Aj ourneyt hroughbr okenglassesandhotcoal .

Al
li
wishf ori sthatsighofr el
iefasifi
nallyst
epinto
calm wat ers.Willievergett oexperi
encethat
feeli
ngori sitafarfetcheddr eam?Lifeisagameof
dar t
sal lyouneedi st othr
owonei nthemiddleand
allwillbeover .

Mynamei
sMayaMoet
i
AKEPTWOMAN
01

Aft
erswi t
chi ngof fheralarm Mayasatuponher
bedandt urnedl ookingathert wochi ldren
peaceful
lysl eeping.Shesmi ledandsi ghedputti
ng
onhersleeper sandwentt otheki cthen.Asshe
openedthedooraver ycoldbr eezehi therfaceas
shefrownedf eeli
ngf orherchildren.Shef i
ll
edtwo
potswithwat erandputt hem ont hest oveandwent
tobacktot hebedr oom whereshet ookherdi ar
y
andpenandsatonherdeskwi thadeskl ampon.
Shepagedt hrought hediaryunt i
lsher eachedthe
cur
rentdat
eandsi
ghed.
..

"Fort hesecondt imet hisweekihavebeen

dreami ngaboutmyauntwhoil ostwheniwas14
yearsol d.Thatwomanwasmywor l
d.Shewas
mor eofmymot herthanmyownmot herwasor
shouldisay" i
s".Weirdenoughdr eamingabouther
alwaysl eavesasmi leonmyf aceever ymor ning
wheniwakeupbecauseweal wayshave
meani ngf ulconversationsandheradvi cesarestil
l
thesameasshewasst i
llali
ve.Ir eall
ymi ssher.
Nowoneoft hequest i
onsiaskedmysel fassoonas
iopenedmyeyeswaswhywoul dawomanbe
createdf rom apar tofaman' sbodyandt henbet he
onewhocar ri
esallt
hewei ghtonhershoul ders?
Whyar emenevenheadoff ami l
ieswhi leeveryt
ime
theyar ef acedwi t
hhar dsi t
uationst heyr unto
womenf orhel p?Yettheyar ethever ysamepeopl e
whomi st reatwomen?Whydoest hewomanhavet o
endur eal lthepainoft hewor l
dwhi leshewas
createdf rom aman' sbody?Wear esupposedt o
enjoyt hef ruit
sofourmen' slabournott osufferbut
heyguessl i
fewillneverbefai
r.Whati m happy
aboutisthatim withmykidsandwear eatpeace.
EverydayithankGodf ortheseblessingsbecausei
don'
tknowwher eiwoul dbeifi
twer en'tf
orthem.
(Smiled)mygems"

Shesmi l
edclosingthediaryandputitawaytaking
outherchil
dren'sunif
orms.Shewentt ocheckon
thewateranditwaswar m enoughf orhertobath
them.Shepour editi
napl ast
ictubandmi xedit
withcol
dwat erthencarri
edittothebedroom...

Maya:wakeywakeymyki
ngandqueen
Her
ber
t:agai
n?
Maya:yesbabyagai
nbutl
ucki
lyf
oryouguysi
t'
sa
Fr
idayandschool
sarecl
osi
ng
Apr
il
:sonoschoolt
omor
row?
Maya:yesma'
am f
orawhi
le
Bot
h:yi
ppi
e
Maya:(
laughed)schooli
sver
yimportantyoutwo
comeandbat hbefor
ethewaterget
scoldit'
sso
col
doutside
Her
ber
t:idon'
tli
kewi
nter
Apr
il
:met
oo
Maya:wellwehavenochoicebuttol
ivet
hrough
theseasonsmybabiesunti
lweareri
chenoughto
chasethesummerwej usthavet
oendurethecol
d
Her
ber
t:ican'
twai
tforust
ober
ich

Theyl
aughedasshehelpedt
hem takeofft
hei
r
pyj
amasandputthem i
ntheplast
ictub.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

AfterrunningthebathforherhusbandLor
nashook
herheadl ookingathim sl
eepi
ngsopeaceful
lyin
theirki
ngsi zedbed.Shescoff
edfoldi
ngherrobe
andshookhi m..
.
Duncan:mmmh
Lor
na:t
imet
owakeupDuncan
Duncan:i
m abusi
nessmanwhydoihavet
owake
upsoearl
y
Lor
na:busi
nessmendon'
tsl
eep,
wakeup
Duncan:(
satup)geezwomani
m awake
Lorna:thetubisf
ullofwat
er.Whatwouldyouli
ke
tohavef orbr
eakf
astsothaticant
ellPat
iencet
o
prepareit?
Duncan:wheni
smywi
fegoi
ngt
ocookf
orme?
Lorna:Duncanwhatwoul
dyoul
iket
ohavef
or
breakfast
?
Duncan:anyt
hing,
Pat
iencei
sagr
eatcookanyway

Lornarol
ledhereyesgoingdownwhil
eDuncan
headedtothebathroom si
ngi
ng.Shecameback
aft
ertal
kingtoPreciousandsatonachai
rint
he
bathr
oom watchingherhusbandbat
h..
.
Duncan:mustbegoodbei
ngahousewi
feneh?
Lor
na:whydi
dyoucomel
atel
astni
ght
?
Duncan:her
ewegoagai
nwiththesamequest
ion,
babeyouknowiwor
kveryl
ate
Lorna:noDuncanyouneedt
otalkt
oJoshuayou
arenotjustamereempl
oyeeyouareashar
ehol
der
aswel l
Duncan:don'
tyouthi
nkiknowthatl
ove?Joshandi
dothesameamountofwor k.I
fwedon'tputi
nthe
ef
fortwhowil
l?That'
sourcompanytolookoutf
or
Lor
na:butimissyouDuncani
t'
sbeenmont
hs
si
nceyoutouchedme
Duncan:don'
twor
rybabeever
ythi
ngwi
llf
alli
nto
pl
acesoon
Lor
na:youal
wayssayt
hatDuncanwhenwi
llt
hat
be?
Duncan:l
oveit
'snotl
ikei
m notworki
nghardhere.
Areyouandthekidsnotl
ivi
ngyourbestl
ives?
Lorna:wear
ebabebutmoneycan'
tbuyot
her
needsordoyouwantmetorepl
aceyouwi
thdil
dos?
Duncan:(l
aughed)youar
esosi
ll
y.Wewi
llf
ixi
tmy
l
ovedon'tworry
Lorna:youbett
erbabe.Letmegot akeyourclot
hes
from t
heironi
ngroom,Patiencewassti
llbusywith
them butalmostdone
Duncan:okl
ove

Shesaidl
eavi
ngwhi
leDuncanl
ookedatherand
scof
fed.
..

Duncan:needst
hisneedsthatigiveyoumoneyfor
cr
yingoutloudi
sn'tt
hatsati
sfactor
yenough?Ur
gh
womenandnotknowi ngwhatt heywant

Hesai
dcont
inui
ngwi
thhi
sbat
h.

BackatMaya'
shouse.
..
Shef i
nishedbat
hingherchil
drenast heysatinthe
l
ivingroom wit
htheheateri
nf rontofthem.She
switchedonthetvforthem andgavet hem t
heir
breadwi t
hpeanutbutt
erandt ea..
.

Herber
t:bl
ackcat(
theyl
aughed)i
sthi
smadeoutof
catma?
Maya:nosi
ll
y
Her
ber
t:t
henwhydoest
hebot
tl
ehaveabl
ackcat
ont
hesti
cker
Maya:idon'
tknow
Apr
il
:Her
ber
tjusteatandst
opt
alki
ng
Maya:ThankyouApr
il
Apr
il
:whathaveyoupackedf
orusmama?
Maya:br
eadandpeanutbut
terwi
thj
uicemyl
ove
Apr
il
:agai
n?
Maya:yesl
ove
Apr
il
:butmamyclassmatesareal
waysl
aughi
ngat
mesayingi
m al
wayspackingt
hesamethi
ngs
Maya:j
usyi
gnoret
hem babyi
twi
llbemonthend
soonandmom wil
lbuyni
cemopakoforyouguys
Herbert:wel
lsheshouldj
usttel
lthem tomi ndt
hei
r
ownbusi nessthat
'swhatial
wayst el
lthem.
Packingsomethingisbet
tert
hanpacki ngnothi
ng
atallsothankyoumamayouar eourher o
Maya:awwt
hankyoumyboy,
youar
esowi
seand
sweet
Her
ber
t:t
hat
'sbecausei
m goi
ngt
obi
gschoolsoon
Apr
il
:iwantt
ogot
obi
gschoolaswel
l
Maya:2mor
eyear
sbaby(
shewhi
nedast
hey
l
aughed)
Herber
t:soar
eyougoi
ngt
obuymeagr
asshopper
shoemama?
Maya:(putt
hei
rbagsont hecouchandswallowed)
yesson,noweatupandwar m yoursel
vesupim
goi
ngtobath.Donottouchanythingdoyouhear
me?
Bot
h:yesmama

Shesmi ledandwenttopourhersel
fwateri
nthe
plasti
ctubwhileHerbertandApr
ill
aughedatthe
cartoons.Theywerereall
yhappybutquest
ionis
wasshe.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Preci
ousr anaroundthehousefi
xingherchi
ldr
en
forschoolwhil
et heyhadt
heirbr
eakfastont
he
dini
ngtable.
..

Pr
eci
ous:Nyashai
syourhai
rti
ed?
Nyasha:yesmahowmanytimeshaveyouasked
methatquesti
on?Gosh(
rol
ledhereyes)
Preci
ous:donotr
ollyoureyesatmeyounggi
rl.
Lucasyoubett
ernotgotoschoolwit
hyourpants
hangi
ngbelowyourbutt
Lucas:comeonmai
t'
scoolmyf
ri
endsdoi
t
Preci
ous:thoseuncivi
ali
sedbrats,youbett
erdoasi
sayorelse,yohLord,Nyashaiforgotyourproj
ect
Nyasha:youwi
llf
ini
shi
tupandbri
ngi
tlat
erthe
l
essonisthel
astoneaf
tert
eabr
eakanyway
Pr
eci
ous:oht
hankt
heGods
Lucas:school
sareclosi
ngt
odaymasoar
ewe
goingtoGogo'shouse
Preci
ous:yessi
ryouare(herphoner
ang)speakof
thedevi
l,heyma,Lucasf
ixyourti
eman
Rona:heybabyar
eyoust
il
lshout
ingatt
hoset
wo
l
iketheyar
e4?
Pr
eci
ous:youknowhowspoi
ltt
heseki
dsar
e
Rona:wellt
heyareki
dsaf
teral
l.Ar
etheycomi
ng
overf
ortheholi
days?
Pr
eci
ous:yesma
Rona:ohokit
hinkishoul
dinvi
teMaya'
schi
ldr
en
overaswel
l
Pr
eci
ous:r
eal
lynowma?Don'
trui
nmymood
pl
easeespeci
all
yonaf
ri
day
Rona:what
'
swr
ong?
Pr
eci
ous:youknowidon'tl
ikei
twhenmychi
ldr
en
mi
xwiththatgi
rl
'schi
ldr
en
Rona:comeonPreci
ousshe'syoursi
sterand"
not
t
hatgirl
"andt
heyarejustki
ds
Pr
eci
ous:yeahannoyi
nganddi
rt
y
Rona:(
laughed)youar
esomet
hingel
se.
Pr
ecious:l
etmefi
nishwi
thmymor
ningr
out
inei
wi
llcal
lyoubackok
Rona:okmybabybye

Shehungupandsi
ghedasherhusbandcame
downwit
hhisti
enotf
ixed.
..

Preci
ous:ohl
ovewhyar
eyoual
wayscar
elesswi
th
your.
..
Lovemor
e:(
grabbedaf
rui
t)l
eavemeal
onei
m nota
chi
ld.Dot
hatt
oLucasnotme,
kidsbyebegoodok
Bot
h:yesdad
Pr
eci
ous:(
swal
lowed)butl
ovei
..
.
Lovemore:(
kissedhercheek)seeyoul
aterbutdon'
t
waitup
Preci
ous:t
heschoolsar
eclosi
ngtodaysoiwi
llbe
taki
ngtheki
dsto.
..
(hecl
osedthedoorbehi
ndhi
m)
mymom' shouse(shesi
ghed)yeahri
ght
Lucas:whyisdadal
waysi
nahur
ryhenevergi
ves
usattent
iont
hesedays
Nyasha:(
onherphone)dadisabusymanyou
wouldn'
tunder
standanyway
Preci
ous:t
hankyoubabybutpl
easeleaveyour
phoneforafewsecondsandfi
nishup

Shesai
drunningupwhil
etheki
dsl
ookedatone
anot
herandlaughed.

AtMaya'
swor
kpl
ace.
..
Shefinishedf i
xingherdeskandmadeher sel
facup
ofcoffeethent ookoutherlepakiwa(bun)and
l
egwinya( fatcake)sheboughtf r
om theladysel
l
ing
outsi
det heiroffi
cesandstartedeati
ng.Shewent
thr
oughherf acebookprofi
leont heoffi
cecomputer
andopenedt heJobvaccanciespage.Shenot ed
downal lthoset hatmethercrit
eriawhil
eeati
ngas
herbosscamei nandshequicklyswitchedto
companyf i
les..
.

Jor
ge:(
smil
ed)iwantt
oseet
hisf
aceever
yday
wheniwal
kinhere
Maya:(
smi
led)goodmor
ningboss
Jor
ge:it
oldyout
ocal
lmeJor
georJnotboss
Maya:butyouar
emybossi
sn'
tit
?
Jor
ge:(smi
led)al
waysqui
cktoanswer
.Anywaydo
youhavemessagesforme?
Maya:nosi
rnotyet
Jor
ge:okhaveawonder
fulmor
ningbeaut
if
ul
Maya:t
hankyousi
r,yout
oo

Hewi nkedatherandsmi l
edgoingtohisoff
ice
whil
eMayascof f
edshakingherheadandwentf or
herfacebookagain.Jor
gesighedputt
inghisbagon
theholderandtookhisseatastheoff
icedoor
opened...

Jor
ge:ij
ustgother
ewhati
sit
Lady:mor
ningbosst
hiscoul
dn'
twai
t
Jor
ge:si
tdownandt
elli
t
Lady:asyouareawar eofoursi
tuat
ionandthati
t'
s
goingtogetworseaswemovet here'snot
hingwe
candobutt or
etrenchsomeofthest af
f
Jorge:negat
ivenewsear
lyi
nthemor
ning,
don'
tyou
getti
red?
Lady:i
mj ustdoi
ngi
tforthebusi
nesssi
roryou
wantitt
ogodownt hedrain?
Jor
ge:ofcour
senot
Lady:exact
lyt
henyouwi
llagr
eewithmewhenisay
wehavet ocutof
fsomeemployees
Jor
ge:howmanyar
ewet
alki
ngabout
?
Lady:6
Jor
ge:whowi
llbeamongstt
hat6?
Lady:t
hel
abour
sandt
her
ecept
ioni
st
Jor
ge:Maya?Nowecan'
tgetr
idofMaya
Lady:butwehavenochoi ceagainshe'sdoi
ng
somethingbel
owheri nt
ell
ectual
lysirwewillf
ind
someonewhodi dadmi nonlyatschool.Mayaistoo
l
earnedtobear ecept
ioni
stwear ejusthol
dingher
back
Jor
ge:(
sighed)butshe'
sahar
dwor
ker
Lady:iknowthatbutithi
nkit
stimewer el
easedher
sothatshecangetaj obofherstandar
ds
Jorge:okletmethi
nkaboutit
.(Scof
fed)youwant
togetridofther
oseofthecompany?
Lady:wel
lwhentherosei
stooexpensi
veyousend
i
tback.Getbacktomeassoonaspossibl
e
Jor
ge:adeci
sionwi
llbemadebyt
heendoft
oday
Lady:t
hankyou

Shel
eftwhi
leJor
gesatbackandsi
ghed.

AtKgangT&Theadquar
ter
s..
.

Joshuamadehiswayinhisoff
iceashi
sphone
rangandsi
ghedansweri
ng..
.

Joshua:mor
ningma
Gl
idi
a:mor
ningson,
howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Joshua:i
m goodmahowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Gl
idia:i
m goodt
oomyson.Ibel
ieveyouar
eatt
he
of
ficenow
Joshua:yesmaij
ustgother
e
Gl
idi
a:wonder
ful
.Letmenotwast
eyourti
meijust
want
edtotel
lyouthatmybi
rt
hdayiscomi
ngsoon
andiwantever
yonet
obewi
thmebecausei
m
thr
owingapart
y
Joshua:ohni
cemamanopr
obl
em
Gli
dia:youkeepsayi
ngnopr
obl
em Joshbutyou
nevercomehomehowmanyyear shasitbeennow?
Joshua:youknowi
m abusymanmama
Gl
idi
a:yoursi
bli
ngsar
ebusypeopl
easwel
lbut
t
heyalwaysmaketimeforme
Joshua:ipr
omi
se,
im goi
ngt
ocomema
Gl
idi
a:goodandihopeyouarecomingwi
tha
gi
rl
fr
iendandoneortwograndchi
ldr
en
Joshua:yohma
Gl
idi
a:youknowihaveal waysbeenwaiti
ngonyou
mychil
d.Youar et
heeldestbutyouryounger
si
bli
ngsallgotmarr
iedbefor
eyou
Joshua:maacl
ientj
ustwal
kedi
nletmet
alkt
oyou
l
ater
Gl
idi
a:yeahr
ight
Joshua:l
oveyou(
hungup)yoht
hiswoman
Duncan:(
chuckl
ed)what'
sup?St
il
lpest
eri
ngyou
aboutawomanandchildren?
Joshua:yeahmanandherbi
rt
hdayi
scomingsoon
andshesaysshewant st
omeetmygir
lf
ri
endand
hopeful
lyihaveachi
ld
Duncan:butJoshwhyar
eyoust
il
lsi
ngl
e?
Joshua:l
ookar
oundDuncanyouransweri
sar
ound
you
Duncan:nomanbutt
hisshoul
dn'
tst
opyouf
rom
mingl
ing
Joshua:youknowwear
eal
waysi
ntheof
fi
cemani
don'
thavetime
Duncan:wellyouwi l
lhavet
ocomeupwi t
haplan
andverysoonunl essyouwantyourmot
hert
obe
di
sappoint
edi nyou
Joshua:wowD,
thankyouver
ymuch

Theyl
aughedandst
art
edwor
king.
THATAFTERNOON

Atherchi
ldr
en'
sschool
..
.

Mayaparkedhertoyotavit
sshegotf r
om heraunt
andheadedinsi
detocollectherchi
ldr
enasthey
camerunningtoher.
..

Bot
h:mommy!
Maya:heyguys
Teacher
:MsMoet
i
Maya:yesma'
am
Teacher
:thepr
inci
palwoul
dli
ket
oseeyou
Maya:ohok.Ki
dsgowai
tint
hecar

Theyheadedoutwhi
leshef
oll
owedt
het
eachert
o
thepr
inci
pal
'sof
fi
ce.
..
Lady:MsMoet
ipl
easehaveaseat
Maya:(
smi
led)t
hankyou
Lady:wit
houtwast i
ngyourti
meijustwantedt
o
remindyout hati
t'
sbeenmonthssinceyoupai
d
yourchi
ldren'sschoolf
ees
Maya:iknowma'
am buti
m wor
kingoni
t
Lady:butMsMoet
iyoual
wayssayt
hatbutnever
del
iver
Maya:i
m honest
lyfi
nanci
all
ycr
ippl
edatt
he
momentma'am buti
m worki
ngonit
Lady:unf
ortunatel
ywecan'tkeeplookingafteryour
chi
ldrent
hroughot herki
dsschoolfeesthust hey
won'tberet
urningtotheschoolnextterm unti
lyou
payup
Maya:butma'
am youknowwheneverihave
somethi
ngipopi
tout
Lady:idon'tdisputethatbutyourbalanceisjust
toomuchMsMoet iandagainyourchildr
enar e
alwaysmissi ngoutoni mportantt
ripsandalways
hearfrom otherstudentsthatther
ewasat r
ip.That
i
snotgoodMsMoet
i
Maya:ma'
am pl
easegivemeonelastchancei
pr
omiseyouiwi
llsor
toutthef
inances
Lady:thedeci
sioni
sfi
nalMsMoetiHerber
tand
Apri
l won'
tbecomingbackher
enextter
m unti
lyou
set
tlethedebtt
hankyou

Mayaswal
lowedandst
oodupl eavi
ng.Herphone
vi
brat
edasshefr
ownedreadi
ngat ext
..
.

"Asyouar eawar eofthesituat

ionatthecompany,
themanagementhasr eachedadecision,i
twasnot
aneasyonebuti thadt obedone.Thatdeci si
onis
toletsomewor kersgoandunf or
tunatelyyouare
oneoft hewor kerswhot hemanagementhas
decidedtoletgo.I twasapleasurewor ki
ngwi t
h
youMsMoet i.Youar erequest
edtocomef oryour
thi
ngsonMonday. "

Ahugebal
lofl
umpgotst
uckonhert
hroatwhi
le
tear
sbuilti
nhereyesblur
ri
nghervisi
on.Heari
ng
herchil
dren'
svoi
cesandlaughtermadehertoblock
thetear
sandswallowtheballofl
umpandgot ot he
car.
..

Her
ber
t:ican'
twai
ttosl
eepunt
ilt
hesuni
sout
Apr
il
:met
oo(
theygi
ggl
ed)
Herber
t:mommyar
eyouhappyyouwi
llbewi
thus
al
ltheti
me?
Maya:(
lookedathi
mthrought
her
earvi
ewmi
rr
or
andpai
nfull
ysmil
ed)mhem
Her
ber
t:wear
egoi
ngt
owat
chcar
toonsal
lday
Apr
il
:ican'
twai
t

Theychatloudlyaboutthei
rfavor
it
ecart
oonswhi
le
thei
rmotherreversedoutwithherheadspi
nni
ng.
^
^
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Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
14:
08] :AKEPTWOMAN
02

AtMaya'
shouse.
..

Wit
hHer ber
tandAprilsi
ngi
ngloudl
yatt
hetopof
t
heirvoi
ceswiththecart
oonsMayadeci
dedtoget
i
nbedsilent
lycryi
ng.
..

"Howim igoingt
opayr ent
?Whoim igoi
ngt olook
tofrom her
e?Thi
swi l
lconf
irmtomysibl
ingsthat
i
m nothingbutafai
lur
e.Whenim igoi
ngtocatcha
break?Godwhatdidieverdotoyoutoli
vethisli
fe"
Sheaskedhersel
fthosequesti
onsasshesniff
ed
andwipedhertear
s.Herbertbur
stthr
oughthedoor
asshequickl
ycoveredhersel
fwithafl
eece.
..

Her
ber
t:mamawear
ehungr
y
Maya:(
sni
ff
ed)f
indsomet
hingi
nthef
ri
dgemyboy
Her
ber
t:(
frowned)ar
eyouokmama?
Maya:yesmyboyi
m ok(
sni
ff
edagai
n)
Her
ber
t:ar
eyousi
ck?
Maya:(
sni
ff
edandchuckl
ed)nobabyi
m notsi
ck
Her
ber
t:t
henwhyar
eyousni
ff
ingl
iket
hat
?
Maya:dustgoti
nmynose
Her
bert
:areyousur
eyouar
eokma?Youwer
ever
y
qui
etonourwayhome
Maya:forgoodnesssakeHer
bertcanyoupleasego
totheki
tchenandfindsomet
hingtoeatandstop
dist
urbi
ngme!
Her
ber
t:(
sof
tl
y)ok,
sor
rymama
Hesai dleavi
ngandcl osedthedoorbehi
ndhim as
Mayasi ghedsit
ti
nguponherbed.Thel astt
hing
shewant edwast otakeherstressoutonher
chil
dren.Shesighedagai nandtookherphone
goingthroughhercont act
sasagl assbr
okeinthe
ki
tchen...

Maya:(
shout
ed)Her
ber
t!
Her
ber
t:i
m sor
rymamai
tsl
ippedof
fmyhand
Maya:donott
ouchanyt
hing.Geezmant
heseki
ds
ur
gh

Shegrunt
edgetti
ngoffbedandputonhersl
ipper
s
goi
ngtothekit
chen.Shetookthebr
oom and
car
eful
lysweptthegl
assesint
oacorner
..
.

Maya:idon'
tunder
standwhyyouhavetouse
gl
assesitol
dyouthatyour
saret
heplast
icones
Her
ber
t:sor
rymama
Apri
l:(
cameinr
unni
ng)Her
ber
tyouneedt
o..
.(she
bumpedint
ohermother
)oh
Maya:it
oldyounorunni
nginthehouseApri
land
wherear
eyourshoes?Yourbr
otherbrokeagl
assin
her
e
Apr
il
:sor
ryma
Maya:justgobackt
othel
ivi
ngr
oom iwi
llbr
ing
yourf
ood.Go!

Theyaskednoquest i
onsandheadedt otheli
ving
room asshecli
ckedhertongueandf ini
shedup.
Shefoundherselfsmil
ingathowhersonper fect
ly
sli
cedthetomatoesandcutt heremainingcheese
i
nhalf.Thebutt
erwasni celyandevenlyspreadon
thebreadaswell.Washepassi onat
eaboutf ood?
Shetookthefoodt ot
hem. .
.

Bot
h:(
sof
tl
y)t
hankyoumommy
Maya:youar
ewel
come.Mommyi
ssor
ryf
or
shout
ingatyouok
Her
ber
t:i
t'
sokmama
Maya:l
etmeknowwhenyouar
edonesoicome
washthedi
shesok
Her
ber
t:iwi
llwasht
hem mamai
t'
sok
Maya:(
smi
led)ohokmaybeyoushoul
dteachApr
il
aswell
Apr
il
:(l
if
tedherhands)ohnonomama

Shel aughedandsni f
fedleavingthem whi
leHerbert
frownedspot t
ingherredeyesbutbr usheditoff
.
Shesatont hebedandt ookherphoneagai n
sendi ngherbrot
heracal lat
tempt.Whilewait
ingfor
himt ocallhershetappedherf i
ngersonherphone
thinkingofwhatshecoul ddo.Herphonedi st
urbed
hert hought
sasi tr
ang..
.

Maya:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)heybr
other
Ti
tus:hel
losi
sij
ustsawyourcal
lat
tempt
Maya:yeahidon'
thaveai
rt
ime.Ar
eyouf
reet
otal
k?
Ti
tus:yeahwhat
'sup?
Maya:(
closedt
hebedr
oom door
)ihaveapr
obl
em
T
Ti
tus:what
'sup?
Maya:ihaven'
tbeenpayi ngmychildr
en'
sschool
feeswel
lsonowt heytol
dmet hatt
heyshouldn'
t
comebacknextt erm unt
ilipayupandwhil
eiwas
sti
llt
her
eireceivedamessagef rom wor
kthati
havebeenretr
enched
Ti
tus:ei
sht
hat
'samessnowsi
s
Maya:soidon'
tknowwhattodobutthought
maybeyoucanhelpmewiththel
it
tl
eyouhave
Tit
us:youknowmybudgetist
ightsi
s,idon'
tget
paidenoughasiti
s.Wehaveachil
dont hewayand
aweddingtosaveupfor
Maya:(
sighed)yeahneh
Tit
us:yourf
ri
endsar
ewor
kingMayawhycan'
tthey
help?
Maya:i
m al
waysaski
ngforhel
pfr
om t
hem Tsoi
don'
twantt
obeaburden
Tit
us:i
m sosor
rysi
syouknowiwoul
dhel
pifihad
somethi
ng
Maya:iknowt
hankyouhey
Ti
tus:sur
etr
ymom maybeshecanhel
p
Maya:yeahr
ight
.Byeheysayhit
oLesedif
orme
Ti
tus:iwi
ll

Theyhungupasshesi
ghedfal
li
ngbackonherbed.
Herphoner
angasherhear
tski
ppedabeatseeing
thenumber
.Shecl
ear
edherthr
oatandanswered.
..

Maya:hi
Lady:Mayait
'sbeen4mont
hsnowdoyouknow
howmuchi nt
eresti
tis?
Maya:iknow,
im st
il
ltr
yingt
omakeapl
an
Lady:noMayapeopl
ear
est
art
ingt
oki
llmef
ort
hei
r
moneynowpl easemakesureyoupayupassoon
aspossi
bleorwewillhavenochoi
cebutt
osend
sher
if
fsyourway
Maya:comeont
her
e'snoneedf
ort
hat
Lady:wewantourmoneymmakantewhyar eyou
workingi
fyouar
egoingtof
ailt
opaybackyour
l
oans?YouhaveuptoTuesdaytomakesureyou
payupbye
Maya:please.
..(
thephonebeepedasshesi
ghed
buti
trangagain)yoh(answer
ed)ma
Rona:hiMaya
Maya:himama
Rona:ihopeyouar
egood
Maya:yesiam
Rona:yourchi
ldr
en'
sschool
sar
ecl
osedr
ight
?
Maya:yes,
why?
Rona:it
houghtmaybeyoucoul
dbr
ingt
hem over
t
omor r
owforthehol
idays
Maya:(
frowned)si
ncewhen?
Rona:iwantt
ospendtimewi
thmygr
andki
dsi
s
t
hattoomucht oaskf
or?
Maya:youhaveneveraskedf
ort
hem si
ncewe
movedsoim shocked
Rona:wi
llyoubr
ingt
hem ornot
?
Maya:iwi
ll
Rona:good.Seeyout
omor
row
Maya:mai
..
.
Rona:yes?
Maya:noi
t'
soknevermi
nd.Seeyout
omor
row
Rona:bye

TheyhungupasMayasi
ghedanddeci
dedt
ogo
thel
ivi
ngroom.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Pat
iencebr
oughtLor
na'
smi
mosawhowasi
nthe
j
acuzzir
eadi
ngamagazi
ne.
..

Pat
ience:yourdr
inkma'
am
Lor
na:(
smi
led)oht
hankyoul
oveyouar
eanangel
Pat
ience:anyt
hingel
se?
Lor
na:nosweet
hearti
m good.I
nfactar
eyoubusyi
wouldl
oveustohaveachat
Pati
ence:noma'
am idon'
thaveanyt
hingt
odoat
themoment .
Lorna:goodgrabaseatmylove(
shedi
d)kanamy
husbandisalwayscominghomelat
ehaveyou
noti
ced?
Pati
ence:bat
hongmadam youwantt
otal
kabout
yourhusbandwit
hme?
Lorna:comeonwhodoyouwantmet
otal
kto?You
knowwear eal
wayst
ogether
Pat
ience:wel
lihavenot
icedmadam
Lor
na:sowhatdoyout
hinkabouti
t?
Pati
ence:MrDuncanisabusymanmadam sohe's
oughttocomebackhomelate.Runni
ngat
ranspor
t
companycan'tbeeasy
Lor
na:noPheknowshehast ocatert
omyneeds
youknowhehasn'
ttouchedmeformonthsnow?
Pat
ience:yohmadam t
oomuchi
nfor
mat
ionnow
Lor
na:(
laughed)st
opbei
ngsi
ll
ywear
etal
king
womantowomanher e
Pati
ence:wel
lyoushoul
dusetheweekendst
o
coverupformissi
ngoutdur
ingt
heweek
Lor
na:t
hingi
syouar
eneverher
eonweekends.
He'
shardl
yhomeonweekends
Pat
ience:uhu,
areyoubei
ngser
ious?
Lorna:yesionl
yseehim onSundaysbuthewould
i
nsistwegot othegr
oundstowatchsoccert
hen
whenwecomebackhomehest ar
tscomplai
ning
thathe'
stir
ed.Pwhatshouldido?
Pat
ience:youhavet
otal
ktohi
m abouti
tthen
Lorna:idol
oveeverydaybuthealwayssays
everyt
hingwi
llf
allbackint
oplace
Pati
ence:yohthat
'saprobl
em nowmadam.Maybe
youshouldvisi
tamarri
agecounsel
loridon'
tknow
Lor
na:t
hatmi
ghtwor
kyouknow
Pat
ience:yeaht
ryi
t
Lor
na:soyouar
egoi
nghomeagai
nthi
sweekend?
Pat
ience:yesmadam youknowihavet
ocheckmy
son
Lor
na:okl
ove.Packwhateveryoucanforhi
m.
Kant
ewhenareishevisi
ti
ngyouher e?
Pati
ence:(
chuckled)aenomadam t
rustmeyou
don'
twantthatrascalher
e
Lor
na:(si
ghed)iwishiknewhowi
tfel
ttohaveyour
bi
ologi
calchi
ldyouknow
Patience:(touchedherhand)don'tworr
ymadam
Godwor ksinmyst eri
ouswaysyouwi l
lonewhen
thetimei srightbuteveni
fyoudon'tAppleand
Saintaret here.Letmegostartpacki
ng
Lor
na:okmyl
ove.Thankyou
Pat
ience:f
or?
Lorna:al
waysbei
ngt
her
ewhenicr
yaboutmy
husband
Pati
ence:i
tsnotapr obl
em madam youarel
ikea
si
stertomesot akethecounsel
li
ngrout
eand
hopeful
lyt
hingswillworkout
Lor
na:yeahhey

Patiencesmil
edandheadedt
oherroom whi
le
Lornasighedandsi
ppedhermimosagoi
ngthrough
hermagazine.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Nyashasighedt hr
owingherbagonthecouchand
tookoffherschoolshoesonthematandt hr
ew
hersel
font hecouchlaughi
ngatt
hetik-
tokvideos.
Herbrothershookhisheadandwentupt ochange
andcameback. ..
Lucas:shoul
dmom findyoust
il
linyouruni
for
m
she'
sgoingtoki
llyou
Nyasha:j
ustmi
ndyourownbusi
nessLucas
Lucas:ar
eyounotsupposedt
opackyourcl
othes?
Nyasha:mom wi
lldoi
tforme
Lucas:wowNyashar
eal
ly?Asol
dasyouar
e?
Nyasha:don'
tst
artwi
thmeLucas
Lucas:iwasj
ustsayi
ng
Nyasha:besi
desit
snotli
keimlooki
ngforwardt
o
gotothathouseespeci
all
ywit
hthosecreepy
chi
ldr
enofourauntcomi ng
Lucas:Nyashat
hat
'sr
ude
Nyasha:what
?Thoseki
dsar
edi
rt
yandt
heyst
ink
Lucas:idon'
tunderst
andwhyyouandmom don' t
l
ikethem.Thosekidsarenicejustl
ikethei
rmom.
Im st
il
lmadatmom f ornotinvi
ti
ngt hem t
omy
bir
thdaypart
ylastweek.
Nyasha:eewLucasi
maginehavingpeasant
s
ar
oundussonotmyki ndofscene
Lucas:peasant
s,NyashayouarenotGodandagain
theyarenotpeasant
sthei
rmothertakesgoodcar
e
ofthem
Nyasha:whi
let
heyarealwayssmelli
ngli
keold
cooki
ngoil
.Iswearsheappl
iescooki
ngoilonthem
whentheydon'
thavelot
ion(shel
aughed)
Lucas:youar
ewi
cked
Nyasha:i
mjustbei
ngMsKavi
mbababybr
o
Lucas:mxxxxm
Nyasha:youcangohangyour
sel
f

Shesaiddraggingherbaguponherphoneleavi
ng
hershoes.Lucasshookhisheadandtookhi
sjui
ce
andwentt ohi
sr oom t
ostar
tpacki
ng.

AtKgang'
sT&Theadquar
ter
s..
.

Joshuagr
unt
edlooseninghi
sti
ewhi l
egoi
ng
thr
oughhi
sfi
nancial
s.ThedooropenedasDuncan
camei
nwi
thaf
il
e..
.

Duncan:ever
ythi
ngok?
Joshua:mycal
cul
ati
onsar
ebeat
ingmebr
o
Duncan:whatareyoucal
cul
ati
ngJoshwehave
account
antsfort
hat
Joshua:iwantustogettwonewbusesbutialso
wanttogetmom agi f
t.Shehasal
wayswant eda
Mercedes-Benzsoiwanttogeti
tforherbi
rt
hday
Duncan:wellyoucangetonebusandt
heBenzwe
wil
lgetanotherbusaf
termaki
ngthemoneyyou
spentontheBenzback
Joshua:butiwant
edust
ohi
tthenewr
out
ewi
tha
bang
Duncan:onebusi
sokf
ornowi
tsnotl
iket
her
ear
e
nootherbuses
Joshua:dudeyouknowpeoplepr
eferKgangt
ravel
andtoursoveranyot
herbuses
Duncan:t
hendon'
tgethert
heBenz
Joshua:andhaveherbeonmycaseaboutal
ways
gett
inghersmallgi
ft
s?
Duncan:ar
eyouandyoursi
bli
ngsi
nacompet
it
ion?
Joshua:ofcour
senotbutt
hisi
smymot
herbr
o
Duncan:l
ookt
hemoneyi
syour
sandwhat
everyou
doiaccept
Joshua:yeahiwi
llseet
oit
Duncan:sohaveyout
houghtaboutwhatyouare
goi
ngtodoaboutthegir
lf
ri
endandchil
dsituat
ion?
Joshua:don'
tremi
ndmepl
ease
Duncan:ihaveani
dea
Joshua:oh?Let
'sheari
tthen
Duncan:l
et'
ssi
gnyouupf
oradat
ingapp
Joshua:yohahahnomyguyno
Duncan:comeondudethat
'st
heonlyqui
ckestway
t
ofindapartnerandwel
ookforsomeonewhohas
achil
d
Joshua:Duncanandhi
ssi
ll
yideasgetoutofmy
of
fi
ce
Duncan:butcomeonmyguyi
tsanxai
dea
Joshua:(
laughed)i
m notgoi
ngi
ntoadat
ingapp
brobye
Duncan:mxm youar
ebor
ing
Joshua:Duncango

Theyl
aughedashel ef
twhil
eJoshuasatbackand
si
ghed.Hethoughtaboutt
heideabutshookhi
s
headgoi
ngbackt owork.

AtKavi
mbamot
ors.
..

Precioussmiledwavingatt
heemployeesand
headedt oherhusband'
soffi
ceandopenedthedoor
withoutknocking.
..

Lovemor
e:Pr
eci
ouswhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eand
whycan'
tyouknockl
ikeever
yoneel
se?
Preci
ous:t
hisismyhusband'
sof
fi
ce.Ibr
oughtyour
padyouforgotit
Lovemore:itt
ookyout
hewhol
edayupt
onowt
o
bri
ngithere?
Pr
eci
ous:ihadot
hert
hingst
odo
Lovemor
e:l
ikewhat
?Spendmymoney?
Pr
ecious:don'
tbeli
kethattomelove.Iwasget
ti
ng
afewthingsfort
hekidstr
iptomorr
ow
Lovemor
e:t
ri
p?
Preci
ous:i
sn'
tyouranoffthi
smorni
ngwhenitri
ed
total
ktoyouaboutthem goi
ngt
omymot her
's
house
Lovemor
e:ohyeaht
heschool
sar
ecl
osed
Pr
ecious:yessoiwentt
ogetgr
ocer
iesandnew
cl
othesforthem
Lovemor
e:ohoksosi
nceyouhavedr
oppedof
fthe
padyoucango
Pr
eci
ous:weneedt
otal
kaboutyourt
reat
ment
t
owar
dsme
Lover
mor
e:what
?
Preci
ous:youar
ealwaysdi
smi
ssi
ngmel
ikei
ma
chil
dbabeandidon'
tli
keit
Lovemor
e:whendoidot
hat
?
Pr
eci
ous:ever
yti
meLovemor
e
Lover
mor e:l
ovei.
..
(t
hetel
ephonerang)dut
ycall
s
wewillt
alkaboutthi
swheni gethomethat
'si
fifi
nd
youawake( pi
ckedup)hel
lo
Pr
eci
ous:l
ovei
..
.

Heeyedherassheswal l
owedandl eftwhil
e
Lovemoretur
nedhischairfaci
ngt heotherway
tal
kingt
othephonelaughing.Preciousstoppedby
thedoorandlookedathi
m andsi ghedleaving.

THATEVENI
NG
Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

BiancaandLewisl
aughedhi
ghfivi
ngast heywent
throughLewi
s'
scrush'
sprof
il
e.Helookedupand
spottedMayacomingi
nashescoffed..
.

Lewi
s:i
ncomesmi
ssbegger
Bi
anca:(
rol
ledhereyes)ohgosh
Maya:(
smi
led)heyguyssorryf
orbei
ngl
atei
want
edtomakesuremyki dswereok
Bi
anca:(
smi
led)i
t'
sokbabeweunder
stand
Lewi
s:yesl
ovei
t'
snobi
ggi
e.Youl
ookni
ce
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)t
heseoldr
agsbutt
hankyoul
ove.
Sowhatarewehaving?
Lewi
s:wewer
ewai
ti
ngf
oryout
oor
dermyl
ove
Maya:ohokihopeyouknowt
hati
m br
oker
ight
?
Bianca:wejustwanttospendti
mewi t
hyoubabes
youknowi t
'snotaprobl
em (shesai
dgivi
ngLewis'
s
f
ootasof
tki
ckundert
hrt
abl
e)
Lewis:yeahl
ovei
t'
scool
.Sohowar
ethet
wo
rascal
s?
Maya:theyaregoodil
eftt
hem wi
thmyneighbour
butguysim st
ress(
Lewiski
ckedBi
anca'
sfoot
underthetabl
e)
Bi
anca:what
'supmyl
ove?
Maya:ihavebeenr
etr
enchedatwor
kguys
Bi
anca:ohnol
ove
Lewi
s:awwi
m sosor
rybabeswhy?
Maya:t
hecompanyissuf
fer
ingsomefi
nanci
al
st
rai
nssotheyhadt
oletgoof6ofus
Lewi
s:shamet
hat
'ssadwhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo
nowlove?
Maya:idon'
tknowbabesandmychi ldr
enschool
saysishoul
dn'tbr
ingbackmykidstoschoolnext
ter
m duetotheamountioweforschoolfees
Bi
anca:ohnobabeshowmuchi
sthebal
ance?
Maya:7K
Bianca:damnt
hat
'sal
otsowhydon'
tyout
alkt
o
yoursister
?Mr
sKavi
mba?
Maya:r
eal
lyB?
Bi
anca:whatcanisaybabesyouhavenochoi
ce
Maya:youknowhowt hatwomanisbutiwas
hopingyouguyscanhel pmewit
h3. 5keachiwi
l
l
repayitonceigetaj
obyouaremyl asthope
Bianca:yoht
sal
ayouknowmyf inancesar
eabit
ti
ghtshamemaybeteacherbaeherecanhelp
Lewis:yohchomi ij
ustgotmyresi
denti
alpl
otsoi
wanttowor konitassoonaspossibl
esomy
budgetisreal
lyt
ightlovei
m sor
ry
Maya:(si
ghed)i
t'
sokihopesomet
hingcomesup
soonyouknow
Lewi
s:don'
twor
ryitwi
lll
ove.Wai
t,whydon'
tyou
askt
hebabydaddy?Imeanitshi
schil
drenaf
teral
l
Bi
anca:r
eal
lyLewi
sthatusel
essbast
ard?Comeon
Maya:thankyouB,youknowhowLukei
shewoul
d
r
atheraskmef ormoneyinst
ead
Bianca:it
hinkyouhaveenabl
edt
hisguyaswel
l
fr
iendahno
Maya:whatcanidowhenheal
wayst
hreat
enst
o
t
akemykidsf r
om me
Lewi
s:asi
fhepaysmai
ntenance
Maya:urghmancanwestoptal
kingabouthim.Cal
l
t
hewai t
erandor
deranyt
hingf
ormei m goi
ngtothe
r
estrooms
Lewi
s:okl
ove

Theywatchedhergodownandt
henbur
sti
ntoa
l
augh.
..

Lewi
s:what
?
Bi
anca:imagi
nemegi
vingher3.
5Kj
ustl
iket
hat
?
Nevershame
Lewi
s:coul
dneverbemeshame
Theylaughedmor
ewavi
ngf
ort
hewai
tert
opl
ace
thei
rorder
s.

Atahot
el.
..

AknockcamethroughasDuncanwentt
othedoor
andasheopenedhissonj
umpedintohi
shands.
..

DuncanJr
:daddy!
Duncan:(
smi
led)hel
lomyboy.Heyl
ove
Pat
ience:(
kissedhi
m)hibabe

Shesi
ghedgoinginwit
hthei
rbagsasDuncan
cl
osedthedoorandt
ickl
edhisson.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
14:
08] :AKEPTWOMAN
03

Atahot
el.
..

Aft
erfr
esheningupDuncan, Pati
enceandt heirson
deci
dedtogof ordi
nneratthehotelrest
aurant.
DuncanJrplayedbythekiddiesplayi
ngsection
whil
ehisparentswatchedhimf r
om adistance...

Duncan:t
heygr
owupf
astdon'
tthey
Pat
ience:(
smi
led)iknowheyandt
heyt
ellmet
hat
he'
sdoingwel
latschool
Duncan:hisvocabul
aryhasi
mpr
ovedaswel
lit
old
youthatschoolwasthebest
Pat
ience:(
smi
l
ed)yesyoudi
dandt
hankyou
Duncan:f
or?
Pat
ience:al
waysbei
ngt
her
eforus
Duncan:youguysar
emyf
ami
lysoyourneedsar
e
mypriori
ty
Pat
ience:weappr
eci
atet
hatbutdon'
tfor
getyou
ar
emar ri
edtoLor
na
Duncan:(
sighed)whydoyouhavet
obr
ingherup?
Pat
ience:becauseshespoket
omeear
li
er
Duncan:whatdi
dshesay?
Pat
ience:t
hatyouar
eneglect
ingherwhi
chi
s
somethi
ngihavenoti
cedaswell
Duncan:i
m abusymanl
oveyouknowi
taswel
l
Pati
ence:soonshewillbel
ievethatyouare
cheat
ingandthenstartfol
lowingyouaroundisthat
whatyouwant ?DuncanJr'ssafetyj
eopardi
zed?
Duncan:ofcour
senot
Pat
ience:t
hendot
her
ightt
hing
Duncan:idon'
twantt
oloseyou
Pati
ence:it
oldyouim notgoi
nganywherewhatim
sayi
ngisgiveyourwif
et heat
tent
ionshedeser
ves
ordi
vorceherifyoucan'
t
Duncan:whatwil
lhappent
ousandyouguysi
fi
gi
vehertheatt
enti
on?
Pat
ience:wear
ealwaystoget
heronweekends
Duncansousethemidweektogiveherat
tent
ionas
muchasyoucan
Duncan:howyouar
ecal
m aboutt
hisshocksme
Pat
ience:iknowmypl
acei
nyourl
if
e
Duncan:andwhati
sit
?
Pati
ence:imtheoneyouloveandwantt
obewit
h
i
t'sj
ustthatyouar
estuckwitht
hewrongper
sonat
themoment
Duncan:anddi
vor
cingheri
sjustgoi
ngt
obepai
nful
t
othekids
Pat
ience:t
hoseki
dsar
en'
tbi
ologi
cal
yyour
s
Duncan:ofcour
se
Pat
ience:yesandspeaki
ngofki
dssheaskedwhen
DuncanJri
sgoi
ngt
ovi
sit
Duncan:andwhatdi
dyousay?
Pat
ience:ij
ustdi
smi
ssedher
Duncan:ok(
hel
dherhand)il
oveyouP
Pat
ience:(
smi
l
ed)il
oveyout
ooDaddyD

Theysmil
edateachot
herast
hei
rsoncame
runni
ng.

THENEXTMORNI
NG

Mayagr unt
edwakingupasherphoner ang.She
checkedforherki
dsasherheartskippednot
seei
ngthem butsighedassheremember edthey
sl
eptoveratthei
rneighbour
s.Shetookherphone
andanswered..
.

Maya:hel
lo?
Jor
ge:MayaMoet
i
Maya:who'sthi
s(fr
ownedchecki
ng)ohgood
morningsiri
m sosorr
yij
ustanswer
edwithout
checking
Jor
ge:i
t'
sokishoul
dbetheoneapol
ogi
singf
or
waki
ngyouupsoearly
Maya:i
t'
soksi
r
Jor
ge:howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Maya:i
t'
shonest
lyhar
dsi
r.Thatj
obwasal
lihad
Jorge:iwi
shiwastheonl
yonewhomade
decisi
onsyouknowiwoul
dhavemadesur
ethat
youkeepyourjob
Maya:iunder
standsi
r
Jor
ge:soyouar
ecomi
ngf
oryourt
hingson
Monday?
Maya:yessi
r
Jorge:ok.Ar
eyousureeveryt
hingi
sokandyou
don'tneedanyt
hing?(
Thoughtabouti
tandcl
ear
ed
herthroat
)
Maya:ever
ythi
ngi
soksi
r
Jor
ge:okgood.Ihopet
oseeyouonMonday
Maya:iwi
llpassbyyourof
fi
cesi
r
Jor
ge:(
smi l
ed)iwoul
dappr
eci
atet
hat
.Havea
wonder
fulday
Maya:t
hankyousi
ryout
oo.

HehungupasMayasi ghedputti
ngherphone
down.Whydi dn'tshejusttel
lhi
m whathappened?
Maybehecoul dhavehelped.Sheaskedher
selfand
si
ghedget t
ingoffbedandwentt oputwateronthe
stove.Shewentbackt othebedroom andst
arted
packingherkidsclot
hesasherphoner epor
teda
message...

Maya:t
hatmustbeor
ange

Herhear
tskippedassher eadanewall
etmessage.
Shecheckedtheini
ti
alsandshecouldn'
ttel
lwhoit
couldbe.Shethencheckedherai rt
imebal anceand
call
edthenumberbuti tdi
dn'tgothrough.She
frownedchecki
ngherewal l
etbalanceandi tt
oldher
thatshehadP3ki nheraccount.Asmi lebrokeas
shetri
edthenumberagai nbutitwasunavai l
able.
Sheaskedherselfamilli
onquestionssitt
ingonher
bedanddecidedt obuyaiti
mef r
om t heewal l
etand
i
twentt hr
ough..
.

Maya:Lor
dwhati
sthi
s?

Shesai
dsmil
ingandst
oodupwal
kingar
oundt
hei
r
bedr
oom..
.

Maya:okf i
rstthingisfi
rstwhatdoyouneedmost
nowMaya, obvi ouslyf
oodi nthehouse,butnot
muchbecauseyouar egetti
ngpai dsoon.Youneed
petr
oltotaketheki dstotheirgrandmother,
buy
them atl
eastnewf l
opsandt -shir
tsandsome
snacksforwhent heyarethereandohyouneedt o
paythatmot shelowomanbecausewi t
hheroffyour
backyouwi l
lbeabletopayatleastaquaterofyour
children'
sschoolfeesdebtwhenyoursalarycomes
through(sighedoutofrel
ief
)thankyouLor dyou
reallycamet hr
oughforme

Shesaidchangi ng,tookhercarkeysandswit
ched
offthestoveleaving.Shebri
efl
yspoketoher
neighbouranddr oveoffwavingatHerber
tandApri
l
whower ealreadypl ayi
ngwiththeki
ds.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Preci
ousknockedonceonNyasha'
sbedr
oom door
andfoundhersti
llmi
ndi
ngherhair
..
.

Preci
ous:Nyashaareyoueverseriousthough?
Whatdiditellyouaboutbei
ngtimeconscious?You
arenotgoingtoabeautycontesthereyouarejust
goingtoyourgrandmother'
shousefini
shupplease
Nyasha:i
t'
sasat
urdaymor
ningmawhyar
eyou
shout
ing?Comeonl
oosenup
Pr
eci
ous:l
oosenupmybehi
nd.Fi
nishupmanwe
ar
ewait
ingonyou

Shesaidgoi
ngbackt
oherbedr
oom wher
eher
husbandwasinbedr
eadi
ngnewsonli
ne.
..

Precious:yourdaughteri
ssomet
hingel
seifshe
keepsatt hisbehavi
ourshewon'
tdoanyt
hingfor
herselfi
nl i
fe
Lovemor
e:youhaveal
waysenabl
edher
Pr
eci
ous:r
eal
ly?
Lovemor
e:yesi
mjustgl
admysondi
dn'
ttakeaf
ter
you
Preci
ous:soyouaregoi
ngt
obl
amemef
or
Nyasha'
sbehaviour
?
Lovemor
e:ifyoudon'
tchangehowyoutreather
she'
sgoi
ngt oendupli
kethosesl
ayqueenswho
havenot
hingtothei
rnames
Preci
ous:lucki
lyshehaspar
ent
swhoar
ewor
king
hardforher
Lovemor
e:(l
ookedatherabovehi
sglasses)you
meanafathert
hat'
sworki
nghardforher?
Pr
eci
ous:r
eal
lynowLovemor
e?
Lovemor e:iknowyouwerenotthebr
ightestchil
d
growingupPr eci
ousbutatl
easthaveabusi ness
mindset.Youcan'tj
ustr
elyonmymoneyal lyour
l
ifewhati fwewakeuptomorrowmor ni
ngandi
decidetoleaveyou?
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
eyouar
ehur
ti
ngmyf
eel
ings
Lovemore:imj ustbei
ngfrankwithyou.Whatdo
youdowi ththemoneyigi veyoual lthetime?Buy
expensi
vet hi
ngsandbr agtoyoursi bli
ngsandyour
groupofladiesofhowr i
chyouar e?Wi t
hwho's
money?Ot herhousewiveshavebeaut yshopsout
ther
e,supermar ket
sandsalonst heydon' tj
ustsi
t
home.Eveni ftheyspendtheirhusband' smoney
theyknowt heyhavesomet hi
ngont heirnames.
Preci
ous:butit
houghtyousai
dyouwi
llt
akecar
e
ofme
Lovemore:idon'
tdisputet
hatal
lim sayi
ngisthatat
l
easthavesomet hi
ngonyournameeveni fi
tsa
tuckshopandstopbei ngt
hisut
terl
ystupid

Hesaidgetti
ngoutofbedgoi ngtothebat
hroom
whil
ePreciousswall
owedl ooki
ngathim.Hiswords
real
lypi
ercedherheartbutshesighedandheaded
out.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lornacamedownandfoundherki
dsalr
eady
havingbr
eakf
astasshesi
ghedandsatdown.
..

Lor
na:mor
ningki
ds
Appl
e:hima
Sai
nt:mor
ningma.Ar
eyouok?
Lor
na:not
hingt
owor
ryaboutiwi
llbef
ine
Appl
e:nomayoudon'
tseem okandwher
e'sdad
hi
scarisnoti
nhi
spar
kingspace
Lor
na:yourdaddi
dn'
tcomehomel
astni
ght
Sai
nt:agai
n?
Lor
na:yes.It
ri
edcalli
nghim buthi
sphoneisn'
t
goi
ngthroughitj
ustkeepssayingl
inebusy
Appl
e:dadwasonl
ineaf
ewmi
nut
esago
Lor
na:iguesshej
ustbl
ockedmynumber
Sai
nt:whywoul
ddaddosuchat
hing?
Lorna:idon'
tknowbabybutli
keisai
dit'
snot
hingi
can'thandl
e.I
m usedtoi
teveryFr
idayand
Saturdayhedoesthi
s
Appl
e:andyoucal
lthi
saheal
thymar
ri
agemom?
Comeon
Lor
na:imadeavowbabyf
orbet
terorf
orwor
se
Apple:thati
swhatkill
sal otofpeople.Peopl
ear
e
stuckinsadmar ri
agesbecauseoft hosewords.
Dadisbei ngunfai
ronyouandi tsti
meheget s
call
edoutonhi sbehaviour
Lor
na:nol
oveidon'
twantyouguyst
ogeti
nvol
ved
Saint:butyourhappi
nessmatt
erstousma.Ifhe
can'tmakeyouhappyt henheshoul
djustl
etyougo
Lor
na:ican'
taf
for
dtol
osehi
m
Sai
nt:whyma?
Lorna:Sai
ntj
usteatyourf
oodandl
etmedealwi
th
thi
sthebestwayiknowhow
Apple:nomayoukeephur t
ingyoursel
fbysayi
ng
youcan'taff
ordtolosehim.Ifyouarescar
edof
l
osingallofthi
syoushouldn'tbeworri
edbecause
youareentit
ledtohalfofi
t
Lor
na:(
sighed)canwej
usteatpl
ease
Appl
e:ma
Lorna:whatAppl e,what!
?Geezguysijustwantto
havemybr eakfasti
npeaceisthatt
oomucht oask
for?Youf at
herandiar enotget
ti
ngadi vorceand
that'
sitidon'tevenknowwhyi m di
scussingthi
s
withthetwoofyoubecauseyouar ejustkids
Shecli
ckedhertongueandtookherfoodgoi
ngup
whil
eherchil
drenlookedatoneanot
herandsof
tl
y
shookthei
rheads.

THATAFTERNOON

AtRona'
shouse.
..

ShesmiledasPreci
ouspar
kedhercarwi
thNyasha
andLucascomingout.
..

Lucas:hel
logr
anny
Rona:hel
lomyson
Nyasha:(
onherphone)higogo
Rona:(
smi
led)hiba.
..

Shejustpassedhergoi
ngintot
hehouseleavi
ng
hergrandmotherwi
thherarmsopenforahug..
.
Rona:Pr
eci
ous?
Precious:don'
tmi
ndhermashe'
sjustbei
nga
teenager
Rona:noPr
eci
ousshe'
snotal
lowedt
obehavel
ike
t
his.
Lucas:t
ruet
hatgogoim ateenageraswel
lbutyou
don'
tseemeactingl
ikethi
s
Pr
ecious:ohpl
easeLucasgeti
nthehouse.Wher
e's
Moses,Moses!
?
Moses:(
camer
unni
ng)yesma'
am?
Pr
eci
ous:pl
easeof
floadt
het
hingsi
nthecarok
Moses:okma'
am

Shegavehimt hekeyast
heyf ol
lowedoneanother
i
nt hehouse.Whil
eMoseswasst il
lof
fl
oading
thi
ngsMaya'scardrovet
hroughasHer ber
t
excit
edl
yjumped..
.
Her
ber
t:t
hati
sLucas'
scarmamayeay
Maya:(
scof
fedsmi
l
ing)yessi
rtheyar
eher
e
Her
ber
t:par
kpar
kpar
kiwantt
ogoseehi
m
Maya:yohHer
ber
trel
ax

Shelaughedparki
ngashegotof fandranintothe
houseshouti
ngLucas'sname.Hebur stthr
oughthe
ki
tchendoorandrantotheli
vingroom jumping
ontoLucaswhohuggedhi m backwit
ht hesame
excit
ement.Hismotherandsist
ercamebehi ndhi
m
withApri
lholdi
ngontohermot her
'shand..
.

Maya:hiever
yone
Rona:hibaby.(
Smi
l
ed)heyApr
il

Apri
ljustwavedasNyashal
ookedatherwi
thher
l
ipscurved.
..
Preci
ous:soyourchi
ldcan'
trespondwhenshe'
s
beinggr
eeted?
Maya:Apr
ilsayhi
Apr
il
:(sof
tl
y)hi
.Maiwantt
ogobackwi
thyou
Rona:awwcomeonbabygrannyisher
etotake
car
eofyouipr
omisewearegoingtohavea
wonderf
ult
ime
Precious:(
annoyedofLucasandHerbert
'snoise)
can'tyouhearthatyouaremaki
ngnoiseyoungboy!?
Mayadon' tyouteachyourki
dssomemanner s?
Geezman
Her
ber
t:i
m sor
ry
Lucas:noi
t'
sokl
et'
sgot
oourr
oom
Her
ber
t:(
smi
led)sowewi
llbesl
eepi
ngt
oget
her
?
Lucas:ofcour
sebuddyofcour
se
Her
ber
t:(
shout
ed)yeay!Oopssor
ry
Maya:gositnexttoNyashamylove(
Apr
ilhel
don
t
oherleg)Aprili
mt al
kingt
oyou
Nyasha:iai
n'tnomai
dsomi
ssmewi
tht
hat
Shesaidhummingtothemusi
cpl
ayingfrom her
ai
rpodsandwentoutsi
dewhi
leMayalookedather
shocked.
..

Precious:whyareyoulooki
ngatmydaught
erl
ike
that?She'sri
ghtshe'
snotamaidandshe'
snothere
totakecareofanyone'schi
ld
Maya:maybeishoul
dtakemyki
dsbackwi
thme
ma
Rona:ohdon'tbesi
ll
yMayat heki
dsar
efine.
Nyashaisateenageryouknowhowtheyare.Apr
il
wil
lbefi
ne
Maya:butshel
ooksuncomf
ort
abl
e
Rona:don'
twor
ryiwi
llmakesur
ethatshe'
s
comfort
abl
e
Preci
ous:ihopeyoubroughtyourki
dsthei
rown
foodbecauseim notgoi
ngtofeedanot
herman'
s
chil
drenwit
hmymoney
Rona:Pr
eci
oust
hisi
smyhousesowhat
everi
s
t
her
etheywi
llshar
e
Pr
eci
ous:madoyouknowhowexpensi
vet
hings
ar
e?
Maya:don'
twor
ryibr
oughtsomet
hingf
ort
hem
Precious:ohgood.Somahowf arwit
htheweddi
ng
preparati
ons?Reisamafokol
eng?(Whenarewe
goingtost ar
tthel
obol
anegot
iati
ons)
Rona:wear
ejustwai
ti
ngonTi
tust
ogi
veusago
aheadmychil
d
Precious:butTit
usthoughhowlonghashebeen
engagedt othatgir
lofhi
s.BoTit
usbaitsegor
e
tsenyamat l
hoabat howait
se(Ti
tuscanembarrass
us)
Maya:wear
enotal
lwel
lof
fli
keyouPr
eci
ous
Precious:t
henwhydoyougetengagedknowi ng
thatyoudon'thavemoneyforawedding?It
oldhim
icanhel phi
m withwhat
everheneededbutno
Maya:t
hat
'sbecauseheknowswhathe'
sdoi
ng
Precious:engagementya5years?ComeonMaya
y'
alldesperatewomencanreall
yloweryour
st
andards.Thelongestper
iodf
orengagementi
s6
monthsandt hat
'si
t
Maya:youknowTit
usl
osthi
sjobPr
eci
ouswhyar
e
youl
ikethi
s?Yoh
Rona:okgi
rl
snoneedt
ofi
ght
Preci
ous:i
m notf
ight
ingwi
thanyonei
mjustst
ati
ng
fact
s
Maya:wher
e'sLovemor
ewehardl
yseehi
m her
e
t
helastt
imewesawhi m wast
het
imeyouguysgot
marr
ied
Preci
ous:(cl
ear
edhert
hroat)myhusbandisabusy
manpl ushiswher
eaboutsgotnot
hingtodowit
h
you
Maya:oohokanywaymaletmegoof
fl
oadmy
chi
ldr
en'
sthi
ngsandheadback
Rona:okbaby

Shewentout
sideasPr
eci
ousl
ookedatherwi
thher
l
ipscur
ved.
..
Pr
eci
ous:mxm
Rona:bat
hongPr
eci
ous
Preci
ous:arethewi
ndowsopent
hehousei
sful
lof
poorstenchgaa

Shesaidcheckingthewindowswhil
eApri
lchuckl
ed
atthecartoonspl
ayingonthet
v.Shesatonthe
carpetandmovedcl osedt
othetvwhil
eRonasat
backont hecouch.

Atacardeal
ershi
p..
.

Joshuashookhandswit
hthesal
esr
epandgoti
n
hi
scarcall
inghi
sfri
end.
..

Duncan:buddy
Joshua:waboont
seol
ekonyat
sing(
youar
ewi
th
yoursi
dewoman)
Duncan:(
laughed)whydoyousayt
hat
?
Joshua:i
t'
sasat
urday
Duncan:don'
tcal
lmywomanasi
dechi
ckmonna
t
hiswomanmeansal ott
ome
Joshua:yeahr
ight
,thet
imeLor
naf
indsoutyouwi
ll
beindeepshit
Duncan:i
t'
sbeen3year
snow
Joshua:ever
ydoghasi
tsownday
Duncan:f
ort
unat
elyi
m notadog(
theyl
aughed)
Joshua:i
mjustf
rom mot
orcent
remaniputan
orderonmom'sBenz
Duncan:t
hat
'sgr
eatsowhataboutt
hebuses?
Joshua:wewi
llbeabl
etogett
wo
Duncan:oht
hat
'sgr
eat
Joshua:yeahiusedmyper
sonalsavi
ngsf
ort
he
Benz
Duncan:ihopei
tdi
dn'
tki
llyou
Joshua:notr
eal
lyiwi
llsur
vive
Duncan:cool
Joshua:soaboutt
hedat
ingapphowdoigoabout
i
t?
Duncan:(
laughed)ohnowyouwantt
osi
gnup?
Joshua:i
t'
snotl
ikeihavemuchofachoi
cesoyeah
Duncan:l
et'
smeetupi
naf
ewt
heniwi
llshowyou
howit'
sdone
Joshua:okim goi
ngt
odosomethingatt
heof
fi
cei
wil
lletyouknowwhereweshoul
dmeet
Duncan:sur
ebuddy

Theyhungupashesi
ghedandf
ocusedont
her
oad.

Onherwayback.
..

Mayahummedal ongtothesongplayi
ngfr
om her
r
adioasherphonerang.Shecheckedhermir
ror
s
andf
rownedatt
heunknownnumberpi
cki
ngup.
..

Maya:hel
lo?
Man:i
sthi
sMayaMoet
i?
Maya:yes,
howcanibeofhel
p?
Man:youar
espeaki
ngt
othepol
ice
Maya:ohok?
Man:wehaveamancal
ledLukeher
e
Maya:(
sighed)whatdi
dhedonow?
Man:hehasbeenarr
estedfordrunkendrivi
ngbut
hehasbeengi
venafineeit
herhepayst hefineor
wetaket
hecarandhisli
cense.Hesayst hecaris
nothi
sandwit
houthisl
icensehewi l
lbeoutofhis
j
obbecausehesayshe'
sat ruckdri
ver
Maya:howmuchi
sthef
ine?
Man:P1.
5K
Maya:wher
eim isupposedt
ogett
hatki
ndof
money?
Man:idon'
tknowma'
am butli
keit
oldyouthi
ngs
arenotl
ooki
nggoodf
orhim andhesaysyouare
theonl
yonewhocanhel
p
Maya:okwhi
chpol
icest
ati
oni
sthi
s?
Man:wear
ejustal
ongt
hemochudiGabor
oner
oad
Maya:okiwil
lbet
her
ejustnowbecausei
mleavi
ng
Mochudinow

Shehungupandpar kedonthesi
deoftheroad.
Shereachedforherpur
seandcount
edthemoney
thatwaslef
tinherwall
etandi
twasexact
ly1.5K.
..

Maya:butihavetobuyf
oodwi t
hthi
smoney.
(
Grunted)Lukecanbeannoyi
ngyouknowah

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandj
oinedt
her
oadagai
n.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
14:
08] :AKEPTWOMAN
04

Al
ongt
her
oad.
..

Mayaspot t
edthepoli
cecarafewmet er
saf t
er
j
oiningthedoublecar
ri
ageroad.Sheparkedinf
ront
ofitandshookherheadlooki
ngatthepolice
off
icerscont
rol
ingtheroadbl
ockandmadeherway
outtothecar.
..

Luke:whatt
ookyousol
ong?
Maya:gooddayof
fi
cer
Man:yesma'
am
Maya:im her
etohel
pLukebutcanipl
easet
alkt
o
hi
mf i
rst?
Man:yeahsur
e
Maya:i
npr
ivat
epl
ease
Man:ohokl
etmegohel
pmycol
leagues
Maya:t
hankyou

Themanwentoutwhi
leLukel
ookedatMayaand
scof
fedl
ooki
ngoutt
hewindow.
..

Luke:i
m notyourki
dssodon'
tyoudar
etr
ytogi
ve
meal ect
ure
Maya:chil
drenyoucan'
teventakecareof
.Infact
theyarewaybettert
hanyou.Youareanexpense
Luke.Youhaven'
tdoneanythi
ngfortheki
dsbut
youalwaysmilkmoneyfrom me
Luke:areyougoi
ngtogivemet hemoneyoryou
aregoingtosi
thereandlect
ureme?
Maya:iwassupposedt
obuyf
oodf
ort
hehouse
wit
ht hi
smoneyLuke.Thi sismylastmoneyyet
hereiam usingittobailyou.Youaresucha
nuisanceandt hi
sisthelastti
meim doingthi
s.
Whatar ethekidsgoingtoeatwhent heycomeback
fr
om theirgrandmother'
shouse?
Luke:eyshMayapayupandst optalki
ngtoomuch.
Whydi dyoutakemychil
drentothatwitchmot
her
ofyours?Off
icerher
eist
hef i
ne

Hesaidst
icki
nghi
sheadoutt
hewindowwhi
le
Mayashookherheadt
aki
ngoutt
hemoneyfr
om
herpur
se.
..

Man:yes?
Maya:her
eof
fi
cer
Man:t
hankyouma'
am
Maya:soi
shel
eavi
ngwi
tht
hecar
?
Man:nohecan'
tdri
veint
hisst
atet
heownerwi
ll
comegeti
tfr
om thest
ati
on
Maya:ohok.Let
'sgoLuke
Luke:i
m notgoi
nganywher
ewi
thyouiwi
llwai
tfor
thebuses
Maya:nxnxnxsui
tyour
sel
fmi
ster

Shewentt ohercar,putont hesafet

ybel
tand
caref
ull
yjoinedtheroadheadi ngoff
.Meanwhi
le
Lukeandtheof f
icer
sl aughedcountingt
hemoney.
..

Luke:packt
hesestupi
dconeswear
egoi
ngt
ohave
thebestsat
urday
Man:di
pat
ji
ii
ii
i
Man2:t
saf
eloooo

Theyl
aughedsingi
ngandpackedthei
rthi
ngswhile
twodr
oveinthepoli
cecarasLukeandtheother
onedr
oveinthepri
vatecar
.
Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Sai
nthel
dtwomugsofhotchocl
atei
nhishands
andusedhi
sel
bowtoopenhissi
ster
'sbedr
oom
door
..
.

Saint
:knockknocki
m al
readyinandbefor
eyou
shoutatmeihavesomehot t
ieforyou
Apple:(
smil
edbrai
dingherhair
)youar
elucky
becauseyouhavemyf avor
it
e
Sai
nt:howyouper
fect
lybr
aidyourhai
rli
ket
hisst
il
l
amazesme
Appl
e:youseeuswomennehwehavesuper nat
ural
powers(t
heylaughed)sowhatdoyouwant
?Iknow
youcan'
tjustmakemehot t
ie
Saint
:(satdownandtookasip)iwant
edust
otal
k
aboutmom anddad'srel
ati
onship
Appl
e:(tookasi
p)idon'
tunder
standwhymom is
st
il
lhangingonthi
smarri
agewhileshecanseei
ts
notworkingf
orherdadi
salwaysawaysoi t
's
obvi
oushehasasi
deoutt
her
e
Sai
nt:howaboutwehel
pmom?
Appl
e:whatdoyouhavei
nmi
nd?
Saint
:yougetthatguywhohasacrushonyout o
usehisski
ll
stotapdad'sphonewhi
leontheother
handigetreal
lycloset
odadandstarti
nsi
ston
goi
ngoutwi t
hhim eachti
meheleavesthehouse
Apple:betheannoyingl
astborn(t
heylaughed)but
youknowt hatguyisgoi
ngtowantmet oagreeto
gooutwi t
hhim onadateSaintandidon'tl
ikehi
m
thatmuch
Sai
nt:onedat
ewoul
dn'
thur
tsi
scomeon
Appl
e:wel
lit
'sf
orourmot
hersoidon'
tmi
nd
Sai
nt:goodgi
rl
Appl
e:butwhati
fdadhasanot
herphone?
Sai
nt:i
twi
llbemyt
askt
ofi
ndout
Appl
e:good.
Saint
:doyout
hinkhecheat
sbecausemom can'
t
haveherownchil
dren?
Apple:real
ly?Af
terbei
ngmarri
edf
orsol
ongcome
onbroi t
'ssomethi
ngdeepert
hant
hatmaybehe
feel
slikemom islazy
Sai
nt:totel
lthet
rut
hfrom amal
eperspect
ive,
she
i
s.Yesigetshe'sahousewif
ebutshehastodo
something
Appl
e:igetyourpointandiagr
eewi t
hyout hat
's
whyiwanttost ar
thavingmom doaf ewthingsi
n
t
hehouse.Aunt yPati
encehastaughtmet ocookso
i
m goi
ngt oteachmom someofherr eci
pes
Sai
nt:good.Cheer
stosavi
ngourpar
ent
'smar
ri
age
Appl
e:cheer
sbr
other

Theychuckl
edcl
icki
ngt
hei
rmuggsandt
ooksi
ps
andconti
nuedt
ocatchup.

AtTi
tus'
shouse.
..

Hewi
pedhi
sfi
ancee'
sfeetaf
termassagi
ngt
hem
whil
eshesali
vat
edaft
ertaki
ngabit
efr
om a
st
rawber
rythatwasdi
ppedinjam.
..

Ti
tus:idon'
tunder
standhowyouenj
oyt
hat
Lesedi
:it
'ssosweetandni
cebabeyohpl
usyour
sonlovesitsomuch
Ti
tus:(
kissedt
he8mont
hsbel
ly)ican'
twai
tto
meetthechamp
Lesedi
:Ij
ustwanthi
m outofmei
mti
red
Ti
tus:shamesor
ryl
ove.Tomor
rowweshaver
ight
Lesedi:yessi
r.Mmh,
ihear
dyouspeaki
ngt
oMaya
yester
day
Ti
tus:yeahshewant
edmoney
Lesedi
:why?
Tit
us:shehasaschoolf
eesdebtandtomake
thi
ngsworsetheyr
etr
enchedheratwork
Lesedi
:bat
hongMaya,
whydi
dn'
tyougi
veherbabe
wehavemoneymoss
Tit
us:t
hat'smoneyf orthebabyloveplusyouknow
wearest i
llsavi
ngfortheweddinglovesowecan't
keepgoingbackandagai nyouknowhowPr eci
ous
wouldbeshoul dsheknowwet ooksomemoney
fr
om whatshegaveus
Lesedi
:butMayai syoursi steraswel l.Takefr
om
yoursavi
ngsl oveidon'tunder st andwhyyouguys
havetotreatMayalikeanout cast .Evenanadopted
chil
ddoesn'tgettr
eatedl i
ket his.Youknowhow
Mayast r
uggledwithHer bertaft erPreciousmade
yourmom t omakehermoveoutwhenshewasonl y
twoweeksandwi t
hApr ilshespentonl yaweekin
Mochudiyouguysar esounf air.Leavemeal one
Ti
tus:heebanna
Lesedi:f
ir
stofallyouar
ewor kingTi
tusiknowyou
don'tear
nalotbutMayai syourbloodsist
er(
got
tear
y)whyar eyoudoingthi
st oher?
Ti
tus:babedoyouwantt
ocr
ynow?
Lesedi
:yesbecausethat'
smychil
d'saunt,
inf
act
theonlypersoniwoul
dt r
ustwi
thmychildint
his
famil
y(star
tedcryi
ng)youguysar
ebeingunfairon
Mayawhathasshedonet
oy'
al
ltodeser
vet
hiski
nd
oft
reat
ment?Geez

Shesaidsniffi
ngwipi
nghert
earsmaki
ngherway
tothebedroom wit
hherbi
gbell
ywhil
eTit
ussat
thereshocked.
..

Ti
tus:pr
egnantwomenandt
hei
rhor
mones
Lesedi
:ihear
dyou.Treatyoursi
sterr
ightTit
usah.
Legoneoyegorekalegapu(gobuyawat er
melon)

Shecl
ickedhert
onguewi
pinghert
ear
s.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Lucasspoketothephonef
aci
ngtheot
herway
whil
eHerbertf
ini
shedbuyi
ngf
rom t
hetuckshop.
..
Lucas:sur
ewewi
llvi
deochatl
aterbye(
hehungup)
Her
bet
:(smi
led)wast
hatyourgi
rl
fr
iend?
Lucas:(
laughed)yousi
ll
yboy,
noj
ustmyst
udy
buddy
Her
ber
t:ok(
gavehi
m al
oll
ipop)happybi
rt
hday
Lucas:awwt
hankyoubuddybutmybir
thdaywas
l
astweekbuti
m happyyour
emembered
Herbert
:iwi
llneverf
orgeti
t.I
t'
sjustt
hati
m sadwe
di
dn'tgo
Lucas:sor
ryman
Her
ber
t:whydoesyourmom hat
eus?
Lucas:t
hat
'sast
rongwor
dbuddy
Her
ber
t:okwhydoesn'
tshel
ikeus?
Lucas:ihonest
lydon'
tknowanditdoesn'
tsi
twell
wit
hmeHer bybecauseil
ovehangi
ngoutwithyou
Her
ber
t:andyoursi
sterdoesn'
tli
keApr
il
Lucas:t
heyar
etheonl
yoneswhoknowwhyt
hey
don'
tli
keyouguys
Herber
t:whydon'
tyoumoveinwi
thusyouwi
ll
sl
eeponmyspaceiwi l
lsl
eepont
hefl
oor
Lucas:(
laughed)youar
esosweetHer
byyourmom
i
sluckytohaveyou
Her
ber
t:il
oveseei
ngpeopl
ehappy
Lucas:t
hat'
sgood.Idot
oothat
'swhyi
m al
ways
exci
tedtobewit
hyouguys
Her
ber
t:soyouar
egoi
ngt
omovei
n?
Lucas:iwi
llt
hinkaboutmovi
ngi
nbutiwi
llal
ways
vi
sit
Her
ber
t:awesomeican'
twai
ttoshowyoual
lmy
t
oys
Lucas:butyouknowbookscomef
ir
str
ight
?
Her
ber
t:mhem

Hesai
dnoddingsucki
ngonhi
slol
li
popwhi
leLucas
smi
ledsucki
ngonhisaswel
l.
AtMaya'
shouse.
..

Shesmil
edseei
ngBianca'
scarinheryar
dand
par
kednextt
oitwhi
letheyopenedthewindows.
..

Bianca:mmahowlongdoyoutakefrom Mochudi
tohere?Wewereevent
hinki
ngofleavi
ngyou
Maya:bat
hongihadt
omakesur
emyki
dswer
eok
Lewi
s:weknowyouhaveki
dsbutt
imegi
rlt
ime
Maya:sor
ryl
ovel
etmechanget
henwego
Lewi
s:haaachange?Nnyammayouwi l
lchangeat
myhouseyoucanseeim notr
eadyyetaswell
Maya:whydidn'
tyougetr
eadyaker
eiwoul
dhave
dr
ivent
here
Lewis:wear ehel
pingyousavepetr
oltogoar
ound
droppingappli
cat
ionsandyouthrowthehel
pback
onourf aces?
Maya:(l
aughed)yohsor
rymmaLewi
sletmet
ake
mythingsthen
Bianca:bequi
ckpelegamagoduagolofaatl
agore
udubatsa(bef
oret
hievesoft
hispl
aceat
tackus)
Maya:wowB(
shesai
dgoi
ngi
nsi
de)
Lewi
s:(
closedt
hewi
ndows)gi
rler
atadustgor
eah
Bianca:idon'
tunderst
andwhyshedoesn'tmove.
Howwi llshefi
ndaseriousmanwhil
eli
vingina
houselikethi
syohwhent heysai
dpi
ckfri
endswe
decidedtopickexamples
Lewi
s:(
laughed)don'
tbehar
sh
Bianca:aimanLewi
showl onghavewebeentr
ying
togetthisgi
rlt
oupherst
andards?Imt
hiscl
oseto
tel
li
ngheroffnna
Lewi
s:under
standt
hatever
yf r
iendshi
pgr
oup
al
wayshasthat1kokoyasetswana

Theyl
aughedoutl
oudwhi
leMayal
ockedherhouse
andgoti
nthecar.
..

Maya:sowhat
'st
hej
okeiwannal
aughaswel
l
?
Bianca:nevermi
ndt
hat
,todayr
enwakawena
akerebaaaaabes
Maya:ahah
Lewi
s:yesMaya,Bi
ancai
sal
waysf
indi
ngbuyer
s
i
t'
syourtur
ntoni
ght
Maya:it
houghtwear
egoi
ngt
oababyshower
Lewis:aker
egot l
aabogonalebomankoo( t
her
e
wil
lbement hereisn'
tit
)soyouwi
llhavet
oscore
menf ordri
nksattheclub
Maya:(
laughed)whatadi
ff
icul
tyessi
rihearyou
butont
her ealt
houghwhenareyoubuyi
ngLewis?
Lewis:i
m notcheapgakerekwekagl
asstsetwo
tsasexonthebitchhoneybuymeafli
ghtti
ckett
o
andfrom Dubait
henwewi llt
alk

Theyladi
eslaughedoutl
oudwit
hBiancadrivi
ng
outoftheyardwhil
eLewisf
li
ppedhi
spretendhair
.

Atagol
fcour
se.
..
Lovemoresmiledcl
icki
nghi
swhi
skeygl
asswi
th
hi
sf r
iendaf
terscor
ing.
..

Mor
ri
s:ni
ceshot
Lovemor
e:t
hanksbuddy
Mor
ri
s:how'
sthewi
fe?
Lovemor
e:busywi
thherexpensivepart
iesyou
knowhowwomenar e.Oneoftheirf
ri
endsishavi
ng
ababyshowersot
heyhavewental lout
Mor
ri
s:eat
ingt
hei
rmen'
shar
dear
nedmoney
Lovemor
e:wel
lwhatdowewor
kfor
Morri
s:(
laughed)yeahnehiwoul
dr at
herspendmy
moneyonanot hermanbecauseiknowhewi l
luse
i
twisel
y
Lovemor
e:yeahr
ightj
ustl
iket
heonewhor
anaway
Morri
s:hewasani
diott
hatonei
twashi
sfi
rstt
ime
seei
ngsomuchmoney
Lovemore:(
laughed)yout
hink.Anywaywheni
sthe
cargoar
rivi
ng?
Mor
ri
s:Tuesday
Lovemore:gr
eatyouhavemadesur
esecur
it
yisset
atOkanvagori
ght?
Mor r
is:yeahipai
dever
yonewhohast
obepai dand
thei
rbalanceswil
lbepai
dwhenourmerchandi
se
arri
ves
Lovemore:musi
ct omyearsbecausethelastt
hing
wewanti st
odissapoi
ntourbuyersassoonasal l
thepart
sarri
vetheboyswil
lbestart
ingt
oputt hem
toget
her
Mor
ri
s:per
fectcheer
stomaki
ngmor
emoney
Lovemore:cheerstomoremoneyandhopef
ull
yyou
fi
ndingabetterboyfr
iend

Theyl
aughedandwentf
oranot
herr
ound.

I
nMochudi
..
.
Nyashafi
nishedwashingt
hedishesandheadedto
t
hebedroom.Sheopenedt hedoorandst
oodtheir
wit
haf r
ownonherf aceasshefoundApri
lfi
ddl
ing
wit
hherphone...

Nyasha:(
fol
dedherar
ms)kgm-
kgm

Apri
ljumpedstart
ledandwentonherbedas
Nyashaclosedthedoor.
..

Nyasha:i
sthatyourpr
oper
ty?
Apr
il
:im sor
ry
Nyasha:idi
dnotaskyout
oapol
ogi
seisai
dist
hat
yourproper
ty
Apr
il
:iwasj
ust
..
.
Nyasha:comeher
e
Apr
il
:im.
..
Nyasha:shutupandcomeher e!(
cli
ckedhert ongue)
yourmothercan'
tevenaff
ordaphonet hatcosts
halfoft
hepriceoft
hisoneandyout hinkyoucan
putyourfi
lt
hycooki
ngoilfi
ngersonit.Foolish!

Shesai
dslappi
ngherandst
artedpi
nchi
ngher
thi
ghsasApri
lcri
edf
orhel
p..
.

Apr
il
:(cr
ying)mama!Mama!
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
14:
09] :AKEPTWOMAN
05
Nyasha:whydoyout
oucht
hingst
hatar
enotyour
s
why!?

Shesaidpinni
ngherheadont hepi l
lowwit
hher
facedownandst r
angledherfrom thebag.
Screamingwhil
efail
ingtobreathNyashapull
ed
downherpantsandgr abbedherflopandstar
ted
smackingherli
tt
lebutt.
..

Nyasha:doyouknowwhatitent
ail
sformet
o
unbl
ockthisphoneshoul
dyoublocki
t!
?

Shesaidconti
nuousl
ybeati
ngherwhi l
eli
tt
leApri
l
tri
edtofi
ghtcal
li
nghermother.Hear
ingthecry
LucasandHerbertr
anintot
hehouseandt othe
room asLucaski
ckedthedooropen.
..

Lucas:Nyasha!Ar
eyoucr
azy?Ar
eyoucr
azy
Nyashathisisachi
ld!
Hesaidgrabbi
ngahyst
eri
call
ycryi
ngAprilwho
massagedherburni
ngbum whil
eHerber
theavi
ly
br
eathed,
angry..
.

Her
bert
:whyar
eyoubeat
ingmysi
sterl
iket
hat
?
Why!
?

Hesai
dtryi
ngtopushNyashabutNyashasl
apped
hi
m wi
ththebackofherhandashefel
ldownand
bur
sti
ntotear
s..
.

Lucas:Nyashast
opi
t!
Nyasha:if
oundt
hatpeasantgoi
ngthroughmy
phonewhatwasshelooki
ngfori
nitthatbel
ongst
o
her?
Lucas:whycouldn'tyoureprimandherl ikeachil
d
sheisinst
eadofbeat ingher?Thesear enotyour
chil
drenNyasha.Insteadofbeat i
ngt hem li
kethi
s
youshouldbeprotectingthem sot hattheyknow
theyaresafewit
houtt hei
rmot herwhat '
swr ong
wi
thyou?I
m sosor
ryApr
il
,comeher
eHer
by

Hesai
dsit
ti
ngdownwi t
hApri
lhol
dingont
ighton
hi
m whi
leHerber
tputhi
sheaddownonhislap.
..

Nyasha:im notheret
olookaft
eranyone'schil
d
theyshoul
dj ustst
ayawayfrom mythings(she
cli
ckedhertongue)
Rona:what'
sgoingoninhere?Icanhearyournoi
se
fr
om thegat
e.Ileavef
oranhourandyouar e
al
readyfi
ghti
ng.Whyarethechil
drencryi
ng?
Lucas:askyourf
avor
it
egr
andchi
ld
Rona:don'
tspeakt
omel
iket
hatLucaswhat
happened?
Nyasha:ibeatt
hem
Rona:whatdi
dtheydo?BanabagaMayakanaba
t
enalebone(Maya'schi
ldr
encanbeannoyi
ngas
well
)(Lucasl
ookedatheri
nshock)
Nyasha:t
hisonet
ri
edt
ogot
hroughmyphoneand
i
thassecur
it
ypasswor
dsi
magi
nei
fshebl
ockedi
t
Rona:ahahApri
lwhatgi
vesyoutheri
ghtt
ogo
t
hroughNyasha'
sphonewit
houtherpermi
ssi
on?

Herl
it
tl
ehear
tski
ppedabeatasshet
ight
lyhel
don
t
oLucas..
.

Rona:ishoul
dneverheart
hatyoudidthesame
t
hingagaindoyouhearme?Apr i
limtal
kingt
oyou!
Lucas:shehear
dyouah
Rona:(
cli
ckedhert
ongue)comeNyasha

Theylef
tclosingthedoorbehi
ndt
hem asHer
ber
t
sni
ff
edwi pinghistear
s..
.

Lucas:sor
ryok(
henodded)
Apr
il
:(sof
tl
y)i
m scar
ediwantt
ogobackt
omama
Lucas:don'
twor
ryi
wil
lmakesur
eyouar
esaf
e
Her
ber
t:canshesl
eepwi
thus?
Lucas:yesi
t'
snotapr
obl
em
Herber
t:(
hel
dhi
ssi
ster
'sback)di
dyouheart
hat
?
Lucasisgoi
ngt
omakesurethatweareok
Apr
il
:(sni
ff
ed)iwantmama
Lucas:iwi
llcal
lherinthemorningdon'
twor
ryi
bel
ieveshe'
salreadyinGaboroneandwedon't
wanthertowast epet
rolri
ght
Apr
il
:ok
Lucas:doyouguyswantsomecake?
Her
ber
t:buti
t'
sforyouandyoursi
ster
Lucas:don'
tbesil
lyHer
byyouaremyyounger
si
bli
ngssowhat '
smineisyourscomel
et'
sgohave
someanddon'tbescaredtoeatit

Het ookHer bert

'shandandcar r
iedApr
ilgoingto
thekitchenwher etheyfoundNyashaandt hei
r
grandmot herlaughingatavideosheshowedheron
ti
k-t
ok.St i
llcarr
yingApri
lLucasopenedthef r
idge
andt
ookoutt
hecake.
..

Rona:i
ssheunabl
etowal
k?(
Hedi
dn'
trespond)
Nyasha:whatar eyoudoingwi
ththatcake?(
He
didn'
trespond)Lucasthati
sourcakenota
communi ty'
scake

Heeyedherandst
art
edcut
ti
ngwhi
leHer
ber
tst
ood
behi
ndhi
m...

Nyasha:Lucasidar
eyout
ogi
vet
hesepeopl
eour
f
ood
Rona:Lucasyoursi
steri
stal
kingt
oyou
Lucas:youar
eseri
ousl
ygoingt
ocryforsome
bread?GrowupNyashaandasforyougrannyyou
shouldknowbet
tert
hanwhatyouaredoing

Heputthecakebackint
hefr
idgeandgavet
he
chi
ldr
enthei
rsastheywentt
otheli
vingr
oom..
.
Nyasha:gr
annyar
eyougoi
ngt
olethi
mtal
ktoyou
l
ikethat
?
Rona:j
ustl
ethi
m bel
et'
swat
cht
hevi
deos

Nyashashookherheadandopenedhert
ik-
tok
agai
nastheylaughed.

AtBounceLand.
..

DuncanJrbouncedwi
thotherki
dswhil
ehis
parent
swatchedhi
mfrom adist
ancehavi
ngthei
r
snacks.
..

Pat
ience:whenar
eyougoi
nghome?Duncanandi
wanttohaveoural
onet
imeatt
hehot
el(t
hey
l
aughed)
Duncan:soyouar
echasi
ngmeaway?
Pat
ience:mhem yourwi
fei
swai
ti
ngf
oryouat
home
Duncan:wow,
im goi
ngl
aterbabe
Pat
ience:ok
Duncan:ihavebeent
hinki
ngl
ove
Pat
ience:about
?
Duncan:youst
art
ingsomet
hingsmallf
oryoursel
f
andgetyouasecondhandcaryouknow.Ihonestl
y
don'
tli
keseei
ngmywomanusi ngpubli
ctr
ansport
al
ltheti
me
Pat
ience:whatwi
llwesayt
oyourwi
fe?
Duncan:weusethemoneyi
puti
nDuncan'
s
accounti
sn'
tit
Patience:not
hat
'sf
orhi
seducat
ionl
ovewecan'
t
touchit
Duncan:ther
e'salotofmoneyinther
eanda
secondhandcardoesn'tcostt
hatmuch.Wej ust
needa100Kf orthecarandanybusinessyou
wouldli
ketostart
.Iwil
lhaverepl
acedthe100Kby
theendoftheyear
Pat
ience:i
fyousaysobutwhatcarwi
llibeget
ti
ng
andwhichbusinesswi
llist
art
?
Duncan:iwast
hinki
ngsinceyouar epassi
onat
e
aboutf
oodwecanuset hatrouteyouknowandget
youamobi l
eki
tchenandforthecaryoucangeta
vi
tsorsomethi
ng
Pat
ience:okthenwhowi l
lber
unni
ngt
heki
tchen
whi
leiwor katyourhouse?
Duncan:al
lyouhavetodoi swrit
eyourr
ecipes
downandhiretwopeopleiwillpayt
hem f
or3
monthsthentakeoveraf
teryouhaveaccumulated
theenoughcash
Pati
ence:(
smiled)okbutwhatdoisayt
omadam
aboutthecar
?
Duncan:howl
onghaveyoubeenwor
kingwi
thus?
Pat
ience:si
nceAppl
ewasasmal
lbabyso18year
s
Duncan:yesyoujusttellheryouhavebeenputt
ing
awayP200ever ymont hforacarsinceyouhave
beenworkingthat
'sl
ike40Kpl us,enought
obuya
car
Pat
ience:(
smi
l
ed)goodt
hinki
ng
Duncan:yeahandyouear
nenought
oputawayt
hat
200moss
Pat
ience:yesdaddyandihaveact
ual
lybeen
put
tingitawayit
'sP43200now
Duncan:t
hisi
swhyil
oveyou,
yout
hinkahead,
comehere

Theykissedandchuckl
edasDuncanJrcame
runni
ng.

THATEVENI
NG

Atagar
den.
..

Everyoneweari
ngwhi t
ewiththei
rallki
ndsof
shadesofemeraldgreengracedtheeventast
he
l
adiesplayedgameswi t
hthemot hertobewhi
lethe
malesatatanexclusi
vespotwaitingfort
hepart
y
tobegi
n.Bi
ancadrovei
nhercarandpar
kedwhi
l
e
Lewist
ookthel
astsipofhi
sginandt
onic.
..

Lewi
s:y'
al
lseewhywear
elat
e?
Maya:who'
sfaul
tist
hat
?
Bi
anca:hecoul
dn'tmakeuphi
smi
ndonwhatt
o
wearsoheshouldn'
tdar
e
Lewi
s:aladyi
sallowedt
ochangehermindal
lthe
ti
me(theyl
aughed)fi
xmeadrinkandst
optal
king
toomuch

Mayafi
xedhi
mt hedr
inkandf
ixedf
orher
sel
fand
Bi
ancaaswel
l.
..

Lewis:mmhtsal
aareyousureyouwerenota
bart
enderi
nyourpr
eviousl
if
eyourmixi
ologyski
ll
s
aretodief
or(
theyl
aughed)
Maya:l
et'
sgoandst
opbei
ngsi
ll
y
Bi
anca:it
hinkweshoul
djustgot
othemen
Lewis:nowewi
llseet
hem af
terl
et'
sgodr
opt
he
gif
ts

Theygotoutoft hecarwi thLewisi nemer al

dskinny
j
eans, awhi t
epol oneckandwhi tesneaker s.He
reallyhadani celybui l
tbodywi thani ceclean
germancut .Biancawor ewhi t
ej eansandagr een
topwi thal ongwhi tefurcoatwhi teMayawor ea
shor twinteremer alddressandawhi telongcoatas
wel lwit
hbl ackhi ghkneeboot s.Theymadet heir
waywher eever yoneseat edandputt heirgift
sdown
aftertheirnamesgotconf i
rmint heinvit
eelist
..
.

Mc:okever
yonet
hatwi
llbeal
lfort
oday'
sevent
s
Bi
anca:(
whi
sper
ed)yousee,
weshoul
dhavej
ust
wentt
othemen
Lewi
s:sssh
Mc:ihopeourladyofthemomentishappy(she
smil
ednodding)good.Nowwecangohavef ood,
wai
tersar
ewai t
ingtoserveyoual
landbehappy
andpar
tyyourni
ghtaway,
menyoucanj
oinusnow

Theylaughedasever yonemadet heirwaytothe

servi
ngpoint.Thetri
ogott hei
rfoodandpickeda
spottositandhadtheirfoodcatchingup.A
gentl
emanwear ingwhi t
eskinnyjeans,agr
eenshirt
andagr eenkuanmadehi swayt othem.Wellbui
lt
andbasketballt
all
..
.

Man:eveni
ng
Bianca:(
fl
ippedherhai
randsmil
ed)ohheyt
her
e
(Mayajustwavedandconti
nuedtoeat
)
Man:mayihaveaseat
?
Lewi
s:ohper
fectengl
ishcomesi
tnextt
ome(
they
l
aughed)
Man:ok(
hesatbet
weenhi
m andMayawhowas
f
ocusedont
hefood)
Bianca:don'
tmi
ndhim he'
sanengli
sht
eacherso
yeahyoucanexpectt
hatfrom hi
m
Lewi
s:wowBr
eal
ly
Man:ohok.Mynamei
sMopat
i
Bianca:(
str
etchedoutherhand)mynameisBi
anca
thesetwoaremyf r
iendsLewisandMaya
Lewis:hi
,Biancal
etgoofthehandiwannagr
eetas
well(t
heylaughedastheyshookhi
shand)
Maya:i
m sor
ryican'
tshakeyourhandmyhands
ar
eoily
Mopat
i:(
smi
led)i
t'
sok,
iseeyoul
oveyourf
ood
Maya:ohyesido
Mopati
:not
hingbeaut
if
ull
ikeawomanwhol
ovesa
goodpl
atei
tmeansshecookswell
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)t
hanks,
iguess
Mopat
i:ni
cenameyouhavet
hough(
Lewi
s&
Bi
ancaeyedoneanot
her
)
Maya:oht
hankyou,
yousai
dyour
sisMopat
iri
ght
?
Mopat
i:cor
rect
Maya:i
tsni
ceaswel
l
Mopat
i:ihopeyouar
enotj
ustsayi
ng
Maya:(
laughedcover
inghermout
h)nocomeon
Man:ahbr
oihavebeenl ooki
ngforyouallover
kant
eyouarebusychi
ll
ingwithbosis'
bhuti
Lewi
s:(
choked)excuseme?
Man:youhear
dme
Bi
anca:Lewi
shol
dyour
sel
f
Lewi
s:whatf
or?Sorr
ypapadoyouknowusthat
youcancomehereandst
artcal
li
ngusnames?
Man:si
sbhut
iiwasn'
ttal
kingt
oyou,
bruhwhat
..
.
Lewis:si
sbhut ioraadit
halatsagarragotsedi
sa
l
ekaneng( sisbhutiar
eyourfather
'suneven
test
icl
es)(theothersgasped)
Man:excuseme!
?
Lewi
s:youhear
dme
Man:youj
ustdi
dn'
t
Lewi
s:wagodiraj
angj
aanong?(
Whatar
eyougoi
ng
todoabouti
t)
Man:mxm, Mopat
ilet
sgobefor
eigetmor
e
annoyedyouseewhyidon'
tl
ikemixi
ngwi
tht
hese
peopl
e
Maya:thi
sisourfriendsirwhatdoyoumean" these
peopl
e"putrespecttohissexual
it
yjustasyou
wouldl
ikehimt orespectyouasaheterosexual
man
Bi
anca:exact
ly
Mopat
i:comeonbr
odon'
tbel
iket
hat
,apol
ogi
se
(
hewinkedathi
m)
Man:(
clearedhi
sthroat
)okoki m sor
ryiwasoutof
l
inej
ustthatiwaslooki
ngforhim anddidn'
tknow
wher
ehewas.Canicomesi tnexttoyou?
Bianca:yeahsur
ebutneverinyourl
if
esaysuch
thi
ngst oanot
herhumanbeingbecauseyoudon'
t
knowwhatt heyarecapabl
eof
Man:(
smi
led)yeah,
wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
Lewi
s:it
hinkineedadr
ink,
Maya
Maya:okf
ri
end
Man:aor
ra
Lewis:olapi
sagor
emonnakewenaah(
youar
e
annoying)

Hesai dl
eavingasMayaf ol
lowedhim whileMopati
checkedherout.Theyr emainedwithBiancaand
chatwhileMayaandLewi sfixeddr
inks.Theyj
oined
them againastheyfi
nishedeat i
ng.
..

Mopati
:wearepl
anni
ngtogot
oacl
ubdon'
tyou
guyswantt
ocomealong?
Lewi
s:i
t'
sst
il
lear
lyf
oracl
ub
Mopat
i:wewantt
osecur
eani
cevi
pspot
Lewi
s:whi
chcl
ubt
obepr
eci
se?
Mopat
i:Ci
gar
Lewis:doyouknowhowmuchavi
pspotcost
s
ther
e?
Mopat
i:yeswegot
her
eal
lthet
ime
Lewi
s:el
egor
eober
ekakaeher
raet
sho?(
Whatdo
youdo)
Mopat
i:(
chuckl
ed)don'
twor
ryaboutt
hatonej
ust
knowt
haticanaff
ordit
Lewi
s:(
cur
vedhi
sli
ps)yeswenamrspender
Mopat
i:mmhsowhatdoyouladi
essay?Maya?I
meanever
ythi
ngwi
llbeonus
Bi
anca:ohwear
eon
Mopat
i:per
fect
.Soiguesswewi
llgowi
thmycar
t
hen
Lewi
s:ohhel
lnowecandr
iveour
sel
vest
her
e
Mopati
:comeoni twoul
dbeeasi
ert
ogett
oknow
oneanotheronourwayther
e
Lewis:nonoiwoul
drat
herf
ollowyouguyswi
thour
carl
ebat l
agodi
rangwanawagamangmmapul a
(whodoyouwanttodit
ch)(
theylaughed)
Man:youar
esosi
ll
y
Lewi
s:andisti
lldon'tl
ikeyou.Gi
rl
sbesaf
ethese
menshouldnotbef unnyont heway
Maya:wear
ebi
ggi
rl
sLewi
sao
Theylaughedheadingt oMopat i
'sbenzwhi l
eLewis
goti
nBi anca'
sMazda.Pr eciousturnedfrom wher
e
shewasst andingashereyesl andedonMaya
get
ti
ngi nthefrontseatoftheG63Mer cedesBenz
andscoffed..
.

Pr
eci
ous:boMayabaut l
wanal egoi
thekisashame
wagotl
aai mil
egape(Mayaenjoysbeinga
pr
ost
it
ute,she'
sgoingt
ofallpr
egnantagain)

Shesaidjoi
ningtheotherl
adiesandwhi
ledrivi
ng
outLewisspott
edaf ewyoungmenhavingt hei
r
dri
nks.Hestoppedandr ol
leddownthewindow...

Lewi
s:pssthey,
you
Guy:me?
Lewi
s:yescomel
etsgo
Guy:wher
e?
Lewi
s:ar
eyekeyegogot
hubampakaboj
alwaj
wa
sekgoaol esegobuathat
a.Bl
ackl
abeldoesn'
tlook
goodonyou( l
et'
sgohavesomegooddri
nksand
stoptal
kingtoomuch)
Guy:(
smi
led)secondr
oundmaj
it
a

Withoutaski
nganymor
equest
ionshehoppedi
nthe
carleavi
nghisf
ri
ends.
..

Lewi
s:youl
ookni
ce
Guy:yout
ooandsmel
lni
cet
oo
Lewi
s:yourf
acel
ooksf
ami
li
art
hough
Guy:(
noticedwhohewas)ahnomaybeyouar
e
mist
akingmef orsomeone
Lewi
s:mmhanywayyoucanputanyki
ndofmusi
c
youl
ike

Theguysmi
ledconnect
inghi
sbl
uet
oot
hwhi
le
Lewi
ssmil
edlooki
ngathim.
Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lor
naputthelastdi
shont
het
abl
ewhi
leAppl
eand
Sai
ntsmi
led..
.

Sai
nt:l
ooksgoodmama
Lorna:t
hankyoubabyihopeyourdadenj
oyst
hem.
Isn'
thegett
ingi
nthehousethough

Asshesai
dthedooropenedasDuncanwenti
nand
fr
owned.
..

Duncan:eveni
ng
Lor
na:hil
oveimadeussomef
ood
Duncan:(
scof
fed)you?Cook?No
Appl
e:sheact
ual
lydi
ddad,
lookal
loft
hesewer
e
madebyherhands
Sai
nt:icanat
testt
othatdad
Duncan:ohwowokl
et'
stast
eandseei
fyour
eal
ly
di
dagoodj ob
Lor
na:gr
eat

Theytookthei
rseat
sasDuncansmileddi
ggingin.
Thetastewasveryfami
li
arashecl
earedhi
st hr
oat
andtookanapkin.
..

Duncan:ahnotoomuchsalti
nthepast
aLornai
wil
lrat
hergobathandhaveasandwi
chlat
er
Lor
na:uhu
Appl
e:ahdadt
hesal
tisj
ustoki
nher
e
Duncan:youandiar
enott hesameagenanasomy
t
astebudshavematured.Excuseme

Hesai
dtakinghi
st hi
ngsgoi
ngupwhi
let
het
ri
o
l
ookedatoneanother.
..
Lor
na:it
oldyout
hiswasabadi
dea
Appl
e:idon'
tunderst
andcozwedidever
ythi
ngasi
t
i
sonAunt yPat
ience'
sreci
pebook
Lor
na:ihavel
ostmyappet
it
easwel
l
Sai
nt:aomamacomeon

Shesighedandl
eftt
hem whi
let
hesi
bli
ngssi
ghed
butconti
nuedt
oeat.

Att
hecl
ub.
..

MopatiandMayasatnexttoeachotherwhi
le
Biancasatwi
thMopati'
sfr
iendandLewissatwi
th
thesnackhepickedf
rom t
hegarden..
.

Bianca:whenar
ethedr
inkscomi
ngbat
hongwe
havebeenwaiti
ng
Mopat
i:j
ustnow

Hesnappedatt hewait
erandwi nkedathim.The
waitercheckedhiscoastandreachedi nhisback
pocketandt ookoutacapsule.Heopenedi tand
empt i
edthepowderi noneofthecockt ai
lsandtook
i
ttot hei
rtable.Hegavethement heirdri
nks,t
hen
Biancaandt henMayal ast
..
.

Mopati
:thankyoubuddy.Pl
easemakesur
eour
pl
att
erisonstandbyok
Wai
ter
:yessi
r(hewal
kedaway)
Maya:whatdr
inki
sthi
s?
Mopat
i:t
heycal
litvi
rgi
nmar
y
Maya:hmm ok

Shesmi ledl
ift
ingtheglasstohermout
hwhil
e
Mopat ismil
edlookingathertaki
ngasi
pfr
om hi
s
whiskey.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
14:
09] :AKEPTWOMAN
06

Att
hecl
ub.
..

Mayaclearedhert
hroatandputthedr
inkdown
wit
houttakingasi
pasMopat if
rownedlooki
ngat
her
..
.

Mopat
i:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Maya:mhem
Mopat
i:t
henwhyar
eyounotdr
inki
ngyourdr
ink?
Maya:(
smi
led)idon'
tdr
inkopendr
inks
Bi
anca:hai
boMaya?
Maya:youknowt
hataswel
lBi
anca
Lewis:youar
estar
ti
ngwi
thyourannoyi
ng
tendenci
esri
ght
?
Maya:excusemef orhavi
ngst
andar
dsand
pr
inci
plesthatist
ickt
o
Man:warechomel
ajaanong(
youar
espeaki
ng
engl
ishnow)
Mopat
i:aoguysdon'
tbeliket
hat
,butt
hisacl
ub
Mayat
heymi xdri
nksforyou
Maya:icandri
nkwhiskeyaswel
lbutim noti
nthe
moodf orwhi
skeyt
odaysolethi
m bri
ngme
savannas
Mopat
i:who'
sgoi
ngt
oopenf
oryou?
Maya:wepai
dfort
hisspotandtheser
viceri
ght
?
Sohewil
lbri
ngmeabot t
leopener
,cl
eanglasswit
h
l
emonsli
cesandmysavannas
Mopat
i:(
sighed)okhowmanydoyouwant
?
Maya:si
xfornow
Mopati
:ok(
snappedhisfi
nger
s)pleasebr
ingthe
l
ady6savannasok,youdon'
ttakeopendr
inksas
wel
l?
Bi
anca:ohhel
lnokeept
hecockt
ail
scomi
ng
Mopat
i:youhear
dthel
ady

Theguyt
ookMaya'
sdr
inkawaywhi
leBi
ancakept
dri
nki
ngher
s..
.

Mopat
i:sowhatdoyoudo?
Maya:i
m cur
rent
lyunempl
oyed.Igotr
etr
enchedon
Fr
iday
Mopati
:ohi
mr eal
lysorryt
oheart
hat
.Abeaut
if
ul
l
adyli
keyoudoesn'tdeser
vet
obeunempl
oyed.Got
anyki
ds?
Maya:yes2beaut
if
ulki
ds
Mopat
i:hmm isee.Youmustr
eal
lyador
ethem
Maya:alot
,theyar
emywor
ld.Fort
hem idon'
t
mi
ndkill
ing
Mopat
i:yeahneh.Sowhati
fyougot
oacockt
ail
par
tywit
hnosavanna?
Maya:iknowhowt
omi
xcockt
ail
smysel
f
Mopat
i:whati
ftheydon'
tal
lowyou?
Maya:iwil
lgotoabargrabasixpack,gohome
andwatchcart
oonswit
hmyki dswhiledri
nki
ngmy
savanna
Mopat
i:wowadescpl
inedwomanyouar
e
Maya:yetal
otofpeopl
etakemef
oraf
ool
.
Mopat
i:ihopeyoudon'
tthi
nkit
akeyouf
orone
Maya:notatal
l,
notatal
l
Mopat i
:awesome.Sinceyouknowhowtomix
cocktai
lsandareunemployedwoul
dyoumindifi
hookedyouupwi t
haf ri
endofminewhoownsa
rest
aurant?
Maya:iwoul
dtakeanyt
hingt
hatcomesmywayas
l
ongasi
tsl
egi
t
Mopat
i:gr
eatiwi
llt
alkt
oherandgetbackt
oyou
Maya:ihopeyoumeani
t
Mopat
i:l
et'
swai
tfort
omor
rowee
Maya:cool
.Whatdoyoudo?
Mopat
i:i
m asol
dier
Maya:(
laughed)ohok
Mopat
i:what
?
Maya:mybabydaddywaspar
toft
hef
orcesoi
m
notr
eal
lyent
icedbyt
hem
Mopat
i:(
li
ckhi
sli
ps)i
m di
ff
erent
Maya:yeahr
ight

Shesaidcar
eful
lypour
inghersavannai
nagl ass
l
ooki
ngatwhatwashappeni ngi
nitasshepour ed.
I
tcheckedoutasshetookasipandsighed.
..

Mopat
i:yawel
a?(
Goi
ngdowngood)
Maya:hi
tt
ingal
lther
ightspot
s
Mopati
:sosi
ncey'
al
ldr
inki
ngwhowi
llbedr
ivi
ng
y'
al
lbackhome?
Maya:onceigetbehindt
hewheel
igetsoberso
t
heyknowt heyaresafewit
hme
Mopat
i:oi
tsesavannasent
le?
Maya:savannahasnoprobl
em t
hat'
swhyidr
inki
t
unl
esstherewil
lbeot
herthi
ngsaddedi
nit
Mopat
i:ooh
Maya:yeah.Soyouser
iousyouar
easol
dier
?
Mopati
:im adoct
oratthebar
rackshospi
talbut
yeahihavetoberegi
ster
edasasoldierf
ir
st
Maya:ohok
Mopat
i:st
il
lnotent
iced?
Maya:canwest
opt
heser
ioust
alkandhavef
un?
Mopat
i:okbutonel
astquest
ion
Maya:yes?
Mopat
i:whatar
eyourqual
if
icat
ions?
Maya:i
m apubl
icr
elat
ionsandpol
it
icalsci
ences
gr
aduat
e
Mopat
i:ohni
ceok.Let
'shavef
unl
ikeyousay
Maya:t
hankyou,
oooht
hat
'smysong

Shestooduphol di
ngherdr i
nkandmovedherwai st
whileMopatisatbackandsniff
edlookingathi
s
fr
iend.Heseemedt obewi nni
ngwithBiancawhil
e
Lewiswasbusywi thhissnack.Whatdidhehaveto
dotogetMayat owherehewant edherwast he
questi
onhekeptaskinghimselfbecauseshe
seemedtobever ysmar tt
hanheantici
pated.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Duncancameoutoft
heshowerandf
rowned
seei
nghiswi
fei
nbed..
.

Duncan:uhuit
houghtyouwoul
dbewi
tht
he
chi
ldr
endownst
air
shavi
ngdi
nner
Lor
na:whathaveidonet
oyou?
Duncan:mma?
Lorna:whathaveidonet
oyouf
oryout
otr
eatme
l
ikethis?
Duncan:t
reatyouhowbabe?
Lor
na:youar
eneverhomeonFri
daysDuncanand
youcomebackl
ateonSatur
days
Duncan:babeit
oldyouFr
idaysandsat
urday
af
ternoonsaref
ormeandJoshuatogothroughour
weeklyprogr
ess
Lorna:soitst
hathect
icthatyoucan'
ttal
ktot
he
phonef oraminut
eatleast?
Duncan:atl
eastial
wayscomebackhomel
ove
comehere
Lor
na:noDuncanar
eyoucheat
ingonme?
Duncan:woul
dibel
iket
hisi
fiwascheat
ingonyou?
Hesaidshowingherhisbonerwhil
ebit
inghi
slower
l
ip.Lor
nafel
therbeant hr
obinst
antl
ybyjust
l
ookingatt
heboner.Ithadbeenquit
esomet i
me
si
nceshefeltgood.
..

Lor
na:(
swal
lowed)but
..
.
Duncan:butnot
hingl
ovecomeher
e(heki
ssedher
neck)
Lor
na:ooohDuncan
Duncan:youl
ikei
t?
Lor
na:i
tfeel
sgoodt
obet
ouched

Shesaidsoft
lymoani
ngasheputhishandinher
undiesandsoft
lyr
ubbedherwhi
lesher
oll
edher
eyesbit
ingherl
owerli
p.

AtTi
tus'
shouse.
..
Hegoti
ntobedasLesedicar
eful
lyt
urned.
..

Ti
tus:aobabyyouar
est
il
lmadatme?
Lesedi
:di
dyousendMayamoney?
Ti
tus:nol
ovewespokeaboutt
his
Lesedi
:Ti
tusiaskedyout
osendMayamoney
Tit
us:she'
spr
obabl
youtit
sasat
urdayandyou
knowhowherfri
endsar
e
Lesedi
:okyouwi l
lsendheri
nthemor
ningandunt
il
thenim nott
alki
ngtoyou
Titus:aobaby,
okiwillsendheri
nthemor
ningi
sn'
t
thatenoughforyou?
Lesedi
:youknowwhatt
heysayaboutact
ionsand
words
Ti
tus:si
ncewhendon'
tyout
rustt
hatiwoul
d?
Lesedi
:si
nceyoutol
dyoursi
steryoucan'thel
p
whil
eyoucan.Iwanttosl
eepgoodnight
Ti
tus:butif
eell
ikeabl
owj
obl
ovecomeon
Lesedi
:(scof
fed)st
opbei
ndsi
ll
y
Tit
us:okt
laket
senyenkof
elaee(
letmej
ustputi
n
theti
p)
Lesedi
:Ti
tusyouar
eani
diot
Ti
tus:imi
ssbei
ngi
nyouhoney
Lesedi
:youaregoingtomakemehor
nyandi
m8
monthspregnantTit
us
Ti
tus:ipr
omi
set
obegent
leandcar
eful
Lesedi
:Tit
usim hea.
..
(shegaspedashet
ouched
hercoochi
e)Godofhol di
ngs

Ti
tusgi
ggl
edbit
inghi
slowerl
ipsoft
lyr
ubbingher
asshemoanedwhil
ehismachinesl
owlybuldged.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Pr
eciousfi
nishedapplyi
ngherni
ghtcr
eam andgot
i
ntobedinhersil
ksleepingdr
esswhil
eher
husbandscr
oll
eddownhi
smedi
aaccount
s..
.

Precious:youwon' tbel i
evewhathappenedatt he
babyshowerl ove( scof f
ed)Mayaandherf ri
ends
l
iteral
lycamel at eandmi nuteslateraf tereatingt he
foodweboughtwi thourhar dear nedmoney( he
l
ookedatherandbackonhi sphone)t heyl eftand
Mayagoti nsi deaG63wai tseimt herelikewho
doest hisgi r
lt hinki sgoi ngt ohelpherr aiseat hi
rd
chil
d?Wai tsepeasant scanbeannoyi ng,allthey
knowi sopent hei rthighsandl etever yt om anddi ck
fi
nisht hem of fandl eavet hem pr egnant .Maya
behavesl ikesomeonewho' snotagr aduate, waitse
Modi mocanbl esst hewr ongpeopl e?Li kewhydi d
hehavet ogi veMayaal lthebr ai
nsi fshecan' tuse
them?Gal apekewhi tehor se?Doesshef indj oyin
givi
ngbi rt
h?( Cl appedonce)iwashonest lyshocked.
Legoneshockedi sanunder statementiwas
appalled.AnywayhowwasyourSat urdayaf ternoon,
oht hekidsar esaf elyinMochudil oveiwassobusy
andf orgott oinf or m you
Lovemor
e:sot
hat
'sal
lyouknowneh?
Pr
eci
ous:huh?
Lovemore:t
otal
kaboutMayaandhowmuchofa
fai
lur
esheis?
Pr
eci
ous:aol
ovewear
ehavi
ngaconver
sat
ionher
e
Lovemore:doyour eali
seyouaretalkingabout
someonewhowor kshar dtogett
hroughaday?
Someonewi t
htwoki dsandnobabydaddy?Butal l
youseeishowmuchofaf ail
ureand
embarrassmentshei s.Yourownsister?(Scoff
ed
putt
inghisphonedown)yeahnoir eallychosea
wif
ewhenichoseyou
Pr
eci
ous:what
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Lovemor
e:goodni
ght

Hesaidswit
chingof
fthesi
delamponhissideand
si
ghedclosi
nghiseyeswhi
lePreci
ousl
ookedat
hi
m outofwords.

I
NTHEWEEHOURSOFTHEMORNI
NG
Al
ongt
her
oad.
..

Wi t
ht hemusi cplayingloudlyLukeandhisfri
ends
drovet ooneoft hefr i
end'shousewithquart
sof
blackl abelal
loverthecar .Twoblackedoutashe
remai nedwi t
hthedr iverandtheotherguy.Heli
ta
cigaretteandtookt wopuf fsashisfri
endtookit
from hi m..
.

Luke:(
wast
ed)ahdawg
Man:fuckof
fiknowit
'syourbi
tch'
smoneybutse
i
peebotset
sikakwae(don'
tkeeptheci
gar
ett
eon
you)
Luke:ahnodon' tyoudaretalktomyqueenl i
kethat
(chuckl
ed)thatoneismyr ideordie.Whenipick
thephoneandsaybabyi mi ntr
oublecomesaveme
shekeepsrunningbecausesheknowswhy?
Withoutmeshewoul dn'
thavehadt hosebeauti
ful
chil
dren.Ahnomagangmychi ldr
enar ebeaut
ifuli
don'
twannal
ie.MyHer
byandApr
il

Hel
aughedwhilethedr
ivergr
abbedt
heci
gar
ett
e
f
rom t
heotherguy..
.

Man:ahnoyoushoul
daskme
Dr
iver
:ist
hisyourci
gar
ett
e?
Luke:(bur
ped)lel
wel
akwae?(
Sang)ohmybaby
ba(e)
ndover-oooh
Man:not
hat
'sbesi
dest
hepoi
nt
Dr
iver
:ahheydon'
tdi
e
Man:don'
tdi
emyf
ootgi
vemet
hatci
gar
ett
e
Dr
iver
:dudei
m dr
ivi
ngher
e
Man:idon'
tgi
veadamn,
tsi
sakwaebr
uh!
Dr
iver
:monnal
eavemeal
one
Man:isai
dbr
ingt
hatf
ucki
ngci
gar
ett
e!
Hesaidgrabbingthesteeri
ngwheelwhi chmoved
thewheelsasthecarinstantl
ylostcontr
ol.It
star
tedspinni
ngaroundwi ththem andast hedr
iver
hitt
hebrakesitj
umpedandovert urnedroll
ingi
nto
thebush.

Att
hecl
ub.
..

Itwasaround3am astheydecidedtoleave.A
heavil
ywastedBiancawalkedwi t
hthehelpof
Mopat i
'
sfri
endwhi l
eLewisandhi sboyfol
lowed
them.MopatiandMayacamel astasMayaf rowned
seeingMopati'
sfr
iendputBiancainthebackseat
oftheBenz..
.

Maya:andt
hen?
Mopat
i:wear
egoi
ngt
omyhousei
sn'
tit
?
Maya:ofcour
senot.Sor
ryr
raet
shopl
easet
akemy
f
ri
endoutofthatcar
Mopat
i:aoMayacan'
tyouseeyourf
ri
endi
swast
ed?
Maya:itol
dyouiwi
llbeabl
etodriveushome.I
havebeendri
nki
ngwatersoim ok
Mopat
i:Mayamma
Maya:i
m seri
ous.Oklet'
ssaywegowi
thy'
al
lwhat
aboutmyotherf
riend?
Mopat
i:hecamewi
tht
hecarf
orar
easonr
ight
?
Maya:youcanseehe'
swastedwi
thhi
sboyfri
end
Mopatii
m nott
hatki
ndoff
ri
end.Bi
anca,
fri
end
comebaby
Bi
anca:(
inaudi
ble)
Maya:noBi
ancawear
egoi
nghome
Man:(
whi
sper
ed)whatdi
dyouseei
nherman
Mopat
i:j
ustshutup
Man:soi
m goi
ngt
osl
eephor
ny?
Mopati
:getyour
sel
ftoysorsomet
hingi
t'
snotmy
pr
oblem.Mayacomeon
Maya:(dr
aggingBi
ancaout)wewillbefi
ne.Thanks
forthedr
inksandagoodti
meandpl easemake
sureyoutalkt
omeabouttherest
aurantjoborel
se
wear
egoi
ngt
ohaveapr
obl
em
Mopat
i:huh?
Maya:let
'sj
ustsayiknowyouandjustonewor
d
yourbosseswil
lnotevent
hinkt
wice
Mopat
i:youwoul
dn'
tdar
e
Maya:donotcal
lmef
ort
hatj
obt
henyouwi
llsee
howseri
ousiam
Mopat
i:ar
eyout
hreat
eni
ngasol
dier
?
Maya:thi
sisexact
lywhyim notent
icedbymenin
t
heforce.Goodni
ghtandpl
easedonotf or
gett
ocall
me

Shesai
dputt
ingBi
ancai
nthef
rontseatandputa
saf
etybel
tonher
..
.

Mopat
i:excusemewhatdi
dyouj
ustsay?
Maya:isai
dkeepyourwor
dsi
r.Goodni
ghtonce
more
Shewentt
othedr
iver
'ssi
deandgoti
nwhi
leatt
he
backLewi
sandhi
sguykissed.
..

Lewi
s:wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Maya:home(
fi
xedt
hemi
rr
ors)
Lewi
s:dr
opusf
ir
st
Maya:sur
e

Theywentbackt
othei
rkissi
ngwhil
eMayalooked
atanoutBi
ancaandshookherheadst
art
ingthe
engi
ne.
..

Maya:howmanyt imesdoihavet oteachyouhow

tospotaspikeddri
nkBianca?Youreall
yaregoi
ng
tolandmeintotr
oubleoneofthesedays(she
cli
ckedhert
ongue)
Lewi
s:mmakgweet
saao(
dri
ve)
Maya:gobackt
oyourki
ssi
ngandl
eavemeal
one

Shesaidchecki
ngf orherl
icense,
tookasipof
waterandthr
ewmi ntsinhermout hthencar
eful
ly
droveoff
.Mopatishookhisheadlookingatt
he
Mazdadisappearandwentt ohiscar..
.

Man:and?
Mopati
:(scof
fed)shethinksshe'
ssmarti
m not
goingt
ogiveupunt i
liendupbetweenherlegsmy
nameisMopat ibr
uhandi m goi
ngtoremi
ndherof
thi
sdaykesenagomor otel
a(aft
ercumminginher
)
Man:alliwanti
ssomecoochi
elet
'sgof
ind
pr
osti
tutes
Mopat
i:mxm

Hesai
dget
ti
ngi
nthecaranddr
oveof
faswel
l
.

LATERTHATMORNI
NG.
..
AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Withjusthisbri
efsandanapr ononheslidonthe
ki
tchenfloorwit
hhi ssocksjammingtothesunday
morningsoundswhi lemakingbreakf
astforhi
mself
.
Hisphoner ecei
vedamessageashel i
ckhisfi
ngers
andopenedi tsmili
ng..
.

Joshua:whatdoyousuggest
?Lunchordi
nner
?
:l
unch
Joshua:ohokt
henyouwi
llt
ellmewher
eyouwoul
d
l
ikeustogo
:notapr
obl
em
Joshua: (
helockedhisphone)f
inal
lysomeonei
s
goi
ngonadatewhoop-whoop

Helaughedandfini
shedandwentt
osi
tdowni
nthe
f
rontporchest
il
lhalfnaked.
AtMaya'
shouse.
..

Shegr
untedtoherr
ingingphoneandpi
ckedup
wit
hhereyescl
osed..
.

Maya:hel
lo?
Apr
il
:mamacomegetme
Maya:(
frowned)huh?
Apri
l:Nyashawasbeati
ngmeyest
erdaypl
ease
comeandgetmei m scared
Maya:(
ful
lywokeupandsatup)Nyashadi
dwhat
!?
^
^
^
^
^
.
..
..
[
09/
03,
14:
09] :AKEPTWOMAN
07

Maya:Apr
ilwhatdi
dyouj
ustsay?
Apri
l:(
sni
ff
ed)i
m scar
edmamapl
easecomeand
getme
Lucas:aunt
yMayahi
Maya:Lucas?
Lucas:yesaunt
y
Maya:whathappened?
Lucas:Her
byandiwentt
othetuckshopandwhen
wecamebackwef oundApr
ilcr
yingwit
hNyasha
smackingher
Maya:(swal
lowedasherst
omacht
urned)whatdi
d
shebeatherwit
h?
Lucas:shepi
nchedher
,st
rangl
edherandbeather
wit
hherf l
op
Maya:(
swal
lowed)ok.Apr
il
?
Apr
il
:mama
Maya:i
m comi
ngokbabygi
rl
Apr
il
:pl
easehur
ryup
Maya:yesmyl
ove.Lucas?
Lucas:aunt
y?
Maya:donott
ellanyoneyoucal
ledmeok
Lucas:yesaunt
y
Maya:andplease,pl
easedon'
tlett
heki
dsoutof
yoursi
ghtunti
ligetther
e
Lucas:yesaunt
yiwon'
t
Maya:andt
hankyousomuchmyboy
Lucas:i
t'
snotapr
obl
em aunt
y
Maya:bye
Lucas:bye

TheyhungupasMayascof
fedput
ti
ngonher
sl
ipper
sgoi
ngt
oputwat
eront
hest
ove.
..

Maya:neveri
nmyl i
fehaveieverputmyhandon
mykidsandsomespoi l
tbratt
hinksshehast
he
ri
ghttodoso?(Scof
fed)Lordpl
easehelpme
cont
rolmysel
fwhenigetthere.

Shewentbacktot
hebedroom andl
ookedata
snor
ingBi
ancaandshookherheadwhil
echoosi
ng
whattowear
..
.

Maya:samegoest ot hi
sone.Sheneverl ear
ns.Im
al
waystell
ingherBiancayouhavet obecar eful
whenyouhangoutwi thpeopleyoudon'tknowata
cl
uborbarbecausenoonecanbet rustedbutno
sheneverl
istensandal lt
heyalwayssayi st
hati
haveannoyingtendencies.Iwoul
dratherhave
annoyi
ngtendenciesbecauseihaveki dstothinkof

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandswi
tchedont
hei
ron.I
n
MochudiRonaopenedt
hebedr
oom whereLucas
wassleepi
ngwit
htheki
dsandfr
owned..
.

Rona:di
dinotsayApr
ilwi
llsl
eepwi
thNyasha?
Lucas:af
terhowshetr
eat
edheryest
erday?Iwas
nevergoi
ngtoall
owthatt
ohappen
Rona:who'
shousei
sthi
sLucas?
Lucas:your
s
Rona:t
henwhyar
eyougoi
ngagai
nstmyor
der
s?
Lucas:soishoul
dwat
chachi
ldgetabused?
Rona:noonewasbeingabused.Nyashawas
puni
shingApr
ilf
ort
ryingt
ogot hr
oughherphone
Lucas:i
sthathowyoupuni sha3yearol
d?Ist
hat
howyoupuni shedyourki
dswhentheywere3year
s
ol
d?
Rona:don'
tinsul
tmeLucas
Lucas:youwoul
dsaythati
mi nsul
ti
ngyoubecause
youarenotusedtobei
ngtol
dt het
rut
h
Rona:heebat
hongt
hischi
ld?
Lucas:al
lyoudoi
sbeli
eveyourchi
ldr
en'sli
esand
whatevert
hati
swronghappensinyoureyesyou
seeitasok
Rona:Lucas!
Lucas:nochildisgoingtobet
r eat
edl i
keananimal
whil
eim sti
llaround.Whycan'
tyout r
eataunt
y
Maya'skidsthesamewayyout reatus?Isit
becauseofthemoneyourmot herf l
ashesbefor
e
younotknowi ngwher ei
tcomesf rom?
Rona:i
m notgoi
ngt
ost
andf
ort
his
Lucas:aunt
yMayamightnothaveever
ythi
ngbut
she'
shumanaswellasherkids.I
m goi
ngtobrush
myt eet
hcomeguys

Hesaidgetti
ngoffbedasthekidsfol
lowedhim
makingsuretheywalkasfarastheycouldfr
om
thei
rgrandmother
.Ronascoffedandclappedonce
goingt
ot hel
ivi
ngroom..
.
Rona:unbel
ievable,
Nyashayouwon'
tbel
ievewhat
yourbrot
herjustsai
dtome

AtLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Theyoungboywashedhi sfaceandusedt he
mout hwasht or insehi smout h.Hewentbacki nt o
thebedr oom andl ookedar oundatal ltheused
condomsandl ubricantssat chets.Hecheckedi f
Lewi swasst illasleepandst ar t
edgoi ngthroughhi s
thi
ngs.Hef oundanempt ybag, t
ookhi sexpensi ve
perfume, twoRol exwat ches,hisphoneandl eftthe
smal lone.HeshockLewi sbutheshowednosi gns
offullywakingupandgr abbedhi spant ssear ching
them wher ehecameoutwi t
hhi swal l
et.Hef ounda
fewP200not esandsmi l
edtakingt hem thent ook
hisbigphoneagai n.I tneededaf ingerprinttoopen
ashet ookhishandandscannedi t.Hewent
throughhi smessagesandf ound2ewal let
messagesoft hemoneyamount ingto2K.Hedi aled
thecodet or edeem t heewal letsandf oundt hatt hey
werestil
lthereandcr eatedanewpin.Hepunched
i
nhi sphonenumberanddi al
edhimselfthensaved
Lewis'
scont actandal sosavedtheewalletpi
non
hisphone.Hewentt ot heset
ti
ngsandf ormatt
ed
everyt
hinginLewi s'
sphonel eavi
ngitasgoodas
new.Hel ookedaroundt oseewhatelsehecould
getbutitwasal l
.Het ookoutLewis'
ssimcar dand
l
eft.
..

Guy:heyi
mleavi
ng
Lewi
s:(
inhi
ssl
eep)mmh

Theguyscof fedshakinghisheadandmadehi s
wayoutgr abbing3bot t
lesofwineand2bottl
esof
whiskeyfrom Lewisrag.Hecheckedhiscoastand
i
twascl earasheheadedt othenear
estshoppi
ng
complexwi t
hanFNBat m.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..
Lornasangintheki
tchenmakingbr eakfastforher
famil
ywhileherki
dscamedowni ntheirchurch
clot
hes.Theyfr
ownedshockedatt heirmot her'
s
goodmoodandwentt otheki
tchen...

Appl
e:andt
hen?
Lorna:t
houghticouldwakeupandwhi
psomet
hing
formykidsbeforetheygotochur
ch
Saint
:thi
sisafir
sthonest
lyspeaki
ng.Youhave
neverdonethi
s
Lorna:(
smi l
ed)let
'sj
ustsayt
her
e'sal
waysaf
ir
st
ti
mef oreveryt
hing
Appl
e:i
m happyandt
hef
oodl
ooksgood
Lorna:(
whisper
ed)al
lthankst
oPat
ience'
sreci
pe
bookpleasedon'
ttel
lonme
Appl
e:myl
ipsar
eseal
ed
Sai
nt:soar
emi
ne
Lor
na:t
hat
'smybabi
es
Appl
e:sowhatchangedimeanyouwer
enott
he
samewomanwhenyoul
eftt
hedi
ningt
abl
elast
night
Lor
na:(wi
thahugesmil
eon)l
et'
sjustsaymommy
anddaddyar
edoingok
Appl
e:(
smi
led)oh?That
'sgr
eatnews
Lor
na:ohyesfr
om nowonyouwi
llneverhearme
compl
aini
ngaboutdaddy
Sai
nt:i
m happywhenyouar
emama
Lorna:thankyoumyki
ds.Nowmakeyoursel
ves
usefulandhelpmeputt
hefoodont
hetable(t
hey
di
d)
Duncan:ohgoodmorni
ngf ami
lyar
eyou
ki
ds..
.ooohl
ooksl
ikeafeast
Ki
ds:mor
ningdad
Lor
na:morni
ngithoughticoul
dmakesomethi
ng
ni
ceforusyouknow.Whyar eyoudr
essedup?
Duncan:(
kissedhercheek)thankyoulove.I
t
houghtwecoul dj
ointhekidsatchurchtoday
Ki
ds:(
gaspedshocked)what
!?
Duncan:(smi
ledandchuckl
ed)yeski
dsdon'
tbe
shocked
Lor
na:andyoudi
dn'
ttel
lme?Ohl
oveyouknowt
hat
ial
wayswanttol
ookgood.
Duncan:honeyyoucangogetr
eadywhi
leweeat
.
I
sn'ti
tkids?
Ki
ds:yesdad
Appl
e:pl
uswehaveanhourandhal
funt
ilchur
ch
st
art
s
Lor
na:okt
henl
etmegetgoi
ng

Shechuckl
edgoi
ngupwhi
leDuncansmi
ledsi
tt
ing
down.
..

Duncan:sodotheyaskforvi
sit
orst
oint
roduce
t
hemselvesatchurch?
Sai
nt:yesdadandyouhavet
otel
lthem whoyou
camewi t
h
Duncan:ohwowok.(
Tookabi
tef
rom t
hemuf
fi
n)
ni
ceone
Apple:youdon'tknowhowhappyiam t
hatyou
guysarecomi ngwithust
ochurchnomoreSunday
soccerright
?
Duncan:iwokeupf
eel
inghol
ytoday
Sai
nt:i
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeagr
eatweek
Appl
e:youcansayt
hatagai
n

Theyl aughedandduginwhil
et hei
rmot
hergot
ready.Duncankeptmakingfacesashecouldtel
l
thatthefoodtast
edjustl
iket
hatofPati
ence.

Att
hebar
racks.
..

Inhisboxer
sandvestMopat isati
nfrontofhis
computerwhilegoi
ngthroughhisti
meline.Hi
s
fri
endtookhishookupoutandgaveheraf ew
notesandwentbackintothehouse..
.
Man:yohmanthatgi
rl
sasst
ami
naf
ordaysshe
keptmegoi
ngallni
ght
Mopat
i:yeahandyouguyswer
emakingnoi
set
he
whol
enightihadt
oputonmyearphones
Man:(l
aughed)sor
rybruhbutitiswhatitisga
monateolemotsil
ewenawai t
se(wheni t
stooni
ce
youknow)youcan'tcont
rolyourexpr
essions
Mopat
i:amandoesn'
tscr
eam l
ikeyouwer
e
scr
eamingmanao
Man:aifuckoff.Yoursacisf
ullsoidon'
tbl
ame
youforbeingnegati
ve.Anywaywhat'sup?Whatar
e
youl
ookingat
Mopati:ewwbr uhatl
eastgobrushyourt
eethor
somethingfi
rstonkekgel
akatsana(youmouth
smel
lsl i
kepussy)
Man:(l
aughed)got
ohel
l.Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngt
hat
gi
rlup?
Mopati
:iwantt
hisgi
rlbr
uh.Ther
e'snowayMopat
i
canbedit
chedandrej
ectedl
iket
hatmannoway
Man:wow
Mopati:i
m aladi
esmanmyguy.Ladi eswor shi
pthe
groundiwalkonsoifthi
sgir
lthi
nksshe'sgoingto
comeatmel iket
hatthenshehasanotherthing
coming
Man:soyouar
egoi
ngt
ofi
ghtf
orapussyyounever
got
?
Mopat i:kegoreiwantt oshowherthatshe'
s
not hi
ng.Nomat terhowgr oundedandsmar tshe
thinkssheisshewi l
llear
nwhoMopat ii
s.Im not
givingupunt i
lim betweenthosebeaut
if
ulthighs
Man:al
lthebestbuddy
Mopat
i:idon'
tneedl
uckiknowmygame
Man:yeahr
ightyetyouf
ail
edt
osecur
eherl
ast
ni
ght
Mopati:thi
sisjustachall
engeineedt
ogetthr
ough.
Trustmei m goingtogett
hisgi
rlandi
m goi
ngtodo
unimaginablethingst
oher
Man:okbuddy
Mopati
:she'sdesper
atesoI'
m goi
nggetherf
rom
t
hatangle.Whichremindsmeihavet
ocallmy
f
ri
end
Man:desper atebutver ysmar t
.Nnaiwantt hatsi
s
bhutifr
iendofher s.Hehonest lyi
nsul
tedmesoi
wanttogethi m af ewboyst ot
eachhim agood
l
essonmaybet henhewi llrememberthathe'sa
manandst optryingtobeawoman.Obona
l
efatshelelwalaj aana(thisiswhytheworldissick)
i
t'
sidiotli
kehi m.Oki l
ewabonakaemonnaagor a
sebonosamonnayomongwe( howdoesamanl ick
anotherman' sass)andt heycomewi thfancy
wordsbar erimmi ngsies
Mopat
i:(
frowned)howdoyouknowsucht
hings?
Man:i
tdoesn'
tmatter
,whatmattersi
st hat
someonehastosendamessaget othebewi t
ched
guyswhowanttobewomen.( Cli
ckedhistongue)
mygulli
seventur
ningtal
kingaboutthem fok

Hesaidgoi
ngtot
heki
tchenwhil
eMopat
iscof
fed
andshookhi
sheadmakingacal
l.
AtTi
tus'
shouse.
..

Hefini
shedmakingbread,eggsandj
uicef
orhi
s
f
ianceeanddi
aledhissist
er..
.

Maya:(
rever
singout
)br
o
Ti
tus:hiMayawhyar
eyoupant
ing?
Maya:justj
umpedint
omycari
m goi
ngt
ogetmy
ki
dsfrom Mochudi
Ti
tus:why?Theschool
sar
enotyetopenmoss?
Maya:Nyashabeatmydaught
eryest
erdayTi
tus
i
magine
Ti
tus:yohanywayiwant
edt
otal
ktoyouaboutyour
si
tuati
on
Maya:ohok
Ti
tus:Lesediandil
ookedt
hroughourfinancesand
wemanagedt of
indsomet
hingforyou
Maya:ohok?
Ti
tus:yes,
yousai
dtheschoolf
eesdebti
show
muchagain?
Maya:7K
Ti
tus:okwewil
lgi
veyou75%oft
hatibel
ievet
hey
wi
llall
owyourchi
ldr
enback
Maya:(si
ghedoutofrel
ief
)thankyousomuch.Yes
5.2Ki
sal otofmoneyiwil
lbeabletocovert
he
remai
ningwhenigetpaid
Ti
tus:good.Doyouhavegr
ocer
ies?
Maya:(
sighed)no.Ihadsomecashbutihadt
ouse
i
t
Ti
tus:onwhatMaya?
Maya:(cl
enchedhert
eet
h)Luke,
hewasi
na
si
tuat
ion
Ti
tus:agai
nMaya?Real
ly?
Maya:broyouknowhowLukeget
swhenidon'
t
helphi
m.Healwaysthr
eat
enst
otaket
hekidsaway
fr
om me
Ti
tus:buthe'
snotwor
kingdoyout
hinkt
he
magi
strat
ewoul
dlethi
m?ComeonMayat
hinkl
ike
amotheroft
wo
Maya:wellhehasanablemotherwhoisableto
takecar
eofthekidsiontheot
herhandhaveno
one.Mom isnotworki
ngorhasnobusiness,you
haveyourownproblemsandidon'
twanttotalk
aboutPreci
ous
Tit
us:weneedt osortthisissueonceandforall
Lukecan'tkeepusi
ngt hesamecar donyoual lt
he
ti
me.Wher edoeshet hinkyougetthemoney?
(Mayasighed)anywayi m goingtodogrocer
y
shoppi
ngf orussoiwi l
lgetaf ewthi
ngsforyoutoo.
Comegett hem whenyoucomebackf r
om Mochudi
Maya:t
hankyousomuchbr
o
Ti
tus:nopr
obl
em.Anywaybyeanddr
ivesaf
e
Maya:bye

TheyhungupasMayasi
ghedoutofrel
iefwhi
le
Ti
tustookt
hefoodt
ohi
sfiancee.
..
Lesedi
:fi
nal
ly
Ti
tus:ij
ustspoket
oMaya
Lesedi
:okihopeyousenthert
hemoney
Ti
tus:i
m goi
ngtosenditnowshealsoneeds
gr
oceri
essoim goi
ngtogetafewthingsf
orher
whenimakeours
Lesedi
:(smi
led)youdon'
tknowhowhappyt
hat
makesme
Ti
tus:yeahbutt
her
e'sLukel
ovehe'
susi
ngmy
si
sterandit
'st
imet
oputastoptoit
Lesedi
:dowhat
everyoucanbabe.Mayaisagood
womanshedeservesal
lthegoodthi
ngs

Hesighedtaki
nghi
sphoneandwentt
hroughhi
s
f
inances.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..
Lovemorewhist
ledcomi
ngdownasPr
eci
ous
smiledl
ooki
ngonherphone.
..

Precious:soloveiwasthi
nki
ngt
hatmaybewe
could..
.(
frowned)wher
eareyouofft
osoear
ly?
Lovemore:ihaveafar
m andher
dment
olookaf
ter
.
Im goi
ngtospendthedaywit
hthem
Pr
eci
ous:dr
inki
ngandeat
ingourl
ivest
ock?
Lovemore:i
t'
sli
keyouknowiaskedt
hem t
o
sl
aughteragoat.Myl
ivest
ocki
fyouaremi
staken
dear.
Preci
ous:Lovemor
edoyour
eal
iseyouneverspend
ti
mewi t
hme?Ibookedusamassageatthi
sspa
andi.
..
Lovemor e:cal
loneofyourhousewi f
ef r
iendswho
knownot hingbuttospendtheirhusband'smoney
andgot herewithher(sheswallowed)realwomen
andwivesar eeit
heratchurchwi t
htheirmanorat
thefar
m wi tht
heirhusbands.Thosepeopl ewor
king
forus,oopsimeanme, arehumanbei ngsnot
robot
ssot
heyal
sodeser
vesomet
imeoutandt
o
unwind
Pr
eci
ous:(
sof
tl
y)wow
Lovemore:im goi
ngtocomehomelat
edon'twait
up.Isuggestyoueatwher
everyouwi
llbesothat
youdon'twastethef
oodinmyhouse
Preci
ous:Lovemoreyouar
ehur
ti
ngmet
hisi
s
emotionalabuse
Lovermore:(
kissedhercheek)il
eftyout
he
pl
atinum car
dont hebedsideyouknowit'
s
unli
mitedsohavef un.Ci
ao

Hesaidtaki
ngthekeysofhi
sLandCruiserand
headedoutwhi
lePreci
ousswal
lowedlookingat
hi
m dri
veout.

Att
hef
uel
ingst
ati
on.
..

Mayasi
ghedaf
terput
ti
ngpr
essur
eonhert
ir
esand
gotbackinhercar
.Shet
ri
edt
ost
artt
heengi
neasi
t
fai
ledandfr
owned..
.

Maya:ahahnaar
ekebat
iyaeng?(
Whatbadl
ucki
s
t
his)

Shesai dtr
yingagainbutitfail
ed.Shesatbackand
sighedanddecidedt otryforthelastti
mebuti t
fail
ed.Sheputont hehazar dsandgotof finher
shortsandanover sizedwoolsweat erandopened
thebonnet.Shecheckedever ythi
ngbuti twasokas
shewentt otryitagainbutfail
ed.Notici
ngt hi
s
Joshuagotof fhiscarashepar kedbehi ndherand
wentt oher.
..

Joshua:hiar
eyouok?
Maya:mycarwon'
tst
artbutever
ythi
ngseemsok
Joshua:ar
eyousur
e?
Maya:yeah
Joshua:pl
easeopent
hebonnetagai
n

Shedi
dwhi
lehef
oldedhi
sshi
rtandchecked.
..

Maya:and?
Joshua:t
het
ermi
nal
sar
elooseyouneedt
orepl
ace
them
Maya:heebat
hong
Joshua:yesma'
am butwecanfastenthem upf
or
youfornowwithawirebutyouneedtorepl
ace
them assoonaspossi
bleandal
sogetanew
batt
ery
Maya:ahyahyah,
bat
ter
ygape?
Joshua:eemma.Wher
edoyoul
ive?
Maya:j
usti
nBr
oadhur
st
Joshua:her
e'smycard,mynameisJoshuaihavea
garageyoucanbringt
hecaroversot
hatmyguys
checkitupforyou
Maya:okt
hankyoubutiwi
llhavet
otr
yandsour
ce
outf
undsfi
rst
Joshua:nopr
obl
em butwhi
leyoudot
hatl
etme
grabawirei
nmycarandhelpyou

Hewentt ohiscarwhileMayasi ghedst

ressf
ull
y
bi
t i
ngherlowerl
ip.Joshuawor kedontheter
mi nal
s
andwasdonewi t
hinaf ewsecondsasMaya
start
edthecaragainandt hi
sti
mei tagr
eedwi t
h
her..
.

Maya:(
sighed)t
hankyousomuch
Joshua:notapr
obl
em butdon'
tfor
gett
ogeti
n
touch
Maya:eer
ra

Shesai
ddr
ivi
ngof
fandsi
ghed.
..

Maya:onet
hingaf
tert
heot
herwheni
sawoman
goi
ngt
ocat
chabr
eak.Mxm

Shesai
dcareful
lyj
oini
ngthemainr
oadasher
phonerepor
tedamessage.I
twasthemoneyfrom
Ti
tusasshesmiledandsenthi
m atext
.Sheputt
he
phonedownasitrang.
..

Maya:bat
hongi
m dr
ivi
ng.Hel
lo?
Voi
ce:hel
loi
m ispeaki
ngt
oMmagweApr
il
?
Maya:(
frowned)yeswhoi
m it
alki
ngt
o?
Voi
ce:youar
espeaki
ngt
oDrMuambai
nMar
ina
ma'
am
Maya:(
frowned)ok?
Dr:ma'
am wegotyournumberf
rom Luke'
sphone
asyouarethel
astper
sonhespoketo
Maya:(
hear
tski
pped)ok?
Dr:MrLukewasi nvol
vedinaterr
ibl
eacci
dent
ma'am anditsnotl
ookinggood.Heneedsspeci
al
servi
cesthatwedon'thavei
nthiscount
ry
Maya:(heartr
aci
ng)wai
twhatdoyoumeani
t
doesn'
tlookgood?
Dr:he'si
nbetweenli
feanddeathma'am al
lthe
otherpeopl
ehewaswi thpassedononthespot
he'stheonl
ysurvi
vorbutshouldwenotgethimthe
helpheneedsASAPhe' sgoi
ngt ol
eaveus
Maya:(si
ghed)okri
ghtnowI'
mrunni
ngforan
emergencyiwil
lbether
eassoonasi
m done
Dr
:pl
easehur
ry
Maya:bye(
shehungupandgr
unt
ed)ur
ghdammi
t
Luke!Dammitmanah!

Shesaidhi
tt
ingt
hebackbumperoft
hecari
nfr
ont
ofherandsi
ghed.
..

Maya:j
ustgr
eat
.Ur
gh!
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
14:
10] :AKEPTWOMAN
08

Thecarinthefr
ontputonthehazardsaswellas
Mayaast heybot
hgotout.AladydressedinanLV
tr
acksui
t,amatchi
ngcapwi t
hherhumanhai r
weavecameoutwhi leonherfeetwer
eGuccifur
sandal
s.Mayainstantl
yknewshewasi nfori
t.
..

Lady:andt
hen?
Maya:im sosorryma'
am ihonest
lydon'
tknowhow
il
ostcontroloft
hecar
Lady:howwouldyouknowwhi ledr
ivi
ngavit
z?Do
youknowhowmuchf i
xingaBMW bumpercosts?
Notevenyourcheapsweatercomesclose
Maya:I
'
m sosor
ryma'
am canwecal
lthepol
ice
maybe?
Lady:doilookli
keihaveti
met owastewithuseless
poli
ceoff
icers?Justgeti
nyourcheapcaranddr ive
offyouareluckyi
t'
sjustasmallscr
atch.Becareful
nextti
meyouwon' tmeetsomeoneasni ceasi
(Mayaquietl
ywentintohercar
)whatdoesshe
thi
nkicanexpectfrom someonedri
vingsucha
wornoutcar .Mxm

Shesaidget
ti
ngbackinhercarandsteppedont
he
accel
erat
orspeedi
ngoffwhi
leMayashookher
headandconti
nuedwit
hherjourney.
..

Maya:therear
eal otofPreciouspersonal
it
iesi
n
thi
swor l
dneh(sighed)anywayyouhaveenough
probl
emst obefocusingonf akeri
chwomen.
(Scof
fed)obonaLukeeneahnot hi
smanr eall
y
knowshowt ogetonmyl astnerve

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandcont
inuedt
odr
ive.20
minutesl
atershepar
kedi
nfr
ontofhermot
her
's
gateandwentinsi
de.
..

Maya:knockknock
Apr
il
:(shout
edexci
ted)mama!Her
ber
tisher
eto.
..
Nyasha:aimanshutupcan'
tyouhearyouar
e
makingnoise!
?
Maya:(
openedthedoorwi
thafr
ownonherf
ace)
andwho'schi
ldar
eyoutal
kingt
oli
ket
hat
?
Nyasha:whydoesshehavet
oshoutl
iket
hat
?
Maya:Nyashadoyouhaveachi
ldofyourown?
Rona:Mayawhatar
eyou.
..
Maya:youshutupbecauseyouf orcemet obri
ng
mychi l
drenher
eonl yf
orthem t
obeabused.You
didthatt
omebuti m notgoingt
oletyoudothatto
them.Nyashawher edoyougetoffputt
ingyour
handsonmychi ld?Aresick?
Nyasha:whatwasshelooki
ngf
ori
nmyphone?A
phoneyoucan'tevenaf
for
d
Maya:(scoff
ed)imightnotaffor
ditbutatl
easti
knowwher eigetthemoneyiliveoff
.I'
m nother
eto
exchangewor dswit
hspoil
tkidsli
keyouwi t
hno
dir
ecti
oninli
feim heret
otakemyki ds.Guysgoget
yourthi
ngs(theyrantothebedroom wit
hLucas)
Rona:howdi
dyouknowaboutt
his?
Maya:i
tdoesn'tmatt
erthi
ngisyouareevi
lRona
andiwi
llnevertr
ustyouwithmykids
Rona:howdar
eyouspeakt
omel
iket
hat
?
Maya:aft
erf
ail
ingt
obeagrandmothertomyki
ds?
Icanspeakt
oyouhoweveriwant
.April
,Her
ber
t!
Hurr
yup
Nyasha:sheowesmeanapol
ogy
Maya:(chuckl
ed)youmustbesick.Youar
etheone
whoneedst oapol
ogisetoherbutwedon'
tneedi
t.
Youareananimaljustli
keyourmother
Nyasha:i
m goi
ngt
otel
lmymom
Maya:youthinki
m scaredofher
?Runof fnanarun
offt
oherandt el
lheriwil
lbewai
tingonher.You
candoallt
hingsbutnotonmyki ds.Idon'
tcar
e
wetheryouar
eachildornotbutiwi
llal
ways
def
endmychi l
dren
Rona:r
egoutl
wil
eMayatsayabanabagagoo
tsamaekwaah(wehear
dyouMayat akeyourki
ds
andgo)
Maya:Gu.
..

Theycamewi
tht
hei
rbagsaswel
lasLucas.
..

Rona:andt
henwena?
Lucas:i
m goi
ngwi
tht
hem
Nyasha:excuseme?
Lucas:Aunt
yMayai
sfamil
ysoiwi
llbesaf
ewi
th
them.Canicomewi
thaunt
y?
Maya:yesmyboy
Nyasha:youar
egoi
ngt
ohavet
oexpl
aint
omom
why..
.
Maya:isai
dcal
lher
,sheknowsmyhouseshe'
s
mor ethanwelcomebutwar nherthatiwi
llbei
nmy
terr
it
orysoiwon'thesit
ateondoinganythingt
o
standupf ormysel
f.Let
'sgo

Sheledthewayoutasthekidsf
ollowedher.
NyashaandRonalookedatthem standi
ngbythe
fr
ontdoorwit
hthei
rli
pscurved.
..

Nyasha:Lucasr
eal
lyl
ovesdr
aggi
ngournamei
n
t
hemud
Rona:don'
twor
ryhewi
llbebackher
einnot
ime.
Come

Shecli
ckedhertongueast heywentbackinthe
house.I
nthecar,thekidssatatthebackwhil
e
Lucassati
nthef rontpassangerseatandsmil
ed
putt
ingaseatbelton..
.

Lucas:wear
egoi
ngt
ohavet
hebesthol
idaysguys
Bot
h:yeay!
Maya:(
smi
led)ar
eyouokApr
il
?
Apr
il
:yesmama
Maya:l
etmeseeyout
highs

Shecheckedherasherhear
tbr
okeseei
ngthel
it
tl
e
nai
lmarksNyashalef
tonherdaught
er.
..

Maya:don'
twor
ryyouar
esaf
enowok
Apr
il
:yesmama
Maya:i
m goi
ngt
odropyouguysoffatuncl
eTi
tus'
s
houset
hengoat
tendt
osomethingthencomef
or
youokguys
Al
l:ok

Sherever
sedandjoi
nedtheroadwhil
eLucas
connect
edhisphoneandplayedsomemusic.
I
nLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Hegr
unt
edopeni
nghi
seyesashi
sheadpounded.
..

Lewi
s:booboo

Hesaidt
ouchi
ngtheempt
ybedsi
deandf
rowned
r
ubbinghi
seyes.
..

Lewis:uhu.Boyboy?Areyoui nt
hebathroom?
Shona?(Hesaidgett
ingoffbed)babes?(hegotno
responseandscoff
ed)pleasedon'tbeburni
ngmy
kit
chentryi
ngtomakemebr eakf
ast

Hesaidopeni
ngthebedroom doori
natowelonl
y
butf
rownedtonosmelloffoodnorasi
gnofa
humanbeing.
..
Lewi
s:bat
hongshoshowher
ear
eyou?

Hewentbacki nther
oom andscof
fedyawning
seeingallt
hecondomsandemptylubr
icant
satchet
s...

Lewis:bathongtlhekel et
sekethugi
lwekesenatl
a
(ir
eall
ygotf uckedlastnight
)1,2,3,
4,5.
..
.hee
bathong6r oundsbat hongret
lathuj
wadipopel
oke
bana(thesekidswi l
lkil
lus)

Hesaidpicki
ngupever yt
hinganddisposedthem.
Heyawnedagai nandreachedunderhispil
lowt o
checkhisphonebuttherewasnoneashef r
owned
andlookedonthebedsideonlytoseehissmal lone
wit
hasi mcardonit.
..

Lewi
s:uhu
Hesai
dtaki
nghispantsandtookouthi
swall
etonl
y
t
ofi
ndhiscardsandIDwithnosignofmoney.
..

Lewis:ehehiknowihadabout600bucksi
nher
e.
Okae?(Shouted)shosho?Heebat
hongl
ona
(r
emember ed)myRol exwat
ches

Hesaidrunni
ngtohisclosetonl
ytofi
ndempt y
casesashishear
tskippedabeat.Hecheckedfor
theper
fumeandtherewasnosi gnofit
..
.

Lewi
s:nt
ateModi
mot
hisi
snothappeni
ng,
no!

Heranofft
ot heli
vingroom t
ocheckforhi
salcohol
andnot
icedthat5bot t
lesweremi
ssing.3wines
and2whiskeys..
.

Lewi
s:bat
hongwee!
Helookedoutsidecheckingforhi
scarandf oundi
t
ashesighedoutofr el
ief
.Her anbacktot
he
bedr
oom andl ookedforthecarkeysandsighed
fi
ndi
ngt hem.
..

Lewis:l
ababonabasi manebadiblacklabel
?Wago
nwa,gatswaf oowagojaaboagout swela,
mmagwest l
hako!(
Youseet heseyoungboys, you
spendinthem, t
heyfuckyouandstealfrom you.
Sonofabi t
ch)

Heangr
il
ysai
dgrabbi
nghi
ssmal
lphoneanddi
aled
Bi
ancawhogrunt
edwaki
ngupt
oapoundinghead
aswel
l.
..

Bi
anca:hel
lo?
Lewis:t
sogamonnakejel
wekengwanaaboa
nkutswel
aantopaneenkgangpodi(wakeup.Igot
fuckedbyachil
dandhestol
efrom mewithhis
goatsmell
ingpeni
s)
Bi
anca:(
conf
used)huh?
Lewis:wenaosetopowait
se.Fot
sekmonna,
okae?
(Youareacorpse,wher
eareyou)
Bi
anca:l
ooksl
ikeMaya'
sbedr
oom (
smel
ledt
he
bl
anket
s)yesi
tsMaya'
shouse.
Lewis:okstaythereim coming( hecl
ickedhis
tonguehangingup)mogol eret
janamoket si
lego
gokapa( i
m goingtocat chthatsmallboy).Noone
hasmyper fumei nthi
st own.Bloodymor onant ot
o
emagwat asies

Hechanged,
grabbedhi
scarkeysandl
eftl
eavi
ng
ever
ythi
ngasitwas.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Shegotoffhercarandmadeherwayi
nwher
eshe
foundPr
eciousgett
ingr
eady.
..
Nal
e:aommaPr
eci
ousyouar
enotyetdone?
Preci
ous:I
'
llbedonej
ustnowbabes.Gr
abagl
ass
ther
e
Nal
e:andineedi
t
Pr
eci
ous:why?
Nal
e:somestupi
dgi
rlbumpedi
ntomybl
ackbeaut
y
kavi
tzimagi
neawholevi
tz
Pr
eci
ous:(
laughed)i
m sor
ryl
ove.I
sitt
hatbad?
Nal
e:noijusthavet
opai
ntt
hescr
atcht
hat
'swhyi
l
ethergo
Preci
ous:youshoul
dhavemadeherpayfori
t.
Thesetwotimi
ngcit
ybit
chesar
eannoying
Nale:idon'thaveti
metoberunni
ngupanddown
wit
hki ds.Shelookspoorsoah
Preci
ous:(l
aughed)ohwow(
camedown)i
m done
babeslet
'sgo
Nal
e:yourcarormi
ne?
Preci
ous:mi
ne,
lett
hebl
ackbeaut
yrestshehas
beenthr
oughalot
Nal
e:youcansayt
hatagai
n(t
heyl
aughed)wher
e's
MrK?
Pr
eci
ous:busyr
unni
ngupanddownyouknowhow
muchofabusymanheis
Nal
e:wel
lhe'samansohehast
oworktomake
sur
ehiswif
eandhomearei
ngoodshape
Pr
eci
ous:t
hankyoubabe

Theysmil
edgett
ingi
nPreci
ousBMW converti
ble.
Sheopenedther
oofwhil
eNalepour
edthem
gl
assesofchampagneandputi
nabitofjui
ce..
.

Nal
e:mi
mosasundaysl
ove
Precious:mi
mosasundayhoney.Her
ecomest
he
realhousewi
vesofGabsCi
ty

Theylaughedasshedroveoutaftert
heguards
openedforher
.Thescarfstheyti
edonthei
rheads
gotblownbythewindwhiletheysangal
ongt o
someol
dsongssnappi
ngt
hei
rfi
nger
s.

I
nMar
ina.
..

Af
terdr
oppi
ngtheki
dsatTitus'
shousesheshot
st
rai
ghtt
othehospi
talwher
esheaskedf orDr
Muambaandwasdirectedt
ohisoff
ice.
..

Dr
:comei
n
Maya:hel
lodoct
or.I
tsmmagweApr
il
Dr:ohhel
loihadal
readycal
ledhi
smot
heraswel
l
she'
sonherway
Maya:ohok.Whathappeneddoct
or?
Dr:Lukewasinvol
vedi
nacaracci
dentl
ikeisaid
ma'am i
twasaverybadacci
dentt
hatal
lhisfri
ends
peri
shedonthespot
Maya:yousai
dheneedsspeci
alser
vicewhati
sthe
pr
oblem?
Dr:heneedsaneur ol
ogistandhastogot hrougha
heartsur
geryhemi ghtneedanarti
fi
cialheart
becauseithonest
lydoesn'tl
ookgood
Maya:yohsoal
loft
hesecan'
tbedoneher
e?
Dr
:unf
ort
unat
elynotma'
am
Maya:howmuchwi
llt
hewhol
epr
ocesscost
?
Dr
:ar
ounda100K
Maya:heebat
hong!
?
Dr
:yesma'
am
Maya:but
..
.
MmaLuke:( opened)wher
e'smysonshowmemy
sonrightnow!(Scoff
ed)whyim inotsur
pri
sedto
fi
ndt hewit
chhere.Soyouareheretocheckifhe'
s
real
lygoneright
?
Dr
:Ma'
am pl
easecal
m down
MmaLuke:don'tt
ellmet ocal
m down.Thiswit
ch
wantsmysondead.I fyouthi
nkyouandyour
bast
ardchil
drenaregoingtobenefi
tanyt
hingfr
om
hi
sdeaththenyouhaveanot hert
hingcoming
Dr
:ma'
am
MmaLuke:iwantmychi
ldokandiwanthi
m now
Maya:Dronel
astquest
ion
Dr
:yes
MmaLuke:moset
sana(
gir
ly)isai
dleave!
Maya:whoar
ethepeopl
ehewaswi
thDr
?
Dr
:if
orgott
hei
rnamesbutt
heywer
epol
iceof
fi
cer
s
Maya:(
frowned)oh
MmaLuke:naar
eyouar
est
il
lher
e?Isai
dleave
Maya:( fr
owned)heemmat l
hekeat samayanaar eo
tshosit
swekeeng?( I
m goingwhat '
swr ongwith
you)fir
stofallyouruselessemptyheadson
swindledmoneyf rom mesayi nghewasi ntr
ouble
withthepolicewhilehewasgoi ngtobuyal cohol
withitandyouknowwhat ,goodriddancehegoti n
anacci dent
.Heknowst hatim str
uggl i
ngwithhis
kidsandhedoesn' tpaybuthehast hegutsto..
.
MmaLuke:aimanisai
dfot
sekoutofher
e!(
She
sai
dpushi
ngherout)
Maya:iwi
shhedi
esbecausehei
sofnousei
nthi
s
wor
ld.Sonofabi
tch!

ShepushedMmaLukebackandcl
ickedhertongue
l
eavi
ngwhilet
hedoct
orshookhi
sheadsitt
ing
down.
..

MmaLuke:t
hisi
showwitchesbehave.Drt
ellme
whatmysonneedsnow
Dr
:he.
..
Voi
ce:DrMuambaemergencyyouar
eneededi
n
I
CU402, DrMuambaI
CU402needsyou
Dr
:(gr
abbedhi
sst
ethoscope)i
m sor
ryineedt
ogo.
MmaLuke:ahahbut
..
.
Dr
:ma'
am i
t'
syoursonineedt
ogo
MmaLuke:what
!?

Shesai
dgr
abbi
ngherbagandr
anaf
tert
hedoct
or.
AtMaya'
shouse.
..

Shearri
vedatt
hesameti
mewi t
hLewi
sashe
openedthegat
eanddr
ovein.
..

Lewi
s:wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
Maya:f
rom Mochudi
.Iwentt
ocol
lectmyki
ds.Why
ar
eyouhere?
Lewi
s:col
lectyourki
ds,
why?
Maya:someonedeci
dedt
otur
nramboonmy
daught
er
Lewi
s:wher
ear
etheynow?
Maya:atmybrot
her
'shouseicamet
ochecki
f
Bi
ancaisawake
Bianca:yesi
m awakeopenf
orme.I
smycareven
safe?
Maya:whyar
eyouher
e?
Lewi
s:mmaopensot
hatit
ellyouguys
Bi
anca:howcanyoul
ockmeupi
nher
e?
Maya:youwant
edmet ol
eavet
hedoorunl
ocked
whi
leyouwerehal
fdead?
Bi
anca:gonemmewhathappenedl
astni
ght
?
Maya:youdr
ankspi
keddr
inkst
hat
'swhat
happened
Bi
anca:r
eal
lynow?
Maya:yesBi
ancawhydoyout
hinkiopt
edf
or
savanna?
Bi
anca:whydi
dn'
tyouwar
nmeMayadi
dtheyr
ape
me?
Maya:soyout hi
nkiwouldbethatcruelonyou?
Howmanyyear shavewebeenfri
endsf or
?Bynow
youshouldbeabletotel
lwheniturndownadr i
nk
andknowt hatsomethi
ngiswrong.Yourprobl
em i
s
thatyouguysalwayssayihaveannoying
tendenci
es
Lewi
s:okenoughguys.Ihavebeenr
obbed
Bot
h:what
!?
Lewis:iwokeupaloneinmyhouse,
myalcoholi
s
missing,t
woexpensivewat
ches,
mycol
ogneand
phoneaswel lasmymoney
Maya:whydi
dn'
tyoucal
lthepol
ice?
Lewis:andsaywhatt
ot hem?Hel
loihavebeen
robbedbysomeoneipickedatapar
tyandhad6
roundsofsexwit
h
Bot
h:heel
ang!
Bi
anca:t
sal
aammeosant
seol
epope?(
areyou
st
il
lwhol
e)

Mayaunexpectedl
ybursti
ntoal
oudl
aughwhi
le
Lewi
srol
ledhiseyes.
..

Lewi
s:st
opbei
ngsi
l
ly.Il
ostmyt
hingsher
e
Bianca:sor
rychomibutyoucoul
dhavej
ust
report
edthecri
mebabewher ear
eyougoi
ngtosee
him?
Lewi
s:ther
e'snoonewhohast
hatper
fumei
nthi
s
ci
tyyouknowt hat
Maya:andhel
ooksyoungyouknowist
il
l
r
ememberhisface
Lewis:doyouknowhowmuchallt
hosethi
ngsar
e?
Ibetyouhehascashedal
lmyewall
etsaswel
lao
Jeso
Maya:t
hisshoul
dteachyouguysalessonandt
o
beal
ert
.Ihavebeenrobbedaswel
l
Bot
h:uhu?
Maya:yeahbyLuke
Bi
anca:i
ja
Maya:hel i
edtomesayinghehasbeenchar ged
kantehewant edmoneyt ogodrinkwi t
hhisfri
ends.
1.5Kthatisavedforgr
ocerieshedecidesto
swindlei
tfrom meandgetdr unkbutonet hi
ngi
knowisthatiserveali
vingGod.I m notevi
lbutim
gladhegotinvolvedi
nanacci dent
Bi
anca:heel
ang
Maya:andhi
sli
fei
shangi
ngonat
hreadandihave
neverwishedhewasdeadlikenow.Imt i
redofhi
s
uselessasstheworl
dshoul
dj ustswal
lowhim up
wit
hhi sevi
lmother(
shecli
ckedhertongue)
Lewi
s:bat
hongMaya
Maya:yesLewisandimeanit
.Thatbast
ardhas
usedmeitsenoughlel
onagetupandgetoutofmy
yardi
m goi
ngtogetmykids
Bi
anca:whyar
eyouangr
ywi
thusnow?
Maya:guysjustgo.Thi
sweekendwasj
ustamess
wewillt
alk.Her
e'syourcarkey
Bi
anca:gar
elesagor
ekoba(
stopchasi
ngusout
)
Maya:ei
shbat
hongBi
ancacanyouguysj
ustgo
Bi
anca:i
jommawear
egoi
ngahah

Shetookhercarkeysfr
om Mayaandmadeherway
outasLewisfol
lowedher.Mayalockedupand
j
umpedbacki nhercarastheyfol
lowedone
anotherout
.Herphonerangasshef r
ownedatthe
unknownnumberandsi ghedpi
ckingup.
..
Maya:hel
lo?
Mopat
i:hiyouar
espeaki
ngt
oMopat
i
Maya:ohhi
Mopat
i:soyouhaven'
tfor
got
tenme?
Maya:ofcour
senot
Mopat
i:good.Wher
ear
eyou?
Maya:r
unni
ngsomeer
rands
Mopat
i:okletmenotkeepyou.Ij
ustwant
edtotel
l
yout
hatihavemanagedtoscoreyouanint
ervi
ew
atmyfri
end'sr
est
aurant
Maya:ohokpleaset
extmeal
lthedet
ail
sbecause
i
m dri
vingnow
Mopat
i:okiwi
ll
Maya:t
hankyou
Mopat
i:youwel
come.Youseeikeptmywor
d?
Maya:isai
dim dr
ivi
ng,
bye
Shehungupandfocusedontheroadwhil
eMopat
i
smil
edandsi
ghedsitt
ingbackonhischai
r.

THATAFTERNOON

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

Joshuasmil
edpul
li
ngoutachai
rforhisdateand
tookhi
sseatast
hewait
ercamefortheiror
der.
..

Joshua:mayipl
easehaver
ibs,
asal
adandabot
tl
e
ofdrywhit
ewineplease
Wai
ter
:oksi
r.Chi
ll
edornot
?
Joshua:notchi
ll
edpl
ease
Wai
ter
:ok.Ma'
am?
Tani
a:(
fli
ppedherhai
r)medi
um r
are500g
st
ake,
fr
ies,asal
adandabott
leofchampagne
pl
ease
Wait
er:ok.Youror
derwil
lbewit
hyoui
nabi
t.
Shoul
dibr i
ngthedri
nksnow?
Bot
h:yespl
ease(
hesmi
ledl
eavi
ng)
Joshua:sot
hisi
sTani
a
Tani
a:(
smi
led)yes
Joshua:sowhatdoesTani
ado?
Tani
a:i
m ani
nfl
uencer
Joshua:hmm.Ok.I
nfl
uenceri
nwhatsense?
Tani
a:ij
ustpostvar
ioust
hingsonmysoci
almedi
a
Joshua:anyt
hingal
i
gnedwi
thbi
gbr
ands?
Tani
a:notatt
hemomentbuti
m wor
kingoni
t
Joshua:doyouhavemanagement
?
Tani
a:no
Joshua:why?
Tani
a:peopl
ear
ecr
ooks
Joshua:hmm isee.Doyouaspi
ret
oanyot
hert
hing
thanbeingani
nfluencer
?
Tani
a:mypassi
oni
sint
hatar
ea
Joshua:educat
ionalbackgr
ound?
Tani
a:For
m5
Joshua:t
akenanyshor
tcour
ses?
Tani
a:idon'
tfi
ndbookst
hati
nter
est
ing
Joshua:(
rai
sedhi
seyebr
ow)oh?
Tani
a:yeswhydoyoul
ookshocked?
Joshua:i
t'
sgoodt
oal
wayshavesomet
hingt
ofal
l
backonyouknow
Tani
a:ohsoyouar
eaner
d?
Joshua:no
Tani
a:t
henwhydoyouhavet
ojudgemydeci
sion?
Joshua:i
m notj
udgi
ngi
mjustt
ell
ingyouhowisee
l
ife
Tani
a:weal
lhavedi
ff
erentvi
ewst
oli
fesi
r
Joshua:idon'
tdi
sput
ethat
Tani
a:whatdoyoudo?
Joshua:i
m abusdr
iver
Tani
a:oh
Joshua:whydoyouseem t
hrownof
f?
Tani
a:howar
eyougoi
ngt
oaf
for
dal
lthi
s?
Joshua:soyoucameher
ewi
thnoi
ntensi
onst
opay
forf
ood?
Tani
a:i
tsaman'
sjobt
otakecar
eofawoman
Joshua:butt
hisisourfi
rstdat
e.Youar
etheone
whoswi pedr
ightfi
rst
Tani
a:i
tdoesn'
tmat
ter
Joshua:anywayi
m notl
ooki
ngf
orar
elat
ionshi
p
Tani
a:(
frowned)what
?Thenwhyar
eweher
e?
Joshua:iwantaf
ri
end
Tania:(scoff
ed)wow(t
ookasipandmutter
ed
underherbr eat
h)whowoul
dwantt obei
na
rel
ationshipwit
habusdri
veranyway

Joshuat
ookasi
pofhi
swi
neandscof
fedact
ing
l
ikehedi
dn'
thearher.Therewasanawkward
momentasTaniawentthroughherphonewhi
let
he
wait
erbr
oughtt
heirf
ood.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Aft
erchangingLornadecidedtojoi
nPati
encei
nthe
ki
tchenwhopr epar
edlunchwhi l
eDuncanandhis
chil
drenpl
ayedinthei
rgamer oom...

Lorna:sohowwasyourweekend?Youknowyou
al
wayshavet hi
sgl
owonyouever yt
imeyoucome
back
Pati
ence:(
chuckl
ed)myweekendwasamazingi
guessit
sbecauseI'
dbeatmyhappi
est.Not
hing
makesmehappyl i
keseei
ngmyson
Lor
na:awwt hat'
sgr
eat
.Pl
usbei
nghomemakes
onefeelatease
Pat
ience:t
rue.Youseem bet
tert
hanwhenil
eft
Lorna:(
smil
ed)ohyesiam l
ove(checkedthecoast)
aft
eraveryl
ongtimemyhusbandt ouchedmel ast
ni
ghtandishouldtel
lyouPitwasgoodyoooh
Pat
ience:ohr
eal
ly?
Lor
na:yesl
oveandwasheabeast
,(sal
ivat
ed)i
t
wassogoodmmaah

Shesai
dgiggli
ngcover
ingherfacewhil
ePat
ience
cur
vedherli
pslooki
ngatherbutquickl
ysmi
ledas
Lor
natookherhandsoffherf
ace..
.

Lor
na:if
eelal
iveagai
n
Pat
ience:ibetyoudo

Shesaidchuckl
ingandt
urnedt
othest
over
oll
ing
hereyes.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
14:
10] :AKEPTWOMAN
09

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

MmaLukedownedagl assofwateraft
erspeaking
tothephoneandsighedpacingaround.She
checkedtheti
meandcheckedi ft
herewasasi gnof
thedoctorcomingout
...

MmaLuke:whyar
etheyt
aki
ngsol
ongt
ogetback
t
ome

Shesai
dchecki
ngt
het
imeagai
nandsi
ghed
movingaroundincir
cles.Shesawanur secomi
ng
t
heot herwayandappr oachedherbutqui
ckl
y
t
urnedast hedoct
orclearedhisthr
oat.
..

MmaLuke:fi
nal
ly.Pl
easetel
lmethatmysonisok
sothatwecanhavehim ai
rl
if
tedt
oSouthAf
ri
ca
ri
ghtaway
Muamba:ma'
am maywepl
easesi
tdown
MmaLuke:Forwhat
?Rr
aismysonok?
Muamba:ma'am pl
easesitdown(sheswall
owed
anddid)ma'
am l
ikeitol
dyouoverthephonethat
yourson'
ssi
tuat
ionisbadunfor
tunat
elyhedidnot
makeit
MmaLuke:what
!?
Muamba:i
m sosor
ryma'
am butwet
ri
edal
lwe
coul
d
MmaLuke:don'tyoudareli
etomel onakanamo
Marinalebol
aabatho(youlotki
llpeopleinthi
s
hospit
al)
.Iwanttoseemysonandr ightnow!
Muamba:ma'
am pl
easewai
tyoucan'
t.
..
ma'
am!
?
Hesaidpaci ngafterherassheheadedt owherehe
was.Sheki ckedthedooropenandf oundhi
ml yi
ng
onthatbedwi thnosi gnofli
fe.Shedroppedher
bag,putherhandsonherhead, fel
lonherknees
andburstintoaloudcr y.
..

MmaLuke:Lukeno!Lukewakeup!Luke!

Sheshout
edcryi
ngwhi
lethenur
sesqui
etl
ylooked
atherwi
thDrMuambastandi
ngbesi
desher.
..

Muamba:i
mreal
lysor
ryma'
am

Shestoodupandwentt
ohi
sbodycryi
ngand
shookhimtr
yingt
owakehi
m up.
..

MmaLuke:Luke!
AtLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Hecli
ckedhi
stonguecleani
nghisbedr
oom whi
le
Bi
ancadrankor
ossitt
ingonhisbed.
..

Lewis:bl
oodyswi ne.BoLewi sreadidi
rawaitse,
ke
i
ponaf el
akeselaset l
atl
a,yethefel
ayamodi diyo
tshol
ogangdit
ete( wereall
ycanembar rass
oursel
ves,howdoipi ckaf ooli
shdrool
ingpeasant).
Whatwasit hi
nking,huh?Lel onayoujustsi
tthere
notrepri
mandingmenowl ook
Bi
anca:ehehLewi
swewer
enoti
nthesamecar
wi
thyou
Lewi
s:whydi
dyounotchaset
hatst
raydogaway
whenwegott
othecl
ub?
Bi
anca:andr
iskbei
ngi
nsul
tedbyyou?Ohpl
ease
Lewi
s:mxm whatdoiexpectf
rom someonewho
candr
inkaspi
keddri
nkwi t
houtnoti
cing
Bianca:nonodon'
tcomeatmel i
kethatsweet
iei
t'
s
notmypr obl
em t
hatojel
wegabedike
ngwananyana.(
Yougotscammedt wicebyakid)
(Scoff
ed)howdoyouevenmanagesomany
roundsofsexLewis?Youwi
lldi
e
Lewis:i
mt al
kingaboutmybel
ongingsyouare
tal
kingaboutsex?Myexpensi
veit
emsar emissing.
Doyouknowwhatihadt odotogetthosewatches?
Bianca:heweheweI'm notboughtbyt
wogl asses
ofcocktail
srat
herbuyat i
ckett
oDubaithenwewi ll
tal
k,keeoDubaifuckedyousohar dandstolefrom
you
Lewi
s:youar
esoi
nsensi
ti
ve
Bi
anca:noyoul
eti
thappen
Lewis:ohsoyouaretr
yingtosayim anidi
ot?What
i
fMayawasnott heretosaveyourspikedass?You
wouldbecryi
ngfoulwantinghelpf
rom usisn'
tit
(sheswall
owed)don'
tsitt
hereandactasifyouar e
woke,noyouareasstupidBiancaevenworse
Bi
anca:okiheardyougeez(
rol
ledhereyes)so
whatareyouplanni
ngtodo?
Lewis:idon'
tknowbuthisancestor
sshoul
dkeep
him outofmywaybecauseshoul dicr
osspat
hs
withhim,mhem gotl
athunyaler
olemoseret
seng
(t
herewillbedusti
nmud)
Bianca:idon'
twisht
obehim butanywayl
etstal
k
aboutMayaandherbeingsonaiveandstupi
dwhen
i
tcomest oLuke
Lewi
s:i
m noti
nthemoodBi
anca
Bianca:imeanhowcanonebesodull?Madia
groceryLewi
s?Awhole1.
5kahnot here'
s
somet hi
ngwrongwi
thMayaitel
lyou
Lewis:Bi
ancaisai
dim notint
hemoodselosant
lha
youwanttogossipaboutsomeonewhosavedyour
ass
Bianca:her
ewegoagainshesavedmesowhat,
we
shouldbowbef
oreherandcal
lhersomandl
anow?
Lewi
s:youar
edamnungr
atef
ul
Bi
anca:heebanna
Lewis:l
egonegot
oyourhousekant
edon'
tyou
haveaplace?
Bi
anca:ket
shabamot
hoaj
elwe
Lewi
s:excuseme?
Bi
anca:iwassayi
ngi
mleavi
ng
Lewi
s:yesgo

Hecli
ckedhi
stonguewhileshemadeherwayout .
Hesighedl
ooki
ngaroundhisbedroom andcl
icked
hi
stongueagai
nangri
lytaki
ngoffthebeddi
nghe
hadonthebed.
..

Lewi
s:fucki
nghool
igan!Sonofabi
tchkal
eret
ele
l
ecurvebloodyf
ool
!

Hesai
dput
ti
ngt
hebeddi
ngi
nabl
ackt
rashbag.

THATEVENI
NG

AtMaya'
shouse.
..
Shelaughedi
nhersmal l
kitchenwit
hLucashelpi
ng
hertocookbutt
hei
rlaughterwascutshortby
Herber
tandApri
lwhor anintotheki
tchen.
..

Maya:guys,isever
ythi
ngok?(
Herber
tpointed
out
sidecatchinghi
sbreat
h)what
?What's..
.

Shescoffedseei
ngPr eci
ouspar
khercarinfr
ontof
thegateandroughlyopenedi
tandwentinsi
de
l
eavingitwideopen..
.

Pr
eci
ous:wi
tch!

Mayagotoutandstoodonthevarendawit
hher
handsonherwaisthol
dingavegetabl
ekni
fe.
..

Maya:ehehPr
eci
ous,
not
hisi
snotyourhouse
pl
ease
Preci
ous:bloodywi
tchwheredoyougetofft
aki
ng
mysonwi t
houtmyconsentandspeaktomy
daughterandmothert
hewayyoudi d?
Maya:f
ir
stl
yhowol
disyoursonagai
n?
Pr
eci
ous:you.
..
Maya:ehehPr esholi
steni
ngisaski
lldearol
d
sister.Answermyquest i
on,howol
disyourson?I
willtellyou,
oldenought ocometohisaunt'
shouse
andspendt imewi t
hhiscousinswet
herheasked
forper missi
onornotbecausewhy?Thi sishi
s
homeaswel l
Preci
ous:thi
spigsty?Youcallt
hispi
gst
yahome?
Gaasies(shespitontheground)
Maya:secondquesti
onPresho,
hasyourdaught
er
givenbirt
htoachi
ldcal
ledApri
l?Hasshegone
throughthe9monthsperi
odofrepr
oduci
ng?Idon'
t
recallt
hatsowher
edoesshegetofftohi
tmychild
thewayshedid?
Precious:idar
eyout
ocomeclosetomychildr
en
again.Lucascome!(
Heswal
lowed)Lucas!
Maya:st
opshouti
ngl
iket
hisdoyout
hinkt
hisi
s
yourf
akedul
lri
chwomen'scl
ub?
Pr
eci
ous:Maya!
Maya:t
hat
'smynamesi
syouwer
esayi
ng?
Pr
eci
ous:Lucasl
et'
sgohomenow!
Maya:Luci
,doyouwantt
oleave?
Lucas:(
sof
tl
y)noaunt
y
Maya:t
her
e'syouranswer
Pr
eci
ous:Lucas!

Shet
ri
edt
ogr
abhi
m butMayabl
ockedherway.
..

Pr
eci
ous:moveoutofmyway
Maya:ri
ghtsofadmi
ssi
onr
eser
vedyouar
e
t
respassi
ngsisi
Preci
ous:(st
eppedbackandscoff
ed)youar
egoing
topayforthi
sim goi
ngtomakesureLovemore
getsyoulockedupforki
dnappi
ng
Maya:obadumedi
sekoyangsi
si,
bye
Pr
eci
ous:Lu.
..
Maya:ei
shPr
eci
ouswat
lhodi
amonna,
go

Shesaidgr
abbingherbytheshoul
derpadofher
topandpushedherout.
..

Maya:go,
movei
t,out
!
Preci
ous:youar
egoi
ngtoregr
ett
his.Youar
eeven
thr
eatni
ngmewi t
hakni
fe
Maya:goodni
ght

Preci
ouscli
ckedhert
onguel
eavi
ngandki
ckedt
he
gateget
ti
nginhercar
..
.

Lucas:maybeishoul
dgoaunt
y
Maya:noyouarenotgoi
nganywher
eunl
essyou
wanttodi
sappoi
ntyourcousi
ns
Lucas:idon'
twantt
obutwhati
fdadgoest
orepor
t
you
Maya:Lovemoreisnotanidi
ot.Let
'sf
ini
shcooki
ng,
Apr
ilandHerber
tgowat chtvi
tslat
etobeplayi
ng
out
side

Theywenttothel
ivingroom whil
eMayaandLucas
cont
inuedwit
htheircookingandconver
sat
ion.

I
nMochudi
..
.

From thet uckshopNyashasangal ongt oher

favori
tesongpl ayinginherair
podsunawar eofher
surrounding.Shehadi nherhandapl asticwit
ha
fewi t
emsasshedeci dedtotakeasel fiewiththe
fl
ashlighton.Shet henfr
ownedandst opped
walkingtakingof foneai
rpodasshef eltasif
someonewasf oll
owingher.Sheturnedand
frownedseei ngnooneandshr ughershoul der
putti
ngherai rpodbackon.Shecont inuedt osing
al
ongbutst
oppedagai
nast
hesamef
eel
ingcame
back.
..

Nyasha:hel
lo?I
sanyonether
e?What everyouare
tr
yingtodoknowthatyouwouldn'
tsucceeditrai
n
karat
eatschool

Shecl
ickedhertongueandputbackherair
pod
wal
kedadi st
anceagainasthefeel
ingcameback.
..

Nyasha:okthi
sti
mearoundi m notgoi
ngt
opl
ay
gameswi t
hyouiwil
lki
llyou.Ah

Shecl
ickedhertongueagai nanddeci
dedtost op
hermusicandincreasedherpace.Shearri
ved
homewhi l
efr
om adi stanceMosesstoodstroking
hi
smanhoodandsni ff
edgoi ngt
heotherway.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..
Preci
ouscl
ickedhert
ongueget
ti
ngint
hehouse
andhungherkeysonthekeyhol
derwhi
le
Lover
moreslowlyl
ookedupather
..
.

Lovemor
e:andt
hen?
Pr
eci
ous:weneedt
ocal
lthepol
iceLovemor
e
Lovemor
e:why?
Pr
eci
ous:oursonhasbeenki
dnapped
Lovemor
e:what
?
Pr
eci
ous:Mayai
shol
dingoursoncapt
ive
Lovemor
e:wowPr
eci
ousr
eal
ly?
Preci
ous:andshethr
eatenedmewi
thakni
fe
Lovemorecallt
hepol
icenow
Lovemor
e:whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?
Pr
eci
ous:what
?
Lovemor
e:Pr
eciouswhatist
heprobl
em i
fLucasi
s
atMaya'
shouse?Isshenothi
saunt?
Pr
eci
ous:Lucashast
obei
nMochudiLovemor
e
Lovemor e:youhonestlyknowhowt ogetonmyl ast
nerveimt ryi
ngtopreparefortomor r
owher eand
youcomewi thyourstupidissues.NoPreciousno.
Justletthechil
dbeathi saunt '
shouseinfacti
woul dt
rustmyki dswithMayat hanyoutheir
mot her
.Ur ghman

Hecli
ckedhistonguetaki
nghislapt
opandwentto
t
hestudywhi l
ePreci
ousstoodtherenobel
ievi
ng
whathejustsaid.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Duncancheckedthecoastandst
oleakisswi
th
Pat
iencewhoclickedhert
onguepushi
nghim
away..
.
Duncan:(
whi
sper
ing)comeonl
ovedon'
tbel
ike
t
hat
Pati
ence:(
whi
speredback)ar
eyoucr
azydoyou
seewhereweare?
Duncan:Fr
idayi
sfarmancomeher
e
Pati
ence:(
scof
fedhol
dingbackherl
augh)st
opi
t
Duncanahahplusyourwifetol
dmehowgoodyou
gaveitt
oherSatur
daynight
Duncan:ihadt
odosomet
hingt
othr
owherof
fisn'
t
youadvicedmeto
Pati
ence:sheshoul
djustst
opt
alki
ngt
omeabout
yourbedroom matt
ers
Duncan:youletheri
sn'ti
tbutithi
nki
tsgood
becausewear ecert
ainshetr
ustsyousoshewill
tel
lyoueveryt
hingshegoesthroughwhichgi
vesus
anadvantageofalwaysbeingastepaheadofher
Pat
ience:iknowbut
..
.
Lor
na:(
sighed)gooodmor
ninggoodpeopl
e
Duncanquickl
yjumpedtakingaspat
ulawhi
le
Pat
ienceopenedthetap.
..

Lor
na:isai
dgoodmor
ningguysahah
Pat
ience:(
ner
vousl
ychuckl
ed)mor
ningmadam
Duncan:hil
ove
Lorna:wowsoyouar ecookingf
orusthismorning
babe(kissedhi
scheekwhilePat
iencecurvedher
l
ips)
Duncan:yesloveandaunt
yist
eachi
ngmeaf
ew
t
ri
cks(kissedherback)
Lor
na:ohi
sit
?That
'swonder
ful
.Pt
het
ap
Pat
ience:mma?
Lor
na:t
het
api
srunni
ngP
Pati
ence:ohmywor
dim sosor
ryma'
am idon'
t
knowwher emymi
ndis
Lor
na:ar
eyouok?
Pat
ience:yeahj
ustmi
ssi
ngmybabyyouknow
weekendblues
Lorna:shamesor
rydear
.Honeyiwil
lbedonewit
h
yourclothesi
nabi
tneh,f
ini
shupthengoshower
Duncan:donewi
thmycl
othes?
Lorna:yesl
ovet
odayyouar
ewear
ingcl
othes
i
ronedbyyourst
rul
y,moi
Duncan:(
smi
led)heebanna

Shesmiledwal
kingawaywhi
leDuncanwi
denedhi
s
eyes.
..

Patience:yeahnehwi
feyt
ryi
ngsohar
dtoplease
"hubby".Move,youar
eburni
ngmypancakes

Hemovedshockedandscof
fedgoi
ngupwhi
le
Pat
iencef
ini
shedup.
..
Pati
ence:mxm, nywewillbedonewi t
hnywe
clot
hes.Si
ii
ies.Kanankasej eset
sasaswelakwa
(ormaybeishouldjustpoisonhertodeat
h)

LATERTHATMORNI
NG

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

Themanagerwel comedMayainwholookedver
y
decentinablackpencilski
rt
,whi
teshi
rt
,pumps
wit
hherhai rneatlyt
iedi
nabun.Shesoft
lysi
ghed
outofreli
efseeingthati
twasawoman...

Manager
:goodmor
ningMsMoet
i
Maya:mor
ningma'
am
Manager:pl
easet
akeaseat(shedid)iam t
he
managerandowneroft
hisrestaur
ant
Maya:okma'
am
Manager
:woul
dyoubr
ief
lyt
ellmeaboutyour
sel
f
Maya:im aPupl icrel
ati
onsandPol i
ticalsciences
graduat
e.It
'
sbeenasol i
d5year ssi
nceigr aduat
ed
andinthose5year sigai
nedexper i
encei nf r
ont
offi
ceadministrati
onandsecr et
eri
aldut i
es.Im ona
j
ourneyofper suingaqual i
fi
cati
onint hefinance
fi
eld
Manager
:(smi
led)howl
onghaveyoubeenaf
ront
of
fi
ceadmin?
Maya:4year
s
Manager
:andi
nt hose4year
swhathaveyou
l
ear
nedaboutcustomerorcl
i
entser
vice?
Maya:t reatever
yclientthesame,abri
ghtand
honestsmi l
ewil
lalwaysdoyougoodbecauseyou
neverknowmaybet hat'
swhatthecli
entneedsf
or
theirdayt obemade.Al sowheneveracli
enthasa
problem orissueassistthem wi
thcal
mnessand
dil
igence.Yessomecl i
entsmaycomeacr ossas
diff
icultbutyourcalmnessandkindnesswill
defini
telybringt
hem down
Manager
:(smi
led)nowt
hisi
sal
iquorr
est
aur
antso
wehavedr unkcust
omershowandyouknowhow
uncontrol
lablet
heycanbeespecial
lymenarounda
beauti
full
adyl i
keyou.Whatwouldyoudotomake
surethatyoubr i
ngthem t
oorderi
fimayputitt
hat
way
Maya:nomat t
erhowhar dt
hesi tuat
iongets
maint
ainyourcal
mi fi
tescalatesthencallyour
super
visorormanagertoassist
Manager:isee.MsMoet iicanseei
nyourr
esume
youstat
edt hatyouhaveaskill
ofmixi
ngdr
inks.
Wheredidyouacquireit
?
Maya:idrewthefascinat
ionfrom tvthenst
art
ed
watchingyout
ubevideos.Iusedt ostaywit
hmy
auntwhohadami nibaratherhousesoiwoul d
pract
iseatherhouseuntilimasteredthear
t
Manager
:ni
ce.Doyoudr
ink?
Maya:yesma'
am
Manager:wowyouarenotafrai
dthatmi
ght
j
eopar
dizeyourchancesofgett
ingt
hisj
ob?
Maya:t
het
rut
hsaves.I
magi
nei
fisai
dnoandone
dayim babal
asedandfai
ltocometowor
kwhichi
m
notsayingwoul
dhappenbutthenl
iet
oyout
hen
youfi
ndoutiwasactuall
ydrunk
Manager
:(chuckl
ed)gr
eatsenseofhumour
,you
havef
ait
hinyoursel
fhey?
Maya:l
et'
sjustsayi
m conf
ident
Manager:henceyouwentf
orPRandPol
it
ical
sci
ences
Maya:yesma'
am
Manager
:okMsMoet
iyougott
hej
ob
Maya:(
widenedhereyes)what
!?
Manager:yougotthejobandnonotasawai teri
wanttotestyourmixi
ngskill
sthenwewil
lhir
eyou
asourmi xeri
fyourskil
lsdon'
tmeetmystandards
thenyouwi l
lbeawaiter
Maya:ohwowi
mready
Manager
:but
,(smi
led)butwheneverweareshort
ont
hegroundyouwillhavet
ojumpi nasawaiter
Maya:i
mreadyf
oranyt
hingma'
am
Manager
:good.Let
'
sgot
othebart
hen.Af
teryou

Mayasmi
ledtaki
ngherbagandl
edt
hewayoutas
t
hemanagersmil
edfol
lowi
ngher
.

AtKgang'
sT&T.
..

Duncanwhist
ledgoi
ngi
nhi
sfr
iend'
sof
fi
cewho
si
ghedlooki
ngup..
.

Joshua:ohit
syou,whyar
eyouinahappymood
andwhyar eyouweari
ngahal
fir
onedshi
rt
?
Duncan:f
ir
stl
ylet
'sjustsayim aj
ackofallt
rades
andsecondl
yihadtoweari ttomakesureikeep
thesmil
eonmywi fe'sface
Joshua:(
laughed)ohwow.Totellyout
het
rut
hyour
wif
eisnotthedomesticchor
estype
Duncan:iknowbutijusthavet
ogi
vehert
he
benef
itofthedoubt
Joshua:isee.Youseem t
ohavet
hingsunder
contr
ol
Duncan:li
keasnakesl
it
heri
ngt
hroughwetgr
ass
(
chuckled)anywayi
m her
efort
heupdat
eonhow
t
hedatewent
Joshua:t
err
ibl
eter
ri
blet
err
ibl
esomepeopl
ear
edul
l
Duncan:heebanna
Joshua:i
mtell
ingyou.I
fyouhaveeverheard
anythi
ngcal
ledwastedbeaut
y,t
hat'
stheladyimet
yest
erday
Duncan:factisshe'
sbeaut
ifulandagai
nit
snotl
ike
youarelookingforsomet
hingpermanent
Joshua:yesbutdoyouf orgett
hekindofwoman
mymot heris?Thatwomanhasst andardsandi
don'
twanttobet heonet odropthem henceihave
beenfocusi
ngonpor nhubandmycompany.
Womenar eal otofwork
Duncan:sobackt
osquar
e1?
Joshua:iguesssobutt
hepar
tyisi
n5dayswhere
wil
lifi
ndaper f
ectwomani
nthatshor
tper
iod?Le
goneiwantonewi
thonechi
ldatl
eastyouknow
Duncan:idon'
twi
sht
obeyoubr
uhgoodl
uck
Joshua:maybeyoushoul
dbor
rowmePat
ience
Duncan:ohhel
lnobuddy,
handsof
fmywoman

Hewhist
ledl
eavi
ngwhi
leJoshuachuckl
edshaki
ng
hi
shead.
..

Joshua:t
hef
ri
endswekeep.Yeahneh

Hesai
dgoi
ngt
hroughhi
sfi
les

AWHI
LELATER

AtMaya'
spr
evi
ouswor
kpl
ace.
..

Shehuggedherwor
kbuddyaf
terpacki
ngal
lher
t
hings.
..

Maya:atl
eastyouar
est
il
lher
e
Lady:yeahheybutihopeyouf
indsomet
hingsoon
Maya:iact
ual
lyhave.Notal
lthatbuti
m gr
atef
ul
Lady:t
hat
'sgr
eat
Maya:oklovel
etmegoseet
hebosst
hendashof
f
wewillmeetar
ound
Lady:sur
elove

Theypart
edwaysasMayaheadedt
oJor
ge'
sof
fi
ce
andknocked.
..

Jorge:(swi
tchedof
ffr
om apor
nsi
tet
ocompany
fi
les)comein
Maya:(
stuckherheadi
n)gooddayboss
Jor
ge:ohMsM comei
n
Maya:icamet
osaymyl
astgoodbyes
Jor
ge:ohthat
'swonder
fulofyou.Haveaseat(
she
di
d)wouldyouli
kesomethingtodri
nk?
Maya:wat
erwi
llbef
ine
Jor
ge:ok

Hesai dgoingtowher ehekeptthebott

ledwater
andt ookone.Henoticedthedoorwasnotf ul
ly
closedashecl oseditandsubtl
ylockeditput
ti
ng
thekeyinhi spocket
...

Jor
ge:sowher
etof
rom her
e?
Maya:(
smi
led)t
hanks.Ihaveact
ual
lyf
oundaj
ob
Jor
ge:ohsof
ast
?
Maya:Godwor
ksi
nmyst
eri
ouswayssi
r
Jor
ge:iconcurbutyouknowyoudon'
thavet
ogo
Maya:hmm?
Jor
ge:imeanwecanwor
ksomet
hingout
Maya:(
swal
lowedherwat
er)idon'
tunder
standsi
r
Jor
ge:ihel
pyout
okeepyourwel
lpayi
ngj
oband
youscr
atchmybag
Maya:i
m honest
lyl
ostboss
Jorge:(
sighed)l
etmej ogyourmemor yali
tt
le,
do
yourecallt
he3kyour ecei
vedanonymouslyafew
dayaago?( Shechokedonthewat erashesmil
ed)i
cantakecareofyouonl yi
fyoutakecareofme

Hesaidhol
dingherchi
nli
ft
ingherf
aceupasshe
swal
lowedahugelumpwithafrownonherf
ace
l
ooki
ngathim.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
14:
10] :AKEPTWOMAN
 10

Mayasof
tl
ymovedhi
shandf
rom herchi
nwhi
le
l
ooki
ngupathi
ssmil
eyf
ace.
..

Jor
ge:hmm?Whatdoyousaybeaut
if
ul?
Maya:canipl
easego
Jor
ge:comeonMayadon'tbel
ikethat
.Abeaut
if
ul
womanlikeyoudeser
vesni
cet
hings
Maya:(
sof
tl
y)idon'
tappr
eci
ateyourper
cept
ionof
me
Jor
ge:im notsayingyouareaprost
it
uteor
whateverthatyouthi
nkimightmeanalli
m sayi
ng
i
sim will
ingtogiveyouheavenoneart
h
Maya:thanksbutnot
hanks(st
oodupashepushed
herbackdownandsmi l
ed)
Jorge:l
ookYa-
Yawear
eadul
tswedon'
thavet
o
fi
ghtaboutt
his
Maya:si
rar
eyoubei
ngphysi
calnow?
Jor
ge:i
m notbei
ngphysi
calij
ustwantt
omake
sur
ethatweunderst
andoneanother
Maya:i
m sor
ryican'
tdowhatyouwantmet
odosi
r
t
hat'
snotwhoiam
Jorge:ohsoyouwoul
drathergowor
kina
rest
aurantwher
eyouear
nl i
kewhat
,2.
5?Comeon
Maya, i
nthi
sdayandage
Maya:(
frowned)howdoyouknowt
hat
?
Jorge:( smi led)itdoesn'tmatterhowiknowal lthat
matt ersi sthaticanof feryoubet t
er.Imeanyour
chil
dr enar eschoolki dshowwi llyoubeabl eto
aff
or dt heirschoolf eesandal ltheot herextra
curri
cul arst hatcomeswi t
hbei ngaschoolchi ld?
Youobvi ousl yneedmor ethant hatlousy2.5.You
haveacart hatwi l
lal
waysgi veyout r
oubleon
unexpect eddayssoyouwi llneedt ohave
somet hingont hesideforsuchr ai
nydaysordoyou
wantt obel abel l
edanexpensebyyourf r
iends
everytime( shef rownedmor e)comeonyou' rea
mot hert hinkl i
keamot her
Maya:wi
tht
hat2.
5Kiwi
llbeabl
etot
hinkl
ikea
mot
hersopl
easel
etmego
Jor
ge:Maya,
Maya,
Mayawhataboutt
he3know?
Maya:(
swal
lowed)wi
thal
lduer
espectinever
askedf
ori
t
Jor
ge:butyoucoul
dn'
twaitt
ospendithuh?Even
onyourusel
essbabydaddygoodri
ddancehedied
Maya:(
frownedagai
n)whydoif
eell
ikei
m notsaf
e
ar
oundyou?
Jor
ge:l
et'
sjustsayicarealotaboutyout
omake
sur
ethatt
hingsgowel lf
oryou
Maya:(
scoff
ed)doyouknowt
hatyoucanbe
l
ockedupforwhatyouar
edoi
ng?
Jor
ge:heebannawhendi
dwegot
hatf
ar?
Maya:themomentyousawi tf
itt
oinvademy
pr
ivacy.(
Annoyed)whothehel
ldoyout hi
nkyou
ar
e?Iwi l
lpaybackyour3Ki
fthat
'swhatyouwant

Shepushedherchai
rbackandheadedtothedoor
onl
ytofi
ndthatit
'sl
ocked.Sheswal
lowedand
t
urnedtoJor
gewhowassmi
li
ngwi
thhi
sar
ms
f
olded.
..

Jor
ge:youar
eaf
iest
yoneisee
Maya:howandwhendi
dyoul
ockt
hisdoor
?
Jor
ge:yourdeci
sioni
swhatwi
lldet
ermi
nei
fyou
wal
koutthatdoorornot
Maya:(
swal
lowed)pl
easeopent
hedoort
heki
ds
ar
ewaiti
ngf
orme
Jorge:comegetthekeybeaut
if
ult
hing(
hesai
d
removingitf
rom hi
spocket
)
Maya:(
swal
lowed)whydowehavet
odot
his?
Jor
ge:l
ovecomef
ort
hekey.
Maya:(
slowl
ywenttohim)siriknowyouar
enot
t
hisper
son.Maybewecanf i
ndanotherwaytot
his
t
hanwhatyouaresuggest
ing.I.
..

Hegrabbedherar
m asshescr
eamedwhil
ehe
pul
ledhercl
oseandtur
nedhermaki
nghersi
ton
hi
m andcover
edhermout
hwithhishand.Mayafel
t
herwhol
ebodybecomeweakasfearconsumed
her.
..

Jor ge:(l
eanedonherearandcl enchedhisteet
h)ok
itri
edt obepat i
entwithyoubutnowiseet hatyou
thinkyouar esmar t
.Imtryi
ngtogi veyouabett
er
wayt oli
febutyouwantt othr
owi tbackonmyf ace.
Im goi ngtogiveyouonelastchancet ot
hinkabout
itorelseyouwon' tknowwhathi tyou.Doyouhear
me?( Shenervouslynodded)
Jorge:(
smil
ed)goodgirl(
letgoofher
)nowhere'
s
thekeydon'
tbenervous,beagoodgirlandcome
backtomeverysoon.Youknowt hatidon'
t
appreci
atet
obekeptwai t
ing

Shegrabbedthekeyandunl ockedlookingathim
thenqui
cklywalkedoutandpacedwi thoutl
ooki
ng
backwhil
eJorgesmi l
edandsi ghedt akinghi
sseat
.
Mayagrabbedhert hi
ngsbyt hefr
ontdeskand
headedtohercarwher eshegotinsideandheaved
ahugesi
ghwi
thherhear
tpoundi
ng.
..

Maya:what
!?

Shelookedbackatthebui
ldi
ngthr
ought
hemir
ror
s
andswallowedst
arti
nghercarasJor
ge'
swor
ds
pl
ayedinherhead..
.

"
Im goingt
ogiveyouonelastchancetot
hinkabout
i
torelseyouwon'tknowwhathityou"

Shequickl
ygotri
dofthethought
sandfocusedon
dri
vingasherphonerang.Shesi
ghedl
ookingatt
he
nameandanswer ed.
..

Maya:hel
loi
m dr
ivi
ng
Mopati
:aommasoyouar eal
waysgoi
ngt
obe
dr
ivi
ngwheneverical
l?
Maya:whatdoyouwantMopat
i?
Mopat
i:comeonMayai
m nott
hebadguyher
e
Maya:whatdoyouwantMopat
iij
ustt
oldyout
hat
i
m dri
ving
Mopat
i:ij
ustwantt
oknowhowt
hei
nter
viewwent
Maya:i
twentokt
hanks
Mopat
i:di
dyougett
hej
ob?
Maya:t
heysai
dtheywi
llcal
lmeback
Mopat
i:youdon'
thavet
oli
etomeMaya
Maya:(si
ghed)oki
gott
hej
ob.Thankyouf
or
ever
ythi
ng
Mopati
:ther
e'snoneedforyout othankmebut
si
nceyouwantt othankmei suggestther
ear
e
bet
terwaysofdoingso(bi
thislowerl i
p)
Maya:excuseme?
Mopati:nonoidon'
tmeani
tint
hatwaywhati
m
sayi
ngi smaybewecangooutf
ordi
nneror
something
Maya:imrepor
ti
ngtowor ktomorr
owandmyof fi
s
onSundaysonlyandiintendt
oreser
vethatdayt
o
spendwit
hmychi l
dren.Onceagai
nthankyoufor
hooki
ngmeupwi ththejob.Bye

ShehungupasMopat if
rownedandscoff
edputt
ing
hi
sphonedown.Hisfri
endlookedathi
mfrom hi
s
deskandchuckl
ed.
..

Man:yeahneh"i
m goi
ngtogiveupunt
ili
m bet
ween
her
ethighs.
"Keeo(t
hereyougo)
Mopat
i:shutupmanandyesi
m notgoi
ngt
ogi
ve
up
Man:whatcanyoupossiblydo?I
tscl
eart
hatshe'
s
nott
hatdesper
atenornaive
Mopati:ihavebeeninthisgameforalongti
memy
guy(cl
ickedhistongue)inf
actdon'
tyouhave
pat
ient
st ocheckont hantobesit
ti
ngtheredoi
ng
not
hing?
Man:sui
tyour
sel
fbuddy
Hechuckl
edgi
vinghim hi
sbackandplayedonhi
s
phonewhil
eMopatit
houghtf
ull
ytur
nedtohis
computer
.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Withthecurtainofherr oom openNyashasangout

l
oudt othemusi cfrom herphonewhi lefol
dingher
cl
othes.OutsideMosesr akedbutst oppedlooking
ather.Shehadonaf l
oralminidr essthatshowed
hersmoothdar kthingsandt hesecondhel anded
hi
seyesont hem hisbloodr ushedt ohismanhood.
Heswal l
owedahugel umpofl ustashelosthimself
ontheview.Nyashacaughtagl i
mpseofhi m and
grabbedat-shirtt
hatfellandl ookedathim again
withafrownonherf ace..
.

Nyasha:sor
rycanihel
pyou?(
Hekeptqui
et)hel
lo!
?
Moses:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)oh,
ohhi
Nyasha:yes,
whatcanidoforyou?Doyouwantme
t
otellgr
annythatyouar
elazi
ngaround?
Moses:no,
nopl
easedon'
t
Nyasha:t
henwhatareyoudoi
ngj
ustst
andingt
her
e
andnotdoingwhatyouar
ebei
ngpai
dfor?
Moses:i
m sor
ryidi
dn'
tmeant
odi
stur
byou
Nyasha:ur
gh,
idi
ots

Shesai
dclosi
ngt
hecurt
ainandcont
inuedsi
ngi
ng
whil
eMosessmil
edandconti
nuedwit
hhischor
es.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Pr
eciousf
ini
shedeat
ingandputherpl
atei
nthe
zi
nc.Shebur
pedandtookherphonedi
ali
ngNale.
..

Nal
e:goodmor
ningbabe
Pr
eci
ous:heyl
ovehowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Nal
e:i
m goodl
oveandyour
sel
f?
Pr
eci
ous:i
m notokbabe
Nal
e:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Pr
eci
ous:it
ri
edt
okeept
hisbutican'
tanymor
e
Nal
e:t
alkt
omemyl
ove
Pr
eci
ous:i
tsLovemor
e.
Nal
e:don'
ttel
lmehe'
scheat
ingonyou
Pr
eci
ous:nononoLovemor
ewoul
dneverdot
hat
Nal
e:i
shesi
ck?
Preci
ous:nol
ove(
sighed)he'
sal
wayssayi
nghar
sh
thi
ngstome
Nal
e:har
sht
hingsl
i
ke?
Preci
ous:justl
astni
ghthetol
dmet hathetrusts
mysi sterwi
thhiski
dsmorethanitheirmot
herand
he'salwaystel
li
ngmethati
mj ustatrophywife
Nal
e:heebannaar
eyouser
iousPr
eci
ous?
Precious:i
mtel
li
ngyoufr
iend.I
m al
waysbl
ocki
ng
everythi
nghesaysawaybutwhathesai
daboutour
ki
dsl
astni
ghtr
eal
lygott
ome
Nale:nomanthat
'sunf
air
.Sowhatyouareatr
ophy
wif
e, di
dhenotmarr
yyouwithi
ntensi
onstot
ake
car
eofyou?Akerehefoundyouwithnoj
ob?
Pr
eci
ous:yes
Nal
e:sowhydoesithavetomat
ternow.Heshould
j
ustmanupandsticktohi
spromisesandstop
maki
nghispr
oblemsyours.I
shehavingfi
nancial
pr
oblems?
Pr
eci
ous:notatal
l
Nale:thenstandupforyour sel
faswellandstop
l
etti
nghi m walkal
loveryou.Iknowyouasa
confidentwomanPr eciousdon'tl
ethim di
mthat
l
ight.Wetheryouaredependantonhi m ornot
you'r
est i
llhumanandagai nhemar ri
edyou
knowi ngthatyouar
ej ustbri
ngingyoursel
fonthe
tabl
e
Pr
ecious:youar
erightf
ri
endishoul
dst
andupf
or
myselfandnotl
ethimthinki
m awal
kover
Nal
e:yesbabeyes
Pr
eci
ous:t
hankyouf
orr
emi
ndi
ngmeofwhoiam
Nal
e:t
hat
'
smyj
obasyourf
ri
endmyl
ove
Pr
eci
ous:shoppi
ngt
her
apymaybe?
Nal
e:you'
repayi
ngr
ight
?
Pr
eci
ous:ofcour
sel
ove
Nal
e:t
henwe'
reon(
theyl
aughed)
Pr
eci
ous:I
'
llbet
her
einanhour

TheyhungupasPr
eci
oussi
ghedandsmi
ledgoi
ng
up.

AtTi
tus'
swor
kpl
ace.
..

Hehandedinhisl
eaveappl
icati
onandlaughedwit
h
hi
sbossleavi
ng.Hegotinhiscarandr
eversedout
ashi
sphonerang..
.

Ti
tus:ma
Rona:Ti
tusyourgi
rl
fr
iendi
spr
egnantbutyouar
e
nott
alki
ngtous
Tit
us:what
'st
heretot
alkmor
eaboutmadi
dn'
twe
paythedamages?
Rona:wher
e'sshegoi
ngt
obeconf
ined?
Ti
tus:herhome
Rona:why?Thosepeopl
ear
egoi
ngt
ofeedour
chi
ldtr
adit
ional
her
bs
Ti
tus:youknowLesedi
'
sfami
lyar
echr
ist
ians
Rona:wi
tcheshi
debehi
ndchr
ist
iani
tyTi
tus
Ti
tus:soyouar
etr
yingt
osayt
hatmyf
ianceei
sa
wi
tch?
Rona:andmyspi r
ithasneveraccept
edthatgi
rlyou
knowijustt
oler
atedherbecauseyouaremychi l
d
Ti
tus:whydi
dyoucal
l?
Rona:whenareyouget
ti
ngmar r
ied?I
t'
sbeen5
year
ssinceyouli
edtot
hatgi
rlofyour
s
Tit
us:wearet
aki
ngt
hingsatourownpacedon'
t
rushuspl
ease
Rona:i
m st
ayi
ngal
oneTi
tusiwantadaught
eri
n
l
aw
Ti
tus:soyouwantt
oabusemywi
fe?(
Scof
fed)get
amaid
Rona:howf
ari
sshekant
e?
Ti
tus:nott
oof
ar
Rona:keagobot
sat
lheTi
tus(
im aski
ngyou)
Ti
tus:mai
m dr
ivi
ngbye
Rona:i
jogosi
amer
ra(
bye)

TheyhungupasTi
tusscof
fedshaki
nghi
shead
whil
eRonawentt
hroughhercont
act
sanddi
aleda
cont
act.
..

Lady:hel
lo?
Rona:ineedyourser
vicesbutidon'
twantt
obe
seencomingtoyourplace
Lady:sohowi
m it
ohel
pyouMmaMoet
i?
Rona:idon'
tknowbutt
hesooneryouhel
pthe
bet
ter
Lady:youar
etheonewhoneedsmeMmaMoet
i
comet ome
Rona:mmaiwantt osavemysonf r
om someone
bef
oreit
'stoolat
epl ease.Aker
eyouhelpedmewith
Mayawhi l
espeakingovert hephonewhycan'
tyou
hel
pmewi t
hthischild?
Lady:MmaMoet ii
fyouarethatmuchi nneedofmy
servi
cesmydoorisalwaysopenandagai nMayais
yourchil
dyoutol
dmewher eyouburiedher
umbili
calcor
dandiwentforitwi
ththisgir
lit
's
dif
fer
entsocomet omyhouse
Rona:but
..
.

TheladyhungupasRonasighedandt
appedher
phonethi
nkingofwhatt
odo.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..
Thesibl
ingsplayedchesswhi
let
hei
rmot hersatin
thel
ivi
ngr oom watchi
ngtvwi
thPat
iencedoingthe
l
aundry.
..

Sai
nt:sosi
ncet
hingslookgoodbetweenmom and
dadithi
nkweshoulddropthati
dea
Appl
e:no
Sai
nt:whyar
eyousayi
ngno?
Apple:youneverknowmaybet heguyisjust
thr
owingever yoneof
fsothatwedon'tsuspect
anythi
ngsowear egoingaheadaspl
anned.My
datewiththatguyisset
Sai
nt:comeonApplelet
'sj
ustgi
vei
taf
ewdays
andseeifanyt
hingwoul
dchange
Apple:noyoucanbutim not.Unti
lihaveprooft
hat
wewer ebeingparanoi
dim notgoi
ngt ost
op.
Peopleareveryt
ri
cky
Sai
nt:but
..
.
Appl
e:ther
e'snot
hingyoucansaythat'
sgoi
ngt
o
per
suademebr ot
her.Checkmate.Yes!
Shejumpedupcel
ebr
ati
ngwhi
leSai
ntsatbackand
si
ghed..
.

Sai
nt:iwantar
e-mat
ch

LornaandPat
iencel
aughedathi
m whi
leAppl
etook
hermoney.

AtMaya'
shouse.
..

Shegotof
fthephonewi
tht
heschoolandt
ookher
bagandcarkeys.
..

Her
ber
t:youar
eleavi
ngagai
nmama?
Maya:yeswhatdoyouguyswant
?
Lucas:wher
ear
eyouof
fto?
Maya:t
hebank.Shoul
digetsomet
hingf
oryou?
Lucas:l
et'
sgooutf
orpi
zzaandi
cecr
eam
Maya:i
m wor
kingonat i
ghtbudgetmyl
ovei
m
goi
ngtopayt
heirschoolf
ees
Lucas:ihaveal
lowanceaunt
ydadj
ustcr
edi
tedmy
card
Maya:noLuciican'
tdot
hatt
oyou
Lucas:idon'
tmi
ndaunt
y
Maya:Luci
Lucas:youarewasti
ngt
imeaunt
y.Guysputon
yourpropershoeswear
egoi
ngoutforpi
zzaand
i
cecream
Bot
h:yeay!

Thewastednosecondandjumpedoffthei
rsmall
chair
sgoingtot
hebedroom whil
eMayashookher
headgoingtowaitf
ort
hem i
nt hecar
.Herphone
rang.
..

Maya:hel
lo?
MmaLuke:youwi
tch!Youki
l
ledmyson!
Maya:(
frowned)who'
sthi
s?
MmaLuke:Mayayouaregoi
ngt
opayf
orki
ll
ingmy
son.Thatwasmyonl
ychil
dMaya
Maya:MmaLuke?
MmaLuke:i
mt el
lingyou,
youwi
llneverf
indpeace
asl
ongasim sti
llal
ive

Sheclickedhertonguehangi
ngupasMayasl owly
putherphonedownwi t
haf r
ownonherface.She
foundher sel
fburst
ingi
ntoalaughandcl
ickedher
tongue..
.

Maya:Mayayour
eal
lyar
eli
vingonehel
lofal
if
e
shame.Ki
ds!
?

Theycamerunni
ngandwenti
nthecarasshe
droveof
f.
I
nLedumangSeni
or.
..

Lewiswal kedwit
hhi sheaddownonhi sphoneand
anotherhandinapocket .Ast
udentbumpedint
o
him andjustwalkedonashescof fedshaki
nghis
head.Hest oppedandf rownedashecaughtascent
ofhiscologneandt urned..
.

Lewis:bl
oodysananapo.Heewenayoungboyst
op
ther
e!

Thabot
urnedwi
thafrownonhi
sfaceandr
anof
f
asLewi
sranaft
erhi
m. .
.

Lewis:heet
hibangkoo.Bloodyt
hieftshwar
ang
mothoyoo!(Blockhi
m,stopthatperson)
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
14:
10] :AKEPTWOMAN
11

Lewi
s:st
lat
la!(
Fool
)

Hesaidputt
inghisfootbetweenThabo'sl
egsashe
tr
ippedoni
tandf el
lonhi sface.Lewi
swastedno
secondasheturnedhim andwentonhi m but
fr
ownedrecall
inghi
sf ace..
.

Lewi
s:what
!?
Thabo:(
cover
edhi
sface)pl
easel
etmego.Pl
ease
Lewi
s:Thabo?

Thatt
imest
udent
swer
eal
readysur
roundi
ngt
hem.
Ot
her
slaughi
ngwhi
leot
her
stookpi
ctur
es.
..

Lewis:Thabo!?(Hesaidgett
ingoffhim)Thabof
ela
Thabo?( Thaboswall
owed)heel onale
shenamet seng(
whatar eyoulookingat
)gobackto
yourclasses!
St
udent
:ahsi
rit
sluncht
ime
Lewis:ketl
agophaphamol l
akampamamoset sana
goreot senemoper i
odengwankutlwa?(
Iwi
llsl
ap
youhardt hatyougetyourper
iodnow)

Knowinghowunf i
lt
eredhi
smout hwastheyal
l
di
spersedonebyoneunt i
lhewaslef
twithThabo
st
il
lholdi
nghim bythewaistofhi
spant
s...

Lewi
s:wena,
come!
Thabo:ahsi
r

Hesai
ddr
aggi
nghi
mtohi
sof
fi
ce.
..
Lewi
s:si
t
Thabo:whathaveidonenow?
Lewi
s:whathaveyoudone?Whendi dyouever
smel
lthi
skindofcologneonaStudent
?Wher e'
s
mymoney?( Hekeptquiet
)Thabowheret
hehellis
mymoney!?
Thabo:ispenti
t
Lewi
s:iwantmymoneyandiwanti
tnoworel
sei
m
goi
ngtocallyourpar
ent
s
Thabo:ao?
Lewi
s:yesyout
hinki
mjoki
ng?
Thabo:wel
lthenyoushoul dbereadytoexpl
aint
o
them,t
heheadmast erandmi ni
sterwhyyouwoul
d
seduceastudentandmol esthi
m
Lewi
s:excuseme?
Thabo:(st
oodup)maraontl
waelamasepa(youar
e
gett
ingoverf
amil
iarwi
thme)wenaLewiswait
se
yesesman
Lewis:heebannathischi
ld.Fi
rst
lyyouwentt
oa
part
ywhi l
eknowingyouwer eunderagehowwasi
supposedtoknowi twasyou?
Thabo:andyouthi
nktheywoul
dbel
ieveyou?
(Chuckl
ed)yeahri
ght
Lewis:atl
eastgivememyphoneandwat
chesthen
becauseim notaboutt
ohavet
hesamescentasa
student
Thabo:isol
ditandt
hewat
ches
Lewis:what
!?Doyouknowhowmucht
hose
watchescost!
?
Thabo:ei
tah,l
esagonraset
sabr
azenpl
ease(
stop
makingnoisemybrot
her)
Lewi
s:br
azen?(
Scof
fed)Thaboi
m your
..
.
Thabo:li
sten,fr
om nowonyouaregoi
ngtodoasi
say,goodmar ksinEngl
ish,
givememoneyever
y
week,nothinglesst
han1Kandbuymeandmy
guysalcoholeveryweekend
Lewi
s:youmustbecr
azy
Thabo:onewor
dMrL,
onewor
dandyourpr
eci
ous
car
eerwi
llcomedowncr
umbl
ing
Lewi
s:whatki
ndofachi
ldar
eyou?
Thabo:(
smi
led)onet
hati
sabletori
deyoual
lni
ght
andmakeyoushake(hel
aughed)
Lewi
s:shuti
t!
Thabo:(smil
ed)youhaveaniceassthoughyou
knowwagr i
paekaregaomotsadi(
youaretight
,it
's
asifyouarenotold)youknowyourstuf
freall
ywell
(hesaidli
cki
nghislips)
Lewi
s:getoutofmyof
fi
ce!
Thabo:dowehaveadealornot
?
Lewi
s:Thaboisai
dgetout
!
Thabo:I'
llt
aket hataswehaveadeal
.Seeyouon
Fri
daysweet nessandipromiset
ogivei
ttoyou
bet
terthanbef ore.Mxwaa

Hel aughedbounci
ngoutasLewi
sslammedthe
doorandangr i
lybi
thi
slowerl
ipt
ight
eni
nghi
s
fi
sts..
.
Lewi
s:dammit
!ShitLewi
s,shi
t!(
Sighed)whathave
youdone?Whatt
hehellhaveyoudone!

Hegr
untedpunchi
nghisdeskandheavedahuge
si
ghshaki
nghishead.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Pati
encetooksomecl othesof
fthel
ineandwentto
thei
roni
ngr oom asLornajoi
nedherwit
hacocktai
l
i
nherhand...

Pat
ience:ohhima'
am
Lor
na:hil
ove.Theyar
edr
yal
ready
Pat
ience:yeahbutt
her
ear
esomeont
hel
ine
Lor
na:ohok.Wenevercaughtupkanayest
erdayi
wasbusytel
li
ngyoumyt hi
ngs
Pat
ience:what
'st
her
etocat
chupabout
?
Lorna:yoursonbabesimeanwear ecl
oseenough
foryoutoshareanythi
ngabouthi
m wit
hmei sn'
tit
?
Pati
ence:(
chuckl
ed)ahmadam t
her
e'snot
hingt
o
real
lyt
alkabout
Lor
na:comeonPyounevertol
dmehi
sname,
bi
rt
hdayorevenhi
sfat
her
'sname
Pat
ience:(
hear
tski
ppedasshecl
ear
edhert
hroat
)
bat
hongmadam
Lorna:iwantt
oknoweveryt
hing,agai
niwantt o
knowi fyouar
esti
llt
oget
herwithhim andifnoti
canaskDuncantohookyouupwi t
hhi spart
neryoh
bathongthatmanhasbeensinglesi
nceimethi m
Pat
ience:t
oget
herwi
thwho?
Lor
na:t
hef
atheroft
hechi
ldbat
hongP
Pat
ience:oh(
chuckl
ed)yeahwear
est
il
ltoget
her
Lorna:oh(
smi
led)sot
hisi
swher
ethegl
owcomes
fr
om?
Pat
ience:madam youar
emaki
ngme
uncomf
ort
abl
e
Lorna:(
laughed)thatmeanshe'
sgivi
ngitt
oyou
goodmyl ove.Doyoueverseeyoursel
fwhenever
youcomebackf r
om theweekend?Yoh

Pat
iencej
ustsmi
ledasLor
nasi
ppedherdr
ink.
..

Lor
na:sowhat
'shi
sname?
Pat
ience:who?
Lorna:heebat
hongPati
encenaar
egaobat
lego
tl
otl
alenna?(Areyounoti
nter
est
edi
nchatt
ingwi
th
me)
Pati
ence:nomadam it
'sjustt
hatiwantt
ofocuson
thei
roningidon'
twanttoburnApple'
scl
othesyou
knowhowmuchsheador esthem
Lorna:aesokasheknowsshecanalwaysgetnew
onesanyt i
me.Namebabeandhisbir
thdayihopei
t
hasn'tpassedbecauseiwoul
dli
ket
othrowhimthe
bi
ggestpar t
y
Pat
ience:what
?
Lorna:yesasawayofsayi
ngthankyouf
orl
ett
ing
yourmot herbewi
thusdur
ingt
heweek
Patience:nomadam thatwon'
tbenecessar
y.You
thankmeenoughwi thagoodsalar
yandabonus
everyquar t
eroft
heyear
Lor
na:comeonPdon'
tbesi
ll
y
Pat
ience:whatwoul
dyoul
iket
ohavef
ordi
nner
madam?
Lor
na:aoPmma( Pati
encesmil
ed)youknowwhat
i
t'
sfineiseeyouarenoti
nter
est
edintal
kingt
ome.
Bye
Pat
ience:ahma'
am?
Lor
na:byePenj
oyyouri
roni
ng

Shesaidleavi
ngwhi l
ePati
encel
ookedatherf
rom
bott
om upandr ol
ledhereyesi
mit
ati
ngherunder
herbreat
h..
.
Patience:mybabydaddytakescareofhi
sson
thankyou.Hisbiol
ogi
calsonifyouknew

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandcont
inuedt
oir
on.

Att
hemal
l.
..

Theiri
cecreamscamewhi
let
heyl
aughedat
Herbert
'sj
okes.
..

Maya:youar
esosi
ll
yHer
ber
tah
Her
ber
t:t
hankyouLucas
Apr
il
:(smi
led)t
hankyou
Lucas:f
or?
Her
ber
t:t
hepi
zzaandi
cecr
eam
Lucas:youar
ewel
comeguysbutyoudon'
thavet
o
thankme
Her
ber
t:mom hast
aughtust
oal
wayssayt
hank
youwhensomeonedoessomet
hinggoodf
orus
Maya:awwguys
Lucas:iwi
shyouwer
emymot
heraunt
y
Apr
il
:ahnoi
m okidon'
twantanot
herbr
other(
they
l
aughed)
Maya:whyApr
il
?
Apri
l:br
othersareannoyi
ng.Her
ber
tgi
vesme
enoughstress(t
heylaughed)
Maya:Apr
ilyouar
e3whatdoyouknowabout
st
ress?

Shemadeafacepoi
nti
ngatHer
ber
tastheyal
l
bur
sti
ntoal
aughwhileHer
ber
tsul
ked.
..

Maya:comeonHer
byyouknowshe'
sjoki
ng
Her
ber
t:(
laughed)igotyouguys(
theyl
aughed)
Maya:soguysihavesomet
hingt
otel
lyou
Her
ber
t:ok
Maya:onFri
daymommyl
ostherj
obbutshegota
newonetoday
Her
ber
t:ohial
mosthadahear
tat
tackphew
Lucas:youar
esosi
ll
y.Congr
adul
ati
onsaunt
y
Maya:thankyouLuci,anot
herthi
ngismommy
won'tbeabletoaff
ordyourschoolanymor
esoyou
guyswillbegoingt
oanewschoolwhenyouopen
Her
ber
t:ahmamawhataboutourf
ri
ends?
Maya:youwi
llmakenewonesattheschoolmy
l
ove.Mommy'sjobisnotpayi
ngt
hatmuchsoshe'
s
t
ryi
ngtocutdowntheheavycost
s
Her
ber
t:mamano
Apr
il
:nomama
Maya:i
m sor
rymybabiesbutipr
omi
seyou,
you
wi
lll
ovethenewschool
Herber
t:l
etLucashel
pyoupayf
orourschoolhe
hasmoneyr i
ght
Maya:ahahnoHerbyLucii
sst
il
lyounghi
smoney
i
sforhimtospendonwhathewantsandi
t'
snot
event
hatmuch
Her
ber
t:ahnnaiwantmyol
dschool

Hesai
dput
ti
nghi
sheadunderhi
sarmsont he
t
abl
easMayasi
ghedandli
ft
edhishead.
..

Maya:nanai ficouldaff
ordtheschoolwewouldn'
t
beinthissi
tuationordoyouwantmommyt obein
alotofdebt
?( Heshookhi shead)yesbecausei
f
mommyget sinal otofdebtt
hepolicear
egoingto
takeherandyouwi l
lbelef
talone
Apri
l:comeonHerber
tyouwi
llbegoi
ngt
obi
g
schoolsoonmoss
Maya:exact
lymygir
landbesi
dest
hatanew
envi
ronmentisal
waysgood
Her
ber
t:(
sti
llsul
king)ok
Maya:that
'smyboy( checkedthet
ime)let'
sget
goingguysineedtomakesur eimreadyfor
tomorr
owyouwi llhaveyouri
cecreamsi nthecar
Theyt ookt
hem andf
oll
owedoneanotherout.They
qui
et l
ygotint
hecarasMayatr
iedtostarti
tbutit
fai
led..
.

Maya:ohno,
notagai
n
Lucas:whati
sitaunt
y?
Maya:mustbet
het
ermi
nal
sagai
ncomehel
pme
out

Shesaidopeni ngthebonnetandmadet hei

rway
outl
eavingApr ilandHerberti
nsi
de.Shefi
ddled
wit
ht heterminalswhileLucaswait
edonhertotel
l
hertostartthecar..
..

Lucas:aunt
y?
Maya:yesbaby
Lucas:aboutt
heschoolf
ees,
ithi
nkicanspeakt
o
dadforyou
Maya:noLucii
t'
sfi
ne.Tr
ytost
artt
hecar
Lucas:(
did)not
hing
Maya:ei
sh
Lucas:comeonauntydoyouseehowsadHer
byi
s
thi
swoul dmakehi
m happy
Maya:noLucasyouknowhowmyrel
ati
onshi
pwi
th
yourmotheri
sshewon'tal
lowi
t
Lucas:shedoesn'
thavet
oknow
Maya:noLucit
hat
'sl
yingandi
m notgoi
ngt
olet
youstar
tdoi
ngso.Tr
yagain
Lucas:sti
llnothi
ng.Comeonaunt
y,Herbyl
oves
thatschoolpleaseal
lowmetotal
ktodad
Maya:noLuci,thankyoumyboybutno.Iknowyou
careaboutyourcousi
nsbuti t
'sf
ine.Herbywillbe
overi
tsoon.Iguessiwillhavetojustcal
lthatman
Lucas:aunt
y
Maya:Lucasgeti
nthecar
Shesai
dchecki
ngforJoshua'
scar
dandtookher
phonewhi
leLucassi
ghedgett
ingi
nthecar
..
.

Maya:goodaf
ter
noonmayipl
easespeakt
o
JoshuaKgang
Joshua:speaki
ng
Maya:i
tstheladyyouhel
pedwi
tht
het
ermi
nal
sby
t
hefuel
ingstati
onyest
erday
Joshua:ohhel
loma'
am whatcanidof
oryou?
Maya:im st
uckwi
ththeki
dsi
nthemal
landit
ri
ed
eveyt
hingbuti
twon'
tstar
t
Joshua:whi
chmal
lma'
am?
Maya:Sebel
esi
r
Joshua:ohokiwil
lsendourt
owt
ruckandacar
thatyouwil
lhopontohere
Maya:okt
hankyousomuchwe'
rej
usti
nfr
ontof
Mugg&Bean
Joshua:ok.Theywi
llbet
her
ejustnow
Maya:t
hankyou(
theyhungup)butyoudon'
thave
anymoneyMayaandyouknowitcostsalot
.

Shesai dgoingar oundincirclestryingt ofi

gureout
whot ocal l
.Herbr ot
herhadal readygi venheran
arm andal egfort heschoolfeesdebt , hersist
er
woul dnever,shewoul dn'
tevenexpectP10f rom her
mot her,LewisjustgotrobbedandBi ancawas
goingt okeeptelli
ngherendl essst ories.Shewas
l
eftwi t
hei t
herJor georMopat ibutt het houghtof
askingt hi
sfavourf r
om them madeherst omach
tur
n. .
.

Maya:noheseemsl i
keanicemansoyouwi l
lask
himforcredi
tthengi
vehi
m yourI
Doranitem f
rom
thehousetoholdont
ounti
lyouaregoodt
opayhim
Lucas:(
gotoutt
hecar
)aunt
y?
Maya:j
ustgetbacki
nthecarLuci
Lucas:ar
ewegoi
nghomeornot
?
Maya:youcanseet
hecari
snotst
art
ingt
he
mechani
cwi
llbeher
esoon
Lucas:doyouhavemoneyt
opayt
hem aunt
y?
Maya:yesLucasgeti
nthecar
Lucas:butyouseem wor
ri
edaunt
yar
eyou.
..
Maya:(agi
tat
ed)ohgraci
ousLordLucaswoul
dyou
j
ustgetbackinthecarpl
ease!

Hesqui nthi seyesandsi ghedgetti

ngbacki n.Sti
ll
cont empl
at ingheropt ionsMayahadnochoi cebut
toendupchoosi ngoneovert heother.Sheheaved
af ewsighedanddi aledJor gewithhert eeth
clenched.Itr angoncebutshequi cklyhungupand
quicklydi
al edLovemor e.Seeinghermi ssedcal l
Jor gesmiledandt riedt ocall
herbutherl inewas
busy.Hesi ghedandputhi sphonedown.
Meanwhi leMayaf inishedspeakingt oLovemor e
andbi thert humbasamessager epor t
edaf ew
secondsl ater..
.

Maya:oht
hankyouLor
d(si
ghedoutofr
eli
ef)you
al
mostsol
dyoursoulMaya,
eses

Shesaidwit
hasmilel
ooki
ngatthebank
not
if
icati
onwhi
let
hetowtruckandt
heirr
idear
ri
ved.

Att
hemal
l.
..

Pr
eci
ousl
aughedwi
thNal
easherphoner
ang.
..

Pr
eci
ous:sor
ryl
ovel
etmet
aket
his.Mama?
Rona:baby
Pr
eci
ous:what
'supmai
m busy
Rona:okiwon'
tbelong.Preci
ouswe( checkedher
coast
)weneedtogetridofLesediandverysoon
kanasal
eoreotl
adirakgangelelejaana?(Youl
ong
sai
dyouwillt
akecareofthati
ssueevennow)
Pr
eci
ous:hol
don,
Nal
eiwi
llbewi
thyouj
ustnow
Nal
e:ohokl
ove
Preci
ousst
eppedoutoft
heshopwhi l
eNal
e
conti
nuedt
olookt
hroughcl
othes.
..

Preci
ous:mayouknowim st
il
lwai
ti
ngforhert
o
comet ometheniwi
llbeabl
etodothedeed
Rona:noPreci
ousihaveaf eel
ingshe'
saboutt
o
gi
vebirt
h.Shoul
dthischil
dsurviveTi
tuswi
llbe
gone.Can'
tyoudoitthr
oughTitus?
Pr
ecious:nomayouwantmet
ohur
tmyown
br
othercomeon?
Rona:ohpl
easePreci
ousweren'
tyouhappywheni
t
oldyouwhatidi
dt oMaya?
Preci
ous:MayaandTit
usarenotthesameperson
andyouknowwhyiwashappywi thwhatyoudidto
Maya.Justbepat
ientmaiwil
lgettoheronewayor
theother
Rona:youshoul
dandverysoonorel
sei
m goi
ngt
o
ri
skitandvi
sitt
hatwomanmyself
Pr
eci
ous:mamaommewat
hapel
o(youar
ea
womanofpr ayerma)youcan'
tbeseenenter
ing
someplacesao.WhatkindofaChri
stianwoman
wouldyoube.Iwil
ltakecar
eofthi
strustme.Ti
tus
i
snotgoingtomar r
ythatbi
tchnorwi
llherai
sea
chi
ldwit
hher
Rona:good.Anot
hert
hingst
opal
lowi
ngyoursont
o
bearoundMaya
Preci
ous:whatshoul
didoma?Lucasi
sol
denough
tomakehisdecisi
ons
Rona:youwanthi
mtodi
e?
Precious:ofcour
senotbona(
look)iwi
llseet
o
everythi
ngbye
Rona:bye

Preci
oussighedhangi
ngupandshookherhead.
Shewentbackt ot
heshopbutf r
ozebyt
hedooras
sherecei
vedabanknotif
icat
ion.
..

Pr
eci
ous:"
P4000pai
dtoaccount
..
.(
frowned)Maya
Moet
ifr
om L,
Kavi
mba..
."heebat
hongLovemoreo
mpont
shang?(
Whati
sLovemor
etr
yingt
odo)4000?

Shesai
dgoi
ngt
owher
eNal
ewasf
umi
ng.

AtMmaLuke'
shouse.
..

Theladiest
hatsatwit
hhergotservedwit
h
sandwichesanddri
nksasshesighedsit
ti
ngback.
..

MmaLuke:soyeahj
ustl
iket
hatmyonl
ychi
ld
passedon
Woman:wearesosorryt
oheart
hatdear
.Kant
e
di
dn'
tLukehaveachi
ld?
MmaLuke:mxm hehaschi
ldr
enlemmamot se
mongwegonemo( wi
ththi
sothervi
ll
agewhor
e
ar
ound)
Woman:di
dyouguyspaydamages?
MmaLuke:yesf
orbot
hki
ds
Woman:aothenyoushoul
dgot
aket
hoseki
dsand
st
aywi
ththem
MmaLuke:what
?
Woman2:yesMmaLuket heyaretheonesthatwil
l
comf ortyou.Youdidallt
her i
ghtthi
ngsmmago
andt akethosekids.Theyareli
ter
all
yyours.Aoo
batlagonnaf elaolenosibanabaleteng,
yago
tsayabanamma( youwanttostayalonewhileyou
haveki ds,gotakethoseki
dswoman)

MmaLukesqui
nthereyest
hinki
ngaboutwhatt
hey
j
ustsai
d.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
14:
11] :AKEPTWOMAN
 12

Preci
ouscli
ckedhert
onguet
hrowi
nghershoppi
ng
bagsinhercarandsl
ammedthedoor
..
.

Preci
ous:mymoneyNale?My.
..
(scof
fed)whatdoes
Lovemor et
akemefor
?Howdoeshegoof fandgive
thati
diotsomuchmoneyandwhy?
Nal
e:youneedt
ofi
ndoutandyouneedt
ofi
ndout
ver
ysoon
Pr
ecious:i
m cal
li
nghershebet
tersendbackt
hat
money
Nal
e:nonowai
t
Preci
ous:waitf
orwhatNale?Waitforwhat?Should
il
etsomeonegospendmymoneyonherf atherl
ess
ki
ds?It'
snotmypr obl
em t
hatshechosetof al
lfor
anidi
otthatgavehernot1but2stupidki
ds
Nale:t
hepersonyoushoul
dconf
ronther
eis
Lovemore,
heneedstoexplai
nwhyhewouldtake
outsomuchmoneyandgiveitt
osomeonewho
contr
ibut
esnot
hingt
othefamil
y
Preci
ous:ifeelli
keransacki
ngherhouse(cl
icked
hertongue)stupidbit
chyesesLovemorehasgotten
onmyl astnervethisti
mearound
Nale:iknowyouar
eangryfr
iendbutbepat
ientand
waitforhimt
ocomebackhomet henyouwillgett
o
askhim whyhewoulddosuchathing
Preci
ous:(sighed)okf
riendbuti
m notgoi
ngto
l
eaveMayal i
kethatnoonegetstospendmy
chil
dren'
smoneyl i
ket
hat.Shemustgoaskher
chil
dren'
sfatherformoneyandstayawayfrom my
home.Geti nthecar

Nalewentintheot
hersidewhi
lePr
eci
ousgoti
nthe
dr
iver
'sseatanddroveoff
.

Att
hegar
age.
..

Theki
dspl
ayedagameonLucas'
sphonewhi
le
Mayasatal onelookingonast hemechani cworked
onhercar .ShesawJoshuacomi ngoutofhi soffi
ce
andspoket oanempl oyeef orabitthensmil
edas
theypar tedways.Heseemedt ohaveagood
relati
onshi pwi t
hhisempl oyeesashest oppedby
themechani candspoket ohim.Itseemedasi fthey
wer ejokingwhi leheshowedhi m whattodo.Maya
foundher selfsmili
ngbutst oppedasherphone
vibrated.Itwasj ustterif
fchai nmessagesasshe
sighedandputi tawaywhi l
eJoshuacamet oher..
.

Joshua:ihopewear
enotdel
ayi
ngyouma'
am
Maya:wel
lthecarhasaprobl
em whi
chhastobe
at
tendedt
osot her
e'snohowicancompl
ain
Joshua:(smi
led)f
airenough.Theywi
llbedonei
n
j
ustaf ewminutes
Maya:t
hankyousomuch
Joshua:butyoureal
lyneedtogetanewcarorel
se
youaregoingtospendont hi
sone
Maya:(
smi
led)iwi
shicoul
dbutl
if
eseemst
ohave
i
tsownpl
ans
Joshua:don'
twor
ryt
hingswi
llf
allbacki
ntopl
ace
soon
Maya:whatwecandoistr
usti
ntheLor
dandkeep
pr
ayingandwor
kinghar
d
Joshua:t
ruet
hat
.Youar
eawomanoff
ait
hisee
Maya:yesibel
ievether
e'saGodoutt
her
ebuti
m
notmuchofachur chgoer
Joshua:wel
lwedon'thavet
ogotochurchever
y
Sundaytoval
idat
ethatwehavearel
ati
onshi
pwith
God
Maya:iconcur
Joshua:mynamei
sJoshua
Maya:isawitonthecar
d.I
m Maya,
MayaMoet
i
(
theyshookhands)
Joshua:ni
cemeet
ingyouMsMoet
i
Maya:yeah,
agai
n(theylaughed)idi
dn'
tknowwhat
iwoul
dhavedoneifididn'
thaveyournumber
Joshua:f
atemyl
adyf
ate
Maya:yeahhey
Joshua:ar
ethoseyourki
ds?
Maya:yes,t
heeldesti
smynephewhe'svi
sit
inghi
s
cousi
nssincet
heschoolsar
eclosed
Joshua:ohni
ce.Your
eal
lyhavebeaut
if
ulki
dsand
theyl
ookli
keyou
Maya:t
hankyou.Igett
hatal
ot(
theychuckl
ed)
Joshua:ar
etheyt
wins?
Maya:nopet
heboyi
s5andt
hegi
rli
s3
Joshua:ohniceiguessy'
al
lhavegoodgenes
becausetheboyisnotagi
ngatall(
theyl
aughed)
Mechani
c:i
m donewi
tht
hecarma'
am
Maya:ohokt
hankyousomuch.Ihavet
opayatt
he
f
rontri
ght
?
Mechani
c:yesma'
am
Maya:t
hankyousomuch.MrKgangyour
eal
ly
cameinhandymayGodblessyou
Joshua:(
smi
led)t
hankyoumyl
adyandenj
oyt
he
r
estoft
heday
Maya:(
smi
led)ki
dsl
et'
sgo
Bot
h:(
scr
eamed)f
inal
ly!
Her
ber
t:oh,
(wi
thhi
shandst
oget
her
)thankyousi
r
Joshua:(
smil
edsurpr
isedandputhi
shands
toget
heraswell
)youarewelcomesi
r

Theyhoppedinthecarwhil
etheirmothersmiled
shaki
ngherhead.Shedrovetothefrontwhil
e
Joshualookedatt
hecarwithasmi l
eonhi sface
andwentbacktotheoff
icewithhishandsinhi s
pocket
s.

Att
hebar
racks.
..

Mopati
'
sfri
endwenti
ntot
hei
roffi
cesi
ngi
ngbut
st
oppedseei
nghi
sfri
endwholookedmil
esaway.
..
Man:Mo?Heel
aboyboywakeup
Mopat
i:huh?Oh,
whati
sit
?
Man:whyar
eyoudaydr
eami
ng?
Mopat
i:i
m notdaydr
eami
ngar
eyoucr
azy
Man:ijustwal kedi
nonyoulookingmilesawayi
sit
theladyfrom thepar
ty(l
aughed)youneedtoget
overthatchickbruhcomeon.Whendi dyou
becomet hisperson?
Mopat
i:whatper
son?
Man:someonewhoi
sobsessedwi
thanot
her
per
son'
spussy?
Mopat
i:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Ihaven'
teven
f
uckedher
Man:exact
lybutyouar
eobsessi
ngabouther .I
don'
tunder
standwhatthef
ussaboutheris.She'
s
j
ustarandom basi
cchi
ckyoushouldgetover.
Mopat
i:j
ustshutupdudeah
Man:thi
sisgabsdudegasekoMoiyabanawhere
youcanfoolagi
rlwi
thtwobott
lesofbeerandbe
cert
aint
hatyouaregoingt
ogetasli
ce,
nopapai n
Gabsyouwor khar
d.Looknowyouevenscoredher
ajobbuthaveyougott
ensomethi
nginret
urn?
Dolol
o
Mopat
i:wethersheli
kesi
tornotsheandiar
egoi
ng
t
oendupt ogether
Man:t
oget
her
?
Mopat
i:youknowwhatimean
Man:eheiwasstar
ti
ngtowonderi
fyouhavesome
ki
ndoffeel
ingsf
orher
Mopat
i:yesido,f
eeli
ngstofuckher(t
heyl
aughed)
sohowfarwithyourplanf
orherfr
iend?
Man:ij
ustwantt
ocat
chhi
m of
fguar
d
Mopat
i:whydoyouhavet
odot
hatt
hough?
Man:im notgoi
ngt
obeinsul
tedbysomewannabe
Somiziandhavehi
mthi
nkhecangetawaywithi
t,
no
Mopat
i:ohwellisee,
let
'sj
usthopei
tdoesn'
tcome
backt
obiteyou
Man:i
m notsayi
ngiwanttoki
llt
hebastar
dijust
wantt
oremindhimthathe'
samant hat
'sal
l
Mopat
i:isee

Hesaidlookinginhi
slapt
opbutst
oppedasa
thoughtcrossedhi
smind.Hesmil
edandwentt
o
hismail.

AtBi
anca'
shouse.
..

Lewi
s:wher
e'st
hisgi
rlB.
..
Bi
anca:(
cover
edherbr
east
sst
art
led)yoh!
Lewi
s:aist
opi
tmani
tsme
Bianca:youscar
edmedammi
thowdi
dyougeti
n
here?
Lewi
s:t
hef
rontdoorwasnotl
ocked
Bi
anca:ishoul
dhavehear
dyourcarpar
kingmoss
Lewi
s:mycari
snotascr
api
tdoesn'
tmake
unnecessar
ysounds
Bi
anca:whatar
eyoudoingher
ear
eyounoton
af
ter
noondutythi
sweek?
Lewis:iam butimt oostr
essedtobemoving
aroundcheckingifthosehooli
gansarest
udyi
ng.I
j
ustcan'twaitfortheschoolst
oclosethi
sFri
day
thosekidsgivemest ress
Bi
anca:i
sitr
eal
lyt
heki
ds?
Lewi
s:(
sighed)if
oundt
het
hief
Bi
anca:ohgoodt
hen,
ihopeyoucal
ledt
hepol
ice
onhi
m
Lewi
s:he'
sast
udent
Bianca:what
!?(
Scoff
ed)soLewi
soj el
weke
ngwana?(Yougotscrewedbyachi
ld)
Lewi
s:eewwBi
ancahowcanyouputi
tli
ket
hat
?
Bi
anca:becauset
hat
'showi
tis
Lewis:it
oldyouaboutyourl
evel
ofsensi
ti
veness
gir
ly
Bi
anca:howol
dishe,
17?
Lewis:ofcour
sedoyout
hinkiwoul
dbet
his
str
essedifhewas18?
Bi
anca:mar
aki
dsoft
odayyoh(
clappedonce)
Lewis:ei
shmmaakooapar elei
fimabel
eagagoa
ntshi
rapelogor
e( canyoupl
easeputonyourbr
a,
yourbreast
sarejustanobst
ructi
on)
Bianca:ngngdon'
tpleasedon'tst
artwi
thme(putit
on)areyounottheonewhopi ckedhim att
hebaby
shower?
Lewi
s:idi
dbutidi
dn'
tknowi
twashi
m
Bi
anca:i
sheoneofyourst
udent
s?
Lewi
s:yes
Bi
anca:tsalaobuletsemoi
thut
i?(
Youopenedf
ora
st
udent)(Shelaughed)
Lewi
s:Bi
ancast
opi
tman
Bi
anca:oksor
ry,
sowher
ear
eyourt
hingsnow?
Lewi
s:hesol
dmyphoneandwat
chesandt
ell
sme
hespentt
hemoney
Bi
anca:cal
lhi
spar
ent
s
Lewi
s:ican'
tboo
Bi
anca:why?
Lewi
s:becausehe'
sthr
eat
eni
ngme
Bi
anca:ohwow
Lewi
s:yepandi
sevendemandi
ngmor
e
Bi
anca:youl
ie
Lewi s:tl
haleent sholetshweukomabi t
leng(
i
swear ),hewant smet omakesur ehegetsgood
mar ksinengl i
sh, hewantsmet ogivehi
m money
everyweekandt hat'
sjustnotanyamountbut
nothingl essthan1k, hewantsmet obuyhim and
hisfriendsalcoholeveryweekendandguesswhati
willbeget ti
nginr et
urn,sex
Bianca:kidsoft
odaybat
hong,
Lewi
sar
eyoubei
ng
forrealnow?
Lewis:seri
ousasdeathB,i
fidon'
tmeethis
demandsist andachanceofbei
nghumil
iatedand
l
osemycar eerandontopoft
hatgot
ojailf
or
molestati
on
Bi
anca:Jesus(
inaNi
ger
ianaccent
)
Lewi
s:youcansayt
hatagai
n
Bi
anca:ahnohehasyoubabesher
eal
lyhasyou
Lewis:kejewakengwanaBi
anca?(
Im bei
ng
blackmail
edbyachil
d)Awholemanli
kemebe
tr
ickedbyachild?
Bi
anca:whatcanyoudo?Hehasyour
ightwher
e
hewantsyou
Lewis:tot
agapebanabaLedumangkebo
diabol
oso( andagainLedumangstudentsareli
tt
le
devil
s)theyhavealwaysbeenl i
ket
hat(cli
ckedhis
tongue)stupidcuntij
usthavetosi
tdownand
comeupwi thaplanofhowi cangethi
m
Bianca:al
lthebest
,whi
leonwor
kingont
hatpl
an
tl
hemmabonaf a(l
ookher
e)
Lewis:aesi
esmanBiancamaragoagagoa
shimisamonnaapar
aphenti(
yourbehi
ndi
s
disgust
ingmanputonanunderwear
)

Hecl
ickedhistongueleavi
ngwhi
leBi
ancal
aughed
andf
inishedgett
ingready.
AtKgangT&THeadquar
ter
s..
.

Duncanmadesurehi
sthi
ngswereinperf
ectplace
ashetookhi
sphonetocal
lPati
encebutLorna'
s
cal
lcamethr
oughashesighedandanswered..
.

Duncan:hil
oveiwasaboutt
ocal
lyou,
what
'sup?
Lor
na:hibabehaveyouknockedof
fyet
?
Duncan:yeahjustpackedmydesknowi
m maki
ng
mywayout ,youneedsomethi
ng?
Lor
na:yeaht
her
e'ssomet
hingineedyout
odof
or
me
Duncan:ohokl
ovewhati
sit
?
Lor
na:ineedyoutogetsomei
nfor
mat
ionon
Pat
ience'
ssonforme
Duncan:(
hear
tski
ppedashef
rowned)whyl
ove?
Lor
na:it
ri
edt
ogeti
tfr
om herear
li
erbutshedi
dn'
t
wantt
osayanyt
hing
Duncan:howim isupposedt
ogetitfr
om heri
fyou
fai
ledboo?Ar
eyouguysnotcl ose?
Lor
na:it
houghtwewer
e
Dunan:ahahloveijustcan'
ti
nvadesomeone'
s
pr
ivatel
if
eli
kethatgonemmewhydoyouwant
i
nformati
onaboutherson?
Lorna:al
liwantt
oknowiswhenhi
sbir
thdayisso
thaticanpl
anasurpr
isepar
tyf
orhi
mifithasn'
t
passed
Duncan:whydon'
tyougettheki
dstodothatl
ove?
Appl
ewouldbedeli
ghtedtodosoisn'
tshe'
sthe
onewholovessecr
etmissi
ons
Lorna:she'sgoingtoknowimighthavesentthem
l
ove.Iknowyouar enotthatcl
osetoherbutmaybe
thi
swoul dmakehert hinkyouarest
art
ingtowarm
uptoher .Star
titasabasicconver
sati
onbetween
anempl oyerandanempl oyee
Duncan:im notsur
eaboutwhatyouar
easki
ngme
butiwil
lseewhattodo.
Lor
na:okl
ovet
hankyousomuch
Duncan:i
m notpr
omi
singt
houghbutiwi
llsee
Lor
na:iknowyouwi
llpul
litof
f.Comehomeal
ready,
imissyou
Duncan:I
'
llbet
her
ejustnow(
theyhungup)hee
bannathi
swoman

Hescof
fedt
aki
nghi
sthi
ngsandl
ockedhi
sof
fi
ce
l
eavi
ng.

AtMaya'
shouse.
..

Wit
hMayaironi
ngherthingsf
orworkandt
heki
ds
watchi
ngt
vLucassteppedoutsi
deandmadea
cal
l.
..

Lovemor
e:son
Lucas:hidaddyhowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lovemore:i
m goodmyboyhowar
eyou?I
saunt
y
Mayatreati
ngyougood?
Lucas:youknowifi
twasn'
tformom iwoul
dbe
stayi
ngwithaunt
yfullt
ime
Lovemore:(
smiled)makesur
eyoumaket
hebest
outoft
hatvisi
tmyboy
Lucas:ii
ntendt
odad.Anywayshe'
sther
eason
whyi cal
led
Lovemor
e:who?
Lucas:aunt
yMaya
Lovemor
e:i
shercarok?
Lucas:howdoyouknowaboutt
hecar
?
Lovemor
e:shecal
ledmeaski
ngf
ormoneyt
ogeti
t
fi
xed
Lucas:ohok.Yeaht
hecari
sokbuti
t'
sherki
ds
Lovemor
e:whataboutt
hem?
Lucas:shecan'
taf
for
dthei
rschoolf
eesanymore
andnowwant stot
akethem t
oacheaperschool
Lovemor
e:oht
hat
'ssad
Lucas:yeahandHer berti
snotokaboutt hewhole
thi
ng.Againhe'sinhislastyearofPre-
schoolso
changingschoolswillj
ustmesshi m up
Lovemor
e:ohok,
sowhatwer
eyout
hinki
ngmyboy?
Lucas:(
checkedthecoast)iwashopi
ngmaybeyou
coul
dhelpherwi t
hthefeesfort
heremai
ningt
erm.
It
'sj
ustoneterm
Lovemore:iwi
llhavetolooki
tupmyboyican'
tjust
takeoutmoneywi t
houtknowi
nghowitwoul
d
affectme
Lucas:butwi
llyoubeabl
etohel
p?
Lovemor
e:wewi
llsee.Di
dyout
alkt
oheraboutt
his?
Lucas:yesbutshedidn'
twantt
ohearanyt
hing
aboutitbecauseshe'
sscar
edofmom
Lovemore:soyouaredoingthi
sbehi
ndherback?
Nomyboyt hat
'snotgoodthel
astt
hingwewantto
doisoff
endyouraunt
Lucas:butwear
ehel
pingherdadhowi
sthat
off
ensive?
Lovemore:somepeoplehaveawayofdoingthi
ngs.
Justt
alktoherf
ir
stifshe'
ssti
llnoti
ntot
heidea
thenl
etitbemyboy
Lucas:whataboutt
heki
ds'
shappi
..
.
Maya:Lucaswhoar
eyout
alki
ngt
oont
hephone?
Lucas:(
hungupandcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
)noone
aunty
Maya:(
fol
dedherar
ms)Lucasdi
dinotaskyout
o
notdot
hat?
Lucas:youdi
daunt
ybut
..
.
Maya:Lucasicant
akecar
eofmychi
ldr
enok?I
don'
tneedhandout
s
Lucas:ahaunt
yidi
dn'
tmeant
o..
.
Maya:iknowwhatmykidsdeserveanduntilican
gi
vethem "t
hebest
"iwi
llkeepgivi
ngthem whati
af
for
dsopl easemyboymi ndyourownbusiness
Lucas:(swal
lowed)i
m sor
ryaunt
yidi
dn'
tmeant
o
overst
epmyboundar i
es
Maya:j
ustknowt
hatimeani
twhenisaynonext
t
ime
Lucas:eemma(
yesma'
am)
Maya:good.Di
dhet
ellyouaboutt
hecar
?
Lucas:yesandidon'
tunder
standwhy.
..
Maya:Lucas?
Lucas:(
lookeddown)mma?
Maya:ihadnoot
herchoi
cewehadt
ogethome
Lucas:butaunt
ythi
s..
.
Maya:Lucasno,
withtheschoolf
eesissueihavea
choi
ceofdowngradi
ng.Getbackint
othehouse

Hesighedgoingbacki
ntot
hehousewhi
leMaya
shookherheadfol
lowi
nghi
m.

Ont
hewayhome.
..

Joshuatappedhi
sfi
ngersont
hesteeri
ngwheel
l
ist
eningtomusicashi
sphonerang,"
Mom",he
si
ghedandr
educedt
hevol
umepi
cki
ngup.
..

Joshua:queenoft
hecast
le
Gl
idi
a:hibaby
Joshua:howar
eyoudoi
ngma?
Gl
idi
a:i
t'
smybi
rt
hweekbabywhatdoyout
hink?
Joshua:(
smi
led)ihopeyouar
ebei
ngpamper
edt
o
themax
Gli
dia:yesmyboy.Thepar
tyi
sthi
sweekendbaby
youwi l
lbear
oundright
?
Joshua:yesmaipr
omi
sedi
sn'
tit
?
Gl
idi
a:iknowyouJoshiknowyou
Joshua:ipr
omiseyoumamai m comingthist
ime
around.Imeantheseareyearsyouneedto
celebr
atewit
hyourkidsaround.65yearsisahuge
milest
one
Gli
dia:i
m gladyoument
ionedthatbecausei
mti
red
ofrecei
vingmoneyasagiftf
rom you
Joshua:tr
ustmemot heri
m comi
ngwi
thabet
ter
andbiggerpresenteven
Gli
dia:(
smi
led)don'
tgetmyhopesupf
ornot
hing
Josh
Joshua:l
et'
sjustsay,
wai
tandsee
Gli
dia:andihopeyouwi
llbecomi
ngwi
tha
daughteri
nlawaswell
Joshua:(
clenchedhi
steet
h)yesmama
Gl
idi
a:whydoyousoundsounsur
e?
Joshua:mamaim get
ti
ngatar
oadbl
ockiwi
llcal
l
youwhenigethome
Gl
idi
a:Jo.
..
(hehungup)thisboy,St
ephenmyboy
what
'swrongwithyourbrot
her?Everyt
imeit
alkt
o
hi
m aboutawomanhej ustrunsoff
St
ephen:maybehe'
snoti
ntowomenma
Gl
idi
a:noSt
ephen
Stephen:youcanneverknowbecausehenever
postsanythi
ngaboutrel
ati
onshi
psonsocialmedia
notevenapi ct
urewi
thagirlatl
east
.Im of
ftoget
mywi
fef
rom wor
k
Gl
idi
a:(
frowned)ok

Helef
twhil
ehismot
hersatbackaski
ngher
sel
fa
l
otofquest
ions.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Lovemoresighedthrowinghisbagonthet
ableand
l
oosenedhistiegoingtothekit
chen.Pr
eci
ous
camedownwhi l
ehegr abbedabottl
eofwaterf
rom
thefr
idge.
..

Lovemor
e:whataday
Preci
ous:mmhwhatadayofyouspl ashi
ngour
famil
ymoneytoundeser
vingpeopl
e.Thatmoneyi
s
reser
vedforar
easonLovemore.
Lovemor
e:goodafter
noonhoneyhowareyou?I
m
goodandyoursel
f?I'
m goodl
ove,
goshoweriwi
ll
bedonewi thdi
nnersoon.That '
showothermenare
greet
edwhent heystepintothei
rhousesaft
era
l
onghect i
cdaybutno, notinKavimba'
shouse.The
fi
rstquesti
onyougetwhenyouar ri
vei
sabout
money, al
ways
Pr
eci
ous:howcoul
dyouLovemor
e?
Lovemor
e:idon'
tneedt
oexpl
aintoyouhowiuse
mymoneyordoyouperhapshelpmemakeit
?
Preci
ous:Lovemor
ewhenar
eyougoi
ngt
orepl
ace
thatmoneyandhow?Tel
lme
Lovemore:Preciousihadalongdayokandi m not
abouttomakei tlongerbyarguingwithyouabout
themoneyigavet oyoursi
ster.Letal
onealousy
4000,ican'
tbelieveyouarecryingforsuchsmall
change
Preci
ous:Lovemorewereyounottheonet
ell
ingme
thatweshouldn'
ttoucht
hatmoney?
Lovemor
e:iam becauseit
sfamil
ymoney,
forwhen
oneofushasanemer gencyandMayai
sfamil
yand
shehadanemer gency
Preci
ous:whatemer
gencyLovemor
e?What
emergency?Keeng,
doyouwanthernow?Howcan
yougivehersomuchmoney?
Lovemore:youar
ecrossi
ngthelinenow.Ar eyou
nottheverysameper
sonwho' salwaysdishingout
moneytoTi t
us?Nott
hatihaveapr obl
em withit
butMayaisalsofami
lysopleasejustst
opi t
Preci
ous:noLovemoreim notgoingtostopyouare
goingtogett
hatmoneybackandt oday.Imtir
edof
youalwaystr
eati
ngmel ikeatoy.Im yourwif
e
Lovemoreyouhavetotalktomef ir
stbefore
spendi
ngmoneyf rom t
hishouse
Lovemor
e:ar
eyoudone?
Pr
eci
ous:i
m onl
yst
art
ing,
Lovemor
eyouar
e..
.
Lovemor
e:sui
tyour
sel
f

Hesai
dgoingupwhil
ePreci
ousscof
fedl
ooki
ngat
hi
m wi
thherhandsonherwaist
..
.

Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
egetbackher
eimt
alki
ngt
oyou!
Lovem.
..

Heslammedthebedr
oom doorasshescof
fed
shaki
ngherhead.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Mosespackedhi st
oolsandhear dNyashasinging
atthetopofhervoiceinthebat hroom wi t
hthe
waterrunning.Hecheckedhi scoastandwentt o
thebathroom windowandst eppedont hebri
cks
thatwerestackedbythewal l
.Hesl owlypeekedi n
andswal l
owedget t
ingafullviewofherbums.She
l
eaneddownt opickherexfoli
atinggloveasshe
gavehim af ul
lvi
ewofhert eenagecoochi e.He
swall
owedahugel umpofl ustashef elthisbl
ood
rushi
ngdown.Nyashat ur
nedashequi ckl
ywent
downandt i
ptoedaway...

Moses:f
uck,
thi
syounggi
rlhasal
lthegoodi
es.
THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
02] :AKEPTWOMAN
13

Maya'sal
ar mrangasshewokeupandswi tchedit
off
.Shelaidonherbackr ubbinghereyesand
smil
edremember ingwhatdayi twas.Herfir
stday
atanewj ob.Shesmi l
edmor esit
ti
ngupandsi ghed
putt
ingonhersl eeper
swi ththekidssl
eepinginthe
l
ivi
ngroom wi t
hLucas.Asongcamei ntohermind
asshesof t
lysangput t
ingonhergown. ..
Maya:"
Halempotsatshepoyaakaketl
aar
ekeJeso.
Kel
apetsehomonngakahaekehaetsho"

Sheuncl
ockedandwentint
oherki
tchenfi
ll
ingt
wo
pot
swithwaterandputt
hem ont
hestove.
..

Maya:"
Lerekebonenghoyenakebonephomol
o
t
haboelenghomonngakahaenaphetogo"

Shewentwentbackt othebedroom andpicked

whatt owear.Blackskinnyjeans,awhiteperf
ect
fi
tt
ingshirtandcomf ortabl
esneakers.Shehadt o
fi
nishherprobationperiodtogettheunifor
m and
untilt
henshewi llhavetokeepwear i
ngherblack
andwhi t
eclothes.Shewashappywi thwhatshe
pi
ckedandsatonherchai rt
akingoutherdiary.
..

Maya:"
anteJesoonamponahakel
elaj
wal
ea
mpit
saaret
lohonnaofol
ematswal
o"
Shehummedopeningherdiar
yst
il
lwit
hasmi leon
herf
ace.Shest
oppedsingi
ngandhummi ngasshe
si
ghedandstar
tedj
ott
ingdownonherdiary.
..

"
June2022.Deardi
ary.
..

Todayiwokeupf eelingal otlighter.Myf i

r stdayat
mynewj obandif eelli
kei m goi ngtoacei t .
Honest lyihadaver yevent fulweekend.It ookmy
kidstomymot heronFr idayonl ytogetthem on
Saturday.Metsomemenatababyshowerand
tri
edt omakedr i
nkaspi keddr i
nk.Myf r
iendgot
muggedbyaguyhepi ckedf rom t heparty
(chuckled)Lewisandhi sshenani gansthough.Ihad
abr eakdownwhenihadt ocol lectmyki dsf rom
Mochudi ,oht
hefat herofmyki dsscammedmebut
diedinanacci dent ,
nott hatiwoul dwishi ton
anyonebutLukewasat ickinmyl if
e,hebr ought
nothingbutstressandt heonl yt hingsim happy
aboutt hathebroughti nmyl i
f earemyki ds.Kids
whoiwoul dgot ot heendsoft hewor ldforanddi e
forifihavet o.Goi ngbackt omybr eakdown, idon't
knowwhatiwoul dhavedonewi thouttheamazi ng
manimet '
shel p.Fr om wirest omegoi ngt ohis
garaget ohavet het erminalsf i
xedandgetawhol e
newbat ter
y.Iver ywonder fulmanwhoibel i
eve
treatshiswi f
egr eat .Ordoeshehaveawi fe?Ididn'
t
seear i
ngonhi sfingerormaybehet akesitoff
whenhegoest owor kbecauseheseemsl ikea
handsonboss.Anywayit hankmybr otherinlaw
andnephewf oral waysbei ngt her eformeeven
thoughLucascanf ussal otatt i
mesiknowhe
meanswel l
.Howmybr otheri nlawkeepsupwi th
mysi steristil
ldon' tunder standupt ot hi
sdaybut
heyi swhati tis.Ireal l
ydomi ssmyauntbecause
shewoul dhavemadesur et hatim ver ycomf ort
able
onmyf irstday.Sheal wayssuppor tedmypassi on
onmi xi
ngdr i
nksandibel ieveshe' ssopr oudofme
wher evershei s.Im st i
lll
ooki ngf orabet t
erjob
thoughbutwhi l
edoi ngthatiwi llkeepgr i
ndingunt i
l
igett owher eiwant .Again, l
ifeisagameofdar ts
somepl ayersjustt akeoneshott oawi nwhile
otherstakesever al shotstoawi nandibel i
eveima
partofthoset
hattakesever
alshot
sbutinGodi
tr
ust,iwil
lmakeitinl
if
eandmyki dsandiwil
lbe
happier
."

Shesmil
edclosingthedi
aryandputi
taway.She
madewayt othekit
chenasherphonerang.She
scof
fedseei
ngwhowascal li
ngandanswer ed.
..

Maya:at5am i
nthemor
ning,
real
ly?
Mopati
:ij
ustwantedt
omakesur
eyouar
enotl
ate
onyourfi
rstdayt
owork
Maya:noim notandyoureal
lydi
dn'thavet
o.Isai
d
t
hankyouf ort
hejobsothatshoul
dbeenough.I
wil
lgetyoua6packofyourbeerwhenigetpaid
Mopat
i:noidon'
twanta6pack
Maya:wel
lthat'
swhaticanoffer
.Looki
m notr
eal
ly
muchofatalkeri
nthemorningsobye
Mopat
i:whydoihavet
hisf
eel
ingt
hatyouhat
eme?
Maya:(
scof
fed)Mopat
i,ihavenor
easont
ohat
e
someoneidonotknow
Mopat
i:maybeyoucangett
oknowme
Maya:it
houghtyoudi
dn'
twantmetobel
atenow
youaret
heverysamepersondel
ayi
ngme
Mopat
i:canwedodi
nnerl
ater
?
Maya:iwi
llbet
ir
edmyki
dswi
llbewai
ti
ngf
orme
Mopat
i:youcanbr
ingt
hem al
ong
Maya:Mopat
ibyeineedt
obat
h
Mopat
i:but
..
.
Maya:(hungup)thenerveofthi
sguy.Icanl
it
eral
ly
hearsomeonesnoringinthebackgr
oundandhe's
tal
kingaboutdi
nners.Wow

Sheshookherheadandattendedtoherwaterwhi
le
Mopatisi
ghedputti
nghisphonedown,gotupand
l
ookedattheladysnor
ingbesideshi
minbed...

Mopat
i:mxm
Hesai
dgoi
ngt
othebat
hroom.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Hecheckedthecoastandpl
ant
edasof
tki
sson
Pat
ience'
sli
ps.
..

Duncan:mor
ningl
ove
Patience:soist
hishowitwil
lbef
orever
?Us
steali
ngkissesi
nt hemorni
ngdur
ingtheweekdays
thenhideinahotelonFri
days?
Duncan:ahahsincewhendoyouhaveapr
obl
em
wit
hthat?I
sn'ti
twhatwehavebeendoi
ngf
ort
he
past4years?
Pati
ence:sinceyourwi
fest
art
edmeddl
ingi
ntomy
pri
vatel
ife
Duncan:t
ellme,whyissheallofasudden
i
nter
estedinknowingourchi
ld?
Pat
ience:ar
eyougoi
ngt
oaskmet
hat
?
Duncan:kanashel
it
erall
yaskedmetoget
i
nformati
onaboutJuniorfr
om you
Pati
ence:she'
shonest
lyst
art
ingt
obeanui
sancei
hopeyout ur
nedherdown
Duncan:pol
it
elyyes
Pati
ence:att
her
ateshe'
sgoi
ngshewi
llendup
fi
ndi
ngoutDuncan
Duncan:don'
twor
rywear
esaf
e
Pat
ience:f
orhowl
ongt
houghi
m get
ti
ngt
ir
ed
Duncan:soonbabesoon
Pat
ience:howsooni
ssoon?
Duncan:l
ovecomeonnowweshouldbefocusi
ng
onJunior
'scomi
ngbirt
hdayandt
rycomeupwith
whatwecandof orhi
m
Pat
ience:(
sighed)iwi
llt
alkt
omysi
stert
ohel
pme
wit
hideas
Duncan:goodwhi
leshe'
sbusywi
thi
deasyouandi
can.
..
Hesai dpul
li
nghercloserbyherapr onasPatience
giggl
edbuttheyquickl
yletgoofoneanot heras
theyheardfoot
stepsonthestairs.Hegrabbeda
bottl
eofwatergoingupandgr eetedhisdaughter
whilePati
encehummedst art
ingonbr eakfast
...

Pat
ience:(
smi
l
ed)mor
ningA

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Lovemorel
eftf
orworkwhil
ePreci
ousf ol
dedher
l
egsandsippedonhercof
fee.Shereachedforher
phoneandcall
edherf
ri
end..
.

Nal
e:t
opoft
hemor
ningwi
tch(
theyl
aughed)
Pr
eci
ous:mor
ningNal
e
Nal
e:hai
bobabeswhydoyousoundsodr
y?
Preci
ous:that'
sbecausei
m dr
y,Lovemor
eand
Mayaar emilki
ngmedr yNal
e,emoti
onal
lyand
fi
nancial
ly
Nal
e:awwbabesi
m sosor
ryf
ort
hatt
lhe
Preci
ous:noNaleiwantmymoneyandiwanti t
now.Heeheet hi
smoneyi sfami l
ymoneyandMaya
i
sf amil
y,t
hefuckNale?Thef uck!
?DoesLovemor e
knowwhatihadt ogothrought ogethere?Andnow
hewantsmet osharethefrui
tsofmyl abourwit
h
someonewhoknowsnot hi
ngbutt olayonherback
andgivebir
thli
keit
'ssomekindofcompet i
ti
on
Nal
e:okf
ri
endcal
m down
Preci
ous:nolovei
m madandi m madashell.Maya
hastobringbackmymoneyandmyson.Foral lwe
knowshe'smakingmysonherbabysi t
terwhil
eshe
hauntsforanot
herchi
ld.Bl
oodyloosewhore!Sies
mansi es
Nal
e:yeahneht
heyr
eal
lygotonyourl
astner
ve
sweet
s
Pr
eci
ous:andt
hiscof
feei
sjustbi
tt
er
Nal
e:whatcanidot
omakeyouf
eelbet
termyl
ove?
Pr
eci
ous:getMayat
obr
ingmy4k
Nal
e:okl
etmegetmyguyst
ohuntherdownt
hen
wegotowher
evershei
s
Pr
eci
ous:iknowwher
eshest
aysNal
e
Nale:nowecan'
tgot
her
elovet
her
ewi
llbe
wit
nesses
Pr
eci
ous:okt
ellyourboyst
obequi
ckt
hen
Nal
e:yeah.Bye
Preci
ous:bye(shehungupandcl i
ckedhertongue)
Lovemor ehonestl
ydoesn'tknowwhoiam.Ket la
motlhakatl
hakanyaleMayawagagwe( iwil
lmess
hi
m upwi t
hMaya)he'sjustluckyt
hathe'
smy
husband.Maybei t
'sti
meiopenedhi seyesmor e

Shesaidt
aki
nghercupt
othezi
ncandheaded
upst
air
s.

I
nMochudi
..
.
Rona'sphoner
angasshefr
ownedl ooki
ngatt
he
unknownnumberandanswered.
..

Rona:hel
lo?
MmaLuke:i
sthi
sMaya'
smot
her
?
Rona:dependsonwho'
saski
ng
MmaLuke:iwantmygr
andchi
ldr
en
Rona:mma?
MmaLuke:yourdaughterki
ll
edmysonsoiwantmy
gr
andchi
ldr
enrightnow.
Rona:sot
heyt
oldyouihaveyourgr
andchi
ldr
en?
MmaLuke:ar
en'
tyouhermot
her
?Soyouhavet
o
speakt
oher
Rona:Mayaisagrownwomanshedoesn' tneeda
spokesper
son.Socal
lherbecauseiwasn'
tther
e
whensheandyoursonwer ebreat
hingonone
another
MmaLuke:mmai mt ryi
ngbyallmeanst odothi
s
therightwaysopl easemakesur eyoutalkt
oyour
daught ersoont hengetbacktome.Thesooneryou
dothatt hebetterifyoudon'tt
heniwillhaveno
choicebutt otaket hi
stothecourtandiknowasa
Christi
anwomanyouwoul dn'
twantyourname
draggedi nthemudsodot heri
ghtthi
ngMmaMoet i.
Thankyouandgoodbye( shehungup)
Rona:heebanna(
scof
fed)t
hiswoman,
shehas
somenerve

Shecl
ickedhert
onguegoi
ngout
side.

I
nJor
ge'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Hewelcomedhisfr
iendi
nashetookhi
sseati
na
pol
iceuni
for
m andsatback.
..

Man:t
houghtishoul
dcomeher
ebef
orecl
ocki
ngi
n
Jor
ge:(
gavehi
m anenvel
ope)yourpayment
Man:(
smi
led)t
hankyou
Jor
ge:your
eal
lydi
dgoodbutihaveanot
herj
obf
or
you
Man:anyt
hingf
oryoumymai
nman
Jor
ge:t
hegi
rli
sst
il
lpl
ayi
nghar
dtogetwi
thme
Man:ok?
Jor
ge:soiwantustofr
ameherf ort
heacci
dentbut
wedoiti
nawayt hatwi
llnotcomebacktobit
eus
Man:howwi
llt
hathel
pwi
thhercomi
ngt
oyou?
Jorge:sheknowsihavegoodlawyersi
nmy
contactssoshewil
lhavenochoicebutcomet
ome
Man:sohowdoyout
hinkweshoul
dgoabouti
t?
Jorge:iwasthinki
ngyoushoul dpaytheuseless
bastard'
smot heravisi
t.Tell
heryoubr oughtthe
fi
nalreportontheaccidentandt el
lherthatthe
breakswer et
amper edwith.Makesur etoplantthe
pl
iersyouusedatt hegirl
'shouset henaskthe
mot heri
fhersonhadpeopl et hatmighthave
wantedhi
m dead.Shewil
ldef
init
elymenti
onMaya.
Deployasearcht
eam whi
chwillfi
ndthepli
erst
hen
vi
olaiwil
lhaveherwher
eiwanther
Man:(
smi
led)gr
eatpl
aniwi
llbeoni
t
Jorge:andt
hist
imear
oundt
hepaymentwi
llbe
double
Man:musi
ctomyear
s

Hesmil
edleavi
ngwhi
leJor
gesatbackswi
ngi
ng
hi
schai
r.
..

Jorge:youcan'
trunawayf
rom al
lthi
ssugarMaya
baby.

AtBi
anca'
swor
kpl
ace.
..

Shesi
ghedsit
ti
ngdownandgr abbedaf i
lef
rom her
ki
tandst
art
edf i
li
nghercust
omer'snai
ls.
..
Bi
anca:sohowl
ongdi
dthenai
lst
ake?
Lady:amont
handahal
fbabesyour
eal
lyknow
yourjob
Lady:yesshereal
lyknowsherj
obandt
hat'
snot
payingherdebt
s,(
sheswall
owedasherhear
traced)
Biancawhere'
smymoney?
Bi
anca:comeonLul
uwecan'
tdot
hisher
eyou
wantt
ogetmefir
ed?
Lul
u:youmi
ghtaswel
lbecauseiwantmymoney
l
ady
Bi
anca:howwi
llibeabl
etopayyouwi
thoutaj
ob?
Lul
u:idon'
tknow,
findasugardaddyorsomet
hing
al
liwantismymoneyandiwanti tnowbri
nggi
rl,
bri
ng
Bi
anca:comeonLuyou.
..
Lulu:i
mt i
redofyourst
oriesBiancaandim notyour
fr
iendsthatyouhavebeenlyingtosayi
ngyouhave
madei tpart
neri
nthisbeautyparl
our
Manager
:what
!?
Lulu:yesdeart
hisonegoesaroundtell
ingpeople
thatsheownsapar toft
hispar
lourkantedolol
o
Manager:Bi
ancaisoneoft
henai
ltechni
cians
t
hat'
sit
.Bianca?
Bi
anca:ma'
am icanexpl
ain
Lul
u:expl
ainwhatBi
anca.Dri
vingyouruncl
e'scar
andlyi
ngtoyourf
ri
endsthatyouboughtit
.Bona
mpaamadimoseat l
engbabesebi l
eseababa.(Put
mymoneyonmyhand, i
tsevenitchi
ng)Haaakmy
gi
rl
.
Manager
:Bi
ancaar
eyougoingt
osol
vet
hisor
shoul
diwri
teawar
ningf
oryou?
Bi
anca:(
swal
lowed)i
m sor
ryma'
am iwi
llsol
vei
t.
ComeLulu
Lul
u:ar
eyougoi
ngt
ogi
vememymoney?
Bi
anca:Lul
ujustcome

Shesai
dtaki
ngherout
sidewhi
leever
yonel
ooked
onshocked.

AtKavi
mba'
smot
ors.
..

Morr
isknockedonceandwentint
oLovemor
e's
of
fi
cewhogotof faphonecal
l.
..

Lovemor
e:buddy
Mor
ri
s:yebo.Eveyt
hinggoi
ngwel
l
?
Lovemor
e:yeahandonyoursi
de?
Morri
s:al
lisgoi
ngwellbuddy.Thecar
gowi
llbei
n
Kazungul
athiseveni
ng
Lovemore:per
fectmakesur
ethatourt
rucksar
eon
standby
Mor
ri
s:ohyes.Don'
tworr
yigotthi
sremembert
his
i
snott
hefi
rstti
meim doi
ngthi
s
Lovemor
e:iknowbuddyj
ustt
hatiwantt
hingst
o
goaccor
dingl
yli
keal
ways
Mor
ri
s:don'
twor
ryt
hingswi
llgowel
l
Lovemore:awesome.Sohaveyoufoundsomeone
youwil
lbespendingthepr
ofi
tswit
honcetheystar
t
rol
li
ngi
n?
Morr
is:nomanidon'
tknowmaybeihavel
ostmy
t
ouch
Lovemore:wi
thsomanygaymenoutt
her
e?Come
i
nMor r
isstopdi
sappoi
nti
ngmeman
Morri
s:t
hingi
sidon'
tjustwantanyone.Iwant
someoneiwil
lbeabl
et obui
ldali
fewith.I
m not
get
ti
nganyyoungeriwanttosett
ledown
Lovemore:ihaveneverseenaser
iousgay
rel
ati
onshipinthi
scountry
Mor ri
s:wel
lyouwillseei
twithmebuddyandt he
personim goi
ngtof i
ndim goi
ngtomakesur ei
protecthi
mf r
om everyt
hingsothatwheneverhe
thi
nksofmessi ngupher emembersthathewill
be
l
osingsomeonegr eat
Lovemor
e:(
chuckl
ed)al
lthebest
Mor
ri
s:yeah.Sohowar
ethi
ngswi
thmadam?
Lovemore:yohdon'
tmenti
onthatone.I
t'
sget
ti
ng
worsewithherandi
m honest
lyrunni
ngoutof
pati
ence
Mor
ri
s:t
ellmeal
labouti
t

Lovemor escof
fedsit
ti
ngbackandtol
dhi
sfri
end
everyt
hingthat
'sbeenhappeni
ngi
nhishome.

LATERTHATMORNI
NG

AtMaya'
swor
kpl
ace.
..

Shesmiledwai
ti
ngonthecustomer
s'sf
eedback
aboutt
henewmi xshet
ri
ed..
.

Man:wowt
hisi
samazi
ngwhatdi
dyoudot
oit
?
Maya:wel
li.
..
Pr
eci
ous:wher
eisshe!
?Yeah.
..
thi
ef!
Nal
e:Pwai
tit
oldyouweshoul
d..
.
Pr
eci
ous:noNal
e,Maya!
?
Maya:(
frowned)what'
sgoi
ngonPr
eci
ous?Can'
t
youseeim worki
ng?
Manager:ma'
am youar
escar
ingmycust
omer
s
pl
ease.
..
Preci
ous:youshuti
twi
thyourdr
yol
dface.Maya
doyouwantt oknowwhat
'sgoi
ngon?Iwil
ltel
lyou
Nal
e:Pcanwe.
..
Preci
ous:shutupNale!Mayaim hereforthemoney
youswindledfr
om myhusbandandt hechil
dyou
areusi
ngt obabysi
tyourbast
ardchildr
enwho
happenstobemysonnow!Nochi ldofmi newi
llbe
tur
nedintoazombie,bri
ngMaya!

Maya'
seyeswander
edaroundnotknowi
ngwhatt
o
sayasever
yonel
ookedon.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
02] :AKEPTWOMAN
14

Preci
ous:sent
hot
olel
emat l
hoMayakebat
lamadi
ame(don'twi
denyoureyesatmeiwantmymoney)
Manager:ma'
am wi
thallduer
espectri
ght
sof
admi
ssionherei
sreser
vedyoucan'tcomeinher
e..
.
Precious:doyouknowwhoiam?Imeandoyou
knowwhoexact l
yyouaretal
kingto?Obolel
lanna
kadi( youtel
lmeabout)ri
ght
sofadmi ssi
on
reser
vedmyf ootwhi
leyouwaitforal
ousysalar
y
everymont hend?
Manager
:ohwow
Pr
ecious:yessoknowyourpl
ace.Mayat
imei
s
moneyandiwantmi ne,
bri
ng
Manager
:Mayapl
easegosor
tthi
soutsomewher
e
el
se
Preci
ous:i
m notgoi
nganywher
ewear
egoi
ngt
o
sortt
hisouther
eandnow!
Manager
:iguessiwi
llhavet
ocal
lsecur
it
yonyou
Nal
e:okPlet
'sst
epoutsideibel
ieveyoudon'
twant
t
oembarassyoursel
fli
kethat
Preci
ous:noi
m notgoi
ngtoembarassmysel
fim
goingtoembar
assthi
sbasicsl
ut.

Shesai
dtaki
ngoneofthedr
inksandpour
editover
Mayawhogaspedwhil
eeveryone'
sjawdr
opped..
.

Maya:Pr
eci
ous!
?
Preci
ous:iwantmymoneyandsonandiwant
them t
oday!Leshenametsengl
ona(whatyoual
l
l
ookingat),
conti
nueeat
ingyourcheapfood

Shecl
ickedhert
onguel
eavi
ngasNal
efol
lowedher
whil
easoaki
ngwetMayaswal
lowedembarassed.
Sherant
othebat
hroomsast
hemanagerfoll
owed
her
..
.

Manager
:br
ingat
owelwi
th

Mayagoti
nandcl
osedher
sel
finat
oil
etandbur
st
i
ntot
ears.
..

Manager
:Mayaar
eyouok?
Maya:(
sni
ff
ed)yesma'
am
Manager
:youar
ecr
yingMayabehonestwi
thme
Maya:idon'
tknowwhatihavedonet
othatwoman
Manager
:whoi
ssheandhowmuchdoyouoweher
?
Maya:she'
smysi st
er.Idon'
toweheranythi
ng,
i
cal
ledherhusbandandaskedhimforhelpandhe
camethroughforme
Manager
:butshe'
sadamantt
hatyouoweher
Maya:(cameoutofthetoil
etsni
ffi
ng)herhusband
tol
deveryoneinthefamil
ytocomet ohim
whenevertheyneedhelpwit
hanything.Mycar
brokedowni namallandiwaswithmyki dshisson
i
ncluded.Ihadnochoicebuttocal
lhim
Manager:okbutyouneedt oseewhatt odo
becauseican'taff
ordtohavesuchthings
happeni
ngi nmyr est
aurant
.Mycust omersar
e
rat
tl
edrightnowbutiwi l
lseet
ot hem.Makesure
youdryyourselfupandgobackt owor k
Maya:im goi
ngtoneedanewshi
rtt
hisonei
s
st
ainedforgood
Manager
:iwil
lsendoneofthewai
ter
stogetyoua
shi
rti
nPepbutthiswi
llbecomi
ngoutofyour
sal
arymont
hend
Maya:yesma'
am iunder
stand
Manager
:good

Shegaveheratowelandlef
twhil
eMayasi
ghed
washi
ngherfaceandwipedhersel
f.
..
Maya:onmyf ir
stday,Lor
dwhy, whyLord?Whydo
ihavetobet heonewhogoest hroughthemost
pain?Haveyouf orgot
tenthatiexistmaybe?I
thoughtyousaidyouwi l
lneverleavenorfor
sake
yourchil
drenyethereiam, hereiam suff
eri
ngday
inanddayout .Alli
m aski
ngf ori
speacei nmyli
fe

Shesai
dshaki
ngherheadchecki
nghowbadt
he
st
ainwasandi
twasverybad.

AtMmaLuke'
shouse.
..

Shefrownedwithherl
ipscur
vedlooki
ngatthe
pol
icecarparki
nginfr
ontofhergateandanoff
icer
comingout.
..

MmaLuke:ir
eall
yneedtogetascreenwallandan
aut
omatedgateoncei
nsurancemoneycomesi n.
Younggi
rlt
ellt
hatmanimint hebedr
oom ifhe'
s
l
ooki
ngf
ormeok

TheyounggirlnoddedasMmaLukewentt
othe
bedroom andjoi
nedthel
adi
eswhoweresi
tti
ngwi
th
her.
..

Woman:youknowyoushoul
dn'
tbemovi
ngupand
downMmaLuke
MmaLuke:heemmapeoplear
et hievesiwantt
o
makesurenoonei
staki
ngmyt hings(aknock
camethr
ough)
Woman:comei
nsi
r
Off
icer
:(t
ookof
fhi
shat
)gooddayl
adi
esi
m her
eto
seeMmaLuke
MmaLuke:i
t'
smemyboywhy?
Off
icer
:mayiki
ndl
ytal
ktoheri
npr
ivat
epl
ease?I
f
youdon'tmi
nd
Woman:ohokwewi
llbei
nthel
ivi
ngr
oom,
let
'sgo
l
adi
es
Theyf
oll
owedoneanot
heroutwhi
let
heof
fi
cert
ook
hi
sseat.
..

MmaLuke:whati
sgoi
ngonmyson?
Of
fi
cer
:ma'
am i
t'
saboutyourson
MmaLuke:okwhatabouthi
m?
Offi
cer:asthepol
icef
orcewealwayscompile
report
stoseewhatcouldhavereal
lycausedthe
accidentandwefoundoutthatt
hebrakesofthe
caryoursonwasinwer etemper
edwith
MmaLuke:whatdoyoumeanbyt
emper
edwi
th?
Of
fi
cer
:thatsomeonecutt
hem
MmaLuke:waitsoyouaret el
li
ngmet
hatsomeone
del
iber
atel
ycausedthataccident
?
Off
icer:i
m af
raidsomamasoiwantt oknowif
maybeyouknowanyonewhomi ghthave
t
hreatenedhim bef
oreorwant
edhim deadsot
hat
wecanst ar
tinvest
igat
ing
MmaLuke:MayaMoet
i
Of
fi
cer
:whoi
sthatmadam?
MmaLuke:MayaMoet i
,thatgirlhat
edmysonwi t
h
everyt
hingshehasandisweart oyoushewanted
him deadsothatshecangett hebenefi
tsofhi
s
deathbutiwouldrat
herbitemyel bowthantol
et
her(scoff
ed)thi
sli
tt
lewitch,soshekill
edmychil
d?
Ohshe' sgoi
ngtoknowmeisweart oyou,
she'
s
goingtoknowme
Offi
cer
:okmacal
m down.Whywoul
dshekil
lhim
besi
deswant
ingt
ohaveashareont
hebenef
itsof
hi
sdeath?
MmaLuke:iwon' tli
e,mysonwasnotapr esent
fathert
ot heirchi
ldrenbutialwayspushedhi mt o
takecareoft hosekids.Youcanseet hatihave
madesur et hatwehaveacomf ortableli
feinmy
homesoiguesst hatgir
lthoughtshescor editbig
withLuke.Nowt hathedidn'tgi
veherwhatshe
expectedsher esortedtokil
li
nghim.Goandar r
est
hernowiwantt oseeherbehi ndbar s.She'sgoing
topayf orthis
Offi
cer:okma'am wewil
lmakesur
etoi
nvest
igat
e
herclosel
y.Anyoneel
se?
MmaLuke:not
heonl
ypersoniknowthatal
ways
f
oughtwit
hmysonisthatMoet
igir
l
Of
fi
cer
:okma'
am t
hankyousomuch

Hegaveheranenvel
opet
henl
eftast
hewomen
camein.
..

Woman:and?
MmaLuke:canyouguysbel
ievei
t?Mayaki
ll
edmy
son
Al
l:heel
ang!
MmaLuke:i
mtel
li
ngyougat
weshecutt
hebr
akes
oft
hecar
Woman:womenoft
oday.Kegoreoneabat
la
boswa(
shewant
edhisi
nheri
tance)
MmaLuke:exact
lybutshewi l
lneverseet
hatday.I
t
oldLuke,
donotletthatdaughterofawit
chput
yournameonthebirt
hcer
ti
fi
cat
esoft
hosechi
ldr
en
butnoheleti
thappen
Woman:thi
siswhyyouhavetotaket
heki
ds
MmaLukebecauseshewi
llendupkil
li
ngt
hem as
wel
ltogetmoremoney
MmaLuke:mmhical l
edhermotherandt oldhert
o
dotheri
ghtthi
nggaket l
egojewant somake
ngwananyanawamokgat lakesantseket shel
a(i
m
notgoi
ngtobef ooledbyali
tt
legi
rlfrom Mochudi
whil
eim st
il
lal
ive).Hel
lno

Theyshooktheirheadsnotbel
ievi
ngwhatshej
ust
tol
dthem whil
eshewentt hr
oughtherepor
t.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lor
nafi
nishedshoweri
ngandt
ookherphone
cal
li
ngherhusband.
..
Duncan:honey
Lor
na:whathappenedt
oyou?
Duncan:ihadt
ocomet
owor
kear
lyl
ove
Lor
na:ormaybeyouar
eavoi
dingme
Duncan:whywoul
didot
hat
?
Lorna:becauseyoudon'
twantt
ogetmet
he
i
nformationiaskedyout
o
Duncan:aocomeonloveihonest
lyhadtocometo
workearl
y.Pl
usiaskedyoutoaskAppletodot
hat
foryou
Lorna:noDuncanit
oldyouwhyican'
thaveherdo
that
Duncan:butwhyareyousoadamanttogetthi
s
i
nf or
mati
on?Igett
hatyouwanttothr
owthechilda
surpri
separt
ybutwhati
fPati
encehasadiff
erent
plan?
Lor
na:ij
ustwanttodosomethi
ngni
cef
orour
hel
perandherchi
ldthat
'sal
l
Duncan:igett
hatbabebutsomet
imeswehavet
o
r
espectot
herpeopl
e'
sboundar
ies.Whati
fthi
s
makesPati
encemadandsheleavesus
Lor
na:okDuncani
tsf
ine
Duncan:(
smi
led)ar
eyousur
e?
Lorna:whatcanisayidon'
twanttolosePat
ience
she'sagreatasser
ttot
hishousehol
d
Duncan:t
hat
'swhyil
oveyou,
youl
ist
en
Lor
na:i
twoul
dhavebeenni
cet
houghbuti
tiswhat
i
tis
Duncan:t
hankyoubabe.Il
oveyouok
Lor
na:il
oveyoumor
e

TheyhungupasDuncanst uckouthi
stonguetothe
phonewhileLornasatbackont hedr
essi
ngchair
andsighed.Shethoughtf
oraf ewsecondsand
cal
ledherdaughter.
..

Lor
na:Appl
e!?
I
nMochudi
..
.

Nyashasatundert hetr
eereadingamagazi newhil
e
l
isteni ngtomusic.Mosesstoodaf ewcenti
metres
behi ndherwhileshewhistl
edtot hesongssof t
ly
movi ngherhead.Shelaughedatsomet hingonthe
magazi newhil
eMosessmi ledaloneandmoved
closer .Shefr
ownedandst oppedf eel
ingthat
someonewasst andi
ngbehindherandt ur
ned
takingof foneair
pod..
.

Nyasha:geezmanwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Moses:(
swal
lowed)i
m sor
ryidi
dn'
tmeant
oscar
e
you
Nyasha:whyar
eyoust
andi
ngt
her
e?
Moses:not
hing
Nyasha:whycan'
tyouf
indsomet
hingt
odoi
fyou
havenothi
ngtodo?
Moses:i
m sor
ry
Nyasha:stopsayingyouaresor
ryanddowhatyou
arebei
ngpai dt
odo.Youcomef rom yourcount
ri
es
sayi
ngyouar elookingf
orajobthenyoustar
t
l
azingaround.Got oworkah

Shesaidputti
ngbackherai
rpodwhi
leMoses
headedoff
.Het ur
nedandcaughtagl
impseofher
thi
ghbutquicklyl
ookedawayasRonacal
ledhi
m..
.

Moses:yesmadam
Rona:looki
m goingouttoachur chmeet i
nglat
er
andwear egoingtocomebackl ate.Doyoumi nd
sl
eepingoveratthebackr
oom toni ghtj
usttomake
sur
ethatmygr anddaughteri
ssaf e?
Moses:idon'
tmi
ndmadam
Rona:(
smil
ed)t
hankyousomuchMo,
youhave
al
waysbeenamazingt
ome.Youar
egodsent
Moses:(
smi
led)youhavebeengoodt
omeaswel
l
madam
Rona:yeah,
youcangobackt
owor
know

Hesaidl eavi
ngwi t
hasmi l
eonhi sface.He
checkedNyashaoutst i
llunderthetreeandsmil
ed
goingtoat t
endtohisotherdut i
es.Backinthe
houseRonat ookherphoneandcal ledMaya.She
didn'
tpickupatf i
rstbutshecalledheragain.
..

Maya:hel
loi
m atwor
k
Rona:thatcanwai
t.MmaLukesaysshewant
sher
chi
ldr
ensoseewhatt odoidon'
twantdr
amainmy
yar
d
Maya:shesayswhat
!?
Rona:youhear
dmeMaya
Maya:whoseki
dsar
ethoseagai
n?
Rona:l
ookidon'
tcar
ejustdot
her
ightt
hingand
shesaysyouki
ll
edLuke
Maya:whywouldiki
llLukemom?YesLukehel
ped
mewithnot
hingbutihavenoner
veinmetokil
la
per
son
Rona:idi
dn'
tcal
lforyout
ot el
lmeaboutyour
ner
veskareMmaLukewant sHerber
tandApri
l
Maya:noshe'snotgett
ingmychil
drenmat t
erof
factnooneisgoingt
otakemychildrenfr
om me
whilei
m st
il
lali
vetel
lherthatt
henextti
meshe
call
syou
Rona:soyouar
edet
ermi
nedt
oembar
assmeneh?
Maya:embar assyou?Emba.
..
(scoff
ed)areyou
l
isteni
ngtoyourself
?Someoneisthreat
eningto
takeyourgrandchi
ldr
enandal
lyoucant hi
nkofis
howembar assedyouaregoi
ngt obe?ReallyRona?
Rona:t
hosechi
ldr
enar
eabur
denanyway.
Maya:ohwowRonawow
Rona:neel
aMmaLukebanaMayabef
oret
hel
aw
deal
swithyou
Maya:ohshecan.
..
Manager
:Maya?
Maya:(
hungupandswal
lowed)i
m sosor
ryma'
am
i
..
.
Manager:i
thasn'
tbeenluncht
imeyetandyouar
e
al
readyskat
ingonthi
nice
Maya:t
hatwasmymot
hersomeonei
sthr
eat
eni
ng
t
o..
.
Manager
:lookt
hisisaworkplacewedon'tbr
ing
ourpr
obl
emsher e.Donotmakemer egr
ethir
ing
youpl
ease
Maya:i
m sor
ryma'
am i
twon'
thappenagai
n
Manager:gobacktoworkandpleasewatchyour
backt
hingsarenotlooki
nggoodforyou

Sheswal lowedgoingbackt oherst at

ionwhi let
he
managerwentt oheroffi
ce.Mayasi ghedwi pinga
glassast hethoughtofherlosingherchildren
hauntedhermi nd.Chil
drenshe' sbeenwor kingso
hardtopr ovi
deforallt
heiryearsofexi st
enceand
someonewant stotakethem awayj ustli
ket hat
?
Wasshegoi ngtositbackandwat chthathappen?
Sheclickedhertongueshaki ngherhead.
Att
hebar
racks.
..

Mopatiqui
etl
ywor
kedonar epor
tashi
sfr
iendgot
of
fthephoneandsighed.
..

Man:t hesepeopl
eandt hei
rincompetence.Yout
ell
them todosomet hi
ngandt heytakeyearstodoi
t
oncet heydoitt
heydoitthewr ongway.Howcan
peoplebet hi
scarel
ess?(Hegotnoanswer )Mopati
i
mt alkingtoyou
Mopat
i:i
m wor
kingher
eincaseyoudi
dn'
tnot
ice
Man:areyouokmanyouhavebeenqui
etsi
ncewe
gother
e
Mopat
i:i
mfi
ne
Man:(smi
led)isawawomanl eavingyourhouse
ear
li
ersoyouar ef
inal
lyovert
hatgir
lneh?
Mopati:soyouar
ealwayschecki
ngoutwhat
's
happeninginmyhouse?
Man:ahcomeondudedon'
tbel
iket
hat
Mopat
i:mindyourownbusi
nessandl
eaveme
al
onebruh
Man:youar
ehonest
lybecomi
ngweak
Mopati
:dudedon'
tyouhavepat
ient
stocheckon
maybe?
Man:i
m onabr
eak
Mopati
:thengohangoutwit
hotherguysorwork
ondeali
ngwithyourgayf
ri
endandstoptr
oubli
ng
meplease
Man:don'
tcal
lhi
m myf
ri
endao
Mopat
i:yeahr
ightgetof
fmyhai
rthen
Man:youar
ebor
ingt
hesedays

Hesai
dleavingwhi
leMopat
isighedsi
tt
ingback.He
t
houghtaboutMayaandshookhisheadgoi
ngback
t
owork..
.
Mopati
:yougott
awor khar
dtohavethisgi
rldude
youcan'
tfai
ltosecur
eamer egi
rll
ikeherao

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Pr
eci
ousdr
ovei
nhercarasherphoner
ang.
..

Pr
eci
ous:mama
Rona:pl
easet
alkt
oMayaandt
ellhert
ogi
ve
MmaLukewhatshewant
s
Preci
ous:wai
tsekeengmamathement
ionoft
hat
nonsense'
snamereall
ymakesmesi
ck
Rona:(
frowned)why?
Pr
eci
ous:sheswi
ndl
edmoneyf
rom myhusband
Rona:uhu
Pr
eci
ous:4000mamaawhol
e4000
Rona:bat
hongwhatwasshedoi
ngwi
thsomuch
money?
Preci
ous:idon'tknowandidon' tgi
veadamnal li
wantismymoneybackandiwantal lofit
.Sheeven
hasmychi ldl
ookingafterherchil
drenwai t
seLucas
canbeadi sappointmentsometimesmaybewe
shoul
ddowhatyoudi dt oMayat ohim ekareot
la
ntapi
samosi manyanayo( he'
sget t
ingonmyner ves
now)
Rona:no,
nograndchi
ldofmi
nei
sgoi
ngt
obe
bewit
chedpl
ease
Preci
ous:whatcanidomahedoesn'
twantt
oli
sten
tome
Rona:remembert
hatt
hischi
l
d'sancest
orsar
e
Zimbabweansoyoudon'
twanttomesswitht
hose
peopl
e
Pr
eci
ous:ur
ghwhat
ever
Rona:speaki
ngofMayaical
ledherandshesai
d
shewasatwor kwher
edoesshewor k?
Pr
eci
ous:somest
upi
drest
aur
ant
Rona:no,Mayai
sn'
tsupposedtobewor
king
anywhere,
Mayashoul
dbest ucki
nonepl
ace
Preci
ousyouseewhathappenswhenyoudon'
tdo
asisay?
Preci
ous:ei
shmamaiwil
lgot
othatwomant
lhe.I
havealif
easwel
lkana
Rona:whatl
if
e?Spendi
ngLovemor
e'smoney?
Pr
eci
ous:don'
t,
pleasedon'
t
Rona:pul
lupyoursocksorelsewear egoi
ngt
oend
upbeingexposedandloseeveryt
hing
Preci
ous:(
rol
ledhereyes)war
eMmaLukear
eng?
(WhatdoesMmaLukewant )
Rona:shewant
sHer
ber
tandApr
il
Precious:okiwil
lpayheravisitandassurehert
hat
iwillmakesurethatshegetsthem.Withthem
takenfrom hershewil
llosefocusandlosethat
lousyjobofhersthenwewi l
lsinkherevendeeper
Rona:goodnowt
hisi
sthePreci
ousiknowand
rai
sedandMmaLukekeepsmenti
oni
ngt hatMaya
kil
ledLuke
Preci
ous:iwi
llal
sol
ookint
othatoneandmake
surei
tsti
cksi
npeople'
sminds
Rona:t
hat
'smygi
rl
.Wewi
llt
alkt
hen
Pr
eci
ous:bye

Shehungupandt
ookhershoppi
ngbagsgoi
ngi
nto
thehouse.

AtKgang'
sT&THeadquar
ter
s..
.

Joshuasatbackandfr
ownedwhi
leDuncanmade
hi
swayi nhisof
fi
ce.
..

Duncan:howarethi
ngsatthegar
agegoi
ng?It
hink
weneedt ogetanewsignboar
dyouknow
Joshua:yeahisawi
tneedst
oberepl
aced.Thi
ngs
aregoi
ngwel lt
hegi
rl
sandboysar
ebehaving
Duncan:that
'sgood.Soicamef
oranupdat
e,your
mother'
spartyisi
n4dayshowfarwit
hfi
ndingher
"
daughterinlaw?"
Joshua:i
m notwi
nningbruh(si
ghed)butther
e's
thi
sladyihavemetatthegar
ageyesterday
Duncan:whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
ort
hen?Gof
orher
Joshua:shel
ookslikeawomanofvi rt
ueandof
standar
dsandim notsureifshewillagreet
owhat
i
m goingtoaskher.Rememberij ustneedsomeone
tobemyact i
nggir
lfri
endforthatweekend
Duncan:youwon'
tknowunt
ilyout
alkt
oher
Joshua:howdoievenstartaconver
sati
on?"Hii
m
l
ookingforapret
endgir
lf
ri
endforthecoming
weekendareyouwil
li
ngtobeone"nomant hat
's
j
ustoutofli
ne
Duncan:i
sn'
tthatwhatyouwantt
hough?
Joshua:ij
usttol
dyout hatwomanhol
dsagr
eat
statur
eherauraisheavyandshecommands
respectwi
thouteventr
ying
Duncan:(
frowned)whydoigetaf
eel
ingt
hatyou
mightbedrawntoher?
Joshua:(
frowned)what
?Noi
mjustt
ell
ingyouhow
iseeher
Duncan:oohiseewellthenifyoucan'
ttal
ktoher
thenfi
ndanydesperategir
lonsocialmedi
a.
There'
splent
yoffi
shthere
Joshua:doyouwantmet
oremi
ndyouofhowmy
motherisagai
n?
Duncan:thenthewomanyoujustdescr
ibedi
sthe
per
fectfi
t.Growapairandhi
therDM'sdude

Hesaidl
eavi
ngwhi
leJoshuasatbackandsi
ghed
sof
tl
yrubbi
nghi
sli
ps.

AtMaya'
shouse.
..

WithHerbertandAprilpl
ayingoutsidewiththe
neighbourschi
ldLucassati nt
helivingroom doing
hisschoolwork.Apolicecarstoppedatt hegateas
theoffi
cercameoutandheadedt ot hehouse.
..

Of
fi
cer
:knockknock
Lucas:(
lookedup)comei
nsi
r
Of
fi
cer
:goodmor
ningmyboy
Lucas:mor
ningof
fi
cerhowcanibeofhel
p?
Of
fi
cer
:iml
ooki
ngf
oryourmot
heri
sshear
ound?
Lucas:youmeanaunt
yMaya?
Of
fi
cer
:yesmyboy
Lucas:she'
satwor
ksi
r
Off
icer
:ohokiguessiwi l
lcomebackl at
erthenor
gotoherworkplace.Canipleasehaveaglassof
watert
henyoutellmewher esheworks.
Lucas:ohoksi
r

Hewentt othekit
chenwhil
etheoff
icerqui
ckl
y
reachedforaclothandt
ookoutpli
ersinhi
spocket
.
Heputt hem bet
weenthecouchandputthecl
oth
backinhispocketandsmil
edatLucaswhocame
withthewater.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
03] :AKEPTWOMAN
15

Lewissteppedoutoft
hecl
assr
oom ashi
sphone
rangagain.
.

Lewi
s:bathongBiancai
minclasst
lhemmaaoar
e
younotsupposedtobewor
king?
Bi
anca:t
sal
atl
hemmaineedyourhel
p?
Lewis:whathel
pBi
ancayouknowihavej
ustbeen
robbed
Bianca:ineedt
opayof
fsomet
hingipr
omi
seiwi
ll
payyouassoonasigetpai
d
Lewis:el
egor
eyoudon'
thavemoneyf
orr
ainydays
Bianca?
Bianca:myaccount
sar
egivi
ngmeaproblem
chomiandineedtopayof
fthi
sthi
ngver
yquickl
y
Lewi
s:whati
sitt
hatcan'
twai
t?I
t'
sjustaf
ewdays
tomont
hendBiancaao
Bi
anca:sometoolweneedi
nthepar
lourwi
thouti
t
wewon'tbeabl
etowork
Lewi
s:whydon'
tyouaskyourpar
tnert
hen?
Bianca:she'
snotpi
cki
ngupherphonet
lhemma
Lewisibegyoukanaimlosi
ngcli
ent
snow
Lewi
s:Bi
ancaij
ustgotr
obbedkana
Bi
anca:t
sal
akar
eI'
m goi
ngt
opayyouback
Lewi
s:howmuchdoyouneed?
Bi
anca:5k
Lewi
s:ahBi
anca
Bi
anca:Lewisiknowyouhavet
hemoneyakoo
nt
huse(pleasehel
p)
Lewi
s:that
'sal
otofmoney.Themoneythatyou
knowihaveismoneyf
orrainydaysBi
anca.I
t'
sfor
emergenci
es
Bi
anca:t
hisi
sanemer
gency
Lewis:andi
t'
snotminetost
artwi
thheebathong.
Elegorewhat'
shappeni
ngwit
hyouraccounts
Bi
anca:eyshLewi
sar
eyougoi
ngt
osendt
he
moneyornot?
Lewi
s:idon'
tevenhaveshar
esi
nthatpar
lour
Bi
anca:Lewi
stl
her
raao
Lewi
s:iwantmymoneybackgi
rlorel
sewear
e
goi
ngtohaveapr
obl
em
Bi
anca:t
hankyout
sal
ayouwi
llgeti
tbacki
pr
omiseyou
Lewi
s:mxm

Hesaidhangi
ngupandsentt
hemoneyasThabo
puthi
shandoverhi
sshoul
der
s..
.
Thabo:mabebeza
Lewi
s:(r
emovedi
t)whati
sThaboareyoucr
azy?
Youcan'
thol
dmel i
ket
hatinpubl
ic
Thabo:chi
llwear
ejustt
eacherandst
udent
Lewi
s:whatdoyouwant
?
Thabo:i
t'
sti
met
opayup
Lewi
s:Thaboi
t'
sonl
yTuesday
Thabo:didwesayanyt
hingaboutwhenyouwill
sendthemoneyorwejustagreedt
hatitwi
llbe
weekly?
Lewi
s:idon'
thavemoneyr
ightnow
Thabo:ihear
dyouspeaki
ngont
hephone
Lewi
s:icanonl
ygi
veyou500now
Thabo:not
hat
'sunaccept
abl
e
Lewi
s:wel
lit
swhatihaveinmyaccountatthe
moment,l
ook(heshowedhim hi
sot
heraccount)
Thabo:sendi
tiwantanot
her5byThur
sday
Lewi
s:yeahwhat
ever
Thabo:youknowwhat
'satst
akeaker
e?
Lewi
s:iwi
llgi
veyouyourmoneyThabo
Thabo:(
smi
led)awesome.Wear
eont
hisweekend
ri
ght?
Lewi
s:j
ustgo

Hesmil
edgoi
ngt
heotherwaywhi l
eLewisshook
hi
sheadget
ti
ngi
nthestaf
froom andheadedtohis
of
fi
ce.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Applespott
edPati
encesit
ti
ngbyt
hepoolout
side
onherbreakasshepouredher
sel
fsomejui
ceand
j
oinedher.
..

Appl
e:aunt
y
Pat
ience:ohhiAwhat
'sup?
Apple:nothi
ngmuchj
ustbor
edher
eij
ustwantt
he
schoolstoopen
Pat
ience:whydon'
tyouvi
sityourf
ri
endsor
somethi
ng?
Appl
e:idon'
tli
kebeingi
notherpeopl
e'
shomes
aunt
yiwouldratherwegoouttothemallor
somethi
ng
Pat
ience:t
hendot
hatt
hen
Appl
e:wedi
dthatyest
erday
Pat
ience:pi
tyt
henyouj
usthavet
odealwi
tht
he
bor
edom
Appl
e:yeahwellmaybei
twoul
dbel
essbor
ingi
fwe
hadababyintheyard
Pat
ience:baby?Youst
il
lwantal
it
tl
esi
bli
ng?
Apple:i
twouldbenice.Ormaybeyoucanbri
ng
yourbabyoverforafewdaysunti
lschool
sopen
Pati
ence:Du..
.(cl
ear
edherthr
oat
)imeanhedoesn'
t
l
ikebeinginotherpeopl
e'
shomesli
keyou
Appl
e:ahcomeonaunt
yhe'
sjustababy
Pati
ence:iwanthi
mtobemor
ecomf
ort
abl
eyou
know
Appl
e:what
'shi
sname?
Pat
ience:Juni
or
Appl
e:ohok.Sohest
ayswi
thhi
sdad?
Pat
ience:nowi
thmysi
ster
Appl
e:ohok.Doeshegott
oschoolmaybe?
Pati
ence:noi
mtaki
nghi
m nextyearhe'
sonl
y3
year
s
Appl
e:but3year
sisokf
orachi
ldt
ost
artschool
Pati
ence:nohe'
ssmar
tjustl
ikehi
sdadsohewon'
t
st
ruggle
Appl
e:ohok.Whatdoeshi
sdaddo?
Pat
ience:hel
ivesi
nSout
hAf
ri
ca
Appl
e:ahsowhendoyouseeoneanot
her
?
Pat
ience:onweekends.Whysomanyquest
ionsA?
Appl
e:(
chuckl
ed)i
mjustmaki
ngconver
sat
ion
aunt
y
Pat
ience:ohok
Appl
e:(
yawned)anywayl
etmegot
akeanap
Pati
ence:ohoknana.I
m maki
ngpi
efordi
nner
toni
ght
Appl
e:myf
avor
it
eri
ght
?
Pat
ience:yesappl
epi
e

Theyl aughedasshewenttot
hehousewhile
Patienceconti
nuedwit
hthemagazineshewas
reading.Shewentuptohermother
'sbedr
oom who
wasonherphone. ..

Appl
e:ma
Lor
na:yesbaby
Appl
e:ihaveabet
terpl
ant
othi
s
Lor
na:ok?
Appl
e:i
fweaskheralotaboutthechi
ld'
sbir
thday
she'
sgoi
ngt
osuspectsomethingbutshejusttol
d
methatt
hebabystayswi
thhersi
stersowhydon'
t
wepayheravi
sitt
hen
Lor
na:(smiled)t
hat
'sawonder
fulpl
anwai
tsewhy
di
dn'tit
hinkofthat
Appl
e:youar
eget
ti
ngol
dmama(theyl
aughed)so
t
omorrowwearegoi
ngt
oRamot
swar i
ght
?
Lor
na:yesl
ove

Applesmi
ledgoi
ngtoherroom whi
leLornasat
backandsmil
edgoogl
ingkiddi
esbi
rthdaythemes.

AtMmaLuke'
shouse.
..

PreciousparkedherRangeRoverandsi ghed
putt
ingonherbl ackhat.Shegotoffthecarand
fi
xedherbl ackdressandthescarfshehadonher
shoulders.Sheputonhersunglassesandt ookher
designerbaglockinghercarandheadedinside.
..
Preci
ous:dit
lhakotsamet sedituri
lengdigatammu
boMayabanal egoretsenyamat l
ho( myexpensive
shoessteppi
ngonsoi lMayar eall
yknowshowt o
embarassus)( si
ghed)anywaykoko, (
knockknock)
Lady:comei
n
Preci
ous:gooddaybommamynamei
sPr
eci
ous
Kavimbaim her
etoseeMmaLuke
Lady:ohshe'
sint
hebedr
oom.I
t'
sthat
'sway
Pr
eci
ous:ohokt
hankyou

Sheheadedtothebedr
oom wit
hherl
ipscurved
whil
etheladi
esint
heli
vingr
oom admir
edheroutf
it
.
Sheknockedasthewomenwelcomedherin..
.

Preci
ous:Dumel
angbomma(tookof
fher
sungl
asses)MmaLukei
m her
etoseeyou
MmaLuke:andyouar
e?
Pr
eci
ous:Pr
eci
ousKavi
mba,
Maya'
ssi
ster
MmaLuke:ohok.Ladi
espl
easeexcuseus
Theyl
adi
esl
eftassheof
fer
edPr
eci
ousaseat
..
.

MmaLuke:whatcanidoforyoumygir
l,ical
led
yourmot
herandmadeitcleart
oherwhatiwant
Preci
ous:eemmashe'
stheonewhosentmet
o
comehere
MmaLuke:wher
ear
emychi
ldr
en?
Precious:unfor
tunatel
yMayadoesn' twanttogive
uptheki dsbutim heretoassureyouthat
everythi
ngwi l
lbegoodsoon.Mayahashonest ly
embar assedusandweagr eewithyouMmaLuke
thosekidsarebet t
eroffwit
hyou.Thatgi r
lhas
nothingtotashe'smakingthekidssufferj
ust
becauseofherpr ideandstubbornnessbutastheir
auntim goingtomakesur ei dowhat'sri
ghtfor
them
MmaLuke:iwouldbehappybecauset
hel
astt
hingi
wanti
stofightheri
ncour
t
Pr
eci
ous:andyouwoul
dwi
nandwhatwi
llshebe
l
eftwith?Embar rassment.Firstofallthecourtwi
ll
seethatsheear nsnot hi
ngtosuppor tthekidswit
h,
maabanef elajaana( j
ustyesterday)shel i
edtomy
husbandsayi nghercarbr okedownf ormyhusband
togivehermoneyandwheniwentt oherhousei
foundnot hing,nof ood,notoi
letri
esnot hing
MmaLuke.Banabal ebasokola( t
hoseki dsare
str
uggling)
MmaLuke:nowi
m cer
tai
nsheki
ll
edmyson
Precious:ofcour
seshewould.Justt
ogetmoney
fr
om hi spassi
ng.Aker
esheknowsyouhaveput
him onpolici
esandthi
ngsandifhediessheknows
shewi l
lgetsomemoneyt hr
oughthechil
dren
MmaLuke:mmeshe'sgoi
ngt
opayf
ori
tbecause
t
hepol
iceareaf
terher
Precious:(si
ghed)wai
tseboMayabar etl
habi
sa
dit
lhong( thi
sissoembarassi
ng)butdon'
tworryi
suppor tyouallt
hewayim notgoingt
oall
owmy
mot her'
snamet obedraggedinthemudliket
his.
MmaLuke:iwoul
dbehappy.Sowhenshoul
di
expectt
heki
ds?
Preci
ous:wewillgogetthem t
omor r
ow.Todayi
m
goingtomakesur et
hatiinf
orm hersot
hatshe
packsthei
rthi
ngs
MmaLuke:whati
fsher
unsawaywi
tht
hem?
Preci
ous:i
twon'
tbeofusesheknowsshewon'
tget
anymoneyifshedoest
hat
MmaLuke:okiwantt
hoseki
dsher
ebytomor
row
becausewear
eburyi
ngLukeonThur
sday
Pr
eci
ous:okmamaiwi
llmakesur
eoft
hat
MmaLuke:good
Preci
ous:letmegetgoingmama.Gomotsegang(
be
comforted)andonbehalfofmymot
herandthe
Moeti'
swear ereal
lysorr
y
MmaLuke:Modi
moorel
ebi
lengwanaka(
Godi
s
wat
chi
ngoverusmychi
ld)

Preci
oussmi
ledl
eavi
ngasMmaLukesmi
ledsi
tt
ing
back.
THATAFTERNOON

Mayaj oi
nedthemor ni
ngshi f
temployeeswhosat
atthebackhavinglunch.Shetookoutherlunch
boxandst ar
tedeati
ng.Shecoul dt
ellsomewhere
tal
kingaboutherbutignoredthem asonegir
lsat
wit
hher .
..

Gi
rl
:hicanij
oinyou?
Maya:yeahsur
e
Gi
rl
:Mayar
ight
?
Maya:yepandyouar
e?
Gi
rl
:Mar
eledi
Maya:ohni
cemeet
ingyouMar
eledi
Mar
eledi
:ni
cemeet
ingyout
oo.
Maya:sowhatdoyoudoher
e?
Mar
eledi
:im awai
tr
ess
Maya:youl
ookyoungt
hough
Mar
eledi
:im asecondyearl
awst
udentatUB
Maya:ohni
cesoyoujustgotthi
sjobaswel
l
?
Aker
eiknowschool
sareclosednow
Mar
eledi
:yeahjustsomet
hingt
okeepmebusy
whi
lewait
ingtoopeninAugust
Maya:t
hat'
sgood.Agir
lchi
lddoesn'
thavet
osi
t
anddependonall
owanceonly
Marel
edi:(
smi
led)t
ruet
hat
.Sodi
dyoust
udy
anyt
hing?
Maya:PRandpol
it
icalsci
ences.I
m doi
ngAATpar
t
t
imeatthemoment
Mar
eledi
:ohni
ceyoul
ovebooksisee
Maya:ihaveal
waysbeenf
asci
nat
edaboutl
ear
ning
Marel
edi
:imi
nspi
rediwantt
obel
ikeyouwheni
m
ol
der
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)noyoudon'
t,
aft
eral
lthedr
ama
ear
li
er
Marel
edi
:gonemmewhat
'st
hest
orywi
tht
hat
woman?
Maya:ahshe'
soneoft
hosesi
ster
swhodon'twant
t
oseeothersi
bli
ngsmovi
ngupinli
feyouknow
Mar
eledi
:that
'
sevi
lman
Maya:wellihavelear
nedt ol
ivewit
hit
.Itusedt
o
bot
hermenowi tdoesn'
t.Ihavebeenl
ivi
ngonmy
ownsincetert
iar
y
Marel
edi
:yohsomepeoplear
ereal
lyhear
tl
ess.
Let
'sj
usthopeshe'
snotawit
chsorryt
osaythat
Maya:shemightbef
oral
lweknowbuticoul
d
car
eless(
herphoner
angasshesi
ghedandcutt
he
cal
l)
Mar
eledi
:whoar
eyouavoi
ding?
Maya:someguywhogotmet hi
sjobnowidon'
t
knowifhet
hinksiowehi
m orsomethi
ng
Mar
eledi
:ment
hough
Maya:t
heycanbej
erksit
ellyou(
theyl
aughed)
Mar
eledi
:sodoyoubel
ievei
nGod?
Maya:yeahbuti
m notmuchofachur
chgoer
Mar
eledi
:don'
tyouwantt
ost
art
?
Maya:don'
ttel
lmeyouar
eoneoft
hosebi
blel
if
e
peopl
eplease
Marel
edi
:nobutij
ustl
ovei
nvi
ti
ngpeopl
etomy
dad'
schurch
Maya:i
sheapr
ophet
?
Mar
eledi
:he'
saser
vantofGodt
hat
'swhatiwi
llsay
Maya:ohokmaybeonedaymyl
ove
Mar
eledi
:wheneveryou'
rer
eadyj
usthol
laatme
Maya:isur
ewi
ll

Theysmiledatoneanotherandcont
inuedgett
ing
toknowoneanot her
.Herphonerangagainbutshe
cutthecallandbl
ockedMopati'
snumber.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Preci
ouspar
kedhercarandsighedsi
tt
ingback.
SherememberedLesediandt
ookherphonecall
ing
herbutshedi
dnotpi
ck.
..

Precious:sedir
angnesemat l
asesesenang
mosol ase.Arabatl
hephone(whati
sthi
suseless
fooldoing.Answeryourphonedammit
)

Shesai
ddi
ali
ngheragai
n..
..

Lesedi
:Lor
dprot
ectmeandmychildfr
om t
his
wit
ch.Amen.(
Pickedupandsmi
led)MmaK
Preci
ous:(r
oll
edhereyesandsmi
led)ngwetsiya
rona(ourdaught
eri
nlaw).Howar
eyoudoi ng?
Lesedi
:im goodt
hanksandyouMmaK
Pr
eci
ous:i
m goodmyl
ove.Tl
hemmaiaskedyouto
st
opcal
li
ngmeMmaKi tr
eall
ymakesmefeelol
d
Lesedi
:(l
aughed)sor
ryi
t'
sjustt
hatir
espectel
der
s
youknow
Pr
eci
ous:ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osayt
hati
m ol
d?
Lesedi:(
rol
ledhereyes)nonono.Comeonyou
don'tageatall
Preci
ous:i
ja.Anwayiwant
edtoi
nvit
eyouandTT
fordi
nneratmyhousetomorr
owtlhe
Lesedi
:(cur
vedherl
ips)oh
Preci
ous:yesloveimeanwear efamil
ynowwe
needtogett oknowoneanothermorebecause
soonwewi llbemarr
yingyouintoourf
amily
Lesedi
:okiwi
llt
alkt
ohi
m abouti
t
Preci
ous:i
m sur
ehewoul dn'
thaveapr
obl
em so
tomorr
owmyl ove7pm sharp
Lesedi
:okPt
omor
rowt
hen
Pr
eci
ous:wonder
ful
.Byel
ove
Lesedi:bye(
theyhungupasshescof f
ed)otl
anna
okareorebone( wearenotgoingther
e)dearone
thi
ngim nevergoingtodoiswal ki
ntoali
on'sden
knowingwhatt heli
oniscapableof
Preci
ous:needtogett
hisbi
tchoffourl
ives.I
m not
goingtosharemybrot
herwithbasi
cbit
ches.Tit
us
deservesbet
ter
Shesaidget
ti
ngof
fhercarandheadedt
othe
house.

Backatt
her
est
aur
ant
..
.

MayaandMareledilaughedastheyfi
nishedeati
ng
andwashedt
heirlunchboxes.Herphoner ang
agai
nasshesighedandanswer edtheunknown
number
..
.

Maya:Mopat it
hefactthatiblockedyournumber
shoul
dtellyouthatidon'twanttot al
ktoyou.Iwi
ll
soonreportyouforharassmentpl easel
eaveme
al
oneao
Joshua:MsMoet
i
Maya:(
frowned)ohmywor
dim sosor
ry
Joshua:i
t'
sok.Your
eal
lyar
eannoyedhey
Maya:i
m sosor
ryf
ort
hatt
hat
'snothowiusual
l
y
answermyphone.Who'
sthi
sthough?
Joshua:JoshuaKgang
Maya:(
swall
owed)ohhell
oMrKgangi mreal
ly
sor
rytl
heyohim soembarassedr
ightnow
Joshua:wel
lyoucanmakei
tupt
omebygoi
ngout
fordi
nnerwi
thme
Maya:(f
rowned)why?Andbesidest
hatidon'
tpl
an
ongoinganywherewheniknockoff
.Ij
ustwantt
o
gohomet omykids
Joshua:whatt
imedoyouknockof
f?
Maya:4pm
Joshua:okt
heniwi
llcomet
oyourhouseandbr
ing
thefood
Maya:(sighed)okMrKgangiappr
eciat
eyourhel
p
andallbutihavenoint
enti
onsoff
ighti
ngwit
h
someone'swi f
eandagainwedon'
tknowone
anot
her
Joshua:t
hat
'st
hewholepoi
ntoft
hedinneri
nvi
te,
to
gettoknowoneanot
herandwhosai
dihaveawi f
e?
Maya:(scoff
ed)youmencanbewei r
datt i
mesyou
knowbutanyway, youcancomeoverthenbutj
ust
knowthatthekidswil
lbearound
Joshua:i
m awar
eoft
hatmyl
ady.Thankyouso
much
Maya:i
t'
snotapr
obl
em.Iwi
llsendyoudi
rect
ions
t
omyhouse
Joshua:iwi
llbewai
ti
ng
Maya:sur
e
Joshua:bye
Maya:bye

TheyhungupasMayafrownedconf
usedand
scoff
edgoingbackt
oworkwhil
eJoshuasmi
led
si
tti
ngback.

AtMaya'
shouse.
..
Lucascal
ledApr
il
,Herbertandt
hei
rfr
iendfrom t
he
nei
ghbour
sashef i
nishedmakingt
hem lunch.
..

Lucas:washyourhandsandgosi
tint
hel
ivi
ng
room i
m comingwit
hyourfood
Al
l:yeay!

Theywentt otapandwashedt heirhandsandr anto

thelivi
ngr oom.Apr i
landtheli
tt
leboysatont he
matwhi leHerbertjumpedont hecouchbutf rowned
ashehi tsomet hi
ngwi thhishi
p.Hef rownedgetti
ng
offthecouchandmassagedhi shipreachi
ng
betweent hecouch.Hef r
ownedmor ecomi ngout
withplierswhi leLucascamei nwiththeirf
ood...

Lucas:buddywhatar
eyoudoi
ngont
hecouchyou
knowyouhavetositont
hemat
Her
ber
t:l
ookwhatif
ound
Hesai
ddangl
ingt
hepl
ier
sinhi
shands.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
03] :AKEPTWOMAN
16

Mopatiscof
fedandshookhisheadashet
ri
edt
o
gethol
dofMayabutitsti
llbeeped.
..

Mopat
i:t
hef
uck
Man:whati
sit
?
Mopat
i:herphonei
snotgoi
ngt
hrough
Man:canyoupl
easef
orgetaboutt
hisgi
rl
Mopat
i:no
Man:dudesheblockedyouthatmeansshewant
s
not
hingtodowithyou.Shegotwhatshewant
edso
j
ustfor
getabouther
Mopat
i:i
m notgoi
ngt
obeusedl
iket
hat
.Never
Man:unfor
tunat
elyt
hist
imearoundyoumeta
wi
sergir
lbuddy,atr
ueci
tygi
rl
Mopat
i:t
here'
snot
rueci
tygir
lwhenitcomest
o
Mopat
i.I
fshewant
stoplaydir
tysowil
li
Man:whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Mopati
:im goi
ngtoshowherthattwocanplayat
thi
sgameandt haticanmakeorbreakher
.Im not
goingt
otakeheroutofhermiser
yandshedoes
thi
stome.Hellno
Man:(
laughed)oj
elwent
wana
Mopati
:justshutup.Itr
iedt
obeni
ceandbea
gent
lemenbuti m donenow
Man:itoldyout
hatyouar
eobsessedwit
hthi
s
chi
ck.Lookatyounowsweat
ingbull
etst
hatshe
hasblockedyou
Mopat
i:iaskedyout
oshutup
Man:it'
sthetruth.Letgoofthatchickmanand
moveonagai ni t
snotl i
ket
hatr est
auranti
syour
s.
Youcan'tbeover workedbyfindingsomeoneajob
thatpayslessthan3kcomeon
Mopat
i:kar
eim notgoi
ngt
oleti
tgoj
ustl
iket
hat
.
Aneyeforaneye

Hesai
dtaki
nghisst
ethoscopeandl
eftwhi
lehi
s
f
ri
endshookhi
sheadandmadeacal l.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Applesatonherstudydeskandsmiledasshe
managedt osol
veapr obl
em shehadbeen
str
uggli
ngwith.Shetookherphoneandcall
edher
"cr
usher"
..
.

Guy:Appl
e
Appl
e:hihowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Guy:i
m gr
eathowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Appl
e:i
m good
Guy:what
'sup?
Appl
e:iwantedtochecki
fyouhaver
ecei
ved
anyt
hingunset
tl
ingyet
Guy:nopenot
hingatal
litl
ooksli
keyouar
ejust
bei
ngparanoi
d.Thepeoplehetal
kstomostl
yar
e
menandyourmom
Appl
e:ar
eyousur
e?
Guy:100per
cent
Apple:oklet
'sgi
vei
tafewmoredaystheniwi
llbe
cer
tainthathe'
snotdoi
nganyt
hingf
unny
Guy:nopr
obl
em
Appl
e:bye
Guy:bye(
theyhungupasshecal
ledherbr
other
)
Sai
nt:si
s
Appl
e:wher
ear
eyou?
Sai
nt:t
ryi
ngt
otakeanap
Appl
e:j
ustgotof
fthephonewi
tht
hatguy
Sai
nt:and?
Appl
e:i
tlooksl
ikehe'
scl
ean
Sai
nt:seeitoldyouthatwewerejustbeing
par
anoidovernot hi
ng.Maybedadwasj usthel
dup
wit
hsomet hingatworkthat
'swhyhewasn' tgi
ving
mom enoughat tent
ionimeaneversinceSunday
he'
salwayshomeont ime
Appl
e:i
t'
sonl
yTuesdaySai
nt
Sai
nt:st
il
l
Appl
e:im notgoi
ngtogi
veupanyway.I
m goi
ngt
o
gi
veitafewmor edaysj
ustt
obesure
Sai
nt:mmhandiwi
llbeher
ewai
ti
ngt
otel
lyout
hat
it
oldyouso
Appl
e:(
scof
fed)youknowi
m har
dlyeverwr
ong
ri
ght
?
Sai
nt:t
her
e'sal
waysaf
ir
stt
imef
orever
ythi
ngsi
s
Appl
e:yeahr
ight
.Tomor
rowwe.
..
(at
hought
cr
ossedhermi
nd)ahnevermi
nd
Sai
nt:whatar
eyousayi
ngaboutt
omor
row?
Appl
e:not
hingSai
ntj
ustt
akeyournap.Aunt
ysai
d
she'
smakingappl
epi
etoni
ght
Sai
nt:ohsowear
ehavi
ngyouf
ordi
nner
Appl
e:byei
diot

Theyhunguplaughi
ngasApplepackedherbooks
andjumpedontoherbedaswell
.

LATERTHATAFTERNOON

Mayasmi ledasshechangedshi
ft
swi
thher
col
league.Shecheckedthet
imeandi
twasexact
ly
4pm...

Man:gr
eatf
ir
stday?
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)mor
eli
kehor
rori
tonl
ygotbet
ter
af
terl
unch
Man:youwi
llbef
inehey
Maya:t
hanksseeyout
omor
row
Man:sur
e

Shet
ookhert
hingsasMar
eledi
camebehi
ndher
..
.

Mar
eledi
:si
s,hey
Maya:ohhil
ove
Mar
eledi
:goi
ngt
othest
op?
Maya:noi
m dr
ivi
ng
Mar
eledi
:ohokwhi
chsi
deofGabs?
Maya:Br
oadhur
st
Marel
edi
:ohokim goi
ngtoTshol
ofel
oeastiguessi
wi
lldr
opoffal
ongtheroad
Maya:hoponiwi
lldr
opyouof
fhome
Mar
eledi
:oht
hankyou
Theysmil
edgett
ingi
nthevi
tzasshecar
eful
ly
rever
sedout
..
.

Marel
edi:howaboutweridetoget
herinthemorning
andwhenweknockof fsincewear edoi
ngthe
sameshiftthenigi
veyoumoneyf orpet
rolever
y
month?
Maya:ihavenopr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
Marel
edi
:ohgoodthenst
opbyanypet
rolst
ati
on
youseet
henfi
llup
Maya:ohsomeonei
sBi
llGat
es'
sdaught
er(
they
l
aughed)
Marel
edi
:aladyhastohavesomemoneyhidden
somewhere(t
heylaughedasherphoner
ang)
Maya:goodnessme,mysi
ster
.(Putheron
l
oudspeaker
)Hell
o?
Preci
ous:Mayaweedoyounotgett
ir
edofal
ways
embarrassi
ngus?
Maya:whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutnow?
Pr
eci
ous:whyi
sever
yonesayi
ngyouki
ll
edLuke?
Maya:what
!?Whywoul
diwast
emyf
reedom on
suchausel
essper
son?
Precious:weal lknowyouhavenot hingandyou
woulddoanyt hingformoneyandsi nceyouknow
thathismot herhadi nsur
edhisli
feyouthoughtyou
wouldscor eitbigthroughthechi
ldren
Maya:idon'
tcareifhewasi
nsuredornot.Lukehas
neverdoneanyt
hingformeinmylif
esoiwoul dn't
wastemyt i
metryi
ngtogetbacktohim oranyt
hing
Pr
eci
ous:wel
lhi
smot
herwant
shergr
andchi
ldr
en
Maya:overmydeadbodyt
ellhert
hat
Precious:Mayayoucan'
tevengi
vethechi l
dren
anything.Youaremaki
ngthepoorkidssuffer.Gone
j
aanayouhavemysonatyourhousesot hathecan
spendhi sall
owanceonyouguysareyounot
ashamed?
Maya:bonaPr
eciousket
labuset
sangwanawa
gagokoMochudiautl
wa.(Iwi
llt
akeyoursonback
t
oMochudiok)I
m enoughwi
thyouri
nsul
ts.Noone
i
staki
ngmykidsfr
om meandthat
'si
t
Preci
ous:whoisgoi
ngtol
ookaft
ert
heki
dswhi
le
yougotothatusel
essj
obofyour
s?
Maya:ihavepeoplewhocareaboutmei fyoudidn'
t
know.Ifyouthoughtyouandyourmotherwere
goingtomakemyl if
ehardformethenyouar e
wastingyourti
mes.Ihavepeopl
eonmyback.Bye
Preci
ous:obusel
ekol
oiyagammemogol
o(you
shoul
dretur
nmyaunt'
scar)
Maya:(
scof
fed)byePr
eci
ous

Shecli
ckedhertonguehangi
ngupwhi l
eMar eledi
l
ookedathershocked.Shebursti
ntoalaughand
changedlanesheadi
ngint
oapet r
olst
ation.
..

Maya:wel
comet
omywor
ldl
ove
Mar
eledi
:yeahneh.Soshe'
syourbi
ologi
calsi
ster
?
Maya:mybl
ooddear
Marel
edi:(cl
appedonce)shockedi
san
under
statement

Atamal
l.
..

Lovemoredi
sinf
ect
edashoppi
ngcartandpushedit
i
nsideashewentthr
oughali
stLucassenthi
m and
star
tedpi
cki
ngtheit
ems.
..

Lovemore:i
fsomeonetoldmet hatbei
ngafather
alsomeantdoi
ngaf emale'
sjobiwouldhave
thoughtt
wiceaboutnotusi
ngpr ot
ecti
on

Thel
adyi
ntheshoppi
ngi
sleashi
mlaughed.
..

Lovemor
e:(smil
ed)noisweartoyout
hisi
sjustt
oo
muchwork.Nowihavet ogoaroundt
heshop
pi
ckingt
hingsidon'
tevenknow
Lady:(
inani
ger
ianaccent
)that
'st
hebeaut
yofi
tal
l
papa
Lovemore:nomanificoul
diwoul
dtaket
hem back
towheretheycomefrom
Lady:wel
l,
wel
comet
othewor
ldofpar
ent
hood
Lovemor
e:youar
eshoppi
ngf
oryourki
daswel
l
?
Lady:myni
ece
Lovemor
e:t
eenager
?
Lady:yesandyour
s?
Lovemore:t
eenageraswell.Imeanigivet
hisguy
al
lowancewhydoeshest i
llwantmet ospendmore
moneyonhi m?
Lady:(
smi
led)t
hat
'syourj
ob

Therewassomet
hingabouthersmil
ethatdr
ewhi
m
i
ntowanti
ngtohavealongerconver
sat
ionwit
h
her.
..
.

Lovemor
e:mynamei
sLovemor
eKavi
mba
Lady:(
fl
ippedherhai
randst
ret
chedherhandt
o
hi
m)Chi omaAdiol
e
Lovemor
e:Ni
ger
?
Chi
oma:yes,
Lagosandyou?Zi
m?
Lovemor
e:yes,
Mber
engwai
ntheMi
dlands
Chi
oma:ohni
ce.Howol
disyourboy?
Lovemor
e:t
urned16aweekago
Chi
oma:ohokmynieceis16aswell
andyohshe's
st
art
ingt
obeatr
oublesomeyounggir
lyouknow
Lovemor
e:ihavea17yearol
ddaught
ert
urni
ng18
soon
Chioma:wowok.Youdi
dn'
twantt
owast
eti
mehey
(t
heylaughed)
Lovemore:iwantedt
ogeti
toveranddonewith
(t
heylaughed)myboyhasnofriendsmaybewe
canintr
oducethem t
ooneanother
Chi
oma:andmyni eceenj
oyshangi
ngoutwit
hboys
morethangir
ls.Shesaysgir
lsar
ealwaysupt
ight
andful
lofgossip
Lovemor
e:noof
fencebutt
hat
'sr
ight(
theyl
aughed)
Chioma:soyeahwecanint
roducethem t
oone
another
.Wheredoeshegotoschool?Yourboyi
mean
Lovemor
e:West
wood
Chi
oma:myni
ecetoo.Youneverknowmaybet
hey
ar
eint
hesameclass
Lovemor
e:what
'shername?Sot
hatiaskhi
m
Chi
oma:SundaeAdi
ole
Lovemore:ohni
cename,myboyi
sLucasKavi
mba.
Iwil
laskhimifheknowsher
Chi
oma:iwi
llaskSundaei
fheknowshi
mtoo.
Lovemor
e:doyoumi
ndexchangi
ngnumber
s?
Chi
oma:notatal
l.Canihaveyourphonepl
ease

Hetookouthisl
atestI
Phoneandgavei ttoher
whil
eshepunchedinhernumber .Shereal
lylooked
l
ikeawomanwhot ookgoodcareofherselfand
waswellof
f.Shehadonst i
let
tos,f
ormalpantsthat
satwel
lonherAfri
canvi
vaci
ousbody, awhi
teshi
rt
andalongbl
acksil
kcardi
ganwi t
hcl eansi
mple
makeup.Hecheckedoutherlef
tfingerandshehad
nori
ngon.Shedial
edhersel
fandgavehi m hi
s
phonebackt
aki
ngoutthesameki ndofphonehe
had.
..

Chi
oma:Lovemor
eri
ght
?
Lovemor
e:yesMi
ssAdi
ole
Chioma:(
smi
ledi
mpressed)alotofpeopl
etendt
o
for
getmynameeasi
lytheyendupcalli
ngmeChi
Lovemor
e:ihaveagoodmemor
y(t
heychuckl
ed)
seeyousoon
Chi
oma:seeyousoonMrK

Shefl
ashedanot
hersmileathi
m ashesmi
ledback
andwentthei
rdi
ff
erentways.

AtMaya'
shouse.
..
Shefinishedchangi
ngandsi
ghedj
oini
ngt
heki
dsi
n
thel
ivingroom...

Lucas:ar
eyounotgoi
ngt
omakesupperf
orus
aunty?
Maya:it
houghtyouwer
eont
heki
tchendut
ytoday
Lucas:hai
boaunt
yyourki
dsover
wor
kedmet
oday
(t
heylaughed)
Maya:don'twor
ryafr
iendofminei
scomi
ngover
sohewillbri
ngsomefoodforus
Lucas:he?
Maya:(
smi
led)aiaiLucasdon'
tbeget
ti
ngsi
ll
y
i
deas
Lucas:(
laughed)i
mjustaski
ngohHer
byf
ound
these
Maya:(
frowned)whoar
ethosef
or?
Lucas:idon'
tknowar
eyounotmi
ssi
ngpl
ier
sin
yourcar?
Maya:noi
m not
.
Lucas:t
henidon'
tknow
Maya:Her
byar
ethesenotyourf
ri
end'
sfat
her
's?
Herber
t:nomamahesayst
heyar
enot
.Weasked
hi
m
Maya:okthat
'swei
rdbutidon'
thavepl
ier
sthat
l
ookli
kethese
Lucas:iguesst
heheavensbl
essedust
hen
Maya:j
ustgoputt
hem i
nmycariwi
llaskmy
f
ri
endsaboutt
hem

Lucastookthem t
othecarwhi
lebythegate
JoshuaparkedhisGD6.Hegotof
ftoopenthegat
e
butLucashelpedashesmil
edanddroveinthe
yard.
..

Her
ber
t:(
whi
sper
edt
oApr
il
)Mama'
sboyf
ri
end
Apri
l:(
outloud)mamayouhaveanewboyf
ri
end?
Arewef i
nall
ygett
ingadad?
Maya:bat
hongApr
il

Joshuagr
eet
edLucasandtookoutbagsofNandos
asLucashel
pedhi
m andheadedtothehouse.
..

Lucas:f
atherchr
ist
masi
sher
e(t
heyl
aughed)
Joshua:goodeveni
ng
Maya:hi
,pl
easedon'
tmi
ndt
hem t
heyar
ejustbei
ng
naught
y
Joshua:i
t'
sok
Maya:youcanhaveaseat
Joshua:t
hankyou.Hell
oli
tt
lechampandli
tt
le
pri
ncess(t
heysmiledwavi
ngathim)whatareyour
names?
Her
ber
t:Her
ber
t
Apr
il
:Apr
il
Joshua:howol
disHer
ber
tandApr
il
?
Her
ber
t:5andahal
fand3
Apr
il
:icananswerf
ormysel
f(t
heyl
aughed)
Joshua:dot
heyl
ovesweet
s?
Bot
h:yes!
Joshua:wel
lthent
adah

Hesaidtaki
ngoutt
wochocl
atesast
heyj
umpedi
n
exci
tement.
..

Joshua:woahwoahwoah,youneedtoeatf
irst
.
Whof i
nishest
hei
rfoodget
sthei
rchocl
ater
ight?
Bot
h:okuncl
e
Maya:hi
snamei
suncl
eJoshua
Bot
h:okuncl
eJoshua
Joshua:goodboyandgi
rl

Theywentbackt
owhatt heywer
ewatchingwhil
e
Lucasgotbusyi
ntheki
tchenfi
xingt
hefood.
..
Joshua:soher
eiam
Maya:t
hanksforcomingandhonest
lyyouhave
hel
pedalot.Iwasnotl
ooki
ngforwar
dtocooking
aft
ert
hekindofdayihad
Joshua:wasi
tthathect
ic?
Maya:wit
hal otofdr
amabutthat
'sat
opicfor
anot
herday.Tellme,whywoul
dyouchooseto
havesupperwithsomeoneyoumet2minut
esago?
Joshua:umm maybeili
kethatper
son(they
chuckl
ed)ser
iousl
ythoughij
ustwanttogetto
knowyou.Youseem li
keacoolperson
Maya:mi
ndyouim ver
yscept
icaloft
heki
ndof
peopl
eil
eti
ntomyspace
Joshua:ibel
ieveyouhavehadyourhandsbur
nt
befor
e
Maya:peopleareneverwhot
heysaytheyar
eto
you.Onlylat
erwhenyoureal
i
sethatwowihave
beenfooled
Joshua:wellnott
otr
yandputmyselfonapedestal
butim oneofthemostst
rai
ghtf
orwardandhonest
peopl
eyoucanevermeet .Ireal
lyhopeditcoul
dbe
j
ustthetwoofussot hatwecouldbemor e
comfort
ablebutiunder
standthefactthatyouar
e
ti
redsotherewil
lbeatimeforthat
Maya:ohok(
scof
fed)
Joshua:whyt
hescof
f?
Maya:nowewil
ltal
kaboutsomet
hingswhenwe
gett
hechancel
ikeyousay
Joshua:ok
Lucas:f
oodi
sready,
cour
tesyofuncl
eJoshua

Theyl
aughedashebroughtabowl
,war
m wat
er
andaclot
htowashthei
rhands.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Itwasaround21:00pm asMosesopenedthefr
ont
doorwithoutknocki
ng.Thet
vwasoffaswellasthe
l
ightsandheknewshewasi nherbedroom.He
swallowedqui
etl
ymaki nghiswaydownt he
passageandtoherbedr oom.Heheardsomemusi c
softl
yplayi
ngashestoppedbyt hedoorand
l
istenedon.Hethoughtforafewseconds,st
roked
hismanhoodandswal l
owed. .
.

Moses:(
mut
ter
ed)notnowMo,
justgi
vei
tti
me

Heswall
owedagainandmadehi
swayoutonl
yto
bumpint
oRona..
.

Rona:ohmyyouscar
edme
Moses:i
m sor
rymadam
Rona:whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nher
e?
Moses:(
hidi
nghi
ser
ect
ion)icamet
ochecki
fshe'
s
okmadam
Rona:ohok.ThankyouMo.Seeyout
omor
row
Moses:seeyout
omor
rowmadam
HemadehiswayoutasRonal
ockedandheadedt
o
herbedr
oom andt
hent
ohergr
anddaught
er'
s.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

I
nRamot
swa.
..

Lor
naparkedhercarundert
het r
eenotfarfr
om the
gat
easshegotof fwi
thherdaughter
.Intheyar
d
DuncanJuni
orstormedoutofthehousenakedas
hi
sauntranaft
erhim..
.

Lady:Duncan!Duncanst
opi
t!Duncancomeback
here!
DuncanJr
:Cat
chmenowcat
chmenomor
e

Hesai
drunni
ngar
oundasLor
nasmi
ledl
eadi
ngt
he
wayi
nwhil
ebehi
ndher
,herdaught
erf
rownedat
t
hename.
..

Lor
na:knockknock
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
03] :AKEPTWOMAN
17

DuncanJuni
orst
oppedrunni
ngasheal
most
bumpedint
oasmili
ngLorna.
..

Lady:i
m sosor
ry.Goodmor
ning
Lorna:he'
sjustbei
ngaki
d.Mor
ningihopewear
e
notintr
udi
ng
Lady:ohnonoi
tsnotapr
obl
em
Lor
na:doyour
ememberme?
Lady:yesma'
am ido
Lor
na:butt
hel
astt
imeicameher
ewas18year
s
ago
Lady:wel
lPat
iencei
salwayst
alki
ngaboutyouso
ther
e'snohowicanfor
getyou
Lor
na:ihopeshe'
ssayi
ngt
hegoodt
hingsonl
y
Lady:(chuckled)ofcourseofcour
sesheis(Appl
e
frowned)ifyoudon' tmi
ndiwouldli
ketodresshim
thenjoinyoupl easegetinandmakeyour
selves
comf or
table
Lor
na:ohokt
hankyou

Shecarr
iedDuncanJrt
othebedr
oom whil
eLor
na
andherdaught
ermadethei
rwayinsi
de.
..
Lor
na:seewher
eyouaunt
ycomesf
rom?
Appl
e:mmhbutmamadon' tyout
hinkt
her
e's
somethi
ngaboutt
hischi
ld'
sname?
Lorna:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?It
'sj
ustaname
tl
he
Appl
e:nomamaandheki
ndofl
ooksl
ikedadman
Lorna:stopbei
ngsi
ll
yApple.Wellyouknow
Patienceandyourf
atherwer
eclosewhenshewas
pregnant
Appl
e:andt
hat
'snor
malf
oryou?
Lorna:yesAppl e.Welltheywer enotthatclosebuti
wouldf i
ndthem l aughi
ngt ogethersomet i
mesand
from thosewhohavef all
enpr egnantbeforethey
toldmet hatit
'snor malforapr egnantwomant obe
comf ort
ablearoundanot herper sonthenthatbaby
comesl ookinglikethepersont heywer e
comf ort
ablearoundorevenhavet hei
rtrai
ts
Appl
e:t
hati
sjustsomesi
cksuper
sti
ti
on,
thi
schi
ld.
..
Lady:sor
ryf
ort
hateysht
hisboyi
sapr
obl
em yoh
Lor
na:yeahhey,
kids.Her
emi
ndsmeofmyboy
whenhewasst
il
lababy.
Lady:anyt
hingt
odr
ink?
Lor
na:ohi
m goodt
hankyou
Appl
e:metoo(
shesmi
ledandmovedhereyest
o
Duncan)
Lady:ok.SoMrsDuncanwhatbri
ngsyouher
ei
hopemysi st
erdi
dn'
tdoanyt
hingbad?
Lor
na:ohnonol
ove.I
m her
ebecauseoft
hisboy
Lady:(
hear
tski
pped)oh?
Lorna:yeahihavebeenaski
nghi
smot herwhathi
s
namei sbutshedoesn'
twanttot
ellmeletal
onehi
s
bir
thdaybecauseim pl
anni
ngtot
hr owhima
surpri
seyouknow
Lady:(
swall
owed)oht
hat
'ssweetbutiguessyou
heardwhathi
snameisasical
ledhim
Lor
na:yeahandiknowhisbir
thdayi
seithert
his
monthorthenextj
ustnotsur
eaboutthedate
Lady:(
swal
lowed)wel
lit
..
.(
clear
edherthr
oatas
Applefr
owned)i
thaspasseditwasthi
sprevi
ous
weekend
Lor
na:awwar
eyouser
ious?
Lady:yesi
m sosor
ryMr
sD
Lorna:(
sighed)bummert
heniguessiwi
llhaveto
keepthedatethenthr
owhim asur
pri
senextyear
Lady:no(chuckl
edasApplefr
ownedmore)imean
i
twasi nthemiddleoft
heweekwejusthadacake
andsnacksont heweekendwi
tht
heneighbour
s
chi
ldren
Lor
na:(
frowned)ohisee.Sowheni
sitexact
ly?
Lady:(
swal
lowed)t
he16t
h
Lorna:okiwi
llmakesuretonotf
orgeti
nfactletme
saveitonmycalendar
.Ebil
ethe16thwil
lbea
Fri
daynextyearsowewi l
lcel
ebr
ateonasat urday
Lady:mmh

Shesmi l
edwit
hherheartr
acingwhi
leApple
caref
ull
yobser
vedDuncanwhowasf eeding
himself
.Hewasaleft
yjustli
kehi
sfatherandhe
ateeveryt
hingbutpickedoutgr apes.Duncansenior
di
dn'tli
kegrapesandheal wayspi cksthem out
whenevertheyforgetthathedoesn' tli
kethem.Thi
s
madeherwantt oaskal otofquest i
onsbutshe
deci
dedt oholdbackasshenot icedthathermother
wasint hedark.
..

Lor
na:sowheni
shegoi
ngt
oschool
?
Lady:t
heyeari
sal
mostgonesonextyear
Lor
na:nicei
tsgoodt
ogetthei
rbr
ainswor
king
whi
letheyar
eyoungyouknow
Lady:t
ruet
hat
Appl
e:wher
eishi
sdad?
Lady:i
nSout
hAf
ri
ca
Duncan:nodadi
swi
thmom

Lor
naandt
hel
adyl
aughedwhi
leAppl
efr
owned
more.
..
Lor
na:shamel
it
tl
edoesheknow
Lady:he'
ssosi
ll
y
Duncan:youknowmamaandpapal
ivei
nabi
g
houseinGabo..
.
Lady:Duncannowhatdi
disayaboutt
alki
ngwhi
le
eati
ng?
Duncan:sor
ryaunt
y
Lor
na:(
smil
ed)anywayi
twasniceseei
ngyouagai
n
l
oveihopet
oseeyouagainsoon
Lady:eemmat
ravelsaf
e
Lor
na:st
aysaf
etoo.Byeboy
Duncan:byeaunt
y

Pati
ence'
ssist
ertookthem outwhi
leAppl
equiet
ly
walkedbesi
deshermot her
.Theygoti
nthecaras
theladywentbackint
othehouse..
.

Duncan:t
hatwomanl
ooksl
iket
hewomanisawi
n
papa'
sphot
os
Lady:shutupandeat

Shesaidtaki
ngherphoneanddial
edhersi
ster
whil
einthecarLor
nafrownedatanawkwardly
qui
etApple..
.

Lor
na:Appl
e?
Appl
e:mama
Lor
na:ar
eyouok?
Appl
e:(wantedtosayi
tbuthel
dback)yesmama
i
m goodijustrememberedt
hatihavealotof
Engl
ishworktodoeish
Lorna:(
smiled)okbabybutDuncani
saver
ycut
e
babyisn'
tit
?
Appl
e:mmhver
ycut
e

Lor
nachuckl
edf
ocusi
ngont
her
oadwhi
leAppl
e
soft
lyshookherhead.I
t'
sDuncanJuni or
'sl
ast
stat
ementabouthispar
entsthatgottoherand
madeheraskher sel
falotofquest
ions.

AtKavi
mba'
smot
ors.
..

Hisphoner
angashesmi
ledandsatback
answeri
ng.
..

Lovemore:bef
oreyoushoutatmeigotever
ythi
ng
youaskedforyest
erday
Lucas:ohokt
hankyoupopsbutt
hat
'snotwhyi
cal
led
Lovemor
e:ohok,
whydi
dyoucal
l?
Lucas:i
t'
saboutaunt
yMayaandmama
Lovemor
e:whathappenednow?
Lucas:whenauntyMayaar ri
vedf
rom work
yest
erdayinot
icedthatshehadonadi f
fer
entshi
rt
andiaskedheraboutitthenshet
oldmewhat
happened
Lovemor
e:whathappened?
Lucas:mamaatt
ackedheratherwor
kpl
aceand
pouredadri
nkoverher
Lovemor
e:why?
Lucas:becauseoft
hemoneyyougaveherf
ort
he
car
Lovemor
e:goodnessme.What
'swr
ongwi
thyour
mothert
hough?
Lucas:idon'tknowdadandt hat
'snotall
,shet
old
hertotakemebackt oMochudibutitol
dauntythat
iwouldratherbedr aggedt
herebecauseili
kei
tat
herhouse.Popspl easetal
ktomom.Aunt yMayai s
justapeacefulgoodwomanidon' tunderst
andwhy
shehateshersomuch
Lovemore:im honest
lyt
ir
edoft
heani
mosi
ty
betweenthem myson
Lucas:andi
t'
sonesideddad.Aunt
yMayahasno
probl
em wit
hmom ifshehadanyproblem wi
thher
shewouldn'
tal
lowmet ocomeclosetoherchi
ldr
en
Lovemore:yourmotheri
ssomethi
ngel
seand
honest
lyspeakingmyboyim get
ti
ngsi
ckandti
red
Lucas:iunderst
andyourpai
npapa.I
m si
ckand
ti
redaswell.SamegoestoNyasha
Lovemore:shepoi
sonedmydaught
erbutdon'
t
worryiwil
ltal
ktoher
Lucas:t
hankyoudad
Lovemor
e:bef
oreyougo,doyouknowanyoneby
thenameSundaeAdi
ole
Lucas:mybi
ggestr
ivali
ncl
ass
Lovemor
e:ohyouar
ecl
assmat
es?
Lucas:yest
hatgir
lgi
vesmearunformymoneyal
l
theti
meduringexams.Howdoyouknowher
?
Lovemore:(smiled)ibumpedint
ohermother
,i
meanauntyest erdayattheshopandwestar
ted
tal
kingaboutyouguys
Lucas:ohwowr
eal
lynow?Wasshewi
thher
?
Lovemor
e:nobutshewasdoi
ngsomeshoppi
ngf
or
her
Lucas:ohokwehavet hi
sgroupthatweal
ways
sendeachotherqui
zzesshe'
salways..
.
Lovemor
e:(
chuckl
ed)okLucasdadhaswor
ktodo
Lucas:okwewi
llt
alkl
aterandpl
easedon'
tfor
get
Lovemor
e:iwon'
tmyboy.Bye

TheyhungupasLovemoresatbackandwentt
o
Chioma'
scont
actandcal
ledher
..
.

Chi
oma:(
smi
led)MrK
Lovemor
e:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oatsi
tt
ingup)Ohhel
lo
Chi
Chi
oma:(sof
tl
ychuckled)wel
comet
othecl
ub(
they
l
aughed)whatcanidoforyouMrK?
Lovemor
e:ummm iwaswonderi
ngifwecoul
ddo
l
unchlat
er?Wel
lthat
'si
fyouar
enotbusy
Chi
oma:ir
espectmybr
eakssowewi
llgooutf
or
l
unchsi
r
Lovemor
e:wonder
ful
.Seeyoul
ater
Chi
oma:nopr
obl
em youwi
llt
extmet
hel
ocat
ion
Lovemor
e:def
ini
tel
y.Bye
Chi
oma:bye

TheyhungupasLovemor esmil
edmor eandwent
backt
owor kwhil
eChiomasquinthereyesali
tt
le
andsoft
lychuckl
edt
uckingherhairbehi
ndherear
andwentbacktoworkaswell.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Pat
iencepacedar
oundtheli
vingroom t
ryi
ngtoget
hol
dofDuncanwhileshekeptchecki
nghercoast
..
.

Duncan:mysweet
ie
Pat
ience:mysweet
iemyf
ootmysi
sterj
ustcal
led
me
Duncan:huh?
Pat
ience:yournosywi
fewentt
omyhome
Duncan:heebanna,
why?
Pati
ence:whydoyouthi
nkshewentt
her
eDuncan?
Didinotaskyout
ostopthi
sstupi
dwi
feofyour
s?
Duncan:don'
tcal
lmywi
fest
upi
d
Pat
ience:ohsoyouar
egoi
ngt
odef
endhernow?
Duncan:noyouneedtorespecther
,agai
nyou
neverknowthosewal
lsmighthaveears
Pati
ence:icoul
dcarel
ess.Iwantthatwomant o
stoppokinghernosei
ntomybusinessinfactit
hink
theti
mef oryoutodi
vorceherhasarri
ved.Yescall
yourlawyerand.
..
Duncan:woahwoahwoahbr
ikamosadi
,what
?
Pat
ience:ohsoyoudon'
tint
endt
odi
vor
ceher
?
Duncan:isai
dgivemet i
mePat ienceourchil
dren
aresti
lli
nschoolidon'
twantthistoaff
ectthem.As
soonasSaintisdonewithbasiceducati
onim
divor
cingLor
na
Pat
ience:wher
ewi
llibeatt
hatt
ime?Tel
lme
Duncan:wearenotgoi
ngtohavethi
sconversat
ion
agai
n.Ipromi
sedyouthatiwi
llt
alkt
oLornaiwill
.
Justcal
m downman.Whatdidyoursist
ersayto
her?
Patience:shemanagedtothrowherof
fbutDuncan
withthesamer unnymouthasyoursheal
mostsaid
thewr ongthi
ngsbutshestoppedhi
m onti
me
Duncan:sowar
ennal
engwanakeremal
eme( ar
e
yousayingmeandmysonhavebi
gmouths)
Patience:youknowwhatimean.Getyourwi
fei
n
orderorelseiwil
lhavet
odoitmyself
Sai
nt:Aunt
y?
Patience:(qui
ckl
yhungupandswall
owed)Sai
nt
(nervouslyscoff
ed)howl
onghaveyoubeen
standingthere?
Saint
:ij
ustcamedown.Who'
swi
fei
sgi
vingyou
tr
ouble?
Pat
ience:don'
twor
ryyour
sel
fmyboyjustsome
wif
eofaf ri
endofminewhot
hinksi
m doi
ngthe
nast
ywi
thherhusbandbuti
t'
sok
Sai
nt:ohokihopet
heysor
titout
Pat
ience:yeaht
heywi
lldon'
twor
ry

Shechuckledgoi
ngtot
heki
tchenwhi
leSai
ntt
ook
hi
swalletandlef
t.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Preciouswentthr
oughherphonewhi
lehavi
ngher
cerealasi
trang..
.

Pr
eci
ous:Ronabat
hong.Mama?
Rona:mor
ningmybabyhowar
eyou?
Pr
eci
ous:i
m goodmaandyour
sel
f?
Rona:i
m goodmyl
ove.Howi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Pr
ecious:alli
sgoinggoodma.IwenttoMmaLuke'
s
pl
aceandr eassur
edherbutpr
oblem i
syour
daught
ershedoesn'
twantt
oli
stensoihaveno
choi
cebuttol
etMmaLukedotheworst
Rona:i
t'
sfineshewi
lll
ear
ntol
ist
ennextti
me.Let
hergothr
oughwhatMmaLukehasplannedforher
Preci
ous:yeahandohwi t
hTi t
usihaveinvit
edthat
stupi
dwomanofhi sfordinnertoni
ghtidon'
teven
knowifishouldcal
lherawoman
Rona:(
laughed)don'
twor
ryshewi
llbeoutofour
hai
rsoon
Precious:andican'
tcomeintot
ermswitht
hefact
thatshewi l
lbeputt
inghercr
ust
ypoorassonmy
custom madedi ni
ngchair
syohLord.Somuch
povertyinvadi
ngmyspacenagana
Rona:wel
lit
sforagoodcour
ser
ight
Pr
eci
ous:yeahwel
ltr
ue
Rona:goodij
ustwant edtochecki
fyouaredoi
ng
yourassi
gnments.Imt el
li
ngyouaft
erthi
syouand
Lovemorewil
lbelivi
ngcomf or
tabl
ythanbef
ore
Pr
ecious:speaki
ngofhi
m it
hinkishoul
dremi
nd
hi
m ofwhohi swifei
s
Rona:youst
il
lgott
hatmi
xtur
ethatl
adygaveyou?
Preci
ous:ohyeahmxm wai
tseif
orgotaboutt
hat
.
Thanksforremi
ndmeaboutitmama
Rona:yesnanarubi
tonyourcoochieandmake
sureyougivei
ttohi
m goodt
onightowaihewil
lbe
goneagain
Pr
eci
ous:(
laughed)youwi
ckedwoman
Rona:(
laughed)peopleshoul
dn'
thearyousayt
hat
wena(t
heyl aughed)
Pr
eci
ous:byemamail
oveyou
Rona:il
oveyout
oomybaby.Bye

TheyhungupasPr
eci
oussmi
ledandcal
ledt
hei
r
pri
vat
echef.

AtKgang'
sT&THeadquar
ter
s..
.

Duncancl
ickedhi
stongueget
ti
ngi
ntohi
sfr
iend'
s
of
fi
cewholookedathi
m wonder
ingwhatwast
he
pr
oblem.
..

Joshua:andt
hen?
Duncan:whycan'
tLor
naj
ustst
ayi
nherl
ane?
Joshua:whathast
hepoorwomandonenow?
Duncan:shetookof
ftoRamot
swatoaskabout
Juni
or'
sbirt
hdayimeanwhatdoesshewantf
rom
me?
Joshua:ngngi fshecangoal lthewayt o
Ramotswai tmeanst hattr
oubleisbrewingmy
fr
iendandpl easeibett
ernotbei nvol
ved.Asf
aras
i
m concernediknownot hi
ngplease
Duncan:ur
ghmanj ustchil
l.There'
snot r
ouble
brewi
ngiwillmakesuretogetherinline.Let
'stal
k
aboutyou,
therecept
ioni
sttell
smeyougother ein
agoodmoodandof f
eredfreelunchtoeveryone
Joshua:(
smiled)l
et'
sjustsayt
heguyhadagood
eveni
nglastnight
Duncan:oh?
Joshua:youwerer
ightMayaist
her
ightwomant
o
gohomewi tht
hisweekendandi
mtakingt
hewhol
e
cl
anwi t
h
Duncan:t
hat
'smyboy
Joshua:ij
usthavetomakesureihaveaoneon
onemomentwi thhersoicanmakeeveryt
hing
cl
eartoher
Duncan:youhaven'
ttol
dher
?
Joshua:ican'
tjustbl
urtever
ythi
ngoutt
oheront
he
fi
rstdaycomeon.
Duncan:t
imei
snotonyoursi
dei
t'
sWednesday
t
oday
Joshua:wehaveal
unchdat
e
Duncan:ohgoodt
hen.Makesur
eshe'
stheone
pl
ease
Joshua:l
ookwho'stal
king,someonecaught
betweenhiswif
eandababymamawho' shi
shouse
hel
perandstil
lsl
eepswi t
h.
Duncan:soyouar
egoi
ngt
obel
iket
hat
?
Joshua:yourpr
obl
emsar
ehi
ghert
hant
he
mountainbaba

Hel
aughedwhi
leDuncancl
ickedhi
stonguel
eavi
ng.

AtMaya'
shouse.
..

Thepoli
cecarcametoaquickhaul
tbythegat
eas
Lucasfr
ownedlooki
ngat4offi
cer
scomingout
aft
erhangi
nghisbat
hingi
temsoutsi
de.
..

Of
fi
cer
:youngman
Lucas:yessi
rhowcanihel
p?
Of
fi
cer
:wher
eisyourmot
her
?
Lucas:she'
satwor
k
Offi
cer
:ohok.Herewi
thmeisasear
chwar
ranti
t
al
lowsustosearcht
hispl
ace
Lucas:(
frowned)whatf
or?Aunt
yMayai
snota
cr
imi
nal
Of
ficer
:holdontot
his,
boysl
et'
stur
nthi
swhol
e
pl
aceupsidedown

Theyheadedinsidewhil
eLucasquickl
yreachedf
or
hi
sphonet ocallMaya.MeanwhileHer
bertand
Apri
lrani
ntotheyardafterseei
ngthepol
ice.
..

Her
ber
t:whati
sgoi
ngon?
Lucas:theyar ejustmist
aken.Comeonaunt ypick
up(shedi dn'tashegrunted)urghmancomeon.Oh
dad(hedi al
edhi m)comeoncomeonpi ckupdad
pi
ck..
.(i
tcut)nomant hisisnothappeni
ng.Uncl
e
Josh..
.ohgr eatidon'
thavehisnumber
Her
ber
t:cal
luncl
eTi
tus
Lucas:goodboy(
hesmi
ledcal
li
ngTi
tus)
Ti
tus:Luci
Lucas:uncl
eTTtherear
epoli
ceinaunt
yMaya's
houseandtheyaresear
chi
ngthewholehouseas
wespeak
Ti
tus:what
?Why?
Lucas:idon'
tknowuncl
ebutt
heygavemea
searchwarr
ant
Ti
tus:di
dyoucal
lMaya?
Lucas:she'
satwor
kandyouknowshecan'
tpi
ck
upherphone
Titus:heebannaok.Probl
em isican'tl
eaveyour
auntal oneri
ghtnowandcomet herejusttel
lmeif
theyf i
ndwhat evert
heyar
elooki
ngf orthenwetake
i
tf rom ther
e
Lucas:okuncl
eTTiwi
ll
Ti
tus:goodboy(
theyhungup)
Of
fi
cer
:ar
eyouguyswi
nni
ng?
Of
fi
cer
:nosi
r
Of
fi
cer
:di
dyousear
chi
nthel
ivi
ngr
oom?
Of
fi
cer
:yesof
fi
cer
.
Of
fi
cer
:di
dyousear
cht
hecouch,
bet
weent
he
couch?
Of
fi
cer
:yessi
rwedi
d
Off
icer
:comeonyoushoul dsearchthor
oughly
bet
weent hatcouchputyourhandbeepinsi
de
comeon

Meanwhil
eout
sideLucasf
rownedatwhyhewas
menti
oni
ngthecouchalot
.Herememberedashi
s
hear
tski
ppedabeat.
..

Of
fi
cer
:ar
eyouwi
nni
ng?
Of
fi
cer
:nosi
r
Off
icer
:ur
ghlet
'sgoyouguyscanbeusel
ess.
Come.Youngboyhaveagoodday

Theymadet hei
rwayoutl
eavi
ngthehouseamess
especi
all
ytheli
vingr
oom whi
leLucasf
rownedwi
th
hismindabsent.
..
Her
ber
t:Lucas?
Lucas:huh
Her
ber
t:ar
eyouok?
Lucas:guyst
hepl
ier
s
Her
ber
t:what
?
Lucas:t
hatt
oolyouf
oundbet
weent
hecouch
Apr
il
:mamaputi
tinhercar
Lucas:iknowbutit
hinkt
hepol
icear
elooki
ngf
ori
t.
Anywayl et
'sgof
ixt
hehouse

Hescoffedleadingthewayinwonder ingwhythe
poli
cewouldcomeandr ansackthehouselikethat
forapairofpli
ers.Meanwhil
eatthemal lMmaLuke
gotoffhercarwi t
hablackscarfoverherheadand
headedtotherestaurant
.Herphoner ang.
..

MmaLuke:hel
lo?
Pr
eci
ous:wher
ear
eyou?
MmaLuke:att
hemal
lwhy?
Pr
eci
ous:pl
easedon'
tdoanyt
hingbef
oreigett
her
e
MmaLuke:noiwantmygr
andchi
ldr
en
Pr
eci ous:iknowandyouaregoingtogetthem j
ust
waitformef orafewminutesim comi
ng.Shemi ght
at
tackyoubecauseyouar eanol dwomansowi th
met hereiwillbeabl
etodefendyou
MmaLuke:hur
ryupt
hen
Pr
eci
ous:good.20mi
nut
esI
'
llbet
her
e

MmaLukehungupandcl i
ckedhertonguegoing
backinhercarwhi
lePr
eci
ousexcit
edlychuckled
gett
ingi
nhercar.
..

Pr
eci
ous:t
hisi
m goi
ngt
oenj
oy

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..
Lornaparkedhercarwhi
leAppl
ewentaheadasher
phonerang..
.

Lor
na:honey
Duncan:howcanyoudosomet
hingl
iket
hatLor
na?
Lor
na:whathaveidonenow?
Duncan:howdoyout akeof
ftoPati
ence'
shome
l
ikethat
?Didinotaskyoutostayaway?
Lor
na:(f
rowned)howdoyouknowiwentt
o
Ramotswabecauseinevert
oldyou?

Duncan'
sheartdr
oppedtot
hestomachasahuge
ofl
umpsalivagotst
uckonhist
hroat
.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
03] :AKEPTWOMAN
18

Lor
na:Duncan?
Duncan:(
clear
edhisthroat
)Pati
encecall
edme
ter
ri
fi
edwonderingwhatshehaddonef oryoutogo
toherhomevil
lagethatyoucoul
dn'tt
alktoher
about
Lorna:real
lynowDuncan?Pat i
enceknowsthatshe
cantalktomeaboutanythingandicantalktoher
aboutanythingwhywouldiallofasuddengotoher
homevi ll
ageifshehaddonesomet hi
ngbad?
Duncan:wel
lthat
'swhatshethoughtbecausenow
shethi
nksherjobisi
ntheli
ne.Tellme,haveyou
seenhersi
nceyougotback?
Lor
na:nowej
ustgotback
Duncan:she'
ster
ri
fi
edLornaandyouknowihave
noideahowicanassurehert
hatshedidnot
hing
wrongbecausesheandiar
en'
tthatcl
ose.Youneed
t
oapologisetoher
Lor
na:iwi
llt
alkt
oher
Duncan:apol
ogi
senott
alk
Lor
na:yesDuncani
wil
lapol
ogi
set
oher
Duncan:andyoushoul
ddoi
tlat
erwheni
m home
Lor
na:iwi
ll
Duncan:sowhydi
dyougot
her
e?
Lor
na:t
oaskaboutt
hechi
ld'
sbi
rt
hday
Duncan:r
eal
lyLor
na?Di
dinotaskyout
olett
hatgo?
Lorna:i
sitwr
ongt
owantt
odosomet
hingfor
someonewhohasbeent
heref
ormef
orallt
hese
years?
Duncan:i
fshedoesn'
twantj
ustrespectthatand
st
opimposingthei
deaonher.Shealoneknows
whyshedoesn'
twantyoutogetinvol
ved.Finda
hobbyorsomethi
ngtodoandleavePatiencealone
pl
ease
Lor
na:yohDuncani
m sor
ry
Duncan:doyouwantt
oupsether
?
Lor
na:ofcour
senot
Duncan:t
henl
eavet
hiswhol
ethi
ngal
onepl
ease
Lor
na:eer
raiwi
ll
Duncan:t
hankyou.Thisshoul
dbethelasttimei
heart
hehelpercal
li
ngmeabouthousehol dissues
nextt
hingiwil
lbeaccusedofsl
eepi
ngwi t
ht hehel
p
j
ustbecauseshefeel
smor ecomfor
tabl
ear ound
me
Lor
na:i
m sor
ryDuncaniwi
llf
ixmymess
Duncan:good.Byeseeyoul
ater
Lor
na:bye

TheyhungupasLornascof
fedandwentint
he
housewhil
eDuncansi
ghedoutofrel
ief
..
.

Duncan:dammi
tyouf
oolyoual
mostgotyour
sel
f
caught
Hecl
ickedhi
stongueandchuckl
ed.

Att
hemal
l.
..

MmaLukef rownedchecki
ngforPr
eci
ous'
scarand
si
ghedseeingnosignofit
.Shewentt
ohercalll
og
andtappedhernumberandasshewasaboutto
cl
ickcal
litr
ang..
.

MmaLuke:f
inal
lywher
ear
eyou?
Precious:ij
ustpar
kedwher
eareyou?MmaLuke:
gett
ingoutofmycarwithablackscar
fon
Pr
eci
ous:ummm.
..ohiseeyoui
m comi
ngt
her
e

Theyhungupast
heyl
ockedt
hei
rcar
sandmethal
f
way..
.
Pr
eci
ous:hiMmaLuke
MmaLuke:yes
Pr
eci
ous:sowhat
'st
hepl
an?
MmaLuke:i
mleavi
ngt
hispl
acewit
hthisgi
rland
she'
sgoi
ngtogi
vememychildr
enwethersheli
kes
i
tornot
Pr
eci
ous:goodl
et'
sgoi
n

Theyheadedinwit
hPreci
oussmil
ing.I
twas
evi
dentthatshewasenj
oyi
ngever
ysecondoft
his.
..

MmaLuke:Maya!
?Ma.
..
Manager
:goodday.
..
it
syouagai
n
Pr
eci
ous:yesi
tsmeagainandthi
stimear
oundi
meanbusi
nesswher
e'sshe?(
Lookingi
nsi
de)Maya!
?
MmaLuke:mosetsanatswamoopelekegoduba
seborot
ho!(
Younggir
lgetoutoft
her
ebefor
eiwipe
thefl
oorwit
hyou)
Manager:ladi
espl
easecal
m down.Peoplecame
herforpeaceofmindnowyouaredist
urbi
ngthem
andtheyarepayi
ngcustomer
s.Let
'sgotomy
off
ice
Precious:wearenotgoi
nganywher
ewi t
hyoual l
wewanti sMayaandwewantherhere.Yourcheap
customer scangofuckt
hemsel
ves
Al
l:hee!
Manager
:excuseme?
Preci
ous:youhear
dme.Lonalemakat
swakeeng?
(What'
sshocki
ng)Yesisai
dandicansayi
tagai
n.
Maya!?
MmaLuke:i
m notgoi
ngt
owast
emyt
imeand.
..

Themanagerbl
ockedherasshet
ri
edt
ogoi
n..
.

Manager
:youar
enotgoi
ngt
odot
hat
!
MmaLuke:br
ingMayaher
e!
Manager
:Mar
eledipl
easegocal
lMayaatt
heback
Preci
ous:andtel
lhertohurr
yupt
imei
smoney
(Marel
edipacedtotheback)
Manager:gonemmel adi
eswhycan'
tyoubeci
vil
aboutwhateveri
shappeni
ng?
Preci
ous:wetr
iedt
obecivi
loht
rustmewet
ri
ed
butshedoesn'
twantt
oli
sten
Manager
:butnowyouaretroubl
ingmycust
omer
s
t
oanextendofevenswear
ingatt hem
Pr
eci
ous:doyouwantmet
oinsul
tthem mor
e?
Maya:ma'
am you.
..
(si
ghed)ohwow
Precious:nywewow,faMmaLukesesemo
tshwanetsengausi
nyana(
giveMmaLukewhat
belongstoher)
Manager:Mayapleaset
aket
hisoutofmy
r
estaur
antplease
Maya:i
m sosor
ryma'
am.Canwepl
ease
MmaLuke:don'
t,
don'
tyoudar
eputyourfi
lt
hy
handsonmeyounggir
liwantmygrandchi
ldr
en
andiwantt
hennow!
Maya:soPr
eci
oust
hisisokf
oryou?Itsokf
oryou
t
oambushmel i
ket
hisatmyworkplace?
Pr
ecious:Banammaetshobanawar
edi
a(ki
dsmy
gi
rl
,kids,
youaredel
ayi
ngus)
MmaLuke:ihavet
ocoll
ectmysonf
rom t
hemor
gue
t
odayandiwantthoseki
dsther
e
Maya:myki
dsar
enotgoi
nganywher
ewi
thanyone
ofyou
Precious:whathaveyoudonef ort
hoseki dsMaya?
Huh?Whathaveyoudonef ort
hem besidesmaking
them struggl
e?Theirabl
egrandmot heri
shere,
someonewho' sabl
etogivethem acomf ort
abl
eli
fe
butyoudon' twantt
odoassheasks.Mayao
sotl
elangbana?( Whyareyoumaki ngthekids
suffer)
Maya:thosearemykidsPreciousandi fthere's
anyonewho'sgoingtogi
vethem acomf ortableli
fe
i
tsgoingtobemedoyouunder standthat?Don' t
youdareforgett
hatyouknownot hingaboutgi ving
bir
thommoul of
elayosatsholeng!(Youarej usta
barrenhor
se)(Ever
yonegasped)
Pr
eci
ous:(
slappedher
)loosebi
tch!
Maya:Pr
eci
ous!
?

Shesaidslappi
ngherbackwi
ththebackofher
handassomemenwhower etheret
odineheld
them back.
..

Maya:(
cryi
ng)youar
eevi
l!
Preci
ous:youknownot
hingaboutmyl
if
edoyou
underst
andthat
!
Maya:youar
eal
iarandcheat
!
Pr
eci
ous:f
uckyouMaya!
Maya:i
ttakest
wo!
MmaLuke:youknowwhati m overthi
s.It
ri
edtobe
pat
ientwit
hyoubutyoul eavemenochoi ce.I
m
goi
ngt ocal
lthepol
iceandt akethoseki
dswether
youli
keitornot
Maya:overmydeadbody!
MmaLuke:wewi
llsee

Shecli
ckedhertonguel
eavi
ngwhi
lePr
ecious
pul
ledhersel
ffr
om themanwhowasholdi
nghim.
..

Pr
eci
ous:youar
egoi
ngt
oknowme
Maya:t
ryt
otakemykidsf
rom meandyouwi
llsee
asi
deofmeyouneverwantedt
osee

Preciouscl
ickedhert
onguef ol
lowi
ngMmaLukeout
whileMayapul l
edhersel
ffr
om themant hatwas
holdi
ngherandr antothebacksnif
fing.Shequi
ckl
y
reachedforherphoneandcal l
edTi
tus..
.

Ti
tus:Mayaihavebeen.
..
Maya:pleasegotomyhouseandt aketheki
dsto
yourhouse.Whoeverasksyouwheretheyar
etel
l
them youdon'
tknow
Ti
tus:Mayayouknowi
..
.
Maya:Titusibegyoupleasetheyaretryi
ngtotake
myki dsawayf r
om mebutican'tl
etthathappen
pleaseibegyou.AndifPreci
ouscomest heremake
suretohidethem pl
ease
Ti
tus:Maya
Maya:nowTi
tus,
now!

Shehungupandcover
edhermout hburst
ingint
o
moretear
sasthemanageropenedthedoor.
..

Manager
:Maya?(Shetur
nedwi
tht
ear
sal
loverher
f
ace)myoff
iceri
ghtnow

Sheheadedoutwhil
eMayasighedl
ookingupand
sni
ff
edwipinghert
earsasMarel
edi
quicklywent
i
n..
.

Marel
edi
:Godiswithyoumyf
riendmakesur
eyou
f
ightf
oryourposi
ti
onnomatt
erwhat.Godwi
ll
neverputyouinasituat
ionyouwon'tbeableto
overcome.Putonyourar mourandtakeyourbest
gunst ot
his.Iwi
llpr
ayforyouwhileinther
e

Mayaswallowedandheadedt
othemanager'
s
of
fi
cewhileMarel
edisi
ghedandstar
tedtosi
lent
ly
pr
ayforherasshewentbacktohercust
omers.

AtJor
ge'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Hi
sphoner
angashesmi
ledpi
cki
ngup.
..

Jor
ge:t
ellmeyouhaveher
Of
fi
cer
:(swal
lowed)unf
ort
unat
elywedon'
tsi
r
Jor
ge:whatdoyoumeanyoudon't?Igaveyou
si
mpleandstr
aightf
orwar
dinst
ructi
ons
Off
icer
:wedi
dn'
tfi
ndt
heplier
swher
eiputt
hem
t
heymusthavef
oundthem
Jorge:ar
eyoucrazy?Goandl ookf
orthosepli
ers
andstoptell
ingmestor
ies.Fi
ndthosepli
ersand
arr
estthatwomanifyoustil
lwanttokeepyourjob
Of
fi
cer
:(swal
lowed)yessi
r(hehungup)
Jorge:yesesmani ncompetentpi
ecesofshi
t
bloodyincompetentpiecesofshi
tman!Theyar
e
costi
ngme, Fuck!

Hesaidhit
ti
ngt
hedeskandsatbackbr
eat
hing
heavi
ly.

Backatt
her
est
aur
ant
..
.

Mayaswallowedandsatinf
rontoft
hemanager
wholookeddispl
easedandl
ivi
d..
.

Manager
:notoncebutt
wicehavet
hishappened
Maya:i
m sosor
ryma'
am
Manager:soyouwantedmetohir
eyousothatyou
canbri
ngf r
eedramainmyrest
aurant
?Shoul
dwe
getcamerasforyounow?
Maya:nomadam
Manager :thenwhatisgoingonMaya?Two
consecutivedaysMayaMoet i,
twodaysofme
deali
ngandcover ingupforyourmess.Doyou
knowt heamountofmoneyiwoul dloseshoul
dmy
customer sstopcominghere?Doyouknowt he
amountofmoneyihavel ostoff
eringfr
eedri
nkst
o
customer stocal
mt hem downafterthemessyou
created?
Maya:i m sosor
ryma'am andinevermeantforthi
s
tohappenidon'tknowwhyt hesepeoplearedoing
thistome.Alliwanti
stolivemyl i
fewit
hout
troubl
inganyonebutt
heykeepcomi ngforme(she
feltt
earscomingbutthatwasnot i
met ocryasshe
blockedthem)soiwil
ldoanyt hi
ngtomakeupf or
thismess
Manager
:ther
e'snot
hingyoucandoallt
hat
'sl
eftof
youi
stotakeyourbel
ongingsandl
eavemy
r
est
aur
ant
Maya:(hear
tski
pped)nomadam pl
easedon'tfi
re
me.Ineedthisj
obineedthi
sjobt
okeepmegoi ng
pl
easemadam ipromisenoneoft
hiswilhappen
agai
n
Manager:youarecost
ingmeMayaandyouar
enot
guar
anteedthati
twon'thappenagai
n
Maya:okma' am i
m will
ingtogiveupmypayment
forthecomi ngmont htomakeupf orallt
hecost s
butt hat
'swhaticandot oshowyout hatim
determinedtokeept hi
sj ob(t
hemanagersatback
withaf rown)iknowyouar ewonder
ingwhatiwi l
l
dobuti m awomanmadam iwi l
lseehowt osurvi
ve.
Asl ongasyoudon' tfi
remebecauseineedt hisjob.
Please
Manager
:okokMayast opbegging.Iheardyoui
wil
lgi
veyouawar ni
ngbutshouldthishappen
agai
nim notgoi
ngtothi
nktwice
Maya:t
rustmei
twon'
tandyouwon'
tregr
etkeepi
ng
me
Manager
:gobackandcl
eanyour
sel
fup
Maya:t
hankyousomuch

Shest oodupandbowedherkneesshowi ngher

grati
tudeandwalkedoutasthemanagersi ghed
andsatback.ShecalledMopatibuthedidn'tt
ake
thecallassheshookherheadattendi
ngtoot her
thi
ngs.AtthebackMayasi ghedoutofrel
ief
thankingGodasMar eledi
camein..
.

Mar
eledi
:tel
lmeyouf
ought
Maya:ihavebeengi
venanot
herchance
Mar el
edi:yes!Oht hankyout hankyougoodLor d
(shehuggedher )itoldyout hatthef avoroft
heLord
willbewithyou.Nowwhenweknockof fweare
goingtosi tdownandpl anonhowt ost opt
hese
twowomenf rom harassingyou.Mymom owesa
l
awf i
rm butwewi l
ltalkmor elater.Letmegetback
towor kbef or
eilosemi ne(shegi ggled)
Maya:Mar
a
Mar
eledi
:yesl
ove
Maya:t
hankyou
Mar
eledi
:don'
tment
ioni
tbabes
Maya:noimeanityouhavebeentheonlyper
son
whohasmademef eell
ikeibel
ongsi
nceigother
e
sot
hankyouplenty
Mar
eledi
:youar
emor
ethanwel
come

Shesmi l
edandpacedoutwhi
leMayasi ghedand
fi
nishedupgoi
ngbacktoherstat
ion.
..

Maya:ipr
ayTi
tusget
stomychi
ldr
enont
ime
pl
easeLord

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Preci
ouscl
ickedhert
onguet
aki
ngof
fhershoesas
Lovemorecall
ed.
..
Precious:l
oveyouwon'tbeli
evewhatMayadid.
MmaLukewant shergranchi
ldr
enandshedecides
tomaket hem di
sappearli
kethat,
whatki
ndof
witchcraf
tist
hat?
Lovemore:onet
hatcanneverbecompar
edt
oyour
s
Preci
ous.Howvil
ecanyoube?
Pr
eci
ous:(
frowned)what
?
Lovemore:howdoyougotoyoursi
ster
'swor
k
pl
aceandat t
ackhert
oanextendofpouri
ngadr
ink
overher
?WhathasMayadonet oyou?
Pr
eci
ous:ohsosher
ant
oyou?
Lovemor
e:noLucast
oldme
Precious:doyouseewhyidon'
twantLucaswi
th
thatgirl
?She'
sgoingt
oteachmysonhowt o
becomeawi t
ch
Lovemore:ohliket
hewayyoui ni
ti
atedmydaught
er
nowim start
ingtothi
nkthatmaybemysonshould
staywit
hhisauntfullt
imetoprot
ecthimfr
om you
becauseyouar easnake
Pr
eci
ous:i
fyouwantt
oseemyhear
twhi
le
br
eathi
ngdot
hatLovemor
edot
hatisweart
oyoui
wi
ll
..
.
Lovemore:dowhat?Pr
eciousdonotfor
getthat
wit
houtmeyouar enot
hing.Youarenot
hingbuta
poorcl
asslesswomanwithnodignit
y
Pr
eci
ous:(
swal
lowed)Lovemor
e
Lovemore:imadeyouPreci
ousandicanbreakyou
anyti
me.Shouldyoucont
inuewitht
hisPr
eciousi
t
wil
lbeoverforyou.St
opharassi
ngMaya
Pr
eci
ous:Love.
..
Lovemore:mywor di
sf i
nal.Onemorest or
yabout
youharassi
ngmyson' sauntyouaregoingt oknow
whoiam anddon'tyoudar ethi
nkoftr
yingtoblind
mewi t
hthetradi
ti
onalherbsyoutakefrom your
mother
Pr
eci
ous:(
hear
tski
pped)what
!?
Lovemor
e:iseeyouandyourmothert
hinki
m af
ool
.
Doyouforgetwher
eimfr
om Preci
ous?
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
ewhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Lovemor
e:yeahkeeppr
etendi
ngt
hatyoudon'
t
knowandkeepupwi thyourbehaviouritwillt
ake
onelightningtof
ini
shyouandyourmot heroff.You
arejustluckywehavekidstogetherbutslowlyand
surelyyourlucki
srunni
ngof f.Gobackt othe
crossroadsandcoll
ectyourself

Hecli
ckedhistongueandhungupwhi l
eashocked
Preci
ousbli
nkedwithherhear
traci
ngnotbel
ievi
ng
whatshejusthear
d.Shetri
edtoreachhermother
butherphonewasof f
..
.

Pr
eci
ous:ohf
li
pno,
im notgoi
ngt
olett
hishappen

Shesaidthinki
ngofwhatt odoandcl i
ckedher
tonguegoinguptotheirbedroom, t
ookLovemore'
s
vestandunderwear,Maya'spassportphotoandher
underwearthenchangedintoadr essandputona
doekandmadeherwayoutcal l
ingNale.
..

Nal
e:babe?
Precious:nyaloentswakadi at
latsal
a(my
mar r
iageisf al
li
ngapart
)im comingtocol
lectyou
prepareabl ackchi
ckenformer echekamosadi
yole(wear egoingtothatwoman)
Nal
e:okl
oveyouwi
llf
indmer
eady

Theyhungupasshej
umpedi
ntoherRangeRover
anddroveout
.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Applemovedi
ncircl
esi
nherr
oom tappi
ngher
phoneonherhandasSai
ntwenti
nandf r
owned.
..

Sai
nt:ar
eyouok?
Appl
e:f
inal
lySai
ntwher
ehaveyoubeen?
Sai
nt:iwentt
odosomet
hingatt
hemal
l.Whati
sit
?
Appl
e:it
hinkdadandPat
iencear
ehavi
nganaf
fai
r
andhaveachi
ldt
oget
her
Sai
nt:what
!?Youmeanda.
..
Appl
e:ssshkeepi
tdownmanao
Sai
nt:youmeandadandPat
ience.
..
comeonAhow?
Appl e:mom andiwentt oRamot swat hismor ni
ng
atPat ience'shomeneh, shewant edtot hrowhima
surpr i
separ t
ybutdi dn'tknowthedat esosheasked
Patiencewhor efusedandsheaskedmet odi
gt he
i
nfor mat ionf r
om Pat iencebutidecidednol et'
sgo
toRamot swa.Nowf i
rstthi
ngwhenwegott here.
Thechi l
di scalledDuncani mli
keokmaybei tsa
coincidencebutatt hebackofmymi ndi mli
keah
noi tcan'tbebutil etitgo.Wegoti nthel adyis
actingal lfunnyasmom asksherquest i
ons.That
ti
mei m keepi ngacl oseeyet oaneat ing"Duncan"
fi
rstlyhe'sl efthanded, secondl
yhepi ckedgrapes
fr
om hi sfruitsaladwhodoesn' tlikegr apeshere?
Sai
nt:dad
Apple:exact
lyandlastl
ythischi
ldhassomeof
dad'sfeat
ures.Iaskmymom abouti tandshe
tunesmesomesi cksuperst
it
ionaboutpeopl
e
beingcl
oseandallt
hat.Sothat
'swheniconcluded
thatdadandPat
iencearechowingoneanother
behindmama'sback
Saint
:there'
ssomethi
ngt
hathappenedwhenyou
guyswer enother
e
Appl
e:what
?
Saint
:icaughtthelastbi
tofherphonecal
lwhere
shewasl i
ke"getyourwifei
norderorel
seiwil
l
havetodoitmyself"
Apple:(
sighed)i
t'
ssealed,t
heyaredat
ingSai
nt.
Thatmeanshersi st
ercall
edheraft
erwelef
t
Sai
nt:sowhatdowedoApple?Howar
ewegoi
ng
tomakemom awareoft
his?
Apple:allweneedtodonowi sgatherconcr
ete
proof.Thatguysaysdadiscleansohedef i
nit
ely
hasanot hernumberandphonethatheusest o
communi cat
ewithPat
iencesothatwil
lbeyour
assignmentt ogett
henumbersot hatwecant apit
Sai
nt:ohokiwi
ll
Appl
e:iont
heot
herhandwi
llhavet
ogobackt
o
Ramotswaandtal
ktot
hatlit
tl
eboy.Heseemslike
heknowsalotsoonel
oll
ipophe'
sgoingtospi
llal
l
thebeans
Sai
nt:(
sighed)soyouwer
eri
ght
Apple:(scoffed)trustmewhenisayt hisSaint,
Pati
enceandDuncanar egoi ngtoregrettheday
theychoset obet rayanddoubl ecrossourmot her
anddodi rtythingsbehi ndherbackespeci al
ly
Pati
encei m goingt oshowherwhatami l
lennium
chil
discapabl eof .Isn'
ttheyl i
kesayinghewema
2000t hi
sma2000t hatmmmhshe' stoexperience
mywr athf i
rsthand.Notwheni tcomest omy
mother '
shappi ness.Never .Shemi ghtnotbeour
biol
ogicalmot herbutt hatwomanwor kedhardf or
ustobewhowear etoday.

Shecli
ckedhertonguesi
tt
ingwhi
leSai
ntshookhi
s
headsti
lli
nshock.

THATAFTERNOON
AthouseofCHI
..
.

LovemoreandChiomahuggedashegavehera
bunchofflower
sandagif
tbagwhil
eshegavehim
agiftbagaswell
..
.

Lovemore:idi
dn'tknowitwasChri
stmast
oday
(t
heylaughedtakingthei
rseat
s)
Chi
oma:thankyouf
ort
hef
lower
sandwhat
everi
s
i
nthegi
ftbag
Lovemore:you'
rewel
comeandthankyouf
or
whateveri
sinthegi
ftbagaswel
l

Theychuckl
edasawai t
erbr
oughtthei
rfood.
Lovemorehavi
nghispap,masonj
aandf i
shwhil
e
Chiomahadjal
ofr
ice.
..

Chi
oma:(
tot
hewai
ter
)thanksdearal
sobr
ingour
dr
inksok(
thewai
terl
eft
)
Lovemor
e:i
twasagoodi
deat
oor
dert
hef
ood
befor
eti
meyouknow
Chi
oma:that'
swhatidowheneverigooutihat
e
wai
ti
ngforfoodhonest
ly
Lovemor
e:t
hatmeansyour
espectt
ime
Chi
oma:al
ot.Onewast
edsecondf
eel
sli
kea
l
if
eti
metome
Lovemor
e:abusi
nesswomanofnot
eyouar
e
Chi
oma:t
hankyou.Let
'sdi
gin
Lovemor
e:sohouseofChi
,tel
lmeabouti
t
Chi
oma:wear ebasi
call
yatowerwit
heveryt
hing
youmightneed.Wehaveasalon,
ahairshop
cat
eri
ngforbothmalesandfemal
es
Lovemor
e:wai
t,sot
her
ear
emenwhowearwi
gs?
Chi
oma:ohyest hosethathaven'
tcomeint
ot er
ms
wit
ht hei
rbal
dsyet( t
heylaughed)wehaveanai l
bar
, aspa,achil
dren'
ssal on,
female,
maleand
chi
ldrenbouti
ques,coffeeshopandrest
aurant
t
hat
'sst
il
lbei
ngr
enovat
edovert
her
eandaci
nema
Lovemore:wowChisobasi
cal
lyyouar
eamal
lin
onebui
lding
Chi
oma:basi
cal
ly,
yeah
Lovemor
e:t
hati
samazi
ngandyoudi
dal
lthi
sal
one?
Chi
oma:al lal
oneMrK.Mydadaskedmewhati
want
edt odowhenit urned21anditol
dhimi
want
edt oownabeaut yhouse.Al
lofthi
sstar
ted
j
ustwiththesalon,
nailandhai
rbarandaspat he
ot
herthingscameinasigr ewmybusiness
Lovemore:wowimimpressedbutibel
ieveyouhave
sharehol
dersnowimeanwhowoul dn'
twantto
i
nvestonsuchagreatbusiness
Chi
oma:yeahido
Lovemore:allt
hat
'sl
eftisf
oryout oputagrocer
y
shopandyouhaveacompl etemallasatower(t
hey
l
aughed)tellmeabouttherestaur
antbecausewow
thi
sfoodisamazing
Chioma:therest
aurantwil
lbefocusedon
tr
adit
ionalcousi
nesonly.YourNiger
ianst
apl
e
foods,
Tswanastaplefoods,Namibi
an,
Mozambiquean,Angol
ian,SouthAfr
ican,
Zimbabwean,t
hewholel ot
.Youwon'tfindany
wester
nfoodsinhere
Lovemore:wowt
hat
'sagr
eatmove.Br
ingi
ngaf
ri
ca
i
nBot swana
Chi
oma:ohyes
Lovemor
e:iwantt
oinvestwher
edoisi
gn(
they
l
aughed)
Chi
oma:sowhatdoesLovemor
edo?
Lovemor
e:i
m amot
orgar
ageownerisel
landmake
cars
Chi
oma:makecar
s?
Lovemore:yes,webuypar t
sfrom outsi
de,ship
them i
ntothecount r
ythenbui l
dthem toget
herto
makeacompl etecarorwej ustbuyacompl etecar
andcomesel litthi
sside.Ihaveabr anchhere,3in
SAbeingJohannesbur g,CapetownandKwa- Zulu
Natalt
hen1i nZi mbabweaswel l
Chi
oma:ohwowyouhavedonegoodyour
sel
f
Lovemor e:(
smi
led)t
hankyoubutim honestl
y
i
mpr essedbyyourhardworkanddeterminat
ioni
betyourhusbandmustbetoo
Chi
oma:(
laughed)whathusband?
Lovemor
e:don'
ttel
lmeyouar
esi
ngl
e?
Chi
oma:let
'sj
ustsaymenher
ear
eint
imi
dat
edby
ani
ndependentwomanli
kei
Lovemore:iwoul
ddoanyt
hingf
orawomanwho'
s
abl
etotakecareofme
Chi
oma:gol
ddi
gger
Lovemor
e:pr
eci
sel
y(t
heyl
aughed)
Chi
oma:youar
esof
unny
Lovemor
e:t
rustmeihaven'
tlaughedl
iket
hisi
na
whil
e

Theyl
aughedandchatupast
orm whi
leeat
ing.

Atamal
l.
..
Joshuasmil
edseei
ngMayacomingashest
oodup
andpull
edoutachai
rforher
..
.

Joshua:hiYaya
Maya:(
smi
led)t
hankyou.HiMrKgang
Joshua:andt
hesear
eforyou

Hegaveherabunchofr
osesasMaya'
sfacel
if
ted
andt
ookapeekinthegi
ftbox.
..

Maya:ohwowishouldhavebroughtyousomet
hing
hadiknownweareexchangi
nggift
s
Joshua:(
chuckl
ed)ohnonoyourpr
esencei
sal
l
thatmatt
ersandpl
easeopent
hatgi
ftonl
ywhen
youknockoffok
Maya:yessi
riwi
ll
Joshua:ihaveal
readyor
der
edf
orus
Maya:howdoyouknowmaybei
m al
ler
gict
o
what
everyouor
der
ed?
Joshua:t
omeyoudon'
tlookl
ikeawomanwho
pi
cksherfood
Maya:ohwowok(
theychuckl
ed)whatdi
dyou
or
der?
Joshua:f
ish,
wedgesandasal
ad
Maya:idon'
teatf
ish
Joshua:oh,
okt
henwewi
llchangei
t
Maya:i
mjoki
ng(
theyl
aughed)youshoul
dseeyour
f
ace
Joshua:whatcanisay.Sohowwasyourmor
ning.
Maya:ohLordidon'twanttotalkaboutitbutlet'
s
j
ustsaypeoplewil
ldoanyt hi
ngint hei
rpowert o
bri
ngyoudownandi m honest
lyti
redJoi mtir
edof
fi
ghti
ngthesamebat t
leseveryday.Joshua:welli
havetheti
meyoucant el
lmeever ythi
ng
Maya:i
t'
salotbutiwil
lsaythatmysist
erhat
esme,
shehat
esseeingmemakesomet hi
ngoutofmyl
if
e
toapoi
ntofevensidi
ngwiththeenemytobri
ngme
down
Joshua:whathaveyoudonet
oher
?
Maya:that'
sthething,ihaveabsol
utel
ydone
not
hingtoher.Allihavealwaysbeentoheri
san
obi
dientyoungersister
Joshua:wowsuchpeopl
est
il
lexi
sti
nthi
sdayand
age?
Maya:ohyest
heydoandihaveoneasasi
ster
,
bl
oodsist
er
Joshua:butwhatdowehavet odotol
ive
peacefull
yinthiswor
ldwhenourownbloodar
e
doingalltheycantobri
ngusdown
Maya:ir
eal
lydon'
tknowandt
heywantt
otakemy
ki
dsawayfrom me
Joshua:heebanna
Maya:imtell
ingyou.Thei
rfatherpassedoni nan
acci
dentnowt hegrandmotherwantst otakethem
awayf r
om mebecauseshe'sabl et
ot akecareof
them andi
m not
Joshua:ihopeyouar
enotgoi
ngt
olett
hem do
suchat
hing
Maya:never
.Youseewheni
tcomestomychi
ldr
en
iwouldmovemountai
ns.Mychi
ldr
enar
emy
ever
ythi
ng
Joshua:(smi
led)thatmeansyouarearesponsi
ble
personyouknowwhatyouwanti nlif
eandyou
woulddoanythinginyourpowert
ogetit.
Wonderfulpr
incipl
es
Maya:(smi
led)ohwowandhesayst
her
ightt
hings.
Thankyousomuch
Joshua:ohr
eal
ly?Youar
ewel
come
Maya:youdon'
tknowhowmuchpowerthatgi
ves
metohearsomeonetel
lmet
hati
m act
uall
ywhoi
t
hinkiam
Joshua:t
hat'
sbecauseyouauthenti
cal
lythat
personandi
thonestl
yradi
atesfrom wi
thi
nand
gi
vesyouallthi
sbeautyonyou(hesmiled)
Maya:(bl
ushi
ng)ohst
opi
tJoshuaar
eyoul
iket
his
wi
thallwomen?
Joshua:(
smi
led)smar
t,beaut
if
ulandhonest
womenl i
keyouonlyandyoudon'
tgetthataloti
n
thesest
reet
s( t
heysmil
edatoneanot
her)tel
lme,
areyouworkingthi
sweekend?
Maya:iwassupposedtobutmybossdeci
dedto
gi
vemet heweekendbecauseoft
hedramathat
's
beengoi
ngon
Joshua:ohperf
ectthen.Howaboutyoual
lowmet
o
hel
pyouandt hekidsunwind?
Maya:i
mli
steni
ng?
Joshua:l
et'
str
avel
toMai
tengwet
hisweekend
Maya:heebat
hongt
hatf
ar?Why?
Joshua:it
'smymot her'
sbir
thdayonSaturdaysoit
wouldbeni cet
ot r
aveldownthelongroadwitha
beautif
ulsoull
ikeyouandyourfreespir
it
ed
chi
ldren
Maya:(smi
led)wel
litwouldbeaniceli
tt
levacat
ion
forusi
tsbeenawhilesinceit
ravel
ledoutofGabs
soiseewhynot
Joshua:spont
aneousl
iket
hat
?
Maya:i
fiwasOpr
ahiwoul
dtr
avelever
yweekend
Joshua:ohwear
eont
hen
Maya:(
smi
led)Mai
tengweher
ewecome

Theylaughedast
hei
rfoodcameandcont
inuedt
o
gett
oknowoneanother.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
04] :AKEPTWOMAN
19

I
nRanaka.
..

Pr
eci
ousscof
fedpar
kinghercaraf
ewmet
ersaway
f
rom thehousewhi
leNal
ecl
appedshockedf
rom
whatshetol
dher.
..

Nale:soj
ustl
iket
hatyourownhusbandt
hreat
ened
you?
Pr
eci
ous:l
it
tl
edoesheknowwhati
m capabl
eof
Nal
e:let
'sgoinmylovet
hesepeopl
ethi
nkyouar
e
awalkoveryouknow
Pr
ecious:onel
ightningonel
ight
ningdoeshethi
nk
i
m scaredofwi
t chdoctor
sfr
om Zimbabwe?Yeses

Shesai dtakingoffhershoesasshecamewi ththe

thingsshehadt obr i
ngandl edthewayi nasNal e
foll
owedher .Theyknewt hei nstr
uctionwasnott o
l
ookbacknorwal kwi thyourheadupwhengoi ngin,
yourheadhadt ostaydownal lt
het i
me.Shemoved
theclothont hefr
ameoft hehutandl eaneddowna
l
ittl
egoinginsi dewithNal est il
lbehindher .Asthey
steppedint hewomanst artedchant i
ngl oudly
movi nghershoul derswhi lewhi skingt hefl
ywhisk
abovet
hem.Theyt ookthei
rseat
sasshebur
ped
andopenedhereyes..
.

Woman:youarecryi
ngMrsKavi
mbaiseepai
nin
yourhear
tyouar
ecryingMr
sKavimba
Preci
ous:(beat
ingherhandst
oget
her
)yesgogo
theyaret
ryingmegogo
Woman:i
tist
imet
oshowt
hem whot
her
ealbossi
s
Pr
eci
ous:yesgogo
Woman:putt
hem her
e

Shedi dn'thavetobetoldtwiceassheputtheblack
chickenont hetatchedmat ,
Maya'ssmallpassport
photo, herunder
wear ,
Lovemor e'
svestand
under wear.Thewomant henli
tbl
ackcandles
aroundt hephotoandunder wearsthengave
Preciousasmal lboxandpi ns.
..

Woman:putt
hatgi
rl
'sphot
oint
hemat
chboxand
saywhatyouwantt ohappentoherbutbefor
ethat
l
etmet el
lyouthatherl
ightiscomingbackonand
herhappydaysarecomi ng.Goaheadandwhile
sayingwhatyouwanttohappent ohersti
ckt
he
pinsonthebox.Conti
nue

Precious:( putMaya' sphot ointheboxandst arted

putti
ngt hepi nson)Mayamayyourl ightoflif
e
switchof fandnevergoonagai n.Wi ththesepi nsi
callpaini nyourl ife.Youshal lneverbehappyagai n.
Everymanyouf i
ndshal lleaveyouorshal luseyou
andl eaveyouf ornot hing.Mayyoul oseever yjob
youget .Mayyourchi ldrengr owupt ohat eyouf or
keepingt hem awayf r
om t heirfather.Mayever yone
whot ri
est ogenuinel yhel pyouendupbei ng
consumedbydar knessandhat redoveryouand
makeyoudounf orseent hings.Isayagai nmayyou
neverf indhappi nessi nyourl if
eMayaMoet iandif
youevert hinkofexposi ngmydeedsmayt heangel
oflosingyourmi ndvi sityou.Pai ni nyourl i
feMaya
Moet i.Fai lurei
nyourl ifeMayaMoet iandmor eand
mor esi cknessunt ilyougodownyourgr ave.You
wi
lll
iveami
ser
abl
eli
feunt
ildeat
hMayaMoet
i!

Shesai
dputt
ingthel
astpi
nont heboxandputi
t
backi
ntheci
rcl
eofblackcandl
es..
.

Woman:goodnowt akethechicken,
breaktheneck
byyourhandsandspil
lthebl
oodont heunderwear
andtel
lthebl
oodwhattodot otheunderwear
Precious:(
didasdi rected)wi
tht hi
sbloodil ock
yourwombMaya, wit
ht hi
sbloodicallallforcesof
darknesstostar teati
ngyouf rom insi
deunt i
lyou
areleftwit
hnot hing.Whenevert heforcesof
darknessarethirstytheyshoul dspil
lyourbloodor
yourdaught er
'sblood.Wi tht
hisbloodibl ockal l
goodwaysoft hef rui
tsofyourwomb.Ever ything
thatcameoutofyourwombwi l
lli
veami serable
painfull
if
ejustlikeyou

Thewomantookthechi
ckenfrom her
,spi
ll
edsome
bl
oodinhermout
handspititonPreci
ous'
sf ace.
..
Woman:goodnowtoyourhusband.Takethi
ssti
ck
r
ubyourbreast
soni
tandthentiethevestoni
t

Shetookoffhert opandbrathenrubbedt hest

ick
betweenherbr east
s.I
tssmal lpar
ti
clescuthera
l
itt
lel
eavingtracesofli
ttl
ebloodonit.Shethen
tookthevestandt i
editon..
.

Precious:LovemoreKavimba, Lovemor eKavi mba,

Lovemor eKavimba.Youar emyhusbandandyou
willstar
trespect
ingme.What everyout hi
nkyou
knowaboutmeiwi pei
tfrom yourmemor yr i
ght
aboutnow.Youandibel ongt oget herandnot hi
ng
willcomebet weenus(putt hest ickinabot tl
e)i
l
ockourmar ri
ageatthi
sj unctur eandnot hing,i
meannot hi
ngwillmakeyout hi nkot herwise

Sheclosedt
hebot
tl
eandputi
tbackar
oundt
he
candl
es..
.
Woman:goodnowt aketheunderwearwipeyour
pri
vateswit
hitandsi lent
lycommandwhat everyou
wantinyourmarriage.Mar r
iagei
sacovenant
betweentwopeopl ewear enotsupposedtohear
anythi
ngthathappensi nit.

Shetooktheunderwearandl
if
tedherski
rtt
hen
st
artedt
owi peherpri
vatewi
thNal
eandt he
wit
chdoctorl
ooki
ngaway.Assoonasshewas
donesheputiti
nabot tl
eandknel
tbackdown.
..

Woman:good.Nowal lyouwantedandaskedfor
wil
lbegrantedtoyou.Youmaythankthegodsand
goburytheseinyouryardandt
hent hi
sbythegate
ofMaya'syardassoonasshest epsovert
hem she
wil
lbelockedin.Remembertodosoatexactl
y
00:
00am
Pr
eci
ous:under
stood
Shetookeveryt
hingandputiti
nablacksmall
pl
astict
hentookoutherpaymentandleftwi
thout
l
ookingback.Theyquiet
lygoti
nthecarasshe
usedadiff
erentrout
e..
.

Nale:banebakagot
lwael
achomi(
noonemesses
wit
hyoul i
kethat
)
Preci
ous:ahnoi
m donewi
tht
hem shamei
m so
done
Nale:sohowar
eyougoi
ngt
oleavet
hehouseat
12am?
Precious:kant
ewhat'
smyname?I mjustgoi
ngt
o
feedhi m asl
eepi
ngpi
llandhewi
llbegonehewon'
t
evenknowanyt hi
ngwhenhewakesupi nthe
mor ning

Theylaughedassheplayedsomemusi
candt
he
tal
kedaboutothert
hings.

Att
hebar
racks.
..
Mopat
icheckedhi
sphoneandfoundhi
sfr
iend'
s
mi
ssedcall
edandcal
ledherback.
..

Mopati
:hiij
ustgothol
dofmyphonei
twasahect
ic
dayt
oday
Lady:ical
ledyouaboutMaya
Mopat
i:whatabouther
?
Lady:yourf
riendkeepsbringi
ngdramainmy
rest
aurantMopatiandim honest
lyget
ti
ngsi
ckand
ti
redofitpl
easetalktoher
Mopat
i:whatdr
ama?
Lady:someladycameyester
daysayingshewants
hermoneynowt odaythesameladycomeswi t
h
anotherwomanast hewomansaysshewant sher
grandchi
ldr
enitwashavochereandtheyeven
fought
Mopat
i:(
frowned)who'
sthel
ady?
Lady:idon'
tknowhernamebutshesai
dit
'sher
si
ster
.
Mopat
i:ohiseeiwi
l
ltal
ktoher
Lady:pl
easedobecauseiwasver ycl
osetofi
ri
ng
herbutbecauseihaveaheartandsawhowshe
beggedforthejobigaveheranot
herchancebut
thi
swast helastone
Mopat
i:okiwi
llt
alkt
ohert
hanksf
ornotgi
vingup
qui
ckl
y
Lady:shar
pthat
'swhatiwant
edt
otal
ktoyouabout
Mopat
i:sur
e

TheyhungupasMopatisatbackthi
nki
ng.He
smil
edswingi
nghi
schairashisfr
iendmadehis
wayinthei
rof
fi
ce.
..

Man:andt
henwenawhyar
eyousmi
li
ngal
one?
Mopati
:iknowexact
lywhatiwi
lldot
ogett
he
beaut
if
ulMayainmybed
Man:her
ewegoagai
n
Mopat
i:ahnot
hist
imear
oundiwi
llbesuccessf
ul
wecanbetoni
t
Man:yeahr
ight
Mopat
i:comeondudedoyouf
orgetwhoiam?
Man:it'
salmostaweeknowsi nceyouhavebeen
chasi
ngt hesameskir
t.Gi
veitupbruhyouare
nevergoingtohi
tit
.Wehaveal otofworkt
odoso
stopdaydreamingandfol
lowme

Hechuckl
edtaki
nghisstet
hoscopeandfol
lowed
hi
sfri
endoutwhil
etryi
ngtoconvi
ncehimthat
i
ndeedthi
sti
mear oundhewil
lsucceed?

Att
hemal
l.
..

Mar
elediandMayal
aughedget
ti
ngi
nhercar
..
.

Marel
edi
:im sogladt
hatyoucansti
lll
augheven
af
terwhathappenedthi
smorning
Maya:l
et'
sjustsayt
hel
unchdat
ereal
lycamei
n
handy
Marel
edi
:(sawt
hef
lowers)icant
ell
.Not
hing
makesawomanhappythanabunchofflowers
Maya:(
chuckled)youcansayt
hatagai
nandal
it
tl
e
gi
ft
ysomething
Marel
edi:ohmywordi
m gr
eenwi
thenvynow(
they
l
aughed)openi
tup
Maya:okok

Theydi
dast
heybot
hgaspedouti
nshock.
..

Mar
eledi
:Mayat
hisi
sbeaut
if
ul
Maya:ar
etheser
ealdi
amonds?
Mar
eledi
:ofcour
segi
rlwhatdoyout
hink
Maya:ohwowi
..
.(
herphoner
ang)l
ookwho'
s
cal
li
ng
Mar
eledi
:answeranswer
Maya:sssh(
clear
edhert
hroat
)hel
lo?
Joshua:hiyout
oldmeyouar
eknocki
ngoffat4
andit
s10past4nowsoibeli
eveyouhaveopened
yourgi
ft?
Maya:(
smi
led)yessi
r
Joshua:(
smi
led)and?
Maya:il
ikei
tinfactil
oveitt
hesear
ebeaut
if
ul.
Howmuchdi dtheycost?
Joshua:pri
cedoesn'
tmatterwhenitcomest
o
seei
ngsomeoneicar eabouthappy.Nowiwantyou
tosavethoseforSat
urdayatthepart
y
Maya:ohyesiwi
llandiwi
llmakesur
etheyar
e
saf
e
Joshua:pl
easedoso.Youar eabeaut i
fulwoman
Yayaandyoudeser veal
lthegreatthi
ngsinli
fe.
Godandyouwi ll
ingiwouldbedelight
edt obethe
personwhogivesyouthatli
fe
Maya:ohmyok.Thankyouwewi
llt
alk
Joshua:iseehowyouaredodgi
ngtorespondt
o
thatbuti
t'
sokiwil
lbepati
entwi
thyou
Maya:iappr
eci
atet
hat
Joshua:byeiwi
llcal
lyoul
ater
Maya:okbye

TheyhungupasMar
eledi
smi
ledhol
dingher
chest
..
.

Marel
edi
:ver
ysoonwewi
llbehear
ingweddi
ng
bel
ls
Maya:ohst
opi
tMar
a.Oht
hesear
egor
geousgi
rl
Mar
eledi
:yeswenaYaya

TheylaughedasMayaputt
hem backi
nthegi
ftbag
andreversedout
..
.

Marel
edi:nowonmor epressingissuesispoketo
mom overlunchaboutyoursituat
ionandshe's
wi
ll
ingtohelpyouprobonoi fthatoldwoman
deci
desyout
otakeyout
ocour
t
Maya:imaginebeingt
akentocour
ttogi
veupyour
ownchildr
en,yourownblood?Aeshamesome
peopl
ehavegul l
syouknow
Mar
eledi
:it
'ssosi
ckman
Maya:butthankyoubabeyoureall
yareGodsent
andapreacher'
schil
d(t
heylaughed)
Mar el
edi:andshesaysyoushoul dgetallt
he
evidencet hatprovesyouhavebeent aki
ngcareof
thechildrenaloneandbr i
ngitoverwhenyouhave
ti
me
Maya:iwil
ldosotonightandwet aket
hem t
oher
whenweknockof ft
omor rowbecausenowihavet
o
col
lectt
hekidsf
rom mybr other
's
Marel
edi
:good.Tel
lmeaboutyourar
rangement
wi
ththi
sJoshuaman(Mayablushed)lookatyou
bl
ushi
ngyouareagonegirl
Maya:i
sitt
hatobvi
ous?
Mar
eledi
:it
'swr
it
tenal
loveryourf
acel
ove
Maya:wel
lil
ikehi
m.He'
schar
mingandal
lthatbut
ist
il
lhavemyr eservati
onsabouthim whichi
bel
ievewil
lwearof fast i
megoes.There'
s
somethi
nghement ionedtomet houghaboutt
his
wholepart
yandt ravell
ingthi
ng
Mar
eledi
:ok
Maya:thi
ngishismot
herhasbeenpester
inghim
aboutbri
ngi
ngamakotihomesohebeggedt hat
whenwegett her
ewewillbegi
rl
fr
iendand
boyfr
iend
Mar
eledi
:ohokt
hat
'snotabadt
hing
Maya:thingi
swear est
il
lgett
ingtoknowone
anotherwhati
fthi
ngsdon'tworkoutl
ikewehad
hoped?
Marel
edi
:nolookatitt
hisway,
youwil
lgett
osee
howhewillbeonceyouguysareof
fi
cial
Maya:(
smi
ledt
hought
ful
ly)yeahnehyouar
eri
ght
Marel
edi
:soi
t'
snotabadthi
ng.Iwi
shicoul
dcome
al
ongbutmoghelwi
llbewor
king
Maya:icanl
eavet
hecarwi
thyoui
fyoul
ike?
Mar
eledi
:thatwoul
dbeamazi
ngt
lhemmayoh
t
hankyousomuch
Maya:buti
fyoucr
ashi
tyoupay
Mar
eledi
:idi
dn'
tbuymyl
icenseMaya

Theyl
aughedasshet
ookat
urnt
hatl
edhert
o
Marel
edi
'
shome.

I
nLedumang.
..

Lewisjammedt omusi cplayingfrom hi

sheadsets
whil
emar ki
nghisstudentswor knotawareof
Thabostandingbehi
ndhi m.Hi sphonerepor
teda
messageashet ookitandr eadt hemessagewi t
ha
smil
e.Itwashismont hlysalary.Hescreamed
exci
tedandturnedashi sexcitementgotcutshort
byThabowhom wasj ustbehi ndhim..
.

Lewis:youf
oolhowl
onghaveyoubeenst
andi
ng
ther
e?
Thabo:(
smi
led)l
ongenought
oknowhowmuch
youearn
Lewi
s:youarestar
tingt oannoymeri
ghtnowdo
youknowthat?Wat lapelaokar
eotl
hapiyat
in(
you
aret
oomuchl iket
inf i
sh)
Thabo:(smi
led)t
akasketaksmyl
ovecheemei
zaka(youhavebeenpai
dbr i
ngmymoney
Lewi
s:excuseme?
Thabo:aesweetcakesyouknowyouowemeP500
sopayupandputanot her500ont
op
Lewis:naar
ewat
lhol
aim gi
vingyout
he500iowe
you
Thabo:youhavealotofmoneyinyouraccount
babywhat'
stheproblem wi
thpar
ti
ngwithamer e
gran?
Lewi
s:youar
esi
cki
ntheheadwena
Thabo:(
wentcl
ose)don'
tmakemeangr
y
Lewis:(
scof
fedpushi
nghi
m back)whatar
eyou
tr
yingtodoyoungboy?
Thabo:sendmymoneyandsendi
tnow

Lewi
ssquinthi
seyesandsenthi
m 1kashe
smil
ed.
..

Thabo:greatdoi
ngbusinesswi
thyouhoneyandi
can'
twaittotapthatbubbl
yassthi
sweekend.Mmh
yummyandj ui
cy

Hel aughedleavi
ngwhi
leLewi
sslowlysatonhi
s
deskt hi
nki
ng.Hescoff
edandsighedcal
li
ng
Bianca..
.

Bi
anca:mmai
m wi
thacl
ient
Lewi
s:wankol
otaBi
anca(
youoweme)
Bi
anca:heebat
hongi
t'
snoteven5pm yet
Lewis:idon'
twantst
ressBiancayousaidyouwil
l
paymemont hendandifir
ememberver ywell
we
getpaidonthesameday.Sot ransf
erdear
Bianca:iwil
ltransf
eryourmoneyassoonasmy
paymentr ef
lectsao
Lewis:goodgirl(
hehungup)lonakanabanyanal e
tl
waetsegoj abanababathonnangwanyanawa
swabaesengmomadi ngame.Ket lantshet
sha
str
esssamesamogol eret
janamomogoene( you
gir
lslovetaki
ngadvant
ageofot herpeople'
s
chil
dren.Notonmymoneyiwi l
ltakeoutmystress
onhershoul dshetr
ytomesswi thmel iket
hat
)

Hesaidcl
icki
nghi
stonguewhil
eBi
ancasatback
onherchair
.Shet
houghtf
orafewminut
esabout
whatt
odoanddecidedtoswit
chof
fherphone..
.

Bianca:Lewisisnotapr
obl
em ketl
ammonahej
ust
needstor est
.Mossgakesi
elegope

AtTi
tus'
shouse.
..

Mayaknockedandwenti
nasApr
ilj
umpedonher
exci
ted.
..

Maya:heybabyhowar
eyou
Apr
il
:goodimi
ssedyou
Maya:imi
ssedyout
oo.Himot
hert
obeokaedaddy
t
obe?
Lesedi
:(smil
ed)hil
ove.Owaioncehesawthatthe
ki
dswer ehereheusedtheopport
uni
tytovi
sithi
s
fr
iend
Maya:ar
eot l
adirajanggaokannal
eseemo?Men
t
hough(theylaughed)heyLuci
Lucas:hel
loaunt
y.Kant
edi
dyounotseemycal
ls?
Maya:ihadabusymor ni
ngmyboyisawt
hem buti
coul
dn'tr
etur
nthem what
'sup?
Lucas:ievenaskeduncleTi
tustogethol
dofyou
buthecouldn'
t.Thepoli
cecamet oourhouse
earl
ierandsearchedt
hewhol epl
ace
Maya:what
!?
Lucas:yest
heykeptsayi
ngcheckt
hecouchcheck
thecouchandiput1and2t oget
herandr
eal
ised
theywerel
ooki
ngforthepl
ierswegaveyoul
ast
night
Maya:heebannawhywouldtheylookf
orpl
ier
sin
myhouse?Sot hey(
scof
fed)wai
ttheypl
ant
edthe
pl
ier
sinthehouse?
Lucas:yestheoff
icerit
oldyoucamelooki
ngfor
youyesterdaymusthaveputthem bet
weenthe
couchwhileigothim water
Maya:(
frowned)butwhy?
Lesedi
:let
'snotaskour
selvesquesti
onsandgetr
id
ofthem ri
ghtaway.Wherearethey?
Maya:i
nthecar
.Okl
et'
sgo.Heebat
hongwhy
woul
dsomeonedosuchathi
ng?
Lucas:ir
eal
lydon'
tknow
Lesedi
:andyouowethechi
ldr
enanexpl
anat
ionof
whyTitushadt
orushoverandtaket
hem
Maya:yohbathongwaitseihadar
oughdaybuti
wi
llt
ellyouabouti
tletme..
.
Shestoppedtal
kingassheopenedthedoort
oa
pol
iceoff
icerwhowasabouttoknockasshe
swall
owed...

Maya:hel
loof
fi
cer
Of
fi
cer
:ar
eyouMayaMoet
i?
Maya:eer
ra
Offi
cer:(
tookoutthehandcuff
s)MayaMoetiyou
havebeenar r
estedforr
unningoffwi
thPr
ecious
Kavimba'schil
dLucasKavimbaanddenyingLuke
theri
ghttoaccesstohischil
dren
Lucas:wai
twhat
!?
Maya:si
ryoumustbemi
stakent
hisboyi
smyne.
..
Offi
cer:what
everyousayordowi l
lbeusedagainst
youinthecourtoflaw.Youhavet heri
ghttoremain
si
lentandtheri
ghtt oalawyer.Ifyoucan'taf
ford
onethenthestateshallpr
ovideonef oryouandoh
here'
sisawarrantofsearchf oryourcarma'am
Lesedi
:guyswai
tyoucan'
t.
..
Off
icer
:boysputheri
nthevanwhi
lewesear
chher
car
Her
ber
t:mamawhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Apr
il
:(cr
ying)mamaar
eyoul
eavi
ngus?
Of
fi
cer
s:andt
heki
dsar
eal
socomi
ngwi
thus
Maya:what
!?No!Youar enott
aki
ngthoseki
ds
anywher
e!No!Lesedidosomethi
ng!
Of
ficer
s:idon'
twantt
ohur
tapr
egnantwoman.
Ki
dscome
Lucas:youar
enott
aki
ngt
heseki
dsanywher
e!
Offi
cer:youngboyyoubett
erbehaveandcomewit
h
us.Lit
tleboyli
tt
legi
rlcomewearetaki
ngyouhome
Lucas:i
m notgoi
nganywher
ewi
thyou
Maya:(
cryi
ng)Her
ber
t!Apr
il
!no!

Theki
dsbursti
ntot
earsbei
ngtakentoanothercar
wit
hLucaswhil
eLesedit
ri
edtogetholdofTit
us..
.
Maya:Lesedi!Lesedi!Takemyphoneandcal l
Marel
edinow!Tel lherwhatjusthappenedshewi
ll
knowwhatt odo!Doi tnowpl ease!
Off
icer
:(smi
ledt
aki
ngoutt
hepl
ier
s)wef
oundt
hem
si
r
Of
fi
cer
:(smi
led)goodl
et'
sgo

Theycl osedMaya'scarasoneof fi
cergotinthevan
withMayai nitwhiletheothergotint heonewith
thekidsinitanddroveout .Withhermout hhanging
openst il
lshockedofwhatj usthappenedshe
quicklysnappedoutofi tasshet ookMaya'sphone
andl ookedforMareledi'
scontact.From adist
ance
Precioussmi l
edlookingatthepol i
cecarsvarni
sh
awayanddi al
edMmaLuke. .
.

MmaLuke:hel
lo?
Preci
ous:l
et'
smeetatt
hepoli
cest
ati
onyouar
e
goingtol
eavewi
ththeki
dsthi
sti
mear oun
MmaLuke:t
hankyoumychi
l
d.Thecor
psej
ust
arr
ivediwi
llmakemywayt
her
eonceever
ythi
ngi
s
set
tled

TheyhungupasPr eci
ousevi
lsmi
ledanddr
oveof
f
fol
lowi
ngthepol
icecar.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
04] :AKEPTWOMAN
20

Att
hepol
icest
ati
on.
..

Maya:ouch!Youar
ehur
ti
ngme!St
oppul
li
ngme
l
iket
hat!
Offi
cer:movei
t!Youdidn'
tthi
nkabouti
twhenyou
ranoffwit
hthekids.Moveit!
Maya:(st
opped)doyouknowthemeani
ngof
r
unningoff?Howdoirunoffwit
hmyownchildren?
Howisitrunni
ngoffwheniaskmybrot
hert
ot ake
t
hekids!?
Of
fi
cer
:isai
dmovei
t!

Hesaidpushingherasshefellonherkneesand
HerbertandApri
lbursti
ntot
earstr
yingtoruntoher
asthepolicebl
ockedthem.Lucasswall
owed
l
ookingonashowt heytr
eat
edhisauntshatt
ered
hi
m. .
.

Of
fi
cer
:st
andup!St
andup!
Maya:youar
egoi
ngt
opayf
ort
hisisweart
oyou
Offi
cer:youaretheonewho'
sgoi
ngtopay.Oneyou
ki
llanotherwoman'sson,
2youst
ealyourown
si
ster'
schildandhidet
hem
Lucas:shedi
dn'
tst
ealus
Off
icer
:heewenashutup!Boystaket
hosechil
dren
t
oanotherroom t
hei
rparent
sarecomingfort
hem
Maya:youar
enott
aki
ngmyki
dsanywher
e!
Of
fi
cer
:isai
dmovei
t!

Hesaidkicki
ngMayaasTituscamei
nrunningwi
th
Lesedipaci
ngbehi
ndhim wit
hher8monthsbaby
bumphol di
ngherwai
st.
..

Ti
tus:wher
eisyourbossi
m goi
ngtorepor
tyouf
or
doi
ngwhatyouaredoingt
omysi st
er
Lesedi
:Mayaar
eyou.
..
Officer:mmewamoi manasabatl
egonkgol
ega
please( pr
egnantwomanpl
easedon'
tgetmeint
o
tr
oubl e)
Maya:Lesedidi
dyoucal
lMar
eledi
?
Lesedi
:yesical
ledhert
heywi
llbeher
eanyt
ime
fr
om...
ouch!
Ti
tus:babewhati
sit
?
Lesedi
:it
hinki
..
.

Shefr
ozeasshef
eltl
iqui
drundownhert
highand
l
ookeddown.
..

Maya:ohmywor dTi
tust
akehert
othehospi
talher
wat
erjustbr
oke
Lesedi
:ouch!Babeah!

Shescreamedhol
dingherwast
ingaspai
nst
ruck
herback.
..

Ti
tus:babe
Maya:Ti
tust
akeLesedit
othehospi
talnowpl
ease!
Offi
cer
:wenaisaidyoushouldst
andupf rom t
here
idon'
tunder
standwhyyouar est
illkneel
ingthere.
Standupandgototheint
errogat
ionr oom!
Hej er
ker
dherupandpushedherf urt
herinwhile
Ti
tusswal l
owedandhel pedagrunti
ngLesediout.
Theygotint hei
rcaranddroveoutwhilePreci
ous
droveinfol
lowedbyMmaLuke. ..

Of
ficer:war
eoneoisakaebana?(
Wher
ewer
eyou
pl
anningtotaket
heki
ds)
Maya:i
m notsayi
nganyt
hingbef
oremyl
awyer
get
shere
Offi
cer:(
scoff
ed)wenaont semosetl
hajaanaoka
nnalelawyer?(Ascr ust
yasyouareyouhavea
l
awyer)Please.Starttal
kingandst
opwastingmy
ti
me( Mayajustlookedathi m)okl
et'
stal
kabout
thepli
ers
Maya:isai
dim not
..
.

Shest
oppedt
alki
ngandf
rownedhear
ingPr
eci
ous'
s
voi
ceatt
hefr
ont.
..

Maya:t
hisbl
oodywi
tch!
Sheattemptedtorunoffbuttheoff
icerbl
ockedher
ashegothel pf
rom anotherandhandcuff
edherto
herchairasshescreamedandshout ed.
..

Preci
ous:iwantmysonandthiswomanwantsher
grandchi
ldr
en.Shei
ssupposedtobeonamattr
ess
ri
ghtnowbecauseshe'
sburyinghersont
omorr
ow.
Thefatheroft
hoset
wokids
Of
fi
cer
:okokma'
am.Of
fi
cerbr
ingt
hem
Pr
eci
ous:(
smi
led)yousee,
itol
dyou
MmaLuke:t
hankyousomuchmygi
rl
Pr
eci
ous:anyt
hingf
oryoumama

Shesmi
ledmor
easLucascamewi
thMaya'
ski
ds.
..

Lucas:maar
eyou.
..
Pr
eci
ous:shutupandgot
othecar(
hej
ustst
ood
t
her
e)Lucasisai
dgot
othedamncar
!

Shegr abbedhim andpushedhi m outasApri

lburst
i
ntotears.Hearingherdaughter'
scryMayacr i
ed
shakingherhead.Shehear dApril
'scryfai
ntwit
h
everysecondandknewt hatshetookthem.Hertwo
preci
ousbabi esweregone.Theof fi
cercameback
i
nandsi ghedfi
xinghi
spant s.
..

Off
icer
:wherewer ewe(l
aughed)youbetterwipe
t
hosetearsbecausetheyarenotgoingtohelpyou
wit
hanything.Youhavetoanswerthesequestions
Al
exander
:Mayawon'
tbeanswer
inganyquest
ions

Theoffi
certur
nedwit
haf r
ownonhi sfacewhil
e
Mayalookedupwithtearsalloverherf
aceand
bl
inkedlooki
ngatMarelediandhermot her
..
.

Of
fi
cer
:andyouar
e?
Alexander
:Mr
sTaol
ofr
om Taol
oLegalser
vices.I
m
herlawyer
Of
fi
cer
:but
..
.
Mar
eledi
:butnot
hingopent
hisbar
Of
fi
cer
:whoar
eyou?
Al
exander
:she'
smyj
uni
orat
tor
neyr
raet
shoopen
up

Theoffi
cerswal
lowedlooki
ngatMayaandstood
upopeningfort
hem.Mar el
edihuggedMayawho
bur
stintomoretear
s..
.

Marel
edi
:sorryfort
aki
ngtoolongthecarwas
gi
vingusproblemsbutweareherenow
Al
exander
:nowt
ell
meof
fi
cerwhyi
sthi
swoman
ar
rest
ed?
Off
icer
:wefoundamurderweaponi
nhercarand
al
sohidchi
ldrenawayf
rom t
hei
rpar
ent
s
Al
exander
:namesoft
hechi
ldr
en?
Of
fi
cer
:LucasKavi
mba,
Her
ber
tandApr
ilMoet
i
Alexander
:ar
ethosenotherson,
daught
erand
nephew?
Of
fi
cer
:thi
ngi
s..
.
Al
exander
:whi
leati
tuncuf
fmycl
ient
Of
fi
cer
:but
..
.
Alexander:isai
duncuf
fher(hesi
ghedanddi
d)Ms
Moet idoesLucas'
spar
entsnotknowhewasat
yourplace?
Maya:t
heyknowyoucancal
lhi
sfat
her
Al
exander
:Mar
eledi
Mar
eledi
:gi
vemehi
snumber(
shedi
d)
Lovemor
e:Lovemor
eKavi
mbahel
lo?
Al
exander
:MrKavimbayouarespeaki
ngto
at
tor
neygener
alTaol
ofrom Taol
oLegalser
vices.
DoyouknowaladybythenameMayaMoet i
?
Lovemor
e:yesshe'
smysi
steri
nlaw
Al
exander
:si
rwher
ehasyoursonbeent
hepast
f
ewdays?
Lovemor
e:wi
thher
Al
exander
:andyouar
eful
lyawar
eoft
his?
Lovemor
e:yes.I
sever
ythi
ngok?
Alexander
:MrKavi
mbaweareatthepol
icest
ati
on
ri
ghtnowandyourson'
saunthasbeenarr
est
edfor
hi
dingyourson
Lovemor
e:what
!?Whoaccusedherofsucht
hings?
Maya:(
sni
ff
ed)Pr
eci
ous
Lovemore:whyiminotsur
pri
sed.Ma'
am Maya
wouldneverhi
deachil
dshe'samotherher
sel
fiwi
ll
makesuretosortt
hisout
Alexander
:thankyou.(Theyhungup)scr
apethose
accusati
onsoff.Movingontoherki
ds,wher
ear e
they?
Of
fi
cer
:thei
rgr
andmot
hert
ookt
hem
Al
exander
:whenwast
hel
astt
imeshesawt
hese
ki
dsMaya?
Maya:whenmyl
astbor
nwas3daysol
d
Alexander
:havet
heybeensendi
ngyoumoneyor
anythi
ngtosupportt
heki
ds?
Maya:no
Al
exander:sooffi
cerhowdoyout hi
nksomeone
whoknowsnot hingaboutthesekidsiscapabl
eof
t
aki
ngcar eofthem thanthepersonwho'swith
t
hem 24/7?Wewantt hosekidsri
ghtnow
Maya:it
'sokidon'twantt
hem t
oseemel
iket
his
wewillgett
hem tomorrow
Alexander:youpeoplearesoi
nhumanenowt el
lme
aboutthismur derweaponwhatdi
ditexact
lydo?
Offi
cer:cutoffbreaksofthecarthef
atherofher
ki
dswasi nandwehavei ti
ngoodauthori
tythat
shewashappyt hatithappenedandwishedhe
coulddie
Al
exander
:whi
chgoodaut
hor
it
y?
Of
fi
cer
:themot
hersai
dso
Alexander:abitt
erol
dwomanwhodi dn'
tteachher
sonr esponbi
li
ty?Yeahri
ght.Unt
ilwehaveconcret
e
proofthatMayadi dwhatyouareaccusi
ngofheri
saysheber
eleasedr
ightnow
Of
fi
cer
:Mr
sTaol
o..
.
Alexander
:At
tor
neyGeneralTaol
ot oyouagai
n,
haveyoutest
edthosepl
iersforf
inger
pri
nts?
Of
fi
cer
:no
Alexander:(scoff
ed)incompet entoff
icerofthelaw.
Oneot aboget segotshwar amot hooi seodiresepe
sesekaf omol aong( yourushedt oarr
estthi
s
womanwi thoutfoll
owi ngprot
ocol).Releasethi
s
womannowandwhi leatitwhoappr ehendedher ?
Of
fi
cer
:whowhat
?
Mar
eledi
:whoputhandcuf
fsonher
Of
fi
cer
:idi
d
Mar el
edi
:that'
sunlawfulandyouknowit.Afemale
suspecthast obecuff
edbyaf emaleoff
iceranddi
d
youaskheri fshewil
lwalkwill
ingl
yoryoujust
draggedher?
Maya:t
heydr
aggedme
Mar
eledi
:anot
herunl
awf
ulact
.Mayadi
dthey
manhandl
eyoui
nanyway?
Maya:(l
ooki
ngattheoff
icer
)inever
ywaypossibl
e
theyki
ckedandpushedmel ookatmykneesanda
poli
cebootmarkonmywhi t
eshirt
Alexander
:(chuckled)ohwow.Im goi
ngtomake
sureyoupayf orthis.Your
oudyoffi
cer
.
Of
fi
cer
:(si
ghed)youcango
Al
exander
:thi
sisf
arf
rom over

ShelockedherpadasMar el
edihel
pedMayaup.
Theyleftast
heoffi
cershookhisheadandcal
led
Jorge.
..

Mar
eledi
:howar
eyourkneesl
ove?
Maya:pai
nful
Alexander:youshouldmakesur eyouundergoa
medi calexaminat
ionandnotwasht hatshi
rt
becausewear egoi ngtousethem asproof
.Im so
sorryyouhadt ogot hr
oughthis
Maya:i
t'
sok.Thankyousomuchforcoming
t
hroughformeidon'
tknowwhatiwouldhavedone
wit
houtyouguys
Mareledi
:let
'sgotothehospi
talt
hengohomeiwi
ll
cal
lthehousehelpertpfi
xheraroom mom
Al
exander
:okl
ovel
etme.
..
Joshua:(
ranin)hiim..
.ohnevermind.Maya(she
swall
owedlookingathim)areyouokit r
iedt
ocall
youbutyourbrotheransweredyourphoneandtol
d
meyouwer eherewhathappened?
Maya:i
t'
sal
ongst
ory
Joshua:ar
eyouok?Whodi
dthi
stoyou?
Mar
eledi
:theypushedherandshehur
ther
sel
f
Joshua:t
hepol
ice?
Mar
eledi
:yes
Joshua:wher
e'st
hest
ati
oncommanderidon'
t
underst
andwhy..
.
Al
exander
:nonol
eavethem tomeiwil
ldealwi
th
t
hem ri
ghtnowweneedtotakehert
othehospi
tal
sot
hatsheget
samedi
calr
epor
t
Joshua:okiwi
llt
akeher
Al
exander
:ar
eyousur
e?
Joshua:yest
hat
'si
fit
sokwi
thyouYaya?
Maya:yeahi
m okwi
thi
t
Al
exander
:pl
easemakesur
eshe'
sokorel
seyou
wi
llhavemetodealwi
th
Mar
eledi
:(smi
led)i
t'
sokmashe'
ssaf
ewi
thhi
m
Al
exander
:ohi
she.
..
Marel
edi
:aemamal et
'sgo.Babest
alktomeok.
Godbewithyou,
sirpl
easetakecar
eofmyfriend
youseet
hatherl
awyertakesnononsenser
ight?
Joshua:ipr
omi
sei
wil
l

Marel
edismil
edandhuggedMayaasshel ef
twith
hermotherwhi
leJoshuahelpedMayatohi
scar.He
madesureshewascomf ort
ableandgoti
nhis
si
de..
.
Joshua:don'tyouneedsomethi
ngtoeat
?Maybea
sweetfortheshock?Ihavegummiesint
her
e
Maya:t
hankyou(
shet
ookone)
Joshua:wher
ear
etheki
dsi
fyourbr
otheri
satt
he
hospi
tal?
Maya:(
sighed)t
heyt
ookt
hem
Joshua:what
!?
Maya:yeahbutMr
sTaolosayswecangetthem but
it
oldherwecangett
hem tomor
rowbecauseidon't
wantthem t
oseemeli
kethis
Joshua:okbutwi
llt
heybef
ine?
Maya:idar
ehertodoanythi
ngtomyki dsJoshua
i
..
.(
swall
owedast ear
sfi
ll
edhereyes)idar
eherto
t
ouchmychi l
dren
Joshua:(
hear
tbr
oke)i
m sosor
ryl
ovedon'
tcr
y
Maya:myki
dsarener
vouswher
evert
heyar
e
Joshuamyki
ds.
..
Joshua:(
rubbedherar
m)ssshdon'
tcr
ymyl
ove
theyaregoingt obeok.Fi rstthi
ngtomor r
ow
mor ni
ngwear egoingtogett hem withMr sTaol
o
noonei sgoingt ohurtyouwhi l
eim around.
Whoeverhasbeent argetingyourbackt heyshould
knowt hatyouhaveashi eldnowandnomat t
er
whatiwi l
lbetheref oryouMaya.Idon' tknowyou
butyouhavebeent hrought hemostandyoudon' t
deservethat.Youdeser vet obehappy.Yesl i
fehas
i
t'supsanddownsbutonecangot hroughsomuch.
Im hereforyouYayai m her eforyou

Hesai
dsoft
lyr
ubbi
ngherarm whi
lefocusi
ngon
t
heroadaswel
lgoi
ngtothehospi
talasMayacri
ed.

Att
heAdi
ole'
s.
..

Chiomasi
ghedputti
ngherbagont
hecouchand
tookof
fhershoes.
..

Chi
oma:heybabywhatar
eyouwor
kingon?
Sundae:mynai
ltestaunt
y
Chioma:oklove.Iwi
llcomeseewhatyouhave
doneinabitok
Sundae:okaunt
y

Shesmi ledtaki
nghershoesandmadeherwayup
withhershoesinherhand.Shet ookoffherclot
hes,
worear obeandputonhersl eepersandopeneda
doorthatledtoheralt
er.Onthatalt
erwasabi bl
e,
whitecandlesandwateraroundit.Shesighedand
kneltdownbowi ngherheadsayingtheLord's
prayerinherhomelanguage,Yoruba..
.

Chioma:Adur aOl uwaBabawat imbẹliọrun;Kia

bọ̀wọf unor ukọr ẹ.Kiijọbarẹde;If
ẹt i
rẹnikia
ṣe,bitiọrun,bẹ̃ni liaiye.Funwal ionjẹõjọwa
loni.
Dar igbesewaj ìwa, biawat indari
jìawọn
onigbesewa. Másif àwasi nuidẹwò,ṣugbọngbàwa
lọwọbi li
si.Ni
torii
jọbanit ir
ẹ,at
iagbara, at
i
ogo,lail
ai.Amin.(shedr anksomeoft hewat er
)Lord
ihavemetamant odayandhi snamei sLovemore
Kavi mba.It
'snotthef i
rstt
imemeet i
ngthismanbut
aftertodayifeltastrongconnecti
ontowardshim
butnowLor diwantt ounderstandwhyyouwoul d
l
eti thappen.Whywoul dyouletmehavea
connect i
onwi t
hamar ri
edman?Anot herthingLor
d
hehasaheavyspi r
itit
'sasifsomethi
ngbadi s
wei ghi
nghim down.Pl easeLor dmakeitcleart
ome
whatyouri ntenti
onsar ewit
hmaki ngmypat hsto
crosswi tht
hoseoft hisman.Amen

Shesai
dtaki
ngasi
poft
hewat
erandmadeherway
out
.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Preci
ousparkedhercarasLucasgotoffand
sl
ammedt hedoorheadingi
nside.Shescoff
edand
gotofff
oll
owinghim..
.

Pr
eci
ous:Lucas(
hei
gnor
ed)Lucasyouar
enot
goi
ngt
obehavel
ikeaspoi
ltbr
at,
Lucas!
?
Lucas:what
!?Whati
sitmom whatdoyouwant
fr
om mehuh?Whyar eyout
hiswoman?
Pr
eci
ous:i
m hel
pingyouLucas!
Lucas:helpmef r
om whatexact
ly!
?Whatagenda
areyoutryingt
opushbywhatyouj ustdi
d!?
Pr
eci
ous:i
..
.
Lovemore:(
threwhisbagonthet
able)don'
tyou
evendaretr
yt oj
usti
fyyour
sel
fwhatkindof
saucer
yisthisPreci
ous?
Pr
eci
ous:ohsoyouar
egoi
ngt
oganguponme?
Lovemor
e:gang.
.(
scof
fed)pl
easePr
eci
ouspl
ease!
Pr
eci
ous:thel
astthi
ngiwanti
sformysont
obe
ar
oundthatwi
tch
Lovemore:i
t'
sreal
lytr
uewhent heysaytheywi
llbe
quickt
oseethestickonyoureyebuttoobli
ndto
seethelogi
ntheir
s.Preci
oushowcoul dyoudo
whatyoudidtoyourownsister
?
Pr
eci
ous:shedeser
vesi
t
Lucas:youar
ewi
ckedandihat
eyou
Pr
eci
ous:Lucas!
?Lovemor
etal
ktoyourchi
ld
Lovemore:he'
srightyouar
ewi ckedandiseeyou
for
getwhatisaidtoyouthelastti
meyouwentoff
toharassMaya
Pr
eci
ous:excuseme?
Lovemor
e:getoutofmyhouse
Pr
eci
ous:ohhel
lnoi
m notgoi
nganywher
e
Lovemor
e:shoul
dical
lthepol
iceyouonyou?
Lucas:yesdaddoi
t
Lovemore:Pr
eci
ousisai
dgett
hehel
loutofmy
houseri
ghtnow
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
eim yourwi
..
.
Lovemor
e:hey!(
Shej
umpedst
art
led)don'
tyou
evendar
esayit!
Preci
ous:whataboutt
hedi
nnerihavepr
epar
ed?I
m
notgoinganywhere
Lovemor
e:youcant
akei
twi
thyouwher
everyou
ar
egoi
ngbecauseasf
ormeI
'
m donewi
thyou
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
e..
.
Lovemore:oki
m goi
ngt
ocal
lthepol
icenow.
Preci
ousgetout
Lucas:canyouj
ustl
eave!

Sheswal
lowedl
ooki
ngatt
hem andt
ookherkeys
l
eavi
ng.
..

Lovemore:tel
lmewher
eyouwi
llbesot
hatican
getyourthi
ngspost
edther
e
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
ecanyoupl
ease.
..

Hegaveherast
ernl
ookassheswall
owedagai
n
andmadeherwayoutcal
li
ngNal
e..
.

Lovemor
e:ar
eyouokson?
Lucas:yesdadi
m okbuti
m wor
ri
edaboutaunt
y
Mayaandt
heki
ds
Lovemor
e:ical
ledherl
awyerbackonmywayher e
andshetol
dmet hatt
heymanagedtogetherout
andshewenttothehospi
talwi
thafr
iendofher
s.
SomeonebythenameJoshuaorsomet hi
ng
Lucas:(
smi
led)yeaht
hat
'shi
m
Lovemor
e:youknowhi
m?
Lucas:yeahhebroughtusdi
nneryest
erdayandi
thi
nkhim andauntyMayawouldmakeagr eat
couple
Lovemore:(
scof
fedsmil
ing)whatdoyouknow
aboutcoupl
esLucas?
Lucas:ahdadhowol
dim ikant
e?(
Theyl
aughed)
Lovemor
e:yeahr
ight
Lucas:sowhat
'st
hepl
anwi
thmom?
Lovemor
e:honest
lyspeakingsonyourmot
herisa
veryt
oxi
cwomanandit hinkim donewi
thher
Lucas:i
m withyouonthatonebutwhat
evert
hat
happensim goi
ngwit
hyou
Lovemor e:youandNyasha, i wantmydaughter
deli
veredfrom herdarkness.Thiswomani svil
ei
don'tunderstandhowimar riedherbecausethe
onlygoodt hingthatcameoutoft hi
smar r
iageis
thetwoofyou
Lucas:(
sighed)yeahnehandt
hef
ood?
Lovemore:t
hrowi
tawaywewi
llgogr
absomet
hing
quickl
etmegochange

Hesai
dgoingupstai
rswhi
leLucasopenedoneof
t
hecasser
olesandsmell
editt
henscoffedt
aki
ng
t
hem t
othebin.

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Heopenedt
hedoorandhel
pedMayai
ntot
he
couch.
..

Joshua:woul
dyoul
ovesomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Maya:noi
m okt
hankyou
Joshua:ar
eyoucomfor
tabl
e,shoul
diputanext
ra
pi
ll
owonyourback?
Maya:(
smi
led)i
t'
sjustscr
atchedkneesJor
elax
Joshua:nomaniwantt
omakesur et
hatyoureal
ly
areok.I
m goi
ngtomakewateranddett
oltosoak
them.Makeyour
sel
fcomfor
tablet
here'
sthetv
remote
Maya:ok

Heheadedt othekit
chenandputont hekettlethen
wentupt ot hemainbat hroom t otakeasmal lbowl,
dettoldi
sinfect
ingli
quid, cottonwoolandf resh
towelwhileMayal ookedar oundt heli
vingroom.I t
wassoneatandper fectlydecor atedasshesmi l
ed
l
ooki ngatthehugepor traitthatlookedlikehis
fami l
y.Hecheckedifthewat erwasper fect
lywar m
withhiselbowandheadedt othelivi
ngr oom...

Joshua:putyourbackagai
nstt
hear
mrest
Shedidasheputherlegonhi
slapandcar
eful
ly
soakedherscr
atch.
..

Maya:t
hankyou
Joshua:f
or?
Maya:t
aki
ngcareofmel
iket
hist
houghwehar
dly
knowoneanot
her
Joshua:idon'tneedaweekormont hst
oknowa
person.I
m oneper sonwhobel i
evesinf
ir
stti
me
i
mpr essi
onsandt hefirstt
imeiseeapersonandi
wasi mpressedthefir
sttimeisawyou
Maya:i
mpr
essedbywhatwhil
eihadt
omakeyou
t
ight
enmyter
minal
swit
hwires
Joshua:(scoffed)t
hefactthatyouwerenotshyto
askforhelporbecamer udewheniof f
eredreall
y
saidalotaboutyou.Somewomencangoof fatyou
whenyouof f
erhelpbecausetheywouldfeell
ike
youarelookingdownont heirabil
it
yandthesecond
ti
meiwast otall
ysol
despeciall
ybyhowwel l
manneredyourbabieswere.Thewaythatboyput
hishandstogetherwhenyouguysl
eftthegarage
real
lysai
dal otaboutt
hewayhe'sbei
ngr ai
sed
Maya:(smi
led)t
hankyou.Pi
tysomepeopl
edon'
t
wanttoseeushappy
Joshua:welliwantto(theysmiledashetook
anotherl
eg)solet'
stalkaboutyourcareer
.Yousai
d
youdidPRandpol it
icalscienceri
ght
?
Maya:yes
Joshua:whatifit
ellyouicangi
veyouaj
obatour
headquart
ersasourPRManager ?
Maya:(
smi
led)what
!?
Joshua:yeshowlonghasitbeensinceyou
graduat
ed?5yearssoyoudeser vetofi
nal
lydo
somethingyouwenttoschoolforbefor
eyouforget
whatyoustudied
Maya:Joshuaar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Joshua:yes
Maya:ohmywor
dthankyousomuch
Forget
ti
ngthatshewaswoundedshej umpedand
huggedhim almostspil
li
ngt
hewaterint
hebowlas
Joshualaughedhuggingherback.
..

Maya:(
clear
edhert
hroatl
ett
inghi
m go)i
m sosor
ry
Joshua:noi
t'
sokidon'
tmi
ndbei
nghuggedbyyou
Maya:wowican'
tbel
ievet
hati
m goi
ngt
ofi
nal
lydo
whatil
ove
Joshua:youar
esohappyt
hatyouevenf
orgotyou
arehurt
Maya:i
yoohei
sh(
theyl
aughed)
Joshua:sotomorrowaftert
aki
ngtheki
dsgohand
i
nyouri mmediat
er esi
gnati
ont
henmakesureyou
tr
eatthesekneesbecauseyouwil
lbestar
ti
ngon
Monday
Maya:iwil
ldefi
nit
elydoso.Ohmywordican'
t
bel
ievet
his.Thankyouthankyout
hankyou
Joshua:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
neandiwantt
osee
thatsmil
eonyourf
acef
rom nowonnomor
e
sadnessok
Maya:t
rustmenomor
esadf
aceonme
Joshua:awsome(
herphoner
ang)
Maya:i
t'
sMar
eledishemustwantt
oknowi
fim ok
Joshua:okanswerherwhi
leigopr
epar
eyourr
oom

Sheanswer
edt hephonewhi
leJoshuat
ookt
he
bowlandl
efther.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Theysatar
oundthet
ablewit
hPatiencewhi
leLor
na
qui
etl
ywentthr
oughherphone.
..

Appl
e:whatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
or,
whycan'
twej
usteat
?
Lor
na:wear
ewai
ti
ngf
oryourdadbabe
Appl
e:weal
wayseatwi
thouthi
m whydowehave
t
owai
tforhi
mtoday?
Lor
na:Appl
ejustwai
tforyourdad
Appl
e:i
m st
arvi
ng
Duncan:okguysi
m her
ewecancommencenow
Appl
e:commencewhat
?
Duncan:yourmom owesaunt
yPat
ienceanapol
ogy
solovegoahead
Appl
e:(
cur
vedherl
i
psandf
rowned)eng!
?(What
)
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
04] :AKEPTWOMAN
21
Lor
na:nanam cal
m down
Apple:nonowai
tmom whatapol
ogyi
sdadt
alki
ng
about?
Sai
nt:Appl
eemapel
e(wai
tAppl
e)
Apple:guysim notf
ighti
ngij
ustwantt
o
understandwhatapologyisi
t
Duncan:howwilliexpl
aini
fyouar
enotgoi
ngt
o
al
lowmet otel
lyoumychi l
d?
Appl
e:ohoki
mli
steni
ng.
..

ThattimePati
encecurvedherli
pslooki
ngatApple
notawarethatSai
ntwasl ooki
ngatheraswell
.She
sighedandkeptastr
aightfaceasLornasi
ghed
too..
.

Duncan:yourmom hasbeenpester
ingyouraunt
aboutherson'
sbir
thdayorletmesayhiswhole
i
denti
tynotawarethatPat
iencewasn'
tcomfort
abl
e
wit
hit
Appl
e:aoar
en'
ttheycl
osekant
e?
Duncan:t
heyar
e
Appl
e:t
henwhywoul
dtal
kingabouthersont
o
mom beapr
obl
em t
oher?Doesn'tmom...
Duncan:Appl
ecanif
ini
sh?
Apple:nodadi
mf ail
ingt
ounderst
andwhyshe
wouldhaveaproblem wi
tht
hat.Kanaar
en'
tyou
guysclosemom?
Lor
na:wear
e
Appl
e:don'
tyougossi
ptoget
her
?
Lor
na:wedo
Apple:don'
tyouconsi
derheraf
ri
endanda
shouldert
ocryon?
Lorna:idobabybutyouhavetounderst
andthatno
matterhowcloseyouarewithsomeonether
eare
thi
ngsyouwon' tbecomfor
tabl
etosharewit
hthem
Appl
e:wel
lthat
'sunl
essyou'
vegotsomethi
ngto
hi
de(shesai
dpicki
ngsomepastawithherf
ork)
Duncan:excuseme?
Pati
encethatt
imef
rownedl
ooki
ngatAppl
easher
hear
tskipped.
..

Lorna:comeonbabythere'
snothingthatPatience
canhidefrom me.Pat
ienceiwouldli
ket oapologi
se
foroverst
eppi
ngmyboun. .
.(
Applescoffed)Apple
that'
sil
lmanners
Appl
e:sor
rymacont
inue
Lorna:iwoul
dli
ket
oapol
ogi
sef
orover
steppi
ngmy
bound...
Appl
e:sodadyouar
eseri
ousl
ygoi
ngt
odot
hist
o
t
hewomanyoumar r
ied?
Duncan:Appl
eidon'
tappr
eci
ateyourbehavi
our
ri
ghtnow
Apple:andyouPat
ienceyouaregoi
ngtositback
andlistentomymotherapol
ogi
sewithany
conscience?
Sai
nt:oh-
oh
Pat
ience:excuseme?
Lor
na:Appl
ebabywhy.
..
Appl
e:nomaim sosor
rybuti
m notgoingtosi
t
her
eandwatchyoubei
ngtakenforafooll
iket
his

Duncanfrownedwhi
lePat
ienceswal
lowedl
ooki
ng
atDuncan..
.

Apple:dad,
Pat
ience,
areyougoi
ngt
otel
lmom or
shouldi?
Pat
ience:Appl
ewhatar
eyouonaboutmygi
rl
?
Duncan:Appl
eyouar
egr
oundedgot
oyourr
oom
Apple:i
m wayt oool
df ort
hatwenaPati
ence
(poi
ntedather)don'
tyoudaremygi r
lme.(Looki
ng
i
nPat i
ence'seyes)mamaPat i
enceandyour
husbandhavebeensl eepi
ngtoget
herbehi
ndyour
backandhavea3yearol dbabywho'st
urning4
thi
scomi ngweekend
Lor
nafrownedwhil
eDuncanandPati
ence
swal
lowedwit
hthei
rhear
tsraci
ng.
..

Appl
e:ar
eyounotgoi
ngt
odenyi
t?
Pat
ience:madam youknowiwoul
dneverdot
hat
Duncan:youmustbepossessedAppl
ewhywoul
di
sl
eepwiththehel
p?
Appl
e:idon'
tknowmaybebecauseyourwi
fecan'
t
gi
veyoubiol
ogicalki
ds
Lor
na:okAppl
ethat
'senoughnow!
Appl
e:noit
'snot.Tel
lme,whywoulditbea
coi
nci
dencethatthel
itt
leboyi
scal
ledDuncan?
WhatdidPati
encetel
lyouhisnamewasmama?
Lor
na:Juni
or
Appl
e:whatdoest
hoset
wonamesmake?
Lorna:DuncanJu.
..
(shel
ookedatDuncanasher
heartski
pped)
Duncan:ihopeyouarenotgoingt
obeli
evewhat
t
hisli
tt
legir
lissayi
ng.Pat
ience?(
Shekeptqui
et)
Appl
e:whi
leatt
hatdear
estmot
heryousawt
he
l
it
tl
eboyeati
ngri
ght?
Lor
na:yes
Appl
e:di
dyounot
iceanyt
hingf
ami
li
ar?
Duncan:Appl
eim notgoi
ngt
o..
.
Appl
e:ah-
uhwai
t,ma?
Lor
na:hepickedthegrapesout(
shetur
nedt
o
Pat
iencest
il
lwithafrownonherface)
Appl
e:Sai
ntwhodoesn'
teatgr
apesi
nthi
shouse?
Sai
nt:dad
Apple:i
sthatacoi
ncidence?No.Mamadi dthel
it
tl
e
boynotsayhismotherandf at
herareli
ving
toget
herinabighousewhi l
ehisauntsaidhe'si
n
SouthAfri
ca?
Lor
na:hedi
dsayt
hat(
shet
urnedherf
acet
o
Duncan)
Apple:nowwhywoulda3yearol
dli
eabout
somethingl
iket
hat
?Whilepl
anni
ngyouranswerto
thatmamaletmejogyourmemoryonelastt
ime
Duncan:Appl
e!
Apple:youcanshoutmynameal lyoul
ikebutt
his
endstoday.Mamayour ememberhisaunt
repr
imandinghim qui
ckl
ysayingwhatdidshet
ell
him aboutt
alki
ngwhileeat
ing?
Lor
na:yes(
shet
urnedt
oPat
ience)
Appl
e:idon'
tknowi
fyoucaughti
tbut
..
.
Lorna:idi
d,hesai
d"youknowmymot herand
fatherar
einGabo.
..
"that
'swhenshequickl
y
stoppedhim
Appl
e:good.Asalogi
calper
sonwhatwor
dwoul
d
t
hosefourlet
ter
smake,G,A,B,O?
Lor
na:Gabor
one(
herhear
tdr
oppedt
othest
omach)
Duncan:t
hisi
snonsensei
m notgoi
ngt
osi
tfort
his
Appl
e:oht
rustmeyouar
e.Sai
ntt
ellmamawhat
yout
oldme
Saint
:(cl
earedhisthroat)yester
dayonmywayouti
caughtthelastconversati
onofaunt yPati
enceon
thephoneandshesai d"getyourwifeinorderor
elseiwil
lhavetodoi tmyself"iaskedheraboutit
andshesai
dit
'sherf
ri
end'
swi
fewhot
hinksshe'
s
sl
eepi
ngwit
hherhusband
Duncan:youki
dsaresickandt
wist
ed.Sai
nt:and
dadcanyouplease.
..
Lor
na:wai
tSai
nt,
whyar
eyouqui
etPat
ience?
Pat
ience:becausei
t'
str
ue

Lor
naswal
lowedahugebal
lofl
umpwhichwent
downwi
thherwor
dsasshefail
edt
orespond.
..

Duncan:what
?
Pat
ience:ther
e'snoneedt ohidethetr
uthanymore
Duncan.Lornait'
strue,Duncanandihavebeen
sl
eepingtogetherforfouryear
sbehindyourback
Duncan:Lor
naihopeyouar
enotgoi
ngt
oli
stent
o
t
his
Lor
na:Appl
e,Sai
nthaveagoodni
ghtmychi
ldr
en
Duncan:Lor
na?Don'
tdot
hat
,Lor
na?
Shequi
etl
yputt
henapki
nont
het
abl
eandst
ood
up.
..

Lor
na:iwil
lbesl
eepi
ngi
ntheguestbedr
oom.
Pat
iencesl
eepwell
Duncan:Lornapl
easedon'
tbelikethatinf
rontof
theki
dscanwepl easet
alkaboutthis,
letme
expl
ain.Lor
naplease

Hesighedassheslowlywentupwhi
let
heki
dsand
Pat
iencelookedathi
m...

Pat
ience:i
m goi
ngt
obedaswel
l
Appl
e:wher
e?
Pat
ience:whatdoyoumeanwher
e?
Appl
e:youarenotsl
eepi
ngi
nmymot
her
'shouse
youwickedwit
ch!
Pat
ience:excuseme?
Sai
nt:nomamihol
dyourhor
sesnotonmysi
ster
Apple:(
stood)youbet
termakesurethatyoupack
yourdir
tyragsandgetthehel
loutofthi
syardyou
havenopl aceher
e
Duncan:(
hitt
hetabl
eannoyed)enough!Enough
Appl
edon'tyoudarefor
gett
hatyouareachildher
e!
Nooneisgoinganywhere
Appl
e:oh?(Squi
nthereyes)youknowwhat
?I'
m
goi
ngtosleepaswell
Sai
nt:t
hatmakest
het
woofus

Hefoll
owedherasshestoppedbehi
ndherf
ather
andleanedonhi
sear.
..

Apple:youar
enothi
ngbutapathet
icl
iaranda
cheatandyouaregoi
ngt or
uethedayyousawit
ri
ghttodoubl
ecrossmymot her
.Samegoestoyou,
youhomewr ecki
ngslut
!
Duncan:Appl
e!?

Shecl i
ckedhertonguegoi
ngupwithherbr
other
behindherwhilePati
encel
ookedatDuncan
breathi
ngheavil
y..
.

Pat
ience:soi
m goi
ngt
obei
nsul
tedbyki
dsnow?
I
m...

Sheswall
owedandcli
ckedhert
ongueasshewent
totheser
vant
squart
erwhil
eDuncansi
ghedand
rubbedhi
sfacef
rust
rat
ed.
..

Duncan:why,
why,
whywhy?

Hesaidpunchi
ngthetabl
eandmadehi swayup.
Hestoppedbytheguestbedr
oom doorLornawas
behi
ndandputhisearonthedoortr
yingtohearif
shewascryi
ngbuttherewasnosound.Hesi ghed
andwenttothemainbedroom whi
lebehi
ndthe
guestbedr
oom doorLor
naclosedt
hebibleand
si
ghed..
.

Lor na:(knel
tdown)oModi moyosaf etogeng( you
areanunchangi ngGod) .OModi moyof angmaat la
(youar eaGodt hatgivespower )
.Jehovahl efake
ralelamogogor owamor itiwal esogaoki tl
ao
ntat l
ha( t
houghiwal kt hrought heshadowoft he
valleyofdeat hyouwi llneverf orsakeme) .Rar a
mphemaat l
a( Lordgivemepower )
,mphenonof o
(givemest r
engt h)
.Saat aneot senemol elwapeng
l
amemmeJehovahkekopaont husekent she
saat aneyomol elwapengl ame( thedevilhascome
i
nt omyhomebutJehovahpl easehel pmet akethi
s
devi loutofmyhome) .Amen

Shest oodupandgotundertheduvetwi
thnosi
ngl
e
tearcomingfr
om hereyes.

ATMI
DNI
GHT.
..
Preciouspar kedhercart ookabot tl
ethatcontained
Lovemor e'
svestandt heonet hatcontainedhis
under wear.Shesear chedf orhergat ekeyand
smiledfindingitthenopenedt hegat egoinginthe
yard.Shesmi l
edmor eseeingal ltheli
ghtoffand
headedt othebackoft heirbedr oom side.Shetook
amet alrodandst ar
teddi ggingmaki ngsur et
hat
shewasn' tmaki ngtoomuchnoi se.Lucas'sbulldog
wentt oherandst artedlickingherasshesmi led
andr ubbedi t
'shead.Sheputt hebot tl
esinthehol e
shedugandcover editwi t
hsoi lstandingup.She
wipedherhandswi t
ht hewal landsi ghed..
.

Pati
ence:youwillcomebackt omebeggi
ngmy
l
ove.Mynamei sPreciousyoudon'
tgett
oki
ckme
outandiletyoubel i
kethat

Sherubbedthedogonelastt
imeandheadedout
whil
eitcont
inuedt
owalkaroundtheyard.Shegot
i
nhercar,cl
osedthegat
eandt ookof
f.15mi nut
es
l
atershear r
ivedatMaya' srentedhouse.She
curvedherlipsandgotof fgoingtothegate.She
tookthesamemet alrodshedugwi t
hatherhouse
andst ar
teddiggingjustinfrontoft
hegate.She
wentbacki nthecarandcameoutwi tht
hemat ch
boxandapl asticcontaini
ngabl oodyunderwearof
Maya's.Sheputi nthemat chboxwi t
hpinsonitand
asshewasaboutt oputt heplasti
cintheholethe
neighboursdogsst art
edbar ki
ngast heowners
quickl
yswi t
chedont heirli
ghts..
.

Pr
eci
ous:shi
t!

Shesaidquickl
yrunningint
ohercarandstayed
ther
eunti
ltheneighbourswentbacki
ntothe
house.
..

Pr
eci
ous:st
upi
ddogs

Shesai
dget
ti
ngof
fthecarandwentt
othehol
e
agai
nbutasshewasaboutt
oputt
heplast
icagai
n
shehear
dacarcomingassher
anbackint
oher
car.
..

Pr
eci
ous:whatt
hef
uck?

Shesaidwat chingt hecarparkingjustbythefar

cornerofMaya' syar danddecidedt osi
tinhercar
hopingtoseei tleave.10mi nutespassedwi t
hthe
carissti
llt
herebutf i
nal
lyagi r
lcameout .Justas
shewassmi l
ingf orhopeaguycameoutt ooas
theystar
tedkissi ngwiththegirl.
..

Pr
eci
ous:ei
shei
shei
sh

Shesaidwatchi
ngthem ast
heguytur
nedthegir
l
anddroppedhispant
sandstar
tedt
hrust
ingheron
thebonnet
..
.
Pr
eci
ous:eeewsi
esmansi
es

Shesaidst
art
inghercarasthecouplefr
ozewhi le
shetookof
fathighspeed.Thecoupleburstint
oa
l
aughandcontinuedwithwhattheyweredoing
whil
ePreci
ousleftanopenholewithamat chboxin
i
t.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Dr:comeonmyl adypushashar
dasyoucan,
it'
s
forthel
astt
ime
Ti
tus:youcandoi
tmyl
ove

Lesediti
ghtl
yheldont
oTitus'
shandandbither
l
owerl i
pgrunti
ngandgivi
ngitt
hebestshecoul
d..
.

Dr
:ther
ewego.Goodwoman
Hesaidt akingoutthebabygir lwhoburstint
oa
l
oudcr y,quicklycuthercordandpexedi tasthe
nursetookher .Lesedisi
ghedoutofr el
iefwhil
e
Tit
ussmi led.Shepushedoutt heplacentaast he
doctorcleanedherupandst i
tchedherwhilethe
nurseswei ghedthebaby, wi
pedherandgavehert o
hermot her..
.

Ti
tus:(
tear
ful
ly)youdi
ditbabe
Lesedi
:(smi
ledt
ear
ful
ly)ohmybabygi
rlwel
come
totheworl
dnana
Nur
se:(
smi
led)doyouhaveanamef
orher
?
Lesedi
:yes
Bot
h:Mar
angOr
ati
leMoet
i
Nur
se:ohni
cename,
ok(
wrot
eitdown)
Tit
us:she'
shonest
lyt
helightwehavebeenhoping
foranditi
sbyGodgraceandwi llt
hatshe'
sher
e
safeandsoundhencetheOrati
lename
Nur
se:wowyouguyst
houghtaboutt
hisneh?
Lesedi
:ohyeswedi
d

Theyallchuckl
edast
heyplayedwit
htheli
tt
legir
l
whowasbusyt hr
owi
ngherli
tt
lef
ist
sintheair
makingbabysounds.

LATERTHATMORNI
NG

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Mayagrunt
edstr
etchingassherubbedhereyes
waki
ngup.Shesawt heli
ghtt
hatcameinand
qui
ckl
ygotupthi
nkingaboutwork..
.

Maya:oh(
sighed)mxm

Shesai
dremember
ingshedi
dn'
thavet
ogoi
nas
shetookherphoneandcheckedt hetime.She
yawnedagai nandfr
ownedl ookingatthetabl
ein
theroom seeingatr
aywithacover edplateand
whatseemedl i
keanot
eoni t.Shescof f
edgetti
ng
outofbedandwentt othetabletakingthenote.
..

Goodmor ning.Youl ookedsopeacef ulandi

didn'twantt odisturbyou.Ideci dedt omakeyou
breakfastandihopeyouar enotal ler gi
ctoanyof
thethingsimade.Theywi llbecoldbyt het i
meyou
wakeupbutpl easet akeashowerf i
r stthenwar m
them upandeatbecauseyouar egoi ngt oneedt he
strength.Therear efresht owelsi nthebat hroom
andanewt oothbr ushiboughtaf ewdaysago.I m
sorryicouldn'tbet herewhenyouwokeupbutihad
tobeear lyatwor kandapol ogi
esf ornott el
li
ngyou
l
astni ghtbefor ewewentt obed.Iknowyouar e
probablythinking" whysomanyapol ogieswhenwe
arenotevenani t
em"wel lthat'
showmuchir espect
you.Ispoket oMr sTaol oandshesai dshe'sgoing
tobet hereby9becauseshedoesn' twantyouguys
tolookl i
keyouar edisrespect i
ngLuks' ssendof f.
Sowhi l
ewaitingfor9am ihavel eftmyGTIkeysf or
youbesi desthetray,(
shesawt hem)t aket hecar
andgot oyourhouseandt akewhat everyoumi ght
needbecauseiwantyouguyst ost ayi nwi thme
untilyoufindyourownhousewel lifthat '
sokwi th
youbutihopei ti
sbecauseicanonl ykeepyou
guyssaf ewhenyouar ecloset ome.I ft hel andlord
givesyoupr oblemsjustcal lmeandiwi lltalktohim
orher( shesmi l
ed)haveawonder fulmor ningand
rememberl i
fehasnof or
mul aonlyther esi li
ent
becomewi nneraandyouar eoneoft hemost
resil
ientpeopleihaveevercomeacr oss.Your
fri
endJ. K

Mayasmi ledputtingthenotedownandopenedt he
platet
oeverythingniceinit
.Wast hisadr eam?
(Shepinchedher sel
f)noitwasn'tasshesmi l
edand
frowned.Howcanonebesosweetandcar ingto
someonet heyhar dl
yknow?Maybet hisistoogood
tobetrue?(Shewonder ed)butwhati fthereare
actual
lypeoplelikethat
,cari
ng,sweetandl oving,i
meant akeforinstanceMareledi
,theyhaveknown
oneanotherfor3daysbutshehasdonesomuch
forher
.Ifi
twer en'tf
orhermot hershewouldbei na
pri
soncellbythen.(Shesmi led)maybethisi
sthe
turnar
oundshehasbeenpr ayingfor
,maybefinall
y
Godwasanswer ingherprayers.Shesmiledmore
andsighedgoingt othebathroom asherphone
rang.
..

Maya:Lewi
s,whatdoeshewantsoear
ly.Heybabe?
Lewi
s:Mayahaveyouseenorhear
dfr
om Bi
anca?
Maya:goodmor
ningt
oyout
oo.Noihaven'
twhy?
Lewis:(
sighed)herphoneisoffanditl
ooksl
ikeshe
didn'
tsl
eepatherhousel astni
ght.
Maya:uhut
hat
'sodd.Whenl
astdi
dyouspeakt
o
her
?
Lewi
s:yest
erdaywheniaskedhert
otr
ansf
ermy5k
Maya:5k?
Lewi
s:yessheaskedf
oraloanf
rom meandsaid
shewil
lret
urni
tassoonassheget
spaid.Wegot
pai
dyester
dayandyouknowwegetpai
dont he
samedaybutshehasn'
tspokent
ome
Maya:(
rememberedal lt
heti
messheaskedmoney
fr
om hi
m butherefused)ohisee.Wel
lidon'
tknow
l
ovemaybet r
ygoingtoheroffi
ceyouknowhow
shei
safterget
ti
ngpai d
Lewi
s:ihavecl
assesunt
il10iwi
llgoaf
ter
Maya:okgood
Lewis:wher
eareyou?Iwast hi
nki
ngmaybewe
shouldgooutt
onightyouknowimeanwe..
.
Maya:i
m homeandbusyl
ovebye
Lewi
s:don'
tworr
yaboutt
hebi
llyouknowwe
al
wayscoveryou
Maya:(
scof
fed)i
m okt
sal
abye
Lewi
s:Ma.
..
(shehunguponhi
m)uhu
Maya:(putherphonedown)aker
ewenal eBiancal
e
kgonagoadimanamadi( si
nceyouandBi ancacan
l
endeasmchot hermoney)gooutt ogetherthen.
Youdon'tknowmewhenineedyourhel pbutknow
meonlywhenyouwantt ogoout .Youdon' teven
knowhalfofthethi
ngsihavebeengoi ngt hr
ough
thepastfewdaysandyoucal lyourselvesfr
iends.
(Scoff
ed)notthatiexpectanythingfrom thebothof
youanywaysoi t'
sfine.Nowibel ieveitwhenthey
dayrathert
rustsomeoneyoudon' tknowt hanthose
thatcl
aimtheyhaveyourback

Shesai
dgoi
ngi
ntot
hebat
hroom andopenedt
he
shower
.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lor
namadeherwaydownandf oundDuncanand
Pat
iencet
alki
ngast
heyqui
ckl
ystopped.
..

Lor
na:don'
tst
oponmyaccount
Duncan:l
ovecanwe.
..
Lorna:al
lineedisabottl
eofwaterandgobackto
startmyyogaclasses.Morni
ngPati
ence(shekept
quiet)P?
Pat
ience:mor
ning
Duncan:l
oveiknow.
..
Lor
na:ar
eyounotgoi
ngt
owor
ktoday?
Duncan:noiwantust
o..
.
Lorna:perf
ectthelawnneedstobemowedandt he
gardenersaidhewasgoingforadoct
or'
s
appointmentsokindlymakeyour
sel
fusef
ulldear
husband

Sheflashedasmileandheadedbackupwhil
e
DuncanandPatiencefr
ownedconfusedofher
behaviour
..
.

Appl
e:(
goi
ngdown)ohheymama
Lor
na:heybaby

Shecarr
iedonasApplecar
ri
edondowntoobut
grunt
edseei
ngPati
enceandDuncan.
..
Apple:ohgr
eatt
her
egoesmyday(
sheheaded
backup)
Duncan:Appl
ewai
t
Appl
e:what
,whati
sitDuncanDuncan?
Duncan:f
ir
stofal
lim yourf
athersoyouar
enot
goi
ngtocallmebymyname
Apple:t
hemanwhor ai
sedmeasaf atherand
taughtmeaboutmoral
it
yandprinci
plesisn'
tthe
samemani mlooki
ngat.Idon'
tknowwhoyouar e
Duncan:App.
..
Appl
e:mxm

Shesaidgoi
ngbackupasDuncansighedshaki
ng
hisheadwhi
lePat
ienceshookher
stoowit
hherli
ps
curved.

AtMaya'
shouse.
..
Shesangalongt
otheJoyouscel
ebr
ationsounds
bl
asti
ngfr
om thegol
f8speaker
sapproachi
ngher
gat
e..
.

Hadint
hotsakal
ehonodisakopane,
esal
e
boshiuModimoosakopantshaskanshebawa
nnyatsanakoyakayet
la,
sopleasemanska
ntshebawannyatsa.
..

Shesangparkingandgotof
ftoopenthegatewhi
le
si
ngingalongbutst
oppedasshef r
ownedtoan
openholewithamatchboxthathadpi
nsstuckal
l
overit
..
.

Maya:andt
hen?

Shesaidleani
ngdownandtookthematchbox,
openeditbutgott
heshockofherl
if
eseei
ngher
passpor
tphot
oini
tandt
hrewi
tbacki
nthehol
e..
.

Maya:Rr
aT!Rr
aT!
?

Shecal
ledouthernei
ghbourwhi
lewi
pingher
handswit
hherjean.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
04] :AKEPTWOMAN
22

Heari
nghi
snamebecal l
edoutRraTmovedthe
cur
tai
nofhisbedroom andassoonashesawi t
wasMayahequi ckl
ygotoffandhurr
iedoutwi
th
t
hewomenf r
om theot
heryardscomi
ngaswell
.
Mayar
educedtheradi
ovolumeastheyar
ri
ved.
..

Rr
aT:ar
eyouokMaya?
Maya:noiwantedtoopenmygatebutisawahol
e
andamat chboxi
nit(
theyl
ookedi
nastheyal
l
gasped)
Maya:andasyoucanseei
thaspi
nsoni
tandmy
phot
oinsi
de
Woman:bathongmokebol
oisent
le(
thi
sist
otal
wi
tchcr
aft
)
Rr
aT:di
dyout
ouchi
t?
Maya:eer
ra(
yessi
r)
RraT:okj
ustst
andther
eandnottouchanyt
hing
fur
theri
m comi
ng(hesaidr
unni
ngbacktohis
house)
Maya:butwhowouldwantt
odosuchat
hingt
ome?
Inevert
roubl
eanyone
Woman:sowehavewi
tchesi
ntheci
tyaswel
l
?Yoh
Women:wi
tchesar
eever
ywher
emyl
ove

MeanwhileinhishouseRraTputt wohandfulof
roughseasaltinabucketandmi xeditwi
thwat er
andmethalatedspi
ritt
hentookasmal ltr
adit
ional
broom,abottleoff
abri
csoftenerthathadparaffi
n
andamat chboxgoingbackt oMaya'syard..
.

RraT:(sprinklingthesaltwat eronthegate)al
lthe
Moet iancest orsicalluponyou.Her ei
syourchi l
d
beingtried,theyar etryi
ngtobewi t
chherbutwi th
thiswateriwashawayal lt
heytri
edtodot oher.
Maywhoevert r
iedtodot hi
st oherbetheonewho
suffersinsteadcomewashyourhandsi nthewat er
(shedid)bef orewi pi
ngyour self
,doyouhavea
clothinthecar ?
Maya:l
etmechecki
t(shef
oundi
t)
Rr
aT:dampitandwi
peever
yar
eayout
ouched
af
tert
ouchi
ngthi
sbox
ShedidasRr
aTinst
ruct
edwhil
ehespri
nkl
edthe
wateront
hecarwheel
swit
hthetr
adi
ti
onalbr
oom..
.

RraT:nowdipyourshoesi nthewat er(

shedid)
good.Im notat
radit
ionaldoctorbutiknowrough
seasaltmixedwithspir
iti
sabl etochaseaway
anythi
ngbadcalleduponyourl if
e
Maya:okihopei
twor
ks

Hepouredsomeofthewateri
ntothehol
e,t
hent
he
par
aff
inandthenburntt
hebox.
..

Woman:youneedtostartpr
ayi
ngmyl ove.Visi
ta
churchwher
etheyareablet
oseethesethingsand
askGodfortheser
vantofGodtobeabletosee
thr
oughyourli
fewhenyougett
here
Maya:afr
iendofmi
neact
ual
lysuggest
edt
hatsoi
wi
lldef
ini
tel
ygo
Woman:good
Thefi
rewentdownasRr aTcoveredthehole,
washedhishandswit
htheremainingwaterand
pour
editoutaroundt
hegate.
..

Rr
aT:youcangoi
nmygi
rl
Maya:t
hankyousomuch
RraT:don'
tbeafr
aidGodiswithyou.Thisper
son
l
eftthi
ngsli
kethi
sforareasonmaybet heygot
di
sturbedandranoff
Maya:yeahneh.Thankyousomuchguys.Iwi
llbe
goi
ngawayf orafewdayssopl
easewatchthe
houseforme
Al
l:yeswewi
ll

Theywentbacktothei
ryardssti
lli
ndisbel
iefwhi
le
Mayagotinthecaranddroveintheyardtotake
whatsheandthechil
drenwouldneed.
AtJor
ge'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Hesatbacklooki
ngathisfri
endwhowenti
nthe
off
icerubbi
nghishandstoget
herandt
ookhi
s
seat.
..

Jor
ge:whosai
dyoucanbeseat
ed?
Of
fi
cer
:im sor
ry
Jorge:wi
llyoursor
ryt
akeusoutoft
heshi
tyou
haveputusi n?
Of
fi
cer
:nosi
r
Jorge:whatwentwrong?Huh?Whatwentwrong
becauseallyouhadtowasdotheri
ghtt
hing
Offi
cer:someladycamet oreportherf
orabduct
ion
sowedeci dedtotakeadvantagewhenwesawher
carthere
Jorge:abduct
ion,whi
leit
oldyoutoarr
estherf
or
Luke'smurder.I
sthatl
adypayingyou?
Of
fi
cer
:no
Jor
ge:t
henwhywoul
dyoudot
hat
?
Of
fi
cer
:im anof
fi
ceroft
hel
awsi
r
Jor
ge:off
iceroft
helawmyfoot.Youhavemessed
upever
ything.Weneedt
oactfastandweneedto
dosonow
Of
fi
cer
:whatdoyouwantmet
odo?
Jorge:youhavet obreaki
ntothatwoman' shouse
fi
ndtheshi r
tthathasyourbootmar kidon't
understandwhyyouhadt okickher.(Cl
ickedhis
tongue)thenfindwhereMayai sst
ayingandst eal
thatmedicalrecorddoyouunderstandme?
Of
fi
cer
:yessi
r
Jor
ge:i
m notgoi
ngtogodownf oryourst
upidit
y.I
wantMayaandiwanthernow.Getthehelloutof
myoffi
ce!

Hedidn'
twanttowasteanymoreti
meandtookoff
whil
eJorgesatbackandsighedpi
nchi
ngt
hebridge
ofhi
snose..
.
Jor
ge:i
ncompet
entpi
eceofshi
t

AtNal
e'
shouse.
..

Herhusbanddr oveouttoworkasshewenttot
he
bedroom Pr
eciouswasi n.Shef
rownedand
sneeredl
ookingatPreciouswhowassti
lli
nbed
wit
hherhandonherf ace..
.

Nale:forawomanwhohasever yt
hingunder
controlyouseem r
atherdef
eat
ed
Pr
eci
ous:(
satup)goodmor
ningf
ri
end
Nal
e:ar
eyouok?
Pr
eci
ous:icoul
dn'
tfi
nish
Nal
e:what
?
Precious:il
eftanopenhol
ebyMaya'
sgat
eand
forgotthemat chboxi
nit
Nal
e:Pr
eci
ousno
Pr
eci
ous:i
m sost
ressedbecausenowsomeone
mi
ghthaveseeni
t
Nal
e:whathappened?
Precious:somestupi
dcoupl
ecamebeforeicoul
d
fi
nishandst ar
tedhavi
ngsexther
esoihadno
choicebuttoleave
Nale:whydidn'
tyouwai
tfort
hem t
ofi
nishorgo
backafterawhil
e
Preci
ous:bot
hrit
ualshadt
obeperf
ormedbef
ore
00:30Naleorel
setheywoul
dn'
twork
Nal
e:(si
ghed)i
m sorr
ymyf r
iendbutihopeyou
managedwithLovemore?
Pr
eci
ous:ohyesist
art
edt
her
e
Nale:t
hat
'
ssomet hi
ng.Nowallyouhavet
odoisgo
backtoRanakaandtel
lthewomanwhathappened
Precious:she'
sgoi
ngtobemadbutihaveno
choice(herphoner
eport
edamessage)what
!?
Nal
e:whati
sit
?
Pr
eci
ous:mom saysLesedihasgi
venbi
rt
h,(
sighed)
ohgoshno,
nott
hisaswel
l
Nal
e:what
'swr
ong?
Precious:ihadt omakesur ethatthisbit
chandher
l
itt
lebast arddietofreemybr ot herfr
om her .It
'sall
Maya' sfuckingfaulthadshenotcr eatedallthekids
dramaiwoul dhavebeenabl et ofeedthatgirl
poisonont i
..
.waitNalepoison, imadeherchi cken
specifi
callyandputpoi sonini twhatifLovemor e
andLucasat eit,
whati f
..
.
Nal
e:cal
landcheck(
shedi
d)
Lovemore:wear
est
il
lal
ivei
fthat
'swhatyouar
e
checki
ng
Pr
eci
ous:(
closedhereyesi
nrel
ief
)mor
ningl
ovei
want
edto.
..
Lovemore:i
m busyandoh,donotforgett
osendme
yournewaddresssothaticanhaveyourthi
ngs
takent
oyou
Preci
ous:Lovemor
ecanwe.
..
(hehunguponher
)
yeahri
ght
Nal
e:and?
Precious:t
heyarefi
neiguesstheythr
ewthef
ood
awaybuthe' sst
il
lnotsecondguessi
nghi
sdeci
sion
ofkickingmeoutofthehouse
Nal
e:okdon'
tworr
ytheri
tualwil
lwor
kitsmagi
c
j
ustgi
veitt
imeandwhil
ewai t
ingoni
ttowork
pl
easegotoyourmom'shouse
Pr
eci
ous:ahahwhatwi
llisayt
oher
?
Nale:t
hatyoucametocheckonher.Lookit
'snot
l
ikeim ki
cki
ngyououtoranyt
hingbutidon'
twant
myhusbandt ost
artf
eel
inguncomfort
able
Pr
eci
ous:comeonNal
eheknowswear
efr
iends
Nal
e:yesbutwhatifyouhavet
ostayforafewdays
he'
sgoingtostar
taski
ngquest
ionswhichiwon'
t
beabl
et oanswer.
Preci
ous:don'
tworr
yiwillgotal
ktoLovemor
eif
he'sst
il
lnotseei
ngthel
ightiwil
lgotomochudi
Nal
e:okfr
iendyouknowim wit
hyouinthi
sri
ght
?I
woul
dneverdoyouliket
hatbutihavet
omakesure
weguardwhatwedo
Pr
eci
ous:iunder
standmyl
ove
Nal
e:goodnowgobat
hwhi
leiwar
m upyour
br
eakfast

Shesai
dleavingwhil
ePr
eci
oussi
ghedandmade
herwaytothebathr
oom.

AtKgang'
sT&Theadquar
ter
s..
.

Hegotofft
hephonewi t
hhi
sbrot
herandcall
ed
Duncan'
soff
ice.Heremember
edheaskedforaday
of
fashecalledhim.
..

Duncan:manJo
Joshua:youonl
ycallmemanJowhenyouar
eina
si
tuati
onwhat'
sgoingon?
Duncan:(
sighed)ei
shmonnai
mindeepshi
ther
e
Joshua:yes?
Duncan:mamdal
awaxava(
mywi
feknows)
Joshua:what
!?
Duncan:i mtell
ingyou.Thet ri
ptoRamotswa
revealedeverythi
ng.Iforgotihadaveryobser
vant
daught ershepickedthepiecesputthem t
ogether
andi twasallintheclearthenPati
enceconfi
rmed
everything.
Joshua:ihonest
lydon'
twishtobeyouri
ghtabout
now,doyoubl amePati
enceforconf
ri
mingthough?
Shehadnochoi ce
Duncan:yeah(
sighed)ei
shmonnait
sallamess
butwhat'
sshockingismamdal
aisnotsayi
ng
anyt
hing
Joshua:howdi
dsher
eactaf
tert
heconf
ir
mat
ion?
Duncan:shequi et
lylef
tandsl
eptintheguestroom.
Thismorningshef oundusinthekit
chental
king
andactedasi fnothi
nghappened.Sheevensmi l
ed
andwhenil ookedatherfacether
ewer enosignsof
tear
s
Joshua:t
hat'
sdangerousi
fiwer eyouiwouldpack
mybagsandl eavewhil
eist
illcan.Hear
ingthat
yourpart
nerhasbeenmessingar oundwit
h
someoneyouar ecloset
oandf oryear
sisabi g
shock,i
nfactsheshouldbescreamingand
throwi
ngthingsaroundthehousebutthefactthat
she'squi
etshouldbeawar ni
ngtoyouandPat ience.
Ifyoudon'
twantyoursont ohateyouinfutur
esave
hismother
Duncan:yeahiwi
lldoso
Joshua:anddon'
tyoufor
ceLornatot
alkunt
ilshe
comest oyouorel
seshe'
llexpl
ode
Duncan:butbei
ngi
nthedar
kisn'
tni
ce
Joshua:t
hat
'
skar
ma
Duncan:aodude
Joshua:imtell
ingyoukegoreshe'smakingyou
feelthesamethingyoutwohavebeendoi ngt
oher
sor eapwhatyousowmyf r
iend.Nott
hatim
maki ngfunofyoursi
tuat
ionbutyouhaditcoming
boy
Duncan:(
sighed)i
m conf
li
ctednow
Joshua:t
hebal
lisi
nyourcour
tmr.Iont
heother
handim pl
anni
ngonli
vingt
hebestofmyli
fewi
th
Maya.Im nol
ongergoingf orthepret
endgirl
fri
end
i
m goingtoworkonmaki ngsur ethatwebuild
somethi
ngsoli
dandst rong.Thiswomanneeds
someonewhowoul dloveandnat ureher.Shehas
somanywoundst hatneedf il
li
ngandim goingto
betheonetofi
llt
hem
Duncan:atl
eastoneofusi
sdoi
nggood
Joshua:ij
usthopesheopensherhear
tast
ime
goesandtrust
sme
Duncan:yeahneh
Joshua:andsohelpmeGodidon'
tenduplikeyou
i
nfacti
fidon'twantt
oendupl
ikeyouishouldst
ay
awayfrom househel
per
s.Wewil
lshar
echor esi
f
needbe
Duncan:(
chuckl
ed)ohwow
Joshua:anywayiwasjustchecki
nguponyoui
m
offt
oameet ing.Tomor
rowwear eleavi
ngt
o
Maitengweneh
Duncan:oknoprobl
em ibel
ieveiwi
llcomet
othe
of
fi
cetomorrow
Joshua:pl
easedo.Shar
p
Duncan:sur
ebuddy

TheyhungupasJoshuashookhi sheadbutsmil
ed
thinki
ngaboutMaya.Heopenedhislapt
opand
checkedfemaleonl
inebout
iquesst
arti
ngwit
hone
from HouseofChi
.

Att
hebar
racks.
..

Mopatiandhisfr
iendqui
etl
ysatint
hei
rof
fi
ce
t
ypingthei
rrepor
tsasathoughtcametoMopat
i'
s
mind.
..

Mopat
i:Ki
tso
Ki
tso:yebo
Mopati
:kantewhenareyougoingof
font
hatguy
whoinsul
tedyouatthebabyshower
?
Ki
tso:i
m pl
anningt
ogettheboyst
hisweekendi
j
ustneedtoknowhisl
ocati
on
Mopat
i:t
hat
'seasy.He'
sat
eacheri
nLedumangso
f
oll
owhimfrom t
here
Ki
tso:Okthatcoul
dwork.Whyt
hesuddeni
nter
est
?
It
houghtyouwer enoti
ntoi
t
Mopati:noihavej ustt
houghtaboutitnowandim
l
ikenot hesepeoplesometimesthinktheworl
d
revol
vesar oundthem.Justbecausetheyare
sexual
lydiffer
entfrom uswearesupposedtowalk
oneggshel lsaroundthem t
hat'
snoton
Ki
tso:mypoi
ntexact
ly.Don'
tworr
yim goi
ngt
o
t
eachhim al
essonhewon'tfor
get
Mopat
i:t
hat
'sgood

Hesai
dsmi l
ingl
ooki
ngbackonhi
slapt
opwhi
le
Ki
tsocal
ledoneofhi
sboys.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..
Appl
eandSai ntknockedontheroom t
hei
rmother
wassleepi
nginandopenedwi thatr
ayofafr
uit
sal
adandjuiceinApple'
shands..
.

Lorna:(
smil
ed)awwbabyit'
sli
keyouknewiwas
dreadi
ngtheideaofcomi
ngtomakemyselfone

Shesaidput
ti
ngSt
eveHar
vey'
s"Thi
nkl
ikeaman"
novelont
hebedsi
de.
..

Lor
na:t
hankyounana
Sai
nt:wemadei
ttoget
her
Lor
na:t
hankyoumybabi
es.Youcansi
t
Appl
e:howar
eyouma?
Lor
na:(
tookaspoonf
uli
nhermout
h)ohi
m good
mychil
dren
Appl
e:(
frowned)r
eal
lyma?
Lor
na:mmh,
ihavebeenmeani
ngt
otal
kyouguys
act
ual
ly
Sai
nt:about
?
Lor
na:whathappenedl
astni
ght
Appl
e:ok?
Lor na:iunderstandt hatyouar eangryaboutwhat
hasbeendi scover edbutiwoul dli
keyout otoneit
downont hei nsultsmygi rl
.Yesiknow, iknow
whenyouar eangr yit'
shardtocont rolwhatcomes
outofyourmout hbutf acti
sthatPat ienceisan
elderandnomat terwhatshehasdonedoesn' t
meanyoucant hr
owanyi nsultather.Youcango
offatherhoweveryouwant ,i
t'
sok, youar ehurtand
youhavet oreactbuti nsult
ingherisnotagood
thing
Appl
e:okmaihearyoui
m sor
ry
Lor
na:i
t'
sokmyl
ovej
ustdon'
tdoi
tagai
n
Sai
nt:butishoul
dsayyourr
eact
iont
owar
dst
he
whol
et hi
ngisshocki
ng
Lor
na:youexpect
edmet
othr
owf
ist
sandr
ollon
thef
loor
?Nobabywhenyouknowwhoyouar
eyou
don'
tdothat
Appl
e:butwhat
'syourpl
anma?Youcan'
tlett
his
womananddadgetawaywithwhatt
heydidtoyou
Lorna:ij
ustwantt
ositandthi
nkaboutthewhole
thi
ngsomet i
mesreact
ingtooqui
ckl
ytoasi t
uati
on
mightcausemoreharm soihavet
othinkasa
mot her
,wif
eandformyself
,myemotionalwell
bei
ng
Apple:honestl
yspeaki
ngidon'
tknowwhatiwoul
d
havedonei fiwer
eyou
Lorna:lookingathowyouarereacti
ngnowyou
wouldhavewentbal last
iconthem.Yeswereact
dif
ferentl
ybutawomanhast ositbackandassess
thesituati
onthenstr
ike
Appl
e:soyouar
egoi
ngt
odosomet
hingabout
t
hem ri
ght
?
Lorna:marri
ageisnotatoythatyoucanjustt
hrow
away.Al oti
sinvest
edandfeeli
ngsarethi
ngsyou
can'tj
usttur
nof f
.Imar
ri
edyourf at
heroutofl
ove
andi t
houghthelovedmeasmuch
Appl
e:andthefactthatwearehereisprooft
hat
youneverl
iedt
ohi m aboutyourheal
th
Lor
na:exactl
yidon'
tunder
standwhyhecoul dn'
t
j
ustbehonestwithme.Wewoul dhavefoundother
waysforhimtohaveabiol
ogicalchi
ldbutheyonly
hi
m knowswhyhedi dwhathedi dandasfor
Pat
ience(sneer
ed)l
etmenotsayanyt hi
ng
Apple:whateveryoudoj
ustknowthatyouhaveour
supportandifanythi
ngwearegoi
ngwi t
hyou
Lor
na:gowher
e?
Appl
e:whati
fhewant
sadi
vor
ce?
Lor
na:mypar
ent
staughtmet
oal
waysf
ightf
or
what'
smi
ne
Sai
nt:goodbutwhi l
eatitl
et'
sremembert
hatt
he
chi
ldisinnocenti
nallt
his
Apple:ibegtodi ff
erSai nt.Hewoul dbei nnocenti
f
i
twasaonceof fthingandt heycal
litami stakebut
nowt hefactthattheyar eal waystogetherwi t
hhim
showsnomi stakeinal lthisim sor
rybuthewi l
l
havetoblamehi smot hershoul danythingthat'
s
goi
ngt ohappennotf
avourhim.If
oronecoul
d
car
elessaboutwhathappenstohi
m
Lor
na:haveahear
tAppl
e
Apple:i
m sor
ryma.Im notgoi
ngt
odot
hat
.Seeyou
l
aterguysim goi
ngout

ShemadeherwayoutwhileSai
ntcuddlednextt
o
hi
smothereat
inghersal
adastheylaughed.

AtHouseofChicof
feeshop.
..

Lovemorecheckedtheti
meonhisnewwatchas
thewait
erbroughthi
stakeawayor
deroft
wo
muffi
nsandcof f
ee..
.

Lovemor
e:sor
ryhowof
tendoesyourbosscome
here?
Wai
ter
:notof
tenbutsheusual
lycomeson
t
hur
sdays
Lovemor
e:ohsoshewi
llbeher
eanyt
ime?
Wait
er:somet
imesshecomesi
ntheaf
ter
noonso
i
m notsure
Lovemor
e:ohokiwi
llcal
lher

Hesaidgi
vingt
hewait
erati
pandtookhist
hings
headi
ngoutonl
ytobumpint
oChioma..
.

Bot
h:oops(
theyl
aughed)
Lovemor
e:(
smi
led)hi
Chi
oma:mor
ninghowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lovemor
e:i
m goodandyour
sel
f?
Chioma:i
m gr
eat(
smi
led)iseeyouar
eput
ti
ngon
yourgi
ft
Lovemore:ohyesicoul
dn'
twai
ttoputi
tont
his
morning
Chi
oma:thanksf
ort
hechocolat
esevent houghmy
ni
ecedeci
dedtoownthem (
theylaughed)buti
enj
oyedt
hebi
tsihad
Lovemor e:i
m gladyoudid.I
m hur
ryi
ngbackt
othe
offi
cejustthoughtishoul
dcomehereformy
breakf
ast
Chi
oma:ohthat'
sni
ceiguessim goingt
omakea
ki
ll
ingwi
thyourmoney(
theylaughed)
Lovemore:wel
lever
ythi
ngher
eisgoodsowhy
wouldn'
ticomeback?
Chi
oma:i
m happyt
hatyouar
ehappy
Lovemor
e:si
ncewehadlunchi
nyourworkpl
ace
howaboutwehavei
tatmyoffi
cet
histi
mearound?
Chi
oma:ohokiwoul
dbedel
ight
edt
o
Lovemor
e:awesomeseeyoul
ateriwi
llpi
nyout
he
l
ocati
on
Chi
oma:iwi
llbewai
ti
ng
Lovemor
e:al
ri
ghtbye
Chi
oma:byeMrK
Theysmi
ledashel
eftandChi
omasi
ghed.
..

Chioma:yeahneh.Okguyst
hebossi
sher
eKat
li
fol
lowmet otheoff
icewi
tht
hebooks

Shesai
dmakingherwaytot
heoff
icewhi
let
he
wai
ter
satt
endedtocust
omers.

AtMmaLuke'
shouse.
..

Alexanderpar
kedatadi
stanceastheywaitedf
or
thepeopletocomebackfr
om thegraveyar
dinthe
car.
..

Al
exander
:sor
ryfort
helongcallmylovesome
cl
ient
scanbeunnecessar
il
ydif
ficul
t
Maya:idounder
stand
Al
exander
:sohowar
eyourknees?
Maya:iwi
llbef
ine
Al
exander
:that
'sgoodandibel
ieveyouhadagood
ni
ghtsl
eep
Maya:eemmaidi
dbutmymor
ninggotr
uined
whenigott
omyhouse
Al
exander
:whathappened?
Maya:ifoundaholedugbythegat
ewithamatch
boxthathadpinsoniti
nthehol
e(Al
exander
fr
owned)itookitonl
ytofi
ndmyphotoinit
Al
exander
:ahah
Maya:imtelli
ngyouicall
edmyneighbourandhe
mixedroughsaltandwatert
henspri
nkledonthe
gateapparentl
yroughsal
tdoest
akeawaybadl uck
Alexander
:ohok.DidMarel
edi
tel
lyout
hather
fatheri
saservantofGod?
Maya:eemma
Alexander
:goodyoushouldvi
sitourchur
chiwil
l
makesur ethatyouhaveaoneononewi t
hhim
becausethat'
splai
noutwit
chcr
aft
Maya:mynei ghbourt
ell
smet hathewentoutwhen
hi
sdogsbar kedandsawacarnotf arf
rom t
heyard
butcouldn'ttel
lthemodelorplat
enumber.
Alexander:whati swr
ongwithpeoplet
hough
Maya:idon'
treal
lyknowbutiwil
lvi
sityourchur
ch.
Icoul
dthisweekendbutihaveatri
ptoMai t
engwe
wit
haf r
iendofmine
Alexander
:(smi
led)enet
heni
cesmelli
ngand
handsomeyoungmanwesawl astni
ght?
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)eemma
Alexander:soyouguysar
eani
tem?Her
eal
ly
seemsl i
keani ceman
Maya:wear
ejustfr
iendsandyeshe'
saveryni
ce
man.He'
sbeenreal
lygoodtomesinceimethi
m
Alexander:t
hat'
sgoodbutmakesuretosaf
eguar
d
yourheartbecauseicant
ellf
rom t
hesmil
eonyour
facethatyouli
kehim
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)aobat
hong
Alexander
:im ol
dMayasoiknowthesethi
ngs.(The
peoplearr
ivedfr
om t
hegr
aveyards)Anywaylet
'
s
tal
kaboutyourcasewhi
lewewaitf
orthem t
osett
le
down.Whywoul dsomeonepl
antpl
ier
sinyourcar
?
Maya:idon'tknowhonest
lyi
t'
ssomeonewho
doesn'twanttoseemehappyandther
ear
etwo
peoplewhocandot hat
Al
exander
:who?
Maya:mysi
sterandmybabydaddy'
smot
her
Alexander:ohok.Sot
hemot herwant
stogetr
idof
yousot hatshecanhaveyourkids
Maya:yeah(
athoughtcr
ossedhermi
nd)wai
t
Al
exander
:yes?
Maya:myf ormerboss,wheniwenttotakemy
thi
ngshel ockedmei nhisoff
icewanti
ngsome
sexualf
avour sbecausehesentmemoneyt hati
neveraskedf or.Yesiusedt
hemoneybecausei
neededitbutidi dn'
tknowwhoitwasfrom now
ther
e'sonet hinghesaid
Al
exander
:whatdi
dhesay?
Maya:i
fir
ecal
lcor
rect
lyhesai
d"youcoul
dn'twai
t
t
ospendit
.Evenonyourusel
essbabydaddygood
ri
ddancehedied"f
ir
stl
yhedoesn'
tknowanything
aboutmyprivat
eli
feorsoit
houghtandsecondly
howdoesheknowhedi edbecauseinevert
old
anyoneaboutit
?

Alexandersl
owl
ylookedatMayawhocoul
dn'
t
beli
evewhathermindwastel
li
ngheraswel
l.
..

Alexander:(
sneer
ed)youknowwhatl
et'
sgoget
yourchil
drenfi
rstwewil
ltal
kmor
eaboutthi
s
encounteronourwayback

Shechuckl
edshaki
ngherheadwhil
eMayasi
ghed
cl
osi
ngthedoorandtheyheadedi
ntot
heyar
d.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
05] :AKEPTWOMAN
23

Theypassedpeopl
egetti
ngt
hei
rfoodpacksand
wentstr
aightt
othehousewher
etheyf
oundaf ew
el
derl
ywomen. .
.

Al
exander
:goodmor
ning
Al
l:dumel
ang
Al
exander
:renerekopagobonamol
wet
si(
maywe
pl
easeseethebereaved)
Woman:youcangoi
n.Theyar
eint
hatr
oom
Al
exander
:thankyou

Theyheadedtotheroom wi
thMayawal ki
ngbehi
nd
Alexa.Shel
ookedaroundhopingtoseeherkidsbut
therewasnosignofthem.Alexaknockedasthey
gotwelcomedin.Seei
ngthei
rmotherHer
bertand
Apri
ljumpedinexcit
ementandwenttoherasshe
squat
tedhuggingthem..
.

MmaLuke:wai
tsekeal
ekwa(
im honest
lybei
ng
t
ri
ed)
Her
ber
y:mamaimi
ssedyousomuch
Maya:met
oobaby
Apr
il
:ar
eyouher
etogetus?

Mayaj ustsmi
ledandstoodupkeepingastr
aight
facewhileMmaLukelookedatherandAlexain
disbel
ief
..
.

MmaLuke:ij
ustburi
edmyson.Myonl
ychi
ldwho
wasbr
utal
lykil
led
Al
exander
:ourcondol
encesmmebutt
hiscoul
dn'
t
wai
t
MmaLuke:whoar
eyouandwhatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
ewi
tht
hiswi
tch?
Alexander:mynamei sAl
exanderTaolofrom Taolo
Legalservices.I
m MsMoeti
'slegalr
epresent
ative
andwear eherewit
hthematterconcer
ningherkids
MmaLuke:youmeanmychi l
dren?Thechi
ldr
eni
haveal
lther
ightt
otakecar
eof ?Myson'
schil
dren?
Alexander :imt alki
ngaboutHer bertandApr i
lMoet i.
Arewegoi ngt obeof feredseat sorwear egoi ngto
juststandher e?( Thel adiesint herej ustl ookedat
them)ohwel l
.Ma' am asyouar eawar eMsMoet i
wasar r
estedf or" r
unni ngoff"wi thherki ds.Idon' t
knowhowsomeoner unsof fwi thherownki dsand
thent heyar efoundi nGabor onewher etheyhave
beenr esidingal lalongatt heiruncl e'
shouse.
Anywayasyoucanseeimanagedt ogetMsMoet i
releasedandhadt hi scour tinterdictdel i
ver edt his
mor ning(gavehert hepaper s)thiscour tinterdict
simpl ystatesthatt heset wochi l
drendeser vet o
staywi ththeirmot herespeci all
ythatt hei rfather
playednopar tint heirl i
fewhi lehewasst il
lali
ve
justasyoudi dn'tpl ayanypar tsi
ncet heywer ebor n.
Yeswedon' tdisput et hatthingswer edone
properl
ywheni tcomest otradit
ionbuthavi
nga
chil
dcarryyournamei sn'tenough,youhavetobe
presentint
heirli
fe,physically,
emotional
lyand
mosti mport
antlyfi
nancial l
y.Whohasbeent here
forthesechi
ldrenallalong?MsMoet i.Hassheever
deniedyoursonoryouaccesst othekids?No
MmaLuke:butsher
efusedt
obr
ingt
hem wheni
asked
Alexander:whenwast hatMmaLuke?Af t
ershe
myst er
iouslykil
ledyourson,thesonwhodi dn't
careabouther ?Afterwhenyour eal
isedtherewon't
beanyoneyouwi l
lbebossingar oundanymor e?
Somet i
mesasadul tswer eal
lycanbe
unnecessar i
lyself
ishyouknowandl i
tt
ledowe
knowt hathar msthekids.Im notasoci alworkerso
i
m notgoi ngt odwellmuchont hatone.Soasyou
canseei tinclearblackandwhi tewear eleaving
withthekidsandnow
MmaLuke:ifyout
hinkt
hisi
sovert
henyouhave
anot
hert
hingcoming
Al
exander
:thi
sint
erdi
cthoweverdoesn'
thi
nderyou
from st
arti
ngtotakecar eofthesechi l
dr enunti
l
thei
rmot heri
scer t
ainthattheycanvi sityoubut
unti
lthenyouar eonlygoi ngtovisi
tthem ather
housewi thheraroundandj ustsoyouknow
MmaLukeshoul danythinghappent ot hesekidsor
thei
rmot heryouwi l
lbet hefi
rstsuspect .Thankyou.
Doyouwantt osayanyt hingMaya?
Maya:t
hankyouformaki
ngsur
ethatt
heyget
t
hroughtheni
ght
Alexander
:ist
hatal
l?(
Shenodded)wonder
fult
hen
wear egoi
ngtogonow.Onceagaincondol
ences
MmaLukewehopeyougetheal ed.Ki
dsyouare
goinghomewi t
hmommy
Bot
h:(
jumped)yeay!

Theyledthewayoutwi
thoutevensayinggoodbye
toMmaLukeasMayaandAl exandercamebehind
them.MmaLukebreat
hedheavi l
ylooki
ngatthem
walkaway,youwoul
dtel
lthatshewasaboutt o
blastanymomentasoneladyclappedonce.
..
Woman:banyanababakgatl
abamakgakgaaut l
wa.
Nkaser
uengwet si
yamokgatla.Gaaa(
Mochudi
gi
rl
sareunscr
upulousbr
utesiwouldneverhave
oneasadaughterinl
aw)

MmaLukecl ickedhertongueandthr ewtheint

erdi
ct
onthefloor
.InAlexander'scarHerbertandApri
l
sangjoyful
lyputti
ngont heseatbelt
s...

Maya:soyouguys,
howdi
dyousl
eep?
Her
ber
t:f
ine
Apri
l:butwesleptwi
thaboxi
nar
oom andt
hey
sai
dourf at
herwasinsi
de
Maya:(
frowned)whodi
dyousl
eepwi
th?
Her
ber
t:t
heol
dwoman
Maya:di
dtheyshowyout
heper
soni
nthebox?
Bot
h:yes
Apr
il
:he'
sdead
Maya:(
swal
lowed)howdi
dthatmakeyouf
eel
?
Her
ber
t:ok
Apr
il
:yeah
Her
ber
t:sowewi
llneverseehi
m agai
n?
Maya:i
m af
rai
dyes
Her
ber
t:ohok.
Maya:(
sighed)sot
heydi
dn'
tbeatort
alkt
oyoubad?
Bot
h:no
Maya:ok
Alexander
:im goingt
oputcart
oonsont hose
screensbeforeyoukeepyour
selvesbusybutdonot
touchanythingok
Both:yesma'
am (shedi
d)sol
et'
stal
k,howdoes
thatmakeyoufeel
?
Maya:idon'
tknow,imjustwonder
inghowhef eel
s
wi
thhischil
drennotcari
ngaboutwhathappenedto
hi
mifatallhecanseethem
Al
exander
:yeah.Soyourf
ormerbosswhatar
eyou
pl
anni
ngt
odowi
tht
hei
nfor
mat
ionyouhave?
Maya:idon'
tknowithoughtmaybeyouwould
advicemebett
ersi
nceyouknowmor eaboutl
aw
thanido
Alexander:fi
rstl
yiwantustogorepor
thi
m ata
dif
ferentstati
onbecauseithi
nkhe'
sworki
ngwith
thosepeopl einthatst
ati
on
Maya:okt
hatcoul
dwor
kbutwhatwi
llisay?
Al
exander
:pl
ainouthar
assment
Maya:okbuti
sitnotgoi
ngt
obemywor
dagai
nst
hi
s?
Alexander:i
tisbutt
hefactt
hathesentyoumoney
withoutyouaskingfori
twil
lpr
ovethathehasan
agendat opush
Maya:ok
Alexander
:sowhenwegettheretel
lthepol
ice
everyt
hinghesai
dtoyoui
nt hatoff
iceandhowyou
foundthosepl
ier
s
Maya:iwi
ll
Al
exandersmiledcheckingt
hekidsthrought
her
ear
vi
ewmi r
rorheadingtothepoli
cestat
ionwhil
eMaya
smil
edturni
ngt othem.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Aft
erfeedingherdaughtershedeci
dedt otakea
walkaroundtheroom tostret
chhersel
fwhi l
ethe
nursepushedthechil
dout .Shewenttheotherway
whilePreci
ouscamet heotherwayholdingahuge
Ackermansplasti
cbag.Sheknockedandst uckher
headinwi t
hasmi l
eonherf acewhileLesedi
fr
ownedsquat t
ing.
..

Pr
eci
ous:himot
set
si
Lesedi
:(sl
owl
yst
oodup)hel
lo
Pr
eci
ous:aowher
e'st
hel
it
tl
eone?
Lesedi
:thenur
sehasj
ustt
akenher
Pr
eci
ous:i
sshenotsupposedt
obewi
thyou?
Lesedi
:theyar
est
il
lobser
vingher
Pr
eci
ous:oh?I
ssheok?
Lesedi
:she'
spr
emat
urebutshe'
sdoi
ngok
Precious:ohsor
ryt
oheart
hat
.Howf
arwer
eyou
again?
Lesedi
:8mont
hs
Preci
ous:aothat
'snotbad.Anywayithoughti
shoul
dbr i
ngsomeclothesandtoi
let
ri
es
Lesedi
:oht
hankyou
Pr
eci
ous:okaedaddy?(
Chuckl
ed)
Lesedi
:hewenttof
reshenupathomehewi
llbe
hereanyt
imefr
om now
Pr
eci
ous:hemustbehappyneh?
Lesedi
:mmh
Preci
ous:(
sighedl
ookingar
ound)ij
ustt
houghti
shouldcomebyaftermom t
oldmethatyougave
bir
th
Lesedi
:ohokmuchappr
eci
ated
Pr
eci
ous:mmhnowwear
ewai
ti
ngf
oraweddi
ng
Lesedi
:(f
akesmi
led)yeahneh
Pr
eci
ous:i
t'
sbeenl
ongoverdue(
fakel
aughed)
Lesedi
:ahnoever
ythi
nghasi
t'
sownt
ime
Preci
ous:t
ruel
etmegetgoi
ng.Congr
atul
ati
ons
againmydearcomeher
e

Shet
riedt
ohugherbutLesedist
eppedbackand
cl
ear
edherthr
oat
..
.

Pr
eci
ous:ar
eyouok?
Lesedi
:mybr
east
sar
epai
nfulsoican'
thugatt
he
moment
Pr
eci
ous:oh,
oksor
ryanywaybyel
ove
Lesedi
:bye

Shesmi
ledasPr
eci
ousl
eftbutassoonasshe
cl
osedthedoorshecl
ickedhertonguel
ooking
aroundherr
oom.Meanwhi l
ePreciousr
oll
edher
eyesandmadeherwayout .
..

Pr
eci
ous:ot
labonaokar
eogonyet
seTi
tus(
you
woul
dwishmybr ot
hermar
ri
edyou)

Sheclickedhertonguewhi l
eLesedireachedinher
bagandf oundapl asti
c.Sheputitonherhandasa
gl
oveandl ookedi
nsidetheplast
icPrecious
brought..
.

Lesedi
:yougoi
ngtohavetodomoret
hant
hist
o
getri
dofmychildandiyouwi
tch

Shetookt
heplast
icandthr
ewi
tinabi
nwi
tht
he
onesheusedasagloveaswel
l
.

ANHOURAND30MI
NUTESLATER
Mayal aughedget tingof ft
hephonewi thMar el
edi
whiledr i
vingthr
oughJoshua' sgat e.Ast unned
HerbertandApr ilstoodagai nstt
hewi ndowsatt he
backlooki ngoutside.Theyhadneverseensucha
beautifulbigyardwel lonlyontvbutt oseesuch
withtheirtwonakedeyeswasanexper i
enceofa
l
ifet
ime.Ther ewasapoolbyt hef arendt hathada
l
awnar ounditandni cepal l
etcouchesandsun
l
ounger sandasmal lfencearoundi twi t
hami nibar
andbr aaingplacenotf arf
rom it
.Thewhol eyard
waspavedwi thahugedr i
vewayt hatl edtoaquad
doorgar age..
.

Her
ber
t:woooow

Twosmal lpuppi
esrant
othecarasMayaparkedit
i
nfrontofoneofthegar
agedoorsasApr
ilqui
ckly
j
umpedoutt othem..
.
Apr
il
:mamapuppi
esmama

Shesaidexci
tedlypl
ayi
ngwi
ththem whi
leHer
ber
t
gotof
fwithhisjawonthegr
ound..
.

Her
ber
t:mamai
sthi
sadr
eam?
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)noi
t'
sreal
Her
ber
t:soyougotusanewhome?
Maya:nosi
ll
ythi
sisuncl
eJo'
shousewewi
llbe
st
ayi
nghereforsomet
ime
Her
ber
t:iwantt
ost
ayher
efor
ever
Maya:(
laughed)comehel
pmewi
tht
hebagsand
st
opdaydr eaming
Man:ohnonoma'
am wegott
hat
Maya:(
star
tl
ed)ohmywor
dyoust
art
ledmehow
di
dyougetinhere?
Man:MrKgangl
etusi
nma'
am
Maya:r
eal
lynow?Letmecal
lhi
m
Man:whi
leyoudot
hatl
etmet
aket
hebags

Shemovedoutofhiswayanddial
edJoshuawho
didn'
tanswer
.Asshewasabouttodi
alhi
m agai
na
textr
eport
ed.
..

Joshua:i
nameeting.Ibel
ieveyouar
ehomenow
don'
tworryil
ett
hem in
Maya:(
responded)ohok.(
Smi
led)ki
dsl
et'
sgoi
n
Apr
il
:canicomewi
tht
hedogs?
Maya:yesApr
il

Shesai
dleadingthewayi nasherchil
drenfol
lowed
her
.Shefrownedsteppinginthehousefindi
ngtwo
womenbusyf ol
dingclotheswhil
ehangingothers
onashortrag.
..

Maya:(
conf
used)dumel
ang
Women:gooddayma' am wear
esor r
ytodot hi
s
herewejustthoughtt
heywerealotofthem soit
wouldbequickerifwesortt
hem outher
ethent ake
them t
oyourrooms
Maya:yourr
ooms?Youmean?
Woman:yourhusbandreall
ylovesyoumydeardo
youknowhowmuchal lthesecost?Ir
eal
lywi
shi
hadamanlikehi
m
Maya:noidon'
thave.
..
Woman2:evenf ortheki
dsimeant hi
sisjust
amazi
ng.Ijusthopetheyfi
ttheboybecausehe
seemsabittal
ler
Women:it
hinkt
heywi
ll
Maya:(
scof
fed)wai
tami
nut
ewhatar
eyoul
adi
es
onabout
?
Woman:al
lthesear
eforyouandt
heki
dsma'
am
Maya:(
hel
dherchestsmi
li
ng)what
!?
Woman2:youar
eMayaMoet
iri
ght
?
Maya:yesbut
..
.
Woman:t
hent
heyar
eforyou
Maya:ohmywor
dladi
esno

Shesai dput
ti
ngherphoneandcarkeysdown
checkingthecl
othesoutwhi
leHer
bertscannedthe
wholehousewi t
hhissist
err
unni
ngaroundwi t
hthe
puppies..
.

Maya:andt
hesear
eperfectsi
zes.Bathongdoyou
knowhowmuchthisdesigner
'scl
othescost
?
Woman1:henceisayyouar er
eall
ylovedmydear
andjustsoyouknowhedi dn'
tbuythem fr
om any
bout
ique,heboughtt
hem from HouseofChi(
she
showedherhernamet ag)
Maya:iknowhouseofChii
t'
salwaysbeenadream
togetafewit
emsfrom t
hei
rbouti
quenotthewhol
e
shopohwowguysohwow

Shesaidgoi
ngthr
oughtheclothesasaman
dressedi
nachef'
suni
form cameoutoft
hepant
ry.
..
Man:im aboutt
omakesomet hi
ngtoeatforyou
andthekidsma'am doyouguyshaveanyall
ergi
es?
Maya:what
?(Chuckl
ed)nosir(hesmil
edandwent
backt
othekit
chen)soigetaprivat
echefaswell?
Nothi
smustbeadr eam guys.No.Apr
il
,Herber
tdo
notbr
eakanyt
hingplease
Bot
h:(
inwhatwast
hei
rroom)yesmama!
Maya:soguystel
lme,howdoesthi
swor
kdoyou
dothi
swithal
lyourcust
omers?

Shesaidhelpingtheladiesfol
dt hecl
othesasthey
caughtupwi t
ht hechefbusyint heki
tchenanda
wallar
ti
stbusyi nthekidsroom decorati
ngthe
room t
othei
rpr efer
ences.Outsideataxidropped
Lucasoffbythegat ewhor angthebell.

I
nRanaka.
..
Preci
oustookaf ewstepstothedoorholdi
nga
plast
iccontai
ningMaya'sunderwearandstopped,
thoughtofgoingbackbutgrunt
edandt ookanother
twoandst opped.
..

Woman:stopaski
ngyour
selfquest
ionsandcome
doyout
hinkidon'
tknowthatyoufail
ed?

Sheswal l
owedwithembarrassmentwr i
tt
enallover
herfaceandwentinwi t
hherheadbowed.Shesat
onthef l
oorasthewomancur vedherli
pslookingat
herfl
yingthefl
ywhiskoverhershoulderswhil
e
cl
earinghersi
nuses..
.

Pr
eci
ous:kgosi
gadi(
myqueen)
Woman:youdon'
tli
stenneh
Pr
eci
ous:mamaiwas.
..
Woman:aishutup!(
Sheswall
owed)youf
ail
edto
doonesimplet
hingPreci
ousKavi
mbaonesimpl
e
thi
ng.Doyouknowthedamageyouhavedone?Do
youknowthatyouhavebeenexposedandchances
ofthi
scomingbacktoyouarehighdoyouknow
that
Preci
ous:nonopl
easedosomet
hingf
ort
hem t
o
notcomebacktome
Woman:evenonyourhusband
Pr
eci
ous:butiwasabl
etobur
ythem i
nouryar
d
Woman:doyout hi
nkyouwoul dbeher ei
fyouwer e
successful
?Thepr obl
em isyoudon'tl
ist
en.You
shouldhavewentst r
aighthomefrom hereandbe
thereunti
l12am butnoyouchoset orunaroundthe
streetf
ir
st
Pr
eci
ous:ei
sh
Woman:nywei
sh,br
ingt
hatplast
icher
ewhati
m
aboutt
odoisgoi
ngtocostyou
Pr
eci
ous:moneyisnotapr
oblem onl
yifyoucan
makesur
ethatt
hisgoeswel
l
Woman:(
tookar
azorbl
ade)br
ingyourar
m
Pr
eci
ous:why?
Woman:ineedyourbloodaker
eyouandMayaare
si
ster
ssousingyourbloodt
olockherl
if
ewi
llbe
moreeff
ici
ent
Pr
eci
ous:ohok

Sheswal l
owedgi vi
ngherherl ef
tar m ast helady
cutheracoupl eoft i
meswhi l
eshef l
inchedf eel
ing
thepai n.Shespi ll
edt hebloodal loverMaya' s
under wearandgavePr eciousat issue.Shet hen
tookamayonnai sebot tleandaskedPr ecioust o
uri
nat einitandspi tint heunrinet hencallMaya' s
namei ntothebot tl
ethr eetime.Thewomant ooka
smal lfemaledol landwr oteM.Mi niti
alsont he
foreheadoft hedol l,wrappedi twiththebl oody
under wearandputi tint hebottl
ecl osingit.She
tookt hebot t
leandputi tinapotwi t
hboi l
ingwat er
.
Theyqui etl
ysatt herel ookingatoneanot herast he
bottl
ebr okeint hepot ..
.

Woman:i
tisdoneyoumaygobackhome
Pr
eci
ous:whenwi
llt
hingsst
artt
aki
ngef
fect
?
Woman:stopaski
ngmequesti
onsandgi veme
3000andgo.Youwil
lseewhenithappenshavei
everf
ail
edyou?
Pr
eci
ous:no
Woman:good
Preci
ous:(
tookoutt
hemoney)whataboutmy
husband?
Woman:iwi
llhavet
ogot
oyourhouset
oni
ght
Pr
eci
ous:ohok

Sheputthemoneyont hematandl ef
twhilethe
wit
chdoctorshookherhead.Feel
ingalotmore
posi
ti
vePr eci
oussmil
edandcal l
edherfri
end.

AtJor
ge'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Hecheckedi
fhetookever
ythi
ngheneededand
madehiswayoutonl
ytobumpi nt
otwopoli
ce
of
fi
cers.
..
Jor
ge:sor
ry,
howcanibeofhel
p?
Off
icer:gooddaysi
rwewoul
dli
ket
oaskyouaf
ew
questi
ons
Jor
ge:about
?Besi
desihaveameet
ingt
ogett
o
Of
fi
cer:i
t'
samatt
erofl
if
eanddeat
hsi
rsot
he
meet
ingcanwai
t
Jor
ge:i
mrunni
ngacompanyher
e
Of
fi
cer:goodthengetyourPAtopost
ponethe
meet
ingbecausewear enotgoi
nganywher
eunti
wefi
nishwhatwear eheref
or

Hef rownedandst eppedbackastheywenti

nand
tookt heirseat
s.Hesneeredandt
ookhisphone
call
ingt herecept
ioni
st.
..

Jor
ge:sowhatar
ethequest
ionsyouhavef
orme?
Offi
cer:al
adybythenameMayaMoet
ihasl
aida
chargeofhar
assmentagai
nstyou
Jor
ge:what
!?
Officer
:yesandthereareaf ewthingsshehas
broughttoli
ghttousconcer ni
nganacci dentthat
happenedear l
yhour sofSundaywhi cht
ookt he
fatherofherchil
dren'
slif
e,Luke.

Heinstantl
yfel
thotf
lushesal
loverhi
sbodyashe
star
tedfeel
inguncomfort
abl
eonhisseatwit
hthe
l
ookont hoseoffi
cer
sfacesnotmakingi
tany
easi
er.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
05] :AKEPTWOMAN
24
Of
fi
cer
:Jor
ger
ight
?
Jor
ge:(
swal
lowed)yes
Of
fi
cer
:howl
onghaveyouknownMsMoet
i?
Jor
ge:3year
s
Of
fi
cer
:howwoul
dyoudescr
ibeyourr
elat
ionshi
p?
Jor
ge:empl
oyer
/empl
oyee
Of
fi
cer
:that
'
showi
tis?
Jor
ge:yessi
r
Off
icer
:dousual
lysendyourempl
oyeesmoney
anonymousl
y?(Hekeptqui
et)
Jor
ge:t
hosei
nneed
Of
fi
cer
:whyanonymousl
y?
Jor
ge:becauseiwantt
okeepmypr
ivacy
Offi
cer:howmanyemployeeshaveyousentmoney
recent
lyorshoul
disayi
nt hepast3months?
Jor
ge:i
m notsur
emaybe3/
4
Offi
cer:oknot
ed.Doyouevert
ellt
hem t
hatyou
sentthem moneywhenti
megoes?
Jor
ge:Someyes
Of
fi
cer
:inexpect
ati
onsofwhat
?
Jor
ge:idon'
tunder
stand
Offi
cer
:astandar
d3woul
dunder
standwhat
expect
ati
onsmeansi
r
Jorge:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat)nothi
ng.Idon'
t
underst
andwhatyouaretr
yingtoinsi
nuat
e
Of
fi
cer
:whydi
dyout
henl
ockyour
sel
fint
heof
fi
ce
wi
thMsMoeti
?
Jor
ge:shesaidso?Ineverdi
dsuchathi
ngihavea
l
ottodot hant
olockmyselfi
ntheof
fi
cewit
h
employees
Of
fi
cer
:whenwast
hel
astt
imeyousawher
?
Jor
ge:t
hedayshewasl
etgof
rom wor
k
Offi
cer:ohok.Not
ed.Sirdoyouremembersayi
ng
anythi
ngtoMsMoet iaboutherf
ather
'ski
ds?
Jor
ge:i
m nott
hatcl
oset
ohert
otal
ktoherabout
herpr
ivat
eli
fe
Of
fi
cer:hassheevershar
edanyt
hingofherl
if
e
wi
thyou?
Jor
ge:ijustt
oldyouwehadanempl
oyerand
employeerel
ati
onitendedt
her
e
Off
icer:oksirnot
ed.Herewit
hmei
sasear
ch
warranttosearchyourcarsi
r
Jor
ge:why?
Of
fi
cer
:wher
eisi
t?
Jorge:youcan'
tsear
chmycarwit
houtgi
vingmean
explanat
ionofwhyyouhavet
osearchi
t
Off
icer
:soyouaregoingtogoagainstt
heorder
sof
t
hewar r
ant?(Hekeptqui
et)it
houghtasmuch.May
wepleasehavethekeys

Jorgelookedatt
hem andslowlyreachedi
nhi
s
pockettaki
ngoutthecarkeys.
..

Of
fi
cer
:of
fi
cerpl
easegosear
cht
hecar
Jorge:whyar eyoupeoplesoabusi ve?You
honestlyli
keabusingpower .Idon'
tknowwhatyou
aretryi
ngt oaccusemeofbuticanpr omiseyou
onet hi
ngim goingt osueyou.Youar egoi
ngto
knowt hatpeople'
spr i
vat
ethingshavetobe
respected.Youbr i
ngapieceofpaperandf or
ceme
toletyougot hroughmycar .Heylonadoipayyou
tostareatpeople?Gobackt owor k!

Hecli
ckedhist
onguef ol
lowi
ngt
heof
fi
cer
sasone
st
oppedattherecept
ion.
..

Jor
ge:whyar
eyoust
oppi
ng?
Off
icer
:pl
easegoaheadwitht
heoffi
cerandmake
sur
ehedoesn'tt
akeanyt
hingf
rom yourcar
Jor
ge:whyar
eyoust
ayi
ngbehi
nd?
Of
fi
cer
:ineedt
otal
ktooneofyourempl
oyees
Jor
ge:why?
Of
fi
cer
:Jor
geyouar
ewast
ingt
ime
Hesqui
nthi
seyesandsni f
fedl
eadi
ngthewayto
t
hecarwhil
et heotherof
fi
cershookhi
sheadgoi
ng
t
otheHRoffice..
.

Of
fi
cer
:knockknock
Lady:i
t'
sopen
Offi
cer
:gooddayma'
am iwouldl
iket
oaskyoua
fewquest
ionsi
fyoudon'
tmind?
Lady:nopr
obl
em si
r.Youmaysi
t
Offi
cer
:noi
m okonmyf eet
.Howl
onghaveyou
beenanemployeeher
e?
Lady:over7year
s
Offi
cer
:haveyoueverr
ecei
vedanonymouscash
fr
om yourboss
Lady:(
frowned)no
Off
icer
:okwhi
chempl
oyeehasser
vedt
hel
ongest
her
e?
Lady:mysel
fist
art
edwi
tht
hecompany
Off
icer
:andyouneverr
ecei
vedcashf
rom your
boss?
Lady:yessi
r
Of
fi
cer
:howcl
osewasyourbossandMsMoet
i?
Lady:theywer ejustfi
nebutt hewayhewoul
dgreet
hereverymor ningwasdi ff
erentf
rom t
hewayhe
greet
edot herempl oyees
Of
fi
cer
:isi
t?Howso?
Lady:hewouldhavethebiggestsmi l
eonhisf ace
andhewouldoffereveryonelunchonherbi r
thday
butwhenitcomestootherempl oyeeshewoul dbuy
maybesconesforbreakfastorjustsnacks
Offi
cer:butf
orMsMoet
ihewoul
dbuyl
unchf
or
everyone?
Lady:yessi
r
Of
fi
cer
:whenwast
hel
astt
imeyousawMsMoet
i?
Lady:onMondaywhenshecamef orhert
hings.We
spokeforabi
tthenpar
tedwaysasshewentt o
Jor
ge'
sof
fi
ce
Off
icer
:(not
ed)ohisee.Haveyoueverseenyour
bosswithanyonet
hatlookssuspi
cious.Coul
dbe
danger
ousmaybe
Lady:umm nobutther
e'st
hispol
iceof
fi
cerwho
al
wayscomesher e
Of
fi
cer
:ohok.Doyouhavehi
snames?
Lady:noidon'
tbuticanorgani
set
hecct
vfoot
age
foryoumaybeyouwi l
lknowhim
Offi
cer:(
smil
ed)ohthankyouiwouldappr
eci
ate
that
.Pleasegeti
ttoget
herandmaili
ttoGwest
stat
ion.Mynamei sConst
ableKer
eng
Lady:oksi
riwi
ll
Ker
eng:t
hankyou

Hesmiledwalkingoutashiscol
leaguecameback
i
nholdi
ngaser vi
ceki
twit
hJorgecomi ngbehi
nd
hi
m sti
llcomplaini
ng.
..
Jorge:justsayi
tifyouwantanewser
viceki
tican
organizeoneforyou
Ker
eng:(scof
fed)iseeyounevergett
ir
edoft
alki
ng.
Off
icerwhatdoyouhave?
Offi
cer:si
raservi
cekitt
hat'
smissi
ngapairof
pl
iersandifyoucanlookattheendoft
hetool
sin
heretheyhavethesamedesignastheoneonthe
pl
iershandles
Jor
ge:(
chuckl
ed)ohwow
Kereng:(t
ookouthiscuf
fs)Jor
geMadi bayouhave
beenarrestedf
orthemurderofLukeand
harassmentofMayaMoet i
.
Jor
ge:what
!?
Kereng:(
grabbedhi m andputt hecuf
fsonhim)you
havetheri
ghtt oremainsilentandwhateveryou
sayordowi llbeusedagai nstyouint
hecour tof
l
aw.Youhavet herighttoalawyerbutifyoucan't
aff
ordonet hestateshallprovi
de
Jor
ge:youaremaki
ngami
stakeandyouar
egoi
ng
tor
egrett
his!
Ker
eng:l
et'
smovei
tsi
r.Thankyouever
yone

Hegr abbedhi m bythewaistofhispantsand

draggedhi m outwhilet
heempl oyeeslookedon
shocked.TheHRl adyclappedonceandcal l
edthe
surveil
lanceoffi
ce.

AtNal
e'
shouse.
..

Pr
eciouspar
kedhercarandheadedi
nsi
desi
ngi
ng
whi
leNalesmil
edlooki
ngather.
..

Nal
e:andt
henwena?
Preci
ous: thingsareworki
ngf
ormy
good ( l
aughed)fr
om nowoncallmebossl
ady
Nal
e:ibel
ieveever
ythi
ngwentaccor
dingl
y
Preci
ous:evenbetteriwassowor
ri
edt hatiwas
goingtodisappoi
ntmom butyohf
riendthatwoman
aishamethatwomanknowsherst aff1212i t'
s
doneandiwasl
ikeheebanna
Nal
e:soyoumanagedt
ocastt
hespel
l
Preci
ous:hamonat
ejwangtsal
a(t
heylaughed)
nowshesaysimustwatchandseeeveryt
hing
worki
ngout.
Nal
e:evenonLovemor
e?
Preci
ous:wellt
heoneicastwon'
tworkbutshe
assur
edmet hatshewil
lgotothehousetoni
ght
andmaket hethi
ngshappen
Nal
e:tsenawenagirl
.I'
m gl
adthingsar egoi
ngwell
f
oryoumyl ove.Forasecondiwasst ressed
wonderi
ngifyouweregoingtoloseitallj
ustli
ke
t
hat
Pr
ecious:who?Me?NotPreci
ousKavi
mbamyl
ove.
I
m desti
nedforgr
eat
nessshame
Nal
e:icant
ell
.Sowhat
'st
hest
orywi
thLesedi
?
Preci
ous:(
scoff
ed)thatone,youseet hatone,
the
dayim goi
ngtocatchherwillbeoneandshewi ll
begformercyi
mt ell
ingyou.Shethinksshe'sclever
butshedoesn'
tknowwhoshe' sdeal
ingwi t
h
Nal
e:di
dyougett
hecl
othesl
ikeisuggest
ed
Pr
ecious:yeslovei
mjustwait
ingonTi t
us'scal
l
cr
yinghistear
soutandibei
ngt helovi
ngbi gsi
ster
wi
llbetheretocomfor
thimthoroughitall
Nal
e:goodgi
rl
.Onethi
ngim dyi
ngfori
stosee
Mayacomingtoyouaski
ngforhel
p
Precious:(
laughed)yeahoneoft hesedaysshewi
ll
real
isethatim heronlysavi
nggrace.Oncethat
happensiwi llknowthatahnoihaveherr i
ght
wher eiwanther( t
heylaughed)
Nal
e:sohaveyout
ri
edr
eachi
ngoutt
oLovemor
e?
Preci
ous:imightbedependentonhi
m butim not
goingtogrovel
.Preci
ousnevergr
ovel
she'sgoing
tocomebackr unningit
ellyou
Nale:butchomiyouknowit
oldyouaboutmy
husbandr i
ght
Preci
ous:yesj
ustgi
vei
tonemoredayakereit
old
youthatwomanispayi
nghi
m avisi
ttoni
ght
Nal
e:ihopei
tallwor
ksoutbecauseidon'
twantto
bef
orcedtoanswerquest
ionsidon'
thaveanswer
s
t
o
Pr
eci
ous:comeonNal
e
Nale:yesfr
iendmyhusbandcanaskquest
ionst
hat
youwi l
lenduptel
li
ngt
hetrut
h
Pr
eci
ous:kant
ehaveyounotl
ear
nedat
hingf
rom
meNale?
Nale:i
t'
snotaboutthatf
ri
end.
..
(si
ghed)anywayi
wil
lgiveitonemoresay
Preci
ous:great
.Haveyoumadesomet
hingt
oeati
wanttonibbleonsomethi
ngf
astt
hengotothe
garage
Nal
e:idi
dn'
tthi
nkyouwouldbebackthi
squicksoi
madeformysel
f.Youcanhel
pyoursel
fdear
Pr
eci
ous:ur
ghNal
emma
Nale:aeyouarenotavisi
torher
emmasosee
yoursel
foutheebathong

Shelaughedgoi
ngout
sidewhi
lePr
eci
ouswentt
o
theki
tchen.
AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Heparkedhiscarunderoneoft heshadesand
smil
edwavingatHerbert,
AprilandLucaswhower
e
pl
ayi
ngballwiththepuppiesbyt hepool
..
.

Joshua:howar
eyoudoi
ngguys?
Her
ber
t:wear
egooduncl
eJo
Joshua:ni
ce

Hesaidgoi
ngi
nsidewherehefoundthechefbusy
wit
hlunchwhi
let
heladi
esfini
shedpacki
ngtheir
t
hings.
..

Joshua:l
adi
es
Woman:hel
loMrKgangwearedoneyourwi
fei
s
busyt
ryi
nghernewcl
otheson
Joshua:(
smi
led)she'
sjustaf
ri
endl
adi
esbutt
hank
yousomuch
Woman:t hepl
easurei
sourssi
r.Thoughyousay
she'
sjustafri
endishoul
dsayshe'sawonderf
ul
woman
Joshua:(
smi
led)ohok

Theysmiledmakingt
hei
rwayoutwhil
eJoshua
greet
edtheart
istwhowasfi
nishi
ngupint
heki
ds
room andwenttoMaya'
s.
..

Joshua:knockknock
Maya:j
ustasecond

Shezippedhercr
imsonjumpsui
tthatsatwel
lon
hervolupt
uousandpet
it
ebody..
.

Maya:comei
n
Shesaidcheckinghersel
fouti
nthemi
rr
orwhi
le
Joshuacamei nsmili
ng..
.

Maya:ohhiyouar
ehomeear
ly
Joshua:ideci
dedt
ocomehomeassoonasi
fi
nishedwithmymeet
ings.Youl
ookbr
eat
htaki
ng
Maya:(smil
ed)thankyousomuch.Imustsayal
l
thesecl
othesareperf
ectsi
zesiwonderhowyou
gotthesi
zesright
Joshua:icheckedt hesi
zeofyourjeansandtop
whenibr oughtyourbreakf
astinthemorningsorr
y
toi
nvadeyourpr ivacyli
kethatyoumustthinki
m
weir
d
Maya:ohnonoi t
'sokt
hisisyourhouseaf
teral
l
(theychuckl
ed)whydidyouaskmet ogogetmy
thingsi
fmyki dsandiweregoingtogetawhole
newmakeover ?
Joshua:Iwant
edi
ttobeasur
pri
se.Ar
eal
lthe
cl
othesfit
ti
ngt
hem?
Maya:not
her
ear
eaf
ewt
hatneedt
obeal
ter
ed
Joshua:ohokwewillgosortt
hatoutaft
erhavi
ng
l
unchtheChefiscookingupastor
mt here
Maya:iknow.Haveyouseent
heki
ds?
Joshua:yeaht
heyar
epl
ayi
ngwi
tht
hei
rcousi
nby
thepool
Maya:speaki
ngofhi
m hewasaski
ngi
fhecoul
d
comealongwithust
oMait
engwetomor
row
Joshua:nopr
obl
em hewillbehel pi
ngwit
hthekids
soiseewhynot,butdi
dhet al
kt ohispar
ent
s,i
don'
twanttobeaccusedoftakingsomeone'schil
d
Maya:yeahhi
sdadi
sokwi
thi
tweact
ual
lycal
led
hi
m whenhegother
e.
Joshua:hi
smot
her
?
Maya:apparentlyt
hehusbandki
ckedheroutofthe
houseaft
erhel ear
nedaboutwhatshedi
d.He's
pl
anningtodivorceher
Joshua:yoursi
steri
shonestl
ysomethi
ngel
se.Soi
wasthinki
ngafterl
unchweshouldgodoourhair
s
thenmakedinnerplans.I
sLucassl
eepi
ngover
?
Maya:hewant
sto
Joshua:i
mtot
all
yokwi
thi
t
Maya:howabouticookdi
nner
?
Joshua:youwoul
d?Ar
en'
tyousupposedt
odoyour
nai
ls?
Maya:nai
lshaveneverst
oppedmef
rom cooki
ng
Joshua:ohithoughtyouguysneverwanttot
ouch
anythi
ngaft
erdoingyournail
s(t
heylaughed)
Maya:t hosewhosaythatarelazypeople.I
nstead
ofspendi ngmoremoneyatar estaur
antiwillcook
dinner.Wehavealotofcostsaheadofus.Goi ngt
o
Mai t
engweandcomi ngbackher eneedsalotof
petrolandyouknowhowexpensi vepet r
oli
s.Again
youar esupposedtocontr
ibutesomethingforyour
mot her'
spart
ysowehavet obecarefulonhowwe
spendt hemoney(hejustsmiledwhil
eshespoke
asshef rowned)what?
Joshua:i
mlist
eni
ngtohowyoukeepsayingwe, we
weandi mpr
essedabouthowf
inanci
all
ydisci
pli
ned
youare
Maya:(smil
ed)idi
dn'
tmeant
oover
stepmy
boundari
es
Joshua:nonoit
sok.Atleastnowiknowihave
someonewhowi llal
waysgetmei nlinewheni
t
comest omoney.Soiguesswewi llgodoourhai
rs
thencomebackhomef orthedinneryouhave
promised
Maya:deal
.(Cl
ear
edhert
hroat
)butwhyJoshua?
Joshua:whywhat
?
Maya:whyareyoudoi
ngallt
his?Imeanweonl y
haveafewdaysknowi
ngoneanot herandyouhave
al
readydonesomuch.Notsayingit
'sabadthi
ng
butij
ustwantt
ounderst
and
Joshua:ihaven'
tfeltsodrawnt osomeoneinalong
ti
meandonet hi
ngmymom t aughtmeisal
ways
makesur eimaket hatspecialper
soni
nmyl if
ef eel
appreci
atednotonlybygi ft
sandmoneybutbei ng
emotionall
yavai
lableforthem
Maya:sowhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Joshua:whathaveyout
akenf
rom t
hatst
atement
?
Maya:youar
eat
tr
act
edt
ome?
Joshua:yes
Maya:buticomewi
thal
otofbaggageJoshua
Joshua:wel liwantt ohelpyoucar rythatbaggage
andt hrowawayt heunwant edthingsf rom that
baggage( tookherhand)youar easpeci alwoman
Maya, veryspeci althatyouhavemademer ethink
myi deaofj usthavingyouasapr etendgirl
fri
end
thisweekend.Yourscar shonest l
ymakeyoueven
mor eattract i
venotsayingyoudeser vethem and
goshwhatabeaut i
fulmot heryouar eMaya.Most
kidsyourchi l
dren'sagear espoi ltandsomei ll
manner edbutyourchi ldrenappr eciateeverylit
tle
thingtheyr eceive.There'snot hinggor geousl i
kea
womanwhoi sawonder fulpar entandwoul ddo
anythingf orherchi l
dren.Youar eagr aduatebut
youneversatbackandsai diwoul dneverdoodd
jobs.Wi t
horwi thoutchil
dr enibel ieveyouwoul d
stil
lnotchoosej obsandyourr ewar disgoingt obe
greaterthanyouexpectt r
ustme
Hesaidsoftl
yrubbingherhandassheswal lowed
andmovedcl osertohim.Noonehasevermadeher
thewayshef el
tthatmoment.I
tfel
tli
keapl aybutit
wasallr
eal.Shel i
ckherl
owerandwentcl osert
o
hisf
aceandasshewasaboutt oplantakissonhis
l
ipsheheldherf aceandki
ssedherforeheadthen
huggedher..
.

Joshua:( soft
ly)wear enotthereyet .Ir
espectyou
somucht onotrushintoanyt hi
ngandj ustbecause
ididalltheset hi
ngsforyoudoesn' tmeaniwant
anyfavour sfrom you.Iwantourf irstki
ssand
physicalencount erbemeani ngfulandnotseem as
ifi
mt akingadvant ageofyou.( Letgoofher )f
inish
upf i
tt
ingyourcl othesim goingtochangeandj oin
thekidswhi lewewai tforlunch

Hesmi l
edandki
ssedherhandgoi
ngoutwhi
lea
speechl
essMayastoodt
here.
..

Maya:(
sof
tl
y)bat
hong.SoGodyoust
il
lmakemen
l
ikeJoshua?(
Shescof
fed)wowj
ustwow

Shechuckledblocki
nghert
ear
sandcont
inuedwi
th
hernewclothes.

THATAFTERNOON

AtBi
anca'
swor
kpl
ace.
..

Shesul
kedbytherecept
ionsort
ingoutsomef
il
es
af
terdi
rect
ingacl
ientwheret
ogo...

Bi
anca:idon'
tunder
standwhyt
hiswomanhadt
o..
.

Shest oppedt
alkingasshesawLewis'
scarpar
k
outsideandquicklywentt
ooneofthenai
l
technici
anssi
tt
ingcloseby..
.
Bianca:l
ovewhent heguycomingf
rom t
hatcar
getsinheret
ellhi
mt hati
m outonameeti
ngok
Lady:(
frowned)whatmeet
ing?
Bianca:j
ustdoi
t(l
ookedout
)he'
scomi
ng(
sher
an
tothebathr
ooms)
Lady:whoar
eyoul
eavi
ngt
hef
rontdeskwi
th.
..
yeah
ri
ght

Shesai
dgoi
ngt othef
rontdeskwhi
leLewismade
hi
swayinswinginghi
skeysonhisf
inger.
..

Lady:wel
comet
oyournai
lDoct
orbarsi
rhowmayi
beofhelp
Lewi
s:hinanai
syourbossi
n?
Lady:yessi
rshe'
sin
Lewi
s:ohr
eal
lyokcaniseeher
?
Lady:she'
sst
il
lbusywi
thacl
ientsi
r
Lewi
s:noBi
ancai
sal
waysf
reeatl
unchnomat
ter
what
Lady:ohyoumeanBi
ancaohshest
eppedoutsi
r
Lewi
s:wher
edi
dshego?
Lady:t
oameet
ing.
Lewi
s:whenwi
llshebeback?
Lady:t
otait
ssomeki
ndofwor
kshopsoi
twi
llbef
or
thewholeday
Lewi
s:ohok.Nowonderherphonehasbeenof
f
Lady:yessi
r
Lewis:al
ri
ghtt
henpleaset
ellheriwasher
eand
thatsheshoul
dcal
lmeneh
Lady:iwi
llsi
r
Lewis:(
lookedathishands)ishouldbooka
manicureappoint
mentwi t
hyouguyschal kkanae
kgonagont shamagotsane(theylaughed)ci
ao
nana
Lady:bye
Hewal kedoutwhil
etheyoungladyshookherhead.
Biancacameoutoft hebat
hroomsandsighedwhile
Lewisdroveoff
..
.

Bi
anca:t
hankyousomuchl
ove
Lady:thankyoumyf ootBianca.Aft
ert
heot herday
dramayouar esti
llconti
nui
ngwi t
hyournonsense?
Whyi severyonecall
ingyoubosswhent heyget
here?
Bi
anca:j
ustgobacktoyourst
ationandmindyour
ownbusiness.Move,
moveausinyana(shej
ust
st
oodthere)heel
ammasutaao

Theyoungl
adysneeredandwentbackt
oher
st
ati
onwhil
eBiancasatdownandconti
nuedwi
th
whatshewasdoing.

AtKavi
mba'
smot
orgar
age.
..
Chiomat hankedtheladywhoshowedhert heoff
ice
andknockedont hegl assdoorasLovemore
signal
ledhertocomei n.Sheputt
hetakeawayson
thetableashefinishedhisphonecall
..
.

Lovemore:hi
.Sosor
ryf
ort
hat
,howar
eyou?Isee
youbroughtf
ood
Chi
oma:im good.Yeahit
houghtishoul
dbr
ing
somet
hing
Lovemore:ihadal
readyor
der
edbuti
tsokt
he
worker
swi l
lhavet
hem
Chi
oma:ahnol
ett
hem havet
heonesibr
ought
Lovemor
e:noi
t'
sokimeanwhowoul
dsaynot
oa
ri
chwoman'sf
ood(t
heyl
aughed)
Chioma:whydoigetafeel
ingt
hatoneoft
hese
daysyouaregoi
ngtorobme
Lovemor
e:ha!Iwouldn'tevent
ryt
oiswearyou
havehi
ghsecuri
tysystem
Chioma:l
et'
sjustsayyouwoul
dbethemostfear
ed
thugint
hewor l
dtobeablet
ostealf
rom me(
they
l
aughed)howar
eyou?
Lovemor e:i
m goodwasst i
llont
hephonewit
hmy
son.He'sgoingtoMai t
engwewithhi
sauntand
cousinstomorrowsoiwant edtomakesur
ehehas
everythi
nghemi ghtneed
Chi
oma:ohok.He'
ssoluckyt
ohaveadadl ikeyou.
Youal
waystal
kabouthi
m butnotyourdaughter
why?
Lovemore:i
t'
snotthatidon'
ttal
kabouthershe'
sat
hergrandmother
'shousefort
heholi
days
Chi
oma:oht hat
'sni
ce.(
Theydugi
n)caniaskyoua
per
sonalquesti
on?
Lovemor
e:yeahgoahead

AshesaidPreci
ousmadeherwayi n.Shespoketo
oneoftheemployeesbutf
rownedasshesawt he
backofawomani ntheoff
ice.
..

Chi
oma:ar
eyouapr
ayer
fulman?
Pr
eci
ous:i
sthatacust
omer
?
Lady:noma'
am i
tsMrKavi
mba'
svi
sit
or
Lovemore:int
erest
ingquest
ion.I
m mor
eofa
tr
adit
ionalman
Chi
oma:ohsoyouar
emor
eofanAf
ri
canr
eli
gion
bel
iever
?
Lovemor
e:yes,
whydoyouask?
Preci
ous:naar
e..
.(
scof
fedsqui
nti
nghereyes)ar
e
theyeat
ing?

Shecl
ickedhert
ongue.
..

Chioma:(li
ckherfinger
)im aspiri
tual
lygif
ted
woman.Icanseewhathappensi nthespiri
tual
real
m butim notpracti
singbutonceimeeta
personandiseesomet hingbot
heringaboutthem i
tel
lthem andadvicethem onhowt of i
xthi
ngs
Lovemor
e:soyouhaveseensomet
hingaboutme?
Chi
oma:noti
ncl
earvi
ewbuti
thasbeenr
eveal
edt
o
met
hatyou.
..
Preci
ous:(
opened)ohsothisiswhyyouki
ckedme
outofthehouse?Tohavelunchwit
hfakehai
r
womeni nyouroff
ice?
Lovemor
e:notnowPr
eci
ous
Pr
eci
ous:sor
ryausi
heel
aimt
alki
ngt
oyou

Shesai
dtappi
ngChi
oma'sshoul
derasshef
rowned
l
ooki
ngatherdar
khand.
..

Precious:t
hismanismarri
eddoyouhearme?So
st
ayawayandj ustsoyouknowi
mthewifeandyou
don'twanttomesswi t
hme
Lovemore:Preci
ousisai
dnotnow.Chi
omai
m so
sorr
yidon'tunderst
andwhy.
..
Preci
ous:(f
oldedherarmsandcur vedherl
ips)
gatweChiomar eal
lyLovemoreyouarecheatingon
mewi thanigeri
anslut
?(Chiscoff
edstandi
ngup)
yeah,go,
out.Hamba!
Lovemor
e:Pr
eci
ous,
Chi
..
.
Chi
oma:i
t'
sokMrKavi
mba

Shetur
nedtoPr
eci
ous,
squi
nthereyesandf
li
pped
herhai
rgoi
ngout
..
.

Chi
oma:(
inYor
uba)ọl
ẹAj
e(l
azywi
tch)SeeyouMr
K

Shegracef
ull
ywal
kedoutwhil
ePreci
ousl
ookedat
herfr
om downupandcli
ckedhert
onguewhi
leher
husbandshookhi
sheadsit
ti
ngdown.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lornacamedownthest
air
sasDuncanqui
ckl
ygot
offthecouch.
..
Duncan:okl
oveihavegivenyoumorethanenough
spacecanwepleaset
alkaboutwhathappenedlast
night
Lor
na:Pat
ience?P?
Pat
ience:yes?
Lorna:(
frownedatherresponseandsneer
ed)
anywaycanyoupl easepackyourthi
ngsandl
eave
myhome
Duncan:babecan.
..
(shegavehi
m al
ookashekept
qui
et)
Pat
ience:comeagai
n?
Lorna:idon'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thanyonesopl
ease
takeyourthi
ngsandgo
Patience:i
m sor
rybuti
m notgoi
nganywher
e.I
n
factiaskedmysistert
obri
ngDuncanJrwit
hallhi
s
thi
ngsbecausehe'smovinginwit
hus
Duncan:wai
t,what
!?
Pat
ience:yesandwear
ehost
inghi
sbi
rt
hdaypar
ty
her
etomor row
Shesai
dwi t
hapoutlookingatLor nawhoquietl
y
l
ookedatherwithherheartracingasherbr
eathi
ng
pacei
ncreasedbyeachmi ll
isecond.
..

Appl
e:(
wal
kedinsingingbutst
oppednot
ici
ngt
he
t
ensemoment)everyt
hingok?
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
05] :AKEPTWOMAN
25

Duncan:Pat
iencewhatdi
dyouj
ustsay?
Appl
e:Pat
ience?Saysomet
hing?I
nwho'
shouse?
Lor
na:nanaki
ndl
yst
ayoutoft
his
Pat
ience:shebet
terbecauset
hishasnot
hingt
odo
wit
hher.YouheardmeDuncan
Lorna:youar
enotgoi
ngt
otal
ktomydaught
erl
ike
that
Pati
ence:or
utengwanawagagomai t
seoee,kana
kegonegoregaoit
segor
egot shol
agont sejang
(t
eachhersomemannersthenorisitbecauseyou
don'
tknowwhatgivi
ngbi
rthisli
ke)

Lornaswal
lowedwhileAppl
e'
shear
tski
ppedabeat
asshedroppedtheshoppi
ngbagsshehadonher
hand..
.

Duncan:Pat
iencet
hat
'senough!

AshesaidApplewasalr
eadyonPat
ience'
sface
whil
eLornasl
owlysatdownwit
hherheart
shat
ter
ed..
.
Duncan:Appl
e!Pat
iencest
op!(
Hesai
dtr
yingbr
eak
t
hem off)
Appl
e:youknownot
hingaboutmymot
her
!
Pat
ience:youl
it
tl
espoi
ltbr
at!
Sai
nt:(
camedownr
unni
ng)what
'sgoi
ngonhey!

Hesaidpull
inghissi
sterawaywhi
leDuncanhel
d
Pat
ienceback..
.

Pat
ience:ket
lagot
rapamoset
sana!(
Iwi
llbeatyou)
Appl
e:yout
hinkim af
rai
dofyou?Sai
ntl
etmeshow
t
hisbi
tchwhatim madeofl
etgoofme!
Sai
nt:Appl
est
op!
Duncan:Pat
iencest
opi
t!
Pat
ience:doyouseewhatyourdaught
erhasdone
tomyf ace!
Duncanj
r:mama,
papa
Everyonef
rozelookingatt
hedoorasLornaslowly
tur
nedt oi
taswell.Duncanjrr
antohisfat
heras
Pati
encetri
edtotouchhim buthebl
ockedher..
.

Pat
ience:canihavemyson
Duncan:getoutofmyhousePat
ience
Pat
ience:(
frowned)excuseme?
Duncan:isai
dgett
hehel
loutofmyhouse.How
dar
eyouspeaktomywi f
eli
kethat
!?
Pat
ience:Duncanyouar
enotgoi
ngt
odot
hatt
ome
Duncan:ij
ustdi
d.Pat
ienceout
,now!
Pat
ience:i
m notgoi
nganywher
ethi
sismyhomeas
wel
l
Duncan:t
hisismyson'shomenotyours.Takeyour
t
hingsandleavet
hishouseyouar
efired!
Lady:canwe.
..
Appl
e:aeyoubet
tershutupyoul
iar
Pat
ience:wat
chyourmout
hyounggi
rl
Duncan:Pati
encewhyareyoust
il
lst
andi
ngt
herei
sai
dleavethi
syardordoyouwantmetocal
lthe
pol
iceonyou?
Pat
ience:Duncanyoul
oveme(
Appl
ebur
sti
ntoa
l
augh)
Duncan:butim notgoingt
ostandher
eandli
stento
youinsul
tthemot herofmychil
drenl
iket
hat
.Saint
takeDuncanupstairs
Pat
ience:youar
enotgoi
ngt
otouchmychi
ld.Br
ing
hi
m here..
.

Shetriedtogethimfrom Duncanasshepushedher
backgi vi
nghimtoSaint.Shetr
iedtograbSaintby
theshirtbutAppl
egrabbedherar m andtwi
stedit
pushingherfurt
herbackwhileDuncanJrcriedin
Saint
'sarmsashewentt ohisroom wit
hhim...

Duncan:out
!
Pat
ience:(
bur
sti
ntot
ear
s)youal
lar
egoi
ngt
oknow
me!
Appl
e:aesokagetoutofher
e

Shecli
ckedhertongueasPati
encefol
lowedher
si
steroutcr
ying.Duncanswal
lowedandlookedat
Lor
nawhowasver yquietont
hecouch..
.

Duncan:(r
ubbedhishandsonhispant
s)l
ove,
(swal
lowed)i
m honestl
ysor
ryaboutwhatj
ust
happenedidi
dn'tmeanfori
tto.
..
Lor
na:t
aket
hatchi
ldofyour
sandf
oll
owi
tsmot
her
out
Duncan:l
ove.
..
Lor
na:idon'
twantt
orepeatmysel
fDuncan
Duncan:babecanwe.
..

Shewentupwhi
lehesighedsi
tt
ingdown
scr
atchi
nghi
shead.
..
Duncan:Appl
edosomet
hing
Appl e:reall
y?Whatshoul dido?Pl easetellme.You
havebr oughtallthi
sonyour selfdad.Themoment
yousawi toktogoi ntobedwi t
ht hatwomanyou
knewi twouldleadt othi
ssopl easedon' ttryand
actlikeyoudi dn'tmeanf oritt
ohappenwhi leyou
havebeendoi ngi tf
or4year s.Yeari nyearoutlying
tothewomanwhogaveher selftoyou.Regar dl
ess
ofhershor tcomingsshest il
lrespect edand
remai nedobedi enttoyoubutwhatdi dyoudo?You
spati tbackonherf aceandyout hi nkiwoul dstand
forthat ?(Scoff
ed)iwi l
lalwaysstandwi t
hmy
mot hersogot akethatli
ttl
ethingofyour sandget
outofher e.
Duncan:Appl
eist
il
lloveyourmot
her
Appl
e:t
ellt
hattosomeonewhocar es.Ifyouthink
weareworri
edaboutwhatwouldhappent ous
whenyouguysdivorcethenyoushouldthinkagai
n.
Wedon'tminddowngradingaslongasourmot her'
s
di
gni
tyissafeguar
ded
Sheclickedhertonguegoingupwhil
eDuncan
sighedmor e.Hisphonerangashecl
ickedhi
s
tonguecuttingPati
ence'
scall
.

AtKavi
mba'
smot
orgar
age.
..

Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
eiaskedyouaquest
ion
Lovemor
e:Pr
eci
ouswhatar
eyoust
il
ldoi
ngher
e?
Preci
ous:ar
eyousl
eepi
ngwi
tht
hatf
akewoman
Lovemore?
Lovemore:Preci
ousiaskedyout
ogetoutofmy
off
iceandifyouknewthatwomanismorethana
womanyoucaneverbe
Pr
eci
ous:excuseme?
Lovemore:i
m honestl
ysickandti
redofyour
shenani
gansandbehaviourPreci
ous.Youarebusy
draggi
ngmyf at
her'
snamei nthemud.Ifyouare
notacti
ngli
keavill
agechampioninpeople'
s
rest
aur
antsyouar
ebusyt
roubl
ingmypeaceihave
hadenoughofyou
Pr
eci
ous:(
squi
nthereyes)whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Lovemor
e:t
hisi
stheendofus
Pr
eci
ous:(
Chuckl
ed)ohwowwhataj
oke
Lovemore:i
m ser
iousPr
eci
ouswear
eget
ti
nga
di
vorce
Preci
ous:nott
hateasi
lymyl ove.Youshouldsit
backandrethi
nkwhatyouj ustsai
dim notdivor
cing
you(shechuckl
ed)aredivorceohplease
Lovemore:thi
smarriagehasreachedit
scour se.I
havebeenwayt oopatientwi
thyouonlybecauseof
thekidsbutnowifikeepdoingthatt
omysel fim
goingtolosemysani t
yoversomethi
ngt hat
'snot
evenwor t
hit
Pr
eci
ous:Ar
eyousayi
ngi
m notwor
thy?
Lovemor e:youareausel
esswomanwhoknows
nothi
ngbutt ospendmymoneyandpr etendto
otherpeople.Youhavenorespecttopeoplewhil
e
atthatti
meyouhavenot hi
ngt oyournameand
besidest
hatwhenwast helastti
meiwasi nt
imat
e
wit
hyou?Thataloneshouldtellyouthatyouare
j
ustashadowi nthi
smar r
iageandi t
'sti
meigotrid
oftheshadow.Getout
Pr
eci
ous:i
m notgoi
nganywher
e
Lovemore:(
tookt
hephone)ihavenotimetoplay
withagrownwomanlikeyou.Secur
it
ypleasecome
takesomeoneoutofmyoffi
ce
Pr
eci
ous:(
sneer
ed)soyouar
ecal
li
ngsecur
it
yon
me?
Lovemor
e:t
hat
'showunwant
edyouar
einmyl
if
e.
Leave
Pr
ecious:iwi
lll
eavebutyouarenevergoi
ngt
o
l
eaveme.Youandibel ongtoget
her!
Man:si
ryoucal
ledus
Lovemor
e:t
akeherout
Preci
ous:hey!Don'
tyoudareputyourfi
lt
hyhands
onme( shecli
ckedhertongue)t
hisi
snotover
Lovemorenotbyalongshot .Nooneisgoingt
o
takeyouawayf r
om me.Noone!
Shesaidl
eavi
ngwhil
eLovemoreshookhi
shead
andtookhi
sphoneandcal
ledhi
sbanker.
..

Man:MrK?
Lovemore:ineedyout
omakesuret
hatPr
eci
ous'
s
account
sgetf r
ozenaf
terl
unch
Man:ohoksi
r

Hehungupandsatbackcl
icki
nghi
stongue.

AthouseofChisal
oon.
..

Mayasmi l
edastheladyplai
tedherhai
rint
othi
n
conr
owlines.Herphonerangasshesmi l
edmore
andanswered.
..

Maya:hil
ove
Marel
edi
:hii
t'
ssoqui
ether
ewi
thoutyou.Howar
e
you?
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)shamesorr
ylove.I
m goodbabe
att
hesaloonget
ti
ngreadyf
ormyt ri
ptomorr
ow
Mar
eledi
:sbwlt
obeyour
ightnow(
theyl
aughed)
Maya:don'
twor
ryl
oveyouwi
llgetyour
sel
fa
Joshuaoneday
Marel
edi:idon'
tthinkGodmakesal
otoft
hem you
know(theylaughed)
Maya:yesbutyouneverknowmaybehehas
reser
vedoneforyououtther
easwell
.Mightnotbe
Joshua-
Joshuabuthewillbecl
ose(
theylaughed)
Marel
edi
:mom t
ell
smet
hatJor
gehasbeen
ar
rest
ed
Maya:thatbastar
d,hegotwhathedeservesican'
t
bel
ievehekil
ledLukeinor
derformetosleepwith
hi
m what'swrongwi t
hsomement hough?
Marel
edi:somemenar
esicklovebuthe'
sgoi
ngto
getwhathedeser
vewai
tunti
lmom dealswi
thhi
m
i
ncourt
Maya:iwanthert
omakeal
ivi
ngexampl
eoutof
hi
m
Mar
eledi
:don'
twor
ryshewi
llt
sal
a
Maya:ohaboutthecaryoucangogetitf
rom my
br
other
'shouseokiwillcal
lhi
m andl
ethi
m know
Mareledi
:okloveiwil
lgogetitaf
terl
unch.Canyou
bel
ieveit
,im si
tt
ingal
onepleasecomeback( t
hey
l
aughed)
Maya:i
m goi
ngt
owor konMondaybabesf
inal
lyi
m
goi
ngtodowhatiwentt
oschoolf
or
Marel
edi
:andyoushoul
dnotf
orgett
othankt
he
Lor
dfort
hatlove
Maya:ohneverbabes.I
t'
sbyhisgr
acethatim
whereiam r
ightnow.Fi
nall
ysomeli
ghtattheend
oft
hetunnel
Mareledi
:gl
oryhall
elujahandlet
'spr
ayandbel
ieve
t
hatitwil
lst
aylikethisforgood
Maya:yeahheyiprayaboutthateachchanceiget
.
Anywayletmefi
nishupwi thmyhairihaveawhole
bunchofpeopl
etocookf ortoni
ght
Mareledi
:dropsomelef
tover
sformeatwor
kwhen
youleavetomorrow
Maya:sheegaoswabe(t
heylaughed)iwi
llmyl
ove
howcaninotseeyoubefor
eigoanyway
Mar
eledi
:im youroxygenaf
teral
l.Bye
Maya:byebabe

TheylaughedhangingupasMayasi ghedandsat
upast hehai
rdressercaref
ull
yinst
all
edher
peruvi
an15inchweave. .
.

Maya:howmuchi
sthi
shai
ragai
n?
Lady:5.
6
Maya:bat
hongmadiot
lheal
efat
she(
allt
hemoney
i
ntheworld)

Theylaughedasshest
art
edt
ost
ylei
ttoMaya'
s
pref
erence.
I
nChi
oma'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Lovemoreknockedastheladywhot
ookhi
mtoi
t
wentbacktoherstat
ion.
..

Chi
oma:comei
n
Lovemore:(
smi
ledwi
thabunchoff
lower
sinhi
s
hand)hi
Chi
oma:(
smi
led)ohhicomeoni
n.Haveaseat
Lovemor
e:t
hankyou.Thesear
eforyou
Chi
oma:f
lower
stwot
imesaweeki
m onel
ucky
womanhey
Lovemore:wel
litsj
ustt
osaysor
ryf
orwhat
happenedearl
ieron
Chi
oma:thankyou.I
t'
sokever
ywomani
sexpect
ed
tot
hinkl
ikethat
Lovemor
e:ibegt
odi
ff
er
Chi
oma:okl
etmesaysome
Lovemor
e:onl
yinsecur
ewomenl
ikePr
eci
ous
would
Chioma:doyoublameherimeanlookatme.Not
sayingi
m per
fectbuthel
lo(
theyl
aughed)
Lovemore:youar
esofunnybutdon'
twor
ryit
old
herthati
m donewit
hher
Chi
oma:oh?
Lovemore:yest
hisi
snotthefir
stti
meshedoes
somethi
ngl i
ket
hisandit
'snottheonl
ythi
ngt
hat
makesmewantt odivor
ceher
Chi
oma:ohi
m sosor
ryf
ort
hat
Lovemore:nodon'
tbe.Actual
lyyoushoul
dbe
happyformethati
mf i
nallygoi
ngtogetsome
peaceofmind(Chi
omasi ghedsit
ti
ngback)what
's
wrong?
Chioma:idon'
tmeantodi
m yourl
ightofhopebut
that'
safarfet
cheddr
eam t
hisi
sonlythebegi
nning
Lovemore:what
?Wait,bef
oresheint
errupt
edus
youwereabouttot
ellmesomet hi
ngthathasbeen
r
eveal
edt
oyou
Chioma:youhaveadarkcloudoveryouandifyou
thi
nkdivor
cingyourwi
feisgoingtobri
ngyoupeace
thenyouhavealottodo.
Lovemor
e:idon'
tunder
stand,
whatdar
kcl
oud?
Chioma:it'
snotclearaboutwhati
tisbutal
lim
seeingareini
ti
alssosomet hi
ngli
kethati
s
somet i
mesabouti dent
it
y
Lovemor
e:who'
sident
it
y?
Chioma:l
ikeisai
dit'
snotcl
earbutyoushoul
d
prepar
eyoursel
ffort
heworst.Idon'
tmeantoscar
e
youbutij
usthavetoconveythemessage
Lovemore:wel
lim st
art
ingt
oaskmysel
fal
otof
quest
ionsnow
Chi
oma:it'
soktoandagai
nyouar
eti
edt
osome
sor
tcovenantwi
thyourwi
fe
Lovemore:ihavealwaysknownshewasusing
herbsonmebuti t
'sbeensohardtol
eaveher
Chi
oma:youwilll
eaveherbutt
rustmeit'
snot
goi
ngt
obet hateasythatyoumightendupl
osi
ng
somuchal
ongt
heway
Lovemor
e:oknowyouar
escar
ingmemor
e
Chioma:ithi
nkyoushoul
dvisityourr
eli
gionl
eader
forthem t
oclar
if
ythi
ngsforyouandhelpyou
Lovemor
e:idef
ini
tel
ywi
ll

Chiomarubbedherchi
nwhileawor
ri
edLovemor
e
satbackwit
halotofquest
ionsi
nhi
smind.

AtNal
e'
shouse.
..

Preci
ouscl
ickedhertonguethr
owi
nghersel
font
he
couchasNalefrownedlooki
ngather
..
.

Nal
e:andt
henwena?
Pr
ecious:Lovemor
eishonest
lyt
ryi
ngmypat
ience
Nal
e
Nal
e:whathappened?
Pr
ecious:di
dinotf
indhi
m wi
thsomeni
ger
ianbi
tch
i
nhisoffi
ce
Nal
e:(
closedhermagazi
ne)what
!?
Preci
ous:i
mtell
ingyou.Busyhavi
ngsomeoi
ly
foodint
akeawaysli
kereal
ly?Mxm
Nal
e:ihopeyout
oldt
hatbi
tchwher
etogetof
f
Pr
eci
ous:oht
rustmeidi
dbutwehaveapr
obl
em
Nal
e:whatpr
obl
em?
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
ethr
eat
enedmewi
thdi
vor
ce
Nal
e:what
!?
Preci
ous:ahnoim notevenwor
ri
edhe'
snoteven
goingtogett
hroughwithit
Nal
e:howsur
ear
eyou?
Pr
eci
ous:he'
sgoi
ngt
obedeal
twi
tht
oni
ght
Nal
e:t
hatwomanbet
terbequi
ck
Preci
ous:i
m madthathecant
hinkl
ikethatbutim
cert
aint
hingswi
llbebackt
onormalaft
ertonight
Nal
e:good.Wedon'
tgetdi
vor
cedmyl
ovet
hose
t
hingsar
eforl
azywomen
Pr
eci
ous:(
laughed)youcansayt
hatagai
n
Nal
e:anyt
hingonMaya?
Preci
ous:not
hingyetbuyi
m ver
ypat
ientwheni
t
comestothatoneshame

Theyl
aughed.

Backatt
hesal
oon.
..

Mayasmi l
edwait
ingonherdaughter'
shai
rdr
esser
tofi
nishput
ti
ngonthecolour
fulbeadsonher
brai
dsasherphonerang.
..

Maya:Lewi
Lewi
s:hibabehowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Maya:i
m goodandyour
sel
f?
Lewi
s:i
m okl
ove.Haveyout
ri
edt
ogethol
dofB?
Maya:no,
why?
Lewis:li
keitol
dyout hi
smorni
ngicoul
dn'tgethold
ofher.Soiwentt oherworkpl
aceandtheysaidshe
wentt oameeting.Nowlunchi
soverbutshestil
l
hasn'tgott
enbacktome
Maya:iguessshewi
lll
ove
Lewis:whencozt
hebankwil
lsoonbeonmyneck
aboutthemoneyit
ookoutf
orher
Maya:whywoul
ditbeonyourneck?I
sn'
tityour
money?
Lewis:wear
etal
kingaboutanaccountt
hatinever
touchMaya
Maya:ohokdon'twor
ryloveshewi
llt
alkt
oyou
she'
sprobabl
ytoobusy
Lewis:sheshoul
ddososoon.Anywaydr
inksl
ater
toni
ght?
Maya:r
aincheckbooi
m busy
Lewi
s:kant
ewhatar
eyoubusywi
thMaya?
Maya:(
fl
ippedherhai
r)ihaveki
dst
olookaf
ter
Lewi
s
Lewis:youal
waysl
eavet
hem wi
tht
henei
ghbour
i
sn'ti
t?
Maya:wemoved
Lewis:oh?When?Ngwanyanat
lheosephi
ri(
you
aresecret
ive)
Maya:j
ustaf
terigotr
eleasedf
rom j
ail
Lewis:j
ail
?Oki
lewat
lhat
lhel
waMaya?(
Youwer
e
arr
ested)
Maya:yeahaf
tert
hedr
amaihadatwor
k
Lewis:work?HeebathongMayagasegor
eyou
wereretr
enchedlastFr
idaykant
e?
Maya:whenl
astdi
dyout
alkt
ome?
Lewi
s:SundayorMondayidon'
tknow
Maya:andyousayyouareafr
iend(
Chuckl
ed)
anywaybutial
solef
tthej
ob
Lewi
s:uhutshel
ekeyaengj
aanong?(
Whyar
eyou
bei
ngpett
y)
Maya:i
t'
snotbeingpet
tymyl oveimj
usttell
ingit
l
ikei
tisandhonestl
yidon'
tthinkiwi
llbehanging
outwi
thyouguysanymor e
Lewi
s:heebanna
Lady:wear
edonema'
am
Maya:hol
don,
ishoul
dpayatt
hef
rontr
ight
?
Lady:yesma'
am
Maya:ok.Hi,asiwassayi
ngidon'
tthi
nkiwil
lbe
hangingoutwit
hyouguysanymorebecauseihave
honestl
yseenthekindofpeopl
eyouaret
ome
Lewis:ihonest
lydon'
tunder
standwhatyouar
eon
about
Maya:youguyscal
lyour
sel
vesmyfri
endsbuti
havebeenthr
oughthemostt
hisweekandy'
all
knownothi
ng
Lewi
s:di
dyout
ellus?
Maya:idon'tneedtot
ellyoueveryt
hingallt
hetime.
Sometimesasaf ri
endallyouhavetodoi ssenda
si
mple"areyouok"texttheniwil
ltel
lyouwhat '
s
happeningbutnotwit
hyouguys.I t
'sei
theryoutal
k
tomewhent hetwoofyouar ef i
ghti
ngorwhenyou
wantt ogooutsoidon' tt
hinkthat'
sthekindof
fr
iendshipiwouldwantwher eiam now.Il oveand
careforyouguysbutt hefri
endshipisjustnot
workingforme.Somet imesim madet ofeelli
keim
aburden...
justasecond,howmuch?
Lady:250
Maya:okiwil
lswipe.Asiwassayi
ngsometi
mes
i
m madet of
eell
ikeaburdensoim sor
ryl
oveican'
t
anymore
Lewi
s:yohkeagout
lwamma(
ihearyou)
Maya:t
hankyouandihopeyouandBi
ancasor
tout
t
hemoneyissue
Lewi
s:sur
e

Theyhungupasshepai
dforherdaught
erand
madethei
rwayout.
..

Apr
il
:ar
eyouokmama?
Maya:onethi
ngyoushoul dlear
nandhol dcl osei
n
l
ifemygir
listoneverall
owyour selftost
ayina
toxi
cenvi
ronment.Ratherstr
uggleandst r
ivetowin
onyourownthant obeabur dentoanyone.If
someonecaresaboutyout heywillshowit.
Apr
il
:okmama

Shesai
drunni
ngtowher
etheguyswer
esi
tt
ing
wai
ti
ngonthem..
.

Her
bert
:(wi
thafreshhai
rcut
)whydowoment
ake
l
onginever
ythi
ng?

Theyl
aughedmaki
ngt
hei
rwayt
othecar
.

LATERTHATAFTERNOON

Preci
ousyawnedi
nherbedr
oom asherphone
rang.
..
Pr
eci
ous:ohhimama
Rona:youar
etooqui
etPreci
ousandwhyhaven'
ti
hear
danythi
ngonLesedi
andt hechi
ld?
Pr
eci
ous:i
m st
il
loni
tma
Rona:Pr
eci
ouswhat
'st
aki
ngyousol
ong?
Pr
eci
ous:mamaihavebeenbusyao
Rona:andt
henMaya?
Pr
ecious:icoul
dn'
tfi
nisht
hepr
ocessatf
ir
stbuti
wentbacktoRanakaandshedi
ditforme?
Rona:wai
tseyouar
esl
acki
ngandidon'
tli
kei
t.
Whatdidshedo?
Precious:weusedmybloodonherunderwearand
putitinabott
le,mi
xeditwi
thmyurineandputthe
bott
leinaboili
ngmixt
ureandi
tbroke
Rona:(
stoodup)youdi
dwhat
!?
Preci
ous:isai
dwe.
..
(shehunguponher
)hee
banna
Rona:Pr
eci
ous,Preci
ous,Preci
ouswhathaveyou
done?Whathaveyou..
.yohbathongyoh

Shesai
dmovi ngar
oundi
nci
rcl
eswi
thherhands
onherhead.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
06] :AKEPTWOMAN
26

I
nRamot
swa.
..

Pat
iencecl
ickedhert
onguet
ryi
ngtogeti
nt ouch
wit
hDuncanwhowasunavailabl
e.Hersi
stercame
outoftheki
tchenandjoinedherintheli
vingr
oom
putt
ingabottl
eofbeerinfrontofher.
..

Pati
ence:r
eal
lynow?Alcohol?Whil
emychi
ldisout
ther
enotknowingwhatthosepeopl
ear
edoingto
him
Lady:wemightaswel
ldr
inkatl
eastweknowhe'
s
wit
hhisfat
her
Pat
ience:pl
easedon'
ttal
kaboutt
hatone.Li
kehow
dar
ehe?
Lady:onethingaboutmarr
iedmenist
hatt
heywi
ll
choosetheirwivesanygi
vendaysi
s
Pati
ence:welli
fhethoughtim oneofthosenaive
womenwhowoul dsett
leforlessthenhehas
anothert
hingcomingandonet hi
ngiknowforsure
i
sthatDuncandoesn'tlovethatwomanhej ustdid
i
ttothrowheroff
Lady:hashecal
ledyou?No,sothatshoul
dspeak
vol
umesmyl ove.Hedoesn'
tgiveadamnaboutyou
Pat
ience:youknownot
hingaboutmyr
elat
ionshi
p
wi
tht
hatmanwehavebeent
oget
herf
orf
ouryear
s
Lady:t
oget
herbehi
ndt
hescenesr
emembert
hat
Pat
ience:he'
sgoi
ngt
odi
vor
ceher
Lady:yeahhe'
sbeensayi
ngt
hatf
ort
hepast4
years
Pat
ience:whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oinsi
nuat
e?
Lady:siswakeupfr
om yoursl
umberDuncan
doesn'tl
oveyouhe'
susingyou,heusedyou
Pat
ience:noyouar
ewr
ong
Lady:ifDuncanlovedyouhewoul
dhavelong
divorcedLornajustaf
ewmonthsi
ntoyour
relat
ionshi
p.Hepr omi
sedyouamobil
ekit
chenand
carwher earethey?Nowheret
obefound
Pat
ience:noonei
sgoi
ngt
opl
ayPat
iencel
iket
hat
Lady:wel
lyouhavebeenplayedmyloveal
lhe
wantedwasabiologi
calchi
ldfr
om you
Pat
ience:howcanyousayt
hatt
ome?
Lady:i
mjustst
ati
ngoutthef
actsf
oryousi
s.
RememberwhateveryoudoLor
nahastheupper
handher eshewi l
lsueyouandwi nandt henappl y
fordivor
cet hengetawaywi thalmostever ything
Duncanownsanddoyout hinkDuncanwoul dwant
toloseallhehaswor kedhardfor?Nosis,mencan
cheatbutt heyarenotstupidthestupidonesar e
thosethatletthem cheatwiththem andint hiscase
sisyouar ethestupidone.Nott obreakyourhear t
i
nanywayyoumi ghtevenendupl osingDuncanJr
tothem
Pat
ience:overmydeadbody.
Lady:betweenyouandDuncanwho'seli
gibl
eto
giveJuniorabet
terl
if
e?(Sheswal
lowed)exact
lyso
l
ikeisaidsisyouhavebeenusedandarethestupi
d
oneinthiscase
Pati
ence:mxm youar
edr
unkandspewi
ng
nonsense

Shesaidgoi
ngtothebedr
oom whil
ehersi
ster
scof
fedandcont
inuedtodri
nkherbeer
.
Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lor
nablewhernoseandscof f
edreadi
ng"Actl
ikea
l
adyandt hi
nkli
keaman"wr i
tt
enbySteveHarvey.
Thebedroom openedasherdaught
erandson
madetheirwayin..
.

Appl
e:mama
Lor
na:(
wit
hreddi
sheyes)awwheybabi
es
Sai
nt:wet
houghtweshoul
dcomeandsi
twi
thyou
Lor
na:wher
eisyourdad?
Appl
e:hel
eft
Lorna:(sighed)youknowi mreadi
ngt hisbookandi
can'tstopponder ingonthesetwoquot es,"Mencan
cheatbecauset herearesomanywomenwi l
li
ngto
givethemsel vestoamanwhodoesn' tbel ongto
them.”andi nt hi
scaseibelievePati
encegave
herselftomyhusbandhopi ngthathewi llbethe
samemant oherasmet hussheusedmy
weaknessasherst rengt
hinthei
rrel
ationshipand
thesecondonesays, "
Buti fhelovesyou,hewi l
l
prof
essi t
,hewi l
lprovi
def oryou, andhewillpr
otect
you."Hashepr ofessedhisl ovetome?Noti nso
manyways, doeshepr ovideforme?Yes, doeshe
orhashepr otectedme?Idon' tt
hinksobecausehe
continuedtoshamemet oourhousehel perfor4
ful
lyearssowi ththesetwoquot esnychil
drenim
confli
ctedofwhatt odo
Appl e:(si
ghed)imi ghtbeonl y18mamabuti
beli
evei m wi serthant hat.Thismanhashonest l
y
betrayedandshamedyoumama.Yesyoucoul dn'
t
givehi m biologicalchi l
drenbutt hereweremany
opti
onst ohavi ngchi ldrenthuswear eheret
oday.I
f
hewant edabi ologi calchildthatbadheshould
havebeenmor eopenandhonestwi thyouabouti
t
sothatyouseewhatyoucancompr omisetomake
him happy.Ar en'trelationshi
psal labout
compr omising?
Lor
na:t
heyar
e,wel
lki
ndofbutyes
Appl
e:andyoul
ovehi
mri
ght
?
Lor
na:deepl
y
Apple:andibel
ieveyouwantnot
hingf
orhi
m but
happinessr
ight
?
Lor
na:ohyes
Apple:soyesi fhewasmanenoughhewoul dhave
seent hatandsatyoudownt otellyouthathewants
abiologicalchil
dandashi slovingwi f
eyouwoul d
havecameupwi thwaystoachi evi
ngt hatbutnohe
choset osleepwi t
hthehelper.Outofal lt
hepeople
hechoset hehelpermom soidon' tthi
nkneitherof
them deser veyourmercy
Sai
nt:i
m wi
thAppl
eont
hisonemama
Lor
na:butil
ovehi
m myki
ds
Sai
nt:doeshel
oveyouenought
orespectyou?
Appl
e:no
Lor
na:butwhataboutyouguys?
Saint
:mamawedon' tminddowngradi
ngi fneedbe
foryoutohavepeace.Youdeservebetterthant
his.
Appleandiarebri
ll
iantki
dswewi ldef
init
elymake
i
tinlif
eoneday
Lor
na:i
t'
snotaseasyasyouputi
tmyki
ds
Appl
e:wegett
hatmom hencewesaythedecisi
on
i
syoursbutmakesur
eit
'sgoi
ngtobenef
ityouat
t
heendoftheday
Saint
:whateverdecisi
onyoumakeyouhaveour
supportbutdon'
tletyour
sel
fbeafoolt
wice.

Lornaheavedahugesighreali
singthatt
heywer e
makingsense.Quest
ionwas,wasshegoi ngt ol
et
hermarri
ageofsomanyyear sgodownt hedr ai
n
l
ikethatorwasshegoingtoteachthewomenwho
havenoshamei nget
tingi
nvolvedwi t
hmar r
ied
menandsayi tst
hement hatapproachedthem a
l
esson?

I
nMochudi
..
.

Ronaparkedhercarafewmet r
esawayfrom t
he
houseandputascarfoverherhead,
ahugehatand
sungl
assesmakingherwayt ot
hehugeyardwith
thr
eehousesinit
.Oneatthefarendri
ghtcor
ner,
oneatt
heleftandt heotheri
nthemiddle.She
si
ghedandwenti ntothehutinthemiddleasa
womaninitburstintoalaugh.
..

Woman:whatapl
easantsur
pri
se
Rona:youknowicannotr
iskbei
ngseeni
nthi
syar
d
Woman:j ustacceptt
hatyouareaheart
lesswoman
hidi
ngbehindachuchuni f
orm Rona.ReBatswana
relebal
akabonako
Rona:Pr
eci
oushasmessedup
Woman:i
mli
steni
ng
Rona:shewentandt
iedherl
if
eupt
hinki
ngshe'
s
t
yingMaya'sl
if
e
Woman:whatdi
dshedo?
Rona:sheusedherbl
oodwi
thherwi
tchdoct
ori
n
Ranaka
Woman:(
shookherhead)whycan'
tyouj
ustt
ell
the
ki
dst
hetr
uthRona?
Rona:youknowwhy
Woman:butyoukeepblockingherli
fehowwil
lshe
beabl
etodoanythingforyouwhileyouare
st
oppi
ngherfrom bei
ngsuccessful?
Rona:youknowwhy.I
m blocki
ngherli
fesot
hat
Preci
ouscanaccumul
ateallweneed
Woman:butthi
ngsarenotl
ooki
nggoodf
oryour
bel
oveddaught
erRona
Rona:t
hati
swhyi
m her
e.Iwantyout
orever
set
he
cur
se
Woman:i
m goingt
oneedyoursi
ster
'si
tem t
obe
abl
etodothat
Rona:t
hat
'swhyibr
oughtoneofherf
avour
it
e
scar
fs
Woman:okgood.Li
stenwhenacursehasbeen
castt
hroughbl
oodi
twon'tbet
hateasytor
ever
sei
t
butiwil
ltr
ymywholebest
Rona:pl
easemakei
thappen.Preci
oussuf
fer
ing
meanstheendofmeandican'taff
ordt
ogo
t
hroughsuch
Woman:t
ellyourdaught
ert
ost
opgoi
ngt
o
scammer
sofwi
tchdoct
ors
Rona:sohowar
eyougoi
ngt
ogoabouti
t?
Woman:ifihaveMaya'sbl
oodpar
ent'
sscentiwi
ll
beabletorever
seever
ythi
ngt
hatst
upidwit
ch
doct
orlocked
Rona:(
sighedoutofr
eli
ef)pl
easedot
hat

Shesaidtakingoutarol
lofmoneyfrom herbr
aand
gaveitt
othewomanwhobur ntsomeincenseand
star
tedcall
ingherpowersofdar
kness.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Lesedismil
edmaki
ngsureherli
tt
leMar
angwas
fuzzyenoughasTi
tuscameinwitht
wo
sandwichesandaboxofjui
ce.
..

Ti
tus:oht
heybr
oughther
Lesedi
:yeahshecheckedoutal
lthemedi
calt
est
s
sowecant akeherhometoday
Ti
tus:ohwowt
hat
'sgoodnewsl
ove
Lesedi
:yeahsomymom i
sonherway
Ti
tus:ao?Al
ready?
Lesedi
:yeah
Ti
tus:whydoifeel
li
keyouar
erunni
ngawaywi
th
mychildbabe
Lesedi
:youknowwhyi
mrunni
ngawaybabe
Tit
us:butbabeyouknowiassuredyouthatno
matterwhatPreci
ouswon'
thaveaccesstothi
s
chil
d
Lesedi
:wedon'tknowmaybeshehasalr
eadywent
tothehouseanddidherbl
ackmagi
ctherewhi
lewe
areheresoidon'
twanttot
akeanyri
sks
Ti
tus:buti
m goi
ngt
omi
ssyou
Lesedi
:comeonl
oveyoucanal
waysdr
ivet
ous
Tit
us:(si
ghed)okl
ovebutwhati
fsheusesmet
o
gettoyouguys?
Lesedi:doever
ythi
ngtoavoi
dherandwhenyou
knowyouar evisi
ti
ngusyoushoul
dputsome
coursesalti
nthewater
Titus:butwhatkindofawomanisPr
eci
ous,imean
whi chsibli
nginthei
rri
ghtmi
ndwoul
dnotwant
theirsi
blingtonotbehappy?
Lesedi:letmet ellyousomethingaboutsomei fnot
mostmot hersmyl ove.Somemot her
swhohave
mor ethan1chi ldwi llal
wayshaveaf avouri
teandif
thatfavourit
edoesnotmeett hestandardsyou
expectedf r
om t hem youcanendupbl ocki
ngyour
otherchildr
en'ssuccessest ofavouryourfavouri
te
Tit
us:butwhybabe?Imeantheyareal
lyour
chil
drensotheyar
egoingt
otakecareofyouno
matterwhatwhydoyouhavetoblockt
heirwayst
o
successandhappi
ness?
Lesedi
:becauseyourf
avour
it
ewon'
tbeoneof
them
Ti
tus:i
tst
il
ldoesn'
tmakesense
Lesedi:haveyoueverl
ovedsomethi
ngt
hatyou
don'twanttolosei
tsoyouwanttoguar
dital
lti
mes
andmakesur
eit
'ssaf
eandr
espect
ed?
Ti
tus:yes
Lesedi
:exact
ly,
that
'showamotherf
eel
sabouther
favor
it
echil
d.Onlyawickedmot
her
Ti
tus:canweelopebecauseidon'
twantmychi
ldt
o
gr
owupi nthatki
ndofenvir
onment.
Lesedi
:whodoyouwantMayat
ohaveonherback
wit
hyouaway?
Ti
tus:soyout
hinkMayai
sthel
eastf
avor
it
e?
Lesedi
:(si
ghed)it
'sei
therMayai
st heleast
favour
it
eorshe'snotyourbl
oodsibli
ng
Ti
tus:hai
bol
ove
Lesedi
:youcanneverknowbabe.MaybeMayai s
thatr
elat
ivewhoyourmom wishesyoursist
erwas
l
ikesosheblockedherl
if
einfavourofPreci
ous
Tit
us:youarescar
ingmebecauseigr
ewupwi t
h
Mayacalli
ngRonamom andRonacalli
ngherher
daughter
Lesedi
:somemot
her
scangobeyondext
rat
o
secur
eal
if
efort
hei
rchi
ldr
en.
Tit
us:andyoubel
ievet
hesecl
othesar
ebewi
tched?
(Hesaidopeni
ngt
hebin)
Lesedi :wit
houtadoubt .Imeanbabel ookathow
Preciousi salwaysaf t
erMayadon' tyout hinkshe
woul dwantyourl if
etobest agnantaswel l
?How
l
onghaveyoubeenasuper visoratt hatshop?Each
ti
mewer eceivedmoneyf rom Pr eciousiwoul dhave
compl i
cati
onswi ththepr egnancyt oanext endof
megi vingbir
thpr ematurelywhi l
et ryingtodealwith
hermess.Sol oveitshowst hatthiswomancan' tbe
tr
ust edandi fyoucar eaboutyourchi ldandiyou
willdoasisay
Tit
us:(si
ghed)igetyouloveiguessihaveto
undergomyownpr i
vat
ei nvest
igati
ont
otryandfi
nd
outwhatcouldbethereasonbehi ndPr
eci
ous's
animosit
ytowardsMaya
Lesedi:dothatbuticanassureyouallisai
distr
ue.
Eithershe'
snotyourbloodsibl
ingorshe'st
heleast
favourit
echil
d.
Asshesai
dhermotherknockedandopenedas
t
heysmil
edather
.

Att
hepol
icest
ati
on.
..

Jor
ge'
sfri
endmadehi
swayinwherebewashel
d
ashesi
ghedandwentt
othebar
s..
.

Jor
ge:whatt
ookyousol
ong
Off
icer
:ihadt
omakesur eicomeher
ewhen
Ker
engisnotaroundshoul
dheseemeiminfori
t
Jor
ge:t
hatmeansyouhavet
oactf
ast
Offi
cer:(
checkedthecoast)myboyswil
lbehitt
ing
thestupi
dlawyer'shousetomorr
owevening
becausetheywillbeatchurchsodonotworry
Jor
ge:good.Can'
tyouatl
eastmaket
hedocket
di
sappear
?
Of
fi
cer
:thi
sisnotmyst
ati
onr
emember
Jorge:whydon'
tyouhavef
ri
endsi
nal
lthese
stat
ions?
Offi
cer:ast
ati
onledbyKer
engisunl
ikel
ytohave
peopleli
keit
hismanisapaini
nthebutt
Jorge:(si
ghed)atleastwit
hthe.
..
(checkedt
he
coast)wit
hevidencemi ssi
ngistandachanceto
getoutofhere.Pleasemakesuret hatt
hoseboys
carryouttheassi
gnmentsuccessf ul
ly
Off
icer
:iwi
llmakesureoft
hat
.Ijustwant
edto
comeandseeifitwastr
uesoletmegetgoi.
..
Ker
eng:j
ustt
hemani
mlooki
ngf
or(
Jor
ge'
shear
t
ski
ppedabeat
)
Of
fi
cer
:aosi
r.(
Sal
uted)goodday
Kereng:iseeyouhavecomet
ocheckuponyour
fr
iend
Of
fi
cer
:ahnohe'
sjustadi
stantcousi
n
Kereng:ohreal
lyihopeyouar
enotgi
vinghi
mfal
se
hopesoffi
cer
Off
icer
:nosi
rij
ustcametoinf
orm hi
mt hatt
her
e's
nowayhecandefeatt
heendsofjust
ice
Ker
eng:ok.Wel
lspeaki
ngofj
ust
icedoyoumi
nd
comingwit
hmet omyoffi
ce?
Offi
cer
:eishsirt
imei
snotonmysi
deineedt
ogo
backtothestati
on
Ker
eng:ohdon'
twor
ryiwi
llt
alkt
oyourboss
Of
fi
cer
:ohok

Heswall
owedlookingatJorgeashispalmssweat
.
Hewipedthesweatandfollowedconstabl
eKer
eng
whi
leJorgepunchedtheairannoyed.
..

Jor
ge:shi
t!Pl
easel
ethi
m besmar
t.Pl
ease(
he
si
ghed)
Ker
eng:soyourdi
stantcousi
n
Of
fi
cer
:yesconst
abl
e
Ker
eng:youvi
sithi
m al
otact
ual
ly
Of
fi
cer
:wel
lwear
efami
ly
Ker
eng:hmm i
nter
est
ingbuthowwoul
dyouexpl
ain
t
hisof
fi
cer

Heshowedhim acli
pofhimt akingpli
ersf
rom
Jor
geintheparki
nglotweari
nggl ovesashe
swal
lowedwit
hhisheartdroppingtothestomach.
..

Kereng:andbef oreyousayanyt hi
ngt hesearet he
exactpl i
ersthatwer efoundinMayaMoet i
'
scart he
samepl i
ersmi ssi
ngf r
om your"distantcousin's"
servicekitandt hesamepl i
ersthatwer eplantedat
MissMayaMoet i
'
shousewhi chwer efoundbyher
sonandnephew.Thesamepl i
ersthattemper ed
witht hecarLukewasi nwhichendedi naf atal
accident.
Of
fi
cer
:(chuckl
ed)si
ri.
..
Kereng:offi
ceryouhavebeenof fi
cial
lypl
aced
underarrestforconspi
racytomurderandf al
se
accusati
onsofMi ssMayaMoet i
.Youhavet her
ight
to.
..
ohnoyouknowt hedri
llsogi
vemeyourbadge,
gunandl eadt hewaytoyournewhome
Of
fi
cer
:aoMrKer
engcan'
twemaybe.
..
Ker
eng:noof
fi
cermovei
t

Hesaidpushi
nghi
m outashesnif
fedandwalked
outt
ryi
ngtotal
khi
mselfoutoft
hesit
uati
on.

THATEVENI
NG

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Apr
ilcheeredLucaswhi
leHer
ber
tcheer
edJoshua
astheyplayedaraci
nggamewit
hJoshua'
s
Pl
ayStati
on...

Joshua:comeonHer
byineedmor
eoft
hat
Her
ber
t:uncl
eJost
eponi
tmor
e
Apr
il
:Lucas!Lucas!Lucas!
Joshua:Her
ber
ttheyar
ewi
nni
ngpl
easeshout
l
ouder
.Gosh!(
LucasandApr
ill
aughed)i
t'
sbeena
whi
lesi
nceipl
ayedthegame
Her
ber
t:showhi
m who'
sbossuncl
eJo
Apr
il
:comeonLucicomeon!

ShesaidstandindinfrontofLucascheeri
nghim
evenlouderashegotdi str
actedandburstint
oa
l
augh.Thatt i
meJoshuat ookt headvant
ageand
passedhim whi l
einthekit
chenMayal aughedout
soloud.Shewentt othefryi
ngpanandchecked
howf arherchickenwas..
.

Apr
il
:Lucasno!
Joshua&Her
ber
t:yeay!Yeay!Yeay!

Theyjumpedcelebrati
ngasJoshual i
ftedHerbert
upswi ngi
nghim upintheairbutthei
rcelebr
ati
on
wascutshortbyascr eamingMayawhoj umped
backast hef
ryerpl
ugbur stalmostelect
rocuti
ng
her.Thewholehouselight
st r
ippedastheywent
qui
et.
..

Apr
il
:mama!
Joshua:st
ayputki
dsi
t'
sjustanel
ect
ri
calf
aul
t

Hesaidt
akinghisphoneandwentt
othemai
n
swi
tchputt
ingever
ythi
ngbackon.
..

Joshua:ar
eyouokYaya?
Maya:yeahbutial
mostgothur
t
Joshua:whathappened?
Maya:iwasjustt
urni
ngt
hechi
ckenandt
hepl
ug
bur
stoutofnowhere
Joshua:sorr
yforthat
.Uset hestoveinsteadiwil
l
takethefr
yertomyel ect
ri
ciantomorrowbef or
e
l
eavingtoseeifther
e'sanyf aul
twit
hi t
Maya:yohguysigott
heshockofmyl
if
ether
e
Lucas:sor
ryaunt
y
Her
ber
t:sor
rymama
Maya:i
t'
sokguysdi
nnerwi
llber
eadyi
naf
ewok
Lucas:awesome.Uncl
eJohowaboutr
ound2whi
le
wewai tf
orthedi
nner
Maya:Apr
ilcomehel
pmesett
het
abl
e
Apr
il
:butmauncl
eJoneedsmysuppor
t
Joshua:yespl
ease
Maya:youguysar
egoi
ngt
opayf
ort
his

Theylaughedgoingf orr
ound2whi l
eMayashook
herheadlookingatthealmostburntpl
ugwhi
le
warmingupt heoilonthestove.

LATERONI
NTHENI
GHT

I
nMochudi
..
.

Wi
thRonaandNyashaasl
eepMosesj
umped
throught hewal landwentt othebackdoor .Het ook
thekeyshecutf orhimsel fandunl ockedt hebut ler
thent hekitchendoor .Het iptoedi nsideandwent
fortheal arm butRonaseemedt ohavef orgot tent o
armi t.Hesmi l
edandputonhi sgl ovest hent ook
outanewcl eankni fegoingt oNyasha' sr oom.He
strokedhi smanhoodunt ilitwashar denoughf or
himt oputonacondom t hensl owlyopened
Nyasha' sdoor .Apeacef ullyasleep17yearol dgi rl
ashesmi l
edgoi ngt oher .Hesl owl yandcar ef ull
y
movedt hebl anketsasNyashat urnedsl eepi ngon
herback.Hesmi l
edmor easNyashat r
iedt opul l
theblanket sbutqui cklywokeupasshef elt
somet hingpul li
ngt hem back.Comi ngf acet of ace
withMosesshet r
iedt oscr eam buti twast ool ate
asheputacl othonhermout handnosewi thhi s
handont hecl oth.Shet ri
edt of ighthim buthewas
toost rongashemovedherl egandf orcedhi mseli n
her.Notgi vingupshet r
iedbuti twast ool ateashe
penetr at
edt hroughherhymen.Tear srolleddown
hereyesast hewi l
ltofightdi edof f.Hesat i
sf i
ed
himsel fandashewasaboutt oejaculatehe
stabbedheront hechest .Hef i
nishedandr emoved
thekni
feandst
abbedhertwot i
mesmor eonher
chestt
hengotoffher
.Hezippedhispantsand
madehiswayoutwi t
hhi
sknifeleavi
ngableedi
ng
Nyashalyi
ngi
nthepoolofherownbl ood.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
06] :AKEPTWOMAN
27

AtNal
e'
shouse.
..

Herhusbandcameoutoft
hebat
hroom andf
ound
heronherphone.
..
Man:it
houghtyouwer
easl
eep
Nal
e:ij
ustwokeup
Man:ok.Caniaskyousomet
hing?
Nal
e:yeah
Man:isever
ythi
ngokbet
weenPr
eci
ousandher
husband?
Nal
e:yeahwhydoyouask?
Man:Pr
eci
oushasneverspentani
ghther
e
Nal
e:i
sitapr
obl
em?
Man:ididn'
tsayit
'saprobl
em j
ustt
hatiwantt
o
under
standthereasonbehi
ndit
Nal
e:wearef
ri
endsandf
ri
endssomet
imesdo
sl
eepover
s
Man:idon'tdi
sputet
hatbutwhati
m sayi
ngi
syou
guysneverdosleepover
s
Nal
e:t
her
e'sal
waysaf
ir
stt
imef
orever
ythi
ngl
ove
Man:ohwellbutwho'
stakingcar
eoft
hehusbandi
f
she'
sspendi
ngthenighthere?
Nal
e:Lovemor
eisnotcr
ippl
ed
Man:ohokihearyoubutt
hisi
sjustodd
Nal
e:wel
lit
'sexact
lywhati
mtel
li
ngyou
Man:okgoodni
ght
Nal
e:ni
ght

Hegotinbedwhi
leNal
elookedathi
m andshook
herhead.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Thewomandr ewaci rclejustbyt hegat

eand
coveredherselfwi thablackcl ot
handputherpoi
nt
fi
ngerinthemi ddleoftheyar dandmadei ti
n.
Lucas'sdogst artedbarkingini t
'scageasshe
fr
ownedl ookingati t.
..

Lady:cal
m downdoggydoggy
Shesai dt aki
ngoutapi eceofr awst akeandt hrew
atthedogasi tstartedeat ing.Shesmi ledand
walkedar oundt hehousedr oppi ngsomel iquid
dropletsonal lcorner softhehouse.Shewent
str
aighttowher ePreci oust oldhershebur iedthe
thi
ngsandst arteddi gging.Backi nChioma' shouse
shequi cklywokeupasshef eltsomet hingwei ghon
herchest .Shet ri
edt oswal lowsal ivabutitwast oo
hardf orhert odoso.Sheshookherheadandgot
offbedgoi ngt oheral terandst art
edpr aying..
.

Chioma:Lor
dwhoeveri sintroubl
erightnowi
speakyourpowerandpr ot
ectionoverthem.
Whoeveristr
yingtoharmt heirl
if
eisaytheyhave
nopower.Mayt heynotsucceed.Mayt hei
rpl
ans
fai
l

Shecont
inuedtopraywhi
leattheKavi
mba'
sthe
l
adysmil
edt aki
ngoutt
hebottl
e..
.
Lady:Preci
ousreal
l
yneedst
olear
nal
ot.Sheneeds
tostar
tfocusi
ng

Shesaidtaki
ngoutLovemore'
sitemsandputt hem
i
naf reshbot
tl
ewhichhadagr eenmixt
ure.Sheput
thebottl
eint
heholeandasshewasaboutt ocover
thewholeLovemor
eputont hebedroom l
ightas
somethingbr
okedonwstai
rs..
.

Lady:shi
t!

Shequickl
ydrewacir
cleonthegroundandputher
point
ingfi
ngeri
nthemiddl
easshedi sappear
ed.I
n
thehouseLovemoref
rownedgoingoutofhisroom
tocheckwhatwasgoingon..
.

Lovemor
e:what
'sgoi
ngon?

Hesai
dlooki
ngar
oundwi
thaf
rownandscof
fed
goi
ngbackt
ohi
sbedr
oom.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Ronawokeupandheadedt othekit
chentoget
water
.Onherwaybacktothebedroom she
fr
ownedseei
nghergranddaughter
'sdooropen.
..

Rona:thi
sgi
rl
,howdoesshesl
eepwi
thadooropen
l
ikethi
s

Shesighedandheadedt
othebedr
oom onlytoget
theshockofherl
if
eseei
ngNyashasoakedinthe
blood.
..

Rona:heebathongwhathappenedher
e?Nyasha!
?
Nyasha!Thusang!Thusang!(
Hel
p)
Shesai
dshakinganunr
esponsi
veNyashat
ryi
ngt
o
wakeherup.
..

Rona:bathongwhathappenedhereohngwanake
bathong.Bathongtl
het
husang!Thusang!
(Somebodyhel p)

Shesaidcryi
ngrunningt otherr
oom f
orherphone
andpressedtheemer gencybutt
on.Shewipedher
tear
sandcalledPreci
ous. .
.

Pr
eci
ous:(
inhersl
eep)mama
Rona:Pr
eci
ous,
Nyasha,
hur
ryuppl
ease
Pr
eci
ous:(
satup)whataboutNyasha?
Rona:she'
sbl
eedi
ngPr
eci
ouspl
easehur
ryup
Pr
eci
ous:whatdoyoumeanshe'
sbl
eedi
ng?
Rona:i
tlooksl
ikesomenehasst
abbedher
Pr
eci
ous:(
hear
tski
pped)what
!?
Rona:ihavecall
edthesecuri
tycompanyweare
goi
ngtot akehertot
hecli
nicmakesurewefi
ndyou
i
nMar i
na
Preci
ous:whatthehell
!?Nochi
ldofmi
neisgoi
ng
toMarinatel
lthem t
otakehert
oGPH(Shehungup)
Nale!

Sheshoutedhernamechangi ngi
ntohertr
acksui
t
whil
eRonar ushedbacktothebedroom af
ter
openi
ngthegat eandcheckedNyasha'
spulse.
..

Rona:aoModi
mowame(
ohLor
d)

Shesaidnotf
eel
ingathi
ngwhi
leout
sidet
he
secur
it
ycompanydrovei
n..
.

Rona:comei
nthedoori
snotl
ocked
Man:good.
..
heebannamagrizawhathappened
her
e?Gogettheglovesi
nthecar.
Rona:whatdoesi
tlookl
ike?St
opaski
ngme
quest
ionsandhel
pmet akehertot
hecl
ini
c
Man:yoh

Hesaidputtingongl ovesandcarefull
ylif
ted
Nyashaupgoi ngtot hecarwhileRonacamewi tha
towel
,laidi
toutont hebackseatast heyl ai
dher
downandputherheadonRona' slaps.Oneman
l
ockedt hehouseandt ookthecarkeysast hey
spedofftothecli
nic.Onherwayoutwi t
hNal e
Preci
ouscalledLovemor eagai
nwhof inally
answered..
.

Lovemor
e:whatdoyouwantPr
eci
ousi
m sl
eepi
ng
Preci
ous:yourdaught
eri
sinj
uredwenayouhave
ti
met obesleepi
ng
Lovemor
e:excuseme?
Preci
ous:mymotherj
ustcal
ledmenowi tl
ooksl
ike
someonebrokei
nthehouseandstabbedNyasha
Lovemor
e:(
jumpedoutofbed)what
!?
Preci
ous:yeshurryupt heywil
lfi
ndusinGPH
mamasai dshecalledthesecurit
ytocomeandhelp
takehert
ot hecl
inic.Thecli
nicwil
lbr
inghert
his
side
Lovemor
e:(
sighedhangi
ngup)whywhywhy?

Hesai
dchangi
ngintotr
acksui
tsandqui
ckl
y
gr
abbedhi
scarkeysrushi
ngout.

45MI
NUTESLATER.
..

Lovemoredroveinthehospit
alsametimeasthe
ambulanceandheadedinsidefi
ndingPreci
ousand
Nalebytherecept
ion.
..

Lovemor
e:wher
eismydaught
er?
Pr
eci
ous:t
heyar
enother
eyet
Asshesai
dthemedi
cscamei
npushi
ngNyashaon
ast
ret
cher
..
.

Dr
:whathappened?
Medic:17yearol
df emalet
eenagerwit
h3st ab
woundsont hechest.Hadl
ostalotofbloodand
unconsci
ous
Pr
eci
ous:Nyasha!
Dr
:ma'
am pl
easest
epback
Pr
eci
ous:don'
ttel
lmet
ost
epbackt
hisi
smy.
..
Lovemor
e:Pr
eci
ouspl
ease!
Dr
:fi
ndoutwhi cht
ypeshei
sandcal
lthel
abf
or
bl
ood.Ibel
ieveyouar
efami
ly?
Lovemor
e:yeswear
eherpar
ent
s.She'
stypeB
Dr:wewi l
lupdat
eyouoncewehavemanagedt
o
resusci
tat
eher.Nur
seshe'
stypeB

Sher
ushedof
ftowher
etheyt
ookNyashawhi
le
Pr
eci
ousswal
lowedsi
tt
ingdown.
..

Pr
eci
ous:im goi
ngtol
osemydaught
er.Ican'
t
af
for
dtolosemy...
Nal
e:don'
twor
ryf
ri
endt
heyar
egoi
ngt
osaveher
Preci
ous:di
dyouseehowshel ookedNal
e?She
hasbloodalloverher,mydaught
erisgoi
ngt
odie
(shebursti
ntotears)
Lovemor
e:(
sighed)mamawhathappened?
Rona:(sni
ff
ed)iwokeupt ogogetwat erandwheni
wenttomybedr oom ireal
isedt
hatherbedroom
doorwasopen.Iwentt hereandfoundherinalotof
bl
oodthencall
edf orhelp
Lovemor
e:di
dsomeonebr
eaki
n?
Rona:not
her
ewasnosi
gnofbr
eaki
ngi
n
Lovemor
e:soi
t'
ssomeonewhohaskeys?
Rona:noonehasmyhousekeysbesi
desPr
eci
ous
Lovemore:buti
t'
sdefi
nit
elysomeonewhohasyour
keys.Whataboutyourgar
dener?
Rona:hedoesn'
thavekeys
Preci
ous:(
sniff
ed)andhe'
sjustaveryqui
etand
wellmanneredpersonhewouldn'
tdosomethi
ng
l
ikethi
s
Lovemor
e:howsur
ear
eyouaboutt
hat
?
Preci
ous:real
lynowLovemor
e?Ourchil
disf
ighti
ng
forherl
if
eandyouar eher
eworr
iedaboutMoses?
Lovemor
e:i
mtr
yingt
ofi
gur
eoutwhathappened
here
Precious:Moseswouldneverdosuchat hi
ng.He
hasbeenwor ki
ngformamaf or4year
snowand
everyholidaysNyashaisal
waysvisi
ti
ngmama.I f
hewasahear tl
esspersonhewouldhavelongdone
whathappened
Lovemor
e:i
fit
'snothi
mthenwhoi
sit
?
Preci
ous:wedon'
tknowLovemoregeez.Wewer
e
notther
ewhenallt
hishappened!
Rona:don'
tshoutatyourhusbandl
iket
hat
Pr
ecious:he'
sbusyaskingthesamequest
ionwhil
e
i
mt el
li
nghimt hatMosescanneverdosomethi
ng
l
iket
hisandi
t'
sannoyi
ng
Lovemore:youbelievewhatyouwantbutim not
goingt
or estunt
ilifi
ndthepersonwhodidthist
o
mydaught er.Di
dyoucallthepoli
ce
Rona:no
Lovemor
e:whynot
?
Rona:ever
ythi
nghappenedt
oof
ast
Lovemore:whati
fthatpersongoesbackt
othe
houseandgetsri
doft heevidence?
Rona:(si
ghed)idi
dn'
thavet
imetot
hinkaboutal
ot
oft
hingsalliwant
edwastosavemydaughter
Pr
eci
ous:whodi
dyoul
eaveLucaswi
th?
Lovemor
e:Lucasi
swi
thMaya
Pr
eci
ous:what
!?
Lady:ma'
am pl
easekeepi
tdown
Preci
ous:whatisLucasdoi
ngatthatwoman's
house?Lovemor edoyouwantt
oloseallyour
chil
dren?Gotakemysonf r
om t
hatwomanbef or
e
wehaveapr oblem
Lovemore:Lucasi
sfi
newi
thMayaact
ual
lyhe'
sa
l
otsafer
Rona:whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay?
Lovemor
e:sel
fi
shpeopl
ear
ehar
dlygoodpar
ent
s
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
e!?
Nale:Pr
eciouscal
m downyouhaveyourdaught
er'
s
healt
htofocuson

Sheswal lowedl ookingatNal eandquietlysatback.

Backi nMochudiMosesmadewaybackt oRona's
houseandwenti ntothehouse.Wi thgl
ovesonand
plast
icsonhi sshoes, hetookatrashbagandputi n
Nyasha'sst ai
nedsheet sandpill
ow.Het urnedthe
baseandputf reshsheet sthencleanedthewhol e
room, wipingever ycornerforfi
ngerpri
ntsorany
form ofDNAandl eftt
akingthetrashbagwi th
sheetsinside.Backatt hehospit
alLovemor e
checkedt hetimeandi twasaf ewmi nutesafter
2am ast hedoct orfinall
ycame...
Pr
eci
ous:Drpl
easet
ellmet
hatmydaught
eri
sok
Dr:ma'am yourdaught
erhasslippedint
oacomma
butwehavemanagedt ogivehersomebl oodas
shelostalotofit
.Theknif
emi ssedhervitalor
gans
thati
swhywear ecert
ainshewi l
lwakeup
Lovemor
e:whencanweseeher
?
Dr :iwoul
dadvi
ceyoutocomelat
ert
hismorni
ngso
thatwekeepacloseeyeonherfr
om nowunti
l
visiti
nghour
s
Lovemor
e:ok
Dr
:ther
e'ssomet
hingel
sesi
r
Lovemor
e:ok?
Dr
:yourdaught
erwasr
aped
Al
l:what
!?
Dr:yes.Wehavemanagedt ocoll
ecttheDNA
samplesoftheper petr
atorsowewi llneedallt
he
suspectsnamessot hatwetestthei
rsagainstthe
onewegotf rom yourdaught er
Lovemor
e:okdrt
hankyouwi
llgetbackt
oyouon
t
hatone
Dr
:thanks

Shesaidleavi
ngwhil
eLovemorescrat
chedhis
headwhilehiswi
fecri
edi
nNale'shandswit
hRona
speechl
ess..
.

Rona:butidi
dn'
tevenhearascr
eam ormovement
Lovemor
e:thi
siswhyyouhavetocal
lthepol
ice
l
et'
sgotothestat
ionr
ightnow
Rona:Pmybabyi
m sosor
ry

Lovemorecli
ckedhist
ongueandwenttohi
scaras
Nalefol
lowedhim wi
thPr
eciousandRonar
idi
ngin
hercar.

LATERTHATMORNI
NG
AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Hegotoutoft
heshowerashi
sphonerangand
answer
edwhil
echoosi
ngwhattowear
...

Joshua:Duncan
Duncan:aoit
houghtyoumi
ghtst
il
lbei
nbed
Joshua:Mai
tengwei
snotnearbysowehavet
o
l
eaveearlyf
orustoar
ri
veearl
y
Duncan:ohok.Ei shmonnannait hi
nkim goi
ngto
getdivorced.MywifeaskedPati
encetoleave
yesterdayandshesaidshe'snotgoi
nganywhere
andt hatourchil
dwasmovi ngi
n.ThatthrewLor
na
offandsheki ckedal
lofusout
Joshua:whatdi
dyouexpect
?
Duncan:comeonJoshuadon'
tbel
iket
hat
Joshua:l
ikewhat
?Whatdidisaytoyouthef i
rst
ti
meyout oldmeaboutPat
ience?(
Hekeptquiet)
andwhatwasyourresponse?(Hekeptqui
et)you
knowineveracknowl edgedyourbehavi ourbutwho
i
m itojudgeyou?That '
swhyij ustletyoube.Idon'
t
havetimetober unningbehindagr ownman
advi
cinghim againstsomethingthathecanseei s
notri
ghttodo
Duncan:idon'
twantt
olosemywi
fenormychi
ld
Joshua:t
henappl
yforf
ullcust
ody
Duncan:whati
fLor
nadoesn'
tacceptt
hechi
ld?
Joshua:t
hechancesofherdoi
ngsoarever
yhigh
andwouldyoublameherifshewant
edadivor
ce?
Duncan:iknowLornaisn'
tadomest
icat
edwoman
butshemeet sot
herquali
ti
esofawi
fehencei
marri
edher
Joshua:butst
i2lyouchoset
odi
srespecther
Duncan:whatdoido?
Joshua:there'
snothingyoucando.Thesurvi
val
of
yourmarriageli
esinherhandsandshouldshe
for
giveyouyoushoul dmakesur eyoudori
ghtby
herinor
dertobuildthetrustagai
n
Duncan:l
et'
shopeso.Anywayt
ravel
saf
ebuddy
Joshua:t
hanks.Youar
egoi
ngt
otheof
fi
cer
ight
?
Duncan:yeahi
m goi
ngwi
tht
hisyoungl
ad
Joshua:youar
enott
aki
nghi
mtohi
smot
her
?
Duncan:no,
notunt
ilt
hismat
terhasbeenr
esol
ved
Joshua:oksi
rbutmakesur
eyoufi
ndaschoolf
or
hi
mi nGabsduri
ngtheweekend
Duncan:isur
ewi
ll
Joshua:cheer
s
Duncan:cheer
sbuddy

TheyhungupasDuncansi ghedsit
ti
ngback.Hi
s
phonerangandhecutt hecall
.Pati
encecall
edhi
m
agai
nbuthecuti tandputitonfl
ightmode.
MeanwhileJoshuafini
shedgetti
ngreadyand
headeddownstairswherehefoundeveryone
wait
ingforhi
m...

Joshua:ar
ewer
eadyt
ohi
tther
oad?
Her
ber
t&Apr
il
:yes!
Joshua:wonder
ful
.Lucasyouar
eokr
ight
?
Lucas:yeahdadsaysicangot
heywi
llmakesur
e
mysisterpul
lst
hrough
Joshua:good.Ki
ndl
ymakesureyouhaveal
lyour
bagswhileigowarm upt
hecar
Maya:l
etmef
oll
owyouwi
thmyhandbagf
ir
st

Shechuckl edfollowi
nghim outwhi let hekids
doubl echeckedt heirl
uggage.Hewentt ot
he
driver'
ssi dewhileMayaopenedt hef rontpassenger
side.Heputt heykeyinthei gni
ti
onwhi leMaya
openedherhandbagchecki ngheri tems.Joshua
turnedt hekeyandassoonast heengi neran
somet hi ngburstintheengineast hebonnetdoor
fl
ewopenwi t
hthewholef r
ontcat chingaf lame
whi l
et heybot hranback.Hequi cklygr abbedthe
fi
reext inguisherasthekidscamer unni ngaft
er
hear i
ngMaya' sscream.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
06] :AKEPTWOMAN
28

Mayafini
shedthegl
assofwat
erasshesi
ghed
gi
vingLucasthegl
ass.
..

Lucas:ar
eyouokaunt
y?
Maya:yeahiwi
llbef
inei
t'
sjustshock
Lucas:okanysi
gnsofwhatcoul
dhavehappened
uncl
eJo?
Joshua:idon'
tseeanyt
hingbutmymechani
csays
hewillbehereanymomentfrom now
Maya:maybet
hisi
sasi
gnt
hatweshoul
dn'
tgo
anywher
e
Joshua:idon'
tthi
nkso
Maya:i
magi
nei
fthi
shappenswhi
lei
nthemi
ddl
eof
t
heroad
Joshua:don'
tspeakl
iket
hat
Maya:nosomeonewant
smedead
Lucas:aunt
y
Maya:f
ir
stitwasthepl
ugandnowt
hecar
?Not
his
i
snotacoinci
dence
Joshua:Lucast
aket
heki
dsi
nsi
depl
ease
Lucas:comeguys(
theyl
eft
)
Joshua:Maya
Maya:noJoshuaihaveal otofbadl
uckonmy
backandican'
tgetyouinvolvedaswel
lsoyoucan
goalonewewillst
aybehind
Joshua:im notgoi
nganywher
ealoneMayawear e
goi
ngt oget
herasagreed.Myfami
lyisexpect
ing
youguys
Maya:youcantel
lthem wehadanemer
gencyi
can'
taff
ordtoputyourl
ifeatr
isk
Joshua:youknowifyoustartfear
ingnowthat
's
whenallthoset
hingswil
lstarttomanif
esti
nyour
l
ife?
Maya:ihaven'
tfoundpeaceeversi
nceif
oundt
hat
matchboxJoshua.
Joshua:butim notgoi
ngtoletyoudr
ownyoursel
f
andall
owwhat everishappeni
nggettoyou.
Nothi
ngisgoingt ohappentoyouaslongasim
wit
hyout haticanassureyouof
Maya:howdoyouknowt
hat
?
Joshua:t
rustmeMaya.Ifyouwer etodie,the
el
ectri
cshockfr
om l
astnightcouldhavedonet hat
andlookyouhavej
ustsurvivedanotherincident
Maya:whati
fidon'
tsur
vivet
henext
?
Joshua:youbel
ievet
her
ewi
l
lbeanot
her
?
Maya:Joshuat
hingi
s..
.
Joshua:Mayastartt
hinkingposi
ti
vely.Yesboloibo
tengboatshel
a(yesthere'swi
tchcr
aft)buti
ttakes
onetopr otectthemselvesf rom itbykeepi ngt hei
r
headupandspeaki ngposi t
ivi
tyinyourl i
fe.One
thi
ngt hat'
sgoingt okillyourenemi esi sseeingyou
fl
ouri
shwhi l
etheyt hi
nkt heyar etakingyoudown
andifyoust artdraggingyour selfandbenegat i
ve
abouteverythingthat'swhenyougi vet hem power
tofi
nishyouof f
.Nowt rustmewhenisaywhenyou
arewithmeyouar esaf e.Notjustfrom physi cal
harm butfrom spiri
tualhar m aswel l(shesighed)
doyoubel ievethat?
Maya:mmh
Joshua:i
m goi
ngt
oneedast
rongerr
esponse.
Maya:yesidobel
ievet
hatwheni
m wi
thyoui
m
saf
e
Joshua:(
smi
led)nowgi
vemeahug

Shesmiledstandi
ngandhuggedhim asshefel
t
cal
mnessoverherandwasassuredthatindeedshe
wassafeinhisarms.Thegat
ebellr
angasJoshua
openedforthemechani
cwhodroveinandst ar
ted
att
endi
ngt hecar.
..
Man:it
'sgoi
ngt
oneedmet
olookati
tovert
he
weekendMrKgang
Joshua:it
'snopr obl
em ihaveorder
edanother
biggercaritwi
llbearri
vingi
nnot i
me.Wear e
tr
avell
ingsoidon' twantustouseasmallcar
Man:oksi
rletmecal
lthet
owt
ruckwhi
leyouar
e
wai
ti
ngonthecar
Joshua:sur
e.Lucas!
?
Lucas:yesuncl
eJo?
Joshua:askyourdadi
fthecarhasl
eftt
hegar
age
yet
Lucas:okuncl
eJo

Hecall
edhim whil
eJoshuaandMayal ookedatthe
mechanicgi
vingthecaraquickl
ookwithJoshua's
handoverMaya'sshoul
dersandhersaroundhis
waist
.
AtNal
e'
shouse.
..

Preci
ouspacedupanddownt hedi
ningar
eawhil
e
NaleandRonaquiet
lyl
ookedather
.Shescof
fed
shaki
ngherheadasRonasighed.
..

Rona:okenoughnowPr
eci
ousyouar
egoi
ngt
o
makeyoursel
fdizzy
Pr
eci
ous:isityourchil
dlyi
ngonthathospi
talbed?
Nosopleasedon'ttel
lmewhattodo
Nal
e:Pcal
m down
Preci
ous:cal m downforwhat ?Huh?Mydaught er
hasbeenr apedbysomemani acwhowentbackt o
cl
eanaf terhismessNal e,
myoneandonl y
daughterisfighti
ngforherli
fe,atonl
y..
.(
swal l
owed
astearsf i
ll
edhereyes)she'sonly17Nal e,onl
y
seven.
..ohlord(sheburstint
ot ear
ssit
ti
ngdown)
Nale:i
t'
sgoingt
obeokmylove.Allt
hatNyasha
needsisforust
obest
rongforhersothatshepul
ls
thr
ough
Pr
eci
ous:howi
sshegoi
ngt
ogett
hrought
hisNal
e?
How!
?
Rona:(
swal
lowed)babywewi
llbeher
eforher
Pr
eci
ous:don'
tyoudar
ewenamamadon'
tyoudar
e!
Nal
e:(
sof
tl
y)P
Precious:noNal
e,i
entr
ustedherwi
thmy
daughter'
slif
eandwhatdoesshedo?Sheput
sher
l
ifeindanger
Rona:Pr
eci
ous
Preci
ous:(sni
ff
edwipi
nghert
ear
sandstoodup)
yesisn'
titwhatyoual
waysdowi
thyourdaught
ers?
Huh?
Rona:okPr
eci
ousi
gett
hatyouar
e..
.
Pr
eci
ous:i
m notangr
yRonai
mli
vid!
Nal
e:Pr
eci
ous.
..
Preci
ous:shutupNal e!Youshutit
!WenaRonaim
nevergoingtoforgi
veyouf orwhatyouhavedone
tomydaught erhowcanyousacr if
iseyourown
bloodli
kethathuh?
Rona:Pr
eci
ouswhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Precious:ohpl easeRonadon'tactli
keyouareholy.
Youar enot hi
ngbutacr ookedwitchhidi
ngbehinda
churchuni for
m.Imeanexpl ainhowdoesal loft
his
happeni nyourpr esenceandyoupr et
endyoudidn't
hearat hing?Howdoesonegoi nandoutofyour
houset hateasilywithyounotheari
ngat hi
ngand
whydi dyounotcal lt
hepoli
cefi
rsthand?Huh?Why?
Answerme! ?
Rona:(
swal
lowed)it
hinkishoul
dgetgoi
ng
Nal
e:nomayouar enotgoi
nganywherePr
eciousi
s
j
ustover
lyemot
ionalshewi
llbef
ine.Ppl
ease..
.
Precious:overl
yemot i
onal?Sheshouldgobecause
shehasnopl acehere.I
fyouthinkmychil
d'slif
eis
adiceandcanbegambl edwiththenyouhave
anotherthingcoming.Formychi ldr
eniwil
lleave
nostoneunt urnedyouwoman
Nal
e:Pr
eci
oust
lhemma.
..
Pr
eci
ous:Nyashai
snotyournai
veMaya!
Shecl
ickedhert
onguegoi
ngt
othebedr
oom whi
le
Ronashookherhead.
..

Nale:l
etmemakeyouanothercupofteatohel
p
youcalm downmamaPreciousj
ustdoesn'
tknow
howt odealwi
tht
heshock
Rona:whyi
m iget
ti
ngbl
amed?
Nal
e:shejustneedssomeonet
otakeoutherpain
onunfor
tunatel
yithadt
obeyoubutiwil
lsurel
y
cal
m herdown
Rona:pl
easedosobecauseatt
herat
eshe'sgoi
ng
shemightendupsayi
ngandexposi
ngthi
ngsshe
shoul
dn'
t

Nalesighedgoi
ngt
otheki
tchenwhileupstai
rs
Nale'
shusbandqui
etl
ywentbacktothebedroom.
Helookedinthemi
rr
orwit
hal otofquest
ionsinhi
s
mind.

AtKavi
mba'
shouse.
..
Hi
sphoner
angashegotof
fhi
scarandanswer
ed.
..

Lovemor
e:Chi
Chioma:hiigotyourmessagesorr
yforget
ting
backtoyousol at
emymor ninghasbeencrazy
busy
Lovemore:i
t'
sokyouar
eabusywomansoi
under
stand
Chi
oma:howar
eyouhol
dingup,
howi
sthegi
rl
?
Lovemore:ij
ustgothomefrom thehospi
taland
ther
e'sst
il
lnochange.She'
ssti
llinacomma
Chi
oma:ohim sosor
ry.Iwi
lldef
ini
tel
yputheri
n
myprayer
s
Lovemor
e:soi
sthi
sthedar
kcl
oudyouar
etal
king
about
?
Chioma:maybebutl
ikeisai
dit
'st
imeyoupai
dyour
healeravi
sit
Lovemor
e:whenwi
l
lif
indt
imet
ogot
oZi
m whi
le
mydaught
eri
sfi
ght
ingf
orherl
if
e?
Chi
oma:youshoul
dmaketimet
houghorel
seyou
wil
lbeput
ti
ngyourl
if
eatr
isk
Lovemor
e:iwi
llseewhatt
odo
Chi
oma:wher
e'syourson?
Lovemore:t
heywillbemakingtheirwayto
Maitengweanyt
imef r
om now.Thecart heypl
anned
touseseemedtohaveanel ect
ricalf
aul
tsoirented
theguyonefrom t
hegarage.
Chi
oma:ohok
Lovemore:doyoumindaccompanyi
ngmetothe
hospi
tall
atert
ocheckonNyasha?Maybepr
ayfor
herorsomethi
ng
Chioma:(
sneer
ed)i
m notamir
acl
eperfor
ming
personMrKimjustsomeonewhoseesandreveal
s
thi
ngstopeopl
e
Lovemor
e:iunderstandthatbutyouneverknow
maybeyourprayersmightdowonders
Chioma:(
chuckled)iwil
lgowithyout
othehospi
tal
butdon'
texpectanythi
ngfrom me
Lovemor
e:t
hat
'sal
lineed(
theychuckl
ed)
Chi
oma:whatdi
dthepol
icesay?
Lovemor
e:theculpri
twentbackt
othehouseto
cl
eansoit
'sdefi
nitel
ysomeonewhoknowst heol
d
womanandhasbeeneyei ngmydaughter
Chi
oma:doyouknowanyone?
Lovemore:ihonest
lyt
hinkt
hegar
denermi
ghtknow
somethi
ng
Chioma:onethi
ngaboutagutfeel
ingisthati
t
neverl
iestoyousodon'
tal
lowyour sel
ftobemade
tothi
nkotherwi
seal
waysfoll
owyourgutunt i
lthe
l
astblow
Lovemor
e:iwi
lldoso.Anywayseeyoul
aterneh
Chi
oma:nopr
obl
em.Ci
ao
Lovemor
e:bye

Hesaidopeningt
hedoorandrememberedhe
hasn'
tgi
venthedogit
'sbreakf
astandhasn'
teven
heardi
tbarki
ng.Heputsomedogbi t
esinajarand
headedoutt
ot hecageashesawitsl
eepi
ng.The
cl
oserhegotthemor eher
eal
isedt
hatsomethi
ng
wasnotonwithit.
..

Lovemor
e:Lucas?Lu.
..
ah

Hesai
dqui
cklyopeni
ngthecageashesawbl ood
comi
ngoutofit
snoseandit
'sgumsallswol
len..
.

Lovemor
e:noLucaswhathappenedt
oyoudoggy?

Hefrownedseeingaboneofst eakandt ookhi s

phonecalli
ngthevet
.Hemadehi swayt othehouse
butstoppedashesawahi pofsoi ljustbythef ar
endofthehouse.Hewentt oi tsti
lltal
kingtot he
ani
maldoct orandst
oppedl ookingi nthehol eand
sawabot tl
ewithagreenmi xture.Hef rowned
l
ookingupandi twasjustbelowt hemai nbedr oom
ashescof f
edandlookedint hehol eagai n.
..
Lovemor
e:oksirseeyoujustnow(hehungup)
whatint
heli
vinghelli
sgoingonhere?

Hesai dt
akingpi
ctur
esandexaminedthehole
noti
cingthati
twasdugnotoncebuttwice.He
scoff
edandwentt othehousecal
li
nghisauntback
i
nZimbabwe.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lor
nasatont hecouchaft
eropeni
ngforPat
ience
whowentstraightt
othehouseandopenedt
hedoor
wit
houtknocking.
..

Pati
ence:whereismychi ld!
?Duncan!?Duncan!
?
Junior
!?Duncancomeoutwi thmychildnow!Lorna
where'
smychi ld?(Shequietl
ylookedather
)don't
star
eatmel ikethatandgivememychi ld!I
fyoudid
somethingtomychi ldisweartoyouaregoingto
regr
etit
!Im goingtocallt
hepoliceandhaveyou..
.
Lor
nagrabbedonherneckandclosedherai
rpi
pes
asshegaggeddr
oppingherphone..
.

Lor
na:youhavethener
veofcomingint
omyhouse
andshoutl
ikeyouar
eatsomefreedom squar
e
Pat
ience:(
gaggi
ng)youar
e..
.you.
..
youar
e..
.
Lorna:i
m what
?Blocki
ngyourai
rpi
pes?Yesthat'
s
exactl
yhowimfeeli
ngri
ghtnowPat
ienceaf
ter.
..

Sheletgoofherneckandsl
appedherwit
hthe
backofherhandasshefel
lonthecouchcoughi
ng
holdi
ngherneck.
..

Lorna:aft
erallthatihavedoneforyouandt hi
si s
thethanksiget?Ihavebeennot hingbutgoodto
youPat i
ence,itrust
edyouwi t
hmyl if
ePatiencei
tol
dyouever ythingiwasgoingthroughwithmy
husbandkant ewenaal lt
histi
meyouar elaughing
behindmybackhuh?Soi m afoolPati
ence
Pat
ience:Lor
na.
..

Shewentont opofherandcl
osedherpi
peswith
bothofherhandsthi
stimear
oundasPatience
gaggedtr
yingtogetherof
fofher
..
.

Lorna:im af oolPati
ence?Wel ll
etmet ellyou
somet hi
ng, youhavemessedwi ththewr ongf ool
(sheletgoofherasshegaspedandcoughedf orair
)
i
m goi ngtot eachyoual essonyouar enevergoi ng
toforget.I
fyout hinklosi
ngyourbr eathforaf ew
secondsi spai nf
ulthenyoubet t
erbraceyour self
becausei t
'saboutt ogetevenmessi erforyounow
getthehelloutofmyhouseandneversetf oother e!
Pat
ience:youar
egoi
ngt
opayf
ort
his
Lorna:isai
dgetoutbef
oreidosomet
hingimi
ght
regret
!Outslut
!

Shesai
djerki
ngheroffthecouchandpushedher
out
.Shepickedherphoneandthrewitather
..
.
Lorna:ift
heyaskyouwhathappenedt
oyoutel
l
them thatyouf
uckedt
hewrongwoman'shusband.
Bloodyshit!

Sheslammedt hedoorandclickedhertongue.She
breat
hedheavi
lypacingaroundt hel
ivi
ngroom as
emotionsgott
hebetterofher.Forhowlongwas
shegoingtobl
ockhert ear
s?Shesatdownputher
facei
nherhandsandf inal
lybrokedown.

I
nLedumang.
..

Lewiswhi
stl
edalongtothemusicplayingf
rom hi
s
phonewhil
emarkinghisst
udentsexam papers.A
knockcamethr
oughashewel comedt hepersonin.
..

Thabo:(
smi
led)i
fit
snotmyf
avour
it
eteacher
Lewi
s:(
sighed)whatdoyouwantThabo?
Thabo:comeonl
oveloosenup,
it'
saFri
dayand
school
sarecl
osi
ngtodaywhyareyouupti
ght
?
Lewi
s:pleasesaywhatyouwantt
osayandl
eave
myoffi
ceihavealotofworkt
odo
Thabo:event
oobusyforaqui
ckybef
oret
he
weekendfest
ivi
ti
escommence.
..

Knowinghowgoodhemadehi mfeelt
helastti
me,
hegottempt
edbuti
t'
sthefactt
hathestol
efrom
hi
m andwasusingi
tagai
nsthimthattur
nedhim
of
f..
.

Thabo:yes?No?
Lewi
s:Thabogetoutofmyf
ace
Thabo:comeonhoneyyouknowican.
..
Lewi
s:isai
dgett
hehel
loutofmyf
aceyoungboy!
Thabo:yoh,chi
llbr
uhi
m nother
etofi
ghtdon'
tbe
taki
ngoutyourclawsonme(hegavehim ast
are)
oklook,i
t'
sfri
daysomyboysandiaredefi
nit
ely
hi
tti
ngthest
reet
ssoibel
ieveyouknowt
hedr
il
l
ri
ght?
Lewi
s:youdon'
thavet
oremi
ndme
Thabo:goodiseehowmuchyouloveyourwork
seeyoulaterboobooandj
ustsoyouknowidon'
t
l
ikewaiti
ng
Lewi
s:yeahwhat
ever

Hewi nkedathim andl

eftwhi
leLewi
ssi
ghedsit
ti
ng
back.Ani deapoppedupinhi
sheadashechuckl
ed
packi
ngt hepapersaway..
.

Lewis:im goingt oteacht hi

slit
tlebastardalesson
hewi l
lneverf orget.Etl
aarealebagayj aanaaboae
shemal abofelo( hewon' tevenlooktwiceatagay
mant henextt ime)( cli
ckedhistongue)nkat l
ago
tal
lwakengwanakel ekana,yeses(im notgoingto
bewal kedoverbyachi l
dwheni mthisold)

Hesai
dtaki
nghi
sval
uabl
esandmadewayt
ohi
s
house.

Att
hebar
racks.
..

Mopat il
aughedgoi
ngint
otheiroff
iceashef ound
hi
sf ri
endonaphonecall
.Heputhi sstet
hoscope
ont hedeskandswunghischairwait
ingforhimto
fi
nish..
.

Kit
so:good.Iwantnomi
stakesyouhear
?Good(
he
hungup)boy
Mopat
i:ssuppapi
Ki
tso:youar
einagoodmood?
Mopat
i:i
t'
saFr
idaymyguyt
imet
oletl
oose
Kit
so:mmhf i
nddowntoear
thl
adi
esnott
hat
upti
ghtt
hingofyour
s
Mopat
i:yeahwhat
ever
.Whower
eyouont
hephone
wi
th?
Ki
tso:oneofmyboys
Mopat
i:pl
an?
Kitso:l
etmejustsayt
hatsi
sbhut
inonsensewillbe
remindedofhistr
uesexual
it
ybyt
heendoft he
night
Mopat
i:ohyeah?
Kit
so:imtel
li
ngyou.Nobodymesseswit
hKitsoand
getsawaywithi
t.Goodthi
ngabouti
tist
hathe
won'tknowwhoitwas
Mopati
:yeahnehanywayi
m donef
ort
hedaysoi
wi
llbegoingt
omyhouse
Ki
tso:ohokiwi
llbeoutbyl
unchiwi
llt
alkt
oyou
Mopat
i:sur
epa

Ki
tsot
ookacar
dandmadehiswayoutwhi
le
Mopat
ismi
ledl
ooki
ngathi
m.Hescof
fedandtook
hi
sthi
ngsmaki
nghiswayout
.

I
nMochudi
..
.
Lovemoremadehi
swayi nt
oRona'
syar
dandf
ound
Mosesraki
ngout
side.
..

Lovemor
e:goodday
Moses:gooddaysi
rhowar
eyou?
Lovemor
e:f
ineandyour
sel
f?
Moses:(
sighed)whatcanwesaysi
r,madam cal
led
me
Lovemor
e:ohisee.Soi
t'
sjustyouher
e?
Moses:yessi
r
Lovemor
e:t
ellmehowol
dar
eyou?
Moses:33
Lovemor
e:howl
onghaveyoubeeni
nBot
swana?
Moses:5year
snow
Lovemor
e:andhowl
onghaveyoubeenwor
kingf
or
MmaMoet i
?
Moses:4year
s
Lovemor
e:wher
ewoul
dyoubewhenevericome
here?
Moses:idon'
twor
konSat
urdaysandSundayssi
r
Lovemor
e:ok.Doyouknowanyot
hermal
ewho
knowsMmaMoet i
?
Moses:no,
notr
eal
lysi
r
Lovemore:soyouar
etheonl
ymant
hatgoesi
nand
outoft
hisyard?
Moses:yessi
r
Lovemor
e:doyouhaveawi
feandki
ds?
Moses:nosi
r
Lovemor
e:ohsowhoar
eyouher
etomakemoney
for
?
Moses:mysel
f
Lovemor
e:alr
ight
.SohowoftendoesMmaMoet
i
l
eaveyoualonewitht
hehouse?
Moses:acoupl
eoft
imesi
namont
h
Lovemor
e:whenwast
hel
astt
ime?
Moses:t
wodaysago,
shewentf
orameet
ingat
chur
ch
Lovemor
e:soi
twasj
ustyouandNyasha?
Moses:yessi
r
Lovemor
e:ok.Doyouknowanyoneher
ebesi
des
thi
sfami
ly?
Moses:notr
eal
lysi
r
Lovemore:ohthankyousomuchweshal
lmeet
againsomeotherti
me
Moses:oksi
rnopr
obl
em t
ravel
saf
eandmayyour
daught
erbewel
l
Lovemore:ohtrustmeshewillandthepersonwho
di
dt hi
sisgoingtoregr
eteverputt
ingthei
rfi
lt
hy
handsonher

HesaidgoingtohiscarwhileMosesswallowedas
hishear
tskippedabeat.Itwasthetonein
Lovemore'
svoicethatgottohim buthej
ustscoffed
andbrusheditoff
.InhiscarLovemoresquinthi
s
eyesandcli
ckedhistonguestart
ingtheengine.
AtBi
anca'
shood.
..

Sheparkedhercarafewmetersawayfr
om her
houseandcheckedthecoastgoi
ngtoheryar
d
l
eavingthecarunl
ocked.I
nhiscarLewi
sshookhi
s
headlooki
ngather.
..

Lewi
s:mmonej
aakaasesel
ajaakamoloiyomeno
mant
shosi
es(j
ustl
ookathert
ip-
toei
ngli
keawitch
shei
s)

Hewai tedf
orhertogetinthehouseasheclicked
histongueandgotoffhiscargoingt
ohers.He
checkedifi
twaslockedashewenti nandlai
don
onthebackseat.Biancagotwhatshewantedand
wentbacktohercarasshesi ghedgett
ingi
n...

Bi
anca:yohbat
hongr
etsi
legoi
tshokodi
sabo
Bi
anca(wearegoi
ngtomakeourli
vesali
vinghel
l)
Lewis:(satup)mmhkemokgwawamol oi
,bantse
fel
ajalo(that
'sawi
tchf
oryou,
that
'showtheyare)

Shef
rozewit
hhereyeswidenedandhandsont
he
st
eer
ingwheelwhi
leherhear
traced.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
06] :AKEPTWOMAN
29

Lewis:gaonagorot
olamatl
hojal
oBi
anca(
youar
e
notgoingtowi
denyoureyesl
iket
hat
)
Bi
anca:(
chuckl
ed)f
ri
end
Lewi
s:don'
tfr
iendBi
ancawher
ehaveyoubeen
hi
ding?
Bianca:hi
ding?(
Chuckl
ed)whatar
eyout
alki
ng
about?
Lewi
s:i
m nother
etopl
aygameswi
thyouBi
ancai
wantmymoney
Bianca:whyareyouact
ingasi
fisai
diwasgoi
ngt
o
runawaywi t
hyourmoneyLewis?
Lewis:whatdoyoucal
lwhatyouhavebeendoi
ng
Bianca?Iwantmymoneyandiwantitnow.I
t'
s2
daysafterpaydaymmaet
sho
Bi
anca:l
ikeisai
dihavepr
obl
emswi
thmyaccount
s
Lewis:Biancaomaakaomaakaf elaamant sho
Bianca(youareali
ar)
.Abankwi l
lnevert
akeso
l
ongt ofixanypr
oblem wi
thyouraccount
s.Please
paymebef or
ewehaveapr obl
em.Ihaveplansfor
thatmoneykanagaont i
bil
eobonaBi l
lGatesmma?
(OrdoyouseeBi l
lGateswhenyoulookatme)
Bi
anca:i
sthedr
amahonest
lynecessar
y?
Lewi
s:mma!
?(Chuckl
ed)Biancasebatl
egont
eka
tl
hemma,
keagokopaBianca(don'
ttr
ymeplease,
i
begyouBi
anca)
Bi
anca:gonemmehowdi
dyouevengeti
ntomycar
?
Lewis:t
hat
'sbesi
dest
hepoi
nti
m wai
ti
ngf
ort
he
tr
ansfer
Bi
anca:Lewiswhatisitt
hatyoudon'
tunder
stand
whenitel
lyouthatidon'
thavemoneyri
ghtnow?
Lewis:whydi
dyouparkherei
fyouwant
edt
ogoto
yourhouse?I
sthatnotasi
gnofyout
ryi
ngt
ohi
de
fr
om somethi
ng?
Bianca:youar
ejustr
eadi
ngt
oomuchi
ntot
his
Lewishonestl
y
Lewi
s:gi
vemeyourphone
Bi
anca:why?
Lewi
s:Bi
ancaj
ustbr
ingyourphone
Bianca:noLewisi
m notgoi
ngt
ogiveyoumyphone
beforeyoutel
lmewhatyouwantt
odowi t
hit
Lewis:(
clickedhist
ongue)wai
tsewantl
waela
Bianca(youar eget
ti
ngwaytooover
famil
iarwi
th
me)
Hesai
dget
ti
ngof
fthecarandopenedt
hedr
iver
's
si
de.
..

Bi
anca:whatar
eyoudoi
ngLewi
s?
Lewis:youthi
nkim her
et opl
aygameswit
hyouneh?
(Tookthekeyoutoftheigni
ti
on)i
m goi
ngtot
each
youagoodl esson
Bi
anca:Lewi
s!?
Lewis:(
tookherhandbag)youar
egoi
ngt
oget
theseonceyougivememymoney
Bi
anca:Lewi
swhathasgot
teni
ntoyou!
?
Lewi
s:getoutoft
hecarBi
anca
Bi
anca:noar
eyoucr
azy
Lewi
s:iseeyout
hinkI
'
m her
etogi
ggl
ewi
thyou

Hecl
ickedhi
stongueandpul
ledheroutandwent
i
nsi
de..
.
Bi
anca:Lewi
s!

Hel ockedthedoor s,st

art
edthecaranddr ovet o
thegat ewhileBiancacli
ckedhert onguegoi ngto
hiscar.Whi l
eshecheckedi fhiswasl ockedhe
drovehersi nheryard,wentthroughherbagand
checkedt hehousekeysandt heywer ethere,he
checkedi falldoorsandwindowswer eclosedand
l
ockedandwal kedoutwhil
eBi ancapacedhi sway
cli
ckinghert onguenonestop...

Bi
anca:Lewi
sgi
vememybel
ongi
ngs
Lewi
s:ar
eyougoi
ngt
ogi
vememymoney
Bi
anca:Lew.
..
Lewis:eh!Zi
pit
,unt
ilyougi
vememymoneyyou
wil
lgetyourthi
ngsback
Bi
anca:wher
edoyouexpectmetosl
eepLewi
s?
Howdoyouexpectmetogettowor
k?
Lewis:youshouldhavethoughtaboutthatbefor
eo
si
mol olagosesel
aokareophokojweesi akanama
ebodileng.(
Beforeyoustar
tedti
ptoingar oundl
ike
ajackalgett
ingawaywithrott
enmeat )(ThrewP20
noteather)seehowyougett oworkmydear
Bi
anca:i
m goi
ngt
orepor
tyou
Lewis:gori
ghtaheadnana.Awenawar eketsil
ego
l
opelabotsal
akamadiame?( Doyout hinki
m going
tobuyfri
endshipwit
hmymoney)Iwor khar
dfor
thatmoneyBianca.I
m notabusinessownerli
ke
you(scoff
ed)that
'si
fyouareevenone
Bi
anca:Lewi
s!
Lewis:youknowhowt
ogethol
dofmebooboo.
Ciao

Hesaidget
ti
nginhi
scaranddr
oveoffwhi
lea
shockedBi
ancast
oodther
eandcl
appedonce.
..

Bi
anca:di
dhej
ust
..
.
Shechuckl
ednotbel
ievi
ngwhatj
usthappenedand
headedt
othebustoptocat
chacombi .

Backi
nMochudi
..
.

Lovemoreslowl
ydr ovear
oundt hehoodand
stoppedatt
he5thhouseaf terRona'
s.Hemadehi
s
wayi nt
heyardwher ehefoundanelderl
ywoman
sorti
ngoutherbeans..
.

Lovemor
e:dumel
amama
Woman:(
smi
led)hel
lomysonicanspeakengl
ish
Lovemore:(
chuckl
ed)yohiwaswonderinghowwe
weregoingtobeablecommunicat
e.Anywaydoyou
knowthewomanst ayi
nginthe5thhousefr
om her
e
thi
sside?
Woman:RonaMoet
i,yesidoknowherwegot
o
chur
cht
ogether
Lovemor
e:ohni
ce.Doyouknowt
hemanwho
cl
eansf
orher
?
Woman:Moses?Yeshecl
eansf
ormet
ooon
Sat
urdays.Why?
Lovemore:ihear
dhe'sgoodatcutt
ingt
reessoi
needsomeonewhocandot hatf
ormeatmyyard
wheredoeshest ay?
Woman:notf
arf
rom her
ebutit
hinkhe'
satRona'
s
yar
dnow
Lovemor
e:ohiwentt
her
ebutt
her
e'snoone
Woman:howdi
dyouknowhewast
her
e?
Lovemor
e:iaskedpeopl
ear
ound
Woman:ok.Letmeshowyouhowt
ogett
ohi
s
house.

Shest oodupanddi rectedhi

m asheputhishands
toget
herthankingherandmadehi swayout.He
fol
lowedt heinst
ructi
onsandstoppedattheexact
yardandf oundawomanandachi l
dseat
edoutside
withthewomanf eedingthechi
ld.
..
Lovemor
e:gooddaymama
Lady:gooddaysi
r
Lovemor
e:i
sthi
sMoses'
shouse?
Lady:yessi
rbuthe'
snoti
n
Lovemor
e:ohok.Youar
e?
Lady:hi
swi
fesi
r
Lovemor
e:ohok.Howof
teni
shehome
Lady:somet
imeshesl
eepsathi
sboss'
shousel
ike
yest
erday
Lovemor
e:ohoksohedi
dn'
tcomehomeaf
terwor
k?
Lady:nosi
r.Whyar
eyouaski
ngsi
r?
Lovemor
e:ihear
dhe'
sagoodgar
denersoiwant
hi
sservi
ces
Lady:okl
etmegi
veyouhi
snumber
Lovemor
e:nopr
obl
em
Shesaidi
touttohi
m ashesmil
edandwentbackto
hi
scar.Hesnif
fedandsneer
edshaki
nghi
shead..
.

Lovemore:t
hisbast
ardr
apedmydaught
erandhe'
s
goingt
oknowwhoiam

Hecl
ickedhi
stongueandchuckl
eddr
ivi
ngof
f.

AtKgang'
sT&Tof
fi
ces.
..

Duncansatbackandlookedathissonwhowas
pl
ayingontheki
ddieslapt
op.Hisphonerangashe
l
ookedatthescreenandsighed.Heshookhishead
andcutthecal
lasthedooropened..
.

Pat
ience:ompat
lang?(
Whatdoyouwantf
rom me)
Juni
or:mommy!(
Her
anandj
umpedonher
)
Duncan:Pat
ience,
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Pat
ience:howcoul
dyouDuncan?Ithoughtyou
car
edaboutmegonejaanayourwif
eassaultedme
Duncan:(
frowned)whatdi
dyoudo?
Pat
ience:excuseme?
Duncan:yesPat
iencewhatdi
dyoudoandwhi
leat
t
hatpleaseputmychil
ddown
Pati
ence:ishouldhaveknownthatyouar
enot
hing
butacowar d.Youareanexcuseforamanyou
havenospine!
Duncan:Pat
iencest
opi
t!
Juni
or:(
bur
sti
ntot
ear
s)mama!
Pat
ience:youseewhatyouar
edoi
ngt
omychi
ld?
Duncan:i
t'
sal
lyourfaul
thowcanyouj
ustthr
ow
your
selfi
nherewit
houttel
li
ngmeandst
artafight
?
Pati
enceputmychil
ddown
Patience:yongwanawar ennaweeot lammonao
senagoi kakanyagoreobat langmobot shel
ong
(t
hischildi smineyouwi llonlycl
aim hi
m onceyou
decideonwhatyour eal
lywant )
.Im notgoi
ngtobe
playedliket hat
.Ifyouthoughtthatiwasyourbasi
c
househelperthenyouhaveanotherthingcoming.I
seeyouf orgetwhereicomefr
om andt rustmeyou
don'twanttomesswi thmeli
kethat.Tellyourwife
thatthisi
snotthelastti
meshehear sfrom me.
Untilyoumanupandgr owapairim goingtobreath
downyourneckl ikeananci
entdinosaur

Shecli
ckedhertongueandtookthelaptopwit
hher
soninherhandsandmadeherwayoutwhi l
e
Duncangruntedrubbi
nghi
sf ace.Hetookhisphone
andcall
edLorna..
.

Duncan:Lor
nawhat
..
.
Lor
na:i
fyouknowwhat'
sgoodforyou,
youwi
ll
makeyourwayhomeri
ghtnow
Duncan:loveim atwor
k.Joshuai
str
avel
li
ngsoi
can'
tleavetheoffi
ceal
one
Lor
na:t
henmakesur
eyouar
eher
eatexact
ly5pm
Duncan:eemma
ShehungupasDuncanheavedasi
ghst
andi
ngup.
..

Duncan:Duncan,
Duncan,
Duncanwhathaveyou
done?Yoh

AtNal
e'
shouse.
..

Precioussniff
edget ti
ngof fherbedandputonher
sleepersdraggingherf eetout.Shepressedher
phonegoi ngtot hekitchenwher eRonawasseated
readingamagazi ne.Preci
ousl i
ft
edherheadand
l
ockedeyeswi t
hher .
..

Pr
eci
ous:mxm

Shesai
dturni
ngheadi
ngbackt
othebedr
oom but
bumpedint
oNale.
..
Nal
e:nope,
youar
enotgoi
nganywher
efr
iend
Preci
ous:ican'
tbei
nthesamespacewi
thsome
peopl
eher e
Nal
e:t
hisi
syourmot
hernotsomepeopl
e

Upstai
rsNal
e'shusbandgotof
fbedasheheard
voi
cesdownsstair
sandmadehi swayoutst
anding
behi
ndapill
arupstai
rs.
..

Preci
ous:ohr
eal
ly?Il
ostmymot hert
hedayshe
thoughti
twasoktoendangermydaught
er'
sli
fe
Rona:Pr
eci
oushowmanytimesshoulditel
lyou
t
hatI'
m asi
nthedar
kaboutthi
sjustl
ikeyou?
Precious:idon'
twantt
obuyt
hat
.Di
dinotaskyou
toleavethishouse?
Rona:im notgoi
nganywher
eunti
lyoubel
ievet
hati
havenothingtodowit
hthi
s.Whywouldiwantto
hurtNyasha?
Pr
eci
ous:whyar
eyouaf
terMa.
..
Nale:(
clear
edhert
hroatlooki
ngup)okPreci
ous
that
'senoughdoyouforgetmyhusbandisinthe
house?Doyoureall
ywantt odot
hathere?
Pr
eci
ous:imi
ghtaswel
lbecausei
m donewi
tht
his
woman
Nal
e:Pr
eci
ousyouar
ejustbei
ngt
oodr
amat
icr
ight
now
Pr
eci
ous:dr
amat i
c?Kant
ebet
weenmeandRona
who'
syourf
riend?
Nal
e:i
t'
snotevenaboutt
hatPr
eci
ous.Iknowyou
ar
ehurt
ingbutyoucan'
tbl
ameyourmother
Pr
eci
ous:howcaninotwhil
eshewastheonl
yone
wi
thNyasha?Ronawhodidyouwantt
osacri
fi
se
mydaughtert
o?
Nal
e:Pr
eci
ous
Preci
ous:i
m nott
alki
ngt
oyouNal
epl
easest
ayout
ofthi
s
Rona:soisacr
if
isepeopl
ePr
eci
ous?
Pr
ecious:i
sn'
tthat
'swhatyoudi
dwi
thyourown
si
sterandMaya!?
Nal
e'shusbandalmostchokedupst
air
sand
bl
ockedthecoughrushi
ngbacktothebedr
oom
whil
ethetr
iofrozel
ooki
ngup.Preci
ousswall
owed
asherheartr
acedasNalemadeherwayup...

Rona:(
whi
sper
ed)youseewhatyouhavedone?
Pr
eci
ous:(
whi
sper
edback)i
t'
sal
lyourf
aul
t
Nal
e:(
opened)honey?Babe?Ar
eyoust
il
lasl
eep?

Shegotnor esponseandwentcl osert

ochecki
fhe
real
lywasasl eep.Shesni
ffedandwentbackdown
whileherhusbandsl owl
yturnedwithafr
ownonhi
s
faceandal otinhismind.
..

Pr
eci
ous:and?
Nal
e:he'
sinbedsomet
hingmusthavef
elli
noneof
t
herooms
Pr
eci
ous:(
sighed)t
hankGod
Nale:thankGod?Pr
eci
ousyouneedt
ogetover
yourselfnow
Pr
eci
ous:i
m goi
ngtogogetr
eadyt
ogocheckon
mydaught
erdur
ingl
unch

Shesaidgoingbackt
othebedr
oom asRonashook
herhead.
..

Rona:ithi
nkishoul
dgobacktomyhouset
her
e'sa
l
ottoriskandican'
taf
for
dthat
Nal
e:oknopr
obl
em.Iunder
stand

THATAFTERNOON

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

LovemoreopenedthedoorforChi
omaast
hey
madetheirwayinsi
de.Thenurset
ookt
hem t
o
wher
eNyashawassl
eepi
ng.
..

Lovemor
e:i
sshewakeyet
?
Nurse:nosiri
fshewasawaket
hedoct
orwoul
d
havetoldyou
Lovemor
e:ok(
theyar
ri
ved)
Chioma:shamepoorl
it
tl
egir
lonl
yifsheknewwhat
hashappenedtoher(
shefr
ownedseeingawei
rd
scarl
ikemarkonherarm)
Lovemor
e:thet
houghtofhavi
ngherr
eli
vet
he
wholeor
dealwhenshewakesupmakesmesick
Chi
oma:yousai
dyouwer
efr
om Mochudi
?
Lovemor e:yeahiwentt heretotr
ackthegardener
downandgat hersomeinformati
onandim certai
n
thathe'stheonewhodi dt histomydaughter.He
l
iedtomesayi nghedoesn'thaveawifenorkids
onlytofindawomanwhoi dent
if
iesashi
swi feand
asmal lgirlchild
Chi
oma:youshoul
dgot
othepol
ice
Lovemore:yeahiplanongoingfrom her
e.Icouldn'
t
goearli
erbecausetheycal
ledmef oranemergency
attheoff
iceandbyt het
imeifini
sheditwasalready
ti
met ocomeher e
Chi
oma:thequickeryoudealwi
tht
hist
hebet
ter
.
Haveyouspokentoyourhealer
?
Lovemor e:notyetbutispoket
omyauntt
heywi
l
l
bearri
vingt hi
sevening
Chi
oma:ohok,
whyar
etheycomi
ngal
ltheway
her
e?
Lovemore:ididn'
ttellyou?Whenigothomef rom
herethi
smor ningiremember edinevergavemy
son'sdogfood.Ideci dedtodosoonlytofindit
dead.Ical
ledthevetandonmywaybackt othe
houseisawahol edugbyt hewalliwentthereand
thi
siswhatif ound(heshowedherapi cture)
Chi
oma:eh
Lovemor e:andtheVetsaysthedoghasbeen
poisoned,how,bywho, when?Whenihavea
securedyar d
Chioma:thi
sexpl
ainswhyiwasf
eel
ingt
hewayi
fel
tlastni
ght
Lovemor
e:howdi
dyouf
eel
?
Chioma:t
hatiwasbeingchokedandr unni
ngoutof
breat
h.I
tusuall
yhappenswhensomeoneiknow
hasbeen.
..
(sheswall
owedlookingathim)idon'
t
wanttoscareyour
atherwaitf
oryourhealer
Lovemor
e:noj
ustsayi
tChi
,hasbeenwhat
?
Chioma:hasbeenvi
sit
edbyawitchwhowant
sto
ti
ethei
rsoulandcastaspel
lont
heirl
if
e
Lovemor
e:what
!?
Chi
oma:yeahbutiwokeupandpr
ayed
Lovemor
e:di
dyouseet
het
ime?
Chi
oma:i
twasj
ustaf
ter12am
Lovemore:(
swallowed)iwokeuparoundthatt
ime
heari
ngsomethingbreakdownst
air
sbutwheni
wenttochecktherewasnothi
ngthatbroke
Chioma:t
herewasdefini
tel
yawitchi
nyouryar
d
Lovemoreandthatsoundyouheardwasawakeup
cal
lfr
om yourguar
dianangelt
odi
str
uctt
hewi
tch
Lovemor
e:(
scof
fed)wow
Chioma:youdidgoodbycal
li
ngyouraunt
.Your
healerwi
llhavet
otakeyout
othatwit
chsothat
theyexpl
ainthemsel
ves
Lovemor
e:i
m get
ti
nganxi
ousnow
Chioma:don'
twor r
yever
ythi
ngwillber
eveal
edvery
soonandbyever yt
hingi
m al
sotal
kingaboutt
his
mar konyour
..
.(
thedooropened)
Preci
ous:waitseidon'tunder
standwhy..
.(
chuckl
ed)
ohLord,noJesus,no, thi
sisnothappeni
ng.Sonow
youaregoingt of
ornicateinf
rontofmydaughter
Lovemore?Likereal
lynow?
Lovemor
e:youneedt
ocal
m downt
hisi
s..
.
Preci
ous:shutup!(Chiomafrowned)shutup
Lovemore.Icantolerat
eyoudoingyourdirt
ythings
withyourcheapslutsanywherebutnotinfr
ontof
mychi l
drenLovemor enoti
nfrontofmychildr
en
Lovemore:youarenotgoingtoi
nsul
tsomeoneyou
don'
tknowl i
kethatPr
ecious
Chioma:(sighed)youknowwhatletmetrycatcha
taxispeci
albacktotheoff
iceihonest
lydon'
twant
tocausetrouble
Preci
ous:yesgo,ihonest
lydon'
tunderstandwhat
youwantfrom myhusbanddi dinott
ellyoutost
ay
awayfrom hi
mt helastt
ime?

Chi
omamadeherwayoutbutPr
eci
ousgr
abbedher
byt
hear
m asshet
urnedwit
hafrownonherf
ace.
..

Pr
eci
ous:iaskedyouaquest
ion
Chi
oma:ki
ndl
yletgoofme
Lovemor
e:r
eal
lynowPr
eci
ous?
Chi
oma:(
wit
hherhear
traci
ng)isai
dki
ndl
yletgoof
me
Preci
ous:shoul
diseeyouonemor
eti
mewi
thmy
hus..
.
Lovemor
e:okenough,
letgoofChi
oma
Pr
eci
ous:(
frownedl
ett
inggoofher
)Chi
oma?
Chioma:(
fl
ippedherhai
r)yes,
Chi
omaAdi
ole.MrK
seeyousoon
Lovemor
e:i
m sosor
ryaboutwhatj
usthappenedl
et
mewalkyouout

Hesai
df ol
lowi
ngheroutasPr
eciousslowlyputher
bagontopofNyasha'
sbedsti
llshocked.
..

Preci
ous:ChiomaAdioleasintheinf
amousHouse
ofChiowner?(Lookedbackatthedoor)what?What
doesLovemor ewantwithawealthywomanlikeher?
Ormaybe...
may...
ohhellnothi
sisnothappening,
i
am sonotgoingtoallowthi
stohappen.Noone
buysthei
rplaceinPreci
ous'
sterr
itor
y

Shesaidtakingherphoneandcheckedthecoast
thensecuredthedooranddial
ledhermother
's
number.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
07] :AKEPTWOMAN
30

Rona:(
inabus)wenagape?(
Youagai
n)
Preci
ous:ij
ustcaughtLovemoreandhi
sli
tt
le
fl
oozyinmydaught er
'shospi
talr
oom
Rona:f
loozy?
Pr
ecious:yesit
hinkshe'
sthewomanhewant
sto
l
eavemef or
Rona:Lovemorewantsto.
..
(cl
ear
edhert
hroat
)why
i
m ionlyhear
ingaboutthi
snow?Ist
hatwhyyou
ar
estayingatNal
e'shouse?
Preci
ous:that
'snotimpor
tant
.Thatwomanfi
xed
thesi
tuat
ionwhat '
simpor
tantnowisformet
o
makesur
eit
aket
hiswomanoutoft
hepi
ctur
e
Rona:shef
ixedthesi
tuat
ionyeahr
ightj
ustl
ikeshe
di
dwi t
hyoursist
er
Pr
eci
ous:akereit
oldyouthatshesaidishoul
djust
wai
tfort
hingstoworkthemselvesout
Rona:yeah.Sowhoi
sthi
swoman?
Precious:hernameisChi
omaAdi ol
eshehasa
businesshouseintheci
ty.She'
soneofthose
wannabei twomen
Rona:whatdi
dyoucat
cht
hem doi
ng?
Preci
ous:nothi
ngbuti
t'
snott
hef
ir
stt
imeif
ound
them t
ogether
Rona:Pr
eci
oushowcanyoukeepsuchat
hingf
rom
me?
Precious:howwouldit ellyouwhenwehada
sit
uation(shecheckedt hecoast
)rightnowhetook
heroutr i
ghtinmypr esencewaitseLovemorega
mponemamaandkebat l
agomoi t
lwaoll
a
(Lovemor edoesn'
trespectmeiwantt oteachhi
ma
goodl esson)
Rona:it
oldyouthi
sthi
ngofsayingiwil
lgettoi
ti
wil
lgett
oitwil
lhaveyoumakemi st
akesletme
ar
ri
veinMochuditheniwi
llt
ellyouonhowwecan
goaboutit
Preci
ous:ineedasol
uti
onandineedi
tnow.Fr
om
herei
m goingtoRanaka
Rona:no!(Clearedherthroat
)imeanwhydon'
twe
t
rysomeoneel seimeanyouneverknowmaybeher
t
hingsaren'treall
yworking
Preci
ous:soyouaredoubt
ingmywit
chdoct
or?You
wantustogot oyour
ssoyoucanti
euseven
harder
?
Rona:r
eal
lynowPr
eci
ous?I
mtr
yingt
ohel
pyou
her
e
Precious:wel
licanhel
pmysel
fanddon'tt
hinki
forgotwhatmydaughteri
sgoi
ngthr
ough.Just
becauseicall
edyoudoesn'
tmeanihaveforgot
ten
Rona:youknowwhatPr
eci
ousjustdowhatyou
wanttodoiwil
lal
waysbet
hereasyourmother
.
Bye(shehunguponher
)
Pr
eci
ous:heebanna
Lovemore:(
knocked)whyi
sthedoorl
ocked
Preci
ousopenup
Pr
eci
ous:(
opened)ohyouar
edonewi
thyourf
loozy
Lovemore:Pr
eciousi
m honestl
yenoughwithyou
andthist
hingofyoudisr
espect
ingmyfri
end
wheneveryoufi
ndmewi thhershoul
dstop.It
old
youthati
m donewithyouthatmeansiwanta
divor
ce
Pr
eci
ous:it
oldyout
hatwear
enevergoi
ngt
o
di
vor
ce
Lovemore:nomatt
erhowhar
dyout
ryt
ofi
ghti
tyou
arest
il
lgoingt
olose
Pr
eci
ous:i
t'
sacri
met osleepwit
hamar
ri
edman
j
ustr
emindyourl
it
tl
efri
endofthat
Lovemore:j
ustsoyouknowsomewomenr espect
themsel
ves.Theydon'tj
ustthr
owt hemselvesat
menbecauseofhowdeept hei
rpocketsareand
suchwomenar edrivenwomen, goalor
ientat
ed
women,independentandfocusedwomen, women
ofclassandwhostri
vetowin.Acr i
ter
iayoucan'
t
rel
atetoandwil
lneverbeapar tof
.Youwi l
lal
ways
bethatdumpbloodsuckingteeth.

Heclickedhistongueleavingwhil
ePreci
ous
swall
owedl ookingathim.Shescoffedandsni
ff
ed
tr
yingtoregainherconfidence.
..

Precious:l
egaokai t
lat
lar
iet
sajang(nomat t
erhow
hardyouhi tyourheadagainstt
hewal l
s)youandi
belongtogether(shecl
ickedhertongue)heynana
mamai shere

Shesai
dmovi
ngcl
osert
oNyasha'
shead.

Al
ongt
heA1.
..

Joshua,Her
bertandApr
ilsangal
ongtoKaty
Perr
y'sRoarwhil
eMayaandLucaslaughedat
t
hem.
..

Herber
t:comeonmamayourf
avor
it
epar
tis
comingsingal
ong
Joshua:youknowt
hesong?
Maya:Her
ber
tisj
ustbei
ngsi
ll
y
Her
ber
t&Apr
il
:Mama!Mama!Mama!
Maya:ok(Clearedherthroat
) igottheeyeoft
he
ti
ger
,fi
ghter
, danci
ngthroughthef
ir
ecoziam a
champion.
..

AstunnedJoshua'
sjawdroppedshockedofhow
Mayaperfect
lyhi
tal
lthecorr
ectnot
es..
.

Maya:comeonguysj
oini
n
Al
l: andyou'
regonnahearmer
oar (
they
l
aughed)
Joshua:wowsoyoucansi
ng?
Maya:comeonJo
Lucas:yesshecanj
ustt
hatshe'
sshyabouti
t
Joshua:wowhonestl
yyouhavet
hemostbeaut
if
ul
voi
ceihaveeverhear
dyouneedtonat
uret
hatgi
ft
Maya:ur
ghguysst
opbei
ngsi
ll
y

Shesaidreachi
ngforherphonethatreport
eda
message.Shefrownedatthemessengermessage
requestf
rom afacet
hatlookedf
ami l
iarandopened
i
t..
.

Tshepo:hel
loMayat
hisi
sTshepo,
Nal
e'
shusband.
Ihopeyourememberme
Maya:hel
lo.Yesido.Nal
easi
nPr
eci
ous'
sfr
iend?
Tshepo:yes
Maya:ohok.Whatcanidof
oryou?
Tshepo:wher
ear
eyou.Ineedt
oseeyou
Maya:i
m onmywayt
o..
.(
shet
houghtanddel
eted
whatshewant
edt
otype)i
m outoft
ownwhy?
Tshepo:weneedt
otal
k
Maya:about
?
Tshepo:whenwi
llyoubebacki
ntown?
Maya:onl
ycomi
ngbackonSunday
Tshepo:ar
ether
echancesofusmeet
ing?
Maya:idon'tknowwhattimeim goi
ngtoarr
ivei
n
Gabsbutt heniwil
lhavetogetr
eadyforwor
kand
restbecauseit
'salongtr
ip
Tshepo:ei
shokt
henlet
'sdothi
s,Youwi
lll
etme
knowwhenyouarri
veinGabssoicomewhereyou
are
Maya:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Tshepo:yeahdon'
tworr
yyour
sel
ftoomuch.Just
makesur eyoutal
ktomeassoonasyouareback
Maya:okbutwhydoesi
tsoundl
ikei
t'
sur
gent
?
Tshepo: besafeMayaandenjoyyourweekend
(sentherhi
snumber
)justcal
lmeonSunday
Maya: ok(
sheputherphonedown)
Joshua:(
reducedthevol
umeabi
t)ar
eyouok?You
seem ali
tt
letakenaback
Maya:t
hatwasNal
e'
shusband,
Nal
eismysi
ster
's
f
ri
end
Joshua:okwhatdoeshewant
?
Maya:appar
ent
lyhewantsust
omeetonSunday
becausehewant
sustotalk
Joshua:ohoksowhatshookyoul
iket
his?
Maya:i
tsoundski
ndofur
gentbuthesaysi
t'
snot
Joshua:t
henyouwi
llseehi
m onSundayYaya
Maya:whati
fsomet
hingbadhashappened
Joshua:nonodon'
tst
artyouar
egoi
ngt
orui
nyour
wholetri
pnow
Maya:(
tookadeepbreat
h)okokletmenott
hink
muchabouti
t.Nextsongpl
easedj

Theyl
aughedasJoshuai
ncr
easedt
hevol
umeand
st
eppedont heaccel
erat
orastheysang.Shet
ri
ed
byal
lmeanst ogettheconver
sati
onoutofhermind
buti
tjustwouldn'
tgoaway.

Att
hepol
icest
ati
on.
..

Lovemor
esati
nconst
abl
eKer
eng'
sof
fi
ceashe
camein.
..

Ker
eng:sosor
ryf
ort
hedel
ayMrKavi
mba
Lovemor
e:i
t'
sokconst
abl
eyouar
eabusyman
Ker
eng:whatcanidof
oryousi
r?
Lovemor e:l
ikeit
oldyouthatisuspectthegardener
idecidedtogodownt oMochudiandt rackhim
downandwhatihavedi scover
eddef i
nit
elyputs
him astheculpri
t
Ker
eng:whatexact
lydi
dyoudi
scoverMrKavi
mba?
Lovemore:iaskedhimifhehadawi f
eandki
dsand
hesaidnoandt hathestaysal
one.Heal
sosai
dhe
wasathi shouset hewhol enight.Idecidedt ogo
downt hehousesandaskedonel adyifsheknows
him andshegavemedi recti
onstohi shouse.Onl y
tofi
ndawomanandachi ldwhoconf irmedt hatshe
i
sMoses' swi feandthechi ldshewaswi thistheir
s.
Sheal sot ol
dmet hatMosessomet i
messl eepsat
hisboss'shouset hatismymot herinlaw'shouse
andt hathesl epttherelastnight
Ker
eng:t
houghhet
oldyouhesl
eptathi
shouse
Lovemor
e:exact
ly
Kereng:okihopeyoudi
dn'
tdoanyt
hingt
hatmi
ght
countagainstyou?
Lovemor
e:nosi
rikeptmycool
Kereng:good.Wewilldef
ini
telygotoMosesand
askhim afewquesti
ons.Ifhisanswersaresti
llthe
sameanswer sastheone'shegaveyout henwewi ll
searchthebackroom andshouldwef i
ndanything
i
ncriminat
ingint
herewewi l
lsurelyar
resthi
m
Lovemor
e:t
hankyousomuchconst
abl
e
Ker
eng:ishoul
dsayyoudi
dgoodMrKavi
mbawe
needmor
efat
her
sli
keyou
Lovemore:anyt
hingt
ogetmydaught
ert
hej
ust
ice
shedeserves

Kerengsmi l
edasKavi mbamadehi swayout .I
n
MochudiMosesmadeaheapoft hedryleavesby
thefarcor nerofRona'syar dandbur iedthetrash
bagwi ththesheets,clothesandshoeshewor ethat
nightandt heglovesheusedbet weent hedry
l
eaves.Hepour edabi tofpar affi
nont opofthet he
l
eavesandt hrewal i
tmat chsti
ckont hem ast hey
caughtf i
re.Hewat chedever ythingburnt ono
recogniti
onandheadedt ot her oom hesleepsin
andt ookdownaphot of rame.Heopenedt heback
ofthef r
ameandki ssedt hehousekeyshecutf or
himself.
..

Moses:unt
ilwemeetagai
n

Hesmi
ledput
ti
ngt
hem i
nthebackoft
hef
rameand
hungitbackonthewal
lgoi
ngoutwhi
leRona
openedthegat
e.

AtBi
anca'
swor
kpl
ace.
..

Shecli
ckedhertongueaft
erf
ini
shi
ngwit
hacli
ent
andtookherphonedial
ingMayawhoscoff
edand
answered.
..

Maya:Bi
anca
Bianca:waebonaaker
etsal
ayagagoMaya?Wae
bonaakere?(
Youseeyourfr
iend)
Maya:woahwoahcal
m downwhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Bianca:Maya,
Lewi
stookmycarkeysandbagnow
ihavenocarandnohousekeyswher
edoeshe
expectmetogo?
Maya:(
sighed)why?
Bianca:NoMaya,
Lewi
sisj
ustbei
ngi
mpossi
ble
overnothi
ng
Maya:soyoucal
laski
ngforyour5kback
i
mpossibl
eovernot
hing?
Bianca:ohsoyouguysspokeaboutt
his?Di
dyou
advicehimtodothenonsensehedi
d?
Maya:ah-
uhdon'
tsay"youguys"wasit
herewhen
youguysdeci
dedtoborr
owoneanothersomuch
money?Nosopleasedon'tgetmei
nvol
ved
Bianca:wel
lyouar
ealreadyi
nvol
vedbecausehe
spoketoyouaboutit
Maya:gobackt ohi m andaskhi m whatisaidt o
him.Im honest l
ysickandt i
redoft hetwoofyou.
Youar esosel fi
shthatyoudon' tevenhi dei
t.You
alwaysgetmei nvolvedinyourf i
ghtswhent hings
gosout hforthet woofyoubutwheni m goi
ng
throughar oughpat chnoneofyoupi tchesup.So
i
m goi ngt otellyoutheexactsamet hingitold
Lewis, idon'tthinkicancarryonwi t
ht hi
s
fri
endshi p.Ihaveal otinmypl atetobedeal i
ngwi t
h
twoadul t
swhodon' twanttogr owup.Whyar eyou
evenaski ngf ormoneyf r
om Lewi slegonesomuch
moneywhenyouar eaco-ownerofabeaut ybar?I
hopeyouguyssor toutyourissueandiwi shyou
twothebestofluckinyourfutureendeavours.It
wasni ceknowi
ngyouguysbutmyj our
neywi th
y'
allendshereandnow.Bye( shehungup)
Bi
anca:heebanna?I
jo,
banyana
Joshua:ok
Maya:let'
sjustsayyoudon' twanttoknowanyt hing
aboutit
.Theset woarehonest lyannoyingandim at
apointinli
fewher eidon'tneedanymor eaddi
ti
onal
str
essbecausei m deali
ngwi thalot(Joshuasmiled)
whyareyousmi l
ing?
Joshua:(
checkedt hesl
eepi
ngtrioatt
heback
thr
oughthemi r
ror)onethi
ngili
keaboutyouist
hat
youcantaketoxicenergyoutofyourl
if
ewit
hout
thi
nki
ngtwice
Maya:thankmymot herandsist
erforthat.Theday
they.
..
(turnedcheckingiftheywerereallyasl
eep)
thedayt heydecidedtosendmet oUBandnever
checkuponmewast hedayireali
sedt hatiwas
aloneinthisworld.Imadesomemi stakesalongthe
way.Yessomeir egretbutsomeidon' tbutatthe
endofthedayimadei
ttot
hef
inalyearwi
tht
wo
chi
ldr
en
Joshua:youar
eaf or
cedoyouhearmeandnever
l
etanyonedimthatli
ght
Maya:(
smi
led)t
hanks
Joshua:(
tookherhandandki
ssedit
)ar
eyour
eady
tomeetyourpossi
blefut
urei
nlaws?
Maya:heebat
hongJoshua
Joshua:(
laughed)comeonl
oosenupal
it
tl
e(t
hey
l
aughed)
Maya:howf
arar
ewe?
Joshua:af
ewmorehour
sandwewi
llbet
her
e.Can
youhelpmedr
ive?
Maya:yeahnopr
obl
em youhaven'
teat
enebi
le
Joshua:yeahicanf
eel
thehungerst
ri
ke(
hesai
d
pul
li
ngover )
Her
ber
t:(
wokeup)ar
ewet
her
eyet
?(Theyl
aughed)
Joshua:nobuddy.Iwantt
orestsomom i
staki
ng
overthedr
ivi
ngseat
Theyswappedwhi leHerbertandLucasgotof ft
o
pee.Joshuatookhisfoodcheckingi ft
hecarwith
hismother'
sgiftwassti
llbehindthem asMaya
quiet
lysai
dashor tpr
ayerandcar efull
yjoi
nedthe
road.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Duncanmadehi
swayinthehousewhil
eLor
na
camedownappl
yingl
oti
ononherarms.
..

Duncan:hel
lo
Lor
na:hi
.Canwesi
tint
hel
ivi
ngr
oom?
Duncan:nopr
obl
em (
hef
oll
owedher
)
Lor
na:ibel
ieveyourbabymamahasr
eachedyou
Duncan:sheact
ual
lycamet
otheof
fi
ceandt
ook
t
hechild
Lor
na:okandyesidi
dchokeheral
it
tl
eand
sl
appedher
Duncan:iunder
standwhyyoudi
dit
?
Lorna:ohreal
ly?Haveyoubeencheatedonbythe
hel
p?( Heswallowedembarr
assed)youdon'
teven
knowhal fofwhatim goi
ngt
hroughDuncanso
don'tyoudaresayyouunderst
and
Duncan:i
m sor
ry
Lor na:don'tevenpl ease, don't
.Pat iencehast he
gut stowal tzi
ntomyhouseasi fthisissomebasi c
bitchespar adise.Shehast hegutst ospewt hecr ap
shesai dtel
li
ngmet hatshe' smovi ngi nmyhouse,
kegor eDuncanonnyadi tsemogokal o?(Ist hat
howl owyouseeme)( Hekeptqui etlookingdown)
i
m hur ti
ngDuncan, imi nsomuchpai nthatoutof
allthepeopl eint hewor ldyouchoset hehel p.Do
youknowwhatt hatdoest oawoman?Al otof
womenoutt heref earthet houghtofhavi nghouse
helper sbecauseoft hisexactr easonbutdeepdown
theyar est r
ugglingt okeepupwi t
ht heirdaily
schedul es.Duncanwhy, whymydearhusband?
Duncan:i
twashonest
lyamomentofwea.
..
Lorna:don'
tpat r
onizemeDuncanamomentof
weaknessf or48mont hs?(
Heswal
lowed)doyou
havefeeli
ngsf orher?
Duncan:iusedt
o
Lor
na:ohokandwhathappenedt
othem?
Duncan:igr
ewoutoft
hem
Lor
na:yetyoucoul
dn'
tst
opmessi
ngar
oundwi
th
her
Duncan:ij
ustdi
dn'
twantt
odi
sappoi
nther
Lor
na:(l
aughed)youar
eamarri
edmanDuncan
whatcanasingl
ewomanexpectfr
om you
Duncan:idon'
tknow
Lorna:kegor eyousawanoppor tuni
tytocheatand
grabbedit.I
nst eadofshami ngmel i
kethatDuncan
youshoul dhavespokent omeandsai d."Lor
nai
havenoticedt hatthesear
eyourweaknesseswhat
canidot ohel pyouwor kont hem"butnoyou
chosetot otaket heroadeverystupi
dmanwoul d.
Doyouknowhowmuchil oveyouDuncan?
Duncan:yes
Lor
na:noyoudon'tbecausei
fyouknewhowmuch
il
oveyou,youwouldhavethoughtt
wiceabout
whatyoudidbef
oredoingit
Lor
na:di
dyouevenmeanyourvows?
Duncan:idi
d
Lorna:t
hat'
syoutryi
ngtomakeyour
sel
ffeelbett
er
ri
ghtbecausethat
'snothowif
eelwher
eim sit
ti
ng
Duncan:whatcanidot
ofi
xmymess
Lor
na:i
t'
syourmessyouf
indawayt
ofi
x
Duncan:doyouwantt
oleaveme(
shekeptqui
et)
babe
Lor
na:mynameisLornaandihaven'
tdecidedon
whatiwantt
odohenceisayi
t'
sallinyourhands
Duncan:okiwi l
lstopal
lcont
actwit
hPatiencethat
doesnotinvolvethechi
ld,
iwil
lal
soapplyforsole
custodyofthechildandmakesureibecomea
bett
erman
Lor
na:doyou.
..
Appl
e:mamayouhavevi
sit
ors.OhhiMrDuncan
(
shewenttot
heki
tchenwi
thherbrot
herbehi
ndher
)
Lor
na:(
frowned)gooddayof
fi
cer
Lady:ar
eyouLor
naDuncan?
Lor
na:yest
hat
'sme
Lady:ma'
am acaseofassaul
thasbeenopen
agai
nstyou.
..
Al
lexcepther
:what
!?
Lady:sowewoul
dli
keyout
ocomewi
thust
othe
stat
ion
Appl
e:ar
eyouar
rest
ingmymot
her
?
Lady:yes.MrsDuncanyouhavebeenar
rest
edf
or
theassaultofPat
ienceKgosi
mpe
Duncan:comeonof
fi
cercanwet
alkaboutt
his
Lady:i
m afrai
dnotsir
.Ma'
am ar
eyougoi
ngto
comewi l
li
nglyorshoul
dweputcuf
fsonyou?
Lor
na:noneedf
orcuf
fsof
fi
cer
.
Lady:okma'
am af
teryou(
shel
edt
hewayout
)
Duncan:iwi
llgett
hel
awyeront
hephonemyl
ove
Lor
na:noneedf
ort
hat
.

Shesai
dgoingt
othecarwit
hoffi
cersbehi
ndher
whil
eAppl
eandSaintl
ookedatDuncan.
..

Apple:r
eal
lyDuncan?Ourmot heri
sgoi
ngtospend
theweekendinj
ailbecauseofyourmi
str
ess?Wow,
husbandoftheyearawardgoestoyou

Shesai
dgoingupstair
swit
hSaintcomingbehi
nd
herwhi
leDuncansighedsi
tt
ingdown.Hescrat
ched
hi
sheadandgruntedpunchi
ngthecouch..

Duncan:damnyouPat
ience

THATEVENI
NG
Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Lovemor eopenedthegateasat axidr

oveinwith
hisauntandamanwi thaclot
hwr appedaroundhis
waist,beadsacrosshi
schestandonl yaveston
getti
ngof f
.Hetookoutasmal lbri
efcaseandhis
bonebagandheadedt othedoor.Thecloserhegot
thehardertheurgetosneezecameashef i
nall
ylet
i
toutwi thhisdr
oplet
sfall
ingonLovemor ewho
closedhiseyes.
..

Man:beenl
ongsi
nceisawyou
Lovemor
e:wel
comebaba

Hewenti
nshaki
nghi
sheadwhi
leKuzi
vacame
behi
ndhi
m..
.

Kuzi
va:wait
asei nhaimwanangu(
whathaveyou
donetoyoursel
fmyson)
Lovemore:maivevanavangui
nhunzihusiku
mainini(
Themotherofmychil
drenisaflybyni
ght
aunty)
Kuziva:ndakat
ikudiinenyayayemukadziuyu
pawakatiudzakutiurikuchat
anaye(whatdidisay
aboutthiswomanwhenyout ol
dusyouar eget
ti
ng
marriedtoher)
Lovemor
e:wakaedzakundi
dzi
visa(
yout
ri
edt
ost
op
me)
Kuzi
va:uyewakai
tei
?(Andwhatdi
dyoudo?
)
Lovemor
e:ndakaender
eramber
indokumur
oor
a(i
wentonandmar r
iedher)
Kuzi
va:manj
emavekut ambanet uneyakeasi
musazvi
net
setetepano.(cal
ledher)muroora(and
nowyouaredancingtohertune.Daughteri
nlaw)
Lovemor
e:she'
snother
eaunt
y
Kuzi
va:ohisee.
Man:(tookoutapi
eceofpaperandpen)wehaveto
gotothispl
acetomorrow(wroteit
)R.
A.NA.K.
A
that
'swherewewillgetouranswersi
m goi
ngto
bed

Lovemor
et ookthepi
eceofpaperandr
eadthe
namewhilehisauntl
ookedaroundsmi
li
ng.
..

Kuzi
va:yeaht
het
rueKavi
mba'
sar
eher
enow

I
nMai
tengwe.
..

Joshuasoundedthehor nofhiscardr
ivi
ngint
he
hugeyardashismot hercameoutofthehouse
ul
ulat
ing.Hegotoffthecarlaughi
ngwhileMaya
andthechil
drenf
ollowedhim smili
ng.
..

Joshua:happybi
rt
hdaymama
Gl
idi
a:t
hankyoumyson
Her
ber
t:happybi
rt
hdaygr
anny
Apr
il
:happybi
rt
hdaygr
anny
Theysaidgi
vinghergi
ftbagsasshesmi
ledt
aki
ng
them andl
if
tedashyAprilup.
..

Gl
idi
a:t
hankyousomuchmybeaut
if
ulchi
ldr
en
Joshua:mamat hi
sisMayaMoet i
,hersonHerber
t,
daughterApr
ilandnephewLucas.Guysthi
sisthe
l
adyoft hemoment,mymom Gl i
diaKgang
Gl
idi
a:(
smi
led)hel
loguys,
hel
lo,
hel
lo

Shesai
dhuggi
ngandki
ssedt
hem.
..

Gl
idi
a:youhavebeaut
if
ulchi
ldr
enmyl
ove
Maya:t
hankyouma
Gli
dia:andabeauti
fulsmi
leaswel
lJoshmyson
youpickedwellher
e

Shewi
nkedandl
aughedwi
thherugl
ylaughl
eadi
ng
thewayinst
il
lcar
ryi
ngApr
ilast
hecr
ewf
oll
owed
heri
n..
.

Gli
dia:ever
yonel
eit
ibol
olamel
egor
ogi
le.(
Myf
ir
st
bornishome)Halal
a!

Ther
eweresoundsofj
oyaseveryonegr
eet
edt
hem
whil
eGl
idi
akissedApr
ilwhogi
ggled.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
07] :AKEPTWOMAN
31

Joshua:bat
hongmawhyar
eyoubei
ngsoext
ra?
Gli
dia:excusemef
orbei
ngexci
tedt
hatmysonhas
fi
nall
ycomehome
Joshua:mamawhatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osayt
omy
vi
sit
ors?
Gli
dia:iwantt
hem t
oknowthatal
lyouknowi
s
sendmoneybutyouhardl
ycomeher e
Lydi
a:t
ellhi
m mama
Mar
a:mmmht
heboymustknow
Stephen:imeanwhenwast hel
astt
imeyouset
foothere(ever
yonel
aughed)
Joshua:soyouguysaregoingt
oganguponme
neh?Thattimeal
lofyoustaycl
osebywhi
lei
m
ki
lometresandki
lometr
esaway
Mar
a:t
hat
'sj
ustasi
ll
yexcuse
Joshua:Yayapl
easet
ellt
hem howmuchwespent
forpet
rol
Gli
dia:nnyarr
aleavemybeautif
uldaught
eroutof
yourproblems(t
heylaughed)
Maya:t
hankyouma
Lydi
a:soareyounotgoi ngtoi
ntr
oduceustoour
beaut
ifulvi
sit
orsicanseetheki
dsareeagert
ogo
andplaywiththeother
s
Joshua:youguyscangopl
aywi
tht
hem

Herber
tandAprilwast
edt oti
meast heyj
oined
Joshua'
syoungersibl
ings'
schil
dren.
..

Joshua:soguysthisi
sMayaMoet
i,hernephew
LucasKavimbaandhersonHer
bertwit
hhis
youngersi
sterApri
l
Al
l:(
smi
led)hiMaya
Maya:(
smi
led)hi
Mar
a:ihear
dhi
m sayYayai
sthatyourpetname?
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)iguess
Joshua:Mar annaoi t
shwara(Marapl
easehold
yoursel
f)(t
heylaughed)Maya,Lucast
hisi
smy
crazyfamil
y,youhavealreadymetmymom, thisi
s
Stephenthelastbornofthefami
lywit
hhiswifeand
thosetwoboysarehistwi
ns,
beforeStephencame
Mar at
hebeauti
ful3r
dbornofthefamilywit
hher
husband.Theyoungmanwhoi syourageisher
sonandshe'sexpect
inganot
herchil
d
Mara:bat
hongJoshuawhyar
eyouexposi
ngmy
secr
ets
Joshua:oi
mil
eMar
a(you'
repr
egnantMar
a)

Theyal
llaughedasLucasandt
het
eenageboyf
ist
bumped.
..

Joshua:movi
ngr i
ghtalongbef
oreMaracame
Lydi
awhocomesaf t
ermeandt hat'
sherhusband
andthosetwogir
lsareherdaughter
'soneisApri
l'
s
ageandtheotheris9.Soyeahthat'
smyf amil
y
guys
Maya:ni
cemeet
ingyouguys
Mara:nicemeet
ingyout
oomyl ovethi
sisthecr
azy
Kganghouseholdandweareheretocelebr
atet
his
beaut
ifulwomanwhobir
thedt
hiswholeclan
Maya:ni
ce.Sothi
sisever
yone?Wher
ear
ethe
aunt
sandeveryone?
Mara:t
heyarecomi ngt
omor r
owmyl ove.Lydi
a
l
et'
sgositi
nthekitchenlovewehaveaf ewthi
ngs
t
otakecareofihopeyoudon'tmindjoi
ningYaya?
Joshua:i
mtheonl
yonewhocal
lsherl
iket
hatMar
a.
Stopit
Maya:comeonJol
ett
hegirl
havesomel
oveao
whyareyoubei
ngj
eal
ous?

Theylaughedasshet uckedherhairbehindherear
andfoll
owedMar aandLydi atothekit
chenwhi l
e
Gli
diaremainedwi thhersonsandsonsi nl
aw.
LucasandMar a'
st eenagesonwenttot helounge
whereallt
het oddlerswereplayi
ng..
.

Mar
a:mmawanwaaker
e?(
Youdr
inkr
ight
)
Maya:yesbutdon'
ttel
lmeyouar
edr
inki
ngwhi
le
pr
egnant
Mar
a:nosi
ll
ymi
nei
snonal
cohol
ic
Maya:mosol
akeengl
ove?(
What
'st
heuse)
Lydi
a:botsagapeMayabotsagapet
lhemma(
you
canaskthatagai
n)(
theyl
aughed)
Mara:youguysknowhowiti
swatchi
ngpeopl
e
dr
inkwhileyouar
enotdr
inki
nganyt
hing
Maya:t
ipi
sst
ayawayf
rom t
hedr
inker
s
Mara:andwhatifthedr
inkersar
et heonl
yfri
endsi
havejustsoyouknowLydiaandSt ephenandthei
r
spouseswillmakesur
etor ubi
toffonyourface?
Nnyabetshogivemeabr eak.Wineorchampagne?
Maya:doyouhavewhi
tewi
ne?
Mara:t
hishomei
sahomeofdr
inker
sdearsowe
haveal
lsort
s
Lydi
a:akagout l
wamamawagogobot sagor ea
kant
er entshi
tsej
arat
ayagagwesepot
o( should
shehearyoumom she'sgoingt
oaskyoui fyou
haveturnedherhouseint
oatar
ven)

Theyl
aughedasMarapouredwi
neforhersist
er
andMayaandcal
ledtheki
dstocomeandt ake
j
uices.
..

Her
ber
t:(
bendedhi
sknees)t
hankyouaunt
y
Apr
il
:(bendedherkneesaswel
l)t
hankyouaunt
y
Mar
a:ohwow

Theotherki
dsfol
lowedsui
tofwhatHerber
tand
Apri
ldidastheyt
ookthei
rjui
cesandwentbackt
o
thel
ounge..
.

Mar
a:howol
dar
eyourki
dsagai
n?
Maya:(tookasip)5and3.(
Sighed)i
t'
shi
tt
ingall
t
herightspotsshameyohsomuchneededaf t
era
l
ongtrip
Mar
a:(smi
led)wowdearyouhaver
eal
lyt
aught
t
hem wel
l.
Lydi
a:andtheyrubbedi
tof
font
heot
her
s.Socut
e
youdidgoodlovekeepi
tup
Maya:t
hankyousomuch
Mar
a:soMayat
ellusaboutyour
sel
f
Maya:waitarewenotsupposedt
opeelbut
ter
nut
s
andal
lthelikesf
ort
omor r
ow?

MaraandLydi
alookedatoneanot
herandlaughed
asMarasi
ppedonhernonalcohol
icdr
inkand
Lydi
aonherwine.
..

Maya:whati
sit
?
Lydi
a:honeyyoumi ghtbeinMaitengwebutwe
don'
tdothathere.Youaresoluckyourmot herisa
modernwomansoshoul dyougetmar r
iedtoour
brot
heryouwil
lbeoneoft heluckiestdaughteri
n
l
awi nt
hisworld
Maya:ohwowok.Ohwel
llet
'
sdr
inkt
heni
ghtaway
t
hen
Lydi
a:obonawenai
m goi
ngt
oloveyou
Mar
a:t
hatmakest
hebot
hofusnowt
ellusabout
yoursel
fotswemomaphut
singmogi
rl(
andl
eave
thebutt
ernut
sal
one)

Theylaughedtakingasipofthei
rdr
inksand
conti
nuedt ocat
chupwhi l
einthedi
ningroom
Gli
diasmiledhearingt
helaughscomingfr
om the
ki
tchen..
.

Joshua:mmhyatshet
hawi
ne(
it
'sgoi
ngdowngood)
(t
heylaughed)
Gli
dia:ilovehermysonshe'
ssobeautif
ulandwel
l
manner edandherki
dsareverysweetandwell
rai
sed
Joshua:t
hankyoumama
Gl
idi
a:i
sthefat
herst
il
lal
ivebecauseicanseet
hey
ar
enotyours
Joshua:hewasbur
iedl
astweekendmamabutei
sh
hewasn'tagoodman
Gl
idi
a:theni
t'
syourresponsi
bil
it
ytotakeoverand
gi
vethem whathecouldn'
tgi
vethem
Joshua:t
hat
'
stheai
m mama.Wher
e'sdad?
Gli
dia:hedeci
dedt
ogot ot
hefar
mtogett
he
herdboystocomeovert
omorr
ow
Joshua:ohokiguesshewi
llmeett
hem t
omor
row
then
Gl
idi
a:yeahandi
m cer
tai
nhe'
sgoi
ngt
olovet
hem
Stephen:j
aanongJoshbeseriousaboutget
ti
ng
mar r
iedimeanweareallmarriedher
eandit'
sjust
youthoughyouarethefi
rstborn
Joshua:youseet
hewomanl
aughi
ngouti
nthat
ki
tchen?
St
ephen:yes?
Joshua:i
m goingtomaket hatwomanthehappi
est
womanont hisplanetl
et'
sbetonthatone
Gli
dia:(
smil
ed)onet
hingidi
drightwastorai
seal
l
ofyouintol
ovi
ngspouses.I
m offtobed,
kids
Al
l:gr
anny?
Gli
dia:comewithgr
annyt
othebedroom weare
goi
ngt oplaygamesandmaybeyoumightwin
somesweet
s

Sheranastheycamerunni
ngbehindherl
aughing.
Thegentl
ementookt
heirdr
inksandjoi
nedthe
l
adiesi
nthekit
chenwhil
etheteenager
sconnected
thepl
ayst
ati
on.

Onherwayt
oMochudi
..
.

From t
hehospit
alPreci
ousdeci
dedtogot
o
MochudiasNaleasked.Shefr
ownedasherf
uel
guagerepor
tedthati
twasempty..
.

Pr
eci
ous:mxm

Shesai
dchecki
ngforcarsandchangedl
anes
goi
ngtothef
ueli
ngstat
ion.
..
Pr
eci
ous:howdoif
orgett
ofuelmycar
Attendant
:goodeveni
ngma'
am whatshoul
dipour
foryou?
Pr
eci
ous:93unl
eadedf
ullt
ank
At
tendant
:ohokma'
am.Swi
ping?
Pr
eci
ous:yesmyboy

Heputthepumpi nthetankandsetf orfullt

ankas
hewenttocoll
ecttheswipi
ngmachi ne.Pr eci
ous
hummedt aki
ngouthercardfrom herpur seand
watchedasthemachinecounted.Itstoppedat
900.00asshesmiledgi
vingtheboyt hecar d.
..

Boy:pi
n(sheputi
tin)i
t'
snotgoi
ngt
hroughma'
am
Pr
eci
ous:whatdoyoumeani
tsnotgoi
ngt
hrough?
Boy:i
tdecl
inedt
het
ransact
ion
Preci
ous:omupel
asekgoasapreschooldoyousee
thecol
ouroft
hatcar
d?Tryi
tagain
Boy:(
hedi
d)i
t'
sst
il
ldecl
ini
ng
Precious:changethemachi neitmustbethe
network(hewenttot akeanothermachine)t
hat
cardhasal otofmoneyi m notsayingyoushoul
d
callyourfri
endsandt el
lthem ihavemoney(she
putthepin)
Boy:i
t'
sst
il
ldecl
ini
ngma'
am
Preci
ous:naar
ewatl
hol
a(ar
eyoucr
azy)l
etmego
andcashfrom t
heat
m

Shegotofft
hecarandwentt ot
heatm whi
lethe
boytookoutt
hekeysfrom t
heigni
ti
on.Sheputthe
cardi
ntheatm andasshewasabouttopunchin
thepi
nthemachineshowedaner r
orsi
gn..
.

Pr
eci
ous:heebat
hong
Guar
d:ever
ythi
ngokma'
am?
Pr
eci
ous:t
hemachi
nehasswal
lowedmycar
d
Guar
d:i
m sor
rybutyouwi
llhavet
ovi
sitt
hebank
t
omor
row
Pr
eci
ous:butihavet
opayf
orpet
rol

Shecl
ickedhert
onguegoi
ngbackt
othecar
..
.

Preci
ous:l
etmeshowyoumybalancei
nmy
banki
ngapp.Isweart
oyouihavemoney

Shesaidgoi
ngintheappandafterpunchi
ngi
nher
pi
nitdeni
edherfurt
heraccess.
..

Preci
ous:heel
ang(scof
fed)l
etmecal
lmyhusband
(shedi
aledLovemore)
Lovemor
e:Pr
eci
ous
Pr
eci
ous:whati
swr
ongwi
thmyaccountLovemor
e?
Lovemor
e:ihadt
hem bl
ocked
Pr
eci
ous:what
!?That
'smymoneyar
eyoucr
azy?
Lovemor
e:whatmoney?Haveyouevermadeany
moneyinyourl
if
ewena?Skamphaphel
a(don'
tget
cheekywi
thme)
Pr
ecious:Lovemor
eijustpour
edful
ltanknowthey
wantthei
rmoneyorihavetoleavemycarhereand
i
m onmywayt oMochudi
Lovemore:howisthatmypr
obl
em?Youarea
grownwomanseewhatt odoandpl
easest
op
di
stur
bingmei m busy
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
e!Love.
..
(hehunguponher
)shi
t!
Boy:sowhatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Pr
eci
ous:j
ustshutup!(
Shecal
ledNal
e)
Nal
e:f
ri
end?
Precious:t
hatsi
cksonofabit
chblockedmybank
accountandijustpour
ed900bucksfullt
ankpet
rol
pleasehelpme
Nal
e:whywoul
dhedot
hat
?
Preci
ous:idon'
tknowbuti
m notgoi
ngt
oleti
tgo.
He'sgoi
ngt oknowme
Nal
e:okl
oveiwi
llaskhubbyt
oewal
letyouj
ust
now
Pr
eci
ous:t
hanksbabe.(
Shehungup)
Nal
e:l
ove?
Tshepo:yes
Nale:canyoupleaseewal
letPr
ecious1kshe'
s
havingproblemswit
hheraccountandshejust
pouredpetrol
Tshepo:idon'
thavemoney
Nal
e:uhusi
ncewhen?
Tshepo:t
hemoneyihavei
m goi
ngt
ousei
tatt
he
far
mt omorr
ow
Nal
e:butl
ovemyf
ri
endi
sst
uck
Tshepo:ican'
taf
for
dtonotdowhatihavet
odo
wit
hthismoneyNale
Nal
e:soyouar
egoi
ngt
oref
usewi
thamer
e1k?
Tshepo:moneydoesn'
tgr
owont
rees
Nal
e:youknowwhati
t'
sfi
neiwi
llseewhatt
odo
Shesaidcall
ingt
heirmotshel
otreasur
ewhi
le
Tshepolookedatherandscoff
ed...

Tshepo:neverwi
llievergi
veawi
tchmymoney.

Upst
air
sNal
esi
ghedandcal
ledPr
eci
ousback.
..

Pr
eci
ous:t
sal
a?
Nale:f
ri
end,hubbysayshehasreachedhisli
mitf
or
thedayitr
iedtoreachourmot
shelotreasur
ebut
herphoneisoff.I
t'
sFri
daysoshe'
spr obabl
yout
Preci
ous:whati
m igoi
ngtodonow.Whydoesn'
t
Tshepohaveanunli
mitedcar
d?
Nal
e:idon'
tknow.Justl
eavet
hecarandcal
lyour
mothert
ocomegetyou
Pr
eci
ous:mxm iguessihavenochoi
ce
Nal
e:sor
ryl
ove
Pr
eci
ous:(
hungup)r
rai
tlooksl
ikeyouwi
llhavet
o
keept
hecarf
ort
heni
ghtiwi
llsor
toutmyt
hings
tomor
row
Boy:canipl
easehavei
tsr
egi
str
y?
Preci
ous:r
eall
yyouthi
nkiwoul
drunof
fandl
eave
thi
skindofcar?I
m notst
upi
d
Boy:kekopabl
uebookmma(
canihavet
hebl
ue
bookma'am)
Pr
eci
ous:mxm

Shesaidt
aki
ngitoutundertheseatandgaveitt
o
hi
m ashedrovethecaroutofthetankswhi
le
Preci
ouscal
ledhermother
.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Duncancl
ickedhi
stongueandcal
ledPat
ience.
..

Pat
ience:iknewyouwoul
dcal
l
Duncan:whyar
eyoubei
ngl
iket
his?
Pat
ience:sheaskedf
ori
t
Duncan:Pat
iencepl
easest
op,
goanddr
opt
hose
char
ges
Pati
ence:unt
ilyougi
vemewhatyoupr
omi
sedme
youarenevergoingt
ohavepeace
Duncan:whywouldyouputal
lyourhopesi
na
marri
edman?Someonewhowi llal
wayschoose
t
heirwif
eoveryou?
Pat
ience:t
hesamewomanwhocan'tgi
veyou
chi
ldr
en?Shedoesn'
tevendeser
vet
obecal
leda
woman
Duncan:wowPat
iencewhendi
dyoubecomeso
vi
le?
Pat
ience:t
het
imeyout
ookmef
oraf
ool
Duncan:t
her
e'snoneedf
oral
loft
hisPat
ience
Pat
ience:yesther
e'snoneedforal
loft
hisbecause
al
lyouhavet odoisleavet
hatwomanandcome
whereyoubelong
Duncan:ibel
ongwi
tht
hewomanimar
ri
ed
Pati
ence:ohokt
henaskhertogi
veyouachil
d
becausemychil
disnevergoi
ngt
osetfoott
here
Duncan:areyougoingt
ouseani
nnocentper
sont
o
fi
ghtyourbatt
les?
Pati
ence:i
m notf
ight
inganybat
tl
eim onl
ylooki
ng
outformychil
dandi
Duncan:youar
esogoi
ngt
oregr
ett
his
Pati
ence:br
ingyourbestshot
s(shehungupand
cl
ickedhert
ongue)siesman
Lady:gar
eheewat
husaPat
ience(
bewar
ned)
Pat
ience:wenaosekaaut
lwa,
oseka(
pleasedon'
t
dar
e,don'tyoudar
e)
Lady:kacl
okoeogaonalegaelemadial
awyer
(t
hatti
meyoucan'
tevenaffor
dalawyer
Pat
ience:ohr
eal
ly?Im notabasi
crur
algi
rldearke
ngwanyanawamol et
ennadeargaketl
iwejal
o
Lady:mothoi
kel
ebir
ingot
swemogotsamalapaa
batho(l
etmegodri
nkmybeerandl
eaveyoualone)
 arendaj
olanoPet
erndaj
olaTom ndaj
olano
Duncanzwi
ntozwam zwomj
olozwoghanama

Shesangherwayoutwhi
lehersi
stercl
ickedher
tonguesi
tt
ingback.

Ont
hewayt
ogr
oove.
..

Lewisrol
ledhi
seyessi ppi
nghi sbeerasThabosat
i
nt hefr
ontseatwhilehisfr
iendssatintheback.A
carpassedhim butquickl
ystoppedinfrontofhi
m
ashehitthebrakes.
..

Lewi
s:whati
sthi
sidi
otdoi
ng?

Hesoundedhi shornasagunf ir
edhi
tt
inghis
windscreenastheyallwentdown.5menfrom the
carquicklymadethei
rwayoutandopenedt he
doorspointi
ngthem withguns.
..
Man:yessi
sbhut
i
Lewi
s:si
sbhut
ikemmaagoyosenanglebel
ele
l
engwe(si
sbhut
iisyourmot
herwi
thonebreast
)
Man:bloodyfool
!(Hesai
dlandi
ngahotsl
apacr
oss
Lewi
s'sface
Thabo:aobr
azensor
ryt
lhedon'
tdot
hataobr
azen
Man:ei
tahvayangbannavayang!(
Goboys,
go)
Thabo:br
azenr
e..
.

Hepull
edthetr
iggeragai
nasThaboandhisfr
iends
askednoquest
ionsandranfort
hei
rli
ves.
..

Man:getoutoft
hecar
Lewi
s:okasebonaokanonaoshotangmeno(
you
woul
dbel uckywi
thmissi
ngt
eeth)
Man:(
slappedhi
m agai
n)isai
dgetout
!
Lewi
s:r
ragost
lhakobl
oodyshi
t!(
Bast
ardchi
ld)
Hesai
dkicki
ngtheguyonhisbal
lsashefli
nched
goi
ngback.Theother4camet
ohisrescueand
hel
dLewisback.
..

Lewi
s:ntl
ogelengbanababaloi
!Bommaalonaba
goswabapar alet
seyou(l
eavemealoneyouson'
s
ofwi
tches!Yourmother
saregoingt
odiewitht
hei
r
l
egsapart)f
uckingcunt
s!
Man:youpieceofshi tandyourconf usedsexual
it
y!
(HepunchedLewi swhogr unted)im goingto
remindyouthatyouar eaman!( Hepunchedhim
again)youarethereasonwhyt heworldist
hissi
ck
today(hepunchedhim again)whydoyouwantt o
beawomanwhi l
eGodmadeyouaman( he
punchedhim)ordoyouwantt obeawoman?

Hesai
dli
ft
ingLewis'
sbl
oodyf
aceasLewi
sspat
bl
oodonhisface.
..
Lewi
s:msunukanyokoyoushi
t!
Man:masendeakhoyouswi
ne!

Hel andedanot herst r

ongpunchast heylotletgo
offhi m andstartedkickinghim.Seeingfrom a
distancewhatl ookedl i
keanat t
ackMorri
sf rowned
andsear chedforhisgun.Hecheckedf orbullet
s
anddr oveclosethenst art
edshoot i
ng.Themen
quicklygoti ntheircaranddr oveoffashedr ove
cl
oset owher eLewi swasf ighti
ngforhi
sl i
fe.Ther
e
wasbl oodalloverhim wi t
hhi sgrunt
sgetti
ng
l
ight erbyt hesecond...

Mor
ri
s:whatt
hehel
liswr
ongwi
thpeopl
e?

Hesaidcal
li
ngf
orhel
pwhi
let
ryi
ngt
ospar
eLewi
s
hi
sli
fe.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG
Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Lovemor ecamedownst
air
sandf
oundhi
sauntand
healerhavi
ngtea.
..

Lovemor
e:wewi
llbel
eavi
ngi
nabi
t
Baba:Kavi
mba
Lovemor
e:yebobaba
Baba:pl
easesi
tdown
Lovemor
e:(
frowned)ok.Aunt
yisever
ythi
ngok?
Baba:myson
Lovemor
e:yebobaba
Baba:t
her
e'ssomet
hingineedt
otel
lyoubef
orewe
go
Lovemor
e:ok?
Baba:oneofyourseedsf
elli
ndeadsoi
l
Lovemore:(
frownedconf
used)what
?Idon'
t
under
stand
Kuziva:whathe'
stryi
ngtotel
lyoui
sthatoneof
yourchil
drenisnotaKavimba
Lovemor
e:what
!?
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
07] :AKEPTWOMAN
32

Lovemor
e:aunt
ypl
easebeser
ious
Kuzi
va:soyout
hinkBabai
sher
etopl
aygamesand
j
okewithyou
Lovemor
e:buthowaunt
y?
Kuzi
va:t
here'
sonl
yoneper
sonwhocananswer
t
hatquest
ionmyboy
Lovemore:noauntyiwastherebothpregnancies
andourchildr
enwereplannedwedi dn'
tjustdoit
.I
knowwhenPr eci
ousovulateshenceim shockedof
whatBabaissaying
Kuzi
va:buti
t'
sthet
rut
hmysonyourwi
fecheat
ed
onyou
Lovemor
e:howdoesPreci
ouscheatonmewhen
she'
sdependentonme?
Kuzi
va:youneverknow.Youmi ghtevenf
indout
t
hatsheliedaboutherovul
ati
on
Lovemore:i
fshel
iedwewouldn'
thavehadtheki
ds
theti
mewehadt hem.Whoistheonethati
snot
mineBaba?
Baba:wear
eyett
ofi
ndt
hatout
Lovemore:noidon'
twantt
obel
ievethisaunt
y,noi
l
ovethosekidsican'
taf
for
dtobreakthei
rheart
s
Kuzi
va:butt
het
rut
hhast
ocomeout
Lovemor
e:aunt
y
Kuziva:yesmysonoryouarejustgoi
ngt
osi
tand
acceptyourwi
fe'
spromiscui
ty?
Lovemor
e:ofcour
senotf
ort
hatshe'
sgoi
ngt
opay
tr
ustme
Kuzi
va:goodnowf
ini
shupsot
hatwecango

Lovemoresi
ghedandshookhi
sheadmaking
himsel
facupofteawhi
leBabaandKuzi
vaquiet
ly
satdown.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Ronamadewayt othel
ivi
ngr oom wher
eshefound
Preci
ousonherphonedressedli
kesomeonegoing
out.
..

Rona:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Preci
ous:ineedtotal
ktoLovemor
ehehasnor
ight
tokeepmef rom mymoney
Rona:canyoupleasel
eaveLovemoreal
onedi
dwe
notagreeondeali
ngwit
hhim qui
etl
y?Themor
e
youtal
kt ohimt
hemoreyouar egoi
ngtomake
thi
ngshar d.
Preci
ous:butineedmycarmom ican'
tuseyour
caral
lday
Rona:thenwai
tformet
ogetr
eadyt
henwegot
ake
yourcar
Pr
eci
ous:weneedmoneyt
ogeti
t
Rona:iwi
llhel
pyou.GonemmePr
eci
ouswhydi
dn'
t
youputsomecashaway?
Pr
eci
ous:whatf
or?
Rona:f
ort
imesl
iket
his
Preci
ous:ti
meslikewhat
?Thi
sisonl
ytempor
ary
thi
ngswillbebacktonor
malver
ysoon
Rona:andoncet
heydoyoushoul
dmakesur
eyou
keepmoneyonthesi
de
Preci
ous:whydoyouhavet
okeepcashawaywhen
youhavealotofmoney?
Rona:youhonestl
ysoundst
upi
dri
ghtnownever
saysuchat hi
nginthemi
ddl
eofpeopl
eorel
sethey
wil
llaughatyou
Pr
ecious:nomapoorpeopl
ear
etheonest
hatput
moneyaway
Rona:yoh.Soaf
terget
ti
ngt
hecarwher
ewi
llyoube
goi
ng?
Preci
ous:i
m goi
ngt
ocheckonNyashat
hengot
o
Ranaka
Rona:idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea
Pr
eci
ous:why?
Rona:isuggest
edyouvi
sitt
hewi
tchdoct
orher
e
Preci
ous:i
m notgoi
ngt
oyourwi
tchdoct
orand
that
'si
t.
Rona:Pr
eci
ousi
fwewantt
obesuccessf
ulwehave
t
obeunited
Preci
ous:facti
stheyar
edoingt
hesamet hi
ngri
ght?
Yes,soletmegot omywit
chdoctorandyougoto
yours
Rona:Pr
eci
ousdoyou.
..
(si
ghed)youknowwhat
fi
nedowhatyouwant
Pr
eci
ous:goodnowwher
ear
ethecarkeys?
Rona:i
m comi
ngwi
thyou
Pr
eci
ous:not
imei
snotonmysi
de
Rona:howwi
lligetmycart
hen?
Preci
ous:youwil
lri
decombi
stothef
uel
ingst
ati
on
mphamadil edikeyket
samae(gi
vemethemoney
andkeyssothaticango)
Rona:whyar
eyoul
i
ket
his?
Pr
eci
ous:ma,
moneypl
easeheebanna

Ronashookherheadgoi
ngt
othebedr
oom whi
le
Preci
oushummedwaiti
ngonher
.

I
nMai
tengwe.
..

Mayaputt
hel
astr
oll
eronherhai
randputanet
overt
hem andst
art
eddoi
nghereyebr
owsasher
phonerang.
..

Maya:(
smi
led)heyl
ove
Mar
eledi
:mor
ningsunshi
ne.Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Maya:l
ikeababysweet
hear
tar
eyounotsupposed
t
obeatwor k?
Mar
eledi
:ij
usthoppedi
nthecarr
ightnow
Maya:ohokpl
easet
akecar
eofmybabyt
lhe
Mareledi
:don'
tworr
yshe'
ssafewithme.Kanawe
di
dn'tgetachancet
ocatchupproper
lylastnight
becauseyouwerebusywit
hyournewf amilyandall
(t
heylaughed)
Maya:yeahheymmat hesepeoplear ehonestl
y
warm peopleifoundmysel
fwonder ingwhywe
can'
tbelikethi
sathome.Thesi bli
ngshaveasol i
d
andgoodr el
ati
onshipandthemot herjustremi
nds
meofmyaunt .She'
ssofullofl
ifeandf un
Marel
edi:awwaper
sonhar
dlyget
sthat
,youar
e
f
avouredfri
end
Maya:wecanbetont
hat
Mar
eledi
:sot
hesi
ster
sdi
dn'
tgi
veyouat
ti
tude?
Maya:notatal
l
Mar
eledi
:notevenone?
Maya:babeswhenyout
alkaboutapeacefuland
har
monioushomeyouaretal
kingaboutt
heKgang
cl
an
Mar
eledi
:wowt
hat
'sgood.Ar
etheyr
ich?
Maya:idon'tevenwanttotal
kaboutthatit
hought
ri
chpeoplewer ear
rogantandsel
fcentredbecause
ofmysisterbutnorichpeopl
earethemostsweet
peopl
eever
Marel
edi:tot
awhenyouar enotf
orci
ngari
chli
feon
your
selfyouwoul ddefi
nit
elybel
iket
heKgang
fami
ly(theylaughed)
Maya:youar eri
ght
.Guesswhatididaft
erwegot
here,iaskedi
fwewerenotgoingtopeelveggies
forthepartyt
odaymmat heyl
aughedatme( they
l
aughed)
Mar
eledi
:Mayahowdoembar
rassyour
sel
fli
ket
hat
?
Maya:idi
dn'
twantt
oseem l
i
keaci
tygi
rlwi
thno
moral
sakere
Mar
eledi
:(l
aughed)ihopeyouar
ewel
lawar
eof
t
hei
rli
fest
ylenow
Maya:yeahi m busywit
hmymakeupnowt her
e'sa
morningphotoshootandthenwehavebreakf
ast
thengetreadyforthemaineventwhi
chwil
lbeheld
atagarden
Mar
eledi
:ihopeyoupi
ckedt
hebestout
fi
t
Maya:iwi
llWhat
sAppyouaf
ewopt
ionssot
hat
youhelpmechoose
Marel
edi
:oklove.Dosobef
oreist
artmyshi
ft
.
Anywayfut
urehubbyokae?
Maya:(chuckl
ed)t
heyar
eout
sidebusywi
thaf
ew
t
hings
Mar el
edi:ohokinthemidstofitalldon'
tforgetto
praylove.ThankGodforgivingyousuchal ovi
ng
secondf amil
ythoughyouar eindenialofthefact
thatyouandJoshuaar eamat chmadei nheaven
(theyl
aughed)thankGodf oreverythi
nggood
happeni
ngnowandaskhi
mtopr
otecti
tandshi
eld
i
tfrom t
heenemi
es
Maya:t
hanksf
ort
her
emi
nderiwi
lldef
ini
tel
ydoso
l
ove
Mar
eledi
:you'
rewelcome.Anywayletmefocuson
t
heroadyouwillsendt
hoseoutf
itopti
ons
Maya:nopr
obl
em seeyouonSunday
Marel
edi
:let
'ssayMondayf
orl
unchcozi
m of
f
MondayandTuesday
Maya:nopr
obl
em.Bye

Theyhungsmi l
ingasMayacont
inuedwi
thher
eyebr
ows.LydiaandMarawenti
ntother
oom she
wassleepingi
nholdi
ngthei
rmakeupbagsasshe
fr
owned...

Maya:and?
Mar
a:j
ustl
ookatwhatLydi
adi
donmyeyebr
ows
Lydi
a:asi
fyoudi
danyt
hingbet
teronmi
ne
Maya:(
laughed)iswearmydaught
erwoulddoa
muchbetterj
ob.Grabseat
sletmeteachyouhow
t
odoyourownbr ows

Theylaughedtaki
ngt
heextradr
essingchai
rsand
satbesi
desherasshedemonstrat
edtothem how
toperf
ectl
ydrawthei
reyebr
ows.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Thenursefi
nisheddr
essi
ngLewi
s'
swoundsashe
grunt
edlyi
ngbackdown..
.

Nur
se:t
hedoct
orsaysyoucangohomet
oday
Lewis:howwil
ligohomelooki
ngl
ikethi
s?Ihave
noonet ocomepickmeuporevenanyonetotake
car
eofme
Nur
se:whydon'
tyoucal
laf
ami
lymember
?
Lewi
s:dearmymedi
cal
aidi
spayi
ngt
hehospi
tal
bi
llr
ight
?
Nur
se:yessi
r
Lewi
s:t
heniwi
llst
ayunt
ilif
eelbet
tert
ogohome
Nur
se:oksi
r.Seeyoul
ater

Shelef
talmostbumpingi
ntoMor
ri
swhocamei
n
wit
haf r
uitbasket
..
.

Mor
ri
s:mor
ning
Lewi
s:(
frowned)hi
Mor
ri
s:iseeyouar
edoi
ngsomuchbet
ter
Lewi
s:yesandyouar
e?
Morr
is:oh,
mynamei sMorri
simtheonewhof
ound
youbytheroadandbr
oughtyouher
e

Lewisfr
ownedslowl
ystretchi
ngouthi
shandto
greethi
m.Adarktal
lfi
nelybuil
tmanhewas.He
l
ookedlikehewasfr
om thenorther
nsi
deofthe
count
rybutal
sohadabi
tofaf
orei
gnaccent
..
.

Lewi
s:t
hankyou,
iguess
Morr
is:(smi
led)i
t'
sok.Sohast
hepol
icecont
act
ed
youyet?
Lewi
s:nobutyouknowhowsl
owt
hei
rser
vicesar
e
Morr
is:yeahheybutibel
ievet
heywi
ll
.Di
dyousee
anyoftheatt
acker
sthough?
Lewi
s:noidi
dn'
ttheywer
ewear
ingbal
acl
avas
Morr
is:ohok.Sowhenar
etheydi
schar
gingyou
f
rom here?
Lewis:theywantedtodi
schargemetodaybutit
old
them ican'
tbecauseim al
lal
oneatmyhouse
Mor
ri
s:anyr
elat
ivecl
oseby?
Lewis:no.I
m gaysoi
m def
ini
tel
ynoti
ngoodt
erms
wit
hmyf amil
y
Morri
s:butt
her
e'sal
wayst
hatoner
elat
ivewhowi
ll
acceptyouf
orwhoyouare
Lewis:youdon'tknowmyf amil
yshame.It
hought
mymot herwouldbetheonet ostandwi
thmebut
nopeshewast heloudestwhentheytol
dmehow
sat
anicandadi sgr
aceiam
Mor
ri
s:i
m sosor
ryyouhadt
ogot
hrought
hat
Lewis:wellt
here'snopeaceinl
ivi
ngal
iesoichose
toli
vemyt rut
hf orthesakeofmyownpeaceandi
haveactuall
yaccumul at
edalot.
Morris:choosingpeaceisthebestt hingonecan
everdof orthemselvesicanrelatealitt
letowhat
youar egoingthroughbutformemymot her
,si
ster
s
andf r
iendacceptedmewhenicameoutt ot
hem.
Theonl ypeoplewhohaveapr oblem aremydad,
uncles,auntsandcousins(Lewi slookedathimin
shock)what ?
Lewi
s:soyouar
e..
.
Mor
ri
s:yesipl
ayf
ort
hehomet
eam aswel
l
Lewi
s:heebathongbutonewoul dnevert
ell
.
Anyway,t
her
ear estr
aightact
inggaymensowhy
i
m ievensur
prised
Morri
s:exact
ly.Sowhydon'
tyoucal
lyourboyf
ri
end
atl
east?
Lewi
s:mbor
egapepl
ease
Mor
ri
s:whati
sthat
?
Lewi
s:j
ustasi
ll
yphr
ase.I
m si
ngl
e
Mor
ri
s:yeahr
ight(
hechuckl
ed)
Lewi
s:isweart
oyou
Mor
ri
s:ohwel
lit
'snotli
kegoodl
ooki
ngmenar
e
i
mmunetobei
ngsingle.
Lewi
s:(
chuckl
ed)t
hankyou.
Morri
s:l
et'
sgetyoudi
schar
gediwi
llt
akecar
eof
you
Lewi
s:butwedon'
tknoweachot
her
Mor
ri
s:t
henwecangett
oknoweachot
herdur
ing
t
heheal
ingpr
ocess
Lewi
s:youwannahi
tandr
un?(
Theyl
aughed)
Morri
s:youar
esosi
ll
y.I
mt oool
dfort
hat
.Im not
sayi
ngim anol
dmanthough
Lewis:iwasaboutt
oaskyouhowonear
thcanan
oldmanbeasbangi ngasyouar
e
Mor
ri
s:whatdoyousay?
Lewis:i
twillhavetobeatmyhouset houghcoz
gakereadyf ordi
tsi
tsi
rit
samot hoyomongwe( im
notreadyforanotherperson'
sticks)(
theyl
aughed)
ohyougott hat?
Mor
ri
s:kemot
swanaLewi
s
Lewi
s:buthowdoyouhaveanaccent
?
Mor
ri
s:wewil
ltal
kaboutthatonourwayhomelet
megogett
hedischar
geformf r
om t
hedoctor

Hesmiledleavi
ngwhileLewisscoff
edandfrowned.
Anicel
ooki ngandcharmingmanhewas.You
coul
dtellfr
om hiswal
kt hathewasasuccessful
mannott omentionhi
smesmer izi
ngscent
.

Att
hest
ati
on.
..
Applewastakent
othehol
dingcell
swher eher
motherwasasshestoodupfrom herbedandwent
t
oher .
..

Lor
na:babywhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Idon'
twant
youtoseemeli
kethi
s
Appl
e:i
m not7mom socal
m down
Lor
na:butyouknowyouwi
llal
waysbemybaby
Appl
e:yeahyeah.Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Lorna:t
hebedi
ssouncomf
ort
abl
ebutisur
elycan
spendtwomoreni
ght
sonit
Appl
e:wasi
twor
thi
tthoughma?
Lorna:youwantthetruth?(
Shenodded)idon'
t
regrethal
fofi
tmyl ove.Yesvi
olencei
snottheway
butsheaskedforit
Appl
e:what
'st
hepl
an?
Lor
na:Duncani
sgoi
ngt
ofi
xherf
ir
st
Appl
e:howsur
ear
eyouaboutt
hat
?
Lor
na:ihadalengt
hyconver
sati
onwit
hhim bef
ore
youar
rivedwi
ththepol
icesoiser
vedhi
m afew
har
dtruths
Apple:butif
eell
ikeyouhavetoteachheral
esson
aswel l
.Youcan'
tlethergetawaywit
h
di
srespecti
ngyoulikethi
s
Lorna:andiam goingtojustafterDuncanf i
nishes
withher.Minewi l
lbethelastnailonthecoffi
n.So
fornowl ethersoakinhermomentofgl or
y.I
contactedmyl awyerwhenwegott othepoli
ce
stat
ionandshet oldmet hatshewi l
ldefi
nit
elymake
sureim outbyMonday
Appl
e:good.Ar
eyougoi
ngt
osueher
?
Lor
na:notonl
ysueherbutski
nheral
ivebyt
heti
me
i
m donewithhershewi
llbebeggi
ngf
ormercy
Appl
e:not
hingdanger
ousr
ight
?
Lor
na:i
m notaviol
entper
sonbaby,il
ovepeace
andmyretal
iat
ioni
salwayspeacef
ul
Appl
e:it
hinkineedafewlessonsbecausewowi
t
hinkiwouldhavebur
ntherhousedown
Theylaughedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chuponot
her
thi
ngs.

Backi
nMai
tengwe.
..

Theadul t
ssatar oundthebigdiningt ablewi t
ht he
teenagerswhilethetoddl
erssatont heirkiddiesone
ast heygotservedwithbreakfast.Joshuasof tl
y
kickedMaya'slegundert hetableasshel ookedat
him withafrownonherf acewhi lehemut tered..
.

Joshua:youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Maya:(wit
hhert
eet
hcl
enched)wear
ewi
tht
he
adul
tsstopit
MrKgang:soMsMoet ihowoldareyou?Mywi fe
coul
dn'
tstopt
alki
ngaboutyoueversinceigother
e
Maya:28si
r
MrKgang:ohokwhatdoyoudo?
Maya:i
m aPRManager
MrKgang:wher
e?
Maya:KgangTr
avelandTour
s
MrKgang:oh(
lookedatJoshuaandsmil
ed)oj
amo
st
ockongmyboy( youar
emi xi
ngbusi
nesswit
h
pl
easure)

Thewholetabl
ebrokei
nt olaught
erwhil
eMaya
shookherheadnotbel
ievinghesaidsuchat
hing.
..

Joshua:butwhydad?
MrKgang:i
sn'
titt
het
rut
h?
Joshua:nodad,
no
MrKgang:don'tbeshyaboutitson.Anyway
welcomet oourhumbl
ehomemygi rlasyoumay
havenot i
cedwearej
ustacrazybunchandwai t
untilt
heytakei
nsomepercentageyouwi l
lseehow
crazytheycanget
Maya:oht
hati
mlooki
ngf
orwar
dto
Theylaughedbutthelaughwascutshor tasaf i
ght
ensuedatthekiddi
estable.Theyallqui
etl
ylooked
atthem asLydiaandMayaf rowned.Apri
landher
daughterseemedtobef i
ghtingforatoyasLydia'
s
daughtersl
appedApril
.Mayaswal l
owedasHer ber
t
l
ookedathert henApri
lretur
nedt hesl
apand
sl
appedLydi a'
sdaughterback..
.

Lydi
a:guys!No!

Theybothcri
edrunni
ngtothei
rmot
her
swhi
le
Gli
diaqui
etl
ylookedon.
..

Maya:whati
sthei
ssue?
Apr
il
:shewant
edt
otaket
het
oyf
rom me
Lydi
a:whywoul
dyoudot
hatZur
i?
Zur
i:t
het
oyi
smi
nemama
Lydi
a:noZur
idon'
tyouknowhowt
oshar
e?Huh?
Whatdi
dit
ellyouaboutbeat
ingot
herchi
ldr
en?
Herhusband:comeonl
ove.
..
Lydi
a:nobabeZur
ineedstor
espectotherpeopl
e
andunder
standt
hatshar
ingi
simportant
Maya:(cl
earedhert
hroat)Zur
icomeher
ebaby(
she
wenttoher)whofoundthetoyfi
rst
?
Zur
i:Apr
ildi
d
Maya:Apr
ildi
dsheaskt
oshar
ethet
oywi
thyou?
Apr
il
:yes
Maya:andwhodoesi
tbel
ongt
o?
Zur
i:me
Maya:okwhent her
e'sonetoyweshar
eokbaby
(
Zurinodded)andAprildi
dinott
eachyout
hatbaby?
Apr
il
:youdi
dmama
Maya:i
nthi
scasehowwoul
dyouhaveshar
edt
he
t
oy?
Apri
l:icoul
d..
.icoul
d(sni
ff
ed)icoul
dchangeher
cl
otheswhileshedoesherhairorshechangest
he
cl
othesandidot
hehai
r
Maya:good.Nextt
imewhenyouhaveonet oyto
pl
aywithalwaysfi
ndwaysofdoi ngsopeaceful
ly
okZuri
?(shenodded)r
ightApri
l?(Shenodded)now
Zur
iapologi
setoApri
lforhi
tt
ingher
Zur
i:i
m sor
ryf
orhi
tt
ingyou
Maya:Apr
il
Apri
l:i
m sor
ryf
orhi
tt
ingyout
ooiwi
llneverdoi
t
agai
n
Maya:good.Zur
imyl
ovewhenyouhaveaproblem
wi
thsomeoneyoudon'
trusht
ofi
ghtwit
hthem ok?
Zur
i:yesaunt
y
Maya:yout
alkpeaceful
lyandifyoucan'tagr
eeyou
tal
ktoanel
dertohelpyousolvetheproblem okmy
gir
l?
Zur
i:yesaunt
y
Maya:goodgi
rl
snowhugi
toutmybabi
esl
adi
es
don'
tfi
ght
Shesmi
ledast
heyhugged.
..

Maya:gobackt
oyourt
abl
e

Theyhoppedbackwi t
hsmi l
esont heirf
acesand
peacef
ull
yplayedwiththedollwhil
eMayaf rowned
l
ookingateveryoneastheyquiet
lylookedather.
..

Maya:ever
ythi
ngok?
Lydi
a:pl
easetakemychi
ldrenbackwit
hyouon
Sundayibel
ieveaweekwit
hyout heywi
llcome
bett
erki
ds
St
ephen:myt
winsaswel
l
Hi
swi
fe:pl
easeyouwoul
dhavehel
ped
Joshua:woahwoahwoahr ebusykoGabor
one
guysgarebat
lemerwal
o(wear ebusyi
nGabor
one
wedon'twantanymoretr
ouble)
Theyl
aughedandchatl
oudl
yhavi
ngt
hei
rfood.

I
nRanaka.
..

Lovemore'scarcamet heot
herwaywhil
e
Preci
ous'
scamef rom t
heothersi
deast
heybot
h
fr
ownedr ecogni
zingoneanother'
s.
..

Pr
eci
ous:(
swal
lowed)Lovemor
e?
Lovemor
e:(
frowned)Pr
eci
ous?

Meanwhi leinherhousethewomanf el
taheavy
spir
itfal
lonherasshegr untedoutl
oudwhi l
eBaba
gruntedfeeli
ngthewoman' sspi
ri
taswell.That
momentPr eci
ousswallowedagainwit
hherhear t
raci
ngt hi
nkingofdri
vingoffbutt
herewasnouse
assheknewLovemor esawher .Herhear
trate
i
ncreasedasLovemor egotoutofhi
scar,fol
lowed
byhisauntandBaba. ..
Pr
eci
ous:what
!?
Kuzi
va:don'
tgot
ohershewi
llbr
ingher
sel
finsi
de

Lovemoreshookhisheadfoll
owingagrunti
ngBaba
i
nt ot
heyardashespr i
nkl
edli
quidaroundwhil
et he
womancont i
nuedtoloundl
ygruntinthehut
.A
shaki
ngPrecioust
ookherphoneandwentt oNal e'
s
numberbutasshewasaboutt ocallhert
hebattery
died.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
07] :AKEPTWOMAN
33
Preci
ous:heebat
hongbamodi mokant
ejaanong
godiragal
ang(what
'shappeni
ng)

Backi
nthehousethewomam gr
unt
edhi
tt
ingher
fl
ywhi
skontheground.
..

Woman:idar
eyout
ocomei
nher
e
Baba:whatcanyoupossi
blydo?
Woman:doyout
hinki
m scar
edofyou?
Baba:woul
dibeher
eifyouwer
ethatpower
ful
?
Woman:donotunder
est
imat
emypowerol
dman!

Shesaidgr
unti
nglouderaswindstar
tedbl
owi
ng.
Lovemoref
rownedlookingbackf
ight
ingt
heur
geof
goingt
ogetPreci
ous..
.

Baba:ar
eyour
eal
lygoi
ngt
oscar
emeawaywi
th
suchasmal
lwi
nd
Woman:l
eavet
hisyar
d
Baba:notunt
ilwegetwhatwecameher
efor

Meanwhi
leint
hecarPr
eci
oust
ri
edt
ost
arti
tbuti
t
woul
dn'
t.
..

Pr
eci
ous:heel
angwhywon'
tit
..
.

Shest oppedtal
kingasshef eltsomethi
ngmoveon
herlegs.Herheartskippedhopingitwasnotwhat
shewast hi
nki
ngi twas.Sheslowlylookeddown
andlockedeyeswi t
hasnakeasshej umpedoutof
thecarandr anoffscreaming.ThatmomentBaba
smil
edasheshookasmal lbott
lewhil
ethewind
gotstrongerbythesecond. .
.

Lovemor
e:she'
srunni
ngof
f!
Baba:Kavi
mba!Don'
t
Kavi
za:youshoul
dli
stent
oBaba
Lovemor
e:butshe'
s.
..

Befor
egoinganyfurt
hereverythi
ngwentdar
kas
shetr
ippedongrassandfelldownscreami
ng..
.

Preci
ous:bat
hongt
husang!(
Hel
p)Ican'
tsee!
Thusang!

ShescreamedforhelpasBabaturnedt
othe
di
recti
onofhervoiceashedidn'
tseeathi
ng
becauseoft
hestrongwind.
..

Woman:l
eaveheral
one!
Baba:notunt
ilshef
acesme!

Thatt
imeKuzi
vaandLovemorecover
edthei
rnoses
andmouthswi
ththei
reyescl
osed.Acryi
ng
Preci
ousinthemi ddleoft
hest r
ongwindswi t
hno
vi
sionstoodupandt riedt
of i
ndherwaybackt othe
caronlytoendupi nherwitchdoct
or'
syard.Baba
movedf orherasshemadeherwayi nsi
dewhi l
ethe
womanswal l
owed.Hemadehi swayinaswel las
hisent
ourageandcl osedthedoor.
..

Woman:didinotaskyout
onotcomei
nher
e?What
haveyoudonetoher?
Pr
eci
ous:(
scr
eami
ng)hel
pme!Ican'
tsee!
Baba:ihavecastaspellonherthatwi
llonl
ybe
rever
sedaftershet
ell
st het
rut
h
Woman:she'
snotgoi
ngt
otel
lyouanyt
hing
Baba:ohsoyouwanthert
oli
veherwhol
eli
fewi
th
novisi
on?
Pr
eci
ous:canyoudosomet
hing
Baba:t
heonl
ythi
ngt
hatcanhel
pyoui
sifyout
ell
thet
rut
h
Hestoodupandkickedt
hewoman'
sboili
ngpot
spi
ll
ingal
lthemi
xturesi
nitont
hef
loor
..
.

Woman:i
m goi
ngt
opayyouf
ort
his!
Baba:iwouldlovetoseeyoutr
y.Womanst
art
tal
king!Whatdidyoudotothi
sman?
Pr
eci
ous:(
sni
ff
ed)i
m notgoi
ngt
osayanyt
hing
Lovemore:Pr
eci
ousit'
soverj
usttel
lmeeveryt
hing
youhavedonether
e'snoneedforyout
ofighti
t
now
Preci
ous:kar
eim notgoi
ngt
osayanyt
hing!Idi
d
nothi
ng!
Baba:l
ies!

AshesaidPreci
ousfel
tsomet
hingstrangl
eheras
shef
ellbackgaggi
ngholdi
ngherneck..
.

Baba:ar
eyounotgoi
ngt
ohel
pyourcl
ient
?
Shetriedtogetabott
lef
rom hershelfastheshel
f
fel
loffthewallwi
thever
ybottl
eoni tbreaki
ngon
thefl
oor .
..

Baba:it
oldyout
hatyoudon'twanttomesswi
th
meinthatway.Womanstarttal
king
Woman:(t
ookoutapanga)youar
eal
lgoi
ngt
o
l
eavet
hisplaceonyourbacks

Sheatt
emptedt
oattackLovemoreasshetr
ipped
onhermatandfel
lasBabatookaropefrom hi
s
bagandti
edherhandstoherback.
..

Woman:l
eavemeal
one!(
Preci
ouscoughed)
Baba:Pr
eciousdoyouseehowweakyouri
nyanga
i
s?Nowst artt
alki
ng
Pr
eci
ous:idi
dn'
twantt
olosehi
m!Ihadhi
mti
edt
o
me!(
Shecoughed)
Baba:howdi
dyoudoi
t!
?
Preci
ous:(
cryi
ng)it
ookhisvestandunder
wearand
gavethem t
oher!(
Cryi
ng)il
oveyouLovemorei
woulddoanythi
ngforyou
Baba:evenl
ocki
nghi
slif
e?Whati
fthemutiyou
usedwasgoingtomakehiml
oseallhi
sthi
ngs?
Preci
ous:al
liwant
edwasforhi
mtoseemeandme
only(
Lovemoreshookhi
shead)
Baba:nowt
ellhi
m abouthi
schil
dren(
Precious
swall
owedasherheartr
aced)wearewait
ingon
you!
Pr
eci
ous:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Baba:doyouwantt
oloseyourbr
eat
hagai
n?St
art
tal
king!
Lovemore:whichoneofthekidsi
snotmi
ne
Preci
ous?(shebursti
ntotear
s)
Pr
eci
ous:wher
edoyougett
hatnonsense!
Lovemor
e:j
ustt
ellmedammi
t!
Pr
eci
ous:i
twasami
stake!
Lovemor
e:(
angr
il
y)whi
choneoft
heki
dsi
snot
mine!
Preci
ous:youwerenothomeandiwasgoi
ng
thr
oughal otandwant
edadist
ract
ion
Lovemor
e:Pr
eci
ousanswermedammi
t!
Preci
ous:Nyasha!(Bur
stint
otear
s)Nyashai
snot
yourdaught
er!Im sosorr
y

Lovemor
e'shear
tshat
ter
edasheswal
lowed
bl
inki
ng.
..

Pr
ecious:i
twasn'
tmeanttobel
ikethatLovemore
al
liwantedwastohaveagoodtimeandt hatman
wasavail
ablesoweendedupdoingit
Lovemore:wher
eishe?(
Shekeptqui
et)wher
ethe
hel
lishe!?
Pr
eci
ous:(
cryi
ng)ar
ound
Lovemor
e:doesheknowaboutt
his?
Pr
eci
ous:yeshedoesbutwecamet
oan
agreementt
hatt
hisbecomesoursecr
et(
Kuzi
va
shookherhead)
Lovemor
e:youar
eawi
ckedwomanPr
eci
ous
Preci
ous:(
cryi
ng)Nyashaisyourchi
ldLovemor
e
andiknowyoul oveher
!Iknowyoudopleasedon'
t
abandonher!
Lovemore:youmakemesi
ckandicur
set
hedayi
fel
linl
ovewi t
hyou
Pr
eci
ous:(
sni
ff
ed)whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Lovemor
e:youhavethenervetoaskmesucha
dumpquesti
on.Youwon'tevenknowwhoyouar e
bythet
imeim donewit
hyou.Wi ckeddog!Si
es!

Hespatonherandmadehi swayoutwi t
hhisaunt
comingbehi
ndhim whil
ePreci
ouscriedoutl
oud
cal
li
nghim.Babalookedatt
hefight
ingwomanwho
wastryi
ngtofr
eehersel
f.Hesquatt
edandscoffed.
..

Baba:youmessedwi
tht
hewr
ongf
ami
ly
Woman:youar
enevergoi
ngt
ofi
ndpeace!

Het ookahandfulofpowderf rom hisbagandbl ew

i
tont hewoman'sf aceasshest artedshakingwi t
h
foam comingoutofhermout handnost ri
ls.He
stoodupandlookedatPr eciousthenmadehi sway
out.HegotinthecarasLovemor er oughl
ydr oveoff
whilebackint
hehousePr eci
ousr egainedher
visi
on..
.

Pr
eci
ous:ohno!Ohno!Ohno!

Shesaidscr
eaminglooki
ngatherdeadwi
tchdoct
or
andranouttohercar
.

AtLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Mor
risputonanapr
onandgotbusyintheki
tchen
whi
leLewiscomf
ort
abl
ysati
ntheloungewatching
tvwit
hafleeceoverhim.Anopenhouseplanhouse
i
twasashesmi ledlooki
ngatMorri
scutt
ing
veget
abl
es.Helookedupandsmi l
edtooasthey
l
ockedeyes..
.

Mor
ri
s:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Lewi
s:i
mjusti
nawe
Mor
ri
s:of
?
Lewi
s:howmuchofawonder
fulst
rangeryouar
e
Mor
ri
s:l
et'
sjustsayiwasr
aisedwel
l
Lewi
s:i
tisevi
dent
.Younevert
oldmewhatyoudo
Morri
s:im aco-
ownerofacardeal
ershi
p/gar
age.
EverheardofKavi
mbaMotors?
Lewis:yeahiknowthegar
ageandthesur
name.A
fr
iendofmi ne'
ssi
steri
smarr
iedt
otheowneroft
he
garage

Hi
sfacewentpal
eashet
houghtofMaya.
..
Mor
ri
s:ar
eyouok?
Lewi
s:(
sighed)j
ustasi
ll
ythought
Mor
ri
s:t
ellmeabouti
t
Lewis:ahi
t'
snoti
mport
antj
ustsomef
ri
endshi
p
mishapsnothi
ngmuch
Mor
ri
s:t
hesamef
ri
endwho'
sKavi
mba'
sinl
aw?
Lewi
s:yeah.It
hinkimi
ssher
Mor
ri
s:whathappened?
Lewi
s:shejustdeci
dedtoendthefr
iendshi
pbut
nowthatit
hinkofitiwasunf
airt
oher
Morri
s:t
henifyoucar
eabouthert
hatmuchyou
shoul
dtalkt
oher
Lewis:ahnoshemadeitcleart
hatshewant
s
nothi
ngtodowi t
hmesoi t
'sok.I
fweweremeantto
befri
endswewi l
lfi
ndourwaybacktoeachother
andifnotst
il
lfi
ne
Morr
is:i
m sor
ryf
ort
hat
.Whatcanidot
omakeyou
f
eelbett
er?
Lewi
s:takeof
fyourcl
othesandcooknaked(
they
l
aughed)
Mor
ri
s:youar
enast
y
Lewi
s:i
m ser
ious
Morr
is:ohno,imi
ghtbeabi
tcomf
ort
abl
ebuti
m
nott
hereyet

Theylaughedasaknockcamet
hroughandt
he
dooropened..
.

Bi
anca:okae!
?(Wher
ear
eyou)Br
ingmyt
hing.
..
oh
Lewi s:kegoreBiancaogaisi
wal ekesephi
nya.O
i
tatl
hel afel
amomat longabatho(evenafarti
s
betterthanyouBi anca.Youj
ustthrowyoursel
fin
otherpeople'shouses)
Bi
anca:whathappenedt
oyou?Hel
losi
r
Mor
ri
s:hi
Lewi
s:not
hingyoushoul
dbeconcer
nedabout
Bianca:nof
ri
endyoudon'
tlookgoodsoI
'
mtr
ying
to.
..
Lewi
s:l
eavemeal
oneBi
ancaandgi
vememy
moneynow
Bi
anca:ohwowLewi
sreal
ly?
Lewi
s:eveni
fidi
ediwoul
dhavemadesuret
o
demandmymoneybackever
yday.Paymemosadi
Bi
anca:canwepl
easet
alkaboutt
his
Lewi
s:ihavenot
hingt
otal
ktoyouaboutal
liwant
i
smymoney
Bi
anca:evenwhenyouar
eliket
hisyouar
est
il
lrude,
what
'swrongwit
hyouLewis?
Lewis:what'sr
udeaboutaski ngformymoneyback?
Gaobat labonagoremetlhologasedilotsabo1880
BCt swelel
akagobatlagont shel
ekajalomosetsana.
Kekopamadiame( ifyouwantt oseethatmiracl
es
didn'tst
opyearsagocont i
nueannoyingmel i
kethat.
Canihavemymoney)
Bi
anca:idon'
thaveyourmoneynowLewi
s
Lewi
s:wher
eisi
t?Ar
eyounotpai
d?
Bi
anca:(
swal
lowed)t
hingi
sihavebeenl
yingt
oyou
Lewi
s:aboutwhat?Bi
ancadon'
tcomewi
thcooked
l
iest
omepl ease
Bianca:noim ser
iousLewis.I
mjustanai
l
techni
cianandnotapar t
ner
Lewi
s:mma?
Bi
anca:ili
edtoyouguysbecauseiwantedt
of i
tin.
Youareeducated,
Mayaiseducatedsoiwanted
y'
al
ltorespectmetoo
Lewis:whosai
dwewer enotgoingtorespectyou
evenifyouar
enoteducatedorsuccessful
?
Jaanongwhataboutal
lthemoneyyouhavebeen
spending?
Bi
anca:ibor
rowedmoneyf
rom peopl
e
Lewis:sooneoft
hem camedemandi
ngthei
r5k
backandyoufoundawaytoscam meinst
ead?
Bi
anca:i
t'
snotl
iket
hatLewi
siwasi
nat
ightcor
ner
Lewis:whatisitl
iket
henBiancapleaseexplai
nt hat
becausefrom wherei
m sit
ti
ngyoul i
edtousand
conti
nuedt ol
ietomet oanextendofsteal
ingfrom
mewithf
alsepret
enceBiancaket
lagot
shwar
isa
kana(
iwi
llhaveyouarr
ested)
Bi
anca:(
tear
ful
ly)i
m sor
ryLewi
s
Lewis:nnammaiwantmymoneyandi m honest
ly
donewi t
hyou.Ther
eisyourbagandcarkeys.Get
outofmyhousebutmakesur eyouhavemymoney
i
ntwoweeksorel seim sendi
ngsher
if
f'
syourway
Bi
anca:Lewi
sdon'
tdot
hatpl
ease
Lewi
s:imeani
t.Nowi
fyoudon'
tmi ndiwoul
dli
ke
tomi
ndthepai
niminri
ghtnow.Leave

Shelookedathi
m andlookedatMorr
ist
hent
ook
hert
hingsandstoppedbythedoor
..
.

Bi
anca:Lewi
s
Lewis:t
samaaBiancatsamaagakepi
nagake
boeledi
wegantsi(
justgoBi
anca,i
m notgoi
ngt
o
repeatmysel
f)j
ustgo
Hesai
dcl
icki
nghi
stongueandi
ncr
easedt
het
v
vol
umewhil
eshemadeherwayout
.

I
nMai
tengwe.
..

Inal i
mesi lkhighwai sttrouserthatwentwel lwi t
h
herskintone, Mayacheckedher selfoutinthe
mi r
rorasitsatwel lonhervol uptuousbody.She
smi l
edandf i
xedthemat chingcropt opt hat
showedabi tofhercl eavageassheputonher
diamondear ri
ngsshegotf rom Joshuaont heirfi
rst
date.Shef i
xedherl ipsti
ckandspr ayedherper fume
onherneckandwr iststhenputonherwat ch.She
satont hedr essi
ngchai randputonherst i
lett
os
thentookt henecklace.Shet r
iedtoputi tonbut
fail
edast hedooropened. ..

Joshua:sor
ryf
ornotknocki
ngbuti
..
.

Wor
dsvani
shedf
rom hi
smout
hashi
sjawdr
opped
t
othef
loorseei
ngallt
hebeaut
ythatwasMayain
t
hemir
ror.Shesmi
ledlooki
ngathi
m andsneer
ed.
..

Maya:Joshua,
Jo?
Joshua:(cl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandchuckl
ed)ohi
m
sorr
yididn'
tmeantost
are
Maya:it
'
sokcanyoupl
easehel
pmewi
tht
his
neckl
ace
Joshua:ohok

Shestoodupandstoodinfr
ontofhi
m gi
vinghi
m
herbackthenmovedherhairt
othesi
deabitwhi
le
hetri
edtoputi
tonwithhispal
mssweati
ng..
.

Maya:ar
eyouwi
nni
ng?
Joshua:yeahj
ustasecond(
hef
inal
lymanaged)
yeahdone
Maya:(
tur
ned)thankyousomuch.Doil
ookok?
(
Shesaidchecki
nghersel
fout
)
Joshua:noyoudon'
t
Maya:(
frowned)what
?Soshoul
dichangeor
..
.
Joshua:youl
ookbr
eat
htaki
ng
Maya:(chuckl
ed)oht
hankyou.Younear
lygaveme
aheartatt
a..
.

Shefr
ozeashegr abbedonherf
aceandsoft
ly
ki
ssedher.Hestoppedandst
eppedbackwhi
le
Mayaheldherl
ips..
.

Joshua:im sosor
ryidi
dn'
tmeant
odot
hati
t'
sjust
thati
..
.i
..
.
Maya:don'
tbe
Joshua:noiknowisai
diwant
edourfi
rstphysi
cal
contactt
obespeci
alandmemorabl
ebuttheni.
..
Maya:t
hisi
sspeci
alandmemor
abl
e
Joshua:huh?
Maya:youar
eagoodmanJoshuaandt
her
e's
nothi
ngthatwoul
dpl
easemet
hant
ogi
veusa
chance
Joshua:(
hear
tski
ppedashesmi
led)sayt
hatagai
n?
Maya:iwoul
dloveust
otr
ythi
sdat
ingt
hingand
seewherei
twil
lgo
Joshua:ohwowidon'tknowwhatt odoorsay.I
promiseyou,youar
enotgoingtoregreti
tiwi
ll
makesur et
omakeyout hehappiestwomanon...
Maya:(
putherf
ingeronhi
sli
ps)st
opt
alki
ngand
ki
ssmeagain

Shef
lashedherbeaut
if
ulsmil
eathi
m ashe
swal
l
owedandl i
ckhisli
psgoi
ngforhi
smouth.
..

Mara:(opened)yohbathongikat
lengkagosunana
(
pleasewaitont heki
ssing)wearerunni
ngoutof
t
ime

Theyl
aughedasshef
ini
shedupandt
ookher
t
hingsmaki
ngt
hei
rwayout
.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Acr yi
ngPr eci
oussoundedherhornsol
oudas
Ronaf rownedopeningthegat
e.Shegotoutas
Preciousparkedthecaronthegat
eandgotoff
runningtoher..
.

Rona:what
'
swr
ongPr
eci
ous?
Preci
ous:(
cryi
ng)mamagosenyegi
le,sengwele
sengwesesenyegi
le(
ever
ythi
ngisr
uinedma, i
t'
s
allamess)
Rona:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Whyar
eyou
cr
ying?
Preci
ous:Lovemor
eknowsthet
rut
hmama,
Lovemoreknowsthe.
..
yoh

Shecr
iedmor
ewi
thherhandsonherheadgoi
ng
i
nsi
dethehousewhi
leRonaswal
lowedandbl
inked
f
oll
owi
ngherin.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
08] :AKEPTWOMAN
34

Ronatur nedbythedoorandwentt odri

veher
daughter'scarf
urtheri
nparki
ngitunderashade.
Shesighedandwentt othehousewherePreci
ous
wouldn'tstopcr
ying..
.

Rona:whathappenedPr
eci
ous?
Pr
eci
ous:(
sni
ff
ed)igott
oRanakaonl
ytof
ind
Lovemor
eandhi
speopl
ether
e.Hewaswi
thhi
sevi
l
auntmama
Rona:whydi
dn'
tyoudr
iveback?
Precious:therewasnousebecausehehadal r
eady
seenme.It r
iedtocallNalebutmyphonej ustwent
off.Idecidedtojustdri
veof fbutthecarwouldn't
startthenisawasnakei nmycarandt henranoff
onlytogobl indandfall.Justlookatmyclothes
Rona:iwasaboutt
oaskwhathappenedt
othem
Preci
ous:somehowifoundmyselfi
nthatuseless
woman'shousewhereeveryt
hinghappened.They
mademeconf essmamat heymademe. .
.yoh(she
bursti
ntoanot
hercr
y)
Rona:(
frowned)whatexact
lydi
dtheymakeyou
conf
ess?
Preci
ous:t
hatihavetiedLovemor
etomysel
fand
that
..
.t
hat.
..
yohbathong
Rona:whatPr
eci
ous
Pr
eci
ous:t
hatNyashai
snotLovemor
e'schi
ld
Rona:what
!?
Pr
eci
ous:yesNyashai
snotLovemor
e'sdaught
er
Rona:howPreci
ousandhowcanyoukeepsucha
t
hingfrom me?
Preci
ous:i
twasami
stakema.Iwasl
onel
yand
becameweak
Rona:doyour
eal
isewhatyouhavedone?
Pr
eci
ous:st
opj
udgi
ngmeandhel
pme
Rona:youneedmyhel pnowneh?Af t
eritoldyouto
notgot oRanaka.Itol
dyoual otofti
mesPr ecious
that
,thatwomani sofnouset oyoubutnowi t
h
yourprideyoudecidedtogoagainstmywor dand
doasyoupl easelooknow, l
ooknowPr eci
ous
ever
ythingwehavewor kedhardforhasgonedown
thedrainal
lbecauseofyourusel esswi t
chdoctor
Pr
eci
ous:mmawi
llyouhel
pornot
Rona:youar emydaught
erandiwon'tl
etpeopl
e
walkalloveryoul
iket
hatbutf
rom her
eonyou
shoul
dl i
stentomeanddoasisayunderstood?
Pr
eci
ous:yes
Rona:f
ixyour
sel
fwear
eleavi
ngi
n20mi
nut
es
(cl
ickedhert ongue)idon'tunderst
andwhypeople
woul dn'
tjustmi ndthei
rownbusi ness.Theyar
e
goingt or
egr etevermessingwi t
hyou.Ifit
'swar
theywantt heni t'
swartheywillget

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueagai
ngoingtoherbedr
oom
whil
ePreci
ouswenttoher
stochange.

AthouseofChi
..
.

Aft
erbeingcl
eansedLovemor econtactedChi
oma
anddecidedt
ogot ogotoherof fi
ce.Shesatback
andtr
iedtohideherfaci
alexpressi
onwi t
hasmi l
e
ashetookhisseat.
..

Chi
oma:youl
ookl
ikeyouar
egoi
ngt
hroughal
ot
Lovemor
e:whati
swr
ongwi
thsomewomen?
Chi
oma:whathappened?
Lovemor
e:t
hiswomanbewi
tchedmeandcheat
ed
onmeandnotonlydidshecheatsheal
sohada
chi
ldwi
tht
hatnonsenseofaman
Chi
oma:ar
eyoubei
ngser
ious?
Lovemore:yes.Thedaught
erihavebeent
hinki
ngi
s
mineisnotmi ne(sheswal
lowed)ar
eyouok?
Chi
oma:rememberwhenshegott
othehospi
tali
wasst
il
lsayi
ngsomethi
ng?
Lovemor
e:yes
Chi
oma:isawamar konyourdaught
er'
sar
m andi
wasaboutt
oaskifyouguysmarkyourchi
ldr
enor
i
t'
safamil
ytrai
t
Lovemor
e:ar
eyouser
ious?
Chi
oma:yeah
Lovemore:t
heKavi mba'sfami l
yt r
ait
sar eournai
ls.
Wehavedar kercuti
clesandt ocomet hi
nkof
Nyasha'
scut i
clesar
edi f
ferentfrom ours.Ij
ust
deci
dedtonotpaymuchat t ent
iontoit
Chi
oma:i
m sosor
ry
Lovemor
e:i
m honest
lyhur
t
Chi
oma:i
tshoul
dhur
t.Whathaveyoudeci
dedon
doi
ng?
Lovemor
e:i
m goingthroughwi ththedivor
ceand
makesuret
hatiskinheralive.Iwanttoteachhera
l
essonshewil
lneverforgetbyt heti
mei m done
wit
hhershewil
lbeabeggeri nthestreet
sitell
ing
you
Chi
oma:whataboutNyasha?
Lovemore:Nyashawillal
waysbemydaught
ert
hat
wil
lneverchange.Il
ovethatgi
rl
Chi
oma:ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lher
?
Lovemore:im honest
lyconfusedpoorgir
lisgoing
thr
oughal otalr
eadyimaginewakingtothetrauma
ofbeingabusedandt hatyouarenotthedaughter
tothemanyouhaveknownf orl
ong
Chioma:iknowit
'sapai
nfult
hingbutshedeser
ves
toknowthetrut
h
Lovemore:iknowbutit'
salotChi
,al
sot
hatshe'
s
supposedtowr i
teherexamssoon
Chi
oma:l
et'
swai
tforhert
owakeupt
henshe
deci
desonwhatt odo.Hermentalheal
thisvery
i
mpor t
antbefor
eshesitsf
orthatexam becauseif
shesit
sinthatexam r
oom chancesofhernot
makingitar
ehigh
Lovemor
e:yeahiguesswewi
llhavet
owai
tforher
towakeup
Chi
oma:haveyouf
oundat
her
api
stf
orher
?
Lovemor
e:notyet
Chi
oma:okidon'
tmi
ndhel
ping
Lovemor
e:ar
eyouapr
ofessi
onal
?
Chi
oma:ihaveahi
ghdegr
eei
nsoci
alwor
kMrK
Lovemor
e:(
smi
led)whati
sitt
hatyoudon'
tdo?
Chi
oma:(
laughed)ipr
act
ical
lydoever
ythi
ng
Lovemor
e:imeanyoual
sohaveaspi
ri
tualgi
ft
Chi
oma:whent
heyt
alkofaj
ackofal
ltr
adest
hey
meanme
Lovemore:l
it
eral
ly(
theylaughed)t
hankyoufort
he
ki
ndgestureiwil
ldefi
nit
elybri
nghertoyou.(
His
phonerang)Kavi
mbahel l
o
Dr:gooddaysi
ryouar
espeaki
ngt
oNyasha'
s
doctor
Lovemor
e:okwhatcanidof
oryouDoct
or?
Dr:yourdaught
erisawakesir
.Itr
iedt
ogethol
dof
hermotherbutherphoneisoff
Lovemor
e:okiwi
llbet
her
ejustnow(
hehungup)
she'
sawake
Chioma:ohokallthebestheyiwoul
dgowi
thyou
butisti
llhaveal
otofcatchi
nguptodowi
ththe
othershops
Lovemore:nopr
obl
em buti
m notgoi
ngt
otal
kto
hertoday
Chi
oma:okbutyouar
egoi
ngt
otal
ktoherr
ight
?
Lovemor
e:yeah(shegavehi
m ast
are)ipr
omi
se
andiwantyoutobethere
Chi
oma:good.Iwi
llmaket
ime
Lovemor
e:t
hanks.Seeyousoon
Chi
oma:bye
Her
ushedoutwhi
leChi
omasatbackandsi
ghed.
..

Chi
oma:thingswil
lst
artl
ooki
nggoodf
oryouMrK
j
usthanginther
eandkeepthefai
th

Shesai
dgoi
ngbackt
owor
k.

I
ntheout
ski
rt
sofMochudi
..
.

Dressedindisgui
sesRonal edthewayi
ntoher
witchdoct
or'
syardwit
hPr eciouscomi
ngbehindher
.
Theysatnexttooneanotheront hematwhi
lethe
womanl aughedshaki
ngherhead. .
.

Rona:iknow
Pr
eci
ous:whatar
eyoul
aughi
ngat
?
Rona:Pr
eci
ousbehave
Pr
eci
ous:noshecan'
tjustl
ookatusandl
augh
Woman:iseeyourdaught
erhasn'
tchangedabi
t
Pr
eci
ous:i
twi
llt
akea.
..
Rona:Pr
eci
ousmanao.Ithi
nkshehasl
ear
nther
l
essonhenceshe'
sher
etoday
Woman:dearal wayslist
ent oyourmot herbecause
sheknowsbest .St
opt hi
nkingt hatshe'
sthereason
behindyourdaughtermisfortune.Onethingabout
Ronai sthatshewouldneverhur tyou.Youareher
preciousgif
thenceshenamedyouPr eci
ousso
tr
ustyourmot hermygi r
l
Pr
eci
ous:si
nceyout
hinkyouar
ethatpower
fult
ell
mewhohurtmydaughter
Woman:youwil
lhavet
obringherher
eformet
otel
l
youorbr
ingapi
eceofherclot
hing
Rona:ishoul
dhavethoughtaboutt
hatwai
tsebuti
wil
ldosoverysoon
Woman:good(t
urnedtoPreci
ous)thi
ngsarenot
l
ooki
nggoodforyoumygi r
lyourhusbandisoutf
or
bl
oodbutdon'
tworryyouhavecomet otheri
ght
pl
ace
Pr
eci
ous:soyouar
enotgoi
ngt
odi
eonme?
Woman:t
ellherwher
eiwentf
ort
rai
ningRona
Rona:shewasmar ri
edt oanAngoli
anman.Hewas
aleaderoft
hemostpower f
ulcul
tinAngol
asohe
passedonthepower stoherwhenhepassedon
(Preci
ouscurvedherli
ps)
Woman:yessoi m notyourweakwit
cheswheni
st
rikeist
ri
kehardandleavenostonesunt
urned.
Takeoffyourcl
othes
Pr
eci
ous:what
?
Woman:takeof
fyourcl
othesim goi
ngt ocl
eanse
youandwashawayallt
hebadl uckthatwoman
best
owedonyouthenstartf
rom scr
atch
Preci
ous:idon'
twantscr
atchiwantmyhusband
back
Woman:andyouar
egoingtogethim back.Ican
smel
lanot
herwoman'
sscentthough
Pr
eci
ous:yest
her
e'st
hiswomanhe'
sal
wayswi
th
Woman:don'
twor
ryfr
om herewearegoi
ngtodeal
wi
thherni
ceandgood.Geti
nthatr
oom iwi
llbe
wi
thyouj
ustnow

Pr
eci
oussmil
edfeel
ingver
yhopef
ulwhi
let
he
womanl
ookedatRona..
.

Rona:what
?
Woman:whenar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lherwhatshedi
d
t
oher
self
?
Rona:youknowican'
tdot
hat
Woman:butyouhavet
oRona
Rona:canwepl
easef
ocusont
henow
Woman:Lovemor
e'sheal
eri
sver
ydanger
ous
Rona:whatar
eyout
hinki
ng?
Woman:f
orust
oover
powerhi
m wehavet
otake
outt
hebi
gguns
Rona:soyouar
etel
li
ngmet
hati
t'
sti
met
ogot
o
Molepol
ole?
Woman:yes
Pr
eci
ous:i
m wai
ti
ng
Woman:i
m comi
ng(
toRona)youknowwhatt
odo
Rona:youdon'
thavet
otel
lmet
wice.

AtMoses'
shouse.
..

Ker
engparkedhiscari
nfrontofhi
sgat
eandwent
i
ntheyardwherehefoundhim wit
hhi
swif
eand
chi
ld.
..

Ker
eng:goodday
Moses:gooddaysi
rhowcanibeofhel
p?
Ker
eng:ar
eyouMoses?
Moses:yessi
r
Ker
eng:i
m const
abl
eKer
eng,
mayipl
easehavea
wordwit
hyou?
Moses:nopr
obl
em si
r
Ker
eng:doyouknowRonaMoet
i?
Moses:(
swal
lowed)yessi
rshe'
smyboss
Ker
eng:howl
onghaveyouknownher
?
Moses:4year
s
Kereng:ok.Ibel
ieveyouareawareofwhat
happenedtohergr andaught
err
ight
?
Moses:yessi
rit
'saver
ypai
nfult
hingf
orachi
ldt
o
evergothr
ough
Ker
eng:i
sthatl
it
tl
egi
rlyourdaught
er?
Moses:yessi
r
Ker
eng:i
maginethesamedonet
oyourdaught
er
Godfor
bidbutj
ustimagi
neandt
ellmehowyou
woul
dfeel
Moses:(
clear
edhisthr
oat
)iwoul
dneverbeokunt
il
iseet
heculpri
tpayi
ng
Kereng:nowi
magi
newhatherf
atheri
sgoi
ng
t
hroughatthemoment
Moses:(
sighed)yeahneh
Ker
eng:andibel
ievet
hat
'syourwi
fer
ight
?
Moses:yessi
r
Kereng:thenwhydidyout
ellMrKavi
mbat hatyou
don'thaveawifenorachi
ld?(
Heswallowed)i
askedyouaquest i
onMoses
Moses:t
hingi
s..
.
Kereng:Mosesyouhavebeenar r
estedf
orr
apeand
at
tempt edmurderofNyashaKavimba
Moses:what
!?Si
rwhywoul
didosomet
hingl
ike
t
hat?
Kereng:canwenotmaket
hingshar
dforone
another.Let
'sgo
Woman:gowher
e?
Kereng:yourhusbandhasbeenar
rest
edf
or
abusinghisboss'
schil
d
Woman:what
!?Moseswoul
dneverdosuchat
hing
Moses:honeyt
ellhi
m,t
ellhi
mthat
..
.

HetookoffasKer
engqui
cklyreachedf
orhisgun
ai
mingforhisl
egandpul
ledthetri
gger
.Thewife
scr
eamedasherhusbandf
ellonthegr
oundwhile
Ker
engcl
ickedhi
stonguet
akingoutt
hecuff
s..
.

Kereng:youhavej
ustdonet
hingswor
sef
or
yoursel
fmyman

Hesaidcuffi
nghim andj er
kedhim updraggi
nghim
tothecarwhil
ehegr unted.Onherkneeshiswif
e
cri
edoutforhel
pwitht hesmallgi
rlcryi
ngaswell
pull
ingherdr
ess.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

DuncangaveAlexanderaglassofj
uiceasshet
ook
asipandopenedhertab..
.

Al
exander
:youknowidon'twor
konweekendsMr
Duncanbutyouwer
etal
kingaboutachi
ldsoihad
t
orun
Duncan:t
hankyouf
ormaki
ngtime.Iwil
lput
somethi
ngextr
awhenif
orwar
dt hepayment
Al
exander:(
smil
ed)t
hatwouldbeappreci
ated.Your
wi
fecontactedmeaf
terbei
ngarr
ested
Duncan:ohshedi
d?
Al
exander
:yesbutshei
nst
eadtorat
herspendt
he
weekendt
hereimeanwhodoesthat
?
Duncan:(
sighed)ihavedoneherbadMr
sTaol
o
Al
exander
:whatdi
dyoudoDuncan?
Duncan:icheat
edonherandhadababyout
side
ourmarri
age
Al
exander
:(satback)heebat
hongDuncan
Duncan:iknowMr
sTiknow
Alexander
:youguysar
enowputti
ngmei
nat i
ght
cornershoul
dshewanttodi
vor
cewhowi
llihavet
o
standfor?
Duncan:i
m notgoi
ngt
olett
hathappen
Alexander:youmenthoughwhycan'
tyouremai
n
fai
thfult
oyourwives?Anywaysoiguesst
hechil
d
youment
ionedi
stheoneyouhavewi
tht
hisot
her
woman?
Duncan:yesiwantt
oappl
yforsol
ecust
ody
Al
exander
:ohok.I
sthemot
herwor
king?
Duncan:noshewasourhousehel
per
Alexander
:what'
swrongwit
hmenandcheat i
ng
withhousehel
pers?Whycan'tyouacceptyour
wivesthewaytheyare?Imeanyouknewwho
Lornawasbeforeyoumarri
edherri
ght?
Duncan:yes
Al
exander
:whydi
dyoucheat
?
Duncan:ij
ustwant
edtohavemyownbiol
ogical
chi
ldbutiendedupfal
li
ngi
nlovewi
thPat
ience
Alexander:youar egoi
ngtodoal ottoconvi
nce
Lornatost ayi
nt hismarr
iagebecauseshouldshe
decideotherwiseim goi
ngt or
epresentheri
ncourt
andi bel
ieveyouknowwhati m capabl
eofri
ght?
Duncan:yesMrsTiwi
llwor
khar
dtomaket
he
marri
agework
Alexander:ihopeyouprayali
vingGodbecausei
wouldhatet oreapyouapar
t.Anywaysosole
custodyisallyouwant?
Duncan:yes
Alexander:i
m goi
ngtoneedmor
ereasonstowhy
youwantsol ecust
odybesi
dest
hefactt
hatshe'
s
notwor ki
ng
Duncan:shedr
inksandhersi
steri
saheavydr
inker
Al
exander
:ohok.I
sthesi
sterwor
king?
Duncan:noi
mt heonewhoboughtt
hem f
oodand
t
oil
etr
iesatt
hathouse
Al
exander
:doesshehaveanyqual
if
icat
ions?
Duncan:noshedoesn'
t
Al
exander
:evenPat
ience?
Duncan:evenPat
ience.Al
lsheknowsi
stobea
househelper
Alexander
:(scof
fed)ok.Ihatedoi
ngthistomot hers
becauseeverymot herdeser
vestorai
setheirchil
d
butit'
sgoi
ngt obenefitt
hechil
daft
erallandagain
shebet
rayedanotherwomansowhyshouldispar
e
her
?IwillgotocourtonMondayandmakesure
sheget
sser vedbef
oretheendoft
hebusi
nessday
onMonday
Duncan:t
hankyou
Alexander:noproblem (downedherjui
ceand
checkedthet i
me)l etmegetgoing.Wearehavi
ng
al
lnightservicetonightmaybeyoushouldcome
andaskf orforgi
venessf r
om God

Hej
ustchuckl
edasshetookhert
hingsl
eavi
ng
whi
leDuncansi
ghedsi
tt
ingback.
..

Apple:(upst
air
s)facti
siwi l
lneverfor
giveyoufor
whatyoudi dtothewomanyoucl ai
medt olove.No
mat t
erwhatyoudo, howeveryout r
ytoclearyour
consciencetomeyouwi llal
waysr emainthatman
whocausedt hewomanwhogaveheral ltohimthe
greatestpai
nofthem all
Shesaidgoi
ngbacktoherbedr
oom ashesi
ghed
rubbi
nghisf
orehead.

THATEVENI
NG

I
nMai
tengwe.
..

Withthef ormalacti
vit
iesoutofthewayeveryone
wasi ntheircasualandcomf or
tabl
eclot
hesast hey
parti
edt henightaway.Therewasaf amil
ycircl
e
withaf ewf ri
endsastheydidadancechallenge
withJoshuat r
yinghi
sbestwi t
hhistwolef
tfeet.
From theirtableMrandMr sKgangsmi l
edlooking
on..
.

MrKgang:happybi
rt
hdayonceagai
nmyl
ove
Gli
dia:t
hankyouhoney.I
t'
ssogoodseei
ngmy
famil
yunit
edandhappyliket
his
MrKgang:(
hel
dherhand)wedi
dgoodbyr
aisi
ng
t
heseki
ds
Glidia:i
ndeedihopetheycar
ryt
het eachi
ngsto
theirkidsandchi
ldr
enbecausealliwantisa
peacef ulhome
MrKgang:ibel
ievet
heywi
llandi
m soj
eal
ousof
yourgi
ft
Gli
dia:(
smil
edlooki
ngatthebr
andnewBenz)my
sonreall
youtdi
dhimsel
f.I
m pr
oudofhi
m
MrKgang:soi
mi .Sowhatwoul
dyousaytothe
i
deaofmovingabroadf
orther
emaini
ngperi
odof
t
heyear?
Gl
idi
a:what
!?
MrKgang:icoul
dn'tl
etJoshuasurpassmeasyour
husbandwhenitcomestogift
ingsoiboughtusa
houseinFl
ori
daandwecangetgoi ngassoonas
possi
ble
Gl
idi
a:bathongdaddyt
hankyousomuch(
she
ki
ssedhim)
MrKgang:youar
ewel comemyl ovebutdon'
ttel
l
t
hekidsnowwewi l
ltellt
hem t
omorrow
Gl
idi
a:ar
eyouser
iousl
ove?
MrKgang:iwi
llshowyoual
lthedet
ail
soft
hesal
e
whenwegethome
Gl
idi
a:t
hankyousososomuchmyl
ove
MrKgang:t
hepleasur
eisallminebabe.Nowl
etme
goshowJoshuahowi t
'sdone

Theylaughedashewenttothedancefl
oorwhi
le
Gli
dialookedonemoti
onal
.Shelockedeyeswi
th
Mayaandcal l
edher
..
.

Maya:heyma
Gl
idi
a:howar
eyoudoi
ngmygi
rl
?
Maya:i
m havi
ngal
otoff
un
Gl
idi
a:t
hat
'sgood.Ar
eyouenj
oyi
ngyourst
ayher
e?
Maya:morethananyt
hingmaebi
leiwi
shwecoul
d
movehere(t
heychuckl
ed)
Gl
idi
a:t
hatwoul
dmakemehappybutyouknow
whatmusthappenf
oryouguyst
omoveher
eri
ght
Maya:yesmawhi chi
ssomet
hinghewoul
dbe
scept
icalabout
Gl
idi
a:whowouldbescept
icalaboutmar
ryi
nga
wonder
fulyoungwomanli
keyou?
Maya:ohyouar
etal
kingaboutt
hat
Gli
dia:yes.Joshuabet
terhur
ryandsnat
chyou
beforetheseboystr
ytomesswi t
hyou
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)ourr
elat
ionshi
pisnew
Gli
dia:sowhat
?Ar
eyouguysnoti
nlovewi
thone
another?
Maya:wear
est
il
ldi
scover
ingt
hatbutt
her
ear
e
f
eel
ings
Gl
idi
a:butyoul
ovehi
mri
ght
?
Maya:yesma
Gli
dia:t
henmakesureyoukeephi m mylove.Yes
youcan'tkeepamanbutibel
ieveyouar ecapabl
e
ofdoingsobecauseyouar
eanal lroundamazing
youngwoman.Iknowwehaveknowneachf or2
daysbuticanseemyselfinyou.Yourlevel
of
respect
,yourmother
ingski
llsandsenseofhumour
arewhatcanbuildapeacefulandwarm home.You
arefert
il
eri
ght?
Maya:(
laughed)yesmaiam
Gl
idi
a:goodbecauseMrKandiwantt
onesand
t
onesofgrandki
ds
Maya:butyouknowt
hewhi
tehor
seai
n'tj
okes
Gli
dia:(
laughed)thepai
nisunbear
abl
ebutonce
youholdyourlit
tl
ebabyital
lgoesaway
Maya:t
ruet
hat
Gl i
dia:butmostimpor
tantl
ymyl ove,l
oveand
respectyourmanandhewi l
l dothesame.Ir ai
sed
Joshuaandiknowt hekindofmanhei s.Hegrewin
awar m andpeacef
ulhomesoheknowshowt o
treatawomanbecausehi sfathertaughthi
m well
(Mayasmi l
ed)nowmosti mpor t
antlyhowkinkyar
e
you?
Maya:(
shocked)bat
hongma
Gl
idi
a:babymonnawaj
ewa(
youmustsat
isf
ya
man)(
Mayalaughedoutl
oud)i
m ser
iousibetyou
i
mtheonl
ywomani nourgener
ati
onwhoknows
womanontop
Maya:(
laughi
ng)bat
homaGl
ost
op
Gli
dia:(
laughi
ng)yesnanaobonale(
yousee)pl
ain
yoghurtmygirli
twil
ldowonder
sforyou
Maya:wai
tsekeengidi
dn'
texpectt
his
Glidia:t
rustmeihavetaughtmydaughtershow
to..
.(checkedi
fther
ewerekidsaround)howto
pleaseamansot heywil
ltel
lyouexactl
ywhati
m
tell
ingyounow
Maya:(
sighedsti
lllaughi
ng)ohwowbutI'
vegot
gameaswel lj
ustthatit
'sbeenl
ongsi
nceigot
i
nti
matewithaman
Glidi
a:yohyohyohbat hongnanatl
hwaafal
lago
ntshadirusiao(workongett
ingoft
hatrustmy
baby)(theylaughed)
Maya:oki
m goi
ngt
odi
enow
Gli
dia:(
sal
ivat
ed)ist
il
lwearli
ngeri
eformy
husbandeventoday(t
heylaughed)yes
Maya:iguessgot
sof
alayobat
lang(
agei
sjusta
number)
Gl
idi
a:ohyesmyl
oveohyes
Maya:youar
ethebestmot
herawomancoul
dever
askf
or
Gli
dia:j
ustmakesur ethatyourr el
ati
onshi
pwit
h
Joshblossomsandl eadstot healtert
henyouwil
l
gettoenjoythebenefi
tsofhavi ngmeasamom.A
homeofl aughteri
sahomef ulloflove

Mayachuckl
edastheyconti
nuedtochatwhi
le
ever
yonedancedt
henightaway.

AthouseofChi
..
.

Yourl
ovei
ski
nd
Yourl
ovei
spat
ient
Youf
il
lmyhear
t
Wi
thsomuchpeaceandj
oy
You'
reamazi
ng
Youmakemyl
if
efeel
brandnew
You'
reamazi
ng
Youmakemyl
if
efeel
brandnew

Jesusyoul
ovemet
oomuch(
Oh)
Toomuch(
Oh)
Toomuch(
Oh)
Excessl
ove(
Oh)
..
.

Chi
omasangmakingherwaytohercarwhi
lefr
om
adi
stancePr
eci
ouslookedonsmi
li
nginhercar
...
.

Pr
eci
ous:youar
egoi
ngt
oregr
etevermessi
ngwi
th
mebi
tch
Chiomaf rownedandstoppedasshef eltahotwi nd
hi
therfaceassheappr oachedhercar .Shequickly
gotavisionofacarexpl odingasshedr oppedher
bagswithherheartskipping.Preci
ousf rowned
wonderingwhatwashappeni ngasChi oma
unbott
onedhershirtfeelinghot.Sheleaneddown
i
nherbagandt ookoutherphone. ..

Sundae:aunt
y?
Chi
oma:askt
hedr
ivert
ocomecol
lectmef
rom t
he
of
fi
ce
Sundae:butyoual
waysdr
iveyour
sel
faunt
y
Chi
oma:j
ustdoi
tSundaeican'
tusemycarnowi
t
hasapr
oblem
Sundae:ohok

Shehungup,l
ookedaroundandt
ookherbags
goi
ngbacktoheroff
ice.
..
Chioma:Jesushel
pwhoeveri
str
yingt
ohar
m met
o
abortmissi
onnow

Meanwhi
lei
nhercarPr
eciousl
ookedathergoi
ng
backt
otheoff
icewi
thafr
ownonherface..
.

Preci
ous:whati
sshedoi
ng?Justgeti
nthecar
dammi t
!
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
08] :AKEPTWOMAN
35

Af
terwai
ti
ngf
oraf
ewmi
nut
esPr
eci
oussi
ghedand
decidedtost
artherengi
nebutquickl
yswi
tchedi
t
offseei
nganothercarcomein.
..

Pr
eci
ous:whoar
eyou?

Shewaitedtoseewhoi twasbutthepersonnever
gotoutonlyforChiomatocomeoutami nut
elat
er.
Preci
ousfrownedasshewat chedhergetinthe
backseatandt hecart
ookoff.
..

Pr
eci
ous:(
hitt
hest
eer
ingwheel
)shi
t!

Shedi
aledhermot
herdr
ivi
ngoutoft
hepar
king.
..

Rona:Pr
eci
ouswhereareyou?Ihopeyouar
enot
di
sobeyi
ngthewi
tchdoct
or'
sorder
s
Preci
ous:noiwant
edtomakesuret
hatthi
sbitch
getsi
nthecarbutnosomeonecametocol
lecther
Rona:(
frowned)buthow?
Preci
ous:idon'
tknow.Shecamesingi
ngandwhen
shewassupposedt ogeti
nthecarshest
oppedand
droppedherbagsthenspoket
othephoneandwent
backint
otheoffi
ce
Rona:t
hat
'swei
rdar
eyousur
eshedi
dn'
tseeyou?
Pr
eci
ous:notatal
l
Rona:(si
ghed)don'
tworr
ywewi llgetherandwe
havetofi
ndoutwhyshedi dn'
tgetinthatcar
.We
needahandfulofthesoi
lshesteppedon
Pr
ecious:iwi
llwor
konf
indi
ngoutwher
eshest
ays.
Nal
eknows. .
.
Rona:no!
Precious:butmaNalehascontact
sthatcoul
dbe
quickinfindi
ngt
heinfor
mationforus
Rona:youhear
dthatwomansayi ngthatf
rom now
onwear enoti
nvol
vingalotofpeopl
einour
matter
s.Ourpl
anshavefail
edbecauseyouchose
toopenyourmouthtoyourfri
end
Pr
eci
ous:buti
t'
snotl
ikeshewoul
dtel
lanyone
Rona:youdonotknowthet
hingsshet
ell
sher
husbandwhentheyar
einbed
Pr
eci
ous:ohcomeon,
Tshepoi
sjustaweakman
Rona:st
il
lwear enotget
ti
nganyoneel
seinvol
ved.
Wearefight
ingforyourmarr
iageandl
if
ehereor
youwanttostruggl
e?
Pr
eci
ous:okokbossl
ady
Rona:nowbequi
ckandgethome.Hast
hehospi
tal
cal
ledyet
?
Pr
eci
ous:no
Rona:ohokibel
ievet
her
e'ssti
llnochangewewi
ll
goandcheckonhertomorrow
Pr
ecious:sohowar
ewegoi
ngt
obeabl
etof
indher
pl
ace?
Rona:wewi
llt
alkaboutt
hatwhenyougethome
Pr
eci
ous:okshe'
sal
uckybi
tch

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandhungupf
ocusi
ngont
he
road.
AtMopat
i'
shouse.
..

Hecameoutoft
hetoi
letwhi
lehisfr
iendsangal
ong
t
osomeAfri
cansoundsdri
nkingbeer.
..

Mopat
i:i
sitnott
imef
orust
ogoyet
?
Ki
tso:wewi
lll
eavei
nabi
tiwantt
oof
fl
oadf
ir
st
Mopat
i:youshoul
dst
opeat
ingt
oomuchsi
es
Ki
tso:ahheywhat
ever(
theyl
aughed)
Mopat
i:younevert
oldmehowyourpl
anwentkana
Ki
tso:ohyeahmyboysmanagedt
oteachhi
ma
l
esson
Mopati
:ohni
cet
hat
'sgoodi
hopehehasl
ear
nta
goodone
Ki
tso:t
heyneverdi
sappoi
nt.Letmegoi
m pr
essed

Hesai
dgoi
ngt
othet
oil
etwhi
leMopat
isneer
edand
t
ookhisot
herphone.Hedi
aledMayawi
thi
tbuti
t
j
ustr
angunanswered.
..

Mopat
i:comeonmanhol
dyourphone

Hesaidcal
li
ngheragai
nbutitst
il
lrang
unanswer
edashesighed.
..

Mopati
:mxm,
hopef
ull
yiwi
llbumpi
ntoyouout
t
here

Hesaiddowninghisbeerandtook4condomsfrom
hi
sstashgoingtoputthem i
nthecarandwai
tedfor
Ki
tsotofi
nish.

AtNal
e'
shouse.
..

Shecamedownt
hest
air
sappl
yingl
oti
ononher
handswhil
eTshepolookedatherandlookedback
athi
slapt
op.Shemassagedhisshouldersashe
cl
earedhi
sthroatr
emovingherhandsoffhim.
..

Nale:i
t'
sti
mef orbedl
oveandifeell
ikeshowing
yousomethingyouhaveneverseentoday(she
ki
ssedhisneck)
Tshepo:i
m busyNal
e
Nale:comeonloveit
'saSaturdayni
ghtsowor
k
canwai t(
sheki
ssedhim agai
nashestoodup)
Tshepo:geezNal
ecan'
tyouheart
hati
m sayi
ngI
'
m
busy!
Nal
e:aolovesincewhenar
eyoubusyona
Sat
urdaynight
?
Tshepo:si
ncet
odaysopl
easeexcuseme
Nal
e:butl
oveyouknowi
t'
sadayf
orust
ohavef
un
Tshepo:youcanhavef
unal
one
Nale:whi
leihaveaman?Ohnol ovethatwon'
t
happen(bi
therlowerl
ippul
li
nghim wit
hhisshi
rt
)
comeduzebaby
Tshepo:iyobat
hongNaleidon'
twantyou,i
m busy
whatisthatyoudon'
tunder
stand!
?Justl
eaveme
al
onegosh!
Nal
e:heebanna,
areyouok?
Tshepo:i
mf r
ust
rat
edbecause.
..
youknowwhat
nevermind
Nal
e:(
touchedhi
shand)babewhat
'sgoi
ngon
Tshepo:St
op!(
Sighed)st
opt
ouchi
ngmepl
ease
Nale
Nal
e:ahah
Tshepo:j
ustst opitt
akeamagazineandgot oyour
room andfindsomet hi
ngtodo,
watchpor n,
play
withyourselforsomethi
ngbutj
ustleavemeal one.
Keagokopamosadiwamodi moaobat hong(i
m
beggingyouwoman)
Nal
e:whyar
eyoubei
ngl
iket
his?
Tshepo:l
ikewhat?Idon'
twantyounow, idon'
t
wantyout odaynordoiwantyoutomorr
ow.I nf
act
i
..
.(
Sighed)nevermindiwil
lbesleepi
ngi
nt heguest
bedr
oom
Nale:ahah(
hetookhi
slapt
opandwentup)Tshepo?
Tshepocomebackher
e!Tshe.
..

Heslammedt hebedr oom doorandlockeditwhil

e
Nalewidenedhereyesi nshock.Shechuckledin
di
sbeli
efandwentt othemai nbedroom.Inthe
guestbedroom Tsheporanashowerandt ookoff
hi
sclothestaki
ngascr ubandashowergelmi xed
wit
hsomesal ts.
..

Tshepo:yout el
lsomeonet onottouchyouandt hey
justdoi t.Idon'tevenknowwhatt hei
rwitchdoctor
gaveher .Ifshethinksshe'sgoi
ngt obewi t
chme
thenshehasanot hert hi
ngcoming.Lordpl ease
havemer cyonme, iknowidon'tusuall
ycomet o
youbutt odayineedyourmer cyandpr otecti
on.I
felli
nl oveandmar riedawitchGodpl easepr ot
ect
me, pleaseGod
Hesai
dgrunti
ngwhil
escrubbi
nghi
swhol
ebody
andf
acewiththewat
erfal
li
ngonhi
m.

Att
heKgangmansi
on.
..

Aftermaki ngsur ethatHerbert

,Aprilandtheot her
kidswer easleepi ntheotherroom, Mayadecidedt o
takeherl astglassofchampagneandwentt ost and
ont heroom bal conygazingatthesky.Ther ewasa
sli
ghtcol dwindt hatblewandsof tl
yblewherhai r
asshet uckitbehindherear.Joshuapassedt he
room from theki t
chenandf rownedseei ngthel i
ght
comi ngf r
om under neaththedoor.Het ookasi pof
hiswhi skeyandsl owlyopenedt hedoor .Henot i
ced
thattherewasnoonei nbedonl ytoseeheratt he
balcony.Shehear dthedooropenandt urned.
..

Maya:(
smi
led)ohheycomei
n
Joshua:it
houghtyouwoul
dbeasl
eepbynowwe
havealongtr
iptomorr
ow
Maya:icoul
dn'
tsl
eepsoithoughtishoul
dcomesi
t
her
e.Whyareyounotasl
eep?
Joshua:wear
est
il
lpl
ayi
ngagameofpooli
nthe
bar
Maya:ohoksoar
etheynotgoi
ngt
owonderwher
e
youendedup?
Joshua:nah,theyknowihavealongtr
ipt
omor
row
sotheywillt
hinkihavegonetobed.
Maya:ohok
Joshua:andhonestl
yspeaki
ngiwoul
dratherbe
herewithyou(shesmil
ed)soyouar
efascinat
ed
aboutthegalaxy?
Maya:(l
ookedupandsighed)i
m act
ual
lyi
naweof
howcreati
veGodcanbe.Imeanhowdidheput
thoset
hingsupt
here?
Joshua:youcanneverknowunt
ilyouaskhi
m(t
hey
soft
lyl
aughed)isawyouandmom havinga
momentear l
ieratt
hegarden
Maya:yourmom isabreat
hoff
reshai
rit
ellyou.
Wetalkedaboutalot
Joshua:ihopeshewasnotf
il
li
ngyouupwi
thcr
azy
thi
ngsmom canhonestl
ybenaughty
Maya:iwouldkillf
oramotherl
ikeher(
sighed)pit
y
mi
nedoesn' tevenli
keme(shetookasip)ijust
wi
shihadt hesamer el
ati
onshi
pwithherasyour
mom andallofyouguys
Joshua:(j
umpedont hewal
l)wel
lconsi
deryourself
apartofthef ami l
yandyoucangot oherwit
h
whateveryouwant .Godorshoul
disaytheuniverse
worksinmyst eriousways.Youwouldyernfor
somethingfrom someoneyouador eonlytogetit
fr
om at ot
alst r
anger
Maya:iknowri
ghtbuti
nallt
hosef
unandgoof
y
moment sil
ear
nedsomethi
ng
Joshua:t
eachmeaswel
l
Maya:"
ahomeofl
aught
eri
sahomef
ullofl
ove"
Joshua:aaahhergr eat
estt
eaching.Welit
erall
y
l
ivedthatphrasewhenwegr ewup.Mypar ents, not
toboastoranythingbutmypar ent
sareagr eat
epit
omeofsel fl
essnessandwar mth.Al
lmyf riends
knowt hatwhentheyareheretheygettr
eatedl ike
ver
yver
yver
yveeeer
yimpor
tantpeopl
e
Maya:vvvvi
p's(
theyl
aughed)t
hat
'showif
eel
Joshua:comeher
e

Heopenedhisthi
ghsasshest
oodbet
weenthem
whil
eheputhisdri
nkdownandsof
tl
ymassaged
hershoul
der
sandneck..
.

Maya:ooht
hatf
eel
sgood
Joshua:t
hat
'sexactl
yhowiwantyout
ofeel
ever
ydayofyourli
fefrom her
eon
Maya:caniaskyousomet
hing?
Joshua:mhem
Maya:what
'syourdealbr
eakeri
nar
elat
ionshi
p?
Joshua:honest
lyspeakingili
keawomanwhol i
kes
thi
ngsbecauseili
kethings.Iunderst
andthatthere
arepeoplewhoaren'
treall
y..
.whatcanisay,"
soft
l
ifeexpl
orer'
s"i
fyougetwhatimean
Maya:mhem
Joshua:yeah,butyouhavet
ol i
kethingstoa
cert
ainextendman.Liveasoftl
iferesponsi
bly
Maya:igetyoubutidon'
tknowi fyouhavenoti
ced
i
m onepersonwhodoesn'treal
lyl i
kespendi
ngtoo
much.Yesidoliket
hingsimeanwhi chwoman
woul
dn't(t
heychuckl
ed)buttherehast obewhere
youstopandsayahnottodayr atherletmedot
his
Joshua:inot
icedt
heotherdaywhenyouchoset
o
makedinnerthangoi
ngout
Maya:yesbecausethereshoul
dbeat imetablefor
suchacti
vit
ies.Somet
imesit'
sjustgoodt
ost ay
i
ndoorsandbondoverahomecookedmeal
Joshua:iunder
standthatbutihopeyouwon'
t
complainwhenispoilyou
Maya:(
lookedupathi
m wi
thasmi
le)doyouwant
t
omakemeakeptwomanJo?
Joshua:(
smil
edback)i
sitwr
ongwhenyoudoi
tfor
theri
ghtr
easons?
Maya:hmm
Theylookedatoneanot herforamomentasshe
facedhim.Hesmi ledtucki
ngabi tofherhai r
behindherearandsof tl
ykissedherf orehead.
Everyt
imehehel dhershewi shedt hewor ldcould
j
uststopsot hatshetakesitallin.Shehadnever
fel
tsosafeinaman' sar msbef ore.Shelickedher
l
ipandmovedabi tcloserstandingonhert oesas
heslowlyleaneddown.Hesof tl
ykissedherl ipsas
sheclosedhereyest aki
ngitinwhi lehest opped
andlookedathersmi li
ng..
.

Maya:(
whi
sper
ed)what
?
Joshua:(
whi
sper
edback)ihaveneverf
eltl
iket
his
befor
e
Maya:wi
llyoual
lowmet
omakeyouf
eelmor
eofi
t?
Joshua:yourwi
shi
smycommand
Maya:noti
nyourpar
ent
'shouset
hough
Joshua:whyar
eyoupuni
shi
ngme?
Maya:becauseienj
oyt
hevi
ew
Theysoft
lygiggl
edandki
ssedagai
nandst
oppeda
minut
elater
..
.

Joshua:(
kissedherhand)il
oveyouMayaMoet
i
Maya:il
oveyout
ooJoshephKgang
Joshua:(
babyki
ssedher
)haveagoodni
ght
Maya:yout
oo

Hegotoffthewallki
ssedhercheekandwal kedout
smili
ngasMayasmi ledback.Heclosedthedoor
behindhi
m asshebitherlowerli
pstil
lsmil
ing.She
tookthel
astgul
pandsi ghedlooki
ngupatt hesky.
..

Maya:"isitr
eall
ywrongwhenyoudoi
tfortheri
ght
reasons?"Lor
difthi
sisadr
eam mayineverwake
upf r
om itpl
ease
Behi
ndthedoorJoshuabithisl
owerl
ipmovi
nghi
s
fi
ngeroni
tandsighedopeningi
tagai
n..
.

Joshua:idon'
twantt
osl
eepal
onet
hough
Maya:nei
therdoibutpromi
semet
her
ewon'
tbe
anyi
nappropri
ateact
ivi
ti
es
Joshua:ipr
omi
se

Shesmil
edtaki
ngtheglassandwenti
ncl
osi
ngt
he
bal
conydoorastheywentint
obed.

I
ntheweehour
soft
hemor
ning.
..

Itwasaround04: 45am asRonadroveint

ot he
cavesofMol epolol
e.Weari
ngaUCCSAwoman' s
l
eagueatti
reshegotof fhercarandtookasmal l
sealedcontainer.Shel
ockedhercarandwal ked
i
ntooneoft hecaveswi tht
hedryleavesbreaki
ng
whil
eshewal kedovert
hem.Sheputt hecontainer
downandswal lowedherli
psmovi
ngoneoft
he
rockswhil
ebehindtherockawomansati
nacage
atafarcorner
..
.

Rona:(
smi
led)youar
est
il
lal
ive

Shechuckl
edgoingfur
theri
nwhi l
ethewomansat
downwithherkneesunderherchi
nasshemoved
backandfor
th.
..

Rona:comeonl i
tt
lesi
scheerupshowt hatyouare
happythatyourbi
gsist
eri
sfinal
lyher
e( shejust
l
ookedather)iknowyouarehungrysoibr ought
yousomethingtoeat

Hear
ingthewordeatt
hewomanquickl
ygotof
f
f
rom hercor
nerandwentcl
oser
..
.

Rona:t
hat
'smygi
rl
Ronasaidgi
vinghert
hecont
ainerbutthewoman
gotdi
sappoi
ntedfi
ndi
ngrawli
verinthecont
ainer
..
.

Rona:yesbabyt
hat
'syourf
oodnoweati
t
Keneilwe:whathaveieverdonetoyouf
oryout
odo
thistome?Ronawear esist
ers,
wearebl
ood
pleaseletmego
Rona:(
scoff
ed)whatfor?Youhaven'
tevenstar
ted
doi
ngwhatyouar esupposedt
odoKenei l
we.Eat
upandstoptal
king
Keneil
we:pl
easeletmegoipr
omisetonottel
l
anyone,iwi
llmakesur
etodi
sappearf
rom t
heface
ofeart
h
Rona:(
tookoutaphot
oofMaya)isai
deatbef
ore
youmakemeangr y

Herli
pst r
embledast ear
sfi
lledhereyeslooki
ngat
herdaughter
'spict
ure.Thethoughtofthem
sacr
ifi
singherli
fekil
ledher
.Shecoul dbearwit
h
thefactthattheyweremakingherliveami serable
l
ifebutforthem totakehersouloutofherbody
wassomet hi
ngshewoul dneverli
vewi t
h.She
swallowedandt ookapieceoftheliverandbitoni t
.
Ther awnessandbloodf i
ll
edhermout hasshef el
t
l
ikevomi ti
ngbutRonagr abbedherheadandcl osed
hermout h..
.

Rona:swal
low!

Kenei
lweclosedhereyesandswal
lowedasRona
smil
edlet
ti
nggoofher ..
.

Rona:takeanotherpiece(shedid)nowasyoueat
thatli
veryouaregoingtolistentomever ycl
earl
y
becausemyvoi cewillbeli
vinginsi
deyourhead.
Youar edeadKeneil
wet here'
snol i
feinyou,you
belongtomenowandf r
om her eonyouar egoi
ng
todoasisay.Iliveinyourheadandil iveinyour
soul.Nowsitdownandf i
nishthatl
iver
Kenei
lwequi
ckl
ysatdownandat
eitf
ast
ert
hana
humanbeingwoul
d..
.

Rona:(smil
ed)t
hat'
smygir
l.Youshal
lcommence
yourduti
essoon.Haveagr
eatSundayli
tt
lesi
s

Shekissedherf
oreheadandevill
aughedheadi
ng
outasKeneil
wequicklywentbacktohercor
nerand
sati
nt hesameposit
ionshewasin.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
09] :AKEPTWOMAN
36
Ronamovedt her ocki nt opl aceasdar knessf i
ll
ed
thewhol espaceshewasi n.Foryear sshehasbeen
i
nt herewi thever yonet hinki ngshewasdead.For
year sshehasbeenawayf rom herdaught erwho
didn'tevenknowshewasherbi ol
ogicalmot heral l
becauseofhersel fishevi lsi ster.Wassheever
goi ngt omakei toutandf inal l
ygett ot ellher
daught erthet ruthshedi scover edpriort oher
"suddendeat h"orwasshegoi ngt odiei nther efor
realwhi l
eherdaught ersuf fered?Sheaskedher sel
f
al otofquest i
onsasanur get ovomi tcame.She
tri
edt ospl ashi toutasnot hingcameoutbutai r.
Shecoul df eelherl iverandi nsidestur ning,she
coul df eelthevomi tonhert hr oatbuteacht imeshe
tri
edt ospl ashi touti twoul dn' t.Herheadst ar t
edt o
becomel ightasshesl owl ybl inkedint hedar kness.
Sher eachedf ort hej arofwat erandt riedt otakea
siponl yt ocol lapse.Out sideahummi ngRonagoti n
hercarandr ever sedoutasherphoner ang.She
frownedt ot heunknownnumberandl ookedatt he
ti
meandi twasj ustaf ewmi nut esafter5am. ..
Rona:whowoul
dcal
lmesoear
lyi
nthemor
ning.
Hel
lo?
Woman:MsMoet
i,MsMoet
ipl
easehel
p,pl
ease
hel
p
Rona:pl
easehel
pwhat
?Whoar
eyou?
Woman:t
heyt
ookhi
m awaypl
easehel
p
Rona:t
heyt
ookwhoaway?
Woman:Mosesmadam
Rona:whot
ookMosesaway?
Woman:t
hepol
icet
heyt
ookhi
m away
Rona:whendi
dthi
shappen?
Woman:yest
erday
Rona:whyar
eyouonl
ytel
li
ngmenow?
Woman:(
cryi
ng)idi
dn'
thaveyournumbermadam
soi
..
.
Rona:youi
diot
.Iwi
llseewhatt
odo,whatdi
dthey
saywaswrong?Isi
tbecauseofhi
snati
onal
it
y?
Woman:t
heysai
dheabusedyourgr
anddaught
er
madam
Rona:what
!?
Woman:youknowMoseswoul
dneverdosucha
t
hing
Rona:t
hanksf
orl
ett
ingmeknowbye

Shehungupandcheckedf
orcar
spar
kingont
he
si
deofther
oad.
..

Rona:Moses?Abusemygr andaught
er?No,Moses
wouldneverdosuchat hingtomeortomyf amil
y
(scoffed)Lovemor
e,t
hisyoungboyishonestl
y
start
ingtogetundermynerves.He'
shonestl
y
start
ingtoannoyme

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueanddi
aledhi
m..
.

Lovemor
e:hel
lo?
Rona:Lovemorewhyar
eyoudoi
ngthi
s?Fir
sti
t
wasmydaught ernowi
t'
smygar
denerwhatdoyou
wantfrom me?
Lovemor
e:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Rona:it
ri
edt
orespectyoubutnowiseeyouar
e
get
ti
ngwaytoofamil
iarwi
thme
Lovemore:youandyourpeoplehavehurtmeso
muchandl etmetel
lyouthisMsMoet i
.Thisi
sonl
y
thebegi
nningmoreisyettocome
Rona:soyouthi
nki
m scaredofyou?Br
ingyour
bestshot
smyboyiwillshowyouwhotheelderi
s
betweenyouandi
Lovemor e:iguessthisi
smor eofalikemotherlike
daughtersituat
ionbecauseyouarebusyt urni
nga
bli
ndeyet oadi resi
tuat
ional
lbecauseofhavi nga
darkhear t
.Awhol echurchwoman, youshouldbe
ashamedofyour sel
fbecauseyoulivedwitha
perpetr
atorim yourhomebutwer etooblindtosee
i
tbutwhatcanisayyougavebi r
thtoaf arworse
chil
d.It
'struewhent heysaybir
dsoft hesame
feather
sf l
ocktogetherbuti
m yettoteachyout woa
har
dlesson.Wat
chyourbacks

Hecli
ckedhi
stonguehangingupwhil
eRona
sneer
edthr
owingthephoneonthepassengerseat
..
.

Rona:noman, no,i
tcan'
tbe,i
tcan'
tbeMoses.
Moseswoul dnever
..
.nomanhewoul dn'
tdothat
.
Lovemorejusthasabonetopickwit
hmebuthe
doesn'
tknowwhathe' sget
ti
nghimselfi
nto

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueagainandj
oinedt
her
oad
headi
ngbacktoMochudi.

I
nMai
tengwe.
..

Mayahummedasshef i
nishedmakingtheeggs
whil
eGlidi
aandherhusbandcamef rom t
he
bedr
oom withGl
idi
adressedinadress,amatchi
ng
j
acketandhatwi
thhighheelsonandherhusband
i
nasui
t.
..

Maya:ohgoodmorni
ng.Iant
ici
pat
edthatyouwer
e
t
heone'swhoweregoi
ngtogetupfir
st
Gl
idi
a:mor
ningmyl
ovewhati
sal
lthi
s?
Maya:it
houghtishoul
dgi
veever
yoneat
ast
eofmy
handsbefor
eheadingt
oGabor
one
Gli
dia:ohwowmyl
ovet
hisi
sbeaut
if
ulbutar
eyou
notti
red?
Maya:notatal
lihadenoughsl
eep
MrKgang:wet
hankyouf
ort
heki
ndgest
uredear
Maya:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
neMrKgang
Mara:goodmor
ningf
ami
ly,
ooooht
het
abl
elooks
appet
izi
ng
Maya:mor
ningM,
thoughtishoul
dcook
Lydi
a:wai
tyoumadeal
lthi
s?
Maya:yes
Mar
a:whatt
imedi
dyouwakeup?
Maya:t
hat
'sbesi
desthepoi
ntwhatmatter
sisthat
t
hosewhowillbegoi
ngtochur
chwillbesati
sfi
ed
St
ephen:ohyesi
ndeed
Hiswif
e:yousavedusfr
om br
eadandpeanut
butt
erl
ovethankyousomuch

Theylaughedtaki
ngthei
rseat
sasthekidsjoi
ned
them andlast
lyJoshuawhoki
ssedhercheek.
..

Joshua:morni
nglove.Nowy' al
lbett
ernotthi
nkmy
womani sapersonalchefofsomesor t
.Ifyouwant
herservi
cesyouhavetogot hroughmef i
rstsoi
caninvoi
ceyou(theyalll
aughed)
Gli
dia:sitdownandst opt
alki
ngnonsense.You
haveal wayslovedmoneywena.Mayat hankyou
forallofthi
smyl ove
Maya:you'
rewel
come
MrKgang:l
et'
spr
ay,
kidsbowyourheadsgranddad
i
sprayi
ng(t
heyal
ldi
d)Goodmorningohholyspir
it
goodmorni
ngohhol
yone.Wecomebef or
eyouon
thi
sbl esseddayt odecl areanddecr eeyour
unendi ngmer ciesandgr aceuponourl i
ves.Jesus
Chr i
styoukeepbl essingusandwecannevert hank
youenough.Bl esst hisfami l
yGod, blessour
childr
enandt heirchildrenGodandbl essournew
fri
endsMayaandherchi ldr
enaswel l
.Fatherthey
willbet akingat ripbackt oGabor oneLor dpr otect
them andshi eldthem f rom anyhar m orbadomen
ohGodunt ilt
heyar r
iveandst aywi thuswhowi l
lbe
l
eftbehi nd.Fat hermayt hei
rlovegr owandnever
end.Noweaponsf ashionedagai nsttheirl
ivesshall
prosperdearJesus.God, bl
esst hisfoodandt he
handst hatprepar edt hem tobl essus.Fori tissaid
i
nyourwor d,blessedi sthehandt hatgivest hanthe
onet hatr eceives.InJesusmi ght ynameipr ay,
Amen
Al
l:amen
Maya:di
ginpl
ease
Lydi
a:i
t'
saf
east
Herhusband:weshoul
dsendthef i
rstr
equestf
or
cooki
ngservi
cesl
ove(theyal
llaughed)
Glidia:anywayguysiwantt osayaf ewwor ds.I
woul dliketothankeachoneofyouf ormaki ngmy
birthdayspecialandforallt
hebeaut if
ulgif
ts.My
son, Joshuayouevenmadei textraspecialby
bringingmeabeaut i
fulpossibl
efuturedaughterin
l
aw.Myki dsmayt heLordblessandbl essand
blessyouguysnotf orget
ingyourwonder fulwell
manner edkidsandnephewmygi rl
.Her ber
t,Apri
l?
Bot
h:yesgr
anny
Gl
idi
a:t
hankyoumyki
ds
Bot
h:you'
rewel
comegr
anny
Glidi
a:andl
ast
lyl
etmethankmyhusbandofmore
than40yearswhohasbeenwit
hmethroughal
lthe
upsanddownshoney
MrKgang:yesmabebeza(
theyl
aughed)
Gl
idi
a:kegorat
akal
erat
olabakor
int
amogat
saka(
i
l
oveyoutothemoonandback)
MrKgang:kegorat
agof et
asel
ekanyomy
pont
sonono(il
oveyoumoresweethear
t)(
they
ki
ssedastheyl
aughed)
Gli
dia:soi
fyouguysthoughtJoshuawastheone
wit
ht hebi
ggif
tthenyougotital
lwrong.Mylovi
ng
husbandhasboughtusahousei nFlor
idaandwe
wil
lbemovingthereaf
terwint
er
Al
l:(
sur
pri
sed)what
!?
Gl
idi
a:t
hegi
rli
sgoi
ngi
nter
nat
ional

Theyl
aughedcongr
atul
ati
ngherandcont
inuedt
o
havet
hei
rfoodwhil
echatt
ingoutl
oud.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Lovemorewai
tedf
orChiomatofi
nishr
egist
eri
ngas
theyf
oll
owedoneanot
hertoNyasha'
sroom...

Lovemore:imeanthenerveofthatwomanChihow
dareshecallmethatearl
ytotel
lmet hati
m
di
srespect
ingherandtrystandforsomeonewho
hurthergr
andaughter
?
Chi
oma:t
hatmeansshe'
sfondofhi
m
Lovemor
e:icoul
dcarel
ess.Noonei
sgoi
ngt
ohur
t
mydaughterandgetawaywit
hit
.Noone
Chi
oma:Lovemor
e?
Lovemore:(sighed)iknowbutyouhaveto
underst
andt hatihavebeenaroundthi
schil
dallher
l
ife.Sheknowsmeasherf atherandiknowheras
mydaught er
Chi
oma:haveyout
oldt
hem t
hatshe'
sawake?
Lovemor
e:no
Chi
oma:why?
Lovemore:sothatt
heycant akemydaughteraway
fr
om me?Hel lnoim event
hinki
ngofmovingherto
anotherhospi
tal
Chi
oma:noLovemor
edon'
tevendar
epl
ease
Lovemor
e:whynot
?Iwoul
ddoanyt
hingt
opr
otect
mychil
dren
Chioma:(sighed)doyouwanttogeti
ntotr
oubl
e?
Theywillusethatagsi
nstyouandhaveyouthr
own
i
nthenear
estcel
l
Lovemor
e:but
..
.
Chioma:look,
iknowever yt
hingisal
lgloomyand
blur
ryatthemoment .Iknowyouar escaredof
hurti
ngyourdaughterbutthetrut
hhast obetol
d
becauseyoumi ghtendupmessi ngthi
ngsupf or
theworstnow
Lovemor
e:(
sighed)okihearyou.Let
'sgoi
n

HeledthewayinandsmiledasNyashasmi
ledat
hi
m butstoppedseei
ngChioma.
..

Lovemor
e:hel
lomyangel
.Thi
sismyf
ri
endMi
ss
Adiol
e
Nyasha:wher
e'smymom?
Lovemore:youmom i
ssti
llt
iedupsomewher
ebut
myf r
iendherei
sgoi
ngtohelpyou
Nyasha:noiwantmymot
her
.Idon'
twantst
ranger
s
nearme
Lovemor
e:babyshe'
snotast
rangershe'
s.
..
Chi
oma:i
m her
etohel
pyougett
hrought
his
Nyasha:ar
eyouamot her
?(Chi
omaf
rowned)i
askedyouaquest
ion
Lovemor
e:okNyashaiunder
standt
hatt
hingsar
ea
bi
t..
.
Nyasha:abitwhatdad!?Huh?Haveyoueverbeen
i
nasi t
uati
oniam inrightnow?Haveyoueverbeen
rapedi
nyourlif
e?Leavewi tht
hiswomanofyours
andbri
ngmymot heriwantmymot her(
sheburst
i
ntoacry)
Lovemor
e:(
swal
lowed)babyi
..
.
Nyasha:iwantmymot
her
Lovemor
e:(
sighed)okiwi
llgether

Hetri
edtotouchherar
m butshemoveditand
cont
inuedt
ocr yasChi
omatookhim out
..
.

Lovemor
e:ican'
tleaveherl
iket
hat
.Mydaught
eri
s
hur
ti
ngChi
Chioma:it'
sok, l
ethergothroughit,
thi
swillhel
p
hertoheal.Itmighttakesomet i
mewi t
hher
snappingoutlikethi
sbutyouhavet obepat i
ent
withher.I
m notsayingenableherbutim saying
giveherthespacet oprocessallt
hiswhil
ekeeping
acloseeyeonheratt hesamet i
me
Lovemor
e:soshoul
dical
lhermot
her
?
Chi
oma:yesdot
hat

Hesi
ghedtaki
ngouthi
sphoneandpunchedher
number
..
.

Lovemor
e:ican'
tbeli
eveihavet
otal
ktot
his
womanandbei nthesamespaceasher
Chioma:don'
twor
ryasl
ongasi
m her
eshewon'
tdo
anythi
ngtoyou
Lovemor
e:whati
fthet
iedi
dn'
t.
..
hel
lo?
Pr
eci
ous:what
?Youwantt
ohumi
li
atemeagai
n?
Lovemor
e:Nyashai
sawake
Pr
eci
ous:(
satup)what
!?
Lovemor
e:andshe'
saski
ngf
oryousogether
eas
soonasyoucan
Pr
eci
ous:ohmywor
dmybaby.(
Hungup)Mama!
Mama!
Rona:whati
sitPr
eci
ousi
mlat
eforchur
ch
Precious:Nyashai
sawake.Lovemorejustcal
led
me( stopped)ohwaitLovemor
ejustcal
ledmemom
(shesmi l
ed)
Rona:thisist
hebeginni
ngoft
hingsmyl oveit
old
youtotrustme.Takethi
swit
hyou( shegavehera
smallpurse)
Pr
eci
ous:whati
sthi
s?
Rona:donotopenitunti
lyouarri
veatthehospital
.
Makesureyouputonsomet hinglongsleevedthen
putthebangl
eonyourwr i
stonceyougetof fyour
carwhenyouarri
veatthehospital
.Onceagaindo
notopenthi
spursebeforearr
ivi
ngatthehospital
Pr
eci
ous:igott
hat
Rona:good.Letmegot
ochur
ch

Shehummedahymnwal ki
ngoutwi
thasmi l
eon
herfacewhil
ePr
eciouswentt
oherroom andtook
herbagleavi
ngmakingsur
ethepur
sewaswi t
hher .

Ont
hei
rwayt
ochur
ch.
..

MrTaol
ochangedgear
sashi
swi
fef
ixedhereye
l
ashandsatback.
..

Al
exander
:youhavebeenawkwar
dlyqui
etsi
nce
morni
nglovear
eyouok?
MrT:if
orseeaver
yst
ormyweekahead
Al
exander
:whatexact
lydoyousee?
MrT:Mar
eledi
'
sfr
iend
Al
exander
:whataboutherdaddy?
MrT:ineedt
oseeherassoonaspossi
ble
Al
exander
:okiwi
llmakesur
eyouseeherver
ysoon
MrT:ihadavi
sionaboutherf
ami
lyl
astni
ght
Al
exander
:ok?
MrT:youknowidon'
tusual
lydot
hisbuti
t'
stoo
heavyt
ocarr
yalone
Al
exander
:it
'sokl
oveyoucant
ellme
MrT:imanagedt oconnectt
ohermot
hert
hrough
hercari
nfactherwholefamil
y
Al
exander
:ok
MrT:hermot
heri
snott
hewomanshet
hinksi
tis
Al
exander
:ok?
MrT:hermot heri
sstuckinadarkpl ace.Aplacei
can'
tseeproperl
ybecausethespiritthathas
capt
uredherhadmadei tdif
fi
cultforhertobe
l
ocatedthateasi
lyhenceisayineedt omeetup
wit
hMayaf ormet obeabletolocatehermot her.
Hernamei sMayar i
ght?
Al
exander
:yesl
ove
MrT:heraunti
shonest
lyanevi
lwomannott
o
menti
onhercousinbutt
hestor
m comingthei
rway
makesmewantt oaskforf
orgi
venessfr
om Godon
t
hei
rbehal
f
Alexander:im sorr
yt osayt hisbutmyl ovewecan't
sparehear t
lesspeople.Thewi ckedmustpaysoi
suggestthatwepr ayforallpeopl ewhomi ghtbe
ti
edorcur sedbyt heirrel
atives,fri
endsor
coll
eagues.I tshouldbethef irstprayeritem ont
he
l
isttoday
MrT:okl oveihearyou.Mayai sdest i
nedfor
great
ness.Thatchi l
dwoul dbef arbynow.Herl ove
forpol
iti
calscienceissupposedt ot akeherpl
aces
(si
ghed)ohLor dwhydi dyoul etthi
shappent oyour
chil
d.LoveMayai sahi ghlyfavouredyoungwoman
butbecauseofherevi launtshedi medherhal ojust
becauseMayawasgoi ngtobebet terthanher
daughterandMayai s...
(heavedahugesi gh)
graci
ousLor dng-ngl ovegetMayat omeassoon
aspossibleplease

Shegaveherhusbandwat
erasshesawt
hespi
ri
t
t
aki
ngoverhi
sphysi
calbei
ng.
..

Al
exander
:letmedr
ivehoney

Hepar
kedont hesi
deoft
heroadasshej
umpedto
t
hedri
ver'
sseatwhil
eheshookhi
sheadgoi
ngt
o
t
hepassengersi
de.

Backi
nMai
tengwe.
..

Wit
hthecarwar
mingMayamadesureallt
heirbags
werel
oadedasherphoner
epor
tedamessage..
.

+267:yourfri
endhasbeenhurtandiknowwhohurt
hi
m.Pl easeseemeassoonaspossi bl
ebecause
hi
sjusticel
iesinyourhands
Maya:(
frowned)who'
sthi
s?
+267:Mopat
i
Maya:(
putthephoneaway)mxm (
amessage
r
eport
ed)canthi
s..
.
Tshepo:ihopeyouhaven'
tfor
got
tenaboutour
meeting.Weneedtomeetassoonasyougethere
(shesighed)
Joshua:ar
eyouok?
Maya:wehaven'
tevenl eftyetbutt
hest
ressf
rom
t
hesouthisal
readyfindingit'
swaytomeah.When
wil
lonehavepeacethough?
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
09] :AKEPTWOMAN
37
AtNal
e'
shouse.
..

Shecamedownstair
sandf
oundherhusband
havi
ngfoodal
one..
.

Nale:goodmorni
ng.Whydi
dyounotcal
lmedown
af
termakingfood?
Tshepo:t
here'
sthekit
chenandf
oodi
nthepant
ry
youcanhelpyoursel
fout
Nale:soyoudidn'
tmakef
orme?(
Hejustl
ookedat
her
)whathaveidonesomuchforyout
obeangry
wit
hmel iket
his?
Tshepo:canyoupl
easegoandmakesomet
hingf
or
yoursel
fandstopt
alki
ng
Nale:noiwanttounderst
andwhati
tisi
tthatihave
donesothaticanapologi
se
Tshepo:ar
eyounothungr
y?
Nal
e:Tshepo
Tshepo:Nal
e
Nal
e:don'
tdot
hatpl
easewhendi
dyoubecomet
his
per
son?
Tshepo:whatper
son?
Nal
e:col
d
Tshepo:i
m notcol
d
Nal
e:t
henwhati
sit
?
Tshepo:Nal
eisaidgoandmakeyour sel
f
somethingt
oeat.Youshoul
dgetreadywear
e
goi
ngsomewher eint
heevening.
Nal
e:wher
e?
Tshepo:youwi
llseewhenwegett
her
e
Nal
e:idon'
tli
kesur
pri
ses
Tshepo:youaregoingtolovet
hisone.(
Sighed)
i
nfactl
etmeapol ogisef
oracti
nguplastnightwor
k
i
sjuststressi
ngme
Nal
e:(
squi
nthereyes)ar
eyouok?
Tshepo:yesi
mfi
nebuti
m st
il
lnotmaki
ngyouf
ood
Nal
e:it
hinkwhat
everi
tisi
sdeepert
hant
hatbut
anywayiwi
llgetr
eady.Shoul
didr
essup?
Tshepo:youcan.Putonyourbestdr
ess
Nal
e:maybeishoul
dbuyone
Tshepo:t
hechoi
cei
syour
s

Helickhi
sfi
ngersandreachedforhi
sphonet
hen
madeheratransferasshesmil
edgoingt
othe
ki
tchen.

AtLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Hefi
nishedhisbr
eakf
asti
nbedasMor
ri
stookt
he
t
rayandputitdown.
..

Mor
ri
s:sat
isf
ied?
Lewi
s:yeaht
houghmyj
awsst
il
lhur
t
Mor
ri
s:sor
ryf
orput
ti
ngi
nhar
dfr
uit
s
Lewi
s:i
t'
sok.Sowhenar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
ogoback
home?
Morr
is:unt
ilyouful
lyrecover
.Whyareyout r
yingt
o
getr
idofme?I m iabadvisit
or(
Theylaughed)
Lewis:noi
tsj
ustt
hatmaybet
her
ear
epeopl
ewho
needyoubackhome
Morri
s:ist
ayal
onesot
her
e'snoonewai
ti
ngf
orme
athome
Lewis:ohokbuti
fyouwantyouandit
obeokwi
th
eachyoushouldst
artdoi
ngasisay
Mor
ri
s:whatdi
dinotdo?
Lewis:iaskedyoutotakeoffyourclot
hesi
nthe
ki
tchenbutyour ef
used(theylaughed)
Morri
s:youaresosil
ly.Soanyt
hingyourecal
l
aboutthei
ncident
?Imeanpeoplecan'tj
ustat
tack
youli
kethatwithnomot i
ve.
Lewi
s:t
heyar
ejusthomophobi
cpunks
Mor
ri
s:wer
eyounotr
udet
ooneoft
hem maybe?
Lewi
s:wehadj
ustl
efthomegoi
ngt
othecl
ub
Mor
ri
s:we?
Lewi
s:yeahiwaswi
tht
hisst
upi
dyoungboywho'
s
mil
kingmoneyfr
om me
Mor
ri
s:(
frowned)howso?
Lewis:don'tjudgemebutitookhimfrom ababy
showerl astweekendnotr
eali
singhe'soneofmy
students.Wecamehomedi dthenastyandhestol
e
fr
om me.Isawhi mthefol
lowingdayinschooland
heblackmai l
edmesayinghewi llmakemelosemy
j
obshoul dinotdoashesays
Mor
ri
s:ki
dsoft
oday.Sohe'
snot18yet
?
Lewi
s:yeah
Mor
ris:okthat
'st
ri
ckybutdoyouhaver
ecei
ptsof
t
hethingshestol
e?
Lewi
s:yes
Morr
is:goodt
hatwillbeprooft
hati
ndeedyouhad
t
hem.Ihaveapolicefri
endofmineiwil
lmakesur
e
t
hathedealswit
hhim
Lewi
s:whataboutme?
Morri
s:youwillhavet
ocomecleant
othe
headmaster
.Ifhe'sahumanbei
nghewil
lseehow
tohelpyou.Yesyouwerewrongf
orwhatyoudi
d
buti
twasl at
e,y'
allwer
edr
unkandonethi
ngledto
another
Lewis:whati
fhispar
ent
sstandwit
hhi m shoul
dthe
headmastershi
eldme?Becauseit
hinkhe'saspoil
t
bratsotheywouldst
andwit
hhim
Mor
ri
s:t
hent heheadmasterwil
lhavetodomor
e
t
hanshi
eldi
ngtoatleastgetyoususpensi
on
Lewis:(
sighed)wer
eal
lycangetour
sel
vesi
nst
iky
si
tuati
ons
Morr
is:st
ayawayfr
om groovehookups(
they
l
aughed)goi
ngbacktot
hei nci
dent
.Haveyouever
hadabrowlwit
hsomeonebef or
e?
Lewis:(t
hinking)nowt hatyoumenti
onittherei
s
thi
sothermanwhowasr udetomeatthesame
babyshower .Hisfr
iendwant smyfri
end,imean
Mayasomaybei fispoketohimtheniwoul dcome
outwithsomet hing
Morri
s:chancesarehe'
snotgoi
ngtobehonest
wit
hyoueveni fheknowsbutanywayj
usttr
yyour
l
uck.Bereadyiwillber
unni
ngabathforyou
Lewi
s:yesdoct
or

Theylaughedashet
ookthet
rayt
otheki
tchen
whil
eLewi ssl
owl
ygotof
fbed.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Preci
ousparkedhercarandt ookoutthebangle
fr
om thesmallpouchandputi ton.Shesmiled
goinginandregist
ered.Shekeptast rai
ghtface
headingtot
her oom andscof fedseei
ngLovemor e
andChiomaseat edoutside.Chiomafrowned
l
ookingatherandspokewi thherteet
hclenched..
.

Chi
oma:youbet
teravoi
dphysi
cal
cont
actwi
thher
Lovemor
e:(
frowned)ok
Preci
ous:soyouar
est
il
lfor
nicat
ingi
nfr
ontofmy
daughter
?
Lovemor
e:ihavenot
hingt
osayt
oyou.Your
daught
erwant
stoseeyou.Goi
n
Preci
ous:Lovemoreweneedt ot
alkaboutwhat
happenedthisi
snotgoingtobe.
..
(st
oppedl ooki
ng
atChioma)weshoul dmeetupfr
om here.Letme
getsomethingoffyourhead

ShemovedherhandtohisheadasChi
omaqui
ckl
y
grabbedhi
m bef
oreshecoul
dtouchhi
m..
.

Chi
oma:l
et'
sgogetsomet
hingt
oeat

Theywal
kedawaywhi
lePr
eci
ouscur
vedherl
ips
andwenti
nther
oom..
.

Pr
eci
ous:hibaby
Nyasha:idon'
twantt
ogobackt
oMochudiwhydi
d
i
ttakeyousolongtocome?
Pr
eci
ous:iwassti
llbusywi
thsomet
hing.Mochudi
i
ssaf
emyl oveyouwi l
lbewi
thmeandgr anny
Nyasha:noi
tsnotiwantt
ost
aywi
thdad
Preci
ous:(cl
earedhert
hroat
)dadi
shavi
ngvi
sit
ors
atthehousemyl ovedon'
tworr
ymamaisput
ti
ng
onanelectri
cfencetomorr
ow
Nyasha:i
t'
snotaboutt
heel
ect
ri
cfence
Pr
ecious:gonemmedi
dyouseet
heper
sonwho
di
dthistoyou?
Nyasha:i
twasdar
kandiwascr
yingbuthehad
Moses'sscent
Pr
eci
ous:what
!?
Nyasha:yessoithinki
tshi
m becauset
heot
herday
icaughthi
ml ooki
ngatmewei r
d
Preci
ous:nol
oveMoseswoul
dneverdosucha
thi
ng
Nyasha:buti
mtel
li
ngyoumom
Precious:nolovenotMoses.Mosesi
sthemost
respectful
,shyandquietman
Nyasha:j
ustaskt
hepol
icet
oaskhi
m af
ew
quest
ions
Pr
eci
ous:(
sighed)ok
Nyasha:sowhatar
et hevi
sit
orsatourhousedoi
ng?
Ihavemyownr oom soiwon'tdi
stur
bthem
Preci
ous:Nyashayouar
enotgoingther
e.From
herewearegoingtoMochudipl
usim vi
sit
ingmom
forsometime
Nyasha:soyoul
eftdadwi
thhi
svi
sit
orswhy?
Preci
ous:i
joNyashawhat
'swi
ththemi
ll
ion
quest
ions?Letmegogetmysel
fsomet
hingto
snackon

ShewalkedoutwhileNyashasneered.Asshe
closedthedoorChi
omagr abbedherarm asshe
turnedwit
haf r
ownonherf ace.
..

Preci
ous:naar
ewat l
hol
a(ar
eyoucr
azy)whatar
e
youdoing?Letgoofme
Chioma:youmi ghtdoallt
het
hingsyouar
edoing
butim notgoi
ngt ol
etyouhur
thim anymore
Shesaidpul
li
ngt
hebangleoffherwr
istast
he
beadsscat
ter
edont
hefloor
..
.

Pr
eci
ous:whatt
hehel
l!
Chi
oma:òmùgọòmùgọ̀ (
stupi
didi
ot)mxm (
she
sai
dwalki
ngaway)
Pr
eci
ous:hey!Comebackher
e!
Nur
se:ma'
am t
hisi
sahospi
talkeepi
tdown
Pr
eci
ous:butt
hatwoman.
..
thatwom.
..
uhu

ShesaidwonderingwhereChiomahaddisappear
ed
to.Shecli
ckedhertongueandpickedupt
hebeads
putti
ngthem i
nherpocket.

THATAFTERNOON

I
ntheout
ski
rt
sofMochudi
..
.
Ronacheckedhercoastandheadedi
ntothe
wit
chdoct
or'
syardinherusualdi
sgui
se.Shesat
downasthewomansmi l
ed.
..

Woman:icansmel
lheral
loveryou
Rona:yeahiwentt
oseehert
hismor
ning
Woman:good.Didyoufeedhert
hel
iverigaveyou
andsai
dtheexactthi
ngsitol
dyout
o?
Rona:yes
Woman:good.(Gaveherasmallcont
ainer
)each
t
imeyouneedhert odosomet
hingforyou.Open
t
hiscont
ainerandspeaki
ntoi
t.Whateveri
tisshe
wil
ldo
Rona:awesome
Woman:noone,
notevenPr
eci
ousshoul
dknow
aboutt
his
Rona:youknowicankeepsecr
etshenceihave
beenablet
omakeeveryonebel
ieveKenei
lweis
dead
Woman:(
smi
led)it
rustyout
o.
Rona:ibr
oughtmygranddaught
er'
sit
em.Ir
ecei
ved
newsthatmygardeneri
stheonewhoabused
Nyasha
Woman:(
hol
dingt
heshi
rt
)yeshedi
d
Rona:what
!?Sohewasr
ight
?
Woman:yes.
Rona:howcanMosesdot
hist
ome?
Woman:woul
dli
ket
odealwi
thhi
m?
Rona:ofcour
se.Noonei
sgoi
ngt
ohur
tmychi
ld
andli
vetotel
lthet
ale
Woman:t
heni
t'
sti
met
oputKenei
lwet
owor
k
Rona:okiwi
lldoj
ustt
hat
Woman:makesur
ewhat
everi
tisshedoesi
tat
mi
dni
ght
Rona:igott
hat
.
Woman:nowt
ellmeRonawhenar
eyougoi
ngt
o
t
ellPr
eci
oust
hatsheandMayaar
enotsi
ster
s
Rona:wasi
mol
olaaker
e(youar
est
art
ing)
Woman:whatificouldn'
tmanagetobreakthe
cur
sesheputonher sel
fwhi
letr
yingt
ol ockMayai
n?
Rona:speaki
ngofMayawhenar
ewest
ri
king?
Woman:dealwi thMosesf ir
st.Onethi
ngatatime.
Plusweshoul dwaitforhertoachi
evesomething
fi
rstthenwewi l
lgether.Ineedyoutotryandpul
l
herinbyfixi
ngyourrelati
onshipwit
hher
Rona:ok.Let
'shopePr
eci
ousdoesn'tgeti
mpat
ient
andstart
srunni
ngofft
ootherwi
tchdoctor
s
Woman:t
heywon'
tbeabl
etohel
pher
.Shebel
ongs
t
omenow
Rona:ohokgood.Anywayl
etmegetgoi
ng
Woman:andpleaset
alkt
oyourdaught
erf
ort
he
sakeofhersaf
ety
Rona:goodbye

Shesai
dgi
vingherar
ollofmoneyandl
eft
.
Al
ongt
heway.
..

Aqui
etMayasati
nthepassengerseatwhi
let
he
t
ri
osl
eptatt
heback.
..

Joshua:youar
esoqui
ett
oday,
why?
Maya:i
m soanxi
ous
Joshua:about
?
Maya:whatNal
e'
shusbandwantstotal
ktome
about
.Whycan'
thejustt
ellmeovert
hephone?
Joshua:maybei
t'
ssomethingt
hatdoesn'
tneedt
o
bespokenaboutoveraphonecal
l
Maya:buti
t'
seat
ingmenow(
shesi
ghed)
Joshua:(
tookherhand)justt
ryt
ost aycal
mlove.
Wewi l
lbeinGabsinaf ewhours(herphoner
ang)
Maya:Lewi
s?
Lewi
s:hiMayaihopei
m notdi
stur
bing
Maya:nonotatal
l.
Lewi
s:mayipl
easehaveMopat
i'
snumber
Maya:uhu,
why?
Lewi
s:ineedt
otal
ktohi
m aboutsomet
hing.
Maya:whatexact
ly?Idel
etedi
tbutiwi
llsendyou
t
heotheronehesentmeamessagewi thearli
er
Lewis:ohok.IwasattackedonFridayni
ghtandi
thi
nkmaybehi sfr
iendmi ghtknowsomethi
ng
Maya:soyouar
ethef
ri
endhewast
alki
ngabout
?
Lewi
s:(
frowned)what
?
Maya:hesentmeamessagesayi ngaf
ri
endof
minewasattackedsoheknowswhoiti
sandimust
cometohim assoonaspossibl
e
Lewis:bl
oodyidi
otist
heonewhoat t
ackedme.
Esesthatgoodfornot
hingdouchebagisgoi
ngt
o
knowwhoiam
Maya:howbadi
sitt
hough?
Lewis:l
et'
sjustsayial
mostl
ostmyl
if
e.Whydi
dhe
tel
lyouthough?
Maya:iguesshewant
stotryandtr
ickmei
nto
sl
eepi
ngwi t
hhimfori
nfor
mation
Lewi
s:st
upi
ddoct
or.Theyar
egoi
ngt
oknowme
Maya:pleasedoubl
ethepainformebecause
Mopatihonest
lyhasnorespectforme
Lewi
s:oht
rustmeiwi
llbabe
Maya:good.Who'st
aki
ngcar
eofyout
hough,
do
youneedanythi
ng?
Lewis:(
smil
edlooki
ngatMorr
ismaki
ngl
unch)an
angelfr
om heavenbabes.
Maya:(
laughed)i
m ser
iousLewi
s
Lewi
s:met
oo.He'
ssogoodatt
his
Maya:monna(
aman)Lewi
s
Lewi
s:youknowi
m amagnetf
ort
hose
Maya:ohwel
llet
'shopehedoesagoodj
ob
Lewi
s:oht
rustmehei
s.Whenwi
llyoucomeover
?
Maya:youknowwher
eist
andwi
thusl
ove
Lewi
s:(
sighed)i
m sor
ryf
ornotbei
ngagoodf
ri
end
l
ove.Imi ssyousomuch.Pl easet akemebacki wi
ll
surelydobetterthi
stimearound.Tot aaft
eryou
spoket omet heotherdayireal
isedt hati
ndeedwe
werenotgoodonyou.Wewer esel f
ishandonly
checkeduponyouwhenwewant edagoodt i
me.
Sot sal
aimr eall
ysorry
Maya:(
smiled)imi
ssyoutooplusihaveal
ott
o
shar
ewithyou(shesai
dlooki
ngatJoshua)
Lewis:ot
shwerespokosakaeMaya?(
Whi
chghost
didyoucatch)
Maya:(
laughed)doyoueverstopthough?Noit'
s
notaghost.Wewillt
alkLewi
s,apologyaccept
ed
bye
Lewis:Mayalesagont
imadat
atl
hemma(
stop
keepingt
hingsfr
om me)
Maya:Lewi
sbye

Shehungupl
aughi
ngwhi
leJoshuasmi
led.
..

Joshua:atl
eastheputasmi
leonyourf
ace
Maya:asannoyi
nghecanbeheknowshowt
o
br
ight
enupmymood

Shetookherj
uiceandtookasi
pwhil
eJoshua
st
eppedontheacceler
atoral
it
tl
e.

AtChi
oma'
shouse.
..

Thehel
perbroughtt
hei
rdr
inksasLovemor
esi
ghed
si
tt
ingback.
..

Lovemor
e:youknowafr
iendt
ell
smehehastur
ned
anurset
osomeoneandhethi
nkshel
ikest
heguy
Chi
oma:yourf
ri
endi
sgay?
Lovemor
e:yeswhydoyouseem shocked?
Chi
oma:ihaveneverseenast
rai
ghtmanbef
ri
ends
wit
hagaymanbef ore.Ar
eyoubi
?
Lovemor
e:no.Woul
dn'
tyouhavepi
ckedt
hat
?(They
l
aughed)Morr
isi
sacoolguyandhealwaysknew
hewasgayandwheneveryonest
igmati
zedand
di
scri
minat
edhim imadesur
etostandf
orhim
Chi
oma:that
'sgood.Onet
hingaboutyoui
sthat
youhaveabigheart
Lovemor
e:t
hankyou
Chioma:isyourauntandheal
ernotcompl
aini
ng
thatyouarealwaysout?
Lovemore:myhealerhasgonebacktoZi
m hehad
otherpeopl
etoat
tendtoandmainini(
aunt
y)l
oves
heraloneti
me
Chi
oma:ohni
ce.Iwoul
dlovet
omeether
Lovemore:iwi
llt
akeheroutf
orl
unchatyourcof
fee
shoptomorrow
Chi
oma:awesome.
Lovemore:whydi
dyousayi
shoul
dn'
tletPr
eci
ous
touchme?
Chi
oma:shehadmut
iwi
thher
Lovemor
e:ohwow
Chi
oma:yeahshouldshehavetouchedyou,
you
wer
egoingtostar
ttofeel
pit
yforher
Lovemore:ohhellnoi
m ahighlyfavour
edand
prot
ect
edper sonshenolongerhaspoweroverme
Chi
oma:ament
othat

Theyl
aughedanddr
ankt
hei
rdr
inkswhi
lecat
chi
ng
up.

THATEVENI
NG

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Mayafi
nisheddi
vidi
ngthepizzaanddi
shedt
he
sal
adasthegatebellr
ang.
..

Joshua:Kgangr
esi
dencehel
lo?
Tshepo:hel
losi
rwear
ebyt
hegat
e
Joshua:okj
ustasecond(
heopened)
Nal
e:(
inagl
it
ter
ingdr
ess)who'
spl
acei
sthi
sagai
n?
Tshepo:(dr
ovein)doyouknowJoshuaKgangof
Kgangtravelandtour
s?
Nal
e:yes.Wowwhatani
ceyar
d
Tshepo:wear
eheretot
alkbusi
nessiwantt
obuy
i
ntothebusbusi
ness
Nal
e:ohni
cel
ovewear
egoi
ngt
omakemoney
Tshepo:ihopeheaccept
smyof
fer
Nale:don'
twor
ryyougott
his.Pl
usyougotmad
negoti
ati
ngski
ll
s

Shesaidtouchinghim ashesni
ff
edgett
ingof
fthe
car.Theyheadedinsi
deasJoshuaopenedfort
hem
onl
yf orNaleandMayat ofr
ownlooki
ngatone
another.
..

Joshua:wel
comet
omyabode
Tshepo:t
hankyousi
r.
Joshua:youmaysi
t
Nal
e:hel
loMaya
Maya:hi
Nal
e:soyoust
ayher
e?
Maya:yes
Nal
e:how?Imeansi
ncewhen?
Maya:si
nceyourf
ri
enddeci
dedt
othr
owmei
njai
l.
Anywayyouaskedtoseeme
Tshepo:yesidi
d
Nal
e:uhuit
houghtwear
eher
eto.
..
Tshepo:l
ove
Nal
e:yes?
Tshepo:ki
ndl
ytel
lMayawhathersi
sterandmot
her
di
dtoher
Nal
e&Maya:what
!?
Tshepo:ihear
dyourconver
sat
ionstheotherday
whentheywereatthehousesoNaletel
lherbefor
e
ido
Nal
e:(
shocked)Tshepo!
?

Mayafr
ownedwi t
hherheartr
aci
ngwhi
leJoshua
andt
hekidssatbackconf
used.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
09] :AKEPTWOMAN
38

Nal
e:Tshepowhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Tshepo:don'twast
eti
mepleasethesepeopl
ehada
l
ongt r
iptheywanttor
estsospeakup
Maya:what
'sgoi
ngonNal
e?
Nale:idon'
tunderst
andwhatconver
sat
iondi
dmy
husbandhear,Tshepoar
eyoubeingseri
ousr
ight
now?
Tshepo:don'
tpl
aydumpwi
thme.Nal
est
artt
alki
ng
Nale:idon'
thaveanyt hi
ngtosay.Ican'
tbel
ieveyou
wouldlietomel i
ket hi
sTshepohowcouldyou?
Whyar eyoul i
kethis?Youhavechangedandidon't
t
hinkilikethepersonyouhaveturnedint
o
Tshepo:ohpl
easeNal
ecanyoust
opi
t
Joshua:ok,
kidscanyoupl
easegot
oyourr
oom
Tshepo:notheyhavet
oheart
hisaswel
l
.Nal
ewe
arewait
ingonyou
Nal
e:isai
dim.
..
Tshepo:Mayayoursi
sterandmot
herhavebeen
bewit
chingyou
Maya&Lucas:what
!?
Nale:(
widenedhereyeswi
thherhear
traci
ng)
Tshepo!?
Tshepo:yesiheardthem t
alki
ngaboutl
ocki
ngyour
l
ifewhenPr eci
ouscamet omyhouse.Iknewit
,i
knewtherewasar easonthatwomanwasatour
house
Nal
e:Tshepohowcoul
dyou!
?
Tshepo:noNalehowcoul dyou?Howdoyouf ind
j
oyinmaki ngotherpeopl
e'
slivesmiser
abl
e?How
doyousleepatnightknowingthatanot
herhuman
bei
ngissuf f
eri
ngbecauseofyou?
Lucas:soyouaresayingmymot
herand
grandmotherar
ewitches
Tshepo:unf
ort
unat
elyyes
Nal
e:wowTshepo
Tshepo:im sosorryMayabutihadtodosomething
icoul
dn'tj
ustsitbackanddonothing.Youarea
veryl
ovingandkindwomanidon' tunderst
andwhy
peopl
ewoul ddot hi
stoyou
Maya:(
looki
ngatNal
e)whyt
hough?
Nal
e:donotbel
ieveanyt
hinghesaysMaya.Imean
whywouldyoursist
erwanttomakeyourl
if
e
mi
ser
abl
e?Letal
oneyourmot
her
Maya:soyouar
ecal
li
ngyourhusbandal
iar
?(She
swal
lowed)
Tshepo:answert
hequest
ionNal
e
Nal
e:hej
ustmi
sint
erpr
etedt
hewhol
econver
sat
ion
Maya:sot hi
siswhyihaven' tbeenabl etofinda
decentj ob?Thi siswhyal lthemenicomeacr oss
wantt ousemeandt hrowmeawayl ikeapi eceof
trash?Thi shonest lyexpl ainswhyPr eciousf i
nds
j
oyi nalwayshumi li
at i
ngme, thi
sexpl ai
nswhyi
foundamat chboxwi thmyphot oinsideahol eat
myol dhouse.YouknowwhatNal egoandt ellyour
friendandhermot hert hatt heyhasmessedwi th
thewr ongwoman.I m sor r yLucasbuti m notgoi ng
tosi tbackandl etPr eci ousandRonawal kallover
menow.Tel lthem thatt heyar esti
llgoingtor un
aroundl ooki
ngf orst rongandpower ful
wi tchdoctorstotryandl ockmyl i
febutt heywi l
l
neversucceed.Iser veal ivingGodandt hefactt hat
theynevermanagedt ogot hroughwi thitshouldt el
l
them somet hi
ng.Ki ndl ygetout .
Nal
e:Mayai
..
.
Maya:isai
dgetoutNal
e.Tshepot
hankyouso
muchandhonestl
yspeaki
ngyoudeser
vebett
er
t
hanthis
Tshepo:henceihavef
il
edf
ordi
vor
ce
Nal
e:what
!?
Tshepo:andgotarestr
aini
ngorderagai
nstyou.
Younotallowedanywherenearmyhomeor
proper
ti
esr i
ghtf
rom t
hissecond
Nal
e:Tshepoyoucan'
tdot
his.Pl
ease.
..
Tshepo:don'
tyoudaretouchme!( Thekidswidened
thei
reyes)wearedoneim notgoingtokeepawi tch
asawi f
e.Mayapleasemakesur eyoufindhelpso
thatal
lthecur
sestheyputonyourl i
fegetbroken.
ThankyouMrKgang
Joshua:notapr
obl
em
Nal
e:Tshepoyouar
enotgoi
ngt
oleavemeher
e
Tshepo:whichpartofigotarestr
aini
ngorder
agai
nstyoudoyounotget ?Youwillf
indawayto
gettowhereveryouwillbegoing
Hesai
dleavingwhi
leNal
ecamebehindhi
m.Hegot
i
nthecar,l
ockedt
hedoorsanddr
oveoutasNal
e
r
anbehindthecar
..
.

Nal
e:Tshepo!
?Tshepopl
easedon'
tdot
his!Tshepo!

Shest
oppedr
unni
ngwhi
leJoshuacl
osedt
hegat
e..
.

Nal
e:shi
t!(
Shesai
dgoi
ngt
othebusst
op)
Joshua:ar
eyouok?

Mayastormedof
fandwentt
othebedr
oom as
Lucascamebehi
ndher
..
.

Lucas:aunt
y,au.
..
(shesl
ammedt
hedooronhi
s
face)
Joshua:l
etmet
ryt
otal
ktoher
Apr
il
:whyi
smamasad?
Joshua:shewillbef
inebabyj
ustmakesur
eyou
fi
nisheati
ngthengettobedyouguysmustbe
exhausted

Hewenttothebedr
oom andknockedwhil
eLucas
swall
owedsit
ti
ngbackdown.Joshuaopenedthe
doorandf
oundMayacr yi
ngsitt
ingont
hebed.He
satdownandheldherhand.
..

Joshua:l
ove
Maya:whyJoshua?Whydot hesepeoplehat
eme
somucht oanext endofgoingsofartomakeme
sufferl
ikethis?Whathaveieverdonet othem?
Whatdoiowet hem sothaticanpayitupsothat
theycanl eavemeal one?
Joshua:im sosor
rymylove.Atleastnowyouknow
thetr
uthallyouhavet
odoi sprayforstr
engt
hand
avoi
dt hem byal
lmeans.
Maya:myownmot
herJoshuamyownmot
her
Shebur
sti
ntot
ear
sashet
ight
lyhuggedher
.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Preci
ousgotofft
hephonewit
hNaleandcl
icked
hertonguegoi
ngtoRona'
sbedroom.
..

Pr
eci
ous:mom
Rona:yes
Pr
eci
ous:wehaveapr
obl
em
Rona:whati
sit
?
Preci
ous:i
mjustf
rom aphonecallwi
thNal
eand
shetel
lsmeTshepoheardustal
king
Rona:what
?
Precious:yesnowhet
ookhert
oMayaandt
oldher
everythi
ng
Rona:whatdoyoumeanever
ythi
ngandwhat
exact
lydi
dhehear
?
Preci
ous:ever
ythi
ngaboutushol
dingMaya'
sli
fe
back
Rona:what
!?
Pr
eci
ous:yesmaweneedt
odosomet
hingandnow
Rona:(
sighed)andwho'
sfaul
tisi
tagai
n?
Pr
eci
ous:ser
iousl
yma?Imtel
li
ngyouwehavea
pr
obl
em andyouwantt
oblameme?
Rona:noPreci
ousifi
twasn'
tforyouandyourbi
g
mouthwewoul dn'
tbeher
etoday!Nowlook,
now
l
ookPreci
ous!
Pr
eci
ous:ma!
Rona:aishutup!Justshutt
hehellup!Wear
eina
messrightnowallbecauseofyou!
Pr
eci
ous:Ronayouspi
ral
li
ngnowwon'
thel
pus
wi
thanyt
hing
Rona:excuseme?
Preci
ous:t
her
e'snoneedf
oryoutoshoutl
iket
hat
andnotcomeupwi t
hasolut
ion
Rona:(
slappedher
)shutup!
Pr
eci
ous:ah!
Rona:getoutofmyr
oom!
Pr
eci
ous:mahowcoul
dyou.
..
Rona:isai
dgett
hehel
loutofmyr
oom!
Pr
eci
ous:Ro.
..
Rona:isai
dgetout
!

Preciousswal
lowedget
ti
ngoutasRonaangr
il
y
screamedandhitthecl
oset
..
.

Rona:dammi
t!Dammi
t!Dammi
t!Ur
gh!

Shesaidsi
tt
ingonherbedandsi
ghedr
ubbi
ngher
face.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG
AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Maya'sal
armrangasshewokeupandsi ghed.She
wishedwhatsheheardtheprevi
ousni
ghtwasnot
tr
uebutitwas.Shegotoffherbedandtookher
diar
ysit
ti
ngdown...

Deardi
ary.
..

Whati ssupposedt obeagr eatdayasiwi l

lbe
starti
ngof fatmynewj obasaPRManagerhas
turnedi ntopain.Myhear ti
sbleedingbecausemy
ownmot herandsi sterdon'
twantt oseemehappy.
Theydon' twantt oseememaki ngsomet hi
ngoutof
myl if
ewhy, idon'tknow.Howdoesonehat etheir
ownchi ldtosuchanext end?Howdoesonehat e
theirsistertosuchhei ghts?Im ievenherchil
d?Imi
evenhersi st
er?Becauseidon' tbelieveonewoul d
hatet heirchil
dlikethis.Eveniftheyareyourleast
favorit
eamongstyourki ds.Whatmor ehavet hese
peopledone?Wasi evensupposedt ohaveki ds
wheniwasyoungori si ttheirbl
ackmagi ct hat
mademehaveki dssot haticoul df ailatschool ?
Aunt ywher eareyou?Whyar eyounotf i
ghtingf or
me?Howcanyoul ett hi shappen?It houghtyou
l
ovedmeaunt y,wher ear eyou?I ftheyt hinki m
goingt obeami ser abl ewomanbecauseoft heir
witchcr aftt hentheyhaveanot herthingcomi ng.
From nowoni m goi ngt ost andupf ormyl i
fe.The
Godiser vewi l
lneverl eavenof orsakeme.Even
thoughif eelli
ket hewor ldisswal lowi ngmeatt he
momenti m sti
llgoi ngt ocar r
yon.Noonehas
powerovermyl i
febutGod.I fyouar el i
steningt o
myhear tGoddon' tl ett hesepeopl ego, iwantt hem
tosuf ferf oralltheseyear stheyhavemademe
suffer.Iwantt heirl ivest obenot hingbutpai n.I
wantt hem t ofeelexact lywhatif elt.For givemef or
thi
sLor dbutidon' tdeser vet hi
ski ndofpai nandi f
youar ei ndeedal ovi ngGodyouwi lll
istent ome
thi
sonce.
Shesi ghedandsatbackreadingwhatshewrote
andputt hediarybackwheresheputsi
t.Shefel
t
tearsbuildi
nginhereyesbutsheswall
owedand
blockedthem...

Maya:nomor ecryi
ngMayai t
'sti
met obeawoman
andfight.Theti
met obecryi
ngandl ett
ingpeopl
e
takeadvantageofyouisoveritsti
met ostandup
foryourlif
eandyourchil
dren'
s.Fetchyourlif
eback
Maya, f
etchyourlif
eback

Sheheavedahugesi
ghandwenti
ntot
hebat
hroom
andranabathhumming.

Backi
nMochudi
..
.

Nal
ecameoutoft
hebat
hroom asPr
eci
oussatup
ont
hebed.
..
Pr
eci
ous:soyouar
egoi
ngt
olethi
m gol
iket
hat
?
Nal
e:whatcanidoPr
eci
ous?
Preci
ous:Nal
easawomanyouhavet
owor
kand
fi
ghttokeepyourmar
ri
age
Nale:TshepohatesmePreci
oushehat
esmeand
honestl
yspeakingit
sal
lyourfaul
t
Pr
eci
ous:excuseme?
Nal
e:yesPreci
ousshoul
dyouhavekeptyour
mouthshutnoneoft
hiswoul
dbehappening
Pr
eci
ous:wowNal
ewow
Rona:(
opened)yesNal
eisr
ighti
t'
sal
lyourf
aul
t
Preci
ous:okiknowihadt
okeepqui
etbutiwas
angry
Rona:Nal
edi
dyoumar
ryi
ncommuni
tyofpr
oper
ty?
Nal
e:yes
Rona:goodbecauseTshepohast
odi
e
Nal
e:what
!?Noonei
sgoi
ngt
otouchmyhusband
Rona:youcal
lthatexcusef
oramanahusband?
Nal
e:but
..
.
Rona:butnot
hing.It
'sei
theryoufi
ghttogeti
tal
lor
ri
skbeinghumili
atedandim notwil
li
ngtogodown
wit
hyouyoungl ady
Nal
e:MmaMoet
iican'
t
Rona:youdon'
thavetodoanythingiwil
ltakecar
e
ofit
.Bereadytoputonyourbestmourni
ngshow
(sheswall
owed)
Pr
eci
ous:whataboutMayasheknowsnow
Rona:whydon'tyouj ustshutupbecauseyouare
thereasonwear ei
nt hesituati
onwearenow.You
knowver ywel
lthatshecan' tdi
enowbeforeyoufix
thi
ngswi t
hLovemor eiwillhavetof
igur
e
somet hi
ngoutevenifitmeansmaki nghergocrazy
Nal
e:soyouar
eser
iousl
ygoi
ngt
oki
llTshepo?
Rona:whot hehelldoeshethi
nkheistotr
yand
takemylif
eawayf r
om me?Thisshouldbeal
esson
toyouthatshouldyoutryandbackstabmeiwon't
holdback
Nal
e:howar
eyougoi
ngt
odoi
t?
Rona:t
hel
essyouknowt
hebet
ter
.
Preci
ous:andLovemore'snewwoman?Aker
eit
old
youshebrokethebangle?
Rona:obonawenaPreciousyouar
ehonest
lygoing
tocostmealotbuti
m goingtomakesur
ethatshe
knowswhoiam
Pr
eci
ous:ist
il
lwonderhowsheevenknewabouti
t
Rona:maybeshehasaspi r
it
ualgiftt
hat'
swhyim
goi
ngtohavetodomor ethanjusthurther.I
m
goi
ngtori
phersoulapart
.Ineedt ogetgoing
Pr
eci
ous:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Rona:i
t'
snoneofyourconcer
n

Shesai
dwal
kingoutwhi
leNal
elookedatPr
eci
ous.
..

Pr
eci
ous:what
?
Nal
e:i
m notokwi
tht
his
Pr
eci
ous:whatdoyouwantt
obedone?Wehaveno
choi
ceNal
eunl
essyouwantt
ofol
lowsui
t
Nal
e:whowant
stodi
e?
Preci
ous:t
henputyourbi
ggir
lpanti
esonbecause
onceRonamakesuphermi ndther
e'snogoi
ng
back.

Shesaidgoingtothebathroom whi
leNal
esi
ghed
si
tt
ingback.At houghtcr
ossedhermindasshe
cl
earedherthroat.
..

Nal
e:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Pr
eci
ous:iwantt
obat
h
Nal
e:okl
etmegomakebr
eakf
astsol
ong
Pr
eci
ous:ok

Sheputonhershoesandt
ookherbagt
aki
ngout
herphone.
..
Nale:yourl
if
eisindangerdon'
tgoanywhereibeg
you.Icareaboutyousomucht onotl
etanyonehurt
you.

ShetookPr
eci
ous'
sbagandtookP100f
rom her
pur
seandmadeherwayout.

Att
heTaol
o's.
..

Marel
edicl
earedthetabl
easherf
atherdr
ankhi
s
j
uiceandsatback..
.

MrT:sowhatar
eyourpl
ansf
ort
heday?
Marel
edi
:im goi
ngoutf
orl
unchwithMayadoyou
wantmetogetsomethi
ngforyou?
MrT:yes
Mar
eledi
:what
?
MrT:Maya'
sat
tent
ion
Mar
eledi
:ok?
MrT:cancelthelunchpl
ansandr
atheri
nvi
teher
overf
ordinnertoni
ght
Marel
edi:ohokdadiwi
lldoso.Whydoyouwantt
o
seehersobad?
MrT:youknowidon'
tshar
edet
ail
sofwhyiwantt
o
meetupwit
hanyonemygirl
Mar
eledi
:okdadsor
ry
MrT:i
t'
snotapr
obl
em wenaj
ustdoasiasked
Mar
eledi
:nopr
obl
em l
etmegetoni
tri
ghtaway

ShetookherphoneandsentMayaatextwhi
leher
fat
hersi
ghedandheadedtohisof
fi
ce.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Lovemor
emadehiswayint
oNyasha'
sroom wi
th
Chiomabehi
ndhi
m asNyashagr
oanedandrol
led
hereyes.
..

Nyasha:r
eal
lydad?
Lovemor
e:t
her
e'ssomet
hingineedt
otel
lyou
Nyasha:whati
sit
?
Lovemor
e:(
tookherhand)youknowt
hatil
oveyou
ri
ght?
Nyasha:yesdad
Lovemor
e:andnomat
terwhatyouwi
llal
waysbe
myangelri
ght
?
Nyasha:yesdad.What
'sgoi
ngon?
Lovemore:(
swall
owedlooki
ngatChi
omawho
nodded)Nyashai
...
I'
m..
.
Nyasha:youar
ewhatpapa?
Lovemor
e:i
m notyourbi
ologi
calf
ather

Nyasha'
sheartski
ppedabeatasshefr
owned
l
ookingatLovemoreandl
etgoofhishand.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
09] :AKEPTWOMAN
39

Lovemor
e:iknowthi
siscomingasashockbuti
havenochoi
cebuttotel
lyoubecauseyoudeser
ve
toknowthetr
uth
Nyasha:how?
Lovemor
e:yourmot
hercheat
edonme
Nyasha:no,
ther
e'snohowt
hat
'st
rue.Youar
emy
dad
Lovemore:hencei
m sayi
ngt
hisdoesn'
tchange
anythi
ng
Nyasha:(
tear
ful
ly)whati
sgoi
ngt
ohappent
ome?
WhydoesGodhat emesomuch
Chi
oma:Goddoesn'
that
eyoumygi
rl
.Godnever
hat
es
Nyasha:(
sni
ff
ed)whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Chi
oma:im heretohel
pyougetthr
oughthi
s.You
ar
egoingthroughalotsoyouneedtot
alkt
oa
pr
ofessi
onal
Nyasha:idon'
tneedapr of
essional
.Mydadist
his
manandnooneel se.Dadpleasedon'
tdot
hist
o
me(shecr i
ed)
Lovemore:(
swal
lowed)i
m sosor
rymygi
rlbuti
t'
s
thetr
uth
Preci
ous:(opened)goodmor..
.ohno,ohhellno.
Lovemore,whatthehelli
sthi
s( f
rowned)babywhy
areyoucrying?Moveoutofmyway

Shesaidpushi
ngChi
omaoutoft
hewayandhel
d
Nyasha'
shand..
.
Preci
ous:babyar
eyouok?Lovemor
ewhatdi
dyou
dotomychi l
d
Nyasha:(
tear
ful
ly)ihat
eyou
Pr
eci
ous:huh?
Nyasha:l
etgoofmeyouevi
lwoman(
shesai
d
pul
li
ngherhandaway)
Pr
eci
ous:Nyashawhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Nyasha:iregrett
hedayGodletmedevel
opinyour
wombbecauseyouhaveadar ksoul
.Youar
e
poi
sonPr eciousandihat
eyou
Pr
eci
ous:Nyasha!
Lovemor
e:donotshoutatmydaught
erl
iket
hat
Pr
eci
ous:whatdi
dyousayt
omychi
ld
Nyasha:youhavenori
ghttocallmeyourchi
ldaf
ter
whatyoudid.Howcanyoudot hist
othemanyou
cl
aimtolove?Youareevi
l
Pr
eci
ous:Nya.
..
real
lyLovemor
e?Wow
Lovemor
e:Nyashadeser
vest
oknowt
het
rut
h
Preci
ous:soyouenjoydoi
ngt
hist
omer
ight
?
Nyashamyl ovet
his..
.
Nyasha:getout
Pr
eci
ous:nowt
hat
'sabsur
d
Nyasha:getoutPr
eci
ousandnevercomebackher
e
youaredeadtome
Preci
ous:(
swall
owed)doyouseewhatyouhave
doneLovemore?
Lovemore:youbroughti
tal
lonyour
sel
f.Donot
i
nvolvemei nyourthi
ngspl
ease
Nyasha:Pr
eci
ousisai
dgetout
!

Sheswall
owedl
ookingatNyashaandsqui
nther
eyesl
ooki
ngatLovemore.
..

Pr
eci
ous:youaregoi
ngt
opayf
ort
his.I
m goi
ngt
o
makesur
et hat
..
.
Chi
oma:ahst
opt
her
emydear
Pr
eci
ous:andyouar
e?
Chi
oma:youknowexact
lywhoiam andtr
ustme
youdon'twantt
omesswit
hme.Tel
lthatt
oyour
motheraswell
Pr
eci
ous:(
scof
fed)pat
het
icbi
tch
Chi
oma:Godhavemer
cyonyoursoul
Pr
eci
ous:mxm

Shesai
dl eavi
ngasChi omal ookedatherf r
om
downupwhi leNyashabur stint
oacr y.Lovemore
comfor
tedherwhileChi omagavehert issues.Hi
s
phonerangashest eppedout si
deleavingNyasha
wit
hChioma. .
.

Lovemor
e:son?
Lucas:dadidon'
twantt
ost
aywit
hPreci
ousany
more.Inf
actiwantt
omoveinwi
thaunt
yMaya
Lovemor
e:why?
Lucas:becausePr
eci
ousi
sawi
tchdad
Lovemor
e:whydoyousaysoLucas?
Lucas:herf
ri
end'
shusbandcameherelastnight
andtoldusPreci
ousandRonahavebewitched
auntyMaya
Lovemor
e:saywhatnow?
Lucas:yesdadtheyhavel
ockedherl
if
eforhert
o
notbeabletogetanywher
einli
fe
Lovemore:wow.What'swrongwiththesewomen?
Fort
unatel
yyoudon'thavetoworryaboutstayi
ng
wit
heitheroft
hem becauseihavekickedyour
motheroutofourhouse
Lucas:why?
Lovemore:l
et'
sdot hi
s,comevisi
tyoursi
sterat
l
unchti
meiwi llsendoneofthedri
versfr
om the
off
icet
of et
chyou.
Lucas:ohok.
Lovemor
e:seeyoul
ater
Lucas:byedad
TheyhungupasLovemor
eshookhi
sheadand
wentbackt
otheroom.

AtKgangT&T.
..

Mayasati
ntheHRof
fi
cer
'sof
fi
ceasJoshuaj
oined
t
hem..
.

Lady:Goodmor
ningMsMoet
i
Maya:mor
ning
Lady:i
m awarethatyouhavebeenhi
redasourPR
Managerthi
sisjustafor
malit
ytochecki
fwehave
hir
edtheri
ghtpersonbefor
eyoucouldsi
gnthe
contr
act
Maya:okma'
am
Joshua:soMsMoet
iwhatar
eyoubr
ingi
ngt
othe
company?
Maya:f
ir
stofal
lmycont
ri
buti
ont
othegrowt
hof
t
hecompanyandipromi
setocar
ryoutal
lmy
dutieswit
hduedil
igenceasthenewPRManager.I
willmakesuret
hatthiscompanyisknownf
ori
t'
s
greatthi
ngsandgreatthi
ngsonl
y
Joshua:ok.Wear
egoi
ngt
ogi
veyouyourf
ir
st
assi
gnemt
Maya:oksi
r
Joshua:goandresearchwaysi
nwhichwecan
i
mpr oveourser
vicesasacompany
Maya:oksi
riwi
lldot
hat
Lady:(smil
ed)okMsMoet iher
e'syourcont
racti
f
youhaveal awyeryoucangetthem t
ocheckitout
foryouandexplaintoyouwereyoudon't
understandbef
oresigni
ngit
Maya:(
smi
led)okt
hankyousomuch
Lady:whaticantellyouasyourpr i
vil
eges,youget
tohaveyourownof f
ice1,yougettoattendall
meetingswiththeboard.Youtravelf
reeinour
busestoanywher eyouwoul dl
iketogo.Youal so
gettoenjoybenefit
sofaper manentand
pensionabl
eempl oyeeonceyouputyoursi gnatur
e
ont
hedot
tedl
ine
Maya:oht
hankyousomuch
Lady:t
hatwi
llbeal
lMsMoet
i
Maya:ok

Shesaidt
akingthecont
ractandsmi
ledgoi
ngout
asJoshuafoll
owedher.
..

Joshua:car
eforacupoft
ea?
Maya:yespl
ease
Joshua:yousti
lll
ookabitst
ressedbutyou
managedt okeepitt
oget
her
Maya:wel
lihavemast
eredt he"nevercar
ryyour
pr
oblemswithyout
owor k"phrase
Joshua:butdonotcl
oseint
oomuch.Myof
fi
ce
doorisalwaysopeni
fyouwantt
otal
k
Maya:(
smi
led)t
hankyou.Mar
ainvi
tedmef
or
di
nner
Joshua:it
houghtyouguyspl
annedl
unch
Maya:yeahbutappar
ent
lyherf
atherwant
stomeet
upwit
h
Joshua:t
hepast
or?
Maya:yessowi
llyoubeabl
etomanagewi
tht
he
ki
ds?
Joshua:yeahi
t'
snotaprobl
em mylovebutyouar
e
notgoingtodr
iveyour
sel
fatni
ghtiwil
laskoneof
thedri
verstot
akeanovert
ime
Maya:thatwoul
dbenice(
amessager
epor
tedon
herphoneasshesmil
ed)
Joshua:and?
Maya:Jor
gehasbeendeni
edbai
lMr
sTaol
ojust
t
oldme
Joshua:ohthati
swonderful
.Im sor
ryyoudi
dn'tget
toatt
endthebailhear
ingbutwehadt odot
his
ASAP
Maya:i
t'
sokiwi
llat
tendt
ri
als
Joshua:t
her
e'st
otal
lynopr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
Maya:t
hankyou

Shesmi
ledasJoshuamadet
hem acupoft
ea.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Ronasi
ghedsi
tt
ingdownast
hewomanscof
fed
l
ooki
ngather
..
.

Woman:f
orsomeonewhodoesn'
twantt
ori
skher
i
dent
it
ybei
ngseenyoucomealotofl
ate
Rona:whatcanidowhenpeopl
ear
etr
yingme
Woman:whatbr
ingsyouher
enowithoughtyou
hadpower
stodoanythi
ngyour
sel
fnow
Rona:someoneoverheardustalki
ngaboutl
ocki
ng
Maya'sli
feandwenttotellher
.
Woman:what
!?Ihopeyoudealtwi
tht
hatper
sonas
soonasyouf
oundoutthatheknows
Rona:ihadtowarnhi
swi f
efir
stbutnowPr
eci
ous
t
ell
smet hatshedi
sappeared
Woman:Ronawhenasi tuati
onl
iket
hisari
sesyou
actri
ghtt
hereandthennowshe'
sgonet otel
lher
husbandyourpl
ansforhim
Rona:t
heyl
eavemenochoi
cebutt
otaket
hem out
Woman:yout
hough.WhataboutMayanow?
Rona:idon'
twantt
ohar
m herij
ustwanthert
ogo
cr
azy
Woman:okiwi l
lmixsomethi
ngforyoumakesure
youpouritwher
eshesteps.Onceherfootcomes
i
ntocontactwi
ththemixt
ureshewil
lgocr azy
Rona:good.Iknewyouwouldcomeforme.Now,
t
here'
sPrecious'
shusband'
smist
ress
Woman:whatabouther
?
Rona:shesomehowsawt
hebangl
eigavePr
eci
ous
andshebrokei
t
Woman:whati
shernameandwhatdoesshedo?
Rona:Chi
omaAdi
oleshehasa.
..
Shefr
ownedasthewomangr
unt
edf
eel
ingashar
p
pai
nonherhead.
..

Rona:ar
eyouok?
Woman:( shaki
ngherheadi
npai
n)youar
epoki
nga
honnetnest
Rona:whatdoyoumean?
Woman:(gr
unt
ed)t
hatwomanisanogozonear
ea
what
everwetr
yonherwon'
twork
Rona:whatareyousayi
ng?It
houghtyouwer
ethe
mostpowerfulwi
tchi
nthisar
ea
Woman:shehol
dspowerfr
om the.
..
(swal
lowed)
f
rom.
..
ahshehasgreat
erpowerRona
Rona:no,
youcan'
tsayt
hat
,not
her
ehast
obea
way
Woman:t
ryandsendKenei
lweaf
terherni
ece
Rona:good
Woman:buti
t'
snotaguar
anteet
hati
twi
llwor
k.
Thi
swomanishighl
yprot
ect
ed
Rona:whatar
eyousayi
ngnow?
Woman:t
ryi
nghi
sbet
tert
hannot
hing.
Rona:nnyamma.Youshoul
dfi
ndast
ronger
sol
uti
onshoul
dKenei
lwefai
l
Woman:woul
dyouf
ir
eyourboss?
Rona:no
Woman:thenthat
'st
hesit
uati
onwit
ht hi
swoman.
Shehol
dspowerfrom t
hecreat
orofli
febutt
oni
ght
makesureyouhaveKenei
lweonerrands
Rona:okbutyohyouar
egi
vingmest
ressnow
Woman:ei
shwhydidyouhavetosaythatwoman'
s
namenowim notf
eel
ingwel
l.Iwantt
orestwewil
l
tal
k
Rona:(
frowned)ar
eyouget
ti
ngweak
Woman:r
eal
lynowRona?
Shesaiddraggi
ngher
sel
ftot
hebedr
oom i
nalotof
pai
nwhi l
eRonasneer
edandmadeherwayoutas
herphonerang.
..

Pr
eci
ous:Mama
Rona:whathappenedt
hist
imear
ound?
Preci
ous:Lovemoret
oldNyashat
hathe'
snother
bi
ologi
calfat
her.MamawhatdoesLovemor
ewant
fr
om me?
Rona:aker
emmet
hat
'st
het
rut
h
Pr
eci
ous:mychi
ldsaysshehat
esme
Rona:er
il
eobul el
amonnayomongwedi r
opeol e
mosadiyonyetswengoneoakantseeng?(When
yousawyourselfopeni
ngyourt
highsforanother
manasamar ri
edwoman?whatwer eyouthinki
ng)
Pr
eci
ous:r
eal
lynow?
Rona:yesr eall
ynow.Nowi m busyrunningupand
downt r
yingt ofi
xyourmess.Aker eyoudecidedt
o
keepitfr
om mesoseeyour selfoutonthatonemy
gir
lidon'twantt obeaccusedofbewitchingmy
gr
anddaught
er
Pr
eci
ous:wowmat
hankyousomuch
Rona:noPreciousshoul
dyouhavet oldmet hisi
wouldhavelongseenwhattodo.Nowyouar e
get
ti
ngusinvol vedwi
thdangerousNigerianwomen
doyouknowwhathappenedt oMmadi taolawheni
menti
onedhername?
Pr
eci
ous:(
frowned)whathappened?
Rona:shef
ellsi
ckandt
oldmeshehol
dsgr
eat
power
Pr
eci
ous:gr
eatpowermyf
ootsheneedst
obedeal
t
wi
th
Rona:I
t'
snoteasyt
odealwi
thaper
sonwi
tha3r
d
eyeyoufool
Pr
ecious:noMmadiTsaysshe'
spower
fulsoshe
mustcallal
lherdar
kpower
stogett
owor k
Rona:thi
snai
vegir
l.Bona(
look)makesuret
hatyou
fi
xthi
ngswithNyashaassoonaspossibl
eando
di
re(do)damagecontr
olwi
thLucas
Pr
eci
ous:t
hatonei
snott
aki
ngmycal
ls.Whati
s
t
hepl
anf
orMaya?
Rona:don'
tworryever
ythi
ngwil
lbesort
edoutshe
won'
tfindpeacenorhappi
nessaslongasi
m ali
ve.
Iwanttodri
ve,bye
Pr
eci
ous:byewewi
l
lmeetathome(
theyhungup)
Rona:Tsheporeal
lyt
hinksi
m someoneyoucan
messwi t
h.Hadhestayedinhispl
acenoneoft
he
t
hingsgoingtohappenwouldn'
tbehappeni
ng.

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueanddr
oveof
f.

Fr
om herbai
lhear
ing.
..

Lornagoti
nthebackseatoft
hecarasDuncansat
behindt
hewheel.
..

Duncan:whyar
esi
tt
ingatt
heback?
Lor
na:idon'
twantt
osi
tnextyou.Youshoul
dn'
t
evenhavecameAl
exanderwoul
dhavet
akenme
home
Duncan:iwant
edt
osuppor
tyou
Lorna:somet
hingyouf
ail
edt
odowhenyouwer
e
supposedto.
Duncan:Lor
nai
m sor
ry
Lor
na:youcansaysorryami l
li
onti
mesDuncanbut
i
twon'tchangeat
hing.Unt
iliseeyoudoi
ng
somet
hingaboutt
hissit
uat
ioniwantnothi
ngtodo
wit
hyou
Duncan:iwi
llt
ryandgethert
odr
opt
hechar
ges
agai
nstyou
Lor
na:onceagai
nact
ionspeaksl
oudert
hanwor
ds
Duncan:(
swal
lowed)ok
Lorna:(
scoff
ed)ihonestl
ycan'
tbel
ievetheper
soni
tr
ustedwithmyalldi
dt hi
stomeandl i
vedunder
myr oofwi
thnoguilt
.Sowheredidyoumaket he
chil
d?Inmyhouse?
Duncan:noihaveneverhadsexwi
thPat
iencei
n
ourhouse
Lor
na:soyouspentmoneyonhot elrooms,mustbe
ni
cetobemrspender.Thatti
meyoul ef
tawif
eand
ki
dsbackhome.(Cl
ickedhertongue)stopt
hecar
Duncan:isai
dst
opt
hecar

Hesighedanddi
dasshegotof
fandopenedhi
s
door
...

Lor
na:getout
Duncan:what
?
Lor
na:getoutoft
hecarDuncanyouar
ewast
ing
mytime
Duncan:Lor
nadon'
tdot
his.Youknowihavet
ogo
t
owor k
Lor
na:youwi
llseet
othatonyourownmydear
.Out

Helookedatherandshemeanti
tashet
ookof
fthe
bel
tandgotoff.
..
Lor
na:mpha(
givemeyour
)wal
let
Duncan:what
?
Lor
na:(goti
nthecar
)isai
dgi
vemeyourwal
let
Duncan

Heswal
lowedandgavei
ttoherasshegavehi
ma
P20not
e..
.

Lor
na:seehowt
ogett
owor
k.I
t'
spaybackt
ime
Duncan:Lor
na
Lor
na:i
jo

Shet hr
ewt hemoneyathim andclosedthedoor,
j
oinedther oadagainandst
eppedont he
acceler
atorleavi
ngacloudofdustbehindthough
dri
vingonat arr
oad.
Al
ongt
hewayf
rom MaunandFr
anci
stown.
..

KgangTr avelandTour sbuseswer eont her oadt o

Gabor oneast hedr i
verdrivingt heonef r
om
Fr ancistowncoughed.Hegr abbedabot tl
eofwat er
onl ytoseeacowoutofnowher eont her oad.He
tri
edt ododgei tbutlostcont roloft hebusasi t
over t
ur nedwi thpassenger si nsi
de.Theonef rom
Maunt ri
edt ododgeapot holebuthi titwithat i
pof
thebackt yr
easi tburstandt hebusswer vedi nto
thebushwi thallpassengersi nitscreami ng.The
drivert r
iedtocont roli
tbuti twentst raightintoa
treeandi nstantl
ycaughtf ir
easpassenger sjumped
outoft hewi ndow.Asf astandst r
ongast hefire
wasi tcaughtupwi thpassenger swhower estil
l
tryingt ojumpof ft
hewi ndowsandt hesmal lkids
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
10] :AKEPTWOMAN
40

AtKgangT&T.
..

Withalotgoi
ngoni nhermi ndMayasati nher
offi
cesoft
lyswingi
ngherchai r.Shecouldn'tbeli
eve
whatsheheardabouthersi sterandmot her.Allt
hat
Tsheposaidwasstillpl
ayi
ngi nhermi ndnomat t
er
howhar dshetr
iedtoselfdest r
uct.Shesighedand
tookherphonecall
ingMar eledi.
..

Mar
eledi
:heybabe
Maya:hil
ove.Wher
ear
eyou?
Mar
eledi
:im homel
ovewhat
'sup?
Maya:iwast
hinki
ngmaybeishoul
dcomeseeyour
dadnow
Marel
edi
:unfor
tunat
elyhe'
sst
il
lbusywi
thot
her
congr
egant
slove.Ar
eyouok?
Maya:r
ememberwhatit
oldyoul
astni
ght
?
Mar
eledi
:isi
tst
il
lbot
her
ingyou?
Maya:yeslovet
hat
'swhyiwast
hinki
ngishoul
d
cometherenow
Marel
edi:sor
rylovethereasonwhyheaskedmeto
i
nvit
eyouoverf ordi
nnerisbecauseheknewhe
hadalotofcli
entstoday.Didyouprayt
houghMaya?
Maya:idi
dMar
eledi
.Ipr
ayever
yti
me
Mareledi
:areyoulet
tinggoofyoursel
fandlett
he
hol
yspi r
itt
akeover?Kanather
e'sprayi
nginspir
it
andjustprayi
ngforthesakeofit
Maya:ipr
ayi
nspi
ri
t
Mar el
edi:noloveidon'
tthinkyouar
e.Whenprayi
ng
i
nspi r
ityoulockeverythi
ngoftheworl
doutand
focusonyourconver sati
onwithGod.Youneedto
praywithf ai
thmyfri
end
Maya:(sighed)iguessihaven'
tbeenpr
ayi
ng
enought hen.Youwillhavet
oteachmebecausei
m
scaredformychi l
dren
Mareledi
:nowt hat
'swhereyoushouldt api
nwhen
tal
kingtoGod.Thinkaboutyourchil
drenandhow
youdon'twantanythingt
ohar mthem, howyou
wantthem tobesuccessfulandsafefrom peopl
e'
s
darksouls.IsweartoyouMayayouwi l
lseethi
ngs
changinginyourli
fe
Maya:iwil
ldoso.Anywayseeyoul
aterheyl
etme
t
ryandstartonmyfir
stassi
gnment
Mar
eledi
:okl
ove.Lat
er
Maya:bye

TheyhungupasMayaheavedanot hersi
ghand
tookhernotepad.Shegrabbedapenfrom t
hebox
ast heof
fi
cedooropened.Shelookedupand
frownedatJoshuawhoseemedt onotbeok...

Joshua:Maya
Maya:ar
eyouok?

Hebli
nkedlookingallovertheoffi
ceand
unbot
tonedhisshir
t.Heswal lowedandheaveda
si
ghasshequi ckl
ygr abbedabot t
leofwat
erfor
hi
m whilehesatdown. .
.

Joshua:Maya
Maya:what
'sgoi
ngonJoshuayouar
escar
ingme

AsshesaidDuncanr
ani
ntot
heof
fi
ceandsi
ghed
fi
ndi
nghim..
.

Duncan:Joshua
Maya:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Joshua:Duncanpl
easenotnow
Duncan:iknowhowt hi
sfeelsbuddybutyouknow
wehavenocontroloverthesethi
ngs
Maya:i
sanyonegoi
ngt
otel
lmewhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Duncan:(
swal
lowed)t
woofourbusesgoti
nvol
ved
i
naccident
s
Maya:what
!?

Sheheldhermouthi
nshockwhil
eJoshua
scr
atchedandshookhi
sheadnotbel
ievi
ngi
t.
..

Maya:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Duncan:yesonefrom Maunandt heotherfr
om
Franci
stown.Theonef r
om Maunbur ntwit
hsome
passengersi
nsideandtheonefrom Franci
stown
overt
urnedwithpassenger
sinsi
de
Maya:ohmywor
d.I
m sosor
ryguys.Thi
sisbad
Duncan:ver
ybad.Wehaven'
tgot
tentheexact
numberofcasual
ti
esbuti
tseemsli
kethere'
sa
qui
tenumberofthem
Maya:asi
nthosewhopassedon?
Duncan:yeah.Somej
umpedof
ftheonef
rom Maun
andt
heyar
eobvi
ousl
yhur
t
Joshua:whyDuncan,
whywhywhy!

Hesai
dhi
tt
ingMaya'
sdeskasshej
umpedst
art
led.
..

Duncan:li
keisaidbuddyt
hesear
ethi
ngswehave
nocontrolover
Joshua:doyouknowhowmuch1buscost
s?
Duncan:iknowbuddy
Joshua:andf orgetti
ngaboutt heval ueofabusdo
youknowt hatyoucan' tputapr iceonahuman' s
l
ife?Doyouknowt hebadpubl icitythat'sgoi ngt
o
comeouther e?Doyouknowt hatpeopl earegoing
tostar tt
hinkingthatwear ecar elessbecausewe
aremaki ngmoneynow?Al otDuncan, alotisgoing
tobeaf f
ectedandyouknowt hatidon' tknowhow
todealwel lwi t
hbackl ash.Thel astthingiwanti sto
sinkbacki nto(swal l
owedasemot ionsgott he
better)thelastthingiwanti st osi nkbacki nto
depr essionDuncant hat '
saver ydar kpl acetobe
andittookalotf
rom met
ogetoutofther
e.Thi
sis
j
ustmess.Whataboutthefaml
li
esthathavel
ost
thei
rlovedone'
s?NoDuncanno

Hesaidput t
inghishandsonhisfaceshaki
nghis
headwhi l
eMayaswal lowedasguil
tateherup.She
coul
dn'thelpbutblamehersel
fbecausenowit
l
ookedlikeeverywhereshegoesshebringsbad
omentopeopl e'
sbusinesses.
..

Duncan:MsMoet
i!
Maya:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)im sor
ry
Duncan:t hisiswhereyoucomei n.Makesur eyou
takecareofget ti
ngoutast atement,t
her eception
willbeforwardingcallstoyouroffi
ce.Pleasemake
sureyouassur et
hem t hatKgangT&Ti sstilla
reali
abletransportcompany.Youwentt oschoolf or
thisibeli
eveyouwi l
lbeabletohandleever ythi
ng.
Im goingtomakesur eJoshi sok.Joshcome
Maya:oksi
r
Joshuasnif
fedasDuncant ookhi
m away.The
secondheclosedthedoorMayapinchedthebri
dge
ofhernosenotbeli
evi
ngthenews.Aphonecal l
disr
uptedherassheclear
edherthroatandsni
ff
ed.
..

Maya:her ewegoMaya.Yougott hismygi r

li ft
he
devilandhisdescendantsthinktheyar egoingto
takethisoneawayf r
om yout hentheyshoul dt r
y
harderbecauseim donetakingthingsl i
ghtitsti
mei
foughtbackandf oughtbackhard.( Pickedup)
KgangTr avelandToursPubl i
cRel ati
onsofficer
howmayibeofhel p?

AtNal
e'
shouse.
..

Tshepofi
nal
lyopenedforNal
easshemadeher
wayinsi
de.Helockedt
hedoorandopenedt
he
windowasshefrowned..
.
Nal
e:r
eal
lynowTshepo?
Tshepo:idon'tknowwhattheyputonyoulastni
ght
soim notgoingtotakesuchari
skandletyouinmy
houseandjustsoyouknowyoubr i
dgi
ngthecourt
order
Nale:t
heywanttoki
llyouTshepoandtheywanted
met obeapartoft
heirschemebutimar r
iedyou
Tshepoandil
oveyou.Iwouldneverletanyonehur
t
younordoanythi
ngtoourmar r
iage
Tshepo:t
hemoreyoukeepcomi
ngbackher
ethe
moreyouarebr
ingi
ngyourbadl
uckt
ome
Nale:Tshepoim beingser
iousheret
hatwomanis
dangerous.Iknowwhati mtal
kingaboutweneedt
o
getoutofthisplace
Tshepo:howdoiknowyouarenotgoi
ngt
ofi
nish
mewher everwewi
llbegoi
ngandagai
nwher
edo
youexpectustogori
ghtnow?
Nale:Let
'sbookafl
ightt
oSout
hAf r
icanowwewi l
l
seetoeveryt
hingwhenwegetther
epleaseTshepo
ibegyou
Tshepo:ican'
tjustupandl
eavewhataboutt
he
busi
ness?
Nale:wewillt
alkt
othemanagerwhenwearether
e
pleasel
ist
entomeTshepo:Naleihopeyouar
enot
tr
yingtotr
ickmebecauseyouknowwhatyoustand
togainshouldidi
e
Nale:i
fiwant
edtoki
llyouorcar
edaboutmat
eri
al
t
hingswouldibeher
et oday?
Tshepo:shouldanythi
nghappentomeNaleiwill
neverfor
giveyouevenindeathiwil
ltor
mentyouto
thedayyout akeyourl
astbr
eath
Nal
e:isweartoyouTshepoiwouldneverhur
tyou.
Rat
hertheyhurtmenotyouthat
'showmuchil ove
you

Hethoughtf
oraf
ewsecondsandopenedt
hedoor
f
orher.
..

Tshepo:donott
ouchanyt
hingbef
orebathi
ngand
youaregoingt
obathwit
htheseasaltt
helastt
hing
iwantismyhouset
ohavebadspi
ri
tshover
ing
aroundit
Nal
e:okwhi
lei
m ati
tyoubookourf
li
ght

Shewentt
otheguestbedroom whi
leTsheposhook
hi
sheadandtookt
helaptop..
.

Tshepo:itwasnicewhenyouguyswerebusy
bewit
chingpeoplenowthatt
hetabl
eshavetur
ned
youwantt orunaway.

AtLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Morri
sfi
nishedhel
pinghi
m bat
handputonfresh
cl
othesashesatonhisbedandtookhi
sphone..
.

Mor
ri
s:whoar
eyoucal
li
ng?
Lewi
s:t
heguyiaskedhi
snumberf
rom Maya
Morr
is:ohokfr
om t
her
ecallt
heyoungboywhoyou
sayi
sblackmai
li
ngyouneh
Lewi
s:oh,
ok(
hedi
all
edMopat
i)
Mopat
i:DrMopat
ispeaki
ng
Lewi
s:DrMopat
imybehi
nd
Mopat
i:excuseme?
Lewi
s:howdi
dyoubecomeadoct
orwhi
leyouar
e
sost
upid?
Mopat
i:whoi
m ispeaki
ngt
o?
Lewi
s:yourworstni
ghtmareandtrustmei
m goi
ng
tomakeyourl
ivesalivi
nghel
l.Noonemesseswit
h
Lewi
s
Mopat
i:(
swal
lowed)Lewi
s?
Lewis:yesdidyour eall
ythinkmyf riendandiwer e
dumpl i
keyou?Legonegaoswabef elaodirel
a
tsal
ayagagobonoga( areyounotashamedof
betr
ayingyourfri
end)j ustforpussy?Si esshame
onyoust upi
ddoct or.Areyour eall
ythatstarvedor
youareoneoft hoseper vertsthatalwayssayt hey
won'tgiveupuntiltheysleepwi t
hacer t
aingir
l?
(Scof
fed)wear
enotasdumpasyouaremyguy.
Youhavemessedwit
hthewrongpeopl
e
Mopati
:idon'
tknowwhatyouaretal
kingaboutand
idon'
tunder
standwhyyouhavetoinsul
tmelike
that
Lewis:oht r
ustmeihaven'tevenst art
edinsult
ing
youmyguy.Whatar eyougoi
ngt osaywhenist art
?
Gagot weokgot lhi
ledimomomar agonggot ewa
Lewisaut l
wa.Otlogosantseoi t
shenyamyboy.O
bolell
eletsalaeoyagagoemagot sanea2002or e
gagot shamekelwejalomogonna.( Whent heytell
yout hatyouhavemessedwi ththewr ongperson
theymeanLewi sdoyouhearme.Youar estil
lgoing
tomessyour sel
fmyboy.Youshoul dtel
lyourfri
end
withanol dlooki
ngpaleskinthatim nota
playground)Bewar nedmyboy

Hecli
ckedhi
stongueandhungupwhi l
eMopat
i
cl
enchedhi
steet
hrubbinghi
sface.
..

Mopat
i:shi
t!shi
t!shi
t!
Ki
tso:(
camei
n)ar
eyouok?
Mopat
i:yeah
Ki
tso:ar
eyousur
e?
Mopat
i:i
jaisai
dim okao

Hetookt
hestet
hoscopeandl
eftwhi
leKi
tso
f
rownedconf
used.
..

Mor
ri
s:t
ellmet
onevermesswi
thyou
Lewi s:youshouldt akehid.Trustmei m notgoing
torestuntiltheybegmef ormer cyi ftheythi
nk
beingamedi calpracti
ti
onerf orforceissomet hingi
willshowt hem thatit'
snothing( hecl i
ckedhis
tongue)whatshoul disayt othisli
ttlebastar
d?
Mor
ri
s:askhi
mtocomeovert
omor
row
Lewi
s:ok(
hecal
led)
Thabo:ohheybaby
Lewi
s:soi
twasokf
oryout
orunof
fonmel
iket
hat
?
Thabo:yousawhowt
hesi
tuat
ionwas
Lewis:sowhodoyouthi
nkwasgoi
ngt
osponsor
yourli
feshoul
dihavedi
ed?
Thabo:ahiknewyouwer
egoi
ngt
osur
vive
Lewi
s:mxm.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
omor
row?
Thabo:not
hing
Lewis:okcomet
omyhouset
ogetyourmoneyf
or
thi
sweek
Thabo:ohokwhatt
ime?
Lewi
s:l
uncht
ime
Thabo:okseeyout
hen
Lewi
s:sur
e(hehungup)bl
oodyf
ool
Mor
ri
s:youar
eangr
ytodayeh
Lewis:(
smiled)iwantt
oshowt
hesepeopl
ethati
m
notanidiot
Morri
s:okwhatshoul
dior
derbet
weenPi
zzaand
Nandosforl
unch?
Lewi
s:iwantf
oodf
rom t
hebr
aaipl
ace
Mor
ris:(
laughed)whyar
eyouput
ti
ngyouropt
ion
whi
leigaveyout wo?
Lewi
s:who'
sthesi
ckonebet
weenus?
Morr
is:ohwow(theylaughed)l
etmegoorderand
j
oint
hevisualmeeti
ngLovemorehascal
led
Lewi
s:nopr
obl
em i
mjustgoi
ngt
oli
eher
eandbe
onmyphone
Mor
ri
s:cool

Heleftl
ooki
ngforTheBraaiPl
acenumberwhi
le
Lewissmil
edlooki
ngathim..
.

Lewi
s:t
hisonedeser
vest
obekept

THATAFTERNOON

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.
Lucaswenti
nsi
deaf
terr
egi
ster
ingashi
sdad
wavedathi
m...

Lovemor
e:youhavegr
own
Lucas:ahdadi
t'
sbeenaf
ewdaysonl
y
Lovemor
e:andimi
ssyouwhenar
eyoucomi
ng
backhome?
Lucas:sinceyousai
dPr
eci
ousi
snolongerst
ayi
ng
atthathouseideci
dedt
obri
ngmybagswith
Lovemor
e:who'
swi
thApr
ilandHer
ber
t?
Lucas:uncleJoshua'
slaundr
ylady.It
oldauntythat
i
ml eavi
ngsot heyaskedhertostayoverunt
ilt
hey
getbackfrom work
Lovemore:ohokbutwhydon'
ttheyj
ustgetahouse
hel
per?
Lucas:uncl
eJoshuai
snotaf
anoft
hem
Lovemore:ohok.Thenwher
ewi
llt
heki
dsgo
tomorr
ow?
Lucas:it
oldaunt
yMayat
hatt
heycandr
opt
hem
offatourhouseandpi
ckt
hem whent
heyknockof
f
unti
ltheschool
sopen
Lovemor
e:ohok.Theyshoul
dpayyouf
orbaby
si
tti
ng
Lucas:ahdadyouknowil ovespendingt
imewit
h
them j
ustthatimissourhouseandagainidi
dn'
t
takeenoughclothes(
theylaughed)
Lovemore:youknowi
mjoki
ng.Anywayl
et'
sgoand
seeyoursist
er

Heledt
hewaytoNyasha'
sroom whi
leLucascame
behi
ndhim.
..

Chi
oma:youcanl
ashoutatmeordowhateveryou
wantasl
ongasyoul
etoutthepai
ninyou
Lucas:goodday
Chi
oma:(
smi
led)ohhit
her
e

Nyashaswal
lowedl
ooki
ngatLucasast
ear
sbui
lti
n
hereyes.
..

Lovemore:Chithisi
sLucasmyson,andLucast
his
i
sMsChi omaAdi ol
e,She'
saf
ri
endofmineand
Nyasha'
stherapist
Lucas:ni
cemeet
ingyouma'
am
Chi
oma:ni
cemeet
ingyout
oo

Theysmi
ledatoneanot
hershaki
nghandswhile
Nyashal
ookedawayasateardroppedf
rom her
eye.
..

Lucas:ar
eyouokNyasha?
Lovemore:pleasesitdownLucidaddyhas
somethi
ngt otellyou
Lucas:ok
Lovemor
e:asihaveal
readyt
oldyou,
mom i
sno
l
ongerst
ayi
ngwithus
Lucas:Pr
eci
ous
Chi
oma:iknowyouar esomehowangrywithher
wit
hthel
atestdi
scoverybutshe'
sst
il
lyourmom
myboy
Lucas:nomymotherwoul
dneverbewi
tchherown
si
ster(Chi
omasi
ghed)
Nyasha:what
!?
Lucas:yes,Nal
eandherhusbandcameover
yest
erdayandtoldauntyMayathatPr
eci
ousand
Ronahavebewi t
chedher.Uncl
eTshepohear
d
them t
alki
ngaboutitwhil
eathi
shouse
Nyasha:no.Imi
ghtbeangryatherf
orwhatshedi
d
t
omebutmymot herwouldneverdothat
Lucas:whydoyout hi
nkshehatesaunt
yMayaso
much?Ohwai tyouaretoobli
ndtoseeitbecause
shehastaughtyouhowt obeonehenceyouar e
abl
et otr
eatyourcousi
nsthewayyouar e
Lovemor
e:Luci
Lucas:nodadim notgoi
ngtosi
thereandlick
Nyasha'swoundsbecauseshe'
sjustl
ikeher
mot
her
Chi
oma:soncal
m down
Lucas:ohi
m cal
m aunt
yim ver
ycal
m
Lovemore:he'
stell
ingt
hetruthNyasha,
ihaveal
so
discover
edthatyourmotherbewi
tchedmeforme
tonotbeabletoleaveher
Nyasha:noyouguysar
elyi
ng
Lucas:yousee,
igiveup.Thatwomandoesn'
t
deservemetocallhermymot her
.Icur
set
hedayi
devel
opedinherwomb
Chioma:don'
tsayt
hatson.Youar
ecur
sing
yoursel
f
Lucas:i
m al
readycur
sedaunt
yim al
readycur
sed
Chioma:noyouar enotLucas.Youareawonderful
chil
d.From al
lthethi
ngsyourdadt ol
dmeabouti
pickedt
hatyouar ehistr
easure.Samegoestoyou
Nyasha.Thismanl ovesthebothofyoualot
.Y'
all
shouldneverdoubtthat
Nyasha:buti
tdoesn'
ttakeawayt
hef
actt
hathe'
s
notmyf at
her
Lucas:what
!?
Nyasha:yesisn'
tthat
'swhyhecall
edyouhere?To
t
ellyouthatyouandiarenotbr
otherandsi
ster
Lucas:dad.
..
Chioma:beforeyousayanythi
ngMrKavi mbalet
met ellt
hem onethi
ng.Wetheryouar ebloodornot
factisyoutwogrewupasbr otherandsi st
erand
thatshouldnotst
opbecauseoft helatestdi
scover
y
Lucas:dadi
sshebei
ngser
ious?
Lovemor
e:(
sighed)yesson.Pr
eci
ousconf
ir
medi
t
Lucas:(
sneer
ed)andyoust
il
lbel
ievet
hatyour
motheri
snotawitch.Wowthi
sisunbeli
evabl
e

Hestor
medof fasLovemorer
anafterhi
m whi
le
Nyashasi
lent
lycri
edshaki
ngherhead..
.

Lovemor
e:Lucaswai
t.Sonpl
ease
Lucas:l
eavemeal
one(
hesai
dcal
li
ngPr
eci
ous)
Lovemor
e:canwet
alkaboutt
hisf
ir
stson.Ibeg
you
Pr
eci
ous:hisonhowar
e..
.
Lucas:youareanevildar
khear
tedwi
tchandihope
thedevileat
syoual
ive
Pr
eci
ous:Lucas!
Lucas:howcoul
dyouPr
eci
ous?
Pr
eci
ous:Lucasi
m yourmot
her
Lucas:mymotherl
ongdiedthedayshesawi t
fi
tt
ingtomakeever
yone'
sli
femi ser
abl
e.Whatkind
ofahumanbeingareyou?(Lovemorescr
atchedhi
s
headdefeat
ed)
Pr
eci
ous:ican'
tbel
ieveLovem.
..
Lucas:don'
tyouevenblamedadforyourlyi
ng,
conninvi
ngandadult
erousways.Youarerott
en
Preci
ousandican'twaitf
oryoutodi
e.Sies!

Hecl
ickedhi
stongueandhungupwhi
leahuge
l
umpgotstuckonPreci
ous'
sthr
oat
.Shesatupon
herbedwi t
ht earsblurri
nghervi
sion.Shemoved
aroundincirclestr
yingtoholdbackhertear
sbut
themor eLucas'swor dsplayedi
nherheadthe
mor eherheartshatteredandburstint
oacry.
..

Lovemor
e:Lucascal
m down
Lucas:(
tear
ful
ly)whatiswrongwit
hthatwoman
dadwhatiswrongwi t
hher!Ihat
eher!

Hesni
ff
edbit
inghi
slowerl
ipasLovemoregr
abbed
hi
mint
oatighthugashebursti
ntoacr
y

THATEVENI
NG

Att
heTaol
o's.
..

Mayapar
kedtheGTInexttoherVit
zandheaded
i
nsi
dewhereMarel
ediwelcomedher .Thesecond
hel
aidhi
seyesonher.Everyt
hingaboutherfami
ly
andevenherbecamecl
ear
erasheswal
lowedand
tookasi
pofwat er
..
.

Mar
eledi
:wel
comet
oourhumbl
ehomef
ri
end
Maya:(
smi
led)t
hankyousomuch.Goodeveni
ng
Al
exander
:hinana.Yougood?
Maya:hadar oughfi
rstdayatwor
kbutever
ythi
ng
shal
lfal
lint
oplace
Mar
eledi
:ihear
daboutt
heacci
dent
stl
hemmahow
i
sMrKgangdoi ng?
Maya:hewassobrokenbuthe'
sdoi
ngoknow.I
l
efthi
m wi
ththeki
ds
MrT:andi
t'
sal
lthankst
oyouraunt
Maya:(
frowned)what
?
MrT:mynamei
sPast
orTaol
o,youcancal
lmeMr
T
Maya:i
m gl
adt
omeetyousi
r
Sheshookhishandashef
eltal
ofofpowerf
all
uponhi
m...

MrT:l
ovecanir
equestonet
hing?
Al
exander
:yesdaddy?
MrT:maywedothi
sbef
oreeat
ingbecauseican'
t
hol
diti
nanymor
e
Al
exander
:nopr
obl
em daddy.Mar
eledil
et'
sexcuse
t
hem mylove
Marel
edi
:okma.Rel
axfri
endyouar
egoi
ngt
oleave
her
eabrandnewperson

Mayanoddedwithherhear
tthr
ust
ingwhi
leMrT
pul
ledoutachai
rforher
..
.

Maya:t
hankyousi
r
MrT:youmovear oundwit
hal otofgr
aceonyou
butit
sallhi
ddenawaybecauseofthepeopleyou
thoughtwer
eyourfamil
y.Let
'sprayfi
rst(
they
closedt heireyes)Heavenl yfat herit hankyouf or
thismomentandf ort hishour .GreatLor dyoual one
knowwhywear eher et oday.UsemeLor dasyour
servant,usemet ohel pbr ingoutt hegr aceyour
childMayaMoet iwalkswi th.Gui demeLor dt ohel p
herbr i
ngbackl i
feintoherf orshe' sadeadwoman
wal ki
ngJesus( Mayaf r
owned)hel pmehel pher
Jesusbecauseyouar et heonl ymi ght yGodwe
knowandyoucanneverbr ingaper soni ntot his
wor ldandhavet hem depar titwithoutcompl eting
theirpurpose.Godl etallthatwi l
lber evealedher e
todaybui ldandhealt hi
schi l
d.Fat herGod
(groaned)...
ohJesusyourmot heriscr yingf oryou
mychi ld.Yourmot herisi naver ydar kpl ace, ican
hearhercr ybutican' tseeher
Maya:(
openedhereyes)r
ra?
MrT:andyouarehol di
ngabi gsecretinyourheart
butscar
edtotel
lthetruth(sheswallowed)your
cousi
nandauntar enotthepeopleyout hi
nkthey
areandyouknowver ywellthatyourcousin'
slast
bornchi
ldi
snotbiological
yhers
Maya:noi
t'
smysi
ster
MrT:(
openedhi
seyes)she'
syourcousi
n
Maya:idon'
tunder
stand
MrT:thepersonyout
hinki
syourmot
heri
snot
yourmother
Maya:(
hear
tski
pped)what
?
MrT:yourmotherhasbeent
urnedint
oazombie
andyouandeveryoneweremadetobeli
evet
hat
she'
sdead
Maya:(
heartraci
ng)areyousayi
ngaunt
yKenei
lwe
i
smybi ol
ogicalmother
?
MrT:yesmychi
ldyesoohhol
yspi
ri
tspeakt
ome
speakt
omeohholyone

Mayaj umpedof fherchairi

nshockandhel dher
mout hast earsbuil
tinhereyeswit
hherhear t
raci
ng.Youcoul dhearandseeitfr
om herchest.
Meanwhi l
ei ntheout ski
rt
sofMochudiMmadi t
aola
draggedher selfoutofbedasherintest
inescoil
ed
themselves.Shegr untedcrawl
ingtoher
consultat
ionroom. ..
Mmadi T:legadiradikantl
hoyagagonaopeyoka
nkgonang( nomat terwhathappenstheyar enot
goingtodef eatme).Whoeveristryi
ngmei snot
goingtosucceedwi thwhatt
heyar etr
yingtodo.
Theywi l
ldot hem allbutt
heywil
lneverf i
nd
Keneil
we.Never !

Shesai
dgrunt
ingpul
li
ngoutallt
hest
rengt
hshe
coul
dtogett
oherconsul
tat
ionroom.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
10] :AKEPTWOMAN
41
Maya:(
bli
nked)not
hiscan'
tbet
rue.How?
MrT:iknowyouar
escar
edbutpl
easet
akeaseat
Maya:MrTigrewupknowi
ngRonaismymother
andKenei
lwei
smyaunthowiswhatyouar
etel
li
ng
menowpossible?
MrT:onl
yRonahast
heanswert
othat
Maya:whywoul
dshewantt
odot
hist
ome?Toher
si
ster
?
MrT:j
eal
ousy
Maya:butwhyMrTaolowhy?(Shebli
nkedbl
ocki
ng
hert
ears)whywouldRonabejeal
ousofmyaunt?I
don'
tevenknowifishoul
dcal
lhermyauntorwhat
MrT:shei syourmothermychi l
d.Ronawantst he
goodthingstobeseenonhert hatiswhyshe's
fi
ghti
ngsohar dtokeephersonf r
om marryi
nghi s
fi
ancee.Sheknowsifhemar r
ieshershewi l
llose
onallt
hathecouldbedoingforher
Maya:buti
t'
snotl
ikeTi
tushasawel
lpayi
ngj
ob
MrT:shel ockedhi sblessingsawaysot hathi
s
fi
anceecanl eavehi m becausehehasnomoney
butbecauseofherbei ngaf ir
m beli
everi
nChrist
andpr ayerwor ri
ertheirrelat
ionshi
phasbeen
protected.Theonl ythingthat'sneededtobedone
forTitustobesuccesf ulisifthepersonwhoputthe
curseonhi m conf esses.
Maya:bathongRona.MrTar
eyousur
eaboutwhat
youaresaying?
MrT:i
sitnotmaki
ngsense?
Maya:wel
lLesedihasneverbeeni
ngoodt
erms
wi
thPreci
ous
MrT:t hat'
sbecausesheseest hr
oughher.You
l
osingt hatjobandt hedramayouhavehadatyour
l
astjobwasal lyourauntandcousin'
sdoing.The
l
astr i
tualshetriedtoperfor
m wastobringendless
paininyourl i
feandcl oseyourwombsot hatyou
don'thavechildrenanymor ebutshefai
ledbecause
ofthemanyoumet( Mayafrowned)t
hatmani s
yoursavinggr ace.He'sbroughti
ntoyourli
feby
Godhi mselfandt heaccidentofhi
sbuseswas
causedbyyouraunt
.
Maya:idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
MrT:i
t'
stimeyouprayedandpr ayedhar
dbecause
nowal
lthesehavebeenreveal
edt oyoutheyar
e
goi
ngtotr
ybyallmeanstof i
nishyouoff
Maya:i
m scar
ed
MrT:don' tbe.Youar egoingtogointofastingso
thatwear eabl etolocat
eyourmother.Ithoughtthe
spiritwouldrevealherexactl
ocat
ionbutiguessi
willhavet opraymor eabouti
tsodoesyou.Noone
shoul dknowt hatyouarefast
ingandwhi ledoingso
donotengagei nanysexualacti
vit
iesnorgoout
withf r
iendsbecauset hemoreyoudot hatthe
furtheryouwi l
lgobackandr i
skneverfindingyour
mot her
Maya:t
hisi
sunbeli
evable(scof
fed)buthowdoi
keepmyfast
ingasecretfr
om Joshuaandtheki
ds?
Theyar
egoingtost
artaskingquesti
ons
MrT:tellt
hem youareonadietandasf orsexual
acti
vit
iesj
ustt
ellhi
m youarenotyetreadybecause
iknowyouguyshaven'tdoneanythi
ng
Maya:bathonghowi
sitpossi
blef
oryout
oseeal
l
t
hesethings
MrT:youwon' tunder standi fyoudon' thavet he
samegi ftasi .Makesur eyousl eepi ndi fferent
roomsandbui ldanal terinther oom youwi llbe
sleepingi n.Fr om her eonMayaMoet iyouar egoing
topr ayint hisor der .12mi dni ght ,bef oreget t
ing
readyf orwor k, atlunchand6pm.Al sot eachyour
childrenthei mpor tanceofpr ayerandengaget he
whol efami lybef oregoi ngtobed.Wehavet of i
nd
yourmot herver ysoonbef or et hespel lcastonher
makesherdot heunt hinkabl e.Im scar edi tmi ght
haveal readymadeherdoaf ewt hingsi fnotyetbut
youri nt
enseandf aithfulprayer swi llpr otecther
untilwef indher .Nodevi lisgr eat ert hanGod.God
l
ongdef eat edt hedevi lthet imet hedevi ltri
edt o
makeJesust hrowhi msel fof fabui ldingt opr ove
thathei ndeedwasJesust hesavi our.Thedevi l
showedJesusal lthebeaut yoft hewor l
dandt hat
's
whathappenedt oyouraunt .Unf or t
unat elyforyour
auntsheal lowedher selftobef ool edasf orJesus
heknewt hatnot hingi sgr eatert hanGod
Maya:soKenei
lwei
saf
ullhumanbei
ng?
MrT:yesver
ymuchal
iveal
lsheneedsi
syout
o
hel
psaveher
Maya:Ronahasal
otofexpl
aini
ngt
odo
MrT:domeonef avour,donotconfrontherunti
lwe
fi
ndyourmot herbecauseshoul dyoudot hatthey
mightkil
lherandhi deherbody.Iknowi t'
sgoingto
behardbutshiftyourf ocusi
ntoprayerandt he
fast
ingisuggested.Yesherwi tchdoctormightbe
awareofwhat '
shappeni ngnowbutonet hi
ngi
knowf orsur
eisthatGodwoul dneverall
owt hem t
o
hearwhatwear et al
kingabout
Maya:i
m scar
edt
oevendr
ive
MrT:st opsayingyouar escared.Themoreyou
doubtGod' spowert hemor et
hespiri
twil
ldr
iftf
rom
you.Believethatyouar eachi
ldofGodandt hatyou
arehighlyfavoured.PleaseMayaplease
Maya:(si
ghed)okPast
orTaol
oibel
ievei
m hi
ghl
y
f
avoured
MrT:goodmakesur
eyoucomef
oroureveni
ng
sur
vicetomor
rowandbr
ingyourpar
tnerand
chi
ldren
Maya:eer
raiwi
ll
MrT:nowlet
'stalkaboutt
hesecr
etyouar
ehol
ding.
Youneedt
otellthetrut
h
Maya:butt
hisi
sgoi
ngt
ohur
tthepoorchi
ld
MrT:bett
ertohurtapersonwitht
hetr
utht han
makethem smilewi
thalie.Onceyout
ellthetrut
h
maybeeveryt
hingwil
lopenupsodon'tletthis
secr
ethol
dbackgoodt hings.
Maya:(
sighed)ihearpast
or.I
m notreadyfor
seei
ngLucashurtbutasyousayt hetrut
hsaves
MrT:indeed(chuckl
ed)youraunt
'sdaughteri
s
honestl
ysomet hi
ngelsebuti
t'
sallhermother
's
faul
tthati
swhyshecoul dn'
thavekidsaf
terher
fi
rstbornandbecauseherhusbandwantedason
sobadsher esort
edtowhatshedid
Maya:ial
sowonderedwhywoul
dsheallofa
suddennotbeabl
etohaveki
dsaft
ershehadher
daught
er
MrT:hermot
herhasal
otofanswer
ingt
odo
Maya:howdoiexpl
aint
hist
oLucas?
MrT:youdon'thavet
oexpl
ainanyt
hingyouraunt
's
daughteri
stheonewhowil
lhavetoexpl
ain
ever
ything
Maya:howdoit
ellhi
m whi
lewehaven'
tfoundmy
mother
?
MrT:justt
ellhi
m becausethi
shasnot
hingt
odo
withyourmotherbei
ngakeptwoman.Herbeinga
keptwomani sbecauseofyou
Maya:andican'
tstopaski
ngmysel
fhowshe
managedtodothis
MrT:prayerandfast
ingwi
llhel
pforal
lthoset
obe
r
eveal
ed.From heremakesureyoutal
ktoLucas
Maya:iwi
llpast
oriwi
ll
MrT:(smi
led)andyouhaveawonder
fulgi
ftof
mini
str
yMaya.Godwant syout
ouseitt
oheal
peopl
e
Maya:what
?
MrT:yourgiftofsi
ngi
ng.Otherpeopl
eneedt
obe
sungtoonlytobehealedsoit'
shight
imeyoual
so
tappedi
ntothat
Maya:(smi
led)okiguessim supposedt
obea
pr
aiseandwor shi
ppernow
MrT:yougott hatri
ght.I
m goi ngtogi
veyouwhi t
e
candl
esandwat er.Alwayskeept hecandlesonon
youralt
eranddr i
nkthewat erwheneveryoufeel
hungry,bef
oreandaf t
erpraying.Putabitofi
tinthe
bathwhilebat
hingonceaday
Maya:okiwi
lldoso
MrT:l etuspr ay(theyhel dhands)heavenl yfather
wet hankyouf orthismomentf oritwouldn'thave
beenpossi bleifitwasn' tforyou.Fat herher e'
syour
chil
dsheneedsyourpr otectionasshe' sembar king
onaj ourneyoff indinghermot her.Wecanhearher
crybutwest i
llcan'tfindherLor dsopleaseLor d
mayyoubr ingl i
ghtont hisjourneyandl etusf i
nd
herinonepi ece.Fat heripr aythatyoubl ockt he
earsoft hosetryingt oli
steni nonourpl ans, may
theynothearnorseeanyt hinguntilwef i
nd
Keneil
weMoet iLord.Prot
ectherwher evershe's
keptandmayt heirpl
answi t
hherf ailLord.Lor di
saymayt heirplanswi t
hherf ai
linthemi ghtyname
ofJesus!ProtectyourchildLord,herchi l
dr enand
allt
hepeopleshecomesacr oss.Webr eakallthe
cursesbroughtuponherl if
eatt hishourLor d
Maya:yesJesus
MrT:webreakal
lthechai
nsi
nthemi
ght
ynameof
Jesus.Amen
Maya:Amen(
shesni
ff
edwi
pinghert
ear
s)
MrT:i
tiswel
lmychi
ldi
tiswel
ltheLor
diswi
thyou
Maya:t
hankyouMrTaol
o
MrT:r
athert
hankGodbecausei
mjustaser
vant
Maya:(
lookedup)t
hankyouGod
MrT:(
smi
led)good.Love?
Al
exander
:yesdaddy
MrT:wecannoweat
Theycamef rom wher etheywer ewhi leMayashook
herheadandsi ghed.Shest il
lcouldn'tbeli
eveall
shehadbeent oldbutf rom t
hereoni twasupt oher
tomakesur ethedeviliskickeddownf orgood.
Meanwhi leinMochudiMmadi taolacriedast he
pai
ni nherst omachgotwor se.Shehear dallsort
s
ofsoundsbutcoul dn'thearwhatt hespiritof
darknesswant edt otellher
.Shecoul dseeMayai n
herbowlbutherf acebecamedi m eachsecond.
Shegr untedreachingf orKeneilwe'sscarfthatRona
camewi t
htheot herdayandputi tinthebowl ..
.

Mmadi
T:i
m notgoi
ngdownwi
thoutaf
ight

Shefoughthar
dtosi
tupandwhenshef
inal
lydi
d.
Shestar
tedtowasht
hescar
fwit
hherwater
..
.

Mmadi T:whatevert
heyaretryi
ngt odotheywon'
t
succeed.Ical
lonallspir
it
sofdar knesst
ogoand
causeconfusi
oni nthei
rmindsrightnow.Lett
hem
bedistr
actedfrom t
heirpl
ans.Mayt hepowerof
dar
knessat
tackt
hem now

Shegr untedasthepaininherstomachwor sened.

Shet r
iedtofighti
tbutitgotmorepainfulasshe
screamedf al
lingonherfacespil
li
ngallthewateri
n
thebowl .Sheheldthescarfandstar
tedmut t
eri
ng
onit..
.

Mmadi
T:pai
n,pai
n,pai
n..
.

Shescreamedasmor epainst
ruckher
.Meanwhil
e
atJoshua'
shouse.Herber
tgaggedasJoshuaand
Apri
lfr
ownedlooki
ngathim...

Joshua:Her
ber
tar
eyouok?
Herber
t:i
..
.i
..
.(
hespl
ashedoutgr
eenvomi
tont
he
di
nnertabl
e)
Apr
il
:eewwHer
ber
t
Joshua:youar
enotokmyboycome
Her
ber
t:i
..
.(
hespl
ashedanot
her
)
Joshua:okl
etmet
akeyout
othebat
hroom
Her
ber
t:uncl
eJo.
..

Hespl
ashedvomi
tagai
nasJoshuat
ookhi
shand.
..

Her
ber
t:myl
egsar
eheavy

Hevomit
edagainashest
artedtor
unoutofbr
eat
h
whi
leApr
ill
ookedonworr
ied..
.

Joshua:okithi
nkishouldtakeyout
othehospi
tal
(checkedhi
stemperatur
e)ohLordnoyouareeven
hot.Apri
lputonyourshoeswear et
aki
nghimtothe
hospital
Apr
il
:wher
eismommy?
Joshua:iwi
llcal
lheronourwayt
her
e.Her
ber
t
keepyoureyesopenformemyboyok
Her
ber
t:i
mti
rediwantt
osl
eep
Joshua:nonoboyyouar
enot(
hevomi
tedagai
n)
ei
sh

Helai
dhi m onhissi
deont hecarpeti
nthel
ivi
ng
room andrushedforatowelinthebathr
oom whi
le
Apri
lrantotakehisfavor
it
etoyandblanket
..
.

Joshua:Apr
ilcome,
come!

Heli
ft
edhi
m upwhi
lehecont
inuedt
ovomi
ton
hi
m..
.

Joshua:opent
hedoorf
ormenana

Shedidandj umpedint
hebackwhi l
eJoshual ai
da
conti
nuouslyvomit
ingHerber
tonthefront
passengerseataf
terdr
oppingit
.Heputat owel
overhisheadsothathecouldvomitonitonthei
r
wayt
othehospi
tal
..
.

Joshua:youwi
llbeokmyboy.Pleasehanginther
e
forme(hejumpedinthedr
iversi
deanddroveoff)
Apr
il
:wi
llhebeokuncl
eJoshua?
Joshua:yesnana.Doyouknowhowt
opr
ay?
Apr
il
:theLor
d'spr
ayer
Joshua:pr
ayi
tthenmyl
ovei
m cal
li
ngmommyok
Apr
il
:ok(closedhereyesandputherl
it
tl
ehands
t
ogether
)"ourFather
,whoarti
nheaven..
."

Joshuaswallowedlooki
ngatherandatHerber
t
whowoul dn'
tstopvomit
ing.Heseemedtobe
alr
eadyrunni
ngoutofstrengthashest
eppedon
theaccel
erat
ormor ecal
li
ngMaya...

Apr
il
:"gi
veusthisdayourdai
lybreadandf
orgi
ve
usourtr
espassesasweforgi
vethosewho.
..
"
Maya:Jo?
Joshua:wear
eonourwaytoSi
dil
egahospi
tal
makeyourwayther
enow!
Maya:(
widenedhereyes)whathappened?
Joshua:Her
ber
twon'
tst
opvomi
ti
ngpl
easehur
ry
uppleaseMaya
Maya:okoki
m coming.(Hungup)somet
hingi
s
wrongwit
hHebertt
heysayhecan'tst
opvomit
ing
i
m goingt
othehospi
talnow
Mar
eledi
:im comi
ngwi
thyoul
ove
MrT:noweareallcomi
ngwit
hyou.Theyar
e
f
ight
ingbackweneedtopr
ayforhi
m
Maya:okl
et'
sgo

Theyallt
hrewt
heirf
orksdownasMrTt ookhi
scar
keysandtheyf
oll
owedhimtothedoor
.Hehearda
l
oudbangandshouted..
.

MrT:Duck!
Al
l:what
?

Ast
heysaidabul
lethitt
hewindowwhi
leonehi
t
t
hedoorastheyf
elldown..
.

Maya:what
'sgoi
ngon?
MrT:mommycr
awlt
otheof
fi
cenow!
Al
exander
:comegi
rl
scome!

Theycrawl
edtotheoff
icebuti
twasal
it
tl
etool
ate
asthedoorgotki
ckedopen.
..

Man:yes!Stopwher
eyouar
e!Ever
yoneonyour
st
omachs, now!
MrT:si
rjustt
akewhatyouwantandl
etusbe
Man:shutupyoui
diot
!

Hesai
dki
cki
ngMrTont
heheadashecol
lapsed
whi
leAl
exanderscr
eamed.
..

Man:i
tisni
cewhenyout
akepeopl
etoj
ailneh
come
Mar
eledi
:nol
eavemymot
heral
one
Man:awwwmommy' sl
itt
legi
rl
.Boysti
ethem upas
foryoumagri
zayouaregoingtoshowmewher e
youkeepyourevi
dence
Al
exander
:what
!?
Man:comei
diot
!

Hejer
kedherupanddraggedheronl
yforMaya'
s
phonetor
ingagai
n..
.

Man:whoseisthi
s?(Theyswallowedasheputa
gunonAlexander
'shead)isai
dwho...
Maya:(
wit
hhereyescl
osed)mi
ne!I
t'
smi
ne!
Man:whoi
scal
li
ng?
Man2:Joshua
Maya:mysoni
ssi
ckandt
hey.
..
Man:shuti
t!

HeletgoofAl exanderandgr abbedthephone

hangi
ngupwhi leAlexanderranforherl
if
e.Oneof
theguysshotatherasshef ellwhi
leMayaand
Marelediscr
eamedi ntear
s..
.

Mar
eledi
:mama!
Man:behave!

Hearingthegunshotandscr eamingtheoldman
whowast heirneighbourpressedtheemergency
securit
ybut t
onanddi al
edthepoli
ce.Meanwhileat
thehospitalthemedi csrol
ledanunconscious
Herberttoattendt ohim whil
eJoshuasighedtryi
ng
tocallMayaagai nwhosephonewasnol onger
goingthrough...
Joshua:ei
sh
Apr
il
:uncl
eJoshua
Joshua:yesbaby?
Apr
il
:im scar
ed(
shebur
sti
ntot
ear
s)
Joshua:don'
tbemyl
ove.I
nher
eok.Yourbr
otheri
s
goi
ngt obeok

Hetight
lyhuggedandsushedherwhil
eseatedon
thewait
ingbenchwit
hanxiet
ygett
ingthebett
erof
him.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
10] :AKEPTWOMAN
 42

Man:shi
t!Weshoul
dgetgoi
ngorel
set
hepeopl
e
ar
egoingtof
indusher
e
Man2:i
sthatonedead
Man:(checkedAl
exander
)noshewi
llsur
vivet
he
bul
letwentthr
ough
Man2:goodl
et'
sgo
Man:weareleavi
ngwi
thoutt
heevidencesowewi
ll
needsomet
hingtomakethem backdown
Man2:whatcanwet
ake?
Man:her(
hesai
dpoi
nti
ngatMar
eledi
)
Marel
edi
:nonopl
easedon'
ttakemer
atherl
et'
s
gi
veyoumoneyandwewon't..
.
Man:shutup!Unt
ieher
Maya:guyspleaset
akeourcar
sorsomet
hingbut
l
eaveheralone
Man:isai
dshuti
t!
Hesl appedMayawhobur sti
ntotearswhilet
hey
untiedMarelediandlif
tedherup.Sheki ckedand
screamedt r
yingt of
ightthem buttheyweretoo
str
ongast heyt ookheraway...

Maya:(
cryi
ng)hel
p!Somebodyhelp!Marel
edi!(
She
cr
iedmore)Lor
dhowcanyoul ett
hishappen!Why!
Why!WhyLordwhy!?

Shescreamedandcr i
edevenlouderwhileout
side
thesecuri
tycompanyar ri
ved.Theyst
oppedatt he
oldman'shousebuthear i
ngMaya'sscream andcry
withthegateoutoftherailt
woheadedtot he
Taolo'
swhiletheothertwoheadedintotheold
man'syard..
.

Maya:somebodypl
easehel
p!

Sheshout
edt
ryi
ngt
ount
ieher
sel
fast
het
wo
secur
it
yof
fi
cer
swenti
n..
.

Man:whathappenedhere?(
Thepol
icesi
rencoul
d
behear
dinadistance)
Maya:ther
ewer egunshotsandallofasudden
theywereal
readyinthehouseeveryt
hinghappened
sofastandtheytookmyfri
end!(Cryi
ng)pl
ease
helpus
Man2:( checki
ngMr&Mr sTaol
o)theyhur
ttheman
hardont heheadandthel
adyseemstohavelosta
l
otofbloodsot heyar
egoingt
oneedmedical
att
enti
on
Maya:t
heambul anceisgoi
ngtotakeforevert
oget
her
epleasetakethem t
othehospit
alyoucanuse
mycarifyouareworri
edofthebloodstains
Man:(
untyi
ngher
)wehavet
owai
tfort
hepol
ice
f
ir
stmylady
Maya:t
hepol
icear
egoi
ngt
otakef
orevert
oget
her
e
Of
fi
cer
:goodeveni
ngwej
ustgotdi
rect
edher
eby
t
henei
ghbourwhathappened?
Maya:(sni
ffed)t
heyshotherandki
ckedhi
m ont
he
headthentookthei
rdaughter
Of
fi
cer
:di
dyoucal
ltheambul
ance?
Man2:i
m cal
li
ngi
t
Maya:t
heambul
anceisgoi
ngtotakel
ongcan'
tyou
seet
hatwomani
sbleedi
ngalot!
Offi
cer:ma'
am cal
m downyouar
egoi
ngt
ocol
lapse
becauseofstr
ess
Maya:(
annoyed)peopl
earedyi
ngandyoutel
li
ng
meaboutcoll
apsi
ng!?Tohel
lwit
hcol
lapsi
nghelp
t
hedamnpeopl e!

Shesai
dgoingt
oMrsTaol
oandgotint
ocontact
wit
hherbl
oodasoneof
fi
cerhel
dherback.
..

Maya:l
etgoofme!
Of
fi
cer
:ma'
am pl
easecal
m down
Maya:(cryi
ngandf i
ghti
ngtheoffi
cer)sheneedsto
betakentothehospital
,hi
sbrainisrunni
ngoutof
oxygenwecant akethem our
selvestoavoidany
fur
therharm andyoushouldstartlooki
ngforthei
r
daughter
!
Off
icer:t
heambulancewil
ltakethesepeopl
etothe
hospit
altel
lmeaboutthepeoplewhocamei nhere
Maya:wowt hati
ssot
ypicalofyouoff
icer
s.Peopl
e
arehangi
ngbetweenl
if
eanddeat handyouwantto
askquest
ionsnow?
Off
icer:(
get
ti
ngannoyed)l
adydi
dyounotsayt
hey
t
ookt hei
rdaught
er?
Maya:t
heybut
..
.
Off
icer
:butnot
hingwewantt
odepl
oyasear
ch
t
eam now!
Maya:asifyoursear
cht
eamsar
eal
waysef
fect
ive
(
shesnif
fed)
Offi
cer
:st
opbeingspi
cyandtellmeanyt
hingyou
rememberaboutt
heperpet
rat
ors
Maya:t
heywor
ebal
acl
avasbutoneheadbr
own
eyesandtheot
herhadl
ikeawhi
test
ainonhi
sir
is
andtheyworeboot
s
Of
fi
cer
:whatwasyourf
ri
endwear
ing?
Maya:(
snif
fed)pur
plet
racksui
twi
thpi
nksl
ipper
s
andwhit
esocks
Of
fi
cer
:what
'shername?
Maya:Mar
elediTaol
oguyst
hesepeopl
ear
egoi
ng
t
odieonus
Offi
cer:of
ficeri
m goingt ocal
ltheoffi
cetodeploy
thesearchdogheresot hati
tcoll
ectsallt
hescents
hereandstar tt
hesearchandt hentheforensi
c
team t
ocomeandcol lectfi
ngerpri
ntsandDNAi f
ther
ear eany
Maya:t
heywor
egl
oves
Off
icer
:DNAcanbesweatorsal i
vadr
opl
etsont
he
sur
facesevenhai
ryouneverknow
Of
fi
cer
:oksi
r

Theambul
ancewai
ledout
sideasf
ourmedi
csr
an
i
nwitht
wostr
etcher
s.Theycareful
lyst
rappedMrT
ononeandhi
swifeonanother
...

Maya:pleasetaket
hem t
oSi
dil
egahospi
taliwi
l
lbe
r
ightbehindyou
Medic:ar
eyouinanycondit
iontodr
ive?Wedon'
t
wanttotakesuchr
iskspl
easejumpin
Maya:ok

Shet ookherphoneandgotthenamesofthe
off
icersandthestati
ontheyworkatt
henjumped
i
ntot heambulance.Sheswit
chedonherphoneand
di
alledJoshua..
.

Medi
c:str
aightenyourarm soicancheckyour
bl
oodpressure(shedid)
Joshua:pl
easet
ellmeyouar
eher
eMayawhatt
ook
yousolong?
Maya:(
tear
ful
ly)peopl
ebr
okei
nthehouseandt
hey
shotMr
sTaol
o
Joshua:what
!?Ar
eyouokl
ove?
Maya:i
m okjustali
tt
leshakenbuttheytook
Marel
ediJoshua,
they(shesnif
fedcryi
ng)
Joshua:okokcal
m downl
ovehowdi
dyouescape?
Maya:i
minanambulancelooksli
kethenei
ghbours
cal
ledf
orhel
porsomethi
ng.Mr sTaol
oisbl
eeding
somuchandim af
rai
dshe..
.she.
..
Joshua:nonol
ovedon'
tthi
nkli
ket
hatshe'
sgoi
ng
tobeok.WhataboutMrTaol
o?
Maya:(
sniff
ed)theyki
ckedhi
m har
dont
hehead
andhejustwentout
Joshua:ei
sht
hat
'ssadwhatdi
dthepol
icesay?
Maya:theyar
egoingtodepl
oyasearcht
eam for
Marel
ediri
ghtawayihear
dhimtal
kingaboutt
he
dog
Joshua:don'
tworr
ywit
hthehel
pofthedogt
hey
wil
lbeabletofi
ndher
.Areyouokt
hough?
Medi
c:yourbl
oodpr
essur
eissohi
ghma'
am pl
ease
t
ryt
ocalm downorel
sewear
egoi
ngt
obef
orced
t
osedat
eyou
Maya:wear
eonourwayt
oSi
dil
egahowi
smyson
doi
ng?
Medi
c:ma'
am i
mtal
kingt
oyou
Maya:canyouj
ustl
eavemeal
one.
..
ouch!

Asharppainst
ruckherchestasshegrunted
droppi
ngthephone.Themedicquickl
yreachedfor
asedati
vewhil
ebehindtheli
neJoshuaswal l
owed
andcall
edher.
..

Joshua:Maya?Maya?
Medi
c:si
rwehavej
ustsedat
edher
Joshua:i
ssheokihear
dshespokeofSi
dil
ega
Medi
c:yeswear
eonourwayt
her
egoodbye.

Themedi
chungupasJoshuaheavedahugesi
gh
andlookedatasleepingAprilwhousedhi sjacket
asapill
owandputHer ber
t'
sf avor
it
eblanketover
her.Heswallowedfeeli
ngforherashesquat ted
movingabr aidof
fherfacethenkissedher
for
ehead..
.

Joshua:ihopenot
hinghappenst
oyoul
it
tl
eangel

Hest
oodupast
hedoct
orcame.
..

Joshua:t
ellmet
heboyi
sokpl
ease
Dr
:isheyourson?
Joshua:yesdoct
or
Dr:hel
ostalotofwat
ersowearest
il
lput
ti
nghim
onadri
pt her
efor
ehe'
sgoingt
ohavetospendt
he
ni
ghthere
Joshua:(
sighed)okbuti
sheok?
Dr:yeshe'
sconsciousbuthi
svi
sionandbrai
nis
st
illal
it
tl
efuzzyhencewewanthimtorestas
muchashecan.Whatdi
dheeatmaybet
hisi
san
al
ler
gy
Joshua:wehadhakeandf
ri
es
Dr
:nosal
adoranyt
hing?
Joshua:nodoct
or
Dr:okwedr ewsomebloodt otestifther
e'san
al
lergysof ornowpleasemakesur ehedoesn'tt
ake
anyki ndoffish,
oil
,sal
t,vi
negar,spicesand
potatoesoranythingwit
hst ar
chunt ilwefi
ndout
whatcoul dbewr ong
Joshua:bat
hongwhati
shesupposedt
oeatnow?
Dr
:anythi
ngwi t
houtst
arch,
wit
hnosal
t,spi
cesand
al
lthoseihavementi
oned
Joshua:t
hisi
stor
tur
etot
hepoorchi
ldbutiwi
ll
makesureofit
Dr:t
hankyousi
r.Haveagoodnight,
wewil
lmeet
tomorr
ow.Pl
easetaket
heli
tt
legir
lhomesoshe
coul
dbecomfortabl
e
Joshua:yeahi
m st
il
l.
..
Medi
c:emer
gency!Emer
gency!
Dr:whathappenedher
e?(Joshuaswal
lowed
l
ookingonasApr i
lwokeuptothenoi
se)
Medic:onel adywholookstobei nhermid40'swit
h
ashotwound.Hasl ostal
otofblood,amani nthe
sameager angeandsaidtohavebeenhi torrat
her
ki
ckedhar dont heheadandal adysuspectedtobe
i
nherl ate20'ssuff
eri
ngami niheartat
tackdueto
highbloodpr essur
e
Joshua:di
dyouj
ustsayhear
tat
tack?
Dr
:si
rgohome
Joshua:she'
smywi
fe
Dr:okstayputwewi llgetbacktoyou.Guyshur
ry,
hurryup!Onecallthebloodlab,t
heothercal
la
neurol
ogistf
orthismanandt akethel
adyto
surgerynow!Now!

Sheshoutedr
unningaft
ert
hem whil
eJoshua
swall
owedahugel umpwit
hhi
shandsonhi shead.
Apri
lsof
tl
ytappedhisl
egasheturned.
..
Apr
il
:(sof
tl
y)i
sthatmommy?
Joshua:l
et'
sgogetyousomet
hingt
oni
bbl
eonmy
gi
rl

Hel
iftedherupandheadedtothevendi
ngmachi
ne
whi
leAprill
ookedatallt
henur
sesanddoct
ors
r
unningforassi
stance.

I
nMochudi
..
.

Pr
eci
oustr
iedt
ocallLucasbuthisphonesti
ll
woul
dn'
tgothr
oughasshegr unt
edhitt
ingherbed.
..

Rona:(
opened)andt
henwena?
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
etol
dLucasaboutNyasha
Rona:jaanongotshwanet
sewaitl
entl
ereganyajal
o?
(
Sot hatmeansyoushouldhi
tyoursel
fagainstt
he
walll
iket
hat
)Thosepeopl
eareyourki
dsandno
oneisgoi
ngtotaket
hem awayfr
om you
Pr
eci
ous:myownsoncal
ledmeawi
tchRonahe
wi
shedicoul
ddi
e
Rona:ar
eyounotawi
tch?
Pr
eci
ous:excuseme?
Rona:gat
heryour
sel
fandst
opbehavi
ngl
ikea
st
upidchi
cken.
Pr
eci
ous:howcanyoubesohear
tl
essRona?
Rona:im notheart
lessi
m grabbi
ngabullbyi
ts
horns.Im sendi
ngKeneilweofff
oranerr
andat
midnight.She'
sgoingtogetri
dofever
ythi
ngthat
tr
iedtost epi
nourwayi ncl
udi
ngMoses
Pr
eci
ous:whatdoyoumeanbygetr
id?
Rona:ki
llPr
eci
ous.Kenei
lweisgoingt
oki
llTshepo,
Nal
eandLovemor eandthatst
upidChi
omawoman
aswellasMoses
Pr
eci
ous:ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hat
?
Rona:yes
Pr
eci
ous:whati
fital
lleadst
ous?
Rona:whatkindofani diotar
eyou?Wher ehave
youeverseenawi tchbebust edformurder?Coll
ect
yoursel
fandstartpract
isinghowyouar egoingto
mour nt
hatstupi
dhusbandofyour sbecauseifyou
can'
thavehim noonewi l
landwi t
hhim outofthe
pict
ureyourchil
drenwi l
lbef or
cedtowelcomeyou
backinthei
rli
ves.Goodni ght

Shecl osedt hedoorasPr eci

ousswal l
owedand
shookherhead.Meanwhi lei
nherbat ht
ubChi oma
slowl yopenedhereyesasshef el
tthetextureof
wat erchangi ng.Shej umpedupseei ngthewat er
changi ngintobl oodandcheckedi fshewas
bleedi ngbutshewasnot .Sheswal l
owedl ookingat
i
tbutf ellonherkneescover i
ngherear sasal oud
soundoft hunderf i
ll
edthewhol eroom.Wi thher
hear tracingshequi ckl
yputonat owelandr ushed
outoft hebat hroom andwentt ocheckonherni ece
andshewashummi ngdownst ai
rsstudyingwhi l
e
thel oudbangsoft hundersti
llf
il
li
ngherear s.She
swal lowedgoi ngbacki nt
oherbedr oom andwent
t
oheral
ter
..
.

Chioma:Godi fthere'sanysheddingofbl oodr ight

nowispeakl i
fei ntothevicti
ms.Anyonewho' s
beingt hr
eatenedbyt hunderorthei
rl i
vesbei ng
threat enedispeakpr otect
ionoverthem.Cover
them wi t
hyourwi ngsandl etnoweaponf ashioned
agai nstthem pr osperGod.Youar eaGodt hathears
andanswer sandiknowyouar eli
steningt ome
now.Youwoul dn' thaveshownmet hisifwhoever
thevi ctimisdi dn'tneedmyhel p.Ifit'
sanyonei
knoworanyoneknownbysomeoneiknowver y
wel lletthem beshi eldedLordandeveni fit
'sa
strangerLor dpr otectthem.Coverthem andmayal l
theweaponshi tthesenderLor d.Mayal lthe
weapondhi tthesenderLor d!Mayal ltheweapons
hitthesenderLor d!

Heari
ngherauntshoutwordsofpr
ayerfr
om her
room Sundaequi
ckl
yclosedherbooksandwent
onherkneesaswell
..
.
Sundae:Lor
dwhoevermyaunti
sfi
ght
ingagai
nst
maytheynotwi
nLord
Chi
oma:mayal
ltheweaponshi
tthesenderLor
d!
Sundae:pr
otectwhoevershe'
str
yingt
opr
otect
Lor
d
Chioma:isayletyourunquenchablefi
rehi
tthe
senderLord!Mayt heybur
n!Mayt henburnwit
h
thei
rweaponsLor d!OoohLord!

Sheshoutedatthet
opofhervoi
cewhi
leherni
ece
cont
inuedtoprayaswel
l.
..

.
..
butidi
dn'
tmeanf
ort
hingst
oendl
iket
his.
..

Mmadi t
aolaf
oughtsohar dt
okeepherstr
engthbut
therewasnoneanymor easshelai
donherback
holdingherbagofditaol
a(bones)andf
lywhisk.
Shesl owlybl
inkedasherbreat
hwentshorteach
second.Thepenshehel dintheotherhandsl i
pped
offherhandandf el
lontopoft hepapershewr ote
on.Shest artedtogruntandheldtightl
yonherbag
andflywhi sk.Aft
eraf ewsecondsofgr unti
ngshe
fi
nall
yclosedhereyesandl etoutherbreath.Her
stat
uefelloffthedoorwhi l
etheowlont opofher
housefelldeadi nfr
ontofherdoor .Outofnowhere
thewholeofMochudiwasf i
ll
edwi thstr
ongwi nds
asthunderst ri
kedwithraincloudsgatheri
ng.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Thedoct
orcameasJoshuastoodupwhi
leApr
il
pl
ayedagameonhisphone.
..

Joshua:and?
Dr:si
ryourwif
eisoutofthewoodsbutwewoul
d
l
iketokeepherover
night
Joshua:(
sighedoutofr
eli
ef)whencanweseeher
?
Dr
:it
'sal
readyl
atesoyoucancomef
ir
stt
hing
t
omor
rowmor
ning
Joshua:okwhataboutt
heot
hert
wo?
Dr:wear ebusyt
ransf
utingbl
oodint
oherbodybut
shewillbeokbecausethebul
letdi
dnothi
tanyvit
al
organs
Joshua:okt
heman?
Dr:hi
sheadwashonest
lyhi
thar
dbuthewil
lbeok.
Theywil
lal
lbeuptomor
rowicanassur
eyouof
that
Joshua:okdoct
orseeyout
omor
rowt
hen

Shesmil
edandwentherwaywhi
leJoshuat
urned
toApr
il
..
.

Joshua:comel
et'
sgohomemyangel
Apr
il
:wi
thoutmamaandHer
by?
Joshua:t
hedoct
orsayst
heyar
esl
eepi
ngsowewi
ll
seethem t
omorr
ow
Apr
il
:ok(
hel
if
tedherup)
Joshua:don'
tdr
opt
hephoneok
Apr
il
:mhem.(
pausedt
hegame)uncl
eJoshua
Joshua:yesbaby
Apr
il
:whendi
dyouandmamagetmar
ri
ed?
Joshua:(
smi
led)wear
enotmar
ri
edbutwewi
llbe
ver
ysoon
Apr
il
:(f
rowned)buthowcomeyout
oldt
hedoct
or
t
hatshe'
syourwife?
Joshua:whatisawifeApri
l?(
Heputheri
ntheback
seatandputtheseatbel
toverher
)
Apri
l:awifeisawomanwhoget saringfr
om her
manandt heysleeptogetheri
noneroom andmake
babiesbutmamadoesn' thaveari
ngandshe
doesn'tsl
eepwithyouandyouguysdi dn'
tmakeus
Joshua:(
laughed)Apr
ilwher
edoyougetsuch
thi
ngs?
Apr
il
:im notachi
lduncl
eJoshua
Shechuckl
edgoingbackt
ohergamewhi
leJoshua
l
augheddri
vingaway.
..

Apr
il
:youbet
termar
rymymot
her
Joshua:yesma'
am iwi
ll

Hesmi l
edlookingathert hroughtherearview
mi r
ror.Aspit
tingimageofMayashewasashe
sighedwi t
hherwor dspl ayinginhishead.The
senseofhumouri nallshesai devenmadehi m
forgetaboutthebusesst r
essandal lt
hathappened
toMayaandHer ber
t.Indeedchi l
drenareli
ttl
e
angelsinhumanf or
m.

AT03:
03AM.
..

Thesear
chdogwi ththeteam rani
ntoabushasi
t
di
scover
edMar el
edi'
stracksui
tsandsl
eeper
swhil
e
Ronaquickl
ywokeup.Shecheckedt heti
meand
grunt
edholdi
ngherforehead..
.
Rona:Shi
tI'
mlat
e.(
Shout
ed)Pr
eci
ous!
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
11] :AKEPTWOMAN
43

Preci
ousgotupst
art
ledasRonaki
ckedherdoor
open.
..

Rona:Pr
eci
ous!
Pr
eci
ous:whydoyouhavet
oshoutl
iket
hat
?
Rona:iwokeupl
atePr
eci
ous
Pr
eci
ous:why?
Rona:howcanyouaskmet
hat
?Whydi
dn'
tyou
wakemeup
Pr
eci
ous:youaretheonecar
ryi
ngoutever
ythi
ng
whydi
dn'tyousetanal
arm
Rona:youknewihadtowakeupat12Preci
ous
whydidn'
tyousetyour
stoo?Isetmi
nebutmissed
i
t
Preci
ous:wait
sekeengRonaihaveal
otgoi
ngon
tobestr
essingaboutyou
Rona:excuseme?
Pr
eci
ous:yes
Rona:ohsoim afoolt
ryi
ngt
ogetyourl
if
einor
der
asoldasyouare?
Pr
eci
ous:nobodyaskedyout
o
Rona:what
!?
Preci
ous:mychi
ldr
enar
eslippi
ngawayf
rom me
Ronaandican'
taff
ordt
olosethem
Rona:sowhati
m idoi
ng?I
m inotf
ight
ingt
omake
sur
ethatt
heydon'
t?
Precious:ifyouwerer
eal
lyf
ight
ingyouwoul
dhave
madesur eyouwokeupontimebutnoyoudeci
ded
tojustsleepbecauset
heyarenotyour
s
Rona:(
scof
fed)ohwowPreci
ousar
eyouser
iousl
y
goi
ngtobethatki
ndofper
son?
Pr
eci
ous:i
sitnott
het
rut
h?
Rona:youknowwhatPr
ecioustheyareyour
chi
ldr
ensof i
ghtf
ort
hem howeveryouseefi
t.I
m
donewithyou
Pr
eci
ous:yesi
mthei
rmot
heraf
teral
l
Rona:andwhileyouareati
tmakesureyoupack
yourcl
othesandleavemyhousebecauseachil
di
rai
sedwon'tbehaveli
keyouar
enow
Pr
eci
ous:wher
edoyouexpectmet
ogo?
Rona:omosadionalebanabaobal welang(you
areagrownwomanandyouhaveki dstofi
ghtfor)i
beli
eveyouwil
lfi
gur
ethatoutalliwantisf
oryout o
l
eavemyhouseandii npeace.Assoonast hesun
ri
sesishoul
dhearyourcarrunningout
side(she
wal
kedout
)
Pr
eci
ous:Ronayoucan'
tdot
hat
.Rona?Rona?Ro.
..

Ronaslammedherbedr oom doorandsi

ghed
movingaroundinci
rcl
es.Sheshookherheadand
gr
untedsitt
ingonherbed..
.

Rona:whyRona, whydidyouhavetomissan
i
mpor t
antact
ivi
tyli
kethi
s(si
ghed)anywayiwil
l
havetogotoMmadi taol
alat
er.

I
nthebush.
..

TheytookMarel
edi'
scl
othesandcont
inuedt
o
fol
lowthedogastheyst
artedt
oseebloodtr
ail
s..
.

Man:i
m seei
ngbl
ooddr
ops
Man:l
et'
sfol
lowt
hem
Withthedogaheadoft hem theyconti
nuedt owalk
whiletheot
hermani nf
ormedpol i
ceof f
icers.That
ti
met hepol
iceheli
copteralsohoveredinthesky
helpi
ngthesearchteam...

Mar
eledi
:(cr
ying)pl
easel
etgoofme
Man:canyouj
ustshutup?
Marel
edi
:youhaveal
readybeat
enmewhatdoyou
st
il
lwantt
odowi t
hme?
Man:unt i
lyourmot hermakessurethatherst
upi
d
cl
ientdropsthosest upi
dchargesyouarenever
goingtoseet hem again
Mareledi
:whyareyoulet
ti
nghim dothi
stoyou
guys?Youallseem t
obenicepeopl
ewho...

Aslaplandedacr
ossherf
aceasshehi
therhead
agai
nstthedoor.
..
Man:it
oldyout
oshutup.Dudest
opt
hecar
Man2:why?
Man:j
ustst
opt
hedamncarwear
egoi
ngt
owal
k
Man2:br
uhi
tsdar
kandwear
eint
hemi
ddl
eofa
vel
d
Man:so?
Man2:whati
fther
ear
edanger
ousani
mal
sher
e?
Man:iknowt
hisbusht
her
ear
enoani
mal
sher
e.
Gi
rlgi
rl
,come
Mar
eledi
:it
scol
dican'
twal
kout
sidewhi
lenaked
Man:(
scof
fed)doil
ookl
ikeicar
e?(
Sheswal
lowed)
Man2:ij
ustf
eel
li
kewear
eri
ski
ngt
hings.
Man:bett
erwewalkthandri
vebecauset
he
hel
icopt
erwi
llsoonspott
hecar

Hegotof
fandpull
edasi
lent
lycr
yingMarel
ediout
whohadaswoll
enmouthandeyesandacutnose.
Herwhol
efacewasinal
otofpai
nf r
om al
lthe
beat
ing.
..

Man:youbet
termakesur
eyou.
..
shi
tlet
'shi
de
behi
ndthatr
ock

Hesaidasthehel
icopt
erapproachedandt
hey
squat
tedbehi
ndthebigrock.
..

Off
icer
:(upi
ntheai
r)wejustspot
tedacarr
ighton
t
hesamedi r
ecti
onyouar
ei n,
over
Man:soweshoul
dkeepourst
rai
ght
?Over
Of
fi
cer
:justf
oll
owt
hedog.Over
Man:okof
fi
cer(heswit
chedof
fthewal
kiet
alki
e)
weontheri
ghtdir
ect
ion

Theyincreasedthei
rpaceasthedogstart
edtorun
withthescentitpi
ckedget
ti
ngstrongerbythe
second..
.
Man:shi
tmanshi
t!Theyhavef
oundus
Man2:l
et'
sleaveherher
eican'
taf
for
dtogot
ojai
l
Man:youar
eal
uckybi
tch

Hecli
ckedhi st
ongueashetri
edtor
unoffbut
Mareledigr
abbedasmallr
ockandhithi
m onthe
headashecol l
apsedt
hengrabbedt
heotherone'
s
arm..
.

Man2:ar
eyoucr
azywhatar
eyoudoi
ng,
letgoof
me!
Mar
eledi
:youar
enotgoi
nganywher
e

Shesunkhert eethonhisarm ashescreamedi n

pain.Thedoglift
editsear
shearinghi
svoiceasi t
i
ncr easedi
t'
spacewhi l
etheteam al
soincreased
theirpacebehi
ndi t
..
.
Man:youi
diotyouar
ehur
ti
ngme!Letgoofme!

Shesunkherteet
hevendeeperi
ntohi
sski
nashe
scr
eamedlouder.
..

Man2:f
uckyou!

Hesaidtr
yingtopushherawaybutthemor ehedi
d
themoretheskinonhisar
m pul
led.Thedogstar
ted
barki
ngastheyarri
vedwheret
heywer e.
..

Man:sur
rendernow!

Mareledigrunt
edandpul
ledoutachunkofhi
sski
n
wit
hhert eethashegr
unt
edinpainandfel
lonhi
s
knees..
.

Mar
eledi
:(spatoutt
heski
n)mayGodf
orgi
veyou
Theteam qui
ckl
yputcuffsonhim ast
heheli
copter
l
anded.TheytookMarel
ediandthecol
lapsedman
whil
etheteam t
ooktheotheroneandwalkedback
tot
heircaranddroveof
f.

LATERTHATMORNI
NG

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Mayasatuponherbedaf terspeaki
ngtot hephone.
HerdooropenedasJoshuaandApr ilst
uckt heir
headsi
n.Seeinghermotherawakeherf acelitup
assherantoher.
..

Apr
il
:mommy!(
Shej
umpedonher
)
Maya:(
smiledandki
ssedher
)heybaby.Hmm you
smel
lnice
Apr
il
:uncl
eJoshuabat
hedmeandputt
hisni
ce
dr
essonme
Maya:(smi
led)andi
tlooksni
ce(
lookedupat
Joshua)hi
Joshua:(
smi
led)hil
ovehowar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Maya:i
m st
il
lali
tt
letakenabackbutiwil
lbeok.A
l
othashappenedyester
daysoim st
il
ltr
yingt
o
wrapmyheadaroundeverythi
ng
Joshua:don'
twor
ryt
hedoctorsayswecant
ake
youhomesoiwi l
lmakesur
ethatyouar
eok
Maya:whataboutwor
k?
Joshua:yourwel
lbei
ngi
sfarmor
eimpor
tantYaya
Maya:whathaveyoudeci
dedont
hebuses?
Joshua:t
heonethatovert
urnedwi
llbetakenf
or
repai
ri
ngandtheburntonewil
lber
eplacedina
week
Maya:ok
Joshua:wehavealsodeci
dedtogi
vef
oodhamper
s
tothefami
li
esofthedeceased
Maya:al
l65f
ami
li
es?
Joshua:yeah
Maya:ihopei
twon'tcri
pplethebusi
nessr
emember
youhaveemployeestotakecareof
Joshua:noi
twon'ttheaccount
antsayswecan
aff
ordathousandforeachfamil
y
Maya:ohokt
hat
'snotbadiguess
Joshua:notatal
l
Maya:iguessishoul dworkonanotherpress
stat
ementjustsot hepubl
icknowswecar eabout
them.Notonlyarewewor riedaboutoursourcesof
i
ncomebutt heirl
ivesaswel l
.Imeanwithoutthem
ther
ewouldn'tbeKgangTr avelandtour
s
Joshua:(smiled)that'
sasmartmove.Im gl
adwe
haveyouonourt eam.Youwillsendt
he
recepti
onistanemai lwhenwegethomesot hatshe
contactsallmediahousesonyourbehalf
Maya:yeah.AnynewsonMar
eledi
?
Joshua:she'
sint
hehospi
talaswel
l
Maya:(
smi
led)t
heyf
oundher
?
Joshua:yeahist
oppedbyherr
oom wespokefora
fewsecondsbecauseshewassti
lldi
zzyf
rom t
he
medicati
on
Maya:t
hankGodshe'
ssaf
e.Di
dtheyhar
m heri
n
anyway?
Joshua:yeaht
heybeatherupbutshewi
llbeok
Maya:okiguessiwil
lhavetogoandseeher
par
entsfr
om here.Where'
smyson?
Joshua:t
hedoct
orwasst
il
lfi
nishi
ngwi
thhi
m she
sai
d..
.
Dr
:(smi
ledopeni
ng)hel
loever
yone
Maya:awwmyboycomet
omama

Her
ber
tsmi
ledandwal
kedt
oherast
heyhugged.
..

Maya:ar
eyouok?(Henodded)howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
(
Hegaveherathumbsup)
Dr:hesti
llabitt
ir
edthat
'swhyhe'sjustusi
ng
gestur
es.Pleasemakesureherestswellwhenyou
gethomebutheshal
lbebackt
ohi
snor
malsel
fin
theaft
ernoon
Maya:thankyousomuchdoct
or(
sheki
ssedhi
s
f
orehead)
Joshua:t
hankyoudoc.Ar
ethebl
oodr
esul
tsback
yet
?
Dr
:ohyesanditwasn'
tanal
ler
gysowebel
ievei
t
wasj
ustastomachbug
Joshua:ohokt
hat
'sar
eli
ef
Dr:okfamilyl
etmel eaveyoutoi
t(smil
ed)you
real
lymakeaper fectfami
ly.Ma'
am youhavea
wonderfulhusband
Maya:huh?Ohyeah(
chuckl
ed)t
hankyoudoc
Apr
il
:thankyouf
orsavi
ngmybr
otherandmot
her
.
Godblessyou

Shesaidgetti
ngtwochocolatesweet
sfrom her
dresspocketandgavethedoctorwhosmil
ed
taki
ngthem andkissedApr
il'
shandsthenl
eft.
..
Joshua:Mayaj
uni
or
Apr
il
:(cover
edhereyes)mhem
Joshua:wher
edoyougett
hosesweet
s?
Apr
il
:fr
om t
heki
tchen
Joshua:youar
esonaught
yApr
ilnextt
imeyouask
okbaby
Apr
il
:yesuncl
eJoij
ustwant
edt
othankt
hedoct
or
Joshua:i
t'
sokmyl
ove.Okguysl
et'
sgo

Heli
ft
edHerbertupwhi
leMayahel
dApr
il
'shand
andwalkedout
...

Maya:whyMayaJuni
or?
Joshua:t
hischil
dlooksl
ikeyousolastnightwe
deci
dedicallherMayaJunior(
theylaughed)
Maya:youar
esosill
yandwhydoest
hedoct
orsay
youaremyhusband?
Apr
il
:becausehe'
sgoi
ngt
omar
ryyou
Maya:(
laughed)ohr
eal
lynow?
Joshua:iwasgivenawhol
elect
urewhenwel
eft
thehospit
all
astnight
Maya:youtwoar
esomethingelsel
etmegoseeMr
Taolobef
orewegoiwi
llcatchupwithyouguysi
n
thecar
Joshua:ok(
hehel
dApri
l'
shandasshehopped
besi
deshim)whatwoul
dyouli
ketoeatmychamp
j
ustnameanythi
ngyouwantanddaddywi
llpr
ovi
de.
Apr
il
:(shout
ed)Pi
zza?
Joshua:i
sit
?(Her
ber
tnodded)
Apr
il
:Nandos!
Joshua:r
eal
ly?(
Her
ber
tcr
ackedasmi
lenoddi
ng)
Joshua:nowthat
'sasmi
leiwant
edtosee.Don'
t
worrydaddyi
sgoingtomakesur
eyouarewelland
fi
tok

Her
ber
tnoddedasJoshuaki
ssedhi
scheekwhi
le
hewrappedhi
ssmall
armsaroundhi
m andhugged
hi
m.MayaopenedthedoorasMrTaol
oturnedand
smil
ed.
..

Maya:hel
loMrT
MrT:hel
lomychi
ldt
heyt
ellmeyouendedupher
e
t
oo
Maya:yeahiguesst
hest
resswasj
ustt
oomuch.
Howisyourhead?
MrT:justal
it
tl
eheadachebuti
t'
snot
hingGodcan'
t
handl
e
Maya:Amen.Havet
heyupdat
edyouonMmaT?
MrT:yeahshewi l
lbefi
netheyhavedecidedt
o
keepherforafewdaysjustt
omakesur eshe'
sok
anddoesn'thaveanyot
hercompli
cat
ions
Maya:okwet
hankGod.Joshuaj
ustt
oldmeabout
Marel
edi
MrT:wethankGodt
heyfoundheral
iveiwi
llbe
wai
ti
ngforhert
owakeupthenwegohome
Maya:whowil
lbel
ooki
ngaf
teryouguysbecause
youneedt
orest
MrT:ical
ledmysi
stershewi
llcomegetusand
st
aywithusforaf
ewdays
Maya:ok.Anywayl
etmegetgoi
ngmyf
ami
lyi
s
wai
ti
nginthecar
MrT:good.(
Hel
dherhand)don'
tfor
getwhatwe
agr
eedon
Maya:iwon'
tpast
or.
MrT:good.Mayt
hegoodLor
dbewi
thyoumychi
ld
Maya:Amenandmayhebewi t
hyouandf
ami
lyas
well
.Iguesst
heeveningpr
ayer
swon'
tbe
happeni
ngtodayl
ikeyousai
d?
MrT:yeahwej ustwantt
orestsoibeli
evewewi ll
seetoeveryt
hingonSundaybutthatdoesn'tmean
theworkoftheLordwil
lst
op.Wear esti
llgoingt
o
fi
ghttofi
ndyourmother
Maya:ament
othat
.Gr
eetMmaTf
ormewhenshe
wakesup
MrT:iwi
ll
Sher
ubbedhisar
m andsmiledwalki
ngoutwhi
le
MrTsighedandmassagedhishead.

AtKgangT&T.
..

Duncangotof
fthephonewi
thJoshuaashi
sof
fi
ce
l
inerang.
..

Duncan:KgangT&TDuncanspeaki
nghel
lo?
Pat
ience:sot
hisi
swhatyouandyourwi
fear
e
pl
ayingat?
Duncan:Pat
ience
Patience:youdeli
beratel
ysendpeopletoat
tack
yourl awyersothatt
hecasecanbeputonhol dtel
l
herthatisaidnomat terwhatshet
riesshe'
sgoing
tojailforwhatshedid
Duncan:honest
lyspeaki
ngPat
ienceihaveal
ott
o
dealwi
ththanyourdramasopleasel
etmebe
Pat
ience:mmmhasl
ongasyoukeeptr
eat
ingyour
sonli
kethi
skar
mawil
ldealwi
thyou
Duncan:what
?
Pati
ence:youthi
nkthoseacci
dent
sarea
coi
ncidence?Hel
lnopapakarmanevermissesan
addressandihopeJoshuafir
esyoubecauseof
negl
igence
Duncan:ar eyouevenlist
eningtoyoursel
f?How
canyousaysuchvi lethingsaboutthefatherof
yourchild?Whatifthathappensandt henthechil
d
start
ssuf f
eri
ngyouwomensomet i
messpeakl i
ke
youar efal
li
ngfrom atreenotthi
nkingaboutthe
repercussi
ons
Pati
ence:i
nsultmeallyouli
kebutthi
sisjustt
he
begi
nningandi fyout
hinki
m goi
ngt ogodown
wit
houtafightthenyouhaveanothert
hingcoming
Duncan:youhaveanyt
hingel
set
osay?
Pat
ience:wehaver
anoutofgr
ocer
iesandt
oil
etr
y
Duncan:whatifit
ellyout
oaskyourkarmat oget
yougrocer
ies?(Cl
ickedhi
stongue)iwi
llsend
someonet
obuyf
oryouguysanddr
opt
hem of
f
Pat
ience:sendmoneywewi
l
lbuyour
sel
ves
Duncan:(
pressedr
ecor
dcallopt
ion)isai
diwillbuy
t
hosegroceri
esandhavesomeonebr i
ngthem
Patience:l
ookDuncani
fyoudon'
twantt
obuy
groceriesj
ustsayso
Duncan:doyouwantmoneyorgr
ocer
ies?
Pat
ience:isai
dsendt
hemoney
Duncan:howwi
lliknowyouwi
llbuygr
ocer
ies?
Pat
ience:r
raet
shosendt
hemoneywhywoul
di
st
arvemychi l
d
Duncan:okiwi
ll
.Shar
p
Pati
ence:good.Now,i
m givi
ngyou2minut
esand
themoneyshouldref
lectonmyphone

Duncanhungupashescof f
edwhil
ethecal
l
recor
dingsaved.Hewenti
ntohi
sbanki
ngappand
sentherP3000..
.
Duncan:ihopef
oryoursakeyoubuyt
het
hingsyou
sayyouwanttobuy

Hesaidsendi
ngthemoneyandscreengrabbed
ever
ythi
ngsavi
ngitinhi
sphone.Pat
iencesmiled
seei
ngthenoti
fi
cat
ionandcal
ledhersist
er.
..

Lady:i
m hungoverPat
iencewhatdoyouwant
?
Pat
ience:l
etusgogetyouacaseofyourbeer
Lady:mma?
Pat
ience:doyouwantt
odr
inkornot
?
Lady:ofcour
seido
Pati
ence:(
laughed)andyouknowwhatif eell
ike
spoi
li
ngust odaywhydon' twecal
lthenei
ghbours
buysomemeatandal coholandhaveagreatday?
Lady:onat
uesday?
Pat
ience:ihaveasuccessf
ulbabydaddydear
Lady:soyoust
il
lwantt
obest
rangl
ed?
Patience:ohthatonewi l
lhavetoli
vewiththefact
thatshe'snotwomanenough.Bar r
endonkeymxm
Duncani smymansoonhewi llbeeat
ingfrom the
palm ofmyhand( cal
ledherson)Duncan!Come
changewear egoi ngtotheshops.Thi
-li
-l
i-
li
-l
ipam-
pam

Shesanggoingtot
hebedroom whil
ehersi
ster
shookherheadandcl
appedonce..
.

Lady:atl
eastiwi
llbeget
ti
ngsomedr
inks
Pat
ience:(
from t
her
oom)goi
nvi
tet
henei
gbour
s
whi
leichangeDuncan

Meanwhileatt
heDuncan'sAppleshookherhead
seei
ngthenoti
fi
cati
onthatherfat
hersentPati
ence
money.Shewenttohercontact
sanddi al
edthe
numberofthegir
lwholivedcl
osertoPati
ence'
s
house.
..
Gi
rl
:hi
Appl
e:hii
t'
sAppl
e
Gi
rl
:ohhi
Apple:rememberisai
diwi
llcal
lyouonedayf
ora
favour?
Gi
rl
:yes?
Apple:ineedyoutospyonPatienceforme.She
j
ustgotsentmoneymaybei t'
sforgrocer
iesor
somethingconcer
ningthebabysopleasecheckif
theywillr
eal
lybuygrocer
ies
Gir
l:wi
lldo.Iwi
llgetbackt
oyouassoonasisee
something
Appl
e:okl
ovet
hankyou
Gi
rl
:nopr
obsbabes

TheyhungupasAppl
escof
fedget
ti
ngof
fbed.
..
Apple:iknowbabymommasver ywel
lPat
ienceand
ihopeyouar enott
hatki
nd.SoGodhel
pyou.

I
ntheout
ski
rt
sofMochudi
..
.

I
nherdisgui
seRonagotof
fhercarandheadedi
nto
t
heyard.Shefr
ownedseei
ngthedeadowlbythe
f
rontandpushedt
hedooropen.
..

Rona:mma.
..
heel
ang!

Shesaidshockedt
oseeMmadiTl
yingonherback
hol
dingherbagofbonesandt
hef
lywhisk.
..

Rona:Mmaditaol
a,mmadi.
..
(shetr
iedtowakeher
up)Mmaditaol
annyayoucan'tdothi
stomeyou
havetowakeupMmadi T?
Shesaidsoftl
ysl
appi
nghercheekbutgotno
responseassheswall
owedandsighedl
ooki
ngup
withherhandsonherhead.
..

Rona:mmadi taol
ayoucan'
tdi
enowyouneed
to..
.(
shefrownedseei
ngthenot
eandt
ookit
standingup)

Eversinceyoument ionedt hatwoman' snamei

nevergotbet t
er,igotwor se.Tomaket hingsworse
Mayawentt oseeanot herper sonofgreatpower
andmyki ngdom wasunderat tack.Itr
iedtof i
ght
butif ai
ledasyoucanseemenow( sheswal lowed
l
ooki ngather )itri
edsohar dandt heforcesof
darknesst r
iedsohar dt ot el
lmewhatMayaand
thatper sonwer etalkingaboutbuti twasn'tclear
.
Nowt here'ssomet hingiwantt oletyouknowabout .
Byj oini
ngt hiski
ngdom ofdar knessyouknowyou
alwayshavet osacr i
f i
sesomet hingri
ght?( Rona
frowned)youhavet osacr i
fi
sesomet hingt hatwil
l
giveyoupowerandhowyouhavebeensopower f
ul
i
sbecauseofwhatyousacr
if
ised.
..

Rona:butidon'
tremembergivi
ngyouasacr
if
ise
MmadiT( sheconti
nuedt
oread)

..
..
iknowishouldihavetol
dyoubutthewayyou
wereeagertohavethesepowersihadtokeepyour
sacri
fi
sefrom you.(
Ronafrowned)it
ookawayyour
daughter
'sfer
til
it
yaft
ershehadthefi
rstchi
ldas
sacri
fi
se.
...

Rona:(
hear
tski
pped)what
!?

..
..
ithadtobesomet hi
ngbi gsoideci
dedt
ot akei
t
i
nst eadtheti
meyoubr oughtherunder
weartome
tost r
engthenherhome.Ithadtobedoneihadno
choicebutididn'
tmeanf orthi
ngstoendl
ike
thi
s. .
.
Rona:nononoMmadi taol
ayoucan' tdothi
stome,
whywoul dyoudosomet hingli
ket histome?How
doir ever
set hecursehowMmadi T!?Youcan'tdi
e
beforetell
ingmehowi m goingtof ixyourmess.
Mmadi Tplease..
.(
frowned)wait,(
lookedatthenote
again)ifyout ookherfert
il
ityaf
tershehadherf ir
st
chi
ldhowdi dshecar ryLucas?

Herheartr
acedast
hequest
ionmadehergoeven
morecrazy.
..

Rona:Ronawhathaveyoudone,
whathaveyou
doneRona.OhJeso

Shesaidtaki
ngherthingsandt henoterunningout
.
Meanwhi l
eatJoshua'shouse,JoshuaandApr il
playedwit
hthepuppyout si
dewhi l
eHer ber
tsaton
thesunloungersoft
lygiggl
ingatthem.Maya
heavedahugesi ghjoi
ningLovemor eandLucason
thedini
ngtable.
..
Lucas:i
sever
ythi
ngokaunt
y?
Lovemore:ihadt
oleavewor
ktocomeandhear
whatyouneed.Areyouok?Youknowyoucanask
anythi
ngfrom meMayayoudon'
thavetobescar
ed
Maya:(swall
owed)t
here'
ssomethi
ngineedt
otel
l
youguys.It
'
saboutLucas'
sident
it
y

LucasandLovemor efrownedlooki
ngatone
anotherandturnedtoMayawhost art
edtotwit
ch
hernail
swhi l
etappi
ngherfootunderthet
ablewit
h
herheartbeati
ngfast.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
11] :AKEPTWOMAN
44

Mayadownedagl
assofwat
erandsi
ghedpour
ing
anot
herone.
..

Lucas:(
anxi
ous)whataboutmyi
dent
it
yaunt
y?

Thatt
imeLovemoresatbackl
ooki
ngatMaya
hopi
ngshedoesn'
tsaywhathismindwast
ell
ing
hi
m...

Maya:l etmest artof

fbysayinglikeyouknowi
wentt oMrTaol oknownasPast orTaolo'
shouse
aft
erhecal ledmeover.Heisaser vantofGodand
canseet hroughthespir
it
ualrealm andallwecan'
t
see.Igott hereandheconf i
rmedt omet hati
ndeed
PreciousandRonahavemyl if
ewr appedin
darknesshenceever ythi
ngthathasbeen
happeninghappened.EvenKgangTr avelandt ours
busaccidentswerecausedbyt hem.Si nceMr
Taoloseesbeyondhumaneyeandcanseet hrough
oursoulshespottedt hatthere'ssomet hingihave
beenkeepinginmef oral ongt i
menow.Heasked
met oopenaboutt histhingandt hatt hingconcer ns
thebothofyou.Youmustbewonder i
ngwhyi
decidedtokeepsuchat hingf orsol ong, that '
s
becauseicouldn'
tbar ethef actofseei ngt hepeople
icareabouthurtbutheadvi cedmet hatr at herhurt
someonewi ththetruththanmaket hem smi l
ewi t
h
alieandthatthetruthsavesandi fitellthet rut
h
maybet hi
ngswi l
lopenupandwewi llfindmy
mot her
Lucas:yourmot
her
?Isyourmot
hernotRonaaunt
y?
Maya:nomymotheri
saunt
yKenei
lweandaunt
y
Kenei
lwei
sst
il
lal
ive
Bot
h:what
!?
Maya:yest
heyar
ekeepi
ngheri
nadar
kpl
ace
Lovemor
e:wai
t,buthow?WesawKenei
lwei
nthat
coff
inMaya
Maya:wel
lRonahast
heanswer
sfort
hat
Lucas:(scof
fed)wowsotheyt
urnedgr
anny
Keneil
wei nt
oazombie?
Maya:pr
eci
sel
y
Lucas:f
orwhatr
eason?
Maya:agai
nRonaistheonlyonewhocananswer
t
hatbutibeli
evei
tsbecauset
heywant
edtokeep
myli
festagnant
Lovemor e:whywoul
dt heywanttodothatt
oyou?
(Scof
fed)RonaandPr eciousar
ehonestl
y
somethingelset
heyhaveal ott
oanswerto
Lucas:howdoest
hatmakeyouf
eelt
houghaunt
y?
Maya:ican'
tstopaski
ngmysel
falotofquesti
ons
butPast
orTaoloaskedmetonotconfr
ontthem
unti
lwefindKenei
lwe
Lucas:(
sighed)t
hisi
sshocki
ng
Maya:notli
kewhati m abouttot
ellyou(theykept
quietasshelookeddown)backin2006when
PreciouswasconfinedwithyouLucasiwasasked
tocleanherr
oom, iwasabout12year s.Imoved
thebedandsawsomedocument sundert hebed
mat tr
ess.Ascur iousandsnoopyasiwasideci ded
totaket hem andoneoft hedocument swer e
Precious'sclinicalcar d.Ideci dedt ogot hroughi t
andsawadoct or'
snot esayi ngPr eciousisi nf er
ti
le.
(Lovemor e'shear tski ppedwhi l
eLucasf rowned)i
researchedwhati nferti
li
tywasandf oundout .I
wentt omysci encet eacherandaskedherwhat
youdot ofindouti fachi ldisyour sornot .Shet old
meandonedaywhenPr eciouswasbat hingicuta
strandofyourhai randt ookonef rom Preci ous' s
comb.Iwentt omyt eacherandt oldherever ythi
ng.
Wewer ethatcl osewi thmyt eacherbecauseshe
knewiwasabusedathomesowewentt ot he
hospitaltogetherandt heyhadt heDNAt estdone.
Nowwhywasieagert ohaveyourDNAand
Precious'stestedagai nstoneanot her?I
t'sbecause
ont hecar ditwasshownt hatPreciouswas
declaredinferti
let owar dst heendof2005t hatwas
whenNyashawasayearandaboutahal fold
Lucas:(
breat
hingheavi
ly)aunt
ywai
tar
eyou
sayi
ng..
.
Maya:(l
ookedathi
m)Pr
eci
ousi
snotyourmot
her
Lucas

Hisj
awinstant
lydr
oppedashistemper
aturerose
r
ightt
hatsecondwhil
eLovemore'
sheartbeatgot
l
ouder.
..

Lovemor
e:Maya
Maya:( tear
sbuil
tinhereyes)i
m sosor
ryf
or
keepingt hi
sfr
om youguys.Iwasyoungandscar
ed.
Ididn'twanttobehomeless.
Lucas:(
bli
nkedasat
eardr
opped)aunt
y..
.
Maya:Luci
Lucas:papa(
Lovemoreswall
owedgr
abbi
nghi
s
hand)papahow..
.who.
..
daddy.
..
who.
..

Hecover
edhismout handbur
sti
ntotear
sas
Lovemor
etight
lyhuggedhi
m.Mayalookeddown
shaki
ngherhead.
..
Maya:im sosorr
yLucasiwoul
dunderst
andi
fyou
hatemerightnow.Youtr
ust
edmewi t
hyourl
if
e
and..
.
Lucas:ofcour
seit
rust
edyouaunt
y!Ofcour
se
i
..
.(hecri
ed)
Lovemor
e:cal
m downson
Lucas:she'
ssupposedtoloveandcaref
ormepapa
she'
s..
.(
swallowed)howcouldyoudothi
stome
auntyknowinghowmuchil oveyou?
Maya:(
cryi
ng)il
oveyout
ooLucasi
..
.
Lucas:ifyoulovedmeyouwoul
dhavet
oldmydad
aboutthis.I
sheevenmydad
Lovemore:youar
eaKavi
mbaLucasihavet
hat
provenyouhaveourf
ami
lyt
rai
t
Lucas:(
sni
ff
ed)t
henhowi si
tpossi
blet
hati
m not
Preci
ous'
ssonwhil
eim your
s?
Lovemor
e:onl
yshecananswert
hat
Lucas:cal
lherher
e.Iwantherandiwanthernow!
Lovemore:iunderst
andthatyouwantthetr
uthmy
boybutpleasecalm downfir
stl
etustalkt
oyour
auntbef
orecalli
nginPreci
ous
Maya:(
sni
ff
ed)i
m sosor
ryLucas
Lucas:(swall
owed)it'
sokauntyyesim angr
ythat
youkeptsuchat hi
ngfrom mebutatthesametime
iunderstandthatyouweresti
llyounganddi
dn't
knowwhatt odo
Maya:event
oyouLovemor
e
Lovemor e:idon'thaveapr oblem wit
hyouMaya.
JustlikeLucasiunder standwhyyoucoul dn'tdoit.
Itdoesn'tmakeyouabadper sonyouj ust
happenedt ostumbl eint
oshocki nginformationand
becauseyouwer eachi l
dyouwer ehinderedt o
exposet hetrut
h.Soir eall
yunder st
andMayaandi
shouldsayir espectyouf orwhatyouj ustdid.
Whet heritmightbelateornotbutyoudi ditandi t
's
notthatlate.Allweneedt odonowi sfindther est
ofthet r
uthfrom Preci
ous.Howshedi ditandwho
carri
edLucas
Lucas:(
scof
fedwi
pinghi
sface)Godhel
pmet
o
cont
rolmysel
fwheniseet
hatwoman
Lovemore:t
hatiswhyiwantyoutobesurethatyou
arecal
m beforewecal
lherher
e.Il
oveyousoni t
doesn'
tmatterwhocar
ri
edyouwhatmat t
ersisthat
youaremyseed
Lucas:il
oveyout
oodad
Maya:andiwi
llal
waysl
oveyouLucasnomat
ter
what
Lucas:t
hankyouforbei
ngawonder fulepi
tomeofa
mothertomeauntyMaya.Infactyouarenotan
epi
tomeyouhavebeenanact ualmothertome
morethantheper
sonithoughtwasmymot her
Maya:i
m honour
ed.Hug?
Lucas:whynot(
theyhugged)t
hanksf
ort
het
rut
h
Maya:youar
ewel
come
Lucas:sodadwhenar
ewecal
li
ngPr
eci
ous?
Lovemor
e:ihaveaveryi
mportantmeetingican'
t
aff
ordt
omi sssol
et'
ssaythi
saf t
ernoon.Iwil
l
makesuretocomebackhere
Maya:nolet'
srat
hermeetatyourhouseiwi l
ldri
ve
ther
ewithLucas.PreciousandRonahavemademy
l
ifesouncomfort
ablesoidon'twantthem t
oknow
whereiresi
deunti
lifindmymot herandhavethem
expl
ainwhatreal
lyhappened
Lovemor
e:ohokiunder
stand,
nopr
obl
em
Maya:andanotherthi
ngwhenweconfr
ontthem we
shoul
dmakesur ethatwedon'
tment
ionanythi
ng
aboutKenei
lwe
Lovemor
e:gott
hat
Lucas:yesaunt
ywewon'
t
Maya:t
hankyou
Lovemore:cool
.Seeyouguysl
ater
.Sondon'
twor
ry
nomatterwhat,wearegoi
ngtofi
ndyourmot
herok
Lucas:iwoul
dlovet
o

Lovemorelef
tasMayaandLucassmil
edatone
anotherandj
oinedt
hecr
ewoutsi
de.
I
nMochudi
..
.

Ronadr ovei
nandsighedfi
ndi
ngPr eci
ous'
scarsti
ll
around.Sheheadedinsi
deandfoundherwatchi
ng
tv.
..

Pr
eci
ous:and?
Rona:Mmadi
taol
aisdead
Pr
eci
ous:(
stoodup)hee!
?
Rona:if
oundherdeadPr
eci
ous
Preci
ous:how?Ithoughtshewast
hemost
powerfulwi
tchar
ound
Rona:for
getthat
.Istheresomet
hingyouhavebeen
keepi
ngfrom mePr eci
ous?
Pr
eci
ous:(
hear
tski
pped)mma?
Rona:don'
tsaymmat
omePr
eci
ousanswerme
Pr
eci
ous:idon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingabout
Rona:who'
sLucas'
smot
her
?
Shefel
therheartdr
optoherstomachasalumpof
sal
ivagotstuckonhert
hroat
.Sheslowl
ysatback
downfeeli
ngdizzyandl
ookedupatRona..
.

Pr
eci
ous:wher
e..
.(
swal
lowed)wher
e..
.
Rona:(
thr
ewt
henot
eatPr
eci
ous)t
hat

Preci
oustooki
tandsl
owlyopeneditandst
art
ed
readi
ng.Shegott
othefer
ti
li
typar
tasherworl
d
spunevenmorewhil
eshelookedupatRona..
.

Pr
eci
ous:i
t'
sal
lyourf
aul
t
Rona:myfaul
t?(
Chuckled)real
lyPr
eci
ous?Howis
i
tmyf aul
twhi
leyoukeptthatfr
om me?Youshoul
d
have.
..

Preciousangr
il
ywentforherneckandpushedher
againstthewal
lasRonastrangl
edherbackasthey
bot
hgagged.
..

Precious:i
tsal
lyourfaul
tthatyoubr
ought
darknessintoourl
ivesRona!
Rona:iwasl
ooki
ngoutf
oryou!
Preci
ous:butyourui
nedmyl i
fe!Howi
sthatl
ooki
ng
outforme(hardenedthegr
ip)
Rona:(
har
denedt
hegr
ipaswel
l)you.
..
you.
..

Shefelthersoull
eavi
ngherbodyassheletgoof
Preci
ousasPr eci
ousletgoofheraswel
l.
..

Rona:(
coughed)youar
eevi
l
!
Pr
eci
ous:(
coughed)i
m mymot
her
'sdaught
er
Rona:youshouldhavespokent
omeandt ol
dme
t
het r
uthPreci
ouswecouldhavegott
enyour
fer
ti
li
tybackandsacri
fi
sesomethi
ngelse
Pr
eci
ous:your
uinedmyl
if
e!Whatki
ndofamot
her
doest
hat
?
Rona:iwant
edt
hebestf
oryouPr
eci
ous
Pr
eci
ous:whatwi
llhappenifLovemor efi
ndsout
?
Huh,
howdoyouthinkthiswil
laffectLucas?
Rona:t
heydon'
thavet
ofi
ndout
Pr
eci
ous:r
eal
lynow?
Rona:yesbecausewear
egoi
ngt
oki
lloneoft
hem
Pr
eci
ous:excuseme?
Rona:what
'smor ei
mpor tantPr
ecious,your
husbandwhocangi veyouagoodl i
feorabast
ard
chi
ldyoudi
dn'tevencarry?(Sneer
ed)ihavealways
knownhewasn'tyours
Preci
ous:idar
eyout
otouchmysonandhusbandi
dareyou
Rona:whatwi
llyoudo?Thi
sisf
oryou
Preci
ous:stopsayi
ngthi
sisf
ormewhi
leyou
rui
nedeverythi
ngformedammit
!
Rona:(
slappedher
)shutup!
Pr
eci
ous:youj
ustdi
dn'
t
Rona:whoist
hemother
?(Shekeptqui
et)f
orcr
ying
outl
oudPreci
ouswhoisLucas'
s.
..
Pr
eci
ous:Nal
e,i
t'
sNal
eRona!
Rona:what
!?
Pr
eci
ous:yesiaskedhert
osl
eepwi
thLovemor
e
Rona:howwer
eyouevenabl
etodot
hat
?
Pr
eci
ous:wedr
uggedLovemor
eandhet
houghti
t
wasme
Rona:soyouhaveknownNal
efort
hatl
ong?
Preci
ous:yesshehadnooneandneededmoneyso
iwashersavinggr
ace
Rona:(chuckl
ed)youaresomethingelsePrecious.
SoNaleknowsmor ethansheshouldaboutthis
fami
ly?Weneedt of i
ndherandweneedt of i
ndher
now.Howdoessheevenl ookatLucasandpr etend
shedoesn'tknowhim?
Pr
ecious:idon'
tknowandidon'tcareal
l
i
..
.(
recal
ledsomething)wai
tRona,yest
erdayyou
sai
dyouwer egoi
ngtosendKenei
lweonaner
rand
toki
llt
hesepeopl
e,whatdi
dyoumeanbythat
?
Rona:ineedt
owor
konf
indi
ngNal
e
Preci
ous:(
grabbedherar
m)noRonaim st
il
ltal
king
toyouareyouusingKenei
lwe'
sspi
ri
tasazombie?
Rona:Pr
eci
ousl
etgoofme
Pr
eci
ous:answermeRona
Rona:isai
dletgoofmef
ool
!

Shepulledherarm of
fherhandasshecli
ckedher
tonguewalki
ngawayl eavi
ngPreci
oust
hereaski
ng
hersel
fquesti
ons..
.

Pr
eci
ous:Ronaineedanswer
s
Rona:f
rom who?
Pr
eci
ous:you
Rona:goaskyouruselessfat
herwholef
tmeal
one
wit
honekidandnothingelse,ihadt
ofendf
or
myselfandseewhattodot
omakeourl i
ves
be.
..
(stoppedr
eal
isi
nghert
onguesl
ipped)
Pr
eci
ous:oneki
d?
Rona:getoutofmyf
acePr
eci
ous
Pr
eci
ous:Ronaareyousayi
ngt
hatMayaandTi
tus
ar
enotyourki
ds?Ro..
.

Ronasl
ammedt
hedooronherf
aceandl
ocked.
..

Rona:goawayPr
eci
ous!
Preci
ous:( bangedonthedoor)Ronaopenup!Rona!
(Hervoicest ar
tedt
obreak)Ronaiusedmyown
bloodthinkingiwastyi
ngMaya'slif
ewhil
eiwas
tyi
ngmi ne!?Ronaopenup!Rona!
Rona:Pr
eci
ousisai
dgoaway!
Preci
ous:howcanyoubesovi
leRonahowcanyou
besoevil!
Shesli
ddownt hedoorandbursti
ntomoretear
s
whilei
nsi
detheroom Ronabl
inkedlooki
ngup
tr
yingtobl
ockhers.

Att
hebar
racks.
..

Mopatiwhist
ledchecki
nghiswatchandputt
he
st
ethoscopearoundhisneck.
..

Mopat
i:seeyounownow
Ki
tso:sur
e

Heconti
nuedt owhist
let
othedoorandashe
openedhelockedeyeswit
htwopoli
ceoff
icer
s..
.

Mopati
:aoof
fi
cer
swhatcanwedof
oryou?(
Kit
so
f
rowned)
Of
fi
cer
:ar
eyouMopat
i?
Mopat
i:yes
Of
fi
cer
:wher
e'sKi
tso?
Mopat
i:t
her
e,whydoyouaskof
fi
cer
?
Of
fi
cer
:of
fi
cergocuf
fhi
m
Bot
h:what
!?
Ki
tso:whyar
ewebei
ngcuf
fed?
Lewis:(wenti
n)soyouareseri
ousl
ygoingt
oask
thatquesti
on?Off
icersmakesuret
hesetwost
ray
dogaret hr
ownint
ot hedar
kestcel
lever
Mopat
i:Lewi
swhati
sthi
s,whyar
eyou.
..
Officer:Ki
tsoyouhavebeenar restedf orthe
gruesomeat t
ackofLewi s.What everyousayordo
willbeusedagai nstyouinthecour toflaw.You
havet herighttoal awyerifyoucan' taff
ordonethe
stateshallprovideforyou
Lewi
s:nj
e
Off
icer
:Mopat
iyouhaveal
sobeenarr
est
edf
or
bei
nganaccompli
ceonthi
smatter
.Come
Mopat
i:buti
..
.
Lewis:handstothebackpapanowyouar egoingto
knowt hatyoudon'tmesswi t
hagayguyl iket
hat.
Ther i
ghtpeoplearewaiti
ngforyouinthosecell
s
mygi rl
s(helaughed)bowi f
eyekarebakalegagola
dibonotsegore(iwishthetearyourassesapart
)
Ki
tso:wai
tbuthow?
Lewis:nywathow?Askyourf r
iend,wasn'thebusy
tr
yingtouseyoutogetundermyf r
iend'sskir
tnow
l
ookwhot hej
okeison.Ohwhatapat heti
cpairof
soldi
erssiesman.Si
estlhengyoh.Comel ove.Iwi
ll
seeyout wosoonincourt.Doyouneedvasel ine
maybe?

Helaughedholdi
ngont oMor r
isastheywentt o
thei
rcarwhil
eKitsobr
eathedheavilylooki
ngat
Mopatiwhoavoidedhiseyes.Thepoliceshoved
them i
ntothevanwhil
etheircoll
eagueslookedon
shocked.

Backi
nMochudi
..
.
Cryingli
keagoatgi
vingbirt
hPr eci
ousbl
ewher
noseasherphonerang.Sheswal l
owedseei
ng
Lovemor e'
snameont hescreenasherheart
skipped.
..

Pr
eci
ous:(
stoodup)he'
scal
li
ng
Rona:(
frowned)who?
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
e
Rona:answerhi
m whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or(
she
openedthedoor
)
Pr
eci
ous:hel
lo?
Lovemor
e:canwemeetar
oundl
unchatmyhouse?
Pr
eci
ous:why?
Lovemore:j
ustcometomyhousePr
eci
ousand
bri
ngyourmotheraswel
l

Hehungupast
heyswal
lowedl
ooki
ngatone
anot
her
..
.

Pr
ecious:heknowsRona,heknows.Doyousee
whatyouhavedone?Doyou..
.ohModimo(shesai
d
wi
thherhandsonhishead)
Rona:wai
t,Mmaditaol
asai
dMayametwith
someoneofgreatpowerwhati
f.
..
ohnoKenei
lwe,
Preci
ous,
Keneil
we
Pr
eci
ous:what
!?
Rona:weneedt
ogett
oKenei
lwebef
oret
heyf
ind
her
Pr
eci
ous:soKenei
lwei
sal
ive?
Rona:ofcourseshei
sPreci
ousstopaskingme
st
upidquesti
onsandgrabyourcarkeys.Now
Preci
ous,now!

Shequickl
yputonahatandtookascarf,
lookedi
n
adrawerandcameoutwitharopechecki
ngit'
s
st
rengt
h...
Rona:ar
eyoust
il
lst
andi
ngt
her
e,keysPr
eci
ous!
Pr
eci
ous:ok

Sherushedtot hebedr oom asRonar anoutwi t

h
Preci
ouscomi ngbehi ndher.Meanwhi l
eont hei
r
wayfrom thehospitalMrTaol ofr
ownedi nthe
passengerseatwithhi ssi
sterdri
ving.Hesawabi g
caveandthenaf amoust r
aditi
onaldancegroup
knownasDi pelatsagakobokwe
MrT:l
egagal
agakobokwe,
stopt
hecar
Lady:what
?
MrT:st
opt
hecarweneedt
ogot
oMol
epol
ole
Mar
eledi
:dad?
MrT:thatiswheretheyar
ekeepi
ngMaya'
smother
,
shei
nt hatcave.Dr
ivetoMol
epol
olenow,
now!
Lady:okok
Shecheckedforcar
sandt
ookau-
tur
nasMrTaol
o
cal
ledMaya..
.

Maya:past
or
MrT:thespi
ri
tjustshowedmewhereyourmot
her
i
s.Theyarekeepi
ngherinkobokwe'
scave
Maya:what
!?
MrT:makesur
eyoudr
ivet
oMol
epol
olenow
Maya:ok(
hungup)Joshua!Joshuaweneedt
ogo!
Jo.
..
Joshua:i
m her
e
Maya:MrTj ustcall
meweshoulddr
ivet
o
Molepol
olenowt heyar
ekeepi
ngmymotheri
n
Kobokwe'
scave
Lucas:what
!?
Maya:Lucasst
aywi
tht
heki
ds
Joshua:l
et'
sgo
HegrabbedthekeysoftheGTIast
heyrushedout,
whil
eMrT' ssi
sterst
eppedonherMer
cedesBenz
asPreci
oussteppedonherBMW.Itwasar acet
o
gett
oMol epol
ole.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
11] :AKEPTWOMAN
45

MrTaol o'
ssistercheckedtheoncomingtr
aff
icand
steppedont heaccelerat
ormoreovert
aki
ng4cars
atago.Mar eledihel
dont oherseatbel
t
swallowing.
..
Mar
eledi
:dowereal
lyhavet
odr
ivel
iket
his?Thi
s
r
oadisdanger
ous
MrT:sor
rymygir
lbutwehavet
ogett
her
eont
ime
whi
leati
tpl
easecal
lMaya
Lady:heebathongwhyarepeopledr
ivi
ngl
ike
headlesschi
ckensonthi
sroad(shesai
dasar ed
GTIpassedher)
Mar
eledi
:real
lyaunt
y
Lady:wear
eonanemer
gencyher
e
MrT:Mar
eledical
l
Mar
eledi
:iam dad
Maya:pl
easebecar
efulJo
Joshua:don'
twor
ryigoti
tlove(
herphoner
ang)
Maya:i
t'
sMar
eledi
.Heyl
ove
Mar
eledi
:hol
donf
ordadhewant
stot
alkt
oyou
Maya:ok
MrT:howf
arar
eyouguys?
Maya:wej
ustpassedGamodubu
MrT:wej
ustdi
daswel
l.Ar
edr
ivi
ngt
her
edGol
f?
Maya:yes
MrT:okbutbecaut
iouswehavet
ogett
her
einone
pi
ece
Maya:eer
rawewil
l.Anyonewhoget
sther
efi
rst
shoul
dwaitf
ort
heothers
Maya:nopr
obl
em
MrT:anothert
hingonceyouar
ri
veinMolepol
ole
cal
lthepoli
cewhil
eonthewaytothecave
Maya:gott
hat
MrT:goodseeyouj
ustnow

Theyhungupwhi l
ehi ssi
stercheckedtherearvi ew
mi r
ror,
therightmirrorandherf r
ontthenswer vedto
theoncomi ngtraff
iclaneandpassedt womor e
carsandgotbehi ndt hegolf.Shefli
ckedherlights
asJoshuaputont hehazar ds,checkedtheright
mi r
ror,
hisfrontandswer vedt otheoncoming
traf
ficl
anepassi ngtwot r
uckswi ththeBenz
comi ngbehinghim.Thet ruckdriverssoundedt hei
r
hornsatthem whi
lethei
rcar
sdisappear
edintot
he
road.5carsbehi
ndcamet heBMW asPr eci
ous
fi
xedthesafet
ybelt.
..

Preci
ous:ihonest
lydon'tunder
standwhyyou
wouldtothi
st omeRona.Weshoul dbeopenwith
oneanothernotkeepthingsfr
om oneanotheri
fwe
wantthi
ngst ogowellforus
Rona:(
checkedthespeedomet
er)Pr
eci
oudcanyou
pl
easereduceyourspeed
Preci
ous:andriskanyoneget
tingtherebeforeus
that
'si
fthere'
sanyonegoingthere.Let
'sjusthope
theyhaven'
tgottent
oherbecauseal lt
hishappened
l
astnight
Rona:st
opsayi
ngsucht
hings
Preci
ous:whatdoyouwantmet
osay.Soal
lthese
yearsyouknewwhereKenei
l
wewas?
Rona:yesandstopact
ingl
ikeyouareasai
nt
Preci
ousyoukeptsomanyt hi
ngsf
rom me
Pr
eci
ous:andt
heydon'
tevencomecl
oset
othe
thi
ngsyoukeptf rom me.Imagi
neifthatwomanof
yourscouldn'treseverset
hecurse,whati
fitdi
dn'
t
evengetrever sedmaybet hi
siswhyallofmy
thi
ngsarecr umbl ingdownli
kethis

Sheat
tempt
edtoover
takebefor
echecki
ngbut
qui
ckl
yswer
vedbacktoherlaneascar
scame..
.

Preci
ous:canthi
sstupidper
sonsteponthe
accel
erat
or(shefl
ickedherl
ight
sbutthedr
iver
didn'
tbot
her)mxm
Rona:Mmadi
taol
aisever
ythi
ngbutnotaf
ail
ure
Precious:ohreall
ynow?Ar ewet al
kingaboutthe
sameper sonyoufounddeadi nherhouse?A
personofgr eatpoweraper sonofgreatpowerto
hellwiththatman.Weneedt ofi
ndaver ypowerf
ul
witchdoct orf
rom her
eon.Awi t
chdoctorthatwi
ll
maket hi
ngshappenrightthereandthen(she
checkedhercoastandpassed3car s)iwantmyl if
e
backican' taf
fordtol
iveinfearofwhatmi ghtbe
revealed
Rona:Preci
ouscanyouslowdownaomma.Wewi l
l
havetocrosstheboader
sfort
hatandyouknow
ther
ehast obesacri
fi
se
Pr
ecious:wewi l
lsacr
ifi
seKenei
lweoroneof
Maya'skidsiknowwitchdoctor
slovechi
ldr
en'
s
bl
oodal ot
Rona:Maya'
skidswoul
dwork.Atleastt
her
e'sst
il
l
aheadscrewedbet
weenthoseshoulder
s
Pr
eci
ous:f
rom nowonnomor
esecr
ets
Rona:nomor
esecr
ets

Preciouscheckedhermi rr
orsandswervedtotheon
comingt r
aff
iclane.Ami nibuscameasshe
pressedtheoverdrivebuttonwhil
eRonaheldher
breath.Shesighedoutofr el
i
efaft
erPr
ecioussafel
y
wentbackt oherlane..
.

Pr
eci
ous:(chuckl
ed)youneedtost
artdr
ivi
ngwi
th
mesothatyougetusedtothi
sspeed
Shesai
dst
eppi
ngmor
eont
heaccel
erat
or.

AtKavi
mbamot
ors.
..

Lovemore'smeeti
ngfi
nishedashi
sphoner
angand
smiledanswer
ing..
.

Lovemor
e:whati
fthemeet
ingover
lapped?
Chioma:iknowi
twoul
dn'
t.(
Theychuckl
ed)isaw
yourmessage
Lovemore:yeah.Mayat
oldust
hatLucasi
snot
Preci
ous'
schild
Chi
oma:t
hiswoman,
howdi
dshedoi
t?
Lovemor
e:weareyett
ofi
ndout
.Wear
emeet
ingat
myhousearoundl
unch
Chi
oma:l
et'
sjusthopeshet
ell
syout
hewhol
etr
uth
Lovemor
e:oht
rustmeshehasnochoi
ce
Chi
oma:your
eal
lymar
ri
edonehel
lofachar
act
er
Lovemor
e
Lovemor
e:tel
lmeabouti
tyoh.Anywaywhatar
e
youdoi
ngtonight
?
Chi
oma:j
ustspendi
ngt
imewi
thmyni
ecewhy?
Lovemore:pl
easecomeoverf ordi
nner
.Nyashais
comingoutofthehospi
tall
aterandiwil
linvi
te
Mayaandherf ami
lyaswell
Chi
oma:(
smil
ed)ohthatwoul
dbewonder
ful
.Ican'
t
wai
ttomeett
hisMayawoman
Lovemor
e:t
rustmeyouar
egoi
ngt
oloveher
Chioma:j
ustbyyoument
ioni
nghernameicanf
eel
heraur
a
Lovemore:ifor
getyouhaveasi
xthsenseatt
imes
(t
heylaughed)
Chi
oma:shoul
dibr
inganyt
hing?
Lovemor
e:j
ustyourchar
mingsel
f
Chi
oma:(
smi
led)don'
tlett
hatwomanhearyou
Lovemore:ohmeandherar
eoveral
liwanti
s
cl
osureandtohel
pmysonf i
ndhi
smother
Chi
oma:(
chuckl
ed)seeyoul
aterMrK
Lovemor
e:l
aterChi

Theychuckl
edhangi
ngupasChiomasmi
ledsi
tt
ing
backandcall
edt
hebouti
que.
..

Lady:bossl
ady
Chioma:fi
ndanamazingdr
essi
m at
tendi
nga
famil
ydinnert
oni
ght
Lady:okma'
am ishal
ldoso

Chi
omasmi
ledandhungupt
hencal
ledt
hebeaut
y
bar
.

I
ntheout
ski
rt
sofMol
epol
ole.
..
.

Botht
heBenzandGTIarr
ivedatt
hecavesatthe
sameti
meastheywastednotimeandgotoff
...
MrT:wai
t.
..
Joshua:weneedt
ogethernowMrT
MrT:nosomeonei
smakingt
hei
rwayher
e.
Marel
edi
,si
ster
spl
easehi
det
hecar
swearegoi
ng
i
n
Lady:youwantt
oleaveusouther
e?
MrT:Marel
edii
shurtidon'
twanthert
oinf
ecther
woundscomeguys

Heledthewayi nsi
deasJoshuat hr
ewt hekeysof
theGTIatMar el
edi
.Mayawalkedbet weenhim and
MrTast heymadet hei
rwayinsideli
ghtingt
heir
phonetorches.Marel
ediandherauntdrovethe
carsj
ustbehindthecaveandwai t
edinside.
..

Maya:aunt
yKenei
lwe!
?
Joshua:aunt
yKenei
lwe!
?
MrT:Kenei
lwe!
?
Hear
ingthei
rvoicesherhear
tski
ppedbutshe
coul
dn'
tshout.
..

Maya:aunt
yKenei
lwe!
?Wher
ear
eyou!
?
Joshua:aunt
yKenei
lwe

Kenei
lwet
ooktherockshewasal
waysusi
ngto
drawandhi
ttherai
lsoft
hecageshewasi
n..
.

MrT:wai
tcanyouheart
hat
?
Maya:what
?
MrT:ssssh
Joshua:she'
sbehi
ndt
hatr
ock.Mayahol
d

Shetookthei
rphonesasanxi et
ygott
hebet
terof
herwhil
ethemenbi tthei
rlowerli
pmovi
ngtherock.
HowRonawasabl et omovei tal
onewasashock
butitmovedandt hereshewas, dryandpal eskin,
crackedheel sandhands, l
ongnai l
sonbot hher
handsandf eetwi t
hal otofdir
tyhair.Seeingher,
Maya'seyesgotf il
ledwithtearsaswel las
Keneilwe'
s.Atl eastshewasbei nggivenwat erand
somef ruit
sast herewereorangeandbananapeel s
andappl epits.Joshuat ookar ockandhi tthe
padlockthatlockedt hecageasi tf
inal
lyopened.
TheBMW par kedoutsideastheyswal lowed...

MrT:bequi
ckMayageti
n
Maya:what
?
Joshua:come

Shewentinasthemenr oll
edt herockbackint
o
pl
aceclosi
ngthemselvesin.MrTt ookhisphone
anddial
edhissi
sterwhil
ePr eciousfol
lowedher
motheri
ntothecave.
..

Pr
eci
ous:idon'
tunder
standhowyoumanagedt
o
pul
lthi
sof
f
Rona:st
opt
alki
ngandhel
pmemovet
hisr
ock
Pr
eci
ous:howdi
dyoumovei
tal
lthi
sti
me?
Rona:mxm

Shebitherl
owerlipandslowlymovedi
tastheygot
theshockofthei
rli
vesfi
ndingthet
ri
owithKenei
lwe
i
nside.
..

Rona:i
yo!
Lady:aewher
edoyout
hinkyouar
egoi
ng

Shesai
dblocki
ngtheent
rancewit
hMar
eledias
RonaandPreci
ousswall
owed..
.

Rona:howdi
dyou.
..
Maya:howcoul
dyouRona?
Rona:i
m notgoi
ngt
osayanyt
hing.I
fyouknow
what
'sgoodf
oryou,
youar
egoi
ngt
o..
.

Asshesaidt
hepolicecarwai
ledout
sideast
hey
swal
lowedagai
n..
.

Maya:youl
ookexact
lyl
ikebust
edwit
ches.Your
t
imeisupandtr
ustmethisisonl
ythebegi
nning
Rona:Mayayouar
egoi
ngt
oregr
ett
his
MrT:becar
efulofwhatyouwi
shf
or
Of
fi
cer
:ever
yonehandsup.
Pr
ecious:(
whi
sper
ed)ihat
eyouRonaihat
eyouf
or
al
lofthi
s
Maya:youhaven'
tst
art
edhat
inghermydear
cousi
n
Rona:what
?
Maya:whatwoul
dibedoi
ngher
eifidi
dn'
tknow?
Of
fi
cer
:whi
choneofyoui
sMaya?
Maya:iam si
r
Of
fi
cer
:RonaandPr
eci
ous?
Maya:i
t'
stheset
wo
Rona:off
icerwear
etheoneswhof
oundt
hem her
e
wewer ej
ust..
.
Off
icer
:shutup.Of
fi
cer
sputcuf
fsont
hoset
wo
women
Preci
ous:ohhel
lnoim notgoi
ngt
opr
ison.Idar
e
youtoputyourhandsonme
Of
fi
cer
:wedon'
twantt
ober
oughonyoumyl
ady

Thefemaleoff
icer
scuf
fedt
hem ast
heyt
ri
edt
o
fi
ghtthem.
..

Off
icer:RonaandPreci
ousMoetiyouhavebeen
ar
restedforkeepi
ngKeneil
weMoetiagai
nstherwi
ll
.
Movei tof
fi
cers(t
heydraggedt
hem out
)issheok?
MrT:shelooksl
ikesheneedstoseet
hedoctor.At
l
eastt
heyhavebeenkeepingherhydr
atedbutshe
seemstonotbeabletospeak
Off
icer
:okwewi l
ltakehertothehospi
tal
.Thank
youforthewonderfulwor
k.Let'
staket
hosewomen
wheretheybel
ong

Hel edt hewayoutwi t

hthecr ewcomi ngbehind
him whi leMayaandJoshuahel dKenei l
weand
helpedhert owalk.Shewasover whelmedwi t
h
emot ionsbutshecouldn'tcryordoanyt hi
ng.What
hadt hel i
verdonetoher?Theyst eppedout sideand
aft
ersomanyyear sshefinallyfeltthesunr ayson
herdr yskinandcouldsmel l adifferentair
.She
mel t
edi nMayaandJoshua' sar msasJoshuaand
onemal eoffi
certookhertot hecar .Inthebackof
thevanPr eci
ousandRonal ookedonasMaya
tur
nedt othem..
.

Maya:whathappensinthedarkwillf
inal
lybe
r
eveal
edtotheli
ght.Yourchickenshaven'
tst
art
ed
r
oosti
ngyetyouareyettolearnthehardway

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandgoti
nthef
rontseatof
theGTIwhi leJoshuagoti nthedri
ver'
sside.
PreciousandRonacur vedthei
rli
psast hevan
madei t'
swayoutf ol
lowedbyanot herpol
icecar
withKeneilweinside,Preci
ous'sBMW dr i
venbyone
offi
cer,Joshua'
sGTIandt heTaoloBenz.

I
nRasesa.
..

Maki si
ghedmakingherwayi nt
hehouseand
headedtothebedroom whereshef
oundher
husbandont hewheel
chair
.Shecurvedherl
ipsand
cl
ickedhertonguethr
owingherbagonthebed..
.

Maki:
whenar
eyougoi
ngt
odi
e?Youar
ehonest
lya
bur
den
Vi
ctor
:(coughed)i
m year
ningf
ormydaught
er
Maki:whatdaughter
?Di dinottel
lyouthatshoul
d
youmentionthatbastard'
schil
d'snameinmy
houseim goi
ngtoslityourthr
oatopen?Yourchil
d
needsmoneyf orherfeesinSouthAfri
canandyou
arebusytel
li
ngaboutusel
esspeopl
e?Year
ningmy
daughtermyfootVi
ctor
Vi
ctor
:butMayai
s..
.
Maki
:eyMayamyf
oot
!

Shesaidslappi
nghim har dwitht
hebackofher
handast hewheel
chai
rr olledandhi
tthedoorfr
ame
thenti
ppedoverashef elloffi
twhil
eshecli
cked
hertongue.
..

Maki
:youmustgetupf
rom t
her
e.Usel
essman

Sheclickedhert ongueagai
ngoingt
ot hebathroom
whileVictorcoughedwi t
hhisf
aceonthefloor.A
teardr
oppedf rom hiseyeasMakiwalkedoverhi m
goingtotheki t
chen...

Maki
:ker
il
eoemogefoomonnakewenai
ja(
itol
d
yout
ogetupf
rom t
her
e).
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
11] :AKEPTWOMAN
46

Vict
orgr
unt
edstr
uggli
ngtost
andwhi
leMaki
packedt
hethi
ngsshebought
..
.

Maki
:monnawaModimogar
eemaf
ooi
ja(
manof
Godgetupf
rom t
her
e)

Shechuckledandconti
nuedtopackhermi
ni
grocer
ywhi l
eint
ropi
calshor
ts,
avestandfl
ipf
lops
Vusiwalkedinwi
thhishandunderhi
svest
..
.
Vusi
:ohyouar
eback
Maki
:(smi
led)yeahi
m back.Comegi
vemommy
somesugar
Vusi
:(chuckl
ed)ij
ustsmokedl
ove
Maki
:comeonreal
lywhenhast
hateverbeena
pr
obl
em comehere

Hewentbehi
ndthecount
erandheldherchi
ntil
ti
ng
herheadupali
tt
leandl
eanedi
nkissi
ngher.She
str
okedhi
smanhoodashechuckledstoppi
ngher.
..

Vusi
:youdon'
twantt
odot
hatpl
ease
Maki
:youknowi
m al
waysupf
ori
t(Vi
ctorcoughed)
mxm
Vusi
:aool
dman.Idi
dn'
tseeyout
her
e
Maki
:goandhelphi
m ont
hewheel
chai
randt
ake
hi
minsi
detheroom
Vusi
:howdi
dhef
all
Maki:
youknowhi
m andal
wayst
ryi
ngt
opl
ay
har
dcore
Vusi
:madal
ayoushoul
dstopmovingar
oundyou
knowyoushoul
dst
ayinthebedr
oom al
lthet
ime

Heputhim backontothewheelchai
randrol
ledhim
tothebedr
oom closi
ngt hedoorasheshookhis
headandsighedsnif
fing..
.

Vusi
:ar
eyousur
ehef
ellonhi
sownl
ove?
Maki
:heannoyedmeandisnappedandsl
apped
hi
mthenthewheel
chai
rrol
led.
Vusi
:youar
enotscar
edhewi
llhur
thi
msel
f?
Maki:hecanhurthimsel
fallhewantsidon'
tcar
e.
He'sjustausel
essmanhonest l
yspeaki
ngVusiand
againtheaccountisr
unni
ngoutweneedt odo
somet hi
ngaboutthat
Vusi
:(gr
abbedanappl
e)sowhatar
eyout
hinki
ng?
Maki
:it
'
sei
therhedi
esorwef
indhi
sdaught
er
Vusi
:theMayahe'
sal
wayst
alki
ngabout
?
Maki
:(r
oll
edhereyes)yest
hatone
Vusi
:yout
hinkwecoul
dgetsomet
hingf
rom her
?
Maki:ibel
ievesoshe'sagi r
lchil
dandgi r
lchi
ldr
en
arebornhustler
ssoibelieveifwecanf i
ndherand
gethertotakecareofhisfatherknowingwhatwe
wil
lbegainingfrom i
tcouldwor kforus
Vusi
:okiwi
llst
artl
ooki
ngf
orher
.What'
sher
namesagai
nmaybeicanfi
ndheronsoci
almedi
a
Maki
:MayaMoet
i
Vusi
:ok.Mxm if
orgotir
anoutofdat
acanihave
moneytogogetair
ti
me
Maki
:howmuch?
Vusi
:ioweor
angeP23
Maki:ok(gavehi
m 150)gosubscr
ibeandget
your
selfsomebeers
Vusi
:(smi
led)t
hisi
swhyil
oveyou
Maki
:youaretaki
nggoodcar
eofmemyl
oveso
whynotspoi
lyou

Theychuckl
edashel ef
twhil
eshesmi l
edmore
checki
nghim out
.Hewasal l
thingsbutwhenit
camet ot
hebedroom deedhetookthecupandas
theysayasexual
lysati
sfi
edwomani sahappy
womanandt hatwasthecasewi t
hamar r
iedMaki
.

Att
hepol
icest
ati
on.
..

Pr
eciousscr
eamedtr
yingt
ofightt
heof
fi
cerof
f
whi
leRonasil
ent
lywal
ked.
..

Pr
ecious:l
etgoofme!Idonotknowanyt
hingabout
whathappened!
Off
icer
:mmayouaremaki
ngnoi
seandyouar
e
goi
ngtohur
tyour
sel
f
Pr
eci
ous:i
m goi
ngt
oteachal
lofyoual
esson.I
m
goi
ngt
osuet
hiswhol
est
ati
on
Offi
cer:peopl
earefighti
ngtogetthei
rli
vesmoving
l
onayouar ebusypull
ingthem backandkeepi
ng
peoplehostage.Movei t
!

Shecli
ckedhertongueandpushedheri
nas
Preci
ousstagger
edforwar
dandstoppedtur
ning.
..

Pr
eci
ous:odir
ang?Wankit
segor
ekemang?(
What
ar
eyoudoing?Doyouknowwhoiam)
Rona:Pr
eci
ouscanyoupl
easeshutup
Preci
ous:shutup?Youofal
lpeopl
earethel
astt
o
tel
lmetoshutupbecausealloft
hisi
syourf
ault
!
Rona:(
satdown)mxm
Of
fi
cer
:canyoupl
easesi
tdown
Pr
eci
ous:t
aket
hecuf
fsof
fofme
Off
icer
:Pr
eci
ouspl
easesi
tdownandi
m notgoi
ng
t
oaskyouagain
Preci
ous:i
m notgoi
ngtositdownnori
m igoi
ngt
o
answeranystupi
dquest
ions
Of
fi
cer
:andwhyi
sthat
?
Pr
eci
ous:becausei
don'
tknowanyt
hingaboutt
his
Offi
cers:i
t'
sei
theryousi
tdownorwet
akeyout
o
yourcell
Pr
eci
ous:kar
etakeme.
..
Rona:(
hitt
het
abl
eangry)Pr
eci
ous!(
Sil
encehi
tthe
wholer
oom)si
tdown,si
tdownPreci
ous!

Sheswal
lowedlooki
ngattheoffi
cerandl
ookedat
hermot
herthentookherseat
..
.

Rona:whydoyouliketoberepr
imandedl
ikeaki
d?
Youarehonest
lyannoying
Preci
ous:t
hesepeopl
eshoul
dletusgo.Weknow
thepeopl
ewef oundt
her
e
Off
icer
:ift
hat
'
ssowhatwer
eyougoi
ngt
odot
her
e
t
hen?
Rona:wej
ustwant
edt
ovi
ewt
hepl
ace
Offi
cer:(
scof
fed)youreall
ythi
nkimthatst
upid
ri
ght?Howdoyouvi ewapl aceandgetini
tnot
knowingwhatisinsi
de?Tryagain.Whatwereyou
doingther
eRonaMoet i?
Rona:ok(
sighed)we.
..
Preci
ous:that
'swher
eshe'
skeepi
ngt
heashesof
ourgrandmother
Off
icer
:soweshoul
dgoandcheckt
heashes?
(
Theyswall
owed)i
m aski
ng
Rona:i
t'
sdi
srespect
fult
otoucht
heashesofa
per
sonyouarenotrelat
edto
Offi
cer:wewillbegoingwithyou.Lookwomenyou
bett
erbeseriousidon'thaveti
met opl
ayandthisi
s
thelastt
imeim goingtoaskyout hi
squest
ion.
Whatwer eyoudoingatt hecaves
Rona:t
hingi
syou.
..
Of
fi
cer
:of
fi
cert
akethem t
otheircell
.Youwi
llcal
l
mewhenyouar
ereadytotel
lthetrut
h
Pr
eci
ous:i
m notgoi
ngi
ntoacel
l
Offi
cer:butthat
'swhereyouar eheaded.Getyour
storystr
aightandjustsoyouknowwear e
conductingourowni nvesti
gat
ionssoifyouare
planni
ngt ocookmor eliesyoubett
erthi
nkagain.
Offi
cers

Shet ookherpadandheadedoutwhi
letheoff
icer
s
tookRonaandPr eci
ousasPreci
ousfought
refusingt
ogo...

Off
icer:youshoul
dalsostat
ethatshewasrefusi
ng
t
ober emandedonherchargesheet.Whati
swrong
wit
ht hiswoman(shecli
ckedhertongue)
Rona:ot
lhabi
sadit
lhonggor
ePreci
ous.Si
es.(
You
ar
eanembar r
assmentPreci
ous)

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Joshuabr
oughtever
yoneasandwi
chandj
uiceas
theyat
eup..
.
Joshua:ithoughtweshouldeatsomethi
ngwhi
le
wait
ingont hedoctor
s.Especi
all
ythosewhoj
ust
gotdischarged
Al
l:t
hankyou.
Maya:butwhyar
etheyt
akingsolong?Weare
supposedt
ogotothest
ati
onwithLovemor
eand
Lucas
MrT:youspoket
othem?
Maya:yesj
ustbef
oreyoucal
led
MrT:sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odoatt
hepol
ice
st
ati
on?
Maya:t
heywantanswer
s
MrT:okl
et'
shopet
heywi
llgett
hem
Maya:whatotherchoi
cedoesshehave?Shehast
o
j
usttel
lthet
ruth
MrT:thatwomanandthet
rut
hareli
keoilandwat er
tr
ustmeshe'sgoi
ngt
ogiveyouguysarunar ound
butt
ellt
hem t
onotgi
veupshewil
levent
uallybreak
down
Maya:yeah

Thedoct
orcameast
heyal
lst
oodup.
..

Maya:whati
sgoi
ngondoct
ori
smymot
herok?
Dr:yourmotherneedsapsycheval
uat
ionsoshe
hastobetakentoSabranahospi
tal
Maya:ar
eyout
ell
ingmet
hatshe'
sgonecr
azy?
Dr:noshehasn'
tgonemadt hi
ngisshecan'
tspeak
norevenwri
teanyt
hingbutshecanhearus
Maya:what
?
Dr:weaskedhert
owr i
tehernamebutshecouldn't
.
Wealsoaskedhertowrit
ethefi
rstf
ourl
ett
ersof
theal
phabetandf
irstf
ournumbersbutshecouldn'
t
aswell
Maya:ar
eyousur
eshecanhearyou?
Dr
:yes.Wedi
dhear
ingt
est
sandt
heywer
ea
success
Joshua:soshe'
smut
e?
Dr:yes(Mayasighedsi
tt
ingdown)wear egoingt
o
doeverythi
ngwecant omakesurethatsheregai
ns
hermemor y.Wehaveranbloodt
estssot her
esul
ts
wil
ltel
luswhatexactl
yhappenedbutinthemean
ti
meshewi llbei
nSabrana
Joshua:herbl
oodpr
essur
e,hear
tst
rengt
handal
lis
ok?
Dr
:al
lhervi
tal
sar
eint
hecl
ear
Joshua:okt
hankyoudomuch.Whenwi
llshebe
takent
oSabrana?
Dr
:weareorgani
singthet
ri
paswespeaksoshe
wi
llbel
eavi
nginnot i
me
Joshua:canweseeher
?
Dr:yeahyoucangori
ghtaheadbutj
ustt
hreeata
t
imeanddon'ttakel
ong
Joshua:okthanksDr(
thedoct
orl
eftt
hem)iguessi
shoul
dgoi nwithMayaandMrTaolo
Mar
eledi
:okwewi
llwai
tforyouguysher
e
Joshua:l
ove,
come

Mayasnif
fedwipi
nghertearsasJoshuahelpedher
up.Heputhi
shandoverhershoulder
sastheywent
i
n.Kenei
lweslowl
yturnedheari
ngthedooropen
whil
eMayaputherheadonJoshua'sshoulderand
cover
edhereyeswit
honehandcr yi
ng..
.

MrT:(inSetswana)hell
omama.Thedoct orsays
youareabletohearus.Mynamei sPastorTaolo
andthi
sisMayaMoet iandJoshuaMoeti.
(Kenei
lwe'
sheartski
ppedabeathearingthename
Maya)wear eheretoletyouknowthatyouare.
..

Sheslowlyopenedherar
mst owar
dsMayaasMaya
sni
ffedandwenttoherastheyhugged.Mayacr
ied
outasKeneil
wesoftl
yrubbedherback.
..

Maya:mama
Shecri
edmorewhi
leJoshuabi
thi
sfi
sthol
ding
backhi
stear
s..
.

MrT:( lookedup)Lor dJesuswet hankyouf orthi

s
moment .Itisbyyourgr aceandlovethatwear e
heretoday.Onceagai nyouhaveshownyour
greatnessasGodandiknowyouar eyettoshow
howgr eatyouar e.Youar eaGodofmi raclesanda
Godofpower .Youar eaGodt hatmakest he
i
mpossi blepossibleandbyt hatiknowyouwi l
lheal
KeneilweMoet i.Fathericommandyourangelof
goodheal t
ht ohugt hiswowannow.Lor di
commandt heangelofgoodheal t
htogivet hi
s
womant heheal t
hsheneedsf orGodyouar eaGod
thatneverf ail
siknowandbel i
evethatyouhave
healedKenei l
weMoet iLord(shegagged)
Maya:(
sni
ff
ed)ma?
MrT:icommandheal i
nginever
ypartofherbodyi
n
themightynameofJesusChri
stourLordand
savi
our(Kenei
lwegaggedagai
n)Lordicommand
goodheal t
h,ri
ghtnow, rightthi ssecondLor d.Get
herabucketmyst omachi stur ni
ng( Joshuaquickl
y
gotthesmal lmetalbin)Fat herGodl etwhatshe
wasf edcomeoutofherbodynowi nthemi ght
nameofJesus.Godbr i
ngbackhermemor ynowi n
Jesusname( Keneil
wevomi t
edi ntothebin)yes
Lord,yesLordletyourwi llbedoneChr i
stJesus,l
et
yourwillbedonemi ghtyGod( shevomi tedagain)
she'shealedJesusshe' sheal edi nthemi ghtyname
ofJesus.Ooohmi ghtyGodooooh. ..

Hestar
tedtoprayint
ongueswhil
eKenei
lwe
spl
ashedvomitaft
ervomitasadoct
orwalkedi
n..
.

Dr
:what
's.
..
(shest
opped)
MrT:t
hankyoumi
ght
yGod.ThankyougoodJesus

Heheavedahugesighandopenedhi
seyesas
Kenei
lwest
oppedvomiti
ng.Hehel
dherchi
nand
l
if
tedherf
aceup..
.
MrT:whati
syourname?
Kenei
lwe:Kenei
lweMoet
i
Maya:(
cover
edhermout
hshocked)ohLor
d
MrT:whoi
sthi
syoungwoman?

Sheslowl
ylookedatMayaandbl
inkedast
ear
s
bui
lti
nhereyes..
.

Kenei
lwe:im sosorr
yMayaim sosor
ryi
twasnever
myintent
iontoleaveyoui
nali
onsdenalli
..
.
Maya:i
tsokmamai
tsok
Kenei
lwe:noi
tsnotok(
bur
sti
ntot
ear
s)i
t'
snotok

Shecri
edcoveri
ngherfaceasMayahuggedher
cr
yingaswellwhil
eJoshuarubbedherback.
..

Dr
:whatj
usthappened?
MrT:ar
eyouaChr
ist
ian?
Dr
:yes
MrT:t
henyouwi
llunder
standwhatj
usthappened
Dr:whydon'
tyoujustgoaroundthehospi
talanddo
t
hesamet oallt
hepatient
s?(Theyl
aughed)
MrT:ihavet
obegui
dedbyt
hespi
ri
t
Dr:iknowiwasj
ustpull
ingyourlegbutiwil
ljust
havetodomyjobfi
rstandconfir
mi fshe'
sreall
yok
MrT:nopr
obl
em
Dr:MsMoeticanyoupleasesayt
hef
ir
stf
our
l
etter
soft
healphabetf
orme?
Kenei
lwe:ABCD
Dr
:fi
rstf
ournumber
spl
ease
Kenei
lwe:1234
Dr
:whati
sthet
ime?(
Sheshowedheronherphone)
Kenei
lwe:12:
13i
ntheaf
ter
noon
Dr:goodpeopl
eyoucant
akeherhomeshehas
beenclear
edoff
Maya:sonoSabr
ana?
Dr
:(smi
led)noSabr
ana
Maya:oht
hankyouJesus.Thankyousomuchdoc.
Mayouarecominghomewi t
hme

Thedoctorsmiledandwalkedoutwhi l
eMayaand
Joshuahelpedheroffthebed.St
il
linhertor
ndirt
y
cl
othest
heyt ookhertothecarwit
ht heTaol
o's
comingbehindthem..
.

Marel
edi
:thehospi
talcal
ledpapaweshoul
dgoand
getmama
MrT:ohok.Guysl
et'smeetupsoon.Mayadonot
f
orgetwhothepor
terofyourl
if
eis
Maya:iwi
llneverf
orgett
hatpast
orwewi
llbeat
chur
chonSunday
MrT:great
.Itwasgreatmeet
ingyouMrKgangand
donotworryyouaregoingt
ogetyourbusesback
andmore
Joshua:pr
aisebet
otheLor
d

Theysmi
ledget
ti
ngi
nthei
rcar
s..
.

Kenei
lwe:gasegorel
ealesengwepelekegata
kol
oiyalonaephatsi
magor e(whydon'
tyoulay
somethi
ngbeforeisi
tyourcarist
ooclean)
Joshua:nomaj
ustsi
t
Kenei
lwe:okmyson
Joshua:l
etmemakeaqui
ckcal
lbef
orewego
Maya:okiwanttocal
lLovemoreaswel
l.Ij
ustwant
tomakesur et
hatmymotheriscomf
ort
ablethey
willhavet
omeetupwithPreci
ousal
one(Joshua
steppedoutoft
hecar
)

Lady:houseofChibeaut
ybarhowmayibeofhel
p?
Joshua:hel
loyouar
espeaki
ngt
oJoshuaKgang
Lady:okMrKgangwhatcanwedof
oryou?
Joshua:youdohousecal
lsf
ormassagesand
manicuresri
ght
?
Lady:yessi
r
Joshua:goodiwoul
dlovet
ohavethatser
vicef
or
mymot herinl
awandwomanplease
Lady:oksi
r.Ti
meandpl
ace?
Joshua:l
et'
ssayi
nanhour.Ourhousei
sinbl
ock
10(hetol
dherthepl
otnumber)
Lady:oksi
rwewi
llcal
lyoui
fourt
eam get
slost
Joshua:nopr
obl
em.Thanks
Lady:t
hankyousi
r

Hehungupandwenti
ntot
hecar
..
.

Maya:st
il
lnopr
obl
em MrK.Bye
Joshua:and?
Maya:theywil
ljustcal
lmei
ncaseshetr
iestoget
smartwitht
hem.Theysaytheyar
eontheirwayto
t
hest
ati
onal
ready
Joshua:andt
heki
ds?
Maya:t
heysaywewi l
lgett
hem f
rom hi
shouse
t
heylef
tthem wi
thKuzivat
hat
'sKavi
mba'saunt
Joshua:ohokgamakhi
ri
khi
riaker
e?(
She'
snotf
ull
oftr
icksri
ght
)
Maya:(
laughed)ofcour
senot
Joshua:j
ustchecki
ngyouneverknow
Maya:noshe'
sagoodwomanbutseemsl
ikeano
nonsenset
aker
Joshua:ok
Maya:ohandhesayshe'
shost
ingaf
ami
lydi
nner
t
onightsowear
einvi
ted
Joshua:per
fectt
imi
ng
Maya:iknowr
ight

Shesmiledandl
ookedbackathermot
herand
chuckl
edasshereal
isedt
hatshewasasl
eep.
..
Maya:l
et'
sgohome

Joshuasmil
edandt
ookherhand,
kissedi
tand
droveaway.

20MI
NUTESLATER.
..

LucasandLovemoremadewayi nt
oMolepolol
e
poli
cestat
ionandbri
efl
yspoketoanoff
icerwho
tookthem t
oanint
err
ogati
onroom andwenttotake
Preci
ous..
.

Preci
ous:soyouar
eseri
ouslygoi
ngt
okeepgoi
ng
upanddownwi thmeri
ght?
Of
fi
cer
:doyoueverkeepqui
et?
Preci
ous:unt
ilt
hedayyourel
easemeyouar
e
goingtoal
waysheremy..
.
Shefr
ozebythedoorwi
thherheartski
ppi
ngabeat
asLovemor
eandLucaslookedather..
.

Of
fi
cer
:whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?Goi
n
Pr
eci
ous:noican'
tgoi
ni.
..
Lucas:youaregoi
ngt
ocomeinandyouar
egoi
ng
totel
lmewhomymot heri
sandwhyyouwoul
ddo
suchat hi
ng

Shelostcont
rolofherbladderassheswall
oweda
hugelumpwithurinerunningdownherlegs.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
12] :AKEPTWOMAN
47

Theoff
icerunexpectedl
ylaughedwhi
leLucasand
Lovemorecurvedtheirl
ips.Shet
ri
edt
or unoffbut
theof
fi
cergrabbedherandpushedherbackinside.
..

Of
fi
cer
:geti
n
Lovemor
e:youcanur
inat
eallyoulikePreciousbut
wearenotl
eavi
ngthi
splacewithoutthetruth
Preci
ous:(bl
inked)soyouar
eenjoyi
ngthi
s
Lovemore?Youenj oyembar
rassi
ngthewomanyou
marri
edliket
his?
Lucas:ohpleasesavei
tPr
eci
ousiwantt
het
rut
h
andiwantitnow
Pr
eci
ous:Lucaswhatt
rut
h?
Lucas:iwantt
oknowwhomymot
heri
sandhowi
wasconcieved
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
eist
hiswhatyouar
erai
singour
ki
dsi
nto?
Lovemore:ki
ds?(Scof
fed)asfarasim concer
ned
youandidon'thaveachil
dtogetherPr
eciousso
pleasedon'
tyoudare
Off
ice:mmacanyoupleasegi
vet
hesegent
lemen
whattheywantsot
hatyoucancl
eanyourmess
Pr
eci
ous:(
sni
ff
ed)shutupwenayouknownot
hing!
Lucas:wetheryoucryari
ver,shoutatthetopof
yourvoice,
goupanddownacl iff
,peeorpooon
yoursel
fyouaregoingtotel
lmet hetruthandyou
aregoingtodosonow
Preci
ous:Lucasim yourmot
herpl
easebel
ieveme
(shewentclosert
ohim ashemovedback)
Lucas:don'
ttouchmewi
thyourf
il
thyhands
Preci
ous:mysonwhoevertol
dyouwhatt
heyt
old
youli
edtoyou.Thatper
sonhatesme
Lucas:onet
hingaunt
yMayawi
llneverdoi
sli
eto
me
Pr
eci
ous:(
frowned)excuseme?
Lovemor
e:yesshecal
ledusandt
oldust
het
rut
h
Pr
eci
ous:t
hatpat
het
icsl
utshe'
sgoi
ngt
oknowme
Lucas:whatdoyoumeanknowyou?Youar
egoi
ng
tobewit
chherli
keyouhavebeendoi
ng?
Pr
eci
ous:Lucas!
Lovemore:ah-
uhl
adydon'
tshoutatmysonwhen
tal
kingt
ohim
Lucas:andyouhavet
heaudaci
tyt
oinsul
tmyaunt
.
WhathasauntyMayadonetoyouPreci
ous?
Pr
eci
ous:st
opcal
li
ngmePr
eci
ousi
m yourmot
her
Lucas:(agi
tat
ed)forgoodnesssakePr
eci
ousj
ust
tel
lthedamnt r
uth!

Of
fi
cer
sint
heot
herr
oom pai
dmor
eat
tent
ion.
..

Lucas:theti
mef oryourli
esisoverpl
easej
ustt
ell
thetr
uththatisalli
m askingfr
om you(t
ear
sbui
lti
n
hiseyes)whydoyouhat emesomuch?Huh?What
didieverdotoyou
Pr
eci
ous:(
cur
vedherl
ips)soni
..
.
Lucas:don'
ttouchme!Don'tyoudareputyourf
il
thy
handsonmeandt ellmewhomymot heri
s(he
sni
ffedastearsrol
leddownhischeeks)
Lovemor
e:okim goingtocal
lMayaim donepl
ayi
ng
gameswithyouim notgoi
ngtohavemysonbe
tor
tur
edl
ikethi
s
Preci
ous:okok.
..
(swal
lowed)iwi
llt
ellyout
hetruth
(swal
lowed)youareri
ghti
m notyourmotherLucas

Lucassatdownandbur
sti
ntoacr
yasshecr
iedas
well
..
.

Precious:yourfat
herwant edanotherchildbutthe
doctorshadt ol
dmet haticoul
dn'thaveanymor e
ki
dsaf terNyasha.I..
.(
swallowed)icouldn'thandle
l
osinghi m asmyhusbandsoihadt odosomet hing.
Ihadt odosomet hingtokeepmyf amil
yt ogether
Lovemor
e:(
rubbi
ngacryi
ngLucas'
sback)what
famil
yPr
eci
ousknowi
ngyouliedwi
ththefi
rstchi
ld?
Preci
ous:il
ovedyouLovemoreist
il
ldodespi
te
whathappenedwithNyashasoiwantedt
okeep
youhappy
Lovemor
e:wi
thmor
eli
es!
?
Pr
eci
ous:(
cryi
ng)i
m sosor
ry
Lovemor e:youarenotsor ryPreciousifyouwere
sorryyouwoul dhaver eal
isedyourmi stakewit
h
Nyashaanddosomet hingabouti tbutnoyou
continuedtolie,
li
e,l
ieandl iePreciousyouarea
patheticexcuseforawomanandyoudi sgustme
Preci
ous:(
cryi
ng)noLovemor
enoyoudon'
tmean
that
Lovemore:ohimeanitPr
eci
ousireal
lydo.Now
howisLucasmysonandwhoi shismot her?(She
swall
owedkeepingqui
etashehi
tthetable)answer
me!

Shegaspedstar
tl
edwhi
leLucasshookhi
shead
st
il
lcr
ying.
..
Pr
eci
ous:ist
oleyoursemen
Lovemore:(
grunt
edbi t
inghislowerli
pwi
thhis
handsonhisface)urghPreciousurghman!How
wouldyoudosomet hingli
kethat!
?
Pr
eci
ous:(
cryi
ng)ihadnoot
herchoi
ce
Lucas:(
lookedupatherwit
htear
yandr
edeyes)
Preci
ouswhoi smymot her
?
Pr
eci
ous:she'
snomor
e
Lucas:(
stoodup)soyouki
ll
edher
?
Pr
eci
ous:noLucas.
..
ah!

Shescr eamedashewentforherneckpushi
ngher
againstthewal
lwhi
leLovemoreandthepoli
ce
off
icerfoughtt
ogethi
m offher
..
.

Lucas:youki
ll
edmymot
her
!
Pr
eci
ous:(
cryi
ngandgaggi
ng)Lucasno.
..
Of
fi
cer
:boyno,
stopi
t(t
heypul
ledhi
m awayas
Pr
eci
ouscoughed)
Lucas:l
etmekil
lher
!Youdon'tdeser
vet
oli
ve
Preci
ousyouarerot
tenandiprayyoudi
eaver
y
painf
uldeat
h!

Hegrunt
edpul
li
nghimsel
ffr
om t
hepol
iceand
st
ormedoutcr
ying.
..

Lovemor
e:t
hisi
sfarf
rom overPr
eci
ous.Lucas!
?

Heranbehi
ndhissonasPreci
ousl
eaneddown
cr
yingandshaki
ngherhead.
..

Pr
eci
ous:i
m sor
ryLucasi
m sosor
ry!I
yo!

Shefel
lonherkneesandputherhandsonherhead
cr
yinghersouloutshaki
ngherhead.
..
Offi
cer:skalebalamorotomydear.Ikgotsof
atse
mmeoi tsegoreoitshentse(
don'
tforgetyourpee.
Sati
sfyallyoulikebutrememberyoumessed
yourself
)
Pr
eci
ous:(
cryi
ng)f
otsek!

Theoffi
cerlaughedgoingoutwhi
leshekneltt
her
e
cr
ying.OutsideLucaspunchedhi
sfather
'scar
cr
yingashehel dhim..
.

Lovemor
e:sonnoyouar
ehur
ti
ngyour
sel
f
Lucas:sher
uinedmepapasher
uinedme!
Lovemore:nomyboyyouaremysonandmyson
wil
lneverberui
nedbyanot
herper
son
Lucas:howdoesonehavesuchadar
ksoult
hat
womandi sgust
smepapashe..
.

Hesi
ghedcryi
ngmoreasLovemor
etight
lyhugged
hi
m wi
thtear
sbui
ldi
nginhi
seyes.
..
Lovemor e:daddyi
sheremyboydaddyis.
..
(hi
s
voicebrokeasheswal l
owed)daddyi
sher
eandwe
aregoingt ogett
hroughthi
stoget
her

Heknewhi ssonwasanemot i
onalwreckbutt
osee
hi
mint hatsi
ti
uationbrokehi
sheartashesil
entl
y
l
ethi
st ear
srolldownwhi l
etheragetowar
ds
Pr
eciousworsened...

Lovemor
e:(
sil
ent
ly)she'
sgoi
ngt
oregr
ethur
ti
ngmy
son

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Afteralonghotshowertheygoti
ntowhiter
obes
andt ookdrinksasMayasmiledwhi
leKenei
lwe
tookasi pofherjui
ceandtookadeepbreat
hinand
exhaledafterswall
owi
ng..
.
Kenei
lwe:l
efat
shel
amashil
edi
not
shi(
thewor
ldof
mil
kandhoney)

Thebursti
ntolaughterwhi
leoneladyscr
ubbed
Maya'
sheelswhi l
etheothercar
efull
ycut
Kenei
lwe'
stoes..
.

Maya:t
hisi
stheaunt
yKenei
l
weiknow.Hi
lar
ous
andwit
ty
Kenei
lwe:(
sighed)iwon'
tli
ebutigaveupmychi
ldi
l
osthope
Maya:wel
lweser
veal i
vingGodauntyihopeyou
don'
tmindmecal
li
ngyouaunt ybecauseim st
il
l
wrappi
ngmyheadaroundthewholething
Kenei
lwe:idon'
tmindmychi
ldyouwi
llsoongett
he
hangofitaft
eral
lyouknowmeasyouraunt
Maya:t
hisexpl
ainswhyyoul
ovedmesomuch
Kenei
lwe:notj
ustyoubutyourol
derbr
otheraswel
l
Maya:mybr
other
?
Kenei
lwe:Ti
tusi
sal
somychi
ld(
Mayachokedon
herdr
ink)
Maya:ar
eyouser
ious?
Kenei
lwe:yes
Maya:whathappenedaunt
yhowcomedi
dal
lthi
s
happen?
Kenei
lwe:(
sighed)Ronast
oleyouguysf
rom me
Maya:how
Keneil
we:asyouknowiwor kedinMaunsoiwas
onlyal
lowedaf ewweeksofmymat ernityleave.I
hadTituswentbackwhenhewasamont hol dandi
hadyout henwentbackwhenyouwer ejustt wo
monthsol d.Youguyswer ebei ngt
akencar eof
Ronaandyoucal l
edhermom.Thatwasf i
tti
ng
becausesher aisedyouguysbutal lhellbrokel oose
whenihear dTitust al
kingtoherandaddr essedme
asauntyKenei l
we.Ideci dedt oconfrontherand
shewentcr azyt el
li
ngmet hatsheraisedt hekids
al
oneandal lt
hatandi t'
sonl ybefi
tt
ingf oryouguys
tocallmeaunty.It
hensai dtoher,okRonamy
l
ovelysist
ersincei
tlookslikemychi l
drenarea
burdentoyouwhydon' titakethem andgost ay
wit
ht hem i
nMaun.Kar ogwakesenat l
a(didshe
notinsul
tme)Mayaandendedupgi vinginsaying
okRonat heycancallyoumot herandcallmeaunt y.
(Mayashookherhead)yougr ewupknowi ngt hati
wasapeacef ulwomanYaya
Maya:yesver
ysweetandki
ndhear
ted
Kenei lwe:iwentbackt oMaunandi tdauntedi nme
whyRonawassoadamanti nhavi ngyouguysgr ow
upknowi ngherasyourmot herandmeasyouraunt .
Ideci dedtovisitatraditi
onaldoctori nMaunandhe
toldmeever yt
hing,thatRonahasbeengoi ngt o
witchdoct orsandt heyt oldherthatyouguyswer e
brightkidsandyourf uturesweregoodl ooki ngbut
asf orherchi l
dbeingPr eciousitwasal ldarkand
gloomysoi fshewant sherdaught ert ohaveagood
l
ifesheshoul dblockyourbl essi
ngsanddi rectthem
toPr ecious.YouandTi tuscouldbemar r
iedand
happynow.Iwassof uriousMaya, ihadneverbeen
asf uriousasiwast hensoideci dedt oconf ronther
l
itt
ledi
diknowiwasgoi
ngt
owakeupi
nacagei
na
cave
Maya:bat
hongandwhoi
sthewomanwebur
ied?
Kenei
lwe:t
hatonecanonl
ybeanswer
edbyRona
mygirl
Maya:Ronaisvi
leyohal
lforherchi
ldt
ohavef
iner
t
hingsofl
if
e?
Kenei
lwe:i
mtel
li
ngyou
Maya:andyourpol
icypayout
sandpropert
ieshow
wassheabletogetthem f
rom t
hei
nsurance?
Kenei
lwe:iguessshel
iedt
othem aswel
l
Maya:yohbathongthi
swoman.Ihavebeendrivi
ng
yourcarthi
nki
ngit
smyaunt '
sshelef
tme
somethingtor
ememberherwithkant
eit'
smy
mother'
swhoisbeingkepti
nadarkhole.Yoh
Kenei
lwe:andthehousei
nMochudi,i
t'
sminemyex
boyf
ri
end,yourfat
herbui
lti
tformewhenhewas
st
il
lworki
nginthemines
Maya:whathappenedt
ohi
m?
Keneil
we:webr okeupwhil
ehewasst il
lbuil
dingit
andifini
sheditoff
.Iwas3mont hspregnantwith
youwhenhel eftme.Hesaidicheat
edonhi m
becausehewasal waysinSAandiinMaunand
onlymetonceinawhi l
e
Maya:ar
eyousur
eim hi
s?
Kenei
lwe:hundredper
centinevercheatedonthat
mannomat terhowtemptediwasist ayedfai
thf
ul
t
ohim
Maya:soheneverbot
her
edevenaf
teryougave
bi
rt
htome?
Keneil
we:haveyouseenhi mi nyourl
ife?(
She
shookherhead)thatshouldtellyout
hathenever
bother
edbutaftergi
vingbirt
ht oyouisenthi
ma
messageandt ol
dhimt hatinamedyouMaya
Maya:whatar
ehi
snames?
Kenei
lwe:Vi
ctorLet
swal
ohe'
spr
obabl
ydeadby
now
Maya:i
twoul
dn'
thur
ttol
ook.Wher
ewashef
rom?
Kenei
lwe:Hukunt
si
Maya:nowonderimt hi
syell
ow(
theylaughed)we
shal
llookforhi
m af
terget
ti
ngal
ltheanswerswe
needfrom Rona
Kenei
lwe:iwon'
tst
opyoumychi
ld
Maya:sohowcomeibecameabr
ightst
udentand
managedtogetmydegr
eewhi
let
heyblockedmy
ways?
Kenei
lwe:onet hingaboutGodmychildi
sthathe
wil
lneverforsakeyou.Theywoulddothem al
lbut
hewillmakesur ethatatl
eastyouhol
dontoone
thi
nguntilyoufindyourli
ghtagai
nbutwasitan
easyroad?
Maya:ofcour
senot
.Iusedt
osuf
fermigr
aines
dur
ingexamsandhadtwoki
dswhil
einvarsi
ty
Keneil
we:exact
lybutGodbei
ngGodhest
il
lshone
hi
slightonyou
Maya:(si
ghed)weshoul daskTi
tust
ocomeoverso
thatwetel
lhim al
lthi
s.He'
sbeensoscar
cesi
nce
hehadachi l
d
Kenei
lwe:mysonhasababy?
Maya:yepshe' sl
it
erall
yanewbor nandwhenyou
sayourliveswerelockedibeli
eveyoubecausehe
couldn'
tpassatschool,hetr
iedrewrit
ingbutst
il
l
fai
ledbutlikeyousayGodbei ngGodhemanaged
tofindajobbuthehasbeenengagedf or5year
s
now
Kenei
lwe:mommyisbackandal
lmychi
ldr
en'
s
l
ivesaregoi
ngt
oopenup
Maya:ament ot
hat
.(Amessager
equestr
epor
ted
assheblockedt
hecont
act
)mxm
Kenei
lwe:whati
sit
?
Maya:somest
upi
dboykanagat
weVusit
ryi
ngt
o
besmartwi
thme
Keneil
we:(smiled)speakingofboystel
lmeabout
thi
syoungman, let'
sgossipabouthi
m whil
ethey
aresti
lloutandpl easeleavenodet
ail
s.(
They
l
aughed)youar esogr ownmybaby.Howmany
yearshasitbeenagai n?
Maya:16f
ullyear
s
Kenei
lwe:andaper
sonhasbeenl
ivi
ngi
nacageal
l
t
hoseyear
syoh
Maya:don'
twor
rywear
egoi
ngt
omakei
tupf
or
t
hoseyears
Keneil
we:ohyesmyl
ove.Nowt
ellmeabout
Joshua

Theyl
aughedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chupwhi
lebei
ng
pamper
ed.

Att
hehol
dingcel
ls.
..

Ronafoldedherar
msandcur
vedherl
ipsl
ooki
ngat
asobbingPreci
ous.
..

Rona:youar
eseri
ouslygoi
ngtocr
yf orachi l
d
t
hat'
snotyours?Moelenggor
ewait hot
ela?
(
Laughed)otl
habisadi
tl
hongel
eruriPrecious.
Whosechil
dareyou?
Pr
eci
ous:canyoupl
easel
eavemeal
one
Rona:mothoyot
lagoutl
wangonkgapot sanesies.
Anywayihopeyoudidn'
ttel
lthem whot
hemot her
i
s
Preci
ous:im notanidiotandidon'
twanttotal
k
aboutthi
splease.Alliwantistohearwhatyour
pl
anf orusgetti
ngoutofher ei
sandhowwear e
goingtodealwiththatwitchMaya
Rona:(si
ghed)oht r
ustmeMayawon' tknowwhat
hither
.Assoonaswear ereleasedim cr
ossingthe
boardersheandherwhol eclanaregoingtoknow
whoRonai s.Onet
hingim sureofisKeneil
wecan't
sayanythingwhereversheissowear estil
lsafe
Pr
eci
ous:youbet
terbesur
e

Shesai
dfaci
ngthewal
lwhi
leRonal
ookedather
andl
aughed.
..

Rona:imagi
neawomanyouragebemadet
omess
her
selfbyasmal
lchi
ld?Yeer
rrmanyoh
Att
heTaol
o's.
..

MrTaolohel
pedhiswifeont
othebedast
hesi
ster
putaf
leeceoverher
..
.

Mar
eledi
:doyouneedanyt
hingmama?
Alexander:noim st
il
lokbabyal
liwanttodoisget
enoughr estandstar
tdeal
ingwi
ththosecul
prit
s
MrT:butyouknowyoudon'
thavet
orushi
tri
ght
?
Alexander:assoonigetmyst
rengt
hbacki
m goi
ng
behindthem tr
ustme
Lady:youknowhowskwi
zai
sbr
othersol
etherbe
Al
exander
:(smi
led)t
hankyoul
ove.Guys,
Al
l:yes?
Al
exander
:youar
esurenoonecamei
ntocont
act
wi
thmybloodri
ght?
MrT:thedoct
orsdidn'
tsayanyt
hingbutJoshua
saysyouwerebroughti
nbythemedicalteam
Mareledi
:butyouhavetoaskMayabecauseiwas
al
readytakenwhenhelpcame
Al
exander
:let
'shopeshedi
dn'
tbutiwi
llt
alkt
oher
MrT:good.Okguysyoucanleaveourbedr
oom
nowiwanttospendsometi
mewi thmywife

Theyl
aughedl
eavi
ngwhi
leMrTsnuggl
edupt
ohi
s
wif
e.

AtLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Thabowhist
ledandopenedt
hedoorwi
thout
knocki
ngasLewistur
nedtohi
m..
.

Lewi
s:ohsot
hisi
syourhousenow
Thabo:aobabycomeon.Iseeyouar
eget
ti
ng
bet
terbytheday
Lewi
s:mmhsi
tdown
Thabo:i
m notstayi
ngforl
ongipromi
sedmyboys
thatt
hebil
lwil
lbeonmet odaysomakethet
hings
thatmadethepocketst
ohappen
Morri
s:(
leanedagai
nstt
hepassagedoorf
rame)
youngman
Thabo:(
frowned)hel
lo
Mor
ri
s:sot
hisi
swhatyouki
dsgetupt
oneh?
Thabo:idon'
tunder
stand(
hest
oodup)
Lewis:nnaf
aat
sheosenangl
erago(
sityourf
lat
buttdown)
Thabo:what'
sgoi
ngonher e?Lewi
syouknow
what'
satstakesoihopeyouarenot.
..

Hekeptqui
etasLewi
spressedplayonhi
slapt
op
ast
hecctvfoot
agefr
om thebabyshowerpl
ayed.
Heswall
owedandsnif
fed..
.

Lewis:mmhcatgotyourtonguenana.Comeon
wit
hi tmyboywher
e'stheconfi
dence?
Thabo:t
hisi
snotr
ight
Mor r
is:nowi magi
netheschoolandyourparents
getti
ngt hei
rhandsonthisandiknowyourfatheris
awel lknownciti
zenofthi
scountry.Onel
eakhis
preci
oussonwoul dhaverui
nedhisamazing
reputati
on
Thabo:r
eal
lyLewi
s?
Lewi
s:ohyesThaboyoureal
l
ythoughtiwasgoi
ng
tosi
tbackandl
etachil
dyourageblackmai
lme?
Thabo:st
il
litwi
llbeyourwor
dagai
nstmi
ne
Lewi s:t
hef i
rstquestiontheyar egoingt oaskyour
fatheriswhywoul dhenotpr actisesomet hinghe
alwayspr eachesandagai nwher e'
spr oofthati
havebeensexual l
yat tr
actedtoyoual lal
ong?Do
youhavemessagesmaybe?Haveisai dsomet hing
toyoubef oreorhaveibeeni nappr opriat
ewi t
hyou
befor ethatencount er?Dololoiont heot herhand
havepr ooft hatyoust olefrom mebecauseihave
receiptsofal lthethingsyout ookwhi leyouont he
otherhandwi l
lnotbeabl etopr ovi
desuchpr oofso
myboypi ckyourcr ustyassof fmyf loorandf uck
outofmyhouse
Thabo:mxm i
t'
snotevenl
ike.
..
Lewi
s:Kar
egett
hef
uckout

Het
ookasl
ipperandt
hrewi
tathi
m asher
anout
..
.

Lewi
s:(
cli
ckedhi
stongue)i
diot
Morr
is:t
hatshouldbealessont
oyout
oo(
hegave
hi
m astare)okoksorr
y

Theyl
aughedashej
oinedhi
m ont
hecouch.

THATEVENI
NG

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Af
terr
ecei
vingavi
deoofPat
ience,
hersi
sterand
nei
gbourspart
yingast
orm Appl
ewentt
oher
mother
'sroom..
.

Appl
e:mama
Lor
na:yes?
Apple:ihavesomet hingtoshowbutfir
stletme
expl
ainsomet hing.Sincewesuspectedthatdad
coul
dbemessi ngar oundwedecidedtogethis
phonet apped
Lor
na:Appl
e
Appl
e:itwasforagoodcour
semamabecausenow
DuncansentPati
ence3000ear
li
er
Lor
na:what
?
Apple:yeahsoideci
dedtoaskaf r
iendofmine
stayi
ngclosetoPati
ence'
shousetospyonthem
formeandt hi
siswhatshejustsentme(sheplayed
thevideo)
Lor
na:bat
hong
Appl
e:Pat
iencehavi
ngat
imeofherl
if
ewi
th
Duncan'
smoneyibetyoushet
ri
ckedhi
mtogeti
t
Lorna:youshoul
dsendmethatvi
deoi
m goi
ngt
o
tal
khim whenhegetsher
e
Appl
e:wi
thpl
easur
emommy

Shesmil
edsendi
ngherthevi
deowhi
leLor
na
scof
fedshaki
ngherhead.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Thebigtablewassetandever yonesatdown
chatti
ngupast or
m.Kenei l
wet el
li
ngastunned
Kuzivaabouthershock,LovemoreandJoshua
catchi
ngupasMayal aughedwi t
hLucasandher
chi
ldrenwhileNyashaquietl
ysatonherphone
l
ookingbored..
.

Maya:bathongwhatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
ori
m st
arvi
ng
(
theylaughed)
Lovemore:t
her
e's.
..(
hisphoner
ang)t
heymustbe
here.Chi
?
Chi
oma:pl
easeopen
Lovemor
e:ok

Heopenedt hegateasshedr oveherG-wagon

i
nside.Shepar kedandgotof fwi t
hherniecegoing
tothehouse.I nagreenandbl acksparkl
ingshort
dress,heelsand24i nchhairsheknockedas
Lovemor eopenedt hedooronl ytogettheshockof
hisli
feasherbeaut ydazzledhi m.Shewast all
,
smoot hlegswi t
hat opti
ersmi lepart
neredbyher
everwhiteteeth..
.

Lovemor
e:wow
Chi
oma:goodeveni
ngMrK
Lovemor
e:goodeveni
ngChi
Chi
oma:ar
ewegoi
ngt
ogoi
nor
..
.
Lovemor
e:ohyeahyeahcomei
npl
easecomei
n
Lucas'
sheartskippedabeatseei
ngSundae.She
al
solookedelegantandthefactt
hathehadalways
hadasecretcrushonhermadeheevenmor e
beauti
ful
..
.

Chi
oma:goodeveni
ngever
yone
Al
l:hel
lo
Lovemore:guysthi
sismyf ri
endChiomaAdioleand
herni
eceSundaeAdi ole(
theysmil
ed)herewehave
myauntKuzi vaKavi
mba, mysonLucas,daughter
Nyasha,
sisterMaya,herfr
iendJoshuaKgang,her
ki
dsHerbertandAprilandhermotherKenei
lwe
Chi
oma:ni
cemeet
ingyouever
yone(
theyal
lsmi
led)
Maya:nicemeeti
ngyout ooChiihaveaseat
avai
labl
enextt
omeyoucansi timeanwho
wouldn'
twanttositnextt
oaphenomenalwoman
l
ikeyou?
Chi
oma:(
chuckl
ed)t
hankyou
TheytooktheirseatsandassoonasChi omasat
downshesawabi ghole,
aspadeandsmal lstones
thatl
ookedli
kegol d.Sheclear
edherthroatasshe
sawawheel chairrol
li
ngaloneandsuddenlyf elta
hereyesgett
ingwetwi thherchestget
ti
ngheavy. ..

Chioma:(f
li
ppedherhai
r)okim sor
rytodot
his
guysbutineedtodoitorel
seiwon'tbe
comfort
able
Lovemor
e:f
eelf
ree
Chioma:thankyou(
sighed)doesanyoneofyou
knowanyonewhowor kedinagol
dmi ne(
they
quiet
lyl
ookedatoneanot her
)
Kenei
lwe:i
t'
sMaya'
sfat
her
Chi
oma:i
sheonawheel
chai
r?
Kenei
lwe:(
frowned)idon'tknowwel
ongsepar
ated
wheniwas3mont hspregnantwi
thMaya
Chi
oma:ok(si
ghed)im aspiri
tual
lygif
tedperson
andij
ustsawagoldmi nethenar ol
li
ngwheel chai
r
wit
hnooneont opofitandwhi l
eim sayi
ngthismy
eyeswon'tst
opgetti
ngwetandmychesti
sheavy
thatmeansthi
spersonisi
npain,
hasachest
probl
em andisnothappywher
evert
heyar
e.They
needsaving

Si
lencehi
tthewhol
eroom asMayaswallowed
l
ookingathermot
herwholookedbackather.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
12] :AKEPTWOMAN
48

Maya:sohe'
sal
ive
Chi
oma:yes
Maya:wewer
eli
ter
all
ytal
kingabouthi
m ear
li
er
Chi
oma:soyoushoul
dwor
khar
donf
indi
nghi
m.
Kenei
lwe:whati
fhehasanot
herf
ami
ly?
Chi
oma:i
ftheywer
etaki
nggoodcar
eofhi
mi
woul
dn'
thavehadt
hevisi
on
Kenei
lwe:yoh
Maya:t
hankyousomuchforthi
sim def
ini
tel
y
goi
nggoembarkonthi
sjour
neyoffi
ndinghim
Chioma:iknowheleftapainfulmarkonyoumabut
pleaseopenyourheartt
ohim whenyouf indhim.
Im notsayi
ngfal
lbackinlovewithhim but
welcomehimi nt
oyourhomebecausehemi ghtnot
haveanyonetoturnto
Kenei
lwe:butwhati
fhe'
smar
ri
ed?Ican'
ttakei
na
marri
edman
Chioma:he'soldenoughandst
il
lhasawel
l
functi
oningbraint
omakeadecisi
ononwhichr
out
e
totakejustbether
eheneedsyou,t
hebot
hofyou
(Mayasmi led)
Kuzi
va:canyoudot
hist
oal
lofus,
imeant
ellus
whatt
hef
utur
ehol
dsf
orus?
Chioma:(
smi l
ed)unf
ort
unatel
yidon'
tjustdoi
t.I
t'
s
thespi
ri
tthatgui
desme( t
heyalll
aughed)
Lovemor
e:aunt
yknowst
hisshe'
sjustpul
li
ngyour
l
eg
Chi
oma:aunt
y
Kuzi
va:don'
tfr
etmybaby(
theyl
aughed)so
Chi
omawhatdoyoudo?
Chi
oma:iownabeaut
yhouse
Kuzi
va:i
m anol
dwomanmygi
rlpl
easeexpl
ain
Chioma:it
'sonebuildi
ngwitheveryt
hingyouneed
i
ni t
.Beityourhairsal
on,spa,bouti
quesforal
l
gendersandages, r
estaur
ant,
coffeeshop,
everyt
hingexceptagroceryst
ore
Kuzi
va:andi
tsal
lyour
s?
Chi
oma:yesma'
am
Kuzi
va:howmuchdoyoumake?That
'sal
lim
i
nter
estedi
n
Theylaughedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chovert
hei
r
l
ovelymeal.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Duncangreet
edhi
swifewhowasinbedonher
phoneandtookof
fhi
sclot
hes.
..

Duncan:Joshuaneedstocomebackt owor
k,t
oday
wasjustamesswi thhisabsencet
hat'swhyi
knockedoffsol
ate.Didyougetmyt ext?
Lor
na:yeahidi
d
Duncan:ok.OhPati
encecalledmeearli
er(she
fr
ownedt hathei
nit
iat
edtheconversat
ion)shesai
d
shewasoutofgroceriesandtoi
let
rysoisenther
somemoney.3k
Lorna:ohokbutcoul
dn'
tyouhaveboughtt
hem and
havesomeonetakethem t
her
e?
Duncan:iof
fer
edt
odosoandshei
nsi
stedt
hati
sendt
hecash
Lorna:t
hat'
sbecauseshewant
edt
odot
his(
she
gavehim herphone)
Duncan:whati
sthi
s?
Lor
na:j
ustpr
esspl
ay

Hefrownedandpressedplay.Hishear
tracedashe
watchedonPat
ience,hersi
sterandneigbour
s
par
tyingupast
orm...

Duncan:howcouldthi
swomandot hi
stome?Does
shethinkmoneygrowsontr
ees?Whil
eshe'
s
dri
nkinganddanci
ngli
kethi
swhereismychi
ld?
She'
sgoi ngt
oknowme
Lor
na:donotsayanyt
hingt
oher
Duncan:noLor
naican'
tlett
hissl
idel
iket
his.3Ki
s
alotofmoney
Lor
na:iknowbutthi
sgivesyouanupperhandon
makingsuret
hatyoudealwit
hherni
ceandgood.
Wit
hthi
ski
ndofevidencethecour
twon'
tevent
hink
t
wiceongi
vingyousolecust
ody
Duncan:youar
eont
osomet
hing
Lorna:yesandifsheasksf
ormor
emoneyjustgi
ve
i
ttoher .Whatyoushoul
ddoismakesur
eyoudon't
snap
Duncan:iwon'
tli
eifeelli
kegoi
ngther
enowand
conf
rontherbutihearyouiwil
ldomyallt
okeep
mycalm
Lor
na:good

Hecli
ckedhist
onguegoi
ngint
othebat
hroom whi
le
Lor
nasmiledandsi
ghed.
..

Lorna:Pat
iencePatiencePati
enceyouthoughtyou
wereasmar toneneh.That'
swhatkarmadoesmy
l
oveshehi tsyouwher eithur
tsthemostican'twait
toseeyoucr yforyourchil
d.Neveri
nyourlif
emess
withawomanscor nedbecauseyouwillgetburnt
,
severel
y
AtPat
ience'
shouse.
..

Thesmallchi
llsessi
ont ur
nedi nt
oahugeapartyas
thewholest
reetcame.Onat uesdayni
ghtone
wouldwonderifothersdidnothaveworkthe
fol
lowi
ngmor ni
ng...

Pati
ence:f
rom nowonyoushouldcal
lmeMsVi
bes
(t
heyalll
aughed)ever
yonehaseat
enri
ght
?
Al
l:yes
Pat
ience:yesl
et'
spar
tyt
heni
ghtaway

Shewhi st
ledasaMakhadzisongpl ayedwith
everyonegoingcrazyandsi ngingalong.Wearing
shortsandashor tsleevedt-
shirtJuniorwal
ked
througheveryonelookingforhismot herandaunt.A
bitchil
lyi
twasbuthehadnoj ersyonandnoshoes
on...
Juni
or:(
sof
tl
y)mama?Mama?Aunt
y?
Lady:nanagosl
eepi
t'
slat
eforyouchi
ldr
ent
obe
outhere

Shewhi st l
edastheyopenedaci r
clewithadrunk
Patiencedancinginthemi ddl
e.Juniortr
iedt
ogo
throught hem t
othecentreofthecir
clebutfail
edas
tearsfil
ledhiseyesgoingback.Hesni f
fedsi
lentl
y
cryingandbumpedi nt
oaman. ..

Man:(
smi
led)hel
loboy
Juni
or:hel
lo
Man:areyoul
ookingf
ormama?(
Henodded)ok
comeletmetakeyoutomamaok
Juni
or:ok

Hel
if
tedt
he4yearol
dupandheadedoutt
heyar
d..
.
Juni
or:mamai
sther
e(hepoi
ntedatt
hecr
owd)
Man:i
m goi
ngt
ogetyouasweeti
nthecarf
ir
st
Juni
or:ok
Man:youar
eagoodboyok
Juni
or:ok

Heopenedthecarandputhimint
hebackseatt
hen
wenti
ntothedr
iver
'ssi
delocki
ngt
hedoors.
..

Juni
or:ar
eyougoi
ngt
otakemet
omama?
Man:yesmyboyiam.Ir
emember
edil
eftt
he
sweet
satmyhouse
Juni
or:ok

Heswall
owedlooki
ngoutsidet
hewindowseeing
ever
yoneinagoodmooddancingthenightaway
whil
ethemansmi l
edl
ookingathi
mt hr
oughthe
r
earvi
ewmi
rr
oranddr
oveof
f.
..

Man:it
oldhershe'
sgoi
ngt
opayf
orcheat
ingon
me

Hesteppedontheaccel
erat
ordr
ivi
ngof
fwi
th
DuncanJunior
.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Itwasaround05:00am asMayaj ustwokeup

withoutt
healarmringi
ng.Shecheckedtheti
meand
sighedsmili
ng.Shegotoffherbedandwenttot
he
bathroom t
henreachedforherdi
ary..
.

Deardi
ary.
..

Whatmor
ecaniaskf
or?(
Smi
led)Godhasshown
met hathei saGodt hatdoesn' tfail
.Honest l
y
speaki ngihaven' tbeent hatstrongwheni tcomes
tomyf aithbuteversi nceMondayihavef el
talot
growt hi nme.Iknowwhatt heyar etalkingabout
whent heyspeakoft hemosthi ghpowerbecause
thever ysamepowermani f
estedi nmyl if
e.Imagine
l
iving16year sknowi ngt hatyouraunti sdeadonl y
tof i
ndoutt hatshe' sal i
veandi sact uallynotyour
auntbutyourmot her .Myhear talmostst opped.In
thespacet hatiam r ightnowif earnoevi lbecausei
knowi m hi ghlyf avour edandhi ghlypr otected.The
devilhasnopl aceinmyl i
feandwi l
lneverhaveone.
Im gladif oundmymot herwhoi m st i
llgetti
ngused
tocal lmymot herandpr aytoGodt hathekeepsher
l
ongerf orust ocont i
nuewher ewel eftof f.Now
anot herj our neyihavet oembar koni sf i
ndingmy
father .Ihopeandpr ayt hatif i
ndhi m ont imeso
thatwecangett oknowoneanot herwel l
.Ina
nutshel lim atahappypl aceinmyl i
feandi m
gratef ulf oral ltheser vant sofGodicr ossedpat hs
with, ipr aymyr elati
onshi pwi t
ht hem gr ows
strongereachdayandt hatGodkeepst hem and
theirf ami liesf orme.Ican' twaittoputmyt hanks
i
ntowor shi
pbecauseGodhasbeengr
eatandi
bel
ievetheroadfr
om her
eleadst
omoregreener
pastur
esandcalm water
.

Shesmiledandcl osedherdi
aryputti
ngitaway.
Shethentookawhi t
ecandl
eandt ookasipofwater
thenpouredtherestint
oabowl .Sheopenedher
bibl
eandputacl othoverherheadandshoulder
s
andbegant opray.

Att
hehol
dingcel
ls.
..

Mopat
isi
ghedsit
ti
ngonacor
nerasKi
tsost
oodup
f
rom t
hebed.
..

Ki
tso:Mopat
i
Mopat
i:it
houghtyousai
dyoudi
dn'
twantt
otal
kto
me
Ki
tso:iwantanexpl
anat
ionofwhathappened.
Whatdi
dLewi
smeanbyal
lthet
hingshesai
d?
Mopat
i:wehaveal
ott
owor
ryaboutandyouwant
t
oaskmet hat
?
Ki
tso:i
fitwasn'tf
oryourobsessi
onwi
tht
hatst
upi
d
gi
rlwewouldn'tbehere
Mopati:ohr
eal
lynow?Ifi
twasn'
tforyourst
upi
d
deci
sionswewouldn'
tbeher
e
Kit
so:nowiseewhyyouwer
esoeagert
oknow
aboutmyplans
Mopat
i:aheyf
otsekKi
tso
Ki
tso:r
ra?
Mopat
i:kar
efot
sekmonnaKi
tso
Ki
tso:bl
oodyshi
t!

Hesai dkickinghim ashest oodupandl andeda

punchonhi sface.Kit
sopunchedhi m backasthey
grabbedeachot her
'sthr
oat s.Mopat
ipinnedhim
againstthewal lasKit
sohi thist
esti
eswi t
hhisknee
andhef l
inchedback.Hel andedahotsl apas
Mopat
istagger
edbackbutretur
nedtheslapas
t
heygrabbedeachot
her'
sthroatsagai
n..
.

Mopat
i:ot
lannyel
aKi
tso(
youwol
lmessyour
sel
f)
Ki
tso:l
ewenaMopat
i(yout
oo)

Theysaidhitt
ingoneanotheragainstthewal l
s
whil
estrangli
ngeachother.Kit
soslippedandf el
l
asMopat iwentontopofhim andcont inuousl
y
punchedhim whil
eanof f
icerstoodout si
de..
.

Of
fi
cer
:hey!St
opi
t!

MopatigotoffKit
sowi
pinghi
smouthwhil
eKi
tso
gr
untedstandingupwi
thhisf
acebl
eedi
ng.

Onhi
swaytowor
k,Lovemorewhi
stl
edtoasong
pl
ayi
ngf
rom t
her
adioanddeci
dedtocal
lChi
oma..
.
Chi
oma:goodmor
ningMrK
Lovemor
e:mor
ningChihowdi
dyousl
eep?
Chi
oma:goodandyour
sel
f?
Lovemore:ihaveneverbeensohappyar ound
peopl
elikeiwaslastnight
.Theconversati
onsand
atmospherewerejustever
ythi
ngim about
Chi
oma:iknowrightitwashonest l
yanamazi
ng
ni
ghtandiwoul
dn'tmi nddoingitagai
nyouhavea
wonder
fulandi
ntell
i
gentcircle
Lovemore:t
hankyou.Wel
lwecanmakei
tat
hing
rot
ateamongthehomesweekl
y
Chi
oma:i
m upf
ori
tyouwi
llt
alkt
oJoshuaabouti
t
Lovemor
e:yeahwear
emeet
ingl
aterhewant
sust
o
tal
kbusi
ness
Chioma:ohthat
'swonder
ful
.Al
lthebestheyand
l
itt
ledidiknowhewasoneofmybi ggest
customers
Lovemor
e:smal
lwor
lddear
Chi
oma:i
ndeed
Lovemore:sodoyoumindgoi
ngf
ordi
nnerj
ustas
thetwoofustoni
ght?
Chi
oma:youl
ikemer
ightMrK?
Lovemor
e:(
clenchedhi
steet
h)gui
lt
yaschar
ged
Chioma:(chuckled)youneedtof
inal
izeyour
divor
cefir
stbeforemovi ngonwi
thanyoneandpray
toGodt ogiveyoual ovi
ngandhonestpart
nerand
alsotaketi
mef oryourself
Lovemor
e:wowwhatasoot
hingwayoft
urni
nga
guydown
Chioma:(laughed)i
m gladidi
dnothurtyour
feel
ings.Ili
keyoualotbutyoursonl
ikesmyniece
soyouandican' thappen
Lovemor
e:hewhat
?
Chioma:isawhowtheylookedatoneanotherlast
nightandhowhewasgent l
ewi t
hher.Hereal
ly
l
ikeshersoimthi
nki
nglet'
sallowthechil
drenthat
chanceofexpl
ori
ngthi
sthingofdati
ng
Lovemor
e:wher
edoest
hatputus?Bat
honghow
canLucasdot
hist
ome?
Chioma:(chuckl
ed)youknowyoucan'
tcont
rol
feel
ings.Youandiareperf
ectasf
ri
endsMrK
Lovemore:ashar
dasit'
sgoingtobejustfr
iends
wit
hyouiwi l
ldomylevelbestt
helastt
hingiwant
i
stoloseyou
Chioma:youandiwerebroughtt
ogetherf
ora
reasonandnothi
ngwil
levercomebetweenus.We
candothatdi
nnertoni
ghtasfri
ends
Lovemore:asl
ongasigett
ospendt
imewi
thyou
(t
heylaughed)
Chi
oma:l
etmedr
ivesi
r
Lovemor
e:al
ri
ghthaveagr
eatdayheyst
aywi
nni
ng
Chi
oma:yout
oo

TheyhungupasChiomasmi
ledhummi
ngwhi
le
Lovemoresi
ghed.
..

Lovemor
e:yeahnehbutLucast
houghwhydi
dhe
havetolikeSundaeit
houghttheywereri
valsat
school.Ormaybeherint
ell
igencei
swhatat t
ract
ed
him.(Scoffed)somysonli
kessomeonei t
'sabout
ti
mewesatdownandhadaconver sat
ionabout
thi
s

Hel
aughedal
onenotbel
ievi
ngi
t.

I
nRasesa.
..

VusigaveVi ctorhisporri
dgeinthebedroom and
closedhimi nsideashesl owl
yateupwi thhishand
shaking.Hehadnochoi cebuttof i
ghttofeed
himselfbecauset herewasnoonewhowasgoi ng
tofeedhi m.Notadaypassedwi thouthim wi
shing
toseehi sdaughter.How?Hedi dn'tknowaswel l.
Outint hekit
chenVusij oi
nedMakiast heyhadt heir
englishbreakfast.
..

Maki
:ar
eyounothungover
?
Vusi
:ahcomeonmommyt
hosebeer
swer
en'
tal
ot
(t
heylaughed)
Maki
:isheeat
ing?
Vusi
:ibel
ievehei
s
Maki:it'
snotl
ikehehasachoiceanyway.(
Sipped
herjui
ceandwi pedhermouthwit
hanapkin)how
farareyouwit
hf i
ndingMaya?(Si
ghedrol
li
ngher
eyes)justmesayinghernamemakesmyst omach
turn
Vusi:(
laughed)comeonmommyyouhavet omake
surethatyoubuil
dsomesortofliki
ngt
owar
dsher
becauseshe'sournextmeal
ticket
Maki
:yeahwel
liguessyouar
eri
ght
Vusi:ofcour
seiam mommybuti m st
il
ltr
yingto
reachouttoher.Isentheramessagerequeston
facebookbutsheignoreditandbl
ockedme
Maki:mxm aboor eker
atemot hoadiraone
matlakal
aao?Wai ponawaitse(andyousayi
shouldtol
erat
esomeonedoi ngsuchnonsense?
Whodoesshet hi
nksheis)
Vusi
:aomommyaot l
hemoit
shwarel
e.Iwent
t
hroughherpr
ofi
leshe'
sagoodl
ookingwoman
Maki
:excuseme?
Vusi
:nnyanoti
nthatway
Maki:
soyoucansayanot
herwomani
sbeaut
if
uli
n
f
rontofme?
Vusi
:sor
rymommyao(
hesai
dki
ssi
ngherhand)
Maki
:letmeseeher
Vusi
:li
keisai
dsheblockedmeunlesswesearch
herwi
thyouraccountandtr
ytot
alktohert
hrough
i
t
Maki:st
il
lnoprobl
em andagai
nim awomansoshe
wi
lldefi
nit
elyr
espond
Vusi
:mypoi
ntexact
ly
Maki
:gett
oitt
henwhatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?
Vusi
:(l
ickhi
sfi
nger
s)br
ingyourphone

Shegavei
ttohi
m andsear
chedMaya'
saccount
andshowedMakiherpr
ofi
lepi
ctur
e..
.

Maki:ebi
leshehaschildr
enshedef
ini
tel
yhassome
money.Wai tshesaysshest
udi
edPRandPol it
ical
sci
ences.(Smiled)Ohwehavehi
tajackpotbaby
l
et'
sgof orit
Vusi
:wear
ewi
thi
n

Hechuckledsendingheramessager equestwhi
le
Maki smi
led.MeanwhileatMolepol
olepoli
ce
stat
ionMaya'sphoner epor
tedthenot
if
icat
ionas
shecheckedanddr aggedthemessageheaddown. .
.

Kenei
lwe:yourphonei
sal
waysbusy
Maya:iwi
llseet
othemessagel
aternowwehave
somebusi
nesstotakecar
eof
Ti
tus:ist
il
lcan'
tbel
ievewhatyouj
ustt
oldme
Maya:wai
tunt
ilyouheari
tfr
om t
hehor
se'
smout
h
TheyheadedinwithKenei lwewal ki
ngbehi ndthem
withanicekeptGermancutbl eachedwi thacream
whitecol
our,Mayadidsomesi mplefacebeaton
herasshewor ebl
ueski nnyj eans,afloralbl
ouse,
sandalswit
hacutenai lartonherf i
ngerandt oe
nail
s.Theyspoketothest ati
oncommanderashe
tookthem t
ooneoft heinterrogati
onr ooms.They
tookthei
rseatswhi
leanof fi
cercamewi thRona..
.

Rona:wherear
eyoutaki
ngme?Youguyshonest
ly
l
ikemovingusupanddownwit
hout
..
.

Shefr
ozeasherhear
tskippedabeatseei
ng
Kenei
lwewi
thherchi
ldr
en...

Kenei
lwe:(
smi
l
ed)hel
losi
s

Justhervoi
cemadeRona'sbreat
hcutasshe
stagger
edbackandf
ellonherbums..
.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment
.Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
12] :AKEPTWOMAN
49

Off
icer
:nnyankukuemaf
elakamaot
o(nool
dlady
st
andup)
Rona:ketsewakesedi
diketl
hokababongaka(
im
feel
ingdi
zzyineedadoctor
)
Off
icer
:iwi
llaskt
hem tobri
ngyouwat
erpl
ease
st
andupandgot akeyourseat

ThatmomentMayaandTi tusqui
etl
ysatback
l
ookingatherwhi
leKenei
lwesmiled.
..
Kenei
lwe:t
her
e'snoneedfort
heat
ri
csRonamy
chi
ldr
enandiwantthetr
uth

Hear
ingthosewor
dsmadeherheartraceeven
moreassheheldherchestst
il
lont
hefloor
massagi
ngherchest.
..

Rona:it
hinkim goi
ngt
ohaveahear
tat
tack(
she
st
art
edtobr eat
hheavi
ly)
Maya:okRonanomatt
erwhatyoudoyouwi
ll
neverr
unfr
om t
hissopl
easesavet
heshowfor
someonewhocares
Rona:obualennaj
aloMaya(
areyout
alki
ngt
ome
l
ikethatMaya)
Maya:yesandhonestl
yspeakingyouar
est
arti
ngto
annoymeandyouar egoingtomakemesaythings
idon'twantt
osaysopleaseRonawearenothere
foryourfr
eeshow
Ti
tus:andtheti
meshedidallthet
hingsshedi
dshe
wasn'tact
ingl
iket
hisi
nfactshewassooverj
oyed
wit
hnocarewhatsoever
.Nowthatt
hetabl
eshave
tur
nedshewant
st oputupanactnowomanstand
up
Rona:banakel
onakel
egodi
sit
se(
irai
sedyouki
ds)
Maya:wenaRona?Ogodisabomang?(You?Raise
who)Youabusedusandtookawayourl
ivesnow
st
andupandanswerforyourdoi
ngs
Of
fi
cer
:RonaMoet
ist
andup
Rona:(
sighed)it
hinki
m par
alysed
Maya:howiwisht
hatwast
het
rut
h.Ronashoul
di
comehelpyouup?
Rona:whatdoyoupeopl
ewantf
rom me?Canyou
pl
easeleavemealone
Kenei
lwe:whodidyoubur
yasmeRona?(Shekept
qui
et)Ronaiaskedyouaquest
ion(
shest
il
lkept
qui
et)
Ti
tus:Ronaar
eyougoi
ngt
oanswert
hequest
ionor
not?
Rona:idon'
toweanyoneofyouanyanswer
syou
ar
ewast i
ngyourt
ime
Maya:mmekanayouar ejustwast ingyourt ime
becausewet heryoulikeitornotyouar egoingt o
revealwhoyoumadeusmour nmaki ngust hink
thatshewasourauntanauntwhohappenst obe
ourmot her.Ronahowvi lecanyoube?Tost eal
yourownsi ster'
schil
drenf oryourownsel fish
reasonsallforyouruselessdaught er?Wher eisshe
now?I nthesamecel lasyou.Doyouseewhat
havingadar kheartdoesandt rustyoumet hisis
onlythebeginning.Ronayoual mostki ll
edmeand
mychi l
dren.Youhavemademehur tpeoplewho
caredaboutme!( Stoodup)il ostjobsaf t
erjobsal l
becauseofyouRona.Myf uturewashangi ngona
threadallbecauseofyou.Why?( Shesai dgoi ngto
her)
Kenei
lwe:babywai
t
Maya:nomamahonest l
yspeakingim angrywit
h
thi
switchim madatherandiwi shshecouldburn
i
nhellbutwhatusewi l
litbewhenshe'scapableof
shari
ngabedwi t
hthedevil(
Ronalookeddown
embarassed)youareyettosoakinembar assment
Ronabecauset heGodiswer veneverl
eavesno
st
oneunturnedandt r
ustyoumeRonahe' sgoingto
unl
eashthewor stonyouandyourdaughter.Aker
e
l
onayouenj oygamblingwit
hpeopl
e'
slivesyouwi l
l
l
earntheconsequencesofthatmydear.Speakup!
Off
icer:ma'am pl
easecal
m down.Ronacanyou
pl
easest andupandtalkt
oyourfamil
ywhyar eyou
i
nsisti
ngoncausingascene?(Shejustkeptqui
et)
Ti
tus:r
eal
lyRonaisthatwhatyouaregoi
ngt
odo
now?Keepquiet
?(Shedidn'
trespond)
Kenei
lwe:Ronaal
lweneedi sanswer
sandwewi
ll
beoutofyourway(shekeptqui
et)
Off
icer
:okgoodpeopl
ewear enotgoi
ngspendthe
wholedayher
ewhilesomeonedoesn'
twanttot
alk
Maya:whywon'tyousayanyt
hingRona?Youhad
somuchtosayespecial
lyt
omeal lt
heseyear
sand
nowthatt
hetr
uthhascomeoutyouhavesuddenly
gonemute?Wow
Of
fi
cer
:Ronast
andup(
shej
ustsatt
her
e)
Maya:(scof
fed)youknowwhatguyslet
'sgoifyou
t
hinkyouaregoingtokeepqui
etf
oreverthenyou
shoul
dthi
nkagai
n.Ther
ewil
lbeati
mewhenyou
wil
lhavenochoi
cebutt
ospeakup

Shecli
ckedhertongueleadi
ngthewayoutasTi
tus
andthei
rmotherfoll
owedher..
.

Offi
cer:MsMoet
iar
eyougoi
ngt
ost
andupor
shouldwehel
pyou?
Rona:i
m abl
etot
hatonmyown
Of
fi
cer
:ohsoyoucant
alk?
Rona:mxm

Shesaidst
andi
ngupast heoffi
cershookhishead
escor
ti
ngherbacktothei
rcell
.Meanwhi l
einthecar
Kenei
lweandherchi
ldrencoul
dnotbelieveitas
Mayadroveout
..
.

Maya:Ronai
shonest
lyunbel
ievabl
e
Tit
us:forsomeonewitharunnymout
hlikeher
sim
shockedshecouldn'
tevensayoneword
Kenei
lwe:wel
liki
ndofexpectedi
t.Shenowknows
t
hewhol et
rut
hisoutbecauseicantal
k
Maya:andt ot hi
nkt hisi
sf arf
rom over.Herli
tt
le
tri
cksofnotsayi nganythingaregoingt oendas
soonasshest andsi nfr
ontoft hej
udge.Iwantt o
got otheofficewhenwegett oGabor onekanaim
supposedt obeenj oyingmyf ir
stweekasaPR
Managerbutnoi m busyr unni
ngbehi ndwitches
(scoffedshakingherhead)Ronahasal waysmade
myl if
eal i
vinghell
Tit
us:buti
thasallcometoanendnowi t
'sti
mefor
hertogetthetast
eofherownmedici
ne.Lesedii
s
goingtodieheari
ngthi
s.Nowiseewhyshenever
l
ikedthosetwo
Maya:shehasal waysseenthroughthem shame
butwewer etooblindedt
oseei t
.It
'snotl
ikewe
didn'
tseeitidon'
tknowhowt odescribewhatwas
happeningtous.Haveyoueverseensomet hing
knowingthatit
'snotgoodforyoubutyoukeep
goi
ngbackt
oit
,that
'showi
twaswi
thusandt
hose
wit
ches.
Kenei
lwe:andiwantal
lthat
'smi
neback
Maya:t
hecaraswel
l?
Kenei
lwe:nosi
ll
y(t
heyl
aughed)butiwantanew
car
Maya:don'twor r
ymawear etaki
ngourl i
vesback.
Tit
usiwoul dlovetoi
nvi
teyoutochurchonSunday.
TheamazingmanofGodit ol
dyouabouti sthe
l
eaderofthechur chmaybeyouwillgetyour
deli
ver
ancet hen
Ti
tus:andi
m br
ingi
ngmywomanandchi
ld
Kenei
lwe:iwantt
oseemygr
andchi
ld
Maya:doyoust
il
lrememberhowt
odr
ive?
Keneil
we:i
thasbeen16year sMayaandalothas
changedyesicansti
llsi
tbehindt
hewheelbut
thesenewroadsareconfusi
ngandagai
nistil
lhave
toworkonmyl i
censeagain
Maya:ohyeah.Noyouwi
lldr
ivewithTi
tusandt
he
ki
dsiwil
lcomegetyouguysafterwor
k
Kenei
lwe:wher
eisshef
rom agai
n?
Ti
tus:Moshupat
heyar
ether
enow
Keneil
we:okbutyouknowwecan'
tgot
her
eempt
y
handedri
ght?
Maya:youwantt
ospoi
lthebabyal
ready?
Keneil
we:shemustknowshehasanamazi
ng
grandmotheri
nme

Theylaughedandcont inuedtocatchupwhi l
eMaya
st
eppedont heacceleratorali
tt
le.Backatthe
pol
icestati
onRonacl i
ckedhert onguesi
tti
ngup
whil
ePr eci
ouscurvedherl i
psfoldi
ngherarms..
.

Preci
ous:yetyouwer
ebusyl
aughi
ngatme.Lookat
younow
Rona:wear
edoomedPr
eci
ous
Preci
ous:wherei
syourmi
ght
ypowerRonahuh?
Hewe-hewemamaknowsbestmamaknowsbest
l
ikewhatthefuck
Rona:woul
dyouj
ustshutup!
Preci
ous:noRonayouf ai
led,youf
ail
edus,you
fai
ledme, youf
ail
edyourgranddaughter
.Youarea
damnf ai
lure
Rona:sayonemorewordPreci
ousonemoreword
andiwillmi
xyouwit
hthesewall
s.Howissheabl
e
tospeak?
Preci
ous:becauseyourst
upi
ddoct
orhadno
powersRonat hat
'swhy!
Rona:don'
tyoudareinsul
tMmadi
taol
ali
ket
hat
.
Thatwomanf oughtf
orus
Preci
ous:i
fshef
oughtenoughwewoul
dn'
tbeher
e
today
Rona:i
fshedi
dn'
tfi
ghtyouwoul
dhaveneverhad
t
helif
eyouhadPreci
ous
Pr
eci
ous:weneedt
otel
lthet
rut
h
Rona:excuseme?
Pr
eci
ous:iwantt
obewi
thLovemor
e
Rona:youneedt
ofor
getaboutt
hatf
ool
ishman.
Weneedtothinkofwhatwear
egoi
ngt
osayi
n
cour
taboutKenei
lwe
Preci
ous:whatwi
llyousayRona?Youwer
ecaught
redhanded
Rona:therehastobeawayPr eci
ous,
RonaMoeti
won'tgodownwi thoutaf
ight
,hel
lnoiref
use,
i
ref
usePr eci
ous

Sheheavedahugesighandstooduppacing
aroundthei
rcel
lwhi
lePreci
ousleanedonthebunk
andshookherheadlooki
ngatherwithherl
ips
curved.
..

Pr
eci
ous:youar
ewast
ingyourt
ime
Rona:j
ustshuti
t

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandcont
inuedt
opaceup
anddown.
I
nRamot
swa.
..

Assoonashermindwentbacktoit'
ssoberst
ate
Pat
ienceremember
edthatshehadachil
dasshe
qui
cklywokeupandlookedonhersi
detonoone...

Pati
ence:Duncan?(Cl
earedhersi
nuses)Duncan?
(Shecheckedtheti
meandi twasjustaft
er9am)
Duncan?(Shesaidgett
ingoutofbed)lastni
ght
wasjustamessyou( yawned)Duncanman! ?

Sheputonhersl eppersandst r
etchedclearingher
sinusesagaingoingtotheli
vingroom whi lecal
li
ng
herson.Hewasnott her
easshewentt ot he
kitchenbuthewasnott hei
reither.Shecheckedt he
bat hr
oom andhewasnott heirasshesi ghedgoing
tohersister
'sr
oom. .
.

Pat
ience:Kgomot
so?Kgomot
so!
?
Kgomot
so:hmm
Pat
ience:wher
eisDuncan?
Kgomot
so:(
inaudi
ble)
..
..
Pat
ience:Kgomot
sowakeupman(
sheshookher
)
Kgomotso:ei
shPati
encewhyareyoubei
ngl
iket
his?
Canyoupleasel
eavemealone
Pat
ience:wher
e'sDuncan
Kgomot
so:idon'
tknowdoesn'
thesl
eepwi
thyou?
Pat
ience:he'
snoti
nbed
Kgomot
so:maybehe'
spl
ayi
ngout
side
Pati
ence:mxm youmustwakeupsot
hatwecl
ean
thehouseandyard

Shesaiddr
aggi
ngher
sel
foutandf
rownedt
othe
unl
ockeddoor
..
.

Pati
ence:i
magineifthi
evescameinhereorDuncan
openedforhi
mself(wentout)Duncy?Juni
or?
Shesaidgoingaroundt
hehousecalli
nghim but
ther
ewasnosi gnofhim butal
otofbeerti
nsand
bott
lesasthenei
ghbourstoodbythefence.
..

Woman:f
inal
lyyouar
eawake
Pat
ience:(
chuckl
ed)mor
ningmahaveyouseen
Duncan?
Woman:nomyl
oveihaven'
t
Pat
ience:aowher
e'st
hischi
l
dkant
e
Woman:maybehel
eftwi
tht
hatwoman'
ski
dst
o
t
hetuckshop
Pat
ience:heneverpl
ayswi
tht
hem
Woman:youneverknowki
dswhent
heyar
ebor
ed
Pat
ience:Duncanwoul
dratherwat
chtv.Ar
eyou
sur
eyouhaven'tseenhi
m aroundt
heyard?
Woman:nomydearandyouknowi
m al
wayst
he
f
ir
stt
owakeup
Pati
ence:heebanna.Okormaybehe'
shidi
ngint
he
housekanaDuncancanbedramaticsometi
mes
Woman:yeahgocheckhi
m

Shesi
ghedgoi
ngbackt
othehousecal
li
nghi
m..
.

Pati
ence:idon'
thaveti
met oplaywi
thyouDuncan
getoutfr
om whereveryouare
Kgomot
so:doyour
eal
lyhavet
oshoutl
iket
his?
Pat
ience:it
hinkDuncani
snotar
oundKgomot
so.
Duncan!?
Kgomotso:maybehewenttopl
ay.Youknowhe
l
ikest
heboysfrom t
he3rdyar
dafterour
s
Pat
ience:i
jal
etmegocheckhi
mther
e

Reali
tywasst arti
ngtokickinassher ushedtothe
yardwhilehersisterwenttothekitchent olookfor
l
eftoverscleari
nghersinusesaswel l.Pati
ence
arr
ivedattheyar dandfoundt heoldmanand
womanhavi ngt eawiththei
rgr andkidsplaying.
..
Pat
ience:goodmor
ning
Woman:hel
lodear
Pat
ience:haveyouseeDuncan?
Woman:nomychild.Mychi
ldr
enevenwenttocal
l
himtoi
nvi
tehi
mt ocomeplaywitht
hem butt
hey
sai
dnooneopenedfort
hem sotheycameback
Pat
ience:(
hear
tski
pped)bat
hongwher
e'st
hischi
ld
Man:youwer
ehavi
ngf
unl
astni
ghtneh
Pati
ence:(
chuckl
ed)eer
ra.Maar
eyousur
eyou
haven'
tseenhim?
Woman:yesmygi
rl
.Isever
ythi
ngok?
Pat
ience:(
swal
lowedasherhear
traced)it
hinkmy
sonismissi
ng
Woman:noPat
iencei
tcan'
tbe.Maybehe'
shi
ding
i
nthehouse
Pat
ience:icheckedbef
orecomi
ngher
eandhe'
snot
Woman:ngwanakadoyouknowtherateatwhich
chi
ldr
engomissi
ngint
hiscount
rythesedays
Pat
ience:nomysoncan'
tgomi
ssi
ng
Man:youneedtogotothepol
iceri
ghtnowmy
chi
ld.Wewil
laskaroundt
heneighbour
hoodf
oryou
whi
leyougothere
Pati
ence:aoModimo(ohLor
d)t
hiscan'tbe
happeni
ng(sheranof
fbacktot
heiryar
d)
Man:bot
agwa(
excessi
vedr
inki
ng)
Woman:andi
t'
ssai
dthatt
hischi
ldi
sherboss'
s
chi
ld
Man:ar
eyouser
ious?
Woman:yes,
shesleptwi
thherbosswel
lit
's
r
umoursidon'
tknowhowt r
ueiti
s
Man:maybet hewi f
et ookhi
m sinceitlooksli
ke
she'snolongerworking.Maybet hewifefoundout
andf i
redherthenusedyesterday'sopportuni
tyt
o
takethechil
d
Woman:wewoment houghatti
mes.Wetendtodo
f
ool
isht
hings.Howdoyousleepwit
hyourboss?
Man:menarealsoper
ver
tsmywifehowdoyougo
af
teranot
herwomanknowingyouar
emarr
ied?
Let
'sj
usthopei
t'
snott
rue
Woman:yeahneh.Let
'sf
ini
shupandhel
pher
spr
eadt
hewor d

Theysippedthei
rteawhil
eattheroadPati
enceran
tothepoli
cestat
ionwhil
ehersist
erstoodbythe
fr
ontdoorlooki
ngon..
.

Kgomot
so:wher
ear
eyouDuncan?Yoh

I
nKgangT&T.
..

Maya:soyeahwel
efthert
her
ewi
thoutevensayi
ng
asi
ngleword
Joshua:atl
eastyouguysknowt
het
rut
h.I
magi
nei
f
yourmothercoul
dn'tspeak
Maya:yeahheybutwewantt
oknowwhothe
personweburi
edwas.Kanat
hatwomanl
ooked
exactl
yli
kemama
Joshua:ormaybeyourmot
herhadat
win
Maya:idoubtt
hat
.Wher
ewoul
dthet
winbeal
lthe
t
ime?
Joshua:yeahnehbutifyousayshel
ookedexactl
y
l
ikeyourmotherthatcoul
dbetheonl
yexplanat
ion
Maya:youar
egoi
ngt
omakemet
hinkal
otnow
Joshua:wel
lthi
nkabouti
tloveit'
stheonl
ything
thatmakessensebutwewillneverknowunt
ilRona
speaksup
Maya:andthefactthatshekeptquietr
aisesafew
hai
rs(t
houghtful
lysatback)whatifyouareri
ght
babe?Whatifshereall
yhadat win
Joshua:butt
henhowcomeyouknownot
hing
aboutthetwi
n?
Maya:whati
fRonai
saver
sionofhermot
her
?
Joshua:wear
egoingtobur
stourheadsopenwi
th
thi
sletmegetbackt
owork
Maya:noRonahast
ocomeoutwi
tht
het
rut
h
Joshua:iagr
eewi
thyou(
someoneknocked)
Maya:comei
n
Al
exander
:goodmor
ning
MrT:hel
lo
Maya:ohhiwhatapl
easantsur
pri
sepl
easesi
t
Joshua:youar
ewel
come.
Bot
h:t
hankyou
Maya:whatcanidof
oryou?
Al
exander
:ineedt
otal
ktoyoumygi
rl
Maya:ohok
Joshua:l
etmeexcuseyouguys.Seeyoul
ater
Maya:noprobl
em (hel
eft)what
'sgoingonma?
Whydidn'
tyoujustcal
l?Thedoctorsai
dyoumust
r
est
Alexander
:whatiwantt
otal
ktoyouaboutcan'
tbe
saidoveracal
l
Maya:o-
kay.Youar
escar
ingmenow
Al
exander
:thedayoft
heat
tack
Maya:yes?
Al
exander
:di
dyout
ouchmemaybe?
Maya:myemot ionswereallovert
hepl
acebuti
thinkidi
dbecausetheblouseihadonhadsome
bloodonit
Al
exander
:(si
ghed)youneedt
ogot
othehospi
tal
mychil
d
Maya:(
frowned)why?
Al
exander
:ihaveHI
V
Maya:what
!?
Alexander:yesim sosorr
ythatyouhavebeen
exposedtot hatbutthesooneryougotot
hecli
nic
thebetter
Maya:(
bli
nked)soi
mightgeti
nfect
ed?
Alexander:notift
heyputyouonPr e-Exposur e
Prophylaxiscommonl yknownasPr Ep.Itwi l
lhel
pin
l
ower i
ngt hechancesofyouget t
ingi nfected.You
knowi tcan'tbedetect
edrightt
hereandt hen.You
havetowai tforaboutamont htothree
Maya:ohokl
etmegetgoi
ngr
ightaway
Al
exander
:onceagai
nim sosor
rymychi
ld
Maya:nonoi tsokmayoudon' thavetoapol ogise.
Weneverknewt hi
swouldhappenandagai nwe
werestillgett
ingt oknowoneanot hersoyou
wouldn'thavedi sclosedsuchinf
ormat i
onfirsthand
asifwear epartnerssoit'
soklet'
sjustpraythati
don'tgetinfectedandeveni fidoiwouldn'tblame
you.Yesi t'
sgoi ngtobeheartwrenchingbutHI Vi s
notadeat hsent ence
Al
exander
:thankyouf
orunder
standi
ng
Maya:notapr
obl
em l
etmegot
alkt
omybossand
l
eave

Shel
edt
hewayoutast
heyf
oll
owedher
.

I
nRamot
swa.
..

Ashaki
ngPati
encet
ookasipofwaterandpunched
i
nDuncan'
snumber.Sheswal
lowedandsighed
l
ooki
ngup.
..
Pol
ice:mmacanyoumaket
hecal
l(shedi
d)
Duncan:Pat
ience?
Pat
ience:it
hinkDuncani
smi
ssi
ng
Duncan:(
stoodup)what
!?
Pati
ence:wewokeupt ohim notar
oundinthe
house(bursti
ntotears)il
ookedeverywher
e
Duncanbutdidn'tfi
ndhim
Duncan:wher
ear
eyounowPat
ience?
Pat
ience:att
hepol
icest
ati
onDuncanpl
easehel
p
Duncan:st
ayt
her
eim comi
ngnow

Hehungupwhi
lePat
ienceshookherheadcr
ying.
..

Offi
cer:butmyladywhodoyout
hinkcoul
dbe
behindthiswhol
ethi
ng?
Pat
ience:(
thoughtabouti
tandst
oppedcryi
ng)
Lor
na,thatwomanknowswher emychil
dis.Of
ficer
Lornai
stheonewhot
ookmychi
ldgoandar
rest
hernow!
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
13] :AKEPTWOMAN
50

Duncangrabbedhi
scarkeys,
phoneandwal
let
runni
ngoutandbumpedintoJoshua.
..

Joshua:woahwhat
'st
her
ushf
or?
Duncan:Pat
iencej
ustcal
ledme
Joshua:Pat
ience,
real
ly?
Duncan:yesJoshuaourchi
ldi
smi
ssi
ng
Joshua:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Duncan:yesshesai
dshewokeuptohim not
ar
oundiguessshewast oodr
unktomindhimlast
ni
ghtsoim goingt
herenowshe'
satt
hepolice
st
ati
on
Joshua:dr
unk?OnaTuesday?
Duncan:i
t'
sal
ongst
orysoal
lmycal
lswi
llbe
di
vert
edtoyou
Joshua:nopr
obl
em

Herushedoutwhi
leJoshuascof
fedl
ooki
ngathi
m
andwentbacktohi
soffi
ce.

Att
hePol
icest
ati
on.
..

Of
fi
cer
:whoi
sLor
na?
Pat
ience:mybabydaddy'
swi
fer
rayoubet
tergo
andar r
estthatwomanri
ghtnow(cl
ickedher
tongue)didshereal
l
ythi
nkiwasnotgoingtothi
nk
thatsheistheonewhotookher
.Gonowandar r
est
her
Off
icer
:ican'
tarrestsomeonewit
hnoful
ldet
ail
s
t
hatprovethatshe'stheonebehi
ndt
hewholethi
ng.
Pati
ence:shej
ustfoundoutt
hatisl
eptwi
thher
husbandandthatwehadababy
Of
fi
cer
:soyoumessedar
oundi
nsomeone'
shome?
Patience:t
hisi
snotaboutmemysoni smissing
hereandt hedamnculpri
tisr
oami
ngthestreets
(satback)she'
sgoingtoknowwhoiam notwhenit
comest omychi l
d
Of
fi
cer
:whati
fyouar
ewr
ong?
Pat
ience:r
eal
ly?Reall
ynowoff
icer
?Ijustgaveyou
someonewhohasenoughmot i
veonasi lverpl
att
er
andyouarestil
laski
ngmequesti
ons?
Of
fi
cer
:ineedyout
othi
nkoft
her
eper
cussi
onsyou
mi
ghtf
aceifyouar
ewrong
Pat
ience:t
hatwomani
sscar
edofl
osi
nghermeal
ti
cketsoshewoulddoanyt
hingt
ogetr
idof
anythi
ngthatst
andsi
nherway
Offi
cer
:(sighed)ihearyoubutcan'
tyout
hinkof
anyoneelseapartfrom her
?
Pat
ience:noshe'
stheonl
yonewi
thabonet
opi
ck
wit
hme
Of
fi
cer
:ohok.Nohear
tbr
okenboyf
ri
endmaybe?
Pat
ience:whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oimpl
y?
Off
icer:i
m nottr
yingtoimpl
yanyt
hingi
mjust
st
atingpossibl
efactor
s
Pat
ience:t
here'
snohear
tbr
okenboyf
ri
endherei
sai
dit'
sLornaDuncanwhot
ookmysont hat
'si
t
Off
icer
:ohokthenlet'
swai
tforthefat
hermaybe
t
hereareot
herpossibl
eabductorsheknows

Pat
iencesatbackdi
ali
nghersi
ster
.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..
Lucasgreet
edNyashawhoi gnor
edhim goi
ng
upstai
rsashelookedbackatherandshookhi
s
headproceedi
ngdown...

Lucas:hel
logr
anny
Kuzi
va:hel
lomyson
Lucas:what
'sf
orbr
eakf
ast
Kuzi
va:imadeourt
radi
ti
onalsof
tpor
ri
dge
Lucas:ooohni
cebeenl
ongsi
nceihadt
hat
Kuzi
va:whenwast
hel
astt
imeyouhadi
t?
Lucas:wheniwasi
nst
andar
d4it
hink
Kuziva:t
hat'
slongbutwecan'
tsayt
hesameabout
yoursist
er.Themomentimenti
onedpor
ri
dgeshe
carr
iedhernosebackupst
air
s
Lucas:(
bur
sti
ntol
aught
er)comeongr
annybeni
ce

Kuzi
val
aughedgoi
ngt
othel
ivi
ngr
oom whi
leLucas
satont
hekitchenstoolandputsugarand
margar
ineintheporri
dge.Hi
sphoner epor
tedat
ext
ashesmiledrespondi
ng..
.

Lucas:don'
ttel
lmeyouj
ustwokeup?
Sundae: noihavebeendoi
ngmychores.Inever
touchmyphonebef
oredoi
nganyt
hing
Lucas:pl
easeteachmet
hatpri
nci
plebecausethe
fi
rstt
hingihol
dwheniwakeismyphone.Ijustgot
outoftheshowernow ‍♂
Sundae:haveyouseent
het
ime? youneedt
o
changethat
Lucas:maybeyoucanmot
ivat
eme
Sundae:agrownmanl
ikeyou? ever
ymanf
or
hi
mselfplease
Lucas:ouch
Sundae:butyouseri
ousl
yneedtochangethat.My
rout
ineeveryt
imeiwakeupisreadthebibl
e,pray,
shower,cl
eanmyr oom,t
heli
vingroom andthe
ki
tchenthenmakefoodthenhol
dmyphoneaf
ter
washingthedi
shesiusedforbr
eakf
ast
Lucas:somuchdi
sci
pli
neandor
der ‍♂ you
needtobemessyali
tt
le
Sundae:wel
lhaveyouseenmyaunt
?
Lucas:yeahhey.Anywayi
m aguyandyouar ea
l
adysoibel i
eveyouknowtheequat
ionsnever
bal
ance
Sundae: youar
esosi
l
ly
Lucas:whatar
eyoudoi
ngl
ater
?
Sundae:whatt
imei
slat
er?
Lucas:l
et'
ssayar
oundl
unch?
Sundae:not
hing
Lucas:okwannagr
absomet
hingt
oeatmaybe?
‍♂
Sundae:yeahiseenopr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
Lucas:cooliwi
llt
extyout
hepl
acei
naf
ewmi
nut
es
Sundae:cool i
m goi
ngt
ost
udyal
it
tl
enow
Lucas:oki
m onl
yabl
etost
udypr
oper
lyatni
ght
Sundae:ok.Seeyoui
nabi
tdon'
tfor
gett
otextt
he
l
ocati
on
Lucas:sur
e

Sher eact
edtot hemessageandheadedt oher
bedroom whileLucassmi l
edgoingthroughsome
coolplacesfortheirlunchdat
e.Meanwhi leinhi
s
room Saintscroll
edthroughhistimeli
neon
Facebookandst oppedbyPeopleyoumayknow
prof
iles.Hesli
dt hroughthem andfrownedseeing
Sundae'sprofi
le...

Saint
:wheredidiseethischick(hethoughtfora
fewseconds)ohyeaht heregionaldebate
competit
ionwhenshewi pedt hefl
oorwitheveryone
(heopenedherprofi
le)ohwowshe' sgoodlooki
ng

Hesaidsmil
inggoi
ngt
hroughherphotosandt
hen
deci
dedtosendheraf
ri
endrequest
..
.
Appl
e:(opened)st
opl
ooki
ngatgi
rl
sandcomehel
p
mewithsomet hi
ng
Sai
nt:l
ear
ntoknockgeez

Hegr
unt
edf
oll
owi
ngheroutwhi
leshel
aughedat
hi
m.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Dr
:asyoucanseeyourresul
tsarenegati
vebutyou
wi
llcomebackaf
ter20daysforanothert
est
Maya:ok
Dr
:donotf
orgett
otaket
hesepi
ll
sever
ydayok
Maya:yesdoc
Dr:andi
nthat20daysmakesureyouar
ecaut
ious
anddonotengageinunpr
otect
edsex
Maya:igott
hat
Dr:andpleasei
fyouhaveapar
tnert
ellhi
m orher
aboutthi
s
Maya:iwi
ll
.Thankyousomuch
Dr
:nopr
obl
em youmaygo

Shetookhercardandbot
tl
eofpil
lsl
eavi
ngasa
messagereport
edonherphone.
..

Maya:t
hiswomant
hough(
responded)goodday
mylady
Maki
:Vusi
!Vusiamessagej
ustcamei
n
Vusi
:ohok.Himyl
ady.(
Responded)howar
eyou
doi
ngmylady?
Maya:goodt
hanksandyour
sel
f?
Vusi
:im good.Icanseeyouarealadywhor
eal
ly
l
ovesandt akesgoodcareofher
self
Maya:oht
hankyou
Vusi
:doyoumi
ndshar
ingyourbeaut
yti
ps?
Maya:i
t'
snot
hingf
ancyoroutoft
heor
dinar
y
honest
ly
Vusi
:ohisee.Sorr
ytobotheryouli
kethi
sbutisel
l
or
ganicbeautypr
oduct
ssoit houghtmaybeyou
woul
dbei nt
rest
edintr
yingafewout
Maya:thankyoufort
hekindoff
erbutihavealr
eady
metupwi t
hsomeonewhoal sodealswit
horganic
productsi
m goi
ngtostar
ttheprocessoft
est
ing
them soon
Vusi
:mxm.(
Responded)ohok
Maya:butt
hankyoumylady.Letmedri
vebutyou
cansendmephotosofyourproduct
smaybether
e's
somethi
ngiwoul
dlikef
rom youandnott
heother
per
son
Vusi
:ohiwi
lldot
hat
.Thankyou
Maya:bye.Iwi
llbei
ntouch

Shethrewherphoneonthepassengerseatand
droveoffwhi
leVusismi
led.
..
Maki
:ar
ewei
n?
Vusi
:al
most
Maki:
whatdoyoumeanbyal
most
?Iwantact
ion
Vusit
imei
snotonoursi
de
Vusi:it
oldheryouaresel
li
ngorganicbeaut
y
product
ssoyoushoul daskyourfr
iendtosendyou
afewpi ct
uresofherpr
oductssothatwesendthem
toMaya
Vi
ctor
:(byt
hebedr
oom door
)di
dyouj
ustsayMaya
Maki:heywenawhatar
eyoudoingt
her
e?Ar
eyou
notsupposedt
obeinthebedr
oom?
Victor:iwantt
ousethetoi
let
.Youngmanwhatdi
d
youj ustsayaboutmydaughter
?Isshecomi
ng
here?
Maki:
Vusit
akethi
susel
esst
hingt
othet
oil
et
bef
oreheannoysme
Vusi
:aomommy.
..
Maki
:nowVusi
!
Vusi
:yohok
HetookVict
ort
ot hebathroom whil
eMakitookher
phoneandwentthroughtheconversati
onwit
h
Maya.Shesmil
edandcal l
edherf r
iend.

Att
hePol
icest
ati
on.
..

Duncanpacedbehi ndanoffi
cerl
eadinghi
mt othei
r
boss'
sof f
icewherehefoundhim andPati
ence.
Pati
encejumpedi nhisarmsashef r
ownedwhil
e
theoff
icersatbackshocked.
..

Pat
ience:shet
ookhi
m Duncan,
shet
ookourson
Duncan:(f
rowned)who?Andpleasel
etgoofme
(
theoffi
cerhel
dbackhislaugh)
Pati
ence:r
eall
yDuncan?Oursoni
smi
ssi
ngand
youarebeingcol
dtowardsme?
Duncan:i
m amar r
iedmanPat
ience.Whodi
dyou
saytookJuni
or?
Pat
ience:Lor
na,
yourwi
fet
ookmychi
ldandiwant
hi
m now
Duncan:real
lynow?Wher ewouldshegetthe
chancetodot hat
?Lornamightbeangryabout
whathappenedbet weenusbutshewouldnever
stoopt
hatlow
Pat
ience:ohsoyouar
egoi
ngt
ospeakf
orhernow?
Duncan:yesbecauseiwaswithheral
lni
ghtwhi
le
youpart
iedallni
ghtPat
ience
Pati
ence:how...
mxm,
Duncanshecoul
dhavesent
peopl
etot akehim
Of
fi
cer
:wai
tdi
dyouj
ustsaypar
ty?
Pat
ience:of
fi
cerhe'
sjust
..
.
Duncan:yesof
fi
ceri
magi
neonaTuesday
Off
icer:ma'
am doyouknowt hatyoucanbe
ar
restedfornegl
igence?Yourpar
enti
ngright
swil
l
betakenawayf r
om youwithi
nablinkofaneye
Pat
ience:peopl
emychi
ldi
smi
ssi
ngher
e!
Duncan:hewoul
dn'
tbei
fyouwer
eagoodmot
her
andyoubetterpr
aywefi
ndhi
m wit
hnoscrat
ch
becauseyouwouldknowwhoiam.Of
fi
cerwhat
's
thelead?
Offi
cer:t
heonlyl
eadwehavei syourwif
eMr
Duncan.Iknow,iknowit'
shardt
obeli
evebutwe
can'
tignoret
hatshe'st
heonlyonewithmot
iveher
e
Pat
ience:exact
ly
Duncan:woul
dyoushutup!
?Off
iceriunderst
and
whatyouaresayi
ngbutmywif
ewoul dneverdo
suchathingt
oachil
d.
Pat
ience:shewouldbecauseshedoesn'
tknowt
he
pai
nofpr egnancyandbi
rth
Duncan:wowPat
ience
Pati
ence:what
?It
'st
hetrut
h.Yourbar
renhor
se
tookmychil
dandshe'sgoi
ngtopay
Off
icer
:oklet
'sal
lcal
m down.MrDuncanwehave
nochoicebuttobr
ingheri
nforquest
ioni
ng
Duncan:(
sighed)okof
fi
cerbuti
mt el
li
ngyouLor
na
wouldneverdosomethi
ngli
kethi
s
Pat
ience:youhavebeenf
edal
ovepot
ionwena
that
'swhyyoucan'
tthi
nkst
rai
ght
.Off
icergoand
takethatwomani
n.Iwantmysonandiwanthim
now
Offi
cer
:wearenotgoi
ngtotakeanyonei
nweare
goingt
oint
err
ogateheri
nherownhouseandyou
arebot
hcomingwithme
Duncan:doessher
eal
lyhavet
ocome?
Of
fi
cer
:yessi
r.Come

Hetookhi skeysasPati
encef oll
owedhimtothe
carwhileDuncansighedgoingt ohis.Hewantedt
o
warnLor nasobadbuthedidn' twanttogi
vethe
poli
ceanymor er
easontothinkshecouldbe
i
nvolved.

AtTani
a'
shouse.
..

Shesangalongtothemusicpl
ayingfr
om her
earphoneswhi
lelayi
ngonherbackinherr
oom wit
h
herfeeti
ntheai
r.Shescr
oll
edonhertimel
ineand
cameacr ossapostaboutt
hebusacci
dent
s.She
fr
ownedseei ngJoshua'
snameandtookof
fher
earphonessitt
ingup.
..

Tania:whatthef uck?Wai t,(sneer ed)".

..
andthe
ownerofKgangTr avelandt ours, MrJoshuaKgang
confir
medt hatallfami l
iesoft he65deceasedar e
goingtobegi venf oodhamper scost ingupto
P1000eachf ami ly..
."waitthat's(wentt oher
cal
culator
)awhol e65K?( Sneer ed)thisguy,how
darehesayt omet hathe'sabusdr i
verwhil
ehe
ownsawhol etravelandt our scompany?Noman
no

Shesaidgoingtoherwhatsappandsearchedfor
herchatwit
hJoshuaandf oundit.Sheopenedit
andcontemplat
edthethoughtofsendinghima
message.Sheexhaledanddecidedtojustsendthe
message..
.

Tani
a:hi
Shesatbackonherbedandwaitedforar
esponse
whil
einhisof
fi
ceJoshuafrownedtothemessage
andwentbacktohi
scall
..
.

MrKgang:Joshua?
Joshua:sorrydadamessagejustrepor
tedonmy
phoneiwillseetoi
tlat
eri
t'
snotthatimport
ant
MrKgang:okli
keiwassayi
ngyourmot
herandi
wi
llbel
eavingt
otheUSsoon
Joshua:nodadyoucan'
tgonow
MrKgang:butwehavet
ocheckont
hehouseij
ust
boughther
Joshua:nodadwai
t
MrKgang:wai
tforwhatJoshua?
Joshua:papawho'
sgoi
ngt olookaf
teryour
l
ivest
ock?YouknowStephenandiarealwaysbusy
wehavenot i
metobecheckingonitfr
om ti
meto
ti
me
MrKgang:ihaveher
dmenwhohavebeenwor
king
wit
hmesinceyouboyswer
eyoungit
rustt
hem t
o
doagoodjob
Joshua:whati
ftheyst
ealf
rom you?
MrKgang:t
heywoul
dneverdothat
.It
akegood
car
eofthem f
ort
hem t
oeventhi
nkofsteal
ingf
rom
mesowear egoi
ngmyboy
Joshua:(
sighed)okokpapal
etmej
ustsayi
t
MrKgang:saywhat
?
Joshua:t
hereasonwhyidon'
twantyouguystogo
nowisbecauseiwantyouguyst
osendar equest
ofmarri
agetotheMoeti
's
MrKgang:(
smi
led)t
hat
'smyboy.Nowyouar
e
t
alki
ng
Joshua:sowi
llyoudot
hat
?
MrKgang:wi
thoutadoubtmyboybutar
eyousur
e?
Joshua:ihaveneverbeensosureaboutawoman
i
nmyl i
felikeiam wit
hMayadad.Thiswomani s
theperfectwomanf ormeandiwouldhateiti
fihad
tolosehert osomeoneel
se.Thesooneriputari
ng
oni
tthebet
ter
MrKgang:okthenifyouar
ecer t
aint
hatshe'
sthe
womanforyouthenweshal ldoasyousay.Your
motheri
sgoingtobeoverthemoon
Joshua:(
laughed)i
trusthert
o
MrKgang:whenshoul
dwedoi
t?
Joshua:iwil
lletyouknowonceshehasaccept
ed
mypr oposal
MrKgang:okmyboy.Al
lthebestok
Joshua:t
hankyoudadbutiknowtheKgang'
sar
e
behi
ndmesoshe' sgoi
ngtoaccepti
t

Theylaughedhangingupwhil
eJoshuawent
thr
oughhi spi
ctur
eswithMayaandthekids.He
choseoneandpost edi
tonhiswhatsappstat
us
capti
oningit
..
.

"
Mysmi l
eisalwayswiderthatt
heoceaneveryday
wheniknockoffbecauseiknowiwil
lbegoingtoa
war
m home .Godkeept
hem f
orme"

Tani
asawthest
atusandcur
vedherl
ipssendi
ng
hi
m amessageagai
n..
.

Tania:hi
.(Shewait
edforar esponsebutnevergot
any)youandibelongtogethernomat t
erhowmany
ti
mesyouar egoingtoignoreme.Youar emineand
i
m your s

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Thepoli
ceandDuncandroveinandwenti
nsi
de
whil
eintheki
tchenLor
nafrowned.
..

Pati
ence:mmhthereshei
stakeherebi
leiwantmy
reci
pebook.Yout
hief
.Whereismy..
.
Of
fi
cer
:yohmmacanyoupl
easecal
m down
Lor
na:of
fi
cerwhatcanidof
oryou?Duncan?
Off
icer
:ma'
am thi
swoman'ssonhasgonemissi
ng
andshebel
ievesyouknowwherehecoul
dbesoi
wouldli
ket
oaskyouaf ewquest
ions

Lor
na'smoodinst
antlydampenedasshel ookedat
Pat
ienceandt
henDuncanshaki ngherheadnot
bel
ievi
ngwhatshejusthear
d..
.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
13] :AKEPTWOMAN
51

Lor
na:quest
ionsaboutt
hemi
ssi
ngchi
ld?
Pat
ience:yesLor
nawhendi
dyoubecomedeaf
?
Lor
na:deariwasn'
ttal
kingt
oyou
Pat
ience:wel
limt
alki
ngt
oyou
Of
fi
cer
:ar
eyougoi
ngt
oletmedomyj
obornot
?
Patience:off
icerst
opwastingt
imewithtal
kingand
tel
lthiswomant obri
ngbackmychil
d.(Poi
nt edat
her)iseeyouar enotsat
isfi
edwit
hthetimeyou
spentinjailwena
Lor na:ar
eyougoi
ngt
othreat
enandpointyour
fingersatme,i
nmyhouse?Wow,off
icerpl
ease
takeaseat
Offi
cer:t
hankyou.Patienceiknowandunder st
and
thatyouareworri
edaboutyourchildbutplease
all
owust odoourjob.Ifyouarenotcaref
ulyour
acti
onsaregoingtojeopardi
sethechancesof
fi
ndingyourson
Duncan:f
irstofal
lshe'
snot
hingbutan
i
rr
esponsiblemotherwhodr
inksonatuesday
Pat
ience:l
et'
sst
artther
eof f
icerhowdidyouknowi
wasdrinki
ngbecauseididn'
tsayat hi
ngtoyou?
Didyouguyspl
anthi
s?Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
obui
lda
perf
ectf
amil
ywit
hmyson?
Lorna:of
fi
cerwi
llyouaskawaybecauseihaveal
ot
todoinmyhouse
Of
fi
cer
:Pat
ienceiaskedyout
ocal
m down
Pati
ence:nothesepeopl
eknowwher emychi l
dis
andtheyaregoingtobri
nghi m out
.Nochi l
dof
mineisgoingtobeusedf orsomeritualshellno.Do
youknowt hepainofgi
vingbirt
h?(Theof fi
cer
si
ghedgivingup)imtal
kingtoyou!Ofcour seyou
don'
tknowt hat'
swhyyouseenopr oblem i
nki l
li
ng
asmallchil
d.WenaDuncanhowst upidcanyoube?
Yourownchi l
dandyouletthiswomanf oolyou?
Sies
Lorna:imightnotknowthepai nofgivi
ngbirthbut
atleastiknowwhatitmeanst ot r
easurethethi
ngs
youknowyoucanneverr eplace.Imighthavebeen
hinderedthechancetohavebi ologi
calki
dsbutim
certaini
m abettermot
hert hanyouwi l
leverbe.
Officerl
astni
ghtiwasinmyhomewi thmy
husband.Hecameandt oldmet hatthi
swoman
asked3kf r
om hi m sayingt heyareoutofgr oceries
andtoil
etr
ies.Knowi ngt hathehasasonwi thher
hehadnochoi cebuttosendt hemoneybecausea
chil
dcan'tstayhungr yanddi r
tywhi l
et hefather
l
ooksgoodever ydayandsl eepswi t
haf ul
lstomach.
Itoodidn'
thaveapr oblem becauseiknowhehasa
chil
dtofendf orandagai n3ki snottheki ndof
moneyonewoul djumpovercl i
ff
sf or,nottoi nsult
peoplewhoval uesuchanamount .Iwasshocked
whenmydaught ertoldmet hatoneofher
schoolmateswhol ivecl osertoPat i
encecal ledher
andtoldherthatPat i
encewashavi ngapar ty.I
eventoldmyhusbandof f
icer
Pati
ence:youseet
heyar
eevensendi
ngpeopl
eto
spyonme
Lorna:i
twasj ustaninnocentcal linf
actmy
daughter
'sfr
iendcalledtoaskheri fPati
enceisno
l
ongerwor ki
ngf orusandt hentoldmydaught er
abouttheparty.YesPatiencedi dwhatshedi dwith
myhusbandandofcour sei m angrybutwhywoul d
takemyangeroutonani nfant?Whywoul diputa
chil
dinsucht rauma?Pat ienceyoubet t
erlookat
meandl ookatyour selfmydearwear eondi ffer
ent
l
evel siwoul dneverstooponal owerlevel justto
proveapoi nthel
lno.Ifther
e'sanyoneiwoul d
unleashmywr at
honi sthesetwoof f
icernotachi l
d.
Achi ldthatdoesn'tevenknowmyname, im not
desper ate.Idon'
tcausepaint opeoplef orfunmy
deart hat'
syourkindofmealnotmi ne( shesaid
si
ttingback)
Of
ficer
:thankyouforyourhonestyMrsDuncanwe
wi
lldefi
nit
elygett
othebottom ofthi
s
Pat
ience:what
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Offi
cer:wearescr
api
ngMr
sDuncanof
fthe
suspectli
st
Pat
ience:excuseme?Monnawal
epodi
sit
his
womant ookmychild
Off
icer
:youshoul
dsi
tdownandt
hinkaboutt
his.
Let
'sgobackhome
Pat
ience:gobackhome?Of
fi
cer
..
.
Lor
na:i
m honest
lygoi
ngtocal
lthepoli
ceandhave
youar
rest
edfort
respassi
ngPat
ience
Pat
ience:(
cli
cked)obonawenat
hisi
sfarf
rom over
.
Iwantmyson

Sheledthewayoutastheoffi
cershookhi
shead
fol
lowi
ngher.Lornal
ookedatDuncanwhosighed
rubbi
nghisface.
..

Lor
na:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnowDuncan?
Duncan:i
m sosor
ry.Iwant
edt
owar
nyoubuti
di
dn'twantt
oji
nxthings
Lorna:nexttimewhenyoudeci detocheatonme
bri
ngal istsothaticanhel pyouchoosebecause
wowyouhavehonest l
ydegr adedthiswholehouse.
Youbet t
erhaveherar rest
edf ornegli
gence.Cal
l
Alexanderandaskhert oaskherpr i
vate
i
nvestigatorstostar
tlookingforthechil
d.
Duncan:eemma(
yesma'
am)
Lor
na:youcal
lyour
selfamot herbutyoucandrink
onaTuesdayfor
gett
ingthatyouhaveaf ouryear
ol
d.Mxm
Shesaidgoi
ngt
otheki
tchenandcont
inuedwit
h
whatshewasdoi
ngwhil
eDuncancall
edMr sTaol
o.

AtKgangTr
avelandt
our
s..
.

Joshuathrewafewrai
sinsi
nhismouthand
hummedl ooki
ngthr
oughrecr
eati
onalpl
aces.A
messagereport
edonhisphoneashef r
owned
taki
ngit
..
.

Joshua:who'
sthisper
sonbusysendi
ngmehi'
s
(r
esponded)gooddayhowmayibeofhelp?
Tania: heyJowoul
dyoul
iket
ogr
absomet
hing
toeat?
Joshua:whoi
m it
alki
ngt
oagai
n?
Tani
a:wowJoshuar
eal
ly,
youdon'
trememberme?
Joshua:t
hat
'
swhyiaskedwhoyouar
e ‍♂
Tani
a:men ‍♂ i
t'
sTani
a
Joshua:Tani
a? idon'
trememberaTani
a
Tani
a:soyouar
egoi
ngtoactl
ikeyoudon'
tknow
me?Wemeetonadatingappandwentout
Joshua:(
laughedoutl
oud) ohyou.Hel
lo
howzit
Tani
a:sheewhat
'swr
ongwi
thyou?
Joshua:dudewemetli
keamont
hagosoyou
shoul
dn'tbesur
pri
sed
Tani
a:dude?Aor
ra
Joshua:i
fyoudon'
tmi
ndiwasst
il
lhel
dupsoi
can'
tchatforl
ong
Tani
a:soar
eyouwi
ll
ingt
ogooutf
orl
unchwi
thme?
Joshua:no
Tani
a:ouch
Joshua:whati
sit
?Youwantmet
oli
etoyou?
Tani
a:youdon'
tdot
hatt
oal
ady
Joshua:butyoucandot
hatt
oaman.LookTanzi
a
orTani
aim busy.We'
l
ltal
ksomeot
hert
ime.Maybe

Hescoff
edput
ti
nghi
sphoneawayast
hedoor
opened.
..

Joshua:sowedon'
tknocknow?
Maya:whatareyoutr
yingtohidei
nher
e?(
She
l
ookedaroundastheylaughed)
Joshua:comei
nbabe.Howdi
ditgo?
Maya:t
heygavemet
hesepi
ll
sandsai
dishoul
d
comebacki
n20days
Joshua:okhowdoest
hatmakeyouf
eel
?
Maya:i
m abi
tanxi
ousbutiwi
llt
rygeti
tof
fmy
mi
ndbykeepi
ngmyselfbusy
Joshua:al
ri
ghtl
ovemaybethi
sisjustalessonf
or
youtolear
nmoreaboutt
rusti
ngtheprocess
Maya:whydoyoual
wayssayt
her
ightt
hings?
Joshua:wel
liwasbornthi
swaybaby(
theyl
aughed)
ihavearequestf
oryou
Maya:yes?
Joshua:it
hinki
t'sti
mewet ookt
hingsupanot
cha
bi
t(Maya'sheartski
pped)pl
easemoveint
othe
mainbedroom withme?
Maya:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousri
ghtnow?Guyim her
e
t
hinki
ngyouar
eaboutt
otakeoutasmallbox
Joshua:ahwomen(
theyl
aughed)buti
m ser
ious
babe
Maya:youknowwhatt
hismeansr
ight
?
Joshua:iknowl
ovebutiwantustogrowour
chemistr
yandnowewon'tbedoingthenast
y
especi
all
ynowthatyouarewai
ti
ngtotest
Maya:wel
lwecanst
il
ldot
henast
ybutwemor
e
caut
ion
Joshua:iwantt
ogett
otal
lynakedwi
thyouMaya
(hesmil
ed)
Maya:bat
hongJoshuat
heset
hingsst
artof
fsl
owl
y
f
ir
st
Joshua:ilovemymeatr aw( theylaughed)imj oking.
Igetyourpointlovebuti
mi nnor ushtot hatli
kei
sai
dij ustwantustogrowt hechemi str
ybet ween
usandgetmor ecomfortabl
ewi t
honeanot herthat
onewi l
lhappenwheni thappensandit hinki
shouldtakethepill
saswel l
Maya:iwasaboutt
osaythesamethi
ngbutyeahi
woul
dbegl adtomovei
nthemainbedr
oom wit
h
you(shesmil
ed)
Joshua:youknowyoursmi
lei
smyweaknessMaya
Maya:(
laughed)letmegetbackt
owor
kihavean
assi
gnmenttofinishup
Joshua:i
m goi
ngt
orepor
tyouf
orseduci
ngt
he
boss
Maya:(unbot
tonedthetopofhershi
rtr
eveali
ngher
cl
eavageandsmi l
ed)isthi
senoughtogiveyou
morereasontoreportme
Joshua:(
swal
lowed)Maya

Shel
aughedbut
toni
ngt
heshi
rtupagai
nandl
eft
whi
leJoshuasatbackbi
ti
nghi
slowerl
ipwi
tha
smi
leonhisface.
..

Joshua:damnt
hiswoman

AtLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Hedrankhi
spi
ll
sandr
eachedf
orhi
sphonecal
li
ng
Bi
anca..
.

Bi
anca:ei
sh(
answer
ed)heychoma
Lewis:Chomaorayaengokar
eor
aasebokosese
gopangkampajaana
Bi
anca:aor
ra
Lewi
s:youknowhowmuchihat ebei
ngcall
edthat.
Anywaythi
sisnotasoci
alcal
l.I
t'
sacal
ltoremind
youthatwear
ejustafewdaysto2weeksdear
Bi
anca:Lewi
s..
.
Lewis:idon'
twantst
ori
esBi
anca.Igaveyoumor
e
thanenoughtime
Bi
anca:r
raiknowioweyousoi
m goi
ngt
opay
Lewis:onti
meatthatorel
sei
m sendi
ngdebt
col
lector
syourway
Bi
anca:whathasgot
teni
ntoyou?
Lewis:notwhenitcomest omyhar dear
nedmoney
Biancaespeci
all
ythatyouevenliedtome.You
shouldhavetol
dmet het r
uthsothatwesitdown
andcomeupwi t
hapaymentpl anbutnoyou
decidedtomakeaf ooloutofLewis
Bi
anca:iwi
llpayyour
ra
Lewis:ohyouaregoi
ngtolove.I
m goi
ngt of
axa
documenttoyouroff
icet
omor r
owsignitandfaxi
t
back
Bi
anca:whatdocumenti
sit
?
Lewi
s:youwi
llseewheni
tar
ri
ves
Bianca:soyoudon'
ttr
ustmet
hatiwi
llpayyou
back?
Lewi
s:kafoonengonyonyobakatengmal oba(
the
wayyouwerebeingsneakyt
heotherday)ino
l
ongertr
ustyoudear
Bi
anca:i
jogosi
amer
ra(
bye)
Lewi
s:sur
e

Hehungupwhi l
eBiancathrewherphoneont he
tabl
eandshookherheadoutofoptions.She
contempl
atedonthethoughtofcal
li
ngMayabut
deci
dednotto.

I
nRamot
swa.
..

Pat
iencescr
eamedasshecutherfi
ngerwi
tha
kni
feandputiti
nhermout
hsuckingthebl
ood.
..

Pat
ience:yesesman
Kgomot
so:ar
eyouok?
Pat
ience:ij
ustcutmysel
fwi
thakni
fe
Kgomot
so:l
etmesee
Pat
ience:i
mfi
neKgomot
soj
ustl
eavemeal
one
Kgomot
so:buti
mtr
yingt
ohel
p
Pati
ence:atl
eastdosomet hi
ngtofi
ndmyson.
Akereyouwerebusydrinkingthemoneyl
astni
ght
notgivi
ngashitabouthim
Kgomot
so:t
hat
'sunf
airandyouknowi
t
Pat
ience:mxm
Kgomotso:haveyouevert
houghtt
hatmaybe
Onkabet
sehassomet hi
ngtodowit
hthi
s?
Pat
ience:r
eall
ynowKgomotso?Outofallpeopl
e
andyouthinkoft
hatusel
esspi
eceoftr
ash?
Kgomotso:comeonPat i
enceOnkabetsewasnever
okwit
ht hefactt
hatyoulef
thi
mf orDuncanand
youknowt hethi
ngshesaidaboutyouwhenyou
werepregnantwit
hJunior
Pat
ience:i
t'
sbeenwaytoolongKgomot
so.
Onkabetsehasmovedonthepeopl
ewhoknow
wher
emysoni
sar
ethoset
wosnakesi
nGabor
one
Kgomot
so:j
ustt
ellt
hepol
iceabouthi
m sot
hatwe
ar
ecert
aini
t'
snothi
m
Pat
ience:ineedapl
ast
er
Kgomot
so:Pat
iencei
mtal
kingt
oyou
Pati
ence:Kgomot
solesagogowanagapl
ease
(st
opspewingnonsense)

Shesaidgoi
ngt oherbedr
oom whil
eKgomotso
shookherhead.Meanwhileathi
sgrandmot
her
's
houseOnkabetsesatbackasacryi
ngDuncan
ref
usedtoeat.
..

Duncan:iwantmymot
her
Onkabet
se:eatfi
rstt
heniwi
llt
akeyouhome(
he
shookcr
ying)soyouwanttostayhungr
y?
Duncan:iwantmydad
Onkabet
se:nywanywanynywaynywanya(
iwant
mydad)youaregoingt
oannoymenowdadwa
sel
omangka(
dadmyf
oot
)
Duncan:t
heyar
egoi
ngt
ofi
ndmeand.
..
Onkabet
se:hey,
shutup!

Heswal
lowedashi
shear
tski
ppedwhi
lehi
stear
s
r
oll
eddown.

BackatKgangT&T.
..

HecopiedLewis'
snumberfr
om hi
sprof
il
eand
di
aledhim hopi
ngitwast
heworki
ngoneandi
t
was..
.

Lewi
s:gakenamadipapa(idon'
thavemoneysi
r)i
f
youar
eascammerknowt hatyouhavehi
tadead
endwit
hme
Joshua:Lewi
syouar
espeaki
ngt
oJoshua
Lewi
s:yohbat
hongyourvoi
ce
Joshua:(
laughed)nowigetwhyyouar
efr
iends
wit
hMaya
Lewi
s:Maya?
Joshua:l
ikeisai
dim Joshuaandiwoul
dli
ket
o
meetupwi t
hyou
Lewi
s:why?
Joshua:ican'
tsayovert
hephone
Lewi
s:whydoif
eel
li
keican'
ttr
ustyou?
Joshua:howwoul
dyounott
rustJoshuaKgang?
Lewi
s:JoshuaKgang,
asi
nKgangTr
avelandt
our
s?
Joshua:idi
dn'
tknowi
fther
ewasanot
her
Lewi
s:bat
honghowdoesMayaknowsuchpeopl
e
fr
om hi
ghplaces
Joshua:sheact
ual
lyknowpeopl
ewhoar
eeveni
n
hi
gherplaces
Lewis:andt
hatgi
rlowesmeaplat
eful
lofdat
a
anyway,whydoyouwanttomeetagai
n?
Joshua:(
shookhi
shead)Lewi
siwi
llt
extyout
he
pl
aceandt
imeanddon'
twor
ryi
t'
snot
hingi
ll
egal
Lewi
s:wi
llt
her
ebemen?
Joshua:ahLewi
sshar
piwi
llt
extyou
Lewi
s:nowai
t,Joi
..
.

Joshuahunguponhi
m andl
augheddi
ali
ng
Mareledi
.

THATEVENI
NG

I
nSout
hAf
ri
ca.
..

Tshepogotst
art
ledbyNal
e'
sscr
eam f
rom t
het
oil
et
asherantoheraid.
..

Tshepo:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Nal
e:i
m bur
ning
Tshepo:what
?
Nal
e:mypeei
sbur
ningmeandican'
tpeepr
oper
ly
Tshepo:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Nal
e:yesandi
m pressedTshepo(
scr
eamedi
npai
n)
pl
easedosomethi
ng
Tshepo:okl
et'
sgot
othehospi
tal

Hesaidgoi
nginandhel
pedherupf
rom t
hetoil
et
seatashef
rownedseei
ngbi
tsofbl
oodinthe
toi
let
..
.

Tshepo:youwi
llbef
inedon'
twor
ry
Nal
e:buti
t'
ssopai
nful
Tshepo:sor
ryt
hedoct
orswi
llknowwhatt
odo

Het
ookthei
rval
uabl
esastheymadet
hei
rwayout
whi
leNal
e'
speeburnthermor
e.
I
nMol
epol
olepol
icest
ati
on.
..

Pr
ecioussawapoli
ceoff
icepassasshejumped
of
fthebedandcheckedi
fRonawasasleep..
.

Pr
eci
ous:Rona?Ronawakeup,
Rona?

Shegotnor
esponseandwentt
othebar
s..
.

Pr
eci
ous:psst
!Psstof
fi
cer(
Ronaopenedhereyes)
Of
fi
cer
:whatar
eyoudoi
ngupatt
hist
ime?
Pr
eci
ous:ineedsomet
hingf
rom you
Of
fi
cer
:what
?
Preci
ous:pleasemakesur ethat
...
(t
urnedtoRona
whoquicklyclosedhereyes)makesur ethatimeet
upwiththestati
oncommandert omorrow
Of
fi
cer
:why?(
Ronaopenedhereyes)
Pr
eci
ous:t
her
e'ssomet
hingineedt
otal
ktohi
m
aboutmakesur
eit
'sbef
orewegot
ocour
tforour
heari
ng
Of
fi
cer
:ohokiwi
llt
ry
Pr
eci
ous:sur
e

Theof fi
cerfrownedlooki
ngatherandwalkedaway
whilePreciousturnedwit
hRonaclosi
nghereyes.
Preciouswentt oRonaandstoodbesidesherbed.
..

Precious:i
m sor
rymabutihavet
odothisyouhave
l
ivedyourlif
eisti
llneedt
oli
vemi
ne.I
t'
snothi
ng
personal

Shesaidgoi
nguponherbedwhi l
eRonaslowl
y
openedhereyesagainthist
imewithaf
rownonher
face.Washerdaughteraboutt
osignadealwi
tht
he
devil
?Sheaskedherself
.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
13] :AKEPTWOMAN
52

Anhouraft
erPreciousspoket
otheoffi
cerRona
qui
etl
ysatuponherbedandl ookedatPreci
ous
whowasfastasleepandsnori
ng..
.

Rona:(quietl
y)ican'tbel
ievethisyounggi rlwants
todothistomeaf t
ersomuchihavedonef orher
andthisisthethanksiget ?Ihaver iskedmy
reput
ati
onf orhertogetapr operli
fe.Alif
eit hought
shedeservesl i
tt
ledidiknowt hi
siswhati m going
togetinreturn(soft
lyscoffed)im goingtoshowher
whohermot heris
Shegotof fherbedandt iptoedtot hebar s
checkingthecoastandi twasver yqui et
.She
waitedforanother5mi nit
estomakesur ethatt
he
coastwascl earthenwentt oPrecious'sbed.Inthe
darknesswiththel i
tt
lel
ightcomingf r
om thewalk
wayshel ookeddownonherdaught erandshook
herhead...

Rona:youl
eavemenochoi
ce

Shesaidqui
ckl
ygr
abbi
ngPr eci
ousbytheneckas
Preci
ouswokeupandgaggedlooki
ngather.
..

Pr
eci
ous:ma.
..

Ronausedherot herhandtocoverhermout hand

noseasPr eci
ouskickedtr
yingt of
ightheroff.Rona
pressedherkneehardonPr eciousstomachmaki ng
i
tevenharderforhertobreath.Shebitherlowerli
p
andhardenedthegriponherdaught er'
sneckas
sheki
ckedandscratchedherhandstryi
ngtoget
herof
fofherbutfortheli
tt
ler
eputat
ionshehadlef
t,
Ronawasnotgoingtor i
skanythi
ng.
..

Rona:youl
eftmenochoi
ce

Shehardenedthegriponemoreti
measPr eci
ous
l
ostallst
rengt
ht ofi
ghtasshesl
owlystopped
moving.SheclosedhereyesasRonaletgooffher
..
.

Rona:iwoul
drat
herhaveyoui
nacommat hanto
l
etyoudowhatyouwantedtodo(
shout
ed)help!
Hel
p!Somebodyhelp!

Twoof f
icer
scamer
unni
ngasRonabur
sti
nto
tear
s..
.

Rona:pl
easehel
pmydaught
er
Of
fi
cer
:whathappenedher
e?
Rona:ihear
dsomemovement sinmysleepand
wheniopenedmyeyesisawherkicki
ngand
st
ruggli
ngtobr
eat
h.Pleasehelpmeican'
taff
ordt
o
l
osemyoneandonl ydaughter

Theoffi
cer
squickl
yopenedastheywentt
o
Preci
ousandcheckedherpul
se.
..

Of
fi
cer
:cal
lformedi
cal
hel
p
Of
fi
cer
:canyouf
eel
anyt
hing?
Off
icer
:it
'sf
aint
,hur
ryup.Mmawar
ewhat
happened
Rona:(
cryi
ngwi
thherhandsonherhead)iwokeup
andshewasfi
ghti
ngtobreat
hyoucanseeherbed
i
samess
Offi
cer:(
pressedherchest
)el
egor
edoest
his
usuall
yeverhappen?
Rona:not
hisi
sthef
ir
stt
ime
Of
fi
cer
:themedi
csar
eher
e
Fourmedicalpracti
ti
oner
sraninandtri
edto
resusci
tat
ePreciousbutfai
ledt
hentookheraway.
..

Rona:i
smydaught
erok?
Medi
c:wewi
llbei
ncont
act

Theyr anoutastheoffi
cer
sf oll
owedthem out
l
ockingRonai nthecell
.Assoonast hey
disappearedshestoppedcryingandwipedher
face..
.

Rona:iseeyouwantedt oexperiencewhatRonai s
capabl
eof.Youbett
ert hinkagai
nbef oremessing
wit
hmenana.I twouldn'tbehardt otakeyourl
ife
j
ustasitwaseasytot akemysi ster'
s

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandwentbacki
ntobed
si
ghi
ng.
I
nSout
hAf
ri
ca.
..

Aft
erfi
nall
ybeingablet
opeeNal
esi
ghedsi
tt
ingi
n
fr
ontofthedoctor
..
.

Nal
e:drwhati
swr
ongwi
thme?
Dr:wearegoingtot estyourur
ineandbl
oodt
osee
whattheproblem couldbe.Mostofthet
imet
his
comesasasympt om ofkidneyfai
lur
e
Nal
e:what
?
Dr:yesma'
am butl
ikeisai
dweshal
lconf
ir
m
t
hroughthet
estwear egoi
ngt
ocarr
yout
Nal
e:not
hiscan'
tbeican'
thaveaki
dneyf
ail
ure
Dr:justdon'
tover
thinkaboutthewholethingeveni
f
theresult
scomebackposi ti
vethereareotherways
youcangethel pl
ikegett
ingadonort hat
'sifbot
h
kidneysareaff
ectedbutifi
t'
sjustonethenyou
woul dbeabletof
unctionwithit
Nal
e:ij
usthopei
t'
snott
hat
Dr
:butpr
epar
eyour
sel
fforanyt
hing.
Nal
e:soicangor
ight
?
Dr:yesma'
am makesur
etot
akeyourmedi
cat
ion
ontime

Nal
emadeherwayoutasTshepost oodupf r
om
t
hebenches.Shetol
dhim whatt
hedoctorsai
das
t
heymadet hei
rwaybacktothei
rhot
el.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

OnhiswaytoworkDuncan'sphoner
angashe
changedl
anesandanswered.
..

Duncan:Mr
sTaol
o
Al
exander
:ihopei
m notdi
stur
bing
Duncan:notatal
l.Doyouhaveanyt
hingf
orme?
Alexander
:ido.Myguysjustcal
ledmeandt hey
foundsomei nf
ormat
iononwhomi ghthavet
aken
yourson
Duncan:who?
Al
exander:Pat
ience'
sexboyf
ri
endhi
snamei
s
Onkabet
se
Duncan:r
eal
ly?
Alexander:theyar enotyetcer tainbutihavei ton
goodaut hor i
tyt hatthi
sguyhadamout hfultosay
toPat i
encet het imeshel efthimf oryouandwhen
shef el
lpregnant .I
tissaidthathesai d,iquot e"you
willneverfindpeaceasl ongasi m alive""im going
tomakeyourl if
eal i
vinghel landyouwi llalways
remembermeal lthewayt oyourgr ave""ifyout hink
youar egoingt okeept hatmanwi t
hachi l
dt hen
youhaveanot herthingcomi ng.Ihopei tcoul ddie
sot hatyoul earnyourl esson"cl osequot e.Pl ease
under l
inethathewi shedthechi l
dcoul ddi e
Duncan:heebanna.Sohowdi
dhesayal
lthi
sto
her
?
Al
exander
:thr
oughphonet
extmessagesand
Facebookmessages.AlsoonFacebookhewoul
d
reactwit
hangr
yemoj i
swheneverPati
encepost
ed
apictur
eofher
selfwit
ht hebabybump
Duncan:youknowwhatl
etmecal
lthepol
icer
ight
away
Alexander
:theyaresti
lltr
yingt
ogethi
slocat
ion
becauseitlooksli
kehe'ssomeonewhomoves
aroundalotsooncet heygethisl
ocat
ionyoucan
callt
hepolicesothattheydon'
thaveahardti
me
tr
yingtotracehim
Duncan:ohokonceyougett
hel
ocat
ionl
etme
know
Al
exander
:def
ini
tel
yiwi
llaskt
hem t
ospeedupt
he
pr
ocess
Duncan:t
hankyou

Hehungupandscof
fedshaki
nghi
shead.
..

Duncan:shewasaskedPati
enceareyousur
e
t
here'
snobi t
terexaboar
waladit
sebeareno(and
shesaidno)
.Whatdi
diseeinthi
swoman?Ihave
nevermetsuchani
rr
esponsi
bleandst
upi
dwoman
i
nmyl if
e.Si
es

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Lucaswokeuptohisphonerecei
vingat ext
message.Heyawnedandrubbedhi seyestaki
ngi
t.
..

Lucas:goodmor
ning
Sundae: don'
ttel
lmeyouj
ustwokeup
Lucas:l
it
eral
ly
Sundae: t
othi
nkt
hati
m donewi
thmychor
es
Lucas:Sundaewhatt
imedoyougetup?
Sundae:assoonasmyauntl
eavesat6i
m up
Lucas:nomananor
malper
son'
sdayshoul
dst
art
at11am
Sundae:aaaht
hat
'shal
foft
hedaygone
Lucas:l
ikeisai
ddi
ff
erentvi
ewst
oli
fedear
Sundae:butanywayijustwant
edtosayt
hankyou
agai
nforyesterdayi
twashonestl
yfun
Lucas:youar
ewel come.Makesur
etost
ickwi
th
meandiwi l
ltakeyouplaces
Sundae: yeahri
ght.Weshoul
ddoi
tagai
nand
thi
sti
mearoundthebil
lwil
lbeonme
Lucas:wat
chmeor
der
ingever
ythi
ngihavenever
hadinmylif
e
Sundae:youwi
llpayt
hatbi
llmi
steryoh
Lucas:butyoul
adi
eswantt
ogetawaywi
th
ever
ything
Sundae:bl
amei
tonnat
urel
ove
Lucas:didshej
ustcallmel
ove? themost
seri
ousladyihaveevermeti
nmyent i
reli
feshe
addressedmeaslove?Wowt hefut
ureisi
ndeed
bri
ght
Sundae: whati
swr
ongwi
thyouLucast
hat
i
sjustasincer
eword
Lucas:mbor
egapeSont
agambor
egape
(bor
emeagain)
Sundae: di
dihi
taner
ve?
Lucas:youknowSet
swana?
Sundae:comeondude
Lucas:(
sentavoicenot
einaNi
ger
ianaccent
)ok
madam ihearyou'o
Sundae: youar
esosi
l
ly.Youhaveani
ce
morningvoi
cet
hough
Lucas:(
hesmi
led)i
sit
Sundae:pl
easegetof
fbedandst
artyourdaywe
wil
ltal
klat
er
Lucas:sur
e

Heyawnedandputhi sphonedownwhi leSundae

wenttoherf acebookandnoticedshehadaf ri
end
request.Shewentt hr
oughSaint'
sprofi
leand
acceptedhiswhi l
einhisroom Sai
ntpunchedthe
aircel
ebrati
ngaf t
erhegotthenotif
icat
ion.
Downstai
rsatt
heKavi
mba'
sKuzi
vablocked
Nyasha'
swaywhowasmakingherwayup..
.

Nyasha:excuseme
Kuzi
va:l
et'
ssi
tdown
Nyasha:ineedt
odosomet
hingi
nmyr
oom
Kuzi
va:t
hatt
hingcanwai
t,come
Nyasha:idon'
twantt
osi
tdownwi
thyou
Kuzi
va:excuseme?
Nyasha:youhear
dme
Kuzi
va:(
bli
nked)iwhat
?
Nyasha:l
ookoldladyidon'
thavet
imetowast
e
wit
hyousopl easegetoutofmywayiwantt
ogo
uptomyr oom and.
..

Aslaplandedacr
ossherfaceassheswall
owed
l
ookingatherwhi
lehol
dinghercheek.
..
Kuziva:comeagai n.(
Shekeptqui et
)isai
dcome
againyounggi r
l(sheswallowed)youaregoingto
sitdownandyouar egoingtodosonow.Movei t
(shejustst
oodt hereasKuzivaclappedherhands)i
saidmovei tyounggirl

Nyashasnif
fedandmadeherwaytot
helounge
whil
eKuzivascof
fedcomi
ngbehi
ndher.
..

Kuziva:doyouknowt hemoneyt hatbui

ltt
hishouse?
Busyscr eami
ngmyr oom myr oom whil
eyoudon't
evenknowwher ethecentofthismoneycomes
fr
om.Ineedyout ostartl
ear
ningsomemanner sif
youwantt pbeapartofthi
sfami l
y
Nyasha:ohsoyouguyst
hinkyouar
edoi
ngmea
f
avourbykeepi
ngmehere?
Kuziva:whatotherchoi
cedoyouhave?Please
enl
ightenbecauseim wil
li
ngt
osupportthatchoi
ce.
Im onlyt
oler
ati
ngyoubecauseofmynephewi fi
t
weren'tf
orthatyouwouldbeint
hestreetsri
ght
aboutnow
Nyasha:ohsodoyouthi
nkhe'
sgoi
ngt
osuppor
t
youtr
eatingmet
hisway
Kuziva:oht r
ustmeiwoul dn'tmi ndsl appingyoui n
frontofhim norsayal lt
hesei nf rontofhi m.I nst
ead
ofbeinganungr at
efulspoi ltbratyoushoul dbe
thankfulthatLovemor est i
llcar esaboutyoueven
afterwhatyourevi lmot herdi dt ohi m.Youar eso
l
uckymysonhasahear tandir especthi m.You
couldbei nthesamepr i
sonasyourmot herright
now.Fr om nowonyouar egoi ngt otakepar tin
householdchor esim notgoi ngt ohaveachi l
dwho
sitsaroundanddoesnot hi ng.I m notgoi ngt orai
se
agi r
lchil
dwhot hi
nksl i
fer evol vesar oundt he
phone.Honest lyspeaki ngi fitwasn' tf orthef act
thatyouar enotLovemor e'schi ldiwoul dbemovi ng
toZimbabwewi thyour i
ghtnowt oteachyoua
thingaboutbei ngayounggi rl
.Nowgochangeyour
beddingputt hem i nthemachi neandwasht hem
from ther
eonwewi l
lbemovi ngf rom bedr oom to
bedroom doi ngspr i
ngcl eani ngar ewecl ear?
Nyasha:what
!?I
..
.
Kuzi
va:ar
ewecl
earyounggi
rl
?
Nyasha:buti
m st
il
l.
..
Kuzi
va:icoul
dcarel
essaboutwhatyouar
est
il
l
doi
ng.Getmoving
Nyasha:i
sLucas.
..
Lucas:(
camedown)whataboutme?
Kuziva:youbett
ereatf
astbecauset
hel
awnand
poolarewaiti
ngforyoutocl
ean
Lucas:gr
annyi
..
.
Kuziva:youknowbetterthantotal
kwhi l
eimt al
king.
Im notgoingtohavespoiltki
ds.Nyashamovei t
,
Lucasbequi ckwit
heatingandt hi
sthingofyou
wakingupsol at
eendst oday.Nyasha!

Nyashaj
umpedupst ar
tledandheadedt
oher
bedr
oom whi
leLucassighedtaki
nghisf
ood.

THATAFTERNOON
Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

JoshuaandMarel
edil
aughedaft
eror
der
ingas
Lewiswenti
nandlookedar
ound..
.

Joshua:t
hatmustbehi
m

HewavedasLewi
ssmi
ledandl
impedt
othei
r
t
abl
e..
.

Lewi
s:goodday,
oohchi
ldyougotsof
thands
Joshua:canwetonei
tdownabi
tonmaki
ngone
anotheruncomf
ort
abl
e
Lewis:ohplease.Heydarl
ingobonagakegol ebil
e
j
aanamphadivi bestsaboMmamor uti(
ijustgeta
feel
ingthatyoumustbeapast or
'swif
ebyl ooki
ng
atyou)(Joshualaughed)
Marel
edi
:ohwow, hibutyesi
m af
ir
m bel
ieveri
n
Chr
ist
.Im apast
or'
schild
Lewis:i
yoapast or
'schil
dibetmysinsarebet
ter
thanyours.Letmetellyousomethi
ngabout
pastor'
skidsJoshuatheyare.
..
Joshua:okokLewi syouhavei nt
roducedyour sel
f
enoughpl easesi
tdownandor der(theylaughed)
Mareledithisi
sLewis,Maya'soldfr
iend,Lewisthis
i
sMar elediMaya'
sf r
iend.Sherecentl
ymether
whil
ewor kingint
hisverysamer estaur
ant
Lewi
s:ohokni
cemeet
ingyouhoney
Mar
eledi
:li
kewi
sedear
Lewi
s:atl
eastyouarenothomophobi
ckanal ona
bakr
est
elealapi
sa(Chri
sti
anscanbedrai
ning)
Marel
edi
:ohwow( t
heyl
aughed)t
heLordsays
comeasyouareandhim al
onei
sthej
udge.Who
i
m itoj
udgeyou?
Lewis:ament othatyesgir
l(theylaughed)weneed
preachersatourpridemonthmar chessomeonet o
showt heseothernarrowmindedpr eachersand
"menofGod"t hatweal sodeservetobet r
eatedas
people
Joshua:okokyouguyswi l
ltal
kaboutthatsome
othert
imel et'
sfocusonwhyical
ledyouguyshere.
(ThewaitertookLewis'
sor
der)
Lewi
s:sor
ryaboutt
hati
mli
steni
ng
Joshua:ihaveknownyourfr
iendf
orafewweeks
nowandwehaveal r
eadywenttomyhomevill
age
toget
her.Il
ikedhert
hefi
rstt
imeimetherandfel
lin
l
ovewi t
hheraswecont i
nuedtospendt
ime
toget
her.
Lewis:sowhatyouar
ebasi
cal
lysayi
ngi
sthatyou
guysaredati
ng?
Joshua:yeswemadethi
ngsof
fi
cialt
hispast
weekendwhilei
nMait
engwe
Lewis:bat
hongboMayabar al
aladi
naga( Maya
real
lymovesaround)anyway(t
heylaughed)
Joshua:youar eanidi
otLewismxm butanywayyes
wear edatingandtheyarestayingwithme.Before
anythi
ngletmesayyouguysknowwhatMayahas
beenthroughsoif eel
likeshetoodeservesashot
tohappinessandast ressfr
eelifehenceim her
e
todayaskingyouguyst ohelpmepl anour
engagementni
ght
Marel
edi
:(smi
led)what
!?(
Lewi
schokedonhi
s
dr
ink)
Joshua:yesiwantt
oaskforherhandi
nmar r
iage.I
spoket omydadandhegavemeagoaheadand
j
ustsoyouknowi m notmar
ryi
ngheroutofpi
tyi
feeldeepl
yfort
hatwoman
Lewi
s:soyouwantt
omar
ryMaya?
Joshua:yesLewi
s
Lewi
s:okMayaneedstot
akemet oherwi
tch
doct
orbecausewow(t
heylaughed)
Marel
edi:youhavecometother
ightpeoplewel
ll
et
mespeakf ormysel
f.I
m wi
ll
i
ngtohelpwi t
h
anyt
hing
Lewis:onethi
ngiloveaboutyouist
hatyouknow
thati
twouldn'
tbeper f
ectwit
houtat
ouchofagay
guysoofcour sedearim moret
handel
ightedto
helpyoumaket henightt
hemostmemor ableni
ght
ever
Joshua:(
smi
led)ohper
fect
Lewis:andguesswhati
t'
sherbir
thdayt
hiscomi
ng
weekendsolet'
spul
loutallt
hestops
Joshua:iwasabouttomenti
onthati
m planni
ngt
o
doitthi
sweekendsincei
t'
sherbir
thday
Mareledi
:canwegetonwi t
hthebr
ainst
ormi
ng
al
ready.Goshim soexci
ted
Joshua:andrememberwhatevert
hathappensshe
shoul
dn'tfi
ndoutaboutt
his
Lewi
s:myl
ipsar
eseal
ed
Mar
eledi
:mi
neaswel
l
Lewis:mygi
rlwi
llbeamr
ssoonohwowcanwe
toastt
othat
?
Joshua:cheer
s
Mar
eledi
:cheer
s

Theycl
ickedthei
rgl
assesandlaughedast
hey
st
art
edcomi ngupwithi
deas.
I
nRasesa.
..

Af ewmi nut
esaf t
erMakiandVusil eftVictortook
thekeyhehi dunderhisbumsandunl ockedthe
bedroom door.Hewheel edhimselfoutoft he
bedroom andwentt othekitchentakingthekni f
e
sharpener.Heopenedt hefrontdoorandsi ghedt o
thelockedburglardoor.Hestart
edt ohitthe
burglarswit
halltheli
tt
leenergyhehadwhi l
eoutin
thehoodanel derlymanf r
ownedl ookingon.Vi ct
or
tri
edt oshoutbuthisvoicedeniedhimt owhilethe
elderl
ymanl ookedaround...
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
13] :AKEPTWOMAN
 53

Seeingthattheelderl
ymanst oppedVict
ordeci
ded
tohittheburglarevenharder
.Evenifi
tmeanthim
usinghislastenergyaslongasthemancamet o
hisrescuehewasf i
ne.Theelder
lymanwentinthe
yardandheadedt othefr
ontdoor.
..

Man:ahMrLet
swal
owhati
sgoi
ngondi
dyoul
ose
yourkeys?
Vi
ctor
:(wi
thashakyvoi
ce)pl
easehel
pme
Man:whathappened?Wher
ear
ethekeys?
Vi
ctor
:theyl
ockedmei
nsi
det
hehouse
Man:What
?
Vict
or:mywifeandherboyf
ri
endlockedmei
nthe
housepleasesavemebefor
etheycome
Man:MrLetswal
oar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Yourwi
fehasaboyf
ri
end?
Vi
ctor
:yescanyoust
opt
alki
ngandhel
pmebr
eak
t
hispadl
ock
Man:MrLet
swal
odoyouwantt
olandmei
nto
t
roubl
e?
Vi
ctor
:whatt
roubl
e?Iwantt
ogot
omydaught
er
pl
ease
Man:i
syourdaught
ernoti
nSout
hAf
ri
ca?
Vi
ctor
:ihaveadaught
eri
nMochudicanyoupl
ease
br
eakthepadl
ock
Man:im goi
ngtoneedsomet
hingst
rongert
hant
he
kni
fesharpener
Vict
or:(
remembered)thetoolboxi
sbehi
ndthe
housepleasehur
rythereandgetwhat
everyou
thi
nkmightbeofhelp

Theelderlymanwentt othebackofthehousewhi
le
ami ddleagedmanf rownedseei
nghim gother
e.
Knowi ngthatVi
ctorwaswheelchai
rboundhe
wonder edifi
twasat hi
eveorwhat.Hemadehis
wayi ntheyardastheelder
lymancamewi thabig
wrench...
Man:MrLet
swal
oar
eyouok?
Vi
ctor
:myboyineedt
ogetoutofher
eandt
his
manisgoi
ngtohel
pme
Man:aomadal
ait
houghtyoust
ayedwi
thyourwi
fe
her
e
Vi
ctor
:imj
ustaparcelher
eineedmydaught
er
pl
easegot
akeyourcarsothatyoucant
akemeto
mydaught
er
Man:ok.Si
rwi
llyoubeabl
etobr
eaki
t?
Man:yesj
ustcomewiththecar
.Vi
ctorsayst
hese
peopl
ehavebeenabusi
nghim

Theyoungmanranbackt
ohishousewhil
ethe
el
derl
ymanbithi
slowerl
ipandbr
okethepadl
ock
open.
..

Man:doyouneedanyt
hing?
Vi
ctor
:ihaveever
ythi
ngineed.Cl
oset
hedoorand
makei
tlookl
ikei
t'
slocked

Theelder
lymandi dsoandpushedVict
oroutwhere
theymetwi t
htheyoungmanalongthedir
troad.
Theygruntedli
fti
ngVi
ctori
ntot
heyoungman' scar
anddroveoff..
.

Man:wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Vi
ctor
:iml
ooki
ngf
ort
heMoet
i'
sinMochudi
Man:Moet
i?Asi
nRonaMoet
i?
Vi
ctor
:youknowher
?
Man:yest hatwomanhasbeenar rest
edfor
abducti
ngherownsi st
erandtur
ningheri
ntoa
zombie.It
'
sal loverMochudi
Vi
ctor
:wel
lmydaught
eri
sfr
om t
her
e
Man:ahyouar
etaki
ngust
owi
tches?
Vi
ctor
:Mayawouldneverbeawi
tch.Hermot
her
wasthesweet
est
Man:whoi
shermot
hermadal
a?
Vi
ctor
:Kenei
lweMoet
i
Man:yonezombiekasebele?(Thezombie)Ah
madalai
fitwasnotfort
hef actt
hatyouareol
dand
unabl
eiwouldbeaskingyout ogetof
fmycarnow
Vi
ctor
:mysonal
liwanti
smydaught
erpl
ease

TheyoungmanlookedatVi
ctort
hrought
her
ear
vi
ewmi rr
orandshookhi
sheadsteppi
ngont
he
accel
erat
or.

I
nKavi
mbamot
ors.
..

Morri
sbr
oughtadri
nkf
orhi
sfr
iendashet
ookhi
s
seati
nhi
soffi
ce.
..

Lovemor
e:l
ongt
ime
Mor
ri
s:beendoi
ngmysecondj
ob
Lovemor
e:ineverknewyouwer
eanur
se(
they
l
aughed)
Mor
ri
s:it
hinkihavef
oundmysoulmat
e
Lovemore:l
uckyyoubr
uhasformet heper
soni
l
ikeandwantsaysshewantsustobefri
endsand
becauseidon'
twantt
oloseheriagr
eedtoit
Mor
ri
s:ahwhy?
Lovemor
e:mysonl
ikesherni
ece
Morri
s:(
laughed)soyoursoniskeepi
ngyouaway
fr
om havi
ngt hewomanyouwant ?Talkabouta
sl
ickmoveyohher eal
lybl
ockedyourways
Lovemore:imeanMorr
ishowcanLucasdosucha
thi
ngtome?Ihadaconver sat
ionwit
hhim about
thegi
rlandheseri
ousl
ylikesher
.Ievenhadtoli
e
whenheaskedmei fil
ikedChioma
Morr
is:yoursonist
eachi
ngyouagoodl
esson.
Maybeyouar edest
inedt
ost
aysingl
e
Lovemor
e:whi
leyouar
ehooked?Ohhel
lno
Morr
is:under
standt
hatihavebeensingl
efora
l
ongtime.Thoughihaven'
ttol
dhimthatil
ikehi
m
Lovemor
e:oh?
Morri
s:yeah.Ididn'
twantt
oseem li
keimtaki
ng
advantage.Ij
ustwanthimtobel
ievethati
m
genuine.
Lovemore:ohwowyour
eal
lyar
einl
ove.Sot
ellme,
how'she?
Morri
s:Yel
lowbone,ver
yopini
onated,
outspoken,
str
ongwill
ed,i
ndependentandwhatattr
actsme
mostabouthimishowsi l
lyhecanget.I
magine
dati
ngsomeonewhocan' tmakeyoulaugh
Lovemor
e:i
fyoulovehi
m somuchwhydon'
tyou
makethi
ngsoff
ici
al?
Morri
s:idon'
twanttoover
whel
m hi
m he'
sst
il
l
heal
ingfrom t
heat
tack
Lovemore:ohyeahigetyounowwhatyoucando
i
ssendt hemessagesubtlyunt
ilheget
sit
.Pay
att
enti
ontotheli
tt
let
hingsheli
kesthencapi
tal
ise
onthem
Morri
s:l
ookatyougi
vingmeadvi
cewhi
leyouar
e
notget
ti
ngany
Lovemor
e:don'
tment
ioni
tbr
oyoh

Theyl
aughedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chup.

I
nSout
hAf
ri
ca.
..

Nal
efini
shedanot
hergl
assofwat
erasTshepo
f
rownedlooki
ngatherf
anni
ngher
sel
f.
..

Tshepo:i
syourf
oodhot
?
Nal
e:noi
t'
shoti
nher
e
Tshepo:noi
t'
snot
Nal
e:l
ookatmeTshepoi
m sweat
ingbul
let
s
Tshepo:maybeyouar
ereachi
ngmenopause
Nal
e:ohr
eal
lynow?
Tshepo:whatcanisay
Nal
e:l
etmegogetmysel
fsomewat
ert
hej
ari
s
empt
y

Tsheposhookhisheadandf
ocusedonhisf
ood
whil
eNalestoodup.2,3,
4st
epsshetookasshe
fel
ttheworl
dspinni
ngandst
opped.
..

Nal
e:Tshepoit
hinki
m di
zzy
Tshepo:Nal
ecome.
..(
shecol
lapsed)Nal
e!

Hejumpedoffhi
schairandat
tendedt
oNal
ewho
l
aidonthef
loorunconsci
ous.
..

Tshepo:(
softl
ysl
appedher
)Nal
ewakeup,
Nal
e?
What'
swr ongwit
hyouwoman

Hesai
dtaki
ngt
hehotelphoneandcall
edfor
medi
calhel
pwhi
let
ryi
ngt owakeherup..
.
Tshepo:don'
tdi
eonmepl
easeNal
ecomeon

Hesai dsoft
lyslappingherbutsheneverr
esponded
unti
lthemedi cscameandt ookher.Hetookhi
scar
keysandf ol
lowedt hem out
.

AtKgangT&T.
..

Duncancli
ckedhi
stongueanddeci
dedt
ocal
l
Pat
ience.
..

Pati
ence:di
dshefi
nal
lycometohersenseandt
ell
youwhereshe'
skeepi
ngourson?
Duncan:howst upi
dandcanonebereal
ly?Pati
ence
l
eavemywi fealonemaybeit
'st
imeyoulookedint
o
yourexboyf
riend.
Pati
ence:real
lynow?Onkabet
sewoul
dneverdo
suchathingLornaist
heonewhoiscapabl
eofit
Duncan:soOnkabet
sei
sasai
nt?
Pati
ence:Onkabet
semovedonDuncan.I
t'
sbeen
year
s
Duncan:butwecan'ti
gnorethefactthathewas
abusivet
owardsyouduringyourpregnancymore
thatheoncewishedJuni
orwasdead
Pat
ience:howdi
dyouknowaboutt
hat
?
Ducan:iwentt
hroughyourpr
ofi
leandnot
icedthat
hesaidnast
ythingsbythet
imeyouwerepregnant
Pat
ience:soyoust
il
lbel
ievet
hatt
hingofyour
sis
i
nnocent
Duncan:pl
easerespectmywifePat
ience.Mywif
e
wouldneverdosuchat hi
ngandagaintheof
fi
cers
scr
appedheroffthesuspectl
ist
Pat
ience:butshehasmyson
Duncan:Pati
encecanyoupl
easet
ryandt
alkt
o
Onkabetse
Pati
ence:nowebothknowwhohasourchi
ldand
youarerefusi
ngt
obeli
evei
t
Duncan:Pat
ience
Pat
ience:yesDuncan
Duncan:i
mtr
yingt
ohel
pyouher
e,t
ohel
pourson
Pati
ence:i
jaDuncaniwi
llt
alkt
oOnkabetsei t
'sfi
ne.
Kegoreyouwantmet ot
alktopeopleihaveno
i
ntenti
onsoftal
kingt
owhil
ewebot hknowt hat.
..
Duncan:talkt
oOnkabet
seandst
optur
ningabl
ind
t
osomet hingthatmi
ghtbet
hetr
uth

Hehungupwhi
lePat
iencesi
ghedshaki
ngher
head.
..

Kgomot
so:and?
Pat
ience:kant
ewhydoyoupeoplethinkOnkabet
se
hasmyson?YesOnkabet sewashurtbut
Onkabetsewouldneverdot
hiski
ndofthi
ng
Kgomotso:t
hefactthatther
e'ssomeonewhoal
so
thi
nkshemightbeinvolvedshouldbeaneye
opener
Pat
ience:youknowwhatyouguysar
eannoyi
ngl
et
mecal
lOnkabet
senow(
shedi
d)
Onkabet
se:(
cover
edJuni
or'
smout
hwi
thhi
shand)
honey
Pat
ience:honeymyf
ootwher
e'smychi
ld?
Onkabetse:yourchi
ld?Whereandwhywoul ditake
yourchi
ldPat i
ence?Ihavemovedonidon'thave
ti
met owastewi t
hyounoranythi
ngthathastodo
withyou
Pati
ence:t
hankyou( hungup)didyouhearthat
?
Nowyoupeopl eshouldstopmakingmetalkto
peopl
eidon'twanttotalkto.Lor
namustbri
ngmy
sonfini
shandklaar

Shesaidgoingout
sidewhi
leKgomot
soshookher
head,
clappedonceandsatback.

Att
hecel
ls.
..

Anof
fi
ceropenedf
orPr
eci
ouswhosl
owl
ymade
herwayi
nandgavehermotheralook.Theoff
icer
l
ockedupandlef
twhil
ePr
eciousquiet
lylai
ddown
wit
haneckbraceon.
..

Rona:r
esul
tsofbei
ngasnake
Pr
eci
ous:ihavenot
hingt
osayt
oyouRona
Rona:wellihavesomet hi
ngt osayt oyoumydear
chi
ld.Nexttimeiwon' tstophal fwaybutiwi l
lmake
sur
eyoudi e.ImeanPr ecioushowdar eyouhuh?
Whot hehelldoyout hinkyouar et
hinkingthatyou
canplotagsinstmePr eciousyouhavesomener ve
mychi l
d.Your eal
lyaremychi l
dandl ookingoutf or
myselfwil
lalwayscomebef oreanything
Pr
eci
ous:soyoual
mostki
ll
edmef
orwant
ingt
odo
what
'sr
ight
?
Rona:ri
ghtmyf oot.Sellingoutyourmotheri
sr i
ght
toyou?(shekeptqui et
)idi dn'
tthi
nkso.Fr
om now
onyouar egoi
ngt obet hechi l
danditheadultbuti
f
youwantbeanadul ttellmenowsot haticanstart
i
nvit
ingyourenemi est oyourfuneral
Pr
eci
ous:youar
eevi
l
Rona:(chuckl
ed)youofallpeopl
eknowthatbett
er
andifyoudon'tbehaveiwil
lshowyouasideofme
youwoul dneverwanttoseeagaini
nyourmyl i
fe

Shelai
dbackdownasPr
eci
ousl
ookedatherand
si
ghed.

I
nRasesa.
..

Vusipar
kedt hecarundert hetreeshadeasMaki
hummedget tingoffandt ooktheshoppingbags.
Sheledwayt othehousewi t
hVusicomi ngbehind
herbutf
rownedandst oppedseei ngwhatlooked
l
ikewheelchairwheeltraces.
..

Maki
:whatt
hehel
lisgoi
ngonher
e?
Vusi
:whati
sit
?
Maki
:ar
ethesenotwheel
chai
rtr
aces?
Vusi
:ohhel
lno

Hesai
dr ushingt
othebur
glaronl
yfori
ttoopenas
hepul
ledit.
..

Maki
:what
!?

Shedroppedhershoppi
ngbagsast
heyopenedt
he
fr
ontdoor.
..

Maki
:Vi
ctor
!?
Vusi
:madal
a?Madal
a?(
Theyr
ant
othebedr
oom)
Maki:howdi
dheleavethi
splaceVusi
,how!
?Di
di
notaskyout
olockthebedroom?
Vusi
:idi
d,il
ockedi
t
Maki
:thenhowcomeVi
ctorwentout
?
Vusi
:idon'
tknow
Maki
:doyouknowwhatt
hismeansVusi
?Doyou
r
eal
lyknowwhatt
hismeans?
Vusi
:nohewi
llcomebackt
rustme
Maki
:real
lynowar
ethoseyourwor
dsofassur
ance?
Vusi
:whatcanisay?Youcanseet
hathe'
snother
e
Maki
:whoevert
ookVi
ctori
sgoi
ngt
oknowwhoi
am

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandtookherphonedi
ali
ng
thepol
icewhi
leVusisear
chedar
oundthehouse.

Att
heTaol
o's.
..

Alexandergotof
fthephonewi
thherguysand
call
edDuncan...

Duncan:youdon'
tknowhowanxi
ousl
yihavebeen
wait
ingfort
hiscal
l
Al
exander
:wehavef
inal
lymanagedt
olocat
ehi
m.
Hi
srecentl
ocati
onsaysMolapowaboj
angr
ightnow.
Hi
sgrandmotherhasahousether
e
Duncan:okl
etmecal
lthepol
icer
ightaway

Hequi ckl
yhungupanddi aledthepolicewhil
ein
hisgrandmot her
'shouseOnkabet seti
edacl ot
h
aroundacr yingDuncanJr '
smout h,t
iedhishands
andlit
tlelegs.Heopenedt hedoorandcheckedt he
coastout si
dethencarr
iedhi m.Duncant r
iedtofi
ght
butfail
edhashi sbabystrengthhelpedhim with
nothi
ng. .
.

Onkabet
se:yourmot
herwi
llf
eelt
hepai
nif
eltwhen
shedumpedmel i
keshi
t

Heclickedhistongueheadingtothepitlat
rineat
thecorneroftheyar dwhi
chwasaf ewmet resaway
from t
heot heryards.Heopeneditandlookedata
cryi
ngandhel pless4yearoldDuncanJuni orand
heldhislegswithhisheadfacingdowni nthehole.
..
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
13] :AKEPTWOMAN
54

Lit
tl
eDuncancr i
edhi seyesoutasthesmellof
feacesanduri
negott ohim whil
eOnkabetse
swallowedandpulledhim backup.Duncantri
edt
o
fi
ghthim buti
tdidn'thel
pashisstrengt
hdidn'
t
all
owhi m..
.

Onkabet
se:thi
swouldbeaneasywayoutf oryour
mothermyboy.Yourmotherdeservestosufferf
or
whatshedidtome.Ididever
ythi
ngf orthatwoman
myboy.Ididever
ythi
ngforyourmot herbutshe
sawi tf i
ttoleavemef ornextbigthing.Whatt he
hellisthat ?Ki
ll
ingyouwi l
lbemaki ngthingseasi er
forher .Shewi l
llear
ntol i
vewiththepainbutnot
knowi ngi fyouarestil
lali
veorhaveeat enoreven
war m wi l
lslowlyeatherupuntilshedies.She' swil
l
l
ear ntonevermesswi t
hanyonewhogenui nely
l
ovesher .Imeanl ooknow, whatisshel ef
twi th?
Not hi
ng, hernextbigthingchosehiswi feinsteadof
her( l
aughed)whot hehelldoesshet hi
nkshei s?

Hetookabi
gboxandputi
tint
heboott
hent
hrew
Duncani
nit
..
.

Onkabetse:wearegoi
ngforaverylongdri
vemy
boy(hisphonerangashelaughed)speakoft
he
devi
l.Yessfebe
Pat
ience:Onkabet
se,
Onkabet
seiwantmychi
ld
pl
ease
Onkabet
se:oh?Soyouknowhowt
osaypl
ease?
Pat
ience:Onkabet
sehowcanyoudot
hist
ome?
Onkabet
se:soyouknowhowi
tfeel
snowneh?
Pat
ience:excuseme?
Onkabetse:il
ovedyouPati
ence.Iwaswil
li
ngt
o
giveyoumywor ldbutnoyoudecidedt
obeaharl
ot
andsleeparound.Si
esPati
encewhosleepswi
th
thei
rboss?
Pat
ience:sot
hisi
swhati
t'
sabout
?
Onkabetse:ofcoursebabyofcour se(chuckl
ed)i
m
goi
ngt oenjoyseeingyouslowlyloseyourlif
eand
l
et'
sjusthopet hatyoursonisn'
tbeingburntbyshit
i
napi tlat
ri
nenow( hel
aughed)
Pat
ience:Onkabet
seno!Onka.
..
(hehunguponher
)
Duncan!

Shecr i
edoutloudasanoffi
cersteppedonthe
accelerat
or.Meanwhi
lealaughi
ngOnkabetse
decidedtoleavehi
scarandtookDuncanoutofthe
box...

Onkabet
se:comewear
egoi
ng
Duncan:(
sni
ff
ed)iwantmymot
her
Onkabet
se:ohyesmyboyi
mtaki
ngyout
omama

Heunti
edhim andwentintothehouseandchecked
t
heoldsui
tcasesforsomeoldbabyclothes.He
f
oundapairoftracksui
tsandahatandchanged
l
it
tl
eDuncanintothem...

Onkabet
se:nice.Youdonotsayawordunt
ilweget
homeok( Duncannodded)goodboy

Hetookhisphonewentt hroughhist
imeli
neand
putthephoneont het
able.Hetookabreadkni f
e
andputsomet omatosauceoni tandputitonthe
tabl
easwel l
.Pat
iencecall
edagainbuthej ust
i
gnoreditandheadedoutwi thl
it
tl
eDuncan. .
.

Onkabet
se:r
ememberyoudon'
tsayat
hing
BabyDuncannoddedasat axi
stoppedforthem.
Theyhoppedinasi
theadedoffwhileontheirway
toMolapowaboj
angPati
encewouldn'tst
opcr yi
ng.
..

Duncan:canyoupl
easest
opcr
yingPat
ience
Pat
ience:youwoul
dsayt
hatbecauseyounever
car
edaboutDuncan
Duncan:excuseme?
Pat
ience:yesDuncanyounevercar
edabout
Duncanyoupretendedt
ojusttousemeforsex
Duncan:wowPat i
enceifidi
dn'
tcareaboutDuncan
iwouldn'
thavesentthemoneythatmadeyou
negl
ecthim and.
..
Offi
cer:okcanwepl easecalm downimtryi
ngt
o
concentratehere.Youbickeri
ngwi l
lendupmaki
ng
uslosehi slocat
ion.Justkeepquiet

Theyquiet
lylookedatoneanotherwhil
etheoffi
cer
steppedontheacceler
atorchecki
ngifthebackup
team wasbehindthem.Meanwhi l
eattheDuncan's
mansi
onLor
napacedar
oundherr
oom i
nthought
s..
.

Lorna:shehadnoremorseandt oldmeplentyof
ti
mesofhowusel essiam andhowiwoul dnever
experi
encewhatbeingamot herfeel
sli
ke(scoff
ed)
l
ikewhot hehel
ldoesshethinksheis

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandcal
ledConst
abl
e
Ker
eng..
.

Ker
eng:Const
abl
eKer
enghel
lo?
Lor
na:goodaf
ter
noonsi
ryouar
espeaki
ngt
oLor
na
Duncan
Ker
eng:howmayibeofhel
p?
Lorna:iwouldl
iket
ol ayachar
geoff
alse
accusati
on,def
amationofchar
act
erandchi
ld
negli
gence
Ker
eng:agai
nstwhoma'
am?
Lor
na:Pat
ience,
myf
ormerhousehel
per
Ker
eng:okmayyoupl
easemakewayt
othest
ati
on
sot
hatwedothi
sproper
ly?
Lor
na:yessi
riwil
l.Thankyou(
shehungupand
cal
ledAl
exander
)
Al
exander
:Mr
sDuncan?
Lor
na:Mr
sTit'
stimet
otakeoutt
hebi
ggunsnow.I
wantt
osuePat
iencef
orsl
eepi
ngwit
hmyhusband
Al
exander
:ohihavebeenwai
ti
ngf
ort
his
Lorna:yeahihavel
etherhavehermomentit
s
enoughsoi t
'st
imeishowedherwhoisbett
erat
playi
ngthisgame.
Al
exander
:goodiwi
llbeoni
tri
ghtaway
Lorna:gr
eat.I
m makingwaytothestati
onnowt o
l
ayachar geonherforfal
seaccusat
ionsonher
son'sabducti
on,
def
amat i
onofcharacterandchi
ld
negli
gence
Alexander
:wowyouar
ereal
lyoutt
ogetherar
en'
t
you
Lorna:shemessedwit
hthewrongwoman.She
thoughtiwasanidi
otj
ustwat
chinghershi
nei
nher
momentofgl
oryli
tt
ledi
dsheknowiwasbr ewi
ng
t
hest
orm comingherway.Letmegetgoi
ng
Al
exander
:youwi
lll
etmeknowhowi
twent
Lor
na:yeahbye(
theyhungup)Appl
e!?Appl
e!?
Appl
e:yesma?
Lor
na:putonyourshoeswear
eleavi
ng
Appl
e:wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Lorna:t
her
earesomerat
sthatneedt
obe
fumigat
edint
hesest
reet
s

Shesaidputti
ngonhersungl
assesandtookher
purseleadi
ngthewayoutwhil
eApplesmiled
rushi
ngt oherbedr
oom t
ochangehershoes.

I
nRasesa.
..

Aworri
edMakiwouldn'
tstoppaci
ngaroundwhi
l
e
Vusij
ustl
ookedathersi
tt
ingdown..
.
Maki
:whyar
ethesepol
iceof
fi
cer
staki
ngsol
ong
Vusi
:si
tdownmommy
Maku:sitdownVusi?Doyouknowt heser
iouness
ofwhatjusthappened?Notonlyi
sourmealti
cket
missi
ngbutshouldhef al
lint
hewronghandswe
wil
lbeindeepshit
Vusi
:we?Rememberyouhavebeendoi
ngt
hisal
l
al
oneiontheot
herhandhasbeen.
..
Maki
:excuseme!
?(Aknockcamet
hrough)about
damnti
me
Of
fi
cer
:goodaf
ter
noonma'
am i
m of
fi
cer
..
.
Maki:
awheelchai
rboundol
dmani
smi
ssi
ngidon'
t
car
eaboutwhoyouare
Offi
cer
:wheel
chai
rbound,howdoest
hateven
happen?Howdoesapersonwhocan'
tmoveon
thei
rowngomissi
ng?
Maki
: sodiwheelchai
rtsakogalonatsonegadi
t
samaeaker e?(Wheelchai
rsf
rom whereyouare
f
rom don'
twor kri
ght)
Of
fi
cer
:excuseme?
Maki:i
m notgoingt odot hi
swit
hyou.Isteppedout
totheshopsandl eftt
hisyoungboyinthehouse
(Vusif
rowned).Hedeci dedtogobathandleave
himintheli
vingroom onlytonotfi
ndhimi nthe
housewhenhef inished
Of
fi
cer
:whydi
dn'
thecal
lthepol
ice?
Maki
:hepani
ckedandcal
ledme
Of
fi
cer
:whyar
eyouanswer
ingf
orhi
m?
Maki
:can'
tyouseethathe'
sinshockandstr
essed
t
hathemighthavel
ostanunableperson?

Theof
ficersqui
nthiseyesl
ooki
ngatMakiandVusi
whoswallowedlooki
ngawayandhelookedbackat
Maki
..
.

Of
fi
cer
:whatwashewear
ing?
Maki:gr
eypant
sandabl
ackpol
oneckwi
thbl
ack
sneaker
s
Of
fi
cer
:whyar
eyouanswer
ingal
lthequest
ions?
Maki
:heebat
hongi
m inothi
swi
fe?
Of
fi
cer
:yout
ellme
Maki
:ibat
hethatmanbef
orel
eavi
ngsoobvui
ousl
y
i
m goi
ngtoknowwhathewaswearing
Offi
cer:okwewi
llputawor
doutt
her
eandst
artt
he
search
Maki
:youbet
terf
indhi
m.Hecan'
tgof
ar
Of
fi
cer
:iwi
llbei
ntouch

Hel
eftbutst
oppedatt
hedoorandt
urnedt
othem
t
henl
eft.
..

Vusi
:nextt
imewar
nmepl
ease
Maki:ihadt
oquickl
ycomeupwi t
habelievable
stor
yordoyouwantt ogotojai
lfornegl
igenceand
mistr
eati
ngacri
pple?(Hekeptquiet
)idi
dn'tthi
nk
so.Helpmeunpackthesethi
ngs
Vusi:kant
ewhydoyoualwayshavetobuy
groceri
esinbi
ts?Whycan'
tyoubuyever
ythi
ngal
l
atonce?
Maki:asfarasim concernedt
hepeopleofRasesa
knowt hatweareli
vingofVict
or'
spansionmoney.
Nowt hesepoli
ceofficer
sbett
erfi
ndhim andthey
bett
erdosof ast(
scof f
ed)he'
ssogoingtoknowme
whenhecomesback

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueast
heypackedt
hegr
ocer
ies
i
ntotheshel
ves.

I
nMol
apowaboj
ang.
..

Theyar r
ivedinMol apowabojangandassoonas
theoldwomanhear dthecar
sstopoutsi
deshe
rushedtot hebedroom andli
edont hebedwit
h
sunglasseson...

Of
fi
cer
s:t
hecari
sher
esohemustbei
nher
e
Duncan:ormaybehel
efti
t
Of
fi
cer
:canyoupl
easecal
lhi
m agai
n

Withthet
eam goi
ngtothepi
tlat
ri
ne,
Patiencetook
herphoneandcal
ledhi
m agai
nasitranginsi
de..
.

Offi
cer
:he'
sdef i
nit
elyi
nhere.Onkabet
seit'
sthe
poli
cewhateveryouweretr
yingtodokindly
surr
ender
.(Therewasnoresponse)Onkabetse?We
aregoi
ngtokickthedoori
nacountoft hree.3.
..
2..
.

Duncandeci
dedt
oki
ckt
hedooropenonl
ytof
ind
noone..
.

Of
fi
cer
:hel
lo?
Pat
ience:howst
upi
dcanyoube?Can'
tyouseet
hat
he'
sgone
Of
fi
cer
:nol
et'
scheckal
lther
ooms
Theywentthr
ought
her
oomsunt
ilt
heyt
heol
d
woman'sroom..
.

Of
fi
cer
:mama?Mme?Ma?(
Shej
ustl
aidt
her
e)
mmecanyouhearme?
Pat
ience:canyoust
opact
ingupiknowyoucan.
..

Sheremovedt hesunglasseswhil
etheoldwoman
j
uststarr
edintospace.Duncanmovedhi shand
overherfacebutshedidn'tmovehereyeball
snor
bl
ink.
..

Duncan:uhu,mama?Canyouhearus?Wher
eis
Onkabetse?

Theol
dwomanj
ustl
aidt
her
ewi
thnor
esponse.
..
Off
icer
:iguessshe'smut eanddeaft
hat'
swhyt hi
s
boyisabletodothesekindofthi
ngsinherhouse.
Guyscallthehospi
talweare..
.
Pat
ience:no!

Shescr
eamedreadi
ngamessaget
hatj
ustr
epor
ted
i
nherphone.
..

Offi
cer
:whatisit?(Shetrembledshowinghim)"you
haven'
tst
artedlooking.Youareyettolook.Lett
he
gamesbegin.Laughi ngemoji
s"shiti
ndeedhe's
gone
Pat
ience:mychi
ldDuncanmychi
ld!

Shebursti
ntotear
swhileDuncansighedand
grunt
edrubbi
nghishead.Hekickedthedoor
annoyedwhil
einaveldOnkabetserol
ledat axi
dri
ver'
sdeadbodydeepintothebushandt hrewhi
s
phoneathim.Hewhistl
edgoingtothetaxiand
droveawaywithbabyDuncan.
I
nMochudi
..
.

Aft
erdr
ivi
ngforawhilelooki
ngfort
heMoet
i'
s
compoundtheyf
inal
lyfoundit.
..

Vi
ctor
:yest
hat
'si
tther
est
opt
hecar
Man:ol
dmanr
ememberyoucan'
twal
kst
ayi
nthe
car

Hegotof fandwenttoknockwhileVict
orsatt
her
e
hopingforthebest
.Theyoungmanknockedand
knockedbutgotnor esponseunt
ilanei
ghbour
openedtheirgat
e..
.

Lady:sor
rysi
rhowcanihel
pyou?
Man:wear
elooki
ngf
orMayaMoet
i
Lady:shest
aysi
nGabor
one
Man:ohr
eal
ly?Youknowheraddr
ess?
Lady:nobutmyniecesaysshewor
ksf
ort
hebus
companyshe'saconductorat
Man:oht
hat
'sgreatcanwepl
easehavet
hename
oft
hecompany?
Lady:Kgangt
ravelandt
our
s
Man:ohokt
hankyoumama
Lady:youar
ewel
comebutwai
thowt
ruei
sitt
hat
Ronawasbewit
chi
ngher
?
Man:aht hatidon'
tknowal
lweknowi
sthatshe
kepthersist
erhostagef
or16year
s

Hesaidgoi
ngbackt
othecarwhil
ethewoman
cl
appedonceandwentbacki
ntoheryar
d..
.

Vi
ctor
:and?
Man:l
et'
stakeyoutoyourdaught
ersir
.Shejust
gavemeanaddressofwheresheis.She'
sin
Gabor
one
Vi
ctor
:goodl
et'
sgo

Theyoungmansteppedontheaccel
erat
orheading
toGabor
onewhil
einSouthAfri
caTshepostopped
paci
ngaroundasthedoct
orcametohim...

Tshepo:Doccanyou.
..
Dr
:pl
easesi
tdown
Tshepo:doct
ori
smywi
feok?
Dr:si
rim af
rai
dyouguyshavet
ogobackhomeas
soonaspossible
Tshepo:(
frowned)why?
Dr:yourwi
fe'
scondi
ti
oni
sdet
eri
orat
ingeach
second
Tshepo:whati
swr
ongwi
thmywomandoct
or?
Dr:bot
hherkidneysar
edeadsheneedsadonor
andverysoon
Tshepo:what
!?
Dr:henceim suggesti
ngyougobackhomeASAP
sothatyouhaveal lt
hepossi
blemat
chest
est
ed
againsther
Tshepo:okwhatdoweneed?
Dr
:wej
ustneedt
oor
gani
sef
orhert
obeai
rl
if
ted
Tshepo:i
sitpossi
blewedoittoni
ghtsothatby
tomorr
owwet akeoffthet
est
ingprocess
Dr
:yeahi
tsnotapr
obl
em
Tshepo:t
hankyouDoct
or.Caniseeher
?
Dr:j
ustf
orafewseconds.She'
sconnect
edt
oal
ot
ofmachi
nes
Tshepo:i
sshebr
eat
hingonherownt
hough?
Dr
:yes
Tshepo:okt
hat
'spr
omi
sing
Dr:butt
hel
ongeryoutaket
omakesur eshe'
s
helpedt
hemorechancesofhernotmaki
ngitgo
hi
gh
Tshepo:okibel
ievewewi
llf
indadonorf
orher
soonletmegoseeher
Dr
:nopr
obl
em

Hef
oll
owedt
hedoct
ori
ntot
her
oom.

ANHOURLATER

I
nRamot
swa.
..

Afterspeakingt
ot hepol
icePati
enceandDuncan
fol
lowedoneanot heroutwit
hPat i
ence'squi
etand
hereyesr edandpuffy.Apol
icecarstoppedoutsi
de
thestati
onasKer engandaf emaleoff
icercame
out..
.

Ker
eng:j
ustt
heper
sonwear
elooki
ngf
or
Pat
ience:(
frowned)ar
eyout
alki
ngt
ome?
Kereng:ofcour
se,Pat
ienceyouhavebeenar
rest
ed
forfal
seaccusati
onofMr sLor
naDuncanaboutt
he
whereabout
sofyourson,
defamati
onofcharact
er
andchil
dnegli
genceofDuncanJuni
orDuncan
Pat
ience:what
!?Du.
..
Kereng:whateveryousayordowi l
lbeusedagainst
youinthecourtoflaw.Youhavetherightt
oremain
si
lentandifyoucan'taf
for
dal awyerthest
ateshall
provi
deyouwi thone.Offi
cerarr
esther
Pati
ence:nothismustbeami stake!Duncando
somethingdon'tj
uststandthere!Ouch!Mysoni s
missi
ngf orcr
yingoutloudimeanwhot hehelli
s
shetoreportmef ornegl
igencewhi l
eshe...Duncan
man!Ow!

Sheshoutedandscreamedasthefemaleof
ficer
tookhert
ot hevanwhil
eDuncanlookedonshaking
hishead.
..

Duncan:wow

Meanwhi
lei
nKgangT&T,
theel
der
lymanandt
he
youngmanpushedVi ctori
ntot
hebuil
dingast
he
recept
ioni
stsmiledatthem.Mayacamedown
tucki
ngherhairbehindherearandgavethe
recept
ioni
stafil
e..
.

Maya:puncht
hesei
nforme
Lady:okma'
am
Maya:(
smi
led)gooddaygent
lemen

Sheheadedbackt
oheroffi
cewhileVict
or'sheart
racedl
ooki
ngatherdi
sappeari
ntotheelevator
..
.

Lady:sor
ryaboutt
hatgent
lemen.Howmayibeof
hel
pagain?
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
14] :AKEPTWOMAN
55

Man:wear
elooki
ngf
orMayaMoet
i
Lady:aobutshe'
sthel
adywhoj
ustgr
eet
edyou
guys.Whoareyouandwhatwoul
dyouli
kef
rom
her?
Man:weareal
lthewayf rom Rasesawiththi
sman.
Hisnamei
sVictorLentsweandhe' sherfat
herand
hasbeenl
ooki
ngf orherfort
helongestoftimenow
Lady:(
frowned)ohokl
etmecal
lherof
fi
ce.You
maybeseat ed

Theyt
ookthei
rseatswhil
eVict
oranxi
ousl
ywait
ed
asshecal
ledMaya'sof
fi
ce.Therewasnoanswer
asshecal
ledagai
n..
.
Lady:she'snotanswer
ingherof
fi
cel
inel
etme
checkifthebossknowswhereshecoul
dbe(she
dial
edJoshua'sli
ne)
Joshua:(
laughed)youaresosi
ll
y.I
t'
syourbi
rt
hday
weekendhowar eplanni
ngtospendit
?
Maya:honest
lyij
ustwanttobeinchur
chtothank
Godfortheamazingt
hingshehasdoneformethus
fart
hesepasttwoweeks
Joshua:ohokandsat
urday?
Maya:answeryourphonet l
herr
aihavenoplans
butim pl
anningt ogomeetwit
htheprai
seand
worshipteam ofMrTaolo'
schurchi
nthemor ni
ng
fort
heirr
ehear sal
Joshua:isee.(
Pickedbef
orei
tcut
)Joj
o
Joj
o:sirdoyoubyanychanceknowwher
eMs
Moeticoul
dbe?
Joshua:she'
swi
thmewhat
'sup?
Joj
o:t
her
ear
emenher
elooki
ngf
orher
Joshua:(
putheronl
oudspeaker
)men?
Joj
o:yessi
rtheysaytheyar
efr
om Rasesaandone
oft
hem isVi
ctorLent
swe
Maya:(
hear
tski
ppedasshesatup)who!
?
Jojo:Vict
orLent
swema'am t
hemenyouj
ust
greeteddownherear
elooki
ngforyou
Maya:ohmywor
d.Br
ingt
hem uppl
ease
Joj
o:ok
Joshua:andf
ixr
efr
eshment
sforuswhi
leati
tok
Joj
o:yessi
r

TheyhungupasMayast oodupandexhal
ed
hol
dingherf
orehead.
..

Joshua:ar
eyouokl
ove?
Maya:im aboutt
omeetmydad,i
m..
.(
smi
led)
Joshuaim aboutt
omeetmyfat
her
Joshua:j
ustt
ryt
orel
ax
Maya:howdi
dhef
indmel
ikehow.
..
ohgoshi
m
nervous.Il
it
eral
lysawhim downstai
rs(f
rowned)
buthewasn'treall
yinagoodstate.Wherehashe
been..
.
Joshua:(chuckl
ed)okokloveyouaregoingto
burstyourheadnowjustbreat
hand...
(aknock
camet hroughasshewidenedhereyes)rel
axlove
rel
ax

Hewenttothedoorwhi
leMayaswal
lowedwi
thher
hear
traci
ng.
..

Joshua:t
hankyouJoj
o.Bef
astwi
tht
he
ref
reshment
sok
Joj
o:yessi
r
Joshua:(
smi
led)pl
easecomei
ngent
lemen

Theywentinpushi
ngVi ctorwholookedar
oundt
he
ni
celyandwarm decoratedoff
icewhil
eMaya
qui
etl
ylookedathi
m. .
.
Joshua:wel
comet oKgangTravelandtour
splease
haveaseat.(
Theydid)ihearyouareheret
oseeMs
Moetisoiwil
lexcusemyselfther
ecepti
oni
stwill
..
.
Maya:pl
easest
ay
Joshua:butidon'
twantt
oimpose
Maya:i
t'
sokyouwon'
tbei
mposi
ng
Joshua:okt
hen(
hesatdown)
Man:gooddayMsMoet
i
Maya:(
swal
lowed)gooddaysi
r
Man:thi
sisVict
orLent
swewear
ecomingwit
hhi
m
f
rom Rasesaasheaskedust
obri
nghi
m her
e.
Madalayoucantakeover
Vi
ctor
:(wi
thhi
sshakyvoi
ce)ngwanaka(
mychi
ld)

Heari
ngthatwordmadeMaya'sheartski
pabeat
wit
hgoosebumpsemer gi
ngasshescof f
ed
cover
inghermouthandtear
sroll
eddownhereyes.
Joshuasoft
lysmil
edashelookedatherfeedi
ng
f
rom heremot
ions.
..

Victori
a:Im sososor rymygi rl
.Iam r eallysor
ryfor
whatidi dt oyou.Iknowi tmayseem ki ndofselfi
sh
ofmet ocomel ookingf oryoui nt hesi tuati
onand
agei mi nrightnow.I t'
st ypicaloff atherswho
adandont heirchi
ldrenbutpl easebel i
evemewheni
sayi havel ongyear nedf oryoumygi r
l.Ioweyou
andyourmot herapol ogiesandeveni fyoudon' t
acceptt hem iwoul dt otalyunder standbecause
whatidi di snotrightatal l.Ileftyouguyswhenyou
neededmet hemost .(Mayasni ff
ed)ibel ieveyou
arewonder inghowiknowyourname, yourmom
tol
dmeaf tershegavebi rthtoyout hatshenamed
youMayawhi chmeansagoodcour ageouswoman
withal otofl oveandbyl ookingatyouyou
epit
omi zet hat
Maya:(t
earf
ull
ysmiled)t
hankyousomuch(
sni
ff
ed)
shetol
dmet hatshetol
dyouwhoshenamedme
aft
ergi
vingbir
th
Vi
ctor
:issheal
ive?
Maya:yes.She'
sathomenow.Wher
ear
eyou
st
ayi
ng?
Vi
ctor
:ihavenohome
Maya:(
frowned)What
?
Vict
or:thewomanimar r
iedhasbr
oughther
boyfr
iendinourhouse.
Man:pleasetel
lherthatshe'
salsomistr
eati
ngyou.
Mygirli
fididn'
thearthismanhitt
ingtheburgl
ar
doorwewoul dn'
tbeheretoday.Yourfat
herhas
beenkeptapr i
soner
Maya:What
!?(
JoshuashookhisheadasJoj
o
br
oughtt
heref
reshment
s)thankyouJoj
o(shel
eft
)
Man:i
mtel
li
ngyou
Maya:whywoul
dshedosomet
hingl
iket
hat
?
Vict
or:idon'
tknowitlooksli
keiwasthefi
nance
minist
erofthathousewhilewearet
alki
ngnowim
notevensureifihavemoneyonmynameornot
Maya:nothi
sisnotri
ght
.Dot
heygi
veyouyour
medicat
ionatl
east
?
Vi
ctor
:yes
Maya:andf
ood?
Vict
or:ihavebeeneatingsoftporri
dge3t i
mesa
dayeversinceicameoutoft hehospitalaft
ermy
acci
dentatthemi ne.Wheniml uckyigettoeatri
ce
andsoup.Mybonesar einpainbecausewhenever
she'
sangr yshehitsmeandif allof
fthewheelchai
r
Joshua:t
hisi
ssowr
ongwehavet
odosomet
hing
aboutthi
sMaya
Maya:ohdef
ini
tel
yweare.Im goingtocal
lthe
pol
iceandwearegoingtohavethatwoman
arr
estedf
ori
ll
-t
reat
inganunableperson.
Joshua:iwil
lalsogettoseeifwecan'tf
inda
chi
ropract
orspecial
istforhi
m.Thati
sabone
doctorMrLentswe,forhimtotakealookatyour
bones
Maya:anyot
heri
ll
nesses?
Vi
ctor
:(coughed)ihaveTB
Maya:ohokwewil
lmakesur
eyougetal
lthehel
p
youmayneed.Asf
ort
hatwomanshe'
sgoingto
regr
etevert
aki
ngadvant
ageofyou.What
'sher
nameagain?
Vi
ctor
:Maki
Maya:ok.Forustobeabl
et ocarr
youtallt
heseim
goi
ngtoneedyout ost
ayclosertome.Woulditbe
possi
bletogethi
m ahomenur selove?
Joshua:anyt
hingyouwantj
ustsayi
tlove
Maya:t
hankyou
Vi
ctor
:im sosor
ryonceagai
n
Maya:that'
salli
nthepast.Li
feonit
'sownisa
l
esson.Youl ear
nasyoulive.Whatmatt
ersnowis
f
orustol ookint
othefut
ureandmakeupf orlost
t
ime
Vi
ctor
:canihugyou?
Maya:(
smi
led)i
t'
snotapr
obl
em

Sheleaneddownandhuggedhim whi
lehi
shands
shookashehuggedherback.
..
Maya:l
etmecal
lthepol
ice

Shet
ookherphoneandcall
edwhileJoshuaandt
he
mencaughtuphavi
ngthei
rref
reshments.

I
nRasesa.
..

Vusicameoutofthebat
hroom whi
leMaki
went
t
hroughherphone..
.

Maki:
wait
sethi
sMayagir
lhasn'
tgot
tenbackt
ome
yet
.Maybeishoul
dsendheramessage
Vusi
:speaki
ngofherwhati
fVi
ctorwentt
oher
?
Maki
:huh?
Vusi
:imeanthinkaboutitmommyt hisguyhas
beencryi
ngaboutfi
ndingthischi
ldofhi
sandthe
onechancehegetsbeingaloneheescapes
Maki
:youcoul
dber
ightVusibuthowdi
dhegetout
ofher
ewhot
ookhi
m?
Vusi
:rememberwedi
dn'
tlockt
hef
rontdoor
Maki
:butwel
ockedt
hebur
glarandhi
sroom
Vusi
:maybehehasaspar
ekey
Maki
:whenandhowdi
dhemaket
hespar
ekey?
Vusi
:alockcomeswi
th2keysdoyouknowwher
e
t
heotherkeyis?
Maki
:no
Vusi
:thereyouhaveit
.Hewasj
ustwai
ti
ngfort
he
daywel eavehi
m al
oneandt
henheescapes
Maki
:thatgoodf
ornot
hingr
ubber
necksi
esman!
Vusi
:weneedt
orunbecauseshoul
dhef
indt
his
Mayaofhi
swewillbei
ndeepshit
Maki:saywer unawaywhowillt
akecareofhi
s
daughter'
sschoolf
ees?I
m notgoingt
oletmychi
ld
suff
erlikethat
Vusi
:whatot
herchoi
cedowehave?Otherki
ds
worktwoj
obstopayfort
hei
rtui
ti
onwhycan'tshe?
Maki
:mychil
dhasafat
hershe'
snotgoi
ngt
o
l
abourwhi
leshehasaf
ather
Vusi
:butchancesar
ehe'
sgoneandwecoul
dbe
goi
ngtojai
lsoon
Maki:
(scoff
ed)Makigotojail
?Youdon'tknowme
myboyVi ct
ori
sgoingtocomebackher ewhether
hehasfoundthatgoodfornothi
ngdaughterofhi
s
ornot
Vusi
:whatar
eyouthi
nki
ngofdoi
ng?Maki
idon'
t
wanttot
akeri
sks
Maki:l
ooki t
'seit
heryousti
ckupwi t
hmeandgr ow
apairorleave.Iforoneam notgoingtoturni
ntoa
cowardjustbecauseamanhasf oundadaughter
heneglected.Hellnomyboyl ethimfindhert
hey
wil
lfi
ndmeher e.Waiti
ng

Shechuckel
dmutt
eri
ngwhi
leVusisi
ghedand
shookhi
shead.

Att
heAdi
ole'
s.
..
Sundaetookabreakfr
om herstudyingand
swit
chedonherwi f
iasmessagesr epor
ted.Ther
e
wasnomessagef rom Lucasyetasshesighed
goi
ngt oherf
acebookmessengerandr espondedto
Sai
nt..
.

Sundae:hel
lo?
Sai
nt:i
m sor
rytobot
heryoubutij
ustwant
edt
osay
youareafi
ghter
Sundae:sor
ry?
Saint
:iwasatt hesamedebatecompet
iti
onyou
wereapar tofamonthandsomeweeksagosoi
sawyout hereandtobehonestwit
hyou,theway
youtackledallt
hequest
ionswasgreat
.Your
counteratt
acksaswellwerej
ustfi
re
Sundae:ohthankyou.Whi
chschoolwer
eyou
repr
esenti
ng?
Sai
nt:Rai
nbow
Sundae:ohokyouguysf
oughtagoodf
ightt
oo
t
hough
Sai
nt:yeahbutyour
epr
esent
edWest
woodr
eal
ly
wel
l
Sundae: iguesswecansayar
gui
ngi
smyt
hing.
Meaningf
ular
gui
ngatt
hat
Saint
: youar
esof
unny.Sowher
edoyou
resi
de?
Sundae:phase4
Sai
nt:ohoki
minBl
ock8
Sundae:ohok
Sai
nt:woul
dyoumi
ndi
fiaskedf
orameetup?
Sundae:(
frowned)i
m abusyper
sonheybuti
fimay,
whywouldyouwantt omeetupwit
hme?
Sai
nt:j
ustt
ogett
oknowyouonabet
terl
evel
Sundae:i
m onebusyper
son.
Sai
nt:butweonschoolhol
idays
Sundae:wedon'
thaveahousehel
perher
esoido
mostofthechor
es.Thel
adywhohelpsonlycomes
onceaweektodothor
oughcleani
ngandl
aundr
y
onSatur
days.Soi
nthemiddl
eoftheweeki
tsmy
tur
n
Sai
nt:ohisee.Don'
tyouhavesi
bli
ngs?
Sundae:noi
t'
sjustmeandmyaunt
.Myaunt
spendsmostofherdayatwor
k
Sai
nt:okt
henmaybeicancomeovert
oyourhouse
Sundae:no
Sai
nt: ahj
ustl
iket
hat
?
Sundae:yes.I
m agirlchi
ldandiwoul
dn'
tbe
comfort
ablebeingwithaguyjustast
hetwoofus
i
nanencl osedarea
Sai
nt:yout
hinkiwoul
ddosomet
hingt
oyou?
Sundae:nottoberudebutyoucan'
ttr
ustanyone
thesedays.Pl
usmyauntdoesn'tl
ikehavi
ng
stranger
sinherhouse.
Sai
nt:ohisee.Ohwel
ltheni
hopet
oseeyouwhen
youarelessbusy?
Sundae:wewi
llseeabouti
t
Sai
nt:what
sappnumber
?
Sundae:ipr
eferwesti
cktochat
ti
ngt
hrough
facebookmessengeronl
y
Sai
nt:
Sundae:ihaveenoughcont
act
sandunl
essidel
ete
onethere'
snospaceforyou
Sai
nt:whathaveidonet
oyou?
Sundae:y'
allgetwei
rdwhenwegett
othegr
een
appsoiwillpassfornow
Sai
nt:whyar
eyousodi
ff
icul
t?
Sundae:i
m notandact
ual
lyihavet
ogo.We'
l
ltal
k
Sai
nt:sur
e.Mxm

Het hrewhisphoneonhisdeskandgrunted
rubbinghisphonewhil
eSundaechuckledgoing
downst ai
rsandcal
ledLucas.

Att
hepol
icest
ati
on.
..
Lornasatbehi
ndthegl
assasPat i
encecame
thr
oughthedoorandstopped.
..

Pati
ence:r
eall
y?Youcallt
hisavisi
tor?I
m
expect
ingalaywerandyoucallmef ort
his?
Of
fi
cer
:Pat
iencet
akeyourseatpl
ease
Pat
ience:t
hisi
saj
oket
akemebackt
omycel
l
Of
fi
cer
:si
tdown

Shesquinthereyesatt
heof
fi
cerandsni
ff
ed
si
tt
ing.
..

Pat
ience:yeahiguessyouar
eher
etogl
oat
Lor
na:evenbehi
ndbar
syouar
est
il
lvi
le
Pat
ience:i
fyouthi
nkim goi
ngtoletyougetaway
wit
hthisthenyouhaveanot
herthingcoming
Lor
na:ohi
sit
?(Chuckl
ed)yourl
evel
ofsel
f-
conf
idencer
eal
lyamazesmeyouknow.Ienvyyou
Pat
ience:mxm
Lorna:didyour eal
lythinkiwast hatstupidPatience?
Youmi ghthavemanagedt ogeti nbedwi t
hmy
husbandf orfouryearsbutl ookatwher eyouar e
now.Pat heti
cbehindbar sexact lywher eidi
otslike
youbel ong.Oht r
ustmei m goi ngt oenjoyskinning
youalivemyl ove.Youseeyourf ewsecondsof
glor
yyouenj oyedt hepastfewdayswi llbeaver y
dist
antmemor yyouwi shtovi vidlyrecall
.Im going
tori
pyoursoulapar tandhaveyoubegf ormercy
Pat
ience:yeahr
ight
Lorna:yeahr
ightandthatchi
ldyouthoughtyou
couldusetobreakmymar ri
ageisthesamechild
that'
sgoingt
osolidi
fymymar ri
age
Pat
ience:idar
eyout
o..
..
Lorna:ah-
uhah-uhbabygir
lrelax,cal
m down.Im
goingtofindDuncanandim goingtomakesure
thatal
lhismemor i
esofyouandhi m arebl
urr
y
Pat
ience:Lor
nai
m war
ningyou
Lorna:nextt
imeyouwantt ogeti
ntobedwi t
hthe
devilst
udythem f
ir
st.Seeyouinhellbi
tch

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandl
eftasPat
ience
swal
lowed..
.

Pat
ience:Lor
na!Lor
nacomebackher
e!Lor
na!
Lo.
..
.shi
t!
Of
fi
cer
:backt
oyourcel
lmydearcome

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandl
edt
hewaybackt
oher
cel
l.

THATEVENI
NG

I
nRasesa.
..

Maki
qui
etl
ycookedi
ntheki
tchenwhi
leVusi
watchedtvsmoki nghi
sweed.Acarstopped
outsi
deast heybothfr
ownedlooki
ngatoneanother.
Outsidet
wopol iceof
fi
cer
sandconstableKereng
cameoutf oll
owedbyMaya,JoshuaandVi ct
orwith
thetwomen. ..

Ker
eng:knockknock
Maki
:whoi
sit
?
Kereng:thepol
icepleaseopenup(t
heyquiet
ly
l
ookedatoneanot herasVusi'
sheartr
aced)knock
knock!?
Vusi
:(whi
sper
ed)whatdi
disayt
oyou?
Maki:
canyoupleaserel
ax.Ohim comingsirpl
ease
t
ellmethatyouf
oundmyhusband( sheopenedand
f
rownedtoawholecrew)uhu.Vict
or
Ker
eng:goodeveni
ngma'
am
Maki:
eveni
ng.Vict
orwherehaveyoubeen?Wher
e
doyougetal
lthesepeopl
e?
Maya:waitar
eyounotthesamewomanwho
cont
actedmeaboutorgani
cproduct
stheot
herday?
Maki
:it
'
sme
Maya:whatwer
eint
ensi
onsr
eal
ly?
Maki:
idon'thavetoexpl
ainmysel
ftoyouwhati
wanttoknowi swheremyhusbandisfr
om
Ker
eng:woul
dn'
tyouknowi
fyour
eal
lycar
edabout
hi
m?
Maki
:excuseme?
Kereng:MrsMakiLent
sweyouhavebeenar
rest
ed
formistr
eat
ingandnegl
ect
inganunabl
eman
Maki
:what
!?
Ker eng:youhavetheri
ghtt
or emainsil
entandtoa
l
awyerbuti fyoucan'taf
for
donet hestateshal
l
provideyouwi t
honeandwhat everyousayordo
willbeusedagainstyouinthecourtoflaw
Maki:(scof
fedgoi
ngbackinsi
de)youmustbe
kiddi
ngme.Neglectmyhusband?Didhetel
lyou
thatheescapedwhil
ethi
syoungmanwasbat hi
ng?
Man:Makidon'
tli
epl
ease.Wef
oundt
hismanal
one
Maki
:ohsoyouar
ethemenwhot
ookmyhusband
outofhi
shouse?Offi
cert
hesear
ethepeopl
eyou
shoul
dbearrest
ingnotme,t
heyt
ookawayan
unabl
eman
Man:t
osaf
ety
Maki
:excuseme?Ifhewasnotsaf
einthishouse
woul
dn'
thehavelongrepor
tedt
hatorescaped?
Man:howwoul
dher
epor
twhenhehadnophone?
Maki:ar
eyousureaboutt
hat
?Vusipl
easebr
ingmy
husband'
sphoneforme
Vict
or:Makist
oplyi
ngyouknowhowyouhave
beentreat
ingme
Maki:
yesihavebeent
reat
ingyouwi
thl
oveand
car
e.
Maya:const
abl
ecanyouar
restt
hiswomanal
ready
Maki:eh-
ehnananoti nmyhouseok?Youbettersi
t
back.Off
iceri
fidi
dn'tcar
eaboutthismanwould
hi
sr oom l
ookli
kethewayi tdoesnow?Youcango
i
nandcheckf oryoursel
f
Kerengsquinthi
seyesandwenti
nwhi
leMayaand
Joshualookedatoneanot
her
..
.

Maki
:andagaini
fidi
dn'
tcar
eaboutmyhusband
woul
dibesleepi
ngwit
hhim?
Vi
ctor
:Makiyouar
elyi
ng
Maki:(
t ear
sbui l
tinhereyes)Vict
orwhydon'
tyou
j
usttellmei fyouwanttodivorceme?Ihavebeen
nothi
ngbutagoodwi f
etoyouVi ct
orallt
het
hingsi
havebeendoi ngwer ebecauseiloveyou
Vict
or:Makicanyoupl
easest
opi
t.Youar
eal
ways
abusingme
Maki
:me?Abuseyou?(
Bur
sti
ntot
ear
s)Vi
ctor
!?
Man:Maki
..
.
Maki
:youshutupbecauseyoudon'
tknowanythi
ng
igot
hroughmakingsuret
hatthi
smanis
comf
ortabl
e.Ri
ghtnowim busyi
nthekit
chen
maki
ngawar m mealf
orustoeat
Maya:whi
leyoudon'
tknowwher
ehei
s?Wow
Maki:wecangot othepoliceandaskt hem ifi
di
dn'tr
eporthim missi
ngwhenwenot icedthathe'
s
nothere.(
Sniff
ed)Vict
orifyouwantt oleavemedo
sobutdonott r
yandt ai
ntmynamel i
ket hatpl
ease.
Legonewher e'
sproofthatim abusi
ngyou?Huh
Vi
ctor
:Makiyouar
eal
waysbeat
ingmeup
Maki:whereistheproofVi
ctorf
ir
stofalll
ookatthe
cl
othesyouar eweari
ng.Di
dinotbat hyoubefor
e
l
eavingfortheshops?(Hekeptquiet
)didinot
Vi
ctor?
Kereng:(
sighed)i
m sor
rybutican'
tarr
esthert
he
houseiscleanandther
e'snoprooft
hatshehas
beenabusinghim
Man:butwear
etel
l
ingyoudet
ect
ive
Kereng:yesyouaretell
ingmebutineedpr
oofi
can'tgotoacourtoflawwithj
ustawordofmouth
Maki
:(cr
ying)exact
ly
Maya:whataboutt
heyoungboyf
ri
endyouhavei
n
yourmar
italhome?
Maki
:ican'
tbel
ieveihavet
oexpl
ainmysel
ftoa
younggir
lli
keyou.Vi
ctordoyouseewhatyouare
doing?(
Cryi
ng)onthogisakabanaVi
ctori
sthi
syou
showingmehowyoul oveme?Vusiismycousin'
s
son
Vi
ctor
:ohpl
easeMakiwouldyoust
opi
t.Const
abl
e
gothr
ought
heirphonesnow
Maki:
nooneisgoingtogothr
oughmyphone
wi
thoutanof
fi
cialor
derfr
om t
hecour
t
Kereng:she'sr
ight(Vi
ctorbreathedheavi
lyl
ooki
ng
ather)thiswashonestl
yat otalwasteofmytime.
MrsLent swepleasefor
giveus
Maya:butdet
ect
ivewe.
..
Ker
eng:noMsMoet
i
Joshua:i
t'
sokl
ovei
t'
sok
Ker
eng:goodbye(
hel
eftwi
tht
heot
herof
fi
cer
s)
Maya:getyourt
hingsdad
Maki
:Vi
ctori
snotgoi
nganywher
e
Maya:ohokt
heniwi
llgett
hem f
orhi
m
Maki
:shoul
dical
ltheof
fi
cerbacksot
hathe
arr
est
syoufortr
espassi
ng?(Shekeptqui
et)idi
dn'
t
thi
nksonowpleasegetoutofmyhouse
Joshua:i
tsokl
ove.MrLent
swear
eyoucomi
ng
wit
husoryouarestayi
ng?
Vi
ctor
:im comi
ngwi
thyou
Maki
:Vi
ctoryou.
..
Joshua:sinceyouknowsomuchaboutr i
ght
si
bel
ieveyouwoul dknowthatwet herhe'
smarri
edto
youornothest il
lhast
herighttochoosewherehe
wantstost ayandagai
nitwillbewithhi
sdaughter
.
Comel et
'sgo
Maki:iseeyouwantafi
ghtandt
rustmet
hat
's
exact
lywhatyouaregoi
ngtoget
Maya:(
tur
ned)iwoul
dlovet
oseeyout
ry

Shefoll
owedJoshuaoutwhi l
eMakibreat
hed
heavi
lylooki
ngatthem l
eavewit
hhim.She
sl
ammedt hedoorandcli
ckedhert
ongue.
..
Vusi
:(si
ghedoutofr
eli
ef)yohyouar
eawonder
ful
act
ress
Maki:(
wipi
ngherface)it
oldyoui
m notgoi
ngtogo
t
opr i
son.Nowwehavet oworkonmakingsur
e
Vi
ctorcomesbackhome
Vusi:ahnoir
espectyousowhat
everyout
hinki
s
bestyouhavemyfullsuppor
t
Maki
:thi
sgi
rli
syett
olear
nwhoshe'
sdeal
ingwi
th.

Shecl
ickedhert
onguegoi
ngbackt
otheki
tchen.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Duncan'
sphonereceivedamessageasthey
watchedtvi
ntheli
vingroom.Hesighedt
akingi
t
butjumpedashehiseyeslandedonapict
ureofa
cryi
ngDuncan.
..

Duncan:what
!?
Lor
na:whati
sit
?
Duncan:l
ook(
heshowedher
)
Lor
na:atl
easthe'
sal
ive
Duncan:weneedt
ofindmychildLor
na.Mychil
dis
i
nsomuchpai nwhil
eim her
e..
.(
anot
hermessage
repor
ted)
.
+267:P350Kandhe'
sbacki
nyourhands
Duncan:what
!?
Lor
na:whati
sit
?
Duncan:t
hisguyi
sdemandi
ng350Kf
orhi
sret
urn
Lorna:i
shecr
azy!
?Weneedt ot
ellAl
exanderabout
thi
smaybetheycant
racet
hisnumber
+267:youhave48hrsorel
sehewil
lst
artl
osi
nga
bodyparteachhouraf
tert
hat(
Duncanswall
owed)
Lor
na:whati
sit
?(Hegavehert
hephone)not
his
guyisal
unat
icl
etmecallMrsTaol
o
Apple:whatyoucandof ornowdadi
stokeepthe
chatgoingibel
ievet
here'sawaywecantr
iangul
ate
hisl
ocationt
hroughthetexts
Duncan:whatdoisay?
Sai
nt:j
ustkeept
hechatgoi
ng.Tr
ytonegot
iat
eor
somethi
ng

Meanwhil
eAppl
erant
oherr
oom whi
leLor
nacal
led
Al
exander
..
.

Guy:hel
lo?
Appl
e:mydadiscommunicat
ingwit
hanumberon
hi
sphoneri
ghtnowist
herenowayyoucangetthe
l
ocat
ionofwher
ethemessagesarebei
ngsentf
rom
Guy:it
hinkt
her
e'sawayl
etmegetoni
t
Appl
e:beasqui
ckaspossi
blepl
ease
Guy:sur
e
Al
exander:okiwi
llgetmyguyoniti
mmedi
atel
y
l
et'
sjusthopehekeepsthenumberon
Lor
na:t
hanks
Duncan:guyshe'
snol
ongerr
espondi
ng
Lor
na:t
rycal
li
nghi
m

Hedidasitj
ustrangwhileinahouseOnkabetse
smil
edlooki
ngatDuncan'sendlessphonecal
ls.He
chuckl
edandstart
edsingingcaressi
ngacryi
ng
DuncanJunior
'shead.
..

Onkabetse:t
winkl
etwinkl
eli
tt
lest
arhoware
wonderwhatyouar eupabovetheworl
dsohigh
l
ikeadiamondi nt
hesky..
..

Hebursti
ntoaloudlaughwhi
leat
raumat
ized
Duncancri
edoutloud.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
14] :AKEPTWOMAN
56

Duncantr
iedtosendhi
m amessageagai
nbuthe
neverr
espondedashecal
ledonemoreti
me.
..

Lor
na:st
il
lnot
hing?
Duncan:not
hing(
heavedahugesi
gh)i
m honest
ly
l
ostfori
deasidon'
tknowanymore
Appl
e:don'twor
rydadwear
egoi
ngtof
indhi
m and
wearegoingtofi
ndhimi
nonepi
ece
Duncan:wher ewil
liget350Kin2daysAppl e?
Unl
essicashoutt hefami l
ysavingsbutyouknowit
wouldtakesomet i
mef orthebanktoauthor
izesuch
atr
ansaction.Ihavefail
edmysoni ..
.
Lorna:noim notgoi
ngtol
etyousayt
hatnordo
thattoyour
selfwearegoi
ngtofi
ndDuncanandas
Applesaysinonepiece
Duncan:l
et'
sfacer
eal
it
yguyst
her
oadt
othati
s
bl
urredandthi
n
Lorna:i
fitmeansusgetti
ngt hinnerthenweshal l
.I
wouldneverall
owachildoft hisfamilygot hrough
suchandnotcomeoutvi ctorious.Wewi llhaveto
negoti
atewit
ht hi
sguyandt ellhim wecanget40%
oftheamounthe'saski
ngwhi lewewai tont hebank
toauthori
zetheremai
ningbal ance
Duncan:wher
ewi
llweget140k?
Lorna:i
m awomanandawomanal wayskeeps
somethingonthesi
de.Ihaveabout200Kinmy
hiddenstashsowecantakeitandgivei
ttohi
m
Sai
nt:ma?
Lor
na:don'
taskalotofquesti
ons.Iputt
hatmoney
awayforsi
tuat
ionsl
iket
his.Let
'str
yandcontact
hi
m
Duncan:whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?Whyar
eyoubei
ng
sonice?
Lor
na:Duncani
sachil
dandnomatterhowmuch
i
m angr
yathispar
ent
shedoesn'
tdeservet
osuf
fer
becauseoft
hei
rsi
ns.Nowcal
ltheguy
Appl
e:(
phoner
ang)nowai
t
Al
l:huh?
Appl
e:hel
lo?
Guy:ihavemanagedtogethislocat
ionhe'
sin
someplaceinKanyecal
led.
..
.Gasit
a
Appl
e:ohoksendmet
hel
ocat
ionnow
Guy:it
'sgoingt
otaket
imeformetobeabl
etosend
i
t.Icanjustgowit
hyouguysifyouar
epl
anni
ngto
gonow
Appl
e:Ofcour
sewear
e
Guy:cooll
etmet
alkt
omydadsothathecandr
ive
me.Wewi l
lcommuni
cat
ewhi
leontheway
Apple:okcool
.(Hungup)okguysi
tlooksl
ikewe
mighthavetodrivet
oGasit
ainKanye
Lor
na:Ga-
what
?
Appl
e:l
et'
sgoandnotwast
eti
me
Duncan:weneedt
ocal
lthepol
icef
ir
st
Apple:papathosearejustgoingt
owast
eourti
me
andagainthefatherofthepersonwhoj
ustcal
ledi
s
ahighrankingpoli
ceofficer
Duncan:whoi
she?
Sai
nt:st
opaski
ngquest
ionsdadl
et'
sgo,
let
'smove
i
t
Duncan:ok

Theyquickl
yputthei
rshoesonandl ef
twhi
lei
n
KanyeOnkabetsesmiledgi
vingDuncansome
water
..
.

Onkabet
se:goodboy
Duncan:ke..
.ke.
..
(swal
lowed)kebat
lamama(
iwant
mymot her)(hebursti
ntomoretear
s)
Onkabet se:yourcryi
ngiswhat'sgoingtogeti nt
o
myner ves.Youar egoingtomakemeki llyou
befor
et ime( hecli
ckedhistongue)idon't
understandwhyt hisoldwomani staki
ngsol ongto
tal
ktomesheshoul dbeoutoft hathospit
albynow
Hesai
dgoingt
hroughhi
sphonewhil
eDuncanf
ell
onhi
sbackandcri
edrol
li
ngonthef
loor
..
.

Onkabet
se:shutup!
Duncan:(
cryi
ng)mama!Mama!
Onkabet
se:isai
dshutup!

Hesaidkickinghim har
donhi sheadandhe
i
nstantl
ywentqui etandlai
dthereasOnkabet
se
cl
ickedhistongue..
.

Onkabet
se:howmanytimesshoul
ditel
lyouto
keepqui
et?Sonofabit
ch,bl
oodyl
it
tl
epieceofshi
t!
(Hemadeacall)boy
Guy:dudei
m st
il
lwai
ti
ngformagr
izakanashe
hasn'
tmadeherwayoutyet
Onkabet
se:whati
staki
nghersol
ong?
Guy:idon'
tknowandthemoret
imeshe.
..
ohwai
ti
t
hinkiseesomeonecoming
Onkabet
se:l
et'
shopei
t'
sher
Guy:it
hinki
t'
sher

Awomanwhi st
ledasheputt hephonedownand
star
tedthecarslowl
yrever
singout.Dressedina
nursesunif
ormtheoldwomanj umpedintothecar
andsighed..
.

Woman:l
et'
sgo
Onkabet
se:i
sthatyou?
Woman:yesimanagedt
ogetoutwear
eonour
wayok
Onkabet
se:youhaveonehour40mi
nut
est
obe
her
e
Woman:don'
twor
ry.I
stheyoungboyst
il
lwi
thyou?
Onkabet
se:ofcour
se
Woman:goodl
etmecallthatmanandt
ellhi
m we
wi
llbebyhi
shouseatmidnight
Onkabet
se:cool(
theyhungup)
Woman:thatnur
sethoughtshecoul
dfi
ghtme
cl
ear
lyshedidn'
tknowwhoiam

Theguychuckl
eddri
vingpastt
hesecur
it
ywhi
le
i
nsideanal
armrang.
..

Dr
:apat
ientj
ustescapedapat
ientj
ustescaped!

Thatti
methecarwasflyingof
fther
oadwhil
ethey
rushedasever
elybl
eedingnur
setohel
p..
.

Dr
:cal
lthepol
icer
ightaway

Thef
rontdesknur
sedi
d.
AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Mayasighedcomi
ngoutoft
hebat
hroom whi
le
Joshuaputhi
sbookdownandt
ookoffhi
s
gl
asses.
..

Maya:whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hatwomant
hough?
Joshua:youcanaskyour
sel
fthatquest
ionagai
n
Maya:anddadneedshi
smedi
cat
ion
Joshua:don'
twor
rywewil
ltakehi
mtot
hehospi
tal
fi
rstt
hingint
hemorni
ng
Maya:butweneedtof
indawaytopr
ovethat
i
ndeedshehasbeenabusi
nghi
m.Shecan'tj
ust
wal
kscotfreel
iket
hat
Joshua:ohnoshewon'
tibel
i
evet
hedoct
orsar
e
goi
ngt ofi
ndsomet
hing
Maya:ihopetheydobecauset
hatMakiwomanhas
topayforwhatshehasbeendoi
ngtomyf atherand
speaki
ngofpayingi
t'
sRonaandherdaughter'
sbail
heari
ngtomorr
owsoi mt
hinki
ngweshoul
dgot
her
e
aft
erthehospi
talt
ri
p
Joshua:whatt
imei
sit
?
Maya:Mr
sTaol
osays10:
00am
Joshua:okwewi l
lbedoneatt
hehospi t
albecause
thedoctorsayswewil
lbethef
irstcl
ient
s
Maya:good.Letmegoandpr
ay
Joshua:i
m comi
ngwi
th

Shesmi l
edtakinghercandle,waterandacloth
goi
ngtoherpr ayingr
oom.Meanwhi ledownstai
rs
Kenei
lwemadewayi ntoVictor'
sroom andfound
hi
m sti
llseat
eduponhi sbed.Shest oodbythe
doorasheswal lowedlooki
ngather .
..

Vict
or:i
m sosor
ryidon'
tmeantomakeyouguys
uncomfort
abl
eit
'sj
ustthati
mindesper
ateneedof
help
Kenei
lwe:29year
sVi
ctor
.29year
sandyoucome
tousl i
ket
his(heswallowed)doyouknowwhati
hadt ogothr
oughwi ththatkidalone?Itwastough
Victorwhi
leyouwer ebusylivi
ngi tupwhereveryou
were.Ihadtolosemychi ldr
ent oawi ckedwomani
thoughtwasasi st
ertomewhi l
eyouwer et
here.
Vi
ctor
:im sor
ryaboutwhathappenedt
oyou
Keneil
we:noneofi twouldhavehappenedi fyou
werethereVictor
.Ifi
twer en'tforMayaihonest ly
wouldhaveletyoust aywi ththatwomanbecause
aft
erthepainyouputmet hroughapar tofmef eels
l
ikeyoudeser veit(
Victorswal l
owed)whyVi ct
or,
whywoul dyoudosuchat hing?Youcan' tsayit
's
becauseyouwer eunempl oyedno, youhadawel l
payi
ngj obbutlookatyounow?I tl
ookslikeyou
haven'
tworkedasi ngledayi nyourlif
e
Vi
ctor
:idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
Keneilwe:somet i
mesyoumenl ett
hedevi luseyou.
Im notsayingyoushoul dhavemar r
iedmeor
anythingallineededfrom youwastot akecareof
yourchildandi nsurehersafet
y.Howdoyouf eel
hearingallthethingsshetol
dyou?
Vi
ctor
:if
eell
ikeif
ail
edher
Keneilwe:yesyoudid.Youdi
dVict
orandyou
deservetobepunished.Youcan'
tpl
antaseedand
neglecti
tnowt hesameseedyouneglect
edist
he
verysameoneyouneedsomuch.YouseeGod?
Vict
or:iwil
lspendtheremai
ningt
imeofmyl
if
e
apologi
singifihavet
o
Kenei
lwe:youdon'towemeanyapol
ogytheper
son
youneedtomakeupt oi
sMayaandyouareso
l
uckyMayai saniceyoungwoman.Haveagood
sl
eep

ShemadeherwayoutasVi
ctorsi
ghedlooki
ngup.
Heswal
lowedandsl
iddownint
otheblanket
s
cl
osi
nghiseyes.

I
nKanye.
..

Guy:okguysthereasonwhyisayweshouldst
op
her
eisbecausethehouseisj
ust100metresaway
now.Soit hi
nkweshoul
dwal kther
esot hatwe
don'tal
arm hi
minanyway.Dadpleasetellyour
col
leaguestonotmakeanynoise.Let
'sgo
Duncan:soyouar
esur
ehe'
sst
il
lint
her
e?
Guy:mycomput
erneverl
ies

Heledthewayastheot her
sf oll
owedhim wi
thhis
fat
hert
alki
ngtohisco-workers.Lor
namadesur e
hergunwassafebehindherj eansasSaintf
rowned
seei
ngapieceofit
.Hewant edt oaskaboutitso
muchbutdecidedtomindhi sownbusiness..
.

Guy:(
whispered)it
hinkthegatei
sgoi
ngt
omake
noi
selet
'sjumpovert hefence
Duncan:i
sitst
rongenough?
Guy:(
checked)yeah.Let
'sgol
adi
esyouwi
llcome
i
nlast

Themenj
umpedi
nthenf
oll
owedAppl
eandher
mother.Hequiet
lyshowedDuncanandLucas
wheretostandwhilehi
sfathert
ookouthisgun.A
fewmet r
esawayt wopoli
cecarsstoppedashis
fat
hersmiledandknocked.Star
tl
edfrom hi
ssl
eep
Onkabetsewokeup...

Onkabetse:whyareyouguysknocki ngit ol
dyou
thatt
hedoorwi l
lbeopen.(theguy'sfathertr
iedthe
door)ohilockedmxm.I m coming.Youguys
honestl
ydidn'tt
akelongtogetherebutt hat'
sgood
becauseitwil
lgiveusti
met o..
.woah(raisedhis
hands)
Man:onyourkneesboyboy
Duncan:wher
eismyson.Duncan!
?Juni
or!
?
Onkabet
se:howdi
dyou.
..
Man:shutupyouhavebeenarrest
edf
orchi
ld
abduct
ionyoungman.Off
icer
scome!

Theywastednotimeandwentt
ocuf
fhi
m whi
le
Duncancall
edforhi
sson.
..
Duncan:Duncandaddyi
sher
eDun.
..
no!

Hescreamedsoloudthatever
yoner
ani
nsi
dewhi
le
babyDuncanl
aidther
e..
.

Appl
e:heneedst
obet
akent
othehospi
talnowdad
Man:nonowecan'
tri
skanyt
hing
Appl
e:checkf
orhi
spul
seatl
east
.Dad?
Duncan:(
bli
nki
ng)okok
Lor
na:iwi
lldoi
t(shewentcl
oserbutswal
lowedt
o
howcoldhewasasshetouchedhim)
Duncan:and?
Onkabetse:(l
aughed)tellPati
encethat,that
'swhat
happenstochi l
drenofwhor eslikeher.Eventhe
bibl
esaysit'
schi l
drenthatwillpayforthesinsof
thei
rpar
ent s(heevill
aughed)
Duncan:whathaveyoudonet
omychi
ldyoupi
ece
ofshi
t!
Man:woahwoahMrDuncan.Of
fi
cer
staket
hat
l
unati
caway
Duncan:iwantmychi
ld!
Lor
na:honeywai
t,honey
Duncan:(
sni
ff
ed)Lornaheki
ll
edmychild
he.
..
(sni
ff
edastear
sbuil
tinhi
seyes)Duncan!
Duncan!

Hefellonhiskneesandcr
iedoutl
oudshaki
ngan
unr
esponsiveDuncanwhil
eLornaandherki
ds
swal
lowedlookingon..
.

Duncan:Duncanwakeup!Duncan!

Hecriedmorewhileout
sidetheol
dwomanandher
dr
iverdrovepastt
heyard..
.
Woman:shit
!Shi
t!Shi
t!Shi
t!Howdi
dtheyevenf
ind
t
hispl
ace!How..
.f
uck!
Guy:wher
etonow?
Woman:j
ustdr
ivedamni
t!

Shegrunt
edscr at
chingherheadastheydrove
away.Onkabetsegotthr
owni nthebackofthevan
astheydroveoffwit
hhim whilethemedi
csarri
ved
andcheckedDuncanJuni or
..
.

Man:i
m sosor
ryhe'
sindeednomor
e
Duncan:(
cryi
ng)no!No!No!No!
Lor
na:Duncanpl
ease

Shesaidti
ght
lyhuggi
nghim ashecriedhissoul
outwhil
eAppleputherheadonherbrother'
s
shoul
der.Mor
eoffi
cerscameast heyinvest
igat
ed
thepl
acewhil
etheotherswentbackhome.
THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

I
twasar
ound5:30am asMayapackedthem some
f
oodwhi
leJoshuacamewithVi
ctor.
..

Joshua:yougotever
ythi
ng?
Maya:yeah
Joshua:okpl
easetakemyphonesf
ormeaswel
l
whil
eiputhiminthecar
Maya:ok

Shewr otehermotheranoteandputitonthefridge
asshet ookthephonesfol
lowingthem out
.
Joshua'sphonereport
edamessageasshel ooked
onitandf r
ownedasherhear tski
ppedabeat..
.
+267:goodmor
ningbabei
..
..

Sheswal
lowedashermi
ndwentber
ser
k..
.

Joshua:good.Let
'sgo.

Hecl
osedthedoorandgotinthedri
ver
'sseatwhi
le
Mayaqui
etl
ygotinthepassengersi
de.
..

Joshua:sodadwast
hebedcomf
ort
abl
e?

Heaskedhim dr
ivi
ngoutwhil
eMayaont heot
her
handboi
ledi
nsidebutkeptt
ell
ingher
sel
ftost
ay
cal
m.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
14] :AKEPTWOMAN
57

Wi t
hascar fwrappedonherhead,l
ongskirtanda
cardiganLornamadewayupandst oppedbythe
bedroom door.Shehadneverseenherhusbandthe
wayhewas.Shesi ghedandbli
nkedblocki
ngher
tearsputti
ngthetrayononehandandopenedt he
door.Sheputitdownont hebedsideandsatnext
tohim. .
.

Lor
na:babe?Honey
Duncan:(
sni
ff
ed)hmm
Lor
na:ihavemadeyousof
tpor
ri
dgeandacupof
cof
fee
Duncan:i
m ok
Lor
na:nol
oveyouhavet
oeatsomet
hing
Duncan:why?Pl
easet
ellmewhyLor
na
Lorna:youneedtohavesomest
rengt
hDuncanyou
can'tgoonli
kethi
s
Duncan:Lor
naidon'
twantt
oeatsopl
easel
etme
be
Lorna:soishoul
dwat
chmyhusbandki
llhi
msel
f
l
ikethat?
Duncan:imi
ghtaswel
l
Lorna:ohsoyourotherchi
ldrendon'tmattertoyou?
(Heexhaledandlookedtheotherway)ihave
spokentoJoshuahesayshewi l
lpassbyl ateron
ashehassomef amil
yemer genci
es.Ialsocalled
auntyMar t
haandherhusbandt heywi l
lbehere
l
atertoday.Wehavetogot oRamot swaandbr eak
thenewst oPati
encebecauseim certai
nthey
haven'tt
oldheryet
Duncan:soyouar
eenj
oyi
ngt
hisneh?
Lor
na:what
?
Duncan:yesLor
nayoul
ongwantedthi
stohappen
t
hatiswhyyoucan'
twai
ttot
ellever
yone
Lor
na:ohwowDuncanwhatdoyout
akemef
or?
Duncan:t
ellmei
fiml
ying
Lorna:ofcour seyouar eDuncanhowcanir ejoi
ce
overachi ld'sdeat h?Kegor ewenal ePatiencewa
gago( youar ePat ience)arealwaysoutt opai ntme
asthisbadwomanf i
rstitwashertelli
ngmet hati
abduct edherchi ldnowi t'syousayingimr ejoici
ng
overani nfant '
sdeat h.Whatdoyout akemef or
Duncan?Justbecauseyouguyscansi tbackand
becomf ortablewi thhur ti
ngpeopledoesn' tmean
weal lare.Imj usti npai nasyouar ebutyouknow
whati m notgoi ngt obothermyselfanymor eakere
nnai knownot hingabouthavi ngachi ldofmyown.
Iwilll
etyouguysbur yyourchil
dinpeaceand
pl
easef or
gi vemef orbeingawifeithoughtyou
deserve

Shestoodupleavi
ngwhil
eDuncanswallowed
si
tti
ngup.Whywoul dhesaysuchathi
ngtoa
womanwhowasevenwi l
li
ngtogivehi
m herl
ast
savi
ngstosavethesamesonhe'ssayi
ngshe's
rej
oici
ngoverhisdeath?Hesighedwhileoutsi
de
bythestai
rcaseLornashookherheadandt ooka
deepbreat
hi nfi
ght
inghertearsback.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Mayaqui et
lysatont hewait
ingbenchonhertab
pushingherassi gnmentwhi l
eJoshuarespondedt
o
emai l
sonhi slaptop.Helookedatherandshewas
zonedi n.Abeaut i
fulvi
ewitwasashesmi ledand
tookouthi sphoneandst oleapict
ureofher.He
smiledandputhi sphonebackinhispocket.
..

Joshua:Yaya?
Maya:hmm
Joshua:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Maya:myassi
gnment
Joshua:ok.Howi
sitgoi
ng?
Maya:sof
arsogoodibel
ieve
Joshua:t
hat
'
sgood
Maya:mmh
Joshua:Yaya
Maya:mhem?
Joshua:whathaveyoual
waysdr
eamtt
ogeton
yourbi
rthday?
Maya:(si
ghedandl
ookedathi
m)real
ly?I
mtryi
ng
tofocusher
eandyouwanttot
alkaboutmy
bir
thday?
Joshua:sor
ry
Maya:(
lookedbackonhertab)ihaveal
ways
want
edt otr
avelt
oPari
sthat'
sonmybucketliston
my30thbirt
hday
Joshua:okso.
..
Maya:Joshuanoi
mtryi
ngt
owor
kher
ecanyou
pl
easeleavemeal
one
Joshua:idon'
tli
keseei
ngyouqui
et
Maya:wel
lim wor
kingher
e
Joshua:eemmaihearyou.Sor
ryneh?
Maya:i
t'
sfi
ne
Joshua:Yaya
Maya:Joshuacanyoupl
easest
op

Hel
aughedasshesatbackandsi
ghedl
aughi
ngas
wel
l.
..

Maya:kant
edon'
tyouhavewor
ktodo?
Joshua:youar
etooqui
etf
ormyl
iki
ngman
Maya:(
remember
edt
hemessage)i
mjustbusy
Joshua:don'
tyouknowhowt
omul
tit
ask?
Maya:soyouwantmet
omessmywor
kup?
Dr
:(opened)youmaycomei
n
Maya:oht
hankyousomuchdoct
oryouj
ustsaved
me
Shesighedl
eadi
ngthewayinwhi
leJoshua
chuckl
edfol
lowi
ngheri
n..
.

Dr
:youmaybeseat
ed
Joshua:t
hankyou
Dr:ihavespokentoMrLentswema'am andwe
haveranallthenecessar
ytest
sasyouknowand
theyhavejustbeensenttomenow
Maya:t
hatwasf
ast
Dr:yesit
oldthel
abthati
twasanemer gency
becauseduri
ngtheheadandchestscanihave
pi
ckedsomedi st
urbi
ngthi
ngs
Maya:(
frowned)ok?
Dr:t
heresul
tswit
hmeher estat
ethatnotonlydoes
yourfat
herhaveTBbuthealsohascancer.Lung
cancer
Maya:Doct
orar
eyousur
e?
Dr:yesma'am andit
'shonest
lyspr
eadi
ngwaytoo
fastbecausehi
slungsarehonestl
yal
mostf
ini
shed
Maya:whatcanwedo?
Dr:wecanstartchemother
apybuti
twouldj
ustbe
ti
ringhi
m honestl
y.Thechemowon'thel
patt
his
stage
Maya:(
bli
nked)doct
orwhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Dr:t
hat'
showitisma'am imreall
ysorr
y.Wehave
al
sospottedacrackonhisskullwhi
chhasbeen
causi
nghissevereheadacheshejustt
oldmeabout
Maya:dadi
sthist
rue?(Vi
ctornodded)sowhat
coul
dhavecausedthi
scrack?
Dr:bythelookoft
hingshehithi
sheadhar
don
somethingandtheskul
lcracked
Maya:i
tsthatwoman.Thatwomani sthereason
whymyf atherhasacrackedskul
l.Weneedt otake
t
histot
hepol icesot
hattheycanarresther
Joshua:yeahwewil
l.Doct
orsowhat
'st
heway
for
wardfrom her
e?
Dr:si
ncechemotherapywon'treall
yhelpyouwil
l
j
usthavetogethim anoxygent ankbecausehe
sayshesometi
mesf i
ndi
tdiffi
culttobreat
hatni
ght
Maya:bat
hongpapawhydi
dn'
tyout
ellmet
his?
Dr
:maybehedi
dn'
twantt
ost
ressyout
hatmuch.
Joshua:howmuchisanoxygentankdoct
orand
howsoonwi l
lwebeabl
etogetit
?
Dr
:beforet
hat,MrLentswewherewoul
dyoul
iket
o
di
e?Inthehospit
alorathome?
Maya:dochowcanyousaysomet
hingl
iket
hat
?
Vi
ctor
:it
'sokmychi
ldihaveaccept
edmysi
tuat
ion
Maya:(bl
inked)noi
t'
snotok.I
m notgoi
ngt
o
acceptt
hat
Vi
ctor
:it
'st
her
eal
it
ymygi
rlwej
usthave.
..
Maya:(
tear
srol
leddown)buti
..
.

Emotionsgotthebet
terofherassheburstintoa
crywithJoshuahuggingher.Meanwhil
eVictor
l
ookedatherandsof t
lyshookhishead.Intheother
hospit
alTshepomadehi swayintoNale'
sroom and
foundherwakingup..
.
Tshepo:(
frowned)honey?Areyouwaki
ngup?(She
coughed)okjustcal
m down.Doctor
!Nur
se!Doct
or!

Hecal
ledf
orthem ashequicklypour
edsomewat
er
i
naglassandtookoffheroxygenmask.
..

Tshepo:sshssht
akeasi
pmyl
ovej
ustal
it
tl
e

Shetooki
tandcoughedagai
nast
hedoct
orcame
i
n..
.

Dr
:what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Tshepo:ij
ustgoti
nandf
oundheropeni
nghereyes
Dr:okpl
easestepbacknursecheckhervi
tals.Nal
e
youareinahospit
alok.Youhavebeeninacomma
andhowyouar efeel
ingri
ghtnowisnormal.Are
youinanypai
n?(Sheshookherhead)good.Nur se?
Nur
se:al
ltheot
her
sbesi
dest
hemai
npr
obl
em ar
e
i
ngoodshape
Dr:good.Pleaset
akeiteasydon'
tst
resst
oomuch
youwillbe.
..(
shegagged)Nale?(
Shegaggedagai
n)
quicknursegetabowl

Thenur
seranwithabowlandasshel
eanedi
nit
shespl
ashedvomit
..
.

Dr:youwillbeokMissyouwil
lbeok(shevomit
ed
again)j
ustkeepitcomi
ng(hecheckedthedr
ipas
shevomi t
edagain)
Tshepo:docvomit
ingisexhauti
ngisnotgoi
ngt
o
aff
ecther(shespl
ashedanothervomit
)
Dr:oknur
sepleasegetme50gofPept
o-Bi
smol
and
50gKaopect
ate
Nur
se:okdoct
or(
sher
anout
)
Dr
:howar eyou.
..
(shevomi
tedagai
n)oknowt
hisi
s
acal
lforconcer
n.
Tshepo:howar
eyougoi
ngt
omakei
tst
op?
Dr
:themedi
cat
ionwi
llhel
pbutt
hisi
snor
malf
ora
personinherstate(Nalesi
ghedlayingbackdown)
feel
ingali
tt
lebet t
er?(Shenodded)okbutim goi
ng
togiveyoumedi cati
onsothatitdoesn'
thappenfor
next12hours.Thankyounur se.Pleasemakesure
toswall
owt hese

Hegaveherthemedi
cat
ionassheswal
lowedi
tand
cl
osedhereyes.
..

Dr:i
m goi
ngtocheckonotherpat
ient
spl
easepr
ess
t
hisbutt
onifanyt
hinghappens
Tshepo:okdoc(
theyl
eft
)loveyouwi
llbeokneh
Nale:(
clear
edherthroatwit
hherlipsdry)what'
s
goi
ngon?Whatst ateisthedoctortal
kingabout
?
(Heswallowedandkeptquiet)Tshepo?
Tshepo:(
sighed)yourki
dneysar
edead
Nal
e:what
!?
Tshepo:yesbutwear
ebusyl
ooki
ngf
oradonor
Nal
e:noTshepot
hatcan'
tbeican'
t(shesni
ff
edas
t
ear
sbui
lti
nhereyes)
Tshepo:weareworkingaroundtheclocktof
ind
youadonor.Ihavetestedandsohavet heot
her
familymemberssowewi l
lknowlat
eronwho's
eli
giblet
ogi
veyouaki dney
Nal
e:i
m igoi
ngt
odi
e?
Tshepo:ofcour
senotloveyouaregoi
ngtobeok.
Im notgoi
ngtoletanyt
hingoft
hatsor
thappent
o
you
Nal
e:youpr
omi
se?
Tshepo:ipr
omi
sebabe

Hetookherhandandki
ssedi
tassheexhal
ed
cl
osinghereyes.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Lucassmil
edathi
sphonewhi
leKuzi
vasi
ppedher
teaandl
ookedatt
heti
me..
.
Kuzi
va:wher
eisNyasha?
Lucas:pr
obabl
yst
il
lsl
eepi
ng
Kuzi
va:nogi
rlchi
ldi
sal
lowedt
osl
eepunt
ilt
his
t
ime
Lucas:gr
annyyouguyst
urnedthewhol
ehouse
upsi
dedownyester
daysoshe'sti
red
Kuzi
va:andiguessi
m not
?Asol
dasiam i
managedtogetup
Lucas:sor
ryaunt
y.Whataremychorest
oday?I
m
pl
anningtogotothemalli
ntheaf
ter
noon
Kuzi
va:don'
tyouwantt
ogetanewdog?
Lucas:ihavebeentalki
ngtodadaboutt
hatandhe
seemst obepreoccupied
Kuzi
va:gotothebackandfi
xit
'splaceim goi
ngt
o
askyourf
athert
ocallt
hemanwhoal waysdri
ves
youguystoschoolt
otakeyoutothepethouse
Lucas:t
hankyousomuchyouar
ethebestgr
anny
ever
Kuzi
va:(
smi
led)t
hat
'sourdut
y

Hesmi l
edsendingSundaeatextandwentt
othe
back.Kuzi
vacheckedtheti
meagainandheaded
upstai
rswheresheroughl
yopenedNyasha'
s
bedroom..
.

Kuzi
va:wakeup!
Nyasha:geez,
arewei
nacamporsomet
hingher
e
Kuzi
va:haveyouseent
het
imeNyasha?
Nyasha:i
mti
redj
ustl
etmebe
Kuzi
va:ar
en'
tweal
l
?
Nyasha:wel
lit
'snotmypr
obl
em t
hatyourbodi
es
ar
estif
f
Kuzi
va:excuseme?Nyashayoubet
tergetupt
hat
bedand..
.
Nyasha:okoldwomanim honestl
ysickandt ir
edof
you.Yesyoursoni
snotmyf atherigetthatbutyou
havenorightt
oabusemel i
keyouar e.Don'tyou
haveahome?Got oyourkidsandt reatthem l
ike
thi
sandl eavemeal one.Wewer enotr aisedl
ike
l
abour erssoexcusemef orhavingf eel
ingsbutI'm
notgoingt opunishmysel fmor ejustbecausei
wantyout oacceptme.Fi r
stofal lthisisnoteven
yourhousebutyout hi
nkyouhavet her i
ghtto
scream ar oundlikeyouownt hepl ace.Mymot heris
sti
llverymuchal iveifyouforgot.Leavemeal one
i
mt i
red,iwor kedl i
keaslavewhi leI'm not
Kuzi
va:soidi
dnotwor
kaswel
l?
Nyasha:wellyouar
eusedt
obei
ngasl
avear
en'
t
you?Soleavemealoneah

Shesai
dcoveri
nghersel
fwi
thherbedcoverwhi
le
Kuzi
vascoff
edshaki
ngherheadwit
hherhandson
herwai
st.
..

Kuzi
va:i
m notgoi
ngtoleaveher
euntilyouknow
howtospel
lmannersandt hemeani
ng.
Shesai
dclosi
ngthedoorandl
ockedherinsi
deas
shequi
ckl
ygotoutofbedhear
ingthekeytur
n..
.

Nyasha:opent
hedoor
!Ol
dwoman!
Kuzi
va:ineedyoutospend24t
o72hr
sandt
hink
ofwhatyousaidtome
Nyasha:youar
eevi
l

Kuzival
aughedgoingdownst
air
swhi l
eNyasha
tookherphoneandcall
edherf
atherbuthedi
dn't
answer.
..

Nyasha:mxm

I
ncour
t.
..

Theyal
ltookthei
rseat
sast
hej
udgel
ooked
thr
oughthefi
le.
..
Judge:bai
lhear
ingf
orMsRonaMoet iandMr s
Preci
ousKavimbamayt hedef
encestand(theydi
d)
soyoudonothaveal egalr
epr
esent
ative?
Rona:yes
Judge:why?
Rona:wear
efi
newi
thoutone
Judge:t
henhowar
eyougoi
ngt
oar
gueyourpl
ea?
Rona:wewi
llansweral
lquest
ionsaskedbyt
he
st
ate
Judge:t
hisi
snotatrialbutabai
lheari
nganyway
wearegoingtocont
inuenonethel
ess.Stat
e
Alexander
:thankyouyourhonour.Yourhonour
thesetwowomenhonest l
ydon'tdeservetobe
grantedbai
lreasonbei
ng1t heywerefoundatthe
cri
mesceneand. ..
Rona:wesai
dwewer
esi
ghtseei
ngt
her
e
Judge:MsMoetiyouonlyspeakwhenspokento
ei
therthant
hatshutyourmouth.Cont
inueTaol
o
Alexander :thankyouyourhonour .Ift
heywer e
reall
ysi ghtseeingwhatwer etheydoi nginacave
theydidnotknowwhatwasi nside?Theynewwhat
wasi nt hatcaveandt heywer etryingtogetr idofit.
Soyourhonourisayt heygetdeni edbailbecause
MsKenei lweMoet iherewhoi savi cti
m oft heir
brutali
tywon' tbesafe.Imaginebei ngkepti nadar k
placef orover16year s.I
t'
sonl yami r
aclethatshe
cameouti ngoodheal th.Nottospeaki l
loranyt hi
ng
butobvi ouslyitsonl
yamat t
eroft imeunt i
lshe's
caughtwi t
hsomet hing.Theycausedemot ional
traumat othiswomanandr i
ppedherof fallher
ri
ght sasahumanbei ngsotheydonotdeser vet o
bei nthest reet
s.Thankyou
Judge:t
hankyouTaol
o.MsMoet i
,MrsKavi
mba
whatdoyouhavetosayforyour
sel
f?
Pr
eci
ous:i
..
.
Rona:weknownot
hing
Judge:MrsKavi
mbayouwant
edt
osaysomet
hing?
(Ronasl
owlytur
nedt
oher)
Pr
eci
ous:noyourhonour
Judge:ok.Thefactthatyouar
efai
li
ngtoproofwi
th
nor easonabl
edoubtthatyouwer
esightseei
ngin
thosecavesisthereasonwhyyourbai
lhasbeen
denied.
Rona:but
..
.
Judge:youaregoingtowaityourt
ri
albehi
ndbar
s.
Courti
sadjourned(hehi
tthegavel
)
Rona:not
hisi
st ot
alyunfai
r.Thepeopl
ewhoar
e
gui
lt
yarebusyroamingthestreet
swhil
e
Of
fi
cer
:qui
etMsMoet
i!

Thejudgecl
osedthedoorbehindhi m whil
eRona
cl
ickedhert
ongue.Twoprisonoffici
alstookt
hem
whilet
heMoeti
'sshooktheirheads..
.

Kenei
lwe:she'
snotevenashamed
Maya:don'
twor
rytheywil
lgetwhatt
heydeser
ve.
Pr
eciouswasawkwardl
yquiett
hough
Kenei
lwe:youcanseet
hatRonai
sincont
rolof
ever
ythi
ng
Maya:maybej
ustmaybeweshouldusethi
s
agai
nstt
hem.It
hinkishoul
dpayPreci
ousavi
sit
Kenei
lwe:Mayano
Maya:comeonmaj
ustt
omakesur
ewehavet
he
upperhand
Kenei
lwe:Maya
Al
exander:iknowwhereyouarecomi
ngfrom Ms
Moetibutl
et'sgi
veMayaachanceyouneverknow
whatmightcomeoutofthatvi
sit
Kenei
lwe:ial
mostlostmychildr
enMr
sTaol
oidon'
t
wantt
ogot hroughthatagai
n
Alexander
:iknowmaiknowbutl
et'
sjustt
akea
chance.Justthi
sonce
Kenei
lwe:atl
eastl
etmecomewi
thyou
Maya:shewoul
dfeel
ambushedma
Kenei
lwe:ei
shMaya
Maya:ourl
awyerj
ustgavemeagoaheadsol
et'
s
behopeful
Kenei
lwe:(
sighed)okbuti
m st
il
luncomf
ort
abl
e
Maya:ipr
omi
seyouiwi
llbesaf
ema
Keneil
we:saf
etywi
tht
hoset
woar
eli
keoi
land
waterbuti
t'
sok

Mayatur
nedt
oaquietJoshuaandf
rownedashe
smi
ledwit
hhi
sphonetexti
ng.
..

Joshua:i
t'
stooear
lyf
oryourdr
amaLewi
s
Lewis:buti
m ser i
ousanywayihavefi
nal
isedthings
withthephotographeroftheni
ghtsowhat'
sleftis
foryoutopayt hedeposit
Joshua:oksendt
hei
nvoi
ce
Marel
edi
:ihaveal
somanagedt
ogetMaya'
sfinger
si
zesoyeahwearegoodtogoandgett
heri
ng
Joshua:gr
eat
.Thedecor
?
Lewis:ihavefoundsomeoneandt
heyaregood.I
gaveherapi ct
ureofwhatwewoul
dlikeandshe
hasaskedmet ocomeseeafewopti
onssoiwil
llet
youguysknowl
ater
Joshua:al
ri
ghtdon'
tfor
gett
otel
lmet
hei
rchar
ges
Lewi
s:nopr
obl
em
Joshua:thevenueiswhatweagreedon.Therugby
fi
eldattouchdown.Ihavespokentot
heownerand
hehasagr eedtorentt
hewholepl
acetousforthe
day
Lewis:kegor
eJoshuat
ellme,
howmuchdoyou
have?
Joshua:(
chuckl
edasMayasqui
nthereyes)eyes
ontheballLewi
s
Lewi
s:nomandon'
tyouhaveabr
otheror
somet
hing
Joshua:(l
aughed) ‍♂ Lewisfocusplease.
Ohanothert hi
ng(gotinthecar)Mayawi l
lbeat
churchforthepraiseandworshiprehearsalfr
om
midmor ni
ngt oafter
noon.Sot hatwil
lgiveus
enoughtimet oprepareaft
ertherehearsalyou
knowyourt askri
ghtMar el
edi
?
Mar
eledi
:yeahi
twi
llbemucheasi
erbecauseiwi
ll
beatther
ehear salaswel
lsoshewon'tsuspecta
thi
ng.Iwi
llgivethecakeandf
lowerl
adiesLewis'
s
numbersot heytalkt
ohim
Joshua:good
Lewi
s:yohbommamosebel
etsi
(chur
chwomen)

Joshualaughedput
ti
nghi
sphonedownandst
art
ed
thecar
..
.

Joshua:yeahneh
Maya:t
hatl
ookedl
ikeani
nter
est
ingchat
Joshua:ahnoj
ustsomef
ri
endsbei
ngsi
ll
y
Maya:f
ri
ends?
Joshua:yeah.Ar
eyougood?
Maya:mmh.Wehavebeental
kingaboutt
he
hear
ingout
comesbutyouwer
equiet
Joshua:babeiwasont
hephonesor
ry
Maya:mmhwi
thf
ri
ends.Ok
Joshua:(
frowned)Mayaar
eyouok?
Maya:hundr
eds( hi
sphonereportedamessage
agai
n)yourf
riendswanttosti
llt
alk
Joshua:i
m dr
ivi
ngiwi
llr
espondatt
heof
fi
ce
Maya:ok

Shesighedl
ooki
ngoutthewindowwhil
eJoshua
fr
ownedwonderingwhatwasgoingonwit
hherbut
deci
dedtonotask.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Wi t
hDuncanoutandLor naandAppl ebusywi t
ha
fewl adiesoutsi
deSaintdecidedt ogoupst air
s.He
l
ookedbackandheadedt ohispar ent'sroom and
closedhi msel
finsi
de.Hest artedwi t
ht hedressi
ng
mi r
rordr awer
sandfoundnot hingt henmovedt o
thecl osetwherehesearchedal lthedr awersand
sti
llfoundnot hingandheadedf orthefol
ded
cl
ot hes.Hefoundnot hi
ngsti
llandsighedlooking
aroundt hecloset.Hedecidedtogof orherbags
andsear chedt hem onebyone.The5t honehada
bi
ti fweightasheputhi shandi nsi
deandf eltacold
met al.Hesmi l
edbi t
inghisl
owerl i
ppulli
ngitout
andt hereitwas, t
he9mm gol dgun.Hel ookedatit
andsmi l
edmor e.
..

Sai
nt:wow,
thi
sissoni
ce

Heputt
hebagdownandcl
osedoneeyeai
mingf
or
amir
ror
..
.

Sai
nt:pow,
pow

Hechuckl
edandmovedhi
sfi
ngerar
oundi
tandput
i
tbackwherei
twas.
..
Saint
:thi
sishonestl
ysocool.Wait
..
.(het
hought
aboutit
)shewon'tnoti
cebecauseit
'snotl
ikewe
areinsit
uat
ionsall
thetimesoletmeholdontothi
s
babyandenjoysomet i
mewithher

Hesaidputt
ingi
nonhiswaistandputt
hebags
backinpl
aceandlef
tther
oom.Hewentt ohi
s,put
thegununderhi
sbedandheadedout.

Att
hest
ati
on.
..

Pati
encesi
ghedseei
ngDuncanwai
ti
ngf
orhi
m and
shookherhead.
..

Pat
ience:f
ir
sti
twasyourwi
fenowi
t'
syou
Duncan:pl
easesi
tdownidon'
thaveal
lday
Pati
ence:whatdoyouwantDuncan?Yoursoni
s
missingandyouareher
ewhil
eyoushouldbebusy
l
ookingforhi
m
Duncan:t
hati
swhyi
m her
e
Pat
ience:hehasbeenf
ound?
Duncan:yesbut
..
.
Pat
ience:whatareyouwait
ingf
ort
hen?Gobr
ing
hi
mi n.Ihopetheyhavel
ockedt
hat
..
.
Duncan:(swal
lowedandcl
osedhi
seyes)Juni
ori
s
nomor ePati
ence

Herworl
dinst
antl
ygothi
tbyaverycoldbreezeas
hermouthhungopenwit
hherheartdroppi
ngtothe
stomachandpal
msgetti
ngsweaty..
.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
14] :AKEPTWOMAN
 58

Pat
ience:(
bli
nked)Duncan?
Duncan:wemanagedt
ogetyourex'
slocat
ionand
wefoundhim dead
Pat
ience:DuncannonotmyDuncanmychil
dcan'
t
di
e(hekeptquiet
)Duncangoandgetmysonnow,
goand..
.

Sheswallowedahardlumpandcover edhermout
h
andburstint
otear
swhileDuncanlookeddownand
shookhisheadastear
sf el
ldown.
..

Pat
ience:goandgetmychi
ldpl
ease
Duncan:(
sni
ff
ed)i
m sor
ryPat
iencehe'
sgone
Pat
ience:(
cryi
ng)i
t'
sallyourfaul
tDuncanandthat
evi
lwifeofyour
s.(
Duncanl ookedup)yesDuncan
i
t'
sthetwoofyou.Yourwi f
eisthereasonmysonis
nomor eandiwanthi
m, now!
Duncan:real l
ynowPat ience?Really?Lor nawas
evenwi l
li
ngt ot akeoutherl astmoneyt ohel p
rescueDuncanbecauseyourexboyf ri
end,(angri
ly)
yourexboyf rienddemandedmoneyf rom me.Di d
youhearisai dyour ?Whatwoul dLor nagainf r
om
kil
li
ngachi ld?Pl easeenlightenme( Patiencejust
cri
ed)it'
sallyourf aultPat i
enceeverythi
ngt hathas
happenedi sbecauseofyouandipr ayandhope
thatthewor lddeal swithyougoodbecauseyou
tookawayt heonl ythi
ngt hatmatteredtome.
(Stoodup)andt rustmei m goingtomakesur eyou
don'tsetfootatmychi ld'sfuner
albecausehenever
deservedyouasamot her.Hadyoubeenhonest
withyourselfnoneoft hiswouldhavehappened

Hest
ormedof
fasPat
iencecr
iedevenl
ouder
..
.

Pat
ience:Duncan!Duncan!No!No!

Shehyst
eri
cal
lycr
iedast
heof
fi
cerj
ustl
ookedat
her
.
I
nKgangT&T.
..

Mayasatbackonherof fi
cechai
randsighed
putti
nghertabaway.Shetri
edsohardtodistract
hersel
ffr
om thinki
ngalotbuti
tdidn'
tworkasshe
tookherphoneandcheckedtheti
me.Shesi ghed
againandcall
edMar el
edi
..
.

Mar
eledi
:heybabe
Maya:hil
ovehowar
eyou?
Mar
eledi
:im goodl
oveandyour
sel
f?
Maya:i
m ok
Mar
eledi
:justok?
Maya:mmh.Youf
reef
oraqui
ckchat
?
Mar
eledi
:yeahi
m dr
ivi
ngt
owor
know.What
'sup?
Maya:oklove.(Exhaled)f
ri
endist
umbledi
nto
somethi
ngdisturbingonJoshua'
sphoneandi
haven'
tbeenokeversi
nce
Mareledi
:(f
rowned)idi
dn'tknowyouguys
r
elat
ionshiphasalr
eadyreachedthatl
evel.The
l
evelofgoingthr
oughoneanot her
'sphones
Maya:nonoiwasn' tgoi
ngt
hroughit
.Wewer e
goi
ngt othehospi
talthi
smorni
ngasitoldyoulast
ni
ghtandheaskedmet obr
inghisphonesforhim
ashewasbusywi thmydad.Soamessagecamei n
andithappenedil
ooked
Mar
eledi
:ohisee.Whatdi
dthemessagesay?
Maya:"
goodmor
ningbabei
..
."idi
dn'
tseet
her
est
ofi
t
Mar
eledi
:heebanna
Maya:yeahsoim honestl
yconfusedbecause
Joshuaisact
ingasifeveryt
hingi
snormal
Mar
eledi
:haveyouaskedhi
m abouti
t?
Maya:notyet
Mareledi
:youshoul
dhaveassoonasyougota
chance
Maya:iwasaf
rai
dofhowhewasgoi
ngt
oreact
Mareledi:thatiswhythere'sathi
ngcal l
ed
communi cati
onmyl ove.Ifyoustumbleinto
somet hi
ngt hatdoesn'
tsitwellwithyouyoushould
j
ustsayi toutr i
ghtt
hereandt henandi fyouseet
he
envi
ronmentdoesn' tallowforyout ohavesucha
conversationmakesur eyouwai tunti
lyouare
whereyouar ecomfortabl
et otal
k.Wher ear
eyou
now?
Maya:t
heof
fi
ce
Mar
eledi
:youshoul
dhavespokent
ohi
mther
e
Maya:(
sighed)yeahbutwhatdoyout
hink?
Mareledi
:ihighl
ybelievethatJoshuawouldnever
cheatonyou.Thi sguylovesyousomuchMaya.
Joshuaisawel lknownmenandofcour sehis
stat
uswi l
lhavepeoplesendhi m suchmessages
especial
lywomen.Wast henumbersaved?
Maya:no
Marel
edi:t
her
eyougolovethati
sprobabl
ysome
l
adytr
yingtogethi
sat
tent
ion.Peopl
edosome
weirdthi
ngsouttheresoiwoul dadvi ceyout otalk
toJoshbabes.Joshuai saver ymat uremanidon' t
thi
nkhewoul doverreactifyouexplaint ohim how
youcameaboutt oseet hatmessageandi fhe's
doingnothi
ngwhichist ronglybel
ievet henhewi ll
becalm withhi
sresponsebutoncehest ar
ts
getti
ngdefensi
veknowt hathe'sdef i
nitelydoing
somet hi
ngbutim surehe'snot
Maya:(
smi
led)whatmakesyousosur
e?
Mareledi
:comeonMayat hisguyhasbeenwi
thyou
thr
oughyourwor standi
t'
snotever
yonewhowould
dothat.Onl
ythosewhogenuinel
yloveyou
Maya:Marel
edidoyouknowsomet
hingidon't
?The
ot
herdayyouwerebusyaski
ngmefingersi
zesand
al
l
Marel
edi
:ahahMayaaker
ei t
oldyouiwas
pl
anni
ngtogetyouaj
ewelr
ysetforyourbi
rt
hday
Maya:ooohisee
Mar
eledi:yesYayaanywaybabeletmedr
ivehey.
WewillmeetonSaturdayatchur
ch
Maya:alr
ightl
ovet
hanksheyandihopeyouar
e
st
il
ltaki
ngcareofmybaby
Marel
edi:youarewelcomefri
end.Yourbabyi
ssaf
e
i
nmyhandsbutiwi l
lberet
urninghersoonmom
saysshe'spl
anningt
ogetmeacar
Maya:oht
hat
'swonder
full
ove
Mar
eledi
:yeahfi
nall
ywomancanseethatineed
myowncar( t
heylaughed)byel
ove
Maya:bye

TheyhungupasMayat houghtaboutwhatMarel
edi
said.Shestoodupt
ogot oJoshua'soff
iceasher
off
iceliner
ang.Meanwhil
einhisoffi
ceJoshua
whistl
edgoingdownhismessagesandf rownedt
o
thesamemessage...

Joshua:uhu(
heopenedi
t)andt
hen?
Tania:whyar
eyoualwaystaki
ngsol
ongt
o
respondtomymessages?
Joshua:f
ir
stl
yyouandiar
enotinanyki
ndof
rel
ati
onandsecondl
yyouarenotapr
ior
it
yinmy
l
ife
Tani
a:ouchJoshuahowcanyousaysuchat
hing
tome?
Joshua:wel
limjustbei
nghonestwi thyoumydear
andjusttomakeeveryt
hingcleari
mi nvol
vedwi th
someoneandiwoul dhateitf
orthem toseethis
ki
ndofmessagesi nmyphone.Ir espectandlove
hertonothur
therinanywaysopl easerespectthat
andleavemealone.
Tani
a:butit
houghtyoul
ikedmeJoshua
Joshua:notunt i
limetyou.Youar eaverybeaut i
ful
womanTani at hat'
swithoutadoubtbut
unfort
unatel
yyourbr ai
nsar en'
tinthesamel eague
asyourbeaut y.I
m notonet ojudgebutiwoul d
neverset
tl
ef orsomeonewho' snotreal
lywise.Both
bookandst r
eetwi sehenceineverspoket oyou
again.
Tani
a:wowyousayyouar
enot
..
.
Shefr
ownedasJoshua'sprofi
lepi
ctur
e
di
sappearedandshecoul
dn'tt
ypehim amessage
anymore.
..

Tani
a:uhu(scof
fed)mxm nywenyweyourbeauty
i
snotinthesamel evelasyourbr
ain.Whot
hehel
l
doeshethi
nkheis?

Sheclickedhert
ongueputti
ngherphoneawayand
conti
nuedwi t
hgett
ingr
eadyf ort
heday.Maya
knockedonJoshua'sof
ficeashewelcomedheri
n..
.

Joshua:ohheyyou
Maya:hi
.Gotami
nut
e?
Joshua:yepwhat
'sup?
Maya:(satdown)t
her
e'ssomet
hingiwantust
o
t
alkabout
Joshua:ok
Maya:t
hismor
ningwhenyouaskedmet
ogetyour
phonesforyouat
extr
eport
edonyourphoneandi
happenedtoseet
hebegi
nningofi
t
Joshua:ok.Whatdi
ditsay?
Maya:goodmor
ningbabe
Joshua:okwhatdi
dyoudr
awf
rom t
hatl
ove?
Maya:icoul
dn'
thel
pbutt
othi
nki
fther
e's
somethi
ngyouaredoi
ngbehi
ndmyback
Joshua:oklovejustasecond(openedhisphone
andwenttot hemessages)lucki
lyihaven'
tdelet
ed
thechatbutiblockedher
.Youcanr eadthrough
Maya:noi
tsok
Joshua:iwantyout oseethatthere'
snothinggoing
onbet weenmeandt hisperson.Ihavejustlit
eral
ly
tol
dherwher etogetof f
.Imetheronadat i
ngapp
beforeyouandimet .Wewentonadat eandi
real
isedshe'ssomeoneicoul dn'
tbuil
daf uturewit
h.
Totainallhonestyiwaslookingforsomeonet obe
mypr etendgir
lf
ri
endwheniwentt oMaitengwe.I
tol
dyout hatbutthenshedidn'tmeetthequal i
ti
esi
wantinawomanwet herapretendgir
lf
ri
endoran
of
fi
cialpar
tner
Maya:okiunder
stand
Joshua:iloveyousomuchMayaiwoul dnever
wanttohur tyouli
kethat.Iforoneknowhowyou
havebeent oandf r
om hellandiwouldhatetoadd
onthatpain.Itol
dyoui m goingtomakeyouthe
happiestwomanandt r
ustmewhenisayist il
land
wil
lforeverstandbythat
Maya:( smil
ed)t
hankyouandyouract ionsspeak
foryouandiwi l
lalwaysappreci
atethem.You
didn'
thavetodowhatyouhavedonef ormyf amil
y
andi butyousti
lldi
dwithoutcomplai
ning.Il
ove
you
Joshua:il
oveyoumor
ehoney.Comeher
e

Shechuckl
edandwentt
ohi
m asher
oll
edhi
schai
r
back.
..

Joshua:si
t
Maya:ahJoshuawear
eatwor
k
Joshua:who'
sthebossagai
n?
Maya:yourpar
ent
stol
dust
onotmi
xbusi
nesswi
th
pl
easure
Joshua:ar
ewe?
Maya:whatdi
dyouj
ustaskmet
odo?
Joshua:j
ustsi
tandst
opt
alki
ng

Hepul
ledherdownonhi sl
apsandputhi
sar
ms
ar
oundherasshelaughed.
..

Joshua:wear
egoi
ngt
oDuncan'
shouseaf
terwor
k
ri
ght?
Maya:nopr obl
em butiwasthi
nki
ngwecouldhave
anicefami lydinner
.Asmuchasidon'twantto
beli
evet hatihaveli
mit
edti
mewi t
hmyf at
heritsan
undeniablefactsothemoretimeispendwit
hhim
thebetter
Joshua:iunderst
andloveandwhowoul
dsaynot
o
yourcooking.(
Theychuckl
ed)wewon'
tbel
ong
Maya:good
Joshua:comeher
e

Hepull
edherinf
orakissasshesof
tl
ycar
essedhi
s
bear
edkissi
nghi
m back.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Duncanpar kedhiscarundertheshadeandsati n
therel
ookingatallthepeoplemovingupanddown
hisyar
d.Wasi treall
yhappening,washi s4yearol
d
boygone?Heaskedhi mselfandsighed.Hesaw
LornalaughingwithauntyMarthaandt ookhis
phonecalli
ngher...

Lor
na:hel
lo?
Duncan:canyoupl
easecomet
othecar
Lor
na:ok(
shehungup)l
etmegot
oDuncanaunt
y
Mar
tha:okmyl
ove

Shefixedherheadscar
fgoi
ngt
ohi
m andwenti
n
thecar..
.

Lor
na:hi
Duncan:i
mfr
om t
hepol
icest
ati
on
Lor
na:ohok.Howdi
dshet
akei
t?
Duncan:she'
sdevast
ated
Lor
na:ohok
Duncan:iwantt oapol ogisef
orwhatisaidtoyou
thi
smor ni
ng.Youar eawonder fulwomanLorna
andi havehur tyoui nsomanyways.Yesi minpain
butthatdoesn' tgi
vemet herighttosaywhatisaid
toyou.Youar eal ovingwomanandihaven' tbeen
appreciati
ngthatf orthelongestoftimenow.Even
afteral
lthehur tf
ulthingsisaidtoyouearli
eryou
arestil
lmakingsur ethingsaregoinggoodandf or
thatim grat
eful.Idon'tknowwher eiwoul
dhave
beenwi thoutyou
Lorna:i
t'
sokDuncanl et
'sfocusongivingJuni
or
thesendoffhedeservesthat'
sallt
hatmatter
sat
themoment .Ever
ythi
ngelsewillbeseentoaft
er
Duncan:ok.Thankyouonceagai
n
Lorna:youdon'
thavet
omentioni
t.Iwantt
ogoand
fi
nishupthegrocer
yli
stwi
thaunt
yMar t
haifyou
don'tmind
Duncan:i
t'
sokandpleasetel
lhert
hatiwi
llseeheri
j
ustwanttobealonefornow
Lor
na:nopr
obl
em
Duncan:(t
ookouthi
scar
d)t
hisf
oranyt
hingyou
mightneed
Lorna:ok.Youknowthatchi
ldrenaren'
tal
wayskept
forlongatthemort
uarysoit'
seitherwesendhi
m
offtomorroworonSaturday
Duncan:wecandoi
tonSat
urday
Lorna:okt
henwehavetogoandchooseacoffi
n
forhim.Maybehavehi
sfavor
it
ecar
toonsengr
aved
onit
Duncan:hel
ovedpawpat
rol
Lorna:okiwi
llgetoni
tthenbecauset
hesooner
theystar
tworki
ngonitthebet
ter
Duncan:ok.Letmegor
est
Lor
na:ok

Shegotoffandputthecardi
nherphonepouchon
herwaistandwentbacktoMart
hawhilehequi
etl
y
headedintot
hehouse.

Att
hef
emal
epr
ison.
..

Arekokotaotsenekanaodumel
etswe.Bagol
o
bar
etsenelakakwanokanaodumeletswe.
..

Theinmatessangatthetopofthei
rvoi
ceswi t
ht he
other
swhi st
li
ngasthepri
songuardsescorted
Preci
ousandRonat othei
rcel
ls.Ronacurvedher
l
ipslooki
ngateachofthem whil
ePreci
ousavoi ded
eyecontactatal
lcost
..
.
Lady:t
heyoungl
adyi
smi
ne
Rona:oraammago(youmeanyourmot
her
)you
shi
t(al
linmat
esl
aughed)
Lady:wozawenabat
ist
a
Rona:idareanyoneofy'
al
ltogetf
unnywit
hmy
daughteryouwil
lknowwhoiam (t
heother
s
whist
ledlouder
)
Lady:ohthi
sisgoingtobef
un.Wel
comehome
l
adies(t
heylaughed)
Rona:mxm
Guar
d:yourcel
lMsMoet
i
Rona:iwantt
obei
nthesamecel
lasmydaught
er
Guar
d:whatdoyout
hinkt
hisi
s?Ahot
elmaybe?
Rona:noyou.
..
Guar
d:j
ustgeti
n

Shepushedheri
nasRonacl
ickedhert
ongue
l
ookingatPreci
ouswhoswal lowedfoll
owingthe
guards.Thesongcont
inuedasRonasi ghedand
tur
nedonl yt
obegreet
edbyhotsl apthatthr
ewher
againstt
hewallwhi
let
hel adylaughed.
..

Rona:whatt
hehel
l!
?
Lady:wel
comehomepeaches.Yeaht
hat
'sher
nameokladi
es

Theotherl
adiesl
aughedwhi
leRonaf
rowned
massaginghercheek.
..

Rona:peachesoraammagoyosenangmosol
a
(
peachesisyourusel
essmot
her
)
Lady:excuseme?
Rona:youheardmeandidareyout
oputyourhand
onmeiwi l
lteachyoual
essonyouwoul
dnever
for
get
Lady:t
hisbl
oody.
..
Guar
d:hey!Rockyno

Rockyst
oppedandl
ookedatRonawhoheadedt
o
t
hebunk..
.

Rona:whoeveri
ssl
eepi
ngher
eshoul
dtaket
hei
r
bl
anketst
othetopbunk
Lady:ohno
Rocky:whatdi
dyousayagai
n?
Rona:doyour
eall
ythi
nkim scaredofyou?Isaid
movethesebl
anket
stothetopbunk.Wher ehave
youseenawomanmyagesl eepi
ngonat opbunk?
Moveitandst
opwasti
ngmyt i
meiwantt oli
edown

Theothert
hreel
adi
eslookedatRonashockedand
thenatRockywhoscof
fed.Themostfear
ed
womani nthewhol
efemalepri
sonbutRonahadthe
gutstost
anduptoherli
kethat
..
.
Rona:r
raet
sho(
sir
)wi
llyoumovei
torshoul
dihel
p
you?
Rocky:iwoul
dlovet
oseeyout
rybabygi
rl
Rona:koot
engyout
hinki
m her
etopl
aywi
thki
ds
l
ikeyou

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueandmovedRocky' st
hings
upandstart
edputti
ngher
s.Rockygrabbedherarm
asshepull
edhersel
ffr
om herandl
andedahotslap
acr
ossherface.
..

Rona:don'
ttr
yme
Rocky:t
hisol
dhag

Sheattemptedt
opunchherbutRonadodgedand
spearheadedheragai
nstthewallasRocky'
s
womenwat chedwitht
heireyeswidened.
..

Rona:igr
ewupi
nthest
reet
sli
tt
legi
rl
Guar
d:(
hitt
hebar
s)RonaMoet
i!Rocky!Br
eaki
tof
f
now!

Ronal
etgoofherandcl
ickedhert
onguegoi
ng
backt
omakingherbed.
..

Guar
d:idon'
twantt
ocomebackher
eladi
esi
mi
cl
ear
?

Shecl i
ckedhert ongueandl ef
twhil
einhercell
Preciousgr eet
edthel adyshef oundi
nt her
e.She
j
ustsmi ledasPr eciousfixedherbed.She
wonder edwhyshewast heonl yoneinthecel
lbut
gotoveri tconti
nuingwi t
hmaki ngherbed.Shefel
t
thatsomeonewasst andingbehindherasshe
quicklyturnedonlyforthel adytosni
ffherand
smi l
ed..
.

Pr
ecious:whatareyoudoi
ng?(
Shel
ickherf
ace)
whatthehel
l,ar
eyoucrazy!
?
Lady:andyout
ast
eli
keanapr
icot

ShegrabbedPreci
oussohardasherheartski
pped
abeattr
yingt
opushheroffofherbutshewasso
toughasthel
adyli
ckheragain.
..

Pr
eci
ous:canyoupl
easest
opi
t!

Thel
adychuckl
edandquickl
ygrabbedherhand
andputPr
eci
ous'sf
ingeri
nhermouthsuckingi
t.
..

Pr
eci
ous:hel
..
.

Theladycoveredhermouthasaterri
fi
edPr
eci
ous
widenedhereyesbreat
hingheavi
ly.
..

Lady:youshoul
dmakesureyousl
eepwi
thoneeye
openbecauseifeedonhumanbei
ngs
SheletgoofPreciousasshebursti
ntoal
oudugly
l
aughwhi l
ePrecioussatonherbedwonder
ingi
f
thatwasreal
lyhappening.

I
ntheMal
ePr
ison.
..

Theyallwhist
ledsi
ngingasMopat
iandKit
so
walkedin.Oneoftheguyswhoknewthem f
rom
outsi
delaughedandshouted.
..

Man:divir
gint
samasol
eket
seo(
her
ecomes
sol
diervi
rgi
ns)

Theyallbr
okeintogreatlaught
erasMopat
i
swall
owedlookingatKitsowhowalkedwit
hhi
s
headdown.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.
Tshepocamebackwi
thasandwichandjuicefor
hi
mselfwhil
eNal
elai
dther
eslowlybl
inki
ng..
.

Nal
e:youdon'
thavet
obeher
eal
ldayyouknow
Tshepo:noi
m ok
Dr
:(opened)Mr
s..
.ohsi
ryouar
est
il
lher
e
Tshepo:yesdoct
or
Dr
:okt
henimi
ghtaswel
ltel
lyout
her
esul
ts
Tshepo:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oatsi
tt
ingup)okdoc
Dr:nomatchwasf
oundf
rom al
lthepeopl
ethat
havetest
edsi
r
Tshepo:what
!?

Hefrownedl
ooki
ngatthedoctorasNale'
sheart
ski
ppedabeatasshegaspedandclosedhereyes
sl
owlyexhal
ingt
hroughhernose.
..
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
15] :AKEPTWOMAN
59

Tshepo:doct
orar
eyousur
ether
e'snot
hingwecan
do?
Dr:t
heonlythingwecandoi skeeptryi
ngtofi
nda
donororjustwaitforhertur
nont hewaiti
ngl
istbut
howl ongwil
lthatbe?Wi t
hthestateshe'
sinshe
won'tevenmakei ttothesecondmont h

Ateardr
oppedoutofNale'
sclosedeyeasshe
sof
tl
ysighedwhi
leherhusbandheldherhand.
..
Tshepo:babe.Loveopenyoureyes
Nale:whyi
st hi
shappeni
ngt
omeTshepo?( The
doctorf
ocusedonchecki
ngherup)whydoesGod
hatemesomuch?
Tshepo:Goddoesn'
that
eyoumyl oveyouare
goingtocomeoutofthi
sawinnerthatican
promiseyou
Nal
e:di
dn'tyouhearthedoct
orTshepo?Thedoct
or
j
ustsai
d..
.he.
..
(sheswall
owedandsil
entl
ycri
ed)
Tshepo:ihear
dwhatthedoct
orsai
dbuti
m not
goi
ngt ostopunt
ilwefi
ndyouadonor
Nal
e:wehavet
ri
edever
ythi
ngwecanTshepoand
f
ail
ed
Tshepo:t
her
e'snowayyoucannotf
indamatchi
n
al
lthepeopl
eyouknow.I
fitmeansgoingt
o
Preci
ousaswelliwi
ll
Nal
e:(
hear
tski
pped)no
Tshepo:l
ovewehavet
otr
yal
lopt
ions.Iknowwe.
..
Nal
e:Tshepoisaidnoyouarenotgoingtothat
woman.Iwouldratherdi
ethanhaveherkidney
Tshepo:soyouwantt
odi
eandl
eavemeal
one?
Nale:youknowwhathappenedbetweenusand
thosepeople.Theyaregoi
ngt
ousethischanceto
getri
dofus.SonoTshepoyouar enotgoingtogo
toPreciousaboutthi
s
Tshepo:soyouwantmet
ofai
lyoul
iket
his?
Nale:tryl
ooksomewher eTshepobutnotfrom
Preciousoranyofherfamilymember s.Kegore
everythi
ngthatscr
eamsPr eci
ousyoushoul dn'
t
darecomecl osetoit
.That'
sit
.Ifihavetodie
waiti
ngsobei t

SheletgoofTshepo'
shandandwi
pedhert
ear
sas
Tsheposatbackandsighed.
..

Tshepo:ineedsomeai
r

Hesniff
edleavi
ngwhileNal
epressedhereyes
exhal
ingaf
terthedoorcl
osed.
..
Nale:nonononono, (si
ghedagain)t
hisisnot
happening.Thi
scan'
tbehappening.Whydoes
thi
ngshavet ocometothis?Iwouldr
atherdiethan
tohavethiscomeout.(Tshepost
oppedbyt hedoor
andfrowned)Myhusbandcanneverknowt hati
haveachi l
dwithPr
ecious

BythedoorTshepo' sheartski
ppedabeatashe
heardeveryt
hingshesai d.Hewantedtoopenand
goaskherwhatshej ustsaidbutdeci
dednottoand
walkedaway.Thef urtherhewentthemor ehegot
anxioust
ogetcl ar
it
yf rom whatheheard.He
checkedthetimeandpr i
sonvisi
ti
nghoursti
mehad
passedashesi ghedandl ookedback.
..

Tshepo:noshe'
sgoi
ngtoli
etoyour
atherwai
tto
hearfr
om Preci
ousf
ir
st.

Heputsomemoneyi
ntot
hevendi
ngmachi
neand
gr
abbedhi
scokeandl
eft
.

AthouseofChi
..
.

Shesmi l
edget
tingoffthephonewithherbanker
andthrewinafewnut sinhermouth.Shetookasip
ofwateranddecidedtocallLovemor
e..
.

Lovemor
e:(
smi
led)MsAdi
Chi
oma:gooddayMrK.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lovemor
e:i
m wonder
fulandyou?
Chi
oma:i
m gr
eat
.Youar
esoqui
ett
hesedaysheh
Lovemor e:i
t'sbeenbusyintheof fi
ceandthingsat
thehousear echaotic.Aunt
yKisal waysf
ighti
ng
withthekids.Shesaysshe'sget t
ingthem i
nor der.
It'
sonlywithNyashat obepreciseandihave
decidedahl etmejustleti
tbe.NowNyashacal led
mesayi ngshe'slockedinthebedr oom.Iaskedher
whyandshedoesn' twanttosay
Chioma:adi sci
pli
nariansheisisee.Doyout
hink
maybeNyashasai dsomet hi
ngtoherimeanwe
can'tdenythefactthattheyoungladyhasavery
sharptongue.
Lovemore:ibel
ievesoandevenifshecal
lsthe
poli
ceauntyKuzivawil
lhaveherwayaroundthem
Chioma:remindmetonevergetonherbadsi
de
(t
heylaughed)ihadadr
eam aboutyoursonl
ast
ni
ghtthough
Lovemor
e:ok?
Chi
oma:hewasababyandher ef
usedtosuckhi
s
mother
'sbr
eastandshewasi
nalotofpai
n
Lovemor
e:okt
hat
'sabi
tconf
usi
ng
Chioma:asanewmot heryouhavet opumpout
colostr
um firstanditsaidtobeabi tofapai nful
process.Soi nLucas'scasehedi dn'twanttoeven
puthismot her'stiti
nhismout hbutshewascr ying
andi nalotofpai n.What'
sshockingi sthatther e
wasnohowshecoul djustpumpi toutwithout
Lucassucki ngherbr east
.Thismeanst hatforher
togetoutoft hatpainsheneededLucaswhowas
r
efusi
ngt
ohel
p
Lovemor
e:sowhatexact
lydoest
hedr
eam mean?
Chi
oma:exact
lyt
hat
,wher
eeverLucas'
smotheri
s
sheneedshi
shel
pandchancesofhi
mr ef
usi
ngto
hel
pherarehi
gh
Lovemore:whywoul
dher ef
use?Lucasi
sagood
chi
ldChiyouknowthataswell
Chioma:idon'
tknowwhyhewouldref
use.Wejust
havetopushhardinf
indi
ngwhohismotheri
s.
Maybethat'
swhenwewi l
lknowwhyhewould
ref
use
Lovemor
e:soyoudi
dn'
tseeherf
ace?
Chi
oma:nopeidi
dn'
t
Lovemor e:(
sighed)ok.Iguesswehavetotalkt
o
Preciousonemor etimeandhopeful
lythi
stimewe
willhaveanswers
Chi
oma:hopef
ull
y
Lovemor
e:yeah.Anywaydi
dyourecei
veyouri
nvi
te
toMaya'
sbir
thdayonSatur
day?
Chioma:ohyesididimj
usthavingadressmade
theysayit
'saneveni
ngeventandther
e'saspeci
al
surpr
ise
Lovemor
e:iwonderwhati
tcouldbehasn'
tthespi
ri
t
shownyouanyt
hing?(
Theylaughed)
Chioma:thespi
ri
tdoesn'
tal
waysshowme
everyt
hingst
opbeingsil
ly(
theyl
aughedmor
e)
Lovemore:ineedani
cesuitf
ormysel
fandLucas
anddressesformyauntandNyashawil
lyoube
abl
etohelp?
Chioma:ohdef
ini
tel
yjustsendmethei
rsi
zesandi
wil
lhavemygirl
ssortyouguysout
.Thebestf
or
thebest
Lovemor
e:youneverdi
sappoi
nt
Chi
oma:(chuckl
ed)mysi
steri
slandi
ngt
oni
ghtso
youwi
llgett
omeetheratthepart
y
Lovemor
e:Sundae'
smom?
Chi
oma:yes
Lovemore:oht
hat
'sgr
eatcan'
twait
.(Of
fi
cel
ine
rang)anywayi
twasgr
eatchat
tingl
etmeanswer
t
hephone
Chi
oma:ci
aodon'
tfor
gett
hesi
zes
Lovemor
e:yebo

Shesmiledhangi
ngupandcal
ledt
hebout
ique
st
ores.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Lucast
ri
edthedoorwhi
leNyashaspokebehi
ndit
.
Hetookoutt
hescrewdri
verandcheckedi
fKuzi
va
wasnotanywher
enearby..
.

Nyasha:comeonLucaswhat
'st
aki
ngyousol
ong?
Lucas:ican'
tbel
ieveyouaremaki
ngmedot
his
Nyasha.Youshouldlear
n..
.ah!

Hescr
eamedj
umpi
ngawayasahar
dbel
tst
roke
l
andedonhi
sback.
..

Kuzi
va:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lucas:gr
anny.
..
Kuzi
va:gr
annymyfoot
.Lucaswhyar
eyou
di
sobeyi
ngmyorder
s?
Lucas:gr
annyi
..
.
Kuzi
va:shutup!(
Heswal l
owedhi
sli
psmassaging
hi
sback)arenotsupposedtogot
othepethouse?
Lucas:iam gr
anny
Kuziva:t
henwhatar
eyoust
il
ldoi
ngher
e?Or
shouldicancel
thet
ri
p
Lucas:nogr
annyno
Kuziva:noi
tseemslikeyouar
eanungr
atef
ulchi
ld
Lucassoimi ghtaswell
Lucas:i
m sor
rygr
annyiwon'
tdoi
tagai
nipr
omi
se
you,i
..
.
Kuzi
va:getoutofmyf
aceyoust
upi
dboy
Herandownt hestai
rswhilesheclickedhert
ongue
andtookoutthebedroom keyoutofherbra.She
openedasNyashat r
iedtorunoffbutshepushed
herbacki
nsideasshef el
lonthefloor..
.

Kuzi va:whatareyout
ryi
ngtodo?Younggi
rldoyou
forgetihavebeenyouragebefor
e?Yourf
ather
calledmeandsai dyoutol
dhim whati
shappeni
ng.
Doyour eal
lythi
nkmyownchildcanmakeme
trembl e?Huh?Givemeyourphone
Nyasha:no!Youl
eavemeal
one
Kuzi
va:Nyashandi
pef
oniyako(
givemeyour
phone)
Nyasha:ai
wandi
nor
amba(
noir
efuse)
Kuzi
va:(chuckl
ed)eehndi
rikuonawaf ungakuti
ndi
ripanokuzotambanewe( iseeyout hi
nki m her
e
topl
aywi t
hyou)ndatindi
pef oniyakokasikana(i
sai
dgivemeyourphonel i
ttl
egi r
l)
Shesaidgr
abbingherar
msandj er
kedherup
thr
owingheronthebedasNyashascreamed
i
nsult
sather.
..

Kuziva:ndakarer
avanavakanakahandi
si
kuzokutenderakutiuf
ungekut
iuripamusor
o( ihave
rai
sedgr eatki
dsim notgoi
ngtoall
owyouthinkyou
areanysuper i
or)comehere

Nyashatri
edt
orunoffbutshegrabbedheragai
n
andreachedi
nherbr
eaststaki
ngthephone..
.

Nyasha:youar
eanevi
lwoman!
Kuziva:youareyettoknowwhoiam mygi rl
.72hrs
andifyoudon'tdosomeselfint
rospect
ionduri
ng
thatti
meyouwi llberi
ski
ngyourownf r
eedom (
she
l
ockedheri nsi
de)
Nyasha:i
m notapri
soner
!Openthi
sdoor
!(Kuzi
va
whist
ledaway)ihat
eyou!Ihat
eyouol
dwitch!
Kuzi
va:il
oveyoumygi
rl
Nyashascr
eamedandsli
ddownt hedoorcr
ying.
Heari
nghercr
yKuzi
valookedbackupandsmi l
ed..
.

Kuziva:yeahnowyouar elear
ning.Thatcr
ywill
remindyout hatyouareindeedachi l
d.(Si
ghed)i
needmesomewat er.JesusChristt
hatwasone
hellofaworkout .Pheew!

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Aft
erchecki
ngi
fthegunwassti
llwher
eheputi
t
Sai
ntrandownstai
rsl
ooki
ngforhissi
ster
..
.

Sai
nt:App.
..
ohsi
s
Appl
e:yesbr
o
Sai
nt:busy?
Appl
e:yeahi
m hel
pingmom wi
thput
tui
ngt
oget
her
ashortcli
pofDuncan'smemori
es.Iwon'
tsayi
don'
tgetangrylooki
ngateachpi
ctur
eofhim,dad
andPatiencebutheyatt
heendofthedayhewas
thei
rchi
ld
Sai
nt:isee.Ineedyouradvi
ceonsomet
hing
Appl
e:ok?
Sai
nt:howdoigetachi
cktof
allf
orme?(
Appl
e
l
aughed)i
m ser
iousAppl
ecomeon
Appl
e:sot
her
e'ssomeoneyoul
ike?
Sai
nt:yeahmant
hisot
herdar
kbeaut
ydudeshe'
s
gor
geous
Apple:ohwowok.Welli
tvar
ies,
somegir
lslove
fl
owersandchocolat
es,
someareenti
cedbyshoes
andnicecl
othes.Wai
tdoyouknowthekindof
personshei
s?
Sai
nt:shecomesacr
ossasaner
d
Apple:t
henfi
ndwhoherfavor
it
eauthori
sandget
heroneofthebooksf
rom t
heauthor
Sai
nt:t
hatcoul
dworkbecauseshe'
ssogoodwi
th
Engl
ishsoanovelwoul
ddo
Appl
e:great
.Atl
eastyouar
efal
li
ngf
orsomeone
i
ntel
li
gent
Sai
nt:andwena,
whenar
eyouf
indi
ngaguy?
Appl
e:(scoff
ed)ihavei nvit
edTonytogowi thmet
o
mydad' scol
league'
sf uct
iononSaturday.
Apparentl
yhecan'tgonormom becausewear e
bur
yingJunioronSat urdaysohewillsti
llbe
mourning
Sai
nt:whywasn'
tiaskedt
ogo?
Appl
e:becauseyouar
e16Sai
nthel
lo
Sai
nt:ohwowbutyouar
est
il
laschoolgoi
ngchi
ld
Appl
e:who'
s18att
hatplusmom anddadt
rustme
t
onotdoanythi
ngmischi
evous
Sai
nt:t
hisi
snotf
airi
m agoodchi
ldt
oo
Appl
e:thi
ngisyouar
eaboyandboyswil
lal
ways
beboysidon'
twantt
obabysi
tal
lni
ght
Sai
nt:ohidon'
tli
keTonyohTonyt
hisTonyt
hat
l
ookatyounow?
Appl
e:(
smi
led)agi
rli
sal
lowedt
ochangehermi
nd
nowleavemealoneihaveal
otofwor
ktodo.Go
fi
ndyourgi
rlagif
torsomet
hing
Saint
:ohim goi
ngt
o.Letmegot
alkt
odadand
dashoff

Hewentupwhil
eApplerol
ledhereyesand
cont
inuedwi
thwhatshewasdoing.

I
nRasesa.
..

Vusicameoutofthebedr
oom andfr
ownedatMaki
whowasquietl
ylayi
ngonthecouchwit
hhereyes
cl
osed..
.

Vusi
:youhavebeent
ooqui
etofr
ecent
Maki
:mmh
Vusi
:whyi
sthat
?
Maki
:im inotal
lowedt
obequi
etnowVusi
?
Vusi
:noidon'
tmeani
tthatwaybutyouknowwe
haveasi
tuat
ion
Maki:(
satup)t
hingisim wonder
ingwhythey
haven'
tcomeforhisthi
ngsandmedicat
ion
Vusi
:maybet
heyboughthi
m newcl
othesandt
ook
hi
mt ot
hehospi
tal
Maki:nothehospi
talwon'
tjustgivethem
medicat
ionwit
houtchecki
ngi fhefini
shedhi
slast
dosage
Vusi
:thent
heyt
oldt
hedoct
orswhat
'shappeni
ng
Maki:mxm youknowihaveneverl i
kedt
hisgi
rlVusi
?
From t
hetimeVictort
oldmehehasadaught er
somewhereintheworldineverl
ikedher
.Didyou
seehowpr oudshewaswhent heywerehere?
(I
mitat
ingMaya)"iwouldl
ovetoseeyout r
y"
(l
aughed)doessheknowwhoiam?
Vusi
:wel
lmaybeyoushoul
dschoolher
Maki
:ohiwi
ll
.Iwantherdead
Vusi
:(wi
denedhi
seyes)hmm?
Maki
:yesiwantherbodysi
xfeetundert
hegr
ound.
Withoutherourli
fewi l
lbesomucheasi er.Vi
ctor
wil
lcomebackhomet henwecont i
nuewher ewe
l
eftoff.Ihavecomet oreal
isethatther
e'ssomepay
-
outhe' syett
oreceivefrom t
hemi nesowecan' t
havehim diebefor
et hemoneycomes
Vusi
:howmuchdoyout
hinki
tmi
ghtbe?
Maki
:it
'
shundr
edsoft
housandsofPul
asmyboy
Vusi
:sowewi
llbeswi
mmi
ngi
nmoney?
Maki:
(smil
ed)ofcour
sebabyandwi t
hthisonei
wantustodosomethingt
hatwil
lsustai
nusfor
goodthengetr
idofhi
mr i
ghtaway
Vusi
:justt
ellmewhatyouneedmet
odoandiwi
ll
doit
Maki:f
ir
stl
yiwantyoutostudyhermoves.Wher
e
shespendsmostofhertime,wher
esheshopsand
al
ltheli
tt
ledet
ail
sfr
om thenwewillmovetot
he
nextst
ep
Vusi
:yourwi
shi
smycommandmama.Comeher
e

Heki
ssedherasshechuckl
edwhi
leher
eachedf
or
hi
sphone.

2HOURSLATER.
..

Att
hemal
l.
..

Aft
ergett
inghi
snewdogwi t
hthehelpofSundae,
t
heydecidedtogowatchamovie.I
tendedasthey
l
efttheci
nemahandinhand..
.

Lucas:t
hatwasagr
eatmovi
eri
ght
?
Sundae:iwoul
dwatchi
toverahundr
edt
imes.You
havegoodtast
e(shehi
thi
selbowwit
hher
sast hey
chuckl
ed)
Lucas:t
hankyousomuch.I
'
m gl
adyouenj
oyedi
t
Sundae:tr
ustmeidid.Anywayineedt ogethome
befor
emyaunt .Sheaskedmet opreparesome
heart
ytradi
ti
onalmeal.Shedoesn'
twanttotellme
whybutiknowt her
e'ssomethi
nggoingonorshe
hassomet
hingspeci
alt
otel
lmet
oni
ght
Lucas:ohsoyouknowhert
act
ics?
Sundae:li
kethebackofmyhand.Whenevershe
asksmet ocooksomet hi
ngtradi
ti
onaliknow
ther
e'ssomethinggoingonandshethinksihaven'
t
noti
ced(theylaughed)
Lucas:yeahnehel
der
s.Anywayl
etmenotkeep
youforlonghey
Sundae:sur
e.Canigetahug?
Lucas:youdon'
thavet
oask

Theyhuggedbyt heparkingwhileSaintcameoutof
thebookshop.Hewhi stl
edput t
ingthebookinsi
de
agiftbackbutst
oppedseei ngthem atadist
ance.
LucaskissedSundae'
sf orheadast heygoti
nthei
r
carswiththei
rdr
iver
sdr i
vingoff..
.

Sai
nt:(
frowned)whatthehel
l?Who'
sthi
sboyt
ryi
ng
tomesswi t
hmel i
kethis?
Hecli
ckedhist
ongueandscof
fedshaki
nghi
shead
get
ti
nginthecaraswel
l.
..

Sai
nt:i
m donewecangohome

Hi
sdr
iveral
sot
ookof
f.

THATEVENI
NG

I
npr
ison.
..

Al
linmatessatint
hedininghallhavi
ngthei
rsupper.
Pr
eciouscurvedherl
ipspicki
ngt hef
oodwiththe
pl
asti
cforkwhil
eRonal ookedathereat
inghers.
..

Rona:youbet
tereatup
Pr
eci
ous:t
hisnonsense?Imi
ghthavegr
ownup
poorbutimanagedtogetmysel
foutoft
hat
si
tuat
ionsoplease
Rona:youmeanihel
pedyougetout
Pr
eci
ous:mxm
Rona:howi
siti
nyourcel
l
?
Precious:ohlordnoidon'
twantt ot
alkaboutthat.I
don'tknowi ft
hatwomaniscr azyorwhat.Shewas
busyl i
ckingmyf aceandf
ingersandsaiditaste
good
Rona:(
frowned)what
?
Lady:andt
hat
'
sbecauseyout
ast
egood

ShelaughedasPr eci
ouscl
osedhereyesstar
tl
ed
whil
eRonal ookedatherwi
thherl
ipscurved.
..

Rona:andt
henwena?Whati
swr
ongwi
thyou?
Lady:im sohappythatt
histi
mear oundthey
broughtmesomeonewhot astessogreat.Il
ove
apri
cots(sheli
ckedPreci
ous)
Rona:hey!
Lady:hmmm yummy

Shelaughedgoi
ngbackt
ohertablewhil
ea
di
sgustedPreci
ouswi
pedhercheek.
..

Rona:whatt
hehel
list
his?
Rocky:exact
lywhatyout
hinki
tis.Doi
t
Rona:wha.
..

Sheclosedhereyesgaspi
ngasonei
nmat
epour
ed
herj
uiceoverherhead.
..

Rona:bl
oodypi
eceof
..
.

Shetri
edtoj
umponRockybutshethrewthewhol
e
samponRona'sf
aceandchokedherasshe
gagged.
..
Rocky:t
hisi
snotear
li
erwhenyou.
..
Guar
d:Rockyst
opi
t!St
opi
tnow!
Rocky:youhavemessedwi
tht
hewr
ongmanbaby
gi
rl
Guar
d:Rocky!

Shecli
ckedhertonguelett
inggoofRonawho
coughedwipingherface.Meanwhil
ePrecioussat
backandfrownedlookingatRockywhowal ked
awayandwi nkedatherthenli
ckherli
ps.She
sl
owlysuckedhermi ddlef
ingerasadisgusted
Preci
ouslookedaway...

Pr
eci
ous:si
es.Ar
eyouokma?
Rona:doil
ookokt
oyou?

Shesai
dwi
thawetandsl
imyf
ace.
AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

From theDuncan'stheyheadedbackhomewi th
Mayadr i
ving.Shefeltt
hefrontwheelonhersi
dego
oversomet hi
ngasthef r
ownedlookingatone
another.
..

Joshua:whatwast
hat
?
Maya:l
etmecheckmaybeabr
ickf
rom t
he
pavementcameout

Shestoppedt
hecarwhi
leJoshuaopenedt
hegat
e
andchecked.
..

Maya:yeahi
t'
sabr
ick
Joshua:okwewil
lhavet
oaskt
hegar
denert
ogeti
t
fi
xedinthemor
ning
Mayadustedherhandsandf li
ppedherhairt
hen
gotbackinthecar.Fr
om adistanceTani
alookedi
n
hercarwit
hherlipscurvedaf
tertaki
ngafew
photosofMaya..
.

Tani
a:sot
hisi
sthebl
oodybi
tch.

Att
heAdi
ole'
s.
..

Sundaefrownedhear
ingacarst
opout
sideasshe
tookherseat
..
.

Sundae:youdi
dn'
ttel
lmewehavevi
sit
orsaunt
y
Chi
oma:whydoyout
hinkisai
dyoushoul
dmake
anext
rapl
ate
Sundae:it
houghtmaybeyouwant
edtopackthe
foodtoworktomorr
oworsomethi
ng.Anywaywho
i
si ti
minmypj '
sandyouknowidon'
tli
ke.
..
Abi
ola:(
opened)gboenit
iowanii
le!(
guesswho'
s
home)
Sundae:(
turned)ma!ni
gbawoniode(ma!When
di
dyouar r
ive)(shej
umpedinherar
mshuggi
ngher
)
Chi
oma:(
smi
led)heysi
s
Abi
ola:youdi
dnott
ellmydaught
erwewer
e
comi
ng?
Chioma:iwant
edt
osur
pri
seher
.Wai
t,di
dyouj
ust
saywe?
Kelechi
:(pul
li
ngherbagi
n)what'
sthepoi
ntof
bei
ngr i
chwhenyoudon'thavebut
ler
s?Nowwe
havetocarryourownbagsmxxxxxxm
Sundae:auntyKel
echi(
shet
ri
edt
ohugherbutshe
st
oppedher )
Kelechi
:watchitnanathi
si srealf
urnotthesame
oneauntyChisellsok(smiledchewinghergum)
heysis,wooahyourhousel ooksamazingbutyou
needtogetridofthatpotr
aithoneyyournoseonit
mh- mhnotenti
cingthat'
swhyyouar esi
nglemen
runawayoncet heyseeit(shelaughedgoingtot
he
dini
ngarea)what
'scoo.
..
ohwowsomet
radi
ti
onal
cousine
Chi
oma:r
eal
lyAbi
?
Abi
ola:i
m sor
rybutshei
nsi
stedt
ocomewi
th
Chioma:youshouldhave.
..
(si
ghed)youknowwhat
,
fi
ne.(Fakesmi
led)Welcomehomeguys.

Sheledthewaytot
hedini
ngareawhileSundaeand
hermotherf
oll
owedherchuckl
ingandcatchi
ngup.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
15] :AKEPTWOMAN
60
Kelechisangwhiledishi
ngupforher
sel
fasthe
otherstookthei
rseats.Shel
i
ckherfi
ngersand
burstintoal
augh...

Kel
echi:yoursist
ert
houghChioma.Sowegotinto
aplanefrom Londonandshewasseatednextt
o
t
hisbeautif
ulsexyandscrumpti
ous.
..
Abi
ola:Lechinowear
ewi
thachi
ldher
e
Kel
echi
:howol
dar
eyouagai
nmybaby?
Sundae:16
Kelechi
:oldenoughtounder standthesethi
ngs.So
Chi(scoff
ed)thisguyisbusyt ryi
ngtomake
conversat
ionwithyoursisterbutAbibeingAbishe
gavethepoorguyacol dshoul derimthereonthe
otherseattr
yingtogethert oopenupguesswhat
shedid,sheputonherear phones.Imagine
Abi
ola:whosai
diwant
edt
ochatwi
thhi
m Lechi
?
Kel
echi:Godgivesyouamanonasi l
verpl
att
erbut
noyoudecidedt otur
nabl
indeyeandbeli
kethose
5stupi
dbeauti
f ulwomenf
rom thebi
ble
Chi
oma:Kel
e
Kelechi:noChi,
Abineedstogetamanoryoudon'
t
wantadadmygi rl?(
Sundaejustl
ookedather
)
don'ttellmeauntyChihast
urnedyouint
onun
Abiol
a:okenoughKel
echi
.Chihowhavet
hings
beenlove?
Chi
oma:oht
hingsar
egr
eatl
ovebusi
nessi
sdoi
ng
sogood.
Sundae:i
mjusthappyt
hatyouf
inal
lydeci
dedt
o
comethissi
demom
Abi
ola:imi
ssedyout
oobaby

Theyhuggedchuckl
ingwhi
leKel
echir
oll
edher
eyes.
..

Kel
echi
:wheredoy'
al
lpart
yhereim notgoi
ngto
bor
emyselfwit
hthetwoofyouim her
etohavefun
Chioma:whenar
eyougoi
ngt
otonedownt
hough
Lechi
?
Kel
echi:whenar
eyougoi
ngt
otonedownont
he
bi
ble?
Chi
oma:ohwow
Kel
echi
:exact
ly
Chi
oma:af
ri
endi
sthr
owi
nghiswomanasur
pri
se
par
tyt
omor
rowsowewil
lbegoi
ngther
e
Kel
echi
:nowyouaretal
kingmaybeiwi l
lscor
e
mysel
fasexyTswani
anguy( shewinkedand
l
aughed)orwhatdot
heycall
them here?Tswani
ans?
Sundae:TswanaauntyTswananotTswani
ans
(Chi
omaandAbi ol
alaughed)
Chi
oma:ihopeyoubehavebecauseidon'
twantt
o
beput
ti
ngoutfirest
her
ethelastt
hingiwanti
sto
beembarassed
Kel
echi
:soi
m anembar
rassment
Abi
ola:youknowhowyoucangetKel
e
Kel
echi
:youofal
lpeopl
eknowmebet
terAbicome
onnow
Abi
ola:honest
lyt
houghshemi
ghtst
il
lbeacr
azy
par
tyani
malbutshehast
oneddownont
hedr
ama
Chi
oma:ohatl
eastt
her
e'ssomel
ighti
nther
e(t
hey
l
aughed)
Kel
echi
:mxxxm.Anywaydr
esscode?
Chi
oma:el
egance
Kelechi:ooohyesmyki
ndofvibes.Wait
,it
'snot
thosebr i
ngyourownpoorvi
besright
?Afri
canscan
bef unnyatti
mes
Chi
oma:r
eal
lynow?
Kel
echi
:wonder
ful

Chi
omasighedandshookherheadwhi
leSundae
andhermothercaughtup.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

I
npr
ison.
..
Thel adyshar i
ngacellwi t
hPr eciousopenedher
eyesandl ookedatPr eciouswhowasf astasleep.
Shesmi l
edandsl owlysatupst il
llookingather .
Shegotof fherbedandt iptoedt ot hebar s
checkingiftherewasanyonenearbyandt her
e
wasn' t
.Shesmi l
edgoingt othebunkPr eci
ouswas
sl
eepi ngonandsmi l
edmor el ookingdownonher .
Shesquat tedandsof tl
ycar essedherhai rwhile
Precioussof tl
ygroanedinhersl eep.Thel ady
smiledandl ickherli
pslooki ngatPr eci
ous'sear.
Sheswal lowedandwentf ori twithhert eethas
Preciousqui ckl
ywokeupandscr eamed. ..

Pr
eci
ous:whatar
eyoudoi
ng!St
op!Hel
p!Hel
p!Ah!

Thatt
imet
hel
ady'
steet
hwer edeepi
nherearwi
th
bl
oodcomi
ngoutasguardscamerunni
ng.
..

Guar
d:Lat
oya!St
opi
t!Lat
oya!
Shepull
edoutapartofitasPreci
ousscreamed
ter
ri
fi
edandinpai
n.Latoyalaughedchewingonit
astheguar
dopenedthecell.
..

Guar
d:ar
eyoucr
azy!Lookatwhatyouhavedone
Lat
oya:(
swal
lowedandl
ickedt
hebl
oodonherl
ips)
yummy
Preci
ous:(
cryi
ng)t
hisi
sbul
lshi
t!Whatki
ndofa
humanbeingareyou
Guar
d:weneedmedi
cal
assi
stancet
hissi
de!
Lat
oya:myapr
icot(
shel
aughed)
Guard:youar
egoi
ngbacktosol
it
aryLat
oyawe
havehadenoughofyou!
Latoya:what!
?No!Youcan'
tdot
hatt
ome.(The
guardgrabbedher
)youarecomi
ngwithmenow!
Lat
oya:no!No!

Theguardsdraggedheroutwhi
let
heotherguar
ds
assi
stedableedi
ngPreci
ouswit
hapartofherear
gone.Thesir
enr angaseveryonequickl
ygotupand
prepar
edtogot otheshowers.Theystoodinaline
whileRockyandhercr ewwalkedpastalloft
hem.
Ronawasf ourthintheli
neasRockyandherl adies
wenttothefront.
..

Rona:soyouguysar ejustgoi
ngtowat chthese
peopl
edot his?Nowecameher efi
rstsoyoubetter
gojoi
nt hel
inefrom t
heback.(Theyignoredher
)
Evenifyoucanignoremeisaidgoj oin.
..
Rocky:youmusthavebeenanui
sancegr
owi
ngup
wouldkeepqui
et
Rona:asl
ongasyouthi
nkyouareaboveever
yone
i
nhereim notgoi
ngt
okeepqui
et
Rocky:ohokthencont
inuebl
abber
ingweshal
lsee
wherethatt
akesyou
Rona:ihonestlydon'tunderst
andpeoplewhothi
nk
i
t'
sokf orthem tojustbull
yus.Wear eal
lequal
ls
herewedi dnotcomeher et obecomechil
drent
o
anyone.Imagineayounggi rlorshoul
disayboy
l
ikeyouthinktheycanwal koverawomanmyage.
Sorr
yf oopapawear enotyourchi
ldr
enhere
understood?(Rockyscof
fedshaki
ngherhead)i
f
youthinkim goingt
oletyougetawaywit
hthist
hen
youshoul dthi
nkagain
Guar
ds:t
hef
ir
st7cangoi
n

AsRockyandhercrewwereabouttomaket hei
r
wayinRonaranpastt
hem astheystoppedand
l
ookedather
..
.

Rocky:andt
hen?
Rona:it
oldyou

Shel
aughedgoi
ngi
ntoashowerasRockyand5
ot
her
swentinaswel
l.
..

Rona:nkaset
legotal
lwakengwanakel
ekana(i
m
notgoi
ngtobedisr
epectedbyachi
ldatmyage)
Otheri
nmateswait
ingshookt
heirheadswhi l
e
Rockyopenedwateri
ntoabucket.Shegotoutof
hershowerandopenedRona'
sasshet urned..
.

Rona:whatt
he.
..

Rockyspl
ashedhotwat
eroverherbodyasshe
scr
eamedsli
ppingdownwhil
eeveryonel
aughed.
..

Rona:youshi
t!
Rocky:unt
ilyoulearnwhoiam i
m notgoi
ngt
ost
op
t
eachingyoual esson

Shecli
ckedhertonguegoi ngbacktohershower
whil
eRonasatt herebr
eathingheavil
y.Inthemale
pri
sonKitsogotintheshowerandqui etl
yscrubbed
hi
sbody.Her eachedforthesoapasi tsl
ippedoff
hi
shandashef rozecl
osi
nghi seyes.
..
Man:goonbabypi
cki
tup
Ki
tso:i
m ok
Man:soyouar
enotgoi
ngl
ist
ent
oinst
ruct
ionsnow?
Ki
tso:isai
dim ok
Man:boys

Twoot herguysgothol
dofhi
m ashef
oughtt
oget
them t
ol etgoofhi
m...

Man:whathappenst
oachi
ldwhodoesn'
tli
stent
o
i
nst
ruct
ionsboys?
Men:t
heygetpuni
shed(
hesl
appedKi
tso)
Man:whathappenst
oachi
ldwhoneverget
s
puni
shedboys?
Men:t
heygetr
ott
en(
hesl
appedKi
tsoagai
n)
Man:anddaddydoesn'
tli
keki
dswhoar
e?
Men:i
llmanner
ed
Hesl
appedhi
m agai
nast
heyl
etgoofhi
m..
.

Man:nowpickupthatsoap(
Kit
soswall
owed
l
ookingathi
m)isaidpi
ckthesoapup!(
He
st
rangledhi
m ashegagged)
Ki
tso:okok
Guar
d:what
'sgoi
ngoni
nher
e?
Man:(
chuckl
ed)ahbozawear
ejusthel
pinghi
m
pi
ckuphissoap
Guar
d:l
eavehi
m al
one
Man:seeyoul
aterbaby

Hesmil
edandwinkedathim ast
heywalkedout
l
aughi
ng.Ki
tsoswall
owedandsighedoutofrel
ief
ast
heguardscof
fedleavi
ngaswell.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..
Afterwashi
nghisfaceSai
ntheadedtohissist
er'
s
room whowassitti
nginfr
ontofherdressi
ngmi r
ror
fi
xingherheadscarf
..
.

Apple:youknowidon'
tappr
eci
ateapersonwho
justt
hrowsthemsel
vesinmyroom wi
thout
knocking
Sai
nt:sor
ryi
t'
sjustt
haticoul
dn'
tsl
eepsi
s
Appl
e:(
frowned)why?
Sai
nt:isawt
hegi
rlil
ikewi
thanot
herguy
Appl
e:youl
ie
Sai
nt:isweart
oyou
Appl
e:andwhatdi
dyousay?
Saint
:not
hing.Theygoti
nthei
rcar
sanddr
oveof
f
aft
erhekissedherfor
ehead
Appl
e:soyourner
disal
it
tl
ebi
tch?
Sai
nt:ahAppl
edon'
tcal
lhert
hat
Appl
e:butt
her
eshei
sbei
ngki
ssedbyot
herguys
whi
leshe'
swi
thyou
Saint:wearenotof
fi
cialyetandihaven'
ttol
dher
thatili
keher
Appl
e:soyoudon'
tevenknowi
fshehasa
boyf
ri
endornot
?
Sai
nt:yeah.
Appl
e:yohyouri
ssuei
scompl
icat
ednow
Sai
nt:butil
ikehersi
s.Ir
eal
l
yreal
lyl
ikeher
Appl
e:butt
heni
tlooksl
ikeshe'
soccupi
eddear
br
other
Sai
nt:butiwantherAppl
e
Appl
e:wagodir
ajangj
aanongpapa?(
Whatar
eyou
goi
ngtodoabouti
t)
Sai
nt:i
m goi
ngt
ofi
ghtf
orher
Appl
e:whati
fshe'
sloyal
?
Sai
nt:iwantherAppl
e
Appl
e:(
frowned)idon'
tthi
nkil
iket
hesoundoft
hat
Sai
nt:haveyoueverl
ovedsomeonet
hatyoudon'
t
wantt
oloset
hem t
oanyone?
Apple:i
m notahopel
essr omanti
cdearbr ot
hersoi
can'tr
elat
e.ImeanSaintyoudon'tevenknowt his
gir
lthatmuch.Whati
fsomewher edownt heli
ne
youdecideshe'
snottherightgi
rlforyou?Justleti
t
go
Sai
nt:iwantSundaeandi
m goi
ngt
owi
nher

Hel
eftwhi
leAppl
efr
ownedandscof
fed.
..

Apple:neversayidi
dn'tstopyouoncetheybeatthe
l
ifeoutofyoumybr other.(Laughed)menandtheir
egos

Shesaidgoi
ngouti
naski
rt
,car
diganand
headscar
f.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..
Lovemoresi
ghedcomi ngdownwhi
leKuzi
vasmi
led
fi
nishi
ngwit
hthebreakfast
..
.

Lovemor
e:mor
ning
Lucas:mor
ningdad
Kuzi
va:mor
ningson
Lovemor
e:wher
e'sNyasha?(
Lucasscof
fed)
Kuzi
va:i
nherbedr
oom
Lovemor
e:ahaunt
yyouar
est
il
lkeepi
ngheri
n
ther
e?
Kuzi
va:yessheshoul
dlear
nsomemanner
s
Lovemore:noaunt
ythat'
snotgood.Theharderyou
areonherthemoresheclosesupandturnsint
o
somethi
ngwewon' tbeabletocont
rol
Kuzi
va:Nyashaneedst
olear
nthatl
if
eisnotawal
k
i
napar k
Lovemor
e:igetthatauntybuttherearesomany
waysofteachi
ngachi l
drespect.IknowNyasha
hasasharptonguebutwedon' thavetotreather
l
ikeananimal.Thi
schi
ldisgoi
ngt hroughalot
auntyandweshouldn'
ttur
nabl i
ndeyet othat
.I
underst
andthatyouar
eat r
adit
ionali
stauntybut
ti
meshavechangedyoucan'tdescipli
neachildl
ike
youdisci
pli
nedusbackintheday.Childr
enoftoday
arefr
agil
e
Kuziva:that'
swheretheproblem iswit
hyounew
agepar entsyouwanttotreattheseki
dslikeeggs.
Ther easonwhyyouar egoodki dsisbecauseof
howwer aisedyouandit
'sthesamemet hodthat
shouldtobeusedonot hercomi nggenerati
ons
Lovemor e:butaunt yli
keisai
dNyashai sgoing
throughal ot.Thi
schi l
dwasr aped,
st abbedand
foundoutshe' snotaKavi mbaandt hel astnai
lon
thecoffi
ni sthathermot heri
sinprison.Im not
sayingweshoul dwalkoneggshel l
sar oundherbut
l
et'ssuppor therwhileteachi
ngheronhowt obea
greatyoungwoman.She' sonahealingpat h
(Kuzivasighedsi t
ti
ngback)canipleasehavet he
keyt oherroom?
Shesquinthereyesathim andgavet
hem tohi
m
thenheadedupt oNyasha'
sbedroom whi
leLucas
quiet
lyat
ehisfood..
.

Lovemor
e:Nyasha?
Nyasha:ar
eyouher
etot
ellmehowi
llmanner
edi
am aswell
?
Lovemore:nobabyim not.Pleasegetr
eadywear
e
goingt
ot heof
fi
cetogethertoday
Nyasha:why?
Lovemor
e:iwantust
ospendt
hedayt
oget
her
Nyasha:ok

Hesmil
edleavi
ngasNyashasighedget
ti
ngoutof
bedandwenttothebat
hroom.
..

Lovemor
e:iwil
lgowit
hhert
otheof
fi
cet
odayi
wantustohaveachat
Kuzi
va:wel
ldon'
tsayinevert
ri
ed
Lovemore:iknowyoumeanwel launt
ybutletme
takecar
eofi tnow.Lucasi
m goi
ngtotryandtal
kto
Preci
ouslateronok
Lucas:doyout
hinkshewi
llgi
veyouananswer
?
Lovemor
e:shewon'
thaveachoi
ce
Lucas:goodl
ucki
m donewi
tht
hatwoman.Ieven
l
ostmyappetit
e

Hepushedtheplat
eawayandheadedupst
air
sas
Kuzi
valookedatLovemor
ewhosighed.

I
nTani
a'
shouse.
..

Shecurvedherli
psgoi
ngthroughMaya'
sphot
os
andscoffedshaki
ngherhead.
..

Tani
a:t
hisgi
rlr
eal
lyt
hinksshegoi
ngt
ogo
anywherewit
hJoshuanotifihaveanyt
hingtodo
wit
hi t
.Thatmani
smi newetherheorsheli
kesitor
not(shemadeacall
)
Rony:Tani
a
Tani
a:uncl
eRonyhi
Rony:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Tania:i
m gooduncl
eRonyim goingtosendyoua
fewphotosiwantyoutol
ookintothem andt
ryfi
nd
thenameoft heper
son
Rony:ohok.Why?
Tania:someonet
ryi
ngt
omessar
oundi
nmy
ter
ri
tory
Rony:(
laughed)doesi
tinvol
veaman?
Tani
a:f
acti
she'
smi
ne
Rony:Tani
adon'
tdot
hatt
oyour
sel
fmychi
ld
Tani
a:uncl
eRonyi
mtel
li
ngyout
hatt
hismani
s
mine
Rony:i
fhewasyour
shewoul
dn'
tbemessi
ng
ar
oundnowwouldhe?
Tani
a:ar
eyougoi
ngtohelpmeorshoul
dif
ind
someonewhowil
ldoi
tforme?
Rony:iwi
llhel
pyou
Tani
a:t
hankyou.Whenshoul
diexpectf
eedback?
Rony:bef
oret
heendoft
heday
Tani
a:(
smi
led)iknewicoul
dcountonyoumal
ome.
Bye

TheyhungupasTani
asmi
ledsi
tt
ingbackandsent
heruncl
ethephot
os.

I
nPr
ison.
..

WithabandageonherearPr eciousmadewayi nt
o
thevisit
ingareaandfr
ownedseei ngTshepo.
Tshepof rownedaswellseei
ngthebandageonher
ear.Shepr obabl
ygoti
ntoafight.Hesaidtohi
mself
asPr eci
oussatdown...
Precious:ohsonowyout hinkyoucancometome
afterallthemessyoucaused?Tshepodoyouknow
thathadyoumi ndedyourownbusinesswe
woul dn'tbeher
etoday?Imeanhowdoyougoof f
and...
Tshepo:Nal
esaysshehasachi
ldwi
thyou

Preci
ousheartski
ppedabeatasahugel umpgot
stuckonherthr
oat.Sheswal
loweditwi
thhereyes
widenedwhil
eTshepolookedatherwit
haserious
faceon.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
15] :AKEPTWOMAN
61
Pr
eci
oussneer
edwi
thherl
ipscur
vedandsatback.
..

Pr
eci
ous:Nal
esai
dwhat
?
Tshepo:youhear
dwhatisai
d
Preci
ous:sowhatareyoudoi
ngher
e?Whydon'
t
youtal
ktoheraboutitt
hen?
Tshepo:becauseiknowshe'sgoingt
otryandt
ri
ck
herwayoutofwhatshesai d.Samethi
ngyouare
goi
ngt otr
ytodobuti m notgoi
ngtosi
tfort
hat
.
Whatdidshemeanbyt hat?
Preci
ous:unf
or t
unatel
yyouwastedyourli
tt
let
ime
andenergybycomi nghere.Askhert
hatquest
ion
notme(sheclickedhertonguest
anding)
Tshepo:(
satback)ohokthenibeli
eveyouwoul
dn'
t
mindmegoi ngtoaskyourchi
ldr
enwhichoneof
them i
snotyours

Pr
eci
ousf
rozef
aci
ngt
heot
herwayandcl
osedher
eyesswal
lowi
ng.Sheexhal
edandt
urned.
..

Preci
ous:youknowwhatimti
red.I
m get
ti
ngsi
ck
andti
redofthesecatandmousegames
Tshepo:goodt
henst
artt
alki
ng
Preci
ous:(
putherhandsonherdeskandleanedon
him)yourpr
eciouswifecar
ri
edmy16yearoldson
forme(Tshepofrownedashishear
tski
ppedabeat)
yesther
eyouhavei t
.
Tshepo:how?
Preci
ous:shesl
eptwit
hmyhusband.(Tshepo
swall
owed)Thesameyearyouwenttoschoolover
seasisthesameyearshecar
ri
edLucasforme
Tshepo:soNal
echeat
edonme?
Pr
eci
ous:hamonat
ejwang
Tshepo:youwomenar eevi landihopeyoubot h
burninhellwi
thyourmother .Ican'
tbeli
evei
marri
edawomanwhosawi tf
itt
obetraymelike
that
.Ican'
tbeli
eveisharedabedwi t
hawoman
who'scapableofsuchthings.Hereiwaswi l
li
ngto
over
lookthefactthatshewasi nvol
vedinwitchcraft
pl
otswithyoubecausesheendedupchoosi ngme
butnoiwasf ool
ingmyself.Icursethedayifellin
l
ovewi t
hthatwomanandihopeshedi esfr
om t he
ki
dneyfail
ure

Hecl
ickedhi
stonguel
eavi
ngwhi
lePr
eci
ous
f
rowned..
.

Preci
ous:di
dyouj ustsayki
dneyf
ail
ure?(Tshepo
conti
nuedout)Tshepocomebackhere,Tshe..
.

Shesighedandslowlystoodupstr
aightdi
gest
ing
whatshejustheard.Asmilesl
owlybrokeasshe
madeherwaybackt ot
hecell.
..

Preci
ous:karmaner vermissesanaddress.Ihope
Tshepodoesn'tgotot hekidsorevenifhedoes
Lovemoreshoul dhaveherarrest
edforr apebut
whatusewi l
litbebecauseLucasi sgoingtoref
use
withhiskidneyand...
(shebursti
ntoaloudl augh)
ohthisissogood( turnedtotheguar
d)i fyoudidn'
t
beli
eveinkarmast arttodaymylovebitchnever
rest
sunt i
lshegetsyou

Sheheavedahugesi
ghwi
thabi
gsmi
leonherf
ace.

Att
hehol
dingcel
ls.
..

Kgomotsoqui
etl
ysatwaiti
ngforhersi
sterwho
camewithasadfaceon.Hereyeswereswollen
andredfr
om al
lthecr
ying.
..

Kgomotso:ohsi
sterbat
hong(
Patiencef
oughtt
o
bl
ockhertear
s)i
m sosor r
ymothowame
Pati
ence:(cur
vedherl
ips)whyKgomotsowhy
wouldshedot hi
stome?I t
'snotmypr
oblem t
hat
shecan'thaveki
ds.Whywoul dLor
nahurtmychi
ld
l
ikethi
s?
Kgomot
so:(
conf
used)Lor
naagai
n?
Pat
ience:ofcourseKgomotsothatwi
tchused
Onkabetsetopushherwickedagenda
Kgomotso:thesamewomanr unni
ngupanddown
pr
epar
ingf orJuni
or'
ssendof
f?
Pati
ence:she'
sdoingsotoputaweboveryou
i
diot'
sfaces.She'
shappynowshegotr
idofthe
thr
eattoherdeadmarri
age
Kgomotso:comeonPat i
enceiknowyouar eangry
butno,
LornaisagoodwomanPat i
enceyouar et
he
oneint
hewr onghere.Thef actthatsheaskedme
tobeapartofthef
uner alarrangementsshouldsay
alot
Pati
ence:waitseosesoKgomot sooeyet hefelae
tsi
ediwangkemosadiyomongwe.( Youar eani diot,
youar esodumpt hatyoucanwat chawomanf ool
youlikethi
s)Can'tyouseewhatshe' sdoing?She
wantsyout othinkshe'sgoodbut...
.(swal
lowed)
youknowwhat ,idon'twanttot
alkaboutt hatwitch
butthesecondi m outofhereim goingtogoaf t
er
herwhol ef
ami l
yshewi l
lknowwhoiam.Kemol ete
nnayoudon'
tpl
ayl
i
ket
hatwi
thme.
Kgomotso:(
sighed)tal
kingtoyouisastal
kingt
oa
br
ickwall
.Whyar etheystil
lkeepi
ngyouhere?
Wereyounotsupposedt obeoutonbail?
Pat
ience:i
m st
il
lwai
ti
ngonal
awyer
.
Kgomot
so:whatl
awyer
,thest
atel
awyer
?
Pat
ience:yes
Kgomot
so:owaif
orgetaboutt
hosedear
.Kant
e
wenadi
dn'
tyouputsomemoneyaway?
Pat
ience:mymoneyi
sfi
xedican'
taccessi
tnow
Kgomotso:i
jo(
checkedthetime)i
m goingto
Gabor
one.Todayisthecol
lecti
onofthebody
Pat
ience:(
scof
fed)soi
m notgoi
ngt
obur
ymyown
chi
ldKgomotso?
Kgomotso:youbroughti
tonyourselfmyl ove.How
l
onghaveit ol
dyout ost
ayawayf r
om theDuncan's?
Butyouneverwantedtoli
sten.I
t'
ssopai nfult
hat
l
it
tl
eJuniorhadtohecaughtupi nallt
hismess.
Sal
asentlemma( staywell
)
Shepushedthechairbackandsighedleavingwhil
e
Pati
encesatback.Thethoughtofhernotburyi
ng
herchi
ldpier
cedherheartli
keasharpnailasshe
putherhandsonherfaceandbur sti
ntotearsagai
n.

I
nJoshua'
shouse.
..

Withthehel pofthehomenur seKeneil

wef i
nished
dressingVictorwhol ookedverycleanandwel lkept.
Hewasal waysbat hedbutthebathhej usthadf el
t
di
fferent.Wasi tbecauseofKeneilwe'
sgent l
eness?
Thenur seleftasKeneilwebut t
oneduphi sshir
tand
brushedhiseyebr ows...

Kenei
lwe:done
Vi
ctor
:thankyou
Kenei
lwe:youdon'
thavet
oment
ioni
t
Vi
ctor
:not
hankyoul
iker
eal
lyt
hankyou
Kenei
lwe:f
or?
Victor:whatyouar edoi
ngforme.Youshouldbe
throwingstonesandchai r
satmenowbutyouar e
not.Idon'tdeserveanyofthi
sespeci
all
yaft
erthe
wayihavet r
eatedyouthat'
swhyifeell
ikei
m
obligedtothankyoueachsecondiget
Keneil
we:wellihadachatwit
hMayaandsheput
somelighti
ntome.Focusingont
hepastdoes
nothi
ngbutdeepenthewoundbutmovingonheal
s
thewoundcompl et
ely
Vi
ctor
:(smi
led)awi
seyoungwomant
hatoneneh?
Keneil
we:(
smi
l
ed)shet
akesaf
terhermot
herof
course
Vi
ctor
:whof
ert
il
izedwhoagai
n?(
Theyl
aughed)
Kenei
lwe:t
hatdoesn'
tmat
terimeanevent
hel
ooks
Vict
or:butshehasmynose.Theshar
ppoi
ntywhi
te
nose(theylaughed)andmyeyes
Kenei
lwe:j
ustt
het
wooft
hoseohcomeon
Vict
or:hel
lo,
ski
ncolourser
engmongwaneng
(t
heylaughedoutl
oud)
Kenei
lwe:bathongVictorwhenwil
lyoustopwith
t
hissi
llybehaviourofyoursgat
weskincolourse
rengmo...

Theylaughedsohardunti
lthei
rbodi
eshur
tas
Vict
orstar
tedtocoughbadly.
..

Kenei
lwe:ar
eyouok?

Hejustbeathischestcoughi
ngasshequi
ckl
y
gr
abbedhisoxygent ankandputt
hemaskonhim
asthecoughingsubsided.
..

Kenei
lwe:ther
ewego.Youwil
llandmeintr
oubl
e
i
ja(hefoughtsohar
dnott
olaugh)Vi
ctorst
op
i
t.
..
Vic.
..

Theyl
aughednonet
hel
essasHer
ber
tandApr
il
wenti
n..
.
Her
ber
t:wewantt
oknowt
hej
okeaswel
l
Kenei
lwe:yourgr
andf
atheri
sjustbei
ngsi
ll
y.He'
s
busyt
easingmydaughter
Apr
il
: whatdi
dhesayaboutmymot her
?(Shesai
d
hol
dingherwaistast
heyl
aughed)
Vi
ctor
:guysst
opi
tyouwantt
oki
llme
Her
bert
:ohnonoidon'
twantyoutogowithout
t
eachi
ngmeallt
hecardgametri
cksfi
rst
Apr
il
:rememberyoupromi
sedyouwi
llt
eachme
howtosingbeaut
if
yli
kemama
Vi
ctor
:ohl
ove,
sheal
sogott
hesi
ngi
ngf
rom me
Keneil
we:ohpl
easeVict
orstopgivingyour
sel
f
undeservi
ngcr
editj
ustl
ist
entothisguysandtel
l
mewho' sabet
tersi
nger

Shedidaf ewchoralpent
atonicnotesasVict
ortook
offt
hemaskanddi dsomeaswel l.Herber
tand
Apri
lwidenedthei
reyeslookingatthem aswhat
wassupposedtobeajoketur
nedi
ntoaseri
ous
si
ngoffunt
ilt
hecoughingcamebackagai
n..
.

Kenei
lwe:andiwon
Her
ber
t:noi
t'
sgr
andad
Apr
il
:buthecoughed
Her
ber
t:st
il
lhewasgooddi
dyouheart
hat
..
.

Heimitat
edhi sgrandfat
herastheyl
aughed.
Keneil
weshookherheadandputt hetankunderhi
s
newwheel chairr
oll
inghim out
.Theki
dsimitat
ed
them whi
letheylaughed.

I
nRasesa.
..

Makitookherglassesof
fandcl
osedthebookshe
wasreadingasVusisatdownsmil
ingandfi
nished
t
alki
ngtot hephone..
.
Maki
:and?
Vusi
:ahnowegother
Maki
:iml
ist
eni
ng
Vusi
:she'
swor ki
nginKgangTr avelandtour
s
company.Staysinblock10(tol
dhertheplot
number)dr
ivesthelatestGTI(t
oldhert
heplate
number)
Maki
:(smi
led)ohmyt
hisi
ssogood
Vusi
:sowhat
'st
henextst
ep?
Maki
:hi
jackandki
ll
Vusi
:okwhatcanihel
pwi
th?
Maki:
makesuretofi
nd7f i
tboyst
ofoll
owher
.
Theymustbearmedandbeabletoshoott
oki
ll
.I
wantnomist
akesunder
stood?
Vusi
:tr
ustmeiwon'
tfai
lyou
Maki
:goodandmakesuretheybutcherher
.Cuther
i
ntost
ewinghumanf
leshifpossi
ble
Vusi
:gotthat
.Whenshouldwedoitbecauseshe'
s
al
waystravel
li
ngwithwhatseemst
obeher
boyf
ri
endenat hesameguyshecameherewith
Maki:
eveniftheyki
llt
hem t
oget
heridon'
tcar
e.He
l
ookswelloffsohemusttheoneearni
ngalot
.With
hi
m deadtheywon'tbeabl
etokeepupwithVi
ctor
's
needs
Vusi:ok(
athoughtcrossedhi
smi nd)wait,how
aboutwelaylowabitandwaitforhertoputhim on
l
ifei
nsurancepol
ici
esthenwekillthem atonce?
Maki
:(smi
led)ohsoyoucanbesmar
they
Vusi
:(smi
led)af
teral
lim shar
ingabedwi
tht
he
smart
estwoman
Maki
:mor
emoneyf
orusbaby

Theyl
aughedasaknockcamet
hrough.
..

Maki
:(f
rowned)whoi
sit
?
Vusi
:idon'
tknow
Maki
:(cl
ear
edhert
hroat
)whoi
sit
?
Ker
eng:t
hepol
icepl
easeopenup

Theyfrownedl
ooki
ngatoneanot
herasMaki
went
toopen..
.

Maki
:oh,
sir
Ker
eng:your
emembermer
ight
?
Maki
:ofcourseyoucameher
ewi
ththatyounggi
rl
andaccusedmeofabusi
ngmyhusband
Kereng:andthat
'swhywearehereagai
n.I
thas
beenproventhatMrLentswehassuf
fer
edsome
bonefractur
esfr
om fal
li
ng
Maki
:excuseme?
Kereng:yesma'
am.SoMakiLentsweandyour
nepheworwhateveri
tisweareher
etoarr
estyou
formistr
eati
nganunabl
eperson
Bot
h:what
!?
Ker
eng:of
fi
cer
scuf
fthem
Maki
:aewear
enot
..
.
Ker
eng:nomamal
et'
snotwast
eoneanot
her
'st
ime
pl
ease

SheandVusit ri
edtofightt
heoff
icer
sbutfai
ledas
theydraggedthem out.Ker
engscoff
edshaki
nghis
headandl ockedthehousewhil
etheduogot
thrownintoavan.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Ronafr
ownedseei
ngPr
eci
ouswhohadabandage
onherear
..
.

Rona:andt
henwena?
Pr
ecious:thatcrazywomani shareacellwi
thbi
t
myearof fbutthatisn'
timpor
tantwhat
'simpor
tant
i
s..
.
Rona:wai t
,shedidwhat?Nothat'
snotr
ight
Preci
ousweshoul dreportt
hesepeopl
e.Howdare
theytakeyoui nacel
lwit
hacr azywoman?That'
s
unlawfulandwecansuet hem.Weneedt ogeta
l
awyerand. ..
Preci
ous:okokihearyouwewi
llgett
othatonebut
canyoupleasel
ist
entome
Rona:whati
sit
?
Pr
eci
ous:(
smi
led)it
oldt
het
rut
h
Rona:whatt
rut
h?
Pr
eci
ous:aboutNal
e
Rona:wai
twhat
!?Pr
eci
ousar
eyoucr
azyhowcan
you.
..
Pr
eci
ous:yohRonacanyoupl
easet
onei
tdown
wi
tht
heshouti
ng
Rona:noPr
eciousareyouawareofwhatt
hiswoul
d
dotoyourr
elat
ionshi
pwithyourki
ds?
Pr
ecious:itdoesn'
tmatterwhatmat t
ersi
st he
ef
fectsit
'sgoingtohaveont hatunscr
upulous
wi
tch( Ronafrowned)she'ssuff
eri
ngfrom kidney
fai
lureandneedsadonor .Nooneisamat chandi
beli
eveLucasi s.Knowi ngwhoNal eisLucasis
goingtorefuset ogiveherakidneyandguesswhat ,
shewi l
ldi
e.But ,l
et'
ssayshe' sl
uckyt ofi
ndadonor
besidesLucas, Tshepoi sgoi
ngt odi
vorceherand
whensheheal sLovemor eisgoingtoslapherwi t
h
rapecharges.Imeanhowsweeti skarma( she
l
aughedasasmi lebrokeonRona' sface)getit
?
Shehasnowayout
Rona:ican'
tbel
ieveim goi
ngtosaythi
sbuti
m
pr
oudofyouf ortel
li
ngthetrut
h.Nowtheuni
ver
se
i
sgoingtodealwi t
hherforus
Preci
ous:iwi
shicoul
dshaket
hisbit
chcal
led
karma'
shandyouknow(theyl
aughed)
Rona:good,wi
thheroutofthewayl et
'st
alkabout
theadvant
agesofyoursit
uationforusbut
fi
rst
..
.(
scoff
ed)ogongathi
letsebekannete?(Di
d
shereal
lybi
teoffyourear
)

Ronal
aughedwhi
lePr
eci
ouspout
edannoyed.
AtKavi
mbamot
ors.
..

Lovemorewenti
ntohi
sof
fi
cewhi
leNyashapl
ayed
onherphone.
..

Lovemor
e:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Nyasha:i
m bor
edbuti
tsbet
tert
hanst
ayi
nghome
Lovemore:okiwi
llf
indyousomet
hingt
odobut
fi
rstiwantustot
alkmygirl
Nyasha:mhem
Lovemor e:youar eaver yopinionatedyounggi rl
andi understandt hatbutiwantyout ounder stand
thateventhemostopi ni
onatedpeopl eneedhel pat
ti
mesandbei ngopi nionateddoesn'tgivet hem the
ri
ghttospeakt otheiradultshowevert heywant .
There'sathinl i
nebet weenbeingopi nionatedand
beingacompl etebruteandatyourageyoushoul d
beabl et
odi fferenti
atethose.Youhavebeen
throughal otmychi ldandapar tofmef eelsli
ke
youar esuppr essingthefeeli
ngwhi cht henf or
ces
youtobethisangryyounggir
l.Youar
eangryr
ight
?
(Shenodded)that
'swhyineedyoutostar
t
counsel
li
ngagain
Nyasha:butdadi
..
.
Lovemor e:t rustmet alkingaboutyourf eelingswi ll
helpyoudealwi t
hal lyouhavebeent hr ough.Thi s
processwi llhelpyoubeabet terper sonmychi ld.I
don'tl
ikeseei ngyouf ightwi thyourgr andmot her .
Shest i
llbel ievest heoldmet hodofdi sciplinest il
l
applyint hiser abutt hat 'snothowi tis.Ti mes
changeandsodoescul tureevol vepeopl ehave
ri
ghtsnowandshecanbear restedf orwhatshedi d.
Youwoul dhavecal l
edt hepol iceshoul dshehad
nottakenyourphoner ight ?(Shenodded)andt hey
weregoi ngt otakeheraway.Evenyoumychi ld
werenotr ightt osayal lt hethingsyousai dt oher
that'
sdisr espect fulanddemeani ngsoiwantyout o
apologiset oherandshewi l
lapol ogiset oyou.
NyashayouandLucasar estil
lkidsandaski dsyou
areoughtt ocar ryoutsomer esponsi bili
tiesint he
house.Thathousei snotmi nenorgr annyKuzi va's
butyour s, t
het woofyou.Whoser esponsi bil
ityi sit
t
omakesur
eit
'si
ngoodshape?
Nyasha:our
s
Lovemor e:goodsoinst
eadofbeingonyourphone
alltheti
me.Havear outi
nethatyoudoeveryday
especiall
ywhenschoolsareclosedli
kethi
s.That'
s
allgrannywantsfrom t
hetwoofyou.Asayoung
womanyouhavet oknowhowt ocookusethetime
youar espendingonyourphonetowat chcooki
ng
cl
assesandt r
youtnewt hi
ngsatthehouse
Nyasha:okdad
Lovemor e:(
tookherhand)andlastl
ydespit
eyou
fi
ndingoutthatyouar enotmydaughteryoushoul
d
knowt hatim yourf
atherandiwil
lalwaysl
oveyou.
Bloodornotyouar emi ne
Nyasha:(
smi
led)t
hankyoudad
Lovemore:andagai
nihear
dwhatyoudi
dtoMaya'
s
daught
ersoiwantyoutoapol
ogi
setoher
Nyasha:ok
Lovemore:good.Soweagreet
hatyouwil
lst
art
counsel
li
ngsessionsf
oryoutobeabett
erwoman?
(Shenodded)per
fectiwi
llcal
lMsAdiol
eandbook
anappoint
mentwithherforyou.Comeher
e(t
hey
hugged)il
oveyouok
Nyasha:il
oveyoumor
e
Lovemor
e:l
et'
sgof
indyousomet
hingt
odo

Hesmil
edtaki
ngherhandasshel
eftherphoneon
hi
sdeskandfol
lowedhi
m out
.

THATAFTERNOON.
..

AtTshepo'
shouse.
..

Hetookasipofhi sdoubletotcognacandgrunted
swal
lowingi
t.Hest i
llcouldn'
tbeli
evewhatNaledid
tohi
m andallhewant edrightthatsecondwasfor
hert
obepuni shed.Wasi tgoingtobebydeathor
hewantedtoseeherl oseherwi l
ltoli
vedayinand
dayout?Heaskedhi mselfashest oodonhisfeet
andexhaled.Hepacedaroundwi ththetwooptions
runningonhismind.Hesatont hedeskandheaved
anothersi
ghtaki
nghisphone.Hewenti ntogoogle
andsearchedKavimbamot ors.Thenumber
displ
ayedashetappedoni tandpr essedcal
l.
..

Lady:Kavi
mbamot
orshowmayibeofhel
p?
Tshepo:youar
espeaki
ngt
oTshepof
rom TS
Holdi
ngsmayispeaktoMrKavi
mba?
Lady:okj
ustasecondasiputyout
hrough(
shedi
d)
Lovemore:Kavi
mbamot
orst
hisi
sMrKavi
mba
speaki
ng
Tshepo:(
clear
edhisthr
oat
)youar
espeaki
ngt
o
Tsheposir
,Nale'
shusband
Lovemor
e:ohTshepowhatcanihel
pwi
th?
Tshepo:doyouhaveti
met
hiseveni
ngt
her
e's
somethingiwoul
dli
keust
otal
kabout
Lovemore:ohok.Yessi
ricanmakesomet
ime
what'
sthisabout
?
Tshepo:ourwi
ves
Lovemor
e:ohokiwi
lldef
ini
tel
ymaket
imef
oryou
then
Tshepo:thankyousomuch.Pleasepassyour
pri
vatenumbersothaticansendyoulocat
ion
Lovemor
e:nopr
obl
em

Hedi
dastheyhungupwhi
leatt
hehospi
talNal
e
swal
l
owedasanursewal
kedin.
..

Nal
e:si
ster
,whatt
imei
sit
?
Nur
se:15:
50
Nal
e:okt
hankyou

Shef r
ownedwonderingwhyTshepodi
dn'
tcome
checkonherthataf
ternoonbutt
hensi
ghedasshe
thoughthewasheldupandwi l
lcomei
nthe
evening.
Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Crowd: Yawayawale'
mbewu,yawayawaoh
yawayawalembewuyawayawel
'mhlabeni
..
.

Theysangas4ment ookbabyDuncan'
scoff
inout
ofthehearseandmadewayi nt
othehousewitht
he
famil
yfoll
owingthem.Duncanwalkedwi
thhi
shead
downsilentl
ycryi
ngwhil
eLornati
ghtl
yhel
dhis
handrubbinghisarm.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
15] :AKEPTWOMAN
 62

Theyputt
hecof
fi
nonthestandi
nthemain
bedr
oom ast
hecrowdst
oppedsi
nging.
..

Pastor:mayweal lbowourheadsandpr ay.Father

herewear eagainwithourr estingli
ttl
eangelf orthe
l
astt i
mei nt hi
swor l
d.Fatherbewi t
ht hefamily
toni
ghtast heywil
lbepr epar i
ngtosendhi m of fto
hisfinalresti
ngplace.Mayt heangelsofheavenbe
withhim andt herestofthef ami l
yfrom hereon
ChristLord.Healtheirshutteredhear tsJesus
remindt hem thatcomf or
tisf oundinyouourLor d
andsavi our.InJesus'smight ynameLor dwepr ay.
Amen
Al
l:amen
Pastor
:thankyouever
yonemaywehave
announcementsift
her
eareany
Man:thankyoupastor
.Thankyoutoeveryonewho
hasbeenwithusthepastfewdays.Asthepast
or
saidinhisprayerwewillbelayingoursont orest
tomorrowandt heprogram shallcommenceat5: 30
i
nt hemor ni
ng.Itwil
lbeashor tservi
ceast hi
sisa
chil
dsoyouar eadvi
cedtobeont ime.Onyourway
outtherearesomepackst osnackonpl easegrab
somef oryoursel
vesasyoumakeyourwayout .
Thankyou

Theymadethei
rwayoutgr
abbi
ngonthesnack
packswhi
leAppl
ecal
ledKgomot
so.
..

Kgomot
so:hi
Appl
e:sohi
sschoolmat
eswi
llbeabl
etocome
ri
ght
?
Kgomotso:yesiconfi
rmedwitht
heheadt
eacher
whil
ewewer eatthemortuar
yshesai
dtheschool
buswil
ltr
ansportthem
Appl
e:good.Wantsomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Kgomot
so:ei
shmmakenyor
il
webi
rigor
e(i
m
t
hir
styf
oral
cohol
)
Appl
e:nnyammathatidon'
thaveaccesst
o.You
st
il
lwannadri
nkaf
terwhathappened?
Kgomot
so:im sorr
ymynephewisnomor ebut
t
hat'
snotgoi
ngt ostopmef
rom dr
inki
ng
Appl
e:oh,
ok
Kgomot
so:butiwi
llhol
dmysel
funt
ilt
omor
row

Appl
escof
fedshakingherheadandmadeherway
outt
oTonywhileMayaandJoshuamadewayt o
themai
nbedroom aft
ert
akingthei
rsnacks.
..

Joshua:bagol
o(adul
ts)
Al
l:eer
ra
Joshua:Duncanwear
eleavi
ngwewi
llcomef
ort
he
buri
altomorr
ow
Duncan:nopr
obl
em t
hanksf
orcomi
ng
Joshua:nopr
obl
em.Ever
yoneel
sewi
llcome
tomorr
ow
Duncan:i
t'
snotapr
obl
em
Maya:becomf
ort
edMrDuncan
Duncan:t
hankyouMsMoet
i

Theysmiledl
eavingwhi
leoutsi
deApplesai
d
goodbyetoTonywholeftandfrownedseei
ngSaint
si
tt
ingalonewit
hhismindmi l
esaway.Shewentto
hi
m andpokedhisshoulderashejumpedstar
tl
ed..
.

Sai
nt:youscar
edmeman
Appl
e:ar
eyouok?
Sai
nt:yeswhy?
Appl
e:youar
eawf
ull
yqui
etandj
umpySai
nt.I
sit
t
hegirl
?
Sai
nt:ij
ustcan'
tst
opwonder
ingwhot
hatboyi
s
youknow
Appl
e:haveyouspokent
oyourgi
rl
?
Sai
nt:yesbutshehasn'
trespondedmymessages
Appl
e:j
ustl
eti
tgomanahyouwi
llf
indanot
hergi
rl
Sai
nt:whycan'
tyouunder
standt
hatil
iket
hisgi
rl
andiwantheronl
y?
Apple:okthatsoundsli
keanobsessionandan
obsessionwilldonothi
ngbutputyouinsi
tuat
ions
youwon' tbeabletocontr
ol
Sai
nt:j
ustl
eavemeal
oneAppl
e
Appl
e:Sai
ntdon'
tbet
hatper
sonpl
ease
Saint
:ei
shdoyouevermi
ndyourownbusi
ness
though?
Appl
e:ohwow
Sai
nt:l
eavemeal
onet
hat'
salli
m aski
ngfrom you
not
hingmuchbutt
omindyourownbusiness

Hestoodupleavi
ngwhileAppl
efr
ownedaski
ng
her
selfal
otofquest
ions.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..
Nyashamadeherwayint
othehouseandf
ound
Kuzi
vaint
hekit
chen.
..

Nyasha:gooddaygr
anny
Kuzi
va:hel
lo
Nyasha:wher
eisLucas?
Kuzi
va:hewentt
oMaya'
shouse
Nyasha:ohok.Doyouneedsomehel
pther
e?
(
Kuzivafrowned)yes,
no?
Kuzi
va:youcanhel
p
Nyasha:ok

Shesmiledputt
inghersmal
lbagonthecouchand
wenttotheki
tchenwhereshewashedherhands
andtookthechoppi
ngboardfr
om Kuzi
va..
.

Nyasha:dadsayshe'
sgoi
ngt
ocomehomel
ate.
He'smeet
ingafri
endfordr
inksandf
oodsowe
shoul
dn'
twaitonhim
Kuzi
va:ohok.Lucasi
salsogoi
ngtosl
eepat
Maya'
shousesoi t
'sj
ustt
hetwoofus
Nyasha:ohokmaybet
henthi
sisourchancef
or
youtoteachmehowtokni
t
Kuzi
va:oh
Nyasha:yeah.Ihaveseenthebeauti
fult
hingsyou
madefrom woolsoiwantt olear
n.Youneverknow
maybeiwi l
lbeperfectasyouandwecanst artour
ownbusiness(shechuckled)
Kuzi
va:ohokt
heniwi
llt
eachyou.
Nyasha:andij
ustwanttosayim sor
ryf
orallt
he
thi
ngsisaidt
oyou.Thatwassoillmanner
edofme
anduncall
edforsoi
mr eal
lysor
ry
Kuzi
va:o-
kay
Nyasha:andf
rom nowoniwi llst
artbeingthechi
ld
youwantinme.Im grat
efulf
orallthethings
ever
yonedoformeandi tsti
meishowi ngthe
grat
it
udebyrespect
ingyouguysandbewel l
behaved.Beingangrywon'tdoanygoodforme.I
wanttobeabet terwomant hanmymotherissot
he
sooneristar
tpracti
cingt
hatthebet
ter

Shesmi l
edpeel
ingcarr
otswhi l
eKuzivasmi l
edwit
h
afrownonherfacelooki
ngather .Herspendingt
he
daywi t
hLovemoreseemedt ohavebr oughtsome
l
ightint
oherandshewasl ovingeverythi
ngabouti
t.

THATEVENI
NG

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

Tshepol
ookeddownonhi
sphoneaf
teror
der
ingas
Lovemor
ejoinedhi
m..
.

Tshepo:MrKavi
mba
Lovemor
e:goodeveni
ng.Sor
ryf
orbei
ngl
atet
raf
fi
c
wasbad
Tshepo:yeahit
'saFri
daypeopleareoutandabout
(t
heychuckled)ij
ustor
deredsomef oodformysel
f
youcancallthewait
ertoplaceyour
s
Lovemor
e:ohok

Hesnappedast
hewai
terwentt
ohi
m andt
ookhi
s
or
der.
..

Lovemor
e:sowhat
'sgoi
ngonitwassohar
dto
avoi
dbei
nganxi
ousthewhol
eday
Tshepo:(si
ghed)ihavediscoveredsomething
aboutourwivesandidon'tknowi fyouknowabout
thi
s.(Cl
earedhisthr
oat)apparentl
ymywi fecarr
ied
achil
dforyou
Lovemor
e:what
!?
Tshepo:yesiover
hear
dherspeaki
ngtohersel
fand
wenttoPreci
ousandaskedheraboutt
his
Lovemor
e:whatdi
dyouj
ustsay?
Tshepo:i
mtel
li
ngyouMrKavi
mbaandf
rom your
r
eact
ionigett
hatyouknownot
hing
Lovemore:ofcour
seidon'
t(scof
fed)Nal
eis
Lucas'
smot her
Tshepo:youknowoneofyourchi
ldr
enar
enot
Preci
ous's?
Lovemore:yeswejustdi
scover
edt
hatafewdays
ago.Shesaidtousthemotheri
snomore(scof
fed
again)what?
Tshepo:yeah
Lovemore:nowayTsheponoway.Di
dshet
ellyou
howithappened?
Tshepo:yousl
eptwi
thNal
e
Lovemor
e:no
Tshepo:t
hat
'swhatPr
eci
oust
oldme
Lovemor
e:Tshepoar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Howdoisleepwit
hanot
herwomanwhil
emar r
ied?
How?
Tshepo:idon'
tknowaswel
lmaybeyouwer
e
druggedwhoknows
Lovemor
e:(
laughed)t
hisi
sunbel
ievabl
e
Tshepo:unbel
ievabl
eisanunder
stat
ement
Lovemore:noPreci
ousneedstobepuni shedfor
thi
showcanshedosomet hi
nglikethi
st omyson
andi?Sheliedt
ohimtell
inghim hi
smot herisno
morewhilesheknowsit
sherbestf r
iend.Wow
Tshepo:ihaveneverbeendef
eat
edli
ket
his.I
fit
weren'
tforNalehavi
ngakidneypr
obl
em we
wouldn'
thaveneverknown
Lovemor
e:what
'swr
ongwi
thherki
dneys?
Tshepo:t
heyaredeadsheneedsadonorandnone
ofusinthefami
lyareamatchsoibel
ieveyourson
i
sherlasthope
Lovemore:sonotonl
ydotheydot
histomyson
nowhehast ohelpher
?(RememberedChi
oma'
s
dream)yoh
Tshepo:sothebal
lisi
nyourcourt
.Youwil
lchoose
wethertohel
pherornotbecausei
m donewit
hher
Lovemor
e:t
hat
'sLucas'
schoi
cebutknowingLucas
he'
snotgoi
ngt
ot akeanyofi
tlyi
ngdown.Nei
ther
i
m it
obehonest
,im goi
ngtohaveherar
rest
ed,
t
hosewomensexuall
yassaul
tedme
Tshepo:dowhatyoucansiral
liwantedt
odowas
tol
etyouknowofhowwi ckedyour,
ourwivesar
e
Lovemor e:iknowPr eciousiswi
ckedbutthi
sisone
hel
llevelofwi ckednesswhatcanthatwomannot
do?Anywaycanwevi si
tyourwi
fetomorr
ow
morning?
Tshepo:nopr
obl
em
Lovemore:goodbecauseiwanthertotellLucas
andi t
hetrut
htoourfaces.Ineedi
ttobeher
breaki
ngthenewstohim.Im notgoi
ngt osay
anythi
ngtohim
Tshepo:okwewi
llgot
hen

Lovemorelaughedshaki
nghi
sheadi
ndi
sbel
iefas
thei
rfoodcame.

AtTani
a'
shouse.
..
Shewhi
stl
edf
ixi
ngherweaveasherphoner
ang.
..

Tani
a:(
smi
led)uncl
eRony
Rony:ihaveyouri
nfor
mat
ion
Tani
a:ohwonder
ful
.What
'sup?
Rony:hernameisMaya.APRandpol
it
icalsci
ence
graduat
e.28yearsol
dturni
ng29t
omor
row.Wor ks
atKgangTravelandTour
sasaPRmanager
Tani
a:ohaleaner
dwhor
eok.Anyt
hingmor
e
exci
ti
ngabouther
?
Rony:ahshe'
sjustasi
mpl
eyoungl
adywi
tht
wo
ki
ds
Tani
a:t
woki
dshowol
dar
ethey?
Rony:5and3
Tani
a:ohok.Yousayshe'
stur
ning29t
omor
row?
Rony:yes
Tani
a:anyt
hingaboutherpl
ans?
Rony:not
hing
Tani
a:ei
sh.Ok.Thankyouuncl
eRonza
Rony:sowhatar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
odo?
Tani
a:donotwor
ryyour
sel
faboutt
hatoneuncl
e.
Seeyousoonhey
Rony:Tani
a..
.Ta(
shehunguponhi
m ashesi
ghed)
Tania:nowletthedanci
ngbeginmyl
ove.Maythe
bestbitchwinandjustf
oryourowni
nfor
mati
onit
s
goingtobeme

Shel
aughedt
aki
ngherbagandcarkeysl
eavi
ng.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG.

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Itwasar
ound4:00am asJoshuacameoutoft
he
bathr
oom andsatnextt
oasleepi
ngMaya.He
smil
edandkissedherf
orheadasshesof
tl
ygr
unt
ed
waki
ngup..
.

Joshua: happybi
rt
hdaytoyou.Happybirt
hdayto
you.Happybi
rt
hdaydearYaya.Happybi
rt
hdayto
you
Maya:(
chuckl
edr
ubbi
nghereyes)awwt
hankyou
Joshua:iwi
shyounot
hingbutt
hebestok
Maya:t
hankyou.Whatt
imei
sit
?
Joshua:4am ij
ustpour
edwaterf
oryouinabat
hso
gobathsothatwemakei tt
othefuner
alont
ime
Maya:ohok.Whatawaytostar
tmybi
rt
hday.
At
tendi
nganinfant
'sf
uner
alyoh
Joshua:t
hatiswhywear
eal
wayst
oldt
oli
veeach
dayli
keit
'sourl
ast
Maya:yeahhey
Joshua:i
m goi
ngt oi
ronmyshirtar
eyougoi
ngt
o
wearanythi
ngthatneedsi
roni
ng?
Maya:noi
m wear
ingmybl
ackwooldr
essi
t'
sabi
t
chi
ll
ytoday
Joshua:ok.Bequi
ckhey
Maya:eer
ra

Shechuckl
edheadi
ngt
othebat
hroom whi
le
Joshuasmil
ed.
..

Maya:(
openedt
hebat
hroom)awwJo

Sheturnedtohim smi
li
ngasshesawcandles
aroundthebathtubwi
thbi
ginfl
atedbal
loonsanda
bunchofroses..
.

Maya:whendi
dyoudot
his?
Joshua:whydoyout
hinkLucasi
sher
e
Maya:t
hatl
it
tl
erascal
soyouguyswereplot
ti
ng
behi
ndmyback(theyl
aughed)t
hissobeaut
if
ul
Joshua:i
m gl
adyoul
ovei
t.Youmi
ghtbegoi
ngt
oa
funer
albutyouar
egoi
ngt
oenj
oyyourbi
rt
hday
countonthat
Maya:whathaveyoupl
anned?
Joshua:Mayabat
h

Helaughedgoingtotheironi
ngroom whil
eMaya
wentinthebathr
oom andsmel l
edtheroses.She
t
ookof fhersl
eepi
ngclothesandwentintothe
waterandstar
tedtopray.

LATERTHATMORNI
NG

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Tshepomadehi
swayintot
her
oom whi
leLucas
camebehi
ndhisfat
her
..
.

Lucas:whycan'
tyout
ellmewhywear
eher
edad?
Lovemor
e:youwi
llf
indoutj
ustnow
Tshepo:mor
ningNal
e
Nal
e:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)mor ni
ng.Whydi
dn'
tyou
cometocheckuponmel astni
ght?
Tshepo:iwascaughtupwit
hsomethi
ng.Icame
wit
hsomeonet heywantt
otalkt
oyou
Nal
e:(
frowned)who?
Tshepo:(
openedt
hedoor
)youcancomei
n

Shefr
ownedmorelooki
ngatthedoorandassoon
asLovemor
eandLucasmadet hei
rwayinherhear
t
ski
ppedabeatasshechokedonhersal
iva.
..
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
15] :AKEPTWOMAN
63

Nal
e:what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?I
sPr
eci
ousok?
Lucas:ser
iousl
ynowdadwhyar
eweher
e?
Tshepo:Nal
ehassomet
hingt
osayt
oyoumyboy
(hefr
owned)
Nal
e:what
?
Tshepo:ori
m il
ying?
Nal
e:idon'
tknowwhatyouar
eonabout
Lovemore:t
here'
snoneedforthebackandfor
th
mysist
er.Yourhusbandover
heardyouyest
erday
Nal
e:what
?
Tshepo:yesandiwentt
oPr
eci
ousandshe
confi
rmedeveryt
hing
Lucas:bat
hongwhati
sgoi
ngonher
e?

Meanwhi
leNal
eswal
lowedasherhear
traced.She
l
ookedatTshepoasshef
eltherar
mpi
tssweat
ing.
..

Tshepo:t
heyoungmani
swai
ti
ngonyou
Nal
e:Tshepohowcanyoudot
hist
ome?
Lucas:youknowwhatihavebet
tert
hingst
odoi
can'
tbehereallday
Lovomor
e:Nal
e
Nal
e:youar
enotgoi
ngt
o..
.
Tshepo:Lucas,
Nal
eisyourmot
her

Lucas'seyeswidenedashisheartdropped.Nale
closedhereyessoftl
yshakingherheadwhi l
e
Lovemor eandTshepolookedatherwi t
htheirar
ms
folded.
..

Lucas:(
chuckl
ed)not
hatcan'
tbe
Tshepo:iti
smyboylikeisai
dPreci
ousconfi
rmedit
(Lucasscoff
ed)Nal
eisinthehospi
talnowbecause
herkidneysar efai
li
ng.Sheneedsadonorandnone
ofusi nthefami l
yareamat ch.Isuggestedwego
toPreciousf orhel
pandNal erefused.Il
ef tand
whenicl osedt hedooriheardherspeakingand
deci
dedt ol i
stenon.That'swheniheardt hatshe
hasachi ldwi t
hPrecious.Iwantedtoconf ronther
ther
eandt henbutdecidednor atherl
etmego
confr
ontPr eciouswhoconf ir
medt hewhol et hi
ng
Lucas:(
breat
hingheavi
ly)how?Dadt
ellmethat
thi
sisajoke.Preci
oust
oldusthatmymotheris
dead
Lovemore:(
touchedhisshoul
der
)shel
iedt
ousmy
boy.Nal
eisyourmot her
Lucas:howdidalloft
hissaucer
yhappen?Soi
ma
productofsaucer
y?
Lovemore:don'
tsayt
hataboutyour
sel
fmyboyyou
aremorethanthat
Lucas:nodad, no(t
ookhisdad'shandoffhi
m)al l
ofthi
sher eispurewit
chcraf
t.Howdoyougoand
dosomet hingli
kethi
s?Nalehowwasiconcei ved?
(Shekeptquietashegotagitat
ed)iaskedyoua
quest
ion!(
Nal
ecl
osedhereyesst
art
led)
Lovemor
e:soncal
m down
Lucas:i
m notgoingtocalm downshehasto
answerme( wentclosert
oher )isai
dhowdi
dyou
doitNale?
Nale:isl
eptwi
thyourf
ather(
Lucassl
owl
ytur
nedt
o
Lovemore)
Lovemor
e:t
ellt
hechi
ldt
het
rut
h
Nal
e:t
hat
'
swhathappenedLovemor
e
Lucas:dad?
Lovemore:doyout hi
nkiwouldn'thavet
oldyoua
l
ongtimeagoLucas?Iwoul dn'tberunni
ngupand
downlikethi
sifiknewaboutthis
Lucas:t
henwhathappeneddad?
Lovemor
e:sher
apedme
Nal
e:ohwowr
eal
ly?
Tshepo:Pr
ecioussaystheydr
uggedyourf
ather
andNalesleptwit
hhim
Lucas:youhavebeent
oget
herforover17year
s
wit
hNal ehowcomedidyounotknowaboutthis?
Tshepo:t
heyconceivedyouwhi
leiwasatschool
overseas(Lucast
urnedtoNal
ewithhi
sli
pscurved)
Nale:howdoir
apeaman?Thatdoesn'
tmake
sense
Lucas:canyou..
.(
exhal
ed)canyoupl
easet
ellt
he
tr
uthim beggi
ngyou
Nal
e:i
mtel
li
ngyout
he.
..
Lucas:(
withhisteet
hclenched)isai
dt el
lmet
he
damnt r
uth(Lovemoreheldhim)letgoofme!(He
swall
owedst eppi
ngback)didyoudr ugmyfat
her
Nale?
Nal
e:(
exhal
ed)yes
Lucas:youwatchedmegr owupi nfr
ontofyou
knowingthati
m yourchi l
d?Youpr et
endedt ol
ove
mewhi leyouactuall
yhateme.Whati swr ongwit
h
youwomen?Youar evi
leandevilandihopeyou
burninhell
.Imleavingandasfarasi m concer
nedi
don'
thaveamot herandifyouthinkyouaregoing
togetanyt
hingfrom meyoushouldfor
getit
.You
don'
tdeserveanythi
ngfr
om mebecauseyounever
l
ovedmesowhyshoul digi
veyoumyki dney?I'
d
rat
herdonatei
ttoamonkeyt hatgi
veitt
oanevil
womanl i
keyou

Hecl
ickedhistongueleavi
ngwhi
leNal
e'
shear
t
br
okeasat earfel
ldown...

Lovemore:Beforeigoiwasgoingtohaveyou
arr
estedforrapebuthonestl
yspeakingyoudon't
deservemyt i
meandener gyim goi
ngtoleaveyou
totheworld.I
twillpuni
shyouforme

Hefol
lowedhissonoutasshelookedatTshepo
whosoftl
yshookhisheadwit
hhislipscur
ved..
.

Tshepo:youar
edisgust
ing(
sheswal
lowedast ears
rol
leddown)16yearsl
yingt
omyface.Watchinga
chi
ldgrowupthinki
nghehasamotherinPrecious.
Howdoyoul
ivewi
thyour
sel
f?I
m goi
ngt
otel
lyour
f
amil
y
Nal
e:Tsheponopl
ease
Tshepo:ineedtotellthem whywear edi vor
cing(a
l
umpgotst uckonhert hr
oat)t heyneedt oknowt he
ki
ndofchi l
dtheirdaughteris.Thisiswhywe
coul
dn'thaveachi l
d.Godwaspuni shingyouf or
whatyouandPr eciousdidtot hepoormanandi m
sogladthatheopenedmyeyesbef oreyoudi e.You
areadarkhearted,doubleheadedpoi sonoussnake.
Thedevilcantakeaf ewpoint ersfr
om youiswear .
Nal
e:Tshepopl
ease
Tshepo:don'tyoudareputyourfil
thyfi
ngersonme
youwitch.Youwi l
lbeservedbyMondayi m so
donewi t
hyou( hecli
ckedhistongueleavi
ng)
Nale:Tshepowait
,Tshepo?Tshepono,Tshepo
pl
easecomeback( heclosedthedoorbehi
ndhim)
Tshe..
.oh(shebur
stint
oacry)ihateyouPreci
ousi
hateyou.
Shewept
.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Aft
erasadsendof feveryonet
ooktheirfood
packagesandleftwhil
eLorna,t
heelders,
Kgomot soandthekidssatint
helounge...

Kgomot so:t
hankyouMrandMr sDuncanf orgi
ving
mynephewagr eatsendoff.Despi
tetheongoing
i
ssuesMr sDuncanyousawi tfi
ttostandwit
hyour
husbanddur i
ngthi
st r
yingti
meandmayGodkeep
onblessingyouforthat.Al
soforopeningyour
houseandyar dtomeyouar eaphenomenal
woman
Lorna:t
hankyouKgomotso.Despi
teal
lthat'
s
happenedyouguysdeser
vedtobeapar tofthi
s
becausehegrewupwithyou
Kgomotso:t
hankyou.I
m goingtobemakingmy
waybackhomenow.Asqui etasitwi
llbewi
thout
hi
m iwi
llt
ryt
ocope
Lorna:youcanstayf
orafewdaysi
fyouwant
(Applefr
ownedlooki
ngathermot
her)
Kgomot
so:ohnonoiwi
llbef
ineMr
sDuncandon'
t
worr
y
Lor
na:ar
eyousur
e?
Kgomotso:eemma.St
aywel
landbecomf
ort
edMr
Duncan

Duncannoddedasshemadeherwayout
..
.

Appl
e:r
eal
lynowmama?
Lor
na:notnowAppl
eareyounotsupposedt
obe
goi
ngtodoyourhai
rfort
heeventl
ater
?
Appl
e:i
m aboutt
ogobutyounear
lygavemea
hear
tat
tackmma.

Shest
oodupt
omakeherwayt
othebedr
oom whi
le
azonedoutSai
ntputhi
sfeetonherway.
..

Apple:wakeupSai
ntiwantt
opass.(
Hej
ustsat
t
here)Saint
?
Sai
nt:whati
sitAppl
e?Canyoupl
easel
eaveme
al
one
Appl
e:iwantt
opassahah
Sai
nt:whydi
dn'
tyouj
ustwal
koverme?I
sther
ea
wal
lbuil
ther
e?Mxm (
hemovedthem)
Lor
na:noSai
ntt
hat
'snothowyout
alkt
oyoursi
ster
Saint
:nomashel
ikest
roubl
ingmeandi
t'
shonest
ly
annoying
Appl
e:bat
hongSai
ntwhendi
dievert
roubl
eyou
agai
n?
Sai
nt:ur
gh

Hesai
dgoinguptohi
sroom whi
leLor
naandAppl
e
l
ookedatoneanot
her
..
.
Lor
na:i
sheok?
Apple:Sainti
sjustangr
ythesedaysidon'
t
understandwhy
Lorna:noheneedstowor
konhisbehavi
our
becauseim notgoi
ngt
otol
erat
eit
Appl
e:pl
easet
alktohim.(
Hecamebackdown)
wher
eareyougoing?
Sai
nt:i
t'
snoneofyourbusi
nessAppl
e.Ma,
dadi
m
coming
Lor
na:Sai
ntwhat
'sgoi
ngonwi
thyou?
Sai
nt:ei
shmacanigoi
npeace?
Duncan:Sai
nt,
no
Saint
:notowhat
?Yououtofal
lthesepeopl
edon'
t
deservet
osayanyt
hingt
ome
Al
l:heebanna
Mar
tha:Sai
ntt
hat
'snowayof
..
.
Sai
nt:youknownot
hinggr
annyMar
thasopl
ease
st
ayoutofi
t
Lor
na:Sai
nt!
Sai
nt:haveagoodday.I
m out

Heleftl
eavi
ngever
yoneintot
alshock.Appl
e
cl
appedonceasTonycall
edandsheanswer ed
makingherwayuptoherroom.

AtTouchdown.
..

Lewisranupanddownmakingsuret
hedeco
peopleweredoi
ngexact
lywhatt
heyr
equest
ed.
..

Lewis:(
car
essedoneguy'sbear
d)omontlenyane
gorepapa(youarecutemyboy)(t
heyl
aughed)i
l
oveyourwor kguysican'
twai
ttoseet
hef i
nal
resul
ts
Mor
ri
s:whydoyoul
iket
roubl
ingpeopl
e?
Lewi
s:i
mj ustl
ight
ini
nguphi
smoodcomeoni
t'
s
nott
hatdeepbooboo

Hekissedhischeekwhil
eMorr
ischuckl
edshaki
ng
hi
shead.Oneoft hechef
scametowheretheywere
st
anding.
..

Chef
:youaskedf
ormesi
r
Lewi
s:yes.Howi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ngi
nther
e?
Chef
:al
liscomi
ngupwel
l
Lewis:yousawtheli
stofpeopl
ewhodon'
teat
cer
tainthi
ngsri
ght?
Chef
:yessi
r
Lewi s:good.Idon'
tunder
standwhypeopl einsi
st
attendingeventswhentheyknowt heyhavea
certaindietanywaymakesurethatallwai
tersare
niceandneatandt heyshouldmakesur ethat
everythinggoesaccordi
ngl
ylater
Chef
:iwi
llmakesur
eoft
hatsi
r.
Lewis:goodnowgowor
kyourmagi
cint
heki
tchen
sweetheart

Thechefsmi
ledheadingbackwhil
eLewissighed
l
ooki
ngaroundwitheveryoneuponthei
rfeet
..
.

Lewis:i
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeabeaut
if
uleveni
ngisweart
o
you
Mor
ri
s:i
ndeedi
tis
Lewis:ican'
twaitt
oseemygirl
.She'
sgoingtodie
(hi
sphoner angashescoff
edansweri
ng)it
'sl
ike
youknewiwasaboutt ocal
lyou
Bi
anca:soyouar
eser
iousl
youtofmyl
if
e?
Lewis:sogaont
ibil
ekemaakanna?( Doil
ookli
kea
l
iartoyou)Noim notandidon'
thangoutwit
hli
ers.
Youknowmyaccountnumbert woweekshas
passed
Bi
anca:ihaven'
tfoundyourmoney
Lewi
s:okt
henyoul
eavemenochoi
cebutt
osend
sher
if
fsyourwaymyl
ove
Bianca:comeonLewi
scanyoupl
easegi
veme
somet i
met ogett
hemoneyt
oget
her
Lewis:igaveyouplent
yoft
hat.Al
liwantr
ightnow
i
swhat 'sowedtomesomyl oveMondaymor ni
ng
theywillser
veyou
Bi
anca:wowLewi
s
Lewi
s:andim notevengoi
ngt
othi
nkt
wiceabouti
t
mylove.I
'
vegottogociao
Bi
anca:gosi
amer
ra(
bye)
Lewis:ibel
ieveyouevenf
orgoti
t'
sMaya'
sbi
rt
hday
today
Bi
anca:ohsoy'
al
lar
etal
king?
Lewis:Mayaisafr
iendofmi neandonepersoni
wanttobearoundfortherestofmyli
fe.Yourki
nd
ofpeoplear
ehonestlydr
aggerssonotmyki ndof
thi
nghoney
Bi
anca:i
jor
rakenekesar
eont
hoge.(
Idi
dn'
tsay
i
nsul
tme)Bye
Lewi
s:mmh

Hehungupandcl
ickedhi
stongueshaki
nghi
s
head.
..

Mor
ri
s:i
m goi
ngt
ocol
lectoursui
ts
Lewis:oklove.Bye(
hekissedhi
m ashel
eft
)ok
peoplelet
'skeepworki
ng,comecomecome,wher
e
arethecandles?
Lady:t
heyar
eget
ti
ngt
hem i
nthecar
Lewi
s:ok.Mrl
ight
sar
eyouwi
nni
ng
Man:yessi
r
Lewis:good.Dj?(heputhist
humbupast hedj
nodded)goodgood.Toni ght
'sgonnabeagood
nighticanfeeli
t

Hesangwhilegoi
ngar
ounddoubl
echecki
ng
ever
ythi
ng.
Att
hehol
dingcel
ls.
..

Vusipacedar
oundwhi
leMakil
ookedathi
m and
si
ghed..
.

Maki
:canyoust
opdoi
ngt
hat
Vusi
:ican'
tbel
ievei
minapr
isoncel
l.Maki
you.
..
Maki
:heyshutup.I
m Makinow?
Vusi:yes.Doyouknowwhatt
hisi
sdoi
ngt
omy
reputat
ion?
Maki:
reput
ation?Wena(
shel
aughed)don'
tmake
melaughplease
Vusi:iaskedyoualotofti
mest ost
opdoingwhat
youwer edoingt
oVictornowlook.Weareclosed
upli
kedogs.Wher earethelawyer
s?Weneedt oget
outofhere
Maki:weareonl
ygoingtogetoutonMondaysoi
t
wi
llhelpyout
ocalm yourassdown
Vusi
:Mon-
what
?
Maki
:that'
showiti
s.Youar
ebusyscreaming
r
eput
ationwhil
eyoudon'
tknowhowitworks
Vusi
:thi
siswr
ongt
hisi
ssowr
ong
Maki
:canyoupl
easest
opact
ingl
ikeabi
tchandsi
t
down
Vusi:t
hei
rbl
anket
sareitchyanditsmel
lsi
nher
eso
for
givemeforact
ingl
ikeabitch
Maki:
mxm youaregoingtoannoyme.Ineedt
o
t
hinkofwhatwearegoingtodo
Vusi:i
m notgoingtogot
opr
isonf
oryou.You
abusedVictoralone
Maki:canyouj
ustshutupi
fyouhavenot
hing
usef
ultosay
Vusi
:isai
dwhatisai
di.
..
Maki
:yohbat
hongVusishutupman!Ah!

Hesni
ff
edst
il
lpaci
ngaroundwhi
leMaki
cli
ckedher
t
onguecl
osi
nghereyes.
AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Theyshookt
hei
rheadsnotbel
ievi
ngwhatLucas
andLovemor
ejustt
oldt
hem...

Maya:iwon'
tsayi
m surpr
isedt
hisi
sexact
lywhat
Pr
eciouswoul
ddo.Bathongthi
swomaniswicked
ah
Kenei
lwe:youcansayt
hatagai
n
Maya:anywayim goingtogofort
hereahersal
iwil
l
seeyouguyslaterhey.Mait
'smybir
thdaytodayso
pleasecooksomethingni
ceformeplease
Kenei
lwe:(
smi
l
ed)eemmaiwi
ll
Maya:thankyoumama( shesmil
edasherphone
report
edamessage)awwwhowsweetofher .
Forgetthecooki
ngyouwil
ldoitt
omorr
owMar el
edi
saysshe'staki
ngmeout
Joshua:ohi
sit
?Iwaspl
anni
ngt
otakeyououtt
oo
Maya:wecanmakei
tadat
ethenl
ovet
hemor
ethe
merr
ier
Joshua:ohok.Whatt
ime?
Maya:umm it
'sthespaaf
tert
hereher
salandt
hen
di
nnerat8pm.Ohshesaysshe'scomingtopi
ckme
upsowedr i
veinonecar
Joshua:ohni
ceokt
heniwi
llmakesur
eimr
eadyby
7
Maya:goodl
etmegochange

Shewentupst
air
sast
heyal
llookedatherand
smil
ed.
..

Keneil
we:goshkeepi
ngt
hisf
rom herhasbeenso
hard
Joshua:(smil
ed)justafewhoursmaandyouwi ll
besecretfr
ee(theylaughed)butiwantt
osayApril
andHerbertdidagoodj obwithkeepi
ngthesecr
et
Her
ber
t:youcancountonusanydayasl
ongasi
t'
s
goodt
hough
Apr
il
:thankyou(
theyal
llaughed)
Lovemore:l
etmegot akecareofafewthi
ngs
befor
egoingoutl
ater.Seeyoulat
erguysLucasi
wil
lhaveyoursui
tdroppedoffok
Lucas:okdad
Joshua:seeyoul
aterMrKavi
mba

Hesmil
edleavi
ngwhil
etheyallchatasJoshua
st
eppedoutsi
deandcal
ledLewis.

THATEVENI
NG

I
nTouchdown.
..

Therugbyfi
eldwast ur
nedint
oabreatht
aki
ngpar t
y
set
ti
ng.Threelongtabl
esweresetandthecolour
s
weregoldandblackwitht
hebackdropdecorated
withalotofbl ackandgol dball
oonsi nflatedin
diff
erentsizes.Thewr it
ingont heboar dr ead
"HappybirthdayqueenYaya"andbesi desi twasa
nicecomf ortablewhitechairwi t
hagol dcr ownand
thebirt
hdaysachoni t.Thebl ackandgol dt woti
er
cakewaspl acedont hesmal ltablewitht henumber
29oni tandbesi desitwasabucketwi tht wo
champagnebot t
lesi
nside.Col l
eaguesandot her
i
nviteesarrivedandst artedtotakethei rseats
famili
ari
zingt hemselveswi t
ht hemenu.The
Adiole'
smadet heirwayi nasKel echismi ledtaki
ng
aglassofchampagne. .
.

Kelechi:nowt hi
siswhatwear etalkingofwhenwe
speakofcl ass.Imeanlookatallthisgorgeousness
andt hepartyladyisgoodlooki
ngaswel l(
shesaid
l
ookingatahugepor tai
tofMaya)
Chi
oma:mmhihopeyouar egoi
ngtobehavesi
nce
youcant
ellt
hisi
saneventofcl
ass
Kel
echi
:cal
m downsist
er.Iseealotofgood
l
ooki
ngmenher eyoushouldscor
eyourselvesone
eachmygi
rl
s(t
heyl
aughed)
Abi
ola:r
eal
lynowLechi
Kel
echi
:orwhatdoyout
hinkSundae?
Sundae:i
m notget
ti
ngi
nvol
ved
Abi
ola:t
hat
'
smybaby

TheylaughedastheKavimba'
smadet hei
rwayin.
DressedtotheTeetheywereasLovemorepoked
Chioma'sshoul
der.
..

Chi
oma:(
smi
ledt
urni
ng)ohhi
.Goodeveni
ngma
Kuzi
va:(
smi
led)hel
lomygi
rl

Kel
echit
ookasi
pofherdr
inkchecki
ngLovemor
e
out
..
.

Chi
oma:ihopeyouhavebeengood?
Kuzi
va:ohyesmyl
ove.Thi
spl
acel
ooksamazi
ng.
Chioma:i
tindeeddoes.AbiandKelet
hesear et
he
Kavimba'
s.MrLovemor eKavimbaandhistwokids,
NyashaandLucasandhi sauntMsKuzivaKavimba.
GuysthesearemysistersAbiol
aandKelechiAdi
ole
Abi
ola:ni
cemeet
ingyouguys
Lovemor
e:l
ikewi
se.Maywesi
t?
Chi
oma:yespl
ease

Theymadet hei
rwaytotheirseatswhil
eKelechi
smiledlooki
ngatLovemor efrom theback.Hereal
ly
dressedwellandsmelledamazi ngastoo.Keneil
we
andhercr ewalsomadet hei
rwayi nwhileApri
l
j
umpedexci tedoftheglamour ousset
..
.

Kenei
lwe:wowt
hisl
ooksni
ce
Vi
ctor
:yeahnehyouout
didyour
sel
fmyboy.
Joshua:(
smi
led)t
hankyou
Vi
ctor
:don'
teverst
opmakingmybabygi
rlf
eell
ike
aqueensheisandifyouar
epl
anni
ngtomarryher
anyt
imef
rom nowyouhavemybl
essi
ng
Joshua:(
smi
led)t
hankyouMrLent
swe

Theyheadedtothetabl
easAppl eandTonymade
thei
rwayin.Shehookherarm onhiswhil
ehol
ding
herclut
chbagwithherotherhand.
..

Appl
e:t
hisl
ooksamazi
ng.Thel
adyi
sgoi
ngt
odi
e
seei
ngt
his

TheKgang'
sandTaolo'
salsoarr
ivedasLewis
checkedhi
sphoneandtookthemicrophone.
..

Lewis:checki
ngonetwochecki
ngonet
wogood
eveningladi
esandgent
lemen
Al
l:goodeveni
ng
Lewis:youal
llookamazi
nghonestlygive
yoursel
vesaroundofapplausei
m proudofyouall
forputt
ingi
ntheeffor
t(t
heyalll
aughedclappi
ng)
mynamei sLewi sandiwi l
lbeyourhostf ort
he
night.Youal lcanseet hi
sisaneventofcl assso
everythingwi l
lbeser vedt oyouwedon' tquefor
foodher e(theyl aughed)umm wi t
hthatsai diwould
l
ikeeachofyout obeassi lentasachi l
dmessi ng
upt hehouse.Putyourphonesonsi lentaswel l
becauset hel adyoft hemomenti shere.She's
goingt obebl indf ol
dedandt hesecondt hebli
nd
foldistakenof fwear eallgoingtoshout" happy
birt
hdayYaya"ar ewecl ear?
Al
l:yessi
r
Lewi
s:goodboysandgi
rl
s.(
Theyl
aughed)now
l
et'
sdoso

Theyal
lkeptqui
etputt
ingthei
rphonesonsil
ent
whil
eoutsi
deMareledi
laughedbli
ndfol
dingMaya.
..

Maya:fr
iendyouar
egoingt
orui
nmymakeup.
What'
sgoingonhereandwhyi
sitsoqui
et?
Mar
eledi
:yourmakeupwi
llbef
inel
ovecomehol
d
myhand
Maya:t
sal
awhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Mar
eledi
:justcomeMaya,
bat
hong
Maya:i
m get
ti
ngner
vous
Mar
eledi
:whynow?
Maya:it
houghtwewer
ecomi
ngf
ordi
nnernowi
m
bei
ngbli
ndfol
ded

TheylaughedasMar elediwalkedwit
hher .Shehad
onafigurehuggi
ngbl ackdresstri
mmedwi t
hgold
andgoldhighheel
s.Hermakeupandnai lsalso
matchedheroutf
itassheputont hejewelryset
Marel
ediboughther.Theymadewayi nt
ot hefi
eld
aseveryonesmil
edlooki ngather.
..

Maya:Mar
elediarewenotget
ti
ngt
her
e?I
m goi
ng
t
opeeonmysel fnow
Marel
edi:(
putheri
npl
ace)youcant
akeof
fthe
bl
indfol
d
Mayachuckl
edtaki
ngitof
fasever
yoneshout
edat
t
hetopofthei
rvoi
ces.
..

Al
l:Happybi
rt
hdayYaya!

Star
tl
edhermouthdroppedoutofshockasshe
coveredi
twi
thherhands..
.

Maya:what
!?
Joshua:Happybi
rt
hdaybaby
Maya:guysno

Shegott earyandstartedfanninghereyesand
squatted.Everyonelaughedclappi
ngast he
orchestraplayedthebirt
hdaysongwi ththecr
owd
si
ngingal ong..
.
Joshua:(
laughed)comebaby
Maya:bathongMar el
edi
howdoyouguys.
..(
saw
Joshua'
sfamily)ohmywordyouguyscame?
Mar
a:woul
dn'
tmi
ssi
tfort
hewor
ldbabes
Maya:awwma,
MrKgang
Gl
idi
a:(
smi
led)happybi
rt
hdaymyl
ove
Maya:guyst
hisi
smaki
ngmeemot
ional
.Mamadi
d
youknowabout.
..

Ever
yonegaspedinshockasJoshuawentonone
kneeasMayafrownedandtur
ned..
.

Maya:(
cur
vedherl
i
ps)Joshuano
Joshua:(
smiledopeni
ngt
hesmallbox)MayaMoet
i
canyoupleasedomeanhonourofbeingmywif
e?
Pleasemarr
yme

Hesmi
ledmor
elooki
ngupatherwhi
let
ear
sfel
lof
hereyesl
ooki
ngatever
yone.
..
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
16] :AKEPTWOMAN
64

Her
ber
t:comeonmamasaysomet
hing

Ever
yonel
aughedasMayasni
ff
edsmi
li
ngl
ooki
ng
downatJoshua.
..

Maya:(
nodded)mmh,
yes
Joshua:i
sthatayes?
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)yesbabeiwi
llmar
ryyou

EveryoneshoutedinjoyandclappedasJoshuaput
the18car atr
ingonMaya'sfingerwit
hherhand
shaking.ShechuckledasJoshuagotupandkissed
herwhi l
ethecheer
inggotlouder.
..

Joshua:il
oveyouYaya
Maya:il
oveyoumor
e

TheylaughedandhuggedasLewi
scamewi
tht
he
sachandcr own.
..

Lewis:nowtheeveni
ngcancont
inue.Happy
bir
thdaybabeandcongr
adul
ati
onsont he
engagement
Maya:thankyoulove(shesmiledasheputt
he
sachandcrownonher )isanyonegoi
ngtofi
xmy
makeupican'ttakephotoslooki
ngli
ket
his
Ever
yonel
aughedasshetookherseatwhi
let
he
makeupart
istr
e-t
ouchedherf
ace..
.

MrKgang:congr
adul
ati
onsmyboyt
hat
'showyou
doi
t
Lydia:youhavemadeusproudbr
otherwecan'
t
waittobeapar toft
hisj
our
ney
Stephen:f
inal
lyyouar
egoingt
or educethenumber
ofcowsf r
om thi
sman'skr
aal(
theylaughed)
Joshua:t
hankyouguys
Kenei
lwe:(
wipinghert
ear
s)iwishedt
oseemy
daught
ergett
ingmarri
edandhereweareGodi
s
good
Lesedi
:Godi
sindeedgoodma
Ti
tus:andibel
ieveshe'
sgoi
ngt
omakeabeaut
if
ul
wi
fe
Vi
ctor
:indeedsheis.Theyar
ehappyandim
t
hankfult
oGodt hatiwasapartoft
hisi
mport
ant
momenti
nherl
if
e

Kenei
lwerubbedhi
sar
m smi
l
ingasLewi
stookt
he
micr
ophone..
.

Lewi s:okourbeaut ifulqueeni sallniceandgood

sowecancont inue.Wear egoingt ohavespeeches
from differentpeopl e.Herf ri
ends,par entsandki ds,
herfut ureinl aws,herhusbandt obet henlastly
from her .Witht hatsaidiwoul dliketocal lMar eledi
tothef ronttoj oinmet ogiveourspeeches.Imean
i
t'sobvi oust hatim herf ri
endaswel l.Youcan' tlook
thisbeaut if
ulandnothavemeasaf riend(ever yone
l
aughedasMar el
edimadeherwayt ot hefront)i
haveknownMayaf orqui etsomet imenow.Mayai s
honest lyoneoft hest r
ongestandr esili
entwomeni
know.She' sf unandver yintel
li
gent.Wewer e
actuallythreei nthisf r
iendshipbutt heot herone
decidedt obet oxicandwecutt i
eswi t
hher .Iwasn' t
perfectei t
herbutsomegr eatsoul(smi ledlooking
atMor ri
s)advi cedmet obeabi ggirlandapol ogi se
toMaya( everyonegi ggled)wewer enotgreat
fri
endstoyoubabebuti m gl
adwear ehereforyou
andi canpromi seyout hatiwil
lbet hefri
endyou
havealwayswant edf r
om hereon.Bei ngapartof
thi
shasshowedmeofhowi mportantour
rel
ati
onshipis.Wehavecomef arfriendandwest i
ll
haveal ongwayt ogo.Happybi r
thdaymyl oveand
mayt hegoodLor dblessyouoverandabovet hank
you(everyonecl appedasMayabl ewaki ssat
Lewis)
Mar el
edi:wehaveonl yknownoneanot herforwhat
now, amont h?Yesandishoul dsayithasbeena
roll
ercoasterofamont hmyf ri
end.Thefactthati
metyouatyourl owestiswhatmakesmebel ieve
thatthere'
sar easonGodcr ossedourpathsandi
beli
eveyouknowwhati mtalki
ngabout(Maya
smilednoddi ng)youareawomanofsubst ance
Mayaandibel ievethat
'swhatdrewMrKgangt o
you.Thismanl ovesyouYaya
Al
l:ohyes(
theygi
ggl
ed)
Marel
edi:t
hismanwouldmoveheavenandear
th
j
ustforyoubabeandiwantyout
oholdontohi
m
andneverl ethim go.Youwi l
lbemetbychal l
enges
alongthewaybutasyouknowaf i
rm bel
ieverin
Christ
'spathi sneveraneasyonebuthol dingont o
theLordwi llhelpgetthroughallthechall
engesof
l
ife.Theyhavet r
iedtobr i
ngyoudownsomany
ti
mebutl ikesandyoust il
lrose.Happybirthdaymy
yoyoza(theyl aughed)iloveyousomuchandiwi sh
youcouldshowt hesepeopleofhowmuchofa
vocalgoddessyouar e.Guyst hiswomancansi ng
yoh.(Theyl aughed)Iloveyoubabe( t
heybl ewone
anotherkisses)
Lewis:wehaveaspeci algi
ftf
oryoumyl ove
(Marelediopenedi tasMayagott ear
ywhi l
e
everyonegaspedi nawe)wecont act
edoneoft he
bestartistsinthi
scount ryt
omakeyout hispict
ure.
Thissymbol izesyourst r
engthasawomanMaya.
Yourst oryishonestlyabeautif
ulonesowewant
yout orememberhowf aryouhavecomeever yt
ime
youlookatt hispicture
Maya:t
hankyousomuchguys
Shehuggedt
hem whi
leever
yoneappl
auded.
..

Lewi
s:woohguyswhatanemot i
onalmoment(t
hey
al
lchuckl
ed)anywaymayinowcallMsKenei
lwe
Moetiandourqueen'
stwobeaut
if
ulki
ds

ThedjplayedsomemusicasKeneil
we,Vict
or,
Herber
tandApr i
lmadethei
rwaytothefr
ont.Apri
l
tookMaya'scrownandputitonher
sel
faseveryone
l
aughed...

Keneilwe:onethingihavenot icedaboutmy
granddaughteristhatsheal wayswant stobelike
hermot her(t
heyall l
aughed)happybi r
thdaymy
sweetangel.Asyourf r
iendshavesaidyourlif
e
storyishonestl
yabeaut i
fulone.Youhavewal ked
thisli
fepathmygi rlandim honestlyproudofthe
youngwomanyoubecame.Awonder f
ulmotherto
yourkids.Guysthesear et hemostwellbehaved
kidsihaveeverseeni nmyl i
fe
Gl
idi
a:andiwantt
otaket
hem wi
thme(
ever
yone
l
aughed)
Keneilwe:youknowyouhavetopayupr
ight(
they
al
llaughedagain)buttr
ustmeiwoul
dnevert
rade
myki dsforanyt
hinginthi
swor
ld
Gl
idi
a:t
ruet
hatmyl
ove
Kenei l
we:Godr eall
ywor ksinmyst eriousways
guys.Thel astti
meisawt hisbeaut i
fulyounggi r
lof
mi newaswhenshewas11year sold.Nowiknowa
l
otofy' allareaskingyour sel
vesashowi sthateven
possible.Somemi ghthaver eadi tont he
newspaper sandi t'
st rue.Myownsi stertookmy
kidsawayf rom meandl ockedmeupl ikeananimal
for16year s.Inthose16year smyki dsbel ievedthat
their"aunt"wasnomor e.Im sayi
ngauntbecause
theygr ewupknowi ngmeast hei
rauntandmy
sisterast heirmother .Im notgoingt odwel lmuch
i
nt othatonebutal liwantt osayi sthatMaya, il
ove
youbabyandi m goi ngt omakesur ewemakeup
forlosttime.Bei ngapar tofthisjourneyofyourl i
fe
meanst hewor l
dtome.Il oveyouhoney
Maya:(t
ear
full
y)il
oveyoumor
emama(
they
huggedasVict
ortookt
hemic)
Vi
ctor
:i.
..

Heswall
owedashegotover
whelmedwith
emot
ions.Hepr
essedhi
seyesandcri
edshaking
hi
sheadasMayawenttosquati
nfrontofhi
m...

Chi
oma:awwguys
Abi
ola:t
hisi
ssoemo

Shesai
dtaki
ngatissueandwipedhert
ear
swhi
le
Mayagaveherf
atherwater
..
.

Maya:i
t'
sokpapaiunder
stand
Vict
or:(
wi t
hhisvoiceshaki
ng)il
oveyouMayaand
i
m. .
.i
m..
.(hebursti
ntoanothercr
y)i
m sosor
rymy
chil
dimreallysorr
y
Maya:i
t'
sokpapai
t'
sok

Theyhuggedwit
ht heorchest
raplayi
ngsomesof
t
soundswhil
eeveryonesobbed..
.

Vict
or:(stil
lcrying)ichoset oabandonyouandyour
motherbutiwi llfor everbegratefultoGodf orwhat
hehasdonei nyourl if
e.Nottojustifymyact ions
butibelieveever ythinghappensf orar eason
(sni
ff
ed)t hest rongestpeopl ear ethoset hatrise
abovethet urbul encemychi ld.Aqueeni snever
madei naday, itt akesyearsandyear stomakea
queenandt hatmydaught eriswhatyouembody.
Youdeser veal lthesweett hi
ngsofl ifeandi m so
happythatGodgavemeachancet ocelebrateone
ofyourbi r
thdayswi thyou.Happybi rthdaymygi r
l.I
l
oveyousomuch

Hecri
edsomemor easMayahuggedhim.Oneof
thepr
aiseandworshi
pteam member
sbrokei
ntoa
songasthecrowdjoi
nedinst
andi
ngupandsang
al
ong.
..

Lady: gayoyatshwanangl
eyena,
gayo.
..
(t
here'
snoonel
ikehi
m)
Al
l:gayoyat
shwanangl
eyena(
ther
e'snoonel
i
ke
hi
m)
Lady:gayo.
..(
ther
e'snone)
Al
l:gayoyat
shwanangl
eyena(
ther
e'snoonel
i
ke
hi
m)
Lady:ohModi
mowar
ona(
ourLor
d)
Al
l:Modi
mowar
ona(
ourLor
d)
Lady:r
eyamol
eboga.
.. (
wet
hankyouLor
d)

Theysangatt hetopofthei
rvoicesonthei
rfeet
wit
ht heorchest
rajoi
ninginwhilethemakeup
art
istatt
endedtoMayaagai n.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..
WithDuncani
nt heshowerLornadeci
dedt
ogoto
herson'
sroom.Sheknockedonceandslowly
openedashelookedatthedoor.
..

Lor
na:Sai
nt
Sai
nt:ma
Lor
na:canwet
alk?
Sai
nt:iwantt
osl
eep
Lor
na:i
twon'
ttakel
ong
Sai
nt:whati
sitabout
?
Lor
na:i
m seei
ngsomechangeinyourbehavi
our
mysonandiwantustot
alkaboutit
Sai
nt:iknewi
tbutther
e'snot
hingwr
ongwit
hmeso
l
et'
ssaveoneanotherti
meandnotdothi
s
Lorna:mysonbei ngi
ncontrolofyouremot i
onsis
hardespecial
lyasayoungteenagerlikeyou.Alot
ofpeoplehavelandedthemselvesint
ot r
ouble
becausetheyfail
edtobeincont r
olofthei
r
emot i
ons, especi allymenbecauset heyar emadet o
believet hatamani snotal l
owedt obei ntouchwi th
hisemot ionalsi de.Tal ki
ngi sver yi mportantandi
believeyouar ever ycl oset oyoursi stertot el
lher
ever yt
hingt hat'
sgoi ngoni nyourl i
fe.Theyway
youspoket oyourf atherear li
erwashonest l
y
disrespect fulofyouandyouowehi m anapol ogy.
YesDuncani snotaper f
ectmanbutyoucan' tkeep
throwi ngst onesandr ocksataper sonwho' st r
ying
torebui ldagai n.What everitist hatisbot her i
ngyou
don' tl
eti tturnyoui ntosomeoneunr ecogni zable.
Talkt owhoeveryouseef i
twoul dhelpandagai n
somet i
meswal kingawayhel psmyboyyoudon' t
havet of ightever yoneorever ythingthatst andsi n
yourwayofget tingsomet hing.I fit
'snotyour sthen
l
eti tbei fit'
syour st heni twillcomet oyouwhent he
ti
mei sr i
ght .Allyouhavet odoi sbepat ientwi th
your selfandt r
ustt hepr ocess.Somet imeswewi n
somet i
meswel oset hat '
slifeandi t'
sok.Il oveyou
somucht oseeyoul etyour sel fbeswal l
owedi nto
thisdar kpat hiseeyouembar kingon.Youknow
bettermyboysodobet t
er.Haveagoodni ght
Shesaidrubbinghishandandmadeherwayout .
Heswallowedl ooki
ngatherandexhaledgetti
ngof
f
bedandl i
ft
edt hematt
ress.Hetookhergunand
l
ookedati t
,lookedatt
hegiftbagwit
ht hebookhe
boughtforSundaeinsi
deandcl i
ckedhistongue
putt
ingthegunbackundert hemattr
ess..
.

Sai
nt:t
hegreatestmanofl
if
esai
d"al
waysf
ightf
or
whatyoubeli
eveisyour
s"

Hesaidgoingint
obedandl ookedi
nhi
sphone.I
n
themainbedroom Lornasi
ghedgoi
ngtot
hebag
sheputshergunin..
.

Duncan:ever
ythi
ngok?
Lorna:yeahiwanttol
ocktheguninthesafe
becauseithi
nkit'
snotsaf
eintheseba.
..
(she
fr
owned)huh?
Duncan:what
?
Lor
na:(
shookt
hebag)t
heguni
snoti
nher
e
Duncan:ar
eyousur
ethat
'st
hebagyouputi
tin?
Lorna:yesi
m sur
e.Ial
waysputi
tint
hisbagbuti
t'
s
notinhere
Duncan:di
dyouputi
tint
her
e?
Lor
na:yest
helastti
meihaditonmewaswhenwe
wentt
olookforJuni
orandiputi
tint
hisbagwhen
wecameback
Duncan:maybesomeonegothol
dofi
t.Wehave
hadalotofpeopl
eint
hishouse
Lor
na:doyout
hinkt
heywoul
dcomei
ntoourcl
oset
?
Duncan:youneverknow
Lor
na:(
sighed)Lor
dSai
ntbet
ternothavet
akeni
t
Duncan:t
heki
dsdon'
tknowt
hatyouownagun
Lor
na:t
henwher
ewoul
ditgoDuncan?
Duncan:l
et'
swaitf
ort
hemorningthenyouwil
l
sear
chtheirr
oomsaft
ert
heyleaveforchur
ch
Lor
na:ei
sh
Shesighedput
ti
ngt
hebagawayast
heywentt
o
bed.

Backatt
hepar
ty.
..

Afterpr
esent
ingt
hei
rgi
ft
stoMayat
heyt
ookt
hei
r
seatsasLewisdr
ankwat
er.
..

Lewis:wewentt ochurchthereforabit(t
hey
l
aughed)isweary' al
lcanmakeawonder fult
eam of
JoyousCel ebr
ati
onBot swana(t
heyalllaughed)
wit
ht hatsaidmayikindlycal
lthequeen'sfutur
ein
l
aws.

Ever
yoneappl
audedasMar
aandLydi
amadet
hei
r
waytothef
ront
..
.

Mar
a:happybi
rt
hdayMaya(
shesmi
led)ihave
neverseenmybr other,act uallywehaveneverseen
ourbr otherthishappymyl ove.Youhavebr ought
outthebesti nhim andwecan' tt
hankyouenough.
Onet hingaboutt hisguyi st hatheneverstops
tal
kingaboutyouandt hi
swhol eweekwasabout
himr emi ndingust hatshoul dwemi ssthisdayhe' s
goingt osendt hebaddestkar maourway( everyone
l
aughed)t hankyouf ormaki ngourbrotherhappy,
thankyouf orbeingt helighti nhisli
feandmayal l
thi
sendi ntearsofj oy.Wel oveyougi r
landhappy
happyhappybi r
thday( ever yoneapplauded)
Lydi
a:happybi
rthdaymylove.Youknowwelove
yousomuchandyourl i
tt
lemunchkins.Wemiss
youguysalotandwecan'twaittowalkt
hisj
our
ney
wit
hy'al
l.
Maya:t
hankyousi
s
Lydia:nowwithusher
earetwogifts.From our
parentsandfr
om usyourfut
uresibli
ngsi nl
aw
(Mayasmi l
ed)fr
om uswehavegot tenyouanall
paidspaandbeautytr
eatmentvoucherf orawhol
e
90days
Al
l:(
appl
auded)ohwow
Maya:t
hankyousomuchguys
Lydia:youar ewel comel oveaqueeni ssupposedt o
l
ookandf eelgoodal ltheti
me.Fr om MrandMr s
Kgang( sighed)thisahugeoneguysandi treall
yis
whatt heytalkaboutwhent heysay" don'tprayf or
mar r
iageonlybutal sopr ayforwonder fulinl aws."
Maya, Joshuaspoket odadabouthi m engagi ng
youweonl yfoundoutnowwhenwewer easkedt o
presentthisgifttoyou.Het oldmom andt heykept
i
tf r
om usf orthislong.Let r
ickywai t
se( everyone
l
aughed)babesi nher eisanal lexpensespai dtri
p
foryourhoneymoonwi thyourhusbandt obe
(everyonegasped)andi t
'snotj usttoany1
destinati
onbut3bei ngPar is,
Kel
echi
:ohmywor
d(ever
yonel
aughed)
Lydi
a:NewYorkandl
ast
lyDubai
.Al
lthesehave
beenpai
dfor
Maya:(
tear
ful
ly)t
hankyousomuchma
Shebursti
ntoacr yasGli
diawenttohugher
.A
shockedJoshualookedathisf
atherwhosmil
ed
andwinkedathim...

Lewis:ohwowguysohwow.Suchhugegi ft
son
herbi r
thdaywhataboutherweddingday?Iwantto
beMayaaswel lGodhearmyprayersplease
(everyonelaughed)oknowwear egoingtohavea
speechf rom MrJoshuaKgang(everyone
applaudedashet ookt
hemicr
ophone)
Joshua:iwishihadasi ngingvoicelikemywi feto
bebutheyGodi sgood( t
heylaughed)babe( she
l
ookedupathi m ashehel dherhand)youar emy
l
ightandarmour .Idr
awmyst rengthf rom you
becauseyouaret hestrongestpersonihaveever
known.Smar t
,funny,familyori
entated, l
evel headed,
stri
ctandspontaneous.Everythi
ngi nonepl ateyou
arehonestl
ymy7col oursSundaydi sh( everyone
l
aughed)everythingineedf r
om youi st herehencei
sawi tf
it
ti
ngtomaket hi
sdayasspeci alasitisnow.
Toeveryonewhohel pedmeputt hisi deaintopl ace
thankyousomuch.Lewi sandMar elediyouguys
havebeenofgr eathelp, byl i
ttletwobabi es,Herber
t
andAprilt
hankyouf orbei ngmywonder fulsecret
keeper
snowiknowwher et oconf i
deinwhen
mommyi snotthere(ever yonel aughed)thankyou
somuchf orallofyout omaki ngithereand
honouri
ngthet hemey' alllookamazi ngbutnoneof
youcanbeatthel oveofmyl i
fe( t
heyalllaughed)
happybirt
hdaybabeil oveyousomuchandmay
thi
sbethestartofwonder fulthingsinourl i
ves.We
havebeenthroughsomuchf rom thetimewef i
rst
mettonow.Iwon' ttel
lt hem howwemett odayy'al
l
wil
lhavetowai tunti
ltheweddi ngday( theyall
l
aughed)happybi rt
hdayYayail oveyousomuch.
Maya:il
oveyout
oohoneyt
hankyousomuch

Theykissedandhuggedwhi
leever
yonecl
appedon
thei
rfeet
..
.

Joshua:iseey'
allhavebeengif
ti
ngherwi
thall
theseamazingthingsbutbabeherei
smygif
tfor
you.Bri
ngitout
!
Ever
yonet
urnedasanAMGL45gotdr
iveni
n..
.

Ever
yone:ohmywor
d

Mayasquatt
edandcover
edherf
acewi
thherhands
shaki
ngherhead.
..

Maya:guysno,
noguys
Joshua:happybi r
thdaymyl ove.Itoldyousomany
ti
mest hatyourhappinessismypr iorit
y.Iknow
happinesscan'tbeboughtbuti t
'st
hel it
tl
efiner
thi
ngsoflifethatcompletesthatandyoudeser ve
thatandmor emyl ove(tookthekeys)her eareyour
fourwheelstoagr eat
erlif
ebabe.Il oveyou
Maya:Joshuano(
ever
yonel
aughed)
Joshua:(smi
led)yesbabyyes.ThankyouKavi
mba
motorsformakingthi
spossibl
e.Comelove
Hetookherhandgoi
ngt
othecarwhi
leever
yone
l
ookedonshocked.
..

Lucas:t
hel at
estAMG.Goshuncl
eJoi
shonest
lyan
i
nspirat
ion.Iwantt
otr
eatmywomanjustashe
tr
eatsauntyMaya

Sundaesmi
ledast
hephotogr
aphert
ookpi
cturesof
Mayaassheadmir
edhernewsetofwheel
s..
.

Joshua:t
her
e'smor
einsi
de
Maya:what
?
Kelechi
:ahnot
hishast
obet
hemostgi
ft
edper
son
everah

Sheopenedt
hedoorandfoundabunchofroses
wit
hanenvel
opeonthem andagi
ftbag.
..
Joshua:int
hatenvelopei
syourf i
rstt
omanyfull
tanksmoneymyl ovenowi f
eofmi neisgoi
ngto
driveacarwit
hpetrolbel
owf ul
l(ever
yonel
aughed)
youcancheckt hegif
tbag

Shel
ookedi
nsi
deashereyesl
andedonani
phone
14pr
omax..
.

Maya:Joshua
Joshua:happybi
rt
hdayonceagai
nmyl
ove
Maya:t
hankyousomuch

Theyhuggedandki ssedagai nast heymadeway

backt othecrowd.Mayat ookthemi crophoneas
Joshuat ookhisseat .Sheheavedahugesi gh
shakingherheadl ooki ngatever yone.Shefelther
emot i
onsover whelmi ngherasshei nhaledand
sl
owl yexhaledsippingonsomewat er.Shecleared
herthroatandputt hemi crophoneonhermout has
everyonelookedonwi t
hsmi lesont heirf
aces.Her
worl
df r
ozeasshecl
osedhereyeswi t
h
goosebumpsemergi
ngfrom herski
n..
.

Maya: hekeepsondoi nggr eatthings( everyone'

s
j
awdr opped)hekeepsondoi nggr eatt hings.
Jehovahj ai
raht heLor dmypr ovideryeshekeeps
ondoi nggreatt hi
ngs ( theyal lapplaudedast ear
s
rolleddownhereyes)t hankyouGod, thankyou
mi ghtysavi
our .Weaskf orlessbutyoual waysgive
usmor e(t
heor chestrasof t
lyplayedt hesongshe
sang)youal oneknowourpat hsandJesusnoman
woul deverstandi nourway.Youcanneverputus
i
nsi t
uati
onswehavenocont rolover.Youar ethe
providerandt hesaviour.Lor dJesusicannever
thankyouenoughf orwhatyoukeepdoi nginmy
l
ife.Blessallthesoul shereLor d.Lett hem know
thatyouar ethewayt hetruthandt helife.Amen
Al
l:amen!
Maya:honestl
yspeaki
ngihavenothi
ngtosay.
Eachandeveryoneofyouhaveshownmewhat
l
oveis.I
m gratef
ulf
orallofyouandt
hankyouso
muchf ormaki ngmyday( shel ookedatherring)
babe,MrKgang, myJoman( everyonechuckled)
thankyout hankyout hankyou.Mayt hegoodLor d
keepyouandbl essyouf orme.Mayhegr antme
thestrengt htobecomeabet terwif
etoyouandan
amazi ngmot hertoourchi l
drenaswel lasasi st
er
anddaught ertoallourfami l
ies.Thankyousomuch
myl ove.Il oveyoumor et hant hemeaningoft he
wor ditself(shekissedhim asever yoneapplauded)
trustmeassoonasourmar riageisoff
ici
atedwe
aremaki ngApr i
landHer berttheirl
it
tl
esibli
ngs.
Soccert eam vibes

Ever
yonel
aughedasLewi
stookt
hemi
crophone.
..

Lewis:Godbl essyoumyf r
iend.Totayouare
alr
eadybl essedsosoakandbuski nthismoment
myl ove.Youdeser veital
landneverletanyonetell
youot her
wi se.Wi
ththatsaidladiesandgentl
emen
wehavecomet oanendofphase1ofourpar t
y
nowi t'
sti
met omingleandgettoknowoneanot her.
Fi
ndyourJoshuaandMayai beli
evetherealotof
si
ngletonshere(ever
yonelaughed)PastorTaolo
mayyouki ndlycomeandbl essourqueenandal lof
ushereandt hefoodwear eabouttopartakein.(He
madehi swayt othefr
ont)aft
erthatmakesureyou
areseatedasthewai t
erswill
beservi
ngyoual l
.
Theytookallyourordersri
ght?
Al
l:yes
Lewi
s:good.Past
orbl
essuspl
ease
MrT:thankyousi
r.Mayweal
lki
ndl
ybowour
headsandpray

Theydidashepr ayedwitht
heor chestrasoft
ly
playi
ng.Backatt heDuncan'sSaintwentt hr
ough
hisfacebooktimelineandsawapi ctureSundaejust
uploaded.ItwasofherandLucasatt hepartyand
shecapt i
oneditwithaheart,danci
ngpeopl eand
fi
reemoj i
sandt aggedLucas...

Sai
nt:sot
hisi
sthedouchebag
Hesai dcli
ckingonLucas' snameandopenedhi s
profi
legoingt hroughit
.Hescoffedandcl i
ckedhis
tongueput ti
nghi sphonedown.Backatt heparty
everyonest ar
tedmi ngli
ngandchatti
ngasLewi s
wentar oundmaki ngsuret
heywer eal
lgood.
Someonet appedhi sshoul
derandashet urnedhe
l
ockedeyeswi t
hMi keashisheartski
ppedabeat
withhisglassofchampagnesl i
ppingoffhishand..
.

Mi
ke:(
smi
led)heybabe.Ar
eyouhappyt
oseeme?
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
16] :AKEPTWOMAN
65
Mike:comeonl ovewhydoyoulookl
ikeyouhave
seenaghost ?(
Lewisswall
owedashetouchedhi
s
shoulder
)givemeasmi l
eorsomethi
ngtoshow
thatyouarehappytoseeme

Lewislookedathi
shandandsl
owl
ymovedhi
s
shoulder
..
.

Lewi
s:howdi
dyougeti
nher
e?
Mi
ke:youknowihavemyways
Lewi
s:whendi
dyougetout
?
Mi
ke:i
t'
sbeen6daysnow
Lewi
s:andyousawi
tfi
ttocomeher
e?
Mi
ke:imi
ssedyoubabe
Lewis:st
opcal
li
ngmebabe.Howdi
dyouevenf
ind
outiwouldbehere?
Mi
ke:ihavebeenf
oll
owi
ngyourmovessi
nceigot
out
Lewi
s:canyoupleaseleaveandleavemealone.
Youandiarenolongertoget
her.Younear
lykil
led
meMikesopleaseleave
Mike:comeonl oveiapologisedforwhatididand
i
m stil
lapologi
sing.Iwil
lapologi
sefortherestof
mylifeifneedbe.Iloveyouandonl yyou
Lewis:(
steppedback)noMi
keno.Youdon'
tdo
whatyoudi dtometosomeoneyoucl
aimtoloveso
pleasel
eavemeal one
Mi
ke:it
houghtwecoul
dcont
inuewher
ewe.
..
Morri
s:honeyihavebeenl
ooki
ngforyou.Ar
eyou
ok?Youseem star
tl
ed(heki
ssedhi
scheekas
Lewi
sswal l
owed)
Lewi
s:i
m okl
ove
Mor
ri
s:si
r
Mi
ke:soyoucan'
ttel
lwhoiam?(
Lewi
sfr
owned)
Mor
ri
s:ar
eyout
alki
ngt
ome?
Mi
ke:yesMor
ri
s(Lewi
s'
shear
tski
ppedabeat
)
Mor
ri
s:whoar
eyouagai
n?
Mi
ke:dudewewentt
ojuni
orschoolt
oget
her
Mor
ri
s:i
m sor
rybutidon'
tremember
Lewi
s:l
oveit
hinkweshoul
d..
.
Mike:ourcl
asseswer
enexttooneanot
her
.You
wereintheBandiwasintheD
Lewi
s:l
ove.
..
Mor
ri
s:babewai
t,what
'syournameagai
n?
Mi
ke:Mi
keBl
acki
e
Mor
ri
s:wai
t,Mi
keBl
acki
etheschoolr
ebel
?
Mike:(
smil
ed)iknewyouwoul
dremembert
hat
aboutme.Yesthatver
ysameMike
Mor
ri
s:oht
hat'
sni
cedude.I
t'
sgoodt
oseeyouhey.
Whodoyouknowher
e?
Mike:i
m amechani
catKgangTravelandtour
s
company.Iwor
kforJoshua(
Lewisfrowned)
Morri
s:ohthat
'swonderf
uli
t'
sgreatt
omeetyou
buddyihopewewillseemoreofeachot
her
Mi
ke:mostdef
ini
tel
y
Mor
ri
s:honeyl
et'
sgoeat
Lewi
s:i
mri
ghtbehi
ndyou
Mor
ri
s:ok(
heheadedon)
Lewi
s:soyouhaven'
tst
oppedl
ying?
Mike:I
mt el
li
ngyouthet
rut
h.Istudi
edtobea
mechanicinpri
sonsoil
ookedforajobassoonasi
gotout
Lewi
s:yeahr
ightst
ayawayf
rom me
Mi
ke:iseeyouhavemovedonwi
thyourl
if
e
Lewi
s:andisuggestyoudot
hesame

Hetr
iedtowalkawayasMi kegr
abbedhi
sarm.I
t
washowhardhi sgri
pwasonhisarmthat
r
emindedhim ofthel
astdayhesawhim..
.

Lewi
s:l
etgoofmeMi
ke
Mi
ke:i
m backandi
m her
etot
akewhat
'smi
ne.You
bet
tert
ellt
hatst
upi
dboyofyour
sthatnoone
messeswithmyter
ri
tor
y
Lewi
s:isai
dletgoofme

Hepulledhisarmf r
om him andlef
twhil
eatthe
tabl
eMor ri
sfr
ownedl ookingatMikewhosmi l
ed
andlif
tedhiswhiskeyglassathim.Hetookasip
andmi ndedhisbusinesswhileLewist
ookhi
sseat.
..

Mor
ri
s:ar
eyouokbabe?
Lewi
s:mhem

HesighedandtookMorr
is'
swhiskeygl
assdowni ng
i
tashef rownedl
ooki
ngathim.Bytheothertabl
e
Tonywipedasauceofft
hecornerofApple'
slipas
shesmiled..
.

Appl
e:t
hankyou
Tony:youar
ewel
come.Ar
eyouenj
oyi
ngyour
sel
f?
Apple:al
ot.Ever
ythi
ngaboutt
hiseveni
ngi
s
beauti
ful
Tony:iknowr
ightandiwoul
dn'
ttr
adet
oni
ghtf
or
anyt
hing
Appl
e:ohr
eal
ly?
Tony:yeah.Imeanigottospendtimewi t
hyouand
wit
nesst hestar
tofagr
eatlovestory.I
fallt
hemen
herearen'ti
nspi
redt
obelikethi
smanidon' tknow
anymor e
Appl
e:ibel
ieveyouar
einspi
red?
Tony:al
otiwantt
oworkhar
dtobeabl
etodosuch
athi
ngtotheper
sonil
ove
Apple:t
hat
'sgr
eat
.Ever
yonedeser
veshappi
ness
af
terall
Tony:tr
uethat
.Sowhat
'syourcurf
ewiknowyour
parent
sall
owedyoutocomebutibeli
evethey
expectyoutobehomeatacert
ainti
me
Appl
e:idon'thaveacurfewbutiwantt
ogohome
bymidnightlat
estbecauseiwantt
ogotochur
chi
n
themorning.
Tony:ohokt
henwewi
lll
eavear
ound23:
45
Appl
e:nopr
obl
em.Ar
eyouaChr
ist
ian?
Tony:i
m notr
eall
yarel
igi
ouspersonbutmy
parent
saresoiknowther
e'saGodoutther
e
Apple:ohok.Ifyouhavetimeonedaycomeforone
servi
ceatmychur chandseei
fyoucan'
tchange
yourmi ndaboutthat
Tony:nott
ooffendyoubuti
syourchur
chthatki
nd
ofchurcht
hatpastor
sbrai
nwashpeopl
e?
Apple:(
chuckled)wel lourpast
orisaser vantof
God.Hehasheal edandsavedpeopl ef
rom al otof
thi
ngs.He' snotreall
yintomoney.Theof feri
ng
alwaysgot ochar i
tyandusedf ordevel
opmentof
thechurch.Hehasasal arybecausehe'shumanhe
hastoliveaswel lbuthealsohasabusi nesst hat
putsfoodonhi st
able.Hedoesn'tchargef or
consult
ationandpr ayersli
keotherpastorswoul d
becausehesaysJesusneverchar gedpeoplef or
heali
ngandpr ayi
ngf ort
hem whywoul dhe?
Tony:ohokmaybet
henicancomeoversomeday
Appl
e:iwoul
dbehappy
Tony:youknowt
hatil
ikeyour
ightAppl
e?
Appl
e:(
smi
led)yesido
Tony:(t
ookherhand)doyoumi ndbeingmy
gi
rlf
ri
end?Iknowyouar ebusyprepar
ingforyour
fi
nalexamsandallandipromisetonotbeinyour
wayoft hat
.It
ooam busywithvarsi
tybutwhat'
s
l
ifewit
houtabitofl
eisur
e?
Appl e:t
ruet
hat.Whaticansayi slet
'sj
usttake
thingsastheycomeandnotr ushint
oanything.As
yousayiwi l
lbespendi ngmostofmyt i
mest udying
andyoucanact ual
lyhelpmest udyi
sn'
ty'
allare
closedandonlyopeni nginAugust?
Tony:yeahwhat
everyouneedhel
ponyouknow
youcanalwayshol
laatme
Appl
e:sur
e.
Tony:sof
ornowwear
efr
iends?
Appl
e:yeahf
ri
endsbui
ldi
ngt
oar
elat
ionshi
p
Tony:gott
hatsonomessi
ngar
ound
Appl
e:exact
ly

Theylaughedandconti
nuedtochatwhileeat
ing.
BytheKavimba'sandAdiol
e'
ssideKelechi
'sphone
fel
lasLovemorepickedi
tupforher.
..

Lovemor
e:her
eyougo
Kel
echi
:(smi
led)t
hankyou

Despit
eherout wardper sonali
tyshereal
lywasa
beauti
fullady.Herroundgr eeneyes,
sharpnose,
thi
cklipsandni cewhitesetofteethr
eall
yfini
shed
offhernigeri
anbeauty...

Lovemor
e:Kel
echir
ight
?
Kel
echi
:yes(
smi
led)your
emember
ed
Lovemor
e:howcanif
orgett
henameofabeaut
if
ul
womanli
keyou(t
heychuckl
ed)
Kel
echi:ohhesaysim beaut
if
ul.Thankyou(
she
sai
dfl
ippingherhai
r)
Lovemor
e:you'
rewel
come.Sowhodoyoucome
aft
er?
Kel
echi
:imt
hel
astbor
n
Lovemor
e:ohok.Whatdoyoudo?
Kelechi
:im part
neratmysister'
scompanyi
n
Londonbutwear eopeni
ngabr anchher
ein
Botswanawhi chiwil
lberunning
Lovemor
e:soyouar
emovi
ngher
e?
Kel
echi
:yes
Lovemor
e:whatki
ndofbusi
nessi
sit
?
Kel
echi
:pri
vat
einvest
igat
ionandal
soat
radi
ng
company
Lovemor
e:ohyouar
etr
ader
s?
Kelechi
:yep.Abii
sagur uint
hatareashehas
taughtmeandi m sl
owlycomingupherlevelaswell
.
Wear eopeningatradi
ngschoolherewherewewi l
l
beeducatingpeopleonhowtobet r
adersofnote
Lovemore:ibel
ievei
t'
sal
ucrat
ivebusi
nesssi
nce
youareabletoopenanot
herbr
anch
Kel
echi
:ver
y
Lovemore:ni
ce.Bei
ngapri
vatei
nvesti
gat
or
requi
resyoutohavesomeexper
iencei
nforce
Kel
echi:iact
ual
lydoi
m af
ormerCI
Sof
fi
cerand
spyagent
Lovemor
e:ohwowt
hat
'sgr
eatandyoursi
ster
?
Kelechi
:she'
safor
mermi
li
tar
yof
fi
ceroft
heUni
ted
StatesofAmeri
ca
Lovemor
e:t
heAdi
ole'
sar
eaf
orcehey
Kel
echi
:onet
hingyoushoul
dn'
tdoi
smesswi
thus
Lovemor
e:igott
hatl
oudandcl
ear
Kel
echi
:ohyes.Whatdoyoudo?
Lovemor
e:iownamot
orcompany.Wesel
land
makecars
Kel
echi:oht
hat
'sni
ce.TheKavi
mbamot
orst
heguy
menti
onedonhisspeechi
syours?
Lovemor
e:yesma'
am
Kel
echi
:oht
hat
'samazi
ng
Lucas:dadcomeseesomet
hing
Lovemor
e:ok.Iwi
llbeback
Kel
echi
:nopr
obl
em

Hef oll
owedLucaswhi leKelechisatbackandtook
herdr i
nk.Shefli
ppedherhairandt ookasip
checkingLovemor eoutwhileChiomaf rowned
l
ooki ngatherfrom herseat
.Byt heothersi
dethe
fami l
ylaughedoutloudasKenei lweandGlidi
atol
d
them somej okesfrom t
heoldt i
mes.MrKgang
helpedVi ct
orwithhisnapki
nandgavehi m hi
s
drink..
.

Vi
ctor
:thankyoubr
other
MrK:noprobl
em.Kidscanmakeustr
avelt
he
worl
dhey.Imeanwhowouldhavet
houghtthati
woul
dbemar r
yingmysonofft
osomeonefrom t
he
sout
h
Vict
or:(
chuckled)yeaht
heseonesar
e
unpredi
ctabl
e
MrK:sowhatdoyoudo?
Vi
ctor
:im ar
eti
redmi
ner
MrK:ohtheolddaysr
ichgang(t
heyl
aughed)isee
youhaveari
ngonyourfinger
Vict
or:yeahi
m marr
iedtothi
sot
herwomanwho
hasbeenabusingmesincemyacci
dent
MrK:somewomencanbehear
tl
ess
Vi
ctor
:yeahbutiwasal
readyusedtoi
tionl
y
pr
ayedtoGodtokeepmeunt i
limeetmydaught
er
MrK:andi
ndeedhedi
d
Vict
or:he'
safait
hfulGod.Ihopehekeepsmeunt i
l
i
m abletowalkmybabydownt hei
slebutl
ooki
ng
atmyhealthchancesar esl
im buti
m happyigotto
spendoneofherbirthdayswit
hhersoiwoul drest
i
npeace
MrK:don' tworr
ymanGodi saverymysteri
ous
spir
ityouwillbesur
prisedt
hatyouwilll
iveforl
ong
evenifthedoctorst
ellyouother
wise
Vi
ctor
:thecancerhashonest
lyspr
eadont
hel
ungs
soanydayisdeeday
MrK:(laughed)yourhumourthr
oughi
talliswhat
wi
llkeepyougoi ng.Hangi
ntheremybrother
Vi
ctor
:(smi
led)t
hankyou

Theycont
inuedtochatwhil
ebytheDjNyasha
pokedApr
il'
sshoulderwhotur
nedandswall
owed.
Nyashasmiledandwavedatherasshewaved
backandl
ookedaway. .
.

Nyasha:Apr
il
Apr
il
:huh?
Nyasha:canwetal
k?(
Shekeptqui
et)t
rustmei
won'tdoanyt
hingt
oyou
Apr
il
:ok

Theyst
eppedawayasHer
ber
tdancedkeepi
ngan
eyeonthem.
..
Nyasha:ijustwanttosayi
m sorryforwhatididto
yout heotherdayi
nMochudi.Ishouldn'thave
reactedthewayidid.Youdi
dn'tdeserveitatal
lso
i
mr eal
lysorry
Apr
il
:it
'sok
Nyasha:soyoupromisefrom her
eonwewillget
along?(
Shenodded)awesomeandiwi l
lal
wayslet
youplayonmyphoneal lyouhavetodoi
sask
Apr
il
:it
'sokuncl
eJoshuagotusbigtabl
etssoi
won'
thavetotouchanyone'
sphone
Nyasha:oht
hat
'sni
ce
Apr
il
:Nyasha
Nyasha:yes
April
:onet hi
ngmymom al waystell
smei sthat
.
Beingni cetopeopl
etakesnothi
ngfrom yourat
her
i
thelpsyoubecomeabet terwomanbutbeingnice
doesn'tmeanyoushoul dbeanidiot
.Thankyouf or
apologising
Shehuggedherandr
anbacktothedjwhi
leNyasha
st
oodtheret
aki
ngherwor
dsin..
.

Nyasha:wow

ByherseatMayat ookpict
ureswithever yonewho
askedforapict
ureastheycongratulatedheronthe
engagement.Shesmiledtaki
ngapi cturewi t
hthe
recept
ioni
standthentookherseatasherphone
report
edamessage.Shesmi l
edreadingi tand
responded.
..

Maya:sosweetofher
Joshua:who?
Maya:i
t'
sBi
ancashesentmeamessagewi
shi
ng
meahappybir
thdayandcr
edi
tedmewit
hP50
ai
rt
ime
Joshua:oht
hat
'sni
ceofher
Maya:it
hinksheandishoul
dsi
tdownandt
alki
real
lydon'tl
ikehavi
ngfr
ict
ionwi
thpeopl
eyouknow.
Thefactthatshesentmeamessagesaysalot
Joshua:i
t'
snotaprobl
em myloveasl ongasshe
tur
nsagoodleafl
ikeLewisbecausethelastt
hingi
wantisformywomant obesurroundedbytoxi
cit
y
Maya:thankyoul
ove(
sheki
ssedhi
m ast
hey
chuckl
ed)
Joshua:youl
oveever
ythi
ng?
Maya:lovei
sanunderst
atementbabeidon'
tthi
nk
anyt
hingwouldsur
passthismoment
Joshua:ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hat
?
Maya:oki
m donecr
yingJoshuaidon'
twantany
sur
pri
ses
Joshua:j
ustal
lowmet
hisonel
astchancet
hen
Maya:ok
Joshua:meetmeher
ewhenyoul
eave(
gaveher
hotel
room keys)
Maya:bat
hongJoshua
Joshua:(
kissedhercheek)seeyoui
nabi
tok
Maya:(
smi
led)ok.Ar
eyoul
eavi
ngnow?
Joshua:i
naf
ewmi
nut
es
Maya:ok
Joshua:il
oveyouok
Maya:il
oveyoumor
e

Hepull
edherinforanotherki
ssasever
yone
cheer
ed.Theylaughedandstoppedwhi
leMarel
edi
shookherhead..
.

Man:hel
lo
Mar
eledi
:(t
uckherhai
rbehi
ndhereart
urni
ng)hi
Man:mynamei
sAj
ax
Mar
eledi
:(smi
led)i
m Mar
eledi
Ajax:
it'
sni
cet
omeetyouMar
eledi(
theyshook
hands)
Mar
eledi
:li
kewi
se
Aj
ax:
doyouneedar
efi
ll
?
Mar
eledi
:yespl
ease
Aj
ax:
let
'sgogetyouone

Heputhishandaroundherwaistastheywentt
o
thebarwhi
leherparent
slookedatthem and
smil
ed..
.

Aj
ax:
whatar
eyouhavi
ng?
Mar
eledi
:avi
rgi
ncockt
ail
Ajax:
okonevirgi
ncockt
ailplease(
thebar
tender
fi
xedit)sowhoisMarel
edi?
Marel
edi
:a22yearol
dlawst
udentwhoi
sa
pr
eacher
'ski
d
Aj
ax:don'
ttel
lmet
hemanwhowaspr
ayi
ngeal
i
er
i
syourfat
her
Mar
eledi
:hei
ndeedi
swhatmakesyout
hinkso?
Aj
ax:
y'al
llookal
ike
Mar
eledi
:ever
yonesayst
hatiguessmydadi
sa
beaut
if
ulmanbecausei
m beaut
if
ul(
theychuckl
ed
ashesippedhi
sdri
nk)
Aj
ax:
aconf
identl
ady.Il
ike
Mar
eledi
:ohyesandyou,
whoar
eyou?
Aj
ax:a27yearol
daccount
antatKgangTr
avel
and
t
ours
Mar
eledi
:ohni
ceonebi
ghappyf
ami
lyisee
Aj
ax:
ohyes.Soibel
ieveyoudon'
tdr
ink
Mareledi
:yeahidon'
t.I
t'
snotthatican'tbutichose
notto.Icanpart
yhardthough(theylaughed)one
thi
ngmypar entstol
dmewast oneverl etwhothey
areli
mitordefi
nethepersoniturnouttobe
Aj
ax:
ohwowwonder
fulpar
ent
stheyar
e
Marel
edi:(t
othebart
ender
)thankyousomuch
(t
heyheadedback)soyeahim afr
eebir
dthe
choi
cesimakear esol
elymineandnoti
nfl
uenced
bymypar ents
Ajax:
that
'sgreat
.That
'showyour
aisea
phenomenalchil
d
Mar
eledi
:(bl
ushi
ng)ohsoi
m phenomenal
?
Aj
ax:fr
om t
he2minut
esihavespentwi
thyou,
wi
thoutadoubt
Mar
eledi
:ok.Sowher
e'sbaewhileyouarebusy
r
oamingthestr
eet
satnight(
theylaughed)
Aj
ax:
im si
ngl
e.Beensi
ngl
efort
womont
hsnow
Mar
eledi
:ohok.
Ajax:whataboutyou.Anybr
other
'nyanaf
rom
church?(Theyl
aughed)
Marel
edi:heithoseonesareseni
orhur
dist
siswear
t
oyou( t
heyl aughed)theywi
llmi
nceupyourhear
t
i
ntothefinestpiecesever
Aj
ax:
yoh
Mar eledi:soihonestlydon'twanttodateachur ch
brother.Ihavebeent alki
ngt othi
spersonbutahi t'
s
notf unanymor e.He'sadr unksoweonl ytalkfr
om
Mondayni ghtt
oWednesdayni ght
.From Thursday
untilMondayaf ter
noonhe'snowher etobefound.I
don'tmi ndadr inki
ngpersonbutyouneedt obe
responsi bleaboutit
Aj
ax:ohwowhe'sal
osershame.Howdoyout
reat
adi
mel i
keyout
hatway?
Mar
eledi
:ohwel
lpeopl
ear
edi
ff
erent
Aj
ax:
yeahhey.Canihaveyournumber
?
Mar
eledi
:yeahsur
enopr
obl
em

Theyexchangednumbersandheadedt
othedance
fl
oorwhereeveryonewasdoi
ngthemost.

LATERTHATNI
GHT

Atahot
el.
..

Mayasi
ghedpar
kinghernewcarandsatback.
..

Maya:whatani
ght
.
Shesmi ledlookingatallthegi f
tst hatmanagedt o
fi
tinthecarandgotof f.Shel ockedi tandmade
sureitwassaf eandheadedi nsidewavi ngatthe
recepti
onist.Shewenti ntotheel evatorasittook
hertothet hirdfl
oor.Shegotoutandheadedt othe
room numbert hatwaswr itt
enont hekey.She
sighedunlocki ngandsmi ledtoasemi darkr
oom
withli
tscent edcandles,rosepet alsallovert
he
fl
oorandont hebed..
.

Maya:Joshua?

Asshecal l
edhim somesof tromanticmusi cpl
ayed
from thespeakersasheopenedt hebathroom door
andl eanedont heframewithar oseinhismout h.
Shesmi l
edlookingathiminpant sandcr ossbelt
s
only.Ani celeanbodyhehadashet ooktheroseof
hismout handst ret
chedhishandt oMaya.She
smi l
edmor et hr
owingherbagont hecouchand
tookof fherheelsgoingt
ohi m astheykissed..
.
Joshua:heybabe
Maya:(
smi
led)hi
Joshua:l
et'
sseal
theni
ght
Maya:l
et'
s
Joshua:come

Theysmi l
edashet ookheri nthebat hroom.Ther e
werer osepetal sever ywher eeveni nt hewat erashe
unzippedherdr ess.Shehel dherhai ri nonesi deas
hesof tl
ykissedherbackwhi l
eshesmi ledandhe
droppedt hedr ess.Onet hingaboutMayai sthat
shehadanexqui sit
ebody.Herski nwasf l
awl ess
andshesmel ledsogood.Shehadal lthemeati n
therightplacesasJoshuacont inuedt okissher
andundi dherbr a.Shet urnedt ohim wi t
hasmi le
onherf aceashesof tl
yexhaled.Itwashi sfir
sttime
seeinghercompl etelynaked.Movi ngt othebeatof
thesongpl ayingi nthespeaker sshesl owl ytookoff
herthongwhi leJoshuasmi l
edl ookingather .He
fel
linloveoverandoveragai n.Shest oodonher
toesandputherar msar oundhi sneckki ssinghim.
Theystoppedashewipedherl
ipswhi
leshewi
ped
thel
ipst
ickoffhi
s..
.

Joshua:l
et'
sgeti
nthewat
er
Maya:ok

Shewenti nf i
rstasJoshuatookoffhispants.She
smiledlookingupathim andwentdownwi t
hhi s
body.Hewasi ndeedakalangaman.Shef el
ther
coochiethrobashewenti ntothewater.Hesat
behindherast heyhadstrawberr
iesandmel ted
chocolatewhi l
ebathi
ngoneanot her
.Wi t
hki ssi
ng
breaksinbet weenthebathi
ngtheyfinal
lygotout
10mi nuteslater.
..

Joshua:t
her
e'ssomet
hingf
oryouont
opoft
hebed
iwil
lfi
ndyouther
e

Shesmi l
edleavi
nghim andsmi
ledseeingther
ed
l
inger
ie.Sheputitonandputonherfavori
te
perf
umet hatwasont hebedsideandseduct ivel
y
satonthebed.Joshuacameoutoft hebathroom in
atowelandsmi l
edlookingather.Shebitherlower
l
ipsmili
ngandcal l
edhim wit
hherf i
ngerashe
changedthesongtoTeeks'sFirstti
me

Fi
nal
ly,
wear
eher
enow
I
'
vebeenwai
ti
ngal
lmyl
if
e,whoa
Ever
ydayyou'
real
lIt
hinkabout
,yeah
Mymind,
it'
sli
kear
iverandyoual
waysbat
hei
nthe
wat
er

Oh,
Ipr
ayedf
oryou
Oh,
Icr
iedf
oryou
Ican'
tbel
ievewe'
reher
eatl
ast
Oh,
Ipr
ayedf
oryou
Oh,
Icr
iedf
oryou
Ican'
tbel
ievewe'
reher
eatl
ast
Canyout
akemet
hrough?Oh

Touchmeonmyf
ace
Ki
ssmeonmyhand
Takemet
oapl
acewher
ewef
indl
ove
Showmewhati
tmeans
Andhowi
t'
ssupposedt
ofeel
Yougotal
lIneed
Canwemakel
ove
Li
kei
t'
sourf
ir
stt
ime?
Fi
rstt
ime.
..

Hewentont opofthebedandsoft
lyki
ssedheras
shekissedhi
m back.Shet
ouchedhisfacesl
owly
openingherl
egsashewentbetweenthem
and..
.#REMOVED

Meanwhi
leatherhouseTani
afi
nishedherl
ast
gl
assofherdr
inkandsi
ghed.
..

Tani
a:t
imet
oshakeupt
hisbi
tch'
swor
ld

Shesai
dsendingMayaafacebookfr
iendrequest
andputherphoneawaygoi
ngtothebathr
oom.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
16] :AKEPTWOMAN
65
#REMOVED
Hewentontopofthebedandsoft
lyki
ssedheras
sheki
ssedhi
m back.Shet
ouchedhisfacesl
owly
openi
ngherl
egsashewentbetweenthem and
wentdowntoherneck.
.

Joshua:yousmel
lamazi
ng

Heki ssedherast hesof tnessandwet nessofhi s

l
ipst urnedheronasshesof tlymoaned.Hewent
downhercl eavageandki ssedi tthenwentbackt o
herl i
ps.Theypassi onat
el ykissedasshemoved
hernai l
sonhi sbackmaki nghi m sof t
lymoanashe
kissedher .Shef li
ppedhi m overandwentont opof
him ashegi ggled.Shebi therl owerl i
pwi thasmi le
onl ookingathi m seductivelywi t
hherhai ronher
face.Shel oosenedt hetowelashesmi ledlooking
atherwhi leshef l
ippedherhai randki ssedhi m
againwhi leont hepl ayl
istplayedDest iny'
schi l
d's
catertoyou. ..
 BabyIseeyouwor
kinghar
d
Iwantt
oletyouknowI
'
m pr
oud
Letyouknowt
hatIadmi
rewhatyoudo
Themor
eifIneedt
oreassur
eyou
Myl
if
ewoul
dbepur
posel
esswi
thoutyou(
Yeah)
I
fIwanti
t(Goti
t)
WhenIaskyou(
Youpr
ovi
dei
t)

Youi
nspi
remet
obebet
ter
Youchal
lengemef
ort
hebet
ter
Si
tbackandl
etmepouroutmyl
ovel
ett
er

Letmehel
pyou
Takeof
fyourshoes
Unt
ieyourshoest
ri
ngs
Takeof
fyourcuf
fl
inks(
Yeah)
Whatyouwannaeat
,boo?(
Yeah)
Letmef
eedyou
Letmer
unyourbat
hwat
er
What
everyoudesi
re,
I'
llsuppl
yya
Si
ngyouasong
Tur
nmygameon
I
'
llbr
ushyourhai
r
Hel
pyouputyourdo-
ragon
Wantaf
ootr
ub(
Yeah)
Wantamani
cur
e
BabyI
'
m your
sIwannacat
ert
oyou,
boy

Letmecat
ert
oyou
'
Causebabyt
hisi
syourday
Doanyt
hingf
ormyman
Babyyoubl
owmeaway
Igotyoursl
ipper
s
Yourdi
nner
Yourdesser
tandsomuchmor
e
Anyt
hingyouwant

Letmecat
ert
oyou
I
nspi
remef
rom t
hehear
t
Can'
tnot
hingt
earusapar
t
Youal
lIwanti
naman
Iputmyl
if
einyourhands
Igotyoursl
ipper
s
Yourdi
nner
Yourdesser
tandsomuchmor
e
Anyt
hingyouwant
,Iwannacat
ert
oyou

BabyI
'
m happyyou'
rehome
Letmehol
dyoui
nmyar
ms
Ij
ustwantt
otaket
hest
ressawayf
rom you
Maki
ngsur
ethatI
'
m doi
ngmypar
t(Oh)
I
sther
esomet
hingyouneedmet
odo?(
Oh)
I
fyouwanti
t,(
Igoti
t)
Sayt
hewor
dI(
Iwi
llt
ryi
t)
Iknowwhat
everI
'
m notf
ulf
il
li
ng(
Oh)
Noot
herwomani
swi
ll
ing(
Oh)

I
'
m gon'
ful
fi
llyourmi
nd,
bodyandspi
ri
t
Ipr
omi
seyou(
Promi
seyou)
I
'
llkeepmysel
fup(
Oh)
Remai
nthesamechi
ck(
Yeah)
Youf
elli
nlovewi
th(
Yeah)
I
'
llkeepi
tti
ght
I
'
llkeepmyf
igur
eri
ght
I
'
llkeepmyhai
rfi
xed
Keepr
ocki
n't
hehot
testout
fi
ts
Whenyoucomehomel
ate,
tapme.
..
Shewentdownwi t
hhisbodyki ssingeveryfi
breof
i
tashesmi ledlookingather.Shegott othe
machineandf l
ippedherhairtot hesideli
ckinghis
ball
swhileheexhal edcl
osinghi seyes.Shesof t
ly
str
okedthemachi newi t
hherhandwhi lesuckingon
theball
s.Sheswal lowedandlickhi speri
neum asit
sentwavesofpl easureal
loverhi sbodyand
gasped..
.

Joshua:Maya.
..

Hesoft
lysai
dasshesmi ledandsl owlyl
ickthe
machi
ne.Shesl
owlyputi tinhermout handtook
hi
sstr
aightt
oherthroatashegr untedbit
inghis
l
owerli
ptaki
nginallthepleasur
e..
.

Joshua:f
li
p

Shesl
owl
ytookitbackupbreat
hingoutandputi
t
backi
nsl
owlysuckingoni
t.Themoreshesucked
oni tthehar deri tbecameashercoochi et hr obbed
mor edyi ngt of eeli tinher .Shest oppedsucki ngon
i
tandwentt ohi sf aceashesi ghedoutof
satisfaction.Theyki ssedagai nashef li
ppedher
overput t
ingheronherback.Heki ssedher
stomachwhi l
eshesof t
lymoanedt hrought he
pleasur e.Hesl owl yt ookof fherunder wearwhi le
shel if
tedherwai stal i
ttl
e.Het hr
ewi tont hecar pet
asheki ssedhercr awlingbackt oheri nnert hi ghs.
Heki ssedt hem asherbr eathingincreasedwi th
ever ykisshert hi ghsr eceived.Hewenti nf ort he
coochi eandgavei tonesof tlickasMayagasped
grabbi ngont hesheet swhi l
edi gginghert oesi nthe
duvet .Hesmi l
edl ookingathercont i
nuedt osof tl
y
l
ickher .Ever ylicksentamassi veloadsofpl easur e
throughherbodyashermoani nggotal ittl
el ouder.
Hermoani ngandsi gnofpl easurei swhatar oused
Joshuaashesof tl
yputhi sfingerinheropeni ng
whi l
el i
ckingherasMayal if
tedherheadl ooki ngat
Joshua. .
.

Maya:baby
Joshua:mmh
Maya:iwantyou
Joshua:met
oo

Hestoppedli
cki
ngherandwentf orherl
ipsagai
n
asshefli
ppedhi
m overandwentont opofhim
rubbi
nghismachineoverhercoochi
e..
.

Joshua:wannausepr
otect
ion?(
Sheshookher
headashegiggl
ed)ok

Shetookoffthebraandwentdownt ohi sf
ace
ki
ssinghim somemor ewhi l
ehi smachi nesof
tl
yhit
herbum cheeks.Sheslowlydirectedittoher
openingasheheldherwai stintoplace.Shetooka
deepbreat
hi nandslowlysli
di tin.
..

Joshua:shi
t!
Hesai dclosinghiseyesasherwal l
sgrabbedon
hismachi ne.Thewar mthofitsentalotof
excit
ementdownhi sspineweakeningitandasshe
exhaledittookhim str
aightt
ocloud9ast he
pleasureintensi
fi
edwi t
hallhermusclesrel
axed.
..

Joshua:damni
tMaya.Fuck

Shesmiledputt
ingherhandsonhi schestand
sl
owlythrust
edherwai stonit
.Ever
ystrokeshe
gavehi
m madehi mfeelli
kehecouldscream but
deci
dedtokeept hepleasurei
nsoft
lymoaning...

Joshua:shi
tbabyyou'
resogood

Sheincr
easedherpacewiththei
rmoaninggett
ing
l
oudereachsecond.Foragood3mi nutessherode
hi
ml i
kehehasneverbeenbef or
e.Herskil
lwas
whatmadehi m wantmoreofher.Hepull
edher
downandgr abbedonherneckandtookoverwhile
shewasst i
llont ophi
m.Het hrustedherforanot
her
good3mi nut eswitht
heirgr
untingandmoani ng
l
oud.Hepul ledoutandlaidheronherst omachand
sli
ditbackinf r
om theback.Justasheputi ti
nhe
hitherg-
spotasMayabi tonthepill
owgr abbi
ngon
theduvet.
..

Maya:ohyesJor
ightt
her
e.Fuck

Shegr untedashebi thi

slowerlipthr
usti
ngher.He
fel
therwal l
sgrabonhim harderwhil
ehernippl
es
gothar der.Themorehet hr
ustedherinthat
posit
iont hemor epl
easureshef el
tasshelost
contr
olofherbody. .
.

Maya:i
m goi
ngt
ocum Jo
Joshua:cum f
ormebaby

Hepinnedherwaistf
urt
herdeepont
hemat
tr
essas
herl
egsstar
tedtoshakewhil
eshegr
unt
edwit
h
sweatal
loverherf
ace.Shecreamedhismachi
ne
ashebithi
slowerli
pthrust
ingherhar
der
.He
cl
osedhiseyesandlookedupstil
lbi
ti
nghi
slower
l
iprel
easi
nghisjui
cesinher..
.

Joshua:ohMaya
Maya:yesdaddy

Hecont inuedt othrustherasanot herwaveof

orgasm hi ther.Bot hhert hi
ghsandbut tcheeks
shookassheki ckedJoshuaof fhim andturned
aroundspl ashinghersqui rtal
loverwhileJoshua
smiledst rokinghi mself.Assoonasshef i
nishedhe
gotbackont opofherandsl idi
tbackasshe
gasped.Hedr oppedhi sbodyonherandt hrusted
hermi ssionar ywhi l
eMayamoanedl ouderwithno
controloverherbody. ..

Joshua:youar
esogoodMaya
Hesaidsl
owi ngdownont
het
hrust
ingast
hey
sof
tl
yexhaled..
.

Joshua:il
oveyou
Maya:il
oveyoumor
eJoshuaandiwantmor
eof
t
hisgoodness
Joshua:wecangoal
lni
ghti
fyoul
ike
Maya:ididn'
tknowhowmuchimi
ssedf
eel
ingt
his
wayuntilnow.I
tfeel
sgood
Joshua:idi
dn'
tknowyouwoul
dbesuchaf
reak.I
t
feel
samazing
Maya:wel
lsur
pri
se

Theylaughedashebabyki
ssedherandsi
ghed
sl
idi
ngitoutsat
isf
ied.
..

Maya:wannat
akei
ttot
heshower
?
Joshua:iwoul
dn'
tsaynobooboo
Theyl aughedassher antothebat hroom whi lehe
camebehi ndher .Hepi nnedheragai nstt heshower
wal landopenedt hewat ert
henki ssedast hewater
fellonthem.Hel if
tedherupal i
ttl
easshewr apped
herl egsonhi swai st.Theneedf ormor ecameback
asheputi tinwhi l
eshegasped.Het hrust edher
har derthanthef i
rsttimeasherbr eathi
ngcuti n
bet weent hethrusts.Heputherdownandt urned
herassheputherf aceagainstt
heshowerwal land
puti tbackin.Wi t
honehandonherwai standt he
otheronherneckhegavei tallt
oherbi t i
nghi s
l
owerl i
pgr unti
ngwhi l
eshemoanedwi thhereyes
closedbi ti
ngonherl owerli
paswel l.
..

Maya:ohyesdaddyhar
der
Joshua:anyt
hingf
oryoumyl
ove

Hewentharderonhi
sstr
okeshitt
ingherpl
easur
e
spotasshemoanedevenlouder
.
.
.
.
.
Li
ke.React&Comment
[
09/
03,
15:
16] :AKEPTWOMAN
66

Man:(
knocked)r
oom ser
vice

Mayasmi l
edgoingtothedoorandopenedasshe
pul
ledt hetr
oll
eyin.Thewaiterheadedbackaf t
er
shet i
ppedhim androll
edthetabletothebalcony.
Shesetever yt
hingonthetableinthebalconyand
smiledtaki
ngapi ct
urewit
hhernewphone. ..

Maya:suchgr
eatpi
ctur
equal
it
y
Shechuckledgoi
ngbacki nt
heroom andsatnext
toasleepi
ngJoshua.Helookedsopeacef
ulasshe
tookafewphotosofhim andsof
tl
yshookhim...

Maya:l
ove
Joshua:hmm
Maya:wakeup
Joshua:i
m upbabecomeher
e

Hepull
edheri
nandbabyki
ssedherast
hey
smi
led.
..

Maya:iwasthinki
ngweshouldhavesome
br
eakfastbef
oregett
ingr
eadyforchur
ch
Joshua:(
satup)oh?
Maya:yeahsoical
l
edi
nsomer
oom ser
vice

Shesai
dshowi
nghi
m att
hebal
conyashesmi
led.
..
Joshua:awwbabet
hat
'ssosweetofyou
Maya:come

Shetookhi
shandashegotupi
nshor
tsonl
ywhi
le
sheworeawhit
erobe.
..

Joshua:t
hisl
ooksni
ce
Maya:iknowr
ight(
theyt
ookt
hei
rseat
s)howdi
d
yousl
eep?
Joshua:ihadanamazi
ngsl
eepandyour
sel
f?
Maya:ihaveneversl
eptl
ikeidi
dlastni
ght
Joshua:(
smi
led)wel
lyouwer
eboundt
o
Maya:gobat
la1'
nyanabef
orechur
ch(
theyl
aughed)
Joshua:ar
eyoual
i
ttl
eaddi
ctMaya?
Maya:wel
lwheni
t'
sgoodi
tsgood
Joshua:wel
lwehavetherestofourli
vest
oexpl
ore
ever
ythi
ng.Her
e(hefedheragr ape)
Maya:yeahhey.
Joshua:sowhendoyout
hinkwecanhaveour
wedding?
Maya:anyt
imei
mready
Joshua:sothatmeanswecanhaveourpar
ent
sto
star
ttal
king?
Maya:yeahandidon'tt
hinki
tshouldbeanythi
ng
l
ongsinceyourparent
sstayfaraway.Wecanuse
t
hischancewhil
etheyaresti
llher
eforthem t
ostar
t
wit
hthenegoti
ati
ons
Joshua:theyaregoingbacktodaylovebutibel
ieve
theycandoever yt
hingonl
ine.Iwantustodo
everyt
hingproperl
y
Maya:oki fyousaysoi t
'ssti
llf
ine.Yout al
ktoyour
parentstheneveryt
hingtakesof fmeont heother
handwi l
lstartt
alki
ngtoMsAdi ole.Iwanthertobe
mypl anner
Joshua:hercompanyhasgreatreput
ati
onsoi
bel
ieveshewilldoanexqui
sit
ejob
Maya:sowhat
'st
hebudget
?
Joshua:what
everyouwantyouwi
llgetmyl
ove
Maya:t
here'
sli
feaf
tert
heweddingdaymyl
ovesoi
don'
twantustomisusefunds
Joshua:don'
tst
ressbabeihavebeensavi
ngf
or
thi
sdaysinceiwas20
Maya:(
laughed)soyouhavebeenput
ti
ngmoney
awaysayingit
'sf
orthet
imeyougetmarri
ed?
Joshua:yesl
ove
Maya:t
hat
'sgr
eatf
inanci
aldi
sci
pli
nemyl
ove
Joshua:t
hankyoul
ove.Whodoyouwantaspar
tof
thebri
dalpar
ty?
Maya:mysquadbabes.Lewi
sandMar el
edi
.You
wi
llt
alkt
oMrDuncant obeyourbestman
Joshua:sowho'
sgoi
ngt
obeyourmai
dofhonour
?
Maya:Mar
eledi
Joshua:i
sLewi
snotgoi
ngt
ofi
ght
?
Maya:idon'tdi
sput
ethefactt
hatwehavebeen
fr
iendsforl
ongbutbeingmymai dofhonouri
sn'
t
abouttheperi
odwehavebeenf r
iendsf
or.
Joshua:ok.Youguyswi
llt
akecar
eofever
ythi
ng
youwillt
alktomewhenyouneedmyinput
Maya:yesl
oveespeci
all
yoncol
our
s
Joshua:yesma'am.Let
'seatupandgogetready
forchurchmaybewecanhavet i
meforyour
1'nyana

Theyl
aughedandcont
inuedt
oeat
.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Ronahummedhangi nghervest
sandbr
a'sas
Preci
ousj
oinedher
..
.

Preci
ous:mmhiseeyouar
ehomeandver
y
comfort
able(
shest
arr
edather
)
Rona:homemyf
ootiwantt
ogetoutofher
e
Pr
eci
ous:gonemmeRonacan'
tyouseet
hewal
ls
havecl
osedi
nonus?
Rona:ther
earenowal l
sthathaveclosedinonus.
Preci
ousihopeyouar enotpl
anningt odo
somethingst
upidbecauseiwouldkillyouforr
eal
thi
sti
mear ound
Preci
ous:ther
e'snouseofustokeeplyi
ngRona.
Evenifwecomeupwi t
hbeli
evabl
eli
eswewere
caughtredhanded
Rona:i
m goi
ngtost
ickt
omystor
y.Iwentsi
ght
seei
ng.I
fyouwannagodowndosoalonedon'
t
dragmewithpl
ease
Preci
ous:butyouknowKenei
lwei
salsogoingto
test
if
yri
ghtandherstat
ementwil
lbethef
inalnai
l
onthecoffi
n
Rona:RonaMoet
iisnotgoi
ngdownwi
thoutaf
ight
Precious:whyar
eyousodet
erminedtofi
ghtdoyou
perhapshavesomethi
ngt
ofallbackon?
Rona:weal
lhaveskel
etonsi
nourcl
oset
sPr
eci
ous
Pr
eci
ous:(
frowned)what
?
Rona:anywayihavemanagedt
ofi
ndal
awyert
o
comeandhelpwi t
hdeali
ngwithyouri
llt
reat
ment
case.Thatwi
llbeanot
heradvant
ageforus
Precious:Ronawhichotherskel
etonsar
eyou
tal
kingaboutthatidonotknowof ?
Rona:Preciouswhatdi dMmadi Tal wayssaytoyou?
Amot herknowsbestsol eaveeverythi
ngtomeand
st
opt r
yingtotur ni
ntoani di
ot.RonaMoet iwasnot
borntofai
l.Thiswasj ustmyr est
ingperiod.(
Smil
ed
l
ookingintospace)theywon' tknowwhathi tt
hem
onceistarttal
king

Shesmiledmorewhi
leherdaught
erl
ookedather
conf
used.Hermomentofjoywascutshortby
Rockyandhercrewwhothrewati
nfullofsoi
lon
herwetclot
hesandl
aughed..
.

Rona:whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ng?
Rocky:youwantt
ofi
ghtme?Comel
ovecome
Rona:im si
ckandti
redofyou(
shesai
dfol
dingher
j
acket)youaregoi
ngto..
.
Pr
eci
ous:mapl
easedon'
ttheyar
enotwor
thi
t
Rona:nothi
syounggi
rlneedstolear
naf ew
l
essonsim notgoi
ngt
obedi sr
espectedbyher
.Hel
l
no

Shepul l
edherhandfrom Pr
eciousasthecr ew
splashedabucketful
lofwateronherandt hen
sandont opasshestoppedclosinghereyesand
coughedassomeoft hesoilgotinhermout h.Ot
her
i
nmat eslaughedassheremovedt hesandonher
eyes..
.

Rona:bi
tch!
Guar
d:what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?

Thei
nmatesranawaywhi
let
heguar
dhel
pedRona
whowascoveredi
nmud.

AtMor
ri
s'
shouse.
..
Hewentint
othebedr
oom wi
tht
wocupsofcof
fee
i
nhishand.
..

Mor
ri
s:honeyi
..
.

Hef rownedlooki
ngatLewisstandi
nginthe
balconylooki
ngmi l
esaway.Hewentt ohim and
stoodbehindhimleaningoverhi
sshoulderashe
j
umpedst ar
tl
edmaki ngMorri
sspil
lthecof
fee..
.

Mor
ri
s:Lewi
s
Lewi
s:goshMor
ri
swhywoul
dyoudot
hatf
or?
Mor
ri
s:ar
eyouok?
Lewi
s:i
mfi
ne
Morri
s:noyouarenotLewis.Youwer
edi
stantt
he
wholenightl
astni
ghtandnowyoulookl
ikeyou
havealotgoingoninyourmind
Lewi
s:Mor
ri
sim ok.I
nfactineedt
ogo
Morr
is:go?Ithoughtmaybewecouldgooutf
or
br
eakfastandhelpmedoabi tofgr
ocer
yshoppi
ng
Lewi
s:i
m noti
nthemood
Mor
ri
s:okLewi
swhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Lewi
s:nothi
ngMor
ri
swhycan'
tyougett
hat
?Im ok
nowpleasel
etmebe
Morr
is:i
sitbecauseofMi
ke(
Lewi
s'
shear
tski
pped
abeat)
Lewi
s:excuseme?
Mor
ri
s:isawhowhehel
dyoul
astni
ghtLewi
s
Lewi
s:what
?
Mor r
is:yes.Onemomentyouwerefi
neandjol
ly
andthenextyouwer edownandgrumpyandall
thathappenedaft
eryoumetMike.Doyouknowhim?
Lewi
s:idon'
t
Mor
ri
s:t
henwhywoul
dhet
ouchyoul
iket
hat
?
Lewi
s:hej
ustwant
edt
oknowsomet
hingandi
al
mostt
ri
ppedont
hegr
asssohesavedme
Mor
ri
s:Lewi
s
Lewi
s:yes
Mor
ri
s:st
opl
yingt
ome
Lewi
s:ohnowyouar
egoi
ngt
oaccusemeofl
ying?
Mor
ri
s:iknowwhatisaw
Lewi
s:aht
henbeli
evewhatyouwantthen.I
m not
goi
ngtogobackandfor
thaboutt
his.I
m goi
ng
home
Mor
ri
s:Lewi
s

Hewenti
ntot
hebedr
oom andt
ookhi
sphone.
..

Mor
ri
s:Lewi
s
Lewis:youknowwheretofindmeifyouwantme
andpleasedon'
tcometomyhousei fyouaregoi
ng
toaccusemeofthingsiknownothi
ngabout
Mor
ri
s:okLewi
sim sor
rypl
easedon'
tgo
Lewi
s:noi
m goi
ng
Mor
ri
s:comeon
Lewi
s:whatar
eyout
ryingt
oinsi
nuat
eMor
ri
s?How
woul
diknowsucharebell
ooki
ngguy?
Mor
ri
s:ij
ustwant
edt
oknowwhathappenedt
oyou
Lewi
s:i
m humanandi
tsokf
ormymoodst
o
fl
uct
uat
e
Morri
s:okigett
hatpl
easedon'
tgo(Lewi
ssi
ghed)I
wi
llgomakeanothercupofcof
fee
Lewi
s:f
ine

Hesatont hebedasMorr
iswentdowntothe
ki
tchen.Lewisgr
unt
edandrubbedhi
sface..
.

Lewis:damni tLewisdamni tman(

hesi
ghed)but
howcomei sthisi
diotoutandwhywoul
dhe..
.(
his
phoner ang)Lewishell
o?
Mi
ke:(
smi
led)goodmor
ningbabe
Lewi
s:(
frowned)excuseme?
Mike:youlookedradiantl
astni
ghtandiwi
shedi
couldri
pthoseclothesoffofyou
Lewis:Mi..
.(
hewenttocheckt
hecoastandwentt
o
thebalcony)di
dinottel
lyout
ost
ayawayf r
om me
Mike?
Mike:youandiar
emeantt
obetogetherbabeso
t
here'snohowicanbeabl
etodothat
Lewis:youar
esickyouknowt
hat
.Youhaveno
placeinmyli
fe
Mi
ke:comeandt
ellmet
hatt
omyf
ace
Lewi
s:idon'
twantt
omeetupwi
thyou
Mi
ke:ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hat
Lewis:yesMi keyouandil ongpar tedwaysand
i
..
.(t
hebedr oom dooropened)ohyesl ovel
astni
ght
wasamazi ng.TrustmeMayawi llneverfor
getit
.If
herbirt
hdaywasl ikethatimagineherweddi ngdayi
can'
twai t
.(Chuckled)oklovelater.Ciao(hehung
upsmi l
ing)
Mor
ri
s:her
e
Lewis:t
hankyou.ThatwasMarel
edishecan'
tst
op
tal
kingaboutt
hebir
thdaypar
ty
Mor
ri
s:i
twasgr
eat
Lewis:mmh( tookasip)hmm yummysot
he
groceryshopping,
bri
ngapadandapensowedoa
l
ist
Mor
ri
s:yeah

Hewenti nthebedroom togett

hem whi
leLewi
s
recei
vedaWhat sAppt ext
.Heopenedasthepi
ctur
e
l
oadedandhi sheartracedasheswall
owedtoa
dickpi
cture.
..

:iknowyoumi ssi
ttoo.Youknowtheaddr
ess.
Thedoorwillnotbel
ocked.Ihopeyouwon'
tkeep
mewai ti
ng

Heswal
lowedandqui
ckl
ydel
etedt
hemessage.
..
Mor
ri
s:ever
ythi
ngok
Lewis:(
chuckl
edtaki
nganothersi
p)yeslovej
ust
somescammer .Solet
'sst
artwit
hthekit
chenstuf
f
fi
rst

Hepoppedthepenandst ar
tedj
ott
ingdownwhi
le
Morr
istol
dhim ever
ythi
ngheusuallybuys.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Appl
elef
tasLor
nacamedownandf
rownedf
indi
ng
Sai
ntwatchi
ngt
v..
.

Lor
na:ar
eyounotgoi
ngt
ochur
ch?
Sai
nt:no
Lor
na:why?
Sai
nt:idon'
tfeel
li
kei
t
Lor
na:ar
eyousi
ck?
Sai
nt:noi
m notsi
ckLor
nawoul
dyoust
opf
ussi
ng
Lorna:(
frowned)excuseme?Whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
o
l
ikethat
?
Sai
nt:i
m goi
ngt
osi
tout
side
Lorna:noSai
ntyouar
enotgoingtosi
tout
sideyou
aregoingt
ositi
nhereandapologi
sef
orhowyou
j
ustspoketome
Sai
nt:canyoupleasel
eavemeal
one(hest
oodup
asshestoodinhisway)macanyoupl
easemove
Lor
na:whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thyou?
Saint
:youknowwhatt hi
siswhyyourhusband
cheatedonyou,youdon'
tknowhowt omindyour
ownbusinessand..
.

Hewassilencedbyahotslapacr
osshi
sfacet
hat
l
efthi
m seeingnot
hingbutst
ars.
..

Lor
na:howdar
eyouSai
nt
Duncan:guyswhat
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Sai
nt:mxm

Hesaidpushi
ngLornaoutofhi
swayandwal ked
outwhil
eashockedLor
nascoffedwi
thherhands
onherwaist
..
.

Lor
na:t
hischi
ld
Duncan:whathappened?
Lorna:it
'st
heteenagest
agebuti
m notgoi
ngt
o
al
lowt hi
skindofbehavi
ouri
nmyhouse
Duncan:whyi
shenotgoi
ngt
ochur
ch?
Lor
na:youcanaskthatagai
n.Sainti
schangi
ng
andidon'
tthi
nkhim andiar
egoingtogetal
ong.
He'
sbehavingli
keaspoil
tbrat

Shecli
ckedhert
onguegoi
nguptohi
sbedr
oom as
Duncansighedf
oll
owi
ngher.
..
Duncan:l
oveihonest
lydon'
twantt
o..
.
Lor
na:(
scof
fed)ohwow,
Duncanj
ustwow

Shesai
dtaki
ngt
hegununderhi
smat
tr
ess.
..

Duncan:how?
Lor
na:Sai
ntishonest
lygoi
ngtogeti
nmyl
ast
ner
ve.Sai
nt!(
Sheangril
ycal
ledhi
m)
Duncan:l
ovecal
m down
Lorna:noim notgoi
ngtocalm down.Notonl yishis
behaviourchangi
nghenowcangot hroughmy
thi
ngswi t
houtourpermi
ssion?(Chuckled)hellno,
Saint
!Sai..
.
Sai
nt:canyoust
opshout
ingl
ikeamadwo.
..

Hef
rozeasshepout
edshowi
nghi
mthegun.
..

Lor
na:mmhnowcatgotyourt
ongue.Shoul
di
shootyouwi
tht
hisgun?
Sai
nt:di
dyougot
hroughmyt
hings?
Lor
na:youhavet
hener
vet
oevenaskmet
hat
Duncan:Sai
ntwhyar
eyou.
..
Sai
nt:sonowmypr
ivacyi
sgoi
ngt
obei
nvaded?Oh
wow
Duncan:Sai
ntcanwepl
easet
alkaboutt
his
Sai
nt:ihavenot
hingt
osayt
othebot
hofy'
al
l
Lor
na:y'
al
l?Sai
ntyouar
enowaddr
essi
ngusas
ya'
al
l
Saint
:urghLordcanyoupl
easest
op!Geezwoman
yoh!Focusonfixi
ngyourmar
ri
ageandleaveme
thehellal
one

Hesaidgoingupwhi
leDuncanandLor
nafr
ozeout
ofshock.Thei
rmout
hshungopenastheyr
anout
ofwordstosay..
.
Lor
na:wow
Duncan:haveki
dst
heysai
d

Hescof
fedandcl
appedoncegoi
ngt
otheki
tchen.

AtChur
ch.
..

Marel
edif
ini
shedwit
hhersongasever
yone
cl
appedasshetookasi
pofwaterandsighed.
..

Mar
eledi
:canigetanAmenbr
ethr
en
Al
l:amen!
Mar
eledi
:comeonpeopleofGodyoucandobet
ter
t
hanthat
.Isai
dcanigetanAmen!
Al
l:Amen!

Theyshout
edatthet
opoft
heirvoiceswhi
lethe
i
nstr
umental
ist
smadesomejoyfulsoundsaswell
..
.
Mar
eledi
:(smi
led)wonder
ful
.Godi
sgood?
Al
l:al
lthet
ime
Mar
eledi
:al
lthet
ime?
Al
l:Godi
sgood
Marel
edi:wearegett
ingint
ot henextphaseofour
i
nter
cessionandthatisworship.I
fyouarenota
pr
ayerf
ulpersontodayyouaregoi ngt
obepr ayer
ful
amen!?
Al
l:amen
Marel
edi
:nowpleasehel
pmewel
comeournewest
addi
ti
ontothet
eam MsMayaMoeti

Ever
yonewithJoshuaandt heki
dscheeredasshe
smil
edtaki
ngthemi cr
ophonefrom Marel
edi
.She
movedherlongblackdressandsmiledmore
l
ookingatever
yone..
.

Maya:gl
orybet
oGod
Al
l:amen

Shel
ookedatthekeyboar
distashest
art
edpl
ayi
ng
somekeys.
..

Maya:wehavebeensavedbyt
hebl
oodofJesus
amen
Al
l:amen
Maya:thewor dofGodsayst here'sno
condemnat i
onf orthem t hatar einChristJesus(the
congregati
oncheer ed)wi t
houtGodwear enothing.
WesayJesuswet hankyou, webl essandwor ship
youfatherforwear enot hi
ngwi t
houthi m,weare
theworkoft hebl ood,thankyouJesusf orthewor k
oftheblood( otherinstrument ali
stsjoi
nedt he
keyboardi
stast hespiri
tcamedown)t hankyou
Jesusforthewor kofthebl ood, thankyouJesusf or
theworkoft hebl ood,thankyouJesushal l
eluj
ah...

Theyspi
ri
ttookovert
hewhol
epl
aceasshest
art
ed
t
omini
steri
ntongueswhi
leever
yonest
art
edt
osay
t
hei
rpr
ayers.
..

Maya:goodLor d.Amen( shedirect

edthem totone
i
tdown)t hisnextsongwear egoingtosingisvery
closetomyhear t.Ihavebeent hroughhell
,ihave
seent ur
moilbutJesusbei ngJesushewal kedme
throughthewalksofl i
fe.Ithasn'
tbeenaneasy
j
our neytogetwher eiam nowbutwi t
hGodiwas
abletopullthr
ough.Amen
Al
l:amen

Shedi
rect
edt
hekeyboar
distashebegan.
..

Asyouseemet
oday

MrT:Yes!
Al
exander
:hal
lel
ujah!
 Oncewasl
ostt
osi
n
Iwasasgoodasdead
Whent
heLor
dfoundme
Hesai
dcomet
hepr
icehasbeenpai
d
Yoursi
nsar
efor
givent
hroughmybl
ood
GaveyouanewnameasIsetyouf
ree

(
Thet
eam j
oinedi
n)

Thebl
oodofJesusChr
ist
Thebl
oodoft
hebl
amel
essl
amb
Thebl
oodi
tcl
eanseme
Thebl
oodi
trescuedme
Whatyouseet
odayi
sthewor
koft
hebl
ood

Wi
thoutt
hesheddi
ngoft
hebl
ood
Ther
eisnof
orgi
veness
Ofsi
nthat
'
sGodst
andar
d
Sowhent
hedevi
lst
oodbef
oreGod'
sthr
one
Toaccusemef
oral
lmysi
ns
I
ttookChr
istt
ost
andi
nmypl
ace
Het
orehi
srobet
oshowst
ri
pesonhi
sback
Hewasbr
uisedonhi
shandsandhi
sfeet
Andopenedmywaybackt
oGod

Thebl
oodofJesusChr
ist
Thebl
oodoft
hebl
amel
essl
amb
Thebl
oodi
tcl
eanseme
Thebl
oodi
trescuedme
Whatyouseet
odayi
sthewor
koft
hebl
ood

Becauseofyourgr
eatwor
klor
d
Wewannasay,
thankyouoht
hankyou
Youcamedown,
thankyou
Justt
oli
ftmeup,
soIt
hankyoul
ord
Youl
eftyourt
hrone,
Thankyou
Youhadmei
nmi
nd,
thankyou
Whatyouseet
odayi
swor
k
Not
hingbutt
hewor
koft
hebl
ood.
..

Itwashervoi cet hatsentever yonei ntoapl acethat

theyhaveneverbeen.Somef ellonthef l
oorasal l
spiri
tsstartedtomani fest.MrTcaughtaqui ck
visi
onoft woyoungboyscover edinbloodwi tha
womancr ying.Theot herboy' sspiritstar
tedleaving
hisbodyashef oll
owedawomani nwhatl ooked
l
ikeheavenandi nalloft hishekeptseei ngL. Kand
S.Diniti
als.Hest artedpr ayingsohar dwhi leinthe
crowdChi omast oppedpr ayingseei ngacof f
inand
bloodonherst omachwear ingaweddi nggown.
Shel ookedupatasi ngingMayaandsawvul tures
surroundingherandt henever ythi
ngwentdar k.She
quicklysatdowncl osinghereyesandst artedto
prayashar dasshecoul d.
I
nMokat
ako.
..

Theoldwomansatonabl ackpl ast

icchai
rgiving
herchi
ckenssomecornast heysurroundedher .
Holdi
ngherphone,
herdaught ercameoutoft he
houserunni
ng.
..

Mat
shi
diso:Di
ps
Di
puo:Tshi
di
Matshi
diso:aeki
biman(shechasedt
hechickens
away)youwon'tbel
ievewhatDor
eenj
ustsentme
Di
puo:whatisi
tandit ol
dyout
ost
opcal
li
ngme
Di
psim yourmotherkana
Matshidi
so:f
orgetaboutthat.Doreenj
ustsentme
photosofyourneice'
sdaught er
,gaseKeneil
we,
her
daughterwascelebrat
ingherbirt
hdaylastni
ght
andshegotengaged.
Di
puo:herdaught
erwho?
Mat
shi
diso:Mayayour
ememberher
?
Di
puo:Mayawanyal
wa?(
Mayai
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed)
Mat
shi
diso:i
mtel
li
ngyou
Dupuo:banabaSeikanyengabobabonagor ego
t
swanetsegorebasekabampol ellakele
mmaabone?Gagonaopeyot sil
enggonyal wake
i
sekeitsi
siwe(andSeikanyeng'schi l
drensawi t
fi
tt
ingt
onottellmewhi l
eimt heirmot her?Noone
i
sgoingtogetmar r
iedbeforeimt old)
Matshi
diso:gapeakanyaMayaanywal apelegaga
ngwanakeDor een(
laughed)ker
aa( i
magineMaya
get
ti
ngmar ri
edbeforemydaught erDor
een.Never
)
Dipuo:wehavet
ogot
oMochudi
.Lel
etsaDor
een
foo(cal
lDor
een)
Matshi
diso:idon'
thaveai
rt
imel
etmer
usht
othe
t
uckshop

Shewentintot
hehouse,
tooksomecashheadedt
o
thetuckshopwhi
leDi
puoscoff
edshaki
ngher
head..
.
Dipuo:gagonangwanawangwanawaga
Seikanyengopeyot sil
enggonyalwapel
ega
ngwanakel engwanawangwanake.Kei kanakaba
bi
nat shwene(nogr andchi
ldorchi
ldofSeikanyeng
i
sgoi ngtogetmar r
iedbeforemydaughterandmy
granddaughter.Iswearonmyancestors)

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Kenei
lwehummedwit
hat ubofpr
etr
oleum j
ell
yon
herhandgoi
ngt
othel
ivi
ngroom..
.

Kenei
lwe:if
oundi
t.I
tsgoi
ngt
ohealyourheel
sin
no.
..

Shef
rownedl
ooki
ngatVict
orwholai
donthecouch
onhi
sbackwi
thhiseyescl
osedandhandsonhi
s
st
omach.
..
Kenei
lwe:Vi
ctor
?(Herhear
tski
pped)Vi
ctor
?

Shedr
oppedt
het
ubandknel
tbesi
deshi
m shaki
ng
hi
m..
.

Kenei
lwe:Vi
ctor
?

Putherfaceonhisnoseandshefel
tnobr
eat
h
comingoutofhisnoseandjumpedupwit
hher
hear
tracing.
..

Kenei
lwe:aoBadi
mobagaMoet igorenglekadir
a
j
aana.AoJesoMor ena.Ao(
ohMoetiancestors,
whywouldyoudothis.OhJesusLor
d)nur se!
?

Shegrabbedherphoneanddial
edJoshuawi
thher
hear
traci
ngandhandsshaking.
..
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
17] :AKEPTWOMAN
67

Nur
se:(
camei
nrunni
ng)yesma,
isever
ythi
ngok?
Kenei
lwe:it
hinkhe'
snotbr
eat
hingandJoshuai
s
notansweri
nghisphone

Shegruntedcall
inghi
m agai
nwhil
ethenur
se
checkedhispul
seandeyes.Sheswall
owedand
checkedhishandsandtheywer
esocold.
..

Nur
se:l
etmecal
ltheambul
ance
Kenei
lwe:whyi
sJoshuanotpi
cki
nguphi
sphone
gosh.

Thenursecall
edt
heambulancewhi
leKenei
lwe
tr
iedJoshuaagai
n.Hesawitandst
eppedoutsi
de
picki
ngup..
.

Joshua:ma?
Kenei
lwe:f
inal
ly,
ther
e'sapr
obl
em her
eJoshua
Joshua:What
'sgoi
ngon?
Kenei
lwe:Vi
ctori
snotr
esponsi
ve
Joshua:(
hear
tski
pped)what
?
Keneil
we:yeshe'
sjustl
yingonthecouchandnot
moving.It
ri
edtofeelhi
sbreat
hbutnothing
Joshua:(
swal
lowed)di
dyoucal
lforhel
p?
Keneil
we:yest henur
sei
sspeaki
ngt
othemedi
cal
rescueteam now
Joshua:ohok.Wear
einchur
chandidon'
twantt
o
al
arm Maya
Kenei
lwe:j
ustwai
tfori
ttocomeout
.Iwi
llkeepyou
post
ed
Joshua:ok.Let
'shopei
t'
sjustaf
alseal
arm
Kenei
lwe:ihopesot
oo.Bye
Joshua:bye(
hesi
ghedshaki
nghi
sheadandcal
led
hi
sf at
her)
MrK:son?
Joshua:wher
ear
eyouguys?
MrK:st
il
latourhouseaker
ewear
egoi
ngt
ohave
l
unchwit
hyouguys
Joshua:ok.Pl
easegot
omyhouseandhelpMaya'
s
mothershejustcal
l
edmeappar
ent
lyMrLent
sweis
notresponsi
ve
MrK:what
!?(
Gli
diaf
rowned)
Joshua:yesdad.Shesayst heyjustcal
ledthe
medicalrescueteam now.Iwil
lsendyouher
numbersot hatyougoandbewi thherwhil
ewaiti
ng
tohearfr
om t hedoct
or.Mayaisbusyi nchurchand
idon'
twantt
ospoi
lhermor
ning
MrK:okdosonow.Shar
p(t
heyhungup)l
ove
Gl
idi
a:What
'sgoi
ngondaddy?
MrK:appar
ent
lyMaya'
sfat
heri
snotr
esponsi
ve.
Gl
idi
a:ohno
MrK:let'
snotpanicyet.Hermothercall
edJoshua
andtheyaretaki
nghimt othehospit
al.I
m wait
ing
forhernumbersot hatwecheckwhi chhospi
tal
theywil
lbegoingto
Gli
dia:ok.Pl
easedearGodlett
hisj
ustbeafal
se
al
arm.Thi smanneedstoseehisdaught
erwal
k
downt heisl
epleasegr
aci
ousLord
MrK:hej
ustsenti
tlet
'sgo

HesaidgrabbingthecarkeysandcalledKeneil
we
asGli
diacamebehi ndhim.InchurchPastorTaolo
tookt
hemi crophoneandexhaledshakinghishead.
Hewantedt osaysomethingbutthevisioncame
backagai
nasheexhal edagainshakinghishead..
.
MrT:yesLor d.YesLor d.YesLor d.Thespi ri
tis
showi ngmesomet hing.Idon' tknowt hesepeopl e
butibel i
evewhoevert heyaret heyar eher eorat
l
eastt heirrelati
vesbecauseiwoul dn'
tbeabl eto
connectwi tht hei
rspir i
tsiftheywer en'there.I'
m
seeingt woyoungboyswi thbloodi ntheirhands.I t
l
ooksl iketheywer efightingorsomet hi ngbutt hey
arebadl yinjured.Oneoft heboy' sspi r
itiseven
l
eavi nghi sbodyandhe' sbeingt akeni ntothe
kingdom byawoman.Iaskedt hespi rittoreveal
whot heyar et omeandisawL. KandS. Dini
ti
alsso
i
st her eanyoneher ewhoknowsanyonewi ththese
i
ni t
ials?( Theykeptqui etlookingar ound)comeon
peopl ei t
'seithertheseboysar eher eort heir
relati
vesorsomeonet hatknowst hem.L. KandS. D
Appl
e:mybr
otheri
sanS.
D
Maya:andmynephewi
sanL.
K(ever
yonel
ist
ened
on)
MrT:dot
heseboysknowoneanot
her
?
Appl
e:idoubt
Maya:iwoul
dn'
tknow
MrT:okhavetheyshownsi
gnsofbei
ngbot
her
ed
bysomet
hing?
Appl
e:mybr
otheract
ual
lyhas
MrT:weneedt opr
ayagai nstthi
sbecauseshould
wel etitgotheseboysmi ghtkil
loneanother
.One
seemst ohavebeenoffendedbysomet hi
ngthe
otheronedi dwhil
etheot heriscl
uelessandas
boyst heiregoscl
ashedandadeadl yfi
ghtensued.
FatherGodicomebef orethismoment .
..

Hestar
tedprayi
ngasMayaandAppl ejoi
nedinon
t
heprayerandthenthewhol
econgregati
onwhil
e
t
heinst
rumentali
stssof
tl
ypl
ayedthei
rinstr
uments.

I
nMokat
ako.
..

Matshidisocamebackfrom t
hetuckshopandtook
achairjoini
nghermotherunderatr
eethendi
all
ed
Dor
een. .
.
Dor
een:mama
Matshi
diso:i
m wit
hyourgrandmot
herhereiwant
youtopaintheraper
fectpi
ctur
eofwhatyoujust
tol
dme
Doreen:(
laughed)met
lhol
omama.Anywaybefore
wegoi ndeepdoyouguysknowthatKenei
lweis
al
ive
Bot
h:what
!?
Di
puo:webur
iedt
hatper
son16year
sagoDor
een
whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Doreen:Kenei
lwei
sverymuchalivegranny.
Apparentl
yshehasbeenkepthostagebyRona
Matshidi
so:naar
eot
lhwaaf
etseDor
een?(
areyou
ser
ious)
Dor
een:i
m ser
iousma.Iti
sal
lovert
henews.She'
s
i
npri
sonwithPreci
ousaswespeak
Mat
shi
diso:heebat
hong
Di
puo:j
aanongwhodi
dwebur
y?
Dor
een:idon'
tknowaswel
l.Iguessonl
yRonahas
ananswertot
hat
Dipuo:kanaSei
kanengoneabelegeditwi
n
bathong?Kanamosadiyor emofi
tl
hel
engonea
tshwanaleKeneil
we.Osur eDor
een?(
Or
Seikanyenghadtwins?Thewomanweburied
l
ookedexactlyl
ikeKeneil
we)
Doreen:ver
ysuregranny.Appar
ent
lyMayai
snot
evenRona'schi
ld.SheandTitus
Mat
shi
diso:t
hatweknow
Dor
een:hai
bomamaandyoudi
dn'
ttel
lmewhy?
Dipuo:wedidn'
thavet
imetobeexpl
aini
ngthingsof
Seikanyeng'
schi
ldr
entoyou.Sohowdidthatgir
l
getengaged?
Doreen:mmakei potsagoreoji
sitsemonnawa
bathoeng.Golebegaeletycoonfelayamabonoka
goreomor eket
selekoloi
.(Iwonderwhatshefed
thepoorman.Itlooksli
kehe'sawel l
offman
becauseheboughtheracar )
Di
puo:waf
osaDor
een(
youl
i
e)
Doreen:imtell
ingyougrannyisentmamat he
photos.Oraagor el
efagotwemot howagorataaka
gorekelakoloiaboagodirel
apartyfel
ayamabono
j
aana?Omoj esit
sesengwe( youmeanevenif
someonel ovesyouthatmucht heywouldbuyyou
suchanexpensi vecar
?Shef edhim somet
hing)
Dipuo:banabagaSei kanyengkabol oibatshwana
fel
al emmaabone.( Seikanyeng'
schildrenand
witchcraftarebestf
ri
endst heyarejustli
ketheir
mot her)Weneedt ofindwher eshe'
sstayingsot hat
sheexpl ainshowshe'splanningtogetmar r
ied
withouttelli
ngme.Noonei sgoingt
ogetmar r
ied
heretrustme
Doreen:i
magineMayafelammamami naanyal
wa
(l
aughed)wait
senkabonagoreboloibober
ekel
a
batho(i
magineMayagetti
ngmar r
iediwoul
d
beli
evethatwi
tchcr
afti
seff
ect
ive)
Matshi
diso:mamaisrightmakesureyouf
indout
whereshestaysandtelluswehavetogot
here.Or
maybeweshoul dpayRonaavisitf
ir
stmama
Dor
een:ohyest
hatcoul
dwor
kma
Di
puo:yeahf
ir
stthi
ngt
omor
rowwear
eheadi
ng
Gabor
onepri
son
Dor
een:anywaybyel
etmedosomet
hingher
e
Bot
h:byenana(
theyhungup)
Mat
shi
diso:i
magi
neMayaget
ti
ngmar
ri
edbef
ore
me
Dipuo:bol
oiTshidiSei
kanyengkanaeneelemoloi
wapopot aim notsur
pri
sedmmef ela(
saucer
y
Tshidi
,Seikanyengwasawel lknowwhichin
Mochudi)there'
snoweddingt hat'
sgoi
ngtohappen.
Nkampakai tomasekgono(overmydeadbody)

Mat
shi
disolaughedandheadedinsi
dewhil
eher
mot
hercli
ckedhertonguesi
tt
ingbackonherchai
r.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Aftercal
mingdownLornawentbacktoSaint
's
room andknocked.Hequi
etl
ylookedatt
hedoor
andsighedgoi
ngbacktohisphone.Lor
naknocked
againbuthest
il
ldi
dn'
trespondasshesighedand
tr
iedtoopenbuti
twaslocked.
..

Lorna:Sai
ntcanyoupleaseopenup(
Duncancame
outofthei
rroom)Sai
nt?Iknowyouarei
nther
e
pl
easeopenupsot hatwet al
k
Sai
nt:idon'
twantt
otal
ktoanyone
Lor
na:buthowdoyouexpectustoknowwhat's
bot
heri
ngyouwhenyoudon'twanttotal
ktous?
Sai
nt:whosai
diwantt
otal
k
Duncan:okSai
ntt
hatdoesi
tim notgoi
ngtoall
ow
t
hisbehavi
ourt
ogoonanymor eopenthisdoor
Sai
nt:isai
diwantt
obel
eftal
one
Lorna:Sai
ntwhathasgot t
eni nt
oyou?Whydidyou
takemygun?( Hekeptquiet)doyouknowhow
dangerousthatthingis?Doyouwantmet ogoto
j
ail?(Hesti
llkeptquiet)al
lwewanttoknowiswhat
i
sgoi ngonwi thyou
Sai
nt:ki
ndl
yst
epawayf
rom mydoorway
Duncan:Sai
nthaveweevergi
venyouar
easont
o
doubtourcar
eforyou?
Sai
nt:t
hisi
shonest
lyannoyi
ngmxm

Hesaidgoingi
ntohi
sbathroom andcl
osedhimsel
f
i
n.LornaandDuncanlookedatoneanotherand
si
ghed..
.

Lor
na:wher
edidwegowrong?Whatchanged?Our
sonwasnotthi
ski
ndofper
sonaweekagoDuncan
Duncan:i
m asshockedaswel l
.IknowSaintt
obe
oneofthewellbehavedboychil
denbutnowthis?I
don'
tknow
Lorna:let
'swai
tforAppl
emaybeshewi
llbeabl
eto
getthroughhim
Duncan:wecanonl
yhope

Theysi
ghedf
oll
owi
ngoneanot
herdownst
air
s.
Att
heAdi
ole'
s.
..

Kel
echichuckl
edcomingdownstair
swhi
let
ext
ing
asAbiol
alookedatherandscof
fed..
.

Kel
echi
:ohyoudi
dnotgot
ochur
ch
Abi
ola:iwokeupt
ir
edsoideci
dednott
o
Kel
echi
:ohok(
shel
aughed)youar
esosi
ll
y
Abi
ola:whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
othi
sear
ly?
Kel
echi
:wher
e'smybr
eakf
ast
?
Abi
ola:i
ntheoven(shel
aughedagai
n)whoi
s
maki
ngyoul aught
hishar
d?
Kel
echi
:whycan'
tyougett
hemessaget
hatidon'
t
wantt
otel
lyou?
Abiol
a:doil
ookl
ikeicar
eaboutt
hat
?Iwantt
o
know
Kelechi:wel
lidon'
twantt
otel
lyou.Mi
ndyourown
businessdearsist
er
Abi
ola:si
ncewhen?
Kelechi
:(t
ookherf
ood)okAbii
mtal
kingt
o
Lovemoreareyouhappynow?
Abi
ola:t
heLovemor
ewhowewer
ewi
thyest
erday?
Kel
echi
:yes
Abi
ola:di
dn'
tChi
omasayhi
ssoni
sdat
ingSundae?
Kel
echi
:so?
Abiol
a:howdoyouchatt othefat
herofyourni
ece'
s
boyfr
iend?(
Kelechist
arr
edatherandlaughed)no
i
m beingseri
ousKelethati
sjustnoton
Kel
echi
:sayswho?
Abi
ola:comeonKel
echi
wear
etal
kingaboutyour
ni
ecehere
Kel
echi:yesniecenotdaughteranditsnotli
keim
doi
nganyt hingwit
hthisguy.Wear ejustt
alki
ngcan
yougi
rlsstopbeingsoupt i
ghtforoncegosh.No
wondery'allar
esingl
e.
Abiol
a:i
t'
snotaboutbei
ngupt
ightt
hisi
smor
all
y
wrongyoucan'
t.
..
Kelechi
:youdon'twanttodothi
swit
hmeandi m
honestl
ynotinthemoodt ogobackandfor
thwit
h
youont hi
smatter.Lovemor
eandiarej
usttwo
adultswhoaretalki
ngnothi
ngmore.
Abiol
a:Chiomaisnotgoi
ngtoli
kethi
sonebi
t.She
i
ntroducesustoapersonandyougoaheadanddo
t
his?
Kelechi
:dowhatAbi ola?Whydoyoumakeitsound
l
ikeim exchangingnudeswitht
hisguywhi
chi
wouldn'tmind(shelaughed)
Abi
ola:t
hisi
sexact
lywhati
mtal
kingabout
.You
wanthim
Kelechi
:agai
nwhereistheproblem?Yousowor ked
upbecauseimjustt
alkingtothi
sguywhichmakes
mewonderhowyouar egoingtofeeli
fit
oldyoui
haveadat ewi
thhi
ml ater
Abi
ola:Kel
echino
Kelechi
:ar
eyougoi
ngt
ost
opme?No,
sosi
sst
ay
outofitpl
ease.
Abi
ola:Kel
echiyou.
..
Kel
echi
:canipl
easehavemyf
oodi
npeace?

Abiolasi
ghedsquint
inghereyesandfocusedon
t
het vwhil
eKelechibur
stint
oal oudl
augh
respondi
ngtohermessage.

THATAFTERNOON

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Joshuaquiet
lypar
kedwhil
eMayasmiled
respondi
ngtooneofthepr
aiset
eam member
s..
.

Maya:babewhyar
eweher
eagai
n?Kanayou
haven'
tanswer
edme
Joshua:ij
ustwantt
ogetsomet
hingmyl
ovel
et'
s
go
Maya:wewi
llwai
tint
hecargoahead
Joshua:nol
ovecomewi
thme
Maya:ahbabewhataboutt
heki
ds?
Joshua:l
ovej
ustcomewi
tht
hem pl
ease.
Maya:i
sthet
hingheavy?
Joshua:babecanwegoi
nandst
opt
alki
ngal
ot
Maya:okl
ovesor
ry.Comeguys

Theyhoppedoutwhi leJoshuasof t
lysi
ghed.His
motherhadalr
eadyt oldhim andhewasf i
ghti
ngso
hardtonotsayanythingtoMayayet .Theyheaded
i
nsideasheledthem t othedoctor'
soff
icewhere
Mayaf r
ownedfindi
ngever yone..
.

Maya:what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?I
sever
ythi
ngok?Ma?

Kenei
lwet
ri
edt
oholdthem backbutfai
ledasshe
l
ookedawaywhi
leGl
idi
ahuggedher .
..
Maya:(
hear
traci
ng)mama?
Dr
:MsMoet
ipl
easesi
tdown
Maya:noyouar
escar
ingmewhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Joshua:babeyourdadhaspassedon
Maya:wha.
.wha.
..

Shebli
nkedasahugepai
nfull
umpgotst
uckonher
thr
oatwit
htear
sbl
urr
inghervi
sion.
..

Her
ber
t:whati
sthatsupposedt
omeanuncl
eJo?
Joshua:gr
andadhasgonet
oGodhe'
sanangel
now

Mayacoveredhermout handbursti
ntotear
sas
Joshuahuggedher.Herber
talsobur
stintotear
sas
MrKganghuggedhi m.Seeinghermotherand
brot
hercryi
ngApri
lcriedaswellasMrKgang
huggedthebot
hoft hem..
.
Maya:why,
why?
Joshua:i
m sosor
ryhoney.I
m sosor
ry
Maya:iwasj
ustget
ti
ngt
oknowhi
m whywoul
d
Goddothist
ome?
Joshua:i
m sor
ryl
ove

Backatt
heDuncan'
s.
..

Appl
esighedgett
ingi
nthehousef
indi
ngher
par
entshavi
nglunchi
nthedini
ngroom..
..

Appl
e:goodaf
ter
noon
Bot
h:hel
lo
Appl
e:whyareyouguyshavingl
unchasthetwoof
youonl
y,where'
sSaint
?(Theyl
ookedatone
anot
her
)iseveryt
hingok?
Lor
na:Sai
nti
sinhi
sroom
Appl
e:why?
Duncan:wehavebeent r
yingtogett
hroughhi
m al
l
daybuthedoesn'twanttobudgesowehave
deci
dedtolethi
m be
Lor
na:wef
oundmygununderhi
sbed.
Appl
e:yourwhat
!?
Lor
na:yeah
Apple:howdi
dhegethol
dofi
tandhowdoyou
haveagunandwedonotknowanythi
ngabouti
t
ma?
Lorna:f
orthisexactr
easonmylove.Iknewthat
shoulditel
lyouguysoneofyoumi ghtbetempt
ed
togetholdofit
.Nowiwonderhowhef oundout
aboutit
Apple:(
sighed)i
t'
sagoodt hi
ngyoudidbecause
PastorTaolohadavisionaboutSai
ntbei
ng
i
nvolvedinadeadlybloodyfi
ghtwit
hMayaMoet i
's
nephew
Bot
h:what
!?
Appl
e:yesma.It
hinkSai
ntl
ikest
hesamegi
rlt
hat
's
i
nvol
vedwi
thMaya'
snephew
Lorna:soSai
ntwaspl
anningt
ouset hisgunon
anotherwoman'
schi
lddoesSai.
..
(sneered)Sai
nt!
Duncan:babel
eavehi
m
Lor
na:nolovei
m honest
lyt
ir
ed.Sai
ntcomedown
her
e!Sai
nt!?
Duncan:babe

Lor
nacli
ckedhert
ongueandheadedupasDuncan
andAppl
efoll
owedher.
..

Lorna:(
bangedont
hedoor
)Sai
ntDuncanopent
his
fl
ippi
ngdoor!
Sai
nt:Lor
nal
eavemeal
one!
Appl
e:bat
hongSaintwhendi
dwest
artcal
li
ngour
par
entswi
ththei
rnamesagai
n?
Sai
nt:ohsot
heycal
ledyou?
Lor
na:t
hisboyi
sreal
lyget
ti
ngonmyl
astner
ve
(
shecl
ickedhert
onguegoi
ngt
othei
rbedr
oom)
Duncan:Sai
ntal
lwewantt
odoi st
alkt
oyoumy
boy.Appl
ejustt
oldust
hat
..
.noLor
napleasedon'
t
Lor
na:(
wit
htheguni
nherhand)moveoutoft
he
way
Appl
e:mom pl
easenowhati
fyou.
..

Shepull
edthetr
iggerasAppl
eandDuncancovered
thei
rear
swi t
hApplescreami
ng.Thedooropened
asastart
ledSai
ntstooduponthebed..
.

Sai
nt:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lor
na:doyouwantt
oseehowf
aricangoSai
nt?
Duncan:babecal
m down
Lorna:I
'
mtalki
ngtoyouSaintDuncandoyouwant
toseehowfaricangoyoungboy?Comeher e
Appl
e:mapl
ease
Lor
na:isai
dcomeher
e!
Shegr abbedhi
slegashef
elldownandshe
draggedhim downonthef
loor.
..

Duncan:honeyno
Sai
nt:mamapl
ease
Lorna:(
poi
nti
ngt
hegunathi
m)soyouwant
edt
o
ki
llanot
herwoman'
schi
ldwi
thmygun?
Sai
nt:what
?
Lor
na:evenyourpastorhadavi
sionaboutyou
ki
ll
ingsomeoneSaintareyoucr
azy?Huh!?
Sai
nt:mai
..
.(
sheki
ckedhi
m)ma!
Lor
na:ar
eyoucrazySaint
!?Doyouwantt
ogetme
i
ntotr
oubl
e!?(
Shekickedhim agai
n)
Appl
e:mast
op!
Duncan:Lor
napl
ease!
Lor
na:yout
wol
eavemeal
one!Getoutoft
hisr
oom
Appl
e:mayouar
e..
.
Lor
na:isai
dgetout
!

Shethr
ewt heguninhiswashi
ngbasketandfol
ded
hershi
rtj
erki
nghim upwit
hthecol
orofhisshir
t.
..

Duncan:babeyou.
..
Lor
na:Duncanisai
dgetout
!Wenasi
ther
e

Shethr
ewhi m onthebedasDuncanandApple
swal
lowedleaving.Shecl
osedthedoorandopened
Sai
nt'
sclosett
akingouthisbel
t.
..

Sai
nt:mamai
m sor
ryi
..
.
Lorna:i
m notgoi
ngt obedisr
espectedbymyown
ki
ddoyouhearme?( Shesaidfol
dingthebeltinher
hand)imtheadulthereandyouaret hechi
ldifit
meansmer emindingyouofthatsobei t
Shesaidlandingahar dstrokeonhim ashe
screamedatt hetopofhisvoice.Hetr
iedtorunbut
shegrabbedhi m asheslippedandfel
lonthefloor
.
Shemer ci
lesslybeathim ashescreamedand
shouted.
..

Sai
nt:mamapl
ease!

Meanwhi
ledownstai
rsDuncanandAppl
eshook
t
hei
rheadsli
steni
ngon..
.

Sai
nt:mamai
m sor
ry!
Lor
na:(wi
pedhermouth)ket
lagobolaa
mosimanyana(
iwil
lki
llyouyoungboy)

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandthr
ewthebel
tonhim
whil
ehecriedhi
ssouloutwi
thhi
swholebody
bur
ning.
AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Theyquiet
lymadethei
rwayi
ntothehouseas
Joshua'
sphonereport
edamessage.
..

Chioma:helloMrKgang.I fyouarefr
eepleasecal
l
met here'
ssomet hingiwanttotal
ktoyouabout.I
t'
s
aboutyourfianceesowhenyoucal lmakesureyou
arealone.It
'surgent

Heswal lowedlookingatMayawhodownedagl ass

ofwaterandst eppedoutsidewhi l
eshetookher
phoneandwenti ntoherf
acebook.ShesawTani a'
s
fr
iendrequestandaccept editthenwentupst
air
sto
changewhi letheadult
ssatint heloungewi
thApri
l
andHer bertcuddli
nguponGl i
dia'
slap.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
17] :AKEPTWOMAN
68

Joshuaclear
edhisthr
oatt
aki
ngaseatunderoneof
theshadescall
ingChi
oma.
..

Chi
oma:hel
lo?
Joshua:ij
ustsawyourmessage
Chi
oma:ok.Ihadavi
sionatchur
chear
li
erabout
Maya
Joshua:ok?
Chi
oma:andhonest l
yididn'
twanttotalkaboutit
wit
hherasisawhowatpeaceshewas.Idi dn't
wanttoruinherSundaysoithoughtishoul
dt alkt
o
youfi
rstthenyoutel
lher
Joshua:iunder
stand
Chioma:iwaswearingaweddingdr essandihad
bloodcomingoutofmyst omach.Iinstant
lyl
ooked
atMayaandisawvul tur
essurroundingher.Whi
le
sti
llt
ryi
ngtofi
gureoutwhatwast hatithensawa
coffi
nthat
'swheneveryt
hingwentdar kbuti
conti
nuedtopray
Joshua:whatdoesi
tmean?
Chioma:imi ghthavebeent heonewear i
ngt he
whitedressbutt hefactthatthespi r
itmademel ook
atMayai tmeanst hevi
sionwasf orher .She'sthe
onl
yper sonwhoiknowwi llbewear ingaweddi ng
gownsoonandt hebloodpar tmeansshe' si ngreat
danger.Ther earepossibil
it
iesthatdangermi ghtbe
l
oomi ngf orheronherweddi ngday.I t'
sal sonot
physicalbloodbutmoneyt oo.Thosevul tures
symbol i
sesal lt
hepeoplewhoar eaf terherpeace
andever ythi
ngt haybel
ongst oher.Peopl ewho
don'twantt oseehersucceedi nli
fe
Joshua:(
closedhi
seyesandsi
ghed)whycan'
t
peopl
eleavemywi f
ealoneMsA?Whathasmy
wi
fedonet
odeser
vesuchgr
eatpai
n?Thi
sisunf
air
Chi
oma:weneedt
ostar
tpr
ayingandweneedt
o
pr
ayhar
d.Thecof
fi
nsymbol
iseddeat
h
Joshua:herf
atherhaspassedon
Chi
oma:ohmy,
areyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Joshua:yeahhepassedonwhil
ewewer eatchurch.
Hermot hercal
ledmewhil
eshewasst i
llbusy
worshi
pingandt ol
dmehewasnotr esponsivei
guessthat'
swhenheleftt
hiswor
ld
Chioma:andihadthevisi
ont hatverysame
moment .Mayaisananointedsoul.Hervoiceopens
theheavensit
'sonl
ythatshedoesn'thavet hegi
ft
ofseei
ngwhathappensi nthespiri
tualreal
m.I
needtotakeherinandstar
tteachingheronhowt o
usehervoicetospeakpoweri nherli
fe
Joshua:anythi
ngtohelpmywifeMsA.Ithonest
ly
hurt
stoseeheri nsomuchpain.Oneminut
eshe's
happyandt henextshe'
sdown(si
ghed)i
t'
spainf
ul
Chi
oma:lucki
lyf
orhershehasacari
ngman.
Anywaypassmycondolencesandpl
easet
alkt
o
herandassurehert
hatwhateverhappensim goi
ng
tostandbyher.Noonedeservestol
ivethi
skindof
l
ife
Joshua:t
hankyouMsA.Iwi
l
l

Theyhungupashesighedput
ti
nghisphonedown.
Hepinchedhi
seyesasemoti
onsgotthebet
terof
hi
m andsnif
fed.
..

Joshua:whathasMayadonet othewor ldthatit

hateshersomuch?Godhowcanyoul etonego
thr
oughsomuch?Thi sistoomuchGod, Maya
doesn'tdeserveanyofthisMa. .
.(
hegaspedashi s
voi
cebr oke)Mayadeser vestobehappyGod.What
dopeopl ewantfrom her?Whatdoessheowet he
world?Pleasereveali
ttoussot hatwecanpayi t
upandhaveherbeatpeace.Iwantahappywi fe
Godiwoul dn'tbeokwi t
hmysel f.
..
(sni
ffed)ithur
ts
somucht r
yingeveryt
hingicant omakesur eshe'
s
happybutt henwegobackt osquar eone.Wear e
supposedt obeplanningour..
.ohGod
Hegotover whelmedwithemot ionsandsoftl
ycried
rubbinghiseyes.Foragood5mi nuteshesatthere
cryi
nghi seyesoutandfinished.Hewipedhisface,
snif
fedandwentbackt ot hehousewher eMaya
andGl i
diafi
nishedmakingsandwi chesfor
everyone..
.

Joshua:haveyouspokent
oMar
aandt
heot
her
s
dad?
MrK:yessont
heyj
ustpassedTonot
a
Joshua:ohok

Gl
idiafrownednot
ici
ngtheredeyes.Mayadi
das
wellbuttheyj
ustl
eti
tgo..
.

Maya:her
ewegoguys.Iknowweplannedtohave
aproperl
unchbuti
m noti
nthemoodtocook
MrK:i
t'
sokmydaught
erweunder
stand.
Gli
dia:wehavedecidedtopostponegoingback
homeunt i
lthebur
ialJoshua.Ifeell
ikeMmaMo
andYayaneedoursuppor tsowewi llbest
ayi
ngat
ourhousehere
Joshua:ohokmom
Maya:t
hankyousomuchMamaGbuti
t'
sok
MrK:nomychildweinsi
st.Youguysneedour
suppor
tsowearegoingtogiveitt
oyou.Lydi
awi
ll
havesomeourclot
hescouri
eredtomor
row.
Joshua:okdad.
Gl
idi
a:icancomest
aywi
thMmaMoi
fshef
eel
s
l
onel
y
Maya:madoyoumi ndthat
?Imeansinceiwil
lbe
busyrunningar
oundget
ti
ngever
ythi
nginorderyou
wil
lneedsomeonetokeepyoucompany(shejust
keptqui
et)mama?

Mayatouchedhershoulderasshesl
owlyturnedto
herandateardr
opped.ThisbrokeMaya'
shear tas
sheswall
owedandblinkedlooki
ngatJoshua.
Gl
idi
aputherf
ooddownandt
ookKenei
lwe.
..

Gl
idi
a:comemyl
ove.Let
'sgogetyousomer
est

Shehelpedherupast heywentt
oherbedroom
whil
eshesil
entlycri
ed.Mayasnif
fedshaki
ngher
headandwipedhert ear
sasJoshuasoftl
yrubbed
hert
highemotionalaswell
..
.

MrK:shewi
llbeok.Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbeokmy
chi
ldr
en

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lornacli
ckedhertongueasshelockedherguni
na
bri
efcaseandlockediti
nasafe.
..

Lor
na:your
aiseachi
ldandt
heyt
alkt
oyoul
ikeyou
arenothi
ng.Youknowihavebeenwayt oosof ton
peopl
eoft hi
shouse.Whenyout reatpeoplethe
wayyouf eelt
heydeservetobetreatedtheystart
walki
ngalloveryoubutthatendstoday.Im going
toshowthem whot hewomanoft hishousei s

Shecli
ckedhertongueagainandheadedout.She
passedbySaint
'sbedroom doorandsawhim
packi
nghisbag..
.

Lor
na:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Sai
nt:(
sni
ff
ed)f
arawayf
rom you
Lor
na:ohr
eal
lynow?Soyouar
eagr
ownmannow?
Sai
nt:i
m notgoi
ngt
ost
aywher
eim abused.
Lor
na:Duncan,
Appl
e?(
Theycameup)l
ook
Duncan:son
Sai
nt:don'
tsonme(
Lor
nascof
fed)
Appl
e:br
ocomeont hi
sisnowaytogoaboutthi
s.
Mamighthavewentoverboar
daboutpuni
shi
ng
youbut
..
.
Lorna:wentover .
..
(scoff
ed)wentoverboardApple
areyoul i
steni
ngt oyoursel
f?Doyouknowt he
thi
ngst hatthi
sboysai dtome?Toyourf ather?Do
youknowt hekindofdangerSaintwouldhaveput
himselfandiin?Sai ntwasgoingtoki
llanother
man'ssonAppl ef orwhat?Agirl
!?NoAppl e,no
Saint
:justbecauseyouhaveneverbeenf
oughtf
or
doesn'
tmeanot hersdon'
tdeser
vetobefoughtf
or

Sil
encehitt
hewhol
eroom ast
heyl
ookedathi
min
shock.
..

Saint
:excusemeforbeingdiff
erentandlovi
ng
someone.Excusemeforwant ingtofi
ghtforwhat
's
mine.Wenadadlookatwhathappenedt oyourson.
Hediedbecauseyoudidn'tf
ightforhi
m
Duncan:okthat'
senoughSai
ntyouar
enotgoi
ngt
o
br
ingJuniorint
othi
s
Sai
nt:asf
oryouAppl
edoyout
hinkbei
ngmom'
s
l
apdogwoul ddoyouanygood?Hel lnodearsister
youarewast i
ngyourtime.Thiswomani snothing
butagreatsourceofpain.Everyt
hingshetouches
tur
nsintorustthati
swhyGoddeci dedtotakeaway
herfer
ti
li
tybecauseher eal
isedthatshewasgoi ng
torui
nherchildrenl
ikesher ui
nedthiswholefami l
y

Lor
na'
sheartshatt
eredassheswall
owedapai
nful
l
umpwithtearsbuil
dingi
nhereyes.
..

Apple:Sai
ntwhathasgot
teni
ntoyou?Whyar
eyou
l
ett
ingthisdemon.
..
Saint:(
snif
fed)don'
ttouchme!Im goingwher ei
belongandt hat
'smymot her'
shouse.Ifyouwantto
sti
llbethesebrokenpeople'
schi
ldsobei t.I
m gone
Duncan:Sai
nt

Hetookhi
sbagandwal
kedoutasDuncanwent
af
terhi
m..
.
Duncan:Sai
ntcomeonthi
sdoesn'
thavetobeli
ke
t
his.Canwesitdownandtal
kaboutt
his,
Saint
!?

Meanwhi l
eLor
naslowl
ysatonhisbedastear
sfel
l
offhereyeswhi
leAppl
eputherhandoverher
shoulder
s..
.

Apple:don'twor
rymahewi l
lcomearound.Hewi
ll
real
isethatwhathehasdoneiswrong
Lor
na:Appl
ewher
edi
digowr
ong?
Appl
e:t
here'
snothi
ngwrongthatyoudi
dmamaal l
weneedtodoisprayf
orSaintandfort
hedemon
t
hat'
sgott
enint
ohimtoleave.

Lor
naheavedahugesighwi
pinghert
ear
swhi
le
Duncancameback.
..

Duncan:he'
sgone.Anot
herchi
ldofmi
nei
sgone.
Noman, nothi
sisnoton
Hesaidgoi
ngtotheirbedr
oom whi
leAppl
e
comfort
edhermother.

Att
heAdi
ole'
s.
..

Chi
omacamedownandf
oundAbiundoi
ng
Sundae'
shai
r.
..

Chi
oma:Abiappar
ent
lyMaya'
sfat
herhaspassed
on
Abi
ola&Sundae:what
!?
Chioma:yeahhepassedonwhi
lewewer
eat
church
Sundae:buthewasokyest
erdayaunt
y.Laughi
ng
andcracki
ngjokes
Abi
ola:l
if
eishonest
lyunpr
edi
ctabl
e
Chi
oma:poorwomani
ssupposedt
obecel
ebr
ati
ng
herengagementbutt
hishadt
ohappen
Sundae:andshej
ustmethi
m
Chioma:t
hat'
sthemostpainfulpar
tmylove.Thi
s
goestoshowthatweshouldspendeverychance
wehavewi t
hourlovedones.Speaki
ngofthat
where'
sKele?
Abi
ola:she'
sgoneout
Chi
oma:out?Whodoessheknowher
e?(
Shekept
qui
et)Abi
?
Abi
ola:Lovemor
e
Chi
oma:excuseme?
Abiol
a:yeahshesai
dshehasal
unchdat
ewi
th
Lovemore
Chi
oma:t
hesameLovemor
ethatiknow?
Abi
ola:yep
Chi
oma:Abidi
dinot
..
.(
sighed)youknowwhatf
ine.
Whati
swrongwit
hyoursister
?
Abi
olashr
uggedhershoul
dersasanannoyed
Chi
omascof f
edandwenttothekitchen.Sundae
l
ookedupathermotherasAbilookeddownonher
wit
hboththei
reyeswi
dened.

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

Kel
echiswal
lowedherf
oodandr
aisedherwi
ne
gl
ass.
..

Kel
echi
:let
'st
oast
Lovemor
e:t
o?
Kel
echi
:goodl
if
e
Lovemor
e:o-
kay,
cheer
s
Kel
echi:cheer
stogoodl
if
e(shetookasi
pand
i
nhaled)sowhatdoyoudoforfun?
Lovemore:ihonestl
yspendmostofmytimeatthe
off
icebuyigof orgol
fwit
hmybusinesspar
tner
onceinawhi l
e
Kelechi
:youneedsomeKelechimagi
cinyourl
if
e
youknow.Aman' sl
if
edoesn'thavet
obebori
ng
l
ikethat
Lovemor
e:(
chuckl
ed)buti
m usedt
oit
Kelechi
:ohnonsenseLovemoreorareyounot
happywithyourl
ife?Asinyourachi
evement
s?
Lovemor
e:iam
Kel
echi:thenyouhavet oli
vealit
tl
e.Goclubbing,
goforadventuroustr
ips.Afri
cahasalotofnice
pl
acest ovisi
t.Bespontaneoussl
eepinthebush
wit
hlionsandhyenashmm getyourbl oodrushing
abit
Lovemor
e:okal
lthosear
edanger
ous
Kel
echi:what'
sthepointofl
ivi
ngasimpl
eli
fewi
th
noadrenal
inerusheverynowandthen?Comeon
man
Lovemor
e:(
laughed)youl
eadadanger
ouspat
h
Kelechi
:(smil
ed)dangerismymiddlenamehoney
(shewinkedathim astheyl
aughed)youar
e
spontaneousri
ght?
Lovemor
e:ibel
ieveso
Kel
echi
:comeonyoucandobet
ter
Lovemor
e:yesiam
Kelechi:goodwear egoi
ngt
oKasanet
hisweekend.
Everythingonmeandwear egoi
ngtodoever
ythi
ng
younevert houghtyouwoul
ddo
Lovemor
e:ar
eyounotsupposedt
obef
ocusi
ngon
thebr
anchopeni
ng?
Kelechi
:wehaveMondayt oFri
dayf
ort hat
.Awhole
fi
vedays.Weekendsarehonestl
ymymet i
me.I
l
ovemywor kandit akemyworkser
iouslybuti
can'tt
akemywor kseri
ousl
yandneglectmyli
fehel
l
no
Lovemor
e:(
laughed)youar
eonecr
azywoman
Kel
echi
:andyoul
ikei
tdon'
tyou?
Lovemor
e:noyouar
edanger
ousl
ycr
azy
Kelechi
:urghpl
ease(sher
oll
edhereyes)youare
j
ustbeingdramati
c.Yourmanlyegowon'tl
etyou
confesstoit
.AnywayKasanethi
sweekend?
Lovemor
e:youpayi
ngr
ight
?
Kel
echi
:ofcour
sel
ove
Lovemor
e:whynot
Kel
echi
:yeay!Cheer
s

Theylaughedandcl i
ckedt hei
rglassesagain.She
wascr azybutwhatabal lofposit
iveenergyshe
was.Wasi ttheonl ythi
ngt hathehasbeenmi ssi
ng
i
nhi sli
fe?Imeanhehadneverl aughedl i
kethati
n
awhi l
e.YesChi omawasf unandal lbutKelechi
tookittoanotherlevelandt hemor ehespenttime
withherthemor eherener gykindofr ubbedoffon
him asthei
rlaughterf i
ll
edthewhol erestaur
ant.

THATEVENI
NG

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Joshuagoti
ntobedwhi
leMayal
aiddownwi
thher
eyesopened.Hetookther
emoteandswit
chedof
f
thel
ight
sast hesi
delampsremai
nedli
t.
..

Joshua:honey?
Maya:hmm
Joshua:come
Maya:iwantt
osl
eep
Joshua:nobef
oreyousl
eepcomeher
ebabe

Shetur
nedashepul l
edhercl
oserandl
aidherhead
onhischest
.Sheputherarm ar
oundhi
sstomach
whil
ehesoftl
yrubbedthear
m. .
.

Joshua:what
'sgoi
ngoni
nyourmi
ndl
ove?
Maya:idon'tknow.There'sal otgoingonandim
confused.Idon'tknowwhet herim comingorgoi
ng.
Justwhenit houghteverythi
ngwascomi ng
togethert
henboom t hebitoflightisawwentoff
andim backinthisdarktunnel .I
m suppsedtobe
celebratingmyengagementJoshua.Wear e
supposedt obehappypl anni
ngourweddi ngnot
this.Howdoyougoof ffrom havi
ngthebest
birthdayofyourl i
fetoplanni
ngyourf at
her'
sfuner
al?
Likehowi sthatevenli
fe?Imt i
redJoshuaim
honest l
yt i
red.Maybeiwasn'tbor nf
orthis
happi nessthing
Joshua:nol
ove
Maya:yesJoshuamaybewear ejustwasti
ngour
t
ime.Imeaneveryt
hingthatit
ouchdies.Li
ter
all
y.
I
m cursedandthecursewil
lnevergoaway
Joshua:babest
opsayi
ngsucht
hings
Maya:it'
sthet r
uthJoshua.Whati fyouar egoi
ngt o
di
eaf t
erourweddi ngday?Imeanl ookatwhat
happenedt oyourcompanyt hefir
stdayisteppedin.
Yourbusesgoti nvolvedinaccidents.Wealmost
gotburntinacar .Inearl
ylostmyson.Mydaught er
wasabusedbysomeonewhowassupposedt obe
hersafespacewheni m notarround.Mymot her
wascagedl ikeanani malsoasmyf atheri
na
l
ovelessandabusi vemar ri
age.Inearlyhadapoor
womanl osehercust omersbecauseofmydr ama.I
al
mostl ostmychildrenbecauseofamanigot
i
nvolvedwi t
h.Mareledial
mostlostherlif
ebecause
ofme.Bot hherparentsalmostlostthei
rli
ves
becauseofme.I m acurseJoshuaandi m goingt
o
di
eacur sedsoul.Ishouldjustacceptmyf ai
t

Shesatupandf acedt
heotherwayasJoshua
swal
lowedstandingonhi
skneesbehindher
.He
si
ghedandrubbedherarmswhi l
eshecri
ed.
..

Maya:whydoesGodhatemesomuchJoshua?
Whatdididotohi
mforhimt
omakemylif
eal i
ving
hel
l?It
houghthel
ovedmeJoshua
Joshua:(
soft
ly)hedoesmyl
ove.Hel
ovesyouand
youshouldn'
tdoubtt
hatabi
t
Maya:thenwhy?Whydoeseveryt
hingthatit
ouch
crumbledown?Evenifi
t'
ssai
daChr i
sti
an'
spathi
s
neveraneasyonethi
sistoomuch.Mypat hi
snot
narr
owi t
'scompl
etel
ycl
osed
Joshua:(huggedherf
rom behi
nd)babeyouar
e
bett
erthanthis
Maya:(cryi
ng)imt i
redJoshuaim honest
lyti
r edof
cryi
ng.Imtir
edofpai n(snif
fedst
andingup)imt i
red
ofgoingbackandf ort
h.Whenwi l
lcatchabr eak
huh?Whenwi l
lihavepeacei nmylif
e?Alliwi shfor
i
st ojumpintocalm watersandbreathi
sthatt oo
mucht oaskfor
Joshua:(
gotof
fbed)babel
ist
ent
ome.
..
Maya:noJoshuano
Joshua:babycomeon
Maya:ijustwanttobehappyJoshuaiwanttobeat
peaceiwanttowakeupandnotwor ryabout
anythi
ng.Iwantto.
..

Sheswall
owedandbr
okei
ntoacr
yasJoshua
huggedher.
..

Joshua:sshi
t'
sal
lgoi
ngt
obeokmyl
oveipr
omi
se
youthat
Maya:i
mti
red!

Shecr i
edinhisarmsast hecryshatteredhi m.She
wasright,
poorwomanhadbeent hroughi tall
.She
hasdoneever yt
hingthatshewasaskedt odobut
not
hingseemedt obewor ki
ngout.WasGodr eall
y
watchingoverherorwasi tafarfet
cheddr eam?
Howl onghasshekeptonwi shi
ngforpeace?How
l
onghasshekeptpr ayi
ngf orj
oy?Howl onghas
shekeptwishingforthatoneshottot hebestl i
fe
shealwaysdreamtof ?

EARLI
ERTHATMORNI
NG

Stil
lfeel
ingheavyatar ound2:00am Mayagotof f
bedandl ookedatJoshua.Sheswal lowedasat ear
droppedandwentt ot hebat hr
oom.Shewi pedthe
tearandl ookedintothemi rror
.Allshesawwasa
womanwi t
hshatteredhopesanddr eams.Allshe
sawwasawomanwi thnohopet oseei ngt
hel i
ght
attheendoft hetunnel.Allshesawwasawoman
keptinonespotwi t
hnosi gnofmovi ngfrom the
darkspaceshewasi n.Shewasconsumedi n
darknessandt hatmomentshebel i
evedshewas
notwor t
hit.Shesni ff
edandopenedt hecupboard
andf oundsomebr ownpi l
ls.Shereadont heplasti
c
andi twaswr i
ttenamat ri
pline.Shelookedbacki n
themi rrorandshest i
llsawt hesamewomanwi t
h
nohopef orabet terli
fe.Shet ook5oft hepill
sand
tookabot t
leofwat ergoi ngt obed.Sheswal l
owed
l
ooki ngatt hepi l
lsi
nherhandt henlookedata
sleepingJoshua.Herhear tracedasanot hertear
dropped.Shet hrewal l5pillsinhermout hand
downedt hem wi ththewat er.Shetookof fherr i
ng
andwr oteashor tnote...

iloveyouJoshua.Pleaset
akecar
eofmy
chi
ldrenforme.Itr
iedtobestr
ongbutf
ail
ed.I
m
bet
teroffdead.Takecare.

Sheputther
ingont
henoteandkissedherfi
nger
s
thenpl
acedi
tonJoshua'
sfor
ehead.Shethen
si
ghedandsl
iddowni
ntot
hebl
anket
s.Cl
osi
ngher
eyes.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
17] :AKEPTWOMAN
69

Joshuafrownedi
nhi
ssl
eephear
ingsof
tmutt
eri
ng.
HeopenedoneeyeandsawMayatossi
ngashe
qui
cklysatup…

Maya:(
inhersl
eep)no…no…no
Joshua:honey?Babe?
Herpant
ingandtossi
nggotheavi
erashe
swal
lowedworri
edandshookher…

Joshua:l
ovewakeup
Maya:no!

Shesaidqui
ckl
ysit
ti
ngupandopenedhereyesas
shebreat
hedheavi
l
ylooki
ngar
ound…

Joshua:don’
twor
ryhoneyi
t’
sjustabaddr
eam
Maya:what
’sgoi
ngon?

Shesaidchecki
ngherfi
ngerandt
heringwasst
il
l
on.Shelookedonthebedsi
deandtherewas
nothi
ngbutthesidel
amp…

Joshua:youwantsomewat
erl
ove?
Maya:yes
Sheswal
lowedagai
nashegotherabot
tl
eof
water
…
Joshua:her
e
Maya:(t
ookagul
pandexhal
ed)t
hatf
eltr
eal
Joshua
Joshua:whatdi
dyoudr
eam of
?
Maya:Icommi t
tedsuicide.Igotoffbed,wenttot he
bathroom, t
ooksomepi llsandwaterandwr ot
ea
note.Inthatnot
eIaskedyout otakecar eofmy
chil
drenformeandsai dIwasbet t
erof fdead.I
drankthepill
sandslidintotheblankets.Itfel
treal
Joshua:I’
m sosor rymylovethatwil
lneverhappen
doyouhearme?Asl ongasI’
m withyouI’m never
goingtoletthathappen.Thi
ngsmaybehar dright
nowbuti t
’snotgoi ngt
ostayli
kethisforgood.I
thi
nkyoushoul dscheduleameet i
ngwi t
hMsAdi ole
l
atertodayandt alktoher
.Idon’twantyoutof all
i
ntodepression.Ihavebeentherebeforeandit ’
s
notagoodpl acet obeinsothesoonerwedealwi th
thesympt omst hebett
er
Maya:okl
oveIwi
ll
Joshua:nowlet
’skneeldownandpr
ayagai
nstt
he
spi
ritofdeat
h
Mayatookanothergul
past
heygotof
fbedand
knel
tdownpraying.

Att
heAdi
ole’
s…

Int
heki t
chenChiomasof tlyhummedf i
xingher
morningsmoothie.Kelechicamedownhummi ngas
wel
ltyinghersil
kgownandgr eet
edhersi st
er
get
ti
ngabot tl
eofwat erfrom t
hefri
dge…

Kel
echi
:howdi
dyousl
eepsi
s?
Chi
oma:f
ine
Kel
echi
:It
houghtyou’
dbeatwor
kbynow
Chi
oma:I
’
m notacor
k
Kel
echi
:oopsIdi
dn’tmeant
ost
eponyourt
oesl
et
megetbacktobed
Chi
oma:whatar
eyouri
ntent
ionsKel
echi
?
Kel
echi
:(f
rownedandt
urnedconf
used)excuseme?
Chi
oma:Iknowyou
Kelechi
:myintent
ionsaretokeept her
eputat
ionof
mysi st
er’
scompanygoi ngandmakesur ethatwe
succeedwithourplans.Ibel
ieveIhaveanswered
you
Chi
oma:youknowwhatI
’
m nott
alki
ngaboutt
hat
Kel
echi
Kelechi
:thenstopspeaki
ngi
npar
abl
esI
’
m not
Jesus.Beclearwit
hme
Chi
oma:Lovemor
e
Kel
echi
:(scof
fed)oh
Chi
oma:yesoh
Kel
echi
:whataboutMrKdearsi
ster
?
Chi
oma:MrK?(
chuckl
ed)ohwow
Kel
echi
:don’
ttel
lmeyouar
eaboutt
ogi
vemea
l
ect
ureaboutaman
Chi
oma:youdon’
tknowhi
m Kel
echi
Kelechi
:whatmakesyousosure?Justbecause
youhaveat hi
rdeyeyout
hinkyouaretheonlyone
thatknowspeople?
Chi
oma:Kel
echiIt
oldyouguysthatt
hisman’
sson
i
sinarel
ati
onshi
pwithSundae
Kel
echi:so?(
sighed)whatmakesyoupeopl
ethi
nkI
wantthismantobeginwith?Whati
fIj
ustwantt
o
befr
iendswit
hhi m?
Chi
oma:youcanf
oolever
yonebutnotme
Kelechi
:yeahbecausethegr
eatChi
omasees
everyt
hing.Don’
tyouthi
nkIknowwhatyouar
e
tr
yingtodo?
Chi
oma:whatI
’
mtr
yingt
odo?
Kelechi:youlikethismanbutyouhavel etyour
“morals”deteryouf rom beingwithhim.Lucasand
Sundaear esti
llki
ds.Theyar esti
llf
indi
ng
themsel vesandt hatdoesn’thavetostopyouf r
om
l
ivingyourl i
fe.Youar enotSundae’smot herto
beginwi thandhonest lyspeakingChiomat hi
sthing
ofyouofput t
ingpeoplefi
rstbefor
eyourhappiness
wil
lbet heendofyou.Foroncebesel fi
shbut
unfort
unatel
yyouar egoingtohavetolook
el
sewher etopracti
cethatbecauseI’
vegot
Lovemor eunderlockdown.(t
ookasipofwat er
)we
aregoingawayt hisweekend(smil
edandwi nkedat
her)haveasuperdaysi s

Sheheadedbacktoherbedr oom whil

eChioma
swal
lowedlooki
ngather.Shesqui nthereyesand
scof
fedshaki
ngherheadt hensippedonher
smoothi
e.Shefel
titwasbitt
eranddumpedi ti
nthe
dust
bin…

Chi
oma:mxxxm

Sher
oughl
ycl
osedt
hebi
nandheavedahuge
si
gh…

Chi
oma:youar
enotgoi
ngt
oal
lowKel
echigett
o
youChi
.

Sheinhaledandexhaledfixi
ngherhairandtookher
thi
ngsleaving.Shegotinhercar,t
ookherphone
andcontempl at
edthethoughtofcall
ingLovemore.
Shedecidednott ot
henputt hephoneontheholder
anddroveout .

Att
hehospi
tal
…

Withanenvelopeinhishandsthedoctorwalkedi
n
onat er
ri
blycoughingNale.Herl
ipsweredryand
herfacewassopal ewit
hhereyesyell
ow…

Dr
:Nal
e
Nal
e:doct
orpl
easecal
lmyhusbandandson
Dr
:that
viswhyi
m her
e
Nal
e:huh?
Shesaidlooki
ngathi
m wit
hhereyeshalfopenas
theywereheavyf
orhert
oopenthem wide…

Dr
:yourhusbandbr
oughtt
hesef
oryou
Nal
e:whatar
ethey?
Dr
:Ihaven’
topenedt
hem
Nal
e:whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?

Heputhisboar
ddownandopenedt
heenvel
ope
t
henlookedatNal
ewhoswal
lowedadr
ypainful
l
ump…

Nal
e:and?
Dr
:yourhusbandi
saski
ngf
oradi
vor
ce
Nal
e:(
hear
tsank)ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousdoct
or?
Dr
:yesma’
am andi
tissai
dthatt
hesooneryou…
Themachinesbeepedashethr
ewtheenvel
opeon
thebedsi
deandhurri
edtot
hedoorcal
li
nganurse…

Dr
:Nal
est
aywi
thme,
Nal
e

Heputonthestet
hoscopechecki
ngherheartrat
e
andl
ookedatthevit
alorganmoni
tor.I
twasn’t
l
ooki
nggoodast henursecameinrunni
ng…

Dr:she’ssuffer
ingaheartat
tack.Weneedt
o
perfor
mf ibr
inolyt
ict
herapysogetmesomet i
ssue
pl
asmi nogenact i
vat
or

Thenurseranoutwhil
ethedoctorpaidatt
enti
onto
thevi
talmonit
ori
ncreasi
ngNale’soxygenint
ake.

Att
heDuncan’
s…
Lor
nafi
xedherheadwrapwhi
leDuncancameout
oft
heshoweri
nat owel
…
Duncan:sot
hisi
sit
?
Lor
na:whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutl
ove?
Duncan:arewegoi
ngt
oletyoursonbei
nthe
st
reet
slikethat
?
Lorna:agr ownmanwhoi sabletotellmet hatthi
s
i
swhyGodt ookmyf ert
il
ity?ForgivemeDuncanbut
I’
m notgoingt oletmyselfgothrought hat.His
mot heri
sal i
velethi
m gobackt oher.(tur
ned)
maybehei sri
ght,maybemyi nfer
til
it
yt odestroy
mear eright<maybeI ’
m notdest i
nedt obea
mot her
Duncan:nolovedon’
tsayt
hataboutyour
sel
fyou
ar
eagr eatmother
.Imeanlookwhatyouhavedone
wit
hAppl eandSaint
Lorna:yeaht
heverysameSaintwhohasnow
tur
nedagainstme.Whatifi
t’
sonlyamatt
eroft
ime
unti
lApplefl
ipssi
destoo?
Duncan:Appl
ewoul
dneverdot
hatespeci
all
yto
you.Youmeant heworl
dtohermorethananyone
i
nt hi
shouse.Applewasmadatmef orthet
hingsI
didtoyoubutlooknowweareok.Allt
hethi
ngsshe
saidtomeweret het
rut
h
Lor
na:andwhatSai
ntsai
dtomewasnott
het
rut
h?
Duncan:noitwasn’t.Youarenotat oxicwoman
andnotabadmot herandno,Goddi dnott akeyour
fer
ti
li
tybecauseyouwoul dbeanunf i
tmot her
.
Everywomani nthisworlddeservestobeamot her
yourfer
ti
li
tyisj
ustami sfor
tune.Saintwaswr ong
andtheonlythi
ngwear ewrongofi slett
inghim go
l
ikethat
.
Lorna:honestlyspeakingDuncanIdon’ twantt
obe
i
nsul t
edbyachi ld.Thatchildhasi nsul
tedme.Yes
Patiencesai
dt hesamet hi
ngst omebutInever
expectedhimt odot hat.I’
m notgoi ngt
ostopyou
fr
om t r
yingtoreachoutt ohi m butasformelove
I’
m done.Finishupget ti
ngr eadywehavet obein
courtinanhour

Shesi
ghedl
eavi
ngwhi
lehesi
ghedsi
tt
ingdown…
Duncan:i
t’
sti
metomanupDuncanyoucan’
tlet
yourf
amilygodownadar
kal
leyl
iket
his

AtLewi
s’
shouse…

Hetookhi sst
udentsreportbookandtookaseatin
thelivi
ngroom wit
hagl assofwineonthetabl
e.His
phoner angashefrownedl ooki
ngatwhowas
call
ingandscoffedanswering…

Lewi
s:Bi
anca
Bi
anca:hiLewi
showar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lewi
s:I
’
m goodandyour
sel
f
Bi
anca:I
’
m ok.Ar
eyouf
reet
otal
k?
Lewi
s:yeah
Bianca:Iwoul
dlikeust
otalkaboutwhathappened
betweenus.IhavewrongedyouandIhonestly
don’tdisputethat.Ishouldhavebeenhonestwi th
youasaf ri
endbutf ail
edsopl easef orgi
vemef or
that.Iwanttoguar anteeyout hatI’m goingtoreturn
yourmoneyi nfullbutrightnowki ndlyunderstand
thatIhavenot hingonme.I ’
m sti
llraisi
ngt he
moneyandsoonerIhaver eachedabet t
eramountI
willgiveyou(Lewi ssippedhiswi ne)I’mr eal
lysorr
y
forwhatIdi dtoyouLewi spleasef or
giveme
Lewis:IhearyouBiancaandIappr eciateyour
honesty.I
tdoesn’thurtt
obehonestwi t
ht hepeople
youconsiderfri
ends.Whywoul dwej udgeyou
becauseyouear nlessthanus?I t
’snotl i
kewear e
earni
ngal otaswell.Youknowver ywel lt
hatmost
governmentempl oyeessur vi
veonl oanaf t
erloan
soaesekayar eketsereloanBi ancaaboor eo
i
tepatepanyalennamyl ove.(don’tcompet ewith
mewhenIhavet akenal oan)Factt hatyoucanpay
rentandputfoodonyourt ableisval i
dationenough
thatyouaredoingsomet hingr i
ght.Onceyouhave
managedt oraise3ksendi twewi l
lseet her estas
ti
megoes.Al lIneedfrom youi shonest yBi anca
andIthinkwebot howeMayaanapol ogybecause
youknowthethi
ngswesai daboutherbehi
ndher
back.Wewerenevergoodfri
endstothepoorgir
l
andwedidn’
tevenreal
iseshewasf i
ghti
ngpainf
ul
batt
les
Bianca:yeahsheaskedmet
omeetupwi
thher
somet i
mesoon
Lewi
s:pl
easedotheri
ghtthi
ngi
…(f
rozeasa
messagecamein)what
!?
Bi
anca:whati
sit
?
Lewi
s:justr
ecei
vedamessagef
rom Maya’
sfi
ancé
herf
atherhaspassedon
Bi
anca:(
conf
used)what
?
Lewis:Iwi
llt
alkt
oyoui nabi t(
hehungup)bathong
whenwi l
lMayacatchabr eak?Poorwomanis
supposedtobecelebr
atingherengagementand
planni
ngherweddingthent hi
s?No

Hecal
ledJoshuawhi
leBi
ancascof
fedandsat
backi
nhercar…
Bi
anca:Maya?Fi
ancé?

Shechuckl
edandcl
ickedhert
onguegoi
ngi
nto
thei
rof
fi
ce.

I
nPr
ison

AfterbeingscannedDi puoandMat shidi

sower elet
i
nast heypul l
edt hei
rchair
soutandt ooktheir
seats.Dipuol ookedar oundwithherlipscurved
whileMat shidisocheckedf ordustont hedeskand
blewherf inger.Shedust edherhandswhi l
ethe
doorsopenedandRonawasl etthr
ough.Shef roze
asherhear tskippedabeatseei ngthem whilethey
l
ookedather ,atoneanot herandbur stint
oa
l
augh…

Mat
shi
diso:andher
eIwast
hinki
ngt
heywer
elyi
ng
Dipuo:Sei
kanyeng’
sfi
rstdaught
erwow.Youand
yoursist
erhavemadeityourgoalt
odragmy
parent’
snamesint hemudneh?Imagine
nmosadi mogol
oyokanawenai napri
soncell
.
It
lhabel
wekeditlhongRonasies(
imagineawoman
youragei napr
isoncell
.Haveshameonyoursel
f)
Rona:whatcanIhel
pyouwi
thyoupeasant
s?
Matshidi
so:pri
defulasevernxnxnx.Wemi
ghtbe
peasantsbutatleastwearenotwi
tches
Rona:(
scof
fed)keeptel
li
ngyour
sel
vest
hat
.
Wit
chescomeindi f
fer
entfor
m
Di
puo:youwouldknowt
hatver
ywel
lbecauseyou
ar
eoneisn’
tit
Rona:Di
puowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Di
puo:t
het
rut
h
Rona:whoevertoldyouthatI
’
m atr
uthfi
lekeeper
askthem t
otellyouthet
ruthyouar
ehereforIdon’
t
haveti
met oentert
ainol
dwomenl i
kethetwoofyou
Di
puo:whodi
dwebur
yasKenei
lwe?
Rona:Idon’
thavet
imefort
hisnonsense.Pl
ease
t
akemebackt omycell
Shest
oodupl
eavi
ngasMat
shi
disoscof
fed…
Mat
shi
diso:i
tissai
dthatMayai
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed

Shef
rozewi
thaf
rownonherf
ace…

Rona:excuseme?
Dipuo:unt
ilyouarereadyt
otel
lusthetrut
hweare
notgoingtogiveyouanymoredetai
ls.Mybaby
l
et’sgo
Rona:nowai
t(t
heyleft
)Di
puoyou
can’
t…Mat
shi
di…wouldyoufucki
ngcomebackher
e

Theylaughedl
eavi
ngnonethel
esswhil
eshe
swall
owedandbreathedheavi
lygoi
ngbackt
oher
cel
l…

Rona:not
hiscan’
tbehappeni
ng.Howi
sMaya
get
ti
ngmarri
ed?
AtSai
nt’
smot
her
’shouse.
..

Helaidonthecouchonhisphonetryi
ngtoreachto
Sundaewhowasnotgi vi
nghim at
tent
ion.He
decidedtosendLucasamessageashi smother
walkedin…

Lady:t
hat’
snothowwesi
tont
hecouchyoungman.
Situpstr
aight
Sai
nt:i
m comf
ort
abl
eint
hisposi
ti
on
Lady:Iseeyouthi
nkthi
sisyourmot her
’shouse.I
don’twantt
orepeatmysel
finfactyoushouldbe
taki
ngyourthi
ngsgoingbackhome
Sai
nt:what
?
Lady:youheardme.BecauseIl etyousleepover
doesn’tmeanIwantyouher e.Therei
sar eason
whyIgaveyouupf oradopt
ion.Whoi swrit
tenon
yourbirt
hcert
if
icat
easyourpar ent?(hekeptqui
et)
exactl
ysopleasetakeyourbagsandl eavebefor
e
myhusbandcomesbackhome
Sai
nt:soyouar
egoi
ngt
odot
hist
ome?
Lady:papaI’
m notyourmot
her
.Ij
ustpushedyou
outsopleaseleave
Sai
nt:(
hear
tsank)wow
Lady:doyouper
hapsneedhel
pwi
tht
aki
ngyour
bagsout?

Heswal lowedandst oodupt akinghisbagsbyt he

corner.Helookedathi smot herandshookhi shead
whileshegavehi m ast r
aightf acewithnosignof
feeli
ng.Hedr aggedthem outasshecl osedthe
doorbehi ndhim andsanggoi ngbackt owhatshe
wasdoi ng.Saintcheckedhowmuchhehadandhe
sti
llhadenoughmoneyt otakehi m whereverhe
want edtogo, l
ocall
y.Hisphoner ecei
veda
messageandi twasLucas’ sr esponse…

Sai
nt:goodboy(responded)what
’supbuddycan
wemeeti fpossi
ble?
Lucas:whoar
eyouandwhydowehavet
omeet
?
Sai
nt:youwi
llf
indoutwhenwear
etoget
her
.Can
wemeetatthemall
Lucas:Idon’
tusual
lymeetwi
thst
ranger
ssor
ry
Sai
nt:I
’
m notast
ranger
Lucas:dudewedon’
tknowoneanot
hersot
ome
westranger
stooneanother
Sai
nt:weneedt
otal
kaboutSundae
Lucas:(
frowned)whatabouther
?
Sai
nt:Ican’
tsayovert
hephone
Lucas:ohokt
hensendmet
hel
ocat
ion
Sai
nt:(
smi
led)sur
e

Lucasscof
fedandashewasaboutt
osendSundae
amessagehisphoner
ang…

Lucas:dad?
Lovemor
e:Ineedyoui
ntheof
fi
cepl
easecomeover
Lucas:butIhavet
obesomewher
edad
Lovemor
e:post
ponet
hemeet
ingi
t’
sanemer
gency
Lucas:(
grunt
ed)okdad

Het
ookhi
swal
letandmadehi
swayout
.

AtJoshua’
shouse…

Hestoppedthecari nf
rontofthegat
east hey
wait
edforitopen.Mayalaidbackwit
hhereyes
cl
osedasJoshuaf r
ownedseeingacarstopbehind
hi
mt hr
ought herearvi
ewmi rr
or.Matshi
disogotof
f
andwenttohi swindowasMayaopenedhereyes…

Maya:honeywi
ll
…what
!?
Mat
shi
diso:opent
hewi
ndowyoungman
Joshua:whoar
eyou?Honeyyouknowt
hem?
Mayaswal
lowedahugel
umpl
ooki
ngatMat
shi
diso
andthenl
ookedbackseei
ngasmi
li
ngDi
puoi
nthe
car
…
Joshua:honey?
Maya:younotgoi ngtolett
hesepeoplei
ndoyou
hearme.I’
m sickandt i
redofalwaysbei
ngwal
ked
al
loverli
keI’m somet r
ash.Fi
rsti
twasRonaand
herdaughternowi t
’s…
Shet
ri
edt
oopent
hedoorasJoshual
ockedt
hem…
Maya:babeopent
hedoor
Mat
shi
diso:youngboyopent
hiswi
ndow

ThattimeDipuocameoutofthecaraswellwhil
ea
confusedJoshualookedatt
hethr
eeofthem but
didn’
topen…
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
17] :AKEPTWOMAN
70

Maya:babeopent
hisdoor
Mat shidi
so:youngmanisai
dopent
hisdoor.
Ther e'
snoonewho'sgoingt
odri
vei
nt hi
syard
befor ewetalk
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)excuseme!
?Whoseyar
disi
t
agai
n?
Di
puo:kant
egat
wegodi
ragal
ang?(
What
'sgoi
ngon)
Joshua:babecal
m downpl
ease
Mat
shi
diso:(
knockedont
hewi
ndow)youngman
Joshua:knockonemor
eti
meont
hatwi
ndowand
youwillknowwhoiam
Mat
shi
diso:(
laughed)r
eal
lynow!
?
Maya:soyouar
enotgoi
ngt
odowhatiaskyout
o
doJoshua?Canyou.
..
(si
ghedandhi
tthehoot
er)
Joshua:Maya
Maya:youdon'
twanttol
ist
ent
omeaker
esoi
mi
ghtaswellcal
lthem

Shehi
tthehooteragai
nasGl
idi
a,Kenei
lweandt
he
ki
dswentout.
..

Dipuo:(
laughed)ohsoal
lleechesar
est
ayi
ngi
nthi
s
houseohwow
Kenei
lwe:whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?Whatar
eyou
doi
nghere?
Mat
shi
diso:i
ndeedshe'
sal
ive
Gli
dia:okwhat
'sgoi
ngonher
e?Shoul
dwecal
lthe
pol
ice?
Maya:Joshuacanyoupl
easeopent
hedoor
Joshua:pr
omi
semeyouwi
llhandl
ethi
swi
th
cal
mness
Maya:i
m donebei
ngcal
m
Joshua:t
heni
m notgoi
ngt
oopen
Mat
shi
diso:(
toGl
idi
a)andyouar
e?
Gl
idi
a:nomydearyoudon'
twantt
odot
hatwi
thme
ok
Maya:soyouar
egoi
ngt
owat
cht
hem i
nsul
tyour
mother
?
Joshua:i
mtr
yingt
opr
otectyouher
elovepl
ease
Maya:Joshuaj
ustopent
hecarpl
ease!

Hef rownedlookingather.I
twashi
sfir
stt
ime
seeingherthatthrownoffashesi
ghedand
unlockedasMayamadeherwayout ..
.

Maya:(
fi
xedherdr
ess)what'
sgoi
ngonher
e?What
ar
eyoupeopledoi
nghere?
Kenei
lwe:youhavesomener
veyouknowDi
puo?
Di
puo:noyouhavesomener
veKenei
lwehowdo
yougiveyourdaught
erawayf
ormar
ri
agewi
thout
tel
li
ngme?
Maya:(
laughed)iknewi
t.Iknewi
t!Pl
easel
eave
Di
puo:Kenei
lwei
m yourmot
her
Maya:ohr
eal
lynow?
Keneilwe:nowaitMaya,youaremymot her
?Wena
Dipuo?Af t
erabandoni
ngmef orsolong?Assoon
asourmot herpassedawayyout ur
nedyourback
onus.Howar eyouevenmymot herwhenyouused
tocallusbanabamol oi
?Andyouhavet henervet
o
comeher eandclaimthatyouaremymot her
?Oh
please
Mat
shi
diso:don'
tyoudar
etal
ktomymot
herl
ike
t
hat
Maya:andyout hi
nki
m goingt oletyoudoitaswel l
?
Areyounotevenashamedofyour sel
f?Now
becausethere'
ssomet hi
nghappeni nginourl i
ves
youwantt ocomeandcl aimt hatwear erel
ated.
Masi kaal
ona( yourr
elat
ives)areinpr i
songot o
them wearenotyourrelati
vesandyesyoucango
tel
lthem t
hattheMayat heythoughtt heywere
goi
ngt oputdownisnomor
e.I
m awomannowi
m
nolongerthatnai
vegi
rl
Matshi
diso:ot
lhant
shiwaker i
ngyaP5si
es(
that
cheapri
ngisdri
vingyoucrazy)
Glidi
a:don'tyouinsultmysonl i
kethat.Iknow
rel
ati
veslikeyou.Allyouar egoodatisr ui
ning
otherpeople'sli
vesbutwheni tcomest omyson
andt hepeoplehelovesidon'tholdbackmyl ove.I
f
youthinkyouar egoingt ohurtMayajustknowt hat
youwi l
lhavet ogetthroughmef i
rst
Di
puo:nxnxnxonl
yifyouknewt heamountofbad
l
uckyouarei
nvi
nti
ngintoyourhome
Maya:wowDi
puoyoucan'
tevenhi
dei
tneh?
Gl
idi
a:thebadluckcreat
edbyal
lofyou.Pl
ease
l
eave.Joshuacallt
hepoli
ce
Joshua:canyoupl
easel
eave
Di
puo:wear
egoingtol
eavebutther
e'snoweddi
ng
t
hat'
sgoi
ngtohappenwhi
leiknownothing
Kenei
lwe:omangwenaDi
puo?Omang?(
Whoar
e
you)
Di
puo:Kenei
lwe.
..
Mat
shi
diso:mamal
et'
sgo
Maya:yeahgo!Go!

Shetri
edtoat
tackt
hem asJoshuahel dherback
whil
eshecli
ckedhertongue.Theygotinthei
rcar
anddroveawaywhil
eJoshuagoti nhisanddrove
i
nwhi l
eMayabreat
hedheavi l
ygoingtothehouse.
..

Kenei
lwe:ar
eyouoknana?
Maya:( angri
ly)im busygett
ingthingsformy
father
'sburialinorderandsomepeopl ethi
nkthey
cancomeher eandhar assme!?Kantennadon' ti
deservetobehappy! ?Mamawhathaveidonet o
yourrelati
vestodeser vethi
s!?Legonet heyarenot
evenashamedt osayittomyf acethatther
e'sno
weddingt hat'
sgoingt ohappen.Imt i
redmamai m
ti
red!

Sheshout
edgoi
ngupst
air
sasJoshuasi
ghedgoi
ng
aft
erherwhil
eGli
diaandKeneil
weswall
owed
l
ookingup.Kenei
lwelookedatGl
idi
aandshookher
headsit
ti
ngdown...

Kenei
lwe:butwhyMr
sK?Why?
Gl
idi
a:peopl
ear
ehonest
lyshocki
ng.Whodoest
hat
?
Keneil
we:mydaughterdoesn'
tdeser
veanyofthi
s
atal
l.She'
snott
hispersonandtheyaret
urni
ngher
i
ntoananimal
Gl
idi
a:iagr
eewi
thyou.Let
'spr
ayshedoesn'
tlet
t
hem.Tea?
Kenei
lwe:yeahicoul
dusesome
Herber
t:gr
annymamasaidschool
sareopening
tomorr
owbutshehasn'
tgonetocol
lectour
unif
orms
Kenei
lwe:iwi
llt
alkt
ouncl
eJoshuaabouti
tmyboy.
Her
ber
t:ok

Theywentout
sidewi
tht
hepuppi
eswhi
let
he
mot
her
sdr
ankt
hei
rtea.

I
ncour
t.
..

Thej
udget
ookherseatandl
ookedatt
hef
il
e..
.

Judge:mayt
hepl
aint
if
fpl
easepl
eadt
hei
rcase

Alexanderstoodupandf
ixedhergownl
ooki
ngat
Patience.
..

Alexander:yourworshi pmayist ar
toffbysayi
ng
mayt helitt
leboycontinuet oresti
npeace.Ababy's
l
ifehasbeencutshor tallbecauseofan
i
rresponsiblemother,ani r
responsi
blemotherwho
hasabonet opickwitht hewifeofthehusbandshe
hadt hatchil
dwith.Fi
r standforemostthi
swoman
hadnor i
ghttogetinbedwi t
hamar ri
edman.Even
i
fthemancameont ohersheshoul dhaveturned
him downbecauset hiswoman( pointedatLor na)
sawherasasi st erandsomeoneshecoul dconf i
de
i
nherbut4f ullyear syourhonour ,
fourfullyears
shelookedinhereyesandl aughedi nherf ace
knowi ngwhatshewasdoi ngwi t
hherhusband
behindherback.I t'
swomenl i
keherwhor eall
y
paintabadpi ctur eaboutt herestofus.Thi s
womanshoul dbet aughtal essonandbemadean
exampl eoftoal ltheirresponsibl
emot hersand
womenoutt here.I t
'stimet heyalll
earntthat
mar r
iageisnotsomet hingtoplayonandachi l
d
shouldcomef i
rstbef oreanyt hi
ngandwi th
everythi
ngthiswomanhaddoneshedoesn' t
deservebail.Alsot hiswomanknowswher emy
cl
ientstayssochancesar eshemi ghtgoandat tack
hertherefor
eshedoesn' tdeservebail.Ithankyou
Judge:t
hankyouMr
sTaol
o.Def
ence
Man:t hankyoumyLady.MyLadyweal lknowwhat
thi
swomanhasdone, yesshewasn'tagood
mot herforwhat?LastfewWeeks,days?What
aboutalltheotherti
mes?Wasshest il
lan
i
rresponsibl
emot her?Didshenotspendt i
mewit
h
herson?Di dshenott akecareofherson?Wear e
allall
owedt odrink,
awomanheragecan' tbetold
whatt oandnotdo.Let '
snotj udgeherbasedon
whatshehasdoneaf ewdaysagobutgodown
withherchar act
erfrom allt
heseyears.Pati
enceis
agr i
evingmot hermyLadyshedeser vestosee
wher ehersonhasbeenl aidtorestandmournhim
thereforeisayshebegr antedbailandawaither
tri
alinherhome.It hankyou
Judge:thankyoucounci
ls.Cour
twi
llgof
ora30
minutesrecess

Shehitthegavelandmadeherwayoutaseveryone
stoodup.LornalookedatPat
iencewhol
ookedat
heraswellandmadeherwayout .

Att
heAdi
ole'
s.
..

Abi
ola:(
sippedherjui
ce)sothat'
swhatineedyou
t
odo.Ever yonehasal
readypaidthei
rregi
str
ati
on
f
ee
Kelechi
:al
ri
ght
.Iwantt
ogoandseet
hebui
ldi
ng
l
atertoday
Abi
ola:yeahispoket
otheownersot
heysai
d
ar
oundl uncht
ime
Kelechi
:goodal
lthepaperworkhasbeendone
ri
ght?Therewon'
tbeanyhiccups?
Abiol
a:ourl
awyerisgoingthr
ought
hem aswe
speakbutal
lisdoneit
'sjustf
orust
ogetthebal
l
rol
li
ng
Kel
echi
:gr
eat
Abi
ola:Chi
omaspoket
ome
Kel
echi
:fi
ndamanAbi
Abi
ola:excuseme?
Kel
echi
:canyouandyoursi
sterki
ndl
yleaveme
al
one?
Abi
ola:Kel
echiij
ustwantyouguyst
onotf
ight
pl
ease
Kel
echi
:fi
ghtf
orwhat
?Aman?I
m bet
tert
hant
hat
Abi
olayouknowt
hatt
oo
Abi
ola:butwi
tht
hewaythi
ngsar
egoi
ngyouguys
ar
egoingtoendupf
ight
ing
Kelechi
:Chi
omahadachancet obewi t
hthi
sman
ri
ght?Whatdidshedo?Shedecidedtoputachil
d's
needsfir
st,
achil
d?ComeonAbit her
e'spl
entyof
fi
shintheseaSundaecangetanyguyshewant s
Abi
ola:butshel
ikesLucasKel
echi
Kelechi:andwher eisthepr
oblem i
fili
kehisfather?
Youknowwhati m donewit
hthisconversati
on.Im
goingtobewi t
hLovemor ewetheryouguysl i
keitor
not.Im notgoingtoletsomeoneilikegobecausea
chil
dlikestheirson.Thesepeoplearesti
ll
..
.(
sighed)
isaidim done.Forwar dmethebuildi
ngowner '
s
numberiwi llcallt
hem

Shetookheri
padandmadeherwaytoher
bedr
oom whil
eAbisi
ghedshaki
ngherhead.

I
nPr
ison.
..
Ronacl
ickedhert
ongueandt
hrewherwat
eri
ngcan
down.
..

Pr
eci
ous:andt
hen?
Rona:youwon'
tbel
ievewhathappenedear
li
er
Pr
eci
ous:whathappened?
Rona:Di
puoandMat
shi
disocamet
oseeme
Pr
eci
ous:(
widenedhereyesshocked)who?
Rona:i
magi
ne
Pr
eci
ous:t
hosepeopl
ear
est
il
lal
ive?
Rona:youwon'
tevenbel
ievewhatt
heysai
d
Pr
eci
ous:whatdi
dtheysay?
Rona:Mayai
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
Pr
eci
ous:what
!?
Rona:ihaveneverf
eltsol
itt
leofmysel
fli
keidi
d
t
odayPr eci
ous.Mayagett
ingmarri
ed?
Pr
eci
ous:l
ikehow?Howi
sthatevenpossi
ble?
Rona:if
eell
iket
ear
ingmysel
fapar
t
Preci
ous:yoh.Youneedtogetonwit
hyourpl
anas
soonaspossiblebecauset
hatweddi
ngcannot
happen
Rona:ohyesiwi
ll
.Al
lineedtoknowi
swhohe's
get
ti
ngmar r
iedt
obutthoset
wowouldn'
ttel
lme
Pr
eci
ous:why?
Rona:theywantt
oknowwhowebur
iedas
Kenei
lwe
Pr
eci
ous:gonemmewhodi
dwebur
yRona?That
woman.
..
Rona:mxm (
shewal
kedaway)
Pr
eci
ous:Ronawear
est
il
ltal
king,
Ro.
..

Sheshowedherherhandwalki
ngawaywhi
le
Preci
oussqui
nthereyes.
..
Precious:nomanineedtodi
gdeepintothi
smatter
.
Ihavet ofi
ndawaytofindt
hetrut
h.Thi
swoman
can'tgiveusar
unaroundwithananswerfort
his
l
ong

Shef
ini
shedwat
eri
ngt
hepl
ant
sandl
eftt
hegar
den.

AtDor
een'
shouse.
..

Matshi
disobroughthermot
hersomet
eaast
hey
satout
side.
..

Mat
shi
diso:di
dyouseet
hathouse?
Dipuo:wheredoesMayagetof
ffi
ndi
ngar
ichman
l
ikethatone?
Matshidiso:nomawehavet odosomethingabout
thi
s.Seikanyeng'sgrandchi
ldcan'
tber
ichert
han
yourgranchildhellno.Wehavetodosomething
Di
puo:whatiwanti
sfort
hisweddi
ngt
onothappen
Mat
shidi
so:andf
ori
ttonothappenweshoul
dki
ll
t
heyoungman
Di
puo:ar
eyousur
e?
Matshi
diso:ormakehi
sbusinessgodownt
he
drai
n.Thatwayhewon'thavemoneyandMayawi
ll
seehim asusel
ess
Di
puo:t
hemot
herl
ooksr
ichaswel
l
Mat
shi
diso:i
tmustbet
hechi
ld'
smoney
Dipuo:orwemakethemot herhateMayaifshe
hatesMaya,shewil
lgethersontoseenovaluein
herandboychil
drenalwaysli
stentot
heirmother
s
Matshi
diso:perf
ect.Wehavesomanyoptionst
o
makesuret hatt
hisfacadedoesn'
tcomet
opass
Dipuo:nochildofSei
kanyengisgoi
ngt ol
iveagood
l
ifewhent hei
rmothermademi neali
vinghell
.It
old
Seikanyengthati
m goi
ngt ogetmyrevengenowis
thetime
Mat
shi
diso:hal
alat
othatmamahal
ala
Dipuosmil
edsippi
nghert eaandaccidental
lyt
ook
ahugegulpasitburnthertongue.Shescreamed
burni
nganddroppedthecupasi tallspi
ll
edonher
thi
ghburni
ngher..
.

Mat
shi
diso:bat
hongmama
Di
puo:yesesmanibur
ntmysel
fhur
ryupwi
tha
cl
oth

Mat
shidi
sor anint
othehousewhi
leDi
puosi
ghed
wi
pingherself
.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lornacli
ckedhert
onguethrowingherheadwr
apon
thecouchasDuncansighed..
.

Lor
na:howdot
heygi
veherbai
lDuncan?How?
Duncan:don'
tworr
ywecangetar
est
rai
ningor
der
agai
nsthermylove
Lor
na:weburi
edhersoni
nouryar
dshe'
sgoi
ngt
o
usethatt
ocomeint
oourspace
Duncan:i
m sor
ryl
ove.Cal
m down
Lor
na:NoDuncan,
no,
Pat
ienceshoul
dbei
npr
ison
bynow
Appl
e:whathappened?
Lor
na:shegotbai
l
Appl
e:ohwow
Duncan:hasSai
ntt
ri
edt
ogethol
dofyou?
Appl
e:no
Duncan:ok.Ineedt
otal
ktoyouguys
Lor
na:ineedt
oli
edownf
ir
st
Duncan:nori
ghtnowLor
na(
thegat
eopened)
who'
sthat?
Apple:idon'
tknow(hechecked)maineedanew
schoolbagtomorrowit
'sbacktoschool
Lor
na:iwi
llsendyout
hecashmyl
ove.Whoi
sit
Dun.
..
ohgreat
Sai
nt:dumel
ang(
goodday)
Duncan:comei
n
Sai
nt:t
hankyou
Lor
na:soyouar
eback?
Duncan:l
ovenotnow.ComeinSaintyouar
ri
ved
wellonti
meiwanttotal
ktoyouguys
Lorna:i
fit
saboutSainti
m notgoi
ngt
obeapar
tof
theconversat
ioni
m sorr
y
Duncan:lovethemor ewepushthechi
ldawaythe
morehet urnsint
osomethi
ngwewon' tbeproudof
sopleaselet'
ssitdownandsolvet
hismatt
er
Lor
na:Sai
ntar
eyousor
ryaboutwhatyousai
dto
me?
Sai
nt:yesma
Lor
na:areyousorr
ybecauseyourbi
ologi
calmot
her
wantsnothi
ngtodowit
hyouandyouhavenowher e
el
setogoor .
..
Appl
e:comeonma
Lorna:noApple,oryouar ereall
ysor r
y(he
swallowedlooki
ngdown)i m notgoingtositaround
andwal kovershel
lsf orahypocrit
e.Ihavebeen
nothi
ngbutgoodt ot hischi
ldorshoul disayman
butnoheseesnot hinggoodaboutt hat.Iwantyou
outofmyhouseSai nt
Duncan&Appl
e:ma!Love!
Lorna:andi fanyoneofyouhasapr oblem withit
youmi ghtaswel l
foll
owhi m.Im si
ckandt i
red
beingaf ool.I
m nowal koverandi m surel
yno
pushover .Saintgetout(helookedatDuncanwi t
h
tearsinhi seyes)wet heryoucryar i
veroranocean
idon'tcar eSai nt
.Youinsultedmewhi leidi
d
nothingbutgi veyoulove.Getoutyouungr ateful
li
ttl
ebr atandwhi l
eatitgivebackthephoneand
everythingt hatisofthemoneyf rom thi
shome.You
areamansoseet oyourself

Sheclickedhert
onguegoingupstai
rswhi
lea
shockedApplelookedather
.Saintbur
sti
ntot
ear
s
asDuncanhuggedhi
m..
.

Duncan:don'
twor
rysonyouar
enotgoi
ng
anywhere
Sai
nt:(
cryi
ng)shehat
esmedad
Duncan:nonoshedoesn'
t.She'
sjustangr
ybuti
wil
lmakesuretocal
m herdown
Appl
e:yeahSaintshe'
sjustangr
ywewi l
ldo
ever
ythi
nginourpowertocalm herdown

Theyhuggedhi
m whi
lehecr
iedandsmi
ledr
oll
ing
hi
seyesinthei
rar
ms.

AtLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Focusedont
her epor
tbookhi
sphoner
angashe
answeredwi
thoutchecki
ngwhoi
twas.
..
Lewi
s:hel
lo?
Mi
ke:soyoudeci
dedt
okeepmewai
ti
ng?
Lewi
s:(
sighed)excuseme?
Mike:yougoforgr
ocer
yshoppi
ngwi
thyourl
it
tl
e
boyfr
iendanddeci
detokeepmewai
ti
ng?
Lewi
s:Mi
kear
eyoust
alki
ngme?
Mi
ke:whyLewi
s?
Lewi
s:it
oldyout
ost
ayswayf
rom me
Mi
ke:why?
Lewis:wearedoneMi
ke.Leavemeal
onebef
orei
reportyou
Mi
ke:babeihavedonemytimeihavel
earntf
rom
mymistakesandiwoul
dli
keustocont
inuewhere
wel
eftoff
Lewi
s:noMi
ket
her
e'snocont
inui
ng
Mi
ke:ar
eyousur
eaboutt
hat
?
Lewi
s:yesMi
kei
m sur
e.I
m overyou
Mi
ke:pr
ovei
t
Lewi
s:idon'
thavet
opr
oveanyt
hingt
oanyone
Mi
ke:wel
liwantcl
osur
e
Lewi
s:whatcl
osur
eMi
ke?
Mi
ke:t
hatyouar
edonewi
thme
Lewi
s:got
ohel
l
Mi
ke:wi
thyoubymysi
desweet
hear
t
Lewi
s:youar
ehonest
lybor
ing
Mike:r
eall
y?It
houghtyoul
ikedt
hem spont
aneous
andweird
Lewi
s:what
?
Mike:i
t'
seitheryoul
etmeinori
m goingtosound
t
hehoot erunti
lyouseehowser
iousiam
Lewis:what
!?(
Her
ant
othewi
ndow)Mi
kegoaway
please
Mi
ke:notbef
oreigetmycl
osur
e
Lewi
s:Mi
ke.
..
Mi
ke:t
hehoot
erl
ove
Lewi
s:youar
ehonest
lyannoyi
ng(
hehungup)
mxm

Hepull
eddownhi sshor
tsandputonhissleepers
goi
ngout.Meanwhilei
nhiscarMikesmil
edbi t
ing
hi
slowerli
plooki
ngathim..
.

Mike:j
ustl
ookatt
hosef
resht
highs(
hewi
nkedat
hi
m)
Lewi
s:j
ustdr
ivei
nandst
opbei
ngani
diot

Mikelaugheddr
ivi
nginasLewisclosedthegate.
Heledthewayinthehousewhil
eatt heoff
ice
Morri
ssmi l
edgett
ingof
fthephone..
.

Lovemor
e:iseeyouar
einl
ovemyman
Morri
s:yepiwantt
osur
pri
sehim.Letmegogett
he
sur
pri
seandcheckonhim neh
Lovemor
e:sur
ebuddy
Att
hehol
dingcel
ls.
..

Maki:ihopeyouhavecometotel
lmethatourbai
l
hear
ingdateisout
.Imtir
edofbei
ngi
nher e
Lady:ihavef
armuchbet
ternews
Maki
:oh?
Lady:ihavejustl
ear
ntt
hatVi
ctorLent
swepassed
onyesterdaylat
emorni
ng
Maki
:what
?
Lady:yes
Maki
:(asmi
lebr
oke)ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ight
now?
Lady:ashi
sdeat
h
Maki
:yeahneh,whentheyt
houghtt
heyhavegotri
d
ofMakiLent
swe,kant
enoli
kesandim goi
ngtori
se

Shesof
tl
ychuckl
edsi
tt
ingbackwhi
leherl
awyer
smi
led.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
18] :AKEPTWOMAN
71

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Mayat ookherseati
nthebedroom af
terwr
apping
hersil
kheadwr aponherheadandcheckedifher
l
ipswer eok.Sheopenedt
helaptopasJoshua
walkedin.
..

Joshua:doyouneedanyt
hingi
m st
eppi
ngout
Maya:noloveim ok.Justaskyourmom iheardshe
sai
dshewant edtomakedi nnert
onightaskheri
f
shehaseverythi
ngsheneeds
Joshua:okiwi
ll
.Al
lthebestwi
thyourmeet
inghey
Maya:t
hanksbabe.Ki
ssy?

Hesmil
edandsof t
lyki
ssedhert
henmadehi
sway
outwhi
leshecal
ledChiomawhosmil
ed
answer
ing.
..

Chi
oma:Mr
sKgangt
obe
Maya:(
sighed)iwi
shihadt
hesamesmi
leyouhave
Chi
oma:don'
twor
ryever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngt
ofal
lin
pl
acesoon
Maya:wheni
ssoon?
Chi
oma:t
ellme,
howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Maya:t
ir
ed.I
mtir
edMsA.Howdoesonego
t
hroughsomuch?
Chi
oma:weneverknowwhatl if
ewi l
lthr
owatus
mylove.Youmighthaveyourplansbutatt
heend
oft
hedayt heuni
verseknowsbest
Maya:butiti
ssaidspeakandyoushallrecei
veMs
Ahowl onghaveibeenspeakingbuti
m stil
linone
place?I
t'
sonet hi
ngaft
eranotherMsAandi m
honestl
yti
red.Justl
astni
ghtidreamtcommi tt
ing
suici
deandithonest
lyfel
treal
Chioma:im sosor r
ytohearthatmyl ove.Yesi ti
s
saidthatyoushouldspeakandyoushal lrecei
ve
butyouknowhowGodwor ks.Everythinghappens
i
nhi sti
meal lwehavet odoistoremai nfaithf
uland
pati
ent.Imeani fhewasani nst
antGodhowwoul d
webef ait
hfultohim?Youknowi ttakest i
met o
tr
ustandhavef aithinsomeoneright?
Maya:yeah
Chioma:yessoaswi thGodmyl ove.That'
swhyiti
s
al
sosai dpraywi
thoutcease.Beingfai
thf
uland
constanti
nyourprayerswil
ltakeyouwher eyou
wanttobe.
Maya:iunder
stand.
Chioma:good.Themomentyouf eeltir
ediswhen
thedevilstart
screepingin.That '
swher ehewant s
youbecauseheknowst hat'
swher ehewi llbeabl e
tocaptureyoubutmyl oveever yti
meyouf eel
opressedgoonyourkneesi fyouf eeloverwhel med
askyourmot herorhusbandt obet opr aywi thand
foryou.Youar ehonestlyabl essedwomanMaya.
Youar esur r
oundedbyal lt
hesespi r
ituall
ygi f
ted
peoplewhoar eablet
oseedangerf rom afar.That's
Godshowi ngyouhowpr ot
ect edyouar e.Some
peoplearenotasbl essedasyouar emyl ovet hey
onlyseedangerwheni t'
salreadyt herebutf oryou
i
t'sdif
ferent.YouhavemeandPast orTaol oinyour
corneruseusmyl ovewear eher ef oryouwhat ever
youneedt ellusandweshal lavailourselves.Has
Joshuat ol
dyouaboutt hevisionihadaboutyouat
churchyest er
day?
Maya:nonotyet
.Wehavebeenoverwhelmedandi
havebeenanemoti
onalwrecksoiguessthat
'swhy
hehasn'
ttol
dmeaboutit
Chi
oma:ok.Iwasinaweddingdressandthen
st
art
edbl
eeding.Il
ookedupatyouwhileyouwer
e
si
ngingandinstantl
yknewitwasaboutyou.Whi l
e
l
ookingupatyouisawacof f
inandvult
ures
surr
oundingyou.Thecoff
iniguesssymbolized
yourdad'
spassingnowweneedt opr
ayagai nstt
he
vul
turesandthebleedi
nginawhitedress
Maya:(sighed)iguesst
hevul
tur
eswoul
dbemy
r
elat
ives.Grandauntandaunt
Chi
oma:oh?
Maya:yestheycameher eearli
erandcoul dn'
thide
thef
actthattheywereagainstmeget ti
ngmar ri
ed.
Mygrandauntevenwentof ft
osayt here'
sno
weddingthat
'sgoingtohappenwhi l
eshehasn' t
beentol
danyt hi
ng
Chioma:wowsuchvi lewor dsbutdon' twor r
yt hey
won'tgetawaywi t
hwhat evertheyaret r
yingt odo.
Youaregoingt ogetmar r
iedandl i
vehappi lyever
aft
er.Allweneedtodoi spr ayagainsttheirplans
andalsoyouneedt ofightphysicall
yaswel lmy
l
ove.Asmuchaswegi veever yt
hingtoGod
sometimesweneedt or emindpeopl ethatwear e
notpushovers.Ial
soneedyout obever ycar efulof
thepeopl
eyouint
eractwi
thmylove.Ther
ear
eal
ot
ofwolvesi
nsheepski
noutther
e
Maya:iwil
ltakeyouonthatone.Justbecauseim
niceandwelcomingpeopl
ehavecomet othi
nkthey
candoastheypleasewithmebuti tendstoday
Chioma:t hat
'stheMayaiwantf r
om you.I m not
sayingchangewhoyouar ebutawakent hat
fi
ghtingMayaf rom you.Weal lhavet hat
personalityinus.It oohavel etal otofpeopl e'sj
oy
beforemi nebutt hismorningideci dedyouknow
what ,i
t'
st imet ogof orwhatyoubel i
evei syours
regardless.Ther e'snothi
ngi mpor t
antt hanpeace.
Withouti twear easgoodasdeadsoweshoul d
makei tahabi ttofightandpr ayf oritafteral
lthe
Lordcomest hroughf orthoset hathel pthemselves,
i
nagoodwayt hough
Maya:(
smi
led)ament
othat
Chioma:yeah.I
m notsayi
nggoaroundkill
ing
peoplef
oryoutobeatpeace,no,t
herearesomany
waysofkill
ingacatwit
houtact
ual
lykil
li
ngi t
Maya:igotyouMsA
Chi
oma:wonder
ful
.Howar
eyouf
eel
ingnow?
Maya:al
otbet
ter
Chioma:good.Yourpr ayerpoi
ntstonightshouldbe
againstthespiri
tofdeath,f
orpeace,againstyour
enemi es,pr
otect
ion,l
oveandforGodt okeepusi ng
thepeoplehe'susingtolookoutforyourlif
e
Maya:al
ri
ghtigott
hat
Chi
oma:haveagooddayl
ove
Maya:yout
ooMsA.Ci
ao
Chi
oma:ci
ao

TheywavedatoneanotherandhungupasMaya
si
ghedclosi
ngthel
aptop..
.

Maya:"awakent
hatf
ightingMayai
nyou"(
scoff
ed)i
havebeenwaytoonaive.Lor
dwarnmyenemies
andanyoneplot
ti
ngagainstme
Shesai
dgoi
ngdownst
air
s.

AtLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Hecurvedhisli
pslooki
ngatMi
kewhosmi
led
l
ooki
ngar ound.
..

Mi
ke:ar
eyounotgoi
ngt
oof
fermeaseat
?
Lewi
s:Mikewhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Saywhatyou
wantandleave
Mi
ke:comeonbabei
..
.
Lewi
s:(
movedback)don'
tyoudar
etouchme
Mi
ke:mmhst
il
lfi
est
yasever
Lewis:isaidwhatdoyouwantMi
keasyoucansee
ihaveal otofworkt
odo
Mi
ke:i
sitwr
ongt
ovi
sityourol
dbooboo?Huh?

Hechuckl
edt
hrowi
nghi
msel
font
hecouch.
..
Lewis:f
ir
standf
oremostyouar
eheavywhati
fyou
breakmycouch?
Mi
ke:iwi
llr
epl
acei
t
Lewi
s:yeah.LookMi
kej
ustgopl
ease
Mi
ke:comeher
e
Lewi
s:no
Mi
ke:ipr
omi
seiwon'
tbi
te
Lewi
s:Mi
keidon'
twantt
o..
.(
hepul
ledhi
m cl
ose)
Mike
Mi
ke:isai
dcomeher
e
Lewi
s:l
etgoofme
Mi
ke:no
Lewi
s:Mi
kecanyoupl
ease.
..

Hepul
ledhi
minf
oraki
ssashepunchedhi
schest
..
.
Lewi
s:mmh!Mi
ke!
Mi
ke:babest
opf
ight
ing
Lewi
s:not
hisi
swr
ongMi
kecanyou

Heclosedhismout hwithanotherki
ssashesighed.
Mikesoft
lycaressedhisthighasLewis'
shear
tbeat
fast
er.Hegotlostint
heki ssforamomentbutgot
backtohissensesandpul ledaway.
..

Lewi
s:damnyouMi
ke
Mi
ke:il
oveyouLewi
s
Lewi
s:noMi
kel
eave
Mi
ke:Lewi
s
Lewi
s:isai
dleave!GetoutofmyhouseMi
ke!
Mike:justgi
vemet
hisonemor
echanceibegyou
(
hest oodup)
Lewi
s:youhadyourchanceandyou.
..
(hepul
led
himi
nandlockedhiminhisarms)Mi
ketlher
raim
beggi
ngyoust
op
Mike:(
looki
ngdownonhi
m)il
oveyouandyouonl
y
Lewis

Hesoft
lysai
dslowl
yleaningdownforanot
herki
ss
asLewi
sswallowedl
ookingathim.
..

Mike:andiknowyoulovemetoobabe.I
fyoudi
dn'
t
youwouldn'tal
lowmetodothi
s

Heki ssedhi
m againasLewisgavei
nandkissed
him back.Forafewsecondstheyki
ssedasMike
thenlift
edhim up.
..

Lewi
s:i
minvol
vedwi
thsome.
..
Mi
ke:sssh,
stopt
alki
ngandki
ssme

Lewi
swentf
orhi
sli
pswhi
leheheadedt
othe
bedr
oom.Hecaref
ull
ylai
dhim ont
hebedast
hey
l
ookedatoneanot
herand.
..
.#REMOVED

Meanwhi
leonhiswayt
oLewi
s'
shouseMor
ri
sgota
cal
lfr
om acl
ient
..
.

Mor
ri
s:ei
sh,
eish(
sighedandanswer
ed)hel
lo?
Lady:ineedyourassi
stancepl
easei
t'
san
emergency
Mor
ri
s:okwher
ear
eyou?
Lady:iwi
llt
extyout
hel
ocat
ionr
ightnow
Mor
ri
s:ok(
hungup)ur
ghman

Hesaidhit
ti
ngthest
eeri
ngwheelandcheckedhis
coastt
henmadeau- t
urn.Helookedatthegi
fthe
hadforLewisandsi
ghedshakinghishead.
..

Mor
ri
s:l
etmegohel
pthi
swomanibel
ievei
twon'
t
t
akel
ong.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lor
nacamedownst
airsandscof
fedseei
ngDuncan
andtheki
dsont
hedini
ngtabl
e..
.

Lorna:naarelesantselekokomet
se?(Youarest
il
l
sit
ti
ngt her
e)Ithoughtimademyselfclear
.Whati
s
thi
sungr at
efulbratst
il
ldoingi
nmyhouse?
Duncan:Lornaiunderstandthatyouar
ehurtbut
canwet al
kaboutthisinacivil
izedmannerpl
ease?
Lorna:youwanttobeci
vil
ized?Star
tbyaskinghi
m
togetadict
ionar
yandcheckupt hatwor
dt henwe
wil
ltalk
Appl
e:mom pl
ease,
Sai
nti
swi
ll
ingt
owor
koverhi
s
mist
akes
Lorna:mi
stakes?Ther
e'snomist
akeheknew
exactl
ywhathewasdoi ng.Mydearboyt
heonl
y
t
hingipr
ayfori
sfort
hedemoni
nyout
ofi
ndi
ts
wayoutnot
hingel
se
Duncan:honeyiunderstandthatyouarehur t
.We
allar
ebutlet
'stal
kpleasemyl ovelet
'ssitdown
andresolvet
hismatterwecan'tletourfamilybr
eak
l
ikethis.Wearebett
erthanthis
Lorna:wear enotbr oken.Sai ntist hebr okenone
andunt ilhemendshi mselfidon' twantt obenear
him.Ifhewant edtoknowaboutmygunwhydi dn't
heaskme?Wher edoeshegetof ffighti
ngovergi rl
s?
Wet oldSai ntwhenhet urned12Duncant hathe's
getti
ngi nast ageofdevel opingf eelingsandgoi ng
throughdi f
fer entstagesofchangewheneverhe
feelsoverwhel medheshoul dcomet oyouf or
advicewhatdi dhesay?Yes.Weal waysgi vethem
exampl eswi tht el
enovel astor yl
ineswhenwet each
them aboutsomet hingfort hingst obeeasi erbutno
at16hedeci deshehasgr ownapai r.Nnana, heela
l
itt
leboyl ookatme( heswal lowedl ookingather )
gawankgol elaautlwamyboy?Ihavebeenyour
ageandgr own
Appl
e:mamat
lhemoi
tshwar
ele(
mom f
orgi
vehi
m)
Lorna:iknowhowconni vi
ngandcunni ngteenager
s
canbebecauseihavebeenat eenageraswel l
.You
mightbesi ncer
eaboutyourapol ogyorthereare
chancesyoumi ghtbet ryi
ngtoputaweboverour
faces.Youcanst ayinthishousebutunderstand
onet hi
ngmyboyi m notgoingtoentert
ainyour
crapuntili
m sati
sfi
edwi thyoursincer
it
y.Im done
Duncan:Love.
..
Lor
na:ehehDuncanompatl
angj
aanong?(Whatdo
youwantf
rom menow)Di
dinotsayhecanstay?
Appl
e:i
t'
sokpapa
Duncan:butt
hisi
snotaheal
thyenvi
ronmentf
ora
chi
ldtogrowupinweareki
ll
inghi
m more
Lor
na:whocreat
edtheenvironment
?Hedidthat
hi
mselfsoi
t'
sinhismighttobreaki
tdownand
bui
ldaconduci
veone.Im done

Shewentint
otheki
tchen,
tookoutt
hemeatand
headedbackupst
air
shummi ng.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Aft
ergett
inghercont
act
stofi
ndKenei
lwe'
snumber,
Ronamadewayt othephoneboot
handpunchedi
t
i
nasitrang..
.

Kenei
lwe:Kenei
lwehel
lo?
Rona:yessat
an
Kenei
lwe:excuseme?
Rona:youar
etal
kingt
oRona
Kenei
lwe:(
hear
tski
pped)wher
edoyougetmy
number?
Rona:t
hatdoesn'
tmatt
erwhatmat
ter
siswhati
wanttotal
ktoyouabout
Kenei
lwe:idon'
twantt
otal
ktoyouRona(
ever
yone
t
urnedtoher)
Rona:wel
lyouhavenochoi
cemydearsi
ster
Kenei
lwe:pl
easel
eavemeal
oneyouandihave
not
hingt
otal
kabout
Rona:ohr
eal
ly?
Kenei
lwe:yesi
m goi
ngt
ohangup
Rona:i
fyouwantt
oloseyourdaught
erf
orgood
t
histi
medothat
Kenei
lwe:(
frowned)excuseme?
Rona:ineedt
oseeyouassoonaspossi
ble
Kenei
lwe:t
hatwon'
thappen
Rona:i
twil
lbecausei fyoudon'tcomeher
eim
goingt
orui
nthatli
t t
lerelat
ionshi
pofyour
swit
h
yourst
upi
ddaught erinaf l
ash
Kenei
lwe:Ronaj
ustgi
vei
tuppl
ease
Rona:lookidon'thavemucht i
me.Makesur eyou
areheretomorrowf i
rstthi
nginthemor ni
ngorel
se
thati
diotofyourswillknowwhathappenedin1992
whenyouwer ejustamont hpregnantwit
hher

Kenei
lwe'
shear
tdr
oppedt
othestomachasshe
swall
owedahugel
umpwhileRonahungupand
chuckl
edgoi
ngbackt
ohercel
l.
..

Maya:maar
eyouok?
Gl
idi
a:i
sever
ythi
ngokMsM?
Kenei
lwe:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)ineedt
hebat
hroom
Maya:mawhatdi
d..
.(
shewal
kedaway)ma.
..
mama
Gwhatiswr
ongwithher
?
Gl
idi
a:Ronamusthavesai
dsomet
hingt
oher
Maya:shehast
otel
lusthen,
maplease(
shecl
osed
t
hedoorasMayasighed)ohLor
d
Gl
idi
a:don'
twor
ryiwi
llmakehert
ellme
Maya:nowi snott
het
imet
obekeepi
ngt
hingsf
rom
oneanotheratal
l
Gli
dia:t
ruet
hatmychildbutdon'
tworr
yim not
goi
ngt obedwit
houtknowingwhatRonasaidt
oher
Maya:pl
easemaiwoul dappreci
atet
hat.Anyway
weweresti
llt
alkingaboutthetombstoneswecan
putf
ordadithink..
.(
herphonerang)unknown
number?(
Answer ed)Mayaspeaking?Maki:yes
pr
odi
galdaught
er
Maya:(
frowned)what
?
Maki
:youthoughti
woul
dn'
tfi
ndoutt
hatyouki
ll
ed
myhusband
Maya:(
scof
fedandputheronl
oudspeaker
)Maki
Lent
swe
Maki:
im gladyouknowme.Younggirli
fyouthi
nk
youaregoingtoburymyhusbandwit
houtmy
per
missionthenyouhaveanot
hert
hingcoming
Maya:idon'thavet
heener
gyt
ofi
ghtwi
thol
d
womenpl ease
Maki:cal
lmeol
dal
lyoul
ikemychi
ldbutasformy
husband'
shar
dear
nedmoneyyoumustforget
Maya:oohnowiseewhati t'
sallabout
.Youar e
afr
aidthatmaybei m afterhi
smoney.Wel lguess
whatmagogoi m nottlhe.Im notadesperate
womanwhol eechesof fmen'shardwork.Iwork
hardforwhatideservemydearel der
.Idon't
dependonamanf ormynextbi gmealoksodon' t
youdareinanydayofyourl i
fethinkimli
keyou.
Wet heryoul i
keitornot ,wetheryouar ehereornot
i
m goi ngt oburymyf atherandyesiwi ll
lgi
veyou
everythingthatyout hinkyouar ewor t
h.Im not
goingt ofightoverthingst hatarenotminewi thyou.
Alliwant edfrom thismanwasf orhimtoloveand
careforme.Don' tyouevercal lmeagai norelsei
willhaveyouchar gedf orharassment(sheclicked
hertongueandhungup)what '
swr ongwithpeople?
Glidia:shockingi
sanunder stat
ement.I
nst
eadof
askinghowt hepreparat
ionsaregoi
ngshe'
sbusy
cryingf ormateri
althi
ngs(scoff
ed)si
es
Maya:(l
aughed)yohanywayihaveinvi
tedafri
end
overf
ordinnert
onightsopl
easeputanextrapl
ate.
Weplannedtomeett hi
saft
ernoonbuti
mi nno
moodofgoingout
Gl
idi
a:nopr
obl
em myl
oveiwi
ll
Maya:t
hankyouma.

Theysmiledatoneanot
herandcont
inuedwi
tht
he
prepar
ati
ons.
TWOHOURSLATER

Mor risfi
nall
ymadewayt oLewis'shouse.He
frownedseei ngasecondcari nhisyardand
decidedt oparkoutside.Het ookthegif
tbagand
l
ockedt hecarheadinginside.Heknockedandgot
noansweranddeci dedt otrythedoor.Itopenedas
hesl owlymadehi swayi nsideandsawagl assof
wi newi t
hthereportbookont hetabl
e.Ashewas
aboutt ocallhi
m hehear dtwol aughscomi ngf r
om
thebedr oom asheswal lowedsl owlymakingway
there.Wi t
hhisheartracinghest oodbyt hedooras
hel i
stenedinont hem teasingoneanothergi ggl
ing.
Hewant edtoleavebutanot hersideofhimt oldhim
nott o..
.

Lewis:l
etmegolockthefr
ontdooryoucan'
ttr
ust
peopleoft
hisnei
ghbour
hood
Mi
ke:comeonl
ovewhy
Lewis:i
m notgoi
ngtotakelong(
gotof
fbednaked)
plusweneedadr i
nkbefor
econti
nui
ng
Mike:wai
tformethen,
wemi
ghtaswel
lcar
ryt
he
acti
ontothatsi
de
Lewi
s:youar
esosi
l
ly

Theyl
aughedgoi
ngtot
hedoorwit
hMikehugging
hi
mf r
om behi
ndandki
ssedhi
sneckashegiggled.
..

Lewi
s:Mi
kepl
easest
o..
.yoh!

Hisheartalmoststoppedashelockedeyeswit
h
Morri
saf t
eropeningthedoor.Morri
sswall
owed
l
ookingatthem withnoclothesonashishands
shookwiththegiftbagfal
li
ngofftothef
loorwhi
le
Mikesecretl
ysmiled..
.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
18] :AKEPTWOMAN
72

Lewi
s:(
wit
hhi
sli
pst
rembl
ing)Mor
ri
s

Morr
isbl
inkedblocki
nghi st
ear
saswordsfai
ledt
o
comeoutofhi smouth.Lewi
str
iedt
otouchhi
m as
hequi
ckl
yst eppedback..
.

Lewi
s:Mo.
..
Mor
ri
s:don'
tyoudareLewi
s(swall
owedapai
nful
l
ump)don'
tyoudarepl
ease(heexhal
ed)
Mi
ke:l
ook,
dude.
..
Lewi
s:shutup!
Mi
ke:oops
Hesaidsteppi
ngbacki
ntothebedroom whi
le
Morr
isslowlywal
kedbackwards.
..

Lewi
s:Mor
ri
scanwepl
easet
alkaboutt
his
Mor
ri
s:i
..
.i
..
.shi
t

Her
anoutwhil
eLewisbithi
slowerli
pandpunched
t
heai
rasMikelookedathi
mf r
om thebedr
oom..
.

Lewi
s:doyouseewhatyouhavedone?
Mi
ke:me?Pl
easedon'
ttr
yandbl
amemeLewi
s
Lewi
s:noMikeitol
dyouthati
minvol
vedwi
th
someonebutwhatdidyoudo?
Mike:youshouldhavest
oodyourgr
ound(
puton
hi
sclothes)ihavet
ogetgoi
ng
Lewi
s:getgoi
ng?Af
terwhatyouhavedone?Ohhel
l
noMike
Mi
ke:(
putonhi
sjean)yesyouhear
dmecl
ear
ly
Lewi
s:Mi
keyouj
ust
..
.youknowwhatf
uckoutof
her
e
Mi ke:withpleasuremylove(smil
ed).Thoughti
coul dsayitwaswor t
hitbutnahotswapogil
emy
l
ove( youarenol ongert
hatgood)(winkedathi
m)
takecar e

Hewhistl
edhiswayoutwhi leanoutofwor ds
Lewisst
oodthereinshock.Hel ookedatthegif
t
bagandslowlyreachedforit
.Hisheartdroppedas
hesawwhatwasi nsi
de.AnewRol exwatchandthe
col
ognethatlookedexactl
yli
ket heoneshelostto
Thabo.Hesatdownandcover edhisface
scr
eaming..
.

Lewis:dammitLewi
s!Dammit
!Howcanyoudot
his
toyoursel
f!Howcanyoubesost
upi
d!

Hescr
eamedsomemor
ewhi
leonhi
swaybackt
o
theoffi
ceMor r
iscouldn'
tseeclearlyanymor eas
tearsblurr
edhisvision.Heswer vedoutoft heroad
andsni ff
edtakinghisphone.Ashepr essedthe
unlockbut t
onhesawhi spict
urewi t
hLewi sont he
wallpaper.Hisheartbrokeagainashet hrewhis
headbackont heheadr estandsilent
lylethistear
s
out.Hesni f
fedandwi pedthem thencal l
ed
Lovemor e..
.

Lovemor
e:buddy?
Morr
is:pl
easecome.
..
(swal
lowedashi
svoi
ce
br
oke)
Lovemor
e:dudear
eyouok?
Morri
s:noim notLovemor
eif
oundt
hem naked
Lovemore
Lovemor
e:what
!?

Hecouldn'
tsayanyt
hinganymor
eandbursti
nto
tear
sasLovemoregrabbedhi
scarkeysr
unni
ng
out.
..
Lovemor
e:t
ellmewher
eyouar
enowi
m comi
ng
ther
e

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

OnherbreakMar
eledi
smi
ledasAj
axsmi
ledback
ather
..
.

Mar
eledi
:idi
dn'
tthi
nkyouwoul
dmakei
t
Aj
ax:
ohwel
lsur
pri
sesur
pri
se
Marel
edi:howdi
dyoumakei
toutoft
heof
fi
cei
t'
s
pastl
uncht i
me
Aj
ax:ihavemyownwayspl
usanyt
hingt
oseeyou
(
theysmiled)
Mar
eledi
:ihopeyouwon'
tgeti
ntot
roubl
e
Ajax:
evenifidoyouar
eafri
endtomybosssoyou
canputinagoodwordforme(t
heylaughed)
Marel
edi:heebat
hongnowyouwantt
odr
agme
i
ntoyourmess
Aj
ax:
whoi
m iher
eforagai
n?
Marel
edi
:ahnoidon'
twantt
obei
nvol
vedr
ra(
they
l
aughedmore)
Aj
ax:
youhaveabeaut
if
ull
aughyouknow
Mar
eledi
:thankyou
Aj
ax:
howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Mar
eledi
:im goodhey.Can'
tcompl
ainbuti
m al
it
tl
e
wor
ri
edaboutMayayouknow
Aj
ax:
MsMoet
itome
Marel
edi
:(l
aughed)af
ri
endofmi
nei
saf
ri
endof
her
s
Ajax:iknowbutichooset
orespectherl
iket
hat
darl
ing
Mar
eledi
:awwt
hat
'ssocut
eofyou
Aj
ax:
ihopet
hesepeopl
ear
enotover
wor
kingyou
Mar
eledi
:ohnonot
heyar
enot
Aj
ax:
sinceyouar
estudyi
ngl
awwhydoesn'
tyour
mom f
indyouapi
ecejobatt
hef
ir
m?
Mar
eledi
:nonotnow
Aj
ax:
why?
Marel
edi
:idon'
twantt
oliveonhandout
siwantt
o
besuret
haticanbeabl
et obemyownperson
wit
houtmyparent
s
Ajax:butyouar
egoingtoinher
itt
hef
irm
nonethel
esssothesooneryouknowtheropest
he
better
Marel
edi:iknowthatandit
snotlikemom i
snot
mentor
ingmef orthat
.Justthatwechoosetodoi
t
behi
ndthescenes
Aj
ax:
ohokiunder
stand.Soar
ewegoi
ngt
oor
der
?
Marel
edi:ohyes(shesnappedherfi
ngersast
he
wait
ercamet othem)mmmht imetoservemebaby
boy(t
heylaughedandplacedthei
rorder
s)
Aj
ax:
youar
esosi
ll
y
Mareledi
:that
'
showwear
eher
e.Wear
eal
ways
t
easingoneanother
Ajax:aposit
iveworki
ngenvi
ronment
.Il
iket
hat
.
So..
.(
Mareledi'
sphonerang)
Mar
eledi
:justasecond.Letme.
..
nopl
ease
Aj
ax:
whati
sit
?(Showedhi
m)j
ustansweri
tmot
ho
wame
Mar
eledi
:ar
eyousur
e?
Aj
ax:
yes
Mar
eledi
:ok(
clear
edhert
hroat
)hel
lo?
Br
andon:Babewher
ear
eyouat
?
Mar
eledi
:wor
kwhy?
Br
andon:imi
ssyou
Mareledi
:ohreall
ynow?OnaMondayl at
e
af
ternoon,wherehaveyoubeenal
lal
ongBrandon?
Whenwast hel
astti
mewespoke?
Br
andon:babeyouknowt
hati
..
.
Marel
edi
:justsavei
tBrandon.Youknowwhati
m
act
ual
lydonewi t
hthi
sbackandf or
th
Br
andon:whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Mareledi
:what
everwehavebeentr
yingtogeton
won'tworksopl
easest
opcall
ingortext
ingme.
Br
andon:Mar
elediyouknowicar
eaboutyou
Marel
edi
:isai
dwhatisai
dBr
andoni
m donewi
th
you
Brandon:(
cli
ckedhistongues)keagobonaobat la
gont l
wael
aor eyebariegotseisangsedidieoore
ketsil
egoekgaoladit
hala(iseeyouwantyouar e
gett
ingoverf
amili
arwithme.Tel lt
hati
diotthat'
s
makingyoudizzythatim goi
ngt ocuti
t'
st est
icl
es)
Mar
eledi
:bye

Shehunguponhim andsi
ghedshakingherhead
whil
eAjaxl
ookedatherwi
thastr
aightfaceon.
..

Mar
eledi
:wher
ewer
ewe?
Ajax:
iwastel
li
ngyouhowbeaut
if
ulyouar
ewhen
yougetr
idofrubbi
sh
Theyl
aughedast
hei
rfoodcame.

THATEVENI
NG

Onherwayf
rom wor
k..
.

Chiomasighedandcheckedhermir
ror
sthenasked
Sir
itocal
lLovemore.I
trangasshewait
edforhi
m
toanswer
...

Lovemor
e:MsA
Chi
oma:goodeveni
ngMrKhowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lovemor
e:i
m goodt
hanksandyou?
Chi
oma:i
m good.Howwasyourday?
Lovemor
e:okandyour
s?
Chi
oma:ok.Areyoui
naspacet
otal
kmaybei
m
di
srupt
ingyou
Lovemor
e:i
t'
sokwecant
alk
Chioma:ohok( cl
earedhert
hroat
)ibel
ieveyou
knowhowif eelaboutyouMrK
Lovemor
e:(
frowned)okwher
edoest
hiscomef
rom?
Chi
oma:ihaver
eal
isedt
hatimadeami
stake
Lovemor
e:oh?
Chioma:yes.LucasandSundaear
eki
dsandagai
n
i
t'
snotlikeSundaeismychil
dsoiwasthi
nki
ngwe
shouldt
rythingsout
Lovemor
e:huh?
Chi
oma:yeah
Lovemor
e:(
scof
fed)oki
m st
unned
Chioma:iunder
standthatyouar
enowbutihave
neverst
oppedlovingyouMrK
Lovemor
e:Love?
Chi
oma:yes
Lovemor
e:Chi
omawhatar
eyousayi
ng?
Chi
oma:iwantyouandiwantt
obewi
thyou
Lovemor
e:(
sighed)idon'
tknowwhatt
osay
Chi
oma:iknowyoudi dn'
texpectthatsoiwil
lgi
ve
youti
metopr ocessallofitbutknowthatil
oveyou
andiwoulddoanyt hi
ngt obewi t
hyouandmake
sur
ethisworks.Idon'tonlyloveyoubutideepl
y
car
eforyou
Lovemore:ihearyouChiyouknowhowif
eelabout
youbut.
..
Chioma:nobuts,
pleasesl
eeponi
t.Youcancome
tomyof f
icet
omorrowthenwetal
kaboutitover
breakf
ast
Lovemor
e:iwoul
dlovet
hat
Chi
oma:t
hankyou.Haveawonder
fulni
ght
Lovemor
e:yout
oo

TheyhungupasChi
omasi
ghedshaki
ngherhead.
..

Chioma:okChithismightbesel fi
shofyoubutyou
can'tavoi
dyourfeel
ingsforthismanforever.You
hadt odoit.I
tsapit
ynowt here'sanot
herperson
i
nvol vedbutLor
dihopeheseest hati
m seri
ous
abouthim andwantnot
hingbutthebestf
orhim.As
amat t
eroffactl
etmedot hi
s(shedial
edherPA)
Lady:ma'
am
Chi
oma:sorr
ytobotheryout
hisl
atemyl
oveineed
youtodosomethi
ngforme
Lady:okma'
am?
Chioma:kindl
ybookt wof l
ightti
cket
st oCapeTown
thi
sFridayfort
wopeopl eneh.Fi r
stclassplease
andalsomakesur etof i
ndt hebesthoteli
ncape
townandspont aneousactivit
iesmeandt his
personcandowhi lethere
Lady:okma'
am i
llbeoni
t
Chi
oma:goodiwi
llsendyouthedet
ail
softheot
her
per
sont
omorrowsot hatyoubookt
heti
ckets
Lady:ok.Wi
llt
hatbeal
l?
Chioma:f
ornowyesbutiwi l
lletyouknow
tomorr
owifther
e'sanyt
hingelse
Lady:okgoodni
ght
Chi
oma:ni
ghtbabe
Theyhungupasshesmi
ledincreasi
ngt her
adi
o
vol
umeheadinghomewhil
esingingalong.

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Theyfi
nishedeat
ingasBi
ancasmi
ledchecki
ngher
phone.
..

Bianca:okguysishouldgetgoi
ngt hankyouso
muchf orawonderfuleveni
ngandonceagai n
congradul
ati
onsmyf riendyoudeserveitshame
Maya:t
hankyoubabe
Joshua:(
smi
led)t
hankyou
Bianca:ihopeyouscoremeabet t
erj
obatyour
husband'scompanylove(shechuckl
edwhi
leGli
dia
fr
owned)
Maya:wear
enotacorr
uptcompanymyloveyou
havet
oworkyourwayi
nit(shel
aughed)
Bi
anca:ohwow.Ihearyoul
oveihearyou
Maya:yesl
ove.Babel
etmet
akeherout
Bi
anca:i
twasni
cemeet
ingyoubomama
Gl
idi
a&Kenei
lwe:l
ikewi
senana(
theymadet
hei
r
wayout
)
Kenei
lwe:i
m goi
ngt
obat
h
Gl
idi
a:okl
ove(
shel
eft
)idon'
tli
ket
hisgi
rlyouknow
Joshua:bat
hongma
MrK:neit
herdoisonihaveafeel
ingsheisgoing
tohurtMayaagai
n.Hercommentsonthe
engagementandever
ythi
ngwererat
hersubli
mi nal
Gl
idi
a:t
hankyoul
ovei
twasasi
fshewascover
ing
upsomethi
ng
Joshua:okokiwi
llt
ellMayat
obecar
eful
Gli
dia:goodnnat
otaiwoulddoanyt
hingf
ormy
daughterinl
aw(t
heylaughed)

Maya:t
hankyouf
orcomi
ngmyl
ove
Bi
anca:youar
ewel
comebabe
Maya:hopet
oseeyousoon
Bi
anca:yeahwi
llcomef ormer
apel
otomor
row
whenisthebur
ialagai
n?
Maya:t
hur
sdaymyl
ove
Bi
anca:ohok.Iwi
llaskf
oradayof
font
ime
Maya:t
hankyoul ovebuti
ftheyr
efusei
twon'
tbea
pr
oblem iunder
stand
Bianca:heymmakanaronar
eberekadi
phol
ogol
o
esengbannabarona(
wewor kf
oranimal
snotour
men)
Maya:bat
hongBi
anca
Bi
anca:(
laughed)youknowi
mjoki
ng
Maya:iknowboo.Dr
ivesaf
eok
Bi
anca:sur
ebabe

Shegoti
nhercaranddroveoutwhi
leMayasmi
l
ed
wavi
ngatherandstopped.
..
Maya:boBi ancaletsi
legobolawakej ealous.Kea
bonaot saagoregakekgonagol emogagameya
gagwe( chuckl
ed)shame( jeal
ousyisgoingtokill
you.Iseeyout hi
nkican'tseewhatyouar eplaying
at)

Shesighedgoingbacki
nthehousewhi
leBi
anca
j
oinedtheroad..
.

Bianca:i
magineawholeMayagett
ingmar r
ied.
(Laughed)wowModi motl
heokgonagot shameka
kamanyal or
eletengao(
Godyoucanr eal
lyplay
withmarri
ageblessi
ngwhil
ewearethere)

Anhourl
ater
..
.

Gli
diamadewayint
oherroom wi
thKenei
lweasshe
foundherr
eadi
ngthebi
ble.
..
Kenei
lwe:ar
etheyar
esl
eep?
Gli
dia:yeahtheyaresoexcit
edaboutt
heirnew
schooltheycan'twai
tfori
ttobetomorr
ow
Kenei
lwe:yeahneh
Gl
idi
a:iwantust
otal
kmyl
ove
Kenei
lwe:ok?
Glidi
a:aboutt
hecal lyourecei
vedearl
ier,
ngngwai t,
wehavebeenavoi di
ngtot al
kabouti
talldaymy
l
ovebecauseit oldMayat hatiwi
llt
alkyou.Myl ove
nowi shonest
lynott heti
met obekeepingsecrets
from oneanot
herespeci al
lyMaya.Youhavebeen
throughalotwiththischil
ddoyouwantt oloseher
forgoodnow?
Kenei
lwe:no
Gl
idi
a:goodnowt
ellme,
whatdi
dRonasayt
oyou?
Kenei
lwe:t
hisi
snoteasyt
otal
kaboutGl
idi
a
Gli
dia:iknowmyl ovebutwhoim it
oj udgeyou?I
t'
s
notli
keim per
fectbutonethi
ngiwillneverdoisl
et
youruinarel
ati
onshi
pwithyouronlydaught
er.You
spent16yearsawayfrom t
hischi
ldmylovesoyou
can'
taffor
dtoloseher
Kenei
lwe:ithi
nkRonawant
stobl
ackmai
lmeshe
wantsmet ogoseehert
omorr
ow
Gl
idi
a:bl
ackmai
lyouhow?
Kenei
lwe:iwant
edtoabor
tMayawhenif
oundouti
waspregnantwit
hher
.Totaidr
ankt
hepi
ll
sbut
t
heyneverworked
Gl
idi
a:howdi
dsheknowaboutt
his?
Kenei
lwe:shesawapacketoft
hepi
ll
sandasked
me
Gl
idi
a:ohokisee.Bef
oretal
kingt
oMayaaboutt
his
i
m goingt
oseeRonat omorr
ow
Kenei
lwe:what
?
Gli
dia:yesyouhaveal ottodealwit
hKenei lweso
l
eaveRonat ome.It
'sti
meit aughtherat hi
ngor
twoaboutl i
feyouguyscan'tall
owawomant hink
shecandr agyourli
vesallovertheplace.Im going
toputast optoal
lofthissodon'tworry
Kenei
lwe:ok
Gl
idi
a:l
et'
spr
ay

Kenei l
wegotof fbedast heykneltdownwithGli
dia
praying.Keneil
weopenedhereyesandl ookedat
her.DidsheknowwhatRonawascapabl eof?That
womanwasabl etost ealherchi
ldr
enfr
om her
whileshewasst i
llal
ive.Anywayyoushouldnever
j
udgeabookbyi t'
scover.Sheclosedhereyes
againandpr ayedaswel l
.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Inhisschooluni
for
m Saintmadehiswayupstai
rs
withapotofteaandcuponat rayandopenedhis
parent
'sbedroom.HefoundLornacomingoutof
thebathr
oom asshefrownedlooki
ngathim..
.
Lor
na:youguysar
est
il
lher
e?
Sai
nt:weareonourwayoutij ustwant
edt
ogi
ve
youthi
stokickst
artyourday
Lor
na:ohokt
hankyou
Sai
nt:mom i
mr eal
lysor
ryandihopemyact
ions
wil
levent
ual
lyshowhowsor r
yiam
Lor
na:mmh
Sai
nt:haveagoodday
Lor
na:t
hanks,
yout
oo

Hemadehi swayoutandsmi l
edassoonashe
closedt hedoor.Helookedbackati tandscof fed
maki nghi swayoutast hedr i
verhitthehoot er.
Lornasatdownl ookingatthet eapotandpour ed
herselfacup.Sheputt wosugar sandst i
rr
edit.She
tookt hecupt ohermout hbutst oppedasat hought
crossedhermi nd.Shetookt heteaandwentt o
Apple'sr oom whereshef oundAppl e'smouse
playi
ngi ni t
scage.Shet ookasmal lblockof
cheeseandpour edt
heteaonit
.Shegavethe
mouset hecheeseasitat
eonitwhil
eshewatched.
Afewsecondaf terf
ini
shi
ngthecheese,
themouse
shookanddr oppeddeadasLornal
aughedshaki
ng
herhead..
.

Lorna:wow.SaintDuncan.Nowl
et'
sseehowyou
explai
ntoyoursist
erwhathappenedtoherf
avor
it
e
pet.Lordwhatdididotothi
schi
ldtohavehi
m want
toharm me?

I
nPr
ison.
..

Ronamadeherwayi ntothevisi
ti
ngareaandsat
ther
ehummi ngwhileinjeans,ashir
t,l
ongtrench
coatandbootsGli
diamadeherwayi n.They
showedherwhereRonawassi t
ti
ngasshesmi led
andmadeherwayt ot hetable.Ronaslowl
ylooked
upatherandfrowned...
Rona:excuseme?Ar
eyoul
ost
?
Gli
dia:(
t ookoffhershades)somewitchesknow
whent ost opwhil
esomedon' tandiguessyouare
oneoft hosethatneverknowwhent ostop.
Rona:excuseme?
Gli
dia:(smil
ed)mynamei sGli
diaKgang,Joshua
Kgang'smot herwhohappenstobeMaya'sfiancee.
ThesameMayawhom youhavemadeherl i
fea
l
ivi
nghel l
.ThesameMayawhosemot heryouhave
heldhostagefor16yearsandthesamemot heryou
arenowt ryi
ngtoblackmai
lbecauseshewant edto
abortthesameMayayougi venodamnabout .Hel
lo
witch

Ronaswall
owedl
ooki
ngupatherwhi
leshe
smil
ed.
..

Gl
idi
a:canihaveaseat
?(Sheswal
lowedagai
n)i
wi
llt
akethatasayes
Shesi
ghedsi
tt
ingdownwhil
eRonacurvedherl
ips
wit
hherbr
eat
hingget
ti
ngheavi
ereachsecond.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
18] :AKEPTWOMAN
73

Rona:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)whoar
eyou?
Gl
idia:(sneered)whoimi?Ij
usttol
dyouwhoiam.
Whatki ndofawi tchar
eyouthatdoesn'
tpay
at
tention?Ijustgaveyouawholeparagr
aphabout
myselfdear
Rona:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Gl
idi
a:whatshoul
dhavebeendoneal
ongt
imeago.
(Ronablinked)doyouneedsomewat erper
haps?
(Shecurvedherlips)ohokiwil
ltakethatasano
andbesidesyoudon' tdeser
vewater.Anywayim
awarethatyouwer eexpecti
ngKeneilwe
Rona:iseeshesentsomet
oot
hlessdog
Gl
idi
a:(
smiled)ir
eal
lyloveitwhenonethi
nkst
hat
way.Whatareyouri
ntenti
onswithher
?
Rona:tel
lthatpat
het
iccowar
dwomant
ocomeher
e
andfaceme
Gli
dia:noloveyouwil
lbedeal ingwithmef r
om here
on.Mant oman( Ronafr
owned)mhem isai dman
tomanbecauseiseeyouhaveapai ryoursel
f.I
knowyouar et
ryi
ngtoblackmai lKeneil
weaboutt he
pasthowpat heti
ccanyoube.Ar eyour eal
lythat
desperat
et ocomeout?Isi tt
oohoti nthekitchen
now?Youmadeyourbedl ovenowi t'sti
mef oryou
toli
eoni t
.
Rona:youknowwhatidon'
thavet
imef
ort
his
nonsense
Shestoodupl
eavi
ngwhi
leGl
idi
ascof
fedsi
tt
ing
back.
..

Gl
idi
a:Febr
uar
y1976

Ronafr
ozeasherhear
tski
ppedabeatandsl
owl
y
t
urnedwhi
leGl
idi
asmiledandst
oodup..
.

Gli
dia:not
hinggetsburi
edforeverandifyouare
goi
ngt oplaythesecr
etrevealgameyoubet t
er
makesur eyourcl
osetissqueakyclean
Rona:yougot
ohel
l
Glidi
a:ivacat
iont her
emydearsi st
er.Youhave
messedwi ththewr ongwoman'schildmyl ove.For
myson' shappinessiwillmovetheentir
eglobe.
Sleepknowingt hatGli
diaKgangknowswhat
tr
anspiredinFebruary1976.Seeyoui ncourtsoon
l
ove.Ciao
Shewinkedatherandsmil
edputti
nghershades
backonwhist
li
ngherwayout.Ronaswalloweda
hugelumpbli
nkingasshefel
ttheear
thmovingin
ci
rcl
es..
.

Rona:no,how..
.howdoessheknowwhathappened
i
n..
.how..
.ohgoshno

Sheranoutofbr
eathasherairpi
pesgotl
ockedand
fel
lonherbums.Theguardsquickl
yat
tendedtoher
asonecamewi t
hwater.Outsi
deinoneofJoshua'
s
carsGl
idi
amadeacall.
..

Man:mamaG
Gli
dia:myboymakesur eyouf indever
yinf
ormat i
on
youcanaboutt hatwomandoyouhearme.Ihave
managedt oraffl
eherfeat
her salit
tl
eaboutthe
secretshe'
skeepingfr
om ever yonenowiwantyou
todigevendeeperiwantt oteachthiswomana
l
essonshewi llneverf
orget.Iwanthertoli
teral
ly
di
eont
hatst
and
Man:consi
deri
tdonemamaG
Gli
dia:goodboyim st
il
lshockedbyhowquickl
yyou
foundthati
nfor
mationabouthermothernowi
knowyouar ewort
hmymoney
Man:ihavebeenanundergroundi
nvest
igat
orf
or
15yearsmamasot hi
siseasywater
Glidia:good.I
t'
stimetogetr
idofRonaMoet iand
forgoodt hiswomanhasmadeal otofli
vesali
ving
hell.Mothooi t
ir
il
ekgofamatshel
ongababangwe
(she'sat i
ck)(
shecli
ckedhertongue)anywaywe
shal lt
alksoon
Man:sur
emamaG

Theyhungupasshef
ixedt
hemi
rr
oranddr
ove
out.
..

Glidi
a:weareti
redofwit
cheswhothinktheworl
d
revol
vesaroundthem man.I
t'
sti
meKenei l
weand
herdaught
erinfactt
hewholeMoeticlanknew
whatRonaandhermot
herdi
d

AtKavi
mbamot
ors.
..

Lewi
s:mmaet
shoisai
diwant
edt
oseeyourboss
Lady:MrTl
otlosai
dhedoesn'
twantt
obedi
stur
bed
sopleasel
eaveamessage
Lewi
s:i
m notgoi
nganywher
ewi
thoutseei
nghi
m
Lady:youar
egoi
ngt
ofor
cemet
ocal
lsecur
it
yon
yousir
Lewi
s:l
ookyoungl
adyi
..
.
Morri
s:(stoodagai
nstt
hedoor
)thatwon'
tbe
necessarylethi
min

Lewisgaveheral
ookwhilesheshookherhead
si
tti
ngdown.Heclear
edhisthr
oatcol
lect
ing
himsel
fandmadewayi nt
otheoffi
ce.
..
Morr
is:whatmakesyouthi
nkiwantt
oseeyou?Let
al
onelist
entoanyt
hingt
hatcomesoutofyour
mouth?
Lewis:iknowsayi
ngsor
rydoesn'
tevencuti
tMor
ri
s
butiloveyou
Mor
ri
s:wena?Loveme?(
Laughed)don'
tpat
roni
ze
me
Lewis:i
mtel
li
ngyout
het
rut
hMor
ri
sir
eal
lyl
ove
you
Mor
ri
s:soi
fyoul
ovesomeoneyoudowhatyoudi
d?
Lewi
s:no
Mor
ri
s:ihopeyouenj
oyyourgi
ft
sLewi
s.Getoutof
myoff
ice
Lewi
s:i
m notgoi
nganywher
ebef
oreiknowt
hat
youandiar
eok
Mor
ri
s:excuseme?
Lewis:wehaveagoodt
hinggoi
ngMor
ri
scanwe
please.
..
Mor
ri
s:(
punchedt
hedesk)bul
lLewi
sbul
l!Iwal
ked
i
nonyouaf terhavingsexwi ththatgoodf or
nothi ngbastardandyoucomeher etotellmewe
haveagoodt hinggoi ngon?WehadLewi spast
tenseyouar eanEngl ishteachersoyoushoul d
knowt hatbetter.Wehadagoodt hinggoingon
untilyousawi tfitt
osl eepwi t
hthatpatheticexof
your s.Whati sitLewi s,i
m inotbigenoughhuh?
Aremyst rokest oolight?Doyouwantmet ochoke
youdur i
ngsex?Whati sitthatyouwantf rom me,
doyouwantt oputmyar mi nyou?TellmeLewi s!
Lewi
s:(
bur
sti
ntot
ear
s)i
m sor
ry
Morri
s:savethoset
ear
sforsomeonewhocar
es
becauseidon't
Lewi
s:noyoudon'
tmeant
hatMor
ri
s,youar
ejust
angr
y
Mor
ri
s:Lewi
si.
..

Hesni
ff
edbiti
nghi
sknuckl
esashi
semot
ionsgot
t
hebet
terofhi
m..
.
Morr
is:yousl
eptwi
thanot
hermani
nthesamebed
t
hatisleepwi
thyoui
n.Howcoul
dyoudothat
!?
Lewi
s:(
cryi
ng)i
m sor
ry
Morr
is:noman(want
edt oshoutbuthel
dhi
msel
f)
pl
easegetoutofmyoff
ice
Lewi
s:Mor
ri
scanyoupl
ease
Morri
s:Lewi
sidon'
twantto.
..
urghf
ucki
tLewi
si
shoul
dnotfi
ndyouinhere

Hekickedachai
randwalkedoutsl
ammi
ngt
he
doorasLewisj
umpedstart
led.
..

Lewi
s:whathaveyoudoneLewi
swhathaveyou
done

Hecriedinther
ewhi l
eMorri
sthrewhi
msel fin
Lovemore'soff
iceandsatonhischai
rrubbinghi
s
face.
..
Mor
ri
s:damni
tman.Damni
t!

I
nRamot
swa.
..

Pat i
encefi
nishedbathi
ngandheadedtothel
ivi
ng
room whereKgomot sowashavingherbr
eakf
astof
fatcakesandmangoar cher
..
.

Kgomot
so:(
wit
hfoodi
nhermout
h)mmh,
hi
Pat
ience:(
cur
vedherl
ips)doyoueverst
op?
Kgomotso:whatareyout
alki
ngabout
?Youknow
howgreatthesear
eforahangover
Pat
ience:mysoni
sbar
elycol
dinhisgraveandyou
ar
ebusygoingupanddownthest
reets
Kgomotso:heebannasowear esupposedtost
op
ourl
ivesbecauseyoufai
ledt
obeamot her
Pat
ience:don'
ttr
ymeKgomot
so
Kgomot
so:l
ewenadon'
tst
artwi
thme.Whenar
e
yougoi
ngt
oseehi
sgr
ave?
Pat
ience:i
m pl
anni
ngt
ogot
hisaf
ter
noon
Kgomot
so:youknowLor
nawi
llbeal
oner
ight
Pat
ience:yesso?
Kgomotso:doyouwantmet
ocomewi
thbecausei
don'
ttr
ustyou
Pat
ience:al
liwanti
stoseemyson'
sgravet
hen
comebackhomeidon'thavet
heenergyt
ofi
ght
wit
hthathalfwoman
Kgomotso:yousee,
thesear
ethet
hingsi
m af
rai
d
youmightsaytoher
Pat
ience:i
t'
sthet
rut
h
Kgomot
so:i
m comi
ngwi
thyou
Pat
ience:idon'
tneedabodyguar
d
Kgomot
so:i
t'
snotevenupf
ordebat
e
Pat
ience:wai
tsegor
eyouar
egoi
ngt
opayyour
owntranspor
tfar
e
Kgomot
so:howcanihavemoneyf
oraquar
tand
notfort
ranspor
t?(
Burped)ebi
legobat
lat
se3t
la
keyekogammamar et
ekeetl
a

Shet ookherfat
cakeandrushedoutwhi l
ePatience
shookherheadl ooki
ngather.Shesighedreaching
forherphoneandcheckedherf i
xedaccount
balance.Al
lhermoneywasst il
lther
easshesmi led
andwentt othekit
chen.

AtKgangT&T.
..

Af
terget
ti
ngwhathewantedJoshuadecidedto
st
opbyhisfr
iend'
sof
fi
ceandfoundhim onacall.
Hetookhi
sseatandwai
tedforhi
mt of
inish.
..

Duncan:thankyousomuch.Iwillmakesur
ethey
ar
edeliveredt
oyourightaway.(
Hungup)buddy
Joshua:yesmanbeenami
nut
esi
ncewespoke
Duncan:yeahhey.Ever
ythi
ngi
sjustt
oomuchi
m
honest
lyover
whel
med
Joshua:wor
korhome?
Duncan:homeman
Joshua:what
'sgoi
ngonnowit
houghtyouguys
wereonahealingpr
ocess
Duncan:Pati
encegotbai
landnowoursonhas
changedint
osomethingwedonotknowall
becauseofagirl
Joshua:heebanna.What
'sgoi
ngonwi
thhi
m?
Duncan:he'
salwaysf
ight
ingwit
hhi
smot
herand
Lor
nawant snothi
ngt
odowi t
hhim.
Joshua:f
ight
inghow?
Duncan:l
et'
ssayheusedLor
na'
smi
sfor
tunes
agai
nsther
Joshua:ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Duncan:yesbutnowhe'
ssor
rybutLor
nai
snot
havi
ngit
Joshua:doyoubl
ameher?Dudeyourai
seachil
din
ever
ygoodwaypossi
bleandtheycomesaysuch
vi
let
hingst
oyou?Iwoul
dn'
tbef
orgi
vingt
oo
Duncan:butt
heyar
eyourchi
ld
Joshua:idon' tdisput et hat.Mychi ldornotiwoul d
notwantt ohearat hingf rom theirmouthbecause
ofallpeoplet heyar et heoneswhoar esupposedt o
protectmeandnotusemymi sfortunesagai nstme.
Somet imesaspar ent swemakeami st
akeofl etti
ng
thi
ngsgobecauset heyar edonebyourchi ldren.
Lornahast her ightt obeangr ybecauseshe' s
humanbef orebei ngamot hersoidon' tblameher
notaccept i
nghi ssor r yinani nstant.Thisisa
painfulthi
ngt ogot hroughDuncanandt obe
constantlyremi ndedabouti ti
snotni ce.Talkt o
Saintandt ellhimt hati fhe'ssorryhewi llbepat i
ent
withhismot herbecausewhathedi dwasaver y
painfulthi
ng
Duncan:(
sighed)yeahiwi
ll
Joshua:good.Anywaywear
ehavi
ngt
hebur
ialon
Thursdayneh
Duncan:okbuddypassmygr
eet
ingt
othel
adyof
t
hehouse
Joshua:she'si
nheroff
iceaswell
.Shesai
dshe
wantedtopushsomewor ktodaybutwewillbe
goi
ngbackhomei nanhourorso.Ij
ustwanttogo
doaf ewthingsatt
hegarage
Duncan:ohokbuddyiwi
llpassbyherof
fi
cet
hen
Joshua:cool.Ihopet
hisi
sthelastt
imeiseeher
tearsbroal
liwanttoseeonherfacearehertears
ofjoyeventhoughherfamil
yisnotmakingthings
easier
Duncan:ei
shmonnaf ami l
ycanbeaprobl
em
sometimesbuti
mj ustgladshehassomeoneli
ke
youinhercor
ner(smiled)i
fsomeonetol
dmeyou
wouldbesoinloveamont hagoiwouldsaythey
werelyi
ng
Joshua:(l
aughed)womenar eaver
yspeci
albr
eed
myguyt heywillchangeyoui
naninst
ant
Duncan:iknowt
hat

Theylaughedoutl
oudwhil
einherof
fi
ceMaya
spoketothephoneasaknockcamethr
ough.
..
Maya:j
ustasecond.Comei
n.Soasiwassayi
ng.
..

Shesmi l
edlookingatTani
awhomadeherwayi n
smili
ngtoo.Shedirect
edhertot
akeaseatasshe
fi
nishedwit
ht hephonecal
l.
..

Maya:thankyousomuch.Iwillbeful
lybackint
he
off
icebynextweekMonday.Thankyou, bye(
she
hungup)sorryaboutt
hatmylady.Goodmor ni
ng
Tani
a:mor
ning
Maya:howcanibeofhel
pma'
am?
Tani
a:aommasoyoucan'
trecogni
zeme?
Maya:(
frowned)uhm,
no
Tania:Tani
afr
om f
acebook?Isentyouafri
end
requestawhil
eagobutyouhaven'
trepl
iedmy
message
Maya:(
satback)okwhyar
eyouher
e?
Tani
a:iwantt
obeyourf
ri
end
Maya:why?
Tania:bat
hongwhensomeonesaystheywantt
obe
yourfri
enditmeanst
heyl
ikeyouri
ght?
Maya:okigetyoubutit
hinkt
hewayyouar
egoi
ng
aboutal
loft
hisissoweir
d
Tani
a:howso?
Maya:youcan'
tcomeal
lthewayher
eforsuch
t
hingsandagai
nhowdidyouknowiworkhere?
Tani
a:comeonyouputi
tonyourpr
ofi
le
Maya:(
scof
fed)ohr
eal
lynow?
Tani
a:ori
m imi
staken?
Maya:ihaven'
tupdat
edmyprof
il
einawhi
ledear
.
Howdidyouknowiwor kher
e?
Tani
a:aommawhyar
eyouget
ti
ngwor
kedup?
Maya:becauseyouar
ebei
ngcr
eepy.Ar
eyou
f
oll
owingme?
Tani
a:what
?Noi
m not
..
.
Joshua:(
opened)l
ovei
..
.(
frowned)whatt
hehel
l?
Maya:what
'swr
ongl
ove?
Tani
a:ohheyyou
Joshua:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Tani
a:checki
nguponmyf
ri
end
Joshua:getoutofmybui
ldi
ngTani
a
Maya:ohyouknowher
?
Joshua:r
ememberthemessageyousawonmy
phonetheot
herday?
Maya:(
frowned)i
twasf
rom her
?
Joshua:yes
Tani
a:youwer
e..
.
Maya:excusemeyoungl
adywhatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
o
pl
ayat?
Tani
a:pl
ayat
?Im notpl
ayi
ngatanyt
hing
Maya:nowi tmakessensewhyyouarebei
ngal
l
thi
screepy.Whyareyouaft
ersomeonewho
doesn'
twantyou?
Tani
a:i
fhedi
dn'
twantmehewoul
dn'
thaveasked
metogoonadatewit
hhi
m
Maya:yeahr
ightthr
oughadati
ngapp.Youknow
whatl
eavebeforeidosomet
hingimightr
egr
et
Tani
a:(
laughed)whatcanyoupossi
blydo?
Maya:ohyouwantt
osee?(
Shesai
dst
andi
ngup)
Joshua:l
oveshe'
snotwor
thi
t
Maya:nobabeim si
ckintir
edofthesepeopleyou
know.Whydoesitseem li
keever
yoneisafterour
heads?Whathavewedonet oyoupeople?Idare
youtotryanddoanythi
ngfunnyyouwillseeaside
ofmeyouneverwishedtoseedoweunder st
and
eachother?
Tani
a:i
m notgoi
ngtobescaredof
fbysomewanna
bemrswhoknowsnot hi
ngbuttol
ayonherbackt
o
getaman.Honeyi.
..
Joshua:heywenagett
hehel
loutofher
e!

Hegrabbedherandpushedheroutt
hencl
osedt
he
of
fi
cedoor..
.
Tani
a:youandibel
ongt
oget
herJoshuawet
heryou
l
ikei
tornot!

Mayascof
fedshaki
ngherheadandsatdown.
..

Joshua:ar
eyouokl
ove?
Maya:wai t
seidon'
tknowifmydemonsare
physical
lymanif
est
ingorwhat
.Whyim ibei
ngt
ri
ed
l
ikethis?
Joshua:don'
twor
ryl
oveshewon'
tcomebackagai
n
Maya:ar
eyousur
ebabe?Thi
sgi
rlf
oundwher
ei
wor
k
Joshua:di
dyouaskherhow?
Maya:yesbutshedi
dn'tanswer.It
hinkweneed
moresecur
it
ybabe.Ican'tl
ivel
ikethi
s.
Joshua:okiwil
lor
ganiseyouandtheki
ds
bodyguardswhowillal
waysdri
veyou
Maya:whataboutyou?
Joshua:i
m amanl
ove
Maya:noidon' twanttotakechances.Ourl
ivesare
notsafe.Beefupsecur i
tyatt
hehouse.Upgradeour
cct
vsyst em andgetallofusbodyguards.I
t'
sgoing
tocostal otofmoneybutoursafetycomesf i
rst
.I
don'
tmi ndcut t
ingdownourweddingbudgett o
makesur ewear esaf
e
Joshua:t
ruethatl
ove.Iwil
lgetoni
tri
ghtaway.Let
megot othegaragethencomebackforyouneh
Maya:ok

Hekissedherandl
eftwhi
leshesatbackand
si
ghed..
.

Maya:kegoreifit'
snotspi
rit
ualat
tacksi
t'
sphysi
cal
att
acks.Nnatl
hebat hongkealeki
wayoh(im
honestl
ybei
ngt ested)
Shecl
appedonceandat
tendedbackt
oheremai
ls.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Thedoctormadehiswayi
ntoNal
e'
sroom and
foundherawake.
..

Dr:goodt hi
ngif oundyouawake.Yourhusband
call
edt oaskifyouhaveal readysignedthepapers
(shejustlookedathi m)andagai nwehavei ti
n
goodaut horit
yt hatyoushoul dbeabletotakecare
ofyourhospi talbill(shefr
ownedathi m)wouldyou
l
iketoseei t?(Shej ustl
ookedathi m)iwillshowit
toyouanyway.( Openedi t
)Nal eyouoweaboutP80
430.00sinceyourst ayinthehospital(
gaveherthe
sheet)thi
sbi l
lhast obepai dwi t
hin48hrsorelse
wewi llbeforcedt ot akeyout ocourt
Nal
e:excuseme?
Dr
:yesma' am i
t'
sei
theryoupayi
tinf
ulloryoupay
at
least75%ofit
Nal
e:ihavemedi
calai
ddoct
or
Dr
:yourhusbandl
ongt
ermi
nat
edi
t
Nal
e:what
!?
Dr
:yesma'
am
Nal
e:thenhi
sshoul
dbeabl
etopayf
ormewear
ea
marr
iedcoupl
e
Dr:youmi ghtbeamarri
edcoupl
ebuthe'snot
for
cedt opayforyourmedi
calbi
llwhenyouar
enot
marriedincommunityofpr
opert
y
Nal
e:howcanTshepodot
hist
ome?
Dr:soyouhave48hr
sNal
eorel
sewewi
llbet
aki
ng
t
hemat terf
orwar
d
Nal
e:i
m dyi
ngher
e
Dr
:shoul
diaskyourhusbandt
ocomemaybe?
Nal
e:yesdot
hat
Dr:iwi
llt
rytobutiwon'
tfor
cehimi
fher
efuses.
Don'tf
orgett
hedivor
cepapers
Heleftwhi
leNalel
ookedatt
hebi
llandputt
he
paperonthebedsi
de.Shecl
osedhereyesandl
et
outasoftsi
gh..
.

Nale:ir
uethedayishar
edal
aughwi
thPreci
ous
Kavimba.Thi
swomanhasrui
nedmyli
fe.Thi
s
woman. .
.

Sheswal
lowedapai
nfull
umpasat
eardr
opped.

I
nRai
nbowEngl
ishMedi
um School
..
.

Withthepoli
cebehindthem Lornaandt heschool
pri
ncipalmadethei
rwayt oSaint'
sclass.They
knockedastheteacherwelcomedt hem in.
..

Teacher
:hey!Set
tl
edownst
udent
s!Gooddaysi
r
howcanibeofhelp?
Pr
inci
pal
:ma'
am i
m her
ewi
thSai
ntDuncan'
s
mot
her

Helookedupwithafrownonashi
shear
tski
ppeda
beatseei
ngthepol
ice..
.

Teacher
:ohoksi
r.Whatcanwedof
oryouMr
s
Duncan?
Lor
na:of
fi
cer
s?
Offi
cer
s:(t
ookoutt
hecuf
fs)Sai
ntDuncanyouhave
beenarr
estedf
orat
tempt
edmurderofyourmother
Sai
nt:what
!?
Of
fi
cer
:pl
easecomewi
thus
Sai
nt:noyouar
emi
stakenyoucan'
tdot
hist
ome
Lor
na:ohi m notmyson.Youreal
lyt
houghti
wouldn'
tthi
nkyouhavepoisonedtheteayougave
me?
Sai
nt:youhat
eme!Youhaveneverl
ovedme!
Lor
na:of
fi
cer
staket
hisl
unat
icaway.Youwi
llnow
dealwi
thyouragemat eswhot
hinkt
heyar
eabove
l
ifei
m doneshiel
dingyou
Sai
nt:youar
eevi
l!

Hetri
edtofi
ghttheoffi
cersastheydr
aggedhim
outwhil
eLornasighedlooki
ngatthet
eacher
..
.

Lor
na:f
orgi
vemef
ort
het
roubl
e.Haveagoodday

Shemadeherwayoutast
hepri
nci
palfol
lowedher
outwhil
eSai
nt'
scl
assmat
esqui
etl
ysatther
ein
shock.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
18] :AKEPTWOMAN
74

AthouseofChi
..
.

Thewai
tr
essser
vedthem t
heirbreakf
astas
Chi
omasmil
edputt
inghernapkinonherchest
..
.

Chi
oma:howdi
dyousl
eep?
Lovemor
e:di
dievensl
eep
Chi
oma:oh?
Lovemor
e:youdr
oppedabombonme
Chioma:i
sitr
eal
lyabomb?Wehadal
readyspoken
aboutt
his
Lovemore:wel
liwasstar
ti
ngtogetonwi
tht
hef
act
thatyousai
dwecan'tbeanyt
hingmoret
han
fri
ends
Chi
oma:ohwel
lbutdi
dthef
eel
ingsvani
sh?
Lovemore:not
heyarest
il
lther
e( clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)
andther
e'ssomet
hingiwanttotellyou
Chi
oma:ok
Lovemor
e:ihavebeent
alki
ngt
oyoursi
ster
Chi
oma:ok
Lovemore:t
alkingasi
nit
houghtmaybeicanbui
ld
somethi
ngwi thher
Chioma:ohisee.Soyouwer
edevel
opi
ngf
eel
ings
forher
?
Lovemore:nonotyetbutibeli
evedwit
htimei
wouldhavebecauseshe'sacoolperson.Loudand
for
wardbutshehasgr eatqual
iti
es
Chi
oma:shoul
dibewor
ri
ed?
Lovemor
e:about
?
Chioma:thatmaybeifwegetinarel
ati
onshipthere
arechancesthatyoumightf
indherat
tract
ivealong
theway?
Lovemore:ionl
yhavet
woeyesandonehear
tthat
canaccomodateonepersonatat
ime
Chi
oma:ohok.Soishoul
dn'
twor
ryabouther
?
Lovemore:il
oveyouChi omaandihaveal ways
lovedyou.Youknowt hataswell
.Justbecauseim
talki
ngtoyoursi
sterdoesn'
thavetomakeyout hink
ihavefall
enoutoflovewithyou.No
Chi
oma:sowhat
'st
hewayf
orwar
d?
Lovemor
e:iwantt
obewi
thyou
Chi
oma:it
oowantt
obewithyoubutyouneedt
o
cl
eart
heai
rwi
thKel
echif
ir
st
Lovemor
e:whi
chii
ntendondoi
ng
Chi
oma:gr eat
.Ihavebookedusaweekendawayi
n
Capetownsoineedyourdet ai
lsf
ormyPAtobook
usfl
ightt
icket
s
Lovemor
e:ohnice.Seemsli
keAdiol
ewomenar
e
bi
gspendersbecauseKel
echial
sowant
edustogo
awaythi
sweekend( t
heyl
aughed)
Chi
oma:mendeser
veni
cet
hingsofl
if
easwel
l
Lovemore:i
t'
snotever
ymansoishoul
dcount
myselfbl
essed
Chioma:(l
aughed)indeed.Anywayiwantyouto
underst
andthatim notdoingthi
stospi
teKel
echior
anythi
ngimjustbeingselfi
shandfol
lowingmy
heart
Lovemor
e:youareal
lowedtobesel
fi
shwheni
t
comestomatter
sofyourhear
t
Chi
oma:t
hankyou
Lovemor
e:(
smi
led)il
oveyouMsA
Chi
oma:il
oveyout
ooMrK

Theysmiledatoneanot
herasLovemor
esof
tl
y
rubbedherhand.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Rona:yohbat
hongyoh

Shesai
dwal
kingar
oundt
hegr
oundheavi
ngout
si
ghsaf
tersi
ghswhi
lePr
eci
ousf
rownedl
ooki
ngat
her
..
.

Preci
ous:areyouokRona?Youl
ookl
ikeyouar
e
abouttoexplode
Rona:idon'
tknowwhatthi
swomani st
ryi
ngtoget
fr
om mebutshewillgeti
tPreci
ousoht
rustmeshe
wil
lgetit
Pr
eci
ous:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Rona:icall
edKeneilweandaskedhertocomehere
formet opavewayf orourrel
easet
hencomesthi
s
beaut
ifuloldst
ranger.Ohshameeneshe's
beaut
ifulshameiwi l
lgivehert
hat
Pr
eci
ous:idon'
tunder
stand
Rona:shesayshernamei
sGli
diaapparent
lyshe'
s
t
hemot hert
othemanwho'smarryi
ngthatstupi
d
l
it
tl
ebitch
Pr
eci
ous:whatdi
dshewant
?
Rona:Kenei
lwemusthavetol
dherthatical
ledher
andtol
dherwhatiwanted.Al
licansayisthat
womani
sdanger
ousandidon'
tli
kei
t
Pr
eci
ous:whatdi
dshesay?
Rona:sheknowst
oomuchPr
eci
ousandi
tscar
es
me
Pr
eci
ous:whatdoessheknow?
Rona:bat
hongPr
eci
ouswhydoesi
tmat
ter
?
Precious:ineedt
oknowwhat
'sgoi
ngonRona.You
can'tkeepmei nt
hedar
k
Rona:thel essyouknowthebett
erwhatineedtodo
i
scal lDipuoandtrypul
lhert
omysi de.Wecanend
uphavi ngacommonenemyt henworktoget
herto
fi
nishthem of f
Precious:r
eal
lynow?Youwantt
owor
kwi
tht
hose
uselesspeopl
e?
Rona:wellatt
hisjunctur
etheyareusefulPr
eci
ous.
Theyareoutthereandwear einheresotheyhave
accesstoalotofthingswedon'thaveaccesst
o
Pr
eci
ous:youar
ehonest
lyscar
ingme
Rona:shemaybeal
lmi
ght
yasshet
hinksbuti
m
RonaMoet
iim notgoi
ngt
otr
embl
eoverher
.Ineed
t
omakeacall
Guar
d:t
hephonei
ssti
llundermaint
enanceMma
Moet
iyoucanonl
ygetitt
omorrow
Rona:butineedt
omakeacal
l
Guar
d:youl
otar
eangr
y.Onei
nmat
ebr
okei
taf
ter
maki
ngacall
Rona:shi
tthi
sisnoton

Theguar
dwalkedawaywhil
ePrecioussqui
nther
eyesl
ooki
ngatastr
essedoutRona.

Ont
hei
rwaybackhome.
..

Maya'
sphoner
angassher
educedt
her
adi
o
vol
umeandanswer
ed.
..

Maya:honey?
Lewi
s:(
sni
ff
ed)ineedyourhel
pMaya
Maya:(
frowned)ar
eyouokLewi
s?
Lewis:(
sni
ff
ed)ir
uinedeveryt
hingMaya.He'smad
atmeandhe'stheonlygoodthingthat
'sever
happenedt
ome.Ican'taff
ordtolosehim.Ican'
t

Hebursti
ntot
earsasMayaswal
lowedl
ooki
ngat
Joshuawhoshrughi
sshoul
der
s..
.

Lewi
s:hel
pmeMaya.Hel
pMaya
Maya:okfri
endsl
owdownandt
ellmewhatexact
ly
happened
Lewis:(
swallowedandsniff
ed)hecaughtmeinbed
wit
hanot herguy(Joshuawindenedhi
seyes)
Maya:what
!?
Lewi
s:andwewer
enakedMaya
Maya:yoht
sal
a.
Lewi
s:idon'
tknowwhatt
odobutir
egr
et
ever
ythi
ngatt
hemomentr
ightnow
Maya:youknowhowifeelaboutcheat
ingfri
end
andyouknowthati
m notgoingtosugarcoatthi
ngs
ri
ght
?Youdidwhatyoudidwi t
haclearandsound
mindri
ghtLewi
s?
Lewi
s:yesbuti
twasamomentofweakness
Maya:noLewi sthere'
snot hingcal l
edamomentof
weakness.Nomat terhowpushyaper soncanbe
youhavet ost andyourgr oundandr espectt he
personyouar einarelati
onshi pwith.I fatallMor r
is
wasnotsat isfyi
ngyoui nanywayyoushoul dhave
sathim downandt oldhim abouti tsot hathewor ks
oni t
.Arel ati
onshipisat wowayst reetmyl ove.A
giveandt akeyouhavenot i
met obesel f
ishwhen
youar einvol vedwithsomeone.Whaticansayat
themomenti sgiveMor ri
sal lthespaceheneeds
andwhat everdecisionhemakesr especti tbecause
notonlydoescheat ingbr eakyourhear ti
tbr eaks
yourconf idencebecauseyoust artthinkingt hatyou
arethepr oblem.Iwoul dbelyi ngifisai dim not
disappointedi nyouf r
iendbutwhat everhappens
knowt hatMor ri
shadnochoi cebutt ol ookoutf or
hi
msel
f
Lewi
s:buti
thur
tsMayaidon'
twantt
olosehi
m
Maya:youshoul
dhavethoughtaboutthatbef
ore
youwelcomedanot
hermani nyourbed.Who'sthi
s
manifimayask?
Lewi
s:Mi
ke
Maya:what
!?ThesameMi
keiknow?
Lewis:yesMayaandi
m sodi
sgust
edi
nmysel
f
ri
ghtnow
Maya:youshoul
dbebecauset hat
'st
helastperson
youshoul
dbeinvol
vedwith.MikehurtyouLewishe
rui
nedyou.I
m soappal
ledthatyouhavethegutsto
l
ethiminyourbedagai
n.Not sal
anot hi
sisnoton
Lewi
s:whatdoido?
Maya:nothi
ng,youhavehur tapersonher eLewis
andyouhavet odealwithitandirepeatdonot
tr
oubleMorri
sifhewant stotal
khewi llcomet o
youandifhedoesn'tsti
llf
inebecauseif orone
wouldn'
tevenlooktwiceinacheat i
ngpar t
ner'
sway
Lewi
s:i
t'
shar
dbutiwi
llt
ry
Maya:good.For
giveyoursel
fal
ongthewayandt
ell
your
selft
hatyouwilldobett
erf
rom her
eon
Lewi
s:t
hankyou
Maya:sur
e(t
heyhungup)heebanna
Joshua:yoh
Maya:howcanLewi
sdosomet
hingl
iket
his?
Joshua:i
mjustgl
adyouwer
efr
ankwi
thhi
m
Maya:heknowsi
taswel
lthat'
swhyhecal
ledme
heknewiwasnotgoi
ngt
ol i
etohi
m

Theysi
ghedassheshookherheadandi
ncr
eased
thevol
umeagai
n.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Tshepost
oppedbythedoorandsighedbef
ore
openi
ng.HeopenedasNaleturnedandcr
ackeda
smil
ewhilehekeptaser
iousfaceon.
..
Tshepo:iwasaskedt
ocomeseeyou
Nal
e:t
hankyouf
orcomi
ng
Tshepo:yeahsur
e.Ar
emypaper
sready?
Nal
e:Tshepol
ookatme
Tshepo:i
m inot
?
Nal
e:Tshepoi
m dyi
ngwhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome?
Tshepo:ser
iousl
ynowNal
e?
Nal
e:j
ustlookatmyface,i
t'
spal
e,ihavel
ostal
ot
ofwei
ghtandmyl i
psare.
..
Tshepo:savethoseforsomeonewhoactual
lycar
es
Nalebecauseidon't
.Godf or
givemebutNal
eyou
don'
tdeserveanyempat hyfr
om me
Nale:(
tear
ful
ly)Tshepoi
t'
sme,
Nal
e,t
hel
oveof
yourli
..
.

Shet
ri
edt
otouchhi
m ashemovedback.
..
Tshepo:pl
easedon'
t.Al
lineedf
rom youi
stosi
gn
thedi
vorcepaper
sandleavemebe
Nal
e:Tshepoyouar
ehur
ti
ngme
Tshepo:youlongdi dthattoyour
sel fbygetting
i
nvolvedwithPr eciousandpr act
isingwi t
chcr af
t.Do
youseewher et hatlandedyou?Youevenr apeda
grownmant ogivePr eciousachildNal ewhatki nd
ofsauceryisthat?Whatki ndoff
riendshipi sthat?
ThankGodihavenof riendsandidon' thavet odo
suchstupidthings
Nal
e:Tshepo.
..
Tshepo:noNal
esi
gnt
hepaper
spl
ease
Nal
e:ihavenoone
Tshepo:so?
Nal
e:aor
raTshepowhy.
..
(bur
sti
ntot
ear
s)
Tshepo:cryal
lyouwantbuti
m notl
eavi
ngwi
thout
thesepaperssi
gned
Nal
e:ihaveahospi
talbi
llof80K
Tshepo:ket
senaf
okaenna?(
Howi
sitanyofmy
concer
n)

Herhear
tsankdeepassheswal l
owedwhil
ehe
t
ooktheenvelopeandtookoutt
hepaper
s.Hegave
t
hem toherandtookoutapen..
.

Tshepo:si
gn
Nal
e:Tshe.
..
Tshepo:mosadiwaModimoihavepl
acest
obe
pl
easesignthesepaper
s

Sheswal l
owedagai
nandsl
owl
ysi
gnedashet
ook
them back.
.

Tshepo:t
hankyou.Ihopetheyf
indhel
pf oryou
soonandiftheydon'
tyoushoul
drestknowingthat
youhavehurtmesomuchandnotonl ymebutMr
Kavi
mbaandhi sson.Goodbye
Heleftwhil
eNal
ecur
vedherl
ipsandcl
osedher
eyescryi
ng..
.

Nale:Lordforgiveme!Lor dhavemer cyonme!I

can'tgoonliket hi
sLor dpleaseforgi
veme.Iknowi
didwhatididknowi ngwhatiwasdoi ngbutGod
pleasegrantmeanot herchancet ofi
xmymi stakes.
Lordifyougr antmeanot herchanceiwi llsurel
ybe
agoodper son.Lor dwher everyouarepleasehear
meout !

Shecr
iedoutl
oud.

AtKavi
mbamot
ors.
..

Assoonashearr
ivedfr
om houseofChi
,Lovemore
madehiswaytohisf
ri
end'
soffi
cewherehefound
hi
m softl
yswi
ngi
ngthechai
rwithhi
sfeetonthe
desk.
..
Mor
ri
s:youar
eback
Lovemore:yeah.What
'supbuddy,
howar
eyou
holdi
ngup?
Morr
is:i
tshar
dLovemore.I
t'
shonest
lyhar
d.Il
ove
t
hisguybuthehashur
tme
Lovemor
e:bei
ngcheat
edoni
saver
yexcr
uci
ati
ng
pai
ntodealwi
thmyfri
end
Morr
is:i
m caughtbet
weenar
ockandahar
dpl
ace.
Il
oveLewisLovemore
Lovemor e:iunder standthatbuddybutquest i
onis,
i
shewor thit
?Wi llhenotdoi tagainshoul dyou
forgi
vehi m?Won' tyoust arttobet oxicshoul dyou
gobackt ohim?Youneedt olookintot hatbef or
e
maki nganydecisi on.Anotherthingi swecansay
allour50centopi nionsbutdeci si
oni sal lyoursmy
fri
end.Iforonef eel li
keyoudeser vebet terandis
Lewist hebett
eryoudeser ve?Idon' tthinkso
becausecheat i
ngi shonestlyadealbr eaker.I
t
breaksyout othecor e
Morri
s:iwoul
dn'
tgoasfarashe'
snott
hebet
teri
t
hinkideser
vebuthehashurtme
Lovemor e:everythi
ngthathurtsyouasaper sonis
wayf arfr om beingseenasbet ter
.Ihearyoumaybe
thi
sist hef ir
stt i
mehe'sdoingit,maybeher egretsit
butthisiswher eyoubecomesel f
ishmyf r
iendt hi
nk
aboutt omor row.Idon'twanttosayt here'sal otof
fi
shint heseabecausef all
inginloveisnot
somet hingyoucan' tdooverni ght.Youhavet o
knowaper sonanddeepl yatthatandit '
sashar dto
detachaswel lbutmyfri
endyoudeser vebet ter
.
That'
sal lim goi ngt
osay

Morr
isheavedahugesi
ghl
ooki
ngathi
m whi
le
r
ubbinghi
slowerl
ip.

THATEVENI
NG

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lor
nasangset
ti
ngt
het
abl
easDuncanmadehi
s
wayin.
..
Duncan:ohheyt
her
e
Lor
na:goodeveni
nghubbyhowwasyourday?
Duncan:goodandyour
s?
Lor
na:i
twasf
ant
ast
icmyl
ove
Duncan:i
sAppl
eandSai
nthome?
Lorna:nopeAppl
eshouldhomeanymi nutefr
om
nowshehadext r
astudylessonsandSai
nt,
(scof
fedandli
ckherfi
nger)Sainti
sinpr
ison
Duncan:what
!?
Appl
e:(
wenti
n)Mahowdoyou.
..
ohhidad
Lor
na:hel
lot
oyout
ooAppl
e
Duncan:Appleyourmothert
ell
smeheret
hatyour
brot
herisi
npr i
son.Lor
nawhywouldyoudo
somethi
nglikethat
?
Lor
na:okguyspleasesi
tdownsot
hatit
ellyou
whathappened
Duncan:t
hat
'sexact
lywhatiwantt
oknow
Appl
e:t
hatmakesthetwoofus.Sai
nti
sachi
ldma
howwil
lhesur
vivepri
son?
Lor
na:achi
ldwhoisabl
etopoi
sont
hei
rown
mother
?Idon'
tthi
nksoAppl
e
Bot
h:what
!?
Lorna:yesSaintgavemet eabef or
eyouguyswent
toschoolthi
smor ni
ng.Somethingtoldmet hati
shouldcheckiftheteaiscleansoideci dedtopour
abitofitonabl ockofcheese,gavet hecheeseto
yourmouseandboom t hemousedr oppeddead
Appl
e:wai
twhat
!?Mi
lai
sdead?
Lor
na:yes
Appl
e:mom no!

Shest
ormedofftoherroom whi
leDuncanshook
hi
sheadinshock.Shecamebackdownwi t
ht he
deadmouseinherhands..
.

Appl
e:mahowcanyoudot
hist
omyMi
la?
Lor
na:i
tsnotmemyl
ovei
t'
syourbr
other
Appl
e:butyouknowhowmuchil
ovet
hismouse
mamawher e.
..
mamamma
Lorna:i m sor
r ymyl ovebutihadtodosomet hi
ng.I
willtakethef allforMil
a'
sdeathbutitwouldhave
beenmeandt ellmesomething,wouldyouhave
preferredittobemeorMi l
a?
Appl
e:mai
..
.(
sighed)whati
swr
ongwi
thSai
nt?
Duncan:butpr
isonLor
na?
Lorna:yesDuncani
m notgoi
ngtorai
seamur derer
.
Thatchildi
sdanger
ousmyl i
fewasindangerihad
todosomet hi
ng
Apple:(
sighed)ican'
tbeli
evei
m abouttosaythi
s
butmom i sri
ghtdad.Inevert
houghtt
hingswould
gothisfarandagainhesaidhewassor r
yonlyto
tr
ickus
Lor
na:exact
ly
Duncan:don'
tyout
hinkt
hismi
ghtr
uinhi
m?
Lorna:att
empt
edmur deri
saseriouscr
imeDuncan
thejuveni
lewi
llt
eachhim al
esson.Hehonest
ly
needsi
t
Duncan:yoh

Hesi
ghedgoi
ngupstai
rswhi
leAppl
ecur
vedher
l
ipsl
ooki
ngatMi
la.
..

Appl
e:butMi
lama
Lorna:im sorrymylove.Wewi l
lgetyouanewpet .
Gochangeandcomedownf ordinner.Duncanyou
bettercomedownaswel lwear egoingtoeat
together.Ohihadaver yi
nteresti
ngvisit
orearl
ier
oniwi llt
ellyouguysaboutitoverfood

Shewhi
stl
edgoi
ngtogett
hejui
cewhi
leAppl
e
si
ghedgoi
ngbackt
oherbedr
oom.

I
nJoshua'
shouse.
..
Theyal
llaughedatHer
ber
t'
sjokeswhi
leMayaand
Gli
diaf
ini
shedputti
ngf
oodonthetabl
e..
.

Gl
idi
a:Apr
ilpl
easesaygr
acef
orus
Apr
il:Godbl
esst
hefoodweareaboutt
oeat
.Bless
myfami l
yandmaywebehappynowandforever
more.Amen
Al
l:Amen
Gl
idi
a:soguysiwentt
oseeRonat
hismor
ning
Maya:oh?
Gl
idi
a:yesandbef
oreigoonKenei
lwemayyout
ell
Mayawhatyoutol
dme
Kenei
lwe:(
sighed)Mayayouknowil
oveyour
ight
?
Maya:yesmama
Kenei
lwe:andiwoul
ddoanyt
hingt
olookoutf
or
youri
ght?
Maya:yesma
Kenei
lwe:whenRonacal
ledmeyest
erdayshe
want edmet ogoseeherandsaidifidon'tshewas
goingt omakesur ethatourr
elat
ionshipgoesdown
thedr ainsoinotherwordsshewant edmet ogo
theref orhertobl
ackmailmewi t
hwhatial mostdi
d
toyouwhi l
eyouwer einmywomb
Maya:youwant
edt
oabor
tme?
Keneil
we:(si
ghed)yesmyl ove.I
t'
saninhumane
thi
ngtodobutitwast oughthen,yourf
ather
wantednothi
ngt odowithus.Igotoverwhel
med
andtookthepil
lsbuttheyneverworked
Maya:it'
sokmom iwoul dhaveactuall
ylaughedin
Rona'sfacebecauseofhowpat heticanddesperate
sheis.Youwereover whelmedli
keyousayandi t
happensmamasodon' tt
hinkiwouldholditagai
nst
youimeanl ookatwhatcameoutofyou.A
vol
uptuousbeaut i
fulandsmartwoman( t
heyall
l
aughed)sot hejokeisonRonama
Kenei
lwe:t
hankyouf
orunder
standi
ngmyl
ove
Maya:youdon'
thavet
oment
ioni
t
Gli
dia:nowwit
hthatoutofthewayt
her
e's
somet hi
ngiwantt
otellyouguys
Al
l:ok
Gli
dia:i
tsaboutt
heper
sonwhowasbur
iedas
Keneil
we
Maya:(
frowned)ok?
Gl
idi
a:Kenei
lweyouhadat
win
Kenei
lwe:(
choked)what
!?

Sil
encehitt
hewhol
eroom ast
heyal
lqui
etl
ylooked
atGli
dia.

AtAj
ax'
shouse.
..

Hesmi l
edget t
ingoffthephonewi thMar elediand
wentbackt ohispots.Hewhi stl
edturningt hemeat
ashi sphoner eport
edamessage.Het ookasi pof
hiswat erandwi pedhishandst aki
ngi tagain.He
openedt hemessagewi thafrownonhi sfaceashe
recognisedt henumber .I
twasaphot oashewai t
ed
forittoload.Thesecondi tf
inishedloadinghi s
hear
tski
ppedabeatashiseyeslandedona
posi
ti
vepregnancyt
est
ingst
ick.
..

Aj
ax:
whati
nthehel
l!
?

Hesai
dtypi
ngar
esponse.
..
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
18] :AKEPTWOMAN
75

Aj
ax:Ameyoucan'tsendmet hi
ski
ndofpi
ctur
e
whenwehaven'
tbeent al
kingf
or2mont
hs
Ame:wel
lthat
'sj
usthowi
tis.I
m 2mont
hs
pr
egnant
Aj
ax:
buthow?
Ame:r
eal
lynowAj
axdon'
tyouknowhowachi
ldi
s
made?
Aj
ax:
ial
wayspul
ledoutAme
Ame:howsur eareyouaboutt hat
?Againyouarea
welll
eanerdpersonyouknowt hepossi
bil
it
iesof
fal
li
ngpregnantfrom pr
e-cum ver
ywell
Aj
ax:
butchancesar
elowAme
Ame:whatar
eyousayi
ng?Yout
hinki
m maki
ng
t
hisup?
Aj
ax:youmighthaveaskedsomeonet
osendyou
t
hispi
ctur
e
Ame:ohwow

Shewenttot hephotoandscreengr
abbedthe
detai
lsofthephotowhichshowedshetookitaf
ew
minutesbeforesendi
ngit
..
.
Ame:ar
eyousat
isf
ied?
Aj
ax:wel
lyoumi
ghthaveaskedsomeonef
ort
he
st
ick
Ame:ihavetherecei
ptonmeandiwentt
othe
cl
ini
cearl
ierAj
axihaveacar
d
Aj
ax:
there'
snowayt
hatchi
ldi
smi
neAmeir
efuse
t
obel
ieveit
Ame:ohwowAj axreal
ly?(
Shetookapicofher
car
danddetai
lsinsi
de)seeit
'sconf
ir
medthati
m2
monthspr
egnant
Ajax:noyouneedt
ogetanabor
ti
onican'
thavea
chil
d,notnow
Ame:excuseme?
Aj
ax:
yesAmeihavemovedonwi
thmyl
if
e
Ame:unfor
tunat
elyyouhaveachil
dandagai
ni
don'
twanttori
sklosi
ngmyf er
ti
li
tyorl
if
e
Ajax:thenyouwi l
ltakecar
eoft
hechi
ldi
m not
getti
nginvolved
Ame:what
!?
Ajax:
yougotthatr
ightAme.I
m happywher
eiam
andiwouldn'
twanttorui
nmychancesto
happiness
Ame:ohsoimustsuf
fer
?
Ajax:di
dn'tijustgi
veyouanopti
onofwhattodoto
avoidsuffer
ing?Icangiveyout
hemoneyrightnow
Ame.I m notreadytohaveachi
ldandt
hat'
sthat
Ame:wow
Aj
ax:
shoul
disendt
hemoneynoworwhat
?
Ame:your
eal
lyt
hinkl
ightofmeyouknow.Gof
uck
your
sel
fAj
ax
Aj
ax:shoul
dyoukeepthatchi
ldi
twi
llbeal
lonyou
i
m notgett
ingi
nvol
ved.

Hecli
ckedhistongueandblockedherasshe
chukl
edshakingherhead.
..

Ame:bl
oodyt
rash
Shethr
ewherphoneawaywhil
einhiskit
chenAjax
swi
tchedof
fthest
oveandsi
ghedrubbinghisf
ace..
.

Aj
ax:
damni
tman.Damni
t!

Hepunchedtheki
tchencount
erandt
ookabott
leof
waterswi
tchi
ngof
fhisphoneandwentt
othe
bedroom.

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Joshua:mom whatdi
dyouj
ustsay?
Gl
idi
a:yesmyson.Yourmot
heri
nlawhadat
win
Kenei
lwe:butmymot
hernevert
oldme
Gli
dia:becauseinyourf
ather
'scul
tur
etheybel
ieve
havi
ngt winsisbadomen
Maya:(
frowned)buthow?
Gli
dia:doyouguysevenknowyouror
igi
nKenei
l
we
asinyourpater
nalancest
ors?
Kenei
lwe:no
Gl
idi
a:nowonder
.Yourf
atheri
saNi
ger
ian
Kenei
lwe&Maya:What
!?
Gl
idi
a:yesRonaandyourmot
herknowst
his
Kenei
lwe:buthow?Whydi
dwegr
owupher
e?
Gl
idi
a:becausehewasbasedher
ebeforehegot
si
ckandwentbackhome.Letmegiveyouguysa
l
it
tl
ehist
orylesson
MrK:wai
tlove,
howdidyougetthi
sinf
ormat
ion
andhowsureareyouabouti
t?
Gli
dia:f
rom Kenei
lwe'
smot
her
'sfr
iendt
hroughmy
contact
sdaddyandyouknowthatmycontact
s
neverli
e
MrK:t
rue
Gli
dia:soasiwassayingyouguysar eNigeri
ans
fr
om yourf at
her
'sgenes.Yourf
atherhadawi f
eand
ki
dsi nNigeri
abefor
ehemovedt oBot swana.He
neverdi
vorcedt
hem buthel
ivedhereful
lti
me.
Duri
nghistimeher
ehemetSei kanyengwhoisyour
motherri
ght?
Kenei
lwe:yes
Glidi
a:theyf elli
nl oveandbi rthedyou, Renei lwe
whowasyourt winandRona.Yourf ather
Emmanuel ,usedt ovisi tbackhomeandweknow
howNi ger i
ansar ewheni tcomest otheset hingsof
spiri
tuality.It
'seithert heyar eChr ist
iansort hey
practisebl ackmagi candunf ortunat
elyyourf ather
wasamemberofacul tgr oup.Thel eadert hen
pickedt hathehadawomanandachi ldher eand
thiswomanwaspr egnantt hatwasyouandyour
twinKenei l
we.TheGodsr eali
sedt hatitwer et wins
andf ortheI gbot ri
bet hisisseenasbadomen.Hi s
whol eNi gerianf ami lywasgoi ngt operishsohe
hadt osacr i
fiseonechi ld.Okf ineheagr eedt othat
andt hencamebackt hissi de,spoket oSei kanyeng
aboutt hisandt heyagr eedt heywer egoi ngt o
sacrifi
seonet win.Bi rtht i
mecameSei kanyeng
decidedt oswapRenei lwewi t
hadeadchi ldatt he
hospital.Theyt ookt hi sdeadchi l
dandsacr ifi
sed
herinstead.ThattimeSei kanyengaskedt hefr
iend
wegott hei nfor
mat i
onf r
om tor aiseyourtwin
Keneilweinanot hervil
lage.Nowr emember
Seikanyengknewt hathermanwasacul tmember
andshegoti ntr
oducedt othecul t.Timecamef or
hermant opassonandbef orehedi edhewas
askedwher ehispower sshouldbet akenandsaid
Seikanyeng.Hewant edtopr otecthisNigeri
an
familyatallcosts.Seikanyengl ovingpowershe
agreedt othisandtookoverherman' sspot
Kenei
lwe:nowt
hisexpl
ainswhyshehadt
otr
avel
somuch
Gli
dia:yesshewasvi sit
inghercultgroupallthe
ti
me.NowSei kanyengst art
edhavingsomet rouble
withtravell
ingsoshest art
edtogetpower l
esst hi
s
ti
meyouandRonawer eol
derandyouwer eal r
eady
workingandexpect ingMaya.Yoursonwasst il
la
youngboy.Shekepti ncontactwiththecultleader
butunf ort
unatelypassedduet oshortil
lnessbef or
e
shecoul dphysi cal
lypassonherpower shenceshe
wroteal ett
ertoherf r
iendwithal
ldetailsofherpast
andthatshewant sRonat otakeherspotbecause
shet rustshert odoabet terj ob.Thef ri
endbei ng
thef r
iendgaveRonat hisl etterandt akingaf t erher
mot hert helovef orpowershedi dn' trefuser at her
shedeci dedt ofindawi tchdoct orthi ssi de.Thi s
wi t
chdoct ortoldherthatf orhert obepower fulshe
needst ogetr idofherfat her'sshadowandt hather
sister
sar etheonesbl ocki ngherway.I fyoubot h
dieditwoul dhavebeenbet ter.Thewi tchdoct or
wenti nt osayaswel lthatyouhadbi rthedal lthe
goldsheneedst hati
syourchi l
dr ensoi twoul dbe
betteriftheykeptyouasazombi eforext r
a
strengthbutoneofyouhadt odi e.Ronabei nga
cunningwi tchshei sshemanagedt otakeyourki ds
from you, killyourtwinsist erandkeepyouasa
zombi e.That '
showshemanagedt odest royyour
l
ives.Shedi dn'twantt oki l
lyoubecausesheknew
shemi ghtneedyout omakeMaya' sl i
feevenmor e
diffi
cultandherdaught er'
smor eeasi er
Maya:wow
Gl
idi
a:iam asshocked
Joshua:(
sighed)t
hiswoman
Kenei
lwe:(
clappedonce)yoh
MrK:sol
ovewher
eist
hisf
ri
endofSei
kanyeng'
s?
Gli
dia:Topi
siandshe'
sreadyt
oconf
ir
mthatal
li
sai
di str
ue
Maya:bat
hongRonaandSei
kanyeng
Kenei
lwe:idon'
tknowi
fishoul
devencallhermy
mother.SoDipuowasr
ightSei
kanyengwasawitch?
Maya:kanathi
smeanswearefi
ght
inga
gener
ati
onaldemonbuti
m gl
admychil
drenar
e
safef
rom t
his
Kenei
lwe:sodoesthi
swomanknowt
hesur
nameof
t
hisNigeri
anfamil
y?
Maya:whatdoyouwantf
rom t
hem ma?
Kenei
lwe:t
oknowmyr
oot
sbet
ter
Maya:mamaij ustsai
dwearefi
ght
inga
generat
ionaldemonwenayouwantt ogot
her
eand
getthedemon?Youhear dmamaGsayt hi
sman
wasacul tmember .Youar
enotgoi
ngther
ema
never
Gli
dia:Mayaisr
ightKenei
lwet
hef
urt
heryoupl
ay
fr
om them t
hebetter
.
Kenei
lwe:yohbathongthisi
ssobeyondme.Rona
andhermot her
?(Clappedonce)yeses
Gl
idi
a:buti
m notdonewi t
hRonaiaskedmyguys
t
okeepdiggingdeeperihaveaf
eel
ingRonahas
moreskel
etons
MrK:butl
ovebecar
efulnowweknowwhowear
e
deal
ingwi
thher
e.Thi
swomanisdanger
ous
Gl
idi
a:iam myl
ove
Maya:yeah.Notonl yi
ssheawi t
chbutacol
d
bloodedmur derer
.Weneedtotaket
histot
hepoli
ce
i
nf actthatwomanhast ocomeandbeoneofthe
testi
fiersagainstRona
Gli
dia:(smil
ed)nowyouarethi
nki
nglikeawoman
mygi rl
.That'
sexact
lywhatit
houghtaswell
.We
needtot al
ktoyourl
awyeraboutt
his
Maya:f
ir
stt
hingi
nthemor
ningi
m cal
li
ngMr
s
Taol
o
Gl
idi
a:good.What
evert
hatcomesupiwi
lll
ety'
al
l
know
Kenei
lwe:t
hankyouG.Your
eal
lyshedsomel
ight
forus
Joshua:(
smiled)seewhyisai
dther
e'sar
eason
whyGodcr ossedourpat
hslove?
Maya:nowibel
ieveitl
ove.Wereal
lyappr
eci
ate
youref
for
tsMamaGandir eal
lyt
hinki
m goi
ngto
l
earnalotf
rom you
Gl
idi
a:t
rustmeyouwi
ll
Apr
il
:oknowguysenoughwiththeser
iousand
l
ongconver
sat
ionsanyoneupforagame?

Theylaughedwhi
leJoshuaandhisfathercl
eared
thet
ableastheot
herswenttotheloungeforthe
game.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Att
heJuveni
lepr
ison.
..
Duncansatbacklooki
ngathissonwhocame
walki
ngwithhisl
egsapartandoneeyeclosed.He
shookhisheadashisheartsankwhi
leSaintt
ook
hisseat
..
.

Saint
:doyouseewhatkindofwomanyourwif
eis?
Thiswomandoesn'tdeser
vetobeamother
(f
li
nchedashehurthisbutt
hol
e)
Duncan:whathappenedt
oyouSai
nt?
Saint
:theyr
apedandbeatmeupandt
hesest
upi
d
guardsdon'
t.
..
Duncan:noSai
ntimeanyouwer
eagoodchi
ldmy
sonwhatchanged?
Saint
:youknowwhatyoumi ghtaswelll
eavei
fyou
arenotheret
ohel pme.Weneedt ohaveher
arr
estedfort
his.Thi
sisnotr
ighti
nanyway
Duncan:Sai
ntallt
hisforagir
l?Youknowyou
wouldn'
tbehereifyouacceptedt
hatthegi
rli
sn'
t
your
s?
Saint:canyoupl easetakemebackt omycel l
.It
's
cl
eart hatyouguysneverl ovedmenorwant edme.
Im betteroffrapedandbeatenliket
his.I
tsoklove
andcar ef oryourfavor
it
echildAppl
eidon'tcareifi
dieinher e.Isaidt
akemebackt omycell!
Guar
d:heyyoungboybehavei
nher
e.Come

Hejer
kedhim uphurt
inghi
m ashefli
nchedagain.
Heturnedtohi
sfat
herwhopinnedhiselbowson
thet
ableandputhi
shandsunderhischinsighi
ng
andshakinghi
shead..
.

Duncan:weneedtocal
lthepast
orfort
hischi
ld.No
manthere'
snochi
ldwhowoul dtur
nint
oademon
outofnowher
eli
kethis

Hesi
ghedandheadedout
.

I
nPr
ison.
..
RonapunchedinDi
puo'
snumberasshewai
tedf
or
hert
oanswer..
.

Di
puo:yes?
Rona:hel
loi
t'
smeRona
Di
puo:whatdoyouwant
?
Rona:weneedt
otal
k
Di
puo:ohnowyouwantt
otal
k?
Rona:l
ookDipuoim notgoi
ngtobeatar
oundthe
bushok.Yesidon'
tli
keyouandineverwil
lbutwe
haveacommonenemyher ewhichwecan'
tletwi
n
Di
puo:soyouwantmet
owor
kwi
thyou?(
Laughed)
j
okeoftheyear
Rona:ordon'tyouwantt
ofi
nal
lygetyourr
evenge
onSeikanyengDipuo?
Di
puo:you?Goagai
nstyourmot
her
?Im nof
ool
Rona:she'
sofnouseDi
puoandyouknowt
hat
Di
puo:l
et'
ssayiagreet
othi
smadnessofyour
s
whatwi
llyouwantmetodoforyou?
Rona:t hi
sishowi t'
sgoi ngt owor k(checkedt he
coast)youknowhowi mpor tantbloodisint his
gameofdar knessneh?Yes, wear egoingt oneed
oneofSei kanyeng'sdescendent sbl oodforthebot h
ofust ogetwhatwewant .Iwantt ogetr i
dof
Keneilweandyouwantt odealwi thSeikanyeng
from hergravethereforeKenei l
wei stheonl ybait
butKeneilweandherchi ldrenareal r
eadyol dthei
r
bloodisreallyofnouset hatmuchsoi nsteadof
them wegetoneofhergr andchildrenandyouknow
howpower fulgi
rlchil
drenar esot hatli
tt
lebr atof
Maya'swi l
lbeourt icket
Di
puo:hhmm,
int
erest
ing
Rona:yessoar
eyoui
norwhat
?
Dipuo:welli
fitmeansmakingsurethatnoneof
Seikanyeng'
schil
drendoesn'
tgetahappyending
wellexceptyoubecauseyouareuselessiwi
lldoi
t
Rona:(
smil
ed)per
fectt
hatmeansyouwil
lhaveto
workonget
ti
ngthatchi
ldfr
om t
heniwi
lldi
rectyou
onwhatt
odo
Dipuo:good.Iwi
llt
alkt
oyouonceever
ythi
ngi
s
sort
ed
Rona:per
fect
Mat
shi
diso:(
scr
eamedi
ntheki
tchen)ah!
Di
puo:(
hungup)whati
sit
?
Mat
shi
diso:icutmyf
ingerandi
t'
sdeep
Di
puo:(
frownedseei
ngt
hecut
)that
'sdeepmychi
ld.
Dor
een!Doreen!
Dor
een:yesgr
anny?
Dipuo:weneedtotakeyourmot
hert
othehospi
tal
shecutherfi
nger
Dor
een:yohbathongmat heymightendupcut
ti
ng
apartoft
hatf
ingerthat
'sadeepcut
Matshi
diso:st
opt
alki
ngnonsenseandgetmy
t
hings

Dor
eenr
ant
othebedr
oom whi
leawhi
ning
Matshidi
sowenttothecari
npai
n.I
nprisona
confi
dentRonamadewaybacktothecell
swit
ha
hugesmileonherface.
..

Rona:ther
ecanonl
ybeoneRonaMoet
iandshe
wil
lfor
everrul
e

Shesmi
ledmor
e.

AthouseofChi
..
.

Chiomafr
ownedonacallasheroff
icedoorroughl
y
openedwit
hKel
echit
hrowingher
selfi
nside.
..

Kel
echi
:iwoAj
e!(
youwi
tch)
Chioma:I
'l
lgetbackt
oyoujustnow,
letmeat
tend
tosomethi
ng(hungup)excuseme?
Kel
echi
:hi
dingbehi
ndt
hebi
blewhi
leyou'
reat
wo
t
imi
ng,
doubl
eheadedsnakewi
thf
ourt
ongues!
Chi
oma:okyouneedtocal
m downandl
ookat
who'
ster
ri
tor
yyouareinher
e
Kelechi
:ohthereshegoesthi
nki
ngshe'
saGodof
somesor t
.Chiomawhot hehel
ldoyout
hinkyou
are?Hhm?
Chi
oma:youknowwhatidon'
tknowwhatyouhave
smokedordr
ankbuti
tsei
theryout
onei
tdownor
i
m..
.
Kelechi
:youwi
llwhat?Throwmeout?Iwouldlove
toseeyoutry(
clapped)Chiomaiwoul
dlovet
osee
youtry-
oh
Chioma:Youaremakingaspect
acl
eofyour
sel
f
dearsi
stercal
m down.Chai
Kel
echi
:wel
liwantthi
swhol eof
ficetoknowwhat
ki
ndofanar
cissi
sti
cbitchyouare!(Shefl
ippedher
hai
r)
Chi
oma:okyouar
egoi
ngwayt
oof
ar.Comeback
momo
Kel
echi
:momomyf
ootChi
oma,
howdar
eyou?Huh?
Howdareyougobehindmybackknowi
nghowi
f
eelaboutLovemor
e?
Chi
oma:(scoff
ed)ifyouthinkim goingtofi
ghtover
amanwi t
hyout henyoubet t
erthinkagaindear
si
ster
.Im notf
rom thegutt
er
Kel
echi
:ohsoi
mfr
om t
hegut
terChi
oma?
Chi
oma:cl
ear
ly
Kelechi
:Chi
omayouar
esayi
ngyourownsi
steri
s
fr
om thegutt
er!
?
Chi
oma:givenyourrat
chetbehavi
ouryoucl
ear
ly
ar
efrom t
hegutter
Kel
echi:omanye-oh,hee!GodofNiger
ia,oh
mercif
ulGodhearyourchi l
d,Godyourchil
dsays
i
mf rom thegut
ter(chuckl
ed)e-na-
wooChioma,
what!?
Chi
oma:okenoughwithyourdr
amawear
enoti
n
nol
lywoodher
egetoutofmyoffi
ce
Kelechi:i
fyout
hinkim goingtoletthi
sgoli
ket
hat
thenyouhaveanotherthingcomi ng.Trymemy
sist
er-oh,t
ryme(scoff
ed)chineke,hee!
Shesnappedherfi
ngersleavi
ngwhil
eChioma
shookherheadandsighedtaki
ngherphone.
..

Chi
oma:nol
lywoodcoul
duseyourski
ll
smysi
ster
maybeyoushoul
dconsi
dert
hem

Shemadeacal
l.

AtKgang'
sGar
age.
..

Mayagotoutoftheoff
iceandnot
icedthatMi
ke
wastheoneservi
cingherbr
andnewBenz.She
exhal
edandwenttohim ashesmiledseei
ngher
..
.

Mi
ke:Mr
sKt
obe
Maya:hiMi
ke
Mi
ke:ahnoiwi
llbedonewi
thyourcari
naf
ew
Maya:ohokt
hankyou.Doyouhaveami
nut
e
t
hough?
Mi
ke:anyt
hingf
ormyboss
Maya:ok.Im notonetoinvol
vemysel
finot
her
peopl
e'sbusi
nessesbutwhatyoudidishonest
ly
notcoolandit'
sbelowthebelt
Mi
ke:(
frowned)idon'
tfol
low
Maya:Lewi
s
Mi
ke:oh(
chuckl
ed)ok
Maya:ok?Mi kedoyour eal
isewhatyouhavedone?
YesLewi sshoul
dhavest oodhisgr
oundbutyou
shouldhavebackedoffthemomenthet ol
dyouhe
doesn'twanttodoanythingwit
hyou
Mike:it
houghtyousai
dyouar
enotonet
oget
i
nvolvedinot
herpeopl
e'
s.
..
Maya:iknowwhatisai
dandyoudon'thaveto
r
emindme.Youwer ewrongandyouknowi tMike
whydoyoualwaysinsi
stonhur
ti
ngLewi s?
Mi
ke:ohsoheshoul
dgetawaywi
thhur
ti
ngme?
Maya:youknowyouar ether easonwhywesee
menast r
ash?Mi keyoual mostki ll
edmyf rienddo
youunder st
andt hat?Myf ri
endwasi nacommaf or
amont handwaswheel chairboundf or3mont hsdo
youknowhowpai nfulthatwasandyouhavet he
gutstostandt hereandt ryplayvi ctim.Youshoul d
honestlybeashamedofyour sel fMi ke.Lewisdid
nothi
ngbutl oveyouandwhatdi dyoudo?You
cheatedonhi m andt henbeathi mi ntoapul paf t
er
hecaughtyou.Youar epathet i
candhonest l
y
speakingyouwoul dn'
tbewor kingher eifi
twer eup
tome, asamat t
eroff actleavemycariwi llget
anothermechani c.Jo!?
Jo:yesma'
am
Maya:ki
ndl
ytakeoveronmycarMi
kehas
somethi
ngt
odof orme
Jo:ohok

Shel
ookedatMi
kewhosl
owl
ygaveJohi
stool
s..
.
Maya:good.

ShelookedatMikeagainandscoff
edgoingbackt
o
theoff
icewhil
eMikeslowlyexhal
edli
cki
nghis
l
owerlip.Hescoff
edandsmi l
edshaki
nghishead
goingtotheot
hercars.
..

Mi
ke:yeahneh

Backi
nPr
ison.
..

Ronapi
ckedsomereedswi
thherhandswhi
le
si
ngi
ngahymn...

Rona:"
obal
emasegoagago,
oabal
ehumakaone
o.
..
"

Shest
oppedl
ooki
ngupataguar
dwhohadan
envel
opeonherhands.
..

Rona:yes?
Guar
d:t
hisi
sforyou
Rona:o-
kay

Shewipedherhandsandt
ookitwhi
let
heguard
wal
kedaway.Shet ur
nedi
tandfr
ownedreadi
ngthe
wordsonit
..
.

"
Not
hingi
shi
ddenf
orgood"

Herheartst
ar t
edtoraceassheclear
edherthroat
l
ookingaround.Sheswal l
owedandopenedthe
envel
opeandsl owlytookoutt
hedocuments.Boom,
herbankstatements.
..

Rona:what
!?
Shecl
earedherthroatagai
nlooki
ngar
oundasa
not
efel
l.Shepickeditupandopenedi
t.
..

"Onet hi
ngaboutyoui sthatyouknowyourgame
verywel lbutli
keialwayssayever ythingthat
happensi nt hedarkalwayscomest olight.Didyou
thi
nkt hatnoonewoul deverfindoutt hatyouhave
beenkeepi ngt hechurch'
smoneyf oryoursel f?(
Her
heartraced)ohsweetRona.Ihat et osayt hisbut
mydearl ovieim comingforyouwi theveryt hi
ngi
have.Nowont opofwhathappenedi n1976, you
willbechar gedwi t
htheftandobtainingbyf al
se
pretence.Haveagooddaymyl oveandohihadan
amazi nghistorymomentwi t
hyourf ami l
yl astni
ght
.
Takecar e.XO"

Withherhandsshaki
ngandbreat hi
ngheavyshe
putever
ythi
ngbackintheenvelope.Shebl
inkedas
shestar
tedseei
ngstarsandpinchedhereyes..
.
Rona:not
hisisnothappeni
ng,
thi
sisnot
..
.nohuh-
uhthi
sisnot.
..
thi
sis.
..

Shetri
edtoswall
owal umpbuti
twast oohugefor
herassheleaneddownholdi
ngherkneestr
yingso
hardt
obreathnormall
y..
.

Rona:damnthis.
..
(br
eathedoutagai
n)damnt
his
woman...
yoh.
..
damn...
fuck!

Shefellonherkneesasbreat
hingbecamehar
dfor
hereachpassingsecond.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
19] :AKEPTWOMAN
76

I
nCour
t.
..

AsaskedKi t
somadehi swaytothestandandtook
hisseatwhil
ehisfri
endsatnextt
otheirl
awyer
.On
theothersi
deofthehousewasLewisand
Alexandrawhil
etheoff
icert
ookthebi
bletoKit
so..
.

Off
icer
:doyousweart
otel
lthet
rut
h,t
hewhol
e
t
ruthandnothi
ngbutt
hetr
uthsohel
pyouGod?
Ki
tso:ido
Judge:thankyouoff
icer.Justt
oremindyouagain
Kit
soyouar eunderoaththeref
oreyouareadvi
ced
toaddressallt
hequesti
onsasked( henodded)
counsi
l
Man:thankyouyourwor
shi
p.Ki
tsoyouar
ea
sol
dierr
ight
?
Ki
tso:yes
Man:whoal
sohappenst
obeanur
se?
Ki
tso:yes
Man:whati
sthefi
rstt
hingt
aughtdur
ingt
he
r
ecrui
ti
ngperi
od?
Ki
tso:obedi
enceandgoodmanner
s
Man:exactl
yandther
e'snowayyoucanser
vea
nat
ionwithoutaci
ngt
hoseim ir
ight
?
Ki
tso:yes
Man:andal
soKitsoasanat
ionalser
vantyourdut
y
i
stoprot
ecti
m icorr
ect
?
Ki
tso:yes
Man:andt
hatmeanspr
otect
ingf
rom anysor
tof
har
mr i
ght
?
Ki
tso:yes
Man:nowyourwor shiptel
lmehowamanwhoi sa
graduat
edandswor nsoldi
er,
aprot
ect
orand
servi
ceprovi
derofthenati
oncanbeablet
osend
peoplet
oat t
ackanotherhumanbei
ng?Thesame
personhesworetoprot
ect
?Ihavenof
urt
her
questi
onsyourworshi
p
Judge:t
hankyou.Mr
sTaol
o
Al
exander
:thankyouyourwor
shi
p.Ki
tsor
ight
?
Ki
tso:yes
Al
exander
:haveyoumetmycl
ientbef
oret
he
i
nci
dent?
Ki
tso:yesatapar
ty
Al
exander
:di
dyout
alkt
ohi
m?
Ki
tso:noionl
yspoket
omyf
ri
endwhowaswi
th
hi
m andhisfr
iends
Alexander
:Kit
sowhatexact
lydidyousaytoyour
fr
iendandkindlyr
ememberthatyouareunderoat
h
Kitso:(
swal
lowed)isai
dtohi
m ihadbeenlooking
forhim whi
leal
ltheti
mehewaswi t
hbosis'bhuti
Al
exander:yourwor
shi
p"si
s'
bhut
i"isaphr aseor
wordusedtodemeanhomosexualpeople.Gaymen
t
obepr eci
se.Kit
sohowdidmycli
enttaket hi
s?
Ki
tso:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)hewasnothappyashe
wentont
oinsul
tme
Alexander:woul
dyoubehappyifsomeonel
ooked
downonyouandcal ledyousuchaname?(Hekept
quiet)Ki
tso?
Ki
tso:no,
iwoul
dn'
tbe
Alexander:yourwor shipim nottryingtoj
ustif
ymy
cl
ient'sresponsebuthehadt ost andupf orhi
mself
becauseweal lknowhowpeopl eofhi scommuni ty
aretreatedint hi
sworld.Theyhavet ofi
ghtforthei
r
placeever ydayoftheirl
ivesast heyarealways
madet ofeeltheydon'tbelong.Kitsowasmycl i
ent
everphysi calonyou?
Ki
tso:no
Al
exander
:whathappenedaf
tert
heal
ter
cat
ion?
Ki
tso:wesatt
oget
herandevent
ual
lyl
eftt
oacl
ub
Al
exander
:andyouguyswer
est
il
lok?
Kitso:yesyourworshi
pnotr
eal
lyokokbutwe
t
oleratedoneanotheraswewerei
nter
est
edinhi
s
fr
iends
Al
exander
:ok.Di
dmycl
ientevergi
veyout
roubl
e
af
tert
hatday?
Ki
tso:no
Alexander:nowwhywoul dyourfr
iendand
colleaguesendmycl i
ent'
sfr
iendamessager
ight
afterhegotattackedsayi
ngheknowswhowas
behi ndthewholethi
ng?
Ki
tso:(
clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)idon'
tknow
Alexander
:ohi
sit?Okt
henhowl
onghaveyoubeen
fr
iendswithMopati
?
Ki
tso:over10year
snow
Al
exander
:doyout
alkaboutever
ythi
ng?
Ki
tso:yes
Al
exander
:asi
nyouknowoneanot
her
'ssecr
ets?
Ki
tso:yes
Al
exander:soi
fyoueverhadt
odosomet
hingl
ike
t
hiswouldyoutel
lhi
m?
Man:obj
ect
ionyourwor
shi
pshe'
sleadi
ngmycl
ient
Judge:sust
ainedMr
sTaol
orephr
aseyourquest
ion
Al
exander:(
sighed)Ki
tsodoyouconf
ideever
ythi
ng
i
nyourfri
end?
Ki
tso:yes
Alexander
:thankyouyourwor
shi
pnof
urt
her
questi
ons
Judge:t
hankyouMr sTaol
o.Youmayst epdown
Kit
so.Cour
twil
lresumeonFriday.10am

Hehitt
hegavelandmadehi swayoutwhi
le
ever
yonest
oodont hei
rfeet
..
.

Lewi
s:so?
Alexander:i
twasthefi
rstdaybutsof
arsogood.
Honestlyspeaki
ngthesepeopl
ehavenocasebut
heyitiswhatiti
s
Lewi
s:ithoughtasmuchl i
ket
hemessaget hi
s
MopatiguysentMayathrewthem undert
hebusi
don'
tunderst
andwhattheyarehopingfor
Al
exander
:theyj
ustwantt
ohumi
li
atet
hemsel
ves
mor
ebutanywayi
tiswhati
tisl
ikeisay

Theysighedheadi
ngoutwhi
leKi
tsoandMopat
igot
escor
tedtothevan.

AtA.
Aagency.
..

Abiol
alaughedwi t
hthei
nter
iordesi
gnerwhil
ean
angryKelechit
hrewherbagonthetablebr
eathi
ng
heavi
ly.
..

Abi
ola:l
ovegocheckupont
heot
herof
fi
ces(
she
l
eft
)andthen?
Kel
echi
:whydoesshet
hinkt
hewor
ldr
evol
ves
ar
oundher?
Abi
ola:what
'sgoi
ngonnow?
Kel
echi
:yoursi
sterwhohast
urnedher
sel
fint
oour
mother
Abi
ola:(
sighed)r
eal
lynow?
Kel
echi
:di
dshenotsayLovemor
ewasof
fli
mit
s
Abi
ola:nott
hisagai
n
Kelechi
:noAbiiwanttoshowyouofhowmucha
hypocri
teandnarci
styoursi
steri
s
Abi
ola:oh?
Kelechi
:shewentof fandtoldLovemoreofhow
muchshel oveshim nowLovemor esayshecan't
keepseeingmeanymor e.Iaskedhi
m whyhesays
he'
si narel
ati
onship.WithwhoLovemor e?Guess
what,ChiomabloodyAdi ol
e
Abi
ola:okchi
lloutont
hei
nsul
ts,
soLovemor
esays
hel
ovesher?
Kel
echi
:cl
ear
ly
Abiol
a:thenwhat'
syourpr
obl
em l
ove?Di
dwenot
fi
ndthesepeopleher
e?
Kel
echi:wedi
dbutwhydidn'
tshet
ryt
hingsout
wit
hhim whil
eiwasnother
e?Whydidshehaveto
waitf
ormetocomehere?
Abi
ola:Lechi
,Chi
omadi
dn'
tevenknowt
hatiwas
comi
ngwi thyou
Kel
echi:st
il
lAbi
olashedi
dn'
thavetobethi
s
spi
tef
ulandvil
ethenshegoestocal
lher
selfa
womanofGod.Bul l
!Bul
lAbi
Abiol
a:cal
m downKelechi.Areyouseri
ouslygoi
ng
tocryforamanwhom youmetwhat ,6seconds
agocomeonyouar ebetterthanthat
Kel
echi
:il
ovehi
m Abiwhycan'
tyougett
hat
Abiol
a:wellf
actistheyl
ongf el
linl
ovebef
orewe
cameher eKelechi
.Ther
ear ealotofmeni
nthi
s
ci
tymyl oveyouwilldef
ini
tel
yfindone
Kel
echi
:butiwant
edsomeZi
m magi
c
Abiol
a:(
laughed)di
dyour eal
lyl
ovehi
m ort
he
rept
il
ebetweenhislegs?
Kel
echi:(
scoff
ed)bothheseemstohaveagood
one(t
heylaughed)iwasreadyt
ofeastoni
tthi
s
weekendAbithisi
snotfai
r
Abi
ola:t
her
e'satri
becal
ledKalangasher
eihear
t
heyarewellgi
ft
eddownt her
emaybef i
ndyoursel
f
one
Kel
echi
:whydoesChi
omahavet
ohaveal
lthegood
st
uffAbi
?
Abiol
a:idon'
tseeitthatwaybesi
desyouhavea
companyt ol
ookaftermygirlpul
lyour
sel
ftogether
iwil
lberetur
ningt
oLondonsoonsoiwantt oknow
ifmypropert
yissafewi t
hyou
Kel
echi
:soy'
al
lreal
l
ythi
nkt
hatl
owofme?
Abi
ola:don'
tputwor
dsi
nmymout
h.Comeand
st
opwhi ni
ngyoh

Shepull
edherhandastheywentar
oundthe
bui
ldi
ng.Meanwhil
einherof
fi
ceChiomasmi l
ed
aft
ersi
gningf
orherfl
owersandcal
ledLovemore.
..

Lovemor
e:ibel
ieveyour
ecei
vedyourgi
ft
Chioma:yest
heyar
ebeaut
if
ulandr
efr
eshi
ng.
Thankyou
Lovemor
e:you'
rewel
come.It
houghtishoul
dmake
yourday
Chi
oma:ohineededi
taf
tert
hedr
amaear
li
eron
Lovemor
e:ohyeah?
Chi
oma:Kel
echicamegunsbl
azi
ng
Lovemor
e:di
dshehur
tyou?
Chioma:ohnoeveni
fshet
ri
edshewasn'
tgoi
ngt
o
succeed
Lovemor
e:ohsoyoucanputi
nagoodf
ight
?
Chioma:igr
ewupar
oundboyssoofcour
seiwoul
d
knowhowt othr
owi
napunchortwo
Lovemor
e:oknowicanrel
axknowingihavemy
ownAlii
nmypocket(t
heylaughed)
Chi
oma:youaresosi
ll
y.Ar
eyoureadyf
orthe
weekend?MyPAmanagedtobookever
ythi
ng
Lovemor
e:oht
rustmet
hisi
samuchneededbr
eak
Chioma:wonder
ful
butthere'
saveryi
mportant
factorweneedt
oclearbef
oregoi
ngther
e.Your
divorce
Lovemore:yeahiknewyouwoul
dwanttomake
surei
tssortedbutdon'
twor
rymylawyer
sar
e
worki
ngoni t
Chioma:wonder
fulbecausethelastt
hingiwantis
tobeaccusedofhangingaroundwithamar r
ied
man
Lovemor
e:iunderst
andbutwhatidon'
tunder
stand
i
swhyihaven'tbeenworki
ngonityouknow
Chioma:wel
lwehavebeenqui
etbusysoi
underst
and
Lovemor
e:tr
uebutdon'
twor
ryever
ythi
ngi
s
worki
ngi
tsel
fout
Chi
oma:good.Seeyoul
ateratJoshua'
shouse?
Lovemor
e:al
ri
ghtl
ove.Lat
er

Theysmi
ledhangi
ngup.

AtKgangT&T.
..
Duncanbl
ewhi
sli
psgoi
ngi
ntoJoshua'
sof
fi
ce.
..

Duncan:ar
eyounotsupposedtobemakingsur
e
ever
ythi
ngrunssmoothl
yatyourhouse?
Joshua:mybrotheranddadaret
her
eandiwil
lbe
goi
ngt her
esoon.What'supyoul
ookst
oned
Duncan:yohbr
oit
sonet
hingaf
tert
heot
her
.Sai
nt
i
sbehindbars
Joshua:heebanna
Duncan:het
ri
edt
oki
llhi
smot
her
Joshua:what
!?
Duncan:i
mtel
li
ngyou.Hepoi
sonedhert
ea
Joshua:Duncan?
Duncan:i
mlostf
orwor
dsJoshua.Sainthasreal
ly
swit
cheduponusandit
'shonest
lynotgood
Joshua:sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odoabouti
t?
Duncan:asmuchashe'
smysonandilovehi
mi
havetoagreewi
thhi
smother
.Heneedstobe
puni
shed
Joshua:butyouknowwhatt
heysayaboutpr
ison
ri
ght?
Duncan:withti
meibeli
evehewil
ltur
nanewleafi
f
notwewillhavetogethi
spast
ortoprayf
orhi
m
Joshua:butSai
ntwasagoodchi
ldD
Duncan:exact
lymypointbuddywhat
evert
hingi
s
eat
ingmychi l
disnotgoodatall
Joshua:shockingbutheyifit
'swhatittakesto
teachhim alessonthensobei tsometi
meswear e
toosoftonthesekidsnotknowi ngwear erui
ning
them I'
mjustgladmi newereraisedbyaf ai
r
womansoeveni ftheychangeiknowt heirmother
willal
waysmakesur etoputt
hem intoplace
Duncan:Lor
nawasgoodwiththem ij
ustdon'
t
under
standwhatgoti
ntot
hisboy
Joshua:ot
lhokanal
ekoshababa(
heneedsani
ght
vi
gil
)

Theyl
aughedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chup.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Preci
ousf
rownedl
ooki
ngatRonawhowaspaci
ng
upanddownthewashi
ngli
ne.
..

Preci
ous:it
hinkl
andboar
dshoul
duseyout
o
measureplot
sbecausewowyoucanpacet
hese
daysRona
Rona:(
gaveherast
are)mxm
Pr
eci
ous:noser
iousl
ynowRonawhat
'seat
ingyou?
Rona:Gli
diaKgangPr
ecioust
hisbeaut
ifulbi
tch
won'
tstopatnothi
ngtoseemegroveli
ng
Preci
ous:ireall
yneedt
oseethi
swomanbecausei
thoughtther
e'snoonewhocanshakeupyour
worldli
kethis
Rona:nomansheneedstobetaughtalessonand
averygoodonenowim si
ckandti
redofher.Can
youimagineiwast
oldmybloodpressur
ewashigh
ear
li
er
Pr
eci
ous:whatdi
dshef
indoutt
hist
imear
ound?
Rona:shehasdiscover
edt
hatihavebeenl
ivi
ngof
f
t
hechur chmoney
Preci
ous:what
!?Ronat
hatal
soput
smei
nthehot
seat
Rona:don'
tyout
hinkiknowt
hat
?IknowPr
eci
ous
Precious:t
hendosomet
hingRonaican'
tgodown
fortheft
,hel
lno
Rona:ohsoiwantt
o?
Pr
eci
ous:youneedt
odosomet
hingandver
yfast
Rona:ihavemanagedt
ogetDipuoonboar
dshe'
s
worki
ngont hepl
anwhatineedyout
odoisgeti
n
t
ouchwi t
hMmaLuke
Pr
eci
ous:(
cur
vedherl
ips)whonow?
Rona:yessheneedstoknowthatt
hemotherofher
grandchi
ldr
eni
sgetti
ngmarri
edtoanot
hermant he
samechildr
enshepaiddamagesfor
Pr
eci
ous:andhowi
sthatgoi
ngt
owor
kforus?
Rona:hel
lo?Wear
est
oppi
ngt
heweddi
ngher
e
Pr
ecious:f
orgett
hest
upi
dweddi
ngRonawehave
bi
ggerprobl
ems
Rona:Preci
ousdoasisayandleavet
hisbeaut
if
ul
ol
dbitchtomeiwil
ldealwi
thheronmyown
Pr
eci
ous:Rona?
Rona:sor
ryausi
nyanaMayaisget
ti
ngmarr
iedand
youknowwhatherhappi
nessmeanstousthatgi
rl
i
snotsupposedtosmil
eforl
ong
Pr
eci
ous:yoohRonawee
Rona:ar
eyougoi
ngt
odoi
torshoul
dif
ind
someone
Pr
eci
ous:iwi
llcal
lMmaLukebutRonat
heshi
pis
si
nki
ng
Rona:notwhi
lei
mthecapt
ainmygi r
lthesei
diot
s
ar
eyettolear
naver
ypainf
ullesson

Shecli
ckedhertonguebi
ti
ngherlowerl
ipwhi
le
Preci
ousclappedonceshaki
ngherhead.
AtLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Hei r
onedtheclot
heshewasgoingtowearl
ateron
thedayashisphonerang.Seei
ngthenameont he
screenhequickl
ywentfort
hephonealmost
droppingt
heiron.
..

Lewi
s:hel
lo?
Mor
ri
s:hi
,Lewi
s
Lewi
s:hiMor
ri
s
Mor
ri
s:howwascour
t?
Lewi
s:i
twasokt
hankyou.Howi
syourday?
Morri
s:j
ustfi
ne.Mr
sTaol
ocall
edmesayi
ngI
'
m
goi
ngont hest
andonMonday
Lewi
s:ohokandhowdoyouf
eelaboutt
hat
?
Mor
ri
s:ihavenochoi
cebutt
ogi
vemyt
est
imony
Lewi
s:okt
hankyou
Morr
is:i
m notdoi
ngitf
oryouim doi
ngi
tforal
lthe
LGBTQI+communitymemberswhonevergott
heir
j
usti
ce
Lewi
s:(
swal
lowed)iunder
stand
Mor
ri
s:ar
eyougoi
ngt
oMaya'
sfat
her
'sar
ri
vall
ater
?
Lewi
s:yesi
m act
ual
lyi
roni
ngmy.
..
Mor
ri
s:okseeyout
hen
Lewi
s:ok.(
Clear
edhi
sthr
oat
)doyou.
..
(hehungup
onhi
m)oh

Heswal
lowedanotherl
umpandexhaledgoingback
t
ohisi
roni
ngwhileinhisof
fi
ceMorr
isthoughtf
ora
f
ewsecondsandexhaledaswel
lgoi
ngbackt o
wor
k.

AtKgang'
sGar
age.
..

Mikesi
ghedsi
tti
ngagainstoneoft
heoldestcars
andopenedhi
slunch.Hetookabit
eoffhischicken
andbreat
hedoutthr
oughhi
snosewi
thhi
seyes
cl
osedtaki
ngiti
n..
.

Mi
ke:per
fect
lycooked.Justhowil
ikei
t

Hetookanotherbi
teandashewasabouttotakea
spoonf
ulofhispaptothemout
hhisphonerang..
.

Mi
ke:yaboel
emangj
aanong(
whoi
sitnow)

Hesai
dputt
ingt
hespoondown,
li
ckhi
sfi
nger
sand
t
ookouthi
sphone.
..

Mi
ke:(
smi
led)ahmyboyDanger(
answer
ed)boy
Danger
:ihearyouar
eoutmonna
Mi
ke:yesmyboyi
m out
Danger
:goodkegot
shwar
etsespane(
igotaj
obf
or
you)
Mike:youknowi
m al
waysr
eadyt
ogetmybl
ood
r
ushing
Danger:t
hat
'
smyboy.Remembermygi
rl
fr
iend
Doreen?
Mi
ke:yebot
hebeaut
if
ulonewi
thvampi
ret
eet
h
Danger
:eywatchi
t(t
heyl
aughed)yesher
,she
needsourhel
pmyboy
Mi
ke:i
mli
steni
ngbuddah
Danger:wehavetogetsomeyoungf
reshl
it
tl
egi
rl
forhergrandmot
her
Mi
ke:what
'shername?
Danger
:Apr
ilMoet
i
Mike:(
frowned)Moet
i?I
sitnotsur
nameyamediya
gago(i
snotyourgir
lf
ri
end'
ssurname)
Danger
:iti
s.I
t'
shercousi
n'schi
ld
Mike:oh(
athoughtcr
ossedhi
smi
nd)wai
twhati
s
t
hecousin'
sname?
Danger
:Mayashe'
sdati
ngsomeguycall
edJoshua
Kgang(Mi
kecoughedchoki
ng)ar
eyouok?
Mi
ke:dudet
hosear
emybosses
Danger
:ohsoyouar
egoi
ngt
ochoose2kover15K?
Mi
ke:15what
?
Danger
:youhear
dmeboy
Mike:l
etmethi
nkabouti
tmyguyij
ustcameoutof
pr
isonsoyouknowthedri
ll
Danger:wedon'thavet
imeMi ke.Let
'smeetl
ater
t
onightbecauseitl
ooksli
ketheyhaveafuneral
t
omor r
owsowecanst ri
kethen
Mi
ke:(
sighedcl
osi
nghi
seyes)okokseeyoul
ater
Danger
:sur
eboy(
theyhung)
Mike:Dangerman,Dangerei
sh(si
ghed)but15kis
notbadandagainthatst
upidMayathoughtshe
couldtel
lmewheretogetoffear
li
ermxm.Ahno15
skotoi
nside

Hesai
dgoi
ngbackt
ohi
sfood.
THATEVENI
NG

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Mot
lhakephahamang,
har
amar
u
Kesi
alef
atshe,
lamat
lhoko
Ket
lanekebi
nekebekef
inyel
le
Kebekef
inyel
lehoMor
ena,
hoMor
ena.
..

Theysangas8mencarri
edthebrowncasketi
nto
thehousewhi
leMayasof
tl
yrubbedhercryi
ng
mother'
sarm.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
19] :AKEPTWOMAN
77

Pastor
:wel iftoureyestoyouLor dwhereourhelp
cometh.Lor dblessandbewi t
ht hisf
amilytoni
ght
astheywillbepr epari
ngtolaytheirl
ovedoneto
restt
omorr owi nJesusmightynamewepr ay.
Amen
Al
l:amen
Past
ors:announcement
spl
ease
MrK:t herearen'tmuchannouncement sbutonly
thatourprogr am willstartat06: 00am asyoucan
seeont hepr ogramsyouhave.Thedeceased' s
chil
dalsor equest sthatyouki ndlyrespectt
he
theme.MrLent swewasonemanwhodi dn'
tjoke
aroundwheni tcamet of ashion.Hewasaver ywell
dressedmani nhi syout hdayssopl easelet'
sall
respectthatandcomeont i
me.Thankyou.I m
awaret hatrefreshment sar ewai ti
ngf oryououtsi
de
kindl
ygrabwhat'
syour
st henweshal
lmeetagai
n
tomorrowat06:
00sharp.Thankyouoncemore

Theyalldisper
sedwhi
let
hefamil
yremainedint
he
room astheyputavai
lar
oundthecasket
.They
madet hei
rwayoutasMaraandLydiacorner
ed
Maya...

Maya:bathongguys.Ohbefor
eanyt
hingyoumet
mybrother'
sfi
anceeright
?
Lydi
a:yesatt
hepar
ty
Maya:iwasoverwhelmedthenidon'
tknowwhogot
t
oknowwho( theylaughed)
Mara:nowewer
esayi
ngYaya,haveyoupl
anneda
l
it
tl
esomethi
ngaft
ert
hebur
ial
?
Maya:Maradoyouf
orgetyouar
epr
egnant
?(They
l
aughed)
Mar
a:noYayaweneedt
oletl
ooseandunwi
nd
Lydi
a:Mar
aisr
ightYayai
t'
svi
talaf
teramor
ning
l
iket
omor
row
Maya:soyouguysal
readyknowhowt
omor
rowi
s
goi
ngtogo?
Lydi
a:i
t'
sagi
venf
act(
theyl
aughed)
Maya:speakt
oyourbr
other
Mara:noyouar
etheladyoft
hehousenowsowe
ar
eobservi
ngprot
ocol
Maya:(
smi
led)asl
ongasi
t'
ssmal
landi
nti
mat
e
Mara:that
'smygirl
.Thi
siswhyiloveyou.Wear e
t
hepr oswhenitcomestosmallandinti
mate.Just
t
ellmewhoyourf ri
endsar
eandiwi l
ltakecareof
t
herest
Maya:y'
al
lwi
llnevermi
ssanoppor
tuni
tyt
opar
ty
neh?
Bot
h:never

TheylaughedwithLesediputt
ingMayainthe
middlegoingoutsi
dewhil
ef r
om adist
anceBianca
watchedthem androl
ledhereyes.Bythecar
s
out
sideMorr
iscal
ledLewiswhowentt
ohi
m af
ter
get
ti
nghischar
gerinthecar
..
.

Lewi
s:hi
Morri
s:yeah.I
tlooksl
ikei
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeagr
eat
sendoffneh
Lewi
s:i
ndeed.Api
tyhisl
if
ewascutshor
taf
terhe
j
ustmethi
sdaughter
Mor
ri
s:Godal
wayshashi
sownpl
ans
Lewi
s:t
ruet
hat
Mor
ri
s:howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Lewi
s:iwi
llbef
ineandyour
sel
f?
Mor
ri
s:t
aki
ngeachdayasi
tcomes
Lewi
s:(
sighed)it
otal
lyunder
stand
Morri
s:Lewi
swhathappenedbet weenusi svery
pai
nfulyouhonest
lybrokemyhear tbutican'
tshy
awayfrom t
hefactthatil
oveyou( henodded)il
ove
youenoughtoworkonf orgi
vingyouonlyifyou
hel
pmet o
Lewis:ar
eyoubeingseri
ous?Youdon'
thavet
oask
ofcourseiwoul
dbewi l
li
ngtobeapartoft
hat
j
ourney
Morr
is:i
t'
snotgoi
ngtobeeasybuti
m wi
ll
ingt
o
gi
veyouasecondchance
Lewi
s:iknowandunder
standt
hat
.Thankyouso
much
Morri
s:t
hingshappenLewisbutastheysaylove
conquer
sallandihopeourlovewi
llconquerthi
s
andiwon'tregr
etmydeci
sion
Lewi
s:tr
ustmeyouwon'tandforyout
onotr
egr
eti
t
youshoul
dstar
tthi
nki
ngposit
ivel
y
Mor
ri
s:(
smi
led)sobackt
osquar
eone?
Lewis:i
fitmeansbui
ldi
ngsomet
hingst
rongeryes
(hesmil
ed)
Morr
is:(
clear
edhi
sthroat
)hi,
mynameisMorri
s
Tl
otl
oandiwouldlovetogett
oknowyoubet
ter
Lewi
s:(
smil
ed)himynamehisLewi
sMachanai
woul
dbedeli
ghtedt
owelcomeyoui
ntomyworl
d
andbeapar
tofyourst
oo
Mor
ri
s:oht
hat
'ssweet
,di
nnert
omor
row?
Lewi
s:j
ustt
ellmet
het
imeandpl
ace
Mor
ri
s:wonder
ful
.Haveagoodeveni
ng
Lewi
s:yout
oo

Hegr abbedLewis'
sar m andsoftl
yrubbeditsmil
ing
asLewi ssmil
edbackathi m.Hegoti nhiscarand
droveoffwhil
eLewi ssmi l
edgoingbackintothe
yard.BytheothercornerJoshuastoodwi t
h10wel l
buil
tmenwhowor eblacksuits.
..

Joshua:whatwil
lbehappeningtomorr
owisvery
si
mplemyguysal lineedfrom youi
stobeal
ertof
ever
yoneespecial
lytheki
ds.Beawareof
ever
ythi
ngaroundusok
Al
l:yessi
r
Joshua:wewil
lbegri
evi
ngsochancesofl
osi
ng
focusarehi
ghthat
'swher
eyoucomein.Anychil
d
rel
atedtomeormywi f
eshoul
dbeyourpri
ori
ty
underst
ood?
Al
l:under
stood
Joshua:t
hankyou.Wewi
llseeoneanot
her
tomorr
ow

Theyl
eftashet
urnedt
oTi
tusst
andi
ngbehi
ndhi
m..
.

Joshua:ohswar
ridi
dn'
tseeyout
her
e
Ti
tus:idi
dn'
twantt
odi
stur
b
Joshua:yeahjustwant
edtomakesuresecur
it
yis
ti
ghttomorrowbecauseaft
erwhatmymom toldus
wecannotbesur eofwhatthatwomani
splanni
ng
Ti
tus:Ronai
sapr
obl
em neh
Joshua:aver
yhugeone
Tit
us:yeahbuthopef
ull
yshewi
llbegonef
orgood
thi
sti
me
Joshua:yeahwecanonl
yhope.What
'supyoul
ook
di
sturbedali
tt
le
Ti
tus:(
sighed)idon'
tevenknowi
fishoul
dbedoi
ng
t
hisbutiam goi
ngt
oanyway
Joshua:wear
efami
lymansodon'
tbeaf
rai
dtoask
anythi
ngfr
om me
Ti
tus:thewayyouhavebeenlooki
ngoutf
ormy
si
sterhashonest
lyi
nspir
edmet obeabet
terman
butican'
thel
pandthinkimfai
li
ngmywoman
Joshua:haveyouspokent
oheraboutt
his?
Tit
us:yeahandshesaysshel
ovesmeandnotmy
thi
ngs
Joshua:thenbel i
evehermyguy.Wewi l
lneverbe
ont hesamel evelashumanbei ngsandj ust
becausei m givingMayaever yt
hinginthewor ld
mightnotmeanwear ehappy, whatifim abusing
herbehindcl oseddoor s?Whati fim doingitto
provetomyf riendsofhowr ichiam ort osat i
sfymy
ego?Notsayi ngim doingallthoseorwhati m doi
ng
forherisnotgenui nebutwhatiwantt osaynever
envywhathappensi nanotherman' shomeorel se
youwi l
lloseyour selfal
ongt heway.Yest aki
ngcare
ofourwomeni sourpr i
ori
tyasmenbuti t
'snot
goingtobet hesamewhatcanbet hesamei swhat
comesf r
om theheart
.YouandLesediloveone
anotherbruhandyourlovest
oryhonestl
yinspir
es
met obeabet t
ermanandhusbandt oyoursister
becausesheknowswhatl oveisandwhatitlooks
l
ikefrom youandLesedi
Tit
us:thanksmanbutiwantt odobett
er.I
t'
sbeen5
yearssinceiengagedherandyouknowwhatthe
str
eetsalwayssayaboutthis
Joshua:l
et'
sst
artof
fbyaski
ngi
fyouar
efi
nanci
all
y
ready
Ti
tus:al
mostt
her
e
Joshua:goodyoushoul df ocusonthatand
communi catewi thherandagai nabigandfancy
weddingisnotmar riage.Mar ri
ageiswhathappens
aft
ertheweddi ngday.Doyouwantt obelef
twi t
h
debtsaft
eryourweddi ngday?Ofcour senotso
savingi
sver yimpor tant.Ifyoubadlywanttomake
heryourwife,sitherdownandi nt
roducetheideaof
goingtothecust omar ycour tandsignthenyouwi l
l
thr
owahugecel ebrati
onaf t
ersometi
mel et
'ssay
maybeonyour5t hanni versary
Ti
tus:(
smi
led)t
hat
'sagr
eati
dea
Joshua:yesbutrememberdon'
tforceitonher.
Maybeshe'swill
ingt
owaitfort
hefinancestobe
goodyouneverknowt hat
'swhyisaysitherdown
Ti
tus:igotyou
Joshua:oneot
hert
hingar
eyousat
isf
iedwi
thyour
j
ob?
Ti
tus:notr
eal
ly
Joshua:what
'syourpassi
onwhatwasyourdr
eam
j
obgr owi
ngup?
Ti
tus:iwant
edt
obeever
ythi
ng(
theychuckl
ed)
Joshua:wouldyoubewi
ll
ingt
obr
oadenyour
Businessknowl
edge?
Ti
tus:yeah
Joshua:ihear
dMayasayyouar eaver
ybrightman
sohowaboutif i
xyouaschol
arshi
pthenenrolona
busi
nesscoursestar
ti
ngwit
hcerti
fi
cat
ethenmove
ontodegree?
Ti
tus:(
smi
led)ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow?
Joshua:yesiam whi
ledoi
ngallthi
siwil
lal
so
mentoryouintoanyki
ndofbusinessyouwantt
o
do.Thatmeansyouwi l
lbeworki
ngsidetosi
dewit
h
me
Ti
tus:ahJoshuamyman
Joshua:t
hat
'
swhatbr
other
'sdof
oroneanot
her
i
sn'ti
t?
Ti
tus:t
rue
Joshua:butyouhavetomakesureyoutakeyour
studi
esveryseri
ousbecauseil
ovei
nvesti
ngon
goodideas
Tit
us:t
rustmeyouwon'
tregreti
tmyman.Thank
yousomuch.Thisi
sgoi
ngt omakemywomanso
happy
Joshua:af
teral
lweal
ldeser
vet
owi
nandbehappy

Theyhuggedandl
aughedj
oini
ngt
heot
her
s.

AtDor
een'
shouse.
..
Miketookof
fhishatashemadehiswayinthe
housewherehefoundDangerandt
heladi
esinthe
si
tti
ngroom..
.

Mi
ke:goodeveni
ng
Al
l:eveni
ng
Danger
:mamat
hisi
stheguyiwast
alki
ngabout
Dipuo:(
wit
hherl
ipscur
ved)notsobadhelooksl
ike
someonewhowoulddoagoodj obatt
his
Danger
:tr
ustmehewon'
tdi
sappoi
nt
Di
puo:soyoubr
ief
edhi
mri
ght
?
Danger
:yesmamaheknowswhatt
odo
Di
puo:good.Youngboyidon'
ttakewellt
o
di
sappoi
ntmentsdoweunderstandeachother
?
Mi
ke:eemma
Di
puo:doyouhaveanyadvant
aget
opul
lthi
sof
f?
Mi
ke:i
m act
ual
lyanempl
oyeeatt
hei
rcompanyso
i
twillbeeasyt
otakeherasiwi
llbeatt
hef
uner
al
ser
vice
Di
puo:ohper
fectt
henwehaveawi
nni
ngpl
anher
e
Mi
ke:yes.Ibel
ieveDangert
oldyouhowioper
ate
Dipuo:yes(t
ookoutanenvelope)her
eissomethi
ng
tomot i
vat
eyou.P7.5Kinthere.Youwil
lgett
he
balanceoncethechil
dhishere
Mike:wonderf
ul.(
Tookt
heenvel
ope)l
et'
smeet
againtomorr
ow

Hecheckedinsi
deandthebl
ueandpur pl
enot
es
wer
einthere.Heputi
tinhi
sjacketandmadehis
wayout.
..

Dipuo:nowwear egoodtogo.Menwanaphezul
u
howi syourf
ingermygir
l(t
heylaughed)
Dor
een:st
opmaki
ngf
unofmymot
hergr
annyao
Matshi
diso:youar
ehappyil
ostapar
tofmyf
inger
neh?
Di
puo:aocomeonmyl
ovei
mjustt
easi
ngyou
Mat
shi
diso:mxm

Theyl
aughed.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Thepr aiseandwor shi

pt eam tooktheirseat
swhile
i
naf igur ehuggingandgl i
tt
eringlongdressMaya
exhaledst andingi
nfrontofever yonewhilet
he
pianistpl ayedsomesof tnotes.Hel ookedather
father'scof f
inasemot i
onsgott hebet t
erofher.
Shet ur nedawayasJoshuar ushedtoherwhi l
ethe
pianistcont inuedtopl
ay...

Joshua:ar
eyouoklove?(
Shenodded)wi
llbeyou
beabletocar
ryon?
Maya:yeah
Joshua:ok.I
twi
llbeokneh.Il
oveyoubaby.Be
str
ong.

Hesoft
lywi
pedhert
earandkissedhercheekand
wentbackt
ohi
sseatassheturnedandsniff
ed..
.

Maya:f ir
stlyletmesayt hankyout oever yonewho
madei ther e.Yourpresenceishi ghlyappr eciated.
(Sheexhal ed)oknowt othemanl yinginf r
ontofus
today,(swal l
owed)papaihadaf ewdayswi t
hyou
butigrewf ondofyou.Youwer ereall
yachar mi ng
manandiseewhymamaf el
linlovewi thyou( t
hey
smiled)youhadawar m heartandwer et he
grandfathermychi ldrenneededi ntheirl
ivesi n
thosefewdays.Iwi sh..
.(swallowedandexhal ed)i
wishGodwoul dhave...
(exhaledast earscame)i
wishhewoul dhavegivenusmor etimepapa
becauseiwant edtogett oknowyoumor e(they
rol
leddown)youdi dn'tdeservet oli
vet helifeyou
l
iveddadandibel i
eveifwasn' tforityouwoul dstil
l
beher et
oday.Yourlaughf
il
ledt
hewhol ehouse
foll
owedbyyourstrongcoughandwakingupt o
thatever
ydaygavemehopepapa.Imeanyouwer e
supposedtowalkmedownt hei
sledad.You..
.

Shehel
dhermouthshakingherheadast
ear
srol
led
downwhil
eKenei
lwerushedtoher..
.

Maya:( si
ghed)youwer esupposedt oseeyour
daughterinthatwhitedressimeani t
'severy
father
'sdream toseetheirchildtakethathugebut
thenagainGodhadot herplans.ResteasyVi ctor
Lentswemychi ldrenandiwi llwithourenti
refamily
willal
wayst r
easurethemoment swehadwi thyou.
Thankyouf orteachingmyboyt hosecar dtr
icks
nowhe' sschooli
ngever yone.Iloveyoudad

Shesni
ffedgoi
ngtoherseatwhi
lethepr
aiset
eam
st
oodupt osi
nganot
hersongwhilePast
orTaolo
madehiswaytothepodi
um.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Makiqui
etl
ysati
nacor
nerashercel
lmat
ewentt
o
her
..
.

Lady:ar
eyouok?
Maki
:theyar
ebur
yinghi
mtoday
Lady:who?
Maki
:myhusband
Lady:ohok
Maki
:butift
heythinktheyaregoi
ngt oeasil
ytake
meoutli
kethatthentheyhaveanotherthing
comi
ng.Im goi
ngt ohaveallhi
sassetsfrozen
Lady:al
ady'
sgott
odowhatshecan
Maki:t
heywon'tknowwhathi
tthem.Theyf or
get
thatVi
ctorhasachil
dwit
hmeandi m st
il
llegal
ly
hiswif
esoeverythi
ngbel
ongstomydaught erandi
Lady:l
wamosadi
,mosadikent
wamydear(
fi
ght
woman)

Makicli
ckedhert
ongueandwi pedatearwhi
leat
thephoneboothPreci
ouspunchedinMmaLuke's
number..
.

MmaLuke:Hel
lo?
Pr
eci
ous:Cynt
hiai
t'
sPr
eci
ous
MmaLuke:wher
edoyougetof
fcal
li
ngmebymy
f
ir
stname?
Pr
eci
ous:ihavesomet
hingf
oryou
MmaLuke:aft
eryouf
ailedmetheot
hert
imeyou
t
hinkI
'
m goingtobel
ieveyounow?
Preci
ous:butt
hisi
smuchbet
tert
hanwhat
happenedthel
astti
me
MmaLuke:I
'
mli
steni
ng
Pr
eci
ous:youpai
ddamagesf
ort
hesechi
ldr
enr
ight
?
MmaLuke:yes
Pr
ecious:wor
donthestr
eetsays.Mayaisget
ti
ng
marr
iedandthismani
staki
ngint heki
dsaswell
MmaLuke:mma?Who'
ski
ds?
Pr
eci
ous:yourki
dsmyl
ove,
yourki
ds
MmaLuke:overmydeadbody.Notaf
teripai
d
damagesfort
hoseki
ds.
Precious:exact
lymypointsoi
fiwereyouiwould
makesur eidoeveryt
hinginmypowertostopthi
s
facadeofaweddi ngf
rom happeni
ng
MmaLuke:whodoest
hisMayagi
rlt
hinkshei
s?
(
Scof
fed)she'
sgoi
ngtoknowme
Pr
eci
ous:gogetwhat
'syour
sMmaLuke
MmaLuke:yesesmant
hischi
ld

Shecli
ckedhertonguehangi
ngupwhil
ePr
eci
ous
smil
edputti
ngthephoneonthehook.
..
Pr
eci
ous:checkmat
eMaya

Shelaughedleavi
ngthephoneboothwhi
lei
nthe
vi
sit
ingareaDipuotookherseat
..
.

Rona:and?
Di
puo:ever
ythi
nghast
akenshape
Rona:goodaf
terget
ti
ngt
hatchi
ldt
akehert
othi
s
man

Shel
ookedaroundandsubtlysl
idapapert
oDi
puo
whosubtl
ytookitandopenedit
..
.

Rona:al
lthei
nformati
onyouneedisi
nt her
e.He
wil
lknowwhattodoandaf t
erhedoesiteveryt
hing
t
hatscreamsSeikanyengwi
llcomecr
umbl i
ngdown
Di
puo:whataboutyou?
Rona:i
m abi
gwomanil
ongcutmyt
ieswi
thMoet
i
ancest
orssot
hiswon'
taf
fectme
Di
puo:ohisee
Rona:makesur
eal
lthi
shappenst
oday
Dipuo:yesRonaanyt
hingt
ost
opal
lthi
snonsense
fr
om happening
Rona:good

Di
puoputthepi
eceofpaperi
nherbreastsand
wal
kedoutwhil
eRonasatbacksmil
ing..
.

Rona:t
ick-
tockt
ick-
tock.I
t'
soverf
oryouMaya
Moeti

Shesoftl
ylaughedmaki ngherwayoutwhileone
manf r
om anothertabl
estoodupandf ol
lowed
Dipuoout.Hewaitedforhertodr
iveoutandsubtl
y
fol
lowedher.
Att
hegr
aveyar
ds.
..

Aft
erput
ti
ngthecasketonthelower
ingbelt
sMaya
t
ookagulpofwaterandstoodinfr
ontofthemi
cas
t
hekeyboardst
art
edplayi
ng..
.

Kei
thegi
lekawenamol
opol
li
OModi
mo(
repeat
)
Kei
thegi
le

Team:kei
thegi
lekawenamol
opol
li
OModi
mo

Theypressedthelower i
ngbut t
onast hecoff
in
star
tedtogodownsl owly.Keneil
webowedher
headandsilent
lycriedasGl i
diasoft
lyrubbedher
handgivi
ngherat issue..
.
Maya: Kewenat
sel
annet
elebophel
o
Kei
thegi
le.
.
Team:kei
thegi
le(
kawenaRamasedi
)kawena
Maya:kewenat
sel
ayannet
elebophel
obosa
f
elengyeah
Team:kei
thegi
lekawena
Maya:t
sal
efat
she
Team:tsalef
atshe(
tsonadint
atl
hil
e)dint
atl
hil
e
(Moyawakayeah)Moyawaka( onyoret
swewena)
onyoretswewena
Maya:mat
lhokoal
efat
shel
ena(
tear
srol
leddown)
Team:t
sal
efat
she
Maya:amphedi
tsehol
ekaneMor
enaJeso
Team:dint
atl
hil
e
Maya:moyawakaobat
lawena
Team:moyawaka(
obat
lawena)onyor
etswewena
Maya:(
hitthehi
ghnotecryi
ng)tsalefat
she!(
Tsa
l
efat
she)tsonadint
atl
hil
e(dint
atl
hile)moyawaka
olabalabelawena( moyawaka)t auyalel okolajuta
wenaf el
a(onyor etswewena)j wal okakgamae
l
abal abelamet si(t
salefat
she)moyawaakao
l
abal abelawena( di nt
atl
hil
e)wenaf el
aMor ena
Jeso( moyawakaonyor etswewena)( t
het eam
stoppedsi ngingasshecar r
iedon)t salefatshedi
ntatl
hileMoyawakaonyor etswewena, tsal ef
atshe,
tsalefatshelotlhetsonadint at
lhi
le,moyawakao
nyoretswewena

Shesquat tedcryinghereyesoutshaki ngherhead

whi l
et hekeyboar dcont inuedtoplayasJoshua
attendedt oher.Thatt imeever yonefel
tallthe
emot ionsshewasf eel i
ngandembar kedont he
j
our neywi thherexceptf orafewpeopl e.I
twast r
ue,
Mayahadanangel icvoi ceandeacht i
meshehi ta
not eonewoul df eelt heheavensopenont hem.
Apr i
lcheckedherwat erbottl
eandi twasempt y.
Shel ookedar oundt heel dersthatweresurrounding
herandt heywer ecr ying.Shedeci dedtolook
aroundwher eext rawat ercanbeashereyesl ocked
withthoseofasmi l
ingMi ke.Heusedhi sfingersto
cal
lherasshefrownedlookingathergrandmother
.
ShelookedbackatMikeandhest i
llcal
ledherand
showedherabot t
leofwaterasshestoodup.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
19] :AKEPTWOMAN
78

Man:(t
ouchedhi
searandspokewi
thhi
steet
h
cl
enched)3'
ocl
ock
Man2:I
'
m wi
thhi
m
Man3:ar
eyousur
e?
Man2:yesiwanttoseewhathi
sint
ent
ionsar
e,I'
ve
beenwat
chinghi
m.9'ocl
ocksoft
lyt
urnto2o'
clock
Man4:ok

HeturnedandsawApr
ilgoi
ngst
rai
ghtt
oMi
ke'
s
di
rect
ion.
..

Man2:6o'
cl
ockbl
ockhi
m now
Man5:excusemesi
r

Miketurnedwi
thafr
ownonhisf
acet
oamanhe
di
dn'tknowwherehecamef
rom.
..

Apr
il
:canipl
easehavewat
er?
Mi
ke:yes.
Man5:iwi
llt
akecar
eofher
Man2:youcomewi
thme
Mi
ke:(
frowned)what
?
Man2:ihaveaf
ewquest
ionsf
oryou
Mi
ke:whatdi
didonow?
Man2:justcomewit
hme.Youseet hatpeopl
ear
e
mour
ningheresolet
'snotcauseascene
Mi
ke:noidon'
tunder
standwhy.
..

Themanmovedhisj
acketandshowedhi
m hisgun
asheswal
lowedwi
thhi
sheartbeat
ingf
ast.
..

Man2:t
hechoi
cei
syour
s

Mikelookedathim andher eall

ylookedl ikeone
whodoesn'tmisswhenheput shi sfingeront he
tr
igger
.Hadtheybeenwat chinghi m?Howdi dthey
evenknowhewaspl anni
ngsomet hing?Washe
goingbacktojail
?Thosear ethequest ionshe
askedhimselfastheymadet heirwayt othevan.
Meanwhi l
eAprilsi
ghedafterdrinkingherwat erand
madewaybackt othegazebo...
Apri
l:whydopeopl
ecr
ywhenaper
sonhasgonet
o
heaven?
Man5:it'
sbecausetheywerenotreadyf ort
he
persontogoandthefactt
hattheywillonlysee
them whentheygotoheavenhurt
sthem mor e
Apri
l:butshoul
dn'
twebehappy?I
sheavennota
goodplacetobe?
Man5:iti
sagoodpl
acetobe.I
t'
sjustt
hatwear
e
neverr
eadyt
osaygoodbyet
othepeopl
ewelove
Apr
il
:okbutidon'
tli
keseei
ngmymom cr
y
Man5:shewi l
lbefi
nedon'
tworry.Whatiwantyou
todoformeisbecaref
ulofpeopleoknevergotoa
personyoudon'
tknowwhentheycallyouok
Apr
il
:ok.Whoar
eyou?
Man5:(
smi
led)yournewbestf
ri
end
Apr
il
:(st
oppedandt
urnedwi
thaf
rown)huh?
Man5:yes
Apri
l:butyouareol
dwhywoul
dibecomef
ri
ends
wit
hanol dperson?
Man5:becausetheyar
egoi
ngt
opr
otectyou
wher
everyouare
Apr
il
:ohok
Man5:yesma'
am

Shewenttoherseatandsoftl
ychatwithHerbert
whil
etheyfi
nishedcover
ingVictor
'sgr
ave.Joshua
wenttohi
smot herandwhisperedinherearasshe
madeherwayoutwi thMrKgang. .
.

Maya:wher
ear
etheygoi
ng?
Joshua:iaskedt
hem t
oat
tendt
osomet
hingf
orme
Maya:ok
Joshua:don'
tyouwantwat
er?
Maya:noi
m ok

Out
sidethegraveyar
dGl
idiaandhusbandmade
wayint
ot heSUVwhereMikewaswith3guar
ds.
..
Gl
idi
a:what
'
sgoi
ngonher
e?
Man2:ma' am asMrKgangi nst
ruct
edust owatch
overever
yoneinoticedsomethi
ngoffaboutthi
s
man.Hecal l
edAprilwit
hhisfi
ngersandthoughtno
onewaswat ching
Mi
ke:shel
ookedl
ikesheneededmyhel
p
MrK:whathel
p?Doessheknowyou?
Mike:noshedoesn'
t.Inot
icedt
hatherwat
erwas
f
inishedasshel
ookedatherbottl
e.It
hencal
ledher
t
ocomegetwat er
Gl
idi
a:doyouwor
kfort
hef
uner
alpar
lour
?
Mi
ke:no
Gl
idi
a:nowhat
?
Mi
ke:(
swal
lowed)noma'
am
Gl
idi
a:whosentyou?
Mi
ke:mma?
MrK:youhear
dthequest
ion
Mi
ke:i
m notsentbyanyone
MrK:myboyweknowali
arwhenweseeoneso
don'
tyoudar
etr
yusl
iket
hat
Gl
idi
a:nonoleavehi
m hewi
llt
alk.Boysmakesur
e
hedoesn'
tgoanywhere
Al
l:yesma'
am

Theymadet heirwaybackwhil
eMikesighedand
shookhishead.Meanwhileonther
oadDi puo
fr
ownedandst oppedforaladywholookedheavi
ly
pregnantandinpain.
..

Di
puo:sor
rydearar
eyouok?
Lady:i
minl
abourandpeopl
edon'
twantt
ost
opf
or
me
Di
puo:Batswanarur
i.Comei
nletmet
akeyout
o
t
henearesthospi
tal
Lady:t
hankyousomuchihopei
m not
i
nconveni
enci
ngyou
Di
puo:noyoudon'
tlookok

Thel
adywenti
nthebackandsi
ghedsi
tt
ingback.
..

Di
puo:howl
onghaveyoubeenil
abour
?
Lady:(
text
ing)t
heyj
ustst
art
ed
Dipuo:ohokyouar
est
il
lfarf
rom gi
vingbi
rt
h.I
sit
yourfi
rstchi
ld?
Lady:(
cor
kedhergun)pul
lover
Di
puo:(
heatski
pped)heebat
hong!
?
Lady:isai
dpul
lover

Stil
lconfusedwithherheartr
acingacarcut
throughhersandst oppedinf
rontofherasshe
quicklyhitt
hebrakeswhileamancameoutoft he
othercarshowingagununderhi sjacket
..
.

Di
puo:bat
honggodi
ragal
aeng(
what
'sgoi
ngon)
Lady:getoutoft
hecar
Di
puo:what
?
Man:youhear
dher
.Out
Di
puo:bongwanakat
hisi
snott
hewayt
o..
.
Man:st
opt
alki
ngandgetout

Hesai
dopeni
ngt
hedoorf
orherassheswal
lowed.
..

Dipuo:i
m oldenought
obeyourmot
her
.Pl
ease
don'tdothi
s
Man:yetyouhavethegutst
owantt
omakeanot
her
per
son'sl
ifeal
ivi
nghell
.Out!

Hepul
ledheroutwhi
let
hel
adygotoutaswel
l.
..

Di
puo:butit
hought
..
.
Lady:t
houghtwhat
?
Shelaughedt aki
ngoutapi ll
owf rom herdress
whil
eDi puoswal lowedt er
rif
ied.Shehopedf ora
savi
nggr acebutt hatwasaf arfetcheddream as
themanl edhertohi scarwher eshef ound2other
meninsi de.Themangoti nthedr iver
'sseatand
tookoffwhi letheladyfoll
owedt hem inDoreen's
carandcal ledGlidia.

Att
heAdi
ole'
s.
..

Kel
echiquiet
lymadewaytothekit
chenwhi
leher
ni
ecelookedathersi
tt
ingonthedi
ningt
abl
e..
.

Sundae:goodmor
ningt
oyout
oo
Kel
echi
:ohhi
Sundae:whyareyouupsol
ateandwhydi
dyounot
gotothefuner
al?
Kel
echi
:idon'
tli
kef
uner
als.Il
ongwokeupj
ustt
hat
iwaspacki
ng
Sundae:(
frowned)packi
ng?Ar
eyougoi
ngbackt
o
London?
Kel
echi
:ofcour
senotbuti
m goi
ngt
omyhouse
Sundae:oh?
Kel
echi
:yesimanagedtof
indanapar
tmenther
ein
t
hecit
ysoim movingt
oday
Sundae:butyoudon'
thavef
urni
tur
eaunt
y
Kekechi
:it
'saf
ull
yfur
nishedapar
tmentandagain
i
t'
sjustt
emporarywhi
leilookf
oraproperhouse
Sundae:whydoyouhavetostayi
nanapar
tment
whil
eyoursist
erhasahugehouse?
Kel
echi
:idon'
twantt
obei
nanyone'
sspace
Sundae:butt
hemoneyyouareusi
ngonrentyou
coul
dheput t
ingi
ttowar
dst
hehouseyouwantto
get
Kelechi
:andwhendi
dyoubecomeaf
inanci
al
advisor
?
Sundae:j
ustmyopi
nionaunt
y
Kel
echi
:di
diaskf
ori
t?
Sundae:sor
ry
Kel
echi
:mindyourownbusi
nessyounggirl(
the
gat
ebellr
ang)t
hatmustbethemovingvan.Open
Sundae:it
houghtyouwoul
dwai
tformom and
aunt
yChitocomeback
Kel
echi
:Sundaest
opt
alki
ngandopent
hegat
e

Shesaidgoi
ngtothebedroom whi
leashocked
Sundaeshookherheadopeni
ng.

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Ever
yonesatar
oundthet
abl
esast
heygotser
ved
uncl
udi
ngthefamil
y..
.

Gl
idi
a:ineedt
ogetgoi
ng
Joshua:wher
ear
eyougoi
ngmayouknowwehave
somet
hingt
otakecar
eof
Maya:ihonest
lycan'tbel
ievemydaught
eral
most
gott
akenwhatiswr ongwi t
hpeopl
e?Ineedt
hem t
o
pay
Gli
dia:ohtr
ustmei m goi
ngtomakesur eofthat.
Joshuaim goi
ngtogett othebot
tom ofthi
s.Ifeel
l
ikeihaven'
tbeendoingenough.Allofthi
shas
Ronawr i
tt
enalloveri
t
Maya:t
hiswomanwon'tr
estunti
lsheseesme6
f
eetri
ght?(
Joshuar
ubbedherthi
gh)
MrK:don'
tworr
ymychil
dwehavegotyourback
wearegoi
ngtomakesur
ewegetri
dofherforgood
Mara:i
t'
ssosickeni
ngt
hatsomef
ami
lymember
s
canbeli
kethi
s
Lydia:andweal
lknowwhotoblameforal
loft
his.
Im sorrymamaKbutyourmot
herrui
nedyourl
ives
Kenei
lwe:don'
tbesor
rymychildi
t'
sthetrut
h.She
i
ndeedwasavi l
ewomanandt hesoonericutt
ies
wit
hthosepeoplet
hehappi
erandpeacefuliwi
llbe
Lesedi
:yeahsomet
imesi
t'
sgoodt
odosoi
nor
der
toprot ectyourownpeaceandsani t
y.Thefir
stday
Titusintroducedmet oRonaandherdaught eri
didn'tli
kethem ievent oldhimt hatsamenightthat
yourmot herandsisterar enotgoodpeople.Wehad
aver ybi gfi
ghtaboutitf orweeks.Weevenbr oke
upbutiguesswel ovedoneanot hertoomucht olet
peopl edictat
eourr el
ationship
Mara:loveconquersal
lmyloveandMayathatwas
goodofyout osuggestmoresecur
it
yimagi
neifwe
di
dn'thavethekidswatched
Maya:wewoul dbecryi
ngfoulr
ightnow.Honest
ly
speaki
ngthoughim ki
ndofscaredthatwhati
f
somethi
nghappensandt heyl
osesightasti
me
goes?
Joshua:ihavegott hebestpeopl
eintownmyl ove
sodon'tworry.Ihavealsomadesuret hatt
he
tr
acki
ngdevi cesonourcar sareuptodate
Maya:butt
hisisnotaheal
thywayofl
ivi
ng.
Looki
ngoveryourshoul
derever
yti
mei
snotnice
Gl
idi
a:i
twi
llsoonbeover
.Letmegetgoi
ngguys
MrK:besaf
emyl
ove
Gl
idi
a:t
hankshoney.Seeyouguysl
aterdonothave
t
oomuchf unbef
oreigetbackok

Theylaughedasshemadeherwayoutwi
thoneof
theguardsfol
lowi
ngher
.

AtDor
een'
shouse.
..

Shesighedshakingherheadtryi
ngher
grandmotheragainbutherphonewassti
llnot
goingthr
ough..
.

Doreen:noweneedtocallt
hepol
icemawecan'
t
si
tli
kethis.I
t'
sbeenhour
snow
Matshidi
so:maybeshewenti
ntoamal
landher
bat
terydiedDor
een
Dor
een:st
il
l,
sheshoul
dbebackbynow
Matshi
diso:di
dyounotsuggestt
hatyougowi
th
her
?
Dor
een:ididbutyouknowhowdi
ff
icul
tyour
mothercanbe.
Matshi
diso:sheknowswhyshedidn'
twantyout
o
gowithher.Let
'sj
ustwai
tunt
il1pm t
henwewill
cal
lthepoli
ce
Doreen:ihaveabadf
eel
ingaboutt
his(
Danger
camei n)and?
Danger
:hi
sphonei
snotgoi
ngt
hrough
Doreen:nothi
si snotright
.Somethinghas
happened.Im surethosepeoplel
onggotbackfrom
thegravesi
detheyshoul dhavespreadthewor
d
aboutami ssi
ngchildbynow
Danger
:maybehewant
stol
ayl
owabi
t
Dor
een:whyl
ayl
ow?Wehavet
oogeti
tmovi
ng
Danger
:whydon'tyoucal
loneofthepeopl
ether
e
andchecki
fther
e'sanyt
hinghappeni
ng?
Matshi
diso:wear enotingoodter
mswi t
hthose
peopl
esoi t
'sgoingtogiveusaway.Wedidn'teven
knowVictorthatwellwhywouldweallofsudden
checkupont hem aftert
hechi
ldgoesmissing?
Doreen:mom i
sri
ghtwewi
llbet
hrowi
ngour
sel
ves
underthebus
Danger
:thenwehavenochoi
cebutt
owai
t
Dor
een:ei
sh

Shesighedthr
owinghersel
fonthecouchwhilea
notbother
edMatshidi
socheckedherbandaged
fi
ngerout.

BackatJoshua'
shouse.
..

Wit
hthegat
eopenMmaLukeparkedhercari
n
f
rontoft
hegat
eandgotof
fboi
li
ng..
.

MmaLuke:bal
oi!(
Wit
ches)

Ever
yonet
urnedast
heguar
dsbl
ockedherway.
..
MmaLuke:moveoutofmyway!MayaMoet
iiwant
mychi
ldr
enandiwantthem now!

IntheshadeMayasl
owlyl
ookedatJoshuawho
askedhertot
ryandst
aycalm.
..

Guar
d:youcan'
tcomei
nher
e
MmaLuke:i
m nother
ef oryouim her
efort
hatchi
ld
t
hief
.Iwantmychil
drenyoulit
tl
ewi t
ch!
Maya:youknowwhatt
hatdoesi
t!

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandstor
medofft
othegate
whil
eLydiast
oppedJoshuawhowant
edtofol
low
her
..
.

Maya:whatisyourpr
oblem?Doyout hi
nkt
hisa
fr
eedom squar
e?Can'tyouheart
hesemensayi
ng
youcan'
tcomei nher
e?
MmaLuke:iwantmychi
ldr
en
Maya:whichchildr
en?Thelastt
imeicheckedyou
hadonechildandifirememberverywellhe'
s6feet
undersoidon'tknowwhichotherchi
ldr
enyouare
tal
kingabout
MmaLuke:areyoualll
ist
eningt
oher
?Ar
eyoual
l
l
ist
eni
ngtothiswit
chinsultme!
?
Mar
eledi
:fr
iendcal
m down
Maya:noMar el
edii
m notgoingtocalm down.Im
sosickofpeopl
ethi
nkingtheycandowhat ever
theywantwit
hmyl i
fe.Youbetterl
eavethisyard
befor
eicallt
hepoli
ceonyouCynt hia
MmaLuke:idon'
tknowwhatmysonsawinyou.
Youar
enothingbutanexcusef
orahumanbei
ng
Mara:excuseme?Ar eyouseriouslygoingtoi
nsul
t
anotherwomaninherownhome?Don' tyouhave
somebeansorcor ntosievebecauseyouar e
honestl
yembarassingyoursel
frightnow
MmaLuke:iseeyouhavespokesper
sonsnow.
Whati
sit
?Isitthatcheapr
ing?
Joshua:oknowt
hat
'swher
eidr
awt
hel
ine(
hesai
d
hol
dingMaya'
swai
st)
MmaLuke:( scof
fed)iguessyouarethehusbandt
o
be.Letmet el
lyoumyboyshe' sgoi
ngt of
ini
shyou
offandki
llyou
Lesedi:don'
tyoudar
ecomparemysist
er'
shusband
wit
ht hatpat
heti
candexcusef
orahumansonof
yours
MmaLuke:omangwena?(
Whoar
eyou)
Ti
tus:someoneyoudon'twantt
oevenexchange
bi
tterwor
dswithbecauseyouwilll
eavet
hispl
ace
wi
thyour2secondsoff ameinshambles
MmaLuke:MayaMoet
iiwantmychi
ldr
en
Kenei
lwe:younotgoi
ngt
otakeanychi
ldr
enmy
l
ovedealwitht
hat
MmaLuke:andyouar
e?
Kenei
lwe:t
hegrandmot
hert
heyhaveal
ways
deser
ved.Leave
MmaLuke:ifyouthinkim goi
ngtol
etyoumarr
yoff
yourpat
het
icdaught erwit
hmyson'schi
ldr
enthen
youhaveanotherthingcoming
Al
exander:andthat
'swhereiwil
lcomein.Idon'
t
mi
ndget t
ingitdownwithyouincourtsweetl
ady.
MmaLuke:ipai
ddamagesf
ort
hoseki
dst
heyar
e
mi
ne
MrKgang:wewil
lthenr
etur
nthosedamages5
t
imesfol
deven
MmaLuke:(
chuckl
ed)awholecl
anisee.Wat
chme
showyouwhatim capabl
eof
Alexander:noyouneedtogetgoi
ng.Mayawhohas
ful
lcustodyofthesechi
ldr
en?
Maya:i
t'
sme
Alexander :t
heref
oremamai tmeansthatevenif
sheget smar ri
edshegetstodecidewet herher
chil
drent akeherhusband'snameornot .Weare
gratefulf
ordoingt her
ightthingwhenyourson
i
mpr egnat edherbutshe'
st hemotherandshehas
thefinalsay
MmaLuke:soMayayouar
egoi
ngt
obuyaweddi
ng
wi
thmyson'schi
ldr
en?
Maya:guar
dst
akeheroutwehavegi
venyou
enoughat
tent
ion
Guar
d:ma'
am Let
'sgo
MmaLuke:don'
ttouchme!(
Cli
ckedhert
ongue)t
his
i
sfarf
rom over
!

Shewentt
ohercarwhi
leMayasmi
ledandwaved
ather
..
.

Lydi
a:t
alkaboutbei
ngdr
amat
ic
Maya:i
mt ir
edoffighti
ngmeaningl
essfights
honest
lycanpeopleleavemeinpeace?Ur ghman.
Nowanotherpersonweshouldbelookingoutfor
,
i
mt i
red
Mar
eledi
:don'
twor
ryf
ri
endwegotyourbackno
mat
terwhat

Theyheadedbackt
otheshade.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Gli
diapul
ledoutachai
rforDi
puowhol
ookedather
andtookherseat
..
.

Gl
idi
a:(
smi
led)t
hat
'smygi
rl

Shewhisper
edtotheguardashemadehi
swayout
whil
eshesighedandtookherseat
..
.

Gl
idi
a:what
'
staki
ngt
hem sol
ongwehavepl
acest
o
be
Di
puo:doyouknowyoucangetar
rest
edf
ort
his?

Glidi
alookedatherandscoff
edshakingherhead
whi l
ethedoorsopend.Ronamadeherwayt hrough
them butfr
ozeseeingherauntseat
edwithhernew
enemywhowassmi l
ing.
..
Gl
idi
a:comeonnowdearwedon'
thaveal
lday
Rona:(
hel
dherwaist
)kegoremosadikewenao
mpatl
ang?(Whatdoyouwantf
rom mewoman)
Guar
d:si
tdown(
shedi
d)
Rona:whatdoyouwantf
rom me?Di
puor
eal
lynow?
Glidi
a:youareoneofthemostconni vi
ngcunti
haveevercomeacr ossmyl ove.Toevengoasf ar
asdisrespecti
ngyourevilmotherfrom hergrave
j
usttobl ockanot
herperson'
sl i
fe?Aper sonwho
hasneverdoneyouwr ong?Ronai syourlif
eboring
thatmuch?
Rona:soyousol
dmeoutDi
puo?
Gli
dia:ohnodearshedidn'
tyoubothsol
d
yoursel
ves.Youwantedtokil
lyourowngr
andni
ece
Rona?Whati swrongwithyou?
Rona:youknowwhati
m notgoingtositf
orthi
s.
Di
puoyouhavehonest
lydisappoi
ntedme.Inever
t
houghtyouwoul
dbesuchaweakl ing.It
rust
edyou
Gl
idi
a:youar
enotgoi
ngt
oevendenyi
t
Rona:mxm

Shesai
dpushi
ngherchai
routandt
urnedwal
king
away.
..

Man:Rona

Herhear tskippedabeatasshef r
owned
recognizingt hevoi
ce.Dipuotur
nedasherj aw
droppedt ot hefamili
arfacewhil
eRonasl owl
y
turned.Herhear tdroppedtothestomachandf el
t
dizzyasshel ockedeyeswi t
hherblastfrom t
he
past.Theguar dscaughtherasshest aggeredback
almostf all
ing..
.

Di
puo:(
shocked)Pat
ri
ck?
Pat
ri
ck:yout
houghtiwasdeadr
ight
?
Di
puo:Ronawhati
sgoi
ngon?
Rona:(
breat
hingheavi
ly)ican'
t.
..
ican'
t
br
ea.
..
breat
h..
.
Patri
ck:iwanttoseethedaught
eryousai
dyou
aborted.Iwanthertoknowwhatki
ndofamot her
hermot heri
sandt r
ustmewhenisayim goi
ngto
tel
lhereveryt
hing

Thosewor dssentRona'
sbloodpressur
esky
rocket
ingasshemel t
edintheguard'
sarms.They
call
edformedicalat
tent
ionwhil
eashockedDipuo
l
ookedatasmi li
ngGlidi
a..
.

Di
puo:whoar
eyou?
Gli
dia:yourworstni
ghtmar eandifyouhaveany
skel
etonsinyourclosetyoubettertakethem out
becauseim st
il
lcomingf oreachoneofyou.Youl ot
havemessedwi ththewr ongperson.Kindlymake
sureshewakesupbecauseshehasal otof
answeringtodo

Shesmi
ledmor
easDi
puoshookherheadoutof
wordswhilePatri
cktookhisseat .Justbyl
ookingat
hi
m youwoul dtel
lthathewaswel loff
.Notri
chbut
fi
lt
hyri
ch.Themedi csattendedtoRonawhi lethe
doorsopenedagainwi t
hConst ableKerenggoingi
n.
HelookedaroundandsawGl idi
at henwenttoher.
..

Ker
eng:mamaGi
m her
e
Gli
dia:r
ightaboutti
me.Ther
eist
hecul
pri
t(she
poi
ntedatDi puo)
Di
puo:what
!?
Ker
eng:idon'
twantt
of i
ghtwi
thyoumamapl
ease
comewithmetothestati
on
Di
puo:why?
Kereng:abduct
ingahumanbeingi
saseriouscr
ime
punishabl
ebythelawevenwhenunsuccessf
ulbut
youar enowconsider
edadangert
othecommunity
Di
puo:wai
t,youcan'
t.
..
Gli
dia:isai
diam comi
ngf
oreachofyou.Takeher
awaymyson
Ker
eng:come

Di
puoswall
owedandstoodupleadi
ngthewayout
whi
leRonagai
nedherconsci
ousness.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
19] :AKEPTWOMAN
79

Nur
se:herbl
oodpressur
eist
oohi
ghwear
egoi
ng
t
ohavetohospi
tal
iseher
Gli
dia:nosheneedst
oanswersomeimport
ant
questi
ons.Ronamydearyouaresonotgoi
ngt
o
escapethi
s
Nurse:i
m sosorr
ybuti
fyoureal
lywantthose
answersyouaregoi
ngtohavetowaitunti
lshe'
s
bett
er
Gl
idi
a:oht
rustmeiwi
ll
.
Nur
se:pl
easehel
pust
akehert
othehospi
tal

Fourguar
dscarri
edheronthest
retcherand
headedoutwhi
leGli
diasi
ghedsi
tti
ngback..
.

Gl
idi
a:she'
ssol
uckybutshewon'
tbet
henextt
ime
Pat
ri
ck:sowhathappensnow?
Gli
dia:youaregoi
ngt omeetupwithyourdaught
er
andthisistheper
fectchancewhi
leshe'
sstil
l
hospital
ised
Pat
ri
ck:ican'
tdotwovi
sit
sinadaysoiwi
llhavet
o
wai
tfortomorr
ow
Glidi
a:i
t'
sstil
lnotapr
oblem becauset
hehospi
tali
s
goingtodischar
geheronlywhenherblood
pressur
egoesdownandi tmightt
akeupto24t
o
48hr
sifnot72
Patri
ck:okiwi
llseePrecioust omor
row.Ican'
t
beli
eveili
vedsolongthinkingihavenochild.
Thankyousomuchf orfi
ndi ngmeihopethisgoes
thewayiwantitto
Gli
dia:aslongasyout el
lPr
eciouseverythingyou
tol
dmei m good.Remembershe'sami niversi
onof
Ronabutist rongl
ybel
ievet
hataf t
erhearingwhat
youhavef orhershe'
sgoingtoviewlif
eina
dif
ferentway
Pat
ri
ck:t
hat
'
sal
liwant
Gl
idi
a:wondef
ul.Let
'sgetgoi
ng

Shel
edt
hewayoutsmi
li
ng.

Ont
hei
rwayhome.
..

Lor
nat appedherf
inger
sonthestirr
ingwheel
si
ngingalongtosomesoftgospelsounds.
..
Lorna:youknowMayacanmakeaper songoback
tochurch.Thatyoungwomancansingyoh.She
honestl
ymademeshedat earatt
hegraveyar
d

Sheturnedt
oDuncanwhoseemedt
obemi
les
away..
.

Lor
na:i
m ial
onei
nthi
scar
?Duncan?
Duncan:huh?Ohyeahshei
sagoodsi
nger
Lor
na:what
'sgoi
ngonwi
thyou?Whyar
eyouso
qui
et?
Duncan:i
mthi
nki
ngaboutourson
Lor
na:ohok
Duncan:whydoesi
tlookl
ikeyoudon'
tcar
e?
Lor
na:iact
uall
ycare.Hadinotdonewhatidi
dwe
wouldn'
tbeher
etoday.Youwouldprobabl
ybe
bur
yingmetodayaswel l
Duncan:(
sighed)butSai
ntt
houghwher
edi
dhe
evengett
hepoi son?
Lorna:onl yhim cananswert hat.Idon' thateSai nt
notatal lijustwanthimt ogobackt otheSai ntthat
weknow.Iwanthi mtoknowt hatl if
edoesnot
revol
vear oundhi m.Iwanthimt ol earnsome
responsi bil
it
y.Ifwekeept i
p-t
oei ngar oundhi m we
wouldnotbedoi nghim anyjusticebecausehe
wouldt hinkwhathedoesi sright .Ibeli
eveSai ntis
sti
llagoodchi ldhejustneedst her ightpunishment
forhimt ogobackt otheSaintweknowandt his,i
s
therightpuni shmentforthat
Duncan:butsometi
mesl
ove,
pri
sonchanges
peopl
efortheworst
Lorna:t
hejuveni
lehasal
otofser
vicesi
ncl
udi
ng
counsel
li
ng
Duncan:f
rom whatisawyester
dayidon'
tsee
someonewhowoul dgoforcounsel
li
ng
Lor
na:whatexact
lydi
dyousayt
ohi
m?
Duncan:nothi
ngmuchiwasst
il
ltakenabackby
howbruisedandi
npainhel
ooked
Lorna:(si
ghed)ihavetogoseehim.Iwil
ltr
ytotal
k
tohim butthisi
sthelastti
meDuncan.I
fthi
sboy
doesn'tshowanyi nt
eresti
nchangi
ngtheniwi
llbe
thr
owingi nthetowel
Duncan:soyouaregoi
ngtolethi
mroti
njai
l?Don'
t
youthi
nkthatwouldr
uinhi
sfutur
e?
Lorna:heshouldhavet houghtabouthisfuture
beforetryi
ngtokil
lme.I m goi
ngtogivehimt i
met o
convincemet hathewant stochangeifim not
convincedtheniwillbelef
twithnochoicebutl et
him servehispuni
shement .Iwil
ltal
ktothepol ice
onthecaset odelaytheprocessjusttoseei fhe
wil
lshowsomechange
Duncan:ij
ustwantt
oli
vei
npeace.I
mti
redoft
his
backandfort
h
Lor
na:mondaywear
eincour
twi
thPat
iencear
e
youreadyf
ort
hat
?
Duncan:(gr
unted)andt hent
her
e'st
hatone.I
m
shockedshedidn'tcauseanydr
amawhenshe
camet oseeJunior'
sgrave
Lor
na:wel
liguesssher
eal
isedt
hati
t'
s
unnecessarybuti
m notgoi
ngt
olethergo.Shehas
hurtmeinfactt
hetwoofyouhavehurtme

Heswal l
owedlooki
ngoutthewindowwhi l
eshe
i
ncr easedtheradi
ovolumestoppingbythetr
aff
ic
l
ights.Anothercarst
oppednexttohersastheman
r
olleddownhi swindow.Hehithishooterasshe
r
olleddownher ssmili
ng..
.

Man:hi
Lor
na:hihowcani
beofhel
p?
Man:nahij
ustwant
edt
osayyouar
eabeaut
if
ul
l
ady
Lor
na:(smil
ed)oht
hankyou(
Duncanf
rowned
si
tt
ingback)
Man:doyoumi
ndgi
vingmeyournumber
?
Lor
na:(chuckl
ed)j
ustt
akemypl
atenumberandgo
tot
ransportt
heywil
lgi
veyoumynumber(t
hey
l
aughed)
Man:youknowthat
'snotpossi
ble.Pl
easegi
veme
yournumberi
..
.(
Duncanshowedhi sf
ace)ohsor
ry
Lor
na:what
?(Tur
nedandl
aughed)oh
Man:sor
ryt
obot
heryouhey
Lorna:ohnonodon'twor
ry.(
Checkedt
he
remainingt
imefort
heli
ghtst
oopen)mynumberis
72..
..
..(
shegaveitt
ohim)andmynamei sLor
na
Man:ohni
cenamemynamei sHer
old.Iwi
llcal
l
you.Ni
cemeet
ingyoubr
other

Hesteppedontheaccel
erat
oraswel
lasLor
na
whi
leDuncanlookedatherwit
hafr
ownon..
.

Lor
na:(
smi
led)what
?
Duncan:youaregoingtogiveyournumberto
anot
hermanj ustl
ikethati
nmypr esence?
Lorna:ahahwhatift
hismani
smykeyt
othe
businessiwantt
ostart
?
Duncan:whi
chbusi
nesst
hatidonotknowof
?
Lorna:hadyouspentti
mewi thyourwi
fesometime
agoyouwoul dknowthatihavebeenworkingona
proposalforabusi
nessbutnoyouchosetor un
aroundwiththehel
pandno, unli
keyouir
espectmy
mar r
iage

Shesangalongtothesongpl
ayi
nginther
adi
o
whil
eanembar r
assedDuncanswal
lowedand
si
ghedlooki
ngoutside.

AtDor
een'
shouse.
..

Doreen:noguysit'
sbeenwaytoolongnowim
cal
li
ngt hepoli
ceandyourf
ri
endisnotsayi
ng
anythi
ngeither
Mat
shi
diso:cal
lthem whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or

Shetookherphoneanddial
ledt
hetol
l-
fr
eepolice
l
ineasaknockcamet hr
oughatthedoor.Danger
wenttoopenonlyt
obumpi nto2femal
eand1
pol
iceof
fi
cer
s..
.

Danger
:(swal
lowed)gooddayof
fi
cer
s
Doreen:(
hungup)oht
hankGod.Of
fi
cer
smy
gr
andmot her
..
.
Off
icer
:(openedt
hedoorwi
de)weneedyoual
lto
comewi t
hus
Al
l:what
?
Offi
cer
:yes.Youal
lhavebeenarr
estedf
orbei
ng
accompli
cesinpl
anstokidnapaminor
Matshi
diso:war
eacco-
what
?Rr
aet
showeknow
not
hing
Off
icer
:ma'
am wewoul
dhat
etouseanyki
ndof
for
ceonyoupl
easewor
kwit
hus.Come
Mat
shi
diso:guysican'
t.
..
Of
fi
cer
:ei
sh(
tookoutt
hecuf
fsandar
rest
edDanger
)
Ladi
es:hey!
Of
fi
cer
:anyt
hingyousayordowi
llbeusedagai
nst
youi
nthecour
tofl
aw
Dor
een:youar
ehur
ti
ngme!
Offi
cer:youhavether
ightt
oremai
nsi
lentandt
he
ri
ghttoal awyer
Mat
shi
diso:myf
inger
!Ouch!
Of
ficer
:ifyoucan'
taff
ordal
awyert
hest
ateshal
l
pr
ovideyouwithone.Come!

HepushedDangeroutwhil
ethefemaleoff
icer
s
camewithDoreenandhermother.Theyl
ockedthe
houseanddroveoutwi
ththem whil
ethe
nei
ghboursl
ookedon.

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Lucasplayedsomemusi cfrom yout

ubethrough
thehomet heaterandplayedwiththekidswhilet
he
elder
shadagoodt ime.Theylaughedoutloudas
Lewistol
dt hem whattheyusedt ogetupto..
.
Maya:honeyiwasst
il
lyoungt
hensopl
easedon'
t
mi
ndhi m
Joshua:butipi
ckedi
tyouknow.If
eell
ikeyou
wouldthrowinafewgoodpunchesgi
venachance
Maya:bathongidon'
tknowhowtofight.Imean
whofight
swi t
hnail
sli
kemineipai
dal otfort
hese
youknow

Theylaughedsomemor ewhi
leMar
eledit
urnedt
o
Ajaxandnoti
cedthathewasmil
esaway..
.

Mar
eledi
:Aj
ax?Hey
Aj
ax:
hmm?Oh(
chuckl
ed)sor
ry
Mar
eledi
:what
'sonyourmi
nd?
Aj
ax:
not
hing
Mar
eledi
:ar
eyousur
e?
Aj
ax:
yesi
m sur
e
Mareledi:pl
easebehonestwithmebecauseyou
haven'tbeenyoursel
fthepastfewdays
Aj
ax:
imf
inei
t'
sjustt
hatwor
kisst
ressi
ngmeabi
t
Mar
eledi
:andyousayyouar
efi
ne
Aj
ax:
yeahidon'
twantyout
owor
ry
Marel
edi:howcaninotwor
rywhenicanpi
cki
t
f
rom yourtext
s
Aj
ax:
im sor
rydar
li
ngi
twon'
thappenagai
n
Marel
edi
:ihopeso.Isi
tanyt
hingicanhelpyou
wit
handevenifican'
tyoucanjustt
ellme.Tal
king
hel
psyouknow
Aj
ax:i
t'
sjustthatim worki
ngonar epor
tandt
her
e
ar
efewthingsmi ssi
ngsot hat
'sgoi
ngtomakeme
l
ookli
keidon'tpayattenti
ontomywor k
Mar
eledi
:anyt
hingt
odowi
tht
heconduct
ors?
Aj
ax:idon'
tdealwi
tht
hem idealwi
tht
heper
son
whodealswit
hthem
Marel
edi
:thent
heprobl
em mustbefrom t
hat
per
sonwhatyoucandoiscontactt
hem andf
ind
outwhat
'
shappeni
ng
Aj
ax:
yeahi
m pl
anni
ngt
odosot
omor
row
Marel
edi
:good.Don'
tbet
oosadmanyoudon'
tlook
goodwhenyouaresad

Theyl
aughedwhil
eMayacamewith30seconds
gameastheydi
videdt
hemsel
vesi
ntot
wot eams.
..

Lewi
s:t
omaket hi
smorei
nter
est
ingl
et'
smakei
t
Hometeam ver
susAwayt
eam
Lydi
a:wear
egoi
ngt
owi
pet
hef
loorwi
thy'
al
l
Lewis:honeyihavemybeaut i
fulNiger
iansanda
Zimbabweaninmyt eam y'
al
lbett
erknow.Youguys
havetositonepersondownt houghbecauseyou
are9andwear e8
Mar
a:iwi
llsi
toutandbet
het
imekeeper
Lewi
s:good.Team Lewi
sar
eyour
eady!
?
Al
l:yes!
Maya:t
eam Mayani
yabasabana!
Al
l:hayiasibasabisi
yabaf
una!

TheyallburstintolaughterasMaratooktheti
mer
whil
ethecapt ainsroll
edt hei
rdi
cesandtookoff.
Thechildr
enandt heeldersdivi
dedt
hemselvesas
teamscheerl eadersaswel l.

LATERTHATNI
GHT

Att
heAdi
ole'
s.
..

Abiol
aandChiomawenti
nthehousel
aughi
ngand
foundSundaewat
chi
ngtv.
..

Abi
ola:heybaby
Sundae:heymayouguysar
ebackl
ate
Abi
ola:wedeci
dedt
ochi
llabi
tforaf
ewdr
inksand
games
Chi
oma:weshowedt
hem dustshame
Abi
ola:5gamest
o4theyf
oughtagoodfi
ghtas
wel
lbecausewewer
eonestepaheadi
nallr
ounds
Chioma:yeahandtheyknewallt
hehardquesti
ons
(t
heylaughed)whydoesitl
ookli
keyouarealone
where'
syouraunt?
Abi
ola:iwasaboutt
oaskt
hesamequest
ion
Sundae:shehasn'
tspokent
oyouguys?
Abi
ola:no
Sundae:shel
eft
Chi
oma:whatdoyoumeanl
eft
?
Sundae:shesai
dshef
oundher
sel
fanapar
tment
Chi
oma:(scof
fed)ohwowr
eal
ly?Di
dshehavet
o
dothat
?
Sundae:i
sever
ythi
ngokaunt
y?
Chioma:yesmyl
oveever
ythi
ngi
sfi
nedon'
twor
ry
yoursel
f
Sundae:buti
tsasi
fshe'
sangr
yaboutsomet
hing
Abiol
a:l
ikeaunt
yChisaysdon'
tworr
ymyl ove.You
needtogotobedyouknowt omor
rowisschool
ri
ght?
Sundae:yesmaiwasj
ustwai
ti
ngonyouguys.
Goodnight
.
Bot
h:ni
ghtl
ove
Chi
oma:don'
tfor
gett
opr
ay
Sundae:iwon'
taunt
y

Shesmil
edgoingupwhi l
eChi
omaandAbi
ola
l
ookedatoneanotherandsi
ghed.

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Mayaf ini
shedshoweringandfoundJoshua
sl
eeping.Withjustatowelonsheswit
chedof ft
he
mainlightsandtookthetowelof
fgett
ingint
obed.
Joshuamovedcl osertoherwhil
eshesmi l
edand
heopenedoneeyef
eel
ingherbr
eastonhi
shand.
..

Joshua:honey?
Maya:(
smi
li
ng)ar
eyounotsl
eepi
ng?
Joshua:iwasbutit
sthissof
tnesst
hatwokemeup
(hesai
dsoftl
ycaressi
ngherbreast
)
Maya:babeyouar
ear
ousi
ngmekana
Joshua:(
kissedherneck)t
hat
'st
hei
ntent
ion
Maya:(
giggl
ed)babest
op
Joshua:mh-
mh

Hesai
dmovingcl oserasMayawidenedhereyes
andl
aughedfeel
inghismachine.
..

Maya:babekeengor
obal
akal
epona?(
Whydoyou
sl
eepnaked)
Joshua:ar
ewenoti
nthegar
denofEden?
Theyburstintol
aughterasMayaturnedandthey
ki
ssed.Shewentont opofhim andwentdownwi t
h
hisbodykissi
nghim ashesoftl
ymoanedwi t
hhis
eyesclosed.Shesoft
lystr
okedhismachineandput
i
tinhermout hashesof l
yexhal
edtakingint
he
pleasur
e.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

WithJoshuaint
heshowerMayasatdownandt
ook
outherdiar
ysmil
ing.
..
.

Deardi
ary.
..

Lif
ehasbeenadef i
nit
erol
lercoasterbutim so
gratefulf
ortheamazi ngmoment sihavebeen
throughandal sothepainihavegonet hrough
becausei tt
aughtmet wot
hings,tobestrongand
fi
rmi nprayer.Ihavebeenblessedwi t
hthemost
amazi ngandl ovi
ngman.(Smi l
ed)after
exper i
enci ngwhati exper iencedwi thLuket hi sisa
stepup.Asi fthatwasnotenoughial sogot
blessedwi thlovinginl aws.Iwi shever ymar ried
personcoul dexper i
encewhati m exper iencing.I m
notmar ri
edyetbutt hel oveihavebeenr ecei ving
from t heKgangcl anhasbeennot hingshor tof
amazi ng.I si tbecauseinevergott oexper ience
whatf ami lylovewaswhengr owingup?Wel lim not
compl ainingandi m goi ngbuskandenj oyt hi s
feelingf orasl ongasGodal l
owsmet o.Backt omy
husbandt obe, (
smi l
ed)t hismanexci tesme.He
knowswhatil i
keandwhatidon' t
.Hi sat t
ent iont o
smal lthi ngsi swhatmakesmef alldeepl yinl ove
wi t
hhi m ever yday.Heknowswher et ot ouchand
nott ouchme.Heknowsal lmyweakpoi ntsandt he
amazi ngt hingi sthatheal waysgooutofhi swayt o
strengt hent hem.Godkeepandbl esst hi smanf or
me.Thent here'sthi
spai rthatinspiresmesomuch,
mymot herandmot heri nl aw.Ihonet l
ywantt obe
thesewomenwhenigr owol d.Mymot herl ived
under gr oundf or16year s.Herstrengt hand
resili
encer eallyinspiresmet odot hesamef ormy
childr enandt hosear oundme.Notl iveunder ground
butbest rongandr esil
ient
.Asf ormymot heri nlaw
(smiled)mymamaG, herabili
tytodigupt hi ngsstil
l
beatsmeandisowantt oacquirethatskill(smi l
ed)
herst r
engthtodowhat everi
ttakestofightf orher
familyiswhati nspir
esme.Lot soflovetot hese
womenandal ltheotherhumanbei ngsfight ingthis
l
ifethingwi t
hme.I t'
shonest l
yablessing, ifeel
blessedandpr aytoGodt hathekeepsbl essi ng
them mor e.Toal lt
hosewhowantt oseemedown
andst ruggl
ing, myredeemerl i
vesandgr eat erishe
thatisinmet hant heonei nthewor l
d.

Shesmi l
edclosi
ngthediaryandputi
tbackasshe
fi
nishedget
ti
ngreadyfortheday.

LATERTHATMORNI
NG

AtKgangT&T.
..

Af
terbei
ngshownwher
eAj
ax'
sof
fi
cewasAme
madewayt
oitandwenti
nwi
thoutknocki
ng.
..

Aj
ax:
canyou.
..
Ame?Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Thi
s
i
saworkpl
ace
Ame:i
m her
etoseeyou
Aj
ax:
whol
etyoui
n?
Ame:therecept
ioni
stofcour
se.Shewant
edt
o
ref
usebutitol
dherit'
sanemer gency
Aj
ax:
pleasel
eaveyoucan'
tbeher
e
Ame:whynot
?
Ajax:
real
lynowAme?Youar
egoi
ngt
oaskmet
hat
questi
on?

Mayapassedtheoffi
cebutst
oppedhear
ingt
hei
r
voi
cesandli
stenedon..
.

Ame:whatdoyouexpectmet odowhenyoudon'
t
wantt
otakeresponsi
bil
it
y?(
Mayafrowned)
Ajax:
im notgoingtodothiswit
hyouAme.Itol
d
youtoabortthatbabybecauseiwantnot
hingt
odo
withi
t.I
m notreadytobeaf at
her

AshockedMayacover
edhermout
hwi
thhereyes
wi
dened.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
19] :AKEPTWOMAN
80

Ame:noAj
axi
m notgoi
ngt
oabor
tthi
schi
ld

Mayaqui
ckl
ytookherphoneandst
art
edt
orecor
d..
.
Ame:doyouknowthechal
lengesimi
ghtf
ace
shoul
digoforabor
ti
on?
Ajax:wel
lidon'
twantachil
dAme.Idon'
twanta
chil
dnowandl etal
onewit
hyou
Ame:ohwowAjaxunf
ort
unat
elyi
thappenedand
youhavet
ost
epup
Aj
ax:
youcan'
tfor
cemet
ohaveachi
ldwi
thyou.
Ame:unpl
annedpr
egnanci
eshappenal
lthet
ime
Ajax:andthere'
sanopt i
onofabor t
ionwhenyou
don'twanttokeept hebaby.Yougot ot
heclinicand
tel
lthem yourreasonsforstar
ter
syouarestilla
studentAmeorar eyour eadytotakeabreakf r
om
yourlawstudies?(Mayaf r
owned)
Ame:ofcour
senotbutihavenochoi
ce
Ajax:youhaveachoi
ce.Eit
heryoukeept
hatbaby
andleavemeoutofit
'sli
feoryougetanabor
ti
on
Ame:youar
ehear
tl
ess
Aj
ax:
imj
ustst
andi
ngbymypr
ior
it
iesandt
his
pr
egnancyi
snotoneoft
hem
Ame:ohwow.Thi
siswhyyoumenar
etr
ash
Ajax:i
fyouthi
nkyouweregoingtotamemewi
tha
chil
dthenyouhaveanot
herthingcoming
Ame:youareapathet
icexcuseforamanandi
cur
sethedayif
eltsomethingf
oryou
Aj
ax: t
hat
'sallyouknow.Insul
ts,
butgoahead
i
nsultmeallyoulikeist
andbymydeci si
on.Idon'
t
wantachildnowandmostcer tai
nlynotwit
hyou
Ame:si
es!

Shecli
ckedhertongueheadi ngt othedoorasMaya
qui
ckl
yhi dbetweent wopill
arsdividingt heoff
ices.
Shestoppedther ecordi
ngandwat chedherl eave
andassoonasshegoti ntot heelevat orshesighed
andheadedtoAj ax'soff
iceblockingt hedoorwi t
h
herf
ootashewasaboutt oclosei t
..
.

Aj
ax:
MmaMoet
i
Maya:doyouhaveami
nut
e?
Aj
ax:
iwasbusywi
tht
her
epor
t
Maya:iwon'
ttakel
ong
Aj
ax:
ohok

Hewentbackt
ohi
sdeskasshecl
osedt
hedoor
..
.

Maya:AjaxMar
eledi
isaver
ygoodfr
iendofmine
andwehavebeengoodtooneanot
hersincet
he
fi
rstdaywemet.
Aj
ax:
ok
Maya:andiwouldhat
etoseehergethur
ttobe
honestwi
thyou
Aj
ax:
ohok
Maya:yes.Woul
dyoudoanyt
hingt
ohur
ther
?
Aj
ax:
(chuckl
ed)wher
e'st
hiscomi
ngf
rom?
Maya:umm,
consi
deri
tasaf
ri
endl
ooki
ngoutf
or
anot
her
Aj
ax:
ok.Iwoul
dn'
thur
ther
Maya:good(movedclosertothetabl
e)t
henyou
shoul
dtel
lheraboutwhatjusthappened
Aj
ax:
(hear
tski
pped)huh?
Maya:don'
tactsur
pri
sed.Theyoungl
adywhoj
ust
l
eft
?Ame?
Aj
ax:
(swal
lowed)oh
Maya:wer
eyoupl
anningt
otel
lmyfri
endaboutt
his
ornot
?Andbef
oreyoudoanyt
hingdon'
tthi
nkof
l
yingt
ome
Aj
ax:MmaMoet iwi
thal
lduerespectidon'
tknow
whatyouhear
dbutyougott
hewr ongendoft he
st
ick
Maya:i
m goingt
osayi
tagai
nMrDi
hut
sodon'
t
t
hinkofl
yingtome
Aj
ax:(
sighedrubbi
nghisfor
ehead)iwasn'
t
pl
anni
ngt o,
tobehonestwit
hyou
Maya:why?
Aj
ax:
becauseidon'
twantt
hatchi
ldt
obehonest
.I
feell
ikeihaveagoodthi
nggoi
ngonwi
thMar
eledi
soidon'twantanyt
hingt
orui
nthat
Maya:Ajaxdictat
ingwhatapersonshoulddowi
th
t
heirbodyissowr onginsomanyl evel
sandatt
his
j
uctureyouar ebeingsel
fi
shandnott hi
nki
ngof
whatthismightdot ot
hepooryoungwoman.Isshe
Mareledi
'sage?
Aj
ax:
yes
Maya:becauseit houghtasmuchwhenyou
ment i
onedlawst udent.Ihadmychi ldr
enwhi lei
wasst i
llastudentyesit'
sst rai
ningbutyouhavet o
sorethroughlookingatthedanger syoumi ghtface
i
fyoucutt hroughcorner s.Iknowyoudon' twantto
haveachi l
dnowbutt hechi l
disher eAjaxan
i
nnocentsoult hatdoesn'tdeservet obepuni shed
forthi
sandyousayyi uhaveagoodt hinggoing
withMar el
edidoyouwantr uinallthatwithli
esand
secret
s?
Ajax:ofcour
senotbutwhati
fim notf
inanci
all
y
readytohaveachil
dnow?
Maya:iknowwher
eyouar
ecomi
ngf
rom butyou
wor kforaveryunder standingpersonnotsayi ng
youshoul dt
akeadvant ageofhi m buttal
ktohi m
andaskf oraraise.Ifher efusesgot oAmeandt el
l
heraboutyourf i
nanci alsi
tuationthenthat'
swhen
youcanconsi derthesedr asticmeasur es.(he
sighed)nowgoi ngtoMar el
edi whateverdecisi
on
Amei sgoingtomakeatt hi
smomentyoust il
lhave
totellMarel
edi
Aj
ax:
whati
fshedeci
dest
oleaveme?
Maya:soyouwantt or i
skherf i
ndingoutinfut
ure
thatyouarear unawaydadshoul dAmekeept he
chil
d?Oryouwanthert ofindoutt hatyouareone
ofthosetoxicmenwhor unt oaborti
onwhena
knockofresponsi bil
itycomesi n?(Heswallowed)
ri
ghtnow, atthi
sj unctureithinkyoudon'tdeser
ve
myf ri
endbuti m will
ingtogiveyouachanceshoul d
youdot herightthing
Aj
ax:
butachi
ldMmaMoet
i?
Maya:that'
swhytherearecondomsandother
prevent
ionmethods.Lesanggojabol
otol
esait
se
gorelei
kantseengboAj ax(st
ophavi
ng
unprotectedsexwhenyouarenotreadyf
ort
he
resul
ts)(heunexpect
edl
ylaughed)
Aj
ax:
ican'
tbel
ieveyouj
ustsai
dthat
Maya:( chuckl
ed)butontherealt
hought hi
sshould
openyoureyes.Imi ghtnotbeperfectbutiwoul d
neverwat chapersondragthei
rdignity.Mareledi
respectsyouMrDi hutsosobuil
dthatr espectand
trustbybeingopenandhonestwi t
hher
Aj
ax:
okiwi
llt
alkt
oher
Maya:youhave24hrsorel
sei
m goi
ngtotal
ktoher
andihavebackup(shesai
dswingi
ngherphone)
Ajax:
MmaMoet
iyouar
eput
ti
ngpr
essur
eonme
now
Maya:thesooneryoudoitt
hebett
erbecauset
his
wi
llshowherthatshecantr
ustyou
Aj
ax:
okiwi
ll
Maya:good.Remember24hr
sAj
ax
Aj
ax:yesma'
am (
shesmi
ledl
eavi
ng)onemor
e
t
hing
Maya:yes?
Aj
ax:
canyoubepr
esentwhi
leit
ellher
?
Maya:heebat
hongyouwantt
ousemenow?
Ajax:idon'
twanttol
oseherandifeelli
keyouwil
l
beablet otal
ksomesenseint
oherli
keyoujustdi
d
tome.I fi
twassomeoneelsetheywouldhave
i
nsultedmebutyouchoset orepr
imandmei na
nicerway
Maya:(
chuckled)okiwillcomet hroughjustsend
metheti
meandpl acesot hatiseeifiwillbef
ree.
Onethi
ngim notgoingtodoi st oforcehertostay.I
wil
lgi
veherpointersbutthedeci si
onwillbehersat
t
heendoftheday
Aj
ax:it
otal
lyunder
stand.ThankyousomuchMma
Moet
i
Maya:notapr
obl
em

Shesmi
ledl
eavi
ngashesi
ghedsi
tt
ingback.
..
Ajax:t
hankGodwewer eheardbysomeonel evel
headedijusthopeMar
eledidoesn'
tleaveme

Att
heJuveni
le.
..

Lornaputherbagonherthi
ghsandpr
essedher
phonewhileSai
ntcamethrough.
..

Sai
nt:notyou.Pl
easet
akemebackt
omycel
l
Guar
d:youbet
tersi
tdownyoungboy

Seei
nghim wi
thal
lthosebr
uisesbr
okeherhear
t
butsher
ememberedwhyshehadt odowhatshe
di
d..
.

Sai
nt:whatdoyouwanther
e?
Lor
na:t
ocheckuponyou
Sai
nt:af
terwhatyouputmet
hrough?Lookatme
Lor
nai
m..
.
Lor
na:f
ir
stofal
lyouareneverevergoi
ngt
ocal
lme
Lor
naagaindoyouhearme?
Sai
nt:buti
t'
syour
..
.
Lorna:(
gavehim aster
nl ook)Saint(heswal
lowed)
goodandsecondlydoir egretbr
ingingyouhere?
Noidon't.Af
terwhatyoudi dihadt odowhati
couldtosavemyself
Sai
nt:andputmei
ndanger
Lorna:kindl
ygodownmemor yl
aneandrecallthe
realr
easonwhywear eheret
oday(hekeptquiet)
i
t'sallbecauseofyou.Al
loft
hisi
syourfaultmy
son
Saint
:aparentdoesn'
tdot
hist
othei
rchi
ldunl
ess
theyhat
ethem
Lorna:ohsoachi ldhasalltherightstowanttokil
l
thei
rpar ent
?Saintwhatisthatihavenotgi venyou?
Don'tiloveyouenough?Don' titakecareofyou
enough?Pl easeenli
ght
enmeonwhatihavenever
donef oryouthatmadeyout othinkofki
ll
ingme.
Firstofallyouknowhowyourf atheri s,notonly
him butmostmen, theymoveonwi tht imeaf t
er
theirspousesdepar tthewor ldandt hewor stthing
tohappeni sthatmostoft hem al waysgof or
womenwhoabuset heirchildren.1, thatwoman
wasgoi ngt opoisonhi m againstyouguysbyt el
li
ng
himt hatyouar enothisbl ood, doyouwantt hat?
SecondlySai ntinyourrightmi ndwoul dyoul i
ve
peacefull
yknowi ngt hatyouki ll
edt heonl ywoman
whoevershowedandgi venyoul ove?
Sai
nt:(
looki
ngdown)no
Lor
na:t
henwhatgoti
ntoyoumyson?
Sai
nt:(
sni
ff
ed)it
houghtyoudi
dn'
tloveme
Lorna:bywhat ?Beati
ngyouf ortaki
ngmygun
withouttal
kingtomel etal
oneplantouseiton
someone' schil
d?Orforbeati
ngyouf or
disrespect
ingme?Sai ntyousaidhurtf
ult
hingst
o
memyboy( hebursti
ntotear
s)
Sai
nt:i
m sor
ry
Lorna:(
tear
sbuil
tinhereyes)iwasl
ikehowcan
thi
schil
dofallpeopl
ehebet heonewhosaysthe
ki
ndoft
hingsyousai
dtome
Sai
nt:idon'
tknowwhatgoti
ntomei
m sor
rymama
Lor
na:il
oveyoumyboybutyouwi
llhavet
oear
n
myforgi
veness
Sai
nt:iwantt
ogetoutofher
e
Lorna:youhavetoworkyourwayoutoft
his
punishmentmyboyandyouhavet omeanit.Not
whatyoudidpriorget
ti
nghere
Sai
nt:(
cryi
ng)imeani
tmama
Lorna:iknowyoudobutiwantt oseeit
.Iloveyou
myboyandiwi l
lneverdoanyt
hingtohurtyouonly
toteachyouaboutbeingaresponsi
bleyoungadult
(shestoodupleavi
ng)
Sai
nt:mamapl
ease!

Sheswall
owedandconti
nuedtowalkawayashe
cr
iedoutl
oudwit
hhisfaceunderhi
shands.
..

Sai
nt:mama!
Lornaletgoofthedoorasi
tsl
ammedandst art
led
herassheclosedhereyeswit
hat earrol
li
ngdown.
Sheexhaledandwenttohercarhearinghersoncry
fr
om theinsi
de.
..

Lor
na:i
t'
sforyourowngoodmyboy

Shedr
oveoffwhil
etheguar
dhel
pedacr
yingSai
nt
backt
ohiscel
l.
..

Sai
nt:canipl
easebeal
one?
Guar
d:okl
et'
sgot
othecounsel
li
ngr
oom

Hesnif
fedfol
lowi
ngtheguar
dsandl
ookedback
hopi
ngforhismothert
ocomebackf
orhim.

I
nCour
t.
..
Mayaswor
ninasKi
tsoandMopat
i'
slawyerst
ood
up.
..

Man:MayaMoet
i
Maya:yesyourwor
shi
p
Man:howdoyouknowt
heaccused?
Maya:wemetatababyshoweraboutamont
hago
Man:doyouknowanyt
hingabouthi
m?
Maya:notr
eal
ly.Theywer
ejustmenbei
ngmen.
Youknowhowt hi
ngsgetatapart
y
Man:di
dyounoticet
hatMopat
ihadsomeki
ndof
i
nter
estonyou?
Maya:yesidi
d
Man:how?
Maya:t
hewayhespoket
ome
Man:okl
et'
stal
kaboutKi
tsomeet
ingyouguyshow
wasit
?
Maya:unpleasanttosayt
heleast.Hereal
ly
of
fendedmyf riendandhi
m beinghim hehadt
o
st
andupf orhimself
Man:yousuppor
tedhi
m?
Maya:yesbutidi
dn'
tsayanything.He'
smyf riendi
hadtostandwit
hhim notonl
ybecauseoft hatalso
thatKi
tsowasnotri
ghttoaddresshiminthat
manner.Sodemeaninganddisrespect
ful
Man:l
et'
stal
kaboutt
hemoodatt
hecl
ubf
rom t
he
par
ty
Maya:i
twasokunti
linoti
cedthatmydrinkwas
spi
ked(Ki
tsoandMopatif
rownedlooki
ngatone
anot
her
)
Man:oh?
Maya:yes
Man:youknowt
hishow?
Maya:ihaveacerti
fi
cateinmi xi
olgyofdr
inksandi
knowhowaspi keddri
nkl ooksli
kebutanyway
that
'snotwhywear ehere,weareheretoget
just
iceformyf
riendwhowasassaul t
edforbei
ng
hi
msel
f
Man:whatdi
dthatt
ellyou?Imeant
hespi
king
Maya:t
hatt
heywer
emenonami
ssi
onandcoul
dn'
t
bet
rust
ed
Man:yetcont
inuedt
odemandMopat
itof
indaj
ob
f
oryou
Ki
tso:yes,
sel
fi
shoppor
tuni
st!
Judge:set
tl
edownKi
tso
Maya:(
scof
fed)ididn'
tdemand.Itoldhi
mthatigot
f
ir
edthatf
ri
dayandhesai dhewilltal
ktohi
sfri
end
whoownedar est
auranttogetmeaj ob
Man:ifim notmist
akenMissMoetiyousai
dthese
exactwords"youbett
ermakesureyougetmet hat
j
obi fyouknowwhat '
sgoodforyou"
Alexander:object
ionyourhonourwher
eiscounsi
l
goingwiththis?
Man:yourwor
shipimt r
yingt
opai
ntapi
ctur
eof
t
hiswoman'scharact
er
Judge:over
rul
ed.Cont
inueCounsi
l
Man:thankyou.Mi
ssMoet
ipl
easeanswermy
quest
ion
Maya:idi
dsayt
hosewor
ds
Man:whywoul
dyout
hreat
enhi
m?
Maya:ihavechi
ldr
enihadt
odowhatihadt
o
Man:soyougett
hingsbyt
hreat
eni
ngpeopl
e?
Maya:ofcour
senot
Man:i
fhedi
dn'
tgetyout
hej
obwhatwer
egoi
ngt
o
do?
Maya:not
hing
Man:soyout
hreat
enedhi
mfornot
hing?
Maya:yes
Man:whyareyoul
yingunderoath?Youweregoing
torepor
thi
mforal
legedl
yspiki
ngyourdr
inkweren'
t
you?
Maya:no
Man:whyar
eyoul
ying?
Maya:i
m not
Man:youar
e
Maya:(si
ghed)whydon'
tyoubri
ngal
iedet
ect
ori
f
youaredoubti
ngmyanswers?
Man:nof
urt
herquest
ionsyourhonour
Judge:t
hankyou.Mr
sTaol
o
Al
exander
:thankyouyourworshi
p.MsMoeti
pl
easetel
lusaboutthet
extyourecei
vedf
rom
Mopati
Maya:hesai
dmyfr
iendwasatt
ackedandifi
want
edtoknowwhoiti
sishoul
dcomet ohim
Alexander:whywouldhewantyout
ocomet
ohi
m
andnott el
lyouoverthephone?
Maya:becausehewant
edt
osl
eepwi
thme
Makot
i:ah!
Judge:set
tl
edownMopat
i
Alexander:usi
ngyourfri
endtotryandgetbetween
anotherwoman' st
highs.Pat
heti
cdoesn'teven
comecl osetodescri
bingyouMopat i
.Awhol e
offi
cerofthelawwhoi ssupposedtoprotectpeopl
e
butinsteadpreysont hem.Yourwor shi
pwe
honest l
ydon'thaveacaseher e.Iseenor easonof
continuingwithit.Thi
swi l
ldonot hingbutwast e
gover nmentresources.It'scl earthatKitsoplanned
toattackmycl ientinordert oboosthi sbr ui
sedego
andhi sfri
endconf ir
medi tbysendi ngMsMoet i
thattext.Soyourwor shipir equestf ort
hiscaset o
bethr ownoutandhavet hesemenf acet he
punishmentt heydeser ve.It hankyouJudge:t hank
youMr sTaol
o.Cour tshal lresumeonMonday

Hehi
tthegavelandmadehi
swayoutwhi
leKi
tso'
s
l
awyershookhishead.
..

Man:she'sri
ghtgentl
ement her
e'shonestlynocase
here.Shoul
dyouhavenotsentt hattextwewould
befighti
ngagoodfightbutnowal li
slost.I
m sor
ry
butweshallseewhatthejudgedecidesonMonday
Kit
so:doyouseewhatyouhavedone?Whatf
or?A
pussyyounevergot
?
Mopat
i:whycoul
dn'
tyoust
ayawayf
rom Lewi
sas
well?Justbecausehehurl
edafewinsult
satyou
yout houghtitwasokt
opunishhi
m?Theonl ythi
ng
iregretinthi
swholematt
erist
hatial
lowedmyself
tobeaf ool
Ki
tso:f
uckof
f
Mopat
i:yout
oo

Theycli
ckedt
hei
rtonguesf
oll
owi
ngoneanot
hert
o
thevan.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Glidiasoftl
yhummedwhi l
ePreci
ousmadeiti
nto
thevi si
ti
ngar ea.Shestoppedwit
hafrownonher
facenotseei nganyf amil
iarf
acebutf
rownedmore
ast heguardl edhertoGlidi
a..
.

Guar
d:si
tdown
Pr
eci
ous:(
sitdown)excuseme?Whoar
eyou?
Gli
dia:(
smiledstret
chingoutherhand)MrsGl
idi
a
Kgang.Joshua'smot herandsoontobeMaya'
s
motherinlaw(Preciousswall
owed)witht
hatl
ooki
bel
ieveyourmot hertol
dyouaboutme
Pr
eci
ous:whatdoyouwantf
rom me?
Gl
idi
a:ihavebeendyingtomeetthemighty
Pr
eciousandishouldsayim notr
eal
lyhappyabout
whatim seei
ngandjustbyl
ookingatyouyoureal
ly
l
ooklikeyouract
ions
Pr
eci
ous:whyar
eyouher
e?
Gli
dia:di
dshet ellyouaboutthelit
tl
escam you
wereapar tof?(Shef r
owned)i mtal
kingaboutthe
moneyt hetwoofyoust ol
ef r
om herchurch(she
swallowed)ofcour seshetoldyou.Imagi
nest eal
ing
fr
om ahol yplace(smiledshakingherhead)your
poorbabygi r
ldoesn'tdeservetohaveamot herli
ke
you
Preci
ous:youneedtoleaveusal
one.Whot
hehel
l
doyouthinkyouare?
Gli
dia:idon'tt
hink,
iknowwhoiam.Anywayim not
heretofightwit
hyouim her
etogi
veyouaninsi
ght
onsomet
hing
Pr
eci
ous:(
frowned)what
?
Gli
dia:hhm unl
ikeyourmotheryouar ewill
ingto
l
isteniguessanapplesomet i
mesf allsf
arfrom t
he
tr
ee.Anywayihaveapl easantsupriseforyoua
l
itt
lelat
erandifyoucooperateimightgoeasyon
you.Underl
ineandboldthewor d"MI GHT"
Pr
eci
ous:whatsur
pri
sei
sthat
?
Gl
idi
a:iwoul
druinitf
oryouifit
oldyoubutt
rust
meyouaregoingtolovei
t,i
sn'
tyouloveagoodli
fe
Preci
ous:okt
hisi
sawast
eoft
ime.Guar
dpl
ease
takemebacktomycel
l
Gli
dia:ohnonodar l
ingit
'snott
rustme.Ibelieve
youhaveacl earpi
ctur
eofwhati m capabl
eofand
aft
ert hatvi
sityouaregoingtoseeyourmot heri
na
dif
ferentli
ght

Shesmil
edandwinkedatherleavi
ngwhi
lea
conf
usedPr
ecioussatback.
..
Pr
eci
ous:whati
sthi
swomanonabout
?

Meanwhil
eatthehospit
alPatr
ickmadewayi nto
Rona'
sroom assheclosedhereyesandexhaled.
..

Rona:whatdoyouwantf
rom mePat
ri
ck?
Pat
ri
ck:it
houghtishoul
dcomeandseethef
aceof
awomanwhot houghtsher
uinedmyl
if
e
Rona:Pat
ri
ckst
ayawayf
rom mepl
ease
Pat
ri
ck:orwhat
?Youar
egoi
ngt
oki
llme?
Rona:andiwi
llmakesur
eyoudi
ethi
sti
mear
ound
Pat
ri
ck:ohwowyoudon'
tevenr
egr
eti
tRona?
Rona:whyshoul
di?Youwer
eausel
esscunt
anyway
Patr
ick:butl
ookathowthecunttur
nedouttobe,
youcouldbelivi
ngthemostcomfort
ablel
if
eand
notbechainedtobedrai
lsl
ikesomekindofdemon
Rona:pl
easel
eave
Patr
ick:t
oeventakeawaymyfer
ti
li
tyRonayouar
e
honestl
yaheart
lesswoman.Whatdi
dieverdot
o
you?
Rona:Pat
ri
ckisai
dleaveandidar
eyout
ogot
omy
daught
eryouwil
lknowme
Patrick:noshedeser vestoknowt hetrut
handwho
exact l
yhermot heris.Aselfi
shwi tchthatonly
thi
nksf orherself
.Youknewt hatPr eci
ouswas
goingt ogetyout hroughlif
eatsomepoi ntandyou
soldhersoulandusedherwhi leshewasunawar e
ofit.Themar ri
ageshe' si
nwasal lforyourown
benef i
tRonayouar eself
ish.Youknewiwasgoi ng
tosaveherf rom yourclawshenceyoul i
edandsaid
youhadami scarriage
Rona:shutupPat
ri
ck
Pat
ri
ck:youdeniedmydaught erachancetolivi
ng
anhonestl
if
eallbecauseofyourself
ishness.You
ar
egoingtoroti
nhellandalone
Rona:Pat
ri
ckgetout
!
Patri
ck:(
tookouthi
sphoneandstoppedthe
recor
ding)nowthi
swil
lbethel
astnailonthecof
fi
n
andconfi
rmat
iont
oherthatyouarenot
hingbuta
possessi
vewi
tchwhocaresfornoonebuther
sel
f.
Yourjour
neyt
ohellst
art
snow
Rona:(
swall
owed)Pat r
ickwhatar
eyougoingtodo?
(
Heleft
)Patri
ckcomebackher ePat.
..
(scr
eamed)
i
yohbathongthusang!Patr
ick!

Shebur
sti
ntot
ear
sasanur
secamer
unni
ng.

OnherwayhomeGl
idi
amadeacal
l.
..

Gli
dia:goeasyonherf orwhatandwhy?Theydidn'
t
eventhinkt
wicewhilemakingMaya'sl
if
ealivi
ng
hellsowhyshouldispareanyofthem?Yeses(i
t
cutasshecalledagain)
Al
ber
t:Al
ber
thel
lo
Gli
dia:gooddaysiryouarespeaki
ngt
ofor
mer
pol
icecommi ssi
onerGli
diaKgang
Al
ber
t:ohokwhatcanidof
oryouma'
am?
Gl
idi
a:ihavemadeadi
scover
ythatyoumi
ghtbe
i
nter
estedin
Al
ber
t:ohok?
Gl
idi
a:yessi
r.DoyouknowPr
eci
ousKavi
mba?
Al
bert:don'
tyoueverment
iont
hatwomanwhen
t
alki
ngt omedoyouhearme?
Gli
dia:(
rol
ledhereyes)di
dshetel
lyout
hatthetr
uth
behi
ndyourdaught er
'si
dent
it
yhasbeenreveal
ed?
Al
ber
t:(
satupwi
thhi
seyeswi
dened)what
!?
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
20] :AKEPTWOMAN
81
Gl
idi
a:ohyes
Al
ber
t:wai
thowdoyouevenknowaboutt
his?
Gli
dia:mysoni
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
oPr
eci
ous'
s
cousin
Al
ber
t:soshetel
lspeopl
ethet
rut
handdoesn'
ttel
l
me?(
Scoffed)ohwow
Gli
dia:ibel
ieveyouar
egoi
ngt
odosomet
hing
aboutit
Albert
:ofcour
seiam.Ihavel
ongwant
edt
obea
partofmydaughter
'sl
if
e
Gli
dia:(
smiled)wonder
fult
heni
t'
shi
ght
imeyou
pai
dPr eci
ousavisit
Al
bert:oht
rustmei am.(Chuckl
ed)ican'tbel
ieve
t
his.Soshetoldherbel
ovedhusbandt hetrut
h?
Gl
idi
a:shehadnochoi
cebutt
o
Alber
t:wowthisi
ssogoodandim aboutt
oleave
thecountr
ythi
smeansicantakemydaughterwit
h
andstartanew
Gl
idi
a:(
smi
led)iguessyoudon'
tevenknowt
hat
shewasr
aped.
Al
ber
t:what
!?
Gli
dia:t
hemot herofyourchi
ldr
eal
lyendanger
ed
yourchil
d'sl
if
esoi t
'shi
ghtimeyousteppedupasa
fat
her
Albert:I
'vealwayspushedPreci
oustotellourchi
ld
t
het ruthbutnoal lshewant
edwast obeagl ori
fi
ed
wifewhocheat edonherhusband.Onethingi
regretislet
ti
nghergetawaywi thi
t
Gl
idi
a:nowistheti
metorightyourwr
ongssiridi
d
myjoballt
hat
'slef
tisf
oryoutosaveyourdaught
er.
Al
ber
t:t
hankyousomuch
Gl
idi
a:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
ne.Haveagoodday

Shehungupandsmi
ledj
oini
ngt
her
oadagai
n.

Att
heJuveni
lepr
ison.
..
Thecounsel
lormadewayi
ntoherof
fi
ceasSai
nt
tur
nedtoher.
..

Saint
:im sor
ryf
orbeinginyouroff
iceijustwant
ed
tobealoneandtheybroughtmethisside.Iwas
tol
dyouwer est
il
loutanddecidedtowai tf
oryou
Lady:ohok.I
t'
snotapr
obl
em.Yournames?
Sai
nt:Sai
ntDuncan
Lady:okSai
nt.Howol
dar
eyou?
Sai
nt:16
Lady:wher
edoyougot
oschool
?
Sai
nt:Rai
nbow
Lady:onethi
ngyoushouldunderst
andi st
hatthi
s
i
sasaf espaceok.Whateverwearegoingtotal
k
aboutherestaysbet
weenusunlesstherewil
lbe
othert
hingsyouwouldli
ketosharewithanyother
person
Sai
nt:ok.Soyouar
enotgoi
ngt
ojudgeme?
Lady:notatal
l
Sai
nt:ok
Lady:sowhyar
eyouher
e?(
Hesi
ghedandl
ooked
down)
Sai
nt:it
ri
edt
oki
llmymot
her
Lady:(
sof
tl
y)why?
Sai
nt:iwasangr
y.It
houghtshedi
dn'
tloveme
Lady:whatmadeyoufeelt
hatwayt
owardsher
?
(Si
ghed)remembert
hisisasaf
espacemyboy
Sai
nt:il
ikedthisgi
rlandwasreadytomakehermy
gi
rl
fri
endbutonedayisawherwi t
hthisotherguy
atamallandt heyhuggedandthenhekissedher.I
gotangryandwentbackhomeandst art
edplott
ing
onhowt ogetr i
dofhimthatmomentihadst ol
en
mymot her'
sgun
Lady:soyouwant
edt
oki
llhi
m?
Sai
nt:yes
Lady:di
dyouaskt hi
sgi
rli
fshewasi
nvol
vedwhen
youapproachedher?
Sai
nt:no
Lady:di
dyout
ellhert
hatyouhadf
eel
ingsf
orher
?
Sai
nt:notdi
rect
ly
Lady:t hat '
swhyt here'sat hingcal l
ed" get t
ingt o
knowaper son"andwhenyoul i
kesomeonet hef i
rst
thi
ngyouneedt ofindouti si ftheyar einvol vedwi th
anotherper sonok( henodded) .Don' tyouever
makeami st akeofassumi ngt hataper soni snot
i
nvol ved.Somepeopl ekeept heiroptionsopenunt il
theyf i
ndt hei rper fectmat ch.Sowhenyouaskt hem
thatquest iont heywi lltellyout hat"i
mt alkingt o
otherpeopl e"ift heyar ehonestpeopl eort ellyou
thattheyar et akenandwhensomeonet urnsyou
downi tdoesn' tmeani t'
st heendoft hewor ld.As
peopl eweneedt ounder standt hatthere' sat hing
call
edr eject i
on.Justbecauseil i
keyoui tdoesn' t
meanyouwi lllikemet oo.Chancesofyounotbei ng
i
nterest edi nmei nthatmannerar eashi gh.Thi s
doesn' tappl yonl yonmat tersoft hehear ti
tappl ies
i
nal laspect sofl ife.Rej ect i
oni sthereandal lyou
needt odoi sknowhowt odealwi thitandvi olence
noranyt hingagai nstthel awi snott hewayt ogodo
youunder stand?( Henodded)soaf terthatwhat
happened?
Saint
:mymot herfoundt
hegunbef
oreicoul
duseit
.
Sheconfr
ontedmeandisnappedatherandsai
d
thi
ngsishoul
dn'thavesai
d(t
ear
sbuil
tinhi
seyes)
Lady:(
gavehim ati
ssue)don'
tusehandstowipe
youreyesyouaregoingtoinf
ectt
hosebrui
ses.
Whatexactl
yarethosethi
ngs?
Saint:she'
scan'thaveki
dsandmysist
erandiwer
e
adopt edsoisai
dt ohert
hat'
swhyGodtookher
fer
til
ity(hebur
stintoacry)
Lady:(
sof
tl
y)Sai
nt
Sai
nt:iknowbutidi
dn'
tmeananyofi
t.Iwasangr
y
Lady:myboyt hebestthingtodowhenyouar e
angryistostepback.Thatonewi llsur
elysaveyou
fr
om findi
ngyoui nsit
uationsli
kethisone.Ashard
asitistostepbackyouhavet ofi
ghttodoit.Do
youknowyourbi ologi
calmot her
?( Henodded
cryi
ng)howdoyouknowher ?
Sai
nt:(
swall
owed)t
heyt
ookmet
oherpl
aceonmy
11t
hbirt
hday
Lady:why?
Sai
nt:becauset
heywant
edmet
oknowmyr
oot
s
Lady:howdi
dthatgo?
Sai
nt:shewasn'
twel
comi
ng
Lady:di
dtheyt
ellyouaboutherbef
oret
aki
ngyou
toher?
Sai
nt:yest
heyt
oldmethatsheneverwant
edme
butt
heywantmetoknowwhomyr ealmot
heri
s
Lady:nowrighttherear epar ent
swhol oveyoumy
boy.Thatwassel f
lessoft hem todosuchat hi
ng
andyouhavet obegr atefulfort
hem.Itshowst hat
theywoulddoanyt hingf oryouandt hatyoucan
trustt
hem withyourownl ife.Hasyourmotherever
givenyouar easontot hinkshedoesn'tloveyou?
Sai
nt:no
Lady:exactly,
soSaintyouhavet osi
tdownandt al
k
toyourpar ent
sandapologisetothem especi
all
y
yourmot her(hesni
ffednodding)howarethingsat
yourcell
?
Sai
nt:igetabusedever
yni
ght
Lady:how?
Sai
nt:sexual
lyandwhenit
ryt
oref
uset
heybeatme
up
Lady:ok.Wewi l
lgetadoctortocomeandl ookint
o
yourphysi calwellbeingtomakesur eyouhaveno
i
nfectionst heniwi l
lbesuretotakecareofyour
emot i
onalwel lbeing.Thefi
rststeptobei
ngabet t
er
personisr eali
singwhenyouar ewr ongandwor kon
fi
xingallthat,forgi
veyoursel
fbef or
eanyoneelse
canthent her estshallf
oll
ow
Sai
nt:wi
llibet
akenbackt
othatcel
l?
Lady:iwi
llr
equestani
sol
atedcel
lforyou
Sai
nt:okt
hankyou
Lady:l
etmecal
ladoct
or

Shereachedf
orherphonewhi
leSai
ntsatbackand
si
ghed.

AtKavi
mbamot
ors.
..
Lewissmil
edatt
her
ecept
ioni
standgavehera
chocol
ate.
..

Lewi
s:t
hisi
stosaysor
ryf
ort
hel
astt
imel
ove
Lady:awwapol
ogyaccept
ed.MrTl
otl
oisr
eadyf
or
you
Lewi
s:t
hankyou

Wit
hagiftbagi
nhishandhemadewayt oMorri
s'
s
of
fi
cewherehefoundhim onacall
.Hewavedat
hi
mt ocomeinashefi
nishedwit
hthecal
l.
..

Mor
ri
s:mor
ning
Lewi
s:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Mor
ri
s:i
m good.Whatal
ovel
ysur
pri
se
Lewis:(
smil
ed)yeah.Ibroughtyousomethi
ngj
ust
tosaythankyouforthedinneryest
erday
Mor
ri
s:oht
hankyousomuch
Lewi
s:you'
rewel
come.Youwi
llopeni
taf
teril
eave
Mor
ri
s:ok
Lewi
s:how'
swor
k?
Mor
ri
s:wor
kisf
ine.What
'sup?
Lewis:iwouldhaveaskedyout
hisoverthephone
butijustf
eltl
ikei
twouldbebet
teri
fididiti
n
person
Mor
ri
s:ohok.I
mli
steni
ng
Lewi
s:doyouhaveanypl
anst
hisweekend?
Mor
ri
s:noidon'
t
Lewi
s:okdoyoumi
ndcomi
ngovert
omypl
ace?
Mor
ri
s:oh
Lewis:yespl
ease.Iwoul
dappr
eci
atethatandi
bel
ieveitwoul
dhelpuswithmovi
ngforward
Morri
s:unf
ort
unatel
yim st
il
luncomf
ort
abl
ewi
th
bei
nginyourhouse
Lewi
s:(
disappoi
nted)ohyeahiunder
stand
Morri
s:i
m gl
adyoudobutdon'
tlooksad,
youcan
r
athercometomine
Lewi
s:(
smi
led)ar
eyousur
e?
Mor
ri
s:hundr
edper
cent
Lewis:ohidefi
nit
elywi
llj
ustl
etmeknowwhenyou
knockofftheniwil
lcome
Morri
s:whati
fim cr
avingf
orsomehear
tyhome
cookedmealt
onight?
Lewi
s:oh?
Morri
s:(
gavehi
mthekeys)got
her
eandpr
ove
your
self
Lewi
s:(
chuckl
ed)ohwow
Mor
ri
s:yes,
youhavet
oear
nmyf
orgi
veness
Lewi
s:chal
lengeaccept
ed
Morr
is:(smi
led)gr
eat
.Youar
edonewi
tht
he
r
eports?
Lewis:yeahican'
tbel
ievei
m goi
ngbackt
othose
l
itt
ledevil
sonMonday.Gosh
Mor
ri
s:yeahnehbei
ngat
eacheri
ssomet
hingel
se
Lewi
s:youhavetobest
rongfort
hatpr
ofessi
on
(t
heyl
aughed)l
etmegetgoing
Morri
s:onethi
ng,il
ovei
twhenmymancooks
nakedintheki
tchen

Lewis'
sjawdroppedashesmiledwhi
leMor
ri
ssat
backandwinkedathim smi
li
ngaswell
.

AtAdi
ole'
sAgency.
..

Chi
omaparkedhercarandmadeherwayi
nsi
det
he
of
fi
cesl
ookingf
orKelechi
..
.

Chi
oma:t
hesear
eni
ceof
fi
ces.Lechi
?Kel
e?

Shecall
edherl
ooki
ngi
nof
fi
ceandf
oundheri
n
one.
..
Chi
oma:di
dn'tyouhearmecal
lyou?Theseof
fi
ces
ar
ehonest
lyamazing
Kel
echi
:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eChi
oma?
Chi
oma:andwhyar
eyoubei
ngsohost
il
e?
Kel
echi
:im busy
Chioma:ohokiwon'tbelongthen.Idon'
t
appreci
atewhatyoudidKelechi
Kel
echi
:whatdi
didonow?
Chi
oma:youcan'
tjustcomei
ntomypl
aceand
l
eavewi
thoutt
ell
ingme
Kel
echi
:idi
dn'
tknowihadt
oputi
nanot
ice
Chioma:it'
snotaboutputti
nginanoti
ceit
'scal
led
respectandagainwear esi
ster
sandsecondlyyou
don'tknowt hi
scount
ry.Whatifsomet
hing
happenedt oyou?
Kelechi
:im her
ear
en'ti
?Andbesi
desyouhavea
t
hirdeyesoyouwillbeabl
etosenset
roubl
efr
om
far
Chi
oma:getoveryour
sel
fmydearsi
sterpr
idehas
nobenef
it
s
Kel
echi
:ar
eyoudone?
Chioma:wewerenotr
aisedt
obet
heseki
ndof
peopleKel
echi
Kel
echi
:(scof
fed)youshoul
dhavet
houghtabout
t
hatbef
oredoublecrossi
ngme
Chi
oma:soidoubl
ecr
ossedyou?
Kel
echi
:that
'st
hethingaboutyouChi
omayouhave
al
wayswantedeverythi
ngtobeseenonyou
Chi
oma:excuseme?
Kelechi
:yesChi
omayouneverwanttoseeme
succeedonanythi
ng.What
everigetyoual
ways
want
Chioma:soi
notherwor
dsyouaresayi
ngi
m
copyi
ngyouandjeal
ousofyou?
Kel
echi
:im gl
adyouseei
tnow
Chi
oma:(
laughed)t
hismustbeajoke.I
fiwant
edt
o
beyouwouldibewhereiam i
nli
feri
ghtnow?
Kel
echi
:ohsoyouar
einsi
nuat
ingt
hati
m not
hing?
Chioma:yourwordsnotmi neandwhywoul disay
suchvil
ethingstomyownbl ood?Kelechiil
ove
Lovemore,ihaveal
wayslovedhi m andim not
goingt
oapol ogi
sefort
ell
inghim howif eel
Kel
echi
:di
dyouhavet
owai
tunt
ilishowedi
nter
est
i
nhim?
Chioma:wel
lmaybei t
sacoi
ncidencebutnoneof
thi
sisoutofspi
te.Iwoul
dneverdosuchat hi
ngt
o
you
Kel
echi
:butyoudi
dChi
oma!
Chi
oma:(
fl
ippedherhai
r)st
opscr
eami
ngatme
Kelechi
:al
loft
hisi
sspi
teful
.Youdi
ditbecauseyou
couldn'
tst
andseei
ngyoursist
erwi
ththemanyou
l
ike!
Chioma:idon'tli
keLovemor eilovehim.Big
di
fference!Youknowwhat ,idon'tunderst
andwhyi
havet oexplai
nmyselftoyou.Lovemor eandiarei
n
arelati
onshipandthat'
sthat.Alliwanttodoisbe
ci
vilwithyoubutiguessthat '
sani mpossi
ble
dr
eam.Haveagoodday(
shet
urnedwal
kingaway)
Kel
echi
:youcangot
ohel
lChi
oma
Chioma:(Tur
ned)Kel
echi
?Foraman?Amanwho
nevert
oldyouthathel
ovesyou?
Kel
echi
:justgoChi
omal
eavemeal
one
Chi
oma:wow,wowKelechiAdi
oleibetourpar
ent
s
ar
etur
ningi
nthei
rgr
ave
Kel
echi:(
pointedather
)don'
tyoudar
ebr
ingour
par
entsintothis
Chi
oma:it
oldyout
oneverpoi
ntyourf
ingeratme
Kel
echi
Kel
echi
:whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odoabouti
t?

Chiomasqui
nthereyesandsneer
edl
eavi
ngwhi
le
shaki
ngherhead.
..

Kelechi
:yeahgo,gobewit
hthatpat
heti
ccowardof
amanwhowoul drat
herset
tl
eforasecondbest
t
hing.Y'al
lar
epathet
icanddeser
veoneanother
.
Mxm!

Shesai
dsi
tt
ingdownandsl
appedt
hedesk.
..

Kel
echi
:fucki
t!

I
nOt
se.
..

Biancamadewayi ntoathatchedhutaft
ertaki
ng
hershoesoffwit
hacl ot
hwr appedaroundherhead.
Assoonasshest eppedinthewomansneezedand
gruntedwhi
leshefrownedandsatdown. .
.

Woman:gobackt
owher
eyouar
efr
om
Bi
anca:(
frowned)excuseme?
Woman:idon'
twantt
ogetmysel
fint
otroubl
eso
pl
easegobacktowher
eyouaref
rom andleavet
he
poorwomanalone
Bianca:youdon'
tevenknowwhoiam andwhyi
m
here
Woman:i
m at
radi
ti
onaldoct
orihavel
ongsensed
whyyouar
eheret
hemomentyouopenedmygat e
Bi
anca:comeonineedyourhel
pher
e
Woman:younggir
ldidn'
tyouhearwhatijustsai
d?
Gobacktowhereyouarefrom andleavet
hepoor
womanalone.I
m notabouttothrowmyselfi
napit
off
ir
e
Bianca:ipr
omi
seyouiwon'
ttel
lanyoneandiwi
l
l
payyougood?
Woman:youar ejustasil
lybrokelit
tl
egirlmydear
i
nsteadofbringi
ngdarknessintoyourlif
esave
yoursel
fmaybeyourdoor swillopenforyou.I
t
won'thurtt
obeagoodper sontoyourfri
end
Bi
anca:whatawast
eofmyt
ime
Woman:t heper sonyouaretryi
ngt ohur
tisahighl
y
favouredchil
doft heheavens.There'
salotofl
ight
andf i
rearoundherandif oronedon'twanttoget
burntsomygi rldoyourselfafavourandstopwhat
youar
etr
yingt
odo
Bi
anca:butwhydoesshehavet
ohaveever
ythi
ng?
Woman:youcanhaveever yt
hingaswellonceyou
openupyourheartandstopwishi
ngbadonot her
s
especi
all
ypeopl
eliket
hisyounglady.I
sn'
tshe
supposedtobeyourfr
iend?
Bi
anca:(
rol
ledhereyes)mxm
Woman:( sneer ed)youhonest l
yhaveal ongwayt o
goi fyouwantsomel i
ghtinyourl if
e.Bei nggoodt o
otherst akesnot hi
ngfrom you.Imeanwhatdi dshe
everdot oyout owantt okil
lheronherweddi ngday?
(Biancaswal lowed)youknowaver seinthebi bl
e
thatsays, "
touchnotmyanoi nted"youngl adyyou
willsuffershoul dyougot hroughwi t
hwhat everyou
arepl anning.I fnotgoandaskal lthepeopl ewho
havet ri
edt ohur tandendherl ifeandcomeback
here.Theyar eyett osuffermor eandt heirli
ttl
ealter
willbebr oughtdownt ocr umbswi t
honeoft hem
l
osi ngthei rli
fe.Saveyour selfnana.Gobackhome

Bi
ancacur
vedherl
ipsandmadeherwayout
.The
womansighedandshookherheadandcont i
nued
togri
ndhermedicines.Bi
ancagotint
hecar,
sat
backandthoughtaboutwhatthewomansaid.She
tur
nedthekeybutitwouldn'
tstar
tasshef
rowned.
..

Bi
anca:uhu

Sheturneditagai
nbutitstil
lfail
ed.Shewai tedfora
fewsecondsandt ur
nedi tagainbutsti
llnothing.
Sheopenedt hebonnetandgotoutl ookingini tbut
ever
ythingseemedfine.Shesi ghedandt ur
nedt he
keyagainanditstar
ted.
..

Bi
anca:i
ja

Sheputonhersaf
etybel
tanddr
oveof
f.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..
Busyintheki
tchenmakingmuffi
nsLornasang
al
ongtosomeol dschoolsongspl
ayingfr
om t
het
v
whil
esippi
ngonhermi mosa.Shechecked
Pati
ence'
sreci
pebookandsneered..
.

Lorna:onet
hingaboutheri
sthatshehadamazing
reci
pesshameiwillgi
veherthat
.(Herphoner
ang)
hell
o?
Her
old:gooddaymi
ssLol
a
Lor
na:what
?
Her
old:youar
espeaki
ngt
oHer
old
Lor
na:Her
old?
Herold:yourknighti
nshi
ningar
mourbyt
het
raf
fi
c
l
ights(theylaughed)
Lor
na:youar
esosi
ll
y.What
'sup?
Her
old:j
usti
ntheof
fi
ceandyou?
Lor
na:busyi
ntheki
tchenmaki
ngsomemuf
fi
ns
Her
old:ohni
cei
m igoi
ngt
ogetsome?
Lor
na:whywoul
dyout
hinkyouwoul
dgetsome?
Herol
d:becauseiwanttoseeyoulat
ert
odayandi
havenothi
ngtoeatforbreakf
astt
omorr
ow
Lor
na:st
rai
ghtshoot
ermuch
Her
old:ohwel
l
Lorna:whywoul
dyout
hinkiwantt
omeetupwi
th
you?
Herol
d:i
t'snotaboutyoumeeti
ngupwit
hmebut
youhavinglet
ti
nglooseandhaveagoodti
mepl
us
i
t'
saFr i
day
Lorna:(
chuckl
ed)youneedt
owor
konyour
approachski
ll
sHerry
Her
old:ohi
m Her
rynow?
Lor
na:don'
treadmuchint
oit
,Her
oldi
sjustwayt
oo
l
ongtosay(theyl
aughed)
Her
old:youar
esof
unny
Lor
na:iwor
kwi
thTr
evorNoahdi
dn'
ttheyt
ellyou?
Her
old:morereasonwhyweshoul
dhangoutl
ater
.
Togettoknowyou
Lor
na:t
aki
ngadvant
ageisee
Her
old:idon'
tli
kebur
ntmuf
fi
ns
Lor
na:wel
lifyoukeepmeont
hephoneyouar
e
goi
ngtohavethem bur
nt
Her
old:sot
hat
'sayest
ohangi
ngoutl
ater
?
Lor
na:t
ellmet
het
imeandpl
ace
Her
old:(
smi
ledandpunchedt
heai
r)iwi
llt
extyou
Lor
na:sur
ebuddy
Her
old:bye

TheyhungupasLornat
houghtaboutitandsmil
ed.
Ithadbeenl
ongsi
nceshel
ookedgoodandwent
outmaybeitwast
imeshebroughtoutthel
if
einher
l
ife.

THATAFTERNOON

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.
Mar el
edifi
nishedwit
hhercust
omersandwentfor
herbr eakj
oini
ngAjaxandMaya.Seei
nghercome
Ajax'shear
tskippedabeatasheexhal
edl
ookingat
Maya. ..

Maya:j
ustst
aycal
m
Aj
ax:
I'
m scar
ed
Maya:asyoushoul
dbutbehopef
ul
Mar
eledi
:(smi
led)heyguys
Maya:heybabe
Aj
ax:
(ner
vousl
ysmi
led)hey
Mar
eledi
:whatal
ovel
ysur
pri
se
Aj
ax:
(smi
led)howwasyourmor
ning?
Mar
eledi
:itwasamazi
ngandyour
s?
Aj
ax:
itwasgr
eat
Marel
edi
:fr
iendcanyoubel
ieveitihaveal
ready
madeP500oft i
pssi
nceist
artedmyshi f
t
Maya:icanseet
hatyouguysar
ebusyt
odaypl
us
youaregoodatwhatyoudo
Marel
edi:maybeishoul
dqui
tlawandf
ocuson
hospi
tal
ity(
theyl
aughed)
Maya:pit
sokepit
somyl
ove(
acal
li
ngi
sacal
li
ng)
(
theylaughedmore)
Aj
ax:
ihavesomet
hingt
otel
lyou
Mar
eledi
:ohok
Aj
ax:r
ememberitol
dit
'sbeen2mont
hssi
nceiwas
i
narelat
ionshi
p?
Mar
eledi
:yes
Ajax:t
heper
soniwasinvolvedwithcontact
edmea
dayagoandtoldmethatshei spr
egnantbutitol
d
heridon'
twantachi
ld(Mareledif
rowned)itol
dher
ican'
thaveachil
dnow
Mar
eledi
:why?
Aj
ax:
im notf
inanci
all
yreadyt
ohaveachi
ld
Mar
eledi
:di
dyouusepr
otect
ionwi
tht
hisper
son?
Aj
ax:
(swal
lowed)no
Mar
eledi
:thenwhatdi
dyouexpect
?Ami
racl
e?
Aj
ax:
ial
waysusedwi
thdr
awalmet
hod
Mar eledi
:reallynowAj ax?Youknowver ywellt
hat'
s
notagur anteedpr eventi
onmet hod.(
Heswal l
owed)
i
m honest l
ydi sappointedinyoutosaytheleast.
Howdoyounotwantachi ldwhenyouwer enot
usingpr otecti
on?Unpr otect
edsexisforpeopl
ewho
arer eadytohaveachi l
d.DoyouknowyourHI V
status?
Aj
ax:
yesit
estever
yyear
Marel
edi
:ok.Whatdi
dshesaywhenyousai
dyou
don'
twantachi
ld?
Aj
ax:
shedoesn'
twantt
ori
skanyt
hing
Mareledi
:yesaborti
onisveryr
iskysowhatwas
yourresponse?(HelookedatMaya)doyouknow
aboutthisfr
iend?
Maya:ij
ustf
oundoutear
li
ertoday.Iover
hear
dhim
andthegi
rlt
alki
ngi
nhisoff
ice.Aj
axjustbehonest
wit
hher
Aj
ax:
(cl
osedhi
seyes)it
oldhert
hatidon'
twantt
he
baby
Mar
eledi
:evenaf
tershet
oldyoushedoesn'
twant
t
oendangerherl
if
e?
Aj
ax:
eemma

Mareledisi
ghedandsatbacklooki
ngathi
m.Hefel
t
l
iketheworldcouldj
ustopenupandswall
owhim
ashereyespiercedt
hroughhi
sskin..
.

Marel
edi:wow.Areyoureal
lyf
inanci
all
yunst
abl
eor
i
sitbecauseyouwanttomoveonwi thme?(Maya
wai
tedfortheanswer)
Aj
ax:
idon'
twantt
ohaveachi
ldwi
thher
Mar eledi:ifyoudidn'twanttohaveachi l
dwithher
Ajaxyoushoul dhaveusedpr ot
ectionandknow
whenshe' sovul at
ingifyouwantedt ohave
unpr otectedsex.Agai nidon'
tthinkyouarebeing
entir
elyhonestwi thme.Youwor kf orawell
establishedcompanyt here'
snohowyoucanbe
under paidpl easebehonestwi t
hme
Aj
ax:
(si
ghed)Mar
eledi
iloveyou
Mar el
edi
:youwant edtoendagersomeone'sl
if
eand
kil
laninnocentsoultobewithme?( Mayashook
herhead)howi m isupposedtolookatyouaf
ter
thi
s?
Ajax:i
m nott
hatki
ndofper
sonMar
eledi
please
beli
eveme
Marel
edi
:whati
fsomet
hingsi
mil
arhappenstome?
Ar
eyougoingtofor
cemetodowhatbenefi
tsyou?
Aj
ax:
ofcour
senot
Mar el
edi
:thi
shonestl
ysaysal otaboutyouand
unfort
unatel
yican'
tconti
nuewi t
ht hi
s.Yesican
standforbabymamadr amabutf oryoutowant
someonet odosomethingforyourownsel fi
sh
reasons?Noshameican't?Ican'tstandforitsoi
m
sorrywearegoingtohavetostopwhat everwe
weretryi
ngtodo
Aj
ax:t
rustmewhenisayiwantt
obewi
thyouand
myint
enti
onsar
epure
Mar
eledi
:youri
ntent
ionsmi
ghtbepur
ebutwear
e
t
alki
ngaboutchar
acterher
esomet
hingyoucan'
t
j
ustchangei
nablinkofaneye
Aj
ax:
Maya
Maya:unfortunatelyiagreewithMar el
edii
over
lookedthef actthatthere'
snowayyoucanbe
fi
nancial
lyunstable.Youar edefi
nit
elywellpai
dto
haveanyf i
nancialstrugglesoraretheystr
aini
ng
youbackhome?
Marel
edi
:theyarenothe'sfr
om awel
lof
ffamily.
Hi
sparent
sar ewellknownfarmer
sandhisyounger
si
bli
ngsaresti
llatschool
Maya:yeahsoiagr
eewi
thMar
eledi
.
Aj
ax:
doyouhat
eme?
Mareledi:idon'
that
eyoubuti m goi
ngtoaskyou
onething, pl
easegotoyourexandapol ogi
setoher
fort
het hingsyousai
dandt akeresponsibi
li
tyf
or
yourchild.
Aj
ax:
sot
hisi
sit
?
Mar
eledi
:im af
rai
dso.Ihavenot
hingagai
nstyou
r
emembert hat
Aj
ax:
Mar
eledi
..
.(
hesi
ghed)okiunder
stand
Mar
eledi
:thank
Aj
ax:
thankyouMmaMoet
i
Maya:notapr
obl
em

Heaskedforadoggybagf
orhisfoodandheaded
t
otherestroomswhil
eMarel
edisi
ghedlooki
ngat
Maya.
..

Maya:howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Marel
edi
:im di
sappoi
ntedf
ri
endutt
erl
y
di
sappoi
ntedbutheyiti
swhati
tismyfri
end
Maya:yeahneh.I
m sor
ryl
oveir
eal
lyr
oot
edf
oryou
guys
Marel
edi:youcanneverknowwhatt
oexpectf
rom
peopl
elove.It
'sokiwi
llf
indmykni
ghtoneday
Maya:t
hat
'smygi
rl
Mayasmi l
edrubbingMar
eledi
'
shandast
hey
cont
inuedtoeat.
..

Maya:tocheeryouupabit.Theti
met
osi
tdown
andplanmyweddi nghasarri
ved
Mar
eledi
:(smi
led)f
inal
ly.Yes!Heyever
yoneexcuse
me!
?
Maya:bat
hongwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Marel
edi:sssh,myfr
iendi
sgetti
ngmarri
edsojust
tocel
ebrateeachoneofyouwil
lbegett
ingadr
ink
(t
heyallcl
appedandcheered)t
hankyouandshe's
payi
ng
Maya:(
smi
led)what
!?
Mar
eledi
:tsal
aaker
eyoucanaf
for
d
Maya:youar
esomet
hingel
se

Theyl
aughedwhi
leAj
axl
eft
.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Thedoor
stothevisi
ti
ngareaopenedasPr
eci
ous
madeherwayin.Shelookedar
oundandsawno
onesheknew.
..

Pr
eci
ous:whoi
sher
etoseeme?
Guar
d:t
hatgent
leman
Pr
eci
ous:(
frowned)who'
sthat
?
Guar
d:iguessyouj
usthavet
ofi
ndout

Shemadeherwayt
owher
ePat
ri
ckwasseat
edand
satdown.
..

Preci
ous:(
wit
hafr
ownon)goodaf
ter
noonsi
r.How
canibeofhel
p?
Patr
ick:hel
loPr
eci
ous.Mynamei
sPat
ri
ckandi
m
yourfather
Preciousbursti
ntoaloudlaughwhil
ePatri
ckkepta
seri
ousf aceon.Sheslowl
ystoppedlaughi
ng
seeingthathewasseriousandfrownedasher
heartraced.
..

Pr
eci
ous:youar
ewhat
?
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
20] :AKEPTWOMAN
82

Pat
ri
ck:yourf
ather
Pr
eci
ous:buthow?Thatmanl
ongdi
edbef
oreiwas
bornandhedidn'
twantmesoi fyoucomehere
thi
nki
ngyoucanplayyourdir
tytri
cksonmethen
youarerunni
ngalostcour
se
Pat
ri
ck:amanmyageandhaveti
meforpl
ayi
ng
di
rt
ytri
ckswi
thal
adyyourage?Comeon
Preci
ous:idon'
thaveafat
herandi
fhedi dn'
tdi
e
theniwantnothi
ngtodowithhi
m becausehenever
wantedme
Pat
ri
ck:t
hati
swhatyouwer
etol
d
Pr
eci
ous:andi
twast
rue
Patri
ck:noitwasn't
.Ihavealwayswantedtobea
partofyourli
fePreci
ousbutRonakeptpushingme
awayunt i
lshetri
edtokil
lme( shef
rowned)yesshe
tr
iedtokil
lme.Notonce, nott
wice,
notthreeti
mes
but6timesPr eci
ous6timesescapingRona'sclaws
al
lforwantingtohavear el
ati
onshi
pwithyou
Pr
ecious:mymot
herwoul
dneverdosuchat
hingt
o
me.Shelovesme
Pat
rick:i
fshel
ovedyoushewouldn'thavel
etyou
suf
ferwhenyourfat
herhadever
ythi
ngheneededin
l
if
e.Youwouldn'
thavegi
venyour
sel
ftoamanj
ust
t
ogetoutofpovert
y
Pr
eci
ous:st
opl
ying
Patr
ick:i
m notl
ying.Justl
ikeeveryoneelseyour
motherusedyouf orherownselfi
shr easons.You
wereoneofherpawnsi nherlit
tl
egame.Sheused
youtogettheli
feshewant ed
Preci
ous:l
iesPat
ri
ck,
li
es!I
fyouhadeveryt
hingyou
neededwhywouldshenotwantanyt
hingtodowith
you?
Patri
ck:becauseiwant
edust osepar
atebuthavea
rel
ati
onshipwithyouhenceshetookmyferti
li
tyso
thaticoul
dnotkeepawoman
Preci
ous:youar
eonepathet
icl
iardon'
tyouever
comebackhere(shest
oodup)
Patr
ick:i
fyoudon'
tbel
ievet
henl
ist
ent
othi
sbef
ore
yougo

Shefrownedwhi
lehet ookouthi
sphoneandplayed
ther
ecordi
ngofhim andRonaearli
er.Pr
eci
ous'
s
fr
owngotfir
mereachsecondassheslowlysat
down.Herheartst
art
edtoracewi
thherj
aw
droppi
ngheari
ngeveryt
hing.
..

Preci
ous:nothi
scan'
tbe,mymotherwoul
d
never
..
.my..
.(
swall
owed)howcanRonadothi
sto
me!Howcan. .
.

Shegaspedasherl
ungsclosedinandswal
loweda
pai
nfull
umpholdi
ngherchest.
..

Pat
ri
ck:i
mreal
lysor
ry
Pr
eci
ous:pl
easet
akemebackt
omycel
l
Pat
ri
ck:weneedt
o..
.
Pr
eci
ous:isai
dtakemebackt
omycel
lguar
d!

Sheangri
lysai
dhit
ti
ngthetabl
east heguar
d
escort
edherbackwhi
lePatr
icksatbackandsmi
led
putt
inghi
sphonebackint
ohispocket..
.
Patri
ck:i
t'
stimet oshithotpepperRona.Youare
goingtofeelexactl
ywhatif el
twhenyout ookmy
chil
dawayf rom me( chuckl
edleavi
ng)revengei
sa
dishbestservedcold.

AtTi
tus'
shouse.
..

WithLesedif
eedi
ngthei
rbabyTit
usbroughthera
snackonat r
ayasshesmiledt
hrowi
ngonebi scui
t
i
nhermout h..
.

Lesedi
:icoul
dgetusedt
othi
s
Ti
tus:(
chuckl
ed)wai
tunt
ili
m apr
omi
nentbusi
ness
man
Lesedi
:yes?
Ti
tus:yesl
oveyouar
elooki
ngatt
henextbi
gthi
ng
Lesedi
:iml
ist
eni
ng
Tit
us:soihadachatwi
thJoshuaandtol
dhi
m how
iwanttoimpr
ovemylif
eandheoffer
edmea
schol
arshi
pandmentorshi
p
Lesedi
:(smi
led)babear
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ight
now?
Tit
us:yesmylove.Hesuggestedienr
olfora
businesscour
sesothatil
earnwhatisreal
ly
neededtohaveasuccessf
ulbusiness
Lesedi
:thi
siswonder
fulnewsmylovei
m happyf
or
you.Doyouhaveanyideasofwhi
chbusi
nessyou
wanttogofor?
Tit
us:notyetandiwantyoutobeinvol
vedi
nthi
s
aswel lbecausei
t'
sgoi
ngtobenef
itusandour
chil
dren
Lesedi
:don'
tworrymylovewewi l
lst
art
brai
nstor
ming.Im sopr
oudofyoumyl oveittakesa
l
ottoapproachsomeoneandtellt
hem thatyou
needthei
rhelp
Tit
us:iknowrightiwashavi
ngsecondt
houghts
thi
nkingthatmaybehe'sgoi
ngtosaywearetaki
ng
advantageofhim
Lesedi
:nomanJoshuaisawonder f
ulmanthefact
thathegaveyoualongt
erm sol
uti
onsaysalot
abouthim.Weshoulddosomethi
ngforhi
mj ustt
o
saythankyou
Ti
tus:al
lingoodt
imel
ove
Lesedi
:wow,
comeher
elove

Shepull
edhi minforaki
ssast
hebabygr
oaned
andtheylaughed.
..

Tit
us:don'
tyoudaretr
ytocomebet
weenuswena
(t
heylaughedmore)
Lesedi
:ihavesomegoodnewsaswel
lmyl
ove
Ti
tus:ohr
eal
lynow?
Lesedi
:yesbabe.Ir
ecei
vedanof
ferf
oraj
obear
li
er
today
Ti
tus:(
hisj
awdr
oppedsmi
li
ng)what
!?
Lesedi
:(smi
led)yesmyloveiwasst
il
ltaki
ngi
nthe
newshenceimt el
li
ngyounow
Ti
tus:thi
sisamazi
ngnewsmyl
ove.Theheavens
ar
ef i
nall
yopeni
ngup
Lesedi
:yesbabe.Mondayi
mrepor
ti
ngt
owor
k
Ti
tus:youl
ie
Lesedi
:imtel
li
ngyoubabe.Mondayiwi
llbethe
newSetswanateacheri
nLedumangSenior
Ti
tus:t
hisi
samazi
ngbabe

Hekissedheral
loverast
heyl
aughedwhi
let
he
babycomplai
ned..
.

Ti
tus:wai
tweneedtogoshoppi
ngf
oryournew
outf
it
s.Nowomanofmineisgoi
ngt
orockupat
workwit
holdcl
othes
Lesedi
:butwehavenomoneyl
yingar
oundbabe
Tit
us:(
smil
ed)amanal
wayshasabackuppl
anf
or
rai
nydaysmylove
Lesedi
:awwbabet
hankyou
Tit
us:tomorr
owwear egoi
ngout
,doshoppi
ngand
enjoyourl
astfr
eedays
Lesedi
:wai
t,babysi
tt
ing?
Tit
us:mamaisal
waysbor
edi
nthatbi
ghouseso
shewouldn'
tmi
nd
Lesedi
:per
fectandmaybesometi
meswecani nvi
te
hertocomeoverforaweekort
woj ustf
orMaya
andJoshuatohavesopri
vacyyouknow
Ti
tus:notapr
obl
em myl
ove.
Lesedi
:thi
smeansthatbytheendoft
heyearwe
canhaveoursmal
linti
mateweddingmyl
ove
Ti
tus:(
smiled)youtookt
hewor dsst
rai
ghtoutof
mymout hbutfir
stthi
ngisfi
rstwehavetothank
Godforfi
nall
ybr i
ngi
ngli
ghtint
oourhome
Lesedi
:tr
ue

Hesmil
edtaki
ngabiscui
tfr
om hersasshesl
apped
hi
shandandtheyl
aughedwithbabyMarang
j
oini
ngi
n.
AtKgangT&T.
..

Joshuawhi stledpassingDuncan'
soffi
cebut
stoppedandf r ownedseei
nghimlookingmil
es
awayt hrought hewindow.Heheadedinsi
deandhe
wasst i
llzonedoutashesl ammedt hedoorandhe
j
umpedst art
led...

Duncan:yesesman!
Joshua:wakeupandwhyareyouhavi
ngyour
bl
indswideopenl
iket
his?
Duncan:ar
ethey?Ohyestheyar
eiguesst
he
cl
eanerfor
gottocl
osethem
Joshua:ever
yonewhopassedher
ehasbeen
seei
nghowmi ser
abl
eyoul
ook
Duncan:what
?
Joshua:(
satdown)what
'sonyourmi
nd?
Duncan:(
sighed)don'
twor
ryabouti
timj
ust
r
eadi
ngmuchi
ntot
hings
Joshua:whatt
hings?
Duncan:Lor
na
Joshua:youaddressyourwi
feast
hings?Ihope
youarenotstar
ti
ngDuncan?
Duncan:ohnonomani m donewi
ththatl
if
eiwant
tobeaperfecthusbandbutiwonderi
fLornai
ssti
ll
onthesamepageasi
Joshua:whatar
eyousayi
ng?
Duncan:herbehavi
ouri
schangi
ngandidon'
tthi
nk
il
ikei
t
Joshua:howso?
Duncan:yester
daywhenwecamef r
om thef
uneral
acarstoppednextt
ousbythetr
affi
cli
ghtsandthis
guyrol
leddownhiswindowandhitt
hehooter.
Lor
nadi dthesameandhetol
dherhowbeautiful
sheis
Joshua:whi
leyouwer
ether
e?
Duncan:yesandt
omaket
hingswor
seshegave
hi
m hernumber
Joshua:what
?
Duncan:shesayssheneedsf
ri
ends
Joshua:oh
Duncan:butt
hisguyt
oldhershel
ooksbeaut
if
ul
man
Joshua:doyout
hinkLor
nawoul
dst
oopt
hatl
ow?
Duncan:youcanneverknowdudeandagai
nshe
saysshe'
sonapathofst ar
ti
ngabusi
nessandi
onlyf
oundoutyester
day
Joshua:iwonderwhy
Duncan:(si
ghed)becauseihaven'
tbeenspendi
ng
t
imewi t
hherandt al
kaboutheraspir
ati
ons
Joshua:whyi
m inotsur
pri
sed
Duncan:dudeican'
taff
ordtoloseLor
nawhatifshe
start
smakingmoneyandseesmeaswor thl
ess?
(Joshuafr
owned)ican'
tlosemymar r
iage
Joshua:youknowyoupavedthewayforal
loft
his
ri
ght?Andneveri
nyourli
fet
hinkyoucankeepa
womanwi
thmoneyareyouinsane?That'
dani
nsul
t
t
oyourwi
feandyoushoul
dtakeitback
Duncan:comeondudet
hat
'sunf
air
Joshua:tel
lme,ifyouwer enotexposedwoul dyou
havestoppedseeingPatience?(Hekeptqui et)you
see?Somet i
mesiwonderi fyour eal
lylovethis
womanornotbecausewhati m gett
ingfrom you
nowisthatyouar esorr
ybecauseyougotcaught
andim goingtobefrankwi t
hyou.Shoul dLorna
deci
det ogetbackatyouiwoul dsuppor ther
Duncan:ahdude
Joshua:(
stoodup)noDuncanit
smenl i
keyouwho
pai
ntabadpi ct
uretowomenaboutusijusthope
whenshedoesi tsheget
ssmartabouti
tand
doesn'
tcomeacr ossasabi
tt
erwife
Duncan:soyouar
esayi
ngmywi
feshoul
dcheaton
meandideservei
t
Joshua:myf
ri
endaft
erwhatyoudidt
oawoman
whogaveyouheral
l,
youdeservemor
ethanbei
ng
cheat
edon
Duncan:if
orgethowyoucanbeatt
imes
Joshua:youknowineverli
etoyoumyboy.Lor nais
worthmorethanwhatyouar egi
vingher.I
t'
seit
her
youpullupyoursocksorwatchhersli
poutofyour
hands.Goodluckboyza.Haveawonder f
ulFri
day
boy

Hewinkedathi
m andheadedoutwhi
leDuncan
si
ghedsit
ti
ngback.
..

Duncan:yeahhe'
ssomehowr
ightineedt
opul
lup
mysocks.

AtLewi
s'
shouse.
..

Hefr
ownedlooki
ngoutt
hewi
ndowasBi
anca
madeherwayin.
..

Lewi
s:waboabat
langyoo(
whatdoesshewant
now)(
sheknocked)comei
n
Bi
anca:heyl
ove
Lewi
s:heynanaar
eyounotwor
king?
Bi
anca:noi
m of
f.Wher
ear
eyoupacki
ngt
o?
Lewi
s:kesi
alemat
ebel
esweet
y(goi
ngaway)
Bi
anca:huh?
Lewi
s:i
mjustvi
sit
ingsomeone
Bi
anca:obonemonnaLewi
s?(
Haveyouf
ounda
man)
Lewis:giantyaMosobeyanunuakoosekawa
ntowatlhekanalonabanyanal
etlet
semonagor
e
(don'
tbewi t
chmepleaseyougir
lsaref
ullof
j
ealousy)
Bi
anca:andyoudi
dn'
ttel
lme?
Lewi
s:i
m iobl
igedt
otel
lyouever
ythi
ng?
Bi
anca:ar
ewenotsupposedt
obef
ri
ends?
Lewi
s:ehehdarl
yyouarethever
ysamepeople
whogobehindourbacksandbl
ockourbl
essi
ngs.
Fri
endsornoti
m notobl
igedt
otel
lyouever
ythi
ng
happeni
nginmylif
e
Bi
anca:yetMayaknows
Lewis:yesbecauseherhusbandt obewor kswith
myman' sfri
end.(Smi
led)sogoodt oknowpeople
ofhighcalibresooniwon'tbeteachinganymore
butowni ngaschool.I
magi neStLewi shi
gh,gr
eat
soundt oitneh(hechuckledwhil
esher ol
ledher
eyes)
Bi
anca:anywaysoMayai
sreal
lyget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Lewi
s:ohyesmyl
ovei
sn'
tthatamazi
ng?
Bi
anca:mmh
Lewi
s:(
frowned)Bi
anca?
Bianca:nonoit
'sjustt
hatidi
dn'texpectityou
know.Legonei st
hismanofher sal egi
tbusiness
owner?Imeanhowcanonebesor i
ch?Isuspecthe
sacri
fi
seschil
drentobethissuccessful
.Noman
canbet hi
sri
ch
Lewis:ot
herpeopl
eworkt
heirassesof
fBiancaand
theymindthei
rownbusi
nessthat'
swhytheyare
thi
ssuccessf
ul.GaoswabeBi
anca?(
Aren'
tyou
ashamedofyoursel
f)Tl
hemmaakooitshwabel
e
(shameonyou)
Bianca:noi
m stat
ingpossi
blef
act
sher
ewhati
f
he'sacultl
eader
Lewis:(hel
dhiswaistshaki
nghi
shead)nxnxnx
youwi l
lneverchangeneh?Youwil
lfor
everbet
his
miserablej
ealousBianca
Bi
anca:me?Jeal
ous?OhcomeonLewi
s
Lewis:i
tdoesn'
ttakeanyt
hingtobehappyfor
anotherper
sonBianca.Thi
siswhyyouwi l
lnever
moveupi nli
feyouarebusylooki
ngint
oother
people'
sli
ves.Gr
owupman
Bi
anca:it
hinkMayaneedstobecaref
ul.Heeor
maybeshef edhi
m somet
hingimeannoonecan
bei
nloveli
ket hi
s
Lewis:(
laughed)otlhabi
sadi
tl
honggoreBiancaah
mma?( Youar ehonestl
yembarassi
ng)shefedhi
m
something,l
eratol
ekukueboruma( l
oveandgood
pussy)somethingidoubtyouhave
Bi
anca:want
hogaLewi
s(you'
rei
nsul
ti
ngme)
Lewis:Mayai saver yr
espectfulanddownt oearth
womanwhodeser vesnot
hingbutpur ehappiness.I
can'
tbelieveim honest
lyli
steningtoyouspewso
muchnonsenseaboutmyf ri
end.Pleaseleave.You
canlearnal otfr
om Mayamaybej ustmaybeyou
wil
lfindamanyou' r
eworthbutyoust i
llhavealong
wayt ogomyl ove
Bi
anca:yohgosi
amer
ra.(
Bye)
Lewis:byenana.Im wat
chingyoulonaboBiancal
e
dit
ypet sagojesetsamotho(youarecapabl
eof
poi
soningaper son)
Bi
anca:mxm

Shesai
dleavingwhi
leLewislaughedshaki
nghi
s
headnotbel
ievi
ngher.Shegotinhercaranddr
ove
ali
tt
let
henreachedforherphonedial
ingMaya.
..

Maya:Bi
anca
Bi
anca:heybabehowar
eyoudoi
ng?
Maya:i
m goodandyour
sel
f?
Bi
anca:i
mf ant
asti
c.Howar
etheweddi
ng
pr
eparat
ionsgoi
ng?
Maya:wear
est
il
lmour
ning
Bianca:ohokl
ovegonemmewhendoyoupl
ant
o
havetheweddi
ng?
Maya:wedon'
tknowyet
Bianca:(r
oll
edhereyes)sheet
lhemmabuakante
bagor eet
sebareketl
agolowa(justt
ellmeordi
d
theysayiwillbewi
tchyou)
Maya:(
frowned)andwher
edoest
hatcomef
rom?
Bianca:ifeell
ikeyouar
ej ustwi
thhol
ding
i
nf or
mat i
onf r
om me.Gapeast hebestladyineed
tobeupt odat ewit
heverythi
ng
Maya:bestl
ady?
Bianca:yeslove.Orim inotyourf
emalefri
end?I
meanyoucan' tmakeLewi syourmaidofhonour
andthatgirlwhat'shername,Moraediorwhatever
,
shejustcamei nt
oyourlif
erecent
ly
Maya:i
t'
sMareledi
,andit
'snotaboutwhohasbeen
i
nmyl i
feforl
ongdear.She'
sactuall
ythemai
dof
honour
Bi
anca:uhu?WhataboutmeMaya?
Maya:whataboutyou?
Bi
anca:i
mjustgoi
ngt
obeamer
ebr
ide'
smai
d?Ao
mmaMaya?
Maya:br
ide'
smai
d?Noyouar
enot
Bi
anca:heebanna
Maya:yeswehaveenoughpeopl
e.Mar
eledi
,Lewi
s,
hubby'
sfri
endandhi
sbrot
her
Bi
anca:soj
ustl
iket
hati
m si
del
ined?
Maya:nottobeof
fensi
vebutir
atherhavepeopl
ei
cantr
ustinmycir
cle
Bi
anca:ohwow
Maya:yes
Bi
anca:soyoudon'
ttr
ustme?
Maya:notevenonebi
tbabes
Bi
anca:why?
Maya:yourcomment
swhenyoucameherefor
dinnerwer
esomewhatsubl
imi
nalsoi
tmademe
thinkofaf
ewthi
ngsaboutyou
Bi
anca:i
jobanyana
Maya:i
t'
snothingpersonalmylove.Wewi l
lsend
youapatt
ernthenyougot oyourtail
orhey.Byei
havet
ogoacl ientj
ustwalkedi
n
Bianca:butMayai...
(shehunguponher )sies
(cl
ickedhertonguethr owingherphoneont heother
seat)seloseseipolel
et sewai t
semmewaakaga
anagosebona.Ngwanyanaf elayotshodisi
tsweng
banabababedikemosi manewal etl
akalaaboatla
gonnyal l
wapele?Ker aa( t
histhingisreall
yover
confidentbutshe'
snevergoi ngt osucceed.How
cansomeonei mpregnat edtwicebyanexcuseofa
mangetmar ri
edbeforeme?Never )ey!

Shesai
dquickl
yhi
tt
ingthebr
eaksassheal
mosthi
t
acowthatcameoutofnowher
e..
.
Bi
anca:bl
oodyf
oolwher
edoesi
tcomef
rom!
?Nxl
a!

I
nhouseofChibout
ique.
..

Lornasangal
ongtothesongplayi
ngfrom t
hestor
e
speaker
swhil
epicki
ngafewnewi tems.Herphone
rangasshebi
therlowerl
ipreachi
ngfori
tinher
bag..
.

Lorna:unknownnumber(
fl
ippedherhai
rand
answered)MrsDuncanhel
lo?
Lady:goodaft
ernoonMrsDuncanyouarespeaki
ng
toacounsell
orfrom t
heJuvi
nil
epr
ison
Lor
na:ohokhidearwhatcanidof
oryou?
Lady:ij
usthadal
engt
hyconver
sat
ionwi
thyour
son
Lor
na:ohr
eal
ly?
Lady:yesandher
eal
lyopenedupt
ome
Lor
na:di
dhe?
Lady:yesma'
am het
oldmet her
easonwhyhe'
s
hereandwhatl
edtohim bei
nghere
Lor
na:ohok.Im gl
adhespoketoyoubutihopehe
di
dn'tputyouuptothi
smylady
Lady:ohnonohedi
dn'
t.Iact
ual
lyf
oundhi
minmy
off
iceandhebr
okedown
Lor na:t
helastt
imeheaskedforforgi
venesshe
criedandwhatdi dhedoaft
erfooli
nghisfat
herand
sister?Hetri
edtokil
lmesoit'
shonestlygoi
ngto
takeal otf
ormet obeli
evet
hathistear
sare
genui ne
Lady:ireallygetwhereyouarecomingfrom t
hatis
whyi wantt omeetupwi thyouguysandhim.He
hasdefinitelybur
ntsomebr i
dgeswhichwil
ltake
ti
met orebui l
dbutI'
m hopefult
hatever
ythi
ngwill
fal
lint
opl aceifhestandsbyhisword
Lorna:i
m upf
orworki
ngthi
ngsoutwit
hhi
m and
l
ikeyousayit
'sgoi
ngtot
akesometimeandalotof
wor
k.Whenwoul
dyoul
iket
omeetupwi
thus?
Lady:ki
ndl
ycheckyourschedul
efr
om Mondayt
o
Wednesdaythenl
etmeknow
Lor
na:ohok.Iwi
lldef
ini
tel
ytal
ktoyouont
his
numberri
ght
?
Lady:yesma'
am mynamei
sResego
Lor
na:okiwi
llsaveyournumber
.Thankyouhey
Resego:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
nemyl
ady

TheyhungupasLor naraisedhereyebrowand
scoffedfini
shingwit
hhershopping.Sheheadedt o
thecashr egi
sterandpassedbyami rrorchecki
ng
herselfout.
..

Lorna:hmm ithi
nkwearedueforanewhai
rst
yle
Lonza.Timeforsomet
hingf
reshandnew

Shesmi
ledgr
eet
ingt
het
ell
er.
THATEVENI
NG.
..

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Wit
hLucasandNyashavisit
ingt
hefami
lysat
ar
oundthetabl
ehavingdi
nnerwit
hMrandMr s
Kgangi
ntheirmidst
..
.

Joshua:mamawhenar eyouguysgoi
ngbackhome
andareyouguysnotsupposedtobegoi
ngto
Flor
ida?
MrK:areyouchasi
ngusawayJoshua?(
Theyal
l
l
aughed)
Gli
dia:wear
enotgoi
nganywher
eunt
ilt
hel
astday
oftheweddi
ng
Kenei
lwe:t
hankyou
Joshua:ahmamaKwenayouar esayi
ngthat
becauseyoudon'
twantyourf
ri
endtol
eaveyou
al
one(
theyl
aughed)
Kenei
lwe:caughtr
edhandedi
m goi
ngtobebored
al
oneespecial
lywit
htheki
dsgoi
ngtoschool
Maya:aker
eLesedisayst
heyaregoi
ngt
ost
art
br
ingi
ngthebabyforyoutobabysi
t
Keneil
we:whati
m igoi
ngtodowithsomeonewho
doesn'
ttal
kMaya?(Theyl
aughed)
Gli
dia:don'
twor
rymyl
ovewear
enotgoi
ng
anywhereok
Kenei
lwe:wonder
ful
Maya:anywayspeaki ngoft
heweddi
ngdear
parent
swebel i
evethet i
mehascomefort
hingst
o
takeoff(
Gli
diaulul
ated)
Kenei
lwe:t
hati
swondef
ulnewsmyl
ove
Joshua:whi
chmeanspapai
t'
sti
met
otal
ktot
he
Moetiel
ders
Kenei
lwe:iguessiwil
lhavet
ogeti
ntouchwi
thmy
uncl
eandl ethi
m know
Maya:dot
hatmama
Gli
dia:ihopey'
al
ldon'
tki
lluswi
tht
hebr
idepr
ice
(
theylaughed)
Kenei
lwe:mydaught
er'
sworthdoesn'
tevencome
cl
osetoallt
hemoneyintheworl
d
MrK:i
jaj
aresule(wearedead)mi
steryoubet
terbe
r
eady(
theyal
llaughed)
Joshua:iknowMayawi
llputi
nagoodwor
dforme
tomamaK
Maya:i
joi
m notget
ti
ngi
nvol
ved
Joshua:ahl
ove?Youar
etur
ningonmenow?
Maya:mamaknowsbestbabeandi
mmal
eavei
tat
t
hat
Kenei
lwe:t
hat
'smygi
rl(
theyal
llaughed)
Maya:whil
etheel
dersaresort
ingthei
rthi
ngsouti
wantustomeetwit
hourt eam assoonastomorr
ow
myloveandstar
tbrainst
ormi
ngiwantyout oal
so
behandsonintheplanni
ngim notgoi
ngtomarrya
manwhowant smet odoeverythi
ngmyself
Joshua:yourwi
shi
smycommandma'
am
Maya:goodiwil
lcal
lMarel
ediandLewisfr
om her
e
t
henyoucallDuncanwewillt
alkt
oStephen
t
hroughthephoneiwantahandsonteam
Gl
idi
a:nowt
hat
'swhatabr
ideshoul
ddo

Maya'
sphonevibr
atedassher
eadt
hemessage
andscof
fed.
..

Joshua:ever
ythi
ngok?
Maya:it
'
sMr sTaol
o.ShesaysRona,
Preci
ousand
Jor
ge'scasesar
estar
ti
ngonMonday
Gl
idi
a:(
smi
led)di
dyouj
ustsayRona?
Maya:eemma
Gl
idi
a:t
hisi
sgoi
ngt
obegood.
Joshua:f
inal
lyJor
gewi
llf
acet
hewr
athoft
hel
aw
MrK:who'
sJor
ge?
Maya:myexbosswhot houghtcouldsl
eepwit
hme
af
terki
ll
ingt
hef
atherofmychi l
drenandtr
ytopin
t
hemur
deronme
Gl
idi
a:passmehi
sdet
ail
spl
ease
Maya:iwi
ll
.
MrK:(
chuckl
ed)honeywhydon'tyouj
ustr
equest
t
oberei
nstat
edbecauseif
eell
ikeyoumissyour
j
ob
Gl
idi
a:imi
ghtt
akeyouupont
hatyouknow
Joshua:aemamayouar
eol
dheebat
hong

Theyl
aughed.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

I
nashimmer inggoldandblackj
umpsuitthatsat
wel
lonherfigure,
highheel
s,aful
lfacebeatonand
afr
eshbleachedwithgoldgermanladi
escutLorna
madeherwaydownst air
s..
.
Appl
e:MmemmaDuncankasebel
e(Mr
sDuncani
n
t
hefl
esh)
Lor
na:(
smi
led)youl
ovet
hel
ook?
Appl
e:ohyesmylove,t
ick,
tick,
tick(
Duncan
fr
ownedlooki
ngatherf
rom downup)
Lor
na:whatdoyouthi
nklove?(
Hekeptqui
etwi
th
hi
sjawonthefl
oor)Duncan?
Duncan:huh?Ohyoul
ookamazi
ngidi
dn'
tknowwe
weregoingout
Lor
na:no,
iam goi
ngout
Appl
e:youar
egoi
ngt
owi
pet
hef
loorwi
tht
hem
shamemama.
Lor
na:that
'st
heint
ent
ion.Wher
ear
ethosemuf
fi
ns,
ohyeah(shetookt
hem)
Duncan:whoar
eyougoi
ngoutwi
th?
Lor
na:mynewf
ri
end
Duncan:(
choked)who?
Lor
na:eer
ra.Babemakesur
eyourdadhasdi
nner
ok.
Appl
e:okmamahavef
un
Lor
na:ii
ntendtomybaby.Pleasedon'
twai
tuphey
iwi
llbebackveryl
ate.Toodl
es

Shesmil
edleavi
ngasApplesmi
ledchecki
ngher
outwhi
leDuncanswal
lowedandsni
ffedgoi
ngup..
.

Appl
e:aodadit
houghtwewer
egoi
ngt
owat
cha
movi
e
Duncan:ihaveaheadache

Appl
ewi denedhereyesandcover
edhermout
h
smil
ing.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
20] :AKEPTWOMAN
83

Atar
est
aur
ant
..
.

Lor
nagiggl
edwipi
ngthecornersofhermouthwith
anapki
nwhileHer
oldtookasipfr
om hisdr
ink.
..

Her
old:buthonest
lyspeaki
ngwhydoyouhavet
o
dot
hat?
Lor
na:mymuf
fi
nsar
ewor
tht
oomuchshame
Her
old:butweneverspokeaboutt
hat
Lor
na:i
m al
lowedt
ochangemymi
ndanyt
imer
ight
?
Herol
d:ohwowokiwi llmakesur
etobeonmybest
behavi
ourbecauseidon'
tint
endongoi
nghome
wit
houtthem
Lor
na:weshal
lsee.
Her
old:sot
hatmanisawi
nthecarwi
thyou?
Lor
na:whatabouthi
m?
Her
old:i
sheyourhusband
Lor
na:wear
emar
ri
edyes(
Her
oldf
rowned)whati
s
i
t?
Her
old:t
hatanswerl
ackswei
ght
Lor
na:becauseidon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t
Her
old:ar
eyouhappy?
Lorna:sowearegoi
ngtotal
kaboutdeepper
sonal
thi
ngsnow?Ithoughtwewereher
etohangoutand
havefun
Her
old:youdon'
twantt
hat
?
Lor
na:yespl
ease
Her
old:ohokthenhavi
ngf
unandlet
ti
ngl
oosei
s
whatwewilldo.Sor
ryf
ort
hathey
Lor
na:i
t'
sokdon'
twor
ry

Theychuckl
edasherphoner
ang.Shesi
ghedand
swit
chedi toffputti
ngi tinherbagwhileinbed
Duncansi ghedt ur
ningt otheothersi
deasLorna's
phonedi dn'
tgot hrough.Hewant edtogoback
downt owat chamovi ewi t
hApplebuthis
emotionalstatewoul dn'tall
owhim.Hiswi f
ewas
outwithanot herman, defini
tel
ysomethingnottobe
comfortablewi t
h.

I
nRamot
swa.
..

Kgomot sofi
nishedwashi
ngthedi
shesandjoi
ned
hersist
erinthelivi
ngr
oom whofr
ownedlooki
ngat
her.
..

Pat
ience:ar
eyounotgoi
ngoutt
oday?
Kgomot
so:noi
m not
Pat
ience:why?
Kgomot
so:idon'
twantt
o
Pat
ience:st
opl
ying
Kgomot so:mmaidon'twantt
ogoout.Ihave
real
isedthatihavemadepeopl
eseemeasa
nobody.Someonewhoknowsnot hi
ngbutalcohol
Pat
ience:ohwow
Kgomot
so:yesi
mtaki
ngchar
geofmyl
if
enow
Pat
ience:whodoyouowe?
Kgomot
so:excuseme?
Pat
ience:youcan'
tjustst
opdr
inki
ngal
coholwho
doyouoweKgomot so?
Kgomotso:onnyadi
tsegoresi
esnomat t
erwhat
youknowiwouldnevertakebeeroncr
edit
.
Pat
ience:i
jo.Anywaycour
tisst
art
ingonMonday
ar
eyour eady?
Kgomot
so:r
eadyf
orwhat
?
Pati
ence:youar
emychar
act
erwi
tnessaker
e
Kgomotso
Kgomot
so:nottobeinsensi
ti
veoranyt
hing,Jri
sno
morewhyaretheyst
il
ltaki
ngyoutocourt?
Pat
ience:idon'
tknow,
ijustdon'
tknow
Kgomotso:youguysarehonest
lyexhaust
ing.
DuncanshouldgetLor
natodropthecharges
Patience:idon'
tevenwantt
otal
ktothatpi
eceshi
t.
Iwillj
ustgot hr
oughwit
hthecaseandseewherei
t
takesme
Kgomot
so:goodl
uckdeari
m of
ftobed
Pat
ience:al
ri
ght
.Goodni
ghtij
ustwantt
ofi
nisht
his
movie.

Atapubl
ichospi
tal
..
.

Adoct orand2nur seswalkedi nNale'

sroom and
shewassoweak.Shel ookedlikeshewasgoi ngt o
dieatanygi venti
men.Herl i
pswer everydry,you
couldevenseeherner vesonherbody.Al lthatwas
l
eftwasski nandbonesshehadnof leshatall.Her
eyeswer etooyell
owandhadsomedar kdots.It
wasal lt
hankst othedi
alysisthatshewasst il
l
hangingon...
Dr:Nalei
t'
sthedoct
or.Wear
egoi
ngt
otakeyout
o
surger
y
Nal
e:(
sof
tl
y)huh?
Dr:yesma'am oneofourpatient
swhoj ustpassed
onaskedf orthei
rorganstobedonated.Weknow
ther
e'sawai t
ingli
stbutwedon'twantyoutolose
yourli
fe.Youhaveal ott
ostil
ldoibeli
eve
Nal
e:j
ustl
etmedi
eihavenopur
posei
nthi
swor
ld
Dr
:wearenotgoi
ngt
odot
hat
.Nur
sesl
et'
sget
movi
ng

Hesmiledl
eadi
ngthewayoutwhil
ethenur ses
pushedNal
eoutasateardr
oppedfrom hereye.

LATERTHATNI
GHT

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..
Itwasar ound11:45asat i
psyLornamadeherway
i
ntot hehousewi thhershoesonherhand.She
checkedi fhercarkeysandeveryt
hingwasonher
andmadeherwayt othekit
chen,t
ookabot tl
eof
waterandheadedup.Shesi ghedaftersteppi
ngon
thelaststairandshookherheadgoingf orthe
bedroom.Sheopenedandf r
ownedatDuncanwho
wasst i
lluponhi sphone..
.

Lor
na:youar
eup
Duncan:yes.Idi
dn'
thearyoudr
ivei
nwher
e'syour
car
?
Lor
na:il
efti
tatt
heclubiwasnotgoi
ngt
odr
ive
whi
leundert
heinfl
uence.
Duncan:howdi
dyougether
e?
Lor
na:it
ookacab
Duncan:soyourf
ri
endmadeyout
akeacabwhi
l
e
hedrovehome?
Lor
na:Her
oldisaver
yresponsi
bleman.Wedrove
i
nthecabtoget
her
.Weleftourcarsatt
hepar
king
l
otandyeswespoket othesecuri
tyt
olookoutf
or
them andbef
oreyousayanythi
ngihavemykeys
onme.Canigoshowernow?
Duncan:Her
old(
sneer
ed)whyar
eyoushower
ing?
Lorna:ican'tsl
eeponwhi t
ebeddi ngwi
thmakeup
onDuncan( scof
fed)youthi
nkisleptwit
hHer ol
d?
Im notacitywhor ei
m aresponsiblemar
ried
womanwhor espect
shermar r
iagehenceimade
suretobehomebef oremidni
ght

Shechuckledshaki
ngherheadandmadewayt o
thebathr
oom whereshetookanaspr
inwit
ht he
waterandopenedtheshowerwhil
esoft
lysi
nging.
Duncansighedandputhisphonedownsli
ding
downintothebed.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

I
nPr
ison.
..
Preci
oussatonthet
abl
ealonehavi
ngbr
eakfastas
Ronamadeherwayin.Shesmil
edseei
ngPrecious
andwenttoher.
..

Rona:idon'
tknowwhatt hi
sstupidwoman's
missi
onisbutim notgoi
ngtoletherwin.Hinana
(
shekeptquiet)Pr
eciousimtal
kingtoyou

Shej
ustl
ookedatherandbackdownonherpl
ate.
..

Rona:im notgoi
ngt
otol
erat
ethi
sbehavi
our
Preci
ousnotnow
Pr
eci
ous:excuseme?
Rona:what
'
sgoi
ngonwi
thyou?
Pr
eci
ous:youhavesomener
vet
oaskmet
hat
st
upi
dquesti
on
Rona:wat
chyourt
ongueyoungwoman
Preci
ous:orwhat?Tel
lmeRonadoyouf
indj
oyi
n
taki
ngotherpeopl
e'
sfert
il
it
y?
Rona:ar
eyoucr
azyPr
eci
ousnotsol
oud
Preci
ous:(spokeevenl
ouder
)iwillscream ifihave
to!Youareanevilwomanandyoudon' tdeserveto
l
ive.Idon'
tknowwhyt heydi
dn'
tjustletyoudi e!
Guar
d:heyyoushoul
dkeepi
tdown!
Rona:youbet
terl
ist
en
Preci
ous:i
m notgoi ngtokeepitdownwhent his
womanl i
edtomeandsai dmyf at
herwasdead!
(Rona'
sheartskippedabeat )whatkindofawoman
keepsachil
df r
om theirfatherj
ustbecausetheman
doesn'
twantheranymor e!
?Youneverl ovedme
Ronayoujustkeptmef oryourownselfishreasons!
Guar
d:Mr
sKavi
mba!
Pr
eci
ous:it
oldyout
oleavemeal
one
Rona:Pr
eci
ousdon'
tdot
his
Preci
ous:icoul
dn'tbel
ivi
ngtheli
feimli
vingnow
butnoyouwant edmet odieal
oneandmi serabl
e
l
ikeyou.Ronayouar eevi
lyouarethedevilhi
mself
!
Ronasl
appedherasal
linmat
esgaspedl
ooki
ng
on.
..

Guar
d:okl
adi
esbr
eaki
tof
f!
Preci
ous:(swall
owedhol di
nghercheek)l
etmet el
l
yousomet hi
ngmydear estmotheri
fyouthinkim
goingtol
etmysel fbedr
aggeddownbyyou, you
haveanotherthi
ngcomi ng

Shecli
ckedhertongueandl
eftwhi
leRonacl
ear
ed
hert
hroatandsatdown..
.

Rona:whatar
eyoualllooki
ngat?Focusonyour
t
astel
essfood(shecl
ickedgert
ongue)
Rocky:t
roubl
einpar
adi
seandi
m her
efori
t

Shebur
sti
ntoal
oudl
augh.
AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Gl
idi
a,Keneil
weandt hekidsdeci
dedtogoto
Gl
idi
a'shousewhi l
eMayaandJoshuabr ought
t
ogethert
heirteam.MayaandMar el
edicamewi t
h
t
hesnacksfindingLewisandthemenlaughing.
..

Joshua:Lewisi
shonest
lyaspor
timt
ir
edofhi
m
al
ready(theyl
aughedmore)
Lewi
s:imeani
t'
ssuchagr
eatanduni
quei
dea.Get
marr
iedi
nthesky
Maya:bat
hongLewi
show?
Lewi
s:hotai
rbal
loonsMaya
Maya:howmanywi
llweneed?
Lewi
s:foryouguysandt hepastor
,forusthe
weddi
ngpar t
yandfortheeldersonly.Therestwi
ll
j
ustcomef ort
herecepti
on
Maya:t
hat
'sani
cei
dea.
..
Joshua:babenoahah
Maya:butidon'twantt
omissanoppor
tuni
tyof
wal
kingdownt heisl
ebabes
Joshua:t
hankyout
hebossl
adyhasspoken
Lewi
s:comeonYayawal
kingdownt
hei
slei
s
anci
ent
Maya:iwantmymant owatchmewalkdownfor
him.Iwantpeopl
etoseemydr essandagai
nihave
somethi
ngplannedforthatmoment
Joshua:sur
pri
sesal
ready?
Maya:(
chuckl
ed)focus.Wearedonewit
hcol
our
s
sonowlet
'sgeti
ntocater
ingweneedtocomeup
wit
hamout hwateri
ngandsati
sfyi
ngmenu
Lewis:andpleasemakesurethebridalpar
tyf
oodis
saf
eguar dedbecausenoteveryoneishappyt
hat
youguysar egett
ingmarr
ied
Maya:doyouknowsomet
hingwedon'
t?
Lewi
s:yepBi
ancacametomyhouseyest erdayand
shewasbusyaski
ngmeifyouarereal
lygetti
ng
marr
iedandi
ml i
keyesBi
ancai
st her
eapr oblem
andshewasli
ke,Mayapr
obabl
yfedthatguy
somet
hingandagai
nhowcanaper
sonbet
hatr
ich
he'
sobviousl
yacul
tmember
Maya:uhu
Joshua:wow
Lewis:andidi
dn'
tli
etoherit
oldhert
hatshe'
s
capableofpoi
soni
ngsomeone
Maya:it
hinkweshoul
ddi
sinvi
teher
Mareledi
:thankyoubutshemi
ghtst
il
lmakei
t
ei
therway
Maya:notunlesswehaveasystem ofmaki
ngsure
thepeoplewehaveinvi
tedar
etheoneswhowill
onlyat
tend
Mar
eledi
:whatdoyouhavei
nmi
nd?
Maya:iwast hinki
ngweshoul dsendinvi
tesonli
ne
andgetpeoplet oRSVPwhohaveRSVP' dwi l
lbe
all
owedi nbecausetheywi l
lpr
ovi
deinfor
mat i
onof
theirr
svpattheentrance.Theguardswil
lalsohave
alistofever
yonewhor svp'd.
Duncan:okigett
heideabutwhataboutt
hosewho
wanttocomewi t
hthei
rplusone'
sorthr
ee'
s?
Maya:wewi llmakesuret
hersvpform hasthatpart
theytel
lusthedetail
soft
heextrapeoplet
heyar e
comingwi t
ht hent
heguardswil
lhavethat
i
nf or
mation
Joshua:wondef
ulideamyloveSt
ephenknows
theset
hingssoibeli
evehewil
lworkoni
t,r
ightbr
o?
Stephen:(
overt
hevi
deocall
)yesbroi
t'
snota
probl
em iwil
lal
somakesurethatt
hersvpl
inki
s
guardedanddoesnotgetl
eaked.
Joshua:per
fectwit
hthatoutoft
hewayl
et'
sgeton
wit
hthemenui deas
Maya:butBi
ancat
hough?Yoh

Shecl
appedonceast
heycont
inuedwi
tht
hei
r
meeti
ng.

Backi
nPr
ison.
..

Pr
eci
ous:i
m busywi
thmyl
aundr
yidon'
thavet
ime
f
orvi
sit
ors
Guar
d:canyouj
ustmovei
tandst
opt
alki
ng
Pr
eci
ous:idon'
tevenknowwhyyoupeopl
e..
.

Shefrozeasherheartski
ppedabeataft
erthe
guardopenedthedoorandshelockedeyeswit
h
Alber
twhowasal oneinthevi
sit
ingar
ea..
.

Al
ber
t:(
smi
led)Pr
eci
ousKavi
mba

Sheswal l
owedwithherhear
traci
ngandslowl
y
tur
nedt otheguar
dwhoaskedhert ogot
akeher
seat.
..

Albert
:comeonhoneydon'
tbescar
edyouknowi
don'tbi
te

Hesmi
ledmor
eandwi
nkedatherasshesl
owl
y
madewayt
othet
abl
e..
.

Al
ber
t:t
hat
'smygi
rl
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
22] :AKEPTWOMAN
84

Pr
eci
ous:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eAl
ber
t?
Al
ber
t:whatdoyout
hink?
Preci
ous:Al
ber
tyouneedt
ogobackt
owher
eyou
camef r
om
Al
ber
t:Pr
eci
ousi
m her
eformydaught
er
Pr
eci
ous:youwi
sh.Youhavenochi
ldwi
thme
Alber
t:Pr
eciousihavet
heri
ghtt
obewit
hmychi l
d.
Ihavemissedon18yearsofmydaught
er'
sli
fei
t'
s
ti
meimadeupf ori
t
Preci
ous:yout
hinkshe'
sgoingtowantthat?She's
fi
newheresheissoforgeti
tandleaveheralone
Al
ber
t:noonewouldmissachanceofr
elocat
ingt
o
t
heUnitedst
atesofAmer
ica
Pr
eci
ous:excuseme?
Alber
t:yesimt
akingmychildandim goi
ngt
ostay
withherinAmer
ica.Youhavebeennothi
ngbuta
badexampletomychi l
d.
Preci
ous:Lovemor
ewoul
dneveral
lowt
hathel
oves
her
Al
bert
:attheendoft
hedayt
hechoicei
sNyasha'
s
mylove.She'
s18soshe'
sol
denoughtomakeher
owndecisi
ons
Pr
ecious:idar
eyout
otakemychi
ldyousonofa
bi
tch
Al
ber
t:youkeptmychi
ldawayf
rom mewheni
wantedt obeapar tofherlif
ebutbecauseyouwer e
busycr yi
ngsayingyoudon' twanttoloseyour
marriageibecameaf oolandputyouf i
rst
.That'
s
thethingwithyouPr eci
ousyouar eself
ish.Hadyou
l
eftLovemor eyouwoul dn'tbeint
hismessyou
wouldbegoi ngtoAmer i
cawi t
husbutnoyou
choset hedarkpath
Pr
eci
ous:Al
ber
tyouar
enotgoi
nganywher
ewi
th
mydaught
er
Al
ber
t:wat
chme(
hest
oodupandl
eft
)
Pr
ecious:Albert
!?Alber
tcomebackher
e!Al
..
.shi
t
man!Shit!Shi
t!Shit
!

Sheroughlyr
ubbedherf
acegrunti
ngandscr
atched
herheadthenpunchedt
hetabl
eleavi
ng.
..

Pr
eci
ous:damni
t!

I
napar
kingl
ot.
..
Inwhit
eshorts,
ashi r
tandsandalsLor namadei t
outofthecabwhi l
eApplecameoutt heot hersi
de
i
nashor tdeni
m dungareeandawhi teshirtwith
sandal
s.Theywentt otheguardsasLor naspoke
wit
hthem forabitandwentt ohercar.Heroldcame
wit
hcof f
eewearingshortsandagolfshi r
taswel l
..
.

Her
old:ohheyMr
sD
Lorna:ohhi
,soyoucamef
oryourcarwi
thout
tel
li
ngme?
Her
old:it
houghtyouwer
est
il
loutsoidi
dn'
twant
t
odistur
b
Lor
na:idodr
inkHer
ryi
twasn'
tmyf
ir
stt
ime
Her
old:sor
ryMr
sD(
theyl
aughed)
Lor
na:babycomemeetmyf
ri
end

Appl
egotoutoft
hecarandwentt
othei
rsi
de.
..
Appl
e:goodday
Her
old:hel
loyounggi
rl
.YoumustbeAppl
eri
ght
?
Appl
e:yessi
r
Her
old:i
m Her
oldyourmom'
snewbestf
ri
end
Appl
e:ohthat
'sni
ce.Nicetomeetyouihopeshe
t
oldyoushehasnof r
iendsidon'
tunder
standwhy
Her
old:andt
othi
nkshe'
sabal
loff
un(
theyl
aughed)
Lorna:okmaybeishoul
dleaveyouguysal
one
(t
heylaughed)
Appl
e:i
m gl
adyouguyshadf
unl
astni
ght
Her
old:ohwedi
dshame.Mr
sDwhatar
eyoudoi
ng
t
omorrow?
Lor
na:iwantt
ogot
ochur
chwi
thmydaught
erwhy?
Her
old:youknowwhati
m comi
ngal
ong
Appl
e:t
hatwoul
dbegr
eat
Her
old:t
hendol
unchaf
ter
war
ds?
Appl
e:iseenopr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
Her
old:awesome.Wi
llMrDbet
her
e?
Appl
e:icant
alkt
ohi
m
Her
old:good.Themor
ethemer
ri
er
Lor
na:soiguessmyopi
nioni
snotneeded
Appl
e:youhavebeenoutnumber
edmommy(
they
l
aughed)
Lor
na:andt
hecof
fee?
Herol
d:im goi
ngt
ohavemymuf fi
ns.Ir
eal
isedihad
ranoutofcoff
eebeansthi
smor ni
ngsoidecidedto
comegetonehereipref
erfreshl
ymadecoffeeyou
know
Appl
e:youandibot
h
Her
old:wehavesomet
hingi
ncommonisee
Appl
e:ican'
twaitt
ohangoutwi
thyou,
youseem t
o
beabreathoff
reshai
r
Her
old:andwecl
icksowel
l.Il
oveyourdaught
er
MrsD
Lorna:(
smil
ed)wel
lshe'
sloveabl
eagr
eatsoul
.We
needtogetgoi
ngA
Appl
e:yesma.Seeyout
omor
rowsi
r
Herol
d:yesnanaMr
sDdon'
tfor
gett
otextmet
he
det
ail
sneh
Lor
na:iwi
llbuddy.Seeya
Her
old:byeguys

Hejumpedi
nhi
scarandt
heygoti
nthei
rsdr
ivi
ng
of
f.
..

Appl
e:awwwmamahe'
sagoodl
ooki
ngman
Lor
na:(
smi
led)youhaveacr
ushonhi
m?
Appl
e:ahnomahe'sol
dpl
usTonyseemst
obet
he
ki
ndofguyiwantt
obewit
h
Lor
na:youshoul
dinvi
tehi
mfordi
nnersomedayi
wantt
osusshim up
Appl
e:(
laughed)don'
tscarehi
m of
fpl
ease.MrH
woul
dbeper f
ectforyoubutyouar
eamar r
ied
woman
Lor
na:(scof
fed)yeah.Wemakegoodfr
iends.He'
s
abreat
hoffreshairli
keyousai
dpl
ushe's
spont
aneousandal
waysr
eadyf
oranyt
hing
Appl
e:il
ikehi
m
Lor
na:hmm ishoul
dwar
nTony(
theyl
aughed)
Appl
e:i
ttakesal
otf
ormet
oli
keaper
sonyouknow
Lor
na:iknowt
hatheshoul
dconsi
derhi
msel
f
bl
essed
Appl
e:hal
lel
ujah

Theyl
aughedheadi
ngt
oashoppi
ngmal
l.

I
nCapet
own.
..

Aft
erbuyingcandyflossi
nthestr
eett
hey
cont
inuedwiththei
rwalkbothi
nshort
s,whi
teshi
rt
s
andmat chi
nghats.
..

Chi
oma:hicanyoupl
easet
akeusaphot
o?
Lady:ok
ShegaveherherphoneasshewentonLovemore'
s
backwhilet
heladycapt
uredthem af
ewphotosi
n
di
ffer
entposes.Someki
ssingandsometeasi
ng
oneanother
..
.

Chi
oma:t
hankyou
Lady:you'
rewel
come
Lovemor
e:her
e(hegaveherR200asshesmi
led
walki
ngoff
)
Chioma:ohthesear
eni
ceshameshe'
ssuchagr
eat
photogr
apher
Lovemor
e:yeahneh.Nowl
et'
stal
kaboutt
hist
hing
youmadeusbuy
Chi
oma:i
t'
saf
luf
fycandyLovemor
ejustt
akeabi
te
Lovemor
e:hmm

Helookedatherwhil
eshelaughedandt
ookabi
te.
Hi
sf acechangedashetast
edit.
..
Lovemor
e:ohoknotsobad
Chi
oma:youseeit
oldyou
Lovemor
e:soma'
am whatar
ewedoi
ngt
oni
ght
?
Chi
oma:i
t'
sasur
pri
seal
lyouhavet
odoi
sdr
essup
Lovemor
e:ohokI
'
m upf
ort
hat
Chi
oma:ihopeyouar
eenj
oyi
ngyour
sel
f
Lovemor
e:oht
rustmeineededt
his(
theyl
aughed)
Chi
oma:let
'sgoi
nthatshopiwantt
ogetus
somet
hing
Lovemor
e:ok

Theyheadedtotheshopassheupdat
edher
whatsappstat
uswitht
hephotoofher
sel
fon
Lovemore'
sback..
.

" mymostcomf
ort
abler
ide Capetownisn'
tso
badyouknow maybeoneshoul
dgether
selfan
apart
menthere.Thankyout
omytr
avelbuddyf
or
thebestmi
nivacati
onofmylif
e "

Shesentitandputherphoneaway.Backi
n
BotswanaKelechisawthest
atusandgott
hrown
off
...

Kel
echi
:mxm,stupi
didi
ot.Inevert
houghtyoudo
t
histomebutanyway

Shesaidputt
ingherphoneawayandchangedt
he
tvchannel
.

Atamal
l.
..

InashortdressandsneakersAbiol
agotoutofher
carwithSundaeinjeansasportsbr
aandanover
sizedshi
rt
.Theyheadedintothemallchat
ti
ng
l
oudlyasAbi ol
a'
sphonereportedamessageand
reachedfori
t.Thesecondshel
ookedi
nherbag
shebumpedi ntoTshepowhowasalsoonhi
s
phone..
.

Tshepo:i
m sosor
ry
Abi
ola:ohnonoi
m sorr
yiwasbusyl
ooki
ngi
nmy
bagandnotwher
eim goi
ng
Tshepo:iwasl
ooki
ngonmyphone.
Abi
ola:(
smi
led)i
t'
sok
Tshepo:mynamei
sTshepobyt
heway
Abiol
a:oh,nicemeeti
ngyouTshepo"bytheway"
(t
heylaughed)mynamei sAbi
olaandthisi
smy
daughterSundae(Sundaesmi
ledwaving)
Tshepo:ni
cemeet
ingyouSundae
Sundae:l
ikewi
sesi
r
Tshepo:sowher
ear
eyouheadedof
f?
Abiol
a:weareheretodosomeshoppi
ngandhave
food.Justabondi
ngsessi
onbet
weem motherand
daughter
Tshepo:ohokiwasgoingtoaskificanbuyyoua
soothingdri
nkbutl
etmenotgetbetweenyour
specialdat
e
Abiol
a:(l
aughed)youaresofunny.Ohwellmaybe
I'
dbeupf ort
hedrinksomeotherdaybecausei
wouldusesomesoot hi
ng.Youhavesomest r
ong
bodythere
Tshepo:(
smi
led)per
fectt
hengi
vemeyournumber

Hegaveherhi
sphoneasshesmi l
edsavi
ngher
numberwhi
lehecheckedherout
..
.

Tshepo:iwi
llcal
lyou
Abiol
a:ifyoudon'
tim goi
ngt
ohaveyouar
rest
ed
forassault(
theyl
aughed)
Tshepo:pr
isonist
helastpl
aceiwannabe.(
They
l
aughedmor e)enj
oyyourdayhey
Bot
h:t
hankyou
Hesmiledwalki
ngawayasAbiol
aturned.Hereal
ly
hadanicebody,smel
ledgr
eatandhadagr eat
senseoffashi
on.
..

Sundae:ma,
wakeuphe'
sgone
Abi
ola:don'
tbesi
ll
y
Sundae:ohcomeonevenabl
indmancanseet
hat
y'
alll
i
keoneanother
Abi
ola:heai
n'tt
hatbadneh?
Sundae:amanwhor espect
smyt
imewi
thmy
motherim coolwi
tht
hat
Abi
ola:(
sighed)pi
tyi
m goi
ngbackt
oLondonsoon
Sundae:youwouldbesurpr
isedt
hathewoul
dn'
t
mindtravel
li
ngacr
osstheglobef
oryou
Abi
ola:(
laughed)youwantmet
ogethookedneh?
Sundae:icannothaveaboyf
ri
endwhi
lemymot
her
i
ssinglecomeonnow
Theyl
aughedgoi
ngi
ntot
hei
rfi
rstshop.

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Maya,MarelediandLewisdeci
dedtohaveamini
sessi
oninthejacuzziwhi
leJoshuaandDuncansat
outsi
dehavingsomedr i
nks.
..

Joshua:ireal
isedyout
ri
edsohardt
obeful
ly
presentduri
ngourmeeti
ngbuti
twashar
d.What
's
eati
ngyoumyguy?
Duncan:howdoyouconcent
rat
ewhenyourwoman
camehomeat23:50fr
om anightoutwit
hanot
her
man?Tomaket hi
ngsworsesheheadedtot
he
showerassoonasshegothomebutclai
msshe
didn'
tsl
eepwit
hhim
Joshua:youreal
lyt
hinkLor
nawoul
dst
oopt
hatl
ow
togetbackatyou?
Duncan:youneverknowJoshuaandi
fshedid
somethi
ngwiththisHer
oldguyiwoul
ddieJoshua
Joshua:whyar
eyoubei
nganar ci
ssi
stDuncan?
Yousleptwi
tht
hehel
pforf
ouryearsdidyounot
thi
nkofhowshewouldf
eelshouldshefi
ndout?
Duncan:Joshuat
here'
snothi
ngaspainf
ulasbeing
cheat
edonandseeingithappeni
ngr
ightinf
rontof
you
Joshua:t
hewisesay,i
ftheheati
stoomucht
o
handl
egetoutoftheki
tchen
Duncan:il
oveLor
na
Joshua:Lor
naisawomanofi
ntegr
it
yshewoul
dn'
t
degradeher
sel
fli
ket
hat
Duncan:i
t'
snotevenadegradethebast
ardi
sgood
l
ookinganddri
vesanexpensivecar
Joshua:(laughed)yeahnehi t'
struethatwhena
womandeci destoretali
ateshegoesal lout
.Fact
thatyoucancompl ementt heguy'
slooksmeans
he'sindeedgoodl ooking.Idon'
twishtobeyoumy
fri
end
Duncan:st
oplaughi
ngyouneverknowsomedayi
t
wouldbeyou
Joshua:atl
eastitwon'tbebecauseofmebecause
iknowhowmuchil ovemywi fetobeandiwould
neverdoanythi
ngt ohurther
Duncan:soyoudon'
ttr
usther
?
Joshua:idobutasyearsgopeopl
echangebutmy
ever
ydayprayeri
st hatwhenwechangei
tshoul
d
begoodchanget hatwil
ldousgood
Duncan:sowhatdoyout
hinkimustdo?
Joshua:gi veyourwi f
ewhatsheneeds.Loveand
affect i
on.Takei tbackt owhenyouwant edher.Do
allthoseni cet hingsf orher,
showi nt
erestinherli
fe,
goal sandaspi rati
onsandmosti mpor t
antl
ydon't
showhert hatyouar ejeal
ous.I mjealousmostof
thet i
mei m wi t
hMayai namal landinot i
ceguys
l
ooki ngather .Imeanmosadiwameopaki l
e(my
womani svol uptuous)andshe' sbeauti
fulthat
'sa
factandmostguyswannahi tthatbutinevershow
thatimj ealous.Evenherchoi ceofclothes
somet i
mes, I
'dqui et
lybelikehoneyyouar egoingto
showpeopl emyasser t
sbuttheni fshe's
comf ort
abl eim happy
Duncan:haveyouseenhowbeautif
ulLornal
ooks
now?Shegotanewhai rcutandbl
eachedherhai
r
dudeshelooksravi
shi
ng
Joshua:t
henwor
khar
dtokeept
hatbeaut
yinyour
housemyboy
Duncan:iguessishoul
dtakeyouupont
hatone
Joshua:youshoul
d.Neveri
nyourl
if
ehur
tawoman
becauseeyyouwilldi
eyoung

Theyl
aughed.

THATEVENI
NG

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Sippi
ngonsomecognacDuncansangal ongtot
he
softsoundsplayingfr
om thetvandcheckedonthe
roasti
ngchickenintheoven.Heheardthecarst
op
outsi
deandsmi ledstart
ingtosett
hetabl
einan
apr
on.Lor
naandAppl
ewenti
nlaughi
ngashe
smil
edmore.
..

Duncan:myt
wof
avor
it
ewomeni
nthewor
ld
Appl
e:ohsomeonei
sfeel
ingal
it
tl
ebougee
Duncan:wellit
houghtishoul
dmakesomet
hingf
or
youguys.Familydi
nner
Appl
e:ohwow,
youcook?Mom,
shocki
ngr
ight
?
Lorna:youcansayt
hatagai
n.I
tdoessmel
lni
ce
though
Duncan:andt rustmet heyalsot
astegreat.Imade
fr
eshgar l
icbread,roastedwedges,but
ternut,
some
fr
eshsaladf r
om mybeaut i
fulwi
fe'
sgardenandt he
chicken
Appl
e:mymout
hiswat
eri
ng
Lor
na:minet
ooican'
twai
ttost
uffmysel
f(t
hey
l
aughed)
Duncan:youguysgof
reshenupwhi
leif
ini
shher
e
Appl
e:okdad.Ihavesomet
hingt
otel
lyou.Imet
mama'
sfr
iendear
li
er
Duncan:(
fakechuckl
ed)ohyoudi
d?
Apple:yeahandhe'
ssuchacoolman.Wei
nst
ant
ly
cl
icked
Duncan:i
m gl
adyoul
ikehi
m
Apple:tr
ustmeyouwillt
oo.He'
scomingt
ochurch
t
omor rowandinvi
tedusforl
uncht
hatmeansyou
i
ncluded
Duncan:oh?
Apple:yes.Letmegofr
eshenupwewi
llt
alkmor
e
aboutitoverdinner
Duncan:mmh,
wewi
ll

Theywentupwhil
eDuncanwenttot
heki
tchenand
downedhiswhi
skeyandsi
ghed.
..

Duncan:r
ememberJoshua'swor
dsDuncan,don'
t
showherthatyouar
ejeal
ousandagai
nmaybehe' s
gaywhoknowssokeepcalm butyohwhati
fhe's
notgay?Whati
fhewant
s..
.ahnostopthi
nki
ngtoo
muchModancofocusonmakingyourwif
ehappy.

Hesaidconti
nuingwit
hsett
ingt
het
abl
ewhi
let
he
chi
ckenfi
nishedcooki
ng.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Lyingonherbunkwithherheadrunni
ngwil
d
Precioussi
ghedagai
nandt ur
nedtotheot
hersi
de.
Theguar dhi
tthebar
sastheysatup..
.

Guar
d:del
iver
yforPr
eci
ousMoet
i
Pr
eci
ous:f
orme?
Guar
d:yest
ake

Het
hrewtheenvel
opei
nsideasshegotof
fbedand
t
ooki
t.Sheanxi
ousl
yopeneditandt
ookoutt
he
documenti
nsi
der
eadi
ngi
t.
..

Pr
eci
ous:what!?(
Herhear tr
aced)asubpoenafor
metotest
if
yagainstRona?Ar ethesepeopl
ecr
azy?
Howdoitesti
fyagainst
..
.damnit!

Shecli
ckedhert
onguet
hrowi
ngt
hedocument
son
herbunk.
..

Lady:maybethi
sisyourchancetofi
xyour
mistakesandagai
nyousaidityour
selft
hatshehas
hurtyousowhynot

Preci
ousfr
ownedlooki
ngatherast
het
houghtr
an
wildi
nherhead.Theguar
dcamebackwit
ha
phone..
.

Guar
d:youhaveacal
l
Pr
eci
ous:oh?
Guard:bequi
ckwedon'
thaveal
lday(
shet
ookt
he
phone)
Pr
eci
ous:hel
lo?
Gl
idi
a:ibel
ieveyougotyourl
it
tl
egi
ft
Pr
eci
ous:whoi
m ispeaki
ngt
o?
Gl
idi
a:Gl
idi
aKgang
Pr
eci
ous:soi
t'
syou?
Gli
dia:andagaindonotforgetwhathappenedto
yourmot her
'suncl
e'swif
ewhi chevenyourmother
doesn'tknow.Yourtri
pstoRanakaareaboutto
hauntyoumyl ove.SeeyouincourtonMonday

ShehungupasPreci
ousswal l
owedgivi
ngthe
guar
dherphoneback.Sheheavedahugesighand
st
oodagai
nstthewallt
henslowlysl
iddownonit
..
.

Precious:whot
hehelli
sthisGli
diaKgangwoman?
Yesesmanwhycan' tshejustmindherowndamn
business
Sheheavedanot
hersi
ghr
ubbingherf
acewhi
leher
cel
lmat
eshookherheadl
ooki
ngather.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
22] :AKEPTWOMAN
85

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Theyquiet
lycuti
ntothei
rpiecesofchi
ckenand
tookthem t
othemouthandbot htur
nedtoDuncan
withsmil
esontheirf
aces..
.
Lor
na:ohwow
Appl
e:t
hisi
samazi
ngdad
Duncan:t
hankyoumyl
adi
es
Lorna:youneedt
ot eachmehowtomakei
tli
ket
his
icanfeelal
lthef
lavoursbur
sti
ngi
nmymouth
Appl
e:sodadknowshowt
ocook?Wow,
shocki
ng
Lor
na:ohyeshedoes.Heusedt
ocookf
orme
whenweweresti
lldat
ing
Appl
e:ohokt
hatmeansyoushoul
dcookmor
e
of
tenpapa
Duncan:yout
hink?
Appl
e:yes
Duncan:okt
heniwi
ll
Lor
na:it
hinkweshouldpacksomef orSai
ntwhen
wegoseehimtomorrowaftercour
t
Duncan:ohoknopr
obl
em.SoAppl
etel
lmeabout
mommy' sfr
iend
Appl
e:he'
shonest
lyanamazi
ngmandad.Aver
y
wel
comi
ngspi
ri
t
Duncan:ok.I
shemar
ri
ed?
Appl
e:nopeidon'
tthi
nksobecauseidi
dn'
tseeany
ri
ngonhisfi
nger
Lor
na:he'
snotmar
ri
ed
Duncan:ohok.Iguessiwi
llgett
oknowhi
m mor
e
t
omor r
ow
Appl
e:yeah
Duncan:sol
ove.Youspokeaboutabusi
nesst
he
ot
herday.Doyoumindtell
ingmeabouti
t?
Lorna:i
tneedstimebuti m wor ki
ngonopeni nga
caféwherewewi llser
veal lsortsofbread,cof
fee
andteawellexceptforloaves.If oundanicespotin
thecentr
albusinessdistr
ictarea.
Duncan:t
hat
'samazi
nghaveyouf
oundst
affyet
?
Lorna:yesihavehi
red6wai
ter
s,t
wobaker
sand2
cashier
s
Duncan:t
hatmeansal
lthepaperwor
khasbeen
done?
Lorna:l
ongfini
shedwit
hthatprocess.Ther
e'seven
twoexclusi
vespotsbythecaf
éwher ebusiness
peoplecanholdthei
rmeeti
ngswhi l
ehavingcoff
ee.
Duncan:what
everyouneedj
ustl
etmeknowhey
Lorna:j
ustmakesur
ethatal
lKgangTraveland
Toursmeeti
ngsarehost
edbyus(theylaughed)
Duncan:t
hatiwi
ll
.
Appl
e:it
'ssogoodt
oseeusl
iket
hisonl
yofSai
nt
wasaround
Duncan:yeahheyir
eal
lymi
sshi
m
Appl
e:what
'syourpl
anwithhim mom?Kanahe'
s
goi
ngtobeforcedt
orepeatshoul
dhest
ayany
l
onger
Lorna:hewillsurvi
ve.Ifhehaslearnedhislesson
hewi l
lknowt hatit
'stheoutcomesofhi sacti
ons.
Mypl anforhim willbeontheoutcomesofour
meetingtomor row.Ifist
il
ldon'
tbelievehi
ssinceri
ty
thenwear econt i
nuingwithjai
lti
me
Duncan:comeonl
ovewhynotgi
vehi
mthebenef
it
oft
hedoubt
Appl
e:pl
usibel
ievet
hatpl
acehasopenedhi
seyes
Lor
na:weshal
lsee.Iwantt
her
eci
peoft
hischi
cken
Duncani
tisamazi
ng

Theychuckl
edandcont
inuedt
oeat
.

I
nCapet
own.
..

From thei
rcandleli
tdinnertheywentbackt otheir
townhousewher eLovemor efixedthebedwhi le
Chiomagott hebathready.Shepour edsome
scentedbathsalt
sinthewat erandsomef oam
l
iquid,putabott
leofchampagnei nabucketand
twoglassesthenthrewi nsomer osepetal
s.She
l
inedscentedcandlesar oundt hebathtubandby
thebasinsthenstuff
edherhai rinashowercap.
Shechangedi nt
oat owelasLovemor eknocked..
.

Chi
oma:j
ustasecond
Shesmi l
edchecki
ngifeverythingwasgoodand
thenswit
chedofftheli
ghtandseduct i
vel
ysaton
thebathtubwit
hherlegscrossedandhert hi
ghs
showingunderthetowelholdingaglassof
champagne..
.

Chi
oma:comei
n

Inshort
sandnothingontopLovemor
eopenedthe
doortoaveryint
imateandwarmroom ashesmil
ed
l
ookingather.
..

Chi
oma:don'
tbeshycomeoni
n
Lovemor
e:(
smi
li
ng)okma'
am.Thi
sisni
ce
Chioma:(
movingherhandi
nthewat
er)t
hewat
eri
s
readyf
oryousir
Lovemor
e:t
hankyou
Hesmil
edtur
ningar
oundandtookoffhi
spants
whi
leChi
omaputherglassdownandstoodup.
..

Chi
oma:ni
cebut
tcheeks(
theyl
aughed)
Lovemor
e:youar
esosi
ll
y

Shedr oppedhert
owelwenttohim andsoftl
y
rubbedhisbackandwrappedherarmsar oundhi
s
neckwhi sper
ingi
nhi
searwhi l
eheswallowed
feel
ingherbreast
sonhisback..
.

Chi
oma:don'
tbeshyi
t'
sjustyouandi

Shesaidletti
nggoofhi m asheswall
owedwithhis
heartbeati
ngfasterandslowlyt
urned.Hi
sblood
rushedseeingallthebeautyChi
omawas.Sher eal
ly
hadani cebodyandherhi psweremor ewi
der
withoutcl
otheson. .
.
Lovemor
e:wow
Chi
oma:(
smi
led)come

Shebitherlowerl
ipsmil
ingandtookhishandas
theygoti
nt hebat
h.Hesatwithhisbackagai
nst
thebathtubwhil
eChiomaputherbackagainsthi
s
body..
.

Lovemor
e:noonehaseverdonet
hisf
orme
Chi
oma:(
soft
lychuckl
ed)wel
lthi
sist
hef
ir
stof
many,
consi
deredyousti
ckwit
hme
Lovemor
e:att
herat
ethi
ngsar
egoingidon'
tmi
nd
bei
ngahousehusband(
theyl
aughed)
Chi
oma:wel
lidon'
tmi
ndbei
ngyourcougarbaby

Theyl
aughedmoreasChiomatookt
hei
rgl
asses
andputt
hem downfaci
nghim.
..
Chi
oma:il
oveyouLovemor
e
Lovemor
e:(
smi
led)il
oveyoumor
eChi
Chi
oma:andi
mreadyt
ogi
vemysel
ftoyou
Lovemor
e:soi
mi

Shesmi l
edandsl owl yleanedi nforakisswhi l
e
Lovemor erubbedherwai st.Onethingabout
Lovemor ewast hathewasagr eatkissert
he
secondyoul ockyourl ipswi t
hhisyouwoul df eel
yourbloodr ushal loveryourbodyandChi omahad
thehardesttimecont roll
ingherneedf orhim since
thefi
rstti
met heyki ssed...

Chi
oma:youar
ehonest
lyagoodki
sser
Lovemor
e:(
smi
led)butihopei
m mor
ethant
hat

Hesaidmovi
nghi
shandtohercoochieandgavei
t
asoftr
ubasChi
omaclosedhereyes
and.
..
#REMOVED
THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Wit
heveryonedressedupforchurcht
heyallsat
ar
oundthetabl
ehavi ngbr
eakfastwhi
leGl
idi
aand
MrKwalkedin.
..

Gl
idi
a:goodmor
ningbeaut
if
ulpeopl
e
Joshua:r
ightont
ime.Mor
ningma.Youguysgood?
MrK:wear
egoodson
Kenei
lwe:youdi
tchedmewenaGl
idi
ayest
erday
Gl
idi
a:imi
ssedmyhusbandl
ove
Joshua:ohLor
d(t
heyl
aughed)
Gli
dia:whatisitJoshua?Youbet
ternotbehavi
ng
some. .
.(
clear
edherthroatast
heyalll
aughed)t
her
e
arekidsaround.AnywayKiwantedt osaymaybe
i
tsti
mewehookedyouupyouknow(
Mayabur
st
i
ntoaloudl
augh)
Keneil
we:ohnonot hankyouim noti
nter
estedi
n
ment obehonestwithyouij
ustwanttoraisemy
grandki
ds(t
heylaughed)
Gli
dia:yooohyoudon'
tknowwhatyouaremi
ssi
ng
outonmygi rl
.Anywayguysihavenews
Joshua:al
ways,
breaki
ngnews
Gli
dia:youknowhowi ti
smyboy,pl
easepassme
thecoffee(Nyashadi
d)si
nceyoual
lknowthatim
busydiggingupsomeskelet
onsandgett
ingthi
ngs
i
nor derihavecometoknowwhatreal
lyhappened
toyouruncle'
swi f
eKenei
lwe
Kenei
lwe:(
frowned)oh?
Gli
dia:yeah.Butbef
oreisayanyt
hingdoyouknow
howshepassedon?
Kenei
lwe:shewassuff
eri
ngf
rom ast
hmasoshe
gotanatt
ackanddied
Maya:(
frowned)wher
ewasmal
ome?
Gl
idi
a:goodquest
ionMaya.Hewasatt
hel
ands.
Why?
Kenei
lwe:3ofhi
scowsdr
oppeddead
Gl
idi
a:whatwassai
dtohaveki
ll
edt
hem?
Kenei
lwe:t
heyat
eapoi
sonouspl
ant
Gl
idi
a:not
heyat
eapoi
sonedpl
ant
Kenei
lwe:ok?
Gl
idia:youruncl
e'
swifedi
dn'tdi
eanaturaldeat
h
ei
ther.Befor
eigeti
ntofur
therdet
ail
s.Youraunt
wasf r
om Ranakari
ght?
Kenei
lwe:yes
Gl
idi
a:t
hati
swhyPr
eci
ouski
ll
edher
Al
l:bat
hong!
Nyasha:what
!?
Gl
idi
a:yesmygi
rl
.Yourmot
herki
ll
edherownaunt
.
Nyasha:why?
Gli
dia:becauseshesawhergointoawit
ch'
shouse.
Sheconf r
ontedPreci
ousabouti
tandsheendedup
ki
ll
ingher.
Maya:soPreci
ousorder
edahitonourauntandt
o
makesur ei
twasasuccessshehadmalome's
cowskil
ledsohewouldn'
tbether
ewhenouraunt
get
skil
led?
Gl
idi
a:that'
sexact
lyhowi
tis.Yourauntwas
smoothered.
Kenei
lwe:al
lbecausesheaskedPr
eci
ouswhatshe
wasdoingatthewitch'
shouse?
Gli
dia:yesbecausesheknewshewasgoi
ngt
obe
exposed
Lucas:howmanypeopl
ehasPr
eci
ousandher
motherkil
l?
Maya:t
hewhol
efami
ly
Gl
idi
a:youcansayt
hatagai
n
Joshua:sohowdi
dyougett
hisi
nfor
mat
ionma?
Gli
dia:doyoufor
getmyprofessi
onJoshua?Ist
il
l
havecontact
ssotheyfoundthehitmanhe'
s
behi
ndbar saswespeak
Joshua:your
eal
lyknowyourj
ob
Gli
dia:whydoyouthi
nkiwascommi ssi
onerof
pol
ice?Whenidigidi
g.Imjustl
eftwi
thonemore
personandiwil
lbedonewi
thRonaandher
daughter
Maya:t
hesepeopl
ear
egoi
ngawayf
orl
if
e
Gl
idi
a:t
heyt
houghtt
hewor
ldwast
hei
rs.Hel
lno
Nyasha:im honest
lyappal
ledbywhatmyown
motheriscapableof.I
m evenashamedofbei
ng
ar
oundyouguys
Maya:nol
ovedonotbeashamed.Justt
ellyour
sel
f
t
hatyouwon'
tbeanyt
hingli
keher
Nyasha:i
fitwer
epossi
bleiwoul
drel
ocat
e
Keneil
we:unfort
unat
elywedon'
tgett
ochoose
famil
ymygi r
l.Youarest
uckwit
hus.
Gl
idi
a:wellyouneverknowNyashamaybeyour
wi
shmi ghtcometrue
Nyasha:iwouldbethehappiest.Iwantt
obeasf ar
aspossibl
efrom Pr
ecious.Il
oveandappr eciat
e
youguysbutyohiwoul dgrabtheopport
uni t
ywi t
h
bot
hhandswi thnohesitat
ion
Theyl
aughedandf
ini
shedeat
ingt
hengotr
eadyt
o
l
eave.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Ronat
ookherf oodandheadedtowher
ePreci
ous
wassi
tt
ing.Preci
ouslookedupandsi
ghed
st
andi
ngup...

Rona:Pr
eci
ouspl
easel
ist
ent
ome
Pr
eci
ous:iwantnot
hingt
odowi
thyou
Rona:Pr
eci
ousweonl
yhaveoneanot
her
Preci
ous:noRonai
fwehadoneanot
heryouwoul
d
haveprotect
edme
Rona:that
'swhatihavebeendoi
ngal
ltheseyear
s
Preci
ous
Pr
eci
ous:youcal
lint
roduci
ngyourownchi
ldt
o
wi
tchcr
aftpr
otect
ion?
Rona:somet
imeswehavet
odowhatwecan
Precious:noRonahadyouaccept edmyfat
her'
s
decisionnoneofthi
swoul
dn'thavehappenedbut
l
ikeal waysyouhadtobesel
fish.Idespi
seyou
Rona:noPr
eci
ousyoudon'
tmeant
hat
Pr
eci
ous:t
rustmeido
Rona:weneedt
ofocusont
hef
utur
e
Preci
ous:whatfutur
e?Ronathi
sisourdest
inyand
youbett
eracceptthatandyouar
eallt
oblameyou
andyourevi
lmot her
Rona:Pr
eci
ouspl
ease
Precious:noRonanowt here'sawomanbusy
makingsur ethatwear eburiedforgood.Ronado
youknowt hathaditnotbeenf oryouteachi
ngme
allt
heseevi lt
hingsiwouldn'thavekil
ledouruncl
e'
s
wife?
Rona:(
widenedhereyes)youdi
dwhat
!?
Pr
eci
ous:shesawmei
nRanakaandicoul
dn'
tri
sk
i
tsoihadt
ogetr
idofher
Rona:andyoudeci
dedt
onott
ellme?
Preci
ous:l
ikeyout
oldmeallt
heot
hersecr
etsyou
keptf
rom me?Yeahright
Rona:how.
..
(si
ghed)nevermi
nd
Preci
ous:nowibel
ievet
hewhol
efami
lyal
ready
knowsthatitwasme
Rona:howwoul
dtheyknow?
Preci
ous:becauseyournewf
ri
end,
Gli
diaKgang
foundout
Rona:t
hatwoman,
youseet
hatwoman.
..
Preci
ous:ohpl
easeRonasavet
hedr amafor
someonewhocar esasf
ormeim donewit
hyou
(shet
ookherplat
e)
Rona:Pr
eci
ouscour
tisst
art
ingt
omor
row
Pr
eci
ous:iknow(
shewal
kedaway)
Rona:Pr
eci
ous?Pr
eci
ousdon'
t.
..
Pre.
..
Rocky:hmm seemsl
ikeyouar
est
ressedofl
ate
mot
her
s
Rona:l
eavemeal
one
Rocky:j
ustacceptyourf
ateoldladyyouareheret
o
st
ayandverysoonyouwi llbedoingmylaundry
Rona:i
nyourdr
eams
Rocky:weshal
lseeaboutthat.Ihavebeenvery
sof
tonyoubutnowi t
'sti
met otightenupt
hebolts
andmakeyouunderstandwho' sthebossinher
e.
Seeyoubabes

Shebl
ewaki ssandwinkedatherl
eavi
ngwhil
e
Ronasighedsi
tt
ingbackaft
erpushi
ngherf
ood
away.

AtChur
ch.
..

Thepraiseandworshi
pteam sangi
nsi
deusher
ing
thecongregat
ioni
nwhileDuncanpar
kedt
hecar..
.
Appl
e:macal
lMrHandaskhi
m wher
ehei
s
Lor
na:yesma'
am

Shetookherphoneandasshewasaboutt
ocal
l
hi
m hiscarpar
kedbesi
desthei
rs.
..

Lor
na:her
ehei
s
Appl
e:amanwhokeepshi
spr
omi
ses
Lor
na:(
laughed)Her
ryshoul
dbecar
efular
ound
you
Appl
e:nomai
m acknowl
edgi
ngani
nspi
rat
iont
o
ot
hermenher
e

Theyl
aughedget
ti
ngoffwhi
leDuncansof
tl
ysi
ghed
andshookhi
shead.
..

Appl
e:MrHyoucame
Her
old:ofcour
seidi
d.Iwoul
dn'
twantt
obr
eakt
he
pr
omi
seimadet
oyouguys
Appl
e:t
hat
'sgood
Her
old:howar
eyouMr
sD?
Lor
na:i
m gr
eat.Lovet
hisi
sHer
old,
Her
oldt
hisi
s
myhusbandDuncan
Her
old:ni
cemeet
ingyouMrDuncan
Duncan:(
fakesmi
led)l
ikewi
sesi
r
Herol
d:what
'syourf
ir
stnamei
fyoudon'
tmi
ndme
aski
ng?
Duncan:Duncan
Her
old:ohyouar
ethel
astbor
ninyourf
ami
ly?
Duncan:i
mtheonl
ychi
ld
Her
old:ohok
Apple:okwewil
lgett
oknowoneanothermor
e
af
terchurchf
ornowlet'
sgoi
nplease
Her
old:(
smi
led)af
teryouma'
am

Shesmi
ledl
eadi
ngt
hewayi
nwi
thHer
oldand
Lornafol
lowingherandDuncanwal ki
ngbehi
nd
them.Hel ookedatHer
old'
sshoesandslowlywent
upwithhisbodywi t
hhisli
pscurved.

Backi
nPr
ison.
..

Ronamadewaytothephoneboot
handpunchedi
n
Pat
ri
ck'
snumber
..
.

Pat
ri
ck:Pathel
lo
Rona:Patmyf
oothowcoul
dyou?
Pat
ri
ck:soyout
houghtiwaski
ddi
ng?NoRona,
no
Rona:doyouknowwhatyouhavedone?
Pat
ri
ck:l
etmeguess,
shehat
esyou
Rona:youar
eacuntyouknowt
hat
?
Patr
ick:that
'
sexactl
yhowifel
twhenyout
ook
ever
ythingfrom memylady
Rona:ishoul
dhaveki
ll
edyoumysel
f
Patri
ck:al
lyouhadtodowasl etmebeaf athert
o
mydaught ert
hat'
sitbutheyever
yactionhas
resul
tsandthosearetheresul
tsofyouract
ions
Rona:got
ohel
l
Pat
ri
ck:af
teryou

Hecli
ckedhi
stonguehangi
ngupasRonacli
cked
her
stooputt
ingt
hephonebackonthehook.

THATAFTERNOON

I
nar
est
aur
ant
..
.

Lor
nawentt ot
her estroomswhi
leAppleexcused
her
selft
alki
ngtothephoneleavi
ngHeroldand
Duncanonthei
rtable..
.

Duncan:si
ncei
t'
sjustusl
etmet
ellyousomet
hing
forfree(Heroldlookedathim)Lornai
samar ri
ed
womanandshe' smar r
iedtome.Wearehappily
mar ri
edatthatsoi fyouhaveanysini
sterpl
ansyou
betterbackof fonthem becauseyouarenever
goingtogetl uckywithher

Herol
dfrownedlooki
ngathim outofwordswhil
e
Lornal
ookedonf r
om thecounterandscof
fed
shaki
ngherhead.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
22] :AKEPTWOMAN
86
Her
old:(
conf
used)o-
kay?
Duncan:yeahihopeyouhear
dmepr
oper
lyandi
won'
thavet or
epeatmysel
f
Herol
d:(
scof
fed)whatmakesyout
hinkiwantyour
wif
e?
Duncan:youtel
lhershe'sbeaut
if
ulandaskherout
.
What'
sthat?Areyoublindtoseetheri
ngonher
fi
nger
?
Herol
d:whenwasi tacri
met ocomplement
someone?Itwasjustaninnocentcomplementandi
askedheroutbecauseiwantedtogettoknowher
asafri
end
Duncan:i
m amant
oomyguy
Herold:asawel leducatedmanyoushoul dknow
thatamanandwomancanbef r
iendswi t
hnot hing
happeni ng.Nextt i
medon' tshowyouri nsecurit
ies
toanothermanbecauset heywi l
luset hem against
you.Youar esol uckythatim notthatkindofman
andfrankl yspeaki ngmenl i
keyoudon' trespect
thei
rwi ves,it
'seitheryouhavecheat edonheror
youar echeat i
ngon. ..
Duncan:don'
tyou.
..
Lorna:(
sighedsmili
ng)gent
lemeniseeyouar
e
havinganintenseconver
sat
ionwhat'
sup?
Herol
d:wewer
ejustget
ti
ngt
oknowoneanot
her
,
r
ightMrD?
Duncan:(
sni
ff
ed)yeahyeah
Her
old:andit
hinkwear
eget
ti
ngal
ongver
ywel
l
Lor
na:i
sit
?
Duncan:mmh,
yeah
Appl
e:sor
ryf
ort
hat
,wher
ewer
ewe
Her
old:youweretell
ingmeaboutt
heDesi
gnand
t
echnologypr
ojectyouarebusywi
th
Appl
e:(
chuckl
ed)ohyeah(
het
oldhi
m abouti
t)
Lor
na:ar
eyouokDuncan?
Duncan:it
hinki
m goi
ngt
ogetsi
ck
Lor
na:oh?
Duncan:yeahij
ustwannagethomeandr
est
Appl
e:ahdad?
Duncan:t
hesoundf
rom chur
chr
eal
lygott
ome
Her
old:if
eelli
kethatchur
chhast
hebestsound
t
hananyot herchur
ch.
Duncan:wear
edi
ff
erent
Her
old:t
ruet
hat
Duncan:ar
eyouguyscomi
ngwi
th?
Apple:ist
il
lwanttohangoutwit
hMrHpl usheis
gi
vingmever yimport
antpoi
nter
saboutmyproject
andweal lknowhowimportantt
hati
sformyfinal
mark
Duncan:icanhel
pyouathomeAppl
e
Apple:nott
oberudebutwebot hknowthatyou
knownot hi
ngaboutDesi
gnandTechnologydad( he
swallowedwhi
leApplechuckl
ed)hethi
nksit'
sjust
aboutbeati
ngwoodtogether
Lorna:okApplethat
'senough.Herol
dwilldr
opus
offlove.Justmakesureyoutakeaspri
nsandrest
.
Sorryhey
Duncan:soyou.
..
(si
ghed)youknowwhati
t'
sfi
ne.
Seeyouguyslat
er(helef
t)
Her
old:i
twasni
cemeet
ingyouMrD

Hesmiledathi
m whil
eDuncanfakesmiledback
andconti
nuedtowalkoff
.Lor
nasquinthereyes
l
ooki
ngathim andscoff
ed.

Att
heAdi
ole'
s.
..

Abiol
aandherdaughterf
ini
shedhavinglunchas
Sundaetookt
hedishestotheki
tchen..
.

Sundae:wheni
saunt
ycomi
ng?
Abi
ola:t
omor
rowmyl
ove
Sundae:ohiguessshe'
senj
oyi
nghervacat
ion
Abiol
a:yeah.Sot
ellmeSundaehowof
tendoyou
seeLucas?
Sundae:wemetatchurchandwespend5daysof
theweektoget
heratschool
.Speaki
ngofLucashas
t
hatmanf
rom t
hemal
lcont
act
edyouyet
?
Abi
ola:nopehehasn'
t
Sundae:andyouar
eokwi
thi
t?
Abiol
a:yeahimfi
newithiti
t'
snotli
keiexpecthi
m
to.Maybehedidi
tbecausehewasf eeli
ngbadof
bumpingintome.
..
(herphonerang)unknown
number.Hell
o?
Tshepo:himayipl
easespeakt
oAbiAdi
ole?
Abiola:(
mut t
eredsmil
ing)it
hinki
t'
shi
m(cl
ear
ed
herthroat)speaki
ng
Tshepo:r
emembertheguywhoal
mostbr
okeyour
bonesyester
dayatt
hemall
?
Abi
ola:(
smi
ledmor
e)i
t'
shi
m..
.
Sundae:(
whi
sper
ed)puthi
m onspeaker
Abi
ola:(
shedi
d)yesido
Tshepo:yeahi
t'
shim.Howar
eyouf
eeli
ng?I
bookedyouaspat r
eat
mentf
ort
hebodyachesi
mighthavecausedyou
Abi
ola:st
oppl
ayi
ngl
iket
hat
Tshepo:i
m seri
ousyourappoi
ntmenti
sat10am
tomorr
owiwi l
lfor
wardyouthedet
ail
s
Abi
ola:whati
fim wor
king?
Tshepo:thef
actt
hatyousaywhatifmeansyouar
e
probabl
yyourownbossso10am iti
sri
ght?
Abi
ola:wel
licoul
dusesomer
elaxat
ion
Tshepo:t
hati
swhatiwoul
dli
ket
ohear
.Di
dyou
enj
oyyourdatet
hough?
Abi
ola:ohyesidi
d.I
twasr
efr
eshi
ng
Tshepo:t
hat
'sni
ce.Sayhit
othemi
niyouhey
Abi
ola:(
smi
led)iwi
ll
Tshepo:seeyout
omor
row
Abi
ola:soyouwi
llbeatt
hespaaswel
l
?
Tshepo:(
smi
led)maybemaybenot
Abi
ola:ohiseeokt
hen
Tshepo:haveawonder
fulaf
ter
noon
Abi
ola:yout
oo
Tshepo:bye
Abi
ola:bye(
theyhungupasshesmi
led)what
!?
Sundae:awhol
espat
reat
mentj
ustl
iket
hat
?
Abi
ola:wai
twhatshoul
diwear
?
Sundae:i
t'
snotl
ikeyouar
egoi
ngonadatemaso
j
ustthrowonadressandsomesandal
s
Abi
ola:mi
ghtnotbeadat
ebutt
hishotmanwi
llbe
t
here
Sundae:hesai
dmaybemaybenot
Abi
ola:butatfi
rsthesaid"
seeyoutomor
row"so
he'
sdefini
tel
ycomi ng.I
smyhairok?
Sundae:(l
aughed)machi
llyouar
eokgeezyouar
e
evenblushi
ng
Abi
ola:ohno( t
heylaughed)whati
fili
kehim?No
noican'tihavetor
emembert hati
m goingbackt
o
LAsoon
Sundae:don'
tletdi
stancegeti
nthewayofyou
get
ti
ngyourmangi rlcomeonnow
Abi
ola:(
giggl
edexci
ted)ohmywor
dim goi
ngt
o
l
ookforwhattowearrightnow
Sundae:ma?
Abi
ola:t
her
e'snot
imeSundae

Sheranupst
airswhi
leSundael
aughedshaki
ngher
headandfol
lowedher.

I
nCapet
own.
..

Walki
nghandi nhandi nRobi
ni sl
andLovemor eand
Chiomasmi l
edfoll
owingothertourist
sinwhatwas
Madiba'sprison.Thetourguidetoldthem about
whatusedt ot r
anspir
einthereast heyfol
lowedhim
outwiththem comi ngbehi
ndever yoneelse.
Lovemor etappedChioma'sbum asshe
unexpectedlyscreamedandcover edhermout h.
..

Chi
oma:i
m sor
ryguys.(
Chuckl
ed)Ar
eyoucr
azy?
Lovemor
e:l
et'
ssneakout
Chi
oma:haveyouf
oundagoodspott
hatnoone
wi
llcat
chus?
Lovemor
e:eveni
ftheydowewi
llbedoi
nganat
ural
thi
ng
Chi
oma:(
laughed)st
opi
tman
Lovemor
e:ori
m il
ying?
Chi
oma:t
hatact
ivi
tyi
sfort
wopeopl
eonl
y
Lovemore:wellweareonanadvent
ureher
esowe
mightaswellusethechance
Chioma:noI
'drat
herwedoitatt
hehousewher
ewe
knowwewi l
lbeinourt
err
it
ory
Lovemor
e:t
heout
sideshower
?
Chi
oma:your
eadmymi
nd
Lovemore:youar
esodir
tyandil
ikeit(hegr
abbed
herbehi
ndagainasshej
umpedgi ggl
ing)
Chioma:i
m sosor
ryguys.Wear
edi
stur
bingpeopl
e
Lovemorest
opit
Lovemor
e:l
et'
sdi
tcht
hem whatdoyout
hink?
Chi
oma:pl
usyouhavegot
tenmei
nthemood
Lovemor
e:(
chuckl
ed)musi
ctomyear
s
Chi
oma:iwasal
sothi
nki
ngwecouldusethosesun
l
ounger
stogooduseyouknowimeanit
'sourlast
dayher
esowhynotexpl
orethepl
ace
Lovemor
e:wher
ehaveyoubeenal
lmyl
if
e?

Theylaughedgoi
ngbacktothei
rcarwhi
let
her
est
ofthecrewconti
nuedwi
ththetour
.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Hethrewhimsel
fonthecouchandexhal edrubbing
hi
sface.Helai
ddownandcouldn'tstopthinki
ng
aboutHer
oldandhiswif
e.Tomaket hingswor se
nowhewasget t
ingcl
osetoApple.
..

Duncan:mxm (
het
ookhi
sphoneandcal
ledJoshua)
Joshua:Duncy
Duncan:t
hat
'ssof
emi
nine
Joshua:(
laughed)ohDuncy,
ohyesDuncyr
ight
ther
eooohmywor dDuncy
Duncan:(
laughed)youar
esowei
rdandsi
ck
Joshua:what
'supbuddy
Duncan:iwi
shiwasi
nal
ightmoodasyouar
eri
ght
nowman
Joshua:what
'sgoi
ngon?Youwer
efi
neatchur
ch
Duncan:iwaspr
etendi
ngt
obef
ine.Yousaw
Herol
d?
Joshua:yeahhel
ooksl
ikeamanwhot
akesgood
careofhimsel
f
Duncan:il
eftt
hem att
her
est
aur
ant
Joshua:why?
Duncan:icoul
dn'
thandl
eitanymor
esoisnapped
athi
m
Joshua:i
nfr
ontofLor
na?
Duncan:ofcour
senot
Joshua:what
'swr
ongwi t
hyou?Didinott
ellyouto
notdothat
?Nowyouhavegi venhi
m morereason
totr
yitonwit
hLornaevenifhewasn'
taboutthat
Duncan:dudeyoushoul
dseet
hosepeopl
etoget
her
Joshua:Duncanitol
dyout ofocusonyouandyour
wif
eandf or
getaboutHerold.Wetherhe'st
hereor
notyourmainfocusshouldbeshowi ngyourwif
eof
whatshegetstoloseshouldshegett empt
ed
Duncan:ei
shmanandt
hei
diotsawthroughme,he
wasli
kemenlikemear
eei
thercheat
ingorhave
cheat
ed
Joshua:whi
chwasri
ghtandibetyouwi
shedt
he
worl
dcouldswal
lowyou
Duncan:henceideci
dedtoleave.WhydoesLor
na
havetochoosetobefri
endswi t
haman?
Joshua:weareallall
owedtobef ri
endswit
h
whoeverourspir
itaccept
s.Thisisthel
astti
meim
sayingthi
s,t
akethoseinsecur
it
iesandlockthem
away.Focusonyouandyourwomannowcani
pleasegobacktowhatiwasdoi ng?
Duncan:yeahsuremanletmeseewhaticando
her
ewhi l
ewaiti
ngfort
hem
Joshua:orderherfl
owersandagoodluckcardfor
courttomorroworgogetheranewpai rofshoes
thestoresarest
il
lopen.OmonnaDuncan( youare
aman)whyshoul dial
waysteachyouhowt obe
romant i
c?Ahnomanpul lupyoursocks
Duncan:yeahyeah.Wewi
llt
alk
Joshua:sur
e

TheyhungupasDuncansighedt
hinki
ngabout
whatJoshuasai
dandgotuptaki
nghiscarkeys.

AtAj
ax'
shouse.
..

Heopenedt
hedoorf
orAmeandl
edt
hewayt
othe
l
ounge.
..

Aj
ax:
haveaseat
Ame:t
hanks
Aj
ax:t
hankyouf
orcomi
ng.Woul
dyoul
ikej
uiceor
wat
er?
Ame:i
m ok
Aj
ax:
ok.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Ame:f
inet
hanksandyou?
Aj
ax:
im okandt
hebaby?
Ame:t
hebabyi
sdoi
ngf
ine
Aj
ax:
ok.Ical
ledyouher
esot
haticoul
dapol
ogi
se
Ame:ok?
Ajax:
yeahimr eall
ysorryforthewayireactedwhen
youbrokethenewst ome.I twassouncivil
izedof
meanduncal l
edf or
.Iknowisoundl i
keaj erkri
ght
nowbutimr eall
ysorry.I
m embarassedofmysel f
thati
m capableofsuchat hing
Ame:whyar
eyousor
ryi
fimayask?
Aj
ax:
ireal
isedt
hatwhatidi
dwasi
nhumane
Ame:orsomeonemadeyour
eal
iset
hatandl
etme
guesst
hatsomeoneisyourgi
rl
fr
iendr
ight
?And
shewantsnot
hingt
odowi t
hyou
Aj
ax:
(si
ghed)yeah
Ame:soyouar
enotr
eal
lysor
ry?
Aj
ax:iam.Trustmeireal
lyam andgivenachancei
woul
dliket
opr ovet
oyouhowsor ryiam
Ame:how?
Aj
ax:
bybei
ngwi
thyouever
yst
epoft
heway
Ame:ar
eyousur
eaboutwhatyouar
esayi
ng?
Aj
ax:
hundr
edper
centsur
e
Ame:youhur
tmeAj
ax
Aj
ax:
iknowandi
m notpr
oudofi
t
Ame:butiacknowl edget
hatatl
eastsomeone
showedyouthelightandyouacknowl edgedyour
mist
akeandsawt heneedtoaskforforgiveness.
Soapologyaccepted
Aj
ax:
thankyousomuch.
Ame:iwi
lll
etyouknowwhenmynextappoi
ntment
i
s
Aj
ax:
okiwoul
dappr
eci
atet
hat
Ame:andjustforyourownclar
it
ywewi lldoa
pater
nit
ytestsothatyouar
ecertai
nthatit'
sindeed
yourchi
ldbecauseihavebeenseeingsomeonef or
afewweeksnow
Aj
ax:
ohsoyouar
einar
elat
ionshi
p?
Ame:yeahbeen3weeksnow
Aj
ax:
ohokandheknows?
Ame:yeahi
t'
sthef
ir
stt
hingit
oldhi
m
Ajax:okwel
lifi
t'sbeen3weekst hatmeanst
he
chil
disundoubtedlyminebecauseyouare2
monthspregnant
Ame:yeah.Youshouldgobacktothatl
adyand
apol
ogisetoherandbehonestwit
hhermaybeshe
wil
ltakeyouback
Aj
ax:
ipl
ant
o
Ame:al
lthebest
Aj
ax:
thankyou
Ame:i
fthat
'sal
liwoul
dli
ket
ogobackhome
pl
ease
Ajax:
noprobl
em.Whateveryouneedj
ustcal
lme
butnocal
lsaf
tet9pm
Ame:noprobl
em ihaveaboyf
ri
endf
ort
hatbuti
wi
llt
alkt
oyou.
Aj
ax:
sur
e

Heledthewaytothedoorandopenedf
orheras
shesmiledl
eavi
ng.Heclosedt
hedoorandsi
ghed
l
eaningagai
nsti
t.
..

Aj
ax:Lordimadeami stakebutpl
easehelpmewin
Marel
ediback.Igenui
nelyl
ovethatyounglady
pl
easeLord.

Hesi
ghedagai
ngoi
ngbackt
othel
ounge.

LATERON.
..
Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Appleheadedi
ntoherbedroom andtookoffher
dresst
henjumpedonherbedt akingherphone.
Shesearchedf
orthejuvi
nil
epri
sonnumberand
call
edit
..
.

Lady:Juvi
nil
epr
isongoodaf
ter
noon
Appl
e:gooddayma'am youarespeaki
ngtoApple
Duncanist
hereachanceicangetSaintDuncanon
t
hephone?He'smylit
tl
ebrother
Lady:okma'
am pl
easehol
don

Sheputherphonedownandputonshor
tsanda
vestasSai
ntgottot
hephoneafewminutesl
ater
..
.

Sai
nt:hel
lo?
Appl
e:heyyoudumphead
Sai
nt:si
s
Appl
e:imi
ssyouman
Sai
nt:imi
ssyout
oo
Appl
e:butyouknowyouowemer
ight
?
Sai
nt:iknowbutipr
omi
set
omakei
tupt
oyou
Appl
e:i
t'
sokdon'
twor
ry.Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Saint
:imt
ryi
ngsi
simtryi
ng.Thef
ir
stdayswer
enot
easybutt
heymanagedtomovemet oani
sol
ated
cel
l
Appl
e:di
dtheyabuseyou?
Sai
nt:yeah
Appl
e:i
m sosorr
ybuddy.Let
'
shopet
heydi
dn'
tgi
ve
youanydi
seases
Sai
nt:yeahhey.Thedoct
ort
ooksomebl
ood
samplestogotest
Appl
e:t
hat
'sgood.Hast
hecounsel
lorspokent
o
you?
Saint
:yeahshet
oldmemamaanddadar
ecomi
ng
tomorrow
Apple:ok.I
m beggi
ngyouSaintpl
easebehonest
t
histimearound.Youhavehonest
lybrokenthe
t
rustwehadonyouandi t
'suptoyoutorebuil
dit
Sai
nt:ii
ntendt
o
Apple:ihopeyoumeani tbecauseonesl i
ghtwrong
movemamai snotgoingtohesitat
etakingyou
backtopr i
sonandthi
st i
mei twi
llbeforgood.Do
youwantt obeajai
lbird?
Sai
nt:ofcour
senot
Appl
e:goodthenactri
ghtanddori
ghtnotonl
yfor
usbutforyour
sel
ftoo.Youareawonder
fulguy
Sai
ntdon'tl
etagi
rlchangethat
Sai
nt:iwi
llr
emembert
hat
Apple:sur
e.Ij
ustwant
edt
osayhit
oyou.Iwant
youtocomebackhomebecausewehavealott
o
tal
kabout
Saint
:ipr
omiseyouonceI'
ml etf
reewear
egoi
ng
tospendthewhol
enightcat
chingup
Appl
e:i
mmahol
dyout
othat
.Peaches
Sai
nt:cr
eam

Theylaughedhangi
ngupasAppl ewentdownstai
rs
whil
ehesi ghedput
ti
ngthephonedown.Hethought
aboutwhatApplesaidandsi
ghedgoingbacktohis
cel
l.

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Nyashawentt othebackaftersear
chi
ngfort
he
prisonnumberandcalledi
t.Theyputheronhol
das
theywentt oPr
eciouswhoanswer edt
hephone
smi l
ing.
..

Pr
eci
ous:mybabygi
rl
Nyasha:whatki
ndofanani
malar
eyou?
Pr
eci
ous:Nyasha?
Nyasha:howdoyougoar
oundki
ll
ingpeopl
eli
ke
t
heyarefli
es?
Pr
eci
ous:what
evert
heysai
dtoyoui
sal
iemybaby
Nyasha:ohpleasePreciousi m nota5yearold
naiveli
tt
legi
rlanymoreim 18.Youar epoisonyou
knowt hat
?Youal mostalienatedmefrom good
people.Youmademet hinktheyarenotgoodwhile
youwer enotthegoodone.Youar eevi
l
Pr
eci
ous:babyl
ist
ent
omepl
ease.
..
Nyasha:i
m doneli
steni
ngt
oyou.Fr
om nowonj
ust
knowthatyouhavenodaught
er
Pr
eci
ous:Nyashano
Nyasha:andyouhavenori
ghtt
ocal
lmynamewi
th
yourfi
lt
hymouth.Ihat
eyou
Pr
eci
ous:babyyoudon'
tmeant
hat
Nyasha:imeani
tPr
eci
ous,
youar
edeadt
ome.
Goodbye
Preci
ous:Nyasha.
..
(shehunguponher
)Nyasha?
Hell
o?Nya..
.ohno!
Sheputthephonedownandbur
iedherheadi
nher
ar
mscr yi
ng.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Nalelai
dwithhereyesclosedasthedooropened
andsheopenedt hem f
rowningt
oaf aceshedoes
notknow..
.

Nal
e:hel
lo?
Gl
idi
a:(
smi
led)Nal
e
Nal
e:whoar
eyou?
Gl
idi
a:yournewbestf
ri
end
Nal
e:excuseme?
Gli
dia:icanseeyouar
eheal
ing.Mynamei
sGl
idi
a
Kgang
Nal
e:idonotknowanyGl
idi
a
Gli
dia:iknowbutyouareaboutt
oknowher.You
seetheoperat
ionyoujustgonet
hrough?I
t'
s
becauseofme
Nal
e:idon'
tfol
low
Glidi
a:therewasnohowiwasgoi ngtoletyoudie
whi l
eyouhaveal ottodealwit
hsoiaskedf orafew
favours.Seehowi mport
antiam?( Smil
ed)more
reasonf orustobebestf r
iendsthanyouand
Precious(sighed)thatwit
ch(Nalefrowned)anyway,
ihaveonemor ethingforyou(shegaveheran
envelope)
Nal
e:whati
sthi
s?
Gl
idi
a:j
ustopeni
tsweet
hear
t

Shesmil
edlooki
ngatherwhil
eNal
esl
owl
yopened
i
tandtookoutadocument.
..

Nal
e:what
?
Gl
idi
a:t
alkaboutsweetr
evenge
Nal
e:noican'
t,
ican'
tdowhatyouar
easki
ngmet
o
do
Glidia:ohsoyouar egoingtost andforsomeone
whodoesn' tcareaboutyou?Howmuchofyour self
haveyougi vent othiswoman?Youevengavehera
childsacr ifi
singyourownmar r
iagetosaveher s
event houghi tsoveraswel l(
sher ol
ledhereyes)
anywayi t
'snotmei t'
sthelawmyl ovewet heryou
l
ikei tornotyouar egoingt otakethatstandand
testifyagai nstPreciousMoet iandhermot her.
(Hel dhershoul der)tr
ustmet hi
swi l
lhelpinbuil
ding
ar elationshipwi thyoursonbecausehe' snotavi l
e
per son.Seeyousoonmyl ove.Staywell

Shesoft
lyt
appedhershoul
derandwi nkedather
thenwhi
stl
edleavi
ngwhil
eNal el
ookedatherand
backonthedocumentst
il
ltakenaback..
.

Nal
e:what
?
THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
23] :AKEPTWOMAN
87

Deardi
ary.
..

Todayiwokeupf eel
ingkindofl owidon'tknow
why, i
si tbecausetodaymar kst
hebegi nningofthe
endf orourenemi es?(Scoffed)ican'tbel
ieveim
call
ingpeopl ewhoar esupposedt obefami l
y,
enemi es.It
'str
uewhent heysayt hoseclosetoyou
aretheone' scapableofkill
ingyou.Ronaandher
daught erareagr eatepi tomeofbl oodi snotal ways
thi
ckert hanwat er.Wr iti
ngt hei rnamesi nmy
j
our nalhonestlycr eepsmeout .Al soit hinki m
feel
ingt hewayiam becauset odayal sor emi nds
meofwhatmymot herwentt hr oughandt hatigrew
upthinkingmyownmot herismyaunt .16f ul
lyear
s
shewaskepti nacave, cagedl ikeanani malbutby
thegraceofGodshesur vived.Mydai lypr ayeris
thatGodshowshi spowerandmi ghtt hroughour
enemi es.Heshoul dshowt hem whatt ouchnotmy
anointedmeansandi nt hemi dstofi tallipr aythat
hehel psmest ayt hi shumbl e, l
oving, caring, not
boastful,grat
efulunt iltheendoft ime.Letnot hi
ng
changet heper soni am.Iwantt obet hesame
Mayaiwas5year sagount ilidie.Nomat terhow
greatmyl i
febecomesmayt hese5val uesst i
ck
withme.Mayineverf orgetthem.Ihopet odaygoes
well.

Shesmiledcl
osingthediar
yandputi
tawayas
Joshuacameoutoft heshoweri
natoweland
ki
ssedhercheek..
.
Joshua:goodmor
ningl
ove
Maya:mor
ninghoney
Joshua:donewi
thyourj
our
nal
?
Maya:yessi
r
Joshua:goodt
hewat
eri
sready
Maya:t
hankyoul
ove.Pl
easechoosewhatishoul
d
wearok
Joshua:what
'syourmood?
Maya:cour
ageous
Joshua:okma'
am iwi
llbeonit(
theysmil
ed)so
what'
syourpl
anwitht
hisjour
nalbabe?
Maya:iwanttopri
nti
twhenifeelli
keihave
reachedt
hepeakofitt
henselli
t.Ibel
ievei
twi
ll
givesomeonehopeoutther
e
Joshua:okmyl
ovesoishoul
dfi
ndapubl
isherf
or
you?
Maya:t
hatwoul
dbegr
eatbutt
ellt
hem i
m st
il
l
wor
kingoni
t
Joshua:yourmangotyouhoney

Hewinkedatherwhil
esheputitawayandwent
i
ntot
hebathroom asJoshuawentint
othei
rcl
oset
andt
riedt
ofindanoutfi
tforher
.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Duncanstr
etchedandyawnedwaki ngupwhi
le
Lor
nalookedathim andputherbookdown.
..

Lor
na:youanddr
amawhenwaki
ngup
Duncan:goodmor
ning
Lor
na:hi
.Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Duncan:f
ine.If
oundyouguysasl
eepwhenicame
backhome
Lor
na:yeahwedeci
dedt
ocr
ashear
lyaker
eyou
deci
dedt
ogoout
Duncan:yeahbutigotyousomet
hing
Lor
na:ohok

Hegotof
fbedandr
eachedf
oragi
ftbagundert
he
bed.
..

Duncan:sur
pri
se
Lor
na:(
smi
led)o-
kayt
hisi
squi
teasur
pri
se

Shesaidtaki
ngthebagandt ookoutaboxof
expensi
vedesignershoesasshegaspedlooki
ngat
him..
.

Lor
na:Duncan
Duncan:openbabe
Lor
na:(shedid)ohmywor
dDuncanihaveal
ways
wantedthese
Duncan:seeyourmansomet
imesl
ist
ens
Lor
na:awwthi
sissosweetofyouDuncant
hank
yousomuch(shehuggedhi
m)
Duncan:anyt
hingformyl
ovel
ywife.It
houghtyou
shoul
dlookravishi
ngont
hefi
rstdayofcourtmy
l
ove
Lor
na:youar
esuchanangel
thankyouhey
Duncan:ihopeyour
emembert
hat
Lor
na:ohyesiwil
l.Nowthi
shasgott
enmeinthe
moodtokickst
artmyday.Whatdoyouf
eell
ike
eat
ing?
Duncan:pancakeswi
thr
aspber
ri
esandj
am
Lor
na:yourwi
shi
smycommand.Gogetr
eady
Duncan:yesma'
am.

Hesmil
edgett
ingoffbedandwenttot
hebathroom
whi
leLor
nalookedattheshoesandsi
ghed.
..
Lor
na:t
hisi
ssosweetofyoubuti
m notchangi
ng
mymind.Sor
ry

Sheputtheshoesbackint
heboxandheaded
downst
airsaf
terknocki
ngonAppl
e'
sdoor.
..

Appl
e:I'
llbedonei
naf
ewmommymakesur
e
br
eakfastisr
eady

LATERTHATMORNI
NG

I
nCour
t.
..

AfullhouseitwasasMaya, Kenei
lwe,
Joshua,
Gli
diaandMrKgangsatont helef
tsi
deofthejudge
withAlexander,
ConstableKerengandthei
rteam i
n
thefr
ontbenchcaucusi ngaboutwhatwasgoi ngto
happen.Ont heri
ghtsidewasanempt ybench
waiti
ngf orRonaandPr eci
ouswhocamei n
escort
edbyt
wopr i
sonoff
ici
als.Theytookt
hei
r
seatsast
hehandcuff
sgottakenoff.
..

Of
fi
cer
:al
lri
se!

Theyalldi
dasthejudgemadeherwayinsi
deand
tookherseat
.Ver
yinti
midat
ingshel
ooked.
..

Judge:youmaybeseat
ed
Bail
if
f:yourworshipacasebet weenRonaMoet i
andPr eci
ousMoet ivsKenei l
weMoet iandthe
communi ty.Yourwor shipRonaandPr eci
oushave
beenchargedwi ththef oll
owing,abducti
on,Thef
t,
oneaccountofmur derf orRonaMoet iandone
accountofmur derforPr eciousMoeti
Judge:thankyou.Counci
lthi
scour
tcal
lsf
ort
he
fi
rstcharact
erwit
ness
Alexander:(st
oodup)t
hankyoumyl ady.I
fthe
courtpleasesmyladythecounci
lwouldli
ketocal
l
tothestandMsKenei l
weMoet i
Ronacur
vedherl
ipslooki
ngatherasshemadeher
wayupinamatchingski
rtandj
acketandawhi
te
vest
..
.

Bai
ll
if
:MsMoet idoyousweartotel
lthet
rut
h,t
he
whol
et r
uthandnothi
ngbutthetr
uth.Sohel
pyou
God
Kenei
lwe:ido
Judge:t
hankyou.Mr
sTaol
oyoumaypr
oceed
Al
exander
:ithankyouyourworship.MsMoet
i
pl
easetel
lthecour
tyourful
lini
ti
als
Kenei
lwe:Kenei
lweMoet
i
Al
exander
:howar
eyour
elat
edt
otheset
wowomen?
Kenei
lwe:Ronai
smysi
sterandPr
eci
ousi
smy
ni
ece
Al
exander:howwasyourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thyour
si
sterwhengrowi
ngupMsMoet i
?
Kenei
lwe:notgood
Al
exander
:wer
eyout
heonl
yonewor
kingbet
ween
t
hetwoofyou?
Kenei
lwe:yesiwasact
ual
lyt
heonl
yonewhodi
d
welli
nschool
Al
exander:wouldyousayMsMoet
iwassomewhat
maybejealousofyou?
Kenei
lwe:yesyourhonour(
Ronar
oll
edhereyes)
Alexander
:br
ief
lyt
ellust
owhatl
edt
oyoubei
ng
cagedMsMoet i
Keneilwe:iwor kedawayf r
om homeandihadt wo
kids.MayaandTi tussot heystayedwi thRona.I
woul dgohomeandhavemyki dscal lmeaunt yand
callRonamama.Fi r
stlyitooki
tl i
ght l
yandsai dno
maybei t
'sbecauset heyhearPr eciouscal lher
mamaandagai nmightbebecauseist ayaway
from them.I tconti
nuedandideci dedt ospeakt o
Ronaaboutwhi chshegotangr y.Im notat alkat
ive
personsoideci dedtostepback.It henvisiteda
tradi
tionaldoctoronedayi nMaunandhet oldme
thatther easonwhymyki dsarecal lingRonamom
i
sbecauseshewant sthem toknowt hatshe' sthei
r
mom asshehadf oundoutt hattheycoul
dbeof
goodusetoher.Blackmagi cwise.Sheknewshe
wouldgett
heli
feshehad" al
wayswant ed"t
hrough
thei
rpai
nandsuf f
ering.Iconfr
ontedRonaabout
thi
sandthenextdayiwokeupi nadar kpl
ace
caged.
Alexander
:wowsowhilecagedl
iket
hatwer
ether
e
anyotherthi
ngsdonet
oyou?
Kenei
lwe:yes.Somedaysshewouldcomedr
aw
bl
oodfrom me, somedaysshewoul
dplugmyhai
r
andsomeshewoul dcutsomeofmynai
ls
Al
exander
:andyoudi
dn'
tknowwher
ethesewent
?
Kenei
lwe:yes
Alexander
:wemi ghtnotbeli
eveinthisher
eyour
worshipbutasafri
canswedef i
nitel
yknowwher e
thoseweregoing.MsMoet iwhatwast heonethi
ng
shedidpriort
oyoubeingr el
eased?
Kenei
lwe:shemademewearoneofmyscar
fsf
ora
dayandmademeeatrawli
ver
Al
exander
:ist
hist
hescar
f?
Shesaidli
ft
ingitupi
nanevidencebagasRona
widenedhereyesswall
owi
ng..
.

Kenei
lwe:yesyourwor
shi
p
Alexander:yourworshipthi
sscarfwasf
oundina
houseofawomancommonl yknownas
Mmadi taolainMochudi.Shehaspassedonbutshe
wasawel lknownwitchdoctor
.

Gl
idi
atur
nedtoRonaandsmi l
edwinki
ngather
whil
esheshookherheadbr
eathi
ngheavi
ly.
..

Judge:evi
dencewi
llbeaccept
ed
Alexander
:thankyoumyladyandherewi t
hme
againareMsMoet i'
sbl
oodtest
saftershewas
found.Theyprooft
hatMsMoetiindeedtooki
nraw
l
iver
Judge:evi
dencewi
llbeaccept
ed
Alexander
:MsMoetionel
astquesti
on.Who'
sface
didyouseeever
yti
meinthatcavebetweent
hese
seven

Shesaidplayi
ngasli
deshowofMaya,Joshua,
Mr
Kgang,hi
ssister
,Mar
eledi
,Pr
eci
ousandRona's
pi
ctur
es..
.

Kenei
lwe:t
hel
astone,
RonaMoet
i'
s
Al
exander
:andt
her
est
?
Kenei
lwe:isawt
hem t
hedayiwasf
ound
Alexander
:thankyouyourwor
shi
pnof
urt
her
questi
ons.
Judge:t
hankyouMr sTaol
o.Cour
twil
lresumeat
14:
00pm aswewi l
lhaveanot
herchar
acterwi
tness
onthestand(
hitt
hegavel)
Of
fi
cer
:al
lri
se!

Theyal
ldi
dasshemadeherwayoutt
henever
yone
el
sef
oll
owedwi
thGl
idi
agoi
ngt
oRona.
..

Gli
dia:weareyett
odancemyl ovet
hisi
sjustthe
begi
nning.Ti
ghtenyourdanci
ngshoesok.Goodgir
l

Shesai
dtappi
nghershoul
derandlef
twhi
leRona
l
ookedatherwi
thherl
ipscur
ved.
..

Rona:bl
oodyshi
t

I
nLedumang.
..

Theendoft eabr eakbellrangast hestudentsmade

theirwaytotheirclasses.Inaf i
gurehuggingpencil
skirtandshi
rttuckedi nLesedigraceful
lywalkedin
herheelsandsmi l
edatoneofhercol l
eagues.She
madewayt ohersecondcl assofthedayf i
ndingthe
studentsmakingnoi se.Seeinghertheboysi nthe
classwhistl
edasshechuckl edputt
ingherthings
down.
..

Thabo:chi
ll
ibaba.Per
i-
Per
ihotsaucemymymy
Lesedi
:youbet
tertakebackt hosewor dsbefor
ei
makeyouswall
owt hem (theclasslaughedathi
m)
whatareyoual
llaughingat ?Ist her
eanythi
ng
funnyi
nwhatisaid?( Si
lencehi tthewholer
oom)
Thabo:andher
eiwast
hinki
ngyouar
ecool
Lesedi:whatisyourname?Nott hati
t'
sgoingt
obe
usefulformebutanyway( hekeptquiet
)andhe
goesmut e.Takeoutyournovels
Thabo:butma'
am ar
ewenotsupposedtogetto
knowoneano..
.(
shegavehi
m astar
e)iguessnot
Lesedi
:ol
efer
etl
howaitsemosi manekewenao
menookareanealatl
helwa.(Youaretr
oubl
esome
youknowyoungboy.Withteethli
ketheywer
e
thr
owninyourmouth)What'shisname?
Gi
rl
:Thabo
Lesedi:good.Thaboi
nthi
snovelyouwi
llbeumm
Dir
atsagae
Boy:ma'
am hest
ummer
swhenher
eads
Lesedi
:idi
dnotaskf
oryouropi
nion(
Thabo
l
aughed)
Lesedi:Thabogetoutofmycl assyouwillr
eadyour
characterl
inesoutsi
deandloudlyatthat
.Keabona
obelwakepeanutbut ter
.(Iseethepeanutbut
ter
hasgotyoucr azy)Getout
Thabo:ahma'
am
Lesedi
:idon'
twantt
orepeatmysel
f.Out

Hesighedandtookhisnovelst
eppi
ngoutasLesedi
openedthedoorwide.
..

Lesedi:Im gi
vingyouall2minut
estochoose
characters.Wearereading2chapt
erst
henwr i
tea
quiz

Theydidwhil
eshewrotehernameontheboar
d
andtookherseatast
heystar
tedr
eadi
ng.She
i
ndeedwasoneoft
hoseSet
swanat
eacher
stonot
dar
emesswith.

Att
heSpa.
..

Abi
olasi
ppedonhercocktai
lchecki
ngTshepoout
ashebutt
oneduphi
sshirtaft
erthei
rmassage.
..

Tshepo:ineverknewthi
sfel
tsogood(
hegotno
responseandlookedup)Abi
?
Abi
ola:(
snappedoutofi
t)oh,
yes?
Tshepo:(
laughed)youwantt
ogetar
rest
ed?
Abi
ola:whatf
ornow?
Tshepo:st
arr
ingt
hatmuch
Abi
ola:i
mi ?(Chuckl
edandcover
edhereyes
embarassed)ohmywor d
Tshepo:ar
eyouok?
Abi
ola:canisaysomet
hingt
houghi
t'
sgoi
ngt
o
comeasabi
tfor
war
d
Tshepo:yeahgor
ightahead
Abi
ola:youhaveabeaut
if
ulbody
Tshepo:(
laughed)i
mfeel
ingsexual
lyassaul
ted
Abi
ola:(
laughed)i
m bei
ngser
ioust
hough
Tshepo:wi
ththi
sst
omach?Comeoniwantt
oshed
offafewki
los
Abiol
a:il
ovemymenpl
ussi
zednott
oopl
ussi
zed
butyourpl
ussi
ze
Tshepo:what
'sthatsupposedt
omean(
she
cl
enchedherteeth)youli
keme?
Abi
ola:ohLor
dim busysayi
ngt
hewr
ongt
hings
what
'swrongwit
hme
Tshepo:not
hingi
swr
ongwi
thyou.I
t'
snotwr
ongt
o
l
ikesomeone
Abi
ola:i
m notsupposedt
obedoi
ngt
his
Tshepo:t
rustmei
m enj
oyi
ngever
ysecondofi
t
Abi
ola:awomanofmyagemaki
ngaf
oolofher
sel
f?
Comeonyoumustbet
hinki
ngi
m awhor
e
Tshepo:noteveni
mt hi
nki
ngyouar
eawomanwho
al
waysgoesf orwhatshewant
s
Abi
ola:(
smi
led)t
rueormaybet
hecockt
aili
s
ki
cki
ngin
Tshepo:l
eti
tki
ckinmor
ethen(
theyl
aughed)
wannadobrunch?
Abi
ola:yeahnopr
obl
em
Tshepo:okt
henl
et'
sgetgoi
ng
Abi
ola:canipayt
hist
imear
ound?
Tshepo:al
lowmet
ospoi
lyou
Abi
ola:ij
ustdon'
twantyout
opayf
orever
ythi
ng
Tshepo:i
mtheonewhoinvi
tedyououtsoi
t'
son
met omakesur
eever
ythi
ngiscover
ed
Abi
ola:oknextt
imei
m payi
ng
Tshepo:sot
her
egoi
ngt
obeanextt
ime?
Abiol
a:li
stent
omecont
inui
ngt
oembar
rassmysel
f
(
theylaughed)
Tshepo:i
mjustaski
ng
Abi
ola:wel
liwoul
dn'
tmi
ndanextt
ime
Tshepo:met
oo
Abi
ola:j
ustt
ocl
eart
hingsof
fim nother
eforgood
Tshepo:t
heniwi
llal
wayscomewher
eyouar
e
Abi
ola:LA?
Tshepo:adayf
li
ght
?What
'st
hatcomeon
Abi
ola:butt
hemoney
Tshepo:moneycomesandgoessowhynotspend
i
twheni t
'st
her
e?
Abi
ola:ihopeyouar
enotar
eckl
essspender
Tshepo:im oneofthesti
ngiestpeopleyoucould
evercomeacr ossi
t'sj
ustthatidon'tmindspendi
ng
onthingsthatarewort
hit
Abi
ola:(
smi
led)sohowof
tenwoul
dyoucomet
oLA?
Tshepo:ever
ymont
h
Abi
ola:ah
Tshepo:yes
Abi
ola:f
orhowl
ong?
Tshepo:t
woweeks
Abi
ola:nowewi
llhavet
oal
ter
nat
e
Tshepo:wel
lif
indnopr
obl
em i
nthat
.
Abi
ola:l
ist
ent
ouspl
anni
ngt
hingsoutasi
fwear
e
dat
ing
Tshepo:youar
egoodcompanyandiwoul
dn'
tmi
nd
makingyoumywoman
Abi
ola:(
chocked)what
!?
Tshepo:(
laughed)thankyouma'am weshal
lcome
backagai
nsoon( theysmiledl
eavi
ng)yeahimean
i
t
Abi
ola:don'
tyout
hinkyouneedt
odealwi
thyour
di
vorcefi
rst
?
Tshepo:andletagoodthi
ngpassmet hateasil
y?
HellnoAbiiwouldrat
herkeepyoucl
oseunt i
lwe
arebothcomfort
ablewit
htaki
ngthenextstep
Abi
ola:sowhatim gett
ingfr
om thi
sist
hatwear
e
bui
ldi
ngtowardsar el
ati
onship?
Tshepo:hopef
ull
yyes
Abi
ola:(
smi
led)ohok
Tshepo:ihopeim notoverst
eppingboundari
esim
onepersonwhol i
kestoputmyi ntent
ionsabout
somethingfor
wardbef or
eanythi
ng
Abiol
a:noyouarenot.Bett
ertohavesomeone
who'scl
earaboutt
heirint
enti
onst hansomeone
whostri
ngsyoualongfornothing.Maybeyouwant
someoneyoucanuseasapi l
ljustgivi
ngan
example
Tshepo:i
m gl
adyougetwher
eim comi
ngf
rom

Theygottother
est
aur
antandt
ookt
hei
rseat
sas
thewai
tercametot
hem.

Backi
ncour
t.
..

Thejudget
ookherseatasAl
exanderstoodup.On
onesidewasLor
naandDuncanandt henonthe
ot
herwasPat
ienceandKgomot
so.
..

Alexander:t
hankyoumyLor d.MyLor dther
eason
whywear eheretodayisbecauseMr sLorna
Duncani ssuingMsPat i
encef orsl
eepingwi
thher
husbandknowi ngthathewasamar ri
edman
Judge:Pat
iencepl
easest
andonyourf
eet(
shedi
d)
di
dyoudoi t?
Pat
ience:yessi
rbut
..
.
Judge:t
hat
'
sal
lineededf
rom you.Di
dyouknow
MrDuncanwasmarri
ed?
Pat
ience:(
swal
lowed)yessi
r
Judge:okMr
sTaol
ocont
inuewi
thot
herquest
ions
pl
ease
Alexander:t
hankyoumyLord.Pat
iencewhati
s
yourrelat
ionshi
pwit
hthet
woasi nhowdoyou
knowt hem?
Pat
ience:iwor
kedf
ort
hem ast
hehousehel
per
Al
exander
:howwasyourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thMr
s
Duncan?
Pat
ience:wewer
ecl
ose
Al
exander
:ist
hist
rueMr
sDuncan?
Lor
na:yes
Al
exander:andyousawi
tokt
osl
eepwi
thMr
s
Duncan'
shusband?
Pat
ience:het
oldmehedi
dn'
tloveherandl
ovedme
Al
exander
:howl
ongdi
dthi
shappenf
or?
Pati
ence:f
ouryear
s.Iwoul
dli
ket
osueherf
or
assaul
ti
ngmeaswel l
Judge:youshoul
dputi
nanappl
icat
ionf
ir
st.Mr
s
Duncandidyouassaul
ther
?
Lor
na:yesyourwor
shi
p
Judge:i
fyoureal
lywannagothroughwi
thitt
hen
dotheri
ghtthi
ngPati
ence.Cont
inueMrsTaol
o
Al
exander
:andi
nthosef
ouryear
syouhadachi
l
d?
Pat
ience:yes
Al
exander
:whoi
srest
ingnow
Pat
ience:yes.
Al
exander
:Whatwast
hecauseofdeat
h?
Pat
ience:t
heysayinegl
ect
edhi
m
Al
exander
:theysay?Di
dyounot
?
Pat
ience:Juni
orwas.
..
Al
exander:don'
tbot
heri
t'
snotr
elevanti
nthi
scase.
Nofurt
herquesti
onsmyLord
Judge:howmuchi
sthepl
aint
if
fsui
ngt
he
defendantf
or?
Al
exander
:mi
nium amountofP100000.
00
Pat
ience:what
!?
Judge:sl
eepi
ngwithamar
ri
edmani
saser
ious
off
enceinthi
scountr
y
Pat
ience:butiwasnotal
onei
nthi
smat
ter
Judge:thatiswhyt hecourtrul
esyoupay60
percentofthatmoneyandt hehusbandpaysthe
rest.(
Duncanl ookedupwi thafrown)youare
expectedtohavepai dthatamountbyt heendof
thi
smont horel seyouwi l
lbetakentopri
son.Cour
t
i
sadj
our
ned

Hehitt
hegavelast
heyal
lst
oodupandmadeway
out
..
.

Pat
ience:howmuchi
s60%oft
hatmoney?
Kgomot
so:naar
eoseso?(
Areyoudump)P60000
Pati
ence:ionl
yhave40KDuncanwil
lhavetoseet
o
therest
.Hefuckedmenott
heotherwayround
Kgomot
so:yeahr
ight

Theyl
eftwhi
leDuncanwait
edf
orLor
nai
nthecar
asshespoketoAl
exander
..
.

Lor
na:t
hankyousomuchonceagai
n
Al
exander
:it
'snopr
obl
em
Lorna:pl
easecontactt
hepol i
ceanddr
opt
he
negli
gencechargesagainstherhey
Al
exander
:ohokar
eyousur
ethough?
Lor
na:yeahiam.Thelessiseeherf
acet
hebet
ter
andagai
nfixthedi
vor
cepapersforme
Al
exander:(shocked)what
?It
houghtyouguysar
e
worki
ngthingsout
Lorna:im notgoingt opunishmysel fandstaywith
someonei m nolongerinlovewi t
h.Duncanr eal
ly
brokemyhear tMr sT.Fourfullyearsdoingthi
s
dir
tyt hi
ngwi thourhousehel perandhewasokwi th
i
t.Yeshe' stryi
ngt ogethimselftogetherbutican'
t,i
can'tbewi t
hhi m anymore.Ihavet houghtabout
thi
sf orlongandi m goi
ngt ostickwiththat
Al
exander:wow,
okiwi
lldoasyousay.Haveyou
t
oldhi
mt hough?
Lor
na:nobutiwi
ll
Al
exander
:becausei
t'
sonlyf
airf
orhi
mtoknow
wher
ehest andsi
nyourl
if
e
Lor
na:iunder
standthat.Anywayl
etusr
ushf
orour
meeti
ngattheJuvini
leprison
Al
exander
:al
ri
ghtiwi
shyoual
lthebest
Lor
na:t
hanksl
ove

Theyhuggedandwentt
othecar
s.

I
nKavi
mbamot
ors.
..

Assoonast heyl
andedtheydeci
dedtogostrai
ght
tothei
roff
icesast
heyhadmeet i
ngs.Aknockcame
thr
oughonLovemor e'
soff
iceashewelcomedthe
personin.
..

Lovemor
e:gooddaysi
rpl
easecomei
n
Al
ber
t:t
hankyousomuch
Lovemore:haveaseat.(Hedi
d)wel
cometo
Kavimbamot or
sim LovemoreKavi
mbat
heowner
Al
ber
t:ni
cemeet
ingyousi
rmynamei
sAl
ber
t
Lovemor
e:oksi
rwhatcanidof
oryou?
Al
ber
t:i
m act
ual
lyher
eonamor
eper
sonalmat
ter
Lovemor
e:(
satback)ok?
Al
ber
t:i
m Nyasha'
sfat
her

Lovemor
einst
antl
yst
art
edheari
ngscreechi
ng
soundsi
nhisear
sashefrownedlooki
ngathim.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
23] :AKEPTWOMAN
88

Lovemor
e:yousai
dyouar
ewhoagai
n?
Al
ber
t:Al
ber
t
Lovemor
e:soyouar
ebr
aveenought
ocomet
omy
t
err
it
oryandt
ellmet
hatyousl
eptwi
thmyexwi
fe?
Albert
:im sosor
rybutithappenedMrKavi
mba.I
don'tmeant odi
srespectyou
Lovemore:youhaveal
readydonet
hatbuti
t'
snot
l
ikeicar
ebecauseim nolongerwi
tht
hatexampl
e
ofawomanofyour s
Al
ber
t:ohnonoshe'
snotmywoman
Lovemor
e:sowhatdoyousuggestidowi
tht
he
i
nformat
ionyouj
ustt
oldme?
Al
bert:it
houghtmaybewecoul
dsi
tdownwi
th
Nyashaandtellhert
het
rut
h
Lovemore:soyouthi
nkmydaughterwoul
dwanta
rel
ati
onshipwit
hyou?Af
terwhatyouandher
motherdidtoher?
Alber
t:Pr
eciousdidn'
twantt
olosehermar
ri
ageso
ihadtorespectt
hat
Lovemor e:noyouhadt obeamanandt ake
responsibi
li
tyforyourchi
ld.Howdi
dyousleepat
nightknowingthatanothermanisr
aisi
ngyourchi
ld?
Al
ber
t:notwel
l
Lovemore:di
dyoudosomet hi
ngabouti
t?Noyou
didn'
t.I
fyoulovedthischil
dyouwouldhavedone
theri
ghtthi
ngwet herPreci
ouswasmar r
iedornot
Al
ber
t:igetyourpoi
ntsi
rbutwhat
'si
mpor
tanti
s
t
hati
m herenow
Lovemor
e:af
terhowl
ong?18year
s?
Al
ber
t:iknowbutl
ikeisai
diwasputi
nacor
ner
Lovemore:youdeci
dedtobeint
hatcorner
.How
wouldibesurethatyouar
eevenherfat
her?
Al
ber
t:cal
lPr
eci
ousandaskher
Lovemor
e:Nyashai
smydaught
er
Al
bert:iunder
standthatyour
aisedherandloveher
asyourown.Iwi l
lfor
everbei
ndebtedtoyoubuti
wouldliket
otakeovernow.Iwanttostartanew
l
if
ewi thher
Lovemor e:wow(scof
fed)wowAl
ber
tandj
ustl
ike
thatishouldhandherovert
oyou
Al
ber
t:(
sighed)t
rut
hisshe'
smybl
ood
Lovemor
e:t
hebl
oodyoudi
dn'
tcl
aim.Doyouknow
thet
hingsthatPr
eci
oushasputthi
schil
dthr
ough?
Youseem li
keadecentmanandibeli
eveyouwoul
d
havegivenherabet
terl
if
ebutyoufai
led
Al
ber
t:andi
m wi
ll
ingt
omakeupf
ort
hat
Lovemore:it
'snotgoingtobeeasy.Nyashaisan
adultnow.Yesyouar eherbi
ologi
calf
atherbutwe
haveabondaswel l
Al
ber
t:sowhatdoyousay?
Lovemore:l
etmehaveaconver
sat
ionwi
thher
befor
eyoucancomeover
Al
ber
t:canit
rustyou?
Lovemore:iraisedyourchi
ldforyouthat'
senough
foryout
ot rustmeevenwhenif oundoutthatshe
wasnotmi neist i
lll
ookedoutforherbecauseilove
her

Al
bertswal
lowedembar
assedasLovemor
equi
etl
y
l
ookedathi
m. .
.
Lovemore:iwil
lbeintouchgivemeyournumber
(hegavehim hiscar
d)andonemor ethi
ngdonot
harassmebecauset hi
sisgoingtobeavery
emot i
onalj
ourneyespeci
all
yforme.
Al
ber
t:iunder
standMrKavi
mba
Lovemor
e:t
hankyou

Alber
tmadehi
swayoutwhi
leLovemor
esatback
andexhal
edwi
thhi
seyescl
osed.
..

Lovemor
e:nonononomanno.

Att
heJuveni
lePr
ison.
..

TheDuncan'
ssati
nfrontoft
hecounsel
lorwho
smil
edlooki
ngatt
hem...

Resego:t
hankyouMrandMr
sDuncanf
ormaki
ng
t
imesosoon
Duncan:notapr
obl
em
Resego:howar
eyouf
eel
ingt
odaySai
nt?
Sai
nt:iwi
llbef
inewi
tht
ime
Resego:t
hat'
sallt
hatmat
ter
s.Mr
sDuncanyour
sontol
dmewhathappenedsoiwantt
oknowhow
thatmadeyoufeel
Lor
na:i
thonest l
yscar edmeidon'twanttoli
e.I
wonder
edhowandwhywoul dmyownchi ldwant
medead( Saintl
ookeddown)despi t
ebeingscaredi
washonestlydisappointednotonl
yinhi
m but
mysel
fashi sparent.Ikeptaski
ngmyselfwhat
wentwrongbecauseSai ntwasawonderfulchi
ld
Resego:okMr
sDuncan.Sai
nthowdoest
hatmake
youfeel
?
Saint:(sti
lll
ooki
ngdown)im honest
lyashamedof
mysel fthatiwantedt
odosuchat hing.Im one
personwhoi soverpr
otect
iveofmymot heror
shouldisaywasbecauseibr oket
hattrustshehad
i
nme
Resego:youar
est
illoverprot
ecti
veofhermyboy
al
lyouhavetodoisbuildthetr
ustagai
n.Mr
Duncanwhatdoyouhavet osay?
Duncan:hismothersai
dital
l.Whaticanonlysayis
thatthi
syoungmanf ool
edussayinghehad
changedonlyforhi
mt owanttoki
llhismother.We
don'thatehi
m butwearehur
tanddi sappoi
nted
Resego:Sai
nt,l
ookatme( hedid)di
dyouheart
hat?
(Henodded)youhavereal
lybrokenyourpar
ent
's
heart
s.Doyoubeli
evethattheyloveyou?
Sai
nt:yes
Resego:why?
Sai
nt:t
heywoul
dn'
tbeher
eift
heydi
dn'
t
Resego:goodboy.Anyt
hingyouwantt
osayt
o
mommy?
Saint
:(sniff
edl ooki
ngather )maimr eal
lysorr
yfor
whatididt oyou.Ican'tbeli
eveittookmet hi
s
mucht orealisethatiwaswr ong.Iletasmal l
si
tuati
ont urnmei ntoanunr ecognizablemonster
andimr eall
ysor ryfort
hat.Iknowi t'
sgoingtotake
awhi l
eforyout of eelsafear oundmeandt r
ustme
againbutmaicanpr omi seyout hi
sf rom her eim
goingtobet heSai ntthatyouknowandt hankyou
somuchf ordoingwhatyoudi di tmademer ealise
mymi stakeandl ear nfr
om i t.Your eallyarea
wondefulpar entandanal lroundamazi ngwoman.
Im notsayingalltheset obuyf acebutimeant hem
andi missyou, imi ssus( Lornasof tlywi pedat ear)
il
oveyoumom andi m sososor ryf orever ythi
ng

Hesni
ff
edpinchi
nghi
seyesast
hecounsel
lorgave
hi
m at
issue.
..

Resego:t
her
eyouhavei
tdearpar
ent
swhatdoyou
say?
Duncan:ifor
giveyoumysonandiwoul
dli
keust
o
st
artoveragain.Youmeant
heworl
dtome
Resego:Mr
sDuncan
Lorna:r
ebui
ldi
ngt
rustisajour
neybutyouwill
for
everbemyson.Im notsayi
ngif
orgiveyouri
ght
nowbuti m wil
li
ngt ogodownt heroadof
forgivenessandt rustwi t
hyou.Il oveyou, alotandi
woul dneverdoanyt hingtohur tyou.Itr eal
lybroke
myhear tseei
ngyourbr uisestheot herdaybuti
saidt omyselfthisiswhatbei ngapar entmeans,
somet imesyouhavet ogiveyourchi ldrensome
toughl oveforthem t olearn.Wecan' texpectyou
guyst ogr owintoresponsi bleadultsifyoudon' t
l
ear nfrom yourmi stakes
Resego:sowhat
'syourdeci
sionMr
sDuncan?
Lor
na:im goingt
osuspendt
hechargesagai
nsthi
m
unt
ilibel
ievehehasear
nedmytrust
Resego:ver
yunderst
andabl
e(smi
led)di
dyouhear
t
hat?Youaregoinghome
Sai
nt:(
smi
led)yesma'
am
Resego:nowim goi
ngtosuggestwecont
inuewit
h
t
hesesessionsunti
lwehaverebui
ldt
hetr
ust.Iwi
ll
meetwi t
heachofyousepar
atel
yonedayinaweek
t
hent hebot
hofyouonceeverytwoweeksok
Lor
na:nopr
obl
em
Resego:great.Iwi
lllookatmycal enderandl etyou
guysknowyourdat es.Fi
rstexer
ciseiwantyou
guystodof ormewhenyougethome, Sai
ntmake
mommyt hatcupoft eaagainiwilltellyout
he
reasonwhyi m gi
vingyout hi
sexer cisewhenwe
meetagain
Sai
nt:ok
Resego:l
etmegogethi
srel
easef
ormsr
eady

Shesmi
ledl
eavi
ngt
hem whi
leDuncansmi
led
l
ooki
ngathi
m...

Duncan:wemi
ssedyounuthead

Theychuckledwit
hSaintl
ooki
ngdownwhi l
eLorna
squi
nthereyeslooki
ngathim.Thefactthathe
coul
dn'
tlookstrai
ghti
nhereyessaidalotasshe
knowshim assomeonewhoi sgoodwitheye
cont
act.Questi
onwasishebeinggenuineorhe
wasafrai
dthatshewouldspotthathecouldbe
pl
anni
ngsomet
hing.

I
nLedumang.
..

Lewi
s'
slessonendedashi
sphoner
ang.
..

Lewis:waboabatlangyo.(
Whatdoesshewant
)
(Answered)Bi
anca?
Bi
anca:omoloikanaoithut
aboloi
?(Ar
eyoua
wi
tchoryouarestil
lpr
acti
singt
obeone)
Lewi
s:excuseme?
Bianca:didyouhavet
orunt
oMayaandbuy
fr
iendshipwithmyname?
Lewi
s:omangkanagapemysi
ster
?(Whoar
eyou
agai
n)
Bi
anca:Lewi
showcoul
dyou?
Lewis:(
scof
fed)sowhatdi
dyouexpect
?Di
dyou
expectmetositbackandwat
chyouwantt
oki
llmy
f
ri
end?Hel
lnoBi
ancai
m notahypocr
it
e
Bianca:(l
aughed)myf r
iendhesays.That'
sthe
thi
ngwi thyougaypeopleyouarebootli
ckersand
alwaysallowyoursel
vestobeusedbyt heseso
call
edrichfri
ends
Lewi s:gaobat lagorekegor ogebotshelojwagago
jotl
heaboobuamaf okooneaor autl
wana?( Say
sucht hi
ngsi fyouwantmet oinsul
tyouf ortherest
ofyourl i
fe)Biancaot l
aikotl
haelagonki t
semy
sister.(Youwi llr
egretcrossingpathswi t
hme)I
knowmywor thandihavegr owndoyouhearme?I
don'tneedanyonet omoveupi nlif
eiwor kmyass
off.Yesimi ghtnotbeper fectbutonet hi
ngiknow
i
st hatiwoul dneverinanygi vendayl etsomeone
thinkt heyareabovemeorl etanyoneuseme.
Unl i
keyouBi ancai canreali
sewheni m wr ongand
ownupt omymi stakesbutanywaywhatdoi
expectf rom youohuhumel amagagamasi go( when
yousneaki ntocavesatni ght )
Bianca:youknowwhatyoucankeept
hatf
ri
enshi
p
ofyoursidon'tneedyouanyway
Lewis:ihaveneverneededyoumydearandyou
knowwhatdon' tbotherpayi
ngmebackbecausei
don'twanttodieforP5000.Myli
fei
sworthmor e
thanthat.Takethat5000andgobuyyour
selfsome
dignit
y
Bi
anca:pi
ssof
f
Lewis:yougof uckyourself
.Bloodypeasant .Gao
sepeBi ancaandwi ththatment ali
tyofyoursyou
aregoingt odienothing.Ifyouthinkim goingtobe
thebiggerper sonthenyouhaveanot herthing
comi ngiwillstooplowerthanihavenow.Ket lago
tswatswailamoset sana(iwilldr
agyouyoungl ady)
don'tcomeatmel i
kethat.Fuckingloosebitch

Hecl
ickedhi
stonguehangi
ngupandbl
ockedher
t
hendelet
edhernumber.
..

Lesedi
:bat
hongLewiwhyar
eyousoangr
y?
Lewis:(
tur
nedandchuckled)somepeopl
ecan
honestl
ygetunderyourner
ves
Lesedi
:remi
ndmet
oneverr
ubyouof
fthewr
ong
way
Lewis:(l
aughed)butt
hisisjustthebaseicandrag
awhor eforl
if
eifiwantjustthatichoosetobe
civi
li
sedatti
mes.Anywayhowi syourfir
stdayso
far?
Lesedi:i
t'
sfine.Ihavemetaf
ewr
oughonesbuti
gotthem int
ot hei
rplaces
Lewi
s:(
smi
led)ohr
eal
ly?
Lesedi
:mmhther
e'st
hisonecal
ledThaboi
ntheL
cl
asshetr
iedt
ogetfunnywit
hmeichasedhim out
andmadehimreadwhil
eoutsi
de
Lewi
s:(scoff
ed)iknowthatone,
imt
eachi
ngt
hem
engl
ishhe'saheadache
Lesedi:buthe'
sjustachi
ldyouj
usthavetogi
ve
him exactl
ywhathewantsandhewillbehumbled
Lewi
s:gott
hat
.Lunchatmyhouse?
Lesedi
:ihadpackedsomet
hingbutwhynot
Lewi
s:goodseeyoui
naj
if
fy
Lesedi
:okl
over

Theychuckl
edgoi
ngt
hei
rsepar
ateways.

THATAFTERNOON

I
nCour
t.
..

Everyonetookt
hei
rseataf
tert
hej
udgeor
der
ed
them to.
..

Judge:counsi
l
Al
exander
:thankyouyourworshi
p.I
fthecour
t
pl
easeswewoul dl
iket
ocallMsMayaMoet it
othe
st
andmyl ady
Judge:youmay

Mayaf
ixedherbl
ouseandheadedt
othewi
tness
st
andandt
ookherseatt
henswor
ein.
..

Judge:youmaypr
oceedMr
sTaol
o
Alexander:t
hankyoumylady.MsMoetiwhati
s
yourrelat
ionshi
pwit
hthosetwowomen?
Maya:(l
ookedatthem)fi
rstl
yiknewthem asmy
motherandsist
erbutihaverecent
lyl
ear
nedthat
oneismyauntandt heotheri
smycousin
Al
exander
:howwasyourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
tht
hem t
he
t
imeyouli
vedtoget
her
?
Maya:iwasneverhappyfrom 5yearsistar
ted
doi
nghousechoresandPr eci
ousreall
yhatedmet o
anext
endofonedaypour ingthewatershebathe
wit
hoverallmyschoolbookswheniwasdoi ng
st
andard7.Theyfoundjoyinembarassingme
Alexander:im sosorr
yyouhadt ogothr
oughthat
MsMoet i
.Pleasetel
lusaboutthedayyoufound
outaboutt he"deat
h"ofyourauntwhoisnowyour
mot her
Maya:iwasdevast
edbecauset
hiswomanl
oved
mybrotherandil
ikeherownchi
ldr
en.Ihopeyou
under
standwhyim sayi
ng"ownchil
dren"
Al
exander
:yescar
ryonpl
ease.
Maya:ihonestl
yfel
tli
keil
ostahugepartofme
becauseionlysmil
edwhenshewasaroundso
havingmysmi l
ekeepert
akenawayfr
om mer eal
ly
brokemelit
tl
edidiknowthatwasmymot her'
stwin
si
sterbutimanagedtomoveonwithli
fethoughit
wasnoteasy
Al
exander
:soyouguyscal
ledRona"
mama"
Maya:yes
Al
exander
:why?
Maya:becauseshet
oldust
hatshewasourmot
her
Rona:l
ies
Judge:don'
tevert
ryt
hatagai
ninmycour
t.
Conti
nueMr sTaol
o
Al
exander
:thankyouyourwor
shi
p.MsMoet
ihow
di
dli
febecomewhenyougr ewol
der
?
Maya:honest
lyi
twasdi
ff
icul
tbutikeptt
ell
ing
mysel
fthatGodwouldneverputmeinasi t
uati
oni
woul
dn'tbeabl
etohandl
e.Iwaskickedoutofmy
ownhomeandyeahihadt ogrowupr ealqui
ck
Alexander:butyougotacarasyour"
inher
it
ance"
howdi dthatmakeyouf eel
?
Maya:t
omeitwasl
ikewowmyauntr
eal
lyl
oved
methatmuch
Al
exander:whichbringsmetothisquesti
onmy
l
ady.Whywoul dMsRonaMoet igiveMayaher
"
aunt'
scar".Iguessshewil
lansweri twheni
t'
sher
t
imetotaket hestand.Nof
urt
herquest i
onsmylady
Judge:t
hankyouMr
sTaol
o.Cour
tshal
lresume
tomorr
owat9am.

Shehi
tthegavelast
heyallst
oodup.Shemadeher
wayoutasMayamadei toutoft
hestand.
..

Rona:nywenywet
hisnywenywethatbul
lmanbul
l
(
Preciousi
gnor
edher)Pr
eci
ous?
Pr
eci
ous:idon'
twantt
otal
ktoyou.Leavemeal
one
Theygotescor tedoutwhil
ebytheparki
nglotMaya
l
aughedr eachingforhervi
brat
ingphone.She
openedthet extmessageandfrowned..
.

Joshua:ar
eyouokl
ove?
Maya:i
t'
sdad'
slawyerhesaysweshoul
dheat
pr
isoni
n30minutes
Joshua:why?
Maya:hedi
dn'
tsaybuthesaysishoul
dbet
her
e
wi
thmom
Gli
dia:whatareyouguyswai
ti
ngf
ort
hen?Goand
fi
ndoutwhat '
sgoingon
Maya:babeyouwi
llgowi
thyourpar
ent
sri
ght
?
Joshua:yesl
ovenopr
obl
em

Shekissedhischeekandgoti
nhiscarwi
thher
motherdri
vingoutwhil
etheKgangcl
angoti
nthe
ot
hercardrivi
nghome.
Att
heDuncan'
s

Laughterfi
ll
edthewhol
edi
ningareaast
hey
fi
nishedthei
rteamadebySaint
..
.

Appl
e:at
eapotf
ini
shedandwear
est
il
lal
ive(
they
l
aughedmor
e)
Sai
nt:youcanneverknow
Lor
na:anywayguysihavesomenews
Al
l:ok
Lorna:fi
rstl
yletmesayil oveyousomuchmy
babiesandiwi lldoanythi
ngtomakesur eyouar e
sati
sfiedinallaspect
sofyourl i
vesandiwill
protectyouwi t
heverythi
ngihavebutican'tful
lydo
thatwheninegl ectmyselfhenceihavedecided
thatdadandiar eget
ti
ngadi vorce(
theki
dschoked)
Duncan:(
choked)what
!?
Lor
na:yesDuncani
twasnotaneasydeci
siont
o
makebutiendedupmaki
ngi
tanyway
Duncan:(
scof
fed)l
oveApr
ilf
oolwasmont
hsago
Lor
na:t
hisi
snotaj
oke
Duncan:noLor
nayoucan'
tdot
hatt
omeil
oveyou,
weloveoneanother
Lorna:youdon'
thurttheper
sonyouloveDuncan.I
f
i
twasaonceof ft
hingyesbuti
thappenedforf
our
yearsDuncan,48mont hs
Duncan:babeit houghtwewor kedthingsout,ihave
beendoingever yt
hingicanto..
.ki
dspl easeexcuse
us( t
heyleftthem)Lornapleasemyl oveihavebeen
doingeverythingicantoshowyout hati ma
changedman
Lorna:andiappr
eci
atet
hat.Youref
for
tsdon'
tgo
unnoticedt
hingi
sidon'
twanttoli
veali
e
Duncan:honeywehaveahome,
wehaveki
ds
Lor
na:didyouthi
nkaboutthatwhenyoudeci
dedto
sl
eepwi t
hPati
encebehindmyback?Duncanyou
watchedmegetclosetothi
swomanwhi l
eyou
sl
eptwithher
Duncan:honeyi
m sor
ry
Lorna:youhaveapologisedenoughandihave
heardyoubutim notgoingtost aywher
eim not
acknowledged.Idon'twanttoturni
ntoatoxi
cwife.
Youmi ghtbestart
ingtoshowt he
acknowledgementnowbuti t'
sbecauseyougot
caught.Wouldyouhavest oppedhadyounotbe
exposed?Idon'tbeli
evesopleaseDuncanaccept
mydeci si
on.Ourmar ri
ageisover
Duncan:babel
ook..
.(
hekneltdown)whatdoyou
wantmet odo?Justnameitandiwil
ldoit
Lorna:(
sighedstandingup)justsi
gnt
hepaper
s
whenyour ecei
vet hem.Im goi
ngtomovei
ntothe
sparebedroom
Duncan:Lor
na?Love?(
Shewalkedaway)babe
pl
easehearmeout.Babecanyoucome..
.

Shejustkeptgoingashebithisl
owerl
ipwi
thhi
s
faceturni
ngblue.Tear
sbuil
tinhi
seyesashe
roughlyscrat
chedhishead.
..
Duncan:Lor
nail
oveyou!

I
nApple'
sroom Sai
ntandAppl
ewi
denedt
hei
reyes
l
ooki
ngatoneanother
.

I
nPr
ison.
..

MayaandKenei
lwewalkedi
nandf
rownedf
indi
ng
Makiwi
tht
helawyer
..
.

Maki
:whatar
etheydoi
ngher
e?
Man:thankyouf
orbei
ngont
ime.Pl
easet
akeyour
seat
s
Maki
:iaskedyouaquest
ion
Man:t
heyhavet
obeher
e

Shecur
vedherl
ipsl
ooki
ngatt
hem whi
let
hel
awyer
openedhi
sbagandt
ookoutt
hedocument
s..
.

Man:thisri
ghther
eist
helastwillandt est
amentof
MrVictorLent
sweandicanassur eyout hathe
wr
oteitinasoundstat
eofmi nd.Itreads..
.

"IVi
ctorLentswewoul dliketoexpressmysincere
apoli
giestomydaught erMayaMoet iandher
motherKeneilweMoet i.Ichosetorunawaywheni
wassupposedt ostaywi t
hyouandnat ureyou.Had
ibeeninyourlivesyouwoul dn'thavegonethrough
thethi
ngsyouwentt hroughbutwi t
hthefoll
owingi
hopeimakei tupt oyouguysandonceagai nim
real
lysorr
y.ToKenei lweMoet iil
eaveyouat otal
amoutofP400000. 00whi chisinmysavings
accountatthemoment ..
.

Maki
:what
!?Whi
chsavi
ngsaccount
?

"
Ihopeyouwi
llputt
hemoneyt
ogooduseandget
yoursel
fanicepor
tablehousebecauseyoudeserve
i
t.ToMayaMoet imydaught er
,ihavesomemoney
thatshoul
dpayoutfrom t
hemi nethatmoneyis
yoursmychildandit
'saboutaP600000.00..
.

Maya:what
!?
Maki
:overmydeadbody

"Ial
soleaveyoumyhousei nRasesaandal lmy
l
ivest
ockshouldbegi vent omygr andki
ds.Toyou
Maki andyourdaughterthatyoul i
edsayingshe'
s
mineyougetnot hi
ng.Beatpeacef orimresti
ngin
peace.YoursinheavenVi ctorLentswe"

Maki:
no,t
hiscan'
tbehappeni
ng.HowcanVi
ctor
dothi
stome!?
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
23] :AKEPTWOMAN
89

Maki:
howisthisevenpossi
ble?Thisi
sali
e,atot
al
l
ie.Di
dyoutwohirethi
slawyer?Whatdoeshe
meanheleavesmewi t
hnothingim hi
swif
edamni t
Kenei
lwe:"
was"pastt
ense
Maki
:youshutup!St
upi
dincubat
or
Maya:ot
lesent
lemogol
o(t
readcar
eful
ly)
Maki:
whendidt
hisevenhappen?Whatdoeshe
evenmeanbyachil
dili
editwashi
s?Thatchi
ldis
his
Man:wehavetheDNAresult
sthatpr
ovet
hat
i
ndeedshe'
snothi
sdaughter
Maki
:li
es!Al
loft
hisi
sfabr
icat
edi
m notgoi
ngt
o
al
lowt
hisnonsense.Iwantwhat
'sowedt
ome!
Keneil
we:whichis?Youabusedthefat
herofmy
chil
dandkepthimf r
om seei
nghisdaught
er.Did
youreall
ythi
nkhewast hatmuchofafool?
(Scoff
ed)youdidn'
tknowyourhusbandmyl ove
Maki:youbettershutupbecauseyouar
enot
hing
henceheleftyouf orme
Maya:andthati
ssomethi
ngyoushoul
dbepr
oudof
ohwowar oundofappl
ausetoyou
Maki:i
fyouthi
nkim goi
ngtotakethisl
yingdown
thenyouhaveanot
herthi
ngcomi ng.Vi
ctor'
s
asser
tsaremineandthat'
saboutit
Kenei
lwe:theonl
ythi
ngt
hat
'syour
sher
eist
he
pri
soncellyouar
ein
Man:t
ruebecauseyouguyssi
gnedapr
enup
Maki
:(hear
traced)what
!?
Man:(
tookoutt
hedocument
s)i
sthi
snotyour
si
gnat
ure?
Shegr
abbedthepaper
sfr
om hi
m andswal
lowed
l
ooki
ngonthem..
.

Maki
:howisthi
sevenpossi
bleidon'
tremember
si
gni
ngthese
Man:youar eal
waysadvicedt oreadthingsbef
ore
si
gningthem.Ihaveanotherlett
erexplaini
nghow
al
lthathappenedshoul
dir eaditforyou?
Maki:bul
l!I
m notgoi
ngt
oacceptt
hisi
m goi
ngt
o
cont
estthiswil
l
Man:onwhatgr
oundsmyl
ady?
Maki
:iwasmar
ri
edt
oVi
ctori
m Mr
sLent
swe
Man:butyousi gnedaprenup.Mywor kherei
s
doneladies.Thankyouforyourt
ime.(ToMayaand
Keneil
we)Youwi llcometomyofficesothatwe
fi
nishoffthepaperwork

Hesaidpacki
nghisbelongingsandwalkedoutwith
Mayaandhermot herfol
lowinghim out
.Abreat
hing
heavi
lyMakisatbackandswal l
owed.Anger
consumedherasshegr
unt
edandpunchedt
he
desk.
..

Maki
:shi
t!
Guar
d:t
imet
ogobackt
oyourcel
l.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lor
namovedherclothestothesparebedroom
whil
eDuncanstoodagainstoneofthepil
lar
swit
h
hi
sarmsfoldedandtear
sonhi sface.
..

Duncan:ar
eyouser
iousl
ydoi
ngt
hist
omeLor
na?

Shequietl
ywentint
otheroom whil
einAppl
e'
s
room sheandherbrot
herstoodagai
nstt
hedoor
l
isteni
ngfrom i
nsi
de..
.
Sai
nt:(
whi
sper
ed)l
et'
sdosomet
hing
Appl
e:(
whi
sper
edback)whatcanwedoSai
?
Sai
nt:wecan'
tletourpar
ent
ssepar
atel
iket
hisA
Appl
e:wel
lmom hasmadeherdeci
sion
Sai
nt:igett
hatbutdadmadeami
stakeA
Appl
e:ami
stakef
or4year
s?ComeonSai
Sai
nt:whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Appl
e:whatim goi
ngtodoisthatim goi
ngwith
mom wherevershe'
sgoi
ng.Ilovemydadyesbuti
wantt
obear oundmymot herbecausesheisgoing
t
oteachmehowt obeawomanofsubst ance
Saint:igett
hatbutwecan'
tnegl
ectourf
atherl
ike
that.
Appl
e:t
hismightsoundabi tharshbuthemadehis
bedheshouldl
ieonit.Ist
il
llovehimregar
dlessi
hopehelear
nshislesson
Sai
nt:sowear
egoi
ngwi
thmom?
Appl
e:t
hat
'swhati
m sayi
ng
Sai
nt:ok
Appl
e:gapest
opt
alki
ngiwantt
ohearwhat
'sgoi
ng
on

Adoorclosedastheyfrownedlooki
ngatone
anot
heranditwasDuncancl osi
ngthemain
bedr
oom doorwithLornainsi
de.Shesi
ghedand
putabagdownl ooki
ngathim...

Duncan:Lor nai
m sorr
y.Iknowsorrydoesn'
tcount
foranythi
ngbutim sorr
y.Atleastl
et'
sdothi
sfor
t
heki dsplease
Lor
na:i
m act
ual
lydoi
ngt
hisf
ormysel
fandt
heki
ds.
Duncan:howLor
na?How?
Lorna:imt eachi
ngt hem thatnomatterhowmuch
youl ovesomeoneneverl oseyourselfinthe
process.Idon'thateyouDuncanil oveyouandi
willalwaysdo.Ihaveact uall
yfor
givenyoubuti m
chosi ngmer i
ghtnow.Idon' twanttobewher ei
havebeenhur t
.Im star
ti
nganewchapt ersoplease
ki
ndl
ymoveoutofmyway
Duncan:i
sitHer
old?I
sheabet
termant
hani
?You
t
hinkyou.
..
Lorna:okim notgoingtoletyoucont i
nuebecause
youaregoingt oendupi nsult
ingmeandi tmight
makemet akebackmywor ds.Whatdoyout akeme
for
?Im notaf l
oozieDuncanidon' tgetcont
roll
ed
byamanorwhathehasandt hi
s..
.r
eadmy
l
ips..
.t
hishasnothingt odowithHer ol
didon'teven
havefeeli
ngsforhim, idon'
tevenlookathimi nthat
mannersopl easedon'ttrytoinsul
tme.
Duncan:(
swal
lowed)i
m sor
ry
Lorna:pl
easemoveihaveal
otofot
hert
hingst
o
takecareoff

Shemovedhi m outofthewayandopenedt hedoor

asAppl eandSai ntranbackint
oApple'
sroom.She
sighedseeingthedoorcl osi
ngwhil
eDuncanwent
totheirbathr
oom andsi l
entl
ycri
edsit
ti
ngont he
toil
et.Aft
erputt
ingherbagi nthespar
eroom she
headedt oApple'
sr oom..
.
Lor
na:wewillgoeatoutt
onightineedt
otal
ktothe
bot
hofyou.Iknowyouhavebeeneavesdroppi
ng
sobereadyby6pm im st
il
lgoi
ngsomewhere

Sheheadedoffwhil
etheki
dslookedatoneanot
her
wit
hthei
reyeswidenedandteet
hclenched.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Preci
ousdraggedherf
eett
ot hephoneboot
hand
tookherseatast
heguardexcusedher.
..

Pr
eci
ous:Pr
eci
oushel
lo?
Lovemor
e:hi
Pr
eci
ous:(
frowned)Lovemor
e?
Lovemor
e:yesi
t'
sme
Pr
eci
ous:ohwowt
hisi
samazi
ng.Howar
eyou
doi
ng?I
sever
ythi
ngok?Ihonest
ly.
..
Lovemor
e:pl
easewai
t,t
hisi
snotasoci
alcal
l
Pr
eci
ous:(
swal
lowed)oh
Lovemor
e:Al
ber
tcamet
oseeme
Pr
eci
ous:(
hear
tski
pped)what
!?
Lovemore:yesPr
eciousAl
bertcametoseemeand
hewantstogettoknowhisdaughter
Preci
ous:overmydeadbodyLovemor
ethat
'snot
goingtohappen
Lovemore:ij
ustwant
edtoletyouknowt
hati
m
goingt
odor i
ghtbyNyasha
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemor
eidar
eyout
o..
.
Lovemore:youdaremet owhat?Don'tevert
hink
youcant hr
eat
enmeokay?Youknownot hi
ngabout
bei
ngapar ent
.Allyouhaveeverdoneisruinthese
chi
ldren'
sli
vesandifihavetoletgoofNyashaf or
hertohaveagoodl i
fethat
'swhatiwil
ldo
Pr
eci
ous:Lovemorethatmandoesn'
tdeser
vetobe
i
nNyasha'
slif
epleaseyouareNyasha'
sfat
her
Lovemore:t
hat
'sal
liwant
edt
osayt
oyou.Havea
goodli
fe
Preci
ous:Lovemore,Love.
..
.(
thephonebeeped)
damni t
!Damni t
!HowcanAl bertdothi
stome,how
doesLovemor eeven.
..
youknowwhatf uck!

Shegroanedhi
tti
ngthedeskandgr
unt
edwi
thher
handsonherfaceasaguardwenti
n.

Backatt
heDuncan'
s.
..

Sitt
inginthebalconyofthemai nbedroom Duncan
downedanot herglassofwhiskeywithhisteet
h
cl
enched.Hesni ffedandpinchedhisnose
breathingoutandt ookhi
sphone.Hewentt ohis
calllogandtappedonJoshua' snumberandcal l
ed
him...

Joshua:ManD
Duncan:i
m iabadper
son?
Joshua:ohokaywher
edoest
hatcomef
rom now?
Duncan:mywif
ejustsl
appedmewi thdi
vor
ce
paper
simlooki
ngatthem r
ightnow
Joshua:what
!?It
houghtyouguyswer
eheadedon
theheal
ingpat
h
Duncan:that
'swhatit
houghtaswellbutcl
earl
yi
waswr ongJosh.Mywifeisleavi
ngme,Lorna
i
s..
.(
heswal l
owedandsighed)
Joshua:(
sighed)maybei
t'
sfort
hebet
termyguy
Duncan:r
eal
lyJosh?Whosesi
dear
eyouon?
Joshua:youknowi m onet onevertakesidesunl ess
i
t'ssomet hi
ngt hatconcer nsmyf ami l
ybut
regardlessim alwaysont hesi deofthet r
uth.Look
manyouhur tthiswoman, idon'thavet omention
whatyoudi dbutyouknowt hat'
ssomepai nfulthing
togot hrough.Ifitsheseest hatroadasabet t
er
decisionforallofyout henwhoi m itoeventrystop
her?Sheknowsher selfmor ethani,sheknows
what '
sgoodf orherf amilymor ethani .Beaman
andownupt other epercussionsofyourmi st
akes
myguy.I t
'snotagoodt hi
ngtolosesomeoneyou
l
ovebuti fyour eallylovethatpersonyouwi ll
under st
andwhyt heymaket hedecisi
onst heymake.
Iwillalwaysbeher eforyou.Beamanandshow
yourchi l
drenthatmi stakesdon'tdefi
neaper son
butyourr eacti
ont owar dstheconsequencesof
thosemi stakes.I
t'sgoi ngtobeal ongroadbutim
will
ingtohol dyourhandi fyouwantmet o.
Duncan:(sighed)iguessyouareright
.Aspai
nful
asitisishouldjustsuckitupandownupt oi
tafter
al
libroughtthispaininmyhome.Thewi sesaythe
fi
rststeptohealingisaccept
ingt
hatyouarethe
probl
em thenaf t
erthatfi
ndsolut
ionstot
hat
probl
em
Joshua:spokel
ikeat
rueman.I
m sor
rymyguy
Duncan:it
'sokiwil
lbeok.Thanksforal
waysbei
ng
st
raightf
orwardwit
hmehadil ist
enedtoyounone
ofthiswouldbehappeni
ngnow
Joshua:t
hat
'
sinthepastnowfocusonbei
nga
bett
ermanandfathert
oyourki
dsandshowSai
nt
whatbei
ngar
eal
mani
s.
Duncan:sur
e
Joshua:sur
eman

Duncanhungupandsighedsi
tt
ingback.Emot
ions
gotthebett
erofhi
m ashecl
osedhiseyeswhi
le
tear
srol
leddown.

THATEVENI
NG

AtAj
ax'
shouse.
..

Heledt
hewayint
othehousewi
thMar
eledicomi
ng
behi
ndhim.
..

Aj
ax:
wel
comet
omycave
Mar
eledi
:(smi
led)notbadatal
l(t
heychuckl
ed)
Aj
ax:
pleasehaveaseat(
shedi
d)whatwoul
dyou
l
iket
odr
ink?
Marel
edi:j
ustwatert
hanksidon'twantt
orui
nmy
appet
it
emom i scooki
ngupast orm
Aj
ax:
ok

Hewenttogetheraglassofwat
erandt
ookhi
s
seatasshedr
ankit
..
.

Aj
ax:
thankyousomuchf
orpul
li
ngt
hrough
Mar
eledi
:yeah
Ajax:ihavehadachatwi thAmeandwecamet oan
understandi
ng.Firstlyineedyout oknowand
understandthatno, ididn'
tdoitbecauseyousai di
shoulddoi t
,inf
actithadnot hingt odowi t
hyou.I
diditbecauseitwasahumant hingtodo.Ihave
apologisedtoherfort hewayit reatedherandour
babyandsheaccept edtheapol ogy.Honestl
ywhati
didwasnotani cethingt odo.Wecan' tbedenying
ourkidsatthistimeofl if
e.Responsi bi
li
tyisavery
i
mpor tantaspectinmyage.I m nol ongeraboyima
mansoyeahispoket oherandwecametoan
underst
anding.Shewaswil
li
ngt
oevendothe
pater
nit
ytest.
Marel
edi:okt
hat
'swonderf
uli
m gl
adyoudi
dthat
andihopeyoustandbyyourwor
d
Aj
ax:
whydoisenseabut
?
Mar
eledi
:butl
ikeyousai
dithasnot
hingt
odowi
th
mesowhyi m iher
e?
Ajax:iwanttoapol
ogiset
oyoutooagainforsucha
behaviourt
hat'
snottheki
ndofpersoniam
Mar
eledi
:ohokif
orgi
veyou
Aj
ax:
arewecoolnow?
Mar
eledi
:ofcour
se?
Ajax:canwestartoverbecauseihonestl
yloveyou
andi wanttohaveafuturewithyou.Iknowyou
don'twantbabymamadr amabutAmehasgi ven
meherwor dthatshewoul dneverharassany
womanigeti ntoarelat
ionshi
pwith
Marel
edi:(
breat
hedout
)ihearyouAj
axwel
lcani
t
hinkaboutit
?
Ajax:
yourwishismycommandbutwhilethi
nki
ng
aboutiti
m ial
lowedt
otal
ktoyoul
iket
extsandall
?
Mar
eledi
:yeahsur
e
Aj
ax:
(smi
led)gr
eat
.Yeaht
hat
'sabouti
t
Mar
eledi
:okthenit
hinkishoul
dgetgoi
ngt
hough
i
mlazytodri
ve,i
mtired
Ajax:
letmedr
iveyouiwi
llcal
lacabt
obr
ingme
backhome
Mar
eledi
:nomant
hat
'sal
otoft
roubl
e
Ajax:
wel
lasl
ongi
tmeansmaki
ngsur
eyouget
homesaf
e
Marel
edi
:(smil
ed)youar
enotgoi
ngt
otakenof
or
ananswerareyou?
Aj
ax:
your
eadmymi
nd

Theylaughedst
andi
ngupasMar
eledil
edt
heway
out.
AtHer
old'
shouse.
..

Theovent i
merrangashewhistl
edputt
ingonthe
muttonglovesandopenedi
t.Aperf
ectgolden
brownlasagneitwasasheproudl
ysmiledputt
ingi
t
onthekitchencount
er.
..

Her
old:yummy

Hi
sphonerepor
tedat
extmessagewhi
lehet
ookof
f
t
hegl
oves.
..

Her
old:goodnessmewhoar
eyou?I
m st
il
lsoaki
ng
i
nmypr oudmoment

Hetookt
hephoneandopenedt
hemessageand
f
rownedreadi
ngi
t.
..
+267:it
'swi
thgr
eatdispl
easuretol
etyouknowt hat
Maikanohaspassedonbutsheaskedust odel
iver
thi
smessagetoyouaf t
erherdepar
tur
e..
.
Herol
d:(
heartsank)Mai
kanoi
sgone?Yoh
anyway.
..
(heconti
nuedt
oread)
+267:sheaskedustoletyouknowthatyouguys
hadadaughtertoget
herandshe's18yearsol
dat
themoment
Her
old:(
hear
tdr
opped)what
!?
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
23] :AKEPTWOMAN
90
Her
old:awhat
!?

Hesaidreadi
ngthemessageagai
nandputt
he
phonebackonthecount
er.
..

Her
old:whywoul
dMai kanokeepthi
sfrom me?
Whywouldshenott
ellmet hatshewaspregnant
?

Heaskedhi
mselfpacingar
oundtheki
tchen
rubbi
nghi
sbeard.Hebreat
hedoutandtookhi
s
phoneanddi
aledthenumber.
..

Shei
la:Her
old
Her
old:Shei
laij
ustgotyourmessage
Shei
la:ohok
Her
old:whathappened?
Shei
la:shehadcancer
Her
old:mycondol
ences
Shei
la:t
hankyou.Im sor
ryfordr
oppingt
henews
l
iket
hatviaatextbutihadnootherchoi
ce
Herol
d:iunder
standbutt
heonethi
ngidon'
t
under
standisthedaught
erpar
t
Shei
la:okay?
Her
old:li
kehow?Whywouldshenott
ellmeabout
t
hechild?Wherei
sthechi
ldnow?
Shei
la:wedon'
tknowei
ther
Her
old:(
frownedconf
used)what
?
Shei
la:yesbecauseshegaveherupf
oradopt
ion
Her
old:what
?
Shei
la:yest
hat
'swhatshet
oldme
Her
old:di
dshet
ellyouwhy?
Sheila:youknowoursituat
ionhereathomeshe
couldn'taf
fordtohaveachildsoshedecidedt
o
giveherupf oradopt
ion
Herol
d:whywoul
dn'
tshet
ellmeiwoul
dhavet
aken
car
eofmychil
d
Shei
la:shesai
dshedidn'
ttel
lyoubecauseshe
di
dn'
twantt oi
nconveni
enceyou
Her
old:howShei
la?
Sheil
a:t
heti
meyouguysbr okeupwast heti
me
yourcar
eerwastakingshapeandshef oundout
shewaspregnanttwomont hsdownt heli
ne.She
knewhowpassionateyouwer eaboutyourcareer
soshedidn'
twantanythi
ngt omessthatup
Her
old:noSheil
awear et
alki
ngaboutachildhere.
Achil
disagiftf
rom Godli
kewhereim isupposed
t
olooknow?
Sheil
a:shesai
dshet ookhert
oSOSyoucango
ther
eandaskt hem aboutagi
rlchi
ldwhowas
adopted18yearsago
Her
old:whatifal
otofgi
rlchi
ldr
enwhereadopt
ed
18yearsago?Didshenameheratl
east
?
Shei
la:no
Her
old:youseet
hat
'sgoi
ngt
obemor
edi
ff
icul
t.
Shei
la:wel
lyoucant
ellt
hem herbi
rt
hdat
e
Her
old:okwheni
sit
?(Shet
oldhi
m)okihopet
hat
hel
ps
Shei
la:al
lthebest
Herol
d:woul
dyouguysl
ovet
ogett
oknowher
shoul
difi
ndher
?
Shei
la:i
fshe'
swi
ll
ingt
o
Herol
d:okl
et'
shopeshe'snotadopt
edbypeopl
e
l
ivi
ngoutofthecount
ry
Shei
la:yeah
Her
old:haveyouguysbur
iedMai
kanoyet
?
Shei
la:yesshewasbur
iedt
hispastweekend
Her
old:ohok
Shei
la:icangowi
thyout
ohergr
avewhenyou
haveti
me
Herold:iwoul
dappreci
atet
hatsomuch.Iwi
ll
contactyouassoonasim avai
labl
e
Shei
la:nopr
obl
em
Her
old:cool
.Thanksf
orever
ythi
ng.Goodni
ght
Shei
la:you'
rewel
come
TheyhungupasHer
oldsi
ghedandshookhi
s
head.
..

Herol
d:soihaveachi l
d?Whatdoesshelookli
ke?
Doesshehavehermot her
'sbeaut
if
uleyes?Does
shehavemysof tcurl
yhai
rornose?What '
sherski
n
col
our?Isshesmar t
?Wait
,

Hest oppedasAppl e'

sfacecamei nt
ohismind.She
real
lyhadallthefeatur
esMai kanohad.Wasas
smar tandpassionateashim andtheyki
ndofli
ked
thesamet hi
ngs...

Herol
d:noi tcan'tbe.Letmenotj
umpint
o
concl
usionsl etmej ustgot
oSOStomorr
owand
fi
ndout.Itcan'tbeAppl e

Hesaidcut
ti
ngsomeofthel
asagnei
ntoaplat
eand
putsomesaladi
nandwentt
oeatwit
haglassof
wi
nebesi
dest
hepl
ate.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Lovemorefini
shedsett
ingt
hebreakf
astt
ableas
NyashaandLucasf r
ownedlooki
ngonintheir
schooluni
form..
.

Bot
h:andt
hen?
Lovemor
e:(
smil
ed)ohyouguysaredone.Please
si
tdowndaddyi
sspoil
ingyout
hismorning
Lucas:t
hisi
saf
ir
st
Nyasha:nonowait,
what'
sthecat
chdad?Imean
thelastt
imeyoucookedf
oruswaswhenwewer e
sti
llsmal
lbabi
es
Lovemor
e:wel
lit
'sj
ustt
het
hreeofussoihavet
o
st
epup
Lucas:comeondadwear
eol
dwecanmakeour
ownf ood
Lovemore:iknowbutyouguysdeser
vesomeTLC
everynowandt hen
Nyasha:nopeit
hinkther
e'sacat
ch.Ormaybeyou
ar
eapologisi
ngforcominghomelatel
astni
ght
?
Lovemore:(
chuckl
ed)si
tdownguyst
hef
oodi
s
gett
ingcol
d

Theychuckl
edt
aki
ngt
hei
rseat
sanddugi
n..
.

Lucas:atl
eastyouar
eagoodcook(
theyl
aughed)
Lovemor
e:t
hankyouboy.Ki
dsiwoul
dli
ket
otal
kto
you
Nyasha:mmhiknewi
t
Lovemore:youbot
hknowt
hatil
ovet
hebot
hyou
ri
ght?Equall
y.
Lucas:yesdad
Lovemore:anddespi
teal
lther
ecentdi
scover
iesi
sti
lll
oveyouguys
Nyasha:yesdadweknowt
hatandt
hat
'swhyi
m
st
il
lheretoday
Lovemore:yes.Youknowt
hatiwoul
ddoanyt
hing
foryour
ight?
Bot
h:yes
Lovemor
e:andiwoul
dneverl
etanyt
hinghappent
o
you
Lucas:dadar
eyoudyi
ng?
Lovemor
e:what
?Nosoni
m not
Lucas:t
henwhydoest
hissoundl
ikesomeki
ndof
goodbye?
Lovemore:(si
ghed)itmightbe(theyf
rowned)ihad
averyi
nteresti
ngvisit
oryester
dayatwork.His
nameisAlbert
Nyasha:ar
eyoumovi
ngoutoft
hecount
ry?
Lovemor
e:nomygi
rl
.He.
..
(si
ghed)he.
..
(si
ghed
agai
n)
Lucas:comeondadhewhat
?
Lovemor
e:hei
syourf
atherNyasha

Therewastotalsil
enceast heybot
hlookedat
Lovemorewithfrownsont heirf
aces.Nyasha'
s
heartst
art
edtor aceasthespoonshewashol ding
fel
linherpl
ate.
..

Nyasha:(
swal
lowed)mywhat
?
Lovemor
e:yourf
athermygi
rl
Nyasha:ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?
Lovemor
e:yesmygi
rlievencal
ledPr
eci
ousand
sheconf
ir
medit
Nyasha:(
bli
nked)r
eal
ly?
Lovemore:yesmychi
ldthat
'swhyicamehomelat
e
l
astnightiwasst
il
lpr
ocessi
ngthewholet
hing
Nyasha:(
sof
tl
y)wow
Lovemor
e:woul
dyoul
iket
omeetupwi
thhi
m?
Nyasha:idon'
tknow,
iguess
Lovemor
e:okiwi
llcomegetyouatschooldur
ing
l
unchsowemeetupwi t
hhim
Nyasha:ok(
sighed)wow
Lovemor
e:howdoyouf
eel
aboutt
hisLuci
?
Lucas:(
shr
ughisshoul
ders)okiguess.Wedeserve
toknowourparent
saft
erall
.IloveNyashaasmy
sist
erandwhat
evershedecidesiwil
lal
wayslove
herasmysist
er

Lovemor
esmiledwhi
leasti
llshockedNyasha
sneer
edshaki
ngherheadandt ookasi
pofjui
ce.

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

WithKenei
lwegett
ingtheki
dsr
eadyforschool
downstai
rsMayaandJoshuafi
nishedget
tingr
eady
forworkasJoshuafi
xedMaya'
seyebrow..
.
Joshua:it
hinkishoul
denr
ollf
orabeaut
yther
apy
courseyouknow
Maya:noiwillt
eachyoulet
'st
alkaboutpayment
s
(
theybursti
ntoalaugh)
Joshua:buti
mt heonefixi
ngyoureyebr
ownow
whatkindofteacherwi
llyoube?
Maya:teacher
smakemist
akestooandagaini
t
aughtyouhowt odot
hem fort
hisver
yreason
(
theylaughedsomemore)
Joshua:yeahr
ight
.
Maya:doyouknowwhatpeopl
ewouldsayshoul
d
t
heyknowyoucandomyeyebr ows?
Joshua:thatyouhavef edmeal ovepoti
on(scoff
ed)
idon'tcar
eloveasl ongasmywomanl ooks
amazi ng(t
heylaughedagain)sobabehowdoyou
feelabouteveryt
hingthathappenedyest
erday?
Maya:i
m st
il
linshockbutim pr
oudofdadforwhat
hedi
d.Yesiwouldhavelovedtogett
oknowhim
moreandhavearelat
ionshi
pwithhi
m butnowi
knowt
hatheneverf
orgotmymot
herandi
Joshua:yeahhey.Sowhatar
eyourpl
ans?
Maya:600Kisalotofmoneyishouldsaysoiwant
t
odosomet hi
ngthatwouldbenef
itourchi
ldr
enand
t
hecomi ngKganggener
ati
on.
Joshua:okl
ovehaveyout
houghtaboutanyt
hing
yet
?
Maya:iwast
hinki
ngweshoul
dsi
tdownaf
tert
he
weddi
ngandtalkabouti
t
Joshua:st
il
lfi
newi
thme
Maya:mom saysshe'
sgoingtost
artl
ooki
ngf
or
housest
oday(theyl
aughed)
Joshua:nomat t
erhowfarsherunsshe'sst
il
lthe
grandmotherofherki
dssotheywillal
waysbeafter
her

Theylaughedwrappi
ngupandheadeddownst
air
s
asthedoorbel
lrang.
..
Maya:whoi
sit
?
Kenei
lwe:i
t'
sLesedi
she'
sbr
ingi
ngmygr
and
daught
er.Comeinbaby
Maya:ohyeah
Lesedi
:goodmor
ningever
yone
Maya:goodmor
ningma'
am

Theyal
llaughedandtookthei
rseat
sar
oundt
he
tabl
ehavingthei
rbr
eakfast
.

Att
hemal
l.
..

Theytookthei
rcoff
eeandcroi
ssantstakeawayand
goti
nt hecarheadi
ngofft
oSaint
'sschool..
.

Sai
nt:whycoul
dn'
twehavebr
eakf
astwi
thmom
andAppledad?
Duncan:becauseiwantt
otal
ktoyoumyboy
Sai
nt:about
?
Duncan:ever
ythi
ng
Sai
nt:ohok
Duncan:ihavemademi stakesmyboyandidon'
t
wantyoutogot hr
oughthesamepat hasi
.Your
motherdidagoodjobraisingyoui
ntoagoodman
butwhatdidido?Idi
dtheopposi t
e.
Saint:butt
hegoodt
hingi
sthatyour
eal
iset
he
mistakeyoumade
Duncan:whil
eit
'stoolat
eSaintwhydidn'tir
eal
i
se
themist
akethefir
stti
meistartedl
ookingat
Pati
encethewayidid?
Saint
:wemakemi st
akesdadandwel
ear
nfr
om
them don'
tbeatyour
selfupf
orit
Duncan:t
hisisnotevenamistakeSai
ntwedid
whatwedi df
orfouryear
s.Cheati
ngonit
'sownis
notamistake
Sai
nt:ok
Duncan:yesandiwantyoutoknowt hatbyt
hetime
yougetinarel
ati
onshi
ptreatt
hatyoungladyli
ke
she'syourworld.Leteveryt
hingyoudor evol
ve
aroundher.Nomat t
erhershortcomingsifyoulove
hermakesur ethatshef eel
sitandneverdoubtsi t
i
nanyway.Thi sappliestoli
feingeneralwhatever
thi
ngyouputyourmi ndonmakesur et hatyoutreat
i
twi t
hrespectandcar e.Youareawonder fulboy
myboyandiwoul dhat etoseeyoudot hesame
thi
ngsthatidid.Whatyoudi dshouldbeal essont o
youandyoushoul dneverthi
nkliket
hatagain
Sai
nt:yesdad.Soyouandmom ar
esepar
ati
ng?
Duncan:yesmyboyasamanihavet
ofacet
he
musiciproduced
Sai
nt:ihopeyouwi
llbef
inet
hough.Youknowt
hat
Aandiwi l
lal
waysl
oveyou
Duncan:andiwi
llal
waysl ovet
hebothofyouandi
pr
omiseyouourrelat
ionshipwon'
tbeaff
ectedok
Sai
nt:okdad
Duncan:sooutofcur
iosi
tywhoar
eyouguysgoi
ng
t
ogowi th?
Sai
nt:(
sighed)iwi
shedyoudi
dn'
taskmet
hatbut
wehavedeci
dedt
hatwear
egoi
ngt
ogowi
thmom
Duncan:okiunderst
andandigetwhy.Yourmot her
i
sperfectepi
tomeofagreatparent
.Im notsayi
ng
i
m badbutshehashonestlydoneverywellwithyou
guysandagainli
keisai
dthisdoesn'
tchange
anyt
hingbetweenmeandyouguys
Sai
nt:t
hankyouf
orunder
standi
ngdad
Duncan:il
oveyouson
Sai
nt:il
oveyout
oodad

Duncansoft
lysmi
ledpul
li
ngSai
nt'
schi
nast
hey
chuckl
ed.
..

Sai
nt:i
t'
sAppl
e'sbi
rthdayi
nafewdaysdadit
hink
weshoulddosomethingni
cef
orher
Duncan:ohyeah.Youar
eri
ghtwhatdoyouhavei
n
mind?

Theyexchangedi
deasofhowt
heycansur
pri
seher
whi
lehavi
ngt
hei
rtakeawaybr
eakf
ast
.

Att
heAdi
ole'
s.
..

Abi
olawentdownst
air
sasherphoner
epor
teda
message.
..

Tshepo:mor
ningbeaut
if
ul.Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Abi
ola:(
smi
led)mor
ninghandsome.Isl
eptgood
andyou?
Tshepo:ican'
tcompl
ain.Ohihavesomet
hingf
or
you
Abi
ola:ohokwhati
sit
?
Tshepo:abeaut
if
ull
adylikeyoudeservesome
fl
owersandapairofshoessosurpri
se
Abiol
a:(
laughedout
) youar
esosweett
hank
yousomuch
Tshepo: l
unchl
ater
?
Abi
ola:nopr
obl
em
Tshepo:gr
eatiwi
llcomepi
ckyouupf
rom t
he
off
ice
Abi
ola:sur
e (
shesi
ghedandgi
ggl
ed)
Chi
oma:mustbeni
ce
Abi
ola:ohmywor
dyouscar
edme(
theyl
aughed)
Chi
oma:iwantal
lthedet
ail
s
Abiol
a:noiwantal
lthedetai
lsabouttheCapet
own
tr
ip.Youcamebackandst uf
fedyoursel
fwit
hwork
sonowi sthet
imetotel
lital
lcomeonhoneybr ag
asmuchasyoucan
Chioma:noyoust
artf
ir
stiwantt
ohearal
labout
Tshepo
Abiol
a:inevert
oldyouhi
snameChihowdi
dyou
fi
ndout?
Chi
oma:I
'
m Chi
omaAdi
olesi
s
Abi
ola:sowil
loneeverhaveasecr
etar
oundyou?
(
Theylaughed)
Chi
oma:t
hat
'si
mpossi
blebabes
Abi
ola:onl
yifyoupr
omiset
otel
lmeever
ythi
ngt
hat
wentdownintheCape
Chi
oma:t
rustmel
oveiwi
llevenshowyouphot
os
Abi
ola:per
fect

Shetookherfoodandsatontheki
tchenst
ool
tel
li
nghersist
erever
ythi
ngshemissedoutonwhi
le
outofthecountr
y.

LATERTHATMORNI
NG

I
ncour
t.
..

Judge:youmayal
lbeseat
ed

Ever
yonetookt
hei
rseatasRonalookedatMaya
andever
yoneel
sewithherl
ipscur
ved..
.
Judge:Mr
sTaol
oyoumaypr
oceed
Alexander:t
hankyoumyLady(fixedhergown)t
his
courtwouldliket
ocallt
othest
andasat hir
d
characterwit
ness,Pr
eci
ousMoet i
Rona:(
stoodupasherhear
tski
pped)what
!?
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
23] :AKEPTWOMAN
91

Judge:youar
egoi
ngt
osi
tdownMsMoet
i
Rona:t
hisisunaccept
abl
ehowdoesshebecomea
char
acterwit
nesswhenwearebot
hononesi de
Judge:MsMoet
isi
tdown
Rona:i
m notgoi
ngt
osi
tdownunt
iligetan
expl
anat
ion
Judge:doyouwantt
ober
emanded?
Rona:youmi
ghtaswel
lbecausei
m notgoi
ngt
osi
t
fort
his
Judge:Pr
eciousMoetimakeyourwaytothe
wit
nessstandim notgoi
ngtost
andforthi
s.Asf
or
youRonatakeyourseat
Rona:areyouser
iousl
ygoi
ngt
odot
hisPr
eci
ous?
Aft
erallwe.
..
Judge:j
ustshutupandt
akeyourseat
!

Thejudgeangri
lysaidasRonaswall
owedsitt
ing
down.ShelookedatPreci
ousshaki
ngherhead
whil
ePreci
ousbr eat
hedouttaki
ngherseat
..
.

Judge:good.Bai
li
ff
Man:MsMoetiki
ndl
yputyourhandont
hebibl
e
andrai
set
heother(
shedi
d)Preci
ousMoet
idoyou
sweart
ot el
lthetr
uth,
onlythet
rut
handnot hi
ng
el
sebutthetruthsohelpyouGod?(Shekeptqui
et)
MsMoeti
Pr
eci
ous:(
swal
lowed)ido

Ronaheavedahugesi
ghshaki
ngherhead.
..

Judge:t
hankyousi
r.Mr
sTaol
oyoumaypr
oceed
Al
exander:t
hankyoumyl
ady.Goodmor
ning
Pr
ecious
Pr
eci
ous:mor
ning
Al
exander
:howar
eyour
elat
edt
oRonaMoet
i?
Pr
eci
ous:she'
smymot
her
Al
exander
:howdoyouknowt
hatshe'
syourmot
her
?
Pr
eci
ous:(
frowned)shegavebi
rt
htome
Alexander
:letmerephr
asemyquestion,
besi
des
givi
ngbirt
ht oyouwhathasshedonetoshowyou
thatshe'
syourmother?
Pr
eci
ous:l
ikeever
ymot herwould,shepr
otect
ed
meandmadesur eihadabetterli
fe
Al
exander
:bydoi
ngwhatexact
ly?
Pr
eci
ous:idon'
tunder
stand
Al
exander
:howdi
dshemakesur
eyouhadabet
ter
l
if
eMsMoet i
?
Pr
eci
ous:shepr
ovi
dedf
orme
Al
exander
:wasshewor
king?
Pr
eci
ous:no
Al
exander :sohowdidsheprovi
deforyouifshe
wasn'twor ki
ng?(Pr
eci
ousquiet
lyswal
lowed)Ms
Moetiim goingtoneedyout
oanswermyquest ions
Pr
ecious:sheusedt
hemoneyshegotf
rom her
si
sterKeneil
we
Al
exander
:andt
hatmoneywasf
or?
Pr
eci
ous:(
sighed)MayaandTi
tus
Al
exander:hasRonaeverusedt
hemoneyont
he
i
ntendedpeople?
Preci
ous:onl
ywhensheknewKenei
lwewas
cominghome
Al
exander
:andt
hatwast
o?
Pr
eci
ous:coverupf
orheract
ions
Alexander
:soyoucanattestt
hatyourmot hernever
l
ovednorcaredforhernephewandni ece?(She
keptquiet
)mayiremindyouthatyouar eunder
oathMsMoet i
Pr
eci
ous:yes
Al
exander
:whywast
hat
?
Pr
eci
ous:t
heyhadabr
ight
erf
utur
ethani
Alexander:ohr
eall
y?Buthowi sthatMayaonlygot
ajobnow. ..
ohwaitbef
orethatonelet
'sgooverthi
s
onef i
rst
.Wasthereanotherrout
eyourmotherwas
usingtofendforyou?
Pr
eci
ous:(
swal
lowed)yes
Al
exander
:enl
ight
ent
hecour
tpl
ease
Preci
ous:shewaselect
edast hechur
ch'
str
easurer
sosheusedt hemoneyfrom t
hechurcht
otakecare
ofus
Rona:(
sof
tl
y)wowPr
eci
ous
Al
exander
:whoi
s"us"
Pr
eci
ous:meandhersomet
imesMayaandTi
tus
Alexander:yourhonouri ft
hecourtper
mi t
s,iwoul
d
l
ovet opresenttoyoupr oofthati
ndeedwhat
Preciousissayingisnot hi
ngbutthetr
uth.Here
withmear ebankst atementsshowingthatMsRona
Moet imadedeposi t
st oherbankaccountevery
Mondayandt oldthebankt hati
twasweekl ypr
ofi
ts
fr
om her"tuckshopsal es"
Judge:thecour
twi
llacceptt
hispr
oof
.Youmay
proceed

Thebail
if
ftookthedocument
sandcheckedthem
thenpunchedthem i
nwhil
eAlexandert
ookasipof
waterandfi
xedhergown..
.

Al
exander
:(pl
ayi
ngwi
thherpen)backtowhati
want
edtoaskyoubef
orethi
sbankthing,
ifMaya
andTi t
ushadabr ightf uturehowisi tpossibl
ethat
Mayaonl yfoundaj obshest udi
edf orandhaskept
thejobthusfar?Imeanshehasat rackrecordof
notlasti
ngonjobsandagai nhowi sitthatTit
us
didn'
tgettodowel linschoolt houghhewasagood
student?Andpleaset ellushowyourmot herknew
thesekidshadbrightf utures.Agai
n, youareunder
oath

Pr
eciousheavedahugeasighandshookherhead
whi
leRonasquinthereyesl
ooki
ngather
..
.

Pr
eci
ous:RonaMoet
ivi
sit
edawi
tchdoct
or
Rona:l
ies!
Judge:(
hitt
hegavel)or
derRona,
order
!(She
swall
owedsitt
ingdown)
Al
exander
:andyouknowt
hishowPr
eci
ous?
Pr
eci
ous:shet
oldme
Al
exander
:yourmothertol
dyouthatshewentt
oa
wi
tchdoct
orwhatexactl
ydidshedothere?
Precious:shewenttofindouthowmyf ut
urel
ooks
butinsteadfoundoutthatherni
eceandnepheware
theone'swi t
habri
ghterfutur
esbut.
..
Rona:Pr
eci
ousshutup!
Alexander
:(turnedannoyed)noyoushutupRona
beforeisl
apyouwi t
hanotherchar
geofobstr
uct
ion
ofcourtproceedings(shekeptqui
etbr
eat
hing
heavil
y)youwer esayingPreci
ous?
Preci
ous:(
swal
lowed)butther
ewassomethi
ngshe
coulddotomakesurethatmyfut
urewasbri
ght
i
nstead
Al
exander
:andt
hatwas?
Preci
ous:conf
useMayaandTitust
hatt
heywer
e
herki
dsandkeepthei
rmotherasazombie
Al
exander
:ist
hathowyourauntwaski
ll
ed?
Pr
eci
ous:yes
Al
exander
:di
dyouknowaboutt
his?
Pr
eci
ous:noir
ecent
lyf
oundout
Al
exander
:doyoubel
ievet
hatyourmot
heri
s
capabl
eofdoi
ngsuchat
hing?
Preci
ous:(l
ookedatRona)i
fshe'
sabletokeepme
awayf r
om myownf at
herandusemeasapawni n
herli
tt
leschemethenyesyourworshi
pshe's
capableofdoi
ngthis(
Ronashookherhead)
Al
exander:Pr
eci
ousar
eyousayingyourown
motherki
ll
edherownsi
sterandkeptherot
her
si
steri
nacave?
Pr
eci
ous:yesyourwor
shi
p
Alexander
:thankyoumyLadyihavenof
urt
her
questi
onsforPreci
ousMoeti
Judge:t
hankyouMrsTaolo.Iseeher
ethatt
her
eis
yetanot
herchar
act
erwit
ness?
Al
exander
:yesmyLady
Judge:ok.Cour
tshal
lresumeat14:
00pm

Shehi
tthegavelast
heyallst
oodup.Pr
eci
ous
madeherwaydownwhi l
eRonashookherhead.
..
Rona:youar
easnake
Pr
eci
ous:ihavel
ear
ntf
rom t
hebest
Rona:i
fyouthi
nkyouar
etheonl
yonewho'
sabl
eto
pl
aytri
ckst
henwatchme
Preci
ous:youhaveal readyruinedmylif
esoiwoul d
l
ovet oseeyoubr i
ngoutyourbestshot .Ihaveno
chil
dandhusbandnowal lbecauseofyou,igr
ew
upwi t
houtaf atherallbecauseofyou,im awitch
nowal lbecauseofyou, myonl ychi
ldi
spossibly
goingtobet akenawayal lbecauseofyousopl ease
bestbelievethatthi
swasmyr evengeandfrom
hereonidon' twanttoseeyounextt ome.You
madeyourbednowl ieoni t

Sheclickedhertongueandledt hewayoutasRona
foll
owedherbreathingheavil
ywi t
htheguards
behindthem.Shet houghtofpushingherdownthe
stai
rsbutswallowedanddeci dednotto.

I
nhercar
..
.
Lor
na'
sphoner
angasshesmi
ledanswer
ing.
..

Lor
na:iwasj
ustaboutt
ocal
lyou
Her
old:ohsoyouhavebeent
hinki
ngaboutme?
Lor
na:don'
tfl
att
eryour
sel
fHer
old(
theychuckl
ed)
howareyoudoing?
Her
old:i
m goodandyour
sel
f?
Lor
na:okgi
vent
heci
rcumst
ances
Her
old:wannat
alkabouti
t?
Lor
na:igaveDuncant
hedi
vor
cepaper
s
Her
old:oh?
Lor
na:yeah,
oh
Her
old:howdoest
hatmakeyouf
eel
?
Lorna:i
thur
tst
hatimleavi
ngamanihavelovedfor
somanyyearsyouknowbutmyhappinessand
peacecomesfi
rstidon'
twantt
oendupbeingthe
toxi
cone
Her
old:okiunder
stand.Somet
imesonehasgott
o
besel
fish
Lor
na:t
ruei
nagoodwayt
hough
Her
old:coul
dn'
tagr
eemor
e.Howdi
dhet
akei
t
t
hough?
Lor
na:notgoodobvi
ousl
ybuthe'
scomi
ngar
ound
Her
old:okandt
heki
ds?
Lorna:ihavespokentothem andtheyareok.No
onewant stoseethei
rparent
ssepar at
ebutt heyar
e
awareoft her
easonswhyandyouknowt hesenew
agekidsar e"
woke"astheyalwayssay( t
hey
chuckled)
Herol
d:tr
uethat.I
m gl
adtheyaredoi
nggoodbut
j
ustforpetesakemakesuretheygof
orther
apy
especi
all
yyourson
Lor
na:mostdefi
nit
ely.Sowhydi
dyoucal
l?Ibel
i
eve
youdi
dn'
tjustcal
ltoaskmehowiwas
Herol
d:yeah.Youar
emyonlyfr
iendsoijust
wantedsomeoneicoul
dtal
ktoaboutt
hissit
uat
ion
ihave
Lor
na:okay?
Herold:ir
ecei
vedamessageaboutmyexof18
yearsago'spassi
ng
Lorna:(
frowned)t
hat'
swei
rdbutsor
ry.Wast
her
ea
reasonwhyt heyt
oldyout
his?
Her
old:yeahappar
ent
lywehadadaught
er
Lor
na:ar
eyouser
ious?Andt
heyar
eonl
ytel
li
ng
younow?
Her
old:yepshedi dn'
twantanyt
hingt
ogetinthe
wayofmycar eerbecausewebrokeuppri
ortoit'
s
t
akeoffyouknowandsheknewhowpassi onatei
wasaboutmyt hings
Lorna:okbutt
hatdoesn'
tmakei
tokf
orhert
okeep
yourchil
dawayfrom you
Her
old:sheact
ual
lygaveherupf
oradopt
ion
Lor
na:oh
Her
old:yeah,shecoul
dn'
taf
for
dtohaveachi
ld
t
hensot heysay
Lor
na:shamemani
m sosor
ry.Sowhatar
eyou
pl
anni
ngt
odo?
Herol
d:t
hesist
ertol
dmewher eshetookthechi
ld
andihopeshehasn'
tbeenadoptedyetori
fshe'
s
adopt
edshe'
ssomewher ei
nthecountry
Lor
na:soyouwantt
ofi
ndher
?
Her
old:ofcour
seidot
hat
'smybl
ood
Lor
na:t
rueheyandi
fyoudowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
o
do?
Herol
d:tryandmakeupf orl
ostti
me.Iwon'
tfor
ce
hertoleaveherfamil
ybuthavi
ngsomekindof
rel
ati
onshipwithherwoul
dmeanal ot
Lor
na:ok.If
eell
ikeyouwoul
dhavemadeagr
eat
dadyouknow
Her
old:ist
il
lcanwhatdoyoumean(
theyl
aughed)
Lorna:yousi
ll
y.Sowhenar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
ogot
o
theadopti
oncentr
e?
Her
old:theycanonl
yseemethisaf
ter
noonandi
woul
dlikeyoutocomealongi
fyouhavethet
ime
Lor
na:yeahiwoul
dbehappyt
ocomewi
th
Herol
d:coolj
ustcomet
omyof
fi
cet
henwewi
ll
dr
ivetoget
her
Lor
na:notapr
obl
em
Her
old:ci
ao
Lor
na:byeHer
ry

Theychuckledhangi
ngupasLor nasmi l
eddr i
ving
i
ntoamal lwhil
eHeroldsi
ghedsitt
ingback.The
morehethoughtabouthisdaughter'
sfeatur
esthe
moreAppleandMai kanolookedali
ke.Hesighed
agai
nandshookhi sheadt r
yingt
ogetr i
dofthe
pi
ctur
e..
.

Her
old:st
opi
tHer
oldst
opdoi
ngt
hatt
oyour
sel
f.

AtKgangT&T.
..

JoshuaknockedandopenedDuncan'
sof
fi
cedoor
..
.
Joshua:Dun.
..

Hefr
ownedlooki
ngathim standi
ngbyt
hewindow
wi
thhishandsi
nhispocketsandmindmil
esaway..
.

Joshua:i
fyoujumpoutt
hatwindowyouaregoing
todieandyouaregoi
ngtomissoutonalotyou
knowthatri
ght
?
Duncan:huh?
Joshua:what
'supDuncan?
Duncan:(si
ghed)eyshmani
mjustt
hinki
ngabout
myproblemsyouknow
Joshua:isee.Sohowi
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Duncan:doyouhavet
oask?
Joshua:yeahyeahsor
ryaboutt
hat
Duncan:i
t'
sokman.Ij
ustsi
gnedt
hedi
vor
ce
paper
s
Joshua:ok
Duncan:imeanifir
eal
lyl
oveherishoul
dlethergo
sothatshecanbehappy
Joshua:iknowitwasat
oughdeci
siont
omakebut
youaregoingtobeokmyguy
Duncan:easi
ersai
dthandonebutiti
swhati
tis.
Howar ethi
ngsgoi
ngwithyouguys?
Joshua:yousur
eyouwantt
otal
kaboutmyl
if
e?
Duncan:atl
eastoneofusishappysowecan'
t
spendthewholeti
metalki
ngaboutmysor
ryli
fe
Joshua:ahmandon'
tputi
tli
ket
hat
Duncan:ar
eyougoi
ngt
oanswerme?
Joshua:wel
lever
ythi
ngisgoi
nggood.Prepar
ati
ons
arecomingal
ongjustfi
neandspeaki
ngof
prepar
ati
onswehavet ogoandseethet
ail
orlat
er
today
Duncan:ohni
cewhataboutSt
ephen?
Joshua:hewi
llsendhi
smeasur
ement
s
Duncan:awesomel
et'
sdot
hatt
henandpl
ease
Joshuadon'
tbeadout chebagl i
keme.Youshoul d
takecar
eofMaya, t
hatwomani sat r
easur
eso
makesurethatyouloveherforever.Nomatterwhat
happensputyourl
ovef orherf
irstandalwaysfi
ght
forit
Joshua:yessi
ridefi
nit
elywi
lldothatandiwil
l
keepthosewordsinmyheartbecauseibeli
evethey
arefr
om agoodplace
Duncan:goodandit
hinkyoushoul
dgetherbaki
ng
youknow( t
heyl
aughed)
Joshua:iact
ual
lyt
hinkihaveyouknow
Duncan:ohr
eal
ly?
Joshua:yepihavenot
icedsomechangei
nher
appeti
te
Duncan:Joshua
Joshua:imeanihaveast r
ongseedDuncanandwe
haven'
tbeenusingprot
ecti
onunlessifshe'
son
somecontracepti
vewhichidoubtbecauseshe
wouldhavetoldme
Duncan:wel
llet
'swai
tandsee
Joshua:yeahneh

Theyl
aughedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chup.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Precioussataloneagai
nstthewallwi
thhereyes
closedbutslowlyopenedthem wit
haf r
ownonher
faceasshef el
tsomeonest andi
ngbeforeher
..
.

Rona:yesJudas
Preci
ous:di
dn'
tiaskyout
ost
ayawayf
rom me
Rona?
Rona:howcoul
dyouPr
eci
ous?
Pr
ecious:ihonest
lydon'
thavet
imef
oryouRona
pl
easeleavemeal one
Rona:ever
ythi
ngihavedonewasforyouPr
eci
ous.
Al
lihaveeverdonewasloveandpro.
..
Preci
ous:(st
oodup)ohsavei
tRonasavet
hat
bull
shi
tforsomeonewhocares
Rona:don'
tinsul
tmei
m yourmot
her
Preci
ous:doil ookl
ikeicare?Youareanexcusefor
amot herRonat hat
'swhatyouare.Youar
enot hi
ng
butasel f
ishcuntwholovesnoonebutherself
.You
neverlovedme, younevercaredf
ormeyouwi tch,
youusedme
Rona:Pr
eci
ouswat
chyourt
ongue
Pr
ecious:orwhatRona?Youaregoi
ngtocutit
?
Wellcuti
tmylove(shestucki
tout
)cuti
toutat
l
eastihavetol
dthetrut
h
Rona:youungr
atef
ull
it
tl
ebr
a..
.

Sheat
tempt
edtoslapherbutPr
eci
ousbl
ockedi
t
andgr
abbedherhand.
..

Preci
ous:i
m donebei
ngwal
kedal
loverbyyou.You
havedoneenoughdamagei
nmylif
eRonasogo
andsoakinthemomentasf
ormeim donewithyou.
Mymot herlongdiedt
hetimeshesawitfit
ti
ngt o
usemeanddenymeachanceofl ivi
ngapr operli
fe
withmyfather(Ronapul
ledher
sel
ffrom her)you
aredeadtome

Shespitont
hegroundandwalkedawaywhil
eRona
breat
hedheavi
lyandswal
lowedhol
dingherwai
st.
..

Rona:damnitRonadamni t
!Whathaveyoudone!
?
(
Clenchedhert
eeth)shi
t!Hadyoust
ayedaway
fr
om...
shi
tman,shit
!

Shepunchedtheai
rwi
thhert
eet
hst
il
lcl
enched
andwalkedof
faswell
.

THATAFTERNOON

I
nKavi
mbamot
ors.
..
Lovemorepar
kedhi
scarandmadewayoutwi
thhi
s
daught
er.
..

Lovemor
e:howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Nyasha:ner
vousit
hink
Lovemor
e:i
t'
sal
lowed
Nyasha:sohe'
sher
e?
Lovemor
e:yeahhesentmeatextonourwayher
e
sayi
nghealr
eadyinmyoff
ice
Nyasha:ohwow.Ok

Shesighedandfoll
owedLovemor ei
nherschool
uni
form.Theyreachedtheoff
iceashehel
dthe
doorhandl
eandt urnedtoher
..
.

Lovemor
e:sur
e?

Shenoddedandheavedanot
hersi
ghwhi
le
Lovemoreopenedthedoor
.Alber
tturnedand
smiledasLovemoredir
ect
edNyashat owalki
n.
Sheswallowedherli
psandtookastepinasher
heartski
ppedabeat.
..

Nyasha:goodaf
ter
noon
Al
ber
t:(
ner
vousl
ysmi
led)hel
lo
Lovemor
e:Al
ber
tthi
sisNyasha,
Nyashat
hisi
s
Alber
t
Al
ber
t:ni
cemeet
ingyouNyasha

Hesai
dstret
chi
nghishandoutt
ogreetherandshe
l
ookeddownatitandsl
owlyupathi
m...
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
24] :AKEPTWOMAN
92

Alber
tst
ret
chedhishandouttogreetherandshe
l
ookeddownoni tt
henslowl
ylookedupathim and
huggedhiminst
ead.
..

Al
ber
t:(
chuckl
ed)o-
kay
Lovemor
e:(
sighed)maywet
akeourseat
s

Hesatonhischai
rwhi
leNyashaandAl
ber
tsaton
t
heothert
wo...

Lovemor
e:goodaf
ter
noonAl
ber
t
Al
ber
t:MrKavi
mbat
hankyouf
orcont
act
ingme
Lovemore:yeah.Ihavespokent
oNyashaandshe
di
dn'thaveaproblem wit
hmeeti
ngupwithyou
(
Nyashasmi
led)
Al
ber
t:(
smi
led)icansee
Lovemor
e:icangiveyouguyspr
ivacyi
fyoumi
nd
mebeingaround
Nyasha:nodadi
t'
sokst
ay
Lovemor
e:ohokt
hen.
Nyasha:goodaf
ter
noonsi
r
Al
ber
t:hel
loyounggi
rl
Nyasha:i
m goi
ngt
obest
rai
ghtf
orwar
dwi
thyou
Al
ber
t:youhaveal
lther
ight
Nyasha:whywoul
dyouagr
eet
osomet
hingl
iket
hat
?
Al
bert
:shewasamarri
edwoman.Wewerebot
h
i
ntoxi
cat
edandonet
hingl
edtoanot
her
Nyasha:soyousawi
tfi
tt
ingt
oabandonyourchi
ld?
Al
ber
t:i
twasnevermyi
ntent
iont
o
Nyasha:t
henwhydidyoudoitbecauset
her
eason
youaregi
vingmenowisnotgoodenough
Al
ber
t:honest
lyspeaki
ngial
wayst
houghtabout
youbutt hatwasthereasonwhyihadt
odoi
t.To
respectyourmother'
smar r
iage
Nyasha:soyouchoseyouroneni
ghtst
andover
yourbl
ood?(Heswall
owedlooki
ngdown)ift
he
trut
hnevercameoutwereyounotgoi
ngtocome
forme?

Lovemor
esof
tl
yrubbedhi
sli
pssecr
etl
ysmi
li
ng.
..

Al
ber
t:iwoul
dhave
Nyasha:when?Whenyouwer
eaboutt
odi
e?
Al
ber
t:ofcour
senot
Nyasha:st
opl
yingt
ome
Alber
t:tr
ustmeiwasgoingtocomef oryou
becauserightnowiminaprocessofmovi ngtothe
unit
edstatesofAmeri
catostartanewl if
ether
e
andtrustmewhenisayyouar ethefirsti
nmyl i
st
ofthi
ngsiwasgoi ngt
omakesur eileavewitheven
nowyoust il
lare
Nyasha:soyout hinkicanpackandgoj ustli
kethat
?
Howaboutt hemanwhohasbeenmyf athermy
enti
relife?Thismanknowst hedayigotmyf ir
st
peri
od, heknowswher emyscarf r
om fal
lingaft
er
taki
ngmyf ir
ststepi
s,heknowswhatil i
keand
don'tl
ike.Heknowsever yt
hingaboutmeandyou
wouldexpectmet odrophimliket
hat?
Albert
:iknowandirespecthimforthatbutiwoul
d
l
ovet ogettoknowyouaswel l
.Iwouldlovetoget
t
oknowal lt
hoseandotherthi
ngsinthecoming
futur
e
Nyasha:ar
eyoumar
ri
edorhaveanyot
herki
ds?
Albert
:im notmar
ri
edandidon'
thaveanyot
her
chil
dren
Nyasha:ar
eyoudyi
ngmaybe?
Al
ber
t:ofcour
senot
Nyasha:mehuggi ngyouwasmeappr eci
ati
ngthe
factt
hatyoufoundyourwaybacki
nt omyl i
feasfor
ushavingarelat
ionshi
pwearegoi
ngt ohaveto
takei
tslow.Il
ovemydadandhewi llalwaysbemy
dadbutiwouldlovetogett
oknowmybl ood
Lovemore:iunderstandmychi ld.I
t'
sveryi
mpor t
ant
toknowyourr ootsasahumanbei ngbecauseas
afr
icanswebel i
evet hatyourutmostpr
otecti
onis
fr
om yourparternalancestorssowhywoul dideny
youthat
Nyasha:t
hankyoudad.Sowhenar
eyoul
eavi
ngt
o
t
heUS?
Al
ber
t:endoft
heyear
Nyasha:okatl
eastiwi
llbedonewit
hmy
Cambridgesoicanfur
thermystudi
est
her
e
Al
ber
t:doest
hatmeanwear
edoi
ngt
his?
Nyasha:(smiled)yeswear
ebutatt
hemomenti
wil
lbestayingwi t
hmydadandbrot
herbecause
t
heymat tertome
Al
ber
t:idon'
thaveaprobl
em wi
tht
hatasl
ongas
i
m al
lowedtovisi
tanyt
ime
Lovemor
e:(
sighed)youar
emor
ethanwel
come
Al
bert
:thankyousomuch(checkedtheti
me)wi
th
t
hatsai
dmayidr i
veyoubacktoschool?
Nyasha:sur
enopr
obl
em.Byedad
Lovemor
e:byebaby(
theyhugged)
Al
ber
t:t
hankyousomuchMrKavi
mba
Lovemor
e:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
nesi
r

TheyshookhandsasAlberttookNyasha'sschool
bagandfol
lowedherout.Lovemoresighedand
pi
nnedhiselbowsonhisdeskputti
nghishands
underhi
schinandexhal
ed...

Lovemor
e:wow,
yeahneh

At
eardr
oppeddownhisoneeyeashequi
ckl
y
wi
pedi
tandsni
ff
edexhal
ingagai
n..
.

Lovemore:it
'sokLovemor eitwasboundtohappen
anyway.Youdi dyourpartandyoushouldbeproud
ofyoursel
f.Likeshesaidshewillal
waysloveyou
andagainyoust i
llhaveLucas.(
Sighed)ohmy
preci
ousNyasha
Hesaidl ooki
ngatt hephotoofhi m andNyasha
withLucasonhi slapswhiletheywer esti
lll
it
tl
e.
Tearsblurredhisvisi
onashegr untedstandingup
andpinchedhi seyes.Hetookt hephot oandwent
tolockthedoort hensli
ddownsi t
ti
ngonhi sbum
sil
entl
ycr yi
ngwhi l
ehuggingthepi cture.
..

Lovemor
e:iwi
llal
waysl
oveyoumybabi
es.

Onadr
ivet
hroughl
ine.
..

MayaandMareledil
aughedonaphonecal las
Mayamovedclosertothecol
lect
ionpot
..
.

Mar
eledi
:ar
eyoui
nadr
ivet
hrough?
Maya:yesl
ovegr
abbi
ngmyl
unch
Mar
eledi
:ohokbabesi
m wai
ti
ngf
orAj
ax
Maya:ohok
Assist
ant:order120onelar
gecheeseburger,
12
hotwings,largechi
ps,r
aspber
ryj
uiceandice-
cream
Maya:(
smil
ed)thankyousomuchbabes(
gaveher
P20)t
hisi
sforyou
Assi
stant
:thankyou
Maya:(
li
ckheri
cecr
eam dr
ivi
ngof
f)youwer
e
sayi
ng?
Marel
edi
:okMayathat
'st
oomuchf
oodwhoar
e
yougoi
ngtoeatwi
th?
Maya:bat
hongmysel
f
Mar el
edi
:honeyyougott
amindyourwei
ghtyou
know.Howar eyougoingtof
iti
nyourweddi
ng
dress?
Maya:butt
hisi
swhatiwantt
oeatt
odaybabes
Mar
eledi
:si
ncewhenareyouahugefanofj
unkand
t
hel
astti
meicheckedyouhat
edraspber
ry
Maya:i
m notal
ler
gict
oitt
houghandbesi
desihave
noti
cedt
hatihaveahugeappet
it
ethepastt
wo
days
Mar
eledi
:oh
Maya:yeahiguessi
t'
shappi
nessmylove(
she
chuckl
edli
cki
ngmoreofthei
cecream)
Mar
eledi
:ohr
eal
lynow?
Maya:ofcour
se
Marel
edi
:butthat
'stoomuchappet
it
emyl
ove
maybeit
'ssomethingel
se
Maya:what
?
Marel
edi:youcoul
dbaki
ng(
Mayabur
sti
ntoal
oud
l
augh)im ser
ious
Maya:ohcomeonl
ovei
t'
simpossi
ble
Mar
eledi
:ar
eyouoncont
racept
ives?
Maya:nopeist
oppedt
hem amont
hago
(
remembered)ohno
Mar
eledi
:what
?
Maya:ij
ustr
emember
edt
hatihaven'
tgot
tenmy
per
iod.I
t'
sbeen3daysnow
Mar
eledi
:(smi
led)oh-
oh
Maya:doyoureall
ythi
nkicoul
dbe..
.nonoidon'
t
wanttoj
umpintoconclusi
onsmaybeit'
sjust
hor
monalimbalance
Mar
eledi
:hasyourper
iodeverbeenl
atebef
ore?
Maya:notatal
l
Mar
eledi
:wel
lit
hinki
t'
sti
meyouvi
sit
edt
hedoct
or
mygir
l
Maya:oht
rustmei
m goi
ngt
oimmedi
atel
yaf
ter
cour
t.
Mar
eledi
:let
'ssayyouar
epr
egnanthowwoul
dyou
f
eel
?
Maya:ecst
ati
cofcourseil
ovechil
drenbutl
et'
snot
over
thi
nkthi
ngsunti
ligett
heresult
s
Mar
eledi
:al
ri
ghtl
ove.ByeAj
axj
ustwal
kedi
n
Maya:byel
ove
TheyhungupasMayaf inishedhericecr
eam and
quickl
ylookeddownonherst omach.Hugeappeti
te,
period3dayslatemaybet here'
sahumanbei ng
growinginsi
deofherormaybei t
'sj
usthormonal
i
mbal anceshesighedwithasmi leonherface
openingherburgerwhi
leturningtotheoff
ice.

ANHOURLATER

I
nSOS.
..

LornaandHeroldmadewayi ntot
hebuil
dingast
he
recept
ioni
stdi
rect
edthem t
ot hemanagement
offi
ce.
..

Lady:hel
loma'
am t
hisi
sthemanispoket
oyou
about
Lady:ohok.Goodaf
ter
noonsi
r
Her
old:goodaf
ter
noonma'
am
Lady:youmaybeseat
ed(
theysat
)ist
hisyourwi
fe?
Her
old:noshe'
saf
ri
end
Lady:ohok.Ni
cemeet
ingyouma'
am
Lor
na:(
looki
ngar
ound)ni
cemeet
ingyouaswel
l
Lady:butyourf
acel
ooksf
ami
li
ar
Lor
na:iact
ual
lyadopt
edmy18yearol
ddaught
er
her
e18yearsago(Herol
dsni
ff
ed)
Lady:ohr
eal
ly?Yourname?
Lor
na:Lor
naDuncan
Lady:ohwownowirememberyou.Ibel
ieveAppl
e
mustbeabiggi
rlnow
Lor
na:andver
ysmar
t
Lady:wowt hat
'samazi
ng.SoMrHer
oldwhatcan
wedof oryou?
Herol
d:ireceivedamessagethatmyexgi
rl
fri
endof
18yearsagopassedonandwehadadaught er
whichshebr oughther
eaft
erbir
th.Soi
mlookingf
or
thechi
ld
Lady:ohok.Doyouknowwhenthechi
ldwasbor
n
becausethatwoul
dmaket
hingseasi
er
Her
old:yes

Hetol
dherasLor
na'
shear
tskippedabeatand
qui
ckl
ytur
nedtohi
m wi
thhereyeswidened.
..

Lor
na:(
swal
lowed)what
!?
Her
old:yeah
Lady:(
clear
edhert
hroat
)MrHer
old
Her
old:i
sever
ythi
ngok?
Lorna:(
stoodup)ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osayt
hatAppl
eis
yourdaughter
?
Her
old:huh?
Lady:okokmaywepl
easecal
m down.Mr
sDuncan
pl
easehaveaseat

Lor
naswal
lowedanot
herl
umpbr
eat
hingheavi
ly
andpressedherl
ipst
oget
herbr
eat
hingt
hroughher
nose.
..

Lady:pl
easesitdownMr
sDuncan(
gavehera
bott
leofwater
)
Lor
na:t
hankyou
Her
old:so.
..
Lady:yessi
rnowyouknowwher
eyourdaught
eri
s
Lor
na:it
hinkishoul
dgetgoi
ng
Herol
d:Lor
nawait.Whatareyougoi
ngt
odr
ive
backwit
h(shepacedout)Lorna!
?
Lady:Mr
sDuncan!
?

Theypacedbehi
ndherasshest
art
edr
unni
ng.
..

Her
old:Lor
napl
easewai
t!Lor
na!

Her
anbehi
ndherast
hel
adyst
oppedandshook
herheadwit
hherhandsonherwaist
.Her
old
caughtupwit
hLornaandt
urnedher.
..

Her
old:Lor
nawai
t
Lor
na:l
etgoofmeHer
old
Herold:noLor
nai
m notgoi
ngt
oletyoudot
hist
o
yourself
Lor
na:Appl
eismybabyHer
oldican'
taf
for
dtol
ose
her
Her
old:noonesai
dyouweregoingt
oloseher
Lor
na.Iknowandunder
standt
hatshe'
syourbaby
Lorna:(t
earsbuil
tinhereyes)but
you..
.but.
..
but.
..
(shebursti
ntoacry)mybaby
Heroldmy...
Her
old:sssh.
..
sssh.
..
sssh

Hesai
dti
ght
lyhuggi
ngherasshecr
iedoutl
oud.
I
nCour
t.
..

Judge:youmaybeseated(t
heytookthei
rseat
s)l
et
mest ar
toffbyapol
ogi
singf
orcominglat
eiwas
sti
llhel
dupbysomeofmydut i
esbutwemay
proceedMrsTaolo
Al
exander
:(stoodup)t
hankyoumyLady.Mylady
wewouldli
ket obr
ingt
othestandMsNaleKamodi
(
Preci
ousfrowned)
Rona:whati
sthi
s,ganguponRonaday?
Judge:RonaMoetithi
sti
mear oundi
m notgoi
ngt
o
playgameswithyou.Iwi
llcl
osethi
scaseand
concludet
hatyouaregui
lty
Maya:(
muttered)she'
sgui
lt
yanyway(
Joshua
sof
tl
ychuckled)

Nal
eslowl
ymadewayt ot
hewit
nessstandand
pr
essedherl
ipst
oget
hert
aki
ngherseat.
..
Al
exander
:gooddayMsKamodi
Nal
e:goodday
Al
exander:iam awar
ethatyouar
erecover
ingf
rom
anoperat
ionsowear enotgoi
ngtobelong
Nal
e:ok
Al
exander
:howdoyouknowRonaMoet
iand
Pr
eciousMoet
i?
Nal
e:Preci
ousi
s..
.(
Sighed)wasaf r
iendofmi
ne
andiknowRonathroughherthatshe'
shermother
Al
exander:howl
onghaveyoubeenf
ri
endswi
th
Pr
ecious?
Nal
e:si
ncewewer
einhi
ghschool
Alexander
:soyouwoul
dsayyouknowal
otabout
her?
Nal
e:(
lookedatt
heduo)notal
otbutever
ythi
ng
Al
exander:(
smiled)oh,ok.SoNal
eyousai
d
Pr
ecious"was"yourfri
enddoyoumindshari
ng
whathappenedwi t
hthecourt?
Nal
e:notatal
l.Ihavebeent
hinki
ngt
hatPr
eci
ous
lovedmeonl yt oreal
isethatshehasbeenusi ngme
alltheseyear s.Ihavecar ri
edachi l
df ort hi
swoman,
ihavekeptsecr etsofhert ryi
ngt oendhercousi n'
s
li
fesomanyt imes,ihavekeptsecr etsofher
chai ni
ngherhusbandusi ngdar kmagi c.Ihavekept
secr et
sofherandhermot herst eal
ingf rom her
chur chforwhat ?Tobet ossedoutl i
kesome
gar bagewhenineededt hem t hemost ?Fort hem t o
wantt oki l
lmyhusbandwel l
,exhusbandf orfinding
outt hetruthaboutwhot heywer e?Ihavenot hi ng
rightnowbecauseoft hesewomenonewoul dsay
im heref orrevengebutnoi m her ebecauseal lt he
peopl etheyhavehur tdeser vej usti
ce
Al
exander
:soMsKamodiareyousayi
ngt
hatallt
he
t
hingssai
daboutRonaandPr
eci
ousMoetiar
etrue?
Nal
e:wi
thoutadoubt
.Ihavet
extmessagest
oeven
pr
oveever
ythi
ng

Pr
eciousnoddedwhileRonashookherhead
pi
nchinghereyes.
..
Alexander:myl adyasyouhaveheard,MsNal e
Kamodihasal soconfir
medwi t
hnoanyr easonable
doubtt hatMsRonaandPr eci
ousMoetihavedone
thethingstheyar eaccusedof
.Nofurt
herquest i
ons
forthi
swi tness
Judge:t
hankyouMrsTaolo.Courtshal
lresume
tomorr
owmor ni
ngat10am (shehitt
hegavel)
Of
fi
cer
:al
lri
se!

Theyal
ldi
dast
hej
udgemadeherwayout
..
.

Rona:si
es
Pr
ecious:youar
eyett
osaysies.Yout
houghtyou
wi
llgetawaywit
hhurt
ingever
yone?

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueleadi
ngthewayoutasRona
cur
sedherunderherbr
eath.
..

Al
exander
:thankyou
Nal
e:i
m gl
adicoul
dhelp.I
m igoi
ngt
obechar
ged
f
orbei
nganaccompli
ce?
Alexander:iwi
llmakesur
ethatyoudon'
tgett
obe
charged.Thatwasouragreement
Nal
e:ok.Thankyousomuch
Maya:babeineedt
orushsomewher
ecanyou
pl
easedri
vewithmamaG?
Joshua:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Maya:ihaveameet
ingi
ntown
Joshua:ohokseeyoul
ater
Maya:il
oveyouguysbye

Shegotint
hecaranddr
oveoffwhi
leGli
diaand
Kenei
lwedr
oveJoshuabackt
otheoff
ice.

LATERTHATAFTERNOON

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..
Duncanputthelastofhi
sbagsint
hebootand
headedbacktothehousewhereLor
nawasseated
onthedini
ngtable.
..

Duncan:t
hat
'saboutever
ythi
ng
Lor
na:ok
Duncan:ar
eyouok?
Lor
na:mhem
Duncan:r
eal
ly?
Lor
na:yeah
Duncan:okt
ellt
hekidst
hatil
ovet
hem somuchi
wil
lcomegetthem onFr
idayf
oravi
sit
Lor
na:youarealwayswel
comet
ohavedi
nnerwi
th
usthi
sisyourhomeaswell
Duncan:iwil
lalwayskeept
hati
nmi
nd.(
Ther
ewas
si
lence)canigetahug?
Lor
na:yeah
Theyhuggedf orafewsecondsandexhal edlett
ing
goofoneanot herasDuncanmadehi swayout .
Lornastoodbyt hedoorandputherheadagai nst
theframel ookingathi m.Heopenedhi scarand
l
ookedupatherasshebl ewaki ssathim.He
caughtitandputhi shandonhi sheartandsmi l
ed
gett
ingint hecardrivingout.Lornawentback
i
nsidethehouseandcl oseddoorsoftl
yhitt
ingher
headagai nstitthi
nkingaboutwhatshedi scovered
earl
ier.
..

Lor
na:(
sighed)Lor
dgi
vemest
rengt
h

Shesighedagainwit
hhereyesclosedbutqui
ckly
openedthem asthegat
eopened.Itwasthekids.
Herheartracedassheswal
lowedandwentt othe
ki
tchen.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..
Lovemore,
Chi
omaandt heki
dsl
aughedasNyasha
andChiomafi
nishedset
ti
ngt
het
ablefordi
nner
..
.

Lucas:whydi
dn'
tyoucomewi
thSundae?
Chioma:shewentoutwi
thhermot
herandhernew
fr
iend
Lucas:ohyeahshetoldmeabouthermot
her
's
"newfri
end"(hechuckl
ed)
Lovemore:soyouguyst
alkaboutusoutt
her
eneh?
(Theyl
aughed)
Lucas:ofcour
sedadwhynot

Theyl
aughedmor
east
hegat
ebel
lrang.Nyasha
wentf
orit
..
.

Nyasha:hel
lo?
Nal
e:i
sMrKavi
mbahome?
Nyasha:yes,
youar
e?
Nale:(
clear
edherthr
oat
)Nal
eKamodiandiwoul
d
l
iketoseehim pl
ease
Nyasha:oh(
clear
edhert
hroat
)pl
easehangon
Lovemor
e:whoi
sitnana?
Nyasha:Nal
e
Lucas:(
frownedbl
inki
ngandst
oodup)who!
?
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
24] :AKEPTWOMAN
93

Nyasha:Nal
eisatt
hegat
e
Lucas:youbet
terl
etgooft
hatphoneandcomesi
t
down
Lovemor
e:Lucaswai
t,Nyashaar
eyousur
e?
Nyasha:yesdad
Lucas:i
m notgoingtowaitforanyt
hing.Iwil
llose
al
lrespectihaveforyoushouldyouletthatwoman
i
nher e
Chi
oma:Luci
Lucas:noaunt
yChi
omano
Chi
oma:l
et'
sjusthearheroutmyboypl
ease
Lucas:noaunt
yChi
oma
Chioma:don'
tyouwantt
oletgooft
hepai
ninyour
heart
?
Lucas:ofcour
seidobuthowwi
llibeabl
etowhen
shekeepsresurf
aci
ng?
Chi
oma:maybet
hat
'sGodt
ryi
ngt
ohel
pyout
olet
gooft
hepai
ninyou
Lucas:(
scof
fed)t
henGodhasafunnywayofdoi
ng
thi
ngsidon'
twanttoseet
hatwoman
Lovemor
e:(
sighed)Nyashaopen
Lucas:what!
?Reall
ydad?Youaregoingtoletyet
anotherwit
chinyourhouse?Af
terwhatsheand
Preciousdi
dtoyou?
Lovemore:Chii
sri
ghtLucasmaybei
t'
sti
mewe
sett
ledt
hisonceandforal
l
Nyasha:soshoul
diopen?
Lovemor
e:yes

Sheputt hephonebackont hehookandpressed

theopeningbut t
onwhi l
eLucassatdownand
fol
dedhisar msshaki nghishead.Nal
eslowly
walkedinandheadedt othehousethenswall
owed
beforeknocking.Itt
ookheraf ewsecondstofi
nall
y
doit.
..

Nyasha:(
opened)comei
n

Sheshowedhert
hewayi
nasherhear
tracedmor
e
l
ockingeyeswit
hLucaswhoqui
ckl
ylookedaway
st
il
lshaki
nghishead.
..

Nale:(
sof
tl
y)im sosor
ryf
orthrowi
ngmyselfat
yourdoor
stepli
kethi
sbutihadnowher
eelsetogo
Lucas:soyousawa"
guesthouse"boar
dout
side?
Lovemor
e:Lucas
Lucas:nodadt
hiswomanhasnopl
acei
nthi
s
house
Lovemore:Lucaspleasecal
m down.Pleasehavea
seatwewer ejustaboutt
oeat.Nyashagraban
extr
aplat
e
Lucas:excuseme?Soyouar
egoingtoof
ferhera
seatonthistabl
e?Wowdad,
justwow
Lovemore:Lucasiknowt
hisi
shar
dforyoubutcan
youpleasecalm down
Lucas:(st
oodup)im honest
lydi
sappointedinyou
dad.Thiswitchwatchedyoubeli
edtof oryear
sand
youofferheraseatonyourtabl
ejustbecauseshe
comescr awli
ngback?Ohpleaseohplease( he
st
ormedof
ftot
hebedr
oom)
Lovemore:Lucascanyoul
ist
ent
ome(
hesai
d
fol
lowi
nghim)
Lucas:l
eavemeal
one
Lovemor
e:t
imeandl
if
ewai
tsf
ornomanLucas
Lucas:(
tur
ned)sothatmeansishoul
dlookpast
ever
ythi
ngandforgi
vethatwoman!?Thatwi
tch!
?
Lovemor
e:iknowi
tshar
dLucasbutatl
eastt
ry
l
ist
entoher
Lucas:j
ustl
ikeherconni
vingf
ri
endshe'
sher
eto
mil
kus
Lovemor
e:(
annoyed)she'
syourmot
herdammi
t!
Lucas:idon'
thaveamot
her
!

Hesai dgoingint
ohisbedroom andsl
ammedthe
doorlocki
ngi twhi
let
heladiesdownst
air
sjumped
star
tl
ed.Lovemor esi
ghedandwentbackdown
shakinghishead..
.
Lovemor
e:i
m sosor
ryf
ort
hat
Nale:(
swall
owedlooki
ngdown)i
t'
sokiguessi
shouldgetgoi
ng
Lovemor
e:wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
ogo?
Lucas:(cameout)tot
hegut t
erwhereshebel
ongs.
Wher edidsheevengetakidney?Huh?Didshe
steali
t?Whodidshekillt
ogetthatki
dney!
?
Lovemore:Lucasj
ustshutup!(
Hewentbackinthe
room andslammedthedooragain)idar
eyout
o...
Chi
oma:okLovemor
ecal
m down
Lovemore:noChi
omat hisboyneedst
obehave
whatki
ndofbehaviouristhi
s?
Nal
e:t
hat
'
swhyit
hinki
t'
sbesti
fil
eft
Lovemore:youarenotgoinganywhereNale.We
haveenoughroom inhere.Nyashashowhert oa
sparebedroom andrunherabath.Areyoutaking
anypil
ls?
Nal
e:yesiam
Lovemor
e:wewi
llkeepyourf
oodwar
mforyou.
Youwi
lleataf
terf
resheni
ngup.Nyasha
Nyasha:yesdad.Pl
easef
oll
owme

Shepr essedherl
ipst
oget
herandstoodup
fol
lowingNyashat ot
hespar
ebedroom while
Chiomasatbackandsquinthereyeslooki
ngat
her..
.

Lovemor
e:ar
eyouok?
Chi
oma:yeahbuti
m wor
ri
edaboutyou.Whendi
d
youbecomethi
sangr
yperson?
Lovemor
e:iunderst
andLucas'
sangerbuthe
shoul
dn'
tbedisr
espect
full
ikethi
sChi
omahe'sst
il
l
achil
dheneedstolear
ntolist
en
Chi
oma:ar
eyousur
eaboutwhatyouar
edoi
ng?
Lovemor
e:whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay?
Chi
oma:whati
fyouar
epushi
ngyoursonaway?
Lovemore:Lucasi
sjustangr
yChiomahewillcome
around.ImeanNaleisdoi
ngallshecant
oturnher
l
ifearoundshet
est
if
iedagai
nstPr
eci
ousandRona
earl
ier
Chioma:ohsot
hatmakesherasai
ntal
lofa
sudden?
Lovemor
e:ineversai
dthat
Chioma:whatar
eyou.
..
(si
ghed)youknowwhat
nevermindl
et'
stal
kaboutsomethi
ngelse
Lovemore:nolet
'st
alkaboutthi
s,soyouthi
nkim
wrongforaccommodatingthemot herofmychi
ld?
Chioma:(squi
nthereyes)youknowwhatit
hinki
shouldgetgoi
ng
Lovemor
e:what
?
Chi
oma:youremot ionsareallovertheplaceidon'
t
wantyoutostartsayingthewrongt hingsandmost
i
mpotantl
yidon'twantt ogetbetweenyouandt he
motherofyourchil
d( shesai
dst andingup)
Lovemor
e:(
sighed)Chi
omai
m sor
ry
Chi
oma:goodni
ghtLovemor
e
Lovemor
e:comeonChii
..
.
Nyasha:youar
eleavi
ngal
ready?
Chioma:(
smi
led)yesbabyihaveanemer
gency
backhomeoneofthetapsisl
eaki
ng
Nyasha:ohsor
ryaboutt
hataunt
y
Chioma:i
tsok.Seeyousoonmyl
ove.Goodni
ght
Lovemore
Lovemor
e:l
etmewal
kyouout
Chi
oma:t
hankyoubuti
m ok.War
m Nal
e'
sfood

Shesmil
edr ubbi
nghi
sarm andl
eftwhi
leNyasha
squi
nthereyeswonder
ingwhatwasgoi
ngon...

Nyasha:i
sever
ythi
ngokdad?
Lovemor
e:yesNyashaj
ustsi
tdownandeat
Nyasha:o-
kay

Shepul
ledoutherchai
randcont
inuedt
oeatwhi
le
Nal
etookabathinthespar
ebedroom.
AtJoshua'
shouse.
..

Mayasi ghedswit
chingofftheengineofthecarin
thegarage.Shecouldheareveryone'
slaughinthe
houseasshesmi ledandtookherbags.Herphone
rangasshef r
ownedl ooki
ngatthedoctor'snumber
andpickedup..
.

Maya:goodeveni
ngdocit
houghtt
hebl
oodr
esul
ts
wer
egoingtobereadyt
omorrow
Dr
:iaskedt
hem t
omaket
hem apr
ior
it
y
Maya:ohoksowhat
'sgoi
ngonwi
thme?
Dr
:wellever
ythi
ngi
singoodshapeMsMoet
i.You
ar
epregnant
Maya:(
smi
ledshocked)what
!?(
Clear
edhert
hroat
)
ar
eyousur
edoctor?
Dr:hundr
edpercentsureMsMoetievenyourur
ine
t
estshowsthataswel l
.Youar
etwoweeks
pr
egnant
Maya:ohokt
hankyousomuch
Dr:you'
rewel
come.Pl
easemakesuretocomefora
scantomorr
owanyti
meafterl
unchiknockof
fat
20:00pm
Maya:nopr
obl
em doct
or
Dr
:seeyout
omor
rowMsMoet
i
Maya:haveagoodeveni
ngdoc( shesmi
led
hangi
ngup)what?I
m pregnant
?

Shesaidtouchi
ngherbel
lyandl
aughedal
one
cover
inghermouth.
..

Maya:ohwow

LATERTHATEVENI
NG

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..
Appl efi
nisheddoingherhomewor kandputher
booksawaygoi ngtothebathr
oom.Shecoul dn't
stopt hi
nkingofhowawf ul
lyquiethermotherwas
duringdinneranddecidedtogot oherroom.She
stoppedbyt hedoorbef
oreknockingasshehear d
somesni ffing.Shesi
ghedanddeci dedtoknock.
..

Appl
e:maar
eyouok?
Lor
na:huh?Ohyesi
m okmyl
ovewhat
'sgoi
ngon?

Shequickl
ysaidput
ti
ngdownAppl
e'
spi
ctur
eand
wipedherface.
..

Appl
e:canicomei
n?
Lor
na:(
checkedherf
aceagai
n)yeahsur
e
Appl
e:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Lor
na:(
smi
led)whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutnana?
Appl
e:youhavebeencr
yingmama.Comeont
alkt
o
me
Lorna:i
m okAppledon'
tstr
essaboutmei
mjust
tr
yingtodealwi
thourseparat
ion
Appl
e:ar
eyousur
emom?
Lor
na:yesl
oveiam
Appl
e:i
m yourdaughtermom iknowyouhavelong
deal
twi
ththi
s.What'sgoingonandpleasedon'
tli
e
tomebecauseri
ghtnowyouar edoingexact
lyt
hat
Lorna:(
sighedbli
nki
ng)i
sitt
hatobvi
ous?(
Appl
e
noddedasshest oodupandexhal
ed)Appl
eil
ove
youandil oveyousomuch
Appl
e:iknowmom
Lorna:andiwoul
dnevert
radeyouf
oranyt
hingi
n
thi
swor l
d
Appl
e:mom youar
escar
ingme
Lorna:(
sni
ff
edpi
nchi
nghereyes)Her
oldi
syour
fat
herAppl
e
Appl
e:(
sneer
ed)what
?It
houghtyoudi
dn'
tknow
whomypar
ent
swer
e
Lorna:yest
hatwasunti
lHer
oldr
ecei
vedat
extfr
om
hi
sex'ssist
erof18year
sagotel
li
nghi
mthatt
hey
haveadaughter
Appl
e:oh?
Lor
na:yesappar
entl
ythat
'swhatt
heext
oldt
he
si
sterpr
iort
oherdeat
h
Appl
e:oh
Lorna:yessoHerol
ddeci
dedtogototheSOSandi
askedmet ogowithhi
m andthat
'swhenwe
discover
edthatt
hechi
ldisact
ual
lyyou
Apple:(
putherhandsont
hebedandsl
ight
lyl
eaned
back)how?
Lor
na:yourbi
rt
hdat
e
Appl
e:(
sneer
ed)r
eal
lymom?
Lor
na:yesAppl
ereal
ly
Apple:whatifishareabir
thdat
ewit
ht hechil
dwho
thatwomant ookthere?Haveyoueverthought
aboutthatpossibi
li
tyatl
east?
Lor
na:(
frowned)oh
Appl
e:exact
ly
Lor
na:butst
il
lthesamedaythatchi
ldwasadopt
ed
i
sthesamedayyouwer eadopted
Appl
e:(
frowned)oh
Lor
na:yessot
hat
'saf
arf
etchedpossi
bil
it
y
Appl
e:hmm (chuckl
ed)nomom i
m goi
ngt
oneed
morethant
hat
Lor
na:whatmor
edoyouneed?
Apple:DNAtest
smaybe,meett
hefamil
yandseei
f
ihavethesamefeat
uresast
hem oratl
eastmy
"supposed"mot
her
Lor
na:st
opbei
ngi
ndeni
alAppl
e
Apple:noyouneedtostopworr
yingyour
sel
fmama
(chuckl
ed)ican'
tbel
ieveyouar
ecryi
ngovert
his
andagainsowhathe' smydad?
Lor
na:bat
hongAppl
e
Appl
e:notmeaningiti
nabadwaybutihavea
fami
lynow.Waithaveyouevert
houghtt
hatmaybe
t
hismanhasbeenfol
lowi
ngyouaroundandt
his
whol
emessagesthi
ngisj
ustacoverup?
Lor
na:comeonAppl
eHer
oldi
snott
hatki
ndofman
Apple:ohr eal
ly?Howlonghaveyouknownhim?A
fewdays?Imeanyoubumpi nt
osomeonebyt he
traf
fi
cl ight
sandboom hehasachildwhowas
adopt ed18yearsagocomeonma.Mybi r
thdayi
s
comi ngupsoont hat
'swhatyoushoul
dwor r
yabout
goodni ght

Shesai
dl eavi
ngandlaughedshaki
ngherhead
whil
eLornaf r
ownedconfused.
..

Lor
na:t
hischi
ld?Di
dsheevenhearme?

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtJoshua'
shouse.
..
Mayahummeddoi nghermakeupwhi
leJoshuasat
onthebedappl
yingl
oti
ononhisl
egs.
..

Joshua:someonei
sinagoodmoodt
oday
Maya:(smi
led)whenyouareGod'
sfavor
it
echi
ld
youareboundtoalwaysbeinagoodmood
Joshua:ohr
eal
lynow?Doyoumi
ndshar
ing?
Maya:(
smiledl
ookingathi
mthrought
hemir
ror
)so
whatwouldyoudoifonedayyouwokeandf
ound
outt
hatiwaspregnant
?
Joshua:(
stoppedwhathewasdoi
ngandsmi
led)
what!
?
Maya:(l
aughed)youshoul
dseeyourf
ace,
just
answerthequest
ionl
ove
Joshua:areyoukiddi
ngmeiwoul
dbet
hehappi
est
manint heenti
reworl
d
Maya:wel
lthenyoushoul
dbe
Joshua:(
frownedconf
used)what
?
Maya:(
tur
nedsmi
li
ng)wear
ebaki
ngmyl
ove
Joshua:what
!?
Maya:yesbabei
m pr
eg.
..
Joshua:ohwow!Yes!

Hej
umpedi
njoyandli
ft
edherupscreamingyesat
t
het
opofhi
svoicewhi
leMayalaughed.
..

Maya:putmedownyouar
esqueezi
ngme
Joshua:ohmywor dsor
rysor
ryl
ove.Ar
eyoubei
ng
seri
ousrightnow?
Maya:yesbabet
hedoct
ort
oldmel
astni
ght
Joshua:l
ikei
shesur
e?
Maya:l
ovet
het
est
ssaysoi
m goi
ngf
orascanl
ater
t
oday
Joshua:ohi
m comi
ngwi
thyou

Hewentonhi
skneesandki
ssedherst
omach.
..
Joshua:ohheyt
her
eli
tt
lechamp
Maya:(
laughed)ohnoi
tsagi
rl
Joshua:ohwhateveraslongasi t'
sahumanbei ng.
Heythereli
tt
lepr
incessorwhat everyouare(Maya
l
aughed)daddycan'twaittomeetyou, youneedto
bequick,wai
twhatifit
'sfourofthem imeanishoot
str
ongbullet
sbaby
Maya:ohmygodst
opbei
ngsi
ll
y

Theyl
aughedashest
oodupandki
ssedher
..
.

Joshua:t
hankyousomuchl
ove
Maya:wearenott
ell
inganyoneunt
ili
m donewi
th
t
hefir
stt
ri
mester
Joshua:butbabe.
..
Maya:nonohoneyt
hisshoul
dbeourl
it
tl
esecr
et
Joshua:okokl
ovemyl
ipsar
eseal
ed
Kenei
lwe:(
knocked)i
sever
ythi
ngokwehear
d
somescr
eami
ng
Joshua:ohyesmacanyoubel
ievei
tMayai
s..
.
Maya:goi
ngf
oranimpor
tantmeet
ingt
odayt
hat
wi
llpavemywayi
ntopol
it
ics
Joshua:oh,
ohyesma
Kenei
lwe:ohthat
'samazi
ng.Ihopeyoudowel
lmy
l
ovefoodisreadyhurr
yupandf i
nish
Bot
h:okma(
shel
eftasMayasl
appedJoshua)
Joshua:ouch
Maya:myl
ipsar
eseal
edmyl
ipsar
eseal
ed
Joshua:sor
rybabei
mjustoverexci
tedbutiwi
ll
hol
dmysel f
Maya:youbet
teryousi
ll
yboy

Theyl
aughedandf
ini
shedupt
henj
oinedever
yone
downst
air
s.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..
Lucasmadehiswaydownstai
rsandfr
ownedt
othe
smelloff
oodcomingf
rom t
hekit
chen.
..

Lucas:i
fyouthinkyoucookingisgoi
ngtomakeme
forgi
veyouforbri
ngingthatwomanintoourhome
thenyoubet
terthinkaga..
.oh(
hestoppedseei
ng
Nale)
Nal
e:(
smi
led)goodmor
ning
Lucas:whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nourki
tchen?
Nal
e:it
houghtmaybeicoul
d..
.
Lucas:couldwhat?Ki
llus?Didyourwi
tchf
ri
end
sendyout oki
llus?(
Shouted)Dad!
Nal
e:nonoLucast
hat
'snotwhati
..
.
Lucas:Lovemor
e!
Lovemor
e:whati
sitLucas.
..
ohgoodmor
ning
Nal
e:goodmor
ningMrKavi
mbai
m sor
ryf
or.
..
Lucas:j
ustsavei
t.Doyouseewhatyouhavedone?
Nowshei
sgoi
ngt
opoi
sonus
Lovemor
e:(
sighed)r
eal
lyLucas?
Lucas:andhe'sgoingtot
akemeforabluffit
'sok
goahead,goaheadandnestyetanothersnakeim
notgoingtocalldeat
hwhil
eit
'smi
lesaway
Lovemor
e:Lucascanyoupl
easest
opi
t
Lucas:(
checkedhi
swal
let
)goodenoughf
orat
axi
Lovemor
e:what
?
Lucas:i
m of
ftoschoolim notgoi
ngt
odinewith
thi
ssnake.I
fyouarereadytodiegoaheadandeat
herfood
Lovemor
e:comeonnowLucast
hat
'snotf
air
Lucas:youwannat al
kf ai
r?Unf ai
riswhenyou
knowt hatim yourchil
dandyoust il
lmademe
bel
ieveiwasPr eci
ous'schild.Unfai
riswhenyou
comet osomeoneyour aped'shouseandpret
end
asifnothinghappened.That '
sevenbeyond
unfai
rnessit'
st ot
alsaucery.ShameonyouNal e
shameonyou!
Hecli
ckedhi
stonguel
eavi
ngwhi
leLovemor
e
shookhi
shead.
..

Lovemor
e:atl
eastt
akeyourl
unchboxt
hen
Lucas:shedef
ini
tel
yhastemperedwit
hitihave
enoughmoneyt obuysomethi
ngatthetuckshop!

Hesaidslammi ngthedooronhi
swayoutwhil
e
Lovemoresighed.Nalet
urnedandsni
ff
edpi
nching
hereyes.
..

Lovemor
e:heyheycomeonnowdon'
tcr
y
Nal
e:(
sni
ff
ed)i
m sosor
ry
Lovemore:hi
semoti
onsar
est
il
lhi
ghnowhewi
ll
comearoundipromi
seyou
Nal
e:al
liwanttodoismakeupfort
hewrongidi
d
(
bursti
ntot
ears)i
m sosor
ryLovemore
Lovemor
e:ssshit
'sokiwi
llmakesur
etotalktohi
m
j
ustknowthatyouarewel
cometostayhereforas
l
ongasyouwant

Hesaidhuggingherandrubbedherbackwhil
e
Nyashafrownedandlookedonwithherl
ips
cur
ved..
.

Nyasha:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Lovemor
e:(
letgoofher
)goodmor
ningangel
Nal
e:excuseme(
shesni
ff
edgoi
ngt
othebedr
oom)
Nyasha:whatar
eyoudoi
ngdad?
Lovemor
e:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Nyasha:whyar
eyouhuggi
nganot
herwoman?
Lovemore:Lucaswasshouti
ngatherandshecri
ed
soiwascal mingherdown.Wai
tyoudon'tt
hinki
was..
.(
scoffed)comeonNyashareal
ly?
Nyasha:yesdadreall
y,howaboutgi
vinghera
bot
tl
eofwat eri
nsteadofahugatleast?
Lovemor
e:oki
m goi
ngt
ofi
nishget
ti
ngr
eadyi
m not
upf
oranot
herl
ect
ure

Hesai dgoingbackupwhi l
eNyashascof
fed
shakingherhead.Shesmel l
edthef
oodwithher
l
ipscur vedandlookedbackatwher
etheywere
standing.

I
nCour
t.
..

Judge:youal
lmaybeseat
ed(
theydi
d)Mr
sTaol
o
Alexander:(st
oodup)thankyoumyl ady.Asstated
ont hewitnessli
stwearesupposedtohaveanot her
onet odaybutunfort
unatel
ysheisrunningl
ateso
myl adyiwasr equest
ingweputMsRonaMoet i
on
thestandnow
Judge:MrsTaol
othi
sisacourtr
oom notaf
reedom
squarewher
eyoudoasyoulike
Rona:exact
lyandagai
nwho'
sthatwi
tness?
Judge:hasanyoneaskedyouf
oryouropi
nion?
(Shekeptquiet
)youneedtokeepyourtongueona
l
eash.Mr sTaolothi
sshoul
dbethelastti
met hi
s
happens.Forthesakeofti
meandeveryone's
schedul
eiwi l
lall
owit
Alexander:(
smil
ed)thankyousomuchmyl ady.
Theout comesfrom MsMoeti'
scrossexaminewill
al
sodet erminewetherweshoul
dhavet hatwit
ness
ont hestandornot
Judge:youmaypr
oceed
Alexander
:thankyou.MsRonaMoet
iki
ndl
ymake
yourwaytot hest
andplease

Shesaidwi
thasmil
ewhileRonast
oodupand
swal
lowedf
ixi
ngherski
rt
..
.

Rona:(
mut
ter
ed)bl
oodywi
tch

Shesai
dlooki
ngatGli
diawhosmil
edandwinkedat
her
.Gli
diat
ookoutherphoneandsentat
ext
..
.
Gl
idia:thej
udgehasgi
vent
helawyert
hegreenli
ght
makesur eyouguysar
eher
einafewmi nut
esthen
waitformysignal
.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
24] :AKEPTWOMAN
94

Atschool
..
.

Sai
ntwal
kedwit
hhisfr
iendandsawAppl
esi
tt
ing
ononeoft
hebenchesalone.
..
Sai
nt:iwil
lfi
ndyoui
ncl
assbuddyl
etmet
alkt
omy
si
sterforabi
t

Thefr
iendconti
nuedof
ftothei
rcl
assroom whil
ehe
wenttoAppl
e.Hesatinfr
ontofherbutshedidn'
t
evenbli
nkwit
hherfoodboxinfr
ontofher.
..

Sai
nt:soyouar
egoi
ngt
oletf
li
eshaveyourf
ood
i
nstead?
Appl
e:(
snappedoutofi
t)what
?
Sai
nt:ar
eyouok?
Appl
e:yeswhy?
Sai
nt:nomanyouseem abi
tbot
her
ed.Youwer
e
al
soquietonourwayt
oschool
Appl
e:im okSai
ntit
'
sjustoneoft
hosedays.You
knowwear eaboutt
owrit
eourexamssoit'
sabit
hect
ic
Sai
nt:youar
eneverbot
her
edaboutexamsAppl
e
Appl
e:wel
lthi
sti
mear
oundi
am
Sai
nt:iknowyouAppl
ewhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Appl
e:Sai
ntisai
dimfi
necanyouj
ustl
eaveme
al
one?Youwantthef
ood?
Sai
nt:ofcour
senotij
usthadmi
neao
Appl
e:t
henst
opbot
her
ingme
Saint:sowear
egoi
ngt
okeept
hingsf
rom one
anothernow?
Appl
e:Sai
ntisai
dleavemeal
one
Saint:noAppl ei
sitaboutmom anddad?( She
sighed)isitaboutme?ComeonAppl etalktome,
myt herapistsai
dthatthebestmedicati
onto
ment alhealt
histal
kingyourissuesoutsoplease
talktomesi sidon'tl
ikeseei
ngyoulikethis
Appl
e:(
sighed)okSai
ntyoh
Sai
nt:good
Appl
e:ihadachatwi
thmom l
astni
ghtaf
terdi
nner
Sai
nt:ok?
Appl
e:i
tlooksl
ikeHer
oldi
smyf
ather
Sai
nt:(
slouched)oh
Appl
e:yeah
Sai
nt:howdi
dyouort
heygett
ofi
ndt
hatout
?
Apple:appar
entlybef
oremy" mother
"passedon
shetoldhersist
ertotel
lHerol
daboutthedaught
er
theyhadwhoshehadgi venupforadopt
ion.Mom
andHer ol
dwentupt otheadopti
oncentr
eand
foundoutthatthechi
ldwhowasadopt edbymom
anddadwasHer ol
d's
Sai
nt:howsur
ear
ethey?
Appl
e:samebi
rt
hdat
e
Sai
nt:ohokandhowdoest
hatmakeyouf
eel
?
Apple:ihonest
lydon'tknow.It r
iedsohardtobe
i
ndenialandbringupal otofexcusestowhyt her
e
ar
echancesi tcouldn'tbemebutdeepdowniknow
i
t'
smebecauset herewasi ninstantconnect
ion
wit
ht hi
smant hefirstdayimethi m
Sai
nt:whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?
Appl
e:whati
fHer
oldwant
stot
akemeawayf
rom
myparent
s?
Sai
nt:youareol
denought
odeci
dewhoyouwant
tobewith?
Apple:whati
fhe'
sagoodparentandif
alli
nlove
wit
hhi m?Idon'
twanttobr
eakmyparent'
sheart
s
Sai
nt,idon'
twantto.
..

Sheswal
lowedasemoti
onsgotthebett
erofheras
shet
ookherbooksandf
oodleavingSai
ntther
e..
.

Sai
nt:(
sighed)atl
eastyouhaveapar
entwho
wantstobeinyourli
fesomeofusourbi
ologi
cal
par
entswantnothingtodowithus

Hesai
dheadi
ngt
ohi
scl
assaswel
l
.

I
ncour
t.
..

Ronatookherseatint
hewi
tnessboxast
hebai
l
lif
br
oughtthebibl
e..
.
Kenei
lwe:(
mut
ter
ed)iwi
sht
hatbi
blecoul
dbur
nher
Man:pleaseputyourri
ghthandonthebi
bleand
rai
seyourlef
t(sheswall
owedanddid)iRonaMoeti
sweartotel
lthetr
uth,
thewholetr
uthandnothi
ng
butthetr
uth,sohel
pyouGod"
Rona:(
sof
tl
y)ido
Judge:wedi
dn'
theart
hat
Rona:thenhowdi
dyouheart
hatiwassayi
ng
something?

Thejudgegaveherast
ernl
ookasshecl
ear
edher
thr
oat.
..

Rona:(
loudl
y)ido!

Sherol
ledhereyesaf
terwhi
leever
yoneshookt
hei
r
heads.
..
Judge:youmayproceedMrsTaol
oasforyouRona
yourmelodramat
icanti
cswon'
thel
pyou
Al
exander
:thankyoumyl
ady.Goodmor
ningMs
Moeti
Rona:mhem
Alexander
:canyouki
ndl
yrespondl
ikeahuman
being
Rona:whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay?Thati
m anani
mal
?
Alexander:MsMoet ithi
sisacourtroom notatv
showset .Theremightbecamerasbutwear enot
shootingatelenovel
asceneheresopl easebe
seri
ousorel seyouwillf
acethelaw
Rona:ar
en'
tial
ready?
Judge:MsMoet
i
Rona:yohbathongmadumegajeweaobutanyway
goodmorningtoyoutoo(
sher
olledhereyes)
Al
exander
:(scof
fed)MsMoet
ihowwasyourl
if
e
whengrowingup?
Rona:ar
ewei
nahi
stor
ylessonnow?
Judge:MsMoet
iyoubet
teranswert
hequest
ions
asked
Rona:myl
if
ewasok
Al
exander
:pl
easeexpl
ain"
ok"t
othecour
t
Rona:ihadwhatineeded
Al
exander
:wer
eyoucl
oset
oyourpar
ent
s?
Rona:mymot
heryes
Al
exander
:di
dshet
eachyouever
ythi
ngabout
womanhood?
Rona:ofcour
sei
sn'
tthatar
esponsi
bil
it
yforever
y
par
ent?
Alexander:i
sther
eanythi
ngel
seshet
aughtyou
besidestheordi
nary?
Rona:whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay?
Al
exander
:MsMoet
ianswert
hequest
ionpl
ease
Rona:i
m notgoi
ngtosithereandal l
owyoui
nsul
t
mymot her
'spar
ent
ingskil
ls.Justl
ikeanymot
her
shegavemet heli
feideser
vedwhatdoyoumean
i
sthereanyotherthi
ngshetaughtme?Youar
e
get
ti
ngwayt oofamili
arwit
hmenow
Alexander:(mutter
ed)thisisgoi
ngt
obeaver
ylong
mor ning.(
Sighed)AnywayMsMoet ihowwasyour
rel
ationshi
pwi thyoursibli
ngs
Rona:i
twasasi
bli
ngsr
elat
ionshi
p
Al
exander
:andwhat
'st
hat
?
Rona:soiguessyoudon'
thavesi
bli
ngs
Judge:Ronaanswert
hequest
ion
Rona:noist
hissomeki ndofakidspl
ayorwhat?
Oursibl
ingr
elat
ionshi
pwasasi bli
ngr
elat
ionshi
p
fi
nishandkl
aar(Kenei
lweshookherhead)
Alexander
:(si
ghedcal
mingher
sel
f)di
dyouever
fi
ghtwiththem?
Rona:mmacanyougetser i
ouswit
hyourjoband
askproperquest
ionsst
opwasti
ngourtimepl
ease.
Wheredidyougetyourdegr
ee?Atrai
ningcol
lege
maybe?
Al
exander
:(chuckl
ed)ohwow.OkMsMoet
isi
nce
youwantmet oaskyoupr
operquesti
ons(
saton
theedgeoft
hedesk)ki
ndl
yenlight
enuswhyand
howyoustol
et hemoneyf
rom church
Rona:(
clear
edhert
hroatpout
ing)canipl
easehave
somewat er

AtChi
oma'
shouse.
..

Abi
olacamedownst
air
sandf r
ownedseei
ng
Chi
omaandheadedtotheki
tchen.
..

Abiol
a:you'
resti
llher
e?(
Shegotnor
esponseand
bangedthekit
chencount
er)hey!
Chi
oma:(
star
tl
ed)Abi
!Gosh,
noman
Abi
ola:what
'sgoi
ngonwi t
hyou?Whyar
eyousti
ll
homeareyounotsupposedtobeatt
heof
fi
ce?
Chioma:i
m worki
ngfr
om homear
eyounot
supposedtobeatwor
k?
Abi
ola:noi
m get
ti
ngr
eadyt
ogobackt
oLondon
Chioma:ohsosoon?Whataboutyournew
fr
iendshi
p?
Abi
ola:yessosoonl
oveihaveacompanyt
orun
t
hererememberandhe'
sgoingwit
hme
Chioma:ohokyouwi
llbecomi
ngf
ort
heweddi
ng
ri
ght?
Abi
ola:ofcour
se
Chi
oma:awesome.Youar
esur
eKel
echii
sready?
Abiol
a:ihavebeent
rai
ningherf
oryear
ssoshe'
s
ready
Chi
oma:ok
Abi
ola:sowhat
'sbot
her
ingyou?
Chi
oma:whatar
eyouonabout
?
Abi
ola:youwer
emi
l
esawaywhenicamedown
Chioma:(
exhal
ed)idon'
tknowwhatt ocal
litbut
Lovemoreandihadalit
tl
edri
ftyest
erday
Abi
ola:about
?
Chi
oma:hi
sbabymamacamel
astni
ght
Abi
ola:asi
nTshepo'
sexwi
fe?
Chi
oma:yeah
Abi
ola:ohand?
Chioma:Lucaswasnothavingi
tandLovemor
ewas
madathim itr
iedt
oint
ervenebutweendedupki
nd
ofargui
ng
Abi
ola:ohhewaspr
otect
ingher
?
Chioma:notr
eal
lybuthewast
ryi
ngt
ogetLucast
o
showsomecompassi on
Abi
ola:woul
dyouaft
erlearni
ngthataper
sonwho
wassupposedt
oprotectyouli
edtoyouforso
manyyears?
Chioma:that
'swhyit
ri
edtogetLovemoreto
underst
andwhereLucaswascomingfrom
Abi
ola:okbuthowdoest
hatmakeyouf
eel
?
Chi
oma:whatdoyoumean?
Abi
ola:doyouf
eel
thr
eat
enedaboutherpr
esence?
Chi
oma:(si
ghed)ki
ndof.Imeant
hesepeopl
eshar
e
achi
ldandwhatifLucascal
msdownandwantsto
gettoknowher?ThatmeansLovemor
ewillhavet
o
beinthepi
ctureaswel
landwherewouldChioma
bethen?Thereint
hebackgr
ound
Abi
ola:(
laughed)ar
eyoubei
ngser
iousr
ightnow
Chi
?
Chi
oma:yesAbii
m scar
ed
Abiol
a:doyour eall
ythinkLovemor ewoulddothat
toyou?(Shesighed)t hi
smanl ovesyouChi oma
andsowhatt heyhaveachi ldtogether?Themore
youbecomej ealousthecl osertheywi l
lget
.Agai
n
wearetalki
ngaboutsomeonewhodi dLovemore
badwhywoul dhef allforsuchaper son?Comeon
Chiyouarebetterthant hat
Chi
oma:soyout
hingi
m over
thi
nki
ngt
hings?
Abiol
a:yougotyouranswer.Loosenupmanyoh
themani syour
showdoest hedestiny'
schi
ldsong
goagain?"Theboyismii
ii
ine"

Theyl
aughed.
Backi
ncour
t.
..

Sheslowl
ydr
ankherwat
erwhi
leever
yonewat
ched
her
..
.

Judge:Ronawedon'
thaveal
ldayher
e
Rona:your
eall
yar
egoi
ngt
odect
atehowishoul
d
dr
inkmywat er
?

Thej
udgesighedshaki
ngherheadandwai
tedas
shef
ini
shed..
.

Rona:done,
areyouhappynow?
Al
exander
:goodnowpl
easeenl
ight
ent
hecour
t
Rona:idi
dn'
tst
ealt
hemoneyibor
rowedi
t
Al
exander
:ohr
eal
lydi
dyour
etur
nit
?
Rona:iwasgoi
ngt
o
Al
exander
:when?
Rona:assoonasihadmoney
Alexander:youhadadaughterwhowasmarri
edto
asuccessf ulmanwhydidyounotaskhert
ohelp
your et
urnit?Ohwaitwasi
tbecauseshewasinon
theschemeaswel l?
Rona:look,
allofusleaddif
ferentl
ivesok,j
ust
becauseyouar eabl
et omil
kyourchi l
dofft
hei
r
moneydoesn'tmeani m capableofsuch
Al
exander
:MsMoet
iwhatdi
dyoudowi
tht
he
money?
Rona:ihadbi
ll
stot
akecar
eof
Alexander
:didyout
ellanyoneatchur
cht
hatyou
borrowedthemoney?
Rona:no
Al
exander
:why?
Rona:becauseiwasgoi
ngt
oret
urni
t
Al
exander
:becauseyoust
olei
t
Rona:idi
dn'
tst
ealt
hatmoneyAl
exander
Al
exander
:yourwor
shi
ptoyou.Movi
ngr
ightal
ong,
RonaMoet
ipl
easet
elluswhyyouwer
ear
rest
ed

Herheartski
ppedabeatasshef el
thotf
lushes
comingdownonherwhol ebody.Sheswalloweda
hugelumpandl i
ckherl
ipsl
ookingatthejudge.
..

Rona:canipl
easehaveanot
hergl
assofwat
er
Judge:notanymor
eRona.Respondt
oMr
sTaol
o
pl
ease

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

Lor
naopenedf
orHer
oldandof
fer
edhi
m aseat
..
.

Her
old:howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Lor
na:whatdoyouthi
nk?(Ther
ewassil
ence)oki
m
sor
ry.Woul
dyouli
keanythi
ngtodr
ink?
Her
old:noi
m goodij
usthadcof
fee
Lor
na:ok(
exhal
ed)ihavespokent
oAppl
e
Her
old:ok,
and?
Lor
na:idon'
tknow,
herr
eact
ionconf
usedme
Her
old:how?
Lor
na:idon'
tknowi
fshewasindenialorwhatbut
shekeptbr
ingi
ngupexcusest
obel
ievethati
tcan'
t
beher
Her
old:soshedoesn'
tbel
ievet
hati
t'
sher
Lor
na:ibel
ieveso.Shesaysshewant
ssomet
hing
moreconcr
et et
hanabirt
hdate
Her
old:whatdoesshewant
?
Lorna:DNAt
est
sort
omeetupwi
tht
hef
ami
lyof
thi
swoman
Her
old:wecandobot
h
Lor
na:butweknowt
hati
t'
sher
Her
old:yesbutsheneedsmor
epr
oof
Lor
na:(
sighed)i
m honest
lyscar
edHer
old
Her
old:don'
tbeLor
nanoonei
sgoi
ngt
otakeAppl
e
fr
om you.Youarehermot herandirespectt
hat
(t
ookherhand)alliwanti
st ogettoknowherbett
er
onceshebeli
evesthatim herfat
her
Lor
na:im notwor
ri
edaboutAppl
eonl
y,Sai
ntal
so
worr
iesme
Her
old:whatabouthi
m?
Lor
na:hisbi
ologicalmotherwant
snothi
ngtodo
wit
hhim.Sheliteral
lydumpedhim sowhati
fthi
s
makeshimjealousandhegoesbackt ohisways
andtr
iestohurtApple?
Her
old:t
henwear
enotgoi
ngt
oexcludehi
m Lorna,
wearenotgoi
ngt
omakehimf
eell
ikeanoutsi
der.
Lorna:butget
ti
ngtoknowAppl
erequi
resyou
spendingti
mewi t
hher
Her
old:iwi
llspendtimewiththebot
hoft
hem
Lor
na.Stopwor r
yingyour
self
Lor
na:butHer
old.
..
Her
old:nomanj
ustcomeher
eandcal
m down
Hehuggedherasshesi
ghedshaki
ngherhead.
..

Lorna:t
helastt
hingiwanti
sformyki
dst
ohur
t
eachother
Her
old:t
rustmet
heywon'
t

Backi
ncour
t.
..

Al
exander
:wear
ewai
ti
ngMsMoet
i
Rona:iwasf
oundi
nacave
Al
exander
:wher
e?
Rona:Mol
epol
ole
Al
exander
:whatwer
eyoudoi
ngi
nthatcave?
Rona:si
ghtseei
ng
Al
exander
:inacave?
Rona:isai
datacave
Al
exander
:yousai
d"i
n"acaveMsMoet
ithewhol
e
cour
tcapt
uredt
hatori
m iwr
ongcl
erk?
Lady:noyouar
enot
Alexander
:exact
ly.SoMsMoetihowareyousi
ght
seeinginacavewhichisdar
kinsi
de?
Rona:mmawhenyouaresi
ghtseei
ngyoumake
sur
eyouseeever
ythi
ngt
hat
'sther
e
Alexander
:oh?Okthenhowdi
dyouknowthatthe
rockyoumovedcouldmove?(
Shekeptqui
et)Rona
answerthequest
ion
Rona:it
ookmychances
Alexander:ormaybewasbecauseyouact
ual
ly
knewi tcouldmoveandt
hattherewasahuman
beingyoukeptthere
Rona:no
Al
exander
:whydi
dyouki
llyoursi
sterRona?
Rona:(
heartr
aci
ng)im notf
eel
ingokcanipl
ease
haveaglassofwat
er
Judge:RonaMoet
ianswert
hequest
ion
Al
exander
:youki
ll
edhert
omakesur
eyougetaway
withthehost ageri
ght?Youki ll
edhert omakesure
thatyougai nfrom herdeathim iwr ong?MsMoet i
youkilledyoursister
'stwinsist
ert obeablet o
confuseMayaandTi t
usmor ef oryout ogetaway
withyourdar kwaysi m iwrongRonaMoet i
?
(Loudly)im iwrong!?
Rona:(breat
hingheavi
ly)i
m notokpl
easecal
lfor
medicalhelp(Gl
idi
asmi l
edandmadeherwayout)
Alexander:wear enotgoingtositforyourtacti
cs
thi
st i
mear oundRonaMoet i
.YouknewKenei lwe
wasi nthatcaveyoukepthert heretouseherf or
yourwi t
chcraftandwhenyour eali
sedt hatthey
mighthavef oundoutwher eshewasyout riedtogo
andmoveherbutguesswhati twast oolatehence
youf oundeveryonebehindthatrockthet i
meyou
movedi t.I
m iwr ongRonaMoet i!
?
Rona:(br
eat
hingheavi
lyhol
dingherchest
)im not
feel
ingok
Al
exander
:RonaMoet idi
dyouordi
dyounotst
eal
t
hemoneyf r
om yourchurch?
Rona:(
sti
llbr
eat
hingheavi
ly)isai
dno!
Alexander
:li
es!Youstolethatmoneytofendfor
yoursel
fandyourdaught erwehaveallt
heproof
andyourdaughterconfessedit
.Tellt
hetrut
hRona!
Rona:i
m notokpl
ease!
Alexander:savet
hatf
orsomeonewhocar es.Rona
Moet idi
dyouordidyounotki
llyoursi
sterandhel
d
anotherhostagei
nacavefeedingherr
awl iver
!
Woman:yesshedi
d

Everyonetur
nedtothedooranditwasRona'
sold
fr
iendwithGli
diapushi
ngherinonherwheel
chai
r..
.

Woman:everyt
hingt
hatRonahasdoneican
conf
ir
m.Ievenhavealett
erhermotherl
eftherwi
th
mewhichconfi
rmseveryt
hingher
e

Ronashookherheadandtookadeepbr
eat
hthen
melt
edontheseatasever
yonegaspedi
nshock.
..
Judge:don'
tjustst
andt
her
ecal
lformedi
calhel
p!
Al
exander
:noshe'
sjustbei
ngdr
amat
ic.Rona?

Shesaidgoingtoherwhilet
hebai
ll
ifcal
ledf
or
medicalhel
p.Shekneltdownandcheckedher
pul
sethenfrowned..
.

Judge:and?
Al
exander
:let
'swai
tformedi
calhel
p

Shecl
ear
edhert
hroatandmovedaway.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
25] :AKEPTWOMAN
95

Everyonekeptchecki
ngifshewasgoingt
ogetup
butshejustlai
dthereunr
esponsi
ve.
..

Joshua:whyar
ethemedi
cst
aki
ngsol
ong?
Maya:whydoyoucar
e?
Joshua:babe
Maya:t
hiswomanhasmademyl
if
eal
ivi
nghel
l
Joshua:iknowbutyoudon'
tsaysucht
hings
Maya:i
m sor
rybutRonadoesn'
tdeser
veanypi
ty
mylove
Joshua:(
sighed)ma?
Gl
idi
a:yesson?
Joshua:whathaveyoudone?
Gl
idi
a:whathadt
obedone
Joshua:di
dyougett
hewat
ert
amper
edwi
th?
Gli
dia:excuseme?Whatdoyout akemeforJoshua?
Im notawi t
chandmostcer
tai
nlyiwoul
dneverhurt
anotherhumanbeingi
nthatmanner
Joshua:Mr
sTaol
o
Al
exander
:MrKgang?
Joshua:wer
eyoui
nont
his?
Al
exander
:inonwhat
?Ihavebeendoi
ngmyj
ob
Maya:Joshuawhyar
eyousobot
her
ed?
Joshua:ij
ustwantt
oknowwhati
shappeni
ng
Maya:Ronafai
ntedt
hat
'sal
l.Shecoul
dn'
ttaket
he
heatsoshef
aint
ed

Asshesai dthemedicalt
eam camerunningi
nwi
th
astretcheraspeopl
emadewayf ort
hem.Report
ers
kepttakingphot
oswhilethet
eam at
tendedto
Rona...
Medi
c:st
ethoscope

Theygaveitt
ohim ashecheckedthepulserat
ebut
ther
ewasnone.Hecheckedtheheartbeatand
ther
ewasnone.Heclearedhi
sthroatandtookan
ophthal
moscopeandcheckedtheeyes..
.

Judge:ar
eyouwi
nni
ng?
Medi
c:(
checkedt
het
ime)t
imeofdeat
h11:
45
Al
l:what
!?
Medic:i
m sorr
ysheisnomorewearegoi
ngtohave
totakehert
othehospi
talt
ohavet
hedoct
or'
sfi
nal
sayandhaveanautopsydone
Joshua:ar
eyouguyssur
e?
Medic:yessi
rwehavenopulsenorhear
tbeatand
hereyesshownoli
fe.Pl
easemakeway

Theyputherbodyonthestr
etcherandmadethei
r
wayoutwhileot
herpeopl
elookedonshocked.
..
Lady:t
hishasneverhappened
Preci
ous:wellthi
siswhathappenswhenyouhave
putalotofinnocentsoul
sthr
oughpai
nandmi ser
y.
Shedeservesit
Judge:or
derever
yone,
order
!(Shesai
dhi
tt
ingt
he
gavel
)
Al
exander
:myladywhathappensnowt
hatoneof
t
heaccusedhasdiedont
hestand?
Judge:wear egoingt
owai ttohearf
rom thedoct
or
fi
rstthenwewi l
lknowwhathappensmovi ng
forward.Al
lnecessar
yinformati
onwillbe
communi cat
edoncet hehospit
alhascontactedt
he
court(shehi
tthegavel)
Of
fi
cer
:al
lri
se!

Theyal
ldi
dandassoonassheclosedthedoor
behi
ndhertheyst
art
edt
alki
ngagai
n..
.
Joshua:what
!?
Maya:t
hisi
shonest
lyashocker
Glidi
a:whenGodpuni sheshemakessur et hi
s
shouldbeal essontoallofyou.Nomat t
erhowhard
l
ifegetsneverthinkoftaki
ngshortcut
sbecause
thatleadst
owhatj usthappensyouwilldiean
unexpecteddeath.ThankyousomuchMr sTaol
o
Al
exander:iwouldn'
thavebeenabletodoal
lthi
s
wi
thoutyourhelpMrsKgangt hankyousomuch
Gl
idi
a:t
hepl
easur
eisal
lmi
ne
Keneilwe:iknowthismightbeabi
tinsensi
ti
vebuti
feell
iketherightj
usti
cehasbeenserved
Maya:i
nsensi
ti
vef
orwho?Thi
swomanhadno
mercyonusmom noneofusi
simmor
tal
Joshua:(scof
fedshaki
nghishead)l
et'
sgetgoi
ng
butwho'sgoingtoburyher
?
Maya:isur
eknowi
t'
snotme
Kenei
lwe:idon'
tknowherei
ther
Gl
idi
a:she'
sgover
nmentpr
oper
tyl
ett
hem t
akecar
e
ofher
Joshua:youguysar
erut
hless

Theylaughedmaki
ngthei
rwayoutwhi
lePr
eci
ous
scof
fedfoll
owi
ngtheguar
dout.
..

Preci
ous:yeahRonaMoet i
,ihopeyouarer
eall
y
deadandar eal
readybur
ninginhell
.Ipr
aythedevi
l
cutsyoursouli
ntoti
nypiecesever
ydayandfeeds
hisangels.

Shecli
ckedhert
onguewhi
let
heof
fi
cerescor
ti
ng
hershookhi
shead.

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Chi
omastoppedhercarinfr
ontofthegat
eand
si
ghedsi
tti
ngback.Shesatther
eforafewseconds
anddeci
dedtori
ngthebell
..
.
Nal
e:Kavi
mbahousehol
dhel
lo?
Chi
oma:goodday.Thi
sisMrKavi
mba'
sfr
iendcan
youki
ndl
yopenup
Nal
e:unf
ort
unat
elyMrKavi
mbai
snotar
ound
Chioma:im awar
eofthati
m act
ual
lyher
etosee
you.It
stheladyyouf
oundwhenyoucamel ast
night
Nal
e:ohok.Justasecond

SheputtheearpiecedownandopenedasChi oma
drovei
n.Inalongdr essandsandal
sshegotoffher
carasNalecurvedherlipsl
ookingather
.Shewas
abeauti
fulwoman. .
.

Nal
e:comei
n
Chi
oma:t
hankyou.Maywehaveaseat
?
Nal
e:nopr
obl
em
Chi
oma:howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Nal
e:iwi
llbef
ine
Chi
oma:t
hat
'sgood.Howwasyourni
ght
?
Nal
e:okt
hanks
Chi
oma:howwer
ethi
ngswi
thLucast
hismor
ning
Nal
e:idon'
tthi
nki
t'
sanyofyourconcer
n
Chi
oma:wel
litki
ndofi
s.Lucasi
sli
keasont
ome
Nal
e:nohe'
smi
neandLovemor
e's
Chi
oma:cor
rect
ionMrKavi
mbat
oyou
Nal
e:l
ookidon'
tmeant
ober
udebutwhyar
eyou
her
e?
Chioma:ihonest
lyhat
edoingthisbuticansee
ri
ghtthr
oughyouandifyout hi
nkyouaregoingto
succeedthenyouhavegotital
lwrong
Nal
e:idon'
tunder
stand
Chi
oma:youar
enotbei
nggenui
neNal
eKamodi
Nale:(
clear
edhert
hroat)idon'
tunder
standwhat
youaretryi
ngt
oinsinuate
Chioma:youar
ejusther
ebecauseyouhaveno
whereelset
ogoandi st
ryi
ngtouseLucasasyour
nextbi
gmealti
cket
Nal
e:whydoisenset
hatyouar
ejeal
ous?
Chi
oma:j
eal
ousofwhatexact
ly?
Nale:t
hatmaybeiwanttotakeyourboyfri
endfrom
you.LookheremyladyLovemoreisthefatherof
mychi l
dandLucasismychildandim heretodo
everyt
hingicant
omakesur ethatif
ixal
lmy
wrongs
Chioma:l
et'
sst
artof
fbyyouactual
lymeani
ng
thosewor
ds.Youhaven'
tchangedNal
estopwit
h
themindgames
Nal
e:it
hinkyoushoul
dgo
Chioma:ohiwillbutj ustknowt hatiwil
ldo
anythi
ngandever ythingt oprotectt
hosethatilove.
Ifyouthi
nkthosel i
ttl
et rickst
hatPreci
oustaught
youaregoingtowor kt henyoubet t
ert
hinkagain
becauseChiomaAdi oleneverf i
ghtsalosi
ngbat t
le
anditwouldreall
ybeashamef oryoutothinkyou
haveanychanceatwi nningunlessyouturnanew
l
eaf
.Thi
nkaboutt
hat

Shesai dwal
tzi
ngherwayoutasNaleswall
owed
bli
nking.Chi
omaopenedthegat
eforhersel
fand
droveoutasNalecl
oseditandwal
kedaround
thi
nking..
.

Nale:ibel
ongher
eandim goingtomakesuret
hati
f
ightformyspotint
hishouse.Iwil
lshowyouwhat
i
m capableof

Shecl
ickedhert
ongue.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..

ThegateopenedasLor
naf
rownedchecki
ngwhoi
t
was.
..
Lor
na:t
heki
dsdr
iver
Her
old:oh?
Lor
na:whatt
imei
sit
?Isn'
titt
ooear
lyf
ort
hem t
o
behome?
Her
old:i
tsj
ustami
nut
eaf
ter12
Lor
na:t
henwhy.
..
ohAppl
e
Her
old:r
eal
ly?(
Hel
ookedout
)
Lor
na:what
'swr
ongwi
thmybabyHer
old

Shesai
drunni
ngt
othedoorandopenedf
orher
..
.

Lor
na:Aar
eyouok?
Appl
e:ihaveaheadac.
..
ohwowwhati
shedoi
ng
her
e?
Lor
na:comeonl
ovebeni
ce
Appl
e:nowbecausehet
hinkshehasadaught
er
her
ehethi
nkshecancomei nandoutashe
pl
eases
Lor
na:Ahecamet
ocheckuponme
Appl
e:(
putherbagdown)t
ellmeHerol
dar
eyou
t
ryi
ngtotakemeawayfrom mymother
?
Herol
d:ofcour
senotbabyiwoul
dneverdosucha
t
hing
Appl
e:f
irstofal
ldon'
tcal
lmeyourbaby.Whyar
e
youher
et hen?
Her
old:ij
ustwantt
ogett
oknowyou
Appl
e:whati
fim noti
nter
est
ed?
Lor
na:comeonl
ovecanyouj
ustgi
vehi
m achance?
Appl
e:mayoubar
elyknowt
hisman
Lor
na:iknowt
hatbabybuthedi
dn'
tknowabout
you
Appl
e:howcer
tai
nar
eyouaboutt
hatmom?
Lor
na:A
Appl
e:f
orallweknowhecouldbelyi
ngmamahe
coul
dbefabri
cat
ingal
lthosemessages
Her
old:comeonAppl
ewhywoul
didosuchat
hing
Apple:idon'
tknow,tomakeust hi
nkyouare
genuine.Youprobabl
yneverwant edmeHeroldwel
l
that
'sifi
m yourdaughter.Soyouleftt
hepoor
womanal laloneandmi serabl
eandshehadno
choi
cebutt ogivemeupf oradopt
ion
Lorna:Ayouaregoi
ngtoburstyourheadwit
hal
l
thi
s.Herol
disyourf
ather
.Okthenhowaboutwego
tothi
sfamil
yandhearwhattheyhavetosay?
Appl
e:hehadpr
obabl
ypai
dthem ort
hreat
ened
t
hem tol
ie
Lorna:what
?NoAppl
ecomeonwhyar
eyoubei
ng
l
ikethis
Appl
e:becausemom idon'
twantt
oendupwi
th
someoneidon'tknow
Lorna:l
ikehesai
dnoonei
sgoi
ngt
otakeyouaway
baby
Apple:howsureareyouma?He' sthebiol
ogical
parenthehasallt
herightt
owanttot akemeaway
fr
om you(tear
sbuilti
nhereyes)idon'twanttobe
awayf r
om youmom idon't
Lorna:nomybabyyouar el
ookingi
ntothisall
wrong.Youareanadul tnowmybaby, youhavet he
ri
ghttomaket hatdecisionnoonehast herightt
o
for
ceyoui nt
oanyt hi
nganymor e.Al
lHer ol
dwant s
i
st ogettoknowt hechi l
dheneverknew
Appl
e:(
sni
ff
ed)r
eal
ly?
Her
old:yesAppl
ethat
'sal
liwant
Appl
e:ar
eyousur
eyoudi
dn'
tknowaboutme?
Herol
d:yesAppl
ewhatwoul
digai
nfr
om l
yingt
o
you?
Appl
e:butst
il
liwantpr
oof
Her
old:what
everyouwantdone
Appl
e:DNAt
est
s
Her
old:wecangonow
Appl
e:okt
henl
etmegochangeandt
akeapi
llal
l
t
hisgavemeaheadache
Lor
na:il
oveyoubaby
Appl
e:il
oveyoumor
emom
Shesni
ff
edandheadedupwhi
leLor
nasi
ghed
l
ooki
ngather
..
.

Lor
na:she'
sdef
ini
tel
yconf
used
Herol
d:(
puthisar
m ar
oundhershoul
der
s)she
l
ovesyouthatmuch
Lor
na:sheneedst
olear
nthati
m agr
ownwomani
cantakecar
eofmysel
f

Theychuckl
edandsatdownwai
ti
ngf
orher
.

AtLucas'
sschool
..
.

Hetr
iedtoopenhisj
uicebuti
twoul
dn'
tashe
t
osseditawayfr
om hi
m. .
.

Lucas:mxm
Sundae:(
satdown)ar
eyouokLucas?
Lucas:i
mfi
ne
Sundae:noyouar
enot
Lucas:Sundaeij
ustsai
dthati
mfi
ne
Sundae:youar
eangr
yandyouar
egoi
ngt
otel
lme
why
Lucas:haveyoueverl
oat
hedsomeoneandthey
al
waysf i
ndthei
rwaybackint
oyourspace?
Sundae:oki
tseemst
obedeep
Lucas:Pr
eci
ouscan'
tjustl
etmego, nowshehas
comei nt
hefor
m ofmy" bi
ologi
calmother
"
Sundae:whathappened?
Lucas:sherockedupatourdoorst
epl
astnightand
putanallholyactandguesswhatmydadfellf
orit
Nyasha:andithi
nkyouareri
ghtLucasbecausei
foundhercryi
ngindad'
sarmsthismorni
ng.Mayi
sit
?
Sundae:yeahsur
e
Lucas:yousee?Ther
e'snothi
nggoodaboutthat
womanshej ustwant
st ouseustost
artoverand
dadistoobli
ndtoseeit
Nyasha:weneedt
odosomet
hingabouther
Lucas:theonlyt
hingweneedt
odoi
smakesur
e
thatsheleavest
hathouse
Sundae:butwhati
fyouguysgoti
tal
lwr
ong?
Nyasha:ithoughtsoatf i
rstbutafterwhatisaw
thismorningihadt othinkagain.Ifthiswomanwas
amot herenoughshewoul dhaveneverl etPr
ecious
takeLucas, i
fshel ovedLucasshewoul dhave
madesur et hathest ayedwi t
hher .It
'snotli
kethere
wasar t
if
icialinseminationshesl eptwi t
hourfather
,
Lucasisherbl ood
Lucas:exact
ly.She'sjusther
etoexploitusandim
sonotgoingtohavei t.Dadbett
erknowwhat '
s
comingbecausei fpushcomest oshovehe' sgoi
ng
tohavetochoose.If oronewantnothingt odowit
h
thatwoman.Sheneverwant edmewhycl aimto
wantmenow?Scr ewherman
Sundae:okigett
hatyouar
eangr
ybutwat
chyour
t
ongue
Lucas:sor
ry
Sundae:ihearyouguysandifyoudon'twant
anythi
ngtodowi t
hherthenfi
nenoonehast o
for
ceyout ohaveherinyourl
if
e.Talkt
oyourdad
aboutitandmakeitcl
eartohim andNalewhatyour
deci
sioniswhichihopeyouwon' tr
egr
etinfutur
e
Lucas:regretwhat?Ihaveaunt
yMayainmylif
e
Sundaet hatwomanhasbeent heonl
ywomanwho
haslovedmel ikeherown.Idon'
tcar
eaboutNal
e
sheneedst ogo
Nyasha:sher
eal
lyneedst
ogo

Sundaeopenedhi
sjui
cef
orhi
m andgavei
ttohi
m.

AtKavi
mbamot
ors.
..

Chioma:(openedthedoor
)youarehonest
lymaki
ng
thebiggestmist
akeofyourl
if
eLovemore
Lovemor
e:(ont
hephone)l
etmecallyouback.(
He
hungup)gooddayt
oyoutoolove
Chi
oma:thatwomanneedstoleaveyourhouseor
el
seyouaregoingt
oloseal
lyourchil
dren
Lovemor
e:what
?
Chi
oma:t
here'
snowayLucasisgoi
ngtowel
come
Nal
einhi
sli
feaft
erwhatshedi
dtohim
Lovemor
e:i
sthi
sreal
lyaboutLucas?
Chi
oma:yeswhoel
sewoul
ditbeabout
?
Lovemor
e:wel
lwhati
fit
hinkyoumi
ghtbej
eal
ous?
Chioma:(scoff
ed)excuseme?Mej ealous?Over
anotherwoman?Youhavenof eeli
ngst owardst
his
womant obeginwith.Theonl
yconnect i
onyouhave
wit
hheri sLucaswhichshe'
ssti
llf
aili
ngt o
acknowledge
Lovemore:okhowaboutweset
tl
ethi
sonceandf
or
al
loverdinnerl
ater
Chioma:f
inebymebutyouhavet oconvi
nceLucas
andohiwenttoseeherj
ustincaseshedeci
desto
runtoyouandtr
ytoactal
lholy
Lovemor
e:why?
Chi
oma:i
mt i
redofsnakesLovemor
eandi
m not
goi
ngt
oletyounestoneyetagai
n
Lovemor
e:(
sighed)ok(
atextr
epor
ted)i
t'
sher
Chi
oma:and?
Lovemor
e:she'
saski
ngi
fwecanhaveaf
ami
ly
meeti
ngtoni
ght
Chioma:good.Youhavet
omakesur
ethatLucasi
s
there
Lovemore:pl
easetalkt
ohimforme(shegavehi
m
alook)he'
smadatmeChihewon' tevenhearme
outsoifeell
ikei
fit'
syouaski
nghi
mt ocal
m abi
t
downhewoul dli
sten
Chi
oma:iwi
llt
ry
Lovemore:t
hankyouandonceagai
nsor
ryabout
l
astnight
Chioma:it
sokdon'teverdoi
tagai
nandyesi
ma
l
itt
lebi
tjeal
ousbecausesomemenhaveweak
spotsf
ortheirbabymama's
Lovemore:comeonlovethatwomanwas
Preci
ous'
sf r
iendwhywouldievenf
allf
orher.
Speaki
ngofPr eci
ousdi
dyouhearthelat
est?
Chioma:yesij usthear
dont henewst
hather
mot hercol
lapsedincourtandshehasbeen
confirmeddead
Lovemor
e:shocki
ngr
ight
?
Chioma:l
et'
sjustsaywhenGodsai
dtouchnotmy
anoint
edhemeanti t
Lovemor
e:l
unch?
Chi
oma:sur
e

Theysmil
edashet
ookhi
sthi
ngsandf
oll
owedone
anot
herout.

Att
hehospi
tal
..
.

Lornast
eppedoutleavi
ngAppleandHerol
dwi
th
thedoct
orinsi
deandcalledDuncan.
..
Duncan:hel
lo?
Lor
na:ar
eyouupf
ordi
nnert
oni
ght
?
Duncan:yeahsur
ewhy?
Lor
na:t
her
ear
eaf
ewt
hingsiwoul
dli
keust
oir
on
out
Duncan:ohokwhatt
ime?
Lor
na:7pm
Duncan:okshoul
dibr
inganyt
hing?
Lor
na:noj
ustyour
sel
f
Duncan:okt
henseeyout
hen
Lorna:bye(theyhungupasshesi
ghed)ihopet
his
goeswel lLord

Shewentbacki
nsi
de.

Att
hecl
ini
c..
.
Joshuasmil
edholdi
ngMaya'shandwhosmiled
backathi
m andgiggl
edasthedoct
orappl
iedthe
col
dgelonherlowerabdomen.
..

Dr
:(smi
led)sor
ryf
ort
hat

Hetookt
hetransducerandmovedi
tar
oundasa
soundst
art
edtocomeout ..
.

Joshua:wai
twhat
'st
hat
?
Dr
:(smil
ed)t
hat
'sthehear
tbeatsi
r.MsMoet
iyou
ar
eindeedpr
egnant
Maya:ohwow.Babe
Joshua:(
tear
ful
ly)i
sthi
sreal
lyhappeni
ng?
Dr:yessi
rit
sreall
yhappeni
ng.Congradul
ati
onst
o
t
hebot hofyou.Youare14dayspregnant
Maya:t
hankyoudoct
or
Joshua:t
hankyoudoc.(
Smi
led)babe?
Maya:yesl
ove?
Joshua:t
hankyousomuch(
sni
ff
edast
ear
sbui
lti
n
hi
seyes)
Maya:awwbabedon'
tcr
ynow
Joshua:nol
ovethingi
sihavealwaysdreamtof
thi
sdayandit'
shereandfeelsri
ghtsothankyouso
much.Icoul
dn'thavel
ovedittobeanyoneelsebut
you
Maya:(
tear
ful
ly)youar
egoingt
omakecr
yaswel
l
now.You'
rewelcomemylove
Joshua:andtr
ustmeimeani tmyl
ovet
hankyou
somuchf rom t
hebot
tom ofmyhear
t
Maya:comeher eloveandwemustthankGodf
or
maki
ngi tpossi
ble(theyhugged)
Dr:(
smi
led)ibel
ievet
hisi
sast
artoft
hesoccer
t
eam
Joshua:ohweal
readyhavet
wo
Dr
:thati
sli
kewhat
,8mor
etogo
Theyallbur
sti
ntoalaughasJoshuaki
ssedMaya'
s
for
eheadandmut t
eredtear
ful
ly.
..

Joshua:il
oveyou
Maya:(
mut
ter
edback)il
oveyoumor
e

Thedoct
orfi
nishedwi
pingherst
omachast
hey
tookt
hei
rseat
s.
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
25] :AKEPTWOMAN
96
THATEVENI
NG

Att
heKavi
mba'
s.
..

Aft
eraverylongshowerLucasfinal
lycamedown
andfoundeveryonewait
ing.Hecurvedhi
sli
psand
scof
fedsit
ti
ngbet weenNyashaandChioma..
.

Lucas:i
m her
e
Lovemore:t
hankyouf oragr
eei
ngtothi
smychi
ld.I
knowitwasn'teasybutwehavetodothi
s
Lucas:ohtrustmedadi
tsur
ewasn'
t.Youhave
auntyChiomat ot
hankf
ormaki
ngmeseer eason
Nal
e:(
mut
ter
ed)iwonderwhatshesai
d
Chi
oma:pl
easesayt
hatoutl
oud
Nal
e:what
?
Chi
oma:whatyouj
ustsai
dki
ndl
ysayi
toutl
oud
Nal
e:idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing
Lucas:t
hisi
sthel
astwomanyoucant
hinkofl
ying
tosohelpyour
sel
f
Nal
e:notmeaningt
obedi sr
espectf
ulLovemore
whati
sshedoinghere?Thisisafamil
ymat t
er
Lucas:(
scof
fed)f
ami
lyshesays
Nyasha:MrKavi
mbat
oyou
Lovemore:okguyspleasecalm down.Nale,Chi
oma
i
st hewomani minar el
ati
onshi
pwi thandit'
snota
secret
.Shedeservestobehereasmuchasyou
thi
nkyoudeservetobeher easwell.I
m planni
ngto
spendtherestofmylifewit
hherandi m notgoi
ng
tokeepanythi
ngfrom her
Nal
e:buti
m notcomf
ort
abl
ear
oundher
Lucas:youbeingherealoneshouldmakeyou
uncomfort
ableandyouknowwhatdad, im not
goingtobeataroundthebushiwantt hi
swoman
outofourhousebecauseshe' sevi
l.Wehavehad
enoughofthatwithPreciousandwear enotgoi
ng
togobackthereagain
Nyasha:i
m wi
thLucasont
hatoneespeci
all
yaf
ter
whatisawthi
smorning
Lovemor
e:Nyashat
hatwasani
nnocenthug
Lucas:howdoyouhugyourr
api
stdad
Lovemor
e:wat
chyourt
ongueLucas
Lucas:it
'sthetr
uthdadthi
swomanr apedyouf
or
herfr
iend'sbenefi
alhowdark.I
fiwer
eyouiwould
beashamedofmysel f
Nal
e:Lucasi
m sor
ryiwasi
nadar
kspacet
hen
Lucas:ohandnowyoucl aimt ohaveseent helight?
Yout hinkyourl i
tt
lemoveoft esti
fyingagai nst
Preci
ousi sgoi ngt oputinsomescor esforyou?
(Scoffed)youhavegot tenitallwrongmyl adyi m
notoneoft hoseweakbl i
ndmenandist andbymy
wordihat eyouandidon' twantyoui nmyl ife(she
snif
fedpi nchinghereyes)savet het earsfor
someonewhocar es.Youhavehur tme, noact ually
youki l
ledmeNal eyouat emeal i
ve.16year sofmy
l
ifeandyoul ookedandsmi ledatmeasi fyoudi dn't
knowt het r
uth.Iabhor eyou
Chioma:(r
ubbi
nghisback)iknowyouar eangrymy
boyandiunderst
andverywellwhybutforyourown
goodhealt
hyouneedtoletgoofthehate.Im not
sayingwel
comeherinyourli
fe,i
m notsayi
ng...
Nal
e:whyi
sshet
alki
ngt
omychi
ld?
Chi
oma:excuseme?
Lovemor
e:Chiwai
t.
..
Chioma:noLovemor eim notgoingtowai t
,look
l
adyi mtryi
ngt ohelpthischildmoveonf rom the
painyouhaveputhi mt hrough.Howr i
chofyout o
evencallhim yourchil
d?Yeshemi ghtbeyourchi l
d
becauseyoucar ri
edhim buthaveyouact uall
ydone
yourduti
esasamot her?Hel lno.Sopleasedon't
comeupi nher ewithyourfaket ear
sandt hinkyou
canmani pulat
ethesetwogent l
emenintobel i
evi
ng
thatyouhavechanged
Lovemor
e:Chical
m down
Chioma:(hitt
hecouchst
andingup)noLovemore,
no!Im honest
lysi
ckandti
redofpeopl
eli
kethi
s
snake
Lovemor
e:Chi
!
Chioma:yesLovemoreshe'
sasnakeandshe
knows.Shei snother
etomendf
encesshe'
sher
eto
rui
nyourlives
Nal
e:youknownot
hingaboutme!
Chioma:ohiactual
lyknowalotmissyandtr
ustme
youdon'twantmetosayt het
hingsyouhavebeen
plot
ti
ngsinceyougotthatki
dney
Al
l:what
!?
Chi
oma:Nal
etaket
hel
it
tl
edi
gni
tyyouhavel
eftand
l
eave
Lovemor
e:nonoChi
omawait,
soNal
eyouhave
beenpl
anni
ngthi
sal
lal
ong?
Nal
e:Lovemor
eal
liwanti
stohavea.
..
Lovemor
e:getoutNal
e
Nal
e:Love.
..
Lovemor
e:(
angri
ly)isai
dgetout
!Gett
hehel
loutof
myyardyouwit
ch!Out !
Nal
e:(
cryi
ng)Lucaspl
ease
Lucas:t
hisshoul
dbethel
astt
imeyousaymy
namewi t
hyourfi
lt
hymouth
Nal
e:Lucas.
..
Nyasha:youwer
easkedt
oleave
Nal
e:ihavenowher
etogo
Lovemore:andwho'
spr
obl
em i
sthat
?Getoutofmy
house,
out!

Heshout edasshejumpedstar
tl
edandheadedto
thebedroom cryi
ng.Shet
ookherthi
ngsandlooked
atthem astheyshowednoremorse.
..

Nal
e:Lucasi
m yourmot
her
Al
l:out
!

Sheswallowedahugel umpandmadeherwayout
asNyashaopenedt hegat ef
orher
.Sheleftandit
wasclosedastheyallsatdown.Snif
fi
ngwi t
htears
al
loverherfaceshewal keddowntheroadtryi
ngto
getari
debuttowhereshehadnoi dea.Shetook
herphoneandcheckedifshehadai r
timebutthere
wasnone.ShesentTshepoacal lmebackt extand
wait
edforhiscal
lbutdi
dn'tgetany.Sheswal l
owed
asataxist
oppedforher
...

Man:wher
ear
eyougoi
ngma'
am?
Nal
e:pol
icest
ati
on
Man:okhopi
n

BackinthehouseChiomabr oughtapotoft
eaas
theypouredf
orthemselves.
..

Lovemor
e:ican'
tbel
ieveial
mostf
ellf
orher
scheme
Lucas:andiwasser
iousdadi
twasei
thergoi
ngt
o
bemeorher
Chi
oma:iwasseri
ousthoughLucasyouneedt
olet
gooft
hehatr
ed.Iunderst
andthatyouar
eangr
y
andhur t
ingbutkeepi ngthatinforalongt imei snot
goodforyoursoulmyboy.Youar egoi ngtobar e
thi
syourwhol el i
feandgainwhat ?Not hi
ngsodoi t
foryourself
.Nooneel sebutyourself.Nextthing
youwi l
lbet akingitoutont hewr ongpeopl e.You
aredati
ngmyni eceandiwoul dhatef oryoutol ose
herbecauseoft his.YesNal eandPr ecioushur tyou
butyouar egr owingi ntoayoungmant hatmeans
youaret hepor terofyourowndest i
ny.Doyouwant
yourdest i
nytobedef i
nedbythem?
Lucas:ofcour
senot
Chioma:thentakethefir
stst
epofmakingsur
ethat
neverhappensandt hati
slet
ti
nggoandalways
remembert hati
t'
snotforanyoneel
sebutyou
Lucas:(si
ghed)okaunt
yihearpl
ust
her
e'smor
eto
l
ifethanthi
s
Chi
oma:mypointexact
ly.Iwil
lkeepyouinmy
pr
ayer
sthatGodhelpyout hr
oughthi
sjourney
Lucas:whatifGodpuni
shesmef
ornotwel
comi
ng
herinmylif
e?
Chi
oma:Godwoul
dneverl
etyousi
tonan
uncomf ortableseatmyboy.Asl ongasyouknowi n
yourhear tthatyouhavel etgo,t
hat'
sallthat
mat t
ers.Theonl yt hi
ngthatGodwant siswhat'
sin
ourhear t
s.For givi
ngaper sondoesn'
tmean
forgett
ingwhatt heyhavedoneitismakingsure
thatthegr eateronethatisinyousit
sinacl ean
throne.Ihopei m maki ngsense
Lucas:youar eauntyyoureal
lyareandiappreci
ate
thatandpr omiseyouthatiwi
llt
alktoGodandask
forguidancebutwhatiknowi siwantnot
hingtodo
withthatwoman
Chi
oma:t
otal
lyunder
stoodmyboy
Lovemor
e:soyoucangetangr
ylove?
Chi
oma:don'
ttestme

Theybur
sti
ntoal
augh.

Att
heDuncan'
s.
..
Duncanf
rownedseei
ngHer
old'
scarwhi
lepar
king
hi
s..
.

Duncan:whati
sthi
sonedoi
ngher
e?

Hescoffedandgotoffmaki
nghiswayt ot
hehouse
whereLornacl
earedhert
hroatandopenedthe
door
...

Lor
na:hi
Duncan:goodeveni
ng(
hewenti
n)ibr
oughtsome
wine
Lor
na:t
hankyoupl
easegr
abaseat
Duncan:t
hanks.Heyguys
Ki
ds:hel
lodad
Duncan:ihopeyouguysar
egood
Sai
nt:can'
tcompl
ain
Duncan:t
hat
'sgood.Howar
eyouA?
Appl
e:i
m okpopsandyou?
Duncan:t
aki
ngeachdayasi
tcomes.MrHer
old
Her
old:goodeveni
ngsi
r
Duncan:(
wit
hhisteet
hcl
enched)iseeyoucoul
dn'
t
waitf
ormetoleave
Her
old:par
don?
Duncan:youhaveani
ceshi
rton
Her
old:oh,
thankyou
Lor
na:t
hanksf
orcomi
ngonceagai
nDuncan
Duncan:iwoul
dn'tt
radespendi
ngt
imewi
thmy
fami
lyforanyt
hing
Lor
na:howar
etheweddi
ngpr
epar
ati
onsgoi
ng?
Duncan:f
ant
ast
icever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
nggoodt
husf
ar
Lorna:t
hat
'sgr
eati
beti
tsgoi
ngt
obeamar
vel
lous
event
Duncan:j
ustmakesur
eyouar
ether
e
Lorna:wouldn'
tmissi
tfort
heworl
d.(
Clear
edher
thr
oat)beforewecoul
deatiwant
edustogett
o
whyi
askedyout
ocomeoverf
ir
st
Duncan:ohoknopr
obl
em
Lorna:Duncanyouhavemadeyourmi stakesand
youhaveyourshor tcomingsbutthatdoesn'
tmake
youabadf athertotheseki
ds.Idon'tt
hinkiwoul
d
havebeenabl etorai
sethem i
fyouwer en'
tbesi
des
me
Duncan:t
hankyou
Lor
na:ibel
ievet
heybel
ievethatdespi
teever
ythi
ng
youar
eagooddadi sn'
titki
ds?
Bot
h:i
tismom
Lorna:butsinceyouknowt hatwewer eunf
ort
unate
tohavebiologicalchi
ldr
enwehadt oadoptandthat
meanst heyhavet hei
rbiol
ogicalparents
Duncan:yeah
Lorna:whati
mt r
yingt
osayisthatAppl
e'spar
ent
s
havereachedoutandwoul
dliketogett
oknowher
Duncan:it
houghtt
heydi
dn'
twantt
obeknown
Lor
na:yesbutnowwhenhermot
herpassedshe
askedhersist
ert
otellApple'
sfat
hert
hatthey
actual
lyhadachi
ldtogetherwhoisAppl
e
Duncan:(
slowl
ytur
nedt
oHer
old)andwho'
sthi
s
fat
her?
Lor
na:(
sighed)youar
elooki
ngathi
m
Duncan:(
satback)oh
Lor
na:yes,
Her
oldi
sAppl
e'
sfat
her
Duncan:ok
Lor
na:(
frowned)ok?
Duncan:yeahok
Lorna:ar
eyounotgoi
ngt
osayanyt
hingbeyond
that?
Duncan:howdoest
hismakeyouf
eelAppl
e?
Apple:itr
eall
yscaredmebutmom assur edmethat
noonei staki
ngmeaway.Lookiappr eciat
eyou
wantingmet obeapar tofmyl i
feMrHer ol
dbuti
knowt hesetwoasmypar ent
s.Im notsayi
ngidon'
t
wantt ogettoknowyoubutiwantyout oknowand
understandthatiwil
lal
waysputDuncanandLor na
f
ir
stnomat
terwhatbecauset
heset
wogavemea
l
if
e
Her
old:iunder
standandr
espectt
hat
Duncan:di
dyouknowyouhadsomeonepr
egnant
?
Herol
d:nosiri
mt ol
dthatshediscoveredt
hatshe
waspregnantt
womont hsafterourbreakupbut
deci
dedtokeepittoher
selfbecauseshedidn'
t
wantanythi
ngtogetbetweenmycar eerandi
Duncan:andhowdoyouf
eel
aboutt
hat
?
Her
old:i
m act
ual
lyappal
ledthatshet
houghti
woul
dputmycareerbeforemyownbl oodbuti
tis
i
nthepastnow
Duncan:isee.Sai
ntmyboy
Sai
nt:yesdad
Duncan:howdoyouf
eel
?Andpl
easebehonest
wit
hus
Sai
nt:i
m happyforAbutatthesamet i
meim
hur
ti
ngandwi shmybiologi
calpar
entwoulddothe
sameforme.Itsnotni
ceknowingthataperson
whobroughtyouint
othisworl
dwant snot
hingtodo
withyoubutli
keAsaidyouguysgaveusali
feand
that'
sallt
hatmat
ter
s.Youareourpar
ents(
Lorna
smiled)
Duncan:i
m pr
oudofyouson
Sai
nt:t
hanksdad
Duncan:andnomatterwhatiwi l
lalwaysbether
e
foryouguysandhopeMrHer ol
dyouar enotgoi
ng
tomakemysonf eell
eftoutthisishissi
ster
.They
grewupdoingever
ythingtogether
Her
old:i
m nother
etor
uinanyr
elat
ionshi
pst
rust
meMrD
Duncan:i
m gl
ad.Thankyouf
orl
ett
ingmeknow
aboutt
hisLor
na
Lor
na:youar
eAppl
e'
sfat
herDyoudeser
vet
oknow
Duncan:caniasksomet
hing?
Lor
na:ok?
Duncan:j
ustf
orcl
ari
tyi
sther
eanyt
hinggoi
ngon
bet
weenyouguys?
Lor
na:nonotatal
l
Her
old:nosi
rwear
ejustgoodf
ri
ends
Duncan:okbutjustknowt hatshouldyouguys
somewheredownt helinefeelli
keyouf eel
somethi
ngforoneanot herdon'tbeafraidtotr
yit
outwhatiwantyout oknowHer ol
disthatthi
s
womandeservest obehappy.Ihavemi ssedouton
achancetodothatbutiwantanymanwhohast he
chancetodothatgrabt hechancewi t
hbot hhands
Appl
e:awwt
hat
'ssosweetofyoudad
Lor
na:(
smi
led)wowt
hankyouD
Duncan:andimeani tshoul
danymant rytomess
wit
hyout heywi l
lhavemet odealwithbecause
yourhappinessmeansourki dsbeinghappyandi
don'
twantt otakechancesont hat
Appl
e:il
ovet
hisnewDuncan
Lor
na:iknowr
ight
?He'
sagoodman(
theyl
aughed)
Duncan:nowcanweeati
m dyi
ng
Lor
na:ohyesl
et'
seatpl
ease
Theyallduginchat
ti
ngloudl
ywhi l
eAppl
elookedat
Herol
dwhol ookedatherandtheybot
hsmiled.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG

AtChi
oma'
shouse.
..

Abiol
a:canyoubel
ieveitChishesentTshepocall
backsandwhenhedi dn'
trespondtothem shegot
thepoli
cetocal
lhi
m
Chi
oma:whatdi
dhesay?
Abiola:het
oldt
hem t
hattheyarenolongert
oget
her
butiaskedhimtosendhersomecasht ogobooka
guesthouseandfort
hefi
r stbusbackhomethi
s
mor ning
Chioma:whati
fsheusest
hatt
otr
yandgetmoney
fr
om him?
Abiol
a:Tshepoi
snotani
diotl
ove.Hedi
dn'
twantt
o
sendthemoneyihadtobeghim
Chi
oma:sher
uinedherl
if
eit
'
sti
meshef
acedt
he
music
Kel
echi
:knockknockgoodmor
ningl
adi
es
Abi
ola:ohhiKel
e.Whatal
ovel
ysur
pri
se
Chi
oma:howdi
dyougeti
n?
Kel
echi
:atleastpr
etendt
hatyouar ehappytosee
meChi,comeonbutanywayist i
llhadthekeyson
meandt hat
'swhyim her
e.Ibr
oughtthem back
Chi
oma:o-
kay.
..
Kel
echi
:loosenupl
ovei
m nother
etofi
ghtyou,
whatdi
dyouguyshaveforbr
eakf
ast
?
Chioma:therear
enol ef
toversbutyoucanhel
p
yoursel
fwithanyt
hinginthekit
chen
Kel
echi
:per
fect

Shesanggoingtot
heki
tchenasChi
omawidened
hereyesandshr
ughershoul
der
slooki
ngatAbi
ola
whoshrughersaswel
l.
..
Kelechi
:(suckherf
inger
)sohowdoesi
tfeelt
o
fi
nall
ygetlaidsi
s
Chi
oma:huh?
Kel
echi
:weknowyouareri
dingthatbl
ackmachi
ne
sweet
soutwit
hal
lthenast
ydetail
s
Chi
oma:ewwKel
echi
no
Kelechi
:ohpleaseChiomastopacti
nglikeachi
ld.
Isitgood?Doyouneedsomet i
ps?Gir
lihopeyour
arcskil
lsareperf
ectyouar
er epr
esent
ingusinthat
bedroom (t
heylaughed)
Chi
oma:si
esman
Kel
echi
:iknowyoumi
ssedme
Chi
oma:whatdoest
hismean?
Kelechi:youknowim notonetobeemotionaland
allbutiwantedtoletyouknowthati
m over
Lovemor ebabes.Oursist
erhoodi
smorei mportant
toletamangetbet weenus
Chi
oma:oh?
Kel
echi
:yesandimeani
t.Despi
tet
hat
,my
apart
mentishonest
lybor
ingt
heonl
ygoodt
hing
aboutiti
smytwoboyfri
ends
Abi
ola:what
!?
Chi
oma:t
wo?
Kelechi:honeymynameisKelechiAbiol
aandwhat
Kelechiwantssheget
s,ihavethosetwoyummy
chocolateseati
ngf
rom t
hepalm ofmyhand(they
l
aughed)
Abi
ola:i
m cur
ioust
hough,
howdoyouguysdoi
t?
Chi
oma:(
slappedherhand)Abi
Abi
ola:noChiineedt oknowimeant women,one
woman, equat
ionisalit
tl
ebitshakyormaybeyou
ar
edoingt hem atdi
ff
erentt
imes?
Kel
echi:sameti
meboobooandwhathappensin
Kel
e'
sbedr oom st
aysi
nherbedr
oom (
shewinked
andlaughed)
Chi
oma:t
hankyousomuchif
oronedon'
teven
wantt
oknow
Kel
echi
:af
terKar
aboMor
okai
t'
sme,
pol
yandr
y
vi
besmygirl
s
Chi
oma:youar
esodi
rt
y

Theyl
aughedandcont
inuedt
ocat
chup.

I
nCour
t.
..

Ever
yonetookt
hei
rseatast
hej
udgeputonher
gl
asses.
..

Judge:i thasbeenconf i
rmedt hatindeedMsRona
Moet ihaspassedonduet oheartfail
urecausedby
al otofstress.Nonet hel
essi m goingtopassonmy
judgementandsent encingbecausewest i
llhave
oneoft heaccusedwi t
hus.MsPr eciousMoet i
pleasest andonyourf eet.(
Shedi d)watchi
ngt hi
ngs
andnotdoanyt hingaboutt hem ortomaket hings
rightisconsideredbei nganaccompl i
ce.MsMoet i
youhavewat chedyourmot herhurtalotoflives
andevenst ealfrom achur chbutyoudi dnot hing
aboutt hoseinsteadyouhel pedherdoal lt
hose
things.Evensoyour ealisedt hatyouwer enotonl y
beinganaccompl icebutwer eal sousedi nthe
processhenceyoudeci dedt ot urnanewl eaf.Too
l
ittl
et oolateMsMoet ibecauset hiscour tfi
ndsyou
guiltyofbeinganaccompl icetoever ythingthathas
happened.Ther eforeMsMoet i
,youhavebeen
sent encedto2year sofi mpr isonmentf orsteal
ing
from yourmot her '
schur chand5year sofbei ngan
accompl i
cetoyouraunt '
sabduct i
on.Thatmakesi t
at otalof7year sofi mpr isonmentbutshoul dyou
behavewel lf
orhal foft hatsent enceyouwi l
lbe
l
egi bletoapplyf orpar ole.Shoul dyougett hat
par oleandnotbehavewhenyouar eoutyouwi llbe
sentbackt oprisonwi thnohesi tati
onandan
addi ti
onalsentence.Cour tisadj ourned( shehitthe
gavel )
Of
fi
cer
:al
lri
se

Theydi
dasshemadeherwayout
..
.

Maya:iwi
shRonahadn'
tdi
edyouknow
Kenei
lwe:i
m gl
adshedi
d.Ear
thcandowi
thouther
Maya:sheneededt
osuf
ferma
Keneil
we:pri
sonissuff
eri
ng?Thosepeopl
ehavea
shel
terabovethei
rheadsandeatever
ydaythat
's
notsuff
eri
ngtome
Maya:your
eal
lydon'
twantherneh
Kenei
lwe:whoar
ewet
alki
ngaboutagai
n?

Theylaughedandmadet
hei
rwayoutasGl
idi
a'
s
phonerang..
.

Gl
idi
a:Mr
sKganghel
lo?
Nal
e:whydi
dn'
tyoul
etmedi
e?
Gl
idi
a:who'
sthi
s?
Nale:iwasr
eadytodi
ebutyougavemea
st
ranger'
ski
dneynowihavetogr
ovel
Gli
dia:ohi
t'
syou(scof
fed)mybabyther
eare
peoplewhodeser
vetodieandther
earethosewho
deser vepunishmentfrom t
heearth.Youreally
thoughticar edaboutyou?Nomyl ovenotevena
bitijustwant edt
omakesur ethatyoudon'tescape
facingt heconsequencesofyouractionsandsee
howst upidyouhavebeen.Nextti
meyouwi llknow
tonevergi veyourli
fetosomeone.Haveagoodl i
fe
mygi rl
.Allt
hebest(shehungupandcl i
ckedher
tongue)t heseyounggirl
s

Shechuckl
edget
ti
ngi
nthecar
..
.

Gli
dia:sotel
lmeKenei
lwewhenar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
o
getyoursel
faman?

Theyl
aughedasshedr
oveof
f.

I
nMol
epol
ole.
..

Bi
ancasi
ghedandf
ixedherheadscar
fandr
ingon
herri
ngfi
ngermaki
ngherwayi
nsi
det
he1r
oom
house.
..

Bi
anca:gooddaysi
r
Man:si
tdown
Bianca:(
smil
ed)si
rineedyourhel
p.Ineedt
oget
ri
dofmyhusbandhe' snottr
eat
ingmewellandi
needtoteachhi
m alesson
Man:idon'
tent
ert
ainl
ies
Bi
anca:what
!?
Man:who'
sMaya?
Bianca:heebathongi
mtalki
ngaboutahusband
andyouar easkingmeaboutaMaya?
Man:youarenotmar r
iedandyouarenoteven
goingtogetmarr
ied.Whyareyoutryi
ngtomessup
yourli
febyhur
ti
ngani nnocentwoman?
Bianca:youknowwhatidon'
thavet
imef
or
nonsensebye
Man:yeahgoidon'
thel
ppeopl
eki
llot
her
sihel
p
peopl
ewhoneedhelpwit
hseri
ousissues.Ot
la
gobal
annananyana(
youwil
lgethur
tbabygirl
)
Bi
anca:mxm

Shesai
dleavi
ngandt
ookof
ftheheadscar
faswel
l
asther
ing.
..

Bianca:nywenywei nnocentt her

e'snoMayawho' s
goingt ogetmarri
ed.Whot hehel ldoesshet hi
nk
shei sthatshecanhaveever ythi
ngi nl
ife?Agood
j
ob, kids,andmarri
age?Noti ficanhelpi tandif
thesepeopl ear
enotgoingt ohelpmet henim going
todoi tmyself

Shecl
ickedhert
ongueanddr
oveof
f.

I
nPr
ison.
..

Wi
thever
yoneout
sidePr
eci
ousdeci
dedt
oli
edown
deepinthoughts.Sheswallowedandgotoffbed
goingtothedoor.Shecheckedthecoastanditwas
j
ustguardsmovi ngaround.Shesighedandlooked
aroundwithherhandsonherwai st.
..

Precious:( scof
fed)wowPr eciousfrom thehighand
mightci tydivatoamer epr isoner.Yeahnehl if
ecan
reall
yshowyout hatyouar elivi
ngitnottheot her
wayr ound.ImeanPr eciousyouhadever yt
hing,
youhadi tallbutnoyoul etyoursocal ledmot her
ruinitallforyou(cli
ckedhert ongue)ihopeshe
burnsi nhel l
.Thedevilshoul dnotshowherany
mer cy.

Shesighedandsatonherbunk.Herki dscamei nt
o
hermind,thewaysheandhermot hertr
eatedMaya
andTitusalsohitherthoughts.Allthetroubleshe
wentthroughtomakesur etoblockMaya' sways
camet oher.Thelatenightt
ripstoRanaka, her
feedi
ngNyashaonhowabadper sonMayawasal l
camet oherasshesi ghedagainr ubbingherf ace.
Sheclosedhereyesandslowlyshookherhead
thi
nkingofhowlif
ecouldhavebeenhadRonanot
keptherawayfrom herf
ather
..
.

Pr
eci
ous:yeahneh

Shesaidget
ti
ngonherkneesandputherhands
toget
hert
heclosedhereyesaf
terbowi
ngherhead.
..

Preci
ous:dear .
..dear
...
(sheswall
owed)dear
heav.
..(
shesi ghed)dearheaven...
(shesighedagai
n)
wow( shesni ff
ed)dearheavenlyFat hericome
befor
eyout hi
sdayasyourchi l
d.Iknowinever
comet oyoubutl i
keyousayi nyourwor dyouwill
neverforsakeus.Fat herint
heheavensi ..
.

3MONTHSLATER
^
^
^
^
^
Li
ke.React
.Comment&Shar
e
[
09/
03,
15:
25] :AKEPTWOMAN
97

Clearblueski es, nosi gnofwhi t

ecloudanywher e
youl ooked.Fr eshcoolai rwi t
hbirdschi rpi
ngal l
overnotf orgett i
ngt hegr eent r
eesandgr ass.A
perfectDecembersummermor ningasMaya
openedhereyeswi thasmi leonherf ace.She
remember edwhatdayi twasandsmi ledmor e.
Befor eanythi
ngshewoul dhol dherbel l
yand
quietlysayapr ayert henst art
edwi thherday.She
sighedandgotupopeni ngt hecur t
ain.It'
st hebusy
bakgat l
awomenandmenwhower er unningaround
getti
ngever ythi ngready.Fi nallythedayshedr eamt
ofasal i
tt
legir lwasher e.I twasherweddi ngday.
Shesatdownandt ookoutherj ournalandpen. .
.
 Deardi
ary.
..

"Alifef ul
lofupsanddownsi thasbeenf ormy20' s.
Howi ronici tisthatim achi evi ngal lthethi ngsi
havedr eamtofi nthel astyearofmy20' s?Icoul dn'
t
behappi er.Ihavehonest l
yl ivedaf ullli
feandi m
nowr eadyt oembar konanewj ourneyandt hatis
havingaf ami l
yofmyownandmaki ngsur ethatwe
wint oget her.Ihavel ear ntal otf rom lifeandi m
walkingwi tht hoselessonsi nt omymar r
iage.Gosh
Godhadbl essedmewi thal ovi ngandwonder ful
man.( Smi l
ed)icoul dn' taskf orabet t
erhusband.
Carryingt hisl i
ttl
egiftinsideofmef orhimi sthe
cherryont opbecausehe' sagr eatdad, t
hisman
l
ovesmyt woki dslikehi sownbutkeepi ngt his
pregnancyf rom everyonehasbeenhar d.Apar t
fr
om maki ngsur ethathedoesn' ttellanyoneabouti
hadt oexpl ainmyf lactuat i
ngmoods, weirdeat i
ng
patterns, cravings,slightwei ghtgai n, mor ning
sicknessesandever ythingt hatcomeswi thi tgladly
i
m goodatcover ingt hingsupt hat'
swhyi ma
professionalPRof ficer( chuckl ed)andican' twait
tofinall
ybr eakt henewst oever yonebutmost
i
mpor t
ant l
yican' twai ttosayidot ot hemanofmy
dreams.Myanswer edpr ayer(smi led).Thepastf ew
mont hshavebeennot hingbutf ullofpeaceand
happiness, allthepeopl ewhot ri
edt obr i
ngme
downhavegot tenwhatt heydeser veespeciall
y
Jorge,Pr eciousandhermot herwi theveryonethat
helpedt hem.Thehi ghlightofmyyeari swheni
discoveredt hatmymot heri sact ual l
yKeneilwei
woul dhaveneverwi shedf orabet termot herand
grandmot hertomyki ds.Toal lthosewhohave
beent heref ormyki dsandit hankyouver ymuch.
TheKgang' s,myf r
iendsandever yoneel sethank
yousomuchf orthewar m wel comei ntoyourlives.
Youal lhaveaspeci al placei nmyhear tandiwi l
l
carryy'alltoeternity.Asmyl astdaywr it
ingont hi
s
journaliwoul dl i
ket osi gni t"ALi feOfAKept
Woman. "

Kenei
lwe:(ulul
atedandsang)"
tsat
sikel
elebal
e
bei
lekgakala..
."
Mayachuckl
edcl
osi
ngherj
ournalandputi
taway
asKenei
lweputt
het
eaandsconesonthetabl
e..
.

Maya:mor
ningmama
Kenei
lwe:mor
ningbabyohdon'
tyoul
ookbeaut
if
ul
Maya:ohgoshmaij
ustwokeup
Kenei
lwe:what
ever(t
heylaughed)it
houghtyou
coul
dhavesomethingtoeat
Maya:t
hankyouma.(
Checkedt
hetime)ial
soneed
t
obathbecauset
hemakeupart
istwil
lbeherei
nno
t
ime
Keneil
we:good.Pleasedon'
tworr
yeveryt
hingis
goinggood.Youknowwehavet hebestcooksin
thi
svil
lagesotheyaredoingagoodj
oboutt her
e
Maya:wonderful
.Myteam sai
dishouldn'tworr
y
aboutanyt
hingtheywi
llt
akecareofeverythi
ng
Keneil
we:theyar
etel
li
ngt
hetrut
hmybabyyouar e
ablessedchil
dandit
hanktheLordt
hathehaskept
met owitnessthi
sday.Mybabyt hi
sisast artofa
newl i
fenotonlyforyoubutallofus.Iwantyout o
knowonet hingandkeepi ti
nyourhear t
.Loveand
respectyourmanmybaby.Nomat terwhat
happensloveandr especthi
m.Whent hegoinggets
toughgoonyourkneest hepowerofawomani si
n
prayer
Maya:igott
hatmama
Kenei
lwe:goodgi
rlyouwi
llal
waysbemyl
it
tl
e
pri
ncess
Maya:(
laughed)iknowmommy
Lewi
s: Mmamoset
sana.
..
Marel
edi&Mara: sal
aodibonat
sal
apal
agago
si
il
esphonono.
..

Theyl
aughedandsanggoi
ngi
nthebedr
oom.
..

Lewis:mamaKihopeyouhear
dthesongpl
ease
excuseus(t
heyl
aughedmore)
Kenei
lwe:okokguysl
etmeexcusey'
al
lbutpl
ease
doeveryt
hingont
ime
Mar
eledi
:wewi
llmama(
shel
eftast
heyul
ulat
ed)
Maya:awwguyscomeonnow
Lewi
s:gi
rlyouneedt
obej
umpi
ngal
loverwi
thj
oy
Maya:t
rustmeiam idon'
tknowhowt
ohol
dmysel
f
Mara:i
m goingt
orunabat
hforyoumakesur
ethat
youeatfast
Maya:okl
ove.Howi
sthebaby?
Mar
a:he'
sgoodandsobi
g
Maya:ican'
twai
ttoseehi
m(t
heychuckl
ed)
Lewi
s:sol
ovet
hisi
sreal
lyhappeni
ng?
Maya:i
t'
sreall
yhappeni
ngbabesbyt
heendoft
he
dayGodwill
ingiwil
lbeMrsKgang
Mar
eledi
:hal
alat
othat(
theyl
aughed)
Maya:iknowyouguyssai
dishouldn'
tworr
yabout
anyt
hingbutineedt
oknowift
hingsaregood
Lewi
s:yesbabyij
ustr
ecei
vedt
hedecorpi
ctur
es
f
rom t
hegardenever
ythi
ngl
ooksj
ustt
hewaywe
r
equestedandmore
Marel
edi:icheckedont
hepeopl
ecooki
ngout
side
andal
llooksper f
ect
Lewi
s:t
hecakei
sther
eandt
hecar
sar
eready
Marel
edi:t
hemakeuparti
sti
s10mi
nut
esawayand
ourout
fi
tsarewonder
ful
Lewis:t
heweatheri
sper
fectandt
hepi
ani
sthas
al
readysetup
Marel
edi:t
hesoundsyst
em i
sper
fectsoyesMr
s
Kgangtobeeveryt
hingi
sgood
Maya:(smil
edr el
ieved)t
hankyouLor
dthat'
sa
rel
ief
.Thankyousomuchguysiwoul dn'thave
chosenabetterteam
Lewi
s:wegotyougi
rl

Theylaughedasshefinishedeatingandwentto
bath.Outsi
deGli
diaandKenei lwestoodbythedoor
withmegagolwaneont heirshoul
derssippi
ngthei
r
tea.
..
Gl
idi
a:sowear
eof
fi
ciat
ingourr
elat
iont
oday
Kenei
lwe:ohyesma'am andishoul
dsaythankyou
forwhatyouandyourf
ami l
yhavedoneformine
Gli
dia:i
t'
sal
llovemylove.Icanfi
nall
ysayforthe
fi
rstti
meinmyl i
feihaveafri
end(theyl
aughed)
Kenei
lwe:soyouhaveneverhadaf
ri
end?
Gli
dia:peopl
ehaveal
waysbeenint
imi
dat
edbyme
sayi
ngi m al
waysser
iousandst
uckup
Kenei
lwe:butyouar
ethecool
estwomanever
Glidi
a:pl
easesayt
hatl
ouder(
theyl
aughed)il
ove
whatyouhavedonewit
hthispl
aceyouknowit'
s
reall
ybeauti
ful
Kenei
lwe:t
hankyoulovether
ewassomemoney
l
eftfr
om whatVi
ctorl
eftmeafterbuyi
ngmyhouse
i
nGaboronesoithoughtwhynotuseittor
enovat
e
ourhomehere
Glidi
a:yeahneh.Vi
ctorLent
swemayhecont
inuet
o
resti
npeace
Kenei
lwe:amen
Gl
idi
a:t
oagr
eatst
artofawonder
fuluni
on?
Kenei
lwe:her
eher
e

Theycli
ckedt heirmugsandchuckl edcontinui
ng
witht
heirconversation.Atbackthewaiter
ingteam
wasbusycl eaningtheirutensi
lsandpacki
ngal lt
he
foodt
hatwasal readydonebyt hecooks.I
nacap
andsunglassesBi ancaspot t
edherfr
iendandwent
toher
..
.

Bi
anca:i
m her
e
Lady:i
m notsur
eaboutt
his
Bianca:comeonallyouhavet
odoi
sgi
vemeyour
unifor
m andtagt
hat'si
t
Lady:whati
ftheynot
icesomet
hing?
Bianca:ever
yoneistoobusytonot i
ceanythi
ngand
themor ewedelaythehigherchancesofthe
noti
cingsomething.Come
Lady:okei
sh.(Cl
earedhert
hroat
)buddyi
m goi
ng
togetsomethi
ngfrom t
hecar
Man:okbequi ckwearegoi
ngtothevenuesoonto
dropoffthef
ir
stloadandmakesurethatweare
regi
ster
edin
Lady:sur
e.

Shefoll
owedasmi l
ingBi
ancaoutt
ohercarast
hey
changedcl
othes.
..

Bi
anca:t
hankyoubabesioweyoupl
ent
y
Lady:goodl
uck

Biancasmi l
edgoingbacki ntotheyardinthe
waiter
inguni f
orm whil
eherf r
ienddroveoffwithher
car.Shefixedhercleavage,capandsungl asses
andsmi l
edj oi
ningtheotherstaki
ngof fwhereher
fr
iendleftoff.
Ataguestl
odge.
..

Joshuaandhispar
tyl
aughedoutl
oudhavi
ngt
hei
r
breakf
asti
nthegar
den.
..

Duncan:somant
hedayi
sfi
nal
lyher
e
Joshua:thedayi
sfinal
lyher
emyf
ri
endandi
coul
dn'tbeanyhappier
Stephen:i
maginethef
ir
stbornofthefami
lybei
ng
thelastt
ogethit
ched(t
heylaughed)
Joshua:idi
dn'
tknowt
her
ewasanor
der
St
ephen:youhadt
opavet
hewayf
orus(
they
l
aughed)
Joshua:t
hat
'
stoomuchr
esponsi
bil
it
y
Duncan:anywaymanist
il
lst
andbymywor
dsf
ight
foryourmarr
iage
Joshua:yessi
r
St
ephen:andt
akei
tfr
om me.Mar
ri
agei
sni
ce
thosepeoplewhoal wayssayi t
'snoteasyj ustwant
toconfuseyou.Theyar etheoneswhomakei t
seem i
t'snoteasybycompl icat
ingthi
ngs.Al lyou
j
usthavet odoisbet hesameJoshuayouwer e
whenyouguyswer esti
llboyfri
endandgi rlf
ri
endi
meani fyouweren'tmeantforeachot herwe
wouldn'tbeheretodayandagai nonet hi
ngabout
usKgangmenwehaveagoodeyewheni tcomes
towomen.Weal wayschooset hem wel l
Joshua:t
ruethatl
it
tl
ebr
otr
uet
hat
.Thankyouf
or
thosewords.
Duncan:al
ri
ghtguysit
hinkweshoul
dgogetr
eady
St
ephen:l
et'
s

Theyheadedi
nsi
del
aughi
ngandt
easi
ngone
anot
her.

AtLor
na'
shouse.
..

Shel
aughedwi
thAppl
east
heydi
dthei
rmakeup
whi
leSai
ntf
ini
shedi
roni
nghi
sshi
rtdownst
air
s..
.

Sai
nt:youguysaregoingt
obelat
eforthe
matr
imonialser
vicei
fyoukeepl
aughi
ngliket
hat
Appl
e:t
ellyourmot
hert
ost
opmaki
ngf
unofpeopl
e

Theyl
aughedmor
east
hedooropened.
..

Sai
nt:who.
..
(smi
led)ohgoodmor
ninguncl
eH
Herol
d:hel
losonicanheart
hel
adi
esar
ehavi
nga
goodti
meupt her
e
Saint
:andwear
egoi
ngt
obel
ateal
lbecauseof
them
Her
old:youknowhowwomenar
eri
ght
Sai
nt:mhem.Guysuncl
eHi
sher
ewear
eleavi
ng
Lor
na:what
!?Whatt
imei
sit
?
Her
old:t
hematr
imoni
alwi
llbestar
ti
ngintwohours
l
oveandyouknowweweret ol
daboutbei
ngther
e
ont
ime
Lorna:goodnessmeSaintwhydi
dn'
tyout
ellus
thatwearerunningbehi
nd
Sai
nt:don'
tsayinevert
ri
ed
Lorna:t
hesemen,
comeA,
hel
pmegeti
ntomy
dress
Herol
d&Sai nt
:(l
ookedatoneanot
her
)women
(
theylaughed)
Appl
e:st
opl
aughi
ngandpackussnacks
Herol
d:yesma'
am.I
syourboyf
ri
endcomi
ngwi
th
us?
Appl
e:yesdadheshoul
dbeher
eanymi
nut
e
Her
old:okhur
ryupyouguys(
thegat
ebel
lrang)
Appl
e:iguesst
hat
'shi
m

Her
oldopenedf
orTonywhi
leSai
ntwentt
ofi
nish
put
ti
ngonhiscl
othes.
I
nPr
ison.
..

Preci
ousmadewayt othephoneboothandsi ghed
withhereyesclosedthenst
artedpunchingin
Lovemore'snumber.Shestoppedbeforeshecould
punchthelastdigi
tandexhaledagai
npr essi
ngitas
i
trang..
.

Nyasha:aunt
yChipl
easehel
pmewi
thzi
ppi
ngt
his
dr
ess.Dadyourphone!
Lovemor
e:wher
eisi
t?
Nyasha:downher
e
Chi
oma:youar
esur
eyoupackedever
ythi
ngr
ight
?
Nyasha:yesaunt
yihave
Chioma:wear
egoi
ngt
omi
ssyousomuchmy
angel
Nyasha:metooguysbutiwi
llbeaphonecallaway
andagaincanwefocusonmakingthebestoutof
thi
sday?
Chi
oma:(chuckled)ohyesma'am (t
othemakeup
ar
ti
st)l
ovepleasefixherl
efteyebr
ow
Lovemor
e:(
steppedout
side)Lovemor
ehel
lo?
Pr
eci
ous:pl
easedon'
thangup
Lovemor
e:whatdoyouwant
?
Precious:ij
ustwanttosayim sorr
yf orever
ythingi
haveputyouandt hekidsthr
ough.Iknowi t
'sal i
tt
le
toolateandthatsor
rydoesn'tcountforanything
butijustwanttosayireal
lyam sorryandir egret
everythi
ngihavedone
Lovemor e:Preciouswehavemovedonandi
suggestthatyoudot hesamewet herwef orgive
youornoti tdoesn'tmat terwhatmat tersisifyou
aregoingt ouseyourt imei npri
sont obecomea
newper sonorgetwor se.Asf oruswear edoi ng
goodandi m gladt hatyouhaver eali
sedthatwhat
youdidwaswr ongbutl i
keyousayi t
'sabi tt
ool ate
butwithGodi t'
sneverl ate.Usethi sti
met or ebuil
d
yourl
ifePr eci
ousMoet ibeingclosertoGodand
honesttoyour selfi
sf oundati
onf orallabudance.
Goodbye
Pr
eci
ous:t
hankyou
Lovemore:andoh,NyashaandAl
ber
tar
eleavi
ngt
o
theUSthiseveni
ng
Pr
eci
ous:(
swal
lowed)oksendmyr
egar
ds
Lovemor
e:iwi
ll
.Bye
Pr
eci
ous:bye

HehungupasPr ecioussl
owl yputt
hephoneback
onthehook.Shecl osedhereyesasemot ions
overwhelmedherwi t
hmemor i
esofherli
fewi t
hher
chil
drenwhentheywer esti
llyoungplayi
ngi nher
mind...

Pr
eci
ous:ohLor
d,why!
?

Shesaidsl
idi
ngdownt
hewal
landbur
sti
ntot
ear
s
shaki
ngherhead.
..
Pr
eci
ous:why!
?Why!
?Why!
?

2HOURSLATER

I
nPat
logar
dens.
..

Sof tmusi cplayi ng,coolbr eezallr oundt hewhol e

areaandever ythingjustast heyr equested,itreall
y
fel
tl ikeagoodday.Wi tht hegl assmar queeont he
farsi deoft hegar dencover edwi thcur t
ainsf or
peopl etonotseehowi twasi nsidet hemat ri
mony
stretcht entwaspl acedont heot herside.Col ours
oft hedaywer ewhi t
e,goldandbl ushpi nk.Oneby
oneguest sstar tedtoar r
iveandt ookt heirseatsi n
thet entadmi ringt hescener y.Liket heyr equested
secur i
tywasonhi ghalertorwasi t
?Anyway, they
didj ustast het eam request ed.Bef oreget ti
ng
i
nsi deyournamewascheckedi nt hesyst em fir
st
andwasgi venat agaftert heconf i
rmation..
.
Her
ber
t:Lucas!

Inhi
swhit
eandgol
dsuither
ant
ohi
m asLucas
smil
edl
if
ti
nghi
m up.
..

Lucas:whatar
eyoudoi
ngouther
eareyounot
supposedtobewai
ti
ngwit
htheother
sther
e?
Her
ber
t:ij
ustwant
edt
osayhi
Lucas:wher
e'sApr
il
?
Her
ber
t:she'
swi
thmom
Lucas:ohok.Wewi l
lseeoneanotherwhenyouar
e
donewithyourdut
iessayhitouncleJoforme
Her
ber
t:iwi
ll

Heputhim downasher anof

fwhil
etheytookthei
r
seat
s.Behi
ndt hem cameTshepoandAbiolain
matchi
ngwhi t
eandgol doutf
it
sthenKel
echiand
hertwoboyfr
iends.
..
Kel
echi
:si
s
Abiol
a:(
tur
ned)oh,
heyl
ove.Youl
ookamazi
nghi
guys
Bot
h:Mi
ssA
Kel
echi:t
hankyoubabesyouguysl
ookamazi
ngas
wel
l.Hell
oT
Tshepo:(
smi
led)Kel
echi
Kel
echi
:wher
e'st
hebi
gsi
s?
Abi
ola:t
heyj
ustgother
easwel
l
Kel
echi
:ohni
ce.Thi
spl
acelooksamazi
ng.Ican'
t
wai
ttoseei
nsi
dethemarqueeyouknow
Abi
ola:i
tmustbebr
eat
htaki
ngit
ellyou

Theychuckl
edheadi
ngfortheirseat
swhil
eLor
na,
Herol
dandthekidsmadetheirwayin..
.

Appl
e:(
hol
dingi
ntoTony)ohwowt
hisl
ooks
amazi
ng
Lor
na:iknowr
ight
.Mayai
sawomanofgoodt
ast
e
soiexpect
edt
his
Appl
e:iknewshewasnotgoingt
odisappoi
ntbut
i
m dyi
ngt ogeti
nsi
dethegl
assmarqueeidi
dn'
t
knowwehadt hati
nBots
Lor
na:wer
ollwi
tht
het
imesbabeswer
oll

Theylaughedheadingfort
hei
rseatsaswell
.The
l
astgroupoftheguestsmadetheirwayinas
Lydi
a'
shusbandt ookthemicr
ophone..
.

Don:Goodmor ni
ngeveryoneandt hankyoufor
makingitonti
me.Thewai t
erswillbegoingaround
duri
ngtheservi
cetogetallofyou'sorder
s.Ibeli
eve
youallsawthemenuonyourseat s
Al
l:yes
Don:good.Pleasechoosewhatyouwanttoeat
todayfrom t
hestar
tertoyourdr
inksanddon'
tworr
y
everyt
hinghasbeenpaidforsoyoucanorderas
muchasyouwant( t
heyal
lchuckled)mynamei
s
Donandiwi l
lbeyourMCf ort
heday.Theman
gett
ingmarri
edtodayismybrotherinl
aw.
(Checkedt
hewat ch)wi
thnofurt
herordowemay
commence

Thedjpl ayedasongasPast orTaol ostoodonhi s

feetwhi l
et hegr oom' smenmadet heirwayi nside.
Witht heirslimf itt
ingwhi t
eandgol dtri
mmedsui t
s
theyheadedt otheal ter
.Her bertfollowedt hem
throwingf lowerpet alsalloverwi thMaya' sringin
thebasketasJoshuacamebehi ndhi m.Hi shear t
racedashesmi ledl ookingatever yoneast hey
smi l
edandcl appedf orhim.Her eallylookeddapper
andl ookedl iket hemanoft heday.Heshookhands
withhi sfatherandki ssedhismot herbef oret aki
ng
hisspot .Thedjchangedt hesongasMar eledi and
Lewiswal keddown.Shehadonawhi teandgol d
gownwhi l
eLewi shadonawhi t
et uxjacketand
goldshi mmer ingf ormalpant sasal wayshehadt o
makeast atement .Theyt ookt heirspot saswel l
as
thedjst oppedt hemusi c.Ever yoneknewwhatt i
me
i
twasi tbutallf
rownedast heyhear
dthepi
ano
pl
ayingwithacur t
aindroppingbesi
dest
hepast
or
asthepianistsmil
ed..
.

Kel
echi
:wai
tisshegoi
ngt
osi
ng?
Appl
e:ohmywor
dmom she'
sgoi
ngt
osi
ng
Lor
na:andaper
fectsongf
ort
heday

Maya: Ther
e'ssomuchl
if
eI'
vel
eftt
oli
ve
Andt
hisf
ir
e'sbur
ningst
il
l
WhenIwat
chyoul
ookatme
It
hinkIcoul
dfi
ndt
hewi
ll

Shesangmakingherwayoutwi t
hApr i
linf
rontof
herandTi
tusholdi
ngherarm.Joshua'sheart
ski
ppedabeatlookingatt
hebeautyshewas.Ina
whit
epri
ncessballgownsheshonelikeanangelas
ever
yonestoodontheirf
eet.
..
Maya: Tost
andf
orever
ydr
eam
Andf
orsaket
hesol
idgr
ound
Andgi
veupt
hisf
earwi
thi
n
Ofwhatwoul
dhappeni
ftheyeverknew
I
'
minl
ovewi
thyou.
..

Joshua:(
sof
tl
ymut
ter
ed)awwbabe

Maya:(
smi
led) '
CauseI
'
dsur
renderever
ythi
ng
Tof
eelt
hechancet
oli
veagai
n
Ir
eacht
oyou
Iknowyoucanf
eel
itt
oo
We'
dmakei
tthr
ough
At
housanddr
eamsIst
il
lbel
ieve
I
'
dmakeyougi
vet
hem al
ltome
I
'
dhol
dyoui
nmyar
msandneverl
etgo
Isur
render

Theystart
edwal ki
ngdownt heisleasAprilthr
ew
rosepetal
severywher ei
nf r
ontoft hem wit
h
Joshua'sri
nginthebasketwhi leshesangherhear t
outtoherman.Ever yonewasal readyintheirf
eel
s
atthatmomentassheser enadedt hem wit
hher
angeli
cvoice.Mostwomencr iedwhi l
etheirmen
smiled.
..

Maya: IknowIcan'
tsur
vive
Anot
herni
ghtawayf
rom you
You'
ret
her
easonIgoon
AndnowIneedt
oli
vet
het
rut
h

Ri
ghtnow,
ther
e'snobet
tert
ime
Fr
om t
hisf
earIwi
llbr
eakf
ree
AndI
'
lll
iveagai
nwi
thl
ove
Andno,
theycan'
ttaket
hatawayf
rom me
Andt
heywi
llsee,
yeah

I
'
dsur
renderever
ythi
ng
Tof
eelt
hechancet
oli
veagai
n
Ir
eacht
oyou
Iknowyoucanf
eel
itt
oo
We'
dmakei
tthr
ough
At
housanddr
eamsIst
il
lbel
ieve
I
'
dmakeyougi
vet
hem al
ltome
I
'
dhol
dyoui
nmyar
msandneverl
etgo
Isur
render

Ever
yni
ght
'sget
ti
ngl
onger
Andt
hisf
ir
eisget
ti
ngst
ronger
,baby
I
'
llswal
lowmypr
ide
AndI
'
llbeal
ive
Can'
tyouhearmycal
l?

Shestoppedhalfwayandhitthehighestnot
ewith
hereyesclosedandfeel
ingeacheveryinchofi
t.
..

Maya: Isur
renderal
l

Joshuabursti
ntotearsandsquatt
edasDuncan
gavehim ahandkerchi
efsqueezi
nghi
sshoulder
whil
eGlidi
aputherheadonherhusband'
s
shoul
der..
.

Maya: I
'
dsur
renderever
ythi
ng
Tof
eelt
hechancet
oli
veagai
n
Ir
eacht
oyou
Iknowyoucanf
eel
itt
oo
We'
l
lmakei
tthr
ough
At
housanddr
eamsIst
il
lbel
ieve
I
'
llmakeyougi
vet
hem al
ltome
I
'
llhol
dyoui
nmyar
msandneverl
etgo
Isur
render

Ri
ghther
e,r
ightnow
Igi
vemyl
if
etol
iveagai
n
I
'
llbr
eakf
ree,
takeme
Myever
ythi
ngIsur
renderal
ltoyou
Ri
ghtnow(
ri
ghtnow)
Igi
vemyl
if
etol
iveagai
n(Igi
vemyl
if
e)
I
'
llbr
eakf
ree,
takeme(
takeme)
Myever
ythi
ng,
Isur
renderal
ltoyou
Ri
ghtnow(
ri
ghtnow)
Igi
vemyl
if
etol
iveagai
n(Igi
vemyl
if
e

Shef
inal
lyr
eachedt
heal
terasthepi
ani
stfi
nished
pl
ayi
ngwhil
eJoshuasni
ff
edstandi
ngup..
.
Joshua:reall
ynowbabeyougoi
ngt
oshowpeopl
e
mycr yi
ngf ace?

Ever
yonel
aughedasDuncancl
eanedhi
m up.
..

PastorT:whoi
sgi
vingawayourbel
ovedbr
idet
o
ourgroom?
Ti
tus:ido
PastorT:t hankyouyoumayal lbeseated.(They
did)letmest ar
toffbysayi
ngwhosoeveri sagai nst
thisuniont odaystandnoworf oreverhol
dyour
peace( everyonelookedaround)anyone?Good
(everyonecl apped)maywest artoffbypraying.
(Everyonebowedt hei
rhead)Dearheavinlyfather..
.

Meanwhi
leattheki
tchenBiancasi
ppedherj
uice
l
eani
ngagainstt
hewalllooki
ngon.
..
Bi
anca:yeahneh,
weshal
lseei
fthi
swi
llendwel
l

Shechuckl edjoi
ningt
heteam backinsidewhilei
n
thetentChiomaf r
ownedseeingt hesamevisionof
Mayabl eedinginherweddi
ngdr ess.Shepressed
hereyesandcl enchedherj
awsqui etl
ysayi
nga
prayeraswel lwhi
lePast
orTpr ayed.

I
nMoshupa.
..

Dressedinanoldgermandressandaheadscarf
Nalefini
shedf
eedinghermother
'schi
ckensand
t
ookaseatunderat reeast
heycamet oher.
..

Nale:(
chasedthem away)aiki
bimangakeadi
neeladi
jokant
e.Ao

Shecli
ckedhert
ongueandturnedtothegateasa
MercedesBenzst
opped.Shesquinthereyesasa
l
adycameoffi
tandt
ookoutsomepl
ast
icsf
rom
t
heback.
..

Lady:sorr
ymygi
rlpl
easecomehel
pmewi
tht
he
pl
astics
Nal
e:gat
wemygi
rlmxm

Shesaidputti
ngthecontainershehadont he
groundandheadedt othegatewhil
et heladyl
eaned
i
nt hecarformoreplasti
cswhileNalelookedi
nside
withherl
ipscurved.
..

Lady:it
'sbeenl
ongsi
nceisawmymot
hersoi
thoughtishoul
d..
.
Nal
e:(
frowned)yourmot
her
?
Lady:yesmy. .
.(
turnedtoher)ohmywor d( chuckl
ed)
youmustbeki ddingme?Nal e?Asinthehi ghand
mightycitydi
vaNal e?(Shebursti
ntoalaugh)oh
wow, whathappenedt oyou?Ohnonopl easedon't
tel
lme, sothecit
yl i
fecanshowagr ownwoman
l
ikeyoudust?ThankGodineverleti
tgettome
thankGodialwaysrememberedmyr oot
s.Gi
rlhave
youtakenalookatyour
sel
finthemirror
?Oolepoo
(l
aughed)mommy! ?Mama!
Woman:(
cameout
)ohmygi
rli
shome
Lady:(
laughi
ng)whydidn'
tyoutel
lmethatNal
e
wasbackhome( l
aughedmor e)wai
tsel
efat
shel
e
kgonagosotlamotho

Shelaughedharderheadi
ngtot
hehousewhi
leNal
e
tooktherestoft
hebagsfoll
owi
ngi
n..
.

Nal
e:mxm

TWOHOURSAND30MI
NUTESLATER

Aft
erthephotoshootever
yonegather
edaroundthe
ent
ranceofthemarqueeast heHouseofChievent
s
managerstoodinfr
ontofthem..
.
Lady:l
adi
esandgent
lemenigi
veyouheavenon
eart
h

Asshesai dallthecurt
ainsaroundtheglassfel
lof
f
aseveryonegaspedi nawe.Itreal
lylookedl
ike
heavenast heladyopenedthedoor swithMayaand
Joshuamaki ngt hei
rwayinsi
def i
rst
...

Maya:t
hisi
sbeaut
if
ulbabe
Joshua:butnotasbeaut
if
ulasyouar
emyl
ove(
he
ki
ssedheragain)
Lady:ever
yonepl
easemakeyourwayi
n

Theydi
dtaki
ngt
hescener
yinwhi
lesi
tt
ingdown.
..

Kel
echi:ihaveseeni
tal
lbutt
his,
thi
sist
opcl
ass.
Chiyourcompanyknowswhatit'
sdoi
ng
Abi
ola:i
mtel
li
ngyout
hisl
ooksamazi
ng
Lor
na:t
heyhaveout
donet
hemsel
ves
Her
old:ihopeyouar
etaki
ngnot
es
Lor
na:(
smi
led)ohyesiam
Lovemor
e:i
namont
hwewi
l
lbeher
ebabe
Chi
oma:(
smi
ledf
ixi
ngherr
ing)andican'
twai
t

Theyt
ookt
hei
rseat
sasDont
ookt
hemi
crophone.
..

Don:hel l
oonceagainladi
esandgentlemenandl et
meki ckofftheceremonybysaying
congr adul
ati
onsMrandMr sKgang(thewomen
ululat
edast hemenwhi st
led)onbehalfofever
yone
mayt hegoodLor dblessandkeepyourunion
foreverandeveramen
Al
l:amen
Don:t
hebrideandgr oom haveaskedtodot hi
ngsa
l
it
tl
ebitdi
ffer
ent.Ifyoumayseei nfrontofyoual
l
t
hereareenvelopes.Int
hoseenvelopesthereisa
paperandpenf oryout owrit
eyourmessageon.
Afterwr i
ti
ngyourmessageorwel lwishesyou
comeandputi tinthisboxbesidesme.Theyar e
goingtor eadthosemessagesont heirhoneymoon
periodandt hentheywi l
lbeputont hefinalwedding
videowhi chwillbesenttoeachoneofyou.Sowhat
i
m sayi ngistherewon'tbeanyspeechesapar tf
rom
thet woofthem.Wi ththatbeingsaidyoucanst art
wr i
ti
ngwhi lewegett hefi
rstspeechfrom thegroom

Theyal
lcl
appedasJoshuat
ookt
hemi
crophone.
..

Joshua:t hankyousomuchbr o(sighed)letme

startof fbyt hankingt
heal lmightyforgetti
ngus
thisfar( thewai t
ersbroughtinthest art
er)f
orifit
wer en'tforhi m wewoul dn'
tbeher etoday.Itwasa
l
ongj our neybutwor t
hi tandthankyouguysf or
takingt imeof fyourschedulestocomeand
celebr ateouruni onwithus( t
heyappl auded)tomy
beaut ifulwifeishouldsayyoumakeabeaut i
ful
bridebutmosti mportantl
yyoumakeanamazi ng
wi
fe
Maya:t
hankyoubabe
Joshua:iwouldn'
thavelovedt odot hi
slifet
hing
withanyoneelsebutyou.MayaKgangyoubr ing
thebestoutofmesweet heartandf orthatil
oveyou
beyondallli
mits(
hekissedherasever yone
applauded)nowtohowwemet( chuckled)ibeli
eve
youallhavebeenwaiti
ngf orthisone
Al
l:ohyes(
theyl
aughed)
Joshua:mywi feandi ..
.(smiled)Stephenyounever
toldmehowamazi ngi tfeelstosayt hewords"my
wifeandi"(everyonel aughed)anywaymywi feand
imetataf ueli
ngst ation.Iwasbehi ndherandshe
tri
edtomoveaf t
erput tingfuelbuthercarwoul dn't
start
.ThankGod( theyl aughed)sheopenedt he
bonnetandf i
ddledwi t
hwhat evershef i
ddl
edwi t
h
butitwouldn'
tst art
.Bei ngagent lemaniam igot
offmycarandof f
eredmyhel pandguesswhati t
wast ermi
nals(ever yonel aughed)guysi fi
tweren't
forthoseter
mi nalsithinkiwoul dstil
lbesi
ngleby
now.Anywayimanagedt ohel pherandgaveher
mycar dforhertocomeandservicehercaratmy
garageli
ttl
edidiknowthatwasthestartofagreat
j
our neyandtheresti
shist
oryher
ewear etodayas
husbandandwi fe.Il
oveyoubaby
Maya:il
oveyoumor
e

Theykissedwhil
eever
yonecl
appedasMayat
ook
themicrophonest
andi
ng.
..

Maya: whatevermylotthouhastaughtmetosay
i
tiswel
liti
swellwi
thmysoul ( theyallcl
apped)
t
hankyougraci
ousLor
dt hankyoumi ght
ywarri
or

Chiomasighedandmadeherwayoutast
hesmel
l
ofbloodgotheavi
er

Maya:(smil
ed)thankyouever yone.Iti
snotby
mightnorbypowerbutbyt hespi r
itoftheLor
dthat
i
m sti
llst
andingheretoday.Ihavehonest l
yli
ved
myl if
e.Ihavebeent hroughi tallbuther eiam st i
ll
standi ngst rongandbeaut ifulasever( everyone
chuckl ed)t hegr aceofGodi ssuf ficientf oral land
i
m at estimonyoft hat.Youal lknowwhatihave
beent hroughal lmyl if
e.Fr om bei ngl i
edt obyt he
peopl eical ledf ami l
yt othem want ingt ofinishme
offyether eiam andi t'
sallGod.Ial sowantt osay
thankyout ot hosepeopl ebecausei fi twer en' tf or
them idon' tthinkiwoul dbet hewomaniam t oday.
Myhusband, bel ovedhandsomehusbandil oveyou
somuchhoneyyoubr ingthebestoutofmeandi
can' twaittost ar tanewl i
fewi thyouandr estoft he
fami ly.Guysi t '
st r
uewhent heysaypr ayf orgood
i
nl awswhi lepr ayi ngf ormar riagebecausemy
i
nl awsar ehonest lyeverywomanandman' sdr eam
i
nl aws.Ihaveneverf eltthatibel ongl ikeidowi th
theKgangf ami ly.Thankyousomuchyoual lf ort he
war m wel comeandMamaGt hoset i
psyougave
arer eall
ywor ki ng( shewi nkedatherasever yone
l
aughed)t omyf r i
endsandf ami lythankyouso
muchguys.Youal laremypi l
larsandiwi l
lcar r y
y'alleverywher eigo.Lastbutnotl eastmyhusband
andi woul dl i
ket oannouncesomet hing.Babe
Joshua:(
stoodup)f
inal
ly.Keepi
ngt
hishasbeen
ki
ll
ingme

Everyonel
aughedlooki
ngoneagert
ofi
ndoutwhat
theannouncementwas..
.

Maya:l
adi
esandgentl
emen,myhusbandandi
woul
dli
ketoannounceournewaddi
ti
ontoourcl
an.
Weare3monthsandtwoweekspregnant

Joshuadi
sconnect
edthebott
om ofherdressas
her3monthssmallbabybumpshowedwi th
ever
yonegaspi
nginshockandapplauded..
.

Kenei
lwe:ohmywor
d!
Gl
idi
a:r
eal
lyguys!
?
Marel
edi
:wowfri
endandyoukeptt
hisf
rom us?
Congr
adul
ati
ons
Duncan:iknewi
tmaniknewi
t
Maya:(
smi
led)t
hankyousomuchguys

ShegaveDont hemicrophoneaseveryone
congradul
atedthem.Outsi
deChiomabumpedi nto
Biancawhohadt woglassesonatrayanddropped
them..
.

Bianca:damni
t!Canyouwat
chwher
eyouar
e
going!
Chi
oma:sor
ryi.
..
(st
oppedasshesawbl
oodf
rom
wheret
hedri
nkspil
led)wai
t
Bi
anca:wai
twhat
,youspi
ll
edt
hebr
ideandgr
ooms
dr
inks
Chioma:(
grabbedherar
m)whatt
hehel
ldoyou
thi
nkyouaredoing?
Bi
anca:excuseme?
Chioma:youdon'
twantt
ogodownt
hatr
out
ewi
th
thesepeopl
e.
Bi
anca:(
swal
lowed)what
?
Chi
oma:youwantt
oki
llMayadon'
tyou?
Bi
anca:ar
eyoui
nsane?Letgoofme
Chioma:(hel
dhertight
lyandclenchedherteet
h)
manyt ri
edmydearbutl ookwheretheyendedup.
Doyouwantt ofol
lowsui t
?Iguessnot?Sor unmy
gir
l,r
unandneverlookbackbecausei fyoudon't
youwi l
lhavemetodealwi thandit
'snotgoi
ngto
endwel lf
oryou
Bi
anca:cr
azywoman

Shepull
edherselfof
fandpacedoutandkept
checki
ngifChiomawasl ooki
ngather.Af
tershe
wassurethatshelef
tthegardenChiomashookher
headandheadedbackt othemarquee.

THEEND
.
.
.
.
.