
ngdr esswithlongsleev eandjustabov ethe
kneesandheel s,Iwassl owlylearni
ngt obe
conf i
dentwithmybodyandi twasallKevin'
s
doing.Ili
kedthepi ct
ureev enthoughi tal
ready
hadsomanyl ikes,Kevinhadl otoffoll
owershe
wassuchasoci albutterf
ly.Iwentoutof
i
nstagr am andsenthim at ext

*
Ilov
eyoumyf
utur
e* 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

It
ri
edsneaki
ngoutbutshehadal
readyseen
me.Sheputherhandsonherwai
standrai
sed
herey
ebr
ow
Si
mi:"wher
eareyougoi
ngwithoutme
mommy ?"Isi
ghedandl
ookedatVumi l
ewho
wasstandi
ngbehi
ndherbuthejustsmil
edwi
th
arai
sedeyebr
owaswell

Vumi
l
e:"
askherwenama'
Ngcobo"

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
owor
k"

Si
mi:
"itSat
urday
"

Me:
"tobuygr
ocer
y?"I
tcameof
fasaquest
ion

Si
mi:
"I'
m comi
ng"

Me:
"buty
ouhat
egr
ocer
yshoppi
ng"
Si
mi:
"butIwantt
ocome!
"

Me: "
fi
negot
akey
ourj
uicebot
tl
efr
om t
he
ki
tchen"

Si
mi:
"yougoi
ngt
oleav
eme?
"

Me:
"noIwon'
t"

Si
mi:
"daddyhol
dherokay
?"

Vumi
l
e:"
okay
"

Si
mi:
"good"sher
ant
otheki
tchen
Vumi
l
e:"
wher
eyougoi
ng?
"

Me:"j
usttobuyf
ewthi
ngsatWoolwor
thsI
wanttomakeanicedi
nnersi
ncey
ourparent
s
ar
ecomi ng"

Vumil
e:"Iknowy oul
yi
ngbecausewewent
gr
oceryshoppingyest
erdaybutokayMr
s
Ngcobo"hekissedme

Si
mi:"eeewusiesdaddy
!!
"Wepul l
edapar
t
l
aughi
ngandIcar r
iedSi
mi asVumilewal
kedus
out
.IstrappedSi
mi i
nhercarseatandwelef
t.

Simi:
"mommyarewegetti
nganinj
ect
ion?
"She
askedaswegoti
nthehospi
tal

Me:
"yes"
Simi:
"ha.amommyIdon'twantone.Don'
tl
et
thedoctori
njectmeokay
?"Ichuckl
ed

Me: "
okay"Iwasj
usti
nti
mef ormy
appoint
mentsoIwentst
rai
ghttot
hedoct
ors
off
ice

Dr:"MrsNgcoboandl it
tl
emsNgcobohav en'
t
seeny ousinceyouwerecomingoutofy our
mommy '
sstomachSimthandi
le"Si
mi r
aisedher
eyebrowandf oldedherarmsoverherchest
givi
ngt hedoctorasmirk

Si
mi:
"youknowme?Idon'
tknowy
ou"

Dr:"
wel
lIknewyoubef
orey
ouwer
eev
eni
n
yourmommy '
stummy"
Simi:
"mmh"shegavehi
m herjui
cebott
leand
tr
iedgett
ingont
hechai
ritt
ooksomet i
me
befor
eshesatdown"wedon'twantani
nject
ion
okay?"

Dr:
"ohmy,okay
"Isatdownshaki
ngmyhead
"
alli
swel
l
?"

Me:"It
hinkIhav
eanot
herheri
nme"t
hedoct
or
l
aughed

Dr
:"l
et'
ssee,
youknowwher
ethet
oil
eti
s"

Me:"
Idi
dthehomeoneandonewasposi
tiv
e
andt
heothernegat
ivesoIwanty
out
odr
aw
somebl
ood"
Dr
:"l
et'
sdot
heul
tr
asound"

Me:"
okay"Iwenttochangethenlai
dont hebed.
Wedidthetr
ansvaginal
ult
rasoundthenIhear
d
i
t,mybaby'
sheartbeat"
wow"

Dr
:"t
hatr
ighti
syourl
i
ttl
eSi
mi2.
0"

Me:
"myGod"
[
03/
20,
20:
01]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t63

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Me:
"sweet
ie"
Si
mi:
"yesmommy
"

Me:"
let
'snott
ell
daddyaboutwhatwedi
d
t
oday"

Si
mi:
"butweshoul
dn'
tl
iemommy
"

Me:
"your
ight
,for
getIsai
dany
thi
ng"

Si
mi:
"canwegeti
cecr
eam?
"

Me:"
okay"Idrov
epastMcDonal
d'
sboughther
i
cecream bef
oredr
ivi
nghome

Si
mi:
"daddy!!
"Shescreamedassoonaswegot
i
nandIjustsi
ghed"khulu!
!!
"Sher
antoMrs
Ngcobo

MrsN:"I
'mr
ighther
ema'Ngcoboy
oudon'
thav
e
shout
"shel
i
ftedherup"
hel
loSimi
"

Si
mi:
"hel
l
okhul
u.Wher
eisgr
andpa?
"

MrN:"ri
ghther
e"hewasget
ti
ngi
nwi
thVumi
l
e
andSbani

Si
mi:
"wewentt
othedoct
oran.
."

Me:
"Si
mi!
!"Shel
ookedatmeal
li
rr
it
ated

Si
mi:
"yesmommy
"

Me:
"don'
tyouwantwat
er?
"
Vumi
l
e:"
whatwer
eyoudoi
ngatt
hedoct
ors"

Si
mi:"t
hedoctorputasti
ckinmommy '
swiwi
.
Daddydidn'
tyousaynobodymusttouchour
wiwii
ftheydowemustt el
lyou"Ij
ustsi
ghed
Si
mi t
alkedtoomuch

Vumi
le:"
wannaexpl
ainNobunt
u?"Icoul
dtel
lhe
wasstar
ti
ngtoangr
y

MrsN:
"okayki
dscomeshowmey
ournew
gamer
oom"

Si
mi :
"oohkhakidaddyboughtmeanewdoll
house"theywentoutl
eavi
ngmewithVumil
e

Vumi
l
e:"
wel
l
?"
Me: "Ihaven'
tbeenfeel
i
ngsoIwentt othe
doctorturnsoutI'
m 14weekspregnant"he
staredatmef orfewsecondsbeforeIknewitI
wasi nhisarmsandhewasshout i
ngwhile
spinningaround

Vumil
e:"
fi
nal
l
y"heki
ssedmedeeply"
Iwas
st
arti
ngt
othi
nkthemedi
ci
nedi
dn'twork"he
ki
ssedmeagain"
wehavi
ngababy!!
"

Me:
"soy
ou'
vebeent
ryi
ng"

Vumil
e:"
foroverayearbaby
"wekissedagain"
I
wasstar
ti
ngtolosefait
h"weki
ssedagai
n
deepl
yunti
lhepressedmeonthewallmaking
memoan
Me: "
mmh"hemov edfr
om mylipstomyneck
sucki
ngonit"yes"hest
art
edgrindi
ngonme
"t
akemeupst air
snow"hechuckledandst
art
ed
walki
ngupstair
s

Mr
sNgcobogoti
ntheki
tchenasIwascooki
ng 
Mr
sN:
"Ihopey
out
ookabat
h"

Me:
"mah!Ofcour
seIt
ookabat
h"shegi
ggl
ed

MrsN:"Ihear
dy ou.Youshoul
dkeepitdown"I
cov
eredmyf acewithmyhandsgroaning

Me:
"sor
ry!Weget
ti
ngourr
oom soundpr
oof
"

Mr
sN:
"good.Whaty
oumaki
ng?
"
Me:
"por
kchops,gar
li
cbr
eadandsal
adswi
th
mal
vapuddi
ng"

MrsN:"mmhsoundsdel
i
cious.
Congr
atul
ati
ons 
ont
henewediti
on"

Me:"
thanky
oumah"shegavemeat
ighthug
t
hensatonthehi
ghchai
r 
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwatchedthegirl
shav i
ngbr eakf
astastheyhad
thei
rownconv ersat
ions,t
hel i
ttl
eones
absolut
elyadoredLisa.I
nt hei
reyesshecould
donowr ong.Iputmycof feecupdown 
Me:
"okaywegoi
ngt
orunl
ateev
ery
bodyup"
Them: "
okay"theyal lgotupt aki
ngtheirbags
andwalkedout sideandi ntothecaraftergiv
ing
memyki ss.Ast heydroveoutacardr ovein
j
ustbythenumberpl ateIknewi tbelongtothe
famil
yhotelsoi twaspr obablyoneofmy2nd
cousi
ns.Igroanedasi tstoppedinfrontofme
andIsawdadcomi ngout

Me:
"noway
!"

Dad:
"cal
m down"

Me:
"whaty
oudoi
ngher
e?"

Dad:
"mysonanddaught
erar
eher
e"

Me:"
ohnowheisyourson,di
dyounotdi
sown
hi
m?IfIr
emembercorr
ectl
yyousai
dyouregr
et
naminghi
m af
tery
ou"hesi
ghedr
ubbi
nghi
s
face

Dad:"pri
ncessplease.Ihaven'
tsleptsi
ncethat
dayandy ourmot heri
sn'tt
alki
ngtomeandshe
chasedmeoutoft hehouse.Ijustneedto
maket hi
ngsright"

Me:"whywoul dyousayallthosehurtf
ulwords
tohim?!Youknowhowhei s.Doy ouwanthim
cut
tinghimselfandacci
dentall
ycutti
nghis
vei
nsagain?Ifhehurtshi
msel fIwouldnever
for
giveyou"

Dad:"
lel
o"her
eachedf
ormyar
m butImov
ed
back

Me:"
heissti
llasleepcomei
nI'
l
l makeyou
br
eakf
ast"Iwalkedinwit
hhi
mf ol
lowi
ngme
"
cof
fee?
"

Dad:"pl
ease"Ipour
edhim acup"howishe
feel
i
ng?"Istart
edmixi
ngthepancakebatt
er
whil
edefrosti
ngbaconandcheesegri
l
ler
s

Me:
"hei
sdev
ast
ated,
real
l
yhur
tdaddy
"

Dad: "ImessedupbutIj usthadsomany

emot ionsgoi ngt hrought hatIdidn'
tthink.Sj
hasal way sbeenmypr eci
ouslit
tleboy ,Iknew
hewasn' tli
kehi sbr other '
sbutIjustwasn' t
expect i
nghi mt obehomosexual .Ishoul dhav e
reactedbet terbutI 'm al l
owedt ohav efeelings
ov erthisdamni t.Hadhecamecl eanwi thme
from thewor dgoi twoul dhav ebeenbet t
erI
woul dhav ehandl edi tbetterandgrewwi thitas
hedi d.Ishoul dn'thav ehadt ofi
ndoutl iket hi
s!
Byaf uckingar t
iclet hatev enhadpi ctur
esofmy
sonl ockinglipswit hamanwhoi sov er10
yearsol derthanhi m!Youwi l
l neverunder stand
howhur tanddi sappointedIf eltunt i
l ithappens
toy ouanddon' tgetmewr ongI 'm not
disappoi nt
edbyhi m bei nggayI '
m di sappoi nt
ed
byhi m nott r
ustingmeenought ot alkt ohim
whenhef i
rststart
edr eali
z i
ngt hathei s
attr
actedt ot hesamesex .I'
m hur tthatIhadt o
fi
ndoutt hatway .Hedoesn' tseemeashi sdad,
someonehecant alktohepr obabl yt hinksI'ma
monst er.Iraisesy ouallbet tert hant hat ,youall
knowt hatyoucant al
kt omeaboutany thi
ng
andev er yt
hing.Yessomet i
mesIov err eactbut
thatisonl ybecauseIl ov ey ouguy ssomuch
andIknowhowcr uelthewor ldcanbesoIj ust
wantt opr otectyouall"

Sj:"
I'
m sorrydad"webot hturnedandsawhim
standingbytheentrance,hi
sf acewetwit
h
tears"Ishoul
dhav etol
dy oulongtimeagoI'
m
sorry.IwasjustsoscaredandIdi dn'
twantt
o
di
sappoi
nty
ou.I
'
m al
readyknownastheweakI
di
dn'
twantt
oaddbei
nggayt othat
"

Me:
"younotweakSj
"

Dad:
"younotweakSj
"dadIspoket
hesame
t
ime

Sj:
"Iam weak.Iam emotionalandican't
handlepainofanysort
,Isufferf
rom cl
ini
cal
depressi
on.TotopitoffI
'm gay"hewasst ar
ted
tosobquietl
yanddad'sey eswereredfil
l
ed
wit
ht ear
s

Dad:"youareaMkhi zeyouar
enotweak!I ti
s
notinourbloodtobeweakSj.Nowy oumi ght
havesomei ssuesbutwhodoesn't
,Ihaveanger
i
ssuesi fi
twasn'tf
oryourmom for
cingmei nto
ther
apychancesar eI'
dbedead,
Inev erhada
mot her'sloveupunt i
lIwas14hel levendad
wasn' taroundemot ionallyuntilIwas14soy ou
cani magi nesomeoft hef uckedupemot i
onal
i
ssuesIhav e.Idon'tev erwantt oheary oucall
yourselfweakmay bewe' veallshelter
edyou
becausey outhebabyoft hef amilybutyouar e
notweakdamni t"hequi cklywipedhi stear
sas
theirdropped" I
'
m sosor ryJrIhat emy sel
ffor
howIr eachedallthosehur t
fulwordsIsaid"Sj
threwhi mselfatdadcr yi
ngl oudly"I
'm sosorry
Sfundo"

Sj
:"I'
m sor
rydaddy"Ilef
tthem al
oneinthe
ki
tchen.If
oundhubbyupwat chingfoot
ball
hi
ghli
ghtsinourbedroom

Si
mpi
we:
"mor
ningsexy
"

Me:
"mor
ninghandsome"Isatonhi
m
st
raddl
i
nghi
m"y
ousl
eptwel
l
?"

Si
mpiwe:"
wit
hyouinmyar
m,ofcour
se"we
ki
ssed"
I'
m st
arv
ing"

Me:"I
'
m notdonewi
thbreakf
ast
.DadandSj
are
hav
ingamomentinthekit
chen"

Si
mpiwe:"yourdadishere?
"Inodded"mmh"
Si
mpiweanddad' srel
ati
onshi
pwasn'tgood
ev
ersinceIgothij
ackedbuttheywer
ecivil
ar
oundeachot her

Me: "
hehastosortthi
ngsoutwit
hSj.Mom
chasedhi
m outofthehouse"hechuckl
ed

Si
mpiwe:"r
ememberwhenZukoandNobunt
u
weref
ight
ing?
"Welaughed
Me:"
poorZukohehadtoleav
etheirhousein
t
hemiddl
eoftheni
ghtandcouldn'
tfindaroom
i
nthehot
elsoheslepti
nthecar"

Si
mpi
we:
"hehadt
ost
ayatt
hebnbf
oraweek"

Me:
"ser
veshi
mri
ghtf
orcheat
ingonhi
swi
fe"

Simpi
we:
"especi
all
yaf
terbei
ngmar
ri
edf
ora
year
"

Me:
"soy
ousayi
ngitokaywheny
ou'
vebeen
mar
ri
edf
orl
onger?
"

Simpiwe:"ofcoursenot
"hepeckedmyli
ps"I
'
d
nevercheatony ou.I
'
m notaki
dsuff
eri
ngfr
om
hormones"
Me:
"good.Youl
eav
ingaf
terbr
eakf
ast
?"

Si
mpiwe:
"yesgott
rai
ningt
henl
unchwi
tht
he
boys"

Me:"Ial
sohav et
hatchari
tyl
unchatt he
hospi
talwitht
heotherwags"Igroanedrol
l
ing
myey es"Ihav
etoseeKellyandherbigboobs
andfakeass"helaughedpecki
ngmynose

Simpi
we:"notfor
get
ti
ngt
hef
akenoseand
cheekbones"

Me:
"yousuchagossi
per
!"

Simpi
we:
"Il
ear
nfr
om y
ou"hepi
nchedmy
cheek
Me:"
comegr
eety
ouri
nlawswhi
l
eIf
ini
shup
br
eakf
ast
"

Si
mpi
we:
"yesma'
am.Ineedl
otofeggs"

Me:
"lotofeggsy
oushal
lgetMrsoccerst
ar"
 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Iwasaner vouswreckasIwasget ti
ngr eadyin
myhot elr
oom.Asmymakeupguyf i
nishedup
withmymakeup, myassist
antbroughtoutmy
dressthatIhadauntyAphedesignIjustknew
thefashi
onpeopleweregoingtogocr azyov er
i
t. 
Akhona:
"iti
sabsol
utel
ybeaut
if
ulAmi
l
e"

Me: "
thanky oudarl
ing"theyhel pedmeouti ton
anditfi
ttedper f
ect
ly.Itwasar edgownwi t
ha
tr
ail
,thebackwasal lsheerbesidesbyt he
di
mpl eont opofmyassunt ilaf ewinches
downaf t
ermyassandar oundmybr eastof
course,i
thadl acet
her e.Iputonmynude
bl
oodyshoesasCar diBsay s.Myweav ewas
ti
edintoamessybunandmyf acewasbeat .I
putthediamondear ringsandneckl acewithit
s
bracel
etthatLonhlehadsentf ormeasagi f
t.

Stha:
"shoul
dIt agyouont
het
imel
apsv
ideoof
yougett
ingready?"

Me: "
yes"It
ookfewpict
uresandpost
edt
hem.
Sthawasdoingtouchuponmymakeupwhen
someoneknockedandgotin
Akhona:
"Lonhle!
!Shecoul
dhav
ebeennaked"
Lonhl
echuckled

Lonhle:"
ther
e'snothingIdon'tknowwheni t
comest othatwomanAkhona.Shei smy
daughter'
smot herandIpaidlobolaforher "I
rol
ledmyey esandt urnedtolookathi m onlyto
gaspIcouldnev ergetoverhowgoodLonhl e
l
ooksi nasuit.Hewaswear ingabl acktail
ored
suitwit
habl ackshir
tandar edt i
e"stop
drooli
ngmakaAy a"

Me:
"mxm"

St
ha:
"I'
m done"Ist
oodup

Lonhl
e:"
wel
ldangmakaAy
ayoul
ook
absolut
elybr
eat
htaki
ng"Ismi
l
edbl
ushi
nga
l
it
tle

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Akhona:
"youguysaresuchgoal
sthough!
"I
rol
l
edmyey estaki
ngasipfr
om mychampagne

St
ha:
"pi
ctur
es?
"

Lonhle:"
waitaminute"hetookhi
sphone
sendi
ngat extandaguywi thacamer
agotit"
I
gotyouaphot ogr
apher"Iki
ssedhi
scheek
squeali
ng

Me:"t
hankyou"t
heguytookafewr andom
pi
ctur
esofusthewhol
ewayt oicc
IheldLonhle'
shandsqueezingithar
dast he
categoryforactr
essoftheyearwasbeing
cal
led,Ihadalreadyl
ostthebestsupport
ing
actressaward.Iwenti
ntoshockal i
tt
leasthey
screamedmyname.Lonhl ehuggedme 
Lonhl
e:"
I'
m sopr
oudofy
ou"

Me: "i
treall
yme"henoddedaswepul l
edapar t
thenhel pedgoi ngt othest age.Ist oodt here
staringatonl yhim whi l
et heplacewaspacked
withpeopl e"wow"Iwhi speredt henclear edmy
throatasev eryonelaughed" t
hisr eal
lywasn' t
expect ed.WhenIt ookt hisrolemydadwas
agai nstbecausewel lIhadt obeal esbianandi t
didn'tsitwel lwit
hhi m nottosaymyf atheris
homophobi cbuthej ustdoesn' tunder st
and
whi chIf oundal it
tl
ewei r
dconsi der i
ngthatmy
uncl ehislitt
lebrotherisgay .Peopl eoutt here
areokaywi t
hhomosexual ityunt i
lithappenst o
theirchildrenorev ensiblings,asmuchatwei n
thetwent yfirstcent urypeopl ear est i
llnot
educat edabouti t
.Somet hi
nki tachoi cewhi le
i
tnot ,i
tbiology .Act uall
yI '
m notaboutt ot ur
n
myaccept ancespeechi ntoaspeechabout
homosexual i
ty .Ial mostl ostt hisrolewhenIgot
pregnantbecauset heycoul dn'tcomeupwi tha
storyl
inethatwoul dbeabl et oi ncorporatemy
pregnancyIgotf i
redbutIf oughtf ormyr ole
andgoti tback, Iam sur eIwasnott hef irst
womant obef iredj ustbecauseshegot
pregnanty ett hati ssomet hingwedon' treally
tal
kabouti nouri ndust r
y "Isighed" I
'
mr unning
mymout hpl easeexcuseme.Fi rstl
yI'dliket o
thankmyf ami lymost l
ymypar entsandt o
thankLonhl eMkhi zef orbei nganamazi ng
fathertoourdaught erbasi sraisingheral ong
withmymot heri nlawasIchasemydr eam
uhm notf orget tingmyagent /managerandmy
team asawhol ef orbeingbehi ndt hisbrand
thatthey'vecr eat edbecauset hatiswhatIam
now.Thanky out oev eryonewhohaspl ay eda
rol
eonegett
ingher
e,thanky
ou"peopl
ecl
apped
asIwentdownthestage.

Ibr
eat
hedoutaf
tersi
tt
ingnextt
oLonhl
e
Lonhle:"t
hatwasamazingIam soproudof
you"Ikissedhi
m.Itt
ookhim asecondbefore
hekissedmebackhar daft
erawhil
ewepul l
ed
apart

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Lonhl
e:"
Ami
.
."

Me:"I
'v
ebeensuchaf oolMpi
l
onhle.Iwanty
ou
backIwanttofi
xus.Givemethi
schance
pl
ease.I'
l
lworkhar
deronusandb.."

Lonhl
e:"
Ami
l
eI'
m seei
ngsomeoneandi
t
ser
ious.I
'
mreal
l
ysor
ry"
[
03/
20,
20:
02]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t64

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Me:
" Iwasn'
texpect
ingy
out
obesi
ngl
e
Mpi
lonhle"

Lonhl
e:"
goodbecauseI
'
m not
"

Me:"Iwantyoubackthoughandy ouknowI
f
ightforwhatIwantunti
lIgeti
t"

Lonhl
e:"
Iknow"west
ayedsi
l
entf
oral
i
ttl
e
whi
l
e

Me:
"howl
onghav
eyout
wobeent
oget
her
?"

Lonhl
e:"
almostay
ear
"

Me:
"hasshemetAphr
odi
te?
"

Lonhle:
"no"t
hatmeantt
heywer
enott
hat
seri
oussoIjustsmi
l
ednoddi
ng

Me:
"canwel
eav
e?I
'
dli
ket
ohav
edi
nner
"

Lonhl
e:"
okay"hestoodupandtookmyhand
wewalkedout"wheredoyouwanttoeat
?"

Me:
"yourmot
her
'sr
est
aur
anthav
en'
tbeen
ther
einages"thecarpar
kedinfr
ontofusand
Lonhleopenedthedoorf
ormebef or
egett
ingi
n
nexttomeandt ol
dthedri
vertot
akeusto
mhlanga

Lonhl
e:"
I'
m sopr
oudofy
ouAmi
l
e"Isnuggl
ed
cl
osetohim

Me:"t
hanky
ou"Iwhi
sper
edandheki
ssedmy
head

Lonhl
e:"
yousl
eepy
?"

Me:"
yes.Ihar
dlysl
eptl
astni
ghtbutI
'
m al
so
st
arv
ing"

Lonhl
e:"
wecoul
dorderi
naty
ourhot
elr
oom
andgetcomf
ort
abl
e"
Me:"
thatsoundsbet
ter
"het
oldt
hedr
ivert
o
t
akeustothehotel

Lonhl
e:"
mom sai
dyouspendi
ngt
omor
rowwi
th
Aya"

Me:"y
esI'
m onlyl
eavi
ngMondayear
lymor
ning
goi
ngstr
aightt
oset"

Lonhl
e:"
howi
sthemov
iecomi
ng?
"

Me:"gr
eat!I
'm soexci
ti
ngImeant hi
sismyfir
st
movieeverandwedoingitwithi
nter
nati
onal
act
orsweboundt ogetrecogni
ti
on"

Lonhl
e:"
soyoudon'
tseey
our
sel
fst
oppi
ng
anyt
imesoon?
"
Me:
"itonl
ythebegi
nni
ng"

Lonhl
e:"
mmh"

Me:
"Lonhl
epl
easeIneedy
out
osuppor
tme"

Lonhl
e:"
andIdobutIdon'
tknowhowy outhi
nk
wegoingtowor
kifwegetbacktoget
her"

Me:
"whennoti
f,whenwegetbackt
oget
her
"

Lonhle:"
I'
mr eadytoset t
ledown,buyahouse,
getmar r
iedandhav emor echil
drenandThol i
cangivemeal lofthat.Shedoesn'twork,she
stay
swi thherparentsinlaluci
aandisr eadyto
mov einwithafterIbuyahousepl usI
'vebeen
vi
ewingaf ewhouses"Imov edawayf r
om him
andl
ookedoutt
hewi
ndowasmyt
ear
sdr
opped

Me: "
younotbeingfairLonhl
e.Iwouldnever
askyoutogiveupy ourdream i
nfactIalway
s
tel
lyoutonotleti
tgoev enthoughyou'v
e
becomey ourdad'
smi nimeIstil
ltel
lyoutonot
stopphotogr
aphingbecauseIknowhowmuch
youlovei
t"

Lonhl
e:"
whichi
swhyIwoul
dnev
erasky
out
o
gi
veupacti
ngagai
n"

Whenwear r
ivedatmyhot elsuiteIlefthi
m
orderi
ngandwentt omyr oom Ichangedi nto
sil
kbum shortpy j
amaswithamat ching
spaghetti
str
apt opandsli
pper saftertaki
nga
quickshower.Iwentoutandf oundLonhl eon
thecouchinfrontofthet
vi njusthisboy l
eg
bri
efs.Iswal
lowedal umpst arr
ingathi m,l
astI
hadseenhi
m nakedwaswhenwewentona
vacat
ionwi
thhi
sfamil
ylasty
eart
oGr
eece.
Me:
"uhm,
yousl
eepi
ngov
er?
"

Lonhl
e:"y
eah"Inoddedwit
hasmil
ethenjoi
ned
hi
m onthecouchsnuggli
ngcl
oset
ohim andhe
wrappedhisar
msar oundme.
.

Iwokeupsor ey etrelaxedinLonhl e'sarms.It

hadbeenwel l overay earsinceIhadsexand
Lonhlehadser vicedmewel llastni ghteven
earl
ythismor ning.Ir emov edhi sar mf rom my
waistandwentt ot akeashower .AsIwentout
ofthebathroom hewasupt alki
ngt ohisphone.
Hewi nkedatmewi thasmi lecausi ngmet o
bl
ush.Iwentaboutmybusi nessget ti
ng
dressedinawhi tetightfit
ti
ngst r aplessmaxi
dressandsandal s.Lonhlewr appedhi sarms
ar
oundmywai
standki
ssedmyneck

Lonhl
e:"
whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup?
"

Me:
"youl
ookedt
opeacef
ul"

Lonhle:"I
'
llshowerqui
ckl
ypl
easegetus
breakfast
"

Me:"
okay"Iwentoutt
othel
oungewher
eI
f
oundAkhona

Akhona:
"morni
ngbosslady"Inodded"
Isee
Aya'
sdadspenttheni
ght"

Me:
"yep"Ior
der
edbr
eakf
ast"
domeaf
avour
"
Akhona:"
askandy
oushal
lrecei
vemyLor
d"I
chuckl
ed

Me: "
Iwantfewpapar azzi
outsi
dethehotel
as
LonhleandIleavethenIwantyoutotel
lfew
magazinethatLonhleandIspentt
henight
toget
herdoitanony mously
"shesmil
ed

Akhona:
"wepl
ayi
ngdi
rt
y"

Me:"I
'
m getti
ngmymanbackonewayor
anot
herjustmakesuret
hisdoesn'
tcomeback
tousandLonhle'
speopl
edon'tfi
ndoutunt
ilt
he
magazineisout
"

Akhona:
"I'
l
lgetr
ightoni
t"
 
.
#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Dad:"can'
tbeli
evethi
sfool"hegroanedasI
rol
ledmyey esandcontinuedwit
hmaki nga
cheeseandcrackerplat
terwit
hsomegr apes
forhi
m anduncleKy l
eandauntyKy l
ie

Kyl
e:"saywhaty
ouwanttosayaboutt
heboy
butIadmir
ehisl
oyal
ty"

Kyl
ie:"
hesai
dsoccerhasnev
erbeenabout
moneyorfameforhi
m andhewasloyalt
o
Sundowns"

Dad:"butt
oturndownanofferfrom Bar
cel
ona
i
t'
sjustunbel
ievabl
e"t
heywerespeakingabout
Enzo.Himtur
ningdownBarcelonahasbeenthe
t
alkoft
hewhol
ecount
ryf
orov
eraweeknow

Kyl
ie:"maybehejustdoesn'
twanttobeaway
fr
om ourli
ttl
eSbahle"shesai
dwithasmirkon
herfaceasIgoti
nt helounge

Me:
"I'
m notev
engoi
ngt
oent
ert
ainy
ou"

Dad:
"asy
oushoul
dn'
t"Iputt
hepl
att
erdown

Me:"doyouneedany t
hingelse?Ihav
etomeet
upwithLexiatthemall
"Idreadedmeeti
ngup
wit
hthatwomanbutatl eastmom wasgoingto
bethereshealwaysbehavedifmom wasther
e
It
hinkshewasl owkeyscaredofmom

Dad:
"wegoodSbahl
ego"
Kyl
i
e:"Ky
leandIwi
l
lseey
out
omor
rowatt
he
par
ty"

Me:
"pr
esent
sar
eexpect
edSmi
th"

Kyl
i
e:"y
oucoul
dcal
lmemot
hery
ouknow"I
l
aughed

Me:
"notachance"

Kyl
ie:
"I'
my ourGodmot
her"Ishr
uggedmy
shoul
dersandtookmybagwalki
ngouttomy
car

Ifoundmom fir
statthemall
befor
ewewentt
o
Lexi.Wefoundherandthepl
anneratt
he
restaur
ant
Lexi
:"y
oul
ate"
Mom:"keepyourpant
iesonweher
ear
ewenot
.
Hel
l
oladies"wesatdown

Lexi
:"wejustgoi
ngovereveryt
hingf
orthel
ast
ti
mebef or
ethepartyt
omor r
ow.Thisis
i
mpor t
anttoourfamil
y,oursoci
alci
rcl
eiswi
de"

Mom: "
thi
sisaboutSbahl
eandKev
inl
et'
sjust
notf
orgett
hat"

Lexi:"ofcoursenot "Iheardcommotionbythe
entranceandt urnedt olookonlyf
ormyhear tt
o
skipabeatal i
tt
lewhenIsawEnzoget ti
ngin
withZenandehol dinghands.Ihadneverseen
them togetherjustonlypictur
es,t
heylooked
tooper fect
.Hert allsl
enderbodywasperfect
forhistallmuscul arone.
Mom:"
stopstar
ing"shewhi
speredonl
yforme
t
ohear
,Igaveherasmallsmil
e.

Me:
"hav
en'
tseenhi
minov
eray
ear
"

Mom: "behave.YouchooseKev inov erhim even

thoughIadv i
cey ouagai
nstit"Isi ghedMe:
"excuseme"It ookmyphoneandwentt othe
toil
et.Iwashedmyf acethenl ookedatmy self
ont hemi r
ror"youchooset hisSbahl enowl iv
e
withitandst opt hi
nki
ngwhati f
!"Someone
clearedtheirthroatIl
ookedov erandev er
ything
wentcol dasIsawEnzo" thisist helady'
sroom"
hesmi le

Enzo:"beauti
fuldi
amondr i
ng,Iwouldhave
boughtsomet hi
ngsmal l
erandputlotof
thoughttoit
.Iknowy ouprefersent
iment
al
thi
ngsov erexpensi
vethi
ngs"
Me:
"whatdoy
ouwantEnzo?
"

Enzo:
"youl
ookbeaut
if
ul,
grownbutbeaut
if
ulas
al
ways"

Me:
"thanky
ou"Ibr
ushedmyhai
rback

Enzo:
"howhav
eyoubeen?
"

Me:
"goodandy
ou?
"Heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s

Enzo:"goodtoo.Welll
etmel etyougobackto
yourtable.I
twasgreatseei
ngy ouma'Gwal
a"
hekissedmycheekandIf r
oze"bye"hewalked
out
.
#Lel
o
¥¥

Iwasinthepri
vateboothwatchi
nghubbyplay
,
helookedabsol
utel
yamaz i
ngont hef
iel
dinhi
s
j
erseywithhi
slongdreadsti
edup.
Dad:
"hei
sanamazi
ngpl
ayer
"

Me:"andsosexy
"dadgr
oanedwhi
l
eSj
laughed
sof
tl
y

Dad: "shutupLonwabi
"Ipoutedbutqui
ckl
y
screamedasSi mpiwescoredagoal"heneeds
tocuthi shai
rnogrownmanshoul dhavehair
thatlong"

Me:
"itl
ooksgoodonhi
m andIl
i
kegr
abbi
ngon
i
t"

Dad:
"voest
ekl
elot
handomar
n"

Me:
"HawudaddyI
'
mjustsay
ing"

Sj
:"st
opt
ort
uri
ngdad"

Me:
"aah"

Sj:
"ist
hisgamef
ini
shi
ngany
timesoon?Want
togobackhomenowImissmom"

Me:
"youguy
sleav
ingaf
terdi
nner
?"

Dad:
"no,
wewi
l
lhav
edi
nneri
nthej
et"
Me:
"okay
"

Thegamef i
nishedandmyman' steam wonof
coursethatmeantt heyweregoi
ngtothe
fi
nalesweallwenthome.DadandSj l
eftas
soonaswegothome, thegi
rl
swerewat chi
nga
mov i
einthetheaterleavi
nghubbyandI.We
wereinthekitchenandIwasmaki nghim
somethingtoeat ,
wellIwastaki
ngthefoodout
ofthetakeawaybox.

Me:
"I'
vebeent
hinki
ng"

Si
mpi
we:
"about
?"

Me:
"Iwantust
oseethedoct
oraboutst
art
ing
t
heinvi
tr
o"hej
umpedupandgrabbedme
pul
l
ingmet
ohi
schestmyf
eetl
eav
ingt
hef
loor

Si
mpi
we:
"baby
!!
"

Me:"i
tgoi
ngt
obeal
ongpr ocessSimpi
wewe
st
il
lneedt
ofi
ndt
her
ightsurrogat
emother
"

Si
mpiwe:
"babyy
ouagr
eei
ngi
sthest
art
"he
ki
ssedme

Me:
"IhopeIdon'
tregr
ett
his"

Si
mpi
we:
"youwon'
t.Il
ovey
ousomuch"

Me:"
what'
sther
etonotlov
e"hechuckl
ed"
I'
m
j
oki
ng.Il
oveyoutoo"weki
ssed 
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Iwaswokenupbypain.Thepai
nwassost
rong
Icoul
dn'
thel
pbutl
etoutascream 
Me:"ohGod"It
ookmyphonef
rom t
hest
and
andcall
edVumil
e

Vumi
l
e:"
babe"Il
etoutascr
eam "
baby
?"

Me:"aahi
thur
tssobad"ami
nut
elat
erhewas
get
ti
nginther
oom

Vumi
l
e:"
babywhat
'
swr
ong"hecuppedmyf
ace

Me:
"Vumi
l
eithur
ts"
Vumil
e:"wher
edoesithur
tmyl ov
e?Ineedy
ou
tocal
m downforme"Ifel
tasharppai
nonmy
l
owerbodyandscreamedoutloud

Me:
"aahaah"hepul
l
edt
hecov
erback

Vumi l
e:"
shit
.I'
mt aki
ngy
out ot
hehospit
al"he
grabbedthethr
owandwr appeditar
oundmy
bodybeforeli
ft
ingmeupt henf
lewdownthe
stai
rs
[
03/
20,
20:
03]Ron:
fer
entPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t65

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Iwokeupfeel
ingti
redandst i
lldrowsy.Vumil
e
wassit
ti
ngont hechairnextt
ot hebedwi t
hhis
headonthebedholdingmyhand.Icl earedmy
thr
oatandhewokeup
Vumi
l
e:"
hi"

Me:
"whathappened?
"

Vumi
l
e:"
youpassedouti
nthecar
"

Me:
"whati
swr
ongwi
thme?
"

Vumi
le:
"not
hingmylov
ejustaf
alseal
army
ou
al
mostl
ostthebaby
"

Me:
"thebabyi
sfi
ne?
"
Vumi l
e:"
yesi
twastouchandgoforasecond
therebutt
hebabyi
sfineandyoual
sofi
ne"he
kissedmyfor
ehead

Me:
"yousur
e?"

Vumi
l
e:"
Ipr
omi
se"

Me:
"whencanIgohome?
"

Vumil
e:"
I'
m notsur
ethedoct
orwant
stokeepa
cl
oseeyeonyoutwo"

Me:
"Ihav
ewor
ktomor
rowVumi
l
e"

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
vebeent
hinki
ngmay
bei
tti
mef
ory
ou
t
oresi
gnatworkImeanyou'
vealreadyser
ved
y
ourthr
eeyear
sthatwasexpect
edofy ousince
t
heyhadgi
venyouabursar
y"

Me:
"youwantmet
ost
ayathome?
"

Vumil
e:"
ifitsomet
hingyouwantt
odo.The
doct
orsaidyouneedlotofr
est
"

Me:"Idon'
tknowVumi
leIt
hinkI
'
llgetbor
ednot
hav
ingsomet hi
ngt
odo"

Vumi
l
e:"
youhav
eSi
mit
handi
l
e"

Me:"yoh!Spendingal
lthatt
imewi
thyour
daughterwil
ldri
vemecr azy
"hel
aughed
Vumi
l
e:"
comeonmypr
incessi
shar
mless"

Me:
"ha.
a"

Vumi
l
e:"
pleasej
ustt
hinkaboutr
esi
gni
ng"

Me:
"I'
l
lresi
gn"hesmi
l
edandki
ssedmycheek

Vumi
l
e:"
great
" 
.

Iwasdi schar
gedfrom thehospi
taltwoday
s
l
ater.SimiwasstandingbythedoorasIgotout
ofthecar ,
Ihadn'
tseenmyki dssinceIwas
admitted 
Si
mi:
"hel
l
omommy
"
Me:
"hel
l
osweet
ie"

Si
mi:
"Imi
ssedyousomuch"shehuggedmy
l
egs"
Don'
teverl
eav
emeokay "

Me:
"okay
"

Vumile:
"letgoofmommynow"hepickedher
upthenweal lwal
kedi
nthehouse

Simi
:"mommyweatbur
ger
sandr
ibsal
lthe
ti
me!!
"

Vumi
l
e:"
yousai
dyouwoul
dn'
ttel
l
!"

Si
mi:
"ha.
adaddyIdon'
tl
ie"
Vumi
l
e:"
Isai
dnottell
i
ngisn'
tl
yingunl
ess
mommyasksyou"shegi
ggled

Si
mi:
"oopsIf
orgotdaddy
"

Vumi
l
e;"
wow"sheki
ssedhi
scheek

Me:
"It
houghty
ousai
dyouwer
eeat
ingpr
oper
f
oodVumil
e"

Vumi
l
e:"
seenowwei
ntr
oubl
eSi
mi"

Si
mi:
"ohoh"

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
omakeav
egeydi
shf
ory
ou"

Si
mi:
"no!
!!Daddydon'
tl
etherf
eedusv
eges"
Vumi
l
echuckl
ed

Vumi
l
e:"
ity
ourf
aul
t"

Simi:"
I'
m sorr
ymommy .I
'l
lbethebestbi
g
sist
ereverandI'
llmakesurethebabyeatsal
l
thevegesjustdon'
tmakemeeart hem okay"

Me:
"mmh"Il
eftt
hem i
ntheki
tchengoi
ngupt
o
myroom

Thedooropenedandsbani
sam goti
nst
il
li
nhi
s
uni
for
m
Sbani
:"hi
mah"hetookoffhi
sbl
azerandgot
undert
hecomfor
terwit
hme

Me:"hibaby
"hehuggedmekissi
ngmyhead
Sbaniwasgett
ingt
all
erbyt
heminut
emybig
boywasi
nhi
ghschool
now

Sbani
:"ar
ey ouokay
?Babadi
dn'
twantus
comingtothehospi
tal
"

Me:
"hospi
tal
isnotf
orki
dsandy
esI
'
m okay
"

Sbani
:"t
hebabyi
sokay
?"

Me:
"yep"

Sbani
:"I
'
m sot
ir
ed"hel
aidhi
sheadonmyl
ap

Me:
"howwasschool
?"

Sbani:
"good"Sanelehadevent
uall
ygaveup
tr
yingtobui
ldarelati
onshi
pwithSbani
because
Vumil
erefusedt
oforceSbani
tobearound
Sanel
esowehadn'tseenorhear
dfr
om him
overayear

Me:
"what
'swr
ong?
"Hehuf
fed

Sbani
:"not
hing"

Me:
"youl
yi
ng"

Sbani:"
Ijustfi
nditweir
dt hatIdon'tl
ookl
i
ke
youorbaba.Si mil
ookslikebababutshehas
yourski
ncol ourever
yyourf r
eckles"

Me:
"youal
sohav
emyf
reckl
es"

Sbani
:"Iguess"
Me:"
youwoul
dtel
lmeift
here'ssomet
hing
wr
ongri
ghtMasi
xol
e"hegroaned

Sbani
:"don'
tl
iket
hatnameandy
esIwoul
dtel
l
you"

Me:"
Ilov
eyousbani
sam Il
ovey
ousomuch
andy
oumyl i
ght
"

Sbani:
"Il
oveyoutooBunt
u"Ismackedhi
shead
makinghimlaugh 
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥
Kev
in:
"baby
!!
"

Me:"ki
tchenKev
in"hewal
kedi
nandl
efthi
s
backpackonthecount
er

Kev
in:
"hi
lov
e"weki
ssedshor
tl
y

Me:
"youwel
l
?"

Kevi
n:"
yahandy
ou?
"Inodded"
howwasy
our
day
?"

Me:
"itwasbusyandy
our
s?"

Kevi
n:"
busy"hegrabbedabeerandsatont
he
hi
ghchair"
whatyoucookingI
'm st
arvi
ngdi
dn'
t
eatl
unchIwasoffsi
tethewhol
eday "
Me:
"macar
oni
andcheesewi
thchi
ckensal
ad"

Kev
in:
"yum.I
'
llgot
akeashower
"

Me: "
okay "hewalkedouttakinghisbeerand
bag"Godshowmet heway "Isighedlookingup.
Ihadn'tbeenabletogetEnzooutof fmymi nd
si
nceIsawhi mt woweeksbacki nthe
bathr
oom It ookmyphoneandcal l
edmom I
wantedt ocallLel
obutIcouldn'tbecauseas
usualshewoul dtell
met otakeherbr otherback

Mom:
"Sbahl
e"

Me:
"Ican'
tdot
hismom"

Mom:
"dowhat
?"
Me:"marr
yKevi
n.I
'
veneverbeensoconf
used
andunhappyi
nmylif
e"

Mom:
"buty
oul
oveKev
in"

Me:
"Il
oveEnzomor
e"

Mom:"yousai
dityoursel
fthaty
ourrelat
ionshi
p
wit
hEnzoisonthetoxicsi
de.Thingsare
smoot
hwi t
hKevin"

Me:"butIcan'
tmom notany
morenotaft
er
seei
nghim andbei
ngthatcl
osewi
thhim"

Mom:
"Sbahl
einv
itat
ionshasbeensentout
"
Me:"soI'
mtogetmar
ri
edjustbecause
i
nvi
tati
onshav
ebeensentout?
"

Mom:
"may
bey
ouj
usthav
ingcol
dfeet
"

Me:"i
tnothi
ngcol
df eetmom Idon'twantto
marryhi
m!"Kevi
nclearedhi
sthroatbehindme
andIswall
owedalumpbef or
eturning"mom I
havetogo"

Kev
in:
"youdon'
twantt
omar
ryme?
"

Me:"
Idon'
tknow"Ianswer
edhonest
lyl
ooki
ng
down

Kevin:
"youcan'
tgetov
erhim canyou?Even
aft
erallt
hist
imeandallt
heshitheputyou
thr
ough"
Me:
"itnotj
ustabouthi
m Kev
in"

Kev
in:
"thenwhati
sit
?!!
"

Me:
"don'
tyel
latmepl
ease"

Kevi
n:"I
'
m sorr
y.Sbahletalkt
omemyl ove
pl
ease"hewalkedclosertomebutImoved
backandpainfl
ashedinhisface"
Sbahl
e"

Me:
"sor
ry"

Kev
in:
"youwantt
oleav
eme?
"

Me:
"may
beIjustneedtot
hinkforawhi
l
e,
may
bewecouldputtheweddi
ngonholdunt
il
webot
hsur
eift
hisi
swhatwewant
"

Kevin:"
unti
lyousureSbahlebecauseI'm sur
e
thatIam complet
elyandutterlyinl
ovewithyou
andIwantt omarryyou,Iwanty outohavemy
chil
dren"myphonestart
edr inging

Me:
"hel
l
o"

Cal
l
er:
"hi
Sbahl
eitSne,
lel
o'
smom"

Me:
"ohhel
l
o"

Sne:
"Ij
ustwantedtocheckonyousweetheart
i
t'
sbeenawhil
esincewelastspoke"Ismi
led

Me:
"oh"shegi
ggl
ed
Sne:
"yousoundsur
pri
sed,
youst
il
lmydaught
er
i
nlawSbahle"
 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

IgothomeonSat urdayaftershoot i
ngt i
redasa
dog.Ileftthetakeawaypacketi nthekitchen
thenwentt omyr oom tookashower .JustasI
gotoutt heshowert hedoor bellrangIgrabbed
ar obethenwentt oopenandabeaut i
fuldark
skinnedwomanwasst andingtherewear ing
blackskinnyjeanswi t
hawhi tet-shi
rttuckedin
frontandheels, herlongweav eletloseandher
makeuponpoi nt
Me:
"hi
"shesmi
l
ed
Her
:"hi
"Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow

Me:
"canIhel
pyou?
"

Her
:"y
ounotgoi
ngt
oinv
itemei
n?"

Me:
"Idon'
tev
enknowy
ou"

Her:"
whi chexplainswhyy oudidwhatyoudi
d.
I
'm TholakeleForbesbutev er
yonecal
lsme
Tholi
,Lonhle'sgirl
fri
end"sheoff
eredmeher
handbutIj uststaredatit

Me:"howcanIhel
pyou"shepushedmeasi
de
andgotin
Thol
i
:"beaut
if
ulpl
ace"

Me:
"youhav
en'
tanswer
edme"

Tholi
:"I
'
dl i
kewaterpl
easesparkl
i
ngifyou
have"shesatdowncrossingherl
egs"y
ou
seem surpri
sed"

Me:
"Iam"

Thol
i:
"youshoul
dn'
tbeImeanconsi
der
ingt
hat
yousl
eptwit
hmyman"

Me:
"mxm whatdoy
ouwant
?"

Tholi
:"Iwanty
outostayawayfrom Lonhl
e"I
chuckl
ed" y
ouhadyourchancebutyoublewi
t
nowitmytur
nandIneedy
out
ost
ayaway
bef
oreyougethur
t"

Me:
"soy
out
hreat
eni
ngme"

Tholi:
"notatallhunj
uststarti
ngfacts.Maybe
youusedt owomanwhoj ustgiveupwhatt hey
l
ov ebutIdon'tandIl
ov ethatmanI '
ddo
anythi
ngt okeephim.Ifhewant stoleaveme
thenIwon'tstandinhi
swaybutwhatIwi l
lnot
all
owi sforyoutogetbetweenus.Ami l
eIknow
yourtypeI'
vedealtwit
hy ourtypebeforeand
beli
evemewhenIsayy oudon'twanttoupset
me"

Me:
"whot
hehel
ldoy
out
hinky
ouar
e?!
"

Thol
i:
"I'
vetol
dy oumynameIwon'tr
epeati
t.I
knowallt
hereistoknowabouty
ouincl
udi
ng
thatlowl i
fegangsteryoucalldaddymay behe
i
st her easony ouwalkaroundwithast ickin
yourwast hi
nkingyoucangetal lt
haty ouwant
butbel ievemey oudon'twanttomesswi thme
i
twon' tbepl easant
.Nowt hatli
ttl
est unty ou
pull
edl ett
ingmynamef uckyouandy oucal l
i
ng
papar azzi bett
erhadbeent helast.Ididn'ttel
l
Lonhl et hatitwasyouwhocal ledthemagazi ne
becauseIcanhandl eyou.Youdon' twantt obe
i
nmybadbooksespeci al
lysi
nceIam goi ngto
bet hatpr eciousli
tt
lebabygirl
'
sst epmot her,
youj ustdon' twanttodot hat
"

Me:
"st
ayt
hef
uckawayf
rom mydaught
er"

Thol
i:"
honeyIlov
eAy aI'
dneverdoany thi
ngto
her
.LonhleandIfi
nall
yfoundahousewel i
ke
sowegoingtobemov i
ngintogethersoonand
i
twil
lonlybeamat t
eroftimebeforeweget
marri
ed.I
twill
maket hi
ngseasierforhimifhi
s
wif
eandhisbabymamagotal ongsothink
aboutt
hat"shestoodupf ixedhert -
shi
rttook
herbag"i
twasnicemeet ingy ou'makaAy a'
mmh"shegi ggl
edlight
lyandwal kedoutleav
ing
mewi t
hmymout hopen.
[
03/
20,
20:
09]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t66

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Ical
l
edmpi
l
onhl
eassoonast
hisThol
ichi
ck
l
eft
Lonhl
e:"
makaAy
abonga"

Me:
"soguesswhoj
ustl
eftmyhouse?
"
Lonhl
e:"
uhm .
..y
ourmom?Idon'
tknow"

Me:
"yourgi
rl
fr
iend"

Lonhl
e:"
what
?"

Me: "
yourfucki
nggir
lf
ri
endjustlef
tmyhouse
aft
ertell
i
ngmey oumovi
ngintogetherand
thr
eateningmeusingAya"helaughedout
l
oudly

Lonhl
e:"st
opj oki
ng.Thol
idoesn'
tevenknow
whereyoustayandshedoesn'thaveamean
boneinherbodynott omenti
onthatshelov
es
AyaandAy alovesher"myheartski
ppedabeat

Me:
"It
houghty
ousai
dtheyhav
en'
tmet
"he
di
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngt
hencl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat

Lonhl
e:"
Idi
dn'
twantt
oupsety
ouAmi
l
e"

Me:
"ohmyGod"Il
etoutashakybr
eat
h"t
hey
've
met
"

Lonhl
e:"
someti
meswhenI
'
mtr
avel
i
ngwi
thAy
a
shecomeswit
hus"

Me:"unbel
i
evabl
e,un-
fucki
n-bel
i
evabl
e!!How
dar
ey ouMpil
onhl
e?"

Lonhle:"donotbeupsetAmil
e.Thol
iismy
gir
lf
ri
endandIam ser i
ousaboutherofcour
se
shehast obearoundmydaughter"achoked
sobbr okeout
Me:
"howcoul
dyouLonhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
Iam sosor
ryAmi
l
epl
easedon'
tcr
y"

Me:"Idon'tunderst
andLonhl
e,whywoul
dyou
hur
tmel ikethis?
"

Lonhl
e:"
lookI'
minRomeforaweekwhenI
comebackI'l
lcomeseey
ousowecantalk"

Me:"I
'
mleavi
ngforNewYor
ktoshoott
her
est
oft
hemovie"hesi
ghed

Lonhl
e:"
doyouseewhywewouldnev
erwork
whil
eyoust
il
lworkAmi
le"Iwi
pedmytear
s

Me:
"Lonhl
epl
ease"
Lonhle:"
Idon'
tknowwhatyouwantf
rom me
Amile!!
!Youyour
sel
fdon'
tknowwhatyouwant
"

Me:
"don'
tshoutatme"

Lonhl
e:"
tel
lmewhatdoy
ouwant
"

Me:"Iwantyou,Iwantust
oget
herandour
daught
er.Iwantustobeafamil
yagai
n"

Lonhle:"
andyouwanttobeaf amous
successful
actr
ess.Youcan'
thavei
tall
"

Me:
"whycan'
tI?Womendoi
tal
lov
er"

Lonhl
e:"
itwoul
dbebet
teri
fyouwewer
e
worki
nganor malof
fi
cej obAmil
ebutyounot
.
Youcan'talway
sbetraveli
ngwhi
leI
'm al
so
tr
avel
ing,someoneneedstobehome"

Me:"wecouldmakei
tworkLonhl
e!Youknow
wecould.Youhav
eapri
vatej
etatyour
di
sposal"

Lonhle:"
youdon'
tevenknowwher eyouwantto
set
tledown.Youcan'thaveahouseandfamil
y
i
nDur banwhil
eyouhar dl
yinsout
hAfri
ca"

Me:"
soyou'v
emadey
ourdeci
sion?I
thert
hat
youwant
."

Lonhl
e:"
lookwewi
l
ltal
kwhenIseey
ou,
Ilov
e
youAmil
e"
Me:
"buty
oul
oveheraswel
lmay
beev
enmor
e"

Lonhl
e:"
don'
tmaket
hisabouther
"

Me:
"Lonhl
edon'
thur
tmel
i
ket
his"

Lonhl
e:"Amileyouputusinthissit
uati
on.Now
Ihavetogo"Iendedthecall
andj ustcr
iedfor
goodfewmi nut
esbeforecal
lingKate

Kat
e:"
Heybabe"

Me:
"I'
mlosi
nghi
m Kat
e"

Kat
e:"
losi
ngwho?
"

Me:
"Lonhl
e,he'
sinl
ovewi
thsomeThol
ichi
ck"
Kat
e:"
youf
oundoutabouther
"

Me:
"di
dyouknowabouther
?"Shesi
ghed

Kat
e:"
I'
m sor
ryAmi
le,
Iwant
edt
otel
lyoubutI
di
dn'
tknowhowto"

Me:"
Kate!Howcoul
dyoukeepthi
sfr
om me?I
t
houghtwewerebestf
ri
ends"

Kate:"wearemorethanbeatf
ri
endswear e
si
sters.Iwantedt
otell
youtheminut
eImether
butMj tol
dmet onotgeti
nvol
vedand..
.I'
m
sorryAmile"

Me:
"whendi
dyoumeether
?"
Kate:
"weall
wenttoAustr
ali
aamont
hback
andLonhl
ebroughther
"

Me: "
ohGod"If eltl
i
keIcoul
dn'
tbr
eat
handmy
phonedropped" ohGod"Iwhi
sper
edbef
ore
darknessconsumedme
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Iwat
chedhi
mloadi
nghi
sthi
ngsi
nhi
scar
 
Me:
"isthi
snecessar
ythoughKev
in?I
tdoesn'
t
f
eelr
ight"

Kev
in:
"Ican'
tst
ayher
eHl
eandy
ouknowt
hat
"
hewasmov i
ngout
,wehadn'
tbr
okenupbut
j
ustcal
ledt
heweddingof
fwhi
chmadelexi
so
happy

Me:
"buti
tnotl
i
kewenott
oget
her
"

Kevi
n:"
until
youknowwhaty
ouwant
,yeswe
nott
ogether"

Me:
"Kev
indon'
tdot
hispl
ease"

Kevi
n:"youdidthi
sHle!Af
tertwoyearsyouj
ust
seehim onceandyoureadytodestr
oytheli
fe
we'v
ebui l
ttoget
her"

Me: "
I'
m sor
ryKev
in"het
urnedlooki
ngatme
andcuppedmycheekwhilewipingmytear
s
thengavemeapeck
Kevi
n:"Iknewyouwer ei
nl ovewi
thhiml ong
ti
meagobutIj ustkeptt
hinkingy
ougoi ngto
getoverit
,It
houghtusgettingmarr
iedmeant
l
eavinghiminthepastIguessIwasj uststupi
d"

Me:"
I'
m sosor
ryKev
in"hewrappedhi
sar
ms
ar
oundmeasIsobbedloudl
yburyi
ngmyface
onhi
schest

Kevi
n:"
I'
m notangr
yHle,
ali
tt
ledi
sappoi
nted
andhur
tbutnotangry
"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ryy
ouhur
ti
ng"

Kevi
n:"
Idon'
tbl
ameyoulove"heki
ssedmy
headandl
etgoofme"I
'l
lcally
ouokay"
Me:"okay
"hegoti
nthecarandboot
edbef
ore
dr
ivi
ngout.

Afterspendingthedaybeingmiser
ableItooka
shower ,gotoutl
oti
onedandgotdressedin
kneer i
ppedanklegrazerandaknit
wearlong
sl
eev etopwi t
hsneakers.It
iedmyweavei nt
oa
messybunt henlef
t.

If
oundSnewaiti
ngoutsi
deasIpull
edupher
dr
iveway
.Ipar
kedthecarandgotout
Sne:
"oohy
oulooksobeauti
ful
andsogr
own"
shewaspr
act
ical
l
ybouncing

Me:"hi
"Igr
eet
edshyl
ybefor
eshepul
l
edmet
o
hergi
vi
ngmeamot her
lyhug

Sne:
"Ihav
en'
tseeny
oui
nmont
hscomei
n"we
wal
kedin"Ihear
ddi
nnerpr
epar
edandsetup
out
side"

Me:"t
hat
'snice,
itabeaut
if
ulni
ght
"shet
ookmy
handl
ookingatmyengagementri
ng

Sne:"i
tbeaut
if
ulandsobi
g.Lel
otol
dmey
ou
engaged"

Me:
"yes"shesmi
l
edl
eadi
ngmeout
side

Sne:"
justust
wo,Sji
sholdupinhisroom
worki
ngonhismusichisnewalbum needsto
beoutsoonandSfundohasabusinessdinner
"

Me:
"soi
tjusty
oui
nthi
sbi
ghouse"
Sne:
"yep.Youshoul
dmov
einwi
thme"I
l
aughedli
ghtl
y

Me:"t
hatwouldbesowei
rd"It
ookasi
pofmy
j
uicesi
tt
ingdown

Sne:"yeah"IcaughthisscentbeforeIevensaw
hi
m andSne' swideningeyesconf i
rmedthati
t
washim.Het ouchedmyshoul dersqueezi
ngit
befor
eIsawhi m"whatarey oudoinghere?I
di
dn'tknowy ouwer ecominghome"

Enzo:"
didn'
tknowIneededt
orepor
tmot
her
"
Snerol
ledhereyes

Sne:
"youknowt
hat
'snotwhatImean"

Enzo:
"justt
houghtI
'
dcomeseey
oual
lbef
ore
l
eavingforRome"hel ookedatmeandsmil
ed,
myhear tst
artedbeati
ngfast
er"y
oulook
beauti
fulma'Gwala"

Me:"
t-
thanky
ou"Iwhi
sper
edandhesmi
l
ed
wi
nki
ngbefor
esit
ti
ngdown

Sne:
"youdi
stur
bingusEnz
okuhl
e"

Enzo:"hai
bomom I'
m havi
ngdi
nner
,Iam
star
ving"hest
art
eddishi
ngupf
orhimsel
f"how
i
swor khoney?"

Me:
"o-
o-oka-
y"Snegi
ggl
ed

Sne:"di
dn'
tknowy
oust
utt
er"If
eltmycheeks
heat
ingup
Enzo:
"itsoador
abl
e"t
heyheatupev
enmor
e

Sne:"
eatwewi
lltal
kwhent
hisi
diotl
eav
es"
Enzosmil
edbr
ightl
y

Enzo:"
thi
sidi
otain'
tgoi
ngnowhere.Ihav
en't
spentt
imewithSbahlei
nagesandIneedt o
spendasmucht i
mewi t
hherbef
oreshe
marri
esthatwhi
teboy"

Sne:
"Enzoy
oumaki
ngheruncomf
ort
abl
e"

Me:
"Ishoul
dgo"

Sne:"
buty ouj
ustgother
e.YouseeEnzo!
!"
Enzosighed
Enzo:"I
'l
leati
nthetvr
oom"hest
oodupand
tookhisplat
e"Iwoul
dli
ket
otal
ktoyoubef
ore
youleave"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow"

Enzo:
"pl
ease"

Me:
"someot
hert
ime"

Enzo:"
okayIwon'
tpush"hegav
eusanod
befor
eleav
ing

Sne:"
sorry"shegav emeaweaksmi l
e"Ijust
wishyout wowoul dgetbackt
ogether,y
ouwer e
soperfectandIhat ehi
snewgirl
fr
iendshe's
j
ustwithhimf orfameandmoneybutI
under
standt hatKevinmakesyouup.His
motherisluckytohaveadaught
eri
nlawli
ke
you"Ijustsmil
edthi
nkingi
fonl
ysheknewhow
Lexihatesme 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

IsatoutsidewatchingSimi pl
aysoccerwith
Vumi l
eandSbani ,thisgi
rlt
endedtoforgetthat
sheisn'taboysomet i
mes.Zolasatnexttome
givi
ngmeagl assjuiceandabowl fi
ll
edwith
dicedfrui
ts 
Zol
a:"
mom sai
dtogi
vey
out
his"

Me:"thankshun"wewereatVumi l
e'
shome
vi
sit
ingfortheweekend,
Vumi l
ehadrebui
l
this
home.Itwasnowabeaut if
ulbigdoubl
estor
y
house

Zol
a:"
Simi
isr
eadyf
ort
hebaby
?"Ichuckl
ed

Me: "
yes,
shesaysshecan'twaitt
obeabi g
si
stersoshecanhavesomeonet olookaft
er
andshewantsabr ot
herbecauseapparent
lya
si
sterwil
lst
ealherdaddy
"

Zol
a:"
shei
ssuchal
oudmout
h"

Me:
"tel
lmeabouti
t"

Zol
a:"
sisNobunt
u?"

Me:"
yes"Il
ookedawayf
rom myt
hreepeopl
e
andl
ookedather
Zol
a:"
cany
oupl
easehel
pme?
"

Me:
"wi
thwhat
?"

Zola:"
i-
iIneedtotel
lbhut
iVumi
l
ethatuhm I
'
m
pregnant
"myj awdropped

Me:"
Nokuzol
a!Youonlydoi
ngy
ourf
ir
st.Jesus
Vumi
lei
sgoingtoki
ll
you"

Zola:
"butyouandbhutihadSbaniwheny ou
wereinmat r
ic!
"Igaveheranohreal
lylook,
she
andNokudi dn'
tknowhowIgotSbani .Onl
y
Vumile'
sparentknew"okay,
I'
m sorr
y.I
shoul
dn'thavesaidt
hat"

Me:
"yes"
Zol
a:"
butpleaset
ell
himformepl ease.Hesai
d
hewouldcutmeoffifImessedup"

Me:"
I'
ll
tal
ktohi
m butI
'
m notpr
omi
singt
hathe
won'
tfr
eakout
"

Zol
a:"
andtel
lhim howi
twoul
dn'
tbef
airi
fhe
onl
yboughtNokuacar"

Me:"y
oucan'
tst
il
lexpecthi
mtobuyt
hecar
Zol
a"shesi
ghed

Zola:
"IknowbutIcanonl
yhope"Ishookmy
head

Me:
"doesmahandbabaknow?
"
Zol
a:"
notyet
"Iquickl
ystoodupasIhear
d
Si
mi'
shighpi
tchedcry.Iwal
kedt
othem as
Vumil
ewasli
fti
ngherup

Me:
"whathappened?
"

Si
mi:
"mommy
!!
!"It
ookher"
ithur
tsmommy
"

Sbani
:"shet
ri
ppedandf
ell
"Il
ookedather
bl
eedi
ngknee

Vumi
l
e:"
sorr
yprincess"hesoundedsosad.
Vumi
l
ehateditwhenSimi cr
ied.

Me:
"let
'scl
eany
ouup"
Si
mi:
"nodel
omommy
"Sbani
laughedl
i
ght
ly

Sbani
:"i
tdet
tol
Simi
"

Si
mi:"nodettol
mommyithur
tsmor e"she
bur
iedherfaceonmyneckcr
yingharder 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Ir
ubbedmyfaceaswewer egoingthr
ough
pr
ofi
lesl
ooki
ngforourgest
ati
onalcar
ri
er
Si
mpi
we:
"youokayl
ove?
"

Me:
"justdr
ained"
Si
mpiwe: "
ever
ythi
ngwil
lbef
inebabeassoon
aswef i
ndtheri
ghtper
sonandshepassesthe
i
nter
viewandtests"

Me: "
Idon' tgetpeopl ewhot hinkt hisistheeasy
wayt ohav eababy .Wenotev enhal fway
throughbutIal readyf eelexhaust edandt he
fertil
i
tydr ugsar emessi ngupwi thmy
emot i
onal andI '
m gainingsomuchwei ght"I
wast akingferti
lit
ydr ugsbecausewewant ed
speci fi
cgenderwhi chi saboyofcour se,we
alreadyhadf i
v edaught ers.Itwassuchal ong
processwhi chhappeneddur inganI VFcy cle
wher eeggsar ef ert
il
izedwi thsper mi napetri
dish.Asi ngl
ecel lorcellsarel aterremov ed
from eachoft her esulti
ng3-t o5- day -ol
d
embr yosandt est edforgenet icdi sordersora
nor mal setofchr omosomesaswel lasthesex
chr omosomesXandY.Il ikedi tbecausei t
ensur edaheal t
hybabyandt her emai ni
ng
embr yoscoul dbef rozenandusedl ateri
fwe
wantmor
ebabi
esori
fami
scar
ri
agehappens

Si
mpiwe:"I
'
m sorr
ymylov
eandy
ounotgai
ning
wei
ght"hepul
ledmet
ohim

Me:
"don'
tl
ieSi
mpi
we"

Si
mpi
we:
"Il
ovey
ourcur
ves"

Me:
"mxm"Ipushedhi
m of
fandst
oodup

Si
mpi
we:
"baby
"

Me:"fuckof
fSimpiwe"hest oodupf
astand
pushedmet ot
hewal lpressi
ngmyarmsabov e
myhead" what
.ar
e.you.doi
ng"Iwasbreat
hing
fast
Si
mpi
we:
"sayt
hatagai
n,Idar
eyou"

Me:"fucko..
."hesuckedonmyweakspot
behi
ndmyearhar d,
biti
ngit"Aah"hepushed
hist
highbetweenmi nepressingonmypr i
vat
es
"ohGody es"

Si
mpiwe:"mmh"hesqueezedmybr eastwhil
e
sl
i
dinghi
sotherhandinsi
demyleggingsandhe
st
art
edrubbi
ngmycl i
t"whatdoyouwantfrom
me?"

Me:"fuckmepl ease"Ifel
thi
m smi leonmy
neckbeforegrabbingmyt hi
ghl i
ft
ingmeup.I
wrappedmyl egsar ehiswai
standhewal kedt
o
thecouchwher ehel ai
dmedownandpul l
edmy
hipmakingmypussyconnectwi thhisdi
ckand
webot hletoutmoans.Heki ssedmyneckas
hetookof
fmyt
-shi
rtandIf
eltai
rhi
tt
ingmy
br
easts

Si
mpi
we:"Il
oveyou"hepul
ledmybr
easti
nto
hi
smont
hsuckinghard.
..
..

Si
mpiwe:
"don'
tdisr
espectmeSi
phoset
hu"he
pul
l
edmecloserandkissedmyhead

Me: "
sorry
"Ifeltsoti
red.Mypussyhur tf
rom hi
s
poundingjustasmyasshur tfrom havi
nghis
fi
ngersthrusti
nandoutofi t
.Actuall
yeverypar
t
ofmybodywashur t
ingfr
om hisbiti
ngand
sucki
ngnott oment i
onmywr istthatheti
edon
topofmyheadwi thhisbel
t

Simpiwe:"
Ilov
ey oumywife.Il
oveevery
thing
aboutyouandy oumakemesohappy ,I'
dtakea
bull
etfory
ouandmur deri
naheartbeati
fIf el
t
youweret
hreat
ened.Youmi
net
okeephappy
andsaf
e"

Me:"
Ilov
eyoutoo"hehel
dmychinmaki
ngme
l
ookupathi
m andwekissedsl
owl
y"makel
ove
t
omeSi mpi
we"

Simpi
we:"youdon'
tevenhavetoask"hel
aid
medownandgotbet weenmyl egs"
youso
beaut
if
ulandsosexy"hekissedmeslowl
yand
madeslowpassionat
elovetomybodyandsoul.
[
03/
20,
20:
10]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t67

#Ami
l
e
¥¥
Iwokeupt oabeepingsoundandIj ustknew
thatIwasinhospit
alevenbeforeIopenedmy
eyes.Iopenedmyey estofi
ndtheroom dark,I
pressedthebel
lforanursetocomei nthen
switchedonthel
ight.Thenursegotin 
Hi
m:"
MsMot
aungi
tni
cet
oseey
ouup"

Me:
"Mh,
whyam Iher
e?"

Hi
m:"MrVanDev i
lerbroughtyouhereaf
terhe
f
oundyouunconsciousinyourhouse"

Me:
"ishest
il
lher
e?"

Him:"y
eshejustwentt
othecaf
eter
ia"t
hedoor
openedandZwelet
hugoti
n

Zwel
ethu:
"Heyy
ouup?
"
Me:
"yeah"

Zwelet
hu:"
youseehowst
ayi
ngal
onei
sn'
t
good"Ismi
ledweakl
y

Me:
"itwast
hef
ir
stt
ime"

Nur
se:
"I'
l
lpageDrCooperl
ethi
m knowy
ouup"

Zwel
ethu:
"thanky
ou"

Me:
"whatwer
eyoudoi
ngi
nmyhouse?
"

Zwel
ethu:
"want
edust
orunourl
i
nest
oget
her
"
Me:
"wel
lthanky
ou"hewi
nked

Zwelet
hu:
"any
thi
ngf
oryouwifey
"Iroll
edmy
eyes"y
ouhadmeworri
edforaminute"

Me:
"ncoohy
oucar
e"

Zwelet
hu:"
ofcourseIcar
e.We'
vebeenwor
king
toget
herf
or4mont hsandwesti
ll
got2months
befor
ewef i
nish"

Me:"r
ememberwhenwemeti nEaster
nCape
andweimmediat
elyhat
edeachother?
"He
l
aughed

Zwelethu:
"youwer
esostuckup!"Thedoor
openedandadoctorgoti
nfol
lowedbythe
nurse
Dr:"
MsMot
aungI
'
m doct
orCooper
,howy
ou
feel
i
ng?
"

Me:
"If
eel
fineal
i
ttl
eti
redbutf
ine"

Dr
:"wel
l
"hel
ookedatZwel
ethu

Zwel
ethu:
"I'
l
lbeout
side"Inoddedandhel
eft

Dr:"
Ididsometest.I
tshowedthaty
oufai
nted
becauseofhi
ghbloodpressur
ewhichi
sn'
t
goodforthebabya..
."

Me:
"whatbaby
?"Hel
ookedatmepuzzl
ed

Dr
:"y
oudi
dn'
tknowt
haty
oupr
egnant
?You
thr
eeweekspregnantMsMot
aung"Ist
aredat
himindi
sbel
i
ef

Me:"
Ican'
tbepr
egnant!Mycareeri
sjustt
aki
ng
of
fandmydaughteri
sbarel
ythreeyear
sold"

Dr
:"uhm"

Me:
"JesusChr
ist
"

Dr:"
Iknowthatt
hismightcomeacr
ossasa
shockbutababyisablessi
ngandi
fitnot
wantedther
eareopt
ions"

Me:"
Iwouldn'
tabor
tmybabyandherfat
her
woul
dki
llme"thedoct
orsmi
ledl
ight
ly
Dr
:"It
akeMrMkhizewoul
dn'
tagreewit
hthat
.
Wecall
edhi
m whenyouwerebroughti
n"I
si
ghed

Me:"
you'
vet
oldhi
m hav
en'
tyou?
"Hel
ooked
down

Dr
:"hedemandedt
oknowMsMot
aung"

Me:"andIhavear i
ghtt
opr i
vacy
.Whatev er
happenedtodoctorpat
ientconf
ident
ial
i
ty?I
coul
dsue"hiseyeswidenedinpanic

Dr:"
Iam sor
rypl
easeIcouldlosemyl
icence.
MrMkhizewasforcefulandhemadesome
thr
eatspl
ushisfamil
yhasbeendonat
ingtothe
hospi
talf
oryear
s"Iroll
edmyey es
Me:
"justl
eav
emeal
one"hegav
emeaphone

Dr
:"hewant
syout
ocal
lhi
m"

Me:"
mxm"Idi
aledLonhl
e'
snumberashe
wal
kedout

Lonhl
e:"
Cooper
"

Me:
"itme"hesi
ghed

Lonhle:
"makaAy
a,y
ouscar
edme.Howar
eyou
feel
i
ng?"

Me:
"I'
mfi
ne"

Lonhl
e:"
Iam sosor
ryIst
ressedy
ouout
"
Me:
"what
ever
"

Lonhl
e:"Iknowthi
swasn'
tpl
annedAmi
l
ebutI
don'
tregreti
t"

Me:
"mmh"gr
8br
eat
hedoutl
oudl
y

Lonhl
e:"I'
l
ltrytobebacksoonerbef
orey ou
havetogot oNewYor kbutpl
easedon'tdo
somethingstupidl
ikehav
inganabort
ion"I
endedthecallhecall
edbackbutIswit
chedoff
thephone. 
.

Mpil
onhlecamebackfourdaysl
aterandIhad
beendi
schargedfr
om thehospi
tal
afteraday.
Aft
ershooti
ngIfoundhim bymyhousewaiti
ng
f
ormei
nthecar
.HegotoutasIpar
kedmycar
 
Lonhl
e:"
Hey
"

Me:
"hi
"hegoti
naf
terIgoti
n

Lonhle:
"Idon'
tunder
standwhyyoumadatme,
we'v
ebar el
yspokensi
ncewefoundoutabout
thebaby"

Me:"no!We'vebarel
yspokensinceIfoundout
youintr
oducedmydaught ert
oy ourgi
rl
fri
end
andy outookyourgi
rl
fr
iendtoat r
ipwit
hmy
bestfri
end"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
m sor
ryAmi
l
e,pl
easedon'
tbeupset
"

Me:
"Ican'
tnotbeupsetLonhl
e.Act
uall
ywho
t
hefuckdoyouthi
nkyouare?Fir
stl
yyou
i
ntroducethatsticktomydaughtertheny
ougo
onat ri
pwithherknowi ngmybestfri
endwil
lbe
thereasifthat'
snotenoughyoudon'tbel
i
eve
mewhenIt ell
yout hatshewashere
threat
eningme"

Lonhl
e:"
wat
chhowy
out
alkt
omeAmi
l
e"

Me:"
orwhat?"Hest
aredatmebr eat
hinghar
d"I
di
dn'
tthi
nkso"Iwal
kedtotheki
tchen

Lonhle:
"youhavenosenseofrespect
whatsoever
"Ithr
ewmypr ev
iousnight
's
l
eftover
sinthemicr
owave

Me:
"leav
emeal
one"

Lonhl
e:"
youupset
,Igeti
tAmi
l
eandIam sor
ry
butTholii
smygir
lfr
iendandIt ol
dyouIam
seri
ousabouther
.Hermeet i
ngAy ahadto
happen.Agai
nsheismygi r
lf
riendandwhenI
goonacouplestri
pwi t
hmycousi nandfr
iends
Iwil
lbri
ngher"

Me:
"youspeaki
ngi
npr
esentt
est
s"

Lonhl
e:"
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouwantf
rom me"

Me:"
can'
tbel
i
eveyouhurti
ngmel
i
ket
his"Isat
downasIwasfeel
i
ngdizzy

Lonhl
e:"
arey
ouokay
?"Hecuppedmyf
ace

Me:
"Ihav
en'
teat
enal
lday
"
Lonhl
e:"damni tAmile!
"Hetookoutthefood
fr
om themi cr
owav e"howlonghasthi
sfood
beenhereitsmellsfunky"

Me:
"yest
erday
.Wel
lIt
hink"

Lonhl e:"
nxa"het hrewi tinthebi nandmademe
asandwi ch"come"hepul ledmeupand
grabbedabot tl
eofwat erint hefri
dge"
youtruly
tr
yingt odrivemecr azy"hel ockedthedoor
afterwegotout" youj ustbeggi ngmetocontrol
youi tli
key ouneedi t"hetriedshov i
ngmeint he
car

Me: "
voest
ekLonhl
e!I
'm notasack"Igoti
nthe
carandhebangedthedoorclosethenwentt
o
hissi
de

Lonhl
e:"
eat
"hegav
emet
hesandwi
ch
Me:
"wher
ear
ewegoi
ng"Ist
art
edeat
ing

Lonhle:"
togetsomef
ood.Youdon'
tev
enhav
e
groceri
es"

Me:
"Ido"

Lonhl
e:"
mxm"Isi
ghedandcont
inuedeat
ingmy
sandwi
ch 
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Me:
"yesmom Iknow"
Mom: "
I'
mjustsayi
ngSbahl
edon'tgobackt
o
Enzoorstr
ingKev
inal
ongunti
lyousurewhat
youwant"

Me:"IknowwhatIwantmom!St
opt
reat
ingme
l
ikeakid"

Mom:
"excuseme?
"

Me:
"sor
ryIshoul
dn'
thav
erai
sedmyv
oice"

Mom: "good.Nowy oudon'thavemuch

experi
enceSbahle,you'
vebeenbounci ng
betweenKev i
nandEnzof oryears.Beli
evemeI
knowwhatI '
mt al
kingaboutandIal soknow
yousoIknowi fyouhurtoneoft hem againyou
won'tbeabletoleavewit
hy oursel
f"Igroaned
becauseshewassor i
ght,hur
ti
ngKev inkil
led
me
Me:
"Imi
ssy
oumom andImi
ssdaddyand
Muzi
"

Mom:"
comehomenextweekend"t
hedoorbel
l
r
ang

Me:
"someonei
satt
hedoorIhav
etogo"

Mom: "
okay"Iendedt
hecallandwentt
othe
door.Iopenedthedoorandstar
edathi
mi n
shockbuthej ustsmi
ledwi
dely

Enzo:
"hi
honey
"

Me:"whatareyoudoi
ngher
e?"Hetookmy
handandkissedmyemptyr
ingfi
nger"
I-
i..
."
Enzo:"
don'
ttr
ytoli
e"Ihuf
fedandmov
edasi
de
l
etti
nghimin"hewasafoolt
olety
ougo"

Me:"
that
'sr
ichcomi
ngfrom someonewho
dumpedme"hechuckl
ed

Enzo:
"aha"Il
edhi
mtot
hel
ounge

Me:
"woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
odr
ink?
"

Enzo:"anyt
hing"Iwenttothekitchenpoured
himjuice"t
hanky ou"Isatopposit
ehim" y
ou
l
ookbeaut i
ful.You'
vechangedbuty ousti
lll
ook
beautif
ulactuall
ymorebeautif
ul"Irai
sedmy
eyebrowsashewasspeaki ngfast"uhm"he
roughedhishairuplookingsoshyandador abl
e
Me:
"thanky
ou?
"Hesmi
l
ed

Enzo:
"yeah,
thanky
ou.Howhav
eyoubeen?
"

Me:
"I'
vebeengoodandy
ou?
"

Enzo:
"soandso.Mycar
eerhasbeenamazi
ng"

Me:"beingt
hehi
ghestpai
dsoccerpl
ayeri
nthe
countr
ymustbegreat
"

Enzo:
"naaahi
tnotaboutt
hemoneyandy
ou
knowthat"

Me:"ofcour
seitnotaboutt
hemoney,youwer
e
al
readyabil
li
onai
rebeforey
oul
eftyourmom's
womb"
Enzo:"
yougotsuchamont
hnowhoney
"hesat
backcrossi
nghi
slegs

Me:
"whyy
ouher
e?"

Enzo:"
Iwanty
oubackandIam notgoi
ngtol
et
yourunawayf
rom methi
sti
mema' Gwal
a"

Me:
"EnzoIneedt
ofi
gur
eoutwhatIwant
"

Enzo:"
ifyouwantedhi
myouwoul
dn'
thav
e
cal
ledofftheweddi
ng"

Me:
"itonpausei
tnotof
f"

Enzo:
"don'
tl
iet
omehoney
.Iwanty
ouback
Sbahl
eI '
vesuf
fer
edenough,
we'
vesuf
fer
ed
enough.Youneedtost
opthi
sandcomeback
homet ome"

Me:
"Enzo"

Enzo:
"I'
vemi
ssedyouSbahl
e"hepul
ledmeto
hi
slapandburi
edhi
sfaceonmynecksnif
fi
ng
meandIshiv
ered"I
'
vemissedyousomuchmy
l
ove"

Me: "
Enzo"It
hrewmyheadbackashest
art
ed
sucki
ngmyneck

Enzo:
"God,Il
oveyou.Youfeel
sogood"
someonecl
earedthei
rthr
oatIl
ookedupand
sawKevi
n.IjumpedoffEnzo
Me:
"Kev
in,
Icanexpl
ain"

Kev
in:
"don'
tbother"hi
stear
sdroppedand
wal
kedoffIt
ri
edf ol
lowi
nghim butEnzohel
d
myarm

Enzo:
"don'
t.Lethi
m goSbahl
e"Il
ookedat
EnzothenbackatwhereKevi
nwaswalki
ng
awaywithatornhear
t 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Il
aidont
opofVumi
l
eaf
terwef
ini
shedmaki
ng
l
ove
Vumi
l
e:"
Ilov
eyou"
Me:"Iknow"hepi
nchedmysi
demaki
ngme
squeal"baby
!"

Vumi
l
e:"
Isai
dIl
ovey
ou"

Me:"
yousoabusi
ve,
Ilov
eyout
oo"heki
ssed
myhead

Vumi
l
e:"
Iwantt
ocheckonSi
mi"

Me:
"she'
sasl
eepbaby
.Iwantt
otal
ktoy
ou"

Vumile:
"I'
m br
oke"Ipul
l
edhi
sni
ppl
etwi
sti
ngi
t
"ouchouch!I
'mjoki
ng"

Me:
"mh"
Vumi
l
e:"
whatdoy
ouwantt
otal
kabout
?"

Me:
"don'
tgetupsetokay
?"

Vumi
l
e:"
whatdi
dyoudo?
"

Me:"
not
hing.IspoketoZol
aearl
ierandshe
t
oldmeshe'spregnant
"hel
aughed

Vumile:"y
oudi dn'
tthi
nkaboutt
hatjokemy
angel
, Zol
aandNonkugof orvi
rgi
nit
ytest
ing
ever
ymont h"

Me:"r
ememberthatt
heyi
nWest
ernCapemost
otheti
meforschool
?"
Vumil
e:"
she'snotstupi
denoughtohavesexl
et
al
onegetpregnantwhil
eI'
minvest
ingsomuch
moneyinthei
reducati
on"Isi
ghed

Me:
"theset
hingshappen"

Vumi
l
e:"
mmh,
sleepmyangel
"

Me:"
oh"hestar
tedpl
ayi
ngwithmyhai
randi
t
di
dn'
ttakel
ongformetofal
lasl
eep
.

Iwaswokenupbysomeonepoundi
ngont
he
door
Me:
"mmhVumileopen"Isear
chedf
orhi
m but
t
hebedwasempty
Noku:"
sisi
!!
"Shecont
inuedpoundi
ngont
he
door

Me:"I
'
m coming"Iwrappedmygownaroundmy
bodyandwenttoopen"what'
swrong?
"

Noku:
"itbhut
ihei
shit
ti
ngZolawecan'
tst
op
hi
m mom saidtocomegety
ou"

Me:"
shi
t"weranoutandgoti
nthecarshe
dr
oveof
f"evenbabacan'
tst
ophim?"

Noku: "
heisjustsi
tt
ingbackwatching.Bhut
iis
soangr y
"Igotoutofthecarassoonasshe
parked.Icoul
dhearscreamsallthewayout.I
foundZolalayi
ngont hefl
oorshi
eldingherf
ace
asVumi lekeptbeat
ingherwit
habel t
Me:
"Vumi
l
e!"

Vumil
e:"
youthi
nkyouawomannowhhu?You
canopenyourl
egsformenandgetpr
egnant
"

Me:"Vumi
l
est
opit
!!
"Igrabbedhi
sar
m andhe
l
ookedatme"
babypl
ease"

Vumil
e:"
shehasaner
vet
ogetcheekywi
thme
Nobunt
u!!
"

Me:"Iknowbaby ,shewaswrongbutthi
swon' t
hel
p"Mr sNgcoboandNokuhel pedZolagetup
shewascryingloudlyhebodyal
readybrui
sing

Vumile:"
I'
ll
kil
lherwit
hmyownhands.Af
teral
l
thatI
'
v edoneforthi
schi
l
d!!
!"
Me:
"cal
m downbaby
"

Vumil
e:"
whoist
hefatherofyourchi
ld?
.Mah
shoul
dgett
heaunt
iessotheytakeyouther
e!"

Mr
sN:
"kodwaVumi
l
e"

MrN:
"umshay
ekancanenxa"

Vumil
e:"
tel
lme!!!
"Hi
sfacegotcov
eredwi
th
vei
nsandIrubbedhi
sback

Zol
a:"i
tSanele.Sanel
eHlongwane"Mr
s
NgcoboscreamedasIf el
ttheworl
dspi
nni
ng

Me:
"no"ev
ery
thi
ngwentdar
k
[
03/
20,
20:
11]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss
I
nser
t68

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Iwokeupinoneoft
heguestroomsatthe
house.Vumi
l
ewassitt
ingonthebackwit
hhi
s
backonmeandfaci
ngt hef
loor
Me:"
baby
"het
urnedl
ooki
ngatmewi
thr
ed
ey
es

Vumile:"
don'tev
erdothatagai
nNobuntu
Ngcobo.Idiedathousanddeat
hsworr
ied
aboutyou"

Me:"I
'
m sorr
y"heopenedmylegsgett
ingi
n
bet
weenthem butcar
eful
tonotputhi
sweight
onmyst
omach

Vumil
e:"
theki
dswoul
dn'
tstopcry
ingespeci
all
y
Si
mi.Shemademepromisetogetherassoon
asyouup"Ismi
led

Me:
"I'
mfinebabywasj
usti
nshock"heki
ssed
meshort
ly

Vumi
l
e:"
youknowIwoul
ddi
efory
our
ight
?"

Me:
"asIwoul
dbaby
"

Vumil
e:"
I'
m sor
ryZol
aisdoingt
hist
ous,
Iwi
sh
shewasn'
tmysist
erri
ghtnow"

Me:
"Shedi
dn'
tknow.ButSanel
eissuchadog
whywoul
dhegoaf
terZol
awhoi
s15y
ear
s
ol
dert
hanhi
m"

Vumil
e:"I
'
llki
ll
him.Idon'
tcarethathei
sthe
fat
herofherbabybutIwi
llki
l
l hi
m"

Me:
"Maphol
oba"

Vumi
l
e:"
no!"Heki
ssedme" f
ir
sti
twasy
ouand
nowmyl
it
tl
esist
erIwil
lki
l
lhim"

Me: "t
hat
'snotr
ightVumil
e.Whoareweto
punishpeopl
e?LetGodtakecareofhi
m and
karmadoesn'tf
orgetanaddr
ess"

Vumile:
"ther
e'snopoi
nti
ntal
ki
ngaboutt
his
becauseIwil
lkil
lhi
m"
Me: "
Zolawill
nev erfor
giv
ey ou, andwhatI'd
Sbanifi
ndsouthei shisfatherandy oukil
led
him?Ifyournieceornephewf i
ndsoutabout
youkil
li
nghisf at
herhewi l
lalsonev erf
orgive
you.Babyjustdon'tdosomet hingdocbecause
ofanger"

Vumi
l
e:"
howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Me:
"don'
ti
gnor
eme"

Vumi
l
e:"
howy
ouf
eel
i
ngMr
sNgcobo?
"Isi
ghed

Me:
"I'
m hungr
y"hesmi
l
ed

Vumi
l
e:"
whatdoesourl
i
ttl
ePr
incewant
?"
Me:
"hotwi
ngs"

Vumi
l
e:"
ha.
a"

Me:
"pl
ease"

Vumi
l
e:"
youwi
l
lhav
ehear
tbur
n"

Me:
"Idon'
tcar
e"hechuckl
ed

Vumile: "
Icare.Thehospi
tali
s3hour saway
andIr eall
ydon'twanttoseeyoucry"Ipout
ed
beggingmyt ear st
ocomebutt heywereso
fucki
ngst ubborn

Me:
"baby
"
Vumi
l
e:"
any
thi
ngel
se?
"

Me: "
fi
ne!Getmekingsteersbur
gerwi
thext
ra
cheeseandfri
espulseIwantri
bsandoreoi
ce
cream"hehadawidesmi le

Vumi
l
e:"
nowt
hatIcanhappi
l
ybuyf
ory
ou"

Me:
"gr
eat
,nowgo"

Vumi
l
e:"
youcomi
ngwi
thme"

Me:
"what
?NoVumi
l
e"

Vumi l
e:"
I'
m notl
eav
ingy
ouher
eaf
tery
ouhad
fai
ntedhabe"
Me:
"youbei
ngdr
amat
ic"

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
ll
car
ryy
out
othecar
"

Me:
"can'
tIst
aywi
thmama?
"

Vumil
e:"
sheandNokut
ookZol
atot
hehospi
tal
onl
ydadandtheki
dsar
eher
e"

Me:"f
ine!
"Igotoffthebedandwenttot
he
bat
hroom whereIwashedmyf acet
henwe
wal
keddownst ai
rs

Simi
:"mommy!
!"Shej
umpedonme"
didy
ougo
toheaven?
"

Me:
"noangel
Idi
dn'
t"
Si
mi :"
goodbecausey
ouscar
edmeandIwas
cr
ying"

Me: "
youshouldn'
tbescaredwhendaddyand
Sbaniareher
e.Theywill
alwaysprot
ectus
especial
l
yyou"

Simi:"
ourher
oes!
!Daddycaughty
oubef
orey
ou
fel
l"

Vumil
e:"
Simiangel
getof
fmommyy
ouheav
y
andshe'
sti
red"

Si
mi:
"theny
oucar
rymedaddy
"Vumi
l
etookher

Me:
"I'
m hungr
y"Iwhi
ned
Vumi
l
e:"
let
'sgo"

Si
mi:
"I'
m al
socomi
ng"

Vumi
l
e:"
wantt
ocomechamp?
"

Sbani
:"y
eah"

Vumil
e:"got
ell
grandpawel
eav
ing"her
an
upst
air
s

Mahgoti
nthekit
chenasIwasdishi
ngupfor
ev
ery
one,weendedupbuyi
ngdinnerfor
ev
ery
onebecauseIwastoot
ir
edt ocook
MrsN:"
Nobunt
u"shej
ustwr
appedherar
ms
ar
oundmegivi
ngmeawarmt i
ghthug"
I'
m so
sorr
yZoladidt
hisbutshedi
dn'
tknowshest
il
l
doesn'
tknow"wepull
edapart

Me: "
Iundermahandev enthoughshe'satfaul
t
forbei
ngwithsuchaoldmanIdon' tblameher
becauseshedidn'
tknowandi tnotyourfaul
t
mahy oudon'
thavetoapologize"

Mr
sN:
"howi
sVumi
l
e?"

Me:
"angr
yashel
l
"

Mr
sN:
"heshoul
dn'
thav
ehi
therl
i
ket
hat
"

Me:
"howbadi
tis?
"

Mr
sN:
"shemi
scar
ri
ed"
Me:
"mah!
!OhmyGod.Wher
eisshe?
"

Mr
sN:
"int
hehospi
tal
"

Me:
"Vumi
l
ewi
l
lnev
erf
orgi
vehi
msel
ffort
his"

Vumile:
"forwhatbaby
?"Hewaswal
ki
ngi
nthe
ki
tchen

MrsN:"not
hing,
tur
nsoutt
hepr
egnancywas
f
alseal
arm"

Vumi
l
e:"
don'
tl
iet
omemot
her
"mahsi
ghed

Mr
sN:
"Zol
alostt
hebaby
"
Vumi
l
e:"
shi
t"

Mr
sN:
"language"

Vumi
l
e:"
Idi
dn'
tmeanf
ort
hatt
ohappenmom"

Mr
sN:
"Iknowson.Noonei
sbl
ami
ngy
ou"

Vumile:
"buti
tismyfault
"hewhisper
edbef or
e
walki
ngoutandIquickl
yfol
lowedhim buthe
gotinhi
srangeranddroveofff
ast

Me:
"fuck"

Si
mi:"
whydiddaddyl
eaveme"Il
ookedather
asshewasstandi
ngbyme
Me:
"hei
scomi
ngback,
comeeat
" 
.

IendedupsleepingattheNgcobohouse
becausebymi dni
ghtVumi l
ewasst il
lnotback
andhisphonewasr ingingunanswered.Iwoke
upwhenIf el
thiscoldhandscircl
emybody .I
t
wasalreadyt
hef ol
lowingdayandt hesunwas
comingout.
Me:
"baby
"

Vumi
l
e:"
sleep"

Me:
"wher
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
"

Vumi
l
e:"
wewi
l
ltal
klat
er"
Me:
"not
ell
me"hesi
ghed

Vumil
e:"Iwentt
ohav eZolatr
ansferr
edtothe
hospi
tal
inDurban.Shedidn'
tlooksadwhich
madememor eguil
ty,
Ithi
nkshe'sindeni
al"

Me:
"Iwil
lseeherwhenwegobackhome
t
omorr
ow"hekissedmyneck

Vumil
e:"I
'l
lsl
eepali
tt
lebutcanIhave
br
eakfastassoonasI'
m up?Idi
dn'thav
e
di
nner
"

Me:
"okay
,sl
eep.Il
ovey
ou"

Vumile:
"Il
oveyout
ooandIwoul
ddoany
thi
ng
fory
ouNobuntu"
Me: "
Iknow"hesqueezedmet henletgo.Af ter
fewmi nuteshest ar
tedsnoringsoftl
y.Igotof f
thebedwentt othebathr
oom soIcoul dt akea
shower.Ipickeduphi scl
othesont hef l
oort o
throwthem inthebasketbutmyhear tstarted
beati
ngf astasIsawhowhi swhitet-shi
rtwas
redwithbloodandhi sgrayjeansalsohad
bloodevenhi sfavouri
tewhiteVersace
sneakers

Me:"ohVumil
ewhathav
ey oudone"Ihel
dthe
cl
otheswit
htr
embli
nghands 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Aft
erwecamebackf
rom gr
oceryshoppi
ngwe
haddi
nner
.It
ookashowerthenwesatinthe
l
ounge.Iy
awnedwhil
ewat
chi
ngt
vwi
thmy
headonLonhl
e'
slap 
Lonhl
e:"
comel
et'
stakey
out
obed"

Me:
"whenar
eyoul
eav
ing?
"

Lonhl
e:"
youwantmet
oleav
e?"

Me:"Iwon'tsl
eepwi
thyouwhileyoui
na
r
elat
ionshipwit
hher
"hesighedandstoodup
t
hencar r
iedmeinbr
idalst
yle

Lonhle:"
let
'sgotobedAmi l
e"hewal kedt
omy
room andlaidmeont hebed.Isnuggledt
he
pil
lowashel ef
ttheroom,hecamebackaf ter
awhil
eandt ookoffmypy j
amas

Me:
"whaty
oudoi
ng?
"
Lonhl
e:"get
ti
ngreadyforbed"hetookoffhi
s
cl
othesl
eavingonl
yhisboylegthenlai
donthe
bedpull
i
ngmet ohim"Iloveyou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"
 
.

IwaswokenupbyLonhl
epul
l
ingmycl
i
tint
ohi
s
mouth.

Icol
lapsedont
opofhi
m af
terwebot
hreached
outcli
max 
Lonhl
e:"
Ilov
eyou"

Me:"
andIl
oveyoumor ebutIwon'
tbeyour
si
dechi
ckMpil
onhl
e,Ideser
vemorethanthat
"
Lonhl
e:"
yesyoudo"heki
ssedmyhead"I'
l
l
l
eaveherandwecantryagai
nbutonl
yifyou
promi
semesomet hi
ng"

Me:
"what
?"

Lonhle:
"aft
erthismovi
ey oustayathomeunti
l
thebabyisatleastt
woy ear
sol dandyoudon'
t
takeacti
nggigsawayfrom ourhome"

Me:
"whaty
oumeanourhome?
"

Lonhle:"
wewi l
lgetahousewher ey ouwantbut
youhav etochoosecareful
lybecausethat'
sthe
onlyprovi
nceyouwillgettoworkatandy ouwill
sleepathomeev er
ynightunlesswet rav
eli
ng"
Me:
"but
"

Lonhl
e:"noAmi leandwewillgetmarr
iedand
takeAyafrom mom.Wewi l
lrai
seourchil
dren
notmymot her
"Igroaned

Me:"
twoy ear
snotwor
kingwon'
tbegoodf
or
mycareerLonhl
e"

Lonhle:"IguessIunder
standyourpri
ori
ti
es
actuall
yI'veunder
stoodthem f
oralongtime
now"

Me:
"that
'snotf
air
"

Lonhl
e:"
Ishoul
dgo"hemovedmeasi
deget
ti
ng
offt
hebed"cal
lmewhenyougett
oNewYork"
Me:
"pl
easedon'
tgo"

Lonhl
e:"
Imi
ssAy
aIhav
en'
tseenheri
ntwo
weeks"

Me:
"I'
l
lcomewi
thy
ou"

Lonhl
e:"
youhav
ewor
konMonday
"

Me:
"itonl
ySat
urday
,I'
l
lcomebackonMonday
mor
ning"

Lonhl
e:"
okaygetr
eadyI
'
llmakeusbr
eakf
ast
"

Me:"okaybaby"heki
ssedmebef orewalki
ng
out
.Ilai
dont hebedwit
hsigh"I
'm att
hepeak
ofmycareerbutIlov
eLonhleandourkids"I
thoughtoutl
oud.Ij
umpedof fthebedand
basical
l
yrantothekit
chen,Ifoundhi
mt aki
ng
outbaconfrom t
hefreezer"
mpi l
onhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
Ithoughty
ouwer
ebat
hing"

Me:"Iagree.IwantyoubackLonhl
e,y
ouand
ourchil
dren.Iwantustobeafamil
y"he
scoopedmeup

Lonhl
e:"
Ilov
eyou"Icuppedhi
sfaceandki
ssed
hi
m 
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥
Iputonmyshoest henwentt ostandinfr
ontof
themi r
ror.Iwaswearingablackrippedankl
e
grazerjeanswit
hal oseivyparkwhitecr
optop
andwhi tepumpedheel s.Myweav ewasleft
l
ose.Myphoner angasIwasput tingonli
psti
ck
Me:
"yes"

Enzo:
"I'
m att
hedoor
"

Me: "gi
vemeasecond"Iendedthecal
land
tookmybag.Iwenttoopenthedoorandfound
him standi
ngt
her
elooki
nggorgeousasalways

Enzo:"
youlookbreat
htaki
nghoney
"wehugged
thenki
ssedshort
ly

Me:"
youl
ookgoodaswel
l"hetookmykeys
f
rom meandl
ockedt
hedoorthenwewentto
hi
scar.Hecl
osedt
hedooraf
terIgoti
nthen
wentt
ohissi
de"wher
earewegoing?"

Enzo:
"youwil
lsee"hedr
oveof
f"can'
tbel
i
eve
youboughtahouseinacompl
ex"

Me: "
renti
ng.Kevi
nandIdeci dedt
or entt
hen
l
ookf orsomethi
ngafterthewedding"he
nodded.Wewer etogethernowbuttaking
thi
ngsreall
yslowl
yjustgetti
ngtoknoweach
otheragai
n

Enzo:
"Iunder
stand.Howi
swor
k?"

Me:
"ti
ri
ng,
bei
ngont
hef
iel
disnof
un"

Enzo:"butyoul
ookdanggoodi
nyoursaf
ety
gear"Irol
ledmyeyes
Me:"y
ousuchaperveEnzo"hechuckl
edand
gav
emythighasqueeze

Enzo:
"souhm"

Me:
"uhm?
"

Enzo:
"di
dyouf
uckhi
m?"

Me:
"Enzo"

Enzo:
"pl
easeSbahl
eit
'sbeendr
ivi
ngmecr
azy
"

Me:
"itpr
ivat
e!"
Enzo:
"justt
ell
mepl
ease"

Me: "
yes"Iwhisperedandhisj
awclenchedas
hegrabbedthest eer
ingwheelhar
dunt i
lhi
s
knucklest
urnedwhi t
e"Enzowewer etoget
her
forsuchalong,wewer eengagedforGod
sakes"

Enzo:"
Iknow"wer emai
nedsilentunt
ilwegot
totherest
aurant
,hegotoutcomingtoopenmy
doorandhelpedmeout

Me:"t
hankyou"heki
ll
edmycheekandtookmy
handbef
orewewalkedtowar
dstheent
rance

Hostess:"goodev eni
ngMrMkhi ze,y
ourtablei
s
thi
sway "shef l
ashedhim asmilepushingher
breastt
ohi sfacebuthewasj ustst
aringatme
Enzo: "
leadthewayphelahawu"shefr
owned
butquicklycoveredi
twithasmil
eandstart
ed
walkingustowar dst
heback.Peopl
ewere
star
ingsomet aki
ngpict
uresaswewere
walkingpassthem.Wegott oamorepri
vat
e
sett
ing.

Hostess:
"I'
l
lsendyourwait
eryourway"Enzo
pul
ledachairformeandafterIhadsatdown
hepusheditbackin"woul
dy ouli
kesomethi
ng
todri
nk?"

Enzo:
"honey
?"

Me:
"vi
rgi
nmoj
i
to"

Enzo:
"anddoubl
eshotofGl
enf
iddi
ch26wi
th
i
ce"

Hostess:"
comi ngri
ghtup"shebi
therbot
tom
l
ip"i
fy ouneedany t
hingel
seMrMkhizepl
ease
l
etmeknow, anythi
ngatall
"shewi
nkedbefor
e
wal
kingawayshaki ngherti
nyass

Me:
"nxa"

Enzo:
"honey
"

Me:"
Idon'
tthi
nkIwantt
oeather
eanymor
e"he
t
ookouthi
sphoneanddial
edanumber

Enzo:
"comeher
e"heendedt
hecal
l

Me:
"whowast
hat
?"
Enzo:"
I'
m sor
ryshewasmaki
ngyou
uncomfort
abl
e"aguycametoourt
abl
e

Guy
:"Enzo"

Enzo:"
AzolaIwantyourhost
essgoneshei
s
makingmygi r
lf
ri
enduncomfort
abl
eby
thr
owinghersel
fatme"

Azol
a:"
Ican'
tjustl
ethergoIdon'
thav
eanot
her
host
essfort
henight"

Enzo:
"wellt
henwewi l
ll
eaveandI
'
llbesur
eto
l
etmyf amil
yandfr
iendsknowhowbadservi
ce
i
shere"theguysi
ghed

Azol
a:"
I'
ll
lethergo,
pleaseenj
oyy
ourdi
nner
"
hegav
eusanod"
myapol
ogi
esma'
am"hel
eft

Me:
"Ishoul
dn'
thav
e"

Enzo:"Il
oveyou"hehel
dmyhandskissi
ngmy
knuckl
es"Ican'
twaitf
orther
estofourl
i
ves
toget
her"

Me:
"met
oo"

Enzo:"
Ipr
omiseI
'
llmakey
ouhappy
,Iwi
l
lnev
er
hurty
ouagai
n"

Me:"IhopesoEnzobecauseI
'
m openi
ng
myselfuptoyouagai
nandIwoul
dhatetohav
e
t
oregretthat
"
Enzo:
"youwon'tIpromi
se"hest
oodupand
hel
dmychinkissingme

[
03/
20,
20:
11]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t69

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Icamebackf
rom wor
ktof
indEnzopar
ked
outsi
demyhouse
Me:
"andt
hen?
"

Enzo:
"heybaby
"weki
ssed
Me:
"shoul
dn'
tyoubei
nJhb?
"

Enzo:"Ileftaft
ertr
ainingI'
ll
gobacki
nthe
morningi ntimefortraini
ng"hewr
appedhis
arm aroundmywai stpull
ingmetohi
m" I
missedy ou"

Me:"
wewer
etoget
hert
woday
sago"heki
ssed
mychin

Enzo:"Imissedyou"hekissedmyneck" Ican'
t
stayawayf r
om you"Il
etoutamoant hr
owing
backmyhead" Iwishy
ouwer est
il
lst
ayi
ngi n
Jhb"Iheardacamer agoof fandpull
edback
fast"
shit
"hepul l
edmei ntothehouse

Me:
"Ihat
ethi
s!"Hi
sey
esf
il
ledwi
thsadness
Enzo:
"i-
i'
m sor
ryl
ove"Isi
ghed

Me:"
itnoty
ourfaul
t"Iwr
appedmyar ms
ar
oundneckst
andingonmyt oes"
Ilovey
ou"

Enzo:"Il
oveyoutoo.WaitIhav
esomet hingf
or
you"herushedoutandIwenttot heki
tchenI
pouredmy sel
faglassofjui
ce"honey!
"

Me:"whati
sthat
?"Thecut
est
art
edbar
king
sof
tl
y

Enzo:
"she'
syour
s"

Me: "
ohmyGod"It ookherandshest
art
ed
l
icki
ngmyf ace"yousobeauti
ful
soador
able"
shebarkedli
cki
ngmenonst op"ohIl
oveyou
too"Enzokeptt
akingpi
ctur
eswithhi
sphone"I
l
oveher
"

Enzo:"
I'
m gl
ad"hehuggedmesquashi ngthe
puppybetweenandshebarkedlouder"I
adopt
edhimf orus,
ourfi
rstbor
n"Igiggl
ed

Me:"
ourf
irstbor
n"heki
ssedmycheek"
didy
ou
nameher
?"

Enzo:
"na.
a"

Me:
"Li
l
ly"

Enzo:"Lil
ly
? "Inoddedsmi
li
ngatLil
lywho
wouldn'tstoplicki
ngme"well
welcomeLil
ly
Mkhize"
Me:
"whyshegot
tabeaMkhi
ze?
"

Enzo:
"becauseherdaddyi
saMkhi
ze"Ir
oll
ed
myeyes

Me:
"what
ever
"

Enzo:
"I'
m hungr
y"

Me:"weneedtogobuyherthi
ngsatthepet
shopthengetsometakeaway
sbecauseIdon'
t
cookduri
ngtheweek"

Enzo:"okay
,let
'sgobecauseIam ser
iousl
y
star
ving"welef
tfort
hemal li
nhiscar"cl
ose
thewindowbeforeshefli
esout"
Me:"
nowt
hatwoul
dbesomethi
ng"Icl
osedt
he
wi
ndowwhi
leki
ssi
ngLi
l
ly'
swetmouth.

Weboughthert
hingsthendecidedtogotothe
Mkhi
zehousefordinneraf
terSnecall
edsay
ing
shemissesme.
 
Sne:
"makot
i!
"Shegav
emeabi
gwar
m hug

Me:
"noty
ett
hough"

Enzo:
"soon"hewinkedbef
orel
eav
ingmewi
th
hi
smom i nthel
ounge

Sne:"I
'
m sohappyy outwoareworkingon
beingtoget
her"wewalkedi
ntothelounge"Ij
ust
hopehedoesn'thurty
ouagainbecauseIwill
sendhim backint
omywomb! "Ilaughed
Ay
a:"
eyomam'
ncane"

Me:
"ey
obaby
"It
ookher

Ay
a:"
Lil
l
yissocut
e"

Me:
"thanky
ou"

Lonhle:"
youhav
emybr
otherwal
ki
ngar
ound
carr
yingadog"

Ay
a:"
hernamei
sLi
l
lydaddy
"

Me:
"Li
l
lyMkhi
zet
obespeci
fi
c"

Lonhl
e:"
noway
!!Yougav
eheroursur
name?
She'
sadog"
Ay
a:"
hernamei
sLi
l
lydaddyst
opi
t"

Lonhl
e:"
okaymyangel
daddyi
ssor
ry"het
ook
herfr
om me

Ay
a:"
okay
"heki
ssedhercheek

Enzo:
"di
nneri
ssetinthedinningroom"It
ook
Li
ll
yandshebarkedbefor
elickingmycheek

Me:
"youal
sohungr
yar
en'
tyou"

Sne:
"Idon'
thav
edogf
ood"

Me:
"wehav
eint
hecar
"
Enzo:"
I'
ll
geti
thoney
"weal
lwentt
othedi
nni
ng
areawhil
ehewentout

Sne:"
gocal
lyourf
atherandSj
from t
het
heat
er
Lonhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
okaymom"
 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Si
mpi
we:
"howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Me:
"If
eel
finel
i
keIdi
dtwomi
nut
esago"

Si
mpi
we:
"sor
ryI
'
mjustanxi
ous"
Me: "IknowbabyI'
m sorryj
ustt
hatI'
m also
anxious"Iheldhi
shandashedr ov
e.Wewer e
goingt othedoct
or,goi
ngforanul
trasoundour
surrogatewaspregnant

Si
mpiwe:"y
ouknowInev
erwentt
oan
ul
tr
asoundbef
ore"

Me:
"whataboutLi
sa?
"

Si
mpi
we:
"wasnev
eri
nter
est
ed"

Me:
"Si
mpi
we!
"

Si
mpi
we:
"Iwasy
oungSi
phoset
hu"
Me:
"yeahIunder
standIguess"

Si
mpi
we:
"mmh"

Me:"speaki
ngofLisa,hermothercal
l
edshe
wantshertovi
sitduri
ngtheholi
daysbutLi
sa
doesn'
twantto"

Si
mpi
we:
"wel
lwecan'
tfor
cehert
ogo"

Me:"
butshecan'
tj
ustnotwantt
ogoseeher
ot
herfami
lywi
thnoreason"

Si
mpi
we:
"ay
iandazi
ke"

Me:"
Iwil
lspeaktoher"wegottot
hehospi
tal
andf
oundHelenaalr
eadywait
ingf
orusin
wai
ti
ngar
ea"
Hey
"shesmi
l
ed

Hel
ena:
"MrandMr
sJama"

Me:"
Ikeeptel
l
ingyout
ocall
usbyournames"
shel
ookedatSimpi
webef
orebl
ushi
ngand
l
ooki
ngdown

Si
mpi
we:
"let
'sgeti
n"

Si
mpiwehel
dmyhandasthedoct
orwas
movi
ngthemoni
toronHel
ena'
sst
omach 
Dr:"
therewego"i
tsoundedsost
rong,
Simpi
we
keptsqueezi
ngmyhand

Si
mpi
we:
"wow"
Me:
"yes"Iwi
pedmyt
ear

Dr
:"t
wost
rongl
i
ttl
ehear
tbeat
s"

Si
mpi
we:
"two!Soi
thappened?
"

Dr
:"y
ept
wol
i
ttl
eboy
sli
key
ouwant
ed"

Me: "
ohGod"Ibur
iedmyf
aceonSi
mpi
we'
s
chestcr
ying

Dr
:"t
heysost
rongev
ery
thi
ngl
ooksgood"

Simpiwe:"i
tokaybaby
"hi
svoi
cewasbr
aki
ng"
it
okay"Ishookmyhead

Me:
"I'
m sor
ryI
'
m sosor
ryIcan'
tcar
ryour
babies"hecuppedmyf
acemov
ingi
tfr
om hi
s
chest

Simpiwe: "
heylookatme"Il ookedathi m" itnot
yourfaul
titnoone' sfaul
t"heki ssedme" we
havi
ngourboy sSi phosethu,halfofmeandhal f
ofyou.Youmi ghtnotbecar ryingt hem butthey
areours"Inoddedhewi pedmyt earswithhis
thumps" Il
ovey ou"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"

Si
mpiwe:
"st
opapol
ogi
zi
ngwi
fey
"Igav
ehi
ma
weaksmi
le

Me:
"okay
" 
.
#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Hewaspi cki
ngmeupf rom t
hel ocat
ion.Just
seei
nghimt her
estandi
ngoutsidehiscar
l
eaningonitwithaboxofredrosesandasmi l
e
onhisface.Ir
antohim asheopenedhi sarms
andjumpedonhi m 
Lonhl
e:"
wel
lhel
l
omyl
ove"

Me:
"hi
"weki
ssed"
I'
vemi
ssedy
ou"

Lonhl
e:"sohav
eIandIhav esomet
hingforyou"
heopenedthebackdoorandIsawAy asi
tti
ng
andstr
appedinthecarseat

Ay
a:"
eyomommy
!"Igotof
fLonhl
e

Me:
"ey
omyangel
"It
ookheroutandki
ssedher
al
lov
erherf
ace"
eyobaby"shewouldn'
tst
op
gi
ggl
ing"
mommymi ssedyousobad"

Aya:"
missedy
ou"shepeckedmyl
i
ps"
butI
'
m
ti
red"

Me:"I
'm sor
rymyangel"Igotinthebackwit
h
herandLonhlegoti
nthefrontseatanddrov
e
off

Lonhl
e:"
arewegoi
ngbackt
othehot
el?
"

Me:"yes"Iwasstayi
ngathi
sfami l
y'
shot
eli
n
thepenthouse"
Ay aneedst
osleep,di
dsheeat
anyt
hing?"

Lonhl
e:"
yesi
nthej
et"
Ay
a:"
nothungr
y"shey
awned

Me:"
sleep"shenodded"
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
e
comi
ngwi thher
"

Lonhle:"
managedt
ogett
woweeksoffsoI
thoughtwecoul
dspendi
ther
ewi
thyou"

Me:"
great
,wecangohouseshoppi
ngonmy
of
fdays"

Lonhl
e:"y
ouknowwher
eyouwantt
obuya
house?
"

Me:"yesi
nLasAngelesattheHiddenHi
l
ls
est
ateorCal
abasas"hechuckl
ed
Lonhl
e:"
inLAmakaAy
a?"

Me:
"yes"

Lonhle:
"somehowIknewy ouwer
egoi
ngtosay
LAbutIt houghtsomewher
ear
oundHol
ly
wood
Hil
ls"

Me:
"notsochi
l
dfr
iendl
y"

Lonhle:
"okayI
'
llcal
loneoft
heagent
satourLA
off
icesandseeifwecan'
tvi
ewsomehouses
soon"

Me:
"okay
"

Lonhl
e:"
hav
eyout
houghtaboutt
heweddi
ng"
Me: "
Lonhl
eplease"Idon'tknowwhybut
gett
ingmarri
edwasj ustsomet hi
ngIdidn'
tfeel
l
ikeIneededtodo.Ev enwiththelobol
a
chancesarei
fLonhlehadn'tambushedmei t
wasn'tgoi
ngtogetdone

Lonhl
e:"
Ijustdon'
tgeti
t"

Me:
"Ay
aisasl
eepwewi
l
ltal
klat
er"

Lonhl
e:"
okay,Il
ovey
outhough"ourey
esmet
onthemirr
orandwebot
hsmi l
ed

Me:
"isThol
ist
il
lcal
l
ing?
"Hesi
ghed

Lonhl
e:"
yesev
eryt
imeIblockhernumbershe
cal
lswit
hanewonecry
ing"
Me:"
poorher
"hesentmeaqui ckdisapprovi
ng
l
ook"nompil
onhlenotaf
tershecamei nt
omy
homeandthr
eatenedmeusingmydaught er
"

Lonhl
e:"
shedeni
edi
t"

Me:
"Lonhl
e!"

Lonhl
e:"
noIbel
i
evey
oumakaAy
aIwasj
ust
sayi
ng"

Me: "
youbet
terbeli
evemeorI
'
llpeei
nal
lyour
sneaker
s"helaughed

Lonhl
e:"
Ibeli
evey
ousomuchthatIknowy
ou
woulddothat
"Ist
uckmyt
ongueout
Me:
"youbet
ter
"

Icover
edAyawithablanketaswegott
othe
hotelt
hengotoutaf
terLonhl
eopenedt
hedoor
forme
Lonhl
e:"goupI'
l
lbeupi
nasecondj
ustneedt
o
checksomethi
ngwit
hDerek"

Me:
"pl
easehur
ry"heki
ssedmyhead

Lonhl
e:"
ordersomef
ood"

Me:
"any
thi
ngspeci
fi
c?"

Lonhl
e:"
no"Igotintheelev
ator
.Aft
ert
ucki
ngin
AyaIwentt
oor derusfood.It
hrewmysel
fon
t
hecouchki
ckingoffmyheel
sandanswer
ed
myphoneasitrang

Me: "
hel
l
o"theydidn'tsayanythi
ngjust
breat
hed"hel
lo"st
il
l not
hing"youbettert
alk
befor
eIendthecall"sti
llnot
hing"nxa"

Call
er:
"youbett
erwatchyourbackbecauseI '
m
comingforyoubeinginNewYor kwon'tkeep
yousafe"sheendedthecall
,Itr
iedcal
li
ngback
thenumberbutitwentstr
aighttovoi
cemail 
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Iopenedt
hedoorsl
owl
yandgoti
n 
Me:
"hey
"Iwal
kedt
oherbed
Zola:
"hi
"Icl
osedt
hecur
tai
nar
oundherbed
thensatont
hechai
r

Me:"howyouf
eel
i
ng?
"Sheshr
uggedher
shoul
ders

Zol
a:"
okay
"

Me:
"Igoty
oul
unch"shenodded"
I'
m sor
ry"

Zol
a:"
noty
ourf
aul
tity
ourhusband'
s"

Me:
"hedi
dn'
tmeani
t"

Zol
a:"
sohesay
s"

Me:
"Vumi
l
ewoul
dnev
erhur
tyouNokuzol
ayou
ar
ehi
sli
tt
lesi
ster
"

Zol
a:"
wel
lheki
l
ledmybaby
"

Me:
"wher
edi
dyouev
enmeetSanel
e?"

Zol
a:"
inCapet
own"

Me:
"whatwashedoi
ngt
her
e?"

Zol
a:"
busi
ness,
doy
ouknowhi
m?"

Me:"doyouknowt
hathewasi
njai
lforr
ape?
"
Shesatup

Zola:"
youly
ing!Sanel
ewouldnev
erhur
tany
one
l
ikethatheisasweethear
t"
Me:
"hei
sanani
mal
Zol
a,ar
api
st"

Zol
a:"
youl
yi
ng"

Me:"herapedmeZola"sheshookherhead
al
readycryi
ng"hewassupposedtobeinjai
lfor
18yearsbuthegotoutongoodbehavi
or.Heis
arapist
"

Zol
a:"
I-
I.
..
"

Me:
"that
'swhyVumi
l
ewassoupset
"

Zol
a:"
Idi
dn'
tknow"

Me:
"youhadnowayofknowi
ngbutSanel
eisn'
t
ani
ceper
son,
wedon'
twanty
ouar
oundhi
m"

Zola:
"I'
l
lleav
ehi
m anywayhehasn'
tbeen
answeri
ngmycall
ssinceIgother
e"

Me:"mmh"IthoughtaboutVumil
e'
sbl
oody
cl
othesandhowhenev ergavemeaproper
answerastowhathappenedbuthepr
omised
met hathedi
dn'
tki
llSanel
e

Zol
a:"
I'
m sor
ryy
ouhadt
ogot
hrought
hat
"

Me:
"itnoty
ourf
aul
t"

Zol
a:"
sti
l
l"Inodded

Igothomef
oundSi
miwat
chi
ngcar
toons
al
one,
Vumi
l
ewasatSbani
'
ssoccergame 
Me:
"hel
l
obaby
"

Simi:"
whatdi dyougetme?"Ilaughedandt ook
outasmal lpocketofj
ell
ybeans"thankyou
mom"Ij ustroll
edmyey esbecauseIhadgot ten
them fr
om thepantrybutal
lthesweetswer e
hiddenonthet opshel
fwhereshecouldn'tsee
orreach

Me:"
youwelcomebaby"shelai
dherheadon
mystomachandthebabystart
edki
cki
ng

Simi:"
hell
obaby "Ibrushedherbi gafro.She
usedtowantherhai rr
elaxedbecauseal lher
doll
shadr el
axedl ongstrai
ghthair.Sheusedt o
crysomucht hatVumilewoul dgetmadatme
fornotrel
axingherhairuntilIboughthera
Buhledollnowshel ovesheraf r
o
Me:
"let
'sgobakemyl
ove"

Simi:
"yeah!
!"Igotof
fthecouchandwewentt
o
theki
tchen.

Vumil
eandSbani
gotbackaswewer
est
il
l
baki
ng 
Sbani
:"cupcakesf
ordi
nnery
eah!
"Ir
oll
edmy
eyes

Me:"t
here'
smacaroonandcheeseintheoven
andsal
adinthef
ri
dgeaddthedr essi
ngandset
upthetabl
e"

Sbani
:"butI
'
m sot
ir
ed"Vumi
l
echuckl
ed
Vumi
l
e:"
comeonI
'
llhel
pyou"

Me:
"howwast
hegame?
"

Sbani
:"Iwon"

Me:"
greatandyougetanext
racupcake"
Vumi
lelaughed

Sbani
:"y
eaht
hanks"

Me:
"don'
tbesar
cast
ic"

Simi
:"daddyIi
cedthi
sonef
oryou"t
hecake
hadasmi l
eandeyesmadeofst
rawber
ry

Vumi
l
e:"
ooht
hanky
oumySi
mi"het
ookt
he
cakeandki
ssedhernose.Justast
heywere
walki
ngoutt
heint
ercom rangandSbani
ranto
i
t

Sbani
:"i
tthepol
i
ce"Il
ookedatVumi
l
ewho
qui
ckl
ywentt oi
t

Vumi
l
e:"
yes"

Pol
i
ce:
"Ngcobor
esi
dence?
"

Vumi
l
e:"
yes"

Pol
i
ce:
"wel
ooki
ngf
orVumi
l
eNgcobo"

Vumile:
"regardi
ngwhat?
"Theypr
essedapiece
ofpaperont hecamer
aandIhear
dVumile
mut
teracur
se"
Sbani
takey
oursi
sterupst
air
s"

Si
mi:
"butdaddywest
il
lbaki
ng"

Sbani:
"comeSimi"hepi
ckedherupandwal
ked
out,
Vumi l
eopenedthegat
e

Me:
"Vumi
l
e?"

Vumi l
e:"
ever
ythi
ngwi l
lbefi
ne"hewasbusy
text
ingthenhefi
nishedandkissedme"
Ilov
e
yousomuch"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Vumil
e:"
lookaf
tert
hekidsanddon'tst
ress
your
sel
fthi
nkaboutthebaby
"theystar
ted
poundi
ngthedoor.If
oll
owedhi
m ashewentt
o
thefoy
erandopenedthedoor

Police:"Vumi leNgcobo?"Vumi lenodded" y ou

underar restforassaultandat t
empt edmur der
ofSanel eHl ongwaneandSbusi soZuma"t hey
startedcuf f
inghim" youhav ear i
ghttor emai n
si
lentany t
hingyousaycanandwi l
lbeused
againstinacour toflaw,youhav ear ightt
o
attorneyifyoucan' taff
ordonet hent hestat e
willprovidey ouwithoney ..
..
"Iwasj ustcrying
si
lent l
y

Vumile:
"Nobuntubabydon'tcr
yandremember
thedoctorsai
dnostress"t
heyshovedhi
min
thevanasIletoutaloudsob
[
03/
20,
20:
12]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t70
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Ij
uststaredinonepl
aceforsuchalongti
me
unl
essIleftarmsci
rcl
ingar
oundmywai stand
hepressedhisheadonmyst omach
Sbani:"
I'
ll
takecareofyoumom andbabawill
bebacksoony ouwillsee"Isuckedi
nadeep
breat
hbef or
ebrushi
nghi shair

Me: "
dishupforyoursist
erandgetherr
eady
forbedokay?Pleasedon'tgi
vehermorethan
onecupcakeotherwiseshewon'tsl
eep"

Sbani
:"okay
,goupst
air
sI'
l
lbr
ingy
ouy
our
di
nner"
Me:
"I'
m nothungr
y"

Sbani:"
youhav
etoeatmom t
hinkaboutt
he
baby"Ismil
edathi
m

Me:"y
outhebestt
hingt
ohav
ehappenedt
ome
Sbani
sam"

Sbani
:"Il
ovey
oumom"

Me:"l
oveyout
oo"weletgoofeachot
herandI
wentuptomyroom.Isatont
hebedandcall
ed
Si
yabul
ela

Bul
e:"
li
tt
lesi
s"

Me:
"hi
"
Bul
e:"
what
'swr
ong?
"

Me:
"Vumi
l
eishasbeenar
rest
ed"

Bul
e:"
shi
twhathappened?
"

Me:"assaul
tandatt
emptedmur
derofSanel
e
andsomeSi busi
soguy
"

Bule:
"lookI'
ll
tryt
ogetafli
ghtoutassoonas
oneisav ai
l
ablebutVumil
ehasalawy erav
ery
goodoneatt hatdon'
tworr
yhewi l
lbehome
soon"

Me:
"pl
easej
ustcome"
Bul
e:"
I'
mlooki
ngf
ort
henextav
ail
abl
efl
i
ghtas
wespeak"

Me:
"okay
"

Bul
e:"ev
eryt
hingwil
lbef
inesisyouwil
lsee
nowrestandtakecar
eofthatbaby"

Me:"okay"Iendedthecal
landwenttothe
cl
osetIchangedintoVumile'
st-
shi
rtand
sweatpantsbefor
egoingtobed.
.

Iwokeupi nthemorningt
onoVumi l
e,myheart
j
ustbroke.Iwenttotakeashowergotoutput
onjeansandVumi l
e'
shoodywi t
hsneakers.I
l
eftmyaf rol
osetookmyphoneandbagwi th
carkeys.Iwentt
ocheckonSi mifi
rstbutshe
wasasl eepIkissedherl i
pst henwent
downst air
s.Ifoundourhel perint hekitchen
cookingsof tpor ri
dgeSimi lovedi t.Ourhelper
onlywor keddur ingtheweekand8t o4unlessI
askhert ostayl ater.Igr
eetedhert ookabot t
le
ofjuiceandanabanana.Igoti nmycaraf ter
openingt hegarageanddr ov eoff.AsIopeneda
gateacardr ovei nsoIrever sedgoi ngthen
stopped.Vumi legotoutoft hecarl ooki
ng
drainedsoIqui ckl ygotoutofmi neandt hrew
my selfathim.Hehel dmet i
ghtlyasIst arted
cryi
ng

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
m sor
ry"

Me:
"whywoul
dyoudot
hist
ome!
"

Vumil
e:"i
tal
lov
erIpr
omise"hekissedmyhead
bef
orelet
ti
nggoofmeandwr appinghi
sar
m
ar
oundmyneck"
thanky
ou"

Sfundo:"
youfamilyVumi
le,youmarri
edmy
daughter
"hekissedmyforehead"st
opcr
ying
yourhusbandishomeandi tal
lov
er"

Me:
"okay
"

Sf
undo:
"wewi
l
ltal
kVumi
l
e"

Vumile:
"thankyou"henoddedbef
oreget
ti
ngi
n
thecaranddriv
ingout

Me:
"whati
sov
erVumi
l
e?"

Vumi
le:
"don'
twor
ryy
our
sel
fabouti
t,now
comeIwantt
oholdy
ouandfal
lasl
eep"wegot
i
nthecarandhedr
ovebackt
othegar
aget
hen
wewentuptoourr
oom

Me:"ar
eyouokay
?"Hesmi
l
edt
aki
nghi
s
cl
othesof
f

Vumile:
"yesmylove.Idi
dn'
thav
edi
nneri
s
ther
esomet hi
ngIcaneat"

Me:"i
sbreakf
astf
ineory
ouwanty
est
erday
's
l
eft
overs?
"

Vumil
e:"
breakf
astbaby
"hepeckedmyl
i
psand
wal
kedtothebathr
oom.

Aftermakinghi
m breakfastIwentbackupbutI
foundhim asl
eepont opofthebed.Itooka
blanketandcover
edhi m.Aftert
aki
ngof fmy
cl
othesIj
oinedhi
minbed 
Me:"Il
ovey
ou"hehel
dmecl
oserandmumbl
ed
Il
oveyoumore

VumileandIspentt hewhol edayi nbed, Simi

j
oinedusaf terl
unchf orhernapt i
me.When
Sbanicamebackf rom school heal sojoinedus,
sothef ourofusstayedi nbedev enorder ed
supper.Wewer ewat chingtv,anani mated
mov i
ewhenmyphoner ang.I
twasanunknown
numberwhi chIanswer edal i
ttl
eskept i
cal
Me:
"hel
l
o"

Cal
ler
:"Nobunt
umychildi
tSanel
e'
saunt
"I
l
ookedatVumilebef
oreget
ti
ngofft
hebed,
I
wenttothecl
oset

Me:
"yebo"
Her
:"Unj
an,
Howi
sSbani
?"

Me:
"I'
m okayandhei
sokay
"shesi
ghed

Her:
"justwant
edtotel
lyouthatSanel
epassed
awaylastni
ghtdur
ingahij
ack.Theyshoothi
m"

Me:
"oh"

Her:"
Iknowhehur
tyoubutasSbanii
shisson
heneedstobeatt
hefuner
al.Iwi
l
lcal
landwit
h
thedetai
l
s"

Me:
"okayt
hanky
ou"

Her
:"uber
ytmychi
l
d"Iendedt
hecal
land
turnedt
ofi
ndVumil
estandi
ngbehindmewith
hisarmscr
ossedov
erhischestandarai
sed
eyebrow

Me:
"Sanel
eisdead.Vumi
l
ewhatdi
dyoudo?
"

Vumil
e:"Iwasi
njaill
astni
ghtunti
lthi
smorni
ng
remember?"Hepeckedmylipsandwentoutof
thecl
oset 
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Iwokeupt i
redLill
ywassicklastni
ghtsowe
spental
mostt hewholenightatthevetandthe
worsepartwast hatEnzohadagamet oday
.I
gotofft
hebedwentt othebathr
oom, Enzohad
alreadyleft
.IcheckedonLil
l
yandshewassti
l
l
sleepingonherbed, myheartbr
okejust
thinki
ngabouthowshewassqui rmi
ngand
gruntinginpain.Iwentt
otakeabath.

Afterbathi
ngandhav i
ngbreakf
astIcall
edthe
fr
ontdeskaski ngforadri
vert
hentookLill
yand
wel ef
t.Gett
inghomeIf oundMuzialr
eady
dressedinhissignedsundownsjer
sey 
Muz
i:"
canwegonow?
"Il
aughed

Me:
"wel
lgoodmor
ningt
oyout
ool
i
ttl
ebr
other
"

Muz
i:"
goodmor
ningsi
s,nowcanwego?
"

Me:"l
etmegreetf
irstandt
hegamedoesn'
t
st
artf
orthr
eehours"
Muzi
:"butwehav
etogetear
lyi
tgoi
ngt
obe
cr
owded"

Me:"wegoi
ngthr
oughadi
ff
erentent
rancej
ust
r
elaxMuzi
"Iwenti
n"mommy!!"

Mom: "
don'tscr
eam I
'
mr ighther
e"wehugged
andshetookLill
ywhobarkedsoftl
ynudgi
ng
mom'sneck" i
sshesti
ll
sick?"

Me:"
get
ti
ngbett
erbutIt
hinkt
hemedi
cinei
s
maki
nghert
ir
ed"

Mom: "Shewil
lbefi
ne"Isatinthecount
er
"Muzihasbeenbounci
ngof fthewall
swit
h
exci
tement"

Me:
"dadal
way
stakeshi
mtogamesIdon'
tget
t
hebi
gdeal
"

Muz i
:"wel
iteral
lygoi
ngtobesi
tt
ingsocloset
o
all
theplay
er sandIgett
omeetthem al
l
!!"I
rol
ledmyey es

Me:
"yeah!
"

Muzi:
"younotr
uini
ngmydaywithyour
sar
casm"hetookLil
ly"
hibabyl
et'
sgofora
wal
k"

Me:
"herl
eashi
sint
hebagi
nthel
ounge"

Muz
i:"
okay
"

Me:
"daddyi
sst
il
latwor
k?"
Mom: "
yeahbuthewil
lbebacksoonjustt
hat
hehadtoputonafewhoursatthehospit
al
bef
oregoingt
othesurger
y"

Me:
"okay
"

Enzowrappedhisarmsar oundmywai stand

ki
ssedmedeepl ysli
dinghistongueinmy
mouthmakingmemoanandpr essmyselfon
hi
m har
der.Wehadn' thadsexandIdon' tknow
howmuchl ongerIcanwai t
. 
Me:
"mmh"

Enzo:
"hi
honey
"heki
ssedmyj
awl
i
negoi
ng
downtomyneck

Me:
"ohGod"hest
art
edgr
indi
ngonme"
mmh"
someonecl
ear
edt
hei
rthr
oat
sandwel
etgoof
eachot
her

Enzo:
"hi
kid"

Muzi
:"t
hegamewasamazi
ngy
ouwer
e
amazi
ng"

Enzo:"
hadt
oshowoff,Ihadmybr
otheri
nlaw
watchi
ngme"Muzi
laughed

Muzi
: "
Sbahl
eyoudat
ingt
hebestguyi
nthe
wor
ld"Enzogavemeacockysmil
ebef
ore
wi
nkingatme

Enzo:
"let
'
sgohavedinner
"wewal
kedt
ohi
scar
andhedroveof
f"howisLil
l
y"
Me:
"good"Il
etoutay
awn

Enzo:
"sor
rybabyy
ouwill
sleepaf
terdi
nner
"he
gavemythi
ghasqueeze

Me:"j
ustbeenalookweekandwedi dn'
tsl
eep
yest
erdaypl
usI'
m oncal
ltomorrowsoIhaveto
gobacktoDurbanint
hemor ni
ng"

Enzo:
"howar
eyouoncal
lonSunday
?"

Me:
"ithappens"

Enzo:
"hav
eyout
houghtaboutr
esi
gni
ng?
"

Me:"
anddoingwhat?Ican'
tresi
gnandexpect
myparent
stotakecar
eofmeatmyage"
Enzo:
"Icant
akecar
eofy
ou"

Me:
"andwheny
oul
eav
eme?
"

Enzo: "IwouldneverleaveyouSbahl e"he

parkedatt hehotel.Givi
ngthevaletguythecar
keyshet ookmyhandandwewal kedt othe
restaurantwithMuzi fol
lowi
ngus.Thef i
rst
thi
ngIsawwhenweent eredwasmydadt hen
mom andGodpar entsfoll
owedbyt heMkhi zes
well besi
desLeloandLonhl ebutev engrandpa
vuyani andgrandmaSnewer ethere

Me:
"what
'sgoi
ngon?
"

Enzo:"di
nner
"hekissedmycheekandwewent
aroundgreet
ingev
eryone,
ther
estaur
antwas
cl
osedt
othepubl
i
c

Vuyani
:"di
dn'
tbel
i
evei
twhenIheardma'
Gwal
a.
Can'
tbeli
eveyout
ookt
hisi
diotback"

GmaSne: "don'tteasehim Vuy ani

"grandpa
Vuyanij
ustsmi led.Him, Sf
undoandEnzower e
l
ikeoneper sonbei ngbornalloveragainwit
h
j
ustdif
ferentper sonal
it
ies.

Vuy
ani
:"butl
ove"

GmaSne:
"Vuy
ani
"

Vuyani:"okay
"heheldherchinki
ssi
ngher
deeplythenpressedhi
sforeheadonher
's"I
l
ovey ou"grandma'sSnecheekstur
nedredand
shelookeddownatt hefl
oor
Enzo:
"come"hewhi
sper
edi
nmyear

Me:
"Il
ovey
ourgr
andpar
ent
s"

Enzo:"andt
heylov
ey ou"di
nnerwasannounced
readysoweallset
tl
eddownar oundthel
arge
tabl
e,slowsof
tmusicwaspl ay
ing.

Af
terdi
nnerEnzopull
edmet ot hedancefloor
.
Westart
eddancingslowl
y,Icouldn'
tstop
st
ari
ngathiseyesashewasst ar
ingdownat
mewithsomuchl oveinhi
sey es. 
Enzo:"y
out hemostbeauti
fulwomani nthe
enti
reuniv
er seIam t
rul
ybl
essedt ohaveyoui
n
mylifeandIcan'tbel
iev
eIeverletyougo"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"
Enzo:"
Idon'
twanttoloseyouSbahleIwoul
d
di
eifIweretoloseyouandI'
dkil
lanyonewho
wouldtr
ytotakeyouawayfrom me"

Me:
"noonewi
l
ltakemeaway
"

Enzo:"Ij
ustdon'twanttolosey ouSbahleIl ove
youtoomucht otrythi
sthingcall
edlif
ewi thout
you.Thepastt hr
eey ear
shav ebeenhel l
forme.
Ineverthoughtwewoul dbet ogetheragain.
Withthatbeingsaid"heletgoofmeandknel t
ononeknee

Me:
"w-
wh.
."

Enzo:"Sbahl
eyou'
vemadesohappy
.Inever
thoughtIcoul
dlov
esomeonel
ikeIl
oveyou.I
wouldlit
eral
lytakeabul l
etfory ouandI'dkilli
n
ahear t
beatwithoutevenbl i
nking.Youmyl i
fe
Sbahle,mysoul mate,myhappi l
yeveraf t
er.I
wantt owakeupwi thy ouinmyar msev ery
morning"hetookoutabv lgari
r i
ngbox" soher e
i
nf r
ontofourf amil
yIwantt oasky ouifwillyou
makemeev enhappi erandmar ryme?"He
openedt heboxtoshowt hemostbeaut i
ful
cushi
oncutbl uediamondr i
ng

Me:
"ohGod"

Enzo:
"uhm honey
?"

Me: "y
es"hesli
dt heringontomyf ingerbefor
e
scoopingmeupi nabi ghug.Icuppedhis
cheekswithmyt earsbl i
ndi
ngmeandki ssed
him deepl
yasever yoneclappedforuswhi l
e
other'
swhist
led.
 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

AyaandIwer espendi
ngt hedayt ogetheratthe
mallj
ustbonding.Af
terwat chingamov i
ewe
di
dal i
tt
leshoppingwhichact ual l
yturnedint
oa
l
argeshoppingspreeasl i
tt
lemi ssMkhi ze
wantedeveryt
hingattheshops.Af tershopping
ourguard/
driv
ertookthebagsbackt ot hecar
whil
eAy aandIwenttot herest aurantforlat
e
l
unch.

Me:"myangel
whatdoy ouwantt
oeat
?"She
shr
uggedhert
inyshoul
ders

Ay
a:"
Imi
ssgogowhenar
ewegoi
nghome?
"
Me:"It
houghty
oul
ovedbei
ngwi
thmeand
daddy"

Ay
a:"
Idobuti
tbeensol
ongImi
ssgogo"

Me:"okayyouwil
lseegogosoon"Ior
deredher
chi
ckenstri
psandsweetpot
atofri
esthengot
past
af ormysel
f

Ay
a:"
bab'
ncanehasadog"

Me:
"ohr
eal
l
y"

Ay
a:"
Iwantone"

Me:
"youwant
?"Shesmi
l
edl
i
ght
ly
Aya:
"canIpl
easehav
eonedaddysai
dIshoul
d
askyou"

Me: "
wewil
lgototheadopti
ngplacebefor
eyou
gobackhome"ourfoodarr
ived"myangel
mommyi sgoi
ngtothetoil
eteatyourf
oodill
be
back"

Aya:"okay
"Iqui ckl
ywenttothel
ady'sroom and
uri
natedafterthatIwashedmyhandsand
walkedout.Ifoundourtableempty
.Ilooked
aroundforAy abutdidn'
tseeher
.Iwentto
checkthetoil
et

Me: "Ay
a"Ilookedaroundopeningall
thestall
s
"Ayabonga!
"Shewasn' tt
hereandIstart
ed
panicki
ng"Ayabonga!!
"Iaskedthehostessifhe
hadseenherbuthesai dno.Weal lst
arted
l
ookingforheraroundtherest
aurantIeven
wentoutscreamingherbanewhilewi pi
ngmy
tear
s.Icoul
df eeli
tdeepinmygutt hat
somethingwaswr ong,r
eall
ywrong.

Guar
d:"
MrsMkhi
ze?
"

Me:
"wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
!!
"

Guar
d:"
thecarma'
am.I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?"

Me:"
Ayai
smissi
ng"Il
etoutal
oudsobasI
t
ookmyphonecal
li
ngLonhl
e
[
03/
21,
09:
29]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t71
#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Lonhl
e:"
baby
"

Me:
"Ay
aismi
ssi
ng"

Lonhl
e:"
whatdoy
oumeanshei
smi
ssi
ng"

Me:"
Ican'
tfi
ndherLonhl
e"Il
etoutal
oudcr
y
dr
oppi
ngtomyknees

Lonhl
e:"
I'
m comi
ng"heendedt
hecal
l

Wait
ress:
"MrsMkhi
ze"t
henIheardhervoi
ceit
wasasifI'
m dr
eami
ngshesoundedsoscaredI
qui
cklywi
pedmytear
sandturnedlooki
ngat
herwi
thaf
akesmi
l
e

Me:"babywherehaveyoubeen"Ipi
ckedherup
andgavehersqueeze

Aya:"aunt
yThol
itookmet
obuysweet
s,I
'
m
sorr
y"

Me:
"itokaymyangel
"heki
ssedherhead"
get
memybagwel eavi
ng"

Guar
d:"
yesma'
am"

Aya:
"mommywi l
lyoueverhur
tmeanddaddy?"
Il
ookedathershockedandmyt ear
sdr
opped
whenIsawfearinhereyes
Me:
"noIwoul
dnev
er"

Guard:"
MrMkhi
zeiswai
ti
ngbythecarma'
am"
Inoddedandwest
art
edwalki
ng

Me:"
angelIl
oveyouanddaddysomuchI
woul
dneverhur
tyouboth"

Aya:"
auntyThol
isai
dy ouabadpersonyou
goi
ngtohurtmeanddaddy .IwannagohomeI
wantgogo"shestar
tedcry
ing

Me:
"Ay
ababyIwon'
thur
tyouIpr
omi
se"

Aya:"
Iwantgogo"Lonhlerantoushetookher
i
mmedi atel
yandshebur i
edherf
aceonhis
neckcryi
ngloudly"
IwantgogoIwannago
home"hebr ushedherbacksoot
hingher
Lonhle:
"wewill
leaveri
ghtnowmyangel j
ust
stopcryi
ngokay?"Shenoddedst
il
lcr
ying"l
et'
s
call
gogo"

Ay
a:"
p-pl
e-pl
easedaddy
"

Lonhl
e:"ev
eryt
hingwil
lbeokaydaddypr
omise"
wegotinthecar"ar
eyouokaymyangel?"She
shookherhead

Aya:"shesaidmommywi l
lhurtmeandy ouand
sheheldmeher eitpai
nful
"Ilookedather
brui
seswr i
stIsawLonhleclenchi
nghisjaws

Lonhl
e:"
daddywi
llmakesureshenev
erscar
es
youorhur
tyouev
eragainIswear"
Ay
a:"
pinky
?"Theypi
nkyswor
e

Lonhl
e:"
youwi
l
lnev
erseeheragai
n"

Aya:"
okay
"Itr
iedt
aki
ngherbutLonhl
emov
ed
herawayf
rom mygri
p

Me:
"Lonhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
notnow"whenwegott othehot
elt
he
fr
ontent
rancewasalr
eadycover
edwith
papar
azzi"
takeusunder
ground"

Dri
v er
:"yessi
r"wegott
otheunder
ground
garage.Lonhl
egotoutandwentst
rai
ghttot
he
el
ev at
orleavi
ngmebehind,
Igoti
nasitwas
abouttoclose
Me:
"Lonhl
epl
ease"

Lonhle:"
Isai
dnotnow"wegotoutwhenwe
reachedthepent
house"
Aya"

Ay
a:"
yes"

Lonhl
e:"
doyouwanttotakeanap?Youmust
beti
redf
rom t
hebusydayyouhadwith
mommy "

Ay
a:"
no"

Lonhl
e:"
wheny
ouwakeupwegoi
ngt
ogo
home"

Ay
a:"
I'
m scar
ed"hesi
ghed
Lonhle:"
comesl eepwithdaddy"theywentto
ourroom andIjustthr
ewmyassont hecouch
l
etti
ngoutasof tsob.IknewthatLonhle
bl
amedme.Icur ledupcryi
ngont hecouchf or
whatf el
tli
kehoursbeforeIf
eltLonhleenterthe
l
ounge.Hest art
edpacinginfrontofme

Me:
"Lonhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
wher
ewer
eyouwhent
hishappened?
"

Me:"
Ijustwentt
othebat
hroom f
orl
i
kea
mi
nute"

Lonhl
e:"
andy
oudi
dn'
tthi
nkofgoi
ngwi
thher
?"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tthi
nksomet
hingwasgoi
ngt
o
happenLonhl
e!I
tnotl
i
kewewer
eMacDonal
d"

Lonhl
e:"excuseme?
"Hest
art
edcl
enchi
nghi
s
fi
stscl
oseandopen

Me:"
she'smydaught
ertooLonhle.Iwentcr
azy
whenIcoul
dn'
tfi
ndher,
Icouldn'
tevenbreat
h"

Lonhl
e:"
youl
ett
hishappen"

Me:"ifwegoingt
oplaytheblamegamelet
's
notforgeti
twasyourgi
rl
fr
iendwhotookmy
daughter"

Lonhl
e:"
shei
sn'
tmygi
rl
fr
iend"

Me:
"buty
oubr
oughtheri
ntoourl
i
vest
hisi
s
yourf
aul
tLonhle.It
oldyouthatshecall
edand
thr
eat
enedmeandy ousai
dshewashar ml
ess,
youdi
dn'
tbeli
evemewhenIt ol
dy oushe
showedupatmyhouse"

Lonhle:
"that'
snott
hepoi
ntr
ightnow!
!!
"He
roar
edhisv ei
nspoppi
ng

Me:"don'
tyoudar
eyel
latmempi
l
onhl
eIam
noty
ourchild"

Lonhle:
"someti
mesy
ouf
ucki
ngactl
i
keachi
l
d"
Iwipedthetear

Me: "
fuckyoulonhl
efuckyou"Iwipedmynose
wit
ht hebackofmyhand" YOUbroughtthatgi
rl
i
ntoourlivesYOUtheonewhomadeher
psychoti
cYOUt heonl
ywhoi nt
roducedherto
ourbabyfuckyouLonh"Ibentdownholdingmy
st
omachasIf
eltshar
ppai
nhi
tt
ingme

Lonhle:"
areyouokayl
ove?"Het
ri
edhol
dingmy
arm butIpushedhi
m back

Me:
"don'
tfucki
ngt
ouchme"

Lonhl
e:"
Amilecal
m down"Idr
oppedt
omy
kneesasanot
herpai
nhitmehard

Me:"ohGodithur
ts"Lonhl
escoopedmeup
br
idalst
yle

Lonhl
e:"
I'
mtaki
ngy
out
othedoct
or"

Me:"nononowecan'
tl
eav
eAy
aal
ongshe'
s
al
readyscar
ed"
Lonhl
e:"
ther
e'ssecur
it
y"hepr
essedf
ort
he
el
evat
or

Me:
"I'
mfi
neIswearIj
ustneedt
ocal
m down"

Lonhl
e:"
ha.
aI'
m notl
osi
nganyofmychi
l
dren"

Me:"
Ifeel
fineputmedown"heputmedown
sl
owl
y

Lonhl
e:"Ami
lei
fyouly
ingandsomethi
ng
happenstomychi
ldIwil
lki
ll
you"Ir
oll
edmy
eyes

Me:"I
'
mfineandI'
ll
seeadoct
ortomor
rowor
cal
li
nonebutI'
m notl
eav
ingAyaal
oneinher
e"
Lonhl
e:"Iwasgoingtocall
securi
tyandoneof
thenanniesf
rom thest
affbabycare"

Me:"
I'
mfinebutcal
ladoctor
.I'
m goi
ngt
oli
e
downwit
hAya"hesighed

Lonhl
e:"
I'
m sor
ry"Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow"
I'
ll
deal
wit
hTholi
"

Me:"asy
oushoul
dorI
'
llaskdadt
odeal
wit
h
her
"

Lonhl
e:"
Icant
akecar
eofmyownf
ami
l
y"

Me:
"mmh"
 
.
#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Isighedbangi ngmyf oreheadont het able.

Betweenmymom andSnenotf or
gettingt he
weddingpl annerIwasgoi ngcrazy.Iwant eda
smal lweddingwi t
hjustf amil
yandcl osef riends
butbot hmomswant edahugeweddi ng.They
l
iteral
lytol
dmet hati
t '
stheirwedding,they 've
becomebestf ri
endssi ncetheymetdur i
ngt he
dinnerwher eEnzopr oposedt ome.  
Me:
"canIl
eav
eIj
ustgotcal
l
edi
natwor
k?"

Mom:"don'
tl
ie"Meganthepl
annergi
ggl
ed
si
ppi
ngonhermi mosa

Sne:
"youcan'
tev
enmakeupy
ourmi
ndont
he
venue"Enzowantedustogetmarri
edreal
l
y
soonsohegav eustwomont hst
oplanthe
weddingaft
erIbeggedhi
m becausehewanted
ustogetmar r
iedaweeklat
eraft
erhe
proposed

Mom:"Ist
il
lsaySne'
shousei
sper
fectorev
en
Ky
le'
shouse"

Me:"I
'
m notgoingt
ogetmar
ri
edatmyGod
f
ather
'shouse"

Sne:
"thent
ell
uswher
eyouwantt
oget
marr
ied"

Megan:"
mostpl
acesgetbookedi
nadv
ance
Sbahl
ewealr
eadyl
ate"
Me: "
Idon' tknowokay !!
!"Isighed"I'
m sorry"I
whispered" j
ustthatonlyf ewmont hsbackI
waspl anningmyweddi ngwi thKev i
nandnow
I'
m here"Kev incal
ledmecr yingafternewsof
myengagementwi thEnzogott othemedi a.I
've
neverhat edmy sel
flikeIdi dthatday.Ihaven'
t
beengoi ngonsoci alnetwor kseversince
rumour sofmebei nginar elati
onshipwithEnzo
start
edandpeopl ewhot houghttheyhadan
opini
ononmyl i
festartedgi vi
ngitwithout
consideringmyf eeli
ngs

Sne:
"itokayweunder
stand"

Me:"sorr
y.EnzoandIwerethi
nki
ngoutoft
he
countr
ymay beatyourhousemah"

Sne:
"whi
chone?
"
Me:
"Hampt
on"

Mom: "howwillwegetthefami l
ythereSbahle?
Youknowy ourfat
herhasal argefamilyaft
er
youcancel
ledtheweddingaf t
ereveryonehad
spentsomuchi nprepar
ingfortheyalldeserve
togoandy oubasicgrewupwi thKyleand
Kyl
ie'
schil
drenyoucan'tnotinvi
tethem"

Sne: "
gett
ingtherewon'tbeanissue.The
smithsgottheirownjetplusJali
'sjetandwe
al
sohav eonepl ustheJamesj etandVumi le
cansendhi salongwithuncleChris'
sifthat'
s
sti
llnotenoughwecanhi r
emor e.
Transportat
ionoraccommodat ionwon' tbean
i
ssue"

Mom:
"gr
eat
"shecl
appedherhandssqueal
i
ng
Megan:
"west
il
lhav
en'
tsentouti
nvi
tes"

Sne:
"howmanyr
epl
i
eshav
ewer
ecei
ved"

Megan:
"ever
yonewesentreser
vet
hedat
eto
hasr
epl
iedsayi
ngtheycoming"

Me:
"thensendoutt
hei
nvi
tes"

Sne:"emailthefr
iendsaski
ngiftheyneed
tr
anspor t
,butIknowEnzo'steammateswill
organizethei
rownt r
ansport
"

Mom:"wel
lwhati
sAphesay
ingaboutt
he
dr
ess"

Sne:
"shesentmeasket
chy
est
erday
"Snet
ook
outthesket
ch.Mom andIal
ongwi
thMegan
gasped

Mom:
"ohmyhol
l
yGod"

Megan:"wow"thedressl
ookedsobeauti
ful
and
some.Itwasballgown,offt
heshoul
derwit
h
l
ongsleevel
ace.Itwastradi
ti
onal
yetmodern
andel
egant

Sne:
"Enzowi
l
ljustdi
e"

Me:
"Il
ovei
t"

Mom:"Aphe'
sli
nei
sn'
tonal
lthefashionweeks
ar
oundtheworl
dandsol
doutfornothing"
Sne:
"andtot
hinkt
hisi
ssomet
hingshedoesas
ahobby"

Mom:
"shei
samazi
ng"

Me:
"yes"

Megan:"
soI'
l
lneedt
ogov
iewt
hehousei
nthe
Hampton"

Sne:"
I'
llar
rangefori
ttohappensomet
imenext
week,Sbahlewil
lyoubeabletocome?
"

Me:
"I'
vegotwor
kandI
'm al
readytaki
ngleav
e
f
ort
hehoneymoonsoIcan'
tmi sswork"

Mom:
"speaki
ngofwor
khowi
sitgoi
ngt
obe
wi
thy
ouher
eandEnzoi
nJhb?
"

Sne:"
yeahpl
usy outwoneedt obuyahouse
andgivemegrandchi
ldren,
IloveLil
l
ybutIneed
someonewhowon' tl
ickmyf ace"Il
aughed
cover
ingmyblush

Me:"wehaven'
treal
l
ytal
kedabouti
tbuthehas
beenhi
nti
ngaboutbuyi
ngahouseinJhb"mom
beamed

Mom:"doesthatmeany
ougoi
ngt
obecl
oset
o
homeagain?
"

Sne:
"buty
oucan'
tst
ayi
nJhb"shewhi
sper
ed

Me:"Jhbi
sn'
tfary
oucancomev
isi
tev
ery
week"
Sne:
"whatabouty
ourwor
k?"

Me:
"I'
l
lfi
ndsomet
hingt
hatsi
de"

Mom: "
wel
li
tnotli
key
ouneedt
owor
k"It
ooka
hugesi
poficet
ea

Sne:"
tr
ue.Yourmom andIdon'
tworkandI
knowEnzowouldpr
eferify
oudidn'
twork"

Me:"pl
ease"t
heyputt
hei
rhandsupi
n
sur
render

Sne:
"backtothewedding.Ar
ewehavi
ngit
i
ndoororoutdoor
?"Isatbackwi
thasi
gh
Ipi
ckedupLi
ll
yandwentt
oopent
hedooraf
ter
hehadrangt
hebel
l 
Enzo:
"heygor
geous"hehel
dmychi
nand
ki
ssedme

Me:
"hi
"Il
ookedathi
sgy
m bag

Enzo:"Il
eftt
hest
adium wentst
rai
ghttothe
air
portandwhenIlandedIcamestr
aighther
e
I'
m sotir
ed"

Me:"
comemom i
salreadyasl
eep.Gobat
hI'
l
l
pr
epar
eyousomefood"hetookLil
l
y

Enzo:"
heybaby"Li
ll
ybur
iedherf
aceonhi
s
neckbarki
ngsoft
ly"
shel
ookstir
ed"

Me:
"It
ookherf
orawal
kaf
terIcameback
fr
om meet
ingupwi
tht
hepl
anner
"wegoti
nthe
house

Enzo:
"howdi
dthatgo?
"

Me:
"wel
l.Wehavi
ngt
heweddi
ngaty
our
mot
her
'shousei
nHampt
on"

Enzo:
"okay
"

Me:"youandyourgr
oomsmenneedtogot oLA
forf
it
tingy
ourmothersai
dyoumustcallherso
shecanmakeanappointmentwi
thl
aurent"

Enzo:
"okay"heki
ssedmyf
orehead"
I'
m gonna
gobath"heputLi
l
ly
Wecuddledunderthebl
anketaf
terhef
ini
shed
eat
ingaswewat chedtv
 
Enzo:
"doy
oul
oveme?
"

Me:
"It
hinkmor
ethanIshoul
d"hechuckl
ed

Enzo:"
thatcan'
tberi
ght
.Youlovemeli
key ou
Shoul
ditnotmor ey
oushoul
dn'tbehol
ding
back"

Me:"mmh"It
urnedsi
nceIhadmybackonhi
m
andgotont
opofhim

Enzo:
"whaty
oudoi
nghoney
?"Hegav
emea
l
azysmil
e

Me:
"tr
yingt
ohav
emywaywi
thy
ou"
Enzo:
"ohy
eah"

Me: "y
ep"Ikissedhi sj
awl i
negoi ngdownt ohi
s
neckwher eIleftsoftbi
teswhi chIblewon
whilemov i
ngt ohisdefinedmuscul archestand
stomach.Ipusheddownhi spyjamabot t
om
andheki ckeditoff.hi
sdi ckpoppedout ,
all
darkthickandlongwi thamoi sthothead.
grabbedhisdickgi vi
ngitasqueezeandhe
groaned

Enzo:"honeyi
fyougoi
ngt
ojustt
easey
ouhav
e
tostopnow"

Me:"I
'
m notteasi
ng"Ir
anmyt humbovert
heti
p
andhehi
ssed.Hiseyestur
nedredi
mmediatel
y
asIst
uckthethumbinmymout hsucki
ngit
Enzo: "Sbahle"Ismi l
edsweet lyathim bef ore
pull
inghi sdickint omymout handsucki nghar d
atthef ir
stgo.Hescr eamedl oudlygrabbi ngmy
hairintoapoi ntofpai n"fuckinGody es"I
twirl
edmyt onguear oundt hetipandt i
ght ened
myl i
ps" fucky eah"Iwentupanddownsucki ng
him har dwhilepl ayi
ngwi thhisbal l
s,hisey es
wereshuthehel dmyheadmaki ngmet ake
mor eofhi sdick.Ipul l
edoutandspatoni tthen
start
edgi vinghim ahandj obwhi l
esucki ngon
hisbal l
s.Hepul ledmeupandsmashedhi sli
ps
onmi nekissingmewi thsomuchhungert hen
mov edt omynecksucki ngi thardev enbi ti
ngall
i
nsuchahur ry,asecondl aterIwasunderhi m
withmypy jamar i
ppedt oshr eds"fuckIl ove
you"

Me: "
Iloveyoutoo"hestar
tedr
ubbingonmy
pussywhi l
esucki
ngonmybr east
slight
lybit
ing
myni ppl
es.Hemov eddownandbitemyi nner
thi
ghbeforeblowingcoolai
ronmypussy
makingmeshi verandcr ysoftl
y"aah"Il
etouta
moanashest art
edli
ckingmeandsucki ngon
myclitbefor
ehesl i
dhist ongueinmeand
fl
att
eneditwhi l
eiti
nsideme.Assoonashe
sl
ideinhistwof i
ngerswhi l
esuckingonmycl i
tI
expl
oded

Enzo: "
Iknowwewer esupposedt
ogot ot
he
cli
nicfi
rstbutI
'
m cl
eanIswearandI'
l
lpull
out"
hisdickwaspressi
nghardonmyentrance
twit
ching

Me:
"I'
m onani
nject
ioni
tokay
"hesmi
l
ed

Enzo:"Ilov
eyou"heslowlyenter
edmewi thour
eyesoneachot herbutashewentdeeper
str
etchingmemaki ngmef eel
ami xt
ureofpain
andpleasuremyey esclosed"
shitmylov
e"
Me:
"mmh"hest
oppedasent
eri
ngmef
ull
y

Enzo:
"youf
eel
sogood"

Me:
"Aah"

Enzo:"
canyoutakemor
e?"Iopenedmyeyesi
n
shockandshookmyheadhardmakinghi
m
l
augh

Me:
"ther
ecan'
tpossi
blyst
il
lbemor
eEnzo!
!"

Enzo:
"ohther
eishoney "hewentdeeperandI
cri
edl
oudlybuthequicklycov
eredmymout h
wit
hhisl
ipsandmov edbackonl yt
oslam i
nto
memakingmybodyj erkupandIbi t
ehisli
p
hardt
ast
ingblood 
.
#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Istareatmysonwhi lelosti
nmyt houghts.I
don'tknowwhatt odoandVumi leisagainst
Sbani knowingthatSaneleishi
sf at
her
especiallynowthatheisdeadbutdeepdownI
knowt hathedeser vestoknow.Ijustdon'twant
him hatinghimselfbecausehethinksheisa
burdent ome.Ifeltsomeonesitti
ngnextt ome
anditwasVumi le
Vumile:
"st
opst
ressi
ngNobunt
uitnotgoodf
or
thebaby"

Me:
"Vumi
l
ewhywon'
tyout
ell
mewhatt
odo?
"

Vumi
l
e:"
Ial
readyt
oldy
oubabey
ouj
ustwon'
t
l
i
stent
ome"

Me:"i
fIdon'
ttel
lhi
m Vumil
eandhef
indsout
l
aterhewil
lneverf
orgi
veme"

Vumil
e: "
hewil
lfor
giv
eyoubecauseyouarehis
motherandyouweredoingwhatyouthought
wasrightandy
ouwer eprot
ect
inghi
m"

Me:
"heneedst
oknow"

Vumi
l
e:"
Sbani
!
"

Sbani
:"baba?
"Hecamet
ous

Vumil
e:"
yourmotherandIwantt
ot al
ktoyou.
Giv
eyoursi
sterhersnackandmeetusinour
bedr
oom"

Sbani
:"okay
"hewentaway

Vumile:
"youwil
lkeepcalm Nobuntu"Inodded
hetookmyhandhel pi
ngmest andupandwe
wenttoourroom.Sbani goti
njustaswegotin.
Hesatont hecouchoppositeourbedwhere
VumileandIweresitt
ing

Sbani:
"di
dIdosomet
hingwr
ong"Vumi
l
e
chuckl
ed

Vumi
l
e:"
whatdi
dyoudo?
"

Sbani
:"I
ndi
eisn'
tpr
egnantsonothi
ng"t
hey
l
aughedwhil
emyey eswidenedi
nshock
Me:
"Sbani
sam Masi
xol
ear
eyouhav
ingsex?
!!
"

Sbani
:"no"t
heycont
inuedl
aughi
ng

Vumil
e:"
Ilov
eyouson"hest
oppedl
aughedand
l
ookedatVumil
e

Sbani
:"what
'sgoi
ngon?
"

Vumi l
e:"j
ustknowt
hatIl
ovey
ouandy
oumy
fi
rstborn"

Me:"yousee"Ist
art
edpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyf
inger
s
butVumil
eheldmyhands

Vumil
e:"
beforeyourmot
herandIstar
teddat
ing,
shewasviol
atedbyaheart
lessr
uthl
essman
whosawshewasvulnerabl
eandal
oneanda
chi
l
dsohetookadv
ant ageoft
hata.
..
"

Sbani:"
wai t
!Ar
eyousay
ingthatyounotmy
father
,thatmom hadmebecauseshewas
raped?"

Me:"t
hatdoesn'
tchangeany
thi
ngSbani
Ilov
e
yousomuch"

Vumil
e: "
Ilov
edfrom t
hefirstt
imeIsawjust
fewhoursaftery
oucameoutofy ourmom.
Wheny ouheldontomyfingerwit
hyourti
ny
fi
nger
sIswearbl ooddi
dn'tmeananythi
ng"

Sbani
:"I
'
m achi
l
dofr
ape"

Vumi
l
e:"
noy
oumi
neandNobunt
u'sson"
Sbani
:"whoi
sitmom,
whohur
tyou?
"

Me:"r
ememberuncl
eSanel
e?"Henodded
t
hinki
nghar
d

Sbani:"
ithi
m?Andy
oul
ethi
mint
hiswi
thSi
mi
around!
!"

Vumile:
"wat
chhowy
ouspeakt
ousboy
"he
warned

Sbani
:"I
'm sor
rybutIj
ustdon'
tunder
standhow
youcouldl
ethiminthi
shouseespecial
lyyou
baba"Vumilesi
ghed

Vumile:
"wet
houghtwewer
edoi
ngwhati
sbest
fory
ou"
Sbani
:"wel
li
twasn'
tIhat
edt
heguyal
way
sgot
abadvibefr
om hi
m"

Vumile:"wel
lhei
sdeadhewasshotdur
inga
hi
jacking"

Sbani
:"goodhecan'
thur
tany
mor
epeopl
e"

Vumi
l
e:"
hisf
ami
l
ywanty
ouatt
hef
uner
al"

Sbani
:"wit
hallduerespectIam notgoi
ngthere.
IhavenobusinessthereI'
m aNgcoboIdon't
giv
eaf uckaboutanythi
ngelse"

Vumi
l
e:"don'tswearbuti
fyoudon'
twantt
ogo
wewon'
tforceyou"
Me:
"but.
..
"

Vumi
l
e:"
wewon'
tfor
cehi
m"

Sbani
:"t
hanky oubaba"Sbani st
oodupand
gavemeat i
ghthug"Ilov
ey ouandI'
m sorry
Sanel
ehur tyoul
ikethati
fhewasst il
lal
iveI
wouldki
llhim wi
thmyownhandsAbeI '
m sorr
y
thaty
ou'
v ehadtoliv
ewi thareminderofthe
ti
meher aped"

Me:"
younotar
emi
nderSbani
youmysont
hatI
l
ovesomuch"

Sbani:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"heki
ssedmyheadand
walkedout
Me:
"Vumi
l
e?"

Vumi l
e:"I'
m comingback"healsolef
tther
oom,
Istoodupandf ollowedaft
erthem.AssoonasI
wasi nfrontofSbani'
sroom Icoul
dhearhi
m
cry
ingandVumi l
ecomf ort
inghim.Tel
li
nghi
m
toletitall
out.
[
03/
21,
09:
36]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
t72

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Iwokeupl ateri
twasdar kandAyawasst i
l
l
sleepi
ng.Aftert
hedoctorcheckedhesaidI
mustcomef oranult
rasoundtomorrowandtr
y
tonotstressbecausemybl oodpressur
ewas
high.Igotoffthebedwentt
owashmyf ace
andbr ushmyt eet
hthenIwentl
ooki
ngfor
Lonhle.Ifoundspeaki
ngonthephoneoutby
thebalcony
Lonhle:"Iwasgoi ngtotell youdadj ustt
hat
someonecal ledmediabef or eIcoul d..
..
.noI '
l
l
hel
di t
!...
..Iknowt hatshe'sy ourgranddaught er
butshei smydaught erandt hi sismyf ami l
ylet
mehel ditI'l
laskforhelpi fIcan' t.
..
...
.she'snot
hurt..
..
.Iwon' tkil
lTholidadshe' sjusthur tand
confusedI '
llspeaktoher. ..
...noofcour senotI
wouldn'tbewi t
hAmi l
eifIl ov edher"

Me:"
arey
ousur
eaboutt
hat
?"Het
urnedt
olook
atme

Lonhle:"
dadletmecallyoubackandt el
lmom
tocalm downI'l
lcal
lherwhenAyaisupandwe
goi
ngt obeflyi
ngbacktomorrowafterAmi l
e'
s
doctor'
sappoint
ment"heendedthecal l
"you
up?
"

Me: "
youup?Reall
y!Sheki
dnapsmydaught
er
hurt
ingherst
ressi
ngtheshi
toutofmemaking
meal mostl
osemysonandy oujustgoi
ngt
o
tal
ktoher"

Lonhl e:"y
esbecauseshei shur
tIwon'taddt o
thatAmi l
eI'
m notamonst er
.Ishoul
dn'thave
j
ustl eftherli
kethatwit
hnoexplanati
onaf t
erI
basicallypromisedhertheworl
d"

Me:"mxm I'
m goi
ngtoorderdi
nner
,ist
her
e
any
thingspeci
fi
cthaty
ouwant?"

Lonhle:"
no"hekissedmyf orehead"
Ilov
eyou"
hecuppedmyf aceandki ssedmedeeplyI
pressedmybodycl osetohismoaningli
ght
ly
"f
inisht
hismovieAmi l
eandcomehome"
Me:
"home?
"

Lonhl
e:"
Dur
ban"

Me:
"butLonhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
pleaseI
'
m beggi
ngy
ou"

Me:"okayI
'
llcomehomebuty
oust
il
lowemea
house"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
ll
buyy
ouanyhousey
ouwant
"

Me:
"okay
"hesmi
l
edbr
ight
ly
Lonhl
e:"
sowegoi
nghome?
"

Me:
"onemor
emont
handI
'
m donewi
thi
t"

Lonhle:"gr
eat"hespankedmyassgr abbi
ngi t
makingmest andonmyt oes.Webot hpulled
apartfr
om ourki ssi
ngaswehear dAy acallout
forherdaddy" Igothergetusf oodandgeti ce
cream forhershedeser v
esitaf t
ertoday"Iwent
tothephonewhi l
ehewentt ot heroom Icall
ed
room servi
ceandor deredusf ood

Me:
"hel
l
omyangel
"

Aya:
"ey
omommy"It
ookherandki
ssedheral
l
ov
erherface

Me:
"howwasy
ournap?
"
Aya:"
good"Isatdownputti
ngmyf eeton
Lonhl
e'sl
aps"baby"shel
aidherheadonmy
stomach

Lonhl
e:"
whatbaby
?"

Aya:
"her
e"shepoint
edatmyst
omach,
Lonhl
e
andIst
aredateachother

Me:
"yout
oldher
?"

Lonhl
e:"
no"

Me:
"whot
oldy
out
her
e'sababyAy
a?"

Ay
a:"
whenIwassl
eepi
ngIsawhi
m mommy
"
Lonhl
e:"
him?
"Shenodded

Ay
a:"
hecameoutofmommy '
stummy
.
Mommywhydi
dy oueatt
hebaby?
"

Me:"
sohecanbebiggermyangelandstr
ong
t
henhecantakecar
eofyoubutfi
rstguyhav
e
t
otakecar
eofhim"

Ay
a:"
okay
"

Lonhl
e:"
whydoy
ousayi
tahi
m Ay
abonga?
"

Aya:
"becausehel
ookedl
i
kebab'
ncane"I
l
aughed
Lonhl
e:"
soy
out
hinkwehav
ingaboy
?"

Me:"hopeful
l
ybecauseIam donehav
ing
babi
esafterhim andIknowy
ouwantason"

Lonhl
e:"
justt
woAmi
l
e?"

Me:
"yes"

Lonhl
e:"
onemor
epl
ease"

Me:
"onemor
e"

Ay
a:"
onemor
ewhatmommy
"

Lonhl
e:"nothi
ngAya,
youver
yagreeabl
etoday
mylove"Iroll
edmyeyesgi
ggl
ing
Me:"
maybethosef
ewminut
eswhenIcoul
dn't
f
indAyamademereal
i
zewhati
simport
ant"

Lonhl
e:"
wel
lIam happy
"

Me:
"tomor
rowweget
ti
ngapuppyf
orAy
a"

Ay
a:"
yeah!
!!
" 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥

Me:
"IknowSbahl
eIal
sowi
shIwast
her
e"
Sbahl
e:"
Iunder
standt
houghy
ouhav
eal
ot
goi
ngon"

Me:
"howi
sev
ery
thi
ngcomi
ng?
"

Sbahle:
"ourmot
her
sgotev
ery
thi
ngunder
contr
ol"

Me: "
that
'sgoodbutdon'
tl
etthem dr
ivey
ou
crazy
"Simpiwekissedmyfor
eheadandsati
n
fr
ontofme

Sbahle:"
Ihavetogoy
ourbr
otheri
sbei
nga
baby"Ichuckl
ed

Me:
"lov
eyouby
e"
Sbahl
e:"
lov
eyout
oo"

Si
mpiwe:
"heywi
fey
"Igrabbedhi
scheekswi
th
myfi
nger
sandwekissed

Me:
"heyhubby
,Howwast
rai
ning?
"

Si
mpi
we:
"good.Wher
eisev
ery
one?
"

Me:"swimmingdownst
airs"heki
ssedmeagai
n
makingmesmi l
e"wehavet ogohomeandI
don'
tfeelsogoodwi
thleavingHel
ena"

Simpi
we: "
itnotl
ikeanyt
hingwil
lhappenbaby
andwehav eaguar dwit
hherplusahelperand
shechecksinwiththedoctorev
ery
Wednesday sshewill
begoodbaby"
Me:
"IknowI
'
mjustal
i
ttl
eanxi
ousIguess"

Simpiwe:"weleav eThursdayandcomeback
Monday "hekissedmyneck" I'
mlooking
forwardtothefli
ghtbackj ustustwo"wewere
goingtoleavethegi r
lssinceschool
swer e
closedandgett hem whenwegot oNewYor k
forthewhiteweddi ng.Thetwinsweregoingt
o
Leowhi l
eLisawasgoi ngtohermother.

Me:
"youaddi
ctedt
osex"

Si
mpiwe:"
cor
rect
ionI
'
m addi
ctedt
oyou"hebit
myneckmaki
ngmegi ggl
eandmoan"God,I
l
oveyou"

Me:"andIl
oveyou"Ihel
dhiscol
larand
smashedmylipsonhispouri
ngallmylov
eand
l
usti
ntotheki
ss.Wepulledapar
twhenwe
hear
dgi
ggl
es.Thegi
rl
swer
eal
ll
ooki
ngatus
whil
egi
ggl
i
ng

Bel
l
a:"
youguy
sar
egr
oss"

Sky
:"i
tsweetBel
l
a"

Li
sa:
"theyal
way
ssucki
ngf
ace"

Me:
"whatdoy
ouwant
?"

Jaz:
"food"

Ley
la:
"wewantt
ogoout
"

Me:
"andwhosei
deawast
hat
?"
Them:
"me"Si
mpi
wel
aughed

Me:"gobat
handbewarm wewil
ll
eavei
nan
hour
"theyr
anupst
air
s"sowehaveanhour
"

Si
mpiwe:"
alotcanhappeninanhour
"he
pi
ckedmeupandIwr appedmylegsaroundhi
s
wai
stgi
ggli
ng

Afterashor tl
ov emaki ngsessi onSimpiweand
Itookashowert hengotdr essed.Iwor enav y
skinnyjeanswi ththighhighbl ackbootsanda
whitetopwi thabl ackcoatwhi l
ehewor enavy
ri
ppedski nnyjeanswi thhisblackl vsneaker
s
andawhi t
et -
shirtwithblackcoat .Wef ound
thegirl
sint heloungeal ldressedupdanci ngto
somemusi c.
Me:"l
et'
sgoladies"weal
lwentt
othegarage
andgotinthesuvSimpi
wedroveoffwi
ththe
guar
dsdriv
ingbehindus

Si
mpi
we:
"sowej
ustgoi
ngt
oeat
?"

Li
sa:
"Ineedt
odomyhai
r"

Me:
"isn'
ti
tlat
etogety
ourhai
rdonet
oday
?"

Li
sa:
"okayI
'
llgot
omor
row"

Bel
l
a:"
mov
ieuncl
eSi
mpi
we"

Si
mpi
we:
"wecandoamov
ieandear
lydi
nner
"

Me:
"I'
l
lmakeanappoi
ntmentf
ory
oual
ltoget
y
ourhai
rdonet
omor
row"

Sky
:"Iwantt
ocutmyhai
r"

Me:
"no"

Sky
:"whynot
?"Shewhi
ned

Bel
la:
"becausey
ouwi
l
llookugl
y"t
hegi
rl
s
l
aughed

Me:
"don'
tteasey
oursi
sterBel
l
a"

Bel
l
a:"
nwenweny
osi
sternwel
a"

Me:
"Isabel
l
a!!
!"
Bel
la:
"I'
mjustj
oki
ngmom l
i
ght
enupy
ougoi
ng
tohavewri
nkl
es"

Me:"Aah!
"Simpiwewast
ryi
ngt
ohol
dinhi
s
l
aughter"
itnotf
unny"

Simpiwe:"
sor
rysweet
hear
t"hegav
emyt
higha
squeeze

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"Iki
ssedhi
scheek

Si
mpi
we:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"
 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥
Ifi
nishedt alki
ngtodadont hephonehealso
thoughtt hatSbanishoul
dgot othef
uneralbut
Sbani didn'
twanttoandr i
ghtnowIreal
ly
couldn'tforcehim.
 
Si
mi:"mommyt el
lyourbabyt
ost
opki
cki
ng
me!"Ichuckl
ed

Me:
"youmov
efr
om hi
shouse"

Si
mi:
"itwasmyhousef
ir
standy
oumy
mommy "

Me:"welli
thisnow"Vumi l
eandIwer ehavi
nga
gi
rlbutwehadn'ttol
dSimi becauseshewanted
abrothersobad,shethoughtthatababysi
ster
wouldstealherdaddyaway
Si
mi:"j
usttel
lhimtostopkicki
ngme!"Thebaby
ki
ckedharderandSimimov edherheadfr
om
mystomach" heisdi
stur
bingme"

Me:
"sweet
iej
ustl
ayy
ourheadonmyl
ap"

Si
mi:
"butmommy
"

Me:
"sweet
iepl
ease"shesi
ghed

Si
mi:"okayforyou"sherest
edherheadonmy
l
apandcont i
nuedtowat chhercar
toons.Sbani
goti
nandt hrewhimselfonthecouch

Sbani
:"El
ow"

Si
mi:
"El
ow"t
heyl
aughedf
istpumpi
ng"
what
di
dyoubuyf
orme?
"

Sbani
:"Iwasi
nschool
"

Si
mi:
"yeahso"

Sbani
:"I
'
llbuyy
ousomet
hingt
omor
row"

Si
mi:
"Iwantchocol
ate"

Sbani
:"buty
ouhav
echocol
atei
nthepant
ry"

Si
mi:
"canIhav
ethat
?"

Sbani:
"askmommy"Icl
osedmyey
es
pret
endingt
obeasl
eep
Simi:"mommy ?"Sheshookmeal
i
ttl
e"she'
s
asleep"Ihear
dSbanichuckl
ed

Sbani:
"wel
lthebabymakeshert
ir
edsol
ether
rest
"

Si
mi:
"okay
"

Sbani:
"I'
m goi
ngt
omakeasnackcome"I
openedmyey est
oseehi
m car
ryheroutoft
he
tvroom.

IwokeupwhenIf
eltsomeonel
i
ftmeup
Me:
"hi
"

Vumi
l
e:"
hi"hepeckedmyl
i
ps.Ihadendedup
fal
l
ingasl
eeponthecouch"
youshoul
dn'
tsl
eep
onthecouchwhati
fyoufal
l
"

Me:
"di
dn'
tmeant
o"hel
aidmeont
hebed

Vumi
l
e:"
Imi
ssedy
ou"heki
ssedmyneck

Me:
"youj
ustcameback?
"

Vumil
e:"
yeah.Itbeenalongday"her
est
edhi
s
headonmybr easts"
Ihateworki
ng"

Me:
"youhat
emeet
ings"

Vumil
e:"
wishIcoul
dgetpai
dforsi
tt
ingat
home"
Me:
"beent
ell
i
ngy
out
ohi
resomeone"

Vumi
le:"
andhav
ethem st
ealmymoney
?Nope
ai
n'
ttr
ynagotoj
ail
formurder
"

Me:
"Iwantbur
gerf
rom mugg&bean"

Vumi
l
e:"
I'
ll
cal
lMrdel
i
ver
y"

Me:"Vumil
epleasetalkt
oyourson.Dadthi
nks
heshoul
dgot ofuneralt
osayhisgoodby
esand
getcl
eansed"

Vumi
le:
"Ispoket
odadtooheal
sosai
dSbani
hast
ogot othef
uner
al"

Me:
"pl
easespeakt
ohi
m"
Vumi l
e:"Iwi
l
l"her
oll
edIov
erandheldmef
rom
behind"howismyangel
?"Herubbedmy
stomach

Me:"
she'
sinneedofthatbur
ger
"hel
aughed
t
aki
ngouthisphone 
.

Iwokeupf eeli
ngv erydrained,Iwassor eady
forthisbabytocomeout .Iwenttotakea
showert henwokeVumi l
eupbef oregoingt o
wakeSbani up.Wewer egoi ngtoSanele'
s
funeral.Igotdressedinabl ackbelowt heknee
dressandbl ackr edbottom heels.Iputonmy
mar oon40i nchper uvi
an 
Vumil
e:"
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"hest
oodbehi
ndme
andki
ssedmyneck
Me:"
thankyou"heputonhi
ssui
tjacket
.He
wasweari
nganav ysui
twit
habl
ueshi r
t

Vumil
e:"
I'
ll
gocheckonSbani
"Inoddedand
tookmybagashewalkedout

Me:"dearLor
dpl
easebewi
thusont
hisday
"I
pr
ayedshortl
y
.

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Ilookedatmy sel
font hemi r
rorandjustsmiled.
Iwaswear ingacream whitepleatedshortskir
t
withbrownl i
nesi
nt hebottom andawhi tebra
topcoveredinbeadsal eopardskindrapedov er
myshoul dersandabr ownikehleonmyhead
wi t
hsmal lbeadscov er
ingthetoppartofmy
face.Ihadbeadsonmybot hmyl egsandmy
whi t
eal l
starsalsocoveredonthem.Myf ace
wasbeatt hankstothemakeupar t
istmom
hired.Itwast hedayofmi neandEnzo's
tradit
ionalwedding.

Dad:
"weal
lwai
ti
ngf
ory
ou"Inodded

Me:
"I'
mready
"

Dad:
"youl
ookbeauti
ful
"hekissedmycheek.
Andwewalkedoutmybedroom

Me:
"ev
ery
onei
sher
e?"

Dad:
"yeahSfundosentacart
ogett
hem al
l
fr
om t
hehotel"
Mom:
"youdone?
"Inodded

Muz
i:"
youl
ookbeaut
if
ulSbahl
e"

Me:"sodoyouli
tt
leman"hemovedback
makingmegetagoodlookathi
m"perfect
"he
smi
ledbri
ghtl
y

Muz
i:"
thanky
ou"her
anof
f

Mom: "
ever
yoneisreadylet
'sgetgoing"wehad
togetthegoatsl
aughteredthepreviousdayin
Pretori
aandhaveimpephobur nttheresoI
offi
cial
lydi
dn'
tbel
ongt otheGwala'sancestor
s
now

Me:
"I'
mready
"weal
lgoti
nthecar
swi
tht
he
del
iverytruckfoll
owingusbehi
nd,i
twasfi
ll
ed
wit
hbl anketsandalltheot
hergi
ft
swehadt o
gi
vet otheMkhi zefamil
ywhichwastool
arge.

Arri
v i
ngatt heMkhi zeresidencewest art
ed
si
ngi ngwhi l
eout sidethegat ewaiti
ngt obelet
i
n.Af terbab'dalaspoket ouncleSimphiweand
wewer eletin,wewentt owher ethecowwas
supposedt obesl aughtered.That'
swhenIsaw
himl ookinglikehej ustcameoutofat r
adit
ional
weddi ngmagazi neshoot .Hisdarkskinwas
gli
steningandhewascar ryi
ngaspearwhi l
e
l
aughi ngatsomet hinghi suncleBandil
ehad
said.Hewaswear ingibheshushowi nghi s
beaut i
fulmuscl edlongl egsandonl yaleopard
ski
ndr apedov erhisshoul dersshowinghis
perfectlytoned8packs 
Me:"ohGod"Il
etoutasof
tmoanbi
ti
ngmy
bot
tom l
ip
Jane:"behavesis"shewinkedasIstar
ted
feel
ingdizzywhilestar
ingatEnzo.Myheart
stoppedbeatingforasecondwhenourey es
met
[
03/
21,
09:
44]Ron:
Cross

I
nser
t73

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Enzopushedmetothewal
lpr
essinghisbody
onmi nehar
dandbi
tmynecksuckinghard
makingmemoan 
Me:
"Enzo"

Enzo:
"MrsMkhize"Igi
ggledcuppi
nghisface
"di
dItel
lyouhowbeauti
fulyouaretoday
"
Me:
"Icanheari
tagai
n"

Enzo:
"youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"heki
ssedmycheek

Me:"y
oulookedsosexyearl
ierIhadanor
gasm
j
ustbywatchi
ngyou"hegroanedburyi
nghi
s
f
aceonmyneck

Enzo:"whoknewy
ouwer
esuchanaught
y
personhoney"

Me:"i
tallbecauseofkev.
."Istopmyselfashe
movesfrom mel i
keI'
m burninghi
m" sorr
y"he
nodded

Enzo:"weshouldgobefor
esomeonesenda
searchpar
ty"Ismoothedovermydr
ess.Ihad
changedi
ntoabeautifulwhi
temermaiddress
wit
hgoldbeadalloveritandagoldkehl
eonmy
headEnzowaswear ingawhiteshi
rtwit
hgold
beadsandablackjean

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"

Enzo:"itf
inebutmaybeyoushouldstop
bri
ngingy ourexi
ntoourconv
ersati
on
especiall
yonourweddingday"

Me:"
I'
m sorr
yEnzo.Reall
y,I
'm sor
ry"Iki
ssed
hi
m"forgi
veme"Ikissedhim agai
n

Enzo:"
mmh"Iki
ssedhim again"
almostt
her
e"I
gi
ggledki
ssi
nghi
m deeper"youf
orgi
ven"

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Enzo:"Il
ovey oumor e"het ookmyhandwe
walkedbackt othebacky ardwhereevery
one
was.Themai ncer emonywasdoneInow
bel
ongedt otheMkhi zeancest or
s,Ihadbeen
welcomedi nt
ot heMkhi zehomeasadaught er
andadaught erinlaw.Ev eryonewasjusteat
ing
anddrinki
ngwhi lemusicpl ayedi
nt he
background.

Lel
o:"
heysi
ssy
"wehuggedt
ight
ly

Me:
"heysi
ster
"shewi
nkedatme

Lel
o:"
disappearbhut
ina"

Enzo:
"but
"
Lel
o:"
disappear
"shet
ookmyhandandwe
wal
kedov ert
owherehercousi
nswer
e

Me:
"ar
iadi
dn'
tcome"

Lel
o:"shei
sgoingthroughal
otr
ightnowwit
h
Harr
yandhim cheati
ngsoitamessbutshe
sai
dshewillcal
lyou"

Me: "
Idon'
tknowwhatIwoul
ddoi
fEnzo
cheatedonme"

Lel
o:"br
otherornotIwoul
dhel
pyoubur
yhi
s
body"

Chl
oe:
"youl
ookbeaut
if
ulSbahl
e"
Ndal
o:"
ever
ythi
ngwasbeaut
if
ulcan'
twai
tfor
t
hewhit
ewedding"

Me:
"fewmor
eweeks"

Nobunt
u:"
remi
ndsmeofmyweddi
ngday
"

Lel
o:"
met
oo"

Sophi
e:"
okaynotal
lofusar
emar
ri
ed"

Me:
"It
houghty
ouwer
epr
egnant
"

Sophi
e:"
so?
"

Chl
oe:
"youdr
inki
ngchampagne"
Sophi
e:"
itheal
thy
"shewal
kedaway

Me:
"yourt
wint
hough"

Chloe:"
she'
sdri
vingdaddycr azy"Sophiehad
wenttosomemi nister
'spar t
ywi t
hsomeofher
fr
iendsandsomeonedr uggedhert henslept
withhershegotpregnant .UncleMar cel
went
crazyal
ongwitheveryot heroldmal einthe
JamesandMkhi zefami ly

Me:
"hav
etheyf
oundt
heguy
?"

Chl
oe:
"theywon'
ttel
lus"

Nobunt
u:"
chancesar
etheyf
oundhi
m"
Lel
o:"
hei
sdeadI
'
m sur
e"

Me:"that'
sabitdrast
ic"t
heyal
ll
ookedatme
notsayingany
thing

Lelo:"
Iwanttogetdr
unksobadbutever
yti
meI
takeaglassofchampagnedaddygi
vesmethi
s
disappr
ovall
ook"

Me:
"thendon'
tdoi
t"

Chl
oe:
"howdi
dthebi
l
etast
es?
"

Me:
"sogr
oss!
"Theyl
aughed

Lel
o:"
begl
ady
oumar
ryi
ngi
ntoazul
ufami
l
y
andyoudon'
thav
etochangey
ournameand
yoursur
name"

Me: "
Ididn'
twantt ochangemysur namebut
Enzowassul ki
ngf ordayseventual
lyIf
igur
edit
notworthitsoI'
llbechangingitoncewef i
nish
al
lthelegalthi
ngs"

Anna:"
Ihear
dtheydoingar
eal
i
tyshowabout
youandyourbr
other
s"

Lel
o:"nahdadshuti
tdownE!Hasbeenl
i
ke
beeentry
ingt
ogetdadtoagr
ee"

Me:"
Iwouldn'
twat
chi
tyouguy
sar
ebor
ing"
t
heyl
aughed

Lel
o:"
Ial
sowoul
dn'
twantt
owat
chi
t"If
elt
handswr
apar
oundmywai
st

Sj
:"wi
fey
"hekissedmycheekt
hencamet
o
st
andinnextt
ome

Me:
"heyy
ou"

Sj:
"sohowdoesi
tfeel
tobeawi
fey
"If
elta
handwrapar
oundmywaist

Enzo:
"amazi
ngr
ight
?"

Me:"
ri
ght
"hesuckedonmyneckmaki
ngme
moansof
t

Lelo:
"ayiay
iheisst
il
lmyl
i
ttl
ebr
othersost
op
i
t!"Welaughed
Me:
"baby
"hesmi
l
eddownatme

Enzo:"
let
'sgohomedadsaidever
ythi
ngwe
neededtodoiscomplet
esoIcantakeyou
homeandbur ymysel
finyou"

Me:
"It
houghtIwasst
ayi
ngher
e"

Lel
o:"t
radi
ti
onal
l
yyouhav
etof
orl
i
ket
hree
months"

Me:
"yourpar
ent
sdi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngabouti
t"

Enzo:
"wellIboughtyouahouse"Iscreamed
j
umpingupandhuggedhi mt i
ghtl
y"andIwant
ustosleepther
e"hegrabbedmyasspi cki
ng
meandt hrewmeov erhi
sshoulder
Me:"stopi
t"mycheeksf
eltsohotf
rom
bl
ushing

Enzo:"
Ilov
eyou"Ihi
dmyf
aceonhi
sneckasI
heardsomegi
ggles

Me:
"met
o"

Enzo:
"let
'
sgot
oournewhouse"

Me:
"isi
tcl
ose?
"Hechuckl
ed

Enzo: "
youhavenoidea"hestar
tedwalki
ngand
Iwav edatthegi
rl
sandSj .Wegottoour
parentsandmom justlaughedwhil
eSfundo
chuckledandSnesmackedEnzo' shead
Sne:"t
here'
soldpeopl
eher
eEnzoy
our
grandpar
ents"

Enzo:
"I'
veseenworsef
rom y
out
wo.Mywi
fe
andIareleav
ing"

Sne:"bri
ngherbackMondayEnzoshehast
obe
hereatleastf
oramonthevennowweshouldn'
t
belet
t i
nghergobutweunderst
and"

Sfundo:"y
ourhouseisbeauti
fulwewil
lbe
expecti
ngahousewarmingsoonhopefull
y
fol
lowedbymygr andchi
ld'
sbirt
hday
"

Enzo:
"wenotinar
usht
ohav
echi
l
drenwewant
toenj
oyusfi
rst
"
Me:
"Enzodoesn'
twantt
oshar
e"

Enzo:
"soy
our
eadyt
oresi
gnatwor
k?"

Me:
"no"

Enzo:
"exact
ly"

Dad:"wher
eist
hisnewhouse?"Ifel
tsomeone
hol
dingmywaistandIwassnatchedoffEnz
o
bef
oreIgotachancetot
urn

Me:"
what?"Iturnedandsawgr
andpaVuyani
st
andi
ngtherelookingal
lgr
ownandhandsome
wi
thhisgr
aybear d

Vuy
ani
:"ma'
Gwal
a"Enzopul
l
edmet
ohi
ssi
de
wr
appi
nghi
sar
m ar
oundmywai
st

Enzo:
"mywi
fe.Mi
ne"hegr
owl
ed

Vuy
ani
:"hhedon'
tcomeher
ewi
tht
hat
"

Enzo:
"mi
nekodwa"

Vuyani:
"youmadeami st
akemarr
yingt
hisf
ool"
Igi
ggled"ma'Gumedeyourai
sedagoodchi
ld"I
sawmom l ooki
ngdownblushi
nganddad
rai
sedhiseyebrowatmom

Mom:
"itwaseasy
"

Enzo:
"wegoi
ng"
Dad:
"wher
eist
hehouse?
"

Enzo:
"I'
m sur
pri
singher
"

Sfundo:"
I'
ll
lety
ouknowoncet
heyl
eave"Enzo
andIstar
tedwalki
ngtowar
dst
hefr
ont

Me:"wher
earewegoing?
"Wehadj
ustar
ri
ved
att
hepriv
ateai
rpor
t

Enzo:
"home"

Me:
"Enzo!Myl
i
fei
sinDur
ban"

Enzo:"
yourworki
sinDur
banyourli
fei
swhere
yourhusbandi
sandyougoi
ngtolovei
tbel
i
eve
me"wegoti nt
hejet
Me:"baby
"hedi
dmyseat
bel
tandpeckedmy
nose

Enzo:"
youwi l
lstaywithmyparentsasy ou
supposedtowhilesorti
ngoutyourtransferand
i
ftheycan'tt
ransfery
out henyouwi l
lresi
gn
andbecomeai nstagram model"Ishovedhim
offmakinghimlaugh" I
'mjoki
ngbutwewi l
l
manage"Hesatnextt omeanddi dhisseatbel
t
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Ist
aredatmybeauti
fuldaught
erandsmi l
ed,
sheremi
ndedmesomuchofSi mthandil
ewho
bythewaywasjustnotwelcomingherbaby
si
ster
.Ourli
ttl
eprincessNosihleNgcobo
l
ookedjustli
keherbigsist
erwhi chjustir
ri
tat
ed
Si
mi more.ThedooropenedandSi mi goti
nshe
l
ookedatthebabywhi lewalkingtothebed
whereIwaslayingwithNosi ontopofme
Si
mi:
"isy
ourbabysl
eepi
ng?
"

Me:
"yes"

Si
mi:
"putherdownIwanty
out
ocar
ryme"

Me:
"butI
'
m car
ryi
ngher
"

Si
mi :
"she'
ssl
eepi
ng!Andy
ouwer
emymot
her
fi
rst
"

Me:"y
ougoingtowakeherup"Il
aidNosi
down
onhersi
decri
bandtookSimi
Si
mi:
"canIhav
esomemi
l
k?"

Me:
"daddyi
sdownst
air
sgot
ell
him"

Si
mi:
"Iwantt
hismi
l
k"shepoi
ntedt
omybr
east

Me:"
butt
hisi
sforNosi
andIknowy
ouwon'
t
l
ikei
t"

Simi:"
Iwil
lli
keit"Ipull
edoutmybr eastandshe
star
tedsuckingoni tIcoul
dseet hatshedidn'
t
l
ikeitbutshekeptonsucki ng.Vumi l
egotin
andpausedbyt hedoorwhenhesawwhatwas
happening

Vumi
l
e:"
shoul
dIbewor
ri
ed?
"
Me:"
Idon'
tknowhowt
odeal
wit
hthi
s"shel
et
go

Si
mi:
"itni
ce"

Vumil
e:"
whatdidIsayaboutl
yi
ng"shel
aughed
cov
eri
ngherfacewit
hherhands

Si
mi:"
ithor
ri
bledaddy
"Vumi
l
eandIst
art
ed
l
aughi
ng

Vumi
l
e:"
whatwer
eyouev
ent
ryi
ng?
"

Si
mi:"
Idon'tl
i
keherdaddy
"Vumi
l
esi
ghedand
pi
ckedherup
Vumil
e:"
butshe'syourli
ttlesist
eryouhav eto
l
oveherjustasSbanilovesy ouandy ouhis
l
it
tl
esist
er.Simiyourmot herandIlovey ouso
muchandnoonewi l
levert akeyourplaceeven
i
fwehavef ourmorebabi es"

Simi:"
pleasedon'
thav
eany
morepl
easedaddy
"
Icoveredmymout hwit
hmyhandl
aughi
ng
si
lentl
y

Vumi
l
e:"
weokay
?"

Simi:"
okay"shehuf
fed"
IguessIcantr
ytoli
ke
her"shepeakedatNosi
"she'
sugl
ythough"I
rol
ledmyey es

Vumi
l
e:"
funnybecauseshel
ooksl
i
key
ou"
Si
mi:
"nowaydaddy
!I'
m beaut
if
ul"

Vumil
e:"y
esyouaremypri
ncessanddon'
tev
er
l
etanyonetel
lyout
haty
ounot"

Simi:"
Iwon'tandi
ftheydoI'
ll
pincht
hem l
i
ke
thi
s"shepinchedNosiandshewokeup
screaming

Me:
"Si
mthandi
l
e!!
"

Si
mi:
"ohoh"
 
.

#Lel
o
¥¥
Youknowt hati
nstantconnecti
onyougetwhen
yougetdrawntosomeonet hat
'showIf el
t
whenIheldmyson.Hewasmi neineveryway.
Hestoppedcryi
ngasIpr essedhim onmy
chest.Hel
enascreamedloudlyandaf t
erafew
secondIheardmysecondson' scry.Iwatched
asSimpiwecuthiscordandt henurseswiped
him 
Simpiwe:"
theyper
fect
"hecamet
omehol
ding
thesecondtwin

Me: "
yes"Itookthesecondonegiv
inghimthe
fi
rstandIimmedi at
elyf
eltt
heconnect
ion,
he
stoppedwaili
ngandbur i
edhisf
aceonmy
chest"mybabies"

Si
mpi
we:
"wasi
twor
thi
t?"

Me:
"I'
ddoi
tagai
n"hel
aughed
Simpi
we:"l
et'
sletthem growf
irstbef
orewe
thi
nkaboutsuchthings"Ismi
l
edatSi mpi
we

Dr
:"wehavet
ocheckt
hem andgett
hem
cl
eaned"

Si
mpi we:"
bri
ngthem backassoonasy
ou
done"thedoct
orchuckl
ed

Me:
"namet
hem f
ir
st"

Simpiwe:"
khweziandl
anga"webothkissed
thei
rfor
eheadsandthenur
sestookthem

Me:
"justt
hat
?"
Si
mpiwe:"
KhweziSibabal
weandLanga
Mbul
eloJama"Ichuckled

Me:"youdor
eal
iset
hatwesur
roundedby
Engl
i
shspeaki
ngpeopl
e"

Simpiwe:"
andmyboy
sarexhosa"hepuf
fedhi
s
chestasIrol
l
edmyeyes

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
ocheckonHel
ena"

Si
mpi
we:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"weki
ssed

Si
mpiwe:
"soIoweapushgifthhu?"Igi
ggl
ed
pr
essi
ngmyheadonhischestwithanod 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥

Ilookedaroundt heloungewi thahappysi gh,

ourmov er
swer efinal
lydonewi tharrangi
ngt he
furni
turehowIwant edittobe.Af t
ermont hsof
searchingLonhleandIf i
nal
lyfoundahousewe
want edtoturnintoahomef orourf amil
y.It
wasi nthesameest at
easSne' shousebutf ar
from eachother.Ijustlovedthesecondl ounge
i
tdoor sopenedupt othemostamazi ngv i
ewof
thelake.Ibrushedmyst omachasmyson
kicked 
Me:"happytobeinyourknewhomechamp?"I
wentoutsi
deandbreathedint
hefr
eshai
r.My
moviewasdoneandwewer eamonthaway
f
rom theworldpr
emiere
Lonhl
e:"
lov
e"hewal
kedoutwi
thAy
aonhi
s
shoul
der
s

Me:
"yes"

Lonhl
e:"
webackwi
thdi
nner
"

Me:
"okay
"Iki
ssedhi
m

Ay
a:"
mommy
"

Me:
"yesmyangel
"shej
ustsmi
l
ed

Lonhl
e:"
comeeatsoy
oucanr
est
"Ismi
l
edand
hel
dhishand
Me:
"thanky
ou"

Lonhl
e:"
for
?"

Me: "
forlovi
ngmeev enthoughitwasn'teasy
.
Forbeingwi thmeevenaft
erfindi
ngoutabout
Sabelo.Fortaki
ngmebackaf terImessedus
upandf orjustsi
mplybei
ngy ou.Il
ovey ou
khabazela"helower
edhisheadandki ssedme
deeplymaki ngAyal
aughloudly

Lonhle:"
foryou,
I'
ddoital
lagainandgl
adly
"I
fel
tsomet hi
ngpopashewasaboutt oki
ssme
againthensomethi
ngwetsli
dingdownmyl egs

Me:
"fuck"

Ay
a:"
mommy
!!
"
Lonhl
e:"
baby
?"

Ay
a:"
yes"

Lonhl
e:"
noty
ouangel
"Ay
agi
ggl
ed

Me:
"mywat
erj
ustbr
oke"hi
sey
eswi
dened
[
03/
21,
09:
53]Ron:
WhenDi
ff
erentPat
hsCr
oss

I
nser
ts74

#Sbahl
e
¥¥

Ther
eisj
ustsomet
hingt
hatIl
ovesomuch
aboutt hispl ace.Myhear tsmi lesandmyf ace
glowsev eryt i
memyhusbandt el l
smewe
comi ngher e,may bei tbecauset hisiswher ewe
hadourhoney moonormay bei tt hecult ureand
theci tyasawhol e.HadIknownIwasgoi ngt o
endupasahousewi fetravelingar oundwi thmy
husbandIwoul dn'thavebot her edwi thget t i
nga
qual i
ficationbutt henagai nall theMkhi zewi ves
arehi ghlyqual ifi
ed.Af t
erEnzoandIgot
mar r
iedt raditionallywemov edi ntoournew
homei nsandhur tIt r
iedtogetat ransferbut
theywasn' tanyav ail
ablepost si nGaut engso
aftert hewhi teweddi ngwhi chwasabsol utely
amazi ngIr esignedandbecameanot herMkhi ze
housewi fe.EnzoandIt rav elal otwhet herf or
hissoccerorf orhisf amilybusi nessbecausei f
hewasn' tbusywi thsoccerhewasbusywi th
thebusi ness.Ist i
llgetgoosebumpswhenI
thinkaboutourweddi ngdayev er ythi
ngf eltso
unr eal i
twasal lj
ustt oobeaut i
ful .Theal l white
decorwi that ouchofgol dandEnzo' sv ows
mademecryli
keIwasasobbi ngmess.I tbeen
f
ourbl
i
ssful
yearsandI'
m mor einlovewithhim
t
hanIwaswhenIfir
stfellf
orhim andhislove
f
ormemakesmef eelblessedandsohappy .

Enzo:"honeyarey oudone?"Heaskedrushi
ng
i
nt hebedroom, Ilookedupathi
m andput
downmycupofcof feeasIwashaving
breakf
astoutint hebalconywhi
lewatchi
ngthe
snowf al
landthepeopl erushar
oundgoing
abouttheirday

Me:
"Enzosi
tdownandeat
"

Enzo:
"honeywer
unni
ngl
ate"

Me:
"thej
etwon'
tgoany
wher
esi
tandeat
"
Enzo:
"I'
l
leati
nthejet"hehel
dmychinand
ki
ssedmedeeply"pleaseMrsMkhi
ze"

Me:"
okay
"hetookmyhandhelpi
ngmeup
"
whenwil
lwebecomingback"hechuckl
ed

Enzo:
"wehav
en'
tev
enl
eft
"

Me:
"Il
ovePar
is"

Enzo:"Iknow"It ookmyhandbagandLi l
l
ywho
wasi nhercar r
ierbagthenl ethimledme
downst ai
rs.Wewer egoingt ostopatLondon
pickupLel oandherl argefami l
y.Icri
ngedat
thethoughtofgi vi
ngbi r
th.EnzoandIst i
lldi
dn'
t
havechi l
drenwewer ejustenjoyingbeingus
andEnzodi dn'
twantt oshar eme.
Landingi
nLondonwef oundt
hem alr
eady
wait
ingforusLangawasthefi
rstonetoent
er 
Langa:"
goodafter
noonaunt
ySbahleanduncl
e
Enzo"hegreet
edwithhi
shuskyv
oicedri
pping
i
nEnglandaccent

Khwezi:
"moveLanga"hepushedhi
sbr
other
causi
ngEnzotolaugh

Li
sa:
"don'
tdot
hatKhwezi
"

Jaz:
"hei
ssuchabul
l
y"

Leyl
a:"
aunt
ySbahl
e"shet
hrewher
sel
fatme
andwehugged

Me:
"hi
beaut
if
ul"t
heyal
lgr
eet
edsi
tt
ingdown
Lel
o:"
heyy
outwo"wehuggedandIt
ookher
l
astbor
nBabal
wa

Me: "
shegetsmor
ebeaut
if
ulev
eryti
meIsee
her"babal
wahadgott
obethecut
estbabyi
n
theworld

Lel
o:"she'
steet
hingsoshe'
sal
i
ttl
emonst
er
ri
ghtnow"

Me:
"butshel
ookssopeacef
ul"

Lel
o:"
becauseshe'
sasl
eep"

Enzo:"
okayever
yoneset
tl
edown"skypopped
herbubbl
egum
Lel
o:"
spi
tthatoutnow"

Sky
:"what
ever"shespi
toutt
hegum wr
appi
ngi
t
upwit
hatissue

Lel
o:"
shewi
l
lgi
vemegr
ayhai
rIswear
"

Me:
"teenager
s"

Lel
o:"Iwantt
oki
l
lherandBel
l
asomet
imes
yoh"

Me:"
isshesti
l
lseei
ngt
hatwhi
teboy
"Ihear
d
Si
mpiwegroan

Si
mpi
we:
"Iwantt
ori
pouthi
sthr
oatt
hatl
i
ttl
e
fuckeract
sli
ket
hebestt
hingt
oev
erhappent
o
Sky"

Lelo:"
asmuchasIhatethatshe'
sdating
there'
snothi
ngwrongChar
lesyoujustdon'
tl
ike
him becausehei
sdati
ngsky"

Simpiwe:"what
ever
"lel
oandIlaughed"Sky
shoul
dn'tbedati
nganywayIdon'tunderst
and
howLeoi slet
ti
ngthi
shappenI'
dki l
lBabal
wa
andthatboy"

Me:
"poorbaby
"Iki
ssedBabal
wa'
scheek

Enzo:
"thi
siswhyI
'
m nothav
ingki
ds"

Lel
o:"
ever
?"Heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.
Igotoffthechairt
akingBabal watobedasshe
hadfall
enasleep.IfoundBel l
aandLey l
a
cuddli
ngwi t
heachot herinthebedasleep.We
hadbeenont heai
rforf ewhours.Il
aid
Babalwadownnex ttohersister
sandjusttook
myt i
mest ari
ngather .Shewassobeaut if
ul
andchubbyshej ustmademewantt ohavemy
ownchi l
dren.Enzogoti n 
Enzo:
"thoughty
oual
sosl
eepi
ng"

Me:"
no"hewrappedhi
sar
msaroundmywai
st
st
andi
ngbehi
ndmeandkissedmyneck

Enzo:
"you'
vebeenqui
et"

Me:
"itnot
hing"

Enzo:
"isi
tbecauseofBabal
wa,
doy
ouwantt
o
hav
echi
l
drennow?
"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowEnzo"

Enzo:
"honeyIwoul
dgiv
ey ouwhat
every
ou
wantandneedinahear
tbeat
"

Me:
"Iknow"

Enzo:"
ifyouwantchi l
drenwecanstar
tmaking
them r
ightnow"Igiggledashepushedhi
s
peni
spr essi
ngithardonmyass" Imeanri
ght
nowjustsayt heword"

Me:"wecan'thavebabi
eswhenwestil
l
tr
avel
ingsomuchandIwoul dn'
twantyout
o
tr
avelandl
eav emebehindi
twouldki
ll
metobe
awayfrom y
ou"
Enzo:"
itwoul
dkil
lmeto"heki
ssedmyneck
sucki
ngitandIl
etoutamoan

Bell
a:"
pleasedon'
tstar
tmakingbabieswi
thus
i
nt heroom"Enzojustl
aughedwhil
eIfel
tmy
cheeksheati
ngup

Enzo:
"sl
eepwena"sheandLey
last
art
ed
l
aughi
ngsoft
ly 
.

#Nobunt
u
¥¥

Si
mi:"i
tnotf
airt
hatSbani
get
stogoandwe
don'
t"
Nosi:"
yesi
tnot
!"Shecr
ossedherar
msov
erher
chest"
wealsowanttogo"

Si
mi:
"I'
l
ltel
ldaddyy
ouwon'
tl
etusgo"

Nosi
:"andhewi
l
lbemadaty
ou"

Si
mi:
"whycan'
twego?
"

Nosi
:"wewantt
ogomommy
!Youcan'
tst
opus
Iswear
"

Me:
"Ican'
t?
"

Nosi:
"cany
ou?
"Sher
aisedherey
ebr
owasi
f
dar
ingme
Me:
"Icandowhat
everIwant
"

Nosi
:"socanwe"

Si
mi:
"yes"Isi
ghed

Me: "
GodwhatdidIdot ohavesuchchil
dren"I
whisperedt
omy sel
f"youtwocan'tgobecause
Sbaniisgoi
ngwithhisfr
iendsandSbanii
s
ol
derthanyoutwo"

Nosi
:"weal
sool
d"

Me:
"Nosi
hley
oul
oudmout
hyou4"

Nosi
:"hewasal
so4oneday
"Ihear
dlaught
er
andl
ookedupt oseeVumilestandi
ngther
e
l
ooki
nggorgeousashell,
hewast ryi
ngthi
s
whol
ebeardthingsohehadn'tbeenshavi
ng
andi
twaswor kingoutwel
lforhim

Vumi
le:"
whati
sgoingon?Yout
woar
egangi
ng
uponyourmot
heragai
n"

Nosi
:"daddymom.
."

Me:
"theywantt
ogooutwi
thSbani
"Icutherof
f

Vumi
l
e:"
younotgoi
ngwi
thhi
m"

Si
mi:
"butdadd.
."

Vumi
l
e:"
younotgoi
ng"Nosi
steppedon
Vumil
e'
sfootwit
hhert
inyf
ootwi
thahuf
fand
ranof
f"t
hehell
?"

Si
mi:
"sonotf
air
"sheal
sor
anof
f

Vumi
l
e:"
whatdoy
ouf
eedt
hesechi
l
dren"

Me: "
ifmahwasn' tgoingtospoi
lthem moreI
wasgoi ngtosendt hem t
othefarm si
nce
schoolsarecl
osingbecauseIseriousl
yneeda
break"

Vumil
e:"sendthem t
henIcant
akeyoutoDubai
youdeservei
tforkeepi
ngupwit
hthosebr
ats"I
smil
ed

Me:
"Il
oveitt
hereandIhav
en'
twentshoppi
ng
f
ormysel
finawhil
e"
Vumile:
"that'
sbecauseever
yti
meyougooutto
buysomecl othesyoucomebackwi
thcl
othes
forev
eryonebuty our
sel
f"

Me:"
I'
m awi
feandmot
heri
tnor
mal
"heki
ssed
mycheek

Vumi
l
e:"
youmakemesohappy
"

Me:"
youmakemehappyaswel
landIl
ovey
ou
somuch"

Vumil
e:"
Ilov
eyoumore"weki
ssedandpul
led
backwhensomeonecl
ear
edhi
st hr
oat"
boy
"

Sbani
:"I
'
mleav
ingbaba"
Vumil
e:"
don'
tbebackl
atey
ouknowIdon'
tl
ike
youdr
ivi
ngatni
ght
"

Sbani
:"okay
"Vumi
lethrewhimt hecarkey
s" t
he
V10?"Heaskedwi
thhisv oi
cefil
l
edwith
amazementVumil
ehadj ustboughtt
hecarlast
week

Vumi
l
e:"
keepi
t"

Sbani
&I:
"what
?"Vumi
l
esmi
l
ed

Vumi l
e:"
Isaidkeepi
tasinityour
s"Sbani
screamed"ther
ehegoesbehav i
ngli
keagi r
l"
theyhugged"youdeser
veitIsawyourresul
t
youdidgomf ana"
Sbani
:"t
hanky
oubaba"

Vumile:
"shoul
dhaveboughtitfory
ouwhenyou
passedgrade12butIwantedtoseehowyou
wouldhandlef
ir
styeari
nvarsit
ybutyoudi
d
good"

Sbani
:"t
hankyoubaba,
Iwon'
tev
erdi
sappoi
nt
youIswear"

Vumil
e:"
justconti
nuemakingmeproudand
goodthi
ngswillcomeyourwayson"

Me:"
congrat
ulat
ions"Sbanihuggedmeki
ssi
ng
myhead,t
heboykeptget t
ingtal
ler

Sbani:
"Iloveyoubot
h"myboywasi nv
arsi
ty
anditall
f el
tunr
eal
.Aft
ert
hefuner
alwenever
heardf
rom t
hem agai
nandi
tmadeev
ery
one
happy

Vumil
e&I:
"welov
eyoutoo"het
hrewhiscar
key
sintheai
randcaughtt
hem bef
orerunni
ng
out

Nosi:"canIal
sogetacardaddy
?"Sheasked
wi
t hthesweetestv
oiceev
erbatt
ingher
eyelashes

Me:"sav
eusLor
d"Vumi
l
ejustsmi
l
edand
pi
ckedherup

#l
elo
¥¥

Iki
ssedmysl
eepi
ngangel
'
spout
yli
ps.Si
mpi
we
andImadesuchcutebabi
es,
whenev
erIl
ooked
atmychi
ldr
enIjustwant
edtohav
emore.
 
Si
mpiwe:
"shei
ssleepi
ngmyl
ovecome
ev
ery
oneisout
side"

Me:
"she'
stoof
arbabywewon'
thearher
"

Simpi we:"t
henanni esarehere"Inoddedand
gavehi m myhandandwewal kedoutt othe
backy ardwher eev er
yonewas.I twasa
beaut i
fulsunnySundayandwewer ehavi
ngour
yearlyfamilyreunion.Thefi
rstthingIsawwas
Khwez ionLeo'sshoulders,
Leoal way scame
aroundf orthereunionmom sai di twasgood
forthegi r
lssohecameal ongwi thhiswifeand
thi
sy eartheybr oughtthei
r8mont hsoldbaby
gir
l

Me:
"I'
m gonnagot
oseeRebecca"weki
ssed
shor
tl
ythenwentoursepar
ateway
s"hey
"we
ki
ssedeachot
her'
scheeks

Rebecca:
"hey
,theboy
slooksogr
own"

Me:
"andnaught
yletmeseethiscut
ey"It
ook
t
hebaby"
shelookswhi
te"Rebecca

Rebecca:
"guessmygenesweretoost
rongbut
i
thappenswhenacolouredandawhit
emakea
baby"

Leo:
"hey
"

Me:
"cut
ebaby
"

Leo:
"Imakecut
ebabi
es"hewi
nkedmaki
ng
RebeccaandIr
ollourey
es"
itt
ruet
houghand
youbothknowthat"

Me:
"what
ever
"

Leo:
"yousoundl
i
keSky
"

Rebecca:
"wasaboutt
osayt
hat
"

Me:"she'
sahandfuli
sn'
tshe"wealll
ookedat
herandshewassitti
ngbythepoolbusyonher
phonewithSbani
nexttoherforsomereason
healwaysstay
edclosetoher

Leo:
"she'
sanangel
"

Rebecca:
"onl
ytoy
ou"RebeccaandInodded
Me:"I
'l
lbeback"Igav
eherthebabyandwentt
o
wheremyfri
endswere,Igotagl
assof
champagnefrom t
hewaiter

Nobuntu:"
lookatt hat
"Ilookedatwher
ethey
werealll
ookingandSphaLonhl e'
ssonhad
Nosipi
nnedbyt hewallwhil
etal
kingt
oherwit
h
asmirkonhisf ace

Me:
"whatt
hehel
l
?Theyl
i
kef
our
"

Ami l
e:"
that
'sLonhle'
ssonalri
ght"shesaid
brushi
ngherswollenstomachshel ookedli
ke
shewasgoi ngtogivebir
thanyti
mesoon

Chl
oe:
"Vumi
l
ewi
l
lki
l
lhi
m"
Me: "t
hesekidsgrowupt oof ast"Il
ooked
aroundatmychi ldr
enandf el
tsuch
contentmentandsuchjoy .Iwashonest l
ymade
tobeamot herandawifenot hinggavegreat
er
j
oyt hanthat

Sbahle:"
looksli
kegrandpaisteasi
ngmy
husbandagain"IlaughedEnzoandgrandpa
actedli
kebrothers

Me:
"I'
m gonnagof
indmyhusband"

Sophie:"
ohgi veusabr eak"shepull
edmeback
shehadherdaught erBr i
tt
anyonherl ap,
that
ki
dnev erlefthersighttheywer esocloseand
Sophietrulychangedaf tergi
vingbir
thsheloved
herdaught eruncondit
ionall
y r
egardl
essofhow
shegother
Me:
"ha.
aI'
l
lbebackImi
sshi
sli
ps"

Sophi
e:"
mybaby!!
"Bri
tt
anyl
aughedasher
mom cover
edherear
s

Chl
oe:"
yourf
aul
tfornotl
ett
inghergowi
tht
he
ot
herki
ds"

Sophie:"
sothatsheget
shurt
snopemissme"
shesippedonherchampagneIr
oll
edmyeyes
andleftt
hem goingt
oSimpi
weIfoundhi
m wi
th
VumileandmycousinSbani

Me:"Imissyou"hehel
dmywai
stbr
ingi
ngme
cl
osertohim andki
ssedme

Si
mpi
we:
"sodoI
"weki
ssedagai
n"Il
ovey
ou"
Me:
"lov
eyoumor
e"

Si
mpiwe:"
impossi
ble"Ist
oodonmyt
oesand
ki
ssedhi
m

Me:
"lat
er"

Simpi we:"
lat
ersbaby "hekissedmeand
spankedmyassasIt urnedtowalkaway
maki ngmegi ggle"
Ilovey ouwoman"he
screamedmaki ngwhoev erheardhi
mlookour
way .Iblewhim akiss 
.

#Ami
l
e
¥¥
Ist
oodupwi ththehelpofNobunt
u,i
ttook
awhil
efortheseladi
estowelcomemei nt
othei
r
i
nnercir
cleandIwassohappywhent heydid.I
guessbeinghomef ul
lti
mehelpedmebond
wit
hthem especial
lySophi
eweactual
lyhada
l
otincommon.  
Kat
e:"
wher
eyougoi
ng?
"

Me:"peeandfi
ndLonhlehaven'
tseenhimin
awhi
le"IwentpassAyaandkissedherhead
"myangelar
en'tyouhungr
y?"

Aya:"ha.
amommy "sheki ssedmyst omach
"babyhasn'tbeencomi ngtoplay"Isi
ghed,
LonhleandIwer econf usedaboutAy ashewas
actual
lytheonewhot oldmeIwaspr egnant
beforeIfoundoutt henf ewmont hsdownt he
l
ineshet oldmet hatthebabywasaboywhen
wewentf ormyultrasoundt ocheckthegender
thedoctorconfir
medt hatitwasaboy .
Sometimeswhenshewakesupshet
ell
sme
thatt
hebabywasplay
ingwi
thher
.

Me:
"may
behei
sti
red"

Aya:"
okay"sheranof
fwithSi
mi Icontinued
goi
nginthehouse.Af
terusi
ngtheguest
bathr
oom Iwenttol
ookforLonhle.Iheardhis
voi
cecomingoutofoneoftherooms

Lonhle:"whatdoy oumeany oucan' tfi

ndt hem?!
...
..
.shecan'twrit
emeal ett
ersayingIhav ea
sonwi thherthenjustdisappear"Igaspedbut
quicklycover
edmymout hwi t
hmyhand" I
haven'tseenheriny ear
ssi ncebefor eAyawas
bornandoutofnowher eIr ecei
veal ettersaying
Ihaveason!Doy ouunder standhowf uckedup
thatis..
..
..
.Ineedy outofindherandf indmy
sonf orGodsakeswhatki ndofal i
fei shel i
vi
ng
whereverhei sj
ustfindher..
..
..
..
.justfi
ndher
shedidn'
tev enwr i
teheraddressthereisno
address..
..
..NozibusisoGcwabe....
.noshe
didn'
twri
tehernameI '
vet
oldyoual l
ofthi
s!!
"

Me:
"Lonhl
e"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
ll
cal
lyouback"Iwal
kedi
ncl
osi
ngt
he
door"
howmuchdi dyouhear?
"

Me:
"enough"

Lonhl
e:"
I'
m sorr
y"Inoddedandpr
essedmy
headonhischestandheheldme"younot
angry
?"

Me:
"whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me"
Lonhl
e:"
didn'
twanttoworr
yy oubabyy
ou
al
mostduedoctorsaidnostr
ess"

Me:"
wewillf
indhim"hekissedmyhead
br
eat
hingout"Il
oveyou"

Lonhl
e:"
Ilov
eyout
oo,
Ilov
eyousomuch"
 
.

THEEND